[video/text]

[fulllifeconsequences]

[Chara's outside. They have their device on the ground, propped up against a rock, so their hands are free. They're crouched down in the mud, on the shore of a pond somewhere - there's a bush of purple flowers in the background, mostly obscuring the maze of massive tree-trunks. They're out having some kind of childish adventure, presumably. Two things sit by their feet: a thermos of something-or-other and a freshly-gathered bouquet of white flowers.

They're washing that favourite old switchblade off in the water. Must have cut the flowers, not picked them. They flick it dry, click the blade shut, and pocket it. Pick up the bouquet, hold it up so their face is all but hidden by the lovely white blooms.]

Pretty, are they not? Narcissus. A member of the daffodil family. They get their name because... well, I'm not entirely familiar with the myth, actually. I know Narcissus was some guy who loved himself. He loved himself so much, he died.

[A very abridged version, and they might be wrong, but they think they've got the base details down. They shrug, smile, start to neatly divide their bouquet: a pile of flowers on this side, and they pluck all the leaves off and set them down on the other side.]

It is a tangent, Wonderland, but I wonder. Could you get me up to speed on what we know about the mirror side? Can we cross to that side if we want to? Can the mirror folk cross the barrier as they please? If not, is there someone or something in charge of the decision? I'm curious.

[Their flowers sufficiently... de-leafed... they pick up the thermos. Ginger tea, sweetened with honey. Good for queasiness. Honey makes it taste better, soothes a sore throat. They think, fleetingly, of Asgore. Because they think of Asgore, they think of Toriel. Don't... quite know how to approach the topic of Asriel. Don't want to talk about it. Don't want to think about it. Don't want to bear acknowledging they live in a world without him again. But is anyone else... checking on them?

...Couldn't hurt. Maybe. To just... maybe not about him, can't utter his name. To just... say hi.

They cut the video feed. Reach for their phone, type some texts out.]


[Private text to Asgore]

I was going to attach a picture. I've started work on a sweater - pink again, if that is okay. It's back in our room, though, and I don't think I'll be back there for a couple days.

I suppose I just wanted to let you know you'll have something to look forward to. =)


[Private text to Toriel]

I know it is unkind to gossip, but perhaps you ought to know that Sans took poorly at the end of this last event. I am aware he is a friend of yours, so I feel you should be aware. Perhaps he would feel better if someone came to check on him? Company always makes a hard time easier.

Here is a joke that the both of you might like:
Why did the pie go to the dentist? Because it needed a filling.

Comments

[normandysbest]

Not surprising. If you wanted flowers for the mansion, you'd have just asked the closets. Or went to the gardens. It's a long way out of the way for flowers.

[Just... testing the waters. Putting it out there that she might have an idea what's going on. Or at least that it could be somewhere unsavory.]

[fulllifeconsequences]

"Out of the way" is sort of the point. I'm getting in touch with nature. Going back to my roots.

[Ha. Get it? Little flower humour.

Just one of their many "kid who slept in the soil" kinds of jokes.]

[normandysbest]

[Haha. Don't think she doesn't see that, Chara.]

Flowerbeds were just too pruned, huh? Needed to find somewhere a little less structured?

[fulllifeconsequences]

I've already tried laying in a flowerbed. Thought it might be fun to tuck myself into a riverbed instead. Variety is the spice of life, right?

[normandysbest]

Well yeah, but you can't drown in a flowerbed. Little easier in a riverbed, so a little harder to get through it without, y'know, death.

[fulllifeconsequences]

[They just

keep smiling.]

Well, that's one way to drown your sorrows, isn't it?

[normandysbest]

[Well that's disconcerting.]

Not really a great one, though.

[Okay she's done beating around the bush.]

Kid, you need to talk to someone? Seriously? I know we've done this song and dance before, but that doesn't mean it's over.

[fulllifeconsequences]

No.

[When has talking to someone ever helped? Don't be so dramatic, Chara, I'm sure it won't happen again. Even though it does, and it does, and it does. We know best for you, Chara, we do this for your own good. It's the only way you learn. Do you ever shut up, Chara? The grown-ups are talking. Go play in your room or something.]

I'm perfectly fine. Just making some harmless jokes over the Wondernet. Why do you ask?

[normandysbest]

Because I can tell when someone's having a hard time, because it looks like when I'm having a hard time. And if you could recognize that in me, I can recognize that in you.

[Alright fine now she's just calling them out. She tried to be subtle, at least.]

[fulllifeconsequences]

Hey, here's a fascinating thought: go suck an egg! I'm not you, and I couldn't possibly care less about whatever saviour complex inspires you to project onto me.

[They're not buying into it. Not from anyone. Not from her. They've made their choice, and they have the pile of leaves to prove it.]

[normandysbest]

[She rolls her eyes a bit. Of course.]

Is it impossible for me to be concerned for someone just because? I'm worried, so I'm asking. Because I worry.