lovethisworld | RL with Zuko

[Zuko had left standing orders months ago with his guards that if anyone unrecognizable showed up, they were to alert him immediately. At the time he'd been thinking of Azula and nefarious plots; a few weeks later he had the spare thought that maybe someone would get through the community's mysterious barrier and visit him. Of course, in the months he'd been away, only one of those had happened, and eventually he'd more or less forgotten about the orders.

So while he'd expected Lilith, he'd also rather typically gotten caught up in reviewing paperwork. It was a tedious task he wasn't well suited for; he'd much rather be outside doing something. But he didn't have a choice, and he'd asked for this, and etc. etc. Zuko threw himself in head on to his work, like he did everything else, and therefore was mildly surprised to be interrupted with a report of a red-haired woman (who has red hair?) that had appeared.

Of course, he knew instantly who it was. He hustled over through the halls, thankful he was dressed casually today. Nothing would make him feel more awkward than trying to put on formal airs for Lilith. ...Well, some things would.]

Lilith? [he voiced, approaching quickly. He tried his best to ignore any accompanying sentiment about however much he'd missed her.]

[Lilith brought her hand to her chest and smiled warmly. It had been some time since she had seen Zuko. The last time was under some very difficult circumstances. She much preferred this meeting out in the sun in a place she was certain he was safe.]

Zuko. It's been so long since I've seen you in person. Are you well?

I'm fine. Just... glad to see you.

[Zuko's not exactly the type to smile, but he doesn't look at stern as usual either.] It has been a while.

Yes. It most certainly has. [Lilith closed the distance between them. With her free hand she pushed aside some of his hair fondly.]

You've changed a little since then.

[Oh um. Blushing. What is this, Zuko did not expect this. She acts like his mother.]

I'm not the only one. [By which he actually means Azula. But he doesn't want to let Azula ruin everything, so he pushes that mental thought aside.] We should... uh. Your present's inside.

Lead the way then. [She stops fussing and lets her hand drop to her side.]

[Zuko leads, ducking through a doorway.]

I didn't know what to get you. I haven't had to give gifts in a while - not to anyone that mattered. [Political gifts-slash-bribes didn't count. At least he didn't have to worry that it wouldn't fit her; kimono largely sized themselves because of how they were worn.]

I hope what I got you was to your liking. I thought you could use something like this to you advantage.

[She smiled playfully. It worked to her advantage too but, she never admit as much.]

[He eyes that smile. He's innately suspicious but it is Lilith, so he decides it can't be something too bad.]

We'll have to find out. It's right in here.

[In here being, the sitting room part of his suite. There's still some scrolls laid out over his desk, and a few other pieces of furniture, but not much else. The only other thing of note is a portrait of him and the rest of the gaang, somewhat amateurishly done.]

[Lilith takes notice of that right away, smiling at it fondly.]

That's a lovely picture. Are those all of your friends?

Oh, uh, I guess, [he mumbles, then says more clearly,] It was done while we were traveling. I'd get a better one done, but no one has time to come sit for a portrait with the world the way it is.

I believe this one comes off as a little more personal.

[He sighs.] That's what Aang said.

...Here. [He picks up a wide, shallow box, wrapped with cloth, and awkwardly hands it out to her.]

[Lilith sets down her gift for Zuko and takes his gift. She opens it carefully, smiling down at what she finds.]

It's beautiful, Zuko.

It seemed like something you'd wear.

It is. I will sincerely enjoy wearing it. Ah... [eying her present]

Won't you open mine?

Uh... alright. [opening then-- revealing a cell phone]

Is this a-- a phone? Is that what they're called? [technology is so suspicious and he has no clue what to do with it, but Lilith gave it to him so Zuko valiantly tries to get over that]

It is a cell phone to be exact. You can use it to get in touch with other community members. It's rather simple to master once you learn the basics.

[He sighs.] I guess I had to get one eventually. This technology thing is just... weird.

Ah I see. It will take some getting used to unless you'd like me to take it back?

No! [he protests quickly.] It's fine, I mean-- it's not really something I can get for myself, so it makes a good present. Thank you.

[Bows a little, politely.]

You're welcome but, please there's no need to bow.

Oh, uh... okay. [He rubs the back of his head with his free hand, fidgeting. You'll have to save him from the awkward, Lilith.]

[Lilith gently places a hand on his head.] You shouldn't be so tense. We're among friends, hm?

[Zuko blushes but doesn't shrug her off.] I guess it's been a while. There's... been a lot to handle.

I guess I tagged you anyway um. have some tl;dr. also I just headcanon'd all of that XD;;

Oh Vivi. xD;

wooow I was so out of it last night. XD;;

haha. welcome to my life.

please you are never out of it!

I am always out of it.

pffft lies. if so, your out of it is my remarkably together

Ohho I take that as a compliment.

it is XD

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