Blu3b3rryT3a: Gil really is quick to anger, isn't he?╰(▔∀▔)╯i truly enjoy your speculations! i also wonder about the same things, haha ~ thank you so much, i hope you're well. ❤

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thankful. ❤

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Whipping ashen air, a black night that casts profound shadows, and single light source radiating from an ominous scene. Everything is being purged and the murky magma is spreading. The giant hole in the starry sky grows more vast for every second that goes by. A nightmare prospering in reality. Or, perhaps a dream in a dream—for that's what she wanted to believe.

Wants are just a selfish desire for one's own contentment. Even if she got what she wanted and woke up from this nightmare, how could she be content with dreaming such a scene? Furthermore, she's not blinded enough to claim this is fake. As surreal as it is, it very much happened. She was there, and now she's reminiscing. A hand comes down harshly onto her shoulder.

Evie's dark brown eyes fly open, resulting in her gazing up at the pale ceiling. She blinks a few times while her lips part to draw in a deep breath. It's been a while since she dreamed of that night, only this time it felt much scarier than the rest—more real too. She can't help but to wonder if it's because she now knows what truly happened.

Slowly, she sits up and looks around her room, her eyes instantly being drawn to Oliver resting at the end of her bed. Upon sitting up, she realizes she feels considerably better than a few days ago. A headache no longer tortures her, and her achy limbs have all but mended.

Although she feels much better, something has been plaguing her mind, growing more severe as the days go by. It's something that somehow brings relief, but also much worry and even fear. Wistful thoughts like these are something she's never been fond of, because she's never sure of what she should be feeling.

She crawls off of her bed, sliding on her furry house slippers and hurrying out of her room. Her minty nightgown flows as she swiftly moves down the stairs. Oliver unexpectedly runs past her and she smiles hopefully. However, that smile fades when she's greeted with an empty house. She removes her hand from the rail and lets it hang limply at her side.

Today marks day seven. It's been an entire week since she last seen Gilgamesh. The relief she felt was from going back to living a normal life with nothing else involved. There were no familiars and eerie priests, no frightening supernatural powers or bounded fields. However, she can now safely conclude that she feels more worry than anything else.

Is Gilgamesh well? Did she upset him by not supporting his desire for the Grail? Not to mention their promise has been broken. She was supposed to treat him to a meal every day, but that hasn't been happening. He must be angry about that as much as she's distressed. Surely she can find him at the church, but she knows better than to go back there.

Lately she's been going into the city and wandering aimlessly in hopes to find him, or sometimes she'll even spend the day at home and wait for him to reappear. Both scenarios are evidently in vain. Running her fingers hopelessly through her loose hair, she looks out the kitchen window.

Although the vast variety of plants outside are a healthy green, they are starting to wilt beneath the hot summer sun. Judging from the positioning of the bright star, it's clear she slept in longer than normal. After she makes herself some breakfast, she'll water the plants. She's sure her mother will have a fit if she comes home to withering plants that she worked so hard to garden and preserve.

Evie doesn't waste any time at all to get her breakfast prepared. She settles with making steamed white rice and tamagoyaki, something simple and quick, yet satisfying to her taste buds. She even prepares some freshly cut fruit.

She eats her rolled omelette silently while occasionally sipping some warm green tea. It's silent in the house, the only sound coming from her fork occasionally bumping against her ceramic plate, and the bell on Oliver's collar as he plays with a ball of yarn.

The days she spends when her mother is away are often solitary like this. There was always a sense of relaxation being alone like this, although lately she's been becoming lonely. Certainly, Hina's passing is contributing to this growing sensation, and perhaps even Gilgamesh's disappearance. She would be lying to herself if she claimed she didn't miss him.

He frightens her at times and is overly pompous, but that's just who he is. His attitude isn't much different than what she imagined it would be when all she had to go off of was ancient texts. However, she never imagined that he would be so consoling.

The most she got out of reading about the great King is the gist of his personality, and meager details about his friend and their adventures. Sometimes she considers what she knows about him to be equivalent to nothing.

She finishes her meal and cleans up her mess, washing any dishes and putting them away. The only mess she willingly leaves behind is the untouched bowl of fruit. It stays positioned on the center of the granite counter-top as she heads back upstairs to put on some proper clothes, and even as she heads outside into the summer heat.

Now wearing olive shorts that tie at the waist and a fitted white tank top, she heads over by the shed where the garden hose resides. Her loose waving hair tumbles over her shoulders as she bends over to grab it, allowing the sun to caress the back of her neck. The brick pavement she stands atop of with her bare feet slowly start to smolder her soles, resulting in her letting out a childish squeak.

Quickly twisting the knob to turn the water on, she aims the hose at her feet and sprays. The cold water cools her poor toes down instantly and she lets out a content sigh. Perhaps she should've put her sandals on, but she always prefers walking around barefoot, especially at home.

She waters each and every plant, which leaves behind glistening droplets of water that glide down their green leaves and colorful petals. Insects fly over and drink from those droplets as she moves on, her feet leaving behind a trail of wet prints.

