Only One For Me By Yosh Episode 42A Chapter by Yosh Oumou has an important conversation with her family about their differences to patch things up before the New Year. TW: This story includes sensitive, distressing, and traumatizing themes related to violence, rough upbringings, and uncomfortable subjects. It is recommended that viewers exercise caution and refrain from proceeding if they are unable to engage with such content. Viewer discretion is advised. Only One For Me by Yosh ____________________________________________________________ Reading key: Anything to the side in bold is narration. Anything to the side with a "character's name:” are inner thoughts. Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions. Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track. Anything () is extra information. ____________________________________________________________ Episode 42: The day is December 31st, 2004. It's a Friday evening. As Ambrož chats with Lamine in the kitchen while washing the dishes about their plans when the day rings closer to midnight, Oumou has a conversation with her family on the balcony of her apartment. Oumou glances at her parents in disbelief. Oumou Line 1) I’m speechless. Were both of you truly sincere during dinner? Oumou’s father speaks in a reassuring manner. Oumou’s dad Line 2) Of course we were, ‘Mou. What makes you question us? Oumou speaks in a skeptical tone. Oumou Line 3) I just wasn’t expecting you guys to be so understanding. I assumed you would have more objections against Ambrož. Oumou questions her parents confusingly. Oumou Line 4) I take it that you guys approve of him? Oumou’s mother glances at her husband confirmingly. Oumou’s father nods his head reassuringly. Oumou’s mother speaks authentically. Oumou’s mom Line 5) We’ve only scratched the surface of his character, but he seems like a genuine man. I understand what you see in him. Oumou looks at her mother in surprise, taken aback by her response. Oumou’s father chips in, speaking in a mutual manner. Oumou’s dad Line 6) He was super welcoming and friendly the entire time. That’s what a proper host should do when guests visit. Oumou’s father speaks in a tone of admiration. Oumou’s dad Line 7) His care for you is evident when he helped you prepare dinner for us, poured our drinks, and stood up for you when disagreements arose. Oumou’s dad Line 8) It truly seems like you have found the right person to be your partner. Oumou looks at her father in shock. She speaks in a doubtful tone. Oumou Line 9) What’s the catch? Oumou’s parents release a chuckle of amusement. She glances at them in concern. Oumou’s mother affectionately places her hand on her daughter's shoulder, offering her a sincere smile. She speaks enthusiastically. Oumou’s mom Line 10) There’s no catch, my dear. He’s a great man. Ensure that he'll always treat you right. Oumou’s father chimes in, speaking agreeably. Oumou’s dad Line 11) We all enjoyed his respect and understanding of us, as well as his good manners. What more could we ask for? Oumou speaks in a manner of confusion. Oumou Line 12) I was expecting stricter standards. Don't you all think the bar is a little low? Oumou’s mother speaks puzzlingly. Oumou’s mom Line 13) How is that low, my dear? He was exceptional today. Oumou speaks in a skeptical tone. Oumou Line 14) Of course, he was, but I’m confused as to why you guys aren’t asking for more. Is there another catch I’m missing? Oumou’s father speaks in a manner of clarification. Oumou’s dad Line 15) Not at all. He’s checked all of our boxes. It seems like there’s something you want from him. Oumou clarifies herself from any misunderstandings. Oumou Line 16) Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying that Ambrož is the bare minimum; he's quite the opposite, in fact... Oumou Line 17) I was just expecting disapproval from you all, yet you all seem so content. Oumou’s father speaks favorably. Oumou’s dad Line 18) Why wouldn’t we be content? Ambrož is quite the keeper. On the contrary, we encourage you to be with him. Oumou’s mother speaks in a tone of appreciation. Oumou’s mom Line 19) Knowing that he’s endlessly supported you through this new chapter of your life means a lot to us. Oumou speaks in a manner of dejection. Oumou Line 20) Perhaps your standards aren’t as strict for my romantic partners because they’re so strict on