Chapter 36: A Date With Monika
(Saturday Morning, Monty's House, Monty's PoV)
The silence was a welcome change from the rest of the week and my eyes cracked open for once on their own. The beginning rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains as I got up and stretched, getting dressed slowly. My hands felt heavier than usual and the air around the house felt stale. As I walked out of the bedroom leaving the sleeping Monika there I entered the kitchen to prepare some tea and coffee. A movement in the living room caught my attention as Sayori sat up before yawning and stretching.
"Morning Sayo." I try to give her a halfhearted smile but she just meekly smiles back.
"H.. Hey. I'm... gonna go for a walk." She said, getting up and grabbing some clothes before heading to the bathroom. As she closed the door behind her my body let out a shaky sigh.
Three and a half days had passed since Mizu's death. Unceremonious, hidden, and leaving a bad taste in my mouth we had started returning to the retail district when we found Sayori waiting in the alley. She hadn't left for the school and waited for us against our wishes.
(Flashback)
"Sayori? Why are you still here?" Monika asked but Sayori gave both of us a look that silenced our objections. I was too tired and drained from all that transpired to even muster anger as she spoke.
"Are you two... okay?" She asked and I nod.
"Some cuts and bruises but otherwise okay. What about you? Are you hurt?" Monika asks again and Sayo nods. The cinnamon bun looks over us and then behind us but she doesn't see him; my heart squeezes.
"W... Where's Mizu?"
I had tried to do it. To psych myself up into this lie but it was just too much for me. The guilt was eating at my soul and the hollow feeling grew. As my body stiffened Monika noticed and thank god she did as she stepped forward to divert attention.
"He got away, Sayo. We ended up having a fight, he was hurting Monty so I got involved. Mizu ran down the alley and hopped onto a bus at the corner before we could get on and we lost sight of him. I don't think he'll be back for a while." She said with a smoothness that I was envious of at that moment. Sayo looked at her before her sapphire gaze looked at me; her brow furrowed.
"Monty... did he get away?" She asked softly. The feeling in my stomach grew worse; I knew that if I looked Sayori in the eyes right then and there she would see the guilt and know. But if she learned the truth.. no. I wouldn't lose another person today.
A hand moved and wrapped itself in mine and I looked over to see Monika; she gave me a small smile and nod as I sigh. With a heavy heart I steel myself before speaking.
"I tried my best to convince him to stop Sayo, honest. I wanted to bring him back but.. he refused. He almost got me with his knife but Monika saved my life. I'm sorry. I failed you." Half-truths and lies to absolve my conscience just a little.
Sayori's eyes sadden, and she grabs her arm before looking away.
"I... I see. But... but he's still here, so we can... so we can try and reach him again, right?" She looks hopeful for a second and Monika forces a smile.
"Yeah. We always have next time. But... I don't think he will be coming back for a while so for now let's get back to school and check on the others." Monika says and Sayo nods before following her. I trail last as we walk, my eyes staring at the ground.
I'm so sorry, Sayori.
(Flashback End)
After returning, Sayori seemed to be off in her own world at times. I tried to keep up the lie as best I could but a part of me wondered if Sayori had figured out the truth from my reaction; perhaps that was why she seemed to sad these last three days or maybe like me she feared that she had failed to save him. I wish I could tell her but it was to protect her and for her own good to not know. It was better if they all didn't know.
With a sigh I began to cook some eggs as Natsuki and Yuri eventually woke up. Monika and I had told Sayori not to let them know yet in case Mizu tried to come back and catch us by surprise; by the end of the week we'd deem whether or not it was clear for them to go back to their own houses.
"Morning. Sleep well?" I asked Natsuki who stretched and nodded.
"Yeah, especially since I could sleep in and not worry about classes." She says and I nod.
"Breakfast is French toast; any objections?" I ask and she shakes her head and pours some orange juice before sitting.
Yuri wakes up next, dressed already as she grabs the boiling kettle and pours some hot water to make tea.
"Thank you Monty." She says and I flash her a smile.
