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Folder found herself sitting alone.
It'd been a lot like that lately.
All she could do was recall her past memories with Cat Card.
When she was happy, when they were together.
Where did it all go wrong?
Folder had a few suspects.
T.V. for starters.
It was all his fault!
Though she couldn't bring herself to blaming him directly, this stupid show was his idea.
The show that tore their friendship apart.
The show Cat Card left her to die on.
The show she was eliminated from.
The show that she was replaced on.
The show her replacement was currently competing on.
Popcorn.
Folder couldn't stand Popcorn.
It wasn't always like that though.
In the beginning she didn't mind Cat Card and Popcorn's friendship, once she even thought they could all be friends.
Boy was she wrong.
It didn't take a genius like Earth or an evil one like Cactus to see how much of Cat Card's time was taken up by Popcorn.
Before she knew it, all her time was taken up by Popcorn.
Folder's best friend abandoned her for someone she barely knew.
Folder's best and only friend just gone.
How could Popcorn live with that fact she stole the person Folder could depend on?
The person she loved.
Seeing those two together unleashed a bitterness within Folder that didn't even know she had.
She had become a lot more antsy lately, quick to snap at any and everybody.
Could you blame her though?
After Cat Card left her to rot, she wouldn't dare make that mistake again.
Even the slightest ounce of kindness was deemed untrustworthy.
Cat Cart was kind, but that was all in the past now.
Folder was all alone now, cursed to be consumed by loneliness and a sense of longing.
But deep down she knew it wasn't Popcorn's fault.
Even if she was the one who stole her best friend, a different perpetrator was the one responsible.
It was Stone and Stone's fault alone.
If he hadn't stuck his head in Folder and Cat Card's friendship maybe things would have turned out different.
Stone tried to warn her that what they had was already doomed but Folder was so persistent on pinning the whole thing on him.
To be fair Folder would have been off much better without his involvement.
Folder let out a long and sad sigh, next thing she knew tears were rolling down her cheeks.
Folder didn't even care if anyone heard or saw her anymore, she just wanted to let it all out.
She was done pretending to be tough, she really was as pathetic as Stone said.
"What are you crying about now?" groaned a familiar voice.
Him.
Folder looked up to see Stone standing in front of her.
The one responsible for her suffering.
Folder's sadness quickly transformed into anger, she had no time for any of Stone's twisted games.
"L-leave me alone."
"Aw what's the matter? Can't handle a visit from an old friend?" Stone said in an anything but friendly tone.
"Just go away." Folder said sternly.
Stone didn't budge.
Instead he got uncomfortably close to her.
"I don't understand why you're still upset, all I did was try to help you."
Folder and Stone both knew damn well that was a lie.
Stone basked in others'misery and wouldn't hesitate to stir up drama just for the fun of it.
"Stop trying to m-m-manipulate me, Stone! You never wanted to help me, all you've ever done is try to hurt me and my chances with...C-c-ca..."
Folder couldn't even finish that sentence without a new set of tears streaming down her face.
She tried to cover up her face in order to prevent herself from looking weak in front of Stone, but what was the use if he had already seen her crying earlier?
"You can't hide from me forever you know."
"I-I don't understand, why do you k-keep doing this?! What do you want from me?!"
Stone paused.
Suddenly he had an idea.
"I really like you, Folder."
He placed his hand in hers.
"I just want you to put all this behind us."
Folder removed her hand in discomfort.
She had no idea how to respond to Stone's very sudden and disingenuous confession.
Folder thought real hard.
It didn't make any sense, Stone cared about no one, let alone her.
What if he really did like her and just had a funny way of showing it.
What if all along this some sort of secret plan to separate her from Cat Card so Stone could have her all to himself.
Folder's thoughts raced at the possibilities.
It was like she had seen him in a whole new light.
But then she remembered everything he had put her through.
Any positive thoughts she had about him came crashing down in an instant.
"I-Is this some sort of joke...if it is it isn't f-f-funny."
