the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

For the last few days, Alanna has wanted to spend the majority of her time outside. It helps her breathe, helps quell the stomachache when Mistress Cooper's herbs fail. Adam indulges her, finding it easier to lug blankets, books and food outdoors than to argue.

This evening is no exception, and they pick a spot under a tree where they can see both lake and paddock. Alanna stretches out on her back, arms folded under her head, while Adam returns to the bar for two baskets of food and drink. It might seem excessive, but there's a fairly good chance they'll eat it all before the night is over. And if not? There's always breakfast.

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His arms are full as he returns, and there's an uncertain smile on his face as he sets them on the ground and joins her under the tree. He wraps his arms around her from behind and lays a kiss on the back of her head.

Food or added warmth?

Alanna considers, and compromises. Leaning back against Adam, she uses her foot to pull one of the baskets closer.

"Thank you," she tells him, cheerfully. "It's no wonder things are starting to get tight. And I just thought I was still making up for lost time."

"Tight? I don't know, I think you look better than ever."

Sure, it's blatant ass-kissing, but it also happens to be true. He pulls his arms tighter and then lets go to drag the food closer.

"Tight," she repeats. "Granted, my breeches and leggings have always been borderline tight, anyway."

Pushing her hair away from her face, she gives him an awkward, self-conscious smile and reaches for a piece of bread. Nothing is terribly tight today, as she had purposely worn jeans and a comfortable sweater.

It's not like he minds even when they are, but he can't imagine it's comfortable. He reaches for a piece of bread after her and smiles as he watches her.

There is definitely something to be said for roomy clothing, and Alanna wonders if it's worrisome to be so enamored of it at this early stage.

Chewing, she ponders this for a moment. Dresses would likely be comfortable, but if she wears only dresses at court for seven months, it will feel like a concession. The nobles can not forget who she is, and what she means to accomplish.

Alanna finishes the bread and licks a finger, suddenly aware that Adam is staring.

"Do I have honey on my face?" It wouldn't be the first time.

He laughs a little, not unkindly, and puts a kiss on her cheek.

"You haven't got anything on your face."

"Give it time."

Amused, she smiles and watches him in return.

"I feel so odd."

"How so?"

He feels a little self conscious, but won't stop looking at her, so there's not like there's much that can be done about it.

Perhaps a little something can be done about it. She leans forward and presses a soft kiss to his mouth, lingering there for a moment.

"I don't know how to explain," she murmurs, "but it's not a bad sort of strange."

She bites her lip.

"I'm just very aware of everything. Aware, and constantly fluctuating between energetic and lethargic."

It had been like this for a while, but now she knows why, and notices it more.

He swallows and he nods. He wants to ask what it's like, what it feels like, what-

He kisses her back and leans quietly, his forehead against hers.

Eyes closed, she takes a deep breath and smiles.

"It's strange, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Everything will be fine, Adam. I promise. We aren't supposed to have all the answers."

"I know."

And then there's a smile on his face, peaceful and calm.

"Lucy said she thinks we'll be great parents."

"I'm glad she thinks so," she says quietly.

Lucy's opinion matters a great deal to Alanna. She smiles slightly and bites her thumb.

"We'll love them, and that's what matters most."

He nods, and he sits with her and they eat. She may think she's the one forcing them outside each day, but he enjoys it as much as she does, with the lake and the trees and the grass.

Yeah, Thom heard.

He comes across the grounds from the bar, looking a little bit wary.

Xas is with him.

Alanna spots them first, sucking in a breath as she sits up straight and tugs nervously on her shirt.

What to say, how to say it.

Finding herself too nervous to watch Thom's approach, she studies the stranger.

Blue eyes meet purple, and Xas smiles faintly.

It isn't quite the smile of a stranger.

Adam follows Alanna's eyes, over to Thom and to the stranger with a hint of familiarity. He waves weakly in greeting at the two while tightning his other hand on Alanna's.

She's grateful for it. Smiling uncertainly, she continues to watch Xas until they are almost upon the blanket. One last squeeze, and she frees her hand to stand, finally turning an overly bright smile on her brother.

"Hullo, Thom. I'm glad you're here." Alanna turns to Xas and adds, perhaps unnecessarily, "I'm Alanna."

Xas' glance cuts briefly to Adam, because there is familiar, and then there is familiar, and this is almost too strange to be real.

Then he smiles at Alanna, inclining his head in a nod.

"I know. I'm Xas."

The quartet is easily visible across the grass as Raguel tromps toward the door, and he waves as Alanna glances up. He hesitates when she gestures for him to approach, but it's not dark enough to obscure the other faces. Safe enough.

"Hey," he says, nodding to the group. If there's any discomfort at Xas's presence, it isn't terribly obvious.

Helpfully, "And this is Adam."

Adam nods and glances between the four of them. Something's-

well.

At least Thom wasn't with Lucifer.

"Hallo."

He nudged, lightly at Alanna, trying (and failing, rather) to subtly ask her what she wants to do about this.

Safety in numbers? Something like that.

Alanna chews nervously on her lower lip and smiles at each of them in turn. She kicks lightly at one of the picnic baskets.

"We have food," she blurts out. "Lots."

It's an offer, of sorts.