Out in the World

[66_seals]

There have been a lot of decisions to make lately.

What to eat, what to wear . . .

So many choices.

Eenie, meenie, minie, moe, catch a toddler by her toe. If she hollers . . .

Well, that's kind of the point, isn't it?

But there comes a time to put away childish things and get down to business.

And that time is now.

It's a clearing in the woods, unremarkable in any way.

Except, of course, for being the site of the meeting it is about to witness.

Lilith walks slowly around a tree that would be old, compared to something other than her, trailing the fingers of one hand along the bark, eyes either unfocused . . . or focused on something only she can see.

Comments

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

There's a soft crunching sound of boots upon leaves. If Ruby really wanted to be quiet, she would've managed to do so without a hitch.

"Feels nice, doesn't it?"

It's said plainly, softly, and with an afterthought of mild amusement.

[66_seals]

There aren't a lot of people who would get away with soundind amused in Lilith's presense.

(Then again, there aren't a lot who would try.)

But this is a special case.

"Ruby.

"You made it out.

"Good girl."

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

"I did," she confirms, "and I'm glad to see that you have too."

She takes another couple of steps forward, but keeps a respectful distance, arms crossed over her chest. Waiting.

[66_seals]

It was less of a fight for Lilith.

She's Lilith. You get out of her way . . . or she gets you out of her way.

She closes the distance between them and picks up one lock of Ruby's new hair.

"Pretty."

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

A smile slowly spreads across her meatsuit's face.

It is pretty.


"Yeah. I kinda like it. Makes me feel ... human."

[66_seals]

"Makes you look it, too," Lilith says.

To people who don't see as clearly as she does.

Which, on this plane, is most of them.

"Are you ready, Ruby?"

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

She nods, expression sober. Business again.

"Oh, I can't wait."

It's been a long time coming. They've been working on something. And finally -

Well, it's time.

[66_seals]

Lilith studies her for a long, long moment.

It's a bitter cup Ruby's taking for herself.

"You'll be on your own. I won't be able to help you if you go and get yourself in trouble.

"So, Ruby, make sure you don't go and get yourself in trouble."

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

She nods again.

"Well, what's 'life' without a little bit of trouble? Even if it is ... a borrowed one."

No, she knows exactly what Lilith means - and Lilith knows that.

They only have one shot.

"I've got it covered."

[66_seals]

Lilith smiles.

"Make me proud," she says.

"And if you do need something . . . well, we can't meet again, not until it's time, but Verity told me something about a bar?"

There's just enough of a lift to it to make it an invitation for Ruby to comment.

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

And comment she will. (Now, who says she isn't obedient?)

"Oh, the bar."

She pauses.

"Great little place. Full of interesting people." Yeah. People with a fuckload of issues.

"Are you suggesting -" Beat. "Y'know, Verity's never liked me very much."

[66_seals]

"That hardly makes you special in any way," Lilith says, dry and amused.

And then, tone sharper and more focused than it has been, "Verity will do what Verity is told to do.

"And I have no questions about her loyalties, or her devotion."

Unless Ruby would like to present reasons why Lilith should question those things. And a hell of a lot of proof to back them up.

"So if you need to tell me something, tell her, there, and she'll tell me."

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

"You're the boss," she says.

If Lilith says Verity will do what she's told, who is she to object?

She just doesn't like the other bitch, that's all. (But that's hardly proof of anything.)

And hey, if Verity does anything weird, she'll be the one who has to deal with Lilith, not her.

[66_seals]

"Yes, I am."

Lilith smiles again. "Do whatever you think you need to do, Ruby."

There won't be an audit, no one will be counting the costs, not in this case.

Lilith leans in and kisses her, first on the left cheek, and then on the right, then says, almost in Ruby's ear, "And take good care of Sam for me."

They're going to need him.

They have work for him.

[cannotforget.livejournal.com]

There's a very slight quirk of her lips, one last look at Lilith (oh, you know I will), and then she steps back.

This is it.

The game is on.

And oh, yes. She'll take very good care of Sam.