Meet Me Under the Tree

[LIAM AVERY]

Liam was nervous. He hated admitting that, but he couldn't deny it either. When Flynn called to ask him to meet her under the tree the following night, he felt his stomach jerk with excitement and anxiety. He wanted Flynn to like him. Well, she already did, but...he wanted her to be attracted to him. That was the hard part. Liam never made an effort to be attractive. He was scruffy and poorly kept, though he kept his facial hair trimmed and the hair on his head a decent length, mussed it up a little in the evenings. For the most part, though, he didn't keep up with his appearances. Then again, Flynn wasn't a high maintenance girl...at least, she didn't seem like she was. She had mentioned lipstick being only for special occasions, which must mean she didn't normally wear a lot of make-up. That was fine by him; he thought she was beautiful anyway.

That was another thing. Liam wasn't used to not being able to get someone off his mind. But Flynn and those pretty blue-green eyes of hers were always in the back of his head now. That and the soft sound of her voice. He'd only met her once, for goodness' sake! Yet he felt like a silly teenage boy with his first crush. It frustrated and fascinated him all at once. How had he gone almost 90 years without feeling like this? He'd felt nervous, but not this giddy before. Maybe he was starting to understand this whole love business a little. Not that he was in love with Flynn...but isn't this how it felt at first? He was such a cliche. As he thought about it, his feet carrying him automatically to the tree, he rubbed the back of his neck and mussed his hair further. He was too tense and he didn't want Flynn to see how nervous he was.

When he approached the tree, he looked around for the pretty brunette he'd met several nights before. His stomach felt tight, but he kept his face calm. Perhaps she wasn't there yet? But just as he got close to the Tree, he caught sight of her. His stomach was a painful knot. She was prettier than he remembered. How was that possible? He felt like he could just admire her from afar forever, like he would admire a beautiful painting or statue. She was lovely. Her eyes caught sight of him, though, and he smiled at her kindly. "'Evening, friend," he greeted calmly, his outward appearance betraying none of the anxiety gnawing at his belly. "Are you more awake this time?" Some teasing might ease some of the knot in his gut.

[FLYNN YOUNG]

Flynn had enjoyed the time she spent with her new friend, Liam. So much in fact that she decided to call him after she got a good night of sleep! Of course she had to wait until the sun went down and made plans to meet him where they had first met. It seemed like a proper place not to mention they both found it lovely. This night, after making sure she was well rested, she strapped her wings into an old harness that Griffin had given her and tied them close to her body so she could wear something a little less baggy. She just hated standing around for eight hours at work and having her wings constricted so she wore loose fitting clothes. But tonight was different, she was going to go out with a friend and that always called for wearing something a little nicer!

She wore a flowy white summer dress that ruffled a bit at the top and the bottom, with a nice pair of flats to match. Her hair pulled half up and half left down she actually looked presentable instead of all bulky. She even threw on a little brown eye shadow but that was it as far as makeup went.

On this night Flynn managed to be the first one to the tree and her hand found the long flaw where the tree had opened up so many years ago. The woman believed it brought personality to the tree and made it even more unique. She couldn't possibly fathom just how much magic it contained inside its' core. That's when she was startled by the familiar voice, "Evening, friend," she spun around and caught sight of the man she had been standing there waiting to meet up with.

"Are you more awake this time?" When she'd been startled her wings twitched in the harness which felt awkward. She wasn't used to keeping them constricted but she knew she couldn't just wear baggy clothes all the time. "I am!" She told him brightly and gave her best smile with her words, her hands finding their way behind her back as if she had suddenly become shy.

"I'm glad you decided to come! I wasn't sure if you were going to be busy or not when I called," her eyes were wide and fixated on his own hues. He had such rugged good looks, she noted to herself and it made her smile even more. In a way he reminded her of her friend Griffin but then again, not. She didn't get that brotherly feeling from Liam the way she did with Griffin, but he seemed almost gentle in the same way.

[LIAM AVERY]

"I am!" The bright smile on Flynn's face and the way she practically chirped when she spoke to him made Liam's heart clench a little. He smiled more at her cheerfulness, putting his hands in his pockets and she clasped hers behind her back. "I'm glad you decided to come! I wasn't sure if you were going to be busy or not when I called." Was she really surprised? He had enjoyed her company the other night as much as she enjoyed his. Her light, cheerful attitude was so different than what he was used to in the Gargoyle community that it was like a breath of fresh air. He'd never felt sunshine, but he imagined if he ever did, he would feel the same way under its bright light that he felt in Flynn's presence. Maybe that was corny or cheesy, but he couldn't stop those thoughts from popping into his head. Apparently, Flynn made him a regular Petrarch.

