Network (Audio)

[wearingthestars]

[The fact that this starts as audio may be tip off enough to some that something's up. Billy's voice is a little stiff, softer than usual, with careful, measured breaths.]

Hey, has anyone seen Tommy around? I'm looking for him.

[There's a pause, like he wants to add more, before abruptly cutting off.]

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audio

[wearingthestars]

Yesterday.

[Not a hugely long time ago- he knows. But it's not like Tommy not to answer him.]

...He might have taken a shuttle somewhere, I just- I was just hoping someone had seen him.

[Billy tries to convince himself that's all this is.]

[seeingscarlet]

It must be hard for him to be trapped in a closed space this long.

[Wanda takes a deep breath and tries to stifle her rising panic. Already she can feel a telltale tingling in her fingertips but no, she's not going to be able to find anyone if she doesn't stay in control.

Deep breaths. In, out. Stretch her senses as far as she can...

After a moment:] I can't feel him. But there is so much noise...

[Could mean something. Could mean nothing.]

[wearingthestars]

[Billy mirrors her breathing, trying to use it to help keep himself grounded.]

He could've taken one of the shuttles- [He adds, wanting to hang onto any explanation but the most obvious one.]

[seeingscarlet]

Do you want to go look together?

[She's gonna cling to hope for him as long as she can, even though she's got an awful sinking feeling in her stomach.]

[wearingthestars]

Yeah, could we?

[There's a hopeful edge to his voice. He's not ready to lose him again.]

[seeingscarlet]

[It's better than them both sitting alone going out of their minds.]

I'll come get you. Where are you?

[wearingthestars]

I'm in the Green Room.

[seeingscarlet]

I'm on my way.

[And she stops only long enough to put on shoes before she runs there as fast as she can, then rushes to Billy and gives him a tight hug.

He's here, she hasn't lost him. Just give her a minute to let that sink in...and she's not going to be the first to let go unless this gets awkward.]

Hey.

[wearingthestars]

[Billy almost tries to warn her back, but she pulls him in before he can, and gods he needs it. There's a faint glow that might be magic, or electricity that keeps lapping at his fingertips, threatening to discharge, but the hug bottles it back up for now.

He takes a slow breath, holding tight and tucking his head against her shoulder for a moment lifting shaking his head.]

...Hey.

[Is it obvious he's been crying? He's tried to hastily make himself more presentable, but he's sure she can see through him.]

[seeingscarlet]

[Even if he'd warned her, it wouldn't have made a difference. Nothing was going to stop her from hugging Billy right now. She knows this pain all too well.

She rubs soothing circles on his back, tries to bury her own rising panic as much as possible. She has to be strong for him. She's not his Wanda, not actually his mother, but he deserves all the motherly support she can manage.]

I've got you.

[Yeah, he can wipe his eyes but good luck hiding strong emotions from a telepath.]