WHO: Mondo Oowada and some of his CRs WHERE: Various places WHEN: April 9 onwards! RATING/WARNINGS: PG-13 for language maybe, will change as things unfold! SUMMARY: Mondo is back after a week plus of disappearance THE STORY:↓↓↓
[ It was already pretty late at night when he resumes his search for Komo. Where could he be? Liv's? She did tell him that she'd keep his boy safe in case he disappears to thin air. Come to think of it, he hasn't checked for if everyone's all here. Maizono left recently, after all. Maybe he missed out something in his absence. What was that all about, though? Recently Shephard too disappeared but came back after having returned briefly to her world. But in his case... what the hell was it? He didn't even remembering leaving Wonderland for a sec. Would Maizono come back too eventually? It's been almost a whole month, though.
With all those thoughts in mind, he finds himself before Tsumiki's door. They might not be the bestest of friends, but dare he say, she might've been worried. Well, he's already here, so he'll give the door two light knocks, if there was no answer, he'll just walk off. It's almost midnight now, after all. ]
[There is an answer, technically, and one that'll definitely surprise him.
Barking.
What follows is a startled yelp and a thud - Mikan being woken up and falling out of bed - before scrambling noises and Mikan's voice.]
Komo! P-Please be quiet, Komo, people are sleeping! ... W-wait, what where you barking at...? The door? Is someone there? Oh, no...
[Shuffle shuffle. Unlocking... Naturally, since it's midnight, she wasn't wearing her nurse uniform. Instead...]
G-good evening, what...?
[She trails off, eyes widening. Is this a dream? Komo races between her legs to get to his original master, but she doesn't even realize. She can only see one thing in the world right now.]
[ It does surprise him. He didn't expect him to get it in one, especially when all he wanted to do is to make sure Tsumiki is there. He's supposed to be relieved but he's too taken aback to be. So she's been taking care of his boy for the while he's gone?
He stands still there, preparing himself for the door opening and-- ]
Ah, uh. Hey.
[ For a moment, his eyes are planted on Tsumiki in her pajama look and only that. Holy shit. Man. What. She looks fuckin' adorable. What the flipping hell. Now he feels bad for coming at this hour, of course she must've been sleeping... and isn't it kind of suspiciously weird?! You know, because... things. Despite those thoughts in mind, he doesn't hold back on burning the image to the back of his mind because that look on her is really cute?! God.
He's not granted too long of time for that though, because Komo has successfully dashed past her legs and is now jumping up to tackle Mondo. He's not powerful enough to actually bring Mondo down, it does make him take a step behind to catch the little one. The vehement licking leaves the teen without other choice than tearing his gaze away from her. ]
Haha, oi Komo! Stop it, that's ticklish! Have you been a good boy? God, I'm real glad you're with Tsumiki.
[ He rubs the pup's face fondly, and looks back at the girl before him when the licking subsides, Mondo looks back at the girl before him. He finally realises her surprise. Ah... of course she would be, huh? He's apparently gone for more than a week, without him even knowing it himself. ]
Uh... [ He doesn't really know what to say. To him it just feels like they just saw each other the other day. He scratches the back of his head. ] So, you been good?
[She doesn't seem to hear his words or even realize what's happening with Komo. As far as she's concerned, time has gone completely still.
When Sayaka had left, Mikan was understandably upset, but she didn't know the fate that awaited her. Maybe Sayaka was a survivor. But Mondo... she knew what was in store for him. What he'd be going back to. Then came the fear that each of her school-mates were going to disappear one by one.
But he's here now. Safe, at least relatively so. He's here, and alive.]
Mondo... Mondo... Mondo!
[Aaand here come the tears. She breaks, sobbing into her hands, overcome with relief. He's alive. He's alive. He's alive.
Nothing else right now matters. He's alive.]
Thank goodness... Oooh, thank goodness... I was so scared, I thought I might never see you again! Uuu... Uuu.... Mondooooo!
[ He'll be lying if he didn't expect this coming. A part of him doesn't want to get too far ahead of himself, doesn't want to assume that she'd be that worried for him. But at the same time, he knew that she cares very deeply for her friends. So he isn't particularly surprised about this, but still, it's his weakness and he never knows what to do when she begins crying.
He then looks at Komo, muttering at him, "Sorry buddy, wait for a sec, aight?" before putting the pup down. On other times he'd hesitate more, but he knows Komo won't leave his side and wander off right now, especially after what happened.
Slowly, he raises a hand, placing it on Tsumiki head. This is the only move this awkward boulder could pull off, and if he's honest to himself, it feels lacking. ]
Yeah. I'm here.
[ When he hears that she's scared that she would never see him again, whatever hesitation he had disappears. The dam has been broken. He takes another step closer to her, sliding his hand to the back of her neck, gently pulling her to his chest. ]
Sorry.
[ Even if it's not his fault per se, he still worried her, and made her cry like this. ]
Sorry.
[ His voice remains quiet and tender, another hand finds its way to her back. It's awkward, he's rigid, but it's the only way he can think of that can help her feel that he's really here, that he's back here. If it were up to him, he wouldn't want to ever leave. At least not while Tsumiki's still here. While Komo, while Ishimaru are still here. ]
[The touch sends a jolt through her skin - as if it's extra proof this is not a dream or a hallucination or a fantasy. He's here, he's alive, hes unharmed, he's okay. Then she's in his arms, and, if it's possible, she manages to cry harder. What with Monokuma and the upcoming war, things have been pretty stressful, but she hasn't really had a chance to release it all.
At this point she can't even form a coherent sentence. She just sobs openly into his chest, taking in his smell, the beating of his heart, his everything, the proof he is alive. Alive, alive, alive, Mondo is alive.
After what feels like an eternity, she manages to catch her breath.]
... I'm... s-sorry for... crying... I... I was just...
[A hard swallow. Rubbing her eyes, rubbing her face. ]
And, K-Komo, I'm sorry, I just... I g-got worried, when you were gone, so, but... I-I've been walking him every day, I promise! And f-feeding him, and bathing him, and brushing him, and playing with him, and, and, and, I've never taken care of a dog before, b-but I tried to read some books about it, and I did my very best, I swear!
[After all, she knows how important a pet can be to a person (thanks gundam) so she made sure that dog was treated like a king!]
[ He closes his eyes as she continues sobbing. It feels really nice to have her in his arms. It's warm, it's soothing, it feels right... even when it might be not the best time for it. He probably shouldn't be feeling good when she's crying like this, and yet it feels like there's something very crucial about this.
When she finally finds a way to stop the flowing river, he loosens his arms on her, but not exactly taking them back just yet. He pulls back a little, just so he can look at her as she continues talking. The more he listens to what she has to say, the fonder he feels for her. The look in his eyes soften, and it's... man. He can't quite put it in heartfelt words, he's always bad at that, but knowing that she puts so much effort to take care of Komo, be it for Komo himself or for Mondo, it's just...
God.
Giving up on saying anything, this time, he gives her what people would call a proper hug ー nothing like his rigid one earlier. This time, he's actually bends slightly down, towards her, arms completely wrapping around her small frame. There's no words that can explain what he's feeling right now ー gratitude, fondness, security, happiness... ー and so he lets his action to express it. He takes a deep breath as he feels the warmth of her in his arms, heartbeat pacing up a little, but not in any way that makes him uncomfortable. ]
Thanks. I really mean it.
[ Without thinking, he leans his head towards her, inhaling the sweet aroma coming from her. ]
[She had only expected a brief touch, given that boys tend not to be physically affectionate. but being a touch-starved/love-starved indidvual, Mikan was always grateful for any scrap of attention. She certainly wasn't going to ask for anything more, nor did she expect -
Oh.
