Summary: Merrill and Bethany bond over their seemingly unrequited loves for Carver and Sebastian.
Rated: T
Wrote months ago on tumblr. My url is someottersmarryhedgehogs if you're interested, though it's moved far away from a Dragon Age blog at this point. You may still like it, though :)
The Hanged Man was unusually quiet for a Friday Night. It wasn't even Midnight yet, and still the place was empty, safe the large group of companions who were gathered together in Varric's room. The dwarf in question would have been schooling the other players, had Fenris not been one of them. The Elf was brooding down at his cards, emitting a sharp bark of deep, throaty laughter each time Varric cursed and threw his cards down. Anders had given up all hope of winning and withdrawn, instead sipping at the small mug of ale Isabela convinced him to down.
Sebastian refused to play ("Gambling is frowned upon in the eyes of the Maker") but he sat behind Varric nonetheless, ignoring Isabela's suggestive comments and keeping an eye on the game.
Bethany was keeping an eye on him.
She knew she shouldn't want him; it's not like they'd be able to be together anytime soon. Sebastian was firm about his commitment to the Chantry and not easily tempted. And Bethany was not the kind of woman that would convince someone to do anything they viewed as a sin.
Despite how hopeless her love was, Bethany did not want to lose it. With Templars, Darkspawn, Thugs and general corruption, Bethany did not sleep well these days. Being near Sebastian made her feel lighter than air. She could deal with the pain of unrequited love (or, rather, a love that Sebastian refused to act upon) if it meant that being around him gave her momentary happiness like she hadn't felt in many years.
Merrill sat next to Bethany on Varric's bed, the two ladies watching their man of choice. Carver was chatting with Aveline, discussing what little he was allowed to reveal about the Wardens. Every once in a while he shot sideways glances at Merrill; each time his eyes would suddenly fill with sadness, but, upon seeing her in the same position, lighten and relax. It was as if he just wanted to make sure she was still there.
Bethany sighed longingly at the brunette who was trying to talk Anders out of joining another game.
"There may still be hope, you know," Merrill said. Her eyes dancing with joy at having caught Carver staring again.
"Can you spell 'chastity'?"
"Well….actually…I don't believe so, no." She giggled, a little tipsy from the ale Isabela pushed her way earlier.
"Well, I can. Sebastian and I will never work."
"That's strange. I never took you for a pessimist."
"I've been in love with Sebastian for years, Merrill. He is determined to stick to his vows, and what kind of woman would I be if I made him turn unwillingly away from them? I wouldn't deserve his love if I did."
The two girls sighed loudly, longingly. The sound caught Sebastian's attention and caused him to look over in their direction. His eyes found Bethany's and he smiled that rare, sweet smile, the one that said nothing and everything all at once. He turned back to the game and Merrill turned her gaze to Bethany.
"I wouldn't give up hope. Sooner or later, he will realize that the Maker gave him you for a reason."