#lnd lily

“Heiress from the Grand Duchy of Gwarentz. Born with a diamond spoon, your wealth rivals that of nations. What do you think?” 

Lily hummed, her eyebrows furrowing as she considered. “That seems a little… much.” She admitted, looking at the picture on the screen. 

Jeremiah didn’t seem phased by her critique and simply nodded, pulling up yet another profile. Lily watched as the image changed, the more vibrant colors of everyone’s outfits switching to black, more intimidating. 

“Heiress to a mysterious crime syndicate. Last name is- well, we should just use yours to keep your story straight.” He offered, looking at her again. “I’ll create a comprehensive profile and put it up on the dark web. I can make it convincing enough to the point where even professionals will have a hard time distinguishing fact from fiction.” 

Lily nodded approvingly, shifting her weight. “That should be more doable than heiress to a country. It avoids the high-scale political stuff I can’t really keep track of. Though I’ll admit it’s more… intimidating than I was expecting.” 

“It won’t work if it’s not intimidating enough.” Xavier explained, as though he were simply telling her the forecast for tomorrow’s weather. 

Jeremiah looked between the two before stepping closer to Lily. “Clothes maketh the man. I just need to find an outfit that matches your status-” 

His voice, and attempts to get her measurements, are cut off by Xavier spritzing him with the spray bottle that he’d been using on flowers just moments ago. 

Lily rolled her eyes and reached over, lightly smacking Xavier’s arm as a scolding. Fortunately for Jeremiah, she was able to give him her own measurements easily, since she had measured herself for her Hunter’s uniform not terribly long ago, so it should be a good enough reference. Satisfied with what information he had, he hurried out of the greenhouse to avoid Xavier’s spray bottle being turned on him again. 

Lily watched Xavier move about the greenhouse quietly, her arms crossed as she stayed out of the way. Normally Lily would find herself exhausted when she’d stayed up all night, and rarely was she awake so late she’d catch the sunrise. Yet now, as the sun begins to brighten the sky, she found herself still wide awake. Perhaps it was thanks to her racing thoughts, trying to figure out how Xavier and Jeremiah know how to do all of this, facing the gravity of what she’s preparing to do, and trying to mentally figure out her new role. 

Xavier caught her staring at him, tilting his head curiously. “What’s wrong?” 

“You and Jeremiah… there’s more to you two than you show.” She answered, not even phrasing it as a question. There’s no doubt in her mind that there’s something, she just doesn’t know what. 

Xavier seemed caught off guard for only a moment, shaking his head. “I’m just a normal Hunter.” 

Lily quirked a brow at his response, such a blatant lie. She hummed and stood straighter, slowly walking over to him. Might as well give her upcoming persona a little test run, since she has a sneaking suspicion that Xavier is a good baseline of the skill of the people she can expect to be dealing with soon. 

“Just a hunter?” She echoed, looking him in the eye. “Just a hunter doesn’t have connections at the ready to get people a complete fake identity. Just a hunter isn’t completely casual about manipulating the dark web. Just a hunter isn’t able to solo wanderers that would typically take at least two decently skilled hunters to take down.” She stopped approaching when they were just inches apart, her expression stern and unwavering. 

Xavier seemed to be startled by the sudden aggression, even momentarily concerned. Though he finally managed to catch the spark of amusement in her eye, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. Despite his relief, he still wasn’t able to answer her, simply offering a small nod and looking away from her eyes. He’s lied to her enough as is, to do it when she’s so directly calling his bluff?

Lily hummed disapprovingly, reaching up to grab his chin, still keeping her grip gentle. As much as she’s enjoying the practice, the last thing she wants is to actually be forceful with him. No matter what he’s hiding, she’s not going to just start manhandling him. “Look me in the eye.” She instructed, watching him closely. 

Xavier obeyed, looking her in the eye. Instead of answering her question, he opted for changing the topic. “You’re better at this than I was expecting…” 

Lily snorted, gently rubbing his chin with her thumb as an apology before releasing him. “A skill I tend to avoid flaunting. I’m surprised you never realized I could do it, though. I at least try to be serious when we’re on missions.” She commented, her tone much lighter now as she put her hands on her hips. 

