The sweet smell of pie wafted in the air as you could feel yourself sink into the large cushion chair. The waiter politely seated the three of you down. The name tag said Darla but you knew it was Pam. Pam must've forgotten to bring her name tag and had to make due. Typical as she placed a few menus before leaving to fetch you a round of water on the house. You're glad Frisk picked the cafe. You knew the selection so you could recommend something for the two to eat. It's a miracle that the place was packed with people as the place was loud with conversation. No one seemed to notice you or your buddies.
"So what are we gonna do after this?" you asked the two. You wanted to see what they were into so it's not just you picking all the stops for them.
"Could we go back home and pick up Domino? We could take a nice walk around the park" Frisk asked as they brought out their phone to show you a video "They know a few tricks I taught them so far"
You could see the little fur ball rolling around before giving Frisk a first bump. The whole exchange was sweet to see. You were excited to see what else the little cat or pup could do.
"DOMINO IS AMAZING. He's on his way to becoming a service pet!" Papyrus chuckled. Soon the server came with water for the table. You asked for a batch of nachos to start as this gave your friends a chance to look over the menu. They nodded before disappearing into the backroom.
You listened as your friends were going over the morning. You chuckled a bit as they started throwing jabs at each other. It was nice. Your eyes started to wander over to the booths of people until they landed on a familiar hoodie. Carlos and his gang seemed to be finishing up. You could see the group asking one of the staff for something before running out. Did they even pay for their food?
"Hey guys I'll be right back. I'm going to wash my hands before the food gets here OK" It was a lame excuse but you didn't bother to hear their response as you hurried over to the exit. Carlos and his buddies were in the parking lot. Just laughed as they talked a bit. A part of you wanted to ask but the realistic part of you preferred to talk one on one. So you waited. They seem to be saying their goodbyes before they all split up. This was your chance.
"Dining and dashing huh? Why am I not surprised" You tried to hold back your venom as Carlos looked back in surprise.
"Shut up. It's not like that!" he shrieked back. "I already paid. Why do you care?"
Carlos looked hurt before placing his hood up as he was walking toward the bike rack.
Oh, you weren't done. There were a million things you wanted to say to him. But the only thing that came to mind was that you missed him. Sure you're mad at his actions, would love to lecture him on the stupid choices he's made and you still want to slip him up the head. And yet you wanted to hear his side of the story.
You took a deep breath and calmly called out to him. Carlos didn't look at you as he folded his arm. He isn't going to make it easy for you.
"I'm sorry, last time we talked it was a bit messy and I chased you and it was a mess" you trailed on as you could see this got your brother's attention.
"You fucking threw a hanger at me" Carlos grunted as they turned toward you. "that was messed up"
You chuckled. As you can recall Mom threw far worse at the two whenever you caused problems. Heck, you still weren't sure how she got you with an orange.
"You know you deserved that. Also thanks for leaving me to deal with the shoplifting idiot" you said sarcastically. Carlos looked guilty before grunting in confusion.
"How? San should've used his magic to return it." Carlos looked confused as you tried to explain for the last time that wasn't him. Even showing pictures to tell the two apart. You have to point out that Blue had stars for eyes before it clicked for your brother. Carlos looked at you in disbelief as he scrolled through the old photos to the new ones.
"Whoops sorry. But wow they look so alike! Another reason you should probably stay away from those freaks. They are nothing but trouble" Carlos gave you back your phone. "And before you try defending them you should consider what they are up to"
"What could they be up to?"
Carlos looked around paranoid. The parking lot was quiet as nothing but sounds of crickets filled the air. A minute passed before Carlos moved closer to not let anyone hear him.
"They are hiding a secret from everyone. The monsters aren't safe. I've seen it before my eyes, there's a sickness going around and it makes them go insane. One even tried to attack me" Carlos pulled at his hoodie to see the hood was scratched up a bit by something. It was small, almost like a rodent did it. "I was lucky and dodged the monster. But it's crazy that it happens for a few seconds. Their eyes grow bigger before they attack. It's not natural. None of the adults believe that this is spreading "
His eyes were begging you to believe him. Frantically, he tried to look around for more proof. You knew he was telling the truth as his eyes never left yours. His story seemed a bit strange as he recalled seeing a frogger acting out and a skeleton. But you needed to check first. Something didn't add up. How are they getting sick?
