The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Marian Hawke]

She makes a face. "I think I'm done with analysis. I'm done with learning, with manifestos and big research projects and -- I just want to live."

[Varric]

"I can get that," Varric says with a soft laugh. Won't last I suspect, but I get it. "You mind if Seeker and I look into it a bit though?"

[Marian Hawke]

"Go for it," she agrees. "I'm never going to turn down your help again."

[Varric]

"That's a heavy promise."

[Marian Hawke]

"It's more hyperbole than a promise, but for now, I mean it."

[Varric]

"Wasn't saying I disapproved or was refusing," Varric replies with a smirk. "I rather like the idea of you accepting my help without sulking or fighting me on it."

[Marian Hawke]

"Look, I-- I should have-- I just kept thinking about what you said. About talking to you instead of-- I should have spilled then and there what had happened. It would have saved us all some time. I'm sorry." She bounces the baby a bit more, not seeming to care about baby drool on her wings. 

[Varric]

"And if I had been more supportive, if I hadn't snapped at you... If Helene was better with emotions and talking to people..." He shrugs. "The only use 'if' has is in fiction and science."

[Marian Hawke]

"I'm not -- I'm trying to apologize," she grumbles. 

[Varric]

Varric nods his head and gestures at her apologetically, allowing her to finish.

[Marian Hawke]

"I'm sorry. I got it in my head that I wouldn't be me anymore if I let you talk me into something, if I let you take the lead. And I don't know if it's true, but it's no excuse anyway. Obviously I can be lead around by the nose even if I do take charge of my own life. So I'm sorry."

[Varric]

"Well, I mean you're not wrong. I do like to guide people. I'm smart, I'm clever and I know it. Arrogant too. So I often think I know better than others. I probably do most of the time, but doesn't make me less of an ass for manipulating people I care about," Varric says slowly. "So... apology accepted, but I'm sorry too."

[Marian Hawke]

She gives a thin smile. "Accepted," she agrees. "So how do I get bitty baby to stop putting things in his mouth?"

[Varric]

"He's trying to suckle," Varric explains. "He's not going to stop until he gets a bottle. Too young to be teething yet."

[Marian Hawke]

"Am I doing this right?" she asks. "I remember Mother heating up bottles for the twins this way. Boil water, let it cool past a simmer, and then put the bottle with milk inside to warm it."