"No problem. You seem ready to go; got plans?" I ask and she nods, sitting besides Natsuki.
"Yes, I was thinking that I'd go to the retail district early and look around, perhaps get some lunch there. I also promised Natsuki that I would reimburse her for the manga I destroyed, so she was going to come with me." She said and Natsuki huffed a bit.
"You better replace them..." She muttered and it earns a small chuckle out of me as I continue cooking. For a minute silence fills the kitchen before a voice speaks up.
"Hey Monty... are you okay? You've been... off these last couple days." Yuri asks gently and I stiffen. My breath hitches and I feel a flash of ice blue eyes play across my mind before turning around. Both Yuri and Natsuki give me nervous glances and Yuri stands, moving over to me.
"Monty you are sweating. Did you catch a fever?" She asks and I shake my head.
"I-I'm fine, I've just been tired this week. It's been rather warm and Monika's body under covers doesn't help." I say and the pinkette huffs.
"Monty I don't buy that because Sayori's also been acting strange lately. You both are looking like you crawled out of the wrong side of bed and it's worrying us you dummy." Her tone was harsh but her words has the care in them that made my hands trembled.
I'm sorry, you two. But... I can't tell you.
I hope one day... maybe one day down the road you will forgive me.
But... is that road coming soon?
Mizu's dead; the threat to the girls is gone. Will I be forced to leave here? Will I be able to stay?
So many questions...
"...ty? Monty!" Natsuki's loud voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I see their brows furrowed even more; Natsuki is halfway out of her chair ready to walk over to me.
"I... sorry. I got distracted a bit. But I'm fine and Sayori's just... upset about Mizu. She's been blaming herself and taking it really hard. I've been trying to talk to her in private about it but.. you know Sayo. She holds stuff like that close." I say and both the purple and pinkette deflate a bit before nodding. Yuri looks away and traces a finger around the rim of her tea cup.
"Mmm.. it is hard to lose a friendship, or feel like you failed someone important. Sayori also seems like one who would brew and let these thoughts fester which is not good for a healthy mind or body to grow with." She spoke in quiet thought while focusing on the cup.
"Hmm... she needs some time away from it. I'd say going out would be helpful but she might just turn it down." I mutter and the other girls frown.
A yawn takes our attention away from the discussion as Monika walks in, fully dressed in a white and green sundress and even wearing the butterfly pattern ribbon I got her. Her green eyes sparkle with life and I find that I'm losing myself within them once more; it had been a while since I did that.
"Good morning everyone~" She sang and walked to me before placing a kiss on my lips which makes me a little red from the suddenness. Taking up the coffee pot she pours herself a cup and goes about the daily ritual of making it her way as I finish breakfast and place the french toasts on the plate with the fixings to the side of it. It seems for the moment the talk about Sayori and myself is sidetracked as we all sit down and begin to eat.
As Natsuki finishes a bite of her syrup-covered meal she glances at me.
"Hey Monty, do you know how to cook other stuff? I mean you've cooked different types of eggs, pancakes, french toast or given us cereal but usually it's just simple foods." I arch a brow at her and shrug.
"Mmm, I mean Moni's been taking over most of the breakfast cooking since I make dinner but I don't have a huge list of items I know how to cook. I've always enjoyed cooking but when it comes to really practicing it I'm pretty weak. I know how to make a few specialty dishes, I know how to spice things and I can operate grills and ovens fairly well but that's about it. Why, did you want something in particular?" I ask and Natsuki flushes a little before glancing away.
"N-No dummy, I was just... curious! Yeah! I mean you tend to cook similar things time and time again and you bragged to me a f-few weeks ago how one dish of yours was that good so..." I actually gave her a small grin at that.
"Oho, so are you challenging my cooking skills? Shall I try my hand to make more dishes that'll blow you away~?" I tease and Natsuki flushes even more. Monika and Yuri giggle as she huffs.
"As if you could even do that, dummy!" She said, and I begin to laugh. The others join me with Yuri giggling softly and Monika letting out a chuckle and eventually Natsuki's blush and glare diminished into a hearty smile.
