Blood from Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"Actually..." She licks her lips, then taps her hip, where he knows she has a magical holding belt. Most of the pouches hold medical supplies, but she has a few empty ones for shopping or other such things. "I grabbed food. If that's alright? Staying in, I mean?"

[GamesMaster]

"Sure," he says, smiling. "Let's head back in." 

Inside, he pulls out plates, sets the dining table, lights a candle -- more work than usual, but it's good to have an outlet for his nervous energy. 

[Bethany]

Bright Gods, he's so sweet. "I love you," she says as she pulls out the food- mince chicken pie, beef strips and garlic, a loaf of wheat bread, black bean soup and a large salad for her. "I should say that more. I love you Don."

[GamesMaster]

"I love you too, Beth," he says, his voice soft but earnest. "I'm sorry I can't spend more time with you in public."

[Bethany]

"It doesn't bother me," she tells him, almost entirely honestly. "Not being able to be... more open about us at Cattown... isn't great, but..." She shrugs, a sad yet hopeful smile. "Granny Nadina actually came by my clinic hours day before yesterday. Complained the whole time, gave me the stare the whole time... but she came and she even gave a 'I can't think of something to complain about' grunt at the end of her check-up. So..." She shrugs again. "Maybe in time..."

[GamesMaster]

"Yeah. Once they're sure I'm on their side, it'll be easier," he says, with a nod. I keep asking Bharnarol to make that happen, anyway. "How's the clinic going?"

[Bethany]

"It's good," Bethany says brightly. "I'm starting to think I might be able to hire an actual assistant, not just someone to run the waiting room and help with paperwork. If I can get a permit, I'd love to get a minder that can sleep there so I can have overnight patients. I'm almost done my pediatrics courses so I'll be able to do that as well come spring." She hesitates. Pediatrics... how do I... how do I go about this?  "Which..."

[GamesMaster]

"is great news," he adds, grinning. "That's wonderful, Beth. I'm so proud of you."

[Bethany]

"What? I mean, yes. Thank you Don," she says, giving him a smile. "Grab the iced tea? I, uh... I mean, you probably figured I wanted to talk about something, given the change of plans and all..."

[GamesMaster]

Don snags the tea, handing it to her gently. "Ah." I hadn't thought about it, truth be told. "What's going on? It's not Carver, is it?"

[Bethany]

"Nooooo..." Bethany says, though she winces a little. "I mean... I'll need to talk to him as well and..." She studies her hands, slumping just a touch in her chair. "I... I kind of... I made a mistake and- well, it's not bad, maybe, I hope, but it's- it's complicated and... unexpected?"

[GamesMaster]

Don reaches out to put a paw on her shoulder. "You know I'll always support you, Beth. Whatever you've done, we'll make it right."

[Bethany]

Bethany winces again. "Umm. I... I hope so," she murmurs. "It's... it's kind of, umm, big. A big deal, I mean. Not- not a bad thing, again, I think. It- I was going to talk to you about- I mean, we already have, just not about- about timing." Gods, I'm such a coward, just say it already. "I- should- should we eat first?" she blurts out. "I mean, eat then heavy talk or- no, not now that I already- gods, sorry. I'm fucking this all up."

[GamesMaster]

He rubs her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "If you don't, you probably won't eat much. It'll be okay. Just tell me when you're ready."

[Bethany]

"I..." She screws her eyes closed as her vision starts to blur wetly. "Don... I'm- I was at the healers and- I'm- well, I'm p-pregnant," she finally confesses, body tensing.