splitfictionthings

[splitfictionthings]

anyone ELSE thinking about how each of mio and zoe's respective powers in each other's subconscious were a DIRECT physical counter to each other's darkness???? zoe with her magnetic field being able to PHYSICALLY throw dark!mio's projectiles back at her so that she would finally be destroyed. mio with her LITERAL power of light in the midst of zoe's subconscious that was completely RIDDLED with darkness and terror from all her guilt.

tell me they're in love without telling me they're in love why don't you hazelight, like. go on, i dare you

[splitfictionthings]

Dragon Zoe x Cyber Ninja Mio (2/?)

[splitfictionthings]

Split Fiction wouldn't have even happened lmao - Mio would have just straight up shot Rader the instant he tried to manhandle her into the bubble

thank you @rreyy for this

[splitfictionthings]

I'm gonna regret this

[splitfictionthings]

story girlfriends

[splitfictionthings]

Why is this so Zoe and Mio coded

[splitfictionthings]

All my fics are now uploaded to ao3!

I GOT MY AO3 INVITE!

[splitfictionthings]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/65682010

I GOT MY AO3 INVITE!

[splitfictionthings]

I GOT MY AO3 INVITE!

[splitfictionthings]

Intrusion

There was something so inherently intrusive, about sharing someone's experiences.

Zoe felt completely out of her depth, running around alternating between her and Mio's stories. She tried to make the best of it, of course - joking when they had time to slow down and reminding herself that she wouldn't die whenever the simulator threw something fatal their way. Yet she could tell Mio felt exactly the same way - like she was intruding on something private, and that her presence wasn't appreciated.

Maybe it was true at the beginning. But as they ran through story after story - cyber ninjas, sand sharks, pigs, shapeshifters and exploding suns - Zoe found herself appreciating Mio's presence more and more. Where Zoe herself could get lost in her own misery, unable to process what was happening in front of her, Mio incessantly pushed ahead, heedless of embarrassment or self pity. Her blunt words and occasionally tactless comments, despite being aggravating, brought Zoe out of her head every time she started working up into a panic.

And, admittedly, it was nice to see her opening up a bit. After their argument before fighting the Ice King, Mio had definitely made more of an effort to engage with Zoe, even making a couple of jokes and biting back some of her comments. It was nice to see her playing around with potions at the magic market, screaming with glee as she rode a dragon, or playing with the anti-gravity in one of her side stories. She always seemed younger, in those moments - the usual frown on her face as absent as the wrinkle in her brow.

As they went on, it truly felt less like a chore to go through the stories. Rather it felt like an opportunity, as they grew closer and learned more about each other. Sure, Zoe wished she'd been more understanding in the beginning when Mio confessed about her father, but she couldn't have known. Looking at the large squid-like creature in the tank, she'd felt a similar aching in her heart to the one she'd felt for Ella many years ago.

Sure, she'd only known Mio for a couple of hours, and the girl could be abrasive at the best of times, but they'd grown close. Their shared experiences meant that they would likely be a large part of each others lives going forward - or at least, Zoe wanted to be. And that bond that was forming, based on shared trauma and genuine friendship, meant that Zoe's heart went out to Mio.

Besides, when Ella had died it had been horrible. Zoe couldn't imagine that process being extended for years, her death being almost certain but the faintest sliver of hope being present until the end. She half thought that would break her, and couldn't help but admire Mio for getting up every single time it must have knocked her down.

She wanted to tell her that, was trying to find the words, but then they were escaping and flying through the glitch once again, and she never found time. But she could reciprocate Mio's trust - her vulnerability - and so when she found the words she told her about Ella. Mio listened, offered her words she'd wanted to hear for many years now, and even offered her the chance to stay in the story as long as she needed. Zoe looked around, at the fantastical flora and fauna, the faint silhouettes of their dragons flying into the distance, and shook her head.

So back into the glitch they went, and Rader did his Rader-y thing and made everything 1000 times worse, and they were launched straight into Mio's subconscious.

If Zoe felt she was intruding on Mio's stories, she felt even worse now. Not to mention that Mio was clearly uncomfortable not knowing what was coming next. She seemed entirely out of her depth, her eyebrows furrowed and she constantly chewed on her bottom lip, looking to Zoe like she knew what was happening.

She didn't, but Mio couldn't seem to help herself. So, in what felt like a strange mockery of their usual dynamic, Zoe pushed ahead, letting Mio trail behind her like a duckling. She was entirely out of her depth - Mio usually being the one to lead their charge while Zoe held back, looking at views and touching flowers - but when she was needed she could certainly rise to the occasion.

