*Mepad's P.O.V*

"He's awake....", the unfamiliar female spoke in awe.

She and Balloon looked shocked and rather nervous at that. I suppose they weren't expecting me to wake up so soon.

I think they realized that they were still staring since I was staring at them rather confused. That's when Balloon decided to break the silence.

"Um... Hey Mepad. How are you?", he asked with nervousness.

I suppose that does make sense, Balloon was the cautious type during the season. I feel rather bad for the boy, he was almost always alone during the season.

I say almost because I would see him with Trophy heading out in secret and he and Suitcase had an adorable friendship. He tried so hard to make friends, but he left with none but Suitcase and perhaps Trophy.

"I am doing well Mr. Loon.", I answer him.

"That's good. Heh. Um... How are you feeling?", he asked afterwards.

"I'm feeling rather well. How about you?", I answered.

"Oh. Um... i'm good! A little nervous, but good.", he answered back.

"That's swell! I'm glad you're doing well even after your elimination.", I say 'happily'.

"Oh... y-yea...", he trialed.

Hm. Maybe it was too soon? But it's been just about 3 months since he's been eliminated. Him and Nickel actually.

I wanted to ponder further, but I notice the female. I almost forgot about her. I decided to ask for her name.

"Hello there. I am Mepad. What is your name miss?", I asked the female.

She looked a little stunned, like she wasn't expecting me to bring her up. She quickly replies afterwards.

"Oh. U-um. I'm.... T-Taco.", she stuttered.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Taco.", I say.

She doesn't respond back. She gives a small, but noticable nods as a way of saying 'same'. I give her a reasurring smile, which she gives back.

"So, do you know where we are?", I decided to ask.

I realized that sure I am in a cabin and it might be theirs, but where it's located I am not sure of. So, if anybody knows, it would be them.

"Oh. This is my cabin. We're in the woods where the show used to be.", Taco explained.

'Used to be?', I questioned in my mind.

"I'm sorry... used to be? Is the show finished?", I pondered.

They both look at each other and back at me. I think they realized that I'm not sure what was going on. The last thing I know is that me and Mephone had a disagreement and I left.

Then, something happened soon afterwards. I was deactivated and now I'm waking up here. So, I'm clearly missing somethings from the show.

"Um. Well.. the show was put on hiatus...", Taco explains with a hint of sadness.

"Hiatus? Why? Is everything okay?", I asked, 'worried' about Mephone.

It's at times like these where I wish I could feel emotions. Sometimes being built without emotions is rather blissful. But there are times where it would feel super useful, like right now. 

"Don't worry! Mephone is fine! (i think) It's just....", Balloon started.

"Things happened in the 14th episode that... he just needed a bit of a break from the show.", Taco finished.

They both looked nervous again. Well, Taco looked nervous, Balloon was always nervous. Were they keeping something from me?

"Oh. How unfortunate. I hope the final few are alright.", I respond.

"They are! OJ let them stay at the hotel, until the the hiatus is over.", Balloon explained.

"How nice of him. I'm sure they all miss the other former contestants.", I fond over.

"Yea. I'm sure they do...", Balloon trailed.

Hmm... why does it feel like I'm forgetting something important? Wait a minute.... Didn't Balloon runaway?

"Balloon...", I began.

"Um. Yea?", he asked.

".... You ran away... correct?", I asked him.

His expression went into shocked when I asked him. It wasn't just shocked, it was fear as well.

"U-um.... y-yea.. I.. did.", he stuttered.

"I see. I must've forgotten that. Well. I found you! So, I guess I should bring you back to the hotel.", I say.

"W-w-what!? N-no! Don't send me back! I-I'm not ready to go back!", Balloon exclaims in fear.

He had tears forming in his eyes and was in fear. Did Balloon really not want to go back? Why? 

Taco came up and comforted him. I couldn't hear her becuase she was whispering. A good 30 minutes later, Balloon was calm again.

"My apologies Balloon. I did not realize you did not want to go back, and that it would affect you so negatively.", I apologize.

"I-it's okay Mepad. I'm sorry for panicking badly like that.", he apologized as well.

"Apology accepted.", I say.

"Hang on. Why did you just remember about Balloon running away?", Taco asked.

She was right. It should've been the first thing on my mind when I saw Balloon. I guess being in an unknown location was a bigger issue.

"I suppose being in a unknown place was my top priorty after being knocked out.", I respond.

"Oh yea. Makes sense.", she replied.

Balloon looks over to his hands and has a shocked expression yet again. He mentally facepalms as he raises his arm.

