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The first time GQ opens his eyes after the bomb, it's dark. He's wet and aching, his skin and bones sore. He could be dying, just like this, an easy thing and unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
"Found you."
GQ forces himself to look up. Sees that crocodile monster Flag brought to their little battle with a damn witch to save a city.
Wonders if there’s a threat in these words and doesn't care.
#
The second time he comes to, he is hanging over someone's shoulder.
Low words around him, a sudden giggle. Flag and Harley, he realizes.
The world is still there.
And so is GQ.
#
GQ wakes up in the heli and everything is shaky and loud. Everything still hurts.
But there are big and rough hands that hold him steady through it all, and GQ remains still under the touch.
#
He’s in a hospital, and the pain gives in to the medication. The world is quiet. GQ lets himself rest.
He dreams of a monster pulling him out of the deep.
#
"You’re still on my team?" Flag asks.
GQ looks at the menagerie behind Flag and catches sight of broad shoulders and a sharp smirk. Nods.
#
He wakes up at home, months separating him from Midway City and this early morning. It’s sunny outside, the dawn coming early now. He gets up, gets dressed. Drinks his coffee during the car ride to Belle Reve.
GQ smiles when he sees the schedule for the day. A diving session for his boys, a new obstacle course pulled together in the pool. It’s getting easier to pass these challenges, the team stronger than it was before.
He walks into the depth of the base, his steps starting to echo.
Croc is waiting for him.
GQ smiles.
"Found you."