hey mom, dead mom, i need a little help here

[nothingcanstop]

[ ...All of that happened, huh. That's the sentiment each and every week, and it's no different this time. Except, this time they've lost more people than before. Five.

The gathering invitation is slipped under everyone's doors, but it specifies something a little different. ]



[ That's a good two hours or so of difference. Enough time to wander around, for sure.

But, in the garden, at the appointed time, there's a variable arrangement of fresh-cooked food. A good amount of beef stew, some Chinese hot pot, and...watermelon? Just, an absurd amount of watermelon, cut up and set on plates. All the food's set on tables that seem to have been moved from the library, and the ground is littered with blankets, for those who don't want to sit on the grass.

And yes, she did not lie. There is, indeed, a variable fuckton of alcohol. (And coffee, for our underaged.)

This has become routine. But, we're still here. We're still alive. ]

Comments

[nothingcanstop]

[ She runs a hand over Mira's back. The positioning means it's easier for her to do the normal, comforting maternal things. ]

It's okay. It's okay, Mira. [ It's not. It's not, but what she means is-- ] I'll be right here for you.

[philoxenia]

I-I know. I--

[ She hides her face, as much as she can. She has so many things she wants to say, but they all get stuck. She takes a few breaths, and finally-- ]

I-I believe in you.

[ That's not even the extent of it all. But it's a start. And she hopes it says enough, what with everything Mira's told her. ]

[nothingcanstop]

[ ...Della hugs her just a little tighter. Just a little. ]

...Thank you. I don't-- ...I won't let you down. [ I won't do what she did. It's not that simple. But right now, she wants to reassure Mira, more than anything.

For as long as Mira needs it, Della will hold her. ]

[philoxenia]

[ ... it's something she didn't realize she needed to hear. Mira doesn't break down sobbing, but she does start to cry, just a little. It's painful, all of these weeks, all of these deaths, building and building-- ]

... Thank you.

[ It's not the first time tonight. It won't be the last. But Della, holding onto her so fiercely, is keeping her together, keeping her from shaking apart. ]

[nothingcanstop]

[ She'll give Daisy an extra special treat later. Good girl. Good dog.

A soft promise. This girl. Della thinks she would do anything, to protect her smile. ]

I've got you. That's right. I'm right here. [ She...did this for Alice. But, quietly, Della hums a little melody. ]

Look to the stars my darling baby girl.
Life is strange and vast,
Let the wonders unfurl.
Face each new sun with eyes clear and true,
Unafraid of the unknown,
Because I'll face it all with you...

[philoxenia]

[ Daisy is a simple dog. She accepts all treats, and she nudges her head against Della's side.

Mira, though-- She draws in a tiny, sharp breath. It feels like forever ago, in the gallery, after Lif--

(Lullabies are usually comforting, after all. At least... they are for me.)

(They are... My mother wrote this particular one.)

She holds onto Della like she's a lifeline, and just like that, she's crying. ]

[nothingcanstop]

[ She has no idea. But, she remembers singing for Alice, who was going to her death...and now singing for Mira, who is here in front of her. And god, she wishes so very deeply that she could never let her go.

Della continues to hum as Mira cries. Just a soft, comforting melody. ]

[philoxenia]

[ It helps--as much of a painful echo as it is, it helps somehow. It's warm and soft and quiet, soothing in a way she hasn't felt in so long.

She's tired, even more when she's done crying, but... she lets out the most fleeting laugh, barely there. ]

How many times am I going to cry all over you? [ Her voice is raw and exhausted. ] ... It's a beautiful song.

[nothingcanstop]

[ As she pulls away, just enough so she can look Mira in the eyes, she runs her fingers down the sides of her face. Just like before. ]

However many times you need to, Mira. [ A light smile. ] Thanks. It's...a little modified, but...I wrote it for my boys. Before they were born.

[philoxenia]

[ Oh.... ]

And-- you shared it with me? [ That's... ] Th-that means so much.

[nothingcanstop]

[ For Alice -- sweet Alice -- she wanted to be...a comfort, a stand-in for someone beloved and inaccessible. For Mira... ]

It felt like something...that I could give.

[philoxenia]

[ Something she could give... Like she hasn't done so much of that already. Mira takes Della's hands gently. ]

I'll treasure it. Always. [ a pause. ] I hope-- I've been able to give you something, too.

[nothingcanstop]

More than I could ever describe.

[philoxenia]

[ She remembers the trial. How Anna had asked her how she could keep believing in people. It's a memory tinged in grief and sadness and a thousand other feelings, vivid and striking in a way that makes her almost feel sick-- ]

And-- and after all this is over...

[ ...After everything you've been through... You're still willing... to risk feeling like that again?

How can she-- ]

We'll keep helping each other.

[ It's because of this. Della's warmth, her spirit, how she loves so deeply and fiercely. Her easy acceptance, the way she'd told her Mira had a place with her... How can she believe in anything else? ]

[nothingcanstop]

Exactly. That and so much more.

[ ...She'll take care of her. This girl without a home or a family. That's what she's vowed. ]

[philoxenia]

We are a team.

[ She holds Della's hands, nodding. ]

... I know I've thanked you a hundred times already, but... I mean it. Every time.

[nothingcanstop]

I know you do. And...I still say you don't have to thank me. But, I'll accept it too, every time.

[ And, now, finally... Della scooches back a little, so Daisy can free herself. Poor pup, she's been so obedient. ]

[philoxenia]

I hope you will.

[ She's free!! Daisy does, however, flop in Della's lap about as much as she can. ]

... It looks like she really likes you. Or maybe she can tell that you're just good.

[nothingcanstop]

[ Is it time for scritches? Here come scritches. Good dog. ]

She's sweet...! Even if it is literally a heartless monster move to shove a dog in a vending machine. ...How long've you had Daisy for?

[philoxenia]

[ It is always time for scritches. Daisy gives the absolute happiest whine and nudges against her hand. ]

A couple... well, I guess it's longer than that. Almost four months, I think, then.

[nothingcanstop]

[ A light, fond smile. ]

How'd you get her?

[philoxenia]

[ She gives Daisy a scratch or several behind the ears. ]

Aiden got her for me. Honestly... it's one of the reasons he's my best friend. Or maybe he just wanted to spoil his fiance's little sister.

[nothingcanstop]

...Oh. Ohhh, they... They were in that kind of relationship?