A Warm Place: The MST (Part 3)
Jan. 11th, 2005 01:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
grapegarden3rd part... not quite done yet. ;D
Title: A Warm Place: The MST
Author: Jigglypuff in Blue Ribbons
Fandom: Pokémon (Original) Mario (MSTing Party)
Genre: Romance/Drama (Original), Humor/Parody.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Sexual content, (Original) pervy jokes, and language
Pairings: R*cketshipping (Original), implied Mario/Peach.
Finished: No
Rocket Science Theater
By Puri-chan
A Warm Place
Rating: PG-13 (language, adult content)
James comforts Jessie when she has a nightmare about one of her worst fears coming true. A short story (well, short for me) written in response to all of those "Rocketshippy" death fics. (Sorry folks, but I can't stand death in fanfic -- it's not intriguing, it's not Rocketshippy, and meeting again in Heaven does NOT make it happy or acceptable! This is my protest of all death fics.)
Intermission
Mario: Well! We certainly had a nice break. I’m ready to finish this fic… aren’t we all?
Luigi: Oh yeah!
Geno: I’m ready, Mario… let’s get this show on the road!
Bowser: Princess, come on! The sooner I get to take you to my castle, the better!
Peach: Just wait a minute… Daisy, where are you? *seeks to find her*
~
Daisy: *in computer room* *“X”s out a window on the computer and logs off* It’s a good thing we’ve got Net Access here… I’ve purged quite a lot from my system. ;D So, is it MSTing time already?
Peach: Yes… Daisy, what were you reading…?
Daisy: Knuxadow. Why?
Peach: …
Daisy: Don’t worry, it’s really good. 'Sides, Sonadow's getting pretty boring. Sonic sucks.
Peach: He does not! Uh… no thanks, Daisy… I prefer Sonuckles. Shadow's scary.
~
Luigi: What are they talking about…?
Geno: You don’t want to know.
Bowser: Ladies, if we don’t get in the theater soon, the “Sonic” characters will take our place… which will absolutely suck!
Mario: That, and one of the characters would go on a homicidal rampage after a moment of angst after reading this. And we certainly don't want that.
Peach: See? I told you he's scary.
Daisy: Hey, leave him alone, he's been through a lot. I'd be devastated too if I lost my best friend...
Geno: And they’ll want to know what you’re reading… and then, they’ll be reading fanfic about you.
Daisy: Waaaiiiiiiit! We’re coming!
Geno: *sighs in thought* Fanfiction: keeping the sanities of everyone since the beginning of time.
~
Peach: We’re here, everyone… I’m sorry we took a long time.
Mario: No problem! What matters is we’re all together, right!
Peach: *nods and smiles* Right!
Luigi: May I go to the bathroom a second? I gotta go real bad.
Bowser: Pick up another tub of popcorn, okay? Our supply’s worn off again!
Luigi: Okie dokies. *sets to leave*
Bowser: And another soda!
Luigi: Alright, alright! *bounces and runs*
Mario: Well, here we are… let’s dance.
Even when it was over, James refused to release Jessie from his embrace. He continued to kiss her and cuddle with her, and she offered no protests, welcoming and returning every gentle touch he gave. Such was the nature of James -- the physical aspect of their relationship had always been about more than just sex to him. It was the simple feeling of being close to the woman he loved.
Daisy: Oh yeah, I remember. They made amoeba love.
Luigi: And thankfully, we were spared the details, ‘cause this is PG-13 Land.
Bowser: Good old PG-13 Land!
Peach: God bless you, PG-13 Land.
When they finally did release each other, it wasn't because they'd had enough. Rather, it was because now a different need was driving them even more -- hunger.
Bowser: Luuuuuuuuuuuust~!
Peach: *cringe* Ungh… I don’t even want to think about it!
"Why don't we get some breakfast?" James suggested at length. "I'm starving!"
"Me, too!" Jessie replied as she realized that the morning was almost over, and that she hadn't had a thing to eat all day.
Bowser: Braiiiiiiiiiiins~!
Daisy: Blooooooood~!
Peach: *turning green* Luigi…
Luigi: *also feeling sick* I know. X_X
Reluctantly, the two of them broke from their embrace and put their clothes on again. Then, they joined hands and went to the kitchen.
Geno: Hell’s Kitchen 101. How to Make a Fire-Breathing Spice That Won’t Utterly Screw Up… or Should It?
Bowser: I bet these Magmars have a kick outta being chefs.
While Jessie was taking a loaf of bread from the refrigerator, she noticed James putting a big skillet on the stove. "Can you please get me the bacon while you're in there?" he asked.
Luigi: And Arsenic! Don’t forget the arsenic!
Daisy: And... DONUTS! Whicharenotriceballswhatsover.
Jessie raised an eyebrow. "You feel up to cooking today?"
He smiled at her and nodded. "And get me the hash browns, too!"
Luigi: *as James* And hurry! It’s gonna be difficult to catch up with the chefs on T.V! …Oh crap, he went through two important steps already!
She couldn't help but return his smile as she reached into the refrigerator once more and brought out a package of bacon and a bag of shredded potatoes. James was definitely back to normal if he was cooking again.
Daisy: *as Jessie* Awright! We can have Instant Ramen everyday again! ;D
Bowser: *as James* College life is a blast!
