(Disclaimer: I do not own The Bad Guys; just Lilith and my other OC's.)
(Authors Note: Hello again! Thank you all for taking the time to read this latest chapter of mine :) I hope you've all been enjoying it so far. Thank you.)
Chapter 4
"..Wait, wait, you're saying no one saw through your disguises at the award ceremony," Lilith asked with an amused smile as she and Mr. Snake comfortably sat across from one another in the lounge room of Black Cat Brew.
Swallowing a bite of his scone, he nodded as a grin appeared along his face, "I know it seems a bit far-fetched, but it's true: the guys and I walked in, took our positions, and secured the Golden Dolphin. We would have walked away scott-free if Wolf hadn't blown our cover; however, it all worked out in the end."
"I'd say it did: you're no longer wanted criminals and you're all making the world just a little bit better with all the good deeds you're doing," she added with a wink before taking a sip of her drink. "I'll have to thank Wolf the next time I see him."
"For what?"
"For setting off the chain of events that eventually led to where you are now. I might never have met you if all that never happened, and we might not be here drinking coffee and having this conversation."
"Heh, I guess you're right," he smiled as he sat back in his chair and lapped at his coffee, while she took a bite of her cranberry scone.
"Mmm, this is sooo good! My scones never turn out this delicious."
"Oh? You bake?"
She blushed and nodded, "Sometimes, whenever I find the time and inspiration to do so. I mostly bake pies and cookies, but occasionally I'll try something new. I typically bake more during the holiday season though."
"Doesn't everyone," he questioned with a knowing smirk, causing her to smile and playfully roll her eyes before taking another sip of her drink. "So, Lilith, tell me more about yourself. Have you always lived here in LA?"
At his question, she shook her head, "Oh no. I've only lived here for the last three years. I was actually born in San Diego, but my family and I moved out of state when I was two months old. My Father was an active member of the Army, so we were always moving around from one place to another."
"I bet that must have been tough while growing up."
She shrugged, "Here and there. Although, I did see a lot of interesting sights and meet a bunch of fascinating people along the way. When he finally retired, we settled down in Buffalo, and I lived there up until three years ago."
"So what brought you all the way down here? If you don't mind me asking."
Glancing down at her drink for a moment, Lilith emitted a sigh, "..I guess I just wanted a change of scenery."
Although she was trying her best not to let it show, Snake could tell she seemed troubled and knew there was more to her story than she was letting on; however, he decided not to push her and instead changed the topic:
"So, what do you like most about living in LA?"
Smiling, she met his gaze and answered, "Well, I certainly like the convenience. I can literally walk, ride my bike or take the bus to wherever I need to go; hence why I don't bother owning a car." A soft blush then formed along her cheeks, "However, despite the convenience of living close to major shops and amenities, I'd say it's the people I like the most: back in Buffalo, everyone is stuffy and uptight. But here, I've met a variety of fun and interesting characters, including you, Mr. Snake."
At her compliment, he actually felt the scales of his cheeks heat up, to which his tail then slightly began to wag. "Well, thank you, Lilith. I think you're pretty interesting too."
XXXXX
Upon finishing their drinks and scones, Mr. Snake and Lilith said their (temporary) goodbyes to Tabitha and headed out. While they would have stayed longer, the shop was starting to become a bit crowded with people coming in on their lunch breaks to order coffee or grab a quick bite to eat. Nonetheless, they continued their conversation while casually walking/slithering along the sidewalk as he had offered to escort her home, which she was grateful for as the sky was now starting to darken.
She never cared much for storms as she often associated them with the darkness she left behind when she moved to LA. Mentally shaking her head of such disturbing thoughts, Lilith instead focused her attention on the reptile beside her. "So, how old are you? Sorry if that's a bit personal, I'm just curious."
With a slight shake of his head, he waved her question off with a smirk, "Eh, it's fine. But the answer is 58."
"Wow, you certainly don't look like it. Here I assumed you were 42."
"I hope that's not an issue."
"No. I don't see a problem with your age as it just makes you more distinguished," she added with a wink, causing him to blush a little.
"Well, since you now know my age, might I know yours?"
"You may. As of right now, I'm 33 years old; however, I'll be turning 34 in October."
"Really? You don't look a day over 25."
At that, she emitted a giggle, causing him to melt inside. "You flatter me, Mr. Snake."
"What, it's true. You're obviously aging very gracefully."
"Likewise. I can't recall meeting someone of your age who could easily pass for 42."
He chuckled, bringing a warm smile to her face as they approached her apartment building. "Well, this is me. Thanks for the coffee and thanks for escorting me home."
"You're welcome. Thanks for taking the time to visit with me. It's not every day I can sit down and have a civil conversation with someone without being feared in the process."
"Well, I certainly enjoyed our visit. I don't suppose we could do this again sometime," she shyly asked while lightly tugging at the hem of her jacket sleeve.
Taken aback by her request, Snake's eyes slightly widened: she wanted to see him again! Softly clearing his throat, he gave her a charming smile and a nod, "Y-Yea..I'd like that."
"Great! Here, let me give you my number," she cheerfully stated as she pulled out a small notepad and pen out of her fanny pack, to which she then jotted down her name and number before presenting it to the reptile. "Here you are. I'm off Wednesdays and Thursdays, so if you'd like to meet up again sometime, feel free to give me a call."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind," he answered while internally struggling to contain his excitement: it was like that time he and the gang 'rescued' all those guinea pigs. "By the way, would you also like my number? Believe it or not, I'm fairly tech savvy unlike most guys my age," he winked, bringing an adorable blush to her cheeks.
"Sure," she nodded and offered him the pen and notepad, to which he then wrote down his number and handed it back over to her. "Thank you, Mr. Snake. I look forward to speaking to you and possibly seeing you again in the future."
"Likewise, Lilith," he then placed her number in his shirt pocket and tipped his hat to her before turning around and slithering off, while she punched in the security code to her apartment building and stepped inside.
XXXXX
-Later-
As the (former) Bad Guys sat around the dinner table and helped themselves to some chicken curry and rice (courtesy of Webs), they couldn't help but notice the love-struck look on Snake's face, prompting Piranha to ask:
"Yo, hermano, what's with the look?"
"What look?"
"You know: the one where you've got something on your mind. Or should I say, someone," he knowingly winked and made a kissy face, bringing amused smiles on everyone's faces as they all glanced over at their reptilian friend.
*sigh* "Alright, alright, you got me. I encountered Lilith at the park and invited her over to Black Cat Brew for some coffee and scones. We talked for a bit and I walked her home, and then we exchanged numbers."
"Woohoo! Way to go, buddy! I knew you could do it," Shark stated as he suddenly grabbed Snake and hugged him.
"We're proud of you, Snake," Wolf grinned as he patted him on the back (after Shark released him and set him back in his chair).
"Thanks, guys," he genuinely smiled before Webs asked:
"SooOoo, when are you going to ask her out on a date? And not just a coffee date, but a date, date."
"Eh, I don't want to jump the gun and rush things. Right now, I'm just coming to terms with everything that's happened so far. Also, I don't want to get my hopes up," he added with a slight frown, prompting Wolf to pull him in for a side hug.
"Hey, we're here for you, buddy. Don't let doubt cloud your mind. Right now, let's just enjoy the moment."
"Yea, okay. Thanks, Wolf."
"Anytime, Snake."