"Oh Folder, I just want you to be able to trust me, maybe even give me a chance someday." he said slyly.
Stone? Trust?
Those two words don't even belong in the same sentence.
Yet his words were so captivating to Folder.
"Face it Folder, you don't have anyone else. Either you take this opportunity or leave you to rot just like Cat Card did."
That wasn't true....right?
Folder had other allies in the competition like...
"B-burger! I have him!" Folder blurted out victoriously.
"Do you really though? After Pomegranate rejoined those two became practically inseparable. Huh, reminds me of a certain popcorn and cat card." he sneered.
Her eyes widened in horror at the sudden realization.
He had done the exact same thing Cat Card had done to her.
Offering her support and allyship, only to ditch her for someone else entirely.
He'd even abandoned her like Cat Card did.
When was the last time he'd even talked to her or even came to visit her?
Pomegranate rejoining made any value Folder had to Burger obsolete.
Folder broke down again.
"I-it's not fair! Everyone leaves me, every time." she sobbed.
Stone began wiping her tears, Folder winced at his sudden gesture.
"I'll always be here for you, Folder, I just need you to trust me. Do you trust me?"
Folder hesitated with her answer.
This was the most venerable she had ever been.
And the most desperate.
All she wanted was for someone to stay.
"I-I trust you, Stone."
"Say it again." Stone commanded, wanting to hear Folder reaffirm her statement.
"I trust you, Stone." Folder said more clearly.
Stone couldn't believe it, for a while he thought he had lost her.
Even after her newfound feistiness, she still found herself susceptible to Stone's words.
Stone couldn't wait to break her even more.
Stone and Folder had been dating for a few months now.
For both of them, this was their first romantic relationship.
Stone was rather unprepared to say the least.
He'd only given that confession in order to get a reaction out of Folder.
Stone never expected their relationship to go this far.
As much as he hated to admit it, sometimes he'd have to turn to Cologne out of all people for advice.
His lessons with Blueberry had certainly made him a better man.
Stone was still far from being a good boyfriend though.
Folder on the other hand, was more than willing to overlook the questionable aspects of their relationship.
Most notably, her overreliance on Stone.
Cat Card was the one she depended on for practically everything.
After they fell out with one another, Folder could barely take care of herself.
Luckily, Stone was able to refill Cat Card's position.
Folder was always so submissive, going along with his every decision.
She never had to think for herself.
Stone liked having full control over Folder, although it did get annoying and overbearing at times.
Folder's constant nagging and whining made him want to slap her silly.
And the best part; He could if he wanted to!
Folder let him do whatever he wanted as long as he would stay with her.
He treated her however he wanted, always finding new ways to push Folder's limits.
But to Folder it was all worth it in the end, she'd do anything to keep him happy.
And that she did.
Cat Card was a fool for leaving this, he thought to himself.
Folder was filled with a giddiness she couldn't hide from the other eliminated contestants.
The occasion?
Their first real date of course!
Surprisingly, Stone had never taken Folder out anywhere.
Their relationship was kept under wraps for the most part.
Stone thought he was putting too much effort into a relationship he wasn't even emotionally invested in.
It was funny to him, how easily Folder had been wrapped around his grubby little finger.
Always willing to comply with whatever he demanded just for a smidge of his affection and approval.
Folder had been good use to him lately, so he decided to reward her with some fine dining.
At none other than McCornald's of course!
Once Folder arrived at the restaurant, her first instinct was to look for Stone.
At first she didn't see him, causing her to believe he stood her up.
Her eyes began to well up with tears.
How could she be so stupid?!
"Don't tell me you're going to make a scene here." Stone groused.
Folder felt a huge wave of relief.
"S-sorry! I j-just thought you weren't gonna show up..."
"Well I'm here and I got us a table, let's go I'm not wasting anymore time."
He then grabbed her wrist forcefully to lead her to their table.
Folder didn't complain, hey this was the closest they were getting to hand holding!
Once they arrived at the table, Folder flicked through the menu to see what she would order.
