"Wow, it sure is dark in here."

Marsh kept her smile on as she walked into the mansion, two bags of flour strapped to her back and ten dozen eggs in the bags at her sides. "It is, but you'll get used to it. If you want a flashlight, I can get you one."

"Uhh, that'd be great, actually. It looks tidy, it's just... dark."

"Marshmallow's like a genius when it comes to cleaning stuff," Apple said, coming in behind Paintbrush. "She bought this neat little robot that cleans the floors for you at Walmart. It's really fun to ride around!"

The robot (a roomba, she couldn't seem to get Apple to remember) went clattering across the ground, flipped onto its back. Bow emerged from it. "Yay, you're baaaaack! ...Oh, you're here?"

She stared at Paintbrush with interest, then looked questioningly to Marsh, who grinned. "Gee! Come to think of it, you've never met in person, huh...? Anyway, Bow, this is my friend from the show, Paintbrush. And Paintbrush, of course you've heard of Bow."

Paintbrush bowed. "It's always a pleasure to meet one of Marsh's friends."

Bow pointed at Paintbrush with both hands. "Right back atcha," she squinted, "dude? Gal? Whatever, you look like a pal to me. An attractive pal, too... care to have a tour of the premises from yours truly?" Bow waggled her eyebrows. Paintbrush blushed.

Marsh giggled. "Don't be too forward, Bow! Paintbrush was getting sick of fame, so we offered them a free vacation here. It should be a nice way to keep things fresh."

"Oh yeah! My crib is your crib! I better go tell Dough... don't wait up!" Bow disappeared into thin air.

'Wow. If anything she's taking too well to Paintbrush. It beats Apple still hating on Bow, at least.' Marsh turned to Paintbrush. "Well, I guess I'll lead you to your room so you can get settled in for the night." Marsh took the duffel bag from Paintbrush and lifted it over her head. "Please forgive me, the place is probably a mess-"

"Little robot thing doesn't go upstairs!"

"...Yeah."

"It's not a big deal; I'm no neat freak. Wherever you can make room for me is fine. I'm thankful you invited me over to begin with, Marshmallow. It should be a nice experience."

"We're happy to have you," Marsh replied earnestly. "It's a slow-paced lifestyle, great for figuring things out, so make yourself at home."

XXX

'It's amazing how weird your life really is, and you don't even realize it until you have someone reacting to it.'

In retrospect, it was a theme that colored the whole week.

XXX

Baking at eight in the morning on a Wednesday was one such instance of strange behavior.

"...Hey Marshmallow, I really missed you."

Marsh looked up in surprise. She was stirring a bowl of thick batter, standing up in front of the kitchen oven. The smell of cookies and the mess of making them surrounded the two of them. Apple stood a little ways to the side, watching curiously.

She grinned, a little hesitant. "I know."

"Didja miss me too?"

Marsh rolled her eyes. "Maybe a little."

"I missed you a little more than a little," Apple said earnestly. "It was something more along the lines of, hmm..." She rubbed her stem pensively. "I missed you a lot. I couldn't stop missing you! Is that weird?"

"Coming from you? Not really," Marsh deadpanned. "You're just kind of that way. A-and I guess it's rubbing off on me..."

"Really?"

"...N-nothing." Marsh went back to stirring, glancing at the clock. Only a few more minutes until she had to pull the current batch out of the oven. "I just thought about you a lot, too. Locked up in that hotel room, alone, I didn't have much else to contemplate. I remembered the day we made our truce, and how much it sucks to be alone. I..."

'Shoot. I have no idea what point I'm trying to make.'

She glanced at Apple; despite Apple's rapt interest, she dropped the subject. "I guess all I'm saying is, I'm glad to be home."

"And glad to see me again?"

"Yep."

"...I missed having you explain stuff for me. You put things easy enough to be on my level. I even have a favorite word thanks to you!"

Marsh looked at her in surprise. "You have a favorite word?"

Apple grinned radiantly as she stood up. "Of course I do; doesn't everybody?" Walking closer, she added, "...D'ya want to know what it is?"

"Sure."

Suddenly Marsh's back was against the cool oven door, her feet dangling several inches above the ground. One of Apple's hands held her in place; the other held her hand.

"My favorite word is every single one that you say, obviously!"

Marsh blushed. "...I'm sorry Apple, but that's the cheesiest thing I've ever heard."

Apple frowned. "W-what's cheesy mean? We aren't being watched, are we?" She cast a nervous glance about the room.

"It has nothing to do with the contestant," Marsh replied with a roll of her eyes. "When you're cheesy, you're either predictable, boring, or sappy."

"...Uh. What? You hate it?"

"I'm still dating you, right?"

"I... I think so? You didn't say you were breaking up with me-"

"Of course we're dating."

