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Um... hello, everyone. I'll try not to other you, and make this quick. I just had a few things to say.

[To make sure she's doing this right, she has a small notepad. page flip.]

First... during that zombie event, when were trapped in our fantasies... Several of you tried to help me get out of that place, and even though I was really stubborn, I really appreciate what you did. So, thank you.

[page flip.]

Second, Valentine's Day was yesterday. Normally I would have given my friends some chocolate, but, um, since we just had an event, I wasn't sure if anyone would be in the mood to have some... B-But I'll be making some in the kitchen, so if you still want one, you can come here and take some.

[page flip.]

And last, um... I write down what happens every day in my journals, but lately I was thinking, I'd like to start putting photos in there too... Of both good and bad memories. So I was going to ask the closet for a camera... b-but I don't know a lot about cameras. So, um, I guess, I just wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions or tips about that kind of thing...?

[She double-checks her page... nothing forgotten, and not too many apologies! Success! She looks very proud of herself.]

Th-that's all! Thank you, chocolates, and cameras! Th-thanks for listening.

((OOC: feel free to go action if you want chocolates!))

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[ Look, i-it's not like he wanted a chocolate from her, alright?! Like. He will take it if she gives him one, but, y'know. It's fine if there ain't any for him!! He's not expecting anything!! He just wants to make sure she doesn't drop things all over the place, or somethin'...

(He's totally there for the chocolate.

And to see if she's been doing alright, of course.)

He pokes his head from the door to see if she's really there, and invites himself in when he confirms that. ]

...Yo. How's it goin'?

Mondo!

[She says his name with GREAT JOY, and then holds up a hand.]

Um, one second, please!

[She retreats to the other side of the kitchen to get his chocolate. For his amazing actions during the Fantasy event, she wanted to make sure his chocolate was extra special. It's a little big, she's carrying it with both hands on a white plate.]

I really wanted to thank you for helping me, so I tried to be creative with your Valentine's chocolate, i-if that's okay!

[It's not in the shape of a heart - it's a circle, with gray icing criss-cross lines and a helping of fudge in the middle. Why?]

Since you're a biker... I tried to make it in the shape of a motorcycle wheel! Vroom Vroom!

Edited 2018-02-18 20:06 (UTC)

O, ou.

[ It's hard to keep a straight face, a smirk just keeps threatening to push the sides of his lips up. So she does have something for him. That's nice. It's a good feeling, really. He waits quietly, expecting probably a generic chocolate bar or the like, and so... ]

Ah?!

[ ...his jaw drops immediately when he sees what she's bringing towards him. That's huge! Holy crap. Does she do this for everyone?! Tsumiki...!

It's pretty apparent in his face how touched he is about getting a chocolate from her ー what's more, he recognises the shape immediately: a motorcycle wheel. What the fuck. Isn't this too much?! No, it's not a bad thing but he doesn't know if he can't handle this much of surprise attack. ]

I, whoa, man...

[ He's at loss for words, eyes glistening on the wheel chocolate, then on Tsumiki. It's amazing, and more than anything, it's so thoughtful. He can tell that she really thought of him when she made it. That alone makes him so full even before he gives it a bite. ...He'll eat it anyway, though would probably savour it.

But that's not all, apparently. She still has one more punch to deliver. And that's--

"Vroom vroom!"

--STRAIGHT TO THE HEART. He subconsciously takes a step back like he just took a blow, hand over his chest. This girl is impossible. That totally squeezed the hell out of his heart. ]

........

[ Someone help him he's dying. ]

's it really ok for me to get somethin' real sick like this?

[ She could give him a tiny chocolate ball or something super simple and he'd be in cloud nine already. This, this is... on a whole different level. He's too happy he can't even express it well. It's his first ever Valentine's chocolate!! Is he allowed to be this happy... ]

[As per usual, Mikan is still utterly and completely oblivious to the fact she's attacking his heart in any way. Why, anyone in her shoes would do the same thing for him, wouldn't they?

But as happy as she was, her negativity and pessimism is difficult to contain - she thinks his reaction, and subsequent question, means he doesn't want it. Her face begins to sink... she worked so hard... A-ah, maybe this was wrong, like she was reminding him of how he died, maybe she was being insensitive... Or maybe he just didn't want chocolate from her at all if it was hand-made, it's not like she's a SHSL chef or anything, it'd be natural if he doesn't trust her...]

O-Oh... I... well... if you don't want it, you don't have to take it... I-I could try to make you something else, if you want...? I just... I just really wanted to show you how grateful I was for rescuing me...