Releasing dark Mio though...

Well, the panic that tore through Zoe's chest as the younger woman was grabbed by the throat was enough to tell you how she felt about that. And - in what was probably not the smartest move, she had to admit - she launched herself at the mech, latching onto her leg and holding on for dear life. Her landing wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but it had to beat Mio getting tossed to the ground like a sack of potatoes, Zoe running to her as she wheezed weakly.

It was their toughest battle yet. Zoe physically repelled dark Mio's own attacks back at her, Mio herself barely making a dent until she managed to leap inside the mech's head, wreaking havoc from the inside. But she still lagged behind, and Zoe had to make up the shortfall - effectively protecting her from a messed up version of herself that Mio claimed had once helped her through endless nights.

She could understand how this dark, angry version had come to be. Fighting a healthcare system that cared little for her or her father, trying to work towards your own passion and fighting those who tell you to stop, while simultaneously struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over your head... Mio had to be angry, otherwise she'd just fall apart. But forcing dark Mio's blade into her own stomach... it didn't feel good. Knowing she was effectively killing a part of Mio - no matter how evil - felt horrible.

And for a horrifying moment, she thought she'd killed Mio. Before the dust faded away, before she turned the right direction, she'd had the sinking feeling she'd killed Mio just like she'd killed Ella-

But there she was. Collapsed, sure. Crying, sure. But miraculously, wonderfully alive, and Zoe couldn't help but run to her. And then Mio practically flung herself into her arms, shaking and sniffling and clinging far too tightly, but all Zoe could focus on was her heartbeat, her breathing, her movement - all undeniable signs that she was, in fact, alive.

"Take your time." She'd told her, holding her back just as tight.

When Mio eventually pulled away, wiping at her cheeks and refusing to make direct eye contact, she just smiled, reaching forward to push some of her hair behind her ear. And maybe they hugged again, whispered confessions they'd never let the world know (even if they wrote about it themselves - an idea which was tentatively forming in Zoe's head but was entirely contingent on their escaping of the machine) and held onto each other just a little too long, a little too tightly. But that was only for them to know.

And sure, maybe they would end up in Zoe's subconscious too. Maybe she'd have to face her own worst emotions given physical form, and have her own breakdown.

But she couldn't think of anyone else she'd prefer to face it with.

[splitfictionthings]

Close

Sharing a simulator with someone for hours... well, the concept of personal space pretty quickly becomes a foreign one. Especially when you're forced to confront your own subconscious, all your worst fears and emotions pulled out and put on display for the person sharing your mind.

Still, Zoe thought this was a little much.

They were in bed, although saying Mio was also in the bed was probably an overstatement. A more accurate descriptor would be that Mio was on Zoe.

Her head was tucked into Zoe's neck, one of Zoe's hands tangled in her short hair. Her entire upper body was draped over Zoe's, their legs so tangled together it would be difficult to separate them. Zoe could feel her breath on her neck, feel the fluttering of her eyelashes too. She could feel her heartbeat, the steady rise and fall of her chest - even her stomach raising a complaint about how long they had been cuddled together.

"You're so needy today," She sighed fondly, feeling Mio shift against her. She used the hand wrapped around Mio's waist to readjust her, scratching at her scalp with the other. Mio made a noise of pure bliss, pulling Zoe closer towards her.

"Can't I just like being here?" She asked, although the snark that Zoe suspected was meant to be in her tone was suspiciously absent. "It's nice. It feels nice."

"Fair enough." Zoe half-laughed, "Well, that's what I'm here for. To spoil you rotten."

"Mmh. You're doing a damn good job at it too." Mio grunted. "Or you would be if you kept scratching my head."

"Your wish is my command." Zoe chuckled, letting Mio go limp against her. "You're very cute."

"I'm not cute." She huffed.

"You are at the moment. Maybe not when you were wielding gravity swords and blowing me up all the time, but you are now."

Mio didn't respond, merely grunting in displeasure.

"You can't even fight me on this." Zoe laughed. "You know it's true."

"Shut up. I'm being bullied."

"No you're not." She buried her nose into Mio's hair, a faint scent of apple from her shampoo meeting her nose. "You're being spoiled."

"Damn right I am." Mio sniffed, "I deserve it."

"Absolutely."

[splitfictionthings]

Mio, Put The Frying Pan Down!

