[ Zelda's eyes flutter shut as their foreheads meet and she lets out a peaceful sigh. She'd worried about Lilith's response to this - to challenge her power was one thing, and something Zelda had done before, and her stubborn defiance was not unknown to Lilith.
But to challenge her emotionally? She's only known hurt, abuse, loneliness. Zelda's words could have easily come off as cruel when one isn't accustomed to what love looks like.
And while Zelda has never found importance in love outside of her family, she does know how it feels. And this is certainly what it is. Although, she is wise enough to save such an admission for another time. ]
I never said I didn't enjoy it. Nor will I ever deny you a place in my bed. But... I also wish for you to stand by my side, out of it, too.
[ Zelda does kiss her, but it's gentle. Soft, and loving, lacking the hunger and desperation she's felt before. ]
( she tips her head up to properly reciprocate the kiss, eyes closing, relaxing into her. lilith doesn't press it further, zelda's message clear, a brief kiss before she speaks again )
I may need your guidance.
( which was obvious. and whilst zelda had said that she also didn't really know what she was doing lilith knew that she had more of an idea than she did -- she had her family, their relationships, seeing the world and its people for her life in comparison to lilith's. she may have lived longer and seen more of the world but in terms of its people-- it was a different thing )
And-- patience.
( that part feels slightly silly to admit but this means something to her, something that she needs zelda to know. it might take time but she'll give it )
[ Zelda smiles, staring at her with a soft expression. For all they have experienced together, Zelda isn't sure she's ever seen Lilith this vulnerable, this fragile. It almost breaks her heart. ]
You have both. Eternally.
[ Zelda runs her fingers gently through Lilith's hair, more than happy to comfort and coddle her for as long as the other witch will allow it. ]
Come home with me. Eat dinner with my family. You don't have to stay, but... Perhaps something a bit more normal is a good place to start.
[ As normal as anything can be around the Spellmans. ]
( she can't help but lean into zelda's touch, the gentle feeling of her hand on her, safe and protective and lilith so starved of positive affection-- )
When were you thinking?
( lilith did at least like her family. sabrina was a given but even hilda she had a fondness for, the younger witch's rebellious streak. and maybe lilith also enjoyed her cooking. their first dinner had been wonderful, they may have miscommunicated afterwards but everything before then had been pleasant. and normal )
[ Zelda takes Lilith's hands in hers, feeling her heart speed up in her chest. Now, Lilith had accelerated Zelda's heartbeat on more than one occasion but this-- This is different. Exciting in a way Zelda doesn't fully understand, but the idea of them having a normal evening, just in each other's company, even if it comes with Hilda's jabbering and Sabrina doing whatever it is she will do to cause drama. ]
Now. This very instant. Let's forget all of our responsibilities, just for a few hours, and spend time together.
( that makes her pull back, not in rejection but surprise, wanting to really look at her )
Now?
( and the tone of her voice is one that can't believe that zelda's suggesting it. but the expression on her tells lilith that she's very serious )
Alright. Now it is.
( she didn't know whether having time to prepare for this or not made it better but there was certainly a feeling in her chest that lilith couldn't describe nor had ever felt before )
[ That's part of the idea. Zelda's first lesson, maybe - Lilith doesn't need to prepare for anything. As soon as she agrees Zelda doesn't hesitate to teleport them right back to the house, from the church to her parlor in an instant. ]
I feel like we could both use a bit of spontaneity. [ She moves away from her, only to fetch a bottle and a couple of glasses to pour them each a drink. ] Besides, Hilda will be furious that I took her by surprise with a dinner guest. It will be worth it just for the look on her face.
( as zelda starts getting them drinks lilith moves to sit on the sofa, something at least familiar and a little comforting, taking the glass from her )
Zelda-- ( though there's a slight warning to her tone, not serious but sigh she doesn't follow it up, drinking a good portion of her drink )
On dates-- ( she pauses, gathering her thoughts ) What-- happens? The obvious aside.
( she knew that a date was, that wasn't what she was asking but more what people did, even talked about. whilst she can just converse with people it's usually for a purpose and never in a context like this -- open, personal. things that make her need to give a little vulnerability )
[ Zelda happily ignores the half-hearted attempt at scolding her, because Hilda is her sister, and who doesn't love winding their sister up just a bit when given the chance?
Taking a seat next to her, Zelda considers the question thoughtfully, sipping from her glass as she does. ]
Well, people talk, I suppose. About the things they like, their hobbies, their histories. They get to know each other. [ She reaches out, gently placing her hand on Lilith's. ] But we don't have to speak about anything that you don't want to.
[ What did she do? Before, the height of her day was reading the Satanic Bible and meditating quietly on her service to the Dark Lord but... That didn't apply as much anymore. And as of late, she had been predominately preoccupied with the church. It had become her life.
So having one outside of it was complicated, to say the least. ]
Well, I enjoy... [ There's something, Zelda. You have hobbies. ] Watching football is quite nice.
