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[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

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.]

[implying]

Oh? Why, good or bad?

[controlledvariable]

He's very straight.

[And he kind of hates Vanadi.]

[implying]

Ah, but has he ever tried?

[controlledvariable]

[she laughs again]

Not that I know of, but I really don't think he'd be interested.

[implying]

But of course you wouldn't think so, my dear. You wouldn't have had any proper motivation to encourage it. I, on the other hand, am an expert.

[controlledvariable]

I'd say that I'd like to see you try, but I don't want you to get punched.

[implying]

Well, to be completely honest, it's more the principle of the thing. I doubt if I'd actually want to try.

[controlledvariable]

[welp there she goes laughing again.]

Fair enough.

[he's not for everyone]

[implying]

He's certainly... an interesting choice for you. [ putting it as delicately as he can, you're welcome ]

[controlledvariable]

I think that's the nicest I've heard it put.

[Not that anyone's been a dick about it (Sollux aside), but she's sure plenty of people are thinking it.]

I'm still not really sure how it happened, but I'm happy, so...

[there's a shrug, even if he can't see it.]

[implying]

Ah, well, that's all it takes, then! Truthfully, I've seen stranger matches.

[controlledvariable]

I'd hope so, the age difference is really the only strange bit.

[Also he's kind of a criminal and helped poison a kid once, but you know.]

[implying]

Well, now, let's be fair, there's the matter of aesthetics, too.

pls go into the bob odenkirk tag on tumblr and marvel at the 20yr old girls wanting to fuck him

[controlledvariable]

Not everyone's as shallow as you, Vanadi. [she says it fondly, though.] Anyway, I think he's handsome.