Blood from Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Oh! That includes not male and also not female or both?"

[Marian Hawke]

"...ye-es?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "Celestial has a word for it, [pansexual]. Attempts to translate it into common have come up with pan-sexual, as in pantheist plus sexual."

[Tethras Clan]

"I like that one." Merrill giggles. "It reminds me of baking and cooking. Carver really liked watching me cook in just an apron." She flinches as soon as she finishes, ducking her head and bracing as if for a scolding.

[Carver Amell]

Carver doesn't say a word, staring down at his parchment. 

[Jassinth]

"A understandable pleasure," Jaasinth says, an easy smile on his lips. "I think we are ready to continue?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver swallows, and forces the words out: "Your shell c-changed. Do you.. would you put... female?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene's eyes widen. "Ah! Understood. This one will adjust the survey. Please feel free to answer as a short answer with the complete circumstances."

They pause a moment, but when Carver doesn't speak again, they continue: "In the past ten sexual partners, how many have been male?"

[Bethany]

"One." Beth can't help but smile a little at the reminder of her mate.

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill's answer is tinged with far less contentment but at least lacks any bitterness or blame. "Same."

[Jassinth]

"Three of them." Jass is far more blatant with how he watches for Carver's reaction this time, rather pointedly studying him.

[Carver Amell]

"N-none," he says, still blushing. 

[Marian Hawke]

"I... One," rasps Liz, reminding herself yet again that what her body did without her in it didn't count.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Question eight: With the same restrictions, how many partners have been female? And question nine is how many have been of another gender."

[Bethany]

Reaching to the side to stroke Liz's leg gently, Beth tries not to blush as she gives her answer. "Nine female. I'd have to, uh, go further back for 'other' to apply."