Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

>How many years had it been since Kris talked with a friend?
>How many years had it been since he HAD a friend?
>After Toriel and Asgore’s divorce, the patriarch managed to win custody over his eldest son and moved out of town with him.
>That left Kris without a brother, a father, or a connection to make friends.
>Once Dess learned of Asriel’s departure, she stopped talking to the human.
>Noelle stopped too shortly after.
>With no one to talk to, not even his dramatic mother, he stopped talking all together as well.
>He just sunk in on himself and clinged to what few happy memories he could.
>While Kris stayed trapped in the past, time kept moving.
>Before he knew it, he was already in high school, but…
>Everything felt so monotonous to the human.
>Wake up, go to school, go home, sleep; the cycle repeated itself.
>However, this year would be different.
>Noelle was back in town after visiting family up north and she’d be joining the human’s school.
>She was homeschooled by tutors her mother had hired for most of her life, so her only real way of socializing was with other people in the high class world.
>But, their snobbishness never rubbed off on her.
>She was always her goofy and bubbly self.
>At least, that’s what Kris would see any time he bothered leaving his house.

>Kris walked through the school’s halls and immediately zoned in on the doe, seeing her talking to a group of other monsters.
>Happiness and excitement welled up in him for the first time in years.
>With a pep in his step, the human walked over to Noelle and called out to her.
>The whole group stopped talking as the doe turned around to face him.
>Her expression…wasn’t what he expected.
>She looked repulsed.
>”Do I know you?”
>It took Kris a few seconds to process her question.
>Quickly, he sputtered out his name and how they were friends back when they were young.
>Noelle just shook her head.
>”That sounds like a nice fairytale and all, but I’ve never met you.”
>Kris felt his heart sink in to his stomach.
>Did she really forget who he was?
>”Oh wait.”
>A smirk crawled on to the doe’s face.
>”Yeah, I’m beginning to remember. You were Asriel’s brother, right?”
>Not the memory he was hoping for, but Kris grasped at the chance to rekindle a friendship and nodded his head.
>”My sister wanted to give him this, but I think you’ll do just fine.”
>Raising an eyebrow, the human asked her what she meant by-
>A slap across the face.
>It stung and the sudden force caused Kris to fall back and on to the floor.
>”Your brother owed my sister a lot of favors before skipping town. Seeing as you’re his brother, it’s only fitting you take his debt, right?”
>The human shook as the deer stood over him.
>Her smirk had grown in to this smug grin that was laced with disgust.
>”Let’s get along, alright?”

Chapter Text

>Kris stared down at the ground.
>It was a lot easier than meeting the gaze of Noelle and her group of friends.
>In just a week, his former childhood friend had forced him in to a contract.
>He had to wait on her hand and foot, and if he failed to meet her expectations, he was slapped.
>This whole burden dropped on to him just because of a fight Asriel had with Dess back when they were children.
>Kris mentally cursed at how asinine this all was.
>Why should he pay the price for a childish fight his brother got in to?
>But, the human’s anger was quickly snuffed out by his despair.
>Even though the circumstances were less than ideal, Kris WAS hanging out with Noelle again.
>He had a friend.
>”Hey, what are you smiling about?”
>Kris perked his head up and turned to one of the monster girls in the group.
>Had he been smiling?
>”She asked you a question, so answer!”
>He felt a hand slap him in the back of the head.
>Grunting in pain, the human grabbed at the spit where the monster had hit him before weakly telling them that he didn’t know he was smiling.
>”You…didn’t know why you were smiling?”
>A small silence permeated throughout the group before erupting in to obnoxious laughter.
>”God, like, you’re so weird!”
>”Were you dropped on your head as a baby?”
>Kris ignored the monster’s jeers and instead focused on Noelle.
>She wasn’t laughing.
>Why wasn’t she laughing?
>Did she actually care-
>The doe’s eyes met his and she immediately smiled.
>Not a kind, heartfelt smile.
>It was a wicked and smug grin.
>Kris looked away from her and stared back at the ground.
>It really was easier to look at than the monsters’ eyes.

>The bell rung and the last class of the day was over.
>As every student filed out and in to the halls, Kris did the opposite and went further in to the school.
>He was heading to Noelle’s class, as he wanted to ask her if she wanted to walk home together like when they were kids.
>The human grasped at the air as if trying to hold the young deer’s hand again.
>His trip down memory lane was cut short by the sound of more obnoxious laughter.
>Looking up, Kris could see Noelle and her group of friends.
>Before he could call out to her, one of the snobby girls took notice of him and called out first.
>”Heya, weirdo!”
>All eyes were on the human once again and he felt himself shrink before their very gaze.
>He could barely speak as the girls pestered and mocked him.
>However, he finally got his bearings and blurted out asking if Noelle would like to walk together back home.
>The group all froze except for the doe.
>She merely just smiled and told the others to wait out on the front steps of the school for her.
>Reluctantly, the rich girl posse all left their friend behind with the human.
>It was just the two of them now, and yet somehow Kris felt even smaller.
>”So, you want to walk me back home?”
>The deer chuckled as she stepped closer.
>”You want to whisk me off my feet and carry me back to my castle?”
>Noelle got right up in to Kris’ face, still smiling that smug grin of hers.
>”Now, why the hell would I ever even consider that? Fahaha!”
>She held up a hand to her mouth as she laughed.
>”Do you think you’re some kind of underdog who will get the girl by the end of the movie? Oh please!”
>Placing a hand on the human’s shoulder, she leaned in and sneered.
>”What got it in to your head that I would want anything to do with you?”
>Kris squeezed his shirt and, through sniffles, told Noelle that he just wanted to spend some time together like how they did when they were kids.
>Meeting her gaze, he told her that he just wanted to spend time with his only friend.
>Noelle seemed to…shut down for a second.
>She just stared at Kris for a few seconds before backing up from him.
>The human was about to speak again when the deer grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and slammed him against the locker.
>”DON’T!”
>Noelle let out a shaky breath.
>”Don’t talk. Just shut up and let’s go.”
>She grabbed his hand and began dragging him out of the school.
>She merely waved off her friends, telling them that she was gonna force Kris to go buy her some food from Q.C.’s.
>On the way through town, while it felt like his arm was going to be torn off, Kris felt happy.
>Even though Noelle seemed upset, she still bothered to walk home with him.
>And that made the human genuinely smile for the first time in a long time.

Chapter Text

>The past couple weeks weren’t so bad in Kris’ opinion.
>Sure, he was pushed around, insulted constantly, and even hit a few times, but it didn’t matter to the human.
>He was hanging out with his friend and that’s what counted.
>However, today, just like the day Noelle returned, was different.

>”I don’t like it when you say stuff like that.”
>Kris looked up at the deer quizzically and asked her what she meant.
>”When you tell me how much you missed me and when you call us friends? Stop that. It’s disgusting.”
>Kris dejectedly looked back down at the ground and weakly muttered an apology.
>”Oh don’t you go and start crying again!”
>The human sniffled and told her that he wasn’t.
>”Liar. I can see your eyes welling up.”
>She clicked her tongue.
>”Tch. Why do you have to be such a damn crybaby?”
>Noelle grabbed Kris’ shoulder and pushed past him.
>”I’m going back to class. You tell anyone about this little meetup and I’ll bury you.”
>With a shiver, the human nodded and went his own way back to class.
>What she said hurt, but that’s fine.
>Kris is just happy to be hanging out with a friend again.
>The human rubbed his eyes and let out a soft chuckle before entering the classroom.

