AN: So this is my regular update day (every second day) at the moment, but I almost didn't, seeing as I only got one review from the last chapter. I figure people aren't that interested anymore, so I thought about discontinuing the story. I'll keep going for now, but if interest stays died down, I might wrap it up pretty soon.

Chapter 24 – She's everything

She's a warm conversation, that I wouldn't miss for nothing

On Monday at lunch Lily and Liam were sitting alone, they had walked off together and no one else had joined them. Lily was sitting with her back up against Liam's chest, and he had his arms wrapped around her waist.

"I'm going to be glad when the basketball season is over," Lily admitted. "I love cheering, but it's all getting a bit much, what with school work and being cheer captain. Then we'll be moving towards finals."

"You deserve a break babe," Liam said. "You've been working hard all senior year. I'll be looking forward to having you watch my baseball games when the season starts."

"Really?" Lily asked. "I won't be intruding on guy time? Are you sure you wouldn't rather be sitting with your friends now?"

"Lily! What do you mean? Of course I want to be with you now, and of course I want you to come to my games. You are the most beautiful girl I know, and you're my girl, I'm always going to want you around," Liam replied seriously. "What did you mean by that?"

The truth was, that even though Lily had tried to calm down and think rationally about Liam and their relationship, she was still feeling unsure. The fours days between her meltdown and the talk they were having now hadn't been long enough for Lily to work up the courage to talk to Liam about her insecurities.

"Oh nothing, I was just being silly," Lily said, brushing her outburst off.

"Okay," Liam said, accepting her answer. Liam had a way with girls, but if he completely understood them, he would've realised that there was more to Lily's questions that just silliness. "Now, I wanted to ask you something," he continued.

"Yes?" Lily asked, curious.

"Well, the Valentine's Day Dance is coming up. So, would you like to go with me?" Liam asked.

"Of course," Lily replied happily, turning a little to give him a quick kiss. "You know, I kind of like the way Neptune always has a Valentine's Dance, it sort of removes the awkward pressure of what to do on Valentine's Day. Sometimes dates can be a bit staged, or forced, or over the top. But with a dance, you buy the girl some flowers, maybe some chocolates, and spend the night dancing, and with your other friends who are couples."

Liam looked stunned. "You are the most amazing girl, ever. I thought only guys thought like that!"

"It's nice and all that there's a day devoted to love, but really, how special can it be when everyone else shares it? I'd hate to be proposed to on Valentine's Day, it's so cliché," Lily explained.

"I'm going to make sure there is a statue of you put up somewhere, with that quote, and guys everywhere will be eternally glad that you existed," Liam said with a chuckle.

Lily grinned, pleased with his silly remarks.

"Now, I know I've just said all that, but please remember that I have a soft spot for jewellery and flowers," Lily told him impishly.

"Noted," Liam replied. "You know what I have a soft spot for?"

Lily shook her head, then Liam said intensely, "This." He then leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, quickly deepening the kiss.

"Seems reasonable," Lily said breathlessly, once they had broken apart.

The bell rang at that moment, so they stood and made their way to Trig together.

Later that day, in the afternoon, Lily was at cheer practice and Liam was at his house, playing video games with Josh. Liam's friendships with some of the 09er guys had suffered a little as a result of his part in Lily dumping Scott. Ethan and Jim in particular were distant with him, and of course Scott still avoided him as much as he could help it.

Josh however had been Liam's friend first and foremost, and was always available to play video games, surf, or throw a football around whenever Liam wanted.

"Dude!" Josh exclaimed. "That's the fifth time in a row you've accidentally killed me. What gives?"

"Oh sorry man," Liam replied a little sheepishly. "I was just thinking, about Lily."

Josh chuckled and said, "I'm pretty sure that's all you ever do."

"I do not!" Liam protested.

"Seriously, most of the time you sit around with this dreamy look on your face," Josh teased. "The rest of the time you're with Lily, and you just look at her like she's a goddess or something. Next time I see Lily I'm going to ask her if you can have your balls back."

"Hey!" Liam exclaimed. He picked up a cushion off the lounge and threw it forcefully at Josh, who caught it neatly and set it down next to him.

