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thyme-in-a-bubble · 8 months ago

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the butchery of the beloved, the boulder, the bimbo and the brilliant

kinktober, day twenty-five

a/n: ahhh, it's finally time to share the kinktober fic you all helped shape!! it turned out so fucking unhinged and i love it. happy halloween, folks!

polls for this fic: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

summary: “they–… they were right…” the warnings your now deceased friends had given you since the moment you got involved with the frat boy buzzed in your mind, though when they’d light-heartedly called him a psycho, you never in your wildest dreams thought that they would have been correct in their choice of words, “I can’t believe they were right…”

warnings: dark!rafe cameron x innocent!reader, smut, dark content, noncon/dubcon, slasher au, final girl!reader, 00’s slutty horror movie vibes, found family, nonverbal, murder, violence, blood, gore, crying, alcohol consumption, smoking, possessiveness, jealousy, mask kink, kissing, size kink, belly bulge, manhandling, dirty talk, just the tip, pussyjob, oral, spit kink, impact play, pain kink, choking, bondage, dacryphilia, orgasm denial, overstimulation, squirting, fingering, penetrative sex, unprotected sex, creampie, references to anal/painal

word count: 7400

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masterlist | join my taglist | kinktober 2024

It all started at a lunch table, as so many friendships do.

The first one to sit was Hana, the nurturing soul of the group who had been a genius even back then. The next to join was Brian, the blonde bombshell whose smile brightened any room he entered. Then came Oliver, the guy who at twelve years old had stood up to the bully you couldn’t face yourself and swore from that day on he’d do so for each and every one of you till the end of your days. And lastly, there was you, in many ways the glue of the little pack.

To say that the four of you were thick as thieves didn’t even begin to cover it, as you’d been there for each other in every up and down in each of your lives since adolescence. Even when your mother passed, especially when your mom passed, that’s when you truly knew that they weren’t just your pals, but your family.

“Oh wow,” you breathed as you gazed out the window to the destination you’d finally reached, “is this really your dad’s cabin?” you glanced over your shoulder at the man behind the wheel, a proud smirk ever on his lips.

“Yep,” Rafe nodded and reached down to put the car in park.

You’d met him at the beginning of this semester and it hadn’t taken you very long at all to fall embarrassingly and completely head over heels for the guy.

Though he wasn’t the first boyfriend to grow to be a part of the tight-knit clique, he hadn’t been welcomed with open arms as you remembered Jerome, Brian’s partner, had two years ago. The gentle giant of few words had melted into your dynamic so naturally that none of you remembered any longer a time before him. But it wasn’t like that this time, not with Rafe. For some reason, your friends just couldn’t warm up to the frat guy you loved so dearly.

As you heard the other car roll to a stop behind you, the vehicle where the four remaining resisted, your fingers dipped down into your pocket and fished out your phone to snap a photo of the luxurious lake house and its breathtaking views, though that’s when you noticed the lack of bars up in the upper corner of the screen.

“Oh, damn it…” you squinted down at your phone, “is there seriously no service out here?”

“Yeah, sorry I forgot to tell you,” Rafe snatched out the keys, “this place is pretty off-grid, you have to probably walk half an hour or something to get any signal.”

The dry leaves on the forest floor crunched beneath your shoes as you stepped out of the car and tipped your head back to glance up at how high the surrounding pine trees stretched up towards the cloudy sky.

As Rafe hopped up onto the wide porch and fiddled with a bundle of keys to unlock the place, your gaze kept finding him as you hung back a while and helped your friends unload their car.

“Can you all please promise to play nice this weekend?” you quietly asked them.

“Yeah,” Oliver huffed, yanking out a heavy duffle bag, “I’ll play nice if he does, which I sincerely doubt since I haven’t yet discovered one kind bone in his body.”

“Oh, come on,” you defended your beau, “he’s the one who suggested this trip so that you could all finally discover what a sweet guy he actually is,” before you all ascended the short steps and filtered into the abode.

Not soon after you all crossed the threshold, Rafe’s arms seized your waist and drew you back against him, whispering in your ear that he wanted to give you the grand tour of the house.

However, when you reached the room that was to belong to the two of you for the rest of the weekend, his ulterior motives for the journey around the cabin became crystal clear.

At first, when he wrapped his arms around you from behind as you gazed out the tall windows at the foot of the bed, a giggle bubbled in your belly as you felt his desire poke the small of your back. Though it was already during his palm’s swift voyage under the hem of your shirt and up towards your boobs that he let slip what crucial item he’d neglected to pack.

“You didn’t bring any condoms?” you twisted around to glare at the persistence that still sparkled in his eyes.

“Oh, come on, don’t let that fact spoil our fun,” he pulled you back into his arms, “don’t you want me to dick you down this weekend, huh?” he murmured in your ear.

“Well, I don’t wanna get pregnant,” you slowly pushed him back, “so it’ll just have to be another weekend.”

But then he seized your hand and brought it down to the palpable tent in his jeans, “babe, come on. Just feel how hard I am. You can’t just leave me like this, not when it’s your fault to begin with.”

Your mouth then fell open as a shy scoff rolled off your tongue, “I literally haven’t done a thing, how is it my fault?”

“Come on, don’t act like a prude,” his grip around your wrist shifted and it slid down to rub your palm against his hardness, “be a good girl and at the very least get down on your knees.”

“No,” you chuckled lightly and pushed yourself off of him enough to stumble closer towards the bedroom’s exit, “if you’re so desperate, then take care of it yourself.”

Even though winter was creeping ever nearer, each one of you still dared to go down to the lake’s small pier and soak up the mild rays of autumn sun that peeked out behind the clouds. Both Hana and Oliver even gathered enough courage to take a dip in the cool water, though weren’t successful in any of their attempts at talking the rest of you into the same.

Though when your friends in the water began to splash at one another, Oliver teasingly let some splatter upon Brian as he sat on the edge, eyes closed and face turned up towards the sky as he relaxed back against his boyfriend.

“Oh my god! Don’t!” he tensely straightened up, his tone startling Jerome enough that his palm that rested on Brian’s waist tightened, “stop! You’re giving me flashbacks to summer camp!”

As you heard your grinning friend in the lake apologise, you opened your mouth to note, “that’s right, I forgot you went to camp when we were kids.”

“Yeah, it was honestly revolting,” Brian recoiled slightly at the recollection, “mosquitoes, terrible food, even worse people. Had a big old lake just like this one,” he gestured to the surrounding landscape.

“Actually,” Rafe then spoke up, his voice booming to your ears as he sat directly behind you, his legs slotted on either side of your frame as his chin rested atop your shoulder, “this place used to be a summer camp too back when my dad bought it.”

“Really?” Hana glanced up from the water, their childish game now halted.

“Yeah, I mean,” Rafe cast a glance over his shoulder at the structures on the bank just behind him, “it had been abandoned and completely deserted for a long time, but a lot of the buildings, the main house and the shed and stuff, they’re the original cabins just renovated.”

“Your dad bought an abandoned camp?” Oliver scrunched up his face, “okay, creepy…”

“Oh, hell no, I’m out,” Brain began to unravel, “babe, if we wake up in the middle of the night to a ghost child standing at the foot of our bed, it’s your job to take care of it,” he glanced over his shoulder at Jerome, “I’m too delicate and pretty to deal with the paranormal, especially if it’s kids,” to which his boyfriend simply hummed in agreement and soothingly let his palm run down his partner’s arm.

“Oh, this place isn’t haunted,” Hana said after she’d swam up to clutch against the side of the pier, “calm down.”

“Well, you don’t know that, it might be,” the blonde man behind you shrugged, “especially with what apparently happened here back in the day…”

“What are you talking about?” you looked back at him.

“Well, back like forty years ago or something, when this was still a camp, there was this one counsellor who one day just went nuts, like snapped and murdered every single person there,” Rafe told, purposely making his tone more ominous the further into the story he got, “that’s why the place was shut down and abandoned, why no one ever wanted to return it to its former glory. It’s one of the most gruesome unsolved cases in this entire corner of the country.”

“Wait, unsolved?” Brian clutched his imaginary pearls.

“Yeah, the guy was never caught, supposably never even left these woods…” he then leaned in and attempted to truly spook you all, “at night if you listen closely, you can still hear him sharpening his blade, getting ready to hunt his next prey…”

Hana, assuming that he was only joking, let out a dry laugh to cut the tense silence that had fallen over you all, “okay, very funny, ha-ha.”

“Yeah,” you gently rubbed your boyfriend’s arm as you tried to shake the tale off of you, “let’s maybe not joke about psychopaths running around a rural area when we actually are in a rural area,” though goosebumps still pricked and tingled every inch of your skin.

“Wait, how did it go?” your giggle mingled with Oliver’s as you both leaned against the kitchen counter, nearly bumping your foreheads together from how hard you were laughing, “was it…” and you began to hum a faint melody.

“No because, remember, at the end it went,” your friend cut you off and then made his own attempt, though much more accurate than your own, causing your eyes to promptly light up with recognition before they crinkled together in laughter as he tried to hit the high note at the end.

Once the woods surrounding the cabin had succumbed to darkness, the group of you all decided to wrap the day up in a bit of merriment, going through Rafe’s father’s liquor stash and turning up the music.

During your and Oliver’s secluded moment in the kitchen away from the rest, your laughter caused you to sway even closer to one another, your palm naturally planting itself on his chest as your faces nearly touched.

Though just as the pair of you were doubled over, a figure appeared in the doorway.

“Oh,” your grin continued as you spotted your boyfriend, “hey baby,” though your laughter finally began to fade.

Staring daggers at the man beside you, Rafe then uttered coldly, “hey,” before his feet carried him straight towards you, seized your waist and twisted you away from your friend and towards himself to capture your lips.

“Okay, right,” Oliver exhaled as Rafe kept marking his territory, kissing you way more passionately than he needed to, “I’ll just see you guys back in the living room then…”

You tried to tilt away enough to utter your friend a reply, though your boyfriend didn’t allow you, only let you go once Oliver was long gone and Rafe returned to his original plan of cracking open the fridge to get a cold beer for himself.

Walking back out into the living room while your boyfriend scavenged for a bottle opener, you plopped yourself back down on the couch, on the opposite side to where Brian and Jerome were snuggled up. Next to where the lit fireplace crackled sat Oliver in a chair and not far from his feet on the fuzzy carpet rested Hana, legs crisscrossed as she held up her wine glass to stare through it.

When Rafe rejoined you all, a freshly glowing cigarette trapped between his lips as he sauntered out of the kitchen, he situated himself right beside you, making space for himself where there hadn’t really been previously. In his hand, he didn’t just balance his own drink, but also a stout glass filled with an amber liquid, one he swiftly handed off to you even though you hadn’t asked for it, yet that had still been the routine of the evening, and after the first one was sloshing on your belly, the others became harder to deny and not accidentally sip absentmindedly, especially when he’d playfully help you along by tilting the glass the remaining distance up towards your lips.

“Sweetie,” Hana soon leaned closer to utter for your ears only, “don’t you want a glass of water instead?”

Though your boyfriend beside you unfortunately overheard and grasped his cigarette between two of his longer fingers, a puff of smoke accompanying his words as he answered before you got the chance to, “she’s fine.”

From across the couch, as Hana scooted back to her spot on the carpet, having not caught the quiet interaction, Brian then suggested, “why don’t we play a game or something?”

“What, like truth or dare?” Hana leaned back against an unoccupied armchair.

“No, this isn’t a slumber party. Isn’t there like board games here?”

Brian’s glance then drifted to Rafe as he smothered his cigarette in the nearby ashtray and, without warning, pulled you into his lap and caught Oliver’s eye from across the room as he shamelessly let his hands wander across your frame.

“Uh, yeah. There should be some in the cabinet over there,” Rafe vaguely gestured before his lips began to nip at the side of your neck, making your eyes flutter and only half watched along as Brian then got up to skim through the aforementioned cupboard.

“Okay,” he glanced through the options, “there are cards, so we could play poker or something,”

“No way,” Oliver swiftly shook his head and shot a glance at Jerome’s bulky form, comfortably slumped on the couch, “I’m not repeating that fiasco again.”

“Aw,” Brian glanced back at his friend, “but it was so cute seeing my boyfriend fucking demolish you,” and Jerome, the quiet man he was, just let out a grunt in agreement.

“No, pick something else,” Oliver waved a hand.

“Well, we’ve got monopoly, scrabble, cards against humanity–, uh! There’s clue!” he excitedly picked up the box and spun around, “oh, work! Let’s play that!”

With his kisses still dancing along your skin, they then suddenly ceased as Rafe announced, “you guys go ahead, I think Y/n is ready for bed.”

Shooting a concerned glance at how your intoxicated form wobbled slightly as your boyfriend helped you up on your feet, Hana uttered, “oh, are you sure?”

“She is,” Rafe’s touch clung to you, “aren’t you babe?”

“Oh, uhm…” you hadn’t really noticed it before, but now that he mentioned it, as if he himself planted the thought in your hazy mind, all of the alcohol had in fact made you pretty sleepy, “yeah, I guess so.”

“Alright, well then,” Hana’s voice stayed slightly hesitant, “sleep tight.”

“I love you guys,” you blew the group kisses as Rafe helped you over towards the stairs.

His kisses made you even more dizzy than you already were, so when you stumbled over the threshold into your shared room, you flopped down onto the mattress, though you weren’t quite sure if you’d just fallen or if Rafe had manhandled your intoxicated and pliant frame, giving you a push before his form was atop of yours.

Though now that you were horizontal and with the weight of a frat boy squishing you further down into the bed, that was when you truly noticed just how much you’d had to drink that evening.

The room was spinning as Rafe made out with you, his palms raking across your body like a wild storm, squeezing every soft curve he could get his hands on. As one hand disappeared up your skirt, his kisses wandered down and over your throat to the bit of your chest that was exposed in the neckline of your top. Wasting no time at all, he then yanked down the hem, catching one of the cups of your bra as well as he unwrapped your tit like a present.

As his face was buried in your boobs, surely giving you hickeys from the way that he sucked at your pebbly nipple and the surrounding sensitive skin, a breathless attempt at halting his affections left your lungs, “baby–”

Though he didn’t take the whimper as you’d intended it and simply continued, “shit, you’re so fucking hot,” he yanked down the other sliver of mesh fabric covering your other boob, “god, these tits are just insane.”

Weakly, you ran your fingers through his buzzed hair and gasped as you felt his hardness grind into your covered core, “Rafe, I–”

“Yeah?” his lips began to flutter back up to your own as he let himself rock against you with more intent, “you want this big dick, huh?”

“No, we can’t, we don’t have a–”

“Oh come on, baby,” he shifted, slipping a hand down under the waistband of your skirt and into your underwear, not hesitating to sweep his fingers through your wetness and bully your little button, “I know you want to…”

“Stop, that feels too good,” you tried, but couldn’t yank his strong hand away, “you can’t–, I have to get up and brush my teeth.”

“You know, all my exes let me tap it raw,” he purred in your ear and attempted to guilt you, “why won’t you? Don’t you trust me?” his touch then suddenly disappeared, but only to tug down the zipper on the side of your short skirt.

“Of course I do, I just–”

“Then why won’t you let me make you feel good, huh?” he yanked both your skirt and panties down your legs, so fast it nearly gave you whiplash. Crawling off of your jelly-like form, he stood tall and loomed at the foot of the bed. Wasting no time, he yanked your core closer to the edge before he desperately freed his fat cock. The taps he then offered your glistening cunt, letting you reel in the weight of his length, “doesn’t that feel nice, baby?” he smirked at the way your mouth fell open, “because it sure seems like your little pussy thinks so, just look,” you followed his command and glanced down to spot how his intimidating girth nudged at your weepy petals.

Even after months of dating, you still hadn’t gotten used to the daunting size of him.

“Oh, fuck…” your brows knitted together.

“Just listen to that,” he flicked the bulbous tip through your slick folds with more vigour, causing the melody of your want to echo even louder throughout the bedroom, “you’re so fucking wet. You want it so bad…”

You then felt yourself fade away into the intoxicating sensation, letting him continue to fuck your fold and make your pussy drool even further till your eyes fluttered shut.

However, it didn’t take very long at all, through all of the hazy motions, before the very tip of him caught your entrance and slipped inside.

“Rafe!” you gasped, eyes snapping back open as your spine lurched off the mattress just an inch.

“Fuck,” he let out a loud groan, “sorry, babe. You’re just too soaked, it slipped in,” though didn’t move at all to pull it back out, since it had secretly been completely on purpose, “christ, you’re so tight…”

As he slipped his shirt over his head and tossed it to the side, you pleaded once more, “Rafe…” quietly begging for him to take it out through the conflicting haze as the familiar sensation of him stuffing you full always shut your brain completely off.

“This doesn’t count,” he claimed as he began to move, pumping just the bulbous head of himself in and out of your little hole, “not really. I can fuck you with just the tip, right?” a few of his fingers then lowered to strum your clit and summon a loud moan from deep within your soul, “yeah, that’s what I thought…”

As he removed his fingers from your clit, he then stuffed them in your mouth, muffling your soft whimpers and letting you suck them clean of your juices. As the taste of yourself coated your tongue, your own hands came up to clutch his, holding it near as you soon let your pecks wander across his palm and even down to plant a soft kiss to the gold ring that never left his finger.

“Oh–,” a gasp then left your lungs as he suddenly pushed in a bit more of his length, “Rafe, that’s too deep,” selfishly letting himself feel more of your warmth.

“No, that’s not too deep,” he began to fuck you properly, making you lose your breath, “you wanna know what is too deep?” a purposefully harsh thrust then buried itself so far inside of you that a tingle of pain joined the pleasure, “that’s too deep,” he then retracted just a tad, though still filled you up completely with each long stroke, “this is just right.”

“We can’t–,” you foggily tried to shake your head.

“Yes, we can. Just look how good you’re taking me, baby,” the palm you’d been clutching then escaped your grasp and scooped behind your head to tilt your neck and lock it there, directing your glance down between your bodies and forcing you to spot the faint bulge that appeared at each one of his mind-melting thrusts, “you don’t wanna stop…”

Feeling that all too familiar high begin to fuzz up your periphery, you trembled, “o-oh, fuck…”

“You feel so fucking good…” he grunted as your pussy began to clench around his fat girth, “just let me use you for a bit, yeah?”

“I–, I–,” gasps of air expanded your lungs as his pace then thrust you over the edge, “holy shit…” and your cunt helplessly clambered around him.

In your orgasmic haze, Rafe then abruptly flipped you around for you to lay on your stomach, and you barely managed to process it before you felt the weight of him settle atop of you, smooshing you down into the mattress as he slid back in.

“Ah!” you yelped at the way he didn’t hold back, “Rafe, it’s too much,” not even bothering to grant you a chance to recover, but simply fucked through your soreness, “I can’t–”

“Oh, shut up, you can take it,” he growled in your ear, his feet hooking your ankles and spreading your shaky legs further for him, “take it like the good little slut you are.”

It was strange how he’d taught your body to love the pain he inflicted. Even if the source was just his god-given gift of a girth, or curse, all depending on your point of view, and not the roughness he occasionally let slip out of the dark depths he tried to hide his jagged sides in for you and you alone.

“Fuck,” you soon heard him groan as his heavy sack slapped against your cunt at each one of his furious rocks, “I’m gonna cum!”

“Pull out–,” you managed to mumble into the sheets.

“What?” he kept on pounding your poor pussy.

“Not inside,” you tilted your head a bit to beg, “please!”

“Oh my god, fine,” he then begrudgingly pulled out and with one hand flipped you back onto your stomach as the other wrapped around his cock and he began to fuck his fist. Pushing himself up onto his knees, he crawled further up your body till his thighs caged you in, denting the mattress on either side of your face. He didn’t even wait for your lips to part before he shoved his dick down your throat, making you gag as he groaned loudly above you, “fuck…” and fed you his load.

When he soon flopped down on the bed beside you, the both of you catching your breaths, you instinctively gulped down what he’d given you before you curled your frame into his side.

As he wrapped an arm beneath your head, his glance then flickered down to you as he caught your chin with his thumb and forefinger, tilting you up to him before he asked, “did you swallow it?” digging his digit slightly into your skin and making you open your mouth for him, letting him discover the answer him himself, “fuck… that’s my girl…” he groaned before dipping down to kiss you.

The peck however didn’t carry on for long as his warmth then suddenly disappeared.

“Where are you going?” you watched as he got up, reaching out your arms to him in a silent plea for cuddles.

“I’m thirsty,” he zipped his pants back up, though didn’t bother with his shirt, “you just try and fall asleep, I’ll be right back.”

Flashing him a drowsy smile, “okay,” you then tug the duvet over your form and let your gaze shadow him as he made his way out of the room.

You thought you hadn’t managed to fall asleep, but evidently, you had as when the door to the room suddenly burst open, you were jolted awake, Rafe as well stirring as he was now settled behind you with an arm draped over your frame.

As three of your friends rushed to slam the door behind them, Rafe propped himself up and mumbled, “hey, what the fuck–”

But Hana then cut him off, a downright terrified look plastered not only all over her own face, but the rest as well.

“Oliver’s dead,” she uttered through the tears that thickened up her voice.

Still groggy, you slowly sat up and murmured, “what?”

Snapping her bloodshot eyes to lock with yours, she bellowed, “Oliver is fucking dead!”

As your gaze flickered over the group in search of any sign that what she claimed wasn’t true, you heard Rafe behind you exhale, “okay, this isn’t funny.”

“Oh shut up, you dick!” Brian shot back, doubled over in the corner, hyperventilating as Jerome kneeled before him, trying to calm him down.

“Hey, hey,” you gently raised up a hand, “don’t talk to him like that. What the hell do you mean Oliver is dead?”

“I mean that he’s dead as in dead, dead,” Hana explained, her words causing the world to suddenly crumble all around you, “Jerome went outside to get something from the car and found him on the porch, not moving and with his head stuck under the water in the hot tub.”

With tears now stinging the corners of your eyes, you struggled to suck in a breath of air, “what?”

“It’s that fucking ghost story you told us,” Brian panicked in the corner, “it’s real, isn’t it?”

“Okay,” Rafe uttered as the both of you leapt out of bed and scrambled to get some clothes on, “let’s all just calm down.”

“We gotta call the police,” Hana said, to which Jerome swiftly pulled out his phone, only to then curse quietly as he discovered what Brian too noticed when he glanced over his shoulder.

“Fuck, we can’t, there’s no signal!”

Hana then glanced around at everyone, “well then one of us has gotta drive and find some, right?”

“Hell no,” Brian shuttered, “if there’s some psycho out in these woods, then I’m not staying behind to get murdered. We’re all going.”

So that’s how, after you’d all scurried downstairs and filtered out through the sliding door to the porch, that you saw the truth with your own eyes.

Even though his head was obscured beneath water, the unmoving corpse of your dear friend still caught your eyes and stopped you in your tracks.

“Oh my god…” you sobbed, your blood running cold.

But before you could let your feet carry you closer to the scene of the crime, Rafe seized your arm and uttered, “baby, come on,” before pulling you along the last short distance towards the cars, “I’m sorry, but we gotta go.”

Though when you did reach the vehicles and attempted to start them, neither one of them would as they’d seemingly been tampered with, forcing the panicked lot of you all to run back inside.

“Shit…” Brian clutched onto the back of the couch in the living room for support, “what do we do now?”

“We can’t go on foot, not in the dark through this forest,” Rafe spoke, “so we gotta stay here till morning.”

Glancing around the space, Hana uttered, “then we gotta make this place safe. Lock all the doors and windows, find somewhere to hide.”

“Yeah, good idea,” your boyfriend nodded before suggesting, “let’s split up, it’ll be faster that way. Y/n with me, we’ll take that side of the house, and the rest of you stay over here.”

And before anyone could protest, he’d yanked you down a dark hallway.

You nearly stumbled twice as Rafe dragged your shaking visage through the lake house, only stopping once you’d reached a large closet.

“In here, baby,” he shoved you inside, though began to shut the door before he nuzzled himself in as well.

“No, what are you doing?” tears streaming down your face, you attempted to stop him.

Though he only halted his efforts a second, grasping your face as he uttered, “please, just stay here.”

“No, it’s too dangerous,” you clutched onto his dark t-shirt, “you can’t–”

“Babe, I can’t let anything happen to you. I can’t lose you,” he then collided his lips with your own, a sob escaping your lungs as he briefly kissed you, “please, just stay right here, hide, for me.”

Slowly, you loosened your trembling grip on his shirt and cried, “I love you.”

“I’ll be right back!” he promised before shutting the closet door and bathing you in darkness.

You had no idea how much time passed, if it was only a few seconds or hours that you stayed in the dusty and dim abyss of that closet, but then when a loud crash and a shrill scream suddenly found your ears, your shaky hand pushed the door back open.

You’d never in your life been as terrified as you were when you found yourself tip-toeing down that long, dark hallway. Though, as you sneaked past the ajar door to the study, your entire body suddenly froze up at the massacre that met you within.

Unmoving and slumped over the threshold, there lied Jerome, his face beaten to a pulp, rendering it nearly unrecognisable as blood slowly trickled into the tight curls on the top of his head.

Past where Hana was lying in the middle of the room, battered and coughing, in the corner you saw as a tall figure, masked by a dark motorcycle helmet, crouched over the still form of Brian and landed the last few blows to claim his life.

“Please,” Hana’s words were gurgled by blood as the killer slowly straightened back up. Twisting ever so slightly, the assailant plucked out one of the clubs from the gold bag that leaned against one of the tall bookcases, “just let me go,” your last living friend begged as you watched the murderer wrap his long fingers around the handle and take the few steps to where Hana lied, “just let me–”

As he took a wide swing and hit your friend right in her temple, the loud crack that echoed throughout the cabin made you shutter in terror and let out an uncontrollable scream, causing the killer’s head to snap up to spot you in the dark hallway.

For a second you both just stood there, frozen and staring at one another, like two deer in headlights. But then, as he began to move, taking his time as he stepped over the bodies littering his path, you stumbled back and collided with the wall directly behind you.

You tried to run, but even though you managed to slip out the wide glass doors and escape a good distance into the dark forest surrounding the house, the masked man still caught up to you and flung you against a tree. As he had you cornered, you felt him drag the cold tip of the golf club up your right leg and over your shuttering skin, drawing a crimson line of your beloved’s blood across your goosebump-ridden flesh.

“P-please don’t kill me, please–,” you cried, but just then, the moonlight that streamed through the dense treetops caught in a glint of gold that adorned the hand that clutched the club, a recognizable ring that caused your heart to drop.

As your eyes then flickered up to the dark helmet, that too seemed oddly familiar now that you truly looked at it.

In some sick and twisted way, you hoped that the killer had just stolen the jewellery from your boyfriend as a trophy of the night’s conquest and not the horrifying alternative.

But when you then tried to slip away and the man pushed you back, your hands defensively shot up, though only managed to knock the helmet off his head and let it tumble to the dark forest floor below, unveiling the earth-shattering truth.

“Oh my god…” you gasped, eyes wide as you now stood face to face with your boyfriend.

“Shh,” he took a step closer to you, caging you in even further, “calm down, baby. Don’t do anything stupid now.”

“They–… they were right…” the warnings your now deceased friends had given you since the moment you got involved with the frat boy buzzed in your mind, though when they’d light-heartedly called him a psycho, you never in your wildest dreams thought that they would have been correct in their choice of words, “I can’t believe they were right…”

A low sigh then escaped Rafe’s lungs.

“You really should have just stayed hidden like I told you to… I didn’t want you to find out this way… it would have been so much simpler if you’d just bought into the story I made up…”

“You killed my friends…” your chest ached with every painful gasp of air, “how–… how could you?”

“Oh, honey…” his head tilted slightly as the corners of his lips twitched, “do you really think this is my first time?”

Staring back at him in horror, you sputtered, “w-why?”

“Because of you,” he uttered as if it was obvious, “it was all for you,” his feet shifted him even closer to you, “they were a bad influence, so this was the only way.”

“They were my family!”

“They were like a poison, all of them, trying to control you, trying to take you away from me,” he inched in even closer, making you wish the harsh bark that scratched up your spine would simply open up like a portal and let you escape, “I know Hana was trying to get you to break up with me… Oliver always followed you around like a lost puppy, just hoping you’d one day spread your legs for him… and Jerome and Brian? They were just plain annoying,” his hot breath fanned across your skin as he petted the edges of your features with a knuckle of the hand clutching the golf club, “I did it all for you, for us, because I love you… fuck, you have no idea how much I fucking love you, baby…” he uttered before bringing the bud of the improvised weapon down upon the side of your head and knocking you clean out.

When you came to, the flicking light from a lit fireplace was the only source of light in the dim room you found yourself in. Arms folded up behind your head, a long rope was tangled around them and stretched up to a beam in the ceiling above. Your legs too were tied, keeping your naked frame upright and locked in place in the middle of the room.

“Fucking finally,” a low voice echoed from the chair across the chamber, causing you to wince as the tone pierced your soul and worsened your splitting headache, “you really took your sweet time waking up.”

Blinking back at your boyfriend as he leaned back in the seat, pants undone and his hard length tight in his fist, a murmur escaped your lips, “…you knocked me out…”

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that,” he got up and walked towards your suspended form, “but you didn’t give me any other choice.”

As he slowly neared you, your glossy eyes flickered up to meet his.

“Rafe, please,” you heard your voice break as you tried to keep your tone soft, “you don’t have to do this. Just untie me, I promise I won’t be mad at you.”

“Oh yeah?” a small scoff slipped through his smirk.

“Yes. I’ll do whatever you want, just please let me go,” you begged, “please don’t hurt me.”

“Shh, shh,” his palm rose up to stroke your hair before letting it rush down and over the curves of your exposed body, “but you’ve been such a bad girl. I think you deserve a lesson that hurts a little bit,” his palm then slapped your pussy, still soaked and sore from earlier, rendering you to let out a shrill yelp, “it’s okay, you can cry…” he briefly leaned in to kiss your cheek before he shifted, though still staying so close that his nose ghosted along your skin as he made his way around to stand directly behind you, “you look so pretty when you do…”

You then squirmed as he reached down to grasp his cock and nudge at your sensitive entrance, “Rafe, please–, ah!” a cry then left your form as he ruthlessly rammed his way inside, plugging you up so completely that his balls nuzzled against your slick skin.

“Fuck!” his moan tickled the shell of your ear as he tangled his arms around your torso, “you’re so perfect…” he began to move, finding a selfish pace to wreck you with, “so perfect and all mine…”

As his thrusts caused your tits to jiggle, one of his wide hands soared up to grasp one while the other one snaked up to wrap around your throat. He then squeezed it fiercely enough that all your noises eventually faded away and he kept you completely quiet for a good moment before his hold slackened and he once again granted you the privilege of gasping for air.

“This is all you need, just me, only me,” he grunted, “just like this, using your pretty little hole for exactly what it was made for… you were made for me and nobody else… no one…”

His grip then drifted down to dent your hips before he lifted them, raising your bound frame till your tip toes were barely grazing the cold floor. Your back arched slightly as he repeatedly brought your hips back to him, his balls sloppily slapping against your swollen clit each time he manoeuvred your body and treated you like a toy.

When he then hooked an arm around your front to keep moving your body greedily against him, it granted the other one the grace to roam your frame freely.

As his fingers found one of your nipples in a harsh pinch, he let out a groan at the way you began to clamper down around his fat girth, “are you gonna cum, baby? Huh?” his palm then slapped your tit, “because it sure fucking feels like you’re close,” before he suddenly retracted completely, slipping out of your drooling cunt and causing a shy whimper to slip from your lips, one he swiftly cut off when he smacked your cheek, “too bad. You’re not allowed to.”

As you shakily struggled to stay on your unsteady feet, you panted, “Rafe, my legs, I can’t–”

“Oh yeah?” he mockingly pouted at you as he sauntered around to your front, “do they hurt? Are you tired?” and as you offered him a nod, his fingers grasped your chin, “well,” his thumb slowly stretched up to trace your bottom lip, “if you promise that you’ll be a good girl for me, then I’ll give you a little break.”

“Yes, I will,” a tear rolled down your still stinging cheek.

“You will what?” his palm briefly slapped the side of your face once again before returning to the same hold.

“I’ll be your good girl, I’ll do whatever you want,” you begged and as he then sank down to his knees, grabbed a pocketknife resting on a nearby table and held up his end of the bargain, slicing through the ropes at your legs and cutting them loose. A new wave of sobs tumbled out of your form, “thank you! Oh, thank you so much!”

Tossing the blade far away before he rose back up, “you’re fucking welcome, baby,” he then caught you off guard as he suddenly plucked your lower half up into his arms.

“W-wait, I thought you’d give me a break!” your legs trembled in his grasp as he slide you back onto his fat cock.

“Yeah, your legs were tired, so I’m being nice and giving them a break,” the wet claps of your skin roughly colliding once again filled the dark room, “your pussy doesn’t deserve one yet… unless of course, this is you begging me to fuck your ass…” a wicked wish that he’d been begging you for ever since the very first time he banged you.

“No! No, not there, please, I’ve never–”

“Oh, I know you haven’t,” he smirked, “that’s what makes it so much more fun…”

“Please, Rafe,” you blinked back at him, “don’t.”

“You told me I could do whatever I want…” he angled his bucks right against that spot that caused your teeth to dig into your lower lip, “you promised to be a good girl for me and just take whatever I give you…”

“I will,” your eyes couldn’t help but flutter, “just please not that.”

He then let a dollop of his spit splatter directly against your face, “alright, but only because I love you,” before he dipped down to plant a feverish kiss against your lips, “tell me that you love me too.”

“I love you,” you murmured against his mouth.

“Huh?” one of his hands let go of you and he shifted to balance you with only one, letting the other instead drift down between your forms to bully your puffy pearl, “what was that?”

“I lo–, a-ah!” you suddenly whined as he pressed one of his fingers inside your pussy, not caring in the slightest that you were already completely filled up as he forced his digit in alongside his fat cock.

“Come on, baby,” he stared down at you, “tell me you love me,” and kept up his ruthless pace as he hooked the finger inside of you, “tell your soulmate just how much you love and adore him, how you want nothing more than to worship him at his feet.”

“I–, I–, Rafe,” you gasped, feeling as if he was splitting you in half, “it’s too much–”

“No, it’s not too much, it’s exactly right, you can take it, baby.”

“I can’t–”

“I don’t fucking care,” he continued to fuck you without remorse, slamming his intimidating length so deep inside of you that you nearly couldn’t breathe, “I wanna feel you cum, just like this.”

“Rafe–”

“Do it or I’ll get a lot meaner,” he warned you before he finally got what he wanted. Your squirt drizzled down on the floor as the intensity caused a scream to erupt from your form, “there you go, fuck,” he groaned as he watched your pussy gush around his girth, “that’s it,” before the way your cunt clambered down around him caused him to let go as well, “shit,” and pump you full of his cum.

Rafe pressed a peck to your forehead before he pulled out of your warmth and you breathlessly glanced down to watch as his hot load began to leak out of your quivering hole.

“Alright, baby,” he exhaled and then uttered words that caused a shiver to trickle down your spine, “foreplay’s over. I think you’re ready for your punishment now.”

