Archive of Our Own

It's a wonderful day out, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and friendships are being ripped apart.

Player and Gaster watch from above as two dates are being ruined by miscommunication and Childish jealousy. “This scene always makes me cringe,” Gaster looked up from his spot. “Oh, and why is that? You seemed to be satisfied by it the first two times.”

The two were sitting on the ground, surrounded by a black void, with a screen that looked down at the festival below, defying the laws of reality. Player sat on the edge of the window ledge, their legs swinging idly, basking in light that didn't reach them, and a little more than arm's reach away was Gaster with a laptop, more watching Player than doing anything with it. “Eh its just because of foresight, I mean I know that there kids but really it wouldn't be that hard to resolve it” they mumbled

“I see so if you were on a date like them then what would you do?” Gaster said conjuring a hand to type on the laptop so he could join them properly.

“It depends” their serene smile turned into an opportunistic grin, “am I one of them or” they leaned in where there was once one or two inches between them now, suddenly they were face to face. “Am I taking someone on a date?” they tilted her head slightly “That sounds like a proposition, angel.” He smiled back at them. “But I was speaking as if you had full control over Kris”

“Ah.”

“Though we can change the inquiry.”

Player pulled back to think “hm” he watched most of their conversations were one-sided with Player speaking the most with little on his part not that he didn't want to interact back Player was simply just too sharp. A careless word there a frown here and the other had pieced something that wasn't supposed to be pieced together just yet, something small to a name to a person not meant to be named yet.

“I guess I would just be a bit more open, Krismiss def-initely struggles with that the most” they answered looking up to the sky. He hummed “and for the other question you proposed?” they looked back at him “Huh?” he closed the distance between them once more. But nowhere near as confidently as them “If you had to take someone on a date?” they grinned, “welll” they stretched back “It depends~” they replied

“on what?“

“Is this my first date with them? Do I know them from before? or are we strangers?”

They was teasing once more, leaning in “or is it you and me going together?”

Gaster looked down towards the world “I haven't ever been to a festival that I can remember well,” “And?” Player questioned, Gaster smiled “I don't believe I would be a good partner for you.”

Player always had something to smile about, whether it be music or some other simple pleasure but there really were times when their equel challenged her carefree personality and this was one of the rare times of displeasure.

“Why wouldn't we have a good date together? We haven't even gone on one?” Their eyes were sharp as they were with opportunities and others. But here, where it was angel and devil, time and space, two anomalies who couldn't belong anywhere properly but here, they were calm and mellowed out. But some people said foolish things that brought out those eyes that were fierce and could bring worlds and time to its knees

(Yet as strong as sharp as free as they were, they were always at the mercy of him. their worst and most wonderful challenge to obtain)

“A poor choice of words” he corrected. They waited for the other to continue and when no encore came they sighed and stood

“Will you go on a date with me to the festival?” Their voice started strong but near the end it sounded more like pleading.

(A chance give me one and I will make sure that you'll be satisfied to last these long nights we wait)

Gaster forced himself not to look at Player “I am afraid you have gone ahead of yourself” he said still looking down “You nor do i have a proper vessel which would be appropriate for us to venture out in”

they locked on the vessel's part “you mean-” he held a hand out and finally looked at them. “And by us i mean you, even with something to keep the interloper from causing an issue you know there are many other issues that can not be swept away with an item or with willpower”

they hummed, hand on her chin “Yeah, even with just Kris it’d be so weird could you imagine how much they'd fume and that’s not even getting on the obvious stuff, Yuck!” they said sticking out her tongue at the idea.

He let out a small sigh of endearment “as you said even with the proper vessel it was created for functionality, not livability.” he shook his head. “It would not be to your standards,” but despite the two of them agreeing they still looked like they were thinking up a solution to a problem that couldn't be solved satisfactorily.

“The Device” they said “I can manipulate it a bit up here in some ways.”
Huh? ”My Deltarune, your resolve is admirable, but it is wasted here; it should be used in better ways” he smiled. It was sweet and too kind.

But the look on the other's face was a bit worrying to him.

(but no worry could stop the way he smiled at them, perfect is the angel in all.)

That look could be downright dangerous to those down below, it was a look that allowed no quarter and no compromise with all the necessary casualties accounted for and ready to be sacrificed.
In a way it was scarier than their determination it was measured in a way that he couldn't understand nor predict. It was a chisel for all the things that required it.

“Gaster, what do I use this save file for?” Player said, looking at Gaster. He cocked his head “For fighting the shadow crystal holders as you wish.”
“Right so this save file will stop before any problems show up!”

He started to get up. “Angel, there are far more ways for-” he held his hands out to calm the other down.

“Gaster!”

their hands held his. their eyes were red and deep the softest breath-movement made the shades spin and dance in different hues.

“You can say no.” they said softly

How could he?

The forgotten laptop was brought to them via his other hand and they looked over at it “the laptop? Would it work?” he softly sighed “you could make the stars shine at day.” they looked over, startled, face pink “It's rare i hear you say stuff like that haha” they smiled wide and he returned that smile with a small one of his own “I trust you need no aid?” not that he’d mind helping, he could be happy if he was walking in hell so long as they were there the best part was how they’d talk about the disasters as though they were something to admier.

“Not even a little bit, Jeez, maybe I should give you some lessons on coding.” they grabbed the laptop from the hand, typing faster than it should have been possible. He chuckled at the comment as the window closed behind them usually that left him in the dark but they glowed enough for them both.

He watched over their shoulder as they typed “The laptop is just a medium I use to manipulate this world with.” He explained, “cuz it's familiar?” they didn't even slow down as they spoke, completely focused on their task. “Of course.”

“Done here.” they passed it back to him “hmm” he shut the laptop, causing an unnatural shockwave "I'm excited to witness your new future Player” they laughed a loud and powerful one with out being to strong “its better then that” they said facing him as the darkness consumed them “your going to experience it” their grin was the last thing he saw

Player looked around or tried, where was she? A couple of footsteps and someone stopped, rustling, and then light flooded in. Gaster smiled at her, comically packaged in the box with no room wasted, “Help me?” She asked with a sheepish smile. He raised a hand and her soul suddenly appeared, turning blue as he used gravity to pull her out. She stayed curled up until she was on the ground before she decompressed on the floor.

“Ahg, Kris couldn't have tossed me in a bigger box? Why something so small?” she ground as she stretched out her limbs.

“In their defence, the box was more than big enough for your soul and still managed to hold you with a body.” Gaster said while watching Player warming up in her new body.

Player looked around the storage tent. It was probably put there by Carol for Kris to rip their soul out without worrying about anyone seeing them or stealing the soul.

“Ooooh look at that, a mirror!” she exclaimed, grabbing Gaster's hand and pulling him to it. The mirror was large enough for both of them to fit in the frame. “It's us!” she said Gaster chuckled before actually looking at what they were both wearing.

Player had gone from an undefended form to a female body. A good word to describe her was trendy. She looked like a celebrity. She wore a black turtle-neck crop top with a heart cutout just above her chest. It fit her perfectly she also had a baggy red racing jacket with patch logos and a checkerboard strip going from one sleeve end to the other. Her pants were high-rise, black with pockets, and a checkered belt that was more an accessory than anything,
to finish, long hair was tied up with a long red ribbon, the ends permanently swaying in the wind, and rose colored circle glasses were on her head; her lips were bright red, she looked as though she had a cherry popsicle a second ago.

