#uuuugh short reply sorry

[kiminicricket]

Swords and Opals - 15

A Ruthari fic based pre-show. adventure. friendship. bad-assery. fluff. angst. romance. and of course, Ruthari. What else could you need?

Need to catch up? From the Start Previous Chapter

Pre-warning for a little bit of Language and a little bit of kissy kissy

The shadowed figure in the doorway stalked towards him, Ethari took a step backwards, the back of his legs hitting his workbench. He was trapped. He glanced around, but the only doors in and out of the workshop were behind the figure. He took a deep breath, readying himself to scream or yell or cause a ruckus but stopped dead still when the figure’s face came into view from the dim glow from the forge. It was Runaan and he had a most determined look on his face. Ethari faltered in his movements, but Runaan kept moving until he was right in front of him, that piercing gaze holding Ethari captive.

“Did you mean it?” He asked, almost growled.

“Mean what?” Ethari asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Runaan’s hand came up to cup Ethari’s cheek, fingers gently tracing along his tattoos.

“Is there more where that came from? I made it back.” His eyebrow raised, almost cockily as he smiled at Ethari.

Ethari could barely hold a coherent thought let alone speak right now, with Runaan’s fingertips tracing his skin so gently. He just nodded and closed his eyes as Runaan surged forward and kissed him hungrily. It was everything Ethari had hoped for and his arms came up to grasp Runaan tighter as he returned the kiss, grasping fistfuls of tunic, never wanting to let him go again.

Runaan seemed to mirror the sentiment as his other hand came up until he was cradling Ethari’s face in his hands, thumbs gently tracing along his cheekbones, fingers tangling at the edges of his hair. One hand moved to cup the back of his head, the other wrapped around him, drawing him impossibly closer, fingertips grazing just under Ethari’s top and leaving trails of burning sensations anywhere skin met skin. Ethari was lost in Runaan. He never wanted to return to reality, wanting to live forever drinking from Runaan’s lips, breathing in his presence.

A single lingering concern broke through the haze and Ethari pulled back, gasping for air. Runaan’s lips simply moved from his own to his chin, his jaw, his neck. Ethari’s hand went to the back of Runaan’s head, cradling it as he struggled for a moment of rational thought.

“The others?” He managed to breath out.

“Safe and sound.” Runaan said into his neck. He kissed Ethari again and Ethari melted against him, all thought leaving him except the elf kissing him.

***

“I’ll have you know that your little stunt drove me crazy.” Runaan said hours later as they lay comfortably together.

“Crazy good I hope.” Ethari said, playing with a strand of Runaan’s hair.

Runaan leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. “Crazy crazy. I was hopeless on this mission. The team leader was so disappointed in me. All this buildup and I didn’t even kill anyone.”

“You didn’t?”

“Nope, too distracted by a certain elf.” Runaan gently tapped Ethari’s nose. “I couldn’t stop thinking about him.”

Ethari was quiet for a moment, letting that sink in. He absently traced the tattoos on Runaan’s shoulder until Runaan leaned up on one elbow.

“You went quiet.” He remarked.

“I guess I just don’t understand. I’m not complaining, at all, I just don’t understand.”

“I don’t even know if I can articulate it.” Runaan said.

Ethari nodded, staring up at the roof. He didn’t expect there to be a reason. Sometimes feelings were funny that way. It was enough that they had made it to this point.  There was a moment of contented silence before Runaan spoke again.

“You saw me at my lowest, and you were kind, and dependable, and incredibly smart, and funny, and hot as hell.” Runaan leaned down and planted a kiss on Ethari’s shoulder.

Ethari turned shining eyes on Runaan. “I… don’t even know what to say.” He whispered.

“What about you?” Runaan asked.

“What about me?”

“What was… how… did you,” Ethari smiled as Runaan stumbled over his words. Seeing the smile Runaan huffed indignantly, motioning for Ethari to speak.

“I never thought someone like you would even notice me.” Ethari admitted, reaching out to cup Runaan’s face.

“Someone like me?” Runaan nuzzled into the touch.

“Talented, popular, smart, handsome, top on every elf’s wish list.”

Runaan let out a self-conscious chuckle, reaching up to take Ethari’s hand in his own.

