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[America Mew Mew] Episode Thirty Three
I've no idea if this actually moves the plot, but I promise that I've plotted out the rest of the series (I know, a first for me! I never plot) and well? We've got 'til episode 36 or 37, and then their stories will officially be over.
Title: Episode 33: We're Breaking Up?! Miles and Jishou Bond
Fandom: Tokyo Mew Mew (but so very AU)
Summary: ... For once, exactly what it says on the title. Sorrel and Garner (the imposter) break up, while Miles tries to get over the fact he's half-alien.
Claimer: While this is based off Tokyo Mew Mew, most of this story from here on out is mine, okay? D: I'd appreciate it if I didn't see this story anywhere else.
This was undoubtedly the weirdest thing she'd ever seen in her life. Swinging her arms nervously, Sorrel could feel the sweat dripping down her face as she watched the two Garners stare each other down. Well, this certainly explained the rough feelings she'd had as she watched her former crush walk into the band room. She had been dating someone else named Garner de Leurre.
(What were the odds? Sorrel knew that the short-haired Garner was definitely an imposter, but. Just seeing the two across the room from each other was an eerie experience she didn't wish to relive.)
The short-haired Garner eyed his new counterpart nervously as he leaned against the nearest wall. "So this is the Garner de Leurre I've been hearing about."
Long-haired Garner managed a smile, "Oh yeah. ... You know, before now, I didn't believe in the whole doppelganger thing. What's your name?"
"Oh, his name is---"
"Reese," Short-haired Garner interrupted Sorrel with a casual smile. "Reese Siena. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Long-haired Garner bridged the gap between them as he extended his hand. "Garner de Leurre. Pleasure's all mine, I'm afraid."
... He lied about his name. She grimly stared at her supposed boyfriend now, watching as he nervously fiddled with his watch before shaking hands. They seriously looked like twins - and now the short-haired Garner had another fake name?
"Sorrel," The long-haired Garner smiled. "I hope I'll be meeting you and your boyfriend after practice."
"Oh, sure," Sorrel immediately, nervously replied. "Just tell the band I don't think I'll be able to practice, 'kay? Reese and I have some plans."
Laughing, the long-haired Garner nodded, "Easily. I'll take vocals over for you today."
He opened the door and waved at them both. Glancing at them both wistfully, he laughed, "Are you sure we're not related, Reese? Because we totally could pass for twins."
Reese nodded, "I'm sure. But I'll ask my parents anyways."
"Sounds good to me," Garner nodded. He finally turned to leave, letting the door gently close behind him. Sorrel immediately turned to face the short-haired Garner. Crossing her arms, she narrowed her eyes to barely-visible slits as she growled, "You lied to me."
Short-haired Garner put both of his hands in front of him as he nervously laughed, "Lied about what?"
"Don't play dumb," Sorrel sternly marched towards him. As expected, short-haired Garner kept slinking back towards the door as she kept marching (more like stomping now) towards him. With each step... came another and another.
Finally, Sorrel and Garner were outside the building and under the seculded shade of a nearby parking garage. Sorrel stared him down as she spat, "You were never Garner. Why'd you lie to me?"
There was a brief moment of silence. Sorrel could hear the wind breezing past them as Garner stared up at the sky; his arms wavered as he started, "Because I had to. I never expected him to come back."
"So you expected me to be putty in your arms," Sorrel growled.
"No," Garner raised an eyebrow. "I never expected to have a relationship this close."
He sat down, curling his legs under him as he closed his eyes. "And if I'd had it my way, we would've broken up a long time ago."
She didn't respond. Opening her mouth, Sorrel started, "But--" and then lapsed into silence as she furrowed her eyebrows. He wanted to break up with her first? If he was intending to use her, then he surely would've milked it for all that it was worth.
But it didn't seem like he was using her.
"Garner--- Reese---- whatever your name is," Sorrel sighed as she sat down nearby him. "Why?"
He sideways glanced over at her, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you the whole truth."
She opened her mouth again, tilting her head to the side... Garner immediately silenced her with a soft chuckle.
"No, I'm not a drug dealer," He responded. "I've better things to do with my time."
She shook her head. "That wasn't what I wanted to say. I just want to know why you'd lie about your name to me. Am I really that stupid to you?"
