#anyway... i'm still not sure what to think of it but here we go | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

honeyncherry · 2 days ago

Text

we never tell - joe burrow

summary turns out joe burrow doesn't take kindly to being treated like a stranger

content 18+, smut, angst, language, alcohol

part five

You’re getting flashbacks. Stuck in some hole-in-the-wall bar that smells like spilled beer and victory. The sort of place that's seen a thousand celebrations and will see a thousand more.

You're pressed between bodies that reek of adrenaline, trying to make yourself small in a corner booth while Dom argues with someone about LSU's defensive line. The noise is overwhelming, too many voices layered over bad music, the kind of chaos that makes your skull feel too tight.

You shouldn't be here.

Especially not when Joe keeps drifting closer to your end of the table, finding excuses to lean over Dom's shoulder, to grab napkins from the dispenser next to you, to brush past you under the pretense of squeezing through the crowded space.

Each time, you find a reason to move: bathroom, bar, outside for air. Anything to avoid being in his orbit for too long.

"You want another drink?" Dom's voice cuts through your spiral, and you realize you've been staring at the same spot on the table for who knows how long.

"I'm fine," you lie, even though your vodka soda has been empty for twenty minutes.

He gives you that look, the one that says he's not buying it but won't push. "I'm getting one anyway."

You have to scoot out of the booth to let him pass, the awkward shuffle making you want to melt. When you slide back in Dom's absence leaves a gaping space between you and Joe. You perch on the very edge of the seat, as far from him as possible while still technically sitting down.

"I'll come help you carry," someone whose name you didn’t catch says, pushing back from the table and following him.

Dom walks towards the bar, his jersey already stained with something that could either be beer or barbecue sauce. He looks happy, loose in a way you haven't seen him in months. This is his element—celebrating with friends that weren’t his but suddenly are. Basking in reflected glory, being part of something bigger than himself.

Everyone here looks the same, drunk on victory and possibility, wearing their colors like badges of honor. You feel like an imposter in your simple black top, like everyone can see that you don't belong.

"Come on, just for a little bit," Dom had pleaded outside the Mercedes-Benz stadium, still buzzing from the win. "The guys are celebrating. It'll be fun."

You should be at dinner with your parents right now, somewhere quiet with cloth stitched napkins and muted conversations. Somewhere safe. Instead, you're trapped in this testosterone-fueled victory lap because Dom wouldn't take no for an answer.

Fun. Right.

Your mom had looked disappointed when you chose the bar over dinner, her hand lingering on your arm like she wanted to pull you back. "You sure, honey? We could all go together. Have a nice meal."

But here you are, nursing regret in liquid form, trying not to think about the last time you talked to Joe. And definitely not thinking about the last time you saw Joe face to face.

You smell his cologne and your body goes traitor, remembering what your mind has spent months trying to forget. The urge to run wars with the urge to lean closer, and both options feel like jumping off a cliff.

Your phone buzzes against your thigh, and your stomach does a familiar flip before you even check the screen.

Holy shit you saw that game?? 👀

you: sooo when were you gonna tell me you're some star qb

You feel eyes on you and look over to catch Joe staring at your screen. His jaw is tight, and there's something unreadable in his expression as he takes in what you've written.

You tilt your phone away instinctively, but he doesn't look away. For a long moment, you're locked in this stare, heart hammering as his eyes search yours like he's trying to make sense of something.

Then, maybe out of spite—or desperation—you adjust your grip, angling the phone just enough for him to see Jalen’s name lighting up your screen as another message comes through.

You hate that you want him to care. Hate that you’re performing for an audience of one, using someone else’s attention like a weapon. But when his mouth tenses and steel flashes behind his eyes, a sick satisfaction curls in your stomach.

From across the table, Ja’marr calls out a question to Joe and his attention reluctantly shifts. You exhale a breath you didn't realize you were holding, angling your phone away this time as another response comes through.

jalen: Ain’t noo way you saw the game

you: saw you get your ass kicked

jalen: Ouch. And here I thought you were sweet

you: you thought wrong

you: :)

You're smiling despite yourself, the first real smile you've managed all day. Something about texting Jalen feels easy, like you can be the version of yourself that doesn't carry the weight of all this drama.

you: seriously though how did you not mention you’re oklahoma’s qb

jalen: How did you not mention you're apparently an LSU fan

Your mind drifts back to your initial message to him towards the beginning of the game. You'd been half-watching, half-scrolling through your phone, when the big screen lit up with Oklahoma's starting lineup. One by one, they announced the players, each name echoing through the Superdome as the camera followed them onto the field.

And then: "At quarterback, number one, Jalen Hurts!"

Your phone had nearly slipped from your hands.

There he was, larger than life on the jumbotron—the same honey-brown eyes, the same easy smile, but dressed in Oklahoma crimson instead of the casual clothes you'd seen him in back home. Stats flashed across the screen: 32 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns, 3,851 passing yards. Numbers that meant he was really, really good.

Before the screen could flash on to the next player, you quickly snapped a photo and sent it to him along with a string of question marks. What you didn’t notice was how blaringly obvious the pool of purple and gold that you were swimming in looked in the picture.

You: touche

"Oh my god, no way!"

The voice is bright and excited, cutting through the noise of the bar clearly. You look up to see her weaving through the crowd, face lit up with genuine delight. Behind her, Nate follows with the kind of resigned expression that suggests this wasn't his idea.

Your stomach drops.

Dom appears at your side, fresh drinks in hand, wearing a grin that looks suspiciously planned. "Surprise!" he announces, like it's Christmas morning.

You paste on a smile, one that might’ve been genuine if not for everything that happened a year ago. "Wow," you manage, standing to greet them both. "I had no idea you were coming."

Even as you're going through the motions, your attention keeps drifting to Joe's reaction. He's gone very still, that careful mask slipping into place as Bridget gets closer.

She reaches you first, practically buzzing, her cheeks flushed with excitement and probably alcohol. She's wearing LSU colors, a purple top that brings out her eyes, gold jewelry that catches the light. She looks perfect, like she belongs.

Part of you wants to hate her—for her posts, for being here, for the way she fits into Joe's world. But she's warm and genuine, and that makes it worse somehow. Because it would be easier if she were awful. Easier to justify the sickening jealousy that crawls about when you see her.

"I've missed you," she pulls back to look at your face. "When Dom called however many weeks ago and said he could get us here for tonight, I've been excited since."

"Weeks?" The word slips out before you can stop it, and you catch the guilty flicker in your brother's expression as he sets drinks down on the table.

"Right after we found out your family was coming to the game," Nate confirms, reaching over to dap up the other guys. "Dom said we had to be here for the game. Make it a proper reunion since no Tahoe trip for you this year."

The pieces click into place with sickening clarity.

Your brother orchestrated this. Set you up like pieces on a chessboard, and you walked right into it. The betrayal tastes metallic, makes your hands shake as you realize how naive you've been. Does he know? About your encounters, about the phone calls, about how you've been walking around with Joe's name carved into you like scar tissue? The thought makes you want to disappear into the floor.

But Bridget doesn't seem to notice your stillness, too focused on turning her attention to Joe.

"Hey," she speaks to him. It’s almost personal the way she looks at him, not desperate or clingy, but like she has every right to be here, in this moment, celebrating his victory alongside all of you.

Joe stands from the booth to greet her properly, and you're suddenly standing beside each other, close enough that you can feel the tension radiating off him.

Before he can react, Bridget's leaning in for a hug. It's brief but intimate, her hands resting against his shoulders. The awkward pat on her arm he gives her seems more obligatory than friendly.

When Joe pulls back, he steps away too quickly and his shoulder knocks into you, sending you stumbling back against the edge of the booth. His hand darts out instinctively, curling around your arm to steady you before you can fully lose balance.

The contact lingers for a second longer than it should. His touch is careful, but you can feel the way his fingers flex like he doesn’t really want to let go.

His skin against yours is muscle memory, your body recognizing his touch before your brain can build its defenses. For one terrifying second, you want to melt into it. Your pulse skitters like a trapped bird, and you jerk away because staying means drowning.

You lean away as far as the limited space allows and his face briefly twitches. You tear your gaze away from him only to lock eyes with Ja'Marr, who's been watching the two of you with barely concealed interest.

There's recognition in his expression that makes heat crawl up your neck. You wonder what he sees, whether the careful distance you've maintained looks as desperate as it feels. Whether everyone in this space can read the story written in the space between you and Joe.

"Sorry," Joe mutters beside you. The first words he’s spoken to you since the messages stopped coming. It had been a couple days after his birthday with no reply from you, when he finally took the hint.

For what? You want to bite back.

"It's fine," you opt for instead.

You tear your gaze away from Ja'Marr and scan the faces around you. Nate is settling into conversation with one of Joe's teammates, the others are making room for everyone, and Dom is watching you.

When your eyes meet his, you raise your eyebrows slightly—that silent sibling language you've perfected over the years. What?

He shakes his head once and looks away, but not before you catch an unfamiliar edge to him.

There's a shuffle as people start sliding into the booth, Bridget claiming the spot next to where Joe was sitting, Nate squeezing in beside her, Dom and one of the teammates on the other side. You make sure to slide in last, again perching on the very edge of the seat where you can bolt if you need to.

Joe is seated beside you, and you're hyper-aware of the space between you… or lack thereof. The booth that felt too small before now feels suffocating with everyone new crammed in.

Bridget is talking about the flight, about how excited she was to surprise everyone, and you nod along. Nate is talking about the game, how he and Bridget made friends with some random people near the student section, and you smile at his jokes.

Your phone buzzes again, probably Jalen responding to your last message, but you don't check it. Can't, really, not with Joe sitting right there, not with the memory of his face when he saw you texting someone about being a "star QB."

More people keep filtering into the bar, LSU students still riding the high of victory, Oklahoma fans drowning their sorrows, the energy getting louder and more chaotic by the minute.

You're ready to jump out of your own skin. The noise of the bar fades to white static as your nervous system floods with the need to escape. Anything but sitting here, drowning in the space between what you want and what you can't have, between who you're trying to be and who you become when he's near.

"—right?" Bridget's voice is directed at you, and you realize she's looking at you expectantly.

"Sorry, what?"

"I was saying how crazy it is that we're all here together. Like old times again."

"Yeah," you manage, forcing a smile. "Crazy."

But it doesn't feel like old times. It feels like wearing clothes that used to fit but now pinch in all the wrong places. Joe takes a sip of his drink, and you catch the movement in your peripheral vision, dialed into everything he does.

You start thinking of excuses. Headache. Stomach ache. Parents expecting you back. Anything to get out of here, away from the weight of Joe's presence and prying eyes.

That's when you spot him.

At first, you're not sure—it’s gotten so crowded, bodies shifting and blocking your view. But there's familiarity within the figure near the main bar area, the way he carries himself. You crane your neck slightly, trying to get a better look without being obvious about it.

Oklahoma crimson. The right height. Could it be—?

One of the guys he's with notices you staring and nudges him, pointing in your direction. When Jalen turns and looks, his face breaks into a smile you remember.

Heat crawls up your neck once again tonight, embarrassed at being caught staring, but also relieved beyond measure that it's actually him instead of some stranger. You can't help the small smile that tugs at your lips in response.

Jalen raises his hand and waves you over, tilting his head toward where he's standing. You slide out of the booth during a natural lull in conversation, your heart hammering so hard you're sure everyone can hear it over the noise.

Your legs feel unsteady as you navigate through the crowd, not from alcohol but from the sheer effort of holding yourself together for so long. You can still feel the phantom heat of Joe's body next to yours, the way your skin buzzed every time he shifted in his seat, the careful choreography of making sure no part of you accidentally touched any part of him.

By the time you reach Jalen, you’re full of something that feels dangerously close to gratitude. He represents everything that booth didn't—ease, simplicity, the possibility of a conversation that doesn't require you to search every word for hidden meanings.

"Look who decided to join the losing side."

"Someone had to check on you," you say, surprised by how normal your voice sounds when everything inside you feels like it's vibrating at the wrong frequency.

He raises an eyebrow, amused. "Check on me? I'm not the one who looks like I'd rather be anywhere else."

Before you can respond, he glances over your shoulder toward the booth, his expression shifting slightly. "So," he says, taking a sip of his drink, "you know half the LSU team or something?"

Your stomach tightens, but you keep your voice light. "Family friend."

"Ah." He nods along, smiling again.

"Speaking of," you say quickly, "when exactly were you planning to mention that you're apparently some hotshot quarterback? I had to find out by seeing your face on a jumbotron."

Jalen grins, the deflection working exactly as you'd hoped. "Hey, I told you I played football at a different school. Not my fault you never bothered to ask which one."

"You said you played football! You didn't say you were..." you gesture vaguely at the TV screens around the bar, where highlights from the game are still playing on loop, "...that."

"What, good?" His grin widens. "I definitely told you I was good."

"There's good, and then there's..." You trail off, shaking your head. "Okay, fine. I should have asked more questions."

"Should've googled me," he teases. "Very first result would've told you everything you needed to know."

"Who googles people anymore?" You. You do.

"Smart people who want to know if they're texting Heisman candidates."

You laugh despite yourself, and it feels good. "Heisman candidate? Aren't you humble." His eyes are dancing with amusement, and you realize you're smiling too much, laughing too easily. You feel like you can finally breathe.

Which is, of course, exactly when everything goes to hell.

"SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!"

The chanting is loud enough to cut through every other conversation in the place, and you don't need to look to know where it's coming from. Joe's voice rises above the rest, commanding and celebratory. It draws nearly every eye in the room.

"Sounds like your crew's getting started," Jalen observes out loud.

Before you can respond, the entire group is moving like a tide toward the bar and then they're there, surrounding you and Jalen like a wave crashing over a quiet shore. The careful distance you'd put between yourself and all of this evaporates in seconds.

"There she is!" Dom shouts, throwing an arm around your shoulders. "Joe's buying everyone drinks!"

You're suddenly pressed between bodies again, the peace you'd found with Jalen shattered as LSU purple and gold invades your space. But it's not Dom you're watching, it's Joe, whose attention is fixed on Jalen with an intensity that makes you waver.

There's a moment of recognition, though the two have never met. Joe's jaw tightens subtly, and something cold flickers before the mask slides back into place.

"Well, well," Joe extends a hand toward Jalen and suddenly sports a smile that doesn’t quite touch the rest of him. "Jalen Hurts. Hell of a game tonight."

"Joe Burrow," Jalen responds, taking the offered hand. His smile genuine. "Appreciate it, man. Y'all played lights out."

The handshake lasts longer than expected, and you can feel the tension crackling between them. Two quarterbacks, two different worlds, sizing each other up with the kind of professional courtesy that barely conceals something sharper underneath.

"This is Jalen," you say quickly, turning to the others, desperate to diffuse whatever this is becoming. "Jalen, this is…" You rattle off introductions, watching as the guys exchange pleasantries, everyone playing their parts in this strange theater of sportsmanship.

But you can feel Joe watching you the entire time, tracking every interaction, every smile you give Jalen, every moment of ease between you two. There's possessiveness in the way he stalks, something that makes your skin feel too hot and too tight.

"So you two know each other?" Bridget asks, genuine curiosity in her voice as she looks between you and Jalen.

"We met back home," you say carefully, overly focused on Joe's attention. "Few months ago."

"Small world," Joe says, and there's an edge to his voice that only you seem to catch. "Amazing how people just... turn up places."

Jalen's eyes flick between you and Joe, and you see the moment he picks up on the undercurrent. His expression doesn't change, but something does in his posture, a subtle straightening that suggests he's reading the room just fine.

"Actually," you say, taking a small step toward Jalen, "we were just going to—"

"Oh no, no, no," Joe interrupts, his hand shooting out to catch your arm before you can move any farther. His grip is firm, his smile still mockingly wide and friendly. "Come on, we're just getting started here. Stay and celebrate with us."

You want to pull away, but doing so would draw attention you can't afford. Instead, you freeze, caught between the warmth of his hand and the weight of everyone's expectant gazes.

"Yeah, absolutely," Jalen says after a moment, his voice easy and accommodating. "I'm in no rush."

Joe orders another round of beers for him and the guys, shots for everyone else who wants because even he's not stupid enough to risk getting caught drinking hard liquor in public during playoff season.

The rest of the night unfolds in fragments, each moment feeling both too long and too brief.

Jalen somehow manages to secure two seats a little ways away, further from the main ruckus but still close enough to the others where it isn’t anything too intimate. You find yourself leaning into simple conversations with him, the kind that flows without effort despite everything swirling around you.

Somewhere along the way, you’d found out that when he left Alabama, Ohio State had actually been one of the schools he looked at. He spent some time there, met a few people, and now pops back whenever he gets the chance.

"So what's your New Year's looking like?" he asks, twirling his beer bottle between his hands. "Seems like I will now be free."

You laugh, "I don't know yet. Probably something lowkey. What about you?"

"Depends," he says, voice tilting just enough to make you look up. "Maybe I'll find myself back in Ohio for a bit. Check on some of those connections I mentioned."

The suggestion hangs between you, loaded with possibility. "That could be nice," you say, trying to keep your voice casual even as warmth spreads through your chest.

"Could be," he agrees, his eyes holding yours a beat longer than necessary.

Behind you, Dom tells some elaborate story about nearly getting kicked out of the Superdome for sneaking into the wrong section, complete with exaggerated reenactments that have half the group in stitches. When Jalen makes a dry comment about Dom's "criminal mastermind" skills, it makes you laugh.

And then, unmistakably, you feel Joe's shoulder pressing against your back. His presence is domineering. You freeze, once again caught between the urge to lean into it and the knowledge that you absolutely cannot.

The moment you stop laughing, he steps away as if nothing happened.

It happens again twenty minutes later when Jalen tells you about the time his teammate accidentally ordered twenty pizzas to the wrong address. Your laugh bubbles up, and there Joe is again, a wall of heat at your back, close enough to make your skin buzz with awareness.

You start to wonder if it's intentional. If he's testing something, pushing boundaries just to see what you'll do.

Later, when the conversation splits into smaller groups, you find yourself inadvertently eavesdropping on Bridget and Joe. She's gotten progressively more animated as the night has worn on, her cheeks flushed, movements a little looser.

"So what are you doing for New Year's?" she asks, leaning closer to Joe. "Please tell me you're not just going to sit at home alone."

Joe shrugs, taking a sip of his beer. "Haven't decided."

"Come on," she presses, her hand finding his arm. "We should do something fun."

"Maybe," Joe says, but his voice is flat.

You watch this exchange with a strange mix of emotions. Part of you wants to feel vindicated—see, he's not interested in her. But mostly you feel something else entirely as you observe him throughout the rest of the night.

The way he throws his head back when Justin tells a story about his rookie year. How Joe genuinely lights up talking about the game, about plays that worked, about the feeling of everything clicking into place. It’s a side of Joe that you don't get to see often anymore. And, despite everything between you, watching him happy makes something warm unfurl in your chest.

He deserves this. This joy, this success, this moment of pure celebration.

The thought surprises you with its sincerity.

As the night wears on, the bar begins to thin out. The post-game high starts to fade into exhaustion, and you realize your head is actually starting to pound—whether from the noise, the alcohol, or the emotional whiplash of the evening, you're not sure.

You're rubbing your temples when you hear one of Jalen's teammates call out, "Hurts! We're heading back. You coming?"

Jalen glances at you, then back at his friend. "Yeah, probably should."

"Actually," you say, seizing the opening, "I think I'm ready to head back too."

"Oh, well let me give you a ride," Jalen offers immediately. "Uber prices are probably insane right now, especially with the game traffic."

It's such a reasonable offer, such a normal thing to suggest, that you're already nodding when Joe's voice cuts through the conversation.

"Oh, nah man, that's good of you but we were probably heading back soon anyway—"

"No!" Bridget interrupts, her voice a little too loud for you right now. "You promised me darts last year, remember? We never got to play. Come on, just one game?"

Your face twists before you can control it, and when you look at Joe, his expression has gone completely pale. There's something almost panicked in his eyes as they dart between you and Bridget, like he's trying to figure out how to navigate this without making everything worse.

But the damage is already done. The reminder of the past year, of all the reasons you spent months learning how to forget sits among you.

"It's fine," you say quickly. "Jalen, if you don't mind..."

"Of course not," he’s already standing, eyes moving to Joe, before back to you. "Ready when you are."

You gather your things with shaking hands, say your goodbyes with a smile that feels like it might crack your face. Joe doesn't say anything as you leave, but you feel his eyes on you until the bar door swings shut behind you.

The ride back to the hotel is quiet, save for whatever music Jalen has playing and the distant sounds of nightlife filtering through the car. You lean your head against the cool glass, watching the city blur past in streaks of neon colors and shadows.

When he pulls up to the hotel, he puts the car in park but doesn't immediately say goodbye. "Hey," he says, turning to face you. "I don't know what all that was back there, but… just want to make sure you’re good."

Your throat tightens. "Yeah, I am."

"Just take care of yourself, alright? And if you ever need someone to talk to, or if you feel like letting me buy you a drink next time I’m up there…" He trails off, letting the offer hang in the air.

"Thank you," you mean it more than he probably realizes. "Who knows, might take you up on that offer." You muster up a grin, watching as a smile covers his face at the sight.

"I’ll be waiting.”

You lean over and give him a quick hug, friendly enough to remind yourself that there are still people in the world who make things easier instead of harder.

The hotel lobby is mercifully quiet when you walk in, just the soft ding of the elevator and the muted conversations of a few late-night stragglers by the bar. You'd splurged on your own room for this trip, separate from your parents and Dom, telling yourself you needed the space to decompress after finals. It was the one luxury you'd allowed yourself, and right now you're grateful for the foresight.

Your room is on the fourteenth floor with a view of the city that you barely glance at as you drop your purse on the desk and kick off your shoes. Your feet ache, your head pounds, and an exhaustion settles into your bones that goes deeper than just physical tiredness.

The shower you take is scalding, the kind of hot that turns your skin pink and makes the small bathroom fill with steam. You stand under the spray longer than necessary, letting the water wash away the smell of the bar and the remaining confusion from the entire night.

When you finally finish, you change into your pajamas. The hotel's terry cloth robe goes over your hair as you pad around the bathroom to start your nighttime routine.

You're working cleanser into your skin, the familiar motions almost meditative, when there's a knock at your door. You freeze, foam still covering your cheeks, your heart immediately jumping to your throat. It's after midnight. Your parents wouldn't come by this late, and Dom would text first.

There’s another knock, softer this time but more insistent.

You rinse your face quickly, not bothering to dry it properly before padding to the door. Through the peephole, you can make out two distinct figures.

Frowning, you unlock the door and open it to find your brother swaying slightly in the hallway, his eyes glassy and unfocused. Behind him, looking tired and more than a little tense, stands Joe.

"Dom?" You look between them, confused. "What—how are you this drunk? I just left like an hour ago."

Your brother pushes past you into the room without invitation, nearly tripping over his own feet. "Had to—had to talk to you," he slurs, gesturing vaguely as he stumbles through.

You look back at Joe, who's still standing in the doorway, for some kind of explanation. He runs a hand through his hair, looking exhausted. "I don't know," he says with a shrug. "He just kept saying he had to talk to you. Wouldn't let it go."

Dom has somehow made it to your desk chair and is now attempting to sit down, missing it slightly before correcting himself. "Close the door," he mumbles, waving his hand. "This is important."

You reluctantly shut the door, crossing your arms over yourself. "Dom, what the hell is going on? You're completely wasted."

He looks up at you with that serious expression drunk people get when they think they're about to say the dumbest thing. "I gotta ask you something," he says, pointing an unsteady finger in your direction. "And I need... I need you to be honest with me."

Your heart drops to your stomach. This is it. Somehow, he knows. Your mouth goes dry as you wait for him to continue.

"Is there..." he pauses, swaying slightly even while sitting, "is there anything going on? Like, anything I should know about?"

The question hangs in the air, deliberately vague but loaded with its implication. You can feel the blood draining from your face as you stare at him, your mind racing. He knows. He has to know.

But then you really look at him, seeing the way his eyelids are drooping, how he's having trouble focusing on your face, at the sloppy way he's moving about.

He's absolutely obliterated. The kind of drunk where he probably won't remember his own name tomorrow, let alone this conversation. If you can just deny everything, play dumb, he'll wake up tomorrow with a massive hangover and no memory of whatever suspicions brought him here tonight.

"I don't know what you're talking about," you say, your voice coming out higher than normal. "Dom, I'm tired. It's been a long day and I just want to go to sleep."

But Dominic isn't deterred. He's rambling now, words tumbling over each other. "Because like... I see things, you know? And tonight was just... there was all this weird energy and I don't know what's happening but—"

"Dom." You move toward the door, desperate to end this conversation before it goes anywhere you can't come back from. "Seriously. There's nothing going on. You're drunk and you're not making sense."

You pull the door open, gesturing for him to leave. "Come on. Let's get you back to your room."

Dom looks like he wants to protest, at one point saying he’ll be back to talk more, but you're already moving toward him. Your hands are on his shoulders, guiding him up from his chair and toward the doorway. He stumbles a bit as you push him into the hall and that's when Joe steps forward, catching Dom's other arm to steady him.

"Alright, man," Joe says, his voice gentle but firm. "Let's go."

Joe gets Dom about halfway down the hall before your brother decides he needs to sit down right there on the carpet. While Joe's trying to convince him to keep moving, he keeps looking over his shoulder at you.

Joe’s eyes meet yours for the third time, and that's when you've had enough.

"What?" you snap, your voice cutting through the hallway. "Do you need something?"

His head whips back around, drawing back slightly like he wasn't expecting the bite in your tone. He stares at you, your brother momentarily forgotten at his feet, mouth slightly ajar.

You slam the door before he can say anything else, the sound echoing down the hall. Your hands shake as you turn the deadbolt, heart pounding against your chest.

So startled, you can't even finish what you were doing. The towel wrapped around your hair feels too heavy, so you yank it off and let it fall to the bathroom floor in a damp heap. Your skincare products sit abandoned on the counter as you stumble to the bed, crawling under the covers.

Your phone becomes your new best friend, something to focus on that isn't the chaos in your head. You scroll mindlessly through Instagram, TikTok, anything that might quiet the noise. The blue light burns your eyes but you keep going, thumb moving on autopilot.

Ten minutes pass. Maybe fifteen. You're deep in some random cooking video when a loud knock reverberates through the room.

Your stomach drops. Dominic. He probably got away from Joe, sobered up just enough to remember he wasn't finished interrogating you. The anger that's been simmering all night finally boils over.

You throw off the covers and storm to the door, fury making your movements sharp and reckless. "Fuck off, Dominic!" you seethe as you yank the door open. "I already told you—"

But it's not Dom.

Joe stands in the doorway, one arm braced against the frame, and his face is hard in a way that makes you take an involuntary step back. There's something dangerous in his expression that you've never seen before.

"The fuck is your problem?" he asks, his voice low and sharp.

Your mouth opens but nothing comes out. Your brain shorts out completely, every angry word you had ready for Dom evaporating in the face of Joe's presence. You try to close the door, instinct taking over, but his hand shoots out to stop it, palm flat against the wood.

"Don't," he says, and there's warning in his tone.

"Don't what?" you snap, finding your voice again. "Don't close my own door? Get your hand off it."

"Not until you tell me what the hell that was about," Joe says, pushing the door wider instead of letting go. "What was that shit in the hallway?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." You try to push the door closed again but he's stronger, and the door doesn't budge.

"Bullshit." He steps into your room, and suddenly the space feels impossibly small. "You ignore me for how long. Won't even look at me. And then tonight you're all over Jalen fucking Hurts."

Dread fills your body—embarrassment, anger, the sick realization that he doesn’t care he'd been watching you all night, just like you felt. "I wasn't all over—"

"Acting like he hung the fucking moon, jumping at the chance to leave with him, making little plans." Joe's voice is getting louder. "Real cute how you can be yourself with him but you treat me like I've got the plague."

"That's not—"

"What? That's not what happened?" He laughs, but there's no humor in it. "I watched you!"

"You don't know what you're talking about!"

"Don't I?" Joe steps closer, and you can see the hurt beneath the anger now. "Because it looked like you were having a great fucking time with Oklahoma's golden boy. Really moving on, huh?"

"So what if I am?" The words come out defensive, meaner than you intended. "So what if I'm talking to someone who actually treats me like I matter?"

Joe rears back for a second. "Someone who treats you like you matter? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

Your chest tightens. You've said too much, revealed too much of the hurt you've been carrying. "It means," you say, your voice shaking with anger, "that he doesn't sleep with other people and then act like I'm the problem."