"Oh Ash! We're sorry buddy! We completely forgot about you! Here... let me get you out of there.", Balloon says.

He walks over to the couch and puts the pet cage on the table. He then opens it and reaches in. He is now holding a cute bunny.

"Ash! Hey there baby! We're sorry we forgot about you.", Balloon apologized.

"Oh we're sorry. Don't be mad with us.", Taco plead.

They bunny twitches, scratches his ear and nuzzles Balloon's face. Balloon laughs as he nuzzles back. This was a cute scene to witness. If I had emotions, I would be aweing in cuteness.

"Oh! Mepad. This is our pet bunny! Ash!", Balloon introduces me.

"Hello Ash. You are rather cute.", I greet.

Ash sniffs me, probably seeing if I'm trustworthy. Once he was done sniffing me, he nuzzles my hand. This is so cute. I wish I could have emotions, cause my face is still in it's 'neutral' form.

"He likes you Mepad! That's good.", Balloon exclaims.

"Heh. Yea, now... um. This situation is rather.... bad.", Taco suddenly switches gears.

"Bad? How so?", I inquiry.

"Well. For starters. I don't mean anything by this, but you're awake. Meaning, more company and more food.", she started.

"Oh yea.... that is bad. And, we don't have enough places to sleep. We just have a bed and a couch.", Balloon realized.

"Exactly. We don't have much room. And I'm worried if we let Mepad leave, he might tell the others about both of us Balloon.", Taco explained.

Oh? They're worried about me ratting them out? I won't if tell anyone if they ask. I understand why Balloon doesn't want to be found, but Taco? Why did she not want to be found?

"If I may ask. Why do you not want to be found Taco?", I asked her.

She tensed up a bit, like she didn't really want to say much. Balloon tapped her shoulder and gave her a small nod. She took a deep breath and spoke.

"I don't want to get into too much detail, but in short... I have bad relation to everyone who competed on season 1 of Inanimate Insanity.", she said.

'She competed on season 1? I did not know that.', I gasp in my mind.

"You competed on the show? Mephone never said mentioned you before.... Nobody has.", I say in 'shock'.

She has a look that says 'that makes sense' on her face and sort of scoffs a bit. But then, her face turns into a small frown.

"Makes sense nobody would bring me up. I was rather stupid back then. Both metaphorically and literally.", she says gloomly.

Balloon rubs her shoulders comfortly. She looks over to him and smiles softly. I still don't fully understand, but I do not wish to pry.

"You must have lots of questions... Don't you Mepad?", Balloon asks.

I suppose I was making a face when I was thinking. I tend to do this when I am thinking or 'upset'.

"Ah. Yes. I have lots of questions, but I will not ask tonight. It is late and you two look tired. You may tell me when you wish.", I explain. 

"That's fine with us. But.... you... You're staying?", Taco asked bewildered.

"Wait. You don't wanna go back to the hotel?", Balloon asked in shock.

"Well. It would be nice to go back, however, I want to stay for a little longer. If that is okay with you. I know you do not have the most space here, but we can make it work.", I say.

"Well... maybe we can go to Walmart tomorrow and buy some blankets and a blow-up matriss. And some clothes for you Mepad, for reasons. You up for it Balloon?", Taco asked.

"Yea. I'm up for a little more shopping. Maybe we can get some more things while there. Like games.", Balloon agrees.

"Oh. I have brought some games myself. I do hope that is okay. Ah, I also have leftovers from some dinner I got earlier. I completely forgot about it.", I say.

"Oh? Thanks Mepad! You didn't have too. But we should put the leftovers up. Me and Balloon already ate earlier.", Taco says.

"Ah. Okay. I'll go ahead and put it up.", I say as I grab the box of leftovers.

I head to the kitchen and put the leftovers in the fridge. I then walk back to the living room where Balloon has taken a seat on the floor playing with Ash.

"So. Let's go over how to sleep tonight. Since Mepad is staying with us, we need to plan for tonight so everyone is comfortable.", Taco explained.

"Okay. Who's sleeping where?", Balloon asked.

"I'm still sleeping on my bed. My cabin after all.", Taco boasted.

"I could sleep on the floor if you both are okay with it.", I say.

"What! No! You're the guest Mepad. I'll sleep on the floor, I'm used to it.", Balloon quickly says.

"Nonsense Mr. Loon. I will sleep on the floor.", I protest.

"This won't get us anywhere you know? So. Mepad, you sleep on the couch. Balloon, you sure you're okay with sleeping on the floor?", Taco assigned.

"Yea. I'm good with it!", Balloon agrees.

