"You're on a path. At the end of that path, there is a forest. Hiding in that forest is a Wanderer. You are here to kill her. If you don't, it will be the end of the world."
"Do you even know which one you'd want first?" Roman asks.
You go to answer him but... you don't know what he means.
You tilt your head to the side, "want which what first now?"
"Tattoo ya dingle" Roman laughs.
"Is there some kinda list I don't know about?"
Roman's laugh peters out, "oh yeah... right no memories of self-" he shuffles in place for a second "-last I knew you have a whole folder in your phone dedicated to ideas."
"Aw sick" you exclaim tapping your phone open and going to your gallery, "hoooo shit this is a cluster fuck."
Roman looks over your shoulder to see, "par for the course I'd say."
The gallery is a chaotic organization, but you can parse through easily enough to find the folder you're looking for because what other folder would be named Stabby Art unless you were a murderer.
"I could be, you don’t know" you chuckle under your breath.
I know All Remus, don't forget.
You roll your eyes and open the folder, it just goes to show that it isn't in fact chock full of dead bodies made to be art, but art made to go on bodies - live ones.
"How am I supposed to choose!" you say scrolling through the myriad of pictures, there does seem to be an almost never ending amount to them.
"I know the answer to that" Janus pipes up.
You both turn your attention to him when he doesn't say any more.
"And that would be?" Roman asks.
Janus holds out his hand, "I'd need to see the picture, gimme your phone."
You hand it over, he scrolls for what seems like minutes... perhaps even seconds.
"Here we are" he says tapping the picture and handing the phone back to you.
"Of course" Roman smiles, "that is so you."
"It's an octopus! covered in eyes! and slime! and teeth!" you exclaim, "it's perfect!"
"It should be, you designed it" Janus informs.
That sure is a... design - are you sure you want to go through getting a tattoo this detailed and have it disappear tomorrow?
"Uh, ch’yeah! this is the perfect end for this day!"
"Where do you want it?" Roman asks.
"Tramp stamp!" you holler throwing your shirt off with one swift movement.
"Okay... we'll need to be somewhere you can be laying down."
"Fort tattoo! I'll lay on the bed we made" you grab Roman's arm pulling him towards the living room, "let's goooooooo!"
"One minute" Roman laughs, "I need to get my equipment and sanitize the area! chill your beans for a sec."
You cross your arms, "fine if you have to."
"I do, now wait" he tells you before walking off.
"I'll get more drinks" Janus says going to the fridge, he comes back with a case of some kind of mixed drink, "your favorite" he says handing you one.
Reading the label shows that your favorite alcoholic beverage is apparently a whiskey based mule and you don't have anything to say against it as you take your first sip.
"Oh that fucking slaps" you declare enthusiastically sipping it more.
"Remus..." Janus starts after a few minutes of uncharacteristic but comfortable silence.
You look look over to him, his eyes bore into you.
When he goes to speak however, Roman comes back and Janus shuts his mouth with an annoyed clack.
"I wrapped and sanitized the area as well as I possibly could, so let's do this!" Roman announces only a little shakily.
He seems unsure of this.
"You gucci there bro?"
"I... just haven't... tattooed a live person before."
"You've tattooed a dead body!?" you shout a little too enthused.
Both Janus and Roman take a moment to stare at you - probably to see how long it takes you to figure out that what you just said was dumb.
"Okay sure, but he didn't have to word it like that" you defend, "got my hopes all up and whatnot" you pout, "whatever let's get this thang started!"
You rush out of the dining area, only to rush back in to yoink the drinks to then again rush back out yelling to the others to hurry up.
You plop yourself stomach down on the plastic covered cushions and rest your arms over their little ledge.
Janus sits at his chair, you guys made sure that it wasn't covered up or used for your fort.
Roman seems like he's not exactly sure where he's supposed to sit.
"Usually this is done at a table and I have a wheelie chair..."
"Just straddle his legs" Janus suggests, "it's the perfect angle."
Roman is absolutely scarlet and his nod is jerky, "y- yeah that would work."
"C'mon Romie" you tease wiggling your hips, "sit on me."
He kicks your side playfully, "you get no tattoos from me!"
"Aw what! nooo I'll behave!" you whine.
"You better" he warns taking his spot over you, "now stay still I need to prep you."
A snicker escapes you and go to say something raunchy but Roman cuts you off, "shut up - don't even say it, I just heard myself."
"I wasn't going to say anything" you smirk.
"I don't believe you" he responds, "now stop your wiggling I need to shave you and after I'm going to draw your drawing on you with my marker."
"Alright alright" you lay your chin on your arms and close your eyes as he prepares.
