Tucked away in safety from the raging snowstorm above, a quartet of beings found themselves hidden in the grand underground criminal hangout known as Tranquility.
Ellisyn Kendis was one of these four, and when offered help by what seemed to be a hybrid of many species, she was hesitant. But thanks to the words of reassurance from her kinda sorta friend Mikhail, she had decided to allow the hybrid named Rue to help.
“I… how could you possibly help?” She asked, too injured to be concerned about her secrets spilling to Mikhail.
“This one can heal,” the man answered immediately, his face creased with concern for her, almost pleading just for the chance. He lifted his hand further. “It– I. Only have to touch. Please?”
The way his head tilted, making some loose, tangled hair fall, revealed a metallic shine to the tresses, and when he spoke, the sharp-eyed vigilant could catch hints of canine teeth like her own even in her dazed state.
Elly looked down at the man and considered his features and words. What she thought to be a nervous stutter mixed with his less-than-healthy seeming appearance forced the woman to debate whether she should even let him. His hair and teeth reminded the lawyer of both her own and her daughters, which made everything even more worrying. If Rue had even half the metabolism she did, the fact that he was this feeble worried Elly, forcing her to wonder if she should let him. But not for her own health but for his.
“You’re-” Elly began a sentence, but it quickly devolved into coughing, her lungs seizing from the residual shock. Xi rubbed soothing circles along her back. They really didn’t have time to be talking to a couple of strangers. “If you’re using the force… you look so weak. Would you survive?”
You look so weak.
He knew. He was weak. That was truth, like God and death. Weak, pathetic, worthless, stupid, bruise-colored brat, mine. Many other things, whatever the Masters and Mistresses said.
But this much he could do.
Brief confusion cast over the hybrid’s features at Elly’s mention of ‘the Force,’ but it was not the time to explain that whatever that was, his ability came from the Goddess. Instead, he simply dipped his head to her, urgent with her coughing fit.
“I will pass from consciousness if I grow too weak,” he answered. “Please. You are hurt. I can hear the blood pooling in your lungs and abdominal cavity. Please, Miss– Elly.”
“I don’t know what the two of you are talking about, but I think you should let him,” Xi chimed in. To her, these new strangers were of little consequence. She didn’t know them. All she knew was that Elly couldn’t die just yet. She has so many more people to help.
“Not if it’s going to hurt him or even kill him. That kinda defeats the whole purpose of my mission.” Elly said, concern washing over her. But not for herself, for the dying man in front of her. She was surprised he was alive with how cold it was up above, but maybe that explained his behavior. He was suffering from hypothermia and was just confused. She focused her attention back on Rue. “Are you cold?”
“No,” Rue answered promptly. “Sir Mikhail already saw this one warm. And gave me a ‘robe.’ And has watched over me. We have been helping the people. Healing. Miss, please. You say you have a purpose. Mine is to heal. It does not hurt me.”
“Elly.” He stated a bit sharp, should he have had feathers, they would have been ruffled. “He is more than he appears. You are in need of aid, and I trust him. He will survive, I’ll make sure of it.”
There was no doubt in Mikhail’s mind that they would be able to bring him back to consciousness if they needed, or at least carry him somewhere safe. “Any Healing I am capable of would be intrusive, and unsanitary here.”
Elly was taken aback. Had she been in a more coherent mindset, she’d be questioning why Mikhail was even there, but for now, she was more worried about why he was acting the way he was. Could this man really help her and survive?
“Are you sure, Mikhail?” Ellisyn asked, “Promise me.”
“I am sure. You have my word.” His eye glanced down at Rue, a frown tugging at his face before he slipped his mask on. The eye slits lit blue with the glow from his eyes as he turned to examine Elly. The Arkanian’s face was now obscured with a brassy gold full face mask that sported a neutral to angry glaring expression.
Elly watched him put on the mask after he promised and sighed ever do slightly. Kriff. Everyone was telling her to let him, so she wasn’t left with much of a choice “Okay. You can heal me.” She relented
Relief spread over Rue’s face, breaking into a gentle smile and furrowed brows. He dipped his head, then reached up – far up, oh boy – those last inches feet to take her hand from where he knelt at her knees.
