everybody's fine 'cause it's party time ( W5 AFTERPARTY )

[cheerfuldays]

After a positively thrilling game of the prisoner's dilemma, it's all over. Everyone needs to get patched up, recover and... hopefully not kill each other after everything. At some point in the cafeteria, Shizuku and Madara have taken over the kitchen- though help won't be denied completely- and leaving a large meal of noodles and whatever else they can still use from Fai and Shizuku's little shopping trip... not a lot of fresh food, but it works out. There's also plenty of coffee, a tea kettle and even hot chocolate ready. (Shizuku herself is using her ill-gotten tapioca balls for some homemade boba, hell yeah.) Team Idol may not stick around for long, but there's plenty to go around for now... and Shizuku will happily bring over some snacks from the convenience store too. And did you know that place has a milkshake machine? Because it does. Get you a milkshake, people.

But tensions are high after everything. Hopefully this doesn't become a murdergame. 

Comments

[catarou]

Cream and sugar, but only a small amount. Less sugar than cream.

[ Geez, he's still getting used to people's concern. Gentaro crosses his arms over his chest in a gesture that could be mistaken for protectiveness.

Mistaken for. Right. ]

I admit, I've been better, but I've also been worse. And you?

[partymagician]

[ The closed off body language... Fai is familiar with that, since he does it himself. He pours a small amount of cream into the coffee, adding just a pinch of sugar before stirring. ]

The same. I don't feel pain right now, but I can tell I'm quite injured.

[ He hands over the coffee. ]

[catarou]

[ He takes the cup with a low murmur of thanks. Gentaro's still somewhat distant, but there's undeniable concern in the way he looks at Fai. ]

Have you been treated?

[partymagician]

[ That worried look at has him smiling comfortingly at Gentaro. ]

I have. I immediately when to Florence when all was said and done and they patched me up.

[catarou]

[ Despite himself, he relaxes. ]

Good. We owe them quite a bit, I'd wager.

[ ... Anyway. He takes a sip of the coffee. It's a comforting taste, and the warmth helps a little.

Just a small bit, but it's something. ]

It's perfect. You could put some of the baristas in Shibuya to shame.

[partymagician]

Really? I'm glad to hear that, since I owned my own cafe and all.

[ And he remembers Gentaro visiting at some point in one of his dreams. ]

[catarou]

Mm, I remember.

[ There is, possibly, a subtle note of fondness there. ]

Have you ever considered pursuing it again?

[partymagician]

[ That hint of fondness makes him smile ever so slightly. ]

I haven't given it a lot of thought, only because I don't think I'll ever settle down in a world for long enough.

[catarou]

Hmm, fair enough. Perhaps a mysterious, traveling merchant...?

[ He's teasing, but only just. It's just distracting enough that it can keep his thoughts off the unpleasant... mostly. ]

[partymagician]

[ He laughs softly enough that it won't trigger a coughing attack. ]

I like that. I could sell wares from other worlds. I bet that would make me the talk of the town, don't you think?

[catarou]

Oh, certainly. Many people would flock to see even a glimpse of you and your selection. You would easily become a legend.

[partymagician]

Legend status, hmmm? I think I could deal with something like that.

[ He isn't opposed to it, at least. ]

I wonder if my little puppy would be alright with that.

[catarou]

Oh? Your little puppy?

[ He's grateful to Fai--he feels he can count on him to distract him with a light conversation. ]

[partymagician]

[ Fai has had many, many years of trying to distract himself with light conversations! ]

That's right! My little puppy. If this world allows it, we'll try to travel together when all is said and done.