LLV. Pax School. New Arrivals part 3

[dens_extra_pups]

Continued from here



Back at the mansion


Chris: *sidesteps as everyone appears, then frowns up at the big guy he doesn't know*

Fang: *ears up, recognizes this guy!*

Beau: Whoah!

Optima: *moves away from Fang* Is everyone alright? Denver?

Chris: *alerted by Optima's question, he's going to stride over to check on the black-haired firefighter*

Denver: *quietly* Ah'm alrahght... Li'l damp, but not too bad.

Beau: *blinks and looks up at the big EMT* 'Lo, sir.

Chris: *reaches for Denver's hand* Come get dry. *glances at the boy and nods to him, then gives him a handful of fried bread and meat balls* *to Oriana* 'Hide's back.

Beau: *boggles and then grins* Th'nk y'u, sir.

Denver: *small nod, will let herself be lead away*

Optima: *takes Beau's box even as she's poking her phone* Ira?

Ira: *quietly* //We got Dallas and his sister.//

Optima: Is Dallas alright leaving Debbie for a moment? I think his cousin Beau might like seeing another familiar face.

Beau: *perks* Dallas 's 'eah?

Optima: *nods to him, and then pats Fang and indicates that he can go to the front door to wring out that shirt he's cussing about*

Fang: *will go to do so, still cussing*

Ira: //He's fussing over her pillows now.// *soft grumble that might be a cuss* //Someone tell NatCat to get her butt out of here. She won't listen to me.//

Optima: *slight smile at the grumbling* Give her your phone for a moment. *hand on Beau's shoulder*

Ira: *grumbles, but complies*

Natalie: *confused sounding as she answers* //Hello?//

Optima: *mildly* What are you doing, Natalie?

Natalie: //I wanna help the poor lady...//

Mr. Pits: *coming back into the house after going out to bring Simba to bed. Sees a big big kitty! Friendly woof*

Fang: *looks up at the woof* *blink blink* Hi, pooch.

Optima: *gently* Why don't you come to the foyer and meet our newest arrivals? I think they'd like to see a friendly face.

Mr. Pits: *wag wag wag as he walks through the door*

Natalie: //...// *reluctantly* //Okay.//

Fang: *wants to pet the pooch, since it's not growling at him*

Mr. Pits: *stops as he sees the hand coming down and wags harder. Hiya!*

Optima: Do you know where the foyer is? *absently stoops to pick up a small person and rub the small person's back*

bitty: *fuzzy and green, with glowing purple eyes. Lays head on the nice big person's shoulder, and then reaches to beep Beau's nose*

Beau: *acks and rubs his nose*

bitty: *soft little raspy laugh and tries it again*

Fang: *happy Enforcer*

Natalie: //Myup.//

Optima: Alright. Please hurry. Give the phone back to Ira now?

Ira: *back on the phone a few moments later* //I think you'd better come see Debbie, too.//

Natalie: *can be heard coming from the hall*

Fang: *distracted by hearing someone approach*

Optima: Oh? *holding phone with one hand, and cuddling soft, plush bitty with the other arm*

Beau: *gently trying to dissuade nose beepings*

Ira: *quietly* //It might help her realize she's someplace safe again.//

Optima: *softly, feeling touched and a bit amused at her husband's faith in the fact that everyone will be reassured by her presence* She doesn't know me, Ira. *and then she fumbles the phone and eeks with shock as a loud squeal comes from the mouth of the hall*

Mr. Pits: *woof!*

Fang: *ears UP! Knows that voice* NatCat?

Natalie: *scampering over to tacklepounce Fang*

Optima: *thanks Beau and takes her phone from him, her eyes wide as she watches the reunion*

bitty: *looked that way, but has laid his head down again. Is comfy*

Ira: //Optima? What happened?//

Optima: *quietly* I think NatCat just found her husband.

Natalie: You did it! You're you!

Fang: *thunderpurr*

Optima: Natalie, Fang? Please don't start kissing till you're in your room?

Natalie: *blink blink, looks to the Boss* We have our own room? *so surprised*

Optima: *surprised herself now* TC was showing everyone rooms.

Natalie: ...Oh.

Optima: You hadn't realized that's why she was showing them to you? *sudden slight frown* Fang will need a bigger bed.

Natalie: The floor's soft.

Optima: Are you sure? *concern shows a little more*

Natalie: *nod* It's nicer than where we used to sleep.

Fang: *currently being very cuddly and snuggly with his girl, don't mind him*

Optima: Alright. *looks at the big cuddly man* Thank you, Fang. You're dismissed. *has learned that lesson!*

Fang: *confused expression is a go*

Natalie: *blank look*

Beau: Y'all c'n go snuggle.

