Ashe (phoenixashe) wrote in destructionisle, @ 2018-03-18 20:25:00 |
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Entry tags: | daryn o'conner |
Characters: Daryn & Ashe
Setting: Safehouse, evening
Summary: family time and picking a name
Rating: PG
The last few weeks had been extremely overwhelming for Daryn and while she tried to just roll with it, things felt like they were catching up to her fast. She wasn’t sleeping my in the last few days, by choice, and spent the majority of time with her daughter, trying to make up for what she’d missed so far. Still, she had responsibilities to the clinic, and the Faction, which left time for little else. She felt terrible about neglecting Ashe, and hoped he would understand and give her the opportunity to make it up to him once things were more settled. Standing outside the safehouse now in the dark, she listened carefully to make sure she hadn’t been followed and took a moment to take a deep breath before moving inside quietly.
---
Ashe had been pretty shocked when he had found out everything but once he managed to get his head around it all it seemed to just settle in. He sometimes surprised even himself at how well he could adapt to things and that was exactly what he was doing, adapting. Ashe wanted to help out both Daryn and the little girl so he had done whatever he could. Most of the time that meant cooking for the both of them. Not like that was a hardship or anything. But it sometimes was a new challenge to plan for feeding a little person. But he managed. He also helped where he could in staying with her so that Daryn could do the things she needed to do. It had ended up working out fairly well with Oliver helping and all of them taking turns or keeping each other company. Overall it felt pretty good. He had just finished getting dinner ready when Daryn came in.
---
As soon as Daryn stepped in, the little girl ran to her and greeted her with a hug. Daryn was sure she would never get tired of that. Smiling, she hugged her back tightly and ‘talked’ with her for a little bit before moving to greet Ashe. Kissing him lightly, she smiled. Hi. How are you doing today?
--
Ashe poked his head out of the kitchen to see who had come in. When he saw that it was Daryn he relaxed and smiled seeing the little girl run to her. Giving them privacy he went back to the kitchen and finished up dinner. He was just putting it on plates when she came in and he returned the kiss easily. “I’m good. I just finished dinner if you’re hungry. And there are a lot of leftovers which is always a good thing.” He smiled. “How are you doing?”
---
You know me, I’m always hungry. Is there anything I can do to help? Stepping out of the way, she leaned against the counter and hid a yawn behind her hand. I’m alright. Thank you for staying with her. I hope it wasn’t any trouble.
---
“You can get drinks on the table. Otherwise everything is done. I just need to cary it out there.” Ashe raised an eyebrow at her as she yawned. “You still aren’t sleeping are you? Would it help you sleep if I stayed? Then maybe you could relax a little knowing that you weren’t the only one here to take care of her?” He shook his head at her comment. “She’s great. I like her.” Ashe smiled then began carrying plates to the table.
---
Nodding, Daryn went to get glasses and drinks, following him to bring it all to the table. I’m afraid to fall asleep. If something happened to her… She just shook her head a little and smiled softly to him. I already ask too much of you to come here and stay with us as it is. Hopefully we won’t have to hide out here much longer. If I could just take her home, give her a home… maybe I would be able to… Relax wasn’t the right word for it, but it would put her at ease in a way.
I think she likes you too. I’m glad that you like her though, everyone seems to. Once everything was out on the table, Daryn called to the little girl and helped her up into a seat. She served her first, giving her a little bit of everything to see what she liked. The poor thing had not had so many different kinds of food, and was still experimenting to find out what she liked. Once her daughter was settled, Daryn looked to her own plate and began to eat.
--
“I know you’re afraid. And I understand, at least as much as I possibly can since I’m not a mother. Which is why I thought I might be able to help a little. I know it’s not the same. I don’t have the same … instincts you do...but maybe with the two of us I thought you might be able to breathe a little easier.” Once the food was on the table and she went to get the little girl Ashe dropped it. He didn’t want to get her involved until Daryn made her decision. He’d bring it up to her again later.
Ashe smiled when she joined them at the table and tried to explain some of the food to her. He had concentrated on making things less fancy and much more simple so as not to overwhelm the poor thing. It was already extremely new to her. He relaxed himself once the both of them were eating. Even if he couldn’t help Daryn with sleep he could at least make sure she, and the girl, ate well.
---
Daryn looking back to Ashe with a faint smile, ‘speaking’ just to him for the moment. Thank you, for everything. I don’t know what I would do without you. I’m sorry we haven’t had much time together lately. I hope that can change soon. And you’re being very kind, but I am sure I have almost no motherly instincts whatsoever. I’m operating purely on guilt and adrenaline.
--
Ashe smiled over at her and thought back at her. He hoped that she would be able to ‘hear’ him. You’re doing great no matter what it comes from. And I am spending time with you. I have no complaints about that. But I admit staying the night with you has its appeal as more than just helping you sleep. He gave her a little wink then went back to his food.
---
Daryn smiled in response to his wink, going back to her food as well as she responded. I would like it if you stayed. But it’s significantly less romantic staying here and crashing on the couch than it is at my place.
