The walk to Feng's apartment (not an actual home. How come am I not surprised?) is mostly silent, except for the occasional light conversation about games that we're playing. Weird, I definitely expected more talking and bantering, seems like her thing. I gotta make this part interesting…

Got it! Do you want to know a bit of trivia? I didn't know myself until yesterday, when roll call in class happened, but her name, while written 'Feng', is actually pronounced as 'Fung'. Which means that I and a good 80% of the Dbd community, yourself included probably, have been saying her name wrong for almost 6 years.

Yup. Enjoy that mind fuck, loser.

For the rest, she often hums a… weirdly familiar tune. Where have I heard it before…?

"Recognize it? It's actually a game that not many people enjoy, bunch of pansies. Can you guess?"

She smirks at the challenge. I strain my (massive) brain to the best of my ability, but the answer eludes me. It's on the tip of my damn tongue damnit!

"Here, I'll give you a hint. Those that constantly complain about this game should probably try and… get gud".

It clicks. Very unfortunately, it damn clicks.

… you actual bitch, you fucking didn't?

"Are you for real humming Majula's theme from Dark Souls 2?!"

Okay now, I belong to the school of thought that believes Dark Souls 2 to be a good game overall. Just not a good Dark Souls game. But saying that ALL criticism is basically just a huge 'skill issue' is damn stupid, and you know it you Chinese gremlin!

"Ding ding ding, we have a winner! You won bragging rights and the privilege of not being called a scrub by yours truly! You may now kiss my boots".

"Maybe after you're done shoving them up your ass…"

"Ooooohhhh, are you saying that…"

"That I'm gonna replace them with mine after? Why yes, how did you guess?"

She opens and closes her mouth for a couple of seconds, then we smirk at each other. Milady, you're gonna have to do better than that to fool me.

"We're here. Come then, I bought plenty of snacks for today, we're gonna have some fun burning Rapture to the ground!"

I laugh at that. Burn an underwater city. Sure girl, you do you.

We enter her apartment and it's… cramped, if I want to be nice about it. One long, tight corridor, one bathroom, one living room with a connected kitchen and one bedroom. It's serviceable, I suppose, but compared to the Kostenko household it is just… spartan, I guess it's the word.

… man, when did I get so spoiled…?

"The game won't be out for a while. Wanna try League of Legends?"

"I'm sorry, but I would literally rather die than go down that rabbit hole. I already have plenty of headaches without adding 'League addiction' to the list of issues".

She nods at me, sagely, almost as if I gave the right answer to a test.

"Good answer, young Padawan. How about… oh, I know! Wanna see my Animal Crossing world? I updated it since last time".

"You son of a bitch, I'm in".

Feng grins at me and we spend the remaining time until the Bioshock Collection wandering around her world, chilling together and enjoying each other's presence… which isn't too difficult for me.

This girl is also somewhat different than how the game describes her. She's still highly competitive, strives to be the best and all, but she seems to have a better head on her shoulders. Doesn't enjoy rules, but follows them and she doesn't look like a drunkard, or depressed or plagued by nightmares about failure.

In other words… she's Feng, but without the traits that make her that massive of a douche.

She's still a little shit, don't get me wrong, I don't think she's even capable of being 100% nice, but what can you do? I for one, very much am not complaining. She's still definitely the type to squat up and down at the exit gates once she knows she won. Asshole.

Oh wait, I'm sorry, did I say 'the remaining time'? I meant, some of it until the goblin became bored and decided to hop on to some Call of Duty matches.

Mh. It seems only Overwatch (or... yuck, Underwatch) got it with the 'name change' curse. Which is an excessively good thing, that would have been cringe otherwise.

Good, Overwatch fucking sucks dick anyway.

It went as you're probably imagining.

"YOU FUCKING COC******…!

Ooof yeah, censoring that one. And me being me, of course I gotta poke fun.

"Man, that guy just drop killed you! I wouldn't let that one fly, miss 'Shining Lion'".

She'll take it well.

"IF YOU DON'T SHUT UP IN THE NEXT FIVE SECONDS, I'M GOING TO BREAK YOUR NICO NICO KNEECAPS!"

