Reunion

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

Back at the hotel, after a night of knocking around street criminals, Morph's ready to drop a bombshell of good news - so he goes to wake up Irving - after resuming his normal form.

"Hey, kiddo, wake up. I gots news for you."

Comments

[exiles-2h.livejournal.com]

"Huh?" Irving slowly opens his eyes, rubbing his fists against his face. "Izzit morning?"

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

"Yes, indeedy. Time for all junior spacemen to be up and at'em! Plus, I finally found someone I was looking for."

[exiles-2h.livejournal.com]

"Uppinatem?" repeats the sleepy boy, struggling to sit up. He pushes back the covers, revealing the Buzz Starman pajamas he has worn every night since his rescue from the rooftop. "Who ... I'm s'posed to brush my teeth first...."

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

Morph grins.

"Well, who would you like to see more than anybody else in the whole wide world?"

[exiles-2h.livejournal.com]

Irving yawns through a mumbled "Buzz Starman," then slips out from under the covers, his legs swinging against the bed as his bat-like wings flex and settle against his back. "Mama and Papa," he says quietly. "But--but--but ... was I a good 'nough boy? I didn't stay there--"

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

"Hey, I toldja that message we left would be fine. I found your Mama, Irv. The reason she didn't come find you is because she's been sick. But she's getting better, and she's safe in the hospital."

[exiles-2h.livejournal.com]

The little boy's eyes widen. "Honest an' for true? I can see Mama?" He hops off the bed and runs to hug Morph as tightly as he can. "Didja tell her I'm coming? Didja tell her I 'membered t'have milk with my pasghetti? Can--can--can I see her soon?"

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

"I couldn't see her for long, kiddo, and she's still recovering. I'll be sure to tell her what a good boy you've been, and we'll call and see if you can visit her, okay?"

[exiles-2h.livejournal.com]

"Oh--okay." He releases Morph and hops from one bare foot to the other, turning around slowly. "Golly ... I gotta get a bath. She'll check behind my ears an' I'll catch Hail Columbia if they're not clean...." He wanders over to the en suite bathroom, then stops and turns back to Morph. "Mr. Morph? Thank you lots."

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

"Irv, buddy, I just wish I could do more. I lost my Mama when I was a little older than you, and I'm just glad I was able to find yours for you."

[exiles-2h.livejournal.com]

"Ohhhhh." Irving's mouth makes a perfect circle, then his face brightens. "How about Papa? Is he in the hopsickle, too?"

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

Morph shakes his head, frowning.

"I haven't been able to find him, Irv.. I'm sorry. I wish I could.."

He sighs.

[exiles-2h.livejournal.com]

Irving digs a toe into the plush carpet, his head drooping. "Oh. That's okay, Mr. Morph. I know you tried." He scratches his stomach. "'Scuse me. I gotta go take my bath now. You'll wait right here to take me to Mama, right?"

[proteus-maximus.livejournal.com]

"You bet, buddy."

Morph manages a bit of a smile, and stretches an arm to grab the phone, to call and make the arrangements to get the kid in to his mother.

Too many people died here.