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[Time for Wonderland's fifth annual Japanese KFC Christmas! The diner has been decorated just like everything else in the Mansion. Of course, like every year, Souji's made his own additions, with Minato's help. They've dragged out the Colonel (it took them several tries to get one that wasn't made of gingerbread) and in the background of the feed, Minato is stringing him with twinkling fairy lights.

Souji isn't helping. Sitting at the counter in front of a small army of strawberry Santas, he's holding one in one hand, looking at it from all angles, as though deciding which direction it's best to attack from. To the side are several undecorated Christmas cakes, which Minato will be tending to once he's finished helping the Colonel get dressed.

Realizing the device is recording, Souji sits up a bit straighter, because he totally wasn't slacking off.]

The diner's ready for anyone who wants to eat fried chicken. [He smiles a little. In the background, Minato waves to the camera.] We do this every year, but if you weren't here before, it's a tradition from home. In Japan--the Japan I'm from anyway--we eat fried chicken and Christmas cake each year.

We'll be making it from now until Christmas, as long as things stay like they are now.

[I.e. without too much ridiculous chaos going on.]

[Note: Both Minato and Souji will answer responses (separately from one another). Feel free to have Mirrors wander in as well. There is enough chicken and cake for everyone.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Minato was happy to see Jane at the diner and taking part in their little celebration. He liked her sweater, too! Cute.]

After you have the fried chicken, did you want Christmas cake too?

Minato! Yes, I'd love some. What flavor of cake is it?

[ She's looking at the wide array of food in front of her as it is, but she's definitely feeling ambitious. She's going to eat all of it. ]

It's a sponge cake with cream and strawberries. But if you don't like that, I can make something else?

[Minato didn't mind at all! Some people weren't fans of any of those ingredients. And some people may have associated "Christmas cake" with chocolate or mint, something like that.]

I think I'm gonna love that. Maybe even two pieces worth. Let's see how much fried chicken I can eat.

[ She looks at her options, then back at Minato. ]

Should I use a knife and fork?

I can save a whole cake for you and what you don't finish, you can take with you?

[And share with Kurt too, perhaps? Or save it for herself, either way!]

Mn, you can do that or your hands. Chopsticks?

[ Kurt might have to pry cake away from her, but she'll share it. Eventually.

She looks around the diner and sees most people eating with their hands, so she pushes up her sleeves. ]

I'll go hands. Seems like the popular thing to do.

[ Sleeves rolled up, she goes for it, picking up a drumstick and getting that first crispy, tender bite and humming. ]

Okay, this is good. Really good. Amazing.

I'm glad you like it. Souji would be happy to know, too.

[Seeing her smile and enjoying the food, there wasn't much more he could ask for, especially now.]

You can have more than just that. I'll bring you more?

Are there side dishes with fried chicken usually?

[ She's really going to town on that chicken now, though, completely loving it. ]

The chain usually serves coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, and biscuits with honey. We can make that too, if you'd like.

[Whatever she wanted, Minato was more than happy to make it for her. He was really glad that she was happy too.]

Hm...I'm not sure how I feel about coleslaw. So maybe just mashed potatoes?

[ A part of her wants to get up and get it herself because he's been cooking and doing so much for others. But she's grateful and makes sure to thank him. ]

Coming right up.

[It didn't take too long for Minato to serve those mashed potatoes she requested.]

I hope that you get to try a lot of things and learn what you like.

Oh, I have been, for sure. And thank you for the food.

[ She takes a few bites before looking at him. ]

What's your favorite food, Minato?

You're welcome.

[And oh, man, he had to think about that. He gave her a smile.]

Anything, really. I have this habit of eating more than is humanly possible, or so I've been told.

You can literally eat more than is humanly possible, or you just really love food a lot?

[ She smiles, loving that fact either way. ]

Both? In a way, being here is nice. I can get as much food as I want, and I'm not troubling anyone else about it either.

[Like if he had to pay for food at home or if someone had to pay for him? It was easier to have an unlimited supply of food here!]

That's true. Also, if you get too much, I guess there's no reason to feel that bad because it goes somewhere else when you don't eat it? I actually don't know where things disappear to when you let the mansion clean for you. But I imagine if it's all done by magic, it can't be that big of a deal.

[Minato nodded. That was so true.]

It's like they want it to be convenient here so we get comfortable? But it's okay, from day to day.

I feel like I wouldn't mind this place so much if only I were ever in danger. I can handle that, and I feel like I'd be okay. But that's not how it works. So, the free food is nice, but...I'd give it up if it meant my family and friends would always be okay.

Mn, I understand. It's the same. This place tests me to see how well I can protect those I care about.

[Sometime it wins, but sometimes it loses.]

How often does it make you feel helpless?

[ It's happened to her when Patterson died, so she's curious to know if it has to anyone else. ]

I feel like I get reminded a lot. What ifs and could have beens. When dangerous events hit, sometimes I can't get in touch with everyone.

[It really did test him and his selflessness or selfishness, as the case may be.]

I'd just want to be there if anyone needed it.

[ Jane can relate, and she reaches out to squeeze his wrist gently. ]

I know how you feel. Home can be like that for me sometimes. I think all that matters is that we try hard for the people we care about.

[Minato appreciated that and smiled a little.]

Thank you. I hope they know that we do try hard. They try hard for us too.

I think they know, just like we know.

[ Taking a bite of chicken, Jane focuses on eating for a few minutes. It's good, all of it, and as she finishes up her main course, she sighs happily. ]

This is definitely the best chicken I've ever had. Fried is for sure the way to go.

[Minato smiled at that, happy that she was happy too.]

It is. It's probably good because it's supposedly bad for you.

[But fried stuff is awesome anyway and you only live once. Sort of... well, Wonderland kind of throws that rule out of the books.]

You have room for Christmas cake?

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