((I don't think I've ever had my own characters fall in love. :O lol, they're cute. :XD And Isis . . . Awwwww, so cute around Lost. :squee:))

Lost kept his hold on Isis, and was happy when she linked her arms about him. It was a few moments later when he was able to stop coughing, and he rested his head on top of hers for a moment before lifting her chin. The movement was firm, but gentle - as was the kiss that followed. "Love you," he whispered against her lips, holding her to him and kissing her in earnest.
-

The two pianists continued to play for many minutes, their "couple minute lesson" stretching on for over an hour.

(Well, there's a first time for everything, right?;) I just love our characters.:glomp:)
Isis was content with where she was. She blushed as he took hold of her chin and lifter her head up. She looked into his eyes and got lost in the kiss. Those two whispered words stole her heart all over again. She smiled against his lips and whispered them back without hesitation. "I love you too."She could definitely get used to this, she thought to herself before letting his actions seep into her thoughts. In the back of her mind, Isis was happy that Life and Zarrah were getting along. It would seem like there was something more going on between the two.

Someone clearing their throat saved both Isis and Lost from suffocation. Life grinned and raised his eyebrows, his hand entwined with Zarrah's. "We're going to head out to the pond. Tomorrow morning for another lesson?"
Still catching his breath, Lost nodded once, his mind still a bit fuzzy from the kiss. There wasn't much doubt that everyone would come back in the morning. They'd all enjoyed themselves a bit too much for ignoring the inevitable.
As soon as Life and Zarrah disappeared, Lost scooped Isis up, cradling her to him gently. "Sleep?" he asked in a quiet voice, trying not to start coughing all over again. The black-haired doll almost sounded like he was pleading with the girl, and as though to emphasize the question, he broke into a small yawn. Without waiting for much of a reply, the youth was already headed down the stairs and into the hallway that led to his room under the stairs.

[I shall post when I get back from work. They're so adorable!!!]

((*laughs* I know . . . :XD So so so cute! Hah, a total drama. :lol:))

Isis jumped in Lost's arms when they were interrupted. She blushed like mad and quickly tried to calm herself down. Life and Zarrah's conjoined hands had not gone unnoticed by the blonde doll. She hid a smile once they had left. She liked seeing them together, they seemed to suit one another. Isis turned the Lost and nodded. She agreed with him, sleep would be nice. Not that her answered mattered at all. Lost had picked her up and carried her out of the room and down the stairs before she had even nodded her head. She noticed they were heading for his room and smiled even more. She loved going to his room. All his strange decorations, the disc's hanging from the ceiling...it was just so...Lost.

By the time Isis had nodded, the dark-haired doll had already used his foot to nudge the door open. Stepping inside, he used the same foot to close it with a quiet click, and then made his way over to the bed. Carefully setting Isis down, Lost stroked her head before taking a seat beside her. As soon as he laid down, the doll seemed to meld to her form, easily becoming a bit of a barrier as well as a blanket.
Humming softly in contentment, the doll's black eyes closed . . . he was barely able to keep them open. This was another reason that Lost had stopped the lessons. One, it seemed to make his voice smoother, but his cough worse. Two, they made him tired, which made him spend a lot of time in his room . . . which led to him being a very unsociable individual.
Practically purring happily, Lost cradled Isis to him, falling asleep withing moments of laying down.

((:D Now what? LOL, what step from here? Time skip . . . well, we could play a day out a few days later. :yes: So, when they "wake up," it can be later in the week, when everyone is getting happy and such. :lol:))

Isis smiled and hugged Lost as he draped himself over her like a blanket. The poor doll must be so exhausted to have fallen asleep so quickly. Isis started to stroke Lost's hair gently, humming softly to herself as she too fell asleep. In her dreams, Lost was singing with Life and Zarrah playing on the piano together. The four of them were smiling and having fun. This was what Isis wished would happen outside of her dreams, and after today she was sure this would happen soon. She had seen the way Zarrah and Life had connected right away. It was nice. Life hadn't been the same since Selma had left, and the doll deserved to have someone there with him like Lost had her. Isis drifted deeper into her dreams. She was so far gone that nothing would have been able to wake her up.