"You are NOT allowed in the kitchen! Put the frying pan down!"

Mio froze, slowly placing the pan back on the counter. She had the same wide-eyed stare as Void beside her, green and brown eyes never leaving Zoe's figure in the doorway.

"I just wanted pancakes?" She half said, half asked, reluctantly stepping away. "I can make them."

"You burnt salad." Zoe shook her head, shooing her away from her station. "You can't be trusted."

"But my pancakes..."

"I can't make American style, but I can make British style. You just sit there and look pretty."

"Ok." Mio hauled herself up on the counter, watching as Zoe started bustling around. "I still think I'm not as bad as you think I am."

"If it wasn't for me, you'd be diagnosed with scurvy." Zoe levelled her with an unimpressed stare, experienced hands cracking eggs with little issue despite her not even looking at them. "Miss Cup Noodles and Frozen Pizza."

"It did the trick."

"It did. But now we have money and I refuse to let you get admitted to the hospital for malnutrition."

"Mph." Mio sat, watching Zoe carefully flip the pancakes. Unlike American style, these were quite thin - more similar to a crepe than what Mio would think of a pancake. But to be honest, it was probably a good idea for Zoe to take over the whole cooking side.

She didn't even know how she'd burned last week's salad! There had been no fire involved on her end - Zoe had been the one dealing with the chicken, coating it in paprika, garlic, cumin and turmeric and grilling it gently. Mio had just been adding in the components of the salad - spinach, carrots, sugarsnap peas and other bits. But somehow, a large portion of spinach fell under Zoe's pan, burning and setting the fire alarm off.

Mio insisted it wasn't her fault. Zoe found it hilariously terrifying.

"Here," Zoe handed her a plate, a small pile of pancakes stacked on it. "I put strawberries and cream on them - just how you like."

"Thank you." Mio popped a piece of pancake in her mouth, humming happily. "Here. You have some too."

"No thank you, I'm fancying something a bit more savoury myself." Zoe's thumb wiped away a little cream from the corner of her mouth, before she leaned in to press a little kiss to the same spot. "I'm just happy you're happy."

Before the heat flushed into her cheeks, Mio's mind trying to figure out how to respond to that, Zoe had turned away, cracking more eggs and starting to make some form of omelette.

"I love you." She mumbled, one of those rare moments that she just couldn't contain it. They didn't actually say it often - it was more portrayed through their actions or bickering. But sometimes, in the privacy of their own home and during moments of casual intimacy, sometimes those three little words just bubbled up inside her, falling out of her mouth before she could stop them.

When they were curled up in bed, dappled sunlight illuminating Zoe's golden hair. When Zoe was cooking, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration as she added measured amounts to a pan. When they tried to build furniture, Zoe accidentally hitting herself with a hammer and bouncing around like a chicken with one leg, cursing the entire time.

Zoe just smiled, flipping her omelette with practiced ease before looking back at her.

"I know. I love you too."

[splitfictionthings]

come a little closer to me

[splitfictionthings]

You're... Not A Centipede

It was... weird, picturing Zoe's parents as not a conjoined Centipede.

Ok that's a weird sentence but still. During their time in Zoe's subconscious, they'd spent a lot of time with the parent-ipede, and consequently, Mio had kind of formed an idea in her mind about Zoe's parents.

And attached it to the depiction she'd seen - you know. The centipede.

Oh she'd seen Zoe's parents since - in video calls. But there is nothing quite like landing in England and seeing Zoe throw herself into two people's arms and still catching yourself looking around for a double-headed fucking centipede.

"This must be Mio, right?" Charlie smiled, one hand still wrapped around his daughter's shoulder as he reached forward with the other one.

"Um... yeah." She shook the offered hand weakly. "Charlie, yeah?"

"Yes, and this is my wife Leanne."

"A pleasure," Leanne grinned, a slight dimple in her cheek not dissimilar to Zoe's. "We've heard so much about you!"

"Whatever you heard I didn't do it."

Charlie laughed, loud and booming, while Zoe slapped Mio's shoulder.

"Only good things!" She insisted, and Mio elbowed her back.

"You do over exaggerate sometimes."

"Oi!"

"Now, now," Leanne interrupted, "You'll have plenty of time for bickering once we're out of the airport."

They certainly had. Bickering was the foundation of their relationship after all, even if it was all in good fun. Zoe had even seamlessly resumed their previous bickering after waking Mio up, because of course she fell asleep in the car on the way to Zoe's parents house ON Zoe's shoulder. Honestly what was Mio's life if not a collection of embarrassing moments that make her want to walk off a cliff?

