———

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..."

"What...?" Microphone's tone shook, not being able to understand what Lightbulb meant.

"Microphone, the problem isn't that Taco isn't listening, The problem is that you lack the voice for her to listen to. You don't communicate. Both of you don't... Communicate your issues. I think it's because you're scared of not being heard, And she's scared of making a mistake." Lightbulb explained, folding her hands in her lap.

Microphone sat there confused, was she really doing that? Was... Was she not communicating...? "I... d-didn't think that—..."

"You say you're not ready to forgive her... But... I think you're scared to." The wind blew her cloak, it picked up slightly, unpredictably. Though that was to be expected given their situation and location. "That doesn't mean it's any easier."

"I never... Thought of it like that..." Microphone grabbed her forearms, hugging herself. She looked down at the snow...

"People are often afraid to think of it like that. I get it, it's okay." She comforted softly, trying to ease the situation onto Microphone.

"I don't... Know what to do..." Microphone whined, looking down at herself. So conflicted with every part of herself...

Lightbulb slowly allowed a soft smile to tug at the corners of her mouth. She leaned back slightly, "Do you want to forgive her?" She asked.

Microphone winced at the question, her eyes drifting slightly away from Lightbulb... Still down at the thin layer of white that decorated the ground. "I-... D-don't know..."

Lightbulb's smile remained, as she thought of another way to phrase it... "Can you imagine a life without her?" She asked.

Microphone was taken aback, her eyes snapping to Lightbulb's. "What...?!"

"Can you imagine a life where the both of you never see each other again. And if you can... Is it a good one?"

Microphone's mouth was left agape, she didn't know what to say for a moment. Now lost in the question. Could she imagine a life without Taco...? Going to school... Making new friends—it all seemed so distant and difficult... Wrong. "I-I..."

"Would you cry if she died?" Lightbulb asked softly, a seriousness laced in her voice. Her body language indicated that this question was important.

"Wh—y-yes!" Microphone flinched, shocked that was even asked.

"So, you care about her?" She continued.

Microphone whined, and glared at Lightbulb, "W-well—that's not fair...!"

"Do you?" Light bulb cocked her head to the side, making Microphone look away once more. This time angrily... Or perhaps stubbornly.

Microphone thought to herself, "I care about her... I do... A-A lot. She—... She's just... I don't know what to do! I cant just pretend it never happened!" Her gaze softened.

"Then don't." Lightbulb put a hand on Microphone's shoulder, "Tell her how you feel. Even if it's the hard truth. No cryptic words, or comments... No hidden feelings. Tell her exactly how you feel. She will listen, I know it." Lightbulb smiled warmly.

Microphone let that sink in... "Tell her... how I feel...?" She asked shakily. That seemed like—... Not exactly a bad option... But a scary one.

"Yeah. Even if you don't forgive her after your talk, it will help you feel a lot better. And you might even be able to figure out your own feelings more clearly." Lightbulb laughed slightly.

"Then what?" She asked, looking for guidance.

Lightbulb removed her hand slowly, "Whatever feels right to you." Lightbulb turned her head forwards again.

Microphone paused, then spoke up again... "You uh... do memories... Do you do feelings...?" Lightbulb nodded, confused, but also open to hear. Microphone nodded back, then spoke, "How does Taco feel... A-about me...?"

Lightbulb flinched, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not going to tell you that." She responded bluntly, which made Microphone lurch back in shock.

"What?!" She asked, confused, "But you said—!"

"—I never said I'd tell you. Whatever I may say could sway your opinion, or make you feel forced into confrontation or conclusions you don't feel comfortable with. If you really wanna know, go talk to her, Microphone." Lightbulb explained, "You'll never know how you feel, if you don't communicate."

"B-but I—..."

"—Microphone... You can't expect me to shoot you in the foot like that." She murmured, giving Microphone a sympathetic look.

Microphone turned her head away... her gaze faltered into one of disappointment. She then stifled a cry, and sniffled instead. "What if I make the wrong choice...?" She whimpered.

Lightbulb shook her head, "It's only too late to make things right, if you give up without trying." She smiled at her, "I believe in you."

Microphone let those words replay through her head a few times. She then sighed, standing up. "Where do I start...?" Her words shook as if they were cold.

