itscurtains | And I'll Be With You When You Dream

[It's Sunday night! Boy, today sure has been a day, hasn't it?? Memories returned, Father's Day Gifts given, and Benjamin sure had a Time, didn't he?

Looks like it's time to find ways to cope.

Thus, the bed frames from Broadhurst dorm are being worked on being taken apart by Varian while the mattresses are becoming The New Floor.

Additionally, there's plenty to eat and drink, what with the hot pot provided by Rina, cookies that might just taste a bit burnt from Farrah, apples from Orpheus, more delicious potatoes from Maya, as well as sandwiches by Cassandra. There is also quite the variety of pie, from caramel, to bittersweet chocolate and strawberries, and several other varieties from the vending machine. Finally, there's popcorn brought in by Spongebob. If someone wants a drink, there is some delicious hot cocoa, provided by Elsa, as well as the tea brought in by Discord. There's also a variety of drinks from the vending machines.

Everyone's invited of course. There are a variety of games happening, and there's even a TV that's been wheeled down from the Library. So bring your pajamas, whatever they happen to be, and settle in for a sleepover!]

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[Of all the things that light a spark in him, the idea of this little girl - of any little girl, but especially Farrah - feeling like a nuisance?

Yeah, that'll do it.

He doesn't say anything at first, though he looks at her with his undivided attention. But when she's done, he shifts, raising up one arm, blanket included, and wraps his arm and the blanket loosely around her shoulders.]

There are some people who have children for selfish reasons. Or who can't...raise them well, for any number of reasons. But that's not an excuse to ever make a child feel like she's a burden to her parents.

It's not fair that you had to be trapped here, to meet adults who care about you. Your parents are blind not to know what a treasure they have.

[Oh. She hadn’t expected that— she almost feels guilty, for rambling about her own troubles. But she’ll shift when he does, taking the edge of the blanket, and scooting closer to him to make sure they can both stay under it. She even leans against him, extremely gently—- she’s half afraid he’ll break, still. ]

I am a pretty big handful. [She doesn’t fight it any more than that. It’s futile, and she also doesn’t really want to waste time trying to defend them. What’s the point, now?]

It’s messed up, but... I’m glad I’m here. It would have been better, if I learned it while I was alive. But...

If I knew then
What I know now
I would have looked within and let love in somehow

[Despite everything, he's physically sturdy to lean against. Perhaps sturdier, as if an iron core has been forged inside of him. When she settles in closer, fitting herself against his side as if she belongs there, something within him inches slightly back to...

Well. The man he was yesterday. The man he was fifteen years ago.

He looks straight ahead for a moment, fighting back the tears that come to his throat - wishing he could hold his Johanna like he was holding Farrah now, thankful that he can hold Farrah, when she needs him.]

You are alive. Here. Now.

[He turns his head to her and presses a kiss to the crown of her head.]

You have all the time in the world
Time enough for life to unfold
All the precious things life has in store...

[He is sturdy— and she allows herself to lean on him. It feels a little ridiculous, to be seeking comfort and security from a man in such a state. She knows that she should be the one supporting him. But she can’t help but feel the same thing she feels when she’s wrapped in Salieri’s arms.

Valued. Hopeful. Safe.

She doesn’t shy away from the kiss to the top of her head or the song- instead she snuggles in more, petting Milky White with one hand.]

We both are.

[He shakes his head. A life without Lucy and Johanna? He might as well be dead.

But she won't accept that as an answer. And he doesn't have the strength to argue with her, so he just sits there with his arm around her, his thumb rubbing back and forth against her shoulder.]

[Farrah will remember that.

But right now, she’s both content and comfortable, and he’s beside her. Safe. Solid. Real.

She doesn’t speak a while. It’s almost like she may fall asleep right there—- but then she whispers.]

You’re a really good dad.

[He seems like he may also be on the verge of some kind of rest (not sleep, he doubts sleep will come for a long while), but then she whispers, and he sucks in a breath, seized by a knot tight in his throat.]

Thank you.

[His breath is tight, lighter and more raw than just a whisper, barely any voice beyond his mouth forming the words.

He holds her tighter and buries his face in her hair for a moment, then speaks, a little stronger.]

I'd be proud to call you my daughter. Anyone who wouldn't be is a madman.

[It’s not the type of thing to laugh at, but a tiny laugh does erupt from her body. It’s a sentimental moment, sure, and her entire heart feels warm. And more importantly, she feels safe.

But compared to the life she’s lived so far—- having so many others that care about her is kind of crazy. It’s not that Farrah’s parents were monsters or anything. But Farrah was never a priority. There was work to do, new significant others to charm, or exciting new adventures to chase. She’s never been the kind of daughter either of them wanted, and between that and high school and hormones and the fall—- she had become a hopeless case. A loser girl. That no one could, or ever would understand. Teachers dismissed her as the problem child. Strangers knew her as the girl that fell. To have friends is a marvel—- but to have an adult be invested in her? To have... multiple adults in her life believe not only that she can be good, but that she is good, and to have them proud of her?

It's so absurd it's worth laughter. But she won't question it. Her voice is sure, when she speaks. And instead of fighting him, she just...]

Thank you.

And I'll Be With You When You Dream

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