Zoe, much to her credit, mentioned nothing about the patch of drool on her t shirt, simply jumping straight back into bullying her about her reaction to the baby dragons (which was justified). The mood in the car was more solemn, which Mio later found out was because Zoe was recounting their misadventure with Rader while she was asleep, but they easily brought it right back up, slapping each other's hands until they couldn't anymore from laughter.

Zoe's house (not the one they saw in the simulation - but still a nice house located near the Peak District) wasn't massive, but had enough space for Mio to have her own room. Sure it wasn't decorated like Zoe's childhood bedroom was, being designed for any guest who might ever stay, but the bed was comfy and there was space for her clothes and a desk for writing and what else could she need? It was just strange being that far away from Zoe, after a whole day in each others brains and 6 months hearing each other sleep through paper thin walls. But what was weirder was hearing two voices downstairs, almost identical to that centipede, and having to remind herself that they are real legit humans.

The first few days were weird. The silence surrounding the house was eerie, the walls so thick Mio couldn't hear anyone unless they were being really loud or on the same level. The bed was both too big and too soft - she couldn't feel the springs like she could on her own mattress, and it smelled too clean. She awoke to birds chirping instead of engine rumbles, and the nights were so much darker than the city.

Zoe seemed utterly refreshed - eyes brighter and smile easier than Mio had ever seen. She often found herself wondering if her dad would have fared better here, in the clean air and peace, but Zoe would quickly drag her out of her thoughts with some kind of mischief. A waterfall walk, or a hike for a picnic. At some point they even climbed a large hill, Mio complaining the whole way but admittedly breathtaken once they reached the top (literally and figuratively). It almost made up for her passing out halfway down and having to eat an emergency banana to feel more alive again.

After a week or so, Mio also got used to it. She saw the stars (prettier than she thought, though she wouldn't admit it to Zoe), watched squirrels dash around in the front garden and eat peanuts from her palm, and even went for a swim in the lake nearby with Zoe. Charlie and Leanne would accompany them, and sometimes Zoe's nieces and nephews, running around and squealing underfoot.

But nothing is ever truly perfect.

Mio knew that perfectly well - but slamming up from her sheets, struggling to breathe and struggling to discern reality from illusion, she wasn't exactly thinking straight. A strangled scream tore itself from her throat without her even knowing, sweat slicked hands clawing at her throat.

Before she could even blink the door slammed open, Zoe tumbling into the room with none of her usual grace. Her hair was a mess, knotted and tangled, and her pajamas sat skewiff on her body. She looked wildly around the room, as if scanning for threats, before she dashed to Mio's side, hands cradling her face tentatively.

"I can't breathe!" Mio eventually choked out, "I don't - Rader-"

"Rotting in jail, waiting for his trial" Zoe's voice cracked a little, her throat clearly dry from sleep, but she still sounded as assertive as ever. One hand slipped down to her neck, her thumb stroking in rhythmic motions. "You can breathe. Just follow me. In and out."

It took a minute or so before Mio's wheezing faded to more stable rhythms, the motion of Zoe's thumb against her throat enough to follow. She slumped forward, forehead resting on Zoe's shoulder.

"Did I wake you?" She asked, her voice hoarse. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Zoe shook her head, "I wouldn't want you to go through that alone."

"I've done it before."

"I know."

They stayed like that for a while, Mio's head on Zoe's shoulder while Zoe's hand carded through her hair. It was a familiar pose - on both sides. Nightmares weren't rare in their apartment, unfortunately.

A tentative knock came at the door, before it gently creaked open. Leanne quietly walked in, two steaming mugs in her hand that she placed on the bedside. She crouched by the bed, wincing slightly but looking at them in concern.

"You don't have to explain," she offered gently, "I just want to check you're ok."

Mio nodded, too tired to speak, and Leanne smiled. One hand reached out, wiping the dampness on her cheeks before resting on her forehead. Pursing her lips at what must be some warmth, Leanne opened the window, letting the cool night air in.

"Let me know if you need anything," she whispered, leaning her forehead against Zoe's for a moment before she appeared to head downstairs.

"Did I wake everyone?" Mio's voice was barely audible.

"It's not your fault," Zoe said firmly, grabbing one of the mugs, "Now drink up, buttercup. It'll make you feel better."

