Chapter Text
Your name is Noah. You have a deaf brother and a mute friend. Life has always been hard but you always persevered with the art of music and hustle. Never stop the grind Noah.
I'm telling you. They are the best! Frisk signs enthusiastically.
"Yeah but I can be better." I say tying Travis' shoes. Once I finish, He runs off to the fridge and gets a pack of cold gummies.
No no no. Frisk shakes their head profusely. Once you see how cool Papyrus and Sans are, you're going to rethink EVERYTHING!
I chuckle, like hell there will be someone cooler than me. I'll show em. I take a check around the apartment to see if any lights are on. Gotta save money from bills. Travis seems all set. His hearing aids are charged. I got my magnificent purple hoodie, "It'll be like hanging out at Tye's house again right?" I ask.
Yeah! Frisk nods excitedly. We're carrying the equipment right? Please please please please?
"Like a gig?”
Yeah! Frisk was always someone full of ideas. A great friend, someone just needs to teach them how to get better clothes. A plaid red shirt isn’t enough for this amazing person.
A gig. I just might be able to get cash if I ask… “Let’s do it! We gotta flex to the highest degree to your family."
Frisk pouts for a second, I wanna do a gig so I can finally show the songs we made.
"No. You want to flex."
No I don't.
"Yes you do."
No.
"Yes."
No. Frisk finally cracks a small smile.
"Yes!"
Look YOU , Frisk points at me with an energetic intent behind it. YOU are too scared and whiny to show off your music.
I smile, seeing the energy and chaos rising in the air. "And YOU" I point with the same energy they had. "YOU are just bad at… at…" I try to come up with an insult of destruction to use against them. "You're ugly!"
Frisk exhales a weak laughter from their nostrils and smile. Come up with new insults!
"I don't need to. All of my materials are perfect."
Okay shortie.
"Okay I-have-200-contacts-and-no-friends."
Says you. You're the one without friends!
I dramatically gasp, putting my hands on my chest with a look of disgust. "How dare you! So untrue! Travis, we are friends right?"
Travis looks up at me. My phone in his hands. His brows shoot up as he stares.
"Right?"
He shrugs.
Frisk laughs. That soft chuckle with their eyes closed and smile wide. I wallow in the despair of being friendless as I start trying to pack the necessary equipment for a small gig.
Need help?
"Yeah. Thanks."
Frisk lifts a bag with no effort, Got the guitar?
"Yep."
Lemme help with that. Frisk signs to Travis as he eases his load. Alright! We should be set.
I don't know how they are still able to sign with all the luggage they have. "Gimme some."
No it's okay! They give me this warm, soft smile. I'm stronger than you anyway. They pull this awful smug look. I roll my eyes and they give this cheeky snicker. I'm not helping them if they fall.
Race to the bus stop?
How do they have this much energy? "Bro." I say with the most unimpressed and disappointed look I can manage.
They snicker again. I perform a last check around the apartment. "Travis, you got your bathroom run?"
Travis nods.
"Alright. Let's get out of here."
We did end up racing. Just a tiny bit. Frisk obviously won. The kid has way too much energy.
"Jesus." I heave and catch my breath. No one else is at the bus stop. "C'mon Travis!"
Travis starts to hurry his tiny legs over here. I rest some of the luggage on the nearby wooden bench and take a breather.
I thought you were faster?
"I am. Just." I take a deep breath "I'm carrying a guitar, omnichord, laptop. This stuff is heavy.",
I'm carrying just as much weight as you.
I wave my hand at them. "Whatever. Come to me when you can do a backflip like I can."
I'm getting there! I'm getting closer and closer.
I look around. The huge mountain watching over this town. A warm, bright daylight sky painting this view of wonder. Monsters and Humans walking past us, engaging in their conversations. Houses of different colours and shapes. It's alive. Really alive. Is Tyler really Travis' only friend out of both of these species?
"Hey, what are we going to do there?" I ask.
Frisk sits down next to me, baggage still on their back and shoulders. I don't know! They are still cheerful. Must be really excited to show me his friends. Just have some fun I guess. They are really really amazing. Frisk gives this longful, happy look. A genuine smile. Huh.
"Alright fine fine. I'll show them the studio one day."
Frisk's red eyes light up, mouth wide open. You will?! You will you will you will? YES! Frisk does this weird victory dance, signing even faster and with more energy.
It'll be AMAZING! I can show Anaya how to make a song! Me and Tyler can make a duet! Sans and Anaya can- they cover their face trying to contain the excitement. All I can do is watch and smile. Travis just inspects curiously at Frisk, with that ever same shy, quiet look.
Frisk throws a fist in the sky. Just as the bus arrived. A purple bird monster exits the bus door alongside a couple of humans and monsters. Frisk rushes in first and plops straight into the nearest seat. Literally vibrating in place as I pay for the three of us. I sit next to Travis who stares at the window the entire ride. Meanwhile I try my best to make sure Frisk doesn’t explode.
