The Exaggerated Playfulness Had Lily's Giggles Turning Into Proper Laughter, Still Finding Herself Leaning

“I look forward to it.” She hummed happily, holding the door open for him as they finally entered the complex, relieved by how cool it was inside compared to being outside.  

She snorted at his reassurances regarding her likelihood of winning, leading the way to the elevator. “That’s fair, I suppose. What, do you think you’re at risk of falling asleep mid-race since you’re full and comfy?” She teased lightheartedly, some part of her hoping that he’s not that exhausted... But if he does manage to, she fully intends to let him get as much rest as possible.  

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.

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

[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.

"Hold still." Xavier leaned forward and placed a chicken nugget shaped hair clip in her hair. It's very realistic, but clearly plastic. He pulls back when it's secure, clearly proud and admiring his work, as well as how cute she looks. "Cute."

Lily obediently held still when instructed, humming in confusion and watching him out of the corner of her eye.

When he pulled away, she curiously reached up to run her fingers over the clip, starting to giggle when realizing what it was. "Of course you'd find something like this...," she mused before shooting him a playful smile.

"Is this your way of telling me you want to eat me up?"

Send my muses anonymous love-letters. Bonus: leave a hint of who the author is.

*Gives Lily a flower crown*

// Give Lily an item, and see how she reacts!

Lily lets out a happy gasp when accepting the flower crown, immediately putting it on. "This is so cute! Thank you so much!"

pearl stars

Very doting, for sure! It's sweet of him to be so determined, but if he's not careful then I really will run out of room for his gifts!

Not instead of working, no! Just on breaks and stuff.

...

Okay maybe sometimes instead of working on paperwork. Not my fault paperwork is boring! ;-;

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? ^-^"

Humming thoughtfully, she considered the suggestion. What would she do with the time off?

"I'm not sure? Probably depends on if anything else comes up... Maybe tackle some stuff around the apartment, or some training?" She doesn't want to go assuming he'd want to spend all of his time with her, after all. Surely he'd want to get some rest, or time to himself?

"Might track down my camera, do a little photography...?" She mused, more to herself. Her eyebrows furrowed, trying to remember when the last time she'd even used her camera was, and where she'd put it.

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 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.