A/N: Hey everyone! Well, I'd have to say, I've written a book this summer. Alas, I must start school, so sadly, there won't be any updates for a while -- a few months, actually! (Awww!) I thought I would've been able to finish this story by this time, but since I'm going on an exchange to England AND I broke my back, I've been too busy preparing and getting my spine cracked numerous time that I never had the chance to sit down and work on this story. (And we were getting closer and closer to the end, too!) But once again, THANK YOU for reading, reviewing and enjoying this story. This story has 13300 hits as of September 17, 2006 because of you guys! You guys kept me going, and I really appreciate that!
I'm not sure when I'll be able to update this story, but if you would like, you can choose the "alert" option so that you'll get an e-mail letting you know that I have updated. Also, check out my other stories if you have the time! I just recently posted a Lancelot/OC Oneshot entitled, "Beneath the Surface". -hugs everyone- So long! It's been nice getting to know all of you and reading what you thought of the story!
Saxongirl345: Thank you! Here's the next chapter...and very last for a VERY long time! The story isn't over yet -- but I promise you, by the time this story ends, Lourdes will choose! Enjoy! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Jenni: This chapter will answer your question! hehe And yeah, the Lourdes/Lancelot relationship grew on me, too. But I hope you like this next one! So long!
SorielDegamba: Hey there! Well, here's the last update before a very long haitus! I hope sometime soon I'll get the time to continue this story! I'll try to work on the Tristan/OC fic as well, but as of right now...school rules me! lol But I'm glad you liked the previous chapter! And yeah, tickles can CERTAINLY do that to you! lol I'm so ticklish that I can honestly take being punched numerous times than being tickled! lol
I do like Lourdes and Lancelot's relationship. The womanizer in him died down, which makes me VERY happy! And yeah, I didn't want to write PURE smut, because I wanted to show that there was love involved in the act -- which is, most of the time, not present when Lancelot beds his women. But I know what you mean about the smut, though! Enjoy this next one, and so long!
Kalanie: Ugh, that's going to be me in a few days! I wish I had one more month to write this story! C haha You're hilarious! But now your father thinks you're crazy. Well, at least you're hilarious! -grins- And it's funny, because I actually did what Lourdes did before. Needless to say, the guy wasn't too pleased with my good aim! haha And yes, Galahad's watching his back as we speak. I can't blame the guy for following his heart, but when a barrage of Lancelot-loving women are after him, I'd be a little scared! Ho-ho! You want Lancelot, eh? -thinks deeply- And Lourdes with Galahad? Hmm... Well, I guess we'll see who she ends up with by the time this story ends, hmm? -waves- 'Till...a few months? lol BYE! -hugs-
jenny DEAREST.: LMAO I -knew- that you would love this chapter! I was grinning while I was writing it! lol And yeah, Lourdes did get a break in this chapter, and she really did deserve it. I love how she's learning to fight for herself -- especially against two royal Shinodian men!
And yeah, that's the main difference that I wanted to portray -- Lourdes and Galahad are quite innocent with each other, whereas Lourdes and Lancelot have a more 'mature' relationship. Both are good types of relationships, but hey, this story is all about who she ends up with in the end, right? lol It's all up to Lourdes which type of "love" she prefers -- or, which type of love she really needs in her life.
And yes, our dear Galahad is finally maturing. Whaddaya know? It only took one woman and a LOT of trials and tribulations! lol But yeah, the glimpse into their past was important for me, because readers must not forget that Lourdes and Galahad were very close at the beginning of the story right up to when she left with Merlin. I know I -should- have elaborated more upon that part, but I was writing that when I was rushing the story. So, if I ever had to re-write this story (oh God, that will take YEARS), the Lourdes/Galahad friendship would be something I would work on.
The end is near... but it's not here yet! I have no time to write it! lol Well, enjoy this last chapter...for now! -hugs- You're awesome!
DeathDealer210912: I'll warn Galahad to watch out for you! lol Enjoy this next one!