Being shaved by someone else is a funny feeling but not unwelcome and the marker feels cold and soft if a bit tickly.
Roman doesn't speak, he's in full concentration mode as he draws.
When he's done drawing he hands you back your phone, "are you ready for the stabbing?"
"Hell yeah brother! stab me! stab me! stab me! stab me!" you chant thumping your fists on the floor.
"Stay still or I can't start!" he laughs holding on to your sides.
His hands are soft and warm, his touch stops your bouncy enthusiasm, "yep uh huh yessir Roman sir."
The buzz of the gun whirs to life and when the needle touches your back you practically melt - weird reaction but okay.
Janus lets out a soft chuckle, "you're like a kitten getting brushed."
"It's weirdly soothing" you purr.
"You always did have a high pain tolerance" Roman says, "to the point of masochism sometimes."
"That tracks" you grin.
"One time when we were little" Roman starts, "you fell out of our tree house and broke your arm - the bone stuck right out but you just found it hilarious and fascinating, you've always been a little odd when it comes to intense pain."
"Maybe it's a defense mechanism" Janus inputs, "if it's funny then you're not hurting."
"Why would I need to have that as a defense mechanism?"
"Who can say" Janus hums.
"You've always been like that, I think you were born with it" Roman muses, "some adults in our life kept saying you had a demon attached to your soul from day one."
"A demon huh?" you snort, "that's pretty dramatic."
"Trouble follows you wherever you are, either of your own doing or a crazy random happenstance - it's pretty impressive when you think about it."
"I'm just a fun guy like that" you say boastfully poking your own cheek.
"Getting amnesia and having to go through time loops is only the next logical step of trouble to find yourself in" Janus interjects.
You bark out a laugh, "more like a leap! I doubt there was any small steps leading up to this!"
"I hope this stays" Roman says, "the tattoo I mean - it would be really cool for the next Roman to see it, although you'd have no proof it was me unless I signed it" he laughs, "I don't think I've heard of any tattoo artist doing that."
"Why don't you?" you ask.
"You want me to permanently put my name on you?" he says it like it's the most inconceivable thing in the world.
"Why not" you simply reply.
"Th- I can't dothat Rem!"
He sure does seem flustered at the mere thought of it.
Janus rolls his eyes, "just put a little Roman marking somewhere."
"Yeah a Roman mark! and if my room actually doesn't reset items Janny can video us!" you chirp handing the other your phone.
"I'll get the best shots possible" he tells you with a very silly seriousness as he takes your phone.
He takes a few photos right away and laughs when he swipes through them then shoves it in your face, "this one is my favorite."
The picture is... amazing, the angle is just perfect enough that it makes it look like Roman is laying his face on your ass.
You are not able to stay still, the laughter that ripples through you is gut busting and Roman squawks pulling back so he doesn't mess up.
"Remus! you almost made me fuck up!"
"Okay but" you can't stop the immense giggles bubbling out every time you think about it, "look at it!"
Janus leans over to show Roman while you try to control yourself.
"Why would you take it at that angle!" he shouts.
"Oh shut up" Janus snarks, "it's funny."
"It's fucking hilarious!" you emphasize.
"I also took good ones, if it matters to you that much" Janus swipes over.
This one is much nicer, the angle is higher and you're looking up at the camera with a silly cutesy expression while Roman is concentrated on your tattoo, his tongue is slightly caught between his front teeth.
"If that picture stays I want you to send it to me, even though I won't remember this moment" Roman tells you.
"I'm sure I'll get loads more for you to not remember, but I will which is pretty ironic."
Janus chuckles, "making memories no one else will remember as you're trying to remember your own life, it's kinda poetic."
"So what little mark are ya gonna do?"
Roman hums, "something simple that won't mess with the original art..."
"Eh you know I don't really care" you swat one of your hands about, "but ya have time to think."
You glance over your shoulder, Roman is looking at the work he's already done with determination.
"I'm making sure this will be the best tattoo you ever get!" he proclaims then chuckles, "well until the next one I do anyway" and then he's back in full creative mode with the needle back at your skin.
He's adorable, no other word for it.
No that's not true, but I'll leave those thoughts for later examination.
The dopey smile you have on doesn't miss Janus' eye, there's an expression there but he stays silent.
>He might be untrustworthy, he keeps too much to himself.
Your smile turns to a frown but you shake it before it can settle too deep.
I do agree with that thought though Remus, maybe you shouldn't be so open with him in the future.
Don't roll your eyes at me, it's good to keep things to yourself.
Stop making faces, mockery isn't very nice.
Janus nudges your arm with his foot, you look up at him and he's staring down at you quizzically.