“Thank you,” the hybrid said with complete ardor, grateful gaze fixed on her, blessed by her acceptance, her trust. He stared a moment before leaning up and also pressing his forehead to the back of her hand, eyes closing.
Softly, they’d hear him murmur, “Moonlight Mother, bless this woman. She is in need. She is good, and a mother too, and deserves your pale Light. Please…”
And as he spoke, a silvery light of warmth spread through the Fierrerro, starting in her fingertips and blooming all through her body, strongest in her chest and stomach. It felt like sinking into a perfectly hot bath after a long day of fighting, in court and on the streets, tension seeping from her muscles. It felt like being held, like a soft embrace and someone else to brush your hair and sing you to sleep. It felt like her daughter’s smile, and her excitement when showing her a picture drawn of them together. Just love, and joy, and light.
The pain, the aches, they all receded, at first slowly, then all at once. Her chest and head cleared. Energy buzzed up her spine. As if she’d never hurt at all. Brand new, with good caf and her favorite noodles to boot.
And as that final sensation came, Rue tumbled backwards, hand slipping from hers.
Mikhail watched Elly closely, recording the scan data as her status changed. Any readings that could be taken and studied would be of use later, surely. If only to comprehend what the Saint was doing.
He was keenly aware as well, of Rue infront of him. As Elly’s status tapered off he looked down at Rue, then as rue began to slump he moved, gently catching the man and holding him close. He knelt so Rue wasn’t awkwardly half aloft. He muttered softly to the man as he held him steady against his chest. “Very good Rue, take a few deep breaths. Relax. You did excellent.”
Were it not for the subterranean city around them still spinning, Rue might have physically shied away from the praise, unsure what to do with it. As it was, though, he just slumped into Mikhail’s hold, face turning unconsciously to press cheek over the heartbeat that was loud as thunder to his ears and vibrated up his ‘horns.’ The other ear was turned towards Elly, and he was relieved to hear her vitals stabilized.
Blinking blackness from the edges of his vision, the hybrid just whimpered back to Mikhail and did as told, breathing deeply. It helped the sudden onset of exhaustion, and the vertigo slowly receded. He was surprised to be awake, but glad.
“E-lly?” he checked. “How…are you?”
Elly watched the broken man kneel before her, her body becoming slightly rigid as the awkwardness set in. “…Yeah, don’t mention it.” Elly silently replied to Rue’s thanks, unsure of what to do in this situation. She barely resisted the urge to pull her hand away when the hybrid pushed his head against it, her dogged state making her more on edge. She was about to commit to pulling away when the healing started, the warmth overtaking her cold and beaten body. She felt her shocked muscles begin to relax from their stimulated state and softly smiled as she was overwhelmed with positive emotions.
She basked in the afterglow for a small moment before Rue began to topple backward. She tried to let go of Xi and lunge forward to catch him, but thankfully, Mikhail was there to save the frail hybrid. With renewed energy, she moved her arm off of Xi and straightened her posture, “Better. I feel much, much better. Thank you.” She said to Rue.
An exhausted but genuine smile spilled across Rue’s face, turning towards her and blinking slowly, not unlike a cat. He seemed so happy he might cry, eyes wet with relief.
“I’m so glad,” he murmured. Another blink, a bit hazy, and he shuffled a bit with a regretful sound, enjoying the warmth but knowing it was to end. “…storm…is gentling. I can hear it.” He blinked slow up at the ceiling of very old stone, then looked at Elly and the other woman, then to Mikhail where he fixed. “What now? Others to aid…is anyone else down here hurt? Cold?”
<@160141735354171394>
Mikhail continued to hold Rue, ensuring he stayed warm and comfortable. When he faced the Arkanian, he quickly slipped his mask off and placed it back on his pack. “The people down here are most likely fine.. and even if some are injured, not all will accept help.”
He let out a breath, still kneeling with Rue cradled to his chest. “Do you feel ok? Can I lift you?”
Rue gave a confused blink at the questions, and then slowly looked down at the chest and arms he was curled in, trying to recall the musculoskeletal structure from earlier in the night when they had not been covered. “This one is not in pain. And according to Miss Hunyi is excessively light. This one would suspect Sir can lift it.” He glanced to Elly and Xi. “Do Mistresses need anything?”
