-Lily- Look at the night, it don't seem so lonely

[Phoenix]

Nick sat on his bed, waiting for Lily to show up at his room. They had had dinner reservations for 7 pm at a restaurant for nearly a month, and last minute, Nick had to cancel because the Dark Angel needed him for a task. He had felt bad. Although Lily wouldn't act bothered, he knew she would be disappointed on some level.

It was now 10 pm. To make it up to her, he asked her to come to his room so they could watch a movie together. That was a bonus to being second in command and the favourite. He didn't have a room mate, and he had a television and dvd player. It came in handy because it meant he wouldn't be disturbed by dimwits like Wilder.

Unfortunately, he was very picky in his movie choices. He opened his cupboard. Action. Slasher. Thriller. Suspense. No comedy. No romance. No musicals.

He knew his offer of a make-up date was fairly lousy, but given the circumstances, it was the best he could do.

[Sparrow]

Liliana couldn't help but feel disappointed when Nick had cancelled on her. Kaycee had even offered to help her get ready and Kaycee hardly ever thought of anyone but herself. Then again, she rarely turned down a chance to dress anyone up either though.

She knew Nick had work to do and how important that was to him. But as she changed from her dress to her jeans and favorite hoodie, she knew there were days when she wished he would put her first.

But Nick, despite what people thought, had a heart and a consience. He wanted to make it up to her and she realized that this was his way of showing how much he cared about her. Even if he would never tell her he loved her.

She locked her room carefully and headed down the winding halls to Nick's room. She passed Kaycee playing chess by herself and waved lightly. Kaycee raised an eyebrow at her next best outfit and waved back. Lily thought some of the freshmen watching her might faint if Kaycee ever waved to them and the thought made her smile to herself.

She approached his room shyly and tapped on the door with her free hand. Her other was holding a bag of chocolate m&m's for Nick to show she wasn't mad at him.

[Phoenix]

Nick heard a light tap on the door, just as he finished setting things up and getting ready for Lily.

The door was unlocked, but he went over and opened it for her. He didn't greet her with a hello or a bouncy smile. Sorry. Was all he could come up with. He stepped back and held the door open all the way and gestured for her to enter.

[Sparrow]

Liliana smiled. Unlike Nick, she had no problem with that. But it was mostly his apology that softened her expression. It's ok. She whispered and touched his hair lightly before entering the room.

Lily placed the candy on his table lightly before turning around to look at Nick. How was your day? She asked cautiously, not sure of his mood quite yet. He hadn't said enough for her to determine that.

[Phoenix]

Once Lily had entered the room, he closed the door and locked it. Just because it was his room, didn't mean people didn't come running in from time to time, yelling he was needed immediately or just because.... well Wilder was the only one who dared to run in 'just because.'

My day was okay. He hesitated and then added. I felt bad about cancelling. I know how excited you were... but Dark Angel insisted I was needed... He cut himself and shook his head. I couldn't say no to him, but I was so angry... I've just wanted to see you all day.

He sat down on the edge of his bed. He wasn't trying to make excuses for himself, he was just explaning. The stress and burden of his job never got to him. Not until now.

It was only then he noticed the bag of chocolates Lily had brought. My favourite. He smirked, picking them up. I thought we could watch a movie if you're interested. He wouldn't stop her if she got upset and walked out. Really, she had every right to be angry with him, but lashing out like that wasn't like her either.

[Sparrow]

Lily brightened slightly. She understood Nick's position, even if she didn't really like it. She also understood now what he needed was her assurance that she wasn't angry at him. She sat lightly on the edge of his bed next to him.

It's ok, really. I mean I know how important your work is to you. I signed up for that, remember? But I missed you too. Alot actually. She added the last part a bit quieter, a little embarrassed.

I thought you might like them. She perked up when she saw his smile, no matter how smug it was. And a movie sounds good actually. I haven't relaxed all day, she admitted.

