[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/231217/50886c14bca6c3f50a838bcf96b81b5d.png[/img] [img] https://media3.giphy.com/media/xTiTnw1zHMevdOWjpS/giphy.gif?cid=2154d3d7k4ovcnhpftu902fcvm2gjkvvlrzfmsbqjgr7d3pa&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g[/img] [sub]A collaboration with [@WhiteAngel25]'s [b]Sabrina[/b], [@Days]'s [b]Nova[/b] and [@Estylwen]’s [b]Cosette[/b][/sub][/center][hr] It was just [i]so[/i] damn cold, and dark, and downright terrifying. But the scientist tried to keep brave for 3, holding her close when there was a sudden loud thud and a bright flash. For a moment there she thought she was truly a goner, but the light made way for Dragon. Nova sucked in a breath as if his apparition was a hallucination of what she longed for most, shortly before the ocean claimed the woman as her own. Her mouth hung open a bit, and she stood up. But, to her surprise, the man didn’t stop before her and instead placed his hand on the small of her back, pulling her close. It radiated warmth and something else she couldn’t quite place her finger on. He looked at her and saw her headwound, and Nova shuddered at the intensity that flashed in his eyes. Her cheeks reddened slightly, but her mouth closed as she was reminded about their precarious situation. [color=peachpuff]”I’m alright.”[/color] She said, and it was only a half lie. She took 3’s hand in her and led her to the pad. Nova didn’t question it, and she knew that he had her full trust. With a kind smile, she gave a reassuring nod to 3, signalling that everything was okay. She stood on the pad, where he pulled her close and warmth flooded her body, fighting off the cold, trickling down in her veins like molten lava. But the pleasant kind. She gave him a grin in answer to his wink, allowing the feeling that they were going to be okay to steadily settle. [i][b]"Go ahead and hit that button, please,"[/b][/i] Subject #3 held the emergency blanket close, almost like a plushie, as she stared up at the man who appeared out of thin air. She had never seen anything like it. He said he was here to save them, though. Her gaze flickered over to Star as she held the remote. Star seemed at ease, delighted, even. Perhaps there was nothing to worry about. Swallowing nervously, teeth chattering from the cold, Subject #3 held up the button. [i][b]WHAM.[/b][/i] The sub took a hit, thrashing in the water violently from side to side as massive jaws crunched down on the metal. A shark, massive in size, with edges glowing a stark purple, had the sub in its jaws. It thrashed once more, the man holding on desperately to Star and Subject #3 to stay on the pad. Water burst forth from the hull in a small stream as one tooth broke the sub's integrity. Sucking in a sharp breath, Subject #3 squeezed the button. The sensation was dizzying. As the submarine drifted out of existence, the lights danced in front of her eyes as Subject #3 struggled, and failed, to remain conscious. Dragon quickly caught 3 before the girl's body could collapse onto the floor and prepared himself to catch Nova just in case. He began to bark orders at the paramedics for them to hustle with getting 3 and Nova to the Infirmary on the tenth floor of the building. The Infirmary was for employee and their families only. Voidlight hired excellent doctors, nurses, and surgeons, and the whole healthcare work paid for through the employees' health benefits. Kai gently laid the passed-out girl onto a gurney for the paramedics to send her up. He turned to Nova on her own. Smiling softly with a touch of concern. [b]"The girl's mother is in the process of making her way here. She is currently in Italy with the eldest and the girls' father. Congratulations, Agent Star, you completed your assignment,"[/b] he spoke quietly as he was tempted to kiss Nova but refrained. HR would chew his ass a new one if he pressed his lips to a co-worker's much less one that was viewed as a subordinate. Nova's stomach did a loop in her chest, taking a detour in her throat as her eyes stood wide open, shocked. The terror of that beast grabbing onto the submarine was still etched in her mind. Dragon's hand was firm when she threatened to keel over, but it left her once 3 fainted. With her palms on her knees, Nova inhaled through her nose to stave off the sudden nausea. If two grown, fit adults got this reaction from that jump, then she understood 3 fainting. She bit her lip, straightening as he saw Dragon put 3 on a gurney. She knew that the girl was safe here, but her entire body still begged her to follow. Instead, Dragon stood before her once more and Nova blinked the vertigo away. 3 had a mother and a father. And the mother was coming to get her. Relieved, she nodded and blew out another breath between her lips. It was a bit of a whirlwind to process everything that had happened. Then, he congratulated her, making her head angle slightly to the side in confusion. She would hardly call it a completion. She only got the girl out and left everyone else. She swallowed and reached her hand forward, taking his in hers and squeezing lightly. If only to feel a little bit of his warmth as the blue tone of her lips slowly faded back to pink. [color=peachpuff]"Thank you, Dragon."