(The complaint is mostly for humor. The mood certainly needs lightening.)

(The first aid kit is scattered on the floor still along with the paper towel roll in the bathroom

Desmond sets Teddy down)

Second time’s a charm, hey?

(His knees pop as he kneels to grab a few wipes from the kit)

Ack- I hate being old. Never get old, either of you.

(Desmond raises his eyebrows further. They tend to lie when other things are more important than themself, but he wouldn’t like to neglect the boy in favor of his brother if something was actually wrong.

Nonetheless, he opens the door with one hand and ushers the boy through the ship)

Alright. Inside we go.

(He adjusts the way he’s carrying Teddy and makes his way for the stairs to the airship. Desmond looks at the boy and raises his eyebrows, trying to nonverbally ask if he was alright without drawing attention to the problem any more than necessary)

Right.

Teddy and… you. Did you want to come inside with me?

(He looks at the boy, concerned with the ink)

We should get you cleaned up again, if possible.

(Desmond has his own fears of contamination, and it looks vaguely reminiscent of when he feels wrong. Even if there wasn’t anything on Hershel’s hands, wiping them would help with peace of mind anyway.

He could take the children inside and out of danger as well, then. Two birds with one stone.)

(Desmond keeps his distance, holding the little girl close to his chest. He’s very tense watching the boy and his brother, but his head tilts at the continuous hand shaking)

Hershel- would you like a sanitary wipe? I believe we have some in the ship.

(Desmond wastes no time in scooping the girl up into his arms)

Just until we’re safe, yes.

Are you alright, Teddy?

(Desmond grimaces at the movement from Hershel and the Hound and walks a bit more quickly in backing away before pausing)

Do you need help carrying Teddy? I can take her.

(He doesn’t comment on how the boy is visibly struggling to carry her. It would probably just be agitating to point out.)

Should we move to the warehouse, maybe? I’m not sure if it’s worth supervising them at the moment. Someone could get hurt.

Luke- don’t.

(He catches up with the group and makes a grab for the boy’s wrist)

Don’t get near him. I don’t think he’s awake. He could hurt you.

(Alarmed but not yet distressed, he looks to Desirée for some kind of explanation)

It’s the least I could do.

(Hearing commotion, he looks over his shoulder)

Ah, sh- shoot.

(He sighs and drops Luke’s hand, heaving himself up)

They’re dreaming again.

Judging by the fact that Desirée seems well, I’d say you have nothing to worry about.

(He neglects to mention the original intent in faking their death. Luke shouldn’t be subject to that aspect of his mental health)

I’m sure your Descole is fine as well.

I’m flattered, I think.

(He tries for a sarcastic drawl but quickly drops it to say-)

I’ll miss you too.

(Desmond squeezes the boy’s hand)

You’ll be alright as well. You’re a very sharp young man, Luke.

Hershel will be alright. He mentioned that he has a child, no? I’m sure you and your parents aren’t the only ones holding him up.

A change like moving can certainly be difficult, but I’m certain that your friendship with Hershel will hold strong even with distance.

(Desmond scoots a tad closer and offers his hand to hold)

I’m sure all will end well. The road always smooths out in the end, even if there are some bumps.

It’s rather unfortunate that his propensity for getting into danger means you’re dragged right along with him. I’m mystified as to why he keeps taking you along on some of your adventures.

You’re beyond my time, but I don’t think I know exactly what time you come from…? What’s happened on your end?

While I do wish it wasn’t so difficult for you to connect with your peers, I can’t say I’m unhappy that you and Hershel have bonded in the manner that you have.

He’s always had the same difficulty, to my knowledge, and it’s only been more difficult over the years.

You’re very good for him.

The funniest thing about that is the fact that I’m the one who made you this way. I ruined your family and ruined your relationship with your father.

And then I had the gall to sympathize with your bitterness. I still do.

(Desmond huffs)

I think I like you so much because I understand you.

You’re angry like I was angry. And that fire can be good, or it can burn till there’s nothing left of you but ash.

Hershel’s probably what kept your feelings from getting destructive the way that mine did.

Hm. That fact remains, yes, but that wouldn’t matter if I never came back.

(He looks over to Desirée briefly, then turns his gaze to the Bostonius)

Do you think it’s my fault that I ended up this way? That I ruined so many lives in my path to make things right?

It would be better if I didn’t care, don’t you think? Things would be much less complicated if you could just hate me and I could hate everyone else.

(Desmond frowns)

I’m not your Desmond, and I don’t know would lead me to his actions.

Not that I don’t think I’d try to save you if you were in danger, but…

(Desmond shakes his head rapidly)

Agh. Too complicated. I do care for you, as much as I shouldn’t.

(He raises his eyebrows)

Is that what happened there?

That certainly changes things, then.

…hm.

I can’t say that I’m any more certain now. I’d like to think that I’m capable of such a thing, but in practice I have no clue whether or not I’d be up to the task.

Or you would. Or your mother. It really depends on how they’re feeling that day. Perhaps all three of you would go together, skipping along the rainbow road. I was merciful in comparison.

On Aurora, I…

(He clicks his tongue and looks away)

I’m not sure.

(Desmond takes on a deadpan drawl)

I’m sure Targent would have been far less lenient with Triton. If he hadn’t procured results, he’d likely be dead.

I didn’t cause problems for you specifically. You got in my way and disrupted my plans.

Whatever damage I caused is minuscule compared to what Targent would have done if they were behind me instead of ahead.

And I was sufficiently truthful in my invitation towards Layton this time around.

What’s confusing? Perhaps if we clear that up then the rest of.. however long you’re all here can run more smoothly.

(Once they’re gone, Desmond lets his smile drop. He shifts awkwardly)

I’d like to apologize again for my words earlier. I didn’t mean what I was saying. You don’t have to forgive me, but I want to reiterate that I’m sorry. It’s clear that Loosha meant a lot to you and.. the Barde children.