lady of the sea;

{ independent splash woman rp. self interpreted; post-mm10. private; group only. }

[whistlingtheblues]

It says something about Blues’ emotional state at the moment that he not only doesn’t pull away, but returns the hug almost desperately. Her question prompts a world-weary sigh from the smaller robot, and he shrugs once more.

 “Kind of. I did what I could, but some of the kids were in pretty bad shape by the time I got there. And not every government is really equipped to help them… some I could get back to their families myself, but some… their families were what got them in to the trouble. It was messy. But no, nobody really got hurt while I was there.”

He’s not sure everyone was safe after he left, but… he couldn’t fix everything. 

[steelsiren]

Oh, Blues... He really was much too young for this line of work-- To Melody’s understanding it was too much to handle for even some adults! Her hold on her little brother tightens, and she strokes the prototype’s back in hopes of offering some comfort.

“You shut that operation down, which counts for something at least.” She says at last, softly. “And I’m proud of you. Not all of those childrens’ situations might be... Ideal, but at least they aren’t stuck working under criminals anymore. There’s hope that things can get better. And that’s what’s important.”

...Granted, it was much more complicated than that. But if Blues wanted any hope of maintaining emotional stability, he’d have to cling to the good rather than wallow in the bad.

[whistlingtheblues]

 “I’ve been,” Blues says, shrugging as he strolls over to sit on the edge of the water. He deactivates his armor as he does so, since there’s no reason to be combat ready here.  “Was in Central America for a while; helped break up a cartel that was using kids as runners. Thought I’d come home for a break after that.”

He sighs and leans back a little, closing his eyes to feel the warmth of the sun on his face.  “Sometimes you need to see the parts of the world that aren’t so dark. Here seemed like a good spot…”

[steelsiren]

Excuse your sister as she quietly pulls you in to hug tightly, Blues. Mel knows you’re totally capable of taking care of yourself, but she’s still going to worry. All this so frequently at twelve years old... And did he ever tell anyone but her?

“E... Everything turned out alright, right...? No one was harmed...? N-not you, or those children...?”

[whistlingtheblues]

 Another voice join’s the mermaid’s, though not in singing - rather, someone was whistling along with the tune as he approached, until he drew close enough to wave at his sister and smile.

 “Looks like I picked a good day to visit the beach!”

[steelsiren]

“Yet the waters ever change... ♫”

...Huh? Someone was whistling along. Melody trails off, twisting around to find the source. Oh. Blues! Of course it’d be him; He was one of the most frequent visitors she got! She waves in return, beaming.

“Any day is a good day to visit the beach, really! But I’m glad you picked today.~ How've you been, lovely?” 

[steelsiren]

“You are the ocean’s gray waves Destined to seek  Life beyond the shore Just out of reach... ♫”

It’s a beautiful day, and any beachgoers would be treated to a certain mermaid’s equally lovely singing.

[steelsiren]

whistlingtheblues: 

 Blues made himself comfortable against Melody’s side, a small but pleased smile on his face as he nodded thoughtfully. “He should be? I’m not an ocean model but I can swing by the site of any major emergencies if it looks like he might need a hand?” It wasn’t too hard for him to do something like that if it was necessary, and he knew Melody worried.

“I’m glad you’re here, though. I know how lonely you get out at sea.” He paused, then added affectionately, “I was going to head out on the road again as soon as I was sure my core was holding steady, but I can stay longer since you’re going to be here.”

“Oh, I’m sure he will be-- After all, he was designed... Well, to be able to act solo without issue. I’m worrying over nothing, I think-- I suppose when you’re always on call, you can’t help but wonder what’s going on once you’ve finally got time off. Though... If you want to help him, I’m sure he would appreciate it. Thank you, sweetie.”

The mermaid leans down, brushing her lips gently against her baby brother’s head-- Taking care not to mess up the rock that was his pompadour. That would end badly, for sure. (How much hairspray did he use, anyways...?)

“I’m happy to be home, too-- Though I wouldn’t want to keep you from going about your business. It’s not like you’re just lollygagging about, you’re helping people in need...” She trails off at the mention of Blues’ core, and the mermaid’s grip sightens slightly. “How long ago was it...? If you’re uncertain, you should give it a couple more days.”