You tap your head and make one of your hands do a talking motion then taking your other hand you make it shoot the talking one dead, the puppet hand dramatically flings around before flopping to the ground splayed open.
Have I mentioned before how very charming you are...
Janus silently laughs at your little hand puppet play and softly stomps on the 'dead' puppet hand a few times.
I'm starting to see why you guys get along so well...
Stop smiling like that, I can take a hint for when I'm not wanted - I'll keep my thoughts to myself for now.
You clap without noise.
Rude.
"You guys are weirdly quiet" Roman murmurs, "minus the odd choking noises" he snickers.
"Oh yeah ya know" you start, "just doing some mostly silent puppetry to pass the time."
"I think we all need another round" Janus announces, he pours some wine for himself, hands Roman a bottle of something and opens you another Mule.
"Are you an alcoholic?" you blurt.
Janus chortles, "no dear not anymore."
"Anymore?" both you and Roman ask.
"Yes, well everybody has a past" he answers swirling his wine, "I've told Remus everything before all this amnesia business."
Roman just gives a short hum as an answer not pushing any further.
Unlike you.
"What happened?"
Janus softly smiles down to you, "darling I would much prefer not to get in to that at this moment."
You bob your head around, "okaaaaay, but I'mma get it outta you sooner or later Janny."
Janus laughs a bit at your slightly serious sounding claim, "honey you technically already have" he leans down and lays a finger to your nose, "you just don't remember it."
You gnash your teeth at his finger, he predictably evades the danger your mouth delivers.
You pout, "it doesn't count if I don't remember it!"
He leans back with a smirk, pats your head with a foot and coos, "my poor Stink Bug, it does indeed count."
"Fine, keep your secrets" you stick your tongue out at him.
He laughs a little more this time, "once again: technically not a secret."
"Don't you technically me" you also laugh out grabbing his leg that's still perched on your head to shake him about.
Roman cries out at your sudden movement as Janus squalls at the wine that spills on his shirt.
You freeze, you can feel Roman frozen in place as well, both of you waiting with bated breath to see what he does.
"This is why we can't have nice things" he fusses with a sigh getting up, "no worries though I'll just... stain treat it."
Off he goes through the sheet door.
"He's always so patient with you" Roman speaks with a softness close to a whisper, "even though you can tell he's annoyed or angry, he's never snippy with you."
You lay back down, your chin resting between your crossed arms again, "me specifically?"
"You specifically."
You make a thoughtful noise.
When Janus gets back he scratches your skull soothingly before sitting down again.
The chatter resumes its snarky silliness, Roman full in concentration again.
The process of this tattoo is taking quite a while isn't it?
You snort, "duh it's a large piece of art ya dingle bitch."
Your words are slightly slurred Remus, you may want to slow down.
"I am perfectly fine thank you vvvvvverrry much, besides there's no more."
"Talking to that voice again love?" Janus asks.
"Mmhm, complaining about how long it's taking."
"It's only been about two hours" he says, "oh what, is it bored? it doesn't have to be here if it doesn't want to."
Tell him I don't appreciate being mocked.
"Keep mocking him Janny, he loves it."
I don't know what I expected from you.
"Does it now?" he chuckles.
"Oh yeah" you say and laugh trying to get the rest if your words out, "he super gets off to it."
Real mature.
He laughs with you, "little baby bitch voice likes to be degraded?"
Your howls jostle Roman, you can feel the gun dig a little deeper than it has been so far.
"Oh fuck sorry, I don't know how that happened" Roman apologizes, "you didn't even move that much..."
"Maybe you shouldn't drink and tattoo" Janus snarks.
"I haven't been" Roman shoots back, "I haven't had a drink since dinner, I'm not a moron."
Janus stares at Roman, "that may just be the smartest thing you've ever done" he claps softly, "congratulations for coming up in the world."
"If I wasn't preoccupied I would throw something at you" Roman grumbles.
"Too bad you are" Janus smirks.
Less than a second after that remark a pillow is flung right at Janus' face.
Roman laughs as he gets to his feet, "I'm done now."
"Oh sweet!" you exclaim flipping around, in your haste to see the finished tattoo you flip too fast and land on your back.
I would ask if that hurt but your laughter deems the inquary unnecessary.
"Remus be careful!" Roman fusses, "that's an open wound!"
"So whhhaaaaat" you giggle and stare up at him.
He smiles while stretching his arms above his head, his back cracks and he lets out a contented sigh.
You're staring.
Remus you are staring at his stomach from where his shirt is riding up, how cliche can you get?
>Wait no, this is not appropriate! snap out of it man.
You shake your head...
You shake your head.
Remus!?
Roman stops stretching and glances down to your stupid little face.
