Blood from Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

That's not much but I'll take it. ''I have tea and something light to break our fast with. Not sure if most of the house is up yet, so I think breakfast is free-for-all style today.'' She bites her lip as she sets the tray down next to the bed and studies him. ''...how're you feeling?''

[GamesMaster]

He hangs his head. "I'm afraid I've been a right ass," he says quietly. "I'm sorry, Bethany."

[Bethany]

''You're male, you can't help it,'' Beth replies instantly, then ducks her head. ''Sorry. Didn't mean- I shouldn't be... flip.''

[GamesMaster]

He manages a tight, wry smile. "At least you still see me as male," he manages, then closes his eyes, shuddering.

[Bethany]

''Don, I- of course I do. What you have your trousers has nothing to do with what you are in that way. In fact... If I marched down to Shiny Cat and borrowed Amandine's belt to turn into a man, I'd still be me. Beth, sister of Carver and Marian, daughter of Helene and Varric, your girlfriend.'' 

[GamesMaster]

"I know," he sighs. "But there will be many who don't see it that way. Many who say I am no longer a fit leader for the tribe. Many who will say I  never was fit to begin with. I'm tired, Beth. I just... I'm just so tired. I'm here with you in safety and I can already hear them in my mind."

[Bethany]

Did you know if you flash free most organs- such as testes- they'll explode? I could demonstrate on them.  Beth takes a slow breath, fighting her temper back. ''I know. But Cadmus and Miki will stand with you. So will I. And fuck anyone that doesn't accept my right to be there for that.''

[GamesMaster]

"Run away with me," he whispers. "Forget Brianne. Forget the Lights, forget Cattown, forget Nyra. Let's run away together and be happy, and to hell with everything else."

[Bethany]

Beth moves over and sits next to him. Takes his hand. ''Neither of us could be happy that way.''

[GamesMaster]

"We can't be happy anyway. We might as well try," he whispers, baring a bit of fang. 

[Bethany]

''Yes we can,'' Beth says softly. ''We were, before this. We will, after this. I refuse to let that- that asshole take our families or anything else from us. We will get through this.'' Even if I have to carry you for a while.

[GamesMaster]

"I love you," he murmurs, lips closing again, resting his head against her shoulder. "I am... not coping well, still, I think. I will improve with time." Bharnorol willing.

[Bethany]

''I love you too, Don. And- ooh!'' Beth suddenly straightens, a brief flash of startled discomfort on her face. ''What in- oh! Don!'' She suddenly grabs his wrist, tugging his hand towards her belly.

[GamesMaster]

Don's ears go back with fear, letting Beth drag his paw. Is it the kits, no, too soon, please don't let the kits be hurt--!

[Bethany]

After a moment, Don can feel a soft thump against his hand and Beth grins despite the grunt she makes at the new and strange sensation. ''Evidently Left-side Twin is a bit... well, I think I shall be blaming Carver. That one is certainly the Carver-type twin.'