The silence that follows is deafening. Joe stares at you, his expression shifting from anger to something that looks almost like panic.

"Is that what you think happened?" he asks quietly.

"I don't think it, Joe. I know it." Your voice breaks. "I saw you. Both of you." At the mention of it, the memory floods your mind once again like how it's haunted you for months. Bridget’s smudged makeup, fumbling with her pants. Joe’s unkempt appearance, his eyes locked with your own hopeful ones. Your stomach churns with the same sick feeling you felt that night.

"Jesus Christ." Joe runs both hands down his face. "You think I—you’re thinking about it wrong."

"What else am I supposed to think?" Tears are burning behind your eyes but you refuse to let them fall. "You had your hands all over me one minute, and the next you're fucking Bridget."

"It wasn't—" Joe stops, his jaw working like he's trying to find the right words. "That's not how it happened."

"Then how did it happen, Joe? Because from where I was standing, it looked pretty fucking clear."

He's quiet for a long moment, staring at the floor. "I was angry," he says quietly. "I was hurt and pissed off and I did something stupid."

"Stupid?" You laugh, but it comes out cracked. "Is that what you call it?"

"I call it the biggest fucking mistake," Joe says, his voice raw. "I call it something I've regretted every single day since it happened."

"Oh, well that makes it better," you say, sarcasm dripping from every word. "You regret it. Great. That totally fixes everything."

"It meant nothing," Joe says suddenly. "It was just—I was angry and hurt and I wanted to hurt you back."

His words do nothing but draw up more of the memories you’ve been trying to run from. "Don't."

"I'm serious. It felt wrong the entire time because it wasn't you. Because you're the only one I wanted and I was too fucking scared to admit it."

"Stop talking." Your voice is barely a whisper.

"You want to know the truth?" Joe's voice is getting louder again, more desperate. "The truth is I've been crazy about you since that first night together. The truth is I've spent the last year hating myself for fucking up the one thing I actually wanted to keep."

Your world tilts sideways. Every wall you've built, every reason you've given yourself for staying away from him, starts to crumble. This is what you wanted to hear for so long, but now that he's saying it, you don't know if you can believe it.

"You're lying."

"I'm not." Joe takes a step toward you, and you can see tears in his eyes now. "I'm not lying. I really fucking like you. And I fucked it up because I was scared and stupid and I didn't know how to tell you."

"I wanted to believe it didn't mean anything," you whisper, your voice cracking. "All of it. I wanted to believe you didn't care because it was easier than thinking you chose her over me."

Joe's face crumples. "I never chose her. Not for a single second. I was just—I was so fucking scared of how much I needed you that I did the one thing guaranteed to push you away."

"Why?" The word comes out broken. "Why were you scared?"

He pauses for a second, looking lost. "Because you're you. Dom's smart, gorgeous, sister who was—is too good for me. I knew that if I let myself fall for you completely, there'd be no coming back from it."

"And now?"

"Now I've spent a year trying to come back from it anyway," he admits. "And I can’t. I can't shut it off. You're in my head all the fucking time.”

Joe sighs, "I miss it even when I know I shouldn’t." He cuts himself off before he rambles even more, but you can see it in his eyes, the same need that's been eating you alive for months.

"Miss what?"

"You," he breathes. "All of you. Not just—not just the physical stuff. I want to wake up next to you. I want to know how your day was. I want to be the person you call when something good happens, or when something shitty happens, or when nothing happens at all."

Your breath hitches, throat closing. "Joe..."

"I know I fucked it up. I know I don’t deserve you. But if there’s any part of you that still wants to even try—" his voice breaks there, unsteady, "just give me that.”

You stare at him, at the tears on his cheeks, the way he's looking at you like you're the only thing keeping his heart beating, and suddenly, you can't remember why you've been fighting this so hard.

"I never stopped," you confess, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I tried to hate you, tried to move on, but I never stopped wanting you."

The second the words leave your mouth, something in him snaps.

Joe surges forward, hands finding your face with a desperation that makes your breath catch. His mouth is on yours before you can take another breath, tasting of months of regret and every unsaid word. You gasp into him, fingers clutching at the front of his shirt.

His lips move against yours with an urgency that feels almost painful. His hands drop from your face, skimming down your sides, gripping your waist, pulling you flush against him like he needs you closer, needs to feel you everywhere at once.

You break the kiss just long enough to whisper his name, breathless, before he’s chasing your mouth again, hands slipping beneath the hem of your shirt. His fingertips drag along your bare skin, drawing a cold shiver from you as you lean into him instinctively, craving more, needing him.

"I missed you," he repeats against your lips, voice shaking as his hands slide higher, up your ribs, thumbs brushing the curve of your breasts. "I fucking missed you."

"Then show me," you whisper back.

Joe groans and the next time he kisses you it's messier, deeper, all teeth and tongue and months of pent-up need exploding between you. He walks you backwards blindly, until your legs hit the edge of the bed and you fall back with a breathless gasp, pulling him down with you.

His hands never stop moving, like he's terrified this is all some dream he’ll wake up from. His lips trace a hot path down your throat, over your collarbone, his breath shaky against your skin as he murmurs, "need you so bad."

Your fingers thread through his hair to pull him impossibly closer. Everything else fades away—the fights, the hurt, the miscommunication. Your back arches off the bed as his mouth moves lower, and you can feel the desperation in every touch, every kiss.

His mouth finds the soft dip beneath your ribs, warm breath ghosting across your skin as he pauses. His fingers tighten around your waist, composing himself there before sliding up again, dragging your shirt with his hands.

You lift your arms wordlessly, letting him peel it over your head and toss it somewhere behind him, forgotten. The second your skin is bare, his eyes dart around like he doesn’t know where to look first.

“My god,” he exhales, face breaking into a sly grin. His thumb traces over your sternum, then up to the hollow of your throat. “Don’t even know what you do to me.”

You do. You feel it in the tremble of his hands, in the heat of his breath, in the way his pupils have blown wide, swallowing the blue. But you don’t say so, just enjoy the fact that you do.

His lips follow his hands—over your chest, down your stomach, each kiss burning hotter than the last, until he reaches the waistband of your shorts. He pauses there, breathing hard, his forehead dipping against your hip like he’s on the edge of breaking again.

“Say it’s okay,” he whispers, voice hoarse, eyes lifting to meet yours.

You can barely get the words out, “’s okay.” His fingers hook beneath the fabric, sliding it down. The cool air hits your skin, making you shudder as the last of the fabric clears your ankles, tossed aside somewhere neither of you care to look.

Joe stays knelt between your legs for a moment, eyes roaming over you. His breath is shaky as his gaze drags up the length of your bare body. You wait for his next move, but instead of leaning back in, he moves suddenly.

His hands slide to your hips, gripping tight, and with one smooth motion, he flips both of you over, shifting his weight until his back settles against the headboard, pulling you up to straddle him.

You gasp, hands flying to his shoulders for balance as you land in his lap, the rough denim beneath you a delicious contrast to your bare core. The unexpected motion knocks a breathless laugh from your throat, and for a second, the heat between you softens.

Joe’s mouth curves into a crooked grin at the sound of your laughter, his eyes never leaving your face. “There she is,” he murmurs, eyes flickering between your mouth and your swollen lips.

His hands trace up and down your sides, over the curve of your waist, up your bare back, thumbs gliding across your skin like he’s mapping you out. The touch sends goosebumps chasing after his fingertips, your breath catching again as your body settles fully against him.

When your laughter fades and your gaze finds his, you’re both a little dazed. For a long second, neither of you say much of anything as you take each other in.

His hand drifts higher, fingers curling lightly under your jaw, tilting your face toward his as his thumb brushes along your cheekbone. Then his other hand slides into your hair, threading through gently, pulling you closer until his lips hover right over yours.

The tension between you thickens with every slow pass of his mouth. His tongue slides against yours, pulling a soft whimper from your chest as your hands fist into his shirt, clinging to him.

Your kiss deepens, messy and open, heat pooling low in your stomach as you shift in his lap, grinding down instinctively against the hard length of him still trapped beneath thick denim. The friction makes both of you groan, his grip on your hips tightening as his head falls back against the headboard for a second, eyes fluttering shut.

“Fuck,” he breathes. “You’re gonna drive me insane.”

You roll your hips again, slower this time, dragging yourself over him tauntingly, loving the reaction you draw from him.

“Good,” you whisper against his mouth, lips brushing his as you speak. “Deserve it.”

Joe huffs out a breath against your mouth—something between a laugh and a groan—but his hands never leave you. His fingers adjust, digging in just a little harder.

Still breathless, you tug at the hem of his shirt, fingers curling under the fabric, desperate to get it off. “Take this off.”

He leans back just enough for you to yank it up, his hands helping as the material drags over his head and lands behind you. Your eyes drop, taking in the stretch of his bare chest, the rise and fall of it as he breathes hard beneath you.

You’re already leaning in again, mouth dragging along the sharp line of his jaw, down his throat, lips parting against the soft skin there before he gets a chance to fully settle. His head tips back instinctively, giving you more space to work.

Joe’s breath catches as your tongue flicks just beneath his ear. “Fuck, baby.” Your hips hover as he shifts beneath you, fumbling at the waistband of his jeans. His fingers work fast as he undoes the button and drags the zipper down. You stay pressed close to him, lips never leaving his skin.

Lifting his hips, he shoves both his jeans and boxers down in one rough motion, breath hissing between his teeth as he finally frees himself. You feel the hard weight of him press up against you, hot and heavy, and it knocks a small gasp from your lips as your hips instinctively roll forward again.

The sensation makes his hands fly to your hips first, then lower, gripping handfuls of your ass as he holds you there. You rock your hips again, slower this time, dragging yourself over him to feel the slick heat of him sliding against you.

His breath punches out of him, head tipping back with a dull thud, his throat working as he swallows hard. “Jesus,” he grits, voice strangled. “You feel that?”

You nod, breath hitching and hands spreading wide across his chest, digging into the warm flex of his muscles. You can feel how hard he is, how thick, sliding perfectly against your swollen center every time you move. The friction alone is enough to make your thighs tremble, your core clenching around nothing, desperate for him.

“Joe,” you whisper, voice cracking under the weight of what’s to come, “can I?”

That does it. His hands slide down, one moving to grip the base of himself, lining up with you, while the other holds you tight, steadying you.

“C’mere, baby.” He guides you, “nice and slow.”

You hover for half a second, mind clouded with lust as you feel the blunt head of him catch at your entrance. Even after everything, the stretch makes your breath stutter when you finally start to sink down onto him.

His mouth drops open, a sharp exhale leaving him as his fingers dig into you, sure to leave bruises for the morning. “Fuck—fuck, that’s it. Just like that.”

The burn is sharp at first, that perfect edge of too much and not enough, and you brace your hands on his shoulders, panting softly as you take him inch by inch. His eyes stay locked on yours, watching every single reaction play out across your face like he can’t look away.

“Look at you,” he breathes, voice barely audible. “You’re goddamn perfect.”

When you finally bottom out, fully seated in his lap, you both pause for a moment. You’re panting and overwhelmed, completely full all at once. You swear you can feel the pulse of his heartbeat inside you, throbbing in time with your own.

His hands slide up your back again, one threading into your hair as he pulls your face back down to his, kissing you hard. The first slow roll of your hips pulls a broken groan from both of you, your nails scraping lightly over his chest as you start to move, grinding down into him.

The friction is dangerous now—your bare skin dragging over him, every tiny shift making his breath stutter against your mouth. With each drop of your hips, your clit catches against the base of him, sending sharp little sparks skittering through your stomach, dragging you closer every time you fall into him.

“Missed you so fucking much.”

At his words, you whimper into his mouth, grinding harder, chasing that spark curling low in your belly with every drag of his cock inside you. His head drops again, forehead resting against yours as you ride him, the tension building tight between you.

Every roll of your hips sends another pulse of pleasure through both of you, until neither of you can keep your breathing steady, until you feel his grip start to falter, desperate to fuck up into you.

You feel his control slowly begin to fray, his need urging to take over. His voice breaks, as he stutters your name out. “I—fuck—I need—”

In the next breath, he shifts beneath you, planting his feet flat against the bed, using the leverage to thrust up into you hard, deep, dragging a sharp cry from your throat as your body jolts.

“Oh my god.” your voice shatters on a breathless gasp, your hands scrambling at his shoulders.

“That what you needed?” His voice is mean against your ear. “That what you’ve been thinking about at night? Riding my cock just like this?”

And yes, you had. More than you wanted to admit. Some nights, no matter how hard you tried, the only thing that could pull you close enough to release was the thought of him like this, buried deep, your body moving over his just like now.

He thrusts up again, your body lifting slightly with the force of it before dropping back down onto him, fully seated. You can’t speak, your nails dig into his bare skin, head falling forward.

He kisses you again, swallowing your broken sounds, tongue sliding against yours like he can’t get enough of you—like he’s trying to breathe you in, steal every sound you make and keep it for himself

Your hips start to move with him, finding a perfect rhythm together. You grind down as he drives up into you, his cock dragging deep with every stroke, the friction catching exactly where you need it, making your head spin.

The wet slap of skin fills the air, the sound of your gasps and his low curses blending into something obscene. Your body is trembling now, the coil low in your belly tightening to the point of snapping, every roll of your hips dragging you closer, every thrust sending a sharp jolt of heat through your veins.

“Joe—” you choke out, barely breathing. “I—I’m gonna—”

“I know, baby,” he pants, his hands moving around, one threading into your hair again as he pulls your mouth back to his once more. “Let me feel you.”

And when it hits, when you finally snap—you fall apart in his lap, a sob ripping from you as you clamp down around him, the waves of it crashing hard and fast. Your whole body jerks against him, muscles locking up as your orgasm blooms through you.

“Fuck—fuck—” Joe groans, his own hips stuttering as he feels you clench around him, and with a last broken thrust, he follows, spilling into you with a sound that vibrates against your skin.

For a long moment, neither of you move, bodies locked together, his arms wrapped tight around you. Your breathing slowly evens out, the frantic desperation giving way to something softer. Joe's hand traces lazy circles on your back, his lips pressing gentle kisses to your shoulder, your neck, wherever he can reach.

The exhaustion hits you both at once—emotional and physical, everything finally catching up. You clean up quietly, moving around each other with a careful tenderness, like you're both afraid to break whatever fragile thing has reformed between you.

When you finally crawl under the hotel sheets together, you fit against him like you never left. His arm wraps around your waist, pulling you back against his chest, and for the first time in a year, the knot in your stomach finally loosens.

You fall asleep to the sound of his breathing evening out behind you, his face buried in your hair, his body solid against yours. Your mind drifts with questions you can't answer—whether this changes anything or if morning will bring back the same careful distance, whether he'll pretend this never happened, or how you even begin to navigate whatever this is when you're not hidden away anymore.

#joe burrow #joe burrow x reader #joe burrow fanfic #joe burrow imagine #joe burrow angst #joe burrow x you #joe burrow smut

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last-words-ofashootingstar · 3 days ago

Text

Hard Times

Chapter One: After the untimely death of your family, your step-father steps up and takes care of you.

RATED X. MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.

❥Kim Hongjoong x fem reader

"A little girl who needs her Daddy real bad."

-Ethel Cain, Hard Times ♫

♡'･ᴗ･'♡genre: yandere, angst, smut ➯disclaimer: DARK FICTION. DEAD DOVE. RIP I KILLED THAT HOE- 18+. MINORS YOU DON'T BELONG HERE.

ಠ_ಠwarning/content: limited short series; see general warnings in the masterlist: step-dad hongjoong, reader calls hj dad on accident / jokingly + he likes it a little too much, age gap (reader young adult, hong in his late 30s), serious daddy issues, flashbacks will be italics and past tense, soul crushing grief (readers parents passed in car crash just before the story starts), survivors guilt, brief hospitalization, kissing on the lips (half) platonically, depepictions of deep depression, medication, mentions of ptsd nightmares, joong yells at reader (but it's kinda fair imo), emotional manipulation (lowkey going both ways), attempted suicide (via pill overdose, reader throws them up->) emetophobia, reader wears traditionally girly clothes + makeup, perv!hong has a corruption / virginity kink, talking about virginity + how readers bf tried to pressure her, non-sexual nudity, pet names including: (sweet, pretty, little, ect) girl, angel, sweetheart, baby, honey

➯a/n: happy fathers day to all the lovelies out there with horrrrrid daddy issues (self shout out fr) let me know what you think <3

୨ sweet as honey ৎ @m00njinnie @seonghwassii @whyismingi @emotionallyanaemic @werewolfcrimson @ninjakitty15 @klllerwaifu @a-tiny-thing @pandyandy71 @monstacheol @aurorasjoongie ₊‧⁺stardust˖⋆ @sousydive @sunnysidesins @onyxmango @devilzliaison @ateezswonderland @queenofdumbfuckery @emilysecresy @kyomiingi @pansexual-and-eating-pancakes

♡masterlist + navigation !♡

────୨ৎ────

"I hate you!"

Hongjoong jumped as he heard you scream from your room, muffled through the walls. He instantly got up off the couch, heading down the hall.

Equal parts nosey and concerned, he stopped outside of your closed door. "Why do you always do this? You promised me that you'd t-" He leaned his ear closer.

"Oh, and now you want to interrupt me when I'm trying to tell you how — Will you listen to me? I really wanted to spend time with you..."

He heard you throw something, followed by a sniffle. "Yeah, no, I get it... Mhm. Love y- hello? Hello?" You let out a soft, sighing, laugh. "Yeah, fuck you too, Dad."

He waited a few moments before knocking lightly. "Hey, (Y/n)?"

"Just- just a second."

You were wiping your hand on your leg as you opened the door, clearing it of the tears you were trying to hide. He, obviously, could still tell you were crying. "What's up, Joong?"

"I was wondering," he leaned against the wall across from your door, giving you some much needed space, "since your mom is going to be late tonight, why don't we order some takeout? I still have that menu from the Chinese place. We can get her some too so she doesn't have to worry about stopping after work."

"Sure," you nodded, sniffling again, "the, uh, Lins Express?"

"Mhm. You liked it, right?" He knows you did, you wouldn't shut up about their honey noodles for hours. It was so endearing — how could he possibly forget? "Honey noodles for you?"

Your eyes softened as you finally looked up from the floor and met his gaze.

He smiled. Gentle and light.

He remembered what you liked from the place you had one time? He's only known you for two months, he must be very observant; that's what you told yourself as you felt the smallest flutter of happiness in your heart.

"Yeah- yes. Yes, please."

────୨ৎ────

"Has she moved yet?"

"Not an inch."

You don't hear them speaking. Not really, anyway.

After your initial shock when they broke the news to you — you cried. A lot.

You cried so much you couldn't breathe. Sobbed so violently you fell to the floor even though they made you sit down on the hospital bed before they told you. Doubled right over and almost smacked your face into the tile if not for the fast acting nurse catching you.

And after that, after the nurse sedated you, you cried yourself to sleep with your face in the pillow. It kicked in fast — left you only with a mere minute to beg them to let you join your parents.

"Can you blame her? Poor girl's in shock..." Your step-father, Kim Hongjoong, leans back in the stiff chair on the wall; crossing his arms over his chest.

He'd married your mother almost a year ago. After her divorce with your father, she had trouble staying afloat. And marrying him helped her back to the surface. Taxes are a powerful thing.

For him, marrying her, it brought him closer to you.

He met you at a work event, when your mother had brought you along.

Dancing in the grass in a sun dress that twirled with your movement, the most beautiful smile on your lips —

He fell in love.

It was a stroke of luck that your parents got divorced a few months later. For him, at least.

And another that you had been on the way back from your old home together, finalizing the selling of it, when you were hit by an oncoming truck. Leaving you the only survivor with nothing but a broken arm, a bump to your head, and a crushed soul. Again, luck for him.

He was still thinking of a way to get his hands on you. And this works. As fucked up as he knows it is — this works.

His is the only family you have left. In the state you're in, in the state he knows you're going to be in for a while, you need someone to lean on.

Might as well be him.

"I think I'm going to head home and get some shut eye..." Your uncle, his brother; Bumjoong, pats his leg as he stands.

Leaning his knee on your small hospital bed, he leans over and kisses your hair. "I'll be back soon." He doesn't know if you can hear him, but he lets you know anyways. "Be strong, kid."

You're staring at the wall, laid curled up on your side just like Hongjoong left you after you'd woken them up with your sobs for the fifth time.

When you don't respond after a moment, he lets out a soft sigh and rubs your arm before getting up. "Take care of her, Hong," he says as he leans down to hug him, "I'll be back tomorrow. Try and get her to eat something, will you?"

"Yeah," Hongjoong nods, hugging his brother back lightly, "I'll see you tomorrow."

He turns to face you as Bumjoong leaves, waiting to hear the door thunk closed before he moves towards you.

He speaks your name quietly as he sits on the twin bed, the mattress dipping under his weight. The blanket it ruffled and messy ontop of you, pulled all the way up to your neck. When he touches your head, he reels back.

You're burning up.

"Get this off, honey," he hurries to pull it off of you, and you still don't move a single muscle. Even as he drops it to the floor and gets up to turn down the AC in the room.

It's almost the height of summer, and you don't even seem to notice you've been sweating for god-knows how long.

"Come on." He lifts you with a groan — his heart breaking as you let out a soft whimper.

He hates that this is the way he gets to have you all to himself. His sweet girl doesn't deserve all of this pain. If he had it his way, nothing in the world would ever hurt you. But it went and stole away both of your parents on the same night, breaking your forearm and your heart in the process.

As he pulls you onto your feet and wraps your arm around his shoulders, your eyes start burning with the urge to cry. Nothing comes out, though. You've already exhausted your body's supply of hydration through your sweat and tears. You squeeze them shut to relieve the sting, sobbing tearlessly as he guides you to the connected bathroom.

"I know, sweet girl," he whispers, bumping the door open with his foot. "It's going to be okay."

It certainly doesn't feel like it.

"I know it doesn't feel like it," he pouts as he sits you on the closed toilet. "But I'm going to be here with you, okay? We're going to get through this together, you and me. I'm here for whatever you need, honey."

He peels the thin hospital gown off of you carefully, forcing his eyes anywhere but your chest as it heaves with the force of your dry sobs. "Let's get you cleaned up."

────୨ৎ────

"She didn't eat anything: I tried, the nurse tried, the doctor tried to tell her she should at least have something..." Hongjoong sighs, holding his phone to his ear as he leans his head against the wall; slumped in the chair. "Mh... You can get her some honey noodles. It's her favorite, so..." He trails off.

"Hopefully she'll eat it?" Bumjoong speaks on the other end of the line.

"Yeah. We couldn't even get her to drink anything. They had to put her on a drip, she was so dehydrated she couldn't even cry."

"Poor thing..."

"Mhm..."

"How are you doing, Hong?"

He pauses for a moment. He hadn't really thought of his feelings — too worried about yours. Your wellbeing far outweighs his care of his own, it has for a long time.

"I'm okay." He says truthfully, "I'm a- I'm sad, I guess. I wasn't in love with her, and I didn't know him. She was..." A means to an end? "A good friend. I really cared about her." Not nearly as much as he cares about you, though. "I'm more worried about (Y/n)."

"It's a really big shock. Both of you will get through this. I know you'll take care of her, you're good like that."

"Thanks, B- oh, I gotta go. See you when you get here."

Hongjoong stands up quickly as he catches you moving in bed. Laid atop the blankets in some slightly too large sweat pants and a tank top, you stir awake.

He's by your side when you open your protesting eyes, holding your hand gently. "Hey, honey." He keeps it simple, "I'm here."

"Joongie..." Your voice comes out raspy from all the crying, and more tears are working their way into your eyes now that you're hydrated again.

"I'm here, don't worry."

You open up your arms, and he dives right in, wrapping his around you tightly and pulling you up into his lap. Your legs lock around his hips, and your arms around his neck, the rough texture of the plaster cast itching his skin; but he doesn't move it as you land your face in the crook of his shoulder.

"I've got you. Joongie's got you." He coos at you like you're a child and really — you might as well be one right now. All you can do is cry and cry and cry.

His hand sliding up and down your back gently keeps you grounded, and you aren't sure if you appreciate it. You don't know if you want to be present while your mind sorts through all of the sudden grief you're slammed with.

Through your blubbering, messy tears, you ask, "wh-ere are- are they?"

He doesn't want to answer. He knows anything he says will make it worse. But he can't lie to you. You deserve to know. "They're in the morgue. Bum just went and claimed their bodies-"

You let out a scream into his shoulder, making him jolt before he hugs you tighter. Pure heartbreak, absolutely soul shaking and he knows the patients in the neighboring rooms have heard it.

Another raw scream rips through your throat, followed by a series of mumbles. "No, no, no, no, this can't be happening-"

"Shhh, I'm sorry, honey," he holds your head to his chest, tucking you under his chin, "I'm sorry, it is..."

He blinks away his tears, cradling you close to him. He can't stand to see you so upset. But there's nothing he can do to make it better.

This is only a wound that time can try to heal.

But that doesn't mean he won't be there as it does. He's always been there, ever since he came into your life. He isn't going anywhere.

────୨ৎ────

You were always afraid of thunderstorms.

It started when you were a girl, and carried all the way into your adulthood.

As the thunder boomed too close for comfort, you curled up in your blanket tighter. And when the lighting flashed right outside of your window; you scrambled up with a terrified yelp. "Mom!"

"(Y/n)?" Hongjoong yelled as he ran to your room quickly, sluggish with the remnants of sleep but bolting to the sound of your voice nonetheless. He was just about to fall asleep, but your scream had him up in seconds.

Your mother wasn't home, and wouldn't be for some time. She had taken to working extra late nights and weekends. It's usually always just you and Hongjoong when you get home from work.

He grabbed your doorframe as he came to an abrupt stop, looking around your room before he heard a small sniffle — and there you were.

Sitting with your back against the bed and your head in your knees, hugging yourself tightly. "Honey?" He called with such gentleness it hardly broke the air.

Your teary eyes looked up from your legs, your lip trembling. He came up to you slowly, placing his hands on your knees as he kneeled in front of you. "Are you okay?"

"It's so- so childish..." You had whispered, wiping your face quickly as tears streaked down your cheeks. Just when he was about to ask 'what?' —

Another house-shaking rumble of thunder made you jump, instinctively grabbing his arm. Fear in your eyes, you opened your mouth; but no sound escaped.

"It's okay," he said, placing his hand over yours gently as you clung to his arm. "Are you scared of the storm?"

Embarrassedly, you had nodded.

"Yeah, I get it — mother nature is a scary son of a bitch." His eyes lit up as you chuckled lightly. "Do you- is there anything I can do?"

You hesitated for a few moments before another rumble shook the walls, then you spoke quickly; "Can you stay?"

You felt ridiculous. A grown woman asking her step-father to stay with her because she was afraid of some thunder and lightning. You thought he'd come up with some excuse to leave and go to his own bed.

But he didn't even pause before saying, "of course, honey." He didn't make you feel ridiculous. Childish.

No, he made you feel safe.

────୨ৎ────

"Are you awake?"

You are. Staring at your ceiling. In complete silence. The comfort of your own bed, your own clothes, the smell of your mothers laundry soap that you always complained about being too floral — it's all so comforting that you haven't moved since you got home... 17 hours ago.

"...Yes."

"Are you hungry?" Hongjoong asks from the doorway, leaning with his hands in his pockets. "The doctor said you should try to eat with your medicine."

You take a second to think. To try and feel your bodies needs. You fall short. "I don't know."

"I'll make you some breakfast."

Breakfast?

You turn your head with a groan as he walks away, looking towards your window. In from the closed curtains, on your floor is the early morning light; trying its hardest to seep into your room.

You roll your head back and sigh, looking at the ceiling for a moment before urging yourself to sit up.

Sit up. Just do it. Just get up!

But your body doesn't respond to your brain telling it to move. You close your eyes defeatedly, keeping the tears held back by your eyelids. "Hongjoong..." You call weakly. "Joong."

He peeks his head into the room before coming in slowly, "yes?"

"I c-" You breathe out slowly, forcing your eyes open. Your chin trembles with your held back emotion. "I can't move."

His eyebrows push together, "do you want me to help you?" He asks softly, his fingers tracing over the cast on your arm.

"Please," you choke out your response, melting into his touch as he wraps his arms under you and pulls you up carefully.

"Here we go, baby," the nickname slips out unintentionally; and neither of you notice it. "Easy does it." He hums as he rubs your arms, letting you sit up on your own as he moves your legs to dangle off the bed.