Elly pulled her weight fully off of Xi and straightened her posture, “All I need is for you to rest now,” Elly said. The fact that Rue wasn’t even able to stand was killing her inside. All she felt was regret for letting him heal her.
“Okay we don’t have much time” Xi said “You three either need to get out of here, which I wouldn’t suggest with the blizzard, or find somewhere to lay low. My apartment is open to you guys if need be”
To this Rue just murmured a, “yes, Mistress,” under his breath at Elly, and then looked to Mikhail, awaiting some sort of direction.
Mikhail nodded to Xi and stood, arms hooking under Rue to lift him and hold him close to his chest. He would ensure the man was warm, even if the temperature down here wasn’t as bad as above. “I will follow you.”
“I guess it’s settled then,” Elly said, taking charge of the situation finally. “Xi, lead us back. It looks like Rue needs some time to rest before we head up top, and it’ll be warmer at your place.”
Xi nodded to Elly and then motioned to the group at large. “Follow me then,” she said.
–
The trip was quick and thankfully free of any kerfuffles. Xi ushered the three through the door before saying, “I’m gonna go get some supplies, you three rest up.” And with that, she closed the door behind the trio and left them to their own devices.
Elly stood with her hands on her hips. “Are either of you cold?” She asked
Rue was quiet and pliant where Mikhail held him and eventually set him down, having dozed slightly against the Arkanian on the way there. He blinked up at Elly and assessed before answering, “Yes, Miss. This one is warmer than normal. But also cold.”
Mikhail had set Rue on the couch after noting him dozing off, not minding supporting the man’s head with his shoulder. Once he was sure he was comfortable, he started slowly removing his armor, piece by piece, revealing his tight under armor shirt and pants. The armor was carefully piled up next to the couch as those bright blue eyes examined the room. Paranoid as ever, the Arkanian waited until he senses absolutely no traps nor sign of Ill omen before he could relax, which he did so by sitting on the couch next to Rue.
“Do you want warmth again Rue?” He spoke softly, referencing the warmth they shared before the power was cut.
The hybrid, who had stayed where he was put in an upright folded position with wet and stained pantlegs and shoes and robe ends tucked under him – from which he could surely bow as needed – turned to his new friend. His tail had curled limply close to him in their journey, and he fidgeted with it now, once again trying to finger comb the fur at the end out of its knotted and damp clump. His loose carpet of hair in the same state was a heavy spread behind him. He blinked at Mikhail.
“If Sir wants,” he answered primly, not certain what warmth entailed but wanting his friend pleased.
Elly watched the scene for a moment, a soft chuckle faintly passing through her lips. What a situation. She walked over to the bed and pulled the blanket off of it and draped it over the two men on the couch.
“There. Now you’ll both be warm.”
As the blanket was tossed into the air to drape over them, Mikhail slid closer to Rue. His face heated slightly as his eyes avoided Elly, sticking to the floor. “Thank you. Elly.”
He leaned slightly into Rue, providing support and warm contact under the blanket as they settled in. He had a thought to try and help Rue tame his hair, but the awkwardness of doing so infront of someone caused him to push the thoughts away.
“Will Miss Elly be warm too?” Rue asked, tucked nearer to Mikhail and marveling slightly at the blanket.
Elly nodded to Mikhail, unsure of what to even say in this situation. She turned her head and flashed a sad smirk at the ground. “I run warm, don’t worry.” She assured Rue before walking over to Xi’s bed and sitting herself down. With a sigh she rested her elbows on her knees and folded in so she could cover her face with her hands.
“Is Mistr– Miss in pain?” Rue sounded, in fact, worried.
Mikhail’s eyebrows furrowed as he gazed over at Elly while Rue tucked into him. He did not mind the closeness, the warmth after all was nice. Sharing it with Rue was… nice. He blinked a few times, clearing his mind so he could focus on Elly. “If your heart rate increases, or you feel temperature fluctuations, or have any trouble breathing, let me know. You may be in delayed shock.”
The lawyer sat for a moment with her face covered, her mind one big storm. She took in a large breath, held it in, then pushed it out. She sniffled and wiped at her eyes before sitting up and forcing a smile “I’m okay, Rue. You took the pain away, remember?” But even a smile couldn’t hide the shade of silver her body had become as she was forced to slow down and consider her circumstances.