Stone wasn't hungry, he had eaten beforehand.
He wouldn't be caught dead eating at this establishment.
Once Folder ordered, Stone began to make some meaningless small talk.
It was so grating!
For the next ten minutes Stone was stuck listening to Folder's never ending bitching and moaning.
Stone had to refrain himself from just telling her to shut the hell up.
He had to be civil though.
He responded every so often with a nod to indicate that he was at least half listening.
Thank god their server had finally arrived.
The waiter placed the platter in front of Folder.
Stone examined her meal, he scrunched his face in disapproval.
Folder began to take a bite of her McCornald's, however she noticed Stone staring at her.
"I-is something wrong..?" she asked, wanting to know the reasoning behind his sudden staring.
"Oh nothing, I just expected you to order the nuggets like I asked." he said dismissively.
"B-but you said I could order what I wanted..." Folder said sheepishly.
"Tsk tsk tsk, classic Folder, always eating away her feelings."
Folder was confused by the comment yet felt the need to defend herself for some reason.
"It's just I haven't been to McCornald's in a long time a-and I thought I'd order my f-f-f-favorite" she stammered.
Stone rolled his eyes.
"Oh don't be such a baby about it, I'm only looking out for that pretty figure of yours, otherwise we don't want you becoming a...whats the word Sign uses? Oh right a fatty."
Folder lost her appetite within a matter of seconds.
Hearing those words emerge from her boyfriend's mouth awakened a sadness she hadn't felt since her "breakup" with Cat Card.
It never bothered her when Sign called her names regarding her weight, she was just a child who didn't know better.
But her own boyfriend saying such?
That was definitely going to leave a mark.
Folder looked away in shame, she wanted to do anything but acknowledge what she had previously planned on eating.
"You know what I always say, don't bite off more" he continued in a mocking tone.
"I'm not h-hungry anymore."
"What? You're just going to waste the food I bought you?"
Folder gritted her teeth.
To think he still wanted her to eat after making that comment.
"I SAID I'M NOT HUNGRY ANYMORE!" Folder shouted, her voice echoing throughout the restaurant.
Folder quickly slapped her hands over her mouth after the realization of what she had just done.
Stone looked at her with an unreadable expression.
"I'm s-so sorry Stone, I didn't mean to!"
"There's nothing to be sorry about Folder, you're only standing up for yourself. You aren't as pathetic as you used to be and that's what I love about you."
Love.
That simple word made Folder forget why she gotten upset.
It was like she was hit with a feight train of assurance.
He loved her.
Or at least she thought he did.
If Stone loved anything, it was the control he had over her.
He could say and do whatever he wanted to her as long as she fell for his easy flattery.
She always fell for it, every time.
Folder really did love him with every fiber of her being.
That poor girl had no idea she was being played.
She gave him a sincere smile while Stone returned one filled with nothing but pure malice.
"I love you, Stone."
"..."
"I love you too, Folder." he said halfheartedly.
Gross.
He was revolted by the words that had escaped his mouth.
He still hadn't gotten used to saying that yet.
Stone had never been affectionate with anyone or been shown affection for that matter.
He always felt nauseated by Folder swooning over him like a lovesick puppy.
Always clinging onto him and showering him with affection.
It was never returned most of the time, but occasionally he'd sprinkle in a compliment or a hug.
He didn't want their relationship to seem completely one-sided.
Besides, it was easier to make Folder sustainable to his control.
She craved his affections more and more every time he deprived her from it.
Folder leaned on Stone's shoulder, or rather lack there of.
He didn't push her off like he usually did.
He gave him a look of utter love and devotion.
She was so cute like this.
"You know, Coughdrop is having a party later, usually I wouldn't go because it's such waste of time, but with you as my date it might spice things up."
Folder felt her cheeks heat up.
"D-date...?"
Stone furrowed his eyebrows.
"Of course, you are my girlfriend after all."
That felt so good to hear.
