wanderer & wolf [Sol/Lilynette]

“Man. Steak would be good.”

Sol would comment, his eyes drifting up in thought briefly, wondering if there might be a steak house or some form of it in the town. He was sure Lilynette would approve of that too. But before he could think on it deeply, she seemed to launch into a discussion of chocolate and her preferred type. Something he didn’t really consider at first, but eventually figured this information might be useful later.

“I was just curious. I don’t think I’ve seen you eat sweets.” He’d explain, before tilting his head to the side briefly. Chocolate bugs. She said the darndest things sometimes. Regardless he’d laugh as she began to question him about Valentine’s day. “Oh, that’s cause a holiday is coming up. It wasn’t really big where I came from, but it’s called Valentine’s day. You’re supposed to get gifts for your partner or someone you’re romantically interested in. So people buy like, roses and chocolates and shit.” He’d explain, giving a light shrug.

“Actually forgot that was coming up.’

They managed to make it into town with little issue, the walk being mostly uneventful save for the looks they got. The wolves definitely caught a few looks but none approached, or said anything either out of self-preservation or busyiness. Sol’s hand would go to one of their head scratching behind their ears briefly as he listened to Lilynette speak, whatever awkwardness he once had having disappeared.

He just didn’t place much thought into it, at this point.

“Me? I don’t know if you’ve seen me, Lily. I’m not the smoothest guy. Plus that’s too much work.” He’d move his hand from the wolf, instead stretching his arms above his head as he yawned out the last words. Sol wasn’t about to go into depths about his failed love life with Lily, nor his ex drama. He was also somewhat sure that it would make for poor conversation all around, and so he’d play the part of the disinterested bachelor.

“What about you, any guys or girls sweep you off your feet?” He’d ask figuring to return the question.

“Thanks, I guess.”

His brow furrowed at that entire exchange, for a number of reasons. It just felt odd and surreal to have that type of advice, or conversation from Lilynette. Factor in that Sol was fairly certain the way ‘mates’ happened in Hueco Mundo was not nearly as functional or humane as in civilized society. Granted, his last relationship went sour but that was neither here nor there.

“I’m, uh, fine. I don’t think that's the play. Plus, I’m concerned for what passes as a relationship where you’re from.” He’d point out with a laugh, turning his head forward. Ahead he could see some steak house, as he dialed in on it. Target acquired, hell yeah. “They got one, sweet. Let’s hurry up.” He’d urge.

“It’s- alright I don’t even know what to say to that.” Sol would comment about the human genitals, briefly afraid of how she came to that conclusion. Some part of Sol was glad he hadn’t got her a laptop yet, lest it become infected with some virus. At any rate, she seemed to pick up pace as they made their way towards the shop. Her de-summoning of the wolves was a bit saddening but it was the good choice, he rather not have to deal with trying to get them into a public foodery.

Naturally however she hit him with a question he wasn’t nearly ready or equipped for to deal with. The immediate furrowing of his brow was an indicator it caught him off his stride, his head turning to look at her now. He considered the question for a moment, including his own feelings towards her. It was certainly a question mark.

“Yeah you’re attractive, in your own way. But I figured that's not really something you want, out of this friendship.” It was a… surprisingly good statement from Sol. While he certainly had to think for a moment as they entered the place, and wait in line, once he figured it out he seemed alright with what he said. Between the ‘cultural differences’ and his own attitude, he was sure anything down that path was doomed.

“Only you’d ask a question like that, right after we just made up.” He’d let out a small laugh, finding some humor in it.

By the time she approached him, they made it towards the entrance of the steakhouse. It seemed a bit strange to walk inside when she spoke to him, so instead he’d tilt his head to look her in the eyes as she did so. Try as he might to hide it, there always seemed to be some challenge in his eyes. A chip of his shoulder in most things. However, his brow would furrow for a moment before he made a ‘Gah!’ sound as she showed him some dude’s junk.

“Christ Lily put that away!” He’d comment a bit too loudly looking around, the last thing he wanted was for someone to assume they were some weird exhibitionist thing or some shit. Once she placed it away, the conversation teetered on seriousness and jovial. Some part of him didn’t like it, as if it was poking at his soft underbelly rather than the hardened skin he had formed.

It was unpleasant, to say the least as he shifted in his seat. Rather than a smile or frown, he had a carefully neutral look on his face. But try as he might, it was hard to hide behind the facade of neutrality for a guy like him. It was clear that whatever turmoil or frustration he felt was visible in the lines on his face and within his grey irises.

“Yeah I thought that’s what you meant. I don’t think it be okay, for us to just fuck. I don’t think I’d want that.” He’d comment as his jaw closed, clearly trying to humor her questions. But it was such a surreal line of questioning for him, he didn’t…like it. As if it exposed too much of who he was, to himself.

“It would depend. If I thought pushing for it would ruin, whatever this friendship was, then yeah I’d give up. What’s the point of chasing something you can’t get, when what you have is good enough?” The words felt true as he said them but they left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth, like drinking a coffee with a strong bitterness. It wasn’t pleasant. And after a second of processing it, the subtle neutrality he had was shifting into a light frown.

“What about you, if you were in my situation, would you give up?”