[color=lightgray][color=azure][right][sub][@Aces Away] , [@metanoia], [@LovelyComplex] 
Timestamp: The Sunday right after the Allison (Friday) Scene[/sub][/right][/color]
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[indent][indent]Arriving at the James house was as uneventful as it can get when you throw three powder kegs into a truck together. Mordechai was thankful for the moment of silence he had gotten while Mika was collecting Allegra and the kids from the airport, because he knew he wasn't going to be getting anymore now that his family was here.

[color=crimson]"I'll go knock,"[/color] Mordechai offered as he handed Chai over to Mika and slowly dropped out of the truck, holding onto the door until he knew he had his feet under him. Once he was balanced, he made his way to the front door and knocked with a shaky hand before stepping back and running his nails along his arm anxiously.

Mika wasn’t far behind as he held Chai in his arms, making sure he was secure before he hopped out of his truck and slammed the door shut. Under normal circumstances, which was typically being anywhere but the southside, he would put his alarm on. It was just the normal habitual thing he had about him in regards to his truck.

He stayed near it for a few moments, waiting for Allegra to get herself ready as he watched from the curb as Boa took those first steps and knocked on Poppy’s door. [color=635687]“Ya about ready?”[/color] He asked Allegra, holding a surprisingly well-behaved Chai close to his vest. The infant immediately grabbed at one of his buttons and began fumbling with it happily.

[color=910bf4]"Oh I'm sorry Badger, did [i]you[/i] wanna put all the stuff Viva pulled out of my purse back in it?"[/color] Allegra drawled from where she was half twisted under the seat and reaching for the last of the errant objects. [color=910bf4]"By all means, you get on [i]your[/i] hands and knees for once. God knows work alone has had me do it more than enough ta fill several lifetimes."[/color] Viva laughed at her mother's predicament from her seat, still strapped in with the seatbelt and playing with a tube of Allegra's lipgloss. [color=910bf4]"Gimme that ya lil' demon in disguise,"[/color] the woman retrieved her make-up and opened the cap, dabbing the slightest bit onto her fingertip before rubbing it onto her daughter's lips so there was just the vaguest bit of sparkle. Viva cheered gleefully and Allegra took that moment of reprieve to untangle the toddler's hands from the seatbelt and unclasp it, helping her out of her seat and out of the truck before following after. [color=910bf4]"There ya go, now she's happy [i]and[/i] she'll be quiet while she tries to figure out what flavor the lipgloss is."[/color]

Penelope was upstairs, having cleared out most of her room in terms of clothes and items, placing them in boxes and pushing them in the hallway. She left the boxes in the hallway for her parents to help her transport them (she was WEAK). The last box she was carrying out was that of Charlie’s things, including the manuscript that had been laying dormant in her bottom desk drawer. Penelope was moving out of her bedroom, so she could live. This was a start on her healing journey. 

Victoria was planning to stop at Rhonda’s later on today to see if Poppy could stay with her while they had a full house. Penelope had woken up at 3 AM, after her visit to Charlie’s gravestone, and when she did she saw her parents going hard in spring cleaning. They were maneuvering throughout the house, straightening up, packing Maxine’s things (finally), and bringing out nursery and kid furniture from the attic that picked up dust. It had been years since they touched Max’s belongings but with the prospect of Mordechai and his family bringing life to the house once more, they were ready to turn over a new leaf. They were motivated to move forward.

When there was knocking on the door, Sylvester James called out, [color=567157]“Got it,”[/color] His wife was in Maxine’s room setting up the kids’ room and Sly had just finished getting ready for his workday. Penelope’s hair was wet as she rushed out of the shower to get ready and be presentable for Allegra and company. She was nervous because of how she came off on the phone call but she was also excited because she… liked her. Not like a crush kind of like. She thought she was a perfect companion for Mordechai, which is why once she gathered herself at the park she called her parents and made the proposition. Initially, they were surprised because one, they didn’t know Mordechai was back in town and two, they didn’t know he had a family. Even with that being said, they would never refuse family and Decky was family.  

