009 ↔ video

[5055034455]

[There's something different about Saul today.

He's seated in front of the camera, as usual, and he's in a suit, also as usual, but —

Oh, maybe it's the fact that Stephanie's leaning against his shoulders as he speaks, which takes away all possibility of him being his usual, businesslike self.

It might be that.]

Hey, everyone. As some of you've noticed, Jesse Pinkman went home a couple of weeks ago. Since there was some concern over the cookie situation last month, we — [With a brief nod upward, toward Steph — ] Figured that we'd harness some of the holiday spirit that's been goin' around and make sure this month's newbies are fed and clothed. Feferi will be taking care of handing out jackets and whatnot on the first, and Steph and I will be manning the cookie table alongside anyone else who decides to join us.

[Without missing a beat, Steph adds:]

Might even see if I can get one of those big urns to put hot cocoa in, to help warm the newbies up, and us, if we're hanging around there for a while. Any chance you can help out with that, Ella?

[She gives the camera a bright smile, which is mostly for Ella's sake. Sorry about abusing your powers.]

What we're not gonna do is make a party of it. I know that kinda sucks, but we just don't have the space, so the plan is that everyone who wants to can bake a couple batches in their own ovens, then bring them to our place sometime on the thirty first. If you don't know the address already and you're planning to help out, I'll give it to you here. [But she's not - just giving it out on the network openly.] If you need ingredients, let me know; I went on a mission and made sure we had plenty of stuff so I can give you flour or sugar or choc chips. Same goes for the recipe. Annnnd if you need help getting cookies to us, speak up, and we'll work something out.

[For a second, it looks like she's about to wrap it up, but then something else occurs to her.]

Speaking of parties, I dunno if anyone's doing anything for New Year's Eve, but if they are, can everyone try to get the cookies to me before like - seven, so I can still go out. Thanks.

[At which point Saul looks up and over at her, feigning a pout.]

Sorry, so we can go out.

[And then he's all smiles.

Before the feed clicks off, he adds another "thanks," and away they go.]

[Then, a private text to Sonya from Steph, sent only moments later:] sonya, i know you're smart enough to put two and two together, but please don't say anything to anyone else. it's not something that needs to be spread around.

Comments

voice

[controlledvariable]

[Vanadi you little shit.]

Does anyone even have the room to throw a party? I don't think the New Initiative would be pleased if we took over their set up.

[implying]

Doubtful. Ah... hmm. Perhaps in, ah, what are they calling it? Old London? We might find something large enough to suit our purposes over there.

[controlledvariable]

That's a bit of a hike in this weather, especially if we're dressing up.

[And of course they're dressing up it's NYE.]

[implying]

Oh, come, 25 kilometers isn't all so bad. [ when you're a cyborg. ] But then again, I wouldn't want anyone too tired to make a proper celebration of it.

[controlledvariable]

[Hopefully he can imagine the look she's giving him.]

It kinda is. [Especially when transportation options are a) limited and b) expensive.]

Maybe one of the bars in the city would let us rent it out for a night.

[implying]

Quite possibly! I'll ask around and see what I can do. [ aka they're in business if he can find any straight ladies or gay men owning bars ]

private

[controlledvariable]

[Okay she didn't want to say anything, but:]

You sure it's a good idea for you to be throwing a party?

[after last time......]

private

[implying]

[ immediately tighter: ] That wasn't me.

private

[controlledvariable]

I know, Vanadi, but people aren't gonna have great associations with you and parties. A lot of them don't even realize it wasn't you.

[Sonya didn't know.]

private

[implying]

Then I'll tell them. [ There's an anger obvious in his voice that's new, but the diction gets even more crisp. ] Blame doesn't bother me, but I won't take it for what I had no control over.

private

[controlledvariable]

[The tone - and the words - surprise her into silence, because that's not really the Vanadi that she knew.

And it's good, that he isn't drowning in guilt, but it's strange, and she's not sure what to do with it.

She has to say something, though.]

Okay.

[nailed it]

private

[implying]

[ apparently it works, because after a short, sharp exhale, he subsides. ]

But that aside, if it isn't solely my production, people should have nothing to complain about.

private

[controlledvariable]

People'll complain about anything.

[It's an attempt at wryness, but it falls just a tiny bit flat.

Anyway:]

Seems like Ella's interested. [a beat] Be gentle with her.

private

[implying]

[ why yes, he can shift gears entirely, thanks for asking ]

Oh? Is she a good friend of yours?

private

[controlledvariable]

[That's more familiar, at least.]

A very good friend, but she's a little young, and I'll kick your ass if you take advantage.

[It's said lightly enough, like she's playing, even though she means it.]

OKAY GETTING LAZY perma-private

[implying]

Do define "a little" for me, wouldn't you?

lmao i wanted to see how long you'd keep it up

[controlledvariable]

She doesn't have a lot of experience with boys like you.

[Actually boys in general, but she's not sharing that part.]

god i don't know why i even lasted that long

[implying]

Aha, understood. Fortunately for her, I'm an excellent teacher.

your love for me ofc

[controlledvariable]

No, definitely not. Don't make me have to chaperone you two.

mmmmmm ok we'll go with that

[implying]

Oh, come, there's hardly any need for that— [ you can just hear the grin in this: ] —Unless you intend to join us?

:|b

[controlledvariable]

I don't think Saul would approve all that much.

[implying]

Well, I suppose he can come too.

[controlledvariable]

[Oh no she can't talk because she's laughing so hard that even breahting is impossible.

Give her a second.]

[implying]

Oh, please, do share with the class.

[controlledvariable]

Nothing, nothing. I just imagined the look on his face if I suggested that.

[It'd be priceless.]