llv. Pax School. Rung

[dens_extra_pups]

Nightbird: *steps into the foyer and looks around, then glances at Ira*

Ira: This way. *down the hall to the empty living room and then nods toward a chair* Wait here.

Nightbird: *soft snort and watches him go, then walks over to look out the window at the rainy autumn day, her mind going back to the conversation that she'd had with Ira earlier. He had suggested to her that she should parent one of the youngest children at the school. She'd responded that she had no time to make a home for children, and he'd told her that the children had a home, they only needed parents*

Ira: *comes in a few minutes later, speaking in a gruff, soft voice*

Nightbird: *turns as she hears the soft rasping sound that answers Ira's voice, then blinks and feels her heart drop with sadness as she sees the child that the old soldier is holding in his arms*

Ira: *glances over, and then frowns when he sees her body language* *gruffly* This is Monster Mash. Mash, this is Dada's friend.

Monster Mash: *shy baby is hiding, though he peeks and grins at Dada's friend, and crooks his fingers in a little wave*

Nightbird: *soft conversation for the little boy, her mouth curling at the corners as she sees him gaining confidence with her*

Monster Mash: *sits up in Dada's arms after awhile, then starts telling this new friend in his few words about how he and Dada are both furry*

Nightbird: *listens intently, asking questions to help him along and pushing her sadness away*

Monster Mash: *suddenly notices tears! Must hug! And pat pat gently*

Ira: *had been scowling and wondering what Nightbird's problem was, but now he's misty-eyed himself with pride for what his son is doing*

Nightbird: *softly, as she pushes away old memories* Arigatou.

Monster Mash: *perks and switches to Japanese*

Ira: *laughing silently now* I told you he's alright.

Nightbird: *very small nod. Had felt bad for the youngster upon first seeing him, which had reminded her of what she'd been told years ago about not being able to have children of her own*

Debbie: *slowly pushing the door open and entering the foyer. She's tired, covered in mud, and has a small smile on her face*

Ira: *laughter stops as he looks over Nightbird's shoulder to see who's coming in. Brows shoot toward his hairline*

Debbie: *small nod of greeting for Ira, will frown at the woman she doesn't recognize when the woman turns to look at her*

Ira: *frowns. Gruffly* What happened?

Muhlisha: *is a snerk behind Debbie*

Debbie: *reaches back to elbow Muhlisha* *quietly* We threw mud 't 'n Autobot.

Ira: *walks over to put a hand on Debbie's shoulder and look at her face*

Debbie: *still for a few moments, then she's hugging the old soldier... and getting mud all over him as well!*

Ira: *grunts at the force of the squish*

Monster Mash: *claps his hands* [Hug]!

Nightbird: *nod* [Yes. And now Ira will need to wash his shirt.]

Monster Mash: *still grinning* [Like bath].

Ira: *gently hugs back* *gruffly, as he pats Debbie's back* Glad you're feeling better.

Debbie: *quietly* Th'nk y'u, Ahra. Ah sh'ld go clean up though. *murfs a yawn* 'N maybeh 'ave a nap.

Ira: *nods as he lets her go, and then he's scowling as he notices a taxi pulling up outside*

Debbie: *will go head for her room so she can shower*

Muhlisha: *has also noticed the car, and is standing wide-stanced in front of the door after chucking the trash bag full of her and Debbie's clothes inside*

Ira: Monster Mash, take Nightbird to the cafeteria.

Nightbird: *attention going to the door, frowns at Ira's tone*

Monster Mash: *instantly points toward the hallway*

Nightbird: *small frown, but will move to bring Monster Mash down the hallway*

Ira: *steps out, pushing Muhlisha out beside him as he closes the door. Beard is bristling as he watches that cab pull to a stop*

cabbie: *puts the emergency brake on, will get out and get a wheelchair out of the trunk, along with a suitcase*

Ira: *frown changes to concern and deepens*

Muhlisha: Bet it's another *beep* social worker. They're the only losers that show up without callin' first.

