making it b e t t e r (azzurra)

[violethorses]

"Thanks," Azzurra said to Zelphar, glad that he had brought money, because she certainly hadn't. She shuffled through the bus, taking a seat near the middle. It was pleasantly cool, due to the air-conditioning and Azzurra no longer felt the need to put her hair up. She waited for Zelphar to take the seat next to her before glancing out the window.

[squiggle]

"Yeah, no problem," said Zelphar as he seated himself next to Azzurra. He wasn't sure why it had to be so hot today, normally the weather wasn't so unbearable around Swansea, but today was smothering. Plus the humidity, it was like death outside. At least the bus was pleasant enough, it would be about a twenty-minute ride to the mall. Zelphar had not been there in a long time. He just wished that today he would be able to see Azzurra happy, that would make it all worth it.

[violethorses]

Azzurra gave a small nod before falling silent once more. She really didn't know what to say to Zelphar at this point. He was being so kind; coming over to her house all the time, but Azzurra had no idea what to do anymore. Most of the time she just wanted to curl up in a ball and stay in her room, but she supposed it was good that Zelphar was getting her out of the house.

[squiggle]

The bus came to a stop right by the front doors of the mall, it would be a fifteen second venture in the heat and air that was so humidified that it felt wet. And then back into the blissful air conditioning. There were so many memories involving this place, the times that he had made Azzurra laugh by going to wrong way on escalators, or using a strategically placed whoopi cushion in elevators. Zelphar held back a sigh, those days were long gone. He stepped off the bus, and then pulled open the door for his friend.

[violethorses]

"Thanks," Azzurra said, feeling warm for a short moment before she stepped into the air conditioned mall. She glanced over at the escalators, remembering when she and Zelphar had run up the down escalators and down the up escalators. "Want to go up?" she asked Zelphar.

[squiggle]

"Sure," said Zelphar, having a sudden idea. Taking his friend by the hand he pulled her over to the down escalator and began running up the moving stairs as quickly as he could. For old time's sake. Some of the muggles started staring at them, but Zelphar didn't care, he just wanted to hear Azzurra laugh again, see a real smile, that was all he really wanted to do. That would make everything that he had worked for worth it.

[violethorses]

"What are you doing?" Azzurra asked, laughing just a little bit as Zelphar started to run up the down escalator. A smile came across her face and she started up the escalator as well, pushing past her friend and running for the top, moving as fast as she could. "Come on slowpoke!" Azzurra taunted, looking behind her at Zelphar for just a moment.

[squiggle]

"Oh, you've asked for it now!" Zelphar replied, using his long legs to take three steps at a time. He just hoped that he wouldn't trip, that was bound to be painful. But then he noticed something, Azzurra was smiling. It wasn't even a forced grin, it was a for real smile. Zelphar almost wanted to laugh with relief, his best friend was in that shell, and he had just coaxed her out of it.

[violethorses]

Azzurra's small feet touched every step, but she moved at a quick pace, staying just in front of Zelphar. She reached the top of the escalator, jumping onto the tile floor triumphantly. "Close," Azzurra panted, resting her hands on her knees for a brief moment before straightening back up.

[squiggle]

Zelphar touched down on unmoving ground, feeling that odd sensation in the pit of his stomach when doing something such as that. He breathed deeply a bit to catch his breath since he had been practically running up the down escalator, it was like swimming against a strong current. "Yeah," Zelphar replied, and then began laughing like a fool, it even sounded funny because he was short of breath.

[violethorses]

Azzurra stared at Zelphar for a moment, bewildered. But laughter was contagious, and after a moment she had begun to laugh as well. It was a bit ridiculous, as Azzurra had no idea why she was laughing, but for right now, just being with Zelphar was enough. Right now, everything was alright again.

[squiggle]

He wished that he could laugh forever, as Azzurra had joined in with him. It was her real laugh, not some forced, fake sound effect. It was music to his ears, and seeing her happy after what had happened- it meant the world to him. But as it was, Zelphar was wheezing and needed to be able to breathe. He stopped slowly, looking up at Azzurra with a smile so big it pulled at his lip piercings and eyes watery from laughing so hard.

[violethorses]

Azzurra smiled at her best friend, glad to see him so happy. He had been so down, sharing her mood. It was good to see him smile. "Gosh we're so weird," Azzurra said, shaking her head slightly at their outburst of laughter. At least the Muggles had written them off as crazy and had stopped staring now.

[squiggle]

"But at least we're having fun," said Zelphar, tilting his head toward an elderly couple that was still staring, "unlike some people." He wasn't sure what to do next, there was a muggle joke shop a little ways down, perhaps he might buy a whoopi cushion and they could make some downright outrageous scenes in elevators. It wasn't magic, but at least it was legal for underage wizards such as themselves.

[violethorses]

Azzurra nodded slightly before looking over at the older couple. Once she glanced over, they quickly turned away, walking at a slow pace into a nearby shop. "Yes, yes we are," Azzurra agreed, looking back at Zelphar. "What shall we do now?" she asked, losing herself in thought for a moment.