[ He almost immediately notices the change in her expression, and quickly realises that she must've gotten the wrong idea. Shit. What does he do? What does he say? In a haste, he grabs her hands ー well, he meant to grab the plate, but. Y'know. ]

That's not it!

[ Oh crap, he's getting loud. He looks away for a moment, clearing his throat. ]

Uh... I... it's real chill of you.

[ Shit, that's not it either. Can't he say something better?! ]

I, uh. I suck at sayin' things but--

[ He releases a hand to mess his own hair, grunting, struggling with the words that can't seem to come out right. Turning his head back to Tsumiki, he frowns. ]

Look, I'm real happy, aight?! Like, seriously fuckin' happy!! I've never received chocolates for Vale-- this shit before, so. Uh.

[ His voice softens slightly then, red spreading across his cheeks. ]

Th... thank you. I know it must've been real hard to make. I just... didn't think you'd do this far. It's super cool.

[Oooh! So that's all! It was just his first one and he didn't know what to say! Her expression instantly perks up again, relieved that she was wrong.]

Hee... heeheehee! I didn't expect you to be so shy!

[Even though he spent the latter half of their last adventure stammering every five seconds. She's not an expert on social cues.]

It makes me happy that you're happy! This is exactly what I wanted, even if you never take a bite.

[Although of course she does want him to eat, but that might just be greedy. Her face softens.]

You know... several people came to me during that fantasy school, but... you were the one who convinced me to come out and wake up. That's why you deserve this, and so much more. If anyone's super cool, it's you!

[ His face goes even more lurid red at that, the grip on the plate (and her hands, by extension) tightens subconsciously. ]

I- I'm not shy!!

[ He yells that, but really, his expressions say differently. ]

I'll eat it for sure!!

[ Even then he's pretty honest about how much he's glad about this, in a sense.

What she says then quiets him down, the look in his face gradually softens too, turning a little pouty. He's not upset or anything, just bashful. ]

...Ou. Really? [ 'If anyone's super cool, it's you!' Shit, it's so hard to stop himself from smiling at the praise. He can't look too happy!! (He's looking obviously happy.) ] Well. I mean... if you say so. ...Ya did good too, y'know.

[ He's doing his best!! Not to fall over!! Please give him golden star stickers!! ]

[Sure you're not shy. Sure. She'll just suppress a few more giggles there. Though he's going to have a hard time eating it if he never lets go of her hands... But she's in no rush or hurry to have him let go. Let him take his time.

... She didn't leave any chocolates in the oven, right? ... Nahhh, probably not.]

Then let's say we both did good! Or we'll go back and forth again and again, like last time...

[She's able to acknowledge when she done good!!! Progress!!!]

Heehee. This is already the best Valentine's day I've ever had.

[Granted, before Wonderland it was probably awful and depressing, and last year she confessed to her crush who rejected her, so, there was no place to go but up... still though.]

...Fine. We both did good.

[ Yes!! At least she's acknowledging herself, he can settle with that. ]

'smybestonetoo.

[ Look, he wanted to say it, but he sort of didn't want to either?! So he just mumbles it real fast and hopes she doesn't catch it. A teenage boy in puppy love is goddamn troublesome... He's looking away again, the red tinge in his face is persistent and as much as he wants to fan this stupid heat he feels on his cheeks, his hands are occupi-- ah.

Shit. ]

My bad!!

[ He swiftly moves his hands, just slightly so they're all holding on the plate but not over her hands. Only now that he realises that, and now that he's conscious of it, he can't help thinking about how soft the texture was. He didn't really get to hold her hand per se the other time ー or maybe he did before, he can't remember, but this time round... he actually held on it quite some time.

Fuck, his fingers must've felt real rough on her hands with guitar blisters all over them. His palms are sweaty too, gross. He doesn't know what to say and what to do now! Apologising further sounds weird, and going off just like this is... probably weird too, right? Shit, how did he usually talk to Tsumiki anyway?! Why's he so unnecessarily nervous today?! (Mondo... you've been like this for the past month or more.) ]

Hm?

[What was that really quick mumble just now? It sure sounded like words. She tilts her head, and is about to ask what he said when - 'My bad!!' and he retreats slightly. A few blinks, and then she understands.]

Oh, it's okay! I probably should have put it in a box, made it more traditional.

[Because that was the issue, right? It being a plate, and not a box. Someone please strike this girl with a clue by four.]

I'll get you a glass of milk, too! All that chocolate isn't too healthy, but as long as you keep up proper exercise, brush your teeth, and stick to your usual diet, it's okay to indulge every now and then! Even sugar is important to a healthy body!