“For a long time you didn’t I suppose.”

Runaan looked distressed.  He opened his mouth as though to protest but Ethari kept talking.

“It’s fine, I’ve always kind of hung back, not wanted to be the centre of attention. I definitely noticed you, had a crush on you for the longest time, before I even knew you properly.” Ethari paused. “And then when I did, I guess I just saw through the mask. That’s when it really hit me I think.”

“The mask?” Runaan frowned.

“The ‘everything’s ok and I’ve got things figured out’ mask.”

The frown deepened. “You fell for me because I’m actually a disaster?” He clarified.

Ethari laughed. “I mean when you put it that way…”

Runaan leaned over him and smiled. “I think you should stop talking now.”

Ethari smiled back. “I think you should make me.”

Runaan didn’t bother replying and Ethari closed his eyes as Runaan’s lips met his once more.

***

Tiadrin and Lain were waiting for Runaan by the training fields. Lain sitting on a huge tree root with Tiadrin tucked between his legs. He was bent over her shoulder.

“See if you curl your fingers like this,” Lain’s hand curled Tiadrin’s fingers, and then straightened her thumb. “And then I do one too, and then we join them together like this,” he touched their fingertips together. “It makes a heart. See?”

“Uuuugh” Tiadrin let out a long groan, her head falling back against his chest. “You are such a hopeless fucking dork. I love you.”

Lain stiffened behind her, quickly turning her to face him. “You what?” He asked, searching her eyes.

Tiadrin blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear. She hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but now that she had, she wasn’t taking it back. She met Lain’s gaze, sure and steady. She shrugged.

“You heard me.” She said with a shy smile. Lain slid off the root and drew her closer.

“I’d like to hear it again,” He whispered, lips hovering over hers.

“I love you, you dork.” Tiadrin said, closing her eyes.

“I love you too.” His lips descended on hers, arms wrapping her in a tight embrace.

“Ahem.”

Runaan’s voice drew them apart and Lain shot him a dirty look over his shoulder as he released Tiadrin.

“Oh you finally ready for training,” he groused.

“Sorry, I uh- overslept.” Runaan shrugged.

“Oh. My. God!” A huge grin split Tiadrin’s face as she took in Runaan’s appearance. Very well put together but wearing the same tunic as the day before. And were his lips a bit pinker than usual?

Runaan frowned at her. “What?”

Tiadrin just smiled smugly. “Shall we go then?” She asked innocently.

“By all means,” Runaan indicated for her to lead the way.

They spent the morning running drills and exercises, sinking into the practiced familiarity of the movements. Movements that carried extra weight after their last assignment. Still they practiced until they could do the movements in their sleep. Until defence was second nature, and attacking quick as an asp was first. A few hours into the sparring Tiadrin whispered to Runaan.

“Someone’s got a visitor,” she winked and glanced towards the end of the field, where Ethari was watching them. “He’s not here to see me.” She said, grinning.

Runaan rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile as he quickly and confidently took her down until she yielded. “Who knew having your boyfriend here would be so… motivating.” She grumbled, pushing his sword away from her.

Runaan said nothing, just swung again with the practice swords. She parried easily.

“What’s that? No denial?”

“Why would I deny it?”

Tiadrin’s shriek paused all training as every eye on the field turned towards her. She had flung her arms around Runaan, who had turned the colour of a moonberry and was awkwardly hugging her back.

Lain rushed over. “Is everything ok?” He asked, worriedly.

“Yes. fine.” Runaan said. Tiadrin dropped and turned to Lain, a brilliant smile on her face.

“Runaan has some most excellent news. ETHARI!” She turned and waved him over. Ethari cautiously made his way to them. Tiadrin, finally noting that she had drawn a crowd waved the onlookers away.

“As you were folks, nothing to see here.” Several raised eyebrows, smirks, and even chuckles were heard as the assassins returned to their sparring. Ethari reached them in short order.

“Nice of you to come watch us practice,” Tiadrin said meaningfully.

“Ha, yeah I hadn’t been in a while and I-”

“She knows we’re together,” Runaan said, interrupting him and taking his hand. Tiadrin couldn’t help an excited squeal as they interlocked their fingers. Ethari blushed and smiled, his whole face glowing with happiness.

