Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Frisk wandered into the counsellors office, holding a stack of enrolment forms in their arms. Ink had hijacked the office yet again, and was organising all of the pens in rainbow order in 3 separate pots. Frisk rolled their eyes. Sure they were Inks assistant, but the man still managed to annoy them. They put the papers on the desk, before giving them a gentle shove. There was an audible clunk! as one of the many pots fell onto the floor, spilling the contents all over the place. Ink eyed Frisk, not moving his head to fully face them, but still showing a face of disdain. The assistant hurried around the desk to where the items of stationary had fallen, and quickly put them back in the selected sections. When they stood up again, they noticed Ink had selected one of the papers from the pile, and was inspecting it carefully. Frisk didn’t have the energy to argue that the papers weren’t actually for Ink to look at, so instead headed back to the door, almost bumping into Dream.

Dream and Ink were both members of the Stars, and arguably the only members, but it seems only Frisk had noticed that small detail. Dream ran both School Council and the Stars, but election for both was deciphered by Ink, meaning few people were in either group, due to the fact everyone but Dream seemed to despise Ink for his cockiness. Frisk didn’t understand what the pleasing ball of sunshine saw in this paint boy.

Frisk muttered a quick apology, before shuffling out of the door and shutting it behind them.

Dream turned to apologise as well, but noticed the younger year had already scurried out the door to join the hustle of kids outside. He turned to face Ink, who was still looking over the sheets of paper.

“What’s with them?” Dream asked, gesturing towards the now shut door. Ink simply wafted the papers over towards his classmate. The latter tipped his head sideways.

“Enrolment papers,” Ink sighed. “For this term?”

“Oh!” Dream exclaimed, walking over to look at the papers as well. “So it’s entirely year 7’s?”

“Well, bar this one.” Ink shoved the paper he was holding into his friends chest, who quickly caught it.

Dream skim read the page, before turning back to Ink. “A year 10? Really?”

“That’s what I was thinking!” Ink gestured towards the page, then turned towards the computer in front of him. “Like, what kind of guy get’s kicked out of so many schools, and then comes to one of the best in the state? Seriously!” He began typing up some names on the computer, before switching to a google tab.

“Hey! You don’t know this guys life!” Dream argued, placing the paper back onto the top of the pile.

“Eh, seems like a massive troublemaker in my opinion,” Ink rolled his eyes. “And we already have two in that year.” The artist turned away from the computer and saw Dreams judgmental gaze directly on him.

He held his hands up in surrender. “Ok, ok. Just a suggestion though?” Ink turned towards the screen, noticing Dreams look switch to a softer one. “Keep your brother away from him.”

Dream scoffed. “You say that about everyone! Twilights not that bad you know!”

“Of course you wouldn’t think so! He’s your brother!” Ink retaliated.

“He goes by Nightmare now, by the way.”

The duo turned to the door, where a kid their year was stood. He was on his phone, and two dark purple headphones were sat around his neck, still blasting music, which promptly stopped. “Sup Ink.” He shot a peace sign.

Ink pinched the bridge of his nose. “Hello, Reaper.”

The boy in question gestured between the two that were in the room prior. “Am I interrupting something?”

“No.” Dream muttered quickly. “I was just leaving.”

Reaper stepped sideways, still on his phone, letting Dream walk through the door. Once he’d left, Ink left his seat.

“Nope.” He stated, slipping the phone from Reaper’s hand.

The latter smirked. “Nope.” He repeated, retaking his device. Ink scoffed.

“What do you want anyway.” The artist crossed his arms.

“Am I not allowed to go where I want anymore?” Reaper sat on one of the chairs by the door, pulling his headphones back onto his head. “Geez, dude…”

Ink sat on the chair he’d been sitting on previously, and pushed the spinning chair with his feet so he was facing the goth kid, who was no longer paying attention.

“Anyway,” Ink snapped his fingers in front of Reaper’s face, causing him to remove one headphone from his ear. “We need to discuss your attendance.”

Reaper groaned. “Yeah, yeah, I get it.” He waved a dismissive hand, to which Ink grabbed his wrist.

“No, we’re gonna discuss this until you get what I’m saying.” The artist tugged on Reaper’s arm, pulling him closer.

Reaper pulled his arm free. “Nope. Not today.” He nudged his headphone back on, and stood up. “Not now, not ever, nice try Inky.” He slung his bag over his shoulder and flipped another peace sign. Ink made an exasperated noise as Reaper shoved the door open and rushed out.

Ink awkwardly pushed the chair back to where it was supposed to be and picked up his things. He took one last look at the desk, before pushing open the door and catching the row of people, intending to go and find wherever Dream had gotten to, catching a quick glimpse at an older kid trying to comfort a seemingly upset younger one, maybe his brother, as someone even younger was next to them. Ink couldn’t care less, that was their problem.

Chapter Text

Red was ready to punch some kid in the face.

Berry placed his hand on his older brothers shoulder, who had remained silent since the bus ride over.

Blue was one to take things personally, so when he had been called ‘too talkative’ by someone in Red’s year, it had caused him to go completely silent, and refuse to talk. Sure, Red found his overly sensitive mind annoying at times, but it was still his job to beat the offender until he lost the ability to see. Maybe even breathe, Red was still debating that part.

Once Berry had began to speak to Blue, Red turned and opened his phone, typing out a quick text to a number he had taken from Blue’s phone.

Need to beat a kid 4 messin wiv Blue, wanna help?

The response was instant.

Uh, ok. Omw to entrance.

Red smiled, listening in on the conversation Berry and Blue had started, as a kid his age ran into the door (Quite literally), before smacking the button and darting through like a normal person. He hurried over to where the trio of siblings were stood.

“What happened?” Blue’s best friend asked, placing a hand on Blue’s shoulder.

“Eh, someone our age called him ‘overly talkative’, and you know Blue…” Red stated, eying the upset one of his siblings, as the other had backed away.

“Who are you?” Berry asked, looking at the new guy in the group.

Blue spoke, but it was barely above a whisper. “He’s Blueberror, Berry.”

“Yeah, but you call me B., don’t forget that lil’ detail, kid.” Blueberror patted Blue on the head.

Red laughed at the nicknames, to which Berry tugged on the oldest siblings sleeve.

“Oh, right.” Red pointed towards the door into the building. “Gotta take Berry over to the gym.” Berry started to pretty much drag his sibling further inside (Which he did with a struggle, considering how small he was compared to the latter) “Take care of Blue, right B.?”

B. shot Red a thumbs up as the oldest got dragged inside. Blue crossed his arms.

“I don’t need looking after.” He stated quietly, before turning his head away. “And I’m not a kid.”

“Yeah right.” Blueberror again patted Blue on the head, to which he swatted his hand away with an agitated noise.

“Hey, look who it is!”

The duo physically jumped, as laughter shot up from the noise. There was a hiss of a name being said, which caused the laughter to stop.

“Hey, Nice Cream Kids.” A short boy from Blueberror’s year piped up. Blue slowly turned to his friend, mouth wide in annoyance.

“Oh yeah! Hi!” The taller boy (Who Blue recognised from his class as Papyrus.) said, waving above the crowd. Blue waved the two over.

“Hey wait…” Blueberror pointed at the shorter of the siblings. “You run the Hot Dog slash Cat stand next to me and Blue, right?”

“Yep.” The mentioned held his hand out. “Sans, nice ta meetcha.”

Papyrus nudged his older brother. “Sans, no.” He hissed.

Sans smirked at his brother, causing Blueberror to hesitate. The former spun his hand slightly, and the latter reluctantly took it.

Papyrus sighed at the noise that followed, and a stuttered response from Blue caused Blueberror to tug his hand away. Sans wheezed.

“Brother, for goodness sake…” Papyrus sounded exasperated, as if this wasn’t the first time this had happened.

“What?” Sans said in the small break in his laughing. “It’s ALWAYS funny.” He then laughed at his own pun.

Blueberror wiped his hand on his shirt, feeling weirdly violated. Blue began to laugh at his best friends response, but he quickly went entirely silent. He tipped his head down, which caused the other three present to turn to him.

“You good, bud?” Sans asked.

Blue looked up, clearly to check something, but instantly tipped it back down. Blueberror turned to where he was facing, and something clicked. He tapped Blue’s shoulder, which Blue took as a key to look at his best friend. Blueberror’s look changed slightly, which the siblings thought was odd, but apparently Blue didn’t.

“Yeah.” Blue sighed, looking down.

“Huh?” Sans just sounded confused, which earned him a nudge from Papyrus.

Blueberror wrapped his arm around his best friends shoulder, using his free hand to pull his phone from his pocket. He opened one persons contact, and typed a two word sentence.

Found him.

The typing symbol instantly came up. 

Right.

Chapter Text

Geno didn’t want to be there.

Nor had he wanted to have a talkative kid that he didn’t even know sit with him as if they were friends.

Yeah right.

He knew he was supposed to go straight to the counsellors office to discuss his ‘enrolment’. But why should he do that? It wouldn’t be the first time someone decided they could ‘help him’. And the only way that could happen was if he…

He’d learnt over the years that people were annoying and loud, but this place was a new low. It was so much louder. And his head was already too loud.

But what he didn’t understand was why a random kid in uniform (Bar the pair of overly orange pants he was wearing) was glaring at him like he’d committed a crime.

Geno turned the music in his headphones up to full volume, but the overly loud environment around him persisted. He eventually gave up trying to block everything out and instead let it sink in.

Eh, it gave him excuses for later. He wandered down the halls of this unnecessary overstimulating hell of a building, watching people chatter away to people they probably thought were their friends. Liars, all of them.

Friendship and love are fake. He’d learnt that.

LOVE persists, but never love. Anyone you love slowly dies, as do the sickos that indulge in things like that, but people you LOVE? Well, details aren’t required for that.

LOVE was the only thing left with Geno. The thought made him smirk. The world sucks. It takes everything from you and throws more and more at you. Doesn’t matter.

He pulled his scarf over the lower half of his face. Be inconspicuous they said. No one will notice they said.

Then why did it feel like everyone was staring?

Why did it feel like everyone knew?

And why does it still hurt?

Please…

Geno shook the thoughts from his head, instead focusing in on the music playing full volume in his ears.

Hard Drive, Mettaton

His brothers (His real brother) favourite artist, the one he had had the audacity to say it wasn’t good. He felt awful now.

Great.

The thoughts began to race in his head, repeating everything over and over until it was unbearable and he couldn’t think anything and everything was blacked out…

He was snapped out of it when he was shoved to the side by another boy, who smirked as he passed.

When he noticed Geno staring, he shrugged. “What?” He laughed, the kid alongside him nudged him in a shut up manner. He got the gist. “Dusty, you have no sense of humour.” That earned him another nudge. “Right, right gathered, sorry Dusty…”

Ew.

Seem another girl shared the same thought, as she scoffed and pushed the others sideways.

“Oh shove off Loo!” The dark haired boy snapped. The girl in question swivelled round. “Or should I say L—” The kid alongside him shoved him this time, however he didn’t get the hint. “Why’d ya change your name anyway? It was so much better, am I right, dude?”

Geno gathered what was happening, and he hated every minute of it. For a start, they were overly loud in a crowded hallway, and they were drawing attention to themselves. Also, what was with the transphobia? That was one of the only things in life Geno thought was unacceptable. Sure, the world can quite literally punch you in the face and cause sins to crawl on your back, but things like trans and homophobia made him want to cause some harm.

And it seemed the voices agreed.

“Says the guy who calls his friend Dusty.” Geno stated quietly, and also into his scarf, muffling it further. But the people present heard.

“What did you just say to me?” The dark haired kid stalked towards Geno, who stood defiantly in the same spot against the wall.