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the-midnight-blooms · 2 months ago

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ATEEZ X JUJITSU KAISEN

Inspired by Gege Akutami's manga, Jujitsu Kaisen.

"走り出したらアンコントロール / You are my special." ~ King Gnu

warnings: blood, violence, physical abuse, torture, alcohol and substance abuse, strong language.

A/N: after watching jjk for the first time, i knew i had to make my own series inspired by the world; i thought it would be more fun to put them into the world rather than put the world into them, if that makes sense? thank you to my love, @potatos-on-clouds for helping me with some of the ideas in this series <3

please note: you don't have to read the fics in publishing order, but you may choose to, for context, as some of the story arcs overlap. AND mc's are referred by their surname, not forename

chronology - out now!

➤ KIM HONGJOONG

vol. 1. liminal echo - stream episode now! [special grade curse spirit!kim hongjoong x grade 1 sorcerer!reader]

⤹ "Perhaps the worst of them, was the formidable Kim Hongjoong. He may as well been called 'Death' himself, and to live in ignorance of his presence was considered a great blessing, by jujitsu society."

➤ PARK SEONGHWA

vol. 2. the count of kyoto - stream episode now! [grade 1 sorcerer!park seonghwa x grade 1 sorcerer!reader]

⤹ “It was all or nothing, perfection or destruction. Regardless, the count of kyoto was a madman for perceiving inevitable death as his saviour in the pursuit of divine love.”

➤ JEONG YUNHO

vol.3. the tempest [retired special grade sorcerer!jeong yunho x grade 1 sorcerer!reader]

⤹ "Death is the final destination for all of us, but none of us die the same death"

➤ KANG YEOSANG

vol.4. the night we met [grade 2 sorcerer!kang yeosang x ex lover!reader]

⤹ "I don't know what I'm supposed to do/ Haunted by the ghost of you./ Take me back to…”

➤ CHOI SAN

vol.5. my husband, the sorcerer [grade 1 sorcerer!choi san x wife!reader]

⤹ "And he, whose name, meant 'Mountain' had been raised from the seeds of aristocracy and forged from the roots of a pious tree, had moved his predecessor with the cursed energy he was forbidden against."

➤ SONG MINGI

vol.6. russian roulette [special grade sorcerer!mingi x retired special grade sorcerer!reader]

⤹ “Let’s get this over with, you bastard. my wife isn’t going to be happy if I’m not home in time for dinner.”

➤ JUNG WOOYOUNG

vol.7. the wicked witch [grade 2 sorcerer!jung wooyoung x grade 2 curse spirit!reader]

⤹ "Can we keep her?" "Wooyoung, she's a grade 2 curse spirit, not a pet."

➤ CHOI JONGHO

vol.8. and all things jazz [grade 2 sorcerer!choi jongho x jazz singer!reader]

⤹ Wooyoung, I swear to god, if this is one of your tricks i'll make you shit your pants until you bleed. He stares at the woman in front, in a sheer state of disbelief, there's no way this is the 1960s.

•••

DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, REPURPOSE, OR PLAGISRISE ANY OF THE WORK HERE

main masterlist

let me know if you’d like to be added to the tag list for any future fics I post!

tag list: @n0v4t33z @potatos-on-clouds @jjongwho @devilzliaison @barbielibra

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clevercorvidae · 4 months ago

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Why Viktor from Arcane is WRONG About Evolution

Right so, I'm getting my degree in evolutionary biology and evolution as a subject is my absolute bread and butter, so I thought I'd give some insight into a particular line from Arcane and why it both infuriated me AND is also brilliant writing.

(Quick note: I'm not writing this to say the SHOW is wrong about evolution or that the writing is bad. The writing around this is actually amazing and I'll get into that. This IS NOT a critique.)

The line in question happens during episode 6 of season 2 of the show during a conversation between Singed and Viktor where Viktor states the following:

"Evolution has a destination, not to combat nature, but to supercede it. The final, glorious evolution."

Every single thing about this statement is disastrously incorrect. And when I first heard it, it took everything in me not to scream in frustration, but I think I get it now.

The rest of this essay will be me picking apart this quote piece by piece, both to explain WHY its incorrect, but also why that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"Evolution Has a Destination"

We'll start with his first assertion, that evolution has a destination. This is patently false on every level. Evolution occurs constantly, it never ceases.

This is actually a really, really common misconception when it comes to evolution. Many people see the explanation for natural selection, survival of the fittest, and assume that that means evolution is a constant trend of "improvement". There's an assumption that, as we continue to evolve, we become "better".

But that's NOT what "survival of the fittest" means (nor is natural selection the only mechanism of evolution but I digress). "Fitness" is not some overall objective best form, it has a VERY specific definition.

Fitness, when discussing evolutionary biology, refers to your ability to survive within your environment long enough to produce viable offspring. It doesn't mean "fastest" or "strongest", and it's incredibly circumstantial. Every species encounters DIFFERENT challenges based on the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors of their environment. These pressures are what define "fitness". It's different for all species.

And those pressures are NOT static either. Your environment changes. Plate tectonics shift, natural disasters occur, weather patterns change, other species evolve alongside you, your circumstances as a species will never remain stagnant. New challenges WILL befall you in your environment and you WILL have to evolve new adaptations for continued success.

Even if you tailored everything to perfection, eliminated all challenges, and somehow obtained infinite resources, EVEN THEN you cannot escape the finite resource of SPACE. Your population's density will grow and eventually you will run out of space, and you'd need to, once again, adapt.

(Now, there is a concept in ecology called "climax", where an ecosystem could theoretically perfectly balance itself and remain unchanged for a statistically long period of time, exiting the cycle of succession and in essence, slowing evolution to a crawl at best.

However, this is not only purely hypothetical and heavily debated, it also is not permanent. Even this "perfectly" balanced state of equilibrium cannot compete with the force that is geology and time. Even an ecosystem in climax would eventually be torn asunder by the changing climate and plate tectonics, not to mention neighboring ecosystems.)

There is no static environment and there is no static life, so it's impossible for there to be a "perfect" lifeform. There is no destination, there can't be.

"Not to Combat Nature"

This is Viktor's second statement, and it's... a very interesting choice of words.

Because this... is not actually in response to what Singed says about evolution. His statement is in response to what Viktor has to say about fate:

Viktor: Do you believe in fate, Doctor? Our paths, carved before us guided by... an invisible hand.

Singed: Not fate, evolution. Nature's greatest force, forever in flux.

Singed says he believes in THIS in place of a belief in fate. He doesn't see it as combating nature, but as a force of nature itself. Instead this is actually Viktor's own initial assumption and interpretation of evolution. That evolution combats nature. This is obviously false, and Singed is the one with the right idea.

Evolution is, in fact, a facit of nature itself, of life itself. It is an inseparable part of what defines life; the essence of something being organic in the first place. As I said before, all life evolves CONSTANTLY. We NEVER stop evolving. The results of evolution are often too slow for us to see within our lifetimes, but its still happening. As Singed says, we are "forever in flux".

But Viktor is arguing against something else entirely: that evolution combats nature, that it is an aggressive force, maybe even a destructive one.

Most importantly, to meet something in combat is to be on equal footing, presumably, a mutual struggle. Nature and evolution, equals in a battle that will never end, oscillating between perfection and flaw. This is Viktor's view of Singed's response and of evolution as it currently stands.

"But to Supercede It."

Viktor, however, does not see evolution and nature as equals. Instead, he sees the path of evolution as one that will overtake nature and surpass it. In Viktor's mind humanity is destined to break out of the chains of the organic concept of flaw itself.

But that's impossible, because evolution requires flaws in the first place.

I've talked about how there's no such thing as a perfect, ideal life form, and that alone squanders Viktor's idea of evolution. But it's not just his end goal that doesn't mesh with reality, but the very function of evolution itself.

Evolution relies on diversity. In order for a trait to be selected for or against it must first EXIST within the population. A trait cannot be selected for if the genes that encode for it aren't present, and what is the only way for new alleles come into existence? Mutation. Mistakes. You could even call them imperfections.

Everything that makes us human originated as an inconsistency in the process of DNA replication. We are a tapestry of imperfections, every single living organism on earth. If we didn't have diversity in our gene pools we would have never even become multicellular, we would not have been able to keep up with the changing world at all.

How can you supercede nature via evolution when its made us everything that we are BECAUSE of how messy and flawed nature is in the first place. It's a paradox.

Altogether, Viktor's idea of a destination is impossible, and the very foundations of evolution are built on imperfections. So you may ask yourself: Why does he even believe in this? Why does he say all of this despite being such an intelligent character? Surely he knows he's wrong, right?

"The Final, Glorious Evolution"

Viktor as a character is a lot of things. He's shown to be incredibly intelligent and hyper-competent. He wants to make the world a better place for people suffering because he himself suffered greatly. He's also a perfectionist.

When we first meet Viktor, we're introduced to him as the assistant to the dean of the academy who holds his head high and isn't afraid to be snarky with Jayce for blowing up his apartment. On a whim he chooses to help Jayce, to inspire him to risk it all for Hextech, to improve lives.

He stands with Jayce on the ledge saying no one ever believed in him, so instead he believed in himself. He appears to be incredibly confident.

But we see through the rest of season one that that confidence doesn't come from a place of genuine self love, it comes from security in his abilities. His self-worth is tied to his usefulness, to his impact on the world. Imperfections, in Viktor's eyes, are a mere hindrance.

Viktor isn't actually as confident in himself as he first appears. He postures himself with a lot of faith in what he's able to do, but when it comes to what he IS NOT able to do, he shrivels. He's a deeply insecure person. His disability and his status as a Zaunite have done little for him but hold him back. He thinks he needs fixing, that the undercity needs fixing, that humanity as a whole needs fixing.

So when the hexcore is manipulating him, of course it targets this view in him. Like Viktor, the hexcore wants to change the world to be in its image. It wants to replace all that is organic with that which is artificial, ideal. And so it sings the song of the glorious evolution to Viktor.

Imagine it, a world with no pain, no conflict, no struggle. No environmental pressures to contend with, because a perfect being cannot struggle, it can't make mistakes that lead to pain.

But when we see that imagined world, its a wasteland. In Viktor's own words, a field of dreamless solitude. A flat expanse where nothing can change or grow, nothing new can be experienced, none of humanity's warmth and emotion exist anymore.

"There Is No Prize to Perfection, Only an End to Pursuit"

At first I thought it was kind of silly that a scientist would ever misunderstand evolution to the degree Viktor has with this line. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Viktor misunderstanding evolution is just another extension of his perfectionism. It's IMPORTANT that he's wrong actually, it's essential to his arc.

He can't perceive the truth of what evolution is at this point in the story because accepting that means accepting that there is beauty in imperfections.

And I think we all know that that lesson is one that he hadn't quit learned yet.

Thanks for reading my insane ramblings.

"There is beauty in imperfections. They made you who you are. An inseparable piece of everything I admired about you." - Jayce Talis

#arcane #arcane: league of legends #viktor arcane #analysis #jayce talis #singed arcane #idk what else to tag lol #corvid writing

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enkephallic · 7 days ago

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Canto 8 thoughts now that I've finally reached Pass On.

To preface: I enjoyed the canto. Hong Lu is my favourite Sinner of all. I read the whole of dotrc and watched the drama. I loved it. Having said that...

I do not think kim jihoon read dream of the red chamber. Which... yeah, fair. He's probably on a schedule of 4 hours sleep every day. However, with parts of the canto it becomes very much obvious that he has not engaged with the book.

Reasoning:

The large amount of original NPCs in comparison to book characters. This is probably the biggest giveaway - I don't even mean the likes of Jia Qiu and Zilu, but moreso no-names from the Wang, Shi and Jia families scattered across the canto. Almost none of our part 2 opponents, bar Xue Pan, exist in the book at all. It is a slightly strange decision to make, given the absurd amount of named characters in the book.

There's also the lack of several major characters. I think that every single book reader truly believed Wang Xifeng would play a role in the canto. She plays a major role in running the Jia household, and several of the most dramatic scenes in the novel feature her. I love that they kept Xiren, but having so many multifaceted and beloved characters trimmed away is a little jarring. Yingchun and Tanchun are also nowhere to be seen, and there is zero reference to Zhen Baoyu. A good chunk of important book characters, themes and scenes are completely cut out.

On a similar note, the major altering of defining plot and character points. Daiyu's main trait is her sickliness and proneness to tears, as well as her unending love for Baoyu. Baoyu and Daiyu's relationship steadily develop over the years, until Daiyu sheds all her tears and dies of a broken heart the day of Baochai and Baoyu's wedding. While her tough cookie adaptation self has grown on me very much, she does not resemble book Daiyu. Limbus Cathy resembles book Daiyu much more. Daiyu and Hong Lu love each other, but are destined to not be together in this lifetime (hello canto 6). There is a recurring theme of limbus taking complex female characters and completely altering them.

While book Baoyu is spoiled and coddled by his grandma, limbus Baoyu's trauma is almost solely due to Evil Old Dowager. Book Baoyu is beaten by his father over a false accusation, while his mother sobs and loudly proclaims "a hundred Baoyus could die if her eldest son would come back to life". Book Grandma ran out to stop Baoyu from being beaten half to death. While definitely not innocent in the sense of classism and feudalism, she and Yuanchun are one of the kindest people to Baoyu, raising him and teaching him from childhood. Having two kind female characters turned cartoonishly evil is a questionable decision.

And Baochai. She bears zero resemblance to her book self - the leap is bigger than book cathy and limbus cathy by far. Book Baochai adheres to tradition, suppresses her emotions and pursues marriage to Baoyu as a practical rather than romantic choice. She is very aware of her position as an upper-class Woman, of the limitations cast upon her. Her open personality in limbus is the polar opposite of her book self, though her actions can be very much read as a survival tactic rather than genuine bubbliness. Knowing full well Baoyu's heart is not with her, she still acts as a model wife and urges Baoyu to study to fulfill his duties as a man. Limbus Baochai, although kind, is still painted as a somewhat jilted lover in the epilogue who genuinely loves Hong Lu beyond what's best for her wellbeing and safety. Writing her as a shojo-esque bubbly guro loving romantic girl does somewhat of a disservice to her original character.

I would not have minded cartoonishly evil Grandma or Yuanchun, had they shown evidence of them actually reading the book. There are several cartoonishly evil villains, men and women, in the book - who are all completely ignored in favour of turning kind side characters evil. As far as I know, none of the side characters in limbus bear any resemblance to their book counterparts. Xue Pan is a entitled, sleazy and corrupt man who routinely. abuses his power. Baoyu's father is a heavy-handed traditionalist who almost beat his son to permanent ass damage. Baoyu's mother harms the livelihoods of several of Baoyu's maids on multiple occasions, having a hand in destroying his friendship with the maids around him. Jia Huan is a mean younger brother who is jealous of him, and is generally disliked and mistreated by the household. Limbus' adaptation of Baoyu is pretty great, but that is unfortunately where it ends - none of the other characters act remotely like their book selves.

There's also distinct lack of novel easter eggs, scenes and themes compared to cantos such as 3 and 6. The most notable elements taken from the canon source material is the famous poem by Daiyu, Jia Zhen's search for immortality, and Baoyu's altered mental states after losing his jade mirroring Hong Lu's dissociation. This is also very loosely extracted -the poem by Daiyu laments her own fragile and short life, comparing it to the flowers that scatter. Jia Zhen ingests a bunch of metals to achieve immortality and dies. Baoyu's mental state fluctuates even after losing the jade, returning to near-normal when he's tricked into believing he's marrying Daiyu. Other notable scenes they never included - Baoyu being burned by Jia Huan, Baoyu almost being cursed to death by Jia Huan's mom, the formation of the Poetry Club, the false marriage, Baoyu visiting Land of Illusion.

Baoyu's Land of Illusion is never explained - in the Japanese/Korean version, Hong Lu's EGO is named 虚幻境 while the scenery in Canto 8 is clearly marked 太虚幻境. This distinction is never explained, and "Let's visit the land of illusion" is also never explained. It can be very loosely interpreted as an inner world where his inner child lives, but there is absolutely zero discernible importance within the story.

I know that the popular response to source material adaptation critique is "of course it won't be 1:1" - which I agree. I would not have minded a non-romantic Daiyu and Baoyu. I would not have minded every single side character being cartoonishly evil. I would have even tried looked past them ignoring all gendered oppression and converting it into familial violence and classism. Statistically, I doubt most players have read the massive novel, and perhaps they knew this and took so many liberties with the book. I cannot blame that - but it is very disappointing that the majority of dotrc readers are voicing disappointment, saying they would have gone into the canto blind and enjoyed it much more. I don't think it's a good adaptation if the source readers are largely disappointed.

To explain it in a different context, picture a Romeo and Juliet adaptation - except Romeo and Juliet don't ever love each other and survive till the end, Rosaline is head over heels with Romeo, Mercutio straight up doesn't exist, and the big bad villain of the whole canto is Friar Lawrence. Or picture a Little Women adaptation where half of the sisters are gone. Although liberties can and should be taken, there is a point where readers will go "If this is your take on this book, you probably didn't actually read it from start to finish".

While the canto has grown on me, canto 8 is better enjoyed as a totally original story rather than anything related to Dream of the Red Chamber. I still recommend reading the novel - it's an amazing story with many entertaining adaptations. It is just unfortunate that the limbus adaptation does not make the read worthwhile, and instead makes it less immersive for those who read the book prior.

#limbus company #canto 8 #hong lu #dream of the red chamber

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wardenparker · 1 month ago

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The Unbearable Weight of Perfection, ch 9

Javi Gutierrez x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

When an accident of fate throws Javi G into the path of his soulmate, his instinct is to dive in head first. Adjusting to life as the fated partner of someone you barely know is going to be harder than either of you suspect, but anything worth having is worth working for. Isn't it?

(This story is heavily inspired by the lovely house museums that I work in every day and the fantastic few months that HBO was using our houses to film a TV show in fall! I spent each day on that set in wonder and I can't wait to share the experience with all of you through this story.)

Rating: E for Explicit! 18+ Word Count: 12.6k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this story include: Cursing, alcohol, food, references to abusive family members -- i.e. Lucas, discussion of money/finances.* Talk of pregnancy/family planning. Family drama. Vaginal sex, unprotected sex, lovemaking. Summary: Javi encounters a little trouble working on his next script, so you decide to get away for the weekend - to an unconventional destination. Notes: Sorry for the slight delay this week, gang. And to the few of you who pointed out a missing section in the last chapter, I will be fixing it this week. Please accept my sincerest apologies for that editing snafu.

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Blowing out a breath, Javi stares at the screen and the cursor that seems to mock him as it blinks at him. After weeks of the scenes pouring out of him, he’s hit a wall. Unable to decide where the scene and ultimately, the film, will go. He needs a change of scenery, he decides as he pushes back from his desk. Needing to see you and remind himself of the character he has envisioned. “Sweetheart?”

“In the living room!” You’ve been hard at work for days with an idea of your own and feel like you’ve barely come up for air except to work and have meals with Javi. Designing clothes again after so long has your mind buzzing.

He takes his time, stopping by the kitchen for a drink and making sure he gets one for you. You are so like him when you are in the middle of something, ignoring your needs. “How is it going?” He asks as he sets down the cup on a safe surface. He has learned his lesson when he had spilt a cup on some of your delicate fabrics. He had felt guilty and had insisted on going to buy you more, even though you said it could probably be washed out.

“I think,” you’re beaming, grinning, and practically giggling as you add one final streak of color to your sketch. “I finally have a design.”

“That’s great!” Javi beams, delighted that you are so absorbed in your hobby. He loves it, encourages it. Knowing how much guilt you push down from the way your family acted about your passion.

“It’s a little dramatic,” you admit. “But I know you wanted us to match, so I tried to keep the theme throughout.” When you flip your sketchbook around to show him, the image of a floor-length red evening gown with a cowl neckline, plunging low back, and dramatic wings exposing your back and shoulders that taper down to small buttons before giving way to the slight train off the long skirt is matched by the jacket-less tuxedo design as its partner. The last steak is color you added was the matching red stripes of material up his pant leg, which compliments a matching black set of pants and waistcoat in stunning jacquard fabric. The dramatic wings of your gown’s back are echoed in the lapels of the waistcoat, the small buttons are the same design as that of your gown. The pieces work in tandem as a set. The only added accent of color is the soft, almost imperceptible yellow of the dress shirt you’re going to make him. As if the shirt itself had been antiqued.

“It’s…” Javi is at a loss for words as he stares at it for a moment, honestly wishing that somehow this piece had been created for the film. “Stunning.” He whispers, not touching the drawing but his fingers edge around the page. “It looks like a modern era romantic costume.” He adds, looking up at you. “I love it.”

“I was thinking about adding a pocket to the waistcoat…” you bite your lip, cheeks warm with how excited he seems. “To put a red pocket square inside. Unless you think that’s too much?”

“No, it’s perfect.” He argues, shaking his head. “The exact fabric of the dress, sí?”

“Yes! Exactly. To carry the color through.” His excitement is always so infectious and you’re grinning again. “I don’t know what I want to do about shoes yet, but if I can find you glittery dress shoes I might burst with excitement.”

“If we can’t find what you want, we can always have them made he reminds you. “The costume department loves you and they work with everyone.”

“I can’t imagine it’s difficult to make glittery Oxfords,” you hum, chewing on your lip for a second. “I wonder if Louboutin makes them? Imagine black glitter on top with that red sole?”

“Call them up and see.” He says casually. “Tamara is in talks to model their women’s line.”

“Call them up?” You snort, huffing at him for being so casual about it. “Who am I to just call up Christian Louboutin and ask for custom shoes?”

“You are Javier Gutierrez’s wife - soulmate -” he scoffs back at you playfully as he pulls out his wallet and retrieves a black credit card, “who has one of these.” He knows money talks more than anything else. With unlimited funds, they would do anything you wanted.

“I’m never going to quite get used to the kind of power your name has in this town,” you tell him, leaning over the table to kiss him softly. Though Javi is relatively new in Hollywood he’s already getting a lot of attention — and his name opens a lot of doors. The rest? He’s right, the high budget opens the rest of the doors for him.

“I want you to have what you want.” He smiles. “Your exact vision.”

"Thankfully, we have time for me to get my gumption up." Once again, his utter faith in you has you believing that anything actually is possible. It's amazing the way he can do that every time. "But tell me how your work is going, love. We've both been at our projects all day."

Javi sighs softly, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Not good.” He admits, eyes dropping down to the tops of his house shoes. Feeling a little like he had let you and everyone else down. “I’ve written two sentences.”

"Oh, honey." He puts such hard expectations on himself, and he is always his harshest critique. "That's okay. Not every day is going to be a massive outpouring of words."

“Yeah.” He sighs again, feeling your hand going to his back and rubbing gently. “I might need a change of scenery.”

"Like getting out of the house to clear your head, or are we talking getting out of town for the weekend?" The filming schedule is a little different this week and you have extra days off so Javi might be thinking of taking advantage of that.

“Either, both.” He shrugs. “I don’t know.” Being so indecisive on the movie means that he’s indecisive on everything. “But you have your work too.”

"We're not filming again until Monday," you remind him, leaning in to press a kiss to his temple. "I can take a break now that I have a design for our premiere outfits. Why don't we get out of town for a few days? See if we can wipe some of that worry away?"

“I don’t want to pull you away if you need to get started.” He knows getting away would help, but he also feels incredibly guilty about that.

"Sweetheart." Another kiss to his other temple and you smile softly. "I'm making two outfits for an event that is at least a year away. I can more than spare a few days to help you. I'd be glad to."

“Are you sure?” His question is soft, vulnerable. Hoping you aren’t just telling him what he needs to hear.

"I'm very sure." You promise him. Both of your hands slip around his to hold onto him, offering him the gentle strength of support. "Tell me where you want to go and I'll book the trip while you shower off this uncertainty."

“You pick.” He lifts his brows and gives you a pleading look. “Whatever you want.”

"Okay," you agree, giving him another kiss. "Go pack for a weekend away and I'll be upstairs as soon as I make the arrangements." You know what will help – or at least you have an inkling – and though it may end up being uncomfortable at times, helping Javi is worth it.

“Thank you.” He smiles and leans in to steal one more kiss. “I love you, amor.”

"I love you, too." Otherwise, you wouldn't be about to do what you're going to do. But for Javi? You're realizing that you really would give him anything.

Javi lets you go, reluctantly, but he knows your advice to shower away his frustration is a good one. You always know what he needs, even if he doesn’t.

As soon as he heads upstairs, you pull open your laptop and set to work booking the hotel and plane tickets, as well as arranging the rental car. Hopefully this helps. Hopefully you're not about to put yourself through the emotional ringer for nothing.

******

Friday, June 6, 2025

“Where are we?” He knows the destination, he got on the plane, but he has not idea why you brought him here. Wheeling his carry on, he follows as you lead him towards the car rental signs. You had just smiled at him as you bundled him into the car once you got the keys.

"This..." As if the world has summoned the most dramatic possible timing, you point out the upcoming road sign with a half-smile. Welcome to Mystic, CT it says in bright, cheery lettering. "Is my hometown."

“Are you—” he hadn’t expected that answer and he stares out the window in shock. “Your hometown…”

"You said you were stuck," you explain, hoping that this decision was the right one. Flying first class on the overnight flight to the east coast was gorgeous, but you could have flown anywhere. "And since the character is based on me...I hoped giving you some insight into how I grew up and where I came from might help?"

“It’s …it’s perfect.” He admits, twisting his head to look at you with concern on his face as he reaches for your hand. “But are you okay with being here?”

"I mean, I didn't call my parents or anything." That would be a huge step too far for you and you weren't prepared to do it in any way. "But showing you the things I actually like about this town? I can do that."

“Oh.” He nods seriously, understanding. You might never introduce him to your parents and he can accept that. “Then we will do just that.” He smiles. “Show me everything you liked here.”

"You know it's nothing to do with you." Driving into town, you head for the hotel that you registered for early check-in at. "It's that my step-dad is a dick bag who brainwashed my mom into being the worst version of herself." You sigh softly, turning right into the parking lot. "My actual father was her soulmate. I only remember him being happy and supportive. Even if that's just what he showed to his kid, at least it's a good thing, right? And then right after he died, she met Scott. And shit just went way downhill from there."

“Sweetheart,” he frowns slightly as he unbuckles his seatbelt. “You don’t have to justify it to me.” He snorts. “My cousin tried to kill me, remember? I wouldn’t let you within one hundred meters of him. I understand.”

"We really have the best families, don't we?" You huff, rolling your eyes to make him life as you park the car.

“Another little thing we have in common.” He agrees. “It doesn’t matter, we have made our family what we want it to be.”

"Yes we have." And for that you will be forever grateful. Javi understanding that family doesn't have to be blood has been amazing.

“Are we going to sleep before taking on your town?” Sleeping on a plane is never the best rest and he’s actually tired.

"We can if you want to." You sleep a hell of a lot better on planes than he does, but you wouldn't mind a nap. "It's still early. What if we take a nap and get up for lunch time?"

“Are you sure?” He feels like he’s nothing but a burden right now and he hates that feeling.

"I'm sure." Unbuckling your seatbelt and stretching, you lean across the center console to give him a kiss before opening the driver's side door of the rental car. "Come on, mi amor. Believe it or not, there's a lot of stuff to do in this little town. A nap is a good idea before we get started."

“Just an hour or so.” He promises, knowing that he will feel better when he’s laying next to you, wrapping up in your arms.

"If you need more, that's okay, too," you promise him.

“Lead the way.” He agrees, eager to see a place from a movie he’s seen. It’s been a long time, but he has a feeling you will be watching it together sometime this weekend.

Back to the car and off across town, the original location for Mystic Pizza is mostly the same as you remember it as a kid. It's still fairly clean and welcoming, the staff are still mostly pretty girls and all wearing t-shirts with the place's logo on them. It's an oddly warm sort of feeling, actually, but you welcome it. When the cheerful blonde seats you in a booth next to a window and hands you menus, you actually breathe a little easier. At least in this place, there's no chance of running into your mother. She still hates anywhere that your dad loved.

“What was your favorite pizza as a child?” He asks. “Pepperoni? Or were you adventurous?”

"They had this special..." you trail off slightly, looking down to check the menu and see if it's still there. "Here." It's right at the top, which somehow makes you feel an unexpected kind of warmth. "I guess it's their house special. Pepperoni, meatball, sausage, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. That's what Dad and I would get."

“Then that’s what I want.” He decides immediately, wanting to bring back as many positive memories for you as he can. He can practically see you when you were younger from the few photos you’ve shown him. Making him smile as he imagines a little girl of his own that manages to look like your twin.

"If we're doing the childhood special, then we also need root beer," you tell him, and laugh at the memory of it. "Root beer in glass bottles felt like the fanciest thing in the world. Billie and I would pretend they were beer."

He chuckles. “Then I guess I shouldn’t tell you that I grew up drinking wine.” He teases.

"With where you grew up, that makes perfect sense." When a waitress comes over, Javi lets you order and hands over his menu with yours easily. "I would honestly be more surprised if you hadn't grown up drinking wine."

“I wish I still had some bottles from our collection.” He admits with a sigh. “My grandfather made wine when he was young and bored. Lucas finished it all off.”

"Lucas sounds better and better all the time." At least he's in prison now. Far away from Javi where he can never hurt him again. That's the solace you take whenever your husband's cousin comes up in conversation.

“He loved the wine.” He shrugs. “Claimed I was too sentimental. Wine is made to be drunk.”

"I love that you're sentimental," you counter, reaching over the table to take his hand. "And there's nothing wrong with wanting to keep physical memories."

“He would always open bottle on special occasions. My grandfather.” Javi tells you. “He would have loved you.”

"My father would have liked you, too." Your fingers are intertwined on the table top now. Something so habitual of the way you are together – always touching, always making sure the other is okay. "He always told me that whoever I found to spend my life with would have to shine just as specially as I did. You definitely would have fit that bill to him."

Having approval of his soulmate’s parent is always something that Javi had wondered. His failings as a person, as a man, were always so glaringly obvious in his family but he smiles as he thinks about what could have been. “He sounds amazing.” Javi admits. “My father…he always wanted more.” He squeezes your hand. “But at the end, he just hoped I found my soulmate. He would have enjoyed you. Your sass, your quiet strength.”

“My father would have liked your sense of humor.” All the memories you have of the man involve laughter and play. Of course you were little, but it always seemed to you like your mother forgot how to laugh after your father died. “And he would have loved how we met, too. The romance of it all.”

“He was a romantic?” Javi asks, encouraging you to talk about your father as much as you can remember. It helps you, especially after your mother had all but banned you from talking about your father.

“I think so.” The waitress comes back with your drinks and you smile and thank her before she speeds off again to help other tables. “I remember him always giving mom little presents. And bringing home flowers every Friday when he came home from work.”

“Every Friday?” He is impressed and makes a note to start bringing you flowers. Your face softened and your eyes fluttered when you spoke about it and he wants to show you that kind of love.

“Every Friday.” You confirm with an unconscious nod of your head. “My stepdad did this…He doesn’t like effort. So when they got engaged he bought her fake flowers and told her they were better because they never die. I don’t know how she fell for it.”

“That’s…” Javi makes a face of disapproval. “Efficient.” He decides tactfully, although his inner monologue is screaming ‘cheap!’.

“It sucks,” you agree flatly.

“What else can you tell me about him?” He asks. “What kind of things did he take you to do besides eat pizza?”

“He tried to get me into sports,” you snicker. “And when that failed, he started taking me to museums and the aquarium. We’d go sightseeing a lot. Play tourist in our state and the states nearby.”

“So you feel close to your father when you work.” Javi observes. “Tying back into your memories of visiting museums with your father.”

“I…” You pop the cap off of your root beer and look up at your husband in quiet surprise. “I actually never thought of it like that.”

“You haven’t?” It’s his turn to be surprised, blinking at you for a couple moments. “I had just assumed—” he gestures. “Honestly, I immediately wondered if that was why your mother insisted on history for your degree.”

“My mother just didn’t want me to study fashion.” That clarification is something that still nudges you, but it is what it is at this point. “Scott convinced her that they should pull my tuition payments if I studied something impractical. I picked history because I couldn’t stomach the idea of giving up on art altogether.”

“My mistake.” Javi does try to see the good in everyone, a terminal condition he’s afraid. “At least they didn’t want you to go the Finance route.” He huffs, threading his fingers through yours and bringing your knuckles up for a kiss.

"It's not a mistake, love. I just didn't notice the connection before."

Javi hums softly, watching you look out the window as you reconcile that.

When you seem to have digested at least a percentage of those thoughts for now, you look back to Javi with soft eyes. "Can I take you to our favorite place after lunch?"

“Absolutely.” He agrees with the quickest nod. “I want to see that.”

"It's a museum," you clarify, although you don't have to. "A living history museum of a little whaling village where the employees dress in period costume and teach you about different parts of life in a village in the mid-1800s."

“Oh!” His eyes light up. “That is amazing. I – would love to see that.”

"It's a really neat place. They used to have car shows every summer when I was a kid, too. Antique cars and fire engines." His enthusiasm is always infectious, but today in particular, it's soothing as well.

“Oh wow.” That piques his interest. “I used to have a few cars that would be considered classics, but unfortunately American cars were hard to get.” He could have imported them, but he hadn’t tried for some reason.

"You want to build your collection again, don't you?" You ask, smiling at your husband's wide eyes. "Thats why you wanted the oversized garage."

“What? No.” He chuckles softly and shakes his head. “Maybe a few cars?” He offers. “Nothing drastic. Not like the hanger of cars I had before.”

"As long as we have something that is safe and practical once we have kids." That's your bargain. Your only actual concern. What Javi does with his high earnings is up to him, especially because you're already more than comfortable even before his movie paychecks.

“I think we should get the G-Wagon for the kids.” He tells you. “It’s more reliable than a Range Rover.”

"Then we'll do a test drive when the time comes," you agree. "Once we decide we're ready and want to start trying."

“Or we can buy one now and get you used to driving it.” He offers with a grin and a small shrug. “When you don’t want to take the Porsche.”

"Test drive first?" Tempering Javi's excitement is sometimes a full-time job, but you don't mind. Not when it involves things like getting excited about your future together.

“Of course.” He agrees, nodding because he knows he can shower you with another gift. He loves giving you things. It’s how he shows you he cares.

"Agreed." You're both smiling when the pizza comes, something which happened so often in this restaurant when you were a kid that it only seems right for it to happen now. Hopefully this trip helps Javi. If not, you'll try again with a new destination. But so far it's helping you more than you thought possible.

The pizza smells amazing and he’s just happy to be here. Watching your eyes light up with happy memories of your father. Pizza should be a scene. Something to invoke those flashbacks. He bites his lip and makes a note of it.

"The trick," you tell him as the pizza gives off steam in front of you. "Is to add chili flake. It's good on its own, but I know you like spicy food as much as I do."

“Show me.” Javi is never shy about requesting to see what you mean and he’s grabbing the shaker of red chili flakes and holding it out to you.

Pulling off a slice for each of you, you dust them both with a healthy but not overwhelming amount of chili flakes, making sure to leave the rest of the pizza untouched in case he likes it better without.

