lily.

she had the odd feeling of being two people at the same time

[thequotejournals]

I am too full of life to be half loved.

Unknown  (via rawie)

[lilymorecu]

HENRY ·:

she’s a match in so many ways most people would only hope for in their closest companions– no sense of distance between them, only perennial wonder and warmth, a beam of light, a creature whose splendor runs alongside his in tandem. he’s already running inside the building and up the stairs before she’s finished speaking, slipping through her door he knew to be open to him, shoe and wine in tow. “ginger! darling! you asked for me and so i came.” he’s sweet and light with the sugar of nectar and syrup, gentle as he twines a strand of her hair in between his fingers. “were you very lonesome floating up here in the sky all alone?”

LILY had always loved to hear henry speak. he spoke in prose, yet it rivaled poetry, found in books she only hoped to understand-- and yet she understood him. “all the better now that you are here to float with me.” he who has never made an effort to understand her but let them both simply be; as they are, for who they are. true to her words, she placed a kiss on him and pulled back with a smile. her eyes found the wine next and she greedily took it from his hand as she spun out of his arms. “ahh, un excellent choix, monsieur. had there been no divine intervention, would this excellent bottle have been shared with somebody else tonight?” and by divine intervention, she meant her shoe narrowly missing his head.

[lilymorecu]

@collicr

IT was early, very early in fact. that rare hour that came even after the early morning stragglers drunkenly stumble their way back to any place that resembled home after a full night’s pub crawl. lily’s band, which consisted of only herself and the bar’s regular pianist (so really, just her and a pianist) were the last to leave and after a sudden spell of generosity, she told him she would stay back to lock up. so she was the only one left behind, struggling with a key that refused to fulfill its one role. for no real reason, she spared a glance at the mouth of the alleyway and that was when she spotted him. smoke swirled around his head like a fog, his face lit up with every inhale. at this time, were they any other person lily might have had the smarts to be afraid. with him, she could not think to do anything else but greet him with a smile. “bonsoir monsieur,” she cooed, hoping to catch his attention. “you look like someone who could use a happy tune.”

[lilymorecu]

BRITTANY ·:

Brittany merely glanced up at her as she continued to pack up her bag, shooting her a winning smile. “I like people to think I got in on my looks alone.” She teased. Sure, people figured she was smart, she attended Oxford after all, but having them unaware of just how smart; it was always a weapon to have locked away. People always underestimated you when they figured you were dense. “We can hit mine first, I’m pretty sure I have my flask lying around somewhere so we can take that in too,” as she swung her bag over her shoulder and smiled at the female. “I’m pretty sure I also have some coke left as well, if you’re into that little white angel dust.”

IT was difficult to believe that someone who smiled as sweetly as she did was acquainted with some of the worst vices. then again, perhaps that was precisely the reason why she was so familiar with them-- or at least, the people who used them. “no thank you, i’ve never really gotten...into it.” and she’s seen its effects enough times to repeat what was supposed to be a one time experiment. “does bringing your own flask not defeat the purpose of going into a pub?” and if it was company the other girl was after, well, it wasn’t as if she was walking back to her room alone.

[lilymorecu]

SERAPHINA ·:

    Looking down at the basket without committing to action was Sera’s way of communicating her distaste and how fed up she was with everything at the moment. This was her third day without sleep, and she had simply been craving some brownies tonight, hoping they’d bring her a step closer to blissful rest.

The universe always seemed to have other plans.

    Seraphina hadn’t registered the fact that she was being spoken to until she saw the hand reaching down. Raising her head, she blinked several times and gave a tired smile. “I’m so sorry, what did you say ? I wasn’t paying attention, oh God did you hear me yelling at the clerk. I was horrible right ? I just- I really wanted to make brownies.”

