even if they had known each other, even if they were close, he still would've brushed it off because that's just how he copes with things. he avoids them, pretends like they're nothing and that he's not affected by them.

as unhealthy as it is, it's lasted him this far.

when she finally catches up to him, he tilts his head over, watching her briefly as he asks:

"did you enjoy your run?"

Amelia Livy // [x]

☉

Lia will never be the type of person who can just brush things off, so she will never be okay with seeing other people do so. If she can’t bring herself to understand when her own sister does it, why would she when seeing Lance dismiss her worries?

But, that’s much different, isn’t it?

At his question, she turns just so slightly, looking up to meet his gaze. Her head tilts, and she smiles faintly.

”Was I supposed to enjoy it?”

Maybe they should have gone with their other option after all, that would have been much more enjoyable for both of them…

If they had, there probably wouldn’t be all these worries in the back of her mind right now.

She shrugs, reminding herself that she has no reason to be concerned – that it’s not her place.

”It was okay.”

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

he chuckles at her words, understanding that not everyone enjoys running. he doesn't either, but it has a time and a place, and sometimes, running can be freeing.

so he shrugs.

"i enjoyed the last bit."

before he couldn't run anymore, of course, but that doesn't need to be said.

"i guess i don't have to ask how your fitness is again."

Amelia Livy // [x]

☉

Running has never been something Lia cares much for, but it’s also something she learned to be good at long ago; back when there were so many things she learned to be good at for the sake of goals that she now realizes are all too pointless and meaningless. Like grades. Like being the best.

At least it pays off now, in some way.

’I enjoyed the last bit.’

”That just sounds like you like pushing me… and yourself.”

There’s a slight smirk, even if she’s still not happy about the way all that ended. Even if there’s worries. Even if she definitely thinks he shouldn’t just ignore it.

She turns to look ahead once again, her next words coming casually and easily:

”Guess not, but you didn’t have to ask in the first place, did you?”

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

as they walk, his heart starts to slow as he slowly finds his breath, clearing his throat by the end of it. after a gentle exhale, he chuckles.

"maybe i just like seeing you sweat."

again, his words are quiet, clearly meant for just them and no one else.

"no, but it was cute seeing you blush."

Amelia Livy // [x]

☉

Despite her worries, despite how tense things may have been for a moment, and despite the sad memories he may have brought back for her, she still can’t help but laugh lightly at his words – the sound one quiet and lasting for no more than a couple of seconds.

”Do you really have to say things like those?”

Or, like his next words.

Once again, the line is there. And once again, it seems as if they will teeter on it.

She glances at him, pouting just a little.

”Yeah? Do you flirt with all your cadets, captain?”

Yes, she’ll call him out, but it’s not like she’s stopping him, is it? Especially not when there’s those unmistakable pink hues on her cheeks, and when she smiles faintly upon saying this.

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

"i don't have to, no."

but he wants to, even if he really shouldn't.

he laughs at her words, dipping his head in acknowledgment of her call out. but she isn't stopping him, and they still have a bit left to walk before they join the others, so what's the harm, really?

as long as this stays between them.

but even if it doesn't...

the thought is pushed aside, replaced by a smirk as he leans closer to whisper:

"just you."

Amelia Livy // [x]

☉

He doesn’t have to, but he wants to. The implication is obvious. Really, it’s her fault for wording her question poorly, and she sighs about it even if her smile remains when she does this.

”I’m starting to realize you have no shame at all, captain.”

But, even though she wishes there were no reaction to them, his next words make her heart flutter. Simple words. Obvious words. And yet, words that make her feel warm and fuzzy – two things she knows she shouldn’t be feeling over anything he says to her.

’Just you.’

That can’t be true, can it?

It definitely isn't, but even if she tells herself this, it’s all too easily that he gets what he wants: she blushes, looking up at him.

”Why me?”

Her words are a whisper too, and a gentle smile comes in their company.

It's not a test, but simple curiosity.

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

no, lance definitely has no shame, but this shouldn't come as a surprise to either of them, really.

contrary to what she might think of his words, they're truthful, genuine, because he definitely doesn't flirt with his cadets the same way he's doing with her right now.

but lia isn't just another cadet, is she?

"i can't explain it."

he's close enough that his shoulder brushes against hers.

"call it a feeling."

Amelia Livy // [x]

☉

Lia has never been shy, nor has she ever been insecure, but even if that’s the case, it would still be incredibly hard for her to believe his words with the way things are between them as of this moment...

They have met twice. The first time they met he flirted with her despite being complete strangers, and she flirted back. They did much more than that. So, why wouldn’t she think he’d do all that with anyone he finds attractive enough?

It’s logical, and it makes sense, and it’s this thought that she uses to ground herself: this is meaningless to him, and it should be meaningless to her.

She can’t let it get in the way of becoming a ranger.

But, she still blushes, and she still smiles, and she still chuckles, even if there’s also a sigh.

”A feeling, huh?”

It’s sweet. Why does he have to be sweet?

It doesn’t sound meaningless…

”Hope you tell me when you find out the answer to that, then.”

What would be her own answer?

LANCE VOLLANS

☉

"i will."

it isn't meaningless, at least not to him. but it's something he'll have to figure it later.

for now, his attention falls to groups of people up ahead, only now realizing he had lost track of time. what's that they say about time flying by when having fun?

"oh, look. they're early."

he lingers by her side for moments after to whisper:

"ready to meet your fellow rangers?"

Amelia Livy // [x]

☉

First impressions are important, Lia has known as much since she was a child. Things like those matter to her, so in reality, she would much rather meet the rest of the rangers after a long shower and having reapplied her makeup. The run made her sweat, and her hair’s probably a little messy, and while to most people she likely looks just fine, the thought of these things really bothers her...

”It’s not like I have much of a choice, do I?”

Her words are also a whisper, and a smirk comes with them.

In reality, she’d also much rather spend more time alone with him, because it’s fun and because she likes the way he makes her feel. But, those are thoughts she tries to push aside; thought she knows it’s better not to have.

She came here to become a ranger, right?

So, she should meet the other rangers.

The people she’ll work with. The people she’s supposed to rely on. The people she has so little faith and trust in after everything that has happened in the region…

It’s a difficult position to be in, but she tries to focus on the positive things. To be optimistic. To hope. To believe.

When she meets them, she smiles, because first impressions are important indeed.

And, maybe also because of the lingering thoughts of those moments spent with Lance earlier.

LANCE VOLLANS

☉