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

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

[ ...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. ]

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I'll keep it a secret, I promise.

[ Hmm. ]

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

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.

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.

[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.

[ 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.

[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]

[ 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.

[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.