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

[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]

[employeeoftheyear]

I-I'm not?

[He looks at Salieri, in disbelief. Spongebob spent most of his adult life with others putting him down. A lot of people see his childishness and brush him off. This never really bothered him because he was happy with himself, and frankly he rarely even noticed it.

But he can't remember the last time someone he looked up to has really, genuinely praised him. Sure, he has his parents, and he knows they adore him and aren't afraid to show it, but that's what parents were supposed to do. Good ones anyway.

And this man, who he knew for a month already conclude that he wasn't simple? That there was more to him than just being that childish fry cook? When he fought for years to convince Mr. Krabs that he was ready to handle more responsibility?

If he were a more cynical sponge, he would question if Salieri was lying, or just didn't know him well enough, but, well.

He wouldn't be who he was if he didn't fully trust his friends.

Spongebob gently places down his pie, and pulls Salieri into a hug.]

You really think I'm not a simple sponge?

[violentenvies]

I do. Honestly and truly, I do. That is the farthest from what I think of you, I promise you.