AN- As promised, a double update. Happy reading.

"I've got a tight grip on reality but I can't

Let go of what's in front of me here.

I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up,

Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream."

"The Only Exception" by Paramore.

Looking at the small boy in front of him he knew deep down he couldn't be real. Yet as he reached out and took the hand the boy offered him, there was no denying he felt real. Grasping the small hand a little tighter, he was surprised the boy smiled at him and spoke.

"I'm real, I won't disappear just yet. I thought I could fix things but I can't. I can't make the emptiness go away." The small boy said as he looked up at the man who he knew so well but hardly knew at all.

"It's okay, we need to get you home. You won't last much longer if we keep you here." Leading the child by the hand through the hospital.

Passing his team he stayed quiet as he walked towards his wife. Seeing the look of shock and horror on her face didn't surprise him, it probably mirrored his own. Watching her as she said goodbye for a second time to the boy was even more heartbreaking than the first. After a quick goodbye, he ushered them quickly to the waiting car.

After quick briefings and talking, they both stood looking at the giant dial as it spun, within seconds the blue puddle appearing and home calling them. Stepping through on the other side he watched as a smile spread across the boys face, he was home and he was communicating with the last of his kind.

"I have to go now, it is time." Looking up at the man who towered above him.

"I know, it's just so hard to let go." Feeling tears spring at the corner of his eyes.

"Do not forget what I said," using the man's hand to bring him down to eye level. "He will always be with you in here." Resting his small hand over the man's heart.

"I know that, but it doesn't make it any easier. Thank you for trying to put things right, even if you couldn't." Looking at the child one last time before he stood up and stepped back.

Smiling one last time he watched as the form of the child disappeared and was replaced by a wave of light and energy. He saw the energy shift and blend with one of the crystals on the ground before he turned and walked back to the gate. Stepping back through, his boots resonated against the metal as he looked down and saw his team standing waiting for him. They all looked at him before she stepped forward and spoke.

"Let's go home, Sir."