[Video] [Christmas Time is here again]

[expectremorse]

[The camera turns on to reveal what looks like Hoffman's room-except for the fact that it's a wreck. There's blankets strewn about and clothes flung EVERYWHERE. Then the camera moves-there's clearly something behind it before there's a small round child in a sweater that's way too big for him

Comments

video;

[ichoosefight]

Oh... [ Your sister isn't here! But gosh, they did declare a truce... ]

Hey! I'm Steph. And I'm really really sorry, but your mom isn't here.

[ Gaze upon her sweater and be comforted by Frosty! ]

Re: video;

[expectremorse]

[Hoffman's Sweater is far too big for him. That's saying something because he's the fat kid with the big ears-although at this age it's not nearly as obvious. He drops the doll.]

Are you a friend of hers? Or of- [pause] sir's?

...Where's Angie?

Re: video;

[ichoosefight]

Um, yeah! I'm a friend of your mom's. Angie's at home, you'll be able to see her in a day or two.

This is, uh, an impromptu surprise Christmas vacation!

Re: video;

[expectremorse]

...Oh.

[Stop. stare]

...but why did I get all these dolls 'stead of the batman playset like Bobby has? This is stuff for Angie and she's not here and...

[His hand sneaks behind him to grip something. You can kind of see it if you look close-it's a very worn and battered dinosaur]

...Is my mommy here? [panic] she can't be mad I opened Angie's gifts! I'm sorry! I thought they were for me cause they had my name on them and stuff but it must've been a...a joke or something!

Re: video;

[ichoosefight]

No, no, it's okay! They're for you, it's just that Santa likes to be kind of a prankster around here.



Your mom is at home with Angie. But that's okay, 'cause I can take care of you.

Re: video;

[expectremorse]

[Hoffman waves one of the dolls experimentally and a smile-a small smile-creeps up the corner of his mouth.]

...My dad better not catch me with them. Santa must've given Angie my presents so when I see her she won't know what to do with all of this stuff. [He is satisfied by this explanation]

[He rifles through the toys] Look at all these little pieces. What was Santa thinking she's two. She'll eat these tiny pieces cause [ha] cause she thinks it's candy or something and then I'll be out a sister and a puppy cause I got Angie as a present two years ago instead of a puppy.

[He has so lost interest in being upset] You're supposed to take care of me?

Re: video;

[ichoosefight]

I told you, they're yours. I don't think Santa would want your little sister to choke on Christmas.



Yup! Anything you need.

Re: video;

[expectremorse]

Why would Santa give me dolls.

[Gaaawwwd man. Seriously?]

I don't play with dolls! Batman's an ACTION figure. If I had my costume I'd show you it. It's an awesome costume. [beat] I want pancakes and TV.

[And then, far too late] ...Please. Ma'am.

Re: video;

[ichoosefight]

Santa's kind of a jerk.



I think breakfast is still going on in the dining hall. They usually have pancakes. If not, I've got a waffle iron in my room. There's a TV on every floor you're welcome to too.

Which first? I can come show you where everything is.

Re: video;-->Spam? :D

[expectremorse]

[Hoffman is about to reply before there's a tummy rumble that's kind of evident.]

.....Pancakes please.

video;-->Spam!

[ichoosefight]

Wait there. I'll show you the kitchen.

[ A few minutes later, knock knock! ]

Spam!

[expectremorse]

[There's a thump-and then a thud-and then-low and behold-another thump and then the door opens a crack. It's Mark-teary-eyed. ]

...I fell down.

I used a chair and I fell down. [wibble. wibble]

Re: Spam!

[ichoosefight]

[ And she's down on one knee, looking him over. ]

Did you hurt yourself?

Re: Spam!

[expectremorse]

[There's maybe-a slight bump. Very slight. He taps his head and is trying manfully-manfully not to cry.] J-J-Just a litt-ttle bit..

Re: Spam!

[ichoosefight]

[ Oh god don't start crying don't start crying ]

Would you like some ice?

Re: Spam!

[expectremorse]

[his lip trembles] No. I gots to be a man and tough it out.

[wibble] It's cause I'm so short. Took my toys and took my room and...and...

[wibble. yet still. NO CRYING] boys don't cry. Ever.