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gaymingwriter · 4 months

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The Drifter [III. Confidant]

5846 words. CW: Depictions of Violence

Enjoy!

Business wasn’t as hectic after the first day. You were mostly replenishing your wares, which means you couldn’t make nearly as much. You had found some Golden Coffee behind the Honeydew Resort, but again, you just couldn’t bring yourself to consume it. With the Golden Pear, it goes.

Today was your second-to-last day in Snowdin, much to Dalv’s dismay. His house had been constructed at least, so that was nice. You had checked out of the hotel that, day, allowing the bartender to keep the change as a tip, and you helped Dalv unpack. Other than that, the day was incredibly mundane. You desperately wanted something to happen, but all you could do was count your money, which totaled to four thousand, six-hundred forty-four gold. A tidy profit. Half was sent to the Ruins for your friends to use. The remaining two thousand, three-hundred twenty-two was put toward your business, like getting a foldable table, and Dalv’s construction fees.

In the end, you were left with about a thousand five hundred— not a bad profit. Not bad at all! Dalv even helped you log your taxes! Yes, even in the Underground, you couldn’t escape them…

But now, you were deathly bored.

“Dalv,” you say. “Is there anything to do around here?”

“Um, we can build snowpeople?” he suggested.

“We did that yesterday…”

“A snowball fight, then?”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to win all the time. It’s not fair to you or your friends here.”

“You do have a good arm…” He winced at the flashbacks of getting ambushed with all those snowballs, just when he thought he was safe behind cover. “It’s really impressive, how you can throw them that quickly and accurately.”

You hum in response. “I… feel like I’ve lost something.”

Dalv didn’t know how to reply to that.

“I feel like I’ve lost myself,” you admit. “When I first fell, I thought I would have to fight everyone I came across. How wrong I was… I then lived with Mum for a while, made friends, and now everyone’s gone, and there’s no shenanigans to get up to. I’m growing antsy and I want to explore. I want to brush up on my sword skills. I want to do something, and yet here I am, lying on your floor instead of the bed that’s quite literally right there.” You roll over. “I wish I could have a duel, like they did on the Surface. A formal one, where we simply put our opponent in check before it ends. No one gets hurt, but it’s instead a sport. I wanted to be able to control my wanderlust, but the world up there was so vast, that I was always satisfied.

“Now… I can’t help but feel… cramped, knowing that I could be found out at any moment. It’s just started to sink in— just how different I am from everyone here.”

A hand warms your back. “I know,” Dalv sighs. “It was hard to adjust to meeting a lot of people again. To noise again. I think the band helped with that, but… there’s still a lot to be overwhelmed with.

“With how you described the Surface… you must’ve thought you were so small. And now, your world has become small too. And you feel too large for this place.”

You nod. “How do you always know what to say..?”

“I’ve known you for a good amount of time now. I suppose, er… chalk it up to brotherly instincts?”

A feathery light chuckle leaves you breathless as it derails into a fit of gremlin giggles. It can’t be helped, then— you could find yourself some fun. Either that or it would be time to go, you surmised. After all, a wanderer is as drawn to the unknown as Toriel is to snails.

“I think I’m going to go out for a bit,” you yawn, stretching like a cat. “I think I might train with my sword using some branches somewhere.”

“Stay safe, okay?” he says. “I know you’ll be fine… but you could also not be fine… Oh dear…”

And, he put himself into a worry spiral.

“I promise you, I will let you know if I plan on going elsewhere before I do. I’m just planning on exploring a bit. It shouldn’t be too bad.” With that, you left, carrying your sword with you, but leaving your bag behind. You figured you didn’t need it. At most, you just stuffed a couple of candies into your pocket in case of scratches.

The woods of Snowdin were vast and beautiful, pine trees as high as the ceiling towered over you, leaving you to brush your hands across the bark and walk underneath their massive roots the further you went. Everything was covered in white, draped by the cloth of cold shadows. Slowly, slowly you trekked on, feeling warm inside as the chilly air nipped at your hands.

Finally, you reached a clearing. A little piece in the heart of the woods. It was somewhat warm here, considering the frigid temperatures. You rubbed your hands together, preparing to set up your training session. Even if you didn’t need to use your sword, you would prefer not to get rusty on a most beloved skill.

After all, how else would you hold your own, should you be found out?

You take off your various accessories after confirming the absence of cameras.

It is time.

You cut a nick into a nearby stump, jamming a large branch into the opening. So it begins. For some reason, the world became enveloped in a deep darkness, the same as when you saw Flowey. The same as when you first met your friends. But… it was oddly unsettling. Well, good enough to bring out your best.

You cleave through the branch with ease, four cuts made through it. But it’s unfortunately not enough, even with its thickness. It was about as thick as a tatami mat, the ones people use in the East. You didn’t want to deal with that thought right now though. You wanted to cleave through things and feel the thrill of swordplay.

There were logs, weren’t there? Surely you could bring in some building materials or firewood. You stare at a decently dead tree and decide to get to work.

The time flew by as you continued to hack through logs, cutting them down to size. You’re panting, and tired, but you felt invigorated as you continued to work your way through the logs. Even as you hear some familiar chirps, you forget about your worries as you turn around with a smile to—

…You turned around.

Without your mask.

Without your horns.

Without your ears.

And Martlet is standing right there, staring at you with your hood down.

Oh, stars, how your SOUL pounded out of your chest. She knows. She knows she knows she knows she knows she knows.

She knows.

You held your sword up to put a barrier between you. You back away, trying not to trip over anything to make you seem like an easy target. In your panic, you can’t help but shout. “Stay away from me!” as you force yourself to put on a scary face.

“[Alias]..?” she says. “Are you okay?”

“Martlet, stay back! I don’t want to do anything desperate!”

“You… your horns. Your mask. Your ears. Why… why are they fake?”

“Stop it!”

“You’re… a Human, aren’t you, [Alias]?”

You squeeze your eyes shut, shaking your head as tears start to burn your freezing cheeks. All the tears in the world couldn’t express the sheer terror you felt at that moment. Not now. Why now?! It wasn’t like you did anything wrong! You made sure you weren’t watched, by anyone or anything! But… you let your guard down. You let yourself grow too comfortable.

Too complacent.

Too soft.

Softness wouldn’t do you anything good now.

“You…” You muster your courage. “You fiend! Stay back! Don’t you dare call me by that name!”

“But—! But I’m your friend, right? We can talk about this, I— Dalv is your brother, right? He said he said you’re his sibling, you can’t be Human!” Martlet is in denial. “You couldn’t lie about such a thing, right? I mean, you— you wouldn’t!”

This time, it’s your turn to black out the world. No more distractions.

Your SOUL pops out of your chest as Martlet turns her head around, confused— scared. Just as you were when you first fell down.

“There’s no doubt about it now, friend.” You stare blankly at the ground. “Or should I say… fiend?” you laugh. “Come on. I’m not supposed to be here. And you weren’t supposed to come here only to see this.”

“But— I don’t understand, why would… why would you..?”

You stare at her with the eyes of ice. “If I told you… Could I live down here? Would I be able to survive the way I am, if you had known what I am?”

“I mean, of course! You’re no threat, I mean, we’ve gotten to know each other these past weeks, and— and sure, you might’ve lied about being Human, but that’s entirely reasonable on your end!” she reasons. “You’re a good person, I know you are! You’re a good Human!”

“...Are any Humans good?” you mutter. “We trapped you down here. And now we, their descendants are built to bear the consequences. Those on the Surface will one day feel our ancestors’ sins crawling on their backs. And because I have fallen, my SOUL will be reaped in their place.”

“I’ve only ever heard stories of war between Humans and Monsters! But you, you’re a kind SOUL! You’ve been insulted and scrutinized, but you stay vigilant and stave it off with a laugh! You diffuse situations and— and mend relationships! I’ve seen you stand up for me, I’ve seen you play with Dalv and the children of Snowdin!” she says. “Royal Guards are told ad nauseum that Humans are the enemy. Those stories I’ve heard, it’s always war, war, killing, death and war, and the brutal circumstances of our Underground imprisonment. But you’re different!”

“What makes me so special..?” you refute. “What makes me so different? I’ve already drawn my blade. Who knows? This could all be a facade so I can put an end to this place, Martlet. Why do you trust me in the first place? Why would you even consider me a friend after realizing my identity was one I forged of falsehood?”

“Because you’re not a whole different person because of what you are! You were kind and reassuring! You wouldn’t hurt someone just for the fun of it, right?! You wouldn’t hurt us, and we won’t hurt you!”

“Then what of Asgore? Won’t he be pleased to add another SOUL to his roster?”

Martlet grows disheartened. “That’s not true! The King is a reasonable person! Asgore is a reasonable person! I’m sure he’ll let you live here, I mean, he’s a good guy!”

“...Then what of the lives he’s taken, Martlet?”

“W-What?”

“Don’t play coy with me.” You point your sword at her threateningly. Or at least, as threateningly as you can muster. “The hands of your precious king and the noble name of the Royal Guard are stained with the blood of children— how am I meant to believe he does not hold cruelty and vengeance within him? How am I meant to believe the word of someone meant to kill me?”

“[Alias]... Listen. I know you’re scared, but… if it makes you feel better, I won’t tell! I promise you, I won’t!” She looks around. “I mean, you won’t be outed, not by me! Not if I can help it!”

You gulp. You want to trust her, you really do, but…

“Can I trust you with a life in your hands?”

She looks confused. “What do you mean?”

“Can I trust you with my very life?” You plunge your sword into the snow, holding the pommel as the cold wind floods the area. It’s dark outside. “For example… If I were to ask you to beat me within an inch of my life… Would you be able to hold back? If I were to ask you to nearly kill me… would you be able to do so without the cost of my life?”

Martlet’s eyes widen to saucers. “I—I couldn’t attack you at all! How could you ask something like that?!”

“How could you nearly oust me in front of an entire public establishment?”

“But— can’t you trust me? Isn’t my word enough? I don’t have any other proof I can give you, but I don’t want to hurt you!”

You close your eyes.

“I trust you. But I must trust you with my very life to keep this secret. If it makes you feel better… I can hold my own quite well. I have fought Dalv before and took a lightning bolt to my chest. The scar remains, however faint, thanks to my mother’s candies… But that is beside the point. I mean to say, if you can reduce my strength, to the point where I have but 5 HP or less left, with but a single hit, all the way from 30 HP, without killing me…” You stare her down with conviction that makes your SOUL glow a bright red. “I will trust you to keep my secret.”

Martlet doesn’t know what to do. She feels her feathers rising into hackles from stress. Whatever amount of coffee she had earlier clearly wasn’t enough to deal with this, even if she did claim that she had gotten a significant amount of sleep the other day.

You remain stone-faced— how ironic, with how you lack your precious mask. Finally, Martlet summons feathers, littering the air around her as tears well up in her eyes, a conflicted expression tearing at her features. She stares at you as you hold no emotion within— just an empty shell that houses a SOUL. You cannot falter.

“[Alias]... Please don’t make me do this…” she whispers.

You shake your head. “I’m sorry.”

As you close your eyes, you let yourself succumb to the darkness around you, praying for a swift death, should she fail…

Ah, you can hear the familiar sounds of an opponent ready to strike.

She’s doing it.

She—

…Missed?

“...What are you doing?” You open your eyes to see Martlet, fallen to her knees, crying. A pang of regret nearly splits you in two. “I… Martlet…” Razor-sharp feathers have dug into the ground, dissolving as her resolve cracks into pieces. It didn’t make it better that yours was too. “Why? Why didn’t you..?”

“I can’t,” she sobs. “I can’t do it… I’m sorry… I just— I just can’t do something like that…”

Your hands fall to your side as your sword falls uselessly into the snow.

“I’m sorry… I—I messed up again, and— and now, you… You don’t… You won’t…”

Caution is thrown to the wind as you rush to her side, retracting those dark thoughts into the recesses of your mind— what the hell were you thinking? You just asked a friend to attack you. To hurt you. And for what? To justify your actions, if she failed? Were you truly thinking about that? Thinking about… killing her? All because she knew what you were?

The part that you were truly horrified by was that, all you needed was justification for your actions— then you would be happy to do so.

…You were utterly disgusted by what you saw in yourself today.

“Martlet,” you whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

She can’t even make an intelligible sentence. This is how badly you hurt her. This is the punishment for your crimes.

