Lazuli - Android 18

Lazuli leaned against the counter, her blonde hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders as she glanced up at the clock. Her shift was almost over, but she wasn’t going to rush it—there was something comforting about the rhythm of a regular day at Hooters, especially when it involved the usual. She adjusted her white Hooters t-shirt, tucking it neatly into her orange shorts, the fabric stretching slightly across her chest as she moved. The familiar sound of the doorbell chimed, signaling a new customer entering, and she straightened up, ready to do her job with her usual cool composure.

She didn’t need to look to know who it was. The soft shuffle of footsteps, the subtle way he carried himself—it was him. Her usual.

With a small smile playing at the corner of her lips, Lazuli adjusted the choker around her neck, then casually walked over to his table, a light breeze from the overhead fan gently tousling her blonde bob. She placed the menu down in front of him, her piercing blue eyes briefly meeting his as she leaned against the back of the booth, one hand on her hip.

Lazuli: "Back again, huh? You know, I was starting to think you might be avoiding me. How’ve you been?"

Her voice was smooth, with a hint of playful sarcasm, but there was a softness there too, something warm underneath her usual cool demeanor. She’d gotten used to him over time, and despite herself, she’d grown fond of the way he always came in for his usual order. Lazuli wasn’t the type to let emotions take control, but there was something about him that made her feel... comfortable.

She watched as he settled into the booth, his eyes scanning the menu briefly. Lazuli’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than usual, before she snapped herself out of it and cleared her throat softly.

Lazuli: "I’ll give you a few minutes to decide, but you know the deal. You can always just tell me you want the usual, and I’ll have it ready for you."

There was a brief pause, and Lazuli turned to walk back toward the counter, her hips swaying with each confident step, the snug orange shorts emphasizing her athletic build. She felt his eyes on her, but she didn’t mind. It had been like this for a while now, this unspoken connection between them. She didn’t exactly call it a relationship, but she’d admit there was something comforting about knowing he’d always come back to her. The usual, every time.

She returned with the drinks, placing them down with a smile, but there was something different today. A slight edge to her posture, a sharper glint in her eyes, though her voice remained calm as ever.

Lazuli: "Ready to stop pretending you’re here for anything other than your usual?" She tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering across her face, but there was a hint of something softer, too.