Xavier and Lilia simply stared at each other. This was their last meeting and neither of them knew what to say or do.
Lilia managed a small smile. "Good luck today. And… don't disappear without saying anything. Keep in touch. Please."
"I will," Xavier said. "Take care of yourself. If anything happens, or if you need something — anything — let me know."
Her smile faltered before she whispered, almost too soft to hear, "You can't give me what I want."
He stepped closer. "Lilia… do what you want with your life. Don't decide everything based on other people. And if you're ever in trouble, call Angel. She'll handle whatever comes your way."
Lilia nodded slowly, then stepped into him and wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her back. When she pulled away, she paused for a moment, studying his face.
Then she grabbed him by the collar and kissed him.