Folder tried to hide her excitement but Stone easily saw right through her.
"Aren't you eager." he teased.
"Y-y-you could say so..."
Stone cupped the side of her face.
"So you'll be there? I'm not going without you."
Folder nodded, she was to flustered to even say anything.
"Perfect."
He was surprised with how easily she complied.
Normally Folder couldn't stand being around others, to be honest she couldn't stand anything at all.
Parties were just another add-on to her never ending list of fears.
Too bright, too loud, too crowded, too much for Folder.
Stone didn't care though, either way she would have attended whether she liked it or not.
He wanted to show her off.
His achievement from one of his victories.
He saw her as a possession not a person.
His trophy wife if you will, though Stone would never consider the thought of marriage.
Then again he never considered himself the type to be in a relationship.
But if dating Folder means being able to toy with her emotions further then so be it.
Who knows, maybe he'd be willing to try the marriage thing out someday.
Being Folder's boyfriend had gotten him this far, being her husband on the other hand...
He shook his head, disgusted by the fact he'd just considered marrying Folder.
Hours had passed since the McCornald's incident.
They were now on their way to Coughdrop's party.
Folder wore a flower accessory picked out by Stone.
Stone didn't wear anything in particular, he planned on showing up as his plain old self.
He wasn't gonna let Folder show up looking any kind of way though.
Folder didn't do anything too fancy, it was only Coughdrop's party after all, she just had to look decent.
She didn't want took look just decent though, she wanted to look good.
Good for Stone.
Stone never cared too much about appearances, everyone was insufferable to him whether they looked nice or not.
Folder was determined to impress him.
"I-I'm ready!" Folder called out.
Stone examined her, her was nothing special but there's nothing a couple half assed compliments couldn't do.
Folder felt like she was on top of the world!
It was hilarious.
Call her pretty a few times and suddenly she would completely fold.
"Okay showgirl we don't have all night."
Folder giggled.
Stone interlocked their arms with one another.
Stone hated being touchy, he was never a fan of that kind of intimacy.
But if it mean't having Folder deeper under his control then he would just have to put up with it.
Moments later they arrived at Coughdrop's place.
He greeted them in his usual jovial tone.
"Hey bro! So good to see you finally show up to one of my parties."
Coughdrop threw his arm around Stone, much to the rock's dismay.
He pushed Coughdrop aside.
The only person he was willing to make psychical contact with was Folder.
"Aand Folder, wow I wasn't expecting you, well either of you actually."
Folder waved awkwardly.
"But enough chit chat, come in bros, its time to PAR-TAY!" Coughdrop said, throwing his hands up in the air in a celebratory manner.
Stone groaned, Folder clutched onto him tighter as they followed Coughdrop inside.
The place was completely decked out with all sorts of decorations.
An eager Checker came up to Coughdrop and the couple.
"Hi Mister Stone and Miss Folder!" she said cheerfully.
"Checker helped out with the decorations, isn't it gnarly?" beamed Coughdrop.
Checker smiled proudly.
Stone mumbled something under his breath, Folder couldn't make out what he said due to the loud music.
She covered up her ears, it was too much for her.
Stone could sense that she was distressed yet didn't say anything.
Instead he went off somewhere with Coughdrop, leaving her all alone.
Just great!
Stone dragged her off to this place and he wasn't even gonna spend his time there with her.
"Ooh, I have an idea, Miss Folder! Let's play a game, we have lots of party games!" Checker suggested.
Folder walked off, ignoring Checker's idea entirely.
"Oor not!" continued Checker.
Folder walked around trying to distract herself from the fact Stone totally ditched her.
She found herself next to the snack table.
She looked at it guiltily.
No I shouldn't, she thought.
"Ugh, don't you ever know how to take no for an answer?!" griped a voice in the distance.
It was Popcorn.
Folder rolled her eyes.
Of course she had to be here, as if her night wasn't bad enough.
"Come on girl, what do you say? Me, you, dance-"
She socked Cologne in the face.
