An early post because I'm off to go celebrate Mother's Day with my mom and grandma :D I'm wishing you all a wonderful day! All paragraphs are tagged with the MCs' creators for some easier navigation |＾▽＾)ノ The MCs I'll be posting tomorrow will be Hanny, Tika, Mini, Sofija, and River :D
@ferretsevilarc | Like her auntie, Nene is very much allergic to dogs as well as other furry animals. She loves them very much, regardless, and she internally curses her allergies whenever she sees a fluffy animal. She loved bunnies as a very young child, but she wasn't allowed to have one. Even though she practically begged for one. Fast forward to her Golden Grove years, and she finally gets to see a dog face-to-face after being kept away from them. And boom: she's sneezing like crazy. Unfortunately, it means she has to keep her distance when she's around Leo because of residual dog hair. She's always a few feet away because of her allergies, and she starts learning how to make paper airplanes to send him messages from afar.
@piinkcheesse | Nene wears her scarf with EVERY outfit she has, even if they don't make sense. It's a real comfort to her since she can use it to hide away, if needed. When Nene meets another scarf wearer, she wants to share all her scarf ideas. Things like clipping hair clips onto them, sewing names onto them, and wrapping them around the head. Maylin has a pretty long scarf, from what Nene could deduce, so she immediately starts her search for clips and accessories that remind her of Maylin. She's a little nervous to give all the little things she found since she doesn't want to overwhelm him, so she gives one at a time. Kinda like a crow.
@sillysockles | Dolly, to Nene, is a real safe space during Step 2. Sometimes, Nene is kicked out of the lunch table of her peers, so she has to sit alone or find someone else to sit with. Since their hair is so bright, she can usually find Dolly without issue. At first, Nene found it a little awkward just because she had a lot of emotions overwhelming her from being rejected by her peers. However, she really appreciates Dolly allowing her into his space, and even, being blunt in asking her if she was really okay with that reflection from her supposed friends.
@tiredwryvern | Nene wears makeup in Step 2 practically every day. It started as a fun little hobby, then, it became something she did to fit in, and eventually, evolved into her needing to do it to cover her eye bags and any other blemishes. Of course, Nene doesn't always have the time to do her makeup, especially when she pulls an all-nighter. So sometimes, she shows up to school looking haggard with plans to do her makeup in the bathroom before class. With Frannie around, however, Nene always shows up to class with her makeup done perfectly. Her true savior. Although, Nene is always caught off guard when Frannie does her makeup when she's sleepy. She doesn't even register anything until after her makeup is done.
Hi guys, im opening commisions! I've been saving up for a while so I can afford university, soo even if you don't buy, sharing would be appreciated <3
Payments are via PayPal! Naturally, half the payment is at the beginning and the other half when the drawing is finished. You can DM me if you're interested!
ACTUALLY, don't mind if I rb This personally from time to time..
⭐️What could've been an absolutey heartbreaking event for the Idrissi family ended up being one of their favourite memories. You know what they say...true friends always have your back.⭐️
🌈Happy birthday to youuu...happy birthday to youuu...happy birthday @piinkcheesse ...happy birthday to you! Or belated anyway! Here's the fanfic you've been so excited for! I love you sooo much and I'm glad we're friends! I haven't talked about Amira here on Tumblr but I figured I could cheat it cuz you're so special! Whimsy AU, My OLNF MC Amira, her momma Sanna, Maylin and Roman silliness!🌈
🌈TW: None! Very fluffy business!...Mkay slight mentions of a bad dad. But not even he can overshadow the Whimsy here!
🌈6.5k words...whoops
Sanna remembers the day it happened.
She and Amira hadn't lived in Golden Grove for very long yet. Six months at the end of March. A short amount of time in the grand scheme of things but an impactful nonetheless.
She hadn't fully gotten used to the quiet streets or the permanently red and gold trees. She was still surprised when she'd realize that she had driven completely out of town in what felt like less than ten minutes. It was still startling how everyone seemed to know everyone. The warm greetings in those American accents. The warmth of this little town in general.
She wasn't used to it but Amira seemed to take to it all like a fish in water.
Her darling, bright and shining Amira, she thrived. Even more so than she had seemed to in London. She was enamored by the constant fall of leaves and the steady silence of the woods. She adored how close everything was, how close everyone was. She cheerfully greeted her fellow townies with the warmth of a thousand suns.
Yet more than anything, she was overjoyed with her friends.
Truthfully, Amira was a quiet child. She was cheerful and curious, yes, but more than anything she was an observer. She watched the children around her in shy silence. With hesitance. It's not that she had believed herself to be an unlikable little girl, far from that…rather, she just knew that something made her different. Something that others had clearly taken note off and had found unseemly. As such, Sanna's beloved child would keep to her own devices, her little worlds, rather than attempt to form connections with little girls in prep school uniforms.
