#iicsyf

Lily: *runs her fingers through her hair in frustration, voice growing louder as she picks up steam*  

Lily: Because apparently I’m much better off not knowing anything, stuck here worrying for the rest of my life.

Lily: *chokes on the words, angry tears burning the corners of her eyes as she plops her head down in her arms, energy spent*  

Lily: Get a grip. 

*the bell rings as someone enters the shop*

Lily: *nearly jumps out of her skin, but takes a deep breath and plasters on a smile, preparing to face the new customer*

Lily: *drops to the ground, out of sight, struggling to keep her breathing steady*

James: *eyes narrowed in concentration as he rearranges the books according to color*

Lily: *slowly stands, no longer caring if she’s seen, her eyes widening at the all-too-familiar actions*  

Lily: *deflates, the hope that was growing shattering in an instant*

James: And apparently when I first woke up I made a run for it, and you found me… and I guess I never got the chance to say thank you properly. 

Marlene: *squints as James nervously ruffles his hair, her eyes widening in recognition* You’re back!

Marlene: *through an obscenely large bite of bagel* You twat, do you know how worried this one has been? 

Marlene: Be back in a few, Lils! Au revoir!

*the bell rings and a stunned silence falls*

James: Don’t remember a damn thing about it. But according to my mate, I was in some kind of... flying motorcycle accident?

Lily: *takes a deep breath* It might be best if you leave. You should be with your family and friends. 

James: You expect me to believe I just happened to walk into this bookshop, where you work, when I woke up to your face after being in a coma?! *gestures wildly* You were crying!

Lily: *suddenly hysterical, rationality flying out the window* God, I want to strangle you, and you don’t even know why!     

James: But when I open my eyes everything slips away. *closes his eyes, breathing ragged* Merlin, that doesn’t make any sense.

Lily: *stares at James for a long moment, willing him to remember something... anything* 

James: *glances curiously at the name tag* 

Lily: *stares, their first conversation flooding back to her mind* 

James: *falls silent, brow knitting in confusion*

James: *stares at Lily’s name tag, something tugging at the corner of his mind* 

Lily: *searches his face desperately, willing him to come back to her*  

*the silence stretches between them until Lily can’t take it anymore, stepping away* 

James: *smiles softly* James is far better suited for a muppet like me, wouldn’t you say? 

James: ... I’m sorry, Lils. 

Lily: ... Guess I found you.