[Phoenix]

When she sat beside him, he rested his hand on her knee. It was one of the few gestures of affection he felt comfortable doing. I know you did. We both agreed that Dark Angel would come first when we started this. Plus he never would have let us be together if we didn't put him first. You know he would find ways to keep us apart... When we first started I didn't think it would ever get this hard. This was definitely a new side to Nick. He was never this open about his feelings to anyone... not even Dark Angel.

When she perked up, he felt his own mood lighten as well. He nodded to his movie shelf. You can pick, but my selection is very limited.

[Sparrow]

Liliana listened patiently. It was rare moment of affection for Nick, between the light touch and the speaking aloud. She rested her hand atop of his for a brief moment before moving it to flick a piece of hair behind her ears. She didn't want to spoil the moment and thought carefully before she answered. Nick Collins, I took a risk on you. She began slowly, fearlessly looking directly at him. You have never made me regret that. And despite your loyalty to the Dark Angel, you still make time for me. It reminds me how much you must care for me, because if you didn't, we wouldn't be sitting here right now. I never knew it would be this hard either but we aren't fighters for nothing. You are the most amazing person I know, and I'm never going to stop fighting for you. Ok?

Her eyes drifted from his face to the shelf of movies although she didn't want to move from her spot. Nick, you know I will watch anything as long as it isn't Elf. That movie was awful. She said with a giggle.

[Phoenix]

Nick let her say her piece, and he had to admit he felt relieved when she finished. Felt like they were standing on the same level again and there was no awkward tension anymore.

He nodded to her at her statement of okay, and he allowed an amused smirk to cross his face when she commented on the horrible movie entitled elf.

Feeling more comfortable about the situation, he patted her leg a couple of times and went over to his movie shelf. Where some couples would argue for hours over who picked the movie, Nick would just make the final decision.

He closed his eyes and ran his hand over top the boxes and then picked one. He opened his eyes and turned, holding it up. Liliana knew by now how his system of picking things worked. How does The Uninvited sound?

~lol I saw the movie a couple months ago, omg... it blew my mind!!~

[Sparrow]

-I know... Its so twisted!!-

Lily rested her head on his shoulder for a brief second and was content with him picking. In their relationship, she was the indecisive one and always felt better when he came to a final decision that worked for both of them.

It wasn't like Liliana forgave Nick everytime they fought either. She often waited till he knocked on her door and realized she was right rather than the other way around. As long as no one was listening in, Lily knew her boyfriend could apologize for instances just as well as anyone else. In this situation though, she was glad they weren't at odds any longer.

Sure, She agreed easily. I heard that was a good one. Now, where is that super fleecey blanket of yours I love? Unless you want me to cuddle up to you? She winked at him so he would know she was just poking fun at his unaffectionate ways and not actually mocking him.

[Phoenix]

Usually she would agree when he just flicked something off the shelf this way. It was the best solution when neither cared what they were doing.

I just got this movie so I haven't watched it yet. I hope its good. Though he had many positive reviews about the movie, and they rarely let him down.

It's in my closet. Top shelf. He had no problem with cuddling, but he wasn't about to tell her that. His closet wasn't a walk in, but it was fairly big considering. His closest was always organized, and the blanket was clearly visible from where it was sitting on the shelf. He never used the blanket, except for when Liliana came to his room.

While he let her grab the blanket, he set the movie up and grabbed the remote. He turned off the lights and came to sit back on the bed beside Liliana, resting his back against the bed frame so he was sitting up right.

[Sparrow]

Lily grinned at him and jumped to her feet. She found it easily- Nick was a little anal about being tidy. In fact, it was even next to one of the shirts she had given him for his birthday. Seeing that made her smile a little brighter as she returned to Nick.

Liliana joined Nick on the bed and looked at him. I'm surprised the Dark Angel let you have the night off actually. Don't you usually tend to stuff while other people are sleeping? She remarked.

[Phoenix]

Nick raised one arm, indicating he wanted her to come rest right beside him so he could put his arm around her. Usually, but not always. Was his reponse.

While she settled down beside him, he took the blanket and unfolded it, and when she was still, he laid the blanket across them so they were comfortable. Good? He asked as his way of making sure she comfortable, even though she looked like it.