Once the door closed, Zero looked at Lily with very worried eyes, "Lily, I'm sorry."
Lily gave him a smile, holding him in a tight hug as she looked up at him, "You're not at fault."
"It is," Zero hissed, "I mean, for it to come this far. I knew she was up to something, but-"
He stopped, looking down in shame at the marks left on his body.
"I trust you, Zero," Lily told him, "And I don't blame you. Or her."
Cyan hiccuped on the bed, looking at Lily with tear-streaked eyes.
"This could have been avoided," Zero mumbled, sitting back on the bed, "I didn't think this would happen."
"Mistakes happen," Lily replied simply, and sat on his lap, "With all the planning, one can't truly say it'll happen as you envisioned."
"Listen to your woman, Zero," piped a voice that suddenly appeared, "And direct your anger on where it is really needed."
