Work Text:
“Yeah, Uh, ”
December Holiday shakes her head, the warm walnut of her hair curling around her cheeks.
“Absolutely not. Sit your ass down Asriel.”
Dess grabs Asriel by the shoulders and shoves him into one of the kitchen table chairs. Her face is fierce with compassion fueled spite.
It’s almost an accomplishment that such homey hazel eyes can pin him in place like that.
“You’ve been working too hard, goddamnit. I haven’t seen you without a sponge and dirty dishes in your hands in months.”
“Dess, please, I really don’t mind.” He stretches his arms out across the table “I’m just helping out. Mom needs it. Dad needs it.”
She bends down next to him, glaring with a mix of worry and annoyance. Her knees thump against the kitchen floor.
“Your legs are going to be bruised in the morning.”
“Azzy, with all due respect, stop fuckin’ trying to take care of me.”
The fabric of her flannel is soft against his arms, and her hands are gentle as they come to cup his. She rests her forehead against his chest. He leans into her and allows himself to sigh.
“I know you’re trying to help your parents and keep your family together but you can’t shoulder this all by yourself. Stop trying to take care of everyone. I hardly see you smile anymore.”
“I didn’t know you wanted to be a therapist, my deer…”
She looks unimpressed, heard it too much, no doubt.
He grins at her.
“See, i can smile, Dessy..”
“Don’t call me that…”
Her voice is soft.
“Anyways, you’re deflecting, but it’s fine, because I’m going to clean your kitchen for you and you aren’t going to say shit.”
Asriel shoots up, squeaking.
“Hey-hey! No way..”
“Yes way. Go put something on the tv, preferably one of those monster-kidz horror movies. They suck and there is nothing I’d rather half watch.”
He crosses his arms. She narrows her eyes.
“Fine, just this once…you know I won't be letting you come here anymore after this.”
Dess pauses at the sink, leaning against the counter to look out the window, away from him.
“Noelle can stay though, right?”
“Both of you can stay, hush. As long as you need to. I know it’s been hard for you with your mom lately. I think you’re the one who’s deflecting.”