Daisy: *singing* Burnin' down the house~!
After the skillet had heated up, he put in some strips of bacon and pushed them around with his spatula, making sure that they cooked evenly.
"Jess, if it's not too much trouble, I'd still like some of your cinnamon toast, too," he said as he poured some hash brown shreds into the skillet with the bacon. "It's really good!"
She smirked at him. "You mean something that I made is actually edible?!"
"You're a better cook than you give yourself credit for," he told her. "Besides, I think your cinnamon toast is one of the things that made me feel better."
Mario: *as James* Yeah, I liked those plastic toy steaks too. And you know something? They taste like bubble gum when you lick it!
Jessie's smirk became a smile as she put two slices of wheat bread into the toaster. Ever since the day James had gotten sick, she'd had to do all of the cooking herself, and every morning, she'd made cinnamon toast for him. He always ate it up, and sometimes, he'd even ask for more, but she had no idea it was because he actually liked it -- she thought it was just because he'd been trying to be nice!
Geno: He was… it would explain why he ran for the bathroom every so often.
Luigi: *as James* Given between you and Akane Tendo, I’m not that stupid. At least you make cold cucumber soup in the middle of winter decent.
While she was waiting for the bread to toast, Jessie refilled their mugs with hot water so that she could make more tea. And as the tea-bags steeped, she found her gaze drifting back to James. He was wearing a pair of blue silk boxer shorts and a rumpled Nine Inch Nails t-shirt that he'd gotten at a concert they'd gone to a few years back, and he was humming a happy song to himself as he cooked breakfast. It was kind of a funny sight, but Jessie still couldn't get over how handsome he looked. He was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen.
Daisy: *chanting* It won’t give up, it wants me dead, goddamn this noise inside my head… It won’t give up, it wants me dead, goddamn this noise inside my head…
Peach: …This is called “A Warm Place”, right?
Luigi: …*shudder* I’m never looking at this fic the SAME way again. oO;;;
As if he could sense her thoughts, James turned and winked at her. Jessie's heart fluttered, and she felt herself blushing.
Daisy: *as Jessie* I wonder if he found out I yoinked our food from Giovanni's desk.
When the two pieces of bread popped out of the toaster, they were a crispy golden brown. Jessie put them on a plate and lightly buttered each slice. Then, she sprinkled a coat of cinnamon sugar on top of them. Meanwhile, the bacon and hash browns had finished cooking, and James removed the skillet from the stove.
They seated themselves at the table, and Jessie smiled again as she watched James fill his plate with food. One of the reasons he'd been so sickly in her nightmare was because he'd had no appetite, and he hadn't wanted to eat anything. But that certainly wasn't the case now (and nor had it ever been). Even when he'd first come down with the cold and felt his worst, James had still been a bottomless pit. And if anything, with a mountain of bacon, hash browns, and cinnamon toast on his plate, he was hungrier than ever now!
Bowser: *as James* …You know, I need to go on a diet.
Peach: *as Jessie* What!? At YOUR health?
Yes, James had a real appetite...and a real zest for life, and as Jessie watched him eat, it reassured her even more that all of her fears about his illness had been groundless.
"Don't you want any cinnamon toast?" he asked, noticing that she hadn't taken the second slice.
Peach: No poison. At all. *whistles the “Mario” theme innocently*
Geno: Suddenly, James turned gray from food poisoning and died—not that Jessie didn't see it coming.
"No, thank you," she replied as she munched on a strip of bacon. "You can have it."
He smiled at her as he took the toast for himself. "Thanks, Jess!"
Jessie chuckled. "I still can't believe something I made is edible!"
Luigi: *as Jessie* After all, I did steal that recipe of SPAM from one of the twerps!
"It really is good," he told her as he took a bite from the toast. "And it really did make me feel better! I think the fact that you made it for me had a lot to do with it. Knowing that you were there and that you were taking care of me...that meant a lot, and it still does."
Mario: *as James* It meant much to me that you no longer fed me cold porridge anymore! On purpose!
"Well...I remember my momma always made cinnamon toast for me when I was sick, and it always made me feel better. I figured it was worth a try," she explained.
"And it worked!" said James.
Geno: Actually, it was the medication that worked. Still doing a fine job, though.
Daisy: *singing* Medicated, aren't we all? Turning into you—got me crazed with what you do—
Peach: *singing* Inside my head, there's a vision of you...
Daisy: *singing* Nothing's changing...
Jessie smiled and closed her eyes for a moment. "Momma always made sure we had food to eat when I was sick...and since cinnamon toast was simple and inexpensive, that's what I always got. But I think you're right -- I think it's knowing that somebody loves you...that somebody is there for you is what makes all the difference."
Daisy: *as Jessie* Hahahahaha, it’s even better in the winter, James. Anything my mother could cook outta snow, I got! Did you get free Dippin’ Dots when you lived with your parents and Jessiebelle? I thought not. I thought not! Ha ha, you SUCK, James!
James reached over and took her hand in his own. "I know it did for me. Thank you, Jessie."
The two of them embraced and sat together in silence for several minutes. As they held each other, Jessie looked out the window and saw that it had started snowing again.
