"Interesting Is One Way To Put It, That's For Sure." Lily Snickered, Shaking Her Head In Amusement. "Loud

Lily immediately flushed at his question, even the tips of her ears turning pink as she shook her head. "I should be okay to at least get to my apartment." She reassured, almost feeling bad that he even had to offer.

"I do appreciate the offer though. You spoil me." She teased, not wanting to even risk him thinking she doesn't trust him or anything. She just doesn't want to inconvenience him after he's undoubtedly had a busy day!

Plus she's pretty sure she'd combust if he picked her up, at this point, no matter how tempting it is for her to agree.

❛ you shouldn’t be out here by yourself. ❜ 

Send me a prompt!

~

Normally, Lily tries to be fully aware of her surroundings. Working as a Hunter means she shouldn't let her guard down, especially when by herself. Who knows what threats are just waiting for a chance to strike, after all?

Though normally, Lily doesn't have to resort to late night walks to try and clear her mind so that she can sleep.

Suddenly hearing a voice nearby startles her out of her own thoughts, immediately setting her on alert. Her head whipped around towards the source, her posture tense and ready for a fight. Once she finally recognized Xavier, she let out a slow breath that ended in a sheepish laugh.

"Xavier!" She half-greeted, half-scolded.

Once she finally processed his warning, she offered what she hoped came across as a reassuring smile. "I know, I know. But I'm a big girl, I can handle going for a little starlit walk before bed." She teased, running her fingers through her hair in an attempt to calm herself down further so her heart wasn't pounding so hard in her chest.

"What about you? You're out rather late too."

EPIC: THE ITHACA SAGA STARTERS.

the challenge

"i'm supposed to choose a suitor to wear the crown."

"cause i would rather lie than allow them to think they've won."

"though i never thought i'd resort to this."

"but i don't know how much longer i'll last."

"just know i'll be here buying you time."

"cause i would rather die than grow old without the best of you."

"i would not have it any other way." "

hold them down

"where is he?"

"screw this competition, we've been here for hours"

"can't you guys see we're being played?"

"this is how they hold us down while we slowly age."

"where in the hell is our pride and our rage?"

"here and now there's a chance for action"

"here and now burn it down to ashes."

"only the ocean and i will know."

"i will not let any part go to waste."

odysseus

"i've suffered every punishment and pain."

"i have had enough."

"he's using the darkness to hide his approaches."

"our only chance is to strike him in the darkness."

"you don't think i know my own palace? i built it."

"you've destroyed the serpents head."

"let's have open arms instead." "let's make the bastard rot."

"we don't fight fair."

"there's a chance for us to win."

"mercy? mercy? my mercy has long since drowned."

"it died to bring me home."

"you've filled my heart with hate."

i can't help but wonder

"all my life i'd have died to meet you."

"thought about your name so much it hurts."

"and now you're here, i can't find the words."

"all this time i've wondered if you'd embrace me as your own."

"for so long, i've felt alone."

"oh my child, look how much you've grown."

"oh my child, the sweetest joy i've ever known."

"used to say i'd make the storm clouds cry for you."

"used to say i'd capture wind and sky for you."

"held you in my arms, prepared to die for you."

"i can only wonder what your world has been."

"things you've had to suffer, and the strength you hold within."

"all i've ever wanted was to reunite with my own."

"you were never one for hello's."

"i can't help but wonder what this world would be if we all held each other with a bit more empathy."

"i can't help but feel like i've led you astray."

"what if there's a world where we don't have to live this way?"

"if that world exists it's far away from here, it's one i'll have to miss."

would you fall in love with me again?

"is it you? have my prayers been answered?"

"is it really you standing there?"

"you look different."

"your eyes look tired."

"your frame looks lighter."

"your smile is torn."

"is it really you, my love?"

"i am not the person you fell in love with."

"i am not the person you once adored."

"i am not your kind and gentle partner."

"and i am not the love you knew before."

"would you fall in love with me again if you knew all i've done?"

"the things i cannot change, would you love me all the same?"

"i know that you've been waiting for love."

"what kind of things did you do?"

"hurt more lives than i can count in my hands."

"all of it was to bring me back to you."

"do you realize what you have asked me?"

"only my love knew that, so i guess that makes them you!"

"i will fall in love with you, over and over again."

"i don't care how, where or when."

"no matter how long it's been you're mine."

"don't tell me you're not the same person."

"i love you."

“I can if you want,” she answered easily, “Or you can always come over while I work on something too.” She’d just need to start a new project to keep the scarf a surprise, but that wouldn’t be too hard.

Accepting the spoon she took to carefully mixing the ingredients together, not wanting to go flinging their batter everywhere.

Xavier’s confusion honestly explained... a lot to her. “Ohhhh dear.” She mumbled with a small laugh, shaking her head. “You don’t change the temperature after you pre-heat it. You preheat the oven so that it stays at a consistent temperature when baking so that the time doesn’t end up varying based on weather or climate or anything.” She explained, trying so hard not to upset him with her amusement. But also... hun. “That explains why everything keeps exploding, though...”

