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Hometown was shrouded in a blanket of darkness, illuminated only by some broken streetlights, and the stars that hung above the town, a million specs of light, so far away, yet illuminating the black sky in deep purples and magentas all the same, echoing what little bits of light they have to the silent town. At this hour, it felt almost as if the town was frozen in time. Nothing stirred. Houses and apartments lay dormant. Sometimes, it felt like even the bugs and critters out in the woods had noticed the tranquility, and dared not disrupt it.
The quiet made late night walks and meetups feel so… safe. So serene. Like one could open their heart and soul to the world, and nobody would hear except for who you shared the space with.
Within the dark, walking slowly, anxiously, was the goat boy himself, Asriel. He stopped for a moment to take a deep breath, smoothing the fur on his ears out with his hands. He had no idea why he was so scared: nothing ever came out in the dark. Something about it just… Upset him. On a spiritual level. The idea that in the pitch black night, a million things could be happening, and nobody would ever know… it freaked him out.
He shouldn't focus on that right now. He reopened his eyes, and continued making his way through the town.
This had become such a common thing between the two that she never needed to say more than a few words for him to know exactly where to go. As he walked down the sidewalk towards the lake, he first spotted a wisp of gray smoke, curling and fading as it floated up into the sky. Soon after, he spotted the blue, sharp antlers. The dark hair. The tattered flannel. The mayor's older daughter herself, December Holiday, in the flesh.
She held herself up with one hand, as the other held a lit cigarette. Her legs sat outstretched in front of her. Asriel frowned as he approached. Dess didn't turn around: She knew who was behind her.
“You know I don't like when you smoke, Dess…” Asriel muttered as he took a seat right beside her. She scoffed, taking another drag seemingly out of spite.
“Whatever Azzy, I hear enough of that shit from mom and dad. I don’t need it from you either.” Asriel shot her a dirty look at that. Reluctantly, she tossed the cigarette into the lake, and sighed.
“Sorry- I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.” She clarified. Even when she's mad at the whole world, she hates taking it out on Asriel. He was just looking out for her. Asriel’s annoyed gaze softened, as he turned to look out at the lake.
“Y’know, I’m half convinced you’re the only reason those things are kept in stock. Never seen anyone else in this town buyin’ em.” He chuckled, and Dess couldn’t help but join in.
“Meh, I’m sure someone else is just hiding it like a pussy.” She turned to look at Asriel, and smiled a bit. She always liked Asriel. In this town, everyone pretended they liked her, and tried kissing her ass because she’s the mayor's kid. She always hated it. She knew what people said about her behind her back. She knew how people really felt.
Except for Asriel.
Through sheer persistence, always striking up small conversations and checking on her, he eventually got to crack Dess’ shell. At her lowest points, he would always be there to help her up. He never complained. He never tried to get anything out of her. He never did anything to hurt her. He was so… considerate, and kind. No wonder everyone loved him.
She did too.
“So what's up? Did your mom do something again?” Asriel spoke, breaking the silence and bringing Dess back to reality. She rolled her eyes.
“What hasn’t she done at this point?” She shifted her hand placement, switching which hand was holding her up. “But nah, that ain’t why I brought ya here.”
Asriel’s ears twitched in curiosity. Dess sighed.
“...I’ve been waitin’ to say something, because I wanted to be sure it was okay first, but uh….” Dess shuffled awkwardly. She took a moment, trying to make sure her thoughts came out in a way that made sense.
“...How… Was it, growin’ up with Kris as a sibling?” She sputtered out. Asriel glared at her with confusion.
“What do you mean? You guys are like a second family to us, you would know too!” He chuckled. “You watched them grow up just as much as I did.”
“That's not-” She took a deep breath in.
“ I meant… What was it like growin’ up with a sibling that’s…. Y’know…” She gestured with her hands, hoping he’d get the idea.
Asriel’s eyes narrowed, signaling to her that he, in fact, did not get the idea. She growled a bit in frustration.
“Y’KNOW!!!! A sibling that's… not… like… a boy or a girl..! Ugh!” She huffed angrily. Asriel snickered, but then turned to her.