Optima: Err. *slight blush* Yes.

Mr. Pits: *notices another new person now and comes trotting, grinning, and wagging over to see Beau*

Beau: *blinks as Fang and Natalie depart, will crouch* 'Lo th're.

Mr. Pits: *offers paw*

Optima: *back to the phone* Fang and Natalie should be alright now, Ira. Now I just need to see Beau settled... *trails off and looks up as Denver comes in from the hall opposite the one that the newcomers just departed down*

Beau: *shaking hands with Mr. Pits, a bit of a grin on his face*

Denver: Ah c'n 'andle th't, Miss Prahm.

Optima: Oh, alright, Denver. *looks at Beau and sees that the bread and meatballs are gone* Maybe bring him to the student mess first, there are still a few leftovers of the soup and meatballs.

Denver: Yes'm. *will move to help Beau with his things and lead him to the student mess*

Mr. Pits: *watches, and then turns and gallops off on his way back to Bea's room*

Optima: *surprised* And everyone is taken care of.

Ira: //At least come and show Dallas where he'll be sleeping.//

Optima: Oh. I'm coming. *bites her lip at the tone she's sure she hears in her husband's voice* *softly* Sorry.

Ira: *quietly* //The sooner we find a way to help Debbie, the better.//

Optima: *soft sigh as she walks toward the elevator* Denver told me a little of her history.

Ira: //What part of it?//

Optima: *as she steps into the concealed elevator. Very softly* She was in a bad relationship.

Ira: *soft snort* //That's putting it mildly.//

Optima: Dallas told you more?

Ira: //He did.//

Optima: *absently baby dances as the elevator's ping causes a small squeak, then steps out and runs lightly down the hall, fringe swinging back in the breeze of her passage* I'm nearly there, which room is she in?

Ira: *gives the room number*

Optima: *slides past the door* Oops.

Ira: *looks out into the hall* ...

Optima: *walks back, her cheeks slightly pink. Has put away the phone, and is absently using the now freed hand to rub the back of the little boy in her arms. Has forgotten her beaded jacket and boots*

Ira: *raised brow*

Optima: My shoes have less traction than I expected. *stops in front of him and quizzically looks up the short distance to meeting his eyes*

Ira: Where did you get the jacket?

Optima: Oh. *blushes again* I had to hurry to the Nexus for something, and the little girl Wheeljack went and got these for me because I'd forgotten I was wearing my robe.

bitty: *turns to look at who the lady is talking to. Decides he wants a closer look, and holds out his arms to Ira, making a little raspy sound as he does*

Ira: *reaches for the bitty* *will also move to open the door the rest of the way*

bitty: *gentle little hands with three thick fingers and a short thumb reach up to explore the new big's beard*

Optima: *worried look for what the toddler's doing as she steps into the room*

Ira: *is a quiet rumble*

Dallas: *is the red haired soldier holding the hand of the blonde lady laying in the hospital bed*

Debbie: *showing no signs of even noticing her brother's presence*

Optima: *soft gasp as she sees the tiny woman laying there*

bitty: *rasps to her soothingly. Still petting the beard*

Dallas: *looks over* *quietly* Ma'am?

Optima: *softly, as she steps over on quiet feet* I hadn't expected her to be so petite.

Dallas: *very soft snerk* Used to Denver?

Optima: *there's her slight blush as she nods*

Dallas: *quietly* Denver's odd, for a MacKenzie woman. Most 'f 'em 're tiny ladies. *attention back on Debbie, will gently smooth her forehead*

Optima: I see. I shouldn't have assumed. *looks down at the woman in the bed* *softly* There are three little blondes here now. Marty is taller. *and grey haired now, but she's still a blonde, right?*

Dallas: *blink* Marty?

Optima: *looks at him with a smile* One of our resident mothers. The eldest, and one of the two most outgoing.

Ira: *quietly* You forgot Rachel.

Optima: Oh. *sheepish* Second oldest. Sorry.

Dallas: *soft snerk* *then, seriously* Will y'all be able to help Debbie?

Optima: *frankly* We can give her a safe place, with understanding people around her. *startles as she sees blue eyes and blonde hair threaded with a few silver strands peeking around the door frame* Angel?

Angel: *has a newborn held in her arms, and a quietly contemplative expression on her face as she studies the woman on the bed*

Optima: *softly, as she walks over to put a hand on her smaller friend's shoulder* Angel, are you alright?

Angel: *quietly* Who is that?

Optima: *voice still soft, though Ira will see her relief that Angel hasn't been frightened by sight of their new arrival* Her name is Debbie. She's Denver and BJ's cousin. The tall man is her brother Dallas.