Daisy: *as Jessie* Aw… did I just hear the sound of my ego inflating? Oh sweet, SWEET memory! If only my Mom would come outta hiding to see this!
Luigi: *as James* Leave me alone, Jessie. T-T
Geno: Ah… true love, indeed.
Suddenly, this made her realize something.
Peach: *as Jessie* …James, where are my mint-edition “Sailor Moon” manga? *as James* Uh…
Luigi: *as James* Hey Jessie, you know that cosmetics box you let me borrow? All the pink eye-shadow and rouge got used up…
Daisy: *as Jessie, quickly* …OH MY GOD, “Queer as Folk” is on! James, you dimwit! You’remakingmemissit!
"James?"
"What is it, Jess?"
"I think I just figured out what my dream was about."
James pulled away slightly and looked into her eyes. "Tell me."
Mario: It was the symbolism of how we felt after watching “X: The Movie”.
"Well," she began, "I don't think it was about you at all...."
"Oh?"
"I think...I think it was about...
Daisy: Giovanni!
Mario: Ash!
Bowser: Butch and Cassidy!
Geno: An entirely different fandom!
Luigi: Draco!
Peach: Legolas!
Mario: George Bush!
Luigi: John Kerry!
Geno: God!
Bowser: Jesus Christ!
Peach: Rainbow Monkeys!
my momma!"
"How so?"
Bowser: *as Jessie* But Mommy! I don’t want you to wander the Andes today! I want you to stay home and bake cookies with me~!
Mario: Let them all have Mew Cake~!
Jessie closed her eyes again. "Well, the part about death...being abandoned by someone you love. That's exactly what happened with momma.
Daisy: Ew, incest.
And this is the same time of year she died, too -- it was eleven years ago today that I got the news. But I think it was you in the dream instead of her because you've been sick this past week, and I've had that on my mind."
Peach: *as Jessie* Why James! I never thought that you’d be so… so brave!
Luigi: *as Jessie* But you know what? That was only a Gameshark*Mew!
Peach: *as James* Nooooooooooooooooo~!
James nodded. "Dreams usually are symbolic. You're probably right -- losing me was just a symbol of what you went through with your mother. And things that go on in your life manifest themselves in really strange ways when you dream. It makes sense."
Bowser: *as Jessie* …How does rawkin’ in my underwear have anything to do with my mother?
"But it was more than that," she continued. "The rest of the dream...the part after you died...seemed to be about getting over the grief and getting on with my life."
Peach: *gasp*
Bowser: *GASP*
Geno: *gasp…!*
Mario: Ah!
Luigi: *gasp!*
Daisy: *GASP!* Like, oh my God!
Tears welled up in her eyes for a moment when she said this. "James, I would never get over it if you really did die, but...."
"Shhh," he whispered, pulling her into an embrace again. "We both know that's not going to happen."
Geno: And after all that, she didn’t learn a thing.
Luigi: I hate stories like that. :(
"I know," she whispered back. "I know. But it hurts inside, James. It hurts so much...."
Her voice trailed off, and she was silenced for a few minutes. James just held her and reassured her that everything was going to be okay.
Mario: *as James* The Special-Edition of “Return of the King” is out! Let’s watch the entire LotR trilogy and count off every single thing that was changed and different from the books, complain about Legolas and Gimli, and the fact that Tom Bombadil would’ve made this the best movie ever!
Peach: *as Jessie* Okay~! ^____^
Daisy: Let’s watch Dub!Sailor Moon too!
Luigi: *raises fist in the air* Elitist*Star Power~~~! MAKE UP!
"....But I think my dream was supposed to be about getting over my momma's death," Jessie said when she was able to speak again.
Everybody: *APPLAUSE*
"In the dream, one of the things that Meowth and I did to make ourselves feel better after you died was...was to have a Remember James Day where we shared our happy memories of you. And...and that was what let us move on with our lives...."
Peach: *singing* Iiiiiiii’ve tried so hard to tell myself that you’re GONE~!
Daisy: *singing* But thoooough you’re STILL wiiiiiiith me~!
Both: *singing* I’ve been ALONE all aloooooonnnnnnng~!
Bowser: *singing!* BAH DAH DAAAAAH, DAHH DAHH! BUH DIH DAAAAAH, DAHH DAHH! DADADADA DAAAAH DUUUH DUUUUH! BAH DAH DAAAAH, DAHDAHDAH, DAH DAH DUM!
Peach: *singing* When you criiiiied, Iiiii’d wipe away all of your tears!
Daisy: *singing* When you screeeam, Iiiii’d fight away all of your fears!
Both: *singing* And I heeelllld your hand through all of these years~!
Guys: *singing* But you stiiiiiiiiiiilll haaaaaave~~~!
Everybody: *singing* AAAAAAAAAALLLL OF MEEEEEEEEEEEE~~~~~~!
Luigi: Houston? We have the REAL ending of this fanfic!
Jessie stopped again as her crying began anew. And once more, James took her in his arms and reassured her that everything was going to be okay. Somehow, James could tell that he was going to be doing a lot of this.
Geno: Oh Sherlock, we’re so proud of you for figuring that out~!
Even if Jessie did know that it wouldn't happen, the thought of him dying was always going to tear her up inside. The best he could do was to keep her from thinking about it...and to be there for her if she ever did get to thinking about it.