"Of course I came. I'd make time for you," he replied before he realized how that sounded. Was that...romantic? Was her hopeless romanticism rubbing off on him in only the short span of time he'd known her? He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head, feeling awkward. This wasn't a date, he didn't have to say things like that...but he realized it was just what was on his mind. He had never been afraid to say what was on his mind, and he barely had a filter anymore. And he meant what he said. If she called and wanted to see him, he would make time for her. Not that he had a lot to do anyway, but he wouldn't say that. It would take the kindness out of his words and he didn't really want to do that, as embarrassing as it was to let that slip for her. He would have to guard his tongue lest she thought he was too forward. Why would she be interested anyway?

His eyes glanced to the tree and he smiled more when he looked back at her. "I saw you looking at the scar again," he commented, a little awkwardly. He just needed to change the subject. "I always wondered what I would find in there if the tree broke open. Maybe a bottomless pit or a bright light...maybe just the hollow insides of a tree. What do you suppose is in there?" He liked talking about the tree with her. He had discussed the legend with other guardians before, even an Avisaille before, but he had never talked about it with someone like Flynn. She was so seemingly innocent, he wondered what she imagined beyond the crack in the tree.

[FLYNN YOUNG]

"Of course I came. I'd make time for you," His words came as a surprise and Flynn's face gave away how she was feeling. It was sweet the way he said he'd make time for her since he probably did have a busy schedule, only having a window of time each night to do all the things that he needed or wanted to. "That's very nice of you," she said softly with her bright smile. Liam was very sweet so far from what Flynn knew of him and she enjoyed his company, which was why she'd called him to hang out that night!

"I saw you looking at the scar again," She heard him say and looked over her shoulder to the tree and nodded. She loved being near the tree, whether at night or during the day it was one of her favorite places to be. She felt at home in its presence and allowed her mind to wander. "I always wondered what I would find in there if the tree broke open. Maybe a bottomless pit or a bright light...maybe just the hollow insides of a tree. What do you suppose is in there?" That was the question all Guardians wondered Flynn supposed.

"May I?" Her voice was always so soft and calm, her hand reaching out for his. Her fingers curled around his palm and pulled him closer to the tree until she was able to press his hand up against the tree, her own hand pressed against his and her fingers between his. "Just feel the tree," she said and made sure that they were touching it right where the trunk had split apart so long ago.

"No matter what is on the other side.. a doorway leading elsewhere, a ray of light, or even just a hollow trunk.. it's magic. It's alive and that's what is magical about it. All living things are magical and special in their own ways." That was what Flynn honestly believed. It brought hope to those Guardians who needed support or kindness in their life. It brought hope to those who weren't Guardians that needed something to believe in. To Flynn, the tree was hope.

"It doesn't matter where we may be from originally, all that matters is that we're here now and this is our home." She slowly slid her fingers down the back of his hand and then dropped it back down to her side. Liam might agree or disagree but it was okay with Flynn either way. She knew not everyone agreed or wanted to see things from her point of view, but it made her happy.

[LIAM AVERY]

“May I?” Liam wasn’t sure what Flynn was doing until her hand wrapped around his. His heart jumped into his throat, throbbing hard there. She pulled him closer to the tree, pressing his hand to the crack with her own hand. It was warm and soft against the tough skin of his own, the hard knuckles jutting out slightly. “Just feel the tree.” He did so, but he watched her as she spoke, noting just how close she was to him. There was that smell again…that smell that belonged only to her. The one he thought was sunshine. How was she affecting him so much? "No matter what is on the other side…a doorway leading elsewhere, a ray of light, or even just a hollow trunk…it's magic. It's alive and that's what is magical about it. All living things are magical and special in their own ways." How did a girl like her exist? She was so innocent and wise at the same time. He was mesmerized by her and everything she said. Just the way her mouth moved when she spoke hypnotized him.

“It doesn’t matter where we may be from originally, all that matters is that we’re here now and this is our home.” It was true. This was home. Whatever realm Avisailles came from, or Gargoyles, they all came through the same tree to protect this place and it was home. Maybe he and Flynn weren’t so different in the end. Her hand slipped down the back of his, but still his eyes stayed glued on her. Did the tree have a heartbeat, or was that just his own blood pumping through the hand she had touched? The damage was done: Liam idolized this woman. He let his own hand drop down off the crack of the tree, just watching her in bewilderment; no one had ever mesmerized him so much.

