What happened?
And why are dreams so weird?
The last thing you could remember was dreaming about a narcissistic robot, who was messing with your love life to get ratings. It didn't help that you couldn't remember anything else. Besides going out with a friend. The drowsiness kicked into high gear.
When did you go home?
Eyes felt glued shut. Relying on your other senses, the room felt warm and cozy, a gentle breeze tickled your face. Probably from the fan on your desk. You swear you could never sleep without it. The little tics it makes when it moves around was like music to you. But the room didn't hold a tic, only silence welcomed you. Weird.
Later on that, the feeling of plush underneath you was amazing. The feeling of falling back into dreamland was hard to resist. So this was the culprit for causing your drowsiness.
It was probably the softest thing you've ever come across. Either you were on top of a giant plush bean bag, or a giant marshmallow. Wait, was it finally happening? Did the Lord finally answer your call for a giant marshmallow plush pillow..? Your mom called you crazy for asking every time she took you to church. But you still believed the man upstairs would deliver (Considering you were 7 when you asked).
To think, it took him years but he finally pulled through.
Looking down, hoping to get a peek of a marshmallow. Instead, you faced a giant futon underneath.
Uh, why did reality have to be filled with disappointment?!
This was enough to get you up and running. A sense of alert flooded back into your system.
Glancing around the room, it resembled nothing like your own. The curtains were a pretty lavender, complimenting the green walls. The fan was close to you. A small bookshelf hung above the sofa, a few titles you could make out. They looked to be cookbooks. Other titles looked to be written in a different language. There are a few languages you could understand. This spiked your itch of curiosities, it wouldn't hurt to read a few titles….
Your hand kept hovering over a thriller novel but you pulled away from it.
Better to leave it alone for now. The summary sounded something up your alley and knowing you, you'll end up reading most of the night to finish it.
A few boxes were scattered around. There wasn't anything else besides a table cluttered with papers. You found your phone laying on top of a few newspaper clippings laying around. Sweet, there was still half a battery left on it. There were tons of calls and texts from a couple of people. The first was Stacy. Oh crap. Is she freaking out again.
The texts kept asking where you were and if you were still needing a ride. Each text seemed to be sent every 5 minutes. You quickly send her back a quick reply that you're fine, and that you got a ride home from someone. You didn't want to worry her. She already had a tough time worrying about you, it was for the best not to involve her more. She already had a tough time with you disappearing on her.
The next were previous texts from Papyrus. Letting you know he'll be over in the early morning to meet up after your shift. He sent pictures of him and frisk sleeping over. Frisk seemed to be setting up a game for them to play. While papyrus was posing with a smile. Cute.
Under his messages you could see Blue still hasn't responded to your text. You couldn't help click on it, scroll as you saw the video he sent you. You click play, in a mere moment you muffle your laughter at the priceless thing before you. Blue posing heroically on top of a chair. The pose wasn't what got you. It was the tiny army of bones that pushed him across. The whole thing is ridiculous as the men in the background tried to move harder in their chairs.
There were people screaming and hollerings from the sidelines. The next few texts were the comments from the guys asking if this rattled your bones. A few bone puns were tossed into the texts.
They probably assumed that you were a bone monster too or something. Explains a few texts and then an apology from Blue about the previous texts. The last text from him was asking if you got home okay.
You pulled your hand away as you let out a sigh. The feeling of your lips holding a grin never felt so nice. You're not a monster but you did feel a bit flustered from the cuteness. That silly bones. He's making it harder for you to resist him. Blue was real sweet. But you couldnt forget that he left you without a goodbye, that stung.
You kept scrolling to find one text from Papy. It's a picture of a squirrel nibbling on popcorn with the caption saying 'Nutting to see here'. Cute.
You ended up saving it into your phone under puns. His brother might know what happened? Should you text him back? Looking at the screen you go against it for now. You could always call him tomorrow anyway so no worries for now.
You could hear from a distance the sound of Mettaton's theme song playing. Small goosebumps crept all over your arms. Something about Mettaton left you feeling a bit uneasy.