“I’m sorry,” you wail, hugging her as you cry into each other’s shoulders. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I don’t know what I was doing. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

“I’m sorry too!” she yells, belting out all her sadness. “I’m sorry for accusing you in the middle of the Resort! I’m sorry..!”

“It’s not your fault,” you sniffle. “It’s mine.”

She lets go and shakes you by the shoulders. “No, it’s not!”

“Yes it is!” you snap. “If I didn’t remove my disguise, I wouldn’t have… I wouldn’t have done this… I wouldn’t have hurt you…”

“You didn’t hurt me!”

“But I did with my words…”

“Hey, uh, sticks and stones may break my bones but words can only make me sad!”

“That’s even worse!” you protest, trying to hold back a laugh. “I’m a poet as well as a warrior, I’m meant to use my words to evoke emotions through a performance, not to use them as weapons!”

“Huh?”

“You know, it’s like sword dancing and swordplay. One is a performance, the other is meant to hurt. I use both sides— poetry and swordplay. Poetry is meant to be like my sword dancing. Swordplay is my swordplay. Y-You know what I mean!”

She laughs. “Nope! No I don’t!”

You groan, running a hand down your face. “Really, Martlet?”

“Really!”

Finally, the tension subsides as you put on your disguise again. You figure you made quite the ruckus…

“Martlet,” you say, taking off your mask one last time. “My actions today were unforgivable. I, a self-proclaimed protector, used one of my skills to hurt someone I love— knowingly. I could not bring myself to trust you, even though you had promised not to tell anyone of my existence.”

“No, no no no, don’t—”

“Martlet. Please…” Tears threaten to fall down again. “I… I’ve hardly known you for a week, but… You’re still my friend. You’re still someone precious to me. You… I hurt you. And it doesn’t matter how, because you said it yourself: words can make you sad. I caused you emotional distress, and for that, I cannot apologize enough for my atrocious behavior.”

“But we’ve only known each other for a week! Of course it’d take time to trust me!”

“And I was ready to break that trust the moment it would benefit me.”

“I…”

“...Please. I do not have any excuses.”

“...Okay… But… just so you know… I forgive you. Alright? It’s… It’s all water under the bridge, for me. And, I know it’ll take time to heal, but… I won’t tell anyone about you. If anything, I’ll assert that you’re not a Human! I promise!”

You pause, reaching into your pocket and extending your hand.

“Here. I can’t give you much in the form of an apology just yet, but… these were made by my mother. They are her Homemade Monster Candies. If it helps, all of them are non-licorice flavors.”

“Oh, thank you…”

“...I must go. I will send you something in the mail soon. I hope that with time, this wound can heal, and this bridge may be rebuilt.” You take your sword, wipe it off, and sheathe it, leaving the area. “...Thank you. My friend.”

You let Dalv know you’re leaving, telling him that Martlet knows. Despite his initial panic, you affirm that she has sworn not to tell a soul. You confide in him about what you’ve done, though. It made you feel better knowing that you’ve been transparent about the happenings, but it still shoots pangs of guilt through your SOUL when you see his face.

“[Alias], why..?” he asked. “You’re not like this normally…”

“I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I was… I wasn’t thinking at all. I shouldn’t have done that, I know, but… This could’ve drawn attention. I need to go.”

“Please, stay a while longer?” Dalv pleads. “It… gets a little lonely sometimes. And Pops has been awfully quiet lately.”

…You stay, to say the least.

That night, you spoke with Dalv, about all your worries, and how scared you felt when you were first accused. It was a rather heavy conversation, and with every word, another weight dropped in your stomach. You were hurting inside, and while you had Martlet’s forgiveness, you had tread over a line that should never be crossed. Dalv comforts you to the best of his ability, and you do the same for him by helping him with his book endeavors. Finally, everything seems to get just a little bit better.

The very next morning, you’ve packed up and you’re ready to head out.

“Dalv,” you whisper, shaking him awake. “I’ve got to go now.”

He never woke up so quickly before.

“You are?” he asks. “...Of course. I’ll… I’ll escort you, for one last walk?”

You nod, sleepless eyes concealed by the mask.

The two of you walk all the way to the edge of Snowdin as Martlet joins you, trying to make lighthearted jokes to lift the mood. Thank the stars for her understanding— you probably would’ve turned yourself into the Royal Guard if you had done something irreparable.

“So, where to next, Stardrifter?” she asked.

“...I feel the need to wander,” you say. “Not anywhere in particular. Just… somewhere where I can sell my wares and… and just stop to look at myself. Perhaps somewhere that my cloak can billow in the wind, under blistering heat like I remember. I always ventured into the desert whenever I felt as though I needed to think. Perhaps it was also my way of punishing myself, due to the harsh conditions… I can’t quite tell.”

“Well, if you really need to, the Dunes are open! There’s a tunnel that leads there, from Snowdin somewhere. Ooh, that rhymed!”

You chuckled. It seems you would become the Sundrifter next. Or perhaps the Sanddrifter. One of those, you believed. “Thank you for this, Martlet. You really didn’t have to, considering—”

“Nope! Nope nope nope we’re not talking about it! Not right now. Okay?”

“...Okay. Thank you.”

Dalv pats you on the back reassuringly. “You’ll always have a place here, you know?”

You nod wordlessly as you reach the tunnels.

“Just go straight ahead, and you’ll reach the Dunes.”

With that, you keep going.

Dalv and Martlet stand by the entrance, watching as you slowly disappear. He looks to his friend, and with trembling fingers, pats her on the back.

“They’ll be okay. I just know it.”

“I know, I just… they looked so scared. I can’t help but wonder if I did the right thing… you know, following them.”

“You followed them?”

“Yeah. I lost them after a while, but I eventually saw them again. They were cutting up logs without their horns and mask. Or their ears. I couldn’t believe it at first, and when I came down to ask them about it, they were so happy… But then… They realized that I knew what they were.”

“I see…” Dalv looks at the ground. “I think they’ve realized that, well, this place is… scarier than they thought it was. Back in the Ruins, they were so carefree and fearless. They probably realized the weight of things, being disguised as a Monster.”

“...Captain Undyne… If they meet her, and Undyne finds out, well…”

“I know.”

“Glad to know we’re on the same page… I’m worried for them,” Martlet chirps. “I don’t want them to be found out. But with that business…”

“Yes. I was worried about their business too. Toriel was too. But… Surely they’ll find a way, right? All I can do is believe.”

As you wander through the vast expanse of tunnels, you feel as lonely as you once were, but a feeling of ease washed over you when you realized that you could bring no harm to anyone here. You were all alone.

But just as you thought things couldn’t get any darker there, you were enveloped in a familiar void.

Flowey.

He stared at you with a creepy grin before he broke into a fit of laughter. “Close! So close! You could have killed her, and yet you didn’t! Oh, you must be feeling good! A new friend you can trust… Can you even believe it?”

You brandish your blade wordlessly.

“Oh, is it a FIGHT you want? I’ll give you a FIGHT!”

Friendliness pellets materialize all around you as you slice them all in half.

“Please move.”

“...You must think you’re so clever, [Alias]. But just know… You’ll meet your fate like the rest of them. It’s only a matter of time before you crack. It’s only a matter of time before you give in and hurt them.”

“No, I will not. I will not repeat my mistakes. Unlike you.”

“Hm? What was that, buddy?”

“I am not your friend.”

“Wow! You’re a mean one, aren’t’cha?”

“To you.”

“...Remember. It’s kill or be killed down here. You’ll have to kill someone eventually. Before they kill you.”

He disappeared without a trace as you exited the tunnel. You hated that.

A wave of heat washed over you as you entered the Dunes. It was refreshing, nonetheless. It left you with a sense of discipline as the fiery air beat you down. You feel yourself succumb to a numb sort of feeling— the kind that lets you forget, just for a moment.

Up ahead, you see a town where you can potentially stay for a while.

Someone sauntered forward and jumped at the shock of seeing a new face.

“Guys! Looky here!” they grinned. “Someone new has stumbled into our humble town!”

Another person walked, standing in what seemed to be a predetermined position. “This better not be another joke,” he muttered. It was awfully muffled due to his scarf.

“For once, don’t look like it is.” A rather burly one came along, in the company of a squirrel Monster.

“Hiya, stranger!”

“G-Greetings,” you say. “I hope to find a place to stay. I harbor no ill will, I promise.”

“That’s what the last guy said. Let’s just say he’s one with the wind now…”

Your eyes widen at the implications. “Y-You! What happened to that person?!” You draw your blade, holding a defensive stance. “Where is he?!”

Just as suddenly, he burst into a fit of laughter. “I’m just kiddin’ around. You were shakin’ in your boots for a second! Come on, put that away. No danger here. Promise.”

Slowly, carefully, you sheathe your sword. “Please… don’t make such jokes… It’s… too cruel. I do not believe I can handle it at the moment.”

His face seems to soften as he utters a soft apology.

“Yeah. That wasn’t very funny, Edward,” the fish Monster chides, looking at you as they bow. “I can assure you we are a delight to be around. Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.”

“I… I see.”

The hatted one groaned. “Why do you two insist on scaring away every monster you meet? At least Mooch never oversteps her bounds.”

“Never!” Mooch grins.

“Er… well, it’s a pleasure to meet you all, but… I would like to rest for a bit. If you don’t mind, I would like to take shelter—”

“Hold it right there, pardner.”

The unnamed fish Monster steps aside to their right as you hear the sound of a flute echo in the background, a tambourine shaking with fear. You hear the light jingling of spurs as someone else approaches, the shadow of his hat covering his eyes. Their leader?

“Are my pals givin’ ya trouble? Come now…” he smiles, a heavy accent weaving its way into his words.“That ain’t a way to treat a guest now, is it?”

After a pause, you decide to let yourself relax.

“The name’s North Star. I run this town.” He looks you dead in the eyes, a bullet through your head. “Not alone, of course. These fine Monsters are my posse. Together we are…”

The shot of bullets rings through the air.

The Feisty Five.

You stay stone-faced, but your curiosity is evident. North Star has struck a pose, and you almost feel obligated to match his enthusiasm.

“Our name stands for:”

Edward stomps on the ground, sending sand flying through the air, flexing his muscles. “Fearlessness!”

The unnamed fish Monster strikes a pose, raising their leg and stomping it down with a twist. “Excellence!”

Ace rips a card from his coat, slicing through the air. “Intuition!

Mooch spins around and stops effortlessly in place, disobeying the laws of inertia. “Sneakiness!”

“Toughness!” It cycled back to Edward as he struck a pose again.

“Youthfulness!”

You expected it to end and you raised your hands to applaud the performance, but North Star had one more thing to add.

“Justice!” he finishes in triumphance.

You swear your mask nearly fell off from the sudden addition.

His smile disappears as he stares at you blankly. “...The ‘J’ is silent.”

Stars, don’t laugh, don’t laugh, don’t you dare laugh!!! You dig your fingernails into your wrist, trying to keep from doubling over in laughter.

“Anyway, now that we’re introduced… I’d be glad to give you a tour.”

“Could I potentially tour a rest area first..?” you ask. “I’m… rather tired.”

“Ah, of course, of course. Come with me. Moray’ll get you somethin’ to eat in the meantime.”

Moray, finally named, bows again, walking off… Until you realize THEY HAVE A SWORD TOO!!!

“Wait! Moray!”

“Yes?”

“Is that… Is that a rapier?!”

“Oh, is that what it’s called?”

“Erm, yes! I do believe so if my eyes don’t deceive me! Please tell me that’s a real sword and that I’m not just blind!”

Moray chuckles. “Yeah. It’s a real sword.”

You were already fawning over a potential new buddy. “Would you be so kind as to engage me in a duel, by any chance?”

North Star looked between you two, interested.

“Oh, if you want. Just know… I won’t go easy on you.” They winked, shooting you a finger gun.

You let out a squeal, clapping your hands. “Truly?!”

“If you’d like.”

Ace shook his head. “I don’t think you should…”

“Oh come on,” Mooch pipes in. “Don’t be a buzzkill, Ace. When was the last time something exciting happened around here?”

“She has a point.”

You’re practically jumping out of your boots! A swordplay partner! You can’t believe it!

North Star chuckles, catching your attention. “Alright. I’m for it. But, come on in. Let’s take this to the town square. Oh, and by the way…” He pauses, striking his signature pose, winking at you. “Welcome to The Wild East.”