"When- when are we going to bury them?"

He sighs, crouching infront of you and placing his hands on your knees. "Are you ready to talk about that?"

"I need to- we need to. I can't... I can't just let them sit there." I should be there with them; is what you want to add.

It's all you've been able to think about. Why, of all of you, are you the one to survive? The only one?

"We can talk about it after you eat something."

"Hongjoong, c-"

"Come on," he grabs your hand gently, leading you onto your feet and holding you steady as you waiver. "One step at a time."

────୨ৎ────

"Hey, Hiyyih," Hongjoong greets the young woman as he opens the door the next day.

She's the first person other than him and Bumjoong that you were willing to speak with.

"How is she?" She asks as she pushes her way into the house, taking off her shoes in a hurry.

"About how you'd expect..." He sighs, pushing back his messy hair. He spent the entire night in bed with you, both of you only getting fitful episodes of rest between the nightmares and crying.

But he was diligent and soft with you the entire time, holding you close with just enough pressure that you didn't feel trapped. You just felt... protected.

"Not great. At all."

She goes to run to your room, but she stops herself and looks him up and down. "I've got her. You need to get some rest, too."

"Thank you," he smiles, just barely.

He doesn't want to put you in someone else's care. But, if it's going to be anyone, he's glad it's her.

You've been best friends since childhood and he's got to know her and her brother well during the last year. She cares about you almost as much as he does. Almost.

"If she needs anything- or you, if you need anything-"

"I know where to find you," she nods, giving him a light hug before rushing down the hallway; calling your name.

She finds you right where he left you, laid on your side in the bed; watching your fingers trace along the cast on your arm with the slightest hint of disgust in your otherwise blank eyes.

"Hey." Her softly spoken tone makes your eyes flick to her quickly, relief written on your face.

"Hiyyih," you sit up too quickly, but your dizziness doesn't stop you from getting up and hugging the blonde tightly; getting the exact treatment back.

She doesn't handle you like you're fragile, like the brothers do. And she doesn't carry pity in her voice, like others had, as she says, "I'm so sorry."

Hiyyih hugs you like she means it, wrapping her arms around you tightly and squeezing you into her while you both start tearing up. "I was so scared," she whispers as she holds you impossibly closer, "they wouldn't let me and Kai up to see you. Joong wasn't answering his phone, yours is still straight to voicemail, I was so scared I lost you-"

"I'm still here," you choke out. Pained with the fact. And she can hear it in your voice.

She pulls back with a pout, her arms around your neck gently, "and I'm glad. (Y/n), what happened to you is-"

"A miracle?" You grimace as you recall the word the doctor and nurses said over and over again. "So I've heard."

"It's a miracle she survived." The doctor had told Hongjoong. "Your arm should heal within two months, it's really a miracle." The woman said as she explained how to care for your cast. Miracle. Miracle.

The word even slipped from Hongjoong the day he brought you home from the hospital, as he placed you into bed. Thinking you were sleeping. "My miracle."

"No," Hiyyih shakes her head, frowning. "It's a tragedy. I can't even begin to imagine the pain you're in..."

Hearing someone else say exactly what you were thinking, hearing it be validated — you crash right back into her arms in a wreck of sobs. "Oh, Hiyyih! I can't- I don't-"

She doesn't shush you, she doesn't tell you it's okay. She just sniffles, holding you tightly as you shake with the force of your grief.

────୨ৎ────

"He said that?!" Hiyyih slapped her hand over her mouth as you shushed her.

"Shhh!" You hit her arm, pouting dramatically, "will you quit it? My step-dad works from home."

"Sorry, sorry," she frowned, sitting atop the counter while you cooked for the both of you. "But... he said that?"

"Yeah... That's what he said," you smiled brightly, "he said he'll even pick me up."

"Oh, I'm so excited for you! This is your first date since when? How long has it been, two years, three-"

"Hey, girls," Hongjoong said as he turned into the kitchen, spooking you both into silence. He nodded to Hiyyih briefly before smiling towards you.

"Hey, Hong." You didn't seem to think anything of it as he pushed you forward a bit by the small of your back to get past you to the refrigerator. "If we're too loud, just tell me. Hiyyih doesn't know how to control her volume." You stuck your tongue out at her, laughing as she did the same.

"You're fine," he chuckled lightly, taking a seat at the table with his drink. "What're you making? Smells good."

"Ramen with my secret ingredient," you were already reaching into the cabinet to get another pack as you asked, "want some?"

"Sure. What's the secret ingredient?" He hummed, leaning his head in his hand as he watched you.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret~"

"It's Tajin and cooking wine." Hiyyih smirked as you turned to her, wielding your fork like a weapon.

"I'm never telling you my secrets again. You've betrayed me for the last time!" You yelled dramatically, snatching up the seasoning she handed to you.

"Yes, you will," she gigged, nudging your leg with her foot, "you tell me everything!"

"Not any more."

Hongjoong watched from the table, smiling, as you and your friend went back in forth with your playful argument. Really though, his eyes never left you.

────୨ৎ────

Neither your mother nor your father had much family. The only ones who showed up to the funeral a few days later was a handful of cousins and some sympathetic co-workers. Hiyyih and Kai, their parents.

Hongjoong didn't let you leave his side, and you didn't want to anyway.

You dread the day he leaves because he's the only thing keeping you even semi-functional.

For the past four days: he's pulled you out of bed, cleaned you up, made sure you took your medicine, he helped you change everyday — claiming it was only worse for your mental health to stay in your pajamas all day.

He must pity you. That's what you think. That's why he's sticking around. He'll probably leave after the funeral like everyone else.

Your stark white cast stands out in the sea of black as your parents are lowered into the ground next to one another.

Hongjoong looks over to you; your bloodshot eyes trained on the caskets.

He doesn't pity you. He loves you.

Of course he feels bad. He hates that you're in pain. But he cares for you more than he pities you. Far more.

He wraps his arm around your shoulders and your head immediately falls into his, your hand coming to cover your mouth. Bumjoong, from behind you, rests a comforting hand on your shoulder.

You don't know what you're going to do when they leave.

Hiyyih, from your other side, rubs your back softly as you muffle your cries. Kai is biting back his tears as he reaches between you and holds your hand. You'll always have them.

────୨ৎ────

And even if you didn't, you don't have to worry about the brothers leaving, especially not Hongjoong. He tries to make that clear as he helps you out of the car.

He came back with you. He isn't going anywhere.

"I'll heat you up some-"

"(Y/n)?" Your elder neighbor hobbles over quickly, stopping the three of you in your driveway. "Dear, look at you..."

"Now's not a great time-" Hongjoong tries to stop her, pulling you behind him gently when she reaches out.

"Oh, I'll be quick," she says as she takes your hands in her own, cast and all.

"Ma'am, really-" Bumjoong similarly gets cut off.

"I just wanted to let you know how very, very sorry my husband and I are for you. You're so young, you shouldn't have to deal with such grief. I was in my fifties when my parents passed, I can't imagine..."

You look up at her blankly, "thanks, Miss K."

"Oh, dear, I'm so glad you're okay! You're such a sweet girl. It's a miracle you survived. I saw the photos on the news, it's a work of god that anyone made it out-"

"Okay, okay," Hongjoong steps between you, "really, that's enough. Thank you for your condolences."

Both you and Bumjoong are looking at the woman like she's grown another head, wide eyes and jaws dropped.

Hongjoong, though, is seething. "We'll see you around, Miss K." He yanks your hands from her grasp and pulls you to the front door, hiding you in his side with his arm around you while he unlocks the door. "What a fucking bitch, read the room-" He grumbles as he pushes the door open, guiding you inside. "Come on, honey."

Bumjoong gives the awestruck woman an awkward smile before run-walking to join you.

Hongjoong is kneeling down, taking your shoes off of you gently.

"Ignore her." He knows you feel guilty for surviving. He, and everyone else, have been trying to get that idea out of your head.

The idea that you should have died with your parents.

"I think I wa- I want to go lay down."

That's all you've wanted to do for the past six days. All six days since the crash — all you want to do is curl up and disappear.

"Come on," he pushes you into the direction of the couch, "Bum, will you make her something to drink?"

"On it."

You crash onto the cushions, laid face down as he pulls the blanket off the back of the couch and drapes it over you. "Thanks." You say shortly.

"Anything you need, honey. Anything at all."

────୨ৎ────

"What're you wearing?" Hongjoong hummed, leaning his head over the back of the couch and looking you up and down.

Dressed in a cute skirt and a button up blouse, all dolled up, you did a twirl that made his heart flutter. "Cute, right?"

"Very~ Where you off to?"

"Me and Hiyyih are going on a girls date. Her boyfriend just broke up with her, so I'm standing in," you laughed as you grabbed your purse from the hook by the door.

"You're a good friend," he smiled, quickly standing up and making his way to you. "No boys right?"

"No, Dad," You rolled your eyes playfully, missing the way his eyes widened a bit. "Just me and her- well, her brother. But he doesn't count!"

"Hmm... I'll allow it," he joked right back after his shock passed, handing you the keys to his car after you pulled your shoes on. You took them with a big smile.

"Really? I was gonna take my bike to meet her-"

"In that skirt? Do you want the whole neighborhood to see your pant-"

"Okayyyy!" You shoved his arm, "I get it, perv."

He smirked lightly — if only you knew the half of it.

"I'll be back before mom gets home," you said as you opened up the door, leaning back to him. "Mwah," you gave him a quick peck. Chaste and fleeting.

That's one thing he still can't get used to. You kiss everyone on the lips, it's just part of how you show affection. But it still makes him giddy.

"Bye, Dad." You closed the door before either of you got the chance to really take in what had just slipped from your lips. Not joking like before.

Hongjoong stared at the door with wide eyes, debating on whether or not he actually just heard you correctly.

Debating on if he should just deal with the consequences of yanking the door open and shoving his tongue in your mouth to show you how to really kiss.

In the end, he didn't. But he thought about it.

He still thinks about it. A lot.

────୨ৎ────

"I made you an appointment with a grief counselor," Hongjoong says quietly over the sound of the rain against the roof.

The wind howls, the screen door bangs every few seconds, the television keeps it's steady sound of a show you've seen a million times.

You stay there, laying across the couch, unmoving with your unfocused eyes on the TV.

"Did you hear me, honey?"

"...Yeah."

"Is th-" He sighs, rubbing his face as he leans on the doorframe. He's asked you 'is there anything you need' five times a day, at the very least. And he never got an answer.

He's not been guiding you through your grief — he's just been keeping you afloat so that you don't drown in it completely.

He needs to know what you need to start getting through it.

"I'm really trying. I really am, (Y/n)... But I can't help you if you don't tell me what you need."

The lights flicker with a loud rumble of thunder, and his heart breaks a little more as he watches you flinch.

He pushes off of the wall, getting a tissue from the third box you've gone through this week and a half on his way over.

When he kneels in front of you and dabs your tears away, they start flowing quicker. "Shhh," he coos softly, rubbing your arm as you hold yourself, "I know. I know, honey."

His blurry figure pouts as you meet his gaze. "I need-" Your voice cracks, "I need you to hold me."

He presses his lips together in a gentle smile, "okay. I can do that."

You finally push yourself off of the couch for the first time in hours, sniffling quietly.

He sits next to you and pats his lap lightly, urging you forward. Carefully, you sit sideways atop of him; your shoulders slumped and your head low as you wipe your eyes.

As he wraps his arms around you, you can't help the wave of ugly sobs that come with the comfort of his touch.

"It's okay," he says softly as he presses his forehead against your shoulder, "cry it all out."

You turn quickly, hugging his neck and crying into him, "why am I alive, Joongie?"

He's well and true speechless. He has no idea what to say. How to comfort you. "Don't... don't say that."

"It should have been me-"

"Stop. Stop talking like that, honey."

When his palms touch your cheeks, you almost think he's slapped you from both sides simultaneously — but his touch is soft, and it doesn't move.

His eyes flick wildly across your teary face, his finger twitching on your cheekbones. "Don't say that. Don't fucking say that."

"Why are you even here? You can leave, go find an actual girlfriend-"

"I don't want to." He breathes softly, frantic eyes finally locking on yours, "I don't want to leave. This is our home. This is where we belong, together. I don't want a girlfriend, I want you."

"Wh-"

"I want to stay with you," he shakes his head as if correcting himself, "I want to take care of you, honey. Please, please just let me. You don't need to do this on your own — you can't. I want to stay."

Your pout only gets bigger, bottom lip trembling and calling his attention. "Why?"

"Because I care about you."

Despite the circumstances, his heart is trying to beat out of his chest to try and jump into yours. He means every word he says, but you don't know the extent.

"Don't say those things again, baby. Never. You deserve to live. And I'm not going to leave. Especially not when you're hurting so bad."

A bittersweet warmth touches your soul for the first time since the accident. The corners of your lips twitch up instead of down. "R-really?"

He takes a steadying breath before he pecks your lips, holding himself back. "Really."

────୨ৎ────

"Joong." You grab his wrist as he turns to leave your bedroom the next night, looking down at the floor.

"Yup? Yes, honey?" He turns back around quickly, rubbing your arm.

He had helped you clean up and change into your pajamas, and was about to go do the same for himself.

Hiyyih had visited again, but left a few hours ago, promising she'd come back soon. You hugged her extra tight.

"I just wanted to say... thank you for taking care of me and my mom. You're a really nice guy. I hope- I hope one day you'll get to have an actual family."

He wants to tell you you are his family. But he just smiles and pets your freshly washed hair. "You're sweet."

He gets the wind knocked out of him as you crash into him. Hugging him extra tight. "Oh-" He wraps his arms around you in return, squeezing you much gentler than you do to him. He waits until you let go — he always does.

You appreciated that about him. He was good to you. "Goodnight, Hongjoong."

"Goodnight, honey. See you in the morning."

You don't say it back.

He closes the door behind him quietly. Shuffling down the hall, he rubs his face tiredly.

It doesn't hit him until he's rinsing his face, staring down at the place where your pain and sleep pills should be. And it's empty.

The door just about comes off the hinges as he yanks it open, running down the hall. "Hey!" Your door gets the same treatment, slamming into the wall behind it as he throws it open.

It's only been twenty minutes — if that. But you're sitting on the floor, leaning on the side of the bed, eyes drooping as you stare at the photo of your parents on your nightstand. Both bottles of pills are empty on the floor next to you.

"No, no, no, no," he mumbles as he runs to you. "No! What did you do? What did you do, baby? Hey, you stay awake, goddamn it!" He slaps your cheek lightly, multiple times in quick succession until you pout and open your eyes.

Wildly dilated eyes scanning his face, you groan. "I'm gonna go."

"Like fuck you are! Get up, c'mon," he grits his teeth as he hauls you to your feet, wrapping his arms up under yours and dragging you out of the room, "you aren't going anywhere! No fucking way!"

"Let go of me," you slur tiredly, kicking your feet weakly as they drag on the floor. Everything is slightly blurry from your tears. The photos lining the hall, the wallpaper they're on — your mother's bedroom door that hasn't been opened in a week.

He falls to the tile with you, dragging you to your knees as you protest feebly, "oh, god... How long ago- oh, god!"

You whine as he pulls your torso over the clawfoot tub, slapping at his hand while he grips your jaw. "You can't leave, you can't! I need you. You can't go." His fingers dig into the sides of your face; forcing your mouth open.

His fingers are in the back of your mouth before you can even grab at him, making you gag. "Ge- get them out, angel." He shoves them deeper, making you retch right into the tub. Bile and half dissolved pills.

But not nearly as many pills as he knows was in those bottles.

He does it again, cringing at the sound of your gagged whines. Not paying any mind to the stomach acid on his fingers as he digs them back into your throat. Only your pained noises as you spew more pills.

"Shhh," he uses his clean hand to rub your back as he turns on the water, washing away all of the filth and pills before rinsing his fingers. "Shhh, you're o- I'm here."

He doesn't dare say 'you're okay'. Because that's far from the truth.

You're so filled with grief and misplaced guilt that the first thing you've done in almost two weeks without being coaxed — is try to kill yourself.

But as you spit up into the tub: hard tile under your knees, heart clenching painfully in your chest, casted arm slipping on the edge, Hongjoong's trembling voice cutting through the air to beg you to stay awake long enough to get the pills out —

You realize you're afraid to die.

He's crying almost as hard as you are as you ask yourself, in a near incoherent voice, "why did I do that?" You cough into the tub, spitting up the taste of your stomach. "Joongie, what did I do?" You yell as you grip the edge of the tub with your finger-tips. "I don't want to die!"

You don't.

You miss your parents so badly that it feels like there's a void in your heart — like someone has hole punched it and left you to bleed out. You feel so guilty for walking away with nothing other than a broken arm that you may as well be calling yourself the anti-christ; like you've committed a mortal sin just by existing.

But you're afraid of what comes after death. If it's pitch black and cold. If it's like a deep sleep. If it's like heaven and hell.

You aren't ready to find out.

He hugs your arm tightly, sobbing into your sleeve, "how many did you take?"

"I t- all of them! All of them!" You shake your head, blinking rapidly, "what do I do?!"

"Open," he shakily lifts his fingers again, wrapping his hand around yours on the edge of the tub as he shoves them back into your throat. "Get them out, as many as you can, honey. Before you start digesting them more."

You can hardly breathe as he makes you empty your stomach into the tub, three more times before pills stop coming up with the burning acid that has your throat raw.

"We need to get you to the hospital-"

You shake your head, coughing dryly, "they'll admit me."

"You need to be looked at, sweetheart..."

"Please," you look at him, begging. "Don't make me. They'll keep me, Joong... I can't- I can't." You squeeze his hand tightly, "they won't let me see you."

His gaze softens even more, lacing his fingers with yours. The rushing water fills the silence between you.

"You were right," you say quietly, voice hoarse with pain; both physical and mental. "I need you to take care of me. Please, take care of me."

────୨ৎ────

You came home late, mascara smudged and half-assedly cleaned up.

"Where you been?" Hongjoong's voice made you jump, holding your hand to your chest. He turned around at the table and his eyes widened; practically jumping out of the chair. "What-"

"It's nothing." You tried to shove his hands away as they came up to cradle your puffy and heated face. That, along with your ruined makeup, told him you'd been crying.

He tilted your head up, pouting as he inspected you. "What happened?"

His soft touch, his gentle tone, the genuine concern in his eyes — it made you burst into another round of tears.

"Oh-" He shook his head, shushing you as he rubbed your cheekbones with his thumbs, "hey, shhh, you don't need to cry, sweetheart. Whatever it is, I can try to help you."

You threw yourself into his chest, hugging him tightly and leaving him a bit surprised for a moment before he returned the favor.

It was the first time he ever called you anything other than 'honey'.

He let you cry into his chest for a good few minutes before you finally exhausted yourself; sniffling and holding onto him.

"Want to tell me what this is about?" He whispered as he traced on your back.

"He dumped me."

Hongjoong wanted to jump for joy, but he hid his smile as he continued to hold your head to his shoulder; trying to keep his tone even. "He doesn't know what he's missing, honey."

"Can I... could I ask you something a bit personal, Joong? About guys?"

"Sure." He smoothed out his expression as you leaned back. He'd answer any question you ask without hesitation.

"Well... I know you and my mom don't have sex-" His eyes widened a bit, having absolutely no idea where you were going. "-and... I was just curious if guys really do get blue balls if they don't... do it? God, I sound ridiculous." You laughed humorlessly, wiping your cheeks.

"Uuuuhm- sorry, sorry." He scratched his neck, feeling heat creeping up it. "I wasn't expecting that-"

"You don't have to answer, I just- well... Google wasn't very helpful. It was a bunch of incels on Reddit, not the most reliable source."

He pushed a hand through his hair as he wandered back to the table, sitting quickly. "No, that's not true." He looked down, and then back to you in a split second, "why?"

He noticed your unease, the way you swallowed with a bit of trouble; like there was a lump in your throat.

"He said that's why he couldn't be with me anymore... We were just w-" You cleared your throat, choosing to leave out the details, "he said because I won't put out."

"That's stupid, honey-" Your heart dropped for a split second, thinking he was telling you you should go back to him and- "-you don't have to do anything you don't want to."

You slunk into the chair across from him, tapping your fingers on the table as you bit your lip. "You seriously don't get blue balls? He made it sound so real..."

He laughed a bit, fondly. Reaching over, he held your hand softly, "seriously. We can handle it on our own." Looking over your features slowly, watching you take in the information; his eyebrows pressed together. "Are you a virgin?"

The question had caught you both off guard, and he let go of your hand quickly to cover his mouth. "I'm so sorry. I did not mean to say that."

Although a bit mortified of answering, you thought it a fair question. You know he didn't mean to ask, and he was definitely not expecting an answer — he was fully expecting a scold or a slap or for you to completely ignore his personal inquiry.

But you just spoke, "yeah."

You didn't know it, but his wide eyes weren't of shock. They were of wonder and awe. Can you get more perfect? Is what he was thinking in the brief moment of silence that hung between you.

He swallowed thickly before speaking, "and that's why he broke up with you? Because you aren't ready to have sex?"

"Yeah, but, I mean," you shrugged, "I see where he's coming from-"

"No, no, noooo," he interrupted, quickly, "absolutely not!" He met your eyes and spoke sincerely, "you should wait until you're ready. Don't let that jackass get in your head. If it's important to you, you should do it with someone special."

"You really think that? Most people say I'm overreacting, being too picky..." You looked away, sighing, "most people my age don't really think it's such a big deal. I mean, it really is mostly societal- but for me, I want to feel safe with the person who I literally let inside of me, y'know?"

He was internally freaking the fuck out, but he kept a calm face; nodding along with your words. It was your first time ever opening up to him about something so undeniably personal.

"No, that's completely valid," he said quickly when he realized you were done talking; looking to him for a response. "I can imagine it's scary to you, right?"

"Yeah," you leaned your head on your hand, "it is."

He'll make sure you never feel scared with him. He can take much better care of you than any boy your age ever could. He should make sure you stop going on dates — one of these times, you might give into their pressuring. All of these thoughts ran through his mind as he watched you, his heart in his throat. What can he do to make you feel better?

"Hey, honey?" He broke the silence carefully, a smile tugging on his lips as you looked up at him. "Have you ever egged someone's house?"

────୨ৎ────

"How are you feeling?" Hongjoong asks for the third time in twenty minutes, looking over to you as he puts the stopper in the tub.

Letting it fill with lukewarm water, he sits on the edge to face you.

"Tired," you whisper as you pick at the plaster cast. "My throat hurts- you had to jab me so hard?" You're fuzzy headed and it's the first time you've even gotten close to laughing.

Your small joking tone doesn't amuse him though, not when you're still in the danger zone and refusing to go to the hospital.

He knows he should just pick your ass up and make you go. But he can't bring himself to, the thought of them keeping you away from him nagging him into doing research as fast as possible so he can take care of you.

You're going to be so pissed when he keeps you awake for the next few hours, already nodding off every so often with your head rolling back and forth on the wall you rest on. But he isn't risking letting you fall asleep. Not when you never waking up is a possibility.

He knocks his foot against yours as your eyes droop for the umpteenth time.

"Let me sleep," you draw on in a whine, slapping at his foot clumsily.

"No. You need to stay awake for at least a few hours until I know you're okay."

You peek your eyes open and pout up at him, dramatically at first. But it turns genuine as you register the sternness, the care and concern on his face.

His nose slightly red from crying, his eyes puffy, and his hair a mess.

"I'm sorry." You blurt out quickly. "I d- I just..." You squeeze your eyes shut as you roll your head to face away from him. "I don't even know. I'm sorry..."

"Why did you do that?" He deadpans, finally asking the million dollar question.

"I don't know-"

"Yes, you do."

"I don't!"

"Stop lying to me!"

You flinch as he stands quickly, looking up at him with wide eyes.

"Stop lying to yourself! You didn't do this for the fuck of it. You were trying to kill yourself! I want to know why! Why would you do something so stupid? What if I hadn't noticed? Huh? You were just going to lay there on the floor until you seized to death? Until your heart gave out? All alone i- What- I can't-" He paces back and forth in the small space, gripping his hair.

He stops as he hears you choke back a cry, and his eyes snap to you; still on the floor. Your knees pulled up to your chest and your wide eyes teary as you watch him.

He sighs, sliding down the wall to sit next to you. He holds your hand gently, but his voice is still laced with anger and confusion, "I want a goddamn answer, (Y/n)."

You take a few short seconds to steady your shallow breaths, not daring to look over at him even as you feel his gaze on you. "I feel like... I shouldn't have survived. Like this is some sort of sick joke the universe is playing on me. Why d- why did I get to live and they don't? It's not fair..."

"Life isn't fair," he says without hesitation, "life is fucking brutal. It sucks, but, honey, that's the truth. The world will throw the most vile things at people who deserve it least. It pummels us to the dirt — and you know what we do?"

He squeezes your hand lightly, getting you to look at him. "You know what we do?"

You shake your head slowly, gripping his hand tight.

"We get up. And we keep going. No matter how much it hurts. We keep living, keep fighting. Do you understand me? We don't get to give up just because life is unfair."

Your lip trembles, and before you can stop them, tears are free falling down your face.

"C'mere," he mumbles softly, opening up his arms and wrapping them around you as you crawl into his lap. "I got you."

"I'm so sorry, Da- Joong," you stutter into his neck breathlessly, already a mess of sobs in his hold.

"I know, honey," he hums as he rubs your shoulders slowly, "it's okay, I'm not mad. You just scared me, you know? What would I do without my sweet girl?"

You can only respond with more tears, clinging to him tightly.

────୨ৎ────

The sun rises in through the windows, casting the dim table in its light. Shining on you and Hongjoong in two separate blocks of warmth as you both rest your heads on the surface.

Your fingers play idly with his, eyes barely held open.

He's just the same, holding back his yawns as he waits in silence; tracing your face and committing every detail to memory like he hasn't already.

He had kept you up all night despite your growing aggravation as he did so; the pills that managed to dissolve in your stomach making you unbelievably sleepy. Eventually, around two hours ago, you had given up arguing and forced yourself to stay awake so he'd stop shaking you and blasting music in your ear.

When you made it clear you'd stay up, he turned off the blinding overhead light and rubbed your head to aid your headache.

When the alarm on his phone finally goes off, he breathes a sigh of relief. "You're in the clear," he shuts it off quickly, sitting up and stretching his arms above his head.

"Can I eat now?" You moan tiredly as you rub your eyes, forcing yourself up.

"Yes, and then we'll get some sleep," he kisses your head as he stands. "Cereal okay?"

"That's good."

The events of the night still hang heavy in the air, but less so. In between your bouts of annoyance over not being able to sleep; Hongjoong got you to open up more.

All of your feelings laid out in the open, the crushing weight of dealing with them all on your own has lightened. Your shoulders feel less tense. Your soul feels just a bit less plagued.

You eat in silence, both of you clearing your bowls quickly with the promise of sleep awaiting you.

He doesn't even bother clearing the table before he stands up and opens his arms for you. With a small groan, he lifts you up and allows you to wrap your arms and legs around him. "Let's go to bed, honey."

"Mhm," you hum into his shoulder, resting your head against him while he carries you to your room.

"I'll set an alarm for a few hours." He lays you down gently before taking his phone from his pocket, doing just that.

You expect him to leave, go to his own bed. But he throws his phone down on your bedside table and tells you, "scoot over."

You don't hesitate before sliding closer to the wall, making room for him as he lays next to you. "You're going to stay?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna stay," he smiles lightly, settling on his side to face you. "I need to know my honey is safe."

You roll to mirror him, eyes tired like never before — but he sees a small flicker of life in them as you move closer.

You cuddle into his chest, hiding your face in his shirt as you close your eyes; melting into his hold.

"Thanks, Dad."

The word slips without you even noticing, already falling asleep with the warmth of his body soothing your soul.

But he latches onto it. Letting it echo with something akin to love blooming in his chest, sinking it's vines into his heart.

He isn't going anywhere.

────୨ৎ────

#ateez #ateez smut #yandere ateez #ateez angst #smut fic #yandere fic #angsts fic #ateez fic #ateez x reader #yandere ateez x reader #yandere hongjoong #yandere hongjoong x reader #hongjoong x reader #kim hongjoong #kim hongjoong x reader #hongjoong smut #hongjoong smau #ateez fanfic

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bts-preference · 3 days ago

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11. He apologizes after your first fight

Request from @coffeedepressionsoup

Namjoon: After taking some time to calm down, you're both ready to apologize (after you both rehearsed your apology in your heads nearly a dozen times, of course). Because you're so anxious, you accidentally begin speaking at the same time, "I'm sorry - wait, what? - no, you go first - no, you go first." You both stop, and when your eyes meet, you break out into laughter over the awkwardness. "Do you mind I go?" he asks, and you shake your head in response. "I should be the only one apologizing anyway," he continues, "I don't know why I have to always be right, but I am working on it - and I'm just hoping you will give me another chance to prove it."

