[Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong. First, there was Shiro's desire to suddenly start pulling information from his prosthetic arm. Darin felt like something was off with the way he made such a public request over such a sensitive matter. And now this? That pleading tone...that aversion towards hearing just how important he was to everyone?]
[Something was beginning to add up and Darin really didn't like it.]
[He cares so much about these paladins. About these people who took him in as one of their own. They accepted him for what he was. They showed him patience and understanding.]
[They gave him a home.]
[He could never, in his entire lifetime, be able to repay that kindness. And even though he'd admitted to wanting to do anything for them, still their problems seemed so much more...distant to him. Like there was a thick pane of glass separating him from their troubles. And all he wanted to do was smash through it.]
[But he couldn't. With all of his literal god-given strength, he just...he couldn't. Maybe there would always be some boundaries he'd never be able to cross.]
[So...what did that leave him with? What could he possibly do...?]
[He stands slowly and takes a few steps forward, keeping his back to Shiro. Inhale. Exhale.]
[He turns and puts on his best grin.]
You know? I thought you'd never ask. I've got a ton, all named after things from back home!
[Emphatically, he points to the sky, ignoring the tablet in favor of a much wider canvas. He motions to a large star.]
See that one? If you connect it to the stars surrounding it in a clockwise pattern? Almost like a spiral? You get what I like to call "Kyrie's Chakram!" It's named after a legendary Celestial warrior!
[There was nothing more he could do. Nothing more than to do what he did best: Put on his biggest, most convincing smile. Hide insecurities with an unwavering grin. He would protect his friends' happiness with everything he had, even if it meant fooling himself.]
no subject
[Something was beginning to add up and Darin really didn't like it.]
[He cares so much about these paladins. About these people who took him in as one of their own. They accepted him for what he was. They showed him patience and understanding.]
[They gave him a home.]
[He could never, in his entire lifetime, be able to repay that kindness. And even though he'd admitted to wanting to do anything for them, still their problems seemed so much more...distant to him. Like there was a thick pane of glass separating him from their troubles. And all he wanted to do was smash through it.]
[But he couldn't. With all of his literal god-given strength, he just...he couldn't. Maybe there would always be some boundaries he'd never be able to cross.]
[So...what did that leave him with? What could he possibly do...?]
[He stands slowly and takes a few steps forward, keeping his back to Shiro. Inhale. Exhale.]
[He turns and puts on his best grin.]
You know? I thought you'd never ask. I've got a ton, all named after things from back home!
[Emphatically, he points to the sky, ignoring the tablet in favor of a much wider canvas. He motions to a large star.]
See that one? If you connect it to the stars surrounding it in a clockwise pattern? Almost like a spiral? You get what I like to call "Kyrie's Chakram!" It's named after a legendary Celestial warrior!
[There was nothing more he could do. Nothing more than to do what he did best: Put on his biggest, most convincing smile. Hide insecurities with an unwavering grin. He would protect his friends' happiness with everything he had, even if it meant fooling himself.]