Collection of Oddities

Art of Seduction

Summary: It's all in the leaves.

Cross frowned and readjusted the leafy branches strapped to his skull for the fifth time, then took a good long look in the mirror standing before him. Occasionally twisting and turning, eyelights roaming his body in appraisal.

His entire outfit bore the unique addition. Everything from his hoodie to his boots had leaves and sticks either attached to the outside or poking out the hems. The hood connected to his coat had the most intricate design, bearing leaves intertwined with the bushy white fluff. Thus, creating a puffy green/white mane around his neck.

He gave himself an approving nod after a few moments spent examining and deemed his new look more than ready to aid in his venture. And he'd need it, for today, the monochrome warrior would tackle his self-imposed mission with the prowess of the mightiest oak- or pine? Pear? Apple? No, definitely not that last one.

Perhaps, just whatever type of tree Nightmare found most attractive.

And hopefully, by the end of the day, that tree will be me. Cross thought, grinning to himself. Two bony hands quickly rose to fluff the new foliage one last time before he exited his spartan bedroom, heading down the halls to the kitchen.

The most accursed room in the dwelling for it typically had one of his three teammates (Horror, Killer, or Dust) prowling within at all times.

Unfortunate because, at this hour, the dark being he sold his heart and soul to would no doubt be sunbathing in the castle's inner courtyard while reading a book. A place that required him to pass through the cooking area's doors to reach since Dust and Killer managed to block in the other exits to the space by pulling out bricks during a search for non-existent treasure and causing a cave-in.

Please let this be one of the rare occasions no one is there, the black/white-clad Sans prayed as he neared the kitchen.

Alas, no god (not even Reaper) listened to his plea.

As soon as rubber boot heels met polished grey tile, an annoying voice addressed him. "Woah, rookie. Where the hell are you doing dressed like that?"

Cross stiffened, freezing in the doorway.

Mismatched eyelights shifted over to the modest oak table pushed against the wall; sat in one of its matching chairs was his least favorite teammate: Killer.

The target-souled skeleton eyed him while a rather amused smirk stretched across his face. "Well? What are you doing?"

He replied curtly, "Going outside to find Nightmare. Since spring is here, I figured it was the perfect time to strike."

A single brow lifted at the information.

"Wait a minute, are you- you are!" Howling laughter echoed from Killer's jaws, simmering down into chuckles prior to him crying out to the other residents in the castle, "Our little Oreo Cookie has a crush! Somebody get the camera!"

Bright purple bloomed across said Oreo's skull as he murmured a soft, "Shut up."

His feet promptly carried him to the double doors leading to the inner courtyard, where he could escape the teasing of Killer and the rest of his teammates. A hand only got as far as wrapping around a door handle when words broke those sweet, blessed (five) seconds of silence.

Because, of course, the hoodie-clad murderer couldn't keep his snickering mouth closed and called after him. "You do know it's a joke when me and the others call him a tree, right? We don't actually mean it in a literal sense- or are you trying a whole 'turning over a new leaf' kind of thing?"

Cross opted to ignore him, exiting a door and closing it behind himself faster than humanly (or monster-ly) possible.

Giving a relieved sigh at his successful escape, he examined the surroundings.

Dusky, clear skies laid overhead, and the barest hints of sunset were slowly setting in, coloring the horizon a beautiful orange-purple. Each plant illuminated by the dwindling light bore colorful, lush blossoms.

Nightmare, the object of his obsess- love was currently resting in an expensive lounge chair beside the rose garden/fish pond, book in hand and a soft smile resting along his jaws. On the small table right next to him sat an icy glass of tea.

Everything was in order, yet the black/white-clad Sans still felt his resolve faltering. After all, would this be a good idea? What if the other already had some he loved romantically? What if this ended with Cross getting kicked off the team? What if his bold proclamation of love got him sent back to the vast, white hell he escaped?

He shook his head fiercely, forcing the thoughts away.

Nightmare would never do that! We're colleagues (for now), and he is nowhere near cruel enough to do that to me. I'm not going back.

Even if this does go sideways.

Steeling his nerves, he plucked two leafy branches out of his inventory and hesitantly approached.

Nightmare, possibly sensing his presence, glanced up from his book, brows furrowing.

"What are you..." The dark lord blinked, sentence trailing off while his cyan eyelight skimmed over the numerous leaves and twigs that adorned him.

Well, it's now or never.

Cross took a deep breath. Then puffed out his chest and raise his head high, fanning the large branches in his hands like a peacock showing off its colorful plumage. He added in a seductive, albeit nervous, voice, "Will you be my boyfriend?"

Time appeared to stretch on as Nightmare stared at him in response, eyelight searching for something. Perhaps genuineness?

Eventually, the negativity-laden skeleton smiled softly and shook his head fondly. "You're such a fool."

Cross deflated at the sentence, and the vegetation along his body drooped, seemingly affected by Nightmare's words as well.

The dark lord proceeded by closing his book, tucking it beneath his arm, and slowly rising from his seat.

The monochrome warrior fully prepared for him to walk away, to never speak of this again, only to be caught off guard when the other graced him with a chaste kiss on the cheek.

It lasted several seconds before either pulled away.

"W-w-was that a 'yes'?!"