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[last_adam]

*Adam opens the door slowly, trying to keep it quiet. He doesn't want to be a bother, he wants to let her rest, he doesn't want her to ... worry about his worry. Eyes closed, he clicks the door shut behind him and leans against it.*

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[last_adam]

I do.

*He says it, even though his voice is weak, even though he knows that she has a point.*

[the_lioness]

"Not like before," she says quietly. It's full of confusion, hurt and wounded pride. Biting her lip, she stands and looks around for something to keep her hands busy.

[last_adam]

I'm sorry.

*He hangs his head, face red from embarrassment or from the Atlantean, he's not sure.*

[the_lioness]

"Not half as sorry as I am," she whispers ruefully. "That I can guarantee."

For all her bold words to Thom and Goldy, Alanna is terrified that he just doesn't want her anymore.

Rather than think about that, she shrugs and starts putting away laundry.

[last_adam]

*Hand, meet face. Adam falls back onto the bed and stares at the ceiling, trying to figure out what to say.*

[the_lioness]

Upset, Alanna decides to donate another pair of boxers to Puff's nest. She strokes the dragon, murmuring. After several minutes of this, she realizes she hasn't told Adam about last night.

Well, won't this be fun?

"I'm not sure it's the best idea to tell you this right now, but... I spoke to War last night."

[last_adam]

*And the night just keeps getting better.*

Great. What the fuck did she want?

[the_lioness]

Alanna shrugs, trying not to let her nerves show.

"Not much of anything." She swallows. "I was the one after information."

[last_adam]

Oh?

*There's a hint of aggravation in his voice.*

[the_lioness]

Frowning, she looks at him.

"I didn't seek her out, if that's what you are thinking. I did ask her if she was responsible. However, I let her go on about both you and Thom without getting myself killed."

Let. As if anyone let War do anything.

"I'm rather proud of myself, actually."

[last_adam]

Yeah. Proud.

[the_lioness]

"What else was I supposed to do?" Blinking back tears, she paces before the bed. "All I was doing was sitting under a tree."

[last_adam]

I don't know, you could've left.

[the_lioness]

"Somehow I think the people who walk away from her wind up the worse for it."

Alanna stops pacing and blinks at him.

"I did eventually leave. And I stand by my promise."

[last_adam]

Your promise?

[the_lioness]

"Yes, Adam. I promised to let you fix me before getting into it with her. I wouldn't be so foolish as to take her bait without you there."

[last_adam]

Close enough.

[the_lioness]

Alanna sucks in a breath, eyes stormy.

"In case you were curious, she didn't deny any of it."

[last_adam]

Bloody fantastic.

[the_lioness]

"That fairly well sums up my response. Although she did mention that I wouldn't make much of a duel partner with arrow wounds in my side."

She shivers and pulls on another sweater. As shields go, it's not great.

"I'm sorry I keep upsetting you, but I did the best I could. You have to trust me, Adam. I may be foolhardy, but I'm not stupid."

[last_adam]

*He turns over, putting his face on the blankets such that his voice is muffled.*

Right.

[the_lioness]

"Right."

And yet nothing feels right at all. Alanna takes several deep breaths, watching him, and wishes she could just give him a hug. She wants to tell him how much she loves him and that everything will be okay, but doesn't think he particularly wants to hear it right now.

"Right," she says more forcefully. "I think I'm going to take a nice long bath."

[last_adam]

If that's what you want.

*The edge to his voice is gone, it's low and resigned.*

[the_lioness]

"It's not what I want," she says sadly. "But nor do I want to fight about this anymore."

Stopping short of telling him she's exhausted, Alanna sighs and gathers clean clothes.

"Try to think about what I said."

[last_adam]

*She doesn't need to tell him. He knows.*

Here, sleep. I'll just-

go.

[the_lioness]

"No! Don't leave."

That's the very last thing she wants.

"It's not like I sleep well without you, anyway. If you leave, you will actually be denying me sleep. Do you want that on your conscience?"

Unsure, she bites her thumb as she looks at him.

[last_adam]

*He shrugs, and sits back down on the bed he'd been getting up from.*

I just want you to be better.

*The words are quiet and muffled as he slides off his shoes and works his way under the covers, careful not to make eye contact.*

[the_lioness]

There's a dull, rushing noise in her ears that makes him sound very far away. Alanna drops her clothes and crawls in after him. Getting as close as she can without actually touching him, she sniffles.

"And I love you for it."

[last_adam]

I love you, too.

*That, of all things, has never been in question. He curls up, comfortable immediately, but it's a long time before Alanna's asleep, and he can wrap his arms around her.*