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;

[ohr]

I know exactly what you mean, and I can totally do one, or two.

Also someone beat me to the Christmas party, but maybe something can be arranged for New Year.

voice;

[controlledvariable]

You're my favorite.

[C:]

Seems like Vanadi's interested, maybe you guys can team up.

[if that happens she'll need to have words with Vanadi about flirting with Ella.]

voice;

[ohr]

I'm starting to believe that.

[ Wink wink. ]

Is he being serious or just playfully pretending to wish involvement on such a task? You know him better than me.

[implying]

Oh, but can't it be seriously playful?

[ TOO LATE STEPH ]

[ohr]

Are you like a puppy or something then?

[ MISSING A BEAT IS FOR LOSERS. ]

[implying]

Something like that, if puppies were known for their charm and good parties.

[ohr]

That's one hell of a puppy.

Did you have anything in particular in mind?

[implying]

Ah... not yet, I admit. I'm a bit new to the human version of a New Years Eve party. Would you have any suggestions?

[ohr]

Well, there's a bunch of different kinds of celebrations for New Year. You have the young and reckless parties where everyone gets trashed and out of control, or the more controlled, fabulous parties where everyone dresses up and dance something nice and slow and drink champagne and stuff.

And I guess there are also the parties where people mostly eat, so there's that too?

[implying]

Ah, so you mean to tell me that it's the usual assortment, then. I can certainly work with that! Have you a preference in this case, my dear?

[ohr]

[ "My dear."

Okay... ]

I'm fine with whatever, too. I think we should not do a repeat of the Christmas party, so whatever they do, we don't.

[implying]

Gods, but I've been shamefully uninvolved with Transport affairs of late. Who is it working on that?

[ohr]

The Borgia guy I think.

...it probably falls between the "eat a lot" and "be fabulous" kind of parties, but I need to double check.

[ But is the Borgia dude so. ]

[implying]

Mmm... I remember meeting a gentleman of that name, but it's been quite some time. I'm pleased he's settled in enough for orchestrating a party!

But in that case, if he's covered the classy angle, I'd be more than happy to shoot for the opposite end of the spectrum.

voice;

[controlledvariable]

Took you long enough.

[steph can u not]

It's Vanadi talking about parties, he's being serious.

voice;

[ohr]

I'm the latest bloomer ever. I mean, it's winter already.

[ This is funny right? ]

Then I guess I'll see what we can dish out.

voice;

[controlledvariable]

[Funny enough that Steph laughs, even if it's the oh my god Ella kind of laugh.

Late bloomer.

Please.]

I'm sure between the two of you, you can pull something off.

voice;

[ohr]

[ Is it bad that Ella can differentiate from at least three different kind of Stephanie Brown's laughs? Because she totally can. ]

So it's gonna be great, or not. Still, gotta end the year big.

voice;

[controlledvariable]

How about we just aim for ending the year without another disaster?

[p l e a s e]

voice;

[ohr]

Hey, the last time I hosted a party everyone had a good time.

voice;

[controlledvariable]

[she sort of didn't but that's okay]

Then it shouldn't be hard to manage a repeat of that experience, right?

voice;

[ohr]

[ Ella didn't have a good time but she's trying to prove a point. ]

Yep, although you gotta wonder how many people will consider that celebrating is just totally rude and wrong this time around.

voice;

[controlledvariable]

It's New Year's Eve.

[said in the tone of fuck 'em]

voice;

[ohr]

I know right? But when did people act rationally?

Private

So what can you tell me about Vanadi dearest here?

private

[controlledvariable]

[She just flicks the whole conversation to private]

Never, last time I checked.

[people suck]

As for Vanadi, he's going to try to sleep with you. He's a sweetheart, but he can't keep it in his pants.

[telling it like it is]