Chapter Text
They arrive late in the evening, and it’s a blur of getting boxes transferred from plane to trucks, making sure belongings have been gathered up, and a tearful goodbye between Raleigh and Rio. Through it all, a low buzz of restlessness hums through Raleigh’s veins, the ever-present itch he’s been having. Over the course of the next few days, the house comes together to become a home. A shipment arrives a week after they do, just as Raleigh is budgeting out much-needed furniture, boxes of varying sizes addressed not to Mako or Raleigh, but to Dominic; a full bedroom set, complete with wall decals of dragons great and small, swooping, gliding, and stretched out in a lethargic doze atop mounds of treasure. The feeling of inadequacy that follows is soothed by Alison’s accompanying letter.
You are family, and family takes care of one another. That doesn’t mean we think you can’t take care of
your son—just look at him! He is proof enough the very opposite is true. This is our way of taking care of you,
because my husband has adored you since the moment you swaggered into the Academy, and I
have come to adore you simply because you are very much worth loving.
She goes on, but it’s that one paragraph that hits Raleigh the hardest, because he’s not used to the idea that people who haven’t been inside his head could ever feel that way; it’s been almost eleven years since his mom died, and for the longest time he’d done a pretty good job at keeping his distance.
:We aren’t built that way, any of us,: Yancy reminds him, then adds, changing the subject, :I’m actually kind of jealous of Dominic. He’s got the most badass room ever. Seriously, this kid is gonna end up spoiled rotten.:
“I don’t see that happening.”
“Don’t see what happening?”
Mako’s reappearance is startling, and he blinks at her stupidly for several seconds before Yancy nudges him into responding. “Oh, sorry. Dominic becoming spoiled rotten.”
Mako’s expression is one of disbelief tinged with humor. “I would say he is already, but he is too sweet, I think, to be considered rotten. Definitely spoiled, though.” She tilts her head pointedly towards the wall Raleigh has been working on for the last hour, applying the decals just so. “But it is good, because he is as loving as he is loved and that is more important than the number of toys he has or how cool his bedroom is.”
:Jesus, I think I’m kinda in love with her after that little speech.:
“Ditto,” Raleigh agree, fervent, then has to explain. Mako laughs, then dissolves into giggles, and it’s enough to have Raleigh laughing with her. When they’ve collected themselves, it’s to find Dominic has wandered in and is regarding them suspiciously.
“Are you having fun without me?”
“Of course not!” Mako cries, at the same time Raleigh says, “Yes!” It’s amusing, how indignant Dominic gets, and he falls into another fit of laughter, is pulled to the ground by Mako as she falls apart with him.
Dominic is quick to claim the advantage; the minute Raleigh’s back hits the floor, Dominic is straddling his chest, lips pursed. “Tell me,” he insists. When Raleigh shakes his head, Dominic goes in for the kill, his tiny little fingers finding, with unerring accuracy, the ticklish spots along Raleigh’s ribs, deftly avoiding the side that still aches. “Tell me, tell me, tell me.”
“Your Tatie Mako was saying how much she loves you and how good you are.”
“That’s not funny, mama.”
“No. No, it’s not.”
Dominic’s little hands leave off the tickling to grasp Raleigh’s face, holding him still. “Then what else did she say?”
Raleigh tries and fails to think of something that explains their fit of laughter, but when nothing pops into mind, settles on the truth. “That’s it, baby boy. I said I was kinda in love with her, because she loves you so much.”
“Oh.” Dominic makes a face at that. “That’s boring. ‘Sides, you love daddy.”
Nothing could sober Raleigh faster than those words, but they also don’t hurt like it used to, either. “I do love your daddy. That won’t ever change. I love Tatie Mako, too, just not the same way. Is that okay?”
Dominic ponders the question for a moment. his gaze sliding over to Mako as he asks, “Do you love mama?”
“I do, but not like your daddy loved him.”
“Then I guess that’s okay.” Quick as that, he’s clamoring off Raleigh and tugging on his arm. “Can I help, too.”
“Sure.”
They rearrange some of the boxes, and soon enough Dominic is sorting through the basket of decals, picking out which ones should go up. Discarded are kings and queens of varying race, court jesters, and wizards, along with a blonde-haired princess in a teal dress. What he keeps are two blond knights, a knight of indistinguishable ethnicity but decidedly female with her sword drawn, and a red-headed prince. The latter is half-hidden behind a rock covered in realistic barnacles, laid out on his back like he’s sleeping—his accompanying sword has been torn off and discarded.
