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✿ ✿ ✿
“Will you be back in time to tuck me in?” Aqua questions, her hold surprisingly strong as she reaches out to hold Blue’s tutu. Enough to have him pause in his tracks, now gazing back at her with a familiar, calm smile.
“I can’t make any promises, Aqua - though I’m sure the others will be sure you get your lullaby and proper send off when the time arrives.” Blue reassures her, a gentle hand now fixing the bow atop her head.
“Ah, man. Last time you said that, Yellow got out his guitar and started telling me about some old farm. I guess it’ll be close enough…” she huffs, not putting up further fuss. Letting go of Blue and waving him off, she watches with a faint curiosity as he’s escorted into the royal carriage. “He sure has been busy, lately.” she comments, glancing back to where Seth and Flowery stood by. “Why?”
Seth didn’t like being left in the dark, their own suspicions remnant but too vague to draw an accurate conclusion. They find themself turning to Flowery for an answer, the vibrant plant acting as their guide in many respects. Flowery, still wearing his usual, plastered smile, laughs dismissively. “No need to worry, princess. Blue and Asgore are probably just discussing plans for the garden.”
“I’m not worried. I’m just curious. Since that was your job.” Aqua tilts her head to the side, already seeming to gather more than Seth had in a matter of seconds.
Flowery’s smile doesn’t falter, even though it seems his posture has stiffened ever so slightly. “I’m still his best friend. That’s why Blue is taking up the mantle of my work! So I can focus on more important work. Haha! Now run along, you little rascals.” he ruffles both Seth and Aqua’s hair before flying off to do…whatever it was Flowery did.
“Everyone has been so weird since…” Aqua trails off, staring up at Seth — as if asking them permission to bring it up. Seth only nods in agreement, offering Aqua their hand before leading her inside. Perhaps aiding Green in her latest cooking endeavor would serve as a good distraction from the oddities plaguing their once, seemingly perfect garden.
✿ ✿ ✿
After the accident, Asgore hadn’t been himself. Madly working in his shop, meticulously attempting to piece together pieces to prove himself innocent. Perhaps not just to his family, to his friends…but himself. The overwhelm of guilt, it was consuming who he once was. Hence, one of many reasons he had now found himself alone. Toriel’s absence was not something he took lightly. The disapproving glances from townsfolk, the confusion of his own child seeming to dismiss him amidst the chaos that was now his life. He distances himself from all of them, confiding in the Dark World. By now, he spends more time there than the light. Anything to keep his mind off of the overwhelming grief. It had manifested in many unhealthy ways, and right now, a certain flower had been plucked from the bouquet and chosen as his primary outlet.
Blue. His soft demeanor, his nurturing ways. A voice smooth as silk, the integrity of a saint — all wrapped up into one, perfect package. Asgore can’t believe he never paid him mind sooner. Then again, he didn’t really pay much mind to what was going on here until now. Or rather, since it took such a toll on his real life. Playing pretend, it was how he coped between manic episodes and long nights spent piecing together the horrors endured by those he held dear.
Regardless of that, tonight, he had no plans of progress on his work. No, this evening would be an indulgent one. After parting ways with Toriel, he found himself damn near infatuated with Blue. He was grasping straws, clinging onto any and all reminisce of her where he could find it. Blue was just that. A version of what he desired who didn’t fight back. Who took his side. The past weeks had been filled with evenings pouring his heart out to Blue, demanding what he wanted to hear and an odd sense of relief when Blue always knew what to say.
The ballerina had indifferent feelings towards the subject. He was a mediator of sorts for everyone, he always had been. His paternal instincts, his voice of reason cutting through the chaos when fights broke out. In a sense, he emotionally regulated everyone in the garden. Asgore was no different. Not then, but more than ever now. A sense of dread fills him every time he’s summoned for these one-on-one evenings, his expression distant as he gazes out the window of the carriage. When it comes to a halt, a sharp inhale hisses through his nostrils as he forces himself to exhale slowly. A shallow attempt to hold onto that nurturing persona that the King would be expecting.
Asgore offers Blue his hand, aiding the flower in exiting his transportation before leading him back towards the castle. “Thank you for coming here tonight.” he greets, smiling faintly as they enter his domain.