Um.
Hello there.
There's a definitive difference between this embrace and the one from a minute ago. It's not something she can put into words - tighter, yet softer, somehow??? It does make her stop babbling about the dog, blinking wildly and trying to process this. She knows by now she has a tendency to overthink things and misinterpret. Maybe this is just his own desperate need to feel alive, after experiencing his death back home. Goodness knows Mikan felt the same way after her first mansion death.
Yet. Hm.
She winds up staring into his eyes, trying to read. Her cheeks begin to burn. This is... not unwelcome. Different, definitely, she doesn't think anyone's ever looked at her this sort of way before. Her heart is racing. Her hands, previously clenched together due to her crying, now lay flat on his chest. She feels safe here. Warm. Protected. Maybe even happy.]
You're... welcome?
[Of course she's glad to have helped him, even only a little. So why phrase it as a question? Because everything else is just so confusing. But, maybe, just maybe, not everything needs a definitive answer. Especially not in the middle of the night when he's back from death and she's in her pajamas.
[ At her sudden yelp, he lets go and pulls back in reflex, worried he might have hurt her or... worse, accidentally touched somewhere he's not supposed to. His hands are up in the air like a criminal on gunpoint. ]
Wh, what's wrong?!
[ He's too surprised to let everything sink in, the fact that he actually hugged her and everything... none of that is passing through his thinking pipeline now, not with him semi-panicking that he might have done something wrong. Shit, what did he do?! ]
I'm sorry for not changing into something more proper when I heard the door knocking!
[CLEARLY THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE. So much so that she keeps stepping back, stepping forth, stepping back, stepping forth, THIS HASN'T EVER REALLY BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE and maybe, just maybe, a part of her is amping this up so she won't have to think about whatever Mondo's touch meant. A defense mechanism after being hurt again and again in the past...?]
Should I change now, or is too late, or am I overreacting again?!
Huh?! No! Oh, no, I would never think you'd do anything! Y-You're not like that! You're a really nice person!
[It's her fault! She's the one who's always tripping and exposing her underwear! She's the slut!]
Uuu... Ahhh... c-calm down, have to calm down... I was just so happy to see you that I couldn't think straight about anything... Calm down, trying to calm down... Breathe...
[ He, too, takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. ]
Y, yeah. [ Scratching the back of his head, he steals some glances at her before looking away. Yeah, no. He won't even dream of doing anything to her! That's just wrong. She's his friend, he can't do that! Besides, there's no way someone like her will be interested to him in that way... N-not that he is... or is he... Ahhh, he doesn't want to think about it!! Why is she always so nice to him?! ] It's... it's fine. You don't have to wear anything...
[ Wait that comes out wrong. Fuck. ]
I, I MEAN!! YOU DON'T HAVE TO WEAR PROPER CLOTHES-- [ Fuck, fuck fuck. ] NO UH, YOU LOOK GOOD IN PAJAMAS TOO AND-- [ FUCKING HELL. ] DAHHHHH!!
[ He just. Punches himself. ]
........
[ Deeeeeep breath. ]
Sorry... I just meant you're good the way it is. I won't... uh. Do anything weird. Though I sort of did already, uh... sorry 'bout that. I just...
[ He didn't really hold back, his left cheek is bruised with that wham. But it's not easy punching yourself hard, it's probably not even 50% of his usual punch. So yeah, he's good. Better than it looks.
Though it's a relief that she didn't think the hug was wrong (holy fuck he hugged her), what she said after concerns him. ]
W, wait, Tsumiki... [ He puts his hands in front of him, trying to gesture for her to go slower. ] You haven't said this to anyone else other than me, right? [ Okay wait that sounds like he's being jealous but that's not what he's trying to say! ] I mean... that's dangerous. People can take advantage of that.
[ He'll talk about the disappearance later, it's more important to make sure Tsumiki is taking a good care of herself. ]
[Her eyes stay on that bruise. Sheesh, how can he hit himself that hard and not regret it? People are going to ask, you know! But the concern is something she's heard before, and her eyes lower for a moment. It's nothing new, she is very aware of her dangerous nature about attention. People have taken advantage of it, and not just back home.]
... It's... It's a hard habit to break. I just... get so afraid of being alone, that... that I get desperate... I know I shouldn't... But for a long time, I would just accept anything... as long as it was something... I-I'm sorry...
[It's hard to describe to someone like Mondo, who just gets people drawn to him so easily and doesn't seem to be afraid of such small, stupid things like 'loneliness'.]
... The... the clinic is right next door, I can get you some ice for that bruise.
[ Having seen a part of her childhood, and hearing what she says makes him feel mad. Not at her, but at the people who actually took advantage to that, and also... to himself, for not being there to protect her from it. It's not right. ]
Don't apologise.
[ It's not normal to think that way, and it's so goddamn unfair to her. What's lacking from her? She's sweet, she's caring, she's smart, she's charming, she gives her best in everything ー why won't anyone be there for her? He opens his mouth, about to say that he'll never let her be alone, but the reality is that he just did, even if it was out of his control. So his mouth closes again, the fists on his sides balling tight.
Shit. Even he left her too.
At the suggestion of the clinic, he nods and gestures for Komo to tag along. It sounds like a better place to talk rather than out in the corridor. They don't know who might have listened in to their conversation too.
He doesn't waste any time to come inside the clinic, and immediately closes the door behind them. ]
I... sorry. I didn't want to leave. If it was up to me I'd... I'd always be here. [ He sighs, looking at the glass case of medicine. ] I didn't know I left, I just woke up like normal but apparently I was gone for a week. ...I dunno what happened.
[Once inside the clinic, Mikan is quick to move - sometimes when she's in there, she's like a completely different person. She's grabbing things off shelves, from cabinets, all in the blink of an eye, and then she's immediately in front of him again. But this isn't to say she didn't hear him.
In fact, she's surprised to hear what he has to say, as she offers the ice pack towards him.]
Wait... you didn't go home? Or you didn't...
[She doesn't want to say "experience death", because maybe he had, and all he returned to was being a corpse.
Fun thought.
She shakes her head quickly, this time thrusting the ice pack forward.]
B-Bruises heal naturally on their own, but if you want, you can put this on and off every couple of minutes... if your face starts feeling numb, you've left it on for too long. Either way, it's not a good feeling, but... you really... please, don't hurt yourself like that... It's not being fair to yourself.
[Pot, meet kettle. But at least she's aware of it.]
... Hurting yourself when you do something wrong... doesn't fix things. Doesn't help solve anything, and it won't make up for things... You shouldn't feel as if you have to punish yourself... You've gone through enough of that already.
[Don't take your parents place and start thinking that beating yourself makes everything okay. Don't let them win. You deserve better than that. She can't say it, but she does mean it.]
[ Well, wow. Holy crap. You see her daily being a total klutz, messing up everything she does, but this different side of her... damn. He's definitely impressed, but at the same time it really does feel like he's looking at someone else. When she finally turns to him though, he lets out a quiet breath of relief that convinces him again that yes, this is Tsumiki. He gives her a good stare before taking the ice pack offered. ]
I... tch. [ It stings more than he thought, but it's not a big deal. ] ...Yeah, I didn't.
[ His eyes flicker at her. He doesn't need her to finish her sentence, it's obvious what she's trying to say, and he just... nods his head at her.
With that, he falls silent. It's her turn to talk.
What she says then, they're all valid points. He's heard this argument before, from Jon, from Sakamoto. Logically, he gets it. There's nothing good that comes from beating yourself, trying to get yourself killed. There's nothing beyond it. It doesn't undo what you've done, it doesn't make you forgive yourself. It will never. He doesn't think he can ever forgive himself, not in this life, not in the next life if there's one. He thinks he deserves it, but there's no use to it.