“You heard.” Geno smirked. The kid got closer. He was clearly trying to be threatening, failing, but trying nonetheless.

The girl, Loo, started saying no over and over and ‘Dusty’ looked ready to grab his friend.

Then an actually ominous voice piped up.

“Dust. K..” The whole group turned to see an older year. His hair was black with turquoise (Geno thought it looked stupid honestly.) “Let’s go.”

K. answered with a quick yesboss and Dust simply nodded. Mute, huh. The two followed the older year outside through one of the doors. Loo turned to face Geno.

“Hey, thanks for tha—” She began. Geno didn’t give her time to finish before he had shoved past her and left.

Attention.

It sucks.

Chapter Text

“So,” Nightmare began once he, K. and Dust were outside. “What was that about?”

 K. put his hands in his jacket pockets, and Dust said nothing, but he never did.

“Sup, bossman!” Horror shouted as he and Cross wandered over. “Whatcha doin’?”

“These two got in a fight.” Nightmare pointed back towards K. and Dust with his thumb. K. raised his hands in defense.

“OH COME ON!” He shouted, causing a few other kids to stare. Dust turned sideways to block himself behind K.. “We didn’t do anything wrong! Blame that other kid!”

Horror slid over to Dust and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. K., again, just looked over exasperated.

“Ooooh was it nowwww??”  A voice popped up from behind Cross, who proceeded to spin around and smack the kid in the face.

“You obnoxious piece of—” He started, before being stopped by Nightmare.

“Chara.” The oldest of the group stated. Chara shot him finger guns from his spot on the floor.

“Hello, Night!” Cross’ younger brother sarcastically said, which earned him another kick from his older brother. “Hey!”

“Cross.” Nightmare barked. The one in question swivelled around and crossed his arms. K. had shuffled away by now and was aggressively banging on one of the doors, waiting for someone to let him in. Chara stood up from the floor.

“Finefinefinefinefine!” He waved his hands around, mainly to stop himself from being smacked by Cross. “I’ll leave! Geez bro.” He still had his hands up in defense as he wandered off. He side stepped. “Oo, sorry Dream!”

“Damn it.” Nightmare pinched the bridge of his nose. K., who had reappeared alongside Horror and Dust, made a continuous ‘oooo’ noise before getting smacked by both of the boys next to him.

“Well,” Dream walked over (Surprisingly without Ink in tow, who knows where he got to.) “Going by ‘Nightmare’, are we now?”

“Back off, Dream.” Nightmare murmured making, K. started his annoying noise again.

“No, I don’t think he will.” The aforementioned paint freak smirked, resting his arm on Dream’s shoulder. He turned to the latter. “Any idea’s where that new year 10 is? Or Reaper, one or the other.”

“Ooh!” K. started. “The blonde one with the scarf?”

“Uh, yeah?” Ink answered, sounding overly exhausted with K.’s nonsense.

“Yeah, he tried to fight us. Didn’t work out for him, we were too strong!” K. bragged, but was quickly nudged by Dust.

“Actually, boss stepped in.” The hooded of the group said quietly, K. punched him.

Ink gave Dream a look, which was a clear give away of a ‘told you’.

“Why do you need to find Reaper?” Horror asked, quickly pulling his arm away from Dust.

“Hey, it’s none of your—” Ink started, but was cut off by shouting behind him. The entire group turned around to see two boys shoving a short blonde boy up against the wall.

“Woahwoahwoah!” Dream shouted, jogging towards the fight, as K. helpfully chanted ‘Fight! Fight! Fight!’, which earned him yet another shove from Dust.

K. looked closer at the blonde kid in the fight. “Wait…” He turned to Dust. “Isn’t that the kid that tried to fight us?”

Dust followed his teammates eyes, before nodding slowly. “Damn.”

“Perfect timing.” Nightmare stated as the bell began to ring out violently. He pointed to the doors. “Get.”

Chapter Text

Of all the things Ink expected to have to deal with that morning, two kids starting a fight was not one of them. Especially first day before the school hours had even started.

He recognized them both as year 10’s, yet one looked more guilty than the other. The other just looked like he didn’t regret anything. And he was tall. Ink was glad he wasn’t stood. That would have been intimidating and embarrassing.

There was a small knock on the door, and a boy slightly shorter than the others peered around the door.

“I… was told I was needed?” He said quietly. Ink noticed that it was actually Blue, someone who was certain he was in the Stars. “Oh.”

He pushed the door fully open and stood there for a moment, clearly gathering who the three currently in the office were. Blue pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in annoyance.

“Still don’t know why that other kid isn’t in here.” Red stated, swinging backwards on the chair he was sat on so the front legs weren’t on the floor anymore. He crossed his arms. Blue pulled up a chair alongside his older brother.

“The reason for that is because he’s new.” Ink started, looking back at the papers on his desk from the same morning. “And traumatized apparently.”

Blue pushed Red’s chair so that all the legs were on the floor. (Mainly because Red had a track record for tipping chairs backwards and giving himself concussions. It was normal at this point.)

Ink looked between the three. “Where’s the other one?”

Blueberror, who had been silent the whole time, looked just as confused as Blue. Red just looked annoyed. Ink sighed, before pointing in between Blueberror and Red.

“You two.” Ink watched Blueberror’s expression change to a confused one. “Internal exclusion, two days.”

Red slammed his hands down on the desk. “What?”

Blueberror swiftly followed suit with the annoyance. “That’s not fair!”

“Come on, you two.” Ink seemed to be getting slowly impatient. “It’s the first day.” He pointed to Blue. “You, go back to class. I’ll bring in the other kid later, got it?”

Blue looked down, but nodded nonetheless. He stood up and awkwardly left. Red and Blueberror said nothing, knowing there really wasn’t a point.

“You two know where you’re going?” Ink asked. They both nodded. “Good, go.”

Blueberror quickly grabbed his things, gesturing for Red to do the same. The latter stood, muttered a few profanities and followed Blueberror out of the room.

Ink sighed. This was… a lot. Especially for the morning. He needed a break already. He placed his head in his hands and groaned. The door creaked as it opened, and Frisk walked through it, with another kid following far behind. Ink recognised him as the other kid involved in the fight.

This was gonna be great.

Chapter Text

Geno wanted to leave already.

Not only had he been attacked for some unknown reason, he was now being dragged to an office by someone he didn’t even know. Luckily they didn’t try and make conversation, being as silent as they could. Maybe they didn’t like this either.

Eh, their opinion didn’t change his.

It seemed the guy in the office didn’t want to be there either. If no one wanted to be there, why were they forcing him to be there? Weird.

“Come in.” The boy in the chair said, gesturing with his hand. He then eyed the kid next to Geno. “Frisk.”

The kid, Frisk, simply rolled their eyes and left. Geno hated this guy already, he was rude.

“You’re Geno, correct?” The guy in the chair asked, managing to pronounce his name wrong. “I’m Ink, head of the art department.” He held out his hand. Geno stayed by the door, not wanting to interact with this guy anymore.

Ink eventually gave up, gesturing towards a row of three chairs, two of which clearly weren’t supposed to be there. Annoying. Geno, again, stayed put.

Ink was clearly getting fed up, more then he seemed to already be. Good for him.

“Oh my stars, will you listen to me?” Ink snapped, to which Geno didn’t react, nor did he answer.

“Fine! You’re gonna be annoying and stubborn? Then ok. Leave.” The paint—covered kid gestured behind Geno. “There’s the door.”

Geno crossed his arms, not in the mood to argue, but also not to actually do what the guy was trying to get him to do. Then again, he could tell that Ink was trying to sike him out, he didn’t want Geno to leave, but to stay and fear the threat.

…Nah.

Geno swivelled on his heel and opened the door, rushing out a lot quicker than he had come in.

He needed space.

Now.

He pushed open another door, one that led to a small set of stairs, which he followed, pushing open yet another door, and reached the roof.

He felt the cool morning breeze hit his face, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Silence.

Solitude.

But, of course, that couldn’t last long.

There was one other kid out on the roof, clearly older, slowly working his way through a pack of cigarettes. He had dark hair with random strands of hair falling down his back, a purple and black striped hoodie and white jeans.

He looked like Geno’s mental state. Untidy, messy and disorganised. But he wasn’t one to judge, and the dude wasn’t bothering anyone by just being out here.

Geno sat out on the roof, hanging his legs over the edge. He turned to face the boy on the other end. His eyes were closed and he clearly wasn’t aware to the formers presence. He honestly looked quite cute.

That last thought didn’t matter, it’s not like the guy would ever notice him. Nor care. There was no point in getting attached to anyone anymore. But the way he didn’t seem to care.

Geno tried to shake the thoughts from his head, placing it against his knees. He pulled his legs up close and pretty much hugged himself. He felt… okay.

That was new.

…

Attention.

It sucks.

But maybe not from him.

Chapter Text

Reaper noticed things many others didn’t.

He was perceptive, not that anyone took interest in it.

Why would they?

So he saw the younger boy sit down on the edge of the roof. And in the few moments his eyes were shut, the former had curled himself into a ball, clearly uncomfortable, or something along that line.

Reaper hadn’t seen him before, meaning it was likely he was new. And if that was the case, then he’d probably had to have seen Ink before this. Unfortunately enough, Ink didn’t understand privacy, and was one to push for information he didn’t need. If he had come from Ink’s office, than his current state of mind wasn’t that unsurprising. But if he hadn’t, maybe he was like Reaper…

Different.

 Speaking of Ink, he knew the paint boy would be looking for him, he left abruptly, but he just couldn’t do it that day. He could never do it.

Reaper didn’t go to many classes anymore, mainly the ones with teachers that pried. The ones who saw and asked about things that didn’t effect them. Then he found the roof, the door to it unlocked, because students didn’t normally bother coming up there. A quiet sanctuary with no one to bother him, somewhere silent that was a good way to calm down when the world got too much. And that happened surprisingly often nowadays.

Then there was the smoking.

He hadn’t meant to start in the first place, simply deciding to try one day, buying a cheap pack of cigarettes from the local store. He thought, no, he knew, at the time, he could stop whenever he wanted.

Little did he know he was just lying to himself.

Addictions beat you down until they break you. They take everything from you until you can’t take it. Then…

Reaper didn’t want to go into details about that. Nor think about it.

He kept a close a close eye on the younger one, quietly watching him use his own methods to breathe. They were healthier, definitely, no sort of addictive substance used. But when you start you can’t stop. And the kids methods clearly weren’t working very well, as he began to visually shake.

Reaper thought about checking on him, but decided against it. The whole reason he was up there in the first place was to get some quiet. If the kid was up there for the same reasons, talking might just make it worse, and the boy looked like he was fighting his own battles, and if he needed help, he wouldn’t accept it.

Eh, he didn’t judge. He was judged by others, so there really wasn’t any point.

The bell went for first, and both boys stayed put.

But Reaper mainly stayed for him.

Sometimes silent company could be better than the vocal kind, Reaper knew. So he figured his presence would be enough to give a sense of company. His eyes stayed on the boy, only stopping his watching to blink every now and then.

The younger one lifted his head back up after a while, but kept himself tucked in ball, probably for a mental feeling of stability. He looked up at the trees that surrounded the building and simply breathed. He looked exhausted, as if he hadn’t slept in months. Again, Reaper didn’t judge.

The boy across from him idly tapped his knees with his fingers, tapping mini continuous patterns, and Reaper realised he was staring. He quickly turned his head, butting out the cigarette that had long since burnt out from him being sat there that long. He swiftly lit another one, bringing it to his mouth. He wanted to forget this. He knew what he felt, and no.

He couldn’t afford to feel this way. Not anymore. He’d loved someone once, she was nice. But he had things he couldn’t fall back on, so he started to ignore her when she texted, didn’t answer her calls and basically started to ghost her. Not on purpose, he mentally stated, it was an accidental thing that just kind of happened. He felt bad about it, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth.