“I uh… I don’t really know how to answer that, Dess,” He began. “Ever since Kris began living with us, they’ve always been… Kris. Y’know? It never bothered me or anything, but it also didn’t really… Affect me. They’re the same little gremlin, no matter how they identify.” He smiled.
“ It’s never been important to me, I guess. Of all the weird things Kris does, that wasn’t one of them. It’s not like it changes who they are. It makes them the most comfortable, so… It makes sense to me that they do whatever makes them feel like that.” Dess hummed in response.
“Why do you ask?” Asriel cocked his head to the side.
“Uh, well…” Her eyes darted around, looking at nothing in particular. She took a deep breath, being very careful to not screw up her wording.
“It turns out I… Have a little sister. And not a little brother.” She said flatly. Asriel perked up, and gave his full attention to her.
“And, obviously, I want what’s best for my little… sister. But I’m just… I’m worried I’ll screw up. That I will upset…her.” She anxiously fiddled with her hands.
“Or that.. I won’t be able to protect her if… something happens. I asked you because you just…” She turned away, clutching at her arms.
“You made it look so easy. But I’ve had to, like, rewire my brain to say the right things, and avoid making her sad. And then rewire it again in front of mom and dad!” She sighed.
“I feel like I’m failing hi- Shit,” She muttered, before correcting herself.
“Uh, her, by not being immediately the best at this. She deserves better.” She brought her knees up to her chest. Asriel placed a hand on her shoulder. She flinched a bit at the contact, but didn’t pull away.
“Dess, I can tell you’re really, really trying. To do this right. To not screw up. I’m sure that your sister is deeply appreciative that you’re trying, even if you mess up.” He flashed a smile at her. Dess blushed a bit.
“You’ve known her as your brother all your life. It’s gonna take some getting used to. Don’t beat yourself up over it. You’re not horrible for not being a pro the first time.” She smiled back.
“And.. I’m sure in time, she will be able to defend herself. I get it, wanting to always protect your sibling. I’m sure you’ve heard me and dad correct people plenty of times.” A small laugh escaped his lips.
“As for now, I would just suggest… doing what you can for her now. Check in often. Make her safe and comfortable.” She nodded slowly.
“..And then bash the knees in on anyone who's a dick to her.” She muttered. Asriel smirked.
“There you go! You’re a natural! … Maybe try something else before resorting to that though.” Asriel joked.
“Mmmm, no promises.” She elbowed him softly. A peaceful silence formed between the two. For a while, the pair just looked out towards the lake.
“...Hey Az?” She broke the silence after some time.
“Hm?”
“Thanks for everything, dude. You’re like… my best friend.” As exhaustion slowly crept in, she found it harder and harder to keep up her “tough” persona. Especially around Asriel. He just… got her.
Asriel beamed, seemingly full of boundless energy.
“Aww, you’re my best friend too, Dess!” She scoffed.
“Yeah right dude, everyone in this town's your best friend. That doesn’t mean shit to me.” She teased. Asriel frowned.
“Dess, I mean it!” He sputtered out.
“Yeah yeah, sure.” She waved him off. Suddenly, he grabbed her arm.
“Dess, I’m serious.” He said sternly.
She couldn’t get a word in before he continued.
“Look, I know I get along with everyone, but… Dess, you’re special. I don’t ever feel forced to put on this, like, super fake persona around you. I can be a bit snarky, or joke, and you won’t be hurt by it.” Dess’ eyes widened as she turned to look at him.
“As soon as I saw you, I knew that I wanted to get to know you. You were always so closed off. So reserved. You put on this tough sort of face to scare people away.” He grinned.
“But I knew there was more to you. So I kept talking, and talking, and talking, until you talked back. And you know what, Dess?” Her ear perked slightly.
“I’m so glad you did. Learning about you and getting to know you beyond that facade is… it’s really special to me.” He then looked out solemnly.
“I know that you sort of… feel alone. In this world. Like you can’t trust anyone. Like everyone’s out to get you.” She nodded slowly, a soft hum coming from her after that.
