Careful What You Wish For

18 | Lila Shah

[wendigo-fuckery]

Love fool || Bolila

[wendigo-fuckery]

Bo felt a sliver of very tangible guilt as he caught her exhale, a calming technique if there ever was one. Despite himself, he admired her composure. It reminded him of his father a little. Gracious but open. “Back home…” He repeated, and let his gaze drift. As if Kansas were on the next streetlight. “We’ll have to eventually.” it was a murmur more for himself than her own ears, as his hand drifted up subconsciously to his right pocket and fingers enclosed around a familiar and quite precious keepsake. Bo couldn’t begrudge her anything, not the fact she was all the more beautiful than the last he’d seen her…Or the way her nose still crinkled a little when she laughed. “Yeah, Empress…Queen seems a little lackluster.”  He took his time to buckle her up as she settled shotgun, and smiled before pulling back to close the door when she was secure “Fits.” His posture though straight backed, still seemed lackluster as he bowed his head against the chill and circled toward his own car door. Normally there’d be a certain swagger to his movements…Lately however, that confidence had only really seen a bar and his old friends. Lila he couldn’t do it for, not for long anyway. As he slipped into his own seat and buckled up, Bo almost dropped the key hidden in the overhead sun visor at her quiet admittance. “Thought you’d be pissed by now.” he muttered back, and kept his gaze focused ahead even as his voice wavered a little. He knew her eyes were searching, and using the road as pretense the blond turned on the ignition and settled into drive as soon as the car had warmed up enough. “Tired, like you.” It was silly, both so young and weary. Funny what a couple of months locked down could do. Form a bond, and sever it all in the same span of time. 

[lilathegenie]

She scoffed out a small laugh, finally turning her eyes away from him. "I should be pissed," she hummed, sparing him a sideways glance, the shake in his voice hadn't escaped notice, "Hell, you definitely deserved to be yelled at, at least a little bit. But it's been three years since I've seen my best friend, I'm allowed to be a wee bit lenient right?" She wondered if he had missed them as much as they had missed him. If there were nights when he was plagued by terrifying memories the same way she was. As the car warmed up, she let the slight hint of bitterness and fear melt away from her, uncoiled in her seat and relaxed. Bo's presence made her feel safe in a way she hadn't for a long time. "Tired?" she smiled, turning her head to look at him once more, hands coming up on either side of her face, "Is it that noticeable? I'm not getting wrinkles am I?" She scrunched her nose up at the thought. "Hopefully I'll see a shooting star tonight at this cliff of yours," Lila huffed a laugh, "Wish to keep the gray hairs away for as long as possible." It was an attempt, albeit a weak one, to lighten the mood, to not think about having to say goodbye all over again tomorrow. 

[jersmh]

Hi Jer? Is that honestly all you have to say to me?

[lilathegenie]

I missed you. I'm glad you're not in a hospital. You look good, healthy. Did I say I missed you?

[raven-fiyre-blog]

And what does Miss Genie in a Bottle’s parents have to say?

[lilathegenie]

That Djinn's aren't supposed to be trusted and that they're evil, ugly, and cruel. 

[raven-fiyre-blog]

That’s it? Well boo.. That’s not fun at all. It’s true what they say. Djinns have more fun.

[lilathegenie]

I wouldn't know. I haven't met that many Djinn at all. My parents are a bit on the prejudiced side of things. 

[raven-fiyre-blog]

Ding ding ding. Beautiful and smart.

The pressure to hate you is quite immense, genie, darling. And yet… Somehow I wouldn’t mind if you stuck around if only to see your potential.

[lilathegenie]

I have my moments.

I'd rather you just not hate me at all. Potential? I grant wishes and do random acts of magic while sitting on my magic carpet. Very stereotypical. There's not much more to me.

[raven-fiyre-blog]

Whatever you say.

Can’t you feel it? The tingling sensation in the tips of your fingers and nose?

[lilathegenie]

...Oh. Now that you mention it... I live with Genies, I don't notice the tingling much anymore. It's more noticeable when it's not there. But you're not a Genie? Djinn..?

[seirinas]

Remind me to get a plaque for that and put it above my bed.

Sounds like you need a little TLC. Pity you’re leaving tomorrow, otherwise I’d make you promise a lazy day. You returning anytime soon?

[lilathegenie]

I'll put a little note in my day planner and everything. 

I really do. I wish I was staying longer just so we could have a day in together. I want to! Hopefully I will. You wouldn't believe how much I miss you crazies back in the States. 

[wendigo-fuckery]

Love fool || Bolila

[wendigo-fuckery]

For a moment, it felt like they were teens again. Yes, danger loomed on the horizon, but they were untouchable for the time being. Want, was an ever familiar word in his vocabulary lately. And as she chirped her flavor of choice back, he felt his pupils dilate in response. He allowed her a few seconds of reprieve as she gazed up at him, with yet another grin against her lips. Bo supposed there were glimmers of what had once been a handsome kid underneath the scruff on his face and the sleep depravation. But her affection both soothed and appeased his once legendary vanity. “Right.” A snort followed her words, and he leant down to press his lips atop her head almost out of reflex. “Like hell I’d pass up a chance to talk to you.” Three years was enough silence between them in his book. Bo moved to dip their enlaced hands in his jacket pocket as a nippy breeze drifted past. “I’ve missed you, even if everything would point to otherwise…Believe me when I say it was for the best.” He dragged his tongue along the roof of his mouth as a shudder threatened to over take him, and suppressed it skillfully when her appraisal of the vehicle graced his ears. “Really fuckin’ showy.” He amended, a tad apologetically and walked her over to the passengers side. Prying open the door, Bo fished their hands from his pocket and gave the top of hers a childish kiss before motioning with a flourish. “Carriage awaits Empress Shah.” 