Alright, we're here. A two-story house with a huge backyard. Full of flowers and fauna that bloom in the summer air; different from the rest of the neighbourhood. It somewhat looks mystical. Really, magical. Travis eyes wander to the same backyard I'm staring at.
"Hey Travvy. I heard that if we find the right bush there, we can go to Narnia!" I say.
He grins. I smile back, enjoying any moment I can make Travis smile.
Okay. Just remember. Frisk turns to me. I'm being serious. Let's not get too loud and chaotic. Remember, for Tyler.
"Yep."
And. Don't throw too many insults because uhh. Just for good measure.
"Gotcha." I'm going to throw the most amount of shittalk I can throw.
Frisk's smiles. Energy flowing back through them; and knocks. I hear rapid footsteps which soon culminate into a tall skeleton opening the door. Adorned in the classiest and coolest red skull t shirt. His eyes light up and immediately pull Frisk into a massive hug with his red gloves.
"FRISK!!!!" He says. Spinning in circles as Frisk chuckles. "HUMAN! STOP GETTING HEAVIER! OR ELSE I WILL BE TAKING MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS!"
The skeleton finally sets his eyes on me, perking up and eyes wide. "OH! IS THIS-"
"Frisk!!!" A female voice screams. An aqua haired woman bursts through and tackles Frisk. “So good to see you!” She ruffles Frisk’s brown hair before turning to me. “So this is the friend huh?” She looks me up and down. She then looks down and waves to Travis. “Hey Travis!”
Frisk nods and signs, Yeah he’s my friend!
“FRISK HAS TOLD ME ABOUT YOU!”
Really huh? Please let it not be my music. “Oh really? Cool! They say some stuff about you..” I say, not even knowing who this is.
“NYEH HEH!” The skeleton does a twirl into a pose, “OF COURSE THEY HAVE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO NOT TALK TO SOMEONE AS GREAT AS I AM.”
… … … Is that how it is? Oh it’s on.
“Well, prepare yourself,” I try to copy the twirl and pose the skeleton did, only doing it more magnificently and stylishly. Making sure to roll my r’s, I snap back with, “You are about to meet someone even grrreater!”
He looks at me astonished for a second. “CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!”
Frisk bends down and starts signing to Travis, soon after the skeleton follows suit and smiles brightly at him. Travis just stares blankly at him as he holds the bags. The classic Travis introduction. I offer a fist bump to the lady dressed in a brown jacket. She seems cool. She accepts the fist bump with a big grin. Ouch, my hands. “I’m Em! You’re Travis’ brother right?”
“Yeah. Noah. How do you-?”
“I’m one of his teachers.” …huh? How is… Nevermind, this town was always a close knight anyways. “He’s a cool kid!” She continues.
My attention turns to Travis and the skeleton as he says, “TINY HUMAN! YOU DON’T NEED TO BE SCARED OF ME. I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS!”
Travis still stares. Blankly but unafraid. Em places a hand on the skeleton’s shoulder, “That’s Travis! He’s here to hang with us.” Em says, full of bright energy.
Travis glances at me for a second. Okay, distract him. Got it man. “Hey! Come help us with these bags. We brought some good stuff.” I say.
“CERTAINLY!” his smile beaming brighter. He opens his hands out and Travis reluctantly places the bags in them. The skeleton marches through the door and Frisk and Em follow, making this conga line of weird marches. I smile, this should be alright. I should ask her if Travis is alright in school.
Walking further inside, we rest the bags down and are greeted by a whole ensemble of humans and monsters. Some new and some vaguely familiar. I know Frisk’s mom, Toriel. A really really tall goat who can cook really good; and definitely won’t eat my organs out if she finds out that Frisk jumped off a building because of me. She rushes to Frisk, “My child it is good to see that you are alright!” She turns to me and gives a wave. “Good evening Travis and Noah!”
“Oh wait, Frisk is here? Hey Frisk!” a woman with curly brown hair pops her head out of the kitchen. Simone, Tyler’s mom with endless energy. She puts her hands to her mouth and gasps dramatically, “Oh my god! Travis and Noah!” She walks over and gives me a hug. “So good to see you!”
“Good to see you too Mrs. Dreemurr.”
“Oh just call me Simone!” She lets go. Was Ty’s mom always this huggy? She kneels down to Travis’ level and softly says, “Ty is upstairs with Asgore, you wanna go see them?”
Travis stays silent before nodding softly.
“Alright!” and the two of them scurry upstairs.
“hey kid.” a voice says from the nearby brown couch. A smaller skeleton waves his very holey hands.
“Hey…” I say.
“Hey!” A woman with flowing straight hair and bright yellow eyes waves back. “Uhhh I’m Naya! One of y’know. Travis’ teachers.” in her lap is a flowerpot holding Flowey inside. Ah yes. Amazing Flowey playing cringe the videogame on his nintendo switch. He’s a flower that's hard to describe other.