“Finally!” Lain said, reaching out to hug them both.

Tiadrin hugged Ethari fiercely and reached out to punch Runaan in the shoulder.

“If you hurt him I will hunt you down and murder you in your sleep.”

“Tiadrin,” Ethari said, a warning tone in his voice. He had no doubts that she would, but didn’t really want that kind of tension in their group.

“No no, I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Runaan nodded to Tiadrin.

“It’s about bloody time.” She said. Runaan just raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean by that? How long have you known?” Runaan shot an accusatory look at Lain.

“She’s talking about me,” Ethari said, tugging on his hand and pulling Runaan’s glare away from Lain. Runaan softened.

“Oh, of course.”

“I mean, I was talking about both of you,” Tiadrin said, drawing Runaan’s attention once more. She shrugged off the cautioning hand Lain put on her shoulder. “It’s difficult to tell, but once you get to know that Runaan’s ‘I’m into him’ face is only very slightly different to his ‘I hate this’ face and figure out the difference, it was clear as day.”

Runaan turned red and scratched the back of his neck, seemingly uncomfortable with Tiadrin’s discerning eye.

“Well, we should give you two a minute. Not too long though Runaan or you’ll be running laps. You know how Usten gets.” With that Tiadrin and Lain walked away. They hadn’t gone too far before Tiadrin turned around and made an obscene gesture, throwing them an exaggerated wink before turning back and returning to sparring. Runaan and Ethari were left at the end of the training field. Runaan turned to face Ethari, shrugging helplessly.

“I know she means a lot to you, but if a terrible accident were to happen and she somehow lost the ability to-”

Ethari grinned and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek, stopping Runaan mid-sentence. He wasn’t worried about Runaan and Tiadrin fighting, because he knew that Runaan respected and valued Tiadrin, and also because even if things did get a little heated, Tiadrin was more than capable of handling herself. It was, however interesting and somewhat satisfying to see the calming effect a simple kiss had on Runaan. Ethari squeezed his hand gently before letting go.

“I should let you get back to it.” He said softly.

“I’ll see you tonight?” Runaan asked.

“Count on it.” Ethari said, smiling as Runaan leant in to give him a soft kiss. Then another. Then another.

Laughing, Ethari finally pushed him away. “Off with you and train.” He said. Runaan kissed him one more time and then jogged back onto the training field. Ethari settled on the edge of the field and pulled out his sketchbook. It was a glorious day after all, it would be a shame to waste it by staying inside.

AN: Thanks to all for taking this crazy ride with me! I’m about to start uni again for the semester so I’m going to have to leave this one here for now. I do have some more plot ideas but have no idea when I’ll be able to post, so I’m officially calling Hiatus for now. Definitely let me know if you want more though. Thanks to everyone who has liked, reblogged, and commented and encouraged this fic! Y’all turned it into what it is today.

Much Love xx

[uber--duper]

Cold Snap

Kirumi takes the day off to deliver a little something to her girlfriend on her birthday.

Happy (late) birthday Kaede!

AO3 Link

Kirumi Tojo let out a quiet sigh, watching her breath spiral up into the air. The sky was overcast, the clouds a moderate gray blanket over the city. Frost coated the leaves of trees set into the sidewalk and the edges of awnings, the air holding a sharp chill that Kirumi honestly thought was not appropriate for the end of March. The wind playfully flapped at Kirumi's brown overcoat, exposing the black sweater and jeans beneath, as though such cold weather wasn’t out of place. Mother nature was a fickle parent, and it seemed she was not happy today.

Aside from the sudden cold snap, however, Kirumi was in a pleasant mood. In her gloved hands she held a tiny box, holding something she had made for a certain someone. She had taken the day off from her work and spent the entire morning making sure this little confection and its companion were perfect, and now that it was the afternoon, Kirumi was headed to her destination. The surprise cold made her plans a little... difficult, but she was sure that things would work out. After all, her special someone always seemed to make sure they did.