Gaster's body was no longer constantly melting but that's not to say that he was restored to his pre-shattered state. His body was now more akin to a porcelain doll, pure white outside, hollow inside. He was wearing all black, fingerless gloves that covered the holes in his hands, a zipped-up hoodie with the sleeves rolled up, and cargo pants with a silver chain attached on the left, silver cuffs with the deltarune symbol on the left, and the Undertale deltarune on the right. His lips and cheeks were dusted slightly with purple that shone.

“Do you like it?” Player asked looking at them both in the mirror

“It's nice, though I do think I look like a teenager.” Player took his hand. “I think you look wonderful,” she brought it up to her mouth pressing a soft kiss to his fingers,

“Uhh.” his face lit up, he pulled his hand away from her, and pulled his hood up. “we should go.” Player laughed “As you wish, my deltarune.”

They went to the ticket counter first Player patted there pockets and found a wallet full with cash and other goodies such as an expensive black credit card.

“Here you are,” she smiled as she gave it to the cashier. “Two unlimited games and rides bands please.” The monster stared for a moment before stuttering and beginning to ring them up,

“You and aren't from this town are you both?” She looked at Gaster before replying, “Yea me and him are on vacation and were passing this place by. Such a great day for a festival, isn't it?”

“Uh yea here you are” The monster passed her card back and the bands to her. With a wave, they walked off a bit before Player held out their hand, “Your wrist, please.” Gaster held his hand out and let the other put the band on before taking her hand and doing the same for Player. A small moment of quiet intimacy between them.

“So where to go first?” Gaster and Player walked to the rides where there was a surprising selection to choose from Player put a decorated fingernail to her lips humming in delight.

“How about that one?” she said, pointing to a black saucer ride with the name of “Alien Attack”. Gaster looked and tilted his head

“It doesn't have a line either,” Gaster commented. Player smiled “Let's go!” She ran over taking him along with her.

When they went in there were two empty spots next to each other. “Line up on the wall the ride will be starting shortly.” The man's voice droned out, but looked over at Player in surprise as she and Gaster got on.

“You’d think they never saw a skeleton and human by the way they look at us.” Player said as she leaned on the wall, Gaster hummed not paying much attention to anyone other than Player “What's this ride?”
“You'll see” she grinned

Gaster frowned as the door closed with a hiss of hydrolects, the ride began to move slowly “This seems slightly familiar.” Gaster mused “oh really whats it remind you of?” Player said taking his hand

“hmm it was a visual novel” Player tilted her head “you can see everything i play?’ The ride sped up a bit.

“it had pink blood.” he offered “Dangonrompa?’ she said, surprised as loud music started to play as the ride began to pick up speed pressing them both against the wall.

The others began to yell and cheer the faster it went and the faster it went the more it pressed them against the wall.

“Get ready!” Player yelled, pulling her hand away from his as the music picked up

“For what?” Gaster questioned back before suddenly going up, the wall he was lying on lifting him off the ground before slamming him down. Surprised yell rang out as the ride pulled other people up and slamped back down.

“You had fun?” she asked as she half carried Gaster out, his arm around Players shoulder many others staggered out from behind them not in much better states then Gaster.

“Much.” he said as they sat down at one of the benches the fall wind was much appreciated, cooling them down as they relaxed (or in Gaster case recovered.)

Player laughed at the other "that rides pretty chill you arnt even in the air now imagine if i took you on the Zipper” he looked up “the Zipper?” she pointed to one of the medium sized rides with a long line ‘that one over there” he raised a metaphorical eyebrow “it doesn't look that bad.” he said as the last cage was shut before the ride started.

Two seconds later he winced in sympathy as the cages spun as well as the ride itself

“see what i mean?” Player said as the screams of it passengers (victims *cough *cough) rang out which sounded more terrified than happy. “Absolutely,” he replied.

“Wanna go-”

“No.”

The two walked around after there resting up a bit.

“How about that one?” Gaster said pointing to the back of a bumper car ride Player looked over and smiled “that sounds fun.”

as the two walked over Player looked at Gaster before talking “Papyrus would love something like this wouldn't he, hm?”

Gaster looked over with an enduring expression “why don’t you tell me? For all you know I haven’t even met him” he said cheerfully before his eyes narrowed in to slits “I thought it was unspoken that you wouldn't play any games for spoilers.” he was still smiling as he spoke but it was obvious the other shouldn't push anymore.

Gaster humphed playfully before walking ahead, arms folded behind his back like Ralsie. Player scratched the back of her head “Jeez, I wasn’t even really trying to hide it.”

The bumper ride line was also empty, but a lot of families were surrounding the ride waiting for it to start.

“You think we can go on?” Player said looking at the families surrounding the ride

“There are two empty cars” Gaster pointed out, (they were also the only ones in a strangely empty arena, them and the bumper cars) and no one said anything as they approached the last two cars.

Player hummed as they opened the seatbelt to the red car (with yellow and green stripes with the number 7) while Gaster looked at the other one (purple and green with the number six) with a bit of apprehension

“You need any help?” Player said turning their head towards Gaster. Gaster turned a bit to look at her, smiling softly “I don't think I can drive one of these, I’ll simply watch from the sidelines with the others-.”

Player seemed to teleport to Gaster car stretching her arms out on the seat “Don’t worry, I'll tell you what to do and how to drive. It's not hard at all” Player said patting the diver's site for him Gaster stared for a second before sighing softly, smiling “as you wish.”

“That's the pedal and the reverse, see easy “ Player said “Alright,” Gaster said, pressing said pettels down. “Even if you mess up it’ll be just fine, it's not like we're competing or anything” Player said.

Spotlights started flashing and loud music started playing.

“WELCOME TO THE BUMPER CAR COMPETITION! SHAWARMA EDITION!”

What.

The platform suddenly started to rise, the empty car that Player was going to ride in fell through a hole that seemed to appear out of nowhere as 3 other cars were raised out of the ground.

Catti with jockingtonat her side,
Monster Kid with snowy, seemingly still fighting over who dives (despite nether having arms to steer),
Temmie with her egg ,which had been strapped down with several more seat belts and a egg sized helmet with some egg pun on it (thank fully too small to make out,)
Berdly who noticeably didn't have a partner (if Player was in the drivers seat and Kris was there Gaster might have to teleport them out of the ride, least a murder accord.)

“OUR FORTH TEAM HAS BEEN SELECTED. NOW WE CAN START THE COMPETITION. YOU KNOW THE RULES NOW LETS. GET. CRAZY- ”

“Um, Mister, we didn't sign up for this, we thought this was a normal ride not a competition,” Gaster said his voice cutting over the other despite the announcer's volume.

There was a palpable silence.

“We also don't know the rules.” Player said raising a hand from her seat.

“YOU'RE NOT FROM HERE”

“No we are unfortunately not” Gaster said.

“FINE I WILL EXPLAIN”

“You really don’t have too we can just go-”

“YOU NEED TO SIMPLY PUSH THE OTHERS OUT OF THE RING, THE RING WILL ALSO GET SMALLER AND SMALLER UNTIL THERE IS NONE LEFT BUT YOU, YOUR PARTNER, AND THE SMELL OF V I C T O R E Y

“Okay-.”

“YOUR PARTNER CAN ALSO HELP WITH THE GADGETS UNDERNEATH THE SEATS”

“Okay, this was not here a second ago.”
“I’m afraid nothing is currently making sense"
“Ah so like always.”

“NOW LET'S GET CRAZY”
The bumper car started up its engine purring, then the cars started to move to the edge without Gaster doing anything

“What are you doing MK!” Snowy shouted

“It's moving on its own!” Monster kid yelled back. ‘Wait, did any of you sign up for this?” Player said looking at the other contestants.