“You’re beautiful.” The soft words slipped out before he even had time to stop them. As soon as he said them, though, he blinked, surprised at himself. He quickly looked away from her, clearing his throat and scratching the back of his head. He wasn’t sure if he was flushed or not now, but he knew he was embarrassed. “Sorry, that just…slipped out. I didn’t mean to be so forward,” he mumbled, forcing himself to glance back up at her. She probably didn’t even think of him that way. It was the second time they’d even seen each other! He was the only one thinking like a love struck teenager. He really needed to get out more to prevent these random outbursts of unwanted compliments.

[FLYNN YOUNG]

Flynn watched Liam who was watching her. When she was done explaining what she thought the tree had deep inside she didn't mind that he kept his eyes on her. But what he said next was something that she wasn't expecting and it caught her off guard, "You're beautiful." Almost as soon as Liam said the words his expression appeared to change. Almost like he hadn't meant to say them, and he began to explain the slip up to her. "Sorry, that just...slipped out. I didn't mean to be so forward," she nodded in understanding.

"It's okay," she explained and her cheeks seemed to flush a light pink, "I think you're beautiful too." Flynn wasn't usually a forward person but she could tell that he seemed to be a little flustered by what he uttered so out of the blue. Of course she thought nothing of it other than the fact that he was being kind. But Flynn did think that Liam was beautiful. Of what she knew of him so far he was sweet and caring, and very handsome.

The Avisaille licked her lips and allowed her eyes to roam around the area. Usually she didn't hang out around the tree at night and it was so different than it was during the day. It was quieter since there weren't children out playing or pet lovers taking their pets for a stroll. There were no college students laying out in the grass reading their books or business men on the bench eating their lunch. She could hear the chirping of the crickets and the buzzing of the cicadas that swarmed around the street lights.

"One thing I've always heard about Gargoyles is that they're excellent climbers, I hope that's true." Flynn enjoyed being playful, believing that life was so much better when you had a little fun and stayed positive. Well she was positively going to climb up into the tree! She reached up for one of the lower branches and had to go on her tip toes to reach it. When her fingers curled around the rough limb she hung there, dangling in the air a bit with her feet kicking around until they found the trunk of the tree and she was able to push herself up onto the branch. The hardest part was always the beginning, trying to get up into the tree. But now that she was able to sit in the tree she waved for him to follow.

"The view is nicer up here," she explained as her reasoning for hopping up into the tree and began to climb up higher. She'd grab a smaller branch to steady herself and only step up on the thicker ones. She was graceful and light enough that even the smaller branches could hold her easily, which was mainly because of her hollowed bones. It made her lighter than a human woman of her size.

[LIAM AVERY]

“It’s okay.” Liam was almost surprised by these words. “I think you’re beautiful, too.” He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bouncing nervously as his heart raced. Flynn…thought he was beautiful. It made him freeze in place, watching her wide-eyed. She was blushing lightly, but the way she said it…her words didn’t hold the same meaning his did. Liam was infatuated with Flynn; her admiration for him was much more innocent than that. Still, she had said he was beautiful and it was hard to slow his blood and restore feeling to his limbs. He tried to steady himself as her eyes roamed the area. Those eyes…were the prettiest he had ever seen. She had no idea just how beautiful she was; he was certain of that.

“One thing I’ve always heard about Gargoyle is that they’re excellent climbers. I hope that’s true.” He was puzzled and taken aback, unsure what she meant at first, but then she reached for a lower branch. Liam almost went to her to lift her up and help her reached it, but held himself back. She seemed to get a handle on it and she managed to pull herself into the tree. Was she aware she was wearing a dress? Even so, Liam was a gentleman and avoided staring at her legs or anything else as she made her way up. She was so like a child. It made him smile warmly as he watched her for a moment. Once she was secure in the tree, she turned those lovely eyes down to him and waved for him to follow. “The view is nicer up here.” He smiled wider and put his hands on the trunk; he could use a reminder on tree-climbing.

It was effortless climbing the tree. He grabbed the lower branch she had, even though he didn’t need it, pulling himself up without a struggle. Once his feet were below him again, he scaled the tree quickly, his hands and feet grabbing hold where there seemed to be nothing to grab onto. In a matter of seconds he was already higher than her and he soon scrambled onto a thick, high branch, perching himself there, his legs dangling off the edge of the branch. There was plenty of room for the two of them there and the view was lovely through the trees. He grinned almost impishly down at her. “Hurry up, slowpoke,” he teased lightly, his blue eyes bright with amusement. Since when had he called someone slowpoke? Flynn brought out a side of him that he didn’t even know existed. He scooted down the branch smoothly, making enough room closer to the trunk for her to take a seat. It occurred to him she might grab hold of his hand again. The thought made him anxious and excited all at once and he gulped and licked his lips to calm himself. He was a fool falling for a beautiful girl. Who ever expected that from Liam?

