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]

We should cook together more often. Sometime besides after a trial.

[amygdalae]

I certainly wouldn't mind that.

[cherryblooded]

Next week, maybe, if we're still up for it.

[amygdalae]

That sounds more than doable.

[cherryblooded]

Just let me know. My door's always open to you.

[amygdalae]

I'll keep that in mind.

[cherryblooded]

In the meantime, I might just relax a while and enjoy this soup.

[Or try to enjoy it, anyway.]

[amygdalae]

Take all the time you need.

[They'll still be right here, like it or not.]

[cherryblooded]

I'll try not to get up and fuss over people until I'm done.

[amygdalae]

I think at this point, that's the best all of us can hope for.

[cherryblooded]

...Thank you, really.

[amygdalae]

You don't need to thank me. Its the least I could do.

[cherryblooded]

The least you could do would have been to ignore me entirely.

[amygdalae]

I don't see any reason why I should.

[cherryblooded]

'Should' and 'could' are different words.

[amygdalae]

Well, yes. But it doesn't really matter here, I think.

[cherryblooded]

Suppose not.

Very well. I'll stop thanking you.

[amygdalae]

You never needed to thank me in the first place.

[cherryblooded]

Hard for me not to. That's just the sort of person I am, I suppose.

[amygdalae]

I can't say I don't relate to that.

[...Bruce probably does it just as much as Cherryblod.]

[cherryblooded]

Thought you might.

I'll be fine, really. You don't need to fuss over me anymore tonight.

[amygdalae]

[There is a brief pause, but Bruce nods after that.]

As you wish.

[cherryblooded]

[So he'll just go back to eating his soup for the moment. Fuss over others in his place, Bruce.]

[amygdalae]

[He will, Cherryblod, he will. And as he does that he will leave you alone to your own devices - but he'll never be too far away for a shout if needed.]