Daisy: *singing* Oh Dark! The Darkness that dozes in the dusk! Throw it aaaaalllll awaaaaay~! No one can break you, nobody can tear yooooou, you live an ENDLESS liiiiife foreeeveeeeer~!
Bowser: *as James* Hey Jess! Let’s go watch “Titanic” and laugh and Jack Dawson’s err… predicament.
Mario: *as Jessie* Okay~! ^___^
Bowser: *as James* Let’s watch “Saving Private Ryan” after that~! :DDD
"Maybe that's what you have to do with your mother," he whispered into her ear. "If you think about the happy memories and always keep them in your heart, Miyamoto will always be with you, Jess."
Geno: *as Jessie* Ahh, I remember the time when Mom threw a snowball at that thug and ran off with his money. At least I think he was a thug… but at any rate, we got to go to Chuck E. Cheese’s!
"Sometimes I like to think that when my momma died, she became an angel," Jessie muttered at length. "And that she really is always with me...that she's always watching over me. I know that sounds crazy, but...."
"No it doesn't," he told her. "Jess, that's a beautiful way to remember her! I think it makes sense, too!"
Jessie looked up at him. "Y-you do?"
He nodded. "Think about it. How do you think we always manage to survive and escape unharmed, no matter what kind of situation we're in? Maybe we really do have a guardian angel watching over us...and maybe that angel really is Miyamoto...."
Geno: And she’s sure doing an excellent job!
Peach: *as Jessie* Mooooooom! Place a cushion under us when we fall, okay? Ow… crap. TOO LATE, Mom!
Daisy: *softly singing* You see a light wherever you gooooo~! You have to FACE it again and agaiiiiiiin!
Mario: Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!
Daisy: *singing* And agaiiiiiiin and agaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyaiiiiiiiiiiiin~!
As Jessie rested her head on James's shoulder again and thought about her mother, she found herself overcome by a feeling of peace. Somehow, she knew that she and James were right...that Miyamoto was always with them, keeping them safe from harm.
Luigi: *as James* I’m flying Jess, I’m FLYING! *as Jessie* So am I! …Could we be angels!?
Peach: And this is when James points and laughs giddily with blue wings while Jessie floats there fuming at him.
Geno: Well, so much for the Paper*Cut theory.
"So, no more tears, right?" James ventured. "The past is over. Now it's time to enjoy the present and look to the future...our future."
"Yeah," she whispered. "It's time to move on."
Luigi: Finally… and you know? There should be a shampoo bottle selling “No More Angst”.
Geno: “No More Tears”: the ultimate product for CLAMP bishounen and Marvel heroes and villains alike everywhere!
"Just remember that you'll never be alone, Jessie," he continued. "Your mother is always with you in spirit, and I'll always be with you, too...in both body and spirit. No matter what."
Mario: *sporfle*
Peach: Does that mean I’m always there for you in spirit Mario, even when I’m kidnapped?
Bowser: If that’s so, then maybe you’re there in spirit when you’re rescued… *shock horror face and Animé tears dangle as white drops from his face* Oh god, what am I thinking!? *thinking exactly:* This is getting too much for my brain.
Jessie smiled at him, and a light of joy sparkled in her sapphire eyes. "I love you, James."
"I love you, too, Jessie."
As the two young lovers embraced once more and pressed their lips together, an angelic form materialized behind them.
Geno: You know the theory about a bell ringing to earn an angel his wings? It’s all lies I tell you. Lies!
So, you finally figured it out, did you? said Miyamoto as she nodded approvingly at her daughter and future son-in-law.
Bowser: … *sinks into chair with his tongue hanging out like a thirsty llama* This fanfic has hit a new low.
Daisy: *comforts by petting the back of his head*
Peach: *softly singing* Take this gift from me, hold it deep in mind forever, and never let this go...
I knew you would eventually -- you're smart kids. And now that you know the truth, I hope it heals some of your pain. There's no need for either of you to be sad anymore, and the two of you don't have anything to fear. As long as I'm around, I'll make sure your nightmares never come true...and I'm always around....
Luigi: *as Team Rocket* Hey! Mom! HAAAAaaaaaaLP!
Mario: *as Miyamoto* Be quiet, kids! I’m trying to watch the finale of “The Apprentice”!
Luigi: *as Jessie* But Moooooooooom~! There are Carvahnas and Sharpedoes chomping on our legs and amputating us, and we’re all out of ketchup to distract them!
Peach: *as Miyamoto* Can’t you let an old woman rest while she is trying to enjoy a good episode of “Desperate Housewives”? ;-;
Daisy: *as Miyamoto* And “Survivor” comes in five minutes! I can’t miss that! T-T
But Jessie and James didn't hear her.
Bowser: How unfortunate. *cackle* The Shark Pokémon had a good lunch today!
All they knew was that they were both filled with a sense of inner-peace and that they would always be safe.
Geno: ‘Cause now they could sprout their blue angel wings and fly away from the bloody oceans where they fell, and live happily ever after holding buckets of water as punishment for God outside the gates of Heaven.
Mario: Okay guys, this’ll be the last break we’ll have. We’re almost finished!
Luigi: *was hugging his legs on the seat, then standing up* Thank GAWD.
Geno: *almost out of the theater* Just one part left… hang in there, everyone!