Yup. She's cool as a cucumber.

An alarm sounds from my phone.

"All right milady, game's out. Say goodbye to your new friends, we got shit to do".

"I fucking hate you sometimes…"

"Only sometimes? Darn, I gotta step up my game then".

She snorts and finally calms down. While we wait for the game to download, we sit next to each other on her couch, properly relaxing for once.

At a certain point, she starts giggling and laughing to herself, like the madwoman that she is.

"I-I'm sorry, I just… I s-should probably s-stop playing CoD, uh?"

"Uh-huh, sure you will. If you manage, I'll stop referring to you as a gremlin".

"Come ooooonnnnnn, can't you be supportive for once?!"

"Dunno. Can you?"

"Touché, you bastard. Touché".

The game finally downloads and we take turns playing, challenging each other to a classic 'as few deaths as possible' run.

Of course, neither of us is playing fair. Sure, she could refrain from kicking my shin and ribs once every five seconds, but it's part of the fun. The distraction, not the bruises. I'm gonna sue her one of these days...

It's currently her turn, facing against one the bosses, when I decide to live up to my own little shit legacy…

And poke her side. She buckles, but doesn't stop. So I poke her again. And again. And again.

Her concentration doesn't break, but I can tell she's trying really hard to not lose her shit.

Until I start tickling her for real, of course. She didn't expect it and crumbles right away, landing on her back with me on top, tickling away at her without a care in the world.

Poor Jack dies in the cold, unforgiving streets of Rapture, the game over screen taking over, but neither of us is looking, too busy laughing like no tomorrow. When we finally stop to catch our breath again, I realize the… very precarious situation.

I never truly minded Feng. Some people adore her as a goddess, many others hate her guts, but I've always been neutral in my opinion of her. Mainly I could see where both sides were coming from. But… damn, she's actually really pretty when up close like this.

She fake coughs, smirking at me and mentioning our position with her eyes. I shoot back up, quicker than lighting, and she goes right back to giggling.

And now I'm being made fun of. Fuck dude, the day was even starting to go well!

We take our seats again and resume playing, like nothing happened. Until she starts talking again.

"You know… my parents would be appalled at this situation".

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Their teenage daughter, alone in an apartment with a boy her age. Even if we're only playing games, they would see it in a completely different light. There's the black sheep of the family, disappointing us all once more…"

She pauses the game, looking a bit down.

"They've never been able to understand my passion. Or even the fact that I'm different. Fuck, I'm not ever sure that they even tried. Sure, I've never been the greatest daughter, but… their words always cut deep. Way too deep. It's the reason why I never see or talk to them, even when I should. I don't want to hear them belittling me again. I never felt more alone than when I ran away from them…"

She looks up, directly in my eyes.

"But then… then I met you. You… completely turned my life around. Suddenly I could breathe again, I could smile, laugh and joke around like before. Ever since you approached me months ago because you saw my shirt and wanted to discuss games. I was tempted to run away screaming, you know? But I'm glad that I didn't, because... I'm comfortable now. Happy even, to some extent. And… I owe all of that to you. David too, I appreciate his friendship a whole lot, especially the fact that he's always willing to throw hands for both of us… but mainly you. You made me aware of an old saying, one that I live by and will always remember…"

Obviously I didn't remember it, but once more in the span of just a couple of hours, my mouth moves on its own.

"The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb…"

She smiles brightly, nodding.

"That one, exactly. Those few words made me realize that one could do nothing about the family you're born into… but what you can do instead, is choose who you surround yourself with, make connections that will last a lifetime. It's the kind of bond… that I like to think the two of us have. I know that you will always have my back… and in return, I will always have yours, no matter what".

I'm… stunned, to be honest. This level of closeness, of trust… is beyond anything I could imagine.

Jason Kostenko and Feng Min are two interconnected individuals, through thick and thin, no matter what. Doesn't matter the nature of their relationship, or whatever it is they're going against…

They will always be on each other's corner.

That now familiar feeling of not belonging takes over. I don't trust my voice, so I just smile and nod. The two of us share a hug and a few tears… but I can tell that we're crying for different reasons.