“Who is that,” Mako asks when Dominic is done explaining Mama and Daddy are the yellow-haired knights, and Mako the fighting knight.
Dominic frowns at the prince and shrugs. “I dunno. Mama has to save him, though. ‘Fore the dragons eat him up for good.”
“Harsh, Dominic.” Raleigh pulls him into a hug, drops a kiss on his cheek, then shakes the basket of decals. “Anything else we should add?”
“No, not yet. Can the blue dragon be G’sy—Gipsy Danger.”
“Uh, sure thing. She can be whoever you want, you know that.”
Dominic smiles and reaches out to pet the blue dragon with gentle fingers. “She’s the best dragon. That’s why she fights the other dragons with you and Daddy and Tatie Mako.”
“Yeah? You gonna make up a story about her?”
Dominic turns his head to look over his shoulder at them, and in that second he’s the very image of Yancy at that age, but with eyes older than his years. “You know all her stories, mama. She fought monsters with you.” When he turns away, it’s to trace the spikes along her back. “Do you think she was sad, when she killed all those monsters in the bad place?”
“I—what?”
:How on earth does he even know about that? You haven’t talked about with anyone, Rals.:
:Fuck if I know.: A glance in Mako’s direction reveals she’s as poleaxed as he is, though she’s doing a better job of hiding it.
“It’s okay, mama. She loved you very much and she was happy you didn’t die with her.” His voice waivers then, and there are tears in his eyes when he throws himself into Raleigh’s arms. “I’m glad you didn’t die, too, mama. I love you.”
“Oh, Dominic, I love you too.” And all he can think is how somewhere along the way, somehow, he’s fucked up. His kid is too young to be worrying about these kinds of things. He shouldn’t even know Raleigh came close to dying. He’s expecting more tears, more sadness, when Dominic pulls away, but instead he’s all happiness again. “Park, mama!”
Raleigh is quick to agree, Mako second, and they abandon the rest of the room for a much-needed break. Aside from the decorations and Dominic’s bed, the room is still in a state of disarray; more so now that they’ve started opening boxes and sifting through the contents. Dominic must feel the same way, because he gives a little sigh, head resting on Raleigh’s thigh.
“Can I sleep with you tonight?”
“Of course, Nickie.” He’s surprised it didn’t come up sooner, but Dominic’s always been equal parts independent and clingy. He’ll climb over Raleigh all day long, not wanting him to be out of Dominic’s sight, only to climb into his own bed all alone come bedtime.
Mako, god bless, her only smiles affectionately at them as she starts collecting the park toys from their corner of the room. When at last they’re all ready, Dominic reluctantly pulling on a pair of red Converse that have Yancy murmuring wistfully and, with a light midday lunch packed, they start on their way. Over the course of the last week, they’ve varied their route day by day, learning the neighborhood and occasionally it’s other inhabitants. This time, they take the most direct route, reaching the park ten minutes after leaving the house and arrive to find a small handful of children at play.
Overcome by shyness, Dominic hovers at the edge of the playground area, watching the children chasing and shrieking. When approached by a young girl a little older than he, he eyes her dubiously but holds his ground as she inspects him. At last, she stands directly in front of him. “Do you want to play? Come.” She holds out her hand which Dominic raises an eyebrow at but takes. Raleigh bites back a laugh, amused as his son allows the girl to drag him off toward the group of kids now settling in the sandbox. Halfway there, Dominic breaks free and runs back, retrieving his bag of toys from Mako with a shouted ‘thank you.’ This time, when the girl reaches for his hand, he doesn’t hesitate.
“Ah, to be a child again. So easy and familiar with other kids the same age.”
:Amen to that,: Yancy says, and Raleigh laughs in agreement.
They retreat to the set of swings, abandoned for now, and get them going; they’re off by half a beat for only a few seconds before they sync up, every curl and flex of their arms and legs evenly matched without deliberate thought. It’s not long before they’ve turned it into a competition: who can get the highest without throwing them out of alignment—and it’s like they’re back in Gipsy, two parts making the whole move and then—
“I miss Drifting with you,” Mako says suddenly, letting her swing slow. It’s a perfect reflection of his own thoughts, right down to the annoyance in her tone, and Raleigh can’t hide his delight.