"Have you tried talking to anybody about this?" you asked as he nodded before hanging his head down.
"I told Frisk about the accident, I was attacked by the restaurant. Too bad we didn't have cameras installed out back yet. But it didn't matter, they didn't believe me…" Carlos kicked at a pebble as he deflated a bit. " What's worse is Frisk closed down our shop. Someone from the government came one day and closed us down for some weird investigation going around and we couldn't interact with evidence. We haven't been open since. I hate that guy!" Carlos growled as they huffed in anger.
You didn't know what to say. Frisk wouldn't do something like that if it endangered their livelihood. That was Grandma's shop and in all that time she never closed down. The whole community knew of the place. Why didn't anyone tell you about this? What other events have you gone unaware of?
Carlos seemed to understand your confusion as he continued. "Maya wanted us to keep quiet. It hasn't been long since we've been shut down"
You said nothing as this wasn't what Frisk told you. And you weren't sure what else you didn't know.
"That's awful and do you know when they will be open?" you were hopeful that is until Carlos shrugged. He wasn't sure when but he continued with the bad news.
"That's not even the worst part. The skeletons moved a while ago and moved into a bigger house. It's a few streets away from us thankfully, but I've heard from my friends who live near them that they've been dealing with blackouts every few days. And they think it's because of them" Carlos said a bit spooked but you rolled your eyes. That was hard to believe. It takes a lot of power for the whole block to go into a blackout.
"I dunno, Carlos that one sounds like a rumor" and you could imagine his friends aren't the most reliable people. Carlos didn't argue.
"Ok, I thought so too but they said they see lights turn on and off when the skeletons are gone. So what are they hiding back home?" There could be ghosts or some crappy electrical work. Another idea popped up: what if it was some relatives like Red and his brother? What if it's all connected?
You kept your mouth shut as this isn't something you could bring up. And even if you did have a hunch… this would slowly go back to why did Papyrus tell you that they didn't have relatives when they did. You needed facts and you didn't want to fan more flames to Carlos' anger.
Carlos looked at you expecting a response. You decided to go with the safer option
"I dunno, it sounds weird. I should ask Papyrus this later. Maybe he can explain it" This simple problem had an easy fix but Carlos didn't believe you.
"Good luck. He's as shady as his brother. I wouldn't expect him to tell the truth. But do whatever you want" Carlos grabbed his bike off the curb. "Just don't trust them too much, OK? I don't want you to get hurt"
"Fine, how's mom and dad doing?"
You tried to change the subject as the topic was making you feel uneasy. Also, you were curious how your parents have been handling things. He seemed to perk up at that.
"Not bad they bought a food truck and seem to make it work. Also, Maya is having a baby shower, you should come. She will probably text you the date, please come." he asked.
Wait, Maya is having a baby? You couldn't help but feel happy to hear your sister is having a kid. All this time you didn't think Maya would want to have kids. She was always so busy with college that you didn't know she was even dating.
"Just act surprised when she calls you about the invite. And uh I didn't tell her about your situation so just talk to her."
"I should, shouldn't I?"
It wasn't much of a question as it was a statement. Carlos didn't even respond as he started biking away. Leaving you confused but you needed to get back. Who knows how long before Pam gets back with the nachos.
You walked back using the back entrance leading to the kitchen. The kitchen doors were in the same hall as the bathroom. So you could make a quick exit and get back to your buddies. You walked out to a nice surprise, a soapy but familiar face.
"helloooooo gorgeous!"
Red greeted as his hands were deep in dishes and soap. You couldn't help but bite your tongue at the view. Red looked different wearing the busboy uniform. His gray shirt looked soaked as did the white apron that hung around him loosely. The bright pink gloves over his claws took away any scary demeanor he had on before. And the red bandana on his head was a nice touch. It looked exactly like the ones the cooks wore on their heads to keep the sweat off their eyes. You figure one of the cooks probably gave it to him.
