It's complicated

[happy_dsign]

Daphne had shown Bay around the compound, given her a quick run-down on island life, and then Bay had decided to go explore the carnival that she'd abruptly appeared in on her own, much to Daphne's relief. She needed time to process this new development, to decide how she felt about Bay's presence here. Of all the people who could show up, it had to be Bay.

She went into her room, glancing at the empty bed across the way that would be housing Bay at least for a couple of days before unpacking the Deafenstein t-shirt that had appeared that morning, a present from her best friend that she couldn't even thank him for. She changed into the shirt, smoothing her hand down the front, and then looked around the room before sighing and going back out into the hallway. She thought for a moment, then went next door and knocked on the doorframe, hoping Dairine was there.

Comments

[wizard_errant]

Daphne will miss most of what goes on after the knock--the hollered, "Just a minute!" and the clatter of a stack of books falling off something, though the last at least might shake the door a little. So it's a longer than usual moment's wait before the door swings open, and Dairine, looking a bit mad-scientist, pokes her head out.

"Hi," she says, signing that part at the same time. What's up?

[happy_dsign]

Are you busy? I could use someone to talk to, Daphne signed back, then added, but I can come back later. She didn't want to impose, but it was nice to have someone she could just sign to without having to talk, easier to think in the language she knew best.

[wizard_errant]

Since nothing Dairine is doing on the island is likely to be so urgent it can't wait half an hour, and listening to friends' problems is a fairly important part of having friends, Dairine just nods and pulls the curtain back to let her in.

It's a mess, she signs when it drops--there are two extra computers, cords running all over the place, and the odd pile of clothes tossed in the corners--but make yourself at home. What's up?

[happy_dsign]

Daphne stepped inside and glanced around, then perched on the edge of the bed with a sigh. Bay's here, she said simply. Someone from home shows up and it has to be her.

[wizard_errant]

Ouch. Dairine perches on the edge of a chair, pushing a couple of old t-shirts out of the way. From the same time as you?

[happy_dsign]

Pretty much. She's from our birthday, so about two days after I showed up. She rolled her eyes, because just saying something like that was enough to make her brain hurt. Two days after and yet two months after, almost.

Hey. I guess I'm older than her, now, she added with a faint grin.

[wizard_errant]

Dairine's eyes roll skyward, but she grins a little too. Yeah, the time thing is weird. So you okay?

[happy_dsign]

I guess so. I mean, I would have preferred... she paused, grimaced theatrically, and resumed, well, pretty much anyone else from home, but at least it's a familiar face? Daphne shrugged and shook her head. I still don't know if I even like her.

[wizard_errant]

Which is something Dairine's always been lucky on--when people show up from home, it's never anybody she actively doesn't want to see. But then, she's never had a situation quite as screwed up as the one Daphne and Bay are in, either. Well, maybe it's a good way to find out? Since it'll be just the two of you without any other influences.

[happy_dsign]

Daphne looked thoughtful at that, nodding slowly. True. Good point. She smiled faintly. She's staying in my room for now. I can at least do that much for her, so she doesn't have to sleep in the crash room.

[wizard_errant]

Dairine nods thoughtfully. So you'll have a couple days to get a feel for it, she offers. And it's not like it's impossible to get away from people on the island if you decide you want to.

[happy_dsign]

Daphne nodded again. It's strange. I feel responsible for her, for some reason. I mean, it's not like we're related in any way, we're definitely not friends, but... She shook her head, mouth twisting into a wry smile. I guess it's because Bay's led a pretty sheltered, pampered life. She's going to need someone, and I'm it.

[wizard_errant]

Maybe she'll rise to the occasion, Dairine suggests. She wouldn't be the first.

[happy_dsign]

You don't know Bay, Daphne replied with a wry twist to her mouth. But it was possible. Bay had her moments, in between being shallow and self-centered and spoiled.

[wizard_errant]

Not yet, Dairine concedes, and shrugs. Guess I will soon though, huh?

[happy_dsign]

It seems pretty likely, Daphne agreed, looking apologetic.