"She doesn't have my balls, in fact, I don't think she realises how much a care," Liam informed Josh. "She totally went girl nutty at lunch today."

"So tell her. Now can we stop talking and start playing before I grow a vagina?" Josh asked.

Liam flipped him off and picked up his controller.

At about this time Lily finished cheer practice and made her way home, where she found her dad and Evelyn in the kitchen. Eva was trying to instruct Duncan on how to help with what she was making with dinner, but he was failing dismally.

Lily looked at them and giggled. "Daddy, it's a wonder I didn't starve with the way your cooking skills are," Lily said laughingly.

"Hey, I hired people, and bought you things that came prepared in a bottle," Duncan defended himself.

"Luckily," Lily retorted. "Anyway, what are you two doing home early, and in the kitchen?"

"We wanted to have a nice family dinner," Duncan explained. "And Eva thought we should cook for you."

"That's so cute," Lily replied. "What's the occasion?"

"Well," Duncan became slowly, sharing a long look with Eva. "We had wanted to wait a little longer to tell you, but our resolve gave out. We were going to tell you at dinner tonight, but…"

"Tell me what?" Lily asked excitedly.

"We're going to have a baby," Eva disclosed softly.

Lily squealed and jumped up and down, then ran around to the other side of the bench and threw one arm around her dad and the other around Eva.

"I'm going to be a big sister," Lily whispered, her eyes misty.

"So you're happy?" Evelyn asked.

"Happy? Of course I'm happy! I've been waiting for siblings for ever! Why were you waiting to tell me?" Lily asked.

"Sweetheart, we had wanted to wait until Eva was past the danger point. You see, she lost a baby a few months ago. We didn't tell you when it happened because we didn't want to upset you, you already had so much going on," Duncan told her gently.

Lily's eyes filled with more tears and she said quietly, "Oh. Well, I'm so glad you're having a baby now! I was hoping you wouldn't be silly and wait until you'd been married a few years."

Eva and Duncan laughed indulgently and Duncan pulled Eva into his arms and hugged her.

"I'm glad you're excited Lily-love," Duncan said. "We're going to wait to tell the others until Eva is three months though, okay?"

"Sure," Lily agreed. "Can I start buying baby things now though?"

She's a fighter when she's mad, and she's a lover when she's loving

On Tuesday after school Lily again told Liam that she had other things to do, namely shopping for baby clothes.

"Lily I know for a fact you've bought dozens of things for the Casablancas' baby and the Fennel's baby. Why on earth do you need to shop more? Can't you just spend the afternoon with me?" Liam whined.

"I was going to tell you, but I don't think I will," Lily said coldly.

"Tell me what? Come on Lily, please tell me. I'm sorry for sounding like a dick, I just want to spend time with you," Liam explained sincerely.

"I really not supposed to tell anyone," Lily began, "but I wanted to tell you."

"So tell me Lil, please," Liam requested.

"Daddy and Eva are going to have a baby," Lily finally told him.

"That's great Lily! I know how long you've been waiting to have siblings. Do you want me to come shopping with you?" Liam asked, genuinely happy for his girlfriend.

"It's a lovely offer Liam, but I don't think it would be a very good image. Girlfriend shopping for baby things with boyfriend? It could get messy if the wrong people saw," Lily explained.

Liam chuckled and said, "Right you are. I guess I'll try and struggle through some trig homework."

"You're not that bad now, and you know it. But how about I come by after shopping and show you what I bought. And maybe you could produce one of those amazing banana smoothies Rosario makes?" Lily suggested.

"I'm sure she'll make you one, she likes you a lot. And yes, that sounds great. I'll see you later my Lily," Liam said in farewell.

Lily was a little startled hearing the term of endearment from Liam, it had been one that Scott had used, and Liam had never used it before. Still, she liked the sound of it from his lips, and she was glad that he thought of her as his.

Lily spent a delightful hour and a half looking through designer baby clothes, already familiar with the best places to shop, thanks to Aubrey, the Casablancas babies and Fennel babies. She had been tempted to buy practical items as well as clothes, but she resisted, knowing that her dad and Eva should be the ones to do it.