He opened his eyes fully as he lay down on the grass. Staring up at the swaying leaves, Garner sighed. "It's... a little complicated. Suffice it to say I'd tell you everything if I didn't think you'd end up hating me in the end."
"I don't hate you."
"Not now, you don't," Garner bitterly answered. "But when you hear the truth, how're you gonna respond?"
"Do you really think that little of me," She lay down beside him, closing her eyes. "I just want to know why you had to lie about your real name to me. About... anything else, since I'm starting to doubt that that's what you really look like."
He raised his arm and stared tracing patterns with his index finger. "Names, looks... since when did those matter to you so much? Wasn't it you who said it's what on the inside that counts?"
"Of course," Sorrel turned her head sideways to look at him, "But... It hurts to be lied to. I don't even know what I should call you anymore."
"I really screwed up this time, huh?"
"You're asking me?" Sorrel had to laugh bitterly. "Yeah, you screwed up. I can't date someone who keeps lying to me. I... can't really trust him anymore if he even lied about his name and looks to get a date with me."
She paused for a moment, then slowly rose from her spot as she knelt beside him. Kissing his cheek, she murmured, "But that doesn't mean I don't love him."
He froze; she could sense the muscles in him tensing too. He slightly rose, opening his eyes as he looked over at her. "You still love me? Even though... I lied to you about my name and the way I look?"
"You might have a good or stupid reason for it," She whispered, letting her head lean on his shoulder. "And I hate myself for still loving you. But..."
"But?"
"I... can't date someone I can't trust." She slowly admitted, looking away so her beet-red face would be completely hidden from him, "But I can't see any other way this would end. I'm sorry... Garner, Reese... whatever your real name is. Maybe we'll meet again - and you can win me over as your real self."
He silenced her with his finger as he bridged the gap between them. "... So we're breaking up? For real?"
"Sorrel dating this imposter Garner de Leurre is over," She said, taking her head off his shoulder. "Win me over as your real self, okay? I'll be looking forward to it."
He pressed his lips together, "...Fine. But Can I at least have a good-bye kiss for luck?"
She blushed, "Sure?"
They leaned closer, their lips meeting one final time before they reluctantly parted. Sorrel fully stood up, brushing the grass off her back as she gave her now ex-boyfriend one final smile before she departed. Garner sat there in shock for a few minutes, watching her leave with an almost bittersweet smile.
"I guess... this really is the end."
+
He couldn't look at the computer, at the boys... at anyone anymore. They could verify the truth about him: Miles Ciro Alesci is half-alien.
Taking a deep breath, he curled in a ball far away from the harsh lighting of the basement. He gasped for air, ignoring the drops of water falling down his cheeks. No one spoke. Most of the mew mews had long left the room.
He had smiled and laughed falsely, saying, "Go on. I know you have a dinner you're looking forward to!"
And one by one, they had all reluctantly left the room. Even Roy and Ryou had bought it - or they were just giving him time to sulk. Either way, he was alone now.
"Stupid Mew Project," Miles snarled, placing his forehead squarely on his knees. "If it'd never started, then I would've never known."
"Is that really something to be so upset about?"
Miles froze. Who else was in the room? He didn't dare look up, but... it didn't sound like anyone else. The voice was too deep to be Ryou or Roy, and yet... it sounded very much like them. Miles looked up at the wall and bit his lip firmly.
The voice said again as he knelt beside Miles, "You've been crying for nearly an hour now. I don't think that's puberty talking."
Miles looked sideways at the man. Judging from the twinkle in his eyes and the deep brown hair... he was probably Shuugo's father (and by extension, Ryou too). "Why're you here?"
"Miles," The man leaned in to hug him from behind. "I don't know what nonsense the boys told you, but it was probably for the best."
"No, it wasn't," Miles spat back. His eyes widened as his shoulders tensed. Immediately, he whispered, "... I'm sorry, Dr. Shirogane. I'm a little... on edge, it seems."
"Now that was puberty talking," Jishou laughed. "I know that's a lot to bear, but the boys mean well. Ryou's just very blunt and open... I don't know what he would've done without Roy."
Was this supposed to cheer him up? Miles stared at the wall, relaxing a little as he let the Professor ramble on about his sons. No wonder his father and the Professor'd never gotten along! They had such wildly different personalities; they must've clashed a couple of times.