Jin: Getting ready to dial his phone number again for the umpteenth time, Jin returns suddenly to your apartment with a bouquet of flowers and a shopping bag after leaving mid-argument. Seeing that the bouquet contains your favorite flowers, and that the shopping bag is filled with your favorite snacks, you begin to thank him and apologize but he cuts you off. "These are more than a peace offering," he says, his nerves slowly turning his ears bright red, "It hurt me when you said that I don't listen to you. And sure, knowing your favorite flowers and favorite snacks are the bare minimum, but I want to make sure you know that I'm always listening."

Yoongi: After working hard to base your relationship on openness and communication, his silence is almost like torture. Once you cool down from your argument, you seek him out immediately. You find him in his studio, staring at blank computer screens. "Cool song," you say, attempting to break the tension. Having cooled down, too, he cracks a smile. "Come here," he says, grabbing ahold of you and pulling you onto his lap, before continuing, "I'm sorry for being so rotten earlier." "It's OK-" you begin, but he cuts you off. "No, it's not," he insists, "I've been stressed, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you - you never deserve that, (Y/N)."

Hoseok: What started as a normal disagreement, turns into a heated argument that ends with you calling each other names. Never thinking it would go that far, you are both embarrassed after taking some time to cool off. Struggling to meet his gaze, you look down at your lap when you ask, "Do you think we can come back from this, Hobi?" He considers your question for a moment before he reaches out, gently tilting your chin up so you are looking at him. "Yes, I do, (Y/N)," he says, sincerely. "I am sorry for calling you a name, and I know you're sorry to. Relationships take work, and I know we will work hard to not make the same mistakes again."

Jimin: Not being able to stand another minute of arguing with him, you retreat to your bedroom. You close the door behind you, before climbing in to your bed and wrapping yourself in your blankets to muffle the sound of your crying. You don't know how much time passes before you hear the door creak open. "(Y/N)?" Jimin asks, softly. You don't respond. He makes his way to his side of the bed. You feel the mattress sink as he lies beside you, and you don't fight when he start getting under the covers with you. Once he is settled, he whispers, "I'm sorry, (Y/N). Please don't hate me." Wiping your tears, you whisper back, "I could never hate you, Jimin."

Taehyung: Your argument gets louder and louder until eventually he hits a decibel which causes you to recoil. Your reaction stuns him; he looks at you with wide eyes and mouth agape. He reaches for you - despite your first instinct being to shake him off (as you are still trying to process what just happened), you let him pull you close. "I swear I didn't mean to yell like that, (Y/N)," he pleads. "I know you didn't, Tae," you reply, "I was yelling, too." He nods, thinking carefully about what to say next. "I don't think there's anything I can do to take it back," he finally says, "But I promise I will work hard to prove I'm not like that - I'm sorry for fighting with you to begin with. I love you."

Jungkook: It had been an hour since you stormed out during your first argument with him. As soon as the door slammed shut behind you, you had wanted to turn around but your stubbornness got the best of you. When you return, you find him, with a red nose and puffy eyes, sitting on the couch. When he sees you, he pats the seat beside him, inviting you to come sit with him, and you do so without hesitation. "I'm so sorry, (Y/N)," he says. "I wasn't being fair." You apologize, too. "But can you promise me something?" he continues, "If there is a next time, please don't storm out - I didn't like that." You hold up your pinky to promise him you wouldn't do it again.

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atangledfate · 2 hours ago

Text

Lanolin averted her eyes from Surge as if she wasn't sure how to feel about what she said. It wasn't as if she didn't understand Surge on some level she did. But letting the world turn you into a villain when none of it was really your fault seemed wrong to her. Starline was the villain here, Surge was just a victim of his madness. Everything she did was a by product of that in one way or another. The world needed to know the story, needed that truth more then anything. But it wasn't her story to tell and if Surge didn't want to tell it who was she to tell her otherwise.

" And you really don't want to tell the world why? Your happy with ... with being vilified like this? It... doesn't feel right but... if this is what you want... "

She said clearly still struggling with the situation. For all the crap she gave Surge, right now she felt like she was the only one ready to defend her. Her attention turned to the blogger and she placed a hand on her cheek. She wasn't sure she should say anything at all... it might come back to haunt her.

" As an official of restoration we'll release our statement once this crisis is over... however, i'll only say this... When the war was raging, and your homes were burning--- ask yourselves... where was GUN then... then decide for yourselves if you still trust them..."

==============================================

Sonic didn't respond right away to Kit as if he was focused on the road in front of him. Really he was trying to understand why Surge didn't tell him. It confused him, and he felt like if he did tell him he'd be betraying surge yet again and he'd been trying so hard to earn her trust. If he told Kit it could come back to bite him and if he didn't the fennec would have more reason to distrust him.

He sighed... what a shitty choice he had to make...

" Eh, Guess you have to keep hating me... whatever happened to Surge that's her story to tell not mine--- maybe Whisper will tell you... an honestly she knows better then i do... "

It was Sonic's way of saying yes, without directly saying it. That gave him plausible deniability if surge got pissed off about him yapping more secrets away!

" Anyway i'm sure it'll all make more sense when we get to where she wanted us to go... it was important to her and... i promised i'd get you there. i've broken enough promises to her... this is one i wanna keep..."

================================================

Miles stood up and rubbed the back of his neck as he'd been wondering about them to. The fact they were able to put Amy down with such ease was a testament to there skill. There power was also on another level, allowing them to completely avoid an attack? Depending on the level of control a power like that could be an annoyance or it could be outright next level. However Miles still felt like Odessa was best where she was, the people were more important after all.

" We aren't saying that Belle... This person was able to take Amy down... and was able to avoid blazes attack entirely. I'm not sure either of us could handle a fighter like that even if we knew exactly what we were up against... "

" But yea for now i think Blaze is right. We need to get you someplace Safe, i'll call Gmerl in once we are safe. He's probably the best bodyguard we could ask for... plus i doubt you want your knight away for to long "

Lanolins eyes turned to one side as Surge spoke and she could hear that malice in her voice. She'd already consigned herself to what ever fate that lay ahead. But nobody knew the real surge, nobody knew the story of the girl who lost her life to a madman. People only knew her as the destroyer who wrecked the city, who fought sonic and lost. Some saw her on that track and got to see the real Surge under all that anger and bark. Lanolin believed under all of that was a good person clawing there way out of the hell they were forced into. She just wanted Surge to have her say in all of this... what ever small say it might be.

" It's true... many see you for the monster that tore through the city, or the enemy that tried to kill Sonic. Or the failure who couldn't do the deed... "

She said in a soft somber tone

" But nobody knows you... not really. Nobody knows the real story... the truth behind thunder in the sky. I've known you a short time ... and i barely know you... "

She motioned to the civilian with her hand and gazed into Surges eyes less like the soldier and more like a friend. Someone trying to beat past all that rage and help her... maybe it was the first time Lanolin dropped the tough girl act and was just that scared sheep who crawled into restoration that day.

" This is your chance Surge... To tell the world who you are... where you came from... to be remembered ... and not have your story tainted by GUN or anyone else... to tell the world... Who you REALLY are... people are starting to wonder about that. The mysterious green rider... she who fought off the phantom rider... they cheered for you despite EVERYTHING... but they don't know you... "

" This might be your last chance to tell them... so how do you want them to remember you? as the Villain ... or the Hero... he's your chance to convey that... what ever message you might have for the world... he'll be your voice...i dunno i guess... i guess i just feel like you deserve that..."

===============================================

Sonic rubbed the back of his neck as Kit was pretty adamant he would run beside him. Well he supposed if he was able to keep pace with Surge it would be fine right? He nodded his head and turned to make his way across the busted up city and toward the little town that Surge marked for him. He wasn't sure why that little podunk town exactly but he wasn't gonna argue he had made a promise and he'd keep it.

Yet Kit's words made him turn his head as he slowed down just enough so they were side by side. His eyes glancing over at Kit before facing forward. He still blamed himself for not checking that hole, maybe things would have been different if he had.

" That's fine... Trust is earned after all and i let you down. Worse i tried to hide it from you when i found out she was alive... you got every right to be angry with me... maybe in time you'll forgive me... maybe not... but i can still hope that things change for the better...."

================================================

Miles crossed his arms looking very lost in thought, as Blaze gave her stance on the situation. He didn't disagree either, recreating Starlines project wasn't simple. Especially since he had the original notes and they were locked up in his max security vault hidden away in a secret location. No one was getting in there without a small army and that implied they ever knew where to find it.

Still, if they had Surge? It was possible they could figure out all the parts and put it all back together again. It worried him and it was etched on his face how worried he was. Ever since Phantom War he'd been trying to devise ways to counter every possible bad scenario...

He wasn't sure he had an answer to an army of Surges...

" all we can do now is wait... and see what GUNs next move is... we also can't ignore Eggman... he's been to quiet lately to... its gonna be hard to watch GUN and him at the same time... guess we have our work cut out for us..."

" Heh yea... guess Belle's right... we are better looking into this when we are more secure. Speaking of i'll see if i can arrange for Belle bot to be moved to my lab's server room until we can save the data properly and move it back onto Restoration servers. It'll be more secure there then here anyway... "

" Well... at least we have a plan...I guess that leaves miss Blaze and i to handle this goon from GUN and his paper work. Ah Bureaucracy! at least i feel somewhat well equipped to deal with that! they should be arriving anytime--- Guess we should prepare for that. Why don't you and Miss Belle get Belle Bot ready for transfer while we handle the paperwork! "

#Heroes of Mobius #Sonic and Tails #The Imposters #Kit and Surge #Restoration Commander #Lanolin #Director of Restoration #Jewel #Gears and Starters #Belle #Princess of Sol #Blaze #Knight of Sol #Odessa

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geo-rosey · 14 hours ago

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Cold in my professions letter but I translated it into Gen Z language

Note that because of my intense lams brainrot I have done a bit of research into historical phrases and language although I am not an expert

kind of like hamilton at the end of this letter, I have just reread this and.... what the fuck is this. It's the most cringe thing I have ever put into this world. Enjoy, I guess.

To Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens,

I know I'm like super serious with my work and stuff but you know with my friends I get all sappy bro, I don't even know how to prove to you how much I love you. I didn't even realise how down bad I was until you left. I am crashing out. You know that I never want to attach myself to people, they're way too fragile. But you snuck into my weak little heart anyway, you traitor. But I still love you and we forgive people we love so I'll let you off this time, as long as you keep matching my freak too.

I hope all your success is foreshadowing you being appointed to the assembly. I really do hope there aren't any bri'ish people in Georgia when you arrive and that you can come back and be with me and the bros. It was right of Congress to give you the rank of Lietenant Colonel, you were basically one anyway when you were Washington's aide de camp, and you're going to command a battalion so obviously you needed it. My only complaint is that they seem to think giving you this is some kind of mark of honour that they refuse to give to the rest of us. I mean, you're perfect, of course, we love you very much, you're a great soldier, but it still feels a little unfair. It's not your fault, of course. You did everything right.

Literally nothing is happening here. Very boring.

I thought you might find it... interesting to find the other letters that I've sent along with this one. I think they're pretty recent. They were brought to me from New York Thompson, who got them from a woman called Mrs. Moore, who claims to be a friend of your wife??? You have a wife??? She also says you have a daughter?? wh <------->

Well, talking about wives, I guess since you have one you should try to find me one while you're down in South Carolina. Obviously it will be very difficult to find a wife fitting of a man like me, but if you do, I will be very impressed. My type: young, handsome (I am a butt guy), not too dumb (no dropouts), rich family (BUT NOT NOBLE 🤮) romantic (But I'm not a fan of PDA), she's got to be a decent person, and generous (she can't be obsessed with money and she can't be mean to me because god knows my ego is huge but fragile as fuck) I don't really care what her political beliefs are because mine are the best and I can just prove that to her. I don't really care about religion as long as she isn't Catholic. With money... well, you know I'm broke as hell, and in this late-stage-capitalism there isn't any kind of class mobility so a rich girl would be nice. At least rich enough that she can pay for her own stuff because I definitely don't have enough money for all those woman things. I guess I'm not that opposed to women so I'll struggle through dating one if you can find one that fits my criteria.

And if you can't find anyone who fits you can just post something and I'm sure they'll all come running to earn the prize that is my epic face. Of course, to get them excited, you have to tell them how smoking hot I am. Be generous. Talk about my heavenly body, height, my achievements, make sure to really emphasise my weapon ;) ;) And remember <----->

I've just read over what I wrote and... Yeah what the fuck am I on. I don't even want a wife. Life is hard enough without having to worry about women. Even if I did, I wouldn't act like a horny frat boy when talking about it. Was I aiming to be stupid? Probably, and I definitely did that. Was I just fucking with you? Sure. But I'm pretty sure it was just so that I could have more to ramble about to you, so that I can talk to you for longer, because I cant have any other kinds of intercourse with you anymore.

Byee

Hornylton

#geo rambles #hamilton #fanfic #lams #john laurens #alexander hamilton #amrev #cold in my proffesions and warm in my friendships

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lunarriviera · 2 days ago

Note

->though i have a LOT of thoughts about how serious luo wenzhou has ever really been about tao ran whom he knows FULL WELL is completely straight but that's a different meta I see those tags <333 pretty please for some meta about that one day? (I love Tao Ran/Tao Ze sm. srsly how perfect is liu yihong in this role?!)

ngl nonny i have been SAVING THIS ONE UP [rubs hands together in evil glee] because you KNOW i'm out here wanting to talk about the bestest boy in the world. the only token straight guy allowed. the shy thoughtful bashful tousle-headed young man, of whom luo wenzhou once said so memorably: "for a while i thought he was gay like me. […] then i saw him get a girlfriend and found out that he wasn’t gay, he was just an idiot. he had absolutely no game."

(there will be spoilers below, for both justice in the dark and mo du!)

and yet, okay. AND YET. in addition to being emotionally foreclosed when it comes to holding a girl's hand, at the SAME TIME, this man is ALSO a highly trained and extremely gifted police investigator, who's not just dogged but actually kind of ruthless when he's on the hunt? he thinks on his feet and he thinks fast, and he's quick like silver when luo wenzhou orders his deputy to handle something.

(and they're still best friends! do you know how hard it is to be good friends with the same guy who tells you what to do all day? but tao ran has absolutely no ego, and he also knows that not only does lwz listen to every single thing he has to say, but that if he had to, he could also bark an order at lwz who'd move into action unhesitatingly. they're so easy together, the way people who have been friends through a lot of shit can become. shit of the "ugh my new freshman roommate" kind and also the "frontline criminal policeman who's probably seen 800-1000 psychopaths" kind) (to quote luo-dui.)

and yet HOW do both these things go together? adorable sweet helpless straight boy on the one hand, and on the other slightly unhinged detective who cancels on his crush to work a murder case?

you can't make it make sense, but priest can. because she's a genius. just sat at her laptop one day and thought: hey what are two random qualities i could shove into the same character that don't make any sense together at all? and she came up with tao ran. 1) clueless stammering awkward tiny baby who is 2) in his own way, just as driven and on-tilt about shit as luo wenzhou, just slightly better at being polite and acting normal. until he, you know. DRIVES HIS CAR DIRECTLY INTO ANOTHER MOVING CAR. ON PURPOSE.

(and goddamn, i believed liu yihong in that moment. and yes he has been absolutely EATING i am so proud of this child. i only have two sadnesses: 1) they've sidelined him from the last episodes and i will not spoil it for anyone but only say that in the novel he's more involved at the end of the investigation, and there's one scene in particular with fei du that i'm mopey about not seeing; and 2) i'm worried he won't get jobs from this, bc of the whole…cancelled-for-two-years/only-streams-in-japan/no-one-can-talk-about-it thing.)

he's a good team mom, too! they trust and look up to him, you can tell.

okay. BUT: what about tao ran as baffled straight love-object in zhoudu's bizarre little game of wishbone? or anyway the game that they seem to be playing, at the beginning of the story? how into him are either of them, really? i have different answers bc i think their feelings and existing relationships with tao ran are already different. (and i have to mostly defer to the novel here bc that's the only way we really get interiority; the drama doesn't have enough time for e.g. tao ran and luo wenzhou to sit in a patrol car and talk about dating.)

and! i know this is gonna be heretical! but! i must speak my truth!

in the case of luo wenzhou, first, he honestly doesn't ever show any particular inclination or intention to go after tao ran. i'm not sure we would even know he supposedly likes tao ran, other his throwing a tantrum when fei du gets flowers delivered to tao ran's desk (and a card with a poem…admittedly a better poem than the "nauseating" one he writes later for lwz in an extra). lwz never asks tao ran out, never makes a pass at him—and we've SEEN him with fei du later, we KNOW how fast luo wenzhou can move when he's really interested.

i can imagine maybe when they were first getting to know each other, maybe even in college/at the academy, luo wenzhou might have tried it on once, still young and curious and not entirely sure of himself. tao ran's pretty, and very smart, and good; luo wenzhou would have noticed all those things. and then he would have realized really, really quickly that it wasn't going to happen. maybe he even had some sad beers about it. but he's practical, and not given to pining (fei du is very much an exception). i think he probably decided: you know what, i like this guy, i want to keep him. and then they were friends.

we also know lwz is casual enough around tao ran to talk about who he's (not) dating; tao ran asks, listens, and expresses consternation that the guy lwz was (sort of?) seeing (...but a while ago?) left him for italy. and sure, luo wenzhou then demands that tao ran say which of them he'd rather marry, him or fei du, and forces him to choose—but he's doing that for one reason: to fuck with fei du. as soon as tao ran grudgingly allows that lwz might be the better choice (not least bc fei du hasn't turned 22 yet and can't legally marry), lwz laughs gloatingly and leaves him alone, bc he got his cellphone recording.

fei du, i think, is different. when he calls tao ran "ge" in that soft voice, casting his eyes down, you can tell it really means something to him. we already know that if he ever had any semblance of home life after his ma's death, it was only when he stayed with tao ran, and that must have been extremely rare, given fei chengyu's rule with an iron fist. maybe he could sneak in an hour after school, or run away on weekends somehow. lie about an overnight, if he felt that brave. but even as minimal as their contact might have been, it clearly meant everything to teenaged fei du. tao ran became his haven, his one safe place. a place he could take luo yiguo, when he had to, to save his life.

does that translate into romantic love? not necessarily—but fei du is in many ways that count even more emotionally foreclosed than tao ran. whatever painted skin he hides behind, he's painfully lonely, and tao ran doesn't reject fei du in any way; he never has. if you're in the drama world of apaths, that stuff is meaningless to tao ran; and if you're the novel world of…i guess just the usual venal petty violent one we all live in, tao ran has still never felt there was anything wrong about fei du, or anything lacking; he's just a human kid to him.

tao ran tells lwz as much, always trying to get them to stop bickering:

here they are, astonishing each other—lwz, startled tao ran has actually noticed that he and fei du are getting along better (like it's not 8000% easier to be around them now); and tao ran, startled that lwz is beginning to act like…he likes fei du? but that's not possible, right? (tao ran is one of the last people to get this memo, later, in a way that's excruciatingly hilarious. sorry for your tongue, tao-ge.)

so while i think fei du absolutely adores tao ran, and is devoted to him in a way, at this point, that he's not to any other living person, all this really points to is fei du's deep and deeply repressed desire to be devoted to someone. of course, if you've spent your entire life telling yourself you're a monster who can't form limbic, empathetic, emotional connections, then it's probably impossible to admit that you need and want to do exactly that. fei du doesn't think he can be trusted with a kitten; he certainly can't trust himself with another person. (something something something, dead mama something.)

so when i try to add up "how many working members of the SID are really in love with tao ran?" i'm gonna come up with: zero. as fun as we all think their tug-of-war is! and as entertaining as they are when trying to elbow each other out of the way! i don't think luo wenzhou even has a crush on tao ran anymore, if he ever did. and i think fei du has some advanced confused garbled case of desperate need for a big brother and/or unresolved gege kink that's just wandering around the world seeking a convenient and plausible target.

not that he knows that. anyway he still thinks he has to take down two separate crime syndicates and a bunch of corrupt old-line police directors and then, you know. lie down and die smiling on the floor somewhere. so it's easier and safer to worship at tao ran's shrine, write him poetry, send him flowers, try to sweet-talk him (to which tao ran is astoundingly immune, just because…he has no rizz). it's easier and it's safer to do all those things especially with tao ran, because fei du knows tao ran won't reciprocate. think about how frozen and panicked he gets in book 3 when lwz calls his bluff.

i know this got long and i'm sorry for being wordy but i've been thinking about all this for a really long time, and as i tell my undergrads, sorry: the good news is through no fault of my own i know a lot of things, the bad news is you're now trapped in a room with me for three hours a week while i bang on and on about my special interests. (i bring them a lot of fruit and cookies.)

just to go back to liu yihong for a final moment—earlier i mentioned interiority, and he's an actor who has a lot of that. you can watch his face when he doesn't have dialogue (always the best time to catch an actor not really showing up) and he's still completely tao ran: listening, thinking, reflecting, processing, deciding. it's a cliché but acting in many ways is about making choices, and if you think "well i'm just standing here in the background of a scene" and lose focus, even for an instant, you've lost the camera's regard. even if you're not "doing anything" there are still choices to be made, and if you've done the work of transmigrating into your character, you can still make choices, even when you're sitting motionless and expressionless.

it's odd to say this, but in the same way the camera loves some people's faces, it will also show you the things that it thinks are most interesting. (i'm being a bit mystical here about the collaboration between a DoP and an editor, but i'll allow it.) in scenes that aren't even lyh's, the camera is always meticulous about showing him to us, making sure we see him. that's not—that's not typical. not a lot of actors draw that kind of attention. i hope for good things for him.

(and zhang xincheng? he's actually the real thing, and needs to start making films instead of dramas; but that's a whole other meta.)

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nabi-unveiled · 2 days ago

Text

Catching Up: Love for Love's Sake (Ep 6)

Other Reacts: Ep 1 Ep 2 Ep 3 Ep 4 Ep 5

(As a reminder, I have the tags blocked to try and prevent spoilers. I have now seen two gifs from a recent tag game - one of Myungha saying I love you and one of them playing at the beach. Neither of those really feel like spoilers though considering the build-up and dialogue so far.)

I'm still driving my clown car that this whole world has something to do with Myungha being in the middle of a suicide attempt and being in the water, presumably the sea. I explained my reasoning in the episode 5 liveblog.

As I've thought about it, I do think we're building up to Myungha staying in this world somehow. Not sure exactly how that would work, but I don't see another option at this point that would feel satisfying.

When we left off, Yeowoon had kissed Myungha which triggered both of them "leveling up" as the relationship entered new territory. And we're picking right back up there this episode.

LMAO. It's a good thing Yeowoon can play this type of verbal game. Otherwise his feelings might really get hurt. It's probably still going to make him feel a bit embarrassed in the moment, but it's the type of thing that becomes a fun memory for couples like this pair down the road. My brain is now running through all of our "embarrassing" moments lol. Fun times. Good memories. I seriously mean that.

Anyways, Yeowoon says he's going home. As I said, he'll feel a little embarrassed. But Myungha is finding this side of him cute.

Love an earnest man. This is a great attitude. It's probably also hitting Myungha though just what this means since Yeowoon pointed out that this is his first time for everything. I would wager Myungha has at least some experience, and it's a bit of a reminder that he's lived a whole other life. But he's seems pretty focused on Yeowoon at the moment so that's good. Let's not overthink yet.

Love that Yeowoon went in for a second try.

So our episode titles have all been about the missions. Which means the title being "love" gives me pause. Because we've already leveled up our relationship.

I guess it could mean furthering the relationship or a bit of a boyfriends era, but that doesn't feel right for this show. Most episodes operate on a premise of having an underlying message too. Maybe Myungha will have to explore whether it's "okay" to love Yeowoon? It feels like he's already made that decision to some extent though. Hmm. Maybe it's about the consequences of love?

I don't really know. But...I'm getting ominous vibes, and I'm not 100% sure why. I think this show just always has me on high alert for impending doom. Guess we'll find out.

Lol. Ok, so Myungha IS still feeling conflicted about dating Yeowoon. "Is this appropriate?" Maybe my spidey senses are just in overdrive thinking about the episode title. I tried to translate the movie title on the poster, but that didn't work out well. Maybe one of the words is "kiss". It does look like a romance based on the colors and the heart.

I love the music shift that now occurred when the love supremacy zone was activated. I also love the quote on the wall "If you come at four in the afternoon, I'll be happy by three." It's very true, especially in the early stages of dating, that anticipating time together can bring you joy. There's also what appears to be a bird, but I can't see the other symbols. (Edit: This is a reference from The Little Prince, but I didn't mention it here. I dove into that at the start of episode 7 when I decided I couldn't put it off anymore.)

If someone would like to share what's on the other poster in the back, I'd appreciate it. My app says "Tell me", but I don't know if that's true. I do notice that it says "wonderful ghost" which only strengthens my clown car. Are they all apparitions within Myungha's brain? Is Myungha the "ghost"? I'm not going to dwell there. Instead I'm going to focus on this look on Myungha's face...

Is it appropriate? Who cares? I want.

Another chance at the movie posters, but I'm still only getting "kiss". I do find it interesting that both the "now showing" and "coming soon" are exactly the same posters.

But...the sign on the bottom changes between panels. White with small text for the now showing. Black with small text for the first coming soon, and then white with big text for the next coming soon. And the black one is in between them.

The ominous feeling is back....the black is coming soon and it's between them. Why can't I just let myself enjoy the fluff in this show. Lol.

But yay! Sunflower! That's all kinds of good flower symbolism.

It's all about loyalty, seeking the light, strength and a hopeful promise of happiness. It's also associated with a long life which brings me all kinds of happiness in the moment. It's going to be okay. The sunflower is reassuring me in all the best ways. Whew.

Lol. I would never think of it as a date flower though so that must be a cultural difference. I do know it's given in other BLs.

How sweet! Yeowoon has come to Si-a for advice. I'm loving the progression of their friendship. Looks like the show is going with the loyalty symbolism of the sunflower. Yeowoon mentions "determination" and "will" too which seem pretty important for this show.

The fact that Yeowoon is now dragging Myungha around brings me great joy.

Apparently a battle between Gorilla Zombie and Crocodile Monster is now showing as well. Let's not think about that for now. Sunflowers. We're going to focus on the sunflowers and assume our boys just like action movies. It also shows a date for us (June 15).

Myungha is crying. Which makes me laugh, because I love it when tough characters get emotional over media. But...remove the posters and this is the blocking of a hospital scene. Even if you keep the posters, Myungha is overshadowed by them. He looks so small. Ominous feeling is back. At least Yeowoon is by his side.

The good thing for me is that even if Myungha is fighting monsters now, he's also getting to enjoy the love and fun with Yeowoon as that's "now showing" too. And the "coming soon" is all of the cute fluff and romance movie. It feels like a promise of future happiness. The red lettering gives me pause, but maybe the pairs of black and white labels are meant to represent Myungha and Yeowoon. They are often color coded black/white. I do find it interesting that the words are so much bigger on the poster at the end. You know that means something.

Yeowoon is still direct which I'm coming to realize is something I greatly appreciate in characters. Basically "I wasn't watching the movie. I was watching you". But lmao, I love that it's not because Myungha is "so handsome". It's because he was crying and Yeowoon found that amusing.

"The crocodile is actually from another universe, but met a gorilla from this world and they saved the world together."

Ok. That dialogue is all kinds of happy foreshadowing. Obviously Myungha is the crocodile and Yeowoon is the gorilla. I feel like the zombie symbolism works for Yeowoon too. Like he's been brought back to life by having Myungha around. I also love the idea of them saving the world together. We've already had the glitching in the previous episodes. This makes me wonder yet again how we're going to transition to this as our permanent home.

As a side note, Yeowoon has apparently reached the stage where he's going to casually touch Myungha as much as possible. He's so gone. "But I think you're cute because you're weird." True sign of love is when someone knows your quirks and still chooses you.

"Can we do it again?" This is so much fun. Yeowoon wants to kiss again. I love it when characters go after what they want.

Myungha gets a phone call "How much are three cargo pants?" I'm confused.

