((Who's Hewie lookin' at? :XD))

Lost paused again, and sat straight for a moment. Rocking back on his heels, the dark-skinned male bit his tongue - he's said he would try, so he would. He wouldn't go back on his word . . . not a promise he'd made to Isis.
"Tea," he repeated, watching Isis continue to weed for a moment. Seeing her movements slow a bit, he reached a dirty hand out to grasp hers, and he pulled it away from the bucket. "With my brother?" His words were an actual question. Lost knew he'd have to try, but it felt . . . abnormal to even contemplate being around Life. Especially if it was something as simple as a cup of tea.
Frowning in uncertainty, Lost fingered Isis' cool hand for a moment. "I'll," the doll paused, hesitating, "speak with him about it. Soon."

((Towards Life. I made the stupid mistake of not being more specific, and didn't think of using the Edit button. ^^; ))

Isis looked down at their joined hands and then glanced up at Lost. "All you have to do is try, really. I'm not asking for anything else, just that." She leaned back slightly and sat on her knees. "Tea with your brother would be fine. I could have some with you two. Maybe we could ask Zarrah to join is as well."

((haha, alright. Life it is then!))

Glancing at the dog, Life sighed. "What is that woman's problem?" he asked aloud, and then knelt down to scratch at Hewie's ears. "I never did anything to her, did I?"
-

Lost nodded, and let his black eyes meet Isis'. "Now?" he asked, tilting his head slightly. In a way, he seemed eager. Eager to try, eager to get it over with, and eager to just . . . well, get it over with, mainly. Slowly bringing Isis to her feet, he wiped a hand on his pants before reaching up to wipe a smear off of the girl's pale cheek.

Isis smiled and nodded. She hadn't even realized that she had gotten dirt on her cheek until Lost wiped it away. "If you want to do it now, then that is up to you. I don't mind." Isis could tell that he wanted to get this over with. It would be difficult for him and she knew that. But still, he was trying.

"Now," he said, though it almost sounded like a plea. The sooner, the better. Glancing toward the tree with the squirrel, the dark-skinned doll took a deep breath before slipping his hand into Isis', pulling her into an awkward hug before turning his attention to the house.
It wasn't long before they were headed back . . . and, coincidence of all coincidences, Life stood in the doorway with a plush dog. Lost stiffened, but kept his black gaze on his pale brother. When Life lifted his own eyes, he inclined his head. THat was usually the only contact that the two had recently. But then something unexpected happened. Lost took a deep breath, closing his eyes. For a moment, he seemed completely fine.
"Would you . . ." A pause. When Life lifted an eyebrow, Lost swallowed. "Drink tea?"
Trying not to laugh, Life thought about what the other male had just said. "I would drink tea. Spit out what you're trying to say." Motioning with one pale hand, the youth leaned against the doorway, watching as his brother struggled to speak.
"With us?"
The words made Life fall completely still, his smile fading. "Would I drink tea with you?" He asked, rephrasing the question. At first he was inclined to shake his head . . . but then something in Lost's black eyes caught his attention. "Alright. Let's go have some tea."
Lost gave Isis' hand a gentle squeeze, and the three of them stepped into the kitchen. Life motioned for Hewie to follow before setting some water on the stove's burner.
"What brought this along?" Life asked, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the counter. Watching Lost and Isis stand for a few moments, the white male tilted his head. "Surly this wasn't your idea, brother."

Isis returned Lost's hug. It would be hard for him but it would be good in the long run for this sort of interaction between the brothers. Isis held his hand as they headed back toward the house. Fate was on their side since Life was already there. She watched them as they greeted each other. it was nothing special, though they could have said something out loud. Ignoring that, since it would take baby steps for them to come around, Isis gave Lost an encouraging smile for him to continue. Life had an attitude about him, and she wasn't sure she liked it. Then again, he was more outgoing, so it suited him. Isis was relieved when Life agreed to have tea with them. This was perfect! It wasn't an earth shattering moment, though some might think since the two brothers were going to be having tea together, but it was definitely moving things along. "No...that was my idea. But we're both happy that you accepted the offer."

Her? Her? He couldn't quite understand these words, but knew that when Big Mama was talking about or to a girl, that one was used. A sharp yelp sounded from his plush muzzle in rejection. His ears, though, replied differently. They thoroughly enjoyed the attention, which could be seen with his wagging tail. "

Life laughed at Isis' reply, and his attention moved to Hewie for a moment. Kneeling, the doll stroked the dog's muzzle and head, scratching his ears. There were a few moments of silence before he spoke again. "Why the sudden change in attitude?" he asked, frowning. His brother narrowed his black eyes, and shrugged.
"Because," he replied vaguely, withdrawing his hand from Isis'.
Lost had already moved away from Isis, going into the pantry to return with a container of crackers. Kneeling beside Hewie and his brother, the dark-skinned doll took a piece of the food and offered it to the dog. His brother raised an eyebrow, rolling his eyes before standing somewhat swiftly and turning his attention back to the tea. "What kind do you want?" he asked Isis, knowing already that Lost took his black.