The door opened and we all turned to see Sayori come in; Yuri smiled and offered a seat next to her.
"Hello Yuri, Natsuki, Monika. Breakfast already served?" She asked and Yuri nodded.
"Yes, why don't you come and sit with us Sayori? It's very good."
"Yeah, come sit with us Sayo." Natsuki added. Sayori hesitated for a moment before she gave a smile.
"Mmm... okay." With that Sayo came next to us and for a little bit her mood brightened; it felt nice to see the four girls enjoying themselves a little bit once again.
Breakfast came and went and soon enough Natsuki and Yuri headed for the door to leave.
"Don't you want to come with us, Sayo?" Natsuki asked by Sayori shook her head.
"No thanks, I'm gonna work on some poems and relax a little. I don't have to worry about homework until Monday after all, ehehe!" She beamed at them. The two looked uncertain before Yuri nodded.
"Well.. if you change your mind, give us a call and we can meet up someplace, okay?" Yuri offers and Sayori nods as they leave. I glance at Sayori and she looks up before smiling.
"It's okay Monty, I'll probably go out later. But are you gonna stay home all day too?" She asked.
"Actually... I was thinking about that. Monty?" Monika's voice pulled my attention as she smiled at me and did her signature lean; she looked gorgeous in that outfit of hers and I blink.
"Uhh... yes Moni?" I ask and she smiles wider.
"How about you and I go on that date you promised me? It will give Sayori some time to herself and it would be fun~" She said in that sing-song voice of hers.
"A date huh? But... are you sure with uh-" I try to reason it out; while a date with just Monika and me sounds wonderful I-
"Monty, it is okay. I'll be fine; I'll go join the other girls later. We have our phones if.. if Mizu shows up we will let you know. But you've been pushing yourself hard without rest... take a break. For me?" Sayori's voice spoke up and I looked at her with surprise. She really was smarter than the game gave her credit for. I looked between her and the expectant eyes of Monika before nodding.
"Okay okay. I'll go get dressed into better clothes. Any ideas for where you want to go Moni?" I ask and she smiles happily.
"I was thinking we could spend a day at the boardwalk, water is maybe a bit too cold to swim in but maybe we could walk along the beach and just enjoy the day." She said and I nod as I change into some shorts, a shirt and some sandals I had lying around. Taking my wallet and some other items I walk back out to Monika before looking at Sayori. She gives me a smile and a wave.
"Have fun you two, see you later." I smile back at her.
"Yeah, have fun Sayo. Don't get into any trouble while we're out." I tease and a little bit of the sunny disposition shined in her eyes as we headed out the door and made our way to the bus stop.
(Pier/Beach, Noon)
A quick jump on the bus took us to the east side of town where a large body of water spanned out in front of us. The ocean was like a jewel, the deep pristine blue of it complimenting the clear blue skies. It looked like something out of a postcard as Monika and I arrived. Stepping off the bus I didn't make it more than a few steps when Monika turned around and gave me a deep kiss. Caught off-guard my eyes widened and once more today my cheeks got very red; was it me or was she more affectionate than normal today? My arms found their way around Monika and she leaned into me as we continued for a few more seconds before she pulled away and took my hands into hers.
"Hey, it's just us. I know you've been... you know... but I want us to enjoy something. Sayori was right, you need a break. So let me help you forget all about that today." The earnestness in her voice and the hypnotic gaze of her emeralds had my full attention and my heart felt as light as a feather.
"... Okay. I'll do my best love; let's have a good time." I answer and she beams at my before turning and pulling me along.
"This way then, my love~!" She sang and laughed as we began to explore this place.
I was honestly surprised with how much the boardwalk had to offer; lines of fast food stands, arcades and shops to attract tourists were there and farther down it looked like they even had a small amusement park going out on the pier over the water. Plenty of students and adults alike were walking around the place and I could hear laughter and joy all around us. Monika's eyes darted this way and that before she pointed to the beach.