I shouldn't be here. This tug at my heartstrings is getting more and more painful the more time I spend in this world. This world that doesn't belong to me.

This world I shouldn't be in.

And so, Feng and I weep for a bit, before bouncing back to continue playing.

The few hours of respite didn't do much for my sanity.

I made sure that the walk back home took as much time as possible. It feels like I'm being punished, in some way, shape or form. The second I start relaxing, something immediately slaps me back to feeling like the outsider that I am.

I always end up remembering that my place isn't here. That everything that's been happening these last two days isn't actually real. That I've just been usurping someone else's place, with no apparent end in sight.

My mind wanders a bit, ending up on one terrible thought.

What would happen if everyone would find out? Would they feel betrayed? Hurt? Hateful?

What if… what if Julie were to discover me?

"You monster! What have done?! Where is my Jason?! WHERE IS MY BROTHER, YOU FREAK?!"

I shudder, a cold feeling running all the way from my spine to my head. That… that can't happen. No matter what, nobody must know, ever! At least until I find a way to undo everything!

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

Eh… speak of the devil…

Julie: Bro?

Julie: Are you coming back?

You: Yup

You: Be there in five

You: What's up?

Julie: Hurry up slowpoke!

Julie: There's a surprise *malicious smile emoji*

Welp, now I'm terrified. The couple Julie plus surprise never bodes well. Ever. But just in case, I start walking a bit faster, this time actually remembering where I'm supposed to go, fishing out my keys to enter the Kostenko household.

Just as I get in, I hear a tandem of voices and footsteps approaching the door.

There's Julie, and to her side…

A man, fairly tall with long, dirty blonde hair like mine and the tyrant's, gathered in a small ponytail. His eyes are a curious shade of brown, almost yellow, if seen in the right light. Said eyes are looking right at me, warm and playful. He even has a bit of beard on his chin.

He has a business man suit on, all black with a white shirt underneath. He has a small, placid smile on his lips, his arms open to invite me in a hug.

It takes me a second, but I end up remembering the photo that I saw all the way at the start of my… 'adventure'. This man… he's Jason and Julie's father.

Elias Kostenko in the flesh.

Julie grins from her place by his side.

"Dad is back! Give him a hug, moron!"

Ah, right, poor guy has been standing there for awhile. Might as well go for it. Moping can come later.

So I step in the man's arms, letting him envelope me. He feels… warm. And comfortable. When was it that I last hugged my real father…? I'm not sure. But this… this is the exact same feeling.

Elias chuckles, speaking in a low, kind tone.

"There's my boy. How have you been Jason? It's… been awhile since I last saw you…"

The third blonde in the room scoffs.

"It sure has. And I damn hope that you're gonna stay for a bit".

"If you know what's good for you".

She doesn't actually say it, but the hidden meaning is plenty clear to everyone present.

"O-Of course I'm staying! I have the rest of the week free after all! We can all catch up!"

Sadness washes over me like a shower. And I don't even know why exactly, it's not like this guy is my actual father...

"Just a week…? Not even, it's… what, five days?"

Julie nods alongside me.

"Not nearly enough time…"

Elias sighs, looking at us.

"I know. I want to stay too. But this is too important. I have to work doubles and make up for…"

He stops.

"For what she took".

Julie finishes for him.

He nods, suddenly sad.

"Yes. That's right…"

He shakes his head and lets me go, a big smile plastered on his face.

"Forget about that! What matters is that I'm here! Come Jas, help me in the kitchen! Let's spoil your sister a bit, yeah?"

Her eyes light up, looking at me like an excited puppy. Can't say no to that…

"Got it, dad. Let me just go wash up my hands, I'll be with you in a moment".

He nods and walks into the kitchen, a spring in his steps. Whatever that spring is real or fake… I do not know.

The tyrant sneaks up on me, wrapping an arm around my throat and resting her chin on top of my head. The smell of her horrible shampoo washes over me once more, making me almost gag.

"Did I ever tell you that you're my favorite brother?"

"I'm your only brother. Also… kindly let go?"

Her grip tightens.

