[The Staff Hallway]

[mnt_raph]

*The last doorway on the right, as one leaves the Staff Hallway for the Bar proper, has always been Raph's Domain. First a prison, then a gym, and now a garage. Autumn Scottish weather does horrible things to a motorcycle project, to Raph moved it indoors.

Normally the door is closed and locked, but today it's open. Raph is doing undercarriage work, and should something go horribly awry, he'd like to be able to actually call for help. Though, chances are he'd be dead long before any call for help was deemed a necessity. Raph is just stubborn that way.*

Comments

[awesome_lilly]

Lilly's leaving Alain's room when she spots the open door. Curious, she wanders over.

"What up, sai? Did you know there's a motorcycle on top of you?"

[mnt_raph]

*Startled, Raph sits up quickly smacking his head on part of the tailpipe.*

OW Fuck. Ain't you heard o' knockin'?

[awesome_lilly]

"The door was open," Lilly points out cheerfully.

[mnt_raph]

Yeah well...so? Still should give a guy warnin' is all. I coulda hurt you, you know.

*Raph logic is poorly contructed.*

[awesome_lilly]

"Oh, I'm tougher than I look."

Lilly sighs.

"Not that it wouldn't have been totally within your rights to hurt me. I'm actually really glad I found you, Raph. I owe you an apology."

[mnt_raph]

You uh...you did?

*He rolls out from under the bike, sitting up when his head is cleared to do so.*

What for?

[awesome_lilly]

Lilly is studying her hands, the picture of apologetic regret.

"For... for running Mike's column. I didn't really read it, I was just so happy Meg was back that everything kinda got thrown in and then... yeah. I'm really sorry."

[mnt_raph]

Oh. That.

*His jaw tightens.*

Right.

*Raph gives her a once over, before sighing.*

Don'...don' worry 'bout it. He ain't easy to keep on a short leash.

[awesome_lilly]

"Still," Lilly says, looking up at him, "I owe you."

She smiles at him. It is sweet and hopeful and something in the eyes could almost be called puppyish.

"Will you let me do something to make it up to you?"

[mnt_raph]

*Oh there's something about that look that both melts and freezes his blood at the same time.*

I...it ain't necessary. I mean, really.

*Puppies have been known to kill turtles while playing with them, afterall.*

[awesome_lilly]

"It is to me," Lilly says firmly. Her lower lip may stick out just the tiniest bit as she continues.

"It'd make me feel so much better, Raph." Lilly has long, dark eyelashes. (Maybe she's born with it.) Right now, they're being batted in a manner which is probably illegal in the red states.

"Pleeeease?"

[mnt_raph]

*Oh that's just not right. Not right and not fair. Not in the slightest.*

I...um...okay?

[awesome_lilly]

Lilly beams, flinging her arms around Raph for a quick hug.

"Awesome! Just wait, Raphie, you are going to have so much fun!"

[mnt_raph]

*He doesn't hug her back. Being slightly terrified and covered in grease sort of prohibits him from doing so.*

Uh...yay?

[awesome_lilly]

"Definite yay," Lilly assures him as she lets him go and takes a step back to eye him critically.

"Okay, you're going to have to get cleaned up and change, I'm thinking... something simple, jeans and a black t-shirt or whatever. We'll need to present you to the stylists as kinda a blank canvas, you ken?"

[mnt_raph]

*His mind is still realing from the Raphie.*

Yeah...sure...what ever.
...
Stylist?

[awesome_lilly]

"Yes!"

Lilly is still beaming.

"You see, Raphie, my gift to you is a day of beauty, fashion and fun! We're going to go shopping, hit a spa, a salon, everything! By the end of the day you will feel and look utterly fabulous."

She winks.

"I've also got a few ideas for things to dazzle your special lady friend with, but those I'll save for later."

She has to soften him up before she can hit him with the gold lamé hotpants or the ankh-imprinted underwear.

[mnt_raph]

...

"You're kiddin', right? I mean...you aren't ...aren't you?

[awesome_lilly]

"Of course I'm not kidding!"

Lilly pauses, her face falling.

"You... you're not excited? This was the very best gift I could think of, I know I'd love it if someone gave it to me..."

The pouty bottom lip is making a reappearance.

[mnt_raph]

*There is no escape, and he knows it. She's going to cry, and he knows it will be all his fault if she does. He takes a deep breath.*

It's a swell gift, really. I just...never been...an' uh...yay?

[awesome_lilly]

And just like that, the smile is back.

"Totally yay," Lilly promises, beaming again. "Now get changed and meet me in the bar and we will go out for the Best Day Ever!"