Lightbulb only smiled at her. Her head turned to the distant tundra, and snow which blowed through the far canal. Microphone didn't get an answer, Lightbulb understood she'd needed to find it herself. Microphone understood she wasn't going to get a response, and frowned, turning her head back to Taco. Her eyes betraying a look of remorse.

A few hours passed... Knife looked uneasily at Microphone as she stood pacing the forest. She seemed to be thinking about something. He was worried about her... Knife then glared at Taco from afar. He didn't understand his own feelings anymore. He wanted to hurt her... Keep her in check. He shifted, leaning against Pickle as Pickle was leaning towards himself. He watched the slow rise and fall of the child's face that laid next to her. Taco seemed to care for that little thing. He wasn't sure what it was... But as much as they felt unsettling to be around, they emitted a sense of innocence. He reached for his cloak, moving it aside to see his wound had re-opened. He'd already figure it had... But didn't want to panic Pickle, so he's just been apply pressure, and taking it easy. Ever since they got here, anyway.

He decided to speak up finally, "Why stay?" He shot the question bluntly. Unexpectedly so Taco couldn't come up with a lie.

Taco flinched, her eyes snapping to Knife with a sense of fear and slight intimidation. She furrowed her brows as she'd noticed Knife was staring at her. "S—so-rry...?"

"Why did you stay? I don't get it." He echoed, "You c...could've left. A-And I kept beating the shit outta you... So, wh-hy...stay?" He asked, a groan from the pain his wound gave off in his throat.

Taco blinked, her expression indescribable as she searched for something to answer Knife. "I..." She couldn't find anything she wasn't scared to say. She didn't want to tell the truth and accidentally cause Knife to pity her, she deserved to be hated in her mind...

"You were SUFFERING and you stayed for NO reason? I find that difficult to believe..." He grumbled, hostile... But not because he was accusing her of anything. Instead, because she seemed to be hiding something.

Taco couldn't reply... She just couldn't. Instead she choked out a cry... Damn it. She hadn't wanted to show this sort of weakness. She fucking hated herself... Why had she been like that? Knife flinched as her eyes released a tear . He wanted information—not whatever the hell this was. Knife grimaced, he didn't know how to respond to this sort of thing. Her blood red eyes continued to spill her tears... "I-I'm... N-not sure...Wha..t t-to say..." She whined.

"How 'bout the truth?" He suggested dully. His eyes lidded to show his disappointment with that answer.

Taco opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Microphone. Who's stepped back towards the fire. Knife looked up from Taco's eyes. And Mic looked between the two of them, "What's going on...?"

Knife shook his head, "I just wanted to know why she decided to stay. After all that happened." He shrugged, only slightly wincing as his muscles around his wound was disturbed and tensed.

Microphone hummed in acknowledgment, also wanting to ask, but, she had to get this off her mind while it was still fresh. She was quite bold and spontaneous after all. "Taco, would you... Be comfortable walking with me for a moment...?" She asked shyly. A nervousness in her eyes. Her breath nearly blending in with the breeze of the forest.

Taco was shocked Microphone had wanted that, of course, she'd not wanted to have been walking at that time... But, she couldn't just say no. Not after what she'd done, "Ar-are you...s-ure...? I-I don't—..."

"—It's uh... Okay. I want to..." She whispered softly.

Taco swallowed her nerves, and staggered to her feet... Quietly stepping away from
Zero. Her footfall was wobbly. As if she'd been having trouble standing... Because she was of course. Microphone took notice, and wanted to offer a hand... But decided against it. Taco glanced at Knife, who'd seemed to have a threatening look in his eye. As if to warn Taco. She whined to herself, and limped over to Microphone. Her wings dragging against the ground below.

Microphone turned, beginning to walk ahead into the forest. Her eyes soft as she looked up at the sky. Taco was confused as to why, of course. Why would Microphone want to speak with her... And why now if all times? The forest was colder further away from the flames, Taco shivered and hugged herself... Slowly speaking in a low, yet, cautious manner.

"W...hy... d-did you... Uh-m..." She trailed, not needing to continue... as Microphone spoke to answer.