“Oh cool!” Is everyone here one of Travis’ teachers? God the world is small.
“Yeah!” she says.
We stare at each other for a good few seconds in awkwardness before the small skeleton remarks, “name’s sans.”
“I’m Noah.”
The skeleton eyes sparkle just a tiny bit as he nudges Anaya. “hey babe, we should give him a nickname.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah, don’t we noah guy like him?”
I hate this already. The girl snickers and I try my best not to fling my shoe at this skeletal waste.
“That was garbage.” Flowey finally speaks up.
Anaya grins and says, “You gotta admit, that was good haha.”
“No it wasn’t.” I say trying to hold in some laughter. “I… Frisk come help me stone this dude.”
I turn around and see Frisk holding my brown electric guitar with their mom, Em and Papyrus marvelling at it. I turn back and see Sans looking surprised and Anaya looking even more astonished. Flowey was still disinterested and was still staring at his switch.
Frisk looks at me like a deer in headlights, my guitar in their hands. We gotta do this now? I blush, “Look you know uhh. Haha. Let’s save that for later.”
Wait, we aren’t setting up now?
“Just later you know haha. Let’s just–”
“Hold on! I need an explanation.” Em demands. Here it comes. She starts to look through our bags. “No way you carried all this stuff!”
“Wait, can I look?” Anaya asks as she speeds past me.
“Sure…” I hesitantly say. They are touching my stuff.
“WHERE DID YOU GET ALL THESE? THEY LOOK SO PRETTY!”
Frisk points at me and rushes to my side, bullets running through my face.
Ok guys so uh. Noah here is my friend! They make music!
Okay, introduction time. “Yeah uhhh. I make songs and stuff.” I was not prepared for this. Where’s my script?
“Oh really! Anaya here also makes music!” Toriel warmly smiles at Anaya.
Anaya deflates awkwardly and says, “Yeah I dabble in it a couple times uhh.” She blows raspberries. “But you know, I don’t have this much equipment and stuff and. Just a little hobby of mine.”
“Oh sick!” I turn to Frisk. And give them the look . ‘I am going to flex and you are not stopping me.’
I pull the biggest smug look I can give and say, “How many albums you made?”
Frisk turns and covers their face in embarrassment. Oh my god Noah.
Anaya looks baffled. Shocked. Dumbfounded. Flabbergasted. All the faces of surprise and ‘oh shit’ expressions under the sun. Flexing achieved.
“You know all of your albums are trash right?” Flowey calls out.
“Flowey!” Frisk’s mom gives a mean stare to him.
I mock Flowey’s statement, “ ‘yOu knOW alL yoUR AlbUMs aRe TrASh’ your music taste is literally oink oink and clarinet noises.”
Flowey turns and gives a devilish grin. “And yours is just awful rain music!”
“Lofi is not rain music!”
It is. Frisk chimes in.
“Ha! Even Frisk knows it.”
Plus Animal Crossing music has zero ‘oink oinks’ in it. Yours do.
I try to come up with an insult back to maintain the banter, but I realise that all of my equipment is out of the bag. In the open. Waiting to be stepped on. I give Flowey a glance as he seems proud of the victory he got. “You’re carried by Frisk. Both figuratively and literally.”
“Suck it loser.” He sticks his tongue out.
I give him a middle finger.
I turn to my equipment, as all of Frisk’s friends looking surprised at the chaos just ensued. And… Frisk’s mom is right there giving me a stern look. I just flipped off Frisk’s sibling, in front of their mom. Was it worth it?
Absolutely.
“I am not saying sorry Mrs. Hopeful.”
She then chuckles and turns softer, “Oh I’m just teasing! Carry on.” She smiles warmly. “Just keep it low, we must accommodate for Tyler. Remember?”
“Yeah.”
“Anyways.” Em announces. “I still need my explanation.”
We are gonna have a little jam session!
“so you’re the kid that replaced nye?” Sans says.
“Yeah Frisk. I can’t believe that I’m not cool enough to y’know, do these with you.” Naya pouts
Noooo Naya. Frisk looks gloomy to her before turning sharp eyes to me. This musician is too scared to show his music. I would have shown you if he didn’t go on the floor and beg me not to.
“Hey! That did not happen!”
It did.
“No!”
We go back and forth until Anaya tilts her head. “How did you guys even meet?”
Frisk turns to her and signs pridefully, He scammed me. Pulling a mischievous look.
“Wait!” Em shoots up. “You’re the guy that scammed Frisk?!”
I raise my hands. “Wait wait wait wait.”
Frisk’s friends glare at me.
“Look.” I pause. Contemplate if this was a setup or not. “In my defence,” I calmly state. “I scammed Frisk fair and square.”
They all give noises of confusion. Look, I really needed the money.
Look, it's alright. Frisk comes to my defence, my guy you started this in the first place. He made up for it. He even helped me make my first song!