THANKS ALSO GO OUT TO: angel in the winds, Arabelle James, cleopatra32003, Fallen Ashes, Gerdie, girllyingbythesea901, HateFilled-Demon, Highlanderfanatic, i heart coffee, janell, Jane-MC, jubes-zcg, Kates, Lady of Trebond, makedamnsure, mangoskin93, Morose Scarlet, NiennaFaelivrin, QueenieMeanie, Raging Raven, Scouter, tvfanatic64, Withered Lover, xOxO.rOmance, ZELINIA
t t t
CHAPTER 51
How I wish I could surrender my soul;
Shed the clothes that become my skin;
See the liar that burns within my needing.
How I wish I'd chosen darkness from cold.
How I wish I had screamed out loud,
Instead I've found no meaning.
I guess it's time I run far, far away; find comfort in pain,
All pleasure's the same: it just keeps me from trouble.
Hides my true shape, like Dorian Gray.
I've heard what they say, but I'm not here for trouble.
It's more than just words: it's just tears and rain.
How I wish I could walk through the doors of my mind;
Hold memory close at hand,
Help me understand the years.
How I wish I could choose between Heaven and Hell.
How I wish I would save my soul.
I'm so cold from fear.
I guess it's time I run far, far away; find comfort in pain,
All pleasure's the same: it just keeps me from trouble.
Hides my true shape, like Dorian Gray.
I've heard what they say, but I'm not here for trouble.
Far, far away; find comfort in pain.
All pleasure's the same: it just keeps me from trouble.
It's more than just words: it's just tears and rain.
- "Tears and Rain" by James Blunt
t t t
Lourdes entered Lancelot's chamber quietly, meekly peeking her head inside. Pushing Galahad's rather unexpected action from her mind, she closed the door lightly behind her, surveying the brightly lit room. Its furnishings were sparse, consisting of a bed, chair, table and dresser. Clothes, medicine and rations of food lined the nearby table, which was pushed to the side of the bed. As her eyes landed upon Lancelot's form on the bed, he twisted his head slowly to look upon her. Lourdes beamed as she breathed out a sigh of relief, briskly walking to his side. As she sat down beside him, she rested her hand on the side of his face, her thumb gently caressing his cheek. Although Lancelot closed his eyes at this and moved his face closer to her hand, he did not smile. Furrowing her brows at this, Lourdes gave him a tender kiss before lying down beside him.
"How are you feeling?" she began lightly, resting her hand on the crook of his neck.
"I do not know." He responded truthfully, turning his head slightly in order to face her once more.
Lourdes frowned at this rejoinder, her concern for the knight increasing. She ran her fingers through his curly locks as she asked concernedly, "Do you want me to get you anything? Are you hungry?"
"No." Lancelot responded tersely, slightly turning away from her. Lourdes' heart constricted at this. What she did not know was that Lancelot had been awake for quite a while, thinking and brooding. His chest progressively tightened as he replayed everything in his mind, as he reiterated what Galahad had told him. For some reason or another, Lancelot felt as though he could not look at Lourdes at the moment, for he knew that the woman who was lying down beside him did not love him with all of her heart. This pained him in a way that he had never experienced before, and he was at a loss as to how to deal with such an issue and how to effectively solve it. This was the case for many hours, though, before an idea slowly crept into his mind, a solution so unbelievable that he himself could not fathom how in this green earth he could ever think of it -- nay, how he would ever go through with it. Finally breathing the uncomfortable silence between them, Lancelot began, "When I thought that I was going to die, Lourdes, all that I could think about was you." Lancelot shifted his body to face her as he continued, "And even now, all I can think about is you...about us." As he paused, Lancelot could recognize the puzzlement evident in Lourdes' eyes as she looked upon him, gaze transfixed. "But you and I both know, Lourdes, that there is someone else in your mind, in your heart. Even if you deny it to everyone, to me, to yourself, you know deep down inside that this is the truth, that no matter what I do, however I try to prove my love to you, that it will never be enough for you."
