(Untitled)

[sai_delgado]

She leads him out of the bar and down the hallway to her quarters-- not out by the lake, nor to the stables, not for this, she thinks. Not any place where someone else might come.

Susan opens the door to let them both in, then gently tugs at his hand again, drawing Cuthbert across the room to the small sofa and to sit by her side.

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[key_youth_bert]

He seems calmer than he was in the bar, and when he speaks, his voice comes out strong, although he's not meeting her eyes.

"There's nothing to be worried about, Susan, truly. I'm sorry if I made you think otherwise."

And it hurts to say that, to sit here and actively try to deceive her--but it's the least painful option right now.

[sai_delgado]

"Do'ee say so, 'Bert?" Very softly, as she looks at him-- and as he looks away.

She knows it's not so; he'd not act like this if it were, and Alain's words ring in her memory now.

(It hurts them, to speak of it. To think of it. I know that. But sometimes it's needful to speak of such things anyway...)

"Don't-- thee don't have to hide, not from me."

[key_youth_bert]

He looks up at her, but only for a moment before lowering his eyes again. He reaches instead to take hold of her hands, praying his own won't tremble.

"If there were something thee needed to know, I'd tell thee. I promise."

Close enough to the truth.

[sai_delgado]

"I trust thee, 'Bert, and I love thee." Still soft, as she curls her fingers around his, holding to him. "And I know thee would."

And she knows what her da' would advise, if he were here.

(three paths - no more secrets)

She takes a deep breath, and says steadily, her hands still linked with his, "And others-- others might do the same now, do'ee ken? Alain would, I know; he-- he has, say true, when there were that I needed to hear."

Very, very steadily.