Clouds swirled forebodingly overhead as Kirumi finally approached her destination, a run-of-the-mill apartment building on the corner of a block right next to the smallest supermarket Kirumi had ever had the pleasure of shopping in. She walked up to the front of the building, sparing a short glance to the new piece of graffiti etched into the brick before turning to face the building's intercom. To her right lay the front door, its awning rustling quietly in the breeze. It was a short matter to locate the correct apartment number, and Kirumi gave the button a steady poke, waiting for the old machine to buzz before releasing it.

“...” The speaker beside her crackled, slowly rousing itself from its chill induced sleep. A moment later it crackled again, and then again before a familiar voice finally came through. “-llo? God, this du... ing never f... orks... Hello?”

“Hmm hmm...” Kirumi hummed in amusement before pressing the button that allowed her to respond and leaning forward to get closer to the microphone. “Hello, love.”

“Oh!” The intercom shouted back, voice distorted and wavering. “Oh, Kirumi! I d... alize you w... oh jeez... hold on...” The intercom shut off for a few seconds, and Kirumi patiently waited. After a minute, the front door let out a loud snap, letting her know it was unlocked, and the intercom spoke up again. “Uh... ease take yo... me. I'm not r....” And then it cut out. Kirumi spared another glance at the intercom, making sure it wasn't going to say anything else, before she nodded and headed inside.

The lobby was quiet, with nobody was in the lobby at the moment. That was fine, Kirumi knew where she was headed anyway. She made her way over to the elevator, hearing the front door lock behind her. Her destination: Apartment 537.

The front door of said destination was given two swift knocks, and Kirumi moved her little package behind her back. Even inside the building, it was rather chilly, and Kirumi wondered why they hadn't turned up the heat. Oh well. There was some shuffling coming from inside of the apartment, and it grew quiet and louder a few times before it finally seemed to arrive behind the door. There were a few clicks and snaps of locks being undone, and then the door swung open with a blast of warm air.

Over the threshold stood Kaede Akamatsu, a local piano instructor and Kirumi's lovely girlfriend. She looked somewhat disheveled, hair askew and clothes somewhat rumpled. Kirumi could tell that they had probably been sitting at the foot of Kaede's bed up until just now. Speaking of said clothes, Kirumi frowned. Kaede's shirt, a pastel pink long sleeve, was clearly something that should have gone in the wash, as Kirumi could see the tiny dots of spaghetti sauce on it, and the hem was fraying. Her pajama pants were in better shape, but... green and red plaid?

“...” The two stared at each other for a few moments before Kaede groaned. “Uuuugh, you should have told me you were coming over, I look like a mess...” Still, she stepped to the side, allowing Kirumi access.

“Yes you do, dear.” Kirumi said with a chuckle, stepping into the tiny apartment. Kaede let out a quiet sound of protest, but Kirumi simply leaned over and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “But I only say that because I love you.”

“I know...” Kaede murmured, clearly grumpy, but with a lilt of joy. She was evidently happy that Kirumi was here, even if things did look messy. “What are you doing here? I thought you had work today.”

“I did.” Kirumi said simply, beginning her walk towards the kitchen. Kaede followed, moving to walk at Kirumi's side. Kirumi turned her body so that the box remained hidden. “But I knew you didn't and I thought that it would be a pleasant surprise to visit my wonderful love on her birthday.” At that, Kaede's face lit up.

“Oh my god.” She said, lurching towards Kirumi and wrapping her arms around her. “You're so cute! Oh my god, thank you so much!” Kaede squeezed, and Kirumi let out a breathless chuckle.

“You're... crushing me... dear...”

“Oh!” Kaede released her. “Sorry...” The two arrived in the kitchen, and Kaede finally noticed that one of Kirumi's hands was locked firmly behind her back. “What's that?”

“What's what?” Kirumi teased.

“The thing you're holding behind your back!” Kaede stepped to the side, and Kirumi shifted so that the box was still hidden behind her back.

“I'm not quite sure what you're talking about.” Kirumi said, cocking her head.

“Kirumi!” Kaede cried out, moving to the side again, trying to peek behind Kirumi's back. The two went around until they had turned in a full circle, and there was a ghost of a playful smile on Kirumi's face. “Please tell me what that is.” Kaede whined, pressing her front to Kirumi's and trying to hide her smile. She looked up at Kirumi, a mock pout on her face. “Is it for me?”

“...perhaps.” Kirumi finally said. She used her free hand to lightly push Kaede back, bringing the box to her front. “Happy birthday, love.”

