Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"I can't," he whispers, finally tearing his eyes away from Varric. "Maybe, someday, I will be strong enough to make that promise, but I'm not, Beth. I'd hang in there long enough to see if Dad can get you back, but if not, if you were really gone... I can't."

[Tethras Clan]

Bethany rests her head against his chest, but Hunter speaks first. "It hurts boss," the mabari agrees with a low whine. "Thinking about you not being Boss anymore..."

[Bethany]

Hunter. Silence. Mabari bonds... "Mabari die without their person. They just... stop having a reason to keep going."

[Tethras Clan]

"Not all the time," Silence says quietly. "Sometimes we keep going, when our Person isn't all gone. Pups. Mates. Dreams. Mabari are Good Dogs and we serve our People, even when they leave."

[Carver Amell]

"I can't," he whispers. "I've always been your mabari, Beth. Without you, I'd have nothing left. I don't know how to live on without you. I can't even fathom it. Please, don't leave me alone."

[Bethany]

Bethany begins crying freely then, instead of just a few lost tears. "I'm sorry," she whispers, then again and again.

[Carver Amell]

He pulls her close, cradling her, petting her hair. "Shh. It's okay. You didn't. You didn't hurt me. You didn't try to leave me alone. You didn't... you didn't do that to me." Is it just her, or is there a faint emphasis on you there?

[Bethany]

"Yes, I have," Bethany points out, sniffling again. "I hurt you all the time."

[Carver Amell]

"You didn't, you haven't, destroyed my heart," he whispers, his hands trembling against her back, her hair. "You haven't burned out the best parts of me and left me here alone to pick them up. You would never do that."

[Bethany]

"Caver..?" Bethany prompts him carefully. "Talk to me?"

[Carver Amell]

He takes a deep breath, lets it out. Not now, not here, he almost says, but he changes his mind. I can't hide things, not right after promising. "You didn't kill yourself," he whispers. "You wouldn't."

[Tethras Clan]

The world around them ripples softly, like looking out a window when a heavy carriage goes past in the street.

[Bethany]

"Maybe... maybe she didn't mean to," Bethany offers weakly, not reacting to the distortion. 

[Carver Amell]

Carver lifts his head, looking for Varric, ensuring himself he's alright. He lessens his grip, then, realizing he's tightened it only then. "She did. She knew what it would do. She... I hurt her that badly. It's my fault."

[Bethany]

"She lived last time," Bethany offers, though by her tone she's not overly hopeful. "And... it's not your fault. You... you were just as cruel to me, but I didn't... do that. Sunny is... she's fragile. I thought she was getting better, but... we failed her. All of us."