[That's your SHSL Nurse tip of the day! With a happy hum she retreats to the fridge to pour him a cold glass of cow juice.]

Hah?

[ The stupid, confused noise leaves him as she runs on with the tip of the day he doesn't remember subscribing to, trying to catch up with what's going on after his mini internal panic within. He... doesn't need the box? ]

Uh.

[ It feels like she's gonna give him some more tips after the milk, so... he raises a hand. Permission to interrupt?! ]

D'ya want me to eat it here?

[ That's why she's pouring him milk, right? But then... why the box? He's lost. ]

[She looks back at him, still pleased as punch.]

Oh, you can eat it wherever you like! Here, your room, anywhere you want. I just wanted you to be as comfortable as possible, and have everything you need! If you need anything else, you just let me know!

[Smiiile, setting the cup of milk on the counter.]

But if you do stay here, it might be a tiny bit messy? I'm still working on chocolate for all my other friends.

[Which reminds her, oh shoot, the oven! She slips on some oven gloves and takes out a small rack of chocolates from the oven - they're all plain, regular heart-shaped, smaller than a palm. No fancy writing or dedication like the one Mondo got.

Looks like only Mondo got the super huge super fancy chocolate. Oh my.]

[ It's really nice to see her smiling like that, though it also makes it hard for him to decide. It's kind of embarrassing to eat it in front of her, but he'd like to say his appreciation the moment he does eat it, so... ]

Nah, this is more than enough!

[ He looks at the milk she sets down, then at her scurrying over to the oven. The kitchen's out of his expertise, but he'd like to be able to help in some ways, so he follows after her while keeping a careful distance ー don't wanna bump and make a mess here.

He peers over to see a whole baking sheet filled with tiny heart chocolates. They look... uh, cute, he guesses? But otherwise plain. Is she gonna decorate them? ]

Anything I can help with?

[ It hasn't sunk in yet that he's getting the ultra big one, as he thinks she still has more to make. ]

Oh no, you sit and relax! This is a girl's day, after all.

[Japanese tradition, anyway. Once the tray is out of the oven, she picks up a pair of tongs and sets them on a cooling rack, one by one.]

This should be enough for this batch... I only have a few more to make. Sayaka, Ishimaru, Kokichi, Ryoko... Alphys, Ryuji, Mettaton...

[Say, wasn't one of those names mentioned during the last event?]

Oh.

[ Girl's day, huh? He shouldn't butt in then. ]

Aight.

[ He sets himself on a chair nearby so he can watch her doing her thing, drinking down the milk as he listens to her listing off names. His eyebrows twitch at the mention of 'Kokichi' and 'Ryuji', and then-- ]

Bufffghkー?!

[ Someone obviously just burst out milk from his mouth. Loudly. And he's acting like there's nothing, quickly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, also grabbing some tissue to wipe what's spilled on the floor. ]

My bad, I drank it too fast.

[ Yeah right. ]

Eek!

[The noise startled her so much she accidentally flips one of those still-melting chocolates up and into her hair. Thankfully it's no longer burning hot... but still. ew. She whines, and then heads to the sink - she's not too disappointed, she is clumsy after all, and she has plenty of more chocolate just in case something happened. Still, kind of a bummer - so she can clean her hair.]

Uuu... D-do you need more milk, Mondo? I'll get it for you in a second, please...

[ He doesn't expect it to surprise her that much, and he instantly feels bad. Grabbing some paper towels, he heads over to her with them so she can wipe her hair once she's done washing it. ]

M, my bad...

[ He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, hoping that getting the chocolate off her hair won't be too difficult. ]

Nah, it's aight, that was enough.

[ ...... ]

...Say, do you still like Mettaton?

[ Everyone cheer for this insensitive dumbass. ]

Thank you...

[She takes the paper towels, trying to desperately scrub it off -

HOW DID HE KNOW ABOUT METTATON oh wait right those weird students said so. She stops what she's doing, frozen for half a moment. Her eyes hit the floor.]

I... Um. That...

[She sighs heavily, going through her hair strand by strand.]

... I don't think I feel... that strongly for him, as I did before. I still care about him very much, he's still one of my dearest friends. But... he made me... I guess, he made me feel I could be more than just my talent. That he saw me as a woman. Or maybe I just heard what I wanted to hear.

[She'll still treasure their dance together, when he called himself her prince charming. When he gave her that seed of hope, that there was more to Mikan than what the surface implied.]

... I did confess to him. Last year, on Valentine's Day. I made him chocolate and everything. But I knew he wouldn't return my feelings. From the moment I understood how I felt... I knew he wouldn't love me back. So it wasn't like I set myself up for disappointment or anything... but I wanted him to know. It... felt like the right thing to do, as a friend. So I don't have any regrets...

