New in Town: Onceler x Reader

Chapter 2: Who's the Lorax?

Your POV:

"I'm glad I found you...?" I stare at him expectantly as he peers down at me.

"My name is The Once-ler, it's a pleasure to meet you...?" He raises his brow.

"Y/N."

-

After we talked some more, The Once-ler had offered to retrieve my stranded motorcycle which was a relief to hear. We were able to bring it back on his wagon, I'm surprised the poor mule was able to haul us and the heavy machine back. That tyrant overworks that frail creature. I'm going to let it slide this time since it benefits me. But next time I won't be so corrupt.

I steal a glance at him. He's absentmindedly humming a tune while throwing marshmallows onto the side of the road. I frown at his unusual behavior before breaking the silence.

"So how long have you been traveling alone?" I stare out at the beautiful scenery.

"I lost track of the days, ever since I moved out of my parents' house time has been a blur." He scratches his head as he says this.

"I can see that," I noticed how he talked to his mule and it does seem that he hasn't had human contact for some time. "It's not easy living on the road. I'm glad I found you, as soon as I get myself together I'll be back on my motorcycle. Are you planning on leaving too or are you going to stay in the forest?"

"If I can't make my invention here then I'll move but I'm more than positive that I have finally found what I've been looking for. What brought you here anyways?" He squints his eyes at me in suspicion. " A lone motorcycle-traveling woman isn't something I've heard of before."

"And a random dude traveling by wagon is very common I assume, especially with the invention of cars." I sharply respond.

"I didn't mean to offend you, I'm sorry." He fixes his fedora and I see the sincerity in his features.

"You're forgiven, commoner. Back to your question, I also happen to be an inventor given I haven't invented anything yet." I frown at my lack of inspiration. "I have sketches of what could be but I still can't create something tangible. I'm on the search for inspiration and once I find it, I hope to revolutionize the world with my gadget."

"Wow, that sounds like a great plan." There's no sarcasm or skepticism in his response. That's a first. Everybody I meet always calls me a dreamer. "I would love to show you what I've been working on. Maybe as a fellow inventor, you could give me your honest opinion?"

"As long as your invention doesn't harm others or yourself, I'm sure it's going to be alright." He had a pensive look on his face before responding.

"I don't see how it could be bad."

-

"Welcome to my home, sweet home. It's not much but it's what works. It keeps me dry-well mostly, I ended up in the river the other night." He locks the door behind us as I take a look around.

"I'm not sure if that's a joke, can I laugh?" I stare into his blue eyes and he smiles back.

"You can, I'm already over it. I've mostly taken care of the problem." He has a frown as he says this.

"Wait, so you ended up in the river? How?" When I was walking here I noticed how far away it was from the river, there's no way it could end up there on its own. "This place would have to be carried by a flood to end up there!"

"Not if you're The Lorax." He seems to be recalling a painful memory.

"Who's The Lorax?" Everyone here seems to have the word the in front of their name. How odd.