But, he knows that she mirrors this tendency. Maybe not in the way that he does, but her self-depreciating words... he's heard it more often than not. Really, he's also a pot calling the kettle black here, but he doesn't want to see her doing that. What he wants is for her to treasure herself more. Just from what she said earlier, that she'd do anything not to be alone, it's clear for him just how low she's putting herself at. Maybe, just maybe, she feels what he feels, too. ]
Then... let's make a promise.
[ He releases the ice pack from his bruised cheek, looking straight to her eyes. ]
Don't hurt yourself, too. 'm not sayin' just physically.
[Mikan had almost expected him to scoff at her advice. After all, who is SHE to tell anyone what to do, when she can barely follow her own words? Maybe she shouldn't have said anything, even if she only wanted to help him. Useless useless she's so useless and monika's words ring back at her pointless why bother useless useless USELESS YOU'RE SO GODDAMNED USELESS
"Let's make a promise."]
Huh?
[She blinks, slowly this time. Her breath holds. She's - not sure this is something she can keep. But. She can try. And that's what he wants, isn't it? Her to try, to make an effort. Baby steps, one at a time - yet, the surprising thing is that he wants to make that effort too. He didn't have to. He could have simply said he'd do his best and not involve her.
But he wants to keep an eye on her and watch her take the steps towards self-improvement. He genuinely wants to see her become a better person. He wants to become a better person himself. They're out here admitting all their flaws and he's refusing to let her do it alone. He wants to guard her and protect her, like a...
... like a prince charming.
thump-thump.]
I. Um. I-I know, what you're saying, I...
[Thump-thump.
This is. Similar. To what she's felt to Mettaton. Yet not quite. Oh dear. Her mind's spinning. This is not a Good Time or Good Place to think these things. Stop it. Stoppiiit. He'd never see her that way don't go trying to hurt yourself again, don't be this dumb, don't be a burden on him, but if he's going to keep being this nice
this sweet, this caring, this amazing, then
she can't control it, can she? thump. thump. thump. thumpthumpthumpthump-
She shakily holds up her pinky finger.]
Um... O-Okay. I'll... I'll promise if you promise. We'll do our best... okay?
[ Indeed, he doesn't expect her to suddenly stop her tendencies and change. It's impossible for him too. It's why he wanted them both to promise each other, to have each other as surety. Neither of them is a perfect person ー heck, no one can be one, but that's what humans do, right? Finding ways to improve themselves, to clear their little and big goals in life, to make use of the time given for them here in this world.
Completely oblivious to her mental battle, what she says is cracking a smile out of him, to which triggers pain on his left cheek and has him wincing for a bit. But he's a ~*tough guy*~, he's not gonna let that bother him and holds up his pinky finger firmly, linking it with hers. ]
Yeah. A man doesn't break his promise. ...Well, if we forget, we can always remind each other. We'll help each other, yeah?
[ Komo barks, as if chiming with him, and probably to remind the two that he's still there. Mondo bends down to pat the little one. ]
Good boy. Sorry I made you worry.
[ All the rubbing Mondo does make the pup yawns, which makes the teen yawn too. ]
It's gettin' late, huh? [ He turns to look at Tsumiki again. ] Thanks a lot, Tsumiki. Sorry for waking you up in the middle of the night. ...But I'm glad that you're still here. In Wonderland, I mean.
[ Is it selfish for him to say that? What she said earlier... it sounded like she never wanted to leave Wonderland herself. Whichever it is, he's not gonna think about it too much for now. What matters is that both of them are here now, and they're moving forward. ]
[Mikan tries to ignore the overwhelming internal scream of WHY DID YOU FALL FOR SOMEONE AGAIN WHAT MAKES YOU THINK IT'S GOING TO WORK OUT THIS TIME going on, putting on a weak smile and squeezing Mondo's pinky finger once before slipping it away. A promise made. They're do their best and help each other out. He's a good friend. He's a great friend. He deserves so much better than her.
But all good things must come to an end, and despite all she's seen and learned, it IS the middle of the night and Mikan is sleepy. They can always catch up and resume things at a more reasonable hour. Right now it's a struggle not to yawn.]
Mmm... I've been in Wonderland for over three years now, and not once ever got sent back... I don't understand why, but... I'm grateful. I don't think I'd survive back home.
[Given that Murder Island is still a thing, Mikan is convinced she'd probably wind up being another victim. She also doesn't want to see her friends horrifically murdered, but at least here they can get back up again.]
You should get some sleep, both of you... But... you can always, um, message me, or come to my room, if you need help, or to talk, or, whatever...
[That part begins to dissolve into shy mumbling as she fidgets with her fingers. Just. Letting him know. The invitation is always available if he wants. Clearing throat.]
But, um, I'm glad too... that... that you're back. I know it's hard for me to express things sometimes without g-going overboard, but... I'm glad. I'm really, really glad. Having you here... makes Wonderland a better place, I think...
[ Mondo falls quiet hearing what she says about possibly not surviving back home. What happened to Damian, to Commander Shepard, to him... it could happen to Tsumiki, too. They're all different situations, and are against their wills. There's no telling when they'll leave Wonderland ー he won't be able to do anything if she got sent back home, and the same goes for her.
But, that's exactly why they need to live to the fullest, now. Everyday. Every hour. Every second. Every moment. There's no point thinking about the inevitable. ]
'Course. Same goes for you, yeah?
[ He knows that already, but it's nice to hear it again, that she's always open to him contacting her, going to see her. It's a good thing to know. He flashes a small grin her way saying that, which... fades as she goes on. ]
Eh?
[ One sec. She thinks him being around made Wonderland a better place?
Him? He can do that? ...Whoa.
Like, okay, she's probably just saying it, and it's probably not a big deal for her, but it... makes him real happy still. ]
O, ou.
[ Reaching to the back of his neck, he averts his eyes again, cheeks steadily burning. ]
...Good to hear that. I, uh, it's the same for me. I'm glad I got to know you here--
[ And he cuts that short before this gets even more embarrassing for him. The burning sensation is reaching his neck and now he just!! Wants to leave stat!! ]
[ But now that he's about to leave, the longing feeling keeps him on his spot. ]
Ah, uh... [ Scratching his cheek, he tries to extend the stay just for a liiiittle bit more. ] Thanks, you too. ...And thanks for taking care of Komo. Really appreciate that.
[ Leave already, Mondo.
Meanwhile, Komo barks at Tsumiki and wags his tail at her. THANK YOU, MIKAN-CHAN!! YOU'RE A GREAT PERSON!! Let him give you some pup kisses and licks to your hands!! If only a dog can speak... ]
...C, c'mon, we gotta go already, Komo...
[ He's going to pretend he's not super happy about having a reason to stay just for one more moment. ]
[Oh no, is it her fault? Has Komo become too attached to her during his stay? She kneels down and gives him a few pets.]
I'll come and v-visit, okay? But you need to get some sleep... and I bet Mondo missed you a whole lot. Don't you want to go home with him? I know you missed him very much. But everything's okay now. Your friend is back, and he'll play with you lots and lots in the morning.
[...look mikan isn't trying to be adorable or anything, i swear]
[ Of course she's not. She's adorable by nature ー Mondo knows this, even if he refuses to acknowledge or think about it, he's just mentally smacking his own face to keep himself from dying. ]
Y, yeah, ya hear that, Komo...
[ So not convincing.