When Lily landed on Liam's doorstep he greeted her at the door and after looking at her said, "They're only having one baby right? Not five?"

"You're very funny, but babies need lots of clothes," Lily explained superiorly. "Besides, there are lots sizes."

"But they can't even know what they're having yet, can they?" Liam queried.

"That's why I bought some of each, and some unisex stuff," Lily informed him.

Liam laughed at her enthusiasm and they sat down in his living room, Lily placed comfortably on his lap. The maid brought in Lily's desired drink and Lily thanked her and took a long sip, sighing with satisfaction.

"I don't know how she makes them taste so good," Lily said appreciatively.

"Family secret apparently. I tried to get the information out of her, as a surprise for you, but she wouldn't tell me a thing," Liam said seriously, his eyes filled with mirth.

"I'll get it out of her, one day," Lily promised.

"Want to watch something?" Liam asked, grabbing the remote.

"Sure, let's channel flick," Lily answered.

Liam turned the TV on and the looked through the program list.

"Oh look! Notting Hill, I love it!" Lily exclaimed.

"But it's almost at the end," Liam commented.

"That doesn't matter, Hugh Grant's accent alone makes it worth watching," Lily informed him.

"Steady on old chap," Liam said in affected British accent.

"Keep trying dear, you might get there eventually," Lily said in a condescending voice, teasing him.

Liam heaved a great sigh and pretended to be dejected, then turned on the movie.

Julia Roberts was standing in Hugh Grant's book store near the end of the movie and Lily and Liam were just in time to hear her say, "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love me."

Liam looked at Lily, presuming that she would have a dreamy look on her face, and was surprised to see her face contorted, as if she was in pain.

In a sudden moment of clarity, Liam realised that he had never told Lily in so many words how he felt about her, and judging by her behaviour, she was upset about it.

"Lily, look at me," Liam instructed.

"Yes?" Lily said, her voice calm, a forced smile on her face.

"I think we should talk about something. You've been acting strange for a little why, and I think I know why, and it's my fault," Liam began.

Lily stiffened in his arms. "Lil, don't be like that. There's nothing to worry about, you just need to sit there and listen, and maybe answer a couple of questions."

"I know I haven't exactly told you how I feel about you, and I guess that's because I don't really have much experience at being in a relationship, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you, because I do. Has that been bothering you?" Liam asked.

Lily lowered her lashes and wouldn't look at him. "Lily, come on, if we can't talk about this, then where does that leave us?"

"I know!" Lily snapped. "I just, I guess I feel stupid. I have been upset about that I guess. I've been getting all paranoid and insecure, and it's been making me a bitch."

"I know I don't exactly have the best track record," Liam admitted. "But it's different for me this time, and I know they're just words, but I've been working hard to prove them."

"Part of me knows that, then the other part of me is paranoid," Lily said sadly.

"What have you been most paranoid about?" Liam asked curiously.

"Other girls flirting with you, you getting tired of me," Lily said in a whisper.

Liam looked at her intently and said, "I'm never going to get tired of you. I love you Lily Kane, and I'm not just saying that to prove my point. I've never told a girl I love her before, and I love you. I don't even need you to say it back, and I'll keep telling you I love you, because I do, and to help you not feel paranoid. In the end I'll prove that I'm not the jerk I was before."

"Gee," Lily said slowly. "I wish I'd recorded that, you could been in your own movie and that could be a famous love quote."

"Thanks Lil, but please be serious, no using humor as a deflection," Liam said gently.

"I love you too, I guess that's why I've been so crazy and have been feeling insecure. I never have been before, and I guess that scares me, because I already feel so much for you," Lily said quietly.

"Why didn't you talk to me about this before?" Liam asked.

"Because I'm an idiot," Lily said ruefully.

"Yeah, but at least you're my idiot," Liam teased.

"Hey, don't agree with me!" Lily exclaimed.

Liam chuckled and said, "Fine, you're my beautiful, intelligent, wonderful girlfriend, who I love. Better?"

"Much," Lily said contentedly, snuggling into his arms.