[/color] Her gaze darted over his face while her heart did a weird thump. [color=peachpuff]"For saving me."[/color] Her head bowed in a quick nod and she let go of his hand, stepping to the side instead. [color=peachpuff]"I want to stay with her if that's okay."[/color] She stole one quick glance at the man before hurrying after the paramedics. [hr] Darkness. It was peaceful, in a space without space or time. Subject #3 could stay here, dead to the world. Maybe she really was. Wasn't that the whole point of her life? To fail, and then to die? That's what the doctors said, anyway. To her right, the darkness took shape, expanding, before a slow exhale. There was a murmur. Not enough to call it a voice. No. Not enough to be a voice. But there was something. A string, or a tether, pulling at Subject #3. It was soft, yet firm, and felt like sunlight. That's when Subject #3 opened her eyes, and found herself in a large, white room. Dragon quietly entered the private recovery room. He carried two coffees and a hot chocolate in a drink carrier. Silently, he placed the drinks on the counter by the sink outside of the bathroom area. He took an extra blanket from the closet and carefully covered Nova with it. He smiled softly down at her as she finally seemed peaceful for the first time since they returned. Nova leaned her cheek on her knuckles, dozing off in her chair. She had been by 3's bedside ever since they arrived back here, only taking breaks for food and small naps on the couch or chair in the room. Dragon had sent an assistant to her apartment though, so now she was freshly showered and wearing her own clothes. Black yoga pants and a forest green cashmere sweater. Her headwound had been nicely treated, and thankfully, there was nothing else wrong with her, aside from some bruises and cuts. She hadn't wanted to leave 3's side, because there was no one the girl knew but Nova. And even Nova was still a stranger. The girl's name was Cosette, apparently. Still, she couldn't force herself to go home like she was told to. She was staying until the girl's mother would pick her up, though she hadn't missed Dragon's worried hovering, as well. Between naps, glasses of water or small snacks would suddenly appear on the small table beside her chair. Stella’s face was etched in Nova's mind. Her outstretched hand, telling her to get 3 to Dragon. Well, she did that. But why didn’t it feel right? She left Stella behind, and let Aaron leave. Not to mention the other three they had parted ways with earlier. Her guilt for leaving Stella was so grand that it apparently started to haunt her in her short naps. She knew she wanted to go back for the agent. If only Dragon would let her. Kai gazed around the room to check on Cosette. It was crazy to think the small girl was almost seventeen. She was so small, most likely due to no sunlight exposure and poor nutrition by HiveMind. He saw the young lady’s eyes meet his as he placed a finger against his lips to stay quiet. Dragon plucked the hot chocolate and brought it over to Cosette’s bedside tray. [b]“Good morning,”[/b] Kai whispered to not wake the sleeping Nova. [b]“This is a hot chocolate to help warm you up. Your mother called and said that she, your sister, and your brother are on their way. They boarded a plane about six hours ago so they should be landing here soon,”[/b] he explained as he crossed his arms and smirked at the woman in the chair. [b]”Ah, Sleeping Beauty has finally joined us,”[/b] Dragon teased with a wink. He walked back over to the counter and then strode over to Nova, handing her the coffee cup. [b]“The barista in the building’s cafe said that this is your regular order. I hope it’s okay,”[/b] he spoke as his phone rang. Dragon bowed a bit dramatically and winked at both women. [b]“Excuse me, ladies, but duty calls,”[/b] he joked before grabbing his coffee and leaving the recovery