“NOi”
“...” the egg says nothing yet you can feel it unwillingness to be in this situation. As a fellow egg curator

“Absolutely not.”
“I just followed Catti”

The MK and Snowy are now both trying to move car with the stuck wheel with their mouths In Player opinion it only a matter of time before they kiss

“OF COURSE I WOULD, ME AND MY HARA-”

Just as Berdly starts the bumper cars spin in circles till everyone's seeing doubles

Player held herself against the seat, but mostly unaffected by the spinning (one couldn't beat Photoshop flowey without being able to deal with much worse) she looked over the gadget in her hands

“How can Carol afford any of this?” Gaster looked towards her. “I imagine she would be confused herself by all of this you weren't subtle when you used The Device.”

Player gave a malevolent smile before cocking the green and purple cannon in her hands “Well, she’ll just have to deal with it like we've had to deal with them.” Gaster smiled back at her, slightly shaking his head

“-Also to your right“ Gaster revered and spun the wheel skillfully, dodging the catti-jockenton and temmi-egg tuffeling.

Despite Gaster's apparent “inexperience” with any type of modern machine, the car followed all of his directions avoiding snowy and monster kid (who were still fighting over the wheel.)

Coming to a stop at the edge of the arena they surveyed the battlefield.

“Should we actually try to win?” Gaster said crossing his arms over the wheel while Player unbuckled their seat belt putting one foot on the dashboard as they amined there cannon.

(which, despite the bright coloring, was starting to look more and more like an actual weapon in her hands) her excited and frankly bloodlusted expression fell a bit as she looked at him.
“Personally I was just planning on not resetting or anything like that other wise-.” she cocked the weapon and fired at the chaos; a net came out falling on three of the teams, surprised yells rang out along from the contestants with delighted cheering from the onlookers.

“See everyone's having fun even the people just watching are excited too.” Gaster looked over despite some having ready-made flags they shouted for them too.

(“Nice shot!” “Come on, do another one!” “aim at Berdly next!)

“See its one thing if we rigged it but if we don’t try at all it wouldn't be fun for anyone either." Just then, Berdly zoomed through the others coming straight at them shouting incoherently

“also you wanna lose to Berdly of all people?” Player said, raising an eyebrow at him

Gaster hummed in contemplation as Berdly continued to speed at him while the net that Player fired had seemingly dissolved at the others had come to an agreement to follow Berdly's lead.

(More like they came at the agreement to retaliate first.) Player reamed her cannon, watching all of the cars come right at them “I hope you made a decision by now.”

Faster than should have been possible they turned and reversed. Player grabbed the car to avoid eating dirt.

“Why not? I suppose we can try just for a bit.” Gaster said a competitive glint coming to his eyes.

Berdly and Temmie were the only one with fast enough reflexes to turn fast enough. Catti, Jockonton, MK and Snowy went right off the cliff.

“Oh come on, his hands weren't even properly on the wheel!” Berdly shouted

“Hah! Try a bit harder I promise you actually have a chance!” Player jeered.

The audience shouted their approval at the banter. Before gasping suddenly, the three teams looked back to the edge that the others had fallen finding them still on the arena.

“What? How you all went off” Berdly shouted, MK grinned along with others. “Guess you wouldn't know considering you don’t have a partner but these little gadgets are more useful then Just shotting nets!”

Player looked away whistling, not looking a single bit remorseful. “But they also have grappling hooks!” Berdly gasped at MK whether because of the grappling hook bit or the partner comment, he had vengeance in his eyes.

“Kristopher and Noelle are just- simply busy with other things,” Berdly shouted (definitely the partner comment) “Things that are too difficult for someone of your caliber to understand!”

Suddenly, Catti rammed into Berdly from the side. “How's this for calabur?” all of them seemingly having forgotten Player and Gaster to air their grievances with Berdly.

Snowy grinned murderously, “Oh yeah? And it's not just because they wouldn't want to be seen in public with a nerd like you? ack!-” Another net fell on Mk and Snowy,

Player lowered her cannon with an unamused expression, “Okay that was getting a bit too mean.” Berdly slamped into MK and Snowy them sending the two spinning “I take nerd as a compliment!” he humthed.

“We know you never shut up about it” Catti gritted out dodging Berdly sudden attack “Yeah, you tell’um!” Player cheered in the background before grabbing the car as Gastrer turned to avoid Temmi.

They were on the other side of the arena far from the others. “This might be a bit harder.” Player said holding on to the windshield Gaster watched the other warily “I know there not normal in the sightest.” temies eyes and smile started to slide off her face “Ah, and how much do you think that is-” Gaster swung the wheel as Temmie charged them “not the time dearest”

Not having a partner didn’t make it any easier to push them off or dodge them but Gaster didn't have to worry about Player falling off, Player seemed to defy gravity fidgeting with the cannon as they spun.

“Wanna try something?” Player said, aiming at Temmie. Gaster nodded, waiting for Temmi to stop moving then like a gun going off, Temmie went straight at them.

Player shot the cannon not at Temmie, but the ground instead of the net. A grappling hook came out (but in Player opinion it looked more like a green frog tongue) and Gaster spun the wheel. The car made a full circle, slapping into Temmie unfortunately where they used to be.

Sending the other over the edge, in one last ditch attempt to stay on Temmie grabbed the gadget to grab onto the edge but a loud horn sounded out as the arena outer ring fell without warning. “Oh jeez, that really got me going” Player said, slightly relaxing “agreed.” Gaster said.

They both turned there head towand the other said of the arena as the three-way battle finished up. Catti and Joconton had gotten two timed by Berdly, and the MK-Snowy team, Both slammed them off.

Now they were now in a show off, engines roaring as they had a stare off with twin war cries they charged.

Ending in both careening off towards the edge but Berdly managed to hit the brakes unlike the other MK.

“CURSE YOU!!!” They shouted at Berdly, leaving only two cars on the arena. Player rested there head on there fist as the two drivers circled each other.

They stopped dramatically as the music hit a crescendo and they charged at each other.

The confetti popper went off behind Player and Gaster as the announcer did his job.

“INTRODUCING THE WINNERS OF THE BUMPER CAR COMPETITION!”

Said winners were wearing balloon crowns and sunglasses with party blowers in their mouths.
They mostly blocked out the announcer as he passed them there prize and shooed them off the stage

“Well that was something.” Player said, pulling off her new accessories. Gaster did the same looking over the party blower “I had fun.”

Player looked at him “really I thought you wouldn't have liked how intense it got at the end”

Gaster put the party blower away before looking up and smiling “I have been thought much worse than a simple competition, like you.”

Player laughed, “That's fair.” Player held up two tickets in her hands “And we also know why it was called shawarma edition." Each ticket promised a free shawarma sandwich.

“Feeling hungry?”

They found the food stalls on the left side of the festival along with the shawarma stall. An Ox-like Monster took the tickets with a booming laugh. “You two must have fun winning together!” He said
“Yup” Player said with a slightly tired smile, “so what do you want G?” she turned to the other only to see him on the benches, looking as worn out, well as worn out either of them could be. She looked back to the owner, “Two shawarmas, one chicken and one lamb, and two sodas.”

“Here.” Player passed a coke to Gaster who was looking up at the sky “thank you.” Gaster looked at Player before taking the offered soda.

Player sat down next to him opening the drink and taking a swing while Gaster sipped his own. Neither of them said anything as the day turned into more of an evening.

They both had lost track of time and they both knew it. Kris had definitely realized the soul was gone as they should have but they wouldn't have found said soul like was scripted, one of them should have said something, especially Gaster, but neither did.