“You are… but it’s strange having it directed at me.” He admitted, his expression shifting slightly. Despite how closely he watches her, somehow this slipped right past him… Was she pretending when she was with him? Or is it an act when she’s confident on the battlefield? Which one was worse?

“Did you expect me to be comfortable with diving headfirst into the centerpiece of all things illegal without being able to at least play pretend?” Lily asked, pouting as she looked up at him. Honestly, she was rather reassured by his surprise. Hopefully the attitude will be more fitting once she tries on what Jeremiah puts together for her, but it’s a relief that she’s good about coming across as honest and kind on a regular basis. 

“No…” Xavier answered, trailing off as he tried to think of how best to explain his racing thoughts. The doubt and uncertainty, and the realization that… perhaps this is what she thinks of him, as well? She’s right that he hides so much from her, but he didn’t realize how big of a distance even such a small act can cause. 

He was snapped out of his thoughts when feeling a gentle hand on his cheek, Lily urging him to look at her again. She looked concerned, and oh how he hated it. 

“Xav…?” She asked softly, rubbing his cheek with her thumb. He started to reach up, hesitating for a moment before taking her hand in his and giving it a small squeeze. 

Hoping to lighten the mood, she offered him a small smile. “What, was my acting just that good? I didn’t mean to scare you.” She teased lightly. 

Xavier couldn’t find it in him to laugh, his eyebrows furrowing instead. “You… are a very good actor.” 

Lily faltered before letting out a small sigh. “I have to be.” She spoke quietly, taking a slow breath to keep her voice steady. “As a Hunter, I have to be confident. If I doubt myself, I’ll seem untrustworthy, unreliable. If I look scared, the people I’m trying to help won’t feel safe.” She explained, shutting her eyes. “Even with friends, I don’t want them to worry about me, so I have to act okay. Even if I’m tired, or don’t feel great, or if I’m hurting.” 

Xavier listened quietly, guilt hitting him like a bowling ball in the stomach. How didn’t he notice? Did she do the same thing? How could he be so blind? 

Lily took a slow breath to recompose herself before letting out a small laugh and offering him a smile, standing up straighter again. “But it’s okay, honest.” She reassured. “It’s serving me well for this mission, after all!” 

Well, more than just a few scratches. Cuts, gashes, and some forming bruises. Still far less than she gave, but worse than she would’ve liked to receive.  

“So stupid...” She grumbled under her breath, trying to carefully keep her arm still to balance some gauze over a cut while she prepared the medical tape to hold it down.  

“Come now,” A deep voice scolded from the doorway, startling Lily enough she jolted, the gauze falling off of her arm as she looked up to the source quickly, “don’t talk about yourself like that.”  

Sylus was leaning in the doorway with his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised as he took in her condition. Somewhat disheveled and sitting on the edge of a couch with a first aid kit open next to her, her jacket off to the side and a frustrated furrow to her brow.  

After a moment of debating whether she had the energy to play along with him right now or not, Lily finally let out a small sigh and turned her attention back to her injuries. “What do you want, Sylus?” 

Sylus offered a hum in response and no further clarification, walking closer to watch her struggle to balance the gauze once again.  

When he didn’t respond, she rolled her eyes and started to carefully try to position the tape, only for it to be taken out of her hand.  

“Hey, I need that!” She huffed, glaring up at him.  

He wasn’t the slightest bit phased by the harsh treatment, grabbing onto her arm carefully to start taping down the gauze himself. “Calm down. As entertaining as it is to watch you be independent, you don’t need to go struggling.”  

“I was not-” Lily tried to argue, only to falter when he quirked a brow doubtfully, not even looking up towards her. “Not that bad...” She continued, though it was mumbled and lacking the confidence she’d had at the start.  

Shaking his head, Sylus finished taping up the gauze and moved on to tending to a few other cuts he could see on her arm, humming. “Hopefully you gave at least as good as you got?” He asked, glancing up at her for a moment.  

The question earned him a scoff, Lily not even attempting to hide how completely and utterly offended she was at his doubt. “What kind of fool do you take me for?” She asked, not resisting his help anymore. 

Chuckling, Sylus hummed and shifted to examine a small scrape on her cheek, reaching up to feel it, but pausing so that she wouldn’t be too startled. “I just wanted to know if the twins would need to run an errand, that’s all,” he reassured. 

