[Closed]

[needs-release.livejournal.com]

He'd known as soon as she'd left. Queen Nanashi was no longer walking around the ship. She had, no doubt, been put back into a pod. He didn't feel any excess alarm from her, she'd simply disappeared, as though she'd fallen asleep. That being the way it was, he knew what he had to do. He put away his project, and headed for Fletcher's room. He'd be able to find him easily with the connection, but he'd told Fletcher wouldn't do anything, and he was going to hold to his promise.

"Hello?" he called in, with a bit of hesitation. "Fletcher, are you here?"

Comments

[greennotgold]

Oddly enough Jujube didn't seem to mind that their roommate had vanished. The puppy seemed ecstatic, even. Fletcher, however, was glum. He was sitting at his desk going over the notes he'd taken on the sunlight-repelling plant Nanashi had told him about.

At least this time he hadn't had to forget anyone.

He jumped when he heard a voice. He turned toward the door. "D-Doctor Henderson?"

[needs-release.livejournal.com]

Sam put on what he hoped was a friendly smile that didn't show his fangs too much. Fletcher made him a bit self-conscious of them. "Hi. Sorry if I'm intruding. I've got a bit of news about Nanashi, actually. You should know."

[greennotgold]

"About Nanashi?" He stood up, hands fumbling with each other. Ever since the, well, incident, he felt nervous around Sam. "Do you know where she went? Is she okay?"

[needs-release.livejournal.com]

"She's gone back into the pods," Sam told him. "She won't be staying here with you anymore. I have a similar, but stronger connection with her as I do with you. She's simply disappeared."

[greennotgold]

In the shock of the revelation, Fletcher didn't even stop to wonder how Sam and Nanashi might have forged that connection. He just sat down, surprised, right back down in his chair.

"Oh." That was all he said. That was all he could think to say.

[needs-release.livejournal.com]

"I know it may be a lot to take in right now, but I want to make you an offer. Would you and Jujube like to come stay with me? I can't say he'd like me too terribly much, but he might relax once he knows I'm not going to hurt anyone." He strode up closer to Fletcher's chair and put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I'll keep you safe, and maybe we could work on a project together."

[greennotgold]

Fletcher looked down, more nervous now that Sam was actually standing right in front of him. He knew the doctor meant him no harm, but, well. Past experiences were hard to let go of.

"...I don't know, I mean, I was fine before Nanashi moved in..." Even though before that, he'd been with GLaDOS. And before that, Russel had been there. "Um... Jujube really didn't like her, even after he got to know her, so I guess he doesn't like vampires..." Indeed, the puppy was crouched close to the floor, growling angrily.

[needs-release.livejournal.com]

"No, animals don't tend to like us very much," he gave Jujube a longing look, but didn't try to pat him, for fear of spooking him further.

"Listen, I just want you to know that I'll be here to help you if you need it. Whether or not you take my offer is entirely up to you. I know I didn't cast the best first impression, but when I got here, I was hungry and scared. I have some pretty strong survival instincts, and those took over. I'm really sorry I scared you," his voice turned a bit gentler as he went on.

[greennotgold]

Fletcher nodded. He knew Sam meant well. "I-I understand. Um... but I think I'll be okay on my own. I'm sorry."

[needs-release.livejournal.com]

He nodded. "Alright. Just take care of yourself." He lingered a moment, looked from Fletcher, to where Jujube hid, and turned to go, looking a bit depressed.