[ video ]

[xnotyetaherox]

[ Denzel's sat at the bar of 7th Heaven. He's trying really, really hard to put on a brave face, but his bottom lip is trembling and it's taking all his will-power not to cry. ]

Has anyone seen my Mom?

Comments

(video)

[sunnyworks]

Who's your mom, Denzel? I can help you look for her.

[sunnyworks]

You sure? I know it may seem easier holding everything in, but that can really hurt you in the long run.

[xnotyetaherox]

[ He nods and hiccups. ]

[sunnyworks]

[She nods back and takes his hands, squeezing them gently.] Do you still want me to look around for your mom?

[xnotyetaherox]

[ He nods and sniffles. ] Please? Maybe... maybe we just missed her and she's still here...

[sunnyworks]

Of course. Just as soon as you feel better. [She's not going to leave Denzel on his own when he's so sad. Vanille carefully pets his hair, smoothing his bangs back from his face.]

[xnotyetaherox]

[ Sob. Can he adopt you as his new mom, Vanille? That hair petting is lovely and soothing. ]

[sunnyworks]

[Vanille's kind of young to be a mom, but...okay! She will take you home and never let you leave. Be prepared.] For now, how about I make you some tea? Or hot chocolate?

[xnotyetaherox]

[ Big sister then? He's not fussy. And he's great at housework. ] Hot chocolate would be yummy and good.

[sunnyworks]

[That works for her! He's hired, er, adopted!] Come on, I passed a nice-looking cafe on my way here. My treat. [She holds out a hand for Denzel to take.]

[xnotyetaherox]

[ Yay! Best big sis ever! He hops off his stool and takes her hand, giving her a half smile. ] Thank you. [ A pause. ] Does it have whipped cream and sprinkles?

[sunnyworks]

I'll make sure they put extra on.

[She leads Denzel out of the empty bar. Sure enough, there's a small coffee shop a short way down the street, and she pushes open the door into the comforting surroundings.]

Do you want anything with your hot chocolate? A muffin? Cookies?

[xnotyetaherox]

Can I have a chocolate muffin too? [ He finds them an empty table and plops himself down on the chair. The coffee shop is much nicer than an empty bar. ]

[sunnyworks]

Sure! I'll be right back. [She goes up to the counter and orders two hot chocolates with extra toppings and a chocolate muffin. A few minutes later she's back at the table with a tray.] Here you go, Denzel. Extra whipped cream and sprinkles.

[xnotyetaherox]

[ That has him smiling a little brighter. Chocolate fixes everything! ] Thank you. It looks so yum!

[sunnyworks]

[Vanille smiles and sips at her own drink, then winces. Curse her impatience.] Ooh! Careful, it's hot.