[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]

"I disagree," teasingly.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I'm not fighting you, though, am I?" Susan asks, her eyes now shining with mischief. "Though I suppose I might try and best you, if you'd like."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I would spar with thee, but not fight thee," in a tone that makes it clear he's going along with whatever mischief she has planned.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Oh dear," says Susan, unable to tamp down on her smile. "I seem to have been ensnared by the most notorious and incorrigible of dog-knappers in all of Brittany. Whatever shall I do?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Ensnared, she says," sliding his arm tighter around her waist. "What indeed?"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I suppose I have no recourse but to protect myself to the utmost of my ability," she says, thoughtfully, now failing to refrain from shivering at his touch. Don't kiss him yet, she chides herself, even though she wants very much to do so; instead, she runs her hands down his sides and then, experimentally, tickles him lightly.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He jolts a little, laughing, "Oh, lady-- foul play!"

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I'm improving my close-quarter combat skills," says Susan, primly, tickling him with more purpose now that she knows it's going to work. Oh no, she's accidentally untied his robe. Ah, well, the better to tickle him with. She pulls the belt free with one hand, letting the end of it run lightly over his skin.

[lanselos_du_lac]

He is ticklish, which feels like a surprise to him, and he's still laughing. "Improvement, Christ-- art deadly already."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Susan's fingers are wicked and bold - she's got years of distracting, delighting, and infuriating her siblings in this way under her belt. This, obviously, is a different sort of tickling, with different objectives, but her hands are small and she knows where to put them for maximum effect. She starts edging forward, too, pushing him toward the wall.

[lanselos_du_lac]

Lancelot lets himself be pushed, swatting gently at her hands.

[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."