Blood from Stone [AU]

[Isabela]

"Yes," she whispers, passionately. "I want... I could... I don't have the words, only, you're my pearl, the beauty that comes from pain and hardship. Even if I left, you'd be with me."

[Tethras Clan]

"Then what does it matter? Whether we have vows or rings, ribbons or call ourselves husband and wife or just lovers..."Zevran shakes his head. "We are happy. We love and trust each other. If we decide to marry, then fuck anyone that would judge us for it. If we decide not to, then fuck anyone that would judge us for it." He runs a hand through his hair, letting out a soft scoff of disgust. "I cannot find the words to explain what I mean."

[Isabela]

"It doesn't. It doesn't matter." She smiles, wiping at the corners of her eyes. "Only that we have each other. We'll be happy. We don't need anyone else, or anything else. We understand each other, and that's enough. Let the rest of the world rot."

[Tethras Clan]

"You are first," Zevran admits without shame. "But that does not mean I do not want others." A pause. "Care for others. Love them."

[Isabela]

She's quiet for a moment, studying his face. "You're thinking of keeping her," she says, after a moment. 

[Tethras Clan]

He forces himself to met her gaze. "I... I would like to have her in my life, a great deal. I need you."

[Isabela]

She breaks the gaze first. "So it's up to me, then? You'll get rid of her if I object? No. I'm not going to be the reason."

[Tethras Clan]

"If it hurts you," Zevran corrects her. I am well aware that neither of us would... An ultimatum or demand, even of something we would give freely, would damage things between us. 

[Isabela]

"Nothing hurts me," she says, breezily. "That's the charm of Isabela." 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevan stares at her flatly.

[Isabela]

"It's meant to be," she points out. "No strings, no expectation, no l-word, no hurt." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Meant to be means horseshit," Zevran snaps. "I care about how you actually feel and and want."

[Isabela]

"It's worked so far," she points out. "Men are just as garbage, but I don't get hurt if I don't want anything from them. I never--"

She cuts off, then, swallowing hard. I never let myself need anything a man can provide. But that's a lie, isn't it? I spent years thinking I'd never have Zevran so why bother, but now that I have him... Isabela, are you jealous? Not the sex -- that's not yours to keep -- but his heart, you thought you had a monopoly on. And now it's not true. 

She takes a deep breath. Keeping him from her won't make it any more true, Bela. What have you gotten yourself into this time? "I need..." 

I shouldn't have made exceptions. I shouldn't have let myself need him. "I'm going out," she says abruptly. "Back by dinner." 

[Tethras Clan]

"Of course," Zevran says softly, unsurprised that she needs to run for a bit before she can think things through. "I will have dinner waiting for you, ma'bela."

[Isabela]

"Ta," she says, and though it comes out breezy, she truly is grateful for his understanding.