Lily didn’t even think about it as she tilted her head slightly into his touch, focusing more on her banter than how much she’s letting her guard down. “I don’t need them, or you, cleaning up after me. I’m a big girl, Sylus.” She reminded, her tone at least becoming more playful as their banter continued. 

The blatant contradiction between her words and behavior startled Sylus, if only for a split second. She had been so harsh and on edge not a minute ago, even now her words implied she still had her guard up with him, yet she’s trusting him to tend to her injuries, including ones she can’t even see. 

She really is a curious one. 

“You may not need us to, but you also don’t have to blaze your trail alone.” Sylus countered as he worked, his piercing gaze flickering to her own eyes for just a moment. He knows how much she wants independence, to prove herself. Honestly, he probably understands how desperately she wants it better than she herself does. “The ability to delegate is just as important as having the strength to handle matters on your own.” 

Silence settled over them as he worked, the rustling of medical supplies and the ticking of a clock somewhere in the room their only company. 

Normally, she’d have some sort of retort, teasing him for relying on the twins, or for putting himself at her command. But she didn’t. Not this time. 

Instead, she genuinely thought about it, while letting the Leader of Onychinus, one of the most insufferable men she’s worked with, patch her up. While she’d never claim to be a genius, nor would she say she’s exceptionally creative, and the furthest thing from the most powerful person she knows, she likes to think she’s done a decent job at making the most of the hand she was dealt. 

She’s always pushing her Evol, trying to learn more ways to apply it, to find its limits and surpass them. She trains hard to keep up, while minding her condition to avoid it getting any worse. She learns from everyone she works with, everything she sees. Observing and analyzing and adapting, learning to blend in and make a place for herself. 

Yet it was never enough. She’d surrounded herself with people who surpassed her in every department, comparing herself and getting frustrated when she fell short. 

As much as she’s loath to admit it… Sylus is right. She needs to take advantage of the connections she has, to let them help her. 

“As cute as your thinking face is, you shouldn’t stress about it right now.” 

Sylus’ voice startled her out of her thoughts, making her sit up straighter, meeting his gaze for just a moment before glancing around to try and get an idea of how long she’d zoned out for. 

The deep chuckles resonating throughout the room made her huff, sticking her tongue out at him childishly. “Oh shut up.” 

“Make me.” 

A classic response, but one she can work with. She quirked a brow before smirking, her head tilting ever so slightly. “Is that a request?”

Sylus is no fool, he knows a taunt when he sees one. But someone having the gall to taunt him? 

Color him intrigued. 

“Perhaps it is.” 

Lily hummed and shifted to lean towards him, slowly settling one hand on his thigh to support her weight. Her eyes were half lidded, and while she still wouldn’t look him in the eye, her attention was completely on him. 

Her other hand came up to cup his cheek, goosebumps prickling his skin at how cold her hand felt. 

What is she doing? 

He almost wanted to ask, but found himself too entranced by their proximity. He wanted to figure out whatever game she was playing, especially once she was barely even a breath away. 

The hand on his cheek slowly began to move lower, snapping him out of his reverie when it settled over his mouth to cover it, a mischievous look in her eye as she finally broke the tense silence between them. 

“I win~”

With a fluid motion she shoved his head, throwing off his balance so he fell onto his back on the couch while she stood up, quick to put distance between them before he could get a grip on her. 

He watched as she all but sauntered to the door to leave, a prideful pep to her step. 

Pushing himself up to be sitting on the couch more properly again, he noticed her pause in the doorway instead of leaving her victory there. 

“...Thank you, Sylus. For the help, and the advice.” 

With that, Lily finally left the room. When hearing her giggles echoing from the hallway, he shook his head with a small smile. 

Sylus crossed the room easily, pausing in front of her and placing a finger underneath her chin to tilt her head up to look at him. Her skepticism didn’t falter, only making his smirk widen. “Yes, I am speaking about you.” He confirmed, obediently backing off some when she uncrossed her arms long enough to nudge his arm away from her. He held his hands up slightly in surrender, though his confidence didn’t falter in the slightest. “You used yourself as bait to enter this lawless land, of your own volition, and you have adapted marvelously.” He praised, circling around her slowly, keeping her trapped against the window.  

Lily turned alongside him, rolling her eyes. “I just want information. Is that really so strange?”  