…

He'd talk to Sci, Sci would know what to do.

…

But later.

For now,

This was fine.

Chapter Text

Sci quietly hummed to himself, writing notes down from random experiments he had created and was still creating. The bell went for the break in periods, but Sci continued to quietly work away at his desk, and he carefully poured a vial of one thing into another. Halfway through, the door slammed open, causing him to yelp and spill the contents of the glass. He groaned and went to grab a paper towel, checking to see who had broken his concentration. Of course, it was Reaper.

Sure Sci might have been two school years below Reaper, but they still talked. Mainly when Reaper needed help with something or advice on a matter. Or Science and Math homework. Correction, any homework. Sci was the guy he’d come to. Reaper even called them friends, which Sci took as a complement considering that Reaper was substantially older than Sci.

“Reaper.” Sci stated breathily, hurrying to grab a paper towel to avoid making a hole in the table. That achieved a nod.

Sci acquired one of the towels and hurriedly wiped up the corrosive liquid he had managed to get everywhere. Reaper seemed to finally realise what he had accidentally caused, and shoved his phone in his hoodie pocket and hurried over.

“Did I cause that?” The oldest of the two grabbed another paper towel and handed it to Sci.

“Yeah, kinda.” Sci smiled, still aggressively scrubbing at one spot on the table. “Don’t want to burn through the desk.”

“Damn.” Reaper crouched in order to help his friend. “Why do they even own chemicals that can do that?”

“I have no idea.”

The pair kept trying to clean the desk until they were convinced it wouldn’t burn through anymore. Sci made it clear when he finally stood up and dusted off his knees. He sighed and helped Reaper up, who got his phone back out of his pocket.

“What do you need?” Sci started, collecting up the rest of the things on his desk.

“Nothing.”

“Really?”

“No.”

“There it is.” Sci gestured towards Reaper. “You only ever talk to me when you need something.”

“Right.” Reaper turned away, the look on his face one of guilt. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine.” Sci stated as he rinsed out the vials using the tap behind him. “So, what is it?”

“…Have you seen the new kid?”

Sci swivelled around, almost dropping one of the glass tubes in the process. He quickly placed them on the drying rack so he could focus on what Reaper had just said. The latter didn’t involve himself in social matters, it just wasn’t something he did. And he seemed… almost worried. For once, Sci didn’t know what to say.

The pair sat in silence for a while, before Sci took the safety goggles off the spot on his forehead and placed them on the desk. He used his hand to puff out the fringe of his ginger hair. Sci then perched on the desk and sighed.

“No, why?” He finally answered. Reaper looked up from his phone and locked eyes with Sci, who gave him a knowing look.

“How do you know these things?” Reaper smiled and looked away.

“You’re worried~!” Sci leaned closer to his friend.

“Yeah.”

“Or,” Sci made a theatrical effort to make a dramatic silence (Despite drama being his worst subject.) “Is there more~?”

“Shut up.” Reaper joke punched him. Sci proceeded to laugh and almost fall off the desk he was still sat on.

The duo went silent again, but then Reaper pointed a finger at Sci.

“That was the worst attempt at Drama I have ever seen.” He stated.

Sci burst out laughing, quickly followed by Reaper. And Sci did fall fully off the desk at that point, which caused them to laugh harder.

“Come on then.” Reaper said, picking up his bag and gesturing for Sci to follow. “They’ll be all out of pizza bread soon.”

“Don’t you dare!” Sci pointed an accusing finger before following Reaper out of the Science lab.

Chapter Text

Blue was bored.

It wasn’t like Red or B. to get into fights. It just wasn’t.

So, whilst they weren’t allowed out of a room, Blue sat idly drinking a hot chocolate, leant against the stall him an B. had set up in the cafeteria. A Nice Cream stall, which actually just sold extremely cheap ice creams that Red picked up daily from the local store. They cost fifty pence from the store, to which Blue and B. resold them for twenty five. It was a good deal in Blue’s opinion.

He felt a tug on his blazer sleeve. Upon looking down, he noticed a seemingly afraid Berry looking over the counter of the stall. Once he noticed he’d been spotted by his older brother, he spoke quietly.

“Where’s Red?”

Blue crouched down, which made him slightly smaller than Berry, and held his younger siblings hands.

“In trouble, why?” Blue asked.

“I have a question.” Berry looked embarrassed. Blue honestly felt bad for the kid. The kids at the school had a knack for making you feel stupid. He purposely hadn’t warned Berry about that, but now he felt like he probably should have done so.

“What is it?” Blue reached up to grab his hot chocolate, to which Berry took his action as ‘free hot chocolate’ and was quick to nab it from Blue’s hands.

“Is it always this busy?” He asked, gently sipping at the hot chocolate, burning his tongue in the process.

Blue felt guilty. Berry was the one in the family who taken AuDHD genes from other parts of the family, and this was a change. The former reached out and hugged his younger brother, who almost knocked the cap off the drink he was still holding.

“Unfortunately so, bud.” Blue sighed, a half-hearted answer, but the best he could possibly give at that point.

When Berry finally pulled out of the hug, he looked upset. Blue gestured towards the stall they were stood behind.

“Wanna stay here with me for the rest of the break?” He asked, looking down and waiting for an answer. He eventually got a nod. “Here, you were always a better counter than me.” He passed one of the pots of money down to Berry, who started eagerly sorting through them on the table behind him.

Blue, now thirsty after his almost full hot chocolate had been taken from him, strolled over to the water dispenser. He grabbed the last clean cup and swiftly filled it. He watched someone he recognised from his year run in with someone older, talking about something to do with pizza breads. He finished the cup and again refilled it, before walking back over to Berry, who was still happily counting cash. He was honestly too pure for this world.

B. and Red getting into a fight was his fault, if he hadn’t have gotten involved on the bus, this wouldn’t have happened. The thought remained in the back of his head. He didn’t want to pass more worry onto his younger brother though.

“Why are most of these in one pence coins?” Berry asked to no one in particular, Blue looked over the formers shoulder, seeing an organised tower of pennies he had stacked on top of one another.

The pizza bread kids from earlier wandered past (One with a pizza bread, ironically.) and sat at the table next to the one Berry was finishing his counting on.  One of the kids pushed their chair out in order to sit down. In the process, the chair hit Berry’s table, sending to tower of coins he was still stacking flying to the ground. He let out a small gasp, before placing the current notes he was counting back on the table and pushing through the crowd to the door.

Blue clenched his fists, stupid older people thinking they were more important than the younger ones just because they were smarter (And taller. You heard nothing.) than them.

Blue was done.

His brother and best friend were in internal exclusion. His youngest sibling was upset from some idiot older kids that still hadn’t apologised for it. An older kid had hurt his feelings and yet he was ‘overdramatic’.

Blue thought over his options, before hopping slightly on his feet and shoving people aside to reach the door.

Blue. Was. Done.

Chapter Text

“Damn it,” Reaper sighed. Sci looked up from where he was sat, his mouth wrapped around a slice of pizza bread, and raised his eyebrows in confusion. “Nice Cream stall just shut.” Sci gave a look of understanding, before going back to eating his pizza bread.

The pair went silent for a moment, Sci finishing off the pizza bread and slamming his hands down on the table, initiating a conversation.

“So,” He began, sliding his arms across the table before almost fully faceplanting onto it. “Are we going to discuss your relationship troubles~?”

“That’s not—” Reaper started, waving his hand with an awkward smile plastered on his voice.

Sci smirked knowingly. “Really.” He said it less as a question, but as more of a statement, which made Reaper entirely dumbfounded on how to answer.

“…Yes?”

Sci made a strange humming noise. The smirk on his face didn’t change. Reaper’s eyes widened as he thought of a retaliation.

“Are you really the best person to be giving relationship advice?” Reaper smiled, Sci nearly choked on his own spit.

“I was drunk and you know it!” The latter pointed an accusing finger at the taller.

“And yet, you haven’t done anything about it.” Reaper tapped a joke finger against his chin, as Sci tried to cover the way he was blushing. “Most of us know, man.”

Sci turned away from his friend. “Shut up.” He murmured.

“So, yeah, don’t act like you’re the best at relationship advice here.” Reaper stated matter-of-factly, before realising his phrasing and stuttering another response. “But there’s still nothing there!”

“Mhm, sure~” Sci dragged out the last sound sarcastically, the blush on his own face fading as Reaper’s simply became more visibly. The goth kid eventually pushed Sci’s face away.

“I’m done with this conversation.” Reaper stood from his seat, pushing it backwards into the table behind him. Sci leaned so that he could see around Reaper.

“Coins?” He asked, the older shrugging in answer.

“Probably not important.”

Sci hummed, standing up also. Reaper swivelled around to see lots of people starting to walk into the canteen. He pointed at the door with his thumb.

“Gotta go, don’t need to be found by Ink again .” He started to walk backwards towards the exit. “See ya, Sci.”

And with that, he was gone.

Chapter Text

Dream had zoned out a while ago.

He walked into the canteen alongside Ink, who was ranting about something, simply thinking. He wouldn’t admit to anyone what he was thinking about, since no one knew.

Not about them.

And, yeah.

He was on about Twilight.

Or Nightmare, now, he guessed.

He was dragged out of his thoughts by Ink snapping in front of his face.

“Hey! Are you even paying attention?” Ink said, looking (up) at Dream, who made a noise of question. Ink groaned.

“This is important, Dream! We have to fight back!” He hit his fist against his palm, only stopping when he made it to the counter. He grabbed one of the bagels off of the top, to which Dream did the same, and the pair quickly paid before walking outside.

“Uh, question.” Dream started, holding his hand up to stop Ink from doing his annoying ‘Answer’ response. “Fight back against what?”

“The Darks, of course!” Ink threw his hands like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “We can’t let them get the better of us.”

Dream sighed. He couldn’t say no to Ink’s ridiculous opinions, as, although he was the one to bring the Stars together as a friendship group, Ink had turned the fun little idea into a literal war, and put himself forward as the self-proclaimed leader. Dream was shoved out of front position and Ink took the spotlight. Sure, he had his own attributes, as head of the School Council and a couple clubs, he wasn’t exactly on the down low in the building. But then again…

They knew of him.

They didn’t know him.

He was known as “Nightmare’s brother.” His brother had gained a reputation, and he was stuck as the one who had to change him. Change him for the better, they’d say.

You’re his brother, he’ll listen to you, they’d say. But how was he supposed to do that when Twilight just abandoned him? His brother who had had a reputation for years, and Dream was the changer. That had been the deal since they were kids.

Dream was only known because of his brother, and even then, he couldn’t be him. He had to be that sunshine boy everyone expected him to be. He was used to it.

Ink had gotten sidetracked by now, having turned to look at something else. He waved his hand aggressively in Dream’s direction in order to get his attention.

“DreamDreamDream!!!” He quickly spat out. He then pointed at a short blonde boy in a red scarf. Dream pushed Ink’s hand down.

“Ink, don’t point,” He said quietly. “It’s rude.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ink shook his hand free. “Be right back.”

He darted out of his seat and ran towards the kid, shouting unnecessarily loudly. Said kid quickly turned on his heel and walked in the other direction. Good plan, honestly. When Ink get’s like that, he gets insufferable.

Poor kid.

Chapter Text

Days started blending into weeks, weeks into months, and time started to mould together.

It wasn’t anything new for Geno.

He still had his daily routine of keeping his head down, walking in, avoiding the paint freak, and making it to the roof.

He spent most of his time up there, it was nice, honestly.

The cool air, freedom, it was peaceful, no one there to bother him or ask what was going on. Just, silence. It was nice.

