Sweet Ribbons

by TobyFixations

Summary:

Apple and Marshmallow navigate their new living situation with Bow and Dough in Purgatory Mansion. Apple isn’t too keen on forgiving Bow, no matter how much Bow Apologizes.

Marshmallow hopes Apple will come around and forgive Bow.. Eventually, at least or maybe living in Purgatory Mansion will take another turn.

Chapter 1

Apple was sat, near her room’s door with her back pressed against her bed. She had a piece of paper in front of her as she drew on it. Nothing in particular, just random meshes of different things.

Apple was busy drawing a pony in brightly colored crayons, she was alone. She didn’t like it, the only thing keeping her grounded in her room was the sound of voices outside in the hallway.

Otherwise, she’d would’ve left and gone to another, more populated room. She hates being alone, even if most other contestants don’t like her all that much due to her being ‘definitionly challenged’ in a few aspects, or much rather all aspects of knowledge.

The other residents of Hotel OJ weren’t as cool about Apple’s questions as Marshmallow was when the two used to be friends. The others would often ignore her, which led to her to stop asking and went to borrow OJ’s or Paper’s phone, at least they were nice enough to lend their phone for a bit.

Apple all the time was left with words she didn’t understand, ‘cause it’s hard trying to look a word's definition up when you can spell or read. Let alone read the keyboard that isn’t even in alphabetical order, Apple knows alphabetical order that’s about all.

All the letters would mesh together and if she did somehow manage for autocorrect to give the correct spelling of the word, she couldn’t read the definition like with the keyboard except with words, it all blended together.

Apple thought about Marshmallow a lot, often wondering why she just abruptly left and stopped wanting to be Apple’s friend. 

It confused Apple to her core, it was all so sudden. What happened back at the haunted mansion? Apple never knew, she never watched the episode, she didn’t really have a desire to see what she said to Marsh, would it give her insight? Perhaps, but Apple preferred not to know, she can’t remember why she chose to not know.

Apple often drew what she thought she had done, she wasn’t good with words and preferred to express herself with art. It involved no words or spelling. And even if she wasn’t the best artist, it helped with expressing emotions she didn’t know how to express.

She drew Marshmallow a lot, she missed her dearly. Apple wished that challenge went differently, she loved winning challenges, it filled her with a sense of pride. But, she would throw any challenge for Marshmallow, her only friend, her first friend on this show.

Despite the hatred on Marsh’s side, Apple still missed her. Sure, their beginning was rocky, Apple’s spitefulness took over herself and she hated and physically harmed Marshmallow but that was all in the past now. 

Apple loved Marsh’s company, she couldn’t get enough of it, that’s why she became so clingy. Marshmallow giving her attention and Apple’s autophobia mixed together and caused Apple to be so clingy.

She craved the attention Marsh had given her and it was all gone now, Apple was now sure she’d never know why Marsh hates her, but when Marshmallow wanted to talk Apple would be waiting for her with open arms.

The voices outside her room grew fainter and fainter, Apple tensed becoming acutely aware of how alone she was.

Tap.

Apple blinked.

Tap.

Apple ignored the tapping at her window, as she stood up, grabbing her art supplies. She was gonna leave her room, maybe into the living room where Pickle would be playing a video game.

Suddenly, a rock broke through Apple’s window, she screamed and stumbled backwards, hitting the floor with a thud, dropping her crayons which scattered all across her floor.

Apple ran to the window to see who even threw the rock and why, barely grazing the broken glass she held onto the windowsill. Her eyes widened as she saw Marshmallow standing down there and smiling up at her.

Apple was confused, to say the least. Why was Marsh here? She was very excited to see her and she shouldn’t really question why but she still wondered. 

“Mar-Marshmallow?” Apple exclaimed.

“Hey Apple.” Marshmallow said, a small tingle of sheepishness.

Apple only stared, not being able to find her words and being stuck in her head with her thoughts. After a few beats of silence, Marsh spoke up.

“Do you have time to talk?”

Apple snapped out of her thoughts.

“Of course! I have time.” Apple said.

Apple put her paws on the window, getting ready to climb out, but ended up cutting her paw on a glass shard that dug into her pad. Apple winced, trying to ignore the stabbing pain that shot through her. Apple ignored the apple juice that dripped out of her wound. 

“Apple!” Marshmallow exclaimed.

Apple noticed how her apple juice was pooling under her paw. Marsh must’ve seen it dripping down, her paw is really close to the edge.

“Don’t jump.” Marshmallow said, sternly. “Just-maybe come out through the front door?” 

Apple stopped trying to maneuver around the broken glass to jump out the window, she blinked down at Marshmallow.

“Apple.”

“Okay, okay, fine.” Apple said, rather hesitantly. “Just-Just wait there, okay? I’ll be down soon.”

Apple really didn’t want to go down with the others, she wants to get to Marshmallow as fast as she can. But with how stern Marsh’s voice was, Apple didn’t want to piss her off and make Marsh not talk to her anymore.

Apple quickly went to her door and flung it open and shut her door, practically slamming it shut. She’d deal with OJ’s wrath later for the noise and the broken window. 

Apple sped down the empty hallway, as if Marshmallow would disappear at any given moment. Apple almost tripped over herself on the thought of Marshmallow, the one she saw not being real. She still ran, Apple hasn’t been taking care of herself too much after she got here, let alone eating. What if it was just a hallucination?

Apple couldn’t bear the thought, she needed to get down there quickly, to see if she can touch Marsh. Apple didn’t wait in the elevator and ran down the stairs instead, she did end up tripping and hitting the wall. Knocking herself in a daze.

But she regained her grip and kept running, it was night out and so barely anyone was out of their rooms at this time. Lucky for Apple so she wouldn’t have to stop. She stopped and timidly looked through the foyer hallway, to make sure no one was there. Once she was in the clear she ran out the front door and she stopped; trying to remember which way was left and which was right until she heard her name.

Looking over for the source she saw Marshmallow, Apple ran over having to stop herself from tackling Marsh into a hug. 

“Marshmallow!” Apple cried, skidding to a halt.

“Hey, again, Apple.” Marshmallow said. “Say, do you have any… Batteries? I need them for uh.. The remote.”

Apple looked at her quizzically but ultimately didn’t question it farther, she was just happy to see Marsh.

“No.. I don’t happen to have any on me.” Apple said, thinking where she saw batteries last, ‘What even are batteries?’ 

Apple without thinking put her paws on Marsh’s face to make sure she is real, and Marsh is but Marsh seemed to shiver and tense up. Apple cocked her head and pulled her hands away and saw a slight yellow tint on Marsh’s white cheek.

Apple looked down and saw a cut on her pad, then she remembered she had cut it. Marsh took her hand gently to inspect the wound, it was sort of deep not enough for an infirmary trip. Marshmallow took a deep breath.

“I’m.. Sorry for how I treated you.” Marsh began. “I know I was wrong and it wasn’t you who said all those things, and so I apologi- err.. Am sorry for the way I treated you.”

Apple, now having slight insight on what she did. She said something, to upset Marshmallow but it wasn’t her? 

“You got possessed by a ghost.. Bow and she made you say everything you said to me. I understand if-“

“I forgive you!”

Apple forgot who Bow was, admittedly but she didn’t have to know. But she was now feeling bubbling anger at the ghost who ruined hers and Marshmallow’s friendship.

Apple smiled and looked at Marsh who seemed dumbfounded at Apple’s response. Maybe she replied too quickly? But soon Marshmallow sighed in relief.

“I was expecting you to not forgive me..” Marsh mumbled.

“Why wouldn’t I? Best friends till the end!” Apple chirped, still smiling.

Marsh let a low chuckle out, before clearing her throat.

“So, I’m leaving the game.” Marsh started.

“You got eliminated?” Apple questioned.

“Well, not exactly. More or less making myself get disqualified.”

Now it was Apple’s turn to be dumbfounded. “But-But why? Don’t you want the million?”

“The game just isn’t… For me anymore and I want to leave it.”

Apple thought for a moment.

“I’m gonna go to Purgatory mansion or the haunted mansion from the episode and I want you to come with me.” Marsh said.

Apple stared, her mouth slightly open. Marsh was running away from Inanimate Insanity and wanted to take Apple with her? Apple could’ve died from how excited she was.

“Of course I want to go with you!”

Marsh smiled softly which turned into nervousness. “Well, Bow will be there.. With her brother, Dough.”

Apple felt a pang of frustration at the mention of Bow, she didn’t know Dough very well, he died the same episode he was introduced in. Apple has a very fuzzy memory of him.

Apple decided to suck it up for Marshmallow, after all she could just ignore Bow. 

“That’s fine.” Apple finally said.

“Just don’t start a fight.”

Apple nodded, Marshmallow took Apple’s non-injured hand and started to walk to Purgatory Mansion, Apple not too far behind. Apple wasn’t quiet, she rambled on and on. Her mind running a million thoughts per second, what would OJ think when he entered her room? To see a broken window, some apple juice and her crayons spilled everywhere.

Apple pushed it out of her mind or tried too, as she rambled her thoughts onto Marshmallow who listened, at least Apple thinks she is. The two made their way through the forest with its damp bushes and leaves that hung from the trees. Purgatory mansion was off grid from the show, how far was it?

Apple was getting tired, she didn't know how long she and Marsh were walking let alone it was probably past her regular bedtime, she never liked sleeping ‘cause of nightmares of Idiotic Island when she was abandoned there but she hated the feeling of sluggishness more than sleep. 

Apple’s rambling started to slow down as it felt like she was dragging her feet across the ground.

“We’ll be there soon okay?” Marshmallow said.

Apple nodded, her eyelids felt heavy. How much longer? Apple also slowed down with her steps. 

“We’re here, let me bandage your hand up and then you can sleep.” Marshmallow said, Apple barely caught the softness in her voice.

Apple nodded as Marshmallow and her walked upon the porch, Marsh opened the door which creaked as it was opened. Marshmallow led Apple to a chair in the kitchen. Apple sat down and let herself sink, uncomfortably in the hard wooden chair as Marshmallow went searching for some first aid supplies.

Around five minutes passed before Marsh came back with a small, old med-kit. She sat it down on the table and took what she needed out, taking a cotton ball, pouring alcohol on it.

Marshmallow gently grabbed Apple’s hurt paw and dabbed the cotton ball on the wound, Apple flinched and whimpered but didn’t try to wiggle out of Marsh’s grasp, she was too tired to fight back.

Marshmallow then grabbed a bandage when she thought she cleaned the cut well enough and wrapped Apple’s hand up. Apple yawned when Marshmallow was finished.

“I’ll show you to your room.” Marshmallow said, helping Apple to her feet.

Apple shivered at the thought of being alone, at Hotel OJ she had a roommate, granted it wasn’t the same but the point was she wasn’t gonna sleep alone, she couldn’t. She trembled slightly at the thought.

“Can..Can I sleep in your room?” Apple timidly asked, then added a barely audible. “I don’t like sleeping alone..”

Marshmallow froze in thought before saying. “I guess I can bring a mattress from another room into mine.”

Apple wanted to ask what ‘mattress’ was but her sleepiness was evident and would affect her speech, to nothing more than slurred mumbles. Apple did try and help Marshmallow move a mattress, it wasn’t all too easy.

Bow came around, Apple blocked her voice out, she was determined to ignore Bow. Bow was talking to Marshmallow and was helping move the mattress. Apple barely heard Bow saw an apology once they reached Marsh’s room.

The mattress was laid down and Apple was content with just laying down and passing out but Marshmallow was already placing pillows and blankets on it, as it was chilly inside. Once Marsh was done, Apple almost immediately dove under her covers, loving the feeling of the warmth of the blankets which was a contrast to the cold mansion air.

Apple, for once, wanted to sleep. She looked over at Marsh who was talking with Bow, Apple felt a pang of jealousy but tiredness overruled it. She felt more content now that she was with Marsh.

Apple grabbed a spare pillow on her bed and hugged it close, snuggling into it as she welcomed sleep for the first time in a long time.

Chapter 2

Apple woke up, delirious, forgetting where she was. She first realized that she was unusually warm, sure Hotel OJ was warm but not this warm.

Apple softly groaned, slowly opening her eyes and instead of seeing the bright orange walls, she saw a dark wooden color of a wall, Apple blinked the sleepiness from her eyes, slowly sitting up, in the unfamiliar place.

Apple looked around, looking over at the actual bed where it was made and tidy. Apple didn’t know what time it was, she was made aware of the bandage around her paw which she didn’t remember bandaging. 

Apple stood up off her mattress, messily making it before she quietly crept towards the door. She slowly turned the knob and peeked her head outside the room, looking around. The place was huge, it took her a second to remember where she was.

“You’re finally like up.”

Apple jumped, inhaling sharply at the unexpected voice. She snapped her head towards the voice. It was Dough.

“Marsh is like waiting for you down in the kitchen.”

“Thanks, uh… Dough.” 

Apple stepped out of the room, didn’t bother shutting the door before she bolted downstairs, before realizing she doesn’t know where the kitchen is. She looks to her right but is greeted with the living room.

She then walks to the left and is met with the bar that connects to the kitchen, Apple runs towards it and sees Marshmallow and.. Bow. Apple tensed up at seeing Bow, she glared before remembering to be civil and ignore Bow. Apple dragged her attention towards Marshmallow who was busy making something as Bow scrolled on her phone, as the two talked.

Apple stepped more into the kitchen, she was about to speak but Bow had spoken first.

“Hey, Kumquat-err.. Apple, uhh.. Sleep well?” Bow spoke with nervousness in her voice.

Apple didn’t answer and walked up beside Marshmallow.

“Look, I know you know that I like possessed you and ruined yours and Marsh’s friendship. I know it was wrong of me, look I’m sorry.” Bow said, sincerely.

Apple continued to ignore her, Marshmallow then looked at Apple. Bow’s tail twitched, aggravatedly. Struggling to keep her composure.

“Okay, okay. Cool, it’s just coolness that you choose to ignore me.” 

Marshmallow decided she needed to step in, before this got too out of hand. 

“Apple, I’m almost done with breakfast. How about you… Go wait in the living room?” Marsh suggested. 

Apple could’ve shrieked at the mere mention of being left alone.

“No!” Apple said, “I won’t.”

Marsh let out a silent sigh. “I can’t exactly go with you right now, and your hand is already hurt and I don’t want you to get hurt more.”

“I won’t be left alone.” Apple quietly growled. “What does ‘exactly’ mean?”

“Exactly means used to empathize accuracy or to agree with what was said.” Marsh then got an idea. “You’re on good terms with Dough, yeah?” 

“I mean, I never got to know him. So, I think so?” Apple thought about it.

“How about, I get Dough to stay with you? It’ll be a good chance to get to know him.” Marsh was glad she didn’t have to explain what ‘empathize’ means or the two would be here forever.

Apple sighed, not really set on leaving Marsh. “Okay, fineeee.” 

Marsh smiled, “Good. Dough!”

Dough phased through a nearby wall. “Yeah?”

“Can you stay with Apple in the living room? It’s only for a little while.” Marsh said.

“Like yeah, I can. Meet me in the like living room.” Dough the phased back through the wall.

Apple with one more glace set off towards the living room.

“Ugghh! I was sincere, why doesn’t she forgive me?” Bow grumbled, spinning in circles.

“Well, it’s Apple. She has a history of spitefulness, I would know.. First hand.” Marsh shutters at the thought of how Apple was during season one. “She’ll come around, probably, give her time. Her spitefulness can’t last forever.” 

Bow went back onto her phone. “Yeah, how long do you think?”

“Depends, her and mine’s rivalry lasted from season one, episode nine to season two, episode two. Just depends, I guess yours will take less ‘cause you two are living together but only time will tell.” Marsh went back to cooking.

“Woah, that’s like eleven episodes.” 

“Yeah and that’s over a misunderstanding and yours and Apple’s isn’t. But, you two have more time to resolve it.”

“We can’t resolve it, if Apple keeps ignoring me!”

“Like I said, she’ll come around. She’ll most likely talk to you but still house a grudge. When she stops ignoring you, you can talk. But, until then, being nice to her will speed up the process of getting her to talk to you.”

Bow thought about that. “Makes sense.”

“Yeah, it’ll take a bit but it will work.”

…

Apple waltzed into the living room, where Dough was already in there reading some thick-paged book, an old-timey TV was set in the middle of the room, turned on somehow and was playing ‘horror movie style static’.

Apple noticed on the coffee table lay paper and pens and crayons and basically tons of other art supplies. Apple’s eyes lit up as she sat down in front of the coffee table.

It was mostly quiet other than the static noises from the TV. Apple took it as Marsh wouldn’t mind if she used some of these art supplies, right? Why else would Marshmallow leave them here?

Apple took some paper and the crayons and started to draw on the paper, she would never get tired of hearing the barely audible sound of dragging a crayon against the paper, she was careful not to rip the paper, then it’d be a waste of a drawing.

Apple was sort of relaxed, she wasn’t alone. Dough was behind her and Marshmallow was just a few rooms over, she had Marshmallow again. What was there to be upset about? Other than Apple’s autophobia of course.

Apple absentmindedly started to softly hum, no particular tune but she did it sometimes, when she felt it was too quiet for her. Purgatory Mansion was a stark contrast to Hotel OJ.

It was darker, dimmer and so much more quieter and less chaotic. Apple enjoyed not hearing Trophy’s yells at Tissues, down the hall or the yelling over the loudness from the TV or OJ screaming about his hotel getting ruined in one way or another or Soap’s constant berating about the hotel being dirty.

Soap would have a fit if she saw how dusty Purgatory Mansion was. Apple was enjoying Purgatory Mansion’s quietness more than she thought she would, not that she even thought about the contrast.

Apple drew in brightly colored crayons, she had drawn a white pony, the pony she wished for back in episode nine of season one, that she doesn’t have. She even had a name picked out, ‘Dino Brawler Extreme’. Apple doesn’t know what half of the words that she named the pony but they sounded cool to her.

Along with the pony she drew herself and Marshmallow, hand holding. The crayon drawing was of Apple showing Marsh the pony, Apple wrote out all the names in big, scribbles of words like, ‘Moshmrellow’ ‘Appel’ and ‘Dnio Brallwer Extere’. Apple knew she spelt everything wrong, it was never her strong suit, ‘Maybe,’ Apple thought. ‘Maybe, I’ll do something to improve my spelling? Whatever improve means.’

“Apple.”

Apple looked up at hearing Marshmallow’s voice, she held two plates of food. Apple’s face immediately lit up at seeing Marshmallow, completely not focused on Bow, floating right beside Marshmallow.

Marshmallow walked over, placing the plates down, and moving some of the art supplies out of the way. She gave Apple her plate and Apple became aware of how hungry she was. When was the last time she ate? She couldn’t remember.

Marshmallow sat across from Apple on the floor, her plate in front of herself. Apple waited for Marsh to settle in before Apple dug into her own food, that first bite turned into Apple wolfing her food down like she hadn’t eaten in weeks - which is probably true.

Marshmallow ate her food, much slower than Apple was, Apple was done quicker than Marshmallow. 

Apple missed Bow’s grumble. Apple then pushed her plate to the side and picked up her drawing.

“Marsh! Look at what I drew!” Apple said, excitedly.

Apple didn’t catch Bow rolling her eyes, Apple was focused on Marsh, Marsh looked up finishing her bite before she smiled.

“It looks lovely, Apple.”

Apple beamed, at the praise, smiling widely. Apple put the drawing down and started to do another one. Marshmallow finished her own food and grabbed both plates and walked away, Bow stayed in the living room next to Dough.

“Those are some big words there, Kiwi. Not surprised you can’t spell them.” Bow commented with a passive aggressive undertone, looking at the drawing.

Apple ignored Bow not picking the undertone of her words up. She continued to draw, humming not realizing she was somehow synchronizing with the TV static.

Bow then turned and started to talk with Dough about the latest gossip on whatever social media site. Apple didn’t pick up the conversation at all, too busy with her drawing of herself and Marsh.

Apple was almost done when Marshmallow came back and sat across from her.

“Wanna draw with me, Marsh?” Apple asked, sliding a piece of paper towards Marshmallow.

“Sure, Apple.” 

Marsh took the paper and Apple moved the crayons towards the middle of the coffee table for the two of them to share even if Marshmallow was more into the pens.

Marshmallow was drawing a set drawing of a landscape while Apple was busy drawing random things to fill her paper up. Marsh was drawing the landscape of where Purgatory mansion is located and Apple drew random things from herself and Marsh to ponies to snow to christmas trees, anything. While Bow and Dough continued to gossip and scroll on Bow’s phone.

It wasn’t long before Apple rambled on to Marshmallow about how loud Hotel OJ is compared to Purgatory Mansion. Marshmallow listened intently to Apple who hit her hurt right paw on the table making her inhale sharply from the jolt of stinging pain. Apple quickly regained her composure and continued to ramble despite the worry on Marsh’s face.

But, Marshmallow could listen to Apple ramble on for hours, she liked Apple’s voice. Although she couldn’t figure out why. Apple also liked Marsh’s voice, despite when she used to say it could break glass.

Apple was less focused on her own paper and more focused on if Marshmallow was listening and wasn’t uncomfortable with the comparison, Apple still rambled on which filled the mostly quiet room.

Chapter 3

“Marsh! Cmon, it’s time for our fingerpainting!” Apple said, loosely pulling on Marsh’s arm.

“One second, Apple. I’m-“ Marshmallow was cut off by Bow.

“Uh, she’s talking to me. You can wait a second.” 

Apple glared at Bow, pouting. “Why do I have to wait?”

“Apple, hon,” Marshmallow started. “We are making a Walmart order, ‘cause we need food and there is no place around here, it’s a wonder Walmart delivers this far and I really don’t wanna leave the mansion, we disappeared from the show only a few days ago.”

Apple pouted more but didn’t argue with Marshmallow. Apple did stare into Bow’s phones as they ordered the usual stuff the house would need. Apple felt pangs of jealousy pierce into her, Bow and Marshmallow kept talking. Apple’s claws dug into the table, Bow looked over at Apple when Marsh wasn’t paying attention and Bow flashed Apple a triumphant grin. Apple glared at her.

Apple felt like it had been an hour before Marshmallow was done getting said food.

“Okay, Apple we can-“

Marshmallow didn’t get to finish before Apple sprung up out of her seat, grabbing Marsh’s arm before running off, she wanted to get away from Bow.

“You left claw marks in the table!” Bow yelled watching Apple and Marsh disappeared into the living room.

Once out of Bow’s sight Apple let go of Marshmallow’s arm before sitting down on the floor, smiling innocently. Marsh let out a small sigh, Apple’s smiled faltered before regaining it. Marshmallow sat next to Apple and placed a paw over Apple’s.

“Apple.” Marsh began.

“Yes, Marsh?” Apple smiled, brightly. Loving the feeling of Marshmallow’s paw on hers.

“Can’t you try and give Bow a chance?” Marsh said. “She’s-“

“She ruined our friendship!” Apple cried. “If she didn’t confess - whatever that means or if you didn’t come here. Then-Then, you’d still hate me!”

Marsh flinched. 

“Apple, listen.”

Apple balled her paw into a fist.

“Bow is sorry, she’s sincere - which means she’s being genuine or honest. She’s being nice isn’t she?”

Apple doesn’t know how to answer that one, she can’t tell if Bow is being nice or aggressive. Bow’s making it hard for her to know. Apple shrugged.

“Well, she’s trying to be nice so you two can get along.”

Apple tensed up. Why would she ever want to be friendly with Bow? Let alone be friends, the thought of her and Bow being friends felt like vemon in her mouth, not good, not possible.

Apple wouldn’t be friendly with the girl who broke her and Marsh apart. Never. Marshmallow knew one talk with Apple wouldn’t go smoothly.

“Can’t you be nice to her?”

“Never.” Apple huffed. “She doesn’t deserve it.”

“Apple, you need to work on your spitefulness.” Marsh said.

“No, I don’t. It’s not that bad.”

“You told Bow that she could starve when you made cookies when Bow said, she’d like to eat the cookies if she was alive. That was your first sentence to her.”

“People like her don’t deserve to eat.”

Marsh huffed a sigh, Apple tensed up more. Her first thought she was that she was annoying Marshmallow, making her upset.

“Even if you hate her, she still deserves to eat. She’s trying to make it up to you.”

Apple didn’t answer, Marsh continued.

“Can you try and be nicer?”

Apple didn’t answer, she didn’t want to open her mouth and spit out something harsh or mean and make Marshmallow more upset at her. Apple stared down at hers and Marsh’s paws. Apple pulled her knees up closer to herself.

“Apple?”

What if Marsh didn’t want to be friends anymore ‘cause of how Apple’s acting? What if Marsh kicks her out in favor of Bow? Or if Bow requested it? Apple doesn’t know what’d she do. She wouldn’t even go back to Hotel OJ, maybe living the dead forest around here wouldn’t be so bad.

Apple dug her claws into her leg. If Marsh kicked her out, Apple would go back to having no one and this time, she wouldn’t have anywhere to go. She doesn’t own a lot and she would have nothing.

“Apple.”

“..Apple?”

…

Apple jumped when she felt a paw on her arm.

“Stop.”

Apple loosened her claws and looked at Marshmallow. She saw worry in her eyes. Apple felt a pang of an emotion she couldn’t pinpoint but she knew she hated that look in Marshmallow’s eyes.

Apple hated it when anyone got upset or fretted over her, it didn’t make her feel weak or anything. She just hates it when people are upset over her, it makes her feel weird and she doesn’t like it.

“Are you okay, hon? Has Bow done anything bad when I’m not around?” Marshmallow’s voice was soft.

Apple shook her head, she couldn’t find the words she wanted to use without probably bitching around how mixed Bow’s actions are. She is trying to be nice or not?

“I’m… Fine.” 

Marshmallow didn’t seem convinced.

“You can talk to me at anytime, okay? And if Bow’s being mean, you tell me.”

Apple nodded, she latched onto Marshmallow. 

“Can we start are fingerpainting now?” She murmured.

“Yes, Apple.” Marsh spoke, her voice still very soft.

Apple let go for a second and Marsh grabbed the art supplies.

She set the paint palettes out along with many different colors of paint, and paper. Apple's mood was still dimmed but she was starting to feel slightly better to finger paint with Marshmallow.

Apple wasted no time in snatching a piece of paper, she dipped her paw into bright sky blue feeling the sticky paint stick to the fur between her pads then she dragged her paw against her paper, gently to not rip it. Marshmallow was more discreet, she didn’t dip her whole paw into the paint, a dark red, and she painted on her paper like she would use a paintbrush.

Apple was painting what looked like a sunny flower meadow, she used one of her pads to make flowers of all colors blue, yellow, purple, pink, and used the yellow to make a corner sun. 

Marshmallow was painting something she usually really doesn’t, she usually did landscapes or something like it but she was painting her friends, Apple and Bow, making sure to put emphasis on Bow’s tail as Bow really liked it for some reason and she added more fluff to Apple’s limbs as Apple’s limbs are fluffy.

“Why do we have floof on are arms and legs but not on our bodies?” Apple’s voice cut through the air.

