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:↓↓↓
[ 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. ]
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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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
"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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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]
no subject
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. ]