Ira: *growl*

cabbie: *will get the passenger side door open and bring the wheelchair over so the cab's lone occupant, a slender man with coppery orange hair and round glasses, can transfer from the cab to the chair*

Muhlisha: *glances up at Ira, sees his nod, and unmindful of her mud, walks up to the man in the chair* Y'lost, mister?

man: *looks up from making sure his feet are securely on the footrests of his chair, will give you a gentle, friendly smile, Muhlisha* I don't believe so, Miss. This is the Pax School, correct?

Muhlisha: *gruffly* Yeah. You another social worker?

man: *small nod* The director of an agency called SHIELD contacted me regarding the school, and she felt I would be able to assist.

Muhlisha: *snorts and folds her arms over her chest* Lemme tell ya up front, social workers run from here.

man: *nods* I've read the reports, Miss.

Muhlisha: *steps closer, aggressively invading his space (and dropping dried mud on him)* Yer cab's not gone yet.

man: *blinks and then he's startling* Oh, goodness. I forgot to pay the driver. *not even fazed by you invading his space, Muhlisha. He'll reach into his jacket pocket and pull out his billfold before looking to the waiting cabbie* My apologies. How much do I owe you, sir?

cabbie: *had been scowling at that punk kid, but now he jumps slightly and looks at his fare* Oh. Thirty bucks.

man: *small nod, gets out two twenties and offers them* The rest is your tip.

cabbie: Thanks. *attention back to the kid as his scowl returns*

man: *will put his billfold away and work on getting his suitcase onto his lap* *calmly* I was told by Director Fury that I should speak with Miss Pax?

Muhlisha: She's busy. 'Er main squeeze's over there.

Ira: *glower*

man: *small nod* Director Fury mentioned Mr. Irons as well.

Muhlisha: Uh huh... *attention is going to the cabbie who isn't going away* You gotta name?

man: *blink* Oh, goodness, I forgot my manners. My name is Roland Yung. Though my compatriots have taken to calling me "Rung". *soft chuckle* I answer to both.

Muhlisha: *head whips around, and the laconic teen is boggling at him* You know a Cat?

Rung: *slight surprise at that reaction, but he nods* Though I have not heard from her in some time, I was in several classes with a young woman by that name. She was studying to become a doctor, from what I recall.

Muhlisha: *grabs his suitcase and drops it on the ground, then scoops him up and turns to haul him inside*

Ira: *steps forward to stop Muhlisha from hurting the guy, then frowns and slowly opens the door as he sees what she's doing*

Rung: *startled sound at being lifted* Oh, please be careful, Miss! *not even all that worried about his suitcase right now*

Muhlisha: Don't sweat. I'm strong. *easily hauls Rung toward the door*

cabby: *following to rescue!*

Ira: *goes to meet the guy and calmly redirect him back to his car*


inside


Nessa: *comes in to see what Muhlisha's hollering about* Whoa, who's the n00b?

Muhlisha: Cat's Rung. Where the slag is she?

Nessa: Um. *finger to ear as she calls the scarred woman's phone*

Cat: *answers on the second ring, sounds like she might be in the cafeteria* //H-Hello?//

Nessa: You busy, Cat? *arm out to support Rung as Muhlisha hands him over. Shows as little strain as the small teen did while holding him up*

Rung: *quiet as he watches the two interact, studying their mannerisms and behavior. It's clear to him that Muhlisha is a leader and that the other girl is someone she respects*

Cat: //D-Dallas and I are in line for lunch.//

Nessa: Okay. Hold a place for me and a guest.

Cat: //A-Alright...//

Nessa: *chuckles as she hears a sigh* Delores with you?

Cat: //She's hugging my leg and sitting on my foot.//

Nessa: D'aww. Mama Cat.

Cat: *soft "heh"*

Nessa: Anyway. Incoming. *starts to walk* You see my idjit?

