Crowned

Arc 3, Chapter 90: Consolation.

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The stars were beautiful... The way that they could be seen ever so clearly without the city lights around. It was so much easier to see them... The purples and blues... The way the stars slightly twinkled. Microphone was laid down, next to the fire. The leaves were much more comfortable than rocks and burnt wooden floors. Not being able to get to sleep, she glanced around at those who were still awake. Fanny, and Cake were definitely not asleep. Knife was still awake too, but seemed closed off and upset. Pickle was asleep on his shoulder. Taco was not asleep, and was laid next to Zero. As they slept. Six was out like a light, their head rested on a tree, and turned away from everyone. Clover was also asleep, curled up next to the fire.

Microphone frowned, as she couldn't find Lightbulb anywhere. Her now wooden form sat up, looking to find Lightbulb sitting distantly by a tree. Closer to the tundra they'd just left from. Microphone stood up quietly, and walked over. Her eyes filled with remorse as she slumped down next to Lightbulb. Lightbulb didn't look over at her, instead just feigning a sigh, glaring forwards.

"You alright?" Microphone asked, a worrisome look in her soft eyes. "Ever since you screamed at Knife you've been... Quiet..."

Lightbulb betrayed a whine. She glanced to Microphone, her eyes flicking from her to the icy horizon. "I wish I could give you an answer." Her voice wavered.

Microphone frowned, "Want to... Talk about it...?" She asked quietly, trying to be soothing.

Lightbulb chuckled solemnly, "Why not? I mean, might help." Her shoulders gave a shrug, which caused her cloak to ruffle, dragging in the snow beneath her.

"You seem to have a history with Knife. A familial one... Did... Something happen between the two of you?" She asked, raising a brow.

Lightbulb nodded slightly, "He... Did some bad things... To me—and a lot of other people. I'm not sure what to think about him to be honest with you. I care about him—I love him! He's my brother! And he's doing things for the right reason... But he doesn't... LISTEN to me. He knows he's hurting people. But he doesn't try to stop it." She sniffled, quickly wiping her nose—or lack of—of the snot.

"Why? Does he... Have a reason?" She asked, pulling her knees close, and leaning on them. She cringed at the feeling of her wooden body.

Lightbulb gave a small nod, "He... He says he does. But, I'm not sure. He won't tell me ANYTHING. He says that I'm too naive... That I'm the one who won't listen... But I try so hard to be transparent... Explain— he just..." Lightbulb faltered, and then whined, hurrying her face in her hands.

Microphone nodded, "Yeah..." She furrowed her brows, "I get what you mean."

"You do?" She turned her head, her eyes gave a sense of curiosity, "how so?"

"It's just—..." Microphone put her arms out in front of herself, "—Taco..." Her eyes closed and she sighed. "I try to talk with her... To set... Boundaries. Get her on track... But she just doesn't listen to me. And now that I know about her past—well... It makes things so much more complicated... I know why she does what she, well, does! But... She still hurt me! And other people! And I'm not sure I'm ready to forgive her for that! Even if it wasn't her fault—..." Microphone trailed... Then opening her eyes again, "I wish... She'd listen..."

Lightbulb remained reminiscent of Taco's past, she sighed to Microphone, and then rubbed her eyelids. A frustrated look instead of a sense of willingness. "I know you mean well, Microphone..." Lightbulb began, "But our experiences are not the same. In fact, they aren't even remotely similar."

Microphone flinched, looking to Lightbulb.

"I'm not saying what you're feeling isn't real. And I'm definitely not going to force you into making up with her... But Taco does listen to you." She blinked, looking to the side. "I can see it in her eyes... The way she got lost in your voice..."