Faussin let himself relax for a moment, thankful as everything began to shift back into the general direction of normal. Sighing, he allowed himself to straighten his posture, looking around at the students gathered. They were missing Amelia for the time being, but once she returned, they'd all be sitting. Together.
For the first time after Eriko's trial, they'd all be in the same room, together. Granted, it felt like they were all sitting on thin ice, but he didn't care. Faussin found himself clinging to that moment, knowing in the back of his head that it wasn't going to last for long. Clair would go back to her room, Mercy would continue to shut herself off, and everyone's moods would turn sour again.
And, God forbid, there was a chance they'd lose someone else soon. Monokuma wasn't going to like everyone getting along (not that they were in the first place--there was just a distinct lack of murderous intent, as far as Faussin knew.)
Graham had plastered his goofy smile back on, quickly getting in caught up in conversation with Faqir. Ysabel smiled softly at everyone, the lift in mood seeming to affect her as well. Vivara and Finnian exchanged words quietly in the corner, as Mercy kept her eyes closed, smiling ever so slightly.
"Sorry I'm late," Amelia's voice suddenly chimed from outside the hallway, seeming more peppy than usual, "why don't I just go ahead and PLANT myself in one of these chairs, eh? Eh?"
She poked her head in, sporting an uncharacteristically large grin. "BAZINGA! Get it? Someone? Anybudy?"
Everyone stared.
Amelia skipped inside, her complete personality change taking everyone off-guard. Faussin stared at her, somewhat wary of her pulling a knife out on someone or something.
"Oh, come on!" She whined. "You guys are no fun. So much for a thrilling introduction, huh?"
Vivara blinked. "What do you mean, 'introduction?'"
"I mean introduction. I don't think that word has any alternate meanings,"Amelia admitted, brushing her hair behind her ears. She whirled around to face everyone sitting at the table. "My good friends, you are no longer speaking to Miss Amelia Temmer. I'm afraid due to an unfortunate series of events, Amelia has taken a brief leaf of absence and has left me in charge. Yes, the glorious, fun-loving, very much needed Pun Queen has rose to the occasion!"
Finnian took a tentative step toward her. "Amelia, you feeling okay?"
"Amelia is not here," she repeated. "She's having some... feelings, let's say, about the current situation and has allowed me to take over as the dominant personality. I'm the all-mighty Pun Queen, inventor of fun, if you couldn't already tell from my glorious entrance."
"Right," Vivara muttered. "The 'Pun Queen.' We could tell. Now, miss 'Pun Queen', would you mind returning Amelia to us? I'm afraid I'm not in the mood for whatever this is right now."
Amelia--if they could even call her that--seemed to be getting frustrated. "She doesn't want to come back. I've said that already, haven't I?"
"Just drop the act already," Vivara said, seeming oddly exhausted. "I don't have time for this."
"It's not an act," she hissed. "I'm trying to tell you something, but you're not listening to what I'm saying. My name is Lottie, not Amelia."