Catching Fireflies | MountainGhoul x OC

~CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE~

Several Hours Later :

She was asleep. After a four hour long - in depth - conversation on plants, she was finally sleeping. Curled up in a ball next to you while she held tightly onto a stuffed teddy that looked as if it'd walked through all four seasons up in the overworld ten times over.

Releasing a small sigh, just glad the girl was finally getting some rest; she looked as if she had taken a purple crayon to the under part of her eyes. You ever so carefully got up off the bed and made your way out of the room, making sure to grab the almost empty plate that had once been full.

Looking down at it caused a tiny frown to form on your face. She had eaten all but one of the dumplings that were plated, claiming that she wasn't allowed to finish all her food. Even though the look on her face told you she was more than hungry. Having given up on trying to convince her to eat the rest, you put it aside and turned to telling her stories.

Like the bedtime stories you were once told by Lucifer and Cardinal. Cardi, having been a few years older than you when you first came up, was shocked to have someone under a decade close in age with himself.

Quickly taking up the older brother role in your life, not that you had asked him to do it; he just simply did. Stopping yourself from furthering your thoughts, knowing where they would take you in the end, you huffed out a breath and continued walking towards the kitchen.

Placing the plate on the counter as the door to the pantry opened. Out walked an old face that you'd recognize anywhere, though only having seen it a number of times before. "Miss Para?" A smile overtook your face as the woman fully turned to face you.

Realization washing over her features as she took you in. "Miss Nessa! Oh how it's been so long, how are you my dear?" Picking up the plate you just recently set down, she walked over to the sink to wash it.

"I'm doing well. A bit stressed with all the work that I've been doing, but it comes with the job." Pausing to take a seat at one of the island's bar stools. "And you? How have you been?"

The smiles never leaving either of your faces as the conversation carried on. "A little sad since my babies left for the overworld, but I've been good overall." Putting the now clean plate on the dish rack, she picked up a dirty cup. "Have you met them by chance?"

Looking up from your lap, you find that her eyes are already trained on you; awaiting an answer. "I have, they're a really good addition to the band actually." Visually seeing relief flood through her as her shoulders and posture relaxed. "There's no need to worry Miss Para, they're in good hands and being taken care of."

Hearing a soft sigh fall from the woman's lips as she finished up the last of the utensils in the sink. "I know, both you and the Church are amazing and considerate. It's just a mother thing I suppose, maybe one day you'll fully understand it yourself."

The smile she gave you was one that was bittersweet and full of uncapped love. If only she knew. If she had, she most definitely wouldn't have said anything. Miss Para wasn't one known to pity, but had she known the truth, your guess is that she probably would make an exception. Especially for your case.

Or lack thereof...

Sending back a reserved smile, one slightly different from the others you've been sharing with her, just trying to be polite. "Perhaps." Seeming to understand that she shouldn't press further, she dropped talking all together. Simply offering a nod and small smile before going back to washing the dishes.

Getting up as she finished the last spoon, you made your way to the door. "It was nice to see you again Miss Para, I'll be sure to tell Whisp and Phantom that I saw you." Throwing a friendly grin her way as you exited the room.

Eventually you find yourself wandering the halls that you once walked daily. Taking in the old architecture that somehow looked brand new but aged at the same time. Just as you were about to take the turn and make your way to Lucifer's office to see if he was there, you heard a faint cry.

Whipping around to go in the opposite direction, you realized it was coming from the room you left the sleeping ghoulette in. Breaking through the air, huffing from the slight run, you come to a stop in front of the closed door.

Still hearing the sobs from inside, you knock twice as you did before. "Hun, it's Nessa. Are you alright?" The crying suddenly stopped, prompting you to worry even more. "I'm gonna come in, okay?"

Slowly opening the door, letting light from the hallway drift into the darkened room. Stepping inside and pulling the door to close behind you. As soon as it clicked shut, tiny arms wrapped themselves around the lower part of your midsection. Being pulled from your shocked state by the little girl who was currently hugging you. "Please don't leave, please don't..."

Feeling your heart break in your chest, you gently placed a hand on her head. "I won't. I'm right here, I promise." Your reply only caused her to cling to you tighter. A lump was born in the bottom of your throat at the thought of what caused her to beg you not to leave.

Now noticing that she was shaking, you bent down slightly causing her grip to loosen before she could adjust. Hoisting her up so she was now sat on your hip as you held her. Without so much as a second thought, she rewrapped her arms around you; just this time she had them around your neck as she buried her face there too.

Wanting to help calm her down and not spook her further, you don't bring up the fact that she was just crying or the tear stains that were now drying down her puffy face. Not speaking at all as you make your way over to the closet where some of your old clothes were still hung up.

"Why don't we pick you out a new outfit, hm? I don't think those are too comfortable to sleep in." Looking down to her tattered and shredded jeans as you finished speaking.

Feeling her tense up a bit and then nod, you opened the door and entered the almost empty closet.

After about an hour or so, the two of you re-emerged into the bedroom. She dawned an unworn pair of black leggings and a simple white t-shirt, claiming she wanted to match with you. Coming out of your search for a coat for her to wear unsuccessfully, you seat her on the bed and shrug off the white over shirt you had on.

"Now I'm not sure how much Luci has told you," smiling softly at the familiar nickname that she had given the devil man, "but you know I live on up in the human's world, right?" Receiving a nod from the young girl causes you to carry on. "Well, I spoke with him and the woman who raised me, and they said that you could come live up there with me if you wanted."

Seeing the excitement grow in her eyes only to die a second later hurt a bit, knowing this is exactly how you were when you first got here. "Ghouls aren't allowed to live up there, Mister said so..." Gaining a far off look on her features as she trailed off.

Tears brimming her eyes as you crouched down to her level, gently wiping them away with your thumbs. "Then I guess Mister is wrong." Curiosity could be seen as she stared at your face. "Because I know plenty of ghouls that live up there." Shaking her head at what you said, she pulled her bottom lip into her mouth to nervously chew on it.

Looking over the cards you had to play, you decided on showing her one. "Wanna know a secret?" The childish spark threatening to peek through her worry as she mulled over her opinions, gaining a nod of approval in return. Taking a deep breath, you close your eyes and focus on finding the part of yourself that you only just recently found again.

Opening your eyes to find a small shocked face staring at you in awe. "H-how?" A tiny hand reached out to touch your face, gently brushing the tips of her fingers over your solid black eyelashes and ash colored nose.

"Magic, dumpling. Magic."

WORD COUNT - 1474

A/N - More lore and backstory for Nessa?? Gasp, who would've thought. Well me because I wrote it, but that's besides the point-
I also want to mention here that when I go and finish the story, the a/n's will be deleted (the word counts will stay). This is just because the book will be done and I personally just think it'll look neater without them there at the bottom. Hope you're all enjoying, remember to vote and comment to help support!!<33