[FLYNN YOUNG]

Flynn was plenty aware that she was wearing a dress and although it may have been easy to see under it while she struggled to get up onto the first limb, she was much more careful the rest of the way up. It helped that the branches weren't too far spread apart and it was dark out so there wasn't anyone else around to look up her dress from the ground. Especially since Liam happened to pass her! His climbing skills were much better than his and she laughed when he was above her. "Hurry up, slowpoke," Liam called down to her and she looked up while grasping one of the branches firmly in her left hand and leaning to the side so she could see him better.

"It's not as easy as it looks," She called up to him in the same playful tone that he'd used for her and it was true. Flynn enjoyed heights but it was different when her wings were strapped to a harness and pressed tightly against her back. She wouldn't be able to catch herself the way she would if she had gone without the harness. Her wings began to twitch against her back which made it even more uncomfortable as they itched to be free. She was going to rip the darn thing off as soon as she got home for sure!

When she finally made it up to his position she climbed onto the sturdy limb and sat down beside him, reaching her hand out to grab his arm lightly so she could position herself without accidentally falling off. When she was certain she was steady she rubbed his arm gently as if she had grabbed it too hard, which she knew wasn't true at all, and then rest her hand on her lap while her legs swung back and forth over the side of the tree. "Would you believe I've never been up here at night?" Flynn said quietly and looked out over the park that surrounded the tree. Little trails went every which way for people to walk along, a couple of benches and lots of grass.

But what stood out the most and made the whole scene that much more beautiful were the fireflies that danced around. They were flying around above and below them, lighting up the tree as if they were having their own little festival.

[LIAM AVERY]

“It’s not as easy as it looks.” Flynn’s playful tone made Liam chuckle as he watched her continue up the tree to where he was. He wasn’t impatient, just simply watch her. If she lost her footing or something, he would jump right down and help her, catch her, whatever it took. Just as long as she didn’t hurt herself. It must have been tough with her wings, too, not being able to really use them for balance. He was curious what they looked like, but the only way to know would be to…to…Liam couldn’t even think about that. It made it difficult to breathe.

After a few minutes, she was at his branch, and when she reached for his arm, he gave it willingly. Her touch was gentle, even as she was trying to balance herself, and he had to smile softly at that. When she was positioned beside him, her hand rubbed his arm as if she had squeezed too hard, and he gulped, his stomach clenching in nervousness. He gave a small, nervous smile though, before taking a breath and looking out over the park. The view really was beautiful. “Would you believe I’ve never been up here at night?” Liam smiled, amused. “Well, Avisailles don’t really come out at night. I wish it were possible for me to be up here during the day,” he replied almost wistfully.

As he was looking at the park, though, he noticed the tiny, flickering lights all around them. It was firefly season, a bug which he had always found to be quite lovely. He liked to watch them as he thought on summer nights. One came floating at his face and he instinctively leaned away from it and into Flynn a little, but not bumping her. His hands reached up and closed around the bug, loosely securing it before he turned back to Flynn with a smile. “I have a present,” he announced playfully before opening his hands a little to show the light flashing in between them. The bug was fine, if not a little confused, and it crawled around on his fingers. “I remember catching these as a kid and having a blast doing it. I was such a serious kid, though; it was the most I really played. I liked putting them in a jar a watching them,” he told her softly. The bug floated off his fingers and he looked at Flynn. “Are you going to let your present fly away?” he teased with a playfully excited face.

[FLYNN YOUNG]

"Well, Avisailles don't really come out at night. I wish it were possible for me to be up here during the day," Her eyes fell on him and couldn't imagine how her life would be if she couldn't go out into the sunshine. She loved it so, and a part of her felt sad for her new friend, wishing she could share a summer day with him. She could have told him that there were things she couldn't do during the day, that she was limited as well, but nothing would be as limited as being stone while the sun shone. So what if she couldn't go to the beach and sunbathe in a cute bathing suit the way other women could? She could still sit there in a nice top and read a book.

The silence was nice that they shared between them and Flynn couldn't stop herself from watching him with those curious eyes of hers. When he leaned towards her she leaned a little away just in case he needed more room since she was unsure what exactly he was doing but she saw his hands going up and then cupping something between them gently. "I have a present," A present? She couldn't help but get excited at the thought and leaned towards him as he opened his hands enough for her to see the little firefly crawling around in his hands, its back end lighting up and then going dark.

"I remember catching these as a kid and having a blast doing it. I was such a serious kid, though; it was the most I really played. I liked putting them in a jar and watching them," His words were soft and so kind sounding as they passed through his lips and she found herself actually staring at him but when she realized she was staring she blinked and looked away. "Are you going to let your present fly away?" If Flynn hadn't known he was a gargoyle she never would have guessed him to be one with the way he was being playful with the firefly. He handled it so gingerly that it was hard to imagine him being a creature that turned to stone.