And she's everything I ever wanted, and everything I need

On Wednesday at school Lily was all sunny smiles as she walked down the hall with Liam, their hands intertwined.

Keira watched them, looking adoringly at one another, and she noticed the look of peace and contentment on Lily's face. She knew she must have talked to Liam about her fears, and that he must've eased them, substantially. Keira was a little relieved, she wasn't in the mood for any more relationship drama.

She walked over to the couple, where Liam was leaning against the lockers, and Lily was rummaging inside hers, sneaking loving glances at him. Just Keira reached them, Liam snaked an arm around Lily's waist and kissed her.

"Hello you two, just a quick bulletin to let you know that you are not the only two people alive," Keira in formed them teasingly.

Liam merely ignored her and Lily glared at her best friend.

"Thank you, darling best friend. I must remember to remind you of that next time you and Ethan are being all mushy in public," Lily retorted.

"Ah, somewhere with the boys, I think," Keira replied vaguely, knowing very well that he and Scott had disappeared down another hallway as soon as Lily and Liam had been sighted.

"Keira, you don't have a very good poker face. In fact, you might want to ask Aunt Veronica for some lessons. Anyway, I know you're not telling me the full story," Lily admonished.

"Lily," Keira said awkwardly, glancing at Liam.

"Liam can cope, he's a big boy," Lily said impatiently. "Now what's up with Scott?"

"Oh nothing really, he just isn't really coping with seeing you and Liam together. He's trying, but Ethan and Jim have been helping him avoid you," Keira explained.

"Helping? I'm sure they're helping," Lily seethed. "How are Scott and I ever supposed to be friends again if they let him indulge in sulking and denial. Oh Keira, stop looking at Liam as if he's about to snap. He's not, are you dear?"

"Nope, too busy being mesmerised by your fury," Liam replied impertinently.

"Well, I wished I'd left you alone in your sappy mood," Keira muttered.

Fortunately, Lily heard her and her normal good nature regained control and she let out a giggle.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry. I've flown off the handle again. Sorry Keira darling. I will be having words with Ethan though, and probably Scott too," Lily informed Keira and Liam.

Seeing both of their wary faces Lily said, "Don't worry, I'll be nice. I'll just talk to them at lunch or something."

With that Lily walked off down the hall, Keira and Liam following in her wake. Liam shook his head ruefully, he was completely mesmerised by Lily Kane, in all her moods. He love the way her eyes blazed when she was mad, the way they twinkled when she was teasing. The way her long blonde hair fluttered in the breeze. The way she made him burn all over with just one kiss. The way the gentle curves of her body felt and looked. The way she kept surprising him, no matter whether it was a good or bad surprise. He loved all of her, and he was beginning to realise that this was what it meant to be in love.

At lunch, Lily walked over to where Scott was sitting with Jim and Ethan. She sat down next to Ethan and across from Scott and Jim.

She looked at Jim and said pleasantly, "Shoo! These two can fill you in later if necessary. Go find Mia before I change my mind and tell you off too."

Jim left, sending pitying looks at Ethan and Scott.

"Hi boys," Lily said in an overly cheerful tone. "I just thought I'd stop by and say hi, seeing as I haven't seen either of you around much. I find that kind of weird Ethan, seeing as you're my best friend's boyfriend. Uh huh, let me finish talking before you make excuses Ethan, or you might find I'm not so cheerful anymore. Unfortunately I've been susceptive to strange mood swings of late."

Catching Ethan's smothered grin Lily said tartly, "I cannot be pregnant, so be very careful where you smirk masters. Now, where was I? Oh, right. Now Scott, I know I promised you space, and I know I hurt you, and that it's been hard. We've been over this a few times, but you need to stop avoiding me. It keeps the rest of the school gossiping, and it lessens our chance at regaining a friendship. And Ethan, it lessens our chance of our group returning to completely happy dynamics. Now, do I need to write this down, or did you get all that?"

"Got it," Ethan said, nodding dumbly.

"You bet Lil," Scott added with a sheepish smile. "We'll be good, we promise."

This was said a little mockingly, but Lily let it slide, figuring it was only fair after everything.

AN: Thanks for reading, I'd really appreciate it if you reviewed.