What I want to hear on nights I can't sleep is your voice

[philoxenia]

[ ... Well, that was an absolute shitshow, wasn't it? Instead of dwelling on how she feels about everything that just happened, Mira's channeling that energy into something else--and she has a little bit of help doing it. Zerinda and Ema are here in the bar to make drinks, and Mira's brought in a ton of food that's definitely not healthy for anyone, but screw it, who cares about health right now?

Della's here to pass out invitations, too--they let everyone know there's a gathering in the bar, if they'd rather not be alone.

If you choose not to come, well... Mira's got that taken care of, too. She'll place a little container of cookies and hot cocoa outside your door. Maybe it'll help someone feel a little less alone--at least, that's what she's hoping. ]

Comments

[philoxenia]

[ Oh...

That hits her hard, and she draws in a breath. Mira hugs her close again, her heart aching for Rhea. She thought she knew loneliness--and she does--but it's nothing compared to Rhea.

It's easy to lose hope, isn't it? But what Rhea says... ]

... It takes strength to want to help others after being hurt, Rhea. [ She pulls back and takes her hands. ] It'll be tough, but... I believe in you, okay? You're not alone now. Not as long as I'm here with you.

I-- refuse to let you feel lonely like that again. Maybe in a place like this, it's foolishly optimistic, but as long as I'm here, I'll be with you.

[archboxer]

[There was always good and bad humans. Humans who would try to bond with her, regardless. That's why she couldn't give up on them like Macuil had. She just. Hugs Mira even closer.]

...Thank you, Mira. I know I should not burden you so but... I am glad for it. So very glad.

[This may curse Mira but she must say it.] You.. you remind me of someone. Sitri. [She pauses.] She... She was one of my daughters.

[philoxenia]

One of your-- Oh.

[ That... does something to her. Mira takes in a deep breath before she looks at Rhea. ]

You-- you really mean that?

[archboxer]

...I had twelve over the years. It would not be incorrect to liken them to Zelos. [They were all supposed to become mom but.] It would be easier to. Yet I loved them all the same... Sitri was the last.

[This is one of her gravest sins but this is where she does believe she did better than whoever that person Zelos cursed.]

She was not human nor Nabaetan but she loved all the same. She put her heart into everything she did and eventually found a loving husband. I see that spirit in you.

[philoxenia]

[ Vessels... yeah, that'd stuck with her. But knowing Rhea'd loved them-- that she's called them daughters...

And that Mira reminds her of one of those beloved daughters... She remembers the conversation she'd had with Della, not too long ago. About mothers and their children. ]

I... I certainly try. [ Geez, she can feel the tears coming on, but she tries to not let them spill over... ] You have a lot of love in your heart... I can tell. It's something I've noticed more and more, the more we get to know each other.

[archboxer]

[Rhea could never say that she was a good mother. They were beings created to be empty vessels but none of them were right for it. When one is lonely enough... things happen. Rhea finally starts squeezing back properly, almost like their first hug.]

Perhaps there is a chance for me yet.

[philoxenia]

I think there is.

[ It's nice, being able to hug her. Warm--not just because Rhea runs warmer than she does. ]

I can keep an eye on you, if you're worried.

[archboxer]

... I would appreciate that, yes.

[It... feels nice like this. Almost normal. Despite the fact that they are two messes hugging it out it in the lounge. Hopefully everyone is getting drunk.]

[philoxenia]

Then that's what I'll do... and I'll do my best. You can count on me.

[archboxer]

You can count on me as well.

[philoxenia]

Thank you, Rhea. Really, from the bottom of my heart-- i-it means more than I could ever say.

[archboxer]

I understand... I think you know it means the same for me.