doubletailpilot | IC Inbox

[Tails does reply, to his own credit - after he wakes up because sleeping in until three isn't that big a deal right - but he sounds... worn down. That's about the only way to describe it.]

You don't... you don't gotta do that.

[She can even tell he doesn't okay, now she has to go see him.]

Tails... You don't sound okay at all. Are you at your house? Because I'm coming right over.

I... Maria...

[But by this point, he's too tired to even argue.]

...I'm at the workshop.

I'll be there soon, okay?

[And with that, Maria rushes out of the Northern Welcome House to Tails' workshop with a basket of food and drinks. She also brought something else in another bag that she sets down before knocking on the front door.]

Tails, it's me. Can you open the front door please?

U-um...

Coming...!

[And Tails of course, will just open the door for Maria. He can't help taking notice of the bag, but yeah, his fur is kinda bedraggled and he kinda looks like hell.]

...Hi.

[Smooth, fox boy.]

[Maria puts down her things and hugs Tails tightly, because she felt he needed it. She kept holding onto him for a little bit until she let go to show him what was in the bag. It was... an orange and white scarf.]

I saw this in one of the shops and thought you might like it. [She keeps smiling gently at Tails.] I even brought some food and drinks over for us to share.

[Tails isn't actually going to fight that hug. Because whether he knows it or not, he does need it. Close contact, someone there, someone to just break the isolation and silence if even for only a little while. It helps, but he can't help being rattled to his core by it.]

Ah... well, it...

[He smiles, however weakly, but it's genuine. It's also the first he's smiled in literally almost two weeks. Gingerly, he accepts it in his gloved hands, holding it as if it might break if he's not careful.]

...Thank you, Maria. I... I really appreciate it.

You can come on in. We can have lunch. I'm... I guess I haven't eaten all day, so that's probably why I'm so hungry.

[Maria warmly smiles at her friend.]

I'm just glad you like it, Tails. I was a little worried you might not.

[She then takes her things and enters inside Tails' workshop. She even finds her way to his kitchen to set the basket down on the counter.]

I brought over sandwiches, salad, an apple pie, and tea. I can always make you something if you want more.

[As Tails follows her into the kitchen, he can't help gaping a little at the basket and all the listed things inside.]

Wow...

Maria, you didn't have to do all this...!

[She begins unpacking things, but also talks with Tails at the same time.]

Of course I did. It's like grandfather always told me, it's better to have a balanced diet and try new things than to starve yourself because you only like one type of food. It's about having variety in your food palate, Tails.

[Tails sighs.]

I... guess I could be eating more than I have been, past couple'a days.

[It's just kind of hard to when you just... don't really feel like eating. whoops.]

[Maria puts the food on the table now for the both of them with a smile.]

Come on then, let's eat. You need to get your strength up again.

[The sandwiches in question were simple turkey sandwiches with some lettuce on them. There's also a simple garden salad and the tea is earl gray.]

Um... well, I'll... I'll try.

I guess I just kinda lost track...

[But he IS reaching out for a sandwich...]

Just eat slow if you're feeling sick. Don't rush it.

[She sandwiches out for her own sandwich and begins eating it slowly.]

[Tails nods, at least, and begins to nibble at the sandwich. It's good, don't get him wrong! He just needs to show a little hesitation after going so long without a proper meal.]

...It's good, though.

[She brights up when Tails says that and seems rather relived.]

I'm glad! I did my best to make it tasty. If you want to eat fast, you can, but I'd rather you not get a sick stomach.

I don't... think I could eat fast, even if I wanted.

[But he is taking another bite, so, PROGRESS!]

Well I don't eat very fast either, I'm always worried about getting hiccups.

[She continues eating while watching him.]

Yeah, or stomachaches. Stomachaches really bite.

[He's taking a slightly bigger bite, though.]

So.... so how're you doing, Maria? I mean, now that things have settled down a little.

Me? Um... I'm okay. I'm still a little shaken after everything with those plants, but I'll be okay.

[A small nod.]

Y-yeah...

I'm... the city's not always that crazy. Promise.

I know, Tails. I don't have any reason to not believe you. I just hope things stay quiet for awhile.

You and me both...

[He does manage a weak smile though, in spite of it all.]

...Thanks, Maria. For... for coming out. For doing all this. You didn't even have to...

[She takes Tails' hands into hers with a bright smile on her face.]

Tails, I don't abandon my friends when they need help. I want to do all I can to help you feel better. So you don't need to thank me for being a friend.

I-I...

I know. I-I know, I'm jus'... I'm sorry. I-I feel like...

[He fumbles a bit to find the words.]

[Aw Tails, Maria stands up and hugs him for a moment before pulling away.]

It's okay really, I understand what you're trying to say. You don't have to worry so much about it.

Yeah...

I jus' feel like I should be doing more. For you, for the other new arrivals, but I'm jus' so tired and all I can do is hang back. It's... it's a lousy feeling.

I know how that is and you shouldn't force yourself to do anything when you feel that way. So it's okay.

...Thanks, Maria.

For... for understanding that much.

[That being said... he'll get right back to eating. To trying to feel more like his old self.

One step at a time.]

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