Corporal Samara Tobias Sage Darner @corporal-darner - Tumblr Blog

[Don slowly opens Darner's door, peeking inside.] Knock knock. Are you- Rephrase. What's wrong?

@genius-built-donatello

[Darner is bundled up in a nest of blankets on her bed. She glances at Don as he opens the door, dark shadows under her eyes. Her wings are wrapped around herself, the tense line of her shoulders painful to look at.]

It's spring.

...Goooood observation, the seasons have in fact changed. [They're staying in the doorway, very still, brow furrowed as they observe her.] Does that matter? Do you have... allergies? I don't know what to, there's nothing... growing anymore. Does the greenhouse still cause allergies? I haven't actually looked into it- You still go in there, I suppose.

Are you- you look... how do I put this very politely. Haggard? One foot in the grave? Like me when I've got a strict deadline? [He takes a cautious few steps towards the bed.]

[She shakes her head.]

It's not allergies. Yes, I feel terrible. No, I haven't been sleeping. This happens every year. It's not something that can be fixed, unfortunately. I'm...

[Darner sighs, conflicted.]

How do I put this... in the spring, most birds lay eggs and have hatchings to care for. Some species go "broody", when they have an instinctual desire to nest and raise offspring. This is one contributing factor to my current state.

The second factor is that I'm a hybrid yokai between a Nachtkrapp and a yokai from Witchtown. Most hybrids in nature are sterile and unable to produce offspring, such as the mule. I am one such hybrid.

So, in short, I'm feeling extra maternal and it's making me depressed. It's normal for me in the spring. Not really worth taking you from your work.

[Don slowly opens Darner's door, peeking inside.] Knock knock. Are you- Rephrase. What's wrong?

@genius-built-donatello

[Darner is bundled up in a nest of blankets on her bed. She glances at Don as he opens the door, dark shadows under her eyes. Her wings are wrapped around herself, the tense line of her shoulders painful to look at.]

It's spring.

#darner asks

Gooood day everyone. Is everyone fine is everyone okay. What’s the status report.

'M fine

…Suspicious answer in voice note form. Hi Toby. Why do you sound half dead?

I...

[There’s a long silence in the recording.]

It's not really worth worrying about. I'm uninjured.

So there is still something even if it’s not worth worrying about? Can I still know what it is. Location please.

I'd rather not tell you over the phone.

[A quiet sigh.]

... I'm in my room. The door should open for you.

#darner texts

Gooood day everyone. Is everyone fine is everyone okay. What’s the status report.

'M fine

…Suspicious answer in voice note form. Hi Toby. Why do you sound half dead?

I...

[There’s a long silence in the recording.]

It's not really worth worrying about. I'm uninjured.

#darner texts

Gooood day everyone. Is everyone fine is everyone okay. What’s the status report.

'M fine

#darner texts

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[…They’re not going to push this further. It’s clear that forcing that just leads to worse situations for them. Anxiety rises at the thought of her flying off again, and he’s quiet for a long moment.]

…Do you want me to show you to your room? Or- I don’t know if you should be walking this much, Toby.

[Yeah, that's... that's fair. Hm.]

My room, please. [Her voice is soft. Warm.] Once I get there, I'll lay down. I promise.

[It's not like she can do much in her state anyway. Weariness settles in her bones, and the space behind her eyes aches.]

Mmmkay. [False enthusiasm as he closes his lab door, moving over to them. He gently taps her hand to ask to take it, already moving to lead the way.]

…Did you need anything? Maybe we should fetch extra bandages on the way. Or I could give you some of mine. At least then you’ll have something within reach, so that you don’t have to go to medbay to change them. Do they need to be changed? Did you leave before they could be? Maybe we should change them. [They’re latching onto something in order to avoid speaking about anything else.]

Don, I'm fine. They changed the bandages before I left.

[She gratefully takes his hand, tentatively reaching out with her magic but not letting it touch his ninpō. Not yet.]

We... need to talk. It doesn't have to be now, and I won't make you talk, but I think it needs to happen. I have some things I need to apologize for... if you would be willing to listen.

[Instantly, his shoulders tense, dread crawling up his fingers. For a second he says nothing, slowing his pace, then he starts to say something, stops, and starts again.]

Is this you cashing out that “listening intently to your dying speech and even throwing in a ‘turning my music volume down’ if you keep quiet while I’m saving your life” favour?

