MIDAS ⇾ THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY

~ XXII ~

A knock on the door made her jump. She opened it to an apprehensive-looking Allison.

"She's okay," she said soothingly. "I think she'll want to see you. Just so you know, she doesn't remember what happened with the concert. I thought we should wait for Five. "

Allison nodded, shook herself out of her jacket, and crept over to the bedroom, face pale. Alexis, following, grabbed her arm gently.

"Hey... are you okay to do this?" she asked gently. "You don't have to be."

Allison nodded, turning back to the door. Alexis opened it gently, and let her go in, closing it behind her. Half of her wanted to follow Allison in, but she knew that the two sisters had to reconnect on their own.

Instead, she moved back into the main room. It was still the middle of the night, but she knew she wouldn't sleep. Every so often, she looked over at the closed bedroom door, hoping that the two of them were alright. Feeling strangely energised, she walked over to Vanya's fridge. Stacking up different items, she threw away some spoiled milk, and found some interesting ingredients. Nearly laughing at her own absurdity, she made three sandwiches - one for each of them. She wasn't sure if Vanya was ready to eat, but decided the food would disappear one way or another, especially if Luther got involved.

She was putting the finishing touches on them as she heard the bedroom door open. Allison emerged, and Alexis rushed over as she noticed her tear-streaked face.

"Is everything okay?" she asked hurriedly.

Allison nodded, and smiled as fresh tears emerged.

"Hey," said Alexis, taking her arm. "Come sit. These are happy tears, yeah?"

The other woman nodded again, allowing herself to be led to the sofa. Alexis smiled gently.

"I'm glad it's okay."

She grabbed one of the plates.

"Will you eat this for me, please?" she said, handing her the sandwich. "You haven't had anything in a while."

Allison took it, which pleased Alexis. Carrying the other plate, she walked through to Vanya, who also looked tearful.

"You okay?" she asked, putting down the plate.

"Yeah... yeah," sniffled Vanya.

"How's the head?"

"Not much better," she admitted. "I don't think the painkillers are working."

Alexis grimaced.

"I'm sorry. I, uh, made you a sandwich, but maybe you don't want it."

Vanya smiled.

"No, it's great... thank you. I'll try it when my head calms down a bit."

Alexis left her in peace. Walking to the main room, she was hit by another wave of exhaustion. She realised she shouldn't have done so much, as her head swam. Leaning on the counter for support, she tried to steady herself as her vision went patchy. Dammit, she thought. And then, Allison was behind her, and her legs gave way.

She was barely conscious, but she could feel herself being lowered gently to the ground. Now, her back was against one of the cabinets, and Allison was in front of her, looking concerned.

"I'm fine," she managed weakly. "Just... tired."

She struggled to lift her head, as Allison moved next to her. Alexis relaxed, her head resting against Allison's chest. She felt her eyes begin to close, and she exhaled, no longer fighting her fatigue.

She woke a little later, but she was on the sofa now. Allison was asleep in the chair across from her, curled up. It was early morning, according to the clock. Realising her past mistakes, she stayed where she was for a while, watching the room lighten slowly. She hated feeling so weak all the time, and she was annoyed with herself for relying on Allison, again. She wallowed in this pit of misery for a few minutes longer, before rising to open the blinds.

There didn't seem to be any messages, but she hoped Five was on his way over. She didn't want to be the one to explain the events of the past few days to Vanya. She crouched at the fridge, taking everything slower than before. There was little to eat, so she called a cafe she knew, and ordered breakfast for the three of them.

The morning light streamed in as Allison stirred. Alexis smiled at her drowsy expression, and went to answer the knock at the door. It wasn't Five, which was disappointing, but it was the food she had ordered. She thanked the driver, and made her way back inside, arms full.

"Breakfast?" she said, laying it out on the table.

Allison reached gratefully for a coffee, as Alexis picked up some items to bring to Vanya. She stopped at Allison's expression.

"What?"
The other woman shook her head, and took the food out of Alexis' arms.

"I can handle it," she said, in protest. "It's about twenty steps."

Allison raised her eyebrows, and took the stuff through herself. Alexis sat back down knowing that Allison was right, all things considered - if she didn't properly rest, she might not recover. She was still annoyed, though.

She jumped up as someone else knocked on the door. She opened it, and sighed in relief- it was Five. She smiled, and ushered him in. He sat, as Allison came back through.

"Is she okay?" he asked, nodding at Allison, who sat down next to Alexis.

"Yeah, for the most part," she replied.

Allison nudged her.

"She isn't aware of... um, her part in all this, though," she continued. "She only remembers up until Leonard's death."

Five sat forward, and pointed at one of the pastries.

"Can I..."

"Go ahead. I think she'd like to see you. Just be gentle, will you? She's had it rough."

Five nodded, mouth full. He swallowed.

"Your place is nice, by the way. Comfortable."
"You didn't trash it, did you?"
He got up, approaching the bedroom.

"Not for the most part, no."

She watched him go. Allison handed her a drink and some food, and they sat on the sofa together. Alexis turned to her.

"What now?"

Allison shrugged - she didn't seem to know either.

The sun lit up the apartment, as the two ate pastries together, Alexis getting her face covered in icing sugar. Allison wiped it off with her sleeve, looking mildly amused.