“American pizza, from a movie famous place.” He’s had plenty of pizza before, he loves it, but this is special. He lifts up his slice when you do and smiles. “Thank you.”

"Of course." His smiles really do light up every room, and you beam it back at him in turn. "I'd do anything for you, mi amor. Taking you out for pizza is the least of it."

“You do so much more for me than just that.” He insists but then he’s diving into the slice with a hungry eagerness. Groaning when the taste hits him and he rolls his eyes in pleasure.

"Good?" You ask, although it's obvious from his face that he likes it.

“Amazing.” He takes another bite and wiggles slightly in his seat with his own little happy dance.

And that is how you and Javi end up eating a chili-flake-covered lunch at Mystic Pizza before heading out to Mystic Seaport. You can only laugh when he observes how half the businesses in town seem to be named after the town somehow, because he’s right. Even your hotel is the Inn at Mystic.

******

“This was just what I needed.” He throws himself back on the bed and sighs happily. He had left his laptop back in L.A., wanting to unplug, but his notebook is full of ideas and little snippets to include in the script. He rolls his head to the side. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” There’s one more surprise for him tonight, but right now you’re just glad to see him light and bright and smiling again. So much so that you open your arms to welcome him into your side without hesitation.

Javi moves closer, always eager to get closer to you. He wraps his arms around you and pulls you in as he does. “You always know exactly what I need.”

"You take such good care of me," you remind him, even though he knows that very well. "I try to repay that kindness and love any time I can."

“I don’t do half of what I want to.” He promises, burrowing into your neck happily and kissing your pulse.

That makes you hum a little, and laugh along with it. "You'd go crazy if I said you could, wouldn't you?"

“Nooooooo.” He huffs, pouting slightly against your skin and answering in a tone that means the complete opposites. He absolutely would if you let him.

"Mmhmm," you giggle, tilting your head a little to give him more access but leaning in to nip at his jawline all the same. "Sure, baby."

He groans softly, shuddering at the pressure of your teeth. He loves when you are just as touchy and affectionate with him as he craves.

"I love you, baby." Murmured into his skin it's almost like a prayer, and you love the way he gravitates in toward you like a magnetic force is pulling him.

“I love you too.” It’s almost crazy how much he loves you. As if he is obsessed. He can’t even fathom how someone could have this, love like this and turn away from it. You shuffle closer and press against him, making him immediately think of touching you.

His hand finds your hip and squeezes, making you hum softly, and you lean into his touch without hesitation. "You were right..." Dragging your lips across his skin when you whisper into it makes both of you shiver. "These little getaways are fun."

“How is it for you?” He asks, even as he kisses your shoulder. “Being here?” He knows that you left on bad terms and he hopes that one day he can show you his home, knowing the turmoil would be the same for him as it has to be for you.

"It doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would," you admit, with your face still buried in his neck. "I guess it's been long enough that I'm sort of numb to a lot. Bringing you is...it's bringing the good back."

“Good.” He murmurs softly, his hand sliding up to your back to rub it gently. “I want you to lean on me if you need to.” He’s learned that he’s responsible enough to be that person, especially for you.

"I know I can. And I do." Unlearning the idea that your emotions – and existence – are a burden to your love ones has taken a while, but to make your marriage a healthy one you would do a hell of a lot harder things.

“I like it.” He admits softly. “That you can count on me.” He smiles against your skin. You snuggle closer and sigh as your hands slowly slide up and down his arms and back.

One of your hands slips under his shirt, savoring the touch of bare skin to bare skin, and you tip your chin back to be able to kiss him softly. "You're better than my sweetest dreams, amor. In every way."

He can feel the shift. The silent question you won’t voice but that you need answering. He hums, tilting his head down to meet your lips. The air growing thicker between you in those few seconds.

Javi is the best man you have ever known in your life. Period. There is no debating that for you. But it always seems to surprise you when he reminds you that he feels the same way about you. The fact that you are soulmates has knit you together so well that you wonder how you didn't just imagine each other into being. And it permeates everything – even the charge of sexual tension that comes in like a heavy fog to surround you. You're allowed to want him – your lover, your husband, your soulmate. But it still takes you by surprise sometimes and you gasp into his kiss as the feeling takes you over again.

You are his drug, his addiction. His want and need poured into you until he fears that he is obsessed. He’s aware that he has obsessive tendencies, well aware, but this is deeper. His fingers turn coaxing, sliding under your clothes as you respond to him with an enthusiasm that makes his blood sing.

His hands, disarmingly broad like the rest of him, begin a slow exploration of your skin that has nothing to do with the fact that he has every inch of you memorized. It’s coaxing and exposing, and your own needs mirror his exquisitely. The only difference for tonight is that when you peel away his clothes, he’ll be bare. But when he peels away yours, he’ll find the gorgeous little lingerie set you bought to surprise him with.

Javi loves worshiping you. Loves pressing kisses to your skin and whispering words of affection and desire to you. Always wanting to make you feel like you are the most precious thing he has, because you are. “Hermosa.” He murmurs softly, unbuttoning your pants and pulling your shirt out of it.

“Mi vida…” your answer comes on a sigh, and you shift on the bed ever so slightly to make it easier for him to start to undress you.

Fabric is peeled away. Javi finds it incredibly ironic that you love making clothes, dressing yourself, but he loves you best when you are stripped down and wearing nothing but the smile he adores.

His hands still when he finally gets your first layer discarded on the floor, finally taking a moment to drink in the dark crimson lace lingerie set you’ve been hiding under your clothes all day.

“Amor.” His eyes are greedy, so greedy as he stares at you. “You wore this for me?”

“Of course I did.” You’d excused yourself to the surprisingly spacious bathroom in first class on the plane and swapped your comfy cotton underwear for something more appealing just before landing. “I thought it was romantic. We’ve been married two months this weekend.” Which is nothing in the broad scheme of things, but you love every second spent with him and intend to celebrate.

He doesn’t know how he missed you putting this on this morning, but he’s smirking slightly as he imagines taking it off. “Two months.” He hums. “That deserves celebrating.”

“It absolutely does.” You could not agree more.

Javi memorizes this moment, the way you look up at him and he lunges down to kiss you. Letting his passion for you take over as he does.

There is a reason you hadn’t planned on doing anything on your first night of your weekend away. This was your plan. A night of forgetting the world exists while you make love to your soulmate. Could you do this anywhere? Of course. But treating Javi as the most special person in your life is a standard because he is exactly that. He has been the perfect husband in so many ways so you strive to be the perfect wife in return, and in holding yourself to those high standards you’re building something incredible together.

Now it is time to admire his gift and the only way to do that is up close. Javi’s mouth trails over the lace and silk, hands touching what his lips don’t. Whispering praises and promises in equal measure.

It's heaven, to be alone and to be indulgent with him. To be Javi's sole focus is to be the center of the universe. To be the only thing that matters in the world. It is to be worshipped, plain and simple.

He loves the skimpy, sexy little lingerie, but he enjoys ripping it off of you. “Oops.” He huffs, grinning because he’s not really sorry.

"And that," you huff, tongue firmly in cheek even as you sigh over his hands on you. "Is why I will never buy expensive lingerie."

“Is that why?” He runs his nose up your sternum. “But I really like ripping the expensive things.”

“Oh do you?” Your breath flutters along with your racing heartbeat as he drags his tongue along your skin and nips at the places he knows are most sensitive.

“I do.” He chuckles, making it sound like he is repeating his vows again.

The warmth of his breath against your skin makes you hum, and you rake your fingers through his curls to make him look up at you again. "I do too, mi amor."

He knows what you mean and his face flushes with pure pride in knowing that you chose him. Not just because of the universe saying you belong together, but because you want him.

The softness of the moment doesn’t dampen the heat, only morphing it into something with a deeper meaning, and you nudge your nose against his to steal a kiss. “You know you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, right?”

"I know that my life wasn't complete until I found you." He hums, his hands slowly reaching for yours and tangling his fingers with yours.

"Neither was mine." His hand is easy to bring to your lips, but you lean up to kiss him immediately afterward.

You take his breath away. Javi squeezes your hand as he shifts up, pressing down onto you and then he untangles his hand to push under your back and pull you closer.

When every shred of clothing is pulled away and he finally slides inside you, it feels like coming home. Your legs hitched up over his hips to hold at his waist keep him just as close as his arms do and every breath you take mingles together to become a panting sigh with every thrust and roll of hips.

Making love is his passion, his purpose. His reason for drawing this breath. Feeling connected in the most intimate way and bursting with love.

No time spent showing each other the depth of your love and devotion could ever be anything but bliss. So many nights are given over to that dedication that some of your friends have probably made sly comments about it, but you and Javi never give up the opportunity to pour your hearts and bodies into fully dedicating time to lovemaking. To worshipping each other. To proving entirely that the heart you carry on this earth belongs to each other.

“I love you.” The reverence in his words is almost mocked by the sharp snap of his hips. Desperation for you to come apart making his thrusts faster, harder. Giving you the pace that seems to drive you wild. “Fuck, I love you.”

Vows and praise echo between you, chasing that perfect release, until the moment you tumble over the edge together. The force of your orgasm brings him right along with you, leaving the two of you wrapped around each other still murmuring words of love in the afterglow.

Javi loves laying with you, just like this. Both of you sweaty and satiated, his mind drifting to the future. “I think we should start trying for a baby after the movie premiers.” He murmurs softly, stroking your arm gently as you listen to his heartbeat slow.

“That will be…” Trying to do math in your head is a little tricky when he’s just pushed all the logic out of your head, but you hum while you think. “The movie is coming out for Valentine’s Day. We could be pregnant by our first anniversary.”

“How do you feel about that?” He asks. “Too soon?” He’s worried that he’s pushing, but he’s also completely obsessed with starting your family together.

“Amor, if I hadn’t just designed a fitted silk gown for the premier, I would say the wait is too long.” You turn your head to be able to look at him fully and punctuate it with a resounding kiss. “Good thing I have plenty of time to design something else if I want to.”

“That’s why I said after the premier.” He promises, unwilling to compromise even a little about the both of you wearing a creation of your imagination to a telling of his own. It was symbolic balance in his mind.

“We can start trying a little before.” Now that he’s opened the lid on this particular can of worms, you’re excited to dream about it. “Even if I were a few months pregnant for the premiere, it would be okay.”

“Why don’t we start trying when filming ends?” He suggests. “That way it will be a little closer to the premier and you won’t have to worry about fitting into your dress?”

You bite your lip, suddenly giddy at the thought even though you know there is a whole other section of filming to be done before then. Months more of work that can't happen just yet. It's a long process but it's so, so wonderfully worth it. "Yes. That's perfect."

He looks just as equally excited and he swallows slightly, eyes suddenly suspiciously moist. “Perfect.”

Leaning up to kiss him, you don't stop trailing your lips gently across his face until you've kissed away the moisture from under his eyes well. "I'm so grateful for you, mi amor. Every day and in every possible way."

“I want to make you proud.” He murmurs. “Everyday. I want you to be proud that I am your soulmate.”

"I am proud of you." And that feeling grows every day, as remarkable as it is. "And I always will be. Just like I'll be proud to walk the red carpet with you, carry your baby, do silly little errands with you, and anything else we could ever think to do together."

******

Saturday, June 7, 2025

“Where today, amor?” Javi asks as he scoops some eggs into his fork. The diner is close to the hotel, a place you said you worked when you were in high school.

"We could walk around downtown today if you want to?" The French toast is still every bit as good as you remember it being, and so is the coffee. It's actually nice to revisit a few places, since there are still some good memories here. "Or go to the aquarium? Whichever we don't do today can be tomorrow's plan."

"What would be your perfect day?" He asks, brows up as he considers the options. "When you were younger? If you could plan a day to be as selfish as you could be and indulge in what you wanted?"

"That's what I do now." Across the table, you put your hand over his and squeeze gently, making your rings wink in the yellowed diner light. "I get my nails done with my best friend, we eat whatever we like, and have amazing jobs." He looks at your doubtfully, making the smirk bloom on your lips. "But, if we're talking about high school me? I would comb through the used books in the basement of Lavelle Books, get a frappe from Drawbridge, and...probably go walk around Mystic River Park."

“Books?” He perks up at that. Since writing screenplays, he has become a voracious reader as well. Culling ideas and images from the words better than any movie ever could. “Then that is what we will do.”

“I didn’t think you would mind the bookstore.” Javi is almost as avid a reader as you are, and the bookshelves in the little house are full to bursting. Somehow you don’t think you’ll have trouble filling the shelves of a full library when the big house is finished.

“Not at all.” He agrees. “How is your French Toast?” He asks, knowing that you had been happy to see your favorite breakfast special was still available.

“Just as good as I remember.” Nostalgia can be like that, but you still grin happily and motion toward his plate. “What do you think of your omelet?”

“It’s good.” He nods and smirks before he takes another bite. “Though it’s not as good as those you made two weeks ago.” He praises. “Those were amazing.”

“You like every breakfast better when it comes after sex,” you tease.

“What can I say?” He winks at you as the waitress walks towards you with the coffee pot. “Food tastes better when your pussy lingers on my tongue.”

“Javi!” Your hiss his name and swat playfully at his hand, but the waitress didn’t hear him. It’s just your cheeks burning with affectionate embarrassment when she gets close enough to refill your cups and drop off the check.

He laughs, grinning at you while your fluster. “Tell me I’m wrong?” He asks after thank the lady with a nod of his head and a quick flash of a polite smile.

“If I did, that would be a lie,” you point out, snatching the bill away to pay it yourself. “And I never lie to you.”

He huffs at you, frowning slightly when you pull your card out of your purse. “Use the credit card, amor.” He chides. “That is what it is for.” He shakes his head, slightly amused because he’s never met a woman so unwilling to spend his money in all his life.

“I want to treat my soulmate in my hometown,” you insist. “This was part of my dream when I was little too.”

He grunts, sure that you are making that up, but he doesn’t argue with you. “Fine.”

“Yeah,” you smirk, always ready to pay him a compliment. “You definitely are a fine looking man.”

He rolls his eyes, but there is a hint of a pull to his lips as he lifts his coffee cup.

After you finish your last cups of coffee, you decide to leave the rental car in the lot nearby where you parked it and walk, heading through town toward your old favourite bookstore which sits at the mouth of the boardwalk. It actually is a cute little town when you look at it through the eyes of a tourist and you're glad you decided to bring Javi here. The chance to clear his head and to put some distance between you and the bad memories of your hometown is worth it.

There is something almost idyllic about strolling through a small town with your hand folded into his. Charming in its simplicity and comforting in the small smiles and nods of acknowledgement from residents as you pass by. Shops are open, welcoming. Eye catching displays making both of you pause as you make your way past.

The trip to your favorite bookstore ends in needing to purchase a canvas bag so you can carry the heavy load of new-to-you books, but Javi happily shoulders the weight and takes your hand again while you head off down the boardwalk again — explaining as you go that a frappe is just a kind of milkshake and it’s not some earth-shattering new sweet that he’s been missing out on his whole life.

“So we could make this at home?” He asks, tilting his head as he tries to understand beyond just the memory attached to it.

“Absolutely.” The ice cream shop is in sight, and you point out the bustling storefront to him. “I’m pretty sure I can get malted powder on the internet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in a store and that’s the secret ingredient.”

“Malted powder?” Now he frowns as he looks over you. “Like Whoppers?” He loves American candies and would have them shipped over for this movie theatre candy hoard.

You giggle, delighted that he made the connection but also at the adorable look of confusion on his face. “Yup.”

“Interesting.” He hums, smiling at your obvious happiness. “You have never shown me any food or drink that you love that I have not adored.” He reminds you. “I am sure I will be obsessed.”

“You’re going to love it.” It’s not exactly a difficult prediction, considering how much he loves sweets. But you’re more than comfortable in the assumption that you’re going to be ordering malted powder to be delivered to the house in California for when you get home.

“I suppose you are buying this too?” He asks with a hint of amusement in his voice. He’s gonna let you do whatever you want, but you hadn’t even let him buy the book at the store. This weekend apparently is completely your treat.

“Yes, I am.” It’s ice cream. Even at your brokest, this splurge would be reasonable. At the door to the ice cream shop, you turn around to kiss him. “And since you’re being so good about indulging me this weekend, I promise that whatever your next whim is for a treat or a splurge, I won’t make a single comment about it.”

“Not one little word?” His brows shoot up and he’s grinning. Knowing that you would at least pout at him.

“Pinky promise,” you swear, holding out your little finger to him.

He looks at it and then back at you before he hooks his finger with yours and chuckles. “Good.”

Inside Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream, Javi lights up with the size of the menu and the bustle of families alone tends enjoying the weekend. Your arms are slung around each other’s waists to keep close and you tick your hand into the back pocket of his jeans, reveling in the weathered material and the fact that he chose to pack one of the shirts you made for him to wear today. There’s a nice hit of nostalgia here too, and you point out one or two people you used to know to him discreetly as you wait in line.

“You went on a date with him?” Javi frowns slightly, not even realizing that his grip on your waist tightens slightly, possessively. As if this one date wonder could someone steal you away from him.

“Once, amor.” Even though you’d just said it, you still punctuate the fact that you’d only gone on one date with this particular boy the one time. “We went to a movie and he talked through the whole thing. In the theater.”

"A crime." He nods sagely, as if that told him everything he needed to know about that particular man. "It is good you did not waste anymore time on such a man."

“See?” You grin and kiss his cheek. “You get it.”

He’s placated and grumbles slightly, feeling foolish for being so annoyed by this previous date.

“I’m sure there are plenty of women in your past I would be much more jealous of.” But only because you love him, and because you wish you had had so many more years with him.

"None of them hold a candle to you." Not even Gabriela, as much as that would surprise anyone who had known about the torch he had carried for her for years. It pales in comparison to what he feels for you.

“And none of mine hold a candle to you, either.” They never could, and you cuddle into his side happily.

“So what is your milkshake going to be?” He asks, looking at the positively dizzying array of options. “Remind me.”

“Chocolate peanut butter with malted powder.” It isn’t worth reminding him that they’re called frappes here, although he did seem entertained by the word earlier. “It’s my old standard.”

“That sounds good.” He agrees. “But they have a one that tastes like bacon?” His eyes widen as he rereads the description.

“The American obsession with bacon knows no bounds,” you grin. “Are you going to try it?”

“Salted caramel, bacon and malted powder.” He grunts and shrugs. “Why not?”

Your grin grows. “Can we trade tastes? It does sound good.”

"Absolutely." He answers with a grin of his own. "I want to taste what you would crave when you were suffering from your period."

“That is a long list,” you admit, laughing at the thought. “I wonder if it will be similar to anything I crave when I’m pregnant? I have no idea if that is how that works or not.”

“It would be fun to create a list and compare.” He suggests, beaming at the thought of pregnancy cravings. “Keep a tally and see if it’s changes as you get farther along.”

“We’ll have to make a list,” you decide. “And keep track. A column for each baby, if there is more than one.”

“Yes.” There might not be more than one, but he has a feeling that there would be.

When the two of you finally make it to the front of the line, you place your order with the teenager there and thank her as she goes to make it, then step down to the register only to find another familiar face waiting for you — your former next door neighbor is wearing a shiny pin that reads Manager and smiling in a way that is both so broad and so tight that it makes you cringe inwardly with how fake it is.

Javi feels you stiffen, turning his head to glance at you and he recognizes the fake smile you use on the most difficult of guests. There’s only one explanation for it, so he turns to the person at the register and smiles broadly. “I have heard nothing but good things about this place.” He gushes. “Excited to try the frappe.”

“I’m surprised you’ve heard anything about this place.” She says with a layer of false pep.

“It’s good to see you, too, Gillian,” you lie.

Someone you know. Javi squeezes your hip gently, a reminder that he is with you. A steady shoulder for you to lean on if you need. Obviously not your mother, but someone old enough to be your parent. You had grown up knowing her. “She has been looking forward to another one of this all morning.” Javi adds.

“Has she?” Gillian’s eyebrows raise is as imperious as ever.

“Yes, I have.” Matter of fact and mildly pleasant is where you keep your tone, and you hand over your debit card.

“Oh, Gutierrez, how exotic.” She pretends to fawn after inspecting your card unnecessarily. “When did that happen?” Not that it’s any of her business. Not that she cares beyond obtaining gossip.

“A few months.” The expression you shoot Javi is apologetic. “Javi, Gillian was my next door neighbor growing up. Gillian, this is my husband, Javi.”

Javi’s smile stiffens at her reaction to his last name. Not unused to the slight. He nods to her when she looks up, judgement in her eyes and he wants to scoff at the audacity of it all. “Sweetheart, don’t use your debit card.” He tells you smoothly. “Fraud happens all the time, especially at point of sale locations.” The implication is just as light as it can be, but it’s still there. “Use your other card.”

“Of course, you’re right.” Your eyes tick up to his and you smile but it’s a reassuring thing. You’re always going to be on his side, especially when he’s responding to a petty veiled insult with one of his own. You slip your debit card back into your wallet out of sight and come out with your black AmEx card instead.

Gillian’s eyes widen and she takes the card quickly, insulted but she can’t say much. “This is rare.” She hums.

There are so many backhanded replies you could make. Insults about how it’s not rare in your circles. How you’re sure someone else must have paid with a credit card before. But as cross as you are with her for being a casual racist, you’re not trying to start a fight. “Oh?” You settle for, with an innocent tone. “My soulmate takes such good care of me.”

“Soulmate?” That startles her, making her nearly drop the card as her eyes dart back and forth between you and Javi.

“Soulmate.” You smile again and it’s full of polite ice. There’s no reason to ask what she’s up to or how she is. You wouldn’t have cared even if she hadn’t been rude. Gillian is not only your former neighbor, she’s your former bully.

“Well, that’s...nice.” It’s also unexpected since your parents had always contended you didn’t have a soulmate. She runs the card quickly and hands it back. “Your order will be up shortly.”

"Thanks." There is no more small talk, no false pleasantries. You simply shift down the counter after tucking your card back in your wallet and lean into Javi's side as you wait for your name to be called.

“That was…unpleasant.” Javi murmurs to you softly. “But I am proud of you. You handled her with grace, more than she deserves.”

"You just met my childhood bully," you mumble under your breath, disguising it by leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Gillian lived next door when I was growing up. Our parents were friends, so we were forced to spend a lot of time together."

Javi blinks, startled and he looks back and forth between the two of you several times. “No.” He huffs. “There is—” he shakes his head adamantly, “no way the two of you are close in age.” He looks back over at her. “She looks older than me.”

You barely manage to stop yourself from snorting. "I guess being a heinous bitch makes you ugly on the outside as well as the inside. Eventually, anyway."

“Is that why you are so gorgeous?” He coos, leaning in and kissing you softly on the cheek. He’s aware that he can’t make out would you - this is a family establishment - but anyone who sees the two of you would see a man desperately in love.

"Such flattery," you huff, nudging him as if to deny it, except that he finds your cheek burning with pleased embarrassment when he kisses it. "I love you, too."

The machines make a lot of noise, but within minutes two frappes appear and Gillian has vanished into the back. Javi picks them up, adding straws and an extra shake of chocolate sprinkles just because before bringing you your drink.

"Shall we walk?" The urge to get out of your beloved ice cream shop is disappointing but very real. "Promenade on the boardwalk like your film characters would do?"

“Show me exactly what you would do on a date.” He grins, nodding as he offers you his hand.

It's a good walk, out to the end of the boardwalk about back, and you take it slow. Peaking into shop windows, looking out at boats on the water. Joking about what you would name a boat if you ever got one. You trade sips of your drinks – both are good, but you each like the flavor you ordered better than the other – and sigh happily in the sun. It's a beautiful, warm, and the unpleasantness of running into Gillian is forgotten in no time.

“Would you ever want to live here again?” Javi asks, watching as you crane your neck to check out something that is apparently different in the small town. “It reminds me of Hollowstone.” He tells you. “From Gilmore Girls.”

"Stars Hollow?" You grin at him and nuzzle into his side. "No, I don't think so. I mean yes it is like that, but I love California. And besides, our house is being built as we speak. I wouldn't want to give that up for the world."

“You wouldn’t have to.” He promises. “Just- if you wanted to have a place here, I wouldn’t be upset about it.”

"If we ever had a second house...a vacation house or whatever? I wouldn't want it to be here." There are too many bad memories. Too much negativity even on beautiful and relatively peaceful days like this one. "If we had to pick between your first home and my first home? I would much rather have a place in Mallorca so you can go home again whenever you miss it."

He’s initially surprised by your answer but then he realizes he shouldn’t be. You continually put his happiness in front of your own, as he does the same with you. It sometimes causes frustrations but he bites his lip as he smiles. “Perhaps one day.” He decides. “We would have to have a boat.” He tells you with a grin. “It’s a must.”

"Well then, we would have to name the boat, too." Right now it's just a dream. An idle one, granted, but one you enjoy. The thought of bringing your kids back to their father's home in the summer sounds magical. You can practically see them playing on the beach and chasing a stray dog through the spray. Stray...or maybe yours...who knows. "What would you name a boat, amor?"

“Happiest Ever After.” He hums as he looks over at you. “Because that is what it would be.”

“And yet you don’t want to let me name our son after you.” Even as you tut slightly, you still smile up at him with soft eyes. “It’s a very sweet idea.”

“Javi Jr. is a horrible name.” He huffs, but he’s secretly pleased that you would want to have your son carry his name completely.

“Fine,” you narrow your eyes at him and grin. “Javiera for a girl.”

He rolls his eyes and blows a raspberry at you before he finishes his drink and steers you towards a trash can to throw the empty cup away.

“I’m taking that as a yes.” You decide, and smother his face in kisses to prove how delightful you fund the concession.

“You know you have final say on the names anyway.” His own father had demanded his mother name him Antonio, and see how that worked out? She had pushed him out, so she had named him. Javi didn’t see anything wrong with that thinking at all.

“I’d prefer us to agree,” you tell him honestly, linking your arm through his when you start walking again. “We’re both going to be their parents.”

“Yes we are.” He agrees, “but you grow them. That gives you a slight advantage.”

"Perhaps." You shrug. "But only slight."

He grins, shrugging slightly. “Then you should know I want to name our son Carmelo.” He teases.

It wouldn't be your first choice, but for all you know it's the name of some dear childhood friend or a beloved uncle, so you just nod. "We'll put it on the list. By the time I'm actually pregnant we'll have a list a mile long."

Javi laughed, shaking his head. “No, we will have already picked out four names for boys and girls.” He predicts.

"Only four each?" His specificity brings a smile to your face, making you laugh a little and you shrug your shoulders. "Maybe so. Who knows. We have quite a lot of time before the premiere."

“First and middle names.” He adds.

"First and middle." You laugh all over again and drag him over to the nearest bench, taking the opportunity of an empty place to sit to cuddle into Javi's side in a new setting. From here, you can look out over the water and people watch as well as boat watch. You're quite for a long time before you lean your head against his shoulder and sigh. "I always like the name Lila."

“Lila.” He smiles softly as he tries the name out on his tongue. “I like that.” He agrees. “It’s soft, sweet, like our little girl will be.”

"Maybe." A peace settles over both of you and you hug him a little tighter. "Hopefully."

The water is soothing, like it always is, although there’s a coolness to the wind that isn’t present at home. He hums and tugs you closer. “What else do you want to do today, sweetheart?” He asks.

“I don’t care,” you hum. “As long as you’re here, we can just sit here all night and it would be perfect for me. We can do whatever will help you most in writing your script.”

“What would be a good restaurant for dinner after a day date like this?” He asks. “For a couple that doesn’t want it to end?”

“There are a couple of oysters bars in town, and I read on the plane about some new Italian places.” When he raises an eyebrow at you, you grin sheepishly. “There’s an incredible place an hour away, but I don’t know if you want to go all the way to Rhode Island to eat the same seafood you would get here.” An hour in California is nothing. It’s peanuts. It’s your daily commute to work, in fact. But out here in New England, an hour each way is a day trip.

“And would it impress you if your date suggested it?” He asks, already deciding to write a scene just like this for the screenplay.

“Yes…” You squint at him suspiciously. “But there are oysters bars in town. Just because there’s also a good one out by the beach in Rhode Island doesn’t mean we have to go there.”

“And there is a jukebox in this oyster bar?” He asks. “Maybe a dance floor?”

That makes your expression crack, and you go from wary to endeared instantly. “They have live music on the weekends if you sit on the rooftop. And yes, some people dance.”

“And I’m assuming this oyster bar is also on the water?” He guesses, winking at you. “So after the perfect day together, learning everything they can about each other and falling a little bit in love, they go to this oyster bar and eat, have a drink or two and then slow dance to something incredibly romantic playing through an old corner jukebox?”

“It’s beautifully romantic.” Somehow he manages to do this regularly — taking things that are very nice on their own and turning them into the most romantic sounding thing you’ve ever heard. This restaurant your family used to like to go out to for special occasions is now the perfect date night destination with almost no effort whatsoever. “It will be the perfect scene.”

“Only if there is a kiss during the dance.” He murmurs, staring into your eyes and wondering how he got so damn lucky with you.

“I can guarantee it.” Here. There. Anywhere in the world. If the girl in his script is you and the boy she falls in love with is anything like him? She’d be a fool not to kiss him.

“Then we should flesh out the scene.” He hums. “See this perfect romantic spot for their first kiss.”

“Back to the rental car, then?” You won’t let this moment pass without kissing him, though, and that sweet little bench by the boardwalk is momentarily your perfect romantic spot.

Javi smiles into the kiss, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you closer. The salt air just adds to the romance of the moment and there’s a moment where he swears his heart skips a beat with the easy joy of being with you.

The stern sound of a throat clearing is what breaks you out of your paradise and forces you back to earth, but only momentarily. You have every intention of telling the prudish busybody to fuck off so you can go back to making out with your husband — but the curse dies on your tongue when you open your eyes to find a familiar figure looming over your fairy tale bench.

“Hi Mom.”

Javi’s eyes widen, head turning to see the woman you are addressing with more than a little concern. He had understood you didn’t want to see your parents and apparently they have tracked you down or run into you by a cruel kind of happenstance. “Your mother?”

“My mother.”

The disbelief in her expression is matched only by her disapproval, and she opens her mouth once before shutting it again to recompose herself and then trying again. “Tell me why I had to find out you were visiting town from Gillian MacCauly instead of from my own daughter.” She demands. It is not a request or a question in any way.

“Gillian married Andy MacCauly?” You cringe slightly and look back at Javi. “So that’s why she’s miserable.”

“Also a horrible person.” He nods in understanding before he looks over at your mother. “Because she did not wish for you to know she was here.” He answers for you.

Your mother’s eyes bug and she looks positively gob smacked, but you shrug. “I wanted to show my husband my hometown. Not be treated to a guilt trip and verbal abuse. So I didn’t call.”

Her eyes flicker down to your left hand, mouth opening slightly at the impressive ring set on your finger. Making Javi extremely proud that he had chosen the rings that he wanted to give you. “She said you had married.” She frowns, apparently not even remembering your courtesy call.

“I did call the day of the wedding,” you remind her. “We had a soulmate ceremony so there wasn’t loads of planning or bunches of guests. Apparently your own husband elected not to tell you?” Or she forgot, which is equally likely. If her golden child isn’t involved, she doesn’t care much.

She frowns at the criticism and huffs. “Don’t talk about your father that way.”

"My father died when I was a kid." Still seated on the bench, tangled up in Javi and bolstered by his presence, you feel brave. "I never should have started calling your husband Dad, but I was a scared kid. Not a problem I have anymore."

Her mouth drops open and she practically sputters in disbelief that you would be so brazenly disrespectful. “He raised you, cared for you.” She hisses. “He is the only reason we survived.”

“If that’s true,” which you doubt, for various reasons. The first of which being that you remember hearing talk about a life insurance policy way back when you were too young to understand what that meant. “Then good. But while he may have helped raise me, he has never loved me.“ And neither has she. Not since he came along.

He can feel how you are tense, hates that this has ruined a beautiful moment, but he’s proud of you for not backing down from her. His hand strokes your arm, but he doesn’t say anything yet.

“He loved you.” She protests. “You make things so difficult.”

“Maybe I do.” Feeling uncannily calm on the outside despite how hard your heart is beating in this moment of finally standing up to your mother, you simply shrug one shoulder. “Maybe I’ve always been a bad kid and I didn’t realize it. Maybe you were right to favor Tony. But I’m done wondering and I’m done worrying.”

Her brow furrows at she opens her mouth to speak but Javi decides that it’s time to say something. “I could never imagine choosing someone - even a lover - over my child.” He tells her quietly. “Even if I was lonely and had lost my soulmate.” He looks at you tenderly. “She is the last connection to your soulmate you have, and you abandoned her for a man who obviously has contempt for that.” He looks at her. “Shame on you. The man your daughter has described would be ashamed of his other half.”

“I think it’s probably time for us to go, don’t you?” You ask Javi, not even bothering to consult your mother in the decision. It isn’t hers to make and even on the longest odds in the world she would only invite you to dinner to talk down to you.

Your mother, for her part, looks stricken by Javi’s words. Like he had slapped her. “I agree, amor.” He murmurs softly, standing and reaching for your hand to help you up.

“By the way?” It’s a striking realization, that you’re taller than your mother now. She always seemed so intimidating in the past. “Billie told me why Auntie Kay stopped talking to you. So don’t pretend to be blindsided by the idea that you mistreated me.”

Javi curls his arm around your waist protectively and glances back at your mother one more time. “Do not call her unless you wish to apologize.” He tells her. “And then, it will be up to her if she accepts.” He doesn’t wait for her to answer, just guides you away.

Leaving your mother standing, flabbergasted, in the middle of the boardwalk as you walk away in the arms of your soulmate with your head held high and your heart hammering makes you feel like a superhero. There was no screaming. No fighting. No physical altercation. No scene was made. You were calm and you stood your ground, and as Javi guides you back toward the parked rental car you clutch his hand in relief as much as your own shock. “Now that,” you whisper with wide eyes, “is something I wish I had done in high school.”

“How are you feeling?” Javi knows he was nothing but a riot of emotions when he had completely broken ties with his family, as horrible as they were. Even now, he sometimes feels guilty about Lucas, although he knows he deserves it.

“I’m not sure?” You admit. You might laugh or cry or shake apart at a moment’s notice. Either way, you hold to him like a lifeline. “I’ll set the gps for the restaurant but would you mind driving?”

“Do you still want to go?” He asks seriously. Even though it had seemed like a wonderful idea, you might not be so sure now and that’s okay with him. Even if you just wanted to go back to the hotel, he would be ready to take you. “Completely your call, sweetheart.”

“Honestly?” You sag against his side. “At this point I almost think we check out of the hotel here and go spend the rest of the weekend in Rhode Island. But I think that’s just my instinct to flee the scene.”

“If it will protect your peace, that’s exactly what we will do.” He promises.

In looking up at him, you smother an embarrassed sigh. “I don’t want to ruin your trip.”

“Baby, nothing you can ever do would ruin my trip.” He stops and turns towards you, his eyes seriously focused on yours. “Because I’m with you.” He murmurs softly. “And that is all I need.”

