— and scratching behind their ear. ]

i wouldn't say it if i didn't fully mean it.. you know that. ^^

[ their reaction doesn't go unnoticed. how could it, when monika pays such close attention to everything about them? at this point, she's certain she's even committed the rhythm of their heartbeat to memory. her smile can be heard in her voice. ]

what? it's true.

[ lightly stroking their hair —

— of their head. ]

..handsome.

[ this close, they can probably hear the way her heart immediately skips. she buries her own face in their hair and breathes in deeply before letting out a content sigh. ]

i have to disagree! i think being a knight suits you perfectly. loyal, strong, dependable..

[ a kiss pressed to the top —

// if nobody got me i know punk always got me

— her again.. and suddenly, she finds she can't stand to be even an inch apart from them. ]

..your outfit is a little different than i remember.. you really look like a knight in shining armor, ahaha.

[ as mokou takes off their armor, monika slips her heels off and slides into the bed, turning to watch them for a second.. and as she does, her chest fills with the warmth she's been lacking for.. well, a while now. even as despair licks at her heels, their presence alone is enough to ground —

// i should make more monikas (the crowd boos)

— she speaks up, uncharacteristically shy. ]

..if it's alright with you.. can we lay down for a little while..?

— someone as awful as her can offer any form of comfort to someone so worn from life. she smiles, then, lingering close behind mokou as they ascend the tower.

her eyes settle on their flushed face.. darting down to their lips for a split second. focus, monika. focus. as if she read their mind, —

[ her heart catches and holds onto that one single part.

"because you make me feel safe."

despite the turmoil, the hardships, the constant beatings both physical and mental.. mokou considers her as a source of peace. safety. she fixates on that, pulse quickening at the mere thought that —

temp pinned. penned by richie

like petty theft larceny or "stealing thousands of dollars worth of stuff" larceny? it's an important distinction!

— maybe we can write together for a little while..?

i do always feel more inspired when i'm around you..

[ a soft admission. she always does feel safer, more free.. when they're around, she feels she can put down her walls for once. they represent a happiness she knows she doesn't deserve.. but god, does she want it. she just wants *them*. ]

—

— with her own silly feelings.. whatever they may be. she still doesn't fully understand it herself. ]

..i could write so many poems about this place..

[ monika chuckles, then, skin tinging pink even further. ]

is that what this is?

[ she teases. but she knows it's only wishful thinking.. as close as they are, there's a clear line drawn between them. mokou is one of the best friends she's ever had.. she doesn't want to jeopardize it —

— we're going on a walk together.

[ especially now that they're holding her hand. she squeezes their hand, picking up the pace so they can make it there a bit faster. ]

[ when she's looked at, she looks back, curious about the creatures that live here. this entire place is strange.. and it seems so much bigger than the one in the closet. maybe because it's an entire house? ]

well, you already know i don't mind spending extra time with you. it's just like —

// waking up to immediately reply to monkou

— me at a good time. i think.. i really needed to see you, too.

[ it feels good to hear from them, that she does help tto ease their pain just as they ease hers. she smiles, a little glad they're not facing her, if only because they can't see the slight flush that's risen to her face. ]

..yeah, me too. to tell you the truth, i've been.. spiraling. you texted —

ahaha.. you really have a penchant for flattering me.. i'm not that great.

[ in fact, she believes herself to be one of the lowest of the low. a selfish, greedy creature that only knows how to bring down the people around her. that's all she's good for. ]

[ that actually makes her laugh. ]

ahaha! well.. yeah, i guess it is. i wonder what we'd be in prison for.. in this hypothetical scenario.

[ very normal thing to wonder ]

— horrible things. how could i blame you for that..?

[ reaching forward to hug mokou's back, pressing her face against their shoulder. ]

i'm not going anywhere.

never.

[ the answer comes instantly, hushed but firm. ]

i wish i could take all your pain. share it, somehow.. make it less of a burden on you. i wish you wouldn't have to go through everything you have. i worry, of course, but.. i'll never get sick of you just for going through.. really —

— that's just what she's doing! ]

.. i'm glad you're okay. i've been so worried about you lately.. and i–.. i really.. missed you.