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

[happysweets]

[ Misa's here, of course, because she thrives on being with other people and God knows she wouldn't be able to stay by herself without crying her eyes out, so, being in the dining hall is at least helping her keep her feelings in check. She's quieter, though, far moreso than usual; she didn't quite have it in her to bake tonight, and the whole thing just fills her with a huge mess of emotions that she'd really rather not deal with right now, so...being social it is, she supposes!

She's not one to show up empty-handed, though, so she has a bottle of that alcohol-free sake! And she's more than happy to share with someone, if they're so inclined to want a bit! ]

[uro_cyon]

You'd think he would give us the real stuff in times like this. [ He could certainly go for a drink right now.]

[happysweets]

I usually don't drink. It'd be bad publicity if someone caught Misa-Misa out doing something like drinking alcohol...and besides, I never really liked the taste. But Misa-Misa figured that someone would probably need it more than she does.

[ Go ahead. Kanpai. c: ]

[uro_cyon]

Even though it's legal for you? [ Now he's thinking she's some type of Disney star.

He shrugs and pours one out for himself. Might as well go through the motions even if it wouldn't amount to anything.]

[happysweets]

It is, but, there are some pretty strict standards in Japan. A model always has to maintain this image...most idols actually aren't even allowed to date. It's a way to make them more popular, because it ruins people's fantasies of being able to date them themselves...

[uro_cyon]

[He shakes his head.] And do you follow that rule too?

[clubleader]

Is that sake helping any?

[ It has no alcohol in it but maybe there's some placebo effect... ]

[happysweets]

Misa-Misa hasn't drank any yet, actually...I just brought it to be polite, is all. Would you like to try some? I'll share!

[clubleader]

Sure! Hopefully it tastes good!

[happysweets]

I think it just tastes normal to me. But Misa-Misa isn't a heavy drinker. I don't like the taste, is all...sweet stuff is better.

[pokexplorer]

Would you like some company, Miss Misa?

[Colress couldn't help but notice that the normally peppy idol is much more subdued than usual.]

[happysweets]

I-if you wouldn't mind! Misa-Misa didn't want to be by herself tonight, eheh...

[ She's forcing it a bit. Her smile isn't as convincing as it usually is. It's not hard to see that. ]

[pokexplorer]

I don't mind at all. I...thought that might be the case.

[With that, he takes a seat across from Misa.]

Would you like to talk about something nice or nonsensical? To take your mind off of the trial. I take it this one may have been a bit rougher.

[happysweets]

It was...Misa-Misa thought Caren was good company.

...Um, can you tell me a little more about that PokeStar Studios thing you were talking about earlier? It seems really neat!

[isafraid]

Granted, I'm not the type to drown their sorrows, never was. But I can see the need for it right now.

[Hell, he'd have a drink.]

Is it any good?

[happysweets]

[ Go ahead, there's plenty left! ]

I haven't tried any! Misa-Misa doesn't like the taste of alcohol, even if there isn't any in this. But I'll gladly share with you, Mister Speedwagon!

[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.

[amygdalae]

Are you doing alright?

[Bruce has some food with him that he's bringing over now, since it's probably better to eat and drink as opposed to just drinking.]

[happysweets]

About as well as Misa-Misa can, considering, well, everything.

I can't believe this happened again..

[amygdalae]

Me neither. And to think it was the two of them...

[Caren and Pearl. He didn't know both of them well, but they hadn't seemed like the type to go at anybody's throat at all. There's no telling what really happened now, though.]

[happysweets]

...I didn't think Caren would do something like that. Sure, she was a bit on the grumpy side, but...Misa-Misa knew she was really sad.

I wanted to cheer her up, but...I didn't think it was so bad that she'd go and do something like this. To kill someone like that...

[ The idea of it is making her get pretty upset, clearly. ...More than upset. Even a bit angry. ]

[wokeupdead]

[Lynne seats herself next to Misa at one of the dining room tables, plate piled high with food from Cherryblod's buffet. It's a sight better than last week where she didn't show up at all. Which is why she probably shouldn't be the one asking this.]

Hey, you doing okay?

[happysweets]

A little better now that you're here! I wasn't expecting you...

[ Thank goodness. She knows how roughly she took the last one, so, seeing her here is a bit of a relief. ]

Do you want a drink? Misa-Misa doesn't do sake, but, a lot of people do!

[wokeupdead]

[It wouldn't do any good to worry people! She does feel a little bad about doing that last week. Lynne shakes her head at the offer.]

No thanks, I have to keep my head about me. Filling up on some good food is all I need. Got to keep fueled up.

[happysweets]

It doesn't have any alcohol in it, though! So you can't get drunk on it or anything.

[ One wonders what the point is, then. ]

Fueled up, huh? Are you going to be doing a patrol?