Then there was Shantika and Pavitr Chatterjee. After that came Leo Honeybone and Maylin Berry. And suddenly, Amira was laughing and shouting and free.
It was an easy decision to allow Maylin to stay over after picking him up. Likely the easiest decision Sanna had ever made in her life.
It's why she may or may not have descended into panic the second she heard the crying start.
She had been in the garden trimming away at one of her many rose bushes as per Hanako's, her gardener's, advice. She had been soothed by the sound of her fountain and the birds’ chirping. It was around 5pm and Maylin's father would be picking him up soon.
Amira and Maylin's after school play date had seemed to have been going perfectly. Maylin was an incredibly quiet child but he was also a very sweet one. Amira appeared to talk even more around him and while Sanna worried if the poor dear would be overwhelmed, she could tell that he was having at least a bit of fun. Despite her tendency to…fret, at that point there was not a true reason for concern.
But Sanna had dropped the scepter at the first of Amira's sobs.
Amira was not a crier. This did not mean she did not cry but that it was a rare response. She typically took things on the chin with a tiny “Oh”, wondered about it, before moving forward. If she was crying over it, it must have been serious.
And so Sanna, in her heeled sandals and long sundress, rushed into her home.
Her heart pounded as she ran through the halls, the cries only getting louder. Her thoughts were moving a mile a minute. What had happened? Was Amira hurt, were both of them? How had this happened so quickly and why hadn't she been there to prevent it!?
By the time Sanna reached her daughter's star-sticker covered door, she had been shaking. Still, she had taken a breath to compose herself. No situation has ended well when an additional party arrives and begins panicking as well. They needed a stable and comforting presence.
Sanna had smoothed the wrinkles in her dress and sighed. Before entering, she softly knocked even if she had known it was unlikely she would receive a(n articulate) response.
She worried about a lot of things, about a lot of scenarios. All of them are far worse than the last. While Occam's razor still applied, it was distressing to consider what could be horrid enough that her darling would be shouting to the rooftops.
She had considered a lot…but not this.
In the middle of the butter-yellow room was Amira and Maylin standing next to…something. Amira's sobs had started to quiet down into soft sniffles as she rubbed at her now red face. Maylin stood grasping onto his scarf with an iron grip. From the shiny look in his eyes, Sanna was afraid he would begin to cry too.
Amira had heard her come in and gasped. Her little legs carried her fast across the wide room and to Sanna. Amira hugged her mother's leg as she gracefully bent down to trace her hand against her wet cheek.
Amira continued to sniffle without saying a word. Finally, Sanna asked in a gentle gentle voice:
“My Darling…? Whatever is the matter?”
Amira nuzzled her face into Sanna's hand and provided her with a stuttered out answer, “Mum…my dollhouse…we broke it!”
Sanna blinked and lifted her gaze to where Maylin stood. The small boy's own gaze seemed to widen, guilty and he buried himself further in his scarf. Sanna's heart squeezed painfully for a moment but she attempted to turn her focus to the dollhouse in question.
In a room designed to fit a little princess, certain things stood out. It was all softness. Lace curtains, piles of pillows and soft teddy bears. Theoretically, you could fall anywhere and it would essentially be like landing on a cloud.
“W-we were playing and, and Maylin had tripped over Ms Jameelah because she was on the floor and he fell into the house because we were playing dollies and now it's broken!!!”
Alright. There may have been one area where the fall would not feel very cloudlike…
Sanna continued to rub her daughter's face as her stutter worsened with her growing distress. She kept looking at the destruction. That's the only way she could describe it really, destruction.
On the floor were…parts…of Sanna's beloved wooden dollhouse. Parts that simply were not together anymore. No, rather, there were panels of wood scattered across the ground. The miniature dolls that Amira had grown so fond of lay beneath the wreckage. 120 centimeters of wreckage.
It looked like a massacre and Maylin looked like he was going to sob.
Sanna sighed, guilty and relieved. She kissed Amira's creased forehead and raised up once more. She began walking to Maylin.
The small boy shook harder with every step she took towards him. His lip quivered and his brow trembled as he kept glancing up at her, then down. Her heart broke with what felt like recognition. Sanna had to resist the temptation to rush and squeeze the poor thing.
Instead, she had slowly bent down to his level and smiled her softest smile.
“Are you alright, dear? That must have been quite the fall.”
Maylin's eyes widened and he finally looked up at her. Immediately she was reminded of the stuffed bunny that he would bring with him. Peaches. Maylin's nose twitched and he slowly nodded.