"First, how about that little walk in the water?" She asked and I smile and move in that direction.
"Sure, but you better not complain if it's too cold." I respond and Monika gives a sly little smile.
"Well... if it is I can just jump into your arms and have you carry me like the knight in shining armor you are~" She retorted and it made us both giggle. I grin and nudge the brunette who laughs and nudges me back as we walk to the water's edge and take off our shoes.
I step my foot in and like she said it was cold; a chill shot up my spine when I stepped into it but I was no coward! I just grin and boldy take a few steps out before turning and giving Monika an expectant stare.
"Well Moni? You gonna join me~?" I ask and she smiles a bit before gingerly putting her toe into the water only to immediately retract it.
"Uh, ahaha... c-could you carry me, Monty?" She said in a sweet tone but I wasn't buying it; I just grinned and shook my head.
"Nope~ you want me to carry you, you come out here and make me." The challenge hangs in the air and Monika's cheeks puff up; she didn't expect a bold declaration from me. For a second she seems defeated and I prepare to move back before she kicks off her shoes and comes running at me. She goes full speed for me and closes it very quickly before leaping up into the air towards me. The surprise of it caught me off-guard and I stumbled to catch her before falling backwards as I lost balance.
"AHHH!"
"AAAAAH!"
We both scream as we fall into the water and the cold ocean rushes up to greet us. My back hit the water first and rushed up in a splash, dousing the rest of our bodies with cold water. Monika shrieked again and shivered from it.
"C-Cold! I thought you would catch me!" She accused as I shudder under her.
"Me?! You came running at me like you were doing the 100-meter dash!"
"W-Well I... I..." Monika couldn't hold it anymore and began to giggle. Her giggles got louder and soon enough I began to giggle too. There we were, the two of us laying partially in the cold water and laughing like madmen. I was starting to adjust to the water's temp as Monika stood and offered me a hand; I took it happily and we both stood up before walking through the water to enjoy it.
"Ah, you know once you adjust it's very refreshing since the day is pretty hot." Monika said as we walked down the beach, passing sunbathers and people with children and so on. It seemed that even with the cool water people had come out to enjoy the sun and sand which I couldn't blame them for.
"Yeah, always loved that contrast when I'd go to the pool as a kid. I hated going to the beach though because the water was always freezing cold. But this? This is nice~" I laugh and Monika giggles. The sun was doing an excellent job of warming us up after falling into the water and it had been about an hour since we had come here. Our stomachs grumbled and the both of us looked at each other before blushing.
"Food?"
"Yeah, something on the boardwalk sounds good right about now."
"Don't know if they have a whole lot of vegetarian foods though Moni."
"Mmm... I can eat fries if you'll share them with me~"
"You are too adorable, you know that?"
"Ahaha, I know~"
Finding one of the many boardwalk food shops we sit down and order a few drinks and a plate of fries as Monika looked at me curiously.
"So you said where you grew up the ocean was cold; does that mean you moved somewhere where it was warm?" She questioned and I nod sipping a soda.
"Well, yeah. I lived up north for while and the ocean there doesn't get much in the way of warm currents. However I moved south a while ago and it's been pretty nice swimming there; the water and the beaches are beautiful. Although everything pales in comparison to you, my beautiful emerald~" Now it is Moni's turn for her cheeks to flare up but a wide smile goes across her lips.
"Mmm, well you smooth talker, tell me about it then. I'd love to hear more about my beloved~" She asks and I indulge. I began to recant about my old world, and while I fear it may ruin the mood I try to focus on the happy stuff. Monika's eyes are wide with rapt attention and even as we eat she asks me questions between fries. I don't mind telling her and another hour passes before I even realize as I just filled her in with tidbits from my world.
Paying for the bill and back on the boardwalk we take to window shopping and playing games. There were various games of all kinds, colors and flashing lights with ticket booths for kids to win cheap prizes and such. Honestly it felt pretty nostalgic to be able to go to something like this and enjoy yourself. We went ahead and got some tokens before trying some of the games; I was pretty good with shooters but when Monika asked me to dance I started messing up pretty bad.