THE other woman’s fatigue was outlined in the dark circles under her eyes, if not from her outrage alone. “i will be sure to tip her generously on your behalf. i think that should make things even.” her apparent remorse was enough to make lily believe that her outburst was merely a consequence of an unfortunate lack of brownies than anything to do with an ingrained character. the former at least, she could sympathise with. “although, if it is something sweet that you’re after, i know a desert place not too far out from campus.” which was apparently a very big deal, considering there were not many places that lily knew at all. “it supposed to open twenty-four hours. i have a feeling that its target demographic is university students hungry for a late night snack or midnight coffee during exam time. i would be happy to show you if you would like?”

[lilymorecu]

@t0ddt

LILY was singing for a crowd of five-- six, if you counted the man behind the bar. she had sung for more, and she had sung for less, but somehow she was always singing in the same bar. different names of course; different locations, different owners, but always the same. the same red alcohol soaked carpet, the same dingy light with that one that was on the brink of a blowout but never quite blowing out, and the same smell of cigarette that seemed to be a permanent fixture in every corner of the room. it welcomed patrons of all sorts, so long as they paid for their drinks, which was perhaps why she always liked these bars over their more selective counterparts. and lily sang with the hope that her song might lift up at least one spirit every time she came, so she came as often as she could. 

it wasn’t as if she was paid particularly well for her time. none of them were, which was why that night, she was singing against a backing track that was beginning to stutter in the middle of her verse, the machine struggling against the strain of the age-old sound system in desperate need of an upgrade. with a loud pop, the music ceased all at once and lily was left trying to keep the song going against the clanging of glass and the hiss of pans and fryers from the kitchen. from the corner of the bar, she heard someone cough. if the people didn’t notice her before they were now. and she was trying to keep going as best as she could, but there her own voice was beginning to waver, and it was clear that she was struggling too. 

[lilymorecu]

ALEKSANDER ·:

“excellent, your choice then, i don’t drink much of it so you must impress me.” he informed her, turning in his seat to face her fully, giving her his full attention. as she spoke to him he couldn’t help but laugh, nodding a bid. “you don’t say.. what do you charge then? i’m willing to pay the price for anything you can provide me.” aleksander replied, knowing well that she wasn’t implying money. he watched lily eye him, unsure of what thoughts were coursing through her head but he held his own, he desired to use her as a muse, his inspiration striking to paint her, only with her permission. “i must say you have a way with words… if that is why you’re here you’re doing a fine job at it.” he told her, a soft chuckle passing his lips. 

AND to impress was what lily set out to do as she turned to the bartender with their order, “and a strawberry in one please,” she made sure to add. aleksander’s claim to pay any price was a bold one and the upward lean of her lips gave way to a smile. “those are very bold ones monsieur. you ought to be careful, lest a mysterious french woman sitting alone in the bar look to take advantage of them.” in fairness, lily was not nearly so cruel-- usually. “i wish to see this piece of yours, the one that has gotten you in this...funk. that is my price.” lily turned to accept the golden flute that was placed in front of them, one with a half cut strawberry bobbing at the top. she brought the glass to her lips, a half smile hidden behind it. “for your first lesson.” 

[lilymorecu]

ALEKSANDER:

“then that shall be our next drink, yes?” aleksander questioned with a shrug, he wouldn’t be opposed, he didn’t have plans for tomorrow other than remaining in bed so he was content with staying in, hangover or not. “i must brush up on my french.. maybe you can teach me.” he proposed, taking a sip from his glass after they pushed theirs together. aleksander was content with his evening, she was incredible company. “it is very true, i must say i follow the likes of van gogh, though it also includes cigarettes and a good vinyl.” he explained. “tell me, what of you? what are you here for?”

“I would love that.” much like all her vices, she was entirely too fond of temptations to bother with any attempts at resisting. she indulged her pleasures like she did with good champagne, happily, that was one of them. “i must warn you monsieur, my services do not come without cost.” though she ought to mention that she never really had much concern with anything as common as money. she turned to him with a new found curiosity. lily could, if she tried hard enough, imagine a cloud of smoke around him, a selected vinyl softly playing in the back of a canvas filled studio; paint as far as the eye can see, on the canvas, chipping off his hands-- “what am i here for?” she pursed her lips, as if she was thinking hard. “i would say that i am here to charm artists with vices, and drink free pumpkin-yard beers and champagnes.”