“Wanting information? Hardly.” He answered easily, casting a glance out the window before placing a hand against her shoulder blades to guide her deeper into the room. “Being willing to lie and manipulate your way into the N109 zone for your information? Less common, but clearly not unheard of.”  

Lily narrowed her eyes slightly but followed his guidance, sitting down in one of the plush chairs in the room, safely away from the window now. Perhaps there was an unwanted observer she hadn’t noticed yet…  

Sylus settled down across from her, his posture much more relaxed than hers. Clearly he’s enjoying this little ‘game’ of theirs. “Finding your way all the way to my side, adapting yourself to this hellscape without a moment’s hesitation? Blending in so well that the uninitiated would assume you belonged? Now that is a talent, darling~.”  

Lily hummed, finally offering a small smirk of her own. “You sought me out more than I sought you out.” She reminded, her tone taking on a more playful lilt, but still so unlike how she’d usually tease. This was more of a challenge, daring him to say she’s wrong. “But I can’t deny that adapting is a talent. A necessary one, but one I had fortunately already refined before my little ‘stunt’.”  

Sylus’s grin widened with dark amusement, his eyes half lidded as he watched her. Yes, perhaps he had sought her out more than she had chased him… but he had no intentions of letting her leave his side so soon. It’s almost amazing how patient she is, waiting for their next chance to strike at information like a coil, ready to spring into action.  

Or perhaps, more like a loaded gun.  

Ready and waiting, poised to shoot off in whichever direction he pointed her.  

Sylus snapped out of his thoughts when Lily leaned forward in her seat, her eyebrow quirked. “What is going on in that head of yours?” She asked, the genuine question laced with amusement as she watched him through half lidded eyes. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you were planning to eat me, with that look.” She teased, resting her elbow on her own leg and her chin in her hand.  

He hummed thoughtfully and stood up, sauntering over to her seat, placing a hand on one of the arms of the chair to lean down in her face.  

Lily uncrossed her arms to lean forward slightly in turn, placing a hand on his chest.  

“Oh?” He hummed, quirking a brow as he looked down at her. “How bold-” 

Sylus’s comment was cut off by Lily shoving him away from her so that she could stand up, smirking down at him with her head held high as he braced himself against the table that had been just behind him, not having the room for him to stand up properly. “I learned from the best~”  

With that she took her turn to go to his desk, sitting in his chair and smirking at him as she settled herself in comfortably.  

Sylus watched her in a mix of awe and admiration at the sheer audacity of this woman to push him around in his own domain, then act like she owned the place.  

He can respect it.  

Still he wandered closer, watching to see what she’d do with her newfound power.  

Lily looked around the desk with a thoughtful hum, opening a few drawers before pulling out the little tablet he uses to monitor the crow he uses for spying on things. “How does this work?”  

“You always say you want a challenge, why don’t you figure it out?” He asked, leaning against the side of his desk and crossing his arms while watching her still.  

She looked up at him, completely deadpan this time. “If I want a challenge, I’ll try to use my Evol to see if I can match the frequency. Unless you want to risk me breaking all of your fun little toys...” she trailed off.  

Sylus paused, watching her closely, debating whether she was joking or not. When she shut her eyes to focus, a tell-tale sign of her trying to do something unfamiliar with her Evol, he was quick to pluck the tablet out of her hand.  

“I knew you’d see reason~.” Lily hummed playfully, watching closely as he selected a few options before offering the tablet back to her. Now the black screen displayed an impressively high-quality video, currently showing off a part of the N109 zone.  

“I must admit, this is a really clever idea. The crow cameras, and all that.” She admitted, figuring out how to direct the crow to go different places with some, fortunately very simple, commands.  

Sylus found himself caught off guard by the praise, but quickly settled into pride, leaning against the back of his own chair to watch over her shoulder. What would she do with the crow? Check in on loved ones? Tour the city from a birds eye view – quite literally? The options were near limitless, and she has proven time and again that she defied expectations.  