"Hmmm? How come? Are you all embarrassed for being hugged by your big sis…?"

She starts poking my cheek. This bitch…

"Nope, but your hair fucking stink! Let me go already!"

She gives a scandalized gasp.

"How could you?! And I even used this particular shampoo it all for you! I just wanted my little brother to love me…"

She sobs. Is this broad for real?! Did she seriously use a brand that she knows smells disgusting JUST to spite me?! That is beyond petty, holy shit!

Before I can retort, the older man's voice resounds from the kitchen.

"Julie, stop tormenting your brother and let him go. We're not gonna start cooking otherwise!"

She snickers.

"Fine, fine! Go do your thing Jas-Jas! I'll be waitiiiinngggg~".

Julie winks at me and goes into the living room, starting to set up the table. I sigh lighty, wash my hands and join Elias into the kitchen, who in the meantime had stripped down to his undershirt.

"So, what are we making dad?"

He hums, looking at the ingredients present.

"Say, do you still remember how to make pizza?"

If I remember? My dude, I could fix you an entire serving of different pizzas in my sleep. It has been awhile though...

"Yup. Haven't been practicing it lately, but I shouldn't have problems".

"Excellent! Lead away then, I'll help in any way I can".

Ohi, why are you letting your own son do the bulk of the work?! I'm surrounded by people somehow even lazier than I am. That takes some bloody talent, for sure.

We work in silence for a bit, until Elias starts talking again.

"How are Susie, Joey and Frank? I must have missed them when I came by earlier".

"Nothing major to report. Susie is still a cinnamon roll, Joey is still a dick and Frank… he exists, I suppose".

He frowns at me.

"Jason, really? You promised me that you would try and get along with him…"

"I am. I haven't punched him in the face yet, have I?"

"Son, you can't keep this up. You don't even actually know the guy that well! You hate him and you aren't even giving him the slightest chance".

"But dad, he's…!"

"Your sister's boyfriend. And as such, you have to at least try and pretend that his presence doesn't bother you. If not for him, or yourself… do it for Julie".

I exhale through my nose, silently relenting. He has a point. Logically, I know that he's right. But… just thinking about that bastard makes my skin crawl. Whatever that's my own distaste or Jason's... hell if I know. Could be both combined even.

I hear Julie humming away in the living room, preparing the table for our meal.

I hate Frank Morrison, without a shadow of a doubt.

But I care about Julie too much to even dare thinking about hurting her.

Elias smiles, seeing my expression relax.

"There you go. I'm proud of you, son. I really am".

I smile too at that, letting the warmth of his words lift me up from the dump I dug for myself.

"Speaking of relationships…"

Ah, piss. It was too good to be true.

"Care to explain why your sister has been telling me that you… made a harem, I believe the term was? You wouldn't be playing with the hearts of your friends, wouldn't you…?"

I hear Julie laughing away in the other room.

I take back everything I said! Julie Kostenko is the actual worst thing that ever existed after reality shows!

And Frank Morrison!

Hello?! Is this thing?! It?! Noice.

Welcome back dudes and gentleladies, to another chapter of AIOS, the show sponsored by the pierrot mask, where we somehow managed to smile and cry at the same time!

The new schedule is now in perfect working order, so we shouldn't have hiatus problems anymore, thank fuck, and we can finally start trucking along for real.

Now, I don't really answer reviews on this story. Purely because I forgot to do it in the earlier chapters and it felt… kind of awkward to start doing it now. But in case you want me to do it, tell me and from next chapter I'll see to it. But one question in particular I believe deserves to be answered, which is WhyareUsernamesTakenAlready's: will we see the new characters?

If you are new here, I started this story last year, when Portait of a Murder was the latest set of DLC. We've had an entire slew of content from that point, and the story will reflect that. As such, all the new characters will eventually be at least nominated, but Jason will simply not recognize them… except for one, that you can probably guess. That obviously includes cosmetics as well, with the sole exception of the AoT collection because come on, the joke basically wrote itself.

Licensed characters like Myers will NOT be included in the story with, again, just one exception that you all can guess. There will be an explanation for their absence, I promise.

That's all folks! Ta-ta for now!