And the gentle smell of smoke, every now and then, but that smell had started to feel weirdly comforting.

Because it meant he was up there.

He wasn’t up there every day like Geno was, only appearing every couple of days. But he was different. He was quiet, nonjudgemental, and he didn’t ask questions. Honestly, Geno could have considered him to be a friend. Sure, he might not have believed in friendship at the time, but he wasn’t the worst person to be around. Not as bad as his other siblings, who were all just insane, and didn’t seem to understand how he felt.

Being the oldest sucked, he had decided. Being the only one who was still upset about ‘some stupid ordeal that happened years ago’ as his father had put it, before telling him to ‘get over it’. Heh, yet here he was. Many years after that conversation, still silent. People sucked. They were just too loud. In everyway. That was common sense at that point. Everyone was loud. Everyone judged. Everyone saw.

And yet no one understood.

Geno gripped his scarf, pulling it over the lower half of his face, allowing the smooth fabric and it’s scent to run over him. He sighed into it, before looking up.

“I never took it off.” He said into the wind, closing his eyes.

That’s when he heard it.

A slight shuffling noise, close by.

…Then the smell of smoke appeared on the air.

Him.

…

…

Wait.

Why was the sound so close then—

Geno’s eyes snapped open, he turned sideways.

The boy was closer to him.

He was far enough away that he wasn’t near enough to touch, but he was still sat closer than he usually was.

The pair sat in the same spots everytime they came up there, and a silent agreement had been made. A mutual sense of the fact that they had their own sides of that roof.

Yes, it sounds stupid, but it had just happened! Geno had never crossed the boundary he’d mentally set for himself, and neither had the boy. So why would he start now?

Geno attempted not to stare (It drew attention. Geno didn’t like attention.) but it was almost impossible not to. Why was he so close? Why would he get closer? What where his plans?

He was being overdramatic.

Geno averted his eyes, covering part of his face with his scarf again. He didn’t trust the guy’s advancements. They were uncalled for.

The pair remained silent, the only sound being the breeze, and the pair’s breathing.

…

…

…Sliiiiiiiiiide

…

What?

Geno turned again, looking at the boy. He looked back. His eyes gestured down. Geno followed them to see a pack of cigarettes.

Geno didn’t smoke, his brother didn’t like it. Plus, it was addictive. He had enough issues on his plate than that aswell.

Eh, screw it.

Geno took one, holding it in between two of his fingers, suspiciously eyeing the supplier. The boy shuffled over slightly, picking up the pack he had placed in the middle of them. He gestured for Geno to give him the cigarette, to which he did. Maybe he’d just dropped it, he should’ve guessed. Why would someone want to know him-

The taller held his hand out, holding the same cigarette, now lit. Geno took it. He placed one end against his mouth like he’d seen the other do. He breathed in.

And Geno choked.          

Chapter Text

Blue was in detention.

Eh, it wasn’t the first time.

He’d been in detention a lot the past few months. Fights, missed homework, you name it.

He just didn’t care anymore.

People had stopped messing with him, that was one thing. People called it him ‘toughening up’ the first couple of times he did it. But Blue found something else out when he started.

Getting in trouble was fun.

The thrill of winning a fight and being able to land that final blow was brilliant. So Blue never dropped the new act. That’s who he was now.

The week after, The Stars dropped him (Correction, Ink dropped him), saying he was ‘too much of a troublemaker for them to handle.’ Blue knew the truth. Ink had never liked him. But they were gonna regret doing that.

Because there was another group with their eye on him.

And Blue had his eye on someone from it.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by the door opening, and a woman walked through it. He recognised her as his head of year.

“I’m here for a…” She looked at the sheet of paper she was holding. “Blue Prince?”

Blue raised his hand. The teacher gestured for him to  follow her, so he did.

She led him to an office, where there was two chairs, one either side of a table in the middle of it. Blue took a seat on the side without all of the papers on it.

“For goodness sake,” She sighed as she sat down, placing her hand on an intercom button. “Ink Comyet, please stop leaving all of your stuff from your ‘Star Meetings’ all over my desk. Thanks.”

Blue laughed, and she eyed him.

“Sorry,” He spat out in between laughs. He wasn’t really. “Just, you calling him out infront of everyone.” Blue leant forward to avoid falling sideways, which he was dangerously close to doing.

“Blue, this is not a laughing matter.”

Blue wiped a tear from his eye before sitting up again, gesturing towards the teacher with his hand. “Go on, yell at me, I’ve heard it all before.”

“Blue—”

“Seriously! Try me!”

“Blue, I’m serious here—”

“So am I, dude.”

The teacher slammed her hands down on the desk, causing a couple of pens to fall off. Blue went silent.

“You have one week.”

His eyes widened.

“What?”

She sighed. “Get in trouble at any point, and I mean any, and you’re being expelled.”

His eyes tipped to the floor, thinking about what was just said.

“That includes detentions, talking during classes, skipping, anything against the school rules and you’re gone.”

Blue’s eyes remained on the floor.

“I want the best for you here, so if you need a break, leave a class. That’s fine. Use it sparingly.”

He didn’t respond, his cockiness completely gone.

“And for homework? Ask for help. Your family?”

Blue nodded, still looking down.

“Ask them, now go. Don’t make me regret giving you another chance.”

He darted out of the room at the first opportunity he got.

Sure it was bad enough he could get expelled, but there was another issue.

Red couldn’t know.

Chapter Text

Geno choked hard as the smoke hit the back of his throat. He dropped the cigarette as it fell off the side of the building. The boy alongside him wheezed with laughter.

Everytime Geno would go to speak, he would cough again, almost doubling over and falling forward in the process. This gained him more laughter.

“S-Stop laughing!” He spluttered through coughs. “It’s not-” He choked again “This isn’t funny!”

The other could barely talk from fits of laughter. He eventually managed to get a couple of words out. Still barely.

“Sorry!” He laughed again, putting one hand on his forehead and leaning backwards. “It’s just-” He began to wheeze again.

Once Geno had eventually began to stop coughing, he waited on the taller of the pair to stop his laughter.

The latter made a sighing noise as he stopped laughing, leaning backwards and letting the wind hit him. Geno didn’t understand why he was doing it, but decided to try nonetheless. He did the same.

They stayed like that for a while, Geno enjoying the quiet company.

Did he actually just say that? He shouldn’t be enjoying this!

The taller was the first to speak again.

“You’re up here everyday, right?” He turned to face Geno, who had since tipped his head to the floor. The latter nodded slightly. “Why?”

“Could ask the same for you.” Geno murmured into the wind.

The taller made a humming noise, before going silent again.

Small talk really wasn’t Geno’s thing. He wasn’t good at it and he didn’t like it, end of. Seems the boy didn’t either.

“…Do you ever go to classes?” The boy turned again.

“No.” Geno sighed. “Don’t wanna have to put up with that paint freak.”

“Who, Ink?” The older smiled. “Finally.”

Geno turned to his friend the boy, tipping his head to the side in confusion.

“Someone else who thinks of Ink as what he is.” The taller clocked Geno’s confusion, and gave him an answer.

“Wait, not everyone knows that?” The shorter was genuinely surprised.

“Yeah, they think he’s like this really smart helpful kid, even when he’s not.”

“How could people not know?”

“Dunno.”

Geno sighed. “Even when he bugs literally everyone?”

He waited for a reaction, shutting his eyes.

“Maybe he just picks out a certain few of us.”

What?

Geno opened his eyes, blinking a couple of times in confusion.

The kid looked just as confused with him. “What?”

“Nothing.” Geno responded, looking away.

Chapter Text

Reaper liked this kid.

The fact he seemed to be finding their conversation awkward was strangely funny. He also shared Reaper’s hatred for Ink, so that was a plus.

However he really couldn’t understand how what he was saying was confusing at all.

And he seemed to be attempting to avoid the subject.

“Seriously, what?” Reaper shuffled slightly closer.

His friend sighed, gripping the red scarf he wore everytime Reaper saw him.

“…Why does he only pick on a particular few.” He finished, seemingly waiting for some kind of condescension.

“I dunno.” Reaper wasn’t gonna give him any, obviously. “Pretty sure it’s the group of us he doesn’t like.”

“Why doesn’t he like us, then.”

“Dunno. He’s Ink. He’s weird.”

The kid went silent again.

Honestly, Reaper couldn’t help but call him a kid. Sure he hadn’t seen him stand up before but he was very clearly short. Reaper found it almost funny. This guy trying to be invincible who was only around  5 foot something, if that.

“He doesn’t like us different people, does he.”

The question came out of nowhere, if it could even be called a question.

“What you mean by ‘different’?”

“Us who don’t talk, us weird kids that aren’t socially acceptable to his standards.” He paused his little rant. “Us who don’t tell the whole story because we don’t want to. But according to him, we have to.”

“I guess that’d be the best way to describe him, yeah.”

Then the kid seemed to just… break.

He didn’t seem to understand how Reaper had just… blanked what he’d just said. His rant that was clearly about something personal, and he’d just not responded.

“…I think me and you are gonna get along nicely.”

That broke the kid from his trance state.

“What?”

“Yup.”

“No.”

Then it was Reaper’s turn to be confused.

“Whatcha mean, no?”

“No.”

The bell went promptly at that moment. Reaper stood up.

“Welp, if ya change your mind,” He flicked the dude finger guns. “Name’s Reaper.” He turned on his heel. “See ya.”

He didn’t give the guy long enough the respond before disappearing through the door.

Chapter Text

What.

Chapter Text

Blueberror didn’t like lying.

He knew Blue didn’t either.

Or atleast…

Blue didn’t use to.

His best friend had changed substantially. He was just never around anymore. Even in between classes he was either in trouble or telling B. about his most recent shenanigans.

And he didn’t get it.

How could his kind, helpful best friend go from that to this.

And on top of that…

Blue had forced him to lie.

His job was simply to make sure Red didn’t find out about anything, and how did he do that?

He had no choice but to get Berry’s help.

Blue’s confused little brother and best friend had been forced to lie to the oldest, so that he never found out about everything Blue was doing wrong.

He missed the time when he and Blue would just have fun. When everything wasn’t about reputations and trouble. When they would just sell little tubs of ice cream, change it’s name for fun, and enjoy it. Now it was all just wrong.

Ah, right.

The Nice Cream stall.

That hadn’t been touched since Blue began getting in trouble.

B. just couldn’t bring himself to go near it.

Blue also wasn’t helping Berry with anything.

Berry, being the poor neurodivergent kid he was, was struggling with everything, and with no one there to help him, the kid was starting to spiral.

And the lies they were telling Red were stopping him from helping.

 B. was very close to being done. By done, he meant he was getting close to being unable to hold up the lie for much longer.

He was just hoping Berry wouldn’t cave first.

That very lunch, B. spotted Berry sat against the Nice Cream stalls counter, piece of paper on top, scribbling away.

He grabbed some food and wandered over, waiting for Berry to notice him approaching.

He didn’t.

“Berry?” B. was the first to speak. Berry snapped his head up. “Whatcha doing?”

“Writing.” His voice was quiet, as he went back to scribbling on his sheet of paper.

“Writing what?” B. tried to get a closer look at the paper, but Berry quickly covered it with his sleeve.

“Nothing important.” The latter swivelled so he was facing the table behind the stall. He put the paper down and kept writing.

“It clearly is.” B. crouched alongside the younger kid.

“How do you do it.” Berry’s grip on the pen tightened.

“Do what?”

“Lie!” He slammed the pen on the table and stepped away from it. “How do you lie all the time?!”

“Berry—”

“No!” Tears welled in his little eyes. “I don’t understand! I can’t just lie to my brother! So how do you do it?! I wanna make Blue happy but I can’t do what he wants me to, so I can’t make him happy and I can’t do what I need to do and I don’t understand! I don’t…”

Berry tipped his head down, his eyes wide and breathing shaky.