“You made a song? Oh my dear, that is amazing!” Toriel pulls Frisk in a hug.
“YOU DID WHAT?! YOU MUST SHOW US!”
Frisk, somehow still able to sign even when enveloped in their mom’s embrace, I would but he’s the problem.
Em, Papyrus and Frisk’s mom turn to me with this stare of ‘we are going to have a problem’. I raise my hands, “Look look that’s what we came for. To have a good time! A jam!” Still halfway don’t wanna show my music.
Oh! And he’ll show us his studio too!
Goddamnit it Frisk. That announcement was for later.
“You got a studio too?!” Em exclaims.
Yeah! And-
“HOLD ON FRISK. ANAYA IS NOT RESPONDING TO ANY OF MY SPECTACULAR NUDGES”
I look at the floor where Anaya blankly stares at my equipment while Sans wheezes on the floor next to her.
“Anaya has shut down.” Em says in a robotic voice.
“she needs to recharge. someone call alphys and get the nyeborg charger.” Sans snickers.
“Speaking of which, she and Undyne were coming, were they not?” Toriel adds. More people? Oh god, Frisk has loads of friends..
They texted me that they might not come. Apparently it’s anime night for them.
“Aww.” Em frowns.
“DON’T WORRY EM! ONCE WE SET UP THESE CONTRAPTIONS, WE’LL MAKE THEM REGRET NOT COMING!”
Oh shit, set up. “Uhhh I’ll set it up. I’m not even sure if we’ll use all of it but yeah!” I say.
Oh wait! Tye would love the omnichord! Frisk grabs the magical grey keyboard and rushes upstairs. Come on! They sign as they reach the steps. Huh.
I look back to their friends. “Don’t break my stuff. Also Flowey is in charge.”
Flowey looks up surprised, before giving a menacing and hellish smile. I follow Frisk upstairs, passing the labelled rooms and pictures of Ty’s family. Frisk leads me to a door, knocking it.
“Coming!” A deep voice says. Probably Asgore’s. He’s that really huge monster with a big golden beard. He really and truly looks like a friendly person straight out of a fairytale.
Frisk fidgets until the door opens revealing the huge monster in a pink flower shirt. His face hidden by the doorway until he bends down. “Howdy Frisk! Howdy Noah!” That familiar rumble. All of the few occasions I saw him, he always had the same friendly smile he was using now.
“Hey man.”
Hi Asgore!
Asgore steps aside revealing a headphone adorned Tyler playing Mario Kart with his mom. At least, it should be. Simone probably just doesn’t know how to play. Travis sits nearby on the floor, a big book in his hand. Ty looks at me for a split second before turning his attention to Frisk. Yikes.
“Hey guys!” Simone cheers.
Frisk plays a tune from the omnichord. A tune I showed them from one of my lofi songs.
“Oh wow!” Simone claps her hands as Asgore looks at the board intrigued.
“Technology sure is something!” He says scratching his beard.
It’s an omnichord! I want to show Ty how to play it. It’s really cool! Frisk goes to plop right next to Ty and hands him it. We’re gonna have a tiny jam session downstairs! Wanna come and see?
Ty looks at his parents blankly. Asgore comes around and places his huge paw on his shoulder, warmly smiling at him. He then looks at me. Green specks glowing in his eyes. He examines me. A weird calming feeling washes over and my steady heart and breath seemed to calm even more. Like everything will be okay. Ty looks down and mumbles, “Sorry.” as he mutely shakes his head.
“Yeah, today is just… Not Ty’s day you know?” Simone calmly smiles.
“Mhm.” Asgore nods.
Frisk’s excitement deflates like a balloon, but quickly regains itself just barely as they sign, It’s okay! We’ll just try to be quiet!
I walk towards Travis checking on him as Frisk and Ty sign together, playing an assortment of sounds and tunes. “Whatcha reading?”
Travis holds up the book, revealing it to be a flower colouring book.
“Where are the colours? You don’t want to colour it?”
Travis shakes his head. He then turns the pages, showing beautiful finished pieces.
“Yoo! These look really great!”
Travis smiles and nods. He signs, Asgore and Tyler are really good at it. He then turns to an unfinished piece, but still looks to come along nicely. This one is mine and Ty’s. We started it last time I came here.
I gasp. “How much are you going to sell this for?”
Travis smiles wider as he shakes his head, hugging the book to his chest.
“Come on! I’m ready to put my whole savings on this! I gently wrestle with him as Travis chuckles.
“12000!”
Travis chuckles.
“13000!”
Travis chuckles harder as I pull his leg.
“Final offer! One million dabillion dubloons! Take it or leave it.”
Travis laughs and laughs and laughs.
“Aww man.”
This is good. Really good.
Frisk and Tye continue to mess around with the omnichord, trying to get Asgore to attempt too.
“Oh, I’m not so good with technology.” Asgore rubs his head.
It’s easy! Just press this and-
An electric guitar tune plays through the house.