Cat: //He and Del are sissy-slap fighting a few spots up from Delores and me.//

Nessa: I'll have to kick him overboard tonight. *nods to Nightbird and Monster Mash*

Monster Mash: *waves at Aunty Nessa, and then hides from the stranger*

Nightbird: *silent and watchful*

Rung: *polite nod of greeting for Nightbird. He met the aide-de-camp to Director Fury the other day, and found her to be rather taciturn* *thinks the child she's holding is adorable, and going by the shyness they're displaying, they must not be as old as they appear*

Nessa: *stops at the mouth of the hall* Oops. Hi, Ollie. Yeah. It's a new guy, but he thinks he's staying.

Rung: *gentle smile for the pale gold tot who has a hand on his leg* Hello, Ollie. *not even concerned by the fact that the little child looks a bit like those old Fiji Mermaids that sailors used to make. He just sees a happy, healthy child who came over to say hello*

Ollie: *squeaks and then laughs* Fwimming! Yah! *such a conversationalist!*

Rung: Well, I believe it's time for lunch first.

Ollie: Ohh. *looks over his shoulder, then laughs again* Otay! Bubye! *turns and crawls away, his little body slipping easily over the carpet because of the apron he's wearing*

Rung: *soft chuckle, waves bye-bye to Ollie*

Nessa: *as she starts walking again* Have you seen him before?

Rung: *blinks, then shakes his head* No, but it's generally considered polite to wave.

Nessa: *soft snerk* Asked because most people don't grin when they first see him. Hi, Fairy, he's Cat's. Let us past.

Rin Fei: *annoyed huff, goes to sulk in a puff of flame* *got scolded sternly the other day for accidentally spooking the skittish redhead*

Rung: *startled expression at the sudden departure* Goodness...

Nessa: *offhand* She's not human.

Rung: *surprised* Oh, goodness. I didn't realize.

Nessa: *turns her head and gives him a slight smirk* Ready to leave?

Rung: Not at all, Miss.

Nessa: *as water gushes over in the far corner* You sure? Last chance before stepping into Hell.

Rung: *quietly and seriously* This is not Hell, Miss.

Nessa: Don't let the Deepdwellers hear you say that.

Cat: *just caused a bit of commotion by suddenly vacating her spot in line after seeing who Nessa is holding, leaving Delores to cling to Dallas' leg*

Nessa: *startles and looks that way* Whoa. RUSH, CATCH CAT!

Rush: *startled whoop, will try and lunge for the redhead, intending to grab her by the wrist, but Cat's just that much faster than he is, and he ends up kissing the wall*

Cat: *GONE*

Nessa: *hastily parks Rung, and then shifts to saucer and follows Cat*

Rachel: *looks at the young man on her lap* ...So were you a good boy this year?

Rung: *surprised to find himself seated on the lap of a redheaded lady* My apologies, Miss. I don't understand what just happened.

Rachel: Nessa set you down and went after Kitty for some reason. *looks the way the women went*

Rung: *quietly* Oh... "Kitty" is one of Cat's nicknames?

Rachel: *slight grin* It's my nickname for her. *looks back to him* And I haven't been a Miss since before you were born. I'm Rachel Christoferson, doctor and house mother. Catherine is my student.

Rung: *surprised expression is a go* Oh, so she is continuing her studies. That is good to know.

Rachel: *smiles at him, and then turns her head to look at the red-haired man who just sat beside her and pulled a little girl with kitten ears off his leg*

Delores: *whines for Mom even as she clings to Pop*

Dallas: *cuddling Delores now* *worriedly* Wh't spooked Cat?

Rachel: *points to the guy on her lap*

Dallas: *blink, raised brow as he studies Rung*

Rung: *quietly* I'm not sure why she reacted in such a manner. But it's so good to know that she's alive.

Rachel: *gently* This is Cat's husband and daughter.

Rung: *startled at that news, but then he'll nod* *quietly* I see. It's nice to meet you both.

Dallas: *small frown. Trying to figure out why this scrawny guy would scare Cat so badly that she'd run away at the sight of him. From what he can tell, the guy's about as mean as Torque*

Rachel: *gently* Do you have a name, buddy?

Rung: *quietly* Roland Yung. I'm also called Rung.

Rachel: *soft gasp and a look of recognition*

Dallas: *surprised expression is a go*

Rung: Until recently, when I was approached by Director Fury, I was residing with Cat's family.

