The Bartender and The Flower (GrillbyxReader)

Chapter Two

Flower

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I woke but unlike days prior there was no blaring alarm nor a need to rush out the door as it was my day off so today was a free day. It's been a week since my last visit to the bar Fuku messaging me around the clock since that encounter. I enjoyed her messages as they contained pictures of her and the regulars some even of Grillby while he worked. I quickly pulled my phone off its charger to see if any messages were sent while i was asleep and to my surprise Fuku sent more pictures of her dad. She seemed to be trying to set him up as she raves about him all the time or just loves him that much not my right to jump to conclusions. I rolled out of bed heading to the bathroom to shower and take medication so i can have a good day and not a shitty one. I promised Fuku I'd help her open shop today as she was aiding her dad and wanted company while she worked to which I couldn't say no. I sighed feeling the hot water scorch my skin lightning it ablaze. Water was the only emotion I could give lately, smiles don't come easily and I feel numb most of the days anyways. I was pulled from my thoughts hearing my phone ring. I quickly shut the shower off as I answered not knowing if it was a perv calling me or not. I was put in a better mood seeing Fuku's caller ID light up my screen.

"Fuku, hey girl whats up?" I asked trying to silent the dripping water so i dont expose myself.

"Hey, are you still coming in? Dad wants to open early today since its the weekend." Fuku asked curiosity laced her tone.

"Of course, give me like fifteen minutes and ill be there." I retorted before saying my goodbyes. I quickly dried myself pulling on an outfit before rushing out the door. I counted on my fingers everything i had before locking the door behind me racing down the stairs.

I practically ran the whole way to Grillby's both excited to see him again and happy to aid Fuku. I knocked on the bar door expecting Fuku to answer but was surprised to see Grillby. He wore a button-up dress shirt with a tie and suspenders attached to his slacks, his shirt sleeves were rolled up exposing his forearms which were a much brighter shade of orange than his hands. He stepped to the side motioning for me to enter to which i accepted and entered to see the usually lively bar barren and silent. I saw Fuku come from the back and wave before placing my bag down on the counter

"You work in a cafe don't you?" Fuku asked as she joined my side to which i nodded.

"Indeed I do, today's my only day off so i can help as much as needed," I spoke feeling eyes digging into me causing me to turn and see Grillby staring like he was lost in thought.

"Perfect! So you know what we need to do before we open yes?" I nodded turning my attention back to Fuku before we broke off to get started. I didn't know how fast time flew by till Grillby signaled us to the bar drinks in hand. I was a bit excited seeing the drink he placed before me was the same as the one before. I practically melted into the warmth the glass gave off once my hands made contact. I looked around making sure everything was done by double-checking on my fingers which seemed to catch someone's attention. I turned to see Grillby watching me curiosity dancing amongst his white eyes as he looked on.

"I have memory issues so i double-check using my fingers to make sure i got everything," I said truthfully before taking a sip of my drink a dash of pink sprinting across my lip as i licked. I looked up to see Grillby still watching me but gave a nod of understanding before going to the door and flicking a switch which i could only assume was to his neon sign. In an instant, the bar was packed as monsters strolled in like a mob waiting for entry finally given by the sign. I was surprised to see Sans enter too knowing that skeleton i thought he'd have been here already.

"Hey Grillb's can i get the usual?" The skeleton spook as he took a seat next to me eyeing me down as i finished my drink. I heard the cracking of fire and saw Grillby glaring at the skeleton before disappearing in the back. I was shocked to see Grillby bring the skeleton /ketchup?/ Was ketchup all the skeleton drank I thought to myself as I placed my glass down only for Grillby to grab it and immediately refill it. I thanked him as I went back to looking at the skeleton whose full attention was on me making me feel like I did something wrong.

"Cat got your tongue or just a staring issue?" I asked looking to Sans who seemed to take the bait to chat.

"Last week, you were the one who helped Frisk weren't you?" The skeleton asked in an almost knowing tone. True I had helped Frisk but it cost me a day of work thanks to the fever.

"And if I did?" I asked not wanting to flat out admit I did or not in case I wasn't supposed to.

"Then I'd have to thank you for your aid," Sans said giving me a look that said he knows i did. I wasn't able to respond as I heard a cracking and looked to see Grillby giving the skeleton a look before winking at me. I dont know why but i was always drawn back to the fire elemental. He seemed to always plague my mind when i least expected it and always seemed to grow protective when Sans started to mess with me. I didnt mind either way as i went back to drinking the warmth from the liquid Grillby has been giving me soothing my aching body from the work load of the past week.

"So you work at a cafe?" I was shocked to hear Grillby be the one to ask me that but i slowly nodded.

"Yeah a maid cafe just a mile from here I've been there for a year now," I said with a shrug not really taking pride in my job since all I do is survive off tips. "I survive off tips and handle creeps all day nothing to really write home about."

"Creeps?" Grillby asked with a raised brow, his glasses tilting at the movement.

"Yeah, creeps. Humans who cross boundaries and think they can get away with it. Ive had to ban a fair share of customers because of it." I said as disgust laced my voice with every word. Horrids memories started back up at the mere thought of those creeps hitting on JP and me. I felt a warm hand grab my shoulder and give it a squeeze making me snap back to reality. Grillby was giving me a worried look as he held my shoulder which made me place a hand on his giving it a reassuring squeeze. "The job came with the risks and i willingly took it so dont fret," I said with a smile hoping to soothe the flaming bartender's nerves before looking to see Sans eyeing us making me glare. The skeleton gave off the friendly annoying guy vide and i hated it cause he was getting to me. I bit back a scream as someone hugged me from behind only to see Fuku appear from behind me. I really needed to tell her to stop that before i did end up screaming.

"Want me to walk you home? Or do you wanna hang here for the night?" Fuku asked holding me close.

"I dont mind hanging out tonight, ill just have to watch the time as i work in the morning." My statement seemed to cheer the little fire elemental up as she beamed before releasing me. Who would have thought tonight be the start of an adventure I'd never regret.