Splintered [Complete | GB+SB]

Eighteen: The Council of Elrond

For @roxieturner. You know why. 

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"I woke up in the hospital," I finally said, after we'd taken a short breather and I stepped away to the restroom to wash my face. Gabe tried to follow me in to fuss with my hair but I vetoed that immediately. He looked so disappointed, but I kissed him until he was smiling, and so was I. We all returned to our places, but I felt awkward again, and it seemed like it was my turn? "I woke up, what, three days later? I think that's right. Owen told me that my stepmom had been removed from the house and my father was living... elsewhere."

"I'm sorry, Sang, I don't mean to interrupt, but I do have a few things to fill in prior to that, if that's acceptable?" Owen had luckily toned down the commanding edge in his voice, otherwise I might have protested not being allowed to tell my own damn story, but then again, it would be nice to maybe have some of these blanks filled in. I nodded at him. "Thank you. When I arrived at the hospital, I immediately met with Dr. Roberts and petitioned for a closed adoption. Given Sang's ghost status, I knew she would be of great interest to virtually every team, but I felt strongly that only my team, the Lee team, or the Taylor team had earned her trust and that opening her up to a feeding frenzy would be destructive to her well-being. Obviously I was unaware of the Toma team's history with her, and as I was feeling particularly selfish regarding Miss Sorenson, I convinced Phil that Sean and I were her best option. I also negotiated with him to have her stepmother removed to a private care facility for the indefinite future. Then our teams met and discussed the situation."

Kota had been frowning throughout most of Owen's report, but not as though he was angry, more like he was in pain. I had to imagine that it was difficult for him — that this whole experience had been difficult for him — given how responsible and guilty he felt about the team splitting. I caught his eye and gave him a small smile and a head shake, and I think my psychic powers were improving because he seemed to understand what I was saying: stop blaming yourself for everything that has happened.

I'm trying but this is a mess.

And you aren't alone in making it. Or cleaning it up.

You're the bestest most awesome thing that has ever happened to me and I can't believe how lucky I am and I worship you like the goddess you are.

Okay, that last part may have been a bit of a stretch, but I'm sure if I asked Kota, he'd totally agree with my interpretation. He's amenable that way — or at least he'd humor me. He gestured at Victor's phone, and I picked it up.

Boss Man: We need to get you your own phone.

Me: I have the one I bought after meeting you all. The battery died while I was unconscious in the hospital.

Boss Man: I'm fairly certain I picked up on what you were trying to say but then you started grinning like a loon and I had nothing. Was it "stop blaming yourself for everything?"

Me: IT WAS! I REALLY AM PSYCHIC!

Boss Man: Followed by "everyone is in this together"?

Me: CLOSE ENOUGH

Boss Man: Then that grin...

Me: Did you know that you show up as "Boss Man" on Victor's phone?

Boss Man: Are you changing the subject?

Me: You look really nice today. Have I said that yet?

Boss Man: You're adorable. I adore you.

Me: <GASP> I think I really might be psychic. Like for real.