[There was a mother who had taken shelter in the school, and she was tired. People often said it takes a village to raise a child; this was certainly true in times like this. While she took a much needed rest, her daughter had become quite close with Apollyon. The parental feeling was strange to the CEO, whom had lived a cold corporate life...but Ilya had shown them love. So now they sat, legs folded on the floor of their room as they carefully braided her hair and entertained her childish queries.
When a familiar figure appeared in the doorway, Apollyon smiled. They leaned in close and whispered something to the little girl, who went running with squeaky giggles as the untied braids fell from her hair. Then, it was just the two of them. Apollyon stood, smiling at Ilya as they brushed off their sleek suit pants.]
“ Tired, my love? I have purchased some caramels if you're interested in something sweet. ”
[They suggested loosely, walking behind their desk to push papers aside and clear it in case it was going to be in use. Additionally, it was just to make an idle organization. A few of the papers on their desk got sorted to an additional pile; that of the young girl's drawings. Apollyon always stated they hated children; they were grimey and nosey. But something had changed. They had grown softer with the newfound love they had for Ilya. They considered children to be...not so bad. But they still weren't comfortable with toddlers. A baby or a child are easy to manage; toddlers are gross, and more often than not don't yet know how to escort themselves to the restroom. How annoying.]
“ I heard rumors of rain. Do you think we will get some? ”
-♠️ Executive ..
*Laying against the doorframe, the former-FEMA felt a bit guilty interupting such a charming scene. A smile warmed their face as they let the child run past them to go trouble another adult in the place with her innocent antics. She was easy to live and Liliana never worried too much about her getting into troubles. Times were a bit softer, lately, and all the children and babies inhabiting the place were both a source of worry and of hope for them.
Lying to themselves, Ilya could not only see a bright future ahead, but imagine a sweeter past they both never got to live. If only they met sooner, that little girl could have been Lasha, at a time they needed it most, and Apollyon and Ilya could have experienced parenthood together. Only the best parts. Braiding hair and going shopping for Apollyon, bringing their child to sport practice and for a little treck in the wild forest nearby for Liliana. Baking pancakes together and watching T.V. Being all emotional at a school graduation. Learning how to ride a bike. Playing with snow in the winter. Doing homework together.
How sweet. How beautiful. How perfect life could be, if Liliana could marry Apollyon.
If they could get out free and admit that their name was Liliana and that they were happy with their body, the one of a woman. If they could kiss Apollyon in public and not only in this little room. If they could hold a child for them. They were only thirty-six, after all. If they could go outside without melting and go house-hunting for the perfect nest. If, if, if.
Other's lost children and an old school was all they got, but it was the prettiest life Ilya ever lived and they would not trade it for the world. Just a little less visitors around and a nicer sun, and it would almost be perfect.
They were daydreaming about a Home, a Wedding, and all those "girly stupid goals" they never admited to wish for before, when Apollyon got them out of their reverie to offer even more sweetnees.*
- With pleasure, my Love.
*The softness in their voice surprises them every time. They never allowed themselves such weakness in such a long time.*
- You are the only sweetness I looked for tonight, but a bit of sugar cannot hurt, I am sooooo tired and hungry.
*They exagerated their own pain for the other's amusement, playing on their caring instinct for some comfort, but their devilish little smile speaks for them : tonight everything was fine. And Liliana was truly happy.*
- I hope we will. I saw lots of clouds, outside. Such a shame, I wished we could catch some northernlights together, but rain is fine. We need it.
*Bringing coldness and water to the place would be great. Some people already put rain collectors outside, in case the city shuts down the pipes some day. And the communal garden outside the school could grow something, if the sun showed grace for a few days. Maybe an inside garden could work... An idea to speak about wity Nemoy and some volonteers.*
- I see you cannot resist the urge to pretty everyone up. I'm jalous, my angel...
*No they are not. But it was true that, for Apollyon's sake, Ilya took better care of themselves lately. The large scar on their neck was not the prettiest, and they still looked rough and masculine enough, but their skin was definitly looking better, and thank god they took enough showers now...*