Marshmallow didn’t even realize Apple was rambling on, it was like background noise hearing Apple’s rants and rambles. But, Marshmallow didn’t know how to answer that question, it made her wonder.

“I’m not sure.”

Apple took the answer and rambled on about the static the TV plays and why doesn’t it show actual shows. Marshmallow then was made aware of Apple, who had wet paint stuck in her fur and some on her body. Marsh would never understand how Apple gets so messy.

Marshmallow went back to adding finishing touches to her painting, saying small answers to Apple’s rambling.

“Done!” Apple cheered, placing her paws on the coffee table, smearing paint on it.

Marshmallow looked up to see Apple’s messily painted landscape, it was a little hard to look at with all the neon and bright colors but Marshmallow smiled.

“It looks lovely.”

Apple’s dimmed mood was completely gone now as she smiled. 

“What about mine?” Marshmallow asked, holding her painting up.

“Ooh! It looks amazing.” Apple said, looking amazed. “I love it! I look so fluffy.”

Marsh was happy Apple didn’t mention it was her and Bow or mentioned Bow at all. ‘Cause it would undoubtedly lead to Apple saying something negative and Marshmallow didn’t want Apple to be upset or pissed off.

“You’re such a good artist, Marsh.”

“Oh, you’re so sweet. It’s not that good.”

“But, it is!”

Marshmallow chuckled. “Now, let’s get cleaned up. You do need a bath.”

Apple nodded and stood up beside Marsh and followed Marsh into the bathroom that was behind the big staircase. Marsh started the bath water, she didn’t trust Apple to not burn herself and turn herself into apple sauce, that would be disastrous for a lot of reasons.

Apple was sat on the floor, the bathroom was big which was not surprising as the mansion is well, a mansion. Marshmallow washed the dried paint off her paws while the tub filled up. Marshmallow dried her paws and turned the tap off.

“Don’t mess with the tap, okay?” Marsh said.

Apple nodded.

“Call if you need something. Everything you need is in here.”

Apple nodded again.

“I’ll just be right outside okay?” 

Apple tensed up. “..Okay..”

Marsh gave a comforting smile before she walked out and was greeted by Bow.

“So like, the groceries came. Dough’s putting them up, that maniac is such a stickler for cooking.” Bow said.

“He’s the only one who can cook.” Marshmallow commented.

“You can.”

“Barely, I can only do like basic stuff.”

“What about me?”

“You’d most likely get glued to your phone.”

“..Apple?”

“She’d somehow find away to burn boiling water.”

Bow barked out at laugh at that and Marshmallow chuckled.

“She has done it before, almost burned Hotel OJ down. OJ wasn’t even mad - for once - just very confused.” Marshmallow said, recounting the story. “Not even sure why OJ trusted Apple to do it.”

That made Bow laugh even harder.

“Speaking of the girl..” Bow said. “Where is she?”

“Taking a bath, she gets so dirty so quickly. It’s like magic or something.” 

Bow’s laughing died down into snickers.

“Apple is special, that’s for sure.” Marshmallow said, her playful tone then turned more serious.

“You have been playing nice, yes?” 

“Of course, I have been Marsh! I’ve been like so nice to her.”

“Better be, you are living together now. Remember, be nice and try to make her see you are sorry.”

“She should just forgive me already! It’s been days.”

“How would you feel if a jealous friend tried to break me and you apart?”

“I’d be pissed, that’s like so not coolness!”

“That’s what you did with me and Apple, I’m her only friend and when I found out. I felt horrible for how I treated her.”

“…You aren’t.. Her only friend..”

Bow’s tone wavered.

“She has to have had someone else.”

“No, she didn’t.” Marsh’s tone was stern. “No one really made an effort to be her friend or understand how her mind works. They only knew that she’s not the brightest contestant, that’s all she was to them. Why do you think she was so clingy towards me?”

Bow flinched, she had been so sure that Apple had at least one other friend to fall back on, just that Marshmallow was her favorite. Marshmallow sighed.

“Make an effort to be her friend or be on friendly terms. Not only ‘cause you are living together but because it’ll be a good opportunity for Apple to obtain another friend that isn’t me and same for you.”

Bow nodded, she felt bad. 

“Marshhhh.” 

Bow jumped slightly at hearing Apple calling for Marshmallow.

“Yes, Apple?”

“I’m done.”

Apple then appeared in the doorway and it looked like she went and put arm and leg warmers on herself. Her limbs where much more fluffy now.

“You need to cut your fluff.” Marshmallow commented.

“Nneevveerr.” Apple dragged out, giggling as she flapped her arms.

Apple was obviously in a very good mood, she didn’t even notice Bow or was ignoring her. One of the two.

“Let’s go for a walk!”

“Apple, you just had a bath. Wait til’ tomorrow.” 

“Fine, Marshh.”

Apple then yawned, her eyes starting to looked tired. It was midday, ‘How is she tired?’ Marshmallow thought.

“Cann I made a fort in the living room? To sleep?” Apple asked, looking hopeful.

“Sure, Apple don’t make too much of a mess.” Marsh said, which she didn’t get to really finish as Apple was dragging her upstairs.

“This closet, Apple.” Marsh pointed to one and Apple darted to it.

Apple opened it and grabbed whatever she could fit in her arms, Marshmallow counted four blankets and maybe six pillows before Apple ran down the stairs.

“Apple! Wait! Slow-“

Marshmallow didn’t get to finish before Apple tripped the fell the rest of the way down, good thing she had pillows and blankets… Which were now everywhere across the foryer. Marshmallow joined Apple at the bottom and helped picked the scattered stuff.

“I swear.. You’re gonna knock a tooth out someday.” Marshmallow grumbled.

Apple’s movements slowed while she made her nest, before snuggling into the nest of fabric and immediately passing out.

“When Apple needs to sleep, remind me to just make her take a bath.” Marshmallow said.

“Noted.” Bow said, sitting on the couch as best she could, Marsh sat next to her.

“Look at this.” Bow said, pushing her phone towards Marshmallow. “It’s important.”

Marshmallowed looked, it was an article about Inanimate Insanity.

“I don’t wanna read anything about that show.”

“No, no, Marsh it’s about you and Apple.” Bow said.

Sure enough, Marshmallow read the subheading and sure enough it said, ‘Marshmallow and Apple: Missing contestants.’

“You’ve got to be kidding me..” Marshmallow grumbled. “There’s an article about me and Apple already?”

“Yep, like.. I think you might wanna read this.” Bow handed Marshmallow her phone.

“I do want to, I want to see what they’ve said about us.”

Chapter 4

‘Inanimate Insanity contestants: Apple and Marshmallow are missing. Contestants on the show, says Marshmallow must’ve slipped away after the challenge, but they didn’t see her leave. But, she did seem upset before she slipped away.

And they said that Marshmallow seemed down and upset especially when Paintbrush was talking about strategies and about the game, reports say she never came back that night.

Residents at Hotel OJ says they hadn’t seen Apple since that morning, but some who have rooms near Apple’s reported hearing glass shattering, a scream, and two thuds, before it went quiet.

Hotel owner, OJ says, when he went into Apple’s room to see why glass had shattered, her room was in disarray. Her art supplies was strung across the floor, a giant rock in the middle and the broken window, that had a pool of ‘apple juice’ on it.

Both contestants went missing on the same night and they weren’t on good terms.

Some say they went on and killed each other since Apple’s blood was on the broken window and Marshmallow was seen being violent towards Apple for the few episodes before she was eliminated.

Others say they maybe they ran away - with a select few saying maybe they eloped and hating each other was just a front to keep it a secret, until they where away from the show.

Or that the two got into a fight but hurt each other horribly and now they’re somewhere in the forest.

Some viewers are bashing Mephone4 for not paying attention and since he didn’t care about Marshmallow’s disappearance in the very next episode.

We have no leads as of now, so it’s still very much a mystery as to what happened to the two contestant. We will keep all Inanimate Insanity fans updated.’ 

 

Marshmallow scoffed, she hated being referred to as an ‘Inanimate Insanity contestant’. She left for a reason but the theories the viewers came up with are interesting.

If they had killed each other - Mephone could’ve just revived them.

They did run away, but they didn’t elope. That wasn’t on Marshmallow’s mind and surely the fandom would go crazy if that was the case.

If they got badly hurt - Why would they be hiding out in the forest? Apple did get hurt but Marshmallow wasn’t the one to hurt her.

The article just pissed Marshmallow off, who do these people think they are to just invade her life like this? She left and that should’ve been it but no, she should’ve known something like this would’ve happened. She sighed, articles would go absolutely insane if they found out she ran away with Apple.

“I hate this.” 

“I can tell, you are like scowling pretty angrily right now.” Bow commented, rather loudly.

Apple stirred.

“Shh, let her sleep. She probably needs this.” Marshmallow said, Bow nodded.

“Eloped? Some people think you and Apple ran away to get married?” Bow quietly snickered.

“I know, it wouldn’t happen. I mean, I like Apple as a friend but she isn’t the best.. Relationship material.”

“Maybe, she’ll surprise you and you’ll fall for her.” Bow snickering stopped. “She’s a sweet, tool though.”

Marshmallow blinked at Bow. “Are you being passive aggressive?”

“Maybeee.”

“Bow, that won’t work on Apple.”

“I’m just matching her energy!”

“You’re confusing her, she’s… Lacking in knowledge, that’s obvious but she lacks more in emotional intelligence. She doesn’t understand most of her emotions, she’s told me so.”

“And like, so what if she’s lacking in knowing emotions?”

“Like I said, you are just confusing her. How do you expect her to detect passive aggression, if she can’t recognize actual aggression? Like, when I thought she betrayed me. I was outwardly aggressive and she didn’t pick up on it.”

“But, Apple is aggressive.”

“She doesn’t know that word, she knows she’s violent, surprisingly knows what that means but she doesn’t know what aggressive means, let alone passive.”

Bow stared at Marshmallow taking her phone back.

“She knows I’m being passive aggressive.”

“No, she doesn’t. I’m sure of it.”

“Has she told you?”

“No-“

“Then, that’s that!”

“But, I know Apple better than anyone and when I talked to her earlier about you, I could tell from the flickering emotions in her eyes and her small mannerisms, that she was confused about what you are doing.”

Bow scoffed, floating upwards.

“She knows what she’s doing. Trying to take you from me.”

“Bow.”

“That’s all she wants, to take you away and to leave me here alone.”

“Bow, listen to me-“

“No! She’s just manipulating you.”

“She doesn’t even know what that word means! Listen, Bow.”

Bow shut up.

“She’s not gonna make me leave you here, okay? She would’ve already tried to convince me to leave if that were the case. She likes it here, even if she doesn’t like you.”

Bow nodded, but her anger was still prominent.

“Apple is a dimwitted, violent jerk! She can’t do anything a regular person should. She can’t read, write, spell, do math, anything! Maybe..Maybe she should be stuck here instead of me!”

…

“…Well..Well, at least I don’t break friendships apart!”

Marshmallow and Bow snapped towards the sound of Apple’s voice.

“That was a one time-“ Bow tried saying.

“No! You were just a jealous girl, you couldn’t have Marsh to yourself and so you made me say something to her to ruin our friendship ‘cause.. your selfish!” Apple cut her off.

“Apple-“ Marshmallow tried to interfere.

“Bow, you are just a good for nothing, jealous meanie that doesn’t deserve Marsh’s forgiveness over what you did just because you couldn’t take to see Marsh being close to someone else!” Apple didn’t take a moment to breathe. “I may be stupid and-and violent but at least I never broke two people apart!”

Bow’s tail twitched in anger before she could speak, Marshmallow cut them off.

“You two stop it!”

Apple and Bow snapped towards Marshmallow.

“Stop fighting.” Marshmallow sighed. “Stop, you both need to apologize to each other. Especially, you Bow.”

“Wha- But- She-“ Bow pointed to Apple.

“You started it, Apple wouldn’t have said any of that if you didn’t insult her first.” Marsh said.

“What does ‘apologize’ mean?” Apple asked.

“It basically means saying, ‘I’m sorry’.”

“Oh, well, I’ll say I’m sorry but Bow has to say it first.”

Apple looked up at Bow who looked down at her, Apple’s eyes were still laced with sleepiness, she was just woken up, she still looked as innocent as ever as if she wouldn’t ever insult or be violent.

“…I’m sorry.” Bow finally said, looking away.

“I’m… Sorry, too.” Apple yawned between her sentence.

“Want to go back to sleep, Apple?” Marsh questioned, gently.

Apple didn’t have to be told twice before she flopped back into her fabric nest and passed out once more. Marshmallow turned her attention to Bow.

“Bow, be nice.”

“Like, I know.”

“No, I mean don’t be passive aggressive either. Be genuine.”

Bow didn’t speak so Marshmallow continued.

“Apple has quite the quick tongue on herself, she can spit out more insults than you’d think she could. I know first hand from my experience… And she cussed Trophy out one time for pushing her down, almost passed out ‘cause she didn’t breathe. I think the reason she didn’t insult you more is because she’s tired.”

Bow listened.

“Will you be nice? No passive aggression?”

“…I can.” Bow finally sighed out.

“Good.”

-x-

“Okay, Apple. I’m gonna unravel the bandage to take a look at that cut, okay?” Marsh spoke gently.

Apple nodded, she watched as Marshmallow gently unraveled the bandages on Apple’s right paw. Apple flinched as the bandage had stuck to her fur and ripped some out. 

She winced as Marshmallow grazed and applied slight pressure against the scar that ran across Apple’s pad. 

“That’s a pretty decent size scar..” Marsh murmured to herself, watching Apple wince as Marsh applied slightly more pressure.

“Seems tender too - Tender means sensitive to pain.” Marshmallow stopped putting pressure on Apple’s paw. “It’s gonna be sore, but it’s healed up for the most part. Just don’t slam it or press too hard with this paw for a bit, just until the tenderness goes away.”

Apple nodded, looking at her new scar. It wasn’t her first scar but it’s her first noticeable scar.

“Thanks, Marsh!” Apple pulled Marshmallow in a tight hug.

“Now, I gotta go help with dinner, I promised Dough I would help him.” Marshmallow said, making her way to the kitchen Apple following close behind.

“What have you started?” Marsh asked Dough.

“Apple and Marshmallow pie.” Dough replied although he was looking at a recipe in a cookbook for vegetable soup.

Marshmallows and apples. Marshmallow never bought them, marshmallows for obvious reasons and she didn’t know how Apple felt about someone eating apples in front of her but Marshmallow felt uncomfortable buying them.

She would stop buying dough if Dough was uncomfortable but he really couldn’t care less. He’ll eat dough if he could, he doesn’t give a damn. Hell, he doesn’t house a grudge towards Yin-Yang for eating him and even said he ‘knows he’s tasty’.

Dough was weird, but no one in this mansion is normal. 

“Can you help like cut some of those things over there.” Dough pointed to a plate which had various vegetables on it.

Dough had a medium sized pot, Marshmallow didn’t need to eat much, same with Apple and Bow and Dough can’t eat. So, they didn’t need to make all that much.

Marshmallow pushed a chair towards the countertop and stood on the chair, Apple was near the bottom of the chair, watching.

Marshmallow grabbed a cutting word and a carrot and started chopping.

It didn’t take long, Marshmallow wasn’t slow and after she was done chopping vegetables, she let Dough do the rest and led Apple out of the kitchen. Apple is not to be trusted in that area.

Bow was at the bottom of the staircase and Marshmallow saw Apple glare at her. Marshmallow sighed which gained Bow’s attention.

“You know what?” Marsh gathered both Bow’s and Apple’s attention. “I’m tired of this, I know I can’t rush Apple forgiving Bow, but you two need to learn how to get along and maybe hang out without me.”

Apple inhaled sharply.

“So, you know what? Bow and Apple tomorrow, you two will… I don’t know.. Bake something like a cake, just you two so you can learn to get along. And hopefully don’t burn the mansion down.”

Apple gasped. “I’ll be allowed to bake something new?! But, does it have to be with Bow?”

“Yes, this is a bonding… Exercise, for you and Bow.” 

Bow was stunned. “Like what? You expect me to bake with her?”

Marshmallow glared at Bow.

“Oh-Oh! Well, won’t that just be so fun?” Bow chuckled nervously.

“I guess, I’ll do it only ‘cause I want cake.” Apple said, smiling.

“Yes, hon. You love the sweetness, yeah?” Apple nodded at Marsh’s words, “Bake with Bow and you’ll get to have cake.”

Bow and Apple glanced at each other in a silent acknowledgment of what will be happening.

Chapter 5

“I’ll just be in the next room over, to make sure the mansion doesn’t burn down.” Marshmallow said, walking out of the kitchen, leaving Bow and Apple alone.

Apple still wasn’t all too pleased about being alone with Bow, but decided she can tolerate it for now. It was simple to bake something, it was decided to be a cake. Apple then was realizing her ignoring Bow wouldn’t work with what they are doing, it required communication.

Apple groaned before speaking up. “Okay, Bow. Let’s get started, I think we’ll need to make it from scratch - whatever that means. Because, no, I think it’s called ‘Cake mix’ was buyed.”

“Bought.” Bow corrected. “But like yeah, no cake mix. That means we’ll need like flour and stuff.”

Apple nodded, getting all the stuff she could reach. Butter, baking powder, eggs, milk, vanilla and oil while Bow got the stuff from up higher due to her floating, she got the bowl, sugar, flour, whisk, salt, and cake pans. The two silently placed it on the table, the air was so thick with tension, a knife could slice through it.

Bow took a deep breath. “We cannot make a cake like this. There’s so much tension between us, it’s stuffy.”

Apple stiffly nodded.

Bow turned to Apple. “Truce? Just for now, until this cake is done. To relieve some of this tension.” Bow held her hand out.

Apple stared at it, before relaxing as she took Bow’s hand, well tried too. Her hand phased right through and Apple almost fell, Bow seemingly forgot she couldn’t touch the living and tried to catch Apple but it only made Apple shiver as Bow went right through her.

Apple managed to grab onto a chair to steady herself, the chair hit the table making it so it didn’t fall but Apple could feel it slowly slipping and so she scrambled to stop putting her weight on it.

“What a start to a temporary truce.” Bow nervously chuckled. “I.. Forgot I can’t touch the living..”

Apple stared at Bow which made Bow slightly uncomfortable and nervous but Apple was just processing what just happened and didn’t stop herself from busting in a fit of giggles.

Apple knew she wasn’t the smartest, but the thought of her trying to touch a ghost was really dumb and sometimes her stupidity is funny to herself and she giggles. Apple covered her mouth with her paws as she giggled away. Bow was confused but no longer nervous as Apple seems to be enjoying herself.

Bow couldn’t help but stifle her own giggles, somehow Apple’s were contagious. Apple’s giggles sounded so.. Genuine, so happy, so full of life.

“Okay, okay. Let’s start!” Apple chirped once her giggles died down.

Bow had to take a moment's pause. Apple sounded.. Excited to actually work with Bow? It was the first time since Apple arrived that her tone didn’t have an undertone of venom. Marshmallow did say for Bow to be nice and Apple would start to talk with her.

Bow was being passive aggressive to match Apple’s energy and thought it would work the same as if she was being just passive. But, with new found information, she definitely knows how to get on Apple’s good side.

Bow smiled and spun. “Yeah, let’s start.”

Bow got the measuring cups out of the cabinet and placed them down. 

“Do we have instructions? Whatever that means.” Apple asked, looking up at Bow expectantly.

“Uhh, I can look up a recipe.” Bow pulled her phone out, looking up a recipe, it took a minute ‘cause of bad service but she got one pulled up. “Okay, got one.”

Apple looked up, waiting for an order because she has no idea about what she’s supposed to do.

“Okay, it says ‘whip the eggs and sugar’. So, like put the eggs in a bowl along with the sugar and mix it.” Bow said, knowing she’d have to explain it so Apple could understand.

“How many eggs and how much sugar?” 

“It says… Three eggs and a cup of sugar.”

Bow took the measuring cups ‘cause Apple can’t read and would put too much or too little, Apple got on a chair to better job. Bow kept an eye on Apple who was having a slight problem with breaking the eggs open, Bow kept an eye on her ‘cause the last thing Apple needs is another bandage on her hand after she just got the bandage off her right hand.

“Apple, crack the eggs on the table and pull the shell apart while holding it over the bowl.” Bow instructed, as she opened the bag of sugar.

Apple hummed and hit the egg against the table, not too hard enough to leave a small crack in the shell and as Bow had said, held it over the bowl and pulled the shell open, making the egg inside plop down into the bowl, Apple was giddy as she had done it correctly. Apple did it for the other two, as Bow poured the sugar in the bowl.

Bow handed the whisk to Apple who looked like a kid on christmas. “Use this to mix the sugar and eggs together, but don’t mix it too hard.”

Apple nodded, a dumb smile plastered on her face as she started to mix the eggs and sugar, slowly at first but once she got more confident she did it slightly quicker. As Bow read aloud the next step.

“Mix the flour, salt, and baking powder and gradually add it to the egg and sugar mixture.” Bow then grabbed another bowl.

Apple was itching to ask what gradually means but she was peaceful and didn’t want to ruin it with a ‘dumb question’. Apple watched Bow get two cups and two-thirds of flour, pouring into the bowl then two teaspoons of baking powder and a small pinch of the salt mixing all the ingredients with a spoon.

Apple kept mixing until her mixture was an off-white color. Bow floated over with her bowl and slowly added the dry mixture into Apple’s wet mixture as Apple kept mixing. Apple felt uncharacteristically nervous about if she should stop but she decided to wait until Bow said to stop.

Bow tapped her bowl against Apple’s to get the last of the dry ingredients out of the bowl before putting it by the sink and read the next step.

“Use a microwave or stove to heat milk with butter until it melts.” 

Bow didn’t trust Apple with something hot, Marshmallow did say be careful when Apple is dealing with something hot. 

Bow cut two-thirds of butter off a stick and got a cup of milk putting it in a small bowl and popping it into the microwave for a minute. 

“You can stop mixing for now, Apple.” Bow said.

“Okay.” Apple said, thanking whoever since her arms were starting to get tired.

The beeping from the microwave signaling that it was done, Bow got it out and placed it on the table.

“It says to let it cool down.” Bow said, staring at her phone. Apple decided to look over Bow’s shoulder.

Bow snickered, not maliciously but from amusement. Bow scrolled along her social media feed and came across a picture of a cat. Apple gasped, loudly.

“Kitty!” 

Bow smiled, of course Apple would be amused at a cat photo. Apple was practically buzzing in her seat, Apple wanted to see more and Bow seemed to sense that, Bow typed in the search bar ‘cats’. And Bow thought Apple was gonna have an aneurysm from seeing all the cats.

Apple was very focused on the cats as Bow scrolled, Bow checked the temperature of the milk and butter and determined it was cool enough. Bow put her phone away much to the dismay of Apple. 

“Wanna pour this in and mix it all together?” Bow offered.

Apple nodded vigorously, taking the bowl and pouring it in the bigger bowl and started to mix it all together as Bow took the smaller bowl and put it in the sink. Bow came back and watched Apple mix for a few minutes, Bow grabbed a round cake pan and placed it down.

Bow oiled it up so the cake wouldn’t stick before Bow remembered.

“The vanilla!” 

Apple looked at her confused, Bow grabbed the small bottle of vanilla extract and poured three teaspoons of vanilla into the batter, Apple kept mixing.

“Okay, now, it’s time to pour the batter into the cake pan.” 

As Apple held the bowl, Bow decided to help and placed her hands over Apple’s, sure they phased right through Apple’s hands but she still held onto the bowl. Apple shivered and was stunned for a few seconds as Bow guided the bowl to pour into the cake pan. Apple's hands still had a grip on the bowl but she let Bow do it as she tried processing the feeling of Bow’s hands in hers.

Bow grabbed the spoon she used earlier to scrape every last bit of batter she could into the pan before she and Apple set the bowl down. Apple couldn’t process the feeling at all. Bow finally pre-heated the oven and thought it wouldn’t hurt to put it in earlier and so she did, setting the timer for two minutes more than what she read.

“How many minutes before it’s done?” Apple asked.

“Thirty-two minutes.” Bow answered.

Apple huffed at how long it would take.

“We can make icing, we should make icing.” Bow thought, aloud.

“Icing?”

“The stuff you put on a cake.” 

Apple nodded, Bow looked up an icing recipe and hoped they had the ingredients.

“We’ll make buttercream icing.” 

Apple nodded again. 

“We need… Butter, salt, vanilla extract, cream, and powdered sugar… We don’t have cream.” Bow said, going back to typing. “But, we can make some. Apple Do the rest of the icing while I start to make the cream, okay?”

“Got it!” Apple said, as Bow handed her a bowl.

“Just use the whisk from the cake batter. I’ll see if we have food coloring as well.” Bow then went on to make the cream.

Bow melted a fourth of a cup of butter and three-fourths of milk into a bowl and mixed it with a spoon, until she got it creamy enough. As she told Apple what to do with the icing.

The butter was soft by this point and Bow told Apple to put two sticks of butter into the bowl and mix until she thought the butter was creamy enough. Apple did, she did struggle somewhat though. Bow got the powdered sugar and gave Apple two measuring cups, a one cup and a half cup.

“Three scoops of the one cup and one of the half cup. The half cup is the smaller one.” Bow explained.

Apple hummed, making a mess as she put the powdered sugar in the bowl before mixing. Bow added two tablespoons of her homemade cream mixture into the bowl as Apple mixed then added two teaspoons of vanilla extract. The mixture was becoming thicker which each mix until Apple stopped mixing and Bow took the bowl from her.

“I’ll put this in the fridge so it stays cool.” Bow said, putting the bowl in the fridge.

“How much more on the cake?” 

“Twenty-two minutes.” 

Apple sat down on the floor, she couldn’t count that high but it seemed like a long time. Bow sat - well tried to at least - right beside Apple. The two sat in silence, it wasn’t uncomfortable by any means, Apple closed her eyes.

…

“It’s done!” Apple cheered as she heard the timer go off.

Bow smiled as she opened the oven, Apple begged to be the one to take the cake out of the oven and Bow made sure Apple had oven mitts on and very closely watched as Apple took the pan out of the oven and placed it on the stovetop as Bow closed the oven.

“Now, we need to let it cool.” Bow commented, Apple let a small whine out.

Bow let a small chuckle out at that. “Want to look at pony photos?”

“Yes!”

Apple and Bow scrolled along looking at all the different ponies, ponies are Apple’s favorite and it’s evident. Apple might as well have stars in her eyes with how starstruck she looked. 

Bow checked the cake, it was cool enough for icing. Bow still made Apple wear oven mitts though, like with the bowl, Bow put her hands in Apple’s as the two held the cake pan over a plate to get the cake out. Once it came out, Bow helped Apple place the cake down and got the icing out of the fridge.

Having nothing better, Bow got a spoon and a butter knife and gave the spoon to Apple, keeping the butter knife for herself and the two put the icing on the cake, which didn’t take long but the icing was messily placed. 

“It’s done!” Apple was ecstatic, buzzing where she stood. “Marsh! Marsh! We did it!” 