Flynn giggled and slowly put her hands between the gargoyle's cupped hands so that the firefly could eventually crawl its way into her grasp, which it did quicker than she anticipated. The little bug crawled onto her index finger first and she delicately guided it into her palm before she copied Liam's hands by cupping hers and keeping them close so she could look in and watch the little bug. "I think that's sweet. You must have been a sweet child," her eyes met his and her head tilted slightly to the side, the little insect tickling her palm as it crawled about. "I lived with my grandmother when I was young. She didn't particularly enjoy my company. She said I looked like my father and she didn't like him at all. I used to keep my window open at night and let them fly in my room." She giggled at the memory, not at all seeming to mind the thought of her grandmother and realizing that mentioning her didn't really have anything to do with her story. "Oh, I believe I left out part of it, didn't I? Only I'm unsure what it was.." She shook her head as if it wasn't important to begin with.

The little firefly must have found itself tired of scurrying about her palm and began to flap its little wings. Flynn held her palm out straight so that it could fly off on its own and watched it almost with envy. She wished she could take off and fly around whenever she felt like it, though at that very moment Flynn was fine having her wings tied down. "If I were allowed out at night I surely would have been your friend when we were children! I would have been un-serious enough for both of us," she teased and leaned into him playfully to give a little nudge.

[LIAM AVERY]

Liam smiled warmly when Flynn’s hands came between his, scooping up the little firefly. She was changing him completely, but in a way that he didn’t really mind. He was so serious all the time, it was nice to actually loosen up and be playful for once. Not to mention, the softness of her hands against the roughness of his own was softening his stony façade. He couldn’t be serious around her, not when she made him feel so…giddy. Her hands cupped the firefly now, peeking in at it as Liam satisfied himself with just watching her. “I think that’s sweet. You must have been a sweet child.” He chuckled, holding her gaze when it came back to his. “I don’t know if I would call myself sweet, but I was a quiet child. Curious, but quiet,” he replied. His mother had never had a hard time with him and all of the other parents raved about how well behaved he was. He may have been well behaved and well mannered, but his mother still worried that he didn’t spend enough time being a child. Catching fireflies with him had delighted her, loving the vision of her child actually playing.

“I lived with my grandmother when I was young. She didn’t particularly enjoy my company. She said I looked like my father and she didn’t like him at all. I used to open my window at night and let them fly in my room.” She bounced from one topic to another, and while Liam was slightly disturbed at her telling him that her grandmother didn’t like her, he had to smile at her giggle. How could her grandmother not enjoy her company? He thought Flynn had to be the most delightful creature he’d ever been around, and that wasn’t an overstatement. He’d only seen her twice, yet he was bewitched by her. “Oh, I believe I left out part of it, didn’t I? Only I’m unsure what it was…” When she shook her head he chuckled, finding her flightiness adorable.

He watched as she held her palm out and the firefly flew away. It made him wonder what it would be like to fly. He’d pondered that question many times over the years, but of course, could only imagine what it would be like. Flynn could fly. He envied her freedom. She could fly, be in the sunlight and the moonlight, and she could see the world. And yet he admired her for all those things as well. She was everything he wasn’t and he caught a glimpse of a different existence with her. It was invigorating. “If I were allowed out at night, I surely would have been your friend as children! I would have been un-serious enough for the both of us.” He chuckled at the way she leaned into him, nudging him, and he nodded. “I could have used a friend like you to make me lighten up,” he replied.

“Truth is, I didn’t really have a lot of friends growing up. I had a few here and there, but none that ever stuck around for long. I was really quiet and preferred to be alone. Over the years, I’ve pretty much stayed the same, though I’ve come out of my shell a little,” he confessed, giving her a sidelong glance and a smile. His eyes watched the fireflies flitting about again. “I just like to think, I guess. It’s hard to think with other people around. Not that I don’t like meeting new people and making new friends.” He looked back at her with a kind smile. “There’s just not many of my kind that I get along with. I think I’m much more…open-minded than many Gargoyles. I guess that’s why you and I get along so well.” His smile grew a little as he gazed at her eyes. They truly were beautiful. “I bet you have a ton of friends,” he teased softly.

[FLYNN YOUNG]

Every time that Liam chuckled or smiled it made Flynn's bright smile appear. "I don't know if I would call myself sweet, but I was a quiet child. Curious, but quiet." She listened to him describe what sort of child he'd been and she pictured a younger Liam sitting beside her in the tree, having the same haircut and blue eyes with a serious expression on his face. She was sure he would have been just adorable!

