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

[mayavericks]

[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.]

Comments

Afterparty

[violentenvies]

[Salieri is in the middle of passing out cocoa to those that need it when Spongebob catches his eye]

Ah--Monsieur Spongebob. [the poor young man looks absolutely miserable, and Salieri's brow furrows in sympathy as he moves towards him]

Here...take some hot chocolate as well. It will help. [and Salieri'll offer that mug he's got in his hand out to the sad sponge :(]

[employeeoftheyear]

Thanks. [He takes the mug but doesn't start drinking it, instead looking at the drink for an eerily long stretch of time.]

... You didn't have to do this for me.

[violentenvies]

[oh. Something in Salieri's chest squeezes a bit at that, and he reaches out to set a hand on his shoulder]

Monsieur Spongebob, I did not offer it to you out of necessity.

[employeeoftheyear]

[That seems to genuinely surprise him.]

Really? You mean it?

[violentenvies]

Of course. [he looks at Spongebob seriously] I know that saying that things today have been difficult is an understatement, however...I do consider you a friend, monsieur. And it is clear that you are rightfully upset so I will say that if you wish to talk, or simply sit in quiet, I would be happy to do so with you.

[employeeoftheyear]

[Tears start welling up in his eyes again, but he tries his best to stop himself from bursting into tears.]

Y-you're my friend too, Mr Salieri.

I... I guess I would be okay with staying with you, if you want me to.

[violentenvies]

[hhhhh buddy :< When Salieri sees those tears start to well up, though they don't quite fall yet, he'll pull out one of his handkerchiefs and offer it]

I've been going around handing out hot chocolate, but I believe I've gotten everyone who is here at the moment. However...I was thinking we could perhaps go around with some and find those who might be elsewhere.

How does that sound?

[employeeoftheyear]

[He offers him the tiniest smile and takes the handkerchief. While his smile is weepy, it's genuine.]

I would like that.

[violentenvies]

Then, in that case, let's go get a couple of those trays from the kitchen, fill them with hot chocolate, and go deliver them, shall we?

[employeeoftheyear]

Sure, maybe they might like some snacks too.

[Spongebob gently grabs onto Salieri hand.]

[violentenvies]

[Salieri will reciprocate that hold, then, curling his fingers around Spongebob's, expression softening into a small smile]

I think that's a wonderful idea. There's certainly some of us that haven't eaten today, and they could use the sustenance, I imagine.

[employeeoftheyear]

Yeah.

[The mention of snacks suddenly makes him realize just how hungry he was. His stomach growls loudly as if to scold him]

... Tartar Sauce, I haven't eaten today either.

[violentenvies]

[he'll gently lead him towards the kitchen, then]

In that case, we should certainly get you something to eat first. You'll need your strength to carry those trays, after all.

[employeeoftheyear]

[He goes along with.]

You don't have to get anything special for me. I wanna make sure we can get snacks for the others too.

[violentenvies]

We will.

But I would prefer that you eat first. Here--[he finds a plate, and holds it out to Spongebob]

Our friends can wait ten or fifteen minutes while you eat.

[employeeoftheyear]

I hope so...

[But he grabs the plate and slowly starts munching on some pie, almost looking embarrassed.]

You know, I don't think I can remember the last time I've had someone take care of me like this besides my own parents.

[violentenvies]

No? [hm??]

I suppose it's not as easy once you've moved out...however, if it's been that long, I'm more than happy to be able to do this for you now.

[employeeoftheyear]

[Spongebob seems genuinely flustered by that (probably the first real emotion out of him tonight).]

O-oh you don't gotta do that, Mr. Salieri! I'm a grownup, you know! I like to think I'm pretty good at taking care of myself too.

[Which he is but also he does not know when to take things easy.]

[violentenvies]

I know you are. [Actually, he honestly wasn't sure, but that confirms it, at least. He'll reach out to set a hand on his shoulder, then]

However, it's alright to let someone else take the reins for you as well, once in a while.

[employeeoftheyear]

[WOW RUDE???]

I-I know, but...

[He gulps, nervous.]

I'm afraid that people will just see me as a kid. A kid who can't take care of himself.

[violentenvies]

[LISTEN HE'S NOT A MARINE BIOLOGIST HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW SPONGES AGE??? DISCORD'S AGE IS JUST "WHATEVER" WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM HIM.

But anyway, Salieri frowns a little at that, moving to sit down next to him]

Which people?

[employeeoftheyear]

[Spongebob fidgets a little.]

M... mostly Mr. Krabs, actually. He's a great boss, but I've been trying to work toward a manager position for awhile now and... recently he told me that I was just a simple sponge.

[Saying that phrase makes his eyes water and he quickly looks away from Salieri.]

He... told me all I could ever be was a fry cook, and not that I don't love my job, but... but I wanna be more than a just a fry cook... and just a simple sponge...

[violentenvies]

[Just a simple sponge.

He watches the way Spongebob's eyes water at that, how he looks away, and Salieri feels a thread of anger, of outrage that anyone could treat this young man this way.

He pulls out a handkerchief, holding it out just enough so Spongebob can see it and have it get his attention.]

Spongebob, look at me. [he forces his voice to gentle, to be kinder, pulling back that outrage. It's not the time for that; that's not what he needs just yet.]

[employeeoftheyear]

[Spongebob looks over at Salieri, eyes still watering, and grabs the handkerchief.
He feels like he should say something but his throat is aching from holding back t ears.]

[violentenvies]

We have known each other for three weeks, and within that time you have demonstrated yourself as a person who not only possesses a kind and generous disposition, but someone who also does his best to help others, no matter what the circumstances. Furthermore, no matter what the Wizard has thrown at us, you've stood your ground against him more than once; you've given up your home when told that you had to do something you considered inexcusable for such a thing--Spongebob, your actions not only show you as a person of great kindness and generosity, but also one of great strength and moral character.

You are anything but a simple sponge.

[Salieri reaches out to set a hand on his arm, as if that would drive home the point]