Isis frowned slightly, but quickly put a passive smile onto her face. Hewie was cute, she decided, as she watched Lost interact with the plush dog. She turned her attention back to Life. "Oh, um...a like a lot of milk in mine please." She knelt down next to Hewie and pat his head gently. "Thank you." She added, having almost forgotten her manners.

Life shrugged, and went to the fridge to grab the milk. Taking black tea out of the cupboard, he glanced to the others. "You want the same?" he asked, his pale hand offering the box to Isis so she could see what he was talking about. After the question, a slightly awkward silence filled the room.
Staying silent, Lost gave Hewie another couple crackers before meeting Isis' gaze steadily. He wasn't quite sure what to say. Both brothers knew of their past, so it was useless to speak of it again. And they were so different now . . . there wasn't much to say that wouldn't ruffle the others feathers. Just when the room got too silent, Life broke the stalemate.
"You and your obsession with animals," he scoffed, but knelt down to stroke Hewie's ears. "I'll never understand what you see in them."
Lost narrowed his dark eyes, and fed the dog another cracker.
"Bugs too." Life's pale nose wrinkled. "Saving them from being stomped on. Something obviously happened to your mind when Mother brought you to life."
Right around the time when Lost's gaze hardened, lifting to his brother's face, Life shrugged.
"I guess someone has to pity them." His words were quick, as though he suddenly realized that his previous statements had done something wrong. "I'm just glad it wasn't me. It might ruin my chances of being with the Preps." Clearing his throat, the doll stood as the kettle whistled, and poured the boiling water into the three waiting mugs. Grabbing his own, he blew on the steam before motioning toward one of the others. "This is the one with milk."

((I'm definitely thinking that a relationship should begin to build between the brothers, thus the "betrayal" will be more devastating. :yes: Hehe, so this might be a situation that we see more often.))

Isis couldn't believe how shallow and heartless Life was being. She wanted to get along with him as well, but he was making it very difficult, especially since he undermined everything Lost did. "They're living, breathing things too you know." Isis said as she took the mug he had pointed out as her own and followed his lead. She blew at the scalding liquid gently before taking a sip. She sat down, setting the mug down as well. Her arm was starting to throb again, and this bothered her. So she relaxed as best she could.

((Sounds like a good idea to me. I was thinking of having Isis chew Life's ear off for making fun of Lost, but I think I might save that for a little later.))

After feeding Hewie a few more crackers, Lost stood, following Isis' actions. He sat just beside her, ignoring an awkwardness of the fact that his leg touched hers. Even his arm was resting against the girl's, for he sat too close for there not to be contact. Watching Life with a deadly expression over the rim of his mug, the dark-skinned doll fought to keep himself still. He succeeded all too well.
His white gaze lingering on Lost and Isis, Life shrugged, and moved to sit across from them. "Sure. Living beings." He shook his head, setting his tea down for a bit while it cooled. "Next you're going to tell me that dolls were always meant to live." Wrinkling his nose, Life leaned back in his chair after turning it away from the table, his ankles crossed out in front of him. Glancing to the side where the others were, the pale man sighed quietly. "Let me tell you, not all of them were."
Lost full on glared at Life then, slowly setting down his drink. The two brothers were the perfect picture of serenity and chaos - though despite Life's calm appearance, he most certainly played the part of war. He had his cards, and he wasn't afraid to lay them down. Lost on the other hand was trying to ignore his brother's antics . . . and failing. They would be lucky if things could be kept within civil boundaries.
Taking his mug in his hands, Life sipped at the dark liquid, ignoring the simmering gaze of his brother. "Happiness wasn't meant for everyone," he muttered, his white eyes moving toward the doorway.
Lost picked up his mug in agonizing sluggishness, a long drawn out movement that took many seconds. Closing his black eyes, the doll took a few deep breaths before leaning against Isis a bit as though to remember why he was there. I'm not here to fight. But the words never made it to his lips. Instead, silence fell as the trio sipped at their steaming drinks.

