Chapter 17: Adjusting to Life with Lyris

The First Dilemma

The morning light seeped through the blinds, illuminating the spotless apartment that was almost unrecognizable compared to its state just days ago. Gaona sat on the edge of his bed, staring at Lyris, who remained seated at the small table, her posture perfect and unmoving.

He realized with a jolt that he was late for work. Panic set in as he mentally calculated how long it would take him to get ready and rush to the diner. But then his gaze returned to Lyris, who was still watching him with her faintly glowing blue eyes.

He hesitated. Could he leave her alone? Or did he need to take her with him? The thought of bringing her to the diner filled him with anxiety. She was so striking, so out of place in the mundane world of his job.

"Uh… Lyris," Gaona began awkwardly, "I… I need to get ready for work. I'll only be a few minutes."

"Understood," Lyris said, her tone monotone but soft. She stayed perfectly still, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

Gaona hurried into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He splashed water on his face, brushed his teeth, and changed into his work uniform, all the while wondering if Lyris would be okay on her own. When he emerged, he found her exactly as he had left her, still seated at the table.

"You didn’t move," he said, half relieved and half perplexed.

"You instructed me to wait," she replied simply, tilting her head slightly as if confused by his surprise.

Gaona ran a hand through his hair. "Okay. Uh… I’m going to take out the trash. I’ll be back in a few minutes."

"Understood," Lyris said again, her tone unwavering.

He grabbed a bag of trash and left the apartment, feeling a strange mix of freedom and guilt. When he returned a few minutes later, she was still in the same spot, as though she hadn’t even blinked.

A Silent Protest

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Deciding to test things further, Gaona grabbed his wallet and keys. "I’m going to the corner store," he said. "I’ll be back soon. You just… stay here, okay?"

This time, Lyris didn’t respond immediately. As he turned to leave, she stood abruptly, her movement fluid but sudden enough to startle him.

"Gaona," she said, stepping closer to him. She was so tall that she seemed to tower over him, her presence both intimidating and oddly comforting. Her glowing blue eyes softened slightly, and her expression—while still mechanical—carried the faintest trace of something resembling sadness.

"Can I assist you in any way?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost pleading.

Gaona froze. The way she looked at him, with her head tilted slightly and her gaze focused so intently, reminded him of a child desperate for approval. Her movements and expressions were calculated, sure, but the request felt genuine.

"Uh…" Gaona stammered. "I guess… you can come with me?"

Her eyes brightened—literally—as she nodded. "Understood. Accompanying companion to destination."

The Problem of Attire

As they prepared to leave, Gaona suddenly realized something important: Lyris had no clothing other than the form-fitting suit she had arrived in. It clung to her frame in a way that wasn’t exactly modest, exposing her shoulders, arms, and legs. While she didn’t seem embarrassed—being an Archon, after all—Gaona felt a deep flush of embarrassment at the idea of walking through the streets with her looking like that.

He rummaged through his closet and found an old long coat that he rarely wore. It would have to do.

"Here," he said, handing it to her. "Put this on."

Lyris looked at the coat, tilting her head in confusion. "Understood," she said, draping it over her shoulders without bothering to fasten it.

The coat barely reached her mid-thighs, her long legs making it look more like a short dress than proper outerwear. Gaona sighed. "It’s… good enough for now," he muttered, trying not to dwell on it.

The Walk to the Department Store

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

The streets were busier than usual, and Gaona quickly realized that walking with Lyris was going to attract attention. Heads turned as they passed, and people openly stared at the strikingly tall, statuesque woman beside him.

Gaona felt like a spectacle, like some unworthy entourage to a celebrity or model. His face burned with embarrassment, especially when Lyris would occasionally stop in her tracks, standing perfectly still as if waiting for instructions.

"Come on," he muttered, grabbing her hand to guide her.

Lyris tilted her head, her glowing blue eyes meeting his. "Companion. Please clarify directional path."

Gaona sighed. "Just… follow me, okay?"

"Understood," she said, her voice softening slightly.

The Department Store

When they finally reached the department store, Gaona breathed a sigh of relief. The owner, a petite elderly woman with sharp eyes and a mischievous grin, immediately took notice of Lyris.

"My, my," the owner said, her eyes lighting up. "She’s a beauty! Is she yours?"

Gaona hesitated. "Uh… yeah. Kind of."

The woman clapped her hands together, her grin widening. "I have an idea. I’ll help you get her a wardrobe—on one condition. Let me use her as a model for a photoshoot in a few days."

Gaona glanced at Lyris, who stood silently beside him, her expression unreadable. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the idea, but the thought of saving money was too tempting to pass up.

"Okay," he said reluctantly.

The owner practically squealed with delight as she led Lyris toward the fitting rooms.

Lyris as a Doll

What followed was a whirlwind of activity. The owner treated Lyris like a life-sized doll, dressing her in everything from elegant dresses to casual wear to winter coats.

"She’s so compliant," the owner marveled. "And look at that figure! Perfect proportions."

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Gaona watched from the side, his embarrassment growing with each outfit. Lyris seemed different than she had been before—more human, somehow. She twirled in dresses, posed in suits, and even stood confidently in a two-piece swimsuit that revealed more than Gaona was comfortable seeing.

At the end of it all, the owner handed Gaona several boxes and bags filled with clothing. "Consider it an advance payment for the photoshoot," she said with a wink.

The Trip Home

Loaded down with boxes and bags, Gaona struggled to carry everything. His embarrassment only grew when he tripped and fell, scattering the bags across the pavement.

Lyris immediately stepped forward, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him to his feet with ease. The onlookers who had stopped to stare began to laugh and murmur among themselves, amused by the display.

Lyris then gathered all the bags in one hand as if they weighed nothing.

"Lyris," Gaona said, his voice strained, "can you please give me half of those? I feel useless."

She tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "Understood." She handed him a single box, keeping the rest for herself.

Gaona sighed but couldn’t help smiling as they continued their walk home.

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