“Imma check it out.” I sprout up from the floor. “You coming Frisk?”
Yeah! Just… They pause. I wanna show Ty something!
“Sweet.”
“Be right back.” I say to the Dreemurrs. I stick my tongue out to Travis. He grins in return.
“Have fun!” Simone says. Asgore waves as Frisk plays the omnichord. Tye watches intently, gripping his mothers shirt.
Heading downstairs, a couple more guitar sounds play. Each getting softer and softer. As I reach the floor, Anaya stares at me perplexed, bass guitar in her hand, “Uhh. Cool guitar you got!”
“ALL OF THESE ARE CONFUSING. HUMAN! HOW HAVE YOU SURPASSED ME IN PUZZLES ALREADY?”
“it’s simple bro. just put the right stick in the hole.”
Em gives Naya a dirty look and Naya returns it with the “I’m going to throw you off a bridge” stare.
“I am sure we can manage!” Toriel chirps.
“Yeah Naya. You’re the music nerd here. I’m sure you know a thing or two.” Em cheekily says.
“ srnk” Sans covers his mouth.
“Eww. Leave the yucky boyfriend talk in your own house.” Flowey rolls his eyes.
“Flowey’s right!” Toriel giggles.
Flowey sticks his tongue out before continuing to play on his switch.
What the hell did I walk into? “You guys need help?” I offer.
“IT WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED NOAH! THESE HUMANS ARE ONLY CAPABLE OF CONCENTRATING ON PUNS” Papyrus gives Anaya and Sans a glare.
“cmon paps. we still have our basses covered.”
Papyrus’ glare grows even angrier and Sans smiles even cheekier.
Suddenly, a paw reaches over my shoulder. A soft, delicate, padded paw. Get off me.“Also Noah, is Tyler alright?” Toriel whispers. “I’m just wondering.”
“Yeah he’s cool! I think…” I say. “His mom said that today ain’t his best day but Frisk is with him so he should be fine.”
“All right.” Toriel nods.
We all continue setting up the equipment, puns and banter and noises of annoyance from Papyrus and Flowey filled the time. All of us getting closer in a way. In reality, we ended up not doing much. Settling on just using a quiet electric guitar and extra quiet bass and a keyboard.
“So how many albums do you have?” Em asks.
“About 5.” I say, making sure to stand upright.
“WOWIE!”
“Let’s hear it!” Em pumps a fist in the air.
Shit. “Ehhhhhh.”
“How many of them were with Frisk?” Naya asks.
“So uhm-”
“CAN YOU SHOW US PLEASE?!” Papyrus stares at me with sparkles in his eyes.
“Uhhh.”
Yeah, let's do it! Frisk skips downstairs with Tyler meekly behind them. The rest of the Dreemurrs and Travis follow. There’s so much I wanna show you!
Once Frisk joins up, they grab the electric guitar, and flash a cool pose. First, introductions! They are signing with way more energy than ever before. Everyone instinctively steps back and sits on the floor. Naya and Sans hold hands as Frisk’s mom firmly planted to the ground. Asgore, Simone and Tyler sit close on the opposite end of the imaginary crowd with Em, Papyrus and Travis in the middle. Flowey groans as Frisk puts him near us as the important mascot.
“No way they're doing a gig.” Naya fakes a sniff, “They grow up so fast.”
“The student certainly has become a master!” Toriel clasps her hands together, eager to see this all unfold.
“cmon, we need to congratulate frisk went through the treble of getting this together.” Sans smirks as he begins clapping.
Flowey ‘ughs,’ as Em whoops. Anaya, Sans and Papyrus give a small applause but Toriel calms them down. Tyler leans closer to Asgore, headphones off. Travis sits, hands on his knees attentively with his usual quiet self staring at me. That small curve at the end of his lip, that smile. Thanks.
So, we are the Jack of All Trades! Frisk’s smile shines ever brighter. I keep staring at Travis, making small weird faces to him. I’m the manager!
“You’re not.”
Yes I am.
“No.”
Travis holds his hands up to sign. Naya, Simone and Em tilt their heads with a funny confused look. Rock paper scissors for manager rights!
“Bet.” I say as Frisk nods in unison.
This is gonna be the moment I humiliate Frisk in front of their family. Oh the power I would gain. The infinite number of insults to create from this very moment, the embarrassment, this is pure bread right here. Hell, this is the dough . The almighty –
“Damnit.” I grit through my teeth. Frisk grins as they continue.
Anyways, I’m the manager.
“hi, the manager.”
Toriel knocks Sans skull as they both chuckle.
Flowey is our mascot!
“I never asked to be here.” Flowey pouts.
And Noah is the Frisk starts a silent, imaginary drumroll and Em joins in.
Noah is everything else!
“Pfft.”
“hi every-” interrupted by another tap from Papyrus.
So we are gonna be playing my favourite, Spoiled Perfume.
“Nah…” I shake my head.
