Blood from Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

Beth studies him for a moment, then nods slowly. "Alright. You just... seemed distracted, a little, lately. Sorry."

[GamesMaster]

He doesn't stifle the yawn that comes out then. "It was a late night. Well-spent, but late." 

So saying he plants another kiss on her cheek.

[Bethany]

Fine. I'll let it lie for now then. "Yeah, I suppose it was. Lunch and then maybe some cuddles and reading?"

[GamesMaster]

"That sounds perfect."

[Carver Amell]

Carver yawns once more, reaching for his strong tea -- his fourth cup. "This has been... a really great night," he says, glancing at the sunlight streaming through the windows of the all-night cafe. 

It had been a great night. First a ball, then sitting up talking all night with Aveline, really getting to know Lina... it was an opportunity he'd never really had before, and one that only cements his desire to be with her, really be with her. Why is life so complicated? he asks himself, a dopey smile on his face as he rests his cheek on one hand. But complicated in a good way.

[Tethras Clan]

"Yes it has. And... not quite over yet, I think," Aveline murmurs from next to him. Leaning against him, in fact, as the paladin takes advantage of having a partner that is big enough to do that sort of thing with without nearly crushing them. I never realized just how little... realized just how much I wanted someone that makes me feel... well, feminine. It's nice, not being the significantly strongest person in a relationship. "We have... a little more time, I think." As long as I hurry and don't bother swinging home to change...

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah?" he asks, drawing out the word into a lazy purr, looking at her. In truth, he's teasing; he knows she isn't up for a quickie, and he respects that. But he figures, she probably enjoys being looked at that way, even if they're not going to do anything. Just like how I liked when Summer treated me as a man instead of a boy.

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline flushes a little, gaze darting away. Over the course of the night, Carver has learned that Aveline is terrible at accepting flirtation. She blushes easily and gets flustered despite seeming to be pleased with the attention. The only time she seemed to mind was when Carver said something intimate-leaning when the server was coming by for refills- evidently, Aveline is very private about that sort of thing. "Not... exactly that but... I do think I would like a goodnight kiss," she says softly, eyes still on her own mug. "A... proper one, mind you."

[Carver Amell]

"Now that I can help with," he says, reaching up to twirl a loose bit of her hair in his fingers gently.

[Tethras Clan]

Aveline stiftens a little, looking around. "Not here. We can find a... quiet place on the way to... are you back at Varric's or..?" Not here, hmm? She hadn't objected to simple kisses here earlier so... evidently proper does mean what he likely hopes it means.

[Carver Amell]

"No, I've been staying at the Rose and Thorn. It's not far, if you want to walk me home."

[Tethras Clan]

"That sounds fine. Let me settle the bill real fast and we can get going," Aveline says gratefully as she rises.

[Carver Amell]

Almost he lets her; then, with a start, he lifts his head from his hand. "Hey, no, I got this. Save your coin."

[Tethras Clan]

"What?" Aveline stares at him for a second, then her eyes widen. "Oh. I... sorry. The three of us share finances, so I just... forgot. I don't eat out with anyone but..." She frowns then, thinking. I probably make more than him but... "Take turns maybe?" Her tone is a bit uncertain, not having much of an idea on how to work this out.

[Carver Amell]

"Hey, no worries. I've adventurer-coin and my dad refuses to let me pay my lodgings," he points out. "You have kids at home to support. I got this."