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*Credits to Mr_tired_is_tired (unintetional_rizzler) for the original fic*
The TV girl found a body to possess AU
One Friday night, a family sat down together for dinner. Mr. Marino was leaning, back arched over the table, a penny tucked between his fingers as he lightly scratched the lottery ticket on the table. “Darling, that's enough, the lottery can wait!” Mrs. Marino in a heavy Italian accent, huffed whilst placing a platter of penne out in front of him. “Ma tesoro, possiamo diventare ricchi!” He explained, fuelled with dreams of castles and beaches that were silenced once she stuffed a spoonful of penne into his mouth and confiscated both coin and wishes. “Ah-ah-ah! No, è ora di cena!” Mr. Marino sighed, slumped on his chair and watched his dear discard his possessions into a drawer where it would be out of sight and out of mind…until he'd fish it back out later that evening.
“Figlio mio, com'è andata la giornata?” Mrs. Marino asked, taking her seat beside the portly man she married at the head of the table. At the other end of the table, Angelo was lost in his own train of thought, a train filled with his dear tesoro as the passengers. “Angelo?” He could hear her lovely chirpy voice now, as she leans in closer and closer until- “Angelo!” Her voice distorts into a more commanding and mature tone akin to his mother…wait. “S-si, si mama?” “I was going to ask y- Ohh? Angelo, what's with that smile on your face?” Mrs. Marino with a wide grin, points at his face, bringing attention to the goofy smirk on his face and the blush that had formed in the midst of his fantasies. Almost immediately, he tucked his face into his palms as he turned a shade similar to the pasta he's having. “So, tell me, who's been making my boy smile like that? Was it a girl? Did my boy fall in love?” She teased, leaning her head on her hand in curiosity, his father on the other hand spat his tea back into his drink. Shoot, she caught him! He might as well come clean “Si, mama I've fallen in love with a woman.” “Oh, Tell me more…” “She's an arcanist, weird but clever and she's so ho- Ah!” He stops himself from gushing over every single detail to his own mother, who's giggling at his reaction, reminding her of her youth. “-And she feels the same way about me too…” “Well, I'd like to -me and your father would like to meet this girl. Oh! Maybe you could introduce us to your girlfriend this weekend?” She suggests, intrigued and eager to see for herself, this mysterious girl who's left her boy so smitten.
…
“Hold on, so you finally told your parents we're dating and now your mom and dad want to meet me for dinner?” Angelo simply nodded at the girl in the frame “Mom caught me smiling and wouldn't stop prying.” “They were bound to know someday, you can't exactly keep all this a secret, y’know.” TTT pressed her hand up to the screen, matching up with Angelo's that were already there as if trying to feel his warmth on the other side. Before things could get intimate, she pulled back, remembering the elephant in the room that had to be dealt with first. “One problem, I can't just appear in your living room like this without them literally fainting on the spot!”
“Well yeah, but if you're in your physical body…”
“Uh, don't you remember the time we got ambushed by a carbuncle? It tore off my arms!” TTT waves both of her ‘hands’ in front of him, sending shivers down his spine. Why on earth did Pierre insist on adding so much blood to her? However disturbing his concept was, he did have to give him credit… After all, he helped them reunite in the real world.
“Ok, so here's the plan; you can go pick up your body from Titor and Pierre once they're done with the repairs, sneak back home while they're working. Then, on the day my parents expect to meet you, jump out the window and ring the doorbell. We'll go from there, you got that, TTT?”
“Mhm! Take my body back, go home and sneak out of the house to ring the doorbell, is that right?” Angelo gave her a thumbs-up, her ability to process information with ease constantly amazed him, it's no wonder she could recall so many secrets over the years. “-I have to ask, why do I need to bring my body in here before dinner? Care to explain, dear?” She tilted her head, curiously “You got me there, mi tesoro…” He sighed, admittedly, he did have some hidden agenda but alas, it was no good keeping secrets from someone who finds pleasure in exactly that.
He continued, his voice grew low and his accent slightly more prominent “I know it's only been a few days since our last date, amor mio but I already miss you and I want to hold you in my arms once more.” Realizing what he said, he turned red and stammered “O-of course, if you'd be okay with that?” His efforts still paid off, earning a blush from his lover on the screen. “I don't mind at all! Especially if it's with you.” She said whilst looking away and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. How cute he thought, catching a glimpse at the time, ‘2:30 AM’ “Well, it's late, we'll talk some more tomorrow, TTT!” Angelo yawned, getting up from his chair and tucking himself in for the night.“Good night, my Michaelangelo…” she whispered lovingly with a new pet name she came up with for her beloved, “Sweet dreams, cuore mio~” He answered with the same loving tune. She had assumed he was already fast asleep and his sudden voice made her force the monitor off in a panic, now probably squealing in embarrassment somewhere in the Global Village.
