[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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[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot keeps this kiss brief but doesn't release her; he lets his thumb brush across her cheek. "I love thee, as thou know'st," quietly, "Thou hast shown me such care, and thoughtfulness."

He brushes back her hair from her forehead, and for a moment it seems he might say more, but then he says only, "Come rest a while. I would like to keep thee close."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan waits for a moment to see if he might say anything else, her heart thudding in her chest in some queer and undefinable way. "Very well," she says, but makes no move to get off of his lap.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot smiles up at her, letting his hands fall to her waist, and tilts his head a little as if to invite her to say what's on her mind.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan hasn't got anything to say, though. She's terribly glad he loves her, and even though she doesn't particularly feel like she needs rest, spending the day with him - and beyond - feels like an unexpected sort of relief. Too, she supposes she ought to tell him of how her relationship with Janet has evolved, sooner rather than later, but it feels tonally inappropriate for the moment. For the moment she unhooks an arm from around his neck, and runs it down his chest, widening the gap of his robe.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He has no mind to rush her, and this seems as restful as anything else, so he settles back and lets her touch and their warm, comfortable silence play out.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"How has your training been going?" Susan asks, after a moment. She hasn't been to watch in a few days - she'd meant to allow him his space for at least a day or two more before tracking him down there, if he hadn't sought her out.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He smiles, "Very usual, for which I am grateful."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh, splendid." She's tracing her hand down his chest again, nudging the robe open wider still.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Canst tell I have not been slacking?" His tone is sweetly teasing.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh yes," says Susan, moving her hand up so she can feel the muscles in his arms. Oops, his robe slips from his shoulders. How unfortunate. "You really are offensively handsome, you know. You ought to put it away, spare us all the distraction." Of course, if he tries to straighten the robe, she shall be magnificently disgruntled.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I am given to understand there are those who mislike when I keep to myself," with similar humor. "There may also be those who enjoy being thus distracted."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Such as?" Susan asks, innocently, now tucking her hands on each side of his waist and splaying them wide.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Thine own self, if I am not mistaken."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Who on earth would tell you such a scurrilous rumor, I wonder?" Her fingers have caught on the robe's tie; she wraps them around the ends, but doesn't give in to the urge to pull it open just yet.

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Mmm, I wonder," he smiles at her, reaching up to trace a fingertip along her collarbone.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I shall have to track them down and have words," Susan says, and leans in to brush a kiss to his cheek.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He laughs, "Ah, but lady-- what if I were to tell thee that I need hear it from no one?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"No?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I need only to see thee now."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Is that so!"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye, 'tis. I like to see thee happy this way."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan smiles at him then, subsiding. She twists in his light hold so that she might grab the last bite of her sandwich and eats it, leaning against his chest. "You do, you know," she says, quietly.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He settles his arm around her, bolstering, "Do what, love?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Why, make me happy, of course." She says it as if it should be obvious, but there's also a tinge of wonder in her voice - she hadn't thought, even three months ago, that she might ever feel this good again.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot regards her with a soft, bright gaze. He draws her robe aside, a little, to kiss her shoulder.

"There is nothing I want more, in truth."