Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"Damnit Carver!" Bethany snaps. "You- you- gods, why-" She cuts herself off, holding up a hand to keep him quiet as well. After several deep breaths, she finally says, "show me."

[Carver Amell]

Carver hangs his head, silent, as he rolls up his sleeve, showing her the healing cuts.

[Bethany]

She silently inspects them for a moment. "These two are really deep. Stitches or magic?" she asks quietly.

[Carver Amell]

"Whatever you suggest. I don't-- I don't need magic if you don't want to waste it on me."

[Bethany]

Bethany takes a deep breath. Her eyes close and her lips move silently, forming ten separate words. "Explain please."

[Carver Amell]

"I... this is... like before. I just. I wanted to... I did it to myself. With my claws. It, helps, sometimes. That's all."

[Bethany]

"I understand that part, even if it's stupid," Bethany snaps, then takes another breath. "I meant about why you don't want healing."

[Carver Amell]

"I don't... not want healing, I just... you seem... really mad and... I thought you might not want to.. I don't want to push you into being the healer who has to keep her mouth shut and be sweet all the time," he concludes, his tone pure misery. 

[Bethany]

"I..." Bethany sighs a little. "Thank you Carver, that's... actually very kind of you," she admits. "But I don't like seeing you in pain." With those words, she incants her basic healing spell. "I am mad. And only mostly at you."

[Carver Amell]

"Should be entirely at me," he mutters. "I did this, and I chose to hide it from you."

[Bethany]

"I'm also mad at Merrill for... for giving up like that. For being weak. And at myself," Beth explains, not looking at him directly. "For... if I was a better sister, you'd have been able to come to me instead of- of what you did. But I'm a selfish bitch that-"

[Carver Amell]

"You're not," he says, his voice low, but firm. "Beth, I didn't... I didn't mean to hide it from you. I went to the market, and then it happened, and I got... I was a coward. I ran for the nearest place I felt safe. That's all."

[Bethany]

"But if I was-" Bethany pulls away, eyes closed as she tries to get control of herself. I'm not her. I'm not her. I won't be her. I will not be her.

[Carver Amell]

"Beth." He swallows, trying not to let out a canine whine. "The hideout is closer to the Bazaar than home is."

[Bethany]

Bethany's brow furrows. "...that helps," she allows after a moment, reminding herself how... literal Carver can be. "But it's not just about that time. It... how much of what's bothering you are you still swallowing down and dealing with yourself? How much do you not talk to be about because you're worried I'll get pissy and bitch at you for the millionth time?"