May 4

[notfaking_it]

When their roles are posted, Lily smiles knowingly at Nina across the small crowd of mostly disappointed dancers, then crosses over to her and tells her they're going to have a party to celebrate. She tells Nina to invite whoever she wants, says she'll host it, it'll happen this weekend, then she disappears to make plans. She leaves Nina without time to protest on purpose.

On the night of the party, she has drinks and food set out in her kitchen. She's invited most of the people she knows and even a few she doesn't -- dancers, mostly, because she doesn't want to leave them out -- and there's already music playing even before anyone has arrived. The intention is to be casual, relaxed, but there are pills in Lily's pocket, for anyone who knows her well enough to ask, for anyone she thinks might need to relax a little.

Nina's doing better now, but Lily has no problem helping her come out of her shell if it comes to that. And she has no problem helping anyone else either.

Comments

[wishesandsmoke]

It's the kind of thoughtful gesture Eden appreciates, made without fuss, effortlessly kind when she's used to having to scour parties for something she's sure is safe. It can be hard to tell sometimes, depending where she is, who she's spending time with. From Lily in particular, it's the right brand of sweet to make Eden love her a little more, though that isn't hard to achieve.

"Thank you," she says with a smile, reaching for the lemonade. "Such service. I'm going to like this party."

[notfaking_it]

"It only happens once," Lily teases, keeping the fruit juice for herself. "For the rest of the night you have to get it yourself. Especially you, since you already know where everything is." Not everyone can say the same, but for the most part, she's tried to make her guests understand it's okay for them to go into her kitchen and help themselves.

"I'm glad you came," she says. "You look gorgeous."

[wishesandsmoke]

"Says you," Eden says, leaning over to kiss her cheek, smirking as she draws back. "High praise coming from the prettiest girl in the room. Congratulations again, by the by." She's not surprised Lily and Nina were both able to win such prestigious roles. Though she doesn't know much about ballet, least of all at Lily's level, she's learned enough to know they're both phenomenally talented, and they've put in the work. Even if Lily weren't in it, it's a production she would want to see, but this just means she'll have to buy the best seats she can for opening night.

[notfaking_it]

"Thank you," she says, laying her hand on Eden's arm when she leans in and squeezing warmly. "I'm more excited about this role than I've been in a long time. Dancing any lead is amazing, but this is going to be especially interesting." They have to learn new choreography to a ballet that's been famous for so long, but she's looking forward to all of it.

[wishesandsmoke]

"I think it sounds wonderful," Eden says. "And it should be nice, working with someone you already know so well." It's silly to be jealous, but she can't help it. Whatever may have happened to Nina back home, the fact remains she knows Lily from their own time and place, and they're part of a world she can't join. Lily was never meant to be hers, and it's silly to pretend as though she has any claim over her; she wouldn't dare. Even so, now and then, she wishes for more.

[notfaking_it]

"Yeah," Lily agrees, casting a glance around the party, looking for Nina. When she spots her near the window, across the room, she looks back to Eden. "I'm a little... I don't want to say I'm worried, but I know how hard she pushes herself when she's challenged." It's a good role and she thinks it might help Nina tap into some confidence, but she doesn't want the artistic director to push her too hard like Thomas.

[wishesandsmoke]

Eden nods. She's not familiar with it, but she can understand the urge to work hard, even too much, at something that matters. Her own approach has always been more relaxed, but to each their own. "Well, at least she'll have you to keep her in check," she teases.

[notfaking_it]

Lily nods, though she knows that's not the role she played last time. Eden had already disappeared from the island when she'd found the film and it's one of the few things Lily hasn't shared with her yet. There are some things she's said, but a great many more she's kept to herself.

"I'll try, anyway," she says with a small smile.