Meet Me Under the Cherry Tree

by unGratefulNobody

in which Pearl and Joseph share a little dance, she reflects on what led her to this point, and then finds out more about Joseph than she bargained for. Takes place after Joseph and Suzie Q. move to America during their honeymoon, but Pearl doesn't know that. Rated M for violence in future chapters. TW: CONTAINS FORCED PREGNANCY, VIOLENCE AND MENTIONS OF RAPE

1. Chapter 1

The best thing about this moment is, he makes me feel so graceful dancing even without the music.

I was so mean to JoJo when we first met. I guess that can happen when SOMEONE'S grandma carved pictures into a tree I planted BY HAND.

But old grudges do no good.

But still...

I insulted him.

I insulted his family,

His grammar,

I insulted his sarcastic attitude.

I was an arrogant gem then, full of too much pride.

Who was I pretending for, anyway?

I used to think I'd never get over my borderline obsession with Rose.

I was ready to give into insanity.

He...he's making me feel something I've never felt before. I've lived thousands and thousands of years and only now am I starting to truly understand Rose's fierce loyalty to this place...

And laying here, next to a warmth and a heartbeat that feels so calming, knowing I don't need to be some perfect valiant servant to someone for ONCE in my life, just being able to relax and..'be',

well...

I guess it's not so bad being human after all.

.

.

.

It actually feels kind of nice.