And so, the young couple set their plan in motion…
…
Today was the day…
It was Saturday, the 8th of December 1990 to be exact, according to the Calendar hung up on his bedroom wall. Angelo laid motionless, failing to hear the ruckus at the front door, the rapping at the window and a familiar but muffled voice outside then…silence. It only took the sudden buzz of the monitor to stir the young man from his slumber. “...-gelo? Wakey wakey!” His eyes blinked open as he sat up and rubbed the mop of hair on his head. “Ah, good morning~ I've been trying to reach you for the last 15 minutes!” “Mhmm, ‘morning TTT, did you get your body yet?” He mumbled, his voice still woozy. “Yup! It's here but…I need you to check your window real quick.” She nodded and shut off the monitor. He looked over, not expecting that the love of his life would appear before him on the other side covered in snow. She waved at him, Angelo swiftly unlatched and lifted the glass separating them, TTT promptly crawled inside and tumbled on top of him. “H-how long were you out there!? Are you okay?” Angelo worried “It was only 10 minutes or so, but I'm alright!” She shivered. “10 minutes and you didn't wake me up?!” “I was gonna wake you up but…did you know you look pretty cute when you sleep?” She teased, eliciting a tinge of red on her boyfriend's face.
“Amor mio, you're wearing a skirt.”
“Well, yeah what about it?”
“It's snowing, are you really sure you're alright?”
“...Okay, you caught me, I admit I am a bit cold.”
“Oh, you…” he sighed, getting up and grabbing some towels and one of his oversized flannels from the closet. “You're all wet now, here, you can change into this and I'll take those into the dryer.” he explained, handing her the shirt two sizes too big, big enough that it could pass as a dress as he rubbed the snow off her hair with towel in hand. *Ahem* “I'll go change then, thank you, dear.” TTT said as she got up off the floor and charged into the bathroom.
…
After approximately 5 minutes, he waited patiently by the door when a sight for sore eyes dressed in socks and in his oversized green flannel walked out to meet his gaze. Angelo couldn't help but eye her head-to-toe ‘oh wow’ he mumbled “I-I'll take those off your hands!” He stammered, realizing he caught himself staring for too long. After tossing both a drenched skirt and blazer into the dryer, he came back to find his beloved TTT sat on his bed, showing interest in his small collection of video games in the corner. Street Fighter, The Legend of Zelda, and various but less known franchises were within the stack. “Hmm, I didn't take you as someone who'd be interested in this kind of stuff.” Angelo teased, taking a seat next to her. TTT huffed “Well, of course I would! Here, why don't you grab that controller and let's play some Street Fighter!” “Sure, but what do I get if it just so happens I kick your butt at this game?” “Remember that time at the shooting range? Same terms as before, winner gets a kiss, deal?” Angelo lets out a chuckle “Deal, but I'll be taking all those kisses, here, take this controller or… will you do what I think you're gonna do?” She nods and gives him a wink before her physical form goes limp and her digital form appears onscreen with her usual outfit, manipulating the character like a puppet on a string. One round, two rounds, three… Angelo was a fool “H-how?” he gasped in awe. “You should give what they wrote in the forums a read, you can learn a thing or two.” explained TTT, now back in the physical world, her eyes suddenly lit up “Now, how ‘bout my reward?” She said playfully as she closed her eyes and leaned in expectantly.
Angelo sighed, these types of stakes weren't too high, it's still a win-win situation for both of them but he rather it be the other way round. A sly grin grew on his face, maybe he can still get something more out if this… “Very well, cuore mio~” He hummed, wrapping an arm around her waist and taking her chin in his hand and kissed her on the forehead. His antics earned a frustrated groan from the brunette, he kissed her again on her cheek and this time she complained “Ugh, c'mon Angelo! Right on the lips!” He had a better idea, he nuzzled his face into her neck and planted a longer, more intimate kiss. A squeak came out of TTT, a victor turned blushing disaster. She had not expected him to be so forward but her expectations were once again subverted once he blew raspberries against her neck, sending her into fits of laughter and the both of them collapsing onto the bed. “Aha S-stop! Ahahaha it tickles!” she giggled with tears in her eyes as Angelo ran his fingers down her sides. Feeling as though she's been tortured enough, he leaned in and gave her the reward she's rightfully won; a passion-fuelled kiss on the lips.