“It’ll take a sec for the shawarma, looks like they make it fresh,” Player said after a moment. Gaster took another sip of the drink “is that so? I have never tried them before.”

They were dancing around the question. Should they leave, or should they continue despite everything? Player didn’t want to say it out loud and Gaster couldn’t even set a new time limit to their date, one that would be only forgotten about after it’d be set.

Player took a deep breath, part of her wanted to simply forget about everything, the “your choices don’t matter”, Kris running around soulless, the dark fountain flowing.

It was so easy to justify it too, “Kris did the same, pulling the soul out of their body for some fun, albeit paired with betrayal. Why shouldn’t I do the same? arguably they haven’t even been waiting for this half as long.”

She looked over at Gaster the man she’d been looking for as long as ten years. Truthful Player knew that when push came to shove she would take whatever side that led to him, even if it went against Kris and the others she came to love, but.

She always had the choice at the end of the day, she would have what she wanted and this was simply a taste of that. And if Kris and their little team came to ruin this nether had any delusions of what would happen next.

They had both loved their Vessel despite its role as a tool, and she couldn’t know their faith yet, but Gaster did. Whatever Carol and Kris considered discarded it wasn't good, and if Tenna was also “discarded” then…

“What do you prefer in drinks?” Player looked up in a bit of surprise and snapped out of their thoughts. Gaster was looking at her smiling but there was some hidden concern in his face.

Player smiled back before thinking for a moment “I don’t have many dislikes or things like that; mostly it depends on if im drinking it with something or not. You know I wonder why Frisk hated soda so much?”

Gaster tilted his head “did they? I never noticed.”
Player turned to him “Yeah, it was so confusing, it was just like how Krissy can be with me. Actually i think i never tried to make them drink it after the first time. And I didn't get a single FUN event yet so maybe you just couldn’t notice.”

Gaster put a finger on his chin “Yes if you hadn’t-” Gaster stopped immediately to turn to Player, “you were trying to make me confirm something, weren’t you?”

Player stood up “Oh look at that, our food's done, hope you didn’t finish all your soda. Also, I like orange soda the most since you asked. Gonna go get it, okay? Byeee.” Player blurted all of that out before rushing over to the stall, taking her sweet time with it.

Gaster rolled his eyes shaking his head with a sigh

Player passed one of the two sandwiches to him, “Most people prefer lamb over chicken but we can just share.”

They both took a bite of the shawarma. Player moaned in pleasure

“I didn’t realize how hungry I was.” she slurred. Gaster chuckled a bit “I thought you couldn't get hungry?”

Player swallowed her bite before talking this time "screw that this is good, I rarely get to taste things properly.”

Player held her sandwich out for the other to try.

Gaster slowly put his hand next to hers, pulling it towards his mouth to try. Player couldn't help but admire at the other, watching him taking a bite, her face heating up. Gaster looked up at her, searching for any discomfort. Player gently brought her hand to his face, wiping a bit of food off his face.

Gaster watched the other bring her hand to her mouth and lick her finger before..
snapping out of the wonderful spell of confidence that came over him. He pulled back, covering his face with his hand, blushing hard
“I..”

Player couldn’t help but shake her head at him as he turned away from her after his one-syllable sentence. Search for a man for nearly a decade, then ask him out on a date, and then make sure to be as sweet and unoverwhelming as you can naturally be, and he somehow acts like there's even the slightest chance you don’t like him.

You knew what mixed signals are, and you really weren't giving them off at this point. Should you just wave your hands around, though it was probably him more than you.

“He knows how i feel, He just needs some time” Player thought as he sipped his drink, not looking at her.

“You know if you wanted me to feed you could just ask. Couples do that all the time”

He spat out his drink, nearly choking “Couples?”

“Well yea they do.” Player said grinning “here feed me!” Player said closing her eyes and opening her mouth.Gaster pushed the whole sandwich in her mouth before grabbing Players and taking another bite “Maybe later, huh I think i like this one better” he said to Player (who was choking)

They finished their food with no more choking or any other incidents, just good food and even better conversation they cleaned up the bench and thanked the monster before walking to the rest of the festival

“So where to next, another ride?” Player said, motioning at the many Attractions all around. Gaster looked at rides, most of them pulling you upwards before letting you fall… and got a slight shiver.

Something not going unnoticed by Player “Actually since we just ate we shouldn't go on a ride knowing my luck my sandwich is going to end up on Carol or poor Susie, somehow.”

Gaster rolled his eyes at the juvenile thought but that's what made Player so easy to be around she rarely took herself too seriously. “So the games then?” he said.

Player had a feeling that they would meet someone familiar to them both, a feeling that Gaster must have shared because he put up his hood that fell off during the bumper cars and scanned around the area.

“So see anything that catches your eye?” Player said, putting her arm around his waist and pulling him closer. Gaster startled at the action but relaxed into it quickly “I don’t see anything really.” Or anyone.

But there were a bunch of competitive games that Player pointed out

“What about that?” Gaster looked over and gave a noncommitted hum. Player quickly moved on; it seems like Gaster's competitiveness was only a one time thing back there or he just didn't want to compete against her.

Gaster grabbed Player's hand pointing towards a booth “What about that one.”
Player looked over at the booth. It's a simple shooting game with basketballs, nothing really hard or special. She's more surprised that it catches Gaster's eye till she sees the grand prize

A heart-shaped plush, a big one too

Also in the same shade of red as her soul, but that was definitely an afterthought on his part, of course.

Player looks at it then at him he simply smiles at her and she shrugs “Why not?”

Player walked up to the woman at the counter showing her band “how many do i need to get in for the grand prize?”

The woman grinned at her “All ten good luck Miss Mayor Carol loves these things and she's the only one to win the grand prize along with her daughter.”

Player’s eyes glint at that “daughter, huh.” Gaster coughed and Player snapped to attention, slightly sweating.

“Yup in fact your lucky that that little guy’s still here. Usually, Carol win him by the start of the evening" She said pridefully

She passes the rubber ball from hand to hand. Players well aware of rigged games and know how true skill cares little for that and she doesn't either. With expert hands, she easily scores three balls in quick succession fast enough to cause several double takes from passerby.

And the worker as well who turns and openly gapes at the fast and accurate goals “wha-huh.”

Player spins the next ball on her finger, humming happily it so rare her skills get acknowledged three more balls three more goals and now she’s attracted a small crowd.

Ah might as well have some fun with it, Player sets then spikes the next one to the basket, then throwing one up and rolling it down the length of her arms before shooting it with her left hand.

People have their phones out to record and cheer and oooh when needed. Player smiles at the crowd before looking at Gaster and spinning the ball on her finger, he watching her as always, standing near a wall, her eyes glint as she tilted her head (“something flashy to end it?” Gaster simply smiles (“As you wish.”)

Player throws the ball, and bounces it on her kneecaps like a soccer ball before spiking it upwards and doing an overhead kick.
Everyone cheered as it went into the net there eyes on it and not her which Player is grateful for considering she had fallen on her face.

She rubbed her face and blew some pieces of grass out of her mouth, a hand is offered to her Player smiles as Gaster helps her up the monster still shellshocked, stares through them. “Just gonna take this hope you don’t mind.” Player says unclipping the heart from the tent and passing it to Gaster how takes it with smile

“Enjoy.” Player says grinning Gaster shook his head slightly “you certainly enjoyed that as well having everyone cheering for you”

Player took his hand bringing it to her mouth “Don't worry you still remain my number one fan.” Player kissed the others hand.

Gasters blushed at the display but didn't pull away as before. “And what about a prize for me precious?” Gaster looked at her for a moment before sighing and pulled her face down to meet his.