me? Oumou’s parents go silent, gazing at her upsettingly. Oumou questions her parents anxiously. Oumou Line 21) Is there anything you guys want to say to me? Oumou’s father takes a deep breath before delving into the conversation. He speaks in a tone of guilt, with his eyebrows furrowing in remorse. Oumou’s dad Line 22) Oumou… I’d like to deeply apologize for not keeping in touch with you after you moved. Oumou’s dad Line 23) As you mentioned, this kind of connection with a loved one should be unconditional*, yet I kept giving myself excuses. *Refer back to episode 41, line 31. Oumou’s father speaks in an accountable manner, taking full responsibility for his wrongdoings. Oumou’s dad Line 24) Sure, you may not be going down the preferred path I want you to go down… Oumou’s dad Line 25) But that doesn’t take away from the fact that I should still offer you my support nonetheless. Oumou’s father speaks in a tone of disbelief. Oumou’s dad Line 26) You’re not a little girl anymore. I should trust that you can handle your own life. Oumou’s dad Line 27) It’s just surreal knowing that you no longer need my help. Oumou’s dad Line 28) You’re all grown up. Able to take care of yourself properly and whatnot. Oumou speaks in a manner of validation, granting her parents recognition for her resilience. Oumou Line 29) I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own if it weren’t for your teachings. Oumou Line 30) You guys are the ones that raised me, after all. Everything I’ve done so far has been from your help. Oumou speaks in a yearnful tone, glancing at her parents sentimentally. Oumou Line 31) I still need you guys. Don’t leave me hanging just because you guys don’t agree with what I’m doing with my life. Oumou speaks embracefully. Oumou Line 32) We have our differences, and that’s okay. Oumou Line 33) Let’s make an effort to respect each other's decisions to show our support. Oumou’s parents nod their heads, glancing at their daughter bittersweetly. Oumou’s mother chimes in, speaking in an apologetic manner, glancing at her daughter in regret. Oumou’s mom Line 34) I deeply apologize as well, Oumou. Oumou’s mother’s eyes glisten in remorse. Oumou’s mom Line 35) Your father and I are two separate people, yet I was just a bystander in this situation, turning a blind eye to what was happening. Oumou’s mother speaks compassionately, truly wishing her all the best. Oumou’s mom Line 36) I’m proud of you exactly where you are, and I wish you the best of luck with your dreams. Oumou’s mother speaks in a welcoming manner. Oumou’s mom Line 37) If there’s something you ever need from us, don’t hesitate. We promise to be better for you. Oumou’s mom Line 38) Don’t forget that you always have a home to come back to. Oumou’s mother speaks in a tone of determination. Oumou’s mom Line 39) And I, as well, will find more avid ways to reach out to you. A simple call or text every now and then and during special occasions isn't enough. Oumou’s father speaks in a manner of repentance. Oumou’s dad Line 40) I want you to know how deeply ashamed I am for projecting my frustrations onto you. Oumou’s dad Line 41) I’m the one who put up a barrier between us, getting into an argument before you left*. *Refer back to episode 12, line 90. Oumou’s father speaks yearnfully. Oumou’s dad Line 42) I should’ve bit my tongue and held you tight instead if I had known that I wouldn’t see you for 3 months. He promises her in a tone of authenticity. Oumou’s dad Line 43) I promise this won’t happen ever again. I’ll always be there for you, no matter what our differences are. Oumou’s father opens his arms affectionately, anticipating a hug from Oumou. He speaks shyly. Oumou’s dad Line 44) Can a hug for now compensate for lost time? Oumou timidly glances at her father, rolling her eyes in annoyance playfully. She brings herself closer to her parents, embracing the both of them into a group hug. Oumou’s mother speaks tenderly. Oumou’s mom Line 45) We love you, Oumou~ Oumou speaks in a playful tone of indifference. Oumou Line 46) … I guess I love you guys, too. Oumou’s father speaks in a playfully offended manner. Oumou’s dad Line 47) What do you mean “I guess”? All of them joke around together, reconciling after missing each other so much. *Shot cuts to Přemysl getting ready to spend the holiday with Theo. Přemysl’s narration: Line 48) I didn’t intend