room. Subject #3 watched, eyes wide as the man gently placed the hot drink on her bedside table. The wafting aroma of hot chocolate mingled with the scent of sterile cleaners, and Subject #3 felt a pit form in her stomach. Where was she? They had been in a submarine, and then. Did they get re-captured? No, but, the man who appeared out of thin air- he was here! Subject #3 brilliant eyes creased anxiously as she tried to lift her head, to sit up, as the man made his exit. Where was she? Who was coming to get her? Where was Star- Oh- As her head threatened to lull off her propped-up hand, Nova woke up with a start. Her different coloured eyes landed on Dragon’s right away, though where hers were wide and surprised, his winked, and it made her heart take a beating too. She had probably been sleeping [i]very[/i] unflattering on this chair. [i]Sleeping beauty, my ass[/i]. Still, her face reddened ever so slightly, but a grin cut across once she was handed coffee. [color=peachpuff]”Oh, thank you.”[/color] She said, taking the warm cup in her hands as she straightened a little. Looking down at her lap, she found that she was covered by a soft blanket. Dragon? Probably. He explained it was her usual order and her smile faltered a little, as she was touched by his thoughtfulness. She eagerly took a sip and found it was indeed her regular. [color=peachpuff]”It’s perfect.”[/color] Her gaze went to his pocket, where his phone was loudly ringing, a smile on her face as he bowed out, nodding. She put her eyes on 3- no, [i]Cosette[/i], and was relieved to find she was finally awake. God, she must be feeling all types of confused. [color=peachpuff]”Hey, you.”[/color] She said softly, leaning forward a little so she could take the girl’s hand. [color=peachpuff]”You’re safe, don’t worry. You’re in the hospital. We’re safe.”[/color] Her voice was soft and low, hopefully soothing the girl enough so she’d remain lying down and resting. Subject #3 had sat up fully in bed, staring at Star, her breath becoming shallow and uneven. There was a terror growing behind her brilliant eyes. She could feel Star's hand on hers tethering her, trying to keep her from running from the room. Not that she would have the energy for it at the moment. Everything felt woozy. Very strange. Unlike any experiment, the doctors had done on her. She looked down at the hand, trying to process where they were. 'The' hospital. Who's hospital? [b]"Is it really... safe?"[/b] Subject #3 whispered, her attention snapping back to Star. [b]"D-did we... did we make it?"[/b] She paused, before tears welled up in her eyes, her breath hitching. [b]"W-who's coming to get me...?"[/b] Nova’s brows knitted together in sympathy for a moment, seeing the tears pool in the girl’s eyes. It tugged at her heartstrings to see her like this. Right, something about her memory not being all there. Nova had been very tired when Dragon explained it to her once they were all safely in the recovery room. [color=peachpuff]”Yes, 3. We made it. It’s really safe. Here, come on-”[/color] Nova moved, keeping her hand in Cosette’s while setting her coffee down. She removed the blanket Dragon had so kindly covered her in, leaving it on the chair. Pressing a button, she moved the head end up, then sat on the edge of 3’s bed. Leaning against the now raised portion, she pulled 3 back to her like she had on the submarine, with her arm over the girl’s shoulder. Subject #3 felt weak and trembling in Star's embrace, staring up as Star rested beside her and drew her in. There was a word for this, wasn't there? Affection? Something that Stella and Nick had shown Subject #3 when they found her getting torn apart by the wolf. None of the doctors had shown her affection like this. Not the Director. They only looked at her like a [i]thing[/i]. Was she really... free? What did free mean? Would she have to live in another white room? Would it be a similar routine? Would she become a failure again? The questions grew behind Subject #3's eyes as tears slipped down her cheeks. Her hand came up to brush at the girl’s tears. [color=peachpuff]”I know that it all feels scary and overwhelming right now, but I’m with you, okay?”[/color] Her voice was, hopefully, soothing, and Nova felt this intense need to protect this girl, just like she had down there. [color=peachpuff]”Listen,”[/color] she started, thinking that maybe she would need to prepare her for what was about to come. She spoke slowly and deliberately. [color=peachpuff]”In a little bit, Dragon will come back through that door. You just saw him, my friend, who saved us.”