Apple frowned. "Everything you say's like a riddle sometimes. Can you, uh, simplify?"

"I mean cheesy as a compliment when I use it for you," Marsh replied. "I guess I like cheesy when it's you being cheesy, because I'm flattered. In the end, it was predictable... but only in the sense that I knew you'd find a way to be cute in this situation."

"The words hurt! Marshmallow, can you simplify it one more time, please?"

Marsh pecked her cheek. "Keep being you, and I should like it. Got it?"

Apple giggled shyly. "...Well, now even I get it..."

"Err, Marshmallow?"

Marsh looked over Apple's shoulder. Paintbrush was standing there, arms crossed. She struggled to get away from Apple's pin for a second before grinning nervously. "Good morning! Sleep okay?"

"I did. It's good I wake up early to read the news, because your flirting would've woke me up. Makes it impossible enough to read..."

Dough poked out of the cabinet behind Marsh, startling them. "Yah, I know, right? It's, like, impossible to read the classics with them around."

Apple and Marsh exchanged a startled glance, then Marsh replied, "Sorry. We'll be quiet."

"It's not a big deal. Why are you guys baking?" Paintbrush motioned towards a massive plate with four dozen cookies piled on it. "That's an absurd number of cookies over there. And it's not even eight!"

"Oh, uh, I just wanted to bake some cookies," Marsh replied sheepishly. "Apple wanted some, and even though they're not good cookies-"

"They're great cookies!"

'...Not the time for flattery, Apple.' She gave her a look before going on, "-it's good to start the morning with a tesk now and then."

"It's kinda relaxing to watch Marshmallow work," Apple added. "She wears that cute apron every time she bakes. All pink and frilly and-"

Paintbrush glared at Apple, whose smile fell. "Uh."

Marsh watched with confusion. 'Is Paintbrush judging her? Did she somehow irritate them? ...Does Paintbrush hate her?'

Apple crossed her arms, looking awfully uncomfortable. Marsh made to defend her, but Paintbrush interrupted. "Well, I can just read later, so it's no big deal. I'll be sitting in the next room."

With that, Paintbrush walked out. Apple sighed, relieved.

"...Well, I guess we better get baking again. What do you want me to do?"

Marsh pecked her cheek and smiled, trying to bring that smile back. "You can just keep me company, 'kay? Or maybe read me a story."

'...Paintbrush is probably just annoyed we're so loud. There's nothing else to it.'

XXX

"Paintbrush, you're awake?!"

Paintbrush turned around atop the bar stool, a glass clutched in one hand. "Oh, Marshmallow. Yeah, I'm up. Usually I think before retiring for the night. I'm surprised you're up, though."

"It's nine o'clock. The only one sleeping at this hour is Apple." Marsh walked around the bar and grabbed a bottle of Dr. Fizz as she spoke. "What're you thinking about?"

A shrug. "Everything's so different here." Paintbrush nodded towards the massive plate of cookies sitting on the other end of the bar.

Marsh giggled.

"You, Bow, and Dough being here, Apple and you not fighting, all the old furniture... It's like a time capsule. And the lifestyle seems so laid-back. There are people who'd hate this lifestyle, but it suits you nicely."

"I'm missing out on some things in life, but I have a great family, a steady relationship, a rewarding job, and a Walmart a walking distance away. What more could I ever want?"

Paintbrush sighed and smiled. "You seem really happy, and if you're happy with what you have, you don't need to venture far. Sometimes trying to get more to be happy about results in heartache, because you lose what was so dear to you at first. That's what happened with me and you last season, didn't it? With me obsessing over the game when you needed a friend."

Marsh gasped, sorrow filling her heart. "Paintbrush... I hope you haven't felt guilty all this time."

"I'm sorry. I didn't do right by you."

"D-don't be. You did a good job as team leader."

'Guess that's just one more thing to feel guilty about. Maybe if I wasn't so self-centered, I'd stop hurting those around me.'

"Still, if you're really interested in seeing the world more, I doubt a little trip out of country would risk your family. I could take you somewhere sometime, far away from the game, so we can get to know each other better."

Marsh looked at Paintbrush with surprise. "Really?"

"Lightbulb drags me on vacations all the time," Paintbrush replied. "Theme parks, race tracks, beaches, museums... you name it." After a second's pause, Paintbrush added, "Log cabin retreats, too, if you want to start easy. The house that's nearest is more than a marathon's run away. We could keep the press in the dark. How's that sound?"

Marsh sighed. "I would love to, but I couldn't. I'd miss Bow and Dough too much, and I'd feel so bad because they couldn't come. And there's no way I could go without Apple. We've both been lonely before, and I wouldn't put my-" Marsh frowned, "-worst enemy through that."

"I understand. Perhaps we could keep a photo log of it of some kind and make them feel less left out. And we could take Apple if that helped."