"Professor," Miles sighed, sure he was stil sobbing. "They told me I was half-alien."
Jishou blinked. "Half-alien?"
"Yes," Miles watched his tears fall onto the floor. "Dad lied to me about my real mom. Her name was Alina, and she was an alien."
"My boy," Jishou ruffles his hair. "Alina was a wonderful woman. You should be proud to be her son."
"You're not denying that she wasn't human."
"That's because I know," Jishou softly smiled. "They called her race the Radiant in our language. Her name was a dessert too, I believe... we thought she was saying Alina, but her name was Galani."
Miles laughed. "How do you mistake Galani for Alina?"
"We're absent-minded professors," Jishou gave the boy a wide grin. "You say one thing, we'll hear a completely different name."
Well. That certainly explained a lot. Miles couldn't help unfurling out of his ball as he turned to face the professor more closely. "So... even if I'm not completely human, I'm still me?"
"Why wouldn't you be," Jishou beamed. "Miles is Miles, no matter who his parents are, right?"
Both Miles and Jishou jumped as they heard a sudden bang from the door. Jishou gently wiped the tears from his friend's son's face as he muttered, "You know, you're not the only one suffering. It seems... I've hurt my children more than I realized."
Miles blinked, "How come you didn't tell him, Professor? You should spend more time with Ryou and Shuugo. They... miss you."
"I know," Jishou's lips curled into a frown. "I was stupid. Maybe once the Mew Project ends... we'll spend more time together."
"Professor? The door's fine."
Miles jumped. Staring at a tall, Japanese man, Miles watched as the man knelt down beside Jishou and whispered something into the Professor's ear. Who was he? Miles was pretty sure he'd seen the long ponytail in a couple of photographs before... Mmm.
"This is Keiichiro," Jishou introduced with a smile once Keiichiro had finished whispering. "He's my lab assistant... he was also your father's when we were working on the Mew Project."
"Pleased to meet you, Keiichiro," Miles smiled slightly, sure he was still crying.
Keiichiro returned the smile, "I'll bring you some red velvet cake later, okay? I heard from your girlfriend that it was your favorite."
Miles couldn't help laughing. "Wow... thanks. I guess it'd be pretty cool."
"Definitely cool," Jishou pointed out as he ruffled Miles's hair. "Keii's desserts are the best."
Keiichiro put a hand to his cheek, "Thanks, Professor. Shall we be going? Everyone's waiting for us."
"They... waited for me," Miles questioned as he slowly rose from the ground. "Me?"
Jishou nodded, taking Miles's hand. The two started walking to the door; as they opened the door and walked up the long staircase, Jishou commented, "Of course they'd wait for you. You're their friend... and they were terribly worried about you."
Miles blushed, "I should really thank them later---"
He immediately put his hands over his temples. There was some weird ringing sound in his ears. That couldn't be normal. Just focus on his friends... Mimi... think of the way she smells after soccer practice or while they're eating gelato... He closed his eyes.
Jishou stared, "Miles? You okay?"
"Y-yeah," Miles said weakly, still rubbing his temples as he forces a smile. "I'm fine. Let's go to dinner, okay? They're waiting for me."
As I am waiting for you.
Miles's eyes widened, but he said nothing as the three left the room and walked into the flower shop. Shuugo immediately greeted him with a high-five as Ryou and Roy watched with grins nearby. Letting go of Jishou's hand, Miles gave Shuu a high-five and let Ryou and Shuu take their father's hands.
Ryou and Shuu stared at Miles confusedly, but Miles grinned, "Come on. Let's go to dinner, okay? I'm sure we worried the girls enough as it is."
Roy laughed as Ryou confusedly remarked, "What happened to him?"
Turning to his father, Ryou glared, "Please tell me you didn't give him kindness steroids. Or whatever drugs you might secretly be on."
Jishou snickered, "Kindness steroids. That's a new one."
Shuu's face softened, "Nah. Dad's just special like that."
Miles and Keiichiro exchanged knowing glances as they all walked out. Roy tapped Miles on the shoulder as they continued the trek to Jishou's car. "Hey. If you're not all there, let me know, okay?"
"Yeah, sure," Miles absently replied as he rubbed his temples again. "We'll... cross that bridge when we get there."
