My Zombie Family (MZF) BL

'Solace'

"Sorry, I'm late!" a familiar voice called, both tired and flustered. "Solene!" Amari smiled eagerly, drawing everyone's attention. From behind the woman, another figure emerged, breathless and struggling to pull a heavy wagon that seemed filled with their clothing. "Ah! S-So! h-heavy!!" Ivy panted, nearly stumbling over her own feet. Sophia stepped forward, ready to help, only to realize that Ivy was pulling not one, but two wagons! No wonder the poor girl was exhausted! Another was attached to the laundry wagon, carrying paint buckets, brushes, and various artistic tools. Sophia guessed they were also brought along to be cleaned. Gently, Amari guided Ivy to the clothing area while Solene and Sophia followed. "I'm glad you made it, Solene. It must have been tough getting everything here from the mural," Sophia said in her usual calm tone.

"Yeah! Solene never leaves the mural!" added Amari cheekly. "Right Ivy?" Ivy looked down embarrassed and shook her head reluctantly agreeing. "That's Ivy language for "yes! And please take a break!"" Amari teased. All the girls laughed leaving Ivy more embarrassed than before. "Amari that's enough, Don't you have things to do?" Sophia mentioned eliciting a groan from the girl. "But they just got here!" Amari whined, looking back at Sophia only to be faced with indifference. " Ugh, fine. I'll see you guys later then..." Amari sulked as she walked away. She loved and admired Sophia! But she understands that chores come first, and they were helping out anyway. 'Hmph, I guess I'll just watch from a distance!' Amari thought to herself. "Bye, we'll catch up later!" yelled Solene while Ivy waved from behind. 

"You know Ivy's right." Commented Sophia. 

"Y-yes!" stuttered Ivy. Her eagerness to get Solene to understand her careless nature. "Really, You too Sophia?" Annoyed Solene, but Ivy's expression was so filled with worry she attempted to ease her young apprentice's concern. 

"I know what you mean, but those paintings don't paint themselves..." Solene tried to counter but Ivy and Sophia's disappointment was beginning to show evidently. "I'll be sure to take breaks more often, alright? Now come on, the sooner we get this started the sooner we can finish." Assured Solene letting them take one over her.

"It's almost as if you and Barnum are the same person..." mumbled Sophia. Solene gave her a worried look simply saying "no." 

"I didn't think I was coming! I planned to sleep in for a day, but Ivy kept insisting I come here! So here we are," Solene explained while Ivy positioned the carts behind her. Once the carts were settled, Ivy took a moment to rest, wiping the sweat from her brow as Solene began sorting through the various piles of clothes and brushes. "I brought most of my aprons and some art tools that could use good cleaning. Can you spare one of the tubs?" Solene asked. She wasn't sure if it was appropriate to wash her tools with her clothes, considering they were such different materials, even if it was a cleaning day. There'd been many days where she had just that and Ivy had to step in to stop her from making things worse. Solene shook her head, that girl was really too good for her. 

Sophia picked up a few brushes and some soap, handing them to Solene with a reassuring smile. "I don't see a problem with it, but you'll need to ask Noah." Sophia then scanned the area for their fellow Zombie and pointed toward Granny Yam, who was sitting a few feet behind Noah. "He's over near that tree scrubbing, but he should be done?" she directed. With a cheerful "Thanks!" Solene headed toward Noah, leaving Ivy to manage their clothes. 

"Need some help, Ivy?" Sophia asked gesturing her way over. "Oh! No, i-its ok! I can do this. B-but ThankYou. I-I'll..." Ivy took a breath and paused for a moment struggling to keep her words steady. "Join them soon." she finished. "Alright, if you need anything let me know." Sophia smiled giving the girl a gentle head pat.   

As Solene approached, she found Noah disturbed; his gaze was out of reach and distracted as if in a haze, getting too consumed by his inner turmoil. Noah did not notice Solene approach, nor hear the echoing calls of his name. He just kept scrubbing vigorously, his thoughts jumbled and hazardous. Then, with a sudden motion, Solene grabbed his hands, forcing him to a stop. Solene had caught sight of Noah's wounds and felt compelled to act. From the sudden shock, Noah looked up and met her eyes. His expression was full of anguish and loss. A desperate clinging to an all too familiar desire. A feeling he and the other zombies shared deep inside.