Angel: *carefully repositioning the baby in her arms as she nods* *quietly* Does she have a lovie?

Optima: *looks over her shoulder toward Dallas* Does Debbie have a comfort object?

Dallas: *blink* I don't think so.

Angel: *will move to transfer the newborn to Optima*

Optima: *takes baby, and then gasps softly as she sees that poor little wizened face*

Angel: *will go to get the pretty knitted lace blanket she made*

Dallas: *raised brow*

Optima: *looks at Ira, gently tilting the sleeping baby so that he can see how tiny and frail it looks*

Ira: *soft rumble*

furry bitty: *lifts his head from where he'd laid it on Ira's shoulder. Little soothing rasp. Then looks where the big is looking and sees the tiny baby that Mom always cries about. Wibbles and points*

Angel: *back with the blanket, which is really a table centerpiece, but she loved the softness of the thread*

Optima: *looks up from the baby* Oh, your silk piece? *slight smile*

Dallas: *blink blink* *surprised*

Angel: *nods* *quietly* It's soft, and lightweight. Every lady needs something really pretty, too.

Optima: *softly* Would you like to give it to her? *gentle* She might not respond to you.

Angel: *small nod* *moves to gently drape the silk piece over Debbie, gently patting the infirm woman's hand*

Dallas: *watching the tiny blonde, one hand reaching to touch Angel's in thanks*

Angel: *slight start as she sees the hand reaching for her*

Optima: *steps forward smoothly and gently* Angel, this is Debbie's brother Dallas. Dallas, this is Angel. *more softly* The quietest of our mothers.

Angel: *small nod, still a bit wary*

Dallas: Thank you, Angel. *trying to figure out this tiny woman*

Optima: *free arm around Angel's shoulders* *very softly, but she knows Dallas will hear it* I'm proud of you for being so brave, Angel.

Dallas: *so surprised, but then he's realizing that Angel's like Debbie*

Angel: *small, shy smile, will reach for the newborn now*

Optima: *transfers the tiny infant with infinite care* Were you going to tell me something about this little one? *wonders why Angel's carrying this poor mite around*

Angel: *quietly* I was told to ask you if I could take care of him.

Optima: *mouth shows a silent O* *studies the baby's little face then* Is he alright?

Angel: *quietly* The child who was rocking him said he was going to die...

Optima: *bites her lip and gives Angel's shoulders a gentle squeeze* He's one of Oscar and Allie's?

Angel: *nods*

Dallas: *surprised* Allie? As in Allison MacKenzie?

Optima: *looks up with surprise* Oh. I don't know.

Ira: *nods* Allison MacKenzie. Current General of Hell.

Dallas: *jaw drops* What did you just call my cousin?

Ira: She's the General of Hell.

Optima: *quickly and softly* Hell is a nightclub in the heart of the New York mutant ghetto. Allie and Oscar made it into a safe haven for the marginalized and abandoned.

Dallas: ...

guy: *dusty looking, with a slightly dopey grin* Boss, it's time fer us ta start patrollin'. How do we get back ta the 'hood? *looks from Ira to Optima*

Ira: *looks to Optima*

Optima: *quizzical look to the man* Er, who are you?

guy: *lifts brows* Duststorm.

Optima: What patrol are you talking about, Duststorm?

Duststorm: *frowns* Whaddya mean, "what patrol?"? We gotta go look fer dumpster dollies.

Optima: *comprehension* *looks to Ira*

Ira: Let me go get Jazz.

Optima: Go with Ironhide, please.

Duststorm: You got it, Boss.

Ira: *will go, fuzzy bitty tucked into the crook of his arm*

Duststorm: *talking away to the bitty as he walks beside Ira. Seems the toddler's name is Monster Mash*

Optima: *turns back to Dallas* Sorry for the interruption. *soft look of surprise as Angel goes and sits by Debbie's bed and starts to rock the rocking chair, one hand on the younger woman's hand*

Dallas: *small smile as he watches* *quietly* I see what you mean about a safe environment.

Optima: *proud look for Angel* Since there's a mother on duty, would you like to come see Allie? I think Oscar's with her. And then we can find you a room down here for now.

Dallas: *small nod* Alright.

Optima: Will you be alright, Angel?

Angel: *nods without looking away from Debbie and the baby*

Optima: *steps out of the room and realizes that Ira left only one room between the one that Debbie is in, and the one that Allie is in. Quiet smile* Actually, Dallas, bring your things. I see your room.

Dallas: *blinks and moves to get his duffle bag*

Optima: *leads him out of Debbie's room, softly closing the door behind her. Then opens the door of that empty room in the middle* This is yours. *nods to the next door* And that's Allie's. We'll be moving both ladies to quiet rooms upstairs as soon as possible. It's less institutional looking.

