Lily Laughed Sheepishly At His Response. "A Nap Sounds Heavenly, But I'm Worried It Would Mess Up My

Lily flushed at the compliments, looking away sheepishly for a moment. "Thank you. Though, I can't compete with how cute you are." She responded easily.

At the prompting she looked through the jackets they were in front of, humming thoughtfully. "That's what my friends usually say, I'm easy to shop for." She laughed, pulling a black hoodie off of the rack and feeling it thoughtfully.

"I can't imagine that they did," she snorted, shaking her head. "From what I've gathered, Hunters are generally the type for 'work hard, play harder'." She hummed as she put the jacket back on the rack to keep looking. "We really should go on a mission together! It doesn't have to be a hard or big one either, something small would be better for getting to know each other's styles. Or we could try some training together first?" She offered.

"Oh, wait! Before you leave, what color do you think the jacket should b—" Not looking away from the clothing rack in front of her, she grabs the sleeve of the person nearest to her without thinking, and realizes a little too late that it felt... Different. She turns, blinking; the person she'd been talking to had left, and beside her instead was...

"Wait, you're—! Lily?! You're Lily, right?! Oh, my god, I am so sorry, I totally thought you were someone else! Gosh, and this is the first time I'm actually talking to you, too..."

—&&. @kaiakaya 🤍

Lily was more than a little startled to suddenly feel her sleeve grabbed while she was looking for a new jacket to replace her favorite one that has... been through it. It's getting a few small holes in it but she's already mended it so many times it's time to retire it.

She blinked in surprise at Kaia for a moment before she started laughing, keeping it relatively quiet for the moment so they don't draw too much attention.

"Yes, I'm Lily. You're Kaia, right?" She asked, hoping she doesn't make a fool of herself.

At Kaia's concerns about how this is the first time they're speaking, she shook her head with a smile and waved a hand dismissively. "It's alright, don't worry!" She reassured easily "Do you need help finding the person you're here with?" She offered, tilting her head slightly.

Lily hummed happily as she nodded, even turning to walk backwards for a little bit so she could face him properly. "Mmhm! And it has good reviews, which is all the more promising."

She faced forward again to ensure that she wouldn't risk running into anyone or tripping over her own feet and making a fool of herself, in public no less. Fortunately she had meant it when she said it wasn't far, just a couple of blocks and a few turns away she checked her phone again, then pointing to a small storefront. "There it is!"

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 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 hummed as she considered, absently sipping her drink. "Ah, I get that." She chuckled sympathetically. Being hungry, but not knowing what for.

"Pizza then? It makes really good left overs, if we get more than we manage to eat." She offered, looking up towards him for his thoughts. Sure, he said she can decide, but she still cares about his opinion!

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.

"At this rate you'll be able to bake on your own in no time!" Lily beamed, honestly proud of the fact. As much as she enjoys spending the time baking with him, she has a feeling that he'd enjoy being able to make things on his own without her supervision as well.

Making no attempts to stop him from tasting it, she watched him closely for his reaction. Nodding approvingly when he seemed to like it, she got him another spoon to use for actually icing.

"No, I didn't resonate with you," she reassured with a small laugh. "It's a pretty simple recipe to make red velvet icing. And we'll just spoon it on, like this," she explained before demonstrating by gently smearing some of the icing on top of one of the cookies from the first batch.

[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.

Lily quite honestly hadn’t meant to tease him for falling asleep outside of buildings, not having even realized he’d done so. It’s hardly surprising, considering she’s seen him doze off most anywhere and everywhere, but it had somehow never crossed her mind.

His offer kept her from getting too lost in her concern, her expression softening. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She hummed appreciatively. “And the same to you. If you ever end up too tired, go ahead and call me.” She wants to make sure that he knows he can rely on her too, after all!

Lifting a hand to try and block some of the sun from her eyes, Lily glanced back at Xavier, only to notice him struggling to adjust to the brightness too. So she reached out with her other hand to gently shield his eyes from some of the sun as well, offering him a playful grin in response to his teasing. “I came prepared, don’t worry! It’s my turn to treat you, today!”

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.

Honestly.... I applaud the dedication!

I may or may not be interested-

It's a good thing I have Captain Jenna blocked here... Anyone need a limited edition Lumiere body pillow? I might have bought extra in my excitement (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝)

There's no way I was going to miss it.

Lily flushed light pink, offering a small shrug. “I’m not really much of a photographer, honestly. It’s a hobby I picked up a few years ago but I haven’t done much with it lately.” She explained. “It’s a fun pass time, and a fun way to have physical memories of things.”

When he doubted that she would spend her weekend training, she snickered and offered a non-committal shrug. “I dunno, I have an awesome partner to try and keep up with.” She said playfully, even though she genuinely meant it. As much as she appreciates having a partner that can make up for her slack and clearly knows what he’s doing, it also encourages her to try that much harder to pull her own weight when they work together.

She glanced up when he did, trying to keep an ear out for when their food would be ready.

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 couldn't help the small chuckles that bubbled up at Kaia's excitement, nodding along as she casually crossed her arms. "Of course!" She reassured with a relaxed smile. "I do my best to make sure I remember people, especially my coworkers! With how work is, the last thing I'd want is to be put on a mission with you and then not remember your name." She admitted, keeping her tone lighthearted and playful.

She listened to Kaia's rambles easily, humming thoughtfully and cupping her chin. "A jacket could make a good gift... Depending on the person, and the thought going into it." She mused, head tilting slightly. "Though, if the person is picky about colors, your best bet might be neutrals that can pair with anything. Black tends to be a safe bet since it doesn't look dirty easily, and goes with everything. Though, that's a general answer, and still depends on the person."

For a moment, Lily almost forgot why she was there to begin with, laughing a little. "I'm actually here looking for a new jacket myself. Mine has been through a lot and I've mended it enough... It deserves to retire." She snickered

"Oh, wait! Before you leave, what color do you think the jacket should b—" Not looking away from the clothing rack in front of her, she grabs the sleeve of the person nearest to her without thinking, and realizes a little too late that it felt... Different. She turns, blinking; the person she'd been talking to had left, and beside her instead was...

"Wait, you're—! Lily?! You're Lily, right?! Oh, my god, I am so sorry, I totally thought you were someone else! Gosh, and this is the first time I'm actually talking to you, too..."

—&&. @kaiakaya 🤍

Lily was more than a little startled to suddenly feel her sleeve grabbed while she was looking for a new jacket to replace her favorite one that has... been through it. It's getting a few small holes in it but she's already mended it so many times it's time to retire it.

She blinked in surprise at Kaia for a moment before she started laughing, keeping it relatively quiet for the moment so they don't draw too much attention.

"Yes, I'm Lily. You're Kaia, right?" She asked, hoping she doesn't make a fool of herself.

At Kaia's concerns about how this is the first time they're speaking, she shook her head with a smile and waved a hand dismissively. "It's alright, don't worry!" She reassured easily "Do you need help finding the person you're here with?" She offered, tilting her head slightly.