[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]

It's very good that Lancelot has Susan at his side - she suspects he'd flounder without her help. She squeezes his hand. "I suppose you mentioned that, as well," she allows. "I wasn't trying to meddle¹. I truly was just curious²."

¹..........
²Okay, this IS true.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I did not think thee to be meddling," still flushed. He leans in and lifts her hand to kiss the knuckles.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I can if you'd like, though. I'm very good at it. If there's ever a moment where you're trying to sort out how someone feels about you, I'd be well pleased to suss it out."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot laughs, the rest of the tension going out of him. "I shall put thee to work, when I need to."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"See that you do."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Thou'rt, I think, too good for me," he says warmly.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I disagree. I think I'm as good as you deserve." Susan regards Lancelot for a long moment. "Laertes and I spoke of that, too."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He glances up, faintly surprised, "Didst thou?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Of how you deserve good friends," Susan clarifies, squeezing his hand.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Ah," squeezing her fingers gently in response. "Well, I have those, here."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Of course you have," Susan says. "At the very least, you have me. It's good that you have others, too." She says this a little sternly, as if - should Lancelot not be properly appreciated - she would find some way to ensure change.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot smiles at her, "I have thee, aye."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan flushes at that smile. She finds herself wanting to say and you shan't be rid of me, either but that sounds like rather a big declaration, and one she's not quite ready to vocalize. She shoves another gherkin in her mouth about it.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He watches her fondly for a lingering moment, then says, "I would ask something of thee, today."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan swallows. "Yes?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"An thou hast not grown tired of my company," lightly, clearly knowing she hasn't, "I would spend the night with thee."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Ah! Then I shan't have to strap you down to keep you here?" she says, clearly (mostly) joking.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Oh, was that thy scheme?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I'm a resourceful woman. I use the tools at my disposal to achieve my ends."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot laughs, "Aye, well I know it."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan smiles at him, and then busies herself looking through the strawberries for the reddest, most perfect strawberry of them all. "You might spend several nights with me, if you like," she says.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"One after the next?" The question is bright, sincere. (In truth, this would feel to him like a wild luxury.)

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"...Unless you had other plans."

[lanselos_du_lac]

A laugh, and he flushes, "I had none, other than being in my room alone."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"How dreary," Susan says, immediately. "I don't intend to let you out of my sight anytime soon."