Lily Didn't Mind Him Leaning On Her More Properly In The Slightest, Shutting Her Eyes As She Continued

"Lilies of the valley for Linkon's very own Lily? I think these are long overdue. I know you've been busy on missions lately, but I want you to know everybody in the association talks about how they miss you're beautiful smile when you're away. Me included!"

"Oh, thank you so much! These are beautiful!"

Lily beams as she accepts the flowers, only to find herself getting kind of emotional as she continued listening.

"You're so sweet! I'm sorry that I haven't been around much lately, like you said, it's just been so busy... Hopefully things will settle down some soon, I miss spending time with everyone."

I never got around to posting this here, but I DID edit a full body design for her!

With all the hype for the next chapter of Love and Deepspace, I felt inclined to try and figure out how I keep picturing Lily presenting herself in the N109 zone!

Xavier said it won't work if it's not intimidating enough, and she took that to heart and channeled her inner villain for her new aesthetic :P

㋡🥀

colors of the sky.

Lily watched eagerly as Zayne investigated the gift, settling her bag back on her shoulder. His questioned earned a small giggle and a shake of her head. “No occasion. I found the book while I was out running errands the other day, and it made me think of you. Then I got the idea that you could use it as a secret sweets stash if you wanted, and it spiraled a little.” She admitted, her tone turning more sheepish towards the end of her explanation.

“I made the cookies yesterday, but the rest of it is just store bought.” She answered easily, having found a small selection of various sweets that seemed like something he’d be willing to try at least once.

Routine appointments with Zayne were common, to make sure that Lily's heart wasn't suddenly deciding to rebel against her. However, she was more eager than usual for this appointment to end. Once they had finished the usual routine and she would normally be getting ready to leave, she instead reached into the bag she'd brought with her for running her errands for the day.

"Oh! Before I go, I have something for you." She chirps, pulling out what seemed to be a book, and setting it on his desk. She was ever careful not to cover any paperwork or anything, and made sure that it wasn't in his way either. The book was in various shades of blue with some gold accenting to it, and no words on either cover or the spine. If he opens it, he'd find that it's a fake book, and inside are a few baggies with sweets in them, including some homemade cookies.

( - @lily-of-the-linkon for Dr. Zayne, for whenever you have the energy for it! <3 happy to have you back, mun!)

Zayne almost stands up to walk her to the door, but her announcement makes him stay seated. He looks at the book, curious, then looks back up at her.

"What's the occasion?" He raises an eyebrow.

Looking at it, he notices all the details, surprised and grateful for such a gift. Seeing no markings on it, he brings it closer to him to open it. It's then that he sees it's a box.

The sight of sweets makes him smile.

"You didn't have to... Thank you." He picks one of the bags, studying its contents. "These look delicious. Did you make them yourself?"

He feels his mouth already watering, wishing his break was sooner so he could eat them without having to wait.

Lily, any chance you're free for a little afternoon tea soon? It's been a while since we last caught up~

Dola! Assuming nothing pressing comes up, I'm available for the next few days, so I'm all for afternoon tea with you!

Even if I weren't free, I would've found a way to make time. :P

[Phone call, Xavier's voice sounds urgent] "I'm in great danger I need you to come downstairs right now. Please! You're the only one that can help. In fact, the entire complex may be in danger if you don't help me stop this right now."

As soon as she registered the urgency and he mentioned 'upstairs', Lily was rushing out of her apartment, only sparing enough time to grab her guns as a precaution.

"I'm on my way!" She reassured as she hurried upthe flight of stairs between them. Her thoughts were already racing a mile a minute, wondering what could possibly be causing Xavier of all people to struggle and call for help, especially without causing much of a ruckus.

By the time she reached his door her heart was pounding and she was braced for a fight.

We never back down, pookie! We don't take L's, only D's! 😙

I agree on never backing down!

Though, uh... I'm a bit lost on the second part? I thought it was 'we don't take L's, only W's' for winning?

Lily hummed happily as she looked around, finding herself reassured that it seemed to be a relatively small store. The fact it's kind of small, with a decent line already despite being relatively new, meant that it must be good!

She looked up to Xavier curiously at his question, then flushing a little. "I don't think I did anything too different?" She admitted, then grinning up at him. "Maybe it's just he excitement of getting to spend the day with you~!" She teased happily.

Her amusement turned to a playful pout at his teasing, sticking her tongue out before looking towards the menu again. "I'm not that bad at deciding..." She mumbled, despite knowing she very much can be, to the point she was deciding last night while she was doing her research. And had yet to fully come to a conclusion...

After spending the morning doing research on places in Linkon City that offer milk tea, Lily finally found a place that seemed like it would be a nice place to visit and had the coffee milk tea that Xavier mentioned. Plus it wasn't far from a few good places to eat so they'd have options based on what they were feeling up to without having to go all the way across town. Perfect.

Lily finally sent Xavier a text in the late morning.

'I found a place that has that coffee milk tea you mentioned! And it has really good reviews.'

After a moment of thought, she sent another text as well.

'And thank you for walking me home last night. I really appreciated it. It was nice, looking at the stars with you.'

If not for the sporadic texts, Xavier would still be asleep. Outside the birds that often bickered over his balcony were squawking at a volume loudly. The combination of factors is enough to stir him, just barely. He knows its her before having to unlock his phone.

↪[ Audio: I'm awake. I'm up. I'm coming. ]

↪[ It was nice. Let's do it again sometime ]

In a flash he rinses off, takes care of basic hygiene, and is donning a favored hoodie in spite of the weather.

By the time he gets downstairs, he's already rubbing his eyes again as he knocks on the door.

Lily took to quietly humming when he stayed quiet, wanting to fill the silence in hopes he wouldn't feel quite so awkward about the embrace. She was half tempted to start swaying them a little as if they were dancing, but that might be a bit too much, especially with how exhausted he seemed. While she wouldn't blame him for falling asleep like this... She's not entirely sure she could support his weight properly or move him anywhere more comfortable.

When he finally stepped back, she stretched out her arms so they wouldn't get too sore. Her smile didn't falter though as she looked up at him, biting back giggles. It's kind of cute, seeing such a big strong guy get awkward over something as simple as a hug.

Perking up slightly at the offer of chocolate, she did accept a piece, but gave him a very gentle nudge as she unwrapped it. "You don't need to repay me or anything, honest." She reassured. "I enjoyed it too, and I'm just glad I could give you a moment to relax, as short of a moment as it was."

Her eyebrows furrowed for a moment, wishing there was more she could do to comfort and support him, but she couldn't think of a single thing... Hopefully that hug will help at least a little bit for now.

( from @lily-of-the-linkon )

Lily holds her arms out slightly towards Dawnbreaker, hoping to make it so he won't feel bad if he refuses her invitation.

"Would you like a hug?"

His eyes light up briefly at the prospect of physical comfort.

"...Yes, I would."

He steps towards her, enveloping her in a gentle embrace to avoid causing her any discomfort, despite his wishes. He leans his forehead on her shoulder, closing his eyes.

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