“Oh, I'm glad. It must've been rather scary…I trip over my own feet constantly and it still feels like my heart is in my throat everytime.”
Sanna hummed quietly at the look of quiet surprise in Maylin's pink eyes. She brushed a lock of her hair from her face as she gazed at Maylin's forehead. Her brows furrowed in concern.
“It's alright, my darling. I also tend to get all sorts of bumps and bruises, especially with falls like this. Would you allow me to check if there's any further reasons for us to worry?”
Maylin continued to look at her as he slowly began exiting the cocoon of his soft scarf. His little shoulders tensed and his gaze darted off of her as he seemed to consider the request with a thoughtfulness that was a bit rarer to see within a ten year old. On the rare occasion Amira, little eight year old Amira, seemed to think things through with a similar look in her golden eyes. Finally he looked back at her and gave a small nod.
Sanna gently lifted his bangs and traced his forehead. He shivered and she smiled reassuringly at him before moving her hand away. Best not stress him out further.
She said in a gentle but peppy voice, “Perfect. You're alright, Maylin. Far be it that a little accident startle such a clever child like yourself too much, yes? I'd like to believe we'll all be able to move past this perfectly happy. Wouldn't you both agree?”
Sanna looked down at Amira who had moved closer to her and continued grasping onto her dress. She was staring at Maylin, worried. Maylin looked back.
“It's okay, Maylin,” Amira said with a cheerful tone more befitting of her. “It was just an accident! I'm sorry that you fell…”
Maylin hugged his shoulders and looked down. He seemed more guilty than anything but he nodded. Amira nodded too, more enthusiastically, and Sanna sighed.
“Ms Idrissi!” Anya's voice echoed throughout the halls of the house. It was Friday afternoon and she had finished cleaning up and cooking dinner, so she was likely about to leave. “Mr Fiore's here to pick Maylin up!”
Or that. Yes, that made sense.
Maylin startled into action and began walking to the door. He didn't walk out without the golden pair but he did seem antsy. Sanna had mercy on him and rose up, grasping Amira's hand.
“Shall we?”
Together the three of them made their way to the large front door. Sanna had smiled at both of them before she opened it to reveal Roman Fiore, little Maylin's father.
When Sanna had met Roman, she could only really think about how…different he was to the rest of the people in her life. They all were of course, Daniela Honeybone and Deviya Chatterjee included. And yet, it was particularly notable with Roman. Perhaps it was his warm smile or easy demeanor. His lack of judgement and cheery jokes. The slight messiness.
Perhaps it was the fact that Roman and…Hassan couldn't be anymore different.
As soon as the door opened, the little smile that always seemed to be on his face grew. It grew even more as he looked at his little boy and he waved. Maylin ran forward and behind him, grasping at his pant leg.
Roman let out a little “Oh-” and stared down at Maylin, shocked. He raised his hand to pet down that head of long, long hair and looked at Sanna with a question in his eyes.
“Good evening!” He greeted with cheerful hesitance. He looked down at Maylin again and his brow furrows slightly. “Is–Is everything alright?”
Sanna smoothed out the folds on her dress and nodded. She attempted to smile reassuringly, both at Roman and Maylin.
She spoke comfortingly, “Mhm, yes, everyone is alright. Just had a bit of an accident but we managed. Dear Maylin, especially.”
Roman's eyebrows raised at the word ‘accident’ and he looked down at Maylin with increasing worry. He kneeled down to his level and Maylin was forced to let go.
He whispered, “Are you okay?”
Maylin was quiet for one moment before he started whispering in his father's ear. Sanna could only catch bits and pieces. Words like “dollhouse”, “fell” and “sorry”. Roman nodded along before sighing. He looked up at Sanna and Amira with a remorseful, slightly panicked, look. Sanna immediately felt more worried about the stress this was causing Maylin and him.
Roman cringed and spoke hurriedly, “I am absolutely so sorry about all of this– Maylin is as well! If there's anything we can do to make up for this, please let me know. We are both incredibly sorry–”
Before Sanna could even speak, Maylin whispered in his dad's ear again. Roman's eyes widened and he nodded. He spoke again, “Yes, Maylin is right. Maybe we could cover the damages? Repay it? It really is no trouble at all!”
Sanna thought back to the dollhouse. That thing was the most expensive toy Amira owned. He had made sure of that. There was absolutely no way Sanna would ask anyone to repay such a large sum of money, especially the father of her child's friend. She gently shook her head.
“There's no need for that! It truly was an accident. I'm just glad they're both alright.”
Apparently, Roman had a stubborn streak that Sanna was previously unaware of because he only shook his head more firmly than she had.