“I appreciate the concern, but you two have nothing to worry about. Just cozy up and I’ll see what Xi has for warm drinks.” Her voice quaked “Just gimme a second”
Rue nodded along with Mikhail’s voiced notes, but what drew his attention more was the sound of her breathing. The sniffles and the quake in her voice. He sat up some out of Mikhail’s side.
“Miss Elly,” he called softly in the gentlest, warmest tone, patient and loving, “If it hurts, it is alright to cry. I know, I know.” He didn’t seem to be talking about the physical pain. “Would Miss like a hug? This one will sing you a song.”
Mikhail was exhausted. Physically, mentally, but mostly Emotionally. Rue’s words cut him, adding another laceration among a litany of them that he has suffered today. Without thinking, his hand under the blanket slid towards Rue. He took the other man’s hand and held it, gently, giving it a single soft squeeze.
The hybrid startled slightly at the movement, body tensing, but went loose immediately after realization. He didn’t resist at all, hand held by Mikhail’s warmer, thicker one.
Elly waved him off and sniffled again “It’s okay. Just relax.” She pushed herself off the bed and walked away to the kitchen of what was essentially a cramped studio apartment. She scrounged around the kitchen until she found what she was looking for and began to make the star wars equivalent of hot chocolate for the two on the couch. The last thing she wanted was for the two of them to see her in this state, to worry about her. They had just survived a storm and were now in one of the most dangerous parts of the city. She had to be strong.
Though a frown pulled at his face, the hybrid did as ordered, consciously making his body go even more limp. Accordingly, he slumped back into the couch and into Mikhail, head loose against the other man’s shoulder and chest.
Mikhail relaxed back against the couch in tandem with Rue. He breathes slowly, eyes closing for a few seconds as he focuses on relaxing. This day was hell. More than he had bargained for. But even amongst it, he had found people worth knowing. Despite his muscles loosening, he still held Rue’s Hand. His thumb traced over the knuckles he had watched get chewed through what felt like a year ago.
And after some time and a couple of hushed curses, Elly came back from the small kitchen with two separate cups, both steaming hot. “Okay these are really hot so be careful,” she said falling slightly into mom mode as she offered the pair the mugs
Rue just stared at the mug, his hand busy being held, and the smell wafting from it confusing to him. Nevertheless, he dipped his head, eyes lowered.
“Yes, Mistress, thank you, Miss.”
Mikhail looked up at Elly and the offered mugs. He blinked before finally releasing Rue’s hand he had stolen. He accepted the cup and pulled it down towards him, being sure to keep his away from Rue’s face. “Thank you. We… spent a long time tonight working. Makeshift clinics can only help so many people.”
Once his hand was released, Rue rummaged out from under the blanket and dutifully took the mug Elly was holding. It burned in his grasp, but he didn’t make a single sound and held it tightly.
His tail tip curled with a blasphemous bit of pride for that, and he shot it a look, hushing.
Then his attention was returned to the mug. The inside was brown and opaque. It smelled sweet? And like milk, but not mother’s.
Was this medicine.
He had to take medicine.
(Except Hunyi said no. Hunyi said never do that again and Kerissa said you don’t have to do anything.)
Yellow eyes stole a glance at Mikhail, hoping for guidance in example, then to Elly if for directions.
Mikhail blows across the surface of the liquid, like one would a tea, then very carefully sips at it, glancing to Rue once the flavor hits him. “Carefully, it is hot.”
With some indication, Rue mimicked Mikhail, blowing at the liquid as he did and then gingerly taking a drink.
Immediately, a little mewl, almost a yip of surprise, left the hybrid. His eyes were wide and confused, but the taste made his toes and lips contract, curling. His tail flicked out with the startlement, body gone straight and still again, as if it had received a jolt.
Cautiously, tilting his head and squinting almost suspiciously, he stuck his tongue back in the drink, lapping at it a bit. And then a bit more. And then he pulled his face away and clutched the mug to his chest, as though wanting to keep it but expecting it would be taken. His face quivered, the quietest little purr muffled in his chest.
“This one likes the…Hot.”
What was the Hot made of.
Was there more of it.
Could he have it.
No, wait– could he bring it to Hunyi? She should have it!
It was at that moment in his shock that Rue realized Elly wasn’t holding a mug. Perhaps there had not been enough, and she had given it all to them.