"Then it's settled. I have my bed. Mepad has the couch and Balloon will have the floor.", Taco explains.

"Well. I can't say much aganist it, but alright.", I say in slight defeat.

"Great. Now, let's head to bed so we can have the energy to go shopping and do other things if we want.", Taco explained.

"Alright.", me and Balloon say in unision.

"Wait. Do we have enough money Taco? We did do things today.", Balloon suddenly realized.

"Oh fuck. I forgot about that. How much do you have? I think I have about $50 left.", Taco asked.

"I have.... $250 left.", Balloon said.

"So $300 all together. Not bad, but we have to keep a budget.", Taco says.

"Well. I might have some money.", I say.

"You do?", Balloon asked.

"I might. Let me check.", I say.

I open up my bank app and take a look at my savings. Hm. $240. Not bad.

"$240. That's not bad Mepad.", Taco says.

Ah. I forgot others can see my chest screen.

"So that's like $540.. That should be okay enough until we each get an allowance/paycheck.", Balloon states.

"Good. We're going to budget so we don't waste the money. Is that okay?", Taco asked.

We both nod and Taco stands from the couch and heads to her room. I suppose we should get to bed. I go sit on the couch as Balloon positions himself on the floor.

I do hope he's okay on the floor, it can be rather uncomfortable. I lay down and begin to go into sleep mode.

Tomorrow should be fun. I've never been shopping before, so this should be interesting.

.

.

.

[SLEEP MODE ACTIVATED]

.

.

.

[GOOD NIGHT]

.

.

.

*The next day*

*Time: 8:30 am*

.

.

.

*Balloon's P.O.V*

*Yawn*

I'm so tired. I didn't get much sleep last night. I think I fell asleep at around 9 pm only to be forcefully woken up at aroun 6 am.

Ugh. I hate my insomnia so much. Oh well, nothing I can do.

Nobody is awake, and I've been laying here for the past 2 hours now. I should probably go make breakfast for Taco and Mepad.

I stand up from the floor and make my way to the kitchen. What should I make today? I think I'll go with good old potato and egg.

I grab the ingredients needed and start cooking. I'm making them with toast since Taco likes it better with the toast, which I don't disagree with.

I begin making the cutting the potatoes up in smaller chunks. Ugh, this part is so tedious and slow. I finish the cutting several minutes later and turn the stove on.

I pour some oil into the pan and put the potatoes in after. Man, I love hearing that sizzle noise!

While the potatoes cook, my mind wanders a bit. Mepad was willingly to stay here, but why? I didn't understand that.

Maybe he just wanted to stay? Or, if he went back, people would be barmbarding him with questions. That seems logical.

I snap out of my thoughts and take a look at the potatoes, almost done. I stir them around and let them cook some more.

I grab the eggs and mix crack them into a bowl and mix them up. I take the bowl close to the now finished potatoes and mix them all together. Again, I love the sizzling noise!

"Balloon?", I hear a voice from behind.

I turn around and see Mepad near the kitchen enterance. He must've woken up by the smell, makes sense. Taco should be waking up soon then.

"Morning Mepad!", I greet.

"Good morning Mr. Loon. I see you are making breakfast.", he greets back.

"Hehe. Yep! I hope you're hungry. I'm making potato and egg with toast!", I exclaim.

"Potato and egg? I do not believe I've heard of that before.", he comments.

"Heh. Probably not. It's a Hispanic/Mexican breakfast! Yes. I'm Hispanic.", I reply.

"Huh, that's interesting! I had no clue.", he says.

"Heh, yea. Nobody really knows except for Trophy, Suitcase and Taco. And now you too!", I say, a little upset.

"Hm. Why did you leave the hotel? Apologies if that's too early, you do not have to answer.", he asked me.

I tense up a little, and I can feel myself frown a bit. I guess I should tell him, that and my gender change. I'm feeling like a girl today anyways.

"Well... I left because I was getting a lot of backlash. I was a bit rude back in season 1, but nobody noticed or cared to noticed that I was different. That I had changed! They just saw me for who I was....", I started.

"They all didn't see me as me. They hurt me so bad emotionally and physically at times. They didn't care about me... So, I left. I left the backlash and pain.", I finished.

"Oh my. That's afwul Balloon.", Mepad gasps.

"Yea, it was. But I'm here, and I'm happier than ever! Sure, my depression gets to me sometimes, but Taco helps me with it.", I say.

"Depression?", he asked in 'shock'. 