“I insist. It was an accident but we can still try to help where we can, it wouldn't even be a hassle!”
“I'd only feel horrible if I asked such of you…”
“Yes, well, Maylin and I would feel even worse if you didn't.”
The two parents stared at each other. Sanna with hesitance and Roman with determination. It seemed no one was going to drop the matter. A beat passed before–
“Mum…Can't we just rebuild it, please? I don't want another one, this is my dollhouse…!”
Sanna already started nodding her head before pausing. She glanced at Amira before looking at Maylin and Roman.
They could rebuild it. It was completely possible. Amira and her had done it before after all, despite the…challenges. It could be done again and perhaps–
Perhaps they could have more help than they did the previous attempt.
So before she could start to doubt herself (even more), she said, “Of course my love, we can rebuild it. Tomorrow, perhaps? The weather will be lovely and you did such a wonderful job of baking with Anya last time! Maybe we can make a day of it?”
Amira smiled at Amira but tilted her head in Roman's direction and quickly glanced. She wasn't sure if her implication was clear enough, maybe she should–
“Yes! Oh, oh– Please let Maylin come please!! It'll be so much fun! Uhm! Mr Fiore can come as well, please!”
Amira giggled while smiling wide. Sanna let out a breath. She was truly her little assistant to the end
Roman's eyes widened slightly and he looked at Sanna. She smiled and smoothed her dress. He turned his gaze down on Maylin who was staring up with starry eyes and Amira who was vibrating with excitement. Roman grinned and nodded.
Sanna said, “Lovely. 1pm tomorrow then? We'll have tea. Amira simply couldn't deal without it.”
He chuckled and held out his hand. She blinked for a moment, before tepidly reaching out as well. They shook hands and the deal was made.
“It's a date.”
Sanna and Amira sat in the kitchen, getting ready for the fun day ahead. Amira sat near the kitchen counter, pouring over the instruction manual they had tucked away in their bags when they moved to town. All around her was pages upon pages of “design ideas”, each sketch was more elaborate than the last.
“Maybe instead of a house, we could make it a castle like this instead!"
“I do adore your enthusiasm, darling, but I doubt we have enough pieces to do that.”
Amira did ultimately settle with the original design's shape. Though she was a tad bit upset she had to give up her dreams of woodworking and craftsmanship, there were still things to look forward to. One of things Sanna and Amira always look forward to actually.
“Did you remember to put them all outside, dearest?”
“Yes, Mum!”
Sanna smiled softly and nodded. She was busy washing the dishes. They had waffles this morning upon Amira's sweet request, “May we please, Mum? I think it would be a nice way to start the day I think!” Sanna had no issues with the arrangement. Now she stood by the sink, making sure to keep their home nice and neat.
There were extras for Maylin and Roman. Just in case they'd be interested.
The sound of Amira's scribbling blended with Sanna's quiet humming. It was a peaceful morning, as they typically are in that house. Despite her nerves, Sanna wanted to believe this would be a good day.
When the scratching on paper stopped, Sanna looked back at Amira.
Amira was gripping her crayon with an awfully pensive look on her face. Her free hand tugged at the ends of her golden hair. She pursed her lips and Sanna had to stop her giggle at her stray thought.
She looks like she just ate a lemon.
Sanna dried her hands and walked to sit with her. She grasped Amira's hand and traced a finger against the sketches. They were all beautiful in their earnestness…like something out of a fairytale. What she would give to see every thought she had turned into art.
“My Love? What has you looking so thoughtful?”
Amira looked up at her. Her golden eyes gleaned as she squinted and Sanna's heart squeezed. She always looked so much like her grandfather. She huffed and responded, worried,
“I'm only worried that Maylin feels bad! We were just playing and, and–and then he fell! And I cried too! But I wanna fix my dollhouse too and it would be so wonderful to do with Maylin and Mr Fiore! But what if Maylin is sad or angry that I cried- I must've seemed like a big baby!”
Amira's volume and pitch raised with every word. It was not very often that she would panic this severely. Sanna tilted her head slightly as Amira squeezed her eyes shut. She smiled to herself in secret.
Gently, Sanna raised her hand to the little girl's face and cupped her cheek. As she rubbed her cheek, Amira's eyes blinked open, shiny and wondering.
“I know, dear. It was an accident and you are a very good friend for worrying about Maylin. I can assure you, he wants to assist just as much as you'd like him to. There is absolutely nothing wrong with expressing how you feel, my darling. Especially with something so important to you.”
Amira tried to look down but Sanna merely tilted her head up. She moved her hair and softly pressed a kiss to her forehead. Amira giggled and grasped her mother's hands.
