#【 💰 — guest muse ┊ jimmy t. 】

[wariodemambo]

HE SUDDENLY FEELS A COLD CHILL RUN DOWN HIS SPINE ...

[wariodemambo]

"I..." He looks like he's about to cry. "I'm sorry, Jimmy. I didn't mean to scare you."

Geez, kid. Jimmy watched your sister get turned into a milkshake. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if Gold disappeared under his watch, too. Let alone what that'd do to Wario.

Mona slowly crawled out of the pillow fort they made the night Wario was live and rubbed her tired eyes. After they saw a different kid drown, they both agreed it best to leave the TV unplugged. He's never burnt through so much incense, tea, and vinyl records before. But, hey. Anything helped.

...He's not mad, though. Not even disappointed. Jimmy's just relieved, despite how hard it was not to feel in over his head whenever Wario was involved. Every glimpse into his best friend's world felt like a sucker punch. Waaay more complicated than dancing.

❝ Hey, little man... ❞ Despite his panic, his tone remained cool. ❝ No need to worry 'bout me. ❞

Already was he on the move to fix the kid a cup of chocolate milk. Mona slinks to the kitchen, giving Gold a zombie-like wave, and starts to grab bread, cheese, and mayo. The stove clicked on.

❝ Let's just ... ❞ A careful pause. ❝ Do you want to talk about it? Lemme get you a blanket. ❞

[wariodemambo]

An unnatural silence fell upon the living room.

The employees exchanged uncomfortable glances.

The kids, once tussling and laughing in front of the television set were now huddled together and petrified.

Mona watched as his friends sprung into action.

Dribble had scooped up Lulu as Spitz explained it'd be a while before they'd return — Luxeville was far even for one of the fastest taxis in the city. He'd text Jimmy when they got back, though. Just so he wouldn't worry.

The Crygors exchanged terrified theories in a hushed tone. Their eyes darted to the TV. They couldn't share anything concrete with their friends until they had made it back home. They were the next to leave.

9-Volt rested on his mother's arm, hands wrapped around her neck. She held onto 18-Volt's hand as 13-Amp buried herself further beneath the brim of her cap. Master Mantis and Cricket trailed behind them with a quiet understanding of an evil presence. The student held onto Kat and Ana's hands, as they stared at the ground.

Ashley had exited in her usual fashion but with an atypical expression — silent, but haunted. Red rested on her shoulder. Both were trying to brainstorm but were clearly failing.

Even Orbulon had left without fuss, and he was notorious for his inability to read a room.

Mona leaned on the door frame, clutching her helmet and seeing her friends off with a fallen smile. She'd jolt as a hand landed on her shoulder, only to turn around and be face-to-face with their host.

Was it time for her to go, too?

❝ Oh, Jimmy ... ❞ She sighed, and wrapped her arms around her friend. She did not like the idea of going back to that big, empty house. Her parents, busy as ever, cursed her with the inability to be on her own. ❝ I'd hate to impose, but... ❞

❝ Say no more, hon. I'll getcha set up. ❞ He broke away from the embrace to nab spare pillows and blankets.

Mona twiddled with her fingers anxiously.

❝ If he's going to reach out to any of us... ❞ She continued, locking the door with a soft click. ❝ It'd be you first. I just — I just need to know he's OK... ❞

❝ I get it. You care 'bout him a lot. ❞

Mona nodded.

❝ More than anything. ❞

[wariodemambo]

❝ Duuuuuuuude... ❞ Jimmy carefully analyzed the flyer Wario had brought back. Any humor he would have gotten out of it went away the INSTANT he saw the words 'Please tell it Noisette loves it.' He then watch as Wario waited for some sort of reaction, or approval from the dancer. But ... Jimmy could only shake his head. ❝ That wasn't really cool, Wario. ❞

That statement hit like a steel chair for the third time, somehow. The worst part? He could actually agree. That wasn't going to stop Wario from seeking some sort of approval, however. Grrrrrrr...

❝ And your girl kicked you out? ❞

❝ Jimmy, we're not dating. ❞

❝ Right, right... You still hurt them pretty badly, man. ❞

❝ I KNOOOOOOOOOOOW, Jimmy. You don't have to give me a play-by-play. ❞ Wario squeezed his chicken just a little closer, ignoring her pecking at him to ease up on the affection. She's already had enough ... Wario then turned himself away from the other, sinking even further into his friends sofa. His foot accidentally toppled over a stack of CDs.