"Truth is, I didn't really have a lot of friends growing up. I had a few here and there, but none that ever stuck around for long. I was really quiet and preferred to be alone. Over the years, I've pretty much stayed the same, though I've come out of my shell a little. I just like to think, I guess. It's hard to think with other people around. Not that I don't like meeting new people and making new friends."

He seemed to be so open and honest sitting up there in the tree with her, talking easy and letting her in on a little bit of history of the man. And she was enjoying herself sitting up there beside him and listening to him! People in this day and age didn't like to talk about themselves and certainly didn't like to reveal their story. They relied on being mysterious to grab a person's attention and Flynn actually preferred a person who was an open book to one full of mystery and secrets. An open book was easier to trust and was reliable.

"There's just not many of my kind that I get along with. I think I'm much more...open-minded than many Gargoyles. I guess that's why you and I get along so well." He was a total contradiction to what she'd heard of Gargoyles. He'd explained the previous night how most of them were much more aggressive and it made her happy that Liam was the first gargoyle that she'd ever met. "I bet you have a ton of friends," she wasn't sure if he was being serious or not and her expression revealed her confusion but it didn't last long as it changed to a look of wonder.

Flynn could have watched him all night long, perched up high in that tree. "Just a couple of friends," she said and looked away feeling a little silly admitting it to him. Sure, Flynn was friendly and kind but not everyone wanted someone like her in their life. She recalled one night upsetting someone because she was trying to be nice and offer advice and that was the last she saw of the girl. "I kept to myself when I was young. I didn't get out of the house often, and flying was never a strong suit of mine so I enjoyed sitting around reading while everyone else stretched out their wings." The girl tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned forward a bit to look down and see just how far the ground was from where they were.

"Which reminds me, this darn harness is driving me just mad," she exclaimed just above a whisper and tried to reach behind her back and used her fingers to try and scratch under the harness. It was difficult though and she ended up just shrugging her shoulders and arching her back a bit to try and re-position it. As much as she wanted to take it off she couldn't do that and keep them hidden in what she was wearing so she decided to try and just put the thought out of her mind. Maybe if she didn't think about it then it wouldn't bother her anymore.

"We're two of a kind, you a gentle gargoyle and me a flightless avisaille," she teased him right back at him, enjoying their playfulness. Griffin and her could tease one another but it was different than this was. Griffin was like an older brother and they would just banter on and on about silly things and who they were hanging around, but lately he was always talking about Claire and spending more and more time with the girl. It wasn't a bad thing but Flynn wouldn't mind having someone else to joke with and Liam was a more than perfect candidate!

Her eyes trailed over his face, shadows sweeping over his features and concealing half of him in darkness. That was until a firefly decided it was going to land just on top of his head and she giggled, her eyes fixated on the little bug as she reached up to try and fetch it before it could get lost in his brown hair, "now hold still," she told him softly and slid her fingers between his hair to shake the firefly off, and the insect got the message and flew off to find another landing spot. Although she had gotten the bug off him quickly she didn't pull her hand back right away.

His hair was thicker than she expected it to be and although it wasn't long her fingers disappeared in the sea of dark locks. Flynns bright eyes slowly looked back to his blue hues that were quite bright themselves in the darkness and her hand left his hair but her fingers trailed gently down the side of his face. Although he spoke to her as if an open book his skin was a mystery to her and she just wanted to touch it. He looked just like everyone else but his skin seemed to be firmer. Even on his face where she thought it would be soft it was firm. She rested her palm against his cheek and her eyes moved down to where her hand remained, her face revealing just how curious she was. "You're so fascinating.."

[LIAM AVERY]

“Just a couple of friends.” Liam’s brow furrowed in confusion. “How’s that possible?” he asked without really thinking. It threw him for a loop. Flynn was the friendliest person he ever met, how could she not have many friends? "I kept to myself when I was young. I didn't get out of the house often, and flying was never a strong suit of mine so I enjoyed sitting around reading while everyone else stretched out their wings." She was full of surprises. Why was flying a weakness for her? If he had wings, he would want to use them every day. But she sat around reading, which sounded a lot like him. “Which reminds me, this harness is driving me just mad.” Liam chuckled as he watched her struggling to readjust it at her back, but he was nervous she was going to fall. He reached back and his hand hovered over her back to spot her in case she toppled backward. Thankfully, she kept her balance, and he brought his hand back to his lap.