Ah, that got your attention - don't curl your lip at me, you're the one who's ogling your brother.
Janus chokes, his foot pushes the back of your head - intentional or not who knows.
Roman clears his throat, he visibly puffs himself up and brings his hand to his chest, "but of course I am" he moves his hand away from his chest to point at you, "and you are drunk, it's water time."
He leaves the living room and Janus jumps you.
"What was that?" he whispers.
"What? he is."
"That's besides the point-"
You poke both his cheeks with a gasp, "ohhhh you do think he's hot!"
"Anyone with eyes can see that" he hisses.
Your giggles are bubbling over as you put your fingers up to your mouth, "ohhohoooo don't worry, I'll keep your secretssssssss."
"Thank you" he deadpans.
"Of course bestie" you smile.
A water bottle bounces on the makeshift bed next to you.
"Don't worry" Roman smirks with a wink, "I'll keep it too."
Janus lets out a long groan, "I'm going to bed."
"What no it's not that late!" you protest.
"I have to take a shower, my routine takes a while and it's almost ten" he kisses the top of your head, "goodnight, I hope today stays with us."
"You do?" both you and Roman ask.
He looks to Roman then back at you, "yes."
He leaves the fort.
Roman plops down next to you, picks up and opens the water to hand it to you.
You greedily drink down the whole bottle, crush it up and toss it - it hits against one of the sheet walls unceremoniously falling out of sight.
"You wanna see?" Roman asks handing you his phone.
Oh yes your new tattoo!
Grabbing it egarly so you can bask in the sight of your first ink and Romans first work on a human body.
You're speechless.
How do I do that?
Roman tilts his head, waiting for your answer.
"It's the best thing ever" you say with awe.
Roman beams, "yeah?"
You lock eyes with him, "of course! I really hope it stays!"
"Me too, this night has been fun - and surprising a little too, I think Janus is warming up to me."
"As much as I think looping more would be fun" you begin, "this would be a good place to stop."
"Yeah" he agrees.
"I don't want this night to end" you slur.
Roman chuckles, "but you're tired huh?"
You nod.
"You always get sleepy when you drink" he says.
"Good ta know" you smile, "can I see that picture?"
Roman's brows scrunch, "what picture?"
"The one you were embaaaaaaarrassed about."
"I... forgot about that."
"IIIIIIII didn't~" you sing.
"Yeah okay” he sighs, “I said I’d show you, I'll send it to you" he says picking up his tablet, your phone chimes a few seconds later.
Roman stops you from looking at it by putting his hand on your hand, his face is pink, “can... can you look at it later?"
"Why?"
"I don't know if I want a live reaction."
You pap his cheek playfully, "you're silly but ooooookaaaay."
Your head lolls to the side, you're very close to falling asleep.
"Alright, it's bedtime" Roman jostles you.
"I can sleep here" you mumble.
"What happened to seeing if your room is a safe space?"
"I guess that's important..."
Roman breathes out a laugh, "yeah it is - and hey it might not matter I could still be here tomorrow."
"Oh!" you jerk up, "come sleep in my room!"
Roman makes a face, "your room is filthy there's nowhere for me to sleep."
You deflate, "ah yeah thas true."
Roman wraps an arm around your shoulders and squeezes, "I'll always be here no matter how many loops there are - now go to bed."
You stumble to your feet using Roman's shoulder and head to heft yourself up.
"Yeeeeaaaaah goodnight Romie."
"Goodnight Rems."
You shuffle your way to your room, not bothering to turn the light on as you swing the door closed.
You flop yourself on your messy bed face first practically already asleep.
Snuffling awake you remember to look at the drawing, the brightness of the phone screen blinds you for a second and you navigate to your messages with squinted eyes.
Your breath catches with awe once more today at one of Romans art works.
It's a beautifully detailed and cartoonish drawing of you.
You recognize the shocking reds and oranges of the evening sky just a few hours ago, they're splayed all around your frame in what you can only assume is Roman Vision.
It's a brilliant rendering, your face is still slightly in view and you can see how he put sparkles in your eye.
Smiling you drop your arm to the ground along with the phone.
The last thought you have before falling asleep is that, perhaps Roman wasn't agreeing about the sunset being beautiful.
You fall asleep peacefully in your bed, a little drunk.
Hello, dearest viewers. We are back, yet again. Part 30, this time! But we still aren't yet on Act 3. You know the drill. Isabeau conversations, let's go.
(Part 29 is here)
Ah, so it IS a "siffrin doesn't like to be touched so i'm not gonna do it" thing! Good to have that cleared up! Though we still aren't entirely certain how Siffrin feels about touch, at this point. With the gardening room and the "not the best feeling", we'd assume that you would want this in some way, but with this...