( honestly, the pause is relatable because what could lilith say that she did or enjoyed? there had been the occasional free moment as mary wardwell but--
thankfully zelda answers, saving her from having to think about it, lowering her glass again )
Football? ( there's a quiet pause, intrigued ) I wouldn't have expected that.
On the contrary, it holds my interest. It's deliciously violent. Positively feral.
[ She sips from her glass, staring at Lilith smugly. There's definitely a chance that she kind of sexualizes it, too, but she can't help that two of her favorite things are sex and violence. ]
One of the few wonderous things that have developed from the mortal realm.
( as much as she can appreciate it in ways, has committed murderous and cruel acts before-- she's tired of violence, of the casual and terrible way in which the world is. she knows objectively that football isnt like this but its still never been her thing )
I suppose if you appreciate it that's the important part.
There are few things that I've truly gotten to explore.
( the unfortunate way her life has been even with how long it is. at least in hell she could still read, languages, knowledge, anything she desired to soak up.
but what surprises her is that it isn't what lilith chooses to talk about, the interest itself having surprised her when she'd first enjoyed it )
It isn't something that I do often. ( but more for purpose like at yule ) But-- I discovered that I enjoyed baking.
( and her gaze doesnt quite meet zelda's as if she's embarrassed by it )
[ She's trying to conjure up the image of Lilith in an apron, pulling cookies and pies out of an over with oversized mitts and, honestly, as amusing as the image is, it also endears Zelda to her even more.
She also doesn't want Lilith to be embarrassed, so Zelda keeps her tone under control, to make sure it can't be misconstrued as teasing. ]
[ Zelda loves it. She has an overwhelming need to kiss her and she doesn't know where it comes from, so she tries to behave, although her affectionate gaze is hard to miss. ]
Perhaps Hilda will appreciate a bit of competition over who makes dessert tonight?
[ That strange excitement she felt in her chest deflates, her smile fading slightly with it. Knowing something so simple about Lilith is pleasurable, but if it's something she keeps to herself, then Zelda knows she must respect it.
But it is, then, another thing that Lilith doesn't really want to share with her. And she can't deny that is hurts a bit. ]
( lilith notices that look and frankly it hurts her a little. if she'd still had the cottage she could have brought her some cookies because now that she's shared the knowledge there's no reason not to, though without having somewhere to go--
but that's a problem for another time. she takes her a moment, truly thinking but-- )
Reading. I spent a lot of time widening what I know. ( though outside of lucifer's tasks she'd had little freedoms to do too much )
Skills, languages, potions--
( oh, she'd created a lot of spells and potions in her time, tested what she could really do with her magic, creative uses for it, expanding her power. you didn't become as knowledgeable and powerful as she was without the work )
[ It hasn't entirely occurred to Zelda yet that since Lilith lacks a home with earthly trappings, those types of hobbies aren't exactly convenient for her anymore. Thinking of her residing in Hell is still more of an abstract thought than a reality.
She frowns a bit, absentmindedly conjuring her cigarette holder and an accompanying cigarette, bringing it to her lips to drag at it thoughtfully. ]
All admirable passions, indeed, but hardly unusual for a witch. [ She leans in slightly. ] I daresay it might be in both our interests to consider widening our horizons a bit.
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But to challenge her emotionally? She's only known hurt, abuse, loneliness. Zelda's words could have easily come off as cruel when one isn't accustomed to what love looks like.
And while Zelda has never found importance in love outside of her family, she does know how it feels. And this is certainly what it is. Although, she is wise enough to save such an admission for another time. ]
I never said I didn't enjoy it. Nor will I ever deny you a place in my bed. But... I also wish for you to stand by my side, out of it, too.
[ Zelda does kiss her, but it's gentle. Soft, and loving, lacking the hunger and desperation she's felt before. ]
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I may need your guidance.
( which was obvious. and whilst zelda had said that she also didn't really know what she was doing lilith knew that she had more of an idea than she did -- she had her family, their relationships, seeing the world and its people for her life in comparison to lilith's. she may have lived longer and seen more of the world but in terms of its people-- it was a different thing )
And-- patience.
( that part feels slightly silly to admit but this means something to her, something that she needs zelda to know. it might take time but she'll give it )
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You have both. Eternally.
[ Zelda runs her fingers gently through Lilith's hair, more than happy to comfort and coddle her for as long as the other witch will allow it. ]
Come home with me. Eat dinner with my family. You don't have to stay, but... Perhaps something a bit more normal is a good place to start.
[ As normal as anything can be around the Spellmans. ]
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When were you thinking?
( lilith did at least like her family. sabrina was a given but even hilda she had a fondness for, the younger witch's rebellious streak. and maybe lilith also enjoyed her cooking. their first dinner had been wonderful, they may have miscommunicated afterwards but everything before then had been pleasant. and normal )
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Now. This very instant. Let's forget all of our responsibilities, just for a few hours, and spend time together.
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Now?
( and the tone of her voice is one that can't believe that zelda's suggesting it. but the expression on her tells lilith that she's very serious )
Alright. Now it is.