"Back in the show... I always thought that you'd... Well... Leave me the first chance you got. I never... Really expected you to enjoy my company the way you did. But, when you betrayed my trust—when you went against your word... Even if you hadn't promised me—you made me believe I could trust you. And I couldn't... That hurt." She explained as she walked, "I thought that would be it. That that was... All there was to you. At the time. But when I found you in that forest for the second time... You cared for my feelings. My opinion about you. And after a while I began to think to myself; If she really never cared, then why would she want me to like her? I didn't understand it."

Taco felt tears, it was saddening to know how she'd hurt Microphone. Like she didn't bash that into her own skull enough. But listened. Of course she did. She deserved this, and Microphone was allowed to hate her for it. Though the way she was speaking, didn't reveal malice or disdain.

Microphone, betraying her soft look, allowed her face to scrunch up into that of regret and sorrow. "...After that you were so considerate of my boundaries. Despite the fact you were a bit violent still... You tried. You did... You wanted to be better... and I could see I you begin to change." She threw her hands out before her, as if to talk with her hands. but pulled them away as she articulated her words once more, "I saw improvement on how you treated others. But... Something else I noticed is your own mental decline. And after you slaughtered that... Village I... I thought you lost it. I wanted to believe, that was your true raw colours... But... I know that's wrong." She frowned, "I saw when you were back at the house, I saw a glimpse at who you had really been. Who you really are. And I... I didn't expect her to be so... Gentle, and yet so full of sorrow."

They strayed further from the camp, Microphone still rambling on, and Taco becoming more and more regretful of her own actions. And confused as to why Microphone was saying all of this. Speaking of her in a negative light, yet, Paradoxically also positively.

"But...Then I think about how... The real you isn't the one that hurt me. Both times. You still lie and shield yourself. I miss that you... The-the real you. The one I saved—the one at that house. It felt real... Comforting. But—I..." She paused, "I'm scared, Taco. I'm scared you're going to hurt me again. That you're going to fake that p-persona and, that if I forgive you y-you'll... Stop being... You." She shook her head, "I tried to look past—...the past before, because you were hurt. And scared. I pitied you... And I want to again. I do. Because you...well... I don't know..." Microphone clutched her arms tighter shrugging and hunching down nervously, "B-but what I do know is that I don't want to hurt anymore... and I want you to understand that. I want you to know that you hurt me... B-but I also want you to know that I care about you." Her eyes turned to Taco's. Her eyes widened at the face Taco bore. One of distress and remorse tears threatening, but not pouring. As if she'd been restraining herself. Her eyes filled to the brim and glossy. "T-Taco...?"

She choked on her own tears... Trying to find words. "I—I-I'm... S-o...S-sor-ry..." she shook her head shakily, if the real her is what she wanted—if that was what was going to make Microphone happy then she'd give it to her. All she wanted was to see Microphone smile again. She hated herself for taking that away. Taco's face converted to an ugly crying face, complete and genuine emotion, "I-I ne... Ne-never want-ed to hurt you...!" She shook her head again... Her hands trembling as she brought them up. Unsure what to do with them.

Microphone watched as Taco's legs became a trembling mess. And it tugged at her heart when she stumbled towards her.

Taco finally broke down... Every bit of her pain was released in that moment. "G-God...! I h-HA-TED MYS-MYSELF! I d-d—don't want t-to hurt you! I w-wasn't thinking—I-I was scared, I—!" She wheezed, a strained raspy breath, "—I'm s—so so—s-s-sorry!" She cried, hiccups escaped her as she began to hyperventilate. Uncontrolled breathing and wailing. "I-I d—Di-didn't l-let m—y-a-self die... B-because... I-I—d-DESERVED th—The PA-PAIN! I-I thou—..." another hic, "—ought—I-if I could-d p-push myself t-to be there for y—you I wou-would p-per—haps—b-be WO-RTHY..." she stopped herself, not wanting to accidentally force Microphone's sense of pity to forgive her. When she wasn't ready. Her hands fell back towards her and she took a step back. Taco's eyes widened and she tried to stop her tears, "I-I—... I don't—...."

"Taco..." Microphone whispered, shocked at this—... Reaction.

"N-NO! No! N-Nono... I cant— D-Don't!" She turned away tugging at her eyelids, "D-DONT f-feel the—th....n-need to forgive I—... I understand... I-It's all my fault I—... De—serve wha-what I've gotten—... I'm s-so sorry...! I'm so S-SO sorry..." she whimpered. "I-I n-never—w-wanted to hurt anyone...." She cried.