“It’s always a pleasure, sir.” Blue responds, not missing a beat. His expression is serene, every step pre-calculated and filled with grace. “If you don’t mind me asking, I was wondering what exactly we might be doing tonight.”
Ah, yes — the subject of their activities. Asgore typically made up excuses. Help with the Garden, new ideas for Blue’s recitals, anything to make this feel less personal in spite of how every night would end. How? With Blue consoling a weeping man who clung to him for some semblance of normalcy, damn near unashamed to use the flower like a pawn of his emotional fulfillment. Blue, fearing what could happen to the others if he did not comply, always played along.
“Actually, tonight…I was thinking we could just enjoy each other’s company.” Asgore pauses, his hold on Blue’s hand tightening as he leans back to properly gaze down at the flower. “I’ve prepared your room. Come, now. I’m sure you’d like to get comfortable after your travels.”
Enjoy each other’s company.
Get comfortable.
Feeling a sense of unease already, Blue bites his tongue. He glances where their hands meet, his mind racing with where the night may take them. It fills him with an odd sense of dread as they walk down the familiar corridors, the room he would remain in many nights feeling more like a cage. He still follows compliantely, moving towards the bed when Asgore releases his hand and taking his usual seat on the edge. He swings his legs idly, hands steadying him as he leans back and attempts to relax. He can’t. Not with the King lingering in the doorway, watching him like he might try something at any moment.
“You look…tired.” Asgore notes, closing the door as he steps inside. He makes his way over, now standing beside Blue as he continues. “You know, you always are taking care of everyone else…is there anyone who takes care of you, Blue?”
Blue clenches his jaw, his chest tightening when Asgore attempts to relate to him on a more personal level. He knows better. This is not about him. This was a test. All of this was a test of his integrity. His smile remains, his composure still intact as he thoughtfully musters a reply. “I suppose it was a busy day. Rest assured I enjoy my work here. Plus, is it not you who takes such good care of us all?”
Asgore can’t help but grin, once more satisfied with Blue’s ability to stroke his ego. He reaches out, pushing stray hair behind Blue’s ear before reaching out to touch his jaw. His hold goes from gentle to firm, essentially forcing Blue to meet his gaze. “It feels like you’re the only one who truly understands me, Blue. Tell me again. How I would never cause you harm. How well I provide for you all.”
Blue can’t help but flinch, a bit surprised by the onset boldness. Even still, he doesn’t break Asgore’s gaze — his heart skipping a beat as the larger man essentially begs for appraisal. “You’re the best king we could have ever dreamed of, sir. You keep us watered and healthy. We thrive under your rule. Anyone who can’t recognize that would be foolish.”
The room falls silent, Asgore seemingly studying Blue with a thoughtful gaze. The sway of his legs, the way he toys with the petals of his tutu in a seemingly nervous manner. He squints, now realizing just how tense his flower had become. No. Blue adored him! So why is he looking up so meekly? Almost like…she did, before things went wrong. His gaze hardens, his hold harsh as he yanks Blue from where he sits and onto his feet. “Prove it. Prove your loyalty, Blue.”
This was different than their usual evening. Sure, there was emotional luggage. Awkward tension, uncomfortable touches and stares. This, however, the hostility — it was sudden. Enough to frighten Blue, now stumbling to maintain balance as he’s forced to his feet and called upon for another request. He feels a slight sense of panic, the loss of control causing his mind to fog. He knows he doesn’t have time to waste, now struggling to find the correct dialogue option to move forward without losing petals. “What would you have me do, sir?”
Asgore pauses, the fear in Blue’s eyes striking him. The flower was always so well composed, so unafraid of what the world may throw his way. Even if a facade, his walls were built so high most had not dare attempted to scale them. He draws one arm back suddenly, as if he were going to strike — then, just as abruptly, he places his hand on Blue’s cheek. Gently. He continues to stare down at the flower, his gaze longing and filled with a whirlwind of complex emotion he himself could not yet pinpoint. “You’ve been so good to me, Blue. I shouldn’t have doubted you…”
Letting out a breath he had been holding in, Blue feels a mixture of relief with lingering fear. It was not abnormal for Asgore to turn on a dime, but this level of instability? Violence? It was not like him. “No need to apologize. I know you’ve not been yourself.”