"Oh... Yea. I have depression. I've had it most of my life, and it got worse when I was in I.I this season.... I also have insonmia, so some nights I have trouble sleeping or just waking up and can't go back to bed.", I tell him.

"I see. I will make note of this Mr. Loon.", he says.

I slightly cringe since he used 'Mr.'. I guess I'll let him know while I finish making breakfast.

"Um. Mepad. There's one more thing you should know about me...", I start a little nervous.

"Oh? Alright. Please tell me.", he prys.

"Well... Um. I'm genderfluid.", I confess to him.

"Genderfluid? Mine telling me what that is?", he asked me.

"W-well. Basically, it's a gender thing. There are days where I feel like a boy. Other days, like a girl. Or sometimes, nonbinary like Paintbrush. So, when adressing me, you can call me he/him pronouns. She/her pronouns. They/them pronouns. Or xe/xem pronouns.", I explain to him.

"I see. This wouldn't happen to fall under the LGBTQ+ thing right?", he wanted to confirm.

I nod my head and smile. I know he can't really express emotions, but I felt like he was genuienly happy.

"Okay then! I will use your perfered pronouns... what gender are you feeling today?", he asked, respecting my pronouns.

I smile at him. I'm glad another person respects my gender and pronouns. 

"I'm feeling like a girl today. But you don't need to use the 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' you know? Calling us by our actual name is fine!", I tell him.

"Alright. If you insist Balloon. I'll use the female pronouns when addressing you today.", he said.

"Thanks Mepad.", I thanked.

"It's no problem. Just want to respect your pronouns and you as an individual.", he said.

I chuckled and finish making breakfast. I grab the bread and put it in the toaster. I can hear footsteps coming towards the kitchen.

"Morning Taco!", I greet.

" *yawn* Morning Balloon. Mmmm~ Breakfast smells good!", she compliments.

"It better. Anyways, it's almost done! Just need the toast.", I say.

"Alright. Are we having potato and egg today!?", she asked excitedly.

"Hehehe. Yep!", I answered.

"Alright! I love your potato and egg!", she exclaimed happily.

I chuckled again as the bread finishes. Once all the toasts are done, we serve ourselves and head back to the living room.

We all talked as we ate since we still don't have a tv and my laptop was charging.

"Balloon! This potato and egg are soo good!", Taco complimented.

"Indeed they are Balloon! It's amazing how food can combine to make it taste better.", Mepad complimented as well.

I can feel my face turn all red as I turn away. I've been with Taco for nearly 3 months and I still can't take a compliment!

"T-thanks guys. I'm glad you like my cooking.", I thanked all flustered.

"No problem Balloon!", Taco says.

"No problem indeed. But are you okay? You look flushed.", Mepad asked.

"Oh, don't worry about Balloon. Um, you using different pronouns Balloon?", she asked.

"Yea. Feeling like a girl today.", I say.

"Okay. Anyways, she can't take a compliment.", she tells Mepad.

"She can't?", Mepad asked 'shocked'.

"Nope. Not for her cooking or her looks. She's learning, but still.", Taco finished.

"Oh. Alright.", Mepad says.

"Guys. I'm right here! No need to poke fun about it!", I say fake pouting.

"Pft-. Balloon. Don't be upset. I was just telling him how you get flustered when we compliment you!", she fake gasps.

"Sorry for making you uncomortable Balloon! I did not know.", Mepad says.

'Right, he's an android. Like Mephone but without the emotions. He doesn't really understand sarcasm... or dramatic play.', I realize in my mind.

"Mepad, you guys weren't making me uncomfortable. We were just using sarcasm, and being dramatic.", I say.

"Oh. I see, I have much to learn about certain things... don't I?", he asked.

"Yep. Don't worry! We'll help ya.", Taco says.

After this, we continue to eat and talk. This was going pretty well so far! I'm glad Mepad understands why I left the hotel.

I'm just wondering on how he'll react to all the other news. From the Shimmers to the true side of Taco. Well, the past Taco anyways!

I hope he won't hold a grudge against Taco. Mepad seems very forgiving, like me. So, maybe he'll forgive her.

But we can focus on that later. For now, we'll focus on making things work with the 3 of us!

... Sorry! 4 of us! Can't forget about Ash!

.

.

.

*End of Chapter 29*

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yay!

What a nice chapter!

Can't wait to see what comes next!

Sorry for the late story again!

(Gaming with the bro got in the way again.)

Next chapter will be short jump in time.

Nothing too crazy! 

Staying with our trio here as well. 

See ya in the next chapter!

:)

(I am soo tired... I couldn't even think of a title for this chapter.)