Then he began to cry.

He dropped to the floor and hugged his knees against his chest, softly crying into them. B. knelt infront of him, waiting for a signal that was Berry allowing his touch. He didn’t receive one.

 B. felt awful. The poor kid couldn’t handle the stress and honestly, neither could he.

“I’ll be back soon.” B. said quietly. When he didn’t get a response, he stood up and pretty much ran out of the canteen.

And he kept running.

Until he found Red.

He was stood outside, having a conversation with Sans. Something to do with condiments, B. really wasn’t paying attention.

“Red.” He stated simply, catching his breath. How far had he run?

Red acknowledged his presence, but gave B. a moment to fully regain the ability to breathe.

“Yeah?” The former answered after a minute.

“We…” B. rethought what he was about to do. This could completely destroy his friendship with Blue.

…But was Blue really his friend anymore?

“We… need to talk.”

Chapter Text

“He didn’t!”

“Oh yes he did.”

Sci and Reaper were sat in one of the Science classrooms, both eating and chatting (Mainly about the roof ordeal, as Sci was the only one Reaper trusted with that information)

“Well man,” Sci leant back in his chair, taking another bite of the pizzini he was holding. “I dunno what to tell ya.”

I honestly have no clue why I ask you for relationship advice.” Reaper gestured towards Sci with his hand.

“Yeah, I’m probably the most hopeless romantic you’ll ever meet.”

“Wanna test that theory?”

Sci laughed, almost dropping the packet from the pizzini in the process.

Suddenly, the sound of the door to the classroom piped up. The pair turned around.

Loo was stood in the doorway.

“Sorry, am I interrupting something?” She gestured towards the pair already sat down.

“Nah,” Reaper replied, moving his body so that he was facing her properly.

“…Mind if I join you then?”

“Eh, why not.”

Sci gave Reaper a look as Loo sat down on one of the free chairs. She gestured towards the pizzini Sci was holding.

“I seriously don’t understand how you can eat that.” She said, crossing her legs.

“Why, too many carbs?” Sci retaliated, which honestly confused Reaper.

“No, they’re just gross,” She started, leaning on the table. “What’s even in them? Like, they taste like cheese when the fillings tomato? I don’t get it.”

“Neither, Loo has a point there.” Reaper pointed at her, and he agreed. They were raved about, yet they were disgusting.

“Can we not discuss my questionable food taste?” Sci complained, but a look of curiosity crossed his face. “Say, Loo, how much do you know about relationships?”

Reaper eyed Sci suspiciously, having an unfortunate idea to where he was going with the conversation. Loo was oblivious.

“Uh, a lot? I think…” She answered, a soft smile on her face.

“So,” Sci looked at Reaper (who’s face now read shut up) with a satisfied look. “Would you be willing to help us with relationship advice?”

Loo looked between Sci and Reaper, clocking what was going on. She smiled.

“Sure. Whatya need?” She leaned back in her chair, arms behind her head. Reaper put his head in his hands.

“Mr Dark-And-Brooding  over here has a lil’ crush.” Sci gestured towards Reaper, who had yet to move. Loo’s smile turned into a smirk.

“Oh really~” She turned to Reaper, who was sat next to her. He simply groaned.

“Will both of you shut up?” The latter muttered into his hands.

Sci laughed. “What?” He leaned forwards so he was leant on the table. “I thought you wanted relationship advice?”

“Shut. Up.” He repeated.

Loo placed a hand on his shoulder. “Relax, bud. You may be a hopeless romantic, but I know all about romance.” She pushed her hair back. “There’s a reason they call me Lust around here~”

That caused Sci to laugh again. Reaper kicked him under the table.

“So, who’s the lucky guy?” Loo rested her head on her hand, propping it up on the table.

And Reaper talked.

Once he’d finished, Sci looked strangely shocked, whilst Loo looked… excited?

“Oh this is gonna be fun…” She rubbed her hands together, an evil smirk forming on her face.

That wasn’t alarming at all…

…

…

Reaper was being sarcastic.

Chapter Text

Nightmare was struggling to understand what Dust was putting forward.

“…What?” He said for what felt like the millionth time that conversation.

“I’m just saying,” Dust repeated. “He could be a helpful attribute to our team.”

“He could destroy everything.”

“He’s been exiled, Night,” Dust threw his hands down to his side. “He technically has nowhere else to turn.”

“He doesn’t have to be on a side, Dust. That’s what I’m saying.” Nightmare pinched the bridge of his nose. “This could be a trap.”

“I don’t think it’s a trap,” Dust sighed. “They would’ve initiated this years ago if it was.”

“I really don’t trust this.” Nightmare crossed his arms. “Dream has connections. Plus, we would have to deal with the consequences of Red.”

“Ah,” Dust seemed to understand his bosses worry at that point.

“Yo.” A voice piped up from the nearest door to the pair. “Whatcha’ll upto?”

The voice was recognised as K.’s, Horror and Cross alongside him, all eating slices of pizza.

“Ah, you three,” Nightmare gestured with his hand for the trio to come closer. “Group meeting, come here.”

“Dusty, what’ve ya done now?” K. whispered as he came up alongside Dust, who promptly smacked him.

“Dust has put… something forward.” The group leader said awkwardly, seemingly not wanting to state what Dust had just said.

“Oh come on!” Dust threw his hands up. “Why are you treating what I said like it’s a crime?”

“Oooo!” K. leaned on Dust’s shoulders so he looked taller. “What’s he said?”

“That we should add a new member to our team.” Nightmare finally admitted.

“Oooo!” K. repeated. “Who??”

“Blue.” Dust finished.

That caused K. to back down, and move so he was alongside Horror and Cross, who’s expressions were the same.

“Uh,” Horror was the one to breath the silence. “You sure about that?”

“Yeah, why?” Dust couldn’t see the issue with what he was saying.

“Isn’t he a member of the Stars?” K. leaned on Horror’s shoulder, who shrugged him off.

“Nope, he was kicked out recently.” Dust crossed his arms. “Come on, he knows everything about the stars! Plus, won’t he be holding some kind of grudge with them?”

“Maybe Dust has a point.” Cross admitted reluctantly, sighing. “Blue could help us, maybe we should give him a chance.”

“And how would we do that?” Nightmare replied.

“We could do something like an initiation.” Cross continued, Dust watching him with curiosity. “If he succeeds, we let him in.”

Nightmare seemed to start to think it over, putting one of his hands in his hoodie pocket.

“Fine,” He finally stated. “One of you go find him, the rest of you, meeting dismissed.”

K. pumped his fist in the air, darting off towards the door. Horror ran to follow him, likely to stop him from doing anything stupid, and Cross wandered off.

That left Dust and Nightmare. The former smiled.

“I’ll go find Blue, tell him the news, ay?” Dust turned for the door, but stopped himself, turning his head back over his shoulder. “Oh, and by the way…”

Nightmare looked up at Dust, humming in acknowledgement to what he’d just said.

Dust smiled slightly. “Thanks, Night.”

With that, he walked through the door and left, pulling his hood back over his head. Nightmare just watched, confused. Dust was a… strange character. He’ll say that.

Chapter Text

“So, lemme get this straight,” Reaper waved his hands in order to get Loo, still smiling, to back away from him. “You want me to do what?”

“Ya heard,” She checked her nails, her Texas accent beginning to slip through. “Ya just ain’t acceptin’ my task, huh?”

“Told you he was a coward.” Sci smirked, enjoying watching his friends confusion.

“I am NOT a coward, and don’t even start with that!” Reaper pointed an accusing finger at Sci.

“Look,” She placed her hand on his shoulder, to which he looked her in the eyes. “I ain’t forcin’ ya ta do anything,” She cleared her throat when Sci started sniggering at her accent, which was slowly getting broader. “Just saying, maybe it would be a good idea to do it! You said he was weird when you mentioned being friends, so start small!

“This is not starting small, though, Loo!” Reaper argued. He sighed. “Maybe I should just leave it.”

“No. Way.” Loo slammed her hands down on the desk, causing the wrapper of the pizzini Sci had since finished to fall onto the floor. He bent down to pick it up. “If ya gonna be a wimp, then fine, be that way. But you are gonna talk. End of discussion.”

“So, I don’t have to do your task?” Reaper asked, leaning backwards and slouching in his seat.

“Not if ya don’t want to.” She sighed, standing up and away from the table. Reaper sat up again. “Just, please do something.”

“And if it doesn’t work?”

“Man, I dunno, I’m a love guru, not a therapist.”

There was a shout of pain as Sci hit his head on the underside of the table. He sat back up in his chair, feeling the part of his head he’d clearly hit, before pausing. He backed the chair out away from the desk, then pointed at it like it had personally offended him. Upon clocking the others confusion, he clasped his hands together, closed his eyes and used the tips of his fingers to gesture at the table.

“Why. Is. There. So Much. GUM UNDER THERE.” He shouted, causing Loo to burst out laughing. Reaper chuckled slightly.

The group chattered about random things for a while. Reaper sighed, placing his head in his hands.

“Fine.” He muttered. Both others turned to face him.

“What?” Loo questioned.

“I’ll do your stupid plan.” He finally admitted.

Loo’s smile grew, and she patted his back. “Well done, you are now on track to a healthy relationship, have fun.”

“Shut up.” Reaper swatted her hand away.

Loo laughed. “Glad ya changed ya mind, bud.” She flicked him finger guns. “You’re invited.”

“Oo!” Sci raised his hand, leaning enthusiastically on the table. “Can I come?”

“Sure.” Loo shrugged. “Probably gonna invite people from other years too.”

“Ah,” Reaper pointed at Loo. “Word of advice, be careful.”

“Uh,” She looked confused. “Why?”

Reaper and Sci shared a look.

“Any form of, uh, drink there?” Sci asked cautiously.

“I think so, you mean like fruit punch?”

“Exactly.”

“Why?”

“If you invite Blue from Year 9,” Reaper started, and he sounded serious. “Keep an eye on him.”

“Why?” Loo asked again.

“Every. Single. Party.” Sci clapped with every word. “He spikes the drink.”

“Everytime.” Reaper confirmed.

“Oh.” The girl looked down. “With what exactly?”

“Booze.” Sci said simply.

“Like, alcohol?”

“Hardcore whiskies a fav.” Reaper stated nonchalantly.

“How do you guys know this?” She sounded stunned.

“Trust me,” Reaper’s eyes darkened. “You don’t wanna know.”

Luckily enough for Loo, the bell went. She honestly didn’t want to hear anymore about this.

“Right. Keep an eye on Blue, no spiked drinks, got it.” She raced through her words. The pair of boys nodded.

“Work smarter, not harder.” Sci said, as if it wasn’t unironically cryptic.

“Ok?” She looked between the door and them. What she mouthed to Reaper, who shrugged. “See ya then.”

…

…

Well that was weird.

Chapter Text

Reaper.

Geno hadn’t shifted from his spot, instead he stayed perfectly still. Half hoping he would come back, the other half hoping he’d leave him alone.

He didn’t want to call the boy by his real name, that would imply there was something between them, which there wasn’t. What a stupid assumption. That they could ever be friends, as if.

Geno didn’t do friends. They were all fake in the end. He thought he thought the same thing, and that was why they’d never spoken, but apparently not. Why would anyone understand?

He groaned, letting himself fall backwards onto the cold concrete of the roof. Pain shot through his skull, but he ignored it, it wasn’t important. He covered his face with his hands. It was a while before he opened his eyes, but when he did…

He didn’t expect to see someone looking back.