...we aren't entirely sure what you think about it at this point, to be honest. Mixed feelings? "I dislike this sensation, but I'm willing to tolerate it coming from someone I like"? Some flavor of touch averse but feeling as though physical touch is A Part Of Friendly Interaction and feeling worse and significantly more excluded when people attempt to respect your boundaries instead of simply Doing What They Will? It's hard to get a read on at this stage, honestly.
...anyways, we suppose we'll be visiting our dear Dandelion now.
Oh, dear Loop, if we were the one calling you a parasite, it would be a compliment. Parasites are quite the cool creatures! They make up for so much diversity that they're honestly fascinating to study - there are so, so many impossibly complex relationships between parasite and host, and the amount of specialization needed to survive often results in a feedback loop of evolution that can drive some incredibly interesting organisms!
You, on the other hand, are a star lounging just outside of the current frame of the universe - if you're a parasite, then you're certainly a parasite on something far greater than a favor tree, and we don't think that you're quite the type to be a standard insect. If anything, you'd be more of a Toxoplasmosis gondii - symbiotic with your primary host, while driving your intermediate hosts to death as part of that symbiosis. Most parasites profit most from going unnoticed, after all, and you seem quite conspicuous, with your nudging us in a particular direction. Whether we're cat or mouse in this particular equation... well, we'll have to see, we suppose.
Nothing like a good nap after a long day of work testing out that weak spot! Can't believe someone from the Dark Forest would let me get this close... Super comfy!
Part four of five of my Saiouma Day one-shot! Man, I am really pushing it with finishing and uploading these parts...I’m going to try and have the final part up before Saiouma Day ends, but we’ll see how that will work once I see what the prompts are for Oumasai Week 2019.
So, we’ve got even more canon divergence (surprise, surprise). It kinda begins ti diverge once Monobear shines the first Flashback Light at them, but it will really begin to branch off a few days after Kiyo’s execution.
I hope you guys like it! :)
Title: See You on the Other Side
Summary: The world works as such: everyone has a soulmate that they must find before either one of them dies. If one of them dies, the other person will become stuck in a loop, starting from a specific moment in time. However, the soulmate indicator changes each time and gradually becomes harder to recognize. This will continue until they find their soulmate.
The fourth loop has begun and at this point, Shuichi has begun to lose hope of ever breaking free. But, when an unexpected twist is presented to him, Shuichi may have found a way to break out of the loop once and for all.
Soulmate Indicator: None this time (more like it never got brought up, to begin with)!
Notes: This is a mashup of both soulmate and time loop AUs; there are many rules that are put into place in this particular universe; some parts will be longer than others due to how much content needs to be covered (particularly Loop #4); let us all pretend just for this part that there are no stairs at the entrance of Kokichi’s lab
Warnings: Major canon divergence, character death; read at your own risk!
Links down below:
♾ First ♾
♾ Previous ♾
♾ Next ♾
Continue reading under the cut!
♾ Ｌｏｏｐ ４ Ｓｔａｒｔ ♾
At this point, Shuichi was used to having his life be looped back to the beginning of the killing game after Kokichi dies.
He was also beginning to lose hope.
The last loop in particular had him thinking over some things. When he was trying to tell Kokichi that they were soulmates, it was clear that something was trying to stop him from doing so.
Were they just not meant to be?
Just thinking about it left him sad and frustrated.
He stood off to the side in the gym, lost in his thoughts as Monobear began to talk about something called a Flashback Light.
Why in the world would I be given a soulmate if I can’t even be with them? Doesn’t that just defeat the point of having one, to begin with, he wondered to himself.
He sighed, shooting a glance at Kokichi.
What am I supposed to do, he asked himself.
“Alrighty, then! Now that you all know what a Flashback Light is and how it works, it’s time to give you back some of your memories!” Monobear declared.
Shuichi blinked his eyes twice.
“Huh? What in the world is he—“
“Have fun remembering everything, losers!”
Monobear pressed one of the buttons on the Flashback Light and then, the gym was enveloped in a bright, white light.
Before Shuichi could react, a sharp pain pierced through his head. He screamed, reaching up to clutch his head. Memory after memory flooded through his head, ranging from the Gofer Project to various others.
The white light disappeared soon after and everyone began muttering amongst each other.
“Oi, you stupid bear! What the hell is the Gofer Project?!” Kaito roared.
“Were you not paying attention, you stupid degenerate male?! The Gofer Project was created because of that huge asteroid shower that was coming to Earth that would destroy mankind!” Tenko snapped.
“Stupid degenerate...?!” Kaito gawked at her as she continued rambling on about the project.