It did. The tea was warm, soothing her sore throat like a balm, and settling warm in her stomach. She stayed pressed to Zoe the whole time, who never let her go.

"I don't think I want to be alone right now." She whispered after draining the cup. Zoe didn't answer, simply shuffling down the bed and clumsily pulling the covers over them both.

"You don't have to -"

"Shut up." Zoe sighed, readjusting them so they were laying comfortably. They were facing each other, one of Zoe's hands pushing Mio's head into her shoulder and the other wrapped around her waist. Mio slipped her own arms around Zoe too, holding her loosely. "I've got you, Mio. Sleep well."

They fell asleep like that, tangled up in each other like they were afraid to lose them. And Mio woke up in a similar way, her head on Zoe's chest and body practically draped over hers. They were warm, comfy, the weight of the covers almost blissfully crushing. Even the thought of moving from the bed, from Zoe, felt like it could be world ending. So she stayed put, dozing until Zoe blinked herself into existence.

"Morning, Mio." She yawned, Mio grunting in return. "You ok?"

" 'm fine." Mio mumbled, "Warm."

"You talk in your sleep."

"..." Mio sat up, bleary-eyed. "Do I?"

"I'm fairly sure you ordered a McDonalds breakfast from me before I dropped off."

"Oh." She was dumbfounded. "Where is it then?"

"Oh I'm sorry, just let me pull one out of my ass for you." Zoe laughed, tugging her back down and ruffling her hair fiercely.

"Hey! Get off!"

"Nope."

Mio screeched as one hand wriggled it's way under her top, squeezing her sides with brutal efficiency. "OK! OK! Stop!"

"I win." Zoe grinned, climbing out of bed and leaving Mio there to catch her breath. "Get dressed, Giggleguts. Breakfast won't be long."

"I still think your parents are a centipede sometimes." She admitted on a whim.

"... Is that why you sometimes look surprised when you see them?"

"..." Mio looked away, folding her arms. "...Maybe."

Zoe's laugh sounded like it tore out of her body, leaving her breathless. Mio frowned, ready to defend herself, but when the first snorts started she couldn't help but shake her own head with a grin.

"Glad you're having fun." She sighed.

"I'm gonna tell them," Zoe wheezed, lunging for the stairs.

"NO! DON'T YOU DARE!"

[splitfictionthings]

Me tossing my silly lil fics and headcanons on a new Tumblr: Gotta get it out of my system

People: *actually liking it*

[splitfictionthings]

Pivot!

"Ok, ok, to the left a bit!"

"I'm stuck on a corner, Mio! I can't really rotate!"

"Hang on, lemme try and just..." Mio deposited the half of the couch she was wrangling, flicking her hair out of her face in irritation. Zoe did the same, her ponytail loose and face flushed. They were trying to lift the couch into their brand new flat, but... Well, staircases are a bitch.

Zoe huffed, tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear. "I need a hair cut."

"You and me both." Mio blew her own hair out of her face, groaning when it fell right back over her eyes. "I'm gonna shave it."

"Don't you dare." Zoe practically growled.

"I'm a strong independent woman I do what I want."

"No."

"Ok."

"Good," Zoe hefted it back up, wincing. "Ok, up we go. Pivot!"

"Don't go quoting FRIENDS at me now!"

"Why not?"

"It's a bad show!"

"Yeah but it's still iconic!"

"Ugh..."

"Pivot!"

"Stop!" Mio half-laughed, crashing into the wall. "I can't-!"

Zoe's eyes gleamed. "PIVOT!"

"No!"

"PIVOT!"

"Um... are you two ok?"

Both of them yelped, dropping the couch in surprise.

"Shit, shit shit shit shit!" Mio dragged the couch off her toes, crouching and wincing. "Ow."

"Sorry, Mio!" Zoe scrambled over the top of the couch, their neighbour doing the same.

"Are you ok?" He asked, and Mio nodded.

"Yeah, it stings but it's fine." She tentatively put her foot down, wincing. "Maybe."

"Maybe, sit on the couch?" Zoe offered, "I can try and shove it up?"

"Oh, do you need help?" Their neighbour (oh what was his name? Jack? John?) offered. "My brothers are in town so we'd be more than happy?"

"Oh that would be marvelous!" Zoe nodded, grinning. "Thank you so much!"

"I'll unlock the apartment then I guess," Mio started, before Zoe pushed her back down.

"No, no, have your Cleopatra moment, Mio! We'll be up there in a jiffy!"

