[025]

[oliverplus]

[Oliver is sitting by a tree somewhere in the midst of the forest. He is soaked to the bone and looks tired, ragged, and shaky]

I just... [stops, swallows, and tries again, keeping his voice as steady as possible, but his fear is evident] I just wanted to say that... [trails off again, his voice growing very soft and tight] I saw it...it's

Comments

[bit_impossible]

[watches him for a moment before he speaks, ignoring the noises that have been following him all day]

Oliver. Do you really think that's going to work?

[oliverplus]

There's nothing else I can do.

[bit_impossible]

Hiding away? In the middle of the forest by the looks of things around you? Oh yeah, that's going to work.

[oliverplus]

[his expression is dark; he's set on this] I won't hurt anyone here.

Do you have a better idea?

[bit_impossible]

I could bind your arms and legs together. Stop you from hurting yourself because yes, you will hurt yourself first, Oliver.

You know I've got the string to do it.

[oliverplus]

[sighs, leaning back against the tree] You'd have to find me to do that. That's...not a good idea.

[bit_impossible]

You don't think I could find you?

[oliverplus]

No, I do. But don't. Please.

[bit_impossible]

Why not? [he knows why, but pushes for that answer anyway]

[oliverplus]

Because I will never forgive myself if I hurt you.

[bit_impossible]

What makes you think I'll let you harm me?

[oliverplus]

[shakes his head; he's not in the mood for this game] I didn't say you would. But I'm not taking the risk! Please, let me stay alone. It...it could already have me, and I just don't know it yet.

[bit_impossible]

I'm staying right here. [for now.]

But you said "it"? You and I both know that's impossible.

[oliverplus]

[relieved sigh] Good.

I saw it, Doctor. It's here.

[bit_impossible]

That's just not true. You're seeing things.

[oliverplus]

Even if I were, how could I possibly take that chance!?