Lloyd opened the door with a creak. Surprisingly, there was no one to greet him at the door. He felt a slight heartache because he was so used to the sight.
He shook the snow from his jacket and hung it up to dry. He brought his harvest to the kitchen table, then went to his room to change. He pulled on a comfortable pair of pants and a navy-blue button-up, putting on the buttons slowly, his fingers still stiff from the cold.
On his way back to the kitchen, he passed Nora's room. A sweet, melodious tune sounded from her room. From the crack of the door, he saw Silvia holding Nora up as she sung. Her voice was low and clear, and it moved through the small room, filling every molecule with her voice.
The light from the sunset added natural highlights to her pink strands. In that moment, the woman looked like a immortal fairy that descended onto earth.
When the sound of laughter overtook the beautiful singing, Lloyd snapped out of his trance and ran to the kitchen.
…
Being alone and stuck with his thoughts was a personal hell. The encounter at the greenhouse kept replaying, over and over again. He kept ruminating over his outburst.
Was I always that emotional? Or rather, how long have I been suppressing myself?
He was a boy raised on warmth and laughter, but he grew into a man who taught his heart how to harden.
How ironic.
Lloyd squeezed the knife tightly, smiling in a self-deprecating way.
Ruminating was a terrible thing, but he couldn't control the spiral he was swirling in.
The loud chopping of a knife could be heard. Lloyd was on autopilot while clearing his head. Unfortunately, with the lack of meat, they would have to survive off of vegetables.
Considering the high-quality of his crops, he could make a decent amount on selling them.
What if I sold it online?
His crops provided permanent boost into one's capabilities. Surely that must mean something? There was barely any wifi however. Only the elders and the Doctor had access to actual working internet.
Considering the fact that Lloyd was well past his pickup date for his pills, he might as well give the Doctor a visit soon.
Pills. Those fucking pills.
Everyone in his village took pills. Especially during the harsh winter with elders whom had weak bodies.
The Doctor was a miracle man who only extended kindness to their small, remote village. There were rumors that he was too, an awakener with how effective and well-versed he was on medicine.
Regardless, that wasn't important now.
He called over Silvia and Nora to eat. It wasn't much, but he did the best he could given his limitations.
Seeing the two eat, one big and one small, Lloyd felt a fullness in his chest.
I'm not alone. I'm not alone.
He repeated like a mantra. His aunt was just a one-off person. Another obstacle.
He put on the best smile he could muster, keeping his head down as he ate. Living in the moment was the best. All he had to was to focus on surviving. That's that.
____________________
Silvia's POV
Something's up with Lloyd. The green-eyed goddess furrowed her thin brows.
His handsome face was paler than it usually was. His eyes were tinged with melancholy. Even his lips were curved stiffly, almost awkward. This look didn't suit him at all! His normally neat, short black hair was messy with a few strands covering his face. Silvia felt her hands itching to clear them.
He looks like a kicked puppy.
Something was clearly up with her man and that obviously can't last for long!
But first
She turned her gaze to Nora who was still eating, cheeks puffed like a baby hamster.
She pinched Nora's cheek which earned her a huff in a response.
"You really have no idea what's going on huh?" She murmured
Nora blinked up at her with those big, clear brown eyes, the picture of innocence.
She would have to wait for a certain dumpling to finish eating.
…
Lloyd laid on his bed with a thump and his arms spread out.
Finally, some rest.
His eyes were already closing in, but he had to take a shower first. Even if his eyes were straining to stay awake.
A little power nap wouldn't hurt.
He was knocked out in minutes. He was asleep before Silvia had finished clearing the table.
Silvia came in to find him sprawled on his back, one arm across his chest as he slept. His hair had fallen across his face. She sat at the edge of the mattress and brushed it back slowly, strand by strand, until it lay smooth.
When Lloyd woke up, he felt a presence next to him. A fluffy bed of pink hair met his vision. He pressed a kiss against Silvia's forehead, unknowingly smiling seeing her curled up against him.
Then, he got up and took a shower. The cold water helped clear his head from the memories haunting him. He changed into comfortable enough clothing and dried his hair.
He opened the bathroom door and noticed Silvia already awake and up. She rubbed her eyes, letting out a yawn.
"Come here" She beckoned.
Of course, Lloyd listened and hopped into bed.
"Did something happen? You seem upset" She placed a hand on his cheek and caressed it gently.
Lloyd leaned into her touch subconsciously.
"Just a minor scuffle. I'm fine" He reassured.
"Hm" She raised a brow. "You don't seem like it."
"...was it really that obvious?"
"To me it was" She pinched his ear.
His ear flushed red.
"I had a fight with my dad's sister. It didn't end well and brought up bad memories. I kept replaying them in my head and there was probably so many other things I could've done or should've done instead." He took a breath.
"I let my emotions get the best of me and I really regret it." He lowered his eyes.
She was quiet for a moment. Then she pulled him in, guiding his head down until his cheek rested against her chest.
"Shh, don't think about her. You never lose your cool. She must've done something to hurt you." Her fingers moved through his hair in long, unhurried strokes, the same way she'd smoothed it while he slept.
Lloyd closed his eyes from contentment.
"Let me help you take your mind off of her, okay?" Her voice was quiet but confident.
"In…what way?" He asked hesitantly.
The corner of her mouth curved. She leaned in, her lips brushing the line of his jaw. It was feather-light kiss, much shallower than all of their heated ones shared in the past. But it held just as much power over Lloyd.
"In whatever way you want." She murmured against his skin.
Lloyd could feel his face heating up. He coughed, almost choking on his own spit.
Forget being a fairy, this woman was clearly a fox spirit after his soul!