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]

[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.