Rachel: Are you X-positive?

Rung: *nods* I am. *quieter* Even though being "out" resulted in a rather unpleasant encounter once.

Rachel: *motherly backrub* *gently* How does the gene manifest?

Rung: *hand up, a bit of concentration, and then his hand is surrounded by a soft, golden glow*

Rachel: What does it do?

Rung: From what I've been able to determine, it's ornamental.

Rachel: *exchanges a glance with Dallas*

Dallas: Kinda lahk th't 'un gah 'n th' comics Ah've been readin' lateleh.

Rachel: *bit of a nod. Field sign* [Him.]

Dallas: *slight nod*

Rung: *puzzled* Which comic is that?

Rachel: *kindly look* That's need to know, bud.

Rung: Ah... *very small nod*

little silver child: *voice comes clearly from another table* Natto smells like *donkey*, but it tastes really good. That's the most innerestin' think I learnt lately.

Rachel: *snork*

Rung: *blinks and coughs to hide his snerk*

Dallas: *hiding his snickerfit by cuddling Delores*

Delores: *more soft whining, and then a squeak and hiding as a shriek comes from the other hall*

Rung: *startles at the shriek*

Dallas: *on his feet!*

Rachel: Wait. I hear Lissy. *pauses to accept money from Allen and thank him, then turns her attention back to the commotion*

Lissy: *has one of Cat's legs under each arm and is dragging the strapping woman into the cafeteria*

Cat: *trying to frantically get away, is panicking muchly*

Lissy: *talking up a storm in her funny way, telling Cat that she's gotta see her friend and Lissy is bringing her*

Cat: *whimpering and struggling against the powerful child*

Rung: Oh, goodness! *surprised to see Cat being brought in by a hefty little girl. Also surprised at the sheer panic he can hear as the young woman tries to get out of Lissy's grip*

Rachel: *hands Rung over to Dallas, and then gets up to go and see to Cat*

Lissy: *stops and looks up quizzically* Mom? Where Allen's dolly?

Rachel: Uncle Dallas is sitting by her. Why don't you go watch her back while I talk to Aunty Cat?

Lissy: Okay! *drops Cat's legs and charges over to the table, only to stop and look at the stranger with interest*

Cat: *as soon as she's released, she's trying to get to her feet with the intention of bolting again*

Dallas: *making sure Rung won't fall* *to Lissy* Th's 's Rung.

Lissy: IssaRunganothertestguy? *climbs up on Rachel's seat and puts an absent hand on the Peri and Pearl styling head that's standing by the woman's plate*

Dallas: No. 'E's 'eah f'r s'methin' else.

Lissy: Smarter'ntest guy?

Dallas: *studying Rung and then he's nodding* Ah th'nk so, but we'll see.

Rung: Oh? Is the test man asking questions that don't make sense?

Lissy: *snort* Thought onny one guy'd getta Crissymus prize.

Rung: *blink* Ahhh. So the prize is something nice for everyone, then.

Lissy: *funny look* Sheeya.

Rung: Well, that's good, then. A prize isn't much fun if you can't share it.

Lissy: *look that clearly says she thinks he's starting to get it* You sossiaworker?

Rung: Ah, yes. Director Fury felt I would be able to assist here, because I am also X-Positive.

Lissy: *shrugs those broad shoulders* Udder sossiaworkers all runaway. All freaked out. One *peed* issef.

Rung: Oh, dear. That would be embarrassing...

Lissy: You *pee* Sora off, 'n you git *peed* on.

Delores: *without unhiding* Yeah.

Dallas: 'R bit. *saw that day that one social worker tried to get Sora out of the danger room when she was in the middle of a simulation*

Rung: Oh, goodness.

Lissy: *makes fists with chopsticks between her fingers* *snarling sound as she slashes, and then she shrieks in a falsetto voice before following it with a hissing sound to represent the running of liquid*

Rung: Oh, my. Was he doing something he shouldn't have to make Sora angry?

Lissy: *blinks at him* You deaf? He tookerouttathesim!

