Title: Fly High Status: Complete Characters: Anon, Naser, Amber, Rosa, Original Characters Rating: SFW Classification: One-Shot Author: EidolonThePhantom Summary: Set several decades after E4. Anon awakens to an empty bed again, but today is a special day, and it reminds him of what he still has. Work Text: My eyes slowly open. Well, another day I suppose. Yay. Thank goodness for dreamless medicated sleep. I look up at the window above the bed, seeing the pale light trapped against the curtains. Must be around 8 as usual. I reach my hand over to the other side of the bed. Empty. I still haven't gotten used to that. Though it's better than reaching over and...I shudder at the memory of...so cold...I close my eyes and grit my teeth. I just don't want to get out of bed. Lately I've found myself hoping that I simply won't wake up. Alas, no such luck today. I sigh deeply. Well, won't get anything done lying around all day I suppose. Not to mention I have to piss like a racehorse. Taking a deep breath, I turn around go get a leg off the bed, then the other, planting both feet in my slippers. Then, using both arms, I slowly move to sit up--ow!--stupid creaky old bones. Once I'm sitting up I look at the wall a few feet ahead of me. There she is, smiling that beautiful smile from within her gilded frame. Her face is marked by the journey of many decades, but her eyes are just as bright as they were when they first fell upon on me. Within the frame, underneath the photograph and resting against a little felt pad holding it in place, is a feather. A soft, pale blue feather, perfectly preserved behind glass. How I fondly remember when a set of angelic wings covered in those feathers once wrapped around me every day, shielding me from the outside world. Heaving another deep breath, I slowly make my way fully to my feet. Ouch. Is it too much to ask for a new spine? Or at least new kneecaps? I slowly walk over to the picture, and gently run my hand along the frame. "Good morning, Lucy." My voice is just above a whisper. "It still doesn't get any easier, but I'll keep going. I'm a stubborn bastard, as you well know. When I croak I'll go like Beethoven, shaking my fist at the thundering heavens." I chuckle a little, though my eyes mist over. "I miss you so much." I sniffle and dry my eyes with my pajama sleeve, pulling myself together before shuffling out of the bedroom to hit the bathroom and then making my way to the kitchen. The coffee maker is already running when I arrive, just as it should be. Perfect, only a few more moments until I get my precious dirty bean water. While I wait I look over at the small digital screen on the wall adjacent to the counter. One of the few control terminals for the house, allowing me to set the lights, climate and a few other settings in each room. As a feature of convenience each one also displays the date, time, and weather/temperature outside. Sunday, April 14...APRIL 14?! That's right! Forsaking the coffee maker for now I hurry as best I can back to my room and grab my phone before making my way back and setting it on the counter. After I prepare and take my first sip of coffee, feeling its rush of life-giving energy, I pick up my phone, go into the quick-dial, and tap the profile picture. The phone rings a couple of times before it picks up. A deep male voice with a Russian accent answers. "Morning, Pops." "Hey there Zak." I chuckle. "Let me guess, she forget her phone again?" "What else?" "Ah that girl and her phone. Let her know I called when she comes back." I say. "Will do. Oh, and same place for dinner of course, 7:30." "I'll be there. See you later, son." I take another sip of coffee. "See you lat--hold on. Ah, speak of the devil." Zak chuckles. "You forgot something!" He calls away from the phone. I hear a familiar woman's voice answer, her tone exasperated. "I would believe that if we hadn't been married for forty-one years." He chuckles again. "Alright alright, here you go." I smile, eagerly awaiting the voice of the one I had called. "Hey Dad." Amber says happily. I can hear the smile in her voice. "There's my baby girl." I say, full of warmth and joy to hear her. "I'm sixty-three years old, Dad." Amber replies with a sigh, though I can hear the amusement in her voice. "I'm sixty-three years old, Dad." I mimic in a goofy voice. "Don't go giving me those factual numbers and shit. You could be a hundred and you'll still be my baby girl." She laughs. "Whatever you say." "That's right. I'm the old man, gotta humour me." I chuckle and take another drink of coffee. "Happy birthday, sweetheart. I hope you and Zak are doing alright." "We're doing well, Dad." Amber's voice then becomes low and concerned. "How are you doing?" I have to set my coffee mug down so my shaking hand doesn't drop it. "I'm. Alive." I manage after a few moments. "Oh, Dad..." She says softly. "I know, I know, I...it's just harder for me to get up every day." I sigh. "Are you still on the sleep aids?" "I tried coming off them, but then I just can't sleep. And I don't want to sleep. I like my nights dreamless now. Lets me rest without...you know...seeing..." I can't finish. She sniffles. "I miss her too, Dad." She whispers. "I've tried to call her a couple of times before remembering...and I can't just get rid of her number." "I can't either." I take a deep breath. "Anyways, I have some things to do today. I'll see you this evening. I love you, my sweet baby girl." "I love you too, Dad. I'll see you later." She blows a kiss over the phone before hanging up. I set the phone down. Thank goodness she has Zak there with her, she'll need him right now. I look over at one of the walls of family photos, seeing the picture of the two of them together with Amber holding baby Luka, the first of three. I can't help but smirk a