Lourdes' mouth was widely agape at this point. Cupping his face shakily in her hands, she stuttered, "Lancelot, what are you saying?"
As her face distorted as she began to cry, Lancelot croaked out, "Be with him."
Lourdes could barely believe what Lancelot had just said. With widened eyes, she sat up, turning Lancelot's face with her hand in order for him to face her. "W-what?"
"Be with him." Lancelot reiterated a little more forcefully, turning his face from her once more. "If your feelings for me are truly real, then you will realize it if you are with him."
Tears were now freely cascading from Lourdes' eyes. Her entire body trembled, her head repeatedly shaking as she sobbed, "Why...why are you doing this? Lancelot..."
"Because I love you."
"I do not understand!" Lourdes cried out in anguish, embracing the stiff knight. "You must have received quite a blow to your head, Lancelot, because you are not making any sense!"
"For once in my life, Lourdes, I think I am." Lancelot replied quietly with conviction, placing his hand atop of her head tenderly. As she looked up at him, he gazed compassionately into her brown orbs. "I see how you suffer, Lourdes. I feel it. You need to find peace in your life. If it is not with me, then I will live with it. As long as you find peace, then I will be happy." He forced a smile and continued, "Be with Galahad. It is the only way. If your heart still screams for me, aches for me, then I shall know -- and you shall know -- that it is I that you truly want, not him."
With all the pain, frustration and anger mercilessly colliding within her, Lourdes instantly stood from the bed, confusion, pain and heartache lining her face. She tried to comprehend Lancelot's logic, the fact that he was only doing this for them -- for her -- and yet, anger took over her, and coupled with the feeling of offense, she spat, "I cannot believe that I am hearing this, Lancelot! I am not some...whore to be so easily passed between men! I choose to whom I give my affections to, and..."
Lancelot's face became firm as he clenched his jaw tightly. He said calmly through tight lips, "And Galahad and I do not deserve to be continuously hurt because of your confused and divided affections." With gritted teeth, he sat up, now facing her. "Your torn heart is tearing Galahad and me apart, Lourdes. Not only our 16 years of friendship, but our own feelings, our own hearts. I know that you do not mean to do this, but it is happening, and you should know it."
Lourdes was rendered speechless by this. A part of her wanted so badly to embrace Lancelot, to utter her thousand apologies, and yet, a part of her wanted to scream at and admonish him for everything that he was saying -- for knowing the truth. She did not want to lie, and yet she did -- not only to Lancelot and Galahad, but to her own self. She did what she did in order to save them from pain, and yet, all she had managed to do was to cause them even more pain, carelessly playing with their emotions as she confused and conflicted her own. Feeling such guilt and remorse, she bawled into her hands, her entire body trembling with emotion. "Lancelot, you cannot do this. Please...not now."
Lancelot made no move to comfort her, his own anger dissipating sympathy. He could not understand why she was acting in such a way. He was only liberating her, making things better for the three of them. He stated firmly, "I have been faithful to you. I have done everything in my power to protect you, be with you and love you. I have sacrificed my life for you. And yet it is still not enough." He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, looking away from her. "Galahad and I have come to an understanding. Worry about your feelings and your future. When you make up your mind, maybe I will still be here, maybe I won't. But I will take comfort in the fact that you have finally found peace in your life, that you can move onwards and live the rest of your days in true happiness." Lancelot had to pause in order to keep his composure, for Lourdes' increasing sobs tore his heart into utter shreds. When he finally found his voice once more, he proclaimed, "I release you from anything that binds you to me and my person. From now on, do not feel yourself devoted to me in any way."
At this last statement, Lourdes felt as though her heart had been repeatedly trampled by a thousand horses. She wanted to reply, to beg for Lancelot to take his words back, but something caught her throat as her lungs were unable to intake oxygen. Her hurt pride and heightened remorse overtook the best of her. Unable to take this confrontation any longer, Lourdes fled the room, slamming the door forcefully behind her. After a few moments of looking after where she had gone, Lancelot fell back onto the bed, finally releasing the barrage of tears that he had been holding the entire time.
t t t
I woke up early this morning around 4 a.m.