[It hurts to do it, but she lifts her face, and smiles weakly, fighting off any hints of tears. She'd never talked about this so openly before... even Sayaka only knew the smallest of details. Why is she telling Mondo everything? Perhaps because it only seemed fair, for all he'd done, and all she knew about him.

Still hurts, dumbass.]

... I guess it's kind of silly, huh?

[ Mondo notices the change in her expression, regretting his question that instant and was about to take it back when she begins talking. The mouth that was left ajar closes as he too, focuses his gaze on the floor. A part of him wants to smack himself senseless for asking the question on sheer curiosity and interest, but as much as he hates it, he can't deny that another part of him is rather glad he knows of this. In fact, he is surprised that she'd tell him this much. It's... a good feeling to know she trusts him that much, even if it's mixed with some other bad feels. It's complicated ™, aight. He doesn't get it himself.

While he can't understand what about that wriggly robot charms Tsumiki, he... for some reason doesn't really feel like saying bad things about him in front of her either, as infuriating as he can be. He listens quietly to the end of the story, lifting his head up about the same time she does and... god, that smile. He bites his inner lip, before placing a hand on her head. ]

's not silly. ...My bad for asking that.

[ He didn't want to make her look like this. ]

I dunno shit about love, or anything like that, but... I think confessing your feelings takes a helluva courage.

[ Even more for someone like Tsumiki. He can only imagine how long it took for her to prepare herself, to think about what to say, how to say ー and how much she must've thought of Mettaton... Shit, it kinda stings. What the hell? ]

Ya still went for it even if ya know it won't work out. That's fuckin' cool, y'know?

[ And that's really what he feels. He still can recall the 10 times he's driven girls away from him just because he can't be honest and instead of properly addressing them, he was yelling at them. Anyone would run in that kind of situation, it was a given, and he knew that. Will he be able to do what Tsumiki did? Going forward with a honest confession, and on top of that, knowing he stands no chance?

He doubts it. That's why, he admires Tsumiki for it. ]

It's his loss for rejecting you, what a dumbass. You'll find someone better, anyway.

[ So much for not wanting to say bad things about Mettaton. He can say at least that much, right? ]

[She's not surprised by his words, at least at first. He's a good guy, and he always seems to know just what to say. But as someone as touch-starved as she is, the little pat to her head is what shocks her (hope he doesn't get any chocolate on his hand). That's when his words really sink in, things he didn't have to say, yet they are things he means. There's no a doubt in her mind that he always speaks the truth, even when it would hurt.

She does NOT want to cry. Not here, not now, and her hands fly to her eyes to make sure it doesn't turn into a floodgate. It's not a full-on sob, thank goodness. But a few drops do come, ones she manages to wipe away.

Had she wanted to hear she'd done the right thing? Was she just desperate for praise in any form? An odd little laugh escapes her. It's not terribly surprising he's insulted Mettaton. Maybe he would have said that no matter who had rejected her. He's such a good guy. He says the nicest things.

Even if they're impossible. She's accepted it by now - no one would ever fall in love with Mikan Tsumiki.]

Hee... heehee. It didn't feel cool... but thank you. You really know what to say, don't you? I wish I could be like that... saying things without hesitation...

[She manages to smile again, this time stronger.]

If you ever want someone, Mondo... you only deserve the best, okay? I know you keep putting yourself down, saying you don't know stuff, but you do... I think you know a lot more than most people.

[ No chocolates in hand, we're safe here!

With their proximity, Mondo can see the tears welling up on her eyes and panics internally. It's obvious that he looks lost of what to say and what to do as his mouth gapes open and closes, over and over again, lifting his hand instinctively like it could've hurt her.

But then she lets out a laugh, a giggle, which irons out his worry as a sigh of relief leaves him. He too, smiles just slightly as he listens to her. ...Though, it fades just as quickly as it forms. He? Knows what to say? He surely does say things without much hesitation, but he doesn't think he knows what to say. He's aware that he can say the worst things sometimes, and it's a fact that he's caused people to cry much more than they smile.

Still, the praises that Tsumiki's showering him... they feel really gentle and kind. They wash over whatever stung him earlier, like a calm ocean wave. He knows, he can feel that she meant it, just like he meant his words for her, even if he can hardly agree with her sentiments. There are many things he doesn't know, even things about himself ー increasingly so lately. But if what he knows can help Tsumiki in any way, he's always willing to share them with her. ]

I can only answer questions about bikes, y'know? [ It's a joke. He knows that's not what she's trying to say, he just doesn't know how to react to praises. ] ...Thanks, though, really. [ Simply because he doesn't get it a lot. The only person who'll continuously praise him earnestly is Ishimaru, and even then he knows there's a huge bias there. It's just how Ishimaru's like.

