Chapter Text
“Okay,” Alan started, looking between each of them, “So what’s the plan?”
“I don’t know…” Michael admitted. “I just know there’s no way we win unless we all work together.” He looked out the store window from the back of the store. “Which means we need to find Star.”
“Well, it’s night, I’m sure it won’t be hard to look up and see one?” Sam said.
“Not a star, dumbass. A girl named Star.” Michael knew he was being more impatient than he should but he has lived this week 3 times now, now on his fourth, and he was sick of tired of this shit.
Before he could explain more though, it was like the universe answered his request personally. Walking into the store was none other than Star herself. Michael would admit he was a little suspicious, he never took Star to be one to go to a comic book store, but then he saw she was holding the hand of a little boy. She took the little boy over to the clerk’s desk and started talking to the man behind the counter.
Michael walked closer without thinking. “Hi,” Star greeted the man behind the counter. “This little boy was outside your store crying. He said he’s lost and can’t find his parents.”
“I didn’t realize you were such a Good Samaritan” Michael said despite himself.
Star looked at him with a mix of confusion and annoyance. “I didn’t realize I knew you at all.”
Right. “Sorry, just a bit of a fan. I saw your last show.” He said quickly. “How about I help you find his parents?”
“And what’s in it for you?” Star asked exasperatedly.
Michael sighed. “I honestly just want to help you.” He said sincerely. I just don’t want you to lose your humanity.
She seemed to size him up before sighing, “Okay…” he looked to the little boy “Let’s go find your mom, sweetie.”
Michael looked behind him to where Sam and the Frogs were watching in confusion. He motioned them over.
Once they walked over to Michael and Star, Michael introduced them “Star, this my brother Sam and his friends Alan and Edgar.”
“We literally just met.” Edgar pointed out.
Michael glared at him. “We are going to help Star find this little boys mom.”
Alan pushed Edgar to the side and got to the kids level. “Alright, kid. I’m going to need a full description. Height, weight, hair and eye color. Full name if you got it.”
The kid just looked wide eyed “Um… tall? Like way bigger than me. Weight would be… 7? And eye color… pretty?”
“What’s your moms name?” Edgar asked like he was interrogating the child.
“Mommy?” He answered timidly.
“What do other grown ups call her?” Star asked gently.
“My dad called her a bitch but I’m not supposed to say that word.” The little boy mumbled.
Both of the Frog brothers turned around, covering their mouths to hold back laughter. Star glared at them. That’s when Sam stepped in, holding three comic books with different women on the cover. “Which of these ladies has hair most similar to your mom?” He asked.
The boy pointed to the brunette. Sam smiled encouragingly and continued “Would you say your mom’s hair is longer or shorts than that?”
“I’m not sure… it’s always tied up.”
Sam nodded then grabbed two more, one had a woman with a braid on the front the other a pony tail. “Tied up like either of these?” He asked.
The boy nodded, “That one.” He said pointing to the woman with the braid.
“You’re doing great.” Sam told him, then stood up. “Best guess, do you think your mommy would be closer to my height or my brothers?”
The boy considered this for a moment, “Yours.”
“And do you know what color she was wearing?”
“Um… like a lot of colors. She was trying to teach me shapes on her shirt during lunch.”
Star nodded and pointedly thanked Sam. “Let’s go find your mom.” She suggested. They left the comic book store and started along the boardwalk. After a few moments of silence Star initiated “So you saw our last show? Was that your first? I don’t recognize you.”
Michael nodded, “My brother and I just moved here.”
“Oh really? From where?”
“Pheonix.”
“I’m sure that’s a bit of a culture shock.” Star commented.
“I know you must live here now, but did you grow up here? Are you a local?” Michael asked, knowing the answer but wanting to put Star at ease to keep talking.
“I’ve been here for about a year.” She commented flatly.
“Where were you before that?”
“A little bit of everywhere.” She dodged.
“Mama!” The small boy between them called out and ran out ahead. Sure enough, Michael watched him run into the arms of a brunette with a braid and a colorful shape covered shirt. Michael smiled, glad someone got a happy ended, no matter how short lived.
He turned to say something to Star but saw just over her shoulder David was making his way over to them, his face fell. Star followed his gaze and looked at David as well.
“Been looking all over for you Starshine.” David drolled. “You aren’t forgetting about rehearsals are you? We’ve got a show tonight.” Star nodded, stepping beside David. David looked over, his eyes roaming over each of them. The Frogs, Sam, Michael. “Last thing we want to do is make the manager mad. I’m sure you understand.” He winked, “It’s never the band that’s in charge in music. There’s always someone backstage pulling all the strings.”
“I’ll see you after the show?” Star offered.
Michael nodded. “Yeah, we’ll see you after the show.”