You grin. “I thank you, kind sheriff!”

You set down your backpack, winding up your shoulders and stretching, even removing your cloak. You would have no use for it, catching on a sword in a fight. Even if it did look infinitely more impressive, practically was a must for duels.

“I reckon you’re a pretty strong fella if you can carry a pack that big,” North Star remarks, examining your bag. “How’s yer back?”

“As painless as sleep,” you grin. “My mother cast a spell on it to make it lighter. It really is!”

“Alright. Makes sense.”

You nod, warming up. “Okay, Moray… If you don’t mind, may we start?”

As the world fades to black, you quickly protest.

“NONONONONONO!!!”

Everything returns to normal.

“What’s wrong?”

You sigh, happy your SOUL didn’t have the time to pop out. “A duel with swords isn’t meant to cause harm,” you explain. “Not amongst friends. I do not intend to harm you, only to put you in check. This is how we always did it back home, so… I’m not used to an actual FIGHT, I’m afraid.”

“Oh, alright,” Moray chuckles. “In that case, can I have your name, friend?”

“Call me [Alias]. It’s a pleasure.” You draw your blade, steadying your breath.

“Alright then. It’s an honor.”

You approach, circling as you size each other up.

“Ready?” North Star pulls out his revolver. “Begin!”

As a bullet shot into the sky, you immediately go on the offensive, reading Moray’s stance with your years of expertise. Every time they tried to get you to run into their blows, you made sure to dodge to the best of your ability. You lock each other in a bite, swords stuck in one another as you tilt yours forward, stopping just shy of Moray’s face.”

“Check,” you say, letting your sword stand by your side.

“A point to [Alias].”

Moray laughs. “This is getting interesting.”

As the next round comes, Moray picks up the pace, rapid-fire thrusts striking like Dalv’s lightning overwhelm you, and you find that Moray’s speed has placed you in check.

“One all,” North Star declares.

“A tiebreaker, then?”

“Tiebreaker. For all the marbles, and bragging rights for the next twenty-four hours?”

“...Perhaps throw in a drink with that meal, and you’re on,” you joke.

“Deal,” they say, to your surprise. “It’s on me.”

With that, the final round begins.

“En garde!” You swing with all your might, aiming to disarm Moray as quickly as you can. With a smirk, they raise their arm, leaving behind nothing but empty air for you to strike.

More.

Moray thrusts their rapier toward you, aiming for your chest, but you leap back, weaving leaft and right through the flurries of attacks.

More.

You slide under Moray’s attacks and your sword is pointed at their chest, caught on their scarf— you did it.

You won.

A light began to glow in your eyes as you realize that you’ve won.

“Results? [Alias] wins!” North Star grins, as you get to your feet, brushing off your knees and extending a hand to Moray.

“You are simply wonderful with a rapier,” you praise, your tongue gilded with silver. “I can’t believe just how fast you can attack with one! It takes years of practice to get to such a lightning-fast speed! You remind me of my brother’s lightning strikes— you are just as fast as them, and just as deadly.”

“You too,” Moray congratulates. “You’re a fast one. Never met someone who could dodge ‘em all, you know?”

“I think we’ll get along just fine,” you grin. “Now, do they sell root beer here?”

You walk off with Moray, no longer feeling the weight of fatigue on your body.

North Star watches as you and your newfound friend walk into the tavern, finding it in his best interest not to interfere. Besides, his eye caught something as you two fought…

There was something just slightly off about you.

Your skin was the same color as many of the Humans he was in the Western movies he’d watched.

Not to mention Ace’s keen eyes. He mentioned something about your horns shifting imid fight, and the barest hint of a string sticking out behind your head, holding your mask in place. Now, normally North Star would’ve written this off as a tradition of sorts, for your family.

However, the last thing Ace noticed had North Star’s mind spiraling.

Your ears did not return to how they should be after the fight was done. You had to physically adjust them, however discreetly you did it.

With that, Starlo couldn’t help but wonder why you refused to perform the duel in a FIGHT…

…He’d have to look into this.

You could be the one to save this town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note: OKAY OKAY OKAY HE'S HERE. But I will not be because I need a BREAK because GOD 5k + chapters are hard to write entirely and I want to cram PLoT in. Also I had trouble with this chapter, and there's 4 up, which means you basically have 20k of reading material, so maybe I'll see you next month-ish???

Either way, I will NOT be active on this account.

But you have Starlo! You have your Starlo now. Yes I left you on a cliffhanger, yes I made you hurt our favorite bluebird, but can ya blame me? Reader can't just Mary Sue their way through it.

I PROMISE you will get your Starlo x Reader fix soon, I just gotta work on it after finals, which are at the end of January. And I have an exam when school's back in.

So, yeah, it's gonna be a busy month for me.

I apologize in advance, but hey, the amount of fanart is INCREASING by the day.

With that, I say... BYE!

[Okay I guess I can throw in a sort of bonus scenario, or maybe drabbles while you wait.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ex:

Btw, if this gets enough reblogs (50) I'll write y'all another scenario for Star, haha. Look at the poll.

The couch felt just like the one at the Honeydew Resort, but this one felt more like home. You snuggled into it, wrapping your cloak around yourself as you took off your disguise. Finally. You didn't have to hide here.

"Hello, darlin'," Starlo yawns, stretching as he took off his poncho. "You tired?"

Stars, the accent makes you internally swoon every time, now that you notice it. The fact that this was Starlo did not make your swooning lessen.

"Say that for yourself," you joke. The you admit, "Just a tad. It was a long day of serving customers, and while I thankfully didn't have to deal with any ornery ones today, it was still rather tiring, considering the influx of inventory I had to sell. I suppose my friends in the Ruins were hard at work."

Starlo lets out a chuckle, sitting right by you as you lean on his shoulder, blinking as you stare at the TV. Your shared favorite movie is on. At some point, you had ventured to Waterfall to raid the dump. You eventually found a show that had both swords and a Western setting, which you greatly enjoyed.

It felt nice to be able to share your interests.

"Hey," he whispers a bit too close to your ear. "Do you want to get a snack?"

The opening begins to play as Ed's surprisingly quiet snoring echoes through the room. Ah, what the heck? You do feel a bit peckish.

"Do we have any trail mix?"

"The stuff Feathers gives ya?"

"Yeah. I find I'm craving it," you chuckle.

"Alright, I'm sure I've got that stuff around here somewhere..." He gets up, leaving you without the warmth you crave, despite the harsh temperatures of the Dunes. "She keeps sendin' gifts from Snowdin. Dalv, too. Those two really love you." He rummages through some boxes. "Ah, found it."

You gleefully take the trail mix and start munching on it. Pretzel crisps, granola oats, cheesy chisps... She always knew about your favorite combos, that's for sure. She even made sure to slip in some bits of sugary cereal! How sweet!

"Hey, this stuff ain't half bad," he grins, stealing your food as he sits by you again. But, you can excuse it this time. Movie time means it's fair game. "I can see why you like it so much. No raisins, either."

"Martlet knows," you laugh, cuddling up to him.

"Sure she does," he agrees, putting an arm around you and unpausing the movie.

It doesn't take long for you two to fall asleep on each other as the movie ends, with an empty bag of trail mix on your laps and the softest of smiles on your faces.

Starlo wakes up first and brushes your hair out of your face, gently kissing you on the forehead.

"Sweet dreams, darlin'," he murmurs lovingly, picking you up and setting you on the bed- he'd tuck you in, but it'd be too hot. He takes off his boots and your slippers as he slips in next to you, holding you in his arms as he falls asleep- for real this time. "Sweet dreams..."

#fifth and final reblog #hope anyone who saw these including op liked the tags I added #this is about to make me write my own starlo fanfic honestly so thanks op #I think that sounded sarcastic but it wasn’t /gen

62 notes · View notes

gaymingwriter · 4 months

Text

The Drifter [III. Confidant]

5846 words. CW: Depictions of Violence

Enjoy!

In the end, you were left with about a thousand five hundred— not a bad profit. Not bad at all! Dalv even helped you log your taxes! Yes, even in the Underground, you couldn’t escape them…

But now, you were deathly bored.

“Dalv,” you say. “Is there anything to do around here?”

“Um, we can build snowpeople?” he suggested.

“We did that yesterday…”

“A snowball fight, then?”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to win all the time. It’s not fair to you or your friends here.”

You hum in response. “I… feel like I’ve lost something.”

Dalv didn’t know how to reply to that.

“Now… I can’t help but feel… cramped, knowing that I could be found out at any moment. It’s just started to sink in— just how different I am from everyone here.”

“With how you described the Surface… you must’ve thought you were so small. And now, your world has become small too. And you feel too large for this place.”

You nod. “How do you always know what to say..?”

“I’ve known you for a good amount of time now. I suppose, er… chalk it up to brotherly instincts?”

“I think I’m going to go out for a bit,” you yawn, stretching like a cat. “I think I might train with my sword using some branches somewhere.”

“Stay safe, okay?” he says. “I know you’ll be fine… but you could also not be fine… Oh dear…”

And, he put himself into a worry spiral.

After all, how else would you hold your own, should you be found out?

You take off your various accessories after confirming the absence of cameras.

It is time.

There were logs, weren’t there? Surely you could bring in some building materials or firewood. You stare at a decently dead tree and decide to get to work.

…You turned around.

Without your mask.

Without your horns.

Without your ears.

And Martlet is standing right there, staring at you with your hood down.

Oh, stars, how your SOUL pounded out of your chest. She knows. She knows she knows she knows she knows she knows.

She knows.

“[Alias]..?” she says. “Are you okay?”

“Martlet, stay back! I don’t want to do anything desperate!”

“You… your horns. Your mask. Your ears. Why… why are they fake?”

“Stop it!”

“You’re… a Human, aren’t you, [Alias]?”

Too complacent.

Too soft.

Softness wouldn’t do you anything good now.

“You…” You muster your courage. “You fiend! Stay back! Don’t you dare call me by that name!”

This time, it’s your turn to black out the world. No more distractions.

Your SOUL pops out of your chest as Martlet turns her head around, confused— scared. Just as you were when you first fell down.

“But— I don’t understand, why would… why would you..?”

You stare at her with the eyes of ice. “If I told you… Could I live down here? Would I be able to survive the way I am, if you had known what I am?”

“Then what of Asgore? Won’t he be pleased to add another SOUL to his roster?”

Martlet grows disheartened. “That’s not true! The King is a reasonable person! Asgore is a reasonable person! I’m sure he’ll let you live here, I mean, he’s a good guy!”

“...Then what of the lives he’s taken, Martlet?”

“W-What?”

You gulp. You want to trust her, you really do, but…

“Can I trust you with a life in your hands?”

She looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Martlet’s eyes widen to saucers. “I—I couldn’t attack you at all! How could you ask something like that?!”

“How could you nearly oust me in front of an entire public establishment?”

“But— can’t you trust me? Isn’t my word enough? I don’t have any other proof I can give you, but I don’t want to hurt you!”

You close your eyes.

“[Alias]... Please don’t make me do this…” she whispers.

You shake your head. “I’m sorry.”

As you close your eyes, you let yourself succumb to the darkness around you, praying for a swift death, should she fail…

Ah, you can hear the familiar sounds of an opponent ready to strike.

She’s doing it.

She—

…Missed?

“I can’t,” she sobs. “I can’t do it… I’m sorry… I just— I just can’t do something like that…”

Your hands fall to your side as your sword falls uselessly into the snow.

“I’m sorry… I—I messed up again, and— and now, you… You don’t… You won’t…”

The part that you were truly horrified by was that, all you needed was justification for your actions— then you would be happy to do so.

…You were utterly disgusted by what you saw in yourself today.

“Martlet,” you whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

She can’t even make an intelligible sentence. This is how badly you hurt her. This is the punishment for your crimes.

“I’m sorry too!” she yells, belting out all her sadness. “I’m sorry for accusing you in the middle of the Resort! I’m sorry..!”

“It’s not your fault,” you sniffle. “It’s mine.”

She lets go and shakes you by the shoulders. “No, it’s not!”

“Yes it is!” you snap. “If I didn’t remove my disguise, I wouldn’t have… I wouldn’t have done this… I wouldn’t have hurt you…”

“You didn’t hurt me!”