We are going to be playing Spoiled Perfume. Frisk fixates their smile to me.
“Fine, but I get next pick.”
No.
“...” I stare at them.
Travis gets next pick.
“God I hate you.”
“Just play already! Sooner I’m out, the better.” Flowey spits.
Toriel glares at Flowey, but changes it with a look of concern. “Flowey, do you wish to leave the room?”
Flowey looks away, blossom curling into itself. With an irritated glance to Naya, he mumbles, “No.”
Okay, let’s start.
We start playing through the first song. Then through another. Then through Frisk’s original that they wrote and practically harassed me to sing for them. Then through one of my scrapped songs that Frisk won’t let go. Then Tyler’s favourite. A work in progress song. A song out of my vocal range and sounded horrible but still hilarious. Muppets covers that Frisk begged me to do. Some joke ones. Time slipping by as I sang. More. And more. And more. The calming notes mesmerised in my tongue and fingers, it’s my release. Just closing my eyes makes me go into all the memories and stories of these songs, touching them, feeling them. A whole different world. Like a healthy drug that had no overdoses, like a favourite meme that always made that one person laugh. Travis’ laugh. His smile. I can never understand how he hasn’t gotten tired of me playing the same damn songs to him. The others seem to really like it but I could honestly care less. The claps and applauses, the faces of surprise, showers of compliments they give, the tears they shed for just listening to it. It honestly doesn’t matter; Frisk is having one hell of a good time. Don’t know how long it will take to repay them for their kindness but anything counts.
And then it’s over. Voice hoarse, fingers tired. Weary. I open my eyes witnessing their… possibly the most dramatic but genuine reactions. Ever.
Toriel wipes her eyes, “That was wonderful!”
“I’m going to suplex Undyne for missing this!” Em says as she texts violently.
“OH MY GOD!!!! WHAT’S NEXT!” Papyrus smiles wide.
“holy shit.”
“You’ve outdone yourself Frisk! You too Noah! You’ve even got big guy tearing up!” Simone nudges Asgore.
“It’s just… Such talent!” the monster replies.
Tyler looks deeper at me, same green eyes. And a soft smile across his face.
Travis stares for a while and rewards me with the best prize I can get. A motherfucking thumbs-up. Incredibly appreciated. I make a mean face, tongue sticking out and he copies it instantly.
Flowey. Flowey watches blankly at me with no emotion to read at all.
Naya calmly steps towards Frisk, and gives them a hug. “That was… honestly really great.”
Frisk returns it, and I see the most genuine heartfelt smile a human being can give. Thanks. For everything too. Thanks. Once they pull away, they rush to me. You were really great! Thanks for all the help!
“Yeah no problem,” I quickly say, half ignoring what they said. This is just my thing.
I mean it! Thank you. Frisk signs as they pull me into their embrace.
Everyone else gives some variation of thanks and compliments. As they start crowding me, showering me with the same things I’ve heard countless times before. But this feels different, more genuine and real. Like that gut feeling of ‘You are a good person.’ They are good people. How else was Frisk so amazing? ‘Thank you.’
‘Thank you.’ It feels like this is the first time I’ve heard it.
“Anyways Anaya!” Em announces. “Time to show this fool how you have waayy better music!”
“I think you should Naya!” Toriel cheers!
“H-Hold on.” Anaya raises her hands defensively.
“GET EM NAYA!”
And with that, Naya is thrown into the ring. Obviously I won, even though Frisk betrayed me and went to Naya’s side. I easily won, no mistakes. She couldn’t stand a chance.
Mistake Number 1: Have the wrong shoes and have the wrong jacket on. It had to be those things that contributed to the slight mishaps that occurred after the playing.
Mistake Number 2: Going electric against acoustic was supposed to be in my favour. It wasn’t. Apparently, according to Sans, ‘Anaya is golden. Literally.’
Mistake Number 3: Lofi is not in high demand with these people. How?
Mistake Number 4: Call Anaya’s music mid. Even though it is. And full blown gangups are legal here.
Mistake Number 5: Travis sat by and watched me get mauled to death by Frisk’s family. I’m disowning him after today.
“Can I at least get a snack?” I ask, sitting in the corner of shame.
“No. That’s your permanent spot.” Em says.
“Awww.”
Travis walks by me and passes me a granola bar.
“Thanks man. At least I know I have one friend to count on.” I direct my eyes to Frisk.
Hey Travis. Remember when Noah insulted the Muppets?
Travis nods.
“That’s not true!”
Travis nods again, smiling just a bit.
Em punches her left hand. “What do we do to him?” She says in a deep voice.
Take him to the dungeon. Frisk signs.
“Send him to the pits.” Naya follows.
Frisk and Em grab me by my arms and with no resistance begin heading to the backdoor. Travis trails behind us, arms swinging.
“What are you kids doing?” Simone asks as we pass by her. Tyler shows Papyrus a couple tunes from the omnichord as Asgore sits comfortably near them.
