Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

Merrill glances sideways at Bethany, who nods back. "I'll admit it hurts, still, that you... that Carver implying he doesn't want you meant that nothing else mattered," she admits evenly. "That... that dad and I didn't mean enough for you to keep trying." Merrill looks stricken, biting her lip hard enough that it must be drawing blood.

[Carver Amell]

"You have a family now," says Carver gently. "Even if I fuck up, you'll always have a home."

[Tethras Clan]

"Alright. And- and you're part of it. Even if we... if we can't be lovers, you're still my family," Merrill says firmly, then wilts a bit. "...right?"

[Carver Amell]

"Right. Family is for always." 

[Bethany]

"Agreed. Even if we mess up, even we get angry or do something stupid, we're still family. Ther three of us, dad, Helene, Marian... maybe even Don, Cindy and Aveline," Bethany says, though her tone is a bit unsure on those last. "Proto-family at least. Probationary?"

[Carver Amell]

"Aveline for sure," he says, nodding. "She's saved me enough times to count. And-- and I'm her responsibility, she said. Just like anyone else she trained. Only, I think, I think that means she wants to be my family too."

[Bethany]

"She always felt.. lonely to me," Bethany says softly. "Does she... does she have any family? Friends? Other than you, I mean?"

[Carver Amell]

"She has Beka," he points out. "And I think she's friends with Seli and Lovan. But.. otherwise, not really."

[Bethany]

"Mabari are great but they're not the same as people," Bethany counters. "But... Seli's great and so is Lovan. Now that you mention it, Seli has mentioned Aveline is godmother to the twins," she muses absently. "But... still, that's kind of sad. I'm glad you're getting closer to her."

[Tethras Clan]

"Umm," Merrill says awkwardly. "I... I like her... and I'm glad you're... happy and... but... could we not.. at least for now, could we not... talk about Carver's... new..."

[Carver Amell]

"My new....?" he says, blankly. "Big sister? Or, or like aunt or whatever?"

[Bethany]

Bethany winces a little. "I think Merrill jumped to a conclusion that... I'm like nearly completely sure is wrong. I really, really doubt that someone like Aveline would, ah, fraternize with a student. Or someone just barely of age for that matter."

[Carver Amell]

He frowns. "Fraternize?" He must have worked it out, though, because a moment later his eyes widen. "No! No no no. It's not like that. I'm just, I'm living with her because I'm not safe, is all."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill studies him a moment, then nods. "Okay. Sorry. I know I... if you do... find... someone. That's okay. I just... maybe not talk about it? With me, for a bit?"

[Carver Amell]

He nods. "Yeah. Cool. That's cool. I don't... I'm not looking for anyone, anyway. I need to... I need to get myself sorted out."