Misery Loves Company

That Time Cross Asked You Out (actually before 'an outing with cross')

For some reason I missed this one, which was between 'Back To Old Habits' and 'An 'Outing' With Cross'

It's not hard to lie, not to Dream, but you could never fool yourself. When you weakly told him that you had learned your lesson and wouldn't lock yourself away to wallow in your own suffering, a quiet but piercing voice whispered that it was a clear lie and that you are a terrible being of the fae, lying to your loved ones with such ease.

You can admit that the voice is clearly truthful in this statement but at that moment you had put your loved ones feelings above your own. Too bad your pride and anxiety will always stomp on your desire for help and mutual affection.

You were now in the dining room, sitting at the head of the table, and pretending that said conversation was non-existent.

You were currently eating a small dinner, the rest of your group sitting in their own seats. You try to ignore the obvious feel of their emotions feeding you, though your corruption ripples with excitement at such a feast. You gently place your used cutlery on your plate and slide it to the side, indicating that you were finished with your meal.

Horror casts you a disapproving glance at eating so little but is quickly distracted by Dust as he leans into the taller, conveying that he wished to retire to his special quarters, charged magic crackling around them both. You dismiss them, allowing Horror to carry the half asleep Dust up the stairs. You know they won't sleep though, though nightmares plague them, they are the least bit of their worries.

Dust's LV and overflowing magic not allowing him an easy rest unless he tires it out first, and even then, he just ate. Eating for most, is considered a way to refuel energy, Dust must eat food to renew his energy but it also refuels his magic to dangerous levels.

Dust has frequent breakdowns, ones that can and sometimes do, destroy a section of the castle you all reside in. Horror has proved to be the only one capable of calming Dust down without having to restrain him first which was impressive.

Horror and Dust's retreating auras are quickly followed by a loud boom, Horror luckily having made it to the special room made for Dust's LV attacks. You sigh as you, yourself flinch. You look at the Papyrus attendant by your side, "prepare the medical bay in case of injury" you order blankly, the Papyrus rushing off without need for explanation.

The table is mostly devoid of life by the time your gaze refocuses on it, most having finished their meal and returning to their chambers for whatever reason. The ones remaining consist of Dream, Killer, and Cross. Dream and Killer are the next to leave but that still leaves Cross present.

His gaze seems to be trained intently on you and you feel his apprehension, "what is it, cross?" you inquire, gaze full of curiosity. Cross goes rigid in his spot, straightening his spine, "i-i have a request, b-boss-" Cross seems to catch himself on the last word, "i-i mean, nightmare", his face is bright purple and you find it endearing.

"speak", the order is simple and clear, and Cross seems to hesitate. "i-i wish to know more about you", you find your browbones raised to dangerous heights, Cross managing to surprise you once again.

"anything specific, cross?" you ask, a little uncomfortable. "i wish to know what your goal is?" he asks, and you relax a bit, "very well, i will grant your request" you begin, feeling Cross' mood perk up, "i simply want to find my own happiness, start a family of my own, and maintain the balance between me and dream", it was a very simple goal but you yearned for it, it gave you purpose.

"that's very ordinary...", Cross' voice speaking such bold words surprised you, and seemed to surprise him as well. "i-i, sorry, boss, i didn-!" Cross rushed to explain himself, stumbling over his own words. Your laughing cut him off, his sockets growing wider at your 'mweh heh's that exited your pearl white teeth.

"yes, yes, ordinary, indeed, but fulfilling nonetheless" you say, a soft sigh of contentment escaping you. You distantly hope that he will forget about your little laugh but place it at the back of your mind, only the people that could make you laugh from genuine joy would ever be able to hear it anyhow.

You jot down mental notes of treating Cross with chocolate for making you laugh before standing from your seat. Cross jolts a bit, obviously not expecting you to stand so suddenly. "well, then, if that's all you had to say, i will retire" you say, taking a step towards the door.

"wait" Cross calls out, gaining your attention quite effectively. He blushes in embarrassment as he realizes that he shouted at you. "i-i, sorry" he says, "i wanted-", you cut him off, "want, not wanted" you correct. "i want-" more emphasis on 'want' catches whatever attention that strayed, "-you to go with me to a cafe i discovered, killer told me that you like cats and i-", you blank out a bit as he rambled on.

He wanted you to go to a cafe with him.

You faintly notice that he has stood up at some point and was now fiddling with his fingers, staring at the ground with a vivid purple staining his cheeks. Back in your past life, this would've been a dream come true, it is in this life as well, you weren't going to lie. Your feelings of admiration from your last life growing into feelings of affection that you weren't going to specify.

But, you also didn't feel like you deserved it, years of insults and fear or disgust filled looks being sent your way having taken their own toll. Your cheeks felt hot as lava but you knew the corruption covered it up and made you seem completely indifferent.

You manage to snap from your own stupar and look at Cross, who was radiating panic and anxiety, as he looked down at you. Oh, how you hated the slight height difference between you, making you look up at him.

"okay" you manage, getting a surprised Cross to snap his gaze to you. "when?" you question the frozen oreo guard, who smiled widely at you, "i'll come and get you tomorrow at two" he says before rushing off in the direction of Killer and Dream, no doubt to share the good news. Despite how he and Killer argue and tease one another, they're close friends.

You retire to your room, a small shred of anxiety telling you that you'll regret this, but a bigger part of you knowing that Cross would do his best to make sure you enjoy the- you pause, should you refer to it as a date?...