We're back in the ugly room. Si-a has made some kind of mistake. And apparently Myungha's website marketing is going well. Her mistake seems to have been exposing Myungha's side profile.

We get a sub-mission. What's required for a happy life? People who know me. I don't feel like celebrity status is probably what was meant here, but it does emphasize what senior said about being careful of your wording.

There is so much that I love about this interaction between Sangwon and Yeowoon (even if Kyunghoon is hidden). One - Sangwon is wearing yet another great green shirt.

Two - At least the ugly room has pretty shelves. There are pictures of the sea. We already know that's significant. I'm not sure about the Leon and Acne studios books.

But "Tadao Ando" is a Japanese architect. That works really well with the house metaphor that was built into a previous episode where essentially Myungha is building a new home. I don't remember his style of architecture off of the top of my head, but I would bet that's purposeful too. There's often a lot of meaning in various architectural styles.

Delicious places" is always going to make me think about food and the comfort of it. The cameras could mean a lot of things and definitely capture moments of all kinds in real life. But typically, it's about capturing the good moments when used in shows.

Three - I just love how Sangwon is teasing Yeowoon. Like...you don't have Instagram? You can't see Myungha's photos? Oh, I love them so much. Too bad for you. Hoorah for me.

The sub-mission has made it clear now. We're taking the people who know me to mean fans/followers.

The punishment is "avoid the remaining time" which doesn't make sense. It then flashes to time left: 254 days. Maybe it means to reduce the remaining time? Like it would shorten the time span remaining?

Tteokbokki is here. Myungha tells Yeowoon to go with Sangwon and Kyunghoon so he can enlist Si-a for help in getting Yeowoon fans.

I mean...it might work if given enough time. Myungha says he's promoting Yeowoon as an athlete, but Yeowoon says "kiss me instead". Lol. Myungha asks if Yeowoon will use instagram if he kisses him. I'm not sure Myungha intended that bargain or was just playing, but Yeowoon definitely took him up on it.

"I like everything you like." That line by Yeowoon makes me wonder if he thinks Myungha just enjoys instagram and he's trying to be supportive of his interests. Will that backfire when he finds out there is a different motive? Probably not.

Yeowoon says he's just happy to be working on something with Myungha. Working with people on common goals definitely strengthens bonds.

Lol. Myungha sends the photos to Sia. I'm not sure whether it's the number of photos or the quality of photos that makes her and Kyunghoon decide that Myungha must like Yeowoon. I'm guessing the number.

Myungha's appealing to Sangwon for help.

I appreciate that they've been able to maintain the easy camaraderie between them. Sangwon definitely teases him, but he eventually follows Yeowoon. They have a long way to go to meet the goal though.

And WHY SHOW?!?! WHY?!?! Every time that I start losing myself to the fluff, you throw in some type of ominous warning. Promoting Yeowoon on social media makes him more open to the psychos? What's going to happen??? 😭😭😭

We have another call from the mystery number "I miss you. If I can go...". I'll think on that. I have to pause for now anyways.

(Way too many days later. I somewhat fixated on Moon & Dust and forgot I was in the middle of this as I'm searching for all of the Little Prince parallels in that show 😅.)

It's obviously purposeful that the message cut off. That means where they would go would be too big a hint. It could be something like "If I can go to you" or it could mean a specific location.

Um. I initially thought that Myungha just walked into the wrong class, but this music is eerie and there's a lot of red in that room.

And now he stepped out into another location. Something's wrong.

Framing suggests we're trapped in a maze of some kind. A lot of blue. Interesting. Based on my clown car, it could mean something is happening to his body in the other world. I think he is in water based on the water sounds when transitioning to the bar scenes. The other meaning of a maze is choices. Which path will you take? Which kind of works with the opening/closing of doors we just did. Has Myungha triggered something in the game? Games often have choices. Like a "which door will you choose"?

Ok. We're now on a bus. Another door closing. More red poles.

We get off the bus to come through red curtains. Myungha's hair looks wet now. I'm sure it's supposed to be sweat, but ....again, I think he's in the water.

I'm not sure what to make of this frame yet. But I find it very interesting.

He jumps off stage, runs through the people playing games and comes to another set of red doors. Ooooh. This set is locked.

He forces himself through the doors only to run into Yeowoon with the gold sparkle dust flying. Oh this is SO much fun. He's basically forcing himself back into Yeowoon's world and they created magic together. Everyone assures me that this show pays attention to the details. So that bodes well. A lot of delightful ways that can pan out in the future. Myungha is going to have to make a choice (force the door) to get back to Yeowoon and this world. AHHH! I'M LOVING THIS WAY TOO MUCH.

But for now, I should contain my geeking out. Myungha is rightfully distraught, and he looks like he has been through hell.

That feels like a riddle. lol. I'm just going let it play out rather than try to guess what it's actually supposed to say.

Oh. He's lost time. Is this what the punishment is if he doesn't get enough followers? That's brutal. I would've thought they'd just lop off some days from the count.

I'm loving how concerned Yeowoon is here. It's almost like they've switched roles with Yeowoon taking care of Myungha now.

And once again Yeowoon leads Myungha away. Yes. I will be commenting on that every time. Because it's a big thing for Myungha to let Yeowoon take him by the arm and lead him. It also feels symbolic of Yeowoon leading Myungha away from his previous life and away from his troubles.

SYSTEM ERROR!

Were we not ALREADY having an error? Oh wait. Maybe the previous part wasn't punishment. It's just part of the error. Got it.

Nothing else happened. Hmm. We cut to the marketing person from Swoony. Myungha is back to being sassy "That's impressive." "I meant your boasting skills."

Swoony wants to make Yeowoon their model. I wonder if them helping him get the fans will work? Or would that be the same as someone giving him the money in the previous mission (which didn't work)? I could see it going either way here.

SUNBAE! I love how every time that Yeowoon greets Myungha it's like he's seen his favorite person in the whole world and he enthusiastically waves both of his hands. The poster behind Yeowoon depicts running with arms open as well.

I really appreciate that we've done this subtle shift of Yeowoon running away from his problems to him now running towards what he wants. Actually, Myungha has run to Yeowoon on more than one occasion too. So that shift works for him too - especially if my clown car is right.

Is this the same tree from the kabedon dream scene in the earlier episode? I'll have to check. Either way I love the little glimpses of sunlight through the leaves before they grab hands.

The fans have arrived as Sangwon predicted.

Well then Myungha. Love this possessive side.

And now Myungha is leading Yeowoon away by the arm and we're running again. We're running a lot lol.

My blood pressure just went up as they ran across the street. It's like an automatic stress reaction to drama characters being in the street.

Yeowoon pulls him into a hug and gives him little kisses. The walk sign definitely is red. But that's because we're running and not walking right? 😅

There's also a green arrow pointing towards a red stoplight. Not thinking about it. I'm enjoying and focusing on the little kisses. The fans are not that far away lol.

"Am I yours?" 🥵 All of these whisper in your ear lines are trying to give me a heart attack. I like them...a lot. Whispers are hot.

Apparently, the swoony woman did her job. Yeowoon's followers must have increased.

The "is this his fan?" comment makes me think we're headed towards psycho territory as Sangwon predicted.

This sounds like it's from senior. It's not written the same as the unknown number messages though. It's more like the mission screens or the information Myungha had received about Yeowoon and the ice cream.

We're flashing back through scenes. Why? I don't like this narrow little screen. But oh! These are the camera shots. The moments captured by the cameras on the shelves. Hmm. Maybe not. They're actually videos. Nevermind.

Forget the little screen. I like this shot even less.

Well, I actually love the shot. But it just doesn't spell good things. We're sideways which often means uncertainty or a situation going awry. We have clarity on the right side. It looks like he's barefoot. There's vulnerability. The left side is obscured and missing the feet. Is this his presence becoming stronger in one world as it weakens in the other? Or is the left side related to the error report? It could be both actually.

More flashbacks. It lists all of the missions/changes so far. I guess that's related to the modifications. Myungha has been rewriting the story. It's no longer following the original path. I appreciate how the accomplishments list both Yeowoon and Myungha. It's the first explicit sign from the game that we're on a quest for BOTH of them to be happy.

New Situation: Cha Yeowoon's anti-fan

Sangwon called it. Would he gloat about this? Probably, but only after the situation was handled.

There's an error in the server. They are stopping existing programs and doing "rollback processing". Um...how far back are we rolling back? When was the last save? How much are we losing?

I'm stressing a bit, but then the "compensation" notification made me laugh. It's very much like a game to give you some type of compensation for unexpected server downtime. Normally something that doesn't cost the company much but is meaningful or fun for the player. Apparently, the reward this time is getting some of his past memories.

Water sounds have started again, and we're back to the bar.

Myungha is protesting that he doesn't like the idea of destiny or fate or life being a written book. I'm liking that he's now standing rather than senior being above him. The cornflowers are back on the right side behind senior.

Error Report: I hope we can meet again after a happy ending.

I'm really wondering if senior is Kyunghoon's boyfriend. That would be a way for them to meet again once Myungha ends up staying in this world. Also, this makes me mostly confident that the "unknown number" is not senior. I really think it's Myungha somehow.

"Tae Myungha will die."

Well being in a relationship with a celebrity is never easy.

Crap. Myungha blew off his grandma to take care of the problem.

Something is going to happen to her. They haven't showed her all episode so you know there's a reason to show him ignoring her right now.

Comments are blowing up about Yeowoon. I can't read them to know exactly what kind of situation we're in though. Is it related to Yeowoon/Myungha's interaction with the fans?

Apparently it's related to the stalker? And they're saying Yeowoon has been stalked for a while. This must be a result of the changes or modifications to the game and story.

Oh. We're only at 60,000 fans. That's still a lot. But still more to go. I thought we had already met that goal based on the dialogue, but I guess we hadn't seen a mission complete or reward screen.

This is great, because it really emphasizes what senior had said in an earlier episode about being careful what you wished for. What we think will bring us happiness might actually cause problems instead.

We have multiple errors apparently. Yeowoon's account is gone. Is this a result of the rollback? Or is this a new modification to the story?

Stalker tries to push Myungha into traffic but Sangwon intervenes and starts chasing the stalker.

Oh this scene between Sangwon and Myungha is GOOD. I just let it play so I'm not going to do a break down of all of the dialogue, but basically Sangwon is cutting to the crux of a big problem for Myungha.

You can't always blame yourself. Especially for things that aren't in your control. You have to let other people take care of you too. Myungha was understandably worried for Sangwon, but Sangwon has a right to worry about Myungha as well.

And letting stalker get away is a choice...that I predict will have consequences.

Cutting back to memories of his other life. Apparently Myungha has heard similar words before "I don't think you know what it means to love someone."

smh. Myungha said no. If Yeowoon finds out, then he'll be upset. This is a variation of what Sangwon pointed out. You don't have to tell him EVERYTHING, but you can still be truthful. Say "yes something happened but you aren't ready to talk about it" or deflect in some other way. Well, maybe that doesn't work for everyone's relationships. But saying "no" feels like a lie to me. I'd much rather you say you couldn't or didn't want to talk about it.

Myungha invites Yeowoon to spend the night. He's going to think Myungha wants to spend time with him, but it's because of the situation.

Normally I'd be swooning about this type of blinding light. But shifting to the dreamlike tone with this particular soundscape gives me pause again. I can't decide if everything went dreamy and loud because holding hands with Yeowoon overtook Myungha with joy. Or if it's because it feels like it's a dream he can't have. I guess it could be both.

Notice: System Error

We're having a lot of errors this episode. I guess that makes sense. The original story has been significantly rewritten.

Myungha is looking around for the problem. We're running again.

The light is glitching with smoke surrounding it. Bad aura. It doesn't look quite the same color as the debuff effect in earlier episodes. But it feels like a curse. Actually, it might be the same color based on the wider shot.

And we cut to a hospital with grandma in it. Crap. I'm feeling like I manifested this somehow, but I know that's just because the show is good at subtle foreshadowing.

Myungha hears car crash sounds. That was so loud. I forgot I had turned my headphones up to listen for the water sound earlier. There's a vision of Yeowoon bloody and lying still in the street. I'll be deleting that screenshot later. Then we cut back to grandma flatlining. Myungha is crying. He's a good crier.

Excuse me?

"Who is more important to you?"

HE HAS TO CHOOSE?!?!

I hate it here. I told you that mission title felt ominous 😭😭😭.

He tries to walk away, but it's not letting him.

Notice: Need to fix system error, please make a choice.

It says that making a choice will cause changes made by him to be deleted and stabilize the server.

I don't like this one bit.

How do you make that type of choice?

NO!!!!

That's rude. You do not leave me there when I can't immediately start the next episode. How am I supposed to focus on work now? How am I supposed to think about literally anything else?

Looks like we're heading straight into episode 7.

#love for love's sake #korean bl #lfls

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whoreiorcats · 2 days ago

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we want your thoughts as to where gemma would go from here btw xx

OK so. if you really want to know what I WANT to happen, read the stone.

I don't necesarily think that everything I wrote here will come true, but I do believe some kind of dynamic between Helly and/or Helena and Gemma will be explored next season. We have the Helly/Helena switcheroo set up and Gemma is outside, so it feels natural enough.

I could see Gemma having sympathy for Helena (somehow we would get there, trust) and that being used to help guide the general audience (which is still largely dubious on Helena) into also feeling that way.

The parallels between them were how I came to appreciate Helena's character a lot more than I had before. Among the non-nuance fucker tumblr audience, Gemma seems to be a favorite and garners basically 100% sympathy, so that might have to be the gateway into Helena for the normals (I don't think that's a bad thing, per se).

Outside of that, I really hope that Gemma gets to be somewhat outside of the characterization we've already seen for her. Her environment is neither the familiar world of her pre-Lumon life nor is it the monotony/horror of her Lumon life.

She is naturally going to be in a very unstable, unpredictable environment where it feels like she could be recaptured or assassinated at any moment and there is much to be done still to fight back against those who imprisoned her. She really should respond to this scenario differently than she did the other two.

I could see her being a bit hardened, but I do want her to remain Gemma. I really don't want her to react to the situation the exact same way Mark has (which I have seen some people suggest as an interesting option, I simply disagree) because A) she has very different baggage and characteristics than mark, and B) that would be boring because we would be retreading old ground.

If the shoe was on the other foot, if Mark's death had been faked and Gemma left on the surface, I don't believe she would have severed (tho I do need to read that one fic where she did because undeniably it's a fun concept). I don't think she would/will be unaffected by Mark's absence from her life, but she will react in her own "extraordinary" way, imo.

I think her having way more sympathy/empathy for the innies than any of the other "outies" would make a lot of sense--she should be able to relate to them in a way no one else can. She could be an advocate on their behalf, even though she is wanting to have her husband back--great opportunity for angst and drama. I think she makes a lot of sense as someone who can keep a level head and her morals about her even in an extreme situation like this.

I particularly would love to see her still being the rock for her in laws and eventually getting really fucking tired of it and trying to do her own thing, whatever that might be fucking helena eagan who said that?

Long term, I don't want her and Mark to just be married again and that's it; I think it would be very weird if we just returned to the pre-canon status quo. Again, if you want to know what I really want, it's in the stone (or will be eventaully), what I think could happen is pretty different (tho I am eternally hopeful).

I really truly think endgame markgemhel is not off the table in the slightest. If Gemma ends up single or not in any way with Mark (also fully on the table imo), I think Dan must have something interesting planned for her. I hope hope hope, anyway. I am fairly positive she will survive to the end of the series (I am not sure if Hellyna or Mark S/cout are as safe), at this point it would be insane and annoying to kill her off, so I think it's a no on that front.

Sometimes I think I'm fucking crazy, sometimes I think endgame GemmaHellyna is fully plausible and even foreshadowed and inevitable, but we'll see. They're just perfect reflections/inversions of the other, it will be complete waste if SOME kind of relationship (romantic, platonic, worse) between them is not explored.

This is a weird side thing but I kind of don't want her to kill Mauer, like with her own hands or actions. I think she has proven herself to be a badass and someone (idk Cobel) could kill him for her. I do want her to live in a Mauerless world, I just also think she deserves a break.

And in so far as reintegration, I wonder if that is even possible for her? My guess is yes but it will be a lot more complicated--which is on top of an already dangerous procedure. I could see them OTCing one of her innies to fuck with her and the anti-Lumon resistance and reintegration being the only way to resurface "Gemma". Rebel/Coghabi team up? Three ladies with PhDs work it out :))))))) life could be dream

I think that is all of my future Gemma thoughts!

#MY GEMMA #KEEP ASKING ME QUESTIONS ABOUT HER AND EVERYTHING ACTUALLY #heheheheheh so fun so fun thank you for asking!#evermored #forgive my conversation maria #severance #gemma scout #helena eagan #mark scout #gemhelena #severance meta #sev meta

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atiny-for-life · 3 days ago

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Ateez's Full Storyline Explained - Part 30

Masterlist

Golden Hour: Part 3 - Diary Entries:

This is admittedly the first time I can't include a photo of the album these Diary Entries stem from since none of the versions were called "Diary" so I didn't know which one to buy and I'm short on money at the moment, so... I took advantage of other resources and read the entries here.

When we last left of, Wooyoung made his wish to Sopro, which is precisely whose POV we're now reading from at the start of these entries. Yes, it's Sopro itself who's now speaking to us:

I am alive. If anyone were to ask why, I honestly could not answer. For as long as I can remember, I have always been alive. I was not brought into existence by my own will. I had lived without thought until one day, I suddenly became aware – aware of the fact that I had been born. But then, where did I come from? Who am I? What am I?

As we will later be reminded once again, Sopro is not an inanimate object - it's a spirit, a being, something seemingly capable of thought and self-awareness. And as we now find out, also the ability to converse with the world itself:

"Who am I?" I shouted out to the world, hoping the world might answer me. "Who am I?" the world echoed back the same question. It sounded just like my own voice. "So, you don't know who you are either?" I asked the world again. And once again, it responded the same. "So, you don't know who you are either?"

After Sopro's conversation with the world turns out fruitless, we get to see the exact moment it gets to feel emotion for the first time. And what is that emotion? It's pure, overwhelming joy. And soon we'll learn why and how that came to be.

We're with Wooyoung now, the day after he made his wish to Sopro, and it's past noon, though for Wooyoung, it might as well be morning since he only fell asleep at eight a.m.. Still, he's feeling surprisingly good this day and even greets his reflection before he compliments his own appearance and chuckles to himself.

Why he's feeling so upbeat soon becomes apparent when we learn the following:

Wooyoung had made plans with San to attend Hongjoong's book signing event together.

Even more so, we learn that just before the sun rose that morning, the members had all texted Wooyoung, one by one, each to let him know they agreed with him now and also wish to get back together again:

Jongho: I've always related to how you felt. I kept thinking we should come back together as a group, too. Let's try this, hyung! Yunho: Honestly, I was a little scared. But after what you said last night, I realized – there's nothing we can't do. I'm in. Mingi: I woke up this morning feeling like we could do anything. I guess I was just tired last night and got a little grumpy. Let's give it a shot. Seonghwa: Let's see it through this time. As far as we can go. San: I'm always on your side, Jung Wooyoung. You know that, right? I'm with you. Hongjoong: I guess we were all a little afraid, since we'd gone too far down our own paths. But, somehow, I'm sure now – We can really make it this time. Let's make it happen, Wooyoung. Yeosang: I think I said too much. I don't even know why I did that. After sleeping on it, I couldn't help but think, was there really anything more important than our dream? Anyway, I want to be part of this, too.

Internally, Wooyoung then acknowledges that Sopro likely changed his members' minds, but that if they really made it this time, surely they would all be happy in the end, no matter what.

In a flashback to the previous night, we then find out what Sopro's powers look like as they work: it emits a light, one which travels from the mouth of the one who voices the wish to their own body before it disappears.

This matches what we see at the end of Crazy Form when the bluebird soars through the sky: the pulsing bright light as it connects to the people of Strictland, uniting their emotions.

We return to the present where Wooyoung is on his way to the book signing event:

The weather was as bright as his mood. This time, it truly felt like nothing could stop them. Wooyoung was sure of it. Things were already looking up. Some members had become famous in their fields; one could produce music, and another had the means to fund it. It was no longer like those earlier days when all they did - and all they could do - was work hard in vain.

But at the event, just as Wooyoung was about to greet Hongjoong, a fan he was signing a copy of his book for spilled tomato juice directly onto his head in front of everyone but, of course, instead of getting angry, he merely laughs it off:

Hongjoong smiled warmly, reassuring the reader who had spilled the drink. 'Same as ever. I doubt he even knows how to get mad,' thought Wooyoung. Hongjoong had always been like that. He instinctively put others' feelings before his own. Whenever Woo Young had to deal with a difficult passenger, he'd think of Hongjoong – someone born for this kind of work.

Despite Hongjoong's reaction though, Wooyoung gets a little pissed at the fan who proceeds to forego an apology in favor of making a weird joke:

"Hahahahaha! It's like you get to experience Spain's tomato festival right here in Korea! Isn't it great?" Huh? What kind of nonsense was that? That was definitely not the kind of attitude you'd expect from someone who should be apologizing. Wooyoung stared in disbelief. He couldn't hold it in any longer. "Hey, jokes are fine and all, but don't you think you should apologize fir-" Wooyoung was cut off. Because, all at once, the room burst into laughter. People glanced at one another, grinning.

Just then, San arrives but instead of relieving Wooyoung of his confusion as hoped, San merely starts laughing alongside everyone else in their vicinity:

Wooyoung: "Why are you laughing?" San: "Why? Obviously, because I'm happy. Hahahahaha."

But when asked, San can't even tell Wooyoung why he's happy - he just is.

The situation escalates further when another person in line flings their drink at someone. The two involved look at each and yet again burst into laughter, triggering others to follow their example.

All the while, Hongjoong and San simply watch, cackling at the steadily unraveling chaos. And it doesn't stop there.

When someone else decides throwing drinks or getting splashed is no longer enough, they begin ripping pages from the book in their hand and stuffing them in their mouth before chewing on them like a snack. The sight alone leads to even more giggling, more laughter from all around, like everyone has suddenly lost their minds or at least turned into a bunch of children high on sugar.

People begin to copy what they witnessed, leading to more torn pages, more mouths full of paper. And then Hongjoong reaches for the book in front of him and rips one out as well.

But just before he could put it in his mouth, Wooyoung snatched it out of his hand. Wooyoung: "Hyung! What the heck are you doing? Pull yourself together!" Hongjoong: "Hahahaha. Isn't this hilarious, Wooyoung? Hahahaha." "Isn't this hilarious?" Wooyoung couldn't wrap his head around what Hongjoong meant. But for some reason, Wooyoung was laughing too. Wooyoung's reflection in the glass was laughing.

In that moment, Wooyoung realizes what he's thinking and feeling are completely disconnected from one another. The dissociation which comes with the realization leaves him nauseous.

He begins dry heaving, runs to the bathroom, but just as the sixth wave of stomach churning sickness crashes into him, a bright, ruby-red light leaves his mouth and leaves him frozen still.

He stares, watches the thing hover mid-air in front of him. And it's then that his brain clicks: it's Sopro.

Zooming around him, once twice, as if in greeting, it completes its rounds before it whizzes onward and flies right into San's wide-open, laughing mouth.

The sight has the crowd cackling even harder.

Reaching up to his own face, Wooyoung checks if he himself is also still laughing, but discovers he's finally stopped. His expression has turned grave, mirroring his emotions. But for now, he's the only one.

Grabbing Hongjoong and San, Wooyoung begins dragging them the six hundred meters to the fire department Seonghwa is currently working at (where they'd originally planned to meet). But with both of them still cackling, and everyone else they come across also bursting into laughter, the six hundred meters drag on to a one hour walk.

And even when they get there, Seongwha is nowhere to be found. The fire chief's daughter (a big fan of Mingi's) greets them instead and takes them to her father - who is of course also laughing hysterically.

Upon inquiring about Seonghwa's whereabouts, Wooyoung is told a huge fire had broken out at the printing factory so Seonghwa was dispatched to help put it out.

Hearing that it was only a 15-minute walk, Wooyoung decided to head there. It seemed that the fire chief - and all the other firefighters at the station - were too busy laughing. At that moment, Wooyoung wanted nothing more than to find someone who felt the same as he did. He had a faint hope that Seonghwa of all people wouldn't let himself get caught up in this strange phenomenon. After all, he had never seen Seonghwa laugh hysterically before. Seonghwa: "Gyahahahaha! The fire's being extinguished. It's going OUT! Hahahaha."

Although the fire has been brought under control, Wooyoung gets a pounding headache when he realizes everyone was laughing at the burning remains of the factory - including the factor owner himself. The disconnect, the absurdity, is getting to Wooyoung, making him feel like he's the bonkers one for still being serious while everyone around him is so full of joy.

But right as he puts his hands in his pockets and turns away to take a second to just breathe and listen to his own racing thoughts, he finds a crumpled piece of paper in his pocket: the page he'd taken from Hongjoong so he wouldn't eat it. The page from Hongjoong's book.

The text printed on it was about Z's brainwashing speech - one of the ones he'd used to manipulate the people of Strictland.

As he read it, Wooyoung felt a strange sense of irony. How odd, he thought, to find himself relating - even just a little - to the words of Z. Wooyoung: "A small error is a crack, and cracks lead to pain. Pain. Pain is an unnecessary emotion and a negative element in life. We want to protect you all." In the face of the paradoxical situation he was currently trapped in, Wooyoung was stunned. Without thinking, he began to read Z's words out loud. That was when, though it lasted only for a brief moment, Hongjoong, San, and Seonghwa stopped laughing.

The effect only lasts for a second but it's enough for Wooyoung to view it as potentially meaningful, so he does it again:

Wooyoung: "A world without cracks is always beautiful. You, living your life in your position, are the world itself." It wasn't just his imagination. As Wooyoung read Z's speech aloud, the three stopped laughing and clutched their heads, as if struck by a wave of pain. San even began to gag. It was working! Wooyoung: "Don't doubt yourselves. You're always right." He recited the words "Don't doubt yourselves" over and over, and Hongjoong, San, and Seonghwa began to show signs of confusion. San kept gagging until Sopro was finally ejected from his body. At the same time, Hongjoong and Seonghwa screamed in agony from the intense headaches. Sopro, still floating in the air, flew rapidly around them as if it were scanning everything around it. Like a bee, it buzzed past the burnt factory, the bright-red fire truck, the blue sky, and the lush trees. HWUP! Taking in a deep breath, Hongjoong, San, and Seonghwa looked around like they had just woken up from a deep sleep. They were no longer smiling. Finally!

All three call out Wooyoung's name when they come to, leading Wooyoung to put on a policeman-tone to order them not to laugh because he can't stand it anymore.

But of course, that exact tone only has all three of them cackling, leading to a brief period of despair for Wooyoung when he thinks he failed.

Seonghwa: "It's not what you think. It's just... the way you said 'don't laugh!' with such a serious look on your face..." San: "Seriously. How much trouble did we put you through with our laughing?" Only then did Wooyoung finally look up and examine the members' faces. While they were smiling, they weren't laughing hysterically like they had been before. Wooyoung studied the crumpled paper in his hand. As soon as he felt the relief of having the members back to their usual selves, a question arose in his mind. Since Sopro was an item from World Z, he wondered if it might be reacting to Z's words. Wooyoung: "Does this mean that Z saved us?" Hongjoong: "When you were reading that, flashes of the events we experienced in World Z began appearing in my head. It was as if my mind were a giant popcorn machine, and our memories were the popcorn bursting inside." Seonghwa: "It's not so much that Z saved us, but that Z's speech brought back memories of our time there. It caused this burning pain in my head, but then, all of a sudden, my mind cleared."

With no better way to explain what happened, they all run with Seonghwa's theory and look around at the still cackling people around them.

Right. Without having those same memories from World Z, the same words wouldn't work on anyone but the eight of them. So what now?

Still caught up in his thoughts, Wooyoung's attention is drawn by San who asks how all this could have happened in the first place. But before Wooyoung can answer, Sopro decides to continue wreaking some havoc by picking its next host: the printing factory owner.

The man, who had been laughing hysterically as he watched his life's work go up in flames, swallowed Sopro and instantly stopped laughing.

Having found a new host, we're now back with Sopro right as it first left its state of solace, its state of only having the world to talk to, because now it has felt emotion and what it's like to have a body and it's gotten hooked on the experience.