“But I did with my words…”

“Hey, uh, sticks and stones may break my bones but words can only make me sad!”

“Huh?”

She laughs. “Nope! No I don’t!”

You groan, running a hand down your face. “Really, Martlet?”

“Really!”

Finally, the tension subsides as you put on your disguise again. You figure you made quite the ruckus…

“No, no no no, don’t—”

“But we’ve only known each other for a week! Of course it’d take time to trust me!”

“And I was ready to break that trust the moment it would benefit me.”

“I…”

“...Please. I do not have any excuses.”

You pause, reaching into your pocket and extending your hand.

“Here. I can’t give you much in the form of an apology just yet, but… these were made by my mother. They are her Homemade Monster Candies. If it helps, all of them are non-licorice flavors.”

“Oh, thank you…”

“[Alias], why..?” he asked. “You’re not like this normally…”

“I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I was… I wasn’t thinking at all. I shouldn’t have done that, I know, but… This could’ve drawn attention. I need to go.”

“Please, stay a while longer?” Dalv pleads. “It… gets a little lonely sometimes. And Pops has been awfully quiet lately.”

…You stay, to say the least.

The very next morning, you’ve packed up and you’re ready to head out.

“Dalv,” you whisper, shaking him awake. “I’ve got to go now.”

He never woke up so quickly before.

“You are?” he asks. “...Of course. I’ll… I’ll escort you, for one last walk?”

You nod, sleepless eyes concealed by the mask.

“So, where to next, Stardrifter?” she asked.

“Well, if you really need to, the Dunes are open! There’s a tunnel that leads there, from Snowdin somewhere. Ooh, that rhymed!”

You chuckled. It seems you would become the Sundrifter next. Or perhaps the Sanddrifter. One of those, you believed. “Thank you for this, Martlet. You really didn’t have to, considering—”

“Nope! Nope nope nope we’re not talking about it! Not right now. Okay?”

“...Okay. Thank you.”

Dalv pats you on the back reassuringly. “You’ll always have a place here, you know?”

You nod wordlessly as you reach the tunnels.

“Just go straight ahead, and you’ll reach the Dunes.”

With that, you keep going.

Dalv and Martlet stand by the entrance, watching as you slowly disappear. He looks to his friend, and with trembling fingers, pats her on the back.

“They’ll be okay. I just know it.”

“I know, I just… they looked so scared. I can’t help but wonder if I did the right thing… you know, following them.”

“You followed them?”

“...Captain Undyne… If they meet her, and Undyne finds out, well…”

“I know.”

“Glad to know we’re on the same page… I’m worried for them,” Martlet chirps. “I don’t want them to be found out. But with that business…”

“Yes. I was worried about their business too. Toriel was too. But… Surely they’ll find a way, right? All I can do is believe.”

But just as you thought things couldn’t get any darker there, you were enveloped in a familiar void.

Flowey.

You brandish your blade wordlessly.

“Oh, is it a FIGHT you want? I’ll give you a FIGHT!”

Friendliness pellets materialize all around you as you slice them all in half.

“Please move.”

“No, I will not. I will not repeat my mistakes. Unlike you.”

“Hm? What was that, buddy?”

“I am not your friend.”

“Wow! You’re a mean one, aren’t’cha?”

“To you.”

“...Remember. It’s kill or be killed down here. You’ll have to kill someone eventually. Before they kill you.”

He disappeared without a trace as you exited the tunnel. You hated that.

Up ahead, you see a town where you can potentially stay for a while.

Someone sauntered forward and jumped at the shock of seeing a new face.

“Guys! Looky here!” they grinned. “Someone new has stumbled into our humble town!”

Another person walked, standing in what seemed to be a predetermined position. “This better not be another joke,” he muttered. It was awfully muffled due to his scarf.

“For once, don’t look like it is.” A rather burly one came along, in the company of a squirrel Monster.

“Hiya, stranger!”

“G-Greetings,” you say. “I hope to find a place to stay. I harbor no ill will, I promise.”

“That’s what the last guy said. Let’s just say he’s one with the wind now…”

Your eyes widen at the implications. “Y-You! What happened to that person?!” You draw your blade, holding a defensive stance. “Where is he?!”

Just as suddenly, he burst into a fit of laughter. “I’m just kiddin’ around. You were shakin’ in your boots for a second! Come on, put that away. No danger here. Promise.”

Slowly, carefully, you sheathe your sword. “Please… don’t make such jokes… It’s… too cruel. I do not believe I can handle it at the moment.”

His face seems to soften as he utters a soft apology.

“Yeah. That wasn’t very funny, Edward,” the fish Monster chides, looking at you as they bow. “I can assure you we are a delight to be around. Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.”

“I… I see.”

The hatted one groaned. “Why do you two insist on scaring away every monster you meet? At least Mooch never oversteps her bounds.”

“Never!” Mooch grins.

“Er… well, it’s a pleasure to meet you all, but… I would like to rest for a bit. If you don’t mind, I would like to take shelter—”

“Hold it right there, pardner.”

“Are my pals givin’ ya trouble? Come now…” he smiles, a heavy accent weaving its way into his words.“That ain’t a way to treat a guest now, is it?”

After a pause, you decide to let yourself relax.

“The name’s North Star. I run this town.” He looks you dead in the eyes, a bullet through your head. “Not alone, of course. These fine Monsters are my posse. Together we are…”

The shot of bullets rings through the air.

The Feisty Five.

You stay stone-faced, but your curiosity is evident. North Star has struck a pose, and you almost feel obligated to match his enthusiasm.

“Our name stands for:”

Edward stomps on the ground, sending sand flying through the air, flexing his muscles. “Fearlessness!”

The unnamed fish Monster strikes a pose, raising their leg and stomping it down with a twist. “Excellence!”

Ace rips a card from his coat, slicing through the air. “Intuition!

Mooch spins around and stops effortlessly in place, disobeying the laws of inertia. “Sneakiness!”

“Toughness!” It cycled back to Edward as he struck a pose again.

“Youthfulness!”

You expected it to end and you raised your hands to applaud the performance, but North Star had one more thing to add.

“Justice!” he finishes in triumphance.

You swear your mask nearly fell off from the sudden addition.

His smile disappears as he stares at you blankly. “...The ‘J’ is silent.”

Stars, don’t laugh, don’t laugh, don’t you dare laugh!!! You dig your fingernails into your wrist, trying to keep from doubling over in laughter.

“Anyway, now that we’re introduced… I’d be glad to give you a tour.”

“Could I potentially tour a rest area first..?” you ask. “I’m… rather tired.”

“Ah, of course, of course. Come with me. Moray’ll get you somethin’ to eat in the meantime.”

Moray, finally named, bows again, walking off… Until you realize THEY HAVE A SWORD TOO!!!

“Wait! Moray!”

“Yes?”

“Is that… Is that a rapier?!”

“Oh, is that what it’s called?”

“Erm, yes! I do believe so if my eyes don’t deceive me! Please tell me that’s a real sword and that I’m not just blind!”

Moray chuckles. “Yeah. It’s a real sword.”

You were already fawning over a potential new buddy. “Would you be so kind as to engage me in a duel, by any chance?”

North Star looked between you two, interested.

“Oh, if you want. Just know… I won’t go easy on you.” They winked, shooting you a finger gun.

You let out a squeal, clapping your hands. “Truly?!”

“If you’d like.”

Ace shook his head. “I don’t think you should…”

“Oh come on,” Mooch pipes in. “Don’t be a buzzkill, Ace. When was the last time something exciting happened around here?”

“She has a point.”

You’re practically jumping out of your boots! A swordplay partner! You can’t believe it!

You grin. “I thank you, kind sheriff!”

“I reckon you’re a pretty strong fella if you can carry a pack that big,” North Star remarks, examining your bag. “How’s yer back?”

“As painless as sleep,” you grin. “My mother cast a spell on it to make it lighter. It really is!”

“Alright. Makes sense.”

You nod, warming up. “Okay, Moray… If you don’t mind, may we start?”

As the world fades to black, you quickly protest.

“NONONONONONO!!!”

Everything returns to normal.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, alright,” Moray chuckles. “In that case, can I have your name, friend?”

“Call me [Alias]. It’s a pleasure.” You draw your blade, steadying your breath.

“Alright then. It’s an honor.”

You approach, circling as you size each other up.

“Ready?” North Star pulls out his revolver. “Begin!”

“Check,” you say, letting your sword stand by your side.

“A point to [Alias].”

Moray laughs. “This is getting interesting.”

As the next round comes, Moray picks up the pace, rapid-fire thrusts striking like Dalv’s lightning overwhelm you, and you find that Moray’s speed has placed you in check.

“One all,” North Star declares.

“A tiebreaker, then?”

“Tiebreaker. For all the marbles, and bragging rights for the next twenty-four hours?”

“...Perhaps throw in a drink with that meal, and you’re on,” you joke.

“Deal,” they say, to your surprise. “It’s on me.”

With that, the final round begins.

“En garde!” You swing with all your might, aiming to disarm Moray as quickly as you can. With a smirk, they raise their arm, leaving behind nothing but empty air for you to strike.

More.

Moray thrusts their rapier toward you, aiming for your chest, but you leap back, weaving leaft and right through the flurries of attacks.

More.

You slide under Moray’s attacks and your sword is pointed at their chest, caught on their scarf— you did it.

You won.

A light began to glow in your eyes as you realize that you’ve won.

“Results? [Alias] wins!” North Star grins, as you get to your feet, brushing off your knees and extending a hand to Moray.

“You too,” Moray congratulates. “You’re a fast one. Never met someone who could dodge ‘em all, you know?”

“I think we’ll get along just fine,” you grin. “Now, do they sell root beer here?”

You walk off with Moray, no longer feeling the weight of fatigue on your body.

North Star watches as you and your newfound friend walk into the tavern, finding it in his best interest not to interfere. Besides, his eye caught something as you two fought…

There was something just slightly off about you.

Your skin was the same color as many of the Humans he was in the Western movies he’d watched.

However, the last thing Ace noticed had North Star’s mind spiraling.

Your ears did not return to how they should be after the fight was done. You had to physically adjust them, however discreetly you did it.

With that, Starlo couldn’t help but wonder why you refused to perform the duel in a FIGHT…

…He’d have to look into this.

You could be the one to save this town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Either way, I will NOT be active on this account.

But you have Starlo! You have your Starlo now. Yes I left you on a cliffhanger, yes I made you hurt our favorite bluebird, but can ya blame me? Reader can't just Mary Sue their way through it.

I PROMISE you will get your Starlo x Reader fix soon, I just gotta work on it after finals, which are at the end of January. And I have an exam when school's back in.

So, yeah, it's gonna be a busy month for me.

I apologize in advance, but hey, the amount of fanart is INCREASING by the day.

With that, I say... BYE!

[Okay I guess I can throw in a sort of bonus scenario, or maybe drabbles while you wait.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ex:

Btw, if this gets enough reblogs (50) I'll write y'all another scenario for Star, haha. Look at the poll.

"Hello, darlin'," Starlo yawns, stretching as he took off his poncho. "You tired?"

Stars, the accent makes you internally swoon every time, now that you notice it. The fact that this was Starlo did not make your swooning lessen.

It felt nice to be able to share your interests.

"Hey," he whispers a bit too close to your ear. "Do you want to get a snack?"

The opening begins to play as Ed's surprisingly quiet snoring echoes through the room. Ah, what the heck? You do feel a bit peckish.

"Do we have any trail mix?"

"The stuff Feathers gives ya?"

"Yeah. I find I'm craving it," you chuckle.

"Martlet knows," you laugh, cuddling up to him.

"Sure she does," he agrees, putting an arm around you and unpausing the movie.

It doesn't take long for you two to fall asleep on each other as the movie ends, with an empty bag of trail mix on your laps and the softest of smiles on your faces.

Starlo wakes up first and brushes your hair out of your face, gently kissing you on the forehead.

#fourth reblog #I’m running out of silly tags to add #uh fun fact moray is named after the type of eel #and moray eels are amazing #that’s just a fact

62 notes · View notes

gaymingwriter · 4 months

Text

The Drifter [III. Confidant]

5846 words. CW: Depictions of Violence

Enjoy!

In the end, you were left with about a thousand five hundred— not a bad profit. Not bad at all! Dalv even helped you log your taxes! Yes, even in the Underground, you couldn’t escape them…

But now, you were deathly bored.

