Work Text:
“Aunt Leora!” A small form barrelled across the market and wrapped its arms around Leora's legs. She wobbled before succumbing to gravity and landing on her backside.
“It's good to see you too, Cory!” Leora said, ruffling his hair.
Elaine, who had suffered a similar fate the previous day, offered a hand to her sister to help her up.
“As you can see, Cory's in good health these days. Even without the Withering Miracle feeding the collectors”
Leora brushed the dust from her coat. “Thank you Doctor. For looking after him and for inviting us to share the Solstice.”
“It's my pleasure." Dr Vali said. "None of us would be here if it weren't for the two of you. And while Elaine always visits when she comes into town for supplies, well, it's nice to have the family together.”
Elaine, was now leaning against the market noticeboard and looking as cool as fuck. Leora gazed at her sister enviously. There was no way she could match her style.
“Make the most of it. Said Elaine. “With the lack of Miramon these days there's less and less work for me on the Kush. I might have to move to Graywater or something.” A small face pouted at her. “Don't worry Champ. I'll still come and visit. It just might not be as often, that's all.”
Latching on to the name Graywater Leora asked. “So. Are you planning on going legit?”
“Don't know. But my savings won't last forever. You could come with me. We still make a pretty good team.”
Leora admitted to herself that she would like nothing more. Her furlough from the Union couldn't last forever either. It might be better to make a clean break. “I'll think about it.”
Cory insisted on taking his two 'aunts' around the town and showing them what changes had been made. This brought them into contact with many townsfolk who regarded them as saviours. It wasn't long before they were all laden down with small gifts of fruit, cakes, pies and handicrafts.
The good doctor's apartment was adjacent to his surgery. The latter was nowhere near as busy as when Leora had last been here.
“Some dinner, yes? Then after, if you're not too tired, Cory wants to see the fireworks.”
“They're having fireworks here?”
“Not here. But we can usually see the ones in Debia, particularly if you can get up high.”
After dinner the two women, wrapped up against the cold of the desert night, were dragged by Cory to the clock tower. It had been refurbished and strengthened since that night and now the flat roof offered incredible views across the desert for any who would brave the climb. A crowd was already on the roof when Elaine,Leora and Cory got there but they were happy to make room for the 'Heroic Espers'.
Leora staggered as they approached the railing and Elaine put an arm around her to steady her.
“”Remembering the fight?”
Leora nodded. “And another clock tower roof.”
“This isn't Neilheim. And I am sorry...”
“It was as much my fault as yours. I didn't understand how much I hurt you.”
The two hugged but had to break the embrace to stop Cory fro trying to climb up on the railings. Elaine had just got him sat on her shoulders when the bells of the clock beneath them started to chime. At the same time the distant sky erupted in a multitude of colours. Watching the joy on Cory's face made Leora realise that moments like this made being a hero worth it.