Jimmy stared at the slightly ... sad sight, wondering what to do. He placed his duffel bag on the coffee table, and check over all the items in it. Wario had been busy with work recently. Jimmy placed a hand behind his neck. ❝ ... I'm about to go teach my class, wanna come with? You could help me set up. ❞

❝ Not … not this time, man. I don't want to be around people. ❞

Wario was already flipping through TV channels... Jimmy peered outside before putting his bag down. In the same second, he was already typing something with alarming speed. After one final tap, Wario would hear his own notification jingle.

CLASS CANCELLED TONIGHT, SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. STAY GROOVIN'!

❝ Dude, you didn't have to - ❞

❝ Nope! None of that. I can't just leave you all alone. ❞ Jimmy snatched his bag again, and went swiftly down the hall. He returned to the living room in his pajamas, a bottle in his hand, and two small pink glasses. He plopped down on the couch, placed the items on the table, and gave Wario a light bump on his shoulder. ❝ Besides, I know you'll down all of my good stuff if I do. You gotta share, man! ❞

Wario reached for the bottle. Jimmy pulled it away.

❝ What do we say. ❞

❝ ... Jimmy. ❞

Wario's friend remained silent.

❝ ... I'm sorry I'm such a big stupid jerk, and I'll TRY to be better. ❞

❝ That's our man. ❞

[wariodemambo]

With hands buried in pockets, Wario kicked the rubble in his path. The delay of construction costs meant not even the former pieces of his corporate building were scattered about. As voted by his friends, he was to restore their hangout office. Better than his team holding their microgames hostage and preventing him from earning the big bucks.

... It's not even a big building.

Tucked between a slew of other businesses, WarioWare Inc. previously stood at two floors high with a basement. A short trip for most of its employees, one he could even walk were he determined enough. Intentionally easy to miss, save for one bright blue emblem that matched the one on his cap. Aesthetics didn't matter as long as the building worked.

...

SMS TO → JIMMY.   is it too late to update the floorplan.   [ 3:24 PM ]

youd be cutting it close, bro [ 3:28 PM ]

bored with the old look. gonna add a new floor.     [ 3:29 PM ]

aw man, are you taking one of our suggestions? you must feel bad [ 3:32 PM ]

...

bored with the old look.        [ 3:32 PM ] just go with me to the meeting tomorrow. you know i fall asleep at these thins. i'll pick you up. and reach out to ashley.     [ 3:33 PM ]

👍

[ 3:34 PM ]

[wariodemambo]

❝ ... And that's why I believe it's best if we keep to working from home. ❞ Wario chomped through another dozen cookies. ❝ Saves us money and time! Who needs a stinkin' building anyway? ❞ He reached for another plate before he watched them get pulled away. Bummer.

The rest of WarioWare Inc., painstakingly pushing past the presentation-slash-dessert buffet remained quiet. Some sunk further into couch, others stared at Wario with an unimpressed look. 5-Volt had gone back to her kitchen to get more sweets as any of them sought the courage to say something.

Ashley raised her hand.

❝ Ashley! Watcha got to say. ❞

❝ ... I don't have internet at my home. ❞ An innocent start ❝ Furthermore, you have the next ten minutes to rescind this decision before I do something. ❞

Something. Got it.

❝ ... Annnnnnnnnnnnnyone else. ❞

❝ I MUST AGREE WITH ASHLEY. IT APPEARS YOU ARE AVOIDING SOMETHING. AGAIN. ❞

And not a single person in the room had to say it.

A drop of sweat ran down Wario's face as he fiddled with his hands. They uh. They were here again, weren't they. And he put SO much effort into his presentation, too! He snapped his laptop shut, and tried to find something to save himself (and his money.)

❝ C-C'mon, guys. This'll be good for all of us. Who wants to drive to work when you can just open your computer? ❞

❝ ... But 9-Volt misses the office. ❞ She returned with another tray of cookies, offering them to the other guests before giving the rest to Wario. ❝ He liked having a safe place to go after school. I thought it was good for him, too. ❞

And suddenly, the floodgates opened for the rest of his employees to air their complaints. Even Jimmy had something to say, deflating Wario even more. The only one who seemed to be on his side was Dr. Crygor. But he was also the only one who lived on a private island. So. He didn't count.

