portalhopping | video;

( When the video starts up, Darcy is in the car on her way to the apartments, her expression drawn with discontentment. )

Okay, seriously...you have to stop bringing me through that portal right before the holidays. I know I'm the master of holiday feasts, but it's a bit much, now.

( She gives the camera a knowing smirk and rolls her eyes. The timing of this place...good God.

In the background, a little boy can be heard screaming "Hulk SMASH!" just before a second one cries out in the wake of a slapping sound. Mooooom! comes next and Darcy, without looking away from the camera, takes a deep breath, closes her eyes in a very slow blink, lets the breath out in a heavy sigh. The camera shifts slightly as she turns toward the towheaded twins beside her. )

HEY! Conner, stop hitting. Clark, quit whining. You want to see Spider-Man? You have to behave. Spider-Man is a very busy guy and he doesn't have enough time to visit if you're going to be fighting. So, knock it off.

( At the mention of Spider-Man, the boys immediately settle with only the smallest whimpers of protest at the idea of missing out.

Darcy turns back to the camera, lowering her voice significantly so the twins won't hear. )

Peter, I really hope you're still here and I didn't just set myself up for failure.

( Her volume returns to normal as she continues. )

Anyway, so on that note, rollcall? Clark, Conner, Casey, Allison, Peter, Cindy, Prim, Steve, Dean, and Stanley, please raise your hands if you're still around.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( Darcy's smile is warm and amused. )

No, I know. It's just our Prim just offered the same thing the other day, back home. It's like deja vu, but adorable.

( The smile fades a little from her eyes, which turn wistful. )

No offense taken; it was sad. A lot of things contributed to my growth as a person, but hands down they were the biggest factor.

( Slowly, at Prim's reaction, Darcy's grin returns. )

PRIM/DARCY.
I meant to make that private before, sweetie, sorry about that but you cannot for a second convince me that you, Primrose Everdeen, a practically perfect echo of the girl I've been coaching through cheer squad for four years, who nannied my kids for a year-ish, who my best friend adopted...did not just give a look that full-fledged gives away your crush on that boy. Don't worry, I won't tell. You would be so cute together, I say go for it!

Guess I'm pretty similar across universes, then. I kind of like that, though.

[Prim grins.]

Sounds like you needed them as much as they did you.

DARCY/PRIM
I mean, I'm not a cheerleader here, but.... I like him, I don't know if he likes me. We're just friends, I've never gone for it before or anything. And I think that before he came back here he had a bit of a hard time back home. I want him to feel safe and comfortable here.

[Prim is beat red as she rubs the back of her neck.]

I don't know if he likes me like that - and I don't want to make anything weird for him or anything. Or hurt our friendship.

Yeah, I find that most people are pretty similar across universes but you...yeah. You're very similar to my Prim and I love that for you both because you're both lovely.

( She doesn't even hesitate before nodding. )

Without question.

DARCY/PRIM.
What if I could find out without throwing you under the bus?

( She lifts an eyebrow and smiles. If there's one thing Darcy loves, it's playing matchmaker and these two were practically made for each other, if you ask her. )

I don't know - it feels like it could be a little bit manipulative. And I don't want to put him under pressure or on the spot, you know?

It's not manipulative to engage him in conversation. I don't mean I'm going to ambush him. This is not a one-and-done solution to the question, honey, this is the real deal, so it's a slow burn.