[/color] Her brows were raised as she looked down at the girl, trying to see if she was following while her finger pointed at the door. With her lips curled up into a soft smile, she continued. [color=peachpuff]”And he will probably have a woman with him. Your [i]mother[/i]. She missed you very much and will be incredibly happy to see you. She may even cry a little. And she will probably call you Cosette because that is what your name is.”[/color] Nova’s hand was rubbing Cosette’s arm in an attempt at a soothing gesture. [color=peachpuff]”You may not recognize her, and that’s okay. We’ll work on that. And I’ll be [i]right[/i][/color],” with her free hand, Nova pointed at her chair. [color=peachpuff]”there, and I won’t leave you until you say it’s okay, alright?”[/color] Subject #3 nodded along as Star spoke, absorbing her words. There was something about her presence, her familiarity, that eased some of the tension in Subject #3's mind. Meeting her at the other end of the electrified path was rather fortuitous then, she guessed. Star just seemed... safe. Subject #3 took a shaky breath, wiping her eyes on her torn sleeve. Still the same patient suit she had nearly worn to shreds. The last memento of her life. Her entire life, in a padded cell. [b]"So, no more tests? No more... needles?"[/b] She asked. [b]"My mother isn't a doctor, right? She... she's like you?"[/b] her breathing hitched, voice straining nervously, [b]"She won't hurt me, right?"[/b] The girl nestled against Nova’s side was trying to keep it all together, and Nova was trying not to let her full emotions be displayed on her face. She felt so bad for the girl, and what she’d been through. And even though she has a mother who is going to take care of her, Cosette herself will probably be confused, and distressed. It would take her a while, most likely. She blinked down at the girl’s question about tests and needles. Jesus, just what had they done to her down there? [color=peachpuff]”No more tests. You will not have to do anything you don’t want to, okay?”[/color] Nova smiled down at her, rubbing the girl's arm when her breath got caught in her throat. [color=peachpuff]”She is not a doctor. She- yeah, she’s kind of like me.”[/color] The woman was a pretty big deal, apparently, but Dragon had said she was also just a worried mother. A fist wrapped around Nova’s heart when she asked if she would be hurt, and it made Nova want to hold her and never let her go, snarling at everyone who dared to touch this kid. [color=peachpuff]”She won’t hurt you. She may want to hug you, or she may cry, or she may be calm like I am. It might be a little confusing for you, but 3, I’m not leaving you until you feel safe, okay? And I’ll hold your hand until [i]you[/i] decide to let it go. It’s all your choice.”[/color] [i]Kind of like Star?[/i] Subject #3 stared, teetering between fear and relief as Star comforted her. From all she knew of Star, the woman had only ever tried to help. Even from the very beginning, when Star and Stella had helped guide Subject #3 through the water, Star had been a calm, grounding support. Oh. Yes, that was right. Stella. Subject #3's face fell for a moment. These two knew each other. Star knew Stella... Where was Stella? Subject #3 remembered how she disappeared right before the submarine was rocked hard. Before the shockwave. Was Stella... with Director Galloes now? Subject #3's nerves tensed, realizing Stella was probably in a worse place than she. But Subject #3.... she made it out, with Stella's help. With Star's help. Even Aaron... Thierry, Nick... they all helped. Did everyone else... Was everyone else okay? Her mind stirring with questions, she only looked up at Star, and tried to smile. Whatever the situation, everything seemed to be okay. For now. She could trust in that, right? [b]"O-okay.. Star... That makes me feel better. Much better."[/b] The scientist took a deep breath and worried her bottom lip with her teeth for a moment, reaching out toward the warm chocolate milk Dragon brought the girl. She held it in front of her. [color=peachpuff]”Here, take a sip. I promise it’s delicious and warm.”[/color] She winked, nudging her head toward the cup in her hand. Subject #3 leaned forward, taking the hot chocolate in her hands. It was still warm, the mug radiating a sense of tranquillity. She took a sip, and her brilliant eyes glowed. [b]"It... it's sweet."