>Getting up from his seat, Kris picked up his backpack and exited the classroom.
>School was over and it was time to go home.
>He had ended up staying a little later, however, to avoid the crowded halls.
>On his way out, he contemplated going to look for Noelle and asking her if she wanted to walk home together again, but decided against it.
>She’d probably want some personal space.
>The human let out another dry chuckle before leaving the school and heading back home.
>To his surprise though, he found the doe standing just outside her family home’s large iron gate.
>He could overhear her complaining to herself.
>Taking a deep breath, Kris called out to Noelle.
>The deer turned back and her expression immediately soured.
>”Go away, weirdo.”
>Ignoring her insult, the human asked her if she needed help.
>”No, I just-“
>She paused and sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
>”I got locked out and can’t get back in. Unless you can pick a lock, you’re just wasting my time.”
>Kris stared at the gate as an idea popped in to his head.
>He smiled and told the doe that while he may not know how to pick a lock, he can climb well.
>Noelle just looked at him in confusion and minor annoyance before shrugging and motioning towards the gate.
>Setting his bag down, the human grappled on to the gate’s bars and began his ascent.
>”I hope you fall.”
>Looking back, he saw the deer had her signature smug smirk.
>He pushed her words out of his mind and successfully vaulted over the gate, sticking the landing when dropping to the other side.
>He held his hands out in a “Ta-da!” pose and smiled.
>Noelle just rolled her eyes.
>”Now what, genius? The gate is still locked.”
>Kris’ arms fell to his side as he realized that he had no plan left to go on.
>Exactly what would he have even done after vaulting the gate?
>The house was locked and it’s not like there’s a spare gate key anywhere.
>The human apologized and said he had didn’t know.
>Crossing her arms, Noelle sighed and shook her head.
>”You’re so stupid.”
>The words cut in to him like a blade.
>He apologized again.
>”Stop saying your sorry too. It’s annoying.”
>Kris nodded and quietly muttered that he just wanted to help.
>”…Why?”
>He looked back up at the deer.
>”Why are you SO intent on helping me?”
>Kris told her it was because she was his friend-
>”Oh my god. Will you shut up with that? We’re not friends. We never were. I don’t like you.”
>Noelle sneered at the human.
>”Just get that through your thick skull already.”
>Kris couldn’t hold it in anymore and began crying.
>”Crying? Again? After I told you earlier to stop-“
>Kris screamed out that he hates her.
>However, he immediately began backtracking and apologizing.
>As the human continued to crumble in to a crying and screaming mess, the doe felt herself twitch.
>”I…”
>She became visibly uncomfortable as she pulled her arms closer to her chest and looked away.
>”S-Sor…”
>Her voice trailed off.
>As the wails of Kris continued to pelt her ears, the deer gritted her teeth.
>”I’m sorry!”
>Noelle’s yell caused the human to stop crying and look up at her.
>”I-I didn’t mean it. Fuck…”
>Kris could see that she was shaking.
>”You can’t understand. You just can’t.”
>Her voice was nothing but a whimper now.
>Before he could ask Noelle what she meant, the sound of a vehicle drew the two’s attention.
>Looking back down the entrance road, the two could see Mrs. Holiday’s car.
>It had pulled to a stop and out stepped a very irritated older doe.
>”Just what the hell is going on here?”
>Her gaze immediately fixated on the human standing beyond the front gate.
>”You! I could have you arrested for trespassing, you know?! I’m not about to let you pull another one of your dumb pranks on-“
>”Mother!”
>Mrs. Holiday turned to her daughter.
>”I asked him to. I got locked out and I asked him to help me.”
>The matriarch looked back at the human and then back at her daughter.
>With a sigh, she pulled out the gate key from her skirt’s pocket and unlocked the gate.
>”There. It’s unlocked. Now…”
>She glared at the young boy.
>”…get off my property.”
>Kris quickly nodded, grabbed his backpack, and ran up the street and towards the Dreemurr’s household.
>He practically burst through the front door and ran up the stairs before diving in to his bedroom.
>If there was one thing in this world that every person feared, it was an angry Mrs. Holiday.
>However, the fear that plagued his mind was soon washed over by a warm feeling in his chest.
>Noelle stood up for him.
>That’s gotta count for something, right?

Chapter Text

>Kris took in a deep breath of the crisp autumn air.
>The temperature was perfect outside, cold but not too chilly.
>Looking around at the orange and yellow trees filled the human with a sense of nostalgia.
>The last time he took a stroll through the path leading to the lake was years ago.
>A small smile formed on his face as he remembered how Asriel and Dess would constantly poke fun at one another on the bank of the lake.
>While the two older siblings were play-fighting, Kris and Noelle were typically off skipping rocks on the water.
>He couldn’t help but chuckle when he recalled how bad the young doe was at it at first.
>She almost took out a poor fisherman by lobbing a stone too hard.
>His trip down memory lane was interrupted by the smell of something new tickling his nose.
>It was the smell of peppermint.
>Following the scent, Kris eventually came across a familiar face sitting alone on a park bench.
>It was Noelle.
>He stopped himself from calling out to her and instead opted to hide behind one of the nearby trees when he saw her answer her phone.
>”Hello, Mother.”
>”I’m at the lake.”
>”No, I’m not with anyone. I’m alone.”
>”Yes, I can make dinner for myself.”
>”…What?”
>”Oh no, no, no! It’s not like that, Mother! We’re not like that! He’s just a weirdo that won’t leave me alone.”
>Kris’ ears perked up.
>Was she talking about him?
>”No, you don’t need to call the cops on him. Just…let me handle it please. Ok, Mother?”
>”Thank you.”
>”I love y-“
>Noelle stopped short as the her mother hung up.
>She limply put her phone back in to her jacket’s pocket and sunk back in to her seat.
>Kris decided it was time to move.
>He had planned on just leaving the deer be after that obviously uncomfortable phone call, but the crunching of leaves under his feet gave him away.

>Noelle turned around and locked eyes with Kris.
>Her expression went from surprise to annoyance to contempt.
>”What do you want?”
>Her voice was harsh.
>The human just looked at the deer and asked her if she was doing ok.
>”I’m fine. Now leave me alone. I’m getting sick of seeing your face already.”
>She turned back around and rested her head in her arms.
>Kris wasn’t sure what to do.
>His only friend was clearly in a bad mood, so he was obligated to help her.
>And even if he wasn’t, he still would want to.
>The human looked back behind him to see if anyone was coming down the path, and once he made sure nobody was, he walked over to the doe and sat next to her.
>The fact she didn’t try and push him away or yell at him again was a good sign.
>She just turned her head away and muttered something about wanting him to leave her alone.
>Kris looked over at Noelle and started reaching out to her in an attempt to comfort her, but it was quickly grabbed by the young doe.
>”Don’t touch me. I don’t want your stench on my clothes.”
>The human pulled away and scooted over a bit, quickly sniffing himself to see if he really did stink.
>Eh, not too bad.
>As the two sat in silence, Kris looked around at the trees swaying in the breeze and quietly remarked how beautiful it all was.
>”…Sure is.”
>He was surprised to hear Noelle actually agree with him on something, but quickly pushed down his excitement.
>He could jump for joy later.
>Right now, they were sharing a moment together and that’s what he wanted to focus on.

>Kris smiled and asked Noelle if she remembered when the two of them would play tag in the woods surrounding the lake.
>She didn’t answer, so Kris continued and told her that she was so hard to see in the Autumn.
>Her light brown fur and blonde hair managed to mix in perfectly with the falling leaves.
>He laughed and told her that she became practically invisible.
>Silence once again fell over the two, as Kris didn’t have another idea for conversation.
>He was about to relent and leave, but was stopped by the deer’s voice.
>”I wish I could’ve stayed invisible…”
>The human looked over at his friend who’d started looking forward rather than away from him.
>”Life would be so much easier if I could turn invisible.”
>She dryly chuckled.
>”But, no. It’s all eyes on me for the rest of my life. Faha…”
>Kris was about to ask her what she was talking about, but was cut off by Noelle standing up.
>Without looking at him, the doe continued to speak as she got out of the bench’s seat.
>”See you later, weirdo.”
>Kris turned back and watched as his friend walked away, disappearing in to the rain of yellow and brown leaves.
>He got up too shortly after and continued heading for the lake.
>Stopping at its edge, the human reached down, picked up a rock, and skipped it along the water.
>He watched as it made a PLUNK sound on its final skip.
>Somehow, for some reason, Kris felt like he was growing up all over again.

Chapter Text

>The school bell rang, and just like countless times before, all of the students funneled out in to the halls in a mad dash for freedom.
>Kris, as per usual, waited until almost everyone was gone before leaving himself.
>This time, he didn’t bother thinking to ask Noelle if she’d walk with him.
>He didn’t want to run in to Mrs. Holiday and possibly get maced if she saw him holding her daughter’s hand.
>On his way down the front steps, the human noticed a familiar looking monster standing in the parking lot.
>It was a goat.
>But, the only goats Kris knew were his mom, dad, and brother.
>He was about to turn and continue walking back home when the goat’s gaze met his own.
>A wide smile formed on his face as he waved a hand to the human and called out to him.
>”Howdy, Kris!”