With the moon shining bright as headlights on the interstate
I pulled the covers over my head and tried to catch some sleep
But thoughts of us kept keeping me awake
Ever since you found yourself in someone else's arms
I've been tryin' my best to get along
But that's ok
There's nothing left to say, but
Take your records, take your freedom
Take your memories I don't need'em
Take your space and take your reasons
But you'll think of me
And take your cap and leave my sweater
'Cause we have nothing left to weather
In fact I'll feel a whole lot better
But you'll think of me, you'll think of me
I went out driving trying to clear my head
I tried to sweep out all the ruins that my emotions left
I guess I'm feeling just a little tired of this
And all the baggage that seems to still exist
It seems the only blessing I have left to my name
Is not knowing what we could have been
What we should have been
Someday I'm gonna run across your mind
Don't worry, I'll be fine
I'm gonna be alright
While you're sleeping with your pride
Wishing I could hold you tight
I'll be over you
And on with my life
And you're gonna think of me
Oh someday baby, someday
- "You'll Think Of Me" by Keith Urban
t t t
"The lass nowadays reminds me of Tristan," Bors commended, circling his hands, "Well, ye know, just with breasts and curvy hips."
"Aye, she has been acting in such a way for a few days now." Dagonet replied to his older brother's comment, agreeing wholeheartedly. "It worries me."
"I hear that she barely speaks with anyone." Gawain continued with furrowed brows, unable to fathom what change could have brought about Lourdes' uncharacteristic actions. He continued with a raised eyebrow, "Think you her father and brother greatly admonished her for following us?"
"Nay," Bors shook his head profusely, pursing his lips, "I believe 'tis something far worse than that."
As the three knights stood in line overlooking the castle courtyard, Lourdes sparred with Takeo in the distance, holding a whip in her left hand and a katana in the other. They watched the two intently as, with lightning speed, they attacked and defended against one another, both fighters unyielding, both determined to win the match. The practicing warriors around them, including Tristan and Akira, had even halted their own practice, attentions drawn, gained and transfixed by their fight. With determined and unrelenting shouts and cries, Lourdes attacked Takeo with all of her might. Even when his whip connected with hers and even when he blocked her numerous blows, she continued and pressed forward, not at all being dissuaded by the aches and pains that coursed throughout her body.
Lourdes had told nobody of what had transpired between she and Lancelot. The pain and anger that she had felt during that confrontation simmered within her, only growing as each day passed by. She used these daily practices as her outlet, her only escape from all that which plagued her. Cuts, bruises and bumps did not matter to her, and she fought daily, for hours and hours upon end, until she was no longer able to hold up her weapons as she drowned in a sea of fatigue. This worried her family, Akira and the knights, but after several tries, they all found that no one could prevent her from doing this. Today was no different.
With a flick of her wrist, Lourdes' whip wrapped around Takeo's neck, and with a simple tug, she pulled him towards her. She brought the point of her sword dangerously close to his abdomen; but instead of reacting with fear, Takeo smiled. With wide arms, he congratulated her cordially, "You win, your majesty."
"Well done, Takeo." Lourdes replied tight-lipped, giving him a curt bow. "You may take a rest now."
With a bow in return, Takeo swiftly left the practice field. Before Lourdes could sheathe her katana in her scabbard, a steady voice called out from behind her:
"I will fight you, your majesty."
Twisting her head slightly towards the sound of the voice, Lourdes spotted Galahad standing in the distance, his face firm as he inclined his head proudly. Lourdes scoffed as she took a sip of water in a jug, waving a dismissive hand at him before turning her back to him. "As you please." As she picked up her whip from the ground, she motioned her head towards the cluster of weapons at the side of the courtyard. "Choose your weapons and stand before me."
