she isn't how she seems - ii

3

LB PoV

I quietly crept through the underbrush, the sound of my glass scraping against the foliage would certainly alert anyone who was here. Just a walk to clear my mind, that's all. I feel like this is doing the opposite though, I hear a tree rustle. I know Taco's here. I walk into the very small clearing beneath the tree, looking up into the tree with a stern face. Its not like she'll be able to tell anyone if I do anything, they'll never believe her.

"Taco."

I say, with a voice no one would really expect from me, the "happy" and "cheerful" one. The "bright" one, if you will. A few seconds go by, and the forest is quiet. The only sound of her loud and unsteady breathing, and I see a tear fall to the ground. Is she scared of me? I speak in a softer voice, trying to lull her out.

"Taco.."

still no response.
I attempt to climb into the tree, accepting the full risk I might die, and not be revived until Mephone gets back from season 3, if he ever does. When I get on the first branch, I finally get a quiet response.

"...what do you want..."

"You ok, Taco..?"

I reply, peeking up at her. She looks terrible..

"...what does it look like?"

her tone is passive-aggressive, she refuses to be vulnerable around me. I climb up another branch, sitting on it. She's only a bit higher than me.

"..I do care about you, you know."

I say in a solemn tone. That made her perk up a bit, looking down at me with distrust. She doesn't say a word. Maybe this is turning out to be more than my usual walk. I sigh.

"Look, I-"

I pause, contemplating.

"..I want you to have a second chance."

Taco's gaze is now a glare, definitely not trusting me.

"So many people wish I was dead. Why would you be any different..."

She sounds so dejected, it's not at all a question, more of a statement. Without the usual smugness. Seems like being alone for this long has really taken a toll on her..

"Taco, you seem different. I feel you've changed.. for the better, and for worse.."

"Elaborate..?"

"You don't sound.. vengeful anymore. You just sound sad.."

She glances away from me solemnly, silent for a few seconds.

"..Can I admit something?"

"...sure?" I reply curiously.

"I was planning on trying to get you on my side, and now you're getting me on yours. Isn't that ironic..?"

I let out a small chuckle, leaning against the branch she's on, looking up at the sunlight peeking through the leaves.

"Yeah..."

I pause.

"So.. if I manage to convince OJ.. would you want to.. come live in the hotel with us?"

Her face lights up at the idea, she seems quite excited.

"Of course..! But I doubt that OJ will let me.."

"Trust me, I have.. a few ways of convincing him."

I chuckle at that last part, she does too, but some part about it sounds fake. Like she doesn't trust me fully.

She'd be right in that assumption, but she doesn't need to worry.

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