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“Is that just how it is, Occhan?”
The rabbit stared at her, nibbling on his lettuce. It seemed to help him think when his mouth was moving. Tae just loved to watch how his ears would wobble back and forth, like the world’s cutest metronome. Perhaps if he trained enough to make it consistent, he could come to their band meetings.
She honestly hadn’t considered that there could be any meaning behind it when she had tried it that one time. There wasn’t any feeling there, just the professional relationship between two hard working individuals.
But what Kasumi had said earlier that evening… What had it been like for Oddie to have to witness something like that? From his point of view, it must have been nothing short of a betrayal. She should’ve talked to him beforehand, but it had just never crossed her mind, because she hadn’t even considered that there could be ill intent behind it. It was far too late for “should” now though, all she could hope for was that she could make it up to him somehow.
Oddie didn’t move from his spot on the floor, making short work of his treat. She gave him another leaf. It was an indulgence, sure, but it was the least she could do after treating him like that. She’d even sprung for the more expensive romaine, which had a far better crunch to vegetable ratio.
“Do you think you can forgive me? I promise you’re the only one for me. It was a stupid mistake on my part, just one night. I lost sight of what’s important to me.”
She slid off her bed, sitting cross legged on the floor. Oddie approached, only to turn and hop off to some other corner of the room after a few exploratory sniffs. She couldn’t really blame him; the thought of seeing him with someone else tied her stomach in knots.
How could she have been so stupid? That wasn’t the kind of thing you just casually did, and yet here she was.
Maybe she should give up performing for good. She loved it, but she loved Oddie more, and if that’s what it took to get his trust back, that’s what she’d do. The rest of Poppin’Party would understand. It wouldn’t be fair to keep meeting up with her after he’d seen them do something so indecent together. It would be like rubbing soy sauce in his wounds, and that’s a good way to get an infection.
Or… maybe he just needed to meet her. Properly, not just seeing each other in passing. They could explain that everything was strictly professional, it meant nothing at all, and it would never happen again. If they were lucky, he would understand. He was kind like that, though even Oddie had his limits.
She retrieved the bag from her closet, resting it on her bed to get to the contents. She had never felt reverent about opening that zipper, not like Kasumi did, but this time she could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage. This was her last chance to turn back.
She wasn’t a coward. She needed to do this, to save her relationship with Occhan. She lifted Snapper out of the padding, her weight familiar in her hands. She caught a glimpse of herself in the polished metal pickguard. Her eyes looked devastated, but her mouth was drawn into a determined line. She would make this sacrifice, for the greater good.
“Occhan? I’d like you to meet her. I think we can clear things up if we just talk for a bit.”
Unfortunately, Oddie didn’t seem too interested in talking to either of them. He was more focused on trying to climb the chair at her desk. Tae had spent much of her life alone, but the silent treatment stung. Oddie had been her one true companion until recently, and she wouldn’t know what to do with herself if she lost him now.
“Maybe… I should give you two some private time together. I know you’re probably mad at me for what I did, but it’s not her fault.”
She left Snapper leaning against the bed and slipped out the door. She needed some time herself; her throat was awfully dry. Hopefully by the time she came back from getting a glass of water they’d have warmed up to each other a bit.
She had decided to get a bowl of water for Oddie too. He must be feeling just as upset as she was, if not more. When she heard a loud bang coming from upstairs, however, said bowl was dropped and forgotten in the sink.
Running up the stairs, she was greeted with a grizzly scene when she threw her door open. Snapper was lying on the floor, while Oddie chewed on her headstock. Seeing her two loves fighting like this took the air out of her chest. Snapper could end up disfigured for life. Oddie might eat something dangerous. If either one of them got hurt, Tae would never be able to forgive herself. What had she been thinking, leaving those two alone together?
She rushed forward to grab Snapper, pulling them apart before anyone could get seriously hurt. She placed her on the bed and sat next to her, letting out a sigh. Oddie flopped on the carpet, clearly disappointed that the excitement was over.
She realised her hand was resting on Snapper’s body. It was comforting, familiar, but this was all too inappropriate now, wasn’t it?
Perhaps she hadn’t been honest with herself, either. Their relationship was not purely professional. She craved Snapper’s touch just as much as she did Oddie’s. She loved the way her hands smelled of her strings after a gig. When she saw them fighting, her first instinct had been to save her.
That day hadn’t been platonic. She hadn’t realised it until she saw Kasumi doing the same with Random Star, but there were feelings behind it. Playing with her teeth had just been an excuse, nobody actually does that. She thought she could get away with it, like Chisato-senpai got away with kissing beautiful actors, but it would have been plainly evident to Oddie that she was actually enjoying it. Obvious to anyone but herself, apparently.
She didn’t want to lose either of them. That was the absolute worst-case scenario. She needed to be honest, only then could she get forgiveness. With forgiveness, maybe they could move on from this. Together.
Oddie sat at her feet, looking up at her. She picked him up and set him in her lap.
“Occhan, it’s time for me to be honest. I’m in love with Snapper too. It doesn’t change how I feel about you one bit, but you deserve to know. I should’ve told you from the start, but I wasn’t being honest with myself. I really hope you can forgive me.”
Oddie flopped against her belly, rolling in her lap. It was as clear an acceptance of her repentance as anything. She gave him some thankful scritches.
“And… if you’re willing, I think I’d like to try sharing my love, with both of you.”
Neither of them objected, which was a good sign.
She leaned forward, planting a kiss on top of Oddie’s head. It was just as soft as always. Then she leaned to her side, giving Snapper a kiss over her pickups. The metallic taste was exactly the same as she remembered from that show months ago. Her anxiety and guilt were washed away, replaced with a warmth and a full heart, knowing she was surrounded by her loves.