>Kris paused.
>How did this goat know his name?
>Who was he and why did he seem so happy to see the human?
>Questions swirled around his brain, but were quickly discarded as the goat walked up to him.
>Getting a closer look, the human could see how tall the mystery monster was.
>His long coat and baggy pants covered his easily 6’5 to 7’0 foot frame.
>Mesmerized by the monster’s size, Kris was caught off guard by a hug.
>”It’s so good to see you again, little bro.”
>Little…bro?
>Kris shoved the goat back and stared up in to his eyes.
>He weakly asked if the monster’s name was Asriel.
>”Heh, you probably don’t recognize me at all, huh? I mean we DID get separated when we were kids and all. Hehe-OOF.”
>Kris wrapped his arms around Asriel and pulled him as close as he could.
>He was shaking so much that he felt like if he didn’t lean against his brother, he’d fall.
>The human felt two arms wrap back around him again.
>Through tears, Kris told his brother that he missed him.
>So, so very much.
>”I missed you too, buddy.”

>Once back home, Toriel revealed to Kris that it was meant to be a surprise and that Asriel was supposed to wait at the house instead of the school.
>The older brother laughed and rubbed the back of his head, apologizing.
>The normally strict goat mother just sighed and told him to follow instructions next time.
>She offered the two boys a chance to eat some pie and watch a movie, but Asriel told her that he wanted to go to Q.C.’s and take a trip down memory lane with Kris.
>With a slightly more agitated sigh, Toriel reluctantly agreed to the older brother’s suggestion.
>The two siblings waved their mother goodbye and quickly headed off to the town’s most famous and only diner.
>It didn’t take long for the brothers to start laughing and catching up after they got their food.
>”So, you’re in high school now. How’s it treating you?”
>The human just shrugged and said that it was pretty boring.
>”Really? Well, I guess that’s fair. You are the quiet type after all. Heh heh.”
>Kris pouted, earning another laugh from the goat boy before apologizing.
>”Ah, well, college has been fun in a sense. I’ve made a lot of friends and I’m on my way to getting my bachelors.”
>The human cocked his head to the side, as if to ask what his brother’s major is.
>”I can see that curious look on your face, but I’m not telling. It’s gonna be a surprise.”
>Kris couldn’t even be bothered to try and understand why someone would want to keep their major a secret.
>He just continued to sip on his milkshake, but then looked to where Asriel was pointing.
>The older brother was pointing at the human’s half-eaten burger.
>”You gonna finish that?”
>Kris just smiled and rolled his eyes before pushing his plate over to the goat.
>”Sweet! Thanks, Kris!”
>Even though people had thought Kris the weird one of the two brothers when they were younger, most didn’t know of Asriel’s penchant for eating people’s leftovers.
>Old habits die hard, it seems.

>After paying for their food, or more like Asriel paying for both of the brother’s meals, the two of them set off back home.
>However, in between the smiles and jokes, Kris told Asriel about Noelle.
>The older brother’s face took on a more somber tone afterwards.
>”Oh. That’s cool. Uh, you two still friends?”
>Kris nodded and told Asriel about all of his experiences with the doe ever since she returned back from her trip.
>The goat’s expression didn’t seem to brighten like he though it would though.
>Instead, it seemed to have just gotten darker.
>After a brief silence, Asriel put a hand on Kris’ shoulder and spoke.
>”Kris, do you know where she is right now?”
>The human’s voice quieted down as he told his brother that she was either home or at the lake.
>After their first encounter at the bench, Kris began going their more frequently and would occasionally catch the deer by surprise.
>She would never say much and what little she did say was usually an insult.
>But she never told him to go away.
>Kris’ thoughts were interrupted by Asriel gripping his hand and began leading the two towards the lake.
>The human was secretly hoping that they wouldn’t find Noelle, as Asriel’s face didn’t show that he was looking to reconnect with her.
>However, luck was not on Kris’ side.

>Asriel stopped just a ways away from the seated deer.
>She was on her phone again, sitting at the same bench.
>The way the sunset fell over her made her usual stiffness seem far more beautiful.
>”Is that Noelle?”
>The human nodded.
>The older brother let go of Kris’ hand and made a gesture to tell him to stay put.
>Anxiety welled up within the young boy as he watched his brother step closer and closer towards his friend.
>Both the doe and the human jumped when Asriel slammed his hands on the bench’s table.
>Kris was too far away to hear the two’s full conversation, but he was able to discern one part very well.
>”What happened between Dess and I was our business, and you have NO right to drag Kris in to it. If I ever hear anything about you bullying my brother again, there WILL be consequences. No amount of money will fix what I will do to you. You got that?”
>Noelle nodded and Asriel returned to his brother’s side.
>”Come on, Kris. We’re going back home.”
>The human’s hand was grabbed and as he was being led away by the goat, he turned back to face Noelle.
>He couldn’t be sure, but it looked like she was crying.
>That night, as Kris pulled the covers over himself and looked at his brother in his own bed, he felt sick.
>Did Asriel just ruin his friendship with Noelle?

Chapter Text

>Kris tugged on his clothing, making sure it was all properly zipped up and on correctly.
>Once he was satisfied with his check list, he unlocked the front door and stepped out in to the night.
>After Asriel had yelled at Noelle, she had stopped talking to the human entirely.
>Any time he saw her at school or even out about town, she’d turn away from him and quicken her pace.
>The familiar feeling of abandonment and loneliness crept its way back in to his heart when she did this.
>So, in order to right his brother’s wrongdoing, Kris decided to sneak out while Asriel and Toriel slept.
>Similarly to the gate incident, his plan didn’t go much further than step one.
>All he thought about was walking up to the doe’s home, climbing the gate, and going to knock on her front door.
>This plan was obviously full of holes as the human’s narrow mindedness and slight obsession blinded him.
>However, as he turned the corner down the road to Noelle’s driveway, it seemed like luck was on his side.
>The bright blonde hair and bright blue eyes that shined in the moonlight were unmistakable even under all her dark apparel.
>Noelle was sneaking out as well.
>Kris quickly jumped back and hid behind a nearby tree.
>He watched as the doe made her way down the street and just past Q.C.’s Diner.
>The human wondered where she could possibly be going at this time of night, but quickly realized how this could work in his favor.
>He’d be able to talk with her one-on-one again.
>Kris quietly began following Noelle from a safe distance.
>Down towards the hospital, past the library, and right up to the school’s entrance; the human watched as the deer made her way through the town.
>He watched as she…picked the lock?
>Kris was surprised at how she even knew that.
>However, his surprise would have to wait, as Noelle opened the front doors and made her way inside.
>Hopping out his bush, the human followed.
>Just what was she doing at the school this late at night?

>Kris clung to the shadows as he watched Noelle move from classroom to classroom, clearly searching for something.
>His curiosity had won out as he had completely abandoned his original plan of talking to the deer.
>After each classroom was searched, the human could hear her groan in annoyance and occasionally ask herself where “it” was.
>When she moved down the hall, Kris attempted to follow, but cried out as he tripped on his own leg and fell to the ground.
>His cover was blown.
>Noelle turned around and was about to start running before the human held out his hand and begged her to wait.
>She froze upon hearing his voice and ended up apprehensively walking over to him.
>”Kris?”
>The pain in his cheek after face planting on the hard tile floor disappeared when Kris heard Noelle say his name.
>It was the first time she had done so since she returned.
>Through held back excitement, the human got up to his feet and greeted the doe.
>”What the hell are you doing here?”
>Kris averted his gaze and mumbled that he followed her.
>”You…You followed me? Do you have any idea how creepy that sounds?”
>He was about to apologize when Noelle held up her hand.
>”You know what? I don’t care why you followed me. Just go back home and cry in to your brother’s arms again.”
>She then pointed at him and lowered her voice.
>”And don’t you tell ANYBODY you saw me here.”
>Noelle turned around, but stopped when Kris said he wouldn’t and then asked her if he could help her find what she was looking for.
>The doe turned back around, disgust written all over her face.
>”Jesus, how long were watching me? Look, I don’t need your help. In fact, your help is the last thing I want-“
>Kris asked if he could help her again with a “please” this time.
>”No, I don’t-“
>The human’s eyes began to tear up and that seemed to cause the deer’s resistance to wane.
>”Ugh, fine! Just stay quiet unless you find what I’m looking for.”
>As the two began walking towards the end of the hall to search the last of the classrooms, Kris asked Noelle what it was they were looking for.
>”It’s a…keychain with…”
>The deer’s voice grew quieter as she spoke.
>”…a bright white and light blue snowflake on it.”
>When she said that last part, it looked as if she was studying the human’s face for an answer to a question that he didn’t know.
>Kris simply nodded and said he’d do his best to find it.
>”…Alright, good.”
>Noelle seemed rather pleased with his reaction.
>Quickly and without disturbing too much, the two students combed the last of the classrooms and came out empty handed.
>”Damn it.”
>Kris watched as Noelle cursed and kicked a nearby locker in frustration.
>He felt bad for her.
>He didn’t understand why she needed the keychain so badly that she’d break in to the school at night just to find it, but it clearly was important to the doe.
>The human turned back and noticed that there was one last room they didn’t check.
>The school’s closet.
>Chances were slim that the keychain was in there, but it was their best and only bet.
>Kris called out to Noelle and pointed towards the closet door, asking if her item might be in there.
>The deer’s face twisted in to a grimace like she was about to chastise him again, but instead she sighed and walked over to him.
>”Well, it’s the one place we haven’t looked yet, so we might as well give it a shot.”
>Kris nodded and gripped the closet doorknob before turning it.