“We’re sending him off to the torture room.” Em responds.
“He’s paying for his sins.” Anaya says.
“Have fun kids!” Simone waves her hand.
I’m dragged further through the house and into the kitchen, run by Toriel and her esteemed jester snickering.
"Hello my friends!" Toriel beams. Her paws deep in the sink while washing dishes.
“Don’t mind us,” Em says. “Just dealing with this prisoner.”
“heh. what crimes did he commit now?”
Insult Muppets.
“oof. sorry bud.” Sans puts his skeletal hand on my shoulder.
“He’s gonna be getting a life sentence. So we better start moving right along, ” Naya grins.
Sans and Toriel both howl in laughter.
“That was excellent!” Toriel beams.
“I don’t know if we walked into that or if Naya just had it planned all along.” I sigh.
She’s that good!
My prison guards let go of me, laughing with the skeletal clown. Travis tugs at my hoodie and points to the backdoor.
“Alright let’s go.” I hold his hand and lead towards the backyard.
First time ever setting foot here. Really only stayed inside when picking Travis up. But man, I really missed out. An assortment of colourful flowers, a garden of trees and green, this place actually might lead to Narnia. “Let’s go find Narnia!” I nudge Travis and run around the magical garden with him. The background noise of everyone enjoying themselves suits the calming breeze of this garden. A sunset peering over the mountain as we played chase and tag. Travis giggling and smiling each time it’s my turn to chase him. Making weird monster noises as I purposefully slowly chase. This is beautiful. Really beautiful.
Wanna see my flowers? Travis signs.
“You have flowers?!”
Travis nods excitedly. Mr. Asgore is good at them! Showed me how and is growing one for me!
“Oh my god, I need to see.” I let Travis pull me over to a secluded spot in the garden. A purple puffball flower grows sweetly next to a sweet cyan petalled plant.
These are mine!
“Holy shit man. These look great!” I sit on the grass, tired from the nonsense and long day. “Is there nowhere to sit in this garden?”
Travis shakes his head.
Huh. It would be cool if there was a bench here. A wooden bench to watch the sunset on.
It’s quiet. Peaceful quiet. The day is ending and tomorrow is coming. Tomorrow. Ugh. Work, rent, Travis being alone at home. Finding a new job. I groan in disgust for my fresh adulting responsibilities. I glance at Travis, who stares at the mountain painted in the golden sunlight. I wanna be with you more. I really do.
Wouldn’t it be cool if there was a bench here? Like the one at the park we used to play at!
Ah yes, of course he knew too. “Yeah.” I sigh.
Let’s build one!
“...” Actually. Hold on. Let’s get the game plan.
One: Building a bench is a job. A hireable job. A job that gives cash .
Two: I can easily get here. No dealing with weird bus schedules and running all over the place.
Three: Travis can chill here. Me and Travis, building a bench. I need to spend more time with Traivs too.
Four: Profit
“Whoo!” I hug Travis and swing ourselves around, falling onto the soft grass. “Great idea man!
I tell him the entire gameplan. Travis nods more and more excitedly as I go through it all. Now, we just need to execute . We head back inside, posture tight and confident. Shoulders firm but flexible. Smile wide and ready to take action. I pass the pun trio cooking with an irritated Papyrus and a distracted Flowey playing on his switch. We head straight to the living room where the Dreemurr family still mess around with the omnichord. Frisk waves as Em plucks my bass guitar.
“Hello Mr and Mrs. Dreemurr!” I say. Frisk looks at me a bit confused.
“Howdy!” The monster waves back.
“Me and Travis were just hanging out in your garden. I must say. It looks impressive!”
“Thank you! It’s not much but I try my best!” He smiles warmly.
“Oh take some credit babe!” Simone nudges him. “You’re really talented!”
“Now.” I announce. “We noticed something, a very important accessory that I am willing to provide for you!”
Frisk chuckles confused. Noah what are you doing?
Asgore tilts his head.
“I think a bench would suit the garden extremely well! Imagine the view! It would work so well!” I say in the most flamboyant way possible.
Simone looks away, pondering a bit. Before smiling almost nostalgically, “Yeah… It would work.” She closes her eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her with this sense of calm before.
“And I! Noah Markley! Will build it for you!”
“I don’t know how and why but he’s sounding like Papyrus…” Em whispers.
Simone furrows her brow confused, “Okay?...”
Shit she might know something is up.
“It is a very good deal. I swear on it.”
Travis nods eagerly.
“...Alright! How much?” Simone pumps back her usual energy.
“Eight hundred dollars!”
“Huh?!” Simone and Em shout in unison. Tyler looks up at his mom a bit confused.
…Shit.
They all stare at me in silence for a couple seconds. Almost dumbfounded except for Tyler who stares… into me. And Asgore who looks like he doesn’t know what’s happening.
“Erm.” Asgore interrupts the silence. “I-
“Simone, don't trust this guy!” Em says. “I’m sure you can find a way cheaper.”