[Phone call, Xavier's voice sounds urgent] "I'm in great danger I need you to come downstairs right now. Please! You're the only one that can help. In fact, the entire complex may be in danger if you don't help me stop this right now."

As soon as she registered the urgency and he mentioned 'upstairs', Lily was rushing out of her apartment, only sparing enough time to grab her guns as a precaution.

"I'm on my way!" She reassured as she hurried upthe flight of stairs between them. Her thoughts were already racing a mile a minute, wondering what could possibly be causing Xavier of all people to struggle and call for help, especially without causing much of a ruckus.

By the time she reached his door her heart was pounding and she was braced for a fight.

Watching him put the icing on the cookie, she let out a small laugh. It may be messy, but it worked!

"Wonderful job, Xav," she praised playfully, flushing when he offered her the cookie.

She didn't resist it in the slightest though, holding her hand under his just in case of crumbs before she leaned forward just enough to take a bite. Letting out a happy hum, she melted slightly in contentment at the sweetness.

"These came out perfect!"

[Phone call, Xavier's voice sounds urgent] "I'm in great danger I need you to come downstairs right now. Please! You're the only one that can help. In fact, the entire complex may be in danger if you don't help me stop this right now."

As soon as she registered the urgency and he mentioned 'upstairs', Lily was rushing out of her apartment, only sparing enough time to grab her guns as a precaution.

"I'm on my way!" She reassured as she hurried upthe flight of stairs between them. Her thoughts were already racing a mile a minute, wondering what could possibly be causing Xavier of all people to struggle and call for help, especially without causing much of a ruckus.

By the time she reached his door her heart was pounding and she was braced for a fight.

"I have to try and be good about it," Lily admitted with a small sigh, absolutely pouting a little bit to herself, "I don't need to go making it harder on myself to function by not maintaining a sleep schedule... plus my body tends to refuse staying up late anyways if it can help it." She hummed, laughing a little. "I remember trying to pull all nighters when I was studying for the entrance exam for the Association... but I just never could, no matter how hard I tried."

She couldn't help but doubt his comment regarding how cozy places are, since she's caught him sleeping standing up a few times. But... he must be trying to dismiss it for a reason, so she wouldn't press too much more.

"Probably a familiar one? Maybeeee one of the racing games?" She suggested, tilting her head as she looked at him. She could definitely feel the heat too, but had the advantage of her ponytail keeping her hair off her neck so it wasn't quite as stifling for her... yet.

After spending the morning doing research on places in Linkon City that offer milk tea, Lily finally found a place that seemed like it would be a nice place to visit and had the coffee milk tea that Xavier mentioned. Plus it wasn't far from a few good places to eat so they'd have options based on what they were feeling up to without having to go all the way across town. Perfect.

Lily finally sent Xavier a text in the late morning.

'I found a place that has that coffee milk tea you mentioned! And it has really good reviews.'

After a moment of thought, she sent another text as well.

'And thank you for walking me home last night. I really appreciated it. It was nice, looking at the stars with you.'

If not for the sporadic texts, Xavier would still be asleep. Outside the birds that often bickered over his balcony were squawking at a volume loudly. The combination of factors is enough to stir him, just barely. He knows its her before having to unlock his phone.

↪[ Audio: I'm awake. I'm up. I'm coming. ]

↪[ It was nice. Let's do it again sometime ]

In a flash he rinses off, takes care of basic hygiene, and is donning a favored hoodie in spite of the weather.

By the time he gets downstairs, he's already rubbing his eyes again as he knocks on the door.

"I tend to be good at making sense." She teased playfully, looking up at him with a smirk.

His question makes her hum, expression softening. "I don't know... But I hope so."

As much as it hurt to not be certain, no matter how much she wanted to insist that they'd see each other again, she couldn't bear the thought of insisting so confidently and then not being able to follow through, whether it was by her choice or not. But she meant what she did get to say, genuinely hoping that they could see each other again. It looks like she has a lot of hugs to make up for!

"Try to take care of yourself until then, okay?" She requested, her tone gentle as she reached up to cup his cheek.

( from @lily-of-the-linkon )

Lily holds her arms out slightly towards Dawnbreaker, hoping to make it so he won't feel bad if he refuses her invitation.

"Would you like a hug?"

His eyes light up briefly at the prospect of physical comfort.

"...Yes, I would."

He steps towards her, enveloping her in a gentle embrace to avoid causing her any discomfort, despite his wishes. He leans his forehead on her shoulder, closing his eyes.

Sylus’s teasing earned a proper, if short, laugh from her as she offered a playful shrug in response. “I've learned it never hurts to be prepared,” she hummed. A simple response, not betraying how she considered the fact that the N109 zone is so much darker than Linkon, and his nocturnal habits mean he doesn't spend much time out in natural light, so she took to keeping a pair of sunglasses on her as a precaution when they hang out. 

