[For Emily, Arthur] Operation: Homecoming

[lysistrategic]

The sun's setting over the ocean by the time Joan and Arthur emerge from the bedroom. The drink they had before they adjourned had long since been metabolized or sweated out, and the frost-covered walls of Joan's self-defenses have melted and fallen completely. He's back in his slacks and shirt, because they haven't been to the Compound yet, and she's wearing one of her lighter weight dresses in place of the negligee and silk robe she'd wear at home, but she's still draped over his lap, arm around his shoulders. Both of them have fresh drinks in their hands and they're talking, finally, about the island and Joan's life here.

She smiles, breathing deeply, and brushes his bangs off his forehead. It feels like the first full breath she's taken since she got here. "Emily should be home soon," she says, but Joan's not interested in moving off his lap. "Try not to scandalize her too much?" There hasn't been time to tell him very much of anything, but that's all right. It will do well to break the ice.

Comments

[lysistrategic]

"Don't be silly, Emily." Joan waves off the concern immediately while giving a fond but amused headshake to Arthur's stubbornness; he would see. Also, she and Arthur are hardly newlyweds to need to christen every available surface at all hours without thought for a housemate. "You're welcome to stay."

Her lips purse lightly, as she'd thought of it earlier but had forgotten in the rush of passion. "I'd consider that we might look into the newer places over in Green Arrow Estates. I believe people usually have to share anyway, but there's a good deal more convenience there. And if not, we can simply put in a request to the building crew for a rather larger home here on the beach, big enough for the three of us--" And Matt, when he arrives, because Joan wishes for that as often as she did for Arthur. "If it's uncomfortable for you, I won't stop you, but Arthur and I will be pleased for the company."

She gave Arthur one of those wifely looks that said yes they would be pleased and he very well better agree with her.

[carriesabigstick]

Arthur got the silent signal but it was wasted on him as he naturally agreed with Joan and his flash of a dimple in his smile revealed that fact. "We won't take no for an answer. You might have noticed that when Joan sets her mind on something it's usually accomplished. It's a trait we share. As she said if my being here is awkward for you, we certainly understand."

He'd chosen his words carefully with an attempt to sway her into acceptance out of politeness for making him not feel like he was pushing her out of her home.

[ladyanomaly]

Emily looked from one smiling American to the next and while she didn't doubt their sincerity, neither was she fooled into thinking she was being anything other than very neatly handled. There was no profit in arguing however, so she lifted her hand, palms up, in a gesture of surrender.

"In my travels, I've lived far closer to people I knew less well and in a great deal less comfort. I'll stay for now and consider my options. Thank you, both." Emily folded her hands again. "Give me a moment to change for dinner, please?"

[lysistrategic]

"Good, then it's settled--" Joan replies, the for now notably absent, and Arthur certainly knows her well enough to know she means it is settled unless new issues arise and Emily has had ample time to become acquainted with Joan's decisiveness. Actually, Joan often wonders that they don't argue more than they do. Emily's every bit as stubborn as she and Arthur both are. Maybe she finds no need to argue with something that makes simple sense.

Whatever the reason, Joan nods at Emily while lifting her glass for another sip of her drink. "Take as much time as you need. We'll wait."

[carriesabigstick]

Arthur silently amused by Joan's comment about settled and wondered how many times stubborn had met stubborn. Probably quite a lot.

"Of course, as Joan said, take all the time that you need."