Steam looked as if it was coming off the skeleton. You waved at him as you were trying to walk away. You didn't want to deal with potential red flags. Much less deal with this obvious flirt. You try to walk back towards the dining room but Red has other ideas.
"aww come on talk to me. At least until I'm done with this stack" Red pleaded as he pointed at the small stack. It was a small tower that could take just a minute or two. And you were curious as to how he got into this mess.
"Alright, so why are you washing dishes? Did you like the food here so much that you started working here?" You asked as Red began scrubbing the plates vigorously. You prayed that he wasn't gonna be working permanently there.
"You could say that…my bro lent my help to his girlfriend. Not a fair trade but you just sweetened the deal a bit" He chuckled as he pretended to spray you with the hose. You flinched only to feel a light mist. Red laughed as he kept missing you by a bit each time. And each time you kept flinching. You glared daggers at the menace.
"heh stop, glaring sweet cheeks. I know you want me"
The dude was seriously getting on your last nerve. One day someone should give him a taste of his own medicine… This gives you an idea. Fine, you'll give him what he wants. You put on the charm.
"oh yes but how will you break it to my boyfriend for seducing me?" You leaned up close to the monster. Letting your facial muscles soften as you give him a sad pout.
"Will you take responsibility"
It was a risk but you expected him to pull away. Guys like him were all talk. The monster didn't even blink as the skeleton chuckled. Even leaning in closer.
Unfortunately, he was an exception. The monster licked his teeth as he teased.
"Careful, you and I both know I can do it better" He chuckled as he pulled away at the last minute to get the hose and splash your face.
Wiping off the rest and sprinkle back at him. You stare daggers at him as he lifts his hands in surrender. This could be a trick but his eyesight looked innocent enough. Guess you would have to trust him. If he did spray you again you could always dump dish water on him. So win-win.
"You suck but at least your cleaning dishes"
"Is that a compliment sweets-fuck who eats mustard with pickles?" Red replied as he dug deep into the dishwater to grab steel wool. Attempting to erase the abomination from the plate. He kept scratching at the stain until it turned white.
You look at Red as they seem to be grumbling a bit. Fighting off more pesky stains. You wanted to point out that the house had a switch that pressure washes the dishes quicker but you have a feeling this guy didn't want to hear it.
What is up with this guy? He's either a big flirt one minute or a jerk the next. Monsters aren't normally this confusing. And yet he's here helping out so he's not all bad. At this point, you remember what Carlos said about monsters.
"Hey, Red um do you think all monsters are good?" You blurted out your question before you could think about it. It didn't take long for a response.
"fuck no"
"What?"
You give him a look. He didn't blink as you waited for them to say they were joking. But the skeleton stayed adamant.
"I don't care how the royals portray our kind. Some of us are assholes. No one is perfect". Red smirked as he hosed your shoes with water once he found the switch. " Oops welcome to the splash zone"
"Well, I should go. My friends will get worried if I don't see them soon" you trailed on as you waited for Red to excuse you. You feared he would splash you if you left right away. You had to be polite even if he was just one word away from you smacking him. But your hinting seemed to be on deaf ears as Red remained oblivious as you waited for him to say something.
Nope, the monster started to whistle up a broken tune. Dear lord that sounded broken. Red could see you cringe at the sound.
"Well not all of us could be gifted with lips. But I do have a message from your boy. Watch out for any shifty skeletons"
"Why didn't he just message me?"
The Bone brothers were awfully quiet today. Blue only sent a good morning text. And Papy sent you a meme. You didn't think much of it.
"It's more romantic and they are busy hunting, just be careful"
"What more shifty cousins?" You added. The skeleton looked bored at your response before blowing some bubbles your way. You didn't believe him. All the skeletons you've met have been at least friendly. Well almost…
Red seemed to frown as he judged your reaction and simply shrugged. "I'm just the messenger. So don't go greeting every skeleton you see. Not all of us are friendly, sweetheart" Red wiped his hands on his apron as the small stack was put away.
Guess he was telling you to leave now.
"I'm here because someone insisted that you should know. There's someone out there that seriously cares about you"
You looked away guilty.