"We'll see. Thanks for the offer."

"It's no problem, of course." Paintbrush smiled strangely. "You're so different than you were. You're more mature."

"I guess I have you fooled, then. I'm fifteen and I've lived under a rock for two years now. I'm not mature."

"Maybe it's taking care of everyone here that makes all the difference, then," Paintbrush suggested.

Marsh shrugged.

Paintbrush wearily sighed. "Doesn't change that you have things more together than I do. I hope it comes with maturity. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance everything."

"If it helps any, you can always stay here for a few months to regroup."

"Where I go, Lightbulb follows, so I'd think twice about offering if you want to relax." Paintbrush sounded amused. "But I appreciate it. Thank you."

After Marsh murmured a you're welcome, a companionable silence stretched between them as they sipped their drinks.

'It really is nice to be able to talk about feelings without the game or even long words getting in the way. I'll miss Paintbrush...'

It was a long time before one of them spoke. "...Speaking of changes over the years... Apple, huh?"

Marsh chuckled softly.

"I wouldn't have expected you to go for someone like her, honestly. She doesn't seem like your type."

'That's a weird thing to remark. What's Paintbrush getting at...? In fact, they've been weird about Apple this whole time.'

"My type?"

"Someone more mature than an elementary schooler. Maybe a nice guy. Someone more refined, who you could have deep conversations under the stars with."

Marsh sighed impatiently. "Okay, first of all, Apple isn't that immature. People don't give her enough credit for her mind, because she's smart sometimes. And she's one of the sweetest people I've ever met."

"It's just like you to forgive your enemy enough to fall for her, I guess."

Marsh snorted. "I'm not sure about that..."

" I wouldn't have forgiven her for season one. But I still remember how she made you feel on the show, and how rotten she was to you in season one. I was so worried when you disappeared... If I knew you were dating, I might've lost a lot less sleep over it, haha."

"...I'm so sorry."

"You've already been forgiven, Marsh. But you did tell me that you heard her say she was using you, with your own ears." Paintbrush's tone was even, skeptical. "I don't see how you'd move past it."

"Bow possessed her, and even though it wasn't the right thing to do, it was an honest mistake. Jealousy happens."

"You're living with her even after that?"

"Please. I killed her, so it's the least I could do," Marsh retorted, but felt weird saying it so flippantly.

"I'm not trying to criticize your life choices, so don't get up-in-arms with me," Paintbrush replied coolly. "I'm merely curious about how you got here. Long as she doesn't make you feel bad or hit you or anything-"

Marsh nearly spat her drink. "Excuse me?! Obviously not! Paintbrush, how could you even say that?!"

"That came out wrong; I'm so sorry."

Marsh bristled. "You better be! She just worked incredibly hard for my comfort at the reunion! Is that really your first thought? That she's beating me up behind the scenes?!"

Paintbrush sighed, clearly ashamed. "It was wrong of me. I-I just had to hear it once, after years of just... not knowing."

"I should have told you where I was going. I just thought I'd be unable to bring myself to do it if I told anyone. But I want you to never imply it again."

"O-of course."

Marsh sighed. "Speaking of, why were you giving her the stink-eye earlier this week? That probably hurt her feelings."

"Apple and I have never gotten along, and you know how my temper gets. ...You shouldn't labor away making cookies at eight in the morning unless that's what you want to do."

Marsh's hands clenched into fists. "First of all, I wanted to. If eating seventeen dozen cookies is what makes her happy, I'll make them for her again and again. Second, it's compromise. Even if I didn't want to, I should do it because that's what friends do."

"Geez. I guess you really care about her. But honestly... I think it was obvious from the get-go. And it's a mutual arrangement."

"Obvious? Even though you-"

"Honestly?" Paintbrush grinned. "When she's with you, Apple is passionate and bounces all around, and it's like she can't stop smiling. Without you she's less enthusiastic, even with reporters. ...Then again, I think that's been true since season one."

Marsh blinked. "Really?"

"It's news to you?"

"Well..." Marsh thought for a second. "It is, actually! Is there anything else you can enlighten me about?"

"She talks about you all the time, too, even when you're not around. And she looks at you constantly."

Marsh groaned, hiding her face in her hands. "I guess that's not news. At least I don't have any tells like that..." She peered through the cracks in her fingers. "...Do I?"

Paintbrush quirked an eyebrow, amused, and chuckled. "Oh no, you definitely do..."

Marsh looked up. "You can't be serious."

"I wouldn't want you to stop or anything..."

"Paintbrush!"

Paintbrush laughed. "Your voice cracks a lot when you're embarrassed, huh? Anyway, you have this way of saying her name, and you edged around questions about how close you two were, what you've been up to. You two stand close."

"I-is it that obvious...?"