Her dark earthy orbs squint against the bright sun as she walks around the gleaming pool, and towards a pink hydrangea plant towards the end of the pavement. She waters the lush bush, staring ahead at the lone wisteria tree down the hill.

The warm breeze makes it sway, and some foliage and petals break off from it and flow freely towards the dense forest further down the hill. Butterflies flutter amongst with wild lavender by the tree line, and the water from the hose along with the natural light cast a rainbow across her vision. She gazes at it, her glossy pink lips slowly parting. Sweat trickles down her face.

"Evie."

She turns quickly at the abrupt voice, jumping in fright and tensing out of reflex. The rainbow of color she was staring at has now morphed into a solid blood red. Her breath gets caught in her throat.

His gaze is nonchalant at first just before his vivid orbs widen as if he's been caught by surprise, then his stare darkens in a way that makes her want to run and hide. Water is gliding down his face and realization hits her forcefully.

She drops the hose, ceasing its flow of water while her complexion grows pale. With trembling limbs, she takes a single step towards the doused and livid King. He's standing in a fresh puddle and his head tilts back the tiniest bit, his eyes seeming to glow as he glares at her intensely.

"Do you find this amusing, mongrel?" He speaks in a calm voice laced with animosity.

Once he asks that question, she wonders why he would think that. He startled her and she wasn't really thinking when she faced him with the hose still shooting water. It feels as if his gaze will slaughter her at any second, and of course that frightens her. She's not amused in the slightest, she's scared. But, more than anything, she's happy.

He asked that single question because there is a smile on her face, and she only now realizes it. The delight and relief she feels at his return is more potent than her other emotions. His lips downturn further when she lets out a laugh, his irritation reaching new heights.

Coming to a stop a mere few inches in front of him, her eyelids drape over her rich eyes as she bows in greeting. When she straightens up, her eyes crack open and reveal a frisky glint while her lips curve upwards into an equally frisky smile. Gilgamesh's eyelid twitches.

"That's what you get for leaving without a goodbye." She says, jokingly of course. However, the King of Heroes doesn't take jokes all that well and even Evie knows she's pushing her bounds. So, she adds on. "I was really worried, you know."

"Oh?" He steps towards her with a sinister aura radiating from him.

With movements as smooth a stalking lion, he brings his hands up onto her shoulders. His damp skin feels cold against her flesh, a sensation that feels pleasurable since she's been out in the heat for an ample amount of time. Yet, a skittish shiver shoots down her spine when he moves closer to her. A small bead of sweat rolls down her temple.

His eyes are as close as they've ever been, and she finds herself mesmerized with their color. They are bewitching and unfathomable, this feature of his being the first thing that really induced her upon their first meeting. Her lips part to utter the finest apology right when his pupils narrow and show an impish spark.

All it takes is a simple push to send her falling backwards into the pool with a yelp. Droplets of water erupt along with the sound of a big splash. She's underwater for a total of three seconds before her head pokes out of the rippling surface. Bringing her hands up, she rubs at her eyes to try and rid of the water burning them, while making a wry face at the water that invaded her nose. Perhaps she deserved that. A shadow passes over her.

Her eyelids raise, and although her vision is currently blurry, she can easily distinguish Gilgamesh's figure walking by. Lowering her hand, she grips the stone edge of the pool to keep herself head above water. Gilgamesh disappears into the house through the sliding glass back door, and Evie stares after him with parted lips.

From staring into his eyes and catching a glimpse of his face just now as he passed by, he seems a bit glum today. Could that be right? Did something happen during the time he was away, or did she upset him just now? She climbs out the pool quickly, wringing out her attire and hair while following after him.

The cool air of her house caresses her the instant she steps inside. Her dark brown orbs are drawn to Gilgamesh. The droplets of water sticking to his golden tresses glisten, making his appearance appear more regal than normal. He passes by the kitchen counter with peculiarly heavy steps, reaching out to grab the bowl of fruit she had left behind.

As he plops down onto the couch, she moves over and opens a nearby cabinet that she stores the kitchen towels in. She grabs one and dries herself off hurriedly until she's no longer dripping, then grabs another and moves over to Gilgamesh. He already is holding the remote and in the process of turning the television on.

"...Gilgamesh?" She inquires softly, standing next to the couch and holding the towel out. She bows in apology. "I'm really sorry. That was uncalled for and improper of me."

Wordlessly, he takes the small towel from her and one-handedly rubs it atop his head, drying his hair. She blinks a few times, his silence making her timid. He's staring past her and at the flat screen that's showing live auto racing. His normally bright crimson eyes are overcast, and she starts to feel worried.

"Are you well?" She asks, fiddling her towel she still holds. "You seem… upset."

"Move, mongrel." His eyes zone in on her, and she tenses at their hostility. "You're blocking the screen."

"S-Sorry!" She squeaks, stepping aside.

Her eyes widen when he tosses the remote aside. It comes in contact with the other end of the couch with great force, bouncing off from the cushion and landing on the floor. The King of Heroes is definitely in a bad mood. Surely she's the cause of it. She sprayed him with the hose, after all.

