[attr="class","illie i]she heard rumors once of the turnover rate within the league. at the time, she passed it off as nothing more than gossip but the more she paid attention, the more she understood. specifically for scientists and gym leaders, there are few who stay long enough within the positions to make much progress. one falls and another rises in its place and the cycle repeats until the end of time. she fidgets at the thought he presents and decides it's easier to pass it off with a laugh than an admittance of anxiety. "i'm too young to be sending out wedding invitations," she murmurs. "but i do hope to be one scientist that will last here."

the real question is whether or not she can do so without help.

her smile spreads warmth across her features, head dipping with gratitude. is this a common occurrence for him to show gestures of good will to scientists? or is a different reason laced into the kindness he's showing? she doesn't know, too distracted by the concept that he's still even here, in her lab, at all. surreal, perhaps. "thank you, sir. i really appreciate your generosity." even if it comes at lane's own expense.

the clap draws her away from saying further. instead, he'll feed her things she wants nothing more than to hear over and over and it brings a flush to her cheeks, a shyness to her movements. "i won't let you down," she replies and there's a firmness to her words as if she's certain she won't. and then, she's shifting away from him, moving back toward her desk with the concept of unfinished paperwork still looming overhead. her eyes don't stray from him yet, however. "is there anything else i could do for you while you're here, councilman?" best to not keep him here longer than she has to. he's a busy man with a busy schedule, perhaps too busy for small talk over coffee with her.