[lilymorecu]

ALEKSANDER ·:

“champagne, excellent choice. perhaps i’ll indulge in your choice after my first beer.” aleksander replied with a soft laugh escaping his lips. the beer was an american thing though he loved the fact they imported some during the fall season, it was a taste of home after being here for the past few years. “you’ll enjoy it, at least i hope you will.” he replied, taking the glass slid his way, assuring hers was to follow. “cheers.. to.. new friendship?” he proposed, holding up his glass. “but yes, i usually do, or tequila.” he winked.

“AN excellent choice.” said lily, turning her head to the liquor display behind the bar, silently curious at where they store their champagne and hoping that it was someplace cool. her pint of pumpkin-yard beer in hand, lily lifted hers to meet his, “à ta santé!” it certainly didn’t taste like any beer she’s had before, granted she hasn’t had all that many to begin with. at least he was right on one account: lily didn’t hate it, on the contrary, it was quite enjoyable. “so it is true then, that all artists have a vice. thomas kinkade has valium, vincent van gogh has alcohol and so, it seems, do aleksander. have you any other vices i wonder?” 

[lilymorecu]

ALEKSANDER ·:

aleksander could tell by the women’s accent that she was not from america and he should expect this, he was the one in a foreign country using terms others wouldn’t recognize. he leaned back against his stool, eager to get to know the girl beside him. “it’s a beer, do you like beer?” he questioned. though the drink was fairly sweet, something usually everyone enjoyed. “pleasure to meet you, lily.” he hummed, a grin on his lips. he enjoyed meeting new people and tonight seemed like a wonderful opportunity.  “funk.. sort of like a writers block? but art wise.” he tried to explain.

"NO.” said lily, a little too quickly perhaps, she softened the hard edge with a gentle, “i prefer champagne,” especially champagne with strawberries in them. “then again, i have never tried a pumpkin-yard one before,” and who was she to judge so harshly she herself did not know. or so that was how she liked to see most things; like the man sitting beside her now. his affinity for the arts had already given her a great deal to like-- and his smile, though perhaps it was closer to a grin, was another thing for her to like. “and do you usually overcome your funk with some pumpkin beer?”

[lilymorecu]

ALEKSANDER ·:

“What can I say? thoughtful man.” aleksander teased, his eyes scanning the women for a brief moment. she was beautiful, he couldn’t deny that. though he kept his opinions in his head, choosing to play the long game. he found her eyes scanning his hands, a soft grin on his lips as he nodded. “yeah, i mean i’m not bad. but you’re correct, painter, in my masters for art as we speak. just left the studio, bit of a funk with my piece right now si that’s why i’m here.” he explained, grabbing the attention of the bartender. “shipyard pumpkin on tap please, and if she wants something throw it on my tab.” he explained before looking back to the girl. “aleksander.. by the way.” he introduced himself, his messy hand soon extended towards her.

FUNK. lily’s brows pulled at the middle. while she had gotten a relatively good grasp of the english language, it’s colloquial terms was still something of a mystery to her. was the funk a cause to celebrate? was the pumpkin drink a celebratory drink? lily turned her smile to the bartender, “i will have a pumpkin-yard drink too, please.” a long ingrained instinct had put anne’s name on her tongue, and were she less careful she might have let it slip by mistake. alas the night was still early and she was, fortunately, sober. “lily,” she said and took his hand in turn, fascinated by the paint that had chipped off him and onto her. shades of blue and orange--or was that yellow? “what does funk mean?”

