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

[studentbody]

I guess, but like...

[She chews her lip.]

He offered a half-opened bag of cheetos and it still worked.

[in4apounding]

Well- okay- but. Um.

[Stupid logic, bringing reality into this.]

Lilliane was an accident. And Mister Backslide and Wabuu were just. Kind of crazy. No one else here would kill over something that-

[...]

...No one besides Mister Wonka is going to kill over something that trivial, and there's only one of him, and we all know to watch out for him, right?

[studentbody]

[Cleo presses her face into her knees, groaning.]

I guess that's true. But it could be another accident, you know? What if...what if I hurt someone on accident, or you, or...or anyone?

[in4apounding]

You couldn't hurt me.

[Unless King Dice starts passing out really big magnets, which. Is actually possible, she supposes.]

I mean- there could always be accidents, anywhere? All we can ever do is be careful.

[studentbody]

I wouldn't want to. You've only ever been super nice to me.

[She nods slowly, still worried.]

That's true. There's probably no use worrying about it, right?

[in4apounding]

[The intent not too probably does help, yes.]

Probably not, no. ...I'm probably going to end up worrying anyway, though.

[studentbody]

Oh, no, don't do that!

[She pats Penny's cheek, almost distractedly.]

You'll get wrinkles!

[in4apounding]

Oh- uh. Thank you? I'll try. ...I mean I don't- think I have to worry too much about that, but. I'll try.

...Don't you worry about me worrying either, I guess?

[studentbody]

Oh, you're never too young to worry about wrinkles. I do a face mask every night at home, and I use cold cream to take off my makeup. Plus: milk baths. Ancient Egyptian secret!

[Cleo nods, waving a hand.] We'll just agree not to worry where the other is concerned. Deal?

[in4apounding]

Oh, that sounds like a lot of effort. It must work though, I guess.

[Yes she definitely has to bathe like a normal flesh person.]

...Deal. I mean, I'll try my best.

[studentbody]

I could totally give you a spa day, you know. You'd come out of it absolutely glowing!

[in4apounding]

[Oh. A spa day. Which would almost certainly include water or water-adjacent substances, and possibly being immersed in them.]

[Penny's laugh in response is completely natural and in no way incredibly nervous or forced, and there is no war in Ba Sing Se.]

Tha-a-ank you! I'll. Definitely think about it.

[studentbody]

No need to sound so nervous! It'll be totally relaxing. And, Penny, no offense or whatever, but you could definitely use the chance to relax!

[in4apounding]

...I'll think about it, I promise.

[It does sound sort of nice, at least in theory. It's a thing friends do together, right?]

[studentbody]

Good! You can totally trust me, Penny, I promise.

[in4apounding]

I know. ...You can trust me too. I promise.

...Too.

[#nailedit]

[studentbody]

[Cleo just snorts.]

You're so weird. Later, gator.

[in4apounding]

[But what do alligators have to do with-]

[Yeah, no, she knows that phrase. She laughs a little and gives a small wave goodbye.]