But okay that's enough, he's gonna just pick the pup up and haul him over his shoulder. He's overstayed enough!! Ok but let him just stare at her pajama look one more time.
...Alright, he's going already. ]
Kay, er... see ya tomorrow. [ Looks to the left, looks to the right. ] Wanna join us for a jog in the afternoon? [ LEAVE ALREADY, MONDO. ]
And then smiles warmly, genuinely happy. So happy. He's alive. He's home. Whatever happens because of her feelings... that's far off and away in the future. They have time to deal with those troublesome things.
Here and now? Life is good.]
... I'd really like that. I-I'll wait for you at my door... it'll be fun.
He returns it with a sheepish one of his own, though sorta stunted as he's trying not to smile too wide. ]
Y, yeah sure. Bye.
[ Ok he's leaving for real now. Komo barks a goodnight as they leave the door, and Mondo looks back just one more time before heading off to his room. Whenever he hears the door closed, he'll watch out for people and once he's sure there isn't anyone, he'll begin to skip around, climbing two or even three steps at a time. He has a lot of thinking to do later, but for now ー he's happy. ]
It's almost been a year since he arrived in Wonderland last May... today he can't quite stop himself from doing the math and realizing he should be starting college by now, were the normal passage of time a thing.
College. God.
While out on one of his runs, a large green ball rolling across the grass toward him temporarily hits "pause" on that thought. Adorned in track pants rolled up to his knees and a shirt with sleeves rolled up on his shoulders to match, Ryuji slows to a walk and brings his foot down on the ball to stop it.
He recognizes it--had, in fact, left it outside of a room in December to wish the dog inside a merry Christmas. (And no, he's not talking about Mondo.) A dog bark sounds, and looking up, he sees the dog in question racing across the field in pursuit of his neon green prey.]
If it ain't Komo.
[And walking along some distance behind Komo, a familiar face.
Well, well, look what the beagle puppy dragged in.]
Living in the same mansion, it's impossible for them not to see each other at least every now and then. But, they weren't exactly what people would call 'friends'. They had no reasons to hang out together, and it was usually just exchanging some sorta greetings in passing. Now that Komo's rushed towards Sakamoto, though, Mondo can't just walk off. After all, he does feel indebted to him after his huge help back in December. (And of course the other times he got his ass saved, but that ~*totally doesn't count because he didn't ask for it*~!) ]
...Sup.
[ His hands are concealed within his pockets, eyes not really meeting the other. There's no way he can just suddenly act friendly to him, that's just weird. He does, however, feel compelled to give at least a bit more effort. ]
["'Sup"? That's it? That's all he's going to say? "'Sup"? And they say Ryuji's bad with his words.]
You're... back. When did you get back?
[He's not much better, stating the obvious with a curious, narrow-eyed look that covers up his surprise at seeing Mondo out and about like business as usual. He's... definitely back. No one else would be sporting a corncob of that splendor.
Komo is busy greeting his feet with tail wagging a mile a minute, temporarily losing interest in the oversized tennis ball. He bends to pet the pup.]
... Runnin', is all. Just the usual.
[Good god, was that an attempt at small talk? What happened to Mondo while he was away?]
[ They're already always fighting, why not fight for the seat of the Conversation Champ? At this rate, they'll probably tie, though. Mondo lets Komo get comfy with his other favourite human, leaning into the gentle petting, licking the hand once he's nuzzled it enough. The boy sure's good at acting spoiled. (And whose fault is it again?) ]
That's like... uh, last week, I guess? Didn't know I left till Ishimaru and Tsumiki told me. Thought it was strange that suddenly we're in the middle of some event without any warnings, dunno what the fuck happened. [ He lightly shrugs, then mumbles. ] ...Sure hope it doesn't happen again.
[Honestly, this musclehead melting into a soft-hearted marshmallow in front of a puppy is still fucking weird, but nevertheless he's glad to see Komo back in the right hands again.
He rubs his finger under Komo's chin as he'd done to Morgana a time or two. Like keeping your eyes open while sneezing, it's impossible not to smile when a dog is licking you and wagging his tail, it's just impossible.]
Yep. So.
[That's how it is. Yep. Just running. That's all.
Not that their chitchat isn't immensely stimulating all on its own, but Ryuji lifts his gaze at the explanation, an air of question in the look.]
You don't remember anything new?
[That happens sometimes, as he understands it. It hasn't happened to him--either the disappearing, or the reappearing, or the extra memories--and for that he can only be grateful. He'd like to leave, but not dangling by the end of Wonderland's hook.]
[ Fucking weird's definitely the best way to describe what Mondo feels upon seeing Sakamoto's silly smiling face, too. Observing how people enjoy Komo's presence is a thing that Mondo loves to do, but it's hard to say the same when it comes to this guy. It's not unpleasant, but. You know.
For once, though, their interaction doesn't start with sparks of irritation or any kinds of provocation from either end, which is also super weird on its own way. He scratches his nose a little awkwardly, unsure how to act around the other as he's already too used to being in an argument with the faux blondie. ]
Yeah, nothin'. 's weird cuz what I've heard was like, you return back home for a while before comin' back here. But there weren't any gap on my side. Just slept like normal and woke up the next day... at least that's what it felt like.
[ He shrugs. ]
Well, it ain't like there's anythin' if I really went back home. Probably ain't even possible to come back here.
[He was following along well enough until the gloomy remark there's nothing to go back to. Knowing what he does about the state of things in the Hope's Peak's students', he doesn't blame any of them for wanting to avoid going back (and the fact Sayaka had still rests heavily on his mind), but that doesn't sound like what Mondo's saying.]
What's that supposed to mean--that you couldn't come back here? Lots of people wind up back. You just did.
[ Mondo pauses his Komo petting session when Sakamoto asks the question, raising an eyebrow. ]
Ah?
[ Didn't he tell him before? It felt like Sakamoto already pretty much knew everything ー at least most of the important things that needed to be said. Right? Maybe? Sorta? ]
Dunno, I don't think this place can bring those who're already dead back home.
[ Wonderland feeds from people's memories, after all. In Maizono's case, it made sense as she wasn't dead yet in her timeline. Though... thinking about her returning home to possibly face her fate doesn't really make him feel good at all. A part of him now wishes that she'd make it in time to return here before anything happens.
His expression turns sour as his gaze wanders somewhere else. ]
[--God fucking damn it. It was fucked up enough living Mondo's memory of killing someone, but this awful gift just seems to keep giving, and giving, and giving.]
Say what? You--
[No, he hadn't known that little tidbit, and his mild salsa attempts at restrained small talk go flying out the window. He rockets to his feet so fast that it startles Komo, who looks bewildered he's no longer the focus of attention.
Mondo's...? But-- Since when? Had he known all this time? He certainly doesn't seem all that surprised--Ryuji seems to be the only one between the two of them with spots of shocked color sitting high in his cheeks.]
[ Just by seeing the reaction that Sakamoto pulled, anyone can clearly tell that he's surprised by this revelation. Mondo looks at him quietly, unsure of what to say. It had felt like he had told the blonde pretty much everything, but it seemed like he forgot that particular bit. Maybe because he didn't think it was relevant. At that time what mattered was to tell the truth, the chronology of how the incident happened. The fact that he died after that didn't feel like something they needed to discuss. After all, for him to get punished for the crime he had committed, isn't that the natural course of event? ]
...Thought ya knew. Prolly forgot to mention that, then. But yeah. [ He shrugs lightly. ] There ya go.
Uh, yeah, definitely forgot to leave that part out of casual conversation!
[Komo flicks an ear uncertainly at the loud exclamation, looking worried he's in trouble and this human is gearing up for a scolding. And it's true, Ryuji feels like he's gearing up for yelling--not at anyone or anything, really, but this...