little. The apple certainly didn't fall far from the tree. I can't say I was at all shocked when she brought over a human boyfriend. It's nigh on traditional for a boyfriend to be scared shitless of his girlfriend's father, but it was the opposite in my case. Dude was fucking ex-Spetsnaz, I still assert he could have killed us all with just his thumb, including Ripley. To say I was apprehensive is an understatement, but he quickly proved himself to be a very good man, and a wonderful husband and father. I'm proud to consider him my son. Next to that picture is one of Luka all grown up, standing next to his at-the-time fiancee, Mina, who is one of Trish and Reed's granddaughters. Who'd have thought those two would shack up? But they had a very happy marriage and two kids after Reed kicked his carfe habit following a near-fatal overdose. He went first, about five years ago. Trish wasn't even a month afterwards, she was so lost without him. I miss them dearly, but they're together again, and they can keep Lucy company until I bite it. Underneath that picture is Luka and Mina with their twins, Riley and Sasha. It's truly incredible how the family just kept growing. I'm now related by marriage to Rosa as well, one of her great-granddaughters having recently married one of my great-grandsons. She's still going strong, no surprise. A formidable matriarch, but a more motherly soul you could never find. Our families have been close for a long time, Amber has known her as Tía Rosa since she was little. I hope I can see her again soon. My phone's notification goes off. "What do you want..." I grumble as I pick it up. Ah, my prescriptions are ready. That will give me something to do today besides vidya at least, it's a long while until dinner. First though, I need to get some real clothes on. After finishing my coffee, I head back to my room and put on some pants and a t-shirt before grabbing the fob for my car and walking out of the house, making a mental list of a couple of things to pick up while I'm out alongside my medications. - The hours pass by in a blur after my return, playing the most recent action-RPG that had caught my fancy. Once a gamer, always a gamer after all. Man I seriously wonder how old folks in ages past whiled away time without these incredible treasures of modernity. I don't want to imagine the boredom. Anyway, focus, boss time. Third attempt. Third time's a charm, baby. Almost. Almost. A sliver of health. You're mine you son of a bitch. One. More. Hit. My phone goes off loudly. "Son of a--!" I pay dearly for that moment of distraction, getting hit by a one-shot attack. "Agh god damnit." I set the controller down and grab my phone to see whomst dared disturb my gaming. My heart leaps; it's the 6:45pm alarm already, time to get going. I turn off the computer and get creakily out of my chair, going to the bathroom to freshen up some more before heading into the bedroom to change into black slacks and a dark green button-up. Green was always my colour. After applying a bit of my nice cologne, I grab my jacket and get on my shiny dress shoes before heading out. It's around a fifteen minute drive to the large restaurant, and I already recognize a few vehicles in the parking lot when I arrive. Grabbing a spot as close as possible to the building, I get out of the car and approach the doors. Through the large windows I can see several of my family members gathered at a set of few tables that were put together, including the birthday girl. My heart warms at the sight of them, and I have a smile on as I walk in and up to the hostess, a pretty dark blue dilophosaurus with bright orange eyes. "Ah, Mr. Mous." She says, recognizing me from the past few years coming here for Amber's birthday dinners. "How are you doing tonight? I heard the bad news, I'm so sorry." "Thank you, Lisa." I reply, touched by her concern. "I'm continuing on. It will be so good to see my family again." She smiles. "One of the best ways to heal when you're grieving is being around people you care about. Go on ahead, I hope you have a great time." "I shall." I smile at her and walk to the assembled party. Amber quickly spots me and rushes over, and when she reaches me I wrap her as tightly as I can in these old arms. "Happy birthday, baby girl." I say to her, my voice quavering slightly with emotion. "I'm so happy to see you, Dad." She hugs me, kissing my cheek. "We're always here for you, never forget that." I pet her hair. "I could never forget that." The hug releases, and Zak steps in to take over. "Hey there, Pops. Glad to see you." "Good to see you too." I hug him firmly before releasing after a few moments. Holy shit this guy is still shredded for a man in his 70s. "Hey there, Anon." I turn to my left when I hear a familiar voice, and my eyes widen when I see who it is. "Naser!" I immediately grab my beloved brother-in-law in a tight hug, which he eagerly returns. This is certainly unexpected, but very welcome. "It's been forever, you old coot." I tease him. "Pffft, who are you calling old, gramps?" He chuckles, releasing me after several moments. "I was in town and couldn't miss my niece's birthday. I also wanted to check in on you. I know it's been hard. It...has for me too." He looks at me with his eyes full of sadness and sympathy. I nod in response. Poor Naser, I still remember as though it were yesterday hearing him break down and cry when I called to let him know what had happened. "It's been very hard. I wouldn't manage without my family. I'm so happy to see everyone again." I join him in walking over to the rest of the assembled group, where I'm greeted by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their spouses. Even a couple of great-great-grandchildren are there. Smiles and hugs abound, kisses all over my cheek, words