Kaede took the little box with a child-like wonder in her eyes, as though she'd never received a birthday present before. She marveled at the unembellished box for a few moments, almost turning it upside down before Kirumi stopped her. Kaede finally pulled the top of the box off and glanced inside, gasping in delight when she saw what was inside.

There were three things in the box. The first thing, and the one that took up most of the space in the box, was a cupcake. Chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, simple yet elegant in its creation. Unfortunately, it had grown colder than Kirumi would have liked, due to the temperature outside. Kaede plucked it from the box and marveled at it for a few moments, much to Kirumi's amusement, before placing it onto the kitchen counter.

The second item made Kaede gasp again as she pulled it from the box. It was a polished silver necklace, with a small aquamarine set into it. It sparkled in the less than optimal kitchen light, and Kirumi watched with a smile as Kaede stared for a few seconds, mesmerized. The third item, which Kaede plucked from the bottom, was a simple folded slip of paper.

'Happy Birthday, Kaede', the note read, written in Kirumi's polished and flowy handwriting. 'You treat me so well, so today I will treat you. I might struggle to show it at times, but here I can fully express just how much I love you. I hope you enjoy the gift, my dear. -Your Love, Kirumi Tojo.'

A hush fell over the kitchen as Kaede's eyes scanned the note. The only sounds in the room were the humming of the fridge and the muffled howl of wind from outside. It took a second for Kirumi to notice the shaking in Kaede's shoulders. A frown settled onto her face. Oh no. Was something wrong? Kirumi racked her brain, trying to think of what the matter could be. Before anything came to mind, however, Kaede looked up, tears streaking down her cheeks.

“K-Kirumi...” She said, voice wavering.

“Kaede.” Kirumi responded. She started to reach out to her girlfriend, but before she could make contact, Kaede lunged forward, tightly wrapping her arms around Kirumi.

“K-Kir-rumi!” Kaede cried, burying her face in Kirumi's chest.

“Kaede, I-” Kirumi began.

“I l-l-love you! I lov-ve you so-o m-much!” Kaede wailed, looked up at Kirumi with fat tear drops rolling down her cheeks. “Th-This is so sw-weet an-and... and lovel-ly... and I... I...” She sniffled.

“You scared me, dear...” Kirumi murmured, running a hand through Kaede's hair.

“S-Sorry...” Kaede laughed, wiping her cheeks with a fist. “I just... It was so unexp-pected… and I’m… I’m so h-happy...”

Kirumi let Kaede cry for a minute, gently rubbing her back, before speaking up again. “I take it you enjoyed my present?” she asked, smiling.

“It was perfect.” Kaede replied, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She did, however, smush her face back against Kirumi’s sternum, her fingers digging into Kirumi’s back. “Thank you...”

“It was really no problem.” Kirumi remarked, continuing to comb her fingers through Kaede’s hair. “I’d tell you that you should eat your cupcake before it gets cold, but it appears that it’s a little too late for that.”

“Pff.” Kaede snorted, pulling away again to look up at Kirumi. “Is it really that cold?”

“Yes, unfortunately.” Kirumi sighed in annoyance. “And I wanted to take you somewhere nice for dinner too. I tried to make reservations at that Italian place down the street, because you think it’s so romantic, but they were full for some ungodly reason...” Kirumi frowned, her brow furrowing. Kaede snickered, causing Kirumi to look down at her and raise her brow.

“You’re so cute when you’re trying plan things.” Kaede said, smiling. Now it was Kirumi’s turn to look away, pink rising to her cheeks.

“I… well… it’s important to plan things beforehand.” Kirumi managed. “Things… well, they didn’t work out and...”

“It’s fine.” Kaede said. “We can… order a pizza. Lay on the couch, watch a movie.” She grinned, loosening her grip on Kirumi a bit so she could wipe away the rest of her tears. “I’ll eat your cupcake, you can have a bite, and then I’ll put on the necklace.”

“...” Kirumi smiled. “You’re so cute when you make things work out.”

“I know.” Kaede teased. She finally separated from Kirumi, rubbing at her eyes with the heels of her hands before straightening her back. “I’ll call the pizza place.”