“I’m sorry.” Still rattled from the encounter, you’re sure you’re shaking a little with his hands on your arms. “I just…I guess I figured the town was big enough that we wouldn’t actually see my parents. I really didn’t expect this…”

“It’s okay, sweetheart.” His lips are in your hair, pressing a kiss to your brow. “Why don’t we go back to the room and order room service? Or delivery. Whatever you want.”

“That’s a less dramatic response.” He’s right. You don’t need to flee. You just need to be safe with your partner and try to let out some of the tension that is clinging to you. “Maybe we can use the jacuzzi and order a bottle of wine? Just try to relax.”

“I’ll order two bottles.” He promises with a smile and a kiss for your lips.

“I love you.” For better or for worse. You had promised it in your vows, and Javi is more than living up to his side of the bargain.

“I love you too.” He knows how to get back to the hotel, so he guides you towards the passenger seat. “We will order some wine, and see what they have in their menu. Maybe an appetizer or something? Then we can decide what else sounds good.”

"That sounds perfect." Though you would prefer to curl into his side, you tuck yourself into the passenger seat and buckle in, then pull out your phone to send Billie and Auntie Kay a quick text in the group chat that the three of you share. They deserve to know that some heat might fly their way, though you don't really expect your mother to do anything but bluster and play the victim.

“Your town is beautiful.” He tells you as he starts the car and backs out of the parking spot. “So many places to get lost in. Seek refuge.”

"I wanted you to see the best parts of it," you murmur, tucking your phone away as he pulls out of the parking lot. "Only the best."

“The best part about this trip is watching you enjoy things that you would have when you lived here.” He admits.

"We should go to the aquarium tomorrow, then." It was your other childhood favourite, and right now you just want to remember something nice and push away the bitter taste in your mouth.

“Then let’s go.” He tosses you an encouraging smile. “I want to see if there are different species here on the east coast.”

"Probably." And when you're out of the car again, you will smother him in ample kisses in thanks for being so sweet about the whole thing. "I guess we'll have to go and find out."

“We will.” He agrees, winking at you when he comes to a stop sign. “Does this aquarium have a tunnel?” He asks.

"Of course," you gasp, clutching invisible pearls and pretending to be aghast that he would even ask.

“Good.” He chuckles and nods. “Then we will have to make out in it and pretend we are mermaids.”

"Perfect." Laughing feels so good. Like such a relief. And it's purely thanks to Javi.

“Thought you would like that idea.” He’s happy you laughed, needing to hear it after watching you with your mother.

"I love all of your ideas." Even when they're over the top. Even when they're a little crazy. Everything is still always wonderful in the end.

He pulls into the parking lot and grins. “So then let me suggest something else tomorrow after the aquarium?”

"Whatever you want, baby," you promise him, grateful that the hotel isn't far from downtown.

“Why don’t we find a place for a couple’s massage?” He asks.

"Spa afternoon?" Tilting your head at him, your obvious interest is rewarded with a kiss before you both climb out of the car. "That sounds beautiful, actually."

“Good.” He grins when you almost instantly agree. “Fluffy robes, champagne, saunas and massages.” He winks again. “We will feel like new people.”

"We'll sleep like babies all the way back home." Your overnight flight was already aimed at being relaxing, now it would be even more so.

“Yes we would.” He agrees. “The perfect ending to our weekend adventure.”

“I’m sorry the whole thing wasn’t perfect.” He’ll tut at that, but it’s true. This afternoon and this evening are not the fairy tale that the rest of the trip has been. “But thank you for standing up for me.”

“I will always stand up for you.” He knows you will also stand up for him, but after being powerless against Lucas for so long, he will not be silent when someone he loves is hurt, never again will someone rob you of your peace. He has changed and he likes to believe it’s for the better.

------ Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @haylzcyon @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle @becsworld @julesonrecord @its-nebuleuse @itsrubberbisquit @mikeyswifie @guelyury @lizzie-cakes @for-a-longlongtime @vabeachazn @purplerain04 @weho2kcmo @madnessofadaydreamer

TUWOP: @inept-the-magnificent @missladym1981 @sunnytuliptime @iamladyp @spishsstuff @famouslyanonymous

#Pedro Pascal #Pedro Pascal character fanfiction #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Javi Gutierrez #Javi Gutierrez x you #Javi Gutierrez x reader #Javi Gutierrez x female reader #Javi Gutierrez x f!reader #Javi G #TUWOMT #the unbearable weight of massive talent #soulmate au

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thegreatstoryteller · 2 years ago

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Body Swap N’B

Welcome to Body Swan N’B! The premiere destination for all your body swap needs! We all know traveling can be hard. Booking flights, booking travel, and most importantly those outrageous prices. Don’t worry. We’re here with the solution! Why go to those snobby body swap hotels, when you can swap from the comfort of your own living room right into the amazing destination of our choice. Our list of thousands of home owners want YOU to take their body out for a spin from the comfort of THEIR own home.

Choose between a collection of countless locations and individuals of your choosing. Want to cruise in the Caribbean as a local? Want to sample authentic Parisian cuisine as a refined food connoisseur? How about ride the Texan planes as a real cowboy!? All of that is possible and more with Body Swap N’B! Don’t believe us? Just listen to our satisfied customers

Reviews:

DisneyDad85: 2 out of 5 stars.

My family and I were planning a trip to Disney and I wanted to find somewhere close to the park. The location was just as promised, a 3 bedroom with a great view. The bodies were not what I expected. I assumed when the listing described a “great way to enjoy the best parts of youth” that we’d be given some family friendly bodies. Not some local young men who were rooming together. I guess “young” is relative as my eldest boy found himself in the most mature body. Being slightly overweight was new for him as he was always so nerdy and skinny. And as always, on his phone talking to his friends bragging about his new body.

He loves being the oldest and eating whatever he wants without worry of food allergy. I told him that he wouldn’t like it if he had to worry about all that weight he’s putting on his new body later, but he doesn’t listen.

Then there was my youngest! He loved the vintage aesthetic to the rooms we were given and he couldn’t stop playing with the phones there.

He was certainly happy that he was tall enough to ride all the rides at the park, but I did not like how he was now able to consume all the alcohol at the various bars around the area. But being 6′7 and confident, it’s no like anyone would think to card him. Meanwhile I was now the only one of our party not old enough to drink only being 20 years old! Gosh… maybe I shouldn’t have snuck into that bar on the final day of the trip. I can’t believe I drunkenly renewed our vacation for next year! Still trying to contact customer support to discuss cancellation!

Overall good vacation, but just make sure you inquire about the bodies before making a big trip. I still feel just like the reckless 20 year old I was a few days ago. Almost like I’m still on vacation… maybe another trip will do us some good in the near future.

AlwysABridesMaid: 3.5 out of 5 stars

So I like to imagine myself being very open minded when it comes to these swaps and vacations! I’ve tried out loads of these vacations with my girlfriends and I when we did sorority parties in college! However, I’ve got to say this is the first time me AND my entire party ended up as ALL guys. Normally it wouldn’t be an issue as we love exploring new experiences and locations, but I don’t think my best friend the bride envisioned being surrounded by a bunch of hairy men during her wedding ceremony. That’s right every single one of her bridesmaids were now half a foot taller and a lot more manly than she expected. I’m mostly mad that I couldn’t fit into our tailor made dress. That being said, the wedding still went off without a hitch! We had so much fun doing spa days, bachelorette parties, and the actual day of wedding in our new bodies despite the small hiccup.

Would I do this again? Definitely given a heads up about the party. But now that I’m intimately aware of some new male physiology I’d definitely like to try it again. The best man certainly wants to do some more exploration with me after last night. Anyway, has anyone ever heard of the so called “side effects” people keep referring to? The bridesmaids and I all found ourselves inside these book smart engineers and now I feel like my IQ is through the roof. All the girls and I can do at the nail salon is just gab about research papers, new theorems, and the latest technological marvels making the news!

WifeGuy88: 1 out of 5 stars

I swear I’m a feminist. Gotta get that out there before I say that I’m not sure my wife and I should do another of these trips. I heard that there used to be lots of safety procedures when it came to these swaps, but I recently heard that unlike Swap Hotels, they do not have to cover any kinds of safety or ethical costs associated with normal swapping.

I’m getting ahead of myself. The reason I’m not jazzed about Body Swap N’ B is because… I was a bit jealous my wife was bigger than me…. I know we booked a room for a loving couple…. But I didn’t expect both pairs of that couple to be male. Being a former college athlete and finding myself in a 5 foot nothing twink was a big enough shock.

But when my wife came stomping in from the other room as a big mass of hair and muscle… well let’s just say that weekend went very differently than I imagined… It all feels like such a blur…. And my ass is still sore…

But no! I’m leaving this as a warning. There are reviews saying your mind thinks differently after the swaps and that some people are claiming they are stuck in those bodies longer than they like! Also my girlfiend signed us up for another trip and due to their zero cancellation policy I know we’re gonna be there sooner than later if things go their way! Not that I mind…. I rather liked being thrown around by a larger man for a change… I’m sure it’s gonna be a lot of fun… but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this company can’t keep getting away with this. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my wife some new male outfits that she wants to try for our next vacation.

BenTheOrganizer: 5 out of 5 stars

Great for family reunions!

Normally I was the one that plans all these big family events. Criticism here and there about this location being too hot, too cold, or too far. But hey! Finally got a family gathering we can get behind! Who would’ve thought that it was when my entire family were in the body of one of the biggest college fraternities in the state! Turns out aunt Marjorie doesn’t have time to comment on my lack of partner when she’s doing a keg stand while uncle Larry cheers her on. Turns out cousin Jeremiah can’t brag about making partner as his law firm when he can finally cut loose dancing to some music! Racist grandpa Marvin won’t be making any problematic remarks about minorities when he’s enjoying his big black body so much. And the younger second cousins aren’t nearly as annoying when you can share some beers with them while we all test out our new muscles in the frat’s personal gym.

My parents were surprisingly the most into the idea. My mom and dad are some of the most heteronormative couples I know but it wasn’t 5 minutes before someone found them making out the frat house locker room. They kept saying it wasn’t gay if it was two bros, but I don’t think any amount of “No Homo” could save face there. Especially when they were caught a few hours later doing the same thing.

As for me… well maybe I put myself into the hottest guy there, the frat president, on purpose when I filled in the special requests portion. But hey. I think I deserve it for a job well done. In fact as I’m writing this review I’m still in his body! After all thanks to the “Extend your Stay” option, we were able to extend our swap vacation for another 2 weeks. Maybe if this continues going so well I can talk to the company about having us keep these bodies. I don’t think my entire family can go back to their old lives when they are loving being loud, raucous, muscle heads every day of the week. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got another frat party to plan. Thanks Body Swap N’ B!

Body Swap And Breakfast is not liable for any lasting physical, mental or reality changes. Any long lasting development of new abilities or attributes that is shared with a previous swapped body please contact your doctor. Body Swap And Breakfast is not affiliated with Swap Hotel and its affiliates.

Book your Body Swap N’ B vacation with us today!

#thegreatstoryteller #body swap #BodySwapN'B #gender change #female to male #mental change #race change #racial change

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tinstol · 19 days ago

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(Final destination 6 spoilers)

They missed a really big opportunity to tie every movie together by at least implying that the characters in all the other movies were also descendants of people from the restaurant collapse. I was scanning the newspapers for one reference to the other movies but nothing. And it would have been so easy too.

Not even a reference to the number 180 either. Only a few references final destination 2 and a tiny reference to clear rivers. And Tony Todd of course. But I still think they could’ve done more.

But other than that, it was pretty good

#final destination #final destination bloodlines

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sukunasdirtylaugh · 1 year ago

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always a god never human II satoru gojo

tags: post shibuya au, alt au where satoru is cursed to be blind, fluff, argument, angst, regret

word count: 4.5k

note: I wanted to write something that could encapsulate what being human is for satoru in the best worst case scenario. some of you might love this as I do, and thank you for your support. also, I made a reference to odysseus and the cyclops so I think I got it right (I haven't read the odyssey in nearly 10 years). also forgive me and please correct me if I got the kikufuku part wrong. will make a part two if this comes out well (I already have it drafted).

satoru gojo had been exposed to curses for as long as he could remember. first, as a boy, then as a student in jujutsu tech, and finally as a friend and instructor to those around him; but he had never been directly cursed.

not until now.

"you may remain as the strongest, satoru gojo, but your strength will be the only thing to hold you. no one but yourself will disinter it, so don't waste your time searching for something already set as destined." he recalled.

"love will be your salvation yet damnation, for you will cry for your shortcomings and failures. no one but you will carry this burden. let it remind you of this day, of the battle in which you never, truly won."

he always wakes up in a cold sweat afterwards. with the erratic beating of his heart and the tears running down his cheeks, satoru clings to himself, pressing a hand to his heart so as to remind himself of his current position. the back of his throat feels rough like sandpaper, and he licks his lips before reaching for the glass of water he's reserved for nights like these.

he drinks nearly all of it, his heart heavy before his fingers fish for his phone by his bedside.

"hey siri," he speaks, voice hoarse, "what time is it?"

"it's 3:24am."

with an exhaled huff, he puts his phone to the side, making note to remember where it is in the morning. as he lays his head down and focuses on the feeling of blood rushing to his fingertips, arms laid out side by side and fists clenching and unclenching, he sighs.

tomorrow will be better, he tells himself, but it has to change, whispers the other.

"now listen, don't give me that look, it's serious!" your frown causes utahime, your longtime friend of 4 years to shake her hands out to grab your attention, causing you to stifle a smile from your face as you hide your lips behind your cup of tea. "I have a job proposal for you, from a friend. and I think you'd like the pay."

utahime had always been sensible on the topic of money. knowing your constant struggles as a college student and now graduate, seeking to find new sources of income to keep up with bills and student loans, the sorceress felt compassion for you, a friend of hers who has grounded and guided her through frustration after frustration; work and romance related. she's never had the luxury of normalcy to a life like yours, she knows, so doing this was in her best interest for your benefit.

she tells you she has a friend who has decided to take up reading. problem is, he's blind.

"he's not a child, though he acts like it sometimes, but he's not some prune old man either. he's around your age so I'm sure talking to him along with your patience won't be an issue."

besides the generous pay for your time, 6 hours a week for $500 as a starting salary, there was something about this arrangement that left you with a good feeling in your heart. and it wasn't because your client was blind, no. it was the sheer opportunity for growth, in doing something you loved and doing something someone wanted to partake in. so on the day of your arrival you dress your best, hair neatly combed with a pearl diadem and academia as your outfit inspiration for the occasion. "he lives in a secluded home," you recall utahime's words, "up on a hill, or cliff. I don't know. it's always cloudy over there," and you can make out the home on the hill. it's quaint, and you feel thankful for having picked the clothes adequate for the weather.

it surely looked like it was going to rain, so you quicken your pace until you're at the front door, standing still as you swallow the lump at the back of your throat. you were no psychic, but the way your heart churned and palpitated let you know something was about to change your life forever.

"you must be the girl utahime sent, I'm satoru. please step inside," you absentmindedly take in the smile he gives you, taking no answer from you before he opens the door to let you in. he wears a pair of black glasses, contrasting to his snowy hair and porcelain skin. wearing casual loungewear neither of you dare to touch one another in the sense of exchanging a handshake out of respect, or fear. it all feels formal, too formal as if this were a job interview or more.

"it's quite cold outside, isn't it?" after you step inside and change into a pair of slippers that are slightly too big for you, satoru shows you to where you would read to him.

he makes conversation rather well, you find, but there is slight awkwardness in the interactions but not in the way he moves around the house. as he moves up the stairs, he has a hand against the wall as he takes each step with precision, knowing when and where to step. you're fairly quiet, but polite in your conversation with him, until you reach the space he calls his 'study' which is just a room with a large window accompanied by books and belongings.

"you're probably wondering how on earth a blind guy has a clean place, right? well to answer your question, housekeeping."

"I wasn't thinking about that," you answer softly biting the inside of your cheek, "I was just admiring the window."

there's a momentary silence between the two of you. either satoru is surprised by your reply, unrelated to his blindness, or you have struck a sensitive chord, however, his nod makes you think otherwise.

"it is. before I was blind, I'd come here as a teen. house is mine, so even the doors are nice in here." and when he hears you agree, he smiles. "anyways, I'm sure utahime told you the basics about this, yeah?"

"yes."

"great. there's a book on that table to your right. you can start reading that one." as he walks, he takes a seat on a chair across from you. he patiently waits until you sit down again to ask, "before we start, would you like some water?"

"yeah," you breathe, "that'd be great actually."

"there's a few water bottles under the table next to you," he informs, making himself comfortable on the chair, limbs spreading comfortably as you take out a water bottle and glance at the book in your lap.

"this book is about malaysia," you read the title, "is that somewhere you'd like to visit one day?"

"maybe," he says, "it was from a friend of mine."

"did he go to malaysia?"

there's a long silence in between the innocence your question and his answer.

"he did," he answers slowly. "it was always a dream of his to go, so that's why I've kept the book." you don't press him further, instead nodding and suggesting on starting.

when you open the book, you don't miss the elegant cursive writing at the top right of the page.

n. kento

you frequent satoru's home every monday, wednesday, and friday for 3 hours every day. the pay is more than what you expect the first week, $750, but you wonder how this man can easily afford your services.

the bigger question, is how can he live alone in such a home like that? does he ever get hurt? what does he do then?

"yeah, I live here by myself." he answers your question on the third week of your employment. "it's pretty neat though. I don't have to worry about anyone misplacing anything I leave, you know?" his attempt at a joke makes you chuckle and walk up the steps behind him to his study. "are we reading something new today?"

"there's something different I want to try," he tells you, "last night, on the news, I heard there was a feud over some meso-american statue. something to do with jade material being one of the few in existence. I know this is beyond what we agreed, but do you think you can find an article on it?" you nod, affirming his request.

"great!" he smiles, relieved, "my laptop is on the desk. feel free to use it."

you wanted to say that was the last time he asked you for a favor like that, but it was you who fueled his interest. that day, you ended up finding 4 articles, and playing 2 videos about the subject. and as a result, both you and satoru engaged in related conversation until the end of your assigned time.

every few days, satoru would inform you on something (practically asking) and you'd reply by responding, researching the questions he ached to know. it went such way that you were reading him books less and less and more article, media coverage, and conversation.

"did you hear about the experiment trials being conducted by this company called oceangate?" satoru asks, interest laced in his voice, "they're thinking about sending people to view the titanic shipwreck."

and quickly enough, so were you.

"yeah, I also heard about it. I couldn't help but read an article about it. apparently, they've done a few trials, but the company is independent, so I don't know how safe it is or if they have government members involved..."

one of satoru's favorite moments consist of the following.

"did you hear about the crime case that just happened last week? the one with the girl who survived the car accident."

"I did!" you answer eagerly, "I heard her stepdad was the last person to talk to her boyfriend."

"do you think he murdered him?"

"it's tough to say," you bite your bottom lip in contemplation, "I knew he didn't approve of him because he was an aspiring musician, but these texts came out saying he wrote to his brother, 'that man better stay away from my daughter or else I don't know what I'll do',""

"no way."

"and that's not even the worst part," you adjust yourself on your seat, criss cross applesauce. "they found dna remains in his car before his death, hair. right before the car accident. there's speculation they argued before..."

"the accident." satoru nods.

as the weeks progressed, so did your conversations with satoru. the two of you had a knack for being adaptable in your interactions with one another. you could reach a book for an hour, then talk about some recent story or just spend a whole session talking, with the mention of an article or some source always being mentioned.

and satoru burned for that. with every interaction, he found himself looking forward to what else he could bring up, and so did you, even spending time of your own researching things he might be interested in learning about.

things the both of you turned out interested learning about.

"here," satoru could feel the warmth emanate from your body (or his) as you sat next to him, your body scooting closer to his, "hold your hands, yeah, like that," placing a small statue, no bigger than the size of a wine bottle, satoru freezes slightly as you guide his fingers to glide along the edges of the statue.

"my friend managed to get this one out of the archives," you explain, "of course, I just had to bring this to you too. can you sense the material?" the corner of satoru's lips tug upwards in acknowledgement of your excitement. it makes his heart squeeze and pulse in ways that felt familiarly unfamiliar. in a good way, of course. everything you brought in his life was good. whether he could see it or not, you were always so welcoming and sweet.

"is this... legal?" he out of everyone finds himself whispering. as if the authorities could be outside his door. you giggle.

"yes," you smile, "I asked my friend if she could let me borrow this for the day, to take 'pictures'." you chuckle, "obviously that's not what we're doing, is it?" a warmth follows satoru's cheeks as he shakes his head and you smile. "this mesoamerican statue is the same material as the one we read the other week, remember?"

we, satoru's words echo in his head as he nods. "y-yeah. thank you for doing this, you know."

"of course," you smile kindly, "I figured, out of everyone who could be here, I figured you deserve this."

deserve.

"open your hands for me, satoru." your soft voice speaks as you cup his hands, the ocean waves crash from afar. after much convincing, you managed to pull satoru out of his comfort zone. what's the point of going to the ocean if I can't see it? he asks.

well, what's the point of me reading to you and us interacting if you can't see me? you counter. and he realizes you've won.

he can smell the saltwater, can feel the wind blow through his hair and let his feet sink into the sand, but that's not what makes his heart skip a beat. your hands shouldn't feel this soft, he thinks. the way you allow grains of sand to fall in his hands feel otherworldly, holy. the way he senses you smile at him and place a shell on his palm, letting him trace the surface with his finger as you guide him makes him feel as the most enlightened man alive.

he can sense you're close, not by strands of your hair slapping his cheek as the wind blows, but by the warmth of your body. suddenly, he does not feel he is at the beach, but with the beach guiding her hands with his and feeling the warmth of what he feels is your smile.

he remains silent, you're looking at him, and he's looking at you underneath his shades. he's frozen. waiting for you to say something, to break this off as if this would never, by any of his wildest dreams, occur in any universe.

but you don't.

satoru feels his pulse quicken, breathing deepen as the point of your feet slot themselves to his, your nose barely brushes his own, causing the six eyed user to forget everything he once thought he knew of limits and boundaries. kiss me, he thinks, take me, he begs to the heavens. satoru thinks he could be captivated, deeper than any spell odysseus and his men were under at sea, but they were cursed by calypso's beauty, and he felt blessed by the touch of an angel. your touch enviable to the gods above.

when you kiss him, he feels like he just made the greatest discovery to mankind, like he's waited his whole life for this, a feeling that greatly surpasses galileo's lifelong accomplishments and napoleon's combined. no feeling, word, or sight could transcribe what it feels to have your lips slide through his, to have you softly gasp against his lips, and to have your body close to his. satoru is convinced that he has reborn, become whole by the touch of your lips which have sweetly imprinted themselves throughout everything he is.

he holds the back of your neck gently, so as to remind himself that you are here, not a dream but here with him. flesh against flesh, man and woman who share one breath.

when you both pull away, satoru feels himself begging to pull you closer, but the hands that push him from you let him know you need to breathe. and although his body cries otherwise, you speak breathlessly, a hint of a smile in your tone, "did you feel that shell? it was my favorite kind to collect growing up," and he smiles because he learns what it is to collect something as valuable as the shells, your lips.

with nearly 3 months of knowing you, there was a shift in satoru's chest one wednesday morning as you excused yourself for a call.

"...of course I don't! you think I want to live with him?" you ask, voice laced with disgust, "I won't be tied down like that again and you know it, Kiro. I'll be cursed if I have to be with someone like him again. you know I'd never stay for someone like that. It's dead weight on my shoulders, and I won't have anything but pity on him." your words, from the end of the hallway send daggers at satoru's heart.

"yes, I'm at work, what else do you want me to do? It's not like I can just fly my way to you in such a short amount of time. you should have told me..." a long pause, "yes... he's blind," another long pause, "I get paid on the 26th, but my boss won't let me work on the 25th, so you can sleep in my bed while I get home. and wear something under the covers, okay?" somewhere, somehow satoru wanted to tell himself he was not hearing things correctly, that you were still the same girl he knew to be around, but when you returned after your call, something was definitely wrong with you.

"so, how was you call?" he asks, feigning interest, "everything ok?"

"yeah, fine, thanks." you breathe, tired, opening the book in your hands, "chapter 21, the last spring."

one week later.

as much as he wanted to deny it, satoru was beginning to think you had changed. what was it? was it him? the kiss? the way he grabbed you? or have you finally had enough of these little visits that could have been masked as pity for a young man like him?

when the 26th passes, he does not ask what your plans are. as much as he wants to ask, he thinks it's not of his place to ask. is he doing the right thing? he doesn't know. it certainly doesn't ease the unpleasant feeling bubbling in his stomach.

"do you have a favorite treat?" you ask. caught off guard, he nods.

"kikufuku," he tells you, "when I was in high school, there was this elderly couple that had a kikufuku stand and they used to have the best ice cream fillings."

"I thought kikufuku was cream based?"

"It was, but not to them. their ice cream filling was one of a kind."

"when was the last time you had some?"

he laughs, "years ago. I'm pretty sure they ended up closing because the wife died, and she was the only living relative who knew how to make it."

"that's too bad."

"I know, but at least they were happy doing what they did." satoru then changes the subject, shifting the focus to a lighter topic.

on december 6th, satoru recieves a call.

"I told you, you don't have to call me sensei anymore," satoru groans, throwing a wooden sword towards yuuta, catching it flawlessly.

"why not? you've always been my sensei. or would you rather us call eachother cousins?"

"you're right," answered satoru adter a long moment, earning a laugh from his former student. "so what was it you wanted to talk about? clearly it was not to train, so what is it?"

"I just wanted to see how you're doing."

"well you could've just called..."

"you haven't trained with us in a while," yuuta sighs, "everyone. we don't really know what you're up to these days."

and he was right, but satoru would never admit it.

"what?" he asks, almost faking offense, "can't your sensei go on vacat-"

"-utahime sensei says you've been in your home a lot," he clarifies, "only few of us know. toge, panda, yuuji and I."

"what about megumi?"

"he's kind of in his own world," yuuta sighs, placing his weapon down before taking a seat next to gojo in the training room. "he knows things haven't been easy."

"you've kept an eye on him and yuuji like I asked, right?''

"to a degree," he admits, "I can't have them open up so freely because I'll always be their upperclassmen, but you... you're..."

"I get what you're trying to say." he answers flatly.

"you do?"

he nods.

"can I walk with you to your home?" yuuta asks, "there's another thing I'd like to ask, personally this time."

satoru finds himself agreeing with his younger student, what else could he do besides that? as the two walk, satoru finds himself giving advice he didn't think he could give, advising the student on what shall become of him now that he's already over age and in his own right to choose his destiny.

as he advises his pupil, satoru finds himself wondering the same for himself. he's turning a year older in 2 more days, what will become of him? what will he do? what does this mean in relation to kenjaku's damned curse? it aggravated him. upset him how everything felt so secure, almost ideal weeks ago, but now his life felt back in square one, returning to his home that he had grown used to be alo-

"surprise!"

not one, nor two, but several familiar voices called from the inside of his open, making satoru freeze in shock.

"surprise! we thought we'd surprise you sensei" panda's voice rang.

"he's right!" another voice, yuuji's appears, "we thought about making a little get together with our favorite sensei..."

"obviously someone had to plan this," satoru turned, stunned when shoko's voice came into play. "you?"

"no," she chuckles, turning to you but you quickly shake your head, reaching for utahime, "it was utahime!" you call, "she wanted to plan something nice for you."

"aww well aren't you sweet?" he grins tauntingly at utahime who can't help but send daggers your way as shoko muffles her laugh.

for the duration of the party, satoru is accompanied by his co-workers, friends, and students. he hears more about what they've done. what travels they have accomplished, and what romances some of them have experienced all while they share laughs. all while satoru searches for yours.

you stand a respectable distance away from him, deciding it would be best to let his friends and students take over since he hasn't seen them in so long. you weren't as special as they were, only having known satoru for the least amount of time, a part of you felt like a stranger. not that anyone made you feel left out, no. everyone was kind to you and even appreciative for your presence. however, you spent a whole majority of the party not talking to satoru, as if you weren't there.

when it came time to cut the cake, everyone who was an adult was nearly drunk. the students, all joyously supervised by ichiji laughed as they shared a group photo. yuuji, satoru's student mentioned something about adding the photo as his lockscreen, causing everyone to burst out laughing from ichiji's protests. everyone looked happy, with a twinkle in their eyes as the end to the party came to an end.

the students and ichiji were the first to leave, then shoko and utahime finding balance in one another, leaving you alone with satoru in his home.

"you didn't drink, huh."

"I don't really drink in social events." you shyly admit, scratching the back of your neck as satoru does not face you, looking towards the door where utahime and shoko left not long ago.

"you thought you were social?" his words take you by surprise.

"I, um.... I talked to your friends." you say, "they were very nice."

"I barely heard you."

"that's because you were probably occupied talking to the others-"

"-you didn't talk to me." he finds himself saying in annoyance.

"I didn't want to take your day away,"

"from who?"

"you."

"there's nothing to take from me."

"yes there is," you tell him. "your attention. you haven't seen your friends in-"

“they all pity me.”

“what? no they don-”

“-you’re not blind. people don’t… they don’t look at you like some pity animal, just waiting for you to fuck up.”

“you are not a pity....”

“oh yeah?” he breathes, ragged. “then why the fuck did you agree to read to a blind man?”

there was some silence, regret pooled at the back of your throat and then a shift in your weight as you stood.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper. I like you, “I- I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too,”

“I- are we…?”

“I don’t think we should be seeing each other,” he expresses. “not for a while,”

“a while?”

“yeah, a while.’’

“do you… want me to leave?”

“I think it’s for the best.”

“Do you want me to come back monday?”

“I don’t think so,”

when you left, satoru's jaw tightened, hands now fisted by his sides and a body so rigid one might think he were frozen in place. satoru stays like that for several moments, eyes nearing a burning sensation as he focuses on where he would imagine the door is, almost expectantly waiting for your return as if this were a dream.

but it wasn't.

and as the minutes pass, he paces his living room. hands running over his hair.

he had done wrong.

"ichiji," his voice almost broke, dry and borderline desperate. “I…” I think I fucked up, “I want you to pick up y/n. She just left my place, but she doesn’t have a car.”

"I already did," he says, "she said just that."

“Did she tell you anything?” he finds himself expecting.

“not really..."

“how did she look?”

normal? Ichiji wanted to say, didn't you just see her? but the tone in satoru’s voice confirmed that he did something to leave you so quiet after the party.

“she was quiet,” he tells him, “...maybe she was tired from the party. you know, she organized it herself.”

“she... what?”

“yeah. utahime helped her bring the cake. she needed someone to drive while she carried the cake because she didn't trust anyone to hold it the 20 something minutes it took to get to your house. she told me she was trying to look for someone who knew how to make ice cream kikufuku and ended up finding the niece of the old owners of a shop she said you used to frequent. after long convincing, she was able to get the niece to help. I’m pretty sure she made the cake, with the help of the niece of course. she also made the dinner, and even had shoko bring in the drinks along with candles that your friend forgot to bring, — so I guess she was just tired, right?”

Satoru was speechless. unsure if it was the fact that you did so much for him or the fact that he had never heard, in his entire life, hear ichiji speak for so long with such conviction, it was everything he needed to hear.

right? the words in satoru's mind, head pounding with everything and anything relating you. and on the other side of the line stood a confused yet almost concerned ichiji.

"hello? are you still there?"

"yeah," he answered dryly, "is... is she home safe?"

"of course, I dropped her off." but it sounded like, why wouldn't she be? to which satoru felt like it wasn't a good enough answer. he needed to see, hear that you were okay. and he was afraid that he was regretting his words so easily.

"satoru," now serious, ichiji's words pulled him from his thoughts, "are you still there? what happen-"

"-I fucked up," he choked, "I... I said things I shouldn't have..."

150 notes · View notes

tobiasdrake · 5 months ago

Text

Digimon Adventure 02x06 - A Perilous Picnic / Family Picnic

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Iori's grandpa accidentally offered to make out with him and it was so awkward that Iori fled to the Digital World. There, Jou gave him a pep talk about self-determination, and Iori gave him his name in return. Then they had boiled crayfish for dinner.

We've almost gone on a life-changing vacation with every single member of the original Chosen Children. There's just one left. And we've saved the best for last.

Right from the start, a plane touches down at a Tokyo airport, and a crowd of people disembarks. GUESS WHO'S BACK, BITCHES!!!

Mimi: It's been so long since I've been in Japan....

She takes out her Digivice, fixing the time over from Eastern Standard Time to Tokyo. Not sure why her departure from the U.S. is labeled with its time zone but her destination time isn't Japan Standard Time.

Then again, J.S.T. is sometimes called Tokyo Standard Time so that might be the case here. I'm not 100% on the cultural particulars for what people preferred to call the time zone in 2002.

In any case, her time changes from 6:54 PM to 8:54 AM, which means she is going to have insane jet-lag.

Mimi: It's still morning. Alright!

Mimi tries weakly to give herself a shot of energy, takes three steps, and then lets out a huge, unstoppable yawn.

Mimi: So sleepy....

...Mimi must have a super early bedtime, because 7 PM isn't that late.

(They had to nerf Mimi or else she would be unstoppable. Dragging the Digimon Kaiser out of his control room by his ear and ripping into him in two parallel dimensions about his cruel mistreatment of the Digimon and also his hideous edgelord fashion. Who wears a wig to make their hair look unkempt!?)

In the dub, while the plane is setting down, they add in a flight attendant's voice over the P.A. system.

Attendant: Attention, passengers. East Means West Airlines welcomes you to Tokyo. Again, we apologize for the pilot stepping out for popcorn during the in-flight movie. (Everyone disembarks into the airport) Intercom: Would the owner of the gray 747 parked outside the window please report to the cockpit? Your lights are on.

Haha. HahahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

That was good. Brilliant gag to open the episode on. Not just the direct jokes about the plane's bumbling pilot, though those are good. But also "East Means West" as the name of an airline that flies West from the U.S. to reach the "Far East" Asia. I love it.

Mimi: It's so bright out and I'm wide awake. What time is it? ...8:54 in the morning!? I'm still on New York time! (Mimi fishes out her Digivice) Mimi: I'd better change my watch. (Mimi changes the time) Mimi: There. Now I'm caught up. (Mimi tries to leave and gets caught up in a huge yawn) Mimi: I'm exhausted....

Mimi calls it a watch but it's clearly her Digivice. Though it's possible that she's gotten into the habit of referring to it that way during her time in New York, since it has limited utility outside the Digital World.

In the original, Mimi clearly states that this she hasn't been in Japan for a long time. Dub Mimi leaves it to the imagination.

Meanwhile, at the Motomiya residence, Daisuke oversleeps his alarm.

The alarm, which continues ringing incessantly throughout the scene wakes Chibimon. Realizing Daisuke isn't getting up, Chibimon calls out to him.

Chibimon: Daisuke...? ...huh?

Amid the gross disaster zone that is Daisuke's room, Chibimon finds him passed out in a pile of school supplies and snacks.

Chibimon: Daisuke! Daisuke! DAISUKE!!! DAISUKE!!!

When Chibimon's loudest shouting fails to wake Daisuke, he moves to plan B. He jumps on Daisuke's stomach and bounds up and down on top of him.