I was so happy. It felt like my chest might burst, and laughter just spilled out of me. People called this feeling - this sense of saying yes to everything - joy. Some called it delight, or amusement, or excitement. Joy, joy, joy. The word sounded so pretty, I couldn't help but say it over and over. Everything felt new-the water splashing into the air, the sunlight sparkling all around, even the simple act of breathing in and out. The crinkle of smiles at the corners of people's eyes, the trees swaying as if waving back. It was all so strange, so beautiful... so exciting, so delightful, so funny, so full of joy. How had I gone my whole life without noticing any of it?

While residing within San, Sopro discovered emotions beyond joy - a whole rainbow of them, but it can't make sense of them so, in search of something new, it leaves its second host on its own accord, only to realize life without a body is dulled. It can't feel this way, can't interact with its surroundings, so it seeks out another body:

It was then that I noticed him, a person who looked just like an empty shell. He wasn't far from the first two hosts I had entered. The man was sitting on the ground, laughing at the sight of a burnt building. And so, I dove toward him. Splash. The sensation was akin to diving into a deep, dark sea. I lost all sense of direction, unsure of which way was up or down. I wanted to escape, and so I kept swimming. After a while, I began to wonder whether I was swimming toward something or simply sinking.

We're back with Wooyoung right as he's getting embarrassed at having to spill what he did with Sopro. As sure as he'd been the night before, saying it all again now in bright daylight felt a bit... awkward.

Recounting the events of last night back to the members, he was reminded of Yeo Sang's words: "Grow up. How long do you plan on acting so recklessly?" Part of him felt so wronged. Is it really so reckless to still be chasing a dream? Is it such a childish thing to do? Embarrassment and frustration fought inside him, and, for a moment, he felt as if he might cry. But he didn't. His ears just burned a deeper shade of red instead. San: "So you think it synchronized our emotions? That sounds half-right... but also half-wrong." Hongjoong: "Sopro didn't come inside me, so I don't really know much about that. What I felt was more like... this overwhelming surge of happiness and joy." Seonghwa: "I guess you could say it was kind of like being a little drunk. Sort of like when you're already in a good mood and the alcohol just makes you even more giddy." Hongjoong: "Yeah, exactly. But unlike alcohol, it didn't mess with my memory or anything. It was just the emotion, vivid and clear, like it was all I could feel"

Hearing them talk like that, Wooyoung feels surprised. He expected a scolding, to get blamed for what he did - chewed out, maybe slapped and told off - but all they were focusing on was the Sopro-situation? Getting more nervous, all he can think about is that he just wants to get the consequences over with.

Wooyoung: "Sorry. It's my fault you all got dragged into this mess." Seeing how visibly deflated Woo Young looked, the members began confessing their own wrongdoings one by one, looking as though they had no other choice. Hongjoong: "You know, three years ago, when we were all starting to get busy on our own and drift apart, I thought about using Sopro myself. I even went to see Yeo Sang about it, but ended up turning back empty-handed." San: "Back when I first started setting up my food truck, I needed money, so I went to ask Yeo Sang for help. That day, I saw Sopro at his house and also thought for a second that maybe I should use it to bring us back together. But honestly, I was too afraid to even touch Sopro, so I never did." Seonghwa: "I think it was some time around the start of this year? I was drinking with Yeo Sang, and he pulled out Sopro. He said he still feels guilty whenever he thinks about how his father's opposition split us apart. Now that he's strong enough to protect us, he wondered if we could come together through Sopro-at least in spirit."

Their confessions cause something within Wooyoung's mind to click: he'd been so sure Yeosang had given up on their dream of being together, but... How could he have ever thought that when it was Yeosang who'd sacrificed himself by breaking the Cromer so the rest of them could be safe? If anything, Yeosang had always valued them and their dream above all else.

Seonghwa: "Using the buzz as an excuse, we were actually planning to activate Sopro. I also really missed our time together a lot. But then, suddenly, Yeosang said something." "Hey, hyung... What if what the guys are doing right now becomes their dream?" Seonghwa recalled how Yeosang's words snapped him back to his senses. Lost in the past, he had momentarily forgotten about his dream of becoming a firefighter. Seonghwa liked his job as a firefighter. While it may not have been his original dream, that didn't mean it lacked any meaning to him. "What if-and these are all just 'what-ifs.' What if the guys have found new dreams? If we were to use Sopro now, and go back to how things were in the past, wouldn't that mean I'd be robbing the members of their dreams again?" Seonghwa: "Your first love isn't your only love. And that is why, in the end, we put Sopro back in its place." Though the red hue in his ears had faded, Woo Young felt even more embarrassed than before. He realized that Yeosang was definitely so much more mature than himself. Even the fact that he had felt resentful for a brief moment made him feel ashamed now.

Voicing his thoughts, Wooyoung hangs his head while San and Seonghwa both step up to him, each wrapping an arm around one of his shoulders, leaving him in their midst while Hongjoong steps up to him:

Hongjoong: "We're not saying all this to make you feel bad. What I wanted to say is that we all wanted to use Sopro, too. There's no need to blame yourself." Hongjoong gently tousled Wooyoung's hair. How could Wooyoung not love these kind-hearted, understanding friends of his? It made him realize once again that, while he did want to make music and perform and dance on stage, the most important part of that dream was being together with the other members that he loved so dearly. Looking at the three pairs of feet gathered around him in a circle, Wooyoung clenched his fists. This was no time to wallow in self-pity. He was the one who awakened Sopro, and it was up to him to find a way out of this.

Recalling what Left Eye told them back in Z-World about the creation of Sopro, Wooyoung explains it must have reacted to Z's words as a result of its origin.

The members nod in agreement, yet Hongjoong also points out that no one else but them reacted to the quotes, which means something else might be going on.

But right as he says it, everyone stops laughing at once.

The four of them look around.

All while they were still trying to make sense of what had happened, a fire hose suddenly fell to the ground with a thud. The firefighter, who was wrapping up, let go of the fire hose and slumped to the floor with a heavy sigh. Waaaaahhhh. He groaned, and soon after, he burst into tears. His crying grew louder and louder until it was a sorrowful, heavy sob. It sounded both deeply painful and sad. Wahhhhhhh Waaahhhh. The sound of crying erupted all around them like a water dam breaking into a flood. The whole city - its shops, apartments, house-lined streets, and public squares - filled with sadness. The members, who had been making their way out of the alley and looking around the main street, seemed momentarily overwhelmed by the grief and paused for a moment, holding their breath.

Upon realizing the printing factory owner has disappeared, Wooyoung finally understand what happened and what it means for the rest of them. Swiftly telling the others, all four take off in a sprint, hoping to quickly track down the source of everyone's grief.

As they run, they find people previously caught up in laughter now slumped over on the ground, either sobbing loudly or lying motionless as they cry silently. The ones still standing have their faces buried in their hands as they weep.

And this? This is worse than the laughing had been.

After a while, it's San who points out Yeosang who seems to have been on his way to Jongho's recording studio before he froze still, overcome by grief and now silently crying.

The image of Yeo Sang standing there on the other side of that glass window reminded them of how he had looked trapped by the Guardians and desolate of hope. It seemed as though while Yeosang's body was here in World A, his mind was still stuck in that moment, in that place in World Z. Tears flowed from his empty eyes. Wooyoung: "Yeo... sang." At the sound of his name being called, Yeosang lifelessly turned to look at Wooyoung standing outside the window. Seeing the deep, dark despair clouding Yeosang's eyes, Wooyoung felt his breath catch in his throat. Back then, after the others had finally made their way back to World Z and saved Yeosang, it was as though he'd lost his voice – as though he were someone who had lost all feeling, devoid of emotion and showing no reaction even to the members' words. It wasn't until much later that Yeosang began to open up about that time. "I thought there was no way out. At first, I tried to find ways to survive, to escape, but before long... I realized there was no way. I don't know if the Guardians stole my emotions from me, or..." Yeosang swallowed his words and left the thought unfinished, but the members knew what he meant to say. Though they wanted to fully understand what Yeosang had gone through during his time trapped alone there, they also knew that there are times when effort alone is not enough. The most they could do for him was to hold his frozen hands and hope that the warmth might reach his heart. No words felt right – no words were enough. As if he understood everything without needing it to be said, Yeosang simply smiled, bright and gentle, and continued: "Still, I like who I am more now, after having gone through all of that. I used to think that there was no way out, but it turns out that was just something I decided when I was lost in despair. There's a huge difference between living with that understanding and living without it, don't you think?" After going through all of that, Yeosang would sometimes joke that he was, by far, now the most mature of them all – If anything, they should all be calling him hyung. And so, the members believed that Yeosang had overcome his pain and that they understood, at least to some extent, the pain that he had endured. But that was all only an illusion. In Yeosang's dark, tear-filled eyes, the wounds left by despair and fear were still there, raw and unhealed. Someone once said that even a speck of one's pain feels heavier than the vast pain of others – that it's the same for everyone. And now, Wooyoung felt like he finally understood what that meant. The pain he had thought was unbearably heavy was, in truth, so small compared to what Yeosang had endured – or was perhaps still enduring.

Shoving the plan of chasing down the factory owner aside, Wooyoung dashes forward and rips open the glass door to get to Yeosang, incapable of bearing the idea of him being trapped another second.

As soon as he reaches him, he grabs Yeosang's hand, feeling cold skin just as he had back then. In his mind, Wooyoung hopes his own warmth will be able to reach Yeosang.

'I finally understand your dream now, Yeosang. You wanted to be free. From the cage your father put you in, from the Guardians' glass room... And you are, Yeosang. You made it. You built a world of your own, and you found the strength now to protect both yourself and everything you hold dear. You're amazing, you know that? Truly incredible.' Wooyoung spoke with his heart as he clutched Yeosang's hand and looked into his dark eyes, praying that his feelings would somehow reach him. And at that moment, he saw it – a small flame flicker to life in Yeosang's once lightless eyes.

The tears pouring from Yeosang's eyes ceased but he was still visibly sad, so Wooyoung's keeps hold of his hand and pulls him along as they continue onward to Jongho's studio alongside the others.

When they arrive, Jongho is surprisingly well - no tears, just calmness. Sopro seemingly had no effect on him.

Despite his cute appearance, Jong Ho could be almost frighteningly incredible. Jongho: "I just got lucky. I was listening to ATEEZ's music when it all happened."

After texting with Wooyoung last night, Jongho headed straight to the recording studio so he could start figuring out what kind of music they'd be making together from now on - the excitement had been to great to simply stay home and wait for their meeting the next day.

Earlier, Sorpo had actually been able to influence him too, but his joy had led him to play Ateez's music from their time in Z-World which had brought back all the memories. The pain resulting from that had then brought him back to his senses.

Jongho: "Yeo Sang hasn't woken up yet, right? Hold on..." Hearing from the other members what had happened, and seeing Yeosang drowning in sorrow, he decided to use the same method that had worked for him. Like a doctor diagnosing and treating a sick patient, Jongho calmly played ATEEZ's music for Yeosang. For a moment, Yeosang held his head in pain, just like the other members had, before life returned to his eyes as he regained consciousness. Wooyoung pulled Yeosang in for a tight hug, sorry that he had misunderstood and resented him for so long. Though a bit awkward, but not unpleasant for him, Yeosang gently patted Wooyoung's back a few times, before quietly asking: Yeosang: "So what exactly is going on?" Haaah... Wooyoung let out a long sigh to which Seonghwa, Hongjoong, and San looked at him and quietly laughed. Wooyoung: "Just how many times am I going to have to atone for my mistakes today? Can we maybe find Mingi and Yunho first before I explain myself again?" Yeosang, who was staring at Wooyoung with a straight face, sighed and responded: Yeosang: "Jung Wooyoung, I knew this would happen. You touched Sopro, didn't you?" 'Damn you, Kang Yeosang....' Woo Young thought.

"Taking coffee orders. Anyone who doesn't respond in 5 minutes is getting an Iced Coffee." "lol!!! Song Mingi look behind you" "Met up with Yunho at the café. We'll head over together." Those were the last messages Yunho and Mingi left in their group chat. It was clear that the two were together and at a café somewhere nearby. Jongho copied ATEEZ's music onto his phone so that it would be ready to play to the crying members once they found them. But first, the group put their heads together and tried to sort out what they knew about Sopro.

After Wooyoung told the others he could primarily recall feeling relief once he voiced his wish to Sopro, he also lets them know he didn't even notice Sopro had entered his body back then.

To this, San explains he felt like Sopro had suppressed all emotions within him except for joy and, as soon as Sopro had left, he'd been able to tell he was being manipulated before, even though it had all felt natural while it had been happening.

Exchaning that information makes all of them realize something must have changed between when Sopro was using Wooyoung as a host versus when it was within San.

Yeosang: "So what Left Eye told us about Sopro was wrong?" Jongho: "Maybe it's not the emotions of the person using Sopro that are synchronized with others, but the emotions that Sopro chooses to feel instead." Seonghwa: "But that wasn't what Wooyoung experienced. When it was inside Wooyoung, we were sharing his feelings."

As they continued to ponder, Wooyoung decides to voice something he believes he might have noticed earlier:

Wooyoung: "When Sopro left San, it looked a little bigger. At least compared to when it left me." Wooyoung spoke with uncertainty, unsure and suggesting that he might have been mistaken. Meanwhile, Hongjoong, who had been leaning against the wall listening to the other members talk about their experiences, seemed to gain some certainty after hearing Wooyoung's words of observation. Hongjoong: "Could it be that Sopro is getting stronger? The only difference between Wooyoung and San's experience was the order – Wooyoung was first, and San was second." The other members looked at Hongjoong with expressions that clearly said they didn't understand what he meant. Hongjoong, pushing himself off the wall and taking a step closer to the members, continued: Hongjoong: "Try to remember what Left Eye said. According to the legends of World Z, Sopro is a magical spirit (靈) born out of the breath of Halazia. It's not a magic stone, battery, or anything like that. It's a spirit (靈). Do you understand what this means?" It's not an object, but a spirit. What does that even mean? The members pondered the meaning of Hongjoong's words. After a moment, they all answered in unison: "It has a will of its own?!" Yeosang: "It seems like the most plausible theory for now. If Sopro is a spirit with a will, then everything that happened makes sense." Wooyoung: "When the spirit first awoke, it was weak." San: "And by the time it moved to me, it was a little stronger." Jongho: "What about when it switched from joy to sadness?" Seonghwa: "Could it be learning different emotions?" The other members' eyes widened at Seonghwa's words. If, as Seonghwa said, Sopro is experiencing and learning emotions, that would explain their current situation. Hongjoong: "To sum everything up, Sopro is a spirit (靈) with will, and it needs a vessel to contain it, like a body. And each time it moves bodies, it gets stronger." Yeosang: "While doing so, it learns the main emotion each vessel is feeling in that moment. It can also force or impose any emotions it wants to feel onto its shell." Wooyoung: "In other words, Sopro is growing." At Wooyoung's words, everyone looked at each other with their mouths agape. In such a short period of time, it had already made its way through three bodies, and its power had grown to the point that it could force people around it to instantly synchronize with a particular emotion. Like Wooyoung said, Sopro was growing – and it was growing fast. Jongho: "Something's happening." They all turned their heads toward Jongho. Without any further explanation, he held out his phone. The screen was open to Jongho's social media feed, and they could see people's posts were disappearing in real time. Jongho looked up Mingi's account. It read "No Posts." Mingi, an influencer with over 10 million followers, now had an empty account. They kept refreshing the page in disbelief... then Mingi's account disappeared. San: "We need to find Mingi and Yunho!"

#ateez #ateez lore #kim hongjoong #park seonghwa #jeong yunho #kang yeosang #choi san #song mingi #jung wooyoung #choi jongho #lemon drop mv #golden hour part 3 #golden hour series

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tobiasdrake · 1 day ago

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Digimon Adventure 02x29 - The Spider Woman Arachnemon's Mistake / Arukenimon's Tangled Web

Previously on Digimon Adventure: The mystery woman emailed the Chosen Children asking them to please come die in her bug pit. When they happily acquiesced, she shrugged her shoulders and rolled with it. Ever the gracious host, she's put on some gentle music to get this party started in earnest.

Full disclosure, I really wanted to put that Superman comic here but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to fit it in under the 30 image limit. That time I used "Dracula, you huge fucking nerd, where's my money?" for a Vamdemon episode was kinda stressful.

Anyway, a bit of housekeeping just so I don't forget: Arachnemon is a 絡新婦 jorougumo and we're going to talk about what that means when we get to it. But in the episode title, they call her 蜘蛛女 kumo on'na which means "spider woman".

This is a more literal description than 絡新婦 jorougumo which literally means something like "Tangling Bride" but in practicality means the same thing. The equivalent of centering a minotaur in an episode titled something like "The Man-Bull Cometh".

By the way, spoilers in the episode title but it's nothing that hasn't already been thoroughly spoiled by the dub magically knowing everything's name ahead of time.

Also, good news for the Dub Narrator. He's promised that this episode will decide whether the DigiDestined will be able to escape the web they were caught in at the end of last episode. There is little fear of this episode ending without a conclusive answer to that.

Now then, let's get back into it. Where were we?

Oh yeah. Fucked. That's where we were.

We return to find Daisuke, Iori, and Ken still trapped in that spider-web we left them in. Daisuke and Ken have their legs free but their upper bodies webbed down, while Iori's sitting on the web with free arms. As the mystery woman's flute music fills Giga House, the web's occupant Dokugumon slowly advances on the children.

Daisuke: (flailing legs) I can't... move my arms.... IORI!!!

But Iori isn't listening. Up in the attack above, XV-mon is trying his best to parry attacks from Stingmon and Digmon at once. That's where his attention lies.

Iori: STOP IT, DIGMON!!! YOU HAVE TO COME TO YOUR SENSES!!!

But Digmon isn't listening. Lost to the enchantment of the woman's flute, Digmon doesn't belong to Iori anymore.

We're gonna have to think of something quick or this will be a short episode. The dub hasn't even taken their first commercial break. What will the Americans think if children gruesomely die onscreen before they have a chance to market fast food and antidepressants to nine-year-olds?

In the dub, Davis criticizes Arukenimon's music.

Davis: Hey lady, don't you know any other tunes!? (Arukenimon keeps playing; Dokugumon keeps coming) Davis: This is why I don't surf the internet! (flailing legs) I hate... websites...! HELP US!!! (Cody's watching Stingmon and Digmon double-team ExVeemon) ExVeemon: Help you!? Who's going to help me!? Sorry, Davis, but I'm a little... tied up at the moment! Cody: DIGMON!!! STOP IT!!! DON'T YOU REALIZE YOU'RE FIGHTING YOUR FRIENDS!?!? ExVeemon: Yeah, guys, can't we all just get along!?

Davis and ExVeemon try to inject some levity into this tense situation. The one noteworthy change from the original is that Davis asks ExVeemon for help instead of trying to Cody.

With the death spider slowly advancing and Iori not listening, Daisuke and Ken have to figure out something.

Daisuke: (flailing legs more) Damn it! What now!?

What else can we do? New plan, same as the old.

Ken: Iori-kun! Iori: PLEASE, DIGMON!!! Ken: IORI-KUN!!! Daisuke: Iori! Listen to me, Iori! Iori: Ah!

After repeated prodding, Iori finally realizes they're trying to talk to him. He stops shouting and turns to look at them.

Ken: You're the only one who can use his hands. Use your D-Terminal to contact the others. Iori: Ah... B-But....

Iori's unsure of what to do. Whether because he's panicking or because it's coming from Ken is unclear. Probably both. Either way, he looks over at Daisuke for confirmation.

Daisuke: What are you waiting for!? Hurry up! Iori: Ah! O-Okay!

Finally, Iori takes out his D-Terminal and sends out a message.

In the dub:

Davis: Oh no, we're bug meat! (flailing legs more) Well, Ken... goodbye! Ken: Nice knowing you! Cody: COME ON, GUYS!!! KNOCK IT OFF!!! Ken: Keep trying! Davis: Yeah, Cody! You're our only hope! Cody: Ah! (Cody finally pays attention to Davis and Ken) Ken: We're useless but your hands are free! You've gotta contact the others and tell them to help us! Cody: Ah! But, uh.... (Cody looks at Davis for confirmation) Davis: Don't brainfreeze on us! Just do it! Cody: I'm on it! (Cody starts messaging) Cody: (thinking) Come on, Yolei. Be there. Whatever you're doing, it can't be as dangerous as this!

Davis and Ken give up and have no plan other than letting Cody try to reach Digmon. But then, like the flipping of a switch, the original script suddenly reasserts itself once they get Cody's attention.

I really like the dub script from that point forward but the way Ken abruptly flips from "Keep trying to get through to Digmon" to "Contact the others with your D-Terminal" gave me whiplash.

Moving along, Iori's message is received. Come on, Miyako. Whatever you're doing, it can't be as dangerous as this.

Oh no, that is super dangerous.

Receiving Iori's email, Miyako isn't exactly in position to help out.

Miyako: Agh! Of course I want to go help, but....

But the Flymon swarm has split up and has them cornered. Three Flymon are coming in from either side.

Aquilamon: Miyako-san! Please hold on tight!

With a huge flap of his wings, Aquilamon ascends suddenly, causing the Flymon to crash into each other.

Miyako: GOT THEM--EUGH!?!?

Miyako has only a moment to breathe before more Flymon come buzzing down the hall. Taking out her D-Terminal, she sends Iori her answer.

Miyako: (typing) Sorry! I don't think I can make it!

Outlook not so good. Both on Miyako's ability to get there and on the boys' ability to survive the Dokugumon attack.

In the dub:

Yolei: I want to help but I'm sort of busy right now! (Flymon coming from both directions) Aquilamon: Hang on! It's time we rise to the occasion! (Aquilamon ascends and lets the Flymon crash into each other) Yolei: Good work! ...huh!? (More Flymon coming down the hall) Yolei: (typing) Sorry! My hands are full!

This is perfect. Good job.

So, Miyako's a bust. Who else have we got? Cutting back to the web, we brainstorm next steps.

Daisuke: What about Takeru!? Or Hikari-chan!?

At Daisuke's prodding, Iori sends another email. But things aren't going any better over there.

Takeru and Pegasmon use a book to shield themselves and push a Snimon towards the edge of the shelf. That Snimon stabs through the fragile paper, their blade coming out right in front of Takeru's face.

Takeru: BWAUGH!!! Aggghaaagh....

But the boys keep pushing, eventually knocking the Snimon off the shelf with the book on top of them.

Hikari: Over here!

Hikari waves them to a hidey-hole she's found or made. Three books stacked on either side with an opening just big enough for something of human-width to pass through. Takeru and Pegasmon slip through, followed by two Snimon who try and fail to cram themselves through the opening.

Takeru: We should be able to hole up here for a while. Hikari: But....

Hikari looks down at the D-Terminal in her hands.

Hikari: We won't be able to go help Daisuke-kun and the others.

We are all getting murdered by the Giga House trap. There is no help coming for Daisuke, Iori, and Ken.

You know, it says a lot about Iori's state of mind and his admiration/respect for Miyako that he tried her first, before the veterans. And then needed to be told to try the veterans.

Iori is still in a state of shock and panic, he's the youngest of the team, and he's known Miyako way longer than any of these other kids. So it makes sense, when Ken told him to contact the others, that he narrowly interpreted that as "Please help me, Miyako-san."

In the dub:

Davis: Don't give up! Try Kari and T.K.! (Cody sends message; T.K. pushes book) T.K.: Nnnnnnngh-- (Stab) T.K.: DYAAAUGH!!! (T.K. and Pegasusmon push the book over on Snimon) T.K.: I'm stronger than I thought! Kari: (waving) Over here in Fiction! (T.K. and Pegasusmon join her, followed by Snimon) T.K.: I'd kill for a can of bug spray right now! Kari: Oogh... I'm beginning to wish we had never split up.

Kari doesn't directly acknowledge Cody's message but she's holding the D-Terminal in her hands, and Cody will say they aren't coming next scene. So she doesn't have to say it outright here.

I'm... a little confused by Kari saying they're hiding "in Fiction". Does this private study have separate, clearly marked Fiction and Non-Fiction sections of its bookshelf? Do people do that? I honestly don't know how homeowners decorate.

Back at the web, Hikari's answer reaches Iori.

Iori: (distraught) Takeru-san's group can't help us either!

Daisuke has no answer for that. He struggles to think, but nothing comes out. After a moment, he looks up at the hole, where XV-mon is still engaged with the others. All the while, the mystery woman sits on that rafter and plays her flute.

XV-mon: (parrying attacks) Shit! If it weren't for that flute....

But he too has no answers. Down in the web, Dokugumon creeps closer and closer to the others. At what, by this point, is honestly a pretty glacial pace. Really dragging your tarsal claws, Dokugumon.

Iori: It's hopeless.... Ken: Don't give up! Iori: Huh?

With eyes full of terror, Iori looks at Ken.

Iori: (thinking) Even though he's the closest one to Dokugumon...

Iori's features harden as he thinks about that.

Iori: (thinking) I have to pull myself together too.

Inspired by Ken's courage, Iori finally pulls himself out of his panic and looks around the web with fresh eyes. Before long, he spots something of peculiar interest: the web is attached to an air conditioner, with the controls visible right under it.

Iori: That's it! If we can find a way to turn on that air conditioner, then the wind would.... Daisuke & Ken: Got it!

Now that we finally have Iori back with us, a plan is made. We just need to figure out how we're going to execute it.

In the dub:

Cody: Um... I'm afraid they can't come either! We're on our own! (Davis looks helplessly up at the hole) ExVeemon: (parrying attacks) What do you say, guys? How about a chocolate break!?

He doesn't say to break me off a piece of that Kit Kat Bar but you know he's thinking it.

(Arukenimon keeps playing) ExVeemon: (thinking) I can't stand it anymore! Doesn't she know another song!? (Dokugumon keeps advancing) Cody: No one's available! Ken: (harshly) Then you help us! Cody: Huh!? Cody: (thinking) What can I do to help, especially without Digmon? (Cody toughens up) Cody: (thinking) I have no choice! If I don't think of something fast, those guys are through! Let's see, what do I have to work with here.... (Cody notices the air conditioner) Cody: (thinking) A thermostat! Hmm... Which means there must be an air conditioner nearby! Cody: That's it! We can blow Dokugumon off of the web! It's worth a try! What do you say? Davis & Ken: Mhm!

Man, Davis and ExVeemon really don't like Arukenimon's playing. To be fair, it's not as good as Mystery Woman's. A much simpler melody and without the haunting echoing sound it makes.

In the original, Iori is inspired by the courage Ken possesses. He's going to get eaten first but he's still refusing to give in to despair, and that gives Iori the strength to resist the panic attack he's been undergoing all episode.

In the dub, Ken basically just snaps at Cody to nut up and fix this problem, and that does it.

My favorite part of the dub in this segment is when Cody deduces that "there must be an air conditioner nearby"... as the camera pans up to reveal the gigantic air conditioner he's staring right at.

Cody also thinks the A/C will harmlessly remove Dokugumon from the web while leaving everything else safe and intact. Oh, you sweet summer child, you. It's not clear whether Iori realizes the complications the A/C will introduce; He doesn't finish his train of thought.

After some consideration, Ken manages to pick up a piece of rubble lying in the web using his legs. It's part of the wooden attic floor that Digmon broke when he dropped them down here.

Ken: Motomiya-kun! Use this to turn on the switch! Daisuke: Got it!

Ken passes to Daisuke, who shoots for the switch.

Daisuke: HIT IT!!!

GOOOOOOAL!!! The rubble chunk strikes true, slamming into the On/Off switch. The A/C activates, tearing apart the web.

Iori: IT WORKED!!! WHOA--AHHHHHH!!!

Breaking the web while we're tied to it proves to be a perilous decision, as Iori suddenly tumbles from it into freefall. Ken grabs his ankle before he can fall too far, however.

Ken: You're okay.

Holding onto a strand of web, Ken slowly lowers himself and Iori safely to a giant bed in the room below. Daisuke lowers himself on another strand. The imminent danger, at least, has passed.

In the dub, they spell out the skills Ken and Davis used here.

Ken: This might work! It's just like playing soccer, Davis! Davis: Pass it here! (Ken passes, Davis shoots) Davis: BICYCLE KICK!!! (Davis scores; A/C turns on) Davis: DAVIS SHOOTS, HE SCOOOOOORES!!! (A/C breaks the web) Cody: WOW, GREAT PLAY!!! AH!!! WHOA-WHOA-AHHHHHH!!! (Cody falls, Ken catches) Ken: I've got you, Cody! Cody: A-a-are you sure!? You're not just pulling my leg, are you!? Davis: Now this is what I call a king-sized bed! (Ken and Davis lower the three of them onto the bed)

I love Davis calling his attack and then cheering when he makes the shot. Less fond of Cody quipping about his own near-death.