“Nyeeeeh...Keep it down already, Tenko...” Himiko grumbled, shooting an annoyed glare at the aikido master.
“Waaaaaagh! Sorry, Yumeno-san! Tenko will try to keep it down!” Tenko exclaimed.
The two of them continued to bicker (without disturbing Himiko, of course) as Shuichi continued to look around the gym.
He then spotted Kokichi, whose gaze was fixated on the ground. He slowly rose his head and turned to look at Shuichi.
Shuichi drew in a gasp upon seeing the look on the supreme leader’s face.
Was there anything about the Gofer Project that was emotional? I don’t remember it being emotional at all, he thought to himself.
He bit his lip, various thoughts swirling around in his mind.
Unless...he remembered something else, he asked himself.
He continued to think about it as a single tear slid down Kokichi’s cheek.
💜💜💜💜
A few days have passed since Korekiyo’s execution and Tenko and Angie’s deaths. Himiko had fallen into a coma due to the shock of losing her soulmate while Miu had locked herself in the computer room.
Everyone else was on edge, waiting to see what Monobear might be up to this time around.
Shuichi laid in bed that night, thinking back to when he saw Kokichi crying in the gym.
He must’ve remembered something else instead of the Gofer Project. That’s the only thing I can think of to explain why he was crying rather than being confused about the project, he thought to himself.
But...how do I plan on bringing it up to him? It’s not like he’ll tell me if I ask upfront. Besides, even if I did choose to ask him, he would probably lie his way out of the conversation, he told himself.
He released a sigh.
“What in the world am I supposed to do now...?” Shuichi murmured.
He then heard a knock on the door.
Hm? I wonder who that might be, he wondered to himself.
He rolled off of the bed and he headed over to the door. As he did, he saw a piece of paper being slipped in under the crack of the door.
“A note...” he murmured.
He bent down and picked up the note, unfolding it and reading what it said.
Meet me in front of the academy.
Shuichi looked down and saw the familiar crude drawing of the supreme leader.
“Ouma-kun...” he trailed off.
He wants to talk to me, he asked himself.
He stuffed the note in his pocket.
I guess I should go. It seems like it might be important, he thought to himself.
He walked over to the nightstand by his bed, picked up his key, and headed out of the dormitory.
Now that I think about it, this should be a good time to bring up why he was crying when everyone recalled the Gofer Project, he thought to himself.
He looked up, immediately spotting Kokichi leaning up against the wall by the doors. He rose his hand, waving at him.
“Ouma-kun!” he called out.
Kokichi looked over at him.
“Oh, would we lookie here! Saihara-chan actually decided to show up!” Kokichi watched as the detective approached him. “I thought you were going to chicken out.” he stated.
“No. Why would I chicken out?” Shuichi asked.
A grin tugged at Kokichi’s lips as he grabbed for the collar of the detective’s shirt and he pulled him close so that their faces were inches apart.
“Because you’re afraid that I might kill you. I’m pretty sure you know that I can do so if I really wanted to.” Kokichi stated.
Shuichi furrowed his brows at this.
“I highly doubt that, Ouma-kun.” he said.
“Nishishi~! You may never know~” Kokichi singsonged.
He released Shuichi’s collar, pulling away and bringing his arms behind his back.
“Now then, follow me.” he said.
Shuichi nodded in response as he followed the supreme leader into the academy. They walked to the center of the entryway and stopped once Kokichi rose his hand in a stopping motion.
“Hold on. I’m pretty sure it was around here somewhere...” he trailed off.
“Huh? What’s around here somewhere—“ that was when he heard something click from under Kokichi’s foot.
The ground tumbled from under them and then, the floor opened up just a few steps away. Shuichi’s eyes widened in shock.
“What the—?!” he squawked.
Kokichi giggled.
“I had a feeling you’d be surprised. Come, let’s go before it closes up.” Kokichi said as he headed over to the hole in the ground, jumping inside.
Shuichi swallowed, staring at the hole before him.
“You coming or what, Saihara-chan?!” Kokichi called out.
“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Shuichi responded as he approached the hole.
He peered down at the hole hesitantly, wondering if it was really a good idea to go inside. Then, a hand shot up and pulled him inside.
“Ack!” he exclaimed as he fell face first into the ground.
The ground rumbled once more as the floor closed from above them. He could hear the supreme leader giggling to himself.
“Geez, you’re such a scaredy-cat, Saihara-chan.” Kokichi fiddled with something in the dark and a light came on soon after. “Come on. Nothing’s going to come after us.” he said.
Shuichi lifted himself off the ground, nodding as he followed the supreme leader through the tunnel that they had found themselves in.
