OOM: At night by the lake.

[collects_ears]

George is standing by the edge of the lake, wrapped in his traveling cloak. He returned to Milliways this evening but after a quick visit to his room to stash his saddlebags - and coming to the realization that he doesn't feel much like socializing - he slipped unnoticed through the bar and out the back.

Now, watching his breath puff in the chilly air - he feels calm.

Centered.

He breathes in the night air.

Lost in his thoughts.

Comments

[the_lioness]

Okay. Honesty is good.

*It's almost as if she's trying to convince herself. She swallows again and holds out her wrist. George should know her well enough to notice an added scar.*

I am happy, George. But I hate that you're not, and that I had any role in that. May the Gods strike me down if I lie.

[collects_ears]

"Losing you as my best friend would pain me far more than losing you as a lover."

He glances at her wrist.

He can guess what the scar represents.

"Ah. You've been to the desert."

[the_lioness]

You'll never lose me, George. Ever.

*Alanna traces the fourth scar with her thumb and lowers her arm.*

Aye.

We're not married, but it's something like that. Bound.

[collects_ears]

He swallows.

Somehow it's less painful than he thought it would be.

"Congratulations."

He leans over and kisses her gently on the forehead.

[the_lioness]

*Alanna has her own theories on why that might be, but this isn't the time for her to bring it up. She smiles a little at the kiss and rubs her nose.*

Thank you.

So.

*She looks up.* Are we going to stop hiding from each other?I just... don't want to ignore the issue and act like everything is fine when it's not.

[collects_ears]

He meets her gaze.

"I can't promise everything will be instantly ok between us. But I do promise I will tell you when there's a problem. You don't hide from me. I don't hide from you. The rest happens as it does. Or doesn't. Will that suffice?"

[the_lioness]

Yes.

*Alanna takes a deep breath.*

Yes. I'm tough, George. If you need to back away, or just yell, know that you can. Because I'm not going anywhere, I promise.

[collects_ears]

"Good. I'd miss you terribly."

He smiles.

[the_lioness]

I have missed you terribly. *Swallowing, she leaps forward and hugs him.* I'm no good at these sort of things, as you well know.

[collects_ears]

He hugs her back - tightly.

"Neither am I. What a pair we make." he says, shaking his head. "A right mess, the both of us."

[the_lioness]

We have other talents? *She supplies hopefully, blinking back tears. For a moment, she's content to stay as she is, and marvels again at how much has changed.* I never wanted to hurt you, George. I know you know that, but I feel it is important to repeat.

*She sighs.*

I should see to Mithros. Perhaps we can go for a ride soon?

[collects_ears]

"Yes. Lets."

He looks at her hopefully. "Please?"

[the_lioness]

*Alanna smiles slowly, feeling some of the tension work its way out of her shoulders. She stands on her toes to kiss his cheek and walks back to Mithros.*

You have my word on it. Thank you, George.

*Grinning, she swings up on her horse and asks for a canter, waving over her shoulder as they leave.*