Dallas: *small nod* Alright. *pauses* What happened to Allie?

Optima: *sigh* I'll let Oscar explain, if he's up to it.

Dallas: *will set his duffle by the door* Let me see her.

Optima: *leads him over to Allie's door and knocks softly*

Oscar: *takes a bit longer to answer the door than he had earlier in the night* *quietly* Allie's still sleeping, Optima.

Optima: *gentle seriousness* Do you know this man? *indicates Dallas, and then gasps softly as something slips past her on the floor with a slithering, wet sound*

Dallas: *startles*

Oscar: *quietly* Don't acknowledge Ollie, or he'll start screamin. *slight wince as he looks up to Dallas* *small smile* Hey, Dal... It's been awhile.

Optima: *quietly* Screaming? *then grunts softly as a robust little scaly girl cannonballs into her knees* Oh, don't hurt yourself.

Oscar: *brows up* How're you still standin'?

Optima: *looks up from where she's hunkered down to talk to the child* I beg your pardon?

Oscar: Lisetta's our Wrecker.

Dallas: Wrecker? *bent down to touch a little catgirl who is hiding her face against his leg*

Oscar: *nod* We had a car brought in for recycling. She got to bust it up for scrap. *rubs at the back of his neck*

Optima: *brows lift as she gently tests the child's strength* She isn't that strong yet...

Lisetta: Car? Frow Lissy! Lissy break car!

Dallas: *incredulous amusement* You used a baby for a wrecking ball?

Oscar: We tried ta stop her.

Lisetta: Lissy dump up 'n down! :D

Allie: *softly* It's not time to play, Lissy.

Optima: *attention snaps in that direction*

Lisetta: *both hands over her mouth* Lissy f'git. Mom seeepin' so Lissy gotta zippit.

Allie: *still asleep*

Oscar: *soft chuckle, will reach to ruffle Lissy's hair*

Lisetta: *happy grin. Then looks up at Dallas and points to the child leaning against him* 'Lors lub you.

Dallas: Aww... *will move to give the little girl a hug*

Oscar: *small smile as he watches that and tries to pretend he's not feeling the energy loss from healing Scattershot's injuries*

Lisetta: You wanna be o'd man? Lors dots only Mom 'n Dad.

Optima: *as she stands with her hand on Lissy's head she's looking back and forth between Dallas and Oscar, trying to understand what the gregarious toddler just said*

Oscar: *quietly* Lissy, give him time to think, 'kay, sweetie?

Lisetta: *nods her head* Take timeafink.

Dallas: *gravely* I'll think about it very much.

Optima: *smiles* *to Oscar* I'm invulnerable, and above average in strength. I don't think Lisetta could hurt me. *glances at Dallas* Dallas was hoping to see his cousin. He's taken the room next to this one for a night or two.

Oscar: Ah... *nods and moves to give Dallas access to Allie's bed, or at least as much as he's able to give, with all the kids there*

Optima: *hears Monster Mash's raspy voice grunting softly as Ira returns. Turns her head to look at them*

Dallas: *soft snerk as he sees that there's almost no room for Allie in the bed because of all the kids. Then he notices the cot. Slight frown as he connects the dots and realizes that this is Oscar's bed*

Ollie: *slips past Dallas' leg and leaves it damp*

Dallas: *remembers Oscar's advice from earlier, does his best not to yelp and squirm*

Ira: *is a soft rumble that's approaching the room now*

Optima: *watches Ollie slither out into the hall, leaving what looks like a giant snail trail behind him* *catches Ira's eye and lifts a hand* [Don't notice crawly.]

Ira: *slight nod of acknowledgment*

Optima: *obligingly holds out her arms as Monster Mash turns to go to her, then lifts her brows as the tot notices Oscar and starts to frown, grunt, and point at him* What is it?

Lisetta: *mouth drops open with indignation, and she wags a scolding finger at Oscar* Dad hurt! Dumb****! Mom mad!

little voices: *a couple from inside the room, scolding with broken baby babble*

kids: *two girls and a boy who help with the babies are now giving Oscar the mother of all stink eyes. One is coming to get him by the arm*

Oscar: *winces* Shhhh, shhhhhh. *startles as his arm's grabbed* *wince*

girl: Bed now, Dad. *looks to Optima and Ira* He needs dope. The soft stuff that don't catch.

Ira: *quiet rumble* Let me get one of the doctors. They'll know what will work best.

Oscar: *defeated sigh* Alright, 'Lisha... I'll go to bed.

Optima: *steps forward and gently takes Oscar's other arm* Wait, Ira. Will you bring in another hospital bed? That cot is rather full.

