Daryn Elizabeth O'Conner-Roman (darynoconner) wrote in destructionisle, @ 2018-06-04 20:36:00 |
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Entry tags: | daryn o'conner |
Characters: Daryn, Phoenix, Phobia, Ashe, April, Matty, Thursday, Remy & Zayne
Setting: Daryn’s house, pizza pizza
Summary: Planning
Rating: Low
Daryn didn’t do parties. She didn’t typically enjoy attending them, and she wasn’t really one to plan one either. But Phoenix wanted to have a pizza party with her friends, and Daryn would do anything that little girl wanted. So there was a table set up off of the living room, covered with pizzas and drinks and homemade cupcakes in preparation for their guests. Phoenix, outfitted in a pretty new dress, bounced around the house in excitement while Daryn set out plates and napkins and utensils. She tried to focus on just making her daughter happy, and hopefully the distraction of a house full of guests would keep the flashbacks and distractions at bay.
Phobia wondered if he should have brought something. Daryn didn’t tell him to but he wondered if he should. He didn’t have Ashe to make him something so he showed up empty handed. He walked up the front walk and knocked on the door. Once Daryn let him in, he greeted her and knelt down to give Phoenix a hug.
“That dress is pretty,” Phobia said to her, as she showed it off. He stood up and looked to Daryn again then nodded to Ashe, glad that he was here already. He figured he would be but it was still good to have that, “It looks good here. Should I have brought something to this shingding?”
Ashe wasn’t a big party guy either but he was happy to help Daryn with the party for Phoenix. It helped that pizza and cupcakes and friends made for a pretty easy party. He had the added bonus of seeing the little girl so excited. That made it all worth it.
Ashe was very glad to see Phobia when he showed up. He smiled and returned the nod. “You brought yourself. I think that’s a pretty good option. I would have warned you otherwise.”
April was excited and nervous to meet Phobia’s friends. She agreed to meet him at the place, and was knocking on the door just shortly after he arrived. When the door opened, she stepped inside, suddenly feeling a little shy. She greeted the dark haired woman with a little wave and her usual bright smile, but then relaxed when she spotted her friend. April moved over to Phobia with the same greeting to him and the other man, who she assumed was the Ashe he spoke so often about. “Hi.”
Phobia would have introduced April to Ashe and Daryn but there was another knock on the door and Matty hopped in, tugging Thursday along after him. He wore a huge smile and he wanted to have his wings out but opted not to trash Daryn’s place with them. He grinned to Ashe and Daryn and then to April and Phobia.
“Thank you so much for the invite!” Matty said then he spotted the cupcakes. He grinned again and asked, “Ashe, did you make them? They look amazing!”
Ashe greeted the young lady whom he assumed was April and would have said more except Matty came nearly crashing through the door. He shook his head at Matty’s question. “No, I don’t bake. That’s all Daryn.”
Thursday was just shaking his head at his friend a big smile on his face. “Come on, Matty lets get you a cupcake and a place to sit before you bowl everyone over.” He tugged Matty over to the food table and handed him a cupcake before practically dragging him to the couch and tugging him down. They were close enough that they could still talk to everyone but wouldn’t actually be causing trouble. Well, Matty wouldn’t be causing trouble. He waved to Daryn then smiled and waved to Phoenix. ”Thanks for inviting us. Pizza parties are the best kind of parties.”
Remy and Zayne were fashionably late. At least that’s what Remy told Zayne they would be while he was getting ready. He wanted time to primp. Okay so maybe he was procrastinating instead of primping. He didn’t want to admit that he was a bit apprehensive about the number of people that would be at the party. He told himself he shouldn't be. They were all friends. But the idea of being in a small house with a group of people had him on edge. So he told himself if they were the last ones there then he would be okay. It worked in his head and that’s all that mattered.
Fortunately the moment Remy walked through the door his fears slid away. These were his people and he felt right at home. He went straight for Daryn and Phoenix. After hugging Daryn he squatted down to speak to the little girl. “This is quite the party. I love your new dress. Thank you for letting us come and join you to celebrate.”
Matty allowed himself to be giving a cupcake and pushed out of the way so not to cause trouble. He supposed it made sense, otherwise he would be probably overwhelming everyone. Still, he should grabbed two cupcakes. He grinned to Daryn and called to her, “These are delicious. I apologise in advance if I eat them all and become a sugar monster.”