Daryn looked back to the girl, who much like any other five-year-old, was skeptical about vegetables, but seemed to enjoy the rest of the food. Unusual for her age, she didn’t play with her food, and was very careful about trying to be as neat as she could, with varied success. Daryn smiled and leaned over to wipe some food off of her chin before speaking to them both. We need to come up with a name for you.
--
Ashe’s grin widened at her comment. “I’ll just take it as a raincheck.” He gave her another wink. He enjoyed her company with or without the romance. They would have time for that later, once things settled down again. At least he hoped.
The more Ashe watched Daryn with the girl he could see that she did, in fact, have a mother’s instinct. At least it seemed obvious to him, anyway. But he knew that she was still struggling with the fact that her daughter had been gone so he wasn’t going to push. She would figure it out. They would figure it out together. Mother and Daughter. “Yes defintiely.”
---
The little girl perked up at the comment. “I like pizza. Call me pizza.” Daryn laughed a little and glanced to Ashe with a smirk. I think naming her that might border on child abuse. Do you have any suggestions?
--
Ashe laughed softly. “Yeah I don’t think pizza is a good idea.” He grinned and shook his head. “I’m not good with names, I admit.” He smiled between the two of them. “Is there something else you like? Maybe not a food?”
---
Still eating, the little girl erupted into giggles, amused at the name pizza even if it wasn’t a good name for a person. Daryn watched her with a smile before returning her attention to Ashe. Thankfully, she seems pretty good tempered so I haven’t found much that she doesn’t like. So far. She does really like that little phoenix you gave me for Valentine’s Day. She’s taken to sleeping with it.
---
Ashe smiled, very much enjoying the little girl’s giggles. It really was a wonderful sound. He looked over at Daryn when she spoke to him and nodded. She really was extremely easy to be around and one of the best mannered children he had ever seen. Granted it had been a long time since he had been around kids but still. She was just polite and easygoing and openly curious about everything. He greatly enjoyed that curiosity. It was fresh and new and wonderful. At the mention of the little phoenix his eyes widened. “Really?”
---
Daryn nodded with a smile. I didn’t really have any toys or anything for her, so I brought it along, thinking it might help her sleep. Sometimes she wakes up afraid. But when she sleep with the phoenix she seems to have an easier time. Or maybe she’s just adjusting better now that I stay up with her. Either way, she adores it. I hope you don’t mind.
--
Ashe shook his head and looked at the little girl as Daryn spoke, smiling easily. “I don’t mind at all. I think … I think its wonderful.” He said softly. “We all need something to hold onto in order to survive this place sometimes.” He made the comment almost absently. “I’m glad that you thought of it, and that she likes it. Besides, she’s an extension of you.”
---
Daryn took Ashe’s hand, squeezing it lightly. I hope you’re right, that she is like a part of me. Well, only the good parts, few as they may be. I want her to be but I worry that once she is settled and safe, maybe she won’t want me or need me. We missed out on the chance to become attached, I don’t know what to do to fix that. Shaking it off for now, Daryn took a deep breath and went to finishing her food, trying to refocus on the topic of names. Maybe I could name her Phoenix, since she loves it so much.
---
Ashe squeezed her hand back, keeping a hold on it for a long moment. “I know I’m right. And I don’t think you’ll need to worry about that.” He looked over at the little girl then back at Daryn. “I think your biggest issue is going to be when she finds her rebellious streak.” He gave her a wink and a smile, trying to help lighten the mood a bit. At the comment about naming her phoenix he raised an eyebrow then looked at her. “Why don’t you ask her?”
---
Laughing silently, Daryn shook her head. I hope she never finds her rebellious streak. If she’s anything like me in that respect, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle her. Still, it was nice to think of the future, something Daryn thought was out of the question was now a reality. Looking to her daughter, she smiled to her. Would you like it if we called you Phoenix? After the little bird you like? The little girl finished off the last of her food, looking to both of them as she considered the question. After a few quiet moments, she smiled brightly, “I want my name to be Phoenix.” Smiling, Daryn nodded. I guess it’s settled then.
--
Ashe laughed softly at her comment. “Oh but you may be the one best equipped to handle it. You know all of the ins and outs.” He smiled at her. When they were sitting like this laughing and just enjoying a meal it was so easy to forget, for a moment, where they really were and what was in front of them. It felt good and he would hold onto that feeling. When the girl, Phoenix, said she wanted the name Ashe smiled. “Okay then. Phoenix it is.” It was definitely better than Pizza.
—
Once they were finished eating, Daryn showed Phoenix how to help with bringing her dishes into the kitchen and making sure her hands and face were clean. Since the little one seemed tired, Daryn helped her with her nightly routine of taking a bath and then getting ready for bed. Soon enough, Phoenix was asleep and Daryn returned to the kitchen, intending to clean up since Ashe had done all the work of cooking. Sorry about that. Thank you for dinner, it was delicious, as always.
--
Ashe smiled as he watched Daryn and Phoenix. Oh yes, it was obvious that she had maternal instinct. He could tell just in the way they interacted. When Daryn took her off to get her ready for bed he said goodnight to the little girl then busied himself cleaning up the dishes and putting away the leftovers. It gave him something to do while Daryn was getting her to bed. When she joined him Ashe smiled. “You have nothing to apologize for. While you were getting her ready I cleaned everything so now it's just you and me. Oh and there are a ton of leftovers in the fridge.”