Asgore moves closer, one hand moving to cradle the small of Blue’s back as he draws him into an oddly warm embrace. His other hand remains on his cheek, firm, but not rough. They stand in an uncomfortable silence, Blue eventually bringing up his own arms to loosely rest on the king’s shoulders out of obligation. Eventually, Asgore draws back again — planting an oddly tender kiss to his forehead before fully breaking away from the embrace. “Why don’t you go brew us some tea? I made sure to keep your favorite on standby.”
The kiss, the intimacy of their embrace — it makes Blue feel sick. His stomach is tied in knots, his body still tense in spite of any attempt to remain better composed. He nods along at the suggestion, in desperate need of time away from the smothering presence of the king. He doesn’t hesitate to hurry down the hall, the place where Asgore’s hand had once been burning with a sense of discomfort all the while.
✿ ✿ ✿
The house feels empty, even as most of everyone is tucked in and sleeping soundly. Yellow never did like the quiet. Left alone with his thoughts, he couldn’t find rest. He’s pacing a hole into the floor, deep in thought while fiddling with the blue flower between his fingers. This time used to be sacred. The calmness of the evening always brought Blue out of hiding, often with a cup of tea or book in hand. Always offering a word of advice or a hand to hold, never shying away when Yellow asked existential questions. Their late-night conversations were special to Yellow, something that was theirs alone. It felt like no one could have taken that away from them. Well, not until now.
Why did it always have to be so late, anyways?
Blue had consistently been whisked away to the palace like Cinderella every evening for days on end. It had started out less consistently, maybe every other day or even as little as twice a week. Now? It had been almost a week straight of this nonsense. Though Yellow had high respect for authority, their king included, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t displeased with how things had been as of late. Everyone was on edge, and he was not immune to the odd tension hanging over the garden.
He asked Blue about it a few times now. What this oh so important work he was doing for Asgore was. Blue would dismiss him with a smile and a shake of his head, insisting it wasn’t anything interesting. Boring palace stuff. At first? Yellow believed it. At this point, he feels foolish for ever letting Blue slip through his fingers so easily. Tonight, he plans to wait up — confront Blue when he returns and find out the truth behind these suspicious rendezvous once and for all.
It’s mere hours from sunrise when the door clicks open, Blue stumbling in with his head hung low. It’s a stark contrast to his usual posture. In spite of his visibly distressed demeanor, he still makes a point to close the door slowly — careful to keep it quiet in hopes of not disturbing the others. He doesn’t notice Yellow at first, his breaths heavy as he brings one hand up to hold his own face. As moonlight peers through cracks in the curtains, the glistening of tears streaming down Blue’s face shakes Yellow to his core. Blue, who was always so put together, so pristine, reduced to a crying husk in the doorway. Rage bubbles in his chest, his heart sinking to his stomach all the same. His protective nature leads him to feel he had failed in some way. Keeping Blue from harm, it was his unspoken duty…
Blue sniffles, raising his head and coming to realize he was not alone. His eyes widen, slight embarrassment overcoming him as Yellow stands mere feet away. He tries to clear his throat, wiping away what was left of his outburst. Before he can speak, the cowboy moves closer — his expression showing deep concern. He frowns, holding out his hands for Blue to hold if he so chose.
“Bluebell? What in tarnation is goin’ on’ with you and that castle at night?” Yellow pleads, now holding Blue’s hands to his chest. “ ‘m worried ‘bout ya, Blue. I think everyone is.”
Blue sighs deeply, fingers intertwined with the soul he held dearer than any other. Yellow. His rock. The person he always found himself coming back to. Their mutual affections were no secret, yet another reason he felt so wrong about the state of his relationship to Asgore. In a sense, it felt like he was deceiving Yellow personally. That guilt alone made him question if he was doing the right thing or not. “It’s…tiring work. I was a bit frustrated on my way home. I’m alright, Yellow. I’m sorry for keeping you up —”
“Gosh darn it, Blue. I’m not fallin’ for this again! You were cryin’. An’ I know you wouldn’t be cryin’ if it wasn’t serious. You’re practically limpin’. The hell is he havin’ ya do?” Yellow doesn’t want to sound harsh, but he’s had enough. If his precious flower was in peril, and he continued failing to save him, what good was he? He sighs, touching their foreheads together gently. “I don’t mean’ta sound harsh, Bluebell…I just can’t help but feel like you’re hiding something from us. From me. An’ if something, someone is hurtin’ ya — you know I’d bring justice to ‘em. So tell me, starlight — really. What’s gotten you so worked up?”