“Then I suppose I must warm up the couch.” Kirumi smiled, removing her coat and laying it onto the counter. “...” She turned to see Kaede with her phone already in one hand, the other digging through a drawer for the pizza place’s menu. Kirumi looked over her girlfriend with affection. “...I love you, Kaede.” She said.

“Love you too!” Kaede replied. Kirumi smiled. What did she ever do to deserve someone like Kaede?

[peacekeeperangel]

Flamethrower Part 7

UUUUGH Sorry guys. Flagging inspiration is a demon. But Hey I’m back right? I’m afraid my gung-ho for this fic is slowly dying out and really it’s mostly me being stubborn and wanting to finish the project I started that’s keeping me going. Any support will be fabulous but I don’t blame if y’all abandon ship at my turnout rate in the future.(low turtle is slooooow) Summary: Not much is known about Sans the Skeleton. He owns a bar in Snowdin. He has a younger brother Named Papyrus. And recently something’s been raiding his trash for food. Reversing the Roles of the Baby Blaster AU originally created by @spacegate

Part 7 of (?) Notice: this Piece is mostly self-edited and may contain typos, grammar errors and run on sentences. if you spot a mistake, please report kindly

A piercing buzz startled Orange awake, causing his flames to flicker wildly before he could regulate his breathing into something resembling normal. Not for the last time he wished he wasn’t such a heavy sleeper but he doubted it would help, especially if White considered doing something other than playing a loud noise at random intervals.

“All agents, assemble in Main Room in ten minutes.” White’s voice came through the hidden speakers with such intensity that made it sound like the monster was in the room with the tiny fire elemental. Of course he wasn’t though, the room was only large enough for Orange in his “Feline” form as White called it, and even then he had to crawl along on his belly to get through the small iron door that vanished into the wall when it was open.

“About time runt.” Blue was already there, the brawny older flame standing in a corner looking fairly broody and mean-spirited as usual. “Was sure you’d get us inta trouble with White again.”

There were others in the room besides the Blue flame, at least four other flames, like them, all different colours and all striving very hard to ignore the obvious confrontation between the youngest of their number and the strongest.

Orange did his best to be as non-confrontational as he could be, hunching up into a ball and keeping his eyes averted from Blue’s angry gaze. “I dun even know why White puts up with you anyway, he should have ground you down for EXP months ago-”

“That’s enough Blue!” a bright yellow flame, almost as big as the burly bully stepped between Orange and Blue.

“Out of my way Yellow! I’m going to raise my LOVE like White wants us to do!” “Not at the expense of our own!” Yellow snarled back, his “mouth” exposed, fangs of yellow flame bared at his peer. “We need to look out for each other, remember?”

“That was before-” Blue was cut off as the large door slid open and in stepped White, his skinny frame ramrod-straight, white lights ghosting along the youngsters as they rushed to form neat rows in bipedal form, as they had long ago been instructed to do. “Very good. All present and accounted for.” White stated to no one in particular as he peered from one child to the other, marking something down on a notepad he carried with him. “the rate of your progression for EXP is down overall.”

Orange flinched as he glanced at the others out of the corner of his eye.  Red looked defeated, Indigo was obviously terrified, Green and Violet were holding back lava-like tears while they reached out to each other desperately for comfort but unable to break White’s rules for “attention” which mostly consisted of staying very still and looking at him while he talked. Blue and Yellow were probably the worst off with the former looking murderously angry as one hand dug into his arm while Yellow looked...empty.

“While this was expected, considering you’ve been grinding out EXP from specially-bred surface animals, you’ve plateaued far sooner than I’ve expected.” it sounded like what White was saying was something positive, the gleam in his eye was unmistakably angry. “I shall be altering your training program to compensate for this failure in growth.”  he pointed a long narrow finger at Orange.

No no no nononono... a welling terror sent him breaking formation, he didn’t know where he could run but anything was better than what White was going to do.

DING! Orange felt his bare feet lift off the floor. “Come with me Orange.” White commanded as he hoisted Grillby in his powerful magic.