[/b] She said in a hushed tone, awe in her voice. She had never had something sweet before. [hr] [b]"I have to warn you, Ms. de Villers-,"[/b]Dragon tried to start explaining but the woman with honey-gold eyes interrupted him. [b]"It is Miss Lennox, officially, or it will be once the paperwork I filled out on the airplane is processed,"[/b] Sabrina replied, dressed in black leggings, a Louvre crew neck sweatshirt that Theo had gotten her from the gift shop as a Christmas present in the years past, and black tennis shoes. Her long chocolate locks were thrown up into a messy bun that still had an elegance to it somehow. She hadn't officially taken 'de Villers' off her hyphened name. To her, her ex's last name was the only thing she had left of her girls, a reminder to never stop finding them. Now that Aurélie and Cosette were safe and found, she could let that piece of herself go as well. The Vice President nodded in understanding of the correction. He was still dressed casually from earlier in simple dark jeans and a more dressy shirt. He glanced at the young man and what he assumed was the other missing de Viller daughter. The young woman appeared almost ghost-like, she was there but the look in her eyes seemed eons away. [b]"As I was saying, Miss Lennox. Cosette had a rather serious case of amnesia,"[/b] Dragon began to explain. [b]"She remembers nothing except that her subject number was 3. It will take time for her memories to come back. According, to Agent Star, Cosette didn't even remember hot chocolate being her favorite drink,"[/b] he spoke gently and calmly as Sabrina hadn't realized how tight she had clenched her hands until Theo touched her shoulder. The mother closed her eyes and took a deep breath quietly through her nose. [b]"Then it is probably best that you two stay here in the waiting area,"[/b] Sabrina murmured to her two eldest children. She knew that they wanted to see Cosy as well. [b]"I don't want to scare her and learning she has a whole family could be a lot for her,"[/b] she added as Dragon nodded his head in agreement. [b]"Cosette has also had augmentations done. The surgery marks are evident, although, we aren't entirely sure what they all are,"[/b] Dragon informed as he felt it was best the mother was prepared. Sabrina nodded and gestured down the hallway at Dragon. [b]"Very well,"[/b] he turned to Theo and Aurélie. [b]"My assistant, Julia, is just over there monitoring things. If you need anything while we are gone, she can get it for you,"[/b] the Vice President added before leading the mother down the hall. Sabrina paused at the door as Dragon knocked gently for a warning before he went inside. She was trying to keep calm but it was hard. Her baby was finally safe, and yet, she couldn't hold her like she wanted to. She heard him speak... [b]"Hello again, your mother is here. She would like to see you, if that is okay?"[/b] There was a quiet voice that replied but Sabrina could barely hear it. Then she saw Dragon open the door and smiled sympathetically at the nervous woman. Sabrina paced in slowly as she turned the corner. She placed a cupped hand over her mouth as her eyes began to water. [b]"Ma petite fille,"[/b] Sabrina's voice broke a bit as she got closer, careful not to rush and scare her youngest.[b] "My baby girl,"[/b] she reiterated in English just in case Cosette didn't know French anymore. Once Sabrina got to Cosette's bedside, she reached her hands out slowly to cup her face as if to make sure that her daughter was truly there in front of her. When she confirmed that Cosette was real and not a figment of her imagination, Sabrina wrapped her arms around the girl and pulled her in for a hug. [b]"I have missed you so much, ma petite fille,"[/b] Sabrina murmured into Cosette's ear as a few tears escaped. [b]"Your father-,"[/b] she paused for a moment to stop herself from crying. [b]"Your father and I never stopped looking for you or your sister. We are so grateful that you and your sister are finally safe."[/b] Nova held her now empty coffee cup loosely in her hand, her stare far away and drifting as she took up residence in the chair beside the bed once more. That was until the door opened, announcing Sabrina's arrival. She put down her cup and leaned forward in her chair, taking 3's hand in hers as promised. She sat to the side and out of the way, but she wouldn't let go of her hand until the girl did so. At first the woman's touch, her embrace, terrified little Subject #3. Positive human contact was something Subject #3 still wasn't entirely used to, despite Stella and Star's efforts. She could feel her heart racing in her chest, thrumming against the woman who held her. There was a gentle caress, and Subject #3 realized Star was still holding onto her hand, as she had promised. Weakly, Subject #3 squeezed her hand back, trying desperately to process the tears the woman in front of her shed. She was frozen for a long time, unsure of how to react. A part of her was still waiting for pain. For all of this charade to stop and everything to return back to normal. The tests. But as the woman with chocolate hair, who smelled like sunshine, held her, Subject #3 realized one very important thing. There was no pain. She wasn't hurt. Being squeezed in a hug didn't count as being hurt, right? A few more seconds went by, as Subject #3 held her breath. Still no pain, still a softly tearing woman. Maybe... there was no danger? Maybe... Subject #3 gently let go of Star's hand, swallowing nervously, before gently patting the back of the woman who held her. [b]"Je suis désolé,"[/b] she said softly, surprising herself that she knew a foreign language. [b]"I... I don't... know who you are..."[/b] She pursed her lips, feeling an ache in the pit of her stomach. [b]"I... I don't know anything..."[/b] It hurt. It was pain she inflicted on herself. Was she forgetting something important...? [b] "Wh-... what am I forgetting...?"[/b] She said, more so to herself, in a pained tone. She had... family? They never stopped looking...? Was she... really lost this whole time? Wasn't she just doing tests? Weren't the doctors her 'family'? She was so confused. It hurt. Her brows wrinkled, and a small whimper escaped her lips, tears threatening her eyes. [b] "H-how long.. have I been gone..?"[/b] Nova squeezed Cosette’s hand, watching her being pulled into an embrace. The woman’s tears and confessions hit Nova where she didn’t expect it, and she looked away to give the two a semblance of privacy. And to hide the tears misting in her eyes. The guilt that had settled in Nova’s bones, making a home, got slightly dampened by the fact that at the very least, this girl was back in her mother’s arms. At least she had done that. Cosette’s hand left hers eventually, opting to pat her mother on the back. It seemed that, while confused, the girl felt safe enough to let go of Nova. Subtly, Nova got out of her chair and moved out of the way, so the girl’s mother could take her chair if needed. Instead, she walked over to where Dragon was standing beside the window. Standing next to him, she sniffled softly and watched the scene. The young woman crossed her arms over her chest, her fingers curling around her upper arms as she held herself. As a slight tremor went through her, she realised the cold of the submarine never fully left her. Nor did the haunting memories. She tore her eyes away from the scene to glance up at Dragon beside her. What would’ve happened if he hadn’t come for her? It wasn’t something Nova wanted to spend time thinking about. Needing some form of comfort, she slowly leaned her head against the side of his shoulder, shifting her gaze to the floor. Sabrina pulled back from her hug and gazed into Cosette's frightened eyes. She felt her heart break with each word, however, she knew there was nothing she could truly do. Cosette would have to remember all on her own. There was no magic button or pill that would bring back the baby girl Sabrina had lost years ago. The mother smiled tenderly as she gently caressed some hair out of Cosette's face upon instinct. [b]"It is okay that you don't remember, who I am or why you don't know anything,"[/b] she murmured as she pressed a soft kiss to Cosette's forehead. [b]"I am your maman, your mother,"[/b] Sabrina explained as she had to pause in order to keep herself composed. [b]"You have been gone for seven years. Your father and I have been searching high and low for you and your sister every day since you went missing,"[/b] she said as she pressed her lips together, thinking of how much she would love to ring her ex-husband's neck right now. [b]"Your brother, Theo, and your sister, Aurelie, would like to come in and see you. All this can seem overwhelming, so I brought you something from your room back home,"[/b] The mother of the three de Viller children reached into her bag and pulled out Cosette's old stuffed rabbit. Still in good condition despite the slight fading of the bright pink color of the bunny's coloring. The motherly attention Sabrina gave Subject #3 helped to ease some of her trembling. Is this what mothers did? Is this what... [i]her[/i] mother did? Subject #3's eyes widened at the mention of siblings. [b]"Th-there's more?"