do it for love

[penduli]

[ Every week is the same song and dance, but it never really gets easier, or works, or ever seems like it’s going to stop.

There will be time for everyone to rest before Black comes knocking on their doors (a moot point, given the soundproofedness of them) and slipping a note beneath them. He needed the respite too, and they needed to prepare food, and… he still thinks it’s a little weird to have a party after a trial, but he’s starting to really understand why it’s not a bad idea, either. ]

[Name],

Misa would’ve wanted us to keep a smile on our faces, or at least put a smile somewhere. There’s a pancake bar up in the chapel, if you’d like to come by and make a few happen. If you don't want to come, that's fine, too. The offer's open all night.

Ever yours,
Black

[ …the ending is something he’s never quite shaken, unfortunately.

Those that make their way up to the chapel will, indeed, find a pancake bar, courtesy of Yosuke and Stan (because Black never feels that hungry after trials and someone needs to stress bake here). That is, there are pancakes! There are syrups, whipped cream, fruits, berries, candies, etc! Sprinkles! Hot chocolate, ice cream… everything you could want for your build-your-own-pancake masterpiece. It’s all set up on some tables shoved against the chapel’s walls.

…special Stancakes (or pancakes with a hint of Stan in them, aka some of his hair that might’ve gotten in there accidentally, whoops) are also available.

There’s also alcohol—dessert wines mostly, to pair with their overwhelming sugar bias, but there’s some ordinary stuff there too. Pancake bar.

The framed photos are where they’ve always been on the center area, along with their matching stuffed animals. …or most of them; some haven’t been made, some pictures haven’t been put up, you get the idea. ]

Comments

[amygdalae]

[...no, nothing can ever clear off that amount of blood. Bruce knows that very well. He knows others who think that as well.]

...back in my world. [He starts, voice soft and slow.] I... somebody I knew--she was a former assassin. One of the best. If the dreams are true as Captain Eide said, we're now close friends.

[...so, you know, Bruce isn't the best person to judge. For that and for more personal reasons.]

[cherryblooded]

Since it's you, I'm sure she's become a far better person.

[He gives a low chuckle.] Well, I can't argue with that. It's easier to say when it's not me.

[amygdalae]

She was already better before we met.

[And now she's... Bruce doesn't know. What he remembers dreams about Natasha feels so--oddly complicated.

Anyway.]

We all have things that we regret, or mistakes we don't like to talk about. [...Bruce knows this well. Perhaps too well.] It's not quite 'forgive and forget', but... hate won't change anything either.

[cherryblooded]

No, it won't. All we really can do is move forward.

...Thank you. It means a lot to me.

[amygdalae]

...its the least I can do.

[They all have their dark and sordid pasts, but as terrible as they are its what shaped each of them. Cherryblod may have been a terrible criminal, but its clear he's repented from it. That's the best he can ask for.]

[cherryblooded]

You could do nothing. Would be very easy to.

[He doesn't get to praise Cherryblod on taking the hard road when he's taken one of his own.]

[amygdalae]

[Ah, well.]

It wouldn't be fair to you.

[cherryblooded]

...We're both a bit hypocritical, aren't we.

[amygdalae]

[Bruce is very hypocritical, but that's nothing compared to everything else that he is.]

That's one way to put it. [Says with a small quirk at the corner of his lips.]

[cherryblooded]

Don't mind having something in common with you. It's flattering, really.

[amygdalae]

[A small sound of amusement here, although it certainly doesn't show on his face.]

People usually don't want to have anything in common with me.

[cherryblooded]

Why not? I like you well enough.

[He's a difficult person, but not dislikeable.]

[amygdalae]

[That's... probably something he really hasn't heard in a long time. That people would actually be okay with him at all. He knows that will obviously change if they knew exactly who he was, but still...]

I know I'm not an easy person to get along with.

[cherryblooded]

Now that's not true. You're easy to get along with - it's just a bit frustrating to worry over you at times, that's all.

[There's a distinction there.]

[amygdalae]

[That part has Bruce pausing a little, almost as if a bit surprised to hear that even though a part of him is aware of it. Although knowing it and hearing it is always different...]

...I'm not used to being worried about. [He's the one who usually does the watching out. Since its not like anybody is able to ever fix his one billon issues.]

[cherryblooded]

Now you are. You might have to adjust.

[Cherryblod's smile is sincere. He's used to dad-ing over people, so this part isn't anything new to him.]

[amygdalae]

I'll do my best.

[He does his best to return Cherryblod's smile with his own.]

[cherryblooded]

[Smiling Bruce is usually better than not-smiling Bruce! Except when he's faking it.]

I've got confidence in you.

[amygdalae]

[At least half of his smiles are fake, sadly. But at least this one isn't part of that half.]

I appreciate it.

[cherryblooded]

...Have you had any of the pancakes? Think you should try some.

[amygdalae]

Not yet, but I probably will after this.

[Especially since Cherryblod mentioned them.]

[cherryblooded]

They're delicious. Don't let them go to waste.

damn hover menus

[amygdalae]

I won't, don't worry.

[He'll definitely be taking a few to eat.]

the worst

[cherryblooded]

Good, good. Think I'll get a few more myself.

[amygdalae]

You should - otherwise I don't think we can finish everything that's been cooked.