[zendaya-source]

[lilymorecu]

BRITTANY ·:

Brittany couldn’t help but revel in the girls enthusiasm, she had always been the sort of person that fed of someone else’s emotions and her eagerness was making her even more excited for an afternoon session at a local. Throwing her own books into her bags and grinning at Lily. “We have to stop by my room real quick cause I cannot be seen carrying around all these books.” She informed her. “Last thing I need is people actually thinking I take my studies seriously.”

“GOD forbid they should,” said lily, “you only go to the university of oxford after all.” which, if lily did her research correctly, only had an acceptance rate of less than 20% for over 20,000 students. although she would be lying if she said she wasn’t curious about what this girl’s room looked like. this girl whose eye glint with mischief, who loves to drink in the day and cared enough about people’s perception of her work ethic and its association with hard work-- or maybe she simply just didn’t want to dirty her books. which lily also understood. “i can wait here if you’d like, i wouldn’t want to intrude.”

[lilymorecu]

ALEKSANDER·:

“i’d be a bit upset, but i would get over it.” aleksander chuckled and kept his hands on the back of the chair. he didn’t care if the seat was taken, for this current moment it was available though he knew his manners, all he wanted was a couple beers and he’d be out of her hair. “i will probably sit down regardless, but i figured i would ask.” he explained, sliding into the chair with ease.

“HOW thoughtful of you,” she said, and watched as he did just that. she noticed firstly that he was very tall, and lily herself was not particularly short. secondly, she noticed his hand, long and clasped over one another, dirtied with paint of many shades. lily felt the familiar upward pull at the corner of her mouth. she herself loved art, even if she’s never had a chance to properly try her hand at a brush and empty canvas. “are you any good?” she nodded at his hands for context, “you have paint on them, i’m assuming that means you are...a painter? an artist? someone who likes to put his hand in paint for no apparent reason?” 

[lilymorecu]

JACKSON·:

jackson looked at the girl with a curiously raised brow,”right..well try to see the stars from somewhere safer than the ledge of a building next time.” the girl was quite peculiar, she wasn’t like the many other girls that attended the university. she was much more out there than most students but to each their own. he adjusted his bag on his shoulder a bit and looked up at the sky,”suppose it is quite beautiful tonight though, i can’t blame you too much.”

SHE said stars and he looked up, suppose that was a perfectly logical thing for him to do. a soft laugh fell from smiling lips as she shook her head. “unfortunately the stars i’m talking about can only be seen from very high places.” she explained, though when that answer did not seem satisfactory, she elaborated further. “i’m talking about the ones out there,” she said, pointing to the direction of the buildings outside the campus walls. “those are stars i mean. not a lot of those back home, and much, much further.”

[lilymorecu]

CHARLIE·:

“just me? how embarrassing,” the male snorted, shaking his head in amusement. he watched her actions to clean his sleeves, grinning widely once she’d finished. “thank you,” he smiled like a child who’d just been given a piece of candy. “you’re too kind. you didn’t have to come help me. thank you though, seriously,”

LILY didn’t think that there was much kindness in getting a towel, but his thanks did not go unappreciated and she returned his smile with one of her own. “it wasn’t any trouble. although,” she turned to the line she had left to come to her aid, her place lost to a queue of people that traveled to the outside of the small cafe. so much for that coffee. “you could thank me properly with a cup of coffee, i have a feeling that the barista might not have saved my spot in line.”

[lilymorecu]

BRITTANY ·:

Brittany always appreciated someone who returned her delights with equal fervor, which is why she directed her attention to the female who returned with a small giggle. Tilting her head as she studied her for a moment, perhaps someone eager to fit in? Maybe just in need of some new friends? Finding her old ones boring? There were a lot of fuddy duddies around campus. “Darling,” she purred out, leaning forward and winking at the female. “You’re looking at the Queen of the local pub scene, I know just the place.”

LILY did not know that such a title existed, or what exactly qualified one to inherit such a title, but she was eager to find out. so she closed the book that she had not been reading, and shoved it hastily into the bag that was mostly empty and as she met the other girl’s gaze, mischief met its twin. “well what are we still doing in the library? lead the way!”