012 ~*~ To those who came before me [Backdated to early Chrismas Morning]

[notsogreatwall]

[ Phone : Unfiltered ]
[ To everyone she inconvenienced because of her stupid decision; to anyone who recognizes her voice at all, anymore... Meiling, who has been out of the house for most of that time (especially when she was ripe for being hunted), has just one thing to say: ] I'm sorry, everyone. I'm so sorry...

[ Action : 340 Brady Lane ]

Comments

[action]

[wizardoftheweek]

-If... or when... Meiling came back into the house, she'd find Patchouli waiting for her. She was no longer dressed in black. But she was overcome with the memories of why she had ever needed to to begin with. And what that man, that insidious person, had the gall to ask of her. There was nothing threatening in her posture. Only a deep and terrible sadness...-

[notsogreatwall]

[ Her entrance is far from stealthy, and though she should have no reason to feel anxious, she freezes as soon as she sees Patchouli. It is good that she is no longer wearing those dreary clothes, and yet the memories associated with that look were still fresh on her mind.

Maybe Meiling will be scolded. She deserved it and yet, at the same time, what had already been said before still stung. Denying one's own existence is stupid; being denied it by others is painful. ]

[ She just stands there, hands fidgeting with the green cap she is holding. Even after Flandre gave it back, she didn't have the heart to wear it just yet. ] I'm... I'm home.

[wizardoftheweek]

-Scolded? No. Rushed to and clung to and sobbed upon? That was how this story would continue for these two...-

[notsogreatwall]

[ At least the wizard isn't the only one doing the hugging and crying, though Meiling's is quieter, interrupted with the occasional "I'm sorry". ]

[wizardoftheweek]

-There were quite a few apologies on Patchouli's part as well. It was a great big mess of crying, apologies, and feelings.-

[notsogreatwall]

[ A tremendous mess all around. She can't even hardly stand after a good minute of it, feeling like she has none of her usual strength, even if she has everything back that she had earned here. ]

[wizardoftheweek]

A-ah... Don't fall now. I haven't the strength to hold you... -Patchouli tried to steady them both, letting out a slight and likely much needed laugh.-

[notsogreatwall]

Don't say that... [ Meiling slips out of the grip and lands on her knees, sitting upright by virtue of clinging to Patchouli's waist. ] I'm the weak one. [ Even as she says that, she's calmer than a moment ago, if not by much. ]

[wizardoftheweek]

Stop... Stop talking about yourself like that... Show some pride, won't you? Please?

[notsogreatwall]

What do I have to be proud of? Tell me, please. [ She can't even see the reversal of their roles from the time Patchouli had given in and killed people all because the town tricked her, and it was Meiling was the one who suffered trying to resist. ]

[wizardoftheweek]

You! You are worth being proud of! The work you do for us, the comfort you provide! We are nothing without you... Can you not take pride in that, at least?

[notsogreatwall]

[ Meiling doesn't openly seek praise all that often, and even rarer is that she gets it. But it's something that everyone deserves once in a while, when they do good. She silences herself and pulls away, eyes wet and wide. ] You... you mean it?

[wizardoftheweek]

Every word...

-The conviction in her words were absolute.-

[notsogreatwall]

[ She seems to think about that for a long moment, staring upward at her friend. ] ...do you think Remilia still wants me to stay?

[wizardoftheweek]

She will be like she usually is... Her words will be harsh, but her heart is honest. Of course she wants you.

[notsogreatwall]

[ Meiling finally smiles a little at that and nods. ] Then I'll stay. I won't do anything like that ever again!