Madoka yawned, heading down to Clair's room to meet her for the morning meeting. The two had started a routine of sorts where they walked down to the conference room together--after the harrowing events of the last trial, Madoka had needed her composure.
She cracked open the door, then emerged, her jacket fully zipped. Madoka waved politely. Clair returned the gesture.
"I was thinking," she began, "that I might want to visit the casino today. Maybe we can go together after the meeting. Faqir and Braeden were going to join me, if that's okay."
Madoka nodded, remembering the announcement soon after everyone had returned from the trial--the second floor had opened up, along with the nurse's office. The group now had access to a library, a casino, a recreation room with pool tables and table tennis, a bar, and a dance club--mostly recreational things, nothing too useful, but having more to do was certainly welcome. Braeden seemed to appreciate the bar, at least.
"That could be fun," Madoka agreed. "A-although, u-um, I'm not really...I-I mean--"
"Relax, good luck charm," Clair laughed.
Madoka's heart fluttered. He wasn't sure when, but at some point, Clair's nickname for him had started setting his heart racing. Faqir's teasing might not have been far off--Madoka couldn't bear to think of living in this place without her anymore.
"I won't let them pick on you or anything. And I promise, I'm not going to ignore you. Maybe we can play a round of Go Fish."
Madoka chuckled, stepping back to allow Clair more room to step out. The two began to make their way towards the conference room, Clair threading an arm around Madoka's.
"Isn't this place wonderful?" she sighed. "There's everything you could ever need here. I know I should be worried about another murder, but I just...I don't see why anyone would want to leave. I really don't. We have our own paradise."
Madoka nodded. "I-it's a wonderful place. I-I'd be happy to stay here forever."
They emerged into the conference room chattering politely. Madoka went to pull out a chair for Clair, then settled down beside her. He waved to Mercy and Vivara.
"Good morning. H-how did you two sleep?"