Can’t hide these things from your sister, Blues. And now she’s worried.

[steelsiren]

clockworkdln: 

 “That may be true, though that doesn’t make it fair to you or anyone else. I really ought to start making time for our siblings, and that includes you.”

Time could hear the pain in his sister’s voice, and he couldn’t help but feel at fault for that. Out of everyone, she was the one most frequently alone, and being busy felt like a poor excuse for not spending time with her. He needed to rectify that somehow, and spend more time with the rest of his family as well.

“Hm? … Oh, yeah, I’m… okay, I suppose. A lot happened while you were away, and I’m not dealing with it as well as I’d like. It’s a long story…”

Time sighed, not sure how willing he was to repeat the whole thing to his sister. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her, it was just that it was emotionally taxing, which was the last thing he needed. He could try if Melody pressed, but for the moment he left it at that.

“Don’t worry about me, honey. Even if everyone’s schedules weren’t so full, I’m still a little out of the way... Just hearing from you all once in a while is more than enough for me! You should spend time with everyone else, though. Definitely. Not just for them, but for yourself, too; You’re still young! It’s important to take time off and clear your head once in a while. All work and no play makes for a dull boy! And you, my darling, are anything but dull.”

With that, Melody reaches up to pat her little brother’s head, gently ruffling his hair as well. Poor thing... She’s fairly certain Tenor had mentioned something happening recently as well, but to hear it was even affecting the children was just heartbreaking... Note to self, definitely speak to Dad about this and get in the loop. 

“Oh... I see. Did you want to talk about it at all? Or if not, would you like some company while you stay up? I don’t think Rap would like it if you ended up staying up all night, but perhaps talking will help tire you out some? Not about what’s been happening of course, if you don’t want to! O-or, if you want...?” Goodness, this sounded silly and childish, but the elder sister ignores the pink tinting her cheek and presses on. “I could try singing for you...? I-I heard that helps, sometimes... U... Um, only if you want! I would hate to be a bother...”

[steelsiren]

whistlingtheblues: 

  Because you are special, Melody, you get the pleasure of Blues deactivating his armor and moving to sit next to you… and maybe hug you a lot a little, because he loves you a lot.

“Why are you landlocked, Mel? Are you okay?”

 Melody laughs, reaching up to remove her helmet for easier snuggling before wrapping her arms around her little brother in return. Blues came to see her more often than anyone else, being a free range child and all, but he’d been away for quite some time... He’d been at home this whole time, huh? Good... She’d been telling him to drop in and visit once and a while... Good thing he’s been listening.

“Oh-- I’m fine! Don’t worry about it-- I was scheduled a week off so Dad can do some maintenance. It won’t take that long, obviously, but my employers thought I might like to spend some time with my family while I’m home, so I suppose... I’m on vacation? I hope Ocean will be okay on his own while I’m off... He’ll be the first person they call should something happen, now. What about yourself? What’ve you been up to, sweetheart?”

[steelsiren]

fortifiedforeman:

Good. This makes a happy eldest brother. It was always a good thing to see one of the ninth line- especially Melody, who was the only other sister they had aside from Roll and easily the loneliest of them all. It was easy to feel bad for her… but she had a week to stay home! That was great news!

“We’ve all missed you, too! I’ve been great- things have been a bit on the stressful side in general, but everything’s starting to settle down. The kids’ll be happy to see you- oh! And hey- if you’re up for it, I can bring you to karaoke night! You’re always a hit when you attend.”

Don’t worry- Gutsy’s just glad to have her around. Despite the undesired isolation, the mermaid seemed to light up a room when she was around. …Speaking of rooms. She’d probably need to be carried to hers- that was fine. Anything for his siblings!

Melody finally resurfaces from her older brother’s shoulder, though she looks a little concerned at the mention of ‘stress’. She knows Dr. Wily had recently made an attempt on the world again, but was that it? Or had something more happened...? Her frown grows as she contemplates this, but puts it aside when Tenor speaks again. She can always ask Dad later.

“Mhm, I can imagine-- I’ve been wanting to see them so badly! Talk about a surprise in the morning, huh?” Mel laughs softly, “And I’d enjoy that, actually. We’ll have to do it at some point before I need to go back! Perhaps we could try a duet, this time? I don’t think we’ve ever actually sang together before... I’d love to try it someday!”