Ira: *nods and goes to get another hospital bed as well as track down a medic*

Optima: *will support Oscar on one side as the little girl supports him on the other. Her other arm is being used to cuddle Monster Mash, who is happy again and grunting softly at Lisetta as she pulls faces at him*

Oscar: *quietly, to Optima* 'Mash seems ta like you 'n Ironhide.

Optima: *slightly surprised look as her attention is drawn away from the baby with his chin on her shoulder and the little girl behind her* Is that a rare thing?

Oscar: He's kinda picky 'bout who he'll let hold him.

Optima: *surprise grows* I hadn't realized. *and then realization dawns and she smiles slightly*

Oscar: *small smile* You got any kids, Miss Prime?

Optima: A little girl. And I strongly suspect that I have a share in another, but her cousin is her guardian.

Oscar: Want another one?

Optima: Oh... I'll have to ask Ira... Ironhide.

Oscar: *small nod*

Ira: *back with another hospital bed*

Optima: *looks over her shoulder and helps Muhlisha move Oscar out of Ira's way*

Monster Mash: *watches Lisetta chatter and help with the bed, then points a stubby finger at Ira* Dada! :D

Ira: *surprised expression is a go*

Oscar: *very soft chuckle*

Muhlisha: First word. Not bad.

Monster Mash: *waves to Ira, and then frowns at Oscar*

Oscar: *quietly* Frankie owes me five bucks now. *eyelids starting to droop*

Optima: *starts to help him toward the bed, but blinks with surprise and stops as Muhlisha pushes at her. Watches with wonder as the small girl picks Oscar up and lays him on the bed* ...How old are you, Muhlisha?

Muhlisha: Fourteen. *gets Oscar's shoes and throws them at the boy who is there to baby help, triggering a quiet laugh from him*

Oscar: *tiredly* 'Lisha, don't throw things at Peter.

Dallas: *boggling a bit as he watches what's going on*

Muhlisha: *bit of a grin* Wasn't things. Was shoes. *doesn't even flinch as one bounces off her head* Keepsake...

Keepsake: Thrrpt. *rock babies*

Oscar: *quietly* 'S not nice. *wincing more now*

Ira: *going to go get Rachel, then*

Optima: *used to carrying Sora, she swings Monster Mash around to her back without thinking*

Monster Mash: *surprised grunt, gets his toes braced on the waist of her cords, and then hugs her around the chest*

Muhlisha: *grabs a cotton receiving blanket off the table at the foot of Allie's bed, then stops Optima and uses the blanket to tie Monster Mash to the woman*

Monster Mash: *happy and relieved babby snuggles and grunts*

Optima: Oh. Whoops...

Dallas: *blink* Huh.

Oscar: *trying to keep his breathing even so he doesn't scare the kids or wake Allie up* *quietly* Allie usually wears him on her back, sometimes on 'er front.

Muhlisha: Just not without a wrap. *gives Optima a funny look as she goes back to sit with the other kids and once more rock upset babies*

Optima: *blushes slightly* I'm sorry. I'm used to little Sora. *gently* Oscar, do you think a bit of massage would help you feel better?

Oscar: D-Dunno.

Optima: *quietly* Where does it hurt?

Oscar: 'S all over... *breath hitches slightly*

Optima: *carefully turns him onto his belly and moves his pillow, then applies gentle pressure to certain points on his back and shoulders*

Oscar: *wince wince wince, works on keeping his breathing even. Knows he pushed himself too far today and that he'll be no good for anything tomorrow* *soft grunt at the pressure*

Optima: *continues working, knowing that if nothing else, distraction will help a little*

Rachel: *enters then, a cheerful expression on her face and two small children cuddled together in a sling on her back* Alright, Oscar. Ira says I need to slap you in the head, but we'll do that later. How do you feel about needles?

Oscar: *muffled by the pillow* D'pends on the needle.

Rachel: *carefully turns him back onto his back, though not as easily as Optima turned him the other way. Shows him an IV needle and bag*

Oscar: *small nod* *quietly* That's an okay needle.

Rachel: *nods and starts setting things up* Can you tell me the name of your condition?

Oscar: *small headshake* Don't remember what the doc called it.

Rachel: Well, I know this stuff has no bad effects on anything. You'll be going to sleep, though. *pauses and looks down as small hands take hold of her lab coat* Yes, dear?

Lisetta: You be LissyMom?

Rachel: *blinks* I beg your pardon? *gently setting up the IV as she speaks to the toddler*

Oscar: *small smile* *softly* Lisetta... *losing his train of thought*

Lisetta: Giveatimeafink. *sighs*

Rachel: *finishes with the IV* ...What?

woman: *tall and robustly built, but with her wild red hair in her face and a sad, quiet, and apologetic air to her* *slips into the room and wordlessly offers to take the children from Rachel's back*

Rachel: *gives children* *and then listens in surprise as the woman softly reports on Oscar's physical condition*

Muhlisha: *quiet, encouraging cheer from her corner* Cat Scan, right on! Wondered if you were comin'.

