Chapter Text
Scott and Kim were walking around Toronto, trying to think of what to make of one another. Their bond hasn't been this strong in a long time yet it feels natural. Almost as if the universe itself wanted these two to be together or something along those lines. They balance each other out in a way that makes sense, her bluntness, his eagerness, it probably shouldn't work in any logical context, but it does. They work together in a way hat feels authentic. They're the yin and yang of each other's lives, and while they might be a handful sometimes they do deeply care for one another.
Scott's earnest dedication to Kim is both surprising and refreshing she hasn't felt this valued by anyone in years, it's both new, and intriguing to her given how Scott can be a bit sarcastic and abrasive at times, yet it seems like he's genuinely getting his shit together and trying to be a better person. Granted, he's still flawed of course, but he's not being a condescending douche canoe so that's a plus at least. He can be very dense at times, but he does try his best and mean well, she has dealt with worse people after all, Simon Lee, Jason Kim, half of her cusotmers, and Hollie, but still the point remains.
The two of them held hands, walking across and taking in the sights near them. The beauty of simplicity cannot be understated. Maybe it's nostalgia, or maybe it's the fact that they seem to be right for each other. Could be both, but their chemistry, and need for each other are undeniable it's fascinating how much simpler things are with them. Was it perfect? Well, the answer to this question is fairly obvious to both of them. Given how they both know the complexity of life and how unexpected it can be. Regardless though, the answer's simple enough.
No, neither of them are expecting nor anticipating something that unrealistic, although what they share is close enough so it works. Kim's wearing her normal green jacket, and Scott's wearing his usual winter jacket that he tends to wear well. The two lovers after all this time had found each other again. It's interesting how things work out sometimes. Scott gazes into her eyes in the dorkiest but most sincere way he can, Kim then points to something. It held some sentimental and nostalgic value to her, Scott figured it was something genuine and his initial guess would be proven correct.
She exhales softly before speaking up. The place she pointed to in question held special significance to her. It was one of the few places Scott remembered too for a sentimental reason. "You know, that's where we had our first kiss. You were kinda awkward and sloppy, but it was nice. I enjoyed it, and I could tell that you did too because you were begging for seconds." Scott snickered. She wasn't wrong by any means but Scott still has something to add to this regardlesss. That moment in particular was magical and memorable to him as well, and he remembers it like it was yesterday.
She did have a fair point after all given how Scott can be an awkward and nervous guy when it comes to romance. "I mean you were undoubtedly the superior kisser, there's not much to argue against there. I think any person once they've gotten a taste of your lips gets addicted, you're a very talented kisser." Kim blushed. "I-you're not too bad yourself you know? A little slow at first but just as equally impressive." Scott nodded. "I suppose so, yeah." They continued to walk around. It seems the more they saw, the memories memories they unlocked of each other. Times were simpler back then.
The two of them continued to recall other memories they had together, eventually, they came across something that made them both pause. It was the spot.... where they broke up all those years ago in high school. They didn't know what to say regarding it and weren't sure of what to make of it, especially considering how it was awkward to be reminded of the breakup in question. Sure they've both forgiven each other for it, but seeing it was rough for both of them. Scott spoke up knowing that this would open old wounds that didn't need to fester any further. "Let's just skip this one. I'd rather not be reminded of this spot. And I don't think you want to remember it either." Kim nodded. "Yeah, for the best. Let's find something else to remember." The two of them continued their earnest walk together.
Toronto had changed since they were younger, it was different than it used to be. Some things remained the same sure, but there were newer buildings, old places that weren't around anymore, and people that left so long ago. Quite a lot had since high school, the two adults were aware of this reality knowing that being together has been far from easy. Although, it's something that's still worth fighting for, not many people get a second chance with Kim romantically, and the fact that Scott has been granted such a privilege is something he's internally grateful for even if he has a quirky way of showing it all the same. The two of them have a lot they need to work on together but both seem eager to put in the effort.
