>Whisper: "Later, then." into Rin's ear and give her another quick kiss
>Then let's see if there's something helpful we can do
>"Promise." Rin replies in Eire.
>The two of you break about, only slightly regretfully, and both head to the kitchen. You, however, are banished in short order. Practically, there's really not enough room in your kitchen for three people to work, especially with one of thing bearing wings. Too, Lily and Rin insist on handling themselves; Lily because it's her job as the guest to impress, and Rin because she likes taking care of you. So you decide to freshen yourself up with a quick shower while the two of them are busy.
>It's funny, thinking about it. A few months ago, the idea of showering with a guest in your home would have been an odd one for you. But at least with Lily, it seems somehow natural. Lily seems to have a knack for making things feel natural, for making people feel comfortable around her. Despite her occasional ignorance of the concept of personal space.
>You make a note to ask her just where she produced that pink apron of hers, as well, when she and Rin are finished. Later, though. The hot water of your shower never felt so good, and while you might have preferred to bathe your sore muscles, you didn't want to occupy the bathroom for entirely too long.
>You emerge from your efforts towards cleanliness just in time to see Lily, evidently now finished with her cooking, give Rin a quick little peck on the cheek. That is a surprise, even from Lily. The real surprise, though, is that Rin doesn't really seem upset about it. Shocked, yes, but hardly upset. "What was that for?" she stammers after a moment.
>Lily beams, "'cuz I like you! And for helping with cooking." The peppy blonde undoes her apron. "I love to cook, but I love it even more when I cook with someone I like, or for someone I like. Today I got to do both!"
>As if her smile wasn't infectious enough, her joie de vie is even more so. But that to oneside for the moment, you are still determined to make yourself at least slightly useful, so, once you've applied your clothes, you set out the table for your two guests, having it ready for when Lily and Rin brought out the food. Which turns out to be omu-rice, a small bowl of noodle soup and a bit of salmon. Also fairly standard fare, Lily's presentation of the offering is actually rather splendid. It doesn't look at all dissimilar to the sort of thing you'd see in a restaurant. And it doesn't take you long to discover that it tastes as good as it looks. Lily has a real talent for this sort of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with Rin's culinary skills, but there's something else to Lily's cooking.
>Both you and Rin express this opinion to Lily, whose smile grows even wider than it already was at your praise. It's a wonder her cheeks don't ache all the time, the way she beams so.
>Although you can't quite ignore the gleam in her eyes as she looks at you and Rin throughout the meal. The one that you've come to recognize as indicating a rather different king of hunger.
