I tried to get through to you

[archboxer]

[You know what that was? A fiasco. That was an utter fiasco. Three more people gone on a chance that may not happen! This is horrible. Even if some people dislike her, Rhea... is up to the challenge once more. This time she does it nearly herself: writing out the invitations, ordering the food and telling everyone to meet at the bar. In Ema's honor, of course.

She hands out the invitations herself and if she can't find you, she'll slide yours under your door.]

Comments

[philoxenia]

[ .... yeah, that sucked bad, and she's sort of on autopilot as she makes her way to her room. Not room 2, just yet--her own room, to just sort of be by herself and Daisy. She doesn't cry just yet, but... She's certainly not in a good way.

After that, she heads to the bar. She's here, physically, but she lingers at the back of the room with a cup of tea and Daisy. She doesn't seek anyone out, but like always, she won't say no to conversation. Ema--and Della and Rhea, honestly--wouldn't want her to withdraw, she's sure.

And speaking of.

It's quite a bit later when she goes to Ema's room. She finds the letter, and she almost misses it, but once she sees it? She takes the panda, clutches it tight to her chest, and sobs. ]

bar

[archboxer]

[Guess who finds her at the bar? There's some wine in one hand that she sets down and... some small pieces of meat from the snacks for Daisy. She places them on Daisy's paws to eat before sitting next to Mira.]

Mm.

[It's not even a word, just a soft sound as she reaches for Mira's arm with one hand.]

[philoxenia]

[ She puts her hand over Rhea's, watching as Daisy chows down on the meet. ]

... Thank you for doing this for us.

[ She would've helped, but.... ]

[archboxer]

I can do this much for everyone.

[For a moment, it seems that the calm, sensible Rhea from the first couple weeks is back. Gentle smile with no hint of the torment that had just been there. Her words are strained.]

I am glad you came, Mira.

[philoxenia]

I... almost didn't.

[ But. She leans against her, just a little. ]

It's... easier to be around people. O-or it's becoming easier.

[archboxer]

It is hard after a loss.

[She doesn't move, letting Mira take the lead there.]

I often did find comfort in gatherings, after all.

[philoxenia]

I think I can understand why.

[ She stretches her legs out, and Daisy climbs into her lap. ]

And... I don't think she'd want me to cut myself off from everyone.

ema's room

[nothingcanstop]

[ This is a popular place to go, isn't it? It's a little hard, not to hear Mira's sobs. ]

...Mira. Oh, honey. [ Della walks right up to her and, though it's awkward, holds her in a hug. ]

[philoxenia]

[ She at least, automatically, sinks down onto her knees and clings to Della. ]

S-she wanted to get me a panda, but I didn't think--

[nothingcanstop]

[ She holds her, very tightly. ]

Shhh. It's okay. It's okay, just cry right now.

[philoxenia]

[ It's good Della's holding her so tight, because she's certain she'd shake apart if she weren't. She hasn't cried like this before, not with Della. Not this much, this raw. Certainly not this long, so much that when she finally catches her breath and manages to speak, her voice is hoarse and exhausted.

She looks at the panda held tight in her grasp, and then to Della. ]

She-- she made this for me. I know she did.

[nothingcanstop]

[ Oh, Ema. Ema... Della squeezes her eyes shut for a moment, a tear slipping out. She runs a hand over Mira's hair. Gently, very gently. Tight, but soft. She won't let her go. ]

She was a good friend. She cared so much about you.

[philoxenia]

She... she was my best friend. [ Ah, there she goes crying again... She wipes at her eyes. ] It just-- i-it doesn't feel real at all, not having her here...

bar

[bogwife]

Mira. [Zerinda's voice is soft as takes a seat beside Mira, Ema's Blue Badger clutched in her arms. She doesn't say anything else, just leans against her and quietly lays her head on her shoulder. Ema asked her to keep an eye on her and right now this is how she can do that.]

[philoxenia]

[ Daisy gives a whine and nudges her nose against Zerinda's hand. She may be but a simple dog, but she can tell when something is off.

Mira leans her head against Zerinda's, too, and god, she wishes she could do something. ]

Hi, Zerinda.

[bogwife]

Zaza. [She shifts her hand to lay it on Daisy's head and give her ears a gentle rub.] You can call me Zaza, if you want to.

[philoxenia]

[ Daisy gives a soft whine, licking her hand gently. ]

I'd like that. Zaza. [ She nods, just slightly. ] It suits you.

[bogwife]

It's what my Ma's called me since I was little. [Good girl, Daisy. Have some face scritches.] I like my friends to call me it too.

[philoxenia]

[ Oh... That means so much to her. Mira considers something for a moment... ]

It's special, then. And, if you'd like... you can call me Mia.

Ema's Room

[lovelikeyou]

Oh - oh, Mira...

[Rose recognizes that panda, at least. Do you...want a giant woman hug, or something?]

[philoxenia]

[ Absolutely she wants a giant woman hug. ]

E-Ema, she... she made this.

[lovelikeyou]

I know. She asked me to help her learn how. She...she really wanted to make it for you.

[oh cool now rose is also crying]

[philoxenia]

[ Oh... ]

She... she was really determined to make good on her word...

[lovelikeyou]

We'd been working on it most of the week...

[philoxenia]

She... worked really hard on it, I can tell... Thank you for showing her, Rose.