Life Is Good, I Can't Complain (c)

[Specs]

Dreading the picnic, Ryan made his way to the stables. Lillian wasn't so bad, he thought, once you get past the bickering and ordering. He couldn't see himself attached to anyone for the rest of his life. At least, not yet and Lillian was definitely the last person he could think of. But, then again, she wasn't so bad at the pantry...

Ryan sighed, refusing to confuse himself anymore as he spotted Lillian not too far away. He waved at her, looking as if they were almost good friends.

[Tag Along]

Lillian had made sure to send her handmaiden out with the blanket and picnic basket ten minutes ago, so everything would be ready for them come 1 o'clock.

"Afternoon, Mr. Lane." Lillian greeted, bobbing down into a curtsy and smirking.

[Specs]

"Afternoon," said Ryan, bowing to her. He walked up next to her, offering his arm. "Civil today, are we?"

[Tag Along]

"Well, you haven't done anything to annoy me yet." She pointed out as she took his arm. She felt butterflies in her stomach once she touched him, but couldn't understand why for the life of her.

[Specs]

"Likewise," sighed Ryan. He couldn't help but feel on edge whenever he was around her. Now that they were 'engaged,' he realized how hesitant he was about teasing her. Maybe they can have a real conversation... then again, she does look beautiful today.

"So what have you prepared today? Or should I say your handsmaiden?"

[Tag Along]

"Neither. ...You should say the cook." Lillian smirked.

"I believe an assortment of sandwiches and fruits."

[Specs]

"Well, send my thanks to your wonderful cook," smiled Ryan, feeling surprisingly comfortable with her. "And thank you for preparing it for today."

He was amazed with himself. Where did this politeness come from? Where was the old Ryan?

[Tag Along]

Lillian was thinking almost the same thing. She shot him a confused look, one of her eyebrows raised.

"You're...welcome." She replied as they approached her handmaiden standing by the blanket. "Thank you, Heidi, you may have some free time now." Heidi bobbed a curtsy, trying not to smile too widely, and dashed away.

[Specs]

Ryan couldn't help but smirk as he watched the handsmaiden walk away. Continuing his gentleman streak for the day, he gently took Lillian's hand from his arm and helped her as she sat down on the blanket.

"Comfortable?" he asked, not wanting to let go for fear of having her fall over.

[Tag Along]

"Yes, quite. Thank you." Lillian couldn't help but want to laugh at this scene. This time yesterday, she and Ryan were arguing atop their horses. She had been extremely irritated with him. But today, they were actually being civil and polite to each other. On a picnic. This was too weird...

[Specs]

Once she was finally situated, Ryan let go of her hand and sat opposite from her. He sat awkwardly, not quite sure of what to say. Normally, he would've insulted or teased her but he couldn't think of anything. His mind went blank and he didn't know why.

[Tag Along]

"How did you sleep last night?"

Lillian immediately regretting asking this. Because he would certainly ask her the same question, and she'd have to try and keep from blushing as she thought about the dreams she'd had...

[Specs]

Ryan cringed inwardly. Not too well. "Perfect."

I couldn't sleep. "I slept like a baby. And you?"

[Tag Along]

Lillian cleared her throat.

"Same." She couldn't meet his eyes as she said this, however, and desperately hoped she wasn't giving herself away.

((Ohhhhh, hey there, Specs. Nice new picture! ))

[Specs]

((Yay! Yeah I found it when I was browsing LJ, so why not? ;D))

"Good," said Ryan, trying to think of what else he could possibly say. "How are your parents? They give you any more information on what happened?"