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[Today, Steph is curled up in her chair in front of her console, dressed in light, silk pajamas, her hair piled up in a loose bun, and her expression a little weary. The observant type might notie she's pale aside from her flushed cheeks, and there's a faint sheen of sweat on her brow; the infection from the llothi claws isn't exactly getting along with her. The most noticable thing on the screen, however, is the giant teddy bear (the one hiding behind the rabbit) in her lap, Steph's arms wrapped loosely around it.]

Hey, everyone, I hope you're all keeping well and enjoying our stop on the mainland. ["enjoying" is probably the wrong word, but she can't think of a better one]

I've made a couple of trips myself, and on one of them I happened to find this. [she looks down at the bear, her smile wry] It didn't really look like it belonged out there, and I'd heard of other people finding things they owned back home, so I thought, well, it might be someone's.

If it's yours, feel free to contact me so you can come get it. I'm trusting you guys not to steal a teddy bear that doesn't belong to you. [which is why she didn't do what Damian did, with asking people to confirm the details of the item. Because she doubts anyone would claim to own a teddy bear that isn't really theirs.]

That's all from me. Have a nice day.

[And then she switches off the feed.

While the primary purpose of the message was to find the bear's owner, she also wanted to make sure her friends know she's okay; she hasn't been very active on the network since returning from her last trip, and she isn't up to contacting people individually when she's spending about 70% of her time asleep. This was easier.]

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[Damian won't ask further, just. Nods, eyebrows drawing down. Because he still doesn't quite understand hugs, either.

But even if she finds this teddy bear's owner, she might wind up with one that is... a bit more laboriously executed than most. She looks like she really needs it, and he's not really willing to be used for hugging himself, even if, with Grayson around, he might submit a bit more frequently to it.]

They are... washable, aren't they?

[Because he strongly suspects she found it in worse shape than it is in, now, if she found it on the mainland.]

[Steph sees that frown, but she's not sure what exactly it's for, so she'll let it be unless he brings it up]

They are. Most plush toys these days are made to be machine washable, including teddy bears.

Good.

[Because. Holding it the way she is now would be unsanitary. Oops.]

Should I wish you good luck with your search, or would you rather... poor luck?

[Steph looks at him for a moment, almost like she's not sure if she heard that right, but no, she totally did. And she laughs, amused both at him picking up on the fact she kind of would like to keep the bear, and at how he asks the question]

Good luck. If it belongs to someone, they need it more than I do.

[she has a boyfriend and a Cass, she's getting more than her fair share of cuddles]

[Is she laughing at him? Is she laughing at him?! Damian's features flatten. But she responds to his question, so he... doesn't lash out. Only his eyes remain narrowed.]

I see. Good luck, then.

[... yeah, but, still. Look at her, glomming on the poor thing!]

[Aww, she's not quite laughing at him, just the situation in general. But she picks up on his expression and looks a little apologetic, though she's still smiling]

I appreciate the well wishes. And the offer for otherwise.

>Tt.<

[...yep. Still confusing.]

Anything else that you need?

I think I'm right, I've got Brandon playing nurse.

[He is not as good at is as Steph is, but he'll do]

All right. Let me know if that changes.

[... Damian wouldn't know either way ~~yet~~, now would he.]

I will.

Thank you, Damian. [she really means it, even if she's a little surprised that he's offering to help her out]

>Tt.<

[But he nods, and actually doesn't make a face at the thanks.]

People that are decent in a fight are rare, random as your style usually is, I do not enjoy the thought of knowing one fewer.

[Read: people he can trust. People he can rely on.]

[Oh no that's even nicer.]

I'm not going anywhere, promise.

[... this, however, is not.]

Do not promise things you have no control over, in this place.

[Trust Damian to make things negative]

If anything happens, it'll be temporary. I'll be waiting back home. [She gives him a winning smile, all confidence that she's not entirely sure she feels]

[YEP.]

[And then Steph goes and takes it away. Damian actually blinks at that and. Well, not smiles back, but tilts his head to one side. Not disapprovingly.]

Oh.

[She's never sure how to navigate conversations with Damian, but she feels like she's managed this one well]

Which means you can stop worrying, 'kay?

[She actually did. How about that?]

I wouldn't go that far.

[Beat.]

But it helps.

I'm glad. [For... a lot of things, really.]

Can I go back to bed now? [Not that it's his fault she's out of bed, but still. she's running out of energy, even for chatting on the network.]

Edited 2013-01-18 13:37 (UTC)

...

[He gives her a look of why are you asking me?, but then pulls himself up.]

Of course. Go.

[And disconnects.]

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