Isis didn't miss the different looks pass between the two brothers. She had no idea what had gone on when Mother had first brought them to life. It wasn't her place to pry into their past, so she wouldn't ask unless Lost decided to tell her everything himself. Isis had noticed that Lost's knee was touching her own, as well as his arm next to hers. He was leaning against her, and she smiled at him quickly before taking another sip of tea. "We're not here to fight with you." She said, as if reading Lost's mind.

"Of course not," Life said with a smile. "You're here to have tea." The pale doll took another drink, closing his eyes.
Lost glanced at Isis in appreciation, and kept himself silent once again. When he did speak, it was more of a hiss. "Happiness comes to those who strive for it."
Narrowing his eyes, Life inclined his head. "Yes. So I hear." Turning his face away from the pair, he shrugged. "So besides having tea and trying to pretend that we're getting along, is there anything else you'd like to talk about?"

Isis nodded and took a sip, forgetting how hot the tea in her cup was and nearly burning her tongue. She choked softly before managing to swallow it down. "Sorry, I'm fine." She said quickly, making sure Lost didn't make a fuss. Isis set her hand down on his knee in a calming way. "Lost!" She whispered in warning. He was supposed to be trying to be civil. Practically hissing words at his brother was a far cry from being civil.

[Your avatar looks so exotic.]

((Aw, thankies. ^_^ She is . . . unique. LOL))

After making sure that Isis was alright, Lost bowed his head in silence, looking rightly reprimanded. When Life spoke, the dark-skinned male had to grit his teeth and sit still.
"Well, this is a lovely day, I must say." Life sipped at his tea, crossing one leg over the other and watching the couple in interest. "Tell me, does your dog do tricks when you ask him to?"
Lost stiffened visibly, sitting up in his chair and full on glaring at his brother.
"You might want to keep him on a leash. I've seen those teeth of his."
"Do they frighten you?" Lost growled, standing up suddenly. Their gazes meeting and holding once again, they sat deathly still, Lost trembling slightly in rage.

((Welcome! I think it's very pretty.))

Isis blinked in surprise. She had never seen Lost so angry before. She was sure if she looked hard enough, she would be able to see steam coming out of his ears and nostrils. This was crazy. Maybe they had overstayed their welcome for the time being. Lost was shaking with anger, and Isis took a hold of his hand and tugged gently. "Lost...please sit down." She said softly and quietly, loud enough for him to hear it. The two brothers couldn't seem to last more than a few seconds before lashing out at each other.

"At least he's trying, which is more than I can say for Life..." Isis quickly let go of Lost's hand and covered her mouth, her cheeks turning red. She hadn't meant to say that out loud, in fact Isis had been thinking it. Sometimes she blurted things out like that without meaning to do it.

Lost didn't seem to react to Isis' tug on his hand at first, and then he turned his gaze away from Life, blinking slowly. As though coming out of his rage-filled daze, the youth sat down again, calming himself forcefully. Picking up his mug with his free hand, Lost took a long drink, squeezing Isis' hand as it rested within his.
When Isis spoke her thoughts, both of the brothers froze. Lost looked at Life over the rim of his mug, and the pale doll seemed to falter for a moment. Life stuttered over a reply, and then fell silent. For the first time, a stunned silence filled the room.
Breaking the silence, Life stood up slowly, moving toward the stove. "Would you," he paused, a strange expression on his face, "like some more tea?" Glancing over his shoulder at both of the others, he kept his features neutral.

Isis was still stunned at her small outburst. She hadn't meant to say anything like that out loud. She felt terrible. The brothers had both frozen in place, something Isis had not missed. "I-I am so sorry!" She said softly, her face seeming to redden a little more. Isis didn't vocally decline the offer of more tea. She still had quite a bit left in her mug. Life must be insulted since he had a neutral look to his face. Isis couldn't help feeling like she had ruined her plan of getting the brothers together.

Lost muttered something under his breath, and as though reading the unrecognizable response Life stepped over and poured more water into his mug. Lost watched in silence as his brother brought the sugar to the table and sat down once again. The silence was so thick it felt like they were breathing under water with no way out.
"It's . . . alright," Life said, looking to Isis with a slightly offended look in his eyes. But her remark had stuck a chord in him - she was right. At least Lost was trying.
Lowering his white eyes to his steaming cup, Life ran a finger along the rim as things fell silent once again. This time the quite was awkward instead of tense. Both brothers sipped at their tea without a word, and Lost's dark hand tightened about Isis' as he glanced over to her.
"I guess you don't sing anymore," Life said suddenly, his pale gaze lifting to meet Lost's. Looking at one another without aggression for the first time that morning, the two slowly began to speak with one another.
"No," Lost said, coughing quietly. When Mother had first brought them to life, Lost was prompted to sing to help his voice recover. It became quickly obvious that he would never recover from his rough tone and whispering words, and after a few weeks of singing, Lost fell silent. It was then that he withdrew into his room, and in general just fell into the shadows.
"That's too bad," the pale doll said, leaning back in his chair and trying to relax. Staring back to the doorway, Life shook his head, addressing Isis. "You should have heard him. He was good." A sudden chuckle came from his parted lips. "I can dance far better than that clumsy oaf," he said, motioning toward Lost, "but I can't sing if I had to save my life by doing so."
Lost sat still, seeming wary of his brother's praise.

