The Bartender and The Flower (GrillbyxReader)

Chapter Three

Flower
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I woke like any other day but for some odd reason i got the feeling today be different. And i was correct when i got to work to see a mob of humans up in arms over something. When i got closer i saw the cafe window was covered in junk and liquids i couldnt all name on one hand which pissed me off cause that meant I'd have to clean it. When i got within ear shot i realized it was a pro monster protest and last weeks conversation with JP hit me like a wall. The cafe banned monsters and these humans are rioting for them. Oh fuck. I quickly hid when i got near hoping not have been seen before making a break for it rushing into the shop. I locked the door behind me as the mob charged slamming against the door.

"Uh, JP? Mrs. Jenna?" I called, Mrs. Jenna being my boss. The shop was empty to which i could only blame on the mob which made things more freaky. JP was never a fan of work but surely she didnt ditch cause of a mob right? I was pulled from my thoughts when seeing JP exist from the back giving me a look before seeming to realize i was freaked out by the mob.

"Come here hun they wont enter just stay on the sidewalk." I let out a short shakey breath as i approached my coworker.

"Is this a result from last week?" I asked taking a seat in the back JP just nodded before motioning to the clock. I cursed myself before rushing to the restroom to change, i was late, im never late. Great, that was something i was gonna hyperfixate on and overthink the whole day.

I groaned finally finished cleaning all the crap off the window and shooing off the last of the angry mob. I cant believe i was late then had to stand out in the cold in uniform to clean. Someone shoot me now was all i thought as i entered the cafe to clock out my shift finally up. I paused seeing a pair of eyes watching me and glared not scared to kick someones ass after todays shift. I reappeared in my street garb to find none other then Sans staring at me. I existed the cafe locking the door after me before jogging over to the skeleton.

"Whats up skeleton boy?" I asked which earned me a look from Sans who chuckled.

"You coming to Grillby's? Grillb's and the kid have been missing ya." I forgot its been a couple of days since the last time i hung out the night having been really fun.

"I wasnt planning on it but now that you mentioned it i think ill stop by." I said giving the skeleton a soft smile.

"Perfect but lets take a short cut i dont really mind walkin." Sans said wrapping an arm around my waist which if i didnt get friend vibes from him id think he was pulling a move. I closed my eyes feeling light headed suddenly and blinked a fews when my feet seemed to resteady themselves. I looked up shocked to see Grillby's bar in front of me and the mile walk behind i gave Sans a look as it all seemed to click.

"You teleport?" I asked the little monster as i headed for the door. Sans gave me a wink before shrugging like he purposely wished to mull my brain over the matter. I rolled my eyes entering the bar greeted by the regulars who waved or voiced their hellos. I looked to the bar to see a happy Fuku running to me and a smiling Grillby. I was tackled into a hug before dragged to the bar to talk. I couldnt help but get a bit flustered when Grillby winked at me, god i was crushing hard. Its only been a couple of days but fire elemental and i have gotten close over our talks of work and clients and such. Sans makes remarks this it the most hes heard the bartender talk and Fuku was shocked too to see how mych her dads open up to me.

I understand whats it like to want to be alone and open up so much or talk so much which i don't think anyone else seems to get. I keep these thoughts to myself though not wanting fights to break out over my observations. I thanked the bartender when he gave me my usual and handed the money over to cover it. I was in my own headspace just enjoying the warmth from the drink and the buzz in the bar when a tap brought me back. I saw Grillby smiling at me his hand retracting to his side indicating he was the one who tapped me.

"How was work today?" God i loved his voice which is why i was so happy when these little chats started out.

"We had a mob today fighting for monster rights. The cafe i work at banned monsters last week and i guess word got out. I had to clean the cafe window and scare them all off so that was fun." Grillby's expression changed the more i talked making me think i was in for it but was shocked when he cupped the side of my face with one of his warm hands causing me to lean into his touch unconsciously. He seemed to look me over for any wounds or obvious bruises before looking me in the eye with his worried expression which seemed to ask if i was ok.

"I'm fine Grillby, they thankfully didn't put up a fight and ran off when they saw me approach. Though I had to spend the rest of my shift outside in uniform cleaning. Just glad it didn't start to rain like the forecast said." I couldn't help but get lost in those white eyes of his. They're calm and angelic i feel they radiate no judgment towards me. My train of thoughts were ended by a clearing of a throat by Sans and Grillby turning a shade of blue once he realized the position we were in. He seemed to stiffen at the thought of letting my face go but did so regardless causing me to almost whine at the lost touch of heat. It wasnt till now and a couple of drinks in that the tiredness started to hit but i knew it be a hassle to try and leave now.

I let out a sigh just listening to the crowd and jazz music playing from the jukebox some music in my mind that lingered playing along. I was in peace and i didnt let anyone drag me from it, i zoned out watching Grillby work. I didnt know i was letting my magic flow till i heard gasps and saw Grillby look at me. I heard a familiar chirp and weight drape across my back causing me to look up and see i was covered in flames with two beady eyes staring down at me. I called to familiar flames and watched as they took form, feathers dawned the blazing mess, a beak jutting from under the eyes, and talons for feet to stand it all. I heard the crowd of regulars as Phoenix took form of her feathery self their awes and gasps coasted her on. Soon i had my bird friend perched on my shoulders her talcons careful not to break skin, her one firey appearance gone with the wind.

"Seems you got magic of your own kid." Sans said a bit uneasy as he looked at me. I shrugged giving phoenix a pet when nudged.

"Phoenix is more than magic, she's a friend," I said her feathers soft under my touch. She was a large bird much like an eagle but bigger so she didnt really feel safe perching on my arm. I felt the weight of her tail feathers as they draped across my back like a cape all the while everyone looked on.

"Phoenix is made of flames which means..." I heard Fuku speak but couldnt finish the train of thought she had as i was beaten by her father.

"You can control fire magic," Grