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[he raises his eyebrows.]

You know you're more than just a big gun, right?

I...yeah. Look, bad phrasing.

[He pats at the air to try and calm Archie down.]

I know, I'm more than that. I'm just saying that...well...

Lucina said something to me. That with my kind of power, I could do a lot of good. And maybe she's right. That, and Allura seems pretty hell-bent on making me see there can be a lot more to what I can do than just providing back up.

So...I figure, why not? Let's give it a go.

[he's not really extremely angry or upset, just concerned that he'll fall into awful ways of thinking about himself.]

Aye, if anyone could help ya realise that Lucina is one of 'em. [he doesn't actually know allura but assumes she's just as good.] There's no harm in it.

It's good they're so invested. [he smiles a little.] And that you're listening.

It's hard not to when they practically beat it into you.

Lucina was...well...

Lucina reminded me of who I would have wanted to be before all of this Dromas nonsense. If I hadn't been born the way I was and I was staring down the same monsters she was? I'd be right there in her shoes. Even so though, I can't help but worry. I know wanting to get stronger is important but...I hope she doesn't lose sight of herself. Maybe I can help her with that.

As far as Allura is concerned...well...

...When someone fights you tooth and nail just because they want to get close to you, they must see something in you. I guess...I'm just giving her the benefit of the doubt. Then there's Yato and Keith and the other Voltron paladins...it's like...

I dunno, Arch. For the first time in a long time, I don't feel so afraid of everything anymore.

[he nods, pleased that lucina managed to get through to him. after everything else, it felt like maybe darin would be too resistant to what she might try to tell him. he's glad they're past that.]

Lucina's certainly one of the best to have in your corner when it comes to matters such as these. She does occasionally need a reminder to slow down a little.

[again, he knows nothing about allura, yato or the voltron paladins, but just from what darin's saying... they sound like they're in the same league. he crosses his arms, curling one hand under his chin.]

So how do you feel? [he's not asking because he thinks the answer is bad, though he's still curious.]

She's a really good kid. Way more put together than I was at her age.

[Darin looks down at his hands as he considers Archie's question.]

I feel...

...like maybe I can do a lot more than I thought I could. Like...I was limiting myself so much because I didn't have a support network. I've never had friends my own age before and now I'm...

I don't feel alone anymore.

Comparing yourself doesn't help.

[said lightly, even though it's hypocritical and he knows it.]

As long as you're doing things you feel you're comfortable trying out. [...] Look, this is good and I don't wanna bring it up, but... what about that time limit? D'you think it might not be a problem now?

I don't know, honestly.

My twenty fifth birthday would have marked the end of the time limit, as far as I know, and that passed about three months ago.

So, I'm not really sure anymore.

[whoof, that time really flew by, didn't it? he feels a little irresponsible for not... doing anything during it.]

Shit. Near the protests, right?

Uuuuh, well my birthday is the Tenth Day of Credo's Wane...

...Which I realize means nothing to you.

Um.

Tenth day of the sixth month. I gotta get used to the month names still. So it's actually been more than four months. So, I think that's a good sign.

Tenth of June, [he says with a nod.] Sorry, I didn't keep track of that very well. If you felt abandoned or anything...

Gods no, I hate my birthday. I spend the whole day working just so I can forget it happened.

You're just... throwin' that out there. Like it's not indicative of all your issues and not a huge insight into your character?

Just like that?

Listen, when you're born to end the world, and you've watched the person who shared your birthday get cut in half, your birthday tends to get washed out in a sea of bad memories.

It's not that I hate the fact that I was born.

I just hate what my birthday reminds me of.

...Yeah.

[said with a huff, though not a displeased one.]

Well, maybe the next one that comes around'll be better, aye? Maybe it'll mean that you triumphed over what you were afraid of becoming, rather than living up to it.

[he raises his fist up a little in an awkward little show of confidence. he's relieved, though feels a little guilty he didn't really do shit.]

[Darin laughs.]

Hey, there's a first time for everything. Besides, I don't really see myself backsliding anytime soon. Not when I've got all of this goin' for me!

[is that-- is that a bell tolling in the background? and a crow sitting on one of the displays in the forge? archie bites his tongue-- he's pleased darin has all this, of course, but there's a repeating thread of these sort of things being immediately ruined by one thing or another. not to mention the potential consequences of darin losing everything yet again.

...jeez, he's really gotta work on all these negative spirals, huh?

there's kind of an awkward pause while archie muddles all this over, which he tries to cover by pulling out his comm and looking for a pizza place.]

Yuh-huh, [he says, eventually.] See what I mean about gettin' somethin' of a break here?

I think after twenty five years I at deserve it though. Besides, nothing catastrophic has happened. In fact, I've told more people about what I am and they've been really supportive! I really think I might be in the best place of my life right now.

[There is a literal crash of thunder outside.]

...Huh. Looks like you got here just in time. Sounds like a storm is rolling in.

[he jumps, yelping in a something of an unseemly manner.]

...

Well, now I just feel bad for gettin' a delivery guy out in this.

It might just pass us over with no rain.

I could always cook us something.

...

[archie looks back to darin, expression practically screaming i have a really stupid idea.]

You ever cooked with that forge of yours?

[When Archie turns back to Darin, he's already holding two cast iron skillets with a grin.]

It's not for the faint of heart. You think you know how to tame the fire enough to cook a meal with it?

You have no idea how much I've fucked with lava. Fire ain't shit when you've seen enough of its angry cousin.

[he claps his hands.]

Right, pan pizza. Food supplies where?

Where do you even get lava to use? What is up with your world?

[Darin gestures to the large fridge he keeps in the back of the forge.]

I keep it and the cabinets fully stocked in case I ever get stuck here for long periods of time.

I should really look into getting a shower or something installed.

There are a lot of fire and ground types in certain places in Hoenn. Most of them can shoot lava by the time they can walk.

[and yet he says this like it's a fact of life and not horrifying.]

...Why don't you just get an apartment across the road or something? It would probably be cheaper.

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