>Opening the door, the duo was greeted by a strange sight.
>The closet was dark, way darker than it should be.
>Even though it was night, the moonlight lit up the school halls somewhat so one could at least see where they were going.
>But, not inside the closet.
>It’s darkness was like a void where no light could escape.
>Kris noticed how a slightly chilly wind emanated from the room.
>”W-What the…”
>Noelle’s voice was shaky and filled with anxiety.
>Out of the corner of his eye, the human could see her backing away from the darkness before them.
>Strangely enough, Kris didn’t feel the same way.
>Maybe it was because he had become numb to scary things or his brain simply couldn’t register the danger of the situation, but either way, he still took a step forward.
>”Kris?!”
>Walking in to the room, it felt cold to Kris.
>Not like a cold Autumn night, but more like he was walking through gelatinous ice.
>It was somewhat solid, but extremely airy.
>He couldn’t see his breath either.
>Turning back, the human was surprised to see Noelle entering the closet.
>Perhaps she got scared being out there alone in the hallway?
>”It’s so cold in here.”
>Kris nodded and continued walking towards the supposed back wall of the closet to get his bearings, but…he never ran in to a wall.
>The closet just kept going and going and going.
>”T-That’s it! I’m leaving!”
>The human once again turned back and watched as Noelle started walking towards the exit when it suddenly slammed shut.
>”What the hell?!”
>Kris ran back to the deer and started pulling on the closet door’s handle with her.
>”It won’t budge!”
>As if the door closing and locking itself wasn’t bad enough, the ground beneath the two began to shake.
>”A-An earthquake?!”
>The rumbling grew in intensity, causing Noelle and to latch on to the human.
>When the shaking seemed like it was about to reach its crescendo, the floor gave way.
>Kris and Noelle screamed out as they fell down in to the black void below.

>”…is! …ris! …Kris! Kris, for the love of god, wake up!”
>The human jolted awake with a gasp.
>Sitting up, he whirled his head around, trying to take in his surroundings.
>The landscape around him was gray and rocky.
>Just down below was a pit just as dark and bottomless looking like the one back in the school’s closet.
>Kris’ eyes then met the gaze of Noelle’s.
>She looked different…
>Her hair and fur had lightened in color, as well as her outfit completely changing.
>She was no longer in the black hoodie and pants from earlier, but was wearing a hooded white robe coated in small blue snowflakes.
>She also had a small wristband that had two bells on it.
>Their rhythmic jingling almost made the human laugh despite the two’s current predicament.
>Standing up, Kris looked around a bit more, noticing a small castle in the distance near a large black flowing liquid tower stretching up in to the sky above.
>Pointing to the far off structure, he asked Noelle if she wanted to go there.
>”I-I don’t…”
>Her eyes were filled with fear.
>It was the complete opposite of how she was back at the school.
>”You lead the way. I just want to go back home.”
>It was the first time Kris got to choose what the two of them did together in so long.
>A feeling of bravery welled up from within him, causing the human to smile.
>He grabbed Noelle’s hand and began leading the two towards the mysterious castle.

>The road there wasn’t so bad, but it was certainly creepy.
>However, the way Noelle latched on to Kris’ arm made him feel better.
>Once at the entrance of the castle, the two were greeted by a strange figure in a gray robe.
>”Do not be afraid, heroes. I mean you no harm.”
>Their voice was warm, yet that is what made it so unnerving.
>”I am the prince of this land; the prince of darkness. You two arriving here is no coincidence.”
>The grip on Kris’ arm seemed to tighten.
>”There is a prophecy that two people from the Light World, a human and a monster, will ally with a prince from the Dark World, and that the three of them together will bring peace upon the lands and seal away the Angel’s Heaven.”
>The robed figure stepped forward.
>”Kris. Noelle. Will you two help me-“
>A loud explosion echoed throughout the area as a flaming bicycle slammed in to the robed person, sending them flying.
>Noelle practically jumped a few feet in the air and landed behind Kris at the sudden loud noise.
>”Ho ho ho! Got ya, toothpaste boy!”
>A voice came from above as a small and round kid fell from the sky.
>Sticking the landing, he laughed heartily once again.
>”Ho ho ho! So, you two are the heroes that have come here to seal our Dark Fountain, huh?! Well, good luck trying that!”
>Kris and Noelle just looked at one another in confusion before the doe stepped forward.
>Her fear had completely disappeared after that whole show.
>”Uhm, kid, we’re not-“
>”What? Are you too scared to take me on? Bring it! I’ll show you just how strong and evil I am! Ho ho ho!”
>”Listen-“
>”You talk too much, poop stick!”
>”P-Poop stick?! Listen here, you little sh-“
>”Lancer!”
>Everyone’s attention turned to the robed figure who had returned with the still on fire bike.
>”What have I told you about setting off explosives near my castle?!”
>”To…To always do that?”
>The mystery figure let out a long sigh and pushed the bicycle back over to the kid named Lancer.
>”Just go back home…”
>Lancer smiled as he hopped back on his bike and blew a raspberry at the figure before speeding past Kris and through the town behind him.
>”I’m so terribly sorry for all of that. Here, let’s start this again.”
>The cloaked figure removed it’s robe and revealed itself to be a black goat dressed in a green hat and outfit with a red scarf.
>”My name is Ralsei. It’s a pleasure to meet you two. I hope we can become the best of friends!”

Chapter Text

>”Again, I’m terribly sorry for Lancer’s behavior. He’s a good kid at heart.”
>Noelle rolled her eyes at Ralsei’s comment.
>Meanwhile, Kris continued to stare at the goat.
>Just who was he and what did he mean about the three of them being heroes of a prophecy?
>Before the human could open his mouth, however, the doe asked her question first.
>”Look, I just want to go home. I don’t want to be some “hero of legend.” Can you just tell us how to get back to the closet?”
>Ralsei’s joyful expression fell.
>”But, you can’t go back home yet. There’s a Dark Fountain that needs to be sealed or else the world-“
>”I don’t care. Just tell us how to-“
>Kris interrupted the two’s conversation and asked what Ralsei had meant when he was talking about a prophecy and sealing away some kind of angel.
>A small smile returned to the goat’s face as he turned to face the human.
>”The prophecy is about three heroes who will seal all the rogue Dark Fountains along with the Angel’s Heaven in order to stop the Roaring, a world ending cataclysm.”
>Ralsei walked over to Kris and clasped his hands around the human’s.
>”You, Noelle, and I are those heroes. Together, we can save the world; both for Darkners and Lightners.”
>Kris couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
>Was all this true?
>If so, him being a hero?
>And…And fighting evil alongside Noelle?
>The human’s face turned a shade brighter as he thought about it.
>This could be it.
>This could be the excuse he needed to deepen his friendship with Noelle.
>No school, no Asriel, and no Mrs. Holiday to get in the way.
>Kris excitedly exclaimed that he’d love to save the world with Ralsei.
>The goat’s eyes lit up, his large smile beaming.
>”Thank you, Kris!”
>”Kris…”
>The armored human and scarf wearing darkner turned to face the robed deer.
>”You can’t seriously be agreeing to this, right? It’s…insanity.”
>Kris watched as Noelle gripped her robe’s sleeve and squeezed it.
>Wordlessly, he walked over to the doe and grabbed her hand.
>It was like routine at this point.
>At first, the tears were real.
>When Noelle hit him and verbally beat him down, the tears that stained his cheeks were very real.
>However, they began to get faker and faker as time wore on.
>Now, if Noelle started being too mean or didn’t agree with him, all Kris would have to do is fake a sniffle or two and let his eyes water up.
>Whatever resistance she had would ultimately crumble, as deep down, she was still Noelle.