"Your right I'm sorry- wait I thought you were here to help"
You look up to see the skeleton gone. Leaving behind a sign 'Gone on a break' on top of the soap suds. He had the nerve to ditch you mid-sentence! you know you should've seen it coming but it didn't make it any less surprising. Whatever.
You walk back to the group fuming a bit. From a distance, you could see them chomped down on nachos. Leaving only the jalapeños for you to eat. Yum! You smiled at them. Your waitress came along as they said the daily specials. Papyrus patted the seat next to him.
"WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?" paps asked as they handed you the menu. "IS EVERYTHING OK?"
"Yeah, I got sidetracked and thought I saw someone," You explained. Frisk nodded as they began to order their food. Paps quickly followed along.
In the end, the three of you ended up getting soup and sandwiches as it was the house's special. Enjoying the good food and better company. You tried to keep the conversation light but Carlos' words got you a bit skeptical. And it sure didn't help getting a second opinion.
__________________
You guys made it back home. Paps walked with you to the park as Frisk went to the apartments to pick up Domino. You lent him the keys as you didn't want to miss your chance to chat with Papyrus.
The park was small in comparison to the forest nearby. It still held on the the charms of a playground nearby as you could see people playing on them. But that's not what caught your attention. The sleek black benches were empty as they looked toward the giant statue of a bird. It was mostly isolated except for the occasional shifty squirrel.
Paps guided you along to the statue. His face grappled with emotions as a child trying to fit a square into a triangle hole. You sat down quietly as you waited for him to gather his thoughts.
"ABOUT THIS MORNING. I GUESS WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT IT"
A part of you was curious about what Paps wanted to talk to you. In these small rare moments, you guys could talk about anything. It looked like he wanted to tell you something. And you figured you have a few things to ask now with Carlos updating you so it's the perfect time.
"LET ME START THAT WE ARE ALWAYS HONEST WITH EACH OTHER RIGHT?"
"yep 100%"
"AND YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU RIGHT?"
"And I would die for you, paps," you said in a playful tone. Papyrus looked at you funny. As you tried to keep a serious face.
You made a promise to Sans a long time ago that you would protect Paps no matter what. And you still would. You couldn't help but chuckle as Papyrus looked worried before frowning a bit. You could tell he immediately thought of you trying to protect him. And got a weird image as he shook it off.
"ANYWAY SO BACK HOME SANS MESSED WITH A-"
"What did I do?"
Papyrus let out a girlish shriek as both of you turned around to see his brother. He nonchalantly waved as he let out a yawn. When did he get there?
" So what were you saying Papyrus?"
Papyrus's jaw slacked at seeing his brother. You tensed up.
"Why are you here Sans?"
" Domino got out. Frisk asked me to help look around. And I figured they came this way" The monsters pulled out a broken leash. You looked around and could think of a few potential spots the little puff ball could climb or hide in.
"BROTHER HOW DID THEY GET THIS FAR?" Papyrus's voice held a bit of venom as he pulled you up. "I'M SORRY SIS BUT COULD YOU WAIT BACK HOME? ME AND SANS CAN LOOK FOR THE DOMINO?"
Why? You could help too. Papyrus withered a bit under your gaze. He must know what you're thinking.
"DOMINO IS A HANDFUL. YOU COULD HELP BY STAYING HOME. LIKE A LOOKOUT! DOMINO MIGHT COME BACK HOME ON HIS OWN"
If the dog, cat, or fox is missing you would think that they would need all the help they could get. You were gonna interject but Sans cut you off.
" Listen to Papyrus. We don't need your help."
" I know this area I can help you guys"
It wouldn't be fair if you didn't help with the search. You looked at papyrus hoping you could change his mind. You wanted to help and be useful. Papyrus would understand. He didn't say anything as he shook his head. Paps whispered sorry as they ran to look for Domino. This left only you and Sans. Sans seemed to grow impatient as he snapped back.