With his police wear on, Sly cracked his neck before opening the door. His body and muscles were a testament of all the adversity he overcame. All the hardship he faced everyday to protect the town. His journey, despite all the violence that surrounded him and that he experienced, led him to this point in life. A pillar in a town of broken things. He took in the punches, he took in the pain, and he absorbed all the hurt. In the end, he came out ten times stronger and his purpose was solidified each and every day. He was meant to help people. He was meant to take all the bad he felt and turn into something good. That was Sylvester “Rocky” James. A rock. Impossible to change and very much needed. 

[color=567157]“Oh hey! What a crowd.”[/color] He glanced through the small army in front of his house. First, he started with Mordechai, the one standing in front of him, [color=567157]“Look at you, kid. Skinny as ever. You bet your ass Vicky is going to put some meat on you.”[/color] The older man chuckled, giving a relaxed smile. His eyes were surrounded by dark circles from the back to back to back long shifts, [color=567157]“It’s good to see you, Mordechai. Penelope, I caught her smiling today. I bet that’s because of you.”[/color] After ruffling Decky’s hair, Sly stepped out and glanced over to Mika, [color=567157]“And you, try to say hi from time to time, yeah? You’re a good kid, Mikhail. Hope you’re getting yourself in minimal trouble.”[/color] 

[color=635687]“You know me. Trouble always finds me for some reason,”[/color] Mika laughed, feeling weirdly comfortable as the legendary Sylvester James in his cop uniform acted as casual as ever. 

His welcoming gaze went from Mika to the children, Chai and Viva, [color=567157]“Oh man, are these the little rascals?”[/color] After giving Viva a friendly wave, like the big teddy bear he was, he looked at Allegra to warn her, [color=567157]“Vicky is going to smother them with love and kisses and all my money. Just fyi. She’s already set up a room for them. And damn.”[/color] His attention went back to Chai before lightly patting Mordechai’s back, [color=567157]“Look at you! That’s a mini you if I ever saw one.”[/color] 

Finally, the veteran police officer, ex serpent (his tattoo visible on his arm), observed Allegra. There was nothing but kindness, gratefulness, and excitement in his face. His kids were entering a new chapter in their grief journey. This had to be a sign for better days.  [color=567157]“You must be Allegra, it’s nice to meet you.”[/color] Adjusting himself so he was facing her, without entering her personal space, Sly chuckled, [color=567157]“Penelope has told me so much about you already. I haven’t seen her run around this house in… well. A while. Which reminds me! I have to leave but here,”[/color] Sly pulled out his wallet and took out a couple hundred dollars, [color=567157]“For you and the family. It’s our welcome to Edenridge gift. You’re doing us a favor by being here and looking out for these troublemakers,”[/color] Sly joked and gestured toward Decky and Mika before his upbeat, sleep deprived self complimented, [color=567157]“And your kids and their smiles, that’s exactly what this house needs.”[/color]  

Allegra was barely keeping the shock from entering her face as Sly placed the money in her hand, completely unfamiliar with this sort of transaction and struck momentarily speechless as her mind processed the whirlwind introduction of Sylvester James into her life. She noticed more than either men she arrived with probably thought, and she was very aware that the man in front of her was both incredibly dangerous and incredibly kind. Mordechai had mentioned to her once when talking about Poppy that the girl’s father was a Serpent-turned-cop and that he always seemed to know more than he let on. Seeing as how he avoided getting in her space or towering over her without having ever met her, she finally began to understand what her friend had meant. He was adaptive and observant, and quick to put those observations into actions.  She was observant too, and her eyes flickered from the cash still in her upheld hand to his blatantly tattooed arm to the dark bags under his eyes. Yes, this was a man she could see herself getting along with, trusting, without anything untoward happening to her. Before Mordechi and Mika, Allegra wasn’t even sure if that sort of man existed, but it seemed like Southside Edenridge contained more than its reputation should allow.