“You are an exceptionally caring and compassionate individual, Amira. You would repaint the night's sky for your loved ones if you knew it'd make them happy. If I can have you promise me anything, it would be to always carry that love with you. For Maylin, for Leo, for Shantika–all of them. Carry the love you have for them and the love they have for you. Promise me that, my darling?”
Amira sat with a wide grin on her face and nodded rapidly. She stared up at her mom, giggling.
“I promise!”
And so, the pair continued on with their morning rituals. There was a slight hiccup during bathtime—Amira was rather sad there was no time for a bubble bath but the promise of one before bedtime seemed to perk her right up—but everything was moving along wonderfully!
Finally at exactly 12:55pm, the two were sitting and waiting by the stairs. Amira was kicking her feet, staring at her sparkly sneakers as Sanna was tying her hair.
“Did you put lotion on your face?”
“Yes, Mum!”
“And you're sure everything is outside?”
“Yes, Mum! I checked three times!”
“Perfect, wonderful job, dear.”
“Thank you, Mum!!”
There was a knock on the door just when Sanna finished tightening the bow. Amira squealed and jumped up but waited for her mother. Sanna shot her an appreciative smile before whipping her hands on her pants and standing up. It'll be fine. Good, even!
She smiled down at Amira before opening the door. Just like the day prior, on the patio, stood Maylin and Roman. Roman waved a hand with a grin and Maylin mumbled a meek “Hello.”
Roman smiled at Maylin before greeting, “Good morning! Reporting and ready for duty!”
He nodded with a salute and Sanna blinked for a moment before snorting. She covered her nose with a delicate hand. She replied, “Of course! I believe with the four of us at it, we'll manage just fine.”
Amira rushed forward and stopped just as she was about to topple over May who hopped back. Amira didn't seem to notice or mind, she just waved enthusiastically.
“Good afternoon, Maylin and Mr Fiore! Hi Maylin again! Thank you for coming, thank you!”
Maylin gave a shy and tiny wave and brushed a strand of long hair out of his eyes. He looked considerate for a moment before he seemed to steel himself. He said to the eight year old, “Hi Amira…Thank you for inviting me–us.”
His voice was almost lost to the wind with how soft it was but Amira caught it anyway. She gave a small gasp and clapped quietly. It seemed that Maylin was able to reassure Amira all on his own.
Roman looked at them both with a soft grin. He rubbed Maylin on the shoulder who looked up at him, confused. He gave him an approving nod before looking down at Amira.
“Look at you! You look like quite the little professional in your–”
He paused. He blinked. He looked at Amira, then at Sanna and then at Amira again. He repeated this 3 times. Sanna felt the rising urge to fidget.
Suddenly his face broke into a wide grin, he gestured at them, “I didn't realise that a pair of twins moved here! You're practically identical!”
Sanna glanced down at her outfit. She always believed being prepared is the best thing to be. She needs to be in order to function. So here she is wearing a set of tan overalls with her hair pinned up. Amira was wearing a matching, tinier set. Hair bow added.
She thought the matching was rather cute…she couldn't help herself.
She blushed and reached to twist the ring on her finger before realizing there wasn't anything there anymore. She smiled and chuckled awkwardly.
“Good afternoon, Mr Fiore and Maylin, dear. lt…it will be very useful for the agenda we have today! Amira agreed.”
Amira nodded. She did agree. Roman tilted his head curiously and engaging. Maylin stared up at Sanna.
“An agenda? Well, now I'm curious.”
Sanna hummed and stepped out the doorway. She began walking forward and off the patio with Amira right at her heels. Roman turned to look at them and Maylin leaned forward.
Sanna glanced back at them with a wave. Amira giggled and ran back to grab Maylin's hand. He startled but remained limp as she began to run, tugging him along.
“Here! This way! Please hurry up Mum and Mr Fiore!”
Roman peeked at Sanna who gave a shy smile. She gestured an arm out to the little stone path that the children had begun running down.
“Right this way, please.”
Amira led Maylin and Sanna led Roman. Down and down the path, surrounded by bushes with blossoming flowers. The sound of Amira and Maylin's rapid footsteps harmonized with the sound of the birds chirping. The path ended and they were finally in the garden.
Among the vibrant flowers and trees was the gazebo, centre-stage. The glass table that sat there was no longer as empty as it typically was. Instead there was a pitcher full of lemonade and a plate of chocolate chip cookies, covered and protected.
But most importantly was the parts of the dollhouse, organized into neat little piles. Placed nicely on the steps were tubes of acrylic paint in every colour under the sun. Next to the cookies, there was the instruction manual.