End of Part 3
To be continued...
Title: A Warm Place: The MST
Author: Jigglypuff in Blue Ribbons
Fandom: Pokémon (Original) Mario (MSTing Party)
Genre: Romance/Drama (Original), Humor/Parody.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Sexual content, (Original) pervy jokes, and language
Pairings: R*cketshipping (Original), implied Mario/Peach.
Finished: No
Rocket Science Theater
By Puri-chan
A Warm Place
Rating: PG-13 (language, adult content)
James comforts Jessie when she has a nightmare about one of her worst fears coming true. A short story (well, short for me) written in response to all of those "Rocketshippy" death fics. (Sorry folks, but I can't stand death in fanfic -- it's not intriguing, it's not Rocketshippy, and meeting again in Heaven does NOT make it happy or acceptable! This is my protest of all death fics.)
Intermission
Mario: Well! We certainly had a nice break. I’m ready to finish this fic… aren’t we all?
Luigi: Oh yeah!
Geno: I’m ready, Mario… let’s get this show on the road!
Bowser: Princess, come on! The sooner I get to take you to my castle, the better!
Peach: Just wait a minute… Daisy, where are you? *seeks to find her*
~
Daisy: *in computer room* *“X”s out a window on the computer and logs off* It’s a good thing we’ve got Net Access here… I’ve purged quite a lot from my system. ;D So, is it MSTing time already?
Peach: Yes… Daisy, what were you reading…?
Daisy: Knuxadow. Why?
Peach: …
Daisy: Don’t worry, it’s really good. 'Sides, Sonadow's getting pretty boring. Sonic sucks.
Peach: He does not! Uh… no thanks, Daisy… I prefer Sonuckles. Shadow's scary.
~
Luigi: What are they talking about…?
Geno: You don’t want to know.
Bowser: Ladies, if we don’t get in the theater soon, the “Sonic” characters will take our place… which will absolutely suck!
Mario: That, and one of the characters would go on a homicidal rampage after a moment of angst after reading this. And we certainly don't want that.
Peach: See? I told you he's scary.
Daisy: Hey, leave him alone, he's been through a lot. I'd be devastated too if I lost my best friend...
Geno: And they’ll want to know what you’re reading… and then, they’ll be reading fanfic about you.
Daisy: Waaaiiiiiiit! We’re coming!
Geno: *sighs in thought* Fanfiction: keeping the sanities of everyone since the beginning of time.
~
Peach: We’re here, everyone… I’m sorry we took a long time.
Mario: No problem! What matters is we’re all together, right!
Peach: *nods and smiles* Right!
Luigi: May I go to the bathroom a second? I gotta go real bad.
Bowser: Pick up another tub of popcorn, okay? Our supply’s worn off again!
Luigi: Okie dokies. *sets to leave*
Bowser: And another soda!
Luigi: Alright, alright! *bounces and runs*
@->->-
Mario: Well, here we are… let’s dance.
Even when it was over, James refused to release Jessie from his embrace. He continued to kiss her and cuddle with her, and she offered no protests, welcoming and returning every gentle touch he gave. Such was the nature of James -- the physical aspect of their relationship had always been about more than just sex to him. It was the simple feeling of being close to the woman he loved.
Daisy: Oh yeah, I remember. They made amoeba love.
Luigi: And thankfully, we were spared the details, ‘cause this is PG-13 Land.
Bowser: Good old PG-13 Land!
Peach: God bless you, PG-13 Land.
When they finally did release each other, it wasn't because they'd had enough. Rather, it was because now a different need was driving them even more -- hunger.
Bowser: Luuuuuuuuuuuust~!
Peach: *cringe* Ungh… I don’t even want to think about it!
"Why don't we get some breakfast?" James suggested at length. "I'm starving!"
"Me, too!" Jessie replied as she realized that the morning was almost over, and that she hadn't had a thing to eat all day.
Bowser: Braiiiiiiiiiiins~!
Daisy: Blooooooood~!
Peach: *turning green* Luigi…
Luigi: *also feeling sick* I know. X_X
Reluctantly, the two of them broke from their embrace and put their clothes on again. Then, they joined hands and went to the kitchen.
Geno: Hell’s Kitchen 101. How to Make a Fire-Breathing Spice That Won’t Utterly Screw Up… or Should It?
Bowser: I bet these Magmars have a kick outta being chefs.
While Jessie was taking a loaf of bread from the refrigerator, she noticed James putting a big skillet on the stove. "Can you please get me the bacon while you're in there?" he asked.
Luigi: And Arsenic! Don’t forget the arsenic!
Daisy: And... DONUTS! Whicharenotriceballswhatsover.
Jessie raised an eyebrow. "You feel up to cooking today?"
He smiled at her and nodded. "And get me the hash browns, too!"
Luigi: *as James* And hurry! It’s gonna be difficult to catch up with the chefs on T.V! …Oh crap, he went through two important steps already!
She couldn't help but return his smile as she reached into the refrigerator once more and brought out a package of bacon and a bag of shredded potatoes. James was definitely back to normal if he was cooking again.
Daisy: *as Jessie* Awright! We can have Instant Ramen everyday again! ;D
Bowser: *as James* College life is a blast!
Daisy: *singing* Burnin' down the house~!