He's known Mondo how long now? How had he not known this? There's still a lot he doesn't know about the Hope's Peak students, and a lot he may never find out with Sayaka having left and taken many of her secrets with her (including her own death), but he still feels blindsided all the same. And a touch horrified.]
"There ya go"? That's... that's all you have to say? You're actin' way chill about it! When? How? What happened?
[It's difficult not to be reminded of Akechi. He, too, had been notoriously casual in the face of certain facts, but he also hadn't lived his death yet and hopefully never would.]
[ Hearing Sakamoto's suddenly loud voice, Mondo reflexively glances at Komo, before looking back at the teen before him. ]
Oi, calm down... You're scarin' Komo.
[ Pinching the bridge of his nose, he sighs. ]
Guess I just didn't think 'twas somethin' worth talkin' 'bout then. You wanted to know the truth of that incident, and I just wanted to get it done and over with. Wouldn't have thought you'd wanna know about shit like that.
[ Little details. Why would a criminal's life matter to Sakamoto anyway? An eye for an eye. A life for a life. ]
Remember how I told ya 'bout the 'class trial'? When a murder happened, we gotta find the culprit through it. If we couldn't, we'd all be executed and the culprit'd be free. ...And vice versa. Ya get the picture.
Would everybody stop actin' like this is normal and we should just be chill about it!
[AKA: don't tell him to calm down, bro. Komo will forgive him.
After all, more than a little smidge of sympathy is directed at his master. Untimely deaths brings to mind Monokuma and the killing games, and if those had had anything to do with it... Mondo confirms as much in a single grisly throwback to their conversations on it months and months ago.]
So all this time...
[He'd known. He'd faced the worst kind of retaliation for Fujisaki and hadn't said a peep about it. His fingers curl, forming a fist with a helpless, aimless indignation.]
[ Mondo raises an eyebrow, increasingly surprised in this intensity of reaction. He was waiting for something more along the lines of 'you deserve it' or... whatever else, something else that isn't this. He doesn't know how to deal with this. What the fuck's this. ]
Ah? Ya can't change the past, what's the use gettin' all worked up about it at this point?
[ A pause. ]
.......Wait. Are ya tryinna say I'm a goddamn idiot?!
The fuck? I'd have to be a stone cold bastard not to. [He throws his hands up.] It doesn't matter what you did, it's not right.
[Why is he the only one of the two of the them who seems to care about that right now? His heart's always been soft on this particular subject; death's always been a tragedy he'd prefer to avoid contemplating.
It sure as shit doesn't make anything better.]
I'm not tryin'a say nothin'. [A reflexive retort at best. Arguing on this point is old habit.] I'm sayin' it.
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april 9 ▸ with mikan
With all those thoughts in mind, he finds himself before Tsumiki's door. They might not be the bestest of friends, but dare he say, she might've been worried. Well, he's already here, so he'll give the door two light knocks, if there was no answer, he'll just walk off. It's almost midnight now, after all. ]
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Barking.
What follows is a startled yelp and a thud - Mikan being woken up and falling out of bed - before scrambling noises and Mikan's voice.]
Komo! P-Please be quiet, Komo, people are sleeping! ... W-wait, what where you barking at...? The door? Is someone there? Oh, no...
[Shuffle shuffle. Unlocking... Naturally, since it's midnight, she wasn't wearing her nurse uniform. Instead...]
G-good evening, what...?
[She trails off, eyes widening. Is this a dream? Komo races between her legs to get to his original master, but she doesn't even realize. She can only see one thing in the world right now.]
... Mondo...?
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He stands still there, preparing himself for the door opening and-- ]
Ah, uh. Hey.
[ For a moment, his eyes are planted on Tsumiki in her pajama look and only that. Holy shit. Man. What. She looks fuckin' adorable. What the flipping hell. Now he feels bad for coming at this hour, of course she must've been sleeping... and isn't it kind of suspiciously weird?! You know, because... things. Despite those thoughts in mind, he doesn't hold back on burning the image to the back of his mind because that look on her is really cute?! God.
He's not granted too long of time for that though, because Komo has successfully dashed past her legs and is now jumping up to tackle Mondo. He's not powerful enough to actually bring Mondo down, it does make him take a step behind to catch the little one. The vehement licking leaves the teen without other choice than tearing his gaze away from her. ]
Haha, oi Komo! Stop it, that's ticklish! Have you been a good boy? God, I'm real glad you're with Tsumiki.
[ He rubs the pup's face fondly, and looks back at the girl before him when the licking subsides, Mondo looks back at the girl before him. He finally realises her surprise. Ah... of course she would be, huh? He's apparently gone for more than a week, without him even knowing it himself. ]
Uh... [ He doesn't really know what to say. To him it just feels like they just saw each other the other day. He scratches the back of his head. ] So, you been good?
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When Sayaka had left, Mikan was understandably upset, but she didn't know the fate that awaited her. Maybe Sayaka was a survivor. But Mondo... she knew what was in store for him. What he'd be going back to. Then came the fear that each of her school-mates were going to disappear one by one.
But he's here now. Safe, at least relatively so. He's here, and alive.]
Mondo... Mondo... Mondo!
[Aaand here come the tears. She breaks, sobbing into her hands, overcome with relief. He's alive. He's alive. He's alive.
Nothing else right now matters. He's alive.]
Thank goodness... Oooh, thank goodness... I was so scared, I thought I might never see you again! Uuu... Uuu.... Mondooooo!
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He then looks at Komo, muttering at him, "Sorry buddy, wait for a sec, aight?" before putting the pup down. On other times he'd hesitate more, but he knows Komo won't leave his side and wander off right now, especially after what happened.
Slowly, he raises a hand, placing it on Tsumiki head. This is the only move this awkward boulder could pull off, and if he's honest to himself, it feels lacking. ]
Yeah. I'm here.
[ When he hears that she's scared that she would never see him again, whatever hesitation he had disappears. The dam has been broken. He takes another step closer to her, sliding his hand to the back of her neck, gently pulling her to his chest. ]
Sorry.
[ Even if it's not his fault per se, he still worried her, and made her cry like this. ]
Sorry.
[ His voice remains quiet and tender, another hand finds its way to her back. It's awkward, he's rigid, but it's the only way he can think of that can help her feel that he's really here, that he's back here. If it were up to him, he wouldn't want to ever leave. At least not while Tsumiki's still here. While Komo, while Ishimaru are still here. ]
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At this point she can't even form a coherent sentence. She just sobs openly into his chest, taking in his smell, the beating of his heart, his everything, the proof he is alive. Alive, alive, alive, Mondo is alive.
After what feels like an eternity, she manages to catch her breath.]
... I'm... s-sorry for... crying... I... I was just...
[A hard swallow. Rubbing her eyes, rubbing her face. ]
And, K-Komo, I'm sorry, I just... I g-got worried, when you were gone, so, but... I-I've been walking him every day, I promise! And f-feeding him, and bathing him, and brushing him, and playing with him, and, and, and, I've never taken care of a dog before, b-but I tried to read some books about it, and I did my very best, I swear!
[After all, she knows how important a pet can be to a person (thanks gundam) so she made sure that dog was treated like a king!]
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When she finally finds a way to stop the flowing river, he loosens his arms on her, but not exactly taking them back just yet. He pulls back a little, just so he can look at her as she continues talking. The more he listens to what she has to say, the fonder he feels for her. The look in his eyes soften, and it's... man. He can't quite put it in heartfelt words, he's always bad at that, but knowing that she puts so much effort to take care of Komo, be it for Komo himself or for Mondo, it's just...
