Lily At Least Tried To Help With Carrying The Boxes So That They Could Head Home, Not The Slightest Bit

His answer prompts her to tilt her head as she looked up to him. "We don't have to if you think it would taste bad, of course." She reminded gently. "Just because we want to try something new doesn't mean we have to completely forgo all preferences, after all."

His suggestion to eat outside earned an eager nod in response. "I think eating outside is a great idea! We could eat at the park, maybe?" She hummed, trying to think of any other places that might be a good place to eat and people-watch.

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.

It didn't take long for Lily to agree to the suggestion, alternating between looking up at the sky and focusing on their way forward so they don't run into anything and hopefully avoid getting surprised by anything again.

When she sees the 'shooting star', she perks up and pats at his arm gently to get his attention. "I just saw one!" She cheered quietly.

It almost looks like she'd forgotten about their deal with how quiet she was up until she finally spoke, still staring up at the sky. "What's your favorite color? It's a basic question, but I'm still curious."

❛ 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."

Lily didn't even try to hide her laughter, even taking a moment to lean against him to keep her balance. Tiny affections!

"That explains why he doesn't mind raiding my fridge then." She snickered, shaking her head. "He's gotten so much practice getting into yours, he's well past the shame. Though, it's better he raids our fridges than tries to cook himself..." She hummed, absolutely remembering the time she rushed up to Xavier's apartment after hearing an explosion, thinking a Wanderer was attacking or something.

He lost oven privileges that day.

"Hundreds, sure." She echoed just as playfully, rolling her eyes as she stood up more properly. "That's more likely to be Tara, I wouldn't be able to keep up with so many people. I'm happy with having a few close friends who are willing to put up with me."

( Jump - sender jumps on receivers back - @lily-of-the-linkon )

Lily grinned when seeing Jeremiah wasn't paying attention to her, a mischievous little plan forming in her head.

Putting her training to the test, she carefully approached him from behind. She kept her movements as silent as possible, slowly lifting her arms to brace herself for step two.

When she was finally within reach of the (unsuspecting?) man, she lunged to jump on his back. While she was careful not to knock him over if she could help it, she was still dramatic.

Almost immediately after 'impact', she couldn't help but break into giggles, shifting to at least attempt to look at his face. "Hi Jer~" she greeted with playfully exaggerated casualness.

"What the- ah!"

The sudden surprise and sensation of warmth pressed against his back shocked him enough to let out a yelp in surprise, but the familiarity of the voice immediately calmed his instincts.

He adjusts his grip to ensure her safety but doesn't put her down.

"Stars, Lilyyyy! Where did you come from!? How did you manage to be so quiet!?"

Catching his expectant look, she laughed softly and checked the timer herself. "Just a couple more minutes then we can check them." She reassured, finishing her tidying up as she started to sway to the music he chose.

Giving an affirmative nod to his question, she couldn't help but playfully do a semi-dance while still working on prepping for the next batch so she can toss that in once the first batch was done. She took to half-humming, half-singing along to the music.

Though she did take a short break to gently take his hand to 'dance' with him, grinning up at him playfully as she still hummed along.

[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 hummed her agreement, since she knows full well that caffeine is only good in moderation. She made that mistake once, and that one time was plenty enough warning.

She hummed happily as she headed out with him, thanking him for holding the door for her. The teasing made her cheeks flush pink as she lightly nudged him with her elbow, giving him a playful pout.

"It wasn't that late!" She insisted though there was of course no heat to her fussing. "But you're right that I really shouldn't make it a habit. If that keeps up, it'd be my luck I'd fall asleep just outside the building or something." She snickered, opening the door to the building and holding it for him this time.

"Well, first things first I figure we go to the tea place, then figure out what food we're in the mood for. Then from there, see what we have the energy for?"

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.

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

"I'm honestly trying to be flexible with weaponry, but I'm most comfortable with a gun. I prefer keeping a distance where I can." Lily answered honestly "Though I've been practicing with the sword lately. It is a lot more active, and exhausting." She laughed sheepishly, shaking her head. "Talk about a workout..."

She looked at the jacket curiously and felt it curiously, humming happily "Ooo it feels nice!" She beamed, checking the size before taking off her white jacket to try on the blue one. "I think this is actually a really good fit. Good choice!" She praised, turning her attention back to Kaia.

"Oh, wait! Before you leave, what color do you think the jacket should b—" Not looking away from the clothing rack in front of her, she grabs the sleeve of the person nearest to her without thinking, and realizes a little too late that it felt... Different. She turns, blinking; the person she'd been talking to had left, and beside her instead was...

"Wait, you're—! Lily?! You're Lily, right?! Oh, my god, I am so sorry, I totally thought you were someone else! Gosh, and this is the first time I'm actually talking to you, too..."

—&&. @kaiakaya 🤍

Lily was more than a little startled to suddenly feel her sleeve grabbed while she was looking for a new jacket to replace her favorite one that has... been through it. It's getting a few small holes in it but she's already mended it so many times it's time to retire it.

She blinked in surprise at Kaia for a moment before she started laughing, keeping it relatively quiet for the moment so they don't draw too much attention.

"Yes, I'm Lily. You're Kaia, right?" She asked, hoping she doesn't make a fool of herself.

At Kaia's concerns about how this is the first time they're speaking, she shook her head with a smile and waved a hand dismissively. "It's alright, don't worry!" She reassured easily "Do you need help finding the person you're here with?" She offered, tilting her head slightly.

🩵Ocean Water Space🩵

Happy New Years! <3

Wishing everyone a happy new year, and all of the best!

May the world be kinder, and your heart fuller!