[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.

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[quote_gentle_unquote]

Her robe is also getting in the way; she pushes it to the floor, where it puddles next to his. "You shan't get the better of me," she tells him, catching one of his hands in hers and threading their fingers together. She uses this leverage to push his hand against the wall, digging her other into what she's determined is his most ticklish area.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot gasps, his laugh growing breathless, "Am I to beg thy mercy?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I expect a full accounting of my strengths with notes for improvement after I have defeated you," says Susan, and then, musingly, "How shall I keep such a formidable man from fighting back?" and then, "I suppose I must ensure his hands are too full to make an attempt." And she moves his hand to her thigh, flings her arms around his neck, and gives a little hop - to suggest that he ought to catch her and pick her up.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He does catch her, holding her with ease but saying, "Now, my lady, I expect fair dealing."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Are you suggesting I've fought dirty?" Susan asks, innocently.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He gives her an amused, flat look, "Hast many advantages, and hast used them well."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"As one must, when one is engaging with a larger sparring partner," she says, even though that absolutely would not count as sparring in any world she's lived in. "I've still got one advantage left, though," and she uses her grip on his neck to pull herself up into a kiss. She intends it to be fierce, but it's more sweet than anything.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot's return kiss is deep, joyful, and he holds her firmly to him.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

She trusts him to hold her, so she relaxes in his arms as she kisses him back, and then drags her mouth along his jawline.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Lady, thou hast bested me," warmly, "Thou'llt leave me no choice."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"No choice?" she echoes.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Mmhmm," kissing her shoulder, "No choice but to take thee back to bed."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan sighs happily. "Oh dear," she says, not bothering to even pretend to hide her delight. "What am I to do with such an incorrigible scoundrel with such unwhettable appetites?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Oh, I have a similar problem," lightly, "I'll advise thee once I have tactics in mind."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I suppose I've got no recourse but to let you take me back to bed," Susan says, leaning up for another kiss.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He gives her a quick, sweet kiss and then takes the liberty of carrying her back to the bed -- he makes an effort to be careful, but he does plunk her down playfully, leaning over her.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan bounces a little, mostly on purpose, mostly for effect. "How shall I ever escape your clutches?" she wonders, reaching up to pull him to her.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He lets himself be pulled, "Am I a villain, to hope that is impossible?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh, of the worst sort," Susan assures him. She feels lighter than she has in months, effervescent. Every point of contact between them is sparking under her skin.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot kisses her neck, her shoulder, her cheek. "An thou'rt happy, I would keep thee," he says, softly and with feeling. "God knows nothing aside from thee has made me happier."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

That's a lot! It's the same sort of 'a lot' that had her making her final withdrawal from Clarence: a declaration of commitment she's not yet sure she can match.

But she never even came close to feeling about Clarence the way she feels about Lancelot. She mightn't know what it is, precisely - or she mightn't be ready to decide - but she does know one thing: right now, she has no intention to withdraw from Lancelot, in any way. She can't quite bring herself to say, you have me, but she allows herself to think it, and doesn't shy away from the words. She should like to be able to say it. For the time being, she cups a hand over his cheek, stroking softly, and leans up to kiss him, deep and heartfelt and aching with it. By the time she pulls away, she's found some words: a whisper-soft "I'm happy."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Christ," softly, "Thou'rt so good." He turns his head to kiss her palm, then shifts to kiss her again properly.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Paradoxically, Susan feels rather as if she might cry. She's not sure why: she's so warm and so light right now, and the eternal snarl at the core of her feels almost loose - like it might one day come untangled. It's simple enough to drown the urge in his mouth, though, and she closes her eyes (which feel hot) and clings to him.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He kisses her sweetly, with focus, as if there is nothing else in the world and there need be nothing else. His fingertips brush her jaw, her cheek; and though it's certainly sensual, seduction isn't the point. He needs her to know what he feels, how he values her company, her friendship, everything about her.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Oh, Susan can tell. She's overwhelmed by it, by his unbridled intensity, continually flicking her eyes open to peek at him and then letting them drift back closed so she can focus on the physicality of the feeling. When he kisses her she chases his mouth; when he touches her she shivers. She brings her arms around his back, flattening her hands against his shoulderblades so she can feel the way they shift as he moves, then runs a foot up and down his leg before hooking it behind his knee.