God.
Giving up on saying anything, this time, he gives her what people would call a proper hug ー nothing like his rigid one earlier. This time, he's actually bends slightly down, towards her, arms completely wrapping around her small frame. There's no words that can explain what he's feeling right now ー gratitude, fondness, security, happiness... ー and so he lets his action to express it. He takes a deep breath as he feels the warmth of her in his arms, heartbeat pacing up a little, but not in any way that makes him uncomfortable. ]
Thanks. I really mean it.
[ Without thinking, he leans his head towards her, inhaling the sweet aroma coming from her. ]
Thanks so much, Tsumiki.
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Oh.
Um.
Hello there.
There's a definitive difference between this embrace and the one from a minute ago. It's not something she can put into words - tighter, yet softer, somehow??? It does make her stop babbling about the dog, blinking wildly and trying to process this. She knows by now she has a tendency to overthink things and misinterpret. Maybe this is just his own desperate need to feel alive, after experiencing his death back home. Goodness knows Mikan felt the same way after her first mansion death.
Yet. Hm.
She winds up staring into his eyes, trying to read. Her cheeks begin to burn. This is... not unwelcome. Different, definitely, she doesn't think anyone's ever looked at her this sort of way before. Her heart is racing. Her hands, previously clenched together due to her crying, now lay flat on his chest. She feels safe here. Warm. Protected. Maybe even happy.]
You're... welcome?
[Of course she's glad to have helped him, even only a little. So why phrase it as a question? Because everything else is just so confusing. But, maybe, just maybe, not everything needs a definitive answer. Especially not in the middle of the night when he's back from death and she's in her pajamas.
... She's in her pajamas.
THAT BLUSHING HAS JUST INCREASED TENFOLD.]
Eek!
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Wh, what's wrong?!
[ He's too surprised to let everything sink in, the fact that he actually hugged her and everything... none of that is passing through his thinking pipeline now, not with him semi-panicking that he might have done something wrong. Shit, what did he do?! ]
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[CLEARLY THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE. So much so that she keeps stepping back, stepping forth, stepping back, stepping forth, THIS HASN'T EVER REALLY BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE and maybe, just maybe, a part of her is amping this up so she won't have to think about whatever Mondo's touch meant. A defense mechanism after being hurt again and again in the past...?]
Should I change now, or is too late, or am I overreacting again?!
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[ You calm down, Mondo. ]
I mean, er, uh... it's, it's fine! It looks good-- [ Shit! ] N-No I mean, if I, uh, you.. I'm not gonna do anything?!?!!
[ YOU CALM DOWN, MONDO. ]
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[It's her fault! She's the one who's always tripping and exposing her underwear! She's the slut!]
Uuu... Ahhh... c-calm down, have to calm down... I was just so happy to see you that I couldn't think straight about anything... Calm down, trying to calm down... Breathe...
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Y, yeah. [ Scratching the back of his head, he steals some glances at her before looking away. Yeah, no. He won't even dream of doing anything to her! That's just wrong. She's his friend, he can't do that! Besides, there's no way someone like her will be interested to him in that way... N-not that he is... or is he... Ahhh, he doesn't want to think about it!! Why is she always so nice to him?! ] It's... it's fine. You don't have to wear anything...
[ Wait that comes out wrong. Fuck. ]
I, I MEAN!! YOU DON'T HAVE TO WEAR PROPER CLOTHES-- [ Fuck, fuck fuck. ] NO UH, YOU LOOK GOOD IN PAJAMAS TOO AND-- [ FUCKING HELL. ] DAHHHHH!!
[ He just. Punches himself. ]
........
[ Deeeeeep breath. ]
Sorry... I just meant you're good the way it is. I won't... uh. Do anything weird. Though I sort of did already, uh... sorry 'bout that. I just...
[ Vague gestures. Please understand. ]
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Aaaand he just punched himself. Bad to worse.]
A-ah! Are you hurt? Do you need help?
[Another overreaction, but at least this time it's slightly subdued. Or just another, easier distraction.]
I... N-No, you didn't do anything wrong! You never do! Well, I mean, sometimes you're loud, b-but there's nothing wrong with that!
[WHAT ARE WORDS. GOOD, BETTER WORDS.]
Ahhhh...! I don't care, I don't care what you do, if it's weird or to me or anything, I don't care! I just... I just want you to stay!
[NOT LIKE THAT]
In Wonderland! I want you to stay in Wonderland! And be safe! And be okay! And be alive! I shouldn't care about anything else!
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[ He didn't really hold back, his left cheek is bruised with that wham. But it's not easy punching yourself hard, it's probably not even 50% of his usual punch. So yeah, he's good. Better than it looks.
Though it's a relief that she didn't think the hug was wrong (holy fuck he hugged her), what she said after concerns him. ]
W, wait, Tsumiki... [ He puts his hands in front of him, trying to gesture for her to go slower. ] You haven't said this to anyone else other than me, right? [ Okay wait that sounds like he's being jealous but that's not what he's trying to say! ] I mean... that's dangerous. People can take advantage of that.
[ He'll talk about the disappearance later, it's more important to make sure Tsumiki is taking a good care of herself. ]
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... It's... It's a hard habit to break. I just... get so afraid of being alone, that... that I get desperate... I know I shouldn't... But for a long time, I would just accept anything... as long as it was something... I-I'm sorry...
[It's hard to describe to someone like Mondo, who just gets people drawn to him so easily and doesn't seem to be afraid of such small, stupid things like 'loneliness'.]
... The... the clinic is right next door, I can get you some ice for that bruise.
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Don't apologise.
[ It's not normal to think that way, and it's so goddamn unfair to her. What's lacking from her? She's sweet, she's caring, she's smart, she's charming, she gives her best in everything ー why won't anyone be there for her? He opens his mouth, about to say that he'll never let her be alone, but the reality is that he just did, even if it was out of his control. So his mouth closes again, the fists on his sides balling tight.
Shit. Even he left her too.
At the suggestion of the clinic, he nods and gestures for Komo to tag along. It sounds like a better place to talk rather than out in the corridor. They don't know who might have listened in to their conversation too.
He doesn't waste any time to come inside the clinic, and immediately closes the door behind them. ]
I... sorry. I didn't want to leave. If it was up to me I'd... I'd always be here. [ He sighs, looking at the glass case of medicine. ] I didn't know I left, I just woke up like normal but apparently I was gone for a week. ...I dunno what happened.
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In fact, she's surprised to hear what he has to say, as she offers the ice pack towards him.]
Wait... you didn't go home? Or you didn't...
[She doesn't want to say "experience death", because maybe he had, and all he returned to was being a corpse.
Fun thought.
She shakes her head quickly, this time thrusting the ice pack forward.]
B-Bruises heal naturally on their own, but if you want, you can put this on and off every couple of minutes... if your face starts feeling numb, you've left it on for too long. Either way, it's not a good feeling, but... you really... please, don't hurt yourself like that... It's not being fair to yourself.
[Pot, meet kettle. But at least she's aware of it.]
... Hurting yourself when you do something wrong... doesn't fix things. Doesn't help solve anything, and it won't make up for things... You shouldn't feel as if you have to punish yourself... You've gone through enough of that already.
[Don't take your parents place and start thinking that beating yourself makes everything okay. Don't let them win. You deserve better than that. She can't say it, but she does mean it.]
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I... tch. [ It stings more than he thought, but it's not a big deal. ] ...Yeah, I didn't.
[ His eyes flicker at her. He doesn't need her to finish her sentence, it's obvious what she's trying to say, and he just... nods his head at her.
With that, he falls silent. It's her turn to talk.
