“Really?” she asked, her eyes widening. “I think I might have an idea. What if while the killer goes after the person we vote, the rest of us ambush them? They can’t get all of us once, right? Of course that’d be a really high-risk plan. So maybe it could be Plan B?”
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“Yeah… let’s try all voting for ourselves first,” Sebastian said, “It does sound quite risky.”
Maggie nodded. “You’re right,” she said. “I did only mean it as a back up plan anyway. Should we go back with the others now?”
"Well, I think she's cute, and it seems to put her more at ease, so why not?" he laughed. "Is someone jealous?"
(Sorry that this was late but pretend I was here. I promise to be more active during the week)
Sage was taken aback by his statement. She was younger than Daso by a few years and barely knew him. Not every girl was a sucker for the first boy they met. "Honestly not really," she replied simply. Seeing Finn return, the young girl had turned her attention on him. Something from his soothing words earlier still made Sage's insides feel a bit more comforted. Maggie and Finn both had been so kind. Daso's comment had bothered her a bit, but he was trying to keep the mood light.
"Hey," Daso said suddenly, looking at Sage. "I'm teasing, by the way. Not everyone is charmed by my dashing good looks, and I'm okay with that." He grinned at her. "Friends?"
Sage nodded with a grin. "As long as the two of us are here, yeah," she replied a bit darkly. Humming in thought for a moment, she spoke again. "And who knows, maybe we'll all make it out," the girl said, attempting to take after the seemingly positive boy.
His smile brightened considerably. "Now that's the spirit! I wish everyone shared our forced optimism," he chuckled.
Sage couldn't help but laugh at the response. It was true that it was forced, but it was better than acting depressed and scared. She looked at the doorway again with a small frown. "Maggie's been awhile…" Sage hummed. "You should find her. Not that I don't care, but she obviously likes you too."
He glanced away. "Really, you think so?" he mumbled, forcing his body to stay relaxed even though he could feel his cheeks trying to redden. "I don't know. I feel like I messed up somehow."
Sage nearly wanted to roll her eyes, but didn't to be polite. Though her words were blunt as ever. "Mess up? How? By giving her compliments? By telling her she's sweet? Not that I can speak for Maggie, but you should see for yourself." The girl couldn't believe she was practically giving couple's counselling. At twelve years old. The world had a strange sense of humor.
Daso looked back at her and smiled. "Okay, wise beyond your years much? I guess I'll go find her then. Don't be surprised if I come back to you for more advice, kid."
“Does it look like I’ve been crying?” Maggie added, looking at Sebastian. “Can you tell?”
“A little bit,” Sebastian admitted, “But they’d be jerks to judge.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” she agreed, but she was still a bit nervous as to whether the others would see. “I’m sorry about that whole outburst, by the way.”
Erik was quietly rustling through cabinets, looking for something to write on. He wanted to stay out of the drama, he didn’t need that kind of stuff in his life. Especially since they’d have to be voting within the hour. He found a couple napkins, which seemed good enough for him to write on, so he just needed a pen or a pencil or crayon for all he cared.
“Don’t be sorry,” Sebastian replied, a bright smile still on his face, “It’s only natural to feel that way.”
Maggie smiled a bit at that, slowly regaining her good cheer in spite of everything. “Thank you,” she said. He was seeming to her like the older brother she’d never had, since her only brother was younger than her and had never comforted her while she cried like Sebastian had.
(bump)
Daso looked back at her and smiled. "Okay, wise beyond your years much? I guess I'll go find her then. Don't be surprised if I come back to you for more advice, kid."
"Alright I guess," Sage replied and smiled back lightly. She kept watching his back as the boy left the room. She felt a bit confused as to what part of her sarcasm was wise.
Daso wandered down the hall in the direction Maggie had run off in. He had no idea where to go, until he heard the sound of soft voices and followed that. "Maggie?"
She looked in the direction of his voice. Daso had followed her! “Over here,” she replied, making her voice loud enough for him to hear as she hastily attempted, once again, to wipe away the residue from the tears.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, slightly breathless from jogging over to her. "Sorry it took me so long to come after you."
Maggie blushed. Even a bit out of breath, he was handsome. “Not really, but Sebastian has been so sweet to me, just like a brother,” she replied.
"That's so nice of him," Daso said with a beaming smile. "Listen, if you need to talk about anything, I'm willing to shut up for a little while and listen."
Maggie smiled back. “Thank you, that means a lot,” she replied. “I’m really glad that I met you.” She blushed a little bit.