Work Text:
The noise erupts from downstairs. Tonight, Kris came home the night before the festival—their nightmare, to Sans in their living room. They stand up from their bed. They should have just gone with Susie. Chased after her to her house and stayed with her. Anything to get away from the noise. They sigh and flip their sheet over the soul’s cage. Angel knows what would happen if Toriel saw that thing in their room. They leave their phone sitting on the nightstand. They don’t need any distractions. Quietly, they open their window and climb out of it, slipping down the side of the house.
Where is the best place to do it? There’s always Noelle's house, but it would wake Carol up, and she wouldn’t be happy. Then there's the church…they don’t want to think about that. So, the hospital it is. Walking through the empty town is..eerie. They haven’t seen the town this empty since that night, and even then that was a few years ago. Approaching the hospital, they take out a bobby pin from their pocket and go at the lock.
Today had them thinking. They knew the roaring was inevitable. With help from themselves of course. Despite what the prophecy said, they knew it would never happen. They hear a small click, and the door squeaks open. They shut the door behind them and flick the lights on, the waiting room coming to life. Rudy surely won’t mind the noise.. They creep over to the piano and flip up the cover. They run their fingers over each of the keys lightly,and let go of a breath they never knew they were holding. They sit on the bench, and set their fingers on the keys. Before they knew it, they started to play, letting their instincts take over.
Today was..a lot. Finding Tenna a new home after having him for years (that will be a big adjustment), three dark worlds (one which they made, but we don't..talk about that), learning the real prophecy, it's all just so much. And yet, they persist. Actually, it's more like it persists. No matter how many times they lose HP, it will always start anew. It's..horrible. No matter how many times they die, no matter how much they want to end the cycle, it always repeats.
The music becomes louder and more dramatic, correlating with their feelings as a quick tear falls down their cheek. No matter how much they want to be their own person, they will never be. Because they are just a vessel for the soul's intention. They always ask for its opinion, not theirs. Their dream..Kris's dream is to be themselves. They want to become a famous musician in December's honor, they want to date Susie, and go on dates with her. They want to be normal. A sickening feeling comes to their chest as the climax falls, and softens.
But of course, it's just a dream. They can't be a famous pianist. They can't date Susie. They can't be normal. All because of the soul. They can't now, and Angel knows they never will be able to. Because no matter how hard they resist, their soul will always be stronger, and that is something they haven't learned to swallow.
The final notes echo through the room as they peer to the window. The slight hint of daylight peeks from the horizon. They stand up and close the lid to the piano. Suddenly the door creaks open and a voice echoes through the waiting room.
“You play very well, Kris.”
They turn toward the door, and see Rudy peeking out.
“Thank you” They signed.
“See you later”
“See you later, Kris”