(Disclaimer: I do not own The Bad Guys; just Lilith and my other OC's.)
(Authors Note: Hello dearest readers and fellow writers! Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this latest chapter! I hope you've been enjoying it so far because I certainly enjoy writing it and uploading new content for all of you :) Now, I may take some time to focus on some of my other stories, but we'll see. My attention span varies here and there ;) Anyways, feel free to comment and enjoy! Thank you!)
Chapter 22
-4:30-
Upon arriving at the gala, via limo (courtesy of Diane), Lilith, the Bad Guys, and the governor all stepped out onto the red carpet, where reporters and photographers began asking for comments regarding tonight's event, as well as snapping pictures. Of course, that was to be expected, considering Diane's political position and the Bad Guys fame/infamy.
Once inside the building, Snake had to temporarily leave Lilith's side while he and his fellow Bad Guys spoke with Chief Misty Luggins. Thankfully, Diane was there to provide some company as they waited:
"So, what's your first impression of the gala?"
"Honestly, it's a lot grander than I originally expected. I feel out of place compared to all these people."
"Well, I think you blend in perfectly. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of glitz and glam," she added with a smile, causing her to return the gesture.
"Same here. Although, I admit that it is nice to dress up every now and then. Plus, I like seeing Hubert in a suit," she admitted with a soft dusting of pink across her cheeks.
Momentarily glancing over at the serpent in question, Diane knowingly smirked, "He does look rather nice in formal attire."
Emitting a lovestruck sigh, Lilith nodded in agreement, "Yea... Wolf looks quite dashing too," she then added, to which both women then shared a knowing giggle before a group of people approached, wanting to speak to the governor.
Placing her hand on Diane's arm, Lilith gave her an understanding look as if to say, 'We'll talk more later.' Afterwards, she slipped through the crowd and made her way over to the cocktail bar, where a tall gentleman stood behind the counter:
"Good evening, Miss, what can I get for you?"
"Hello. May I have a glass of lime and ginger ale, please?"
"Certainly," he answered with a smile before retrieving a whiskey glass and filling it with her requested drink. "I take it you're the designated driver this evening," he winked, to which she shook her head:
"Oh, no, I'm not driving anyone. I just can't have alcohol."
"Ah, no worries." He then served her drink with a curt nod, "Enjoy your evening, Miss."
"Thank you." Upon accepting her drink and leaving the bar, Lilith casually wandered around the gala as a means of entertaining herself while she waited for the ceremony to begin (which wouldn't be for another hour and a half.
"Excuse me, Miss, but I was wondering if you've noticed any shady-looking scoundrels lurking within our midst," a familiar/huskily sexy voice asked, to which she smiled and turned around to see Snake standing before her, wearing a pair of CIA/MIB (Men In Black)-looking shades and a security headset/microphone.
Humoring him, she played along, "Hmm, as a matter-of-fact, I did see one person who fits that description."
"Oh? Could you give me a description?"
"Certainly," she giggled as he lovingly wrapped his tail around her ankle and winked. "He's scaly in complexion and has the most mesmerizing hazel eyes. Oh, and his voice is rather mature-sounding and he's got a long prehensile tail."
"Well, he certainly does sound like a scoundrel. Thank you for this information."
"Of course. I'm just glad I could be of some assistance," she added with a flirtatious wink, causing him to playfully flick out his tongue.
"Well, I should let you get back to enjoying the party, but perhaps I'll see you around later."
"Hmm, I look forward to our next meeting."
"Likewisssse," he hissed, bringing a delightful shiver along her spine and an aching throb to her clit.
Damn his sexiness!
If it wasn't for the fact that they were surrounded by people, they would've taken their flirting to the next level and likely would've found a quiet place to fuck each other sensless. Sure, they could still do all that later, but at the moment it was rather unfair to be so tantalizingly close to one another, yet unable to act upon their urges.
XXXXX
Walking amongst the various crowds of people, Lilith casually sipped her ginger ale as she took in the various sights, sounds and smells. Wafts of cologne and perfume lingered throughout the air, while the sound of piano music played in the background of all the chattering. Flashes of camera lights flicked in and out of her peripheral vision as people moved about, not paying her any mind. In truth, it was all a bit overwhelming.
Opting to step outside for some fresh air, she emitted a sigh when a soft breeze brushed against her cheeks before an unfamiliar voice suddenly spoke up:
"Lovely night out, isn't it?"
Glancing over to see an older man (40ish) approach, Lilith offered a polite smile and nodded in agreement, "It is."
"Forgive me for asking, but did I see you arrive with the Bad Guys?"
"Indeed. They're dear friends of mine," she answered honestly, while keeping her true relationship with Snake a secret.
"But they're criminals."
"Former criminals," she corrected, while maintaining a calm demeanor. "It's not their fault people are quick to judge them based on their appearances and past offenses. I, for one, find them quite charming."