“I was just thinking that!” Reality, though, sets in just as quickly. Matching her speed, he considers his next words carefully before replying honestly. “I don’t—I’m not sure I can have you in my head just yet; things are still a little… raw, but we will. I promise.”
“Good.” And fuck, there’s so much love in her, in that one word, it takes his breath away.
:I take back what I said before. I’m glad she’s not your type because this is probably the most uncomplicated, purest thing out there and you need this. God, you deserve this.:
:I love you too, Yance.: Out loud, he says, “I need to start looking for a job.” He doesn’t have to mention his dwindling account; of the $3,228 the PPDC left him with, he’s spent almost $2,000 of that on rent and paying off clinic bills. He had outright refused to let Alison and Tendo help with that, already feeling overwhelmed by their generosity, but once he’s sent off his last payment, he’ll be down to a meager $300 by his estimate.
“What will you do?”
His laugh is hollow, but there’s no bitterness; just acceptance. “What is there? I’d rather avoid construction if it’s possible.” A thought occurs, and he brightens. “Benjie said his wife works for a hospital, didn’t he? She also runs a clinic? I don’t have any medical background, but…”
“But there might be something, and Benjie said to contact him if you needed anything.”
Their landlord’s oldest son had been the one to meet them at the landing strip with a truck big enough to fit all their belongings in one trip, and he and his wife had spent the two days before their arrival cooking, filling the refrigerator and cupboards with more food than three people could possibly eat.
Mako hums thoughtfully. “I think I would like construction or something along those lines. Shall we call him when we get home?”
“Yeah.” It feels good to have a plan, even if it’s only twelve percent of a plan. “I probably only qualify for janitorial, but if it’s close to home and I can find someone to watch Dominic…” That idea pains him, though, of leaving Dominic in someone else’s care while he goes off to work. “Or maybe we can time our shifts so they don’t overlap? So one of us is here to watch him.”
“We will make it work.” There’s not an ounce of doubt in her tone, and it helps ease the edge of anxiousness at the thought of depending on another stranger. She looks at him, and says, chiding, “What did I say, Raleigh? Do not borrow trouble. First we call Benjie and see what he can do.”
:If there’s anyone out there who could make the galaxies line up and do as she says, it’s Mako. Relax, kiddo, you two have this.:
Raleigh doesn’t respond except to laugh.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When it comes time for bed, Dominic insists they all sleep together, and if Raleigh is being honest, he sleeps better when they’re all in the same room. For that reason alone, he doesn’t allow it to happen too often, not wanting his anxiety-driven co-dependence to overwhelm Mako. Not that he truly believes it could.
They settle down with Dominic in the middle, Raleigh by the wall, and Mako next to the bedside table. The least tired of the trio, she pulls out her tablet and opens up one of the many books Alison suggested; this particular one, if Raleigh isn’t mistaken, is an unpublished textbook on the development and enhancement of Jaeger technology from the Mark 1 to the sole Mark 5. He leaves her to it, and settles back with a French translation of ‘I Took the Moon for Walk,’ a much-loved book from his own childhood.
:God, I hated that book. When you weren’t asking me to tell or read you pirate stories, you wanted that one, and always in French. That’s probably the only reason I even remember any French.:
:I don’t even understand how it worked out like that. Of the two of us, you were the smarter one, but you resisted learning languages with a vengeance.:
:I had no ear for accents and my own was atrocious.:
:And you think mine is any good? I just embrace my crappy American accent regardless of the language. People seemed more forgiving that I was fluent even if I was butchering all the sounds. Now shut up while I read.:
Dominic is a comfortable weight along Raleigh’s side, and they switch off reading together until Dominic starts to drift off. Raleigh thinks he’s asleep finally when he squirms closer and asks,
“Mama?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
Dominic’s yawn interrupts him, and he’s clearly seconds away from sleep when he says, in whispering French, “It’s okay if you love someone other than daddy. He doesn’t want you to be alone. I don’t want you alone either, Mama.”
He’s out before Raleigh can think of a response, leaving him lying there in stunned silence, an echo of Yancy.
:Well, shit,: Yancy says at last, and doesn’t that just sum Raleigh’s thoughts. When he glances over at Mako, she’s watching him, brows tight together. When he explains, both eyebrows rise and she looks as sucker-punched as he feels.
“What brought that on?” Her voice is pitched low, just a hint of concern there.
