Time Warp: Here Comes the Sun [Cobalt]

[Ruth Edwards]

Ten years into the future

Ruth certainly had her hands full. Little Abigail was four, almost five, and Andrew was only two, still small enough to perch on his mother's hip. Ruth's other hand enveloped Abby's tiny hand to keep her from slipping as they walked up the driveway. "Sweetie, would you ring the doorbell for me? And don't forget to give your grandpas the biggest hugs you've got." It felt like forever since she had been to see Ben and Cobalt. Too long. She had decided to bring the kids to visit without Eliza, the love of her life who was home with a cold, partly just so she would feel less like the two men were missing out on the live of their grandchildren.

Abigail dutifully rang the doorbell and when Cobalt opened the door, she clung briefly to his leg before darting inside to find something to play with. Ruth sighed. "I know powers don't show themselves till later, but boy, is she quick. Good thing I'm quicker," she said with a wry grin at the man who had become her father.

"Sorry Eliza couldn't make it Dad. She's home with a cold and I swear she's like the living dead." Ruth carried Andrew into the warmth of the kitchen, hugging Cobalt with her free arm, and set the toddler down on the counter, reminiscing about the house where she'd spent some of her happiest times. Coming out of her reverie with a small smile, she realized she was hungry. "You got anything to eat? I'm starved and I'm sure Andrew could do with a snack. Liza says he's got my appetite," she said, rolling her eyes.

[Cobalt Weaver]

Cobalt had the house to himself that day. Ben was out and about, Yulia and her husband were working and their son was at daycare. At sixty-something years old, (and at the urging of pretty much everyone) Cobalt was retired. Relatively speaking. He still acted as a consultant to other cases as well as keeping in contact with other lawyers (namely, Leila) to stay in the loop. Unfortunately, that left him with a lot of spare time to do little else but read. Which was why he was always thrilled to have his grandchildren come and visit.

When the doorbell rang, Cobalt pushed himself with some difficulty and limped to the door. When he opened, he was met with the smiling face of his daughter and almost knocked off balance by Abigail’s brief hug. He laughed, giving Ruth a one armed hug, mindful of Andrew. “Now you know how we felt, with you zooming all over the place.” He moved aside so Ruth and Andrew could come in. “I’m sorry Eliza’s sick though. Let her know I say hi. Ben’s out too. Somewhere.” Cobalt gestured vaguely; he didn’t really pay attention when Ben had told him where he was going. “So it’s just us for a while.”

“And Miss Abby.” Cobalt turned and gave the little girl a mock-offended glare, “What kind of hug was that? Come here and give me a proper one.” At his words, Abby giggled and darted forward, leaping into Cobalt’s arms. Smiling happily, he picked her up briefly, “That’s better.” He kissed the side of her head, “Okay, your familial duty is done, you can go and play now.”

Cobalt grinned at Ruth, “They look great. How have you two been keeping?” He smiled at little Andrew, who was sucking his thumb, “Hey buddy, how are you?” He ruffled the toddler’s hair. “And yes, of course we have something to eat.” He rolled his eyes at Ruth’s question, with a teasing grin. “It’s a circus in here, I don’t want to even think about what would happen if we didn’t feed all the animals. We have applesauce in the fridge, if all Andrew wants is a snack, but we could always just make lunch.” He plucked Andrew out of Ruth’s arms and balanced him on his hip. “How ‘bout it, buddy? You hungry?” Andrew nodded vigorously, “Uh-huh.”

Cobalt smiled and kissed the boy on the side of the head, making him giggle, “Well then. Time for food.” He limped toward the kitchen, Ruth following him.

[Ruth Edwards]

"Oh, she'll be fine. She's sorry she couldn't come though. Loves every chance to torment you she gets," said Ruth, snickering a little. Eliza's teasing of Cobalt was always with love. It was just too easy for her to get his goat. "Too bad Ben's out. I've been meaning to bring the little beasts over for ages. He'd better be taking care of you, old man."

Ruth smiled at the exchange in front of her. Cobalt really did have a way with these two, as much as he pretended to be an old curmudgeon. Andrew simply adored his grandfather and Ruth gratefully let Cobalt take the child out of her arms. "Lunch sounds fantastic. You wanna cook or should I?" Either way, Ruth was grateful to have someone else to help watch the kids. Eliza was usually working and since neither of them were in school yet, Ruth spent a lot of time at home with them. Not that she didn't love them. She did her best to be a good mommy, and Eliza constantly reassured her, but sometimes she just needed a break.

[Event !]

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