“We’re two of a kind, you a gentle Gargoyle and me a flightless Avisaille.” He grinned, nodding. He supposed they both were two of a kind: they were both misfits in their own communities. Still, he didn’t know if he could classify himself as gentle. He was a guardian, had gone through brutal training to become one, and he had shown how hard and fierce he could be. It was nothing for him to break a man’s arm, though he preferred not to. Could that qualify as gentle? With Flynn, though, how could he be anything but gentle? She was so delicate, he was afraid she would break with a powerful gust of wind. His smile faded as he realized she was watching him, studying his face, and it made him gulp nervously. Why was she looking at him like that? It made him wish there was more to that stare than there probably was. He wanted her to admire him as much as he admired her.

As they watched each other, Liam was caught off guard by a sudden bright green light coming from above him and near his face. He looked up briefly, but then back down at Flynn as she giggled; it sounded like music. She was reaching up to his hair, making him wonder if there was a firefly there or not. He definitely felt something tickling. “Now hold still.” He obeyed her soft command, watching her as she ran her fingers through his hair. It sent chills down his spine. She had no idea what she did to him. His heart raced, and even though his rational brain told him she was just getting a bug out of his hair, for once his emotional brain was taking over. He was reading more into that soft touch than was probably there, and he was well aware of that, but he let himself continue thinking it anyway. He liked the way it made his blood pump.

Those irrational thoughts were vindicated as her hand continued to stroke his hair, something only his mother had done so affectionately. That hand moved down to his face, caressing his cheek gently, and he held her bright eyed gaze. He was getting lost in her and it nearly terrified him. What was it about Flynn? It was everything. She represented every question he had never been able to answer, and she was also the answer to all those questions. He was captivated as her soft palm rested against his rough cheek, stubbled and firm. The way his heart was jumping was something he had never experienced before and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he gulped. “You’re so fascinating…” No. She was the fascinating one. In just two meetings, this girl had turned stone to pudding, the only one in a lifetime, and he didn’t know how she had done it.

His eyes fell to her lips…those plump, pink lips, and he was pulled in by them. Within seconds, his lips were pressed to hers gently, the surge of adrenaline making his brow furrow. One rough hand came up and touched her jaw gently, keeping her close as he fulfilled his curiosity about her soft lips. He’d never been so affected by a kiss. He felt almost dizzy, parting her lips just slightly with his own. His fingers touched her dark hair, feeling how soft it was, and he wondered if she really was an angel from the stories Sunday schools told children. She certainly was the most beautiful creature he had ever come across. It occurred to him, however, that while he was in bliss, she may not have wanted him to do that. He pulled away, staying close enough so their noses were almost touching, and he swallowed hard. “I’m sorry,” he said just above a whisper. It was all he could manage at the moment. His eyes found hers, betraying his awe and confusion at what she made him feel. “I just…you’re beautiful, Flynn.” His hand was still rested against her face, his fingers curling around her ear and in her hair. She simply amazed him.

[FLYNN YOUNG]

Perhaps she hadn't seen it in his face because her eyes fell on the gargoyle's adam's apple that bounced up and down, but Liam took Flynn by surprise when his lips came into contact with her own. And while his eyes shut hers were open wide and staring at him, watching his brows as they furrowed in such a serious manner. But the shock of the kiss soon faded and her eyes slowly closed once his hand touched her face. It felt rough but so delicate at the same time, causing her stomach to knot up and twist in such a strange way that wasn't usual for her. Her hand that had been on his cheek fell to his shoulder when he leaned in towards her and that was where it remained for the moment.

She felt light headed and her heart seemed to be beating twice as fast and swore it was so loud she could hear it ringing in her ears. Liam's lips managed to maneuver against hers and make her lips part in just the slightest way which was yet another surprise. It wasn't the first time that she'd been kissed but it was the first time she'd been kissed in this manner! He seemed to be so affectionate with the kiss, the way his hand touched her face and how tenderly his firm lips brushed against hers. Her hand on his shoulder began to tense instinctively, tucking at his shirt almost as if she needed to hold on to be sure she wasn't going to fall out of the tree.

Then he was pulling away.

She was silent but her head was pleading a quiet [/i]no[/i]. Her eyes were still shut but she could feel his face was still close to hers. "I'm sorry," her eyes opened and she saw just how close he was still, their noses nearly bumping each other and she could feel his warm breath. “I just…you’re beautiful, Flynn.” She was feeling so many new emotions in that moment.. from flattery that he thought she was beautiful to the nervous excitement she was feeling from how close his face was to hers and a desire to kiss him again. But could Flynn do it?

