video experiment (not a misfire)

[4thdimensional]

[Cue Doc, seated in the largely empty living room of De Chima 3. There's a large fluffy dog sprawled over his lap and another curled against his side,, so he won't be doing very much moving here. A toy train sits on the table in front of him. His voice, when it finally sounds, is uncharacteristically serious.]

Once again, the Christmas season has arrived, and I see its commercial presence has only grown in the last thirty years. For those who've celebrated in the past, you know it's meant to be a time of great joy. But there's a certain pressure inherent in the celebrations. We're presented with endless images of joyful families, friends coming together...if there are holes in one's life, it's easy to feel forgotten. It's trivial to become bitter and hardened when what you're lacking is put on display every day.

The holiday wasn't universal on my Earth, and I'm aware it's foreign to an even greater number of you, so I'm hoping that eases the pressure on us. Still, I know that's not quite enough, so for anyone who's feeling lost and has some energy to burn, I have a proposal:

My clock business is still running, but on the side I've become Santa's elf for the month. I'm constructing as many toys as I can for local children, and if anyone wishes to donate or build, I'd be extremely grateful for the assistance. The spirit of giving might just be what's needed in the dark days of winter---Kepler, Christmas, please---all right, I suppose that's enough for now---

[The dogs are squirming against him now, so he laughs and pauses the feed.]

Comments

[driftsintobuffetline]

[Not going to lie, Newt hoped there was going to be an announcement about Qubit returning, but...ok, Santa's workshop is cool too]

What's your target total for kids' gifts? Not going to be able to make any myself, but I could throw you money or store-bought toys--which do you prefer?

Also, dude, you should totally install some mistletoe before the big day, then invite your...uh, friend over.

[4thdimensional]

I'm setting a starting goal of fifty---seems achievable enough with my other businesses. Whatever's most convenient for you is fine!

[That second comment sparks a thoughtful expression.]

I hadn't considered that...but you're right, that is a possibility. Have you found any for your own home yet?

[driftsintobuffetline]

Alright, I'll see what I can do. Good luck, man. I hope you get WAY more gifts for kids than you know what to do with. (also, totally rent a Santa costume.)


Yeah, I put one in the kitchen-to-living-room pass through because it just seemed like the traditional space for it and put one over the bed, because why the heck not.

[He laughs, then has an idea]

You know, if you DO get the Santa costume, your boyfriend could totally sit on your knee and tell you what he wants for Christmas...

[4thdimensional]

[Doc looks slightly flustered at the thought of putting one over the bed, but he's been feeling very romantic lately...]

My build isn't quite right, but I'll have to look into it. I aim to please...

[driftsintobuffetline]

[Do it, Doc. DO IT. Get all the Gold kisses in the bedroom]

Pillows exist for a reason, man. Just shove one in and instant Santa stomach.

[NOT HERE]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[NOT HERE]

[driftsintobuffetline]

[oh ho ho ^__________^ ]

[monge]

[Doc's helping Santa?! Then that... It can only mean one thing!]

M-MONGE!! D-Doc... you were picked to help Santa this year, zura?!

[It all makes sense now.

All this time.

Doc was a youkai.]

[4thdimensional]

[That's...not exactly what happened, but he's too tired to argue.]

Anyone can help Santa, that's the beauty of giving.

[monge]

MOOOOOOOOONGE!!

I had no idea, zura!

[Then why isn't everyone helping right this very second?!]

I wish I still had my Santa clothes, I'd be out there right now, zuraa...

[4thdimensional]

He doesn't care about what you're wearing, only that you spread joy to those around you.

[monge]

O-Oh, that's good... because I'm always naked, zura.

[He's glad Santa doesn't judge.]

Are you gonna be coming over for Christmas, zura?

[scrap_metal]

[ The part about holes in one's life resonates with Genos stronger then he would want to admit. Alas. ]

Those toys are not to be on sale, if I understand right. Are you also planning to also stealthily give them to children?

[ Not everyone have chimneys these days, but there must be ways to achieve that feat ]

[4thdimensional]

They're to be gifted to children, yes, but I wasn't planning a stealth operation. Giving them out in the town squares on Christmas Eve would be more achievable, I feel.

I'll likely be donning the traditional costume for that.

[scrap_metal]

Not just en elf, but also the Santa? That's...

[ Surprisingly enough he's not going to say it's stupid ]

...really nice of you.

[4thdimensional]

It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. This felt like the appropriate opportunity, so.

Thank you.

[scrap_metal]

I thought most of the people who "want to be like Santa" focused on the coolness of flying cart, but you're taking the "hard work" part on yourself.

Are you a craftsman? [ conclusion based on making toys plus mentioned clock business ]

Video

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[ Though the presence of the dogs is distractingly endearing, Gold cannot help but take note of the more serious note in his voice, but rather than try to drag his concerns out in the open, he opts instead for something a little more encouraging. ]

A charming endeavor. [ And one he's certain would be quite distracting. ] Is this something you would do back in your world?

Video

[4thdimensional]

[That draws a smile from him, though perhaps a little more embarrassment than usual given Newt's suggestions still bouncing in his head.]

I often wanted to, but it never would've been acceptable. If the parents in town ever found out I was the one behind it, they'd run me out of town, sure that I was trying to kill their children with some hidden torture device.

For everything else that's changed here, I'm grateful that I've been given this chance.

Video

[cantwalkwithoutit]

[ Frown. ]

Over something as harmless as toys.

Video

[4thdimensional]

People are easily scared by what they don't understand and swayed by rumors. They couldn't comprehend anything I did as being harmless.

[devoutish]

You've named your dog Christmas?

[Because that's the most important thing here, clearly.]

[4thdimensional]

I didn't choose the name, she was inherited from a former roommate---but I did name Kepler.

[devoutish]

Named after the scientist, is he? That's an odd combination.

[4thdimensional]

Indeed. And we were an odd combination, my roommate and I---both scientists, both with entirely opposite methods.

I'll miss him, but the show must go on.