Whenever she was down, he consoled her without question. She feels like she must do the same for him in order to repay him. No. She shakes her head. It's not a matter of repaying a debt, but rather something she wants to do.

"Please, cheer up a bit." She lowers herself onto her knees, clasping her hands together in her lap. "I'm really sorry for what I did, but you snuck up on me—" He's glaring at her once more. "I-I mean, don't let me ruin your day! I'm just one person out of seven billion. I'm insufficient."

"If I considered you insufficient, I would've killed you upon our first meeting." He rebukes, and her chocolate orbs widen. He turns his attention back to the television. "Now, cease talking."

After that, Evie's lips remain sealed. She stares down at her hands before looking at the television. Colorful race cars are zooming across the track, creating skid makes and kicking up dust. If she recalls correctly, he was watching this last time he was here. She turns her head slightly in his direction, studying him.

Even though his crimson orbs are looking at the screen, they aren't focused on it. It's evident the King is in deep thought. With a frown, she scoots over and leans back against the couch. She's nearby Gilgamesh, but far enough away to not agitated him further. Just like him, she's suddenly lost in thought as well. She wonders how she can brighten his mood, and why he thinks more highly of her than anyone else.

It's only when a few minutes go by when Evie stands. Her petite form passes by Gilgamesh quietly, and his eyes follow her as she heads upstairs. Droplets of water splat onto the hardwood floor, her hair still holding a decent amount of pool water. When she's no longer in sight, Gilgamesh lowers his eyelids and sinks back into the pleasant couch.

The quality of sleep he received last night was poor, and upon awakening he was irritable. Additionally, on his way here he witnessed the usual stupidity of the mongrels crawling upon this planet. The human race has truly become outrageous and unworthy of him. Not only that, but this past week has been nothing but irksome. His fingers drum against his thigh.

Instead of finding some way or form to entertain himself as usual, he's been busying himself in an attempt to solve a very complex mystery. The bounded field that surrounded the church—he had assumed Kirei was responsible, only to find out he wasn't even aware of it.

Whoever's responsible is clearly skilled when it comes to evasion and secrecy. No mana residue was left behind any where and no tracks were able to be traced. Even inspecting the decaying familiar was in vain, for all it appeared to be was a simple insect.

However, even though he used more energy and time than he wanted to try to solve this mystery, he's not worried in the slightest. They are bound to show up again, and Kirei is keeping a very keen eye on the church itself, so this time they can't possibly be unseen.

For the time being, Gilgamesh will now reside here officially. Not only is this house a massive upgrade from that church, it's clear that whoever this mystery mage is has taken an interest in Evie, and that brings him severe displeasure. He brings his hand over his mouth, an unexpected yawn breaking free.

Only when Evie changes out of her damp clothes and blow-dries her hair is when she comes back downstairs. She's dressed in a gray sweatshirt dress to counter the cold air within her house, and carrying a black box as she moves swiftly down the steps. The moment she enters the living room, she freezes.

She stares wide-eyed at Gilgamesh, her eyelashes fluttering as she blinks in surprise. Perhaps she was wrong about him. He had to be just more tired than anything, because if anything else, surely he wouldn't have fallen asleep so quickly.

His chest rises and falls steadily while his back of his head rests against the cushion, and his golden tresses have somewhat fallen over his face. Looking at him now, his normally conceited expression is so placid. It has her questioning if this is even real.

There must never be a moment where he truly allows himself to reach such a peaceful state, at least in front of others. She knows she's fortunate to see such a sight, and she instantly enshrines it in her mind.

Quietly, she sets the box down onto the table and moves her hands into her pockets. Did he have a bad night's rest? What could've exhausted him so much? She frowns slightly. Whatever it may be, she hopes he isn't overworking himself.

She walks over to a nearby storage bench, lifting the wooden lid and pulling out a fleece blanket. Even though he's wearing pants with snakeskin engraving, his white shirt is short-sleeved. He's bound to get cold eventually. If she was overstepping her bounds earlier, now she's balancing on the thin line of demise. Yet, strangely, she's not too worried.

Delicately, she drapes the fluffy blanket over his form. She makes sure it covers his shoulders and the length of his legs, then she pulls the lever on the side of the couch so reclines and he's no longer in a sitting position that'll eventually cause a cramp. Then, before she even knows it, she's on her bedroom balcony and breathing heavily.

Her hand covers her chest as she tries to catch her breath, not even being able to recall the last time she ran so fast. Not even worried? She was completely kidding herself. That had to be the most risky thing she's even done. She slumps against the railing, gazing out at the rolling hills with a small pout.

Hopefully when he wakes up his mood will improve. There's not much she can do around the house in fear of waking him up. Perhaps she should visit Hina then afterwards go to the grocery store and get some things to make for dinner. She hums to herself.

What would Gilgamesh like to eat? She knows he likes fruit, but what else? What could he have possibly eaten during his time as ruler? It hits her suddenly, and she straightens up with a grin. Yes. She knows just exactly what to make for him, and it requires a cookbook.