Zayne hadn’t minded to be fashionably late. Remy may have been procrastinating but Zayne was primping, making sure his hair and makeup was perfect. It may be a small party but Zayne still wanted to look good. He held onto Remy’s hand as they walked over to Daryn’s and he gave Remy a kiss on the cheek before they entered the house. He was glad to see Remy relax once they got in.
Zayne immediately greeted everyone with hugs; starting with Phoenix and then April, Matty and Thursday and finally Ashe and Daryn. He smiled to Daryn and said, “I second what Remy said. Thank you for the invite. This is perfect.”
Daryn was a bit overwhelmed as everyone arrived, but seeing how excited Phoenix was made it all worth it. She introduced, and re-introduced the little girl to everyone, knowing she may not remember all the names just yet, but after that, Phoenix was happy to socialize independently. While her mother hung back, Phoenix hugged Phobia and Zayne, waved to April and Matty, and did a little twirl to show off her dress to Remy with a proud smile. “Thank you for coming!”
Daryn offered a little smile to Matty’s compliment about the cupcakes. No worries, enjoy. I can always make more. She returned Remy’s hug lightly and smiled to Zayne. Thanks for coming, it’s good to see everyone here for a happy reason.
As Matty and Thursday then Remy and Zayne came in, Phobia stepped back, allowing them to take the social spotlight. He didn’t mind. He felt slightly overwhelmed by all these people. It was stupid. These were people whom he trusted. People whom he felt comfortable with but together, it felt like a lot. For a moment, he allowed himself to wonder what this party would have been like if the didn’t have abilities. He brushed it off. Stupid thoughts anyway. He stayed back, keeping out of the way.
Ashe wasn’t very good at social functions but he knew these people. Well most of them. He greeted April when she was introduced then moved back over to focus on Daryn and Phoenix. He wanted to so support them. He was hoping to help Daryn deal with the barrage of people and to help make sure Phoenix would have a good thing. It was all about her anyway. Stepping up behind Daryn he gently laid a hand on her lower back just to show her physical support and to let her know he was still there.
After smiling at Daryn he stepped away to make sure he greeted everyone then refilled the food before stepping over to Phobia. He knew his friend was struggling too. In lieu of a hug he squeezed his shoulder in silent support.
April smiled brightly when Ashe introduced himself. She had wanted to go talk to Phobia, but he seemed busy, so April just wandered around a little before finding Matty and Thursday. She kept glancing to Phoenix, but so far only offered a wave to the little girl. April leaned over to whisper to Matty, referencing the child. “Is she real? Or is she like me?”
Phobia appreciated that Ashe came over to her and squeezed his shoulder. He knew hanging back was probably silly. He was with friends but the support helped. This was a safe place.
Matty was on the couch, licking the icing from the cupcakes and did not quite notice that he got icing on his nose as he was licking away. He saw April come over to him and Thursday and smiled at her. He was about to mention that she should get a cupcake too, because, really, why shouldn’t they all have cupcakes? Instead he answered her question, “She’s real. She’s Daryn’s kid. Thursday explained it to me. It’s a complicated story with villains and heroes,” like this island, really, “but she’s a real kid.”
Thursday smiled at Matty when he answered April’s question. It was a pretty good explanation in his mind and he thought the icing on Matty’s nose made it all that much better in the explanation. He tried not to giggle as he continued to talk. He would have leaned over and licked off the icing except they were in mixed company and he didn’t think that would be appropriate. So instead he leaned over and whispered into Matty’s ear. “You have icing on your nose.”
After greeting Phoenix and everyone else Remy stepped over to Daryn. Since he had been trapped in the basement of the building with people it seemed that his empathy had ramped up. It made him even more in-tune to those around him. Not just their thoughts but their emotions too. Stepping in close he gave her a easy smile but then spoke to her so that only she could hear him. Everything okay? You seem a bit … on edge.
At Thursday’s whisper, Matty reached out and almost touched his nose. Normally, he would have asked Thursday to get it. He supposed he shouldn’t. See? He was learning! Don’t say everything that goes through your head. Usually. He tried to wipe it off and looked between Matty and April, “Did I get it?”
Zayne moved over to where April, Thursday and Matty were, allowing Remy to speak with Daryn and Phobia and Ashe to have time away from all the people. He smiled to the three and said, “This is nice, isn’t it? To all hang out and not,” well, not be a meeting. He couldn’t say that, “be something serious. We need more moments like this, I think.” There. That was a good cover, no?
April couldn’t help but smile at Matty, but nodded once he got the icing off his nose. She turned to Zayne, and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. Do you want a cupcake? Or some pizza? I think I want to try some.” She waited a moment to see if Zayne would join her before going over to the food table.
Daryn was grateful for Ashe, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before he moved off to Phobia. Turning her attention to Remy when he approached, Daryn felt herself gradually tensing up a bit, but tried to ignore it. Daryn nodded once to Remy’s question, responding to him but keeping her eyes on Phoenix. I am. On edge. But it’s fine. I’m just trying not to lose control again, and make this a nice day for her.
Remy frowned when Daryn tensed. Did he make her uneasy? He didn’t like the thought. He was also surprised when she mentioned losing control. Well she seems to be having a good time and you did a great job with this. So I don’t think you need to worry about it being a good day for her. Remy shoved his hands into his pockets. i thought we could talk a bit. About faction stuff. You, me and Phobia. But if I’m making you uncomfortable or if you’re uneasy I don’t want to push.
Taking a deep breath, Daryn nodded once. Remy was right, Phoenix was enjoying herself so there was no need to worry, and everything else could be pushed aside for now. It’s alright. The Faction is important, we can talk. Maybe stepping outside for a bit might make it easier to focus? She figured it may be easier for all three of them, for different reasons.
Remy nodded when she suggested stepping outside. Good idea. He gave a little wave to Phobia to get his attention then motioned for him to join them as he followed Daryn outside.
Phobia was debating to steal a cupcake to just keep himself busy when he saw Remy’s wave. He excused himself from Ashe and followed the pair outside. It was slightly easier to breathe out here. There were less people, less emotions. He was quiet, waiting to see what this was about.
Catching Phobia’s thought, Daryn paused to hand a cupcake to him and one to Remy before they headed outside. She stayed silent, waiting for Remy to begin, taking note of how Phobia relaxed away from the party. Unfortunately, Her own tension hadn’t ceased.
Remy smiled and thanked Daryn for the cupcake. He took a huge bite once they were outside and hummed appreciatively. He could feel Phobia relax a little and the fact that Daryn was still just as tense. Maybe after the party the two of them could talk about what had her so on edge. But for now he let it slide. I've been doing too much thinking and I thought it was a good idea to talk to you two. I figure either you can talk me down or ….. He didn’t finish that particular thought as he continued munching on the cupcake. I think we need to fight back. And I don’t just mean protests and such. We need to actually, well, fight. Attack strategic points and essentially take control of the island. I don’t see us actually getting out by playing nice and hoping they see reason. We need to take it to them and push the issue. He left it there and waited to see what each of them thought. If they didn’t like the idea he’d drop it and they would find a different way.
Phobia was surprised that Daryn picked up the cupcakes and he thanked her for it. He wiped a bit of icing off with his finger and licked it off. He pretended to focus on the cupcake while Remy spoke.
Phobia was silent then thought to them, I agree with you but let me play devil’s advocate for a second. With release of that video, things are changing, no? Do we think politically things could change enough that we could go free on our own?
Daryn considered both of their thoughts carefully before responding. Even if things change in our favor, the political machine moves slowly and it could be years before even minor improvements happen for us. But if we go all in, we risk losing everything and being branded as even more of a problem than they already think we are. I guess it all depends on how much longer we are willing to wait for support and how much we are willing to lose to get it. She was silent for a moment before hesitantly adding, as she looked to Remy I’ll follow whatever direction you decide.
Remy appreciated that Phobia was playing devil’s advocate. He had been trying to do the same but when you’re arguing with yourself it didn’t have the same effect. Daryn’s comments hit the nail right on the head. How much were they willing to lose? He looked between the both of them for a long moment before speaking again. I am ready to give everything, the ultimate sacrifice, if it would free our kind from this godforsaken hell hole. And I am pretty sure I am not alone in that. He glanced pointedly at Phobia for a moment before continuing. But I have a lot less to lose than most. Remy looked at Daryn then. Zayne would be devastated if Remy didn’t make it out alive but he would understand why Remy was willing. And he could survive without him. Even if he wouldn’t want to. Daryn had Phoenix to worry about. Granted if we go with my idea I have 3 locations in mind and some are less dangerous than others. If that makes a difference. And just for the record I haven’t mentioned this to anyone yet. Just the two of you now.
