slipshot | IC INBOX for FADE RIFT

[There's another shuffling sound, and then sort of a thump, as Gavin sits down on the outer wall. The fact that Zevran doesn't want to bed anyone... Isn't surprising, given his current state, but it rather indicative of it.]

It might be easier to help you if I knew what I was helping you with.

I don't know about having it all worked out, I just... I prefer being with him than not. I'm not sure what you're looking for, Zevran.

...I may be experiencing shades of sentiment for someone and remain uncertain if that is, in fact, what I am feeling or if it is merely lust.

[... Huh.]

Shades of sentiment... [It's such a Zevran thing to say that he has to fight down the bemused smile that is struggling to reach his lips - just because he really doesn't want Zevran to hear it in his voice. So there are a couple of seconds before he replies.]

I think if you really have to ask, Zevran...

I- no. This isn't- it can't be that. I do not indulge in that. Least of all with a human nobleman. Technically nobleman. Human of noble leanings.

Human noblemen aren't all that bad. [Considering the... two that he knows.]

And I'm sure any nobleman you have... shades of sentiment about... is probably worth the sentiment in the first place.

It does not end well. It will not end well! He's- However it is with you and Maxwell is an exception to the rule and he is-

This is now how it is supposed to be. I am not supposed to be charmed I am the one that does the charming.

Well that's certainly true. [He says it with a soft smile, echoed in his voice.] I'm sure you charmed him first, at least.

[There's a pause, there, thoughtful, and when he continues his voice is a little sadder.]

Nothing is guaranteed to end well, Zevran. Things are guaranteed to end, but that's about it. Why not just enjoy it in the meantime? I'm sure A--[There here pauses, the letter coming out like an "ah" instead of the A for Alistair that he meant to say. No matter how sure he is of the name, Zevran has been careful not to say it, so instead he corrects himself] --anyone here already knows that the future is anything but certain.

Of course I charmed him first. When we met I was in a most pathetic state. Afterward it was easier to make a better impression and honestly, if I am able to charm someone when I am in so poor a mood snagging them when I am at my best? Is easily done. It is just-

I have known him for some time and I thought I knew where it was we stood. I thought I knew the state of things. Now it is all in question.

Well that... Happens. You know as well as I do how people can change, sometimes over night. Is it that surprising that your feelings might, too?

I am not having feelings for that man. I am...confused. That is all. It is his fault for being confusing.

[A small snort.] Everyone has feelings about everything Zevran, regardless of what those feelings are.

Do you - ah - know what his actually are? By any chance?

He is fond of me, I know that much. Perhaps a little enthralled but that is not so strange a thing. Have you seen me? You have. I am enthralling.

[ He takes a moment to decide that, yes, he does feel that way today. Good. ]

But he is human, he is noble, and he is- everything I know not to become involved with on a deeper level. Sharing a bed now and then is one thing but anything more? It is foolishness.

You are, I can't deny that. [Said with an incredible fondness.]

[He listens, and then there is a long pause on the other end, as he considers his words carefully.]

They aren't all... that kind of human noble... [He starts, though the words are still hesitant.] I know you, Zevran. I don't think you'd have any real tolerance for someone who wasn't - worthy of it. [There's a slight hesitation, not because he doubts it, but because the self-loathing made him realise that he could also mean himself, but beyond the small hitch of breath, that thought is not voiced.]

Of course it's foolish. If you get down to the brass tacks of the thing. Any sort of relationship with anyone at all is a fool's errand. But it... might make you happy, for a while.

You're giving me far more credit than I deserve. It does not matter if they're worthy of my attention or not so long as they're good in bed. And he? Is a marvel. I've never had the like.

Though I will admit pointing out my experience with nobles of that sort left him upset.

Bed is one thing, Zevran, and your time and attention are another. Otherwise you could just take it and leave it as you would.

Pretty sure that if you're questioning yourself this deeply about it, it's a bit beyond the 'this is a normal human noble I'm going to wreck for the night and then leave'....

Huh. What did you tell him?

That I cannot simply unlearn two decades worth of wariness around him. That my assumptions did not come from nothing and are less 'assumption' and more lessons.

Well, I mean - that is true. It makes more sense to be straight with him about it than to let him pretend that there's no history, or precedence.

But you wouldn't be talking to me about it if you didn't think he was different.

...Brasca. He is- sweet. I am not accustomed to sweetness. Nor tenderness. Nor foolishness- he is foolish around me in a charming way.

[He can't help but grin, and it is audible when he speaks.]

That sounds pretty far from your average noble to me. [Maybe teasing, a little, and then, a little more serious:]

You know that if it ever came down badly, Zevran, you just need to tell me and I'll bring my knives, too. [He doesn't even use knives, but 'my bow' doesn't sound nearly as threatening.]

Why else do you think I have called you?

[ Because Gavin knows these things, has a vague understanding of his fears...and might actually mean it when he says he will help. He is more reliable as of late, at any rate. It is worth putting that faith in him. ]

If only he weren't quite so pretty. I never would have started this mess otherwise.

Should I go have a talk with him? [Still teasing. And he does understand - probably too well.]

Maybe with some ominous blade wielding?

I do not think he would be much intimidated by you, Gavin. He'd probably be baffled.

It would at least give him something to think about. [Still grinning. Still audible.]

But seriously, Zevran - if you think it's something that might make you happy for a little while, go for it.

Too much remains uncertain. [ But if things were more certain... ] I will consider it. Thank you.

No thanks necessary, Zevran. [A little quieter, a little fonder.] I hope I was at all helpful.

IC INBOX for FADE RIFT

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