As they continued walking, Shuichi eyed him curiously.
“Ouma-kun, what exactly is down here?” he asked.
“You’ll see when we get there.” Kokichi replied.
Shuichi frowned.
Why is he being so secretive, he asked himself.
They then stopped at a circular door moments later. Shuichi eyed the door in confusion as Kokichi dug through his pockets for something.
“What is this place?” Shuichi asked.
“My lab.” Kokichi replied.
“Your lab?!”
“Yeah? Did you think I’d take you to someone else’s lab?”
“No, but...how’d you know that your lab was all the way down here?”
“I’m the supreme leader of a top secret organization, silly. Of course my lab is going to be underground.”
“Yes, but Monobear hasn’t even revealed your lab to us yet! Is it even safe to be here?”
“Yeah, it’s safe! We’ll be fine!”
“But...how do you even plan on getting in there?!”
“Simple.” Kokichi pulled out a gold key. “I ripped off his master key so that I can get in.” he said.
“You stole his key?!” Shuichi hissed.
“Yeah. It was easy, too.” Kokichi replied as he unlocked the door.
Shuichi was rendered speechless as the door opened. Kokichi grabbed for Shuichi by the arm and he pulled him inside.
“Soooooooo, welcome to my lab!” Kokichi chirped.
Shuichi looked around at the supreme leader’s lab in awe, taking in the neon lights and the various items lining the walls.
“Your lab...it really gives off the vibe of a top secret organization...” he trailed off.
“Doesn’t it? It suits my tastes so well that it’s almost terrifying. I mean, that annoying bear made our labs for us, after all.” Kokichi said.
“Ah...yeah, you’re right...” Shuichi said.
Kokichi continued to pull Shuichi along until they stopped in the middle of the room. He gripped onto the detective’s arm, staring blankly at him.
“So...why exactly did you call me out here? You never said what was up when you sent me that note—“
“I’m so stupid.”
Shuichi arched a brow at Kokichi’s words.
“What are you—“
“I really am a total dumbass...how could I have not noticed it when the signs were right there?”
“Ouma-kun, I don’t understand what it is you mea—“
Before Shuichi could say anymore, Kokichi reached up, cupped Shuichi’s cheeks, and he pulled him down, mashing their lips in a kiss.
Shuichi stiffened, eyes wide as the supreme leader’s soft lips covered his own.
Ouma-kun...he’s kissing me...but why, he asked himself.
Before Shuichi could respond to the kiss, Kokichi pulled away and wrapped his arms around the detective’s torso. Shuichi opened his mouth to speak when he heard him sniffle.
“Why...why is it that I choose now to remember everything? The purple star mark, the red string, your last words tattooed onto my arm...why did it take me so long to realize that you’re my soulmate, Saihara-chan...?!” Kokichi asked as he began to sob into his chest.
Shuichi felt his heart constrict at Kokichi’s words.
“You...You know now?” he choked out.
Kokichi nodded.
“Yes. I remembered the previous three loops when Monobear used that stupid Flashback Light on us the first time.” he explained.
Shuichi’s eyes widened.
So, that’s why he was crying...he remembered that we’re soulmates, he thought to himself.
“Ouma-kun...you don’t need to beat yourself up over this. It’s not your fault that you couldn’t remember.” he said.
“But still...” Kokichi rose his head to look at him, more tears streaming down his cheeks. “Why didn’t you say anything...?” he choked out.
“Oh, Ouma-kun...you have no idea how badly I wanted to tell you. I was still trying to figure things out during the first two loops, but this last loop, I really wanted to tell you that we were soulmates. But then, I started feeling all choked up when I tried to do so. It almost felt like something was preventing me from telling you.” Shuichi explained.
Kokichi’s eyes widened.
“So, it happened to you, too...” he trailed off.
“Too...?” Shuichi questioned, arching a brow in confusion.
“I wanted to tell you during the previous loop, as well. But, I started feeling choked up, as well. It was as you were leaving to get some water for us.” Kokichi explained.
Shuichi’s eyes widened, recalling how Kokichi called out to him and tried to say something to him only to rephrase his sentence.
Back then...he was also trying to say that we were soulmates, he thought to himself.
“Once I recalled my memories of the previous loops, I thought it was quite weird that I was unable to say something about it to you. So, I went down to the library and read up on it. Apparently, the rules of this world have changed.” Kokichi told him.
“The rules of this world?” Shuichi questioned.
Kokichi nodded.
“Things have been altered so that no matter what it is we do, you will not be able to prevent my death.” Kokichi said.
Shuichi’s blood ran cold, his eyes growing wide in horror.
“Are you being serious...?” he choked out.