" This is more of a monster problem. just go back home and wait inside." Sans's voice grew harsher as he continued. "Why do you always fight orders? He's trying to be nice and the least you could do is take the hint. You would only hold us back so just go home"
You could feel your stomach drop at his words. This wasn't the first time Sans had said this to you. Your mind flashed with instances he would say it was something a monster could do. Or it's their problem and not yours to deal with. As if you weren't a part of them. During that time you tried to prove that phrase wrong. But you couldn't. Nothing you did made a difference that Sans couldn't do better. As if your being there was a huge burden. And maybe he was right…
Sans always knew what to say to hurt you. Especially if it was the truth. You didn't know how your face reacted because you could see Sans softening up. You didn't want his pity.
"Fine, do whatever you want" You spat back. You walked away as you could smell the familiar magic when he teleports. You didn't bother to look back as he was already gone to look for the pet.
At times like these you REALLY hated magic. As if magic was what kept you from helping out. Stupid magic! Magic was just one useful skill but you have experience. You know dogs as you recalled little breakfast would run away. And the best way your family came up with to find him was putting your old clothes in a cage to get him to track your scent. And in a few hours, he would be back.
And magic doesn't stick to clothes but marinara does. Maybe papyrus clothes could help. Immediately this gave you an idea.
You ran back home picking up food and one of Papyrus's jammies. You wrapped it around your neck as a scarf. This should show them! Even if you come back empty you could at least say you tried.
You avoided the park as they got that covered. Domino would climb trees at times but maybe they were hungry. They could be looking for food nearby. and the closest restaurant would be a pizza shop a block away. And considering Domino is a fast one it wouldn't take him long.
You ran over to the pizza shop. The place was still open and you could smell pizza from a distance. You look back at the alley as something moves. Domino?
The place was engulfed in shadows as the sun was setting making the place look a bit more spooky with the shifting in colors. The dumpsters blended in with the grey of the walls. The smell of fish and unsavory yeast filled your senses. In the mix of it, you could see something poking out.
You whistled as you took out the chicken leg from the container. In the shadows, you could see something fall off the dumpsters as it moved around.
"Domino?"
"H U M A N "
That didn't sound like a dog or cat. His voice was raspy. This looked up as you could see one huge red eye light. They got up and you could smell a lingering smell of fish and pizza. The rest of his face was covered up in their hood.
You had to encounter a homeless person. Great. If you were lucky they were the friendly kind or reasonable. All you can do is reason with them. Normally they are pretty nice unless they were on crack but he didn't seem like that, more unhinged if anything.
"I'm sorry, I was just looking for my pet"
You tried to keep your voice friendly as they stared at you quietly. Their eyesight followed you as you moved between your heels. This made your stomach turn as you couldn't help but continue blabbing "Anyways I thought food would lure the little monster back. I should head back"
You were going to turn back but his voice stopped you. Leaving a cold chill up your spine at that creepy voice.
"If you were looking for a monster, What did you bring?" The hooded figure moved closer as you slowly walked back. You were at the edge of the alley. Just a few more back steps.
Red words seemed to echo in your head. 'Some of us are assholes. No one is perfect
Why didn't you believe him? You are useless and are probably going to die here if you're not quick enough.
"Oh, it's just chicken. Everyone likes chicken" You point at the drumstick in your hand. You seriously regretted saying that as the giant red dot shrunk down into a pinprick. It reminded you of a cat about to go after its prey. Your prey.
You dropped the chicken as you ran out. Letting any potential Olympic runner come out as you run for your life.
That's the last time you talk to a stranger. This might be the last time for anything. Why didn't you just accept your fate and just listen to Sans? You're a useless person who holds back everyone you love and what's worse you can't help yourself.
You pulled out your phone to see if he was following you but nothing appeared. In that short second, you bump into something hard. You could feel yourself fall but something cold caught your hand before pulling you back to them. Oh no.
Their hood was down and the skeleton had a crazed look in his eye as he began to laugh viciously. Their grip was firm as they pulled you closer to them. In a messed-up embrace you couldn't pull away from. As their voice was just next to your ear.
"This Monster pefers human flesh" They began to chomp down on your shoulder. You felt a brief bit of pain as the monster struggled to take a proper bite. Luckily the jammies were in the way. In that moment of desperation, you returned the favor and bit down on the neck bone. Hard.