“No idea,” Raleigh says, shaking his head. Dominic says the strangest things sometimes, intuits far more than any other kid his age. Sometimes Raleigh worries that’s he’s ruined Dominic, made him grow up too much, but Yancy—and now Mako—are always quick to reassure him. Still…
“Go to sleep Raleigh.”
Handing the book over, Raleigh does as told. He doesn’t fight it when Dominic wriggles out of his grasp, just yawns, pulls his pillow tight under his head, and lets sleep come. He isn’t the least bit surprised by the dream.
Raleigh opens his eyes to the sun reflecting bright off the ocean. He knows without looking around that he’s in the Philippines again. Not Manila, though. The water is cool where it laps at his ankles, and he starts to step back, only to realize there is none of his usual fear at being so close to the water. He turns, looking down the coastline, then heads in the opposite direction, towards an outcropping of rocks. He stops when he sees a small fishing boat there, the occupants gathered around something shiny and metal, crushed into the rocky shoreline.
“Your dreams are getting weird,” Yancy comments, coming to a stop beside him. “Usually it’s just us, unless they’re actual memories. I don’t get this at all.”
“Neither do I.” He takes another step forward, determined to investigate, but the people disappear before he can reach them. “I don’t understand what’s going on.”
He turns back to the ocean, and this time does step back as the ground beneath his feet heaves. “Fuck.” Yancy reaches out, steadying him. “What the hell was that.”
And like that, Raleigh knows. “That was the breach closing. I didn’t realize you could feel it all the way here, though.” Except it makes sense. The Philippines aren’t that far from where the breach was located. An idea niggles at the back of his head, and he almost has it, is half-turned back to where the boat had been, then it’s gone.
Raleigh shivers, arms coming up to wrap around his chest.“I feel like I’m missing something.”
“Weird. Let’s go check out that house.”
Yancy breaks away from him at a jog, up a sandy slope to a monstrous Americanized garden house set against a backdrop of trees not native to the Philippines. Raleigh follows at a more leisurely pace, pausing at the front gate to run his hand over the faded white fence. It’s familiar, like something out of a dream or a memory far removed. The front door is wide open, Yancy long gone into the house’s depths. His voices filters back to Raleigh, curious and awed.
“Come check it out!”
Even before he reaches the threshold, Raleigh balks, an unpleasant shiver sliding up his spine. “Yance, no. We need to go. Now.”
“What? Why?” Yancy appears in front him, hair in disarray. “I think I know this place.” When he steps out onto the porch, the house shifts, shivers into a new appearance that doesn’t have alarms going off in Raleigh’s head. “Oh, hey, cool. This our old house.”
And it is, now. The sense of foreboding that had kept Raleigh frozen outside disappears, and he let’s Yancy pull him inside without a fight. It’s almost the same as it was just before it was sold, and they make their way into the living room where everything is exactly as Raleigh remembers it, right down to the PS3. Yancy turns with a grin, shoving at Raleigh’s shoulder.
“Mortal Combat?”
“Fuck yes.” Raleigh can’t remember the last time he played a video game. Not since dad up and fucked off. Charlie had moved in to take care of them, but by then Kaiju were attacking and there was no time for things like video games.
They play for what seems like forever, working their way through every single fighter, then switch to Call of Duty when a second television and PlayStation appear. When they tire of that, Yancy stretches out on the couch with his head in Raleigh’s lap, reading a comic book while Raleigh re-reads Dumas’ Le Comte de Monte-Cristo in its native French. They’re so wrapped up in their own things, it comes as shock when a door further down the hall slams open.
“Daddy!” Dominic’s gleeful shout brings Yancy upright, and Raleigh would mourn the loss of his warmth, but Yancy’s eyes are bright and shining as he sits up and opens his arms for Dominic.
“Hey, big guy!”
Raleigh wonders whose need it is, manifested into the image of their son; likely it’s both of their’s. The book he goes to set aside disappears before it can reach the table, and he watches on with a smile as Yancy and Dominic reunite tearfully. It tugs at his heart, the pain of knowing this will never happen in the real world, that the only way for Yancy to see Dominic grow up is through Raleigh’s eyes or pseudo-images created in their dreamscape.
After a few minutes, Yancy asks, “Who’s hungry?” and it’s an affirmative all around. Raleigh follows last, can’t look away as Yancy scoops Dominic up into his arms, carrying him out of the room and back towards the living room. He’s halfway to the kitchen when the doorbell rings, and he opens the door, confused when he sees Mako standing there, looking as perplexed as he.