Players eyes went wide- as Gaster pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“How about that for a prize?” Gaster covered his mouth with the back of his hand still blushing
The same one she kissed

“The best one I’ve gotten,” Player said bluntly. Gaster snorted before breaking into full-on laughter and oh, how she would have stilled time to hear him again.

They went to many more game stalls to the point people would follow them from a distance to watch how Player would win next time. Many more plushes ended up in Gaster arms so all to say everything was going completely great,

(especially for Gaster when Player took off her coat when she was getting hot )

They walked to the next stall, chatting thoughtlessly “one game please.”

“sure”

Player nearly had a heart attack when they turned and saw Sans of all monsters, the only thing that could have been worser would have been Flowey and even then the prince probably wouldn't recognise her without her soul out in the open,

sans on the other hand, probably had the best chance of recognizing her and Gaster which the other knew. She turned around only to come face to face with a ICE-E plushes face he organized all of the prizes to cover his face, which was one solution she guessed.

“Um right how do you play?” Player said, trying to calm her pounding heart, maybe she should just run with Gaster in hand, Sans wouldn’t care.

“You okay, you look like you saw a ghost.”

“Just fine, what are the rules?” They watch silently as Sans explains the rules, Player tries not to concentrate on Gaster behind them who is concerningly still, they both are.

“So yea you just have to shoot out the star on the paper”

Player knows that this game flat out impossible via rules of physics. Once you've shot out most of the star the paper won't tear anymore.

“Let me play.” Player has another almost heart attack as Gaster talks behind her.

“Are you sure?” Player says looking at Gaster who just puts all of the prizes in her arms except the ICE-E plush witch is now stuffed into the front of his hood covering his face. Player just moves out of the way letting the other move ahead and grab the gun.

Gaster handles the gun with ease; he spins it in his hand before lingering it up with the paper and cocking the gun.

A shot rings out then four more each at around the star, Gaster inhales and Player tastes something in the air. one more shot rings out the star shot out and a bell rings on the top.

“Cool, you won this.”

Gaster puts the gun down simply taking the plushes from Player and walking off

“Sorry he’s just a bit of an introvert.” Player says taking a keychain from him is a golden flower. Ironic, she turned around and started to chase after Gaster only to hear-

“I know, but looks like he’s gotten better.”

Player forces herself not to turn around to face him.

She runs and tries not to panic. Honestly, what's there to panic about?-

The sight of Kris, Carol, and Susie talking to each other in the floodlights is definitely one, though. Player looks up at the night sky and curses as she runs faster through the festival, ignoring familiar faces to find him

“Find her”

She pushes through people looking around for him.

So wept the fallen star

She panted as she reached an empty clearing. Her hands on her knees

“Gaster! Come on, let's go back. I’m sorry for-” A breath tears thought her lungs as she kneels on one knee, coughing slightly her head spins as she looks around for him, why does she feel so lost

“Demons come only when called for.”

She nearly snaps her neck as she looks behind to see him with some cotton candy

“Fuck” she hissed under her breath a hand on her face.

“I didn’t think you would spiral so fast just without me.” the devil knells down to offer a red cotton candy to her

She narrowed her eyes at him before taking the cotton candy and devouring it in fore bites and then crushing the stick and throwing in a covertly placed trashcan
“That was fast”

Player wiped their mouth with the back of their hand. “I like to stress eat.”
Gaster smiles and offers a hand to the other, who waves him off before getting up in their own

“I thought you left me.” Player says after a moment, not looking at others, she reaches up for their glasses on their head and sighs when it's not there.

She looks around for it and gives up when they don’t see it. Gaster can’t help being surprised at Player, she had fought so much and beaten impossible odds without any type of assistance before why would she be so disturbed without him.

“You left me.”

Gaster pulled out the other coat from nowhere before placing it on her shoulders. “Hm” he looks at her like a painter admiring their magnum opus. Magic fills the air as the shadows grow, covering all, even the lamps seem to dull, then extinguish.

Only Player stays illuminated in the darkness, glowing unaffected.

Gaster opens and the shadows rush to his hands condensing into a dark ball takes the new darkness and its effects with it, light returning to the area. Gaster shuts his hand and when he opens them a pair of new red glasses are there.

Player sighs “All that for some glasses?”

Then smiles and kneels so the other can place them on her head.

Player stands up and adjusts her new spects “Sorry for overreacting you were gone for only five minutes or so.”

Gaster gently brushes a piece of out of place hair behind her ear

“Forgive me I should have informed you before disappearing, I.. wanted to put the prizes away or rather i.. I wished to escape while it was not my intonation I left you behind.”

he put his hand down “ I still did.” he smiled weakly “On our first date of all things.”

Player eyes light up "Does this mean you’d be open to another one?” completely forgetting about it.

Gaster shook his head “Once we meet properly.”

Player grin returned full force. “I'll take that!” she offered her hand to him and Gaster pulled his hood off and took it.

They walked peacefully through the festival it was surprisingly empty, and many stalls were putting up signs saying they would be back soon.

They both walked up to one of the workers and caught their attention “Hey, something going on? Where's everyone?”

The Monster turned and gave a big smile “hey i saw you before kinda hard not to notice the only other human here you looked pretty upset when i saw you. ya find what you were looking for?”

Player looked at Gaster and her hands together and smiled wider “yea i did. So where's everyone going?” The monster jolted at that “Oh right, sorry, apparently they're doing fireworks in the field.” Player thanked them before she started to lead Gaster too somewhere else.

Gaster watched the monster go in the other direction before turning to Player

“I suppose we are not going to the fields?” Gaster said, looking at Player who walked with purpose. Player turned around and grinned, “Yup, we're going to a better view.”

Player said her eyes were sparkling with renewed joy as she pulled Gaster along to their destination.

Which turned out to be one of the fairest wheels the biggest one, The line was empty the dog monster was looking at his watch bored and didn’t notice Player and Gaster before they were in front of him.

Player let go of Gaster's hand and whispered something into the other monsters ear, the monster opened his mouth to say something back only for Player to put something in his hand.

The boy looked at it then sighed, mumbling something about ‘head over heels dumb love’ before looking away from Player, and opening the gondolas door. Player stepped on the gondola before offering a hand to Gaster who took it.

“What a gentleman.” he said as Player helped him up the one inch step and sat down on the left side while Player took the right. the door shut and they were moving, the two looked out over the festival. Everything was lit up in bright neon colors.

“the views a lot different up here huh?” Player said looking out “Or down here i guess, since you know we were even higher.”

Gaster looked at Player and sighed softly. She looked wonderful; this was how she should be, herself unapologetically, her light shining with no one obscuring it. God he could stay here forever just her and him no one else

“I saw Kris, Carol, and Susie together.” Player said softly “they're looking for the soul.” Gaster paused for a moment he had forgotten about anyone other than Player and him

“Ah.” Honestly what else could he say to her

“I think the whole fireworks thing is a happy coincidence for them. If the soul is there it's a win for them. If it's not then they can search the grounds to find it, either way, they get what they want. The soul is back in its cage.” Player seriously demeanor then fell as she smiled
“though they won’t find it.”

Gaster chuckled at Player “you certainly are spiteful, I can only shudder to think what you’ll do to me when the time comes for our proper meeting.”

Player laughed “I bet Kris and Carol have been tearing their hair out looking for it.”

