[It wasn't a normal stop. The elevator had juddered and jerked, and the lights had dimmed briefly before coming back on. The doors are staying stubbornly closed.] That's a real good question, kiddo. [He mashes the "door open" button, but nothing happens. Ditto the "emergency" button.]
Oh. [Tziporel has Little Zev as well as his backpack, because even a small expedition needs to be well-prepared, and he hugs the stuffed wolf close and peers up at the buttons.] Um. It's not a trap is it?
[Ben bares a tooth.] It better not be. But probably not. [He will tamp down on the trapped feeling he has, because he doesn't need to scare Tziporel.
He gets his phone out and calls the building switchboard.] Yeah, hey, your elevator's malfunctioning here... [eyeroll] Yes, I'll hold, not like I have anything better to do...
...twenty-four hours. [flatly] No. I've got a seven-year-old boy in here with me, and that is completely unacceptable. Make it sooner. Or we'll go out the roof hatch. [He hangs up with a little more emphasis than he needs to, and sits on the floor.] Well. Looks like we're gonna be stuck here awhile. You okay?
[Tziporel presses his lips together in a thin line and sits down next to Ben, cuddling up against his side. Even if it's a trap, he can be brave like Guri and Mister Lockwood won't let anyone hurt him, Biggest Zev promised.] How come it might take so long to get us out?
Something about the wiring? I have no idea, I don't know from how elevators work.
However, I've got beef jerky and Mountain Dew in my backpack, along with my laptop. So we're not completely destitute here. And, like I say. We start getting too uncomfortable, we'll go out the top.
Unless... can you Move, yet? Like Guriel Moves us sometimes?
[A tiny wrinkle forms itself between his eyebrows.] Oh. Um. I don't think so, not without my ring, 'cause it's real hard even when I practice. Sorry, Mister Lockwood.
I think so. They kiss all the time. Sometimes right on the mouth with tongues. [Tziporel wrinkles his nose, clearly not sure if this is gross or sweet.] Daddy says he'll teach me to fly but Guri already promised, too.
Well, maybe both Guriel and your dad can teach you, yeah? [Ben is very pleased by this report. It means they did a really good thing.] I'm so glad we got your folks out of those places and brought them home to you.
Yeah, me too. [Tziporel nods and rests his head against Ben's shoulder.] It won't hurt Guri's feelings if I let my Dad help though, will it? 'Cause he's my best big brother even if I have a Dad now.
Naw, kiddo. [Ben squeezes him.] The reason we got Daniel out of there was so he could be a dad to you and do Dad Stuff with you. Teaching you to fly would be like my dad teaching me to ride a bike. And maybe, if I'd had an uncle or a big brother, they would've helped, but it wouldn't have hurt their feelings not to either.
Okay. If you're sure. [Tziporel approves of hugs, so Little Zev gets one, too.] He said he'd help Chataltuliel too. She's bigger than me so probably she'll be ready to try first. I don't mind though.
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I think... we might be stuck.
Awesome.
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He gets his phone out and calls the building switchboard.] Yeah, hey, your elevator's malfunctioning here... [eyeroll] Yes, I'll hold, not like I have anything better to do...
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However, I've got beef jerky and Mountain Dew in my backpack, along with my laptop. So we're not completely destitute here. And, like I say. We start getting too uncomfortable, we'll go out the top.
Unless... can you Move, yet? Like Guriel Moves us sometimes?
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So, how's it going with your folks now? Are they adjusting okay?
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