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[controlledvariable]

[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.]

Comments

99% batcrypted, video

[controlledvariable]

I will.

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

99% batcrypted, video

[demon_brat]

>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.]

99% batcrypted, video

[controlledvariable]

[Oh no that's even nicer.]

I'm not going anywhere, promise.

99% batcrypted, video

[demon_brat]

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

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

99% batcrypted, video

[controlledvariable]

[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]

99% batcrypted, video

[demon_brat]

[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.

99% batcrypted, video

[controlledvariable]

[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?

99% batcrypted, video

[demon_brat]

[She actually did. How about that?]

I wouldn't go that far.

[Beat.]

But it helps.

99% batcrypted, video

[controlledvariable]

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.]

99% batcrypted, video

[demon_brat]

...

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

Of course. Go.

[And disconnects.]