[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

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye," softly, "I'd like to."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

So Susan lifts his hand from her face and places it deliberately at her waist, over one of the closures of her dress.

~~

After, and feeling significantly more like herself, she looks at him, long and and silent and settled.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot, too, feels more settled, more solid. He lets out a long breath, stroking her arm lightly, and smiles at her.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

She kisses the corner of his mouth, and smiles back.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Softly, "I missed thee."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I was right here." It's matter-of-fact and neutral; she's not trying to lecture or punish him in any way.

[lanselos_du_lac]

The smiles softens, "I know."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan tucks her face against his arm, inhaling his scent. "I missed you too," she says. "Obviously."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He kisses her hair, "Obviously."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Do you tease me, sir?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

A little laugh, "I do not! It was obvious."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan feels warm all over. "I must be terribly transparent."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"My apologies," now he is teasing, "I shall preserve thy mystery from now on."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"You ought to. I'm very inscrutable. It's one of my more alluring traits."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"That is a very long list, lady."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh?" Susan runs her fingertips along Lancelot's chest. "I should like to hear it."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He makes a thoughtful sound, "I suppose we do have all afternoon."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"We've lunch prepared already and everything," says Susan. "I've cleared my schedule of all appointments. I'm ready to hear the list."

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot says, in an indulgent tone, "Well, then. Kiss me. Feed me. And as we go, I shall give thee the list."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Ah, it's like that, is it," says Susan, and kisses him, syrupy slow and sweet, and so intently that her jaw aches with it.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He sighs into it, kissing back with matching sweetness, cupping her face in both hands.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

When Susan pulls back, she's smiling faintly. "I'll take that first item now," she says, but she kisses him again before he has a chance to say anything.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot chuckles, and once they've broken the kiss he says, "Well. 'Tis very flattering how thou canst not keep thy hands off me."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Ah," says Susan, amusement shining all over her face. "So the first trait of mine you like is one that compliments you."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Nay, 'tis only the one that comes to mind at the moment."