The boys are safe, but XV-mon is still up there. Daisuke means to rectify that.

Daisuke: XV-mon! Hurry, over here! XV-mon: Right!

Easier said than done, as extracting himself from this fight is going to be a challenge.

Still silent as ever, Digmon and Stingmon launch their special attacks. Digmon leads with Gold Rush. XV-mon dodges the volley of drills, but Stingmon follows up with his Spiking Finish. He doesn't score a direct hit, but his momentum knocks XV-mon through the hole.

Then nonsense occurs.

XV-mon falls through the hole and lands hard on his feet on the floor. He falls to his knees and releases Daisuke, Ken, and Iori, who he... caught?

They were standing on the bed last we saw them. Why they are suddenly in his hands as he's recoiling from the Spiking Finish attack is... confusing.

I wonder if the creators originally meant for XV-mon to catch them when they were falling from the web? This feels like an editing error.

Whatever the case, everyone teleports to the floor and that's where we are now. It takes the last of his strength to vacuum-pull the boys into his hands while he's falling, however, and so he reverts helplessly to V-mon.

Daisuke: Thanks, V-mon.

In the dub, the mind-controlled Digimon still call their attacks as normal.

Davis: HEY, EXVEEMON!!! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! ExVeemon: Right! Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! (Digmon shoots, ExVeemon dodges) Stingmon: SPIKING STRIKE!!! (Stingmon knocks ExVeemon through the hole. He lands hard on his feet) ExVeemon: I'm okay! (ExVeemon falls to his knees) ExVeemon: ...maybe? (ExVeemon puts the boys down and reverts to Veemon) Davis: Don't worry, old buddy. You did a good job holding them off!

This is solid. ExVeemon's gag at the end there is pretty fun and something I can believe him saying in this moment. It's funny, but unlike the "pulling my leg" bit, it doesn't sound like he's intentionally cracking jokes at an inappropriate time. It comes out naturally.

Now that we're on the floor, where do we go from here?

Oh, straight into that dresser. That makes sense.

Ken: Let's hide in here.

The boys tug at the bottom of the drawer, slowly pulling it open just a crack. Then Daisuke and Ken collect a slipper and carry it over to the drawer, setting it up as a ramp. Finally, one by one, they climb inside.

Mystery woman's mind-controlled forces stand by and let them arduously do this because I guess they needed a smoke break. Only once the boys are in the drawer do they finally drop through the hole and go on the offensive.

Ken: We have to close it! Iori: But how!?

The enemy delivers! Stingmon and Digmon dumbassedly crash face-first into the drawer and slam it shut for us. Wow, they really did roll a Nat 1 on this interception, didn't they?

Daisuke: (English) LUCKY!!! V-mon: If only.... Boys: Huh?

V-mon does not elaborate, but a moment later they hear a crashing sound. Outside, Digmon's putting his drills to work to cut through the front of the drawer.

In the dub:

Ken: This place is perfect. Davis: You mean I gotta hide in somebody's underwear!? (Davis, Cody, and Ken start pulling the drawer open) Veemon: That's it, boys! We almost got it! Just a little more! (Davis and Ken go get the slipper) Veemon: Whew! I never realized the bigger the shoe, the bigger the stink! (The boys climb into the drawer) Ken: Let's close it up! Cody: How can we!? (Digmon and Stingmon accidentally slam into and close it) Davis: EASY!!! Veemon: Yeah, but I sure hope it holds. Boys: Huh?

The dub takes its first commercial break here, as Digmon begins drilling into the drawer.

Inside the drawer, the boys finally have a moment to breathe and think things through.

Iori: I can't believe Digmon turned on me. Daisuke: Hey, can one of you explain it to me? How exactly can that flute control Insect-type Digimon? Ken: It's the sound. The vibration it makes in the air. Iori: If we silence it, then our problem will be solved. Daisuke: But we won't be able to take it away that easily.

Ken and Iori both put their minds to it. Trying to figure out some way of defeating a melody. Outside, the woman continues to play her flute, and Digmon continues to drill into the drawer. We're running out of time.

Suddenly, it hits Ken.

Ken: That's it! Have you guys heard about moths and bats? Iori: I have. Moths can hear the sounds that bats make, and they use it to escape from them. Ken: They don't just listen. Moths also make sounds of their own which scramble the ones the bats make, disorienting their sense of direction. Daisuke: (sheepish) Y-You guys sure know a lot.... Iori: So what you're saying is, if we can scramble the sound of that flute, all the Insect-type Digimon will go back to normal? Ken: Exactly! Daisuke: But can we make a sound like that?

Good question. The team falls silent for a moment as reality settles in again. After some consideration, Iori answers.

Iori: It's impossible. To start, we'd have to know the wavelength that the flute is on. Ken: We have a solution, but we don't have a way to do it.

Daisuke takes a moment to think it over himself. Then, suddenly, it hits him.

Daisuke: Huh? Wait, if that's the case...! Iori & Ken: Eh?

Ken and Iori have contributed their parts. Now it's Daisuke's turn.

There's something deliciously ironic about using an insect's biological habits to counter the Giga House trap. Now that we know what the rules are, Ken/Iori and the Mystery Woman can go head-to-head on Big Brain Insect Skills.

In the dub:

Cody: I can't believe Digmon is trying to attack us! Davis: Hey, someone please explain to me, why does that obnoxious flute make Insect Digimon flip out? Ken: It's simple. It creates a vibration.

Everything creates a vibration. That a vibration exists is not an answer. But to be fair, this wasn't a very helpful line in the original either. "Because of its sound" is a nothing answer to "Why can the flute music mind-control Insect Digimon?" Ken is answering questions without actually having anything to add.

Cody: So if we stop the sound, then Digmon would help us out! Davis: I don't think Arukenimon is about to take piano lessons instead! (Ken and Cody stop to consider the problem) Ken: Hey! Are you guys familiar with the story of the moth and the bat? Cody: Of course I remember. The moth heard the sound the bat made and used it to escape. It was a trick of some kind. Ken: It was quite amazing. The moth was able to create its own sound and mixed it with the sound of the bat. The bat became confused and lost its way, enabling the moth to escape unharmed. Davis: I thought that was the story of the birds and the bees!

The dub makes an understandable translation error here. 話 Hanashi can mean a lot of things. It can be a story or a tale people tell, or it can speech, conversations, chatter, rumors, etc. Any kind of second-hand knowledge is 話 hanashi.

Ken and Iori are talking about scientific knowledge. This is an actual thing moths do. They emit specific sounds to scramble the bats' echolocation so the bats can't hunt them. There's an invisible sound war happening between moths and bats that's been going on for eons.

But the word 話 hanashi, commonly translated as "story", threw the Dub Team. So they took this to be some kind of Japanese parable, and that's the direction Ken and Cody go with it.

Cody: All we have to do is find a way to alter the sound of the flute! Then if our theory holds, the Insect Digimon will return to normal! Ken: Precisely! Davis: (frustrated) Then how does the story of the birds and the bees go!? Cody: Uh, later, Davis. Now's not the time. We need some more information. If we could measure the length of the flute's soundwaves, it would help determine our moves. Ken: So we have a solution but there's no real way of carrying it out. (Davis thinks for a moment) Davis: Wait! Guys, I know exactly what to do! Cody & Ken: Huh!?

The tone here is lighter. Davis's sex talk shenanigans drive away the near-hopeless tone that the original takes once the boys realize their solution is impractical.

Davis Davising up the scene aside, the dub nails it on Ken and Cody's dynamic here. The delivery of two smart guys excitedly bouncing ideas off each other hits perfectly.

Now, Ken and Iori have done their part. It's time for Daisuke to leverage his greatest strength.

That strength is being a social creature who can network well. He takes the plan we've made and passes it right along to the others to see if someone can put it into action.

Miyako: (checking D-Terminal) Well, that is a talent of mine, but without a computer....

Dodging the Flymon, Aquilamon sails under a table and then out the door from the living room, back into the hall.

In the study, Hikari gets Miyako's message.

Hikari: There's a computer right here! It's in the study!

Hikari's barricade is still holding firm, but the Snimon horde is piling up outside of it. Nonetheless, she sends her message.

Receiving it, Miyako checks the radar on her D-3.

Miyako: Let's see, where is Hikari-chan... Left door! Aquilamon: Understood!

Aquilamon swoops down and enters through one of the holes that Nefertimon blasted in the door. Like the Snimon before them, the pursuing Flymon try to cram themselves through the tiny holes and end up stuck.

In the dub:

Yolei: (checking D-Terminal) They want me to what!? Well, it's true, that's my specialty. But how am I supposed to figure it out without a computer? Aquilamon: You can do it, Yolei! (Aquilamon exits out into the hall) Kari: There's a computer right here in the office. (Yolei checks D-3) Yolei: Okay, I'm beginning to get a signal. They're real close... There they are! Make your first left. Aquilamon: Right! Yolei: No, left! Aquilamon: Roger! Hang on! (Aquilamon swoops through the hole) Aquilamon: Don't go in through the out door! (The Flymon follow and get stuck)

Yolei says "make your first left" but there is only one left to make. We'll be in the study once we make that left.

Yolei's D-3 seems to be having some kind of unexplained problems with its reception. She implies that they need to fly around until she "gets a signal", and the dub adds a staticky sound effect to it.

I feel like the "Left!" "Right!" "No, left!" bit could have had more done with it. Aquilamon goes in through the right opening when he makes his left so... it feels like there's something there, something you can do with that and the left-right confusion, but I can't put my finger on what.

Anyways, Miyako's in the room with the computer, so it's a good start. Now what?

Brief shot outside the drawer shows Stingmon has given up on waiting and is now trying to tunnel through the drawer himself. Time is even shorter now.

Daisuke: Takeru and Hikari-chan, go back up Miyako!

From their hidey-hole, Takeru and Hikari get the message.

Takeru: We can handle that. Hikari: Yeah!

They'll have to get through the Snimon, of course. But that's simply a matter of shoving the books to push the whole swarm off the shelf and then dropping the books on top of them, just like Takeru did to that one earlier.

Aquilamon swoops low over the computer and Miyako dismounts, dropping a short distance and landing hard on the power button. The force of her landing pushes it in and the computer hums to life.

Miyako: BINGO!!!

We're in business. Also, apparently this is a Wac, a lawyer-friendly Mac with a tomato instead of an apple as its emblem.

In the dub:

Davis: Do not leave your position in case Yolei needs you! T.K.: Like we have a choice! Kari: Mhm. (Kari and T.K. push the books over on the Snimon) Nefertimon: Those must be very popular books. (Aquilamon flies down over the keyboard) Aquilamon: You can do it, Yolei. One... Two... Three! (Yolei jumps and lands on the button) Yolei: TADA--aww, nothing. (Computer turns on) Yolei: Ahaha! PERFECTO!!!

Davis's directions here are a little confusing in relation to the following action. Davis tells T.K. and Kari to not leave their position, which makes it sound like they're supposed to stay in the hidey-hole. T.K. even confirms that they can't leave it anyway. Then this is followed by them immediately leaving it.

Aquilamon has to talk Yolei up to making the jump which is fair; That was a very dangerous action she just took.

I love Yolei briefly being disappointed by the startup delay, though. That's a fun little add-on.

Once the computer's online, Miyako messages Daisuke back.

Daisuke: Yes! (to Ken) Now, can you explain how to do this? Ken: Uh, well.... Daisuke: (deflating) ...well what? Ken: It's audio software... I never learned how to use it because I wasn't interested in music. Daisuke & V-mon: EHHHHHHH!?!? Iori: Oh, that's fine. Miyako-san is a specialist in that field.

It's okay! We're fine! Ken's disinterest in art has not killed us all! Over at the computer, while it's loading up, Nefertimon and Pegasmon form a barricade wall of books around the keyboard. Miyako is having the same conversation with Hikari and Takeru.

Hikari: Really? Miyako: Yeah. My oldest sister is in Drama Club, so I make sound effects for her. Oh! And I also help Izumi-senpai do the synthesizing for Yamato-san's band, the Teenage Wolves. Takeru: Oh, that makes sense! That's how they're able to produce that sound with only four people. I mean, I kept hearing brass instruments even though none of them play any! I thought I was losing it!

The secret of Yamato's musical success has been leaked. Behind every brilliant man of success and repute, there is a hard-working uncredited woman and also Koushiro. Takeru will not let him live this down.

But we're out of time; The Snimon swarm have recovered. Two Snimon come up over the book barricade. Shurimon bounds to the top, slashing them each in the face and knocking them back.

Shurimon: Everyone, now is not the time for friendly banter! Pegasmon: You're right. We should hurry. Miyako: (sheepish) Ah, sorry! Sorry....

I mean. It's not like we could do anything until the computer finishes loading. You're kinda being a dick right now, Shurimon.

In the dub:

Davis: Great! She'll put the brakes on that mad 'mon! Ken: But there's one problem. Davis: What's the matter!? Ken: Well, it's a music software program. If she's not familiar with it, it'll be difficult to use. It's probably going to be impossible. Davis & Veemon: WHAAAAAAT!?!? Cody: I'm positive it's not going to be a problem. Yolei's a real professional when it comes to stuff like that!

In the original, this scene has Ken expressing his own limitations as a super mega ultra-genius. Everybody in the team has something different to contribute. Iori and Ken come up with the plan but Daisuke's leadership allows him to connect the group, to be the vector of communication that brings them together and puts Miyako's skills to work on Ken and Iori's plan.

No one member of this 仲間 nakama could have solved Giga House on their own, and each individual member is an invaluable component in the solution.

In the dub, Ken instead doubts Yolei's qualifications. Which is just an asshole thing to start talking shit about out of nowhere. Dub Ken is such a dick even post-reformation.

Kari: Is that true? Yolei: Sure! My older sister's in the Drama Club at school and I'm the one that does the sound for all the shows. But that's not all; I've also helped Izzy do the mixing for Matt's band, the Teenage Wolves. We were the best because they sounded totally cool after we got through with them. T.K.: Oh, wow! I've wondered why Matt's band sounded so good lately! Matt said it was because he was such a great musician. Wait 'til I tell him I know his secret weapon is Yolei!

This is basically the same, but vague. Takeru specifically calls out Miyako and Koushiro's work as adding new instruments that nobody's playing, where T.K. just says Yolei and Izzy made the music better in some sort of way.

He also credits the success entirely to Yolei, so fuck Izzy, I guess. I can get behind that. Izzy's an asshole.

(Snimon attack; Shurimon fights them off) Shurimon: Listen up! We don't have any time to waste on idle chitchat. Pegasusmon: We have to hurry. Yolei: (sheepish) Ahaha, oh yeah... sorry....

Shurimon is still a dick in either version.

Finally, the computer comes online so now we can get to work. Shurimon.

Miyako: Takeru-kun, you connect the microphone cable to the computer. Takeru: Mhm. Miyako: Shurimon, please cover him. Shurimon: Yes, ma'am! Let's get to work, Takeru-san! Takeru: Right! Miyako: Hikari-chan, you'll help me with the mouse. Hikari: Got it!

Never mind, I stand corrected. We absolutely could have been over there connecting the mic while the computer was loading instead of standing around chitchatting. You were right, Shurimon. I shouldn't have second-guessed you.

Inside the drawer, gouges from Digmon and Stingmon's efforts can now be seen from the inside.

Daisuke: It's not done yet!? V-mon: HURRY HURRY HURRY HURRY HURRY HURRY!!!

Miyako and Hikari take their positions behind the computer mouse.

Miyako: Now, let's go! Hikari: Yeah!

And that seems like as good a place as any for a commercial break.

In the dub:

Yolei: First I need for you to hook up the microphone cable to the computer. T.K.: Mhm. Yolei: Shurimon, I'm counting on you to protect T.K.'s back. Shurimon: I'll protect the rest of him as well. Come on, T.K., let's go! T.K.: Right! Yolei: The mouse is too big for me to push alone. Do you think you can help me, Kari? Kari: Sure. (Cut to drawer) Yolei: We're almost there, Davis. Good thing that wood's as big as your head. Davis: Could you hurry!? Veemon: (half-crying) Yeah, speed it up, would ya!? (Cut to Kari and Yolei at the mouse) Yolei: On my count, let's push. Kari: Mhm.

The dub kicks out their second commercial break for later and continues straight from here.

We return from commercial with a reminder of where we're at and what's happening. Digmon and Stingmon are still carving away at the outside of the drawer, while the mystery woman's flute music fills the room.

Inside the drawer, the gouges have gotten thick. They'll be through soon. Daisuke and the team have moved to the far back of the drawer, and now Iori's the one with the D-Terminal for some reason.

Iori: Please hurry, Miyako-san! Miyako: I know!

At the computer, Pegasmon and Nefertimon have taken defensive positions up on the wall. Whenever a Snimon tries to climb over, they kick 'em.

Miyako guides Hikari with the mouse. They push together until Miyako declares,

Miyako: (English) STOP!!!

Then Miyako uses both hands to click the mouse button.

Miyako: How's it going on your end, Takeru-kun?

With Shurimon covering his back, Takeru plugs the cable into the computer.

Takeru: All set!

The computer is set up and the pieces are in place. Now we just need to execute Miyako's plan.

In the dub:

Cody: We can't wait! Go for it, Yolei! Yolei: Gotcha! Let's go! (Yolei and Kari push the mouse) Yolei: Wait! Hold it up! (Click) Yolei: Hey T.K., all plugged in? (T.K. plugs in the cable) T.K.: All plugged!

A note about the flute music. In the original, when we return from commercial, the flute is the only music we have going in the background for this entire scene. But before the commercial break we had normal BGM.

The dub also has the flute music just sort of start being in the background here as if it always was, but without the commercial break, it's more noticeable the way it fades in all of a sudden.

Both versions are inconsistent about when we can and can't hear the flute, with the implication that even when we're not hearing it, it's supposed to be saturating the house.

As Hikari and Miyako move the mouse into place again, Miyako explains part of the plan.

Miyako: (English) Stop. (Japanese) We're going to record that sound. Hikari: Got it.

She points up at the screen where they have the cursor over a microphone icon. Then she moves in front of the mouse and presses down the mouse button again.

While the mic records Mystery Woman's music, Miyako climbs up on top of the monitor and uses a computer cable to rappel down onto the screen. She yells down instructions for Hikari.

Miyako: STOP RECORDING!!!

Hikari, down below, clicks the mouse for her.

Miyako walks over to the far left of the screen.

Miyako: FROM HERE!!!

Then she runs and swings to the other side.

Miyako: TO HERE!!! Hikari: GOT IT!!!

This plan does leave Hikari having to push the mouse and click the button herself, but she's strong enough to pull it off!

In the dub:

Yolei: Hold up! Now what we have to do is record that sound. Kari: Mhm! (Yolei clicks the mic button) Yolei: (mocking) I'm sorry, but I just don't hear a single! (Yolei climbs up onto the monitor and rappels down) Yolei: Stop recording, Kari! (Kari clicks button) Yolei: We'll take this section to here. (Yolei swings across to the other side) Yolei: YOU GOT ALL THAT!?!? Kari: I GOT IT!!!

I'm surprised she got all that because Yolei delivers the "Stop recording" and "We'll take this section to here" lines in her normal speaking voice. But minor directing quibble aside, this is solid.

Now that they have the section they need, Miyako rappels all the way back down and returns to Hikari.

Miyako: Now, invert the selected part, remove any unnecessary parts, select all of it, reverse the wavelength, save the sound file, and play it on a loop! Hikari: ...I don't understand a word you just said. Miyako: Aha... Sorry, sorry. In any case, this should work.

Hikari has no idea what Miyako is talking about and neither do I because I am not a sound editor. This might be a real thing, it might be a real thing that I translated badly because I don't know what she's talking about, or she might be making things up.

Back in the drawer, Digmon and Stingmon finally break through. They're inside and now Daisuke's team is cornered.

Boys: UWAAAAUGH!!! Daisuke: IT'S NOT DONE YET!?!?

The Flymon, meanwhile, finally figure out the hole they're stuck in. They pull back out, then enter through the hole in single file, ready to attack.

It's down to the wire now. This will be the moment of truth.

In the dub:

Yolei: We'll delete the section that we don't need and then we'll save the part that's left as a sound file. We'll copy and paste the original onto multiple tracks and use special effects to distort the soundbites. All you do is press Play! Kari: Um, I have no idea what you're talking about. Yolei: Hehe, sorry about that. Hey, it'll work; Just trust me! (Digmon and Stingmon invade the drawer) Boys: WHAHHHHH!!! Davis: This isn't good!

Kari doesn't need to know what she was talking about because Yolei said at the end, "All you do is press Play." As long as she has an instruction that simple, it doesn't matter if she followed the rest.

Miyako lays all of this out like she's expecting Hikari to do all that stuff.

As the Flymon advance on the girls and Stingmon and Digmon advance on the boys, it's time to put Miyako's masterstroke into action.

Miyako: The moment you've been waiting for! Play the loop! Hikari: Here we go!

Hikari clicks the mouse button and the recording begins to play. The mixture of the mystery woman's flute with its own reversed sound creates an unbearable cacophony that brings all the attacking Insect Digimon to a halt.

In the drawer, Daisuke, Ken, and Iori brace for their impending doom only to realize it isn't coming.

Daisuke: Huh? Did it work? Takeru: ...seems like it.

The bugs look around for a moment, disoriented. Then they back off, returning to whatever they were doing before they fell under the flute's sway.

Miyako leaps straight up and cheers in celebration.

Miyako: HUGE SUCCESS!!!

In the dub:

Yolei: Play that funky music now, girl! Kari: Name that tune! (Kari clicks the button and the funky music starts to play; All the bugs cease) Davis: ...hey guys? Are they normal? T.K.: ...I... think so.... (Bugs withdraw) Yolei: I'M SO COOL!!!

It's "Play that funky music, white boy" but Kari is a girl and Japanese so Yolei had to improvise.

Now that Digmon and Stingmon have come to their senses, Iori rushes forward and hugs Digmon's drill.

Iori: DIGMON!!! Digmon: What's wrong, Iori? Stingmon: More importantly, what are we doing in here?

Exiting the drawer, the team re-enters the bedroom to talk about this.

Daisuke: What? You don't remember any of it? You guys-- V-mon: Ah!

V-mon grabs Daisuke's sleeve, shaking it to get his attention.

Daisuke: Huh?

V-mon says nothing, but he frantically shakes his head. After a moment, Daisuke gets it.

Daisuke: (sheepish) Oh! No, it's nothing. Don't worry about it! Ahahahaha.... (serious) Anyways, that woman....

Daisuke looks back up at the hole, where the mystery woman is peering down at them. This isn't over yet. But we did just kick her ass so it's a good time to celebrate. Daisuke waves his hand contemptuously

Daisuke: Haha, that's what you get!

He follows up by making an akanbe, a rude Japanese gesture consisting of sticking out your tongue and pulling down one eyelid. He's basically flipping her off.

In the dub:

Cody: DIGMON!!! Digmon: What's up, Cody? Stingmon: What are we doing in this drawer? Playing Hide and Seek? (Exit to bedroom) Davis: Whoa! This is absolutely beyond belief! You mean you actually can't remember anything about what was happening to you!? (Veemon tugs Davis's sleeve) Veemon: (whispering) Davis, um.... Davis: Hmm? (Veemon shakes head frantically) Veemon: Mm-mm! Mm-mm! Davis: Huh!? I-I'm just kidding! I'm trying to psych you out! Fun, huh? Hahahaha.... (serious, looks at Arukenimon) Yeah, it's time to face the music! Arukenimon: Hoohoohahahaha! Davis: HEY, LADY, THIS IS WHAT I THINK OF YOUR FLUTE!!! (raspberry)

"Time to face the music" is a perfect crack for this moment.

Davis's tone when Veemon stops him is shocked and curious. Daisuke is accusatory; V-mon was stopping him from going off on them for things outside of their control.

Arukenimon laughs maniacally for no reason I can discern when they look up at her. They just screwed her plan. Why is she happy right now?

Mystery woman could withdraw at this point. Her trap's been botched and they can't easily pursue her from all the way down there. This would be a good time to cut her losses and run. But. Um. Do you remember how this all started because she felt disrespected by Daisuke? Yeah.

Daisuke's akanbe is a step too far. Having been provoked one time too many, she steps through the hole and drops the full distance to the floor unaided, landing on her feet.

Iori: Ah! How can she jump from that height without getting hurt!? Ken: Y-You couldn't be-- Woman: Were you going to say I'm not human? That's precisely it. I am...

At long last, the mystery woman reveals her true nature. Her body distorts and shifts into a grotesque spider creature.

Woman: ...Arachnemon!

Arachnemon is a Perfect-stage Virus-attribute Demon Beast Digimon. And now there is no more putting it off. We need to talk about this.

Fucking.

Name.

アルケニモン Arukenimon

What the actual fuck is this supposed to be? Here is the problem. I can think of exactly four things that this name might be referencing.

アラクネ Arakune - Arachne アラクニッド Arakuniddo - Arachnid

These two are spider-related, but I've also considered the possibility of:

アーチェネミー Aachenemii - Archenemy アーチネメシス Aachinemeshisu - Archnemesis

...with a hard 'k' instead of a soft 'ch'.

But the problem is that none of these fucking work. Her name is Arkenimon. That's nothing. The official Romanization is Archnemon, which is both not how you spell Arachne and also not what that word says. ネ is ne but instead they gave her ニ ni because the "ne" of Arachne is pronounced "ni". But if her name isn't Arachne then why are we spelling "ni" as "ne"?

Madam, you are one of my favorite Digimon but why the fuck is your name like this? I am dying over here.

The dub opted out of making sense of this and just translated it literally, letter for letter, as Arukenimon. Of course, they also might have just had no idea it was supposed to be Arachne. We saw what they did to poor "Halsemon" before.

But Wikimon assures me that it's supposed to be Arachne and for lack of better guidance, I am just going to trust them on that.

Arachnemon was created for 02 and, like Bakemon, she's a reference to a mythical creature. She is a 絡新婦 jorougumo, a spider yokai who shapeshifts into a beautiful woman in order to manipulate and deceive her prey - ultimately luring them foolishly into her den so she can devour them.

Which you may recognize as exactly what she did here in Giga House. This two-parter has actually been a 絡新婦 jorougumo story all along. Albeit without the part where she tries to seduce the protagonist because they're 11 and that would be gross.

For fairly obvious reasons, she is most commonly presented as the Perfect evolution of Dokugumon. I am dismayed to find out that she has never been presented as an evolution for Bakemon, despite both of them being predatory shapeshifting yokai. Shame, that. Dokugumon + Bakemon = Arachnemon just makes sense in my brain.

Narrator: Arachnemon! A cruel and brutal Perfect Digimon known as the Queen of Spiders. Her special attack is Spider Thread!

QUEEN OF SPIDERS. Yeah, not a lot of information in this rundown.

Oh, one more thing before I kick it over to the dub. Arachnemon's human guise is kind of what she's known for, and has appeared in follow-up Digimon titles but it's kind of unfortunate that the twist is already well-known. If you see a woman dressed in red with silver hair show up in a Digimon entry, you know exactly who that is and that she's evil.

They should probably give her human self a makeover and/or use her in new ways if they want her to ever be surprising again. I would love to see a take on Arachnemon that poses her as one of the good guys, just for a change of pace. Like, a supporting character we've known and relied on all series turns out in the last twenty or so episodes to have been an Arachnemon on our side all this time. I think that'd be pretty cool.

She's so fucking cool. I hate her name.

Anyways.

In the dub:

Cody: That's amazing! How could she jump down all that way without getting a single scratch!? Ken: You think she could be...? Arukenimon: So you've finally caught on. Well, it's about time. That's right, kids, I'm not human. I'M.... (Arukenimon transforms) Arukenimon: ...ARUKENIMON!!!

The dub takes its second commercial break here, on the... "shocking" reveal of Arukenimon's true nature. When we come back, they replay part of the transformation and then go straight into the rundown.

Arukenimon: I'm really.... (Arukenimon transforms) Arukenimon: (rundown) Arukenimon! An Ultimate Digimon. "Welcome to my parlor," said the spider to the Flymon.

Using a common spider-based idiom while referencing a Digimon in a way that perfectly suits both the present situation and the character's 絡新婦 jorougumo roots while also managing to sound perfectly diegetic? Yeah, Arukenimon's English rundown nails it. Dub wins on that count.