“Mako?”
“Raleigh? I—” She looks past him, a small furrow appearing in her brow that smooths out when Yancy peeks around the corner and spies her.
“Huh.” Yancy says, then shrugs. “The more the merrier, right?”
“Uh, yeah. We were just going to make something to eat. Come on in.”
He steps aside, still puzzled, and leads Mako into the kitchen where Dominic is seated on the counter making a mess of the pancake mix. Mako pauses in the doorway, taking it all in, and then suddenly Yancy is there, pulling her into a hug that literally lifts her off the ground. He sets her back down again, gently, and takes both her hands in his own.
“I’ve been wanting to thank you. For looking after my brother. I won’t thank you for loving him, ‘cause that’s it’s own reward, isn’t it? But you gave him a chance in the Drift, even knowing what we were to one another.”
“I’m just so glad he had you.”
“Daddy, come on!” Dominic waves a spoon, splattering the floor with pancake mix, impatient as always.
“Sorry, I’ve got my orders.”
Later, it’s strange and wonderful and perfect, all of them sitting down to eat breakfast together like a family. It’s a little weird that his brain decided he needed to share this moment with Mako, but that’s what makes it worth sharing.
The dream fades as he wakes, a lingering sense of contentment with no real detail; he remembers being happy, the warmth of Yancy’s arms around him, but nothing more definite than that, which would be cause for alarm if Yancy wasn’t murmuring sleepily in his head. When he uncurls, he discovers that at some point, there was a shuffling of bodies. Mako is still on the outside, but somehow Dominic has wriggled around so he’s laying perpendicular to them, his feet shoved under Mako’s side and one of his hands tangled in Raleigh’s hair.
He untangles himself with care, sliding out of bed from the end so as not to disrupt the other two, and pads into the attached bathroom, shutting the door quietly. At the sink, he studies his reflection: he has yet to gain back any of the weight he lost, but his skin is no longer a sickly pale shade and the circles under his eyes aren’t as dark as they were. Still, he looks a little rough around the edges, and it’s clear he’s not fighting fit anymore—something he needs to change. He uses the toilet, washes his hands, then jumps into the shower with his toothbrush for a quick wash. When he reemerges, Mako is awake if still groggy.
“Want me to make you a cup of coffee when the kettle’s ready?”
“Yes please.” She nods as they pass one another, her steps slow and dragging. Raleigh’s always been something of a morning person, and is genuinely baffled by those aren’t. Yancy was the worst at mornings.
:The only times you weren’t fucking chipper were the few occasions you were hung over like the rest of us, and even then…:
Even then, Raleigh had still managed to find a way to not be bogged down by his body’s reluctance to be moving. :Fatal optimism,: he offers.
:I think what you mean is unfailing optimism, and yes, I concur. Thank god Dominic takes after me on that front.:
Raleigh rolls his eyes as he starts the kettle, and when that’s going, digs out the French press, coffee, and grinder, He readies enough for two cups, then prepares his tea. He’s considering making breakfast, both coffee and tea brewed and served, when Mako shuffles in, whole being focused on the cup he’s offering her.
“Want anything in particular for breakfast?”
“Mmm.” She closes her eyes, basking in the first sip, then downs the rest of the coffee and pours a second cup. “Pancakes, maybe? I think—”
Whatever else she has to say is cut off by the sharp ring of the telephone. Raleigh’s closest, and he waves her toward the table as he answers.
“Lapierre and Mori residence.”
“Ah, Ral—Ray. Sorry, my husband said you weren’t using your given name. This is Asami. I told you I’d call if I heard anything about job availability?”
“Oh, yes. Hang on, I’m gonna put you on speaker.” When he’s beside Mako, he switches the cordless phone to speaker and turns up the volume. “Okay, go ahead.”
“As I was saying, I work out of a clinic here in town, but I did my residency over at Santa Maria General Hospital, about five blocks from where you guys are. I spoke with Dr. Sorondo, the current Chief of Surgery—and also Chief of Staff because all of our hospitals are short-staffed—and she says they could use an orderly. You’d get on-the-spot training, full-time hours, though no benefits unless you’re willing to work under your legal name—which I didn’t tell her, just that you don’t have all the paperwork right now.” There’s a muffled voice in the background, and Asami adds, “They have a child care center on site, one of the few left. Nurses, doctors, and surgeons are in such high demand, they reopened the center about a month ago. The staff is very professional but also friendly.”
