Daphne Palmer-Slade

32. Police Detective. Pansexual. Mother.

[daphnexdc]

onstraypaper​:

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“Perfectly fine,” he assured her, laughing softly at the squirming child. She looked unhurt too, and that was all that mattered. She looked happy and full of energy, despite her every effort to escape her mother’s grasp. “I think they call that ‘spirited.’ I don’t blame her.” It was a holiday, after all. If that wasn’t an excuse to run a little wild, he didn’t know what was. The Fourth of July seemed to bring out that mood in all ages. “How old is she?”

🖤

"I think spirited is a good way to put it" she said with a grin. Dani was certainly spirited, just as Devon had been. The toddler reminded Daphne of her late wife more and more every day. "She's 18 months" Daphne said in response to his question. It still surprised her whenever Dani hit a new milestone. It also made her a little sad, knowing that Devon would miss out on so much. "I'm worried one of these days I'll blink and she'll be an adult." The blonde was only half-joking. Dani was growing up way too fast for her mother's liking, and Daphne was trying to make the most of of the toddler years.

[daphnexdc]

4, 8, 16

04 What kind of childhood did you have?

"I grew up happy. I had a twin sister who I considered my best friend, and my parents were rich enough and respected enough that I was given every opportunity to do what I desired. That all came crumbling down because of my parents getting into business with organized crime."

08 Do you keep in contact with your family? Why/why not?

"Absolutely not. At first I cut them off out as a means of disappearing, to prevent whoever kidnapped my sister from taking me too. But over time I stayed away out of anger at them for being indirectly responsible for that happened to my twin. And now that I have a daughter to protect, I've promised myself my parents will never be a part of either of our lives again."

16 Were you ever bullied/did you ever bully anyone?

Previously answered here!

[daphnexdc]

29: what is the biggest thing that has changed about you?

"I'm less likely to trust people. As a child, I was definitely naive and too quick to trust people. I still try to see the best in people just as I did back then, but I'm more cautious about letting them into my life. Especially now that I'm a mom."

[daphnexdc]

izabela-sokolova​:

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Spook-proofing horses had been one of Iza’s biggest specialties. She had seen many children all but cling to their legs in an effort to touch them. Her own horses simply huffed into their hair and then keep doing what they were doing. “I teach riding lessons,” she explained. 

And if she was honest, Iza loved teaching the smaller children to ride the most.

🖤

"Well that explains it" said Daphne with a nod. That meant she worked with both children and horses. And if there was any creature on the planet faster than  toddlers, it was horses. "I can't say I know a whole lot about horses, although the few times I've been riding I did enjoy it." She'd been friends with a few girls who were majorly into horses back in New Orleans, but it was a hobby Daphne had never really thrown herself into. "Do you teach all ages or mostly children?"

[daphnexdc]

kat-beckett​:

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“They say all it takes is a second.” Kat offered a small woobly shrug. Kat felt a swarm of guilt take a heavy place in her stomach. Call it old, undying fondess and love for the best moments of her childhood. Clearly the blonde woman loved her daughter- she assumed most parents did. Straightening her gaze she softened a bit, a more natural and warm smile as she turned her attention to Dani. “It happens, Dani.” She paused, “You just have to be careful so you don’t hurt yourself or paintings.” Kat wrinkled her nose with a small smile. Turning her attention to the mom. “Kids are full of spastic energy. Have you thought of maybe a sport or something for her? I mean if she can run like that- plus gives parents a little break.” Kat didn’t think she was being presumptious. In fact she was thinking of swan lake and little sugar plum faeries and how adorable small ballerinas were when they fumbled through their first perfomances. “I own a studio where I teach ballet, all ages, but mostly kids.” Kat raised her brows, “I also teach adult only burlesque if you needed to blow off some steam.”

🖤

"You're right about that" Daphne said, a somber note in her voice now. As a police detective, she knew that all too well. It made her feel like a bad mom for looking at her phone for a few seconds instead of keeping her eyes on Dani in the crowd. If her daughter disappeared the way her sister had, she would never forgive herself.

As the subject shifted towards dance lessons, Daphne felt her mood lift. "Actually, that's a great idea." It had occurred to her she should probably get Dani involved in some sort of activity to get out her energy and allow her to socialize with other children. "Ballet sounds perfect, now that you mention it." Daphne had done some ballet when she was around Dani's age. She'd stuck with it through most of elementary school before giving it up for more time with her friends, but from what she could recall it was fun. Plus she suspected Dani would look adorable in a leotard and tutu.

