Chapter Text
Dozing in and out of awareness Micah presses his cheek into the pebbles. He’s exhausted in a way he’s never felt before. Victoria’s blood sticking his shirt to his back.
Gravel crunches under something’s feet. A jingle draws his attention out of his thoughts.
Digging his fingers into the pebbles he pushes himself up slightly.
A large gray dog cocks his head towards him, then barks loudly. Padding forwards it sniffs around Micah, then presses its nose into his chest. Whining its tail wags frantically. Pinning his ears down he dashes across the beach.
“Woah slow down,” an unfamiliar voice sighs, “Is something over here, what is it boy?”
And the dog is back pressing its paws onto Micha’s side.
“Benji…” the woman sighs, “sweetie, we can’t take home a log.”
The dog huffs, nudging Micah with his head.
Groaning Micah picks his head up and squints at the woman. She doesn’t look familiar, wearing a purple jogging suit and carrying a water bottle. “Come on boy, let’s keep going. Maybe we’ll find you a good stick.”
Walking past him, she scoops the short leash into her hands and heads further up the beach.
“That could have landed us in trouble,” Someone says. Sitting next to Micha and helping him sit up, “I don’t think Rosebud would be happy if you ended up in the hospital.”
Leaning into his guardian's side he cries, “I knew you would come.”
“I will always be here for you.” He says tucking the gray peacoat around Micha’s shoulders. He explains what had happened, and starts guiding Micha towards town.
They cross the dunes and enter into a small town. It’s not too far from a national park, and the old harbor where Micha’s great grandmother worked was turned into a museum about the women and how they supported the war effort.
“Have you been here before?” The Lightbender asks as they walk up a central street lined with shops.
Micha nods, “Twice, once when my parents died… and last year we did a summer trip across the country to see as many national parks as we could.”
Laying a gentle hand on his shoulder, The Lightbender guides Micha into the lobby of a hotel.
“Looking for a room?” The man calls.
“Yes sir,” Micha nods.
“Can I get a name?”
“Micha Tuttle,” Lightbender says frankly.
The man nods, “Any relation to Ephram Tuttle?”
Micha nods, “My grandfather.”
“My dad was a friend of his. He was a good man.” He sighs, before telling them the price.
Lightbender takes a stack of bills from his pocket and passes the correct amount over.
“All right,” He smiles, “You two are in room twelve. Have a nice stay.”
Handing the keys to Micha, the Lightbender ushers him quietly towards the room. Once inside Micha belines to the bathroom.
“I will go find food for us,” Lightbender calls after him, “Will you be alright on your own for a few minutes.”
“I’ll be fine,” Micha calls, after pausing for a moment he says, “If you see a shirt could you get one… mines covered in blood.”
“Of course.”
Micha peals his clothes off, sticky with blood, sweat, and seawater. The shower heats up and he steps in. Standing under the spray until the water runs clear of grime. Carefully he grabs a washcloth and soap, scrubbing his skin clear of the day's horrors. His hair is carefly shampooed and conditioned.
By the time he’s done in the shower and wrapping himself in a warm fluffy towel. The lightbender is returning.
A bag with an outfit and some Pajamas are pressed into his hands.
Yawning, Micha quietly eats his dinner then crawls into one of the beds, “Don’t leave?”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Lightbender says softly, as he darkens the room and sends a few firefly-like illusions spiraling towards the ceiling.
Micha falls asleep within minutes, the stress of the day fading from his body.
The Lightbender sits on the edge of his bed, fiddling with the brim of his hat. Porter had moved the circus to an uninhabited region. There’s no real risk in being gone for a few days, but with the amount of damage… shaking his head he clears that line of thought. Everyone survived, everyone but Victoria. Eyes turning to Micha he frowns, he had watched his own grandmother die… it was no secret that Micha held no feelings towards her. But still. Watching someone die.
Rolling over in his sleep Micha knocks a pillow to the floor. Rising The Lightbender heads towards the bathroom. He may as well shower and get some sleep, staying up all night would not do him nor his magic any favors.
As he emerges he sees Micha staring blankly at the ceiling, tears rolling down his cheeks.
“Micha?”
Scrubbing the tears from his cheeks Micha shoots a wobbly smile towards him.
Sitting next to him Lightbender pulls him into a tight embrace, “Nightmare?”
“yeah.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine,” Micha hides his face in his knees, “Can you sleep with me?”
Pausing in surprise, Lightbender nods, “Of course my boy.”
“Thanks…”
The next morning, afternoon really. Micha rolls out of bed and digs around for the clothing bag.
Once dressed Micha pulls the Lightbender from the chair he was lounging in, “Can we get breakfast?”
The Lightbender hums then glances down at a clock, “It may be too late for that, however It would be an excellent time for Pizza.”
Micha’s face lights up, “Really?”
“Of course.”