entranceway | video/action;

[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

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?

I made sure I'd still have room, so please, bring it on. I'm so excited for dessert.

[ Especially because she knows Minato made it. ]

Thanks.

[Minato was more than happy to serve up the cake that looked like this.]

It's a strawberry cake. I hope you're not allergic?

Definitely not, and even if I were, it'd be worth it to eat this, it looks amazing, Minato.

[ She grabs the fork and takes a bite, then closes her eyes and hums, sighing happily once she swallows. ]

It' so good, I might even eat two pieces.

Thanks.

[Having people eat his food and be happy about it? What more could Minato ask for?]

Have as many as you like, and if you want more for later, I can pack some for you?

That'd be great, I really want to take some back for Kurt.

[ She smiles a little, and she's quickly making fast work of piece one, glad there's a piece two available. ]

No problem. I'll get it for you.

[There was piece three, four, twelve, as much as she'd like. He did bring her one more slice and packed up some for Kurt in a white box for her.]

Christmas is usually like this, so we'll do it again next year too.

You mean I could have been doing this last Christmas, too?

[ She looks, adorably, a little disappointed. ]

Well, now I know, and I'll be here as soon as the food's ready next year.

We'll be ready. Wonderland is usually merciful enough to let us celebrate Christmas if not on the day, then close to it.

[Minato was looking forward to it already. He was glad that everyone so far had enjoyed their food.]

At least there's that. And maybe next year, I can get Kurt to come. But for now, I'm definitely having another piece of cake.

Sure, coming right up.

[And since Minato was getting her another slice of cake, he went ahead and boxed up a whole cake for her to take back to share with Kurt.]

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