Mordechai himself had frozen at the rush of affection from the older man, having almost forgotten how tactile he could be. He had always been a lot like Phil was when Mordechai used to hang around, and then eventually work at, Phil’s Junkyard and Garage. Maybe it had been the way that both older men maintained an open air about them while still being able to be authoritative and stern when needed- [i]so unlike his father, unlike even ReyRey who still got physical with him if he felt it was needed[/i]- that always left Mordechai feeling more safe to be [i]soft[/i] when under their gaze. Hell, if he had the energy for it he wasn’t sure if he would have laughed or cried when Sly had commented on Chai’s likeness. He hasn’t felt like smiling much since he got back home and discovered everything happening, but the cop’s comments were threatening to bring one out of him. It also hadn’t slipped his notice that Sly used his full name, and he had a feeling Poppy may have told her parents about his new-to-them trigger. This family…

[color=crimson]“We can’t keep that,”[/color] He spoke up nervously before the man could leave, ignoring the way Allegra’s incredulous gaze snapped to him. [color=crimson]“You’re already lettin’ Allegra an’ the kids stay here, we can’t just take your money too-”[/color] 

[color=910bf4]“Speak for yourself, Ken,”[/color] Allegra broke in, ignoring his glare at her use of their corner names in front of the officer. [color=910bf4]“I left my jobs ta get here and I know your ass doesn’t have anything lined up yet, and [i]won’t[/i] until you’re all better,”[/color] She purposefully kept her gaze on his arm until he nervously covered it with his hand. Point made. [color=910bf4]“I am more than happy ta oh so graciously accept this until we can settle. Thanks a ton, Mr. James, I know we’re imposin’ and everythin’ happened super fast so it means a lot that you and your family are willin’ ta put up with us.”[/color] She pocketed the bills before smiling at the older man. [color=910bf4]“Some of that money is goin’ into pampering your daughter anyways, I believe I promised her a spa day over the phone.”[/color]

Mika was all but a silent observer, watching the interactions between Mr. James, who lived up to his name of being a classic case of don’t judge your cop by his uniform. He had a sly mouth, no doubt living up to his name, but someone that Mika always found comfort in being around. Even if his visits haven’t been as frequent as of late, it was still reassuring every time he did. [color=635687]“Ah, come for the Boa, stay for the spa. Sounds like a great deal to me!”[/color] Allegra rolled her eyes good naturedly, not even turning to face him.

[color=567157]“I like this one,”[/color] Sly gave a hearty laugh before his walkie talkie started going off: [b][color=azure]Calling all units. A 211 at 435 Main. Back-up needed.[/color][/b] Sighing to himself, another day to face the demons in the streets, another night praying he’ll come home to his girls, Sly gave his regards, preparing to join the fight with his brothers-in-arms. [color=567157]“Welcome to Edenridge, Allegra.The place where the game never ends.”[/color] His statement was ambiguous, hinting at wisdom beyond the younger generation’s years. Sly knew too much and because of that, he had sworn to protect his town until there was no more fire in him. Until he knew there was someone he trusted he could pass the baton to. Monsters lurked in every corner and it was his job to take them down. 

As Mr. James jogged to his patrol car, Victoria came to the door with a timid smile, [color=9f372b]“So glad you all could make it.”[/color] Opening the door wider, she held it and gestured for them to enter, [color=9f372b]“Come, come in please.”[/color] While Sly gave off the aura of a shield, Victoria’s dark gaze was that of emotional warfare and her presence, although motherly, was like a poisonous scorpion stinger. The way she stood was welcoming, yet guarded. She held herself in a way that signaled she protected what was hers at all cost. Victoria James wasn’t as warm as her better half nor was she pretending to be. She was a survivor and a fighter. That’s all she ever could be.  

The older woman stood there scanning those in front of her, especially the new face, coming to her own conclusion in split seconds. Victoria was a pretty woman, thin and stern, and although her demeanor emitted a razor’s edge, she tried her best to drop the worry and let fate lead the way. Her daughter saw something in each of these kids that waited on the porch of her house. Whether it was because they were used goods that needed some love or she saw potential in their futures, Penelope believed in these three and wanted to see them succeed.  

Sometimes it is best to trust the process and let fate decide who comes into Poppy’s life and chooses to stay. Eventually all things are connected but Vicky didn’t want another Charlie. There was so much hope and trust that was placed on that boy and in the end, he caused so much suffering for the people Victoria loved. Vicky loved Rhonda. Rhonda says she’s made peace. That may be true but that doesn’t change her son abandoned her. Left her in this world by herself to figure it out alone, just like her husband did.

