The Secretary {Once-ler x Reader}

Early Bird (Chapter 7)

     N rushed out the door, barely remembering to put on her shoes. She knew she'd be at least ten minutes late, but she hoped that The Once-ler would still be waiting for her.

     She ran and ran, almost running into a tree cutting machine when she entered the forest. Luckily, it wasn't on.

     N finally made it to the factory, seeing The Once-ler start to get into a taxi before stopping and turning his head. A slight smile tugged at his lips before he got in completely, leaving the door open. Sighing, N walked the rest of the way.

     "Sorry... I'm... late," she said through several breaths, leaning against the door.

     "What did you do, run here?" asked Once-ler, motioning for her to get inside. She nodded and went inside, slamming the door. The taxi started to drive before she even put her seat belt on.

     N glanced at him, remembering her dream and the feelings she had experienced. She desperately wanted to help him since it was completely possible that his future could become something similar to what she had seen. She had to get him to stop chopping down the trees, for the sake of the animals, for the citizens of Thneedville, and for the Once-ler.

     "Were you waiting long?" she asked, setting her bag down next to her.

     "Not really," he replied, looking at her before turning his attention to the window. "I knew you'd come."

     "I didn't," she muttered, leaning back. She was exhausted from both running and waking up earlier than usual and she had nothing to do but endure sitting in a taxi for a whole hour. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax.

     After a few minutes, she heard snoring next to her and opened her eyes. The Once-ler had his eyes closed, his hat beside him.

     A bump in the road caused his head to fall on her shoulder.

     Seriously? she thought, raising her hand to push him off. She stopped when she noticed how peaceful he looked when he wasn't awake. Looking closer, she noticed what a smooth complexion he had. 

     He looks so calm. 

     The Once-ler's bangs were covering his face. N resisted the urge to push them out of his face and instead pushed him off her shoulder.

     The Once-ler opened his eyes and N quickly leaned against the side of the car, pretending to be asleep.

     "Huh? What? What happened?" Once-ler asked, sounding sleepy.

     N kept her eyes shut, trying to get comfortable. A few moments later, she heard rustling beside her, the sound of cloth against cloth, and felt something wrap around her. She waited a bit before opening her eyes and saw The Once-ler's tailcoat covering her like a blanket. Looking to the side, she saw him looking out the window.

     "Hmm? What happened?" she asked, stretching her arms and pretending to sound tired.

     "You fell asleep," Once-ler replied.

     "Oh? Oops."

     She handed him back his tailcoat, trying her hardest to keep a straight face. She knew the truth: He was the one who fell asleep.

     After a few more minutes, The Once-ler pulled out a bag of marshmallows and opened it. N looked at him curiously.

     "What? It's going to be a long ride," he said, holding it out to her. "Want some?"