Chibimon: (bounce) DAISUKE!!! Daisuke: Urk...

It takes four bounces, but Daisuke's involuntary resolve to remain asleep finally breaks. He opens his eyes to see Chibimon sitting on his gut.

Chibimon: (pleasantly) Good morning, Daisuke. Daisuke: ...uh... good morning, Chibimon. ...why does my stomach hurt...?

Probably something you ate, I'm sure. No need to interrogate it too closely.

It seems the Chosen Children were able to smuggle their Partner Digimon home with them this time, rather than leaving them in Computer Club.

The dub, as usual, misses the show's audio cues. The blaring morning alarm that Daisuke's sleeping through is not present at all in their version, which strips DemiVeemon of his reasonable urgency in waking Davis.

DemiVeemon: Davis? Wake up! Davis: (loud snoring) DemiVeemon: Davis! Davis! DAVIS!!! DAVIS!!! (DemiVeemon jumps on Davis) DemiVeemon: DAVIS!!! DAVIS!!!

Davis does not react audibly to DemiVeemon's hops. Though we hear the sound of flesh smacking to indicate DemiVeemon's four impacts, there are no reactive grunts from the sleeping Davis.

Davis: (waking up) ...huh? DemiVeemon: (pleasantly) Good morning! Sleep well? Davis: Yeah, until I heard all that screaming. The next time I tell you to wake me up, try to be a little quieter so I can get some sleep.

Oddly, Davis objects to the shouts that failed to wake him up instead of the jumping on his gut. In lieu of the ringing alarm, his last line is meant to explain why DemiVeemon spent this scene so frantically trying to rouse him.

This scene is one case where dubbing purely off a translated script and making up the audio as you go really hurts the scene. The script for the scene is solid, but the missing sounds of the alarm and Daisuke's reactions to Chibimon's hops leave it a pale imitation of the original.

Over at his place, Iori gets dressed while wondering about Upamon, who's gone missing.

Iori: Where could Upamon have gotten off to?

Opening his bedroom door, he quietly calls into the dining room.

Iori: Upamon?

Sure enough, that troublesome Digimon is sitting on the dining room table, wearing a basket on his head as a Solid Snake disguise. When he sees that Iori's awake, he jumps down from the table and hops over to him.

Upamon: Iori! Iori: (scolding) You can't just go wandering around the house like that. Upamon: Your mom is making something weird! Iori: Something weird?

Fumiko, Iori's mother, is in the kitchen slicing sushi rolls. Iori takes Upamon back into his room.

Iori: That's kanpyoumaki. Upamon: Kanpyoumaki? Iori: Yes. Miyako-san requested it. Kan-pyou-maki.

Kanpyoumaki is a gourd-based vegetarian sushi roll. In place of the typical fish, it uses rehydrated strips of the calabash gourd, which are called kanpyou. The kanpyou are soaked for upwards of 24 hours ahead of time to soften them back up. Then they're boiled, sauced, and sliced into your typical sushi roll with rice and nori, a type of seaweed.

In the original, it's not clear how long Upamon's been spying on Fumiko from beneath his terrible basket disguise. Cody in the dub states in no uncertain terms that he hasn't been doing this for very long.

Cody: I turn my back on him for one minute and he disappears! Upamon, where are you? (Cody opens the door to peer into the dining room) Cody: Hmm? Upamon! Upamon: Hmm? Cody! (Upamon bounds down and hops over to Cody) Cody: How many times do I have to tell you not to wander around the house!? Mom might think you're a rodent! Upamon: Guess what! I think your mom is making us some candy over there. Cody: Candy? (Closeup shot of Fumiko cutting sushi before Cody takes Upamon back into his room) Cody: It's not candy, it's sushi! Upamon: Does it taste like candy? Cody: Not really. It's seaweed and raw fish. Upamon: Yucky! Cody: Hehe, that was my first reaction too.

Seaweed and boiled gourd but it's fine. I don't expect American nine-year-olds to be super familiar with the various types of sushi.

It was very common for dubs of this era to try and pass off clearly Japanese food items as localized American products. We all know Brock from Pokemon and his rice ball-style double bacon cheeseburgers and jelly donuts. So there's something really funny to me about Cody and Upamon having an "It's candy!" "No, that's sushi," exchange in the show itself.

That Cody nonetheless still manages to misrepresent the sushi is the icing on the cake.

Also, apparently Upamon Solid Snaking it around the house has been a persistent problem in the dub. I love the implication that he got in trouble for this before and went, "Got it. Next time: Basket hat. No one will ever know." Like this wasn't just a shitty plan; This is what he worked his way up to.

I am a firm believer that "again" is the funniest word in the English language.

Over at her place, Hikari's packing her backpack.

She breaks the fourth wall by humming "Break Up!", the show's kickass evolution and fuck these guys up theme. The replacement for "Show Me Your Brave Heart". It's an earworm, to be sure.

Hikari: (humming) Tailmon: (reluctant) Am I going in there too? Hikari: That's right, Tailmon.

With a huge shit-eating grin on her face, Hikari picks a distressed Tailmon and stuffs her into the backpack, despite Tailmon's wriggling and muffled groans of protest.

Hikari: Come on, get in! Get in!

At his place, Takeru steps out the front door, calling out the traditional Japanese farewell.

Takeru: Ittekimasu!

Before he can step out the gate, he suddenly realizes he's missing something. He goes back inside.

Takeru: Ah! Forgot something!

Takeru emerges with a furiously wriggling backpack.

Patamon: TAKERU!!! HOW COULD YOU FORGET ME!?!? Takeru: (sheepish) Sorry, Patamon....

Rude! And after all they've been through together. XD

In the dub:

Kari: I've made a nice little bed for you, Gatomon. Gatomon: You think I'm getting in there!? Think again! Kari: Oh come on. Be a sport, ahahahaha! (Kari picks up Gatomon and stuffs her in) Kari: It'll be fun!

Sad to lose Kari's fourth-wall breaking but they do nail Gatomon's muffled protest noises so this is pretty solid.

T.K.: I'm leaving now! I'll be back later! (T.K. almost leaves, then stops) T.K.: Oops, one more thing. Patamon! (T.K. goes back in and retrieves his angry backpack) Patamon: Will you hurry up!? Your gym socks from yesterday are in here! T.K.: (sheepish) Sorry, I forgot.

Not sure why they needed to change the punchline. It was pretty good as is.

...why is T.K. even bringing old gym socks to this event? That's gross, T.K. That's Davis-level gross.

If this were Cody, Davis, or Yolei, I might ding them for bluntly saying they forgot their Digimon when they enter the apartment. But Kari and T.K.'s parents already know Gatomon and Patamon. They were in Odaiba that day.

At her family's convenience store, Miyako loots the shelves and fills up a duffel bag while her mom notes down all the inventory she's making off with.

Miyako: Three with tuna mayo, two with bonito flakes, and one orange drink.

That's right, tuna mayo. The combination of tuna and mayo is so universally recognizable as the correct way to consume tuna that "tuna mayo" is a recognized ingredient in Japan.

Both tuna mayo and bonito flakes can used to make rice balls, which is what she's picking out. We don't get to see it for ourselves, but she clarifies it later in the episode.

The orange drink is probably a literal orange drink, not a rice ball topping. Though the way she counted them off did give me mental images of soaking a rice ball in Crush or Sunkist. Daisuke would eat it. So would Mimi.

Miyako: This is all for the Computer Club's picnic. Mother: (jotting down) Three with tuna mayo, two with bonito flakes, one orange drink. Where are you going for this picnic? Miyako: Add two anpan.

Anpan are sweet rolls filled with bean paste.

Miyako: (annoyed) And we haven't decided yet! Mother: That's suspicious. Miyako: (irritated) It's not suspicious at all! Mother: ... Miyako: BYE MOM!!! Mother: MIYAKO!!!

Miyako unsuspiciously bolts out the door with her bag full of appropriated merchandise before her mom can interrogate her any further.

She makes it out the door, but then her duffel bag yelps in pain.

Poromon: GYECK!!! MIYAKO-SAN!!!

Miyako stops, unzipping her duffel to check on Poromon who's been stuffed in there with all the picnic supplies.

Miyako: Oh no! Poromon, are you okay? Poromon: I'm okay, but don't shake me around so much! Miyako: Sorry, sor-- Takeru: (calling out) What's going on, Miyako-san?

Takeru and Iori are right there, watching Miyako sheepishly apologize to her dufflemon.

Iori: Let's get going! Miyako: (embarrassed) Ehe ehehe....

I don't think any of the Digimon like this particular method of passing Stealth checks.

In the dub:

Yolei: Okay, mom. I think I'm packed. Besides the usual, I'm also taking potato salad, macaroni salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, fruit salad, and three-bean salad. Mother: Actually, it's only two-bean salad today. I was out of the third bean. That's an awful lot of food for one girl to have for lunch. Yolei: I told you, I'm having a picnic with the Computer Club today. So I offered to bring salad for everyone. Mother: And who's paying for it? Yolei: Yeah, I need to talk to you about that... Mother: ... Yolei: TALK TO YOU LATER!!! Mother: YOLEI, WAIT!!! (Yolei flees the store with appropriated goods in hand) Poromon: (muffled) YOLEI, HURRY!!! OPEN UP!!! OPEN UP!!! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!! Yolei: What's the matter, Poromon? Poromon: Sitting on this coleslaw's getting a little messy! And what's in here that has such a foul smell!? Yolei: Deviled eggs! Poromon: PEE-YEW!!! T.K.: Poromon's right, I can smell them from all the way over here! Yolei: I guess the mayonnaise has gone bad.

Yolei's picnic goods are heavily localized. However, since we only directly see the merch when Miyako opens her bag, Yolei gets away with it pretty easily.

Per the last time Yolei brought treats from the family store, her dub family expects her to pay for everything she takes. This presents the scene with a complication. At no point does Miyako exchange money with her mother, nor is there any indication of an expectation that she will.

So the dub uses the existing joke of Miyako skirting away before her mom can make her explain herself, and makes that into a joke in which Yolei whole-ass robs the family store. XD

Incidentally, someone on the dub team really likes the "I only have two beans" joke. They made (or will make) that same joke with Tai's mother Yuuko in Digimon: The Movie.

The dub also changes out the bit with Poromon getting crushed by jostling merch during Miyako's Shoplifter Sprint, replacing it for an extended bit about rotten eggs.

Lot of dub-exclusive olfactory offenses being committed in the lead-up to this picnic.

Now that everyone's ready to go, Miyako, Iori, and Takeru meet up with Daisuke and Hikari who are already hanging out outside of Odaiba Elementary.

Miyako: Sorry to keep you waiting! Daisuke: Ah, there you are. Hikari: We're all here. Daisuke: Yes! Let's go have a PICNIC!!! Group: YEAH!!!

But we're gonna have to be sneaky about it 'cause we aren't allowed to be here. The team creeps over the hedges, making sure the coast is clear. Then they slide the gate open and sneak onto school grounds.

Once inside the school building, Miyako starts complaining about the injustice of their situation.

Miyako: (whispers angrily) Why do I need to sneak around to get into the Computer Clubroom when I'm already a member of Computer Club! Iori: (whispers) It can't be helped. The rules strictly forbid the use of school facilities during off-days. Daisuke: (hisses) BE QUIET!!! (Miyako and Iori bow sheepishly)

The precise reason for school closure isn't expressly stated. The word is 休日 kyuujitsu, which is a catch-all for any sort of involuntary day off. Holidays, weekends, snow days, what have you. If you can't go to school or work for reasons you didn't personally request yourself, it's 休日 kyuujitsu.

In the dub:

Davis: Aren't the others supposed to be here? Kari: Yeah, they're late. Davis: Here they come now! Hey, what took you guys so long? Yolei: I stopped at a drinking fountain to give Poromon a bath. It's a long story. Davis: Never mind! Let's go!

That payoff for the deviled egg and coleslaw bit is pretty funny. XD

The dub takes their first commercial break here, and then we return at the start of our sneaking mission - with some extra dialogue.

(DigiDestined peek over the hedge) Davis: All clear. (Davis opens the gate) Davis: Now everybody remember my plan: CROUCH!!! (The team sneaks inside) Davis: Keep crouching! (They make it up into the school) Yolei: Listen, I know it's a Saturday and we're not really supposed to be at school but nobody is within miles of this place! I refuse to crouch. Hmph! Cody: Actually, Davis, I don't think it's really necessary for me to crouch. Davis: I got us here! Am I the best or what!? (Yolei and Cody bow sheepishly)

That Miyako isn't bothering to walk around the halls in Sneaking Mode and Iori is so small that it isn't necessary is a funny bit of visual characterization. The dub works the dialogue around to emphasize that, while still conveying the key point: The school is closed and that's why we need to break in.

Though we lose Miyako's outrage at the perceived unfairness of the rules. Instead, she just thinks Davis is an idiot, which is not an unfair assessment of his behavior.

Additionally, Yolei's line doesn't really connect with the animation. She was visibly crouching when they were outside. Miyako only straightens up once they're safely inside the building, so the dub's gag needs for you to have not noticed that.

Since they threw out the part where Daisuke scolds Miyako and Iori for chitchatting during a Stealth Mission, the final shot of the pair bowing in embarrassment has to be recontextualized. In this version, it seems like it's supposed to be a mutual cringe at Davis's bragging.

Once Iori and Miyako have been scolded, the team keeps going until they reach Computer Club.

Daisuke: (whispers) Let's head in.

They slip inside, quiet as a mouse, and head over to the computer containing the Gate. Miyako loads it up, and we hear the activation chime signaling that the Gate is open.

Daisuke: Go ahead, Miyako. Miyako: Bingo! Chosen Children, LET'S ROLL-- (Door opens) Mimi: ...what are all of you doing here?

Three out of five Children freeze up in panic, as well as their Digimon. But the other two and two....

Hikari, Takeru & Digimon: Mimi-san!? Others: Huh!? Mimi-san!? Mimi: Takeru-kun? Hikari-chan? Takeru & Hikari: Yeah! Takeru: Daisuke-kun, Miyako-san, Iori-kun. This is Tachikawa Mimi-san, one of the older Chosen Children.

Tachikawa Mimi is a Chosen Child-type Human. Her "Specialty Skill" is listed as Otome no Nage Kiss, or "Maiden's Blown Kiss", and she also has the Special Attack Unchi Tsukami meaning "Poop Grab". Though the ン in ウンチ Unchi appears to be censored. This is a reference to that time she seized a Garbamon's Poop projectile and chucked it back at them.

Mimi originally debuted in the Digimon Adventure OVA before going on to feature as a main character in the anime that followed. She's had to move around a lot, first from Hikarigaoka to Odaiba and then to the United States. In video games and other supplemental media, she is typically accompanied by her Partner Digimon Palmon.

Narrator: Tachikawa Mimi! She lives on the East Coast of the United States. She's returned to Japan briefly in order to attend her cousin's wedding on behalf of her parents, who are busy with work. Miyako: Sora-san told me about you! Mimi: She didn't say anything weird, did she? Miyako: (sheepish) ...bingo.... Mimi: (irritated) Oh, did she? Daisuke: We're Chosen Children now. Mimi: Ehehe, I see that.

I don't know why Mimi gets a rundown from the Digimon Analyzer. XD But I'm here for it.

In the dub, a school bell inexplicably rings when the kids enter Computer Club despite school being closed.

Davis: Let's go! Hey, I wonder if the Digital World's open on Saturdays?

Once they're inside, Davis says nothing and the camera hangs awkwardly on the group in silence for three seconds instead.

Yolei: Alright! I got us in! Am I the best or what? (Door opens suddenly) Group: HUH!?!? Mimi: I'm sorry, but... Are you supposed to be here? Kari, T.K., & Digimon: Mimi! Others: Mimi!? Mimi: Um, T.K.? Kari? Kari: Yup! T.K.: Yup! Davis, Yolei, Cody, I want you to meet someone. This is our friend Mimi. She's one of the original DigiDestined who moved to America. Mimi: (rundown) I'm Mimi! I've set my sights on success in the fashion world of New York City. Don't think I'm just a strawberry blonde beauty who knows she's beautiful! Yolei: Hi, Mimi. Sora told us all about you! Mimi: I spoke to her! She told me about you too! Davis: (flirty) Hello, Mimi! My name's Davis but you can call me... uh, Davis. Mimi: (creeped out) Yeah, she definitely told me about you.

Mimi's diegetic rundown cuts out the explanation for her return to Japan, instead serving to re-establish her wealthy fashionista dub persona for the new series.

They take out Mimi getting miffed at Sora for sharing embarrassing stories about her. Specifically, Sora "telling them all about Mimi" is referring to Sora's pep-talk to Miyako in episode 2. Sora mentioned that Mimi used to whine a lot about wanting to go home but only sort of hinted at how that character arc ended.

And they add in some more of Davis being obnoxious while everyone dunks on him.

Mimi: Patamon and Tailmon look like they're doing well! Patamon & Tailmon: Long time no see! Hikari: So, when did you get back from America? Mimi: This morning! I was passing by Odaiba Elementary School and started feeling nostalgic, so I snuck in through the back gate. Ahaha! Daisuke: We came in through the back gate too! Mimi: Huh? Daisuke: We're on our way to have a picnic in the Digital World. Mimi: You're what? Miyako: You should come too, Mimi-san! Mimi: Well, my cousin's wedding is tomorrow... Would that be alright? Miyako: BINGO!!! Daisuke: (scolding) Miyako, you can't just decide that on your own. Miyako: (disappointed) Huh? I can't? Daisuke: I mean, I'm fine with it but-- Iori: I'm for it. Takeru: Me too! Hikari: And me! Miyako: BINGO BINGO BIIIIIIINGO!!! Chosen Children, LET'S ROLL!!!

It begins. Miyako got fucking target-lock on Mimi the moment she walked through that door, and it's only going to escalate from here.

In the dub:

Mimi: Gatomon, Patamon, how have you been? Gatomon: (bitterly) Other than being stuffed in a knapsack like a wet towel, fine! Kari: It's so good to see you! When did you get back? Mimi: This morning. I was passing by the school and just had to take a look for old times' sake. I just walked in the front gate! Someone left it open! Davis: That was us! We had to sneak in since the school was closed. Mimi: Huh? Davis: That's right! We all decided to go on a nice Saturday picnic in the Digital World! Mimi: Digital World?

For some reason, they have Mimi say that like she's just hearing about it for the first time. Weird line choice.

The back gate is now the front gate, and Mimi mentions that the group left it open. Unlike Yolei refusing to crouch, this shores up with the animation. When they snuck through the gate earlier, it swung back towards a closed position but stopped a little ways ajar.

Yolei: Maybe Mimi can come with us! Mimi: I haven't been there in so long! Do you think it would be okay? Yolei: Of course! Davis: Yolei, we didn't bring enough sodas for an extra person! Yolei: Oh no.... Cody: It's okay. She can have my soda. T.K.: Mine too. Kari: And mine. Yolei: PERFECTO!!! Now let's go! Davis: (grumpy) That's great; Now the rest of us don't have anything to drink. Yolei: Digi-Port Open!

They remove this reference to Mimi's cousin's wedding too. I guess that's not happening in the dub version.

Everyone voicing their agreement has been changed to everyone drowning Mimi in soda. She does love her soda, so I'm sure she won't object.

The Chosen Children pass through the Gate and enter the Digital World.

First order of business: A bit of scouting.

Daisuke: A Dark Tower... ... ...is not here! Group: (collective sigh of relief) Mimi: (enchanted) This... is definitely the Digital World!

Her eyes linger on a large flower sprouting from the base of a tree.

Mimi: (thinking) Will I be able to see Palmon?

In her imagination, the flower stands up and unfurls into Palmon.

Palmon: Mimi!

But only in her imagination. Not gonna be quite that easy.

Three years ago, Mimi never would have imagined that she might one day be nostalgic for this place.

In the dub:

Davis: Hey hey, good news, guys! Take a look around! I don't see a Control Spire anywhere, do you? Group/Yolei: (Miscellaneous unintelligible nopes) / No sirree! Mimi: (enchanted) How cool! I'm back! The Digital World hasn't changed! (Mimi's eyes linger on a flower) Mimi: (thinking) I wonder if I'll see Palmon again? (Mimi imagines the flower standing up as Palmon) Palmon: Hi!

Solid. No notes.

The team gets moving to find a good spot for their picnic, while Miyako briefs Mimi on the Digimon Kaiser situation.

Mimi: Digimon Kaiser? Miyako: He's building Dark Towers so that he can take control of the Digital World. Mimi: So you're saying that we're safe around here because he hasn't built any Dark Towers nearby? Miyako: And since it's safe, we're having our picnic here.

This is what Miyako meant when she told her mom they didn't know where they were going to hold the picnic. Implicitly, if they spotted a Dark Tower in the area, they'd keep searching until they found a place without one.

Mimi: A picnic in the Digital World... That would have been unthinkable back in our day. Things sure have changed! Miyako: Up until now, we've only really ever come here to knock down the Dark Towers. But now it's Golden Week, so we thought it'd be nice to have some fun in the Digital World for once!

And that's why school is closed. Golden Week is a set of multiple Japanese holidays so close together that they drew a big oval around the date range and called the whole thing a celebration period.

This, incidentally, gives us a fair understanding of the time that's elapsed in the show thus far. Episode 1 was on the first day of school, which is typically the first week of April. Golden Week takes place from April 29th to May 5th, so the new Chosen Children have been fighting the Digimon Kaiser for about a month now. Implicitly, there seems to have been a lot of offscreen Dark Tower tug-of-wars between episodes.

Assuming this is the very start of Golden Week, Mimi's cousin is getting married on April 30th. That day, as well as May 1st and 2nd, have no direct holidays to celebrate so it's well-timed. A big, joyous day of Golden Week but not one that's going to overlap an important holiday.

But Golden Week isn't a thing in the U.S. so the dub made it Saturday, and also erased the wedding for some reason.

Mimi: Digimon Emperor? Davis: Yeah! He builds these Control Spires, tries to take over the Digital World, yadda yadda yadda.... Mimi: So if there's no Control Spires, are we safe? Yolei: Yeah! That's why we picked this spot to go on our picnic. Mimi: Gee, we never would have thought about having a picnic here in the old days because we'd be too worried about giant-sized digital ants. Yolei: So far, every time we've come here, it's been to destroy a Control Spire. But since it's Saturday, we thought we'd just come here to have some fun!

Davis butts in on Mimi and Miyako's conversation.

The dub makes it sound like this is the first Saturday since the series began. Which it can be. There's been five episodes up to now and each one has ended at the end-of-day. So it is possible for this to only be the sixth day since Tai first activated those new Digivices for the new kids.

In any case, we've been walking for a bit and the team's getting hungry.

Takeru: Daisuke-kun, shouldn't we take lunch soon? Daisuke: Isn't it too early for that? Hikari: (pleasantly) I'm getting hungry.

I need you to understand that Hikari does not voice that as a complaint. She closes her eyes with a big smile on her face and, in the most upbeat tone, announces her hunger to the crowd.

Daisuke practically screeches to a stop with a huge blush on his face.

Daisuke: Let's have lunch! Hikari: (shit-eating grin) ^_^ Takeru: (irritated) What the heck?

She knows exactly what she's doing. Hikari fixed this situation.

In the dub:

Cody: We should pick out a spot around here to lay out the picnic blanket and dish out the food! T.K.: Sounds great! Davis: No, it doesn't! It's way too early for lunch. Let's keep walking! Kari: (pleasantly) I am a little hungry.... (Davis stops suddenly, blushing) Davis: I'm starved! Let's eat! Kari: (shit-eating grin) ^_^ T.K.: (snidely) Why didn't I think of that?

The dub de-emphasizes the one-sided love rivalry between Daisuke and Takeru here, by having Cody be the one to suggest lunch. T.K. merely agrees with Cody, so Davis ends up bickering back at the wrong person.

But the central gag, in which Hikari gently manipulates Daisuke into being less obstinate, comes through unscathed.

The team sets up their picnic blanket and dishes out the food.

Miyako: I brought rice balls from my convenience store. (holds one out to Mimi) Would you like one? Mimi: (gasp) Tuna mayo...

Closeup on the rice ball in Miyako's hand, while a short tune from the distinctly Japanese shamisen plays over it. The tuna mayo rice ball presented here as a microcosm of Mimi's homesick longing for Japan.

She came home from the Digital World just in time to get Isekai'd again to somewhere else.

Mimi: (teary-eyed) It's been so long! I've been dreaming about tuna mayo! (takes the rice ball) THANK YOOOOOOOOOOOOU!!! Group: Ahahahaha! Mimi: (bite) T_T So good....

Miyako rolled a Nat 20 on that Charisma check. Daisuke's jealous; He keeps rolling 5's.

In the dub:

Yolei: I brought these from my family's convenience store. (holds one out to Mimi) You want some? Mimi: (gasp) Is that what I think it is? (Closeup on the rice ball with no music) Mimi: A chocolate-covered rice ball!? (teary-eyed) I haven't had one since I was a kid! I love 'em! Group: Ahahahaha! Mimi: (bite) Mmm....

There are a variety of ways you can wrap the nori when making a rice ball. The ones Miyako brought are fully encased in nori, which is what the dub is passing off as a chocolate coating. This is still far less egregious than how some anime of the era tried to disguise their rice balls.

Missing sound time again. Going off a translated dialogue script, the dub didn't hear the shamisen playing when Mimi fixated on the rice ball. So they took "It's been so long!" to mean she's nostalgic for her childhood, rather than the obvious implication of Japan.

Miyako silently watches Mimi enjoy the rice ball for about three seconds before turning her attention to her actual Partner.

Miyako: How about you, Hawkmon? Hawkmon: I would like... some of that.

He points out Iori and Armadimon, who've set out the kanpyoumaki. Iori's happily watching Armadimon stuff one of the sushi rolls in his mouth.

Miyako: You want kanpyoumaki? Hawkmon: Iori-san, may I please have a kanpyoumaki? Armadimon: Huh? Okay dagyaa.

Armadimon takes a roll out of the tin and winds up to toss it to Hawkmon.

Iori: Huh? DON'T THROW IT!!! Armadimon: (throw) Iori: AH!!!

Armadimon overshoots by a wide margin and sends the kanpyoumaki rolling across the dirt.

Hawkmon: AUGH!!!! M-MY KANPYOUMAKI!!!

Hawkmon sprints off, chasing the rolling sushi and forcing Miyako to go chasing after him.

Iori: (scolding) My mother made this food for us! Don't be so careless with it! Armadimon: Iori... I'm sorry, dagyaa.

But while Iori's scolding Armadimon, Mimi's stopped eating her tuna mayo rice ball. She watches Miyako and Hawkmon disappear into the woods with concern printed on her face.

(Mimi knows exactly how perilous the Digital World can be. It's not a good place to suddenly run off on your own.)

In the dub:

Yolei: What will you have? Hawkmon: I'll have whatever Armadillomon is having. Yolei: He's eating sushi. Hawkmon: Excellent. I'll have one sushi please. Armadillomon: Comin' right up! (Armadillomon winds up the toss) Cody: NO, NEVER THROW FOOD!!! (Armadillomon overshoots) Hawkmon: AUGH!!! COME BACK, LITTLE SUSHI!!! (Hawkmon and Yolei run off into the woods) Yolei: Wait! Hawkmon, come back! It's just a California Roll! Hawkmon: Yes, well it's rolling all the way back to California! Mimi: (thinking) I have a bad feeling about this. I don't like that they're going off into the woods all alone!

Hawkmon's California Roll joke got me. XD

Iori's scolding of Armadimon is removed so that they can use that time spelling out what that expression on Mimi's face means. Even though I think it's pretty obvious.

Mimi gets up and leaves the picnic, going into the woods to search for Miyako and Hawkmon.

Mimi: MIYAKO-CHAAAAAN!!! HAWKMOOOOON!!! WHERE ARE YOU!?!? Woods: ... Mimi: MIYA--

Suddenly, Mimi takes the wrong step. A trapdoor panel opens up underfoot, and Mimi plunges into a dark abyss.

Mimi: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Cut to the dead of night under a crescent moon, Miyako shakes an unconscious Mimi to wake her.

Miyako: Mimi-san? Hawkmon: Mimi-san! Miyako: Mimi-san! Both: Mimi-san! Mimi: (slowly opens eyes) Miyako: Mimi-san? Hawkmon: Mimi-san! Miyako: Mimi-san? Mimi: ...what...? Miyako: Ah! She came to! Hawkmon: She's awake! Mimi: Miyako-chan, Hawkmon... what's...? Miyako: Look at that.

Miyako directs Mimi's attention to an ominous black obelisk rising over the woods in the distance, lit by spotlights. Also there are cacti in the forest because fuck you, the Digital World doesn't have to make ecological sense. Eggs grow in fridges.

Miyako: That is a Dark Tower. Hawkmon: This is the Digimon Kaiser's territory.

I blame Armadimon for this. See, kids? This is what poor table manners does. It makes your friends vulnerable to fascism. That is an entirely reasonable and predictable outcome that he should have seen coming.

In the dub:

Mimi: YOLEIIIII!!! HAWKMOOOOON!!! Mimi: COME BAAAA--AHHHHHH!!!

I love the way the dub flows the vowel of "back" into her scream. The Japanese version could have done something similar with "MIYA--AHHHHHHH!!!" but they don't. She's cut off when the ground gives way, and then she's silent for about two seconds before she starts screaming.

Yolei: Wake up. Mimi, wake up. Hawkmon: I hope she's alright. Mimi: (slowly opens her eyes) Yolei: Mimi... Wake up.... Mimi: Mhm.... Yolei: Are you okay? Mimi: The last thing that I remember, I fell. Yolei: We all did. Look at that! Mimi: (gasp) (Shot of the Control Spire in the distance) Mimi: What is it!? Yolei: It's a Control Spire. Hawkmon: That means the Digimon Emperor controls this area.

Genuinely surprised at the restraint here. The roughly 10-15 seconds of just saying "Mimi-san" over and over gives the dub plenty of space to insert quips, but they play this scene totally straight.

Once the team's noticed the Tower, their attention is drawn back down to the woods by miscellaneous chattering animal noises growing steadily louder.

A chattering crowd of Gekomon and Otamamon emerge from the woods.

Mimi: Whew! It's just Otamamon and Gekomon. Miyako: You know them? Mimi: Yeah! They're my friends. Hawkmon: They're not your friends anymore.

Closeup on their legs. Each Gekomon has an Evil Ring on their left leg, while the Otamamon have Evil Rings on their right forelegs.

Hawkmon: They're wearing Evil Rings! Mimi: Eh!?

Without any further ado, the horde surges forward and attacks. Zoom out from the forest as a classic Mimi shriek carries us out to commercial break.

Mimi: AHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Miyako probably should have mentioned the Evil Rings when she was briefing Mimi on the Dark Towers. She only told Mimi that Dark Tower areas were under the Kaiser's control but she never explained what that means.

In the dub:

(Red eyes appear in the dark) Mimi: Something tells me those aren't taillights in a parking lot. (The horde appears) Gekomon & Otamamon: (chanting) PRINCESS MIMI PRINCESS MIMI PRINCESS MIMI PRINCESS MIMI.... Mimi: Relax! They're just Gekomon and Otamamon! Yolei: How do you know that, Mimi? Mimi: 'Cause they're my friends! Hawkmon: They don't look too friendly.... (Closeup of the Dark Rings) Hawkmon: Not while they're wearing those Dark Rings. Horde: GET HER!!!

The dub skips the commercial break here because they have somewhere else in mind that they want to put it. To that end, they cut the shot zooming out from the forest and go straight into the action of the next bit.

Returning from commercial, Mimi and Miyako flee from the Gekomon horde.

Suddenly, Mimi trips.

Mimi: ACK!!! Gekomon Swarm: GOT YOU!!! Hawkmon: Mimi-san! Miyako: NOOOOOOOO!!! THOSE WEIRD FROGS AND TADPOLES ARE GOING TO GET MIMI-ONEESAMA!!!

Miyako stands there shrieking instead of helping Mimi. In her panic, she also calls Mimi onee-sama in a slip of the tongue, saying out loud that she reveres Mimi as an older sister-type figure and in the most respectful and quasi-worshipful way possible.

It's not uncommon for younger kids to use onii-san and onee-san to address older kids they respect who aren't their literal sibling, but it's not something Miyako has been doing out loud, nor will she continue to. That just slipped out.

We've seen a few senpai/kouhai relationships between the old guard and new Chosen Children, but Mimi is not senpai. Mimi is onee-san. She'd probably prefer it that way anyway. But even more than that, Mimi is onee-sama. Miyako reveres her as a figure worthy of ultimate respect, despite the fact that they met like an hour ago.

Mimi: Miyako-chan, run....

Mimi's strength gives out and she collapses onto the ground, but with an huge, inexplicable smile on her face.

Mimi: (thinking) :-) I can't believe I'm saying this....

What the fuck is happening in this scene. I mean. Shipping, obviously, but besides that.

But before the horde can reach them, two sets of familiar vines shoots out of the bushes. One set snares Miyako and Hawkmon from behind. The second set grabs Mimi by the face.

Mimi: Palmon? Miyako: What the--

Palmon pulls them all into the bushes, and the Gekomon horde swarms past harmlessly.

The dub takes its second commercial break a few seconds after where the original returned. They let the Gekomon chase the girls into the woods, and then break on a shot of them fleeing.

We return just in time for Mimi to trip and for Yolei to shriek uselessly.

Mimi: ACK!!! Yolei: Gosh, Mimi! If those are your friends, I'd hate to see your enemies! Mimi: It's not... their fault.... (Mimi collapses, inexplicably smiling) Mimi: (thinking) :-) This is terrible. I wish Palmon was here to protect me. Palmon: POISON IVY!!! Yolei: Huh!? (Palmon grabs Yolei, Hawkmon, and Mimi) Mimi: Palmon?

Mimi's new narration connects even less with the weird smile than the original.

Mimi explains Black Rings to Yolei instead of urging her to run away.

Palmon keeps a lookout through the bushes until the Gekomon are gone. Once it's safe, she addresses the girls.

Palmon: Looks like they're gone. Mimi: (crying) ...Palmon.... Palmon: (crying) ...Mimi...MIMI!!! Mimi: PALMON!!!

Weeping, Mimi and Palmon hug each other and scream their feelings out. Miyako watches them, holding Hawkmon in her arms.

Palmon: I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!! Mimi: ME TOO!!! Palmon: YOU WERE SO BRAVE!!! Mimi: I felt like you were calling out to me, Palmon! Palmon: Somehow, I also felt like you were here in the Digital World, Mimi! You came to help us, right!? Mimi: No, a picnic--

Record scratch. Mimi has utterly destroyed this dramatic reunion with that confession. And with the awkward look on her face, she realizes she fucked up.

Mimi: That's right! We're here to rescue--

Palmon fucking drops her.

Palmon: This forest has been taken over by the Digimon Kaiser. All of the Gekomon and Otamamon have been fitted with Evil Rings. And you're here for a picnic!? Mimi: Got it! In that case, Mimi-sama will take down that Dark Tower for all the Otamamon and Gekomon! Palmon: Wait a minute!