Player locked her eyes with his “as for you.” her smile turned malevolent “I can’t wait to get my hand on you properly, with nowhere for you to run”

she got up and took a step and put her hands on the seat Gaster was on, cageing him in. “no interruptions no one to save you or to tear me away from you”

Her eyes were glowing and she looked demonic, obsessed. Gaster looked up at her smiling still, she truly was a wonderful contradiction she would play along with the others as something helpless and full of good intentions, but while the second was true (in some cases) helpless was fatally wrong as the interlopers would one day learn, soon.

He raised his hand putting it on her face and her grin faded as she looked at the limb with trepidation. Gaster stroked the other's face “The time will come, and I will not run from you. I couldn’t even conceive of the idea. I know you, and I care little for how others comprehend you or there feeling towards to you, this started with us and it will end with us.” he pulled her even closer

“My Player”

The first firework burst behind the window as there the two met in a kiss.

They parted as they were reminded that air was a necessity to both humans and monsters, even ones like them. Player looked at him, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “I-.”

The gondola came to an abrupt stop making Player trip backwards and crash into her seat, cracking the back of her head on the edge. “Player! Are you alright?” Gaster said rushing to her side, only to find her laughing

“Ahh, Gaster, what have we done? I was hoping that this would make me somewhat satisfied, just for a bit, me and you but now I want- nothing could- hah.” Player pushed her hair out of face before turning to him “I love you and I’m never going to get enough of you am I?”

Gaster smiled, "I'm afraid you're the only one who isn’t satisfied.”

Player tinkered with the door, and it swung open. Player grabbed the top of the gondola and swung herself up to the top. The breeze was gentle on the top, and it was flat
And decently spacious to sit on, two people could probably lie down without having to worry about falling off.

“Here, come up, it's safe, I'll pull you up.” Player said, kneeling, and offering both her arms for Gaster to grab onto. Gaster grabbed Players hands “How exactly are you-ah!” in one smooth movement Player pulled Gaster up and into her arms safely. Player smiled cheerfully, “like that!”

Gaster and Player crawled to the middle of the gondolas roof, sitting side to side to watch the fireworks together.

Gasters sighed softly, “You asked the operator to stop the ferris wheel when we reached the top." Player nodded “Yup i gave him something for the trouble.”

“Money?”

“Well, I can’t fix all his life problems as a favor without having to ditch you.”

They both giggled Player and let herself fall over. Honestly, afterwards neither of them considered it that funny but that's what being around people to genuinely love to be around somehow everything becomes magical.

“Hah, maybe I should have, as payback.” Player said her eyes reflected the fireworks that burst out over the sky. They both stayed there in peace.

A horrified scream rang out through the festival, Gaster startled whale Player, shot to her feet and rushed to see if anyone was hurt, looking over the side- and let out the breath that she was holding, her face filled with disappointment.

“Kris.”

Said child jumped and had stabbed their knife into the gondola closest to the ground, but that might not have been the reason the poor monster caught in the cross fire had screamed but rather because of the bloodthirsty expression on there face.

Nothing about it was heroic looking, not even determined it looked hateful and mindless. As soon as Player met their eyes, they snapped out of whatever they were in, taken by surprise and looked like they regained some semblance of conciseness, taken aback by her but why?

Wasn’t she what they were looking for? Oh, “it's because I'm a human.” Player thought.

“Listen you need to get out of here.” Player said, tilting her head in the Monster direction, not taking her eyes off of Kris.

Her voice carried over to the poor monster a far distance away despite not yelling.

The Monster looked up in surprise, “B-but what-t about you t-two?” he stuttered out.

“We’ll be fine,” Gaster said, getting up “once we find out what this is all about it will be sorted out.”

Player laughed “Monsters, you’ve always been a caring kind. And you show that quality too, now get out of here, hero.” Player said earnestly.

The boy stood up a bit taller “but-.” “go” Gaster said he stood next to Player, and his voice brooked no argument.

“I-l really liked what you did for him. I might steal it if I find someone to love.” The Monster yelled out just as he started to run away. Player smiled, watching the kid run to the fields as fast as he could.
“Looks like you did do something for that man after all.” Gaster said, unlike Player he kept his eyes on the incoming threat who had finished scaling the ride and was now on the gondola across them.

Kris who was looking much less murderous (well as much one could with a knife in hand), Susie whose eyes were shooting from Kris to them, and Carol hiding her katana out of there eyes sight who despite trying to look calm and in control, had concern written on her face.

“So if i may ask, why are you three up here rather than down there yelling at us, if you guys are security then i think its much more expensive damaging a main attraction then getting a megaphone.” Player said.

Honestly, she could play the fool much better than this but pissing off Carol was sounded way to fun of a chance to throw away.
“Also why does that teenager have a knife?” and the look on Kris and Susie's faces was well worth it.

“Return what you took.” Carol said, ignoring her sentence, “and there will be no consequences.”

(“Astounding, her speaking of consequences.”) Gaster said to Player in his head. Player damn near snorted at that but kept her act together

“I’m sorry? Did I take something of yours? Cause i wouldn’t do it on purpose- oh!” Player clapped her hands. “Are you Carol? One of the prize guys told me about you. " She said,

"Sorry for taking your prize and breaking your streak.” Carol only narrowed her eyes at her comment, Player nearly lost it when she saw Kris and Susie exchange dumbfounded looks at each other before looking back at them.

Carol took a deep breath before starting “As i said before retun-.”

Susie pulled Carol back.

“Give Kris back there heart before we beat it out of you!” Susie yelled as loud as she could.

Gaster gabbed Player shoulder his face blank but considering how hard he was gripping her shoulder he was doing his best not to laugh out loud. Player didn't dare to look at Kris and Carol but silently took a screenshot of their no doubt horrified faces.

“I see you are looking for a heart?” Gaster said robotically, and that was probably all he could get out, considering how his fingers were digging into Player's shoulder.

“No!-Yes!” Susie answered quickly, Player smile was tight with the effort of not laughing. “If you are a cop then maybe you should get some other help than some volunteers miss, they might fall. You know since their a bit-” Player made a drinking motion with there hand, then jabbing her thump to Kris and Susie.

Player really couldn't help but target Carol; she, after all, deserved it. Plus despite everything Kris did there was no possible way for Player to hate them really. I thought that sentiment wasn’t apparently shared.

“Shut up.” Kris said suddenly, bearing their teeth and taking a step towards them, “no more games,” They pointed the knife at her. “Give. It. back.”

“Kris,” Carol and Susie hissed, Susie in surprise, Carol in warning and maybe a bit of panic.

Player looked at the knife, taken aback before shaking her head and chuckling, “aren’t you adorable?” Gaster looked at Player.

“You don’t even know what it means to stab someone.” Player said looking up

“you seem the type to run from your problem.” She looked at Kris eyes glowing

“to hide them behind a tree.”

she brushed her chest with her fingers before forming a fist

“This might be a bit contrived, but hey I am good at reading people.”

she opened her hand

“After all Its easier to see things when your face to face.”

a bright flash and there was a glowing red heart in her hand

“You want me in a cage, Do it.”

Kris froze while Carol ran forwards katana aimed for Players wrist. Player threw the soul up into the air before ducking, Carol's eyes followed the heart like expected from an inexperienced fighter, and Player slid through her legs like a snake or “a cat,” Player thought.

Smoothly kicking her from behind, she grabbed the soul then pivoted left to avoid Susie.

Hm what a problem Susie had come here unarmed, unlike the other two, her eyes darted to Kris to confirm their location, still shell-shocked. Before jumping back, Carol's katana had fallen out of her hands rather than impaling her and had skied to the other side of the gondola.