"What is your problem?!" Popcorn said, storming off.
"W-worth it..." Cologne muttered , starstruck.
Cologne caught Folder's gaze and smirked at her.
"Don't even think about it." she said menacingly.
Cologne gulped in fear, since when was Folder so threatening.
But that's what he liked in a woman, after all why do you think he was so persistent with Popcorn?
Speaking of Popcorn, she had been accompanied by Cat Card.
Now Folder really needed to get out of there.
She frantically began looking for Stone.
"Hey bro, can I ask you a question?" Coughdrop asked.
"Go ahead, as long as it isn't stupid."
"Why'd you wait until now to show up to one of my parties, and with Folder of all people? I thought she hated you!"
"Things change, Coughdrop." said Stone.
Since when did Coughdrop have a consciousness?
"I just don't get it...it's like mixing pickles and fun dip!"
"Could you quit your moronic babbling for one second, Folder's my date."
Coughdrop lowered his sunglasses.
"Homie, did you just say date...?"
Folder ran up to them, finally she had found Stone!
"Stone! W-we need to get out of here..."
"Don't tell me you aren't having any fun." Stone said annoyed.
Folder rugged her boyfriend's arm.
"P-please let's go." she begged.
"We aren't leaving, I didn't bring you here for nothing." Stone affirmed
"Stone and Folder....that's...woah" Coughdrop continued, obvious to the conflict between the couple.
"Then what did you bring me here for?! To ignore me like Cat Card did?!" Folder snapped.
"What are you nerds bickering out?" chimed in CJ.
"SHUT UP CJ!" Folder and Stone said in unison.
"It's barely been an hour, let's say a little longer." Stone said with little regard for Folder's concerns.
"I don't like it h--h-here please, I want to go. A-are you even listening to me?"
"Hey man, maybe you should listen to her-"
"We. aren't. leaving."
"S-stone, please..." Folder said weakly.
"Im outta here, this is totally killing my party vibes." Coughdrop said, attempting to remove himself from the situation.
"Yo Popcorn, I need you to come over for a sec, I need to chew on you while I watch this drama unfold." CJ said, crossing his arms.
Popcorn only came over to tell him off.
Cat Card followed right behind her.
Folder gave Stone a look of pure panic.
So pathetic.
"Stone, Ple-"
Folder was cut off by the sudden contact of their lips.
Stone had kissed Folder.
The room went silent as all eyes turned to them.
Folder's heartbeat was louder than her thoughts.
Folder had only dreamed of a moment like this, and now she was living it.
Stone's lips were intoxicating, yet she couldn't pull away.
She wrapped her arms around Stone to pull him closer, as if they were the only ones in the room.
"Gross! You filthy rodents are gonna give me cooties!" shrieked Sign.
Whatever Sign had just said didn't matter, the only thing Folder was focused on was Stone and him alone.
She continued to bask herself in the kiss.
Stone was not enjoying it so much.
He'd only done it as a way to quickly shut her up.
He felt like he was going to vomit.
Stone quickly pulled away, one more second of this and he'd puke then and there.
"Stone what the hell was that?!" exclaimed Cat Card.
Stone gave Cat Card a smug look.
"What do you think that was?" he sneered.
"Y-you kissed Folder! What was that about?!" Cat Card said, tensing up.
"Didn't you know, Folder's my girlfriend."
Cat Card looked at Folder with disbelief.
"Folder, he's not serious...is he?" Cat Card asked.
Stone gave Folder a knowing look.
"M-me and S-stone, we're together..." Folder said sheepishly.
Popcorn balled up her fist, fortunately Cat Card was able to hold her back.
"You jerk! What have you done to Folder?!" fumed Popcorn.
"Popcorn, I've got this." Caat Card said, attempting to calm Popcorn down.
Cat Card knew she was the one who needed to handle this.
"I didn't do anything, Folder was the one who submitted herself to me." Stone admitted.
That wasn't entirely a lie, Folder was the one who agreed to date him.