He swaddled her together with him in his bedsheet. Her scent was fruity, citrusy even, like vetiver. Together they laid amidst the comfortable silence, his face nuzzled into her chest, counting the freckles in places that she usually kept more covered. “Care to hear a secret?” TTT said while running her fingers through his medium dark hair. “Mhm…what is it, TTT?” “I love you, Angelo.” “Ah, but tesoro, you've already shared this secret with me before…” “-then, I'll share it with you once more…”
“If that's the case, can I tell you a secret too? My secret?” He whispered in her ear
“Of course, you can tell me anything!”
“I love you too, amore mio~” Angelo cooed. The lovers must've laid beside the other for some time, until one after the other they fell into peaceful slumber.
…
bzzt
Bzzt
BZZZT *click*
“AH!” Angelo shot up “What time is it, TTT?” He asked the girl beside him but felt nothing but sheets. “TTT?” His heart sank, not again! “7:30!” A shout came from the other side of the room, it was TTT who was adjusting her ribbon and checking her teeth in the mirror. A sigh of relief came out of him, he rose and hugged her from behind. “Good evening, you~ How do I look?”
“You look as breathtaking as the day I met you, cuore mio~” He yawned and smiled at her. “Thank you, and you look as handsome as the day I met you. Hmm, though your hair is a bit longer nowadays…can I tie it for you?” She beamed at the thought of getting to mess with the mop on his head. “Usually I'd say no but since it's you, go ahead but don't make it too ‘girly’.” TTT laughs nervously, shoving an assortment of colorful hair clips back into her pocket “What? Pfft- no, what makes you say that? Don't worry I'll make you look incredible!” Angelo definitely saw that. He sat in front of the mirror as the fate of his hair was now being decided by the digital girl behind him. He closed his eyes, admittedly, the feeling of her hands in his hair was very pleasant to him. Soon, her hands were no longer on his head and he could feel the air blown around his neck. It seems she had opted for a simple ponytail but it did uncover and bring more attention to the earring he wore. “Hmm, not bad.” He turned his head side to side, a small smile on his face grew as he inspected her handiwork. “So, you like it?” Angelo nodded to which TTT smiled, feeling satisfied at her lover's reaction. “Ah Shoot!” She shot up realizing the time, dinner should be at 8 and it's now 7:50. She grabbed the red blazer hanging from the back of an office chair, swiftly buttoning it up and began to climb up to the windowsill before being stopped by a worried Angelo. “Wait! TTT! You can't go out wearing that! Here, I'll let you borrow these.” He handed her a pair of mittens, which she gratefully accepted, draped a thick coat over her shoulders and wrapped a warm scarf around her neck with care. “I know your body is mostly mechanical, I just don't want you to freeze out there. -And because my parents will get worried sick if you show up wearing thin clothes.” “Thank you, Angelo!” “-One more thing” *chu* “Take care.” TTT blushed, and sent him a playful salute as she climbed over the wall and out the window.
Ding dong
Shortly, footsteps could be heard shuffling to the door “Deve essere lei!” one whispered excitedly at the other. Angelo had freshened himself up for the occasion, fashioning the suit his uncle Carlo bought for him. He appeared behind his parents, who then turned and gawked at how clean and tidy their son was. “My boy, you look like a prince! I never thought your uncle would have an exquisite taste in fashion!” Mrs. Marino squealed with delight. “Ah, un momento, let me fix your tie” “Mama, it's okay! I'll get the door now.” Upon turning the knob and allowing the cold air to invade the home, they were met with the sight of the brunette reciting something to the wall. “Oh! Hello, good evening Mr. and Mrs. Marino!” She jumped and blushed at the sight of an audience, witnesses to her attempts at a great impression. Angelo cleared his throat, averting the uncomfortable gazes from her to him *Ahem* “Mama, Papa, this is my girlfriend!”
“What?” Angelo questioned, Mr. Marino smirked at him, “I have to say, my boy, you caught yourself a looker.” He chuckled “Papa!” Angelo groaned bashfully. “Come inside, darling! You shouldn't stay out here for too long, let's talk over dinner!” Mrs. Marino invited TTT into the warm confines of the family home, and the boys followed them into the dining room. The table was already set with his mother's signature dish in the center. All that's left were the hosts, the guest and conversation. “I don't think I've ever caught your name.” The older woman sat cross-legged next to her “I'm TTT.” Mrs. Marino gave her a smile but immediately had to take a double take on such an absurd name “What's wrong? Is there something on my face?” TTT could sense her gaze to which Mrs. Marino shook her head “Mi scusi, I must've misheard! Could you say that again?” “Oh, I see, I'll start over then; *Ahem* You can call me TTT, that's what most people call me! …But if that's not to your liking, Polly also works too.” the woman in front of her smiled in understanding. “TTT it is then!”