She realized that she had never acted upon feelings she'd had for another person unless they were in a friendly manner. The avisaille hadn't realized that the feelings she had for Liam were more than just friendly. That was why her feelings for him were different than Griffin. It was because she had developed a crush on this ruggedly handsome gargoyle that she had called him and wanted to meet up that night. She had desired his company and had wanted to be close to him. She just didn't know what it meant until this moment.. and if he hadn't kissed her she probably never would have realized that she was crushing on this man.

Flynn's knuckles were beginning to grow white from gripping his shirt so tightly and she hadn't even noticed until she loosened her grip. Was she really that nervous that she'd fall off their branch and tumble to the ground that she needed to hold on so tight? She lifted her fingers to Liam's lips so she could touch them while her eyes were fixed on his. Her curiosity always gave her the desire to touch everything, to learn about what was right in front of her, and in this moment it was his lips that she wished to explore.

"I'm going to kiss you again," she explained to him so that she wouldn't catch him off guard and that way it also gave him enough warning if he wanted to back away, but she had a good idea that he wasn't going to back away. Flynn licked her lips while her hand moved up to his hair so she could stroke his hair back once more, her head tilting to the left so that she wouldn't bump his nose and softly finding his mouth with her own. Her eyes slid shut knowing she didn't need to see to figure out what she was doing. She leaned towards him so that he didn't have to lean in as much.

There was a part of her that would have liked to be perched up there all night long and kiss him. She was elated with just that, but she knew that she couldn't just do that no matter how much her body was fighting her she managed to pull her lips away and let out a soft sigh almost like she had to come up for air. Her hand stroked the side of his face again but this time with the back of her hand. She was a very caring person and she enjoyed using touch as a way of showing her affection. "..was it okay that I kissed you?" It might have been a most peculiar question to someone normal, but to Flynn she thought it was perfectly normal.

[LIAM AVERY]

Flynn was quiet, but she didn’t pull away, which Liam took as a good sign. While his heart continued to beat so loud it was hammering in his ears, he was watching her, taking in every detail of her face. Her hand was on his shoulder, clinging to his shirt, and he wondered if he had scared her. The thought made his brow furrow more, worried he frightened her. His thumb brushed along her cheek gently, hoping it would calm her. Her hand relaxed, and came to his lips, making his heart throb almost painfully. He swallowed hard again, his eyes fixated on hers, and he knew he was falling hard over Flynn. It was the strangest thought he’d ever had, but he knew it was true. Her fingers were so light on his lips, but it was a sensation he would never forget.

“I’m going to kiss you again.” Liam let out a nervous breath, realizing he wasn’t breathing much while she waited for his reaction, a small smile tugging at his lips. She could kiss him as many times as she wanted to, until he turned to stone in her hands. That smile was gone almost as quick as it came, her hand finding its way into his hair again, and his stomach was twisting, literally twisting. He watched her come closer and leaned into her as well, not closing his eyes until he felt her lips on his. It was cliché, but he could have sworn he saw fireworks. Or were those fireflies? Either way, he was hypnotized by her lips and he leaned into the kiss more. Her lips were the softest lips he had ever felt. His hand pushed her black hair back from her cheek, his fingers tangling in the strands just to bring her closer. If he suffocated against her lips, it would be the best death he could ask for.

But she pulled away. His lips followed hers absent-mindedly at first, but then he caught himself and opened his eyes slowly. He felt like he was drunk. The back of her hand brushing against his face made his heart melt as he watched her lovely face. “…was it okay that I kissed you?” He let out a nervous breath as he smiled at her. She was adorable and so innocent. “More than okay…” he replied softly. His arm resting against her wrapped around behind her slowly, trying not to surprise her. His hand rested on her waist, the other running through her hair affectionately. When his fingers combed the length of her hair, he brought his hand back to her cheek, his thumb running across her bottom lip slowly, mimicking the way she touched his face, admiring him. “You’re right, Flynn,” he said softly, looking back into her eyes with a smile. “The tree…it is magic. And it put some kind of magic in you.” His smile was warm, adoring. He didn’t say cheesy lines like that on an everyday basis, but damned if Flynn make a believer out of him when it came to this love business.

His fingers curled around her jaw, pulling her face gently to his again. This time his kiss was more passionate, pressing his lips harder to hers. His mouth worked slowly against hers to not scare her, but he had an overwhelming desire to be closer to her. One arm wrapped behind her, one hand caught between holding her face and burying in her hair, he felt happier than he’d ever felt before. His lips weren’t rough, but they were firm against hers, parting her lips just enough to mold them together. He couldn’t tell how long he kissed her, but when he pulled away he was short of breath. His forehead rested against hers as he tried to slow his heart rate, still keeping her close, his eyes watching those addictive lips. “I’ve never met anyone like you,” he confessed, his voice once more barely above a whisper. She took the breath right out of him.