“Dalv,” you say. “Is there anything to do around here?”

“Um, we can build snowpeople?” he suggested.

“We did that yesterday…”

“A snowball fight, then?”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to win all the time. It’s not fair to you or your friends here.”

You hum in response. “I… feel like I’ve lost something.”

Dalv didn’t know how to reply to that.

“Now… I can’t help but feel… cramped, knowing that I could be found out at any moment. It’s just started to sink in— just how different I am from everyone here.”

“With how you described the Surface… you must’ve thought you were so small. And now, your world has become small too. And you feel too large for this place.”

You nod. “How do you always know what to say..?”

“I’ve known you for a good amount of time now. I suppose, er… chalk it up to brotherly instincts?”

“I think I’m going to go out for a bit,” you yawn, stretching like a cat. “I think I might train with my sword using some branches somewhere.”

“Stay safe, okay?” he says. “I know you’ll be fine… but you could also not be fine… Oh dear…”

And, he put himself into a worry spiral.

After all, how else would you hold your own, should you be found out?

You take off your various accessories after confirming the absence of cameras.

It is time.

There were logs, weren’t there? Surely you could bring in some building materials or firewood. You stare at a decently dead tree and decide to get to work.

…You turned around.

Without your mask.

Without your horns.

Without your ears.

And Martlet is standing right there, staring at you with your hood down.

Oh, stars, how your SOUL pounded out of your chest. She knows. She knows she knows she knows she knows she knows.

She knows.

“[Alias]..?” she says. “Are you okay?”

“Martlet, stay back! I don’t want to do anything desperate!”

“You… your horns. Your mask. Your ears. Why… why are they fake?”

“Stop it!”

“You’re… a Human, aren’t you, [Alias]?”

Too complacent.

Too soft.

Softness wouldn’t do you anything good now.

“You…” You muster your courage. “You fiend! Stay back! Don’t you dare call me by that name!”

This time, it’s your turn to black out the world. No more distractions.

Your SOUL pops out of your chest as Martlet turns her head around, confused— scared. Just as you were when you first fell down.

“But— I don’t understand, why would… why would you..?”

You stare at her with the eyes of ice. “If I told you… Could I live down here? Would I be able to survive the way I am, if you had known what I am?”

“Then what of Asgore? Won’t he be pleased to add another SOUL to his roster?”

Martlet grows disheartened. “That’s not true! The King is a reasonable person! Asgore is a reasonable person! I’m sure he’ll let you live here, I mean, he’s a good guy!”

“...Then what of the lives he’s taken, Martlet?”

“W-What?”

You gulp. You want to trust her, you really do, but…

“Can I trust you with a life in your hands?”

She looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Martlet’s eyes widen to saucers. “I—I couldn’t attack you at all! How could you ask something like that?!”

“How could you nearly oust me in front of an entire public establishment?”

“But— can’t you trust me? Isn’t my word enough? I don’t have any other proof I can give you, but I don’t want to hurt you!”

You close your eyes.

“[Alias]... Please don’t make me do this…” she whispers.

You shake your head. “I’m sorry.”

As you close your eyes, you let yourself succumb to the darkness around you, praying for a swift death, should she fail…

Ah, you can hear the familiar sounds of an opponent ready to strike.

She’s doing it.

She—

…Missed?

“I can’t,” she sobs. “I can’t do it… I’m sorry… I just— I just can’t do something like that…”

Your hands fall to your side as your sword falls uselessly into the snow.

“I’m sorry… I—I messed up again, and— and now, you… You don’t… You won’t…”

The part that you were truly horrified by was that, all you needed was justification for your actions— then you would be happy to do so.

…You were utterly disgusted by what you saw in yourself today.

“Martlet,” you whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

She can’t even make an intelligible sentence. This is how badly you hurt her. This is the punishment for your crimes.

“I’m sorry too!” she yells, belting out all her sadness. “I’m sorry for accusing you in the middle of the Resort! I’m sorry..!”

“It’s not your fault,” you sniffle. “It’s mine.”

She lets go and shakes you by the shoulders. “No, it’s not!”

“Yes it is!” you snap. “If I didn’t remove my disguise, I wouldn’t have… I wouldn’t have done this… I wouldn’t have hurt you…”

“You didn’t hurt me!”

“But I did with my words…”

“Hey, uh, sticks and stones may break my bones but words can only make me sad!”

“Huh?”

She laughs. “Nope! No I don’t!”

You groan, running a hand down your face. “Really, Martlet?”

“Really!”

Finally, the tension subsides as you put on your disguise again. You figure you made quite the ruckus…

“No, no no no, don’t—”

“But we’ve only known each other for a week! Of course it’d take time to trust me!”

“And I was ready to break that trust the moment it would benefit me.”

“I…”

“...Please. I do not have any excuses.”

You pause, reaching into your pocket and extending your hand.

“Here. I can’t give you much in the form of an apology just yet, but… these were made by my mother. They are her Homemade Monster Candies. If it helps, all of them are non-licorice flavors.”

“Oh, thank you…”

“[Alias], why..?” he asked. “You’re not like this normally…”

“I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I was… I wasn’t thinking at all. I shouldn’t have done that, I know, but… This could’ve drawn attention. I need to go.”

“Please, stay a while longer?” Dalv pleads. “It… gets a little lonely sometimes. And Pops has been awfully quiet lately.”

…You stay, to say the least.

The very next morning, you’ve packed up and you’re ready to head out.

“Dalv,” you whisper, shaking him awake. “I’ve got to go now.”

He never woke up so quickly before.

“You are?” he asks. “...Of course. I’ll… I’ll escort you, for one last walk?”

You nod, sleepless eyes concealed by the mask.

“So, where to next, Stardrifter?” she asked.

“Well, if you really need to, the Dunes are open! There’s a tunnel that leads there, from Snowdin somewhere. Ooh, that rhymed!”

You chuckled. It seems you would become the Sundrifter next. Or perhaps the Sanddrifter. One of those, you believed. “Thank you for this, Martlet. You really didn’t have to, considering—”

“Nope! Nope nope nope we’re not talking about it! Not right now. Okay?”

“...Okay. Thank you.”

Dalv pats you on the back reassuringly. “You’ll always have a place here, you know?”

You nod wordlessly as you reach the tunnels.

“Just go straight ahead, and you’ll reach the Dunes.”

With that, you keep going.

Dalv and Martlet stand by the entrance, watching as you slowly disappear. He looks to his friend, and with trembling fingers, pats her on the back.

“They’ll be okay. I just know it.”

“I know, I just… they looked so scared. I can’t help but wonder if I did the right thing… you know, following them.”

“You followed them?”

“...Captain Undyne… If they meet her, and Undyne finds out, well…”

“I know.”

“Glad to know we’re on the same page… I’m worried for them,” Martlet chirps. “I don’t want them to be found out. But with that business…”

“Yes. I was worried about their business too. Toriel was too. But… Surely they’ll find a way, right? All I can do is believe.”

But just as you thought things couldn’t get any darker there, you were enveloped in a familiar void.

Flowey.

You brandish your blade wordlessly.

“Oh, is it a FIGHT you want? I’ll give you a FIGHT!”

Friendliness pellets materialize all around you as you slice them all in half.

“Please move.”

“No, I will not. I will not repeat my mistakes. Unlike you.”

“Hm? What was that, buddy?”

“I am not your friend.”

“Wow! You’re a mean one, aren’t’cha?”

“To you.”

“...Remember. It’s kill or be killed down here. You’ll have to kill someone eventually. Before they kill you.”

He disappeared without a trace as you exited the tunnel. You hated that.

Up ahead, you see a town where you can potentially stay for a while.

Someone sauntered forward and jumped at the shock of seeing a new face.

“Guys! Looky here!” they grinned. “Someone new has stumbled into our humble town!”

Another person walked, standing in what seemed to be a predetermined position. “This better not be another joke,” he muttered. It was awfully muffled due to his scarf.

“For once, don’t look like it is.” A rather burly one came along, in the company of a squirrel Monster.

“Hiya, stranger!”

“G-Greetings,” you say. “I hope to find a place to stay. I harbor no ill will, I promise.”

“That’s what the last guy said. Let’s just say he’s one with the wind now…”

Your eyes widen at the implications. “Y-You! What happened to that person?!” You draw your blade, holding a defensive stance. “Where is he?!”

Just as suddenly, he burst into a fit of laughter. “I’m just kiddin’ around. You were shakin’ in your boots for a second! Come on, put that away. No danger here. Promise.”

Slowly, carefully, you sheathe your sword. “Please… don’t make such jokes… It’s… too cruel. I do not believe I can handle it at the moment.”

His face seems to soften as he utters a soft apology.

“Yeah. That wasn’t very funny, Edward,” the fish Monster chides, looking at you as they bow. “I can assure you we are a delight to be around. Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.”

“I… I see.”

The hatted one groaned. “Why do you two insist on scaring away every monster you meet? At least Mooch never oversteps her bounds.”

“Never!” Mooch grins.

“Er… well, it’s a pleasure to meet you all, but… I would like to rest for a bit. If you don’t mind, I would like to take shelter—”

“Hold it right there, pardner.”

“Are my pals givin’ ya trouble? Come now…” he smiles, a heavy accent weaving its way into his words.“That ain’t a way to treat a guest now, is it?”

After a pause, you decide to let yourself relax.

“The name’s North Star. I run this town.” He looks you dead in the eyes, a bullet through your head. “Not alone, of course. These fine Monsters are my posse. Together we are…”

The shot of bullets rings through the air.

The Feisty Five.

You stay stone-faced, but your curiosity is evident. North Star has struck a pose, and you almost feel obligated to match his enthusiasm.

“Our name stands for:”

Edward stomps on the ground, sending sand flying through the air, flexing his muscles. “Fearlessness!”

The unnamed fish Monster strikes a pose, raising their leg and stomping it down with a twist. “Excellence!”

Ace rips a card from his coat, slicing through the air. “Intuition!

Mooch spins around and stops effortlessly in place, disobeying the laws of inertia. “Sneakiness!”

“Toughness!” It cycled back to Edward as he struck a pose again.

“Youthfulness!”

You expected it to end and you raised your hands to applaud the performance, but North Star had one more thing to add.

“Justice!” he finishes in triumphance.

You swear your mask nearly fell off from the sudden addition.

His smile disappears as he stares at you blankly. “...The ‘J’ is silent.”

Stars, don’t laugh, don’t laugh, don’t you dare laugh!!! You dig your fingernails into your wrist, trying to keep from doubling over in laughter.

“Anyway, now that we’re introduced… I’d be glad to give you a tour.”

“Could I potentially tour a rest area first..?” you ask. “I’m… rather tired.”

“Ah, of course, of course. Come with me. Moray’ll get you somethin’ to eat in the meantime.”

Moray, finally named, bows again, walking off… Until you realize THEY HAVE A SWORD TOO!!!

“Wait! Moray!”

“Yes?”

“Is that… Is that a rapier?!”

“Oh, is that what it’s called?”

“Erm, yes! I do believe so if my eyes don’t deceive me! Please tell me that’s a real sword and that I’m not just blind!”

Moray chuckles. “Yeah. It’s a real sword.”

You were already fawning over a potential new buddy. “Would you be so kind as to engage me in a duel, by any chance?”

North Star looked between you two, interested.

“Oh, if you want. Just know… I won’t go easy on you.” They winked, shooting you a finger gun.

You let out a squeal, clapping your hands. “Truly?!”

“If you’d like.”

Ace shook his head. “I don’t think you should…”

“Oh come on,” Mooch pipes in. “Don’t be a buzzkill, Ace. When was the last time something exciting happened around here?”

“She has a point.”

You’re practically jumping out of your boots! A swordplay partner! You can’t believe it!

You grin. “I thank you, kind sheriff!”

“I reckon you’re a pretty strong fella if you can carry a pack that big,” North Star remarks, examining your bag. “How’s yer back?”

“As painless as sleep,” you grin. “My mother cast a spell on it to make it lighter. It really is!”

“Alright. Makes sense.”

You nod, warming up. “Okay, Moray… If you don’t mind, may we start?”

As the world fades to black, you quickly protest.

“NONONONONONO!!!”

Everything returns to normal.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, alright,” Moray chuckles. “In that case, can I have your name, friend?”