Player hummed as Susie started to rush at her, she stomped on the katana's hilt and grabbed it out of the air just as Carol got up. Susie reasonably took a step back from Player, who, unlike Carol took a much more proper fighting stance

“Smart.” Player praised “if your weaponless, you should stay on the defences and disarm your opponent.”

she gave a playful grin "Here's a prize," she tossed the katana at Susie who panicked and juggled the weapons for a second before smartly kicking it to Carol's hand, who took it and once more ran at Player, who flipped and landed all the way on the other gondola.

Kris snapped out of it and swiped at her but Player just ducked before grabbing the saya of Carol's katana.

She let Kris swipe a bit more pushing her to the edge towards her gondola, until her saw Carol jump up, katana pointed down, Player shook her head and held out the sheath, the katana slid home, and with some help from her hand Carol went skidding to the edge of the gondola. Player brought the katana down and ran a hand down the sheath

“you never throw your saya away, it's one of the biggest offenses you can commit towards your blade, unless you plan on throwing your life away along with it.” she pointed it at Carol before rushing forwards.

Kris screamed, Susie yelled. Player might as well have been a bolt of lightning with how in a heart beat she had the katana ready to push her off…

Only for her to stop short. Carol had her arms up to protect herself and just as she realized she was unharmed. Player winked before uppercutting her, hard enough that she flew to another carriage.

Player laughed as she stood up, she tossed the kattana in the air before catching it and setting the blade down. “Sorry, but I can’t use you. Hope you understand.” Player said softly to the blade she loved and respected the katana but it was a weapon and fatal in hands like hers so she couldn’t use it.

Player turned around to face her last two opponents, “you-.” Susie started. Player held up her hand and caught the soul. “Carol's just fine. I just gave a manipulative bastard a well-deserving uppercut.” Player smiled

“Take that back!” Kris yelled, spit flying from their mouth “the only manipulative bastard here is you!”

Player sighed softly. She loved the passion but she was the victim here, well then again only here.

she chuckled, something they didn’t take well, Player tossed the soul up as Kris rushed at them but unlike Carol they didn't care, but no master magician had only one alright trick.

Player couldn't help but giggle as Kris and Susie tried to hit her or grab the soul.

Player was full on laughing by the time they had chased her back to her original gondola them achieving nether. Kris was painting barley holding on to their knife and Susie looked like she was trying to come up with one of her famous ideas

Player pushed her hair back out of her face “you know you have no chance to imprison me right? I’m dancing circles around you.”

Susie frowned “what do you mean? Just give the heart back and it's all good. Fuck your good enough to give the old man an actual run for his money.

Susie fell back and Kris kneeled on one knee. “Seriously, I’m pretty sure if Ralsie was here we wouldn't get it back let alone get you to prison.”

Susie was just talking now so they could get some breaks “look ill be honest we need that thing to save the world and for Kris to live. So just give it back. I’m pretty sure you're a good guy” she winced as she remembered.

(Right, stole the literal soul from Kris body)

“at least you aren’t trying to kill or even hurt us, we pulled two weapons on you and you just punched her,” she pointed in Carols direction

“which she is kinda uptight no offence Kris-Kris?” Susie looked at where Kris was resting but Kris wasn't there

Player eyes shot downwards to Kris, who had snuck up on her knife in hand. Player clenched her teeth. Susie screamed, as Kris stabbed Player's hand.

Drip
Drip
Drip.

“Hah, still didn't get it,” Player said, holding her other hand up with now with the soul in it.

Kris pulled the knife from Player's hand and lunged for the soul, Player's patient ran out as she kicked Kris in the stomach sending them to Susie's side. “K-Kris?” Susie said, raising her hand up to put on Kris, who was holding their stomach in pain. But pulled back once she caught a glimpse of their blood covered knife.

Player hand wasn’t bleeding as it was spraying blood, she aimed her hand away from her and dissolved the soul. She undid her belt and used it as a tourniquet “not ideal,” Player mumbled. Half of the carriage was covered in blood from where Player was standing to the edge.

“What I-” Susie shook their head before getting up “are you okay?” she said facing Player. She took a step towards her only to feel a hand on her own leg

“Fine” Kris forced out “get. It”

Susie looked at Kris wide-eyed. “I dude-” Kris grabbed a hold of her leg. “She can’t dodge forever. Get it, I injured her, get. it.”

Player and Susie stared at Kris before turning towards each other.

“I” Susie said stumbling forwards “we need a doctor not the stupid soul, You just stabbed someone, Kris!” but Kris looked dazed, unable to understand.

“Please,” they whispered, slowly getting up.

Kris stumbled a bit before shaking themselves and rushing straight at Player. “Kris!” Susie shouted, running after their friend to stop them.

Player watched Kris run straight at her and sighed, “this got way out of hand,” She thought. How could she have been so sloppy to get stabbed?

Kris threw themself to over onto Player car. The gondola tilted towards Kris, and Susie skittered to a stop before jumping, nearly falling off.
Kris was barely able to stand after that display and honestly, if Player had dislocated some organs, she wouldn’t be too surprised. Player took a steep away from Kris’s slow slice, actually it was more like them waving around their arm, which happened to have a knife.

“You definitely get points for trying.” Player said smiling again despite her stabbed hand “If I didn’t know better and I don't know better, I'd almost think you need me for something.”

There was a thunk “Kris stop! You both need to go to a hospital.” Susie yelled, kneeling on the floor. “You should listen to her, Kris!” Player grinned.

Kris ran at Player only to be suddenly held back by Susie “Stop! let me go-.” Kris fought against Susie, to them they might have been fighting tooth and nail but to Player it just looked cute. Player sighed, smiling “Aw, but I have haven’t I, you're free, aren’t you?”
Kris screamed all of their anger, desperation,

and beneath it all, so much pain that Player was reminded of.

Kris elbowed Susie in the stomach, she winced but recovered fast grabbing Kris again, and stumbling backwards.

“Enough you- there's something going on here that no one's telling me about, and this is stopping until we get you some help, both of you!”

Player watched them grapple with each other but even with Kris being smaller and the only one of the two to get hurt they were starting to put up a good fight against Susie

Blood was being kicked up as Susie tried to calm Kris down with her words and hold them down

“Stop it- you can yell at me all you want later but if this keeps up your going to hurt someone again.” Kris growled “so long- as it that thing it- doesn't matter how bad-Let Me GO!”

Player chuckled, “Wow you really are just a kid huh, is that why you throw this around so much”

she held the soul up again, "Because you need a stress toy to deal with your promise?” Player grinned as Kris scrambled to get out of Susie hold “not helping!” Susie hissed

“Well this has been fun but my time is up.” Player said, spinning on her heel, away from the pair, and looking down at her watchless wrist,

“My date is probably, waiting for me and it’d be horrible manners to leave him. So have fun explaining this to the Knight who I definitely don’t know who they are- About this.” she said to be petty; Huh maybe Gaster was right about her.

Player walked to the edge about to jump and slide down only to hear a-.

“-AH” her head whipped towards Susie only to see her and Kris slip off the edge.

.
.

.

Player didn’t even have time to curse as she bolted and jumped forwards to catch Kris and Susie.

Her left hand closed around Susie's hand and her right grabbed Kris’ arm. Their struggle had been bringing them close to the edge and they fell no doubt because of Player blood. Even she was started to slip because of it.

Player hissed before beginning to pull them both up closing her eyes and digging a shoe into the ground.

“Why?” Kris said as Player kept them from falling “I-I stabbed you and-”

“Kris, trying to focus here.” Player grunted her stabbed hand was holding Susie so she needed to pull Kris up first before-.

Susie's hand slipped from Player's blood.