Lying was never Blue’s forte. Lying to Yellow was even less so. He swallows the lump in his throat, debating if he should just unload the truth. About Asgore and his emotionally destructive tendencies. His current reliance on Blue to play pretend with him each night and the mental toll it had taken on him. If Yellow did react as promised, it could be certain doom for the garden. Without Asgore? They would all wilt. So, desperate for an excuse in spite of the onslaught of pressure to cave, Blue is saved by another voice cutting through the air.
Or rather, a squeak. Orange is there, climbing onto a nearby counter or trying to in hopes of snagging a late night snack. “Don’t mind me!” she insists, still struggling to reach the cookie jar due to her short stature.
Yellow blinks, briefly brought out of the moment as Blue pulls away from his embrace. Laughing softly, the ballerina grabs a cookie from the jar before handing it down to the smaller flower. “Ah, only one?” Orange huffs, fluttering her lashes at Blue.
Blue only shakes his head, waving his finger dismissively. “It’s a bit late for more than one cookie, Orange. Why don’t I tuck you back in?”
“Fine. I’ll race ya there!” Orange chirps, quick to run off.
Before Blue can follow, Yellow grabs his wrist — not wishing to let go so soon. Not when he was so close to the truth. “Blue. Please…”
Blue sighs, turning to face Yellow once more. He touches his face affectionately, offering a slight nuzzle by pressing their foreheads together like before. “We’ll talk about this at a more reasonable hour, alright? For now, I think we could both use some rest.” he pecks Yellow’s cheek, earning a vibrant blush from the other flower in return.
“But — ah, shucks. You know I can’t say no ‘ta you, Blue.” Yellow huffs, rubbing the back of his neck timidly as he watches Blue saunter towards the sleeping area. “Say, Blue? Would ya mind…tuckin’ me in, too?”
Blue can’t help but smile in spite of his exhaustion, nodding in agreement. “I’ll meet you in your room once I’ve put Orange back to bed.”
With that, Blue is off again — once more leaving Yellow to think about all that had happened.
✿ ✿ ✿
Bright and early, Blue is up and making breakfast. This was normally Green’s duty, so seeing Blue take over was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise. Green is sat down with a cup of tea, her own mind filled with thought as she watches the ballerina twirl around her kitchen.
Flowery enters the scene with his own theme music, way too jolly for someone who was up at sunrise and smiling like it was stitched into his expression. “Good morning ~” he chimes in a sing-song tone, noticing that Blue was in the kitchen. “Heh. Taking another flower’s job, I see. Soon, Asgore won’t even need anyone but you.”
Blue quirks a brow, glancing over at Flowery with a quizzical expression. It soon melts into something of hurt, his brow furrowed and lips curling into a frown. “What is that supposed to mean? I haven’t taken anything from anyone. I have no plans to.”
“Whoa! No need to get defensive, Bluey. Just mentioning all of your new hobbies! It’s so human! No wonder Asgore has kept you on your toes.” Flowery jests, his tone light in spite of all the accusations. There’s some level of malice behind his gaze, but not enough to prove much. When Blue only responds with a wounded expression before turning back to the stovetop, Flowery prods again. “Why so blue, Blue? Whoops. I guess you can’t be anything else, right?”
Blue sets down his spatula a bit harshly, the sound enough to have Flowery take a step back. He narrows his gaze, about to say something in return but holding back as he had so many times before. “Green? I hate to ask, but could you finish breakfast? I need some air.”
Green nods, standing up from where she had witnessed the entire scene and resuming work in the kitchen. Just as Blue hurries out the door, Yellow enters the scene with the others close behind. He catches sight of Blue’s exit, his expression dampening as he turns to see Flowery and Green in the kitchen. “Say, where is Blue off to?” he questions, making his way towards the door to check.
Flowery moves forward, quick to throw an arm around Yellow’s shoulders and hold him in a side-hug. This effectively prevents him from moving forward. “Slow down, cowboy! He needs space, and that means from you.”