Dallas: Lisseh, y'u didn' say th't part 'f th' storeh out loud, so Rung didn' know.

Lissy: *surprised little girl* Ohhh. Yeah. Sorry, mister.

Rung: *gentle smile for Lissy* It's alright.

Lissy: *looks over then as she hears Cat's fussing soften* Aunty's betternow.

Cat: *coming over, Rachel at her side with an arm around her. Still looks a little spooked, but she's calmer now*

Dallas: *face softens as he looks at Cat, but he doesn't talk*

Delores: *cautiously* Mam?

Cat: *quietly* I'm alright, Delores.

Rachel: *gentle smooths Cat's dreadlocks without moving them away from the Phantom mask that covers one side of the young woman's face*

Lissy: *chatters and then grabs the styling head and jumps down to run over and see Allen and the testing guy*

Rung: *gentle smile for Cat, can tell the big woman is still a bit anxious, but he'll do his best to help ease that anxiety* *quietly* It's good to see you again, Cat.

Cat: *slight flinch as she nervously lifts her prosthetic hand to her stomach, which is jittery* *can see just how the attack he survived affected Rung physically, including the fact that the poor guy had a large amount of his intestines removed. It's part of why her own stomach is jittery*

Rung: *soft gasp as he sees that jewelled robotic hand* *gently* Cat, your family will be glad to know you're alright.

Cat: *more flinch at the gasp* *quietly, feeling even more anxious now* N-No... T-To them I'm dead.

Rung: *still gently* Why?

Cat: *kind of hugging her good arm close to herself now, and struggling to put word to her thoughts*

Rung: Are you worried that Tye and Eli will be in danger if they know you're alright?

Cat: *hugging her arm to herself even more* T-They're not safe if I'm alive.

Rung: *softly* They're safe. Eli is in the Airforce now, and Tye has gone to work for Miss Fury.

Cat: He's still out there...

guy: *big, hideous, and furry* Who is?

Rung: *startles, and then winces and puts a hand to his stomach*

Cat: *startled flinch before she can stop herself* *quietly* The guy who firebombed my car. He was screaming about how he was going to kill all the "freaks"...

Dallas: *concerned look for Rung. Saw that wince*

guy: *to Rung* I'm Andre. I'm a news runner.

Rung: *doing his best not to focus on his own physical discomfort from startling* *politely* It's nice to meet you, Andre. My name is Rung.

Andre: *lifts brows and looks at Cat* That Rung?

Cat: *small nod*

Andre: Okay. *reaches out and grabs Rung's arm* Peace. *his slight French accent makes the word sound funny, as does all the gravel in his voice*

Rung: *startles again, but his smile is genuine as he gently explains* I don't know the polite way to respond, I'm afraid.

Andre: Not kicking me where it hurts is good.

Rachel: *face palm*

Dallas: Ah don' th'nk Rung's capable 'f kick'n' anyeh'un. 'E's too nahce f'r th't scrap.

Rung: *blushing slightly for a moment before his expression turns back to concern and he looks toward the small sound that Cat just made*

Andre: Right. That *bleep*. He's *bleep*, Cat. Meathead went in after him, widened his worldview, 'n crammed him down the t'rone.

Cat: *boggling now*

Rung: *quietly* Oh, my.

Delores: *translating for dad. Hands on her own neck as she makes a cracking sound, and then she makes a flush*

Dallas: *soft snort* Good riddance t' bad rubbish. *doesn't notice the small puff of smoke that happened when he snorted*

Rachel: Dal, you're smoking again.

Dallas: *meep*

Cat: *hand over mouth to cover her snicker*

Andre: *amused sniggering as he grins at Dallas*

Ira: *coming in and looking around for a few moments before heading for Rachel*

Dallas: *thrrpt at Andre, eyes twinkling*

Rachel: *perk* Excuse me, kids. Ira, did they find anything?

Ira: *headshake* Ransack couldn't find anything on Flynn's whereabouts.

Andre: *quizzical look* Which Flynn?

Ira: Flynn McTaggert. She went missing awhile back.