"What even is a jiffy?" Mio muttered, but stayed on the couch. Zoe was a force of nature when she wanted to be, and currently was kneeling in front of her, removing her shoe and carefully peeling off her sock.

Ouch. A pretty deep red colour covered the top of her food, concentrated just above her toes from where the couch leg had landed. She could feel it pulsing slightly, and would definitely be a nasty bruise.

"Looks like you're wearing shoes that don't put pressure on the top of your foot for now," Zoe winced, "Does it hurt?"

"It's definitely throbbing," Mio nodded, before hissing. "Shit, don't press it!"

"Sorry, sorry," Zoe released her foot, putting the shoe and sock on the couch next to her. "We'll get something cold on it as soon as we're in, try and cool it down a bit."

"Frozen peas?" Mio asked mournfully, before Joe (?) and his brothers came out. After a brief conversation, the three men and Zoe each took a corner of the couch, navigating the stairwell with significantly more ease than the two of them had alone.

Despite Mio still being sat on the couch.

This was too much of an extrovert thing for her. She felt like shrinking into herself, but forced herself to at least look like she was ok being there, but her feet didn't touch the floor and she felt kind of useless.

"Careful," she finally managed to say, noticing Zoe stumble, "Only 4 more steps behind you, you got this."

"Aye, captain!" She grinned breathlessly, readjusting her grip and leaning forward to ruffle her hair.

"Oi!" Mio tried to duck from her hand, shrieking when Zoe leaned further forward. "She's bullying meee!"

"You two are fun," James (?) laughed, "Come on, final push!"

"They remind me of Jen and her girlfriend," one of his brothers grunted, and Julian (?) perked up.

"Yes, exactly!"

"You'll have to introduce us, at some point!" Zoe grinned, wheezing slightly as they angled the couch through the door.

"I think you'll get along great!"

"Mind the cat!"

"Ah shit!"

Some cat wrangling and couch fumbling later, finally the couch was deposited in the living room and pushed against the wall. Jeremiah (?) dragged a hand through his hair, puffing out a breath.

"Phew. How's your foot?"

"Fine." Mio said dismissively, but he let out a whistle as he looked at it.

"Ouch, that's gonna smart for a while. Got anything cold to put on it?"

"Already on it!" Zoe yelled, and suddenly Mio felt something cold hit the back of her neck.

"ZOE!" She wailed, a cackle being her only response. A shiver wracked her body, and she grabbed the frozen peas in a huff.

"God you really remind me of Jen. I will have to get you her number!"

"Get me the number for the domestic abuse hotline." She grumbled, and Zoe laughed again.

"Oh you love me."

"Debatable."

"Put that on your foot and be quiet."

"You see what I have to deal with?" Mio pointed at Zoe accusingly, Joel (?) stifling laughter the whole time. "I'm telling your mother."

"Do that, she'll tell you to put it on your foot and be quiet."

"She likes me better anyway."

"Which is exactly why she'll tell you to put it on your-"

"Ok, ok. Putting it on my foot and being quiet."

Somewhere between Mio putting it on her foot and being quiet, and Zoe making her way over with two mugs of tea, Jonah (?) and his brothers left, trading phone numbers with Zoe and promising to invite them over to watch the Olympics next week. Zoe deposited her tea on the side, pulling Mio's foot into her lap and moving the peas aside.

"Still looks pretty gnarly," she frowned, lightly running her fingers over the bruise. "Still throbbing?"

"A little bit." Mio sipped at her own mug, flexing her toes slightly and wincing. "More when I move."

"Well, maybe don't do that idiot." Zoe sighed fondly, "As much as I liked meeting our new friends, I do wish you hadn't gotten hurt."

"Yeah. Jacob seemed nice."

Zoe looked at her. "Jacob?"

"Jackson?" Mio tried again.

"Jason?" Zoe asked, biting her lip to keep from laughing.

"Fuck." Mio slumped as Zoe lost it, folding her arms petulantly. "I knew it started with a J."

"Might wanna get it right before we go over next week." Zoe grinned, and Mio huffed out a breath.

"You know I suck with names."

"I do. I don't know how you got mine right."

"We were stuck in a simulator together for a whole day!!" Mio grabbed a pillow, throwing it at Zoe. "You're so mean to me."

"It's not bullying, it's banter."

"It is absolutely bullying."

"Maybe a lil bit."

[splitfictionthings]

Another chapter to the Mio "I hate puns" Hudson story.