Oscar: *softly* 'Ey, Gatita...

Cat Scan: *gentle hand on Oscar's*

Rachel: *concern on her face as she unfastens the sling so that the taller woman can get the two children* Cat Scan? Are you the Army doctor?

Cat Scan: *bites her lower lip* *quietly* Not a doctor... Never finished school. *will move to get the littles*

Rachel: *gently takes the hand that Cat Scan reaches with and holds it in her own as she studies the crude prosthesis* *gently* We'll have to get you a better one of these.

Cat Scan: *shaky breath and a slight wibble*

Rachel: *pats the girl's shoulder, and then gently pushes those partly dreded curls away from Cat Scan's face*

Cat Scan: *strong features and serious green eyes are dominated by a large burn scar along the left side of her face over her cheek and up to her forehead. Left eye is a bit clouded over. She's also missing her left eyebrow*

Rachel: *no flinch whatsoever as she smiles and very gently rubs the scarred cheek with her thumb in her loving and motherly way* It's nice to see another lady built like me.

Cat Scan: *confused expression is a go*

Rachel: What's wrong? *drops her hand to take the small one insistently tugging on her coat* Shhh, Lisetta.

Cat Scan: *quietly* Built like you?

Rachel: *grins and unbuttons her coat to show her strapping, robust, but moderately busted figure in its pretty coloured but plain sweater and slacks* Yes, yes you are.

Cat Scan: *blink. Blink!*

Muhlisha: Toldja ya weren't fat.

Optima: *softly, to the kids in the corner* Would you like an adult to come help you watch the children?

Keepsake: *indignant expression, but her words are stopped by Muhlisha's hand*

Muhlisha: Whaddawe need an adult for? Ben takin' care'a news 'n littles all our lives.

Keepsake: *nod nod! Scowl*

Optima: I apologize. *gentle smile* Do you have what you need to sleep? *glances at Cat Scan*

Muhlisha: Cat kin stay with Dad. We can't help 'im with 'is stuff.

Cat Scan: *worried glance at Oscar* *good hand reaches* *quietly* He's asleep.

Rachel: He should be alright till morning, but it'll be a good idea for someone to check and see if he needs to go to the bathroom in a few hours.

Muhlisha and Keepsake: *sniggerfit about needing to pee*

Cat Scan: *small nod*

Rachel: *smiles at Cat Scan* Do you want to monitor him? I can, if you don't feel up to it.

Cat Scan: *softly* I... I can.

Rachel: *reaches up to pat her on the shoulder* Alright. If you need anything just press this button on his bed.

Cat Scan: *small nod and a very slight ghost of a smile as she turns her attention to the bitties she's holding*

Rachel: *friendly smile, and then picks the quietly persistent Lisetta up and herds Optima and Ira from the room* *pauses at the door to look back at Dallas*

Dallas: *hesitates before moving to talk quietly to Allie and let her know he's here*

Allie: *soft 'hmm'* *quietly* I'll talk to you in the morning, Dal. Gotta sleep so I can keep up with the kids.

Rachel: *lifts a brow. Can tell that the woman's still sound asleep*

Dallas: ... Er, alright. See you in the morning, then. *moves to head for the door, looking just a bit weirded out*

Allie: Goodnight. *pause* Tuck Delores in with Oscar before you go.

Rachel: *gently* Oscar needs a bed to himself tonight, Allie.

Allie: ...Then tuck her in with 'Lisha and Keepie. And I'll kick his butt when I'm awake.

Dallas: *moving to do as instructed*

Keepsake: *takes the little catgirl, despite her protesting reaching* Shhhh. Sleep time.

Muhlisha: T'night ya stay here, 'Lore. But maybe tomorrow ya kin sleep somewhere else. So stop whinin' 'n wave bye.

Delores: *wibbles and droops, but waves obediently*

Dallas: *quietly* Night.

Rachel: *gently herds Dallas out of the room too, then stops and looks quizzically at the dark haired man who just arrived, and from whose chest a tiny thread of purring is whispering forth* Oh. Hello, can I help you?

Torque: *quietly* I-Is 'L-Lisha t-there?

Rachel: *calls to mind the name of one of the girls in the room* Do you mean Muhlisha?

Torque: *nod nod*

Rachel: *kindly smile* Is she your sister?

Torque: *headshake* W-Wife.

Rachel: *smile gone, and replaced by a frown* Isn't she young to be married?