Microphone knew this was real. She could just tell. She took a step forwards and kneeled down to Taco. She felt so much better... So much better knowing how Taco felt. And knowing how she, herself, felt. "Taco..." Mic repeated.

Taco took a few short hyperventilating breaths... her trembling lip, and reddened puffy eyes screaming remorse, regret, and sorrow. Tears poured down her face like the stream a few metres away. She couldn't find any more words in that moment, instead looking up at Microphone. Every crease in her face reflected her agony and hate for herself.

"Y-You don't deserve to suffer... I would never want you to suffer..." She shook her head softly. Grabbing the other girl's tear soaked hand. Which made Taco tense up in shock. "I just want the real Taco..."

Taco's entire body started to shake, she stared into Microphone's kind and comforting eyes. She wanted to get lost in them. Of course, she'd never tell Microphone that. "I-I'm... S—sorry..." she whispered shakily.

Microphone pulled the smaller girl's hand, drawing her closer. "You promise... That from now on, no more secrets? No more......lies?" She asked softly.

Taco took a breath which was choppy and strained, then nodding, desperately. As if that was all she'd wanted.

Microphone blinked her soft gaze to a one of relief. Deciding the best thing in that moment was to scoop Taco up, and hug her gently. "Thank you..." She whispered betraying her own silent cry. A sense of ease washed over her. One she hadn't felt in a long, LONG time.

Taco gasped as she was pulled into her embrace. A shake in her throat as her arms stiffened, unsure whether to hug back or to remain frozen. But it felt... So comforting. And it didn't take long for her to break. Her arms and wings wrapped around Microphone tightly, and she wailed into her chest. Her apologies slowly devolving into inaudible mumblings. The warmth of Mic's chest... It was so much more comfortable than any other time they'd hugged. Microphone's hand rubbed her back as they began to walk back towards the camp. Microphone's feet dragging against snow speckled leaves. Things felt so much less confusing... And though the two of them would need time to heal and warm up to each other, Microphone was happy she felt heard. Like a weight was lifted off of her shoulders.

Knife looked over as Microphone returned holding Taco, who was still a complete mess. Knife seemed disturbed and slowly began to talk, "What the hell did you do to her?! Nothing I even did made her cry like THAT." He asked, taken aback.

Microphone stepped over to where Taco had been sitting before, and rested Taco down next to Zero. Who stirred from sleep as the ground was disturbed from Taco sitting in the leaves. Microphone then sat close to her, but more towards the fire. "We just had a talk." She shrugged, looking small.

"About...?" He waved his hand in a circular gesture, conveying for Mic to tel him.

"I just needed to get some stuff of my chest, Knife." Her voice was soft, and she was generally less tense. It felt relieving. Lightbulb—or at least that version of her—Really knew her stuff.

Knife tilted his head skeptically, "Did you find out why she stayed? While you were talking?" He pushed.

"Some what." She replied, flicking her wrist and watching the fire crackle and pop. Counting the sparks which flew through the air, "But, that's not something for me to share."

"What...?!" He grumbled, clenching the fist of the arm keeping his wound closed. Pushing against it tighter in an attempt to not lash out by directing the anger on himself. "Y—you... Don't tell me..." He gritted his teeth.

Microphone put her sighed, "It's nothing too drastic, Knife. I understand your concern—I'M still concerned myself... But... It's not her fault... And she's trying. I think we should try one more time. And this time, she promised me... No more lies." Microphone put a comforting smile on her lips. "Just, give it a chance?"

Knife huffed, turning more towards Pickle, "...Microphone... I'm not going to tell you what to do with your life... No-not like before. I know that upset you. And I understand you... Don't want to be protected. That you can protect yourself. But I'm WORRIED about you—!"

"—I'm worried about me too! And you! And—... And her..." She pointed at Taco, "Knife, I don't expect you to trust her right away. But we have to start somewhere. And she's most comfortable with me. So..." Microphone faltered, and hugged her own knees. "I'm trying... My best..."

Knife's will wavered, and he let up. Easing himself back against the tree. Pickle shifting on his shoulder. "I don't trust her... Sh-she's... Going to have to earn that." He grunted, "But, I trust you. So if you want to give her another chance...That's not my business. But just know I'm here for you if things go wrong again." He sighed. Finally accepting the situation.