Kim seems curious about something. There's a lingering question, that's been floating around in her mind for a few months now, potentially longer. It's in regards to Scott's breakup with Ramona. She knows it happened, but what she isn't aware of are the details about it. What caused it? Was it Scott's fault or was it Ramona's? Her acquiring mind had to know, so, she looked at Scott, knowing that it'd be a long story to tell but one that intrigued her. "Scott, I have to ask you something." Her tone seemed serious, Scott squineed at her trying to think of what she meant. "Is it about what I think it is?" Scott asked. Kim grabbed his shoulder. "It probably is. I know you've told everyone you broke up with Ramona, but you always were vague about it." Scott inhaled then exhaled, she did have a right to know after all.
Scott was trying to figure out how to word himself, let alone express his emotions due to how much she emotionally destroyed him from the inside out as a result of their breakup. He didn't like remembering it, hence, why he was always vague about it to his friends, but, seeing how he is with Kim again if anyone deserved a right to know what transpired it was her. What he's about to tell her might piss her off, which is a likely possibility, given her blunt demeanor, and no-nonsense attitude that she exhibits. After a few minutes of awkward silence, he spoke up. "It was,.. painful for me I'll say that much. I think eternally worse than the Envy Adams breakup honestly. It destroyed me, Kim." Kim looked at him showing visible concern. Scott continued. "And... I'm still trying to process it."
(Start of flashback)
Scott was running through the Subspace Highway, trying to get to Ramona, who was running away on her rollerblades. He wanted to talk to her, to figure out what was wrong. She'd had been distant lately, avoiding him, doing everything in her power, to ensure that she was as far away from him as possible. What Scott couldn't fathom was why. This is a man who'd do anything to make her happy, more than willing to compromise if need be for sure yet she's pushing him away. What has he done to deserve this? He just wants an answer, any will do, he eventually stops her by grabbing his shoulder, after they both have left the Subspace Highway and are outside.
Ramona was flabbergasted and turned around to look at him. This was NOT going to be easy for her, hell, it never is in the first place. The fact that she's going to hurt Scott doesn't sit right with her either, but if he wants the truth it's going to be a painful endeavor. Ramona sighs in annoyance knowing that Scott won't stop until he gets an answer. Scott would be the first one to talk out of the two of them. "Ramona stop! Why are you running from me? I just want to talk. You've been distant, and I don't know why. I've been trying to do better, I'm working on myself, I've given you space, what more can I do for you?' He asked her. Scott released his grip on her shoulder.
She was caught in a pickle here, he was right, he had been going above and beyond, but for her, it was too much. Ramona relented knowing that no matter what this day was going to happen. It's an unfortunate truth that she's embraced. "Look, Scott, don't get me wrong, you're adorable, caring, sweet. It's just I hurt people, you've been doing great, it's just I don't think I can handle all of this. It's too much. I know you care for me and I appreciate it, but I can't do this anymore Scott. We both knew this day would come. I'm just going to let you down, it's over." Scott looked devastated. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her after all the effort he's made for this woman too.
He was going to try his bezt to plead to her. If it would go through and win her over was something that remained unknown for now. He still felt like trying though. "PLEASE reconsider! If I'm too clingy, I'll hold back, I'll dial it down. I'll do anything. Don't give up on me. I need you..." His voice was breaking and his tone was that of a man losing the one thing he cared about. It was rare for Scott to sound this serious about anything but he was. Ramona shook her head. "I can't keep giving you false hope Scott. I'm sorry. Maybe one day you'll find someone better. But, I can't keep up this charade anymore." Ramona began to run away, Scott tried to stop her but tripped and fell to the ground. His heart was obliterated to ashes.
He lied there on the ground looking distraught, sobbing, and refusing to get up for a solid hour. Just lying there, after a while the tears had dried up and he looked broken, weary, and devoid of inspiration. He hasn't been like THIS since his breakup with Envy Adams and that took a lot out of him too. Little did he know, his sister Stacey Pilgrim had seen the entire thing unfold. Scott was silent, not uttering a word he felt numb, and motionless, his dream girl, had just ruined his self-esteem in ways he didn't know were imaginable. It takes a lot for Scot to feel this emotionally drained and he isn't sure what to make of it himself.