Yellow sighs, arms crossed. “I feel like he’s had a lot of that lately…I miss him.”
“It’s unfortunate. You’re going to miss him a lot, when it happens.” Flowery hums, casual as ever.
Yellow blinks, suddenly tensing. When it happens? What the hell was Flowery on about? He turns to face him, brushing off the hug before gripping the other flower’s shoulders. “Give it to me straight, Flowery! What’s gonna happen to my Blue?!”
Flowery laughs, shaking his head. “He’s not your Blue, silly. He’s Asgore’s Blue now.”
Yellow grits his teeth, the sudden insinuation hitting him like a smack upside the head. He lets go of Flowery, shaking his head. “An’ what in the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? Oh, well. I guess I should make sure everyone is prepared.” Flowery looks to the group, all eyes on them. He moves away from Yellow, brushing off his vest and readjusting his cape. “When Asgore leaves the garden, Blue will come with him. We’ll be left to wilt! Can you believe it? His best friend? Cast aside like dirt!”
“What do you mean leaves the garden?!” Seth exclaims, visibly alarmed at the insinuation. “We’ve been so good to him! We’re always here for him when no one else is!”
“Blue is taking him away from all of us. Just like she tried to.” Flowery accuses, the group knowing well who she was as the comparison is made.
Blue, now standing in the doorway, heard enough to know the insinuations of Flowery’s words. He glares in Flowery’s direction, a sense of hurt and betrayal causing him to lash out. “I’ve done no such thing! I am following orders. I’m doing everything I can to keep us safe! To keep him happy so we might thrive again as we used to!” he defends himself, pointing his finger at Flowery as he moves closer. “Stop making claims about things you do not understand, Flowery. Jealousy is an unbecoming look on you.”
“Jealousy? Ha! You think I’m jealous of you. No way, Jose! I’d rather not be a two-timing liar! What would Yellow think if he knew?” Flowery retorts, gesturing to the visibly distressed cowboy.
“Knew what?” Blue blinks, the realization making him feel ill. “It’s not like that, Flowery! It never was, it never will be. Asgore is the one summoning me in seek of…counciling, through his troubles. I’m trying to keep him here, with us. If I don’t do as he says, we might all be in danger. Have you ever thought of that?! Maybe I was just trying to protect all of us? Or did you assume the worst because you’re projecting onto me just like everyone else?”
Flowery reaches out, suddenly grasping Blue’s jaw and yanking him closer like the king had mere hours ago. “You calling me a liar ~ ?”
Blue, stunned into a brief pause, holds his ground regardless. The memories of the night before has him reeling, suddenly shoving Flowery to the floor as he moves away from the others. “Don’t ever touch me like that again!” he cries out, eyes glistening with now familiar tears.
“You keep yer hands to yerself, ya punk!” Yellow finally rejoins the conversation, already moving to stand in front of Blue. He holds out a protective arm, his other hand hovering his gun out of habit. “When has Blue ever steered us wrong? You oughtta be ashamed of yerself! If it were up to me, ya’d spend the night in the slammer for this display!”
“If Flowery is wrong, then what’s really happening?!” Seth pleads, watching the scene unfold in horror.
“This game is weird. I don’t like it.” Aqua stands up in her seat, now swaying in place. “Why don’t we play something else?”
“This isn’t a game, Aqua! Something bad is happening! Flowers are turning on flowers!” Seth tries to get things back on track, desperate for a real answer.
“Ouu. That’s not good.” Aqua blinks, holding Seth’s arm for comfort as the weight of the situation seems to hit her.
Green holds up a sign, a simple but effective message written across it. “We’re all from the same bouquet…we should stick together.”
“Green is right. All of this shouting and fighting…it’s tearing us apart.” Blue is quick to agree, slowly but surely regaining a sense of calm as he wipes away any tears threatening to spill. “Yellow, dear? It’s alright. Flowery is scared…I think we all are.”
Yellow sighs, shaking his head as he drops the hand which was once hovering his weapon. “Doesn’t make what he said about ya right, Bluebell. He oughtta apologize!”
Getting back on his feet, Flowery offers a bow to Blue as a sign of respect. “I shouldn’t have said that.” he admits, his words oddly stiff compared to his typically relaxed tone. “I offer my sincerest apology.”
