Blood from Stone [AU]

[Isabela]

"It's not you," says Isabela gently. "That's just how I am. I don't do commitment, and I won't be tied down. You're real fun, you are, and you'll make a good partner for someone someday, but I'm not in the market, luv. I'm just not."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran frowns a little, head bowed. No commitment, not tied down. And yet... three years and counting now never having spent more than a week apart. Never a word or hint that she wishes to leave my company. In fact, it seems automatic that both of us plan for both of us being together regardless of the timing. So... He finally turns around, leaning against the small table he's placed the dishes on. 

"Are you not?"

His tone is gentle, inoffensive and non-aggressive. He keeps his posture relaxed as well.

[Isabela]

"No, of course not. You know Isabela," she says, laughing his question off. "I won't be caged."

[Tethras Clan]

"Cages and chains, no. But that does not mean..." Zevran shrugs a little, nervousness clear despite his attempts at putting forth a good front. "Bela... ma'bela... I do not mean to... dictate your values or the like... But when was the last time you considered, truly considered, making long-term plans for just yourself alone?"

[Isabela]

She stills, then forces a smile on her face. "I see how it is," she teases, in that velvet purr she uses when she's not the least bit serious. "Trying to get rid of me, are you? Eager to play with our little pet alone? I don't blame you, she's lovely." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Bela, please don't do that," Zevran asks softly. "You know well that I love you, that I would stay with you as long as you would allow me to stay."

[Isabela]

Her eyes dart to Liz, making it clear what the problem is -- she just doesn't trust Liz enough to bare her soul in front of the submissive. "Yes," she says instead. "I'll have a think and let you know, alright?"

[Marian Hawke]

Liz, not missing the look, hunches her shoulders a bit, keeping mum.

[Tethras Clan]

The merikos drow hesitates a moment, then nods a little. Padding over to Liz, he kneels to kiss her forehead. "I am sorry, but could you take the dishes down for us, mon cher ami?" Kissing her again, he whispers, "give her time."

[Marian Hawke]

"Yes," she says quietly, cutting off the 'sir' her tongue wants to give. Instead, she gathers the dishes in silence, taking them downstairs. It's not as though I don't want to have a private cry myself.

[Tethras Clan]

After she leaves, Zevran turns and regards Isabela mutely.

[Isabela]

She spreads her hands, helplessly, palms up. "What do you want from me? You know Isabela. I can't be anyone else."

[Tethras Clan]

"I am not asking you to be anyone but yourself. I just..." Zevran sighs a little. "It is not that I wish you to change. It is that I think you already have and refuse to see it."

[Isabela]

"Only for you," she whispers, looking away as though ashamed. "It's still true, as a rule," she says louder. Then, screwing up her courage, she adds, "It's still as true as it's always been."

[Tethras Clan]

"Ah." Zevran bows his head a little. "Is... Are you happy? Like this, with me?"