An oddly comfortable silence filled the room as Lily maneuvered the crow, guiding it first into the city. Unsurprisingly, the first place she checked was her apartment. Sylus at least recognized that much, humming as he watched her have the crow perch on the balcony, looking around. There was a small sitting area on the balcony, as well as a couple of various potted plants, mostly flowers, from what he could tell. A few suncatchers managed to catch the crow’s eye, Lily letting out a small hum of approval. What in particular she had been checking, Sylus wasn’t sure. There wasn’t anything different from previous times he had checked there... perhaps it was precisely that? Did she steal his tablet, usurp his crow, just to check on her plants? 

Before he could voice his thoughts, Lily moved the crow to fly again.  

“Taking me on a tour of all of your favorite places?” Sylus teased, even if he was genuinely asking what she was doing.

A small, short laugh was the initial response he got, Lily debating her reply as she guided the crow through the city once more. “In a way.” She answered vaguely.  

After a few beats of silence, Sylus leaned down just a tiny bit more, speaking more directly into her ear.  

“Come now, surely you can be a little more descriptive? You’ve always seemed rather chatty, and now you’ve gone and gotten quiet on me...” He teased, smirking to himself as he watched a shiver go down Lily’s spine at the sound of his voice being so close.  

She turned her head ever so slightly to shoot him a look, somewhere between amusement and frustration.  

“I’m checking up on a few people.” She finally elaborated, turning her attention back to the screen.  

“At the hospital?” Sylus asked, quirking a brow when seeing the crow settle itself near Akso hospital. Lily gave a drawn out hum of affirmation, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she looked intently at the screen. “There wasn’t even anyone there at your apartment when you checked it.” He commented.  

Lily rolled her eyes, hoping to hide her growing amusement. Has she managed to stump the all-knowing Sylus?

Hearing the door unlock back inside the apartment made her jump in surprise, almost dropping her phone into the watering can in the process. Quickly catching it and shoving it back into her pocket, she walked back into the apartment just as Xavier was shutting the front door. “Speak of the devil!” She couldn't help but laugh. 

Xavier seemed just as startled by her voice as she had been at the sound of the door, his posture straightening as his head whipped around to her. Realizing it was just her, he let his shoulders relax again, breathing out an amused chuckle. “Lily, I didn't expect to see you here.” 

Lily met him part way, her hand settling on her hip as she flashed him a playful smile. “I keep my word, Xavier. I was here tending to the plants.” 

She finally took the chance to take stock of him, her amusement fading to concern the longer she looked. His hunters uniform was dirty and damaged, his hair a mess, and the fatigue she could pick up on was concerning, to say the least. She knows expecting him to be completely unscathed after a long mission is absurd, but still… “Are you hurt?”

“I'm fine.” Xavier dismissed easily, passing her to stick his head out onto the patio to check out their handiwork. 

Lily didn't particularly like that response, chewing her cheek again. “Are you hungry?” She tried “If you want, I can make you something while you go get cleaned up and comfy?” 

Xavier seemed to debate the answer, which was yet another alarm sounding off in Lily’s head. It's not like him to not jump at the chance to have food, even more so when she makes it… 

“That sounds… really nice.” He answered after quite some thought, having found himself zoning out in his relief to be home. 

As a result, he was surprised to come back to focus and see Lily a few steps closer, her arms slightly outstretched towards him, her eyebrows furrowed in concern and… something else. It was hard for him to put his finger on… But he did at least know what she wanted, and he was more than happy to oblige. 

When Xavier accepted the offered hug, Lily gave him a very small squeeze, wanting to be mindful of any injuries he was hiding. But even that caution didn't seem to be enough based on how he tensed under her grip, making her flinch guiltily and release him quickly. 

“Sorry, sorry-” she apologized, looking up at him. 

“It's okay, I'm fine, really.” Xavier attempted to reassure. Worry isn't a good look on her, and he especially doesn't like when it's because of him. 

Lily huffed, her eyebrows knitting together again as she reached up, cupping his cheeks when he bent down ever so slightly to meet her touch. He melted into her hands easily, his eyes half lidded in an almost cat-like manner, only to almost completely shut when she squished his cheeks. 

“How about you go take a shower and I'll get something warm started up, and once you're done I'll help you get patched up. Okay? You're hurt, and I want to help if I can. If you'll let me.” She offered, her tone gentle but almost pleading at the same time. 

Xavier opened his mouth to try and argue, as best he can with his face squished, only to be cut off. 

“Xavier… please…” she insisted, her eyes shining with both determination and the beginnings of unshed tears. 

