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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1h

(Desmond stiffens at the being’s repetition of her words, recalling the incident with the tree.

It’s enough that he lets go of Luke and gently pushes him away to get up)

Desirée. Can you hear me? Look over here- he’s alright!

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 10h

(Desmond keeps a tight hold on Luke and remains still as he watches the exchange)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1d

All nice and quiet. Don’t worry.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1d

(Desmond takes one hand off Luke’s back to pat Hershel’s head)

…

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1d

(Desmond shifts a little closer to Hershel, hunching a bit awkwardly to fit under the console)

You’ll see Mum in a minute. It’s alright.

No more snakes. It’s all over, so let’s just calm down.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1d

(Desmond flinches and holds Luke tighter)

…

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1d

(Desmond pulls Luke close, doing his best not to jostle his shoulder)

I’ve got you. Just rest. It’s alright.

(He lays his head on top of Luke’s and shivers)

You’re alright. It’s over. It’s over.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1d

(Desmond tenses)

It’s over now. You’re alright. Did I do it right?

(Despite how he tries to keep his voice soft and gentle, his trembling hands and pursed lips betray his emotions)

It’s alright. Everything’s going to be fine.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 1d

I’m sorry.

(Desmond prods gently at the area, attempting to ensure there’s nothing more than a dislocated arm, before gently taking Luke’s arm and trying to get the shoulder back in its socket properly)

I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Alright. Luke.

(He picks Luke up gently)

You’re going to be alright, but this might hurt. Just try to relax.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

When he’s in a better state, we can see about taking him to a vet. Or- doctor? Whatever we decide then.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Think about it this way.

Luke is hurt. He will continue to be hurt if we do nothing. In fact, if we do nothing, there could be lasting damage.

I can try to help him, and it may hurt him worse for a few moments, but afterwards he will feel a bit better.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Please relax. It’s hard to breathe when you do that, and it might frighten Luke.

(Desmond winces and shakes his head)

I’m going to try and put his arm back into place. Leaving it dislocated will only hurt him more.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

(Desmond blows out a breath)

Oh dear. Hershel, can I touch him, please? I’m not going to hurt him, but in order to help I have to do more than look.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Just looking for now.

(He kneels by Hershel, peering closer)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Cry if you need to. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

(He lays a hand on her shoulder with a soft look, then returns to the cockpit)

Can I look at Luke now?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Hershel confirmed that he’s breathing. He’s not gone. You didn’t fail.

(He passes over the being)

I can handle this, just try to relax.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

(He carries the bundle over to Desirée)

Luke is alive. I have to put it down to go look closer at the damages, can you hold it?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

(Desmond sighs in relief)

At least he’s breathing. If it put… the little one down, will you let me take a look?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

I’m not going to take him from you. Don’t worry.

Is he okay? Is he breathing?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

(Desmond smiles halfheartedly and makes his way towards the cockpit)

Hershel..? Do you have Luke in there?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Good. Very good, thank you.

Just keep breathing. I’ll check on Luke.

(He squeezes her hand)

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

I can check on him.

(He shifts to hold the being with one hand to extend the other to her)

Take a deep breath. Try to hold it.

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

(Desmond gets to his feet and rocks the bundle. Ideally the being will remain calm long enough to check on Desirée. He approaches the couch carefully)

Desirée? Can you hear me?

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Desmond Sycamore @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social · 2d

Shhhh… you don’t need to think about mum right now, alright?

Mum’s not here right now, but I’ve got you.

(He cradles the being and lifts his gaze)

Desirée, are you alright?

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