"Not obvious. But even if you kept it secret, more people would've talked. Then again, that might be because I actually know you."

"Ugh... that's embarrassing. But... not news, I guess." Marsh set her can down.

"Well, it's actually a good thing, in a way. If you guys couldn't even pretend not to care, that's a relationship that's bound to last."

"...Maybe."

XXX

"Okay, so... You and Marshmallow are dating, apparently. We need to talk."

The sound filtered through the sound in the crack of a door. Marsh held her book close and looked into the crack in surprise.

Paintbrush was standing in front of Apple, who was sitting on the ground with a crayon in hand and a paper with drawings on it in front of her. She looked up at Paintbrush with confusion.

"What's there to talk about?"

Marsh thought for a second, then pressed herself up against the wall to listen.

'It's eavesdropping, but... I have to do this. As Apple's friend and girlfriend, I need to make sure she gets treated nicely!'

Satisfied with the flimsy excuse for the time being, she tuned in.

"There's everything to talk about," Paintbrush replied sternly. "You're dating my best friend, and it's getting serious."

'Is serious really the right word to describe anything that Apple does?'

"Oh. What's that mean?"

"It means- Well, neither of us wants to hear about how much you guys care about each other."

"I do!"

Paintbrush pretended not to hear: "We aren't that close, but remember: you have an important job to do."

"Uh... I do?"

"Clearly. Your job is taking care of my best friend."

Marsh's eyes stretched wide. Was it something that Paintbrush was in a position to say? Was it appreciated?

Through her mixed feelings, she wondered what Apple's expression looked like. But several seconds later, there was a response.

"They say your job should be something you like doing, right? If that's my job, I guess I'm set."

'Ugh, Apple... I can't believe you. Is this seriously how you talk about our relationship?'

But still a happy feeling filled Marsh's heart. She grinned as Paintbrush replied, "Good answer. Know that taking care of her also means protecting, comforting, and respecting her. It's not just when she needs it most, either. Got it?"

"Uh, I'll figure it out. Doesn't sound that much different than what I'm doing now, actually!"

"Is that so?" Paintbrush replied, tone contemplative. "...Huh. Keep doing that, I guess."

Marsh scrambled away from the door as quickly and quietly as she could.

XXX

"Don't you want company up to the dock?"

"I'll be fine. The closer we get to the hotel and the docks, the more likely there'll be cameras. Plus, you should get home before it gets dark." " Paintbrush took the duffel bag and fished through one of the front pockets. "If anyone else wants to go, what should I tell them?"

Marsh glanced at Apple, who seemed to be looking to her for the decision. Marsh smiled. "Tell them... we can make room."

"Alright. On a different note..." Paintbrush pulled a wad of cash from the bag. "Is $650 enough?"

"Paintbrush, no! We can't take your money!"

"That's way cheaper than the going rate for hotels, and with the added bonus of privacy and good company." Paintbrush handed it to her with a congenial grin. "Trust me, Marsh."

Marsh stared in wonder at the crisp twenty-dollar bill sitting on top, marveled at how thick the pile was in her hand. Marsh tucked it away. "I- ...Thank you."

"It's my pleasure, Marsh." Paintbrush glanced at the sky, which had a radiant variety of hues, from purple to orange to deep blue. The sunset was well and truly underway. "I better get going." Paintbrush crouched and spread their arms, and without hesitation Marsh jumped into them. "Just please keep in touch his time."

"And you come by whenever you want. Don't be a stranger."

It was another moment of warm embrace before Paintbrush gently set her down, then turned to Apple. "You. Look. I know we're not friends, but it's been a pleasure."

Paintbrush extended a hand to her. Apple stared at it for a moment, open-mouthed with surprise; Marsh expected Apple to ask what a "pleasure" was. "Yep! Uh, do I get a hug too?"

"Sure." Paintbrush kneeled with much less hesitation than Marsh would have expected, and when Apple stood on her toes, they embraced.

It hardly lasted ten seconds, but it was ten seconds in which her two best living friends were at peace together. Marsh beamed.

Apple stepped back to Marsh's side when she stopped hugging Paintbrush. Paintbrush grinned; Marsh wondered if they were standing too close again, then walked off into the distance.

"Gee, I hope he winds up alright."

"She'll be fine." Apple offered her a hand, smile somehow serene. "Anyway, we should get back. The Roomba won't ride itself."

"Uh- Y-yeah," Marsh replied, and took it.

'Well, I guess this is what we are now. Now let's hope we don't screw this up... Because this could be something.'

'Another weird thing, but... like life at the mansion, pretty nice, too. And while it's good to mix things up a little now and then, and that our paths will cross again soon, I'm excited our lives are getting back to normal.'

It was a walk back to her walk of life that, to an outsider, would have been weird... but to her, was actually really neat.