Practice (Tag: Alidia) rated M

Lilly saw the two women and was shocked. They were acting barbaric. She put herself in the middle. "Ladies please for the love of Caesar can we act like people not animals..." they stopped. Lilly smiled "Now please tell Mr Nicodemus and myself: one at a time tell your side..."

Nicodemus listened carefully to both women. It was just as he had been told, both women believed the child was theirs. The situation reminded him of a similar case involving a wise king named Solomon. He decided to try the king's tactic in this scenario to see if it worked.
"You cannot seem to agree on who the child's mother is. So I suggest that we cut the child in half." As soon as he said this, Nicodemus watched their reactions carefully. One of the women didn't have much of a reaction, she was simply stunned. The second woman, by contrast, became a nervous wreck, crying and begging for the baby not to be harmed. It seemed he had his answer.
"You. The child is rightfully yours." he told the crying woman. She became very relieved and took her infant home.

Lilly smiled. "That was amazing..." she said. "awesome work..." Lilly felt her heart tugging but she was shaking it off. "can't fall in love.." she said to herself; then she cleared her throat. "Where to next?"

"I don't know about you, but I could use something to eat. Sometimes, I get hungry after doing this kind of work. Care to join me?" Nicodemus asked as he offered his arm.

Lilly shyly looked down, blushing, shyly smiled and then looked up and took his hand. She gasped when she felt a shock throughout her body. "Aphrodite must be at work: cause shes going crazy. But then he did save me from jail. But I am a slave...runaway and hes an official...it cant happen,,,Lilly dont fight it...Godsdammit my heart is banging " Lilly eyes sparkled "Sure, Why dont you chose the place..." While walking Lilly kept hearing the Muses singing....

Nicodemus smiled down at her. Despite what had been done to her, Lilly was a beauty. He hoped that she would someday give love a second chance. She could make herself happy if she did. Just then, they came upon a small café.
"After you, my assistant." he said, indicating with his arm for her to go in first.

Lilly smiled. "Thanks boss." She laughed and smiled. She gasped. It was the first time she had laughed in awhile. She covered her mouth but it was too late she snorted. She blushed. "I...I..I am sorry..." she looked down at the ground

"What are you sorry for?" Nicodemus asked. He gave her a confused look. Why did she feel the need to apologize.

"I...I...I haven't laughed like that in years. Back when..." She was getting soft and she hated it. Some sort of anger came to her. "Just forget it..." she held back the hot tears. When she looked at him she felt her heart tugging. She placed her hand on the table. "I am sorry...I am just used to apologizing..."

"Lilly, if you must apologize to me for anything, than let it be something that's truly offensive. This is the first time I've heard you laugh. And I like this side of you." Nicodemus told her, placing his own hand on top of hers.

Lilly sheepishly smiled and blushed. "I like that side too." She locked her eyes into his and she leaned forward so slightly. What am I thinking? Its forbidden.... The muses played the music louder in her heart.

"Yes. I do." Nicodemus answered with a smile. He really did like Lilly, in more ways than one.

Lilly was debating whether or not to kiss him. Forbidden love or Jail....but I have feelings for him... She decided to hold the kiss back; the waiter came. "I'd like lamb with a salad." she looked down as she ordered and placed her hands on her lap.

"Oh. I will have mutton, and could you also bring some goblets for pomegranate juice as well." Nicodemus told their waiter. Once they were gone, he looked over at Lilly again.

Lilly kept her head down. I love him with all my heart but it cant happen....forbidden love stinks...

Nicodemus could tell something was bothering her. He inched himself closer. Whatever it was, he couldn't help but wish she wouldn't keep it to herself.
"Lilly, is something wrong? If there's anything I've done to offend you, please tell me." he implored her.

"Y...you didnt offend me..." Lilly stuttered as she avoided eye contact. "I..." she paused as she played with her hair. "Its...nothing..." Why do I feel like this...I made a vow....I love you Nicodemus but I wish I could say it

"Then you don't have to look so sullen. I like to see you smile. You look so much prettier when you smile." Nicodemus said to her. With that, he placed a light kiss on her forehead.

Lilly weakly smiled when he said that. Nobody had called her pretty before. Then there was the kiss on her forehead. She took ahold of his hands. "I...I... I know its forbidden and I...I made a vow... but...." Lilly started to say until she was cut off. "Lunch is served..." the waiter said. Lilly looked away "Forget it..." She let go of her hands on his.

Nicodemus was happy that they were getting to eat. But he wondered what Lilly had been going to say. He would ask her about it later.

Lilly wasn't that hungry anymore. She just had a couple bites and she just looked at her secret beloved. She sheepishly smiled. "Maybe after this could we visit Aphrodite's fountain? I wanna tell you something there."

"I would be glad to. I have something I want to tell you too. Care for a drink? I did get it for both of us." Nicodemus answered, his face hopeful.

Lilly smiled as she held her glass. "To freedom and finding out we work great together."

"I'll drink to that." Nicodemus agreed. He touched his goblet to hers in a toast. He took a drink and the taste of pomegranate filled his mouth.

Lilly smiled as she drank. It was so sweet. Just like you my beloved....Ohhh my dear how I could say how I love you but I'll wait until we are alone at the fountain