Miraclewhip at Sundown, Summertime Delight Delight

AU!Pari Moodboard ?/?? - 1986

~

Ira watched the man, not taking their eyes off of the other until Pari’s words caused them to turn back towards the cherub. They caused an expression of concern as she’d mentioned the man’s wife. The guardian watched as she pinned something on his lapel, able to see it now when she’d pulled her hands away. “It’s perfect” they looked from the pin, recognizing it from a movie the two had watched two wards ago in another place. “Thank you” they leaned down to give her cheek a kiss.

///

Another place, another time. Again she was reminded how much she missed Ira when they weren’t together. How she managed she didn’t know. Up was one of Pari’s favorite movies. The beginning always made her cry. But she cried at everything.

The cherub caught the look on their fellow angel’s face, “Ira... Let me. For once. Let me look over someone? You do so much for everyone all the time, you do know that don’t you?” She thoughtfully flattened their jacket front down with a flat palm. “Me especially... and you never complain. You’re very noble -- How do you do it?” She’d have been content to ramble on but the peck caught her off guard, a bit of her classic warmness finally returning to her face, “Oh, you’re welcome.” Slipping her hand in theirs, “— Now tell me about this cake. Is it my favorite? (This is a test, to see how well you know me.)”

~

Ira did notice the stalling, and then as she changed the subject at their mention of the moon. “I feel something, though I don’t know if it’s the same kind of love that humans feel towards one another.” they admitted, not sure if they were explaining it right. They were about to go on when Pari had managed to bump into someone. 

“Excuse me, I believe she said to let go” Ira said looking down at the man who was still holding onto her arm. “I would hate to have this situation escalate when there’s no need for it, but if you don’t do as my friend here requests I will exhibit no problem in removing that hand for you.”

///

“Oh, Ira.” She sighed, “But what do you mean? Love comes in all different forms anyway, Baby. You all think we’re so different from humans but it’s just not true. In fact, we’re very similar in a lot of ways. We just choose to pretend like we aren’t and I don’t -- I never -- understood why...”

Maybe this was an important conversation that was being interrupted.

-

Ruby had pulled a face when Pari had said dates didn’t have to end in sex. “I’ve watched plenty of romcoms. They always go on some boring ass date to a restaurant and stare at each other. I like food as much as the next demon but that’s mundane.” She sighed. Pari technically did have a point. She had never been on a date so how could she know if she didn’t like it. Especially with Miss Pari herself. Ruby looked at the arcade and back at Pari then back at the arcade. “Fine. Only because I know I could totally beat those high scores.”

///

“There’s nothing mundane about you, Ruby. I’d make you suffer through a boring dinner. You deserve more excitement than that.”

A squeak of excitement when Ruby accepted, “Oh, yay!” hands clasping together in front of her. “How does 7:30 sound? We’ll meet right back here.” a grin, “That’ll give me time to get pretty for you.”

She pulled out her phone, “I’ll text you later?”

The virtue bit her lip as she considered the question.   “Um…do you know the song ‘Act Like You Know’ by Fat Larry’s Band?  I like feeling the bass on that so I’m at least a little familiar with the beat.”  It was still nerve wracking to sing aloud, but Humility knew her friend would never judge he for something she couldn’t control.  

She gave a small laugh as she shook her head.  “Oh Heavens no.  Large crowds stress me out normally, and not being able to recognize anyone just sounded miserable.  I decided to sit that one out.”  Still Humility’s brows furrowed as she regarded the cherub.  “Why do you think you should have stayed home?”

/// She blinked at the virtue, “Do I know Fat Larry’s Band? Humi if its Funk, if it’s R&B, I know it.” Pari was already tapping away, finding a lyrics video. She took Humi’s hands and brought her into the center of the living room floor.

A small smile, “Don’t get me wrong it was fun but...” She lifted her own hands then, signing so she didn’t have to yell over the music, “I think I’ve just...” A pause, admitting, “I’ve been feeling a bit lost lately.” Her mood almost immediately deflated, though he tried to hide it. Dancing things out usually helped. She hoped it would. More than that she hoped Humi wouldn’t fuss over her though she knew the virtue would.

“Do you ever feel like you’re missing something?”

Tia nodded. “Of course you can see it. I’ll go get it!” She stood and moved towards the door and picked up her work bag, pulling the jacket out of it. “Here, I brought it in case it got cold.” Death smiled at her. “What do you think?” Tia asked. “It’s… I think it belonged to someone lovely. At least, I tell myself that.” Tia told her with a smile. 

///

Pari took the jacket gingerly, wide eyes examining its stitching. She didn’t speak for a long while.

“It was well loved. I can feel that.” Her fingers brushed against the lining, “I can’t tell who owned this before you, only that it was their favorite and that is special in itself.” Finally looking up at the horseman, “...I can also tell that someone found you quite special too. It suit you.”

-

Dorian went back to his seat.” Well, I was always told that angels shouldn’t have romantic feelings, that we aren’t suppose to feel them so you can see my surprise when I found myself having them.” He took a sip of his own drink, nodding at Pari’s question.” Orion, you are correct. He is, whiskers seems to enjoy his company as much as I do, which is nice. Orion is gentle, kind and understanding… The complete opposite of me. I think I might have scared him the first time we met but now I can’t imagine not having him by my side.” The angel hummed.” I guess I am happy.”

///

When he spoke, Pari couldn’t help the falter of her smile -- though she tried her best to conceal whatever doubt she’d been feeling going into this new year.

“That’s right... That’s what they tell us at least.” Another pause to fiddle with the straw of her drink, “...Ira doesn’t get it. I don’t think. I realized that the other day.” A gentle roll of her eyes, “Dorian, please. You’re gentle and kind and understanding in your own way.” She looked at him with big, kind eyes. And for a moment it might have looked like she would start to cry but no tears came.