What she says then, they're all valid points. He's heard this argument before, from Jon, from Sakamoto. Logically, he gets it. There's nothing good that comes from beating yourself, trying to get yourself killed. There's nothing beyond it. It doesn't undo what you've done, it doesn't make you forgive yourself. It will never. He doesn't think he can ever forgive himself, not in this life, not in the next life if there's one. He thinks he deserves it, but there's no use to it.
But, he knows that she mirrors this tendency. Maybe not in the way that he does, but her self-depreciating words... he's heard it more often than not. Really, he's also a pot calling the kettle black here, but he doesn't want to see her doing that. What he wants is for her to treasure herself more. Just from what she said earlier, that she'd do anything not to be alone, it's clear for him just how low she's putting herself at. Maybe, just maybe, she feels what he feels, too. ]
Then... let's make a promise.
[ He releases the ice pack from his bruised cheek, looking straight to her eyes. ]
Don't hurt yourself, too. 'm not sayin' just physically.
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"Let's make a promise."]
Huh?
[She blinks, slowly this time. Her breath holds. She's - not sure this is something she can keep. But. She can try. And that's what he wants, isn't it? Her to try, to make an effort. Baby steps, one at a time - yet, the surprising thing is that he wants to make that effort too. He didn't have to. He could have simply said he'd do his best and not involve her.
But he wants to keep an eye on her and watch her take the steps towards self-improvement. He genuinely wants to see her become a better person. He wants to become a better person himself. They're out here admitting all their flaws and he's refusing to let her do it alone. He wants to guard her and protect her, like a...
... like a prince charming.
thump-thump.]
I. Um. I-I know, what you're saying, I...
[Thump-thump.
This is. Similar. To what she's felt to Mettaton. Yet not quite. Oh dear. Her mind's spinning. This is not a Good Time or Good Place to think these things. Stop it. Stoppiiit. He'd never see her that way don't go trying to hurt yourself again, don't be this dumb, don't be a burden on him, but if he's going to keep being this nice
this sweet, this caring, this amazing, then
she can't control it, can she? thump. thump. thump. thumpthumpthumpthump-
She shakily holds up her pinky finger.]
Um... O-Okay. I'll... I'll promise if you promise. We'll do our best... okay?
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Completely oblivious to her mental battle, what she says is cracking a smile out of him, to which triggers pain on his left cheek and has him wincing for a bit. But he's a ~*tough guy*~, he's not gonna let that bother him and holds up his pinky finger firmly, linking it with hers. ]
Yeah. A man doesn't break his promise. ...Well, if we forget, we can always remind each other. We'll help each other, yeah?
[ Komo barks, as if chiming with him, and probably to remind the two that he's still there. Mondo bends down to pat the little one. ]
Good boy. Sorry I made you worry.
[ All the rubbing Mondo does make the pup yawns, which makes the teen yawn too. ]
It's gettin' late, huh? [ He turns to look at Tsumiki again. ] Thanks a lot, Tsumiki. Sorry for waking you up in the middle of the night. ...But I'm glad that you're still here. In Wonderland, I mean.
[ Is it selfish for him to say that? What she said earlier... it sounded like she never wanted to leave Wonderland herself. Whichever it is, he's not gonna think about it too much for now. What matters is that both of them are here now, and they're moving forward. ]
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But all good things must come to an end, and despite all she's seen and learned, it IS the middle of the night and Mikan is sleepy. They can always catch up and resume things at a more reasonable hour. Right now it's a struggle not to yawn.]
Mmm... I've been in Wonderland for over three years now, and not once ever got sent back... I don't understand why, but... I'm grateful. I don't think I'd survive back home.
[Given that Murder Island is still a thing, Mikan is convinced she'd probably wind up being another victim. She also doesn't want to see her friends horrifically murdered, but at least here they can get back up again.]
You should get some sleep, both of you... But... you can always, um, message me, or come to my room, if you need help, or to talk, or, whatever...
[That part begins to dissolve into shy mumbling as she fidgets with her fingers. Just. Letting him know. The invitation is always available if he wants. Clearing throat.]
But, um, I'm glad too... that... that you're back. I know it's hard for me to express things sometimes without g-going overboard, but... I'm glad. I'm really, really glad. Having you here... makes Wonderland a better place, I think...
[... she said too much SHE SAID TOO MUCH SHUT UP]
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But, that's exactly why they need to live to the fullest, now. Everyday. Every hour. Every second. Every moment. There's no point thinking about the inevitable. ]
'Course. Same goes for you, yeah?
[ He knows that already, but it's nice to hear it again, that she's always open to him contacting her, going to see her. It's a good thing to know. He flashes a small grin her way saying that, which... fades as she goes on. ]
Eh?
[ One sec. She thinks him being around made Wonderland a better place?
Him? He can do that? ...Whoa.
Like, okay, she's probably just saying it, and it's probably not a big deal for her, but it... makes him real happy still. ]
O, ou.
[ Reaching to the back of his neck, he averts his eyes again, cheeks steadily burning. ]
...Good to hear that. I, uh, it's the same for me. I'm glad I got to know you here--
[ And he cuts that short before this gets even more embarrassing for him. The burning sensation is reaching his neck and now he just!! Wants to leave stat!! ]
Ahem. See you tomorrow?
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Y'know, like he did a few minutes ago. Like he does almost every time they have a conversation nowadays.
It's something to think about, for sure. But right now, she needs to make sure he gets his sleep! Him and Komo!!]
... See you tomorrow... I hope you sleep well.
[Them, hands together, leaning towards the pup-]
And I hope you enjoyed your visit.
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Ah, uh... [ Scratching his cheek, he tries to extend the stay just for a liiiittle bit more. ] Thanks, you too. ...And thanks for taking care of Komo. Really appreciate that.
[ Leave already, Mondo.
Meanwhile, Komo barks at Tsumiki and wags his tail at her. THANK YOU, MIKAN-CHAN!! YOU'RE A GREAT PERSON!! Let him give you some pup kisses and licks to your hands!! If only a dog can speak... ]
...C, c'mon, we gotta go already, Komo...
[ He's going to pretend he's not super happy about having a reason to stay just for one more moment. ]
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I'll come and v-visit, okay? But you need to get some sleep... and I bet Mondo missed you a whole lot. Don't you want to go home with him? I know you missed him very much. But everything's okay now. Your friend is back, and he'll play with you lots and lots in the morning.
[...look mikan isn't trying to be adorable or anything, i swear]
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Y, yeah, ya hear that, Komo...
[ So not convincing.
But okay that's enough, he's gonna just pick the pup up and haul him over his shoulder. He's overstayed enough!! Ok but let him just stare at her pajama look one more time.
...Alright, he's going already. ]
Kay, er... see ya tomorrow. [ Looks to the left, looks to the right. ] Wanna join us for a jog in the afternoon? [ LEAVE ALREADY, MONDO. ]
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And then smiles warmly, genuinely happy. So happy. He's alive. He's home. Whatever happens because of her feelings... that's far off and away in the future. They have time to deal with those troublesome things.
Here and now? Life is good.]
... I'd really like that. I-I'll wait for you at my door... it'll be fun.
[Life is very good.]
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He returns it with a sheepish one of his own, though sorta stunted as he's trying not to smile too wide. ]
Y, yeah sure. Bye.
[ Ok he's leaving for real now. Komo barks a goodnight as they leave the door, and Mondo looks back just one more time before heading off to his room. Whenever he hears the door closed, he'll watch out for people and once he's sure there isn't anyone, he'll begin to skip around, climbing two or even three steps at a time. He has a lot of thinking to do later, but for now ー he's happy. ]
april 16 ▸
It's almost been a year since he arrived in Wonderland last May... today he can't quite stop himself from doing the math and realizing he should be starting college by now, were the normal passage of time a thing.
