that's not what we usually mean by 'dance with death'

[cherryblooded]

[That certainly did happen. Cherryblod's not the type of person who will judge one person's value as being more than another's, so he can't say whether it was better or worse than the first week. It came as less of a shock, maybe, but even so...

It's not the kind of thing people usually want to go through alone.

So, after he spends some time in the kitchen preparing (with assistance from Bruce), he'll slip some personalized notes under everyone's doors.]

[Name],
If you'd prefer to spend this time alone, that's fine.
If you'd prefer not to, I've made some food and set it out in the dining hall.
Even if you're just hungry and would rather not talk, feel free to come take some.
But if you'd like the company, we're here for you.
-Cherryblod

[Those arriving in the dining hall will find an assortment of food - a fair number of sandwiches and other, actual meal-like options since most people missed a meal or two, but also a goodly number of desserts. There's tea, as well as coffee for those who favor it.]

Comments

[capyper]

It'll take some explaining, but I'll try and give the easy version. Basically, you've got the world that you humans know — we call it the Near Shore. And then there's the Far Shore, where gods and spirits and Phantoms live. We can interact with you guys, but for the most part, humans don't have a spiritual sense, so you can't see it. Phantoms... I guess it's like they feed off of negative emotions? So bad energy tends to attract 'em, and then they make it worse, and then... well, you can imagine.

[ It's bad news and people do shitty things. ]

So gods like me slay 'em.

[isafraid]

Oh, well then...

[He'll try it then, but only a little sip.

....and then a slightly longer sip. she's right, of course. It doesn't have any senses-dulling alcohol in it, but it will still do as a welcome distraction.]

Hmm, bit of a punch to it! Even if it's without alcohol, I appreciate your sharing of it though, Miss Misa.

[prismbloom]

[ Oh. Aqua takes a seat next to him, peering over a bit curiously. She's still worried about him, and that he's writing down everything, reliving it? That worries her even more. ]

Do you need help with anything? It's a huge undertaking for just one person.

[notjustawriter]

I see.

Does that mean you can see souls?

[ratingspoint]

You bet I can - it takes a bit more focus here, and I can't do anything with it, but I can definitely see them.

[prismbloom]

A month! Well, I hope it won't take that long. Especially if we're all determined.

[prismbloom]

I haven't tried to contact him, myself. I didn't think he'd be so receptive to us--at least in some ways.

[prismbloom]

It's not being nice--I really do think they're cute. Do you mind if I help?

[ She can make clothes, anyway. ]

[notjustawriter]

Guess he's never gone on dates before, in that case.

Kind of a shame; meetin' someone can get a guy to settle down.

[SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE, HERE]

[prismbloom]

You're welcome. And-- Just Aqua is fine, really.

[ Keep calling her -san and Miss and she'll get really embarrassed. ]

Compared to last time, you mean? I wouldn't say I'm fine, but... better.

[prismbloom]

[ She nods, gesturing to the chair next to her. ]

Would you like to take a seat?

[prismbloom]

[ She nods, thinking about it. Really... they all have been doing that, haven't they? ]

I wonder if there's something else I could make for everyone.

[capyper]

Ooh, I have an idea! Why don't we get everybody together for a group meal, you know, the kind where everybody brings things!

[ ... and it'd be nice to have a group dinner that isn't precipitated by death... ]

[prismbloom]

It's alright.

[ Hm. ]

More than anything, I'm even more determined to make sure we all get out of here.

[goodforsomething]

Not that kinda guy. It's a long road from runnin' murder games to bein' some kinda family man.

[prismbloom]

[ He really knows her that well, huh? Aqua's thankful to have him as a friend, and usually, she'd say no, but... ]

Please.

[sleepingkogoro]

[Well if you are sure, Aqua, then Mouri will drop the honorific]

I don't expect you to be fine. This is the kind of thing one should never get too used to.

But at least I'm glad to hear this time it is more bearable than...last time.

[cherryblooded]

Is there anything you've been looking for?

[Other than 'a way out' and 'peace of mind'.]

[neverafters]

... The King hopes so too.

It makes it seem like they can't rest in peace. [ ... Not that they probably could, after those types of circumstances... ]

[prismbloom]

That's a wonderful idea--like a potluck. I'll put up an announcement this week, some time.

[capyper]

[ THUMBS-UP!! ]

I'll help too! I can make a poster or something, it'll be really colorful and eyecatching!

[ .... she might want to supervise or else it's going to be, like, a cartoon of all of them eating/food fighting with this in fancy calligraphy: COME TO THE POTLUCK! IF YOU DON'T, YOU'LL REGRET IT. IF YOU DON'T BRING A CONTRIBUTION, YOU'RE THE SCUM OF SOCIETY YOU FREELOADER YOU.

Even though he's a freeloading god, which is probably worse than a freeloading human. ]

[neverafters]

The King thought to do that but...

The King also felt sorry for how they must say goodbye to the world. It feels... both right and not right to turn away.

[prismbloom]

I'd like to help with that, if you don't mind? I'm sure we could come up with something incredibly creative with the two of us.

[ SHE KNOWS HOW BOYS ARE even if they're literal gods ]

[goodforsomething]

Sure.

[He takes a seat, and another draw of whiskey.]

Geez, that was somethin', wasn't it? Lotta twins in this place.

[prismbloom]

Something is a way to think of it, yes.

[ ... ]

I don't have blood siblings of my own, but my two best friends are like my brothers. Do you have a brother or sister?