Geno froze, simply looking into the boy standing directly above him’s eyes (Involuntarily! Of course, he’d never do this by choice). A pair of soft amber eyes, not changing the direction they were looking.

He snapped back to reality, forcing himself to sit up. There was a chuckle from behind him, and Geno felt his cheeks warm up. He quickly covered as much of his face as he could easily cover with his scarf. He sat down alongside him.

“Sorry,” He smirked. “Was I interrupting something?”

“No,” Geno murmured into his scarf. “Shut up.”

He respected Geno’s wishes, going silent. He revelled in the silence, but knew it wouldn’t last long. The boy took a deep breath.

“Can I get some advice?” He turned to face him. “Or is that off limits?”

Geno’s eyes narrowed. When he didn’t feel any harsh intent, he sighed.

“Fine.” He crossed his arms. “What do you want.”

The taller clearly hadn’t expected a response. He stared blankly at Geno for a while, before clearing his throat and speaking again.

“So,” His voice cracked slightly, so he coughed and tried again. “I’m being pressured into going to this… party.” Geno flinched, he knew that feeling. “And, you see, I don’t wanna go, but then again…” He sighed. “I’ve been invited, so doesn’t that kinda mean I have to go?”

Geno blinked. He knew that feeling all too well. The idea that you can’t leave because you were asked to stay. His (step)brother had hosted a party at their house a while ago, and Geno couldn’t really just leave. It was his house! So, he just kind of… existed. That was until he decided to get a drink that was, surprise surprise, spiked. Safe to say, he’d gotten pretty drunk infront of a ton of rando’s he didn’t know. It wasn’t a fun experience, and he didn’t really want to repeat it either.

The boy was clearly waiting for an answer, not expecting one, but wanting one nonetheless. Geno brought himself back to the present.

“Uh,” He shook his head slightly. “I don’t know what suggest.”

He looked disappointed. Damn it. He hadn’t meant for that to happen.

“Maybe,” Geno continued. “Go with someone you know, then you can suffer together?”

He said it like a question, but the boy looked pleased enough with his answer. That didn’t shut him up though.

“What’s your opinion on parties?” He asked, tipping his head sideways slightly.

“Don’t enjoy ‘em.” Geno sighed, leaning backwards, resting on his hands to keep him relatively upright. He went to speak again, but cut himself off. Too late, he’d been clocked.

“Why not?” He questioned. When he didn’t get a response, he shuffled closer. “C’mon, I know you were gonna say something.”

“Last one I went to, I got, uh,” Geno cut himself off, looking over at the boy. “Wait, why do you need to know?”

“No reason, just intrigued.” He shrugged. “But seriously, what happened, I’m invested now.”

“Nothing.” Geno insisted. The guy wasn’t having it, though.

“It clearly is~” He leaned closer, forcing Geno to move away slightly.

“I got drunk, alright?!” Geno snapped, pushing the other away.

“Oh.” He looked down. “Sorry.”

“Yeah, well,” Geno paused. “Good, I guess.”

The boy breathed in deeply, symbolising he was about to talk again.

“Would you be the one to go to that party with me?” He spat out quickly.

And that caused Geno’s mind to crash.

“Uh,” He spluttered, not really sure how to answer. “Why me?”

“Well,” Geno was excited to watch how he would explain this. “Everyone else, kinda, wants to go? Plus, uh,” He looked down. “You said to suffer together. Neither of us wanna do this, so, it’s kind of a win win situation?”

…That was quite a valid point, honestly. Geno didn’t think there was a way to make that question sound normal, but apparently, he’d cracked it.

“Oh.” Geno said quietly. “I guess that, uh, kind of makes sense.”

“So?”

“…Fine.”

The boy, no, Reaper’s eyes lit up at that. “Really?” He asked, sounding genuinely stunned.

“Not really, can I back out?” Geno asked. He was shocked at his own question, as for once, he wasn’t being serious about it.

“Nope.” Reaper pointed a finger up in the air. “You said it, you’re holding your word.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Geno crossed his arms. “Gathered. When is it, when’s my fate?”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” The taller said, an unnecessary amount of sarcasm in his voice. “It’s at the end of this month. 31st.”

“Hold on,” Geno connected the dots. “You didn’t say that it was that!”

“What?” Reaper smirked. “You never done something for Halloween before?”

“Not really…”

Reaper blinked. “Wow, ok, that’s sad.” Geno shot him a look. “Welp, there’s a first time for everything, kid.”

“Do you even know my name?” Geno leant towards him slightly, and it took a scary amount of willpower not to smile. The taller shook his head.

“Not the foggiest clue.”

“Geno.”

“Ok.”

This was the first time Geno had felt this feeling in a long time.

That was something he’d never admit, but the guy infront of him was different. No matter what anyone said. He was kind. Sure, he was also annoyingly persistent and persuasive, which weren’t some of the best attributes a person could have, but that didn’t change how he made Geno feel.

He didn’t want to admit that.

When Reaper began to ramble, looking upwards instead of at him. Geno allowed his face to fall into something that it hadn’t even tried to for a very long time.

He smiled.

Attention.

It was nice from him.

Chapter Text

Blue was confused.

For many different reasons.

One of them being the fact that his brother was completely blanking him.

And he didn’t entirely understand why.

He had a sneaking suspicion as to why, but he didn’t believe that would be true. He couldn’t believe it.

B. wouldn’t rat him out. Sure, Berry might, but that’s B.’s job. Stop Berry from masking his emotions till he spilled. He just hoped neither of the pair had cracked. They wouldn’t, he could trust them. He could trust them. He could.

Blue sat on the bed in his room, scrolling absent mindedly on his phone and waiting for a message. From anyone. Anyone at all. Recently, it just felt like he’d been dropped by everyone, as if no one wanted to talk to him. No one wanted anything to do with him anymore.

That’s when his phone bleeped. He instantly brought up the chat, scrolling away the continuous notifications of a random groupchat he was in (Lucky sicko’s with friends)

Unknown

Hello, Blue.

Who’s this?

Is that important?

Kind of.

Fair point, it’s Dust.

Oh.

Dust (Y10D)

Why are you texting me? How did

you get my number?

Nightmare got it from S&S’s phone

Also was sposd 2 talk to u today, forgot.

Bout what?

We’re giving you a chance.

We?

The Darks.

Oh.

Wdym?

An initiation.

What?

Stop asking questions.

Ok.

Look, all u gotta do is do a cupl things 4

us, then you can help us.

Plus, I think u’d be a helpful attribute.

Why me?

U know things bout the Stars that no1 else

knows, & ur clever.

Thanks.

What do u say?

Sure.

Ok. C u tmr, Blue.

Blue slammed his phone face down on the bed. That can’t have just happened, right?

…

…

…Right?

…

..

Red was gonna kill him.

That is if they ever spoke again.

Blue knew one thing.

They needed to talk.

But that could wait.

Right now, where was Berry? Blue wanted to talk to him.

Blue shoved his phone in his pocket before standing up and heading for the door. He made his way to his younger brother’s room.

Berry was sat at the desk in his room, the hood of his giant hoodie up over the top of his head. He was humming a tune to himself, whilst also being completely oblivious to Blue’s presence. There was a chance he had his headphones on, which meant that he didn’t want to be disturbed, and was ‘mentally recovering’ from his day. He was scribbling away on a sheet of paper, drawing something, Blue noted.

Blue wandered over, staying out of sight of the younger, looking over his shoulder. He was drawing fanart, of what was out of Blue’s knowledge, probably from one of his weird obsessions. They were all really strange, and he talked about them nonstop. It was starting to get quite annoying. Blue reached over Berry’s shoulder to grab the drawing from beneath his pen, said item scraping against the paper as it moved.

“What’s this?” Blue asked, knowing Berry couldn’t hear him for the music. The smaller hurried to grab his phone to switch it off, but Blue kept talking. “Another one of your little drawings, Ber’?”

“Gimme that back, Blue.” The youngest pulled both his headphones and his hood down, holding his other hand out for the paper.

“Am I not allowed to be intrigued about your interests?” The aforementioned smiled, holding the paper in the air so his shorter sibling couldn’t grab it from him.

“You would be if you didn’t get mad everytime I tried to talk about it!”

“Ah, c’mon,” Blue used his free hand to swat Berry’s own away, as he was still trying to grab the paper from his older brother.

“If you don’t gimme it, I’m telling Red!” Berry had gotten up from his seat, and was now attempting to shove Blue over to take the paper back.

“Ouch, bro.” Blue gave in, handing the paper back to the smaller. “No need to go tattle taleing to Red.” His face darkened. “You’ve already done that once today.”

Berry froze, his eyes widening slightly. Red knew.

“So,” Blue crossed his arms, glaring at the shorter, who wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Care to explain why you ratted me out?”

“I-” Berry started, putting the sheet of paper back on the desk. “I didn’t!”

“Then how does Red know.”

“I don’t know! But it wasn’t me!”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Really!”

“Well, B. wouldn’t!” Blue’s voice started getting louder, causing Berry to flinch away at the volume.

“You sure?” Berry stepped backwards, running into the desk in the process.

“Yes!” Blue snapped. “Stop trying to blame him!”

“I’m not!”

“Yes you are!” Blue shoved Berry, pushing his chest so that he fell back into the desk. A couple of pens fell off. Tears welled in the youngers eyes. He gripped the edge of the surface to keep himself upright, having lost his balance.

“I…” Berry’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, brother…”

“That’s not enough.” Blue laughed, but it was hoarse and filled with hate. “That’ll never be enough. You don’t get that, do you? You’ll never get that. You think you’re doing the right thing, don’t you? Making Red think I’m some kind of…” Blue trailed off, not wanting to finish his sentence.

“I’m trying my best!” Berry cried, tears falling down his cheeks. “Lying to everyone is hard enough, but I’m trying because I want to make you happy!”

“Well you’ve failed that.” Blue crossed his arms. “The lying’s necessary, Berry, get over it.”

“But-”

“No.”

Blue looked down, going silent. Berry continued to cry, his breathing shaky. Then Blue smiled.

“Pathetic.” He said simply, shutting his eyes and shaking his head. “Absolutely pathetic.”

Berry’s eyes widened, as he reached out to grab his brother’s hand, seeking comfort. Blue pulled his hand away.

“Get out of my sight.” Blue murmured, an anger filled smile plastered on his face as he left the room.

Berry felt his grip on the desk loosen, as he fell to his knees. That wasn’t Blue. That couldn’t have been Blue, right? Blue wasn’t like that, that wasn’t his brother. That wasn’t the Blue he knew. Blue was kind and sweet. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t him. That wasn’t him.

That wasn’t him.

Berry turned to the door, which was still cracked open from Blue’s exit. He heard the door to his brothers room slam, which caused the tears to start falling.

He was sorry.

He was sorry.

He was sorry.

He was sorry.

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Sorry

Berry could barely breathe.

In a last ditch effort, from his place on the floor, he called for someone, anyone.

He didn’t care if it was Blue or Red.

Berry felt like he was dying.

He curled into a ball and called again, his voice wheezing and words choked out.

…

…

…

…

..

 B u t  N o b o d y  C a m e

Then the world fell dark.

Chapter Text

 Geno pushed the food on the plate infront of him around with a fork, glancing up every now and then to ensure no one was trying to start pointless conversations with him. Recently, his father had enlisted a new rule with the family. Everyone now had to eat dinner together, no negotiations, no way to get out of it. According to him, the family had gotten ‘extremely out of touch’ and needed to ‘become one again’. Whatever that meant. Geno personally didn’t see the point in it, but for some reason his siblings had agreed that it was a good idea.

So now he was stuck here, sat at a table in a stuffy little dining room watching around him as everyone ate and idly chatted. Everyone but him, of course.

“So,” He heard his step mother start, the other chatter quieting down to let her speak. “How was everyone’s days?”

