[Closed Post] ..the plan means nothing stays the same..

[lanselos_du_lac]

In the few days since Dark ended, even Lancelot has noticed himself feeling easier. He had not thought himself much affected by Dark, aside from his concern for Susan and those he cares about who were facing their own struggles during the month; it's something of a surprise to find that his relief is also deep-set, for himself. There is a strange kind of hope that he doesn't recall feeling before, in anticipation of spring. He realizes that the pace will change, and that he is looking forward to spring and summer in this new place.

He's been considering whether he should move some of his things back to his own room. He has not stayed the night there since Susan asked him to stay with her during Dark, and he is happy to admit that this arrangement has been deeply pleasant. Lancelot has never experienced something so ... domestic as this. (He so rarely was able to wake up next to Guinever, that the first few times he woke up next to Susan after they began seeing each other, it felt like a very deep intimacy.) He doesn't, however, want to presume anything -- he knows Susan has appreciated having him close, he knows their relationship has grown deeper, but he isn't sure whether she wants him to stay with her at night on a more permanent basis. He suspects she might want her own space back, once she's recovered her equilibrium.

As ever, he has maintained his routine. He has also seen the invitation to Dionysus' party. It's this that was on his mind as he set out for the training yard this morning -- it was brisk and cold, but not so much the punishing cold of deep Dark -- and this he let himself idly consider while making his way through drills. (Thinking about it during drilling helps, because thinking about it otherwise has made him feel anxious -- he will never know what he ought to wear, or what to expect.)

By the time he has finished, he knows that there are several subjects that he needs to discuss with Susan when they meet for lunch.

Comments

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I am happiest when I am with thee."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

Now she slips her fingers between his and gives his hand a squeeze, drawing it up to her mouth so that she might press a kiss to his knuckles. "And I, you," she murmurs; a smile tugs at her lips. "You've truly taken me by surprise, dearest." There's another beat, and then she says, "I think... I should like to move forward. Not back."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Yes?" He smiles, squeezing her fingers gently. "Very well. We shall keep moving forward together."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"So you'll stay?"

[lanselos_du_lac]

"Aye," he kisses her temple, "so I will."

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"I'm glad," she tells him, finding as she speaks that it's the truth, shifting a little so that she's propped up on one side, leaning over him to kiss him, slow and soft. "Terribly, terribly glad."

[lanselos_du_lac]

He kisses back equally softly. A little shiver goes through him, a kind of relief; he hadn't been quite sure what to expect, but he is also terribly glad, excited to learn what this will mean for them.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

There are other things they probably ought to talk about, but they shall have plenty of time for that in the future. Susan strokes her hand through Lancelot's hair, touching his cheek, his forehead, his ear. "We ought to move more of your things over," she says, quietly. "Perhaps later this afternoon, if either of us feels inclined to get dressed again to-day."

[lanselos_du_lac]

"I don't know how likely that is," gazing up at her, smiling, his expression soft.

[quote_gentle_unquote]

"Nor I," smiling back.