Roy frowned, but he didn't say anything as they all piled into the car. "Yeah," He murmured to himself. "But I think that bridge left us a long time ago."
Title: Episode 33: We're Breaking Up?! Miles and Jishou Bond
Fandom: Tokyo Mew Mew (but so very AU)
Summary: ... For once, exactly what it says on the title. Sorrel and Garner (the imposter) break up, while Miles tries to get over the fact he's half-alien.
Claimer: While this is based off Tokyo Mew Mew, most of this story from here on out is mine, okay? D: I'd appreciate it if I didn't see this story anywhere else.
This was undoubtedly the weirdest thing she'd ever seen in her life. Swinging her arms nervously, Sorrel could feel the sweat dripping down her face as she watched the two Garners stare each other down. Well, this certainly explained the rough feelings she'd had as she watched her former crush walk into the band room. She had been dating someone else named Garner de Leurre.
(What were the odds? Sorrel knew that the short-haired Garner was definitely an imposter, but. Just seeing the two across the room from each other was an eerie experience she didn't wish to relive.)
The short-haired Garner eyed his new counterpart nervously as he leaned against the nearest wall. "So this is the Garner de Leurre I've been hearing about."
Long-haired Garner managed a smile, "Oh yeah. ... You know, before now, I didn't believe in the whole doppelganger thing. What's your name?"
"Oh, his name is---"
"Reese," Short-haired Garner interrupted Sorrel with a casual smile. "Reese Siena. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Long-haired Garner bridged the gap between them as he extended his hand. "Garner de Leurre. Pleasure's all mine, I'm afraid."
... He lied about his name. She grimly stared at her supposed boyfriend now, watching as he nervously fiddled with his watch before shaking hands. They seriously looked like twins - and now the short-haired Garner had another fake name?
"Sorrel," The long-haired Garner smiled. "I hope I'll be meeting you and your boyfriend after practice."
"Oh, sure," Sorrel immediately, nervously replied. "Just tell the band I don't think I'll be able to practice, 'kay? Reese and I have some plans."
Laughing, the long-haired Garner nodded, "Easily. I'll take vocals over for you today."
He opened the door and waved at them both. Glancing at them both wistfully, he laughed, "Are you sure we're not related, Reese? Because we totally could pass for twins."
Reese nodded, "I'm sure. But I'll ask my parents anyways."
"Sounds good to me," Garner nodded. He finally turned to leave, letting the door gently close behind him. Sorrel immediately turned to face the short-haired Garner. Crossing her arms, she narrowed her eyes to barely-visible slits as she growled, "You lied to me."
Short-haired Garner put both of his hands in front of him as he nervously laughed, "Lied about what?"
"Don't play dumb," Sorrel sternly marched towards him. As expected, short-haired Garner kept slinking back towards the door as she kept marching (more like stomping now) towards him. With each step... came another and another.
Finally, Sorrel and Garner were outside the building and under the seculded shade of a nearby parking garage. Sorrel stared him down as she spat, "You were never Garner. Why'd you lie to me?"
There was a brief moment of silence. Sorrel could hear the wind breezing past them as Garner stared up at the sky; his arms wavered as he started, "Because I had to. I never expected him to come back."
"So you expected me to be putty in your arms," Sorrel growled.
"No," Garner raised an eyebrow. "I never expected to have a relationship this close."
He sat down, curling his legs under him as he closed his eyes. "And if I'd had it my way, we would've broken up a long time ago."
She didn't respond. Opening her mouth, Sorrel started, "But--" and then lapsed into silence as she furrowed her eyebrows. He wanted to break up with her first? If he was intending to use her, then he surely would've milked it for all that it was worth.
But it didn't seem like he was using her.
"Garner--- Reese---- whatever your name is," Sorrel sighed as she sat down nearby him. "Why?"
He sideways glanced over at her, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you the whole truth."
She opened her mouth again, tilting her head to the side... Garner immediately silenced her with a soft chuckle.
"No, I'm not a drug dealer," He responded. "I've better things to do with my time."
She shook her head. "That wasn't what I wanted to say. I just want to know why you'd lie about your name to me. Am I really that stupid to you?"
He opened his eyes fully as he lay down on the grass. Staring up at the swaying leaves, Garner sighed. "It's... a little complicated. Suffice it to say I'd tell you everything if I didn't think you'd end up hating me in the end."