You picked up your phone and followed the music to the next room. There wasn't much you could do but see who picked you up. Maybe it was wolfy, he was nice enough to give you some sleep. He seems to be the type to be a bit messy. It's gonna be awkward to apologize for making him carry you around. You could always just bribe him with food and call it a night.
The room looked to be a kitchen with a makeshift booth along the side of it.
"About time you woke up"
Fuku was plopped on the chair sipping on a can of beer, flames crackling with each chug. Her eyes glued to her phone as Mettaton was singing his latest album. The flames danced around with the music. She turned to you as she pulled out your cat mask from the chair
"I found this in your bag !" She tossed it to you "Soooo I have a few questions"
A swift catch and you could recognize the cat mask. The mask had a few scratches on the face but still in good condition. Didn't you wear this at the match making place. And you thought you met Sans.
Oh yeah...Sans
"You're lucky you called before I closed up shop. Do you have any idea how hard it was to explain why I was dragging you around?" she rubbed what looked to be her temples with her free hand " I just need to know, are you part of a cult? I can get you help"
Oh yea, it was finally coming back to you. The past few hours. Well, that explains why you loved the futon. Fuji always had excellent taste in cushions. One of many reasons you missed her. You sure got lucky to get fuku to pick you up. Or you would've walked home. You would of ended walking all night to get home.
Fuku is a saint
Fuku throughout your college years wasnt any different. Always picking you up whenever you overloaded yourself. It didn't faze her the first time you passed out at her dorm after a group study, but in your defense some people were just exhausting to be around. You can't handle socializing much unless it's one on one. Or getting used to people over time helps. Only a few people knew about your burnouts.
You couldn't help but play with your hair. A nice distraction from fuku's harmful glare.
"Sorry again, that's from a mixer with my friend to support her and it was a mess" It would've been fine if it was just talking to strangers, seeing that monster looking like Sans. It brought back tons of memories. Sans always avoiding you and then leaving you behind. Just like Blue. What's that what you deserve for trying to move on? What was that old saying 'no pain no gain'? You still had your self-respect.
"Don't worry, I'll never join a cult unless... I'm running it!"
The green flames started to dance indicating fuku was chuckling under her breath.
" They are doomed the moment you lead them, probably make them binge on fast food and worship a stupid taco or something"
Hearing your friend's chuckle was nice. It would be an amazing idea though. Telling people what to do, giving them words of wisdom and it wouldn't cost you anything.
"Rude, I will make them binge the BEST food and have them worship whatever only for a small fee...5 corn dogs a month" looking proud at the amazing discovery that you will probably never do...maybe
"You'll be in debt within the first week!" fuku calling out your bluff.
You let out a fake gasp.
"How dare you! I could totally make money from it! Just sell the corndogs, duh"
Fuku stared deadpanned. This didn't faze you one bit. You weren't gonna back down so you unleash the big guns. Making your most mischievous grin while wagging your eyebrows. The poor fire monster couldn't hold her facade for long. Not with you adding in finger guns for comedic effect. Soon her flames crackled under the pressure. It didn't take long for you to follow her example, both on the floor laughing. Just like old times.
These were the little antics you missed having with your pal. Just laughing felt amazing on your anxiety.
"So what happened? Why call me to pick you up? Was it him?"
No but what could you say? You were seeing a monster that reminds you of Sans. And you werent sure why he ditched you.
Thinking back, your interaction with Sans could've gone better. Just remembering the harsh words was starting to make you cringe. Nothing felt right about it. Your still losing your temper and maybe Blue saw that.
Why did you let your feelings get the best of you? You wanted to act like a mature adult. All civilized, like you used to. It's funny, Sans always had a way to get under your skin. Heh. His words would sting but his actions spoke volumes. It wasn't enough that the two of you had your fights, only for you to run back to him. Each time you swallowed your pride even if you were right. Nothing changed, once he started to show up less. Yet, nothing felt the same after the breakup. Even now. Would the cycle start if you continued with Blue?