His sister Stacey spoke up, walking up to him. "Scott, get up, I saw the whole thing." Scott groaned. "No, I think I'll just lay down a little more. I don't want to bother you, Stacey, you've got too much on your plate right now." Stacey sighed. "Maybe so, but you're my brother, and I hate seeing you like this so get up." Scott reluctantly got up and looked at her, his eyes were dry, and his face was bereft of enjoyment. Stacey was concerned about by the sight on display knowing that her brother had been through a lot and this was on the most difficult things he's ever been had to endure in quite some time.
Scott should've heeded other people's warnings about her, but he didn't, because he was so in love with her, he couldn't see the greater picture. No one faults for him trying, but, eventually mistakes like this do come back to bite you as he's come to find out. It's not like Scott to be this quiet, and sad, the guy has nothing to say at the moment and just wants to forget about everything. Who wouldn't be in his shoes? When your heart gets stomped on like that... it's kind of hard to imagine what you want to do because your entire world feels like it's being crushed in half beyond repair.
Stacey looked at him. "Scott, I know you probably think this is all your fault." Scott sighed. "I do." Stacey tried her best to reassure him. "It's not, I promise. Look, you tried your best, I can't blame you for wanting her. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control." Scott grunted. "I guess... you have a point." Stacey tried to think of a solution. "Do you want to get some ice cream to get your mind off this?" Stacey asked her brother. "Yeah, that'd help. Thanks, Stacey, I appreciate it." Stacey cringed. "No problem Scott, let's get the hell out of here." The two siblings then walked to a store to get ice cream. The ideal solution to a crappy day.
(End of flashback)
Kim walked up to Scott and hugged him, once he finished explaining what happened to her. This furthered her suspicions of Ramona, and why she couldn't trust her even more. Scott wasn't interested in relieving the memory, but he had given her a clear explanation of what had happened. Kim talked knowing that Scott was still processing things even now. For Scott he seemed traumatized, the look on his face right now? Kim hasn't seen anything serious since his breakup with Envy Adams, and she messed up his mental state pretty bad too, so this was less than ideal all around.
Kim figured that Scott needed something to calm him down. "I knew there was... something off about her Scott. This just highlights that further. I'm sorry that you wasted so much of your life chasing her, that's not right. You have me though, and for better or for worse I'm here for you. You may be impulsive, dumb, and naive sometimes but you're a reasonable guy and I can work with that." Scott was relieved. "Thanks, Kim, I appreciate that a lot, I needed that." Scott returned the hug, the two of them then broke the hug off, and Kim kissed him for a solid fifteen seconds, Scott would return it, before they broke it off to think of things.
The two of them eventually concluded their walk through memory lane, revisiting a lot of familiar places and sights, while still trying to think of how to proceed further. The bombshell Scott had dropped on her wasn't something that she had anticipated. She knew that it was bad yeah, but didn't think it was that serious. This highlights her growing dislike of Ramona more as a result of it, but the two seem complacent and content with one another, so that seems to be enough to work. Neither of them knew that getting back together would benefit them as much as it has but life can be full of surprises like that.
Scott was glad to be hers again, to have her, someone that acknowledges his flaws but still gives a damn about him. "Scott..." Pilgrim looked at her. "Yeah, Kim?" He seemed curious. "Do you wanna go to Sneaky Dee's, and sing crappy karaoke?" Kim asked him. Scott snickered. "That sounds perfect! I'm not a good singer, but karaoke's about sounding crappy together right." Kim smiled. "It is." She jabbed his shoulder, and the two of them walked together to Sneaky Dees. He'll take any distraction he can get, anything to ward his mind from that painful memory of Ramona, even if it's something this dumb, as long as it's effective then that's fine by him.
Once they had set foot inside, they walked up to the newly installed karaoke machine, and sang, about as badly as an average bar singer cover band, which was kind of the point. They were laughing up a storm with how bad their singing voices were, Scott being the worst singer of the two no doubt, but it was fun and a nice distraction to liven things up. While they were having this stroll down memory lane revisiting the past, they ended up also making a new memory to look back on with their mediocre karaoke renditions of random 80s and 90s songs that were extremely subpar, it was kind of lame, but neither seemed to mind too much because it was such a fun time. Scott has found the woman he needs, and she's been there this entire time, he couldn't see it at first but now he does. They're glad to have one another and wouldn't have it any other way.