Of course you can. It will stay between us.

[Lilith nods, a very rare coldness seeps into her voice.]

Knowing he is alive would only give him the chance to hurt her more than he already has.

You're a good older brother, Zuko. There's nothing stupid about that.

Would it help if I told you that would never be an issue for us?

Zuko, may I ask you something personal?

What are your feelings regarding me?

I'm curious. [she chuckles] Will you tell me?

I suppose I have been lax in following you around. [She jokes.]

I understand. Thank you for indulging me.

No, you are not. [She nods in agreement, sinking back with him.] I am happy that you are in a place in your life that you don't need someone like me to regularly help you.

It's always there when you need it even if it isn't every second of the day. [a pause] I really do love you both the same way, Zuko.

Because I was afraid that was what you truly thought. [Lilith sighs]

Zuko, I never had the chance to tell you before that was the way I felt. I regretted it the entire time you were off the community so I thought today I could finally say it. I want you to remember that if nothing else.

[Lilith feels hurt knowing he thinks so little of himself that he'd assume she was lying about it immediately. She sounds nothing if not patient when she answers.]

I realize I haven't given you much reason to believe that I could love you too and for that I am truly sorry. I am not lying though and it's perfectly fine if you cannot accept my feelings. I am fine the way we are too. I was only hoping to avoid any more regret in the future.

That's understandable. I can only imagine how deep those wounds must be. I wouldn't expect you to be able to trust so easily after dealing with so much.