"I don't know what to do guys."

Everyone's heads turned over to Rubble, who looked dejected and tired as he sat on the rock provided by the cave they were staying in.

"We need to bid our time," Skye reminded him.

"I know, but seeing Ryder like this... This isn't him!" Rubble protested.

"We all miss our Ryder..." Chase placed a paw on his shoulder. "But we can't give up. Ryder needs us now, more than ever."

"Was this the right move, though?" Rocky spoke up. "Is this really helping Ryder? Is allowing him to be someone he's not really helping him come to terms with himself? Because I don't think so. It feels more like Ryder is just going to regret it more later on."

"He's right, dudes..." Zuma nodded. "I don't think this is the right way. We should talk to Ryder."

"I know..." Marshall curled up. "But Ryder is too deep in. We can't save him if he thinks we've turned our backs on him."

"But maybe it's for the best," Rubble reasoned. "Ryder won't find the answers here. It's obvious they're using him. If we keep on babying him, he'll never break out of his trauma..."

"That... is a good point..." Skye murmured.

Chase and Marshall shared a frown. This was bad.

Neither of them would say that their points weren't valid, though. It was a selfish wish, a selfish desire to stay with Ryder no matter what. It helped no one. It just told Ryder that it was fine if he did unforgivable things.

Was it really wise to do this? To encourage Ryder with this entire thing?

...

No...

But if they didn't...

Ryder would lose hope in a lot of things.

They couldn't let that happen...

Right?

****

"Hey, whatcha thinking about?"

It was funny how Taeyang had a country drawl despite growing up in a city, Steven reflected as the other sat down beside him. But this didn't stop him from saying, "Nothing, just a plan about how to save Ryder..."

"Don't stress out about it. We'll make it," Taeyang said.

"But what if we don't?" He asked. "What if we fail-"

Taeyang placed a finger on Steven's mouth, "You're doing this for Ryder-sshi, aren't you? Then remember what you are fighting for and don't give up no matter the circumstance."

That...

Taeyang had a point, he realised. He was right. He had to trust and believe that the Ryder he had fallen in love with was there somewhere. He couldn't give up so easily!

"You... You have a point," he eventually said. "Thanks for that Taeyang."

"No problem," he laughed. "You really care for him, don't ya?"

At that, Steven's face flushed, "W-What about you and Pilseung then!?"

"E-EXCUSE ME?!"

Wait what?

Wow, he had just said that out of surprise and embarrassment.

Steven rose an eyebrow, now very interested in the red shade Taeyang's face was turning, "You actually like him? Lucky guess, I suppose."

"O-Of course not! I-I just met him a week ago!" He stammered.

"You did?" Steven's interest was piqued. "How did you meet?"

Taeyang blushed hard, and got up, "I-I'm glad you're feeling better, b-but I have to go!"

"Okay, okay," Steven chuckled. "Have fun while obliviousness lasts."

Taeyang's flush was so red he could have been sick and Steven would be none the wiser.

Nevertheless, he felt more confident now. That talk had reminded him that he was doing this for Ryder.

He was going to bring Ryder back, no matter what!

A plan was beginning to form in his mind, and it was rough, dangerous, and downright terrifying.

But for Ryder... He would do it.

He got up, and headed to the group before he said, "I have a plan." 

Late to the party, but have fun!