Noah can you actually like… Not scam my friends. Frisk signs very seriously.
“Look, Frisk!” I waltz up to them and put my hand over their shoulder. “It’s a good deal! You don’t know how tough the bench market is.” Hell, I don't know either. “Plus.” I lean in to whisper. “I got a little. Y’know… Code red situation at home…”
Frisk’s eyes bulge. I knew they would get it.
Simone, I know this guy. I start to feel the natural charm of Frisk. Hell yeah. He’s a hard worker and he’s great!
“Plus, it’s not just for the bench.” I join in for the tag team. “It’s a packaged deal!”
Simone starts to look a bit uncomfortable. And… Tyler too. I can feel my heart racing a bit.
“Frisk, Noah…” Em starts. “I know you’re cool but-”
“It comes with guitar lessons and… Travis!” I interrupt. “So I can come, build the bench here. And Tyler and Travis can hang out. And I can teach Tyler my songs!” Heart races a little faster. Don’t screw up this deal, I know I can pull this off.
“Uhm.” Asgore rumbles.
Tyler whimpers.
You’re pushing it dude. Frisk signs quickly to me, blocking any view from his friends. Okay. Got it. Thanks man.
I push Frisk aside and pose with my hand out elegantly. I see Asgore with his paw enveloping Tyler’s entire shoulder and Simone having a mixed face of worry and anger. Em looks ready to dropkick me.
“It’s a great deal!” I say. Hand outstretched.
Travis copies my pose.
It is! Frisk signs. They then copy my pose.
Simone glares at me. Fuck.
“I like it.” Tyler says softly.
“Hmm?” Simone hums.
“I want to learn his songs. I like them.”
Oh my god. Tyler. I promise you. I’ll make it up.
“Also.” Asgore finally gets his chance to speak. “I think it’s a great idea! Eight hundred might be a bit… much. But I’m sure Noah will do an excellent job and make it worthwhile.”
Asgore. Oh my god. Thank you.
“You sure baby?” Simone whispers to Tyler.
Tyler nods.
“Ehh.” Em folds her arms. “I still don’t know. But hey. Lemme know if this punk needs to get folded!” She looks at me. I raise my hands.
“I will haha.” Simone chuckles.
“Hell!” I announce. “I’ll show Ty a song right now!”
Tyler mumbles and shakes his head.
“Oh… Well. I can start tomorrow! Me and Travis will come!”
We stay silent. Asgore smiles warmly while Em and Simone look defensive.
“Sooo. Deal?”
Simone sighs. “Sure.” She shakes my tired hand.
Fuck. Yes. Travis squeals in excitement.
“Dear. I’m sure it will be fine!” Asgore says.
Simone hums. I pick Travis up and he giggles and beams.
“Cmon Travvy. What do we say?” I say with a sense of energy I never thought I had.
Thank you! He signs. He even makes an attempt at saying it out loud, but it comes out as a weird, incomprehensible noise. And I knew exactly what he said.
We twirl a bit and head off back outside. Just as I was leaving, I barely hear Simone ask, “Frisk, he needed it right?”
Oh my God Thank Christ. I replay the heist in my head a thousand times in the garden. Frisk’s help. Asgore and Tyler being on my side. Being two inches away from getting my ass kicked. Jesus. Thank God. Frisk you’re amazing. Frisk…
Shit.
I put Travis down. “I’ll be right back. When I come back, tell me all the places I can build a bench at!”
Travis nods enthusiastically, almost oblivious and runs off to a floral section.
I pull out my phone and text Frisk. Come outside real quick.
Once Frisk comes up and meets me. Their smile disappearing a bit.
“Look, I wanna say sorry. Shouldn’t have done that.”
Yeah it’s cool.
“...” That’s it? “Look man, I mean it. I’ll make it up!”
Noah, it's fine. Frisk smiles softly. It’s cool.
I offer a fist bump. They accept it. “We cool?
Yeah.
“... Thanks. I… Really thanks man.”
It’s no problem! Just, take care of yourself okay? I’m sure we’ll help you with whatever you need.
“Yeah. You guys are good people.”’
Frisk nods.
We stay silent. I stretch my arms out offering a hug. Frisk takes it. A warm soft hug that I can always depend on. Frisk, genuinely, you're amazing. I ruffle their brown hair. “Admit it. We were cool today. You did good.”
You too.
“Just know that I was doing most of the carrying.”
No you weren’t! I literally carried you during Cardio Loon and the Muppets covers!
“Yeah well-”
Travis comes running delighted and violently tugs my hoodie.
“Alright alright I’m coming!”
We follow him to a spot, surrounded by colours of flowers. A section of a garden that would paint the most beautiful picture. Just above the healthy hedges, lead a mighty golden mountain watching over us.
“This the spot?”
Travis nods.
Alright. We got a gameplan. Now, I just need to figure out how to build a bench.