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

[bolderfell]

Yeah. Linde. One of the women I travel with, she's a hunter. ...Like Aela. Linde is her companion. She helps her hunt and capture other beasts.

[He keeps up the scritchies as he speaks, getting less and less tentative.]

She likes to be petted behind the ears like this. Under the chin, too. And she's never too shy to ask.

[philoxenia]

[ It's nice, to hear him talk about his home. Daisy, meanwhile, is trying very hard to not fall asleep... ]

She sounds incredible. And very well-behaved. So... you prefer cats?

[bolderfell]

Prefer them to what? ...Oh. You mean as pets?

[Faintly amused even through the gloom and guilt of the day, he shakes his head.]

Can't really say I have a preference when it comes to this or that animal. The life I've led doesn't leave much room for--well, that kind of companionship. [Two weeks ago, he would have said companionship, period, but she knows. He already told her about Darius.] But no one's ever set a cat on me, so they have that going for them.

[He pauses for a moment, then tilts his head at her.]

Hey. Do you get those money-collector caits on Earth?

[philoxenia]

Well... just in general. Not necessarily as pets.

[ She listens, though, and she nods. It makes sense... having an animal companion as a thief might be a little difficult. At least as a hunter, having an animal around fits. And lightly, she lets out a tiny laugh, despite herself. ]

... I can see why you'd prefer cats, then. [ But, ah. ] Money-collector caits?

[bolderfell]

They're the same shape as regular cats, but walk on two legs and carry sacks of coin over their shoulders. They're rare, so sighting one's a real spot of luck. Even H'aanit hasn't yet managed to catch one for herself.

[He even brightens a little, talking about them.]

If we include them, then yeah, I guess I prefer cats. Love to have one of those as a pet.

[philoxenia]

They sound adorable.

[ And she can see why he loves them so much. ]

I don't think we have any of those in my world, but if they're so rare... then maybe they just haven't been found yet. I'd love to see one, though.

[bolderfell]

[If they don't immediately run away, they throw MONEY at you as an attack! OF COURSE HE LOVES THEM.]

Heh. I'll carve you one. They're simple enough.

[philoxenia]

[ Oh... She looks at least somewhat surprised at that. ]

Really? ... I'd like that a lot.

[bolderfell]

Sure. Just don't let anyone else know you got two of these things from me. I haven't given some people any.

[philoxenia]

I'll keep it a secret, I promise.

[ Hmm. ]

In return, why don't I make you something?

[bolderfell]

Huh?

[Surprised, he pulls his hand back from Daisy. As usual, it finds his way to his scarf, tugging at the worn knit.]

That's... [Ugh. It's not really accepting a gift if it's in return for something. Curse his consistency.] Guess it'd be fair, but you don't have to.

[philoxenia]

I don't mind at all. Honestly, I'd have done it anyway.

[ And she says that so matter-of-factly. ]

I was thinking chocolate muffins... and if you'd like, you can watch me make them. After what happened-- [ .... She pauses abruptly to give herself a moment and takes a deep breath. ] I wouldn't blame you at all.

[bolderfell]

[It's like teetering on the edge of something again. It's not quite as dizzying as before, the drop. This time, he can feel the towering height that remains at his back. He's always been small, and it's steep and imposing, but it's something to hold on to, too. Metaphorically, he steels himself, turns his back on the empty air, and starts to climb.

Literally, he holds on tight to his scarf.]

I... liked... the kind you gave me earlier this week. With the apples.

[He stares at the grass in front of him and Mira, not quite away, not quite at her.]

Maybe I could help you make something chocolate for Della and the rest.

[philoxenia]

[ Oh-- She draws in a breath. She folds her hands in her lap, clasps them together, squeezes--like she's trying to hold onto something here. But she nods and looks at him. It's an offer she should maybe think twice about, considering the last time she'd helped someone figure out something in the kitchen...

It doesn't occur to her, though. ]

We can set some time aside, then. You know... when you're not helping me learn your thief tricks, or how to fight. It's always nicer, baking with someone else there. [ Less lonely, is what she means. And it is, perhaps, too lightly said--or that's what she tries for. ] ... I'll make you more apple cinnamon if you'd like.

[bolderfell]

[That must be his limit, for now, because he turns his head aside and nods stiffly.]

Right, if you want. I can at least slice apples for you. Or tell you if something's burning. Since I'll be there.

[he's dYinG]

[philoxenia]

[ RIP, Therion, we knew you well......

She lets out a soft sound, almost close to a laugh. Almost. Barely there, but it's something. ]

That might not be a terrible idea. You can branch out and use that fancy knifework for something else.

[bolderfell]

[They're all tired. So tired. But they're here. He huffs quietly.]

I'll have you know I'm already the best vegetable peeler in my traveling party. You just try to keep up.

[philoxenia]

[ Oh no.

Despite everything, despite how horrible today was, she raises her eyebrows. ]

Well, if you'd like to make this a competition...

[bolderfell]

[Oh dear.]

...Anything in it for me if I do?

[philoxenia]

Hmmmm.

[ Is she considering this? .... It sure seems like it. ]

How about.... a favor? Or choice of anything I've gotten from the vending machine.

[bolderfell]

[Hmm. He hasn't offered a favor since Aela, but...]

Sure. Same terms for you, I suppose.

[philoxenia]

It's a deal, then. May the best peeler win.