“SUSIE!” Player yelled her body finally worked with her and adrenaline shot through her veins. She lifted Kris up before leaping after Susie if she cushioned her fall then-.

A hand grasped her shoulder pulling her back.

A couple feet from the ground Susie suddenly stopped falling, she was highlighted in blue with a blue upside down heart on her chest. Player only knew one person who could have used that magic.

Player looked over her shoulder to see Gaster holding his and out ungloved, palm facing towards Susie. The hand holding her shoulder had his glove in between his fingers.

“You thought about sacrificing yourself before calling for help.” Player expected Gaster to sound mildly interested, and to an untrained ear he sounded calm but Player could hear how ticked off he was.

“Well I’m not used to backup.” she chuckled a bit nervously, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

“At this point-” he stood and brought Susie up and placed her down on the gondola “you’ll try to sacrifice yourself for the final tragedy, if you could.”

Player laughed a bit more genuinely, getting up “well that's only an option if we can’t avoid it entirely.” Gaster frowned

“we? at this rate you’ll be fixing everything alone.” Gaster said folding his arms and turning towards the pair of heroes

“oh but you’ll be helping me won’t you? I can’t imagine anything pulling you away.” Player said, putting her sore arms on Gaster shoulders and resting her head on his.

“And what is this?” he said, softly touching Player injured hand.

“Ah.” Player said wincing but not in pain “it's nothing much G, Really.” As Gaster turned around to properly enspict it.

“Kris stabbed you.” that dangerous tone again.

Player chuckled lightly “well In my defence I wasn’t trying to go for a no hit.” Gaster's head turned dangerously towards them only for Player to grab his chin and pull his head back.

“I was being too careless for me, it’s really my fault.” Gaster murderers' look got more intense.

“I-i mean If I was trying this wouldn't have happened.” Gaster gaze burned a hole through her.

Before closing his eyes and sighing “Kris can never be responsible for their actions in your eyes can they.”

Players' eyes softened “I just don’t want to be so wrong again- Hey! wait I know they're responsible for their actions and what does that have to do with me not doge-”

Gaster grabbed her hand and undid the bandage, stopping her. Her slapstick bandage was tight enough to stop bleeding but now it was too loose to stop anything.

Player watched Gaster carefully, He looked at the now clotted wound carefully before hovering his gloveless hand over it

“Close your eyes.” Player smiled before putting her other hand over her eyes. “Is this good e-.”

“Close your eyes Player.” Gaster said patiently before smiling a bit.

Player rolled her eyes “you know me too well.”

“That I do.”

Player could hear twin inhales from Kris and Susie after she closed her eyes. A warm tingly feeling covered her hand turning into something that felt divine, like touch after centuries of isolation.

“You can see now” Gaster said and Player opened it to see her hand healed. “Mh, knew it, healing magic, why even have me look away?” Player said as Gaster walked away from her towards the pair.

“I have my reasons,” Gaster kneeled down and put his hand up watching them carefully before getting up. “I don’t feel any different." Kris said looking at their hands Susie nodded in agreement

Gaster glared at Kris, well glared for him (it looked more like a dispassionate expression) “Why would I heal you, the one who-” he pressed his hand to his face, gritting his teeth.

Player rushed to him “Gaster! Are you okay?” he sighed
“I assure you I'm fine.” Player put the back of her hand on his head “you did’t over use your magic or something right?

“Wait so that was actual magic?” Susie said, pointing at the two. “Not now Susie.” Player said sparing a look at her before checking over Gaster until she was satisfied

“I was getting a bit emotional is all” He rubbed his face before turning towards the two.”I simply checked you for any injuries.” then back to Player “we can get back to our date.”

“Wait wait wait you two are actually are on a date together?" Kris said “when you said that ‘your date was waiting’ you weren’t kidding?”

Player frowned then thought about it “yea it did kinda sound like it huh. But yup we are on a date.”

there was a thunk, Susie fell on her back "I've got no idea what's going on but are we done? Because I definitely am.”

Player sighed “Yea i think we are.”

Player grabbed Gaster and pulled them both out of the way as a Katanna shot past them.

“Oh come on what now?!” Susie yelled in the background

Player turned her head to see a very enraged Carol stare daggers into her.
“You-” Caroul yelled only to be cut off, By turning blue

Player turned around to see Gaster looking very displeased (translating: He’s two seconds from starting Armageddon). He pointed towards the forest and Carol was soon there, well to be exact she was half in the treetop with her arms out.

“That felt wonderful.“ Gaster said staring at Carol (more like her arms) looking slightly deranged

“Aunt Carol!” Kris yelled getting up, only to quickly join their aunt in the trees.

“Alright let's stop this now” Player said, rubbing her face hiding her smile.

Quickly, she held Gaster carefully in one arm and grabbed Susie from the scruff of her neck with the other arm before jumping and sliding down safely to the ground before anyone could register what was happening.

“Wait, you could do that this entire time.” Susie said as Player lowered her and Gaster safely to the ground.

“I don’t know, probably?”
(What do you mean probably!?!)
“Anyways” Player said patting her pockets and bringing out a checkbook and pen

“here.” She wrote down a couple hundred thousand dollars down and tore it “for the damages Kris did to the ride, they only happened because of my idea."

Susie took it, looked at the number then looked up “this feels like a dream, a fever dream.”

Player chuckled “and maybe call the fire station to get them down from there.” Susie jolted remembering before whipping towards Kris and Carol, she really is tired huh

“Who even is the fire station here?” Gaster said thoughtfully

“Whos going to get them down is a better question! Undyne's been kidnapped!” Susie yelled.

“She was the firefighter too?! Ah- well nothing a ladder can’t fix and, a couple thousands, maybe.” Player said, patting Susie on the shoulder as she melted. Thank god she forgot about the soul, and Gaster laughed behind them.

“You look exhausted.” Player said, turning to Gaster, “I suppose so, we have done everything, haven’t we?" Gaster replied as they both walked through the festival most people were closing up shop as they walked through the festival.

“You wanna to go home?” Player said, stretching her arms.
Gaster jolted “Home?” Player yawned, “Yup.”

Gaster smiled to himself “I’m glad to know you consider it as such.” He stopped without Player and held his hand. Player turned her head only to see a familiar gray door on the side of a tent,

“Hey, it's your door!” Player said walking back. “You can make this thing appear out of thin air?”

Gaster nodded as Player walked towards him. “We should get back before they get out of that tree.” Gaster said lightly,

Player snorted “you waited to do that for a long time didn't you?”

Gaster gave a crescent-eyed smile “Of course not I would never want revenge on the Individuals who caused so many problems for us, that was just.” He put a finger on his lip “premeditated self-defence.”

Player chuckled before opening the door “After you,”

“What a gentleman,” Gaster said.

“Ah wait.” Player said her eyes widening just as Gaster took a step in.
“what is it?” he asked

“You know how I was going to show you how a first date should go right?” Gaster tilted his head “Yes?”

“Well this is more of a second to fifth thing but since we already- um.” Player ran a hand up her face. She was skilled with romance but doing this with him was…Okay maybe she also needed time.

“Player?” Gaster said, facing her completely. Player took a breath. “Often times if you have an amazing first date, when you drop them off the door you well.”

She reached out and cupped his face, rubbing circles into his cheek

“We already kissed but do you mind?”

Gaster smiled softly, “You don’t need to ask.”

Player took a step in the door and closed softly pressing her lips to his.

…
They both pulled back, once more in the void

“We should do that again," Player said. Gaster shook his head grinning “didn’t I say you didn't need to ask.”

“I meant the date dear.”

“Oh.. I fully agree.”