Her words then ring in his head again. "If you ever want someone, Mondo... you only deserve the best, okay?" His eyes narrow just a bit at that. Will he ever want anyone? Does he even deserve to want anyone in the first place? He doubts that. But what he doesn't doubt is-- ]

Anyway. You say that like you don't put yourself down. [ Right back at you, missy. ] You're gonna find someone much better than Mettaton, aight? And I'm gonna see through it.

[ Ah, again. It's the sting again. He doesn't know why it's been happening so much lately. He knows it's nothing physical, it's just-- he doesn't get it. He doesn't get it, and he doesn't really want to think about it. Not right now anyway. Because what's important now is Tsumiki, and he's gonna make sure his friend'll find her happiness.

He wants to see more of that smile. ]

[The bike quip gets another small giggle out of her, and while the burden of heartbreak and sadness doesn't completely go away, it does feel smaller, weighs less. It's amazing what a change this bond has been - on day one, she was afraid of him. Now she feels she can trust him with anything. Time's funny like that.

'You say that like you don't put yourself down' welp, no argument there, glancing away knowingly. She's probably the queen of self-put downs, and it used to be so much worse! But... what does he mean, 'gonna see through it'? ... He's not going to play matchmaker, is he?!

LOOK MONDO SHE TRUSTS YOU ON A LOT OF THINGS BUT THIS IS A LINE SHE'S NOT GOING TO LET YOU CROSS.]

Th-that's okay, really! I don't need a boyfriend right this second or anything! I'm still learning how to have normal friendships with people!

[Granted, she would like love and romance in her life, but these are Things Mikan Does Not Deserve.]

And all the friendships I have right now make me really happy, I can't imagine being happier! Like with you! You make me super, super, super happy! Lately, just being with you makes me happy!

[For the record she has absolutely no idea how that sounds. As usual.]

[ Ignoring the continuous stings, Mondo forces out a wide smirk, teasing. ]

Reaaaally?

[ But she really knows how to jeopardise his emotions very well, because the smirk's now wiped clean with what she just said. Oh no.

Oh no.

And SLAM! goes that hand to his own face. What's a better way to hide a heating up face than making it red on his own? Surely there ain't no other! ]

You, you think so?

[ Nope. That didn't just happen. Nothing happened, he didn't just smack himself in the face. ]

...O, of course!! HAHAHA!! I'm sure you do!!

[ Mondo, are you broken. ]

Time to eat the chocolate!!

[ Nope nope nope nope his heart isn't blooming, there ain't no flowers decorating his heart or anything, he's good he's fine he's totally alright, don't look at him, he isn't red to his neck or anything, he's just... he's just gonna... eat the chocolate... at the corner...

He's Fine. ]

[... did he just smack himself in the face.

Yeah, he. He just smacked himself in the face. What's going on anymore? But her own heart's pounding, because Mondo can be a total scary greaser biker, or an absolute goofball. And both are A-O-K in her book, but it's the goofball thing that points out that Mondo

can be

very cute.

He's like his own puppy! That's it! If he had a tail right now, would it be wagging? He wears his expressions on his sleeves, shirt, pants, EVERYWHERE IS WHAT I'M SAYING. She winds up giggling a few more times due to the sheer absurdity of it all.]

Heeheeheeheehee! ... Enjoy your chocolate, Mondo!

[That's one way to lighten the mood! With a few more delirious giggles, she heads back to the cooking corner to resume making chocolates.]

[ Yeah.

Yeah, his imaginary tail is wagging like crazy right now. Never mind that he doesn't even notice that she's noticing it, he thinks he's the smoothest criminal ever right now, totally nailed that. Or more like the coward's avoiding looking towards Tsumiki just in case he can see that she actually noticed it. He totally nailed it, no contest!!

Okay now he's just. Gonna give the chocolate a try.

...But now that he's sitting down looking at it, he feels very bad about eating it, somehow. It looks really cool he'd even like to display it in his room! But if he doesn't eat it, it'll melt eventually, and it's also bad to Tsumiki, right? What can he do to keep this...

Oh.

Right. Pictures! Cameras! Just like what Tsumiki said in the network earlier! He clears his throat, trying to get her attention. ]

Didja, uh, manage to get a camera or somethin'?

[ Said aloud without looking at her, he's still nailing it. ]

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dammit, i'm crying again

stop transferring your tears to me!!!

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