But she felt her face turn red again at the mention of burlesque classes. "I'm not sure that's for me" she said after a moment. "At least, not without a few drinks in me." Which probably wasn't a good idea before a workout. "But do you have a business card? I could contact your studio about arranging ballet classes for Dani."

[daphnexdc]

19: what was your biggest fear(s)? do you still fear those things now?

"Growing up, I was always scared to go into the cemeteries, out of fear I'd upset a spirit and be haunted or cursed for the rest of my life. Silly, but not uncommon for a child, especially in New Orleans. Now my greatest fear is that whoever kidnapped my sister will come for me too."

[daphnexdc]

16: were you ever bullied/did you ever bully anyone?

"I was neither a bully or the person being bullied. I was lucky in that sense, I suppose. I mostly minded my own business and tried to be kind to everyone."

[daphnexdc]

cmweiss​:

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Carly offered a smile, possibly one of solidarity, but she didn’t understand on a personal level. “That makes sense,” she capitulated. She raised her eyebrows on a delicate laugh. “Thanks, but I think the protein bar will hold me over, even though it’s been years and years since I had goldfish.”

If ever. They hadn’t been a particularly popular snack in her well-endowed world growing up. It had been all fresh fruit and vegetables.

She stretched her feet out in front of her a little more, intent on relishing the stretch and moment of rest.

“This isn’t even all the way across the city. I don’t know why moving a few blocks is so hard. I kind of feel like a baby.”

🖤

"That's probably for the best" Daphne admitted. "I bet your protein bar has less chemicals in it." Not that Daphne was overly worried about Dani eating goldfish crackers. Until they made her daughter grow an extra head or glow in the dark, she would let the toddler eat them to avoid a temper tantrum.

The blonde dug around in her bag and pulled out a reusable water bottle, which she took a long sip from. Then she said "Its still stressful, having to pack everything up into boxes and cart them to a new place." Granted, Daphne had only moved a few times in her entire life, and both were long distance. Once when she fled DC for San Diego, and then again when she moved herself and Danielle back to Washington after her wife's death. "I hope you like your new place, though" she said with a friendly smile.

[daphnexdc]

onstraypaper​:

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It was his third summer in D.C., and it was true what they said about the fireworks show. It wasn’t something to miss. He’d always loved the Fourth of July, second only maybe to Christmas. Even that first year, when he was alone in the city and still trying to figure out how to make a life there, he’d watched from the roof of his building. He’d settled enough to have friends to spend the holiday with and to appreciate the present instead of just thinking about the past, at least in the moments when it mattered.

He was also looking at his phone, double-checking where he was supposed to be meeting people, and he looked up in time to see a kid crash into his legs. It didn’t hurt him; he worried more about the girl. Kids were somehow fragile and resilient, he knew that, but the woman had been right there to catch her. “I’m fine,” he assured her with a smile. “Is she okay?”

🖤

"I'm glad you're okay" Daphne said. She didn't think Dani could have done any damage, as small as she was. But it was always polite to double check. And Daphne tried to always be polite. At his question, she gave another glance over Danielle, who was squirming to get out of her mother's grasp. "She's definitely okay" Daphne said with a light laugh as she picked her daughter up to get a better grip on her. She appreciated his concern, though. "This is normal behavior for her these days, unfortunately." It seemed liked just yesterday her daughter was learning to walk and now she was trying to run away from Daphne at every chance she got. Daphne worried one day the toddler would be big enough to be faster than her, despite the blonde keeping in shape for her job.

[daphnexdc]

izabela-sokolova​:

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The DC fireworks show was truly a sight to behold. It was something Iza wasn’t sure she would ever get used to or get over. With the hustle and bustle of the city, everyone was seemingly mesmerized and transfixed on the night sky.

And something she would deeply miss if she was sent home to Bulgaria.

She felt a little body hit her legs and she looked down to see a little girl with wide eyes staring up at her. 

“It is not a big deal! The little ones, they run,” she replied with a smile.

🖤

Daphne felt the tension leave her body at the brunette's words and her smile. Returning it with a smile of her own, she said "They do. Especially this one." She was normally more careful at keeping an eye on Dani, as she knew her daughter was prone to wandering off. "You speak like someone with experience" she observed. "Are you around children often?" She figured that was somewhat less intrusive than asking if the other woman had children of her own. Besides, Daphne knew from her job that there were some parents out there who didn't know the first thing about taking care of children.