[That's fine. Hm...I guess we could time skip to a few days later. I guess to the day they meet up again or something like that. Maybe, after they're done playing they can all go on a picnic in the garden or something like that. ]

((Alrighty. :yes:))

The following days were like those from a dream. Every morning started out with an excellent breakfast shared by all four of them, and then they moved on to sing. Lost had begun to teach Isis how to play the violin, while Zarrah learned the piano from Life. As two days passed, the group became nearly inseparable - only to sleep were they ever truly apart.
It was a particularly sunny day when Zarrah suggested a picnic by the pond out front.
"Sounds good to me," Life said, giving her hand a squeeze as they lounged on the piano's wooden bench. Lost was seated beside Isis on the couch not far away, and he nodded as well. "Guys make the food, girls pack the blanket and drinks."
Standing, and pulling Zarrah with him, the pale doll laughed. "Beat you to the pond."
"You're on!" The two of them raced off, laughing as they did so.
Lost watched silently, and then slowly stood, his hand (as always) still linked with Isis'. "Help?" he rasped, his black eyes glancing toward the door. Coughing for a few moments afterward, the tall youth straightened, forcing his breathing to calm down so he could breathe again.

Isis couldn't believe how well they were all getting along. It was a nice change. Life was finally happy, and Zarrah was no longer the odd doll out. Isis loved Zarrah's idea about having a picnic. It was far too nice a day to be spending it inside, though with Lost, she wouldn't mind being anywhere as long as he was with her.
Isis laughed at Life and Zarrah as they both darted out the door. She turned her attention to Lost and nodded. "Of course." They had been pretty much glued together now, and Isis didn't mind this. Lost had been teaching her to play the violin, and she wasn't too bad at it either. She just needed to practice some more and she would eventually become almost as good as Lost. Isis smiled as she stood up with him.

Lost gently smiled, pecking Isis on the cheek before heading for the kitchen. By the time they'd gotten there, Life had already made most of the sandwiches . . . and a few assorted fruits and vegetables were plopped next to the large bag on the counter. Apparently, he'd already taken off after Zarrah so she wouldn't beat him. A pile of blankets and napkins were resting on the other side of the bag, showing that both dolls had already taken off toward the pond.
With the slightest of sighs, Lost smiled, releasing Isis' hand in order to grab a bag of chips and a few drinks. "Life is happy," he rasped, tilting his head a bit to look out the window as his brother tackled Zarrah into the grass. And it's strange. He's never happy. . . . Beginning to tuck everything into the bag for the picnic, Lost glanced back to Isis, his black eyes full of soft emotion. For once, their lives were going smoothly - it felt like a dream. And everyone wakes up from dreams.

Isis smiled and followed Lost into the kitchen. She was surprised to see that Life and Zarrah had done most of the packing. All they needed were a few things and then she and Lost could carry it all out to the pond. Isis looked out the window and smiled, making a small 'aww' sound. She watched Life tackle Zarrah. Yes, Life really was happy, and Isis was happy for him. Zarrah was as well, and Isis was glad that the outsider was finally happy for once. She told this to Lost. "Yes, he really is. He's in love." She stated simply with a smile on her face. "Both of them are." She watched them roll around in the grass for a few more seconds before going to help Lost. She placed a few more things into the bag and grabbed the blankets and the napkins. "Can you take the bag?" She asked as she shift the blankets with her good hand. Her arm was feeling much better now, and she wondered if she should take it out of the makeshift sling Mother had made her or maybe it would be best to wait for Mother to get back.

"Yes," Lost replied, to both her statement about Life, and her question about him carrying the bag. By the time they headed outside, Life and Zarrah were sitting by the pond, trailing their fingers in it's cool water. Lost's black eyes followed his brother's gaze, and smiled slightly as he leaned over to gently punch the blue-haired doll in response to something she said. The other couple stood, poking and prodding at one another as Lost and Isis approached.
"Ready for food?" Life asked, grinning to the others. "I'm personally starving."
Lost nodded, shifting the bag on his shoulder as he set it down and withdrew a blanket for them to sit on. Life immediately moved to help spread it out for the girls, and the brothers then progressed to unpack everything necessary. Food, drink, plates, silverware . . . everything. And then some extra as well, but most of it stayed in the bag.
Passing sandwiches around on plates, Life grinned as his pale hair blew in the slight breeze, his matching eyes lingering on Zarrah as she wrinkled her nose . . . and took a plate anyway.
Lost kept his usual expressionless look, but did the same - he passed out small bottles of water for everyone to drink, as well as napkins. Thankfully, it was a warm and sunny day, a perfect time for a picnic. The four of them were meant for one another - family. All of them. This is truly what Mother had intended.