Daryn was right: what were they willing to give up? Phobia never thought he would get off this island. Sure, he would get others off but his story ended here. He was more than okay with that. He looked to Remy surprised that he hadn’t talked to Zayne about it. He wasn’t sure if he agreed with Remy if he had a lot less to lose but he wasn’t going to argue that. That was Remy’s battle, not his own.
You know what I’m willing to fight, Phobia thought then paused, It depends who have with us, doesn’t it? If it’s just you and me, we aren’t going to get far. What is everyone else willing to give up?
Daryn looked away, distracted for several minutes before turning back to them. Just living on this island has become dangerous, getting off of it is going to be a fight and it will be worth it. Maybe we can get some of the others to help, to keep watch, give signals, and keep everyone else out of harm’s way as best we can manage. What are the locations and what do we do once we’ve secured them?
Remy smiled. This was exactly why Daryn and Phobia were the first people he came to with his thoughts. They echoed what he had been thinking. We will definitely need help. People who are willing to fight and take the risk. We can’t do it alone. he finished the cupcake and licked his fingers which was a bit incongruous to the silent conversation that was happening between them. The head offices of what passes for government here, the docks and the barracks. The barracks would be first. Trap and lock in all of the guards before they can react. Essentially neutralize them. Then the docks so that we can get out of here and prevent reinforcements. And the head offices so we can overthrow those in charge. Once we have all three done we will be in control and can contact the mainland and actually. If we can capture the head officials we will also have leverage. It will take a lot of planning and people. Especially the docks. I expect little resistance there if we can neutralize the bulk of the guards.
Phobia nodded. It was a good plan and he was already trying to figure out where he would be most useful. He could probably do a lot of recon work that they would need to get the lay of the buildings. Phobia glanced to the pair and added, I don’t think it would hurt to continue with trying to contact the mainland. If we can make louder noise there, then they can’t twist the narrative when we do attack and we’ll have the support.
Daryn agreed with Phobia as she looked to Remy once more. I’ll continue to keep trying to make contact, I get a little closer each time I try to push myself. We should probably still use the contact you’ve already made with Zayne’s sister. I’ll handle whatever location you want me at.
Remy nodded. Good idea to keep trying. We’re going to need to do a lot of planning to try to be as prepared as possible. Talk to those you trust who you think would want to be involved and we can start working on that. I’ll keep in touch with the both of you and we can put together a larger group to talk more. And if you think of anything helpful please let me know. This is going to be an all or nothing kind of fight.
An all or nothing kind of fight hit Phobia. He looked down. He should try better at keeping his thoughts to himself, especially being around two telepaths. Was he surprised this would end in that? No. Was he ready for that? Yes. Was he ready to die for this cause? Yes. It still hit him weird. He pushed it back, knowing he would be up late tonight trying to sort out his own thoughts. Those thoughts did not need to be tackled now.
Phobia nodded to Remy and thought to them, We should meet once we know all who is in. Assign roles and jobs. He paused. Thinking ahead. No. Wait. First find out who was in then figure out the rest.
Daryn studied Phobia quietly for a moment before looking away with a nod. How quickly to we want to move on all of this?
Remy reached over and squeezed Phobia’s shoulder but made no other acknowledgement of his thoughts or feelings. It didn’t need to be pointed out or brought up. Remy nodded at his words then looked at Daryn. I think we need to move quickly but I don’t want to be reckless about it. So why don’t you talk to whomever you can think of and we’ll meet in three days. I will keep in contact with the both of you in the meantime to put together whatever intel we can before we bring everyone else in.
Phobia nodded and added, I can get into the buildings and give you a layout, what the danger spots are and the weak spots. If we know anyone on the inside, now is a good time to reach out to them and see what defenses they can bring down.
Daryn rubbed the back of her stiff neck before looking back up to both of them. Three days sounds good. I’ll keep an eye on the docks too, make note of who is manning that area and when.
Remy nodded. Great. That will be perfect. I will put out some feelers. See if I can pull in some people with connections. He smiled to both of them trying to convey confidence and optimism. He may not be feeling it but he was very much a fan of ‘fake it til you make it’ We’ll make this happen. Now let’s go get more cupcakes.