[daphnexdc]

chandler-rawlins​:

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The laugh that erupted from Chandler’s chest at the mention of speedy toddlers shook his entire frame. It earned him a squeal from his daughter who was, otherwise, preoccupied by the fireworks show. “Yeah, tell me about it. I never knew something so small could go so fast. And, I hate to be the one to tell you..” The smile he flashed the other parent was genuine and full of sympathy. Watching your child grow was an awful kind of wonder. “They only continue to get faster.” And run further away, he thought but didn’t add.

When his daughter was young she was also shy. Or good at pretending to be shy, at least. Since starting kindergarten she’d come out of her shell a little more. Still, he understood a quiet child and merely smiled at the toddler who wouldn’t talk back.

At the offer to join them Chandler looked up at Elodie. He had to give her leg a shake to get her attention away from the fireworks. “Let’s sit, kiddo.” As good as her view from a top his shoulders was, Chandler knew his body would thank him in the days to come if he didn’t hold her up there the entire night, and with her permission he agreed to join the blonde. “Yeah, that’d be great – thanks.” In a by the way sort of tone he added, “I’m Chandler, and this is–” His daughter had turned her attention back to the show, but he introduced her anyway. “–my daughter, Elodie.”

🖤

She found herself relaxing as he laughed, returning it with a soft smile. At least he seemed to understand. Which she figured made sense, given the little girl who was perched on his shoulders watching the fireworks. "I guess I'll have to make a point of keeping a closer eye on her" she admitted. "And thanks for the warning" she added. She would make it a point to continue doing her cardio workouts, not just for her job but so she could keep up with her daughter.

"Of course" she said warmly, leading the way towards her blanket. Luckily Dani had only managed to go a few feet and they didn't have to walk far to get back to their spot. Otherwise they might not have found it in the crowd. "Its the least I could do after my toddler decided to try showing off her tackle skills on you" she joked, sitting back down and pulling Dani into her lap. The toddler was watching the fireworks now, but Daphne wasn't going to take any chances of her making a break for it again. "I'm Daphne and this is Danielle" she said, gesturing towards her daughter with one hand. "Nice to meet the two of you" she added. "Is this her first time seeing fireworks?" she asked, referring to Elodie.

[daphnexdc]

kat-beckett​:

Kat did not want children. Nevermind that she was certain she’d be a terrible mother, if her own was any idication and she had a sinking feeling the maternal instinct was passed down from mother to daughter- so she’d just end that line here. Unless Briar decided to have children. But besides the fear of being terrible there was the fact that children were everywhere at all times. So prone to accidents, harming themselves and others. Leaving the park, a still drying painting under her arm Kat was reminded of all of this when a tiny hurricane barreled into her. Kat’s heart tightened, the breath shallow and caught on her lips. Her painting, she couldn’t bring herself to look at the possible damage. Instead she gave the small child a small smile. Her ire wasn’t meant for small children who didn’t know better, small and raging with every terrible feeling in the world and no understanding of any of it. No, her frustation was with the mother.

Red faced with anger, embarassment; Kat wasn’t sure which it was but suddenly her inclination to yell at this woman died on her tongue. She remembered Dottie and the blame she’d place on Kat for every little thing she did wrong. Stand up straight, be pretty, be seen not heard- her mothers voice was a storm that never died. Sighing Kat adjusted her stance pulling one ear bud from her ear. “It wasn’t her fault.” Maybe it was a little implicative, she did her best to cover it. “No harm no foul- paintings can be replaced, little kids tho…” Kat paused turning her attention to the small girl. “Are you okay?”

🖤

Daphne breathed a sigh of relief when the woman didn't yell at her. If there was one thing Daphne didn't do well, it was confrontation. Which was kind of ironic, considering she was a police detective. But she'd gone into that line of work to help victims and their loved ones, not out of some desire to interrogate the suspects. "I swear, I only took my eyes off of her for like ten seconds." She had forgotten how fast Danielle could move these days when she really wanted to.

Then she nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. Devon had married Daphne and entrusted her with caring for Dani. Now that Devon was no longer here, that burden fell exclusively on the blonde. And here she was letting her attention wander. "You're very much correct" she said. She wondered if she needed to get one of those child leashes. But the idea of leashing her daughter up rubbed her in such a way that she would only do it as a last resort. Dani nodded at the brunette's question, and Daphne scooped the little girl up into her arms. "Say sorry, Dani" Daphne said to her daughter. The little girl didn't speak very much yet, but she let out a babble that sounded vaguely like sorry.

