This isn't making you do anything. You're stronger than this. You can handle it.
[ if he has any doubt, it doesn't sound like it. but the words are more aggressive than comforting, and he lets her hand go to take a steady hold of her shoulders. that gesture's more deliberately comforting, trying to keep her grounded. ]
And if they die, you're right. We pick up the pieces.
I don't want Jax to die because Nathan's ego needed stroking.
You are not allowed to ever do something so reckless. If you were behind
that door I would have mauled it, even if you are sometimes the worst
friend I have.
[ wow one second to look offended at that last comment, then another to realize he probably can't completely argue it. even after that, there's a slight delay while he debates offering platitudes or being honest. ]
You know I can't promise you that. If I had the chance to do something — something that might actually help, it doesn't matter how reckless it is. We can't just wait forever, Daphne.
[Her eyes shift entirely, then, the shape changing, teeth in her mouth growing, too. It lasts more than a moment, and she opens her mouth, trying to get the feel of her teeth in their mouth.]
[ which is his cue to nearly shut the door in her face, but he thinks better of it. it doesn't stop him from flinching and very nearly swinging it shut, though. ] Holy—
[ the fear's only one part of the reaction, and not even the dominant part; he's used to dealing with monsters. but there's also a flash of aggression in response, one he has to forcefully tamp down on. the result is that his words sound more angry than scared, and his expression's the same. ]
[She twists her jaw again - it's not quite a human movement - and blinks, and her eyes shift back to the right shape but not the right color. It takes her another moment and when she speaks it's with a low, strange cadence to her voice, because her mouth isn't so well designed for human speech.]
This keeps happening-
[She licks her nose, and then her mouth shifts back to normal.]
This keeps happening and I need it to stop, or I'm going to end up eating someone on accident.
I'm sure we can clear out some space in storage for you. [ awful jokes. not like that would help with spontaneous shifting, anyway. it's said with a touch of hesitancy while he watches her get control over the shift, reluctant to let his guard down. ]
It's linked to your temper, right? So just sort that out. Take up meditation.
[ this is a serious suggestion, sadly. it almost worked for him that one time. ]
[The problem is she does meditate, but this rage is coming from fear and paranoia, and it's not helped by the way the ship keeps throwing strange stimulus at her or by the way that she refuses to acknowledge that she needs to address that.]
I need something to relieve the stress. Something that isn't just thinking about nothing. I just-
[ there's a heavy pause, then he actually smiles - a slightly nervous smile, sure, but it's genuine. ]
And you chose the dysfunctional werewolf.
[ just saying, probably not the best person to ask for advice on this. but he knows what she really means, and the humor's more affectionate than deflection. ]
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[ if he has any doubt, it doesn't sound like it. but the words are more aggressive than comforting, and he lets her hand go to take a steady hold of her shoulders. that gesture's more deliberately comforting, trying to keep her grounded. ]
And if they die, you're right. We pick up the pieces.
[ life goes on. so much for bedside manner. ]
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I don't want Jax to die because Nathan's ego needed stroking.
You are not allowed to ever do something so reckless. If you were behind that door I would have mauled it, even if you are sometimes the worst friend I have.
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You know I can't promise you that. If I had the chance to do something — something that might actually help, it doesn't matter how reckless it is. We can't just wait forever, Daphne.
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[Her eyes shift entirely, then, the shape changing, teeth in her mouth growing, too. It lasts more than a moment, and she opens her mouth, trying to get the feel of her teeth in their mouth.]
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[ the fear's only one part of the reaction, and not even the dominant part; he's used to dealing with monsters. but there's also a flash of aggression in response, one he has to forcefully tamp down on. the result is that his words sound more angry than scared, and his expression's the same. ]
You need to calm down.
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This keeps happening-
[She licks her nose, and then her mouth shifts back to normal.]
This keeps happening and I need it to stop, or I'm going to end up eating someone on accident.
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It's linked to your temper, right? So just sort that out. Take up meditation.
[ this is a serious suggestion, sadly. it almost worked for him that one time. ]
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You sound like my first teacher.
[The problem is she does meditate, but this rage is coming from fear and paranoia, and it's not helped by the way the ship keeps throwing strange stimulus at her or by the way that she refuses to acknowledge that she needs to address that.]
I need something to relieve the stress. Something that isn't just thinking about nothing. I just-
I needed to tell someone.
[Josh this is huge for her.]
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And you chose the dysfunctional werewolf.
[ just saying, probably not the best person to ask for advice on this. but he knows what she really means, and the humor's more affectionate than deflection. ]
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[She says it simply, like there's nothing more than that to it.]