"Folder, have you lost your mind? Seriously, Stone?! After everything he did to you?!"
"H-he's done more for me than you ever h-have! Besides, why do you even care..." Folder shot back.
"We might not be friends anymore but I still care about you. Stone is no good for you and we both know that."
Folder knew Cat Card was right.
Had she forgotten about her grudge on Stone she had just a few months ago?
The same Stone she was currently dating.
The same Stone responsible for ending her friendship with Cat Card.
Folder's heart was racing.
"Don't tell me you're actually considering listening to her. She's trying to trick you." Stone said with a possessive grip on Folder's shoulder.
"Can't you see what he's doing?! He's trying to manipulate you." reasoned Cat Card.
Folder wasn't having any of this.
"S-shut up, just shut up. Y-you don't know anything about him, or me for that matter!"
"Atta girl." cheered Stone.
"Don't act like you care about her." said Cat Card.
"Well aren't you one to talk. You're the one who left her behind, I was the one to pick up the scraps."
"Look, I could have handled things better, but Folder was too dependent on me. Our friendship couldn't go on, it was unhealthy for both of us."
"Then why didn't you just talk to me...do you have any idea how I felt or how that affected me?!" cried out Folder.
Cat Card felt incredibly guilty.
She didn't communicate with her like a normal person, instead she ignored her until things escalated to this point.
"See, she doesn't even have anything to say. She never cared about you, none of them do." Stone said.
Stone continued.
"But I do, I always cared about you, because I love you." he said with a fake fondness.
Cat Card wanted to throw up in her mouth.
How could Folder be falling for this?!
"Folder, that isn't how you talk to someone you love. Why can't you see he's just trying to get under your skin?" Cat Card said with utmost concern.
"A-and what do you know about love?!" Folder shouted.
Folder's words overpowered the music.
Cat Card let out a loud sigh and exchanged glances with Popcorn.
"Folder, me and Popcorn...we're..."
Cat Card blushed.
Folder connected the dots.
"Since when...?" was all she was able to muster.
"We started dating a while ago, we really didn't want to come out here out of all places." said Popcorn.
Folder had no response or reaction.
"That explains everything, no wonder you never accepted my advances." said Cologne, sounding like he'd made some huge discovery.
"Ew, even if I wasn't with Cat Card I'd never give you a chance you weirdo."
"Hey, at least I know we're both into girls." Cologne joked.
He was heartbroken but he still wanted to be supportive.
"I just wish I could have told you sooner, but I was worried you wouldn't understand." Cat Card said shamefully.
Folder retained her silence.
"But maybe now we could fix things? I never wanted to stop being friends with you, I just wanted you to be more independent. But that doesn't matter right now, all I wanna do is help you!" Ct Card persisted.
"She doesn't need your help." said Stone.
"Well she sure as hell doesn't need you talking for her." quipped Popcorn.
"And she doesn't need you." Cat Card added.
Folder had had enough.
Who did Cat Card think she was?
Does she really think she could just wiggle her way back into Folder's life?
And to say those things about Stone, the one person who cared about her.
"Y-you don't get it, Cat Card, I do need him! I cant live without him, he's the only one who ever stayed. Unlike you who a-abandoned me like it was nothing. If anything it seems like you're the one t-t-trying to hurt me. I won't fall for your kindness...not again. I never want to be friends with you again. I don't need you or your help, Cat Card. I-I HATE YOU!"
I hate you.
Those last three words echoed repeatedly in Cat Card's mind.
"See, you heard it from Folder herself." said Stone.
He was amazed.
He'd never seen so much hatred emit from Folder, not even when she had viciously spewed at him several months prior.
"Come on Stone, let's go." Folder said assertively.
Stone went along with her, his work had already been done.
There wasn't a reason for him and Folder to stay there any longer.
Stone had stirred up some trouble, much more than he intended.
He took Folder's hand in his and turned to give Cat Card his signature shit-eating grin.
Cat Card watched them walk off together.
Stone had won.