“Call me [Alias]. It’s a pleasure.” You draw your blade, steadying your breath.

“Alright then. It’s an honor.”

You approach, circling as you size each other up.

“Ready?” North Star pulls out his revolver. “Begin!”

“Check,” you say, letting your sword stand by your side.

“A point to [Alias].”

Moray laughs. “This is getting interesting.”

As the next round comes, Moray picks up the pace, rapid-fire thrusts striking like Dalv’s lightning overwhelm you, and you find that Moray’s speed has placed you in check.

“One all,” North Star declares.

“A tiebreaker, then?”

“Tiebreaker. For all the marbles, and bragging rights for the next twenty-four hours?”

“...Perhaps throw in a drink with that meal, and you’re on,” you joke.

“Deal,” they say, to your surprise. “It’s on me.”

With that, the final round begins.

“En garde!” You swing with all your might, aiming to disarm Moray as quickly as you can. With a smirk, they raise their arm, leaving behind nothing but empty air for you to strike.

More.

Moray thrusts their rapier toward you, aiming for your chest, but you leap back, weaving leaft and right through the flurries of attacks.

More.

You slide under Moray’s attacks and your sword is pointed at their chest, caught on their scarf— you did it.

You won.

A light began to glow in your eyes as you realize that you’ve won.

“Results? [Alias] wins!” North Star grins, as you get to your feet, brushing off your knees and extending a hand to Moray.

“You too,” Moray congratulates. “You’re a fast one. Never met someone who could dodge ‘em all, you know?”

“I think we’ll get along just fine,” you grin. “Now, do they sell root beer here?”

You walk off with Moray, no longer feeling the weight of fatigue on your body.

North Star watches as you and your newfound friend walk into the tavern, finding it in his best interest not to interfere. Besides, his eye caught something as you two fought…

There was something just slightly off about you.

Your skin was the same color as many of the Humans he was in the Western movies he’d watched.

However, the last thing Ace noticed had North Star’s mind spiraling.

Your ears did not return to how they should be after the fight was done. You had to physically adjust them, however discreetly you did it.

With that, Starlo couldn’t help but wonder why you refused to perform the duel in a FIGHT…

…He’d have to look into this.

You could be the one to save this town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Either way, I will NOT be active on this account.

But you have Starlo! You have your Starlo now. Yes I left you on a cliffhanger, yes I made you hurt our favorite bluebird, but can ya blame me? Reader can't just Mary Sue their way through it.

I PROMISE you will get your Starlo x Reader fix soon, I just gotta work on it after finals, which are at the end of January. And I have an exam when school's back in.

So, yeah, it's gonna be a busy month for me.

I apologize in advance, but hey, the amount of fanart is INCREASING by the day.

With that, I say... BYE!

[Okay I guess I can throw in a sort of bonus scenario, or maybe drabbles while you wait.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ex:

Btw, if this gets enough reblogs (50) I'll write y'all another scenario for Star, haha. Look at the poll.

"Hello, darlin'," Starlo yawns, stretching as he took off his poncho. "You tired?"

Stars, the accent makes you internally swoon every time, now that you notice it. The fact that this was Starlo did not make your swooning lessen.

It felt nice to be able to share your interests.

"Hey," he whispers a bit too close to your ear. "Do you want to get a snack?"

The opening begins to play as Ed's surprisingly quiet snoring echoes through the room. Ah, what the heck? You do feel a bit peckish.

"Do we have any trail mix?"

"The stuff Feathers gives ya?"

"Yeah. I find I'm craving it," you chuckle.

"Martlet knows," you laugh, cuddling up to him.

"Sure she does," he agrees, putting an arm around you and unpausing the movie.

It doesn't take long for you two to fall asleep on each other as the movie ends, with an empty bag of trail mix on your laps and the softest of smiles on your faces.

Starlo wakes up first and brushes your hair out of your face, gently kissing you on the forehead.

#third reblog #(I’m keeping count for myself honestly)

62 notes · View notes

gaymingwriter · 4 months

Text

The Drifter [III. Confidant]

5846 words. CW: Depictions of Violence

Enjoy!

In the end, you were left with about a thousand five hundred— not a bad profit. Not bad at all! Dalv even helped you log your taxes! Yes, even in the Underground, you couldn’t escape them…

But now, you were deathly bored.

“Dalv,” you say. “Is there anything to do around here?”

“Um, we can build snowpeople?” he suggested.

“We did that yesterday…”

“A snowball fight, then?”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to win all the time. It’s not fair to you or your friends here.”

You hum in response. “I… feel like I’ve lost something.”

Dalv didn’t know how to reply to that.

“Now… I can’t help but feel… cramped, knowing that I could be found out at any moment. It’s just started to sink in— just how different I am from everyone here.”

“With how you described the Surface… you must’ve thought you were so small. And now, your world has become small too. And you feel too large for this place.”

You nod. “How do you always know what to say..?”

“I’ve known you for a good amount of time now. I suppose, er… chalk it up to brotherly instincts?”

“I think I’m going to go out for a bit,” you yawn, stretching like a cat. “I think I might train with my sword using some branches somewhere.”

“Stay safe, okay?” he says. “I know you’ll be fine… but you could also not be fine… Oh dear…”

And, he put himself into a worry spiral.

After all, how else would you hold your own, should you be found out?

You take off your various accessories after confirming the absence of cameras.

It is time.

There were logs, weren’t there? Surely you could bring in some building materials or firewood. You stare at a decently dead tree and decide to get to work.

…You turned around.

Without your mask.

Without your horns.

Without your ears.

And Martlet is standing right there, staring at you with your hood down.

Oh, stars, how your SOUL pounded out of your chest. She knows. She knows she knows she knows she knows she knows.

She knows.

“[Alias]..?” she says. “Are you okay?”

“Martlet, stay back! I don’t want to do anything desperate!”

“You… your horns. Your mask. Your ears. Why… why are they fake?”

“Stop it!”

“You’re… a Human, aren’t you, [Alias]?”

Too complacent.

Too soft.

Softness wouldn’t do you anything good now.

“You…” You muster your courage. “You fiend! Stay back! Don’t you dare call me by that name!”

This time, it’s your turn to black out the world. No more distractions.

Your SOUL pops out of your chest as Martlet turns her head around, confused— scared. Just as you were when you first fell down.

“But— I don’t understand, why would… why would you..?”

You stare at her with the eyes of ice. “If I told you… Could I live down here? Would I be able to survive the way I am, if you had known what I am?”

“Then what of Asgore? Won’t he be pleased to add another SOUL to his roster?”

Martlet grows disheartened. “That’s not true! The King is a reasonable person! Asgore is a reasonable person! I’m sure he’ll let you live here, I mean, he’s a good guy!”

“...Then what of the lives he’s taken, Martlet?”

“W-What?”

You gulp. You want to trust her, you really do, but…

“Can I trust you with a life in your hands?”

She looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Martlet’s eyes widen to saucers. “I—I couldn’t attack you at all! How could you ask something like that?!”

“How could you nearly oust me in front of an entire public establishment?”

“But— can’t you trust me? Isn’t my word enough? I don’t have any other proof I can give you, but I don’t want to hurt you!”

You close your eyes.

“[Alias]... Please don’t make me do this…” she whispers.

You shake your head. “I’m sorry.”

As you close your eyes, you let yourself succumb to the darkness around you, praying for a swift death, should she fail…

Ah, you can hear the familiar sounds of an opponent ready to strike.

She’s doing it.

She—

…Missed?

“I can’t,” she sobs. “I can’t do it… I’m sorry… I just— I just can’t do something like that…”

Your hands fall to your side as your sword falls uselessly into the snow.

“I’m sorry… I—I messed up again, and— and now, you… You don’t… You won’t…”

The part that you were truly horrified by was that, all you needed was justification for your actions— then you would be happy to do so.

…You were utterly disgusted by what you saw in yourself today.

“Martlet,” you whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

She can’t even make an intelligible sentence. This is how badly you hurt her. This is the punishment for your crimes.

“I’m sorry too!” she yells, belting out all her sadness. “I’m sorry for accusing you in the middle of the Resort! I’m sorry..!”

“It’s not your fault,” you sniffle. “It’s mine.”

She lets go and shakes you by the shoulders. “No, it’s not!”

“Yes it is!” you snap. “If I didn’t remove my disguise, I wouldn’t have… I wouldn’t have done this… I wouldn’t have hurt you…”

“You didn’t hurt me!”

“But I did with my words…”

“Hey, uh, sticks and stones may break my bones but words can only make me sad!”

“Huh?”

She laughs. “Nope! No I don’t!”

You groan, running a hand down your face. “Really, Martlet?”

“Really!”

Finally, the tension subsides as you put on your disguise again. You figure you made quite the ruckus…

“No, no no no, don’t—”

“But we’ve only known each other for a week! Of course it’d take time to trust me!”

“And I was ready to break that trust the moment it would benefit me.”

“I…”

“...Please. I do not have any excuses.”

You pause, reaching into your pocket and extending your hand.

“Here. I can’t give you much in the form of an apology just yet, but… these were made by my mother. They are her Homemade Monster Candies. If it helps, all of them are non-licorice flavors.”

“Oh, thank you…”

“[Alias], why..?” he asked. “You’re not like this normally…”

“I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I was… I wasn’t thinking at all. I shouldn’t have done that, I know, but… This could’ve drawn attention. I need to go.”

“Please, stay a while longer?” Dalv pleads. “It… gets a little lonely sometimes. And Pops has been awfully quiet lately.”

…You stay, to say the least.

The very next morning, you’ve packed up and you’re ready to head out.

“Dalv,” you whisper, shaking him awake. “I’ve got to go now.”

He never woke up so quickly before.

“You are?” he asks. “...Of course. I’ll… I’ll escort you, for one last walk?”

You nod, sleepless eyes concealed by the mask.

“So, where to next, Stardrifter?” she asked.

“Well, if you really need to, the Dunes are open! There’s a tunnel that leads there, from Snowdin somewhere. Ooh, that rhymed!”

You chuckled. It seems you would become the Sundrifter next. Or perhaps the Sanddrifter. One of those, you believed. “Thank you for this, Martlet. You really didn’t have to, considering—”

“Nope! Nope nope nope we’re not talking about it! Not right now. Okay?”

“...Okay. Thank you.”

Dalv pats you on the back reassuringly. “You’ll always have a place here, you know?”

You nod wordlessly as you reach the tunnels.

“Just go straight ahead, and you’ll reach the Dunes.”

With that, you keep going.

Dalv and Martlet stand by the entrance, watching as you slowly disappear. He looks to his friend, and with trembling fingers, pats her on the back.

“They’ll be okay. I just know it.”

“I know, I just… they looked so scared. I can’t help but wonder if I did the right thing… you know, following them.”

“You followed them?”

“...Captain Undyne… If they meet her, and Undyne finds out, well…”

“I know.”

“Glad to know we’re on the same page… I’m worried for them,” Martlet chirps. “I don’t want them to be found out. But with that business…”

“Yes. I was worried about their business too. Toriel was too. But… Surely they’ll find a way, right? All I can do is believe.”

But just as you thought things couldn’t get any darker there, you were enveloped in a familiar void.

Flowey.

You brandish your blade wordlessly.

“Oh, is it a FIGHT you want? I’ll give you a FIGHT!”

Friendliness pellets materialize all around you as you slice them all in half.

“Please move.”

“No, I will not. I will not repeat my mistakes. Unlike you.”

“Hm? What was that, buddy?”

“I am not your friend.”

“Wow! You’re a mean one, aren’t’cha?”

“To you.”

“...Remember. It’s kill or be killed down here. You’ll have to kill someone eventually. Before they kill you.”

He disappeared without a trace as you exited the tunnel. You hated that.

Up ahead, you see a town where you can potentially stay for a while.

Someone sauntered forward and jumped at the shock of seeing a new face.

“Guys! Looky here!” they grinned. “Someone new has stumbled into our humble town!”

Another person walked, standing in what seemed to be a predetermined position. “This better not be another joke,” he muttered. It was awfully muffled due to his scarf.

“For once, don’t look like it is.” A rather burly one came along, in the company of a squirrel Monster.

“Hiya, stranger!”

“G-Greetings,” you say. “I hope to find a place to stay. I harbor no ill will, I promise.”

