☄22. [RL with Claire]

[honorregained]

[Zuko waited for her a little restlessly. It was nice to have time away from his desk and all, but he'd grown so used to having something to do at all times that making himself take time off was making him jittery

Comments

[autophoenix]

[ Claire owed Lilith a great debt for taking her by Zuko's. Not only had she gotten the chance to finally talk to someone who she knew was critical to Zuko's life -- that alone was something she appreciated the woman for -- but she got a ride from someone she knew she could trust. People like that were in short supply these days, as hesitant as she was to admit to that fact. She didn't like feeling as though she were some kind of paranoid maniac who trusted no one

[honorregained]

[He startles and turns toward her, but a second later says sarcastically,] It's my default setting, didn't you know? I don't smile.

[A moment later he nearly proves that wrong, expression softening.] It's nice to see you. I almost don't believe people are okay if I haven't seen them myself.

[autophoenix]

Well, lucky you, you get the in-the-flesh proof. Before anyone else, even -- other than Lilith, I mean -- so, I hope you feel special. [ she holds her arms out to indicate herself, then quickly brought her right hand up to support the strap of her duffel bag better before it could slide down her arm haphazardly. her smile becomes more genuine and she takes a couple steps towards him. ]

You look good, Zuko.

[honorregained]

Oh -- uh. Thanks. [Look Claire, you get to see him looking awkward in person, though he's not entirely unhappy about it. He rubs the back of his neck.] You, too. [Girls always liked being told they looked good, didn't they?]

Did Lilith bring you? I should've thought to ask her.