There are few things more pretentious than referring to yourself with the -sama honorific. Palmon grabs onto Mimi's leg to keep her from getting ahead of herself.

In the dub:

Palmon: I thought you needed a vine. Mimi: (crying) ...Palmon.... Palmon: (crying) ...Mimi..... (Mimi and Palmon embrace) Mimi: Oh, I'm so happy to see you! Palmon: I'm happy too! Mimi: I've never been this happy my whole life! Palmon: I've never known what happiness was until today! Hawkmon: Please, stop it. If you get any happier, I'll start to cry.

Instead of Mimi shoving her whole-ass foot in her mouth, the record scratch moment comes as a result of embarrassment from realizing that they're being watched.

Mimi: I'm caught in your vines. Palmon: I'm caught in your hair! Mimi: On 3. 1... 2... 3! (Mimi and Palmon aggressively separate) Palmon: Enough reminiscing, Mimi. We've got trouble! This area's called the Night Forest, and the Digimon Emperor's taken control of all the Gekomon and the Otamamon! Mimi: I know! We have to destroy the Control Spire. No problem! I've been living in New York. Compared to getting a taxi, that should be a piece of cake! Palmon: You're the best, Mimi!

They took all the conflict out of this scene.

Miyako: Mimi-san, you can't do this alone. Hawkmon: Miyako-san, please contact the others. Miyako: Yeah!

Miyako whips out her Digivice.

Over in the part of the woods that's still daytime, the rest of the team has gone looking for their missing nakama.

Daisuke: MIYAKOOOOO!!! Others: HAWKMOOOOON!!! MIMI-SAAAAAN!!! Daisuke: Huh?

Daisuke rifles for his pockets for his own Digivice. The others take notice of his behavior.

Takeru: Daisuke-kun? Hikari: What's wrong?

Back in the night forest, Miyako yells at her Digivice.

Miyako: Come on, notice us already!

Sure enough, there are flickering blips on Daisuke's Digivice radar. But they're faint, and their location keeps changing.

Daisuke: I think it's supposed to be a message from Miyako, but.... Takeru: It's coming through, but it's weak. Where could they have gone? Iori: Maybe the Digimon Kaiser got them. Group: (nervous) Uh....

It's worth considering.

In the dub:

Yolei: We can't destroy the tower alone! Hawkmon: Correct. You'd better contact the others and let them know where we are. Yolei: Right! (Cut to light side) Davis: Hawkmon, Yolei, where are you!? Group: Hawkmon, Yolei, where are you!? Davis: Ha--huh? This place has some echo! (Davis fishes in his jacket for his beeping Digivice) Kari: (sarcastic) Oh boy. (Dark side) Yolei: I'm trying to get through to Davis but so far no luck. (Light side) Davis: I think it's from Yolei but the signal's kinda weak. T.K.: She must be nearby! But in what direction? Cody: The Digimon Emperor must be blocking the signal. Group: Whoa!

Fuck Mimi, I guess.

I think the dub's trying to present it as they all went looking for Yolei at the same time, instead of Mimi going to look for Miyako and then everyone else going to look for Mimi and Miyako. They might not know yet that Mimi's also missing.

Kari's passive-aggressive jab at Davis seems like a bit of an overreaction to the echo remark.

Speaking of the Digimon Kaiser, he is indeed at work in his command center. Because where else would he be when school's out? This is his holiday too.

Kaiser: Huhuhuhuhu... Looks like this is going to be a fun Golden Week.

The Kaiser has Miyako and Mimi displayed on his screen.

Kaiser: Wormmon. Wormmon: W-What? Kaiser: What will we attack with today? Wormmon: The Gokimon Brothers. Kaiser: I see.... Hehehe... Hahahaha HAHAHAHA!!!

"Brothers" is English.

Wormmon is not used to this new tactic where he gets to be a participant in planning the Kaiser's moves.

In the dub:

Emperor: Huhuhuhuhuhu... What a wonderful way to spend a relaxing weekend: Getting rid of unwanted weeds in my garden! Wormmon! Wormmon: Yes, Master? Emperor: Who's the Digimon du jour? Wormmon: The Roachmon Brothers. Emperor: Excellent! Summon them immediately! They're staying at the Roachmon Motel! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

...they might have a hard time checking out. Ken did not plan this well.

In the dark forest, Miyako gives up on signaling backup.

Miyako: This isn't working.

The girls and their Digimon all hang their heads and sigh. Suddenly, a pair of cockroach-shaped silhouettes pop up from the foreground.

Gokimon Brothers: Hey ladies! What's got you so distressed!

The roaches scurry forward on all six legs to approach the girls, then stand back up on their hind legs again.

Gokimon Brothers: How about going on a date with us? Hehehehehehe!

And now this is happening again. Mimi's been back in the Digital World for one day....

Mimi & Miyako: (hugging each other) NOOOOOOOOO!!! COCKROACHES!!! Palmon & Hawkmon: (unintelligible)

Palmon and Hawkmon speak at the same time saying different things while Mimi and Miyako are still screaming "no" behind them. So it's extremely difficult to make out any individual words, but the general gist is "You won't get past us".

Rundown time. Let's talk Gokimon. Gokimon is an Adult-stage Virus-attribute Insect Digimon. Their name comes from ゴキブリ gokiburi, which means cockroach. Like "roach", gokiburi can be shortened to a simple ゴキ goki, which makes Roachmon a perfect translation of Gokimon.

Gokimon is another new Digimon from the Sega Saturn video game version of the V-Pet. Specifically, they're Ver. S's new junk evolution. It's hard to find information on the game, but the new Digimon for the game were acquired by combining Digimon or combining Digitama or something to that effect. Gokimon was what you got whenever the types you chose to combine were a dud.

Narrator: Gokimon. These Insect-type Digimon have shiny black bodies and bottomless vitality. Their ability to deftly run away is unparalleled! Their special attack is Dream Dust!

They're hard to kill and great at fleeing for their lives. Very intimidating. Thank you. They also don't handle rejection well.

Younger Gokimon: That hurts... Gokimon-oniisama! Older Gokimon: What is it, little brother? Younger Gokimon: Since they hurt us, we should do the thing! Older Gokimon: Good idea. Miyako: You guys are brothers? Gokimon Brothers: GOKIMON BROTHERS!!! YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT!?!? Miyako: (shrinks down into Mimi's chest) No, I'm sorry.

Fun fact, onii-san and onee-san are respectful identifiers you can you to address your older sibling. The neutral terms are 兄 ani and 姉 ane, which would get used conversationally when talking about older siblings. But if you're referring to your own, you would refer to them with those respectful titles.

But there is no equivalent for a younger sibling. The neutral terms are 弟 otouto and 妹 imouto, and that's all there is. You might address a younger sibling by their name or by a cutesy nickname or something, but there is no official title of respect like there is for older siblings. Gokimon is literally just using 弟 otouto itself to address Gokimon.

But, Gokimon, on the other hand, has a lot of reverence for Gokimon. He addresses him as onii-sama.

In the dub:

Yolei: There's no answer! (The girls and Digimon hand their heads and sigh) Roachmon Brothers: No answer!? We didn't even hear the question! (The Roachmon scurry over to the girls) Roachmon Brothers: We hope we're not bugging you! Hehehehehe! (Mimi and Yolei hold each other and scream) Girls: AHHHHHHH!!! ROACHES!!! Palmon & Hawkmon: It's the Roachmon Brothers! Roachmon: (rundown) Hi, I'm Roachmon! / And I'm his twin brother Roachmon! / I use my Garbage Dump attack to trash my enemies. / And I throw my Yard Sale Bombs to wipe out my opponents and clean out my garage. Younger Roachmon: You mean that's all? I thought you said there was a bunch of kids! Older Roachmon: So sue me! I heard wrong! Younger Roachmon: Is it really that hard to write down a message? Older Roachmon: Next time, you take the call! Yolei: Excuse me but do you always argue? Roachmon Brothers: THE ROACHMON BROTHERS DON'T ARGUE, NOW STAY OUT OF THIS!!! Yolei: (shrinks down into Mimi's chest) Sorry, go ahead.

As usual, the dub does everything it can to remove the uncomfortable part where children are harassed by Digimon.

Now that Miyako's been silenced, the Gokimon Brothers resume plotting violent retaliation over their spurned affections. Gross.

Younger Gokimon: Now then, Gokimon's Onii-sama is gonna show you his special attack! Older Gokimon: No, no, Gokimon's little brother should show them his special attack! Mimi: You guys are really close, aren't you? Gokimon Brothers: THE BROTHERS ARE BEST FRIENDS!!! YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT!?!? Mimi: (annoyed) Nope. Younger Gokimon: What if we attack together, Onii-sama? Older Gokimon: There's a great idea, little brother! Gokimon Brothers: DREAM DUST!!!

Given that Digimon hatch from Digitama in the Village of Beginnings when data accumulates there, I have questions about how Digimon brotherhood works. Can we get Elecmon out here to explain?

I'd guess that the Gokimon Brothers are probably onii-san and otouto in the same way Mimi and Miyako are onee-san and imouto. The episode is setting up an obvious parallel here, after all.

Unveiling their special attack, the Gokimon Brothers bury Mimi and Yolei in trash. Despite their bravado, Hawkmon and Palmon are overwhelmed too. A hits Hawkmon in the chest while an urn lands on Palmon's head, and the two are subsumed in the trash pile with their human Partners.

In the dub:

Younger Roachmon: I think I should use my Garbage Dump attack to finish them off! Older Roachmon: That's rubbish! I'll just use my Yard Sale Bombs on them and we won't even have to bargain! Mimi: Better yet, how about neither? Roachmon Brothers: THE ROACHMON BROTHERS ARE NOT GONNA TELL YOU AGAIN: STAY OUT OF THIS!!! Mimi: (annoyed) Just a suggestion. Younger Roachmon: I've got an idea, Roachmon! Let's use both attacks! Older Roachmon: Roachmon, that's the first smart thing you've said! Roachmon Brothers: GARBAGE DUMP!!!

The Roachmon Brothers aren't as tight-knit as the Gokimon Brothers. They still bicker over who should attack, but it's "I should use MY move" instead of "You should use YOUR move."

Mimi bursts out of the trash pile, outraged at how stupid and gross Dream Dust is.

Mimi: What the hell!? It's just trash! Gokimon Brothers: Hehehehehe!

The Brothers giggle to themselves, then suddenly send a sharp look Mimi's way that causes her to flinch. Miyako, half-dazed, pokes up from the garbage.

Miyako: What's going on...?

She comes to just in time to see a piano fall from the sky, crashing into the ground in front of the girls.

Girls: O_O .............. Mimi: (quietly) It's not just trash....

They look up in time to see a refrigerator heading their way, and scramble out of the trash pile to escape.

Girls: RUN FOR IT!!!

Mimi and Miyako bolt off into the woods, pursued by the Gokimon Brothers who keep firing at them.

Gokimon Brothers: DREAM DUST!!!

Tables and dressers and an oil drum all fall from the sky, attempting to crush the fleeing children.

Mimi: Palmon, can't you evolve!? Palmon: Not until we destroy the Dark Tower!

Mimi continues to have been inadequately briefed on the mechanics of the Digimon Kaiser's dominion. Maybe if someone had been more thorough with her explanation instead of getting distracted staring into Mimi's eyes, she'd be better prepared.

In the dub:

Mimi: That's it! This is a designer blouse! Roachmon Brothers: Hehehehehehe! (Roachmon sharply glare at Mimi and make her flinch) Yolei: ...now what...? (Piano) Girls: O_O .............. Mimi: ...sorry, but I don't play. (The girls flee the fridge and run for it) Girls: WHAAAAAAAA!!! Roachmon Brothers: YARD SALE BOMBS!!! Mimi: Palmon, Digivolve! Palmon: I can't until the Control Spire is destroyed!

Here we see what the delineation of Garbage Dump and Yard Sale Bombs is about. The dub's made the trash pile and the falling objects into separate attacks, whereas they're both encompassed as part of Dream Dust in the original.

That's fair.

While Mimi and Miyako flee into the woods, the Gokimon Brothers cackle to themselves about how easy this is.

Younger Gokimon: This is a piece of cake, huh, Onii-sama? Older Gokimon: Sure is, little brother. Miyako: Even the Evil Rings can't suppress the bonds of sibling kinship! Miyako: (thinking) It's so beautiful. If Mimi-san and I could....

There is no heterosexual explanation for this.

(I've heard Miyako's fantasy specifically a reference to Anthy and Utena of Revolutionary Girl Utena, but I can't vouch for it myself.)

Miyako disassociates from the chase to go wildly daydream about floating in a void, clasping hands with Mimi while wearing long, flowing dresses and even longer hair.

Fantasy Miyako: Mimi-oneesama! Fantasy Mimi: What is it, Miyako-san? Fantasy Miyako: No, it's nothing.... Actual Miyako: ...so enchanting.... Hawkmon: What the hell are you fantasizing about!? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND, MIYAKO-SAN!?!? WE'RE IN BIG TROUBLE RIGHT NOW!!! Miyako: Sorry, sorry. DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Ladies and gentlemen: The Disaster Bi.

The dub tries to offer a heterosexual explanation for this.

Younger Roachmon: They were ten feet away and you missed 'em! Older Roachmon: I missed!? You missed! Yolei: Boy! For brothers, they sure don't get along very well. Yolei: (thinking) I'd be best friends with my sister if she were someone like Mimi.... (Yolei wildly disassociates into fantasy land) Fantasy Yolei: Oh, Mimi. You're my beautiful sister! Fantasy Mimi: Yolei, you're beautiful too. And we live in a beautiful house with a beautiful garden! Life is beautiful! Actual Yolei: Awwwwwww.... Hawkmon: Yolei, I don't mean to interrupt your daydream, but this is a rather precarious situation. Don't you think it's time? Yolei: Right! DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!!

And they fail miserably. They go harder to emphasize that Yolei's talking about platonic sisterhood. But also, in their version of Yolei's fantasy, she and Mimi are explicitly roommates who spend all day telling each other how beautiful they are.

Unfortunately, dub Hawkmon's sense of decorum keeps him from full-throated screaming at Yolei for this like his Japanese counterpart does. So we lose the punchline.

ANYWAY. AWKWARD LONGING LATER, FIGHT TIME NOW.

Horusmon: MIYAKO-SAN!!!

Miyako mounts her steed mid-gallop

Miyako: LET'S GO, HORUSMON!!! Mimi: Miyako-chan... That's so cool!

Horusmon turns around, shoots past Mimi, and takes to the sky.

Horusmon: RED SUN!!! Gokimon Brothers: WHAT!?!?

Horusmon's twin lasers catch them both offguard. The brothers let out a scream as the blast explodes into its typical red sphere.

In the dub:

Halsemon: Yolei, climb on my back. (Yolei does so) Yolei: Alright, let's go! Mimi: Wow! That Armor Digivolving is so fashionable! (Halsemon takes to the air) Halsemon: TEMPEST WING!!! Roachmon Brothers: AHHHHHH!!!

Fashionable, y'all. Mimi's just gawking at how well Halsemon color-coordinates to Yolei's outfit. Nothing to see here.

Getting hit by Red Sun enrages the Gokimon Brothers, who decide to take this seriously now.

Younger Gokimon: Are you okay, Onii-sama? Older Gokimon: I'm okay, little brother. Now let's get serious! Gokimon Brothers: GOKIMON BROTHERS KICK!!!

Together, they launch a flying kick. Horusmon swerves aside, and the brothers sail harmlessly past.

Horusmon: They're coming back around! Gokimon Brothers: GOKIMON BROTHERS CHOP!!!

Horusmon evades another charge, and the Gokimon Brothers crash into the ground with tremendous destructive force.

In the dub:

Younger Roachmon: I feel like someone just set off a bug bomb.... Older Roachmon: Never mind! There's two of us and only one of him! Roachmon Brothers: ROACHMON FLYSWATTER!!! (Halsemon dodges the flying kick) Halsemon: Here they come again! Roachmon Brothers: ROACHMON EXTERMINATE!!!

The dub gives them pest control-themed names for their attacks. Cute.

Seeing the dust kicked up from the Gokimon Brothers' tremendous impact, Mimi gets an idea.

Mimi: That's it! Miyako-chan!!! Miyako: Yes? Mimi: Use the Gokimon Brothers' attacks to break the Dark Tower! Miyako: Mimi-san! BINGO!!!

Miyako flies for the tower, while Mimi heads the same way on foot. The Gokimon Brothers recover, pursuing Miyako through the sky.

Gokimon Brothers: WAIT FOR US!!! Miyako: Here they come, Horusmon. Horusmon: (English) Roger! Gokimon Brothers: GOKIMON BROTHERS CRASH!!!

The Gokimon Brothers charge, full speed ahead. Miyako leads them straight for the Dark Tower.

Mimi: Now, Palmon!

Taking control of one of the Kaiser's narcissistic spotlights, Mimi and Palmon rotate it to shine directly into the advancing Gokimon Brothers' eyes.

Gokimon Brothers: I CAN'T SEE!!!

Just as planned, the brothers slam into the obelisk, breaking off a chunk of it. Not enough to bring it down, but enough.

Miyako: MIMI-SAN!!! Mimi: Eheh!

In the dub:

Mimi: (gasp) That's it! I've got an idea! Yolei: What? Mimi: Those Roachmon don't seem to be too smart! You can use them to destroy the tower! Yolei: Alright! PERFECTO! (Mimi and Yolei make for the Control Spire) Mimi: Come on, Palmon! Let's get ready! Roachmon Brothers: RRRRRRRRRRRGH!!! Yolei: (to Halsemon) Here they come! You know what to do! Roachmon Brothers: ROACHMON EXTERMINATE!!! (Yolei leads the Roachmon Brothers towards the Control Spire) Mimi: Since these guys aren't too bright.... (Mimi and Palmon rotate the spotlight) Roachmon Brothers: GYAAAAAAAH!!! (Roachmon Brothers crash into the Control Spire) Palmon: Now? Mimi: Now.

They reuse Roachmon Exterminate for Gokimon Brothers Crash.

Solid pun that Mimi awkwardly leaves hanging, but let's cut her some slack. It was the heat of the moment.

With the Control Spire damaged, Togemon is able to join the party!

Dazed, the Gokimon Brothers poke their heads out of the Dark Tower--

Togemon: CHIKU-CHIKU BANG-BANG!!!

--and instantly get their faces stuffed with cactus needles.

Horusmon: RED SUN!!!

Horusmon follows Togemon up, firing straight into the weak point that the Gokimon had made. His blast decapitates the obelisk, sending the Gokimon Brothers plunging to the ground alongside the upper third of the structure.

From his command center, the Digimon Kaiser watches his black square flick over to white.

Kaiser: My territory just shrank! This has become an unpleasant Golden Week. I'm going home!

He leaves his throne and storms off in a huff.

Wormmon: Ken-chan... If you could just grow up a little....

Don't let him hear you say that, Wormmon. He might kick you again.

In the dub:

Togemon: NEEDLE SPRAY!!! (Togemon needles the Roachmon Brothers) Halsemon: TEMPEST WING!!! (Halsemon decapitates the obelisk) Emperor: MY SPIRE!!! AUUUUUUUGH!!!

The dub takes its final commercial break right after Ken shrieks in outrage. When we return, they catch us up by replaying the footage of the Spire getting broken and start the Emperor's scene over from there.

Emperor: ARGH!!! (pouty) They've destroyed another one of my Control Spires! Talk about a wasted weekend. I'm going home! Lock up when you're done! Wormmon: About time. Now I can watch my Saturday cartoons.

The Emperor's wounded child tone is perfect. 10/10, no notes.

Wormmon, on the other hand? Funny self-referential gag about Saturday Morning Cartoons, which were a big deal back in the day and of which this dub was one.

But, as usual, Wormmon's vibe is completely different. They're still playing him as merely the put-upon minion, a staple of American cartoons of its era, with none of the genuine concern and affection for Ken-chan that he's supposed to have.

It's consistent with how the dub's characterized him up to this point. But I'd be lying if I said Wormmon being relieved that Ken's fucking off and leaving him alone didn't rub me the wrong way.

With the Dark Tower destroyed, Miyako's signal is finally able to get through to Daisuke and the others.

Daisuke: Ah! The enemy's area just disappeared! Iori: I got a message on my D-Terminal. "We're safe. ~Miyako"! Daisuke: She really had us worried!

Meanwhile, per usual, the destruction of the Dark Tower causes the Gokimon Brothers' Evil Rings to shut down. The Rings pop open and fall off their antennae.

Mimi: Looks like they've woken up, huh? Miyako: Yeah! Younger Gokimon: (startled) What are you doing here, Onii-chan!? Older Gokimon: Me!? How about you!? What's wrong with you, little brother!? Younger Gokimon: YOU ATE MY CHOCOLATE, ONII-CHAN!!! Older Gokimon: YEAH, WELL YOU ATE MY DAIFUKU!!! Younger Gokimon: WHAT!?!? GIVE ME BACK MY CHEWING GUM!!! Older Gokimon: FUCK OFF!!! YOU GIVE ME BACK MY RICE CRACKERS!!! Younger Gokimon: COME AND TAKE IT!!! Older Gokimon: I'LL TAKE EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT!!!

The two Gokimon explode into fisticuffs.

Siblings!

Miyako: O_O ...they were best friends, but now they're viciously tearing into each other. Mimi: O_O ...maybe they were better off under the Digimon Kaiser's control. Miyako: I don't want to think that--

Cut to an exterior shot of the forest, as the brothers' fight escalates.

Younger Gokimon: GOKIMON OTOUTO KICK!!! (explosion) Older Gokimon: GOKIMON ANI CHOP!!! (explosion) Gokimon Brothers: GOKIMON BROTHERS ATTACK!!! (explosion) Miyako: (despondent) IT CAN'T BE TRUE!!!

Errors have been made today. The Gokimon Brothers, Miyako's model for the relationship she wants to have with Mimi-oneesama, were only able to tolerate each other because the Digimon Kaiser had them both mind-controlled. XD

In the dub:

Davis: Hey, look! It's Yolei's signal! It's coming in crystal clear! Cody: That's a good sign. It must mean that they're all okay and they were able to destroy the Control Spire in that area. Davis: Alright! Way to go, Yolei!

The team speculates wildly as to the state of things based entirely off a blip on the radar. Cody's still looking down at his D-Terminal as he speaks, though, so I think he's just reading off Yolei's email and taking credit for the "deduction".

Davis is dim enough to buy it. It's fine.

Mimi: Now they'll be friendly. Yolei: Yeah! Younger Roachmon: Last thing I remember, we were at the motel! Older Roachmon: Yeah, we were out by the pool and you took my towel! Younger Roachmon: Well, you ate the little chocolate they put on the pillow! Older Roachmon: I put those chocolates on the pillow! I brought them from home! Younger Roachmon: From home!? Those were my chocolates in the freezer! Older Roachmon: OH, YEAH!?!? WELL, IT'S MY FREEZER!!! Younger Roachmon: IT'S MY HOUSE!!! Older Roachmon: I'M PAYING RENT!!! (Roachmon fight) Yolei: Just goes to show you, there are some families where they're better off only having one child. Mimi: You're right, Yolei. And in some cases like this one, they shouldn't have kids at all. Yolei: I think it's time we left these two alone.

You heard it here, kids! Digimon Sez: Before you get ready to pop that kid out, maybe have a good, long thought about abortion.

Younger Roachmon: FROM NOW ON, STAY ON YOUR HALF OF THE HOUSE!!! (explosion) Older Roachmon: AND YOU STAY ON YOURS!!! (explosion) Younger Roachmon: FINE!!! Older Roachmon: FINE!!! (explosion) Yolei: Here comes Davis and the others!

Yeah, this isn't half as funny as the original, because the Roachmon Brothers were already characterized as bickering shits.

They took out the Gokimon Brothers being besties and they took out them inspiring Miyako's fantasy session. So this hilarious payoff to their whole function as characters just fizzles out in the dub.

The Roachmon Brothers were mean before they were freed, and they're still mean after. Oh well. Shrug emoji. Here comes Davis.

Davis: MIYAKOOOOOOOO!!! Takeru & Hikari: MIMI-SAAAAAAAAAAN!!!

The rest of the Chosen Children arrive, amid the swarm of Gekomon and Otamamon who've also been set free.

Gekomon: Our Evil Rings are gone geko! Otamamon: Thank you, Mimi tama! Mimi: ^_^ Hehehe.... Togemon: Mimi. Mimi: Huh? Togemon: I'm going to stand guard over this area. (Mimi embraces Togemon's glove) Mimi: Ganbatte.

Mimi leaves Togemon with parting encouragement to persevere through the trials she's committed herself to.

For no clear reason, Hikari has picked up one of the Otamamon and is holding them in her arms. Hikari is the person that "Do not pet the animals" signs are for. She can't help herself.

Daisuke: Who's that? Miyako: Mimi-san's Digimon, Togemon. Daisuke: Ahh! Togemon! We're counting on you! Group: We're counting on you! Togemon: (embarrassed) Ehehe, I'll get it done (ganbari).

Everyone shares a good laugh. Except the Gokimon Brothers, who are now hurtling through the air far above shrieking:

Gokimon Brothers: SOMEBODY STOP US!!!

As they hurtle past in the distant sky, they're given a cosmic hurtling sound, like a comet passing by.

In the dub:

Davis: Yolei! Hawkmon! We're over here! Gekomon: They told us you were back, Princess, but we didn't believe 'em! Otamamon: Princess Mimi, we have been waiting for the day when you would return to us! Mimi: ^_^ ......

What has the dub done to these poor Gekomon? The dub's unwillingness to let "Princess Mimi" go has left these poor creatures convinced that she would ever come back and rule over them again.

Palmon: Mimi! Mimi: Huh? Togemon? Palmon: I will protect this area now! You can count on me. (Mimi embraces Togemon's glove) Mimi: I've always counted on you.

Oh my god. T_T I love it. That's perfect.

Davis: Who's that? Yolei: That's Mimi's Digimon, Togemon. Davis: Wow! Togemon! Call us if you need us! Group: Goodbye, Togemon! Togemon: Don't make me cry. Rubbing my eyes hurts too much! Group: Ahahahahaha!!! (Roachmon brothers pass in the sky) Younger Roachmon: You stay on your half of the sky too! Older Roachmon: FINE!!! Younger Roachmon: FINE!!!

XD The Roachmon got me. That was good.

At last, the first day of Golden Week is over and the children return to their world.

Daisuke: And that concludes today's picnic!

Outside Odaiba Elementary, Mimi waves farewell to the departing younger kids. But Miyako stops suddenly.

Miyako: Ah! MIMI-SAN!!! Mimi: ...? Miyako: (shouting across the distance at the top of her lungs) I HAD FUN!!! MEETING!!! MIMI-SAN!!! TODAY!!!

Mimi covers her face for a couple seconds. (Embarrassed? Blushing?) Then, deciding on her response, she holds out her finger in what's becoming Miyako's iconic pose.

Mimi & Miyako: BINGO!!!

In the dub:

Mimi: Goodbye, everyone! Thanks for a great picnic! Bye! Yolei: Oh, Mimi! I almost forgot! Mimi: Huh? Yolei: I WANTED TO SAY!!! WHEN I GET OLDER!!! I WANNA BE!!! JUST LIKE YOU!!! (Mimi curls into herself for a moment then holds out her finger) Mimi: Perfecto.

Nothing to see here, folks. Just some good ol' platonic admiration for one's role model. Yep yep.

Narrator: Will the DigiDestined be able to stop the Digimon Emperor from expanding his empire!? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters!

Oh, you shut up. We were having a moment here. Not everything needs to be a tense cliffhanger.

Assessment: This is it. The episode that brought a thousand shippers out of the woodwork. I was looking forward to coming back to this one because I remember Mimi and Miyako having gay subtext but I figured once I saw the episode again in context, it'd be this little thing that the shippers were blowing out of proportion.

...

Yeah, no, this episode was way more gay than I remembered. Miyako wears her crush on her sleeve from start to finish. The rest of the group basically stops existing in her perception once Mimi walks through that door, and she does not let up until credits roll.

She was fantasizing about Mimi (and possibly Utena, famously one of the lesbian classics?) while they were being shot at. She privately calls her oneesama in her brain and has to check her words not to say it out loud. She's got it bad.

To be fair, it's Mimi. Everyone and everything crushes on Mimi. That's been her life since File Island. Her hand slipped when she was rolling her Ability Scores and accidentally knocked a d100 into the mix so now her Charisma is 84 and she just has to live with that.

#digimon #digimon adventure 02 #revisiting digimon #revisiting digimon adventure 02

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katerina-marie · 1 year ago

Text

Don't Go Slowly, Tell Me If You're Lonely (Series)

Chapter 5

Gojo Satoru x Reader & (Past) Geto Suguru x Reader

Your relationship with Geto Suguru came to an end somewhere between the day of his betrayal and the day of his death. Your relationship with Gojo Satoru began somewhere in the midst of it all, even without you realizing.

WC: 11.8k (whew)

Content: Canon Divergence, Gojo x Female Reader (referred to as such but left descriptively vague), (past) Geto Suguru x Female Reader, Geto's canonical death, friends to lovers, angst, eventual happy ending, fluff, reader is a sorcerer (left vague tho), no use of y/n, vaginal sex (though not super explicit) so please avoid accordingly! More notes below.

Chapter Count: Chp 1, Chp 2, Chp 3, Chp 4, Chp 5, Chp 6 (Final)

Notes: Peep the cw, because in case you missed it there will be 18+ content in this chapter. But warning, I do not have the talent to write explicitly detailed sex so it's more narrative/vaguely described. I applaud all authors that have that ability! Also, this is 99% fluff and vibes because that's what we all need, right?

P.S. If anyone recognizes where part of the title/included line is from.....no you don't and I'm sorry, not sorry lol

------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Heart of None, Heart of One (Don't Be Afraid, I Feel It Too)

Neither you or Suguru were dressed for the affluence of this particular part of the city, the two of you wearing light and airy clothing to help ward off the oppressiveness of the summer sun. Names of restaurants and boutiques that you hardly recognized lined each side of the street full of ostentatious vehicles, and you couldn’t help but wonder why exactly Suguru had dragged you to a place neither of you had any real business being in. His fingers were twined through each of yours and had been since the two of you hopped off the train to begin your stroll towards a destination unknown. You weren’t sure if he was being intentionally vague with where you were going, or if Suguru had failed to think any further than necessary and inform you of your day’s plans.

Men and their inability to consider five minutes ahead of themselves for anyone else’s sake.

You passed a building with black bricks and golden writing emblazoning its name above the door, and you felt your mouth begin to water as you recognized that the style of the restaurant lended itself to your favorite foreign food. A certainly more upscale version of it anyway, if the valet’s podium and immaculately dressed patrons were any indication.

“We should come here one day, Suguru,” you told him wistfully, inhaling deep the scent of rich food before it faded from your nose as your steps took you further and further away. Suguru huffed a noncommittal chuckle and gave you an incredulous look of question.

“Sure, I’ll just swipe Satoru’s credit card when he isn’t looking and we’ll have ourselves a night out.” His voice was full of sarcastic humor and you rolled your eyes at him, because of course you were aware that your meager student allowances couldn’t afford such luxury, nor would Satoru be willing to part with his card without an invitation to join what would have been a date night for the two of you. The idea of it was fun to imagine in the least, and you filed the name of the restaurant away in the back of your mind for an unspecified day in the future somewhere.

“So what are we doing here?” you asked, peering around the city as you both came to a crosswalk and minded the traffic currently flowing through it. “I can’t say that I have a suspicion, and I would like to enjoy the last afternoon of the weekend together if you don’t have something already planned.”

Suguru was quiet as he glanced up and down the street once the vehicles cleared the road, and he tugged at your hand to spur you into movement once the signal had been given to ensure your safe crossing.

“We are having to make a quick stop to retrieve something,” he said, intentionally avoiding your narrowed eyes by keeping himself one step ahead of you. You’d yank your arm back and hold your ground in a juvenile display of defiance at his reticence, but you didn’t favor being run over in the middle of the street, nor were you confident of your victory in strength should it be put up against his; you’d count on being pulled along no matter how hard you dug your heels in.

“And what is it that we are retrieving?” You grew annoyed at Suguru’s reluctance to speak anymore than what was barely necessary, and now that the two of you were again on the safety of the sidewalks, you had half a mind to start testing his patience as he was doing yours. Your boyfriend must have been able to pick up on the change in your disposition, and he turned to you with a weary sigh as the two of you came to a stop.

“Satoru called me earlier,” Suguru admitted, and your face dropped into distaste, mouth open to offer your dissent for whatever moronic task your boyfriend’s best friend has saddled the two of you with, but he shot you a warning glare that stayed your tongue. “He’s still on that assignment, but he forgot to finish up his reports for the last one and Yaga’s going to have his ass if he doesn’t turn them in first thing tomorrow. I told him we’d take care of it this once.”

You scoffed, offended disbelief fueling your ire for the white-haired sorcerer, and you fixed your withering look on Suguru.

“You coddle him,” you hissed, promptly snatching your hand from his and marching forward on your own even though you hadn’t the faintest clue to where you were. The surrounding buildings were no longer fancy restaurants and expensive retailers but instead towering, dark-windowed monoliths with impressive double glass doors at their entrance. Still swanky, but more unassuming.

“I’m helping,” Suguru argued, jogging up to your side to keep pace with you. “Friends do that for each other.”

“I mean, yeah they do, but this feels more like Satoru is intentionally being lazy, unable to deign himself to possibly do his own work and would rather put it off to the less fortunate of us.” Your tone was scathing and your words mean for meanness sake, even if they held a scant bit of truth, and from the look on your boyfriend’s face he didn’t appreciate the disparaging of his best friend’s character. You supposed Satoru could now be considered your friend as well, now that nearly a year and a half had passed since you met your significant other’s “other”, but it had been slow building between you and Satoru, if not for the complete opposite personalities and upbringings you each had then for becoming accustomed to sharing Suguru.

“Cut him some slack,” Suguru said, his expression knowing and slightly irritated, but his voice for you was softer than it was moments ago, and he brought you to a halt with a hand on your shoulder. “I’m not ignoring the fact that Satoru is not the most apt student when it comes to his paperwork or always considerate of other people’s time, but he has a full plate and even heavier burden attached to his name, so I’ll let it slide sometimes.”

You weren’t sure if you’d agree, but you didn’t want to taint the afternoon with Suguru just because of your disdain for Satoru’s lack of planning, so you gave him a half-hearted shrug and glanced over his shoulder at the building the two of you came to a stop in front of.

“This it?”

Suguru nodded and took your hand again to lead you through the frosted glass doors serving as the entrance. “He has an apartment here for when he wants solitude, so we’ll just pop in to grab the reports and then be on our way. We’ll stop for lunch after, how about that?”