College. God.
While out on one of his runs, a large green ball rolling across the grass toward him temporarily hits "pause" on that thought. Adorned in track pants rolled up to his knees and a shirt with sleeves rolled up on his shoulders to match, Ryuji slows to a walk and brings his foot down on the ball to stop it.
He recognizes it--had, in fact, left it outside of a room in December to wish the dog inside a merry Christmas. (And no, he's not talking about Mondo.) A dog bark sounds, and looking up, he sees the dog in question racing across the field in pursuit of his neon green prey.]
If it ain't Komo.
[And walking along some distance behind Komo, a familiar face.
Well, well, look what the beagle puppy dragged in.]
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Living in the same mansion, it's impossible for them not to see each other at least every now and then. But, they weren't exactly what people would call 'friends'. They had no reasons to hang out together, and it was usually just exchanging some sorta greetings in passing. Now that Komo's rushed towards Sakamoto, though, Mondo can't just walk off. After all, he does feel indebted to him after his huge help back in December. (And of course the other times he got his ass saved, but that ~*totally doesn't count because he didn't ask for it*~!) ]
...Sup.
[ His hands are concealed within his pockets, eyes not really meeting the other. There's no way he can just suddenly act friendly to him, that's just weird. He does, however, feel compelled to give at least a bit more effort. ]
What'cha doin' out here? Trainin'?
[ He's uh, trying. ]
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You're... back. When did you get back?
[He's not much better, stating the obvious with a curious, narrow-eyed look that covers up his surprise at seeing Mondo out and about like business as usual. He's... definitely back. No one else would be sporting a corncob of that splendor.
Komo is busy greeting his feet with tail wagging a mile a minute, temporarily losing interest in the oversized tennis ball. He bends to pet the pup.]
... Runnin', is all. Just the usual.
[Good god, was that an attempt at small talk? What happened to Mondo while he was away?]
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[ They're already always fighting, why not fight for the seat of the Conversation Champ? At this rate, they'll probably tie, though. Mondo lets Komo get comfy with his other favourite human, leaning into the gentle petting, licking the hand once he's nuzzled it enough. The boy sure's good at acting spoiled. (And whose fault is it again?) ]
That's like... uh, last week, I guess? Didn't know I left till Ishimaru and Tsumiki told me. Thought it was strange that suddenly we're in the middle of some event without any warnings, dunno what the fuck happened. [ He lightly shrugs, then mumbles. ] ...Sure hope it doesn't happen again.
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He rubs his finger under Komo's chin as he'd done to Morgana a time or two. Like keeping your eyes open while sneezing, it's impossible not to smile when a dog is licking you and wagging his tail, it's just impossible.]
Yep. So.
[That's how it is. Yep. Just running. That's all.
Not that their chitchat isn't immensely stimulating all on its own, but Ryuji lifts his gaze at the explanation, an air of question in the look.]
You don't remember anything new?
[That happens sometimes, as he understands it. It hasn't happened to him--either the disappearing, or the reappearing, or the extra memories--and for that he can only be grateful. He'd like to leave, but not dangling by the end of Wonderland's hook.]
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For once, though, their interaction doesn't start with sparks of irritation or any kinds of provocation from either end, which is also super weird on its own way. He scratches his nose a little awkwardly, unsure how to act around the other as he's already too used to being in an argument with the faux blondie. ]
Yeah, nothin'. 's weird cuz what I've heard was like, you return back home for a while before comin' back here. But there weren't any gap on my side. Just slept like normal and woke up the next day... at least that's what it felt like.
[ He shrugs. ]
Well, it ain't like there's anythin' if I really went back home. Probably ain't even possible to come back here.
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[He was following along well enough until the gloomy remark there's nothing to go back to. Knowing what he does about the state of things in the Hope's Peak's students', he doesn't blame any of them for wanting to avoid going back (and the fact Sayaka had still rests heavily on his mind), but that doesn't sound like what Mondo's saying.]
What's that supposed to mean--that you couldn't come back here? Lots of people wind up back. You just did.
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Ah?
[ Didn't he tell him before? It felt like Sakamoto already pretty much knew everything ー at least most of the important things that needed to be said. Right? Maybe? Sorta? ]
Dunno, I don't think this place can bring those who're already dead back home.
[ Wonderland feeds from people's memories, after all. In Maizono's case, it made sense as she wasn't dead yet in her timeline. Though... thinking about her returning home to possibly face her fate doesn't really make him feel good at all. A part of him now wishes that she'd make it in time to return here before anything happens.
His expression turns sour as his gaze wanders somewhere else. ]
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Say what? You--
[No, he hadn't known that little tidbit, and his mild salsa attempts at restrained small talk go flying out the window. He rockets to his feet so fast that it startles Komo, who looks bewildered he's no longer the focus of attention.
Mondo's...? But-- Since when? Had he known all this time? He certainly doesn't seem all that surprised--Ryuji seems to be the only one between the two of them with spots of shocked color sitting high in his cheeks.]
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...Thought ya knew. Prolly forgot to mention that, then. But yeah. [ He shrugs lightly. ] There ya go.
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[Komo flicks an ear uncertainly at the loud exclamation, looking worried he's in trouble and this human is gearing up for a scolding. And it's true, Ryuji feels like he's gearing up for yelling--not at anyone or anything, really, but this...
He's known Mondo how long now? How had he not known this? There's still a lot he doesn't know about the Hope's Peak students, and a lot he may never find out with Sayaka having left and taken many of her secrets with her (including her own death), but he still feels blindsided all the same. And a touch horrified.]
"There ya go"? That's... that's all you have to say? You're actin' way chill about it! When? How? What happened?
[It's difficult not to be reminded of Akechi. He, too, had been notoriously casual in the face of certain facts, but he also hadn't lived his death yet and hopefully never would.]
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Oi, calm down... You're scarin' Komo.
[ Pinching the bridge of his nose, he sighs. ]
Guess I just didn't think 'twas somethin' worth talkin' 'bout then. You wanted to know the truth of that incident, and I just wanted to get it done and over with. Wouldn't have thought you'd wanna know about shit like that.
[ Little details. Why would a criminal's life matter to Sakamoto anyway? An eye for an eye. A life for a life. ]
Remember how I told ya 'bout the 'class trial'? When a murder happened, we gotta find the culprit through it. If we couldn't, we'd all be executed and the culprit'd be free. ...And vice versa. Ya get the picture.
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[AKA: don't tell him to calm down, bro. Komo will forgive him.
After all, more than a little smidge of sympathy is directed at his master. Untimely deaths brings to mind Monokuma and the killing games, and if those had had anything to do with it... Mondo confirms as much in a single grisly throwback to their conversations on it months and months ago.]
So all this time...
[He'd known. He'd faced the worst kind of retaliation for Fujisaki and hadn't said a peep about it. His fingers curl, forming a fist with a helpless, aimless indignation.]
And people call me a goddamn idiot.
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Ah? Ya can't change the past, what's the use gettin' all worked up about it at this point?
[ A pause. ]
.......Wait. Are ya tryinna say I'm a goddamn idiot?!
[ Is that the problem here. ]
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[Why is he the only one of the two of the them who seems to care about that right now? His heart's always been soft on this particular subject; death's always been a tragedy he'd prefer to avoid contemplating.
It sure as shit doesn't make anything better.]
I'm not tryin'a say nothin'. [A reflexive retort at best. Arguing on this point is old habit.] I'm sayin' it.