A taste of ozone and milk came into mind as your tongue tasted the bone. They began to scream as they tried to pull away from you. You held them tightly, your teeth remained clenched on his bones. Oh no they weren't going to be let off that easily. Crazy beats crazy and you were crazy mad right now. You kept chomping down. Any frustration you had you let it out. Each time he was able to pull you away you would bite down on another body part.
"S top ! I'm sorry, just let go of me human! " Their voice was less unhinged but you didn't believe him. Their hands kept pushing you as it grew more annoying to bite into something. You stopped biting down as you got a good look at him. His eye was back to being a decently normal size. They tried to pull away from you as they had fear in their eyes. As if they were fighting some lunatic. oh right…
You let him out of your embrace as the monster took a few steps back. Cowering over a bit they examined their hands and arms. You could see a few bite marks remaining on their bones. A part of you felt guilty but that didn't excuse him for trying to eat you.
"Well, you were trying to eat me first!" You defended as they looked as if you grew a second head.
"You bit me ! That doesn't make it right ?!" They defended as they pointed to one of your bite marks on it.
He winced a bit as they touched the places you bit them. The monster looked at the injuries in horror. You tried to play it cool.
"Those are practically love bites. Perfectly harmless! unlike your bites! If it wasn't for this scarf I would be your next meal right now" This shocked the monster as they looked at the bite mark on the jammies. You showed them your shoulder as there was a small bruise there. They began to look at it in disgust as they pulled at their other eye socket.
"It was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen. Fingers tend to t r i gg e r something in me. I 'm sorry" Their voices gurgled as they tried to hide their shock. You looked at them as they looked scared at their surroundings. The look reminded you of a traveler lost in another country. Maybe he's recently come to the surface?
"Well, I'm sorry too. I guess we both went a little crazy there. Well, let's start over. Hi, I'm ____ and I'm looking for my friend's pet. What's your name?"
"Axe"
"Axcuse me?"
They looked uncomfortable as they repeated their name. It didn't sound like they even liked their name but you nodded. You can't pick and choose your name.
"Well hello, Axe it's nice to meet you" You pull at your sleeve as it turns your hand into a nub. A small smile spread over their face as they shook your nub. You could feel their fingers were splintered as they tugged on your sleeve.
You smiled back as they let go of your arm. From a distance, you could hear footsteps come your way. Oh no you figured someone heard Axe screaming and was checking it out. Axe looked for a second in their direction before a panicked look appeared on their face.
"watch out" They grabbed your arm and pulled you back into the alleyway. You two hid behind the dumpster as they pulled you into them shielding you. The reaction left no time for you to react to his hold as you heard footsteps growing faster.
"Stay quiet. The real monster is coming"
They grew closer as you could hear shuffling near the alleyway. You looked up at Axe as their eyelight shrunk a bit in fear. A light sound of ticking could be heard near your ear. Axe was shaking as a small rattling tick could be heard. You quickly hugged them as they cushioned the rattling. Instinctively your hand petted their back. Trying to soothe them as you could feel your own throat trying to close up from the tension. The footsteps grew closer as it was inches from the dumpster and both of you held your breath.
But the footsteps stopped as you could hear a familiar voice.
"SANS! I FOUND A SHOE"
The footsteps ran back out of the alley. Sans? Weren't they looking for Domino? And why did Axe tell you to hide if your ex isn't a threat? And that didn't explain why are they over here. You had a bunch of questions and you weren't sure what to do.
You took a peek as Sans was no longer in sight. You let out a sigh of relief. Wait, why did you have to hide? You're still mad at that jerk.
Well, at least Axe could relax. You looked down as you had the monster close.
You were so focused on your questions that your body was on autopilot. You forgot you were holding a monster hostage in your arms. He probably thinks you're crazy for not letting them go.
You look at them as their eye lights grow hazy as you start to pull away. You could hear a soft hum coming from them. They nuzzled closer to you as they tightened their grip a bit more.