Sanna nodded quickly to herself. Glue, painting supplies, water, snacks and drinks. Everything seemed to be accounted for and she allowed herself a tiny sigh of relief. The fifth time of double checking, Amira had asked when it was bathtime causing her to snap out of it. They should be covered. She knows they are.
Maylin let out a tiny gasp and Sanna believes she even heard a tiny, “Beautiful…”
Roman whistled, “Look at this! You really did plan everything out didn’t you? Your garden is absolutely stunning. Maylin also agrees of course.”
Sanna smiled and Amira giggled.
“Thank you, I had a lot of help.”
“Thank you, Mr Fiore! You too, Maylin, thank you!”
Sanna began walking towards the gazebo and explaining, “Last night, I reassessed the damage and decided it would likely be best if we put the dollhouse back together from scratch. I know that may sound a wee bit intimidating but I do believe the four of us together will manage perfectly fine. Amira and I have done this before after all.”
Roman nods enthusiastically and pats Maylin on the head, “We're excited to lend a hand!” Maylin glanced at him, shoulders hunched. He did give a tiny nod.
Sanna sat down and grabbed one of the tiny panels. Amira rushed up to sit beside her and gestured for Maylin to follow. He did and Roman trailed along.
Amira pulled one of the paints towards her before excitedly turning towards her mother, “Mum! We're still going to paint them, right? Please say yes!”
Sanna smiled and nodded as Roman gave a light laugh. “I see what the overalls are for now.” She only tilted her head toward him in a gesture that subtly said: I'm always prepared for every situation. Even if it seems silly to be.
He pats down his own pants and turns to Maylin. Both of them are dressed a bit less practically. Thinner sweaters for the slowly warming weather, Maylin's pastel pink with tiny, speckled hearts and Roman's a coffee brown. Both wore light jeans.
They were not fancy clothes, but they were nice ones. Sanna blinked and got up.
“Oh dear,” She started already waking. “One moment, I'll get you something so nothing happens to your clothing. I absolutely should've mentioned that–”
Roman startled and began to get up as well. “Oh no! It's not a problem, really! I can just get our jackets from the car—”
Sanna shook her head and motioned for him to sit. She brushed a strand of her from her face. “Please? It really is the least I could do.”
He pursed his lips before sighing with a slight smile. He nodded once at her and offered a small “Thank you”. She rubbed her hands down her pants and offered what she hoped was not an awkward smile in return.
In a moment she had returned with two aprons. Both in pastel blue. She held them out to the pair.
“Oh wow–You really are prepared.”
Sanna simply huffed out a laugh.
Roman finished wearing his while Maylin still struggled to tie the bow at the back. His father kept offering help but the boy seemed determined to do it alone.
At least, until Amira offered a cheery little, “Maylin, I can help if you want! My Mum always does mine and I wanna practice!”
He looked to be considering this before his shoulders slumped down and he gave a shy nod. Amira hopped over and began tying.
“Mum and my old nanny used to always say that you just need to make it two bunny ears! It sounds cute and that's how I always remember.”
Maylin's ears perked up at the word “bunny” and he tilted his head back. He offered a quiet, “That does sound cute.”
“It does! I like your sweater by the way. Oh, can we use pink for the dollhouse, please Mum? It's Maylin's favourite colour! And couldn't last time!”
Sanna felt herself cringe internally at the mention of last time. Out loud she replied, “Of course, my darling. Anything you want.”
Roman smiled at her, curiously. She tried smiling back.
Maylin glanced back at the sloppy bow on his back. Sloppy but still completely reliable. It looks like Amira has been practicing after all. Maylin blinked and nodded, a small smile on his face.
“...Thank you.”
“You're welcome!”
Amira bounced back to her seat by her mother and Maylin sat near her. The group created a crescent shape around the organized piles. Sanna picked up two pieces of sandpaper and handed one to Roman.
She started picking up the separated wooden panels and showcasing how to sand them down. She explained, “Since they're wooden and have already been painted over, sanding them down will smooth them out and make re-painting much easier!”
Roman nodded along picking up one of the brown panels. He looked up at Sanna and said, “You know, Sanna, I wouldn't have taken you for the crafty type!”
Before Sanna could answer, Amira jumped in, “No, Mum is very talented! She paints and stuff and everything!”
Roman turned to Amira with an enthusiastic smile as he began sanding the panel down and replied, “Oh, I've heard about the painting actually! Maylin is very enthusiastic about it all, and finds it very admirable.”
Sanna looked at Maylin at the sound of his squeak. He had gone red and dropped the paintbrush he was fiddling with. She tilted her head and smiled softly, “I admire your art as well, dear.”
Maylin blinked, wide eyed and while Sanna thought he would shrink down even further, he didn't. Instead, he looked at her with the most starry eyed look in the world and a tiny giddy smile. A “Thank You”, both silent yet vividly loud.