There were a couple of ‘goods’ and ‘oks’ and a ‘rad’ from the colourful of the group, yet Geno remained silent.

“How about you?” He could tell he was being gestured to by her without even looking up. Geno looked up, but didn’t move his head, but quickly went back to moving the food around again rather than eating it.

“C’mon, Gen,” His father spoke up from across the table. “At least try and enjoy this.”

“Yeah, brah,” Fresh’s voice piped in, leaning on the table and pushing himself up so he could be seen from the other end. “Don’t kill da mood!”

“No thanks.” Geno murmured, resting his head on his free hand.

His father sighed, before gesturing to his sons plate with his fork. “At least eat something?”

Geno’s face remained blank of expression. He eyed his father. He didn’t have the energy to argue back, instead remaining silent. He also didn’t want to lose the wifi password again, normally that wasn’t an issue, he didn’t usually have any need for the internet. That had changed today.

He actually had someone to contact now.

Geno placed his hand on his pocket, where his phone was currently shoved away. Error, as he called himself, and Fresh had taken to having a conversation with eachother, however whether or not they were talking or arguing was up for debate, and his guardians discussing someone from there wedding (Geno didn’t really know, he wasn’t really paying attention if he was being honest).

He decided he was in the clear and pulled his phone out of his pocket, holding it below the table and out of sight of anyone but him (His father also had added the rule ‘No electronics when socialising with the family’). He looked at the number that he had quickly copied onto his hand on his way back on the bus. The numbers were half illegible, awful handwriting combined with a shaky bus never ended as a perfectly written essay, but that’s beside the point. He opened the new contact and typed out a message.

Reaper (?)

Hi

Who dis.

Geno.

?

Roof boy.

Oh, that Geno

Yep.

Hey.

Don’t think I’ll text u often.

Need distraction.

Oo from wat.

Family

Send help.

No.

How dare you.

Heh

Geno went to type back another message to the idiot when his phone was dragged from his grasp by a perfectly pedicured hand (AKA his step mother. Seriously, he assumed she spent most of her money on them.)

“Geno, you know this.” His father stated when he saw the phone in the woman’s hand. The owner of the device rolled his eyes and waited for it to be handed back to him. Unfortunately, she was already reading through the open tab, clearly enough from the expression on her face.

She handed the phone to his father, who’s face basically lit up at the messages. Geno felt himself mentally cringe. Did they really think he was that hopeless?

“Gen,” The adult started. By now, the conversation had caught the attention of the pair of bickering teens at the other end, as they were all staring over. “Who is this?”

Geno looked down. “Just a boy from school…” He murmured, fiddling with the end of his scarf. “But it’s not important.” He sat up properly in the chair and reached over to grab the phone.

The pair was one step ahead of him, however, and held it higher up so he couldn’t reach it from where he was.

“Geno,” His father tried again. “If you have a friend-”

“He’s not my-” Geno cut him off, slamming his hands down on the table. That definitely brought the attention of the other two onto him, if it hadn’t already. “Why do you guys have to meddle with my personal life?!” He snapped.

“Geno-”

The mentioned wasn’t listening though. He got up from the seat, walked around to where his father still held the phone, snatched it off of him, before taking his leave, slamming the door behind him.

The door to his room was slammed open as he entered it. It wasn’t the homeliest of places, he’d admit. There wasn’t much in it, only the bare necessities being present. A bed, cupboard and a couple more little things dotted around. The walls were blank, and a grey carpet covered the floor. It felt more like a prison then a room. There’d used to be posters up, but all of them were removed a very long time ago, the remnants of one left up from one of his ‘episodes’ they called them. Why did people treat him like he was losing his mind?

He pushed himself up onto the bed, connecting the music app on his phone to the Bluetooth speaker in the corner of his room and turned the volume up. He checked his phone. 2 unread texts, both from the same person.

Reaper (?)

Geno?

Oh stars did they kill u

No, I’m alive, unfortunately.

Don’t say that!

:/

:]

Idiot

Ikr, I’m awesome

Shut up.

Never >;]

Stop using analog faces.

U started it.

Geno felt himself smile again. Stars what was this boy doing?

There was a knock on his door, which shook him out of his confusion.

“What.” He said, it came out harsher then he intended.

“Hey,” He recognised the face that peaked around the door as Error’s, and Fresh’s quickly appeared beneath it. “Can we come in?”

Geno gestured with his head for the pair to enter, to which they did. They both sat infront of him on the bed, looking just as awkward as he felt.

“What do you two want?” Geno spat out, attempting to make his voice sound less upset.

“Just wondering what’s going on with you.” Error shrugged. Fresh nodded along.

“Nothing.”

“You say that every time, broski.” Fresh stated, however his attempt at being serious was failed by the wording he used.

“Yeah, well…” Geno went to block, but stopped himself. He couldn’t dodge this forever, he reminded himself. He sighed. “You know what? Ok.”

The pair leaned in intently, waiting Geno to continue.

“There’s this… guy.” The latter averted his eyes. “And we… talk-”

“So you have a friend.” Error summarised.

“No!” Geno responded.

“Bruh,” Fresh groaned. “Dude, ya sound like Error. Relax, take a chill pill man. Friends aren’t a bad thing, but I guess ya wouldn’t know dat, wouldya?”

Error didn’t seem to notice the jab at him, either that or he ignored it. “Fresh is right, stop avoiding relationships like they’re the plague. Friendship’s aren’t necessarily a bad thing, they’re just… different.”

“Oh you’re one to talk.” Geno sighed. “I’m just trying to keep my head down, stay away from that paint freak, you know?”

“Who, Ink?” Error laughed harshly when Geno confirmed. “Damn, he been bugging you?” Again, Geno nodded. “Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’ll tell him to leave you alone. No one messes with my-” He caught himself before he could finish. Fresh began to laugh quietly.

“Go on,” Geno did his best not to join in with Fresh (Gee, why was he doing that so much?) “Finish.”

“No.” Error spat out.

“Ya were gonna call Geno ya bro, weren’t ya?” Fresh smirked.

“No, shut up.”

“Nahh-”

“Geno,” Error slapped Fresh, to which he muttered an unrad and sat up again. “You heard about that party?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Geno pinched the bridge of his nose, unable to get the deal he’d made with that idiot out of his head.

“What if you were to-”

“Already been invited by him.”

Error and Fresh grew silent, both side eying eachother.

“He invited you?” Error sounded stunned.

“Uh, yeah?”

“Bruh, that’s absolutely RAD!” Fresh exclaimed, unironically excited.

He shouldn’t have said anything.

Chapter Text

Dream watched as his brother walk into his room and slam the door behind him. He sighed.

If there was one thing he wasn’t going to admit, it would be that he missed when him and Twilight were younger. When reputations weren’t such a big thing, weren’t so important. When they were actually friends.

“Twi!” Dream called from the top of the hill he and his brother had been racing up. Dream had won, which wasn’t really surprising, considering Twilight hadn’t been trying very hard. “Come look!”

The quieter of the pair appeared alongside his brother, who was pointing wildly at the view across from them. Twilight would agree, it was lovely.

Dream starting running down the hill, down into the valley beneath them. Twilight quickly followed, not wanting to miss out.

The sunshine came to a stop infront of a tree, staring at it, wide eyed. The darkness rushed to see what his brother was looking at, both twins grasping eachother’s hands in wide eyed wonder.

The tree wasn’t blank, Twilight noted. No, the tree was filled with small green fruit, all hanging gently from their respective branches. A couple of flowers were still visible, having not had long enough to start to form a fruit yet. Dream reached up, attempting to grasp at one of the lower hanging fruit, his hand brushing across it, but not being able to get a firm enough grip to pull it down.

“Dream,” There was no malice in the name, only kindness and love. “Don’t pull these down, okay?”

The sunshine looked at his brother, a frown appearing on his face. “Why not?”

“Because,” Twilight put his hand on Dream’s shoulder. “These aren’t ripe yet.”

He then went on to explain to his brother how the fruit would grow bigger and become sweeter. Dream listened intently to every word.

When Twilight had finished, Dream turned back to the tree, placing his hand on the trunk, and whispering a gentle phrase into the bark.

Many months later, the pair returned, this time under the watchful eye of their mother. Dream’s reaction to the full fruit was better than his one to the tree itself. He stared at the red apples, his eye’s filled with delight. A smile erupted on his face once Twilight appeared alongside him. He turned to face his brother, the smile not faltering once.

“Brother…” He said quietly. “Brother!” He said again, excitement in his face.

Their mother, Nim, patted them on their heads, a gentle laugh sounding out.

Dream reached up for the apple, his hands opening and closing rapidly in his attempts to grab it. He hopped up and down, finally catching the fruit in his hands. It snapped off the branch and fell into his palms. He looked at the object with wonder, the large red apple in his small hands, and his eyes brightened. He clutched it close to his chest protectively, looking at his brother.

He noticed the look on Twilight’s face, flickering between happiness and awe. Nim passed him an apple of the same size, placing it in the child’s hands. The darkness flinched, but froze, his gaze falling on the fruit. He ran his fingers over the surface of it, feeling the smooth texture. It was nice.

Dream’s eyes fell back on his own apple, following his brother’s movements, as he ran his fingers over it. It felt so delicate, so vulnerable in his hands. At his mercy. It was cold, too, he absently noted in his mind.

The look on Nim’s face was memorable, one of kindness and care. She watched happily as the twins each admired their own fruit in silence, each looking at them like they were priceless. Children were stunned by the simplest of things, such as the curves of an apple, for example. She knew atleast one of the pair knew that they could eat the fruit, yet they both remained captivated. They would’ve both been starry eyed.

Twilight was the first to place the apple to his mouth, yet Dream followed suit. Both took a bite, taking their time to taste the sweetness, bitterness, and anything else the fruit could’ve tasted like. The darkness continued to eat it, looking up at the filled tree with intrigue and curiosity. The sunshine just seemed sad at the fact he’d ruined the pristine apple by his own fault. He flipped it over to the side that hadn’t been bitten, seeing that half the fruit was still perfect, he smiled again.

The trio stood like that for a while, revelling in eachother’s company, quietly eating the fruit till they reached the core. When that moment eventually came, Twilight dropped the apple core to the ground, to which Dream followed again.

“And now,” Twilight started proudly. “We grow a new tree, more glorious fruit!” He threw his hands up at the end, laughing to himself. Dream did the same, cheering like there was nothing better.

Dream held the fruit in his hands, tears welling in his eyes. He squeezed it with both hands, smiling slightly at the fond memories of before. As the tears fell down his cheeks, he placed the apple back in the fridge, then shut it hesitantly. His smile quickly disappeared, the memories fading into worse ones. The reason their relationship had fallen, every bad thing that had ever happened started flooding back. Dream’s breathing hitched as he stepped backwards, covering his mouth with his hand. He darted back up the stairs and through the door to his room, sitting on the bed and shuffling back until he was up against the wall. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and moved his hand slightly so that he could bite his thumb.

Then he sobbed, physically shaking from the strength of them. He tried to force his thoughts back to happier times, but it was near impossible now.

So Dream stayed, holding his knees to his chest with his free hand, biting down on his thumb to keep him silent as though not to disturb his brother and allowed the tears to fall until he exhausted them.

At that point, he laid on his side, and slept, his hand still firmly against his mouth.

If only Nightmare knew.

If only Twilight knew.

Chapter Text

“You did what?”

Ink was leant on the counsellors desk, leaning forward in order to fully face who was infront of him.

“Loo said it was a good idea...” Reaper muttered, turning away slightly.

It was the next day, and it was becoming ever clearer that Ink had learned from someone about the party. It was very possible he was only annoyed at the fact that he hadn’t been invited.