to open up about Ambrož to Theo on Christmas*. *Refer back to episode 38, lines 92�"119, etc. Line 49) I simply swung by his house so that he could give me what he wanted to*. *Refer back to episode 37, line 100. Přemysl clicks his tongue in annoyance. Line 50) He’s slick for knowing the right way to approach me and having me fess up about the things I don’t intend to talk about. Line 51) I didn’t envision opening up about myself when I thought through this plan initially*. *Refer back to episode 8, line 62. Line 52) How could I get so caught up in the moment to spill my guts like a fool? Přemysl scrunches his hair in disappointment. Line 53) There’s no going back, though. What’s done is done. Přemysl glances at his reflection in disbelief as he examines his attire for the occasion. Line 54) We’ve already established quite the connection. It’s like I’m going against everything I believe. Line 55) Things are just backfiring, left and right, all because of sneaky Theo. Přemysl tries to calm himself down, taking a deep breath in. Line 56) But I must still remain relaxed. My composure must be intact. I have to act nonchalant. Přemysl thinks dismissively to reassure himself. Line 57) I’ve only known Theo for 3 months. That’s nothing for me as I have lived for decades. Přemysl justifies his thoughts to provide himself comfort. Line 58) This “sensation” of closeness is just an illusion. Line 59) He doesn’t even know my true identity. There’s no way in hell we’re close at all. A wave of realization comes across Přemysl. His shoulders drop in self-awareness, with a processing expression engulfing his face. Line 60) But, at this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were to call ourselves “best friends” soon. Přemysl diverts his attention onto his determination. Line 61) I must do everything in my power to avoid that from becoming my reality. Přemysl thinks in a manner of disapproval, his nostrils flaring in disgust at the thought. Line 62) Though I wouldn’t mind having Theo be my friend, I can’t possibly be close to a human. Přemysl reminds himself of the dangerous capabilities humans have to establish his stance. Line 63) Humans are monsters. They took my family away from me. Line 64) Tonight, I must act as dry as I possibly can. Přemysl clenches his jaw irritatedly. Line 65) Which is going to be quite a challenge because Theo has this way of breaking my fronts. Line 66) It’ll be even harder since I’ll be with his family for the occasion as well. Přemysl tries to weigh his options. Line 67) Perhaps if I focus on the awkward aspects of such an interaction, I’ll be too tense to say anything; thus, I won’t open up about anything. Přemysl shakes his head in disappointment. Line 68) I don’t even know why I agreed to visit his place for New Year’s. Line 69) He left me no choice, pulling a move similar to last time, forcing me to come*. *Refer back to episode 37, lines 100-102, and episode 38, line 7. Přemysl tries to justify Theo’s invitation, not admitting to himself that he simply wants to go. Line 70) If his family is making such an effort to squeeze me in on their celebration, how could I possibly say no? Přemysl thinks confusingly, questioning Theo’s intentions. Line 71) What’s making him go out of his way to do this anyway? Line 72) I haven’t been particularly nice to him. It’s a surprise that we’re even still friends. Line 73) I’m assuming he’s doing this since I opened up about being lonely lately to him as well*. *Refer back to episode 38, lines 106 and 107. Přemysl lets out a “hmph,” finding Theo’s inconclusive assumption offensive. Line 74) In that case, I don’t need his pity. Přemysl pauses, questioning why he’s still getting ready for the occasion. Line 75) So, then, why am I going to his place anyway? Line 76) I guess I feel like I owe him for gifting me a present that day*. *Refer back to episode 38, lines 129�"131. Line 77) I know I made up an excuse for him, saying that I was allergic to silver* since it's one of a vampire’s weaknesses*... *This wasn’t explicitly written in the story. *Refer back to episode 6, line 70. Přemysl shakes his head flusteredly. Line 78) But who does he think he is gifting me titanium jewelry? Přemysl rolls his eyes in annoyance, unwantedly blushing from Theo’s consideration. Line 79) A bracelet at that. When have I ever expressed the need for such a useless