[video]

[stickshift]

So, who all here is into racing?

[simple, direct, to the point. she's smiling as she says it, though. It's about equal parts mischievous and competitive.]

Oh! And for anyone working on or interested in Mr. Kent's newspaper, I'm going to be writing a section on automotives. If anyone has any information on any of the vehicles or mechanics here, I'd love to talk shop. Thanks.

[She gives the camera a little wave, and disconnects.]

Comments

action;

[crotcharrow]

[He looks at her with a frown, not really certain if he's in much of a hugging mood. But he doesn't want to make the situation any more awkward than it is by rejecting her, so he takes a hesitant step forward and moves to hug her. It's a pretty awkward hug.]

action;

[stickshift]

[Welp, awkward hugs are fine too. Still, her side of it is no less sincere for all that, and then she releases him.]

I'm sorry about your friend. I hope you get to see her again.

[crotcharrow]

[He doesn't mean it to be awkward, but. He's not sure how to treat the situation. He does give her a squeeze at the end, and when he pulls away he nervously swallows, giving her a small smile.]

Yeah. Me too. Sorry... about that.

[stickshift]

It's all right.

[No, really. It is.]

I... know what it's like, a little.

[crotcharrow]

Yeah? You got someone back home too?

[stickshift]

Just friends.

[Which is... true enough, all things considered. Though she has no idea when she'll actually be able to trust Mako again completely.]

[crotcharrow]

Yeah. Kinda sucks. You miss them but you don't want them to get stuck here too.

[He gives a small sigh and watches her carefully, sensing something wrong. He's not going to chase after it though and instead he looks back to the fridge, trying to change the subject.]

So, okay. D'you have a list of addresses these are going to or what?

[stickshift]

Mmm, there's a gymnasium where families are staying after their apartment complex was destroyed in the riots.

[She reaches for a map - it's one of those folding, vaguely touristy deals, but it lays out the Metal sector well enough.]

[crotcharrow]

[He's glad the subject change goes smoothly, and leans over to look down at the map.]

And they're all in there? I was thinking I'd have to go door to door.

[stickshift]

No, they're in one place.

[Easy, right?]

[crotcharrow]

Well that makes things easier.

[he smiles.] You got them all ready? Or d'you need any help? I make no promises that I won't eat half the cookie dough.

[stickshift]

[she smiles.]

There isn't any dough left. Those ones [she points at the stove.] Were the last ones that needed to be baked. They just need to be delivered now.

[crotcharrow]

[He looks disappointed that there's none left, but nods.]

You got something for me to carry them in?

[stickshift]

I can make more, Tommy.

['you goof'. And then she nods and gestures to a corner of her apartment where she's set several woven baskets. Support the local economy and all that jazz.]

[crotcharrow]

[He's gone and grabbed a basket and back before she would have even registered the movement.]

For just me? [he grins and puts the basket down so he can start loading it.] Because that'll be awesome.

[stickshift]

Just for you. I promise.

[Not even phased by this speed thing, bro. She's gotten used to it.]

[crotcharrow]

Awesome. [he can't help but stealing another fresh one though. They are right there after all. When he speaks, it's through crumbs.]

So you ready for this to get delivered now?

[stickshift]

Yes, everything should be ready to go.

[SHE SEES WHAT YOU DID THERE, TOMMY. But she isn't about to chastise.]

[crotcharrow]

[YOU TOTALLY DIDN'T OK.

He lifts the basket and holds it out.] Load me up.

[stickshift]

[She does so, pulling little bundles of cookies out of the fridge to deposit them in the basket.]

Good luck!

[... normally she would kiss his cheek here-- but given the context of their conversation... probably a good idea.]

[crotcharrow]

[Yeah, probably not. He waits for her to finish filling and then shoots her a grin and is gone in a gust of wind.]