“Pour l'amour de la merde...” Ink pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. Reaper just looked away.

The pair remained silent for a while, both contemplating what to say next.  They wouldn’t meet eachothers eyes, instead taking to looking at anything else in the room.

“...Look,” Ink finally started, sitting down at the desk, Reaper looked at him, his eyes narrowed. “Just wondering, why him?”

“Loo said it was a good idea.” He repeated, pulling his foot up onto the seat.

“Yeah, I get that, just why would it be a ‘good idea'?” Ink added air quotes for good measure. Reaper paused, seemingly wondering how to answer.

“Because.” He said simply.

“Because?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s not helpful.”

“I know,” Reaper pulled his phone out, logging into it. “That’s why I said it.”

Ink took a deep breath, his fists clenching on the desk. The other smirked, before turning his attention fully to his phone. He typed something on it, swiped up, typed again, then waited.

Ink watched his expressions intently , waiting for him to react to whatever he was doing, but the guy had a painfully good poker face.

But not for long.

Ink continued to stare, again waiting. He was about to give up his watching when he noticed a shift.

Reaper chuckled to himself, shaking his head at something. As soon as he caught Ink watching, however, his  expression changed back to blank .

But Ink had seen it.

Damn it.

“What was that?” Ink leant forward on the desk slightly, pointing at the taller’s phone.

“Nothing.” The mentioned stated quickly, shutting his phone off and shoving it back in his pocket.

“No, no,” Ink leant further so that he was half leant on the desk. “I saw something. What've you got to hide?”

“Nothing.” Reaper insisted, pushing the chair out slightly. “Drop it, paint boy.”

“Aw, c'monnnn” Ink pushed again, having pretty much slid across the desk in order to be directly infront of the other. He leant on his hands and kicked his feet like a school girl, causing Reaper to cringe.

“Stop it.”

“But whyyyyy?”

“Because it’s weird.” Reaper turned his body slightly so that he wasn’t facing Ink anymore. “You’re weird.”

“Aww c’mon~” Ink repeated, pushing himself forward again, but over shot it by a substantial amount, causing him to start to slip off of Reaper’s side of the desk. The latter quickly shoved the chair backwards so that Ink promptly face planted infront of him.

Reaper brought his phone out again, typing another text, before holding it up so that the camera was pointed at Ink, who was still groaning and trying to push himself up. As soon as he clocked the phone, he practically jumped up in order to grab it.

“Hey!” He snapped, reaching towards where Reaper held it in the air. Unfortunately, the hight difference between the pair was making an annoying appearance, and the phone remained out of Ink’s reach. “I didn’t give you permission to do that! That’s nonconsensual sharing of someone else’s private information!”

Reaper laughed. “Man, that was so scripted.”

“No it wasn’t!”

“So you’re that educated normally?”

Ink held up his finger to correct him, but stopped himself, averting his eyes and lowering his hand just as quickly.

“You’re annoying.” He crossed his arms, turning his head to face sideways.

“Great, you too.”

“Hey!”

Reaper shoved his phone in his pocket, holding his hands up in a surrendering matter. “Just sayin’, it’s not your job to meddle in my personal business.”

“But-”

“Ink.”

The pair turned, Ink standing up fully and brushing himself off. The artist’s sunshine co-partner was stood in the doorway, seemingly exasperated and panting slightly, gripping the door frame.

“We have a situation.” He breathed, swinging his head down and breathing deeply. Ink darted over.

“What’s happening?” The paint boy asked, placing his hand on Dream’s shoulder, looking up at his friend with concern.

“Long story short,” Dream stood up properly, locking eyes with Ink. “Blue’s teamed up with the Darks, Red’s…” He paused. “Not exactly happy about it, and Berror’s attempting to keep their younger brother out of it, but I’m not sure how long that method will work.”

Ink nodded, actually looking slightly confused for once.

“…Should I go…? Or…” Reaper pointed towards the door with his thumb. Ink waved a hand dismissively at him, not bothering to turn around in order to face him.

“Yeah, Reaper, just go.” The artist quickly went back to speaking with Dream.

“Oooook.” The mentioned walked towards the door, keeping his head down. “Have fun you two.”

And with that they were alone.

Chapter Text

Geno laughed slightly at the video Reaper had just sent him, quickly swivelling in the bus seat to make sure no one was paying attention to him. The video consisted of that paint freak doing something stupid. He took it as a sign that Reaper had been honest in the fact he didn’t like the boy at all. At least one person would agree with him.

“Is that Ink?” A voice rose up, clearly talking to Geno, and he felt the seat jostle slightly.

“Thought you didn’t wanna be seen with me.” Geno swiftly placed the phone screen down against his lap, turning his head so he could fully look at his brother, who had, unknowingly to Geno, sat in the duo seat behind him alongside Fresh. Error didn’t look pleased to be sat with the colourful 90’s boy, but beggars can’t be choosers.

“Whaaaat? When did I say that?” Error tried to lean further over the back of the seat, but couldn’t easily without standing.

“Dunno, just kinda the vibe you gave off.” Geno shrugged, shifting in order to sit sideways on the pair of seats he had managed to get so that he could use his phone again without his brothers’ prying eyes.

“Well, no,” Error moved so that he was now kneeling on the seat. “I wouldn’t say that. Now about that party…”

Geno scoffed at the mention, cutting off his brother.

“I know, you guys are sooooo stunned that I got invited, I get it, I’m that hopeless.”

“That’s… not what I was gonna say.”

Geno eyed Error, pulling up the message tab on his phone again, keeping his eyes firmly on his brother.

“I was gonna say that dad will never let you go.” Error wrapped his arms around the seat Geno was mainly sat on, leaning down.

“Oh, right. Well, I’ve been sneaking around them my whole life, I’ll be fine.”

“This isn’t the same.” Error pushed. “You have to get out of the house without them catching you. Plus, do you even know where Loo lives?”

“…No.”

“Exactly.” Error stated. “You need transport. How old’s this friend of yours?”

“I dunno, he’s older than us, I know that.” Geno started to actually pay attention to what his brother was saying. Error took pride in that.

“I’d ask him, or find someone who can get you there.”

“Fiiiiiiiiiiiine.”

Geno opened the messaging tab again, clicking on a specific contact and reluctantly typing out a text.

Reaper (?)

Strange question, how old r u?

Why?

Long story, just answer the question.

Why tho?

 Fine, rephrase.

Can you drive?

Kinda

The hell does that mean?

I can drive, dont have a lisence

Licence*

How does that work?

I was taught, just dont have lisence

Licence*

Did you fail or somefin

Yup

Tried to get lisence, failed 0-0

Licence*

Oh

Yup

Can drive, no lisence

Licence*

Shut up

Cant spell

Heh

My line.

Mine now

How dare thy steel my lines.

Steal*

>:]

I dislike you grately, roof boy

Greatly*

Oi

When Geno turned back to look at his brothers, Error looked disappointed, Fresh was sniggering.

“…You went completely off topic didn’t you.” Error pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head when Geno slowly nodded. “Ya got a ride or not?”

“…Kind of, he can drive, but doesn’t exactly have a licence.” Geno confirmed.

“Close enough, I guess.” Error let go off the seat, sitting down normally again.

The bus pulled to a stop not long after. Geno connected his headphones to his phone before shoving it in his pocket. Error and Fresh let him into the aisle, the colourful of the trio pushing his sunglasses further up his face.

Here we go.

Chapter Text

Blue was not enjoying this conversation.

Red was towering over him, which actually wasn’t as usual as you might suspect, as he normally slouched down in order to not intimidate his brothers. This time however he wasn’t bothering.

Berry was stood just behind Red, B. crouched down alongside him. Blue felt like a bad brother because of that.

Ok, maybe he had gone a bit far with his brother, and he may have been a tad mean, but Berry had annoyed him! That might not have been the most valid of excuses for making the younger so upset that he passed out, but he didn’t really have another one to use. Lets just say, that wasn’t the best of ordeals to wake up to.

Blue didn’t want to think about that.

He didn’t know his older brother could sound like that.

Blue was guilty, he knew that, but seeing Red being aware and completely in the know of everything was awful.

So instead he stayed silent, waiting for Red to lecture him infront of his ex-best friend.

Berry looked guilty also, clearly thinking it was his fault. B. wouldn’t meet his eyes, his attention fully on the youngest sibling.

Blue wouldn’t look at Red either, and the silent tension was thick. He crossed his arms, gaze specifically on the noticeboard next to him. Suddenly those events looked unbelievably interesting. What’s this about a science competition-?

Red wasn’t going to let Blue get away with not paying attention however, and a quick click of his fingers brought his brothers eyes back towards him. Blue finally sighed, breaking the silence.

“If you’re going to shout, just get it over with.” Blue muttered, his arms falling by his side. Red didn’t break eye contact. Blue’s eyes narrowed at him. After a moment, he threw his arms up in anger. “So? What’re ya gonna do to me?”

“Nothing.”

Blue’s eyes widened before quickly reverting back to blank.

“What?”

“You seem so convinced you can do whatever you want without consequence, so fine. Do whatever you want then, I’m not gonna stop you.” Red shrugged. “Just don’t expect the same treatment as everyone else.” He turned to Berry. “Let’s go, Ber’.”

Red guided away the youngest, who’s head tipped to the floor quickly as he pulled his hand from Red’s. That left Blue and B..

Neither of them had spoken to eachother properly for a very long time. Since Blue started getting in trouble, the only time they ever talked was when Blue checked that his best friend was holding up his side of the deal by vouching for him or to rant about his antics. The pair didn’t know how to start.

Well, Blue did.

He wanted to apologize.

Oh stars did he want to make things right

But B. spoke first.

“Don’t.” He held up a hand to stop Blue from talking. “Don’t start. Please.”

He said it more as a plea than as a jab. Blue took a sharp breath.

“I want to forgive you. I really do, Blue.” B. sighed. “Everyone deserves a second chance, right?” Blue heard his own words repeated back at him and it hurt. “But, that’s the thing. How many chances have I given you now?” B. smiled, his expression pained.

Blue didn’t know how to answer. B. wanted to be friends? But, no, that wasn’t what he was saying, was it? He was saying he’d given Blue too many chances. B. continued before the other could start.

“I’ve tried to help you. Stars, I’ve tried so hard to just help. I thought you’d change if I kept trying but you haven’t.” B. wrung his hands by his chest. “I can’t give you another opportunity, Blue, I just can’t. I want to, but the thought that you’ll stab me in the back again after I’ve tried again and again, it…” He cut himself off, looking away from Blue. “It hurts to know who you were.”

And that was Blue’s breaking point.

B. was gentle. He didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Even when he would it would be carefully spoken, but this was different.

Blue was kind, helpful, happy. A stupid kid who sold little ice creams for less than they were worth in the canteen when he was bored. The kid who hung out with his best friend everyday because he wanted to.

Blue was.

B. had watched him change into this, and yet had remained entirely silent. Hadn’t put up a fight. Had stayed with him until he physically couldn’t take it. Blue had been his best friend for years, B. practically acting like another brother to him.

And it hurt to hear him say that.

“I…” Blue started, but he couldn’t bring himself to finish his sentence. B. looked at his friend with both curiosity and hope, but Blue couldn’t pull through to meet the expectations.

B. looked disappointed, sighing for what felt like the millionth time. Blue reached out slightly, desperate for forgiveness, guilt hitching his breath.

“Save it.” B. snapped, a slight bite in his voice. With that he turned on his heel and left, hurrying away after Blue’s siblings.

And Blue froze.

Tears welled in his eyes, his hand raising to cover his mouth. He quickly darted out of sight from others, ducking behind a wall to rub his eyes.

He had a meeting to attend to.

He couldn’t be… wasting his time with… people like that.