[lilathegenie]

Biting the inside of her cheek, she exhaled harshly through her nose. "I missed you too, Bo," she leaned her head against his shoulder, biting the inside of her cheek, "We all do, back home. ...I'm sure you think it was for the best. Maybe it was but... Let's not bother with the subject, hm?" It would be a lie if she were to say that she didn't even feel slightly resentful of him. Everyone needed him and there was only so much she could do for his family but at least she was there. It wasn't fair that she was the one that got to see him and touch him and know that he was still very much alive while his own brother thought he was long gone. A tinkling laugh escaped her lips at his comment and she couldn't help but avert her gaze when he pressed his lips against the back of her hand. "Empress, am I?" she rose a brow, slipping into the seat, fingers slipping out of his, "That's a new one." Rubbing her hands together, she watched him round the car to the driver's side, taking in the differences in his stature, posture, his walk, even. This Bo was so different. "I really did miss you a lot," she said quietly when he was settled into his seat, head tilted to the side as she watched him, eyes memorizing his face all over again, "How have you been, really? Other than obviously not eating enough." 

[raven-fiyre-blog]

You know. The most beautiful women in town, obviously.

[lilathegenie]

Oh, obviously. That's very sweet of you to say but I don't think I compare much. Now really, what did you mean?

[seirinas]

As long as I’m your sweetest cherry.

Damn, I think you may be the most accomplished of all of as. And to think I’ve just been freeloading around.

[lilathegenie]

I don't think it's possible for you to not forever own that title.

It's not an easy life for a Genie. Everyone always wants those wishes. I'm only working so hard so you can freeload off me one day anyway, honeybee. Gotta support the kids, haven't I?

[raven-fiyre-blog]

Why thank you.

Too bad you have to go home tomorrow. I was enjoying sharing the spotlight.

[lilathegenie]

You're welcome! Sharing the spotlight? I don't understand...?

[luxurae]

[seirinas]

You’re too good to me. I’d ask how you are, but you’re here with me so you’ve gotta be fuckin’ fantastic after all this time, right?

Have you at least helped out Aladdin lately?

[lilathegenie]

Oh definitely. I've been pretty fantastic as is, though. You're just the cherry on top, darling. 

Tons. Even loaned out my magic carpet to fight evil Genies. You know how it is. 

[raven-fiyre-blog]

Charmed, I’m sure. Raven’s the name. 

I’m hoping you enjoyed your stay, dear.

[lilathegenie]

...Pretty name. Thank you, I did. 

[wtftroye-blog]

That’s great to hear! Yeah,school’s been such a drag but,I’m sure we’ll make it through. Ooh yes,hm…Every Sunday to start off a new week good?

[lilathegenie]

You transferred over, right? How's it been here? Are the hot professors with the hotter accents any distraction? Yes, that sounds perfect! My Sundays are all yours, doll. 

[wendigo-fuckery]

Love fool || Bolila

Bo offered up his hand as she smiled. And as always, a familiar pang followed. It was still there, the persistent ache to simply sink to his knees and just beg for her forgiveness. To take her hand and get a boarding pass of his own. Go home. Ask his family to understand. “What flavor?” he murmured a bit thickly, before offering a smile in recompense. “Sorry bout that…Still feeling a little under the weather.” That’d been his excuse to her inquiry about attending the wedding. ‘Too sick Li.’ Anything to escape her probing and knowing gaze. This was Adler after all, and the woman was nothing if not astute. She’d know, and he couldn’t quite bear the truth himself quite yet. The fact there was so much hate and loathing buried deep in his heart. Playing clean up service for Iris hadn’t exactly helped his denials either. Bodies, bodies everywhere. Even when he wasn’t trying, a tally of corpses seemed to follow. Twining his fingers with hers, the blond lead his best friend to the classic Corvette around the corner with a soft hum. ‘76 Stingray. Black body with oyster interior. “Like?” 

[lilathegenie]

Slipping her palm against his, Lila let Bo lead her down the sidewalk. It was a familiar, bittersweet feeling to be holding his hand again and she didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry. "Strawberry," she grinned up at him in response, ignoring the pit in her own stomach and instead paying attention to the lines of his face, new and old, "Don't apologize." Bringing up her free hand, she rubbed it soothingly down his arm like she had many times before, "If you don't feel too great, you should stay home, sweetheart. I don't want you feeling worse because of me." She didn't exactly believe his claims of being sick but she did believe there was something wrong, she could see it in his eyes. Even three years later, her Sherlock was still somewhere inside this new man before her and she still knew how to read her best friend. But it had been years and she wasn't going to press. He would open up at his own pace, as he always had, and she would be there to listen, just as she always had. Eyeing the car in front of her, she spared him a glance, a smile twisted up the corners of her mouth, "I've never been too big on cars, you know. But it's very you." 

[raven-fiyre-blog]

What a momentous occasion. A new person in town only here for the weekend.

Let me guess.. You came to see the big beautiful wedding?

[lilathegenie]

Yep, that would be it. And to visit all my old friends. I'm Lila, it's a pleasure.