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]

[Curses, you know her weaknesses.]

Then I can definitely come find find you.

[MUFFINS MUFFINS MUFFINS-]

[talentedscavenger]

[Food is everyone's weakness--but she won't use Laura's weakness often...

Well, too often.]

I'll see you soon, Laura.

[And she texts Laura her address and buys about 5 muffins to bring back to her apartment.]

action.

[shoplifter]

[Girl, the MUFFINS mantra never dies down. She will be there, asap. She is quick to follow the address offered, a small, carefully lined bag with the small Rey doll in it. And she knocks very politely! And maybe considering how many muffins she can put away before she gets full.]

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey is back in time for Laura to knock on her door.]

It's unlocked!

[Rey calls out, inviting Laura to come inside--and on her small table is Laura's present sitting in front of a plate of muffins. Hopefully the sight of both will make Laura happy.]

[shoplifter]

[Oh, it all certainly does. She looks more than a little surprised by what's sitting next to the muffins, and carefully wanders over to inspect it. Is this for her? She's not sure if maybe it just happened to be sitting next to the muffins...]

Is it — for me?

[talentedscavenger]

[Rey was watching Laura with cautious optimism, hoping the big plush doll was something Laura might be interested in. It's cute and looks like food. It seemed like a good idea at the time...]

Yes, everything on the table is for you.

[Why was Rey worried that a young girl wouldn't like food and a doll?

Because it's Laura, and she reminds Rey so much like herself that she wants the girl to have a better life than she did.]

If you don't like it, that's okay. I can get you something else.

[shoplifter]

[She quickly shakes her head, a slight smile curling her features. It's small, but no less invaluable.]

No, I like it. It's very cute.

[She reaches out and pulls the soft toy against her chest, reveling in the fluff.]

It is a — cinnamon roll?

[talentedscavenger]

[It warms Rey's heart to see that small smile on Laura's face. She moves closer to him, opting to lean against the table itself.]

Yes, I couldn't find one that looked like a muffin, so I thought this came close.

[It was either that or to look for something that looked like cake.]

You could play with it or put it on your bed...or just hold it. [Or do whatever kids are supposed to do with dolls.]

[shoplifter]

[A nod, slight but appreciative.]

... I'll put it on my bed.

Thank you.