[attr="class","icon"]

his busy is entirely self-inflicted whether he realizes it or not. he spends hours at work, burying himself with meetings and paperwork, and when he's not at the office, he's out and about, exploring or doing anything in an attempt to reclaim the high he once felt going on missions.[break][break]

but things have changed for him. no longer can he be the hotshot ranger that gets shit done on his own. time has made him vulnerable. fragile, almost.[break][break]

hopefully, his mind can stay tuned into what this night is meant to be: a relaxing and romantic time with his girlfriend.[break][break]

his smile comes only after he tells himself to.[break][break]

"no, no! not at all. it's so good to see you, will."[break][break]

and as usual, he greets her the same way he always does: with a peck on her cheek.[break][break]

"i don't think i've ever been to the hot springs here. i'm excited."

[attr="class","bottom"]willow atkins[break]

that peck on her cheek still makes her melt. it's nice, having consistently. being able to expect things. she feels almost spoiled, having something like that, and offers him her same smile she always does in return. green eyes are bright and cheery, if not a little daunted by the hot spring hotel behind him.

"i definitely haven't," she says with a laugh and slips her arm through his. 

"it'll be cute. usually you show me new places. now we can do this for the first time together." she grabs her small pack from lou's saddle and then withdraws the mudsdale into his ball. 

"c'mon. let's get checked in!"

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

[attr="class","icon"]

she's right! this is the first time they'll be doing something new together. usually it's him showing her something near lilycove or her showing him fallarbor. this is nice, he tells himself.[break][break]

"let's."[break][break]

it does not take them long to get checked in. he had made sure to book them one of the best rooms. pricey, but nothing he can't afford.[break][break]

it even connects out to a private hot springs all for them.[break][break]

robes and everything they will need have already been set up for them along with a note on the bed wishing them a very warm stay.[break][break]

"so? what'd you think? it's nice, huh?"

[attr="class","bottom"]willow atkins[break]

luxury is not her thing. soft towels that haven't seen years of use (against dirt and grime and grass stains), fresh fruit and fancy snacks assorted in a crystal vase, sheets with a thread count higher than whatever her jersey sheets have - this is unknown. this is foreign. this is exciting and romantic and it makes her feel out of place, sheepish.

"yeah!" she says, albeit feels she may have overcompensated her enthusiasm. she tucks a lock of hair behind her ear rather nervously and leaves him to walk over to the glass doors. 

the fresh water gurgles pleasantly, simmering in the chilly evening air of lavaridge's spring. 

"ohhh, let's have dinner out here. there's a cute little bistro table too. we'll be under the stars."

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

[attr="class","icon"]

"yes, let's! we can order room service or quickly run out to grab takeaway."[break][break]

in all honesty, he'd prefer ordering room service to save them the trouble of having to run out, but he suspects she may want to take a stroll around town.[break][break]

he joins her by the window, arms falling around her to pull her into him. his gaze falls upon the warm waters.[break][break]

"wanna take a dip now?"

[attr="class","bottom"]willow atkins[break]

by the sound of it, he wants to stay indoors. she doesn't mind. after all, the place is meant for relaxation. everything they could possibly need is here. she'd much rather not stress about where they're going or what they're doing. no decisions for herself.

she startles slightly when he comes around her, but it's brief and nigh unnoticeable, as she melts back against him quickly. she tucks her cheek against his collarbone and looks down at the arms around her. 

"i mean, if youuu want to," she says as she reaches back to tug at his shirt. 

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

[attr="class","icon"]

even if she had been a little more obvious about it, he might not have noticed. his mind is elsewhere at the moment, focused on simpler things.[break][break]

"i do."[break][break]

the tug on his shirt is inviting enough for him to remove it entirely. he tosses it behind him, not caring where it lands. he tugs on hers next.

[attr="class","bottom"]willow atkins[break]

he seems distant, but she doesn't mind. they're here to relax after all, right? and besides, he'd given her the go-ahead, so she hungrily draws up the hem of her shirt and tugs it off. 

her hands wander over his stomach, around his sides, stroking gently at the small of his back. then her thumbs dip under the waistband of his pants. 

"mm, you can't swim in jeans though. better take those off too."

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

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"yes, ma'am."[break][break]

the jeans come off, falling to the floor along with hers eventually. taking her hand in his, he slides open the glass door and leads them out to the water.[break][break]

all the privacy of the hotel brings with it peace, serenity, and warmth. he smiles at the sight of it, at how she's here with him, and slowly dips his foot in the water only to pull it back.[break][break]

"shit, okay that's hotter than i thought."

[attr="class","bottom"]willow atkins[break]

there is a shameless admiration on her face for his physique as she follows him outside. when they do see each other, they have a nice routine together. this is a break from that norm, yes, but she has a feeling the night will be much the same as the others - exploring each other's bodies, talking about flowers and his work and her work, and about the future. 

he still hasn't brought up the whole moving in together thing again. she's grateful for it. why mess this up when it's so easy?

"don't be a baby," she chides and dips in herself. it's not that bad. and after a bit of getting used to it, she's able to slip completely in the water, all the way up to her neck. 

"oh, lance, please - this is wonderful."

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

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a feigned look of confusion washes over him as he watches her step in without a problem.[break][break]

"how are you doing that so easily?"[break][break]

is he a baby for real?[break][break]

steeling himself, he follows in after her, muttering profanities until he finally submerges as well.[break][break]

"this is..."[break][break]

what's the word for fucking hot?[break][break]

"nice! i think."

[attr="class","bottom"]willow atkins[break]

maybe she just has a higher tolerance for heat? the greenhouse can get pretty stuffy and sweltering at peak summertime. that or the fact that she's always just had tough skin. 

either way, the hot spring feels kind of magical. all her aching muscles relax. she half-closes her eyes and sighs, allowing herself to drift while lance works up the courage to slide in. his profanities dim the ambiance somewhat, but in a funny way. 

"if you can't handle it," she says with a grin, "i won't judge you."

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

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"oh that's a lie and you know it."[break][break]

chuckles escape him, mingling with the ambiance well enough as he settles into the water. slowly, but surely.[break][break]

"i won't ever hear the end of it."[break][break]

but when the prickling sensation lessens enough, he drifts closer to her.[break][break]

"do you feel...relaxed?"

[attr="class","bottom"]willow atkins[break]