Video; un: ilikehorses

[shoplifter]

[The feed opens to Laura looking a little uncomfortable in her own skin — you'd think she was in trouble again or something, forced to give another on-screen admission. But nope! Trouble was totally a few days ago. She's been an angel as of late (or as close to one as a stabby mutant can be). Instead, Linda motions for her to go ahead and start her video broadcast. What for, you ask? She steels herself.]

Prijata is coming up; it is a celebration to give people things. I am not very good at it.

But we had wood-carving for the end of the year art project, so I — made some... wooden dolls for people. [She pauses, looking up again at Linda. She motions for her to continue on.] I am not very good at it yet, so the painting is not perfect. Even so, I have... made... many good friends. Friends I didn't think I would make. So... Quiero agradecer a mis amigos. I want to thank my friends.

[This is clearly something she's not used to saying. At all. And her cheeks are slightly flustered by the time she stops and she's plucking at her tattered shirt sleeve — a new visual compared to the usually cool and collected child who never seems to care enough to be embarrassed. It's just, you know. It's different when it's something you've made for someone else. And it is their faces, a face she had studied in that way of hers over the last few weeks as she worked on the project. Her bed is covered in crafting materials, a sign she'd rushed to get them done in time.

She shows them in detail, don't worry about being left in suspense. Indeed, they're all carved carefully from wooden bits, with little items and clothing pieces glued together.

The kid sits in this earnest hope that she did well enough to not be teased. It's a normal thing to do, right? Something a person does, not a science project.

She hopes it's obvious who is who:]



I can bring them to you, wherever you are... if you want yours. If you do not, I can keep them on my dresser.

[Honestly, knowing how many she made is an eye-opener for her; she didn't realize she cared about so many people here.]

.... Feliz Prijata.

[... Even if it's a bit early.]

Comments

[11calls]

Really, I never would have known you weren't used to them. They seem like really special and personal gifts and I bet everyone is going to be really happy to have them!

Also it's nice to meet you, I'm Alex.

[buildsomething]

Easy, huh? Just toss up a potato and cut it up before it lands?

[Not that he is recommending that she try this. At all.]

[sweetlies]

[By then, he's made them both a glass of cold chocolate milk, with probably more chocolate than is strictly necessary for a drink. It's a drink though and it's sweet, which he's sure they'll both appreciate.]

Hello, Laura. [He's still... not great at being casual, even as he carefully brings the glasses out of the kitchen for them both.]

I hope this is good.

[shoplifter]

Gracias. I didn't want to be late to Prijata.

It sounds like a nice festival... I didn't realize how many people I actually like.

[shoplifter]

Hola, Alex — me llamo Laura.

Have you made friends here? It has been nice. Making friends.

[shoplifter]

[Oh, yes, yessss. Chocolate is her calling in life now.

She'll happily take it in one hand, offering the brightly decorated and tiny box to him in return.

A proper trade.]

You always make good food.

[shoplifter]

... It is an interesting idea... Do you want to make some fries?

[She's absolutely going to try this.

Somewhere, Linda the caseworker is dragging her hands down her face.]

[shoplifter]

I'll be over there soon.



...



Should I bring John a treat?

[alchemyfreak]

You've sure made a lot of friends, haven't you?

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey listens and waits patiently for Laura to gather her thoughts and put words to those feelings. She understands how hard it can be to really get connected to those feelings and say them out loud.]

I'm thankful to have you as a friend--and grateful I was able to meet you.

You're very talented, you know. I've never seen so much detail on a doll before.

[sweetlies]

[They are kindred spirits in that. And Ciel will constantly encourage her sweet tooth. No one can stop him.

He smiles and accepts the box, finding a spot to set his own glass down so he can open it and draw out his little figure. It's so much sweeter, having it in hand and makes him smile.]

I'm not so sure about that. Undertaker has been teaching me since we started living together.

[shoplifter]

I guess I have.

It's not what I expected, when I arrived here. I thought it would be harder.

[Because of who she is, anyway. Or what.]

[winscenario]

Well, you don't have to, but I know he won't say no to it.

What do you say, John? You want a treat? [ The puppy promptly barks and whines, and Laura will see a giant snout as he nudges at the camera with his nose. Jim laughs a bit. ] There's your answer.

[spellslots]

[He's so flattered!! He even puts a hand on his chest, expression fond.]

Am I getting two gifts outta this? A cool doll and the knowledge you think I'm cool? That might be too much for me.

[He's so ridiculous, but if it gets a smile or laugh outta Laura it'll be worth it.]

[buildsomething]

[Yep, Tony is the best role model ever.]

Sure, why not. I'll grab some potatoes.

video;

[bythehand]

[ I MEAN IF THE MEME FITS...

Finn's brain is in overtime working on gift ideas now. He's just realizing he probably shouldn't get her a stun gun like he did most of his friends and colleagues. Maybe he can collab with Poe, who, according to legend, was once a child who liked having fun. There's still time. ]

Looks pretty spot-on to me. And I'd know, right? [ She called it cool. ] Where can I meet you?

[shoplifter]

[Oh, compliments. Compliments are both new and wonderful.

She just wishes she knew what to do with them, other than feel a little shy about it.]

Linda helped me a lot. She's good at clothes...

But I like art a lot more than I did before. And — I had fun carving them.

[shoplifter]

[A smile, small but fond, crosses her features.]

Were you bad at it before?

[She's just mildly teasing. Mildly.]

video | un: blink.

[viatorius]

( For a minute she feels such a strong wave of affection that she almost turns her phone off in a panic. She's not used to it, and she'd usually hide from it. But she's trying. She also wants to sign adoption papers right this second. )

You're so talented! ( Because she looks shy about it and she shouldn't be. They're awesome. ) These are the coolest things I've ever seen and of course I'm gonna want mine. I have something for you too. You wanna meet up later? I have a super craving for french fries and I'm gonna order a mountain of them, so I'll need your help to eat them.

[talentedscavenger]

[Compliments can also make you feel a bit awkward and sometimes hard to accept, but you'll get there Laura. Rey's slowly making her way through that.]

I think, you should continue to practice. Maybe you'll be able to carve out a beautiful statue one of these days.

Though....since you have something for me, I have something for you.

[nostalgiabomb]

Good.

[ and he accompanies the word with a slightly challenging glare, as if to say, You better not be lying. ]

When can I pick it up?

[nostalgiabomb]

[ Peter grins. ]

Thank you, Gamora, you’re the best.

video

[shoplifter]

[She's so self-conscious — everyone's being so nice and supportive all at once.

Who knew such a thing was possible, right?]

... Thank you. And I would like that, if you want.

[French fries are the real MVP of this post; Tony Stark's trying to get her to cut potatoes into them, and now she's being invited to eat them (and the plate). It's a nice day for carbs. The promise of a gift is admittedly a bonus...!]

There is a place by the toy store that makes very good fries.

video;

[shoplifter]

Do you like the park? The park is nice. It's outside of the community buildings.

[And unlike the wild, there's no monsters! A win for everyone, right?]

[shoplifter]

Dum-E can use a blowtorch and cook them.

[That was a joke, but also, she'd love to see that, so it's also not one.]