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

[cherryblooded]

I'm fine, really.

[No, let him pretend everything is perfectly okay.]

[amygdalae]

[Cherryblod...]

There's no harm in taking a break. I can handle things for a while.

[cherryblooded]

...Well, if you insist on being so kind, it'd be rude of me not to accept.

[amygdalae]

It's only fair after all the times you helped everyone else.

[He gives a small smile and gently pries away whatever Cherryblod is holding, then attempts to direct him somewhere to sit down and take that break that he clearly needs.]

[cherryblooded]

[Alright, alright. He has a seat at one of the dining hall's tables.]

I'm really alright, you know.

[amygdalae]

It still doesn't hurt to take a break.

[Bruce could also say some other obvious things but that would be pretty hypocritical even for him.]

[cherryblooded]

Suppose not.

Could go for some warm soup.

[amygdalae]

Warm soup it is.

[Just give Bruce a minute, he will go and take this warm soup for you, Cherryblod.]

Here you go.

[cherryblooded]

Thank you.

[He gently blows on it.]

Got some seaweed soup out of the vending machine the other day. That was nice.

[amygdalae]

[Bruce manages a small smile.]

Sometimes the vending machine has some rather incredible timing.

[cherryblooded]

Really now. [Mouri's sledgehammer aside...] What have you gotten?

[amygdalae]

Nothing really noteworthy.

[Well, besides the phone Aqua got and the... hands that Misa now owns. Not that Bruce is going to mention the latter because that is a can of worms he doesn't want to open.]

I did get quite a bit of food so far, though. [Food that he has all eaten... because why not.]

[cherryblooded]

Likewise. There's a few other things I'm keeping, but most of what I have is junk I'd happily trade away.

[amygdalae]

I've been mostly keeping everything on my end. They could be useful in some way eventually.

[Or you know, just have them around in general. It sort of helps liven up the place a bit.]

[cherryblooded]

If it's more useful to someone else than me, I don't have a problem with letting them have it.

[amygdalae]

Nothing wrong with that.

[Bruce... well, he just kinda doesn't do it. He'd be willing to pass off anything if people do want them, but he's not really going to go around and actively do it either.]

[cherryblooded]

Is there anything you've been looking for?

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

[amygdalae]

Besides the obvious? Nothing in particular.

[Because he doesn't have anything.]

[cherryblooded]

Well, if you ever do see something of mine you're interested in, you're welcome to it. A trade for the dress.

[amygdalae]

That works. I'll be sure to keep that in mind.

[cherryblooded]

Always happy to help.

[Hence his everything.]

[amygdalae]

And everyone appreciates that.

[cherryblooded]

Even if they didn't, I would still do it.

[amygdalae]

If that's the case, then I think they'd appreciate it in time.

[cherryblooded]

Kind of you to say so.

...This is good soup.