>The deer sighed as the human began to sniffle.
>”Ok, ok. I…I guess I’ll come along. I don’t want your mom getting angry at me if you went missing anyway.”
>Kris immediately smiled and thanked Noelle.
>Ralsei practically jumped for joy before running over and shaking the doe’s hand sporadically.
>”Thank you! Thank you!”
>”S-Sure.”
>With the three all on one page more or less and a quick battle lesson by the black goat, the trio headed off towards where the Dark Fountain lied, Card Castle.

>”This is the Scarlet Forest. It’s filled with a few puzzles, but they shouldn’t prove too difficult.”
>That’s what Ralsei said, but Kris was barely able to solve any of them.
>It ended up falling to Noelle to complete them all.
>Slowly, but surely, the hero trio made their way through the crimson trees while even making a few friends along the way.
>For a strange and foreign world, its inhabitants were very kind and hospitable.
>Kris could notice how Noelle seemed far less scared and even managed to pacify a few of the enemies they faced herself.
>It annoyed him slightly that she no longer clung to him for safety, but that was fine.
>She seemed to be enjoying herself.
>It had been so long since he’d seen her laugh and smile like that.
>Not her obnoxious laugh or smug smirk either.
>It was her genuine cheerful laugh and sweet smile that he remembered from back when they were young.
>”Kris, we’re almost through the forest!”
>The human was snapped out of his thoughts by Ralsei’s voice.
>”Just a bit further, you two. Then, it should be a straight shot for-“
>”Ho ho ho!”
>A familiar laugh echoed throughout the red forestry.
>Following that eerily Christmas themed laughter was the squeaking of tires and the arrival of a small and pudgy looking blue kid.
>”Toothpaste boy, blue person, and poop stick, I’m impressed you made it through my traps! Maybe you’re hero material after all!”
>Noelle already looked like she wanted to tear Lancer’s head off, but Ralsei intervened.
>”Lancer, firstly, those weren’t traps. All you did was place a bunch of signs with incorrect directions all over the place. And secondly, could you please tell your troops to stand down?”
>The spade looking kid just blew another raspberry at the darkner as a response.
>Kris tried his best to stifle a chuckle while Ralsei just sighed.
>”Lancer, please. We just want to help. Can you please let us pass?”
>”Never! I’m gonna beat you up now! Come on!”
>”Would you move if I baked you a cake later?”
>”…I have decided I’ll let you pass! Be ready to get beat down the next time we meet though! Ho ho ho!”
>The trio watched as Lancer took off back the way he came, laughing all the way.
>”Alright, team, let’s-“
>Noelle was already walking ahead when Ralsei spoke.
>”Err…”
>He turned back to face the human.
>”Let’s go, Kris. Haha…”

>”Well, this could’ve gone better…”
>Kris looked over at Ralsei whose normally happy expression was beginning to wain.
>”I didn’t expect Lancer to have us tossed in to the dungeon. No matter, I’m sure Noelle will save us.”
>Noelle…
>Kris hadn’t stopped thinking about her after the two of them were separated.
>Was she okay?
>Where was she?
>Questions tortured his mind.
>However, the sound of Ralsei’s voice cut through the answerless inquiries.
>”Hey, Kris. What do you think Noelle is doing right now?”
>The human turned to face the goat as he knelt down and placed his hand on his shoulder.
>”Try closing your eyes and imagine what she’s doing right now. That typically helps me when I’m curious about what someone is doing.”
>Kris did as such, ignoring the little tidbit about Ralsei admitting he didn’t really know anyone that he mumbled aloud.
>Noelle…

>The doe cornered the young spade, her smug smirk widening as the kid backed against the wall.
>”What’s wrong? Where’d all that fire go? Are you all bark and no bite?”
>”I-I’m not af-fraid of y-you…!”
>”Is that so?”
>Noelle stomped her hoof and preformed a feint like she was about to slap him.
>Lancer flinched and tripped over himself, falling to the floor.
>He was beginning to cry.
>”See, you’re weak. You can’t even fight back when I’m standing right in front of you.”
>”I-I’m not…”
>He was SERIOUSLY beginning to cry.
>Tears started to collect in to a small puddle next to the blue boy.
>Noelle paused.
>Staring at the crying child, her expression softened and she unclenched her fists.
>She let out a long sigh, walked over to Lancer, and held out a hand towards him.
>He instinctively flinched, expecting to be hit.
>”Relax. I’m not going to hit you.”
>He looked back at the doe and noticed she was averting her gaze from his.
>”Look, shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t…I didn’t mean to be so mean…”
>The little spade sniffled and sat up.
>Noelle finally looked at Lancer, guilt written all over her face.
>”Can you please help me find my friends?”
>He slowly nodded as he wiped away his tears and took the deer’s hand.

>”Noelle!”
>Ralsei jumped up and ran to the cell door to see the deer and…
>”Lancer?”
>The small spade slowly waved at the goat.
>He didn’t even get time to question why the person who tossed them in jail was there before Kris shoved him out of the way to see the doe.
>”Come on, let’s get out of here!”
>Noelle quickly inserted the key in to the door and unlocked it.
>The human practically tackle hugged the deer, much to her surprise.
>”Woah, woah, woah! Save the hugs for after we get back home!”
>Kris begrudgingly let go, but just reminded himself that he’d be able to hug her once they got back to the closet.
>He found that making their way up the castle floors was surprisingly easy.
>There was this one weird guy who spoke in old English who kept appearing every now and then, but the human just ignored him for the most part.
>One thing that bothered him though was how close Lancer was sticking to Noelle.
>Just what the hell happened between the two of them for him to constantly be hanging off of her like that?
>It didn’t matter.
>Soon, they’d seal this Dark Fountain and go back home and then he could hug Noelle all he wanted.
>Or, that’s what he was hoping for at least…

>”This is where you die, you filthy lightners!”
>The Spade King stood before the trio.
>Lancer had already ran off to get help, but just who the hell would help them?
>Kris gritted his teeth as the king bellowed another laugh.
>One last obstacle stood in his way between him and Noelle’s embrace.
>Suddenly, his SOUL felt like it was shining.
>Was this what it felt like to have drive?
>To desire something so bad that you’d go to the ends of the Earth and back?
>Kris smiled as he deflected one of the king’s projectiles.
>This was a feeling he could get used to.
>The human didn’t listen to what Ralsei was saying and it seemed like the Spade King was either.
>Talking wasn’t going to work, and Kris was fine with that.
>He’ll cut the bastard down if that’s what it takes to get that hug.
>The king’s shield blocked his sword strike, but it definitely did some damage all the same.
>Kris commanded Noelle and Ralsei to attack with him.
>While the black goat seemed slightly hesitant, the doe was more than happy to help.
>Casting Iceshock, she pushed the Spade King back.
>”What the hell?!”
>Not wanting to be the odd one out, Ralsei used his scarf and smacked at the large spade’s shield.
>Slash, blast, smack.
>The trio continued their assault, not taking a second to heal or catch their breath until the Spade King fell to his knees.
>”You goddamn fools…”
>He sneered at them.
>”If this is your idea of salvation, you’re not fit to be heroes.”
>Kris stared at the king.
>He pointed his finger at the exhausted and beaten darkner, and told Noelle to-
>”That’s not true, your majesty.”
>Ralsei stepped forward and began walking over to the Spade King.
>”I know you don’t like the lightners and I understand you don’t think we can ever have peace with them again, but…”
>He held out his hands and cast Healing Prayer.
>”…I believe in them. They’re here to help.”
>”Help, huh?”
>The king let out a chuckle.
>”Heh heh. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’ve been too cynical.”
>Ralsei smiled and held out his hand to the Spade King.