Marshmallow came in, looking pleased that there was no fire and no major fighting.

“Good job, sweetie.” Marsh said, patting Apple’s head. Apple smiled dumbly. “Good job, to you too Bow.”

Bow also smiled and spun. 

“Good you two got along. Apple, do you forgive Bow?” Marsh asked.

“No,” Apple stated, Bow’s mood dimmed at that. “But, Bow isn’t all that bad.”

Bow did brighten up at that, she has a chance. Marsh did a small smile since Apple was starting to warm up to Bow.

Chapter 6

Apple was laid on the floor, eating a piece of the vanilla cake she and Bow had made. Using a fork as per Marshmallow’s request or rather gentle demand.

Apple was watching the static on the TV, she doesn’t remember what this one is called, though. Apple happily eats away, Bow was in the room, texting away to someone online while sitting next to Apple. Ever since Apple agreed to start talking and maybe hanging out with Bow, Bow had been wanting to hang out more often, Apple doesn’t know why, the company of Bow is nice but Apple harbors some resentment still which she has tried to get rid off.

Albeit, Apple wasn’t trying all that hard, Bow was, Apple’s just too blinded by her own feelings to see it. Apple did offer Bow a piece of cake but Bow had refused, as it would just go right through her.

Apple took a bite before looking over at Bow’s phone which seemed to have an in depth conversation with someone, Apple can’t read the message name. Maybe, she’ll get Marshmallow to try and help her to read, it would be useful.

Apple tried getting a glimpse of the messages, before turning away as the words blended together. Apple had finished her cake, she didn’t want to get up though. The current state was comforting in a cold, chilling way, she didn’t want to move.

Apple tapped her paws against the plate, before staring outside. It wasn’t sunny, it usually wasn’t making it hard to tell whether it would rain or not, Marshmallow was hellbent on staying inside for multiple reasons along with the fact she’d get soggy if wet. Apple can’t blame her, she doesn’t like the rain much ever since she grew her fur out.

Apple stared at the dead trees that littered the outside area, the grass was also dead, everything was. Apple hadn’t been outside ever since Marshmallow brought her to the mansion. She never left Hotel OJ, she never sought a reason to. While Marsh didn’t want to leave.

‘Maybe, Marsh would like to go outside?’ Apple thought she now had the desire to go outside but she didn’t want to go alone. Not at all. If Marsh refused, Apple would beg until Marshmallow put her paw down and Apple wouldn’t leave at all.

Apple debated on asking Bow, she’d want to leave more than Marshmallow. Apple opened her mouth but stopped herself, she forgot that Bow can’t leave the mansion and she didn’t want to upset Bow - She shocked herself by caring, she still didn’t like Bow all that much and here she was, worrying about upsetting Bow.

Apple abruptly stood up, startling Bow who mistyped on her phone. Apple looked at Bow, Bow quickly fixed the typo. Apple knew Marshmallow was somewhere downstairs, she walked towards the foyer.

“Where are you, like going?” Bow asked.

“I’m going to see if Marsh wants to go on… A walk outside.” Apple answered, stopping for a moment.

Bow shrugged. “Good luck, trying to convince her.”

Apple nodded in acknowledgment before setting off into the foyer, looking around for a moment. It isn’t hard to spot Marshmallow, she’s cotton white in a place full of dark and muted colors. Apple then moved onto the bar room, looking at the assortment of drinks and some wine locked in a case, Marshmallow forbade Apple from drinking, Marsh was even the one who bought the lock.

Apple looked in the kitchen, the brightest room in the house in terms of lighting. It was colored in an off-white color which wasn't as off-white as it should be, the mansion is old and dusty.

She walked back into the foyer, maybe Marshmallow was upstairs? Apple was starting to feel spikes in anxiety, she was fine being alone for a second. It was a combination of almost two minutes when she left Bow in the living room. Apple tried remembering where she last saw Marshmallow but Apple couldn’t remember.

Apple walked behind the stairs, it was an open area. Where Dough often went to play his instruments or to read or just be away from everyone else. Apple couldn’t imagine being alone for extended periods of time. Apple opened the first door she saw, hoping to find Marshmallow soon for her own sake and to just see Marsh.

Apple ended up opening the library and skimmed through the room, tensing up before seeing a small sliver of white sitting in a foam green chair. Apple ran up and sure enough, there was Marshmallow reading a book, a thick one.

“Marsh!” Apple exclaimed, her anxiety fading from Marsh being here now.

Apple sat on the arm of the chair and hugged Marshmallow tightly making Marshmallow’s body compress and against Apple’s squeezing. When Apple finally let go, Marshmallow’s body slowly popped back into shape. 

“Hey, Apple.” 

“Marsh! Can we go outside?”

Marshmallow blankly looked at Apple.

“Why do you want to go outside?”

“‘Cause! I haven’t been outside in so longgg and I wanna get out.”

Marshmallow balked as Apple looked, innocently awaiting an answer. 

“Cmon on Marsh, we are out of the show’s bounds yeah? What that means. No one from the show would think to check here.”

Marshmallow thought for a moment, looking into Apple’s eyes. She sighed, Apple wouldn’t give up, would she? 

“Okay, fine. But only for ten minutes.” 

Apple’s eyes lit up with excitement, grabbing Marshmallow’s hand. Marsh barely had time to place her bookmark and close the book before Apple was dragging her out of the room.

“Apple- Let me walk.”

Apple stopped and let Marshmallow stand more balanced before she set off to the front door again. Marshmallow managed to quickly tell Bow where the two were heading before Apple threw the door open and basically slammed the door shut.

Apple looked around, she never got a real good look at the place around the mansion since it was nighttime last time she was outside, she couldn’t really see due to the darkness and sleepiness.

It looked as dead as it would seem, Apple let go of Marshmallow’s hand and walked down the steps, before reaching the grass which crunched uncomfortably under her paws. How did she not notice that before? Marshmallow followed suit, the grass crunching under her paws too.

Marshmallow was less thrilled than Apple who was practically starstruck, as she looked around. Apple grasped Marsh’s paw again, picked a random direction that Marsh helped pick, and walked.

Apple was uncharacteristically quiet for the moment, taking in all the sights around her. Which wasn’t much at all, just the same dead trees and the dead grass crunching beneath their paws. Marshmallow admittedly started to get a tad uncomfortable in the silence, she can’t remember when’s the last time Apple has ever been so quiet - She doesn’t even know if Apple has ever been so silent.

Apple squeezed Marshmallow’s paw making Marshmallow wince as Apple accidentally dug her claws slightly into Marsh’s hand.

“You need to cut your claws once in a while.” Marshmallow commented, hoping to break the silence and Apple’s claws out of her paw.

Apple did stop digging her claws into Marshmallow’s hand, Marsh sighed in relief as she wasn’t bleeding.

“No, I can’t. How else will I tear my enemies apart? I can’t do that if they’re trimmed - Whatever that means.” Apple said.

Marshmallow shivered, she knew about Apple’s violence that was never a secret but spending so much time as Apple’s friend, made Marshmallow forget how murderous Apple can be, if she hates the person enough.

“You have murder mitts for actual murdering.” Marshmallow murmured.

“I don’t know what ‘murder mitts’ mean. But, that's what claws are for! To sink into the flesh of your enemies.” Apple smiled, before rambling on about what catches her eye.

Marsh was glad the silence was over, but wonders what’s the extent of Apple’s violent behavior, where does she draw the line at ‘too violent’. Does she even have a line for what’s too violent?

…

Bow’s tail twitched, scrolling on her phone. Marsh and Apple left not too long ago and the person she was texting had to do something and she was just sat there scrolling on whatever social media site. 

Dough came and sat beside her at one point, watching her mindlessly scroll. Bow hated Dough, saw him as an imposter, trying to take her place and her fame. Being a fake, undercut maniac who was trying to copy her and act like a brother. 

Bow would never admit that she actually, somewhat likes Dough now. She likes that she has someone who likes social media drama and gossip like her and likes to talk and make fun of some. 

She still found it weird, Dough only likes things that rhyme with ‘chair’. Bears, stairs, etc. Bow has seen siblings on social media and they are their own person with their own interests and personalities. Why does it seem like Dough is just a copy of her with different tweaks to make him seem like someone else?

Sure, there are things Dough can do that Bow can’t and vice versa. But, it seems like what Bow can’t do that Dough can. She can’t play the piano - let alone any instrument, can’t cook very well, reading long and in depth books is a no go, but Dough can. 

To Bow, it seems like Dough was made to be a version of herself, but she can’t exactly prove it. She grew to like Dough.

“Omg. Like look at that.” Dough pointed to a headline Bow had missed. “‘Famous couple found guilty of attempting to murder their kid.’ That’s like, wild.”

Bow blinked a few times before it registered, she felt like Apple trying to figure a word out in the moment. 

“That is wild, the fuck.” Bow gasped out before scoffing. “I knew that couple was bad news.”

“I get what ya mean, like they always seemed and felt off.” Dough said. “Now, I have a reason to hate them and like, no one can come after me or I can just bring this up.

Bow barked a laugh. “They’ll neverrr come back from this! It’s now on the internet for like ever.”

“Read down more,” Dough said. “‘Couple states that the kid was ‘being too loud’ and needed to be knocked down a peg. Sticking to their guns even if they are now sentenced to prison.’ Like, how are you even gonna defend yourself after that.”

Bow snickered, before turning more serious. “Poor kid though, they didn’t deserve it.” 

“Ya, totally hope the kid is doing like, much much better.” 

Bow looked at Dough. Despite how badly she treated him, he still acted like a good older brother. Bow felt a pang of guilt which went away as soon as it arrived. If he hated her, he would make it known, she’s certain.

As much as Bow hated it at first, she’s glad to have an older brother who she can hang out with and that is willing to always help her out. Bow has heard and seen stories of older siblings being outright outrageous in the way they treat the younger sibling. Bow is glad Dough isn’t like that, even if she thinks she would deserve it. Bow leaned against Dough slightly, Dough put his paw on her head, something he usually does often.

Bow felt oddly comforted, leaning against Dough. Bow actually put her phone down for once.

…

Apple was practically prancing around, Marshmallow struggled to keep up. Apple had no plan on stopping, the sound of crunching grass was getting repetitive and giving Marsh a headache, Apple seemed unbothered.

She was having the time of her life running around, Marshmallow, not so much. She doesn’t know how Apple hadn’t made herself sick with dizziness from how much Apple is spinning and prancing around. Apple suddenly stopped and went silent, looking around.

“Uhhh… Apple?” 

Apple opened her mouth to speak but a loud crack of thunder made Apple squeak instead, she latched onto Marshmallow. Then, small droplets of water started to fall.

“Oh, hell.” Marshmallow murmurs in a sigh.

“Let’s go back, I don’t want my fur all wet.” Apple said. Marsh nodded in agreement.

The two started walking back, walking because they didn’t think the rain would be pouring down before they got back. But, they had been wrong. Into their walk the rain started getting heavier and heavier.

The grass wasn’t crunching anymore from it being wet, Marshmallow was getting soggy and slowing down from the getting wet, Apple was slowly down due to Marshmallow and the fact Apple’s fur wasn’t fluffy anymore and was getting sopping wet, causing her fur to cling to her skin and the fur that didn’t was hanging beneath her limbs.

What should’ve been a fifteen minute walk turned into almost twenty-five. Apple threw the door open, basically threw Marshmallow in, slammed the door and flopped onto the foyer rug, feeling heavy.

“Ugh, Finally back!” Bow exclaimed, floating into the room, before giggling. “Marsh, you look like an angry wet cat; Same with Apple!”

Apple looked up, not bothering to stand or sit up.

“Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you want.” Marshmallow snarked. “Can you get us some towels?”

“Obvi, but like, Apple will have to squeeze that water out of you!” Bow then disappeared, reappearing with two towels.

Bow handed Marshmallow then, who basically threw a towel on Apple before trying to dry herself off. Apple rolled, making herself comfy and tangled up in the towel, not wanting to dry herself off properly, at least not yet.

Which made Bow giggle more, “Feeling sleepy, Apple?” 

Apple hummed in response.

“You are not getting in bed until you are dry.” Marshmallow said, she had gotten herself mostly dry.

Apple hummed again, now sitting up and flailing her limbs, to get water off it. 

“Apple!” Marshmallow squeaked.

Apple then dried herself off properly. 

“Wanna go watch, movie-style horror movie static?” Bow suggested.

Apple nodded and Marshmallow gave a verbal response of, “Sure.”

Chapter 7

Apple had slept in, she walked out of hers and Marshmallow’s room into the hallway. The mansion was like a maze to her, it amazed her at how Bow, Dough, and Marsh could navigate it, seemingly so easily.

Apple walked to the right of hers and Marsh’s room, aimlessly wandering down the dim hallway. The mansion was always dim, the residents grew accustomed to it. They used candle light, the fireplace in the living room, the rare streaks of sunlight, and sometimes the lightbulbs but the lightbulbs weren’t very bright.

Apple took in the sights of the dark bark walls and the dusty, faded paintings and the smoking mirrors, Dough says they’re trying their best to stop smoking, although. The long rug under Apple’s paws, somehow, was still soft, the edges were rough but the inner was dusty, sure but also soft.

Apple saw a door, it was muted but in a different color than the dark wood. Apple looked and realized she was in front of Bow’s room. Her room was one of only a select few doors that wasn’t the usual dark wood but instead painted in a lighter color.

‘Bow wouldn’t mind if I went in? I live here, so she wouldn’t mind, or mind that much.’ Apple though, she slowly opened the door as if it would get it to not creak. Apple has never been inside Bow’s room, Apple didn’t get far.

Apple didn’t check a clock to see what time it was, she then remembered she had finger painting with Marshmallow and Bow, a newer bonding technique made by Marsh to make Bow and Apple closer. She then darted away from Bow’s door, she’ll look inside Bow’s room another time.

Apple ran right before realizing it was the wrong way then ran left. Apple made it to her and Marsh’s room before Bow appeared in front of her. Apple squeaked, almost falling backwards.

“Apple! It’s ten o five, why aren’t you down in the living room? Did you get lost again?” Bow asked, her tail twitching.

“I slept in.” Apple said, matter of factly. “Then I got lost.”

Bow sighed. “Well, you’re here now, come on.” Bow then disappeared.

Apple then walked opposite of the way she went earlier, finding the staircase and walking down it. Then ran into the living room, it wasn’t hard to find the living room, its door was just an arch opening.

Bow was waiting with Marshmallow, Marsh looked like she’s seen better days, wrapped in a blanket on the couch.

“Marsh? Are you okay?” Apple asked, sitting next to Marshmallow.

“Yeah, just a little-“ Marsh sneezed. “Sick from when we went out yesterday.”

“Do you need me to get you anything?” Apple questioned.

“No, Dough’s making me some soup. Just do your finger painting with only Bow today.”

Apple pouted and was about to protest but slid off the couch and on the floor, by Bow who had different color paints and paper along with some crayons and pens. Apple glanced at Marshmallow one time before grabbing a light blue piece of paper along with a paint palette. Bow grabbed the pens, she does sometimes use the paints but prefers to keep her paws clean, she hates washing paint out her fur.

Apple grabbed green paint, she dipped her paw in, painting at the bottom of the page, it was the sound of paint getting dragged across the paper and pen scratching paper for only a few seconds. Apple didn’t like the silence and started to ramble on.

“Did you see what happened in horror movie style static last night when we were watching it, Bow?”

Bow looked up. “Uhhh, yeah, totally..”

“You weren't actually watching it, were you?” Apple said, her voice having an edge to it.

Bow tensed up, opened her mouth then closed it and sighed. “No.. I was on my phone for most of it.. Like, so not coolness of me when you asked me to watch it.. Wanna catch me up?”

Apple’s expression turned from stern to bright. “Of course - Whatever that means. Bow! So,”

Apple rambled on as she painted, now using red paint but not her whole paw this time. Bow listened on as she drew. 

“-Then she ran straight - Whatever that means, into them!” Apple said.

Bow couldn’t hold her snicker back. Apple didn’t seem to mind as she continued on.

“Then it faded to black with just.. Screams, I think. Then it went to another person with that stupid title screen.”

“Ohh, I hate it when it gets juicy and you have to wait until the next episode to see what happened.” Bow said.

Apple nodded in agreement. 

“What are you drawing?” Bow asked.

“Us!” Apple said, a dumb smile on her face as she painted with pink.

Bow smiled softly instead of her usual sharp smile. Apple was now painting her above Marshmallow and Apple, herself. 

“Make sure you make my tail as amazing as if it was the real thing!” Bow said, Apple nodded.

Marshmallow smiled on the couch seeing Apple and Bow getting along. It has been a while since she brought Apple to live here.

Apple and Bow’s relationship wasn’t perfect, it still was rocky but Marsh doubted it would ever be perfect, then again. What relationship or friendship was completely perfect?

Dough appeared out of thin air, Marsh managed to bite back a sound of surprise, she didn’t think she’d ever get used to that.

“Here’s your soup, sorry it like, took so long. Making soup from scratch is like harder than I thought it would be.” Dough said, Marshmallow took the bowl from Dough’s ghostly hand.

Marsh did timidly take a soup, it was hot but it was edible. 

“Thank you, Dough.” 

Dough nodded before disappearing.

“What are you drawing?” Apple questioned.

Bow chuckled nervously. “Uhh, something.” 

“Lemme see!” 

Bow couldn’t react quick enough, Apple tried to grab a hold on Bow but fell right through. It felt weird being basically inside Bow but Apple could now see, Bow’s drawing.

It was a pen-sketch of herself, Marshmallow, and a half-finished Apple.

“We had the same idea.” Apple said, getting out of Bow’s ghostly form, as she marveled at Bow’s drawing, it wasn’t better than Apple’s but was much neater.

“It’s not that good-“

“It’s amazing!” 

Bow chuckled, nervously as Apple was starstruck. Apple seemingly got starstruck at small things. 

“Finish it! I’m not done.” Apple said, going back to her drawing.

“You left paw prints on the floor.” Bow said.

Apple looked and just giggled, before rambling on about something unrelated. Bow playfully rolled her eyes, going back to her drawing.

Apple just had to finish Bow and the corner sun while Bow just had to finish Apple. 

“Done.” Bow and Apple said, in unison. Apple giggled for second before holding her drawing up to Marshmallow, Bow also showed Marsh hers, albeit more timidly.

“They’re both wonderful, you two.” Marshmallow sneezed in the middle of her sentence. “Once Apple’s dries, then both of you can put them on the fridge.”

“What am I? A child?” Bow said, snarkily.

But Apple’s eyes lit up, she got giddy. “Really?”

“Yes, hon.” 

Bow felt a pang of jealousy as Marshmallow head patted Apple. She wishes she could get physically touched, oh how she misses physical touch, but she wasn’t sure if she was jealous of Apple or Marshmallow. 

Did she wish Marsh would head pat and hold her? Or would she like to head pat and hold Apple? When did she get so fond of Apple? She made a mental note to not dwell on it. Bow’s tail twitched. 

“Can I get it to dry faster?” Apple’s voice broke Bow out of her thoughts.

“No, then it’ll get ruined. ‘Cause all we have to dry it faster is the fire, it’ll get burned.” Marshmallow said.

Apple pouted but didn’t say any more. Then an idea came to her to pass the time.

“Is Dough in the library?” Apple asked.

“Yes, I think. That’s where he usually goes.” Bow said, getting her phone out.

Apple without a word ran out and over to the library, without a word.

“Do you think she’ll-“ Marsh sneezed. “-Get lost?”

Bow shrugged. “Probably, I’ll go check with Dough in a few minutes and see if he’s seen Apple, if not, I’ll go look for her.”

Bow sat next to Marshmallow on the couch, Bow was on her phone while Marshmallow used the remote and turned the TV on.

…

Apple entered the library, luckily, she didn’t get lost. Just like Bow had said, Dough was in the room, sitting on a couch, reading a book.

Apple decided to try and teach herself to read. Marsh was sick and Apple didn’t want to ask while Marsh was sick.  Plus, she wants to impress Marsh that she can now read, a part of her wanting to impress Bow. 

Apple picked a book out and sat on the floor, she tried reading the title to get started. But she could barely make it out, which was pitiful. As it was only one word, she tried sounding it out. ‘C-C..u.u..j..j’ Apple gave up and decided to just flip to the first page.

Apple knew it would be hard, especially without any previous experience but it was harder than Apple thought. She tried reading the first two words, she skimmed through the page, she could read some words that she was used to but the rest were unfamiliar, unclear. Five minutes of trying and she still couldn’t get it, her claws dug into the book's hard cover. 

Apple let out a frustrated huff, the words on the page starting to blend together, into one jumbled mess. 

“Don’t let Dough see your claws digging into that book.” 

Apple was startled, she looked up and saw Bow, Apple stopped digging her claws into the book.

“What are you reading? Err, trying to.” Bow asked.

Apple lifted the book up so Bow could see the cover of it.

“Whoa, okay.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Okay, maybe don’t.. Read a book like that. Did you read the summary on the back?”

Apple shook her head. “I couldn’t even read the title!”

Apple was close to just throwing the book across the floor, Apple shivered as Bow placed her hands over Apple’s to take the book from her. 

“Okay, take a breath-“ Bow tried to say.

“I wanna learn to read on my own to impress Marsh and you, but if all the words mix together, how will I ever learn!” Apple huffed out.

Bow was momentarily stunned especially at the mention Apple wants to impress her but Bow quickly regained her demeanor.

“Deep breath, Apple.”

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

Apple took a deep breath, holding it before exhaling it.

“Do it a few more times.”

Apple did and she felt better, well, better than before. 

“Now, how come you come hang with me and Marsh in the living room?” Bow offered.

Apple agreed, Bow disappeared and Apple started her way to the living room which was close by.

…

“Marsh, you won’t believe this.” Bow said.

“What?” 

“So, Apple tried to teach herself to read to impress us and you won’t guess what book she chose.” 

“What book?”

“Cujo, she tried reading a horror novel, did she know it was a gory book? No, but imagine if she taught herself to read from that book.”

Marshmallow nodded. Apple then walked in and sat beside Marshmallow.

“When you’re feeling better, can you teach me to read?” Apple asked.

Marshmallow hesitation, it would be hard. “Okay, fine.”

Apple lit up at that and hugged Marshmallow.

“You’re gonna get sick.” Marshmallow said.

“I’ll be fine.” 

Marshmallow sighed, knowing Apple wouldn’t change her mind. Marshmallow went back to watching the on screen static, Apple did also watch it as she talked on and on about random things, never staying on one topic for long as Bow scrolled through her phone.

Chapter 8

Apple was sat cross-legged on the foyer floor, right at the bottom of the staircase, it was early morning. She was waiting for Marshmallow to get up and come down so they can plan the day out, Apple was feeling a little down although not her spirits, Apple leaned against the banister Marsh wasn’t that much of a morning person while for Apple it just depended one when she went to sleep, she wasn’t all sure about Bow and Dough but speculated that Bow stopped sleeping in due to the 10 a.m. finger painting and Dough always got up early.

Apple looked at the clock mounted against the wall, which read 8:39 a.m. Apple huffed a sigh. She cased, a glance over at Dough in the bar, paying no attention to what he was doing. Marshmallow did say she wanted to hang out with Bow for a while the night before. Is that what she was doing? Admittedly, Apple didn’t hear what time Marsh had said because of the thoughts running through her head.

Apple stood up on wobbly paws. Would Marsh be a while or not? Apple wasn’t sure. She sneezed. She was now acutely aware of more tiredness. She doesn’t remember when she went to sleep, nor does she care all that much. Apple yawned and stretched before her wobbly paws gave out and slid back to the paws. She can’t remember the last time she got sick, if she did at all, but to hug Marshmallow, it was worth it to her.

Surely, Marsh and Bow wouldn’t be that long. Barely an hour and a half before the daily finger painting. Apple’s limbs felt heavy, maybe she’d have to cut her fur soon, even though she would rather not cut it. ‘Can fur even slow me down?’ Apple thought.

…

Bow took her place resting as best she could atop Marshmallow’s head, she stared at her phone scrolling through endless posts on Fan’s Tumblr. She checked it once in a while, it always had updates on season two and anything related to Inanimate Insanity, Bow kept it to herself and Dough. Marsh wants nothing to do with the show and Apple never talked about it even when Bow and Dough was, which Bow thought was out of character for the girl who puts in her input with any conversation. 

“What’s on your agenda today?” Bow asked.

“Ehh,” Marshmallow said, “Not too sure, I think Apple might’ve gotten sick, we need more food, Dough’s been complaining of no new books maybe we can get him some gossip books, you’ve been complaining about bad wifi.”

Bow listened as Marsh listed stuff off.

“We need new lightbulbs some of the ones we have blew out, more art supplies and paper,” Marshmallow continued. “Did you even want to hear the stuff you think is boring?”

“Nope.”

“Figured.”

Bow and Marsh sat in a comfortable silence.

“When was the last time, we hung out like this?” Bow questioned.

“Idiotic island, back in season one.” Marshmallow said.

“Whoa, so like long ago.”

“Mhm.”

Bow gasped as she read a post on Fan’s Tumblr. Marsh looked up, quizzically. Bow chuckled nervously.

“Just looking through Fan’s posts.” Bow said, Marshmallow nodded.

Bow stared at the post, a theory on Marshmallow’s disappearance, strangely not Apple’s. Maybe Fan was still in the game and didn’t know she was also gone? Bow shook the thoughts from her head, clicking off Fan’s Tumblr page. Bow was liked Marshmallow in the sense that she didn’t like the game of Inanimate Insanity, it costed Bow her life and she hates Mephone for that, she would never forgive him for that, she is damned to purgatory mansion for the rest of eternity, at least she isn’t alone and is with people she likes.

Having to spend forever with someone you hate would be hell, Bow snuggled aganist Marsh’s head being careful to not phase through Marshmallow. Bow misses physical touch, this is as close as she can get and she is gonna savor it.

Bow’s tail twitched, flicking around, closing to a wagging tail.

“I like missed you sooo much when I died, even if locking me in a cage was so like not coolness.” Bow said.

Marshmallow tensed up at the mention of what she did.

“But like, don’t worry. I totally forgive you.” Bow said, quickly.

Marsh relaxed a little bit. “I missed you, during that time too.”

Bow’s tail swang more vigorously, Bow could swear, that if her dead heart could still beat it would’ve skipped a beat in a way, she was shocked by her own tail’s action and thoughts. She liked Marshmallow a lot, but to think of Marsh in a more than friendly way shocked Bow. She decided to push the thoughts away for the next while, she didn’t want them to affect her hang out with Marshmallow. She would worry about the thoughts of her feelings later. Bow smiled brightly.

“Wanna hear the story of how I got my tail?”

…

“So, that’s the story of how I got my tail.” Bow said, finishing her story.

Marshmallow smiled up at Bow. “That’s a good story, Bow.”

“Of course it is! It’s my story.” Bow said, showing her sharp teeth off. “So-”

“Oh, my marsh! Apple’s been waiting for over two hours!” Marshmallow said.