With a last inhale of the sweet steam, the hybrid stuck his hand back out and offered the mug back to her.
“It is very good. It tastes like sunlight feels. Miss Elly should have some too.”
Mikhail watched the way Rue reacted to the drink, and immediately regretted it.
Why?
How could this man twist his gut the way he did?
He swallowed hard and looked up to Elly. It would be in her best interest if she took it, he know. But he didn’t want to say that. So for Rue’s sake, he lifted his mug up and towards the man. “We.. can share. You can have that one.”
“Oh.” Rue looked between the two mugs, brows furrowing as if he was going to protest, then his eyes dropped in concession before he smiled at Mikhail. “Yes, of course, Sir.” He turned back to Elly and held out the mug yet again, his arm starting to shake a bit from the specific action after the strain of the day. “Here, Miss Elly, please have this while Sir Mikhail and this one share.” The smile aimed at Mikhail again, his tone hopeful and hesitant at once. “Like…the bed?”
Elly watched the exchange between the two men and let her heart melt ever so slightly. This Rue character seemed to be damaged beyond belief in more ways than one. The fact that Mikhail was helping him was rather admirable. She noted that the two had been working at clinics to help victims of the storm which explained why the pair was so tired and cold, but she was worried as to why Rue was being allowed to do it in the first place. But that wasn’t her business.
When she was offered the mug she waited for their exchange to finish before reaching out and lightly pushing Rue’s hand back and closer to his body “Rue, this is for you. I’ll be alright.” She smiled softly “This is my daughter’s favorite, it’s special. And this mug here is for you.”
Mikhail frowned, watching Elly push the drink back towards him. He understood her meaning, but knew she didn’t understand how Rue saw things. So instead he held her mug up to her. “Take mine. If Rue wishes to share with me, he may.”
Then softly to Rue, he nodded. “Yes.. like… the bed.” He could feel the rose tint crawl across his nose and cheeks
Rue’s demeanor changed as Elly spoke. His excited-by-a-new-nice-thing slumped somewhat, as with an unbearably heavy weight. His smile was still there, but it was softer, sadder, something long ago and far away in his gaze.
“It’s alright,” he whispered to Mikhail, his own mug resting now on his blanketed lap for support. “If it is her daughter’s then we should be very grateful indeed. I think. I think my litluns would have liked this too. Thank you.”
He bowed his head to Elly fully, only missing dunking some hair in the cup by luck.
A flash of frustration crossed Elly’s visage. Why wouldn’t they just take the damn chocolate? She made it for them, not herself. But it was only a flash. Very quickly her expression shifted back to the caring, motherly smile “Mikhail, there isn’t any left after these. That is for you.” Her voice wasn’t stern but there was a certain parental authority behind it.
Despite that authoritative tone, the hybrid didn’t immediately crawl to the floor and beg or scrape for the order ignored. Rather, he seemed to stare at Elly for a moment longer in understanding.
Very carefully, Rue’s tail slithered out to wrap three times around his cup, holding it upright on the brace of his leg. Then he reached over and touched Mikhail’s cheek, looking at him.
“Please, Sir,” he murmured. “This is what she can do for us. Perhaps all she can do. This one knows what that means. We can share…another time?” The last was added with a lilt.
Mikhail fell silent at the touch, turning to face Rue. Crystal shimmering blue eyes met with yellow as his head tilted slightly, pushing his cheek more into that touch. He wordlessly nodded, face only reddening more at the words. He pull the mug back into his chest, relenting at Rue’s request.
Rue smiled, hand lingering a second longer, before he returned it to his mug for safety of the contents. Then, holding it carefully, he scooted over, further into Mikhail until practically having one leg thrown over the other man’s, and used his tail to lift the edge of the blanket.
“Come sit with us, perhaps, Miss Elly? Be warm and rest too? The other Miss said so.”
<@301514304845381632>
Elly watched their adorable moment, her heart melting and breaking as she watched Rue softly touch Mikhail’s cheek. The woman would be lying to herself if she said she didn’t think Mikhail was cute but after his reaction earlier in the day, she knew how he felt about her. And seeing him interacting with Rue like this was too adorable to interfere with.