“I am being as serious as I can be right now. Even if we say that we accept and acknowledge each other as soulmates right now and embrace, I would still end up dying and you would continue to loop the killing game for all eternity. I don’t know what exactly caused it to start doing this, but that’s what’s happening.” Kokichi explained.
“Are you kidding me...?” Shuichi asked.
“I am not. However, while I was researching in the library,” Kokichi released him, “I stumbled upon a loophole.” he said.
“A loophole?” Shuichi asked.
“Well, to put it in simpler terms, I found another way to break out of the loop.” Kokichi replied.
“You did? What is it?”
“We can get ourselves reincarnated into another world or timeline.”
“We can?” Kokichi nodded. “How do we go about doing that?”
Kokichi brought his bottom lip in between his teeth.
“Well...” he trailed off.
“What? What is it?” Shuichi asked.
Kokichi turned and headed over to the chair sitting at the very top of some stairs. Shuichi grew worried at the supreme leader’s silence.
“Ouma-kun?” he called out.
Kokichi stopped, sighing.
“In order to be reincarnated...we both have to die at the same time.” he said.
Shuichi felt the world come to a halt at Kokichi’s words. His body went cold as he tried to process his words.
“We both...have to die? At the same time?” he questioned in shock.
“We do. I know that must have come as a shock to you. It was a shock to me, as well. But, I honestly feel that it is something we must do if we want to break free of this loop and live happily together.” Kokichi explained.
He picked something up from the chair.
“Hey, Saihara-chan...why do you think I brought you to such an isolated spot in the academy?” he asked.
“I don’t know...” Shuichi swallowed. “Why is that?” he asked, fearing what Kokichi’s answer might be.
Kokichi turned and threw something at him. Shuichi fumbled, catching the object before it hit the ground. He stared down at the object in his hands, eyes growing wide in horror.
“It’s so that we can kill each other without any interruptions.” Kokichi said.
“No way...” Shuichi ran his fingers along the cool barrel of the pistol Kokichi tossed him. “You actually want to go through with this...?” he choked out.
“I do. What, do you not want to live in an alternate timeline with me where we don’t have to worry about playing this blasted killing game and we can love each other and be happy?” Kokichi asked as he began to make his way down the stairs.
“I do! It’s exactly what I want! It’s just...” Shuichi trailed off.
“It’s just what?” Kokichi stopped before him. “Are you really going to hesitate when our happiness is just within reach?” he asked, pointing his pistol at Shuichi’s chest.
Shuichi swallowed, noting the serious look in the supreme leader’s eyes.
“You really want to do this, don’t you...” he trailed off.
“I do.” Kokichi replied.
Shuichi bit his lip.
“Do you know for a fact that this will work?”
“I do. All of the books I read that involve this method say that it’s successful.”
“Oh...I see...”
Shuichi watched as Kokichi curled his finger around the trigger.
“Let’s do this, Saihara-chan. Let’s break free of this loop and be happy together.” Kokichi said.
Shuichi swallowed, his heart pounding rapidly against his rib cage. He flinched, feeling Kokichi press the barrel of the pistol against his chest where his heart was.
“Don’t chicken out on me now, my beloved.” he said.
Shuichi continued to stare at Kokichi, an awkward silence hanging over them. Then, he slowly rose his hand up and pointed the pistol where Kokichi’s heart was.
“I must really be in love with you if I’m willing to point a gun at you.” he said with a light chuckle.
“It took a little coaxing, but it looks like you’re finally ready.” a grin pulled at Kokichi’s lips. “Well, we’re soulmates, after all. Of course we’re bound to do some crazy shit.” he said.
Shuichi laughed.
“Yes, you’re right.” he said.
Kokichi smiled.
“Hey...before you pull the trigger, say my name at least once.” he requested.
“Alright...Kokichi.” Shuichi replied.
Kokichi’s cheeks took on a bright shade of red as he lowered his gaze.
“That...actually made my heart flutter more than I thought it would...” he admitted.
Shuichi smiled.
“Now, you say my name.” he said.
“Eh?!” Shuichi narrowed his eyes at him. “Okay, fine...Shuichi.” he said, the blush spreading to his cheeks.
Shuichi blushed, as well.
“Now I’m embarrassed...” he mumbled.
“Now you know how I feel!” Kokichi whined.
Their laughter along with their blushes subsided after a few minutes, serious looks replacing them.
“So...this is it.” Shuichi said.
“It is.” a small smile tugged at Kokichi’s lips. “See you on the other side, Shuichi.” he said.
Shuichi smiled back, watching as the supreme leader closed his eyes.
“Yeah...see you on the other side, Kokichi.” he replied, closing his eyes as well.
