Chapter Text
Lilly smiled down at Will Henry, causing the loose curls from her bun to fall in her face and make her look rather silly.
"Well are you coming up, William Henry?" she asked in her usual smug-sounding chirp.
Will could feel the vertigo by simply looking UP at it. The roof of the Bate's home -or mansion- seemed to tower over the rest of the houses on that block. He swallowed hard.
"I don't think I can climb up, Lilly..."
The older girl went into a fit of giggles, and Will could feel a blush creeping up his neck.
"You don't have to climb all the way up, you silly stupid boy, just go to my bedroom window!"
"Oh. Right."
He felt foolish as he ran into the house, through the living room (where the doctor gave him an odd look from his perch on the overstuffed sofa), and up the stairs (nearly knocking over a maid carrying a basket full of dirty laundry).
He was breathing heavily by the time he reached Lilly's room, and almost had to drag himself to her window. He leaned against the sill, frowning when he didn't see her face peaking in. He opened up the window, feeling the warm summer air blow into his face, and enjoying the feeling for a moment. Suddenly, Will felt a yank on my shirt collar, and he cried out as he was firmly pulled onto the roof. He quickly looked towards his assailant, only to see Lilly's dazzling blue eyes. She beamed.
"Well, isn't the view just PERFECT?" she asked.
Will looked down, a wave of nausea coming over him.
"I meant over here!" Lilly groaned, pulling his head up firmly.
The skyline of the city was clearly visible from high up, sparkling and beautiful in the low evening light. Will Henry felt the same wonder that befell him on his first ride through the city, a kind of childish enchantment that filled him with pure joy.
"Is it not lovely?"
He looked over at Lilly, who wasn't looking back; she had her eyes glued to the city, her face full of as much wonder as his own.
Will simply nodded, and tried to slide himself into a better position. In that, he felt something grainy underneath his hand. Curious, Will lifted his palm to discover it was now evenly coated in a golden dust. His brow furrowed.
"What's this?"
The question had barely left his mouth before Lilly had his hand in her grasp. After thoroughly examining it, she placed it back down on the roof.
"Stardust," she claimed.
Will held back a chuckle.
"That doesn't exist, though."
Lilly snorted. "It does up here. EVERYTHING exists up here. It's magic."
"Your roof is magical?" Will asked.
The older girl laughed again.
"William, I swear every time I see you, you get even more stupid!"
She planted a kiss upon the bemused boy's cheek.