When Rue scooted over and raised the blanket, Elly tilted her head ever so slightly in confusion “I wouldn’t want to crowd the two of you. Besides, it seems like you’re having a moment”
Mikhail’s eyes widened slightly as he felt Rue close the distance even more, so much so that the man nearly climbed into his lap. The hand below the blanket went to reach for the leg, paused, then gently pulled back to leave it where it was, half over his own. He swallowed, adjusting with Rue to allow more room, and - even - more area on his lap should he wish it. The ringing in his ears faded after a moment when Elly spoke.
He blinked.
“A- w-, it’s just. He’s… comfortable and. That’s. Good. Important. I.” He swallowed again, trying to catch his stammering tongue as he turned to look at Rue, as if searching for some sort of answer in the man’s eyes.
Rue’s head tilted in confusion. “This is a moment?” he asked, blinking. “Does Miss Elly feel time is passing strangely?” His brows furrowed in worry. “This would also be sign of concussion. Perhaps this one failed to heal everything…please sit. You will need rest.”
<@301514304845381632> <@160141735354171394>
Elly looked from Rue to Mikahail and then back to Rue. She considered the situation for a moment. With Rue’s state, maybe he wasn’t able to heal her perfectly, perhaps she was still injured, maybe she should sit… In all fairness, she had never been struck by lightning before.
With a small, imperceptible sigh, Elly went against her better judgment, moved over to the couch, and took a seat beside Rue. She couldn’t handle saying no to the poor guy any longer. She turned her head to the side and looked at the two men, her body rigid and awkward. She had no idea what to do. <@160141735354171394>
The hybrid absolutely beamed at her, his features glinting and glittering slightly with a flush of metallic gold not unlike the metallic quality of his hair. He tucked the blanket over her and gave a few pats as if to ensure she was properly settled, a gesture she recognized well, since she did it too: like a fussing parent. A slight shift of his waifish weight had him still mostly against Mikhail while also offering her his body warmth as their sides pressed together on the short couch. This close then, she could feel that it seemed only his upper arm on that side was making contact. Was it bent over his lap? But the sleeve went all the way down under the blanket, falling straight.
“Thank you, Elly,” he said sincerely, and then carefully sipped his Hot drink. Gold eyes looked back and forth between the two as he turned his head from side to side. “May this one ask…Miss, Sir…you two are friends?” he asked hesitantly. “You recognized each other.”
She shifted a little awkwardly as Rue tucked her in and secured her spot on the couch. There was no way she’d be able to bring herself to ruin it after he put the effort in to show that little bit of care. She was stuck. Kriff. The large woman did her best to try and relax but stiffened even further as she started to piece things together about Rue in how he moved and interacted with things. This poor soul.
“Mikhail and I are uh… Today is my second time seeing him, actually.”
Mikhail nodded but seemed lost in thought, eyes distant as he relaxed into Rue’s side. He swallowed another mouthful of the hot chocolate absentmindedly. After the long day, exhaustion and emotional strain, he brain was nearly fried. Part of him longed to wake up curled up against Rue, never having left the hotel to deal with the blizzard. The larger part of him knew it wouldn’t happen, and rationalized how many people they together saved, or attempted.
Surely it was worth it?
He slowly looked down where Rue was pressed against him, mind emptying for a few more moments.
“Yes.. just earlier today we met for the first time.”
Rue looked between the two, brows furrowed at the different answers.
“This one does not understand…”
Elly closed her eyes for a moment and took a soft, slow breath. The gal wasn’t surprised. They hadn’t interacted much at the party, but she couldn’t stop the intrusive thoughts from intruding once again. Nothing she could do, though. She just had to live with it.
“Don’t worry about it Rue. I was just mistaken.”
The Arkanian blinked, leaning all the way back against the couch. He wondered silently where they were, how far they were from the hotel he was staying at. Would Rue follow him back?
He shook the thought from his mind. No, Rue had other priorities. Hunyi and Alk.
The back of his head met the couch cushion behind him, leaving him to stare into the distance towards the ceiling. The warmth was nice. The drink was nice. Elly was seemingly fine. The Saint saved her after all. So Why then was his heart beating the way it was? Stress?
