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

[shoplifter]

[Wow. That's a long time to stick to a brand, Tony.

She squints for a moment, trying to figure out how old he is now.]

You must have to shave a lot to make it stay the same.

[buildsomething]

A fair amount. But it's better than looking like a mountain man.

[shoplifter]

... If you ever need help, I am a good shaver.

[She smiles so charmingly - and holds up her fist, no doubt alluding to hidden claws that could cut through guns if needed. Look at that, Laura made a joke.]

[buildsomething]

[He gives her upraised fist a dry look, but just snorts.]

I'll keep that in mind. How are you at julienne fries?

[shoplifter]

[.................. Oh!]

You mean — like french fries.

[So seriously considered; that's the fun with Laura, she is earnest about everything.]

It seems like it would be easy.

[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.]

[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.]

[buildsomething]

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

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

[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.]

[buildsomething]

Yeah, that can't end badly at all. Sounds great.

[shoplifter]

[And then, legend has it, they made some fucking fries out of potatoes diced by a stabby child.

... They were pretty okay.]