Bow looked over at the clock, 10:43 am. “Oh, what do you think she did to keep herself from getting bored?” 

“Probably burning the mansion down!” Marsh quickly said, getting off her bed and going to the door. “You can come with me, if you want.”

Marshmallow opened the door and shut the door behind herself. Bow phased through the door, following Marsh. Marshmallow’s paws pattered against the floor louder than they usually do. She made it to the staircase, pretty quickly. Apple was impulsive, she does a ton - If not all her actions impulsively. Marsh flinched as she stepped off the last stair, she heard a crack. Marshmallow moved her paw and saw a now broken crayon, Marsh looked around the foyer where crayons and paper were scattered about, Apple sat at the entrance to the living room.

Marshmallow did a quick look around to make sure nothing was on fire or something had happened. Nothing. Marsh heaved a sigh of relief, she looked over at Apple who had a blanket wrapped around her, she drew on a piece of paper in grey along with black, red, white, unusual colors for Apple at least, she loved bright, neon, pastel colors, not these dark colors. Marshmallow saw her knitting kit. She got into knitting recently, she isn’t too good but why did Apple have it? Along with a box of matches, burnt paper, and thumbtacks. Marsh was confused but realized a knitting needle was stuck in one side of the paper Apple was drawing on and stuck out the other end.

“Apple.. Sweetie, can I ask what you are doing?” Marsh said.

Apple looked up with a drowsy grin and said. “Drawingg.”

Marshmallow shivered at the tone in Apple’s voice, the tone was something Apple often used before making Marshmallow’s life hell in physical or emotional violence, in the past.

“What are you drawing?” Marsh asked.

“You know how you hate, Knife?” Apple said, continuing to grin.

“Oh. no..” Marshmallow said under her breath. She had ranted quite a bit about Knife. 

Apple picked up and held the drawing up. The drawing of Knife with his name which was spelled ‘nife’, but the drawing, was of Knife impaled, the knitting needle being the spike that impaled Knife, small red crayon streaks acting as blood - Does Knife even bleed?

“Whoa.” Bow said, “Nice.”

“Bow!” Marshmallow cried.

“What? With how you talk about Knife and what he has done, without an apology mind you, he deserves something to happen to him, for how he treated you. I just didn’t expect Apple to draw something like that.” Bow said.

“I told you, she is violent.” Marsh said.

“Never told me the extent!” 

“I’ll tell you stories of what she has done to me when we hang out next, to get a bigger idea of how violent she can get,” Marsh said, “I don’t think Apple would like to hear what she used to do to me.”

Bow nodded, she and Marsh looked over at Apple.

“Do you not like it?” Apple asked, her voice carrying an upset undertone. She sneezed at the end of her sentence.

‘Get medicine for Apple.’ Marsh made a mental note. 

“Oh, Apple, it’s…” Marshmallow said, walking over and bending down. “...Something, it’s lovely but keep away from something someone so gruesome.”

“What does gruesome mean?” Apple asked.

“Causing repulsion or horror.” Marshmallow explained. Apple nodded.

Marshmallow was sure Apple didn’t know what ‘repulsion’ meant but she did know Apple knew what ‘horror’ meant. Apple put her drawing down. 

“Mind cleaning up the mess you had?” Marsh asked.

Apple nodded, feeling sluggish. Marshmallow did help her. It didn’t take all too long, it was getting cold, the mansion always was either cold or colder. Marshmallow added firewood to the fire she was about to start. She grabbed the box of matches and lit the fire. The dead trees were surprisingly flammable, Marshmallow made a note to get more firewood or maybe she’d buy a heater, actual a heater in hers and Apple’s room wouldn’t sound all too bad. Apple was nestled on the couch, Bow was sat next to Apple. Marshmallow joined Apple and Bow.

Apple eyes flickered from Marshmallow’s knitting kit on the coffee table to Marshmallow.
“Wanna ask me something, hon?” Marsh asked.

“Can you teach me to sew?” Apple blurted out.

Marshmallow balked, wondering why Apple had a sudden urge to learn to knit.

“Well, it’s knitting. Why do you wanna learn?”

“To make you and Bow stuff!” Apple said.

Bow hid her snicker, Marshmallow grabbed Apple’s paw.

“I guess, I can teach you the basic stuff, for sewing, knitting so soon may be harder for you.” Marshmallow said.

“Yay!” Apple exclaimed, throwing her arms up. 

Marshmallow got up and grabbed her knitting kit and sat back down. Marsh grabbed two needles, grabbing Apple’s paw, and helped her hold the needle right so Apple wouldn’t get pricked. Marshmallow grabbed the yarn the kit came with and handed some to Apple, along with two fabric pieces.

“You put the yarn between the eye - the small loop.” Marshmallow said.

Marshmallow inserted it, after the second try. Apple had more trouble, Marsh had to do it for her after a while.

“Put the two fabrics together, then push the needle through both. Don’t prick yourself.”

Marshmallow demonstrated by doing what she said, pushing the needle into the fabrics and threading the yarn through aswell. Apple copied the movement, managing to not prick herself, she scooted closer to Marshmallow.

“Now, thread it through the other side.”

Marsh stuck the needle through the fabric, making a pink u shape in the fabric. Apple hummed, following what Marshmallow had done, although hers came out a little wonky. 

“Now, we keep doing this until it is all around the edges of the fabric.”

Apple watched and followed Marshmallow’s movements, weaving the needles through the fabric. Apple only stopped when Marshmallow did, leaving a small pocket open. Marshmallow’s was neat while Apple’s was more wonky. Apple’s eyes flickered between the open, frowning as she assessed the difference in stature. 

“You did good, sweetie. For your first time.” Marsh said, making Apple smile.

“Why did you leave some part of it undone?” Apple asked with a sneeze.

“Well, the kit came with stuffing. So, I’m gonna put some in the pocket.” Marshmallow said.

Marsh grabbed some of the stuffing and stuffed it in the open pocket, Apple copied the movement. The two finished sewing the parts together. Marshmallow took the yarn out of the needle and tied the yarn to keep it secure, Apple tried tying it.
“Can you help me?” 

“Sure.”

Marshmallow tied the knot for Apple. 

“Thank you, Marsh!”

“You’re welcome, Apple.”

Marshmallow then abruptly stood up.

“Now, to get you some medicine.” Marshmallow said.

Bow grinned when Apple whined and pouted.

“Do I have to have medicine? Whatever that means.”

“Yes, you can do nothing to go around it.”

Marsh walked away and appeared a few minutes later with a bottle of medicine and a glass of water. Marshmallow sat in front of Apple, before giving Apple the glass of water and pouring some medicine into a small measuring cup. 

“Take it.” Marshmallow said.

Apple hmpf’ed and didn’t open her mouth. Marshmallow sighed.

“If I give you extra dessert after dinner tonight, will you take it?” Marsh asked.

Apple perked up at that and hesitantly, slowly took the medicine making a face as she gulped the medicine down before hastily drinking the water.

“Bribbing, Apple, after one failed attempt?” Bow said.

“Only way she would’ve took it.” Marshmallow said.

…

Marsh shivered, the sun had set not too long ago. The mansion grows freezing at night, Marsh was bundled up under, at least five different blankets, she put more blankets on Apple’s mattress. She felt a little bad Apple just slept on a mattress but another bed frame wouldn’t fit in the room. Apple trudged into the room, looking sheepish as she approached Marshmallow’s bed.

“Yes, hon?” Marsh said.

Apple gulped. “Can I.. Can I sleep with you..?” Apple said, her voice quiet.

It took a few seconds before Marshmallow even registered what Apple had said, Apple noticed and dimed down, looking even more nervous now.

“Oh, I uh.. Sure.” Marshmallow finally said.

Apple brightened up, grabbing a blanket and off her mattress before getting under Marshmallow’s covers. Marshmallow shivered more violently as Apple’s cold paws accidentally grabbed her arm. Apple made herself comfortable by Marshmallow’s side.

“Goodnight, Marsh.”

“Goodnight Apple.”

Chapter 9

Bow and Apple were playing a game of hide and seek while Marshmallow was busy and Dough didn’t want to be disturbed. Apple walked around the room, they were confined to the one room as per the ‘rules’ the two made, one being Bow can’t possess anything, not that she wants to anyways.

Apple was humming quietly as she looked around the room, wondering and trying to remember where she hadn’t checked. Apple then snuck up to the closest and opened the door, but she didn’t see Bow.

Apple pouted and turned around before hearing a snicker, Apple turned back to the closet just to see Bow yell out “Boo!” as she appeared behind the clothes that hung in the closet.

Apple yelped and stumbled backwards, more from the loudness, not the scare. Bow spun around and cackled.

“Got you!” Bow said, between her cackle fit.

“Sure, did,” Apple said, smiling. “Wait.. You can touch clothes?”

“Uh, yeah of course! I can touch anything that isn’t like living.” Bow explained as she stopped spinning.

“Ooh.” Apple had gears turning in her head, as she tried to gather her thoughts.

It took a second of staring into the closet at the clothes, strung up. Before she got an idea but Bow’s voice cut right through her thoughts.

“Wanna play another round, sweetness?”

-x-

Snip,

Snip.

The sound of cutting fabric filled the living room. Apple was using safety scissors, the only scissors Marsh allows her to use. To cut fabric which is colors of white, red, and pink. Apple used candlelight to see.

Moonlight was filtering through the torn curtains which swayed slightly from the cold breeze in the mansion. Apple was being careful, she didn’t want to get hurt and risk ruining her surprise. The fabric was not at all vibrant with it being from the clothes the mansion has, but Apple didn’t care, she wanted to get her surprise done.

It was quiet, nothing but the sound of pittering and pattering rain, thumping and running against the window.

Apple could hear book pages turning from the bar, Dough was reading, Bow was on her phone next to a sleeping Marshmallow as the two wanted to talk upstairs in their room. Apple grabbed Marsh’s sewing kit, she was gonna make the surprise with the limited knowledge of sewing she has, that Marsh had taught her most of which Apple had to rack her brain to remember.

Apple roughly unraveled the yarn, slowly sticking the end through her sewing needle after quite a few tries. Apple placed her paw on a wine-red, raggedly cut fabric piece and put a grey-pink on top of her paw. She knew it was risky but she needed to get the measurements correct.

Apple steadily, or as steadily as she could, stuck the needle through the fabric barely missing her paw.

Lifting her paw slightly she stuck the needle through the bottom she continued this, but she kept pricking her paw as she weavered the needle in and out, in and out, she kept it tight and close together with each wonky thread.

Then half way through, she for one second stopped paying all her attention to it and she stabbed the needle right through her hand. Apple took all her self-control to not yell out, as she stared at the needle now sticking out of her paw.

Apple whimpered, she slowly pulled the needle out. Apple juice dripped slowly off the needle but Apple didn’t pay it any mind as she then continued on, sewing. Once she finally finished, she held her work up. It was a glove, supposed to be anyways, made to fit her hand perfectly, the sewing lines were wonky and it looked like one wrong move and it would all come undone. Apple tried it on her right paw, fitted just right, Apple grabbed a box of matches. She held the loose thread that would normally need to be tied but Apple is not normal whatsoever, not that she can tie a knot anyways. She lit a match, momentarily getting lost in thought as she stared at the fire that blazed, one wrong move and she’d get burnt. Good thing, she is very experienced with matches.

Apple held the loose thread towards the fire, watching as the thread started to turn black as it burned and singed the thread, Apple pulled the match away and stopped the mini fire on the thread as she admired her handiwork.

Suddenly, thunder unexpectedly struck, which loudly boomed filling the silent air for only a moment. That made Apple yelped and drop the match. It being just her luck that the match dropped right on her arm.

Apple feeling the burning pain, stood still for a moment, stunned before she waved her arms to stop the pain, the wind putting the match out before it hit the floor. Apple grumbled and slammed her face into the coffee table with a loud thud, hoping Dough wouldn’t come check up on her.

Why couldn’t this go right? She kept pricking her paws, accidentally stabbed a needle through her paw, and now burned herself. Couldn’t she do anything right without being clumsy?

Her claws dug into the hard wooden surface.

She wanted to make a gift that she made with her blood, accidentally but the point still stands. She wanted to make it for Bow, look where it got her. Bow would be so focused on Apple’s wounds to even notice the gift Apple made which caused those wounds.

The thought made Apple’s claws dig deeper. Her wounds or injuries didn’t matter. None of them did, she slowly looked up at her right paw pad, where a scar lay, embedded into her pad from when Marshmallow came and got her.

Marsh was worried about it, Apple didn’t understand why. The scar was almost covered by her fur, she still didn’t understand why objects only had fur on their arms and legs, but she didn’t dwell on it.

Apple was never the most careful object, she was careless. She hated cutting her fur and claws, she needed her claws to help inflict pain on her enemies, to tear them or their things apart and to latch onto stuff easier and she needed her fur to be long to hide her scars.

Apple obtained scars from a lot of things, most are from season one. During her rivalry with Marshmallow and Idiotic Island also got a few from season two. Apple often got sick after getting some of them, especially the ones that bled quite a bit.

As most contestants didn’t like her and she didn’t want to make the friendly ones hate her. Apple went to Mephone, who just told Apple to walk it off and that she’d be fine. Sending her away with a paw wave. So, Apple didn’t say a word about her injuries and when she got sick she’d play it off as if she just caught a cold or something.

Apple never thought her wounds mattered, so she kept them hidden beneath her fur and hoped the longness of it prevented the person holding onto her arms or legs from feeling the roughness of the scars. It worked apparently or Marshmallow would’ve said something or looked closer to see what roughness lies under Apple’s fluffy fur.

Apple was confused on why Marshmallow cared so much about a wound caused by broken glass, it sent Apple’s thoughts whirling but she blocked it out. She didn’t know why Marshmallow or Bow cared so much.

To Apple it was just another cut, not a big deal to Marshmallow and Bow it seemed as if the world would end if Apple got hurt, badly.

Apple hated it when Bow and Marshmallow got upset over her. She wants them to only feel good emotions around her and negative ones meant nothing good and it upset Apple when Bow and Marsh fretted or got upset at her.

Bow and Marshmallow only really got upset at Apple when she got hurt or something close to it. Apple still hated it.

Apple then looked down at the glove she made, the negative feeling inside of her, she couldn’t decipher the emotion. She stopped digging her claws into the coffee table and sat back and put the glove over her paw, fitted perfectly just as Apple had made it to be, even with the uneven cut fabric and wonky sewing lines.

Apple felt a sense of pride, her negative thoughts seemed less loud, when she thought about how happy Bow would be and how Bow would love the gift Apple made.

Apple then grabbed a white and grey-pink fabric and started to make another one, hers and Marshmallow’s paws are small, practically the same size. Apple doesn’t remember if Marsh’s or hers is the slightly smaller ones or if they have the same paw size.

Apple was tired when she started, she pricked herself more often but didn’t stab herself or burn herself this time. Apple grabbed the gloves she made and slowly crept up the stairs.

She went into hers and Marshmallow’s room, Marsh was fast asleep and Bow had left. Apple decided no matter how tired she was, she couldn’t wait until morning to give Bow her gift.

Apple went to the top of the stairs.

“BBBooowwww.” Apple called out, her voice laced with sleepiness.

Bow suddenly appeared beside Apple.

“Yeah, sweetness?” 

Apple grinned dopey at Bow.

“Bbbooowwieee.” 

Bow looked stunned at the nickname, Apple couldn’t catch the small blush that formed on Bow’s face from the darkness and her tiredness.

“Wha-What?”

“Look at what I madeee.” Apple’s words slurred and were dragged out.

Apple held the wine-red and grey-pink glove up, Bow looked at it with interest.

“What is it?” Bow asked.

“A glove - whatever that is.” Apple’s words didn’t improve.

She slipped the glove on.

“Put your paw on it.”

Bow stared at Apple, with an unreadable expression. Bow hesitated.

“What are you planning?”

“If you can touch clothes, why not make a glove and see if you can hold my hand?”

Bow continued to stare.

“I don’t think it’ll work..”

“Try it!”

Bow sighed, knowing Apple wouldn’t give up, she can be very stubborn. Apple held her paw up and Bow slowly lowered her paw towards Apple’s. 

Bow is touched starved, she knows it. She doesn’t want to get her hopes up on touching Apple.

Bow placed her paw against Apple’s gloved one. Bow was surprised when her paw didn’t go straight through it, she could feel the warmth of Apple’s paw through the thin fabric. Bow liked it, loved it.

Bow could’ve cried from how happy she was. She was touching Apple, granted it was a glove with Apple’s paw in it, but she could feel Apple’s body heat and paw. Without thinking, Bow intertwined her paw with Apple’s paw.

Bow couldn’t get enough of touching, she kept a tight, very tight hold on Apple’s hand. Bow had a prominent blush on her face. Apple yawned, blinking her vision was starting to be blurred.

“Bowie, I love holding your hand too.. But I need sleep..”

Bow recoiled at the thought of not touching Apple’s hand, she just got contact and she didn’t want to let go anytime soon.

“Can I.. Sleep with you?” Bow asked, surprised at the question that came out of your mouth.

“Of course, Bowie.”

Bow smiled and Apple started to walk to hers and Marsh’s room with Bow following, never loosening her grip. The door creaked open and Bow closed it when Apple didn’t. Apple fell onto Marshmallow’s bed, dragging Bow down. Apple started sleeping in Marshmallow’s bed not too long ago, mainly due to Apple wanting to keep Marsh close and the chilliness that the mansion seemingly admits

Bow was sure that Apple had forgotten about Bow holding her hand, Apple got under the covers and blankets and got comfortable. Bow was not used to laying down or the warm feeling from the blankets that somehow seeped through her cold, ghostly body.

Bow never slept after she died, she didn’t need to so she saw no need to sleep as she didn’t need the energy from sleep. Bow looked over at Apple who had already passed out and was softly snoring.

Bow looked at hers and Apple’s intertwined paws and smiled, it was her first contact with a living being after she died and it was Apple, the girl who had swore to hate Bow forever and ever, the same girl who said that Bow could starve if she was alive. Oh, how the times and relationships change. Bow kept staring, she decided she might as well try and sleep and so Bow closed her eyes and let her mind wander but alas, she couldn’t take her mind off the fact she was laying beside Apple and was holding her hand.

Bow got the same fluttery feeling like she had and admittedly still does have around Marshmallow, now with Apple. Apple’s stupidity does sometimes annoy her and piss her off since it’s so often but there was also an underlying sweetness and caring nature to it. And the fact Apple spent time and forced herself to stay awake past her bedtime to make something for Bow. It made Bow’s dead heart flutter and Apple was more sweet to her this past week and if Apple went this far, Bow could get used to it and put the past behind her. 

Although, she’d have to talk to Marshmallow about the burned skin and fur on Apple’s arm.

Chapter 10

“C'mon, Apple,” Marshmallow said. “Let me-“

“No!” Apple said, trying to wriggle out of Marshmallow’s grip.

“Your fur is burnt, you’re hurt. I need to trim your fur to clean the burn mark so it doesn’t get infected, if it isn’t already.” Marsh said, tightening her grip on Apple’s arms.

Apple was persistent. She twisted and turned, trying to get out of Marshmallow’s grip while spatting variations of ‘no’. Bow was spectating and watching the scene unfold, feeling a pit in her dead stomach, torn between the two girls. On one hand - paw, she knew Marsh was looking out for Apple’s best interest but at the same time, forcing Apple didn’t sit right with her, and on the other hand, Apple did need this whether she wants to or not. 

Now, deciding that Apple needed to put her health over her fur, afterall, fur will grow back and it will save Apple from getting sick from an infection.

“Apple,” Bow said, choosing her words carefully. “Let Marsh treat your burn.”

“No!” Apple cried. 

“Apple. Sweetness, it’s is like the best for your health and it would be so not coolness if you were to get sick.” Bow said.

Apple stopped struggling, a puzzled look on her face. “What does ‘health’ mean.”

“Gotcha!” Marshmallow exclaimed, pinning Apple down, Apple squeaked.
“Health means like, being free from injury or sickness.” Bow explained.

Apple wasn’t happy and kept squirming, not wanting to accept her fate. It took almost seven minutes before Apple finally calmed down and stopped wriggling.

“Can I trim your fur, now?” Marshmallow asked, gently, sitting up.

Apple sat up and huffed, glancing at Marsh before outstretching her left arm. Marshmallow smiled warmth at her, Bow felt her dead heart flutter even if the smile wasn’t directed at her, it still made her giddy. Apple always loved Marsh’s smile, she rarely smiled and it made Apple feel special everytime, Apple smiled back. The soft buzzing from the battery-powered razor filled the mostly quiet room, they were in the foyer as when Apple was fighting about cutting her and wouldn’t leave the staircase. Marshmallow took Apple’s handmade glove off, Apple wore it all the time ever since she made it in case Bow wanted to hold her hand at any time, she wouldn’t have to look for it.

The other sound was from the faint sound of a piano that Dough was playing from behind the staircase. Marsh slowly brought the razor to Apple’s paw pad, weaving and making sure not to nick Apple, Marshmallow blew the fur away, now being able to see Apple’s paw pad clearly and not covered by fur.

Apple was tense as Marshmallow slowly dragged the razor up her arm, black fur dropped onto the floor, Marshmallow’s eyes narrowed making Apple wince, Apple looked at the now shortened patch of fur which showed some mostly thin scars wrapped and embedded into Apple’s skin. Apple knew Marsh would want to talk about it after she was done with Apple’s fur. Marsh kept trimming Apple’s fur on her arms and legs, Apple had quite a few but not an ungodly amount and most were thin ones, ones that bled little if at all.

Apple immediately felt colder, her fur kept her warmer and now it was short not as long and fluffy as it used to be. Marsh’s eyebrows were furrowed as she now tended to Apple’s burn, which was slightly healed over but still hurt, Apple flinched as Marshmallow used rubbing alcohol to clean it once that was done, Marsh put a bandage over it, the mansion had no burn cream to put over the wound. Bow stared at Apple’s scars in awe.

“Apple.” Marshmallow said.

“I’ll... I think uh Dough is calling me.” Bow said, nervously before she disappeared.

“Yes, Marsh?” Apple said, coolly hoping Marsh wouldn’t pry all too much. Apple slid her homemade glove back on.

“Where did you get those scars?”

“Accidents, whatever that means.”
“Did you go to the infirmary? ‘Cause some of these shouldn’t even be scars.”

“Well, I didn’t think they were a big deal-”

“Getting hurt is a big deal, sure, these are thin scars but what if it had been like a gash?”

“I don’t know what ‘gash’ means, but they are like you said, thin.”

“The point is you shouldn’t have the scars in the first place!”

“C’mon Marsh, it’s not like they even matter.”

Marshmallow stared blankly at Apple. “Excuse me.”

Apple got nervous at Marshmallow’s cold tone. “I-I.. uh- We-Well, I said, that-that they don’t even matter?” Apple was unsure of herself, wondering.

Marsh took a deep breath. “They matter, Apple.”

“Well, no-”

“Apple. I said, they matter and they do. Did you even go to anyone?”

“I went to Mephone but-”

“What did he say to you?”

“To-to… Walk it off..”

“Of course, he did..” Marshmallow sighed, “Answer my question, answer truthfully.”

“Of course, Marsh.”

“Why did the others make it so you felt like couldn’t go to them - anyone, when you got hurt?”

The still air somehow got stiller, the air got tense, real tense. Apple looked away, what was she supposed to say to that? She didn’t know.

“Answer the question, Apple. Please, sweetie?”

“I..uh..  Don’t remember..”

Marsh went and cupped Apple’s paw. “That’s… Fine.”

Apple knew it wasn’t, she knew Marshmallow’s tone of voice all too well. Why can’t she just remember? Was it when she first got accidentally hurt on Idiotic Island?

…

Idiotic Island was just a vast open plain of grass, water lapped at the shore nearby. Apple hasn’t really moved from her place ever since she woke up. So, she decided to move, she stood up on wobbly paws from not standing or moving her legs for a long period of time. Apple walked over to the fallen cage that she and the other eliminated contestants were encased in before the show ended, at least she thinks it ended, she wasn’t sure.

Apple felt the surprisingly soft grass tickling her paws, she had taken a few steps forward. The moonlight wasn’t very bright or good at illuminating the ground, the stars twinkled in varying degrees across the inky black sky, it was the middle of the night. Apple took one step and ended up tripping over the metal cage-like bars, her arm getting caught in the middle of it.

Apple pulled and pulled after a bit of struggle got her arm free, apple juice ran down Apple’s arm from her new fresh wound, and she stumbled around the dark, not so gracefully until she reached the water's edge without a thought in her head Apple stuck her hurt arm into the ocean water, wincing as the saltwater swam and rubbed against her cut.

When watched her blood mix and get its color washed away from the saltwater. When she pulled her arm out, it wasn’t bleeding anymore but hurt way more than it did early. Apple stared, angrily at the wound. How much longer would she be stuck on this damn island?

…

No, no. That wasn’t it. Apple tried and tried to think of someone, overwhelming herself in the process. Marshmallow took notice.
“Hey, hey, sweetie,” Marsh said. “It’s fine, really.”

Apple barely could hear her, she was busy trying to think of how this possibly could’ve started, but she just couldn’t, remember.

“Sweetie, can you hear me? I said-”

“IT’S NOT FINE!”

Apple's sudden cry, startled Marshmallow who couldn’t even reply before running up the stairs.

“Apple!” Marshmallow called out.

Apple’s paws thumped loudly, against the hard wooden floors as she ran. The noise alerted Bow and Dough. Bow appeared beside Marshmallow.

“What happened?” Bow asked, her voice laced with worries.

“I don’t know.. I was asking why the other contestants made Apple feel like she couldn’t come to the infirmary when she got hurt and she completely blanked out.” Marshmallow said, the word ‘contestants’ feeling like a bile on her tongue.

“We need to find her!” Bow said, quickly her tail twitching violently.

Bow went to fly but was stopped by Dough who held Bow in a hug of sorts.
“Let me go, maniac!” Bow spat.

“Only if you promise to like, leave Apple alone.” Dough said.

“Why!?”
“Apple needs some alone time, she’s always around you or Marsh, hell even me. Wait, til she calms down.”

Bow groaned but begrudgingly agreed. 

“Wanna watch like, one kind of static?” Dough suggested.

…

“Just walk it off, it’s not too bad.” Mephone said, dismissingly waving his hand.

“But-”
“No ‘buts’ Apple, now go sho. I’ve got more important stuff to attend to. Then to listen to your pointless whining over a ‘small’ cut.”
“What does ‘important’ and ‘attend’ mean?”

“Go ask another contestant, geez.”

…

Apple didn’t even register that she was alone, her mind racing and going a million miles per minute. Her thoughts consumed of and trying to remember, remember, remember. Remember something she ultimately couldn’t. Her thoughts filled of all the times she got hurt that she could remember and her going to Mephone who told her to just ‘walk it off’ and to ‘not bother him with pointless small cuts’ or sometimes that she was ‘just overreacting’.