You feel fuku warm flames. Leaving you to jump back a bit. Fuku sighed.
"Dude your spiraling again. The reason doesnt matter I'm just glad your ok"
"The reason I called.. I'm sorry for bothering you" you let out a breath and flashed a quick smile "thank you for picking me up"
Now wasn't the time to go think about that. Not when you haven't seen your friend in years. And talking about bad stuff wasn't your purpose. No, catching up sounded better.
Your friend didn't seem to buy it but returned the smile, pulled up a chair as she got up. She passed you a can of orange pop as she walked back down. Her phone was off as she looked at you cradling the drink.
"Alrighty so tell what's been new with you?"
If you had to be honest. You had a pretty good date but that was ruined by Carlos. Remember the snotty kid with the emo cut. Well he framed my date or tried until I got my hands on it. Long story short I haven't heard from my date in a while and he ditched me. Was what you wanted to say.
"I saw my brother at the mall today. He's changed from the little boy we know" taking a big swig of your drink. Saying it felt weird.
Fuku looked surprised.
"Carlos a sweet kid. I remember talking to him on your zoom calls. Great at coming up with names for restaurants" fuku smiled as she took a sip of her drink before continuing "Firehouse was funny"
True, your brother always had a creative idea for names. Back then his smile seemed more cheerful, unlike now. If you could just talk to him and slap some sense into him. Maybe it would help.
"Fuku, how was traveling all over asia?"
The fire monster smiled as she scrolled through her phone. She handed it over to you. There were pictures of places and food as well. A few had people helping fuku out with things. It looked amazing. Your buddy looked happy in each photo.
"It was a challenge at first with the language barrier but I learned over time. And remember that one song we sang during study"
"The one where it's a mix of punk and the 80s?"
"Disco, and yea I found the song again. I downloaded into my phone. Wanna hear it?" You didn't even reply you handed her phone and she got the song going.
The song was one of many reasons you and full got close. You showed her the song during your study time. The two of you ended up jamming out. The tune was uplifting even if you only understood one or two parts of the song. It always had a place in your heart.
"Summer days"
Fuku followed along with the lyrics. While you twirled around like a dummy. It's crazy but you never knew how much you needed to hear that song.
You pulled fuku into a hug. Making sure you could block her view of your face. The flames didn't burn you, only tickled you in surprise. Fuku returned the gestures before sniffling a bit.
"I missed you too hun"
"Why did you lose touch?"
You pulled away. Tears still on your face as your friend wiped away her eyes. "We both focused on what we wanted in life. You wanted a loving relationship and I wanted a successful career. And we took off and didn't look back"
"Yea, it's just if I had around maybe I wouldn't of been so stupid. Sorry that's selfish" You whimpered.
Fuku nodded.
"Yea but if you came with me. Maybe those few months wouldn't have been such a struggle. The constant isolation. You were always the best person to cheer me on"
That was your cue. You hollered as you chanted fuku's name. Using imaginary pom poms to to get the point across with your chant.
"See, I missed you dummy"
You looked at her. She might say that but the separation was probably for the best. She has her own restaurant and seemed more confident of herself. Fuku grew from the experience and toughned up.
"Hey fuku can you take me home. I'll pay for gas. With money- not corn dogs"
While you learned to not depend on her so much. You were a working progress but you didn't depend on anyone anymore. You'll figure it out. Like always.
"Message me when you get home safely fuku" you holler.
She waved a peace sign as she drove off. The colorful food truck left but a lingering scent of meat filled the air.
You walked over to the door.
Making it home from a fun night out made you forget how quiet your place was. Turning on the lights to see the place barely touched.
The walls were the same pale yellow. The light oak complimented the wooden flooring all over the place. Luckily, you remembered to place a pair of bunny slippers by the entrance this time.
Walking around on cold floors sucked. Only the kitchen showing proof of your existence. You did recently moved here in order to gain more space for your passion. At a decent price, it crossed off all your demands.