Andre: What's she look like?

Rachel: *quietly describes her friend and tells how long she's been gone*

Andre: *grins* Maman's not gone. She's at home lettin' Père take care'a her.

Rachel: O_O! *looks at Ira*

Ira: *boggling*

Rachel: *finally finds her voice* Your mother? Flynn never mentioned you.

Andre: *shakes his head* Not surprised. She kept us away from the rest of her life. But she says nobody needs her anymore, so she can disappear.

Ira: *frowning and rumbling softly*

Rachel: No one needs her? *absently hugging Rung as she thinks about that*

Andre: Because Cat can see kind of like she does. *shrug*

Rachel: *frowns and hugs Rung more* *quietly* How is she?

Andre: When I left she was sleepin' a lot.

Ira: *more frown*

Rachel: *deep breath* Can I talk to you after you eat, Andre?

Andre: Sure. *nods, and then looks at Cat* Really, the *unprintable's* *worm poop*.

Cat: *very small nod*

Andre: *gives her a terrifying grin, and then turns around and smacks into the slender girl that'd been standing behind him* *bleep* Whoops.

Rin Fei: *startled curse in Ifiri*

Andre: *cheerfully* You're another.

Rin Fei: *as she catches her balance and looks up to tell the guy off, she's realizing that the furry guy she'd been studying is looking at her* ...Hi.

Andre: *quick study of the girl, and then he straightens up* I'm available.

Rin Fei: *grin, showing her fangs* 'N so's I.

Andre: *grins and shows impressive fangs of his own* Wanna go grab some slop?

Rin Fei: *nod* Aye.

Andre: *is grinning widely as he heads toward the food line*

Rin Fei: *grinning just as widely as she follows*

Rachel: *looks at Ira* You'd better let the Matriarch know that her sister's married.

Ira: *nod* I'll go get a pen and paper.

Rachel: *watches him go, and then looks at Rung's confused expression* Andre's available and furry. He'll be watching her back in another few minutes.

Cat: *quietly* And Fairy is DenYa... She's Ifiri. They tend to be magnetically drawn to fur.

Rung: *blinking* Ah. What does Ifiri mean?

Dallas: Basicalleh, she's a fahr 'n physical form.

Rachel: *nods* They're an elemental race of fairy people. And they can get married just as fast as the Deepdwellers, if they like what they see.

Rung: *surprised* Fairy people, as in the old Germanic tales?

Rachel: *bit of a smile* Not just the German ones. You're sitting beside a dragon.

Rung: *surprised sound*

Dallas: None 'f us c'n take th' shape, though.

Debbie: *softly, as she plunks down beside him with wet hair and a cuddly Dianne* C'n too.

Dallas: *blink blink, will give his sister a puzzled look* Huh?

Debbie: *looks up at him* Ah changed t'day.

Rachel: *trying not to show surprise. Doesn't want to startle the normally shy Debbie*

Dallas: ... Whoa.

Dianne: *cuts a grin at Rung* Hi, I'm Dianne.

Rung: *quietly, feeling his earlier startlement catching up to him a bit more* Hello, Dianne. My name is Rung.

Dianne: Are you here for visit or for work? *quirks her words sometimes because she knows five languages and mixes the grammar*

Rung: I'm here to work.

Dianne: *glances over at the nearby table* Mr. Rowling is here for the testing. *looks back to Rung and studies him* Are you applying for the history teacher position, like Mr. Nine?

Rung: Oh, no. I'm not a teacher. I'm a social worker

Dianne: *happy little face closes a bit with doubt*

Cat: *quietly* He's a friend of mine, Dianne.

Dianne: *perks*

Rachel: I think he's alright. *looks at Dallas' disappointed sound*

Dallas: *just tried changing, and wasn't able to, so he's disappointed*

Debbie: *little huff of amusement at her brother* Ah'll take y'u flah'n' once Ah learn.

Dianne: *questioning expression as she holds hands with Delores and looks up at the big people* Fly?

Debbie: *quietly* Ah've got wings 'n mah dragon form. Big 'uns.

