{RL WITH ZUKO AND LILITH} forward-dated to the Timewarp Virus

[bentflame]

[Azula's walking quickly and purposefully through the Vatican, not stopping for anything or anyone-- she knows exactly where she's going, and she isn't going to let anyone keep her from getting there, no matter what]

Comments

[emberandash.livejournal.com]

[she glances at him quickly without slowing down, gives a nod, and then focuses her attention back ahead of them]

We're almost there.

[flammatory]

[Still no argument? If the situation weren't so serious he'd be even more flummoxed. It still surprises him enough to silence him the rest of the way.]

/invites Rose in now

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

[stops in front of the door to Lilith's room, opening it slowly]

[hislostlover.livejournal.com]

[They would find her staring down at the rosary Abel had always worn; the one that had belonged to Lilith before her death. For once she allowed herself to cry freely even if it was not obvious right away. Even in mourning Lilith seemed oddly composed. It was the wet cheeks that gave her away. Maybe she wouldn't even be crying if not for thinking to herself that this shouldn't have come back to her. It wasn't meant to be hers anymore.

When the door opened Lilith quickly went to dry her eyes and offer a smile to them.]

I'm sorry. May I have a minute before you step in?

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

[Azula didn't want to say yes-- it was clear that she wanted to make herself presentable; to hide any signs that she had been upset]

[it was a sentiment that Azula understood, but that still didn't mean that Lilith needed to-- she was Lilith]

[still, she reluctantly closed the door, not wanting to make things worse for her by disrespecting her wishes]

[flammatory]

[Zuko had given Azula some personal space as she went to open the door, standing behind and only catching a glimpse of Lilith. It made something feel tight in his chest, an uncomfortable pressure.

When the door closed again, he turned to his sister and said in a low tone,] I just want to be clear with you. We're here for her - we shouldn't have any arguments. [She seemed to be on the same wavelength as him with that already, but he didn't want to take any chances. Azula's decision making never made sense to him.]

[emberandash.livejournal.com]

[she didn't look at him; didn't even acknowledge his words-- she just kept staring at the door]

[flammatory]

Are you listening to me? [he hisses at her in frustration.]

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

Lilith? I'm going to come in now. All right?

[hislostlover.livejournal.com]

[Lilith used the time to clean off her face. Thankfully she had to foresight not to wear makeup today.]

I'm fine. You may come in now. [She still was holding that rosary in her hands. She still couldn't bring herself to put it back on.]

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

[Azula wasted no time in throwing open the door, rushing over to Lilith, and throwing her arms around her]

[flammatory]

[He follows behind more sedately, shutting the door behind him and brimming with frustration over everything.]

[hislostlover.livejournal.com]

[Lilith put one arm around her, the other hand still stubbornly hanging onto that rosary. She knew what she was here for. They all knew he was dead. How could they not?]

Hello Azula, Zuko. ... It's rare to see you together.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

[her grip tightens]

... Lilith.

[you don't have to preteeeeeeeeeeeend]

[flammatory]

[Walks up to them until he's nearly within reaching distance, calming into a serious expression.]

We're here for you. So you aren't alone.

[hislostlover.livejournal.com]

[She sighs softly.] I appreciate what you are trying to do but, it will be alright.

[Though she hardly sounded convinced herself. It was only her and Seth left to oppose 01 now. Things would get even darker putting her own feelings aside.]

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

... You don't have to hide being upset from me.

You don't have to hide anything from me.

[flammatory]

She's right. Why do things have to be alright? [he demands.] He... you should be upset.

[Zuko can't quite bring himself to say it.]

[hislostlover.livejournal.com]

What good would it do? [She looked at both of them carefully.] Abel has... [She can't say it either] there are worse things to come.

Mourning isn't a luxury I can indulge in.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

It is if you want it to be. If anyone tries to stop you I won't let them.

[flammatory]

[He can understand practical matters, obligations, being more important than an emotional reaction.]

Maybe it's true that there's things you need to do, that mourning can't interfere with. But right now, while we're here, you can.

[hislostlover.livejournal.com]

[She can't deny that. If she keeps this up eventually something will start to crack. She couldn't afford to let that happen now when 04 knew she was at her weakest.]

... My soulmate has gone ahead of me. I can understand now more than ever why Abel acted as he did back then.

[peoplesprincess.livejournal.com]

[Azula runs a hand down her arm, saying nothing]

[flammatory]

[Zuko feels like there's something caught in his throat. He can't know exactly how she feels, but he's lost enough people in his life to know how impossible the situation is.]

I'm sorry, [he says, voice low.]

[hislostlover.livejournal.com]

It isn't anyone's fault but, my own. [She sounds remorseful.] If I hadn't been so greedy, 01 and Cain would be long dead by now.