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

[ratingspoint]

...That's exactly it, sweetheart.

[And there's no flash to it, none of the usual enthusiasm that accompanies an affirmative answer; it's just kind of straightforwardly there.]

It's not like attacking souls directly is something we're above or anything. It's not beneath us at all. It's just a little strange to see that sort of thing here.

[cherryblooded]

[He can sort of imagine why, but not put it into words. So he doesn't try, there.]

...What does a soul look like? If it's not usually a stone.

[ratingspoint]

[His hand twitches a bit; the movement is odd and involuntary, like he doesn't realize he's doing it, his fingers settling against that metal band at his waist with the glowing heart at the center.]

Well...mine's a bit different - a lot of things about me are. But monsters' souls are colorless, while humans' have some sort of shade to them - they're usually very vibrant. They can change colors sometimes, too, depending on what's happening around them.

They're heart-shaped; monsters' point upwards, humans' are the opposite.

[cherryblooded]

[...yeah he did sort of notice that heart, now that they're talking about heart-shaped things. He won't bring it up directly, though.]

Can you see the souls of the people here, or just their bodies?

[ratingspoint]

...I can, yes. It isn't as though I can do anything to them, but I can see them just fine if I focus on it enough.

[cherryblooded]

What color is mine?

[Orange, but he wouldn't know that or what that means.]

[ratingspoint]

[Huh. That's interesting. Unsurprising, but interesting.]

Orange, actually - it's pretty.

[...AND ALSO CLASHES TERRIBLY WITH THE REST OF YOU, but you know what, that's okay.]

[cherryblooded]

Probably doesn't match my hair at all.

[At least they can make light conversation about souls.]

I'm sure yours would be lovely too, if I could see it.

[ratingspoint]

Colorless, remember?

[He seems pleased by it anyway, though. Flattery works.]

Maybe I'll let you see it one day. If you're curious.

[cherryblooded]

Even colorless things can be beautiful. Especially if they're part of you.

[Oh good, then he'll keep up with the flattery.]

[ratingspoint]

Aren't you feeling charming tonight.

[He's absolutely not complaining.]

[cherryblooded]

Only especially fond of my favorite robot star.

[Also the only robot star he knows.]

[ratingspoint]

I know what you're doing, you know.

[...]

It's working, don't get me wrong.

[cherryblooded]

Please tell me what I'm doing, because from my perspective this is completely normal for me.