Roman looked at his son with the softest expression on his face and for a moment, Sanna found herself…captivated.
Finally, Roman looked back at Amira and asked, “What about you, Amira? Maylin has mentioned you like drawing as well.”
Amira seemed startled at being so directly addressed but answered happily, “I do! Uhh–Mum is teaching me a lot and I would do it at school! It's fun!”
He nodded along and smiled at her, “I would love to see what you make sometime, my own art is quite the sight to behold…”
Sanna doubted Amira had caught the sarcastic remark. It was rare she ever did. But in any case, Amira seemed to be more attached to the notion that Roman was interested in her art.
She stuttered out, “Really? You–You wanna see it?”
Roman blinked but answered, “...Yes? It all sounds very impressive.”
Amira seemed to vibrate for a moment in glee but Sanna felt her heart clench. She knew why it was such a shock to her. He was never particularly interested in anything Amira seemed excited to show him.
Finally, Amira squealed and jumped closer to Roman who startled back but laughed. “Yes!!! Yes, of course I'll show you!! Mr Fiore, I promise next time you're here!”
Roman smiled happily at her. It had taken her a moment to get the words out with her stutter but he waited patiently. He was always like that with all of the children. Enthusiastic and playful. Patient and interested.
“I look forward to it.”
As they sanded every last piece down, Maylin sat close to Sanna while Amira chatted happily with Roman. Every now and again, they'd pause to eat one of the cookies on the table. Sanna whipped the crumbs from Amira's face and had to physically stop herself from doing the same for Roman.
“You're both just as bad as eachother…”
“...At least that means they're really good?”
After about an hour of hard work, Sanna and Roman were done and it was time to move on to Amira's favorite part.
She squealed, “Yay! Painting time!”
Amira grabbed at all the paints while Sanna handed out the brushes. Every colour of the rainbow at her finger tips.
Amira asked, “What's your favourite colour, Mr Fiore? I like all the soft ones! We can use your favourite on some parts of the house too!”
Roman considered her question and moved his head to and fro. After a moment, he responded,
“Yellow. It's a very happy colour.”
Sanna startled but Amira giggled loudly, “Like Mum! She loves yellow soooo much! Me too! We're lucky our hair and eyes match, it's so cool…!”
Roman blinks before laughing. “That is lucky. Very fitting for you two if I can say.”
The two continued giggling together, in their own little gleeful world. Sanna tugged on a look of her hair as she and Maylin glanced at each other. Despite her flustered she told Maylin, “Your pink eyes match you perfectly as well, darling.” He giggled quietly in response.
Pastel pink, baby blue, sunny yellow and pale white. Those were the colors they had decided on. With Sanna's guidance and everything prepared they got to work.
The conversation flowed. Primarily between Roman and Amira while Sanna added on every now and again and Maylin focused on painting.
His hands shook slightly when he decided to add flowering details. Upon closer look, Sanna realised they were little daisies. Amira's favourite.
Sanna moved closer to Maylin and whispered, “Do you need a bit of help? It's not an issue, I don't mind.”
Maylin looked down but nodded quickly. Sanna reached out and grasped his hand. He jumped but calmed down after Sanna startled as well. Maylin nodded and looked back at the panel so Sanna slowly began guiding his hand.
“Small strokes like this…It's a delicate process as you know. You're a very gentle boy. You understand that. You just need to learn to trust your hands.”
Sanna spoke quietly and intently. As they continued she felt Maylin's hand stop shaking as concentration took over. One drag down, another up. A daisy.
At the edge of her vision she saw Roman smiling softly before turning back to Amira who was explaining how he should do it. She had quieted down a bit. Roman nudged her and asked, “What are you thinking about? Seems important.”
Amira pouted up at him but answered, “It's just funny doing this again! I remember last time Mum started helping around when we started painting ‘cause Daddy said he was getting bored. Or that it was unnecessary, I think? So we didn't really paint it fully. It's funny now we're doing the whole thing.”
Roman's brow furrowed and Sanna tensed. She remembers the whole process. Likely even more than Amira did. Sanna had been begging Hassan to show their baby more affection, more attention. He, or should she say his assistant, bought his dollhouse as a six year old Amira's birthday gift. The biggest thing he could find. Said “A dad who didn't love his kid as much as I do wouldn't spoil them like I do.” Amira was ecstatic. The most important toy she owned.
Until it was time to build the thing. Hassan just complained the whole time. “Why can't they get someone else to do it?” , “They have assistants, maids for this kind of crap.” and “Isn't it enough that he bought the damn thing for her? He did his ‘fatherly duty’ so what was Sanna's issue?”