Muhlisha: *from inside* Nah. Gotta grab the good guys before they're took. Hey, Jerry, share that blanket, ya little twerp.

bitty voice: Twerp!

Torque: *nodnod* L-Like 'L-Lisha b-better than G-Grimhilda.

Rachel: *studies him mutely*

Muhlisha: Look, we're not doin' no private stuff, so get that stick outta...

Allie: Muhlisha, don't talk like Keepie.

Muhlisha: Oops.

Keepsake: Thrrpt. *doesn't look up from wrestling extra blanket away from Jerry*

Torque: *quietly* P-Private s-stuff's f-for later. A-After 'L-Lisha's o-older.

Allie: Torque, go lay down before you hurt yourself.

Muhlisha: We gotta floor bed, Torky. Lotsa room. *pokes Peter, who considers himself comfortably in bed with only his head resting on the pallet*

Rachel: *steps aside to let the young man inside as she sees the earnest honesty in his eyes* Goodnight.

Torque: *small nod of thanks, will move to lay down on his back next to the pallet* N-Night. *knows he'll likely wind up with bitties using him as a bed again, doesn't mind in the least*

Rachel: *last check on Cat Scan, then makes sure that the little slimy child is inside the room before gently closing the door and turning to Dallas*

Dallas: *quietly* I should get some sleep.

Rachel: Do you have a bed?

Dallas: *nod* I do. *will move to open the door between Allie's room and Debbie's*

Rachel: Alright. *slight smile* I'll be in that room next to yours, helping Angel's little friend, if you need anything. *walks toward Debbie's room*

Dallas: Alright. Thank you.


in the elevator


Optima: *back turned toward Ira so that he can reach Monster Mash as she unties the blanket*

Monster Mash: *sleeping snuggled against her back*

Ira: *will relieve Optima of the fuzzy little, rumbling quietly*

Monster Mash: *raspy little sound, but then snuggles and sighs without waking*

Optima: *turns to look at the little boy, then tucks the soft cotton blanket around him* *quietly* Oscar asked if we'd like to adopt him.

Ira: *quietly* I'd intended to ask Oscar and Allie if we could adopt him.

Optima: *surprised look* Did you?

Ira: Not yet.

Optima: *little smile* I meant, "Did you intend to." *soft touch for husband arm* We should ask Faredot what she thinks of having a younger brother.

Ira: *small nod*

Faredot: *invisible but audible!* I would love to have a baby brother. He's only one year and four months old, Ama.

Optima: *flat footed surprise as she looks from the direction of the voice back to the baby in her husband's arms*

Ira: *quietly* He's not very steady on his feet yet.

Optima: *soft sound and smooths the sleep dampened fur on Monster Mash's head, then puts her arms around Ira and the baby, feeling Faredot also adding herself to the hug*

Ira: *quietly* Why don't we all go get some sleep?

Skylar: *as the elevator pings and opens the door* Get out of my way!

Faredot: Eeek! You're bleeding on the floor!

Ira: *low growl for Skylar*

Optima: *quick visual scan of Skylar for injury*

Skylar: Yeah. *slight scowl* I split my toe.

Optima: *looks down* ...And you're bleeding right through the wrapping. *steps out of the elevator, guiding Faredot with her*

Ira: *legs braced as he deliberately stands in the Seeker's way* Get Skyfire to cauterize it.

Skylar: *goes even paler at the thought* He's in the city with TC.

Ira: *blink* Doing what? *confused*

Skylar: Whatever those gangers we brought in are doing! Let me past, I'm bleeding!

Optima: [Don't hit him too hard.]

Ira: *soft rumble in response, will smack Skylar on the back of his head*

Skylar: *squawk as he flies into the elevator*

Optima: *sighs and gives her husband a reproving look as the elevator door slides shut*

Faredot: *don't mind her. She's cleaning the floor, and will bring all these red drops down to Skylar after she's picked them up*

Ira: Let's go to bed.

Optima: *attention back to the baby* That's a good idea. We'll have a busy day tomorrow.


upstairs in the boys' dorm


Mike: *standing in front of Beau's bed and grinning up at the younger but taller boy* Last Airbender!

Beau: ... *raised brow. Doesn't get it* Er... Alrahght?

Sheldon: *snickering where he's perched on BJ's bed with the other boy*

BJ: *shaking his head in pity of how square his cousin is*

Mike: Where's Apa, Aang?

Beau: Wh't? *so confused*

Sheldon: *snickering and wondering when Beau's going to hit Mike*

Mike: *starts singing what is plainly a theme song, but ends with a squeak of surprise as the door swings open*

Jacob: Alright, you rascals, what are you up to this time?

