Lilli patted the frilly pink skirt of her giant gown. It was far too big for a twelve-year-old, threatening to swallow her up in all the lace and soft cherry blossom colored fabric.
" Rosie, help me! This dress is eating me!" Lilli cried out to her maid.
Rosie, a young adult with curly red hair brought into a messy bun, wearing the typical maid's outfit-a black dress with a white apron and a small lacy headpiece-chuckled, and smiled gleefully. " It seems the seamstress went all out, huh? The color suits you, but I think it is a little too extravagant, hehe."
"Yes, there's just too much frills and lace and folds! Ms. Bertie is a wonderful seamstress, but what was she thinking?!"
Rosie rested her chin in her hand. " Hm… well I know a bit of sewing myself, so perhaps I can figure out something before the party."
"Sigh. I hope so…" Lilli said, half chuckling, half serious. The dress really was gorgeous, but it was too much, even for such a momentous occasion.
Knock. Knock. The wooden door to Lilli's room sounded quietly. It had a distinct sound to it, though. Lilli knew who it was.
"Come in, Adder!"
The door creaked open to reveal the face of a young boy, not yet a teenager, but also not a small child. His cheeks were rosy, but his features were sharper than those of children younger than him. Lilli thought he was beginning to look less cute, and more handsome. But of course, he was still adorable, with his messy black hair that refused to be tamed, and reddish eyes with a special shine to them, as all Beluries had. But he was extra special.
"Uh… Lilli?" Adder said, his tan skin becoming quite red.
"Oh!" Lilli looked away quickly. She hadn't realized she'd been staring. "Sorry, I was thinking about something."
"What were you thinking about?" Adder peered at Lilli's face, smiling.
"N-nothing! Er, I'm just really happy you're so healthy now." That wasn't a lie at least. Lilli's face felt hot now.
"Ehh? Really? It's been almost half a year though!" Adder said, a bit puzzled.
"Well… you were super sick for a long time."
"I guess so."
Adder traced a circle on the ground with his foot. He was moving a lot, glancing back and forth. Was he nervous?
"Is something the matter?"
"Er.. No.. It's just that…," Adder paused, as if frozen for a moment. He looked sweaty. " I was wondering if you wanted to dance with me at m-my par… ty… ," Adder's voice has hushed into a whisper at the end. Lilli thought it was the cutest thing she'd ever seen.
Lilli chuckled. " Of course! Why wouldn't I? We're friends aren't we?"
Adder looked surprised, then quickly said, "Well yeah… but that's not really the point… I want to dance… like Mom and Dad do."
Lilli was shocked at this. Did he mean-no way- did Adder like her? Lilli had no idea how to feel. Suddenly, the room felt so much hotter. But she had to respond, to give an answer.
"S-sure!"