Light up a room, indeed-- Mel’s so happy she’s practically glowing. It’s been minutes and already she feels so at home... Tenor’s good at that. They all are. It’s easy to forget...

[steelsiren]

clockworkdln:

“It’s no trouble. I haven’t been having the easiest time sleeping anyway, so I thought I might as well say hello. I don’t get to see you all that often…”

“I suppose there’s not much time to visit the beach with your research, hmm? It’s important, after all!”

The mermaid laughs, though she can’t help sounding a little sad. It’s the same with everyone, isn’t it? Even her own line has been too busy to do much more than occasionally send texts...

Oh, well. It is what it is, and Mel’s more concerned with her little brother’s mention of being unable to sleep than her own loneliness at the moment.

“...Trouble sleeping? How come? Are you alright?”

...Perhaps if she sang to him, he’d have an easier time...? She’s not sure how willing the smaller DLN is to speak to her about his problems -- to her knowlege, Time only really opened up to Oil. And that was after some prodding. Though... She hopes she’ll get a chance to be an older sister for once.

[whistlingtheblues]

 “Melody! Hey, Melody!”

[steelsiren]

“Yes, I see you, Bluesy. Hello!”

[steelsiren]

fortifiedforeman:

“Melody!”

Guts Man kept his voice a bit hushed, since the kids were in bed, but he still scooped up the mermaid and hugged her. “It’s great to see you at home! How’ve you been?”

“Tenor!”

The mermaid doesn’t bat an eyelash at her brother lifting her up, instead getting settled in his arms and returing the hug much like she would for their other construction industry brother. After all, it’s not like she can stand and do it. 

“It’s so nice to be home, honestly... I’ve got the week off for maintenance and time with everyone; I just got in now! I’ve been a little tired lately, since things have been scarily busy, but-- Well-- I suppose that’s the point of the week off. How about yourself? And the others? Oh, I’ve missed you all so much...!”

Don’t mind Mel, Gutsy. She’ll just bury her face in your shoulder for a minute and let it sink in that she’s at home with her brothers and sister. Home, surrounded by family... And not entirely alone for once.

[thetemporalkeeper]

“It’s good to see you home, Melody. Have you been doing well?”

[steelsiren]

“Oh, Time--! I didn’t think I’d see you up this late... Hello, sweetheart!”

The mermaid pauses for a moment, before looking a little panicked. 

“Oh, goodness... I didn’t wake you up, did I?! I-I’m sorry...! It’s difficult to make a quiet landing in here... Since... You know... The tiles...”

[steelsiren]

“I honestly wasn’t expecting the lab to be so quiet when I got in. I guess it is sort of late, isn’t it...?”

Guess who’s home for scheduled maintenance? This mermaid.

[strongerthanaconcretewall]

“MELLIEEEEEE!”

HUGS INTENSIFY.

“I’VE BEEN GREAT BUT I’M EVEN better NOW THAT I CAN SEE YOU ALL AGAIN ESPECIALLY SINCE I CAN HARDLY SEE YOU HOW’VE YOU BEEN?”

Oops, now Neo’s all excited. It’s easy to tell with his shaking and jumping up and down with his sister still in his arms. Sorry Melody.

[steelsiren]

HUGS INTENSIFY EVEN MORE. WE ARE AT MAXIMUM HUG CAPACITY.

“Hi, Neo!!”

She’s totally down for being picked up and snuggled by her older brother, but the shaking and jumping causes the mermaid to tighten her grasp around his neck. Oh, well. She’s missed her brother. She’ll take all the jumping around without complaint.

“I’ve been alright!” A little lonely, though that went without saying... “I discovered a school of angelfish I hadn’t seen before in the Indian Ocean last week-- They were so cute and friendly! But now that it’s warmer out I’m even better! What’ve you been up to lately? Have you seen any of our brothers at all?”

[steelsiren]

“It’s finally gotten warm enough that I can start coming to shore again... I wonder how everyone’s been?”

[darkpalaceofwaterfalls]

in this anime i used to like as a kid there were these mermaid princesses and the main character wore something like this to her coming of age ceremony or whatever so i drew splash in a similar outfit. just because. c:

[darkpalaceofwaterfalls]

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