---
Moving closer to him, Daryn kissed Ashe softly and smiled. You continue to spoil me, but I am grateful for it. I don’t know what I would do without you. Other than starve. Stepping back, she watched him curiously. Can you stay for a bit? I feel like we haven’t talked in forever. So much has gone on. I’ve missed you.
--
Ashe returned the kiss easily, his hands going to her hips to hold her close for a moment. He chuckled softly at her comment about starving. When she stepped back he almost pouted but he managed to hold it in. “Didn’t we already decide I’m staying the night?” He grinned at her. “So I have a lot of time. Why don’t we go sit and relax and just be together?”
---
That sounds perfect. Taking his hand, she led him out to the living room to sit and relax on the couch. Tell me everything I’ve missed. How have you been, has anything exciting or interesting been going on?
--
Ashe went with her easily then sat down on the couch. Once she sat he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close against him. Leaning in he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple then relaxed, enjoying the feeling of having her close. “No, not really. Everything has been really quiet. It’s been … I feel like people are afraid. More so than normal. There is less laughing and people are more on edge.”
---
Sitting with him, Daryn was happy to relax in his arms. Leaning against him gently, she watched his face as he spoke, frowning slightly with worry. Slipping her arms around him, she hugged him, resting her head against him for a moment. They should be afraid. More are going missing, they don’t want to be next. I don’t blame them. I wish I could think of something to do to make things a bit easier for everyone.
--
Ashe easily hugged her back savoring how good it felt to have her close and in his arms. He pressed a kiss into her hair when she rested her head against him. “You’ve been trying to make things easier and better for everyone since day one.” He said softly. “That’s exactly what The Faction is trying to do and I don’t see you stopping that fight anytime soon. If anything you have even more reason to fight now.”
===
Daryn nodded slowly and sighed. I don’t want to stop the fight. But the last few weeks have made me realize that I need to also focus on the people I love, to put making things easier and better for them first. And then try to help the others.
--
Ashe nodded as she spoke. “You can do both.” he said softly. “I fully believe that. You don’t have to be the first one in or the one on the front lines to make a difference. You’re a doctor, I think you already know that. But I also know you’ve been the one in charge for a long time and you like to control things.” He smiled and gave her a little wink. “So it might be tough for you to step back.”
---
Daryn smirked a little and looked down at her hands. I don’t like to control things, not necessarily. It’s just easier that way, so then if something goes wrong, it was my responsibility, the blame lies with me. It is tough to step back, to put others in danger. But I realize now that I need to put Phoenix… and you, ahead of some other things.
--
When Daryn looked down Ashe gently touched her cheek. He hadn’t meant to make her feel bad he was just teasing a little. When she mentioned him he was a bit startled. “You don’t have to worry about me, you know.” He said softly. “Phoenix definitely. I’ll be thinking about her as well. Wanting to protect her and keep her safe.”
---
Looking back up to him, she smiled and shrugged a little. I know I don’t have to worry about you, but I still do anyway. I want you to be more of a priority in my days. And the fact that you care about me, and Phoenix, just shows me that I have good reason to make you more important in my life.
--
Ashe leaned in and kissed her gently. “I am certainly not going to object to that.” He smiled at her, his fingers gently trailing over her cheek. I want you both to be priority for me too. And we both still want to do everything we can to help others. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy and that’s not going to happen while this place keeps getting more dangerous.” Wrapping his arms around her he hugged her tightly.
---
Returning the kiss and hug, glad that he felt the same way she did. Hopefully, with rescuing the children, things will take a turn for the better. Eventually. This could be the start of something big.
--
Ashe nodded at her words. “I hope so. I would say it’s about time we fight back. I feel like … like it’s a turning point. But maybe that’s just me getting my hopes up. But I feel like people, regular people, have finally had enough. It can’t be explained away anymore. People are asking questions. They’re scared but they’re not cowering anymore. Or they don’t want to be. I think … I can see if we make a big enough push the rest of the island will join us.” Ashe realized he was ranting a bit and shrugged. “It’s just a feeling. It’s not like I know very many people or have any experience.”
---
Relaxing comfortably with him, Daryn hid a yawn as she listened. I think you’re right. Maybe this will be the trigger to change things for good, for the better. I know that not everyone is ready or willing to fight, but if they at least side with us, support us, that’s what matters most. Hopefully this is the start of something good, of being able to look toward the future positively.
—-
Ashe chuckled softly when he saw her yawn. Turning he pressed a kiss to her temple. “I think you need some sleep. You aren’t going to be seeing much of a future if you’re dead on your feet. Even your level of will power and stubbornness needs rest.” He smiled at her. He was teasing but it was still the truth. “I’m staying here tonight so maybe that will help.
—-
Daryn looked up to him with a small smile. You’re right, I do need some sleep. And I will probably sleep better knowing you’re here. But I still want to stay up a bit longer to spend more time with you.