After the skillet had heated up, he put in some strips of bacon and pushed them around with his spatula, making sure that they cooked evenly.
"Jess, if it's not too much trouble, I'd still like some of your cinnamon toast, too," he said as he poured some hash brown shreds into the skillet with the bacon. "It's really good!"
She smirked at him. "You mean something that I made is actually edible?!"
"You're a better cook than you give yourself credit for," he told her. "Besides, I think your cinnamon toast is one of the things that made me feel better."
Mario: *as James* Yeah, I liked those plastic toy steaks too. And you know something? They taste like bubble gum when you lick it!
Jessie's smirk became a smile as she put two slices of wheat bread into the toaster. Ever since the day James had gotten sick, she'd had to do all of the cooking herself, and every morning, she'd made cinnamon toast for him. He always ate it up, and sometimes, he'd even ask for more, but she had no idea it was because he actually liked it -- she thought it was just because he'd been trying to be nice!
Geno: He was… it would explain why he ran for the bathroom every so often.
Luigi: *as James* Given between you and Akane Tendo, I’m not that stupid. At least you make cold cucumber soup in the middle of winter decent.
While she was waiting for the bread to toast, Jessie refilled their mugs with hot water so that she could make more tea. And as the tea-bags steeped, she found her gaze drifting back to James. He was wearing a pair of blue silk boxer shorts and a rumpled Nine Inch Nails t-shirt that he'd gotten at a concert they'd gone to a few years back, and he was humming a happy song to himself as he cooked breakfast. It was kind of a funny sight, but Jessie still couldn't get over how handsome he looked. He was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen.
Daisy: *chanting* It won’t give up, it wants me dead, goddamn this noise inside my head… It won’t give up, it wants me dead, goddamn this noise inside my head…
Peach: …This is called “A Warm Place”, right?
Luigi: …*shudder* I’m never looking at this fic the SAME way again. oO;;;
As if he could sense her thoughts, James turned and winked at her. Jessie's heart fluttered, and she felt herself blushing.
Daisy: *as Jessie* I wonder if he found out I yoinked our food from Giovanni's desk.
When the two pieces of bread popped out of the toaster, they were a crispy golden brown. Jessie put them on a plate and lightly buttered each slice. Then, she sprinkled a coat of cinnamon sugar on top of them. Meanwhile, the bacon and hash browns had finished cooking, and James removed the skillet from the stove.
They seated themselves at the table, and Jessie smiled again as she watched James fill his plate with food. One of the reasons he'd been so sickly in her nightmare was because he'd had no appetite, and he hadn't wanted to eat anything. But that certainly wasn't the case now (and nor had it ever been). Even when he'd first come down with the cold and felt his worst, James had still been a bottomless pit. And if anything, with a mountain of bacon, hash browns, and cinnamon toast on his plate, he was hungrier than ever now!
Bowser: *as James* …You know, I need to go on a diet.
Peach: *as Jessie* What!? At YOUR health?
Yes, James had a real appetite...and a real zest for life, and as Jessie watched him eat, it reassured her even more that all of her fears about his illness had been groundless.
"Don't you want any cinnamon toast?" he asked, noticing that she hadn't taken the second slice.
Peach: No poison. At all. *whistles the “Mario” theme innocently*
Geno: Suddenly, James turned gray from food poisoning and died—not that Jessie didn't see it coming.
"No, thank you," she replied as she munched on a strip of bacon. "You can have it."
He smiled at her as he took the toast for himself. "Thanks, Jess!"
Jessie chuckled. "I still can't believe something I made is edible!"
Luigi: *as Jessie* After all, I did steal that recipe of SPAM from one of the twerps!
"It really is good," he told her as he took a bite from the toast. "And it really did make me feel better! I think the fact that you made it for me had a lot to do with it. Knowing that you were there and that you were taking care of me...that meant a lot, and it still does."
Mario: *as James* It meant much to me that you no longer fed me cold porridge anymore! On purpose!
"Well...I remember my momma always made cinnamon toast for me when I was sick, and it always made me feel better. I figured it was worth a try," she explained.
"And it worked!" said James.
Geno: Actually, it was the medication that worked. Still doing a fine job, though.
Daisy: *singing* Medicated, aren't we all? Turning into you—got me crazed with what you do—
Peach: *singing* Inside my head, there's a vision of you...
Daisy: *singing* Nothing's changing...
Jessie smiled and closed her eyes for a moment. "Momma always made sure we had food to eat when I was sick...and since cinnamon toast was simple and inexpensive, that's what I always got. But I think you're right -- I think it's knowing that somebody loves you...that somebody is there for you is what makes all the difference."
Daisy: *as Jessie* Hahahahaha, it’s even better in the winter, James. Anything my mother could cook outta snow, I got! Did you get free Dippin’ Dots when you lived with your parents and Jessiebelle? I thought not. I thought not! Ha ha, you SUCK, James!
James reached over and took her hand in his own. "I know it did for me. Thank you, Jessie."
The two of them embraced and sat together in silence for several minutes. As they held each other, Jessie looked out the window and saw that it had started snowing again.
Daisy: *as Jessie* Aw… did I just hear the sound of my ego inflating? Oh sweet, SWEET memory! If only my Mom would come outta hiding to see this!
