the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

It's warm outside, but not nearly warm enough for Alanna. A few (brave) patrons are swimming in the lake, and she watches them from her spot on the picnic table, idly polishing her sword. Although it's not a terribly charitable thought, she wishes they would go away and leave her alone.

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Thom plunks down next to her.

"Good morning."

Alanna freezes, hand and cloth hovering over the sword.

"I suppose," she allows. "Although it could be hotter."

"It can always be hotter."

Something's up?

Many things are up. Status quo, really. Quirking an eyebrow, she sneaks a glance at him and quickly turns away.

"Why are you the only one who understands that?"

It sounds almost petulant.

"It's because I'm really smart."

"Twice as smart as you act."

The sword rag is tossed aside. She examines her reflection in the blade and sighs, placing the now gleaming weapon over her sword belt and out of the way. Keeping her hands busy buys her a few seconds.

"This is a surprise," she remarks dully.

Thom grins at her. "And why are you the only one who understands that?"

And leans forward. "What surprise?"

A brief, helpless smile crosses her face, but she soon bites her lip. It's just so true.

Alanna shrugs.

"Are we going to play that game where I remind you of our previous conversation, and you act as if there's nothing odd about saying hello and discussing the weather given how we left things?"

"If you want."

He shrugs. "I don't see what's odd about it."

"You don't?"

She laughs, harshly.

"Do you not recall what you said about my life? You took even the things I thought you liked about me and ripped them to shreds." Another shrug. "I've been rather unsure about you and I since then."

Simply, "Do you not want to talk to me?"

After a brief hesitation, she shakes her head.

Softly, "I'd talk to you every hour on the hour, if I could."

A slight exaggeration, but the sentiment is true.

"Isn't that why you have Adam?"

Frowning, she kicks her foot out.

"I have Adam because we love each other. But I love you, too. These two things are not mutually exclusive, and he's not a replacement for you, you know."

Thom doesn't manage to avoid that kick. No one is surprised.

"Plus I'm way better-looking."

Alanna wisely keeps her mouth shut about that.

"No one can wear chartreuse like you," she points out. It's true!

"Nope."

She'd better be serious. Chartreuse is awesome.

For those who are color-blind, certainly.

"You really upset me this time, Thom."

"I know."

No apology. Alanna hadn't really expected one, but it still hurts.

"Always thought you were at least proud of me."

He blinks.

"I am."

She gives him an incredulous look.

"With what you said? About me not being who we dreamed I would be? And how I can't possibly be satisfied with my life?"

Thom looks genuinely confused.

Frowns. "I don't see how that means I can't be proud of you. Whether or not I think you should start . . . breeding, you're the best person I know."

Alanna fights off the urge to throw her hands up in the air. It's not as if being confused by Thom is a new sensation.

"Thank you for that, then."

"You're . . . welcome?"

The situation is absurd; he moves to trap a lock of her hair between his fingers.