The Bird and The Fish

TBTF, Part 11: The Plan

(Casper's pov. The events in this part happens at the same time as Zahra's breakdown)

Arvid, Alouette, and I have been planning since sunrise. It's been tiring, but we have to make sure it's perfect. We've spent the day gathering supplies, going over the preparations, and making sure we have everything ready.

"Let's go over the plan one more time," I say, earning collective groans from the both of them. "Again? This is the seventeenth time we've gone over the damn plan," Arvid grumbles, clearly annoyed by the sheer amount of times we've done this. "We know what we're doing, alright? We don't need yet another "demonstration"," he adds, using air quotes for emphasis.

"I agree with Arvid," Alouette speaks up timidly, not wanting to set me off. "I understand you're worried and want to pass the time, but obsessing over the plan isn't going to do anything except make you worry even more."

I sigh at her words, knowing she's right. "I know, but I don't know what to do with myself - shut up, Arvid - besides this," I say, giving Arvid a pointed look as he tries to hide a snicker. "I just... I'm just paranoid that something happened to her."*

"We get you're worried, but you don't have to drag our asses into your paranoia," Arvid huffs, crossing his arms over his chest as he leans against the tent pillar. "You not making this easier with your constant bitterness and dick jokes, Arvid," I retort, slightly pissed off by his gruff attitude. "It's not my fault you have a poor choice in words."

"Boys, quit fighting," Alouette interjects, looking mildly annoyed by our bickering. "If either of you want my support in this, you're going to have to get along." "Fine," we say at the same time, glaring daggers at each other.

"Good," she says, sounding like a tired mother trying to get her children to stop fighting. "Now, I'm going to get something to eat. You dragged me out of bed before I could have my breakfast," she adds, walking out before either of us could protest.

Arvid continues to glare at me, waiting until Alouette is out of earshot before speaking up. "You pissed her off." "I did not!" I retort defensively, irritated that he's accusing me of making her upset. "You were the one who was pissy the moment you stepped foot in the tent!"

"Correction, I was pissy because you woke me up at sunrise to come "plan" with you," he grumbles, his eyes narrowing as he looks at me. "I was pissy way before I got to the tent." "Gods, you're insufferable," I mutter under my breath, just loud enough for him to hear me.

"That's rich coming from you," he replies, clearly still annoyed. "But, I'm not going to continue this petty argument with you. I'm hungry." And before I can get another word out, he leaves me alone in the tent.

"Asshole," I growl, taking a breath to calm myself down. I let out a heavy sigh as I sit down in a nearby chair, resting my elbows on the table infront of me. Don't let him get to you. We're all stressed about this going well.

I sit there for a few minutes before getting up and walking outside, my stomach rumbling at the smell of food being carried by the wind. I make my way toward the rations tent, my mouth already watering at just the thought of eating.

I get a tray of food, catching myself before I look around for where Zahra would be sitting. I'll find you, don't worry.

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*Creator: meanwhile your bestie girlypop is getting comforted by a fishy boi lol get rekt