Wanted to re-write Heartstring Symphony from LnD with Lily because MC's actions made me mad, and here we are! :D
~
Warm sunshine is always such a refreshing feeling, both invigorating and soothing. Lily hummed absent melodies as she watered the plants that she and Xavier had planted, tending to them while he was on his mission.
Setting the watering can down and digging her phone out of her pocket, she opened her messaging app to check for any updates from Xavier. Absently chewing her lip as she scanned the screen, she sighed when seeing the last few messages were from her, as they have been the past few days. Updates on the plants, and reminders for him to be safe. But no response.
“Hopefully you're okay, Xav…” she mumbled to herself.
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.
So she sets her phone on the nightstand behind her and settles in to try and sleep for a while longer. Xavier's grip on her tightens ever so slightly, and she obediently scoots closer to him, their closeness a welcome reminder that he's home. Safe and sound.
The Heartstring Symphony is a band led by Heather Porcaro. I really love some of the tracks off of her first album and the EP that came after it. My only fear is that they will be lost to the world forever because I'm not sure how many people bought the CDs like I did and the world has already lost the video "For Love" (Directed by Adria Petty, the same woman who has directed many a video for Regina Spektor). The CDs appeared to be packaged by hand, which gave them a lovely sort of personal charm that fit perfectly with the music. She rerecorded many of the songs, but not this one. This was one of my favorites. So because I enjoyed this song so much and fear that it will be lost to the world forever if no one speaks up, here it is.
If you wish to buy any of her music, which recently became available on iTunes for the first time, it can be found here: Heather Porcaro & the Heartstring Symphony.