BJ: *squawks and scoots to try and wedge himself between the wall and his headboard, sputtering laughter as he goes*

Sheldon: *meeps and hides under a blanket*

Beau: *blink blink* Er... Mike w's call'n me 'Last Aiuhbendah', sir.

Jacob: *stern look at Mike. Or as stern as blue eyes can look when they're twinkling that much. Turns to Beau* Well hurry up and hit him so you can all go to bed.

BJ: *giggle fit now*

Beau: *bewildered* Sir?

Jacob: *nods to Mike, who has squeezed his eyes shut and squared his jaw*

Beau: *hesitates a moment, but then he's aiming an uppercut at Mike's jaw*

Mike: *skillfully does a graceful backflip and lands on Sheldon*

Sheldon: *squeaks and then he's laughing and trying to toss the blanket over Mike's head*

BJ: *cracks up and is now laying with his feet on the headboard and his body on his bed*

Beau: *blink blink. Snerk*

Jacob: *ruffles Beau's short hair, then taps his cane on the floor* Alright, everyone to bed!

Mike: *fends off blanket and scrambles out of the room on hands and feet, unable to gain his balance due to laughing too hard*

Sheldon: *going to try and tackle Mike now*

Beau: Yessir. *moving to get his covers situated for crawling under*

Mike: *squeak and a thud comes from across the hall*

BJ: *bouncing on his bed on his butt now*

Jacob: *to Beau* Do you need anything? Any more friends...?

Beau: *quietly* Mutt's prolleh 't Sis' place.

Jacob: *wordlessly takes something from the crook of his arm, and then holds up a stuffed bulldog in a T-shirt*

Beau: Mutt! *will reach for the stuffie*

Jacob: *smiles and hands the doll over* She asked me to bring him to you.

Beau: *small grin as he cuddles the bulldog*

BJ: *watching soberly. Has a plush doll with a photo tucked into the plastic pocket over its face held under one arm as he sits on his bed*

Beau: *quietly* Th'nk y'u, sir.

Jacob: *pats him on the shoulder* Do you need anything else? Teeth scrubbed?

BJ: *grins to show that he used the toothpaste they made in science class the other day. Yes, his teeth are green*

Beau: Ah brushed mah teeth. *nods*

Jacob: Good boy. *and then holds out an arm as BJ comes for the nightly hug that he can't sleep without*

Beau: *surprised to see BJ acting the way he normally does with Denver*

Jacob: *ruffles BJ's growing out buzz cut, and then checks on Beau a last time as he turns toward the door*

Beau: *small nod, moves to get his pajamas on*

BJ: *tucking himself into bed while you do that, Beau*

Beau: *quietly* Wah w's th't big gah worried 'bout Denver bein' damp?

BJ: What big guy? And probably 'cause he knew Denver'd get sick if she got wet.

Beau: *describes Chris* Wait. Wh't? Wah'd she git sick 'f she got wet?

BJ: Ohhh. Papa Chrome. He's an ambulance guy. *sits up, then lays down again* Don't know. Guess it's something to do with her mutation.

Beau: Mutation? She 'n Ah both tested negative. *frowns* So'd Dal. *then* Wah're y'u 'eah, BJ?

BJ: *sticks his hand up, away from his blankets and Mini Soledad* *snaps fingers*

Beau: *blink blink* Whoaaahhh. Cool.

BJ: Denver's thing doesn't make fire, but she can play with it.

Beau: *more blink* Wondah wh't Dallas c'n do?

BJ: *sits up* Fire 'n wind. You didn't hear?

Beau: ...No. *raised brow*

BJ: Well those guys that tried beating you up must've heard something. *looks toward the door as it slowly swings open*

Mike: *muffled from his room* Meep? Oh, sure, there's lots of room. You want this doll?

Beau: *lifts his head to look*

boy: *about eight years old, with his arms around the shoulders of two smaller and younger boys* Me 'n Allen 'n Denver's wonderin' if there's any room here. The place they put us was too empty.

Beau: *small nod* Ah got room, 'n so does BJ.

BJ: Yup! *waves*

boy: *comes over and helps the two smaller boys into Beau's bed*

Allen: *little silver pixie face shows in the light from the window as he studies Beau thoughtfully*

Beau: *will make sure everyone's covered with blankets*

older boy: *grins, and then goes to help himself to that spot on the foot of BJ's bed that BJ doesn't fill yet*

BJ: *funny noises, and then the offer of a braided yarn doll with loops on its head something like rabbit ears*

Beau: *will get comfortable and contemplate what he'll be able to learn here at the Pax School, why there seems to be a lot of kids here, and what he's learned about some of his family. Eventually, he settles into slumber*

((Written with random_xtras))