Monika, on the other hand, was like a goddess. Her moves and grace on the dance pad stole my attention more than once; her hair moved and whirled around her yet never once did her grace or skill falter. Her emerald gaze caught my own once during the dance and I felt my heart stop when she smiled.
"What, can't dance like me~?" She teased, her skills showing as she hit a string of steps while I grinned.
"I am not that good at these sorts of games, muscle memory is a weak point-" I say as Monika gives me a soft smile. As the game finished she moved from her station to mine and got real close to me.
"M-Moni?"
"Shh... do you trust me?" she asked and I nod. Turning on the game once again she began to dance with me, gently giving me the instructions.
"There you go, up, down down, hit them both... yes, that's it love!"
She jumped off of the platform as I got into the rhythm and danced on the machine; by the time the song finished I had a much better score than the first time. Monika clapped and cheered as I hopped off and kissed her.
"Thanks. You are still much better than me though, but at least now I can keep up a bit." She laughs and takes my hand as we continue on.
"Come on, Monty; there is one more thing I want to do before the sun starts setting."
Monika lead me a little further down the boardwalk until we stopped at the front of the amusement park; the rollercoasters and ferris wheel made me a little nervous but she pulls us to the ticket booth. Purchasing a couple tickets Monika brings me in and heads for one of the roller coasters.
"Come on, I've always wanted to experience something like this!" She says with excitement tinging her voice, however as we reach the small line I pause. I hadn't told her but I was terrified of heights ever since I was a kid; heck I had been so focused on not dying on the roof I hadn't really noticed it but I was scared of falling then too. Monika glanced back with that smile and excited sparkle in her eyes but she noticed my expression and immediately frowned with worry.
"Monty, are you okay? Do you not like roller coasters?" She asked and I chuckled nervously.
"I'm just... not good with heights." I admit and Monika's frown deepens.
"Oh... I'm sorry Monty. Well... that's okay! We can go do something else! Like the funhouse or one of the smaller coasters, or would you be okay with the ferris wheel?" Monika suggested and while she smiled I knew she still really wanted to go on the coaster as I looked it over.
"... Would you hold my hand tight? If we went on the coaster?" I ask and she blinks before smiling.
"Of course."
"Then let's go on the coaster." I say and while the happiness wells right back up the concern is there too.
"W-Well are you sure? You don't need to force yourself too-" She began but I shake my head.
"Hey, it's a date; I want you to enjoy the first real date you've ever had. I want to make it special." I answer and she beams at me before giving a peck on the cheek as a reward.
"You are too good to me sometimes, it feels like a dream.. ahaha~"
"Only because you deserve every second of it, Monika." I reply and she gives me another kiss as we go through the line and reach the front. One of the workers lets us in and we take a care in the middle with me nervously scooting in first. Putting on the seat belt and letting the bar drop my fingers drummed against the front of the car, my eyes fixated on the track ahead of us.
"Monty." My eyes dart over to meet Monika's and she takes my hand before smiling softly.
"It's okay. Just breathe, love."
The cart began to move as the gears turn; we head slowly up the incline and approach the top. Monika's hand is taken by mine and I squeeze a bit nervously to which she squeezes back and comforts me. As we reach the top I stare down at the tiny people walking the pier below us and gulp as the ride lurches forward and begins it's descent. The wind rushes to meet us and I hear the screams of excitement all around me with even Monika joining alongside.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" She screams and laughs as the cart zooms along the track, twisting and turning. I'm holding her hand tight and watching everything going by as we go through a loop before back down; I always hated loops.
"G-GOD DAMN HEIGHTS!" I scream out and I hear Monika laughing harder next to me. She keeps a firm hold of my hand though and squeezes it as the ride finally begins a few more drops and twists before we pull back into the station. The bars lift and I hastily unbuckle myself before standing up; Monika is smirking at the way I'm acting.