The noise of affirmation you made lacked enthusiasm, mostly because you had been thoroughly chastised by your boyfriend and not because you didn’t want to share a meal out with him, but Suguru was undeterred and you turned your attention to the details of the front lobby. The high walls were painted alabaster and arched over certain hallways you guessed lead to various amenities. The slightly darker beige floors gleamed under rich lighting, leaving the forest green and muted mahogany fabrics of plush looking couches and other luxe decor to stand out in their superiority. You and Suguru continued through an archway and came upon an older man situated at a stately wood desk sandwiched between floor-to-ceiling glass doors that prohibited your entrance. You bristled at the idea of having to convince someone to allow you through to somewhere the two of you didn’t look to belong, or worse, have to stand by the desk as other residents came and went while Suguru beckoned Satoru to pick up his phone and petition you two through. However, to your shock, Suguru simply smiled and waved at the gentleman—who returned his greeting in kind—and he had the glass doors sliding open with a touch of a button just in time for the two of you to walk through them.

“A silver spoon Satoru does use,” you commented wryly. The two of you stepped into an open elevator, and you were pleased to see a stifled grin on Suguru’s face.

“That I won’t deny,” he said, pressing the button for an obnoxiously high floor. You chattered between yourselves about lunch options and other plans for the rest of the day whilst traveling up, and your arrival to Satoru’s floor was announced with a pleasant trilling of a bell. As you walked down a hallway, you took notice of the distance between the doors of each dwelling, marking the considerable size of each one. Suguru came to a stop at the very end of the hall and pressed a series of numbers into a shiny keypad before motioning you through the now opened door.

Satoru’s apartment was as beautiful as you imagined, with its sprawling living area and enormous windows the first thing to appear after making it through the entrance, and then an extensive gourmet kitchen was located on the left. There were a couple other hallways you assumed lead to various rooms, and you had a thought to explore (snoop) when you felt a hand at your back.

“Satoru should have some sweets in his fridge,” Suguru said, dropping a brief kiss at your temple and then another at your cheek as he brushed by you. “I’m going to his office right quick if you want to help yourself. It’s the least he can offer.”

That brought a grin to your face, and you immediately turned towards the kitchen as Suguru’s footsteps faded in the opposite direction. Satoru’s fridge was nearly twice your height and the stainless steel was polished so perfectly that you could nearly see your reflection in it. It was all so grandiose, but the excitement immediately abated when you opened the fridge and saw nothing but a couple bags of sweets and water bottles taking up a minute amount of its expansive capacity. You grabbed one of each and brought them to the large island across from the fridge and tucked into your snack. As you munched, you let your eyes drift from space to space, everything meticulously placed and artfully decorated. Though you couldn’t help but notice the absence of anything that made it personal. There were no photos or cookbooks or trinkets of any kind. The copious amounts of furnishings and state of the art appliances all made up an impressive looking home anyone would be thrilled to make use of, but there was not one sign of usage or life that would indicate that Satoru did anything of the sort. The thought humbled your opinion of him a touch, and the quiet melancholy of his apartment made the sweet in your mouth taste oddly of cardboard.

How lonely.

Now, years later, as you marveled up at the building that scraped the sky, you wondered if Satoru was sitting in the quiet of his apartment cutting a lonesome figure and feeling as such.

You had taken most of the morning to scour the school grounds in pursuit of him, but no evidence had turned up to support his stay there. Megumi had confirmed it when you ran into him in your frenzied search and mentioned that Satoru had texted him to cancel their end-of-week training because he’d be off campus. The thought of having to transport yourself all the way to that part of the city where his apartment was located felt daunting in your exhaustion, but when you closed your eyes or let your mind wander, the images of Suguru and Satoru walking away from you after turning their backs superimposed over each other and sent a new wave of panic over you every time.

So you cleaned yourself up the best you could in the least amount of time you were willing to give, and then set out on a train. After that, the walk from the station to his apartment was about ten minutes, but you had only been there once, and you had started to worry when recognition of the area still hadn’t struck. You were only half certain you had found the correct building until you made your way inside the lobby and found familiarity in the arch of the walls and luxuriousness of the furnishings. Ahead, still seated at the same wooden desk, was the gentleman from the one time you had visited with Suguru. Age had greyed his hair and added lines under his eyes, but you recognized him the same. As you walked up to his desk with a nervous smile, you hoped you looked more put together than you felt, and you had just opened your mouth to try and convince him to let you up when he grinned at you.

“For Gojo, right?”

You were taken aback at the friendliness in his voice and the expectant way he looked up at you from where he was seated, and you were sure your mouth had flopped open inelegantly. “Uh, yes, but how did you—,”

“Years ago, he left me a photo of you and a man with black hair and explicit instructions to let either of you up at any time without questions asked.” The gentleman glanced down at his desk and you could just make out his hand scribbling at a large notepad. When he looked back up at you, his gaze was inquisitive. “I just barely remember you from the one time you came with him—the boy appeared often enough that I recognized him—but I haven’t seen either of you since.” There wasn’t any judgment in his voice, just simple observation, but the whole encounter was picking at the fraying threads of your already frail emotions.

“Yes,” you bit out, swallowing to clear the hoarseness of your voice, “it’s certainly been, uhm, a long time and…” There wasn’t anything you could come up with to fit into a brief enough explanation, and thankfully the gentleman picked up on that fact.

“Would you like me to call up to him and let him know you’re here?” He offered, his hand already drifting towards a phone on the edge of his desk. You shook your head and flailed your hands in an effort to dissuade him from doing so.

“No, no, please. I’m…surprising him.”

The man smiled gently and gestured with his head towards the glass doors as he opened them with a push of a button. “Off you go then.”

You gave him a hurried thanks and rushed off through the doors before you could lose what little courage remained in you, and when the elevator shut just after you stepped through it, you leaned back against the wall of it to take in large mouthfuls of air. Satoru was definitely home, and you maybe had two minutes to compose yourself into something presentable before you were face to face with him. You took it as a positive sign that he hadn’t immediately revoked your extended invitation into his building (unless he had simply forgotten to and now you had another idea to fret at) and you hoped that when you knocked at his door he would neither ignore you entirely or answer and then proceed to slam it shut in your face. If you made it far enough that he welcomed you in, you had absolutely no idea what you were to say to him, and the pinging of the elevator bell signaling your arrival to his floor made it clear you were running out of time to come up with anything.

Your steps on the tile echoed loudly in the empty hallway, and you were positive it was your tired mind that made them sound reminiscent of Satoru’s name. By the time you came to his door, it was ringing in your ears and beating to the same rhythm of your pulse, and you wondered if Satoru could hear it from wherever in his apartment he remained hidden from you. The stress of it had you wanting to linger outside to come up with a speech or some kind of plan before you knocked on his door, but the thought that he could sense you waiting—hesitating—drove you deeper into embarrassment, so you lifted your hand to knock your knuckles against the door without a second consideration. The time it took for him to answer left your thoughts to scramble.

Would he look at you with the same anger he surely saw reflected in your own eyes just hours prior? You figured you both had a right to feel such a way, but whereas you had hurled word after word of condemnation at him without ceasing, regardless of their truth or lack thereof, he hadn’t been given a moment to offer scant more than a stuttered reply. Was it presumptuous to have the hope that he would repay you in kind? That he would offer what you hadn’t and listen to what you had to say? Never again did you want to live with the regret of last words unspoken.

The beeping of his door unlocking snagged your attention, and you inhaled sharply when the knob began to turn. Through a small crack in the door, you saw Satoru peer his head around it, just offering you a sliver of a singular blue eye and the glimpse of a closed off expression on his face. You tangled your fingers together in the hope he didn’t see them shaking, and you gave him the barest of contrite smiles.

“May I come in?”

Satoru didn’t hesitate to give a single nod of his head and you took a step back when he pushed open the door wide enough for you to walk through, murmuring a small ‘thank you’ as you passed by him. You didn’t wait for him to continue further into his apartment, eager to get out of the small entryway and into the openness of his living space if only so you could feel slightly less confined. In a quick glance around, you noticed that Satoru’s apartment looked nearly identical to how it did the one and only time you visited it. There was still a museum-esque quality to the cleanliness of it, but you could see a half-full glass of water on the island in his kitchen, and you had spied his pair of black shoes by the door next to where you had toed yours off.

The susurration of his house shoes on the wood floor could be heard coming up behind you, and you turned slowly to face him. You took in his casual clothes, a dark grey sweater and navy lounge pants, and noticed him doing the same to your similar but more feminine outfit. When your eyes met, it pained you to see how his were guarded, lacking their usual brightness and enthusiasm, and you knew it was somewhat your fault.

“I should have let you talk more,” you blurted, head cleared of any logical thought. “I was within my right to be angry with you, but I should have heard you out, and I’m sorry I didn’t.”

Satoru’s expression eased and you wrung your hands. “I want to respect your space. I’m willing to give that to you, but I’m afraid of leaving things unsaid and—,”

You were horrified when your eyes began to sting and the inside of your nose burned. You flicked your focus down to the floor in the hopes that not looking at him would keep you composed enough to get the rest of your words out. “If you’re willing, I’d like to talk this out with you. I would hate for things to end the way they did.”

When you looked back up at him, his eyes were wide, and Satoru shuffled forward to reach a hand out to press against the back of your arm. “Of course,” he said, his voice so emphatically eager that it panged your heart. “Of course I’ll listen to you.”

The pressure of his hand guided you towards the ample seating in his living room, and the two of you made yourselves comfortable on the sofa placed in front of a massive entertainment system. Satoru sat just far away enough that two of you wouldn’t touch, but he laid out his arm along the back of the sofa, turned on his hip, and leaned forward slightly on his thigh so he could face you. You mirrored his position but kept your hands in your lap.

“I don’t hate you. I never could,” you breathed out, and a part of you died inside when relief slackened Satoru’s features and his shoulders lowered as tension bled out from them. “I was angry, and maybe even felt a little betrayed, but it wasn’t you I hated.”

There must have been a stricken look on your face, because his hand that rested on the back of the sofa lifted and hovered in the air for a moment before he moved it close enough that he could just graze his fingertips along the top of your arm.

“I think I hated him. I hated Suguru in that split second.” The words felt heavy and disjointed in your mouth, not quite understood by your brain, but you felt palpable liberation once they were out. Satoru kept his eyes on you attentively, and you were powerless to the words that spilled from your tongue.

“I hated him for what he did. I hated that he left me, and I hated that he chose to speak with you one last time instead of me. I hated that you had to kill him, and that we have to wake up everyday to live in the aftermath of it.” You were interrupted by a hiccuping cry that forced its way through your teeth, and when you looked up at Satoru helplessly, his hands shot out to take yours into his own.

“But not you, I would never hate you,” you said once you had regained your composure, “and I would like to hear what you have to say. To help me understand what you were going through and why you made the choice to keep what Suguru said a secret until now. I’d like us to be completely understanding of the other, with the intention of being able to move forward.”

Feeling much like you had just finished a sprint, you drew in a few deep breaths to steady the racing of your heart and calm the adrenaline running through your body. Satoru didn’t look angry or upset. He had an open, albeit cautious, look on his face and he studied your hands in his grasp momentarily before gently releasing them, and you both withdrew your hands to let them rest on your respective laps.

“It was panic,” he started, pausing to meet your eyes. “I was so panicked that evening, about what I had just done and how I was supposed to reveal that to you. I could barely think straight enough to tell you I killed him, and I couldn’t stomach the idea of having to relay to you what Suguru said when I could hardly make sense of it myself.”

You watched Satoru closely as he wiped his hands down over his legs and you both heard and felt the stuttered breath he pushed out from deep in his chest.

“I’m not saying that to excuse my behavior, but it felt like the easiest thing to do for myself at that moment, and I regret it. If I could go back…well, I don’t actually know what I would have done.” Satoru inched a little closer to you and raised a questioning brow. “Would you have been okay if I had told you that he had said something, but couldn’t yet share it with you? Would have it been better to tell you everything he said, but warned you that I didn’t have the capacity to explore the implications of it right then with you? Or—god—I should have told you at any point between then and now.”

The ideas Satoru was presenting caught you by surprise. You hadn’t ever really considered before what you had wanted to hear in the moments when your entire world was collapsing around you. Surely you would have wanted to know, but the anticipation of waiting to hear what those words would have been had you chosen the first option probably would have driven you to madness. In regards to the second, knowing what Suguru had said would have prevented the whole mess the two of you were in now. However, knowing yourself, you very well might have fled the school like you did to avoid discussing things with Satoru once he was ready, keen on never once touching such a topic for the rest of your life, and who knows what outcome would have resulted from that. And him revealing what Suguru said any time after that day and between now would have mostly likely played out the same way it did last night.

“I don’t know,” you answered honestly, and you couldn’t help but let out a tired laugh. “Either alternative has its merits and its corresponding negatives. In the future, I think open communication would be best, but for things past I don’t see much point in dwelling on what should have been.”

Satoru nodded, seemingly agreeing with what you had said. You chewed your lip, considering the weight of the question you wanted to ask him before ultimately deciding that he deserved the chance to let himself be heard.

“How have you been?” Your inquiry had his mouth opening to respond, but he was silent in the aftermath, and you assumed that he needed time to condense his thoughts into words.

You empathized with that particular plight.

“Tired,” he said finally, solemnly, and you moved closer towards him until your knees knocked against each other. “I would give anything to have a night’s rest where I didn’t dream about killing my best friend.” This time, you reached out your hand to grip his fingers in yours, and his answering smile was full of gratitude. “Or have a nightmare where you hate me,” he added, squeezing your hand to balm the sting of his words.

The two of you were silent after that, each of you taking turns glancing at one another and then back at your tangled hands before focusing on anywhere else in the room. However, there was a collective sense of expectation hanging above you both, and you had a good idea of what topic was waiting to be broached.

“Satoru,” you murmured, biting down on the inside of your cheek as he lifted his head to listen to you. There was trepidation in the way he held himself, and you wondered if he anticipated what you were going to say next. “I tried to kiss you.”

He was rapt in his attention on you, his face giving away nothing as to what he was feeling, but he fiddled with your fingers and ran his thumb along the inside of your wrist. He ducked his head just barely, and when his hair shifted over his forehead, it was just enough to conceal his eyes from you. “You did.”

Satoru’s evasion grated you, but you set aside your frustration to focus on what you were trying to convey to him, to get him to understand what you couldn’t even quite wrap your head around fully.

“I don’t want you to feel obligated to me because of what Suguru said.” His head snapped up and his brows furrowed at your words, but you kept going before he had a chance to interrupt. “I think you probably have an idea about what I feel for you, but I don’t expect you to reciprocate just because you might have some misguided sense of duty or responsibility towards me, and I can forget about that near-kiss if that’s—,”

“I want you,” Satoru said on a exhale, and he looked to be fighting a bashful grin that pulled at the corners of his mouth. Your noise of surprise filled the heady silence following his declaration, and you felt as though the two of you teetered on the edge of some great precipice.

A quiet “oh,” was all you could get out, breathless in a mounting giddiness, and he chuckled at whatever flush warmed your cheeks before his features smoothed out into something more solemn.

“I do,” he insisted, and you could sense the ‘but’ following his statement and it made all the butterflies that had erupted in your chest fall leadened into your stomach, “but I can’t help feeling a little…unsettled about it, maybe? Not in a bad way necessarily, never with you—,”

Satoru stammered, an overwhelmed breath heaving his shoulders, and you watched him with a pang of sympathy as he struggled to grasp at the words clearly evading him. “I don’t want you to think I feel entitled to you, and I don’t feel like I’m betraying Suguru by wanting you. I don’t even think I need his permission or anything like that. In fact, he seemed to give it in his own twisted way that night, and it’s just…you were his, once, and now you’re…”

He trailed off, at a loss for the proper words to adequately explain a concept you both seemed to wrestle with, and the look he gave you was helpless and beseeching in a way that was delightfully captivating to you: eyes wide, lips slightly parted, and if his gaze could be anymore adoring you’d melt into the fabric of his fine linen couch.

What was previously off limits had become an alluring possibility. A person who had always occupied a strictly friendly role had begun to appear in a way not thought of before. It was overwhelming, exciting, terrifying in what it could mean to want someone who had once been unobtainable, who you had not once considered for yourself before the loss of someone precious to both of you. But Suguru was gone now, and what more could be owed to the two of you than indulging in a shared happiness?

You giggled, catching your bottom lip between your teeth to try and contain the smile that was surely about to overtake your face, and you tugged on Satoru’s hands to pull him in close to you.

“Don’t be afraid,” you whispered, your voice light and playful while the blue of his eyes danced and his cheeks went round in elation, “I feel it too.”

————————————————

Later, as you contemplated your existence in the quiet sanctuary of your room, you would berate yourself for not taking the opportunity to kiss Satoru senseless. Alas, you had remained dutiful to your mutual agreement to let the enormity of the morning settle before getting carried away with frenzied touches and the mingling of panted breaths. Instead, the two of you stayed seated on his couch for another hour, close in the way you had both drifted to lean against the other while chatting idly about anything ordinary.

You had taken moments to gently lift strands of hair from his eyes, goosebumps erupting over your skin when his focus couldn’t decide whether to fix on your face or follow the movement of your hand. When you had later regaled him with a forgotten tale from your time abroad, Satoru had spent his time listening by swirling a finger over the top of your kneecap before letting it drift just slightly over your thigh so he could squeeze it gently. The pressure had you stuttering over your words, and you used the increased need to jump from your skin as an excuse to leap from the couch and beg for a glass of water. Satoru smirked at you in that annoyingly smug, but persistently charming habit of his, and had simply sauntered off to his kitchen to leave you to follow in his wake.

When the afternoon sun began to push shadows further into the depths of his apartment, you begrudgingly announced your intended departure, pointing out to Satoru the exhaustion that clung to you both when he began to protest. A much-needed nap was in order, and he only surrendered his disagreement when you let out an exaggerated yawn. He followed you to the door with your sleeve caught between two of his fingers. The two of you stared at each other after you had slipped on your shoes, neither quite ready to bid the first goodbye. You eventually took the initiative to rock onto the tips of your toes and wrap your arms around his neck, resting your cheek on his shoulder as you squeezed him to you. Satoru arms circled your waist and after nudging his nose against the top of your head, you heard him breathe in deeply before letting it out in a long exhale, and the yearning of it made you ache.

You had to pry yourself from him, and you didn’t turn to look back as you walked down the hallway lest you lose any remaining self control and skip your way back to Satoru. It was only once you crossed the threshold of the elevator that you heard the click of his door closing shut. If you had a dopey look on your face as you made your way home, evidenced by the knowing grin on the mouth of the gentleman working the door in the lobby, then who were you to deny it?

As you lay in your bed, huddled under blankets and your head cushioned by pillows while waiting for the swiftness of sleep to weigh down your eyes, you stared at a couple of pictures now decorating a small cork board hanging above your desk. None of them contained a singular person more present than the others and were all full of various friends and toothy grins. For once, the appearance of black hair and pierced ears didn’t evoke a dull throb in your chest at a future lost, but instead welcomed a feeling of contented nostalgia for memories treasured. When your eyes started to flutter and you sensed that your battle against sleep was coming to an end, the sight of brilliant blue from the corner of one photo held your fading attention and beckoned the prospect of enduring happiness by a relationship newly minted.

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A dreary midmorning wasn’t something that could keep you cooped up on a Saturday free of obligation, and in an endeavor to make the most of your spare time, you busied yourself with errands in the city. If you found yourself standing in line outside the building of your favorite sweet shop, you would insist it was only to fill your own belly. Any extras that made it into your bag would surely serve as a snack over the rest of the weekend and not linger in your room in the hopes a certain white-haired man would make an appearance and find them.

The thought of Satoru had you reaching for your phone as you shuffled another step further in line. You had texted Satoru a simple ‘good morning’ right before leaving your room then promptly threw the device into the bottom of your bag to be forgotten until after your errands. Otherwise, you would have worried yourself beyond what was considered healthy about whether or not that message presumed too much in light of yesterday’s breakthrough.

Maybe overkill would lend itself to your passions too.

To your dismay, your phone remained disappointingly devoid of new messages, but the sudden appearance of small raindrops on your screen took your attention before you could waste more time wishing it would flash with Satoru’s name. While the sky looked quite grey in your perusal of it, the drops never fell faster or increased in size while you waited for your turn to step into the shop, and you hoped the weather would stay its course until you returned home. Because you, in your distraction, had forgotten to snag your umbrella as you scurried out the door that morning. Instead of dwelling on your possible misfortune, you gave a cursory glance at the shop’s menu board sitting by the door and when you were nearly halfway through reading it, a shadow came over you.

“Dessert for breakfast again?”

You jerked your head towards the familiar voice and came face to face with Satoru. He hovered close enough to you so that the large umbrella he carried could shelter both him and yourself from the faint pattering of rain, and you met his beaming smile with one of your own.

“Satoru! What are you doing here?” His arrival wasn’t at all expected, but you drank in the sight of him no less, pleased to see him in casual clothes instead of his uniform and sporting a black coat to ward off the last of the morning chill.

“You know, just out and about,” he offered, and mischievousness made the corners of his mouth twitch. You suspected his eyes would twinkle just the same if you could see them through his blindfold.

“Right,” you drew out, not quite sure if you believed that he just so happened upon you by chance, but you were too preoccupied with the fact he was standing in front of you again to question it any further. “Are you busy? Or do you have time to join me?”

He was quick to nod, and you reached out to wrap your hand around his bicep when someone cleared their throat pointedly from behind. You jolted, heat flushing your neck and cheeks when you realized that there was a large gap in between you and the door to the shop, and you scurried forward. Satoru beat you to the door, swinging it open for you before you had a chance, and you ducked in while he sat his umbrella off to the side.

You came to a stop a reasonable distance from the person in front of you and crossed your arms with a small huff as you pretended to study the variety of different sweets sitting in their display cases. Satoru’s coat brushed against your back as he came up behind you, and you prayed he didn’t notice the shiver that shook your shoulders when he leaned down to whisper right by your ear.

“Distracted?” he asked, voice deeply flirtatious, and a scent a bit spicier than the mild soap you recall him smelling of wafted to your nose and made your thoughts hazy.

“Nope,” you said as casually as you could manage, trying your best to make a mental note of what options you wanted to order so that you didn’t look like a bumbling fool when it was your turn. His answering chuckle was not only heard, but felt against your back.

“You sure about that?”

You whipped your head to the side to glare at him out of the corner of your eye, and your cheek nearly made contact with the tip of his nose. “Positive.”

There would never be any certainty with his eyes hidden, but you swore you could feel his gaze on your lips, and if you ignored the thought and turned your attention back to what was in front of you, it was only because there was nothing you could do about it in a crowded little sweets shop.

Thankfully—begrudgingly—it was your turn to order, and you stepped away from Satoru and approached the counter while taking in a much needed deep breath. He didn’t stray far from you, however, and you were conscious of how he lingered at your side while you ordered a couple things for yourself and one or two for Nanami in exchange for the few times he had bought you something from the bakery.

You were just about to pay for your portion when Satoru came up and bumped you aside with his hip and a smirk on his face, and you watched with mild horror as the employee set down a bag of sweets nearly bulging in its fullness.

“You have a problem,” you commented warily, imagining the amount of sugar in that bag alone and feeling phantom pain in your teeth. You eyed Satoru as he placed down his card to pay for both orders.

“If you say so.” His shrug was light hearted and drenched in boyish charm, and you shook your head at him. Before he could find any more opportunities to indulge random acts of chivalry, you swiped your bag off the counter and made haste for the exit, pausing only to throw a wink over your shoulder as you stepped outside the door. You barely caught his indignant protest as he finished up his transaction but paid it no mind as you bent down to grab his umbrella and trotted off down the sidewalk. You only made it to a cross walk a couple yards down and had to come to a stop before he was jogging up to your side.

“Rude,” Satoru pouted, sidling up next to you to slip the opened umbrella from your hand.

“I can’t let people think I willingly associate myself with someone who has the taste buds of a child.” You giggled and snuck your hand in the slim space between his side and his arm to curl your fingers into the crook of his elbow. Something fluttered pleasantly in your belly when the action softened the deepening frown on his face.

“Not all of us can have such sophisticated palettes,” he grumbled, but you could see the hint of a smile on his cheeks, so you leaned just a little further into his side. The delicate kiss he dropped onto your temple had you choking down any retort you were prepared to give him back, and the two of you stood in shy silence until the traffic signal changed in your favor.

“Follow me to the school?” you asked, already in motion by the time the words left your mouth, and the answering look Satoru gave you made it clear that he never intended anything else.

————————————————

Twenty minutes later had the two of you back at the school and seated on Satoru’s coat under the large tree nestled in the corner of the campus training grounds.

“Leave my bag alone,” you hissed, slapping at the wandering hand Satoru kept trying to sneak into your own stash of sweets.

“I wanted to try one of yours. They’re different,” he whined. He stretched over your lap in an attempt to grab said bag from where you had moved it to your other side, but you stopped his progress with a hand on his chest. You pushed back against him until he was seated again.

“No, what’s left are mine and the ones I bought for Nanami.”

“Nanami?” he asked in offended disbelief. “And you didn’t think to get any for me?”

“I’m surprised they aren’t already in your bag, Satoru. I think you bought the whole store,” you said, feeling a little sick to your stomach when you took note of the dwindling size of his own purchase. He scoffed in disapproval and hunched down further against the tree the two of you were resting against. His antics had your eyes rolling, but you went ahead and pulled one of your treats out from the bag as you had intended to do before he decided to try and pilfer them on his own.

“Here,” you told him, feigning the exasperation in your voice. You held the treat out in your hand, expecting him to take it from you with his own, but Satoru—with uncovered eyes gleaming—leaned forward and ate the snack right from your fingers. You had a brief second to register the heat of his lips and the way his teeth had just grazed your skin before he was sitting back with a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

“Tasty,” he said, looking all too pleased with himself, and all you could do was sit there with your heart pounding. The thought of kissing Satoru had been plaguing your mind since even before the two of you had fought, and now, when his lips were flushed pink and there were crystals of sugar caught on a corner of them, you were weak in your resolve.

You curled your fingers into the neck of his shirt and pulled him in to meet you, eyes already closing so you didn’t scare yourself out of the idea if there was a shocked look on his face. Your lips met his with an urgency, but you were mindful not to clash teeth or press too hard, and you felt marginally better when Satoru knocked his nose against yours in order to tilt his head and deepen the kiss. His chilled fingertips were a shock to your skin when they settled on the edge of your cheek and under your jaw, and he hummed pleasantly into the kiss when he felt you jump. Satoru’s other arm came to wrap around your back, and his fingers dug into your shirt when you used the tip of your tongue to swipe away any remaining sugar on his lips.

You were vaguely aware of Satoru pressing closer to you, inching you back incrementally, but you were too lost in the feel of his mouth moving against yours and slipping your arms up and around his neck to pay much mind to it. So when you felt yourself falling back against the ground with Satoru’s hand bracing the back of your head it didn’t trigger the urge to stop, especially not when his free hand landed heavily in the dirt next to your head so he could lower himself down and chase after your lips. However, you could only avoid the cold wet of the ground seeping through your collar for so long, not to mention the fact you two were in public, and you ducked your chin slightly to break away from Satoru.

“It’s unlikely,” you murmured, feeling him trail his mouth over your cheek to press a kiss just below your ear, “but any of our students—or our peers—could walk by at any given moment.”

The noise of disagreement he made tickled the skin under your ear that he was nibbling at, but you didn’t have to tell him twice before he was pulling away just hair. All you could see above you was white eyelashes framing bright blue eyes, and the tips of his hair tickled your forehead when Satoru lowered himself just a little so he could nudge his nose into your cheek affectionately.

“You’re not wrong,” he sighed, sitting himself back up and tugging you along with him by your arm. You pat down your hair and brush some dirt from your sleeves while keeping a watchful eye on his expression from your peripheral. Satoru didn’t seem particularly disappointed or upset at your words, but you, in your habit, worried about the implication of them anyway.

“I’m not embarrassed,” you reassured him, drawing his focus as you hurried to get your thoughts out to him. “I’m not ashamed to be seen with you either, but this is…” you trailed off as words failed you.

This was new and something precious to you. For the first time in years, you had someone by your side that cared to know everything you thought and longed to be near you. It was all a touch overwhelming to fall for someone you hadn’t ever pictured in a romantic role, and you were eager for the time to understand it fully yourself before allowing others to fix their attention on it.

“Don’t worry,” Satoru said, and he was cheerful and giddy in the way he smiled while he dragged a finger across the back of your hand. “I feel it too.”

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Your burgeoning relationship carried on in secrecy for the next three months. In between classes and training of students, you and Satoru would find yourselves in an obscure hallway or forgotten classroom to share whispers and fleeting touches. It was nothing torrid or salacious as of yet, but everyday you longed for the moments you had alone with him to bask in muffled laughter and give in to lingering kisses that he would pull you into when you would try to leave for the umpteenth time. More than once you caught his head following you as he and the students walked by you on school grounds, and the previous week Kugisaki had commented on how keenly you studied Satoru while he demonstrated a fighting technique to Itadori.

And now, when the school day was long over and the sun was beginning to set, you felt at ease walking through the door of Satoru’s office door to surprise him with spoils from your day.

“Knock, knock,” you called out gently, peeking your head around the doorframe to find Satoru already looking up at you, blindfold nowhere to be seen. Fatigue clearly was gnawing at him. His head dropped from where his chin was propped up in his hand, and there was the faintest hint of purple under his eyes. A pen was clasped in his right hand where it rested on a large stack of paperwork, and you took notes of the various others crowding his desk as you walked in. “How are all the reports coming along?”

Satoru groaned and threw himself back against his chair. “It’s been terrible! I’ve been stuck here finishing these reports since this morning. I didn’t even have lunch!”

You laughed at his plight as you came to stand next to him and lean back against his desk before pulling a small brown sack from your bag. “Here,” you said, passing it to him, “I got you something while we were out today.”

His face lit up in excitement ,and he eagerly snatched the bag from your grasp and buried his hand in it to pull out the pastry located inside. “You’re incredible,” he said, pausing to express his gratitude before he shoved half of it into his mouth.

“You’ll choke one day,” you warned, vaguely impressed when he ate the other half in just as big of a bite. Satoru shook his head, and his grin told you he was proud of himself.

“Was that from our bakery?” he asked, and you were grateful he had swallowed before speaking.

“Yup. The first years did so well in training today that Nanami and I decided to end things early and treat them. We ended up running into the third years on the way, so they joined us and we all had a happy time together.” Satoru’s face fell somewhere in the beginning when you started talking, and by the time you were done his mouth was turned down into a full blown frown.

“Without me?” He pouted, and the sad, puppy-esque face he gave you would have worked if you didn’t know what would be awaiting you if he didn’t finish his reports.

“Ah, ah, ah,” you tutted, shaking a finger at him, “you needed to get these done, or else it would have been me taking over the extras and then we would both be miserable.” Satoru scowled, but the sigh he let out was resigned.

“You’re not wrong.”

You reached out and ruffled his hair. “Of course I’m not,” you teased, “but I brought you a treat to make up for it.”

Satoru cocked a brow and stood from his chair so he could take a step towards you. Your lower back was already pressed into the edge of his desk, so you had to crane your head back to meet his eyes. “That’s true,” he said playfully. “You do make everything better.” He closed the space between your chests and the audible hitch in your breathing made him smirk.

“Cheesy,” you muttered, but exhilaration flowed through you when his hands came up to cradle your jaw and he lowered his head enough that you could feel the warmth of his breath against your nose. Satoru hummed an amused sound before finally taking your bottom lip between his. You tucked your arms below his so you could fist your hands into the fabric of his uniform as his sides and a fluttering burst into your chest when he started stroking the apples of your cheeks with his thumbs.

It wasn’t wrong to say that Satoru had transfixed you. Everything about him—the way he smelled, the depth of his laugh, how his fingers felt when they danced over your skin—was alluring to you, and you couldn’t help but clutch him closer as your lips moved against his. In response, Satoru’s hands dropped down to grip at your waist, and you let out a noise of surprise in the brief moment your lips disconnected when he lifted you up, only to set you back down on his desk. He was quick to kiss you again, chasing you when you leaned back to make space for him in between your legs.

His hands seemed like they were everywhere at once: between your shoulders to press you into him, cupping your chin to angle it up and allow his lips to ghost over your neck, and then spread over your thighs to grasp and knead. The room was quiet except for the heady exhalations and gasping breaths of the air you shared, and you heard the rustling of paper being scattered as he cleared a spot behind you.

Somewhere deep in your mind, your brain supplied you with the thought that Satoru’s office was not the ideal first place to do this—to have him. Certainly not as his hand started to sneak under the bottom of your shirt or your fingers toyed with the button on his pants, but every inch of him was plied against you and it would take something monumental to separate—,

“Ahem.”

As it turned out, your principal clearing his throat outside of the wide open door of Satoru’s office was catastrophic enough for the two of you to spring apart at something close to the speed of light. You propelled yourself off Satoru’s desk to stand rigid at the side of it while turning your head to gawk accusingly at him, because surely the honored one should have sensed Principal Yaga way before he ever arrived. But from the way he immediately dropped straight into his chair to conceal himself from the waist down proved that, astonishingly, Gojo Satoru could be caught unaware.

Neither of you three said a word. Principal Yaga eyed you and Satoru with his arms crossed and brow furrowed, and you couldn’t decide whether hurling yourself out of the window behind you would be less painful than the scrutiny coming from the large man at the door.

“There’s paperwork for this. You two can each get a copy from my office tomorrow,” he said eventually. You were relieved to hear a lack of judgment or disappointment in your principal’s voice and decided you could live with the resigned finality that colored instead. He didn’t offer anything else and had just begun to turn away with a shake of his head and a hand rubbing at his temple when he spun back around suddenly, making you flinch from where you were still rooted next to Satoru’s desk.

“I want those reports finished and on my desk first thing in the morning, Satoru.” His tone brokered no discussion and—in all the time you’ve known him—you witnessed the loud-mouthed sorcerer at an apparent loss for words. He simply nodded in agreement and then Principal Yaga was gone.

“Well,” Satoru started slowly, turning to face you in his chair, “I think that makes things official.” His mouth then tilted upwards into an unbothered grin, and he looked at you expectantly. Strained laughter died in your throat.

“I guess so.”

————————————————

In an effort to help make up for last week’s incident , Satoru called you midway through the Friday afternoon to, not ask, but summon you for a late night dinner date. In exchange, you got to pick where the two of you would eat and what dessert you would share at the end. It had taken little to no convincing on your part to get you to agree, and when the name of a restaurant in the upscale part of the city near his apartment slipped from your mouth, you were surprised to find that no guilt came along with it.

Once upon a time, you might have wistfully imagined yourself seated and dined at that particular restaurant with Suguru, as you had told him when the two of you first passed it on the street. However, that daydream never came to fruition, and you refused to let a faded prospect with your long-lost ex-lover get in the way of creating new memories. So, in order to do just that, you took time getting yourself ready and slipped into a new dress before taking a train to the city to meet Satoru.

The restaurant was everything you expected, and you took in with a small smile the low light atmosphere and your secluded table illuminated with flickering white candles. Waiters bustled to and fro, and the soft plinking of a lounge piano underscored the muffled murmurings of the restaurant’s patrons. You and Satoru talked about anything and nothing as you looked over the menu. The establishment wasn’t overabundant in the options it provided, instead taking great care to provide a few exceptionally well crafted meals, but you still had a difficult time making your decision nonetheless. Satoru offered to select one of the two dishes you went back and forth between for himself so you’d have the opportunity to try it, and while the idea melted your heart into a little puddle, you urged him to pick what he wanted for himself.