Luigi: *as James* Leave me alone, Jessie. T-T
Geno: Ah… true love, indeed.
Suddenly, this made her realize something.
Peach: *as Jessie* …James, where are my mint-edition “Sailor Moon” manga? *as James* Uh…
Luigi: *as James* Hey Jessie, you know that cosmetics box you let me borrow? All the pink eye-shadow and rouge got used up…
Daisy: *as Jessie, quickly* …OH MY GOD, “Queer as Folk” is on! James, you dimwit! You’remakingmemissit!
"James?"
"What is it, Jess?"
"I think I just figured out what my dream was about."
James pulled away slightly and looked into her eyes. "Tell me."
Mario: It was the symbolism of how we felt after watching “X: The Movie”.
"Well," she began, "I don't think it was about you at all...."
"Oh?"
"I think...I think it was about...
Daisy: Giovanni!
Mario: Ash!
Bowser: Butch and Cassidy!
Geno: An entirely different fandom!
Luigi: Draco!
Peach: Legolas!
Mario: George Bush!
Luigi: John Kerry!
Geno: God!
Bowser: Jesus Christ!
Peach: Rainbow Monkeys!
my momma!"
"How so?"
Bowser: *as Jessie* But Mommy! I don’t want you to wander the Andes today! I want you to stay home and bake cookies with me~!
Mario: Let them all have Mew Cake~!
Jessie closed her eyes again. "Well, the part about death...being abandoned by someone you love. That's exactly what happened with momma.
Daisy: Ew, incest.
And this is the same time of year she died, too -- it was eleven years ago today that I got the news. But I think it was you in the dream instead of her because you've been sick this past week, and I've had that on my mind."
Peach: *as Jessie* Why James! I never thought that you’d be so… so brave!
Luigi: *as Jessie* But you know what? That was only a Gameshark*Mew!
Peach: *as James* Nooooooooooooooooo~!
James nodded. "Dreams usually are symbolic. You're probably right -- losing me was just a symbol of what you went through with your mother. And things that go on in your life manifest themselves in really strange ways when you dream. It makes sense."
Bowser: *as Jessie* …How does rawkin’ in my underwear have anything to do with my mother?
"But it was more than that," she continued. "The rest of the dream...the part after you died...seemed to be about getting over the grief and getting on with my life."
Peach: *gasp*
Bowser: *GASP*
Geno: *gasp…!*
Mario: Ah!
Luigi: *gasp!*
Daisy: *GASP!* Like, oh my God!
Tears welled up in her eyes for a moment when she said this. "James, I would never get over it if you really did die, but...."
"Shhh," he whispered, pulling her into an embrace again. "We both know that's not going to happen."
Geno: And after all that, she didn’t learn a thing.
Luigi: I hate stories like that. :(
"I know," she whispered back. "I know. But it hurts inside, James. It hurts so much...."
Her voice trailed off, and she was silenced for a few minutes. James just held her and reassured her that everything was going to be okay.
Mario: *as James* The Special-Edition of “Return of the King” is out! Let’s watch the entire LotR trilogy and count off every single thing that was changed and different from the books, complain about Legolas and Gimli, and the fact that Tom Bombadil would’ve made this the best movie ever!
Peach: *as Jessie* Okay~! ^____^
Daisy: Let’s watch Dub!Sailor Moon too!
Luigi: *raises fist in the air* Elitist*Star Power~~~! MAKE UP!
"....But I think my dream was supposed to be about getting over my momma's death," Jessie said when she was able to speak again.
Everybody: *APPLAUSE*
"In the dream, one of the things that Meowth and I did to make ourselves feel better after you died was...was to have a Remember James Day where we shared our happy memories of you. And...and that was what let us move on with our lives...."
Peach: *singing* Iiiiiiii’ve tried so hard to tell myself that you’re GONE~!
Daisy: *singing* But thoooough you’re STILL wiiiiiiith me~!
Both: *singing* I’ve been ALONE all aloooooonnnnnnng~!
Bowser: *singing!* BAH DAH DAAAAAH, DAHH DAHH! BUH DIH DAAAAAH, DAHH DAHH! DADADADA DAAAAH DUUUH DUUUUH! BAH DAH DAAAAH, DAHDAHDAH, DAH DAH DUM!
Peach: *singing* When you criiiiied, Iiiii’d wipe away all of your tears!
Daisy: *singing* When you screeeam, Iiiii’d fight away all of your fears!
Both: *singing* And I heeelllld your hand through all of these years~!
Guys: *singing* But you stiiiiiiiiiiilll haaaaaave~~~!
Everybody: *singing* AAAAAAAAAALLLL OF MEEEEEEEEEEEE~~~~~~!
Luigi: Houston? We have the REAL ending of this fanfic!
Jessie stopped again as her crying began anew. And once more, James took her in his arms and reassured her that everything was going to be okay. Somehow, James could tell that he was going to be doing a lot of this.
Geno: Oh Sherlock, we’re so proud of you for figuring that out~!
Even if Jessie did know that it wouldn't happen, the thought of him dying was always going to tear her up inside. The best he could do was to keep her from thinking about it...and to be there for her if she ever did get to thinking about it.