[They say it jokingly. It’s difficult to tell whether they mean it that way. They’ve resumed normal pace now, not letting go of her hand.]

It could be, I suppose.

[She shrugs, turning her face away.]

Like I said, we don't have to do this now if you'd prefer not to. But... this is something I need to get off my chest.

We can talk now. Might as well.

[The words are said quietly, more out of a gentle resignation than hesitance.

They reach Darner’s room, and Don lets go of Darner’s hand just to open the door with his good hand, humming.]

Here.

Your room- uhhhh… I am scared to ask what went on.

[Darner waves her hand dismissively.]

I was researching a cure for-

[She freezes, eyes shut.]

For Nova. I suppose it was unnecessary, in the end.

[Sighing, she rubs her eyes tiredly.]

I... I'm sorry that I looked through the recordings. I thought it would help me understand what happened, and I was wrong. It made things worse. And- And I shouldn't have left like that. I'm sorry. It seems I hindered more than I helped...

[There’s a cruelly humorless, wry twist to her mouth as she speaks, directed at herself.]

I shouldn't have gotten in the way.

[Don blinks. Then frowns, turns to her.] You were-? Nova, I- I thought I was... it was just me. Shelldon was- And Yarrow, and Casey- I didn't... [A million other things get caught between his mind and his mouth again. I thought I was alone. I thought it was me against everyone else. I didn't count you on my side.]

[They bite their cheek, stopping themself from spiralling down that train of thoughts. It's past now. It's fine. It's fine.] It's...

Sighhh, okay, I'm... I don't know. [They walk the length of the room, circling, nearly pacing with a sigh.] I don't know! Look, it's- I'm going to say it's maybe not fine right now, but it will be fine, is that good enough? Is that okay. Can I assure you that it will be fine, given enough time?

Newton, it's just-! There are so many things I could say! And do! And I don't have the time nor the patience nor the will, really, for any of it, because I know it's... it's not... I don't know. I don't... want you to think like that. Because really I don't think that's good for anyone, least of all you, especially if it's the type of thing that gets you to fly off and nearly die or keep quiet about a deathly curse and actually die and- does that make sense? I feel like I'm making sense.

[They've paced their way back over to Darner, never shouting, until they're standing in front of them again. The wrist of their bad arm is screaming from the way he's been twisting it, but he's quiet now. Just tired, and anxious, and worried.] I just- It's not so much "getting in the way" as it is "I really like when you are alive and well and would prefer to keep it that way". The recordings- [something in them seizes up and his hackles raise with his shoulders] -that's... I'm... it's not the same as "getting in the way".

[She stays quiet, listening and processing and wishing she could see his face.]

I understand. It won't happen again.

[She sighs, rubbing her arms.]

It's okay that it's not okay yet. I understand why we're not okay, and I'm willing to take the steps towards regaining that trust. Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it to the best of my ability. Even if it means sitting in medbay until my feathers turn grey.

[There’s a note of humor in that last sentence. It quickly fades.]

And... I'm working on a better mindset. I'm trying. I don't- I'm not sure how to go about it, to be honest.

[Their shoulder drop, and they look at the wall, exhaling and nodding.] ...Nodding. I don't... know, to also be completely honest with you. Most would say I have too high a self-esteem, maybe if you just learn from me we can balance each other out.

Joking. In seriousness, I am willing to help with anything. I am of full confidence that I can work anything out. And if I can't work it out I can find someone who can. So. Between us I'm sure we can solve it.

[Darner nods, relief clear on her face.]

Thank you...

[She moves towards where she thinks the bed is, aiming to sit down, but stops when she nearly trips over something.]

Hm. A scroll for curing infection, by the feel of it.

Toby- [he watches, leaning back and holding a hand to his chin, grinning behind it.] Oh, Galileo, you are going to trip and double break your wings.

Move, move, move, I'm cleaning your room. These are not walkable or liveable conditions, especially while blind. Is there anything in here that will kill me if I touch it. [They don't wait for an answer or permission before getting to work, first clearing smaller objects on the floor to avoid stepping on them later.]

[Darner rattles, smiling.]

Everything is safe and readable. I've... Donnie-proofed my things to avoid disasters. It should be safe for Shelldon, too.

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[…They’re not going to push this further. It’s clear that forcing that just leads to worse situations for them. Anxiety rises at the thought of her flying off again, and he’s quiet for a long moment.]

