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]

[ 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?