(no subject)

[last_adam]

*They're sweaty, they're tired, and there are plenty of bruises to go around. But once they've settled and caught their breaths, it seems that they're a little less stressed.

Seems, anyway.

Adam leans back against the sofa, wrapping an arm around Alanna's shoulder.*

Did it help any?

Comments

[last_adam]

*He reaches out, twining his fingers in hers, and squeezes.*

I don't really think I'd been somewhere that felt like home.

[the_lioness]

I've considered lots of places home. Trebond when Thom was there, Corus, the desert... but I've always had the sensation that I wasn't done searching yet.

*She kisses him on the lips, lightly and with an unspoken promise.*

I don't feel that way now.

[last_adam]

*He props himself up on his elbow so that he can lean over and kiss her, holding her.*

You... a home... what's next, a future?

*He says this jokingly, but his laugh is forced.*

I love you. And as long as you want to stay here, I will too.

*There's an unspoken "but" in his words.*

[the_lioness]

I think a future is inevitable at this point.

*She smiles, running her fingers through his hair.*

You don't want to stay here, Adam?

*For all that they've been discussing Tortall and homes and the future, she looks a bit puzzled.*

[last_adam]

Yes.

No.

I don't know. I-

It's just so different. And some days-

[the_lioness]

I know. Some days?

*She prompts, squeezing his hand and running her thumb over the mark on his wrist.*

[last_adam]

Some days, friends and all, it feels like the only reason I'm here is you.

[the_lioness]

*Alanna exhales slowly, her eyes wide. She can't quite say the same, what with the oath she made Thom and her duty. But she feels her stomach does an odd little flip as she nods, kissing him again.*

And where would you rather be?

*She holds her breath.*

[last_adam]

Wherever you are.

*It's the quick answer. It's the easy answer. But it's not what she meant, and he knows it.*

[the_lioness]

*Alanna wrinkles her nose at him.*

That is sweet, but I think you are still hiding something.

*She sighs and nudges his head aside, kissing him just under his ear.*

But that's okay.

[last_adam]

You know what my answer would be.

*At least he thinks she does.*

[the_lioness]

I think I do. And when you're ready to say it, just know that I'll grin and kiss you senseless.

*She nods firmly and flops down beside him, scarcely able to believe they are really having this conversation.

And that it feels right.*

[last_adam]

*Adam can hardly believe it himself, and he grins as he kisses her.*
You make me want to be a better man.
You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.

[the_lioness]

*Holding her breath, she beams, her hands stroking up and down his back as if she can't stop touching him.*
But you're the best man for me, just as you are.
Really? Even better than coffee or cider? *She teases, but the absolute certainty she feels about her next words make her eyes go bright with emotion.* And you, Adam? You're definitely the best thing that's ever happened to me.

[last_adam]

*And if Adam's eyes shine a bit, he's not one to mention it.*