…Do you want me to show you to your room? Or- I don’t know if you should be walking this much, Toby.

[Yeah, that's... that's fair. Hm.]

My room, please. [Her voice is soft. Warm.] Once I get there, I'll lay down. I promise.

[It's not like she can do much in her state anyway. Weariness settles in her bones, and the space behind her eyes aches.]

Mmmkay. [False enthusiasm as he closes his lab door, moving over to them. He gently taps her hand to ask to take it, already moving to lead the way.]

…Did you need anything? Maybe we should fetch extra bandages on the way. Or I could give you some of mine. At least then you’ll have something within reach, so that you don’t have to go to medbay to change them. Do they need to be changed? Did you leave before they could be? Maybe we should change them. [They’re latching onto something in order to avoid speaking about anything else.]

Don, I'm fine. They changed the bandages before I left.

[She gratefully takes his hand, tentatively reaching out with her magic but not letting it touch his ninpō. Not yet.]

We... need to talk. It doesn't have to be now, and I won't make you talk, but I think it needs to happen. I have some things I need to apologize for... if you would be willing to listen.

[Instantly, his shoulders tense, dread crawling up his fingers. For a second he says nothing, slowing his pace, then he starts to say something, stops, and starts again.]

Is this you cashing out that “listening intently to your dying speech and even throwing in a ‘turning my music volume down’ if you keep quiet while I’m saving your life” favour?

[They say it jokingly. It’s difficult to tell whether they mean it that way. They’ve resumed normal pace now, not letting go of her hand.]

It could be, I suppose.

[She shrugs, turning her face away.]

Like I said, we don't have to do this now if you'd prefer not to. But... this is something I need to get off my chest.

We can talk now. Might as well.

[The words are said quietly, more out of a gentle resignation than hesitance.

They reach Darner’s room, and Don lets go of Darner’s hand just to open the door with his good hand, humming.]

Here.

Your room- uhhhh… I am scared to ask what went on.

[Darner waves her hand dismissively.]

I was researching a cure for-

[She freezes, eyes shut.]

For Nova. I suppose it was unnecessary, in the end.

[Sighing, she rubs her eyes tiredly.]

I... I'm sorry that I looked through the recordings. I thought it would help me understand what happened, and I was wrong. It made things worse. And- And I shouldn't have left like that. I'm sorry. It seems I hindered more than I helped...

[There’s a cruelly humorless, wry twist to her mouth as she speaks, directed at herself.]

I shouldn't have gotten in the way.

[Don blinks. Then frowns, turns to her.] You were-? Nova, I- I thought I was... it was just me. Shelldon was- And Yarrow, and Casey- I didn't... [A million other things get caught between his mind and his mouth again. I thought I was alone. I thought it was me against everyone else. I didn't count you on my side.]

[They bite their cheek, stopping themself from spiralling down that train of thoughts. It's past now. It's fine. It's fine.] It's...

Sighhh, okay, I'm... I don't know. [They walk the length of the room, circling, nearly pacing with a sigh.] I don't know! Look, it's- I'm going to say it's maybe not fine right now, but it will be fine, is that good enough? Is that okay. Can I assure you that it will be fine, given enough time?

Newton, it's just-! There are so many things I could say! And do! And I don't have the time nor the patience nor the will, really, for any of it, because I know it's... it's not... I don't know. I don't... want you to think like that. Because really I don't think that's good for anyone, least of all you, especially if it's the type of thing that gets you to fly off and nearly die or keep quiet about a deathly curse and actually die and- does that make sense? I feel like I'm making sense.

[They've paced their way back over to Darner, never shouting, until they're standing in front of them again. The wrist of their bad arm is screaming from the way he's been twisting it, but he's quiet now. Just tired, and anxious, and worried.] I just- It's not so much "getting in the way" as it is "I really like when you are alive and well and would prefer to keep it that way". The recordings- [something in them seizes up and his hackles raise with his shoulders] -that's... I'm... it's not the same as "getting in the way".

[She stays quiet, listening and processing and wishing she could see his face.]

I understand. It won't happen again.

[She sighs, rubbing her arms.]

It's okay that it's not okay yet. I understand why we're not okay, and I'm willing to take the steps towards regaining that trust. Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it to the best of my ability. Even if it means sitting in medbay until my feathers turn grey.