Microphone perked, and smiled at him. "Thank you..." Her eyes reflected the bright orange of the fire as her eyes glared into his. Hope now laced in her face... She had a feeling this time would be different.

Taco listened to this... sat against the tree. She wiped her tear stained face every now and again. Slightly wincing from her burns—and the half of her face that had been caved in by Knife's punch—she couldn't tell if she felt better, or scared. But... Whatever it was. It was something other than pain and regret. Taco allowed a small sad laugh to escape her. Then—Zero crashed into her side, hugging onto her shoulder. Taco looked over at the tired child and patted their head.

Zero let out a chatter like animal sound and their eyes expressed a happy emotion. Taco felt moved by this, and moved to grab them but Zero had already taken it upon themselves to climb into Taco's arms. She hunched back against the tree. "H—hhahhh..." She sucked in a breath, "Y-you... Sure a-are u-uhm..Clingy....?" Her voice was anything but collected. But at least able to form sentences. Zero chartered once more and nuzzled up to Taco. She sighed and looked to the side... Noticing Null Lightbulb sitting in the distance still. Looking up at the night sky.

Microphone suddenly spoke up once more from beside her, "That little guy really likes you, huh?" She raised a brow, kind of surprised and confused. She would've thought to any regular kid Taco would look terrifying, But, then again, Zero definitely was not normal.

Taco held Zero as if she was holding her plush. "Y—...yea..h..." She sniffled, easing up and looking back over to Lightbulb.

Microphone noticed this and looked over too, "She's still over there, eh?" Microphone murmured, trying not to think about her gemstone face as she leaned against her fist. "Th-that girl... She knows a lot. Acts nothing like our Lightbulb."

Knife looked to the side, his face flashed with a sense of concern, "Makes you think if we're even... Y'know..." He shrugged.

"Huh?" Microphone looked over to Knife. "Knife, I don't automatically know what you're talking about if you add 'y'know' at the end of your sentence..." She grumbled.

Knife scoffed, scowling, "I meant that it makes you wonder if we're even the originals..." He spat, angrily clutching his wound again.

Microphone blinked, that made her feel gross. Not being the original version of herself. Was there other versions of her? And Taco? What were the originals like? She cringed, "L-let's not... Uhm... Cross bridges like that yet..." She whined.

"It's just something to think about."

"Not something I want to think about... Euurgh...I still can barely handle the way my skin feels..." She grimaced, poking at the skin on her elbow, pinching and stretching it disgustedly.

Knife rolled his eyes, "What? Is it really that bad?" He asked chuckling.

Microphone scowled, her eyes narrowed, "Yes. Yes it is." She hissed through gritted teeth.

Knife, didn't understand, all he knew that was Microphone was not happy with something about herself. "I dunno. I don't see a problem?"

"It doesn't fucking matter if YOU see a problem. It feels like my skin has SPIDERS crawling beneath it..." Microphone said with peeved hostility. Taco wanted to try and calm her down, but decided not to. Not because she didn't want to calm Microphone down... But because she didn't want to screw everything up.

Knife put a hand up, "O-Okay... Jeez. Didn't mean to offend you. I'm just trying to understand dude..."

"Don't dude me..." Microphone caustically snapped.

"Sorry!" Lurched back, looking away.

Microphone scoffed and slumped back. Her back hit the grass and leaves below... And she focused on the stars and burning ashes which floated around the fire. Offended Knife said such things. It wasn't his fault he didn't understand, but, he could at least be more considerate.

Lightbulb wrapped her arms around her legs, rocking herself with her toes against the snow. Her brother always loved the stars. She wondered what he was doing right now. If he was okay... She decided to lay her head against the snow, and sleep looking at the stars with clear skies. The moon was beautiful tonight.

"If you miss him so much, you should try harder to find him." A small voice called from behind her. It had been monotone, and distant.

Lightbulb lifted her head in an instant, whipping her head around. She knew that voice... But it's been so long. Nobody could be seen but the people who were talking by the fire. They had disappeared as fast as they'd appeared.

"...I'm sorry..." She whispered. Despite knowing Bot was long gone, and unable to hear her words.

———