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Without warning, you spun Cho around and pulled him into a tight hug. His body tensed up, and it took him a while before he gave you a reassuring pat on the back.
<span class="mu-r">“I knew I wasn’t crazy!”</span> you said, sighing in relief.
For a brief moment, you considered fishing through Cho’s pockets. But then, it occurred to you how disrespectful that would be. Cho did you a favor and saved Flint’s life just because you and Mockingbird asked him to. He’s done right by you, and you won’t forget that.
Releasing the hug, you walked over the canister that contained your friend’s essence and placed a gentle hand on it.
<span class="mu-r">“Flint…I’m real sorry about all this, buddy. We’re gonna get through this, alright?”</span>
The sand shifted ever so slightly, and you couldn’t decide whether that was encouraging, or just plain sad.
<span class="mu-r">“If you’re still in there, can you try moving around a bit?”</span> you requested.
It took a while, as the sands shifted and swished from side to side, but at some point, a wave of sand thumped the side of the glass that your hand was pressed against. You almost had to laugh at that.
<span class="mu-r">“I think he just gave me a high five.”</span> you said with a broad smile.
A skinny hand fell upon your shoulder, and you looked to find Cho standing alongside you. <span class="mu-g">“I know this is a really big moment for you, but it’s getting late, and both of you need your rest.”</span> he said, gesturing towards Flint.
You reluctantly nodded. <span class="mu-r">“Right. Of course.”</span> you said. <span class="mu-r">“When will I be able to see him again? When can he come home?”</span>
Cho shrugged. <span class="mu-g">“That depends on the results of the rest of my tests. As soon as I can be sure that he’s capable of walking on his own two feet and maintaining a solid form, I’ll let you know. Mockingbird’s gonna give you something so the three of us can keep in touch.”</span>
You reached a hand out towards him. <span class="mu-r">“Thank you. For everything, I mean.”</span>
Cho smiled and accepted your handshake. <span class="mu-g">“Don’t mention it. I’m eager to see what this develops into.”</span> he admitted. <span class="mu-g">“Once you go outside, there should be a pair of guards that’ll bring you back to Mockingbird.”</span>
—----
After you said your goodbyes to Flint, you fell into step with the guards that had been positioned outside Cho’s lab and followed them to a remote hangar, where Bobbi stood waiting patiently. The two of them must’ve been communicating and coordinating the entire time.
She looked slightly agitated, but you somehow doubted that it had anything to do with you personally. <span class="mu-b">“You ready to roll?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Sure, but…where’s our ride?”</span>
Bobbi smiled, then. <span class="mu-b">“You’re looking at her.”</span>
—------
<span class="mu-b">“So your friend got blown up and turned into a grain of sand!?”</span> Bobbi shouted, struggling to be heard over the wind.
(Cont.)
