Blood from Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"So very helpful, lover," she says wryly. "Are there any... taboos or rules or... anything I should avoid? Aside from eighty percent of everything Miki has ever done."

[GamesMaster]

He chuckles. "Just pretend they're clients? I've only really studded for friends or for, well, this nonsense."

[Bethany]

Beth wrinkles her nose again. "I'll figure it out. Maybe ask... some of my female friends in the Tribe if they have female lovers or something. Anyway, enough of them, any them. I wanna think about just us for the rest of tonight. Up for some petting?" she asks, offering a flirty wink. 

[GamesMaster]

"Always," he purrs, nuzzling her cheek. 

[Smith Family]

"Cindy dear?" Jaina calls out as she sticks her head in the front door of her and Liz's home. "Are you home?" She sounds extremely delighted about something. And it also sounds like there's someone with her... Not that it matters too much, as Jaina is the only one of the Smiths that doesn't know about her second (primary?) life anyway. The Smiths had joined Cindy in Nyra not long after she had recovered from her Delve and written to them. She's only intended to reassure them she was well and safe but Jaina had decided otherwise. A month later, the Smiths were on vacation. Two months after that, Varric had helped them sell their old home and smithy and purchase a place here. Kyle had worked at one of Varric's places for a year or so to build up a reputation and then started looking for a place to open his own shop. Will had joined the guard as soon as he was of age and Jaina had become best friends with Seli, the once housewife finding herself being pulled into the world of volunteer work and social activism.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"Coming, mother!" she calls, hurrying to unbind Liz. Of all the times, she thinks, exhasperated. She'd been struggling to find private time with Liz since they have a new tag-along, but of course, one of the few times he's busy with something, her mother comes to visit. 

She pulls a blanket over Liz, murmuring in her ear, before leaving her to have a nap while she visits with her mother. 

[Smith Family]

Jaina is in the kitchen when she finds her, very much at home as she makes a bit of tea and heats the oven. Evidently, she's going to bake something, likely whatever is in the pie tin and ceramic dish on the counter. Sitting at the table, Joyous Seline- Seli, Cindy has been asked to call her- is arranging a tray of cheeses and fruits. They might be unexpected visitors, but at least they brought a very nice lunch.

"Cindy!" Jaina calls out warmly, almost dancing over to the younger girl for a hug.

[Coquette Blacquin]

Cindy embraces her mother tightly, glad to see her despite the inconvenience. "How are things?" she asks, happily, as she pulls back. "Seline, good to see you."

[Tethras Clan]

Well, she's dropped the title at least. Poor girl. You can almost see the chains her upbringing welded to her slowly rusting off. "Good afternoon, Cindy," Seli replies, offering a smile.

[Smith Family]

"Wonderful!" Jaina replies at nearly the same time, absolutely giddy- almost as much as she was when she first caught sight of Cindy for the first time in Nyra. Planting a kiss on Cindy's cheek, she steps back to beam at her. "How is Liz? Is she not home?" Jaina had... struggled, a little, about her daughter being in a same sex relationship, but the rush of joy and relief at having her daughter back had overwhelmed any real disapproval. And by the time that had started to fade, she'd gotten to know Liz- and promptly adopted the wounded little bird as another daughter.

[Coquette Blacquin]

"She's having a nap," says Cindy lightly. "You seem happy! Something up?" she asks, smiling. 

[Tethras Clan]

A 'nap' is it? Seli thinks, ducking her head to hide her smile. You hide it well, but that delay, that excuse? Oh the times I've said those words about Aveline or- or Andy. Her smiles softens a little, a hint of sadness turning it wistful.

[Smith Family]

Jaina giggles. "Mmmh, you could say that," she singsongs. "I have some news. Will and Kyle are at work and- oh Cindy! You're going to be a big sister! Again I mean!"

[Coquette Blacquin]

"I-- wha-- you're-- you're pregnant!" gasps Cindy, somewhere between alarmed and delighted. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Three months," Seli supplies. "Healthy with no complications at all so far."