[daniellecamp]

Claire Holt photographed by Melody Mai

[daphnexdc]

chandler-rawlins​:

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For the entirety of Elodie’s life it had just been her and her father. Chandler had help from his mother and extended family, of course, but most of the time it was just them. He preferred it this way. All things considered. Elodie’s mother suffered from addiction and had endangered Elodie’s life from the start. They had their own way of doing things and traditions that were special to them. The fourth of July a favorite since Elodie first saw a firework.

Chandler walked through a crowd of people with Elodie adorning his shoulders. He was well over six foot on his own, which made for quite the view for his little five year old. Still, he saw the toddler come barely towards them long before she ever collided with his legs. Elodie had done the same thing so often the father didn’t even budge. “There is no need to apologize.” He was quick to reassure the other planet. “I understand.” His eyes flickered up to his own child, but then back to the one at his feet before asking. “What about you, little lady? Are you ok?”

🖤

Daphne scooped up her toddler. "I swear, I keep forgetting how fast she can move these days." She made a mental note to be more vigilant now that Dani was at an age where she was able to do more than crawl. "I'm glad you're okay" she added as she scooped Dani up.

As he asked Dani if she was okay, the toddler buried her head in Daphne's neck. "Sorry, she's a bit shy" Daphne admitted. "Or, at least, good at pretending to be shy" she added with a smile. "Do you guys have a spot to sit yet?" she asked him. "If not, you could join us." She figured offering was the least she could do to make up for Dani trying to plow him over. Even if that would have been an extremely hard thing for a toddler to do to a man as tall as he was.

[daphnexdc]

cmweiss​:

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The agreement and then assistance, rather than judgment, induced a head turn.  She set the partially unwrapped protein bar in the safety of her lap and accepted the hand sanitizer with a small smile.  “Thanks.”  She gestured to her bag, the one that was  ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ sized, and shook her head ruefully.  “Somehow, that thing is out of any sort of soap or sanitizer.”  So much for a go-bag.  She let out a sigh.  “Yeah.  Moving sucks.”  It was a very brief summary, and not really the precise cause of her day or mood, but it was succinct enough. 

🖤

"Having a toddler has pretty much guaranteed that I always have hand sanitizer and snacks in my bag" she admitted. "Not doing so is like just asking for her to get dirty or have a meltdown." Daphne didn't believe in tempting fate like that. "Speaking of which, if you want something besides a protein bar, I think I have goldfish crackers somewhere in here" she offered. Then she nodded. "Moving is definitely stressful." She had flashbacks to when she packed up her stuff in San Francisco and moved to Washington DC half a year back.

[daphnexdc]

Who: Open / @districtstarters​ Where: The National Mall When:  Sunday July 4, just before 9 pm

After making sure that Dani was outfitted in ear-protecting headphones, she'd dragged her toddler down to the Mall for tonight's fireworks display. She was sure the little girl would love it, and she'd heard DC's fireworks were some of the best in the country. They managed to find a spot shortly before dusk, and were now sitting on their picnic blanket waiting for the show to start.

Daphne glanced down at her phone to check the time. But she got distracted reading a text from her mother-in-law. When she glanced back up, she saw Dani was attempting to make a break for it. Running after her daughter, she caught her just as Dani collided with someone. "I am so sorry" she said, her face turning red with embarrassment. "Are you okay?" Dani was small, so she was hopeful the toddler hadn't hurt the other person.

[daphnexdc]

cmweiss​:

who: open | @districtstarters​ when: today!  now!  later!  where:  somewhere in public.  you decide! 

“I know this floor is disgusting and I’m not wearing shoes.  I also don’t remember the last time I washed my hands.  But I’m still going to sit here and eat this because it’s the first chance I’ve had all day.  You can join me or you can go, but please hold off on judging until you’ve walked a mile in my stinky shoes.  And one of the straps is broken, so it’ll be an adventure.” 

🖤

Daphne nodded. "This floor is disgusting" she agreed, digging around in her purse for a few moments. Pulling out a small bottle of hand sanitizer, she said "Do you want some? Not that I'm judging, but I figured you might want to clean your hands real fast before you eat." She gave a soft, sympathetic smile. "I take it you had a rough day?" she asked, moving to sit down next to the other blonde.