Was she overreacting? Why did Marsh worry and fret so much? Was it something she just couldn’t walk off? Did Mephone just not like her? Unlike some of the contestants, he never really called her ‘dumb’ or ‘stupid’ from what she could remember. Maybe that’s why she went to him before she had any friends. ‘Cause even if he was harsh and didn’t want her around, he didn’t belittle her as a ‘person’ just her wounds, which she never thought were that big of a deal anyways. Was Marshmallow overreacting? Or was Apple just underreacting? Apple finally registered that she was alone and she spiraled into a blind panic.

“BOWIE.” Apple shouted.

Bow instantly appeared in front of Apple.

“Are you okay?” Bow asked.
“Yes, better. Now, that you're here anyway.” Apple said, her voice carried an undertone of panic and relief.

Bow blushed, looking away and smiling. Apple held her paw out, the gloved one. Bow took the sign and intertwined hers and Apple’s paws. Bow sat beside Apple to the best of her ability and Apple slightly leaned against Bow, not too much as to not go through Bow and hit the floor. Bow felt her dead heart flutter and her blush darkened at how Apple found comfort in her.

Bow slightly leaned against Apple who had closed her eyes, Apple’s tenseness finally disappeared, she smiled.

Chapter 11

Apple messily scribbled on a giant piece of paper, she was making a gift of sorts. It was a messy drawing of herself, Marshmallow, Bow, and Dough. She still doesn't know much about Dough but still wanted to include him, he is Bow’s brother afterall. At least, Apple thinks so, Dough says he is, Bow seems slightly irritated and will deny it, the two hang out quite a bit, and they are similar in personality so, it’s mostly mindless, social media drama. So, maybe it is true? That’s her guess anyways.

Apple doesn’t know how siblings are supposed to act. No one on Inanimate Insanity didn’t have siblings, which now that she thinks about it to her best ability, isn’t it weird? Wouldn’t at least one contestant have one sibling? No one knew Bow had a brother until season two, when Dough randomly appeared.

Well, there is The Cherries and Yin-Yang, but wasn’t The Cherries. one brain, two bodies? And Yin-Yang, two brains, one body? Did they even count as being siblings? All this thinking gave Apple a headache, she glanced over at Marshmallow, asleep on the couch behind her. Marshmallow had stayed up late last night with Bow.

Marsh and Bow had some bonding time, playing whatever game. But, Apple did hear Dough’s piano playing so maybe Dough was with them? Along with barely audible singing that had been the reason Apple was lulled into sleep. She was content on staying up until Marshmallow came up to bed but it was past her bedtime and she was already sleepy.

It seems that Bow had run Marshmallow almost all night since Bow doesn’t need sleep, Apple pouted, Marsh would most definitely be asleep most of the day. Apple shook her head and went back to her drawing. It was almost finished, she now just needed to add the names. Which looked like, ‘Morshmallow’, ‘Appel’, ‘Bow’, and ‘Bows bother’. Apple couldn’t remember Dough’s name so she improvised, she could spell ‘Bow’ one of very few three-letter words she can spell but she’s getting there, slowly, sure but she is working towards it.

She was getting close to Marsh’s and her own name. Apple held the paper up, upside down at first before flipping it. Apple stood up and walked into the foyer.

“Bowie.” Apple called out.

Bow appeared, right beside Apple. “Yeah, girl?”

Apple looked at Bow, questioningly before smiling, the smile made Bow’s dead heart flutter, she smiled back.

“Look what I made!” Apple said, holding her drawing up so Bow could see.

It was a crayon drawing of all four purgatory mansion members. Marshmallow was on the left next to Apple who was next to Bow and lastly, Dough was next to Bow. Bow could’ve scoffed at how close she and Dough were, yeah she has grown to like him but she still harbors a grudge. Bow didn’t scoff so Apple wouldn’t be upset, she would hate if she made Apple upset.

“Do you like it?” Apple asked, her eyes hopeful.

“Of course, I do! It’s so coolness. What does Marsh say to do with your drawings again?” Bow said, her tail twitching.

Apple was fascinated by Bow’s tail, twitching. She barely heard Bow spoke.

“Oh, yeah! Go put it on the fridge.” Bow said.

Apple looked up her eyes sparkling, as her smile widened and she ran to the kitchen. Bow followed. A blush prominent on her dull, see-through body. She needs to research why she feels such a way, especially with two girls, she could get one girl. She already searched that up, back in season one. Lesbian, but was there a reason or a term for two girls? She would wait, until Apple’s hyper-ness died down, Bow can’t ignore Apple in favor of an answer for a few moments of clarity.

Bow watched Apple grabbed a - somehow still working - magnet and post her drawing right under her previous finger painting and under Bow’s drawing, that Apple had convinced Bow to put it on the fridge. Bow didn’t want to citing it as ‘childish’ but how could she say no? Sure, her feelings developed about what, a few days ago?

And it was all because Apple made a glove so she could hold Bow’s hand. Apple rarely took it off even in her sleep in case Bow wanted to hold her hand, it was always readily available. That one gesture made Bow like - or rather love, maybe? Apple. Apple was stupid, dimwitted yeah but Bow thinks that adds to Apple’s ‘cuteness factor’. Apple made one for Bow and Marshmallow too, but Marsh would put her ones when asked, she doesn’t like the restricted movement, somehow, Apple’s paws seem to be smaller.

Bow knows she loves Marshmallow, that wasn’t as unexpected as her love for Apple, even in season one Bow was attracted to Marsh, and maybe when she said, ‘Girlfriends’ it was slightly platonic, slightly in the hopes of an eventual romantic relationship. Bow doesn’t know, she always liked Marshmallow, Marsh had a certain, feel. Bow can’t really describe.

But now, Marshmallow still had the same feel but somehow, Apple had the same one. Bow best guesses Marshmallow was more ‘love at first sight’ while with Apple, you had to get to know her or you wouldn’t fall for her. Apple likes more physical stuff usually in the form of affection but also in violence.

Apple is nice but leans more towards indifference with objects she isn’t friends with, she’s an absolute doll and sweetie with her friends going the extra mile for them, and obviously violent and hellbent on making her enemies’ life, a living hell even in little things.

Bow heard what Apple used to do to Marshmallow when Apple wasn’t getting physical with her claws, like, tearing apart Marsh’s pillows - Bow can imagine Apple tore through with ease with how sharp Apple’s claws are if they can indent wood, purposely telling OJ or Paper that Marsh didn’t want what she had previously asked for - Bow thinks OJ and Apple are friends, stealing Marsh’s stuff, and hiding it, and that’s just a few. Bow learned that Apple will not play if she hates you. She doesn’t manipulate or tear you down with emotional or verbal attacks, to her that’s a ‘waste of time’ followed by her ‘line’ as Bow likes to call it, ‘whatever that means’.

Bow against her better judgment rewatched season one, and Marshmallow’s claims were true. Apple had burned Marshmallow in a fire after it was revealed Marsh pretended to be Santa along with Paintbrush. Which brings the question, why doesn’t Apple hate Paintbrush aswell? Marshmallow leaned more towards being verbal while Apple was physical.

“Bowie,” Apple said, her voice whiny. “Were you even listening? Whatever, wanna watch some static?”

Bow was snapped out of her thoughts, looking into Apple’s innocent eyes. Bow realized a day ago why the others on Inanimate Insanity don’t believe Apple is violent. She looks too innocent to commit such a crime also her intelligence may play a part in it, thinking Apple’s too stupid to be violent but Bow and especially Marshmallow knew better. At least, Apple’s only violent to her enemies.

“Sure, sweetness.” Bow said.

 Apple smiled, she is such a smiler, isn’t she? Apple held her gloved hand out, Bow took it and the two walked into the living room. Apple plopped down on the couch, next to Marshmallow who was still sleeping away. Apple snuggled up to Marshmallow, Bow felt a pang of jealousy. But like with Marshmallow giving Apple head pats. Bow doesn’t know if she’s jealous of Apple or Marshmallow… Or is she jealous that she can’t have both? Jealous that she can’t snuggle up to both, jealous that she can’t receive head pats from Marshmallow, and that she can’t give Apple head pats.

She really needs an answer. Why or how can she like two girls so much? Apple had turned the TV on and was lost in the static playing. Bow decided to take her chance to research while Apple was distracted. She pulled her phone out, opening Google. 

‘why do I like 2 girls at the same time’

Bow read what Google had given her.

‘It is possible to be in love with two people at once. However, choosing between them can be challenging. To make-’

Bow stopped reading, feeling pissed off. She didn’t want to choose between Marshmallow and Apple, she wanted both. If it’s socially unacceptable, she doesn’t care. It’s no one's business if she has two girlfriends, if it makes her and Marshmallow and Apple happy, who cares? Bow decided to try another question and if it gives her an answer that she has to choose, she doesn’t think she would be able to not throw her phone.

‘can i be in a relationship with 2 girls’

‘It is possible to be in love with two people at once. However, being in a romantic relationship with two people simultaneously is a complex and sensitive matter. It is important to consider the feelings, consent, and boundaries of all parties involved.’

Bow was relieved that it didn’t say she had to choose but it gave her what she already thought, of course, Apple and Marshmallow would have to consent, Bow wouldn’t force them to do anything. 

Bow was about to type ‘what is it called if im in a relationship with 2 girls’ but Apple’s voice piped up.

“What are you doing, Bowie?” Apple asked, a small ting of sadness underlining her voice.

“Just.. Looking something up.” Bow said, her voice carried nervousness in it.

“I don’t know what that means, but what are you ‘looking up’?”

A smile tugged at Bow’s lips, she doesn’t know how Apple can so confidently use a word or sentence she doesn’t know the meaning or definition of.

“Just-” Bow couldn’t even finish before Apple grabbed her phone and looked.

Bow squeaked, before realizing Apple can’t read. The relief was short-lived as Apple skimmed before looking up with her eyes, Bow’s breath, she doesn’t need, hitched. Apple was waiting, patiently for Bow to explain. 

Realistically, Bow could lie and Apple would take the answer, but Bow can’t bring herself to lie to Apple, especially straight into Apple’s eyes but Bow pushed her underlying fear of what Apple might do.

“I have crushes… And I want to be with both of them.” Bow said, slowly as if she spoke faster, Apple would find out that Bow has a crush on her and Marshmallow.

Apple continued to stare but her eyes seemingly shone brighter. Bow was waiting for a negative reaction before about to slap herself, this is Apple for ribbons sake, Apple is her friend. Even if Apple didn’t agree or understand, she certainly wouldn’t yell and freak out.

“Isn’t that, poly-poly? Polyyyyy.” Apple said, finally looking away as she tried to think.

Bow’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Did Apple know? 

“Wait,” Bow said, going back to her phone and asking her question of ‘what is it called if im in a relationship with 2 girls’. 

‘Throuple’ Was the first thing, it was a part of a link, under it though.

‘Polyamory’

‘When you are in a relationship with two girls, it is called polyamory. In a polyamorous relationship, people have several romantic relationships simultaneously, with disclosure and consent from all partners.’

“Polyamory?” Bow said, although it was more of a question.

“Yeah, that!” Apple said.

“..How…How do you know about it?” Bow asked the question before she even thought about it.
“Oh! I am poly-polymory. Did I say it right?”

Bow’s mouth dropped open. She certainly didn’t expect that.

“I used OJ’s phone, voice activation - I think. I could barely read it but OJ showed me, how to make it so the words would read itself to me! Too bad, I don’t remember how.. That along with les…lesbaib?”

“Lesbian?”

“Yeah, that! I was thinking about crushes - whatever that means and I figured, yeah one girlfriend is nice but two? Even nicer!”

Bow was stumped, Apple had came out so effortlessly and Bow didn’t expect it at all. It was a lot for Bow to take in at the moment. But, she smiled, intertwining hers and Apple’s gloved paw. A feeling the two are very used to. Bow decided to be subtle when she spoke.

“Yeah, I am too.”

Chapter 12

The mansion was colder than usual, due to the fact the dull colors of the outside along with the dead, somehow still standing trees were covered in milk white snow. As more snowflakes slowly fell down. It is Apple’s favorite time of year, she is the most festive gal and loves snow and winter weather.

Marshmallow was busy in the kitchen, Dough was helping her as Marsh requested. Apple was sat on the stairs, waiting for Bow to stop her routine, Bow was just nearby floating up to a mirror while she did her eyelashes.

Apple doesn’t know why Bow does such a long routine, Apple thinks Bow looks pretty - or rather, beautiful without all she does. Not that Apple knows what ‘beautiful’ means but she’s seen it be used in place of pretty so maybe it means more pretty?

Apple stares, she has been told by other contestants that she has a staring problem. But, she doesn’t mean to make the others uncomfortable, she doesn’t really think twice about the ones who aren’t her friends. The only contestant she paid any attention to was Marshmallow and OJ. Marshmallow was Apple’s enemies turned friends and OJ after season one felt like Apple needed at least one friend or someone friendly.

Even then, Apple and OJ didn’t interact all that much, so she wouldn’t call them friends but OJ did make sure Apple was well-fed and comfortable. By extension, Apple was friendly towards Paper.

Sure, Apple knows Paper and OJ are separate people and aren’t extensions of one another but Apple thought it was best, Paper was co-owner of Hotel OJ and it was only fair to honor and be friendly to OJ’s boyfriend.

Apple was surprised that they told her, OJ and Paper kept it on the down-low but Apple isn’t the best at secrets then again, she never really interacted with the other contestants all that much so she never told anyone, she forgot it in all her honesty.

After that revelation OJ and Paper were more open in their love with Apple, talking about each other in lovestruck sickness and sickly sweet love and affection. Apple always wondered if love like that would come to her, but she never knew. Who would love a girl if all they would look at is her intelligence and nothing more about herself as a person?

“Okay, just one more stroke and done.” Bow said. “Hey, sweetness. Whatcha looking at? I know, I know, I’m hot.”

Apple quickly realized she was staring at Bow far longer than she thought she had been.

“I know, my routine is longggg and probably somewhat boring to you, my eyelash routine is aroundddd… Seven steps long.” Bow said, floating over to Apple who stood up.

“Eh, the length didn’t matter to me, I don’t mind looking at someone so,so bea-beau? Beautiful? Did I say that right?” Apple said.

Bow blushed, Apple thought she was getting cold.

“Are you cold? You’re getting pink.”

“Oh- Me? No, ghosts like don’t get cold or hot.” Bow said, barely getting the words out.

Apple then glanced over at the window, her short attention span saving Bow. 

“There’s snow outside! Bow! We have to go out!” Apple said with a gasp as she ran towards the window.

Bow’s flushed face became somber.

“Like, I wish I could but I like can’t.” Bow said.

“What? Why?” Apple said, her voice whiny.

“I’m stuck for eternity in this stupid mansion. I love having my tail, it’s coolness but everything else is pretty lame.”

“…What does eternity mean?”

“I mean, I can’t go outside with you even if I really wanna. It’s cool. though, I can totes show you my lash regimen. When you get back.”

“…Okay, bye Bow.”

“Bye, sweetness.”

Apple looked upset as she walked towards the door, before almost falling as Bow quickly wrapped a scarf around her.

“So, you don’t get so cold.” Bow said.

Apple smiled sweetly with a hint of sadness as Bow floated away, Apple opened the door and somehow it was warmer outside than inside, Apple was just so used to the mansion producing cold air that even outside in the snow, it was warmer.

Apple then got an idea, she ran down the steps almost slipping on ice as she ran out into the snow. She ran pretty far before making a wobbly looking snowball then rolling it to a bigger ball as she approached the mansion. She hoisted it up above her head slowly walking up the stairs and with a triumphant grin she threw it down, before walking outside again to repeat the process until she had enough.

It took Apple hours. Apple could barely feel her paw from the snow and the glove covered one was on its way. She finally played the last snow ball down and shut the door, she wasn’t alone completely, Dough was in the bar and Apple wasn’t outside for more than a few minutes at a time. She can stand short time periods but long time periods.

“BOW.” Apple said.

“Hey, sweetness, how was-“ Bow was gonna say before she saw Apple sitting in a large pile of snow.

“Hey, Bowie! Since you can’t go outside I brought it inside!” Apple said, then in a more nervous tone asked. “..Do you like it?”

Bow was stunned before speaking. “I love it!”

Bow then dived in, wriggling around like a worm. As she popped out the top, cackling. Apple helped Bow build a snowman, after all three snowballs were stacked on top, Apple ran into the kitchen, stole a carrot and some chocolate shaped as coal and ran out much to the confusion of Marshmallow who was now cleaning up. 

Apple was too short so Bow placed the carrot as a nose on the snowman and the coals as the eyes. Apple giggled. Bow made multiple snowballs and held them up with her ghostly magic as Apple held two in her paws. Bow enjoyed looking at Apple’s smile and the giggles that forced through her lips.

Dough was watching from the sidelines, he doesn’t like snow all that much. When Marshmallow came out she gasped at seeing the snow.

“Wha-What? Why is there so much snow, inside?!” Marshmallow said.

Apple looked over a Marsh, a big grin on her face. Bow and her stopped the snowball fight to look at Marshmallow.

“Since Bow can’t leave, I brought the snow inside.” Apple said.

“It’s gonna melt and the water is gonna ‘cause mold.” Marshmallow said.

“It’s colder in here than it is outside,” Apple said. “It’ll just freeze more!”

“That’s a big problem,” Marsh sighed. “I’ll leave you two to it, I don’t like snow. But, shovel back outside when you're done.”

“Okay, Marsh.” Bow and Apple said in unison.

Marshmallow walked past the snow and upstairs. Leaving Bow and Apple to their game.

… 

Most of the snow had turned to ice and Apple and Bow was having a slightly harder time shoveling it out, but eventually they got it. A few patches of pure ice did lay in some spots but not enough to ‘cause damage.

Apple was tired out, she tried hugging Bow but fell through and whined.

“I’ll be up there in a bit, okay? Then, we can hold hands.” Bow said.

Apple nodded and walked up the stairs, to hers and Marsh’s room, it might aswell be all three of the girls room as Bow usually stays there at night now. Apple cuddled up to Marshmallow who was covered in a mountain of blankets. 

“Bow will be up here in a bit - whatever that means.” Apple said.

Marshmallow nodded in acknowledgment. Snuggling close to Apple for warmth. Apple felt a flutter in her chest but ignored it, Apple thought of Marshmallow and Bow feeling her heart flutter more, although she isn’t used to or even knows what the feeling is. All she knows is that it feels weird but in a good kind of way, she loves Bow and Marshmallow they are her friends afterall.

Apple decided to take her mind off of her feelings, and said something random that first came to mind.

“I wanna start writing a novel - whatever that is, to improve my spelling and learn to read. Can you read over what I write, Marshy?”

Chapter 13

Marshmallow and Bow knew today was going to be a doozy as soon as Apple caught sight of Bow’s phone and saw a post about someone trying to overcome their fear through exposure therapy. Apple, being herself, asked question after question, and Bow felt a sense of nervousness flood through her dead form after seeing Apple’s look, a look she does when she thinks.

Apple looks away with a slight pout, her claws twitches rhythmically as she thinks. The gears turning inside her head as an answer or an idea.

And so, Bow told Marshmallow and both girls had the same idea, whatever Apple was thinking about wasn’t gonna be good. For them or Apple herself, especially after what Apple asked Bow about. Apple seemed so happy, excited even. Apple may be able to stand to be alone for a short time a max of seven minutes, but Apple wanted to push, push past the max of seven minutes that she barely even makes it that long.

“I have an idea,” Apple said, in a singsongy voice as she skipped towards her friends.

“Oh, my marsh…” Marshmallow murmured before making her voice louder. “What do you have in mind, sweetie?”

“I wanna try ex…expos… Exposition ther…appyyy..? Exposition theripy.” Apple said, getting stuck on her words and not being able to say, ‘exposure therapy’.

“No.” Marshmallow said, saying it so quickly like it was muscle memory, her tone was stern in a tone that left no room for arguments but Apple’s different, she’ll push and argue anyway.

“What?! Why not!” Apple whined. 

“Hon, you can barely go seven minutes before getting nervous and you want to spend an indefinite amount of time alone.”

“What does-”

“Doesn’t matter, what matters is that you can’t do this, you can’t rush getting over your fear of being alone.”

“Hey, uhh, how about we let her do this?” Bow said, her voice uncharacteristically timidly and soft from her usual brassness.

Marsh’s mouth fell open a gape, her eyes quickly narrowed as she crossed her arms along her fluff body. Did Bow really, side with Apple? Bow’s input and Apple’s puppy eyes, Marshmallow sighed and gave in.

So, it was in order. Apple made up everything as she went, she would be outside beside the mansion, with her crayons and paper. Marshmallow insisted on a scarf and hat and Bow made Apple take a blanket with a very worried tone with a hint of something else. Marsh looked at Bow suspiciously. 

“What? I just wanna make sure, she’s okay!” Bow said, hoping Marshmallow didn’t see through her words like her body. Bow would die a second time if Marsh found out about her crush on her and Apple.

“Sureee.” Marshmallow said, her voice dripped in sarcasm. 

Apple was bundled up in a matter of seconds, Bow grabbed Apple’s right paw, her paw intertwining with Apple’s. Apple’s paw slowly pulled away, Bow was very nervous. But it was momentarily forgotten as she thought she saw a small blush on Apple’s face, what color did Apple blush? Was it as red as her? Or Another color? Either red or Apple was looking awfully, blue today.

Apple pushed the door open and was met with the snowy outside, cold, to Apple’s shock the outside was colder than the mansion but Marshmallow did buy a heater. Apple shut the door, she took her art supplies and carefully walked down the steps, placing a blanket down and sat on it. She had a dreadful feeling, not that she could pinpoint what emotion she was feeling.

It barely took a few minutes before Apple was being made acutely aware of the cold sinking deep, biting down like fangs all the way to her core but she was hellbent on getting over her autophobia and being able to not hang off Bow and Marshmallow like she does, they don’t like it or so Apple thinks so.

The wild howled, awfully loud it blarred loudly just like OJ’s fire detector, Apple shivered, she tried focusing on drawing but the wind was making it difficult, she didn’t exactly account for wind. So, she stopped so her beloved crayons wouldn’t fly weightlessly in the wind. Apple pulled her legs closer to her body, her claws dug into her knees. She hated this. 

She wouldn’t back out, she isn’t a quitter, plus this is so she cab stop being so clingy. But is what Marshmallow said is true? Apple can’t rush her process of trying to get over her autophobia. But this is for her, Marshmallow, and Bow. Apple felt a special connection to Bow when she found out they are both poly-lesbians, it made her fluttery, even if she can’t decipher the emotion she’s feeling but she did feel the same thing with Marshmallow once they made up and more towards the end of their hating era.

It went away, or so Apple thought, but it came back or did she just hide it away? Apple can’t tell, emotions are hard for her, emotions are so complex and she just can’t figure it out. Apple has always not been good with emotions. So, her feeling these emotions feel weird to her.

Apple kept shivering but she’s sure it isn’t from the cold, more so from anxiety. 

Apple wasn’t aware of her breath picking up into sharp, even heaves. She was doing this exposure therapy to detach herself from Bow and Marshmallow but she just misses them, but the empty emotion turned to pure uneasiness. What if they realize they are much better without her? She knows dwelling won’t help but her mind raced, her breath cut in half, she could barely get a full breath out. What was the breathing exercise Paper taught her? What does it matter, he only delt with her because of OJ, Apple did ‘cause Paper to switch from him and Evil Paper in season one for fun, did OJ sercetly hate her? But the breathing exercise was something to help cope with the fear of Evil Paper coming out.

Did he think she was evil? Is that why he taught her that, ‘cause he thinks she is evil? Oh, she’ll teach him. Apple’s shoulders slunk, as she taught of Marsh and Bow, they didn’t like violence, mainly Marshmallow but Paper didn’t deserve getting harmed, Apple lets emotions she can’t really understand take control. 

Apple shifted, burying her face in her legs, shivering more. It was dark, comforting but haunting. She tried breathing it didn’t work. She tried, sounding like a dying animal as she gasped for air, she made no move to actual move, she couldn’t make sense of her surroundings. The cold stabbing her to her core felt so distent. She could move, like she was a statue, she couldn’t breath as if she was dying. A small flash of purple appeared and disappeared, a thud against the door made Apple jump but she couldn’t move.

All she could focus on was nothing. She couldn’t hear, breath, just curled up feeling empty as her thoughts ran a million miles per minute.

 

…

 

“Apple!”

Apple jumped, uncurling herself she saw Marshmallow getting ready to walk or rather run over but Apple was faster, she ran up the steps, tripping, a small crack is what Apple first heard before Marshmallow’s high-pitched voice, calmly talking softly and Bow’s brass one, shouting in a blind panic. Apple felt something run down from her mouth but adrenaline is a stranger thing. She ran in and hugged Marshmallow.

Apple knocked Marshmallow down, Dough shut the door and tried calming Bow down. Bow then joined the hug, tightly holding onto Apple and petting the girl’s head. Bow was able to touch Apple since Apple was bundled up in a blanket and had a beanie on. Marshmallow wiped away Apple’s tears, which Apple didn’t realize she was crying.

“Oh, sweetie..” Marshmallow murmured, holding Apple.

Marshmallow wiped the apple juice spilling from the corner of Apple’s mouth.

‘I told you, you’d knock a tooth out.’ Marshmallow thought but Apple cried, she would be wailing if she could find her voice. 

Apple was still tense, she was holding Marshmallow with a borderline crushing grip, Apple’s cries died down to sniffles. Apple felt warmer, she blushed she was crushing Marshmallow in a grip but she didn’t seem to mind and Bow was holding onto her and giving her head pats. Apple didn’t want to move, she was comfortable. She felt safe, loved. 

“Let’s not let you do this again, you were out for nine minutes and forty-five seconds. But, I don’t think you had a good time.” Marshmallow said, standing up and borderline pulling Apple up the stairs with Bow following. 

Bow kept apolozing, she felt horrible, only if she hadn’t fallen for Apple’s puppy eyes and just sided with Marshmallow, Apple could’ve been happy, warm, safer inside near the living room fire drawing on oversized, colored paper. Bow knew Apple wouldn’t blame her but she still felt bad.

Marshmallow pulled the snow-covered blanket off Apple since Apple now let her. Apple still kept the beanie on, though.

Marshmallow settled Apple in the bed at the cost of her freedom, Apple was wrapped up in a pile of blankets, Bow got a towel, a white one, Marshmallow had Apple open her mouth to put it where the missing tooth used to be so Apple wouldn’t bleed everywhere.

Bow took her place beside Apple, her paw snaked around Apple’s, Apple was cuddled up to Marshmallow who was getting ready to read a book. While Marshmallow was distracted, Apple looked over Bow, an evident blue blush was forming on Apple’s face, Bow smiled, her own sparkly pink blush covering her own fabric face. It answered Bow’s earlier question of whether Apple’s blush is blue.

Apple smiled dumbly, Bow leaned closer to Apple before snuggling into Apple’s blanket-covered body. Ribbons, Bow was hopeless and down bad but she got a semi-idea of if Apple likes it or rather her and it seems Apple was expecting something different than Bow’s snuggling.