“That’s what the last guy said. Let’s just say he’s one with the wind now…”

Your eyes widen at the implications. “Y-You! What happened to that person?!” You draw your blade, holding a defensive stance. “Where is he?!”

Just as suddenly, he burst into a fit of laughter. “I’m just kiddin’ around. You were shakin’ in your boots for a second! Come on, put that away. No danger here. Promise.”

Slowly, carefully, you sheathe your sword. “Please… don’t make such jokes… It’s… too cruel. I do not believe I can handle it at the moment.”

His face seems to soften as he utters a soft apology.

“Yeah. That wasn’t very funny, Edward,” the fish Monster chides, looking at you as they bow. “I can assure you we are a delight to be around. Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.”

“I… I see.”

The hatted one groaned. “Why do you two insist on scaring away every monster you meet? At least Mooch never oversteps her bounds.”

“Never!” Mooch grins.

“Er… well, it’s a pleasure to meet you all, but… I would like to rest for a bit. If you don’t mind, I would like to take shelter—”

“Hold it right there, pardner.”

“Are my pals givin’ ya trouble? Come now…” he smiles, a heavy accent weaving its way into his words.“That ain’t a way to treat a guest now, is it?”

After a pause, you decide to let yourself relax.

“The name’s North Star. I run this town.” He looks you dead in the eyes, a bullet through your head. “Not alone, of course. These fine Monsters are my posse. Together we are…”

The shot of bullets rings through the air.

The Feisty Five.

You stay stone-faced, but your curiosity is evident. North Star has struck a pose, and you almost feel obligated to match his enthusiasm.

“Our name stands for:”

Edward stomps on the ground, sending sand flying through the air, flexing his muscles. “Fearlessness!”

The unnamed fish Monster strikes a pose, raising their leg and stomping it down with a twist. “Excellence!”

Ace rips a card from his coat, slicing through the air. “Intuition!

Mooch spins around and stops effortlessly in place, disobeying the laws of inertia. “Sneakiness!”

“Toughness!” It cycled back to Edward as he struck a pose again.

“Youthfulness!”

You expected it to end and you raised your hands to applaud the performance, but North Star had one more thing to add.

“Justice!” he finishes in triumphance.

You swear your mask nearly fell off from the sudden addition.

His smile disappears as he stares at you blankly. “...The ‘J’ is silent.”

Stars, don’t laugh, don’t laugh, don’t you dare laugh!!! You dig your fingernails into your wrist, trying to keep from doubling over in laughter.

“Anyway, now that we’re introduced… I’d be glad to give you a tour.”

“Could I potentially tour a rest area first..?” you ask. “I’m… rather tired.”

“Ah, of course, of course. Come with me. Moray’ll get you somethin’ to eat in the meantime.”

Moray, finally named, bows again, walking off… Until you realize THEY HAVE A SWORD TOO!!!

“Wait! Moray!”

“Yes?”

“Is that… Is that a rapier?!”

“Oh, is that what it’s called?”

“Erm, yes! I do believe so if my eyes don’t deceive me! Please tell me that’s a real sword and that I’m not just blind!”

Moray chuckles. “Yeah. It’s a real sword.”

You were already fawning over a potential new buddy. “Would you be so kind as to engage me in a duel, by any chance?”

North Star looked between you two, interested.

“Oh, if you want. Just know… I won’t go easy on you.” They winked, shooting you a finger gun.

You let out a squeal, clapping your hands. “Truly?!”

“If you’d like.”

Ace shook his head. “I don’t think you should…”

“Oh come on,” Mooch pipes in. “Don’t be a buzzkill, Ace. When was the last time something exciting happened around here?”

“She has a point.”

You’re practically jumping out of your boots! A swordplay partner! You can’t believe it!

You grin. “I thank you, kind sheriff!”

“I reckon you’re a pretty strong fella if you can carry a pack that big,” North Star remarks, examining your bag. “How’s yer back?”

“As painless as sleep,” you grin. “My mother cast a spell on it to make it lighter. It really is!”

“Alright. Makes sense.”

You nod, warming up. “Okay, Moray… If you don’t mind, may we start?”

As the world fades to black, you quickly protest.

“NONONONONONO!!!”

Everything returns to normal.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, alright,” Moray chuckles. “In that case, can I have your name, friend?”

“Call me [Alias]. It’s a pleasure.” You draw your blade, steadying your breath.

“Alright then. It’s an honor.”

You approach, circling as you size each other up.

“Ready?” North Star pulls out his revolver. “Begin!”

“Check,” you say, letting your sword stand by your side.

“A point to [Alias].”

Moray laughs. “This is getting interesting.”

As the next round comes, Moray picks up the pace, rapid-fire thrusts striking like Dalv’s lightning overwhelm you, and you find that Moray’s speed has placed you in check.

“One all,” North Star declares.

“A tiebreaker, then?”

“Tiebreaker. For all the marbles, and bragging rights for the next twenty-four hours?”

“...Perhaps throw in a drink with that meal, and you’re on,” you joke.

“Deal,” they say, to your surprise. “It’s on me.”

With that, the final round begins.

“En garde!” You swing with all your might, aiming to disarm Moray as quickly as you can. With a smirk, they raise their arm, leaving behind nothing but empty air for you to strike.

More.

Moray thrusts their rapier toward you, aiming for your chest, but you leap back, weaving leaft and right through the flurries of attacks.

More.

You slide under Moray’s attacks and your sword is pointed at their chest, caught on their scarf— you did it.

You won.

A light began to glow in your eyes as you realize that you’ve won.

“Results? [Alias] wins!” North Star grins, as you get to your feet, brushing off your knees and extending a hand to Moray.

“You too,” Moray congratulates. “You’re a fast one. Never met someone who could dodge ‘em all, you know?”

“I think we’ll get along just fine,” you grin. “Now, do they sell root beer here?”

You walk off with Moray, no longer feeling the weight of fatigue on your body.

North Star watches as you and your newfound friend walk into the tavern, finding it in his best interest not to interfere. Besides, his eye caught something as you two fought…

There was something just slightly off about you.

Your skin was the same color as many of the Humans he was in the Western movies he’d watched.

However, the last thing Ace noticed had North Star’s mind spiraling.

Your ears did not return to how they should be after the fight was done. You had to physically adjust them, however discreetly you did it.

With that, Starlo couldn’t help but wonder why you refused to perform the duel in a FIGHT…

…He’d have to look into this.

You could be the one to save this town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Either way, I will NOT be active on this account.

But you have Starlo! You have your Starlo now. Yes I left you on a cliffhanger, yes I made you hurt our favorite bluebird, but can ya blame me? Reader can't just Mary Sue their way through it.

I PROMISE you will get your Starlo x Reader fix soon, I just gotta work on it after finals, which are at the end of January. And I have an exam when school's back in.

So, yeah, it's gonna be a busy month for me.

I apologize in advance, but hey, the amount of fanart is INCREASING by the day.

With that, I say... BYE!

[Okay I guess I can throw in a sort of bonus scenario, or maybe drabbles while you wait.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ex:

Btw, if this gets enough reblogs (50) I'll write y'all another scenario for Star, haha. Look at the poll.

"Hello, darlin'," Starlo yawns, stretching as he took off his poncho. "You tired?"

Stars, the accent makes you internally swoon every time, now that you notice it. The fact that this was Starlo did not make your swooning lessen.

It felt nice to be able to share your interests.

"Hey," he whispers a bit too close to your ear. "Do you want to get a snack?"

The opening begins to play as Ed's surprisingly quiet snoring echoes through the room. Ah, what the heck? You do feel a bit peckish.

"Do we have any trail mix?"

"The stuff Feathers gives ya?"

"Yeah. I find I'm craving it," you chuckle.

"Martlet knows," you laugh, cuddling up to him.

"Sure she does," he agrees, putting an arm around you and unpausing the movie.

It doesn't take long for you two to fall asleep on each other as the movie ends, with an empty bag of trail mix on your laps and the softest of smiles on your faces.

Starlo wakes up first and brushes your hair out of your face, gently kissing you on the forehead.

#in my defense you said we could reblog up to five times #this is my second time #I will be taking advantage of all five #I may or may not be a little bit of a fan of starlo #but also a lot of people want the drabble and I want to help

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gaymingwriter · 4 months

Text

The Drifter [III. Confidant]

5846 words. CW: Depictions of Violence

Enjoy!

In the end, you were left with about a thousand five hundred— not a bad profit. Not bad at all! Dalv even helped you log your taxes! Yes, even in the Underground, you couldn’t escape them…

But now, you were deathly bored.

“Dalv,” you say. “Is there anything to do around here?”

“Um, we can build snowpeople?” he suggested.

“We did that yesterday…”

“A snowball fight, then?”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to win all the time. It’s not fair to you or your friends here.”

You hum in response. “I… feel like I’ve lost something.”

Dalv didn’t know how to reply to that.

“Now… I can’t help but feel… cramped, knowing that I could be found out at any moment. It’s just started to sink in— just how different I am from everyone here.”

“With how you described the Surface… you must’ve thought you were so small. And now, your world has become small too. And you feel too large for this place.”

You nod. “How do you always know what to say..?”

“I’ve known you for a good amount of time now. I suppose, er… chalk it up to brotherly instincts?”

“I think I’m going to go out for a bit,” you yawn, stretching like a cat. “I think I might train with my sword using some branches somewhere.”

“Stay safe, okay?” he says. “I know you’ll be fine… but you could also not be fine… Oh dear…”

And, he put himself into a worry spiral.

After all, how else would you hold your own, should you be found out?

You take off your various accessories after confirming the absence of cameras.

It is time.

There were logs, weren’t there? Surely you could bring in some building materials or firewood. You stare at a decently dead tree and decide to get to work.

…You turned around.

Without your mask.

Without your horns.

Without your ears.

And Martlet is standing right there, staring at you with your hood down.

Oh, stars, how your SOUL pounded out of your chest. She knows. She knows she knows she knows she knows she knows.

She knows.

“[Alias]..?” she says. “Are you okay?”

“Martlet, stay back! I don’t want to do anything desperate!”

“You… your horns. Your mask. Your ears. Why… why are they fake?”

“Stop it!”

“You’re… a Human, aren’t you, [Alias]?”

Too complacent.

Too soft.

Softness wouldn’t do you anything good now.

“You…” You muster your courage. “You fiend! Stay back! Don’t you dare call me by that name!”

This time, it’s your turn to black out the world. No more distractions.

Your SOUL pops out of your chest as Martlet turns her head around, confused— scared. Just as you were when you first fell down.

“But— I don’t understand, why would… why would you..?”

You stare at her with the eyes of ice. “If I told you… Could I live down here? Would I be able to survive the way I am, if you had known what I am?”

“Then what of Asgore? Won’t he be pleased to add another SOUL to his roster?”

Martlet grows disheartened. “That’s not true! The King is a reasonable person! Asgore is a reasonable person! I’m sure he’ll let you live here, I mean, he’s a good guy!”

“...Then what of the lives he’s taken, Martlet?”

“W-What?”

You gulp. You want to trust her, you really do, but…

“Can I trust you with a life in your hands?”

She looks confused. “What do you mean?”

Martlet’s eyes widen to saucers. “I—I couldn’t attack you at all! How could you ask something like that?!”

“How could you nearly oust me in front of an entire public establishment?”

“But— can’t you trust me? Isn’t my word enough? I don’t have any other proof I can give you, but I don’t want to hurt you!”

You close your eyes.

“[Alias]... Please don’t make me do this…” she whispers.

You shake your head. “I’m sorry.”

As you close your eyes, you let yourself succumb to the darkness around you, praying for a swift death, should she fail…

Ah, you can hear the familiar sounds of an opponent ready to strike.

She’s doing it.

She—

…Missed?

“I can’t,” she sobs. “I can’t do it… I’m sorry… I just— I just can’t do something like that…”

Your hands fall to your side as your sword falls uselessly into the snow.

“I’m sorry… I—I messed up again, and— and now, you… You don’t… You won’t…”

The part that you were truly horrified by was that, all you needed was justification for your actions— then you would be happy to do so.

…You were utterly disgusted by what you saw in yourself today.

“Martlet,” you whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

She can’t even make an intelligible sentence. This is how badly you hurt her. This is the punishment for your crimes.

“I’m sorry too!” she yells, belting out all her sadness. “I’m sorry for accusing you in the middle of the Resort! I’m sorry..!”