A waiter came by and presented you with an extensive wine list, and while Satoru didn’t partake, he guessed with unbridled enthusiasm at which type you’d choose. His answer had been wrong, but the determined gleam in his eyes told you he’d never again make that mistake. After eventually making up your mind and successfully placing your order, the rest of the dinner flew by. The two of you spent time exchanging bites of each other’s food and sharing stories about the progress of the first year’s training.

When you were brought the dessert menu, you both leaned over the table towards each other to look over it together, and when the two of you couldn’t decide on just one, you suggested ordering two. Satoru had raised a brow at you, having already heard twice by then how you were too full to have your own dessert and, despite his protest, insisted on sharing one with him. He relented, and you ordered two. When the waiter was out of earshot, you told him in a pointed few words that you had every intention of sharing that second dessert with him as a middle of the night snack. Satoru immediately sat straight in his seat, eyes flashing with heat and want and a whole other amalgamation of emotions that set your blood alight.

By the time dessert came, you were two minutes shy of snatching the check and hauling him out the door, sweets be damned. But Satoru simply laughed and passed you a spoon while he situated the plate of dessert halfway between you two. When you were two bites in, stomach protesting and your eyes feeling just a bit heavy from the dimness of the restaurant, you tucked your foot under Satoru’s to rest it against his ankle. His answering smile was tender and maybe a little bashful, and while it could’ve been the second glass of wine that caused the stirring in your chest, you wouldn’t have been surprised if it was your heart expanding enough to make room for him.

————————————————

“I want to go there again next week,” you said blissfully, both satisfied from a delicious dinner and feeling relief from the cold floors of Satoru’s apartment on your sore feet. If you never again picked up the heels you had kicked off at his door, it would be too soon. You meandered into his kitchen and plucked a water bottle from his fridge to down in just a few swallows.

“I suppose we could go back once a week until we finish trying every dessert and dinner option available,” Satoru responded, coming up behind you to curl one arm around your waist and press a kiss into your hair. “Thank you for being my date.” You lifted your arm to reach behind you and drape it around his neck, and he let his mouth glide across the skin that he could touch.

“Always,” you murmured, and while the implications of the word felt a little heavy and maybe a bit presumptuous for the early stages of your relationship, it didn’t diminish the truth of which you spoke it with. Satoru didn’t seem to have an objection to it and merely pasted every inch of his front against your back.

“If you’re tired, or if the second glass of wine was too much, I’m happy to lend you a change of clothes and offer you a guest room for the night. We can make breakfast in the morning if you’re willing to supervise.” His laughter tickled your skin, and you were quick to shake your head and turn in his hold.

“No to the guest room, but yes to breakfast.”

He smiled into the kiss he placed onto your lips and you fisted your fingers into the collar of his shirt in an attempt to keep him against you when he stepped back and nodded in the direction of a hallway. You caught his hand from behind when Satoru turned to walk towards what was presumably his bedroom and held on to it as he led you. He glanced back at you over his shoulder, eyes promising and mouth slightly parted, and when he whirled around completely to tug you through the open door of his room, you caught yourself on his chest and giggled.

While Satoru busied himself with nuzzling his lips against the curve of your shoulder and fiddling with the various clasps and a zipper at the back of your dress, you peeked around his arm to study the vastness of his bedroom. It was as expertly put together as the rest of his home, but still mostly lacking in its signs of life. The high beamed ceiling and towering window framed by lush dark curtains created a feeling of openness, but the plush comforter on his bed and the stone fireplace set across from it helped cultivate a sense of coziness. You spied his uniform draped over the back of a chair nestled under a desk, and a thrill went through when the computer sitting atop it flashed a screensaver familiar to you—the picture of your dessert from the cafe a thousand miles away.

You had the mind to ask Satoru about it, but before you could he was peeling your dress off your shoulders and down your arms. His eyes flicked up to yours in silent permission and it only took a subtle dip of your chin before he was pushing it the rest of the way down your torso, and you squirmed when his fingers danced over your ribs in a way that tickled. Hands started to move in a hurry after that point. Yours flew to the buttons of his shirt while his traveled up your arms to cup your cheeks so he could kiss you again. When you divested him of the fabric concealing his chest, seeing it land in a flutter next to your dress on the floor, you immediately started in on his belt, taking pleasure in the stuttered breath Satoru let out above you when you yanked on it in your efforts to get it off.

As soon as he stepped out his pants, Satoru was turning you to the bed and he just barely caught himself above you when the two of you fell back against it. You grinned up at him as you shuffled up towards the pillows, and he followed obediently to settle between your legs when you opened them for him. It wasn’t until Satoru had already shimmed your underwear off your legs and did the same to himself did you feel a prickle of nervousness in your belly at the sight of him. There had been a few others in the time between Suguru and now, but they all had blended into faceless bodies and blurred memories of dark bedrooms, none ever so important that you bothered to recall them in times of loneliness. But this—Satoru—would be different, and you had only ever known one other man in such a deeper level of intimate feelings.

“Comparing me to someone?” The sarcastic quip from Satoru reclaimed your attention and nearly had you leaving the bed altogether, but the hidden undercurrent of vulnerability in his voice kept you under him. One day, the two of you would have a discussion about appropriate boundaries and how to express one’s emotions with proper words, but for now, you would reassure him that he would not have to spend his entire life worrying that he would never be enough for you.

“No,” you said pointedly, cocking an eyebrow at him, and he actually looked chagrined. “I was actually thinking about how you were longer than I expected.” You punctuated your words by reaching down and wrapping your hand around him, and all the air rushed out of his lungs in a forceful exhale. It wasn’t a lie on your part. Where Suguru had been impressive in his width, Satoru excelled in his length, but that wasn’t any of his particular business.

“I always thought you’d wear some expensive cologne everyday,” you continued in a whisper, tightening your grip around him until he sagged against your chest and let out a low moan in your ear, “but you smell faintly of clean scented soap and that surprised me.” You trailed the hand not currently occupied over the ridges of his spine and had to bite at your lip when Satoru shuddered against you. “Your skin doesn’t run as hot as I imagined it would, but I don’t mind it.”

He chuckled a bit at that, and the breathless sound of it made you shiver. In a strained voice he asked, “anything else?” You let out a questioning hum, feigning your need to contemplate the idea, and Satoru nipped at your neck in retaliation.

“Okay, okay!” you squealed, wriggling under him as he continued his assault up over your ear before replacing them with soft kisses over your cheek. “Your hair feels as soft as it looks and not a day goes by that I don’t think about running my fingers through it.” To emphasize your point, you raked your nails over his scalp and a pleased grumble sounded low in his chest. You debated sharing your next thought with him, but he was searching your eyes in a way that was a little desperate and heart wrenching, so you obliged.

“The night of that failed date, right before we fought,” you began quietly, tracing your finger over Satoru’s cheek and the bridge of his nose, “I spent the whole time wishing it had been you.”

The admission must have taken him off guard because his eyes widened and a pink flush took over his cheeks. His chest brushed more firmly against your breasts as his breathing accelerated in the slightest, and you reached up to nudge the tip of your nose against his. You didn’t bother waiting for his reply, and arched your hips upwards to grind them against his, this time you both let out echoing moans. Much of what came next happened in blurs of frenzied movement; his hand slipping between your legs and moving about in a way that had you throwing your head back into his pillows until his room was filled with the sound of you chanting Satoru’s name. When you were breathless and panting, he trailed back up your body with his lips straying to the dip of your waist, the curve of your breast, and then back to your mouth.

When he finally made space for himself inside you and pulled your thigh higher over his hip, all you could do was grasp at his back and grip at his arms while he murmured your name into the crook of your neck. His movements stole your breath and overwhelmed any other thoughts in your head, but you didn’t mind how much room Satoru took up. Not when his fingers traced your features in delicate awe and wonder, and not when he had you calling his name in response to the sudden burst of warmth that poured over you a second and third time before he followed in kind.

Satoru rolled the two of you over when your chests were still heaving and limbs were trembling, wrapping you up tightly in the breadth of his arms so you could rest your cheek just under his collarbone while he whispered soft affirmations and praises in your ear. You decided then, when he was still nestled inside you and spoke excitedly of a midnight snack in a plastic to-go bag and of shared breakfast in the morning that Gojo Satoru would never be too much for you.

————————————————

When Satoru blinked awake, the first thing he noticed was the calmness with which he came out of sleep. His skin wasn’t slicked with sweat, nor were his blankets tangled around his legs. He hadn’t thrashed into consciousness, tormented by an endless loop of nightmares filled with his dead best friend’s face or your vehement ire. Instead, his eyes opened drowsily to take in the blue-black of twilight peeking through his curtains and became instantly aware of the sound of rhythmic breathing to his left. You slept soundly on your side facing away from him, but with your back pressed against his arm. Satoru let out a long breath, feeling more rested than he had in months, but he was in no hurry to find his way out of bed and away from you. In an attempt to coax his mind back into slumber, he shifted onto his side and wiggled down into the bed until he could snuggle his face against the back of your neck. You made a sleepy noise of annoyance when he wrapped his arm around your hips to pull you against him, but you didn’t wake and Satoru sighed in contentment before letting his eyes fall closed.

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I hope y'all enjoyed this sweetness as much as I did!

The next chapter with be the last, but will not be nearly as long and will wrap things up and give a happy ending to our couple. I'm excited to share it will y'all soon<3

Have a good weekend!

Taglist: @paprikaquinn & @kafanizdakicokiyi

#gojo satoru #gojo satoru x you #gojo satoru x reader #geto suguru #geto suguru x you #geto suguru x reader #jujutsu kaisen #jjk #jujutsu kaisen x you #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jjk x you #jjk x reader #gojo x reader #gojo x you #geto x reader #geto x you

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kylieswift31 · 9 months ago

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Midnights Mayhem with Me!

I’m going to call it, the 9/11 on the MMwM was about the buildup to the VMA’s with the intention of creating a split in the narrative.

Taylor singing “I kissed a girl and I liked it” was for the gaylors and ending the night with thanking “my boyfriend Travis” was for the swifties. She held out for so long and did it on stage when all eyes were on her to create the most impact. This provides more proof on both sides with the gaylors seeing it as yet another PR move and encouraged the swifties to think they’ve won the battle.

For now we’re left with an ultimatum between track 1 with ‘lavender haze’ and track 5 with ‘you’re on your own kid’. And all of this was just the test run, the finale is still yet to come. I’m putting my money on the finale, and potentially the final show of the eras tour, being an ultimatum between Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) and Reputation (Taylor’s Version). 💚🖤

This is a long one, but I promise it’s worth it x

MMwM recap

13 - Taylor Swift

87 - Travis Kelce

6/23 - T&T on stage

9/11 - VMA’s

1, 5, 10, 12, 4 - ?

“I put the money in the bag and I stole the keys. That was the last time you ever saw Me!” The man wall is a decoy roadmap for the swifties and the MMwM track list is the cypher for the gaylors (the missing polaroid and the woman in ❤️).

The MMwM name itself seems to be a reference to how Taylor has blended queer references into her lyrics with a pattern of Men, Men, (Women), Men. Hence the McDonald’s references. “MMM, I’m (NOT) loving’ it” vs “A happy meal 🍔🍟💗”

Track 9 -bejewelled

She emphasised the with part of MMwM. And the tartan print matching Taylor’s VMA outfit? 💀 also note 9/11 was mentioned in her acceptance speech while wearing this outfit. I cant help but think the VMA’s were always planned to be on this date and Taylor planned around it. Either way, mentioning 9/11 in one speech and Travis in the other is confirmation for both sides in one night.

Track 11- karma

Outfit matching with the giant version of Taylor in the anti hero music videos. “Good evening.” This connection to the VMA’s confirms my suspicions of where we are in the Truman show timeline, with the anti hero music video recreating the first half of the movie. Notice the applause after Truman is reunited with his father is what Taylor described in her second speech of the night.

The remaining five

The following is my prediction of what’s still to come. Track 11 is where we’re at in terms of eras and solved clues. The last five were all released on the same day, so it’s worth considering this date and the time these ones were released.

Track 1- lavender haze

12am - Meet Me! (Taylor’s Version) at midnight. The five cats on her shirt. She said “The tension is palpable.” and the caption says it’s “Gonna be a wild ride 😜”. I feel like this MMwM is leading us back to the beginning so Taylor can finally move forwards.

1+5=6

Debut 💚 vs reputation 🖤

“If all you want is (track fives) for me, then it’s just white noise”

It’s fascinating that her real cats in the funeral scene picture represent debut, speak now and TTPD. These are based on the cats musical characters and Benjamin Button specifically represents the process of going back in time to reclaim her masters. If we’re going all the way back to the start then reclaiming her name is the destination.

Swifties have been so focused on anticipating reputation 🖤 and karma 🧡 that they’ve skimmed over everything else going on in the process. This created a decoy with 🧡🖤 as the 🥕 carrot dangling in front of the horse, distracting the majority from seeing the forest for the trees. Meanwhile gaylors are Chad in the funeral scene pretending that they don’t know about the secret encoded messages.

“A rose by any other name is a scandal” 🎃🐈‍⬛

Track 5- you’re on your own kid

1am - 1 vs many. This one took a long time to get the ball out of the bingo cage and the caption says “I promise it’s worth the wait 🌌”. This emoji is the Milky Way, a galaxy of a billion stars.

Star 🌟 vs galaxy 🌌

There’s rumours that the Truman show was based on Princess Diana or Michael Jackson, but it’s come to represent many versions of fame and social media as technology has advanced over time. Seeing the many dedications to Britney Spears at the VMA’s and the outer space themes just highlights the fact that Taylor is not the only one who feels trapped in the web of being a celebrity (World Wide Web🕸️).

Taylor™ is Truman™, but so is everyone else within the industry. Robin Williams™, Michael Jackson™ and Princess Diana™ were all Truman™. Britney™ is Truman™. They’re all Truman™ because unlike the Truman show, the cycle of new stars doesn’t end. The free Britney movement highlighted her struggles as a star 🌟, but then everyone moved on once the conservatorship came to an end. They were so blinded by the details of Britney’s life that they didn’t look up and notice that her star was shining amongst a galaxy full of stars 🌌 in the same position.

“Stars, do you like dem?” 🥹

Track 10- labyrinth (swiftie pov)

2am - 2 narratives. I feel like this is the point where swifties get stuck in the loop of demanding reputation and feeling like they’ve won the tayvis debate. The green gingham skirt matches Taylor’s outfit from the tennis match, which many swifties have used as evidence to confirm their view of the relationship. They’ll either stay here believing they’re on the right path anticipating an engagement right up until the end or will slowly start to come around to our point of view.

Track 10- labyrinth (gaylor pov)

2am - 2 narratives. Gaylors on the other hand saw through the tennis appearance with how their behaviour differed from everyone else around them, but the tennis reference still applies. The lilac short skirt from the for a fortnight challenge matches the skirt from blank space. It’s Travis’s ‘favourite’ song for a reason and we all know what that song implies. The shirt from the labyrinth clip is also a match to the anti hero challenge where she’s holding Benji like a baby. This feels like an acknowledgment of the “childless cat lady” being the correct path to follow.

On the Jimmy Fallon show Taylor invited us to go down the rabbit hole with her. If the rabbit hole is a labyrinth, it’s not a maze of tunnels with multiple endings. A labyrinth is a journey along a single path with one destination at the end. In the end only one side of the swiftie/gaylor debate can be right.

I mentioned earlier that the MMwM was a cypher. This is a form of communication that’s only understood through the use of a key. This is similar to how queer flagging works, both people need to have the prior knowledge of queer culture to interpret the message correctly. Gaylors have picked up on the deeper meaning of Taylor’s story because we’re all viewing it through a queer lens. Swifties on the other hand use this process in a more obvious way with friendship bracelets, hand hearts and merchandise.

To the swifties the rabbit hole is a cave like chamber, whereas gaylors hold the key that unlocks the door to the tunnel. We’re going to receive more backlash than ever following 9/11 because they don’t realise that the rabbit hole continues.

“I’ll follow you, follow you home

This slope is treacherous

This path is reckless

This slope is treacherous

I, I, I like it”

🕳️🐇

Track 12- sweet nothing

Swiftie ending? Nothing of note in this one, but I do think this is the point where we’re all on board and the tail end is to provide an insight to what the swifties will experience.

[Alexa, play your on your own kid! 🫡]

On the new heights podcast Travis described his outfit from the tennis appearance as an ode to the 1960’s cartoon character Mr Magoo, with the bucket hat and suspenders. Mr Magoo’s character is known for driving around blindly due to an extreme case of short sightedness. “You never saw the signs (I gave so many signs)”. He gets into many predicaments caused by his stubborn refusal to admit that his eye sight is a problem.

There’s also a business based term called Mr Magoo syndrome. It describes how someone has to water down the truth so much it distills every nuance of a complex issue to create a palatable version for the recipient to understand it. But then in the process they become trapped and have to continue having a shallow conversation that lacks the truth they began with.

The purpose of the Truman show is to encourage the viewer to see the director’s role in the story. Truman became Truman™ at a young age to fit in, but then became trapped living a lie because the director wasn’t able to see what’s inside Truman’s head.

All of this, combined with the lack of understanding to decipher Taylor’s lyrics through a queer lens is why the gaylors are right and the swifties are wrong.

To some extent they’re playing the role of director in Taylor’s version of the Truman show. Not being able to see what’s inside Taylor’s heart has kept her performing for them from the very beginning of her career. She has been watering down her truth the whole time because she wanted the swifties to stay.

“All this showmanship to keep it for you in *sweetness*”

TTPD is a goodbye to the swifties that will leave and a peace offering to the ones who will linger in the hopes they’ll stay. 🤍🖤

Track 4- snow on the beach feat LDR

Gaylor ending? “The season finale of Midnights Mayhem with Me, with QUITE the twist of an ending…”

[Alexa, play maroon! 💋]

Jack plays Taylor’s muse in the bejewelled music video to provide a neutral option on both sides, but what if it’s more than that? What if “karma is my boyfriend” is a reference to what Jack has been able to do to help not just Taylor, but help unite many others in the industry?When all eyes were on Truman, his best friend Marlon was working behind the scenes to make sure everything was in order. For the plan to have the biggest impact it was integral that Truman kept up the facade of Truman™, knowing that faltering so close to the finish line would prevent him from escaping when everyone least expected it. This is the role Jack would be fulfilling for Taylor now. “Every bait and switch was a work of art”.

Everyone in the industry that feels like Taylor™ is going through what Taylor describes in ‘I can do it with a broken heart’. “All the pieces of me shattered as the crowd was chanting ‘MORE’”. More of Truman™. More access to their private life. More influence on their choices. More, more, more, forevermore.

In the end Truman’s turning point was seeing how far the director was willing to go to force him to stay. He wanted Truman to help conceive the next version of Truman™. This push to repeat the cycle is what’s motivating Taylor to go through with it now. “You look like *Taylor Swift* in this light, we’re loving it” 🌟 And Travis is the key for the swifties to be able to see the bigger picture because just like the director, the swifties have been predictable enough that Taylor’s been able to plan things like this years in advance.

“Two graves, one gun”

🕳️🕳️🌈

Others have played a role in influencing Taylor need to stay in the role of Taylor™, but now that Taylor is focused on sharing her side of the story we’re starting to see the role she’s started playing as the best friend and director for the next generation of artists.

“Karma takes all my friends to the summit” 🌋

“All you did was smile ‘cause I’m a mastermind” 🙂‍↕️

A tortured poet,

Kylie x

P.S. I’ve been sharing more of my thoughts on x lately @kylieswift31 if you want to stay up to date x

🌌

#gaylor #taylorswift #the eras tour #friends of dorothea #taylor swift music video analysis #🎃 anon #swiftie #the truman show #spaderiddles #midnights mayhem with me

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thebaddexample · 9 months ago

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FILM THEORY: DEATH RETURNS TO INANIMATE INSANITY!! BUT IT'S NOT TACO OR LIGHTBULB!!

Warning, spoilers and possibly cringey or bad writing, but it's 1am for me so eh

(First off, shout-out to my mom for coming up with this idea for me to make a theory on- You're the best :3)

(Second, thumbnail by me :])

(Thirdly, I might rewrite this during the day at some point because I'm really tired, but had to get this out before I slept bcs I'd forget to otherwise)

(Fourthly, I know that this isn't a completely original idea, and people have done it already, but I wanted an excuse to make a theory and there's evidence, so I thought "why not?" It'll make people upset with me if I'm right, and I get to pretend to be Film Theory for a bit. It's a win-win!)

(You are legally required to read this post as MatPat's voice /silly /j)

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With the horrifying tweet that Brian made last Saturday, there's a lot of people (including you, probably) worried about who will die in the finale, the harsh battle between whether we say "bye" to a bright light, or "so long" to our sour cream schemer. My answer? Neither!! Object show community, inanimate fandom... whatever we call ourselves! I'm about to present to you why our beloved (and somewhat recently hated) host is going to be the death of the season.

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First of all, the trailer (and @inanimateinsanityfan 's recent tumblr post "invitation") has somewhat implied that the focus of the movie, the A-Plot at least, will be around Cobs attempting to get to MePhone4 somehow, whether it be luring him up to Meeple Headquarters or trying to get down to him. We've seen from previous episodes that Cobs wants him dead, but it's hard to tell if he's changed his motive, since we haven't seen him since Episode 13 "Mine Your Own Business". However, he has been consistently sending his newer MePhones to eliminate MePhone4, as 5C clearly states in Episode 6. The newer models have features like tracking (much like MePad) and knife hands (NOT like MePad), which MePhone4 doesn't have, which should in theory have made him easier to kill.

Speaking of the abilities, the MeLife function is only ever used by MePhone4, or at least we only ever get to see him do it. Why? Well, I have an idea but that's a theory for another time. The point is; MePhone4 seems to be the only Meeple product with the ability to bring people to life, and has all of the contestants on there as far as we know. This means that, unless there's a creative solution to perma-kill one of the contestants, MePhone4 needs to die first for any perma-death to occur in the first place.

And hell, removing the regeneration ability as a whole would be a great way to cap off the season, to establish that there's no more retrying and that everything is now set in stone. And even if we do get that damn FOURTH season (bonus points to whoever gets the reference), it'll at least spice things up with having, say, MePad as a host instead, leaving the spot open for someone else to claim and have an interesting story arc of their own.

This shot already pulls up a parallel between MePhone4 and MePhone3GS, and though 3GS isn't really confirmed dead, they're definitely not gonna be alive any time soon. The parallels could imply that MePhone4 is destined to a fate similar to 3GS; no longer in service, probably broken, and maybe even killed of by Cobs himself.

In addition to this, all of the other MePhones we've seen have all died; MePhone4 technically died with 4S and 5 in the Season 1 finale "Journey Through Memory Lane", 5S and 5C were introduced and immediately killed in Season 2 Episode 6 "Let 'Er RIP", and MePhones 6 and 6+ were also immediately killed upon introduction in Season 2 Episode 8 "Theft and Battery". The MePhones all have something in common, and that is unavoidable and quick death, much like real iphones honestly.

Does this mean that MePhone4 will have to die as a result of MePhone's faulty creation? No, but there is a pre-established pattern with each of the MePhones that goes as a cycle, perpetuating Cobs' cruel style of doing things; he creates something, claims it's his favorite for a year, then makes something a little better and throws the pre-established bond away to die, and rinse and repeat.

But hey! That's just a theory!

An Object Theory!!

Uh- what's the opposite of "greetings and salutations"-?

"Goodbye and see-you-laters!!"

#inanimate insanity #example infodump #ii 16 #ii mephone4 #fan theory

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enrosadiraanisaaa · 2 years ago

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Within Session .Part Three.

Hey there cuties, do not think I forgot about y'all! This fanfic consist of Yandere!Leon Kennedy. I intend for this fic to progressively become disturbing and fucked up with each chapter. While the first few chapters will be tamed, expect the following in this series:

~Stalking, Kidnapping, Forced Breeding, Degradation, NonCon, Gang Banging, Forced Pregnancy, Somnophilia, Blackmail, Manipulation, Abuse, Pet Names, Obsessive Behavior (Duh), Torture, Constraints, Mentions of Blood & Gore, Mental Degradation, Toxic Relationship, Sexual Abuse, Masturbation, Drugged & Drunk Sex, Loss of Virginity, Forced Penetration…

Also you will be retconned (Too bad 😏): Female Reader, 24 Years old and from Texas 💝

This story was purely written with RE 4 (Remake) Leon in mind. So no puppy dog Leon from RE2 or DILF Leon from later games & movies. The story takes place several months after the events of RE4. Yay, you’re in 2004!

I plan to make this series long and fleshed out, but I promise what you want will hit you like a train~🚂

This chapter does not contain any 🔞 material. This story will contain +18 content (NSFW) in the near future 🔞 If you’re a minor, please go read a real book or something, don’t cry to me when your mom finds your shit. This story will eventually hit that point so don’t set yourself up.

Summary

As an on sight therapist for STRATCOM in Nebraska, you’re tasked with providing quality therapy for US military personnel and government agents. After working at the headquarters for 6 months, Hunnigan recommends you to a notable government agent, Leon Kennedy, who is in need of therapy. After a number of sessions with you, Leon notices a substantial stability in his sanity yet is threatened when you are offered a position back home, closer to your family and friends. Your choice doesn’t sit well with one particular client, who can’t fathom you out of your role as his therapist. Leon has found a means of keeping his precious therapist and realizes you are the key to his permanent solace. You were obviously destined to be his in some form. Why dream of him letting you go?

A\N: I was heavily inspired by Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue 💙, ExploreVenus’s Something Permanent and Guardian Angel by NexysWorld. This chapter was oddly hard to write, especially writing out a session on a serious topic. Once I was writing, I kept writing so you might find this chapter to be long! Expect the next chapter to be out in two weeks!

Hope y'all enjoy the third part! More to come 💝~ Anisssa أنيسة

Here is Part One and Part Two of Within Session

Cleared Mirror

When Leon finally mentioned to Hunnigan his need for help, he did not expect immediate validation to improve his mental health. After the Raccoon City incident in 1998, the horrifying experiences that had cost him a normal life had embedded as an inevitable trauma. The grueling military training that followed after he was captured by the US government and forced to become a government agent to protect Sherry. The underlying hazing that he endured in boot camp tested his abilities and mental state beyond his capabilities, yet it was a period of time that distracted him. Then the recent mission to Spain to save the president’s daughter and his fight against Las Plagas of Los Illuminados seemed to weigh in after losing Luis and confronting Ada Wong after a number of years. His guilt was engulfing him at this point, so he looked forward to his first session with the referred therapist by Hunnigan.

However, when he did arrive at the office for the scheduled session at 5PM, he did not expect a young woman to be assigned his therapist. He noticed she was preoccupied with paperwork on her desk before he knocked on the doorway door to notify her that he had arrived. Once her awareness of him occurred, she stood up from her chair to greet him. Leon instantly notices her red attire with black heels, reminding him of a certain woman.

Without realizing it, Leon accidentally scrunches his face from the reminder. Even when you offer a seat on one of the chairs in front of your desk, a glare on his face remains for a moment. However, when Leon takes another glance at your face, he eases the features of his face, nearly dazed at the sight of your eyes and lips as you both sit across each other. For a moment he studies your facial features while you speak until a question from you returns him to reality. Leon blinks his eyes in realization and nods to the question, simply muttering,”Yes.”

His heart nearly flutters when you provide a reassuring smile while nodding your head,”That’s okay, let’s get started, Leon,” He hears you tell him.

By leaning over the chair, you reach over with one hand to retrieve paperwork clipped to a clipboard from the top of your desk. Leon patiently sits in silence across from you, curious of the next course of actions. With a swift flip of the papers attached to the clipboard, you reaffirm all the necessary documents before leaning over in the chair to hand the clipboard to Leon. Once Leon had the clipboard in his possession, he curiously skimmed through the pages while you spoke,” Alright Leon, we’re going to take the first 15 minutes to get through all this annoying intake paperwork. Essentially review HIPAA concerns, consent forms, and ethical guidelines. Afterwards, I will ask more questions regarding your background, then begin discussing your reasons for therapy and goals so we can formulate a treatment plan along our sessions. How does that sound?” You question him, provided with a gentle smile.

Leon follows with a head nod, content with the flow of the session.”Sounds good,” he immediately responds, eager to hear your voice more. Despite Leon never receiving treatment before, he was honestly impressed with your diligence.

With the reassurance from Leon, you proceed on explaining the following paperwork.”Also, please feel welcomed to ask me any questions, I want to ensure you’re not leaving here confused and that my skills are what you’re looking for in a therapist,” You sincerely express, shifting in the chair to cross your legs.

There were several questions that instantly came to Leon’s thoughts: ‘How old are you?’ and ‘Are you single?’

“The first page contains a HIPAA authorization form, basically entailing how your medical information is disclosed and your rights regarding your medical information…''You explain, leaning over the side of the chair again to snatch a pen from your desk. With the pen in hand, you lean over the chair to hand it to Leon,”So just write today’s date, your full name, date of birth, social security, check the boxes, and provide your signature. Please let me know if you have questions,” You breathe out, observing him as Leon fills out the worksheet in silence, hearing the scribbling of the pen on paper.

After a moment, Leon glances back up to you, signaling he was finished with signing this section of paperwork. In this moment, you provide a smile in reassurance,”Sweet, now we can continue to the next section, which is simply covering ethical guidelines between therapist and client. If you flip over to the next page, it will clarify all the different points. When you’re done reading, just sign at the bottom,” You advise him, sinking back into the chair as Leon flips and reviews the next page of ethical guidelines.

At this moment, several points mentioning friendship and gift exchange between client and therapist caught Leon’s attention. Therapists are legally required to maintain a professional relationship with their clients, thus can not accept gifts over a certain amount. Leon briefly glances at you, then instantly returns his sight to the paperwork on his lap. He would have to abide by these guidelines to receive treatment. With the pen in his hand, Leon inscribes his signature on the line at the bottom of the page along with writing the current date.

With all the paperwork finally reviewed and signed, this prompted you to clasp your hands together, instantly capturing Leon’s concentration from the paperwork on his lap up to you at the sudden noise,”Okay, we’re done with paperwork! You can set that on my desk, now we can finally get into why you’re here. I will ask a couple of questions, then you can tell me more about yourself, Leon,” You explain, your voice full of enthusiasm as you directly observe his blue orbs across the room. In response to your declaration, Leon nods his head.

By adjusting your throat, you then exhale before asking the first question: “Has your family or you have any history of substance abuse that is not limited to alcohol, illegal drugs, and abuse of medication?”

From across the room, you notice Leon shakes his head,”I am not sure about my family, but not me…”

To acknowledge him, you provide a subtle head nod to his response,”That’s okay if you don’t know. Another question: During your childhood, did you live any significant period of time with anyone other than your natural parents?” You question him, intently observing his expressions. Despite his file entailing he was an orphan, you needed more context.

There was a momentary pause from Leon at this question, his gaze elsewhere but you as he ponders this question. He then returns his gaze to you, nodding,” Yes. I was in the foster care system until I became 18 years of age. There was an incident in my family that I don’t have much recollection on…” He tries to clarify.

‘There was an incident?’ This thought comes to you, debating if this subject should be pressed on and explored. You veer your head to the clock on the wall, it was already 5:32PM. Session will be ending soon at 5:50PM and there is at least one important question left for Leon.

With another head nod, your lips form a smile to Leon,”We can explore that at another time if you like… My last question is: What has brought you to therapy and what goals do you want to accomplish?” To some, this inquiry might seem ridiculous, but this direct question was for clients to explore their reasoning to receive therapy.

An exasperated sigh escapes his mouth, tilting his head to the sides as it seemed he did not want to confess his sentiment. “Uh… I feel alone” He finally admits, his face expressionless.

“At what point in your life do you feel alone?” You inquired, keeping your tone serious to Leon’s response.

Over the span of his life, there were an absurd number of instances when he was abandoned by people. The initial example was during his childhood, when his family was massacred for unexplained reasons. He spent a considerate amount of years in the foster care system, unloved by blood. The girlfriend who broke off their relationship the night before he experienced the incident in Raccoon City. Hell, even when Claire Redfield deserted Sherry and him to search for her older brother after they barely survived that harrowing night together. Leon had to fend for Sherry when Claire had left them to the mercy of the US government. Then the infamous Ada Wong, who used him twice before vanishing without a trace. People were brief in his life, either from death or they left him.

Despite these prominent circumstances, how would he express some of these details without explaining an incident that was covered up and immensely classified. His hands and tongue were tied, he would have to brush over this portion of his life.

With several blink of his eyes, Leon considers other reasons for his lonesomeness. There was an uneasy feeling that swept over him due to the unsettling silence in the room. You were attentive for his answer.

“The nature of my job… I am too busy to involve myself in meaningful relationships,” Leon conjures, returning his gaze to those eyes that seemed too distant from him.

As Leon provides a response to your final question, you notice hesitation in his demeanor as if he is recollecting something traumatic. However, as a professional you can not dismiss his answer, but simply acknowledge him.

Since Leon was an agent of STRATCOM, no doubt that life threatening missions contributed to this sentiment. Similar among other agents and military personnel, coping with isolation and loneliness was common.

“Are there any particular aspects of your job that contribute to your feeling of loneliness?” You ask him in a sincere tone. With a quick glance at the clock on the wall, there were only a few minutes of session. Damm…

Leon noticed your glance to the clock on the wall, yet continued to speak,” People are temporary in my line of work…” He admits, noticing the hands of the clock were at 5:46pm.”Session is done already, huh?” Leon comments, returning his attention to you for confirmation.

A faint smile forms on your lips, nod slightly.”Unfortunately…but we can continue this subject next session..” You respond, standing from the chair to retrieve another clipboard from your desk, consisting of another signature page. “Before you leave, if I could get your signature. I did check your health insurance and it’s all good to go. They require a client signature to authorize that you received treatment today,” You inform him, offering the clipboard to him with both hands.

Leon stands from his seat, taking the clipboard with one hand while his other hand grasps the pen attached to the clipboard. After signing his signature at the bottom of the sheet, he returns the clipboard back into your possession with a faint smile on his lips.

You reciprocate the same faint smile on your face,”Alright Leon, it was a pleasure to meet you today. I really recommend writing any thoughts or topics you want to speak about in a small notebook for our sessions, that way you don’t forget… but other than that. You are free to go. I look forward to seeing you on Friday at 5PM. If you need to reach me for any reason, definitely reach me by email or my work number.” You mention, leaning on your desk.

With a nod from Leon, offering a cheeky grin,”Yes ma'am. I will see you on Friday then, stay warm...” He comments, noticeably glancing at your body up and down, implying your poor choice in your red attire. At those words, Leon turns around to exit your office, leaving you alone in silence.

This was definitely an interesting client, there was no doubt in Leon’s charisma and intellect.

#leon kennedy #yandere!leon kennedy #re4 leon #leon x fem reader #resident evil 4 remake #resident evil #within session #leon kennedy x reader #yandere!leon x reader #female reader

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