With a curt nod of understanding, Galahad swiftly did as she had instructed, jogging towards a table which were adorned with weapons. Inconspicuously, Lourdes eyed him curiously. She quickly realized that his leg had seemed to be fully healed, as he showed no sign of limping. Thinking that she still had the advantage, though, she kept her chin up as he jogged in front of her, twisting twin blades in his hands. The fact that this only reminded her of Lancelot angered her even more, and she stood readied, her whip held low in her left hand and her katana raised in her right. Through clenched teeth, she proclaimed in an amiable tone, "Your move."
As Galahad swung down at her in an 'x' movement of his swords, Lourdes immediately blocked the blows with a semi-circular swing of her katana. Simultaneously, she flicked her left wrist, the whip instantly connecting with Galahad's recently-healed leg. The knight gave out a grunt at the impact, hopping a few paces backward as he regained his composure. Lourdes swallowed, feeling a pang of guilt for attacking his weak spot. Though, she did not have time to speak, for without warning, Galahad came at her once more with a full attack in mind, swinging with much dexterity, making Lourdes stumble back at his brute force. She gasped as she suddenly lost her balance, stumbling as she tried to stand straight once more. Though, Galahad used this to his advantage, tripping her with a swift sweep of his right leg. As he connected, Lourdes landed with a hard thud on the stone ground. Even at the hard impact, though, she did not stay still. With gritted teeth and much determination, she rolled away just as Galahad was going to lower his sword to her chest in victory. Swinging her left arm, she wielded her whip, and it connected with Galahad's face, snapping his head to the side. Flicking her wrist once more, she wrapped the whip around his injured leg and pulled, sending him straight to the ground. Rolling over, she placed the blade of her katana atop Galahad's neck, claiming the victory.
Gawain, Bors, Dagonet, Tristan, Akira and the rest of those watching winced and even openly groaned at the outcome of this exhibition. They knew that Galahad was badly injured from the last battle with the rebel Shinodians, but there was no doubt in their minds that he would have at least given her a match. His surprising defeat, though, they placed more upon Lourdes' improving skill, especially after her rigorous self-inflicted training. They watched curiously as Lourdes stood, dropping her weapons nonchalantly to her sides.
With her breathing now under control, Lourdes looked down upon Galahad, who breathed laboriously as he placed a hand on the bleeding wound on his right cheek. Lourdes felt another pang of guilt then for inflicting such pain upon the young knight. She did not mean to hurt him so badly, and yet, she could not deny that she couldn't control her anger and her swings, just as she was used to doing when sparring. She felt as though she had taken out all of her anger, frustrations and pain on Galahad, and she knew deep down inside that he did not deserve it. Finally extending her hand out to him, Galahad looked upon her for a moment, then slowly took it. As Lourdes helped him stand, she whispered as she bowed, "I am sorry."
"'Tis fine." Galahad responded quickly with a nonchalant wave of his hand, though he limped a little on his leg. "'Tis only..."
"A scratch?" Lourdes finished, a trace of a smile pulling upon her lips. Almost instantly after Galahad laughed, he winced, placing his hand back upon his cheek. Before he could say anything else, Lourdes warned in a low tone, "Do not smile, laugh...just...do not talk. Trust me, it will hurt like hell." As Galahad merely nodded to her in understanding, Lourdes walked a few paces in front of him, then beckoned for him to follow her. All anger and bitterness aside, concern, guilt and sympathy finally took over her, and she said, "Come. I will take care of the wound."
t t t
Galahad examined Lourdes silently as she tenderly dabbed a wet piece of cloth upon his cheek. As they both sat on the bed in her chambers, Lourdes wiped an herbal ointment on the wound, momentarily stinging the young knight. Clenching his jaw, Galahad took the pain as best as he could, heavily breathing out as it seemed to endlessly burn his skin. Lourdes gripped his arm worriedly, knowing exactly the pain that the young knight was going through. When the stinging gradually subsided, Galahad began lightly, "How is Lancelot?"
Without even thinking, Lourdes blurted out mindlessly, "We are no longer together."