Chapter 14

“I’ve seen the news, all news of Apple’s and Marshmallow’s disappearance has died down.”

“It has been a while, only Mepad knows where they went, doesn’t he?”

“He just said, ‘out of the shows parameters’. Not where they went. Outside of the show parameters could mean anywhere. They could not even be on the island anymore!”

OJ leaned back in his chair in his office, thinking about Paper’s words as Paper sat across from him. 

“I thought she’d be back later, but it’s been so long. She would help fix the window, of course, but where did she even go?” OJ said, sitting upright.

“Well, you may be thinking more about her since it’s Christmas. It was always her favorite holiday.” Paper said.

“…Yeah, it just irks me, everyone acts like she never existed.”

“I’m sure, she’d be happy to know we care. She isn’t dead, which is a good thing!”

“Same with Marshmallow, Paintbrush thought it was a joke and Marsh left and stayed at the hotel but when they were eliminated and found Marshmallow nowhere to be seen they went off the rails.”

“I heard they were wrapping a gift and labeling it ‘To Marshmallow’ - We can’t really judge, we did the same for Apple. Once we see her, we can give it to her.”

“..If we ever do see her, again..”

 

-x-

 

“And there.” Paintbrush murmured, writing ‘To Marshmallow’ on a tag on the wrapped gift.

Fan was seated nearby, watching Paintbrush.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Fan said. “Why are you wrapping a gift for Marshmallow she is missing.”

“It’s for when she gets back,” Paintbrush said. “I bet Apple has something to do with her disappearance.” Paintbrush gritted their teeth.

“Easy now, deep breaths.” Fan said. “You’ll see her again and get her side first before you crack Apple in half.” 

Paintbrush took Fan’s words into consideration.

“..Maybe..”

 

-x-

 

“Marshy! Bowie! Come on get up, it’s Christmas!” Apple said, dragging Marshmallow out of bed and ensuring she doesn’t hit the floor.

Bow floated nearby, trying to hide her snicker. Apple was practically buzzing with energy. Christmas is her favorite holiday and she wants to spend it with the girls she loves most. Christmas being Apple’s favorite is no secret, she would’ve stayed up all night if Marshmallow and Bow hadn’t forced her to bed.

Apple barely gave Marshmallow time to wake up before she was bounding down the stairs. Marshmallow groggily followed. Bow’s snicker finally let up. She cackled at Apple’s enthusiasm. She loved how happy Christmas made Apple, Apple was adorable in general but to Bow this made her cuter with her starstruck, gleaming eyes.

Bow could keep up with Apple, not needing to sleep like Apple and Marshmallow do, Marsh finally walked into the living room. Apple suggested - or rather almost forced the other residents to decorate. 

It was all colors of white, red, pink, and green. Lights hung loosely from the walls and the tree was over-decorated, it was covered in every color of the rainbow, barely able to see the fake tree leaves from all the decorations. Underneath, were quite a few presents, more than Marshmallow remembered buying, she let Bow and Apple do separate ones, so now one knows that they bought each other. 

But it still seemed like someone left more gifts.

“Look at all the presents Santa brought!” Apple said, her voice trembling in excitement.

Marshmallow pushed her questions down as she watched Apple run up to the tree separating the gifts and quietly saying the names out loud.

Marshmallow didn’t expect it, but she guesses Apple wanted all the gifts to be opened at the same time. She accidentally cast a glance at Bow, who was smiling, dopey, and blushing as she watched Apple, too. Marshmallow's eyes narrowed. She has seen the two acting… Differently lately.

Stolen glances. Bow is already very touchy in general, but she’s now more touchy with Apple. Marshmallow is glad they are getting along so well, almost too well. Marsh is starting to get suspicious, and feeling pangs of an unknown feeling, jealously? Perhaps. 

She’d rather not place the emotion, she sits on the couch, Apple has all presents in four surprisingly neat piles.

“Done!” Apple said, pushing a pile towards Marshmallow. “These are yours.”

Apple did the same with Bow’s and pushed Dough’s to the entrance of the living room. Apple sat in front of her own pile, using her claws and tearing through the wrapping paper with ease. Bow’s claws also had no trouble with ripping the wrapping paper but Marshmallow keeps her claws short and cleanly trimmed and had trouble.

Apple noticed and tore through the wrapping paper with an apology but when ripping it, her paw lightly grazed Marshmallow’s and Marshmallow saw the blue blush form on Apple’s face.

“You feeling okay, sweetie? You’re awfully… Blue.” Marshmallow said. The blush on Apple’s face becoming more prominent.

“I think it looks like so adorable on Apple!” Bow said, putting her new phone case with all three of them on it. “But then again… When is Apple not adorable~?”

Apple giggled with a nervous undertone as Marshmallow, still being a little doozy was thinking if Bow actually just flirted with Apple in front of her. Apple was obviously flustered, her claws tapped against her arm before turning to her gifts. 

All three - well, four as Dough came collected his gifts, and left. Apple was the last one to open and she gasped so loud, Marshmallow thought she could’ve caused an avalanche. Apple then held up a small pony toy, it was silver with a vanilla white mane and tail, its eyes were closed with black hooves. Apple looked like she was holding a trophy, she looked lovestruck.

“Dino Brawler Exterme! I finally got my pony!” Apple said, her voice trembling in happiness. 

Marshmallow without thinking casted Bow a glance, Bow was smiling softly, before Marshmallow could say a word, Apple stood up, and without missing a beat, she said:

“I want to bake cookies.”

Before she casted expectant glances at Bow and Marshmallow before running to the kitchen, pony in hand. When the two walked in, Apple got all the stuff - besides ingredients out. She had one bowl and a whisk. 

“I got the high-up stuff, my lo- girl, my girl.” Bow said, blushing at her mess-up and getting nervous at Marshmallow’s look.

Bow quickly just got the flour, vanilla, regular sugar, and brown sugar. Marshmallow got the butter, chocolate chips, and salt - Apple told her what to get. Apple somehow, got sprinkles.

Pretty basic stuff - two and a fourth of flour, two cap fulls of vanilla, one cup of sugar, a half cup of brown sugar, a cup of butter, a cup and a half of chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together and Marshmallow is the one who evened and put the cookie batter on a tray in different shapes as they don’t own cookie cutters and put it in the pre-heating oven. And left them to cook for fifteen minutes.

Next - frosting as Apple wanted festive cookies. You’re supposed to make festive cookies with sugar cookies but Apple insisted on chocolate chip. - Butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and additional food coloring of red, pink, green, and white. One cup of butter, one and a half of powdered sugar, half a cup of milk, two cap fulls of vanilla, and once that’s mixed up, added food coloring.

Once the cookies were done, Apple practically hissed as she wanted to decorate them and she did - into little trees, presents, stars, and mixed some frosted colors.

Apple cuddled up between Bow and Marshmallow as they watched some static and slightly listened to Dough’s soft piano playing. Apple slid him a few cookies the rest she was eating with Bow and Marshmallow, cuddled up like this Marshmallow felt a spark but pushed it down, Apple can’t keep quiet and soon her rambling about random stuff and how this is her favorite Christmas ever, filled the room.

Chapter 15

Apple was just in the living room, Marshmallow was right beside her. There was not much to do in the mansion, so Marshmallow was thinking about getting some board or card games. Apple was busy writing her novel. Most of the words were misspelled, but working on it helped Apple read without all the words blurring together. 

Although, she can only read a few words, not long sentences, Bow had come in a few minutes before and for once, accidentally left her phone on the coffee table. Apple ended up noticing it and picked it up, but it had a password. She grumbled before getting it after a few tries, luckily not locking the phone up in the process - Was it rude? Yes, very much so, but Apple didn’t pick it up to snoop, she wanted to look something up. Not unusual, especially since she was writing.

The notes app was open on Bow’s phone, Apple’s curiosity peaked, Bow wouldn’t mind if she read a few words, right? Apple squinted as she tried to read. The words didn’t blur but there were a lot of big words Apple didn’t understand.

Marshmallow caught sight of Apple fumbling with Bow’s phone.

“Sweetie, what are you doing with Bow’s phone?” Marshmallow asked.

“I wanted to see what a word meant, but the-the writing app is open, whatever it's called, Marshy,” Apple said, still trying to read.

“Here, let me do it.” Marshmallow said, gently taking the phone from Apple’s grip.

Marshmallow was about to swipe off the notes app when the title caught her name. ‘I love them.’ Marshmallow paused, she didn’t like to snoop and so she didn’t but her eyes narrowed as she glanced at Apple who was looking up at Marshmallow with expectant eyes. Marsh was certain the note was related to Apple in some way, during Christmas she noticed when Bow slipped up and almost called Apple, ‘my love’. 

Marshmallow has seen how Bow has treated Apple and how they’ve been hanging out much more often, and how Bow freaked out so much when Apple came back in from her ‘exposure therapy’ and how Bow worried and floated - to resemble pacing the whole time Apple was out in the cold.

Marshmallow has been getting her suspicions that Apple and Bow’s relationship went beyond platonic. With how they have been acting around each other. Marsh has been feeling pangs of jealousy, she will admit, they have been spending more time with each other than with her. At first, she was thrilled, her two favorite girls were getting along and she finally got time alone but they have been acting more in a romantic sense and Marshmallow couldn’t help but feel jealous but she won’t go to the same lengths Apple and Bow went.

She isn’t that type of person, she’ll just have less time one on one time which she doesn’t mind as long as she can hang out with them. But, she does wonder… Why did the note say ‘them’ instead of ‘her’?

“What is the word you wanted to look up, Apple?”

 

…

 

“Bow, I think we need to talk.” Marshmallow folded her arms, she handed Bow’s phone back.

“About what Marsh?” Bow took her phone, nervousness was evident in her voice.

“Apple managed to open your phone, a note was open. I only read the name but care to explain?” Marshmallow said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“It meant nothing! Just a creative…Writing..Project,” Bow said, trying to keep her tone cool.

“You hate writing.” Marshmallow said, coldy. “Don’t lie to me Bow.”

“…” Bow kept quiet, her ghostly body tensed up before finally speaking. “I have a crush on.. Two girls.”

“Is Apple one of them?”

“..Yes..”

Marshmallow nods, in thought, before it struck her, her face had a barely visible blush.

“Who’s is the other one, Bow?”

“A girl online,” Bow said, quickly, too quickly.

Marshmallow hide the disappointment etched into her eyes.

“That’s..Wonderful.” Marshmallow said, forcing a smile. She didn’t understand why she felt the way she did, Bow was only a friend… Right..? Same with Apple.. Yeah..? She didn’t know anymore and she hated it. 

“Apple likes you back,”

“You think so Marsh?” 

“I know so, with how you two act around each other. It’s… Interesting that you haven’t noticed how she acts around you and how you act around her.”

“Is it that obvious?”

Marshmallow nods. Bow had a dark blush coating her face.

“Comforting to know that Apple likes me back but I’d rather wait to confess to both girls,” Bow said.

Marshmallow nodded again, not trusting her words.

“Was that all we needed to talk about?” Bow asked.

“Yes,” Marshmallow said. “You may leave.”

Bow disappeared leaving Marshmallow alone, which she liked. Marshmallow sighed, sitting down on her and Apple’s bed, staring down at her paws. She has a lot to think about. 

 

…

 

Bow went to the living room where Apple was, Apple spent most of her time there. Bow interwove her paw with Apple’s. Bow rested her head on the coffee table, with a small smile, at least Apple liked her, even if Marshmallow doesn’t. Apple was busy writing on her novel, drawing pictures with words, if Bow didn’t know Apple at all she would’ve thought Apple was trying to make a comic book or maybe even a children’s book not the ‘novel’ Apple called it, she had to be explained as to what a novel was.

Bow’s gaze lingered down to hers and Apple’s paws, before an idea struck her, she grabbed a blanket off the couch blanketing Apple, who poked out with a confessed expression before Bow sighed and tentatively placed her paw on Apple’s head under the blanket giving small little pats which Apple enjoyed. Apple abruptly stood up and sat on the couch.

“Come here, Bowie.” Apple said, wrapping herself in the blanket.

Bow smiled before snuggling and cuddling into Apple through the blanket, Apple giggled as Bow did give her head pats, Apple snuggled back.

A while passed before Marshmallow came down and wordlessly joined Apple and Bow, Apple was happy to snuggle close to Marshmallow who gave a gentle, small smile. Bow got on top of both girls and snuggled into both girls, Marshmallow closed her eyes. She could get used to this.

Chapter 16

Apple had woken up but instead of the comforting, warm feeling of blankets, the warmth of Marshmallow, and the familiar feeling of Bow’s sharpen paws interwoven with her own. Apple instead felt the cold, small pinpricks of grass instead.

Apple blinked both sleepiness and confusion from her eyes as she sat up. Maybe she had sleep walked? Even if she hadn’t done it before. But instead of the ground being harsh, dead grass it was a lush, bright green and no sight of the tall, dead trees or the slight fog. Just open skies, not even a single tree in sight. Only a small island of green grass and the dark, endless night sky with twinkling stars and the moon overhead. 

The soft, chilly breeze swirled, snapping deep pangs of cold into Apple’s core but it wasn’t all because of the cold night air. She was alone. The island looked familiar - all too familiar. What caught Apple’s eye was the broken, slightly melted and charred remains of the old, Idiotic Island cage. 

Apple’s breath came to a full on stop. How did she end up here? Did Marshmallow and Bow get rid of her? She couldn’t understand. She thought stuff was going well, why would they do that to her? Even if they got rid of her…Why to the one place she hated most, alone at that. Knowing she hates being alone.

Tears pricked at her eyes, curling in on herself. Her claws dug into the ground beneath her, she couldn’t understand why, she couldn’t stand being alone like this. No one would come save her this time, she’s missing and doubts anymore misses her. OJ and Paper came last time due to Apple being shown on the old island. But now, no one knew where she was. Sure, she could die and get revived but she doesn’t think she can handle all the questions at the moment without breaking down - if she isn’t already.

 

…

 

Apple woke with a start, she managed to not cry out but the sudden movement woke Marshmallow up who had been huddled up beside Apple and Bow was woken up by being dragged upright. Her sharpened claw like always in Apple’s paw.

“Sweetie, what’s wrong?” Marshmallow asked, gently, seeing the tears prickling at the corners of Apple’s eyes.

Bow snuggled close to Apple who was wrapped in a blanket. She hated seeing Apple like this, Apple was always more emotional despite not knowing most of her emotions. Marshmallow took Apple’s other paw in her hand, gently rubbing the back of it.

“Nightmare?” Bow said.

“Yes-It-was-about-me-back-on-Idiotic-Island-and-being-alone-and-cold-and-I-thought-you-too-got-rid-of-me!” Apple wailed, her words meshing together but Marshmallow managed to make it out.

“Oh..Sweetie,” Marshmallow hugged Apple alongside Bow.

“How about we play some like Uno to get your mind off of it, Sweetness,” Bow said.

 

…

 

In retrospect, playing a game with numbers wasn’t the smartest idea since Apple can only count to her lucky number, seven. But Apple can do colors so it wasn’t all too bad but she did get confused when the color changed due to the number.

For a second she thought you could place down any color and change it. She had to have a long explanation of the game even though she had slip ups she actually won, Apple’s nightmare became a distant memory now, as Apple soaked in her winning game.

Bow smiled at Apple feeling a familiar warmth spreading across her ghostly body while Marshmallow’s were still freshly new, she felt the unfamiliar warmth spread across her plush body - not only from Apple but also from Bow’s reaction. It was obvious how much Bow cared and loved Apple. Marshmallow felt a pang of jealousy. While she didn’t have a preference for a monogamous or polyamorous relationship - She wished Bow and Apple felt the same, well, she knew Apple loved her.

Apple acts a certain way with her crushes that Marshmallow found out, but she wasn’t sure if Apple was polyamorous like Bow or didn’t care about being in a polyamorous or monogamous relationship with her. Marshmallow has been Apple’s small stolen glances, her blush, and Apple’s always been attentive but she has a next level attentive level with her crushes, it’s painfully obvious. Marshmallow wonders how much more obvious it would be if Apple was actually dating someone, she knew Apple was a lesbian - that was very obvious.

Bow has always been open about her being a lesbian while Marshmallow was a more private person, keeping stuff to herself, she was lesbian like her friends but it wasn’t something she brought up often, if at all. Marshmallow’s feelings were new but she isn’t an idiot, she knows when she has a crush on someone, the problem is actually confessing. 

Marshmallow was lost in her thoughts she didn’t even realize Apple and Bow started another round of Uno and gave Marshmallow cards. Marshmallow’s face flushed in embarrassment, she barely caught the glimpse of Apple’s blush and giggle and Bow’s cackle. Marshmallow realized it was her turn, she didn’t have the color and had to draw. She didn’t miss Bow’s grin and Apple’s smug smile. Marshmallow playfully rolled her eyes.

Marsh, she loved these idiots.

 

…

 

Bow was up in her room. A room she hadn’t been inside for a while, now. She only went in when she got all lovesick enough to draw or write about Apple and Marshmallow. Bow looked into the mirror, snapping her sharp teeth when the mirror tried to smoke up.

Bow was usually so confident, loud. But she was nervous, Apple and Marshmallow was all she had, apart from Dough. But she held a special connection with Apple and Marshmallow even with the knowledge of Apple most likely liking her back it was still nerve racking.

Marshmallow and Apple was her only connection to the living, they made her feel alive. Like she was more than just a ghost but an actual living object. It she loved it, sure, she couldn’t eat or drink or get sick or cold or hot - well, her face managed to get hot around Apple and Marshmallow. But, the point is, that even if she can’t do stuff like a living object can, Apple and Marshmallow feel that empty, cold space. Making her feel alive again as if she hadn’t died in the first place. 

It was a feeling she had gotten used to, it was a wonderful feeling. Now, here she was. Trying to work up the courage to actually confess her feelings, it was a lot harder than she thought it would be. Bow looked down on her vanity. 

A slice of vanilla cake, a big crayon box with a built in sharpener, a book, and a seafoam green throw pillowcase. Bow had picked these gifts out along with flowers - Seamist and Red Spider Lilies. Marshmallow’s and Apple’s favorite flowers. Gifts for when she confessed which she is positive is today or she wouldn’t have gotten the flowers and cake.

Bow took a deep breath picking the gifts up and disappearing only to reappear downstairs. She saw Marshmallow on her armchair, while Apple once again at the coffee table, working on her novel that Bow and Marshmallow are pretty sure is about the three of them with Dough as a side character along with other side characters like; OJ, Paper, and Paintbrush.

Bow floated inside, holding a breath she didn't need to breathe. Apple felt Bow’s presence and looked up with a confused look at the stuff Bow was holding.

“Whatcha got Bow?” Apple said, momentarily stopping her novel work.

Apple’s voice caused Marshmallow to look up with a confused but a slightly somber expression. Still under the expression that Bow had a crush on Apple and some girl online. Bow felt a lump in her throat, trembling, this is definitely much harder than she had originally thought. She couldn’t even talk or use her voice from nervousness. 

Bow gave Apple the crayons, vanilla cake, and the red spider lilies, Bow blushed seeing Apple’s eyes lit up like fireworks and a blue blush coating her face.

Bow gave Marshmallow the book, seafoam green pillowcase, and the seamist silk flowers. A small blush coated Marshmallow face her slight somber look being replaced by full on confusion.

With a deep breath, Bow managed to calm her dead nerves enough to stammer her words out.

“Apple, Marshmallow, I have something to tell you.”

Chapter 17

The quizzical stares from Apple and Marshmallow were suffocating. Bow would sweat if she could, she wears Marshmallow’s eyes narrowed and Apple’s somehow got bigger - puppy eyes. Bow was about to back out, how could she do this? So, nerve racking, how do people do this all the time?

One deep breath, then another.

“Marshmallow, Apple, I love you, both. Not in like a girly friend typa way but in… A girl-girlfriend way. You get it?” Bow finally managed to say.

Marshmallow, it took her a second before she got it, her face lit up. Apple didn’t get it at all, she looked confused with a small blush dusting her cheeks. At Bow’s mention of ‘I love you, both.’

“In a way like those romantic books Marshmallow reads.” Bow said, which finally made Apple get it.

If Bow didn’t know better, she would’ve thought Apple’s blue blush would’ve meant she was cold with how much Apple’s blush grew in the few seconds. Marshmallow’s blush was a tad bit more noticeable but still subtle.

“Bowie! I feel the same about you and Marshy both!” Apple said, smiling dopey.

Marshmallow’s blush only grew more. 

“Yeah, well, I also feel the same about you two.” Marshmallow said, before remembering something. “Bow, I thought you said, you had a crush on some girl online?”

Apple looked confused. While Marshmallow’s voice had suspicion.

“Oh, yeah, she doesn’t exist, I just didn’t want to expose it was you. So not coolness of me but hey! I told you now.” Bow said with the flick of her hand. “Soooo, how do you two like your ‘new girl-girlfriend’ gifts?” 

“I love it, Bowie! So-So much!” Apple said, her voice an excited squeak.

Apple tried hugging Bow which didn’t work, but Bow tried to hug her back.

“Yeah, I love it, sweetheart.” Marshmallow said, hiding her blushing face in her flowers. “So, cliche.”

“What’s ‘cliche’ mean?”

“Overuse of an opinion or thought. But in the good way, sweetie.”

Apple held Bow’s paw with her gloved one and pulled Marshmallow into a hug, practically shaking in excitement. 

“I have the day planned out for us, our first date if you will,” Bow said. “Cmon, upstairs in my old room.” 

Bow disappears, Marshmallow grabs Apple’s paw, walking up the stairs, through the hallway to Bow’s room. Apple brought her cake with her. My, my, doesn’t she have such a sweet tooth?

Marshmallow creaked the door open and saw a stereotypical white and red checkered pattern picnic blanket and basket with Bow sitting or rather draped over the basket.

“See what I prepared, my loves?” Bow said, she obviously didn’t have this planned all too well before.

The picnic blanket was still folded slightly and the basket was a little messy. Marshmallow did notice but didn’t comment on it while Apple didn’t notice at all and marveled.

Apple immediately sat down, being careful to keep her claws retracted, she has a small habit of unsheathing them accidentally. Marshmallow was more careful when she sat down. Apple set her cake down, she was gonna eat it but wanted to see what Bow packed first.

“I had…Dough, make it since I was gonna be busy confessing to you two,” Bow said, before pulling out cookies, water, and pasta.

Enough for Apple and Marshmallow to enjoy as Bow can’t eat. She gave them both the food. Smiling widely. Apple looked starstruck and Marshmallow was smiling gently. Apple immediately started eating, she missed breakfast today and was hungry, she was getting a little messy aswell. Marshmallow was not as fast or as messy as she ate, to Bow seeing her new girlfriends eat and get themselves full was enough to make herself feel warm and full.

Apple finished rather quickly, downing her water til’ the bottle was almost empty and before she ate her vanilla cake gift, Bow made sure she was clean with napkins, she was very content. Thanking Bow. Marshmallow got done while Apple was halfway through her cake and she ate a few cookies, not having that much of a sweet tooth even with her being a sweet treat.

All three girls had a very noticeable blush on their faces. 

“Bowie! Try the cookies, darling.” Apple handed Bow a cookie. Bow looked taken aback at the new pet name but smiled.

“I so would, love. But I can’t-“ Bow looked at Apple’s eyes, she sighed. Ribbons, she was such a sucker for Apple’s puppy eyes. 

Bow took the cookie and tried eating it but as she expected, it just fell right through. At least, Apple looked happy, Marshmallow shrugged.

It was peaceful, heartfelt.

Until, Dough floated in.

“So? How’d it like go?” Dough asked.

“Get out, you maniac!” Bow said.

“Hi, Bow’s brother.” Apple said.

Bow sighed. “It went great, if you must know,”

“Good, my sister and her girl-girlfriends,” 

“I am not your sister and you are not my brother!”

Dough gave a thumbs up before leaving, Apple waved him off. Apple stood up, finishing the last of her cake.

“Bed,” Apple said, before walking out.

Marshmallow stood up, she helped Bow clean and put everything away before leaving to the now three’s bedroom. Apple was already settled in the bed.

Marshmallow got to her side of the bed, the right side, flickering her lamp on and grabbing her book, even if it was the afternoon. Bow settled on the left side with Apple in the middle. 

The book Marshmallow had was one she had been reading to Bow and Apple at night. Marshmallow started to read, Bow cuddled up to Apple, Apple cuddled up to Bow and Marshmallow. It was warm, safe.. Loved. It felt nice. Bow never thought she’d find love as a ghost, Marshmallow had a hard time falling in love and actually finding a girlfriend, Apple never thought she’d be loved due to how people look and see her as nothing more than an idiot.

The three found love and solidarity in each other. They wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chapter 18

Apple was bored, staring into nothing, unusual for the hyperactive gal. It had been some time since the first date between her, Bow, and Marshmallow. It’s one of the things she remembers as if it just happened. It’s special to her for many reasons.

Apple had her novel in front of her but she was actually stumped for once, the last drawing was actually pretty… Disturbing, writing and drawing angst - Apple thinks the word is, in her novel. Marshmallow said, Apple is scarily good at doing tension and building it.

Apple didn’t know how to progress it, she wanted to prolong the process but her mind was filled with fluff, she wanted her girlfriends. Marshmallow was in the foyer tidying up but Apple didn’t know where Bow was. Apple kicked her feet, she has been learning and can now stay a whole ten minutes without panicking, now she was staring at some painting on the wall, an old dusty painting of an unknown object. She looked back down at her crayon drawing, surprisingly it wasn’t about her, Bow, and Marshmallow at the moment. She took a turn after seeing a band on Bow’s phone and wrote a completely new character after Box, Apple wonders how he is doing. They were never the closest but Apple still liked him even if Box was mysterious.

Apple gave Box a sort of stale personality with dry humor and a sarcastic sort of attitude. The band had the other side characters, Dough, OJ, Paper, and Paintbrush in it as Apple thought they weren’t getting enough attention in the novel.

Box was going through a tough time and the last was of Box drowning - sort of self-indulge in Apple when she felt utterly alone and useless. The scene was the last of rising tension of Box accidentally failing a note and feeling like everyone in the audience caught it and that the rest of the band was disappointed.

Apple looked at her pony, trying to rack her brain for what to do next. She had never been so stumped, then again, maybe if she was a part of a band, she wouldn’t be so stumped… Then an idea sparked, Marshmallow felt it from a mile away before Apple even knew.

…

“Bowie, Marshy, what if we started a band! With all three of us and Bow’s brother!” Apple said, her voice hopeful.

“With what instruments?” Bow asked.

“Your brother’s!” Apple said.

Bow didn’t correct Apple that time.

“He has drums, a piano, and… and a xylophone, I think?” Apple said, messing and stumbling up on some words.

“He does have quite a few instruments,” Marshmallow said.

“Yeah! He’ll let us use them if he is also in the band! And having just the three of us won’t do.” Apple said, then quickly added, “Not that we all aren’t enough of course! We’ll just sound better.”

“I know what we mean,” Marshmallow said. “But how will we know what to play?”