Dianne: *little O expression, then* Like Papa Skyfire's?

Debbie: *ducking her head a bit and blushing* Ah th'nk mahn're bigger.

Dianne: Wowwww. *big grin* But he can teach you to fly, right?

Debbie: Ah 'ope so.

Dianne: *happy grin toward Delores, who pouts at her amiably*

Rung: *quiet for a few moments as he goes over what Fury told him. Can't quite recall if she mentioned Skyfire or not*

Rachel: Are you going to eat, Debbie?

Debbie: *quietly, as she ducks her head a bit* 'Lisha 'n Ah et alreadeh.

Dianne: *dimples* Me too. *curious look for Rung* Did you eat?

Rung: Er... Not since breakfast... *trying to think of how to explain to the little girl that he has to have a liquid diet*

Dianne: I can get you something. Though if your belly's special, I'd stay away from Aunty Swoop's rice.

Dallas: *makes a slight face*

Cat: *reaches to cuff Dallas for being rude*

Delores: *reproving frown at Dad*

Dallas: *squeaks at the cuff*

Rung: *very small nod* I will keep that in mind.

Dianne: *expectant look as she waits to be told what she can bring him*

Rung: *quietly* Due to an injury, I have to have a liquid diet.

Dianne: I can bring you a cup of pasta water.

Rung: Ah... I... actually need a special formulation. Low fat, no dairy, and limited amounts of fiber.

Cat: *quietly* And dietary supplements to make up for what he's not able to eat anymore.

Dianne: *slight frown, and then looks at the stomach of Rung's sweater vest* ...Do you have a feeding tube?

Debbie: *worried expression is a go as she looks over from softly snarking at her brother*

Dallas: *ditto that as he looks over from snarking softly at sister!*

Rachel: *looks at Rung to see if he's alright with speaking about it*

Rung: *small nod* Yes, I do.

Dianne: *happy perk* I'll bring some of Tristan's food. *jumps down and is gone*

passing kid: *offers Debbie a little boy with golden wings instead*

Debbie: *gentle hugs for Sundog*

Sundog: *grins up at her from under his shock of dark hair, and then turns the friendly expression to Rung*

Rung: *small, friendly smile for the little guy*

Sundog: I'm Sundog Lamborghini. *this is the only thing he can really say, but doesn't he say it nicely?*

Rung: *more smile and a nod* Hello, Sundog. My name is Rung.

Sundog: *mouth falls open slightly as he looks quizzically at Cat. Is this your friend, Aunty?*

Cat: *nods*

Sundog: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! :D

Dallas: *hand on sister automatically at the squeal*

Debbie: *jumped a bit at the squeal*

Delores: *hand over mouth after the fact* *pout!*

Cat: *did her best not to flinch at the squeal, but kinda flinched a little*

Rung: *couldn't help but startle at the squeal*

Rachel: *to all the people who startled* Is everyone alright?

Muhlisha: *packing in Rung's wheelchair and suitcase* Alright from what?

Cat: *quietly* Sundog squealed and startled some of us.

Muhlisha: *shakes her head as she sets down the suitcase and then opens the wheelchair with a one-handed jerk* You know 'e does that.

Cat: *small nod* It doesn't make the squeal any less startling...

Rung: *sitting quietly and trying to keep from feeling sick*

Muhlisha: *soft, unprintable grumble of affectionate criticism as she moves over to Rung* Wantcher wheels?

Rung: *very small nod* *quietly* Please.

Muhlisha: *hands out* Pick ya?

Rung: *nods* *still quiet* Thank you.

Muhlisha: *lifts him gently and settles him into the wheelchair, then adjusts him with confident experience* Tell me when.

Rung: *another small nod once he's situated comfortably* *quietly thanks Muhlisha again*

Dianne: *back, and offering Rung a brownish key shape, a jar, and a little blue twinkly thing* Tristan says that this is his favourite lunch. *sunny grin*

Rung: *small smile as he carefully accepts the offered items* Thank you, Dianne.

Dianne: *gentle little chubby hand on his knee* You use this wish to wish the food in the jar into your tummy. And then you put this soother into your mouth.