“That’s—” It’s better than he hoped. “That’s great. How soon do they want me to start? Or us?”
Mako gives a slight shake of her head. “I spent several weeks in a hospital after Sensei rescued me. I would prefer not to work in one, no offense meant.”
“It is not for everyone,” Asami agrees. “Tomorrow is one of Dr. Sorondo’s rare days off so she’ll be away, and she’d prefer to meet you as soon as possible, so perhaps you could go by the hospital this evening? I know it’s short notice but she likes to get a feel for people before scheduling a formal interview. Does that sound okay?”
It’s on the tip of his tongue to say yes, but Raleigh looks to Mako first, relieved at her sigh. “Yes, that’s great.”
“Wonderful. If you need me to, I’ll meet you outside Santa Maria General at 5:30 p.m. Otherwise, let someone at reception know who you are and they’ll tell you where to go.”
He has a vague recollection of the hospital. “I should be fine, but thank you.”
After she’s disconnected, Mako slides the phone out of his hand, taking one of his in both of her own. “See, already it is working out. Dominic and I will spend the day together finishing his room, and when you come home, lunch or dinner. And when I find a job, he will go to work with you on days I am not here.” She leans in, conspiratorially to add, “The best thing about construction is that unless you are security, there is no night shift. I will always be home in the evening, and Dominic will be taken care of by people he knows and trusts.” She smiles, wide and bright.
And it’s such a goddamn relief, Raleigh finds himself unable to form a verbal response, just squeezes her fingers where they’re clasped within in his own.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
“I appreciate the courtesy, Mr. LaPierre, but let us put aside those formalities for now.” She sits opposite him and lays down a thick folder, tapping her finger on it for emphasis. “First, I would like to thank you for coming in on such short notice. I understand you haven’t even fully moved in yet.” Without waiting for a response she steamrolls on. “This is only an informal meeting, but here are our usual in-take forms, as well as documentation on the openings here at the hospital. Of course, should we agree to proceed, there will be a few tests that need to be run, but all information on those is in here as well. Now, tell me, why hospital work.”
Raleigh opens his mouth, only to shut just as quickly, uncertain.
:There’s no wrong answers here, kiddo. Just tell the truth.:
After another moment of hesitancy, Raleigh sighs, mustering up a half-smile. “First, I should let you know my legal name is Raleigh Becket.” He nods when he sees recognition dawn. “As to why hospital work? Honestly? I just want to do something that doesn’t come with a constant life-or-death risk. I worked the wall for five years, and before that, I fought. I—my—my son, he’s four and a half and he’s already lost one parent.”
Like that, Dr. Sorondo’s expression relaxes. “Children are a good reason to stay away from dangerous jobs. I am familiar with your other… career, so I can see why medicine would appeal to you.” With a final pat to the folder, she pushes it towards him. “Read this over. Come see me in a few days and we can set up a formal interview.”
:That’s it?:
“That’s it?” Raleigh echoes aloud.
“For now, yes. Now, tell me about your son. Was his mother a pilot as well?”
It’s on the tip of his tongue to lie, but just as quickly it fades.
:She’ll find out the truth eventually. Sooner, probably, than later, given the tests you’ll no doubt have to undergo.: Tests they had managed to work around when Yancy had been alive and beside him to help.
“I imagine she was lost in the war. If it is too difficult to speak of…”
“No. I mean yes. I, uh.” He flounders for a moment, overwhelmed at the idea of sharing this secret, but knows it’s better to come clean now rather than be found out later for what could be perceived as a lie. It’s still hard though, and he finds himself almost choking on the words. “I’m his—”
“No.” Her voice shocks him into silence, but her expression is gentle when he meets her gaze.
“But—”
“Come and see me this Thursday, when we can speak within the privacy of my office. I can see now that would be best.” Her tone is brusque, but her smile is genuine as she pushes away from the table. “I look forward to speaking with you again, Mr. LaPierre.” With those final clipped words, Dr. Sorondo stands and takes her leave, her steps sure and quick.
:Talk about a force to be reckoned with…: Yancy’s tone is equal parts impressed and intimidated—a perfect match to Raleigh’s feelings.