“Bow’s brother already picked being a keyboardist and I want the… the xylophone.”

“I want a guitar.” Bow said, “And you, dear, you can be our singer!”

Marshmallow blushed a little.

“Yeah, Honey, you sing beautifully! Whatever that means.” 

Marshmallow took a deep breath. “Are you two sure about this? It’ll take time to learn and… Well…”

Marshmallow didn’t want to say that both Apple and Bow have the attention span of a goldfish, if that. And she didn’t want to be mean.

“We can take all the time! I mean, it will take a while. It took me years before I can be left alone! … For ten minutes but progress!” Apple said.

Marshmallow and Bow both smiled, but Marshmallow knew how hard this’ll be, before saying;

“Does Dough even have a guitar?”

…

Turns out, Dough did have a guitar. Marshmallow wonders if Dough has every instrument at that point. Hell, Dough also had a microphone which wasn’t as shocking. 

All three girls had set up a mini stage area. Marshmallow as the lead and only singer stood upfront, Bow was on the far right, holding her guitar… wrong, Apple was on the left, already tapping out of key on her xylophone, which Marshmallow didn’t know how it would tie well into the mix, and Dough was right beside Apple, staring into nothing before pressing and holding down a key.

Marshmallow knew this was gonna be a disaster, but making her girlfriends happy was enough to make her try and make this work.

Marshmallow then started to count down, this whole first process done, she used Bow’s phone and download and printed out music sheets that she tested and they sounded somewhat great. Problem is, she knows Dough will play good and be able to read the music sheet. She didn’t have much hope on Bow and Apple. 

Apple wouldn’t understand and wouldn’t even play if she couldn’t figure it out first and Bow will just do her own thing, so Marshmallow didn’t have the highest hopes.

“Three… Two… One.” Marshmallow counted down.

Dough started to play beautifully, as expected. Bow somehow got her guitar out of key before even touching it at all, but she somehow managed to play decently. And Apple, as Marshmallow expected, tried to understand the paper before playing but she gave up quicker than expected and started to play, out of key but it somehow went with the other instruments.

After a bit, Apple suddenly stopped. Randomly kissing Marshmallow’s cheek and trying to hug Bow before going back and playing. 

“I love you, Bowie and Marshy!”

Apple’s random stolen kisses is not usual, it’s very common but the two will never understand how Apple can just… Go back to what she’s doing so easily but if Bow or Marshmallow were to do the same… Apple would be so blue and frozen for a few minutes.

“I love you too, sweetie. And I love you, sweetheart.” Marshmallow said.

“I love you two, so much.” Bow said.

“Nuh uh! I love you two more!” Apple said.

“Nuh uh, girlie. I love you two the most.”

“I love you two more than… Then this mansion!”

Marshmallows watched with a fond smile, Bow and Apple always bickered on who loved the other two the most. It only ever stopped if Marshmallow intervened. This time Dough did.

“So, like-“ 

“Shut up,” Bow said, crossing her arms. “I don’t need your input.”

“Wow, okay,” Dough then went to playing the keyboard.

The bickering was forgotten as the two rushed upstairs, Marshmallow following behind. Bow and Apple are so physical affection and cuddly. She knew the other two wanted to cuddle. My marsh… Marshmallow loved them so much, she also knew this isn’t the last of their new band.

Chapter 19

Bow’s footsteps sounded soft against the ground of season one, the grass was an unusual shade of green and was slightly prickly and soft. It’s… Felt like forever since she felt it. What was she talking about? Of course, she’s always felt it! She looked over, a grin forming over her face as she saw Marshmallow and Apple.

Marshmallow and Apple were fighting, it felt, not as good as she thought it would, it would be. Why would she even like them fighting? It felt different, she always wanted to get Marshmallow from Apple, to keep her for herself.

Why did their fighting seem so wrong? So… Unusual. She didn’t like it, one bit.

“I didn’t break into it!” Apple had said, crossing her arms.

“Well, who did? D̶o̶u̶g̶h̶, doesn’t drink it and Bow’s asleep!” Marshmallow said, as a counter. “Your words are even slurred!”

Why would they fight about this? Why is there a redacted name? It’s so random, even for their fights.

“Nuh-uh!” 

“Come on, I’m not stupid Apple.”

“I’m am not dumb!”

“I am, am? It’s ‘I’m’ is ‘I am’, sweetie.”

“Why are you acting like I’m stupid?!”

“You’re even acting differently.”

Sweetie? Since when did Marshmallow call her enemy, it’s so out of place. Bow didn’t even have time to register it.

 

…

 

Bow woke up soon after, the dream wasn’t all that long but she soon heard soft, quiet arguing. Like the people arguing didn’t want to wake someone. Wake her. Bow knew immediately who it was, Dough doesn’t fight and why would he fight with Apple or Marshmallow anyway?

That only left one answer, Marshmallow and Apple were fighting with each other. But why? Bow was confused, she got out of bed and floated down, following the voices which led her to the bar.

A broken bottle of Dr. Fizz had been shattered. But, Dr. Fizz doesn’t even come in bottles, Bow looked up. Apple was unsteady on her paws. Well, this is Bow’s fault.

Back when Dough first came to the mansion, Bow took a bottle of old wine and printed a Dr. Fizz label and put it on the wine bottle, the lock to the liquor cabin was intact but a glass door was shattered, the remains laid on the floor in front.

Bow remembered that they had forgotten drinks and the tap water was no good due to a leak of something. Apple must’ve been thirsty, mistook the bottle of ‘Dr. Fizz’ as actual Dr. Fizz and drank it, the broken bottle must’ve been from Apple dropping it. She’s outta be a lightweight.

Bow was nervous, she hadn’t been this upset since the argument when Marshmallow found Apple’s scars.

Apple saw Bow her eyes lit up.

“Bowieee!” Apple slurred. “Hey, hey!”

Marshmallow turned her attention to Bow.

“Bow, did you have anything to do with that?” Marshmallow asked, gesturing to the broken bottle.

Bow stayed silent, she knew better than to lie. Lying would have a worse effect than the truth.

“…Yes, I thought Dough would get into, I kinda sorta… Forgot about it andddd it seems Apple got into it instead.” Bow said.

“Aweee, I forgive you, Bowie.” Apple said, even if Bow didn’t apologize or needed to.

Marshmallow nodded, taking in the information. She knew when Bow or Apple were lying and Bow wasn’t lying.

“What are we gonna do Marsh?” Bow asked, her eyes darting to Apple.

“There’s nothing we can do besides trying to flush the alcohol out with water and sleep.” Marshmallow said.

“We don’t have water.” 

“I know, so just sleep. I’ll need to get her some painkillers in the morning.”

Marshmallow looped an arm around Apple and walked upstairs, Bow reappeared in their room. Marshmallow gently laid Apple down who clung onto her and Bow, making a little cuddle pile.

 

…

 

Apple didn’t want to wake up but she couldn’t fall asleep. Her head felt like it was gonna explode and she felt just sick. She didn’t wanna get up. Marshmallow brought her painkillers and Bow got her water. Apple was content just staying in bed.

That was before she remembered what day it was. Valentines Day. Against Bow’s and Marshmallow’s wishes, once the headache stopped Apple was up and out of bed. She was being careful as to not make her head start killing her again.

Apple had stolen Bow’s phone; Not a first. She went onto Walmart.com and hid away in a closet, in the foyer, to hear the soft, muffled sounds of the others. She's gotten way better with her autophobia. It wasn’t long before Bow wanted to know where her phone was and Marshmallow was looking for Apple.

Apple knew what her girlfriends loved. Why wouldn’t she? But nothing caught her eye, she settled on two art kits and some candies. Get some gifts that felt a little more homemade while adding a sweet surprise to it.

It didn’t cost much, Apple decided to cover her tracks which wasn’t easy but she managed.

Apple got the option to get the order in a few hours, which she waited by the door like a dog so she could get to it before Marshmallow and Bow could, she exited the closet. Apple placed Bow’s phone back in its place before she had stolen it.

The order couldn’t have came any slower to Apple but Once it was here she was ecstatic, she grabbed the package off the porch and ran up to her room.

Okay, maybe Apple should’ve got something that is more simple than woodworking. She has no idea what she is doing.

Apple started to get to work, ignoring the nagging feeling that tugged at her heart. Good thing, she got the beginners kits at least.

Although, they are woodcarving kits. The instructions were hard to read; sure, Apple has gotten better at reading but there’s still stuff she can’t read, like these instructions.

Apple just decided to eyeball it, this can’t be that hard. Right?

Apple took her pencil, sketching on two of the wood that came with the kit. She sketched and erased until she thought it was perfect. Then she took one of the tools and got to work.

It took Apple longer than she thought it would take. Not counting on the fact she had to restart due to messing up. The pieces did come out rather wonky but Apple was happy with them. Even if Bow didn’t have her tail, Apple just couldn’t make it look right so she cut it off. Apple almost made them limbless but decided to work with the weird looking limbs.

Apple added a few more finishing touches; which was just black paint on the eyes and limbs on the wooden pieces that looked like mini versions of Bow and Marshmallow.

Apple was very pleased with herself, she grabbed the last thing out of the package she got just a few different candies.

Apple stared down at the wooden versions of her girlfriends. Feeling a sharp, quick pang of something close to hesitation. What if Bow and Marshmallow didn’t like it?

Apple shook her head, she got better at feeling better about herself but thoughts still came here and there. Apple swung the door open and was met with Marshmallow’s concerned face.

“Sweetie, you okay? You were there for an awfully long time and didn’t answer when Bow knocked.” Marshmallow said.

“I’m fine! Just doing something for you and Bow!” Apple smiled. “Can’t tell you! It’s a surprise!”

Marshmallow smiled, sweetly. “Okay, sweetie. Just making sure.”

…

Bow was the one to gather Apple and Marshmallow down into the living room, making it clear for Dough to stay away.

“Okay, so since it’s like valentine’s day. I got you two things.” Bow said, taking two cards from off the coffee table.

The cards were personalized to match Marshmallow and Apple respectively. Bow gave them to her two girlfriends; inside it detailed a list of what she loves about them. With small loving notes, here and there.

“I have like, one other things for you gals but they are coming in a tad bit… Late.” Bow said, with a small downward wave of her hand.

Apple was more giddy than she was before, Marshmallow was smiling softly, giving small compliments.

Apple was next, at least she thinks. She just couldn’t wait any longer to give her little gifts, which she still had hidden behind her. 

Apple practically shoved Marshmallow’s sweets and wooden figure into her and did the same thing with Bow. Which hurt a little.

“I made them! I got a kit.” Apple said, pausing before adding. “…Do you like it?”

“Love it, sweetie.” Marshmallow said, followed by Bow’s own voice of encouragement.

Apple smiled brightly, she was oh so happy.

Next was Marshmallow.

Marshmallow gave Bow two little keychains of her and Apple, both. That would be stuck to the back of Bow’s phone along with a drawing of Bow that Marshmallow had done. Apple was given an empty book, no pages for her novel and a drawing of herself that Marshmallow had drawn.

Marshmallow never was the ‘artist’ type. She didn’t find drawing all that much fun, she only really did it and finger painting since Apple loved it so much and she wanted to get to know Apple more. That was back in season two.

Marshmallow shook the thoughts of the show. She doesn’t wanna think about it.

Apple gave Marshmallow a little kiss on the cheek, hugging her. Marshmallow hugged Apple back before returning the kiss. The hug lasted for quite a second before Apple got an idea; running off to the kitchen.

Apple came back with a tea-towel running over to Bow, who had a small hint of a somber look in her eyes. Apple less than gracefully placed the clothed over her face, before moving it so it was only on her lips.

Apple grabbed Bow’s cheek in her gloved one, pulling Bow down. Kissing her. Bow froze up, warmth spreading across her body. She knew she could hold hands as long as there was some sort of cloth but why didn’t she think, she could possibly kiss Apple or Marshmallow with a cloth over their mouth?

Bow melted into the kiss which lasted a few more seconds before Apple grabbed Marshmallow’s paw in her own and pulling her over, handing Marshmallow the cloth.

Marshmallow did what Apple had done, cloth over her mouth, kissing Bow.

Bow couldn’t be any happier with the revelation. Once she pulled away from Marshmallow, Bow was glowing both figuratively and literally. She was brighter.

“See! I have good ideas!” Apple said.

“You have a lot of good ideas, sweetness.” Bow said, her voice; trembling in happiness.

Chapter 20

It had been; seemed like a normal day. Other than what sounded like collapsing walls here and there. Marshmallow was a little nervous but decided to was no big deal. She was upstairs in her bedroom just watching TV.

Bow downstairs, she has been making these… Noises, hard to describe. Bow didn’t know at first what the noises were but she seems content with making them. Finds it fun.

Dough was probably off, doing what? Marshmallow wasn’t sure after the piano stopped.

Apple was in the living room, Bow was in the foyer so, Apple was content. Probably playing with her long-named pony.

Bow likes to joke Apple loves that pony more than her and Marshmallow; which Apple always scrambles to object between giggling fits. They’ve been together for around over three years? They celebrate their anniversary but never really counted the years. Apple would know as it’s helping with her counting.

Then randomly Bow’s noises stopped and Marshmallow swore she heard voices. And not just Dough and Bow’s arguments.

 

…

 

Apple was happily working on her novel, when she swore she heard Bow talking to Dough? No, one- no, two, wait, three. Apple swears she recognizes all three but she can’t recall their names… Weird. Has it really been that long?

Apple was hellbent on getting this page done before going and checking it out. Bow seems to be keeping whoever occupied. Then, Apple heard Marshmallow coming down the steps.

“Bowww! The TV isn’t working again! Can you help me fix it?”

Then the combined voices shouting; “Marshmallow?!”

then the sound of Marshmallow dropping the remote; Apple then came to see what’s up, grabbing her pony; Dino Brawler Extreme, before peeking her head out of the doorway.

“Oh, look! We have company! Whatever that means.”

 

No one acknowledged Apple. All focused on Marshmallow and Bow. Dough kinda just, disappeared. Apple stood in the doorway. Staring. Not minding, she’s been ignoring countless times before. It doesn’t bother her. Not anymore.

 

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?” Paintbrush asked, they were the most worried out of anyone about Marshmallow’s sudden disappearance.

“In her defense; she told me!” Apple said, coming to stand by her girlfriend. Bow floated nearby.

Bow silently did fume; she knew Marshmallow was too, why focus everything on her and Marshmallow and nothing on Apple? She wanted so badly to defend Apple to make them see what she did. But she knew it would be a waste.

 

Why did no contestants ever leave their click of friends? Why not help anyone that isn’t a friend?

 

“No, I meant like; her friends? Not someone who used her. Why is Apple here anyway?” Paintbrush didn’t ask, rather demanded.

The truth of Apple’s ‘betrayal’ was never revealed to have actually been possession. Of course, everyone still thinks she’s some Taco-level mastermind that won’t give up the act.

Apple opened her mouth to defend herself but was cut short by Paintbrush.

“I wasn’t asking you.”

Apple shrunk down. Oh, did she forget how much people hated her. People who didn’t know the truth.

“Don’t speak to her like that!” Bow snapped, she can’t keep her protectiveness in check with Paintbrush speaking like that.

“You’re supposed to be Marsh’s friend and you’re defending the person who used her?” Paintbrush said, with a hand movement.

“Apple did not use her,” Bow said, stating like she was stating facts; which in a way she was.

“Oh, yeah?” Paintbrush said, hands on their hips. “Where’s your proof? Oh, wait. You have none!”

Marshmallow couldn’t get a word in. She knew Paintbrush was defending her, Paintbrush often let their anger get a hold on them and they are protective of their friends in general.

Bow just happens to be more protective; possessive of her girlfriends.

“I possessed her! Like, this-“ Bow cut herself on, Apple did take a step back. 

Apple would rather not get possessed, it’s a weird feeling. She does not like it. She hoped Bow wouldn’t go as far as to break their promise to prove a point. Their pinky promise. Bow took a deep breath to calm down, glaring at Paintbrush who stopped glaring at Apple. Bow went into the explanation of possession which made Paintbrush’s anger get directed at Bow now.

“Just stop!” Fan cried, getting tired of the fighting and his head spun from the new ‘lore’ of what happened. “You haven’t even let Marsh speak this entire time, haven’t asked for her thoughts!”

Marshmallow nodded, picking the remote up from off the stairs.

“Just stop, I made amends with Apple and Bow both,” Marshmallow said, “I… Care a lot about both of them.”

Marshmallow almost said; ‘Love’, she didn’t want to expose her relationship like that. Not right now at least. Test Tube was being awfully quiet. Marshmallow, now, noticed how close Apple was to her. Then in the middle of talking Bow screeched. Apple almost fell into Marshmallow with a squeak, covering her ‘ears’ with her paws like every else but Bow who apologized.

Fan turned to Test Tube with a quizzical question and expression, Apple’s ‘ears’ rang a little but stopped enough to hear Test Tube’s terrified cry before she fell. Faceless. Limbless. Spilling her green liquid onto the floor.

‘Our rug!’ Had been Apple’s first thought. She was never good with emotions which included empathy. Her eyes widened slightly at Fan’s cry, his worried voice rang. Apple’s mind did start to race. What if that happened to Marshmallow? Could the same thing happen to Bow? What about Dough?

Then what happened after is a little fuzzy for Apple, next thing she knew was Marshmallow holding onto her tightly with Bow. Paintbrush and Fan rushing out for a reason; Apple was unsure of.

 

…

 

Footsteps on the patio, Apple was working on her novel in the living room Marshmallow stood in the doorway with Bow. Then the door swung open.

“Bow. How did you get your tail? How did you come back?” Came Paintbrush’s broken voice.

Everything was making Apple’s head hurt. She tried blocking everything out but god was it hard. Seems like Marshmallow was having them too.

White, sterile room. Sunset skies, a tree, grass. Idiotic Island? No, there wasn’t any glass on Idiotic island. Apple’s eyes closed after she heard muffled arguing. She hated it. She did recognize the sound of pencil on paper, and some very blurry images of Mephone was it? He seemed so upset as he angrily drew.

Apple wanted it to stop.

Then Marshmallow jumped into Apple, almost knocking her down.

Mepad was it? Along with Paper, Box, Taco, and Microphone. How’d they get here? Mepad’s teleporting ability? Apple forgot about that.

Paper did stay close to Apple; an old friend? Apple still didn’t think of Paper that way. Didn’t he hate her for actively activating his Idiotic Island, trauma? Apple hugged Box with words of comfort.

Mepad was talking Apple didn’t hear. But after hearing how far Mepad’s ability went. Apple turned to Bow.

“Hey, remember how you could be possessive?” 

“Yeah, but I’m working-“ Bow cut herself off with a ‘ohh.’ Winking at Apple who had to hold a giggle back.

Bow did share a look with Marshmallow. Apple’s idea was really the only option at the moment even if both didn’t like it. Apple dawned the black bow Taco had on before Bow possessed her and Mepad sent Bow possessed Apple onto the ship. Apple- Or was she Bow? Pink Apple works, as she crawled through the vents she turned a shade of hot pink. How come this didn’t happen before? Doesn’t matter, now.

Apple still hated getting possessed, she was in just a black room of sorts, it was all black like her eyes were closed before she fell asleep, she yawned, she’d wake up once Bow’s done. 

 

She just hoped it’d be soon.

 

…

 

Bow heard and was getting nervous about hearing Knife’s voice stop, she wasn’t paying attention only with Toilet as he looked at a wire connected to something. Bow stared in awe. She didn’t know why. Then Cobs’ shout startled her as he reached before the plug was pulled.

The ship immediately disappeared. Bow tried to grab Apple before she was forcefully shoved from possessing Apple’s body. Apple would still be asleep. She wouldn’t know what was going on. What happened.

“No! Apple!” Bow cried out. Her eyes opened, Everything. Except herself, Dough, and Mepad were glitching, she tried to grab Marshmallow but faded right through before everything disappeared. “Marsh!”

 

Bow’s crying screech could be heard all the way to Hotel OJ; or where it used to be.

Chapter 21

Bow had unconsciously floated to the ground. This hurt worse than any false social media claim, Dough’s and Mepad’s voice faded into the background.

 

She just couldn't believe this. Both of them. Just gone, and their home. All disappeared, like it was nothing. Just some glitch in the system.

 

Bow couldn’t even begin to comprehend it. A sliver part of her knew they could’ve gone to where she did before or did they just disappear forever? Bow could hardly think of anything else.

 

Dough came up behind Bow, he put a hand on Bow’s shoulder, patting it to comfort her. Bow couldn’t even tell him to get off, she was too far into her grief. At least, she knew when she died, Marshmallow was still alive and fighting with Apple with who knows what.

 

At least, she knew they were alive and well but now, she wasn’t even sure. She hoped so much, but there’s only so much hope can do.

 

Bow sobbed, it was a harsh and broken sound. Mepad came up on Bow’s other side. He didn’t know the full extent but was there to offer what support he could manage.

 

Bow silently, rejected the comfort. Not stating it but she didn’t want it, not really.

 

Bow’s tears evaporated before they hit the floor. Not real, no actual impact. It made Bow even sadder.

 

What if Marshmallow and Apple ended up like her? Sure, she loves her tail and loves being a ghost but she knows her girlfriends better than how they’d be okay with it.

 

Marshmallow; it would take her a bit to get used to it, she’d go through her daily motions but Bow isn’t sure how Marshmallow would adjust to the cravings and hunger pains before her, now dead, body got used to it.

 

Apple; poor Apple. She wouldn’t understand a thing, she wouldn’t understand why she couldn’t eat anymore or feel the grass beneath her paws. She wouldn’t handle it well. The hunger pains would be a whole other story.

 

Before Bow knew it her sadness turned to anger, her fists clenched so tightly her claws dug into her pawpad. She almost growled like a feral dog.

 

That damned phone and that corn.

 

They took her girls away. Away from her.

 

Bow wanted them gone, just how they made her girlfriends disappear.

 

…

 

Apple felt like she almost hit a fifty-foot fall or even more. She wasn’t sure why, though.

 

Apple groaned as she finally sat up. Her last memory was letting Bow possess her, nothing after it. She let out a noise before sitting up and opening her eyes.

 

She was on the mansion's hardwood foyer floor. It had a soft blue tint. Apple looked around confused. Weren't there others? Where was Bow and Marshmallow?

 

Her answer for Marshmallow came quickly.

 

“Apple!” Marshmallow had cried, launching herself at the other girl.

 

Apple was stunned with a blank expression for a few seconds before she realized it was Marshmallow and she hugged the other girl back, tighter. She didn’t wanna let go.

 

“What happened?” Apple asked, staring into Marshmallow’s eyes.

 

Marshmallow paused before sighing.

 

“Just some… Things, I’ll tell you later, okay, sweetie?” Marshmallow wanted to tell Apple the truth before anyone else but wanted to wait. She didn’t wanna see Apple’s reaction in a foreign place.

 

She wanted to be alone and alone for sure before letting the truth spill. She didn’t know how well Apple would take it.

 

Marshmallow stood up and helped Apple up, Apple was a little unsteady on her paws, she was the first time she was possessed. Maybe, it’s a permanent side effect that happens every time but goes away or it is temporary.

 

Apple doesn’t plan on getting possessed again anytime soon though.

 

The mansion door swung open and there stood Knife and Mephone4S. Marshmallow’s eyes, subconsciously narrowed at Knife.

 

This’ll be an experience for sure.

 

Marshmallow kept Apple close, never letting her stray too far away. Marshmallow couldn’t answer when Apple asked about Bow. Marshmallow didn’t look when Apple asked. She could barely look into those pleading eyes.

 

…

 

Apple was nervous to start the race. Who wouldn’t? A red line that will permanently delete you? Apple doesn’t understand the extent of what is happening.

 

Apple held Marshmallow’s hand in hers, tightly. Apple and Marshmallow got up near the line behind some of the others. Apple was nervous and stayed close.

 

Apple did feel a pang of sorrow when Paintbrush gave Marshmallow an encouraging smile. Apple wishes she had more friends. It seems so amazing. 

 

Then the race had begun.

 

Apple and Marshmallow had been running side by side, holding hands and trying to make it together. Not wanting to leave the other behind. Apple was struggling to keep up. She was still weak from the possession.

 

She tried and held tightly onto Marshmallow’s hand, not wanting to let go. She ran on pure adrenaline, thoughts of Bow, and trying to get Marshmallow to safety.

 

Even if Apple didn’t understand what was going on or why.

 

Apple’s thoughts were clouded with memories. Marshmallow’s sudden turn on her in the middle of season two; that turned into her leaving Apple. Saying she has made a mistake. Bow laughing at the predicament. Gratting on her struck nerves. Apple squeezed her eyes shut.

 

Then, disaster struck as Marshmallow fell, her sugary body sticking to the floor. Apple shrieked, loudly. It came from pure panic.

 

“Marshmallow!” 

 

Marshmallow felt such a wave of emotion over her. Apple rarely used her full name anymore. She could feel the panic and fear radiating off Apple. The full name use made Marshmallow uneasy.

 

Apple tried to pull Marshmallow up but she was still just so weak, she couldn’t. Tears pricked at her eyes, threatening to spill. Marshmallow felt so much anguish, seeing the eyes she thinks are so pretty just filled with tears.

 

Marshmallow took a breath and didn’t falter. 

 

“Go on without me.”

 

“What?!”

 

You would’ve thought Marshmallow told Apple to kill her and Bow or kill a family pet. Apple was astonished, not that she knew what the word meant.

 

“Go on! I’ll be fine, I’ll be right behind you.”

 

 

Apple made small distressed noises as she fought with herself and Marshmallow’s words. Marshmallow nodded. Apple gave the sugary girl one last kiss. She and Marshmallow both hoped it wasn’t the last.

 

Marshmallow had thoughts that it would be the last. She didn’t even get to say bye to Bow.

 

Then, Apple ran and made it through the portal. Marshmallow smiled, somberly, at least she knew both her girlfriends were safe.

 

Marshmallow wasn’t giving up. She’d be damned, if she didn’t at least fight.

 

Marshmallow tried, she grunted trying to unstick herself from the floor. She felt a wave of uneasiness as she felt the line getting closer and closer…

 

Even as her thoughts filled up with Bow’s death and how she wrongfully treated Apple. Bow blaming her and Apple leaving her after coming to her senses and realizing that Marshmallow was just bad; in a way.

 

Marshmallow tried to breathe but it came in short pants and sharp intakes, feeling like knives stabbing into her lungs. She didn’t want to go out. Not like this. Not at all. 

 

Marshmallow closed her eyes tight, still fighting. Still trying. It was over, the end. No one was here to save her.

 

…

 

Before she felt paws lift her up. Knife. Marshmallow thought everyone had already gone through, she didn’t expect Knife of all objects to stay behind, making sure everyone went in.

 

She especially didn’t expect him to save her.

 

Marshmallow was stunned into silence. The object that had tormented her in season one was saving her.

 

She can’t say she didn’t expect it. If her and Apple’s relationship is anything to go off of.

 

Enemies to friends to one-sided enemies to friends to lovers.

