[video]

[sword_redemption]

[It's not often Drift loses his temper. At least, it's not often that any one sees it. ]

[You're seeing it now, his blue optics blazing nearly white, one hand shaking as he holds up some white wrapping paper and a bit of red ribbon. It's all he intends to show anyone.]

This some kind of a joke?

[If it is, apparently Drift doesn't find it very funny.]

Comments

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[sword_redemption]

[She doesn't have to even ask--he moves over, and after a klik's hesitation for the fact that, you know, she's still a patient, he scoops her carefully up.]

Vandal. [His voice is muffled over the top of her head.] Am I a bad person?

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[vandalization]

[ Well that was fast. She's a bit surprised. Usually she has to verbally ask for it. It's nice though, and she hugs around his neck. ]

Drift. Why would you even think something like that? You're not a bad person.

I mean, we've all made mistakes but- but you're good. Of course you're good. What's going on?

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[sword_redemption]

[He's just going to pretend he's trained by now, and not because he needs it as much as she might.]

Karrie. I killed three mechs. Way back before the war.

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[vandalization]

Yeah...?


Why?

[ She doesn't sound judgemental, just curious. Worried. ]

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[sword_redemption]

It was an accident. Someone died over an accident and I killed them.

And I wanted to kill them.

[He sounds, for the first time, perhaps, guilty.]

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[vandalization]

You were angry...? What.



What happened exactly?

[ She's trying to figure out what he's saying, reaching up to gently pet one of his finials for comfort. ]

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[sword_redemption]

They killed a friend of mine. But, well, it was a mistake. And by the time I'd realized it, they were dead.

[So clear, yes?]

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[vandalization]

But... if they'd killed your friend, I mean. Even if it was a mistake- you regret it now. So you're not a bad person.

It's just... something that happened.

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[sword_redemption]

Vandal. I let old grudges, old hate, blind me. I saw what I wanted to see. And I could have, I don't know. Turned myself in or something. I didn't.

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[vandalization]

But you are who you are now, and the only thing you can do is try to do better, and you are. The past happened. And you can either sink or swim, you know?

[ She rests her chin in the nook where his chestplate attaches. She's no good at this, but even if she can't help herself, at least she can help him. ]

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[sword_redemption]

But why remind me of it now? Unless...I haven't done something right?

[He's not much better, but just talking helps. Talking with someone who doesn't judge him.]

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[vandalization]

Drift, I think sometimes whatever powers that be here just want to watch us squirm for their own amusement.

[ She pets the crest of his helm. ]

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[sword_redemption]

This isn't 'squirming'. This is...this is having your worst moment thrown in your face.

Who would find that funny?

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[vandalization]

I don't know. I'm starting to think everyone in any position of power here are assholes.

I'm so sorry, Drift.

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[sword_redemption]

It can't be just for someone's idea of fun. This has to mean something. It has to.

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[vandalization]

Drift. Listen to me. Maybe that's what they want. Someone obviously wanted to hurt you.

You helped save my life, Drift. How is that wrong?

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[sword_redemption]

A lot of that going around. [Sorry, his mask is slipping.]

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[vandalization]

S'the way the world is, seems like.

Just. Don't forget the good you have. You've got Wing, he loves you very much.

[ She ducks her head. ]

You got me. I ca- love. You. Very much.

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[sword_redemption]

I suppose. I just thought...I thought this Christmas thing was supposed to be happy.

[And not, you know, horrifying and guro.]

_{I love you too, Karrie.}

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[vandalization]

It is. It can be... if you give it another chance.

[ O-oh... her face lights up red. She knows he probably means that in the most platonic sense but she can't help it. It's the first time he's ever said it. ]

Everything will turn out okay, Drift. Even if she's too depressed and traumatized to believe it for herself, she'll believe it for him. ]

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[sword_redemption]

I just...I don't think I want any more 'presents'.

[He cycles a long vent of air, just trying to be here, and not think about that...thing back on his berth.]

I heard there's snow. Do you do 'snowball fights'?

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[vandalization]

Not even from me? I promise you'll like it. It's- well. I mean I hope you do. It's nothing bad at least. It's under my bed. Reach down and pull it out...

[ She's trying. If he reaches down, he'll end up pulling out a too-long scarf that looks like it's been stitched together (poorly) from several blankets/quilts. It's varying shades of red. ]

Yeah, Kagerou told me. Never gotten to before, being as this is kind of my first experience with it. I'd love a snowball fight... not that I'd be very formidable heh... can't want well.

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[sword_redemption]

[He can't say no, even though right now the idea of opening another package right now makes him queasy.]

It's....red. [He holds it up, between his hands, looking confused. Scarves aren't really something he's familiar with.]

Well. There's snow. If you want to see it.

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[vandalization]

It's a scarf. You wrap it around your neck and it keeps you warm... er. And looks really fashionable. I guess you don't really need to stay warm but. You know. I guess.

You uh. You don't have to wear it... I mean if you don't like it.

[ Rambling. ]

I made it. Uh. Myself.

[ OH THANK YOU SUBJECT CHANGE. God she wishes she could rewind time and un-tell Drift that she wants him for kissing and such. She just looks like an idiot now, still stupidly infatuated. It's just that now it's obvious. ]

YES! Hahaaaaa. Yes. I would. That would be. Great.

[ She grins so hard she winces. Smooth. And now isn't even the time. He's grieving, good lord. ]

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[sword_redemption]

[Drift's not really a fashion maven, so he looks confusedly at the thing then back at her, bending closer. ]

Can you do it? [Because he has no idea how to put it on. Wing's get up at least made sense. This was just a long, fuzzy strip of cloth.]

We could try. With the snow. You could teach me that, too, as well as this 'scarf' thing.