>However, just as the ruler of Card Castle reached out to the goat mage, he let out a hearty laugh.
>”SIKE!”
>A hailstorm of spade shaped bullets rained down upon the trio, blasting them away.
>Kris felt something fracture as he slammed against the castle rooftop.
>Glancing up, he could see Ralsei was lying unconscious nearby while Noelle lied collapsed at the Spade King’s feet.
>”You dumb lightners really fell for it! Hahahaha! Kiss your sorry asses goodbye!”
>As the king summoned a large projectile over Noelle, Kris pulled himself to his feet and yelled at the ruler to get the hell away from her.
>”Well, damn, you’ve got some fight left in you. I’d be impressed if it wasn’t for your race ruining our lives. Now…”
>He aimed the projectile at Kris.
>”…Stay down!”
>The human barely had enough time to pull out his shield as he took the full force of the spade shaped bullet.
>His ears were ringing and his vision had gone blurry.
>However, he could vaguely see the Spade King enter his field of vision and reach out to him.
>But then suddenly fell forward slightly.
>Through the ringing in his ears, Kris could make out one voice.
>”You stay the hell away from him!”
>Noelle’s.
>His vision soon began to darken.
>The voices became more and more distant as the ringing became louder.
>And then, Kris lost consciousness.

>”…is! …ris! …Kris! Kris, for the love of god, wake up!”
>The human’s eyes fluttered open as his vision became clearer.
>He could see Ralsei holding him close.
>”Oh thank god!”
>Kris let out a grunt as the goat hugged him.
>”I-I thought we lost you back there!”
>He could feel Ralsei shaking as he choked out a few words through his tears.
>How long was he out?
>Once the darkner was done crying and hugging the human, he explained that Lancer had brought all the inhabitants of Card Kingdom over and successfully overthrew the Spade King.
>Kris blinked a few more times before sighing.
>Whatever.
>As long as the Spade King was dealt with, he didn’t care about the methods so long as he could still get that hug from Noelle.
>Noelle…
>The human sat up and began looking around wildly, asking where his friend had gone.
>”Hey, hey, relax. Noelle’s in the throne room with Lancer. Come on, let’s go get her. You two have got a Dark Fountain to seal.”
>Ralsei helped Kris up and the two headed back inside the castle, making sure to turn their heads and speed walk past the old English speaking puzzle guy.
>Just as the goat mage said, Kris found Noelle talking with Lancer in the throne room.
>”Hey, this cookie isn’t half bad!”
>”I told ya! I’m an excellent baker!”
>The doe chuckled.
>”Fahaha. If that’s true, then how about when the next time I’m back here, I show you how to bake some Christmas cookies?”
>”What’s Christmas?”
>Kris interrupted the two by calling out to Noelle.
>”Kris!”
>She immediately ran over and hugged the human, but immediately realized how tightly she was hugging him and backed away.
>”I’m happy to see you’re okay. I got…real worried back there.”
>Kris waved it off with a laugh and told her that he was fine now.
>As the three heroes got their bearings and prepared to go and seal the Dark Fountain, Lancer hopped off the throne and hugged the deer.
>”I look forward to seeing you again, Noelle!”
>”Me too, Lancer.”
>”Oh, and, um, I hope you and your girl dad can be friends again.”
>A small smile crept its way on to Noelle’s face as she patted the spade boy’s head.
>”Thank you, Lancer.”
>Kris felt something bubbling up inside of him as he watched the two exchange goodbyes.
>He felt jealous.
>”Um, Kris? Are you ok? You look angry.”
>The human hadn’t even realized he was frowning and immediately waved off Ralsei’s concern.
>With the last farewells said, the two lightners were just about to head to the Dark Fountain when their darkner companion stopped them.
>”Kris, Noelle, I…um…”
>The goat gripped his hat and slowly took it off, revealing his true self to be-
>”What the?!”
>Noelle exclaimed with Kris following her sentiments.
>”I can’t wait to see you two again.”
>Ralsei held his hat over his white furred mouth.
>”I-I’ll bake some yummy cakes for us to enjoy.”
>The human and deer looked at one another and cracked a half smile before turning to the now white goat.
>”We look forward to it, Ralsei. Take care, okay?”
>”I will. Safe travels!”
>The two waved to their friend as they headed towards the Dark Fountain.
>When right up close to it, Kris could practically feel the power emanating off of it.
>”Well, Kris. This is it.”
>The human turned back to his friend as she spoke.
>”You know, I had fun. It was scary at first, but I soon found myself really enjoying this adventure.”
>She gripped her wrist and began toying with the belled wristband.
>”Let’s do our best to be the heroes of legend they want us to be!”
>Kris smiled and nodded.
>Stepping forward, he did what felt natural and held out his hands.
>The human watched as his SOUL exited his body and hovered up in to the air before being absorbed by the Dark Fountain.
>In a flash of light, it was sealed.

>Kris opened his eyes only to see darkness and after fumbling around a bit, felt what seemed to be a light switch and flipped it.
>The room lit up and he immediately noticed that he was in the empty classroom next to the closet.
>”Ah, too bright!”
>Turning around, Kris could see Noelle shielding her eyes from the bright bulbs above them.
>He grabbed her by the wrist and led her out in to the hallway only to be met by the sun’s rays coming through the windows.
>”Ah crap, is it already the next morning?!”
>The deer’s panic was soon replaced by worry and then by acceptance.
>”Well, whatever happens, happens I guess.”
>Noelle turned to Kris and placed a hand on his shoulder.
>”Kris, if what happened back there wasn’t a dream and really did happen, then…”
>She smiled.
>”…Let’s go back there tonight.”
>Kris mirrored his friend’s smile before hugging her.
>”Oof!”
>Noelle froze, but quickly recomposed herself and hugged Kris back.
>The hug was cut short when the human remembered why they snuck in to the school in the first place last night.
>He backed up and asked Noelle what they should do about her snowflake keychain.
>”…Fuck.”

Chapter Text

>Another day at school, another following Noelle around and listening to each of her demands.
>Even though the two of them had gotten closer, the deer still had to put on the act that she and the human were nothing more than a rich girl and her errand boy.
>Kris didn’t mind it though.
>When they got some time to hang out by themselves, although still somewhat distant, Noelle was a lot kinder compared to how she was when the two initially reconnected.
>She’d still attempt to play off some of her kindness as merely not wanting Toriel to get on her about back about Kris getting hurt or in trouble though.
>In a weird way, it was kind of endearing.
>Even if she couldn’t be honest about it, the human could tell she cared.
>She even asked him to come with her to help find her snowflake keychain again later tonight.
>It was obviously just an invitation to go hang out in the Dark World together, and the human could barely contain his excitement.
>No matter what, he’d be more than happy to follow Noelle wherever she wanted to go.

>Kris began tucking his night clothes away under his bed, so as he wouldn’t be questioned about the outfit.
>However, the sudden knocking on his bedroom door caused him to jump and just shove the mass of clothes under the cot before sitting atop it.
>He called out that the person could come in.
>As the door opened, a tall goat’s head poked out through the crack.
>It was Asriel.
>”Hey, Kris.”
>His voice was serious with an expression to match.
>”Mind if I come in?”
>The human was confused at his brother’s formality, but just shrugged it off and told him he could.
>The tall goat fully entered the room and closed the door behind him.
>”Kris, is Noelle still hurting you?”
>What?
>Asriel’s expression softened as he spoke and walked closer.
>He knelt down and placed his hand on the human’s shoulder.
>”I know you’re still hanging out with her. Is she blackmailing you or something? Cause if so, you can tell me and I’ll go handle it.”
>Kris stared at his brother in both confusion and disbelief.
>How could he think Noelle would do something like that?
>The human shook his head and told the goat that he didn’t know what he was talking about and that Noelle wasn’t a bad person.
>”Kris, just a week ago, you told me she has hit you and called you names repeatedly. That doesn’t sound like a good person to me.”
>Asriel placed his other hand on Kris’ other shoulder and squeezed lightly.
>”I’m your brother, Kris. I don’t want to see you getting hurt because you still think Noelle is how she was when we were kids. She’s not. She is vindictive and egotistical. And…”
>His grip weakened.
>”I don’t want you to turn out like her…”
>Like…her?
>Kris felt another emotion that he hadn’t in years.
>Anger.
>Standing up, the human pushed his brother away from him and yelled that there was nothing wrong with Noelle.
>She’s merely just built up a shell around herself and he’s slowly cracking it.
>She’s still the same Noelle deep down.
>He knows that.
>”Kris, people change. No one stays the same. I understand it hurts because you two were so close, but you need to understand that-“
>Kris pointed at Asriel and asked him if he’s just saying that because of how he and Dess turned out.
>The goat froze, but quickly shook his head.
>”Kris, that has nothing to do-“
>He asked if he’s just jealous that Kris and Noelle are still able to talk to one another unlike he and Dess.
>”I’m not jealous of you-“
>He yells that just because Asriel couldn’t be friends with Dess, he’s now trying to tear Kris and Noelle apart.
>”Kris!”
>The older brother grabbed the younger by his wrists and squeezed them tightly.
>”Yeah, I’m sad about Dess and I not being friends anymore, but I’m not trying to prevent you from being friends with Noelle because of that! I’m trying to tell you that being around someone like her isn’t healthy-“
>Kris begins thrashing in his brother’s grip, screaming about how he’s ruining his life.
>”Calm down! I’m trying to help you!”
>In a final fit of anger, Kris yells out that he wished Asriel never came back.