 

It’s complex but it’s theirs. Marshmallow and Bow’s is just a simple but good; friends to lovers while Apple and Bow’s is a rivals to friends to lovers. Apple has complex relationship views and her relationship mirror it. At least she knows what’s healthy and what isn’t.

 

So, Knife turning good wasn’t completely out of the question but it stunned her. Because emotions were running high and she was afraid. Afraid to never see Apple and Bow again. Afraid that her life was over.

 

The red line got close and fast, Knife threw Marshmallow into the portal and he jumped to try and make it.

 

…

 

Apple was distraught, inconsolable. Paintbrush knew Apple meant somewhat a lot to Marshmallow and they tried, they really did to comfort Apple who was on the verge of completely breaking down.

 

It was a sort of purgatory. Not like the mansion, just a blinding white room with all the objects waiting for something. Anything.

 

“It’s okay, Marsh will be okay.” Paintbrush tried comforting Apple, petting her head.

 

Apple did start to sob, quietly. As if her crying was gonna disturb and annoy the others. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she sniffled.

 

Paintbrush was a tad awkward, they were no longer on edge with Apple; finding out what really happened but with how they acted when they saw Apple after all this time… Well, they felt bad.

 

Then Paper came over, OJ trailing behind.

 

“We’ve got her,” Paper said, he sat on the other side of Apple, patting her head, gently. “Go to Fan, he’s also distraught. Test Tube and Lightbulb are trying to help him with the fact, everything he knew was, well, fake.”

 

Paintbrush gave a quizzical look at the two comforted Apple who seemed a little calmer now. Paintbrush can’t blame her.

 

Then Marshmallow came barreling in directly onto Paintbrush. They didn’t have time to even register what happened before they all got brought back into existence.

 

After it, Marshmallow shot to Apple and held her tightly. Apple was more focused on watching Steve Cobs get murdered, though. 

 

Marshmallow did grin hearing it. Then she spoke. Holding Apple’s hand and wiping some tears as Apple sniffled.

 

“I told you, I’d be back.”

 

…

 

Marshmallow and Apple led the way to Purgatory Mansion! Or where it once stood.

 

Bow was there, Apple was buzzing in happiness. Bow smiled big and wide. Dough beside her. Then it was introduced that Knife, was now a ghost like her and Dough.

 

Marshmallow knew it’d take a little getting used too but she didn’t mind. As long as fives of tens of objects didn’t show up everyday. She enjoys her quiet time.

 

Objects broke off into clinques trying to plan and figure out where to go from here on out. No more recovering, it was all up to them.

 

Marshmallow held Apple’s hand and Bow laid atop both as best she could.

 

This was their new normal, it would take forever to recreate the mansion and Hotel OJ; or what it’ll be called anew.

 

Marshmallow smiled, watching Apple’s other hand try to hold Bow’s which didn’t work, the glove disappeared along with everything they’ve ever known.

 

They’ll figure it out and manage. Just like they always have. They’ll be okay.

Bow had unconsciously floated to the ground. This hurt worse than any false social media claim, Dough’s and Mepad’s voice faded into the background.

 

She just couldn't believe this. Both of them. Just gone, and their home. All disappeared, like it was nothing. Just some glitch in the system.

 

Bow couldn’t even begin to comprehend it. A sliver part of her knew they could’ve gone to where she did before or did they just disappear forever? Bow could hardly think of anything else.

 

Dough came up behind Bow, he put a hand on Bow’s shoulder, patting it to comfort her. Bow couldn’t even tell him to get off, she was too far into her grief. At least, she knew when she died, Marshmallow was still alive and fighting with Apple with who knows what.

 

At least, she knew they were alive and well but now, she wasn’t even sure. She hoped so much, but there’s only so much hope can do.

 

Bow sobbed, it was a harsh and broken sound. Mepad came up on Bow’s other side. He didn’t know the full extent but was there to offer what support he could manage.

 

Bow silently, rejected the comfort. Not stating it but she didn’t want it, not really.

 

Bow’s tears evaporated before they hit the floor. Not real, no actual impact. It made Bow even sadder.

 

What if Marshmallow and Apple ended up like her? Sure, she loves her tail and loves being a ghost but she knows her girlfriends better than how they’d be okay with it.

 

Marshmallow; it would take her a bit to get used to it, she’d go through her daily motions but Bow isn’t sure how Marshmallow would adjust to the cravings and hunger pains before her, now dead, body got used to it.

 

Apple; poor Apple. She wouldn’t understand a thing, she wouldn’t understand why she couldn’t eat anymore or feel the grass beneath her paws. She wouldn’t handle it well. The hunger pains would be a whole other story.

 

Before Bow knew it her sadness turned to anger, her fists clenched so tightly her claws dug into her pawpad. She almost growled like a feral dog.

 

That damned phone and that corn.

 

They took her girls away. Away from her.

 

Bow wanted them gone, just how they made her girlfriends disappear.

 

…

 

Apple felt like she almost hit a fifty-foot fall or even more. She wasn’t sure why, though.

 

Apple groaned as she finally sat up. Her last memory was letting Bow possess her, nothing after it. She let out a noise before sitting up and opening her eyes.

 

She was on the mansion's hardwood foyer floor. It had a soft blue tint. Apple looked around confused. Weren't there others? Where was Bow and Marshmallow?

 

Her answer for Marshmallow came quickly.

 

“Apple!” Marshmallow had cried, launching herself at the other girl.

 

Apple was stunned with a blank expression for a few seconds before she realized it was Marshmallow and she hugged the other girl back, tighter. She didn’t wanna let go.

 

“What happened?” Apple asked, staring into Marshmallow’s eyes.

 

Marshmallow paused before sighing.

 

“Just some… Things, I’ll tell you later, okay, sweetie?” Marshmallow wanted to tell Apple the truth before anyone else but wanted to wait. She didn’t wanna see Apple’s reaction in a foreign place.

 

She wanted to be alone and alone for sure before letting the truth spill. She didn’t know how well Apple would take it.

 

Marshmallow stood up and helped Apple up, Apple was a little unsteady on her paws, she was the first time she was possessed. Maybe, it’s a permanent side effect that happens every time but goes away or it is temporary.

 

Apple doesn’t plan on getting possessed again anytime soon though.

 

The mansion door swung open and there stood Knife and Mephone4S. Marshmallow’s eyes, subconsciously narrowed at Knife.

 

This’ll be an experience for sure.

 

Marshmallow kept Apple close, never letting her stray too far away. Marshmallow couldn’t answer when Apple asked about Bow. Marshmallow didn’t look when Apple asked. She could barely look into those pleading eyes.

 

…

 

Apple was nervous to start the race. Who wouldn’t? A red line that will permanently delete you? Apple doesn’t understand the extent of what is happening.

 

Apple held Marshmallow’s hand in hers, tightly. Apple and Marshmallow got up near the line behind some of the others. Apple was nervous and stayed close.

 

Apple did feel a pang of sorrow when Paintbrush gave Marshmallow an encouraging smile. Apple wishes she had more friends. It seems so amazing. 

 

Then the race had begun.

 

Apple and Marshmallow had been running side by side, holding hands and trying to make it together. Not wanting to leave the other behind. Apple was struggling to keep up. She was still weak from the possession.

 

She tried and held tightly onto Marshmallow’s hand, not wanting to let go. She ran on pure adrenaline, thoughts of Bow, and trying to get Marshmallow to safety.

 

Even if Apple didn’t understand what was going on or why.

 

Then, disaster struck as Marshmallow fell, her sugary body sticking to the floor. Apple shrieked, loudly. It came from pure panic.

 

“Marshmallow!” 

 

Marshmallow felt such a wave of emotion over her. Apple rarely used her full name anymore. She could feel the panic and fear radiating off Apple. The full name use made Marshmallow uneasy.

 

Apple tried to pull Marshmallow up but she was still just so weak, she couldn’t. Tears pricked at her eyes, threatening to spill. Marshmallow felt so much anguish, seeing the eyes she thinks are so pretty just filled with tears.

 

Marshmallow took a breath and didn’t falter. 

 

“Go on without me.”

 

“What?!”

 

You would’ve thought Marshmallow told Apple to kill her and Bow or kill a family pet. Apple was astonished, not that she knew what the word meant.

 

“Go on! I’ll be fine, I’ll be right behind you.”

 

 

Apple made small distressed noises as she fought with herself and Marshmallow’s words. Marshmallow nodded. Apple gave the sugary girl one last kiss. She and Marshmallow both hoped it wasn’t the last.

 

Marshmallow had thoughts that it would be the last. She didn’t even get to say bye to Bow.

 

Then, Apple ran and made it through the portal. Marshmallow smiled, somberly, at least she knew both her girlfriends were safe.

 

Marshmallow wasn’t giving up. She’d be damned, if she didn’t at least fight.

 

Marshmallow tried, she grunted trying to unstick herself from the floor. She felt a wave of uneasiness as she felt the line getting closer and closer…

 

Marshmallow tried to breathe but it came in short pants and sharp intakes. She didn’t want to go out. Not like this. Not at all. 

 

Marshmallow closed her eyes tight, still fighting. Still trying. It was over, the end. No one was here to save her.

 

…

 

Before she felt paws lift her up. Knife. Marshmallow thought everyone had already gone through, she didn’t expect Knife of all objects to stay behind, making sure everyone went in.

 

She especially didn’t expect him to save her.

 

Marshmallow was stunned into silence. The object that had tormented her in season one was saving her.

 

She can’t say she didn’t expect it. If her and Apple’s relationship is anything to go off of.

 

Enemies to friends to one-sided enemies to friends to lovers.

 

It’s complex but it’s theirs. Marshmallow and Bow’s is just a simple but good; friends to lovers while Apple and Bow’s is a rivals to friends to lovers. Apple has complex relationship views and her relationship mirror it. At least she knows what’s healthy and what isn’t.

 

So, Knife turning good wasn’t completely out of the question but it stunned her. Because emotions were running high and she was afraid. Afraid to never see Apple and Bow again. Afraid that her life was over.

 

The red line got close and fast, Knife threw Marshmallow into the portal and he jumped to try and make it.

 

…

 

Apple was distraught, inconsolable. Paintbrush knew Apple meant somewhat a lot to Marshmallow and they tried, they really did to comfort Apple who was on the verge of completely breaking down.

 

It was a sort of purgatory. Not like the mansion, just a blinding white room with all the objects waiting for something. Anything.

 

“It’s okay, Marsh will be okay.” Paintbrush tried comforting Apple, petting her head.

 

Apple did start to sob, quietly. As if her crying was gonna disturb and annoy the others. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she sniffled.

 

Paintbrush was a tad awkward, they were no longer on edge with Apple; finding out what really happened but with how they acted when they saw Apple after all this time… Well, they felt bad.

 

Then Paper came over, OJ trailing behind.

 

“We’ve got her,” Paper said, he sat on the other side of Apple, patting her head, gently. “Go to Fan, he’s also distraught. Test Tube and Lightbulb are trying to help him with the fact, everything he knew was, well, fake.”

 

Paintbrush gave a quizzical look at the two comforted Apple who seemed a little calmer now. Paintbrush can’t blame her.

 

Then Marshmallow came barreling in directly onto Paintbrush. They didn’t have time to even register what happened before they all got brought back into existence.

 

After it, Marshmallow shot to Apple and held her tightly. Apple was more focused on watching Steve Cobs get murdered, though. 

 

Marshmallow did grin hearing it. Then she spoke. Holding Apple’s hand and wiping some tears as Apple sniffled.

 

“I told you, I’d be back.”

 

…

 

Marshmallow and Apple led the way to Purgatory Mansion! Or where it once stood.

 

Bow was there, Apple was buzzing in happiness. Bow smiled big and wide. Dough beside her. Then it was introduced that Knife, was now a ghost like her and Dough.

 

Marshmallow knew it’d take a little getting used too but she didn’t mind. As long as fives of tens of objects didn’t show up everyday. She enjoys her quiet time.

 

Objects broke off into clinques trying to plan and figure out where to go from here on out. No more recovering, it was all up to them.

 

Marshmallow held Apple’s hand and Bow laid atop both as best she could.

 

This was their new normal, it would take forever to recreate the mansion and Hotel OJ; or what it’ll be called anew.

 

Marshmallow smiled, watching Apple’s other hand try to hold Bow’s which didn’t work, the glove disappeared along with everything they’ve ever known.

 

They’ll figure it out and manage. Just like they always have. They’ll be okay.

Chapter 22

Marshmallow was just adding some finishing touches to her room in the mansion. The new mansion was built more sturdy, it wasn’t as cold, no more creaking floorboards or power outages. It was an actual functional house.

 

Apple took the news surprisingly well, but she did have a lot of questions. Such as; “Are we real now?” or “How were we made in the first place?” and lastly, the hardest to answer… “Do you think I was made this way because Mephone hated Meeple?”

 

Marshmallow and Bow didn’t know the answer as to why Apple was made the way she was. But, they did reassure her, but that’s one hell of a revaluation to come too. Marshmallow didn’t like to think of it like that, she and Bow hated the thought.

 

Apple was downstairs cuddled up to Bow. Dough was playing the piano, and Knife was talking with Suitcase. Marshmallow walked down the stairs.

 

The mansion seemed excessive for just two living objects but the residents didn’t care; it took Knife some getting used to though, he still got lost. Dough took a liking to him though.

 

Marshmallow came and sat beside her girlfriends. The majority of the others didn’t know. Only Knife, Suitcase, Paintbrush, Test Tube, OJ, and Paper knew. They wanted to keep it that way.

 

Marshmallow had plans for today. And a special surprise at the end. 

 

The hotel was closer to the mansion due to the ghosts inability to leave. Marshmallows was trying to wrestle Apple up as she was comfortable and didn’t want to move a muscle.

 

“Bowie! Tell Marshy, we can stay like this foreverr!” Apple said, clinging to the couch not enough to tear holes. That was reserved for the coffee table that was packed full of Apple’s stuff due to her trying to recreate her novel from scratch.

 

Bow chuckled. “I dunnoo. Marshy has a surprise for us. We should go check it out, maybe it’s some new supplies for your novel.”

 

Apple’s eyes lit up. Marshmallow gave Bow a kiss. Apple immediately got up and out of her warm cocoon. Spreading all four limbs to get ready for whatever Marshmallow had in store.

 

Apple made another glove for her and Marshmallow to hold Bow’s hand. It wasn’t as messily made but it was made by Apple. Bow refused any other type of glove same with Apple.

 

They wanted what comes from the heart. 

 

This is why Marshmallow hopes everything goes smoothly and it seems like it came from the heart. This is very important for it to seem that way.

 

Marshmallow hoped the two couldn’t see how nervous she was. Luckily, she had Paintbrush, OJ, and Paper had helped but there was still some uncertainty.

 

Marshmallow had it all planned out; Going into the forest, some activities, dinner, and then finally, the Spoiled Lemon concert at sunset. She hoped it went well. She wants it too. But first, they needed to visit Test Tube.

 

“Ready to go?” Marshmallow asked, Apple nodded and Bow winked with a thumbs up.

 

Apple pulled Bow closer, they walked out of the living room as Knife and Suitcase walked in.

 

Marshmallow took a deep breath before pushing the door open, into the cool breeze. Test Tube was on the outskirts, talking to Bot about how this is different and she is sorry for before. She had something hidden under a tarp.

 

“Hello! Just in time,” Test Tube said, waving them over, she was right on the edge of where Bow could go. “Now, this wasn’t supposed to be ready. I’ve been busy with two others of the same and fixing… Mepad but since there’s a surprise today! I managed to get it done quicker.”

 

Bot waved nervously at Bow who wasn’t too thrilled but it wasn’t their fault so no hard feelings. Bow waved back. Test Tube was making a whole, quick show of what was under the tarp before finally taking it off.

 

It was a pink bot, like Bow. Exactly like Bow, but with ribbon tails. Bow was skeptical.

 

“Did you make another sentient bot of me?” Bow said, eyeing it suspiciously.

 

“Nope! Just a hollow shell.” Test Tube knocked on the pink bot. “I wanted a way for ghosts to travel outside the mansion’s reach so I decided to make hollow bots for them to possess.”

 

Bow thought this was a useless attempt but with how Apple and Marshmallow looked at her. She caved.

 

“Fine, I’ll try it.” Bow said, before the bot was pushed closer and Bow went into it.

 

Possessing an alive object is much different than an inanimate one. You control the alive like a puppet while you see through the inanimate’s ‘eyes’ fully first-person.

 

Bow opened her eyes and metal eyelids opened too. She could move around as expected. Apple hugged her, the outer bot wasn’t hard, it was made out of the soft fabrics Bow had when alive.

 

What shocked her was how she could move and actually feel. She could feel the grass beneath her paws and the warmness of Apple’s hug that Marshmallow joined. It was like she was… Alive again and she had not one but two tails this time!

 

Then the reveal came. Bow was at the edge of where she normally could reach. The border. 

 

Bow took a breath and took a step forward. She walked through. The border saw her as an alive object, not a ghost.

 

”Whoa, it actually worked. Coolness!” Bow’s voice wasn’t even echo-y anymore, just as if she were alive. Still Alive. She talked with an echo for so long, she almost didn’t recognize her own voice.

 

Test Tube smiled, a scientific breakthrough! Once she got Dough’s and Knife’s ready, they too could leave.

 

Marshmallow smiled brightly, oh so happy. Apple shrieked, it scared Bot and Test Tube both.

 

“You can leave now! We can do so many more things!” Apple picked Bow up and spun her, giggling wildly. Before hugging her tightly.

 

Marshmallow joined in and after Test Tube took some notes. She and Bot set off.

 

Now it was time to put Marshmallow’s plan into action. She was so excited.

 

…

 

Marshmallow was walking through the forest with Apple and Bow right beside her. Apple was rambling on, it was the anniversary of Marshmallow leaving the show and taking Apple with her to the mansion to live with her, Bow, and Dough.

 

Every year like clockwork, Apple would go on and on about how great Marshmallow was, Bow wouldn’t be as rambly and just listen. She put her comments here and there. Apple would squeeze Bow’s hand and kiss her cheek so she didn’t feel left out.

 

Apple also mirrored it to Marshmallow. Equal affection. Apple tried to do, at the very least.

 

Apple held both her girlfriends hands. Marshmallow checked her phone, she got nervous when Paintbrush had texted; “They’re not here yet.”

 

Marshmallow swallowed thickly. The surprise wasn’t there yet and it made her extremely nervous. But she decided that spending this time with her girls is more important than worrying.

 

Apple had kissed her cheek and Bow kissed the other to snap Marshmallow from her thoughts. Marshmallow’s face flushed and she giggled. Which caused a chain reaction of Apple’s face lighting up and sending her into a giggling fit while Bow chuckled, blushing, as well.

 

The forest was slightly dark, sunlight filtered through cracks in the leaves, the grass was cool and soft, the rustling leaves made great background noise. It was a good time. Marshmallow loved listening to Apple rambles and Bow’s input. She loved seeing them in general. It’s hard to believe how much time has passed.

 

Marshmallow was unsure on how much time they spent in that forest before the timer she set went off and they started their way to the hotel.

 

Apple was giving a notepad and some colored pencils and she quietly worked on her novel storyline. While Marshmallow and Bow talked about stuff, Apple thought was boring, even if she listened anyway.

 

It was about the mansion, the bots Test Tube’s making, Mepad’s repairs, some things to get such as food and drinks, the works. 

 

Apple was suckling on some juice when it came out. Marshmallow nursed her open drink, and Bow didn’t want one, she only ordered food at Apple’s pleading request.

 

Apple joined in the conversation when art supplies was brought up. Making Bow playfully roll her eyes and them to start rambling as Marshmallow checked over what Apple wrote in the notepad.

 

It was all mostly pictures still but she was writing more than she did originally. A step up and she’s gotten better at spelling.

 

Then their food got brought out, and by the time they finished and talked it was starting to get dark.

 

Apple was eating an ice cream cone that she was sharing with Bow as they followed Marshmallow up on a small ledge near the Spoiled Lemon concert. Close enough to hear but far enough from the crowd.

 

Bow and Apple missed how Marshmallow swiped a box from Paintbrush before they stood in their respective spots. Apple felt Marshmallow’s hand slip from hers but didn’t think much of it, she and Bow jammed out to the music.

 

Marshmallow took a deep breath. She needed it. Marshmallow made sure her breath was normal and regular before turning smiling at the two she loved the most in this world. She couldn’t imagine a life without them.

 

She wanted them to do a more… Permanent arrangement, commitment. She knew she’d be asking a lot but she was confident in their love and loyalty.

 

Marshmallow tried to give herself a small pep talk. To hype herself up, to calm her frayed nerves into silence. With a final nod, she waited as the song ended.

 

Fireworks started from behind the stage in a colorful explosion of beauty. Marshmallow summoned every ounce of courage, her body possessed.

 

And she got down on one knee.

Chapter 23: The Epilogue

Marshmallow was a nervous wreck still even with all her courage. 

 

Apple being herself knew something was up, it’s like she had a sixth sense for when her or Bow is nervous or upset. Apple turned around.

 

“You okay, Marshy?” Apple asked, looking at her with those innocent eyes.

 

Marshmallow swallowed again and nodded. Then Bow turned around and saw the box in Marshmallow’s hand. Apple didn’t know what it was but Bow had an idea, especially with Marshmallow on one knee.

 

Bow gasped with a repeated chorus of; “Omg, omg,”

 

Apple was standing there confused about what was so special about the small, black box. But she felt like she didn’t need or have the desire to ask.

 

“Apple, Bow,” Marshmallow began trying to keep her voice steady but clear. “You two are the most important and amazing women I could ever have in life. You are seriously my best friends and even better girlfriends,”

 

Bow’s rambling stopped, tears welling up in her eyes. A giant smile plastered on her face.

 

Apple knew something big was coming and she smiled brightly, even if she didn’t completely understand.

 

“I don’t know what I could do without you two. Bow with your boisterous presence and the wonderful spirit you have. Apple with your sweet but violent heart and the ability to light up any room you can walk into…” 

 

Marshmallow opened the box, revealing three silver rings. The first letter of their names engraved with small roses and different colored gems and bows… Before she closed it, just incase.

 

“Apple, Bow, will you-“ 

 

Marshmallow didn’t even get to finish before Apple finally caught on and shrieked. So loud, it’s a wonder the music even covered it. You would have thought Apple could’ve gotten murdered. She lunged forward and hugged Marshmallow tightly, Bow followed suit.

 

Apple’s words mingled and mixed together, inaudible but Marshmallow knew her answer and Bow’s clear: “Of course.”

 

Marshmallow had happy tears stream down her face as all three held each other tightly. The fireworks boomed overhead but neither could pay attention.

 

Marshmallow finally then took the rings, put hers on first before slipping Apple’s and Bow’s on their paws. Marshmallow thinks this is so surreal. She never thought back on the show she’d ever get a date with someone she wanted to settle down with let alone two.

 

Bow didn’t want the media following her sexuality and convinced herself they were just friendly thoughts. Before embracing it and she’s so glad she did.

 

Apple was hopeless in romance. Always thinking that she’d never find perfect girls to spend her love on. She didn’t think she could get one even if her polyamorous heart wanted to share and give equal. She loves that she found her perfect matches.

 

It was perfect.

 

…

 

Paintbrush had taken pictures with Marshmallow’s phone of the proposal. They were now framed and hung in the living room and foyer. Displayed proudly.

 

Dough was excited even if he didn’t seem like it and was talking about how he’ll be the best man and flower girl and was telling anyone who’d listen about his little sister’s fiancés and a wedding that has no set date.

 

The girls aren’t in a rush but Apple did promise Dough the roles he said he’d be. Their relationship came out but without cameras watching their every move and their private life ready to be broadcasted on live TV and be the center of attention.

 

It was a small, private life with only the other past contestants and well, Mephone. Apple has a like, hate relationship with him. He was mean but he never belittled her smarts and if she needed help, she went to him back in the day.

 

Apple has a small soft spot for the old host, she calls him sometimes to talk, at least once a week. She doesn’t want him to feel lonely after all.

 

Marshmallow still hates Mephone; same with Bow but they’re civil for Apple’s sake. But god help Mephone if he hurts Apple. Apple can take care of herself but with Bow and Marshmallow? It’ll be disastrous.

 

Apple started planning a rough wedding outline. Bridal parties, ring bearer, guests, colors, flowers, everything. It’s rough drafts, Apple does in her spare time, she’s so excited. Even if they’ll wait.

 

Marshmallow and Bow love to see Apple’s ideas, she cooks up. Some could be used as legit plans while others are more on the silly side. They do love to hear Apple’s plans and maybe they’ll take some ideas for the actual future wedding.

 

Apple has doubled down which in turn makes Bow double down to out-affectionate the other. Marshmallow has three over-filled vases of flowers and a closet full of gifts, because she had nowhere else to put them. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Marshmallow was fixing a frame, she could hardly believe she could call Apple and Bow her fiancés. She walked into the kitchen standing at the entrance.

 

Bow doesn’t use her bot unless she’s heading outside, she prefers her ghostly form. Rarely does she use it inside though, it stays by the door in a special clear-tarp.

 

Bow was helping Apple make a vanilla cake; just how Marshmallow practically forced them to bond and start a path where they didn’t hate each other… It turned out in all three of their favors.

 

The cake was being mixed, four sets of paws on the whisk as Bow laid atop Apple’s head. Just resting.

 

The Apple smiled at Marshmallow before the cake batter was poured into a pan and thrown into the oven. Apple then pulled Marshmallow close to her and Bow. In a cuddle pile, Apple has a wooden board, she scratches on when she can’t get to the coffee table… 

 

Marshmallow doesn’t know why Apple likes the coffee table to scratch on so much. Apple started to ramble on and on about her novel and how good the cake she and Bow are making is gonna be.

 

“I love you two so much,” Marshmallow said, a small smile forming on her lips.

 

Apple kissed her and she and Bow said it back in unison and it turned into a small love fight on who was the better affectionate fiancé. 

 

“I love you both more!” Bow said, her tail flicking and her tone matter a fact.

 

“Nuh-uh! I do! I got you both flowers!” 

 

“I got you two ten flowers.”

 

“I got seven and some ferns!”

 

Apple still messed up on her numbers and when she couldn’t remember the amount, she went to her lucky number; seven. It never failed her… Usually, in her mind at least.

 

Marshmallow kissed Apple and Bow as they bickered on whose the better fiancé. The bickering was entertaining though, Marshmallow had to admit. She’s the one who got the cake out and decorated it in icing and little details.

 

“And, done!” Marshmallow said, showing the cake to her fiancés.

 

“So, pretty Marshy!” Apple said, marveling. Bow said a similar sentence.

 

“We are equal, affectionate partners. Let’s eat this cake you two made. I bet it’s delicious." Marshmallow said, cutting slices for all three of them.

 

As she watched Apple wolf her cake down while trying to feed Bow; the cake just fell right through causing some giggles. Marshmallow ate her own slice, watching with nothing but love in her eyes.

 

This is all she could ever hope for. She wants it to stay this way and she is sure it will stay.