Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.

[carnivorously]

[Well, that was one hell of a trial. Kogami’s tired and hungry. He’ll get his staple hamburgers, but maybe he’ll be nice enough to help make some for everyone.

So there’s a note that goes out:]

Food in the dining hall – K, P, Q, & R

[It’s quickly written and straightforward.

And indeed there is food. There’s a shitton of hamburgers made by Kogami and Rose, the sliced cheese prepared by Pizzaz, and cake by QQ. Pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and other such condiments are set out as well as an assortment of buns.

There’s not lighted candles this time, so it’s clear that the usual preparers didn’t help with this ‘buffet’. (Well, if it wasn’t clear with the note).

So rest, relax, and well, you’re probably going to have to get your own drinks this time, sorry…]

Comments

[imaginex]

... I know.

I just thought maybe it'd be better to stay up a little while longer. Until it's later at night.

[arebetter]

[ She shrugs. ]

Not my business how late you stay up, in the end. How's the coffee?

[imaginex]

Not nearly as good as tea.

[She nods to the pot anyway]

But I don't usually drink coffee, so it probably tastes just fine...

Um, would you like some?

[arebetter]

Sure you can spare any?

[imaginex]

I don't think any more than a cup will make a difference, anyway. The rest might as well not go to waste.

[arebetter]

Then yeah, sure. Hang on.

[ AND SHE RUNS V QUICKLY TO GET A MUG... ]

Lay some on me.

[imaginex]

[F-fff...]

You love coffee?

[Pouring her a generous amount regardless; Pizzazz nearly left a fire trail there]

[arebetter]

I like it alright.

[ She sighs. ]

Especially after messes like that.

[imaginex]

[...]

Yes.

[There's a beat in which Sakura will offer cream or sugar if Pizzazz takes it, and then she stares at her own cup]

The trial ended up being a bit stressful.

[HA. A bit]

[arebetter]

[ She takes a little cream! ]

That's one way to put it.

[A man got so angry he generated lightning. ]

[imaginex]

Though I still find the entire thing to be distasteful, even though it's becoming a trend by now...

[arebetter]

Well, I don't think you'll find anyone here super in favor of murder without a reason at this point.

[imaginex]

Yes. It's the reasons I'm worried about. The Risen outright blackmailed us to make sure someone did something...

[arebetter]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I can tell you that you won't see me killing anyone, if that secret was the worst they could get.

[imaginex]

Well, I can't imagine you attacking anyone, Pizzazz-san. You're very nice.

[As if that verdict is all Sakura needs to make an assessment]

[arebetter]

[ Pizzazz does in fact choke a little on her coffee... at that... ]

Excuse me?

[imaginex]

[Watching that display with concern]

I-I say you were nice...

[arebetter]

No, no I heard you, I just... Seven Hells, how do you look at me and get "nice?"

[imaginex]

Aa, well...

I was a little nervous when we first spoke last week, but you've never shouted at me, and let me stay around you.

[Yep, that's Sakura's baseline.]

[arebetter]

I... that's-

[ WELL HERE'S A SITUATION NO ONE PREPARED HER FOR??? ]

... yeah. Sure. I'm nice. Don't go around telling everyone, I've got a reputation to uphold.

[imaginex]

Okay. I promise.

[YEP THAT SIMPLE.]

You mean a "punk" reputation?

[See? She remembered the word!]

[arebetter]

Yeah. Exactly. Can't have people knowing I'm nice.

[ THIS POOR CHILD??? ]

You know, speaking of punk, I have a leather jacket. I came in it, if you want to try one on sometime.

[imaginex]

... I can?

[She looks ridiculously pleased for trying on a jacket, but--]

Alright... as long as you don't mind!

[arebetter]

Yeah, sure. Might be a little big on you, but whatever, we'll work with it.

[imaginex]

[Riiight Pizzazz towers over her 5'1" self, and Sakura laughs, embarrassed]

Yes, it might be a little long in the arms and torso -- but I think I could roll the sleeves up. [Hand-me-down punk]