>Finally wrenching his wrists free from Asriel’s grip, Kris backed away.
>Looking at the still goat, he watched as his brother’s eyes stared blankly at him.
>Asriel sharply inhaled and balled his hands in to fists.
>With a shallow exhale and tears just on the edge of his eyes, he looked away from Kris.
>”Fine.”
>That’s all the goat said before exiting the bedroom.
>Kris could hear Toriel’s voice downstairs asking Asriel what was wrong followed by the front door being slammed.
>The human sat back down on his bed and stared at the floor.
>…Why couldn’t he understand?
>Noelle was better than what Asriel knew of her.
>She was far better.
>Probably the best person to ever come in to the human’s life.
>Whatever.
>If he couldn’t accept that, then Kris didn’t need him.
>All Asriel has done since coming back was make his life harder anyway.
>He REALLY wished he never came back and just stayed with their dad.
>But, his anger could wait, Kris had a date with Noelle to get ready for tonight after all.

Chapter Text

>How long had it been since Noelle came back?
>At least one or two months, surely.
>At first, she was cold and bitter.
>She rarely gave a genuine smile.
>It was always that smug or half crack of one.
>She was also really mean.
>Constantly yelling at or pushing Kris around.
>It didn’t help her little posse jumped in too.
>However, in just these past couple weeks, Noelle had changed dramatically.
>At least when she was with Kris, she did.
>She still had to put up the act that he was nothing more than her errand boy stuck under her thumb thanks to a dispute their older siblings had back when all of them were kids.
>But, when the two were alone, Noelle would always give a real smile.

>”Hey, Kris.”
>The human smiled as he waved back towards the doe sitting at the familiar lakeside bench.
>”I was beginning to suspect you weren’t going to show up.”
>Kris gave a nervous chuckle before sitting down across from Noelle.
>She had called him out here on such short notice that he suspected that there was something wrong, but from the way the deer was acting, it seemed he was wrong.
>”…I just wanted to talk a bit, and tell you about my time away since I know you’re curious about it.”
>The doe’s smile faded as she cleared her throat.
>”Tell me, Kris. What do you think the world of the rich and powerful is like?”
>Before the human could speak, Noelle continued.
>”It is one of backstabbing, cruelty, and hatred.”
>She paused for a second, letting her mind form the words she wanted to say next.
>”My mother is the mayor, and by default, that means she’ll be involved with a lot of high end people. It just so happens that most of those high end people aren’t very good people.”
>Her eyes seemed to look through Kris as she continued to speak.
>”Ever since we moved away, my life…has been a hell of mistrust and bitterness. The types of kids you meet at those schools are so snobbish and full of themselves, it’s enough to drive you to wretch.”
>”I never made any real friends. The only way I could think of to survive in that environment was to adapt. So, I began copying people. I became the very thing I detested. And now, I can’t stop it. Even all the way back home, I still can’t be myself.”
>The deer’s eyes twitched, almost like she was about to cry.
>”Word spreads fast and if any of those rich assholes found a way to exploit me, then they’d use it against my mother.”
>”She’s made a lot of enemies. You know how she is after all. If she isn’t yelling at her family and friends, she’s yelling at her adversaries. Fahaha…”
>Noelle dryly laughed before taking a deep breath, but before she could speak again, Kris interrupted and asked her why she was telling him all of this.
>The deer just smiled and gave a small chuckle.
>”Because, you’re my friend. Aren’t friends supposed to always tell each other the truth?”
>The human felt his heart throb at the word.
>She had finally admitted aloud that they were friends.
>It took everything in his power to not smile wide and begin jumping up for joy.
>”Plus, everybody thinks you’re just my lackey, so the risk of word getting out is little to null.”
>Ah.
>That was true.
>Kris had almost forgotten about that part in his mental celebration.
>Quickly halting the thought festivities, he told Noelle that he was happy she was back and that he really missed her.
>However, counter to a genuine or smug smile, the human saw one he never expected.

>A small, yet joyful smile.
>One that screamed happiness, but was obscured behind a sturdy wall.
>That was the smile Noelle had.
>Her face also had a slightly hair covered blush to match.
>”T-Thank you, Kris. Me too.”
>The boy wanted to jump across the table and kiss the deer.
>He was so happy and excited that it seemed he might explode.
>But, he swallowed the explosion of joy and kept his composure.
>With a smile, he asked Noelle if she wanted to go to the Dark World again tonight.
>The deer’s eyes practically lit up at the mention of it.
>Just like with Kris, the Dark World was one of the few places she felt like she could be herself without the prying eyes of the world or the expectations of the high class lifestyle she was raised in.
>”Yes! E-Erm, I mean, yeah.”
>It was glimpses in to Noelle’s old personality like that that made Kris the most happy.
>Not even Lancer constantly stealing his friend away was enough to rain on his parade after a display like that.
>”Midnight, like usual?”
>Kris nodded.
>”I’m looking forward to it then.”
>With a goodbye and a wave, Kris got up from the bench and started walking back home.
>His heart was soaring.
>After everything that had happened in his life, things were finally going his way.
>Noelle was his friend and she finally admitted it.
>He had successfully cracked through her shell and brought out the real her.
>Even if they have to maintain a facade in public, he knew that she cared about him.
>His mind raced with excitement and new ideas for the two to do together in the Dark World.
>The possibilities were endless!

>”Kris!”
>The human’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Toriel’s voice.
>Looking up the street, he could see her and Asriel standing near the older brother’s car.
>It was filled with luggage…
>”Kris, my child, your brother is going back to college. Would you-“
>”Mom.”
>Toriel turned to Asriel and immediately noticed the scowl on his face.
>She let out a sigh and nodded.
>”I’ll leave you two boys to it then. Goodbye, Asriel.”
>The goat mom pecked her elder son on the cheek and headed back inside.
>Kris now stared up at Asriel and he back down at him, the goat speaking first.
>”So, I guess you got what you wanted. I’m leaving.”
>The human stayed quiet.
>”I won’t force you to make a decision, but I do want you to at least hear me out. Kris, it’s people like Noelle that make this a kill or be killed type of world.”
>Asriel’s scowl soon turned in to a saddened expression as he turned around and opened his car door.
>”I just hope you don’t become the latter. Goodbye, Kris.”
>Closing the door, the goat brother leaned out of the car window, waved to Toriel who was peaking out of the front door, and drove off.
>And just like that, Asriel was gone.
>He would no longer be a problem in Kris’ life.
>While most people would feel sad about a family member leaving home and going away, he didn’t feel that.
>All he felt was that another obstacle in his path to true friendship with Noelle was cleared.

Chapter Text

>After making sure his forehead was sufficiently heated and having guzzled down some hot sauce, Kris began to violently cough.
>He needed to get Toriel’s attention without being too obvious.
>And, just like he expected, his mother soon came flying through the door, thermometer and wet cloth in hand.
>She was always so prepared for things like this.
>”Kris, sweetie, what’s wrong?!”
>The human coughed a few more times before weakly reaching out to the goat, mumbling that he thinks he’s sick.
>Toriel scurried over and placed a hand on the boy’s head and immediately reeled back in horror.
>”My child, you’re burning up! Here, take this wet cloth!”
>With skill and precision only a mother could have, the goat mom placed the perfectly folded and wet towel over the human’s forehead.
>”Now, open your mouth.”
>With the thermometer jammed under his tongue, Kris sighed and pulled the blankets over him more.
>”Do you also have the chills?!”
>Oops.
>Might’ve gotten a bit too careless with the acting.
>After a few seconds, the thermometer beeped and Toriel immediately grabbed it.
>She nearly screamed when she saw the fever level temperature on the device.
>”You’re staying right here, young man! Sadly, I can’t stay and look after you, so I’ll call-“
>Kris waved her suggestion to call someone to look after him off.
>He could make it just fine by himself.
>He’d just sleep all day anyway.
>”But, Kris…”
>The human smiled and told Toriel that it was fine.
>If she could just leave some water bottles and some headache medicine by his bedside, then he’d be set.
>Toriel’s brow furrowed as she weighed her options, and reluctantly went with Kris’.
>”Alright, but I’m only doing this because I have a lot of work to do today. Be safe and call me if you need anything.”
>With a small nod, the human told the goat that he would and that he loved her.
>Her serious expression instantly dropped and was replaced by a sweet smile.
>”I love you too, my child.”
>She gave the boy a kiss on the forehead and went to retrieve the waters and pills for him.
>Kris felt a large smile grow on to his face as he realized his plan has worked.
>He mentally checked off a box on his list.
>Now, it was time to wait.