“I accept your apology, Flowery. Now…as for the truth.” Blue lets out a breath, looking over the room of exasperated expressions with a deep frown. “We all know Asgore hasn’t been himself since…she left. I’m trying to help him feel better. He seems to confide in me the most, but…I don’t know. Sometimes, he makes me feel uncomfortable. Almost like I’m just playing the part of who she used to be. I don’t want to pretend anymore. I want something real. I’m just afraid he might leave if I say no.”
The room falls silent, everyone exchanging concerned looks as they dwell on the burden Blue must be carrying. More than that? What they would do to fix this mess.
“Yer not alone, starlight. Ya’ve got all us here ‘ta help you.” Yellow breaks the silence, a careful hand now resting on Blue’s shoulder.
“I think we should let Asgore know that, too.” Green adds, of course through a sign as usual rather than verbally.
“Yah! We miss Blue and him, too. He doesn’t want to play with us lately. It’s so boring.” Aqua agrees, seeming to relax as ideas bounce around the room.
“It’s so human to think that! Tonight, we should all come with Blue to the castle!” Flowery suggests, the others agreeing it would be best to confront him together.
Tonight would be the end of this. Blue wouldn’t spend another second trapped in this odd dynamic. Not if the others had anything to say about it.
✿ ✿ ✿
The last thing Asgore was expecting was the entire group to appear at his doorstep. He blinks, noticing that Blue was still standing front and center. This time, however, with a determined glint in his eyes. “Asgore? We have to talk.”
The phrase leaves a sour taste in the king’s mouth, once more reminding him of the family he once had. He allows the flowers inside, grumbling a bit to himself as he takes a seat on his throne. “Well? Go ahead.”
“We all care for you deeply, I included — but this has gone too far. I won’t be subject to your outbursts alone. I wish to maintain peace, though if we keep up like this, there won’t be anything left of me.” Blue stands up for himself, integrity finally on display.
“We’re all here for you, friend. Why not come to your best friend Flowery with your troubles? I don’t mind listening.” Flowery joins in, winking in the king’s direction.
Asgore feels…odd. This world. It wasn’t real. He came here to play pretend. To create an illusion of normalcy. Yet now, his perfect stand-in ‘wife’ was effectively ‘breaking up’ with him. It all feels too real, so much so he wants to uproot the very flowers making up this little nightmare. Gazing upon the array of faces, he ends up lingering on Flowery — the flower who had always shown him the most enthusiasm. Perhaps instead of clinging onto someone who was like Toriel, he should focus on her opposite. A proper distraction from what had been tormenting him over the course of these weeks.
“That settles it.” the king stands up, voice commanding as he points out Flowery. “Flowery? You may take Blue’s place in…keeping me company here. This castle grows lonely at night.” he admits, not apologizing for the hurt he had caused, but caving to compromise.
“I knew you’d come around!” Flowery floats forward, now standing proudly at Asgore’s side.
“You’ll visit more too, right?” Aqua steps closer, staring up at Asgore while gripping onto his robes.
Aqua, who still reminded him of his own little ones, won him over this time. “Of course, Aqua…though for now, it might be best if everyone returns to their proper resting place.” Asgore sighs, looking at Blue one last time. He almost says something; sorry, I’ll miss this, anything. Inevitably, he can’t bring himself too — a rush of guilt hitting him as he turns away from the crowd.
“You heard the king! Now scram!” Flowery waves the others off, successfully dismissing the now relieved pack of Darkners.
Blue lingers there for a moment, watching Asgore’s shift in demeanor. The way he walks off with Flowery down the same corridor he had led him down so many times before. It only furthers his point. It was never him, it was the idea that he could fill some kind of void left by another. A role Flowery, bright and unassuming would now be taking on. It makes him feel sick all over again, his heart heavy.
Yellow notices the ballerina’s reverence, removing his hat and holding it to his chest as he stands beside him. “I’m sure everything’ll work itself out from here.” he does his best to offer comfort, that never being his strong suit. “C’mon, Blue. Why don’t we go star-gazin’? It’s the perfect night for it.”
Blue nods, smiling tiredly as he turns to face the cowboy. Holding his arm, he follows Yellow out of the castle and into the calmness of the world outside.
✿ ✿ ✿