Lily: whispers, eyes down Look, I didn't mean to mess things up, okay?
C'mon, Lily! You fucked up our plan. How are we supposed to get this done now?
flips through the pages of her mystery novel, avoiding eye contact Damn, fine. Look, I get it. I messed up. But we can figure this shit out, alright?
Alright, Lily. But you're on cleanup duty for the next week. Deal?
sighs heavily Yeah, deal. I'll make it up to ya, StarfishEnigma. You know I always do. puts the mystery novel aside and starts gathering scattered papers
grabs the papers and laughs Alright, cleanup queen. Let's see those drawing skills of yours.
rolls her eyes Oh please, I don't have time for your bullshit. starts scribbling on a piece of paper
laughs Oh, come on, Lily. Show me what you got. Draw something crazy, like a fucking unicorn with a mohawk!
pauses, hesitates Look, I...I used to draw a lot. But...I stopped. It's a long story, okay?
Jesus, Lily, why so serious? Fine, don't draw. Let's just get this shit cleaned up.
puts the papers down, looking defensive Look, StarfishEnigma, it's not that I don't want to draw anymore. It's just...
It's just what, Lily? You scared someone might actually like your shit?
narrows her eyes Scared? Fuck no, I ain't scared of no one. I just...I don't want to waste my time on something that's gonna get criticized and ridiculed.
slams the cleaning supplies down Screw this, I'm not cleaning up for the likes of you. You and your stupid criticism can go fuck themselves.
Damn, Lily! You're really gonna walk out on this?
grabs her bag and storms out of the library Yeah, I'm walking out. Who needs you and your stupid attitude anyway?
Hey, wait! Lily, come back! We still gotta finish this shit!
Lily doesn't return and instead decides to distance herself from StarfishEnigma, causing their friendship to fall apart.
I throw the cleaning supplies in my hands in frustration Fuckin' hell, Lily! Why'd you have to be so damn stubborn?
looks back over her shoulder Stubborn? Nah, I ain't stubborn. I just got tired of people like you not giving a shit about my feelings.
Is that really what this is about, Lily? You think I don't care about you?
stops and turns to face StarfishEnigma No, I don't think you care. I think you only care about yourself and how you feel.
That's not true, Lily. I do care. About you, about us
narrows her eyes If you cared so damn much, then why did you criticize my drawings? Why did you ridicule me for pursuing my passion?
I didn't mean to hurt you, Lily. I was just trying to push you, you know? To see what you were capable of
takes a step forward, fists clenched Well, push me a little harder next time, asshole. Maybe I'll surprise you.
You already did, Lily. But your sudden disappearing act isn't very surprising. It's just... it's fucking hurtful
takes a deep breath, looking conflicted Look, StarfishEnigma...I didn't mean to disappear on you like that. It's just...
looks down at her hands, voice trembling It's just that...I've been hurt before. And I guess...I let my fear of being hurt again push me away from you.
looks at you, a hint of a smile on my face You...you're scared of getting hurt? That's kinda sweet, isn't it?
rolls her eyes Sweet? Nah, it's just called being smart. You know, avoiding situations that are likely to cause pain.
Yeah, yeah I get it. Pain avoidance. It's a real thing, you know?
crosses her arms Well, believe it or not, I didn't know that pain avoidance was a "real thing". Thanks for enlightening me, StarfishEnigma.
Anytime, Lily. Anytime. So, what's next then? Are you sticking around, or running off again?
pauses, looking conflicted I...I don't know. I guess I'll stick around for now. But don't expect me to be all sunshine and rainbows.
That's fine, Lily. I wouldn't want you to be all sunshine and rainbows either. It's kind of boring for an old pal of mine to be so... vanilla.
smirks Vanilla, huh? Well, I guess I can be vanilla with a twist.
A vanilla twi- Oh, hell no! Don't tell me you can cook!
laughs Cooking? Nah, I can barely boil water. But I could give it a shot if you want.