That said, I don't know how Cody, Davis, and Ken can possibly be surprised by this. We've already been calling her Arukenimon for four episodes now. Courtesy of the dub characters' script-reading, this is old news.

With Arachnemon's true form revealed, she goads the boys.

Arachnemon: I wonder, are you all lucky to witness my true form... or unlucky? Daisuke: What's that supposed to mean!? Arachnemon: You have no hope of defeating me in this form. SPIDER THREAD!!!

Arachnemon's Spider Thread is a long red tentacle-looking ribbon thing that emerges from a ruby embedded in her hand. Visually, a little confusing and not at all what you'd expect Spider Thread to be.

She whips it out suddenly and launches it straight for that disrespectful little brat Daisuke. V-mon gets his second wind in an instant, evolving to intervene.

XV-mon: STRONG CRUNCH!!!

It's a bite. Strong Crunch is a bite. XV-mon bites the Spider Thread before it can reach Daisuke, ripping it to pieces.

Arachnemon: I have more than one!

This time, she lets out three from each hand. This battle's only just getting started.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: It's so good to be back to my true form. I was so trapped in that human body. I feel pretty again! Davis: You know, you don't scare us! Arukenimon: Oh, then I've done a terrible job as host. Let me make up for it by TERRIFYING YOU!!! SPIDER THREAD!!! (ExVeemon Digivolves) ExVeemon: CRITICAL CRUNCH!!! (ExVeemon bites the "thread") Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! (Arukenimon releases six more)

The dub dialogue is fantastic here. That Arukenimon considers her spider form to be prettier than her human form is a fun bit of characterization, and that "I've done a terrible job as host" bit is really good.

Whereas the "Oh no, how unfortunate of you to witness my TRUE FORM" in the original is just basic-ass shonen anime 101. This scene is one of the few cases where the dub is actually way better.

Grappling XV-mon, Stingmon, and Digmon all at once, Arachnemon slams them through the door and out into the hall. She skitters out after them, revealing herself to the other three Chosen Children on their way to regroup.

Hikari: Wh-What is that Digimon!? Takeru: Whatever it is, the others are in danger! Nefertimon: CURSE OF QUEEN!!! Pegasmon: SILVER BLAZE!!!

Nefertimon and Pegasmon both take shots at Arachnemon. She dodges, but they force her to back off. Arachnemon skitters up the wall to gain height, then lunges for Hikari and Takeru.

Shurimon: KUSANAGI!!!

But Shurimon intercepts. Forced to change course, Shurimon bounds off his shuriken and hits the ceiling.

This is going well. We've landed no hits on her but, working together, three of us have managed to keep her on her toes.

In the dub:

Kari: Just what we need, a new enemy! T.K.: Let's squash this one like a bug! Nefertimon: CAT'S EYE BEAM!!! Pegasusmon: EQUUS BEAM!!! (Arukenimon dodges and goes on the attack) Shurimon: DOUBLE STARS!!!

As usual, the American kids are more aggro but that's the only difference.

Having bought a moment to breathe, the Digimon deposit their riders. Then they go back on the attack.

It does not go well.

Arachnemon: ACID MIST!!!

Stunning Nefertimon and Pegasmon with her Acid Mist sets them up for her follow up attack.

Arachnemon: SPIDER THREAD!!!

A few lashes with her very not-threadlike Spider Thread brings them down. We might have been able to keep her busy with teamwork at first, but in direct confrontation, Armor Digimon have never really measured up to a Perfect.

Stingmon: You guys can't handle her! XV-mon: Leave her to us. Daisuke: Ichijouji, let's go! Ken: Understood!

Finally, with no flute music to get in our way, XV-mon and Stingmon Jogress and bring Paildramon to the fore.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: ACID MISTS!!! (Mist) Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! (Tentacles) Stingmon: Why do I have a sudden urge to sit on a tuffet eating curds and whey? Davis: Time to exterminate! Ready, Ken? Ken: Let's do it!

Don't worry, Stingmon. Maybe she'll crawl up a waterspout.

Paildramon may be in play now, but Arachnemon isn't impressed.

Arachnemon: You think we're the same now, but you're still no match for me. Paildramon: What was that!?

Arachnemon and Paildramon lunge for one another. Meeting in the air, Arachnemon leads off the fight with a hard kick to the face, sending Paildramon hurtling through a nearby shoji, a Japanese paper room divider, into the living room.

Arachnemon: DIE!!!

Leaping through the hole Paildramon made, Arachnemon moves in to follow up. But with the distance he's gained, Paildramon has time to recover, stand his ground, and meet her assault.

Paildramon: ESCRIMA!!!

Extending his wrist-blade, Paildramon stabs forward, striking a hit across Arachnemon's shoulder and launching her into a nearby waste bucket. Gross and disrespectful.

From the sidelines, Daisuke and Ken offer support.

Daisuke: Keep it up, Paildramon! Ken: You can't lose!

In the dub, for obvious reasons, Arukenimon does not scream "DIE" when she lunges through the hole.

Arukenimon: You're wasting your time, boys. You're just crawling deeper into my web! Paildramon: What!? (Arukenimon kicks Paildramon into the living room) (Arukenimon lunges) Paildramon: STING STRIKE!!! (Paildramon trashes Arukenimon) Davis: You put her right where she belongs! Ken: Way to go!

The Miss Muffet one was eh but overall I'm enjoying these spider cracks. I love it when combat banter is uniquely personalized to a character's specific details and abilities.

Extricating herself from the trash, Arachnemon goes back on the offensive.

It does not go well. For her.

Arachnemon: SPIDER THREAD!!! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!

Machine guns trump inexplicable hand tentacles, blowing her away and knocking her to the ground.

Arachnemon: ...what...?

For the first time, it seems to be setting in that she might actually be in danger from these meddling brats. She probably should not have let Daisuke provoke her into a fistfight. She got baited by a child. Jumping down from that hole was her literally letting Daisuke bring her down to his childish level. She might not be glad that she did.

While she's having this revelation, the other children huddle up.

Digmon: We should help out too-dagyaa. Nefertimon: Of course. Miyako: Let's set a trap for her in the dining room. Daisuke! Ken-kun! We're going ahead to get set up. You guys bring Paildramon to the dining room. Ken: Understood. Daisuke: We'll do our part!

This fight already seems to be going well but there's no kill like overkill. The more thoroughly we can shitstomp Arachnemon, the better.

Cutting back to Paildramon, he hoists Arachnemon over his shoulder and leaps high into the air, then slams her down hard onto the table.

Paildramon: Do you surrender? Arachnemon: Never!

She lunges suddenly for his legs. Paildramon, now very much in control of this fight, hops back and out of the way. Arachnemon seethes with frustration over how badly this fight is going.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!! (Paildramon knocks Arukenimon on her ass) Arukenimon: ...SO WHAT!? (Meanwhile, the kids plan) Digmon: Let's take her down now! Nefertimon: We're ready. Yolei: Let's trap her in the dining room. We need everybody's help. Davis, Ken, listen up! Alright, here's the deal. We're going on ahead. I want you to try to lead Arukenimon into the dining room, okay? Ken: We'll make her go! Davis: We've got it covered. (Paildramon lifts and slams Arukenimon) Paildramon: Give up? Arukenimon: Never!

In the original, Miyako tells them to bring Paildramon, with the implication that Arachnemon will follow. Yolei cuts out the middlemon and just says to bring Arukenimon.

Arachnemon's "...what...?" gives a hint of vulnerability breaking through her armored exterior. Her voice is quiet, weak, and in pain. She's starting to regret picking this fight. By contrast, Arukenimon's "SO WHAT!?" is bold and cocky, still seeming to think she has the upper hand here.

Time to put the plan into action, Daisuke waves down Paildramon.

Daisuke: PAILDRAMON!!! WE NEED TO MOVE!!! Ken: TO THE DINING ROOM!!! Paildramon: Got it.

Following the boys, Paildramon races down the hall for the dining room, with Arachnemon hot on his heels. Iori stands guard at the door.

Iori: They're coming! Miyako: Get ready, everyone! Team: Yeah!

Paildramon reaches the entrance and pivots, bolting through the door. Arachnemon takes the bait, following him in.

Miyako: Out of breath? Shurimon: PUFF-PUFF!!!

Miyako and Shurimon meet Arachnemon just inside the door with pepper shakers, which they gleefully sprinkle her with.

I am not remotely confident in those two lines, they're hard to make out. But it sounds like Miyako's saying "切らした Kirashita" which would mean "all out" of something? Shurimon, on the other hand, is just shouting an onomatopoeia of sprinkling.

Blind and disoriented, Arachnemon flees further into the dining room and runs right into Digmon, perched on a can of bug spray.

Digmon: Try this instead!

He gives her a good heavy spray to the face. Arachnemon stumbles away from the walls and deeper into the dining room, but she isn't getting away.

Mounted on Nefertimon and Pegasmon, Hikari and Takeru have wires plugged into a wall socket in hand.

Takeru: It's not over yet! Hikari: We're just getting started!

Riding forward, they jam their wires into Arachnemon, electrocuting her. Arachnemon lets out an earsplitting scream.

Daisuke: NOW!!! Ken: THE FINAL ATTACK!!! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!

Paildramon guns Arachnemon down until she doesn't have the strength to even stand anymore. Her legs collapse under her and she falls to the ground. It's over. She's done.

In the dub:

Davis: HEY, GET OVER HERE!!! WE'VE GOT A CHANGE OF PLANS!!! Ken: FOLLOW US, PAILDRAMON!!! Paildramon: I'm with you! (Paildramon comes running down the hall) Cody: Ah! Here they come! Yolei: Are you ready? Team: Yeah! (Paildramon enters, followed by Arukenimon) Yolei: Surprised ya! How about a little salt bath? Shurimon: Every spider's favorite! (Yolei and Shurimon sprinkle Arukenimon) Digmon: Some Eau de la Bug Spray, Madame? (Digmon sprays Arukenimon) T.K.: How's her hair? Kari: It needs some work. (Kari and T.K. electrocute Arukenimon) Davis: Now it's your turn! Ken: Get her, Paildramon! Paildramon: DESPERADO BLASTER!!!

You know, I just noticed this. When Paildramon fires his Desperado Blaster in the original, they just sound like a pair of machine guns. In the dub, the sound effect is more of a high-pitched sci-fi energy weapon sound.

"Eau de xyz" is a naming convention for types of perfume. It's French, which is why Digmon added that "Madame" at the end.

So now it's over. Arachnemon is defeated and the battle has been won. So. Uh. What do we do with her?

Daisuke: Time to give up! Miyako: We have no intention of taking your life. Takeru: Why are you trying to destroy the Digital World? Ken: ANSWER US!!!

I mean, we just told her that we won't kill her so I feel like we've given up some of our intimidation leverage right out of the starting gate. Thanks, Miyako.

Arachnemon: What a pointless question.... Paildramon: What!? Arachnemon: Why do I cause destruction? Because causing destruction is the reason I exist. Hikari: How do you turn Dark Towers into Digimon? Arachnemon: Another pointless question. Without knowing the true nature of Dark Towers, you wouldn't understand even if I told you. Nefertimon: I see.

Alright. Follow-up question, what is the true nature of-- No? No, we're just going to accept that as an answer? Okay, guys. Thus ends the absolutely fruitless interrogation of Arachnemon.

Children dogpiling on an adult's face can overwhelm them more easily than the adult may want to admit, but they're piss-awful at getting adults to spill information. Arachnemon tells them nothing and they're just like, "Well, I guess that's all we're getting."

Nefertimon: What do we do, guys? There isn't an ounce of remorse in her. Paildramon: You're right. If we let her go, she'll just start the destruction all over again. Iori: That may be, but....

Sorry, Miyako, but we aren't going to be able to keep your promise. The writing is on the wall. Arachnemon has to die.

Ken: Let me do it. You guys shouldn't have to get your hands dirty. Takeru: Cut the crap! Let's just find a good place where we can lock her up for now.

At Takeru's outburst, Ken slumps and gives in. This is a tricky translation because what Takeru accuses him of is 格好をつける kakkou wo tsukeru, which literally means "trying to look cool". This can be taken to mean Ken's trying to show off or impress us with his mad execution skillz.

But in this context, it means Ken's bullshitting us. He's putting on a front. Trying to act the part of the cold and callous antihero who can do what we can't. He doesn't want us to realize that having to take her life will hurt him just as much as it would any of us.

Takeru, who's always questioned not Ken's sincerity but his commitment to change, sees right through him. Takeru isn't willing to let him fall back into old patterns for the sake of convenience.

In the dub:

Davis: We want an explanation! Yolei: Yeah, what did the DigiDestined ever do to you!? T.K.: Yeah, and why do you want to destroy the Digital World! Ken: Tell us now! Arukenimon: Oh, give me a break. That's a ridiculous question. Paildramon: Why's that? Arukenimon: Why do I want to destroy it? Ha! It's what I live for, you miserable excuse for a Digimon. Kari: How come you've changed several Control Spires into Digimon? Arukenimon: Please, that's another preposterous question. You don't even have any idea what the Control Spires are for, so it would be a complete waste of time to try to explain it to you.

She's right, that was a preposterous question. Hikari wanted to know, mechanically, how Dark Tower to Digimon is a thing that can happen. Kari just asks why she's doing this, which is the same as the first question.

This is probably a translation error; どうして Doushite means both "Why?" and "How?" so on some level, a judgment call has to be made when translating it based on surrounding context. But the sentence also contains できる dekiru.

どうしてダークタワーをデジモン化できるの? Doushite Daaku Tawaa wo Dejimon ka dekiru no?

And できる dekiru means "able to", "capable of". So no matter which way you take どうして doushite, that できる dekiru defines the question. Why are you able to make Dark Towers into Digimon? How are you able to make Dark Towers into Digimon? These questions are the same.

Nefertimon: She's not talking. Any ideas? Doesn't look like she wants to apologize. Paildramon: You're right. If she gets away, she will just continue to destroy the Digital World. Cody: What should we do with her? Ken: Let me take care of her. It's the very least I can do for you guys after all the damage that I've done. T.K.: There's no I in TEAM! (Ken slumps) T.K.: We should find a place that we can put her that's secure, then make sure she's locked up tight so she can't escape!

The dub downplays the fact that we're deliberating executing her. Cody isn't shocked and horrified by the suggestion like Iori is, and Ken only says that he should "take care of her" himself as a way of expressing his gratitude, rather than outright saying it's to keep the blood off their hands. In turn, T.K.'s reaction is just to chide Ken for misunderstanding teamwork.

You can still see the implication in their words if you know what you're looking at, but it could easily go over a child's head. Everyone's optimistic and upbeat, and not at all haunted by the dawning realization that we might end this day bringing a sentient, intelligent, living person to the guillotine. There is no sudden Dark Tower revelation or Evil Ring/Spiral to spare us from the ugliness this time.

Unfortunately, while we're distracted having this conversation, Arachnemon gets her second wind!

Look, a mild breeze counts as wind, okay?

Arachnemon: You're all too soft! Your naivety will COST YOU YOUR LIVES!!! DIE!!! Paildramon: ALL OF YOU, GET BACK!!!

Arachnemon lashes forward with her Spider Thread. Paildramon effortlessly backhands it. That is all. That is the entire attack.

Paildramon: Is that all? Arachnemon: (seething) Fffffffucckkkkk.... NRRRRAAAAAAAAGH!!!

Despite clearly having nothing left in the tank, Arachnemon puts up her fists. It's clear that she sees the way the wind is blowing, and she's ready to fight to the bitter end.

In the dub:

Arukenimon: YOU FOOLS!!! There isn't any place around that's strong enough to hold me! SEE!!! Paildramon: Out of the way! Arukenimon: SPIDER THREAD!!! (Paildramon deflects it) Paildramon: Is that all you can do? Arukenimon: Hrrrrrgh!!!

Arukenimon does not hiss obscenities through gritted teeth in this version, nor prematurely declare that she's going to kill the children.

She does still weigh in on the topic at hand, however. Arachnemon mocks the children for their reluctance to kill her, while Arukenimon points out how silly it is that they think they can just pull a maximum security penitentiary out of their assholes in the next five minutes.

Arukenimon also remembers to call her attack, in addition to the frankly amazing amount of telegraphing that both of them are doing. This is not how you Element of Surprise, Arachnemon.

Still, Arachnemon has made it clear that she intends to fight to the end despite Takeru's suggestion. That makes this simple. Paildramon is ready and willing to take her up on that offer.

Paildramon: If you're so determined to settle things here, then-- Newcomer: Then what? What will you do then?

And then there's this asshole! A whole new mystery man in blue we've never seen before.

Paildramon: Who are you!? Newcomer: Who am I? I am...

The man straightens his back and shapeshifts, taking on the form of a mummy wearing carrying a machine gun under his arm.

Ken: He's a Digimon too!? Newcomer: (amused with himself) I came to rescue you, Arachnemon! Arachnemon: Mummymon.... Daisuke: Mummymon!?

Mummymon. Meet the James to Arachnemon's Jessie.

Mummymon is a Perfect-stage Virus-attribute Undead Digimon created for the show. He's a mummy with a gun. His name is Mummymon. He doesn't really have any clear evolution lines to talk about. He just. Is a mummy. Named Mummymon.

Personally, I could kind of see him being a sibling evolution to Andromon from some kind of shared Adult predecessor but maybe that's just me.

Narrator: Mummymon! A Perfect-stage Digimon shaped like a mummy.

Yeah, that's all there really is to say on Mummymon.

Mummymon!

In the dub:

Paildramon: Two words: Anger management. But if you're still looking for a fight, then bring it on! Newcomer: Then what? You'll take on two Ultimates? Paildramon: Who are you? Newcomer: Just think of me as a well-wrapped present! (Newcomer shapeshifts into Digimon form) Ken: Another Digimon!? Newcomer: I thought we could spend some quality time together, my dear.... Arukenimon: Yes, Mummymon! Davis: Mummymon!? Mummymon: (rundown) Yes, and I'll let you in on a little secret I've had under wraps. My Snake Bandage attack is ghostly!

Mummymon combo breaks with his diegetic rundown. I would have Arukenimon deliver it so she can confirm "Mummymon!" like Narrator does at the start.

Again, Paildramon talks around the fact that we're deliberating executing Arukenimon. He accuses her of "still looking for a fight", whereas the original Paildramon says they're going to "settle things". In other words, she intends to go down swinging and he's going to indulge her.

As soon as the rundown's over, Mummymon takes the first shot.

Mummymon: NYEEHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Cackling maniacally, Mummymon raises his gun and fires. Despite looking like an assault rifle, it fires a stream of plasma. The attack catches Paildramon completely offguard and somehow takes a 90 degree angle with its point of impact, sending him upwards into a glass cabinet.

Shurimon: YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!!!

Shurimon, Nefertimon, Pegasmon, and Digmon all try to rush Mummymon at once.

Mummymon: SNAKE BANDAGE!!!

Mummymon throws his bandages, wrapping up and ensnaring all four Adult/Armor Digimon. Having bought a moment, he drops down by Arachnemon.

Mummymon: That should do for today. Let's go, Arachnemon.

Putting an arm around Arachnemon's thorax, Mummymon helps her retreat. They leap up onto the table, then out an open window into the wilderness beyond. In the span of a second, the two Perfects are gone.

In the dub:

Mummymon: HeeheeheeheeheewooHAHAHAHAHA!!! (Mummymon shoots Paildramon) Shurimon: He's such a mummy's boy. (Digimon lunge for Mummymon) Mummymon: SNAKE BANDAGE!!! (Mummymon snares the Digimon) Mummymon: They're all tied up. Time to make our getaway! We don't want to disturb them. (Mummymon and Arukenimon retreat)

It's fine that you want to make a pun but your character is lunging violently at another; Tonally, it shouldn't sound like a sitcom character doing a sideways glance at the camera and fourth-wall breaking to the audience.

That line needed to be more aggressive.

Once their enemies are gone, the Digimon revert.

Patamon, Tailmon, Armadimon, and Hawkmon return to their natural states. Paildramon, as before, reverts all the way down to Leafmon and Chicomon.

Daisuke: Arachnemon has a team of her own!? Miyako: What the hell is going on here!? What are they even trying to accomplish!? Iori: Didn't she say herself that they just want to cause destruction? Miyako: Well, she did, but.... Iori: (thinking) Am I even capable of fighting someone like that...?

Miyako and Iori both have problems with what just happened, neither relating to Mummymon. Daisuke's upset about Mummymon. He can have that topic.

Miyako doesn't think Arachnemon was being candid with her answers. And that's probably correct? We rolled Nat 1s on that interrogation. She fed us garbage and we swallowed it down. It was completely humiliating.

Iori, meanwhile, is haunted by what we almost did just now. Arachnemon is a cold-hearted and merciless creature who kills without remorse, and in that moment, we could devise no better solution than killing her. Iori doesn't want to be put in that situation again.

As an aside, I love Ken hanging out in the back of the huddle, a short distance away. He doesn't feel comfortable joining the sharing circle but he's still listening and paying attention.

But then Iori realizes something.

Iori: Ah!

Not to do with Arachnemon. Something else. He's being rude. He turns to Ken and bows humbly.

Iori: Thank you very much. Ken: Eh? Iori: I thought I had repaid my debt to you, but now I find myself owing you even more. Ken: Owing me? You're the one who spotted the air conditioner. That makes us even in my book. Iori: No, that wasn't sufficient. I must always repay my debts. Ken: (reluctant) ...very well.

I'm trying to rationalize! Stop arguing with me, you prick!

Iori doesn't elaborate on why that wasn't sufficient. He's hard to get a bead on due to how straight-laced he is, so there might not be an answer. He might just be using this to reconcile his own personal feelings towards Ken.

But there also might be one. Technically, Ken and Iori saved each other twice in this two-parter. Iori pulled Ken out of the washing machine and, if we count coming up with the A/C plan and there's no reason we shouldn't, then that makes two. But Ken tackled Iori out of the way of Digmon's drills and caught him when he was falling from the web.

If Iori owed Ken 1 when we came in and they both paid each other 2, then Iori still owes Ken 1. There is a logic here. It's just not clear whether that logic is all there is, or if Iori is using that logic to cover for his emotional feelings.

Miyako: Cut it out, Iori. You're being insensitive.

After chiding Iori, Miyako's curiosity gets the better of her. Batting her eyelashes and putting on her cutest puppy dog eyes, she asks details of Daisuke.

Miyako: Now what's all this about owing debts? Tellmetellmetellme! Daisuke: Let's see, what was it...? Iori saved Ichijouji, but I don't really think it was to repay any sort of debt. What do you think, Chicomon? Chicomon: I agree. I bet Iori's just embarrassed. Miyako: (disappointed) Let's hope that's all there is to it.

It'd be nice if this was the end of Iori's hostility towards Ken. But only time will tell.

The dub takes its third commercial break after the Digimon all revert. We pick back up right where we left off.

Davis: The good news is, We're alright. The bad news is, Arukenimon has friends! Yolei: I'm wondering what they really want. They must have some reason for being so nasty and mean. Cody: I think they feel destroying everything is simply fun. Yolei: Just the thought of it makes me sick! Cody: (thinking) Digimon like that must be really mixed up. But they can be healed just like people!

Cody speculates about Arukenimon's motives while Iori cites the literal answer she gave us two minutes ago when we asked her.

Cody then goes off-script to baselessly declare that Arukenimon isn't beyond redemption, and this gives him the idea to talk to Ken.

Cody: Ohhh! (Cody bows to Ken) Cody: Thanks. You helped me. Ken: Huh? Cody: You saved my life and, even though you were the mean Digimon Emperor, I still owe you one. Ken: What are you talking about? Why, you don't owe me anything at all, Cody. Your air conditioner idea was genius. Cody: Nope! I'm sorry, I still owe you, Ken. And I always repay my debts, okay? Ken: Hehe, whatever you want.

Tonally, this is a little bit softer than the original. Cody doesn't bring up the previous debt and Ken is more receptive to what Cody's expressing. But it's mostly the same.

Yolei: Come on, Cody, don't be like that! (Puppy dog eyes and batting eyelashes) Besides, if anyone owes anything, Davis owes me! Davis: Put it on my tab. But I don't think that Cody saved Ken just to repay a debt. There must have been something more deep and important that we'll never know about. What do you think, Chibomon? Chibomon: You might be right, but personally I think that Cody's embarrassed! Yolei: Knowing him, you're probably right.

They take the batting eyelashes moment a different direction but it's still pretty funny.

Davis expresses distrust in the dub's ability to adequately adapt Cody's character arc. That's fair, I suppose. They have been doing Davis dirty for almost thirty episodes now, after all.

Elsewhere in the Digital World, Mummymon and Arachnemon make their retreat in a small, roofless car. Mummymon drives while Arachnemon sulks in the passenger seat.

This is a Japanese car, of course, so the driver's seat is on the right.

Mummymon: Are your injuries still bothering you, Arachnemon? Arachnemon: Can't you tell? Mummymon: Oops. Dumb question, huh? Well, once we're back at our lair, I'll thoroughly treat every last inch of your body. EHEHEHEHE!!! Arachnemon: Hmph. Imbecile....

The verb Mummymon uses here is 手当て teate, which is a professional term meaning to apply medical treatment. It's not a sexual thing.

But he makes it sound incredibly sexual nonetheless when he describes doing it 念入り neniri, attentively and thoroughly, to 隅々 sumizumi, every nook and cranny, of her 体 karada, body in an unambiguously suggestive tone, then cackles about it.

Not having any previous knowledge of the relationship between these two, it's unclear whether they're a thing or if he's just a creep. But he's definitely being suggestive one way or the other, and he clearly brought up her injuries in the first place just to segue into this.

Arachnemon: Instead of rushing to help me, why didn't you try to pick off one of them!? Mummymon: I-I-I messed up... S-Sorry.... Arachnemon: More importantly, the bigger issue is with the Dark Towers. We're going to have problems if any more of them get destroyed....

We leave off on those ambiguous words, as the deadly duo drive away into the distance. Whatever their true intentions for the Digital World, our clean-up efforts are getting to them now. We will surely see them again soon.

In the dub:

Mummymon: Looks like they tossed you around a bit too much. How are you doing? Arukenimon: Don't even ask. Mummymon: Well, you know where you can get a bandage, HAHAHA!!! Sorry, bad joke. But as soon as we get back to our hideout, I'm going to make you look almost as bad as new, HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE!!! Arukenimon: Hmph. You're pathetic. And why didn't you destroy those kids when you rescued me!? Did you forget to wrap your brain in those bandages!? Mummymon: Mm, sorry, I was just trying to be romantic! Arukenimon: There won't be anything of me left to romance if those kids keep tearing down the Control Spires! They're our main source of power and without them, we're finished! Mummymon: (wailing) Mrrrrgh! Narrator: Will the DigiDestined destroy all the Control Spires before Arukenimon gets her evil hands on them? Find out next time on Digimon: Digital Monsters!

Bold fucking promise to make, Narrator. Outlook isn't great on your ability to live up to that one.

The dub stakes its claim on "They're a couple". They make the sexual advance much less explicit to the point that you might not even interpret it as one unless you're familiar with the Japanese line, while also adding in the "just trying to be romantic" bit to clearly establish a romantic relationship between these characters.

The dub also tries to offer an explanation for why the Control Spires are so important to them by suggesting that Mummymon and Arukenimon are feeding on the Spires in some way, and would... I don't know, shrivel up and die if the Spires were destroyed.

Is that actually what this is about? We're just smashing their food supply and they're salty about it? Find out... probably not next time but surely eventually!

Assessment: Ahhh, Giga House. I didn't appreciate this two-parter as a kid. "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" episodes have never been very interesting to me. But this is honestly a fantastic environment for a semi-climactic duel against a 絡新婦 jorougumo luring us foolishly into her den.

I love that Mummymon's introduction is so abrupt and unceremonious. Just shows up like "And I also exist!" It highlights how little we actually know about these people. Ken wasn't the front man of their organization; He was their fall guy. He barely even knew that he was even part of something bigger. We're only meeting them now because they lost their rube.

I also love the way the resolution here makes good use of everyone's talents. Ken and Iori wrack their genius brains to come up with answers to both the web and the flute. Daisuke organizes and coordinates the team in order to make those answers happen, utilizing Miyako's skills and experience. Takeru and Hikari... are also present.

Yeah, Takeru and Hikari are basically just warm bodies to assist Miyako here but 4 out of 6 ain't bad! Most episodes, only 1 or 2 really get to shine! And it's nice to see all the new kids working together as a cohesive unit.

#digimon #digimon adventure 02 #revisiting digimon #revisiting digimon adventure 02

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