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.]

Comments

[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.]