This knowledge surprised Isis. "You can...you can sing? I would never have guessed. I would have loved to have heard you." she said softly, gently running her thumb against the back of his hand. "Life, I've seen you dance, and I must agree that you are quite good." Isis hoped this would help her case a little. She could see it in Life's eyes that she had offended him.

Life grinned. "Why thank you." His pale eyes moved to Lost, who was blushing darkly after Isis' words. "You've really got something here, Lost." Don't let her go. "She's a sweetheart." The conversation suddenly moved on, faster than it had all day. Lost never initiated, but he was able to tolerate any remarks that weren't . . . civil . . . on Life's part. Isis seemed to keep a leash on Life himself, and he was sensitive to the fact that she saw weakness in him. Instead of starting any more fights, the two brothers spoke of weather, of music, of friends, and of the Others. Anything to keep them from snarling at one another seemed to go just fine.
"I think I can get him to sing again," Life said after a few moments of calm silence. Lost's black eyes glared at his brother morosely, and he shook his head. The other doll ignored it, continuing. "I'm sure he would love to sing for you, Isis."
Another blush filled Lost's cheeks, and he stopped shaking his head. Instead, he glanced to Isis, blinking a few times.
"Tell me, you don't want to show her?"
Lost glared at Life again, and then sighed quietly, scooping his mug up into his free hand and taking a sip. Life merely waited, ignoring the dark-skinned boy's attempt to escape the question. Lost finally just set his tea down, shrugging slightly. "Yes."
"Yes?" Life lifted an eyebrow. "Yes you want to show her?"
"Yes," Lost hissed quietly, more out of embarrassment than anger.
Life laughed, clapping his hands together. "Then I will be seeing you tomorrow then, won't I?" It had been a tradition, back then anyway, that the two brothers would meet in a room near the top of the house in order to practice. Not only could Life dance, and Lost sing, but they each had an instrument that they could play as well. But that wasn't going to be said until Isis could actually see them. They would surprise her.
In silent agreement, Lost nodded. "Tomorrow," he whispered, giving Isis' hand a squeeze as though speaking their own type of language.

"You're welcome." She told Life with a small smile. She couldn't believe the progress they had made, in just one afternoon. It was simply amazing. Weather, music, the Others. They had talked about a lot of things, and Life was finally being civil, even if some of the things he said were a little sharp around the edges. Lost could tolerate those words without bolting out of his seat. She was so proud of Lost, of them both. She let them talk ab bit with her just listening. She had never thought she would see the day when Lost and Life would communicate without any problems.

At the mention of Lost singing for her, Isis turned to look at the dark skinned doll. "Really? Oh would you? That would be great!" Isis said, beaming over that Lost. She couldn't wait for tomorrow. "Tomorrow." She repeated, as if to confirm her own thoughts. "I can't wait."

Zarrah stepped into the kitchen then, raising a blue eyebrow in Life's direction before promptly moving toward the fridge. Yanking it open, she dug around for a few moments before pulling out some cold chicken. Cold was good. Moving to sit at the table, the blue-haired doll was sure to avoid sitting anywhere near Life. Instead, she chose the spot on Lost's other side. With a swift glance in Isis' direction, the strangely decorated girl nodded before turning her attention to her cold meat.
Life narrowed his eyes in the girl's direction before standing, smiling tightly at Isis and Lost. "Tomorrow then," he said, grabbing his empty mug and leaving it in the sink. "Don't forget." With that, the pale doll left the kitchen, no doubt headed for the Party Preps in their celebration somewhere within the house.
As soon as Life left the room, Zarrah got up and moved toward the other end of the table, plopping down and continuing to eat. Her blue eyes locked on the food, and she completely ignored Isis and Lost.
Lost himself merely watched Life leave, and then sighed in quiet relief. Practically crushing Isis to him, the dark-skinned male buried his face in her hair, letting his lean arms shift so she could breathe. Her back was to him, due to the way he'd grabbed her, but the youth didn't seem to mind. In fact, he seemed almost . . . happy. Tomorrow.