Needless to say, Galahad was taken aback by this, for he only meant to enquire about how his comrade fared during his convalescence, not about Lourdes' current situation with him. He felt a pang of guilt then, for he knew that he was most likely the main reason for this. Though, thinking back, this rightly explained why Lourdes had been acting the way she was for the the past few days and why bedridden Lancelot had seemed so distant as he continued to recover.
As an awkward silence loomed amongst them, Galahad cleared his throat, whispering, "I am sorry."
Lourdes was not sure whether Galahad was apologizing for her current state, her current status with Lancelot or for the fact that they all knew that he had been the centre of what had transpired between she and Lancelot. Though, hiding her saddened face from the young knight, she breathed out, "Thank you."
Galahad could not help but realize the irony in her words. He suddenly felt so remorseful and quite uncomfortable with being in her presence. Clearing his throat, he proclaimed, "I better go." Standing up from her bed, he then began to walk towards the door, looking back at her to say, "Thank you for tending to my wound."
Though, as he reached for the latch of the door, he heard her whimper,
"Please stay."
Hearing her pain-filled voice, Galahad immediately stopped in his tracks, closing his eyes to keep his composure. As the young knight slowly turned to face her, Lourdes stood and walked slowly towards him, head hung low, hands wringing nervously in front of her. As she halted directly in front of him, Lourdes was finally able to incline her chin and meet his emerald orbs, her own brown ones now blurred with tears. "Galahad, I am sorry. I am sorry for everything." As Galahad gingerly rubbed the sides of her arms in comfort, she choked out, "I did not mean to hurt you. Not only this," Lourdes lightly traced his injured cheek, then retrieved her hand, "but for all the pain that I have caused you, for making you go through so many things, for making you sacrifice so much." Hanging her head once more with a sob, she finished, "I do not deserve it. None of it."
Galahad felt his emotions quickly rise at this, pulling her to him closely in a tender embrace. "Listen to me, Lourdes." He lovingly stroked her hair as he rested his chin upon her head. "I have been the burden. I thought that I was being selfless, but all that I have been doing was being selfish. I love you, and I wanted desperately to prove it to you and show it to you, but I did not think of all the pain that I have caused you, all the pain that I continue to cause you. I regret ever hurting you, for pressuring you, for putting you through so many things that you did not deserve to go through." He pulled her back, meeting her eyes with a steady gaze. With a faltering voice, he proclaimed, "If it is your wish, I will leave. Tell me how to make you happy, and with all of my power, I shall do it."
"No." Lourdes whispered, cupping the knight's face in her hands as she repeatedly shook her head. "I do not want you to leave. I..."
Galahad searched her face, asking softly, "What do you want me to do?"
"Kiss me."
Stepping back, Galahad eyed her in bewilderment. He stuttered, "Lourdes, I..."
"Please, Galahad." Her tear-filled eyes bore into his once more as she stepped even closer to him. Lourdes knew that this had to be done -- not only because she wanted to know if the fervent love that she felt for this young knight was real, but she also needed to know if that love did outmatch the love that she felt for Lancelot -- and if the love that she felt for Lancelot was truly real. Lancelot's words had finally made sense to her, and, finding little hope and comfort in other solutions, she finally decided to take Lancelot's.
When Galahad made no move to lean in closer to her, Lourdes tilted her head upwards, brushing the young knight's lips tenderly. Galahad stiffened at this, and it was evident to the both of them that his self-control was dangerously wavering, being unraveled by the second by Lourdes' touch. Running her hand upwards and resting them on his hard chest, Lourdes kissed the knight more deeply, her tongue tracing his lips, then begging for entrance inside his mouth. How could he resist her when she freely gave herself to him? Finally yielding to her assault, Galahad kissed her in return, her sweet taste once more igniting a flame within him and heightening the desire that he was feeling for her. Dropping his hands to her hips, he slowly pulled her closer, the length of their bodies now touching.