Even if your room was on the small side. The lliving room and kitchen were grand. Both tidy from the week before. Unlike your room, which needed a bit of organizing. (Papyrus will probably do it while scolding her)
You could only afford it with the help from your job at the bakery and doing commission on the side. It did help to take a few shifts at the cafe whenever Stacy offered.
In the silence, you walked to the lair. The only room in the apartment that you styled up with color. A small clean bed greeted her sight adorn with green covers and pink blankets. A small desk was next to the bed. Mostly holding the deadlines from her side gig. And a swivel chair that was worn with time. You looked at the calendar above the desk. Your deadlines weren't for another few days. So you could relax for now. Not really in the mood to draw at the moment. Dodging the scattered papers on the floor. In your opinion you weren't a slob. There were others far worse than you, much worse. Personally, you needed time.
Now after a year of being cut off from family, there's a feeling of homesickness.
You couldn't sleep properly with the lack of sounds in your room. Always surrounded by white noise by your adopted family. It felt strange not hearing loud noises all around the house. You needed someone to make you forget.
There's two options to choose from. Text fuku and risk coming off as clingy or kill zombies and lock your insecurities away with friends.
.
.
.
Hmm... Plan B! There's something therapeutic about bashing skulls. Or even just working with a team. It helped that your buds had great strategies to fighting hoards. Your only job was to pass out healing potions whenever they were running low on health.
You pull out your laptop from a drawer in the desk. Logging into your favorite game, master blaster royale. An MMORPG for the ages.
You check to see if your buddies were on the games chatroom. A perfect distraction from your own self-loathing.
The game was a bit gory but fun. A pretty hardcore game of zombies, vengeance, and teamwork. Perfect to unwind while fighting zombies. A game where you customize your character, join a team to combat zombies. What more could you want in life?
Teams can go through dungeons blasting at zombies, all while hunting material to keep the group advancing up the ranks. You liked that there was a chatroom where everyone could discuss strategies or goof off.
This game introduced you to a couple of people online. You were welcomed with open arms by a small group of bandits. They were called Sweet Sorrow. They were a crazy bunch that mostly were blowing off steam and cracking jokes. You've logged on in a couple of days. It looks like two were on now.
You start up the game and open up the chatroom. Looks like SystemError was on and BasicSquid was on too. Hmm, all that's left is BBun and xCodeRedkerx and both seemed to be offline. You joined the chatroom.
BasicSquid: oh wow, IndigoLit is Alive! Whats up?
Indigolit: sorry guys been busy with work.
SystemError505: About time. We need our white mage back.
BasicSquid: everyone missed you at our last raid. Positive, Code's been missing you. Mostly swearing up a storm after each loss.
Oh yeah, you remember the last time you spoke to Code everyone left him for dead because his sailor mouth got in the way of understanding him. Last time you were trying to encourage him to connect with the team. It was hard to understand the guy though. Every fourth swear was a word. It was impossible to work with the guy.
IndigoLit: is he still swearing a storm?
BasicSquid: its better now. After SystemError ripped him a new one. Hes been forced into getting creative with swears.
SystemError505: brb gotta help my bro out
xCodeRedkerx signed in
CodeRedker: whats up VanillaSluts!
IndigoLit: oh please no
BasicSquid: oh please yes!
CodewRedker: Oh shut your rum raisin mouth. Let's kill some cherries!
And that was the start of a crazy raid. The game upgraded and had new types of zombies. More gruesome but equally stupid.
Indigolit: Why are they red?
CodewREDker: They shoot fire. What do you expect?
BasicSquid: Blood? Would be nice.
SystemError505: Suuure only you would ask for that.
Your not sure why you haven't signing in sooner. This felt right. No worries, no thinking. Just a wonderful game of killing everything in sight. For the next couple of hours you caught up with your team. It felt nice to know they were still around. You missed them. A perfect distraction from your day. Maybe tomorrow you'll have a chance to talk to the rest of the guild.