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

[employeeoftheyear]

[There is the barest hint of a smile, and Spongebob lets out a humorless laugh.]

That's actually kinda funny you say that.

I always thought you were a lot better at bringing people up than me.

[mayavericks]

Me? [It's her turn to look a little surprised, to stop in her tracks.]

I told you I would not let anyone else be hurt. Yet... [She motions vaguely to their surroundings.]

[employeeoftheyear]

And I thought if I threw that party and told everyone we would stick together, that no one would kill anyone.

But I was wrong about that.

You've always been so strong, Maya. So much stronger than me.

[mayavericks]

Do you want to know what makes me strong, Spongebob?

[employeeoftheyear]

No, what is it?

[mayavericks]

My friends. Their strength and motivation.

I know it sounds silly but... It's true. I would not be where I am if I did not have my friends and classmates to support me

[employeeoftheyear]

[He pauses, then smiles.]

Me too.

[He's just going to pull Maya into a hug.]

And that's why we're stronger than the Wizard.

[mayavericks]

[The hug is unexpected but.... She gives him a hug back. Only a little awkwardly.]

We are. You're right. [And you know what, she'll ruffle his hair!]

So... don't forget to smile, okay?

[employeeoftheyear]

[He smiles.]

You too. If the Wizard wants us to work together as a team, then by Neptune we're gonna give it to him.

[mayavericks]

Exactly. It's... a promise. We will be together as a team, for as long as it takes to get out of here.

And after that, of course.

[employeeoftheyear]

[He smiles, genuinely, at that last sentence.]

Yeah! We'll all be friends forever, I can just feel it.

[mayavericks]

I think you're right.

[Maya stops in front of the door to Rodgers dorm.]

Promise me you will take care of yourself this evening?

[employeeoftheyear]

[Spongebob pulls his room key out of his pocket before smiling at Maya.]

I promise. Promise me you'll do the same?

[mayavericks]

[She's quiet for a beat, hesitating. But who can say no to Spongebob?]

I promise.