[There’s a note of humor in that last sentence. It quickly fades.]

And... I'm working on a better mindset. I'm trying. I don't- I'm not sure how to go about it, to be honest.

[Their shoulder drop, and they look at the wall, exhaling and nodding.] ...Nodding. I don't... know, to also be completely honest with you. Most would say I have too high a self-esteem, maybe if you just learn from me we can balance each other out.

Joking. In seriousness, I am willing to help with anything. I am of full confidence that I can work anything out. And if I can't work it out I can find someone who can. So. Between us I'm sure we can solve it.

[Darner nods, relief clear on her face.]

Thank you...

[She moves towards where she thinks the bed is, aiming to sit down, but stops when she nearly trips over something.]

Hm. A scroll for curing infection, by the feel of it.

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[…They’re not going to push this further. It’s clear that forcing that just leads to worse situations for them. Anxiety rises at the thought of her flying off again, and he’s quiet for a long moment.]

…Do you want me to show you to your room? Or- I don’t know if you should be walking this much, Toby.

[Yeah, that's... that's fair. Hm.]

My room, please. [Her voice is soft. Warm.] Once I get there, I'll lay down. I promise.

[It's not like she can do much in her state anyway. Weariness settles in her bones, and the space behind her eyes aches.]

Mmmkay. [False enthusiasm as he closes his lab door, moving over to them. He gently taps her hand to ask to take it, already moving to lead the way.]

…Did you need anything? Maybe we should fetch extra bandages on the way. Or I could give you some of mine. At least then you’ll have something within reach, so that you don’t have to go to medbay to change them. Do they need to be changed? Did you leave before they could be? Maybe we should change them. [They’re latching onto something in order to avoid speaking about anything else.]

Don, I'm fine. They changed the bandages before I left.

[She gratefully takes his hand, tentatively reaching out with her magic but not letting it touch his ninpō. Not yet.]

We... need to talk. It doesn't have to be now, and I won't make you talk, but I think it needs to happen. I have some things I need to apologize for... if you would be willing to listen.

[Instantly, his shoulders tense, dread crawling up his fingers. For a second he says nothing, slowing his pace, then he starts to say something, stops, and starts again.]

Is this you cashing out that “listening intently to your dying speech and even throwing in a ‘turning my music volume down’ if you keep quiet while I’m saving your life” favour?

[They say it jokingly. It’s difficult to tell whether they mean it that way. They’ve resumed normal pace now, not letting go of her hand.]

It could be, I suppose.

[She shrugs, turning her face away.]

Like I said, we don't have to do this now if you'd prefer not to. But... this is something I need to get off my chest.

We can talk now. Might as well.

[The words are said quietly, more out of a gentle resignation than hesitance.

They reach Darner’s room, and Don lets go of Darner’s hand just to open the door with his good hand, humming.]

Here.

Your room- uhhhh… I am scared to ask what went on.

[Darner waves her hand dismissively.]

I was researching a cure for-

[She freezes, eyes shut.]

For Nova. I suppose it was unnecessary, in the end.

[Sighing, she rubs her eyes tiredly.]

I... I'm sorry that I looked through the recordings. I thought it would help me understand what happened, and I was wrong. It made things worse. And- And I shouldn't have left like that. I'm sorry. It seems I hindered more than I helped...

[There’s a cruelly humorless, wry twist to her mouth as she speaks, directed at herself.]

I shouldn't have gotten in the way.

[Don blinks. Then frowns, turns to her.] You were-? Nova, I- I thought I was... it was just me. Shelldon was- And Yarrow, and Casey- I didn't... [A million other things get caught between his mind and his mouth again. I thought I was alone. I thought it was me against everyone else. I didn't count you on my side.]

[They bite their cheek, stopping themself from spiralling down that train of thoughts. It's past now. It's fine. It's fine.] It's...

Sighhh, okay, I'm... I don't know. [They walk the length of the room, circling, nearly pacing with a sigh.] I don't know! Look, it's- I'm going to say it's maybe not fine right now, but it will be fine, is that good enough? Is that okay. Can I assure you that it will be fine, given enough time?

Newton, it's just-! There are so many things I could say! And do! And I don't have the time nor the patience nor the will, really, for any of it, because I know it's... it's not... I don't know. I don't... want you to think like that. Because really I don't think that's good for anyone, least of all you, especially if it's the type of thing that gets you to fly off and nearly die or keep quiet about a deathly curse and actually die and- does that make sense? I feel like I'm making sense.