((:lol: SO cute. Now . . . we should have someone start talking about tea for the following day, and have Life be forced (by Isis' sister) into poisoning it or something . . . thus, Isis gets sick, Lost hates Life again, and Zarrah moves back to her standoffish self. :yes: Hehe, throw a bit of turmoil in here . . . ))

Isis opened the door and stepped outside. She liked seeing Life and Zarrah so happy, especially with each other. Isis spread out the blanket next to the other two after she and Lost had joined them once again. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in sight. Isis sat next to Lost and took on of the plates he had offered her. She ate quietly, laughing with the others. A nice, warm feeling settled over Isis, and she faltered for a second. She felt complete. It was strange, but she had never felt like that, at least not since the day Calla was given away. The four of them belonged together like this, their own little family. Mother would be so proud to find out when she got back. "Why don't we have tea, around this time tomorrow?" She asked, after most of the food and drinks had been consumed. She had a feeling that it was supposed to be another beautiful sunny day, just like the one they were having today. "It's supposed to be nice again tomorrow."

[That's a great idea. Oh, I just can't wait!!]

Life looked up from the piece of watermelon that he was lazily munching on, and wiped his face with his napkin before agreeing. "Tea sounds lovely," he said, glancing to Zarrah who made a face. "And we can make some hot chocolate for those that don't like tea." They laughed, and then the pale doll shook his head. "I would be happy to have us all gathered in the kitchen together tomorrow after our lessons."
Even Lost seemed to agree, noticeably brightening as he pulled Isis into his lap, stroking her hair out of her face unabashedly. Pressing his lips to hers somewhat roughly, the youth met her gaze solidly, his own black eyes full of a strange sort of happiness.
"It seems we all agree then," Life concluded, laughing at his brother's forward (for him, anyway) actions. "Tea after our lesson, and then we will see how the day looks from there."
Zarrah nodded emphatically, slinging her arms around Life's neck in a sudden movement that made the two of them tumble backward, their plates flying off to the side and scattering the remains of food all over the blanket.

((:squee: I know!! :XD))

Isis smiled happily, laughing softly at the face Zarrah had made. "Hot chocolate is always good too." She said before Lost pulled her onto his lap. She was surprised at how forward he was being, the kiss made her blush. She could see in his eyes that he was happy, which made her heart beat faster. She wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled. Yes, this was what mother had wanted for her 'children'. Isis glanced over at the leftover food now on the blanket and glanced a little further to find Life and Zarrah on the ground again. She laughed softly and cuddled again Lost. "t's settled then. After practice, we meet in the kitchen."

((:squee:))

As soon as the words had left Isis' mouth, Zarrah sprung to her feet, reaching for the girl's hand. "Let's have some girl time," she said, the blue-haired youth giving Life a small kick as he groaned from where he was. "I'd like to get to know you all one-on-one. And I already know Life." She gave him another kick, her azure eyes filling with laughter.
Lost looked up at Zarrah with a slightly jealous expression, and then slowly let his arms move from around Isis, letting her decide where she wanted to go. After all, the brothers hadn't been alone yet . . . and neither had the girls.

Isis was a little surprised that Zarrah wanted to have some girl time. What was even more surprising was the fact that she wanted to have it with her. Isis hesitated when she felt Lost loosen his grip. She took Zarrah's hand and got up. "Okay, sure." She said before turning to Lost. "Your room tonight, or mine?" She asked. This way she could meet him at either place later.

"Yours," Lost rasped, and then fell into a small fit of coughing. Life passed a bottle of water over to him, and the dark-skinned youth nodded in appreciation. It seemed that the two brothers would be getting along just fine without the girls . . . which was something new, but a big step forward in the right direction.
Zarrah smiled and linked her fingers with Isis' in a sisterly way, beginning to pull her toward the house. "Let's go to my room. I want to talk with you for a little while." A shy smile spread across the blue-haired doll's face, and her matching eyes were full of wonder and excitement as they headed back toward the doll house.
Stepping inside, the girl pulled Isis with her until they reached the right hallway. Swiftly opening the door, Zarrah pulled her friend into the room before closing the door. Taking a deep breath, she glanced about to make sure they had no unexpected visitors before beginning.
"I think he's going to propose," she blurted out, her gaze on the window across the room. It was a spotless bedroom, everything in it's place - the only clue that it was the strangely dressed Zarrah that inhabited it was the clothes in the closet. "Life . . . wants to get married." It was then that she turned to Isis. "I don't know what I'm going to say. I'm not sure if I'm ready." Looking slightly panicked, the youth shook her head. "I don't know what to do."