of love and sympathy fill my ears. God, where would I be if I didn't have all these wonderful people? A couple more arrive, and I greet them before taking my seat along with everyone else. Waters and baskets of rolls come to the table and drink orders are put in while the menus are perused. I already know what I'm getting, so I get talking with Naser beside me while he scans the available options. After a few minutes my attention is drawn away when I hear Amber gasp, and I look over at her with concern, wondering if everything is OK. She's staring towards the entrance, and I curiously follow her gaze. Standing there near the hostess stand in a long black floral-embroidered dress, thick locks of snow-white hair flowing around her aged yet proud and elegant face, her bright ruby eyes twinkling as she looks at our party... "Tía Rosa!" Amber jumps up and runs to the ankylo matriarch, who happily opens her arms to embrace the excited ptero. "Happy birthday, mija!" Rosa gushes with a bright smile, kissing Amber's cheek a couple of times. "It's wonderful to see you again. You look so beautiful tonight! I hope you are doing well?" She releases the hug. "I'm doing well, thank you." Amber replies happily. Zak steps up next to her, and also receives a hug and a kiss on the cheek from Rosa. "I'm sorry to pop in out of the blue." She says. "I know you had things planned out already, I'll cover my own bill." "You'll do no such thing." Zak waves his hand. "You're family, you are always welcome." He looks at Lisa. "Can I get one more added to the party please?" "Of course." Lisa smiles and takes up a menu. "Right this way." She says to Rosa, leading her towards our group where Luka, the gentleman he is, has already set up a chair for her. A few of us are stood up to greet Rosa, and I see her gaze lock onto me. Her face is soft, full of affection and concern as she sweeps gracefully towards me. "An-on." She embraces me gently--thank goodness she learned to control that strength of hers--and kisses my cheek. After a few moments of a silent hug she pulls back and looks me in the eye. "How are you, cariño?" She asks softly. "Are you holding up well?" "Well enough." I reply with a small smile. "Better now I'm here with everyone." "Familia is the best remedy for when you're hurting." Rosa says sagely. "And never, ever be afraid to reach out for help if you need it." She smiles. "You know you can give me a call if you need anything. If you just need someone to listen, I'm all ears. If you need to move some furniture around, I'll assemble an army of strapping grandsons." She giggles. "Anything. I'm here for you, hermano, cien por ciento. I know you, An-on. Promise me you won't try to go through this alone." She gently cups my cheek in her hand. Dangit I could cry. I give Rosa another hug, unable to believe how lucky I am to have her in my life. I never would have imagined that me falling on her poor flowers after getting kicked in the face would lead all the way to this. "I promise, Rosa." I assure her. She pulls back from the embrace, sternly pointing a finger at my chest. "I'll hold you to that. We may both be old but that won't save you from la chancla." She threatens, a playful twinkle in her eye. I chuckle and walk her over to her chair, where she takes a seat and joins in on the conversation as she opens her menu to decide on the food. Heading back to my seat, I stretch and turn to look out the nearby window, the happy chatter behind be fading to white noise. The very first stars are starting to shine in the late evening sky, and leaves are flowing on the breeze. I watch them, enjoying their random patterns, before something else catches my eye. A feather has joined in. A beautiful downy feather, flitting this way and that in gentle spirals as the wind wills it. The sight makes tears prick the corner of my eyes as I follow its graceful dance. She is here with us, right now, even though we can't see her. I can clearly picture in my mind's eye the bright and happy smile on her face as she watches over us, the large and loving clan we grew together. To think it all started with a passing glance as I made my awkward way up the stairs of Volcano High on my first day, where I'd hoped to escape everything and coast under everyone's radar for the rest of senior year. If some prophet had come up to me and told me that very same moody and prickly ptero with the haughty stare would be my loving wife for over sixty years, I would have busted a gut laughing in their face. Fate is a funny thing indeed. I'm alerted by a sudden tap on my shoulder, and quickly turn from the window. "Server's here." Naser inclines his head. I nod, looking over at the server. She's starting at the other end it looks like, so I have a few more minutes. I look back at the window to keep watching the feather and reminiscing just a bit longer, only for it to dance away out of view. I feel a sting of sadness, but deep down I get what it means; focus on what's here and now. I listen to the conversation behind me, taking in the joyful sounds of my family's voices, my daughter's musical laugh. I smile to myself. She's right. My time will come whenever it comes, and she will be waiting for me however long or short it is. I need to cherish what I have in front of me while I'm still here in this world. That would make her happy. And there's nothing I want more than to make her happy. I take a breath to center myself. Before I turn my attention back to the family gathering, I take one last look up at the twinkling stars. Fly high, my angel. [POST-NOTES] Just something I had the idea to write after finishing the game. Technically my second Snoot fic, but I haven't posted the first one yet. This one is more substantial, so I figured I should post this one first. I hope you like it.