itscurtains | Is This Where You Wanna Be? Crawling On Your Hands and Knees?

[In a perfect world, Maya would have been able to isolate herself for the rest of the evening. It's not like her to wallow in her feelings, but it's also not like her to be trapped away in a murder school or part of an execution so... not like she has much choice there. Besides, between the influence of Janis, and the sight of her remaining dormmates, it's clear that Maya simply can't... let things go.

It's like she told the SQUIP. They look to her for hope. And so, hope she must be. It's her job to stand tall for the others. Thankfully help comes easier this time -- there's no need to scruff Discord, or try to keep Spongebob from making Hate Patties. Maybe that, in and of itself, is a good sign.

It's just another fluke. They'll be okay. They're together, after all. Even Salieri and Discord are getting along well enough to help.

Cutting potatoes proves to be an interesting task, considering the fact that most of the knives are missing. Maya has a few guesses as to how that happened, but she won't point fingers again today. She makes do with what she has -- two swords between her and Cassandra.

Potatoes, cakes, pies -- the arrangement is much the same. There's even cocoa (made by less experienced hands, unfortunately), and alcohol. It all feels like a repeat of last week, but she's trying to not think about it. She does her best to keep a smile on her face as she knocks on each door, inviting others to the cafeteria once more.]

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Hey. [She’s been lingering in the doorway—- Farrah’s sober after an after party for once. The box of knives has been safely hidden away, but now, she has nothing left to do. And without alcohol or anything to busy herself with, the bad feelings are starting to catch up with her.]

Do you know how to play that thing?

[Varian nods, even if it probably doesn't sound like it right now.]

My dad had me learn when I was little. Broadening my horizons, and all that.

For real?! [She sounds.... impressed, actually. And excited. Farrah bounces onto the bench beside him.]

Teach me!

O-oh, huh?

[Varian blinks when Farrah suddenly sits, a little bewildered for a moment.]

I...I can try...

[Does Farrah know Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? That's a pretty easy one.]

Yeah! [She sits up straight beside him, on the bench, looking pleased with herself.]

I’ve never learned any music before. In cheerleading, you mostly just shout. But... I want to try. [Farrah knows nothing. Help her, Varian.]

[Well then, he'll show her the basic notes of one of the easiest songs to play on the piano, going through it a single note at a time while humming the melody under his breath.]

This is basically the first song anyone ever learns...it's easy, but...it's nice to be able to play something, even if it's simple.

[Farrah’s paying very close attention, which is actually kind of weird coming from Farrah. But she wants to do this.]

Whoa! Did I just—- make music?! [Varian. She is SHOOK.]

[That? That makes Varian actually smile, genuinely.]

You did! That sounded great, Farrah.

[Farrah beams, bumping against his shoulder with her own.]

Thanks for showing me. I don’t really try new things, so that was fun.

I can show you more anytime.

[He doesn't know too many simple songs, but sometimes you learn the most from observing, so he can just play things for her otherwise.

He plays a few more keys, thinking.]

I wanted to...thank you, Farrah. Like, really thank you. You've been there for me a lot and I guess I just...

[He shrugs one shoulder.]

It helps, when stuff like this happens.

[She snorts, as if he’s said something funny, and then... realizes he’s serious. She’s not sure how to react, and it actually makes her a little bashful.]

Oh. Well— you’re welcome! That’s really nice of you to say. It makes me feel like....

Like it might all be okay.

Yeah...that's something we need right now, I think.

[Even if, you know. It doesn't feel like it's going to be okay, ever, at all.]

We're not perfect, but...it's safe to say we all want what's best for each other.

[They have the emotional capacity for it, unlike some AI.]

Yeah. [She bumps against his shoulder again.]

I can promise you I’ll never be perfect. But I can also promise you... I’ll always look out for you, as much as I can. I’m going to try my best, this time.

I believe in you, Farrah.

[And he's proud of you, too. You've come...insanely far in such a short amount of time.]

Did you finish collecting all those knives, by the way...? I was going to help you out, but...I sort of ended up wandering in here instead.

I got.... most of them, I think.

I kindof stopped. After Maya brought me—- the knife from Riley’s.

[Varian's mouth just. Drops open.]

W...wait-

[Maya came banging on Broadhurst's door during the week. Frantic, and with a bloody knife...]

That's...that knife?!

The one Maya had? Yeah. [How did they play that song again? Yeah, she’s trying to do that instead of talking about it too much.]

Same knife. Couldn’t forget it.

[Varian looks...disturbed, understandably. He doesn't want to dwell on it either, as much as he's sure Farrah doesn't.

Jesus, though. The Wizard really has no lengths he won't go to...]

I'm sorry Farrah. That's...really messed up.

Is This Where You Wanna Be? Crawling On Your Hands and Knees?

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