Lourdes could not think. The thoughts in her head whirled turbulently, her senses recklessly colliding. She felt Galahad turn her around, then ease her back one step and then another. She came up against the cold, stone wall without any warning. Galahad captured her wrists in his hands and pinned them behind her head. Holding her there, he freed her mouth to trace a scorching series of kisses down her lips, chin, then throat. Lourdes sucked in her breath as his hands roamed feverishly all over her body, simultaneously burning her skin and giving her much pleasure. Their eyes were aglow, brilliantly flashing, illuminating the passion that they were both feeling. Galahad pressed himself even closer to her, making her whimper with pleasure. His searing kisses almost melted Lourdes, and Galahad groaned, unbelieving that he was finally able to taste her, touch her, once more. How he had longed for this moment for months: to hold her in his arms, to have her returning the same passion with equal measure. He felt so complete with her in his arms, so enamored by her very being.
Lourdes trailed her lips on the side of his left cheek, then kissed the wound that she had given him gently. He was so tender, loving and gentle as he held her, his fingers burying themselves in her hair, becoming lost in those long, raven tendrils. Lourdes smiled at this gesture of affection and continued to roam her hands upon his body, her lips hungrily tracing his jawline, then nipping at the side of his neck. She faintly remembered his taste, his scent, the feel of his hard body beneath her fingers. It brought her so much pleasure that it momentarily erased the pain that she was feeling.
Breaking away from him, Lourdes looked upon him with glazed eyes, her brown orbs consumed with passion. Pulling him steadily, they paced towards her bed, eyes locked, transfixed to one another. When Lourdes sat upon the bed, she drew Galahad closer to her, enclosing the space between them once more. Wrapping her legs around his, she tilted her head back as Galahad leaned over to capture her lips in his once more, enrapturing her in a searing kiss. With his hands rested on the sides of her thighs, she slowly lied down on the bed, pulling him down by his tunic. Itching to feel his warm body, she gripped at the ends of his tunic, feverishly tugging it off. When Lourdes helped Galahad take off his tunic, she couldn't help but stare at his toned body for a few moments, wondering at the strength of his chest and at the pleasing bumps of his hard abdomen. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, his callused hands felt the length of her legs, then resting on her outer thighs once more. As Galahad mounted her, he teasingly brushed his hands upon her chest in an excruciatingly slow manner, making her bite her lip and whimper. Desperately wanting to return the gesture, Lourdes felt his chest once more, then, as she pulled him even closer, she raked her fingernails down his back, causing him to give out a low groan. Sitting up, she bit his lip teasingly, causing him to moan into her mouth as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Burying his lips into her chest, he breathed out in a low tone,
"I want to lie with you."
Lourdes felt a shiver run up her spine at the hoarseness, the huskiness of his voice. She inhaled sharply as he cupped her bottom, bringing her upon him so that her legs were now straddling him. She trembled as his lips placed a trail of kisses upon her neck and chest, making her breaths laboured as she felt desire running rampant within her. Yes, she wanted to lie with Galahad, but something seemed to be holding her back. Somehow, it did not feel right. Frankly, Lourdes felt as though she would betray Lancelot, even though it was clearly understood that they were no longer together. She was determined to find a solution to this 'issue', her mind fixed on relentlessly solving her problem. Though, she found that this problem was indeed stubborn, unbending, unrelenting, and that no matter how hard she tried, it was always there, following her like a shadow.
She was interrupted from her thoughts as Galahad suddenly pulled away from her. As she eyed him with a quizzical expression, he cupped her face in his hands, kissing her briefly before he said, "But not like this. I do not want to take you when we are under such circumstances." When she opened her eyes to gaze into his emerald orbs once more, he whispered,
"Marry me."
t t t
A/N: I'm so mean leaving this story here, huh? I'M SORRY! I seriously didn't plan that! lol Well, once again, so long! Feel free to message me anytime for any reason! I would love to correspond with all of you about my work, your work, about how KA is awesome, or just anything in general! I'm interested to know how you guys think this story will end! lol Don't forget to check out my other work, especially my newest piece, "Beneath the Surface" -hugs once more- THANK YOU FOR READING! BYE!