❝ ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT. ❞ Wario threw his arms up in the air. ❝ YOU LOOOOOOSERS WIN. I'll contact some people tomorrow. ❞

Though the entire room cheered, Wario could do nothing but lament.

Lament the fact that.

He'd have to spend more money.

[wariodemambo]

❝ GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUYS. I GOT BEAT UP. ❞ Wario whined as he stumbled back into Jimmy's place, face planting upon the floor. The drunk man had returned covered in cuts and bruises which, to be fair, was a miracle for Wario. It could have turned out worse.

Ah. An hour and six minutes, just as mom predicted! 5-Volt was quietly giggling to herself as Jimmy and Ashley tried to hide their disappointment. She would go on to help the other three drag Wario back onto the couch, and then run off to get some items to treat his wounds.

❝ ... Was it worth it. ❞ Ashley would chime in, returning back to her book as Jimmy fetched his friend some water.

❝ IT'S NOT FAIR, THOUGH. THE OTHER GUY HAD A SWORD. A SWORD! WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO AGAINST THAT? THAT'S NOT EVEN MENTIONING THE -- ❞ Wario yelped as 5-Volt applied some alcohol over his more fresh cuts. ❝ COWARDLY is what that is! FIGHT ME WITH YOUR FISTS, DAMN YOU. ❞

Jimmy T. quietly handed Wario a small glass of water. Man ... the things they'd do for this guy. He was sure any other person would have given up on him by now.

❝ ... So are ya, like, ready to just apologize properly like I asked? ❞

Wario grumbled. 5-Volt applied more pressure with her alcohol coated tissue. Wario whimpered again.

❝ FINE, FINE, FINE. I'll buy her somethin' nice and then APOLOGIZE. Okay? Is that what you wanted to hear? YEEEESH. ❞

[wariodemambo]

❝ I can't keep watching over you like this ... I have other projects. ❞ Ashley watched her drunk boss continue to squeeze the life out of Jimmy T. Poor guy. ❝ ... You owe me, by the way. I expect to see a bonus soon. ❞ She watched Wario nod and gave a thumbs up. She'd hold him to that.

5-Volt, on the other hand, had taken to scheming.

❝ Oh, you could do a grand gesture for her! ❞ 5-Volt suggested with a dreamy sigh. ❝ Something that really says I'm sorry! Without using words at all. Maybe practice a song? ... A trip to the beach! A fancy dinner for two and a night on the town. ❞ She may have been projecting ...

❝ Or-Or maybe just say you're sorry...? ❞ Jimmy choked out, with the last of his breath.

❝ NO, I GOT IT. ❞ Wario jumped onto his feet, throwing Jimmy off the couch and into another stack of discs. ❝ I'M-A GOING TO GO BEAT UP A BUNCH-A OF JERKS. AND THEN SHE'LL SEE HOW STRONG I AM. AND HAVE TO LET ME BACK IN. YOU GUYS ARE SOOOOOO AWESOME. DID I TELL YOU HOW AWESOME YOU ARE YET? THANKS. ❞

Oh! And there he goes! Dashing out of Jimmy's place, almost ripping the door off in the process. 5-Volt, Ashley and Jimmy could only stare helpless as their boss vanished from their line of vision. Shouldn't one of them go after him? They probably sh -

❝ I give him thirty minutes. ❞

❝ An hour. ❞

❝ An hour and five minutes. ❞

[wariodemambo]

❝ Y-You're-a like, good with girls, man. Right? Right. So, surely, you can get me out of this mess with-a the Princess... ❞ And maaaaybe with the Noise's girlfriend. But getting his home back had a bit more priority. Wario slung an arm around the other. Hm. Guess he's already drunk.

Jimmy T sat in silence, swirling around the next shot in his hand. Which had a purpose, by the way. He wasn't rewarding Wario for bad behavior... Jimmy just knew the other wouldn't be open to the slightest hint of improvement without being in a good mood.

But, uh ... girls? He, uh ... Hm.

...The rhythm made me do it! I didn't ...

❝ Dude. ❞ He stated rather seriously.

❝ I am terrible with girls. ❞