"See? It wasn't that bad Monty~ although I'd never turn away holding your hand." Monika muses and I just chuckle nervously.
"I-I guess, still not that thrilled about heights though." I say and Moni nods.
"And that's okay, but how about we do the ferris wheel and a few more rides before finding an empty pier? I kind of just want to sit and watch the sun go down with you to end our date~" Her vibrant attitude is infectious and I shrug.
"Sure, sounds good to me. I want to try a few games before we leave though, if we have time? I want to see if I can win something." I answer and she smiles that little smile of hers.
"I have no objection to that, let's go~"
We stayed at the amusement park until the sun was going down having a great time; Monika was so enamored with every new experience that I had to remind myself she had never felt any of this before. It was all coded memories and false lives so to actually experience what we had done today must have been one of the greatest moments of her *real* life. We went on the ferris wheel, into the fun and the haunted house and I even went on a few more roller coaster and extreme rides with Monika, although she said that next time if there was a free fall ride I'd have to get onto it with her and I practically paled from that response. However... to see her beautiful smile and blush it was worth every second. I did get to play a few games before we wrapped it up; ring toss and a ball toss although I was bad at both. However, I did manage to knock over one set of bottles and for my struggle earned a cocoa teddy bear with green buttons for eyes, reminiscent of a certain president. I gave it to her and the way her eyes lit up and her cheeks heated made my heart sing with joy.
We left the amusement park and things began to slow; the kids and adults were leaving as it was going to be dark soon and the boardwalk closes around six or seven like back home. Monika and I walked and to our left an empty pier gave a clear view of the setting sun over the ocean; I smiled and gestured as we walked over there. Monika was holding her newly-acquired teddy bear tightly as we sat on the edge and just stared out as the sky changed into beautiful hues of orange and purple. We didn't say a word for a long while and just enjoyed the serene peace of it as the day approached it's end.
"... Monika, did you have fun?" I broke the silence with that question and she looked over before nodding.
"I had the most fun I think I ever have had. Today was like a dream Monty, one that I want to never wake up from. Did you enjoy it too?" She replied and I grin at her.
"Of course, even if I was scared of the roller coasters I had more fun today than I have in a while... even with everything going on, I've had more fun here than I have in a long time." My eyes go downward and stare at the water with its waves gently lapping at the wooden supports of the pier.
"I'm glad Monty. Our first date... I'll treasure this always." She whispered and my cheeks grow hotter but I can't stop the grin from widening.
"I-I'm glad I could give you such a wonderful time, Monika. I love you so much and you deserve the happiness you never got to have." I say and now it's the presidents turn to go red; it seems we've been doing that a lot today not that I mind seeing her so human. Seeing her there, with the sun casting a lovely glow on her I feel my heart well up and I open my mouth.
"Monika?"
"Yes, my love?"
"I just... I want you to know I love you. I love you with absolutely all my heart. And every day I've been here with you, with the other girls even through the difficult times... it has been worth it. I'm glad I came here, and I'm glad I could spend my time with you. And I hope I don't need to return or if I do there is... some way I can bring you with me. Because I never want to lose what I have with you again."
Monika was staring at me as I spoke, and every word made her eyes widen a tiny fraction and her lips open up. Tears threaten to roll down her face but the biggest smile possibly crosses her lips and she leans in to give me a kiss; I respond with all the passion and devotion I can muster. As we seperate I make to stand and smile, stretching a little.
"So, shall we go back to the others love?" I ask.
"Yes, I suppose we should. Not that they will be around for much longer."
I stop and turn slowly, looking back at Monika. I misheard that, right?
"... Monika?"
Monika moves to stand, clutching the teddy bear for a moment to her chest. A dread fills my stomach.
The sun setting behind her takes a very familiar orange hue.
Her green eyes glow.
She smiles that same, dreadful smile from before and my blood runs cold.
Oh god.
Author's Note:
Welcome everyone... to the Monika Arc. This is a shout out to DaMastah101. You called it at Chapter 11. Here it is; enjoy your victory my friend.