:I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.: Raleigh has a good feeling about Dr. Sorondo, though, and he can tell Yancy feels the same. :Mako would like her; she reminds me of Marshal Pentecost.:
:Right? Now get your shit together and let’s get out of here. Hospitals give me the heebie-jeebies.:
:You’re an idiot,: Raleigh replies, more affectionate than annoyed. He gets it, though. They spent almost an entire year all but living at the hospital during their mother’s final fight against the cancer eating away at her. Even now, the antiseptic scent brings back memories long since packed away. She hadn’t died in a hospital, though, instead choosing to spend her last few days in the comfort of her home. Their father had stayed long enough to bury her, then disappeared, leaving the boys and Jasmine in their uncle’s care.
:Way to kill the mood.:
:Sorry: Raleigh can’t help what his brain chooses to remember or when, though, so he finds his brother’s petulant tone to be a little more than unfair.
Rather than remain in the cafeteria, he gathers up the folder of documents and follows the signs towards the exit. It’s as he nears the doors that he sees the little sign off to the left indicating the hospital’s child care center.
“Huh.” Intrigued, he turns in that direction. :Mako mentioned looking for work too. Worst case, if our shifts overlap, I might be able to bring Nickie here.: Yancy makes no comment, but Raleigh can feel his approval as he knocks on the flat surface of the half-door.
“Hello!” A cheery young woman around Raleigh’s age peeks around a corner, a riotous mass of curls falling across her face. “Ack. Gimme a sec!” She appears a moment later, hair pushed back, with a smile that reaches golden-brown eyes framed behind bright red glass. “I’m Kelly! Welcome to the Kiddie Corner.”
“Uh, hi.”
:So smooth,: Yancy mutters.
“The last kid was picked up ten minutes ago, so if you’re missing one…” She continues to smile, but Raleigh can see the question in her eyes and laughs.
“No, sorry. Mine is at home. I just wanted to know if this is for visitors or staff only?”
“Oh, we handle both. I’m also certified as a pre-school instructor, so we kind of multi-task around here. Girl or boy?”
“Huh? Oh, Nickie. Little boy; he’s four.”
Kelly pushes the door open then, waving him in. “That can be a tough age. I know people complain about the terrible twos, but man, the threes are the ones that get ya. The fours just kinda kick you while you’re down.”
That earns a genuine laugh from Raleigh. “Dominic isn’t like most four year olds. He’s pretty even tempered and he’s got a lot of his letters and numbers down.”
:He’s got more than a ‘little’ down, Rals.:
“So are you new here?”
Raleigh holds up the thick envelope and offers a shrug. “I’m a hopeful. I had an informal meeting with Dr. Sorondo a bit ago and I’m due to come back on Thursday.”
“Hmm. I’ve only met her a couple of times personally, but she’s head of the hospital. If she’s already planning a second meeting—“
“She said it might still be informal.”
“Well, if she’s bothering to bring you back, I’m pretty sure that means she likes you. I didn’t interview with her, but the woman who initially interviewed me said Dr. Sorondo ordered her to move my follow-up interview up a few days.” She leans in then, conspiratorial. “I don’t think they were planning to call me back until she intervened. You should bring your son with you on Thursday and let him hang out. He’s your only one?”
It’s something about her phrasing that has Raleigh pulling back. “Uh yeah,” he replies, not able to keep all the sharpness from his tone.
“Oh, no judgment from me. I grew up with five brothers and four sisters. Sometimes I wished I was an only child.”
Raleigh laughs a little, but his heart isn’t in it. “I had an older brother.” He flinches just a little, then adds, “and a little sister, but I haven’t seen her in—a long time.”
“Ouch.” Kelly frowns, sympathetic. “That can be hard. I lost touch with my oldest brother after he enlisted with the Jaeger academy. He didn’t make the cut, so he ended up in the air force. Not really sure what he’s up to now.”
Self-conscious suddenly over how much they’re sharing, Raleigh glances around. “This is a nice setup.”
“Oh, it is. I’m here almost every day, though I occasionally switch to the overnight shifts. But more on that Thursday,” she adds, checking her watch. “I’ve got to finish getting some stuff cleaned up and then I’m off for the night. And I mean it, bring Dominic in on Thursday. If you end up getting the job, and I’d bet real money you are, then your son might end up spending some time with us.”
“I’ll do that.” He makes his escape then, overwhelmed by Kelly’s optimism.
:You know, I had my doubts when you said you wanted to move here, but I can’t think of a better place than this. I like her.:
Raleigh won’t say it aloud, but that never matters anymore. He just smiles and lets himself back out into afternoon sunshine, his steps already a little lighter.