itscurtains | "A Swing and Miss Doesn't Mean it's Game Over"

[Well… All of that sure happened. And while Maya is visibly shaken Sissi's literal dance with death, she’d meant what she’d said to the others -- she would protect them. At that moment, it meant voting and making the “right” decision. Now, though? It means ensuring that no one feels alone, and that everyone has a good meal in them.

She’s not Nana Daiba, however, she certainly can’t do this alone. But she does have the resourcefulness and authoritative disposition to to recruit allies. Discord is sure to be… mostly unbothered by everything that’s happened, and Spongebob will likely be eager to help. She approaches both men: one is asked nicely; The other is grabbed by the collar and dragged from whatever hole he’s locked himself in. Sorry Discord.

For Maya's part, several potato dishes are prepared (can you tell someone has a bias). And while she doesn’t have the resources to make baumkuchen, Maya does manage to produce a cake, as well as… muffins? They’re not… quite how she remembers Nana making them, but she can at least recall how hearty the food had felt, and how it had restored her energy on long days.

It’s a pleasant memory, even if it does make her a touch melancholy.

Nevertheless, the food is laid out in the kitchen, as are a number of pies that Maya has uncovered. She even tucks a few bottles of wine in a corner for the adults that might like it. This is in addition to the mead apparently brought by Salieri. Look she’s not a fan of having alcohol but… she can’t tell the adults no.

But hey, courtesy of Benjamin, there is even some cocoa. It doesn’t start off spiked but… you know. Thanks to Spongebob there are, well… Angry Patties? It’s fine. Even Discord managed to contribute some pies and tea, as well as being bossed around to do the grunt work in the kitchen. There’s also that inexplicable pizza? Huh, that’s weird.

Eventually the group goes around extending invitations to the dorms, knocking on doors and explaining what’s been set up. No one will be forced to go, just… strongly encouraged. Maya herself will even duck into the principal’s office and, if she’s there, invite Hester.

She seemed just as upset as the rest of them.]

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A Krabby Patty...

[That's right. Spongebob told him about their secret formula, and how badly Plankton had been wanting to steal it. It must be really good, even if Varian doesn't really have a concept of more modern food like burgers or pizza.

He doesn't actually feel like eating, not really, but he also knows he's going to be miserable later if he doesn't.]

I'd love to try one, Spongebob. You did make them sound really good.

You mean you didn't have one after the show last week?

[That... actually gets the tiniest smile out of him. Watching people react to their first Krabby Patty always gives him a sense of joy. Like he's actually making a difference.

He comes back later than he originally expected. If this was going to be Varian's first Krabby Patty, he didn't want to give him an old, stale one.]

Here you go; fresh off the griddle.

[Varian would have no reference, but it tastes noticeably better than the other Krabby Patties at the party.]

[Varian had been a little distracted at the time, mostly by Ruddiger. It's probably for the best, mainly so he can give Spongebob this little brief highlight in a sea of misery and despair.

He'll wait patiently though until Spongebob returns, and...legit? Varian looks more surprised at the burger itself than anything, even before he tries it. Cause yeah, burgers are still a new thing!

And even though his appetite is like...nonexistent, he'll take a bite once it's cool enough for him to do so. And it's...]

Oh, wow...this is really good, Spongebob. No wonder they're so famous back home.

[That gets a genuine smile out of him. It's not quite as bright as it is normally but this is truthfully the happiest thing that happened to him today.]

You really mean it? I'm really flattered, Varian. I know it's Mr. Krab's recipe but I always love to hear a satisfied customer. I can make you more tomorrow when you have more of an appetite.

I'd really appreciate that, thank you.

[Good thing Spongebob is here to make sure Varian eats. But not just that...]

And...thanks for checking up on me. I wish I could have done more to help you guys out, but...

[He was busy, uh. Crying.]

It's the least I could do. I... I feel like I haven't been very helpful for you guys today anyway.

[He pauses.]

Besides, you guys are all my friends. I'd be a pretty bad friend if I ignored you in your time of need.

[Friends...it reminds him of how he'd corrected Maya on that, saying they were friends, not acquaintances.]

...I guess it's kindof sad, but I don't really have that many friends back home.

[He shrugs one shoulder.]

There's Cass, and Rapunzel, and Eugene...but nobody my age. Not that that really matters, but...

I dunno. I'm just really glad to have you guys, here. I'm glad you're my friend, Spongebob.

[He frowns. It's never fun to hear someone say that they don't have many friends; especially a kid of that age.]

I'm glad you're my friend too.

[He gently goes to place a hand on Varian's shoulder (trying hard to avoid disturbing Ruddiger)]

... I guess that's one small nice thing about this place.

I wouldn't have ever met all you wonderful people if I hadn't.

[Ah, well. That sure doesn't just tugs on his heartstrings, it's flat out in danger of ripping them out entirely.]

...you're a really good guy, you know that?

[Oh that

That gets the first genuine smile of the night.]

Well you are too! I'm not sure how well I would have made it here if I didn't have such great friends standing with me.

[Spongebob should only ever be smiling. That's just...a fact, really.]

As long as we stick together, we'll be okay. Right?

"A Swing and Miss Doesn't Mean it's Game Over"

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