( she didn't know whether having time to prepare for this or not made it better but there was certainly a feeling in her chest that lilith couldn't describe nor had ever felt before )
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I feel like we could both use a bit of spontaneity. [ She moves away from her, only to fetch a bottle and a couple of glasses to pour them each a drink. ] Besides, Hilda will be furious that I took her by surprise with a dinner guest. It will be worth it just for the look on her face.
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Zelda-- ( though there's a slight warning to her tone, not serious but sigh she doesn't follow it up, drinking a good portion of her drink )
On dates-- ( she pauses, gathering her thoughts ) What-- happens? The obvious aside.
( she knew that a date was, that wasn't what she was asking but more what people did, even talked about. whilst she can just converse with people it's usually for a purpose and never in a context like this -- open, personal. things that make her need to give a little vulnerability )
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Taking a seat next to her, Zelda considers the question thoughtfully, sipping from her glass as she does. ]
Well, people talk, I suppose. About the things they like, their hobbies, their histories. They get to know each other. [ She reaches out, gently placing her hand on Lilith's. ] But we don't have to speak about anything that you don't want to.
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Then-- would you tell me one thing you enjoy. Something outside of the church.
( what did zelda do in her free time? )
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[ What did she do? Before, the height of her day was reading the Satanic Bible and meditating quietly on her service to the Dark Lord but... That didn't apply as much anymore. And as of late, she had been predominately preoccupied with the church. It had become her life.
So having one outside of it was complicated, to say the least. ]
Well, I enjoy... [ There's something, Zelda. You have hobbies. ] Watching football is quite nice.
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thankfully zelda answers, saving her from having to think about it, lowering her glass again )
Football? ( there's a quiet pause, intrigued ) I wouldn't have expected that.
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[ She sips from her glass, staring at Lilith smugly. There's definitely a chance that she kind of sexualizes it, too, but she can't help that two of her favorite things are sex and violence. ]
One of the few wonderous things that have developed from the mortal realm.
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( as much as she can appreciate it in ways, has committed murderous and cruel acts before-- she's tired of violence, of the casual and terrible way in which the world is. she knows objectively that football isnt like this but its still never been her thing )
I suppose if you appreciate it that's the important part.
( who was she to look down on it? )
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It's all in good fun, Lilith. But if it isn't an interest we share, we'll find others.
[ It's not like anyone else likes to watch football games with her, anyway. ]
What are your interests outside the church?
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( the unfortunate way her life has been even with how long it is. at least in hell she could still read, languages, knowledge, anything she desired to soak up.
but what surprises her is that it isn't what lilith chooses to talk about, the interest itself having surprised her when she'd first enjoyed it )
It isn't something that I do often. ( but more for purpose like at yule ) But-- I discovered that I enjoyed baking.
( and her gaze doesnt quite meet zelda's as if she's embarrassed by it )
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[ She's trying to conjure up the image of Lilith in an apron, pulling cookies and pies out of an over with oversized mitts and, honestly, as amusing as the image is, it also endears Zelda to her even more.
She also doesn't want Lilith to be embarrassed, so Zelda keeps her tone under control, to make sure it can't be misconstrued as teasing. ]
Do you have a specialty?
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Perhaps not a speciality but a frequency. ( because it was simple and had felt hospitable ) Cookies.
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[ Zelda loves it. She has an overwhelming need to kiss her and she doesn't know where it comes from, so she tries to behave, although her affectionate gaze is hard to miss. ]
Perhaps Hilda will appreciate a bit of competition over who makes dessert tonight?
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That I'd be happy to let her do.
( and she's hoping that zelda gets the hint )
It was more-- a personal thing.
( for a purpose like a spell or occasionally when sabrina had come over she'd offered one. and maybe for herself in a weaker moment )
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[ That strange excitement she felt in her chest deflates, her smile fading slightly with it. Knowing something so simple about Lilith is pleasurable, but if it's something she keeps to herself, then Zelda knows she must respect it.
But it is, then, another thing that Lilith doesn't really want to share with her. And she can't deny that is hurts a bit. ]
Something else you enjoy, then.
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but that's a problem for another time. she takes her a moment, truly thinking but-- )
Reading. I spent a lot of time widening what I know. ( though outside of lucifer's tasks she'd had little freedoms to do too much )
Skills, languages, potions--
( oh, she'd created a lot of spells and potions in her time, tested what she could really do with her magic, creative uses for it, expanding her power. you didn't become as knowledgeable and powerful as she was without the work )
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She frowns a bit, absentmindedly conjuring her cigarette holder and an accompanying cigarette, bringing it to her lips to drag at it thoughtfully. ]
All admirable passions, indeed, but hardly unusual for a witch. [ She leans in slightly. ] I daresay it might be in both our interests to consider widening our horizons a bit.
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( she sounds a little intrigued at what zelda might suggest, the prospect of spending more time with her very appealing )
What did you have in mind?
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Well, there's knitting. Or sewing, if one is more inclined. I've heard board games can be rather enjoyable.
[ Needing to widen horizons indeed. ]
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