video @L.Mills

[thestoriesarereal]

[The video turns on with Lucy smiling and then giving the camera a wave.]

I know it's a bit late, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.

Also, all the Valentine's Day chocolate should be marked down, perfect time to get a lot of chocolate and candy.

[The video feed ends there, but she is a clever girl and thought this would be a better way to address those she left a valentine's day card and various candies for.]

For Emma

For Victor

For Nico

For Jefferson

For Older Loki

For Stan

For Younger Loki

For Laura

[And for Ivar for when he comes back.]

Comments

[thestoriesarereal]

School is okay, but the teacher is boring more or less. Like...she just talks and doesn't make things fun like you do.

[And she may have made a friend or two, but it's nothing like back home. And Victor is a way better teacher.]

[jolting]

Well, I’m not sure my type of “fun” would be permitted in schools. But I’m glad it suits you.

[thestoriesarereal]

[Sighs]

I think 'fun' and 'school' rarely go together. I just go in and pay attention and then wait to get out.

[jolting]

Hmph. I don't see how they expect students to care about the material if they don't bother trying to make it engaging.

[thestoriesarereal]

Could be just the teacher. Some teachers aren’t into teaching anymore. Or, something. I don’t know.

[jolting]

Makes sense. I can't say it would be my vocation of choice, but I like teaching you.

[thestoriesarereal]

I hope I'm a good student, but I like you as my teacher too....and as my friend.

[jolting]

[he smiles down at her] And I like you as my student and friend.

[thestoriesarereal]

[And in that moment, Lucy stops what she's doing to move over to Victor and hug him tightly. She's really missing home and it's nice to hear he likes being her friend to.

...Really, Victor has this whole parenting thing down.]

[jolting]

[he's still getting used to the hugging, but he does hug back. He has no idea if he would've been a good father, but being around her does make him wish more and more he would've had the chance]

I have something for you in my room. Go see.

[and enjoy way more stuffed animals than one child should probably own. It's Jefferson's fault for convincing Victor this is what kids liked]

[thestoriesarereal]

[He'll get the hang of it soon enough, and if he needs more practice, then Lucy will be more than happy to give him hugs. Really, Victor would've been a great dad, and if he ever becomes one, she'll show him the ropes--sort of.]

You do?

[Well, that wasn't something she was expecting.]

Which way is your room? [And her hand just goes into his, holding it, waiting for him to show her where his room is.]

[jolting]

[and now they're holding hands. Victor hasn't done much of this, either. It's sweet coming from Lucy. He leads her over to his room, pushing the door open so she can see the mountain of toys]

[thestoriesarereal]

[She follows his lead and goes to his room. When he opens it, she is wide eyed to see so many toys.]

...Did...you. [It's not connecting in her mind that the toys are for HER.]

Are all these for you? There's so many!

[jolting]

[his lip twitches a bit]

I got them for you. Do you not... like stuffed animals?

[thestoriesarereal]

For...me?

[There's shock in her eyes as she looks up at him, like she's been given keys to the kingdom of stuffed animal land.]

I didn't know one person could have that many! You could've gotten me one! [She pulls away from him, going to look over each stuffed animal and picking a small teddy bear to hold.]

This is amazing! Thank you! [And she runs back to him to hug him tightly again.]

[jolting]

I didn't know what you would like. If you don't want them, I got a good suggestion from someone at the festival to donate the rest to the hospital.

[this time he is ready for that hug, and his return hug is tight without hurting her] You're welcome.

[thestoriesarereal]

I like anything. You could've gotten me one, Victor. I still would've loved it.

[But yes, they should donate a good portion of these to the hospital. She'll hug him tightly and just cling to him until he tells her to let go.

Welcome to parenting.]

If I could...can I keep a few and give he rest to the kids in the hospital? Please?

[jolting]

[it's excessive, but he wanted to please her, and Victor does have a problem with going to extremes. At least this one is a harmless extreme]

Okay. Pick out your favorites and we'll give the rest away.

[thestoriesarereal]

[It's okay, Lucy forgives him with the excess.]

I will!

[She pulls away to go over each stuffed animal, picking about two more: one that reminds her of Victor, and another that reminds her of her dad.]

[jolting]

[he watches her sort through them, intrigued by her choices. She's a strange girl, but he likes strange]

[thestoriesarereal]

[She had picked a teddy bear, a dog doll, and a penguin. All cute, and the dog even has a lab coat.]

I got the ones I like, I think they'll look great on my bed.

[jolting]

Speaking of bed, you should start to get ready. I don't think Emma would like it if I let you stay up late.

[thestoriesarereal]

Do I have to? We can't stay up just a tiny bit more?

[jolting]

All right, just a bit longer. [he sits on the floor] What would you like to do now?

[thestoriesarereal]

Mmm... [Thinking, thinking...thinking.]

...Wanna read me a story?