“It’s not your fault,” you sniffle. “It’s mine.”

She lets go and shakes you by the shoulders. “No, it’s not!”

“Yes it is!” you snap. “If I didn’t remove my disguise, I wouldn’t have… I wouldn’t have done this… I wouldn’t have hurt you…”

“You didn’t hurt me!”

“But I did with my words…”

“Hey, uh, sticks and stones may break my bones but words can only make me sad!”

“Huh?”

She laughs. “Nope! No I don’t!”

You groan, running a hand down your face. “Really, Martlet?”

“Really!”

Finally, the tension subsides as you put on your disguise again. You figure you made quite the ruckus…

“No, no no no, don’t—”

“But we’ve only known each other for a week! Of course it’d take time to trust me!”

“And I was ready to break that trust the moment it would benefit me.”

“I…”

“...Please. I do not have any excuses.”

You pause, reaching into your pocket and extending your hand.

“Here. I can’t give you much in the form of an apology just yet, but… these were made by my mother. They are her Homemade Monster Candies. If it helps, all of them are non-licorice flavors.”

“Oh, thank you…”

“[Alias], why..?” he asked. “You’re not like this normally…”

“I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I was… I wasn’t thinking at all. I shouldn’t have done that, I know, but… This could’ve drawn attention. I need to go.”

“Please, stay a while longer?” Dalv pleads. “It… gets a little lonely sometimes. And Pops has been awfully quiet lately.”

…You stay, to say the least.

The very next morning, you’ve packed up and you’re ready to head out.

“Dalv,” you whisper, shaking him awake. “I’ve got to go now.”

He never woke up so quickly before.

“You are?” he asks. “...Of course. I’ll… I’ll escort you, for one last walk?”

You nod, sleepless eyes concealed by the mask.

“So, where to next, Stardrifter?” she asked.

“Well, if you really need to, the Dunes are open! There’s a tunnel that leads there, from Snowdin somewhere. Ooh, that rhymed!”

You chuckled. It seems you would become the Sundrifter next. Or perhaps the Sanddrifter. One of those, you believed. “Thank you for this, Martlet. You really didn’t have to, considering—”

“Nope! Nope nope nope we’re not talking about it! Not right now. Okay?”

“...Okay. Thank you.”

Dalv pats you on the back reassuringly. “You’ll always have a place here, you know?”

You nod wordlessly as you reach the tunnels.

“Just go straight ahead, and you’ll reach the Dunes.”

With that, you keep going.

Dalv and Martlet stand by the entrance, watching as you slowly disappear. He looks to his friend, and with trembling fingers, pats her on the back.

“They’ll be okay. I just know it.”

“I know, I just… they looked so scared. I can’t help but wonder if I did the right thing… you know, following them.”

“You followed them?”

“...Captain Undyne… If they meet her, and Undyne finds out, well…”

“I know.”

“Glad to know we’re on the same page… I’m worried for them,” Martlet chirps. “I don’t want them to be found out. But with that business…”

“Yes. I was worried about their business too. Toriel was too. But… Surely they’ll find a way, right? All I can do is believe.”

But just as you thought things couldn’t get any darker there, you were enveloped in a familiar void.

Flowey.

You brandish your blade wordlessly.

“Oh, is it a FIGHT you want? I’ll give you a FIGHT!”

Friendliness pellets materialize all around you as you slice them all in half.

“Please move.”

“No, I will not. I will not repeat my mistakes. Unlike you.”

“Hm? What was that, buddy?”

“I am not your friend.”

“Wow! You’re a mean one, aren’t’cha?”

“To you.”

“...Remember. It’s kill or be killed down here. You’ll have to kill someone eventually. Before they kill you.”

He disappeared without a trace as you exited the tunnel. You hated that.

Up ahead, you see a town where you can potentially stay for a while.

Someone sauntered forward and jumped at the shock of seeing a new face.

“Guys! Looky here!” they grinned. “Someone new has stumbled into our humble town!”

Another person walked, standing in what seemed to be a predetermined position. “This better not be another joke,” he muttered. It was awfully muffled due to his scarf.

“For once, don’t look like it is.” A rather burly one came along, in the company of a squirrel Monster.

“Hiya, stranger!”

“G-Greetings,” you say. “I hope to find a place to stay. I harbor no ill will, I promise.”

“That’s what the last guy said. Let’s just say he’s one with the wind now…”

Your eyes widen at the implications. “Y-You! What happened to that person?!” You draw your blade, holding a defensive stance. “Where is he?!”

Just as suddenly, he burst into a fit of laughter. “I’m just kiddin’ around. You were shakin’ in your boots for a second! Come on, put that away. No danger here. Promise.”

Slowly, carefully, you sheathe your sword. “Please… don’t make such jokes… It’s… too cruel. I do not believe I can handle it at the moment.”

His face seems to soften as he utters a soft apology.

“Yeah. That wasn’t very funny, Edward,” the fish Monster chides, looking at you as they bow. “I can assure you we are a delight to be around. Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.”

“I… I see.”

The hatted one groaned. “Why do you two insist on scaring away every monster you meet? At least Mooch never oversteps her bounds.”

“Never!” Mooch grins.

“Er… well, it’s a pleasure to meet you all, but… I would like to rest for a bit. If you don’t mind, I would like to take shelter—”

“Hold it right there, pardner.”

“Are my pals givin’ ya trouble? Come now…” he smiles, a heavy accent weaving its way into his words.“That ain’t a way to treat a guest now, is it?”

After a pause, you decide to let yourself relax.

“The name’s North Star. I run this town.” He looks you dead in the eyes, a bullet through your head. “Not alone, of course. These fine Monsters are my posse. Together we are…”

The shot of bullets rings through the air.

The Feisty Five.

You stay stone-faced, but your curiosity is evident. North Star has struck a pose, and you almost feel obligated to match his enthusiasm.

“Our name stands for:”

Edward stomps on the ground, sending sand flying through the air, flexing his muscles. “Fearlessness!”

The unnamed fish Monster strikes a pose, raising their leg and stomping it down with a twist. “Excellence!”

Ace rips a card from his coat, slicing through the air. “Intuition!

Mooch spins around and stops effortlessly in place, disobeying the laws of inertia. “Sneakiness!”

“Toughness!” It cycled back to Edward as he struck a pose again.

“Youthfulness!”

You expected it to end and you raised your hands to applaud the performance, but North Star had one more thing to add.

“Justice!” he finishes in triumphance.

You swear your mask nearly fell off from the sudden addition.

His smile disappears as he stares at you blankly. “...The ‘J’ is silent.”

Stars, don’t laugh, don’t laugh, don’t you dare laugh!!! You dig your fingernails into your wrist, trying to keep from doubling over in laughter.

“Anyway, now that we’re introduced… I’d be glad to give you a tour.”

“Could I potentially tour a rest area first..?” you ask. “I’m… rather tired.”

“Ah, of course, of course. Come with me. Moray’ll get you somethin’ to eat in the meantime.”

Moray, finally named, bows again, walking off… Until you realize THEY HAVE A SWORD TOO!!!

“Wait! Moray!”

“Yes?”

“Is that… Is that a rapier?!”

“Oh, is that what it’s called?”

“Erm, yes! I do believe so if my eyes don’t deceive me! Please tell me that’s a real sword and that I’m not just blind!”

Moray chuckles. “Yeah. It’s a real sword.”

You were already fawning over a potential new buddy. “Would you be so kind as to engage me in a duel, by any chance?”

North Star looked between you two, interested.

“Oh, if you want. Just know… I won’t go easy on you.” They winked, shooting you a finger gun.

You let out a squeal, clapping your hands. “Truly?!”

“If you’d like.”

Ace shook his head. “I don’t think you should…”

“Oh come on,” Mooch pipes in. “Don’t be a buzzkill, Ace. When was the last time something exciting happened around here?”

“She has a point.”

You’re practically jumping out of your boots! A swordplay partner! You can’t believe it!

You grin. “I thank you, kind sheriff!”

“I reckon you’re a pretty strong fella if you can carry a pack that big,” North Star remarks, examining your bag. “How’s yer back?”

“As painless as sleep,” you grin. “My mother cast a spell on it to make it lighter. It really is!”

“Alright. Makes sense.”

You nod, warming up. “Okay, Moray… If you don’t mind, may we start?”

As the world fades to black, you quickly protest.

“NONONONONONO!!!”

Everything returns to normal.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, alright,” Moray chuckles. “In that case, can I have your name, friend?”

“Call me [Alias]. It’s a pleasure.” You draw your blade, steadying your breath.

“Alright then. It’s an honor.”

You approach, circling as you size each other up.

“Ready?” North Star pulls out his revolver. “Begin!”

“Check,” you say, letting your sword stand by your side.

“A point to [Alias].”

Moray laughs. “This is getting interesting.”

As the next round comes, Moray picks up the pace, rapid-fire thrusts striking like Dalv’s lightning overwhelm you, and you find that Moray’s speed has placed you in check.

“One all,” North Star declares.

“A tiebreaker, then?”

“Tiebreaker. For all the marbles, and bragging rights for the next twenty-four hours?”

“...Perhaps throw in a drink with that meal, and you’re on,” you joke.

“Deal,” they say, to your surprise. “It’s on me.”

With that, the final round begins.

“En garde!” You swing with all your might, aiming to disarm Moray as quickly as you can. With a smirk, they raise their arm, leaving behind nothing but empty air for you to strike.

More.

Moray thrusts their rapier toward you, aiming for your chest, but you leap back, weaving leaft and right through the flurries of attacks.

More.

You slide under Moray’s attacks and your sword is pointed at their chest, caught on their scarf— you did it.

You won.

A light began to glow in your eyes as you realize that you’ve won.

“Results? [Alias] wins!” North Star grins, as you get to your feet, brushing off your knees and extending a hand to Moray.

“You too,” Moray congratulates. “You’re a fast one. Never met someone who could dodge ‘em all, you know?”

“I think we’ll get along just fine,” you grin. “Now, do they sell root beer here?”

You walk off with Moray, no longer feeling the weight of fatigue on your body.

North Star watches as you and your newfound friend walk into the tavern, finding it in his best interest not to interfere. Besides, his eye caught something as you two fought…

There was something just slightly off about you.

Your skin was the same color as many of the Humans he was in the Western movies he’d watched.

However, the last thing Ace noticed had North Star’s mind spiraling.

Your ears did not return to how they should be after the fight was done. You had to physically adjust them, however discreetly you did it.

With that, Starlo couldn’t help but wonder why you refused to perform the duel in a FIGHT…

…He’d have to look into this.

You could be the one to save this town.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Either way, I will NOT be active on this account.

But you have Starlo! You have your Starlo now. Yes I left you on a cliffhanger, yes I made you hurt our favorite bluebird, but can ya blame me? Reader can't just Mary Sue their way through it.

I PROMISE you will get your Starlo x Reader fix soon, I just gotta work on it after finals, which are at the end of January. And I have an exam when school's back in.

So, yeah, it's gonna be a busy month for me.

I apologize in advance, but hey, the amount of fanart is INCREASING by the day.

With that, I say... BYE!

[Okay I guess I can throw in a sort of bonus scenario, or maybe drabbles while you wait.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ex:

Btw, if this gets enough reblogs (50) I'll write y'all another scenario for Star, haha. Look at the poll.

"Hello, darlin'," Starlo yawns, stretching as he took off his poncho. "You tired?"

Stars, the accent makes you internally swoon every time, now that you notice it. The fact that this was Starlo did not make your swooning lessen.

It felt nice to be able to share your interests.

"Hey," he whispers a bit too close to your ear. "Do you want to get a snack?"

The opening begins to play as Ed's surprisingly quiet snoring echoes through the room. Ah, what the heck? You do feel a bit peckish.

"Do we have any trail mix?"

"The stuff Feathers gives ya?"

"Yeah. I find I'm craving it," you chuckle.

"Martlet knows," you laugh, cuddling up to him.

"Sure she does," he agrees, putting an arm around you and unpausing the movie.

It doesn't take long for you two to fall asleep on each other as the movie ends, with an empty bag of trail mix on your laps and the softest of smiles on your faces.

Starlo wakes up first and brushes your hair out of your face, gently kissing you on the forehead.

#this is gonna look really weird for the people who follow this account #since I mostly write for markiplier characters #but eh that’s fine #(also I’ve considered writing some uty myself)

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