this is so sad. king dice, play despacito.

[oh_worm]

[ Well, despite her feelings on the matter, Beth sets up another afterparty this week! It's much the same as the weeks before - salad, some hot dogs and hot dog-related products - and cheetos are conspicuously absent, at least as much as is possible. She can't stop people from bringing them, but she can make sure none are around at the start of things.

In addition, though, she went to the art room and grabbed a bunch of supplies! There's a table set up with a piece of paper labeling it "ART THERAPY ZONE." Another table has some small instruments on it, and is labelled "MUSIC THERAPY ZONE."

The food table is labeled "SALAD THERAPY ZONE," don't worry. ]

Comments

[treefetish]

He did kill two people. For a joke. [pause] I don't think he could help it, though. He couldn't control what he was.

... I'm not a nice person. [goes. back to the carving.]

[carbonairhead]

Y-yes you are! Why would you say something like that?

[treefetish]

Because I've never done anything nice? I've always just tried to keep to myself. I only do things I want to do. I've never done anything for someone else.

[pause] Ted is nice. You're nice. Beth is nice. I'm just here.

[carbonairhead]

...You're nice in how you talk to us...and are friendly. To me, and Cleo, and Penny, and Beth...and the others. You don't have to do a huge, big thing for someone to be their friend, Audrey.

[treefetish]

[thoughtful pause]

I'm always learning new things, here.

... So, I guess you guys are my friends, then. [had. like. not really thought of things this way until right now.]

[carbonairhead]

Of course we are! [ She noses forward gently, nuzzling at Audrey's arm. ] Why, I've thought so since...gosh, since we first met.

[treefetish]

Really? [she. doesn't look like she fully gets that but okay.] I've only ever really... had the one friend? Even after everything, if people want to talk about the tree, they always go to Ted. I guess I'm just not really used to the idea.

[carbonairhead]

Well, that's not fair... He may have gotten it for you, but...you love it too! That tree should be something people talk to both of you about.

[treefetish]

Ted is more... [thoughtful pause] normal. He'd never really gone against the grain until I told him about the tree. I was a bad influence on him.

[carbonairhead]

What...? No, that was a good thing! If there were no trees...and no one wanted them...then you were a...gosh, a good influence!

[treefetish]

Honestly? People back home still aren't completely sold on the whole "tree" thing. The whole "you can't immediately enjoy it" part makes them nervous.

... I like to think it'll be good in the long run, though. It's something we need.

[carbonairhead]

Gosh... They better appreciate you, soon. You deserve that. Everyone needs...a little beauty. That's what you gave them.

[treefetish]

[shrugs] They just have different ideas of what that means. A lot of them think Thneedville is beautiful. Neat and clean.

... I don't know why I always feel like I have to defend them, here. I never did that back home.

[carbonairhead]

It's 'cause you're too nice, Audrey.

[treefetish]

Is that a thing that can happen? [like it doesn't sound real]

[carbonairhead]

Yeah! Um, at least, I think so, maybe. I've heard some of the other ponies saying that kind of thing.