“But if it means anything to you, I want you to know that I am here for you, no matter what. I don’t care if you bug me late at night, or while I’m busy. Being your friend means a thousand times more to me than any award I have in my room.”
She stared at him, expression unreadable. Asriel’s confidence faltered a bit, as he began to blush and turn away.
“I- uh… S-Sorry. I just… Don’t like it when you downplay yourself. That was weird, I’m sorry, I can go if you wan-”
“Don’t.”
Her voice slashed through the air like a blade. Asriel turned back slowly, to see Dess smiling the biggest smile he’s ever seen on her.
“Y’know Az, you’re a huge ass dork.” She chuckled.
“I wish I was half as good at talkin’ about how much you mean to me too.” She leaned in close. Asriel's eyes widened, and a blush began to grow on his face.
“It’s a lot, by the way.” She blushed a bit.
“You are so kind to me, even when sometimes I don’t deserve it. But, I… I want you to know that… I-Ugh! Look what you do to me Azzy!” She stammered, earning a chuckle from the goat boy.
“Look, I’m no good with words, but…” She leaned in close and pecked Asriel on the cheek. He jumped and turned a peachy pink.
“There. Does that show you?” She tried to play it cool, as if she didn’t just do that.
Asriel could not get more than a syllable out for a bit. Dess couldn’t help but smile.
“Hah! For once I left you wordless!” She pumped her fist. Asriel’s face flushed even more.
“Y-You can’t just be normal after you d-did that!!!!!” He gestured wildly with his hands.
“Can and will, goat boy. Now are ya gonna return the favor?” She raised an eyebrow, teasing him more.
“I- Uh- I-I mean- Oh jeez- um, I-I-” She laughed.
“This is what I mean when I call you a dork. C’mere.” She turned to him and stretched her arms out. Asriel froze for a moment, then leaned in to give her a hug. She rolled her eyes and shoved him away, clicking her tongue in mock annoyance.
“I was lookin’ for a KISS, Azzy!” She joked. Asriel somehow became even redder.
“J-Just give me a minute, okay!?! I’m still processing the first one!!!” He exclaimed, earning a laugh from Dess.
“Yeah yeah, get used to it, there's gonna be plenty more where that came from.” She stated. Then, she quickly backtracked.
“Uh- I mean, if you want- If you don’t I totally get it- Was I too forward? Shit- I’m sorry Az-” She was cut off by Asriel leaning forward and connecting their lips. Her eyes widened, then fluttered shut as she melted into the kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as time felt like it began to stop. In this moment, nothing else mattered, besides him and her, sharing this moment. They both wished it would last forever.
At this moment, it felt like it did.
—----------------------------------
Once again, a silence fell over the two, but instead of looking at the lake, they were turned towards each other. His hands held her waist, as if she was the most fragile thing on the planet. Her arms wrapped around his neck, ensuring neither could fully look away from one another. The looks in their eyes said everything that neither of them could. They looked at each other so intensely, so passionately, like if they looked away, they’d fade away. They were both flustered messes, their fur frazzled and their hair messed up. But between them, all around them, something grew.
Adoration.
Love.
A deeper connection.
They both smiled. Nothing needed to be said.
“I…I love you, Dess.” Asriel chose to say something anyway.
“...love you too…” She mumbled back.
“I’m going to love you for as long as you’ll let me.” He continued.
“You better.” She fired back, smiling big and wide.
And there they sat.
Love shining as bright as the stars that reflected upon the lake’s surface.
It was so peaceful.
So wonderful.
…
“...”
“...I miss you, Dess.”
“After all this time, I still hope that you’re out there.”
“I have so many things I want to say to you. So much to share.”
“You would have loved it here.”
“...”
“I will never forget you.”
“For as long as there isn’t a grave, I will believe, deep in my heart, that you’re out there. Waiting.”
“And I will wait right alongside you.”
“I won’t believe my world is gone until I see it for myself.”
“Even if everyone else moves on, I won’t.”
“...”
“...Angel above, I wish you were here to make fun of me being sappy, haha.”
“I’ll talk to you more later, okay?”
“I love you.”
“Your best friend,”
“Asriel Dreemurr.”