Daisy: *singing* Oh Dark! The Darkness that dozes in the dusk! Throw it aaaaalllll awaaaaay~! No one can break you, nobody can tear yooooou, you live an ENDLESS liiiiife foreeeveeeeer~!
Bowser: *as James* Hey Jess! Let’s go watch “Titanic” and laugh and Jack Dawson’s err… predicament.
Mario: *as Jessie* Okay~! ^___^
Bowser: *as James* Let’s watch “Saving Private Ryan” after that~! :DDD
"Maybe that's what you have to do with your mother," he whispered into her ear. "If you think about the happy memories and always keep them in your heart, Miyamoto will always be with you, Jess."
Geno: *as Jessie* Ahh, I remember the time when Mom threw a snowball at that thug and ran off with his money. At least I think he was a thug… but at any rate, we got to go to Chuck E. Cheese’s!
"Sometimes I like to think that when my momma died, she became an angel," Jessie muttered at length. "And that she really is always with me...that she's always watching over me. I know that sounds crazy, but...."
"No it doesn't," he told her. "Jess, that's a beautiful way to remember her! I think it makes sense, too!"
Jessie looked up at him. "Y-you do?"
He nodded. "Think about it. How do you think we always manage to survive and escape unharmed, no matter what kind of situation we're in? Maybe we really do have a guardian angel watching over us...and maybe that angel really is Miyamoto...."
Geno: And she’s sure doing an excellent job!
Peach: *as Jessie* Mooooooom! Place a cushion under us when we fall, okay? Ow… crap. TOO LATE, Mom!
Daisy: *softly singing* You see a light wherever you gooooo~! You have to FACE it again and agaiiiiiiin!
Mario: Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!
Daisy: *singing* And agaiiiiiiin and agaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyaiiiiiiiiiiiin~!
As Jessie rested her head on James's shoulder again and thought about her mother, she found herself overcome by a feeling of peace. Somehow, she knew that she and James were right...that Miyamoto was always with them, keeping them safe from harm.
Luigi: *as James* I’m flying Jess, I’m FLYING! *as Jessie* So am I! …Could we be angels!?
Peach: And this is when James points and laughs giddily with blue wings while Jessie floats there fuming at him.
Geno: Well, so much for the Paper*Cut theory.
"So, no more tears, right?" James ventured. "The past is over. Now it's time to enjoy the present and look to the future...our future."
"Yeah," she whispered. "It's time to move on."
Luigi: Finally… and you know? There should be a shampoo bottle selling “No More Angst”.
Geno: “No More Tears”: the ultimate product for CLAMP bishounen and Marvel heroes and villains alike everywhere!
"Just remember that you'll never be alone, Jessie," he continued. "Your mother is always with you in spirit, and I'll always be with you, too...in both body and spirit. No matter what."
Mario: *sporfle*
Peach: Does that mean I’m always there for you in spirit Mario, even when I’m kidnapped?
Bowser: If that’s so, then maybe you’re there in spirit when you’re rescued… *shock horror face and Animé tears dangle as white drops from his face* Oh god, what am I thinking!? *thinking exactly:* This is getting too much for my brain.
Jessie smiled at him, and a light of joy sparkled in her sapphire eyes. "I love you, James."
"I love you, too, Jessie."
As the two young lovers embraced once more and pressed their lips together, an angelic form materialized behind them.
Geno: You know the theory about a bell ringing to earn an angel his wings? It’s all lies I tell you. Lies!
So, you finally figured it out, did you? said Miyamoto as she nodded approvingly at her daughter and future son-in-law.
Bowser: … *sinks into chair with his tongue hanging out like a thirsty llama* This fanfic has hit a new low.
Daisy: *comforts by petting the back of his head*
Peach: *softly singing* Take this gift from me, hold it deep in mind forever, and never let this go...
I knew you would eventually -- you're smart kids. And now that you know the truth, I hope it heals some of your pain. There's no need for either of you to be sad anymore, and the two of you don't have anything to fear. As long as I'm around, I'll make sure your nightmares never come true...and I'm always around....
Luigi: *as Team Rocket* Hey! Mom! HAAAAaaaaaaLP!
Mario: *as Miyamoto* Be quiet, kids! I’m trying to watch the finale of “The Apprentice”!
Luigi: *as Jessie* But Moooooooooom~! There are Carvahnas and Sharpedoes chomping on our legs and amputating us, and we’re all out of ketchup to distract them!
Peach: *as Miyamoto* Can’t you let an old woman rest while she is trying to enjoy a good episode of “Desperate Housewives”? ;-;
Daisy: *as Miyamoto* And “Survivor” comes in five minutes! I can’t miss that! T-T
But Jessie and James didn't hear her.
Bowser: How unfortunate. *cackle* The Shark Pokémon had a good lunch today!
All they knew was that they were both filled with a sense of inner-peace and that they would always be safe.
Geno: ‘Cause now they could sprout their blue angel wings and fly away from the bloody oceans where they fell, and live happily ever after holding buckets of water as punishment for God outside the gates of Heaven.
Mario: Okay guys, this’ll be the last break we’ll have. We’re almost finished!
Luigi: *was hugging his legs on the seat, then standing up* Thank GAWD.
Geno: *almost out of the theater* Just one part left… hang in there, everyone!
End of Part 3
To be continued...
@->->-