Isis nodded and smiled at Zarrah as the doll linked fingers with her. Isis had always pictured doing this with Calla many times. Zarrah would never replace Calla, but Isis thought of the strange doll as her sister. She let Zarrah pull her along. Isis couldn't help but wonder what it was that Zarrah wanted to talk about. Once they were in Zarrah's room, Isis wasn't all that shocked to see that it was virtually spotless. Isis was floored at Zarrah's statement. After a few seconds of silence, Isis squealed in excitement. "Really? That's wonderful Zarrah." Isis pulled the blue haired doll to the bed and sat down, pulling her sister down with her. "Do you love him? Does he make you happy? Even when he isn't saying or doing anything, does being next to him just make you feel....good? If so, then I think you should accept. Life hasn't been happy for a long time, and you've made him smile. You both need each other."

Hearing Isis' squeal, Zarrah grinned and bounced on her toes a bit. After being pulled to the bed, she sat, beginning to motion excitedly with her hands. "He's the only thing I can think about! Life's kind, and wonderful, and beautiful . . ." the doll paused. "He makes me feel the way Lost makes you feel, Isis! It's incredible!" Grabbing the white pillow behind her, she stuffed the fluffy thing into her lap, laughing. "I want to make him happy, just like he's making me happy."
-

Lost and Life watched the girls leave before turning their attention to one another, speaking in a civil manner for the first time in many years without anyone else's influence. For many minutes they spoke of Mother and the past, and then slowly moved on to Zarrah and Isis and how they were getting along. Both of them laughed upon hearing one another's plans - Life was going to propose to Zarrah, while Lost planned on doing much the same thing.

Isis smiled knowingly. Lost made her feel the exact same way. No matter what she did, her thoughts centered toward Lost. "I'm glad you're so happy Zarrah. It's nice to see both you and Life so happy." Isis told the blue haired doll. Isis couldn't believe how long the two of them had been talking. Isis thought about where Life would propose and how. She asked Zarrah if she had anything thoughts about that. "Where do you think he'll do it, and when?" Isis felt a little jealous of Zarrah. She could only hope that Lost would one day ask her to marry him as well. Though, Isis would be happy with him whether he asked her or not, it was just a nice thought.

((lol, poor Isis. *pats her head* Don't fret! Lost is thinking the same thing. . . . :XD))

Zarrah grinned, flopping backward onto the bed. THe action made her short blue hair fall into her face, but the pale woman didn't seem to notice. "He's going to do it soon," she said, looking up at Isis happily. "But I don't know where. And I don't know when. He just . . . mentioned it earlier today." Squeezing the life out of the pillow in her arms, the girl sighed. "And what about you?" she asked suddenly, sitting up. Her lace-gloved hands darted toward Isis'. "What will you say when Lost proposes?"
Beaming from ear to ear, the youth laughed. "I'm sure you two are perfect for one another."

[I couldn't help making her feel a little jealous of Zarrah. She is adorable. One of my favourite characters!]

Isis laughed. She pictured a grand wedding for Life and Zarrah. For some reason, it just didn't fit. If Life had talked about marriage this morning, that seemed a little fast in her mind. But, that was just the way Life was. Isis blushed and shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, I really do love him...but he hasn't mentioned anything about wanting to get married. Even if he doesn't ask me, I'll be happy just to have him." She said truthfully, though that ugly little green monster was struggling to show itself. "Do you think he'll want a big celebration?" she asked, hoping to change the subjects.

"He? Life or Lost?" Zarrah's blue eyes lit up. "Life will want some sort of excitement. He always does." With a smile, she fell back against the bed again. Seeming lost in her own daze, the girl sighed dreamily, excitement lacing her features. "But I don't want it to be too big."
-

Life and Lost packed up, slowly heading back toward the house. Life had explained everything to his brother: he was going to propose to Zarrah by the end of the week. The gardens seemed the perfect place to do it, and he had the ring and everything. Lost merely listened, the thought of how quick things were practically stunning him.
Lost wanted to propose to Isis, but it wasn't time. He didn't feel that it was quite . . . right. Not yet. Life was more excitable, where Lost merely wanted to fall in love slowly - even though he already ended up head over heels. Relationship came first, and then the marriage.
Stepping into the house, both males headed for their separate rooms, bidding one another good night. They would be meeting for tea after their lessons the following morning.