Rung: *surprised blinking* Er... A wish?

Dianne: *quick glance around at the adults, her expression asking if she spoke out of line*

Rachel: *quietly and calmly* Would you like me to help you with that, Rung?

Cat: *quietly* He's never used a wish before, Dianne.

Rung: *attention going to Rachel, small, sheepish nod*

Dianne: *soft whisper* But it's alright for him to know?

Cat: *nods*

Rachel: *takes the little light and holds it near her mouth as she murmurs* *the food vanishes from the jar, and a moment later Rung will feel a warm and satisfied feeling as his insides calm and fill*

Rung: *surprised at the swiftness of the jar emptying, though he's quite grateful that his insides are calming down now*

Rachel: *grins, and then pokes the looped end of the key shaped thing at his mouth*

Rung: *more surprise, this time with a squeak!*

Dallas: *just awked because his sister tried to feed him*

Cat: *meeps at that*

Debbie: Dal, y'u need t' eat.

Sundog: *happy nom sounds, and then a quizzical look up at Dallas* Buh?

Dianne: Uncle Dal, are you okay?

Dallas: Ah'm alrahght. *fond exasperation for Debbie*

Rachel: *lets go the key shaped thing and sits back to watch*

Debbie: *gonna try again to feed her brother!*

Rung: *hand up to keep the key shaped thing from falling, will give it a cautious taste-test* *surprised sound at the pleasant flavor of apple crisp*

Rachel: *soft snerk* *affectionately* Alright, you jokers. Shape up and finish your lunch so you can get back to work, and you *to Rung* can get settled in your room.

Rung: *trying to figure out how the key shaped thing is not dissolving. Will give a small nod to show he heard you* *quietly* Curious...

Rachel: *makes a face at the siblings as she takes her empty plate off the table* *turns to Rung* What's that, buddy?

Rung: I have never encountered anything like this... *will indicate the key thing*

Rachel: *smile* Our science teacher designed it.

Jay: *stops sneaking up on Dianne to crow happily* Dad!

Dianne: *turns around and jumps on her burly, clumsy friend*

Jay: *laughs and wriggles*

Delores: *scowls at them moodily*

Rung: Ah... *very small nod. A bit sleepy looking now due to having had a good meal*

Rachel: *gentle hand on his shoulder* Muhlisha, will you bring his suitcase to the brown room?

Muhlisha: *slight frown* The one by isself at the end'a the hall?

Rachel: That's the one.

Muhlisha: *frowns slightly and looks at Rung* You wanna be all by yerself?

Rung: *quietly* That will be fine.

Muhlisha: Huh. *scoops him up with her free arm, and packs him and his suitcase out of the room*

Rachel: ... Jay and Dianne, would you bring Uncle Rung's chair to the far room in the staff wing?

Dianne: *bounces up and pats the seat* Sit here, Jay!

Jay: 'Kay! *moving to climb up to the seat*

Delores: *looks up at Dallas and pats his face, whining softly as she points hopefully to the chair*

Dianne: *peeks and grins as she waits to see if this friend is coming too*

Dallas: *looks, soft chuckle* Alrahght, jes' remember, y'u gotta c'me back f'r lunch.

Delores: *grabs the roasted carrot on a stick and then jumps down and settles by Jay. Offers him the first bite of the food to make sure it's okay*

Jay: *big grin after he finishes chewing the bite of roasted carrot* Yum!

Dianne: Hi ho, Silver! *pushes the chair out of the room*

Rachel: *soft snerk, and then looks over to the far table, where Sora is up on Andre's shoulders, pulling his ears and scolding fluently in Deepdweller as a tall bony man in a leather jacket laughs* Alright. I think we're good here. I better go dig my husband out of the hamburger pot. *nods to the McKenzie siblings and Cat, and then gets up and walks over to where Optima is standing and watching the room* Is it me, or is Mr. Nine...

Optima: *soft snerk* Yes. And he thinks we don't know.

Rachel: *walks off down the hall laughing herself silly*

((Written with random_xtras))