Each time she felt his hand brush against hers, she felt her cheeks warm ever so slightly, wondering if he would take the initiative and hold her hand properly, or if he even realized what he was doing. 

His compliment both confirmed that he knew exactly what he was doing, and caused her face to flush properly as she looked up at him before looking away in embarrassment. Giggles still bubbled up as she lightly nudged him, her hand brushing against his this time. Two can play at this game. 

“You tease,” she fussed through giggles, not even the slightest hint of heat in her tone. 

How could she even pretend to be frustrated with him when she's dealing with how... soft he looks, surrounded by cherry blossoms. Like he's a normal guy, and not the leader of Onychinus. "I think I have the best view, yes," she hummed playfully before turning her gaze forward again, reaching out to catch some of the falling blossoms in her hand.

closed starter ofr: @lily-of-the-linkon

Sylus picked up his phone, swiping through the screen as he dialed Lily’s number, his thumb tapping rhythmically against the glass. He leaned back in his chair, watching the soft light of the afternoon filter through the blinds. As the phone rang, he let out a small sigh, a hint of impatience buried beneath the calm exterior.

When the call finally connected, he greeted her with a casual tone. “Hey, Lily, you busy? If not… would you want to come see me for the spring? The cherry blossoms are finally blooming, and I haven’t had the chance to see them with anyone yet.”

There was a slight pause as he adjusted his position, a faint smirk creeping across his lips.

"Thought it might be nice, you know... to have someone to appreciate them with."

He exhaled, gaze still fixed on the view outside of the dark N109 zone. "Never had the chance to see it with someone before." The words were quieter, almost absentminded, but laced with something unspoken

While his concern was appreciated, and extremely sweet, Lily shook her head reassuringly. "You didn't hurt or upset me, don't worry." She reassured "I'm not that tender headed."

She took a moment to debate if she should just go ahead and explain why she's flushed, knowing he's already going to ask if she's okay. Maybe she can throw him off enough to take the focus off of her for a moment?

"You just look really cute when you focus on something so mundane."

“I trust you” - @lily-of-the-linkon

"Huh? What are you up to?" He closes his eyes.

--

Ask meme

As frustrated as she gets sometimes with his inability to cook... The earlier panic was worth it for a moment like this. Where they get to relax and simply be. Simple little domesticity in the kitchen, the scent of baking cookies filling the apartment.

What more could she want?

Xavier's suggestion for karaoke prompted her to tilt her head some to look towards him, though it was impossible to see him properly like this. So instead she settled for leaning her head against his with a small giggle.

"We don't need to wait in between batches for karaoke," She reminded gently. "You can go ahead and pick a song if you want?"

[Phone call, Xavier's voice sounds urgent] "I'm in great danger I need you to come downstairs right now. Please! You're the only one that can help. In fact, the entire complex may be in danger if you don't help me stop this right now."

As soon as she registered the urgency and he mentioned 'upstairs', Lily was rushing out of her apartment, only sparing enough time to grab her guns as a precaution.

"I'm on my way!" She reassured as she hurried upthe flight of stairs between them. Her thoughts were already racing a mile a minute, wondering what could possibly be causing Xavier of all people to struggle and call for help, especially without causing much of a ruckus.

By the time she reached his door her heart was pounding and she was braced for a fight.

Lily took to quietly humming when he stayed quiet, wanting to fill the silence in hopes he wouldn't feel quite so awkward about the embrace. She was half tempted to start swaying them a little as if they were dancing, but that might be a bit too much, especially with how exhausted he seemed. While she wouldn't blame him for falling asleep like this... She's not entirely sure she could support his weight properly or move him anywhere more comfortable.

When he finally stepped back, she stretched out her arms so they wouldn't get too sore. Her smile didn't falter though as she looked up at him, biting back giggles. It's kind of cute, seeing such a big strong guy get awkward over something as simple as a hug.

Perking up slightly at the offer of chocolate, she did accept a piece, but gave him a very gentle nudge as she unwrapped it. "You don't need to repay me or anything, honest." She reassured. "I enjoyed it too, and I'm just glad I could give you a moment to relax, as short of a moment as it was."

Her eyebrows furrowed for a moment, wishing there was more she could do to comfort and support him, but she couldn't think of a single thing... Hopefully that hug will help at least a little bit for now.

( from @lily-of-the-linkon )

Lily holds her arms out slightly towards Dawnbreaker, hoping to make it so he won't feel bad if he refuses her invitation.

"Would you like a hug?"

His eyes light up briefly at the prospect of physical comfort.

"...Yes, I would."

He steps towards her, enveloping her in a gentle embrace to avoid causing her any discomfort, despite his wishes. He leans his forehead on her shoulder, closing his eyes.