sirenspull | forty second dance | video; tiny bit forward dated to midmorning!

[The face on the screen, when first she appears, looks a bit somber.]

I guess the longer you live here, the longer you learn to expect the unexpected, huh? But even then, I didn't think - I mean, Halloween passed, so I thought maybe nothing awful would happen. I've lived here for two years and it still catches me off guard, things like that. I just hope it wasn't anyone with powers behind it. If it was, they should be ashamed of themselves. But that's not what I wanted to talk about, even though I'm really sorry to anyone who saw things that hurt them.

[But then her expression brightens considerably.]

I wanted to talk about, um, being here so long, but it's not as self centered as it sounds, I promise - I guess I just wanted to thank everyone. I think I might have said already, but it's been two years today, and even though the first few months I hated it and just wanted to go home, I think I wouldn't be the same person I am now if I hadn't come here. Not just a different person, but not as good of a person, either. I mean, I've learned so much, and so many people have helped me learn that stuff, both stuff about me and stuff about life, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. Maybe not for any world. I can't help but feel like this is my home. I've met so many people, so many amazing people, people I think of as family who I would never have even known about otherwise. And a lot of them aren't here anymore, some of the best people I've ever met, but I would much rather have known them and lost them than the alternative, you know?

[Her voice gets a bit thick, though it's not in the least unhappy, and she has to pause for a moment to recollect herself.]

So I guess, just - even though horrible things can happen here and things can get very bad, and everything seems dark, I just hope everyone here can find as much light in this island as I've been able to. But I know not everyone's as lucky as me, and I know there are people who have been through things I can't even imagine, so... I'm not the best with technology, but I guess since I'm saying this to everyone, you can all tell what my NV number is, so if everything gets to be too much - there's always someone you can talk to, even if I don't know you.

[Filtered to Fakir]
I need to talk to you.

[Filtered to Gilbert]
Are you busy?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Of course I would let you. I wouldn't have asked otherwise.

But... Is something the matter?

[How can he explain the fact that he has no respect for the name that she would be forced to take?

Or the fact that Elliot would probably march right up to him and punch him in the face for having that thought to begin with?

He clears his throat and smiles, shakes his head.]

No, nothing. I'm just a little shocked or...something like that.

Shocked? Why?

I didn't think you would ever want me to...

[You know. Become an actual father and not just one on paper.]

I already asked you to let me call you Dad, you know. This was kind of just - the next step, I guess.

That's true.

[Sob, why is he making this beautiful moment awkward.

He holds an arm out for her, offering another hug. Today is a day of hugs in lieu of intelligent conversation.]

[She smiles wide, stepping forward to wrap her arms around him. Awkwardly. Because she's 95% tinier than him.]

Thank you.

[He mumbles as he wraps one arm around her in return. Tiny daughter /)_(\]

[She shakes her head.]

You don't have anything to thank me for.

Yes, I do.

[But he doesn't elaborate.]

[She giggles.]

Do not.

[You've given me something important. 'Purpose'.

Another second and he pulls way from her.]

Oh - sorry. I need to finish this and I haven't even started dinner yet...

[Which is the easier answer than what's in his head and on the tip of his tongue.]

O-Oh, right! Um, I'll get out of your way, then...

What - ah, what did you want for dinner? I'll make something special for the two of you if you want or -

[Because he's supposed to support this right?!]

Oh! Oh, you really don't have to do that, I mean, I don't want to single him out or make him feel awkward... Just make something you normally would have.