Who is he to say no?

Shutting his eyes fully, he gave an affirmative hum. “Alright… I won't take long.” 

That seemed to be enough to satisfy her, but she didn't release him just yet. She stopped squishing his cheeks, but her hands stayed in place, gently rubbing his cheeks with her thumbs. Fortunately his face seemed to have been spared the worst of the mission, so he could enjoy this while it lasted. 

After a small eternity of silence, Lily released him to go clean up while she took stock of what he had in his kitchen that she could work with. 

By the time Xavier was out of the shower and pulling on casual clothes, the smell of a warm stew was filling the entire apartment in such a heavenly way. If he knew a moment like this was waiting for him when he got back, he might've tried to hurry back sooner… 

Leaving his bedroom and poking his head into the kitchen, his expression softened. Lily already had his first aid kit out and on the coffee table in the living room, as well as some pain medicine and water waiting for him. She had her sleeves rolled up and was stirring the pot, her hair tied up in a loose bun, seeming so at home in his kitchen. She had bowls down already, and bread on a tray fresh out of the oven, based on the mitt sitting right next to it. 

Oh how she spoils him… 

She finally seems to realize he's there, looking over and offering a small smile. “Better?” She asked, tapping the spoon on the edge of the pot and putting the lid back on as she turned her attention to him properly. 

“Much.” He answered easily, leaning in the doorway casually as she approached. 

“Good enough that you don't need treatment?” She asked, quirking a brow. 

Xavier realizes too late that what he saw as an out was actually a trap, answering “I'd say so, yes.” 

Lily rolled her eyes, gently grabbing his arm and tugging him towards his couch. “Too bad, you big brat. Come on, by the time we're done, dinner will be ready.” 

Xavier pouted as he followed her pull, obediently sitting down on the couch. He let her remove his sweater, wincing guiltily when she tutted at his injuries. 

“Xavier, you don't have to hide injuries from me…” Lily reminded gently, her fingers ghosting over a few bruises, as faint as a spring breeze. 

Not having a response, he simply looked away as she started to put salve on the open and scabbed injuries. How could he explain that he doesn't want her to worry? That while he loves her attention being on him and him alone, he doesn't want it to be so… serious. 

He's pulled from his thoughts when she speaks again, trying to fill the silence. 

“I'm glad you're home safe…” 

Turning his attention to her again, he takes a moment to take in her focused look. The way her tongue sticks out slightly as she tries to gently hold a piece of gauze in place while preparing a bandage. How cute… 

“Well, I can't deny you.” He hummed softly, hoping he doesn't startle her. 

While he manages to not startle her, he does still confuse her. She pauses, looking up at him and even tilting her head. “What do you mean?”

He mirrors her head tilt as he answers. “Your texts? You were asking me to stay safe, yes? Unless those were meant for someone else?” 

The silence returns for a few beats, just long enough for Xavier to begin second guessing himself. Maybe she did mean to send them to someone else? Or maybe someone else sent them, as a prank? Or-

“Oh…” Lily mumbled as it finally seemed to click, giving a few small nods of understanding. She looked back down at her hands, slowly going back to tending to his wounds. With this last bandage, she just had some bruises to tend to and check over. 

“Oh?” He echoed, not liking how that sounded. “You sound… disappointed?”

“I… didn't realize you saw my texts. I wasn't sure if they were going through, or what.” She admitted quietly, not looking up at him. Her voice was soft and unsteady, wavering as she continued, “I'm sorry, if I sent too many. I tried not to spam you, in case it would put you in more danger…” 

Oh… now he gets it. Guilt makes him flinch, but she withdraws her hands, worried she'd hurt him on accident. 

“Sorry, sorry!” She apologized quickly, her hands closer to her chest as if the distance will remove any pain. 

Xavier shook his head, reaching out and gently taking one of her hands in his own, not minding whatever ointments or whatnot she may have on it. “No, I'm sorry… I should have responded, let you know I was okay.” 

Lily looked up at him in surprise, her eyes watering again. “No no, it's okay! You had a mission to focus on. You shouldn't have to also worry about placating me when your life is at risk. I need to stop fussing so much and just trust you.” 

