The sky shines differently today than it did yesterday

[employeeoftheyear]

[Perhaps to the surprise of no one, there is no after party after that trial. Two children were dead. Two children were dead over a simple accident and the Wizard cared more about himself than anyone else. But they won't give up, they can't give up. They had to keep fighting until everything's been set right.

At the Lobby ofrenda later that night, there are six origami pieces accoupling the other memorials. A penguin, a rose, an octopus man, computer, a music note, and the last one are of a boy and girl holding hands. Along with that there is a plate of strawberry cupcakes with blueberry icing and a note that reads:]

There is still hope and love in the world

Never let The Wizard make you think otherwise 💗

Comments

[employeeoftheyear]

[It's A letter laying on the ground. It's addressed to Mr. Salieri.

Open it?]

[violentenvies]

[hmmm??? Salieri stands, then, turning to bend down and pick up that letter--and his expression softens when he recognizes the handwriting from his Father's Day card]

Spongebob?

[Salieri lifts his head, looking around for him--where is his sponge son???? Is he here??]

[employeeoftheyear]

[Luckily he won't be pondering that for long, because a familiar voice will soon call out from above him]

Open the letter!

[violentenvies]

[A---above him???

Salieri pauses, debating whether to look up just yet, but...]

Very well, if you insist. [and he'll open that, then. He'll see where he's decided to ensconce himself in a minute]

[employeeoftheyear]

[The first thing Salieri will see when he opens the letter is a note]

I know this could never bring him back, but I wanted to give you something to remind you of how happy Varian made you.

[And, under it, is a papercraft of Salieri and Varian holding hands. They both look happy.]

[violentenvies]

[Oh.

Salieri is quiet for a long moment. His head is bowed, looking down at the note--at the papercraft in his hands]

Spongebob. Would you come down from where ever you are, please?

[he doesn't look up, face still hidden by the angle, and though his voice wavers just slightly]

[employeeoftheyear]

[Spongebob stiffens as he watches Salieri. He couldn't see his face but the fact that he's not looking at him, the fact that he's asking to come down right now, makes him fear the worst.]

A-aye aye Mr. Salieri.

[He repels himself down the building, a bit slower than he would have normally. One he's down he shuffles awkwardly toward Salieri, ukulele and Gary in tow.]

I know it's not much, Mr. Salieri. I-if you don't like it I can always take it back and get you a better gift!

[violentenvies]

[Salieri doesn't answer that yet, instead choosing to simply reach out and tug the young man into his arms, hugging him tightly]

Spongebob--[his voice shakes a bit more now]--thank you.

[employeeoftheyear]

[This genuinely shocks Spongebob. He was used to giving people hugs here, not receiving them.

It doesn't take him long, however, to return the hug.]

I'm sorry it's not much. I know how much Varian meant to you, a-and to all of us.

[violentenvies]

Hush--hush. [now that he's holding him as well, Spongebob will feel a light tremor in Salieri, a hitch in his shoulders]

It's perfect. I couldn't ask for anything more than this. Truly, thank you.

[employeeoftheyear]

[Spongebob hushes for a little bit, but can't help but find himself hiccupping through sobs.

What he says next he blurts out without thinking. He's just so overcome with a strange mix of sadness and comfort that even his tiny impulse control couldn't stop it.]

I love you, dad.

[violentenvies]

[That...is not what Salieri expected. Not at all. One moment, he's holding him close, the next Spongebob blurts that out. And suddenly there's a painful throb somewhere in his chest, a vice that makes it hard to breathe--and there's a hitch in Salieri's chest as his arms tighten around Spongebob, holding him close]

I love you, too.

[employeeoftheyear]

[He just stands there for a good few minutes. He distantly realizes that he probably shouldn't have called him dad, but when Salieri doesn't discourage it, he feels another small sob escape.

He had no idea how badly he needed support like this until now. Undying, unconditional support. Not like Spongebob didn't trust his friends, but Spongebob prided himself in being independent. It didn't hit him how it's still nice to have someone to just.

Rely on.]

Th-thank you. For everything. You're so nice and smart and kind and I love talking with you and playing music with you and-

[He's definately babbling now.]

[violentenvies]

Shh, hush, it's alright. There's nothing to thank me for, truly-- [he rests his chin on the top of Spongebob's head, hand gently rubbing his upper back, soothing]

[employeeoftheyear]

But I do. You're so nice to me, a-and no matter what I did you've always been there to support me.

[A thought crosses his mind. He's unsure if he should say it, but he wants to let Salieri know. He has to know.]

... I think I like you more than Mr. Krabs.

[violentenvies]

[Mr. Krabs?? Is that...the boss that told him he was a simple sponge??

That bar feels so low but also...clearly someone who is very important to Spongebob. So perhaps to others that not be so high a compliment, but to him, clearly...

Salieri squeezes him gently, reassuringly]

...thank you, Spongebob. I'm honored, truly.