"I don't hate you."
"Not now, you don't," Garner bitterly answered. "But when you hear the truth, how're you gonna respond?"
"Do you really think that little of me," She lay down beside him, closing her eyes. "I just want to know why you had to lie about your real name to me. About... anything else, since I'm starting to doubt that that's what you really look like."
He raised his arm and stared tracing patterns with his index finger. "Names, looks... since when did those matter to you so much? Wasn't it you who said it's what on the inside that counts?"
"Of course," Sorrel turned her head sideways to look at him, "But... It hurts to be lied to. I don't even know what I should call you anymore."
"I really screwed up this time, huh?"
"You're asking me?" Sorrel had to laugh bitterly. "Yeah, you screwed up. I can't date someone who keeps lying to me. I... can't really trust him anymore if he even lied about his name and looks to get a date with me."
She paused for a moment, then slowly rose from her spot as she knelt beside him. Kissing his cheek, she murmured, "But that doesn't mean I don't love him."
He froze; she could sense the muscles in him tensing too. He slightly rose, opening his eyes as he looked over at her. "You still love me? Even though... I lied to you about my name and the way I look?"
"You might have a good or stupid reason for it," She whispered, letting her head lean on his shoulder. "And I hate myself for still loving you. But..."
"But?"
"I... can't date someone I can't trust." She slowly admitted, looking away so her beet-red face would be completely hidden from him, "But I can't see any other way this would end. I'm sorry... Garner, Reese... whatever your real name is. Maybe we'll meet again - and you can win me over as your real self."
He silenced her with his finger as he bridged the gap between them. "... So we're breaking up? For real?"
"Sorrel dating this imposter Garner de Leurre is over," She said, taking her head off his shoulder. "Win me over as your real self, okay? I'll be looking forward to it."
He pressed his lips together, "...Fine. But Can I at least have a good-bye kiss for luck?"
She blushed, "Sure?"
They leaned closer, their lips meeting one final time before they reluctantly parted. Sorrel fully stood up, brushing the grass off her back as she gave her now ex-boyfriend one final smile before she departed. Garner sat there in shock for a few minutes, watching her leave with an almost bittersweet smile.
"I guess... this really is the end."
He couldn't look at the computer, at the boys... at anyone anymore. They could verify the truth about him: Miles Ciro Alesci is half-alien.
Taking a deep breath, he curled in a ball far away from the harsh lighting of the basement. He gasped for air, ignoring the drops of water falling down his cheeks. No one spoke. Most of the mew mews had long left the room.
He had smiled and laughed falsely, saying, "Go on. I know you have a dinner you're looking forward to!"
And one by one, they had all reluctantly left the room. Even Roy and Ryou had bought it - or they were just giving him time to sulk. Either way, he was alone now.
"Stupid Mew Project," Miles snarled, placing his forehead squarely on his knees. "If it'd never started, then I would've never known."
"Is that really something to be so upset about?"
Miles froze. Who else was in the room? He didn't dare look up, but... it didn't sound like anyone else. The voice was too deep to be Ryou or Roy, and yet... it sounded very much like them. Miles looked up at the wall and bit his lip firmly.
The voice said again as he knelt beside Miles, "You've been crying for nearly an hour now. I don't think that's puberty talking."
Miles looked sideways at the man. Judging from the twinkle in his eyes and the deep brown hair... he was probably Shuugo's father (and by extension, Ryou too). "Why're you here?"
"Miles," The man leaned in to hug him from behind. "I don't know what nonsense the boys told you, but it was probably for the best."
"No, it wasn't," Miles spat back. His eyes widened as his shoulders tensed. Immediately, he whispered, "... I'm sorry, Dr. Shirogane. I'm a little... on edge, it seems."
"Now that was puberty talking," Jishou laughed. "I know that's a lot to bear, but the boys mean well. Ryou's just very blunt and open... I don't know what he would've done without Roy."
Was this supposed to cheer him up? Miles stared at the wall, relaxing a little as he let the Professor ramble on about his sons. No wonder his father and the Professor'd never gotten along! They had such wildly different personalities; they must've clashed a couple of times.
"Professor," Miles sighed, sure he was stil sobbing. "They told me I was half-alien."
