“I Can If You Want,” She Answered Easily, “Or You Can Always Come Over While I Work On Something

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 went through the transaction easily, laughing quietly at the peace sign as she followed her out of the store, but staying close to the wall while they figure out where they wat to go. "I think there's a few new places, from within the past few months?" She hummed thoughtfully as she looked around.

She shifted her bag to settle it on her wrist, crossing her arms as she considered. "Hmm... I had a pretty light breakfast so maybe something a bit heartier..." She mused, cupping her chin as she considered their options and what was nearby.

The question regarding souvenirs earned a small laugh. "I suppose that that depends on the person. Some people are satisfied with food as a souvenir, but some prefer to have something more long-lasting, like a trinket of some sort."

"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.

Lily shook her head affectionately, running her hand over her ponytail. "He's something, alright." She agreed playfully.

She nodded to his offer, standing a little straighter. "Of course! I'll try not to distract you too much." She teased playfully, stretching out carefully. "Though speaking of, I should probably get out of your hair. Once I'm home I'll let you know when I'm supposed to be free so we can try to coordinate a day to come over."

( 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!?"

🪦 EPIC: The Musical: Act One: The Underworld Saga sentence starters. Going by the exact lyrics for the most part unless I'm making it less lyric and more dialogue. Definitely change things to fit your muse's situation<3

The Underworld

"No matter what we hear: full speed ahead"

"Full speed ahead until we find the prophet."

"This land confuses your mind"

"All I hear are screams every time I dare to close my eyes"

"I no longer dream, only nightmares of those who've died"

"Nothing's what it seems"

"The past seems close behind"

"Five-hundred fifty-eight men who died under your command"

"Why would you let the cyclops live when ruthlessness is mercy?"

"I keep thinking of the infant from that night"

"That voice, it can't be!"

"When you come home I'll be waiting"

"Even if you're the last thing I see, I'll be waiting"

"I'm right here, mom. Can't you see?"

"I took too long, and ventured too far."

"I'll always love you, I'll stay in your heart"

"Your past is always close behind down in the Underworld"

No Longer You

"I am the prophet with the answers you seek"

"I see past and future running free"

"There is a world where I help you get home, but that's not a world I know"

"I see the sacrifice of man"

"I see portrayals of betrayal and a brother's final stand"

"I see you on the brink of death. I see you draw your final breath"

"I see a man who gets to make it home alive, but it's no longer you"

"This can't be!"

"We've suffered and sailed through the toughest of hells, now you tell us our effort's for nothing?"

"I see your palace covered in red."

"I see your wife with a man who is haunting, a man with a trail of bodies..."

Monster

"How has everything been turned against us?"

"How did suffering become so endless?"

"Do I need to change?"

"I'm surrounded by the souls of those I've lost."

"I'm the only one whose line I haven't crossed."

"What if the greatest threat we'll find across the sea... is me?"

"What if I'm the monster?"

"What if I'm in the wrong?"

"What if I'm the problem that's been hiding all along?"

"What if I'm the one who killed you every time I caved to guilt?"

"What if I've been far too kind to foes but a monster to ourselves?"

"If I became the monster and threw that guilt away, would that make us stronger?"

"And now no one dares to piss him off"

"Who would care if we're unjust?"

"Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves, and deep down I know this well."

"I lost my best friend. I lost my mentor, my mom."

"If we must sail through dangerous oceans and beaches, I'll go where Poseidon won't reach us"

"I'll become the monster. I will deal the blow"

"I'll become the monster like none they've ever known"

"So what if I'm the monster lurking deep below?"

"I must become the monster, and then we'll make it home"

Perhaps she was more in-tune with him than she thought, because as he stared almost longingly at the other cookies, she had only one guess what was on his mind. 

"Don't...." She warned gently, her shoulders relaxing when he seemed to decide against burning his mouth further. Shaking her head affectionately, she grabbed a mitt to playfully nudge the hot tray just a little further away from him. 

"Where would you be without me?" Lily echoed, the sincerity of the question catching her off guard. In hopes of keeping the mood light, she laughed a little and cupped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm, well, I suppose you wouldn't have burned your mouth in your excitement to try the cookies."

[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 had a feeling that she had indeed figured out his plan, giggling quietly to herself. She took a moment to lean into him, the best sign of affection she could offer at the moment without risking their drinks. 

She hummed thoughtfully at his suggestions, nodding along. "Bell peppers maybe? They'll add a nice refreshing aspect to it." She mused, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the security of having him so close. 

As much as she knows she doesn't understand Xavier, she can't deny the comfort and safety he brings. She tries to her best to pull her own weight, to be alert, but it still pales in comparison to his own skills. So while it's just the two of them on a day off... She's willing to let herself indulge in letting her guard down for the time being.

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.

Gold Minimalist Grey Labradorite Ring by Eastwaypearls

He's an idiot, but he's our idiot :P

I'm at least good about making sure I get my work done at a reasonable pace still! So then I get to go home and scroll on my phone in the comfort of my couch!

Lillllyyyyy. God, can you please tell Xavier to stop spamming me pics every time he wins you a plushie. I get it.

He's what?

Xavier- ugh. Sweet of him to be so excited, but I'm sorry he's dragging you into this >//~//<

I'll see if I can get him to stop spamming you so bad.

On the bright side... At least he wants to share his successes with you? Maybe? ^-^"

“Being a good person does not mean putting up with other people’s crap.”

— LifeAdvancer.com