(A request from LightDancer365!)

Book's POV

The grass, still damp from dawn's transpiration, brushed against my legs as I walked through. The sun coming up behind me cast long shadows. A few stars still shone up above.

I pick a spot to sit under a looming tree, and rest my head against its surprisingly smooth bark. Quietly sighing, I close my eyes and take deep breaths. My spine straightens out, and I pull my thoughts to focus only on the flow of air.

However, even though I came out here to relax, my brain won't stop turning.

Lately, Taco's been on my mind. And not in the good way, either. She kept leaving us in the middle of challenges, and coming back after we've secured safety.

And then there's Lollipop, who has been showing a lot more attitude than she normally does. She always had the same perspective as I did with Taco before, but obviously, something's changed.

What's more, it's Lollipop we're talking about. Sassy, snarky, smart aleck, and dare I say snobby, Lollipop. How in the English language did she start thinking we should start giving Taco a second chance after such a great betrayal? And not to mention that she isn't even trying to redeem herself!

As the assumed team leader, all of these thoughts are quite stressing. Those two could be planning something, and in my mind, it doesn't look very good.

A rustle from the bushes. My eyes pop back open.

Ever so slowly, I creep behind the tree, keeping my gaze trained on the source of the sound. Daring not to speak, I simply waited for whoever it was to reveal themselves.

"Book?" A familiar voice called. From the bushes came a round silhouette, I could barely make out the features.

Not that I needed to, anyway.

"Hey, it's not like I'm gonna murder you or anything, you coming out?"

I step out from behind my hiding spot. "Coiny? Why are you here, you're never up this early."

"Earlier I saw you walking away," He pointed to the place where everyone else slept, "so I decided to follow you. No one goes out at the break of dawn without a good reason."

"True, true." I admit. "But I just came out because I woke up, and wanted to relax somewhere else."

"Looks like you were doing more than just relaxing," He said, almost smugly. "So, what's up?"

"It really is none of your business," I answer. "just some..personal issues I'd rather not talk about."

"Personal business, huh? Okay." Coiny nodded, and sat beside me. "So, how's your team?"

I bite my lip slightly. "We're doing fine.!"

"Really?" Coiny cocks his head to the side. "I saw you arguing with Lollipop just yesterday about Taco..OH!" He snaps his fingers and points at me. "Is that the "personal business" you were talking about?"

"Er, yeah." I rub my fingers against each other, thinking of a way to change the subject. "How..how is your team?"

Coiny seemed to radiate pride the second I mentioned his team. "Doing pretty great, thanks! Well, Firey's been more annoying than usual," He said with a slight frown, "but other than that, everyone's pretty good!"

A small laugh escapes my lips. "Must be nice, most of you know each other really well, not to mention you've got a great leader. Especially after Loser's been eliminated."

"Yeah," Coiny nodded. "Pin's been great at giving them courage. Cake's confidence is getting back up there again!" He grinned.

I can't help but smile at his positive display. "She's a great leader, Pin. Selfless, encouraging.. Much different from BFDIA."

The sun had crawled up higher since I last checked. I move over to sit beside Coiny so the rays wouldn't pierce my eyes.

"Which reminds me, aren't you the team leader of *8 names said at once*?"

"Well.. Not officially, but I try to act like one."

"Oh, cool. Makes sense, I'd wager you're the smartest one out of them, and you've got quite a bit of competing experience, not to mention a few other important qualities. Definitely a good choice for leader." Coiny eyed me as he talked.

"Heh, you think so?" My face warmed a bit, but the compliment soon faded away. "All my team seems to do is fight.."

"Well, no eight people can be expected to get along one-hundred percent of the time," He shrugged. "Especially if they've got some unresolved conflict that keeps them from getting along."

My thoughts race to Taco.

"Kind of.." I fumble with my words. "Kind of like you and Firey?"

Coiny looks down and clicks his tongue. "I guess so. I honestly don't know what happened. He's just been so..you know?" Coiny threw his arms in the air.

"You think talking about it might help?" I suggest. "Maybe that way, you can find the root of the problem?"

"Why don't you speak TO her, then?"

He rubs his chin. "That could work, if I can tolerate his stupidity long enough. Still a pretty solid idea." Coiny's eyes brightened a little. "Thanks, Book." He said, standing up. "Now I gotta get back to my team, Pin gets awfully worried, since Clock's been gone, ya know?"

I awkwardly chuckle. "Yeah, I can imagine." Bringing my knees up to my chest, I look up at his smiling figure, now catching the morning light. "I'm a little surprised, we're on opposing teams, and yet you've been so nice to me."

"We shouldn't be enemies just because we're not on the same team," Coiny replies. "Otherwise, that's a lot of hate going around. Spread love! Not bitterness."

"Huh..that is a good point. I suppose your warmness off-set me a bit."

"Maybe we can talk some other time! Maybe get to know each other better? You seem like a good person." He offered with a true sincerity.

I nod, smiling. "Sure thing Coiny."

"Peace." Coiny winked and peace-signed me, then disappeared behind the bushes from where he came.

..maybe I should actually try talking to Taco instead of disregarding her. Function as a real team again, past mistakes put aside?

Was it too late for that though? She probably hates me, after everything I've said and done.

Maybe it's worth a shot.