[/b] Her brilliant eyes fell on the stuffed rabbit, confusion catching her features before they smoothed into a small, timid smile. She held her hands out, wanting to hold it. She could feel the rabbit's softness on her fingertips and felt a part of her presence ease. Quietly, she pulled the rabbit closer, drawing her knees to her chest, embracing it and herself. For comfort. Her gaze lingered on the stuffed rabbit. [b]"This.. this is... mine?"[/b] More people would be here soon. More memories she didn't have. More pain she was going to cause. [i]It was her fault she didn't remember, right?[/i] Her stomach twisted nervously, eyes glancing to the floor. [b]"O-okay... I think... I'm ready to see them."[/b] She paused. [b]"They... they know I... I can't remember?"[/b] Dragon observed the scene in front of him as he leaned against the window. His keen eyes took notice to Nova's expressions and slight shivers. He was genuinely shocked when Nova laid her head on his shoulder. Dragon shifted slightly to have [i]his[/i] Star stand in front of him so he could wrap his arms around her. [b]"You are safe, Nova. I would have burned the oceans to a vapor if that's what it took to save you,"[/b] he murmured quietly in her ear, knowing that his words would pick up on her augmentation but would go unheard by the mother and daughter. [b]"You will never have to step foot out of your lab for assignments again, if that is what you wish,"[/b] Kai added as he felt the urge to kiss Nova silly to make her forget about what happened even if it were for a moment, however, HR would have a field day with the two of them. Dragon was [i]technically[/i] Nova's superior and he knew that Nova enjoyed what she had been researching before the assignment. So, for now, he squeezed his arms around her, with a brief nuzzle into the crook of her neck, before letting go. Subject #3 glanced at Star and the man who had the teleporter previously. Star seemed... upset. Was it something Subject #3 did? Or was it... what they ran from, what they may have been free from? Were they free? Were they really and truly free now..? Subject #3 tried to catch Star's gaze, and give her a reassuring smile before her gaze flickered between the one who claimed to be her mother and the door. She had no idea what to expect. Did her siblings even remember her? Was she good to them? Did they hate her....? She felt her heartbeat pick up again, one hand leaving the stuffed rabbit to hold onto the woman's wrist. At first, Nova thought Dragon was shrugging her off. What was she thinking, anyway? But the man shifted behind her instead, his arms around her waist. She was fully aware of every spot on her body where hers connected with his, and it made her stop breathing for a moment. What was he doing? Her throat muscles worked to gulp away her nerves, but as she remained in his hold, she slowly let out a shaky breath and adjusted to the warm and comfortable feeling. A slight red tint travelled from her chest to her cheeks, brightening the tips of her ears as she read the words in front of her. But she [i]heard[/i] them, too. There was something about the low timber of his voice. She [i]was[/i] safe. He’d saved her. But Stella… she wasn’t safe. And while she wanted nothing more than to go back to her studies and ogling this man from afar, Nova was in too deep. She knew things now. Things she couldn’t make herself forget. And most importantly, Stella wasn’t home safe. His hold tightened for a moment as Nova processed the information, his head lowering to the side of her neck, sending a tremor down Nova’s spine. Unable to speak, she angled her head and raised her shoulders for a brief moment to give back the moment of affection. When he let her go, Nova realised just how warm the man’s hold was, and how chilly she felt when it was gone. Her eyes went back to Cosette and the girl gave her a smile. Nova smiled fondly, her eyes sparkling with a newfound joy. Stella had sacrificed herself for this girl. Stella had given her all to get this girl out. And now? This girl would always have Nova. It was the least she could do for them both. She made a mental note to give her number to the mother, just in case. And then? She would focus her efforts on finding Stella, hoping Dragong would agree. There was a soft knock at the door, and Nova knew it was going to be the siblings. A girl entered first. She looked pale, withered. Shattered was the word Nova was searching for. Then, a man. Almost the spitting image of the Louvre director she had seen down below the sea. Looking back at the girl, she kept a careful eye as the siblings reunited.