Jishou blinked. "Half-alien?"
"Yes," Miles watched his tears fall onto the floor. "Dad lied to me about my real mom. Her name was Alina, and she was an alien."
"My boy," Jishou ruffles his hair. "Alina was a wonderful woman. You should be proud to be her son."
"You're not denying that she wasn't human."
"That's because I know," Jishou softly smiled. "They called her race the Radiant in our language. Her name was a dessert too, I believe... we thought she was saying Alina, but her name was Galani."
Miles laughed. "How do you mistake Galani for Alina?"
"We're absent-minded professors," Jishou gave the boy a wide grin. "You say one thing, we'll hear a completely different name."
Well. That certainly explained a lot. Miles couldn't help unfurling out of his ball as he turned to face the professor more closely. "So... even if I'm not completely human, I'm still me?"
"Why wouldn't you be," Jishou beamed. "Miles is Miles, no matter who his parents are, right?"
Both Miles and Jishou jumped as they heard a sudden bang from the door. Jishou gently wiped the tears from his friend's son's face as he muttered, "You know, you're not the only one suffering. It seems... I've hurt my children more than I realized."
Miles blinked, "How come you didn't tell him, Professor? You should spend more time with Ryou and Shuugo. They... miss you."
"I know," Jishou's lips curled into a frown. "I was stupid. Maybe once the Mew Project ends... we'll spend more time together."
"Professor? The door's fine."
Miles jumped. Staring at a tall, Japanese man, Miles watched as the man knelt down beside Jishou and whispered something into the Professor's ear. Who was he? Miles was pretty sure he'd seen the long ponytail in a couple of photographs before... Mmm.
"This is Keiichiro," Jishou introduced with a smile once Keiichiro had finished whispering. "He's my lab assistant... he was also your father's when we were working on the Mew Project."
"Pleased to meet you, Keiichiro," Miles smiled slightly, sure he was still crying.
Keiichiro returned the smile, "I'll bring you some red velvet cake later, okay? I heard from your girlfriend that it was your favorite."
Miles couldn't help laughing. "Wow... thanks. I guess it'd be pretty cool."
"Definitely cool," Jishou pointed out as he ruffled Miles's hair. "Keii's desserts are the best."
Keiichiro put a hand to his cheek, "Thanks, Professor. Shall we be going? Everyone's waiting for us."
"They... waited for me," Miles questioned as he slowly rose from the ground. "Me?"
Jishou nodded, taking Miles's hand. The two started walking to the door; as they opened the door and walked up the long staircase, Jishou commented, "Of course they'd wait for you. You're their friend... and they were terribly worried about you."
Miles blushed, "I should really thank them later---"
He immediately put his hands over his temples. There was some weird ringing sound in his ears. That couldn't be normal. Just focus on his friends... Mimi... think of the way she smells after soccer practice or while they're eating gelato... He closed his eyes.
Jishou stared, "Miles? You okay?"
"Y-yeah," Miles said weakly, still rubbing his temples as he forces a smile. "I'm fine. Let's go to dinner, okay? They're waiting for me."
As I am waiting for you.
Miles's eyes widened, but he said nothing as the three left the room and walked into the flower shop. Shuugo immediately greeted him with a high-five as Ryou and Roy watched with grins nearby. Letting go of Jishou's hand, Miles gave Shuu a high-five and let Ryou and Shuu take their father's hands.
Ryou and Shuu stared at Miles confusedly, but Miles grinned, "Come on. Let's go to dinner, okay? I'm sure we worried the girls enough as it is."
Roy laughed as Ryou confusedly remarked, "What happened to him?"
Turning to his father, Ryou glared, "Please tell me you didn't give him kindness steroids. Or whatever drugs you might secretly be on."
Jishou snickered, "Kindness steroids. That's a new one."
Shuu's face softened, "Nah. Dad's just special like that."
Miles and Keiichiro exchanged knowing glances as they all walked out. Roy tapped Miles on the shoulder as they continued the trek to Jishou's car. "Hey. If you're not all there, let me know, okay?"
"Yeah, sure," Miles absently replied as he rubbed his temples again. "We'll... cross that bridge when we get there."
Roy frowned, but he didn't say anything as they all piled into the car. "Yeah," He murmured to himself. "But I think that bridge left us a long time ago."