So what was supposed to be a father bonding with his daughter turned into a quiet ordeal. Sanna, because of her weakness and her compliance and because she just didn't want this memory to be tainted for her daughter…
She smiled sadly at her husband and told him he could go. She'd help their baby. And that's what she did.
It was still Amira's favourite toy. The only one Hassan ever really bought for her. He chose it even if he wasn't at that store. A giant, plain, wooden dollhouse. They never really did paint it with anything other than white and pale blue.
Roman looked up at Sanna's blank face as she guided Maylin's hands. She didn't look back. Not consciously. He considered her for a minute before looking back at Sanna who was puffing air into her chubby cheeks. She didn't look sad…just wondering.
“Well…I'm having fun. Not to worry, Amira, me and Maylin won't leave until the job is done! We are a team, after all.”
Amira cheered and stared at Roman's outstretched hand before going “Oh!” and giving him a high-five. Sanna smiled and nodded.
“Mhm…a team.”
So they painted every last piece and they worked with efficiency. Sanna was an excellent task master, making sure to keep everyone on track. That did not mean there was no playing around! At least when they had started assembling the thing.
While Roman read the instructions and put everything together, Sanna had slowly inched towards Amira before swiftly painting a flower in sunny yellow on Amira's cheek. She screamed in glee. “Mum, no!! It's cold!!!”
Sanna giggled and snorted, “But you like facepaint so much! I suppose I only thought it would make you even cuter!”
Before Maylin could even blink, Sanna dabbed a dot of pink paint on his nose with whiskers on each cheek. He scrunched his nose and even let out a little sneeze. Sanna smiled at him.
“Perfect. A little bunny nose for the sweetest boy I know.”
Maylin blushed and continued helping his father by handing him the pieces that Amira had put glue on. Sanna turned to Roman and reached out before stopping, shocked.
“I- Oh my Lord, I am so sorry–! I had just gotten carried away. I–”
Roman snorted but pouted. “No, no! I'd hate to be left out!”
Sanna huffed but awkwardly took his left hand and painted a star in yellow.
“For the stars you would give your students if they were a tad bit younger.”
“Perfect!”
By the time 5pm was rolling around, they were about done. The dollhouse was back to its former glory…no, it was even better. Amira cheered and Maylin sleepy smiled.
It was beautiful. They hadn't placed all the furniture back due to the complications that would arise when it was time to carry the thing back to Amira's room but everyone could see the vision perfectly. Amira cuddled up to Sanna and looked at the other two.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! It's perfect and amazing and I love it so much!”
Roman grinned at her as Maylin drifted off near him. Maylin gave a small smile to Sanna and Amira and nodded. Roman simply responded, “Thank you for allowing us to help.”
Amira squeaked and crawled over to the dollhouse. Quickly, she dipped one of the now clean paintbrushes into the light pink paint. As she wrote they all leaned in, “Mum says it's important to always sign your work!”
So on the floor of the living room floor, in the spot that Amira would place the room's rug, she wrote:
Amira, Maylin, Mum, Mr Fiore
The group stared, huddled up close. There was a sense of sleepy contentment as the fun day began to draw to a close.
“We should all be very proud…Good job today team.”
Roman's voice was just as tired as Sanna felt. It was a good day, after all. She scooped Amira up in her arms and pressed a kiss to her head. Roman and her bumped shoulders and, for once, she was far too relaxed to flinch.
Roman and Maylin would likely stay for dinner. The children would probably fall asleep soon after. Roman would take Maylin home and the day would be truly over. But they'd always have this dollhouse. A product of love and care and friendship.
Isnt it great when you can share birthdays? Happy birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in May!!
This waaaas actually a birthday gift for @piinkcheesse ! (Happy birthday again dude) Also fitting because Leo's birthday is in May! and mays one is in may too like 2 days after that lol 😭
Ooofff i forgot to post this one i'm a monster, more leo and other mcs!!!!
MY LOVES I LOVE THIS STUPID COUPLE SM. i suddenly drew Maylin a Lot for a single week SO NEXT POST WILL ALSO BE WITH HIM LOL, thanks @piinkcheesse for letting me steal my fav fanfic writter ❤️
me and my friend @piinkcheesse OC Maylin hanging out around when they met during step 2 as well as step 3 narin playing the drums (plus him playing with tam!) 😄 none of these are all too great but I do have a portrait on the horizon i just need to clock into my job and stop being a bum
@unity-obj drawing cenzo is soo funnn i love his hair 🥲
also drawing maylin in this actually made me wanna delete him and make evil maylin canon because i redrew his eyes like 5 times so that’s why one is closed