>With Toriel having left for school, Kris now had the whole house to himself.
>His excitement was already beginning to show in the way his arms and legs twitched.
>Any second now, any second now…
>Pacing around the living room didn’t seem to alleviate this rising enthusiasm either.
>Just then, he heard a knock come from the side window near the couch.
>The human practically sprinted to the window and nearly shattered the thing with the force he used to open it.
>On the other side was Noelle.
>She was smiling.
>It was a genuine smile.
>”Hey, Kris.”
>Without a second to lose, the human pulled the doe through the opening before closing the window behind her.
>”WOAH! Jeez, Kris, I get that you’re excited, but give a warning next time, why don’t you?”
>The boy wasn’t listening as his giddiness was completely blocking out his friend’s complaint.
>Quickly, he asked the deer if her mom fell for the faking sick trick.
>Noelle crossed her arms and smiled wide.
>”Of course! I’ve gotten better at faking things after all these years, you know?”
>Completely ignoring the sad implications behind her statement, Kris excitedly asked his friend what she wanted to do.
>It had been so long since the two of them got to just be together like this.
>No public eyes to judge Noelle and no annoying brother to get in Kris’ way!
>”How about we play some video games? Like old times?”
>The human nodded violently and immediately began booting up the console, pulling out Paizano Racing 8 and popping it in to the system as he did so.
>Not only was it a great game, but it was THE game for the two childhood friends.
>Kris couldn’t help but smile as he remembered back when he would jab Noelle’s sides and cause her to drive off the course.
>Some may call it cheating, he called it improvised help.
>Once the game was booted up, the human grabbed his controller and handed the second one to the doe as they both sat on the couch.
>”Ready to get curb stomped, Kris? Fahaha!”
>With his own cocky laugh, the boy asked the deer if she was ready to eat his dust.
>And, just like that, their day of fun began.

>”FAHAHAHA!”
>Noelle laughed loudly as she hit Kris’ character with another red shell, sending him even farther back and securing first place for herself.
>The human soon remembered why he’d use improvised help against his friend when they played this game.
>She was just too god damn good at it.
>Her drifts were perfectly timed, she never missed a special boost on jumps, and it seemed like the RNG gods favored her as she always kept getting really good items no matter her placement.
>With a grumble, Kris put his controller down and mentally cursed at himself for forgetting such a crucial detail.
>However, his annoyance soon dissipated, and was replaced by a malevolent excitement as his mind conjured up a prank.
>It was one of the oldest and most classic ones he used to pull back when he was younger.
>Getting up, he asked the doe if she wanted a sandwich.
>”Oh, yeah, sure. Thanks, Kris!”
>With a smile, Kris waved and disappeared in to the kitchen.
>Making Noelle’s sandwich was easy.
>He already knew everything she wanted on it, most of it being greens.
>But, it was when he was making his ham and cheese sandwich, that the opportunity presented itself.
>Grabbing one of the kitchen knives and a bottle of ketchup, Kris dabbed some of the tomato sauce on to the edge of the blade, smearing it lightly with his finger to give off the impression that it was a deep and sudden cut.
>Next, he squirted some on to his arm and began rubbing it in to a certain pattern, making sure it looked like the blood was coming out at an alarming rate.
>The human choked back a chuckle and took in a deep breath.
>Letting out his best pained scream, he dropped the knife and hunched over, covering his ketchup soaked arm as he did so.
>”Kris?! Kris, what happened-“
>He heard Noelle stop just behind him.
>”HOLY SHIT! How bad is it?!”
>Through groans and fake sobs, Kris held out his arm for the doe to see.
>Once he saw his friend’s expression shift from concerned to suspicious, the human began howling with laughter.
>”What the…”
>Through tears of laughter, Kris could see the realization click in Noelle’s mind about what he had just done.
>”Kris, you…! Goddamnit! I was worried!”
>Even after getting punched in the arm by his friend, the boy couldn’t stop laughing.
>”Sheesh. If there was one thing I didn’t miss, it was your pranks.”
>Once his hysterical laughing calmed down, Kris breathed out a few apologies.
>”It’s fine. Oh, wait, what time is it?”
>Noelle pulled back her shirt’s sleeve and answered her own question as she looked down at her watch.
>”Ah! Mother will be home soon! Sorry to have to cut our day somewhat short, Kris, but you know how my mom is!”
>Kris nearly froze, but quickly called out if the two could go to the Dark World tonight.
>Halfway out of the Dreemurr home’s window, the doe looked back and smiled.
>”Obviously! I’ll see you later around midnight! See ya, Kris!”
>With a quick wave, the deer hopped out of the window and began sprinting her way back home.
>The human could only stand there in a mixture of slight disappointment that their hang out was interrupted and joy that he’d be able to see his friend later.
>His thoughts of laughing and talking with Noelle while watching Ralsei bake a cake were interrupted by the reality that he now had to clean up a ketchup splatter on the floor, a bloody looking knife, and his red stained arm.
>He’d also have to gobble down that vegetarian sandwich or else Toriel might know something was up.
>The human dry heaved as he stared at the doe’s sandwich.
>How could someone never eat meat and be happy with life?

>Time sped by and Kris couldn’t have been happier for it.
>He was almost skipping his way to school alongside Noelle.
>”You sure seem happy.”
>The human turned to his side and asked the doe why he wouldn’t be.
>He gets to hang out with her some more today!
>The deer’s face seemed to light up, but she quickly pulled her black jacket’s hood up to cover it.
>”…Yeah.”
>As the boy relished in his friend’s reaction, he didn’t notice that the duo had made it to the school and nearly ran in to the front double doors.
>”Careful, Kris. You remember what I taught you, right?”
>The human enthusiastically nodded as he pulled out a small flathead screwdriver from his hoodie’s pocket and inserted it in to the door’s lock.
>After fiddling around with it, a clicking noise could be heard and the door unlocked.
>Kris smiled wide as he looked back at Noelle.
>”Good job. You’re almost as good as me now. Fahaha.”
>Heading inside, the two made their way towards the closet at the back of the school.
>However, Kris halted their walk by grabbing Noelle’s hand.
>”H-Hm?! Something on your mind, Kris?”
>The human had just remembered why the two had even started coming here in the first place and mentally kicked himself for not asking this question sooner.
>They had been coming to the school late at night for awhile now, but had completely been neglecting to search for the snowflake keychain Noelle had been looking for.
>So, he asked the doe if they should continue looking for it.
>She seemed to pause for a second before giving that small sweet smile she gave back at the lake.
>”Oh, I don’t need it anymore. I mostly just kept it around as a keepsake from back when we were kids. It…helped me remember who I was when I was dealing with everything out of town.”
>Noelle’s smile briefly disappeared as she spoke, but it quickly returned.
>”Fahaha. But, I don’t need that silly thing now. All it is a gift from the county fair, as I’ve got you to remind me of who I really am!”
>Oh.
>So, that’s what that keychain was.
>Now that Kris thought about it, he did remember winning something like that for her many, many years ago.
>Ah, but it would probably be best to not bring that part up.
>Noelle might turn completely red then.
>Well, maybe he can tell her later…
>”Now, come on. Ralsei’s waiting for us.”
>Kris felt his grip unconsciously tighten in the deer’s hand.
>She had kept that gift he gave her for all these years and it reminded her of who she truly was…
>Did he mean that much to her?
>The human could feel his heart begin to pound, the sound reverberating in his ears.
>”A-Ah, Kris, your hand…”
>She cared about him.
>Someone who he thought had left him behind was actually always thinking of him.
>Kris didn’t want to let her go again.
>He didn’t want to experience that sense of loneliness again if he didn’t have to.
>”Kris…”
>The two of them can continue being the best of friends from here on out.
>They can make more happy memories together.
>Just the two of them.
>”K-Kris, that hurts…”
>Together forever.