“Oh,” Rue said, and then, with both sureness and lightness, “Well this one and Sir Mikhail also just met today and became friends. So that is all three of us new met and new friends. The Goddess smiles on us; threes are Her sign.” He smiled too, and took in how Elly had closed her eyes and exhaled, and then looked at Mikhail and noted how he was leaning back, breath slowing despite his quick rabbit heart rate, his distant crystalline stare.
“You are both tired. Here, now. This one will sing you a song, and we can sleep.” He paused for a moment, then again, directed a smile at Elly, this one kind and unbearably sad. “This lullaby was this one’s daughter’s favorite. Like the drink.”
Without waiting for confirmation from either, the hybrid inhaled, and then began singing softly in gentle and whimsical yet wistful tones, a slow and carrying tune.
Mikhail’s eyes slipped closed, muscles relaxing. He slowly leaned into Rue, as if wanting to curl up against the man again. His hands gripped the blanket tightly, wanting to reach for Rue’s but stopping short. He remained conscious for a while, fading between awake and asleep.
Elly’s heart fucking shattered. It was his daughter’s favorite. Meaning… She couldn’t imagine the kind of pain that might bring. If not for his odd behavior, she would’ve wrapped him up in a hug then and there, but from the looks of it, it wouldn’t exactly go well. So, instead, she just watched as he sang the song he would sing his daughter, hoping to all high hell that it was cathartic for him to do and not a form of self-torture.
As Mikhail’s weight relaxed more into him, Rue shifted, looping his arm over the man’s back and reaching up to smooth his black hair back gently in time with the beat. A glance to Elly revealed a broken-hearted expression on her face, and for a few seconds his tune flagged, dropping a note, but he picked it back up with a stutter. Very, VERY carefully, his tail maneuvered to extract his half empty cup and place it on the ground before them. Then he lifted his other arm, the sleeve slumping about halfway down. His expression alone said, hug? and come here. as he kept singing, starting over again.
The shattered pieces of Elly’s heart were promptly swept away by a reaper’s scythe, the next target being her soul. He really was missing his arm. He lost his daughter, his arm, seemingly lost his mind, and all the while all he wanted to do was help people. She just looked at him, unsure of what to do next
Rue held his arm up in offer a moment longer, song tapering off into humming, as if to ensure Mikhail didn’t stir. But quickly and softly, he whispered between bars a brief question, “Hug?”
Elly took a moment. Was he asking for her sake or for his own? She decided she couldn’t take the risk and leaned down and in and wrapped her substantially large arms around him “I’m sorry” She said quietly
Though the most he could do was squeeze back with a bit of pressure from his upper arm, Rue still seemed glad for it. He hummed in acknowledgement, though not understanding what she was apologizing for.
The woman maintained the hug for a few long moments before slowly pulling away. She didn’t know what else to do other than place a hand on his thigh in a hope to express some care and comfort
Though the hybrid did stiffen at that contact, he again went limp just after. With Mikhail dozing on him, he in turn looped what he could of his arm with Elly’s where it bent above his thigh, briefly leaning his head on her shoulder in return. He kept humming, softer and softer, tail curling out in front of them and swaying ever so slowly to the rhythm, as if to lull like a metronome.
And Elly just sat there with time moving in slow motion. On a normal day, a moment like this might’ve been nice, but after what she had been through, the hurt, the reminders of loneliness and pain… She hated herself for the jealousy she felt watching Mikhail and Rue interact, watching them have their cute little moments. She missed Darrio. She missed the life she had made for herself. She missed being happy.
Sensing the pain and hurt beside him did not seem to discourage Rue. They were the earliest memories he knew, his oldest truths, like Grandmother and the Lady Moon and the Masters and “my little Rue Flower.” He offered no assurances, because they simply didn’t exist. Being with her, so that she was not alone in it, as with so very, very many, was all he could do.
Instead he just whispered, “I know, I know,” to Elly, and hummed a little longer, until finally his throat cracked and he lapsed into silence, warm there between the two of them.
I was the silence that finally got her. The feeling of warmth at her side, the blanket covering her. She started to tear up and immediately tried to wipe away her tears, acting on reflex. “I’m sorry Sulla…” She said, forgetting for a moment that she wasn’t at home safe with her daughter, mourning the departure of her lover, of Sulla’s father. She leaned into Rue and just sniffled and let silent tears fall from her face as the trio waited for Xi to return with news that the coast was clear and the storm had dissipated