riverview | Video; un: ilikehorses

[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.]

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[It's better than he could do. He can paint, sure, but that's the best he can do like that.]

So long as you aren't too busy, I'd appreciate that.

I am never too busy. I can come right now.

[And true to her word, she puts lil' Ciel in a box (thanks, Linda, for helping her wrap a gift properly) and sets off with it in her old green backpack. It's so nice out, and she actually feels — really good today. Is this what it always feels like, when you do something nice like this for people? She should do it more often.]

I'll leave the door unlocked for you. I can make us some cocoa. Or chocolate milk? I think Undertaker got some of that syrup stuff. Or my father did.

[Someone got it. And it's chocolate, Ciel's favorite.]

I like anything you make; chocolate is good.

[Her sweet tooth will never be defeated.

But sure enough, a little while later, she's a-knockin.]

I'll try to make it good then.

[He has everything out for them by the time he hears the knock at the door. Ciel will peek out to the door and give a call for her to let herself in.]

[She steps in, as slow and careful as ever — a force of habit. The colorfully decorated box (covered in bright mache tissue paper) is in her hands. It was actually pretty therapeutic, gluing things. It would be a nice way to help the other kids with any rage or frustration they have.

The home is nice, too, and it sets her at ease the same way the Munson's home did.

... Though she's a bit shy about the gift-giving. Admittedly.]

... Hola.

[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.

[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.

[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.

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

Were you bad at it before?

[She's just mildly teasing. Mildly.]

Very. [He chuckles, thinking back a little.]

I was surviving off those instant meals you can find in the stores. Since I'd never done any sort of cooking before in my life. They're rubbish but it was food at least.

I like those instant meals. The noodles especially.

[She looks very pleased at the thought of them, even.]

... But homemade food is also very good. Things like green beans and mashed potatoes. And when you cook at home, it makes things seem — warmer.

[Is that the word for it? That's what the Munsons felt like.]

[Noodles huh?] I don't think I've tried any with noodles.

[Maybe he'll have a movie night or something and they can have cheap food.]

Warmer... Mm, it does seem warmer when it's at home. You can definitely feel the love put into it.

[She gives a nod.]

Noodles are very good.

We should have noodles.

[A one-track mind, this one.]

[Oh, Laura. He can't help but grin.]

I suppose we could always order out for food?

... Noodles and chocolate milk.

[She definitely can't help but smile a bit more.]

It sounds interesting.

[Laura... you must have a stomach of steel because he can't imagine chocolate milk and noodles going well together.]

Do you have somewhere you like getting noodles from then? We can watch a movie or something while we eat.

[Thaaaat's her, the steel stomach.]

That sounds nice... I do not have a place in mind, but I like any noodles from anywhere, I think.

... What sort of movie?

[He envies her a little, but that's what having delicate health comes with.]

I'll have a look around then.

[He nods towards the sitting room.] Comedies, mostly.

Comedies... Movies that make you laugh, sí?

Yes, they're a bit ridiculous sometimes but good for fun. Undertaker can enjoy the jokes and I haven't had much to laugh about the past few years. So it's ice having something that makes it easy to laugh.

Video; un: ilikehorses

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