He was about to interject when a short, elderly woman suddenly approached them: "There you are, Reginald! I was wondering where'd you snuck off to." She then glanced up at Lilith with a smile, "Oh my, what a lovely young lady! Forgive my interruption."
"It's fine," she lightly waved it off, while placing her free hand over her baby bump as a slight wave of nausea threatened to bubble up into her throat.
"Oh, are you alright, dearie? You look unwell."
"I'm alright," she assured with a nod. "Just a little queasy from all the various perfumes and colognes in the air. Normally, this wouldn't be much of an issue, but in my current condition, I'm more sensitive to certain odors and fragrances."
At that, the woman's smile immediately broadened, "Oh! You're pregnant?! How wonderful!" Without even asking, she then reached out and began rubbing Lilith's bump, "So, how far along are you?"
"Mother! You can't just touch random women's stomachs without their permission!"
"Oh, sush! You know how giddy I am when it comes to babies," she retorted with a slight huff in her tone.
Of course, Lilith was surprised this whole interaction was even happening. Who even does this sort of thing nowadays?! Unsure of what to do, she froze in place, while fighting the urge to slap her hand away. Had she not been this tiny/frail old lady, she just might have.
"Um, I'm sorry, but could you please refrain from touching my baby bump? I'm not feeling too well and the additional pressure on my stomach isn't helping."
"I'm so sorry, Miss," the man apologized as he immediately removed his Mother's invasive hand from her abdomen, which earned him a disgruntled pout from her.
Not bothering to respond, Lilith quickly walked off and headed back inside, where she quickly finished her drink and set her glass down before stepping into a nearby restroom to evade the crowds. Placing her hands along the sink counter, she emitted several deep, calming breaths while mentally grounding herself; however, thanks to her sudden bout of anxiety, a wave of nausea forced her to rush into one of the toilet stalls to vomit.
After her third purge and upon flushing, she shakily stood up and stepped over to the sinks to wash her hands and mouth before exiting the restroom and scanning the area for any of the Bad Guys. Fortunately, Shark was easy to spot due to his height. Weaving through the crowd, Lilith approached the great white and tapped him on the arm:
"Oh, hey, Lilly! How're you liking the party," he asked with a smile before noticing her (slightly green) complexion. "Are you okay? You look kinda punky."
Shaking her head, she placed a hand over her stomach, "Actually, I'm feeling rather nauseous. Do you know where Snake is? I wanted to let him know what's going on, but I didn't want to call in case he was asked to turn his phone off."
"Yea, hold on. I'll call him through the headset."
"Thank you," she weakly smiled before opting to sit down at a nearby table.
Giving her a nod and placing his fin on her shoulder, Shark immediately contacted Snake: "Big Tuna to Danger Noodle, do you copy? Over."
:Copy, Big Tuna. What seems to be the problem? Over.*
"Lilith isn't feeling too good and she wanted to speak to you. Are you able to leave your post for a few minutes? We're in the dining hall. Over."
:I'll be right there. Over.*
Glancing back down at the young woman, Shark gave her a reassuring look, "He's heading this way. Do you want me to fetch you a glass of water?"
She nodded as she rubbed her stomach, "Yes, please. Thank you, Shark."
"Of course. Now, you just hold tight and I'll be right back." He then darted off to retrieve her some water while she waited for Snake to arrive. Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long as he quickly slithered down from the second level and approached her table:
"Lilith, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
At his question, she shook her head, "No. I feel nauseous and kinda shaky. I thought I'd be okay after stepping outside for some fresh air, but then I had a brief anxiety attack after this older lady noticed my bump and started rubbing it without my permission."
Emitting a slight growl at the thought of someone nonconsensually touching her, Snake placed his tail over her hand, "Do you want me to find this woman and make her apologize?"
"No. I'd rather avoid another encounter with her."
Before he could respond, Shark appeared with a glass of ice water, "Here you go, Lilly. Do you need anything else?"
With a soft smile, she shook her head, "I think I'm okay for now, but thank you for asking."
"Sure thing." He then gave a nod at his serpentine companion before heading off to resume his patrol.
Gently rubbing her hand, Snake then asked, "Do you want me to call an Uber to take you home?"
sigh* "Maybe. But, I don't want to miss the ceremony," she frowned as she cast her eyes to the floor, to which he tenderly cupped her cheek and tilted her head up to face him:
"You needn't risk your health for some silly award ceremony. Besides, Webs can livestream the event to your phone, so you won't have to miss out." Not caring who may be watching, he then kissed her forehead while lovingly rubbing her tiny baby bump, "I just want you to rest and recover your strength."
"..Alright. I love you, Hubert."
"And I love you both so, so much," he gave her another tender kiss before hacking up his phone and acquiring an Uber for her while she slowly sipped on the water Shark had brought her.