"P lease don't let go" They softly whispered as they held onto you. " not yet, just a little longer"
You didn't respond as you let your body do all the work as you began to comfortably scratch at his back. Just like when you used to comfort your old dog during thunderstorms. You laid their head on your chest as you held on to them in a more comfortable position. The thunderstorms were far away you could faintly hear familiar chat growing quiet. Leaving you to listen as no more noises could be heard. The sounds of cars and people passing the alley filled the voice. You kept on petting Axe until he dozed off a bit. This is not what you thought you would be doing today.
The strong smell of pizza in the air was stronger than the faint smell of fish lingering in the area. It was making you hungry as it's been probably an hour by now. The only indicator that the trio was still looking for Axe was that you didn't get any phone calls yet. The skeleton woke up a minute ago as their eye blinked in surprise that you were still here.
"Hey, sleepy head. It's time we get something to eat" as you pointed at the building behind you. Axe nodded.
Both of you got up. You had to stop him from opening the dumpster, signally him to follow you as you led him inside the restaurant. You guys smelled awful that won't do. Before he could reject your advances you pushed him into the girl's bathroom to clean up a bit.
You took off your shirt as you kept your tank top on before throwing the smelly shirt into the garbage. You won't need it again anyway. You grabbed the soap and started to clean your arms and face. Axe stood still as you finished up.
He's next.
His phalanges were dirty as you poured soap on them enough as you scrub at the dirt from garbage or mud. The moment you could see them turn pure white you feel satisfied. He didn't struggle as you dampened a few paper towels and began to wash his face a bit. Avoiding any cracks as you failed to notice them when you first met the guy. The monster was starting to look less like nightmare fuel. Easing your mind as they looked decent enough. They looked at you lost but didn't say anything. Following all your commands with ease.
Once the two of you were clean, you took him out of the bathroom. Luckily there was no one there minus the cashier but they didn't question you as they were scared of your silent friend. You ordered 3 large pizzas and 2 drinks as you were thirsty. You listed the topping on the first two but let Axe pick for the third one. To be nice and because you owe him. You figured you guys can eat 1 pizza and the remaining 2 go to your friends and ex.
The order was set and you guys sat down. You found a comfy booth that had the blinds down as you sat down. The soft squeak from the seat left you smiling. Axe followed as he sat next to you.
You didn't bother telling him to sit across from you as his face told you he wanted to stay close. You sipped your drink. What should you ask?
Axe seemed to know what you were thinking as he started to pick at his empty eye socket.
"I' m not suppose to be out. I 'm not stable and" Axe seemed to start coughing as a bit of dust came out. You panicked as you held your drink out for him. Not thinking if that could hurt him more but the monster took a sip before his eyes lit up.
Before you could say anything his mouth was smacking into yours. You tried to pull away but you grew shocked as something wet sneaked into your mouth. A long tongue started to form in your mouth as it squirmed tasting every bit of you. The kiss was a surprise but it felt different to you. Almost as a link was made with each passing moment. You couldn't resist accepting it. Finally, did you react as his kiss grew hungry with each moment? Axe pulled away as both of you were breathing heavily.
He looked dazed but you could see two eye lights looking back at you. His breathing relaxed as he smiled at you. His eye lights were still red but they lacked that crazy look anymore.
"Thank you. You don't know how much this helps with my magic. I almost feel like myself again…Sorry, but I realized humans have magic in their fluids. You guys don't use it but it's still dormant in you. I needed help, sorry about that" Axe sounded sorry but his face didn't seem to show it as he smiled proudly. As if this discovery would win a noble prize. You couldn't help but blush.
He was right though his voice lost that bit of raspiness to it. And you can't be mad it felt nice…to be needed. It's been a long time since youve been like this with someone.
"It's fine. It's just been a while since I've been kissed" You tried to sound nonchalant but Axe seemed to approve of your statement as he continued.
"The monsters following me are called Sans and Papyrus but we call them cinnamon and vanilla," He said as he took more sips of your drink "They can't know I'm here"
"Why?"
You looked at him confused as those were your friends. And yet the look on Axe face left you unsure.
"Those guys you heard are, I guess the wardens of this place. I got out or more like let out. I wasn't in the right mind. sorry again." He looked at you guilty as you faked biting sounds as you grew closer to his arm in return, Axe smiled " The tall one isn't bad and I needed to talk to him but the other one is here… I can't let him catch me"
"What's wrong with Sans?"
