Ask the Lightners (and Ralsei)

[…]

N: W-world ending disaster?! Do we expect that?!

S: No worries, it’s fine— I mean, there’ll probably be a new Dark World soon, that keeps happening apparently, but we can handle it.

N: Oh, that’s a relief, thanks—

N: !!!!!

S: ?????

[*How do you know we’re not in Wyoming…]

N: It’s not my favourite time of year, b-but I don’t hate it or anything.

N: And once I have my summer coat in I can handle the heat just fine!

N: It’s more that it’s weird not to be in school all the time, you know? It’s not like I waste my summer! There’s track meets, and I go to camp, and I study. But it’s less scheduled, and sometimes that’s… kind of distracting.

N: Sometimes I need something… to remind me…

N: I don’t know if I’d call it natural, but… I’ve had some nightmares where things felt right, and safe, and better. Like I was cold… but I didn’t have to feel it anymore.

[“Confused”?]

[Kris laughs, and keeps laughing. It’s SO funny, they can’t stop. Tears run down their face.]

R: Hugs are good! But I don’t quite understand… Secret Santa?

N: What about a Secret Santa?

N: Secret Santa is a way to arrange gift giving! Everyone’s names go in a hat, and people give a present to whoever they draw. We did it one year with the Dreemurrs, but it kind of fell apart because almost everybody got presents for a bunch of people anyway….

R: So we just put our names in a hat and then we get to hug whoever we draw?

N: Yes!

R: I’ll go get my hat!

R: Candy and marshmallows? Do I really?

S: Sure ya do, squirt. Whole Dark World does, kinda, but you especially. One of those flavoured shampoos?

R: I think they’re scented, not flavoured…

R: Um… Kris…?

[*This description of your brother’s favourite library book dismays and amuses you in equal measure.]

[*You do draw on occasion, but only ever patterns, never figures. The thought of accidentally creating a consciousness haunts you. You turn the question over to your friends.]

R: Well, I cook, and I crochet a little. I mend my clothes, too!

S: Uh, skateboard video games don’t count, do they?

N: I love to knit~

L: Hey, I knit too!

N: You do?!

L: Mostly hats!

N: Mostly sweaters!

R: Sorry, Noelle isn’t available at the moment. I haven’t tried the moss, though… I think it’s best to leave that to Kris and Susie. They seem to really enjoy it, at least…

R: ??

N: Wh— who’s there?!

S: Hey, Noelle, sorry, uh.

S: Kris felt bad about mucking up your dress with the whipped cream and, uh, I felt bad for laughing, so we got you something. I’ll just… leave it out here.

TAG: “I figured you were a herbivore and Kris said you were so if we’re wrong blame it on them but yeah. Thought you’d appreciate this.”

S: They’re going great, actually! He’s super psyched to have another parent.

S: There’s still the whole thing with Rouxls….

S: But she’s actually really good about keeping a lid on it around Lancer. I… respect that. She’s a pretty cool lady.

S: Even if it’s super weird to have someone around who’s seen all your internet searches.