“No! Please I don’t wanna!” Grillby thrashed, his flames spouting off like minature solar flares. “Help me Yellow! I don’t wanna burn anymore!” But Yellow wasn’t there. None of them were, just Six piles of Ashy soot in a rapidly darkening room until Grillby couldn’t see them anymore. “Enough of this ridiculous behaviour Orange.” White scolded pulling him further into the dark. “You are a fire elemental, burning is how you exist in this world.” a dim orange cut a door out of the void, “It’s time you used that existence to actually benefit Monsterkind for once.”

White reached out and opened the door. “Now go out there and grind out some EXP.” he proclaimed before throwing Grillby into the writhing, screaming maw of hell.

“I gotcha kid.”

Grillby jolted awake in time to watch a glob of half-melted metal get thrown out the open window in a field of blue magic. The heat of the room was so intense that Grillby was barely able to feel the familiar chill of Snowdin’s “Night” cycle. He was amazed that Sans was able to remain so composed in the intense heat.

“Feel like talking about it?” Sans asked, closing the window. Somehow the short skeleton always knew when Grillby was having nightmares. He never said anything about the nightmares, only asked if the flame elemental wanted to talk about it.

He never wanted to talk about it. “No...” Grillby mumbled. “Want me to stay?”  Sans asked pulling a new Fire Talisman from a pocket, hanging it once more from a small nail on the wall. Once Sans had sat down and explained the purpose of the little metal plates Grillby had felt utterly relieved to have them. Actually he had wanted to put up more than one but Sans told him that they had to make them last, since they were difficult to make.

“...” Grillby hugged his pillow and tried very hard to avoid Sans’ gaze. This was the third time tonight he had melted a talisman.

“Just let me know kid. I’ll be right outside.”  

______

“Sans this cannae go on!” Caedmon barked.

“Says the monster with the highest Home-repair bill in Waterfall.” Sans yawned as he poured himself something strong from the bar into a shot glass. “How’s Undyne’s cooking lessons by the way?”

“That’s different and ye know it ye bony bugger!” Caedmon growled from his stool at the bar. “You’re barely getting enough rest standin’ sentry and the Boy’s managing to blow out nearly half a dozen talismans a night. Ye need to do something!” “I am doing something.” Sans replied before throwing the glass back and downing the beverage in one solid gulp. “I’m making sure the kid’s safe and getting a full night’s sleep without worrying that the Fire Elemental’s version of wetting the bed doesn’t burn the house down.”

“The kid still won’t say what’s givin’ him terrors is he?” “Nope. And I know he’s uncomfortable sleeping on the bed.” Sans sighed, “Or maybe he’s just uncomfortable sleeping with me there but it’s way too risky in case a talisman blows out.”

“Can’t ye ‘read’ him like all yer other clientele?” Caedmon asked dryly.

“I’m not freaking telepathic Ironbutt.” Sans replied dryly, “My shtick is just good observation and really good intuition.”

“Really now? Just that?” Caedmon leaned forward. “Okay then can you gue-”

Before the living armour could finish his sentence Sans had a shot glass full of the same liquid he had just drank himself. 

“It’s harder with some but....”  Sans grin grew to Cheshire levels without moving an inch.

“Oh shush.” Caedmon said with disgust. ______

“What do you want to do today Grillby?” the elemental stared at Papyrus like he was cracked. “I...don’t understand?” Since he had recovered enough from his illness to get out of bed, Papyrus had dedicated himself to the care of their new housemate with all the gusto he put into pretty much anything he did. Papyrus was to be a great hero after all! You couldn’t be a great anything without putting everything into it! The only problem was that Grillby appeared to be just about uncomfortable with everything. Sans suggested that something had happened to Grillby that was so terrible that it made the little elemental frightened of the world- Which meant it was up to Papyrus to show Grillby that the world was wonderful! “Come now Grillby!” Papyrus crowed, pointing at Grillby. “There must be something you like to do, that makes you feel happy?” the little elemental shrunk back and looked away from the finger. “Y-y’ello hided with me a lot. That was nice.” “Nyeh?” this was new information. “Who is this Yello monster?” Papyrus asked curiously, turning his head to look Grillby in the eye. The elemental only responded by squeezing his eyes shut, looking more like a tiny pillar with clothes on a kitchen chair instead of s child. It was clear that this was one of those things Sans told him about. A bad thing that Grillby wouldn’t want to talk about. Fair enough, Papyrus concluded. He would simply have to work with the information given. “So you enjoy hiding then? Well I don’t know if there are very many places to hide in this house...” he looked around. “But let it never be said that the Great Hero Papyrus let a challenge best him!” and before Grillby could ask the skeleton dashed out of the kitchen with a cackle of glee. Grillby carefully slipped off the chair to follow Papyrus only for the Skeleton to burst into the room with a handful of small objects. “While the Great Hero Papyrus is constructing your fun for today, he thought that you might enjoy the use of his Battle Strategy models. Feel free to call on the Great Hero should you need him for anything!” the teenage skeleton unceremoniously dumped the items onto the table before once more dashing into the living room.