Vicky’s youngest daughter? Penelope. Her Poppy. Loved him to the point that she barely could survive without him. They were so codependent on each other, it’s remarkable that Poppy was still alive to this day. When he did what he did it absolutely crippled her child. Yet somehow by the strength of her father, Poppy was still standing. 

There was a time Vicky didn’t hold such harsh views on the boy who massacred so many innocent lives at Edenridge High but after Maxine passed away… it became harder and harder for her to see what good he did for her daughter, for his mother. And then, he shot up the school. To say Vicky held spite was an understatement but some things were better left unsaid, out of fear of causing unnecessary damage. She wanted to trust Poppy’s friends, she really did, that’s part of the reason why she agreed with letting them stay here. 

This was her safe place, her home, and only those deserving would last in it. Vicky saw the threads of life tied together, when loosened or tightened it had a surprising impact. So, she allowed them to stay close, tangling them deeper into her family's lives. She wasn’t going to leave them hanging, no. She was going to knot them tightly together, entangled with her dear Penelope, so she knew the moment they showed signs of weakness and treachery, she’d cut them. That was what mothers were supposed to do. Protect their child at all costs.

[color=#fe6f5e]“Hey guys!”[/color] Poppy with her wet hair, one of Charlie’s big shirts, and sweatpants, stood behind her mother, excited to see all her friends. Mordechai smiled and returned her greeting quietly. [color=#fe6f5e]“We’ve worked pretty hard in preparing the house, right, ma?”[/color]

[color=9f372b]“Oh yes, I was able to bring out furniture I don’t seem to have the strength to give away,”[/color] Victoria nodded, not realizing she had drifted for a moment. In her wandering, she missed Allegra’s analytic gaze as the young woman picked up on the energy that the others seem to have missed from Victoria.

[color=#fe6f5e]“Mhm. Mordechai and Allegra, you’ll be staying in my room! The babies will have Max’s. They’re connected by a bathroom so it should be pretty convenient. I’ll be next door with Rhonda,”[/color] Penelope explained. Decky could explain to Legs later that Rhonda was Charlie’s mom. Allegra herself was mouthing [i]’two rooms?’[/i] to her partner who shrugged back anxiously, also not expecting that much space.

[color=9f372b]“And if you need more space, like for hobbies or what not, I’d need help cleaning up the attic a little bit but that can be used for whatever.”[/color] Victoria offered, not knowing if the couple did anything for fun that didn’t revolve around the streets and crime. As the two James women talked, they led the way upstairs to show the two lover-like friends and their babies their room for however long they needed it, leaving Mika behind to make himself at home. 

The two dark haired wayward spirits followed behind the women, Allegra taking a snoozing Cha from Mika and handing himi over to Mordechai while she herself swung her giggling daughter up and onto her hip as they moved forward, into the next chapter of their lives.

Had Mika the energy, he might’ve followed the women, Boa, and children. Had Mika [i]any[/i] energy to spare, he might’ve done more than find a comfortable spot on the couch near the arm rest and casually splay his body longways on the couch. It didn’t matter to him whether or not it was stiff or one of those couches where his body would sink into the form-fitting cushion, Mikhail Zima was utterly exhausted. For the past few hours, he had been running on fumes. That music he played for Boa wasn’t just because he wanted to ‘torture’ him but it fueled his fumes. And him punching that tsa guy wasn’t because he wanted to…well, it was, but it had to do with his fumes running high.

Everything Mika did up until this point was his near empty tank running on whatever emergency fuel he had to spare. But the moment he came to a stop in front of the James’ house and helped Allegra and just stood there, doing everything that he could to remain on his feet, Mika could feel it. Typically he refused to allow himself to be so vulnerable in a home he had minimal time spent in, but there was something more than familiar about Poppy’s place. Maybe it was the closeness he and Poppy had in high school or it was the fact that he knew Boa would be here, as well as the kids. Or maybe it was Sly’s subtle urging of him to come around more often. Whatever it was, Mika didn’t feel like he needed to be on his guard one bit.

He felt safe here.

As he smiled and his head resting on his arm, Mika was out. He hadn’t the energy to take off his shoes nor his jacket or anything. He was in a peaceful sleep and out like a motherfucking light. 

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