[Closed Post] ..lines we're leaving behind..

[lanselos_du_lac]

He doesn't really mean to, but Lancelot keeps to his rooms for a time in the wake of the latest mansion upheaval. He doesn't disappear for days, and he mostly keeps his routines -- he does spend a little more time riding -- but he is subdued and not idly floating about for socializing.

It could have been worse. He knows this. He knows, too, that no one did this on purpose; he's grateful for Susan and Nightingale's understanding. But none of that makes it easier to regain his emotional balance. Much like that day (which felt very long), he is still grappling occasionally with that sensation of being... just outside of himself, a step removed, dizzy and longing to be even further away.

Still, he does not want to punish Susan and he knows they should talk. So this morning after he puts up Rivelin, he goes to find Susan, wherever she might be.

Comments

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh, you dear sweet man," says Susan, and holds her tea carefully out of the way so that she can kiss him fiercely.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He chuckles into the kiss, as if she's indulging him, but his answering kiss is just as fierce.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan does, it must be said, get a little caught up in the kiss. She's halfway to straddling his lap before a little tea sloshes over the edge of her mug and onto her hand and she stills, breaking the kiss and freezing in place so that she can lick the drops away. Breathlessly, she says, "I'm always happy to explain things you haven't got context for."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot is similarly breathless. He says, "Oh, I know. But I seek to impress or please thee. Thou dost understand, I've no doubt."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan thinks for a moment, and then takes another large gulp of her tea before leaning over to set her mug on the floor; while she's there, she takes Lancelot's half-full mug and places it next to hers. When she straightens, she brackets Lancelot's face with her hands. She doesn't bother trying to ignore the fact that they're both still naked - why should she? She delights in moments like this, when they're as close as can be. "You're very good at it," she says, frank, and leans in to kiss him again.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot's skin prickles sharply, all over, and he kisses back, gripping her arm firmly but gently, something else loosening within him -- not relief, but something else he can't name.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

It's a terrible line; Susan knows it before she says it. But she's so caught up in the taste of him, and the feeling of his hands on her, that she says it anyway: "Would you like to please me again?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Yes," softly. "Always."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan's heart thuds, and she smiles at him - one of the biggest, easiest smiles she's worn in months. "Good," she says, and lets herself get lost in the next kiss.

[lanselos_du_lac]

As does he, his hands coming to settle at her waist.

--

Afterwards, they are spooned together, Lancelot's arms around her. He is almost drowsy, still a little dizzy with afterglow. He kisses her shoulder.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I do believe the tea might be completely cold," Susan says, thoroughly unconcerned. She shivers at the brush of his lips.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot laughs quietly, nuzzling into her hair, "My apologies-- I distracted thee."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Whatever shall I do with you?" Susan wonders. She feels deliciously sore all over, and her eyes are sparkling when she twists to look at him.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He gives her a very bright smile, "Whatever is thy wish."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"You have satisfied me too thoroughly for 'whatever is my wish' again so quickly," archly.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot looks very pleased to hear this, but he says easily, "Well then. Perhaps we should eat a little, and speak, and see what comes next."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Very well," says Susan. She hauls herself partially up, then leans over his torso to rescue their teas. As suspected, it's entirely cold, but that's never stopped her before. She takes a hefty swallow, partly to rinse her mouth out but mostly because she could use the caffeine and sugar. While she's drinking, she holds out his mug, a silent offer in case he should like to finish his, too.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He takes it and drinks as well, more out of practicality than anything else. He sets the empty mug aside and then settles back, relaxing.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Right." Lancelot had mentioned food. Susan tears her eyes away from him and climbs over him, claiming a kiss on her journey. She wavers for a moment once her feet hit the ground, then extends her hand to him. "Are you hungry?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

He takes her hand and rises, "Yes, I'm afraid so."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Then isn't it lucky someone had the bright idea to prepare lunch for this eventuality," she says, drawing him over to the table. She stops at her wardrobe on the way and (reluctantly) withdraws a robe for each of them.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot accepts the robe, saying, "Hardly luck. Thou'rt a formidable planner, and hast given me little reason to be elsewhere. For which I am very glad."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"You've seen through my clever plot," Susan says. She pulls her own robe on, then turns to fuss at Lancelot's, ensuring that most of his chest is fully bared when the sash is tied.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He chuckles, smiling and kissing the corner of her mouth. "It was clever, though, no question."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"You may call me Queen Susan the Cunning," she says, chasing his mouth for a moment before tearing herself away to go unpack the basket.