The items were, in fact little male and female monsters, mostly dressed in fancy armour and holding fancy weapons. Most appeared like animals, others appeared to look like random items. There was even a turtle-monster that reminded Grillby of the old Turtle that had visited them awhile ago.

Then at the bottom of the pile, he spotted it. A bright yellow doll shaped like Grillby in green armour, grinning fearlessly, their mouth fully exposed to the world.

Grillby stared....

“You have to Orange...” he gasped, lava leaking from blackened wounds as he held the sword to his chest. Grillby dropped the doll, kicking at it and sending it skittering across the kitchen floor. Gasping and panting he held out his hands, watching as tiny licks of flame expelled off his body, the heat of the room rising.

No No nononono... he tried to calm down, to get his fire to calm, but nothing was working! He was going to burn down the house and kill everyone and then White would be mad at him and-

“Here you are.” A fire talisman was pressed into Grillby’s hands and with it a force seemed to press his flames down until they were back to their normal consistency. “Feel better now?” Papyrus asked kneeling to look the elemental straight in the face.

The tears began to well up into Grillby’s solid white eyes. “Sorry...” he murmured fiddling with the little metal disk in his hands. “Do you need anything else?” Papyrus asked, his voice surprisingly soft. “It’s okay to tell me, It’s a Great Hero’s job to help people in distress!” Grillby blinked and wiped at his face. “... Wuz a Hee-row?” He mumbled. “Want me to show you?” Papyrus asked holding out a hand. ____

“I’m home.” Sans called out... to find Papyrus sitting cross-legged on the couch with a large pile of comic books stacked next to him. “Hello brother!” Papyrus called out cheerfully. “Grillby asked an important question, so I have been reading him all the finest quality examples of Heroism I have collected from the Trash!” Sans quirked a brow. “Izzat so? Where is the little dude?” Papyrus tilted his head. “Grillby? Please ring once if you would like Sans to know where you are, twice if you do not.” Ding

before Sans could ask, Papyrus hopped off the sofa and motioned quietly to Sans before moving towards the back of the sofa. Sans followed his brother’s silent instructions only noticing the throw blanket that had been ever-so carefully poised to make a little tent in-behind the sofa, under that tent was a nest of blankets and pillows scoured from every inch of the house with currently housed a ball of fiery fuzz curled around a small silver call bell. “The Great Hero Papyrus has been training his new sidekick on the important lore of Heroism!” Papyrus declared primly. “Grillby and I have been going over lore while he makes his secret hideout extra comfy!” Grillby in his feline form peeked over a pillow to look up at the elder skeleton. Sans grinned. Once again Papyrus to the rescue, it was obvious that Grillby was the most relaxed he had ever been since entering the house. “I’ll have to commission you Papyrus. It looks super comfortable in there. I might need one.” “It’s for Heroes only Sans! Nyeh heh heh!” despite his protest Papyrus chuckled in pride.

“Riiight. I bet there’s a few around the house I don’t know about too?” “Well there was going to be more...” Papyrus replied sheepishly, “But good Heroes need lots of rest to be at their best when they are needed!”

“Well no rush, You’ll be only one ring away it seems!” Papyrus groaned.

It was later that night that Sans personally added the curtains and extra blankets and pillows to Grillby’s bed. The little elemental managed to sleep fairly soundly... But Sans had to telekinetically pull a Fire-tailsman from it’s hook on the wall to keep the cherry-red metal from scorching the drywall. “Baby steps.” he murmured over the hiss of the melting snow on the windowsill.