Xavier hummed and cupped her cheek as she rambled with his free hand, rubbing her cheek with his thumb, just as she had done for him earlier. 

“Lily.” He interrupted, his tone soft but firm to try and get through whatever spiral she was starting to fall down. 

“Yes?” She asked, looking up at him. 

His expression was soft as he looked down at her, smiling appreciatively. “I'm glad that you care about me so much. That you think about me, even when I'm not here. That you look out for me. I don't want you worrying when you don't need to though, so I'll try to be better about letting you know I'm okay.” 

By the time he was done, her tears had started to fall, making him panic as he tried to gently wipe them away. Had he said something wrong??

His concerns went out the window though when she melted into his touch. Her free hand gently resting on his own, squeezing his wrist gently. 

“Thank you, Xavier…” 

The tender moment lasted just that, a moment, before a loud growl sounded through the apartment. Both hunters jolted in surprise before they realized the source, Xavier's cheeks flushing as Lily started to laugh. 

“I guess that's the new dinner bell.” She teased through her giggles, reluctantly freeing herself from his grip as she stood up. “That's enough heavy emotions for the moment anyways. Stay here and I’ll bring out the food.” 

Xavier hummed in acknowledgement, still flustered about his hunger interrupting such a nice moment… damn his appetite. 

All frustration was quickly forgotten however, in favor of wonderful food and even better company. Lily filled Xavier in on what he'd missed, a quick mention of a small mission she'd gone on, a cat she'd seen while shopping that had a mustache, anything of note that she could think of. By the time she was done, their bowls were empty and Xavier was fuller than he'd been all week. 

Lily stretched out and hummed, standing up and taking his arm, giving it a very gentle tug. “Come on, let's get you to bed before you fall asleep out here big guy.” She encouraged affectionately, giggling at his playfully resistant groan. 

He still relented easily and stood, but as he got upright, the exhaustion that had just been sinking in decided to hit fully. 

“Xavier??” Lily yelped, barely managing to brace herself as he slumped against her. The only thing that kept her from panicking more properly was the fact he was still breathing fine. It was slower, but it was steady… 

Oh. He just passed out from exhaustion. 

Letting out a sigh of relief, she carefully maneuvered him to be able to drag him to bed easier. 

“You are so lucky I'm able to do this and I don't have to just drag you like a sack of potatoes.” She mumbled to him, still trying to be gentle as she got him onto his bed. Even if he's unconscious, she doesn't want to risk causing him unnecessary pain! 

Finally managing to lay him on the bed, she tried to stand up and go take care of the dishes so he could rest and relax properly, only to almost fall right on top of him with a squeak. She managed to catch herself by bracing her hips against the side of the bed and placing her hands on the other side of him so she wouldn’t accidentally put pressure on him, taking a minute to figure out what in the world just happened. 

“When did you…?” She mumbled, looking at Xavier’s hand gripping at part of her shirt. When did he manage to grab onto her? 

She tried gently using her fingers to loosen his grip, but apparently he wasn't having it. If anything, his grip seemed to get tighter, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly in discomfort. If she didn't know better, she'd almost wonder if he was actually awake and just trying to be sneaky. 

Debating her options, she eventually sighed and shook her head affectionately. “You're so lucky you're cute…” she mumbled, carefully shifting to lay down next to him. 

Lily gently reached up to finger brush some hair out of his face, giggling quietly at how Xavier seemed to finally settle down. “You know exactly what you're doing, don't you?” She whispered, not wanting to actually wake him. He clearly needs the rest, after all. 

It's dark out the next time Lily opens her eyes, and she's not even sure when she fell asleep. She yawns and slowly stretches out, moving to rub at her eyes sleepily. She goes to roll over and check the time, pausing when she realizes that something's not quite right. 

First off, she isn't in her pajamas. Or in her room. And something, or someone, is holding on to her. 

Looking beside her curiously, the last few puzzle pieces fall into place. Xavier is still sound asleep and now has his arm around her waist, like she's a giant teddy bear. One he doesn't seem to plan on letting go any time soon, either. So she laid back down and shifted just enough to get out her phone, turning the brightness all the way down and checking the time. It was already the middle of the night! This is going to mess with her sleep schedule so bad… but it's worth it, since it's the best sleep she's gotten in a few days, and it certainly seems that's also the case for Xavier.