" Hiii, Tabitha! Nicetomeetyou! Do you want some peanuts?"

Polyhymnia Scarlet bounded off of and away from the bus, hefting a sizeable, dripping bag of- apparently- boiled peanuts aloft as she skipped towards her estranged cousin.

Tabitha winced at the shrill, clutching the sleeves of her peacoat as a scowl cemented itself on her face. Her eyes darted over the lost Scarlet. She certainly was... colorful.

Just what had Tabitha gotten herself into?

Tabitha shifted away from her cousin, dodging a splatter of lukewarm peanut water as the bag lurched towards her.

" Put those away," Tabitha deadpanned, quirking up a judgmental eyebrow, " Why would I want your wet peanuts?"

" Okay!" Polyhymnia chirped, popping open her satchel and unceremoniously plopping the peanuts in to nestle amongst what appeared to be tufts of bright orange fur. It sloshed. Tabitha's skin crawled.

" Let's go," Tabitha jutted a thumb behind her, body turning to follow the action, " I don't want to be down here any longer than I have to."

She turned on her heel and, without waiting for a response, started walking.

It was the longest short walk back to the BMW she had ever had. Each step she took echoed with a large, shuffling twin. She glanced back behind her to find her cousin hot on her heels.

" What are you wearing?" Tabitha's gaze fell on Polyhymnia's odd footwear, two comically large paws jutting out from under her jeans.

" My fursuit!" the cousin beamed, " Just the feet, though. And the tail. And my ears! They wouldn't fit into my bags." As if to illustrate her point, she patted the overstuffed leather satchel at her side. " Except for the ears, they would totally fit. But what's the point in bringing them if I don't wear them? Had to leave the head at home, though. That definitely wouldn't have fit."

Tabitha rolled her eyes heavily. This was going to be a long week.

---

As much as Tabitha hated the idea of allowing anyone into her vehicle, she hated the idea of allowing her newfound cousin to trounce around Scarlet Hollow unsupervised more. Her reputation would never recover. It was bad enough being seen with-

" This is nice!"

She was jostled out of her thoughts by the idle chatter as her cousin slipped into the passenger seat, cutting herself off as the door shut behind her. She was still talking through closed doors as Tabitha took her own place behind the wheel. She almost didn't want to open the door, but alas.

" - can't drive, so I guess I think every car is nice, but I like this one a lot! Very rustic. Vintage." Polyhymnia stretched her limbs out in front of her, glancing her fingers over the cars dusty interior. Tabitha's eyes narrowed at the new streaks. Already, her cousin was having an impact.

Blessed silence fell as the engine whirred to life and the cousins started their trip back to the estate. Polyhymnia stared out in wonderment as the Holler's landscape whizzed by the window, gently drumming her fingers over her satchel.

" I can't believe it's taken this long to meet you!" The speed in which her head whipped towards Tabitha was unsettling. It was a wonder those stupid ears stayed put. Round eyes traced Tabitha's expression for a moment before Polyhymnia continued. Unfortunately. " It, um. The funeral. It's Sunday, right? Gosh, I got here so early- uh.. How are you.. holding up?"

The leather of the steering wheel squeaked as Tabitha's grip tightened around it. She kept her eyes focused on the winding curves ahead of her. " Fine."

Silence again as this answer was considered. Gears turned in her cousin's head as she formulated her next sentence. So she was capable of thought.

" I'm here for you." Polyhymnia's words were slow, calculated, " I... I know what it's like. Losing a mom, y'know? It still doesn't feel real that she's gone- I mean, it is, obviously, but- I mean, you know- it's, uh..." Her cheeks reddened as her words faltered and died on her tongue. She inhaled deeply. " I'm just here for you. If you need me."

Tabitha glanced over briefly before returning her eyes to the road. A broad smile had appeared on her cousin's face, but her eyes seemed apologetic.

" Look, P-"

" Hymn is fine!" The interruption had been spring-loaded, coiled and ready to strike at the first plosive. An automatic response from a lifetime of a clunky first name.

Tabitha grit her teeth, calming herself before continuing.

" Hymn. I'm fine. It's been fine. The only thing I needed was a coffin and someone to dig the hole, and the only thing you need is to stay out of trouble long enough for the funeral. That's it."