accessory? Přemysl thinks in confusion. Line 80) It’s not like I’m his girlfriend. Why would he give me something like that? Přemysl bites his lips from his impulsive decisions. Line 81) The bigger question I should be asking myself is why did I get him a present in return? Line 82) Sure, I made a promise to him*, but I don’t have to keep my promises. *Refer back to episode 38, line 131. Přemysl rubs his head in distress. Line 83) I just haven’t been acting like myself lately. Přemysl taps his foot passionately, folding his arms in determination as he stares at himself in his mirror. Line 84) I need to be the most unlikable person ever for this event. Přemysl smacks his head in frustration from his impulsivity. Line 85) But then, why did I get his family roses for the occasion? Přemysl releases a sigh of disappointment. Line 86) I’m such a people-pleaser for no reason. Line 87) Why can’t Theo just tell me everything he knows about vampires so that I can be done with him? A sinister idea comes across Přemysl’s mind, leaving him contemplating. Line 88) Should I just compel him? Přemysl drops his shoulders in exhaustion, sticking by his stubbornness. Line 89) But I don't compel people due to that going against my morals unless it involves money* *Přemysl and Ambrož have been compelling people for money their entire lives as vampires; however, they don’t steal money people have worked for; rather, they steal for unethical corporations, hijacking their security systems when in need. Přemysl tries to gather his wits. Line 90) I need to get a grip on myself. Přemysl finishes getting ready, gathering all the gifts he bought, and heading out by grabbing a taxi. He arrives at Theo’s neighborhood with a bouquet of roses in one hand and his present to Theo in the other. He glances at the time on his flip phone, confirming his tardiness. His lips curl into a smile of satisfaction. Line 91) Přemysl’s inner thoughts: Good. I’m late�" Theo interrupts Přemysl’s glory, approaching him from behind for another scare*. *Refer back to episode 38, details before line 1. Přemysl lets out a scream of fright, glancing at Theo offendedly. Theo pretends to be sentimental, placing his hand on his chest as he notices the gifts Přemysl is holding. Theo Line 92) Are those roses for me? You shouldn’t have~ Přemysl speaks in a tone of annoyance. Přemysl Line 93) They’re for your family, lover boy. I couldn't possibly come empty-handed. Theo glances at Přemysl smugly, wanting to tease him. Theo Line 94) What about the other thing in your hand? Is that for me? Přemysl speaks in a manner of defeat. Přemysl Line 95) This isn’t the way this was supposed to happen. Theo tilts his head to the side puzzlingly, speaking in a tone of confusion. Theo Line 96) What are you talking about? Přemysl speaks frustratingly. Přemysl Line 97) I’m supposed to give these to you before you ask questions, yet you can’t seem to wait. Theo lets out a chuckle of amusement. Theo Line 98) What’s with this sudden aspiration to oblige to conventions? Aren’t we supposed to be the daredevils at school? Přemysl hands his gift over to Theo, glancing at him timidly. Theo speaks in an appreciative manner. Theo Line 99) How sweet of you~ I’ll make sure to open it later. Theo speaks in a suggestive tone. Theo Line 100) Or would you like me to do it now? In front of your face? Přemysl shakes his head no. Theo speaks enthusiastically, interlinking his arm with Přemysl’s as he leads him into his house. Theo Line 101) Alright! Well, on that note, let’s head inside. My mom set dinner aside from you, and I waited so that we could eat together. End of episode. Copyright ©2024 under United States Copyright office, Library of Congress. All rights reserved. This literary work is protected by the U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the work without permission is prohibited. The offender will be traced and will face the full extent of the legal ramifications as stipulated by the law. © 2025 YoshAuthor's Note
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Added on January 1, 2025 Last Updated on January 1, 2025 Tags: #romance, #mentalhealth, #adventure, #charming, #comforting, #cozy, #deep, #detroit, #enthusiasm, #dedication, #passion, #devotion, #fluff, #wholesome, #friendstolovers, #cleanromance, #originalstory Author
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