*Munch* “Mhmm this tastes incredible, Mrs. Marino!” “Oh! Well that's a relief! I didn't know what dietary restrictions you had, Angelo barely gives me any clues!” She gritted her teeth and nudged him. *Sigh* Time to change the subject “...Sooo, Miss TTT, how did you get the pleasure of meeting my boy?” She inquired,
“We met at a multimedia class in school three years ago, he seemed like a really intriguing guy so we talked for hours ...and because he didn’t run away.” TTT explained but muttered the last part to herself.
“I see, say, you look quite young and lively for a girl who's in college…What's your secret?” She blushed “Thank you! But wait, College? It's not really a secret considering I'm just 18!” Oh no… Angelo dreaded as his mother turned to glare daggers at him “18? And you two met three years ago, so 15 and 18… Santa Maria! ANGELO!” Mrs. Marino calculated her thoughts out loud and was met with a horrifying realization “Have you been skipping college to flirt with high school girls?!” “No! Mama it's not like that!” Angelo stumbled on his own words in horror “Angelo, Quante volte devo dirti di non essere come tuo padre? Explain.” He looked over at a concerned TTT, mouthing a sincere ‘sorry’ to him.
“Miele! La TV è di nuovo rotta!” A shout came from the living room, putting a whole world of pain on hold for the couple. well, in TTT’s case, awkwardly sitting in the middle of a war zone between mother and son. That'd usually be slightly intriguing to her if she wasn't already worried sick and feeling guilty for putting him through this.
“Dimenticalo! Domani possiamo chiamare il riparatore!” She huffed “What am I to do? My guy can't stop thinking about that lottery!” Her husband's antics had taken her mind off of the task at hand, but Angelo knows full well that it's not over with her. “Ay sorry, where were we?” Mrs. Marino turned her gaze back towards their guest “TTT? Where'd your girlfriend go, Angelo?” She followed his gaze and found her standing over Mr. Marino who was smacking the outdated TV as if some miracle would come out of such abuse. “Do you need some help with that?” Mr. Marino spun and flinched when the unexpected appearance of his son's girlfriend approached him. “Nono, it's fine! Enjoy your meal!” He waved his hand and went back to smacking to no avail. “Hey, smacking it won't work!” “Actually, come here, I bet you kids can figure this out..” He sighed and rose to his feet, dejected.
The arcanist first peeked behind the router, it looked fine, at least it looked fine to her. If she was inside she was sure it wouldn't hurt and yet the screen only reflected back her reflection and Mr. Marino with his hands behind his head on the couch. “Ah, the problem is inside!” TTT’s bright eyes gleamed, she knew she promised Angelo that she wouldn't immediately freak his parents out, but no human technicians would ever realize that there were a few bugs -or should we say digital critters nested inside of a Global Village. And thus, she pressed her soft hands up against the familiar coolness of the glass, willing whatever exactly her arcane skill is to return back to her home and prison for the past however-many years, she wouldn't know nor does she remember.
…
She felt herself fall face flat onto some sand, the binary sea rising and falling as she picked herself up. She looked back where she came and her bottom half was still inside of Angelo's TV, scaring the hell out of the Marinos. She ought to take her legs with her too for their sake. Looking around, she spots the perpetrators munching on the cables of this abandoned CRT left on the beach, reflecting the real world in its flashing screens. “Hey! Stop that! That isn't food!” TTT waves her arms erratically in their direction as an attempt to shoo them away but this has the opposite effect. The bugs and viruses hiss and bare their pixelated teeth at her, one even lunged but missed her by the forelock. She backs away swiftly, making space for a charged beam. She brings her middle and index to the side of her head and aims straight for them in one swift motion, erasing the big one in one precise zap. The rest of them scurry away into the dark and thus the TV worked as intended once again. She crawls back to reality, where Angelo is serving cold napkins to his parents, her reappearance only makes them feel even more faint. “Ah…sorry!” TTT apologizes while looking away from his glare. Sigh “Mama, Papa, let's have some tea…” The two Marinos collectively nod and scoot closer to the coffee table with a curious and slightly frightened gaze at this eccentric arcanist and the whole “Multimedia Classroom Encounter” making much more sense. Long story short, Angelo was most definitely grounded for his unsolicited adventure in Italy that one time. Though, the two did finish dinner and made it out with a late night date.