"I don't know if he will help. How much do you know of alternate realities? or the expansion of galaxies and spacetime" You looked at him funny as he began to ramble on about the universe. A part of you logged off in the mix of his speech. You logged back in once your pizzas were ready. You set 2 aside and you opened the third one to eat.
You took a slice as you ate the sweet pizza with joy. The familiar taste of ham and pineapples filled your tongue with pleasant memories. This one was Mom's favorite pizza. You and your sibling would always joke that she was crazy for the weird combination but now found comfort in it. Axes seemed to have the same thought as he gulped down 3 slices in under a minute.
"Quiz time! What did Chrysippus suggest to the Greeks before the Middle Ages could come up with their idea" Axe looked excited and awaiting your response.
Crap. You didn't think he was gonna quiz you on this. You took classes on baking and liberal arts. You have zero idea what he was talking about. Well, it ain't the first time you let a nerd down before. You've led dozens of group projects down this should be a piece of cake
"Axe, I love that you tried to explain to me how multiverse theory works but I got nothing. I'm not gonna lie to you I'm dumb"
Axe didn't agree or say anything, you looked more confused as he mouthed the word love before shaking it off. He looked more lost as you signaled how it came in one ear and out the other.
"I think you're brilliant," He said truthfully as it left you a bit surprised. He grabbed a slice as he began the lecture again. It was worse as he tried to explain using the remaining two slices. Using the topping to bounce from the two.
You were almost tempted to kiss him to shut him up. Well almost. By the second time he was done the second time you were more lost.
"So you're saying you need a place to crash so they don't find you because of reasons?" You asked as the skeleton monster nodded. "Well I would offer my room but I have family over if you want I could ask for some help from my friends"
Percy did owe you a favor. Maybe you could explain this to Blue. It's a big if because what if they were a part of the whole situation? You couldn't deny Axe was a skeleton monster and it could all relate somehow they are all in on it.
Your head hurt as you tried to think this all worked together somehow. You suck at conspiracy theories. Your buddy Cobalt from Blasters would love to unravel this mystery.
"Please I can't have anyone else know. The bigger the risk if more people know. If anything I'll try to guide Sans away in a different direction and come back" Axe used the cups as he formed his plan. But that still left a problem.
"What if they follow you back?"
Axe smiled as in a blink of an eye he was sitting across from you. Oh magic, great…
Axe's eyes grew big as he laughed excitedly. "Thanks to you I got some of my old magic back to make my escape possible"
This little nudge of a compliment didn't go on deaf ears as you smiled. content with being able to be someone's savior.
"Alright, I guess you could come back to this pizzeria on Monday afternoon and I can show you my place. That would make us roommates!" You got excited at the idea as this would help his situation and help you with the empty apartment.
Axe nodded as a thoughtful look filled his face.
"mates"
"Yup roommates"
You nodded as the plan was in motion. You guys left the pizzeria as you held on to the pizzas. Axe looked at you one last time before pulling you in for one more passionate kiss for the road. You welcomed it this time as you felt giddy you could help someone out.
"goodbye my mate"
And with a wink, he was gone. Leaving you walking back home. A thought did occur to you if his tongue had tasted familiar. And it finally remembered the taste as you saw egg shells on the floor. You began to spit out any leftover spit of his. You suppressed any mental images of Axe eating eggs from the garbage.
The moment you got home you took a shower. Just to wash away any remaining smell of spoiled food you retained. And a long day with toothpaste and mouthwash.
Your buddies came home late with Domino at hand. They didn't say anything to you as you texted them to eat the pizza. They found you still brushing your teeth for the umpteenth time once they were done. You ignored them as you continued this until they were watching a movie.
You didn't ask them about multiverse theory or if they knew any skeletons. In the long time you were washing your teeth all that popped into your head were ground rules for your future roommate.
____
Axe
He looked at the night sky as he thought of his roommate. A wonderful date mate he will be to her but in the meantime. He avoided Sans footsteps as he teleported out. Laughing to himself as vanilla would never see it coming