[They've paced their way back over to Darner, never shouting, until they're standing in front of them again. The wrist of their bad arm is screaming from the way he's been twisting it, but he's quiet now. Just tired, and anxious, and worried.] I just- It's not so much "getting in the way" as it is "I really like when you are alive and well and would prefer to keep it that way". The recordings- [something in them seizes up and his hackles raise with his shoulders] -that's... I'm... it's not the same as "getting in the way".

[She stays quiet, listening and processing and wishing she could see his face.]

I understand. It won't happen again.

[She sighs, rubbing her arms.]

It's okay that it's not okay yet. I understand why we're not okay, and I'm willing to take the steps towards regaining that trust. Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it to the best of my ability. Even if it means sitting in medbay until my feathers turn grey.

[There’s a note of humor in that last sentence. It quickly fades.]

And... I'm working on a better mindset. I'm trying. I don't- I'm not sure how to go about it, to be honest.

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[…They’re not going to push this further. It’s clear that forcing that just leads to worse situations for them. Anxiety rises at the thought of her flying off again, and he’s quiet for a long moment.]

…Do you want me to show you to your room? Or- I don’t know if you should be walking this much, Toby.

[Yeah, that's... that's fair. Hm.]

My room, please. [Her voice is soft. Warm.] Once I get there, I'll lay down. I promise.

[It's not like she can do much in her state anyway. Weariness settles in her bones, and the space behind her eyes aches.]

Mmmkay. [False enthusiasm as he closes his lab door, moving over to them. He gently taps her hand to ask to take it, already moving to lead the way.]

…Did you need anything? Maybe we should fetch extra bandages on the way. Or I could give you some of mine. At least then you’ll have something within reach, so that you don’t have to go to medbay to change them. Do they need to be changed? Did you leave before they could be? Maybe we should change them. [They’re latching onto something in order to avoid speaking about anything else.]

Don, I'm fine. They changed the bandages before I left.

[She gratefully takes his hand, tentatively reaching out with her magic but not letting it touch his ninpō. Not yet.]

We... need to talk. It doesn't have to be now, and I won't make you talk, but I think it needs to happen. I have some things I need to apologize for... if you would be willing to listen.

[Instantly, his shoulders tense, dread crawling up his fingers. For a second he says nothing, slowing his pace, then he starts to say something, stops, and starts again.]

Is this you cashing out that “listening intently to your dying speech and even throwing in a ‘turning my music volume down’ if you keep quiet while I’m saving your life” favour?

[They say it jokingly. It’s difficult to tell whether they mean it that way. They’ve resumed normal pace now, not letting go of her hand.]

It could be, I suppose.

[She shrugs, turning her face away.]

Like I said, we don't have to do this now if you'd prefer not to. But... this is something I need to get off my chest.

We can talk now. Might as well.

[The words are said quietly, more out of a gentle resignation than hesitance.

They reach Darner’s room, and Don lets go of Darner’s hand just to open the door with his good hand, humming.]

Here.

Your room- uhhhh… I am scared to ask what went on.

[Darner waves her hand dismissively.]

I was researching a cure for-

[She freezes, eyes shut.]

For Nova. I suppose it was unnecessary, in the end.

[Sighing, she rubs her eyes tiredly.]

I... I'm sorry that I looked through the recordings. I thought it would help me understand what happened, and I was wrong. It made things worse. And- And I shouldn't have left like that. I'm sorry. It seems I hindered more than I helped...

[There’s a cruelly humorless, wry twist to her mouth as she speaks, directed at herself.]

I shouldn't have gotten in the way.

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[…They’re not going to push this further. It’s clear that forcing that just leads to worse situations for them. Anxiety rises at the thought of her flying off again, and he’s quiet for a long moment.]

…Do you want me to show you to your room? Or- I don’t know if you should be walking this much, Toby.

[Yeah, that's... that's fair. Hm.]

My room, please. [Her voice is soft. Warm.] Once I get there, I'll lay down. I promise.

[It's not like she can do much in her state anyway. Weariness settles in her bones, and the space behind her eyes aches.]

Mmmkay. [False enthusiasm as he closes his lab door, moving over to them. He gently taps her hand to ask to take it, already moving to lead the way.]

…Did you need anything? Maybe we should fetch extra bandages on the way. Or I could give you some of mine. At least then you’ll have something within reach, so that you don’t have to go to medbay to change them. Do they need to be changed? Did you leave before they could be? Maybe we should change them. [They’re latching onto something in order to avoid speaking about anything else.]

Don, I'm fine. They changed the bandages before I left.

[She gratefully takes his hand, tentatively reaching out with her magic but not letting it touch his ninpō. Not yet.]

We... need to talk. It doesn't have to be now, and I won't make you talk, but I think it needs to happen. I have some things I need to apologize for... if you would be willing to listen.

[Instantly, his shoulders tense, dread crawling up his fingers. For a second he says nothing, slowing his pace, then he starts to say something, stops, and starts again.]

Is this you cashing out that “listening intently to your dying speech and even throwing in a ‘turning my music volume down’ if you keep quiet while I’m saving your life” favour?

[They say it jokingly. It’s difficult to tell whether they mean it that way. They’ve resumed normal pace now, not letting go of her hand.]

It could be, I suppose.

[She shrugs, turning her face away.]

Like I said, we don't have to do this now if you'd prefer not to. But... this is something I need to get off my chest.

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[…They’re not going to push this further. It’s clear that forcing that just leads to worse situations for them. Anxiety rises at the thought of her flying off again, and he’s quiet for a long moment.]

…Do you want me to show you to your room? Or- I don’t know if you should be walking this much, Toby.

[Yeah, that's... that's fair. Hm.]

My room, please. [Her voice is soft. Warm.] Once I get there, I'll lay down. I promise.

[It's not like she can do much in her state anyway. Weariness settles in her bones, and the space behind her eyes aches.]

Mmmkay. [False enthusiasm as he closes his lab door, moving over to them. He gently taps her hand to ask to take it, already moving to lead the way.]

…Did you need anything? Maybe we should fetch extra bandages on the way. Or I could give you some of mine. At least then you’ll have something within reach, so that you don’t have to go to medbay to change them. Do they need to be changed? Did you leave before they could be? Maybe we should change them. [They’re latching onto something in order to avoid speaking about anything else.]

Don, I'm fine. They changed the bandages before I left.

[She gratefully takes his hand, tentatively reaching out with her magic but not letting it touch his ninpō. Not yet.]

We... need to talk. It doesn't have to be now, and I won't make you talk, but I think it needs to happen. I have some things I need to apologize for... if you would be willing to listen.

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[…They’re not going to push this further. It’s clear that forcing that just leads to worse situations for them. Anxiety rises at the thought of her flying off again, and he’s quiet for a long moment.]

…Do you want me to show you to your room? Or- I don’t know if you should be walking this much, Toby.

[Yeah, that's... that's fair. Hm.]

My room, please. [Her voice is soft. Warm.] Once I get there, I'll lay down. I promise.

[It's not like she can do much in her state anyway. Weariness settles in her bones, and the space behind her eyes aches.]

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]

That would be a no, your room would be way down in the other direction. I’d offer to lead you there, but shouldn’t you still be in medbay?

[There’s amusement in his voice, but it doesn’t do a good enough job of covering the concern. His attention is fixed on her injuries.]

#darner reblog #[She's being honest.]

[Darner shuffles her talons sheepishly, ducking her head.]

There's not much to do in medbay... I'm restless.

[Hm. She doesn't remember that wall being there.]

[She squints, trailing her hand along the wall, following it to the left. Darner hums quietly, trying to compare to the mental map in her head. This next left should be the hallway to her room... right? Her internal compass points stubbornly to her right. Hm.]

@genius-built-donatello

[Don’s working on a project at his desk, but looks up when his computers alert him of movement on the cameras. Oh, that’s not- he wasn’t expecting…

They put down their tools, flipping their goggles up and making their way to the door, opening it - Galileo, they really need to replace it with the proper one soon - and watching Darner navigate the corridor blindly, raising an eyebrow.]

…Ahem. Darner? What… are you doing?

[She stills for a moment, puzzled.]

Don?

[Darner huffs, shaking her head in exasperation.]

I'm nowhere near my room, am I?

[Stupid internal compass, stupid incorrect sense of direction, stupid useless eyes. She must be near the lab. Which means that-]

[Oh. That makes more sense.]