It keeps happening

[forcegalactic]

[After that horror show of an execution, Mordecai is still restless from the investigation and trial. He has too much pent-up energy, and plenty of others are sure to be upset, too. Ashley was loved by nearly all of them, the trial was mentally draining, and that execution was crueler than it should have been.

Two hours after everyone has returned to their rooms, they'll find a note slipped under their doors.]

We can't go on with empty stomachs. There's food in the kitchen, and the dining room is always open if you need someone to talk to.

Please keep anything outside of eating and civilized conversation away from the dining hall. That room is meant to be a peaceful place for those of us that need it.

-Mordecai Benmont Jiminy

[Today, there's cream of tomato soup warming up on the stove with a set of bowls besides it. It's a more mindless dish to prepare than mashed potatoes, as much as Mordecai wants to vent his frustrations on the potatoes.

He decides to follow Cabanela's tradition and lights one more candle, and after some consideration, lights a sixth. Let those who cared about either girl pay their respects.]

Comments

[withabigsmile]

If I'm going to be honest, I haven't been okay since the first day we got here.

[So no. Not really. But she puts on a smile anyway.]

It's sad, isn't it? And it's going to happen again.

[swirlied]

[ That surprises him a little. Blue always seemed so cheerful, but really there's more to people than meets the eye. He admires it, though. ]

I want to tell you it won't, that this is the last time for sure but... I can't. [ All of this is too much, and he has to sit down somewhere, choosing to sit on the edge of her bed. ] I thought we were all going to make it out of this, that we were going to find a way out. I don't know what to think anymore.

[withabigsmile]

I'll be surprised if half of us do.

[That's being generous, isn't it? Six in, two out...]

But maybe I'm being pessimistic. Please stay safe, okay?

[swirlied]

[ He shakes his head. ]

I've been too optimistic. [ And he regrets thinking that way now, looking back on it. ] And I'll try my best. I want you to stay safe too.

[withabigsmile]

Optimism isn't a bad thing, you know.

[Red's the most optimistic guy she knows, and he always managed to make things right.

It's because he hadn't been hurt the way she has, of course, but that doesn't make it any less admirable.]

I'm holding you to that, alright? And don't worry about me. Trust me, we're a lot tougher than we look! ♥

[Tougher than guns, maybe not, but. Still. It's an attempt to lighten the mood.]

[swirlied]

I guess not, but I still need to be realistic. [ Everyone tells him to be realistic, but he's never actually realized it himself. ]

And I believe you, but I'm still going to worry.

[ Because that's who he is. ]

[withabigsmile]

[...Realistic. That's a good balance, isn't it?]

If you worry too much, you're gonna get wrinkles.

[swirlied]

Wrinkles? That's the last thing I need, honestly...

...nice html me

[withabigsmile]

Then you gotta learn to take it easy and not fuss so much, silly!

[...She's trying really hard to lighten the mood.]

[swirlied]

[ He really appreciates it. ]

I'll try. It's hard not to worry when I think about all the documents I'll need to read over and sign back home. [ Which is... A silly thing to be worried about but this is the best he can do right now. He smiles a little, trying to be more convincing. ]

[withabigsmile]

You'll be stuck doing desk work for weeks, won't you? I can't even imagine!

[You know, she's trying and he's trying and for now, that's what counts.]

[swirlied]

[ His face falls. ]

Don't even make me think about that... I'm so behind on my lessons too, I won't stop hearing about that for months.

[withabigsmile]

And what kind of lessons does a demon king have?

[...No seriously do you have like, how to be a jackass lessons, because if so you are seriously failing those-]

[swirlied]

Language lessons, mostly... I can speak the language, but learning how to read it is really hard. [ He's so happy when he can read a short note, honestly. ]

I'm also learning about the history of Shin Makoku.

[withabigsmile]

Shin Makoku?

[She pronounces it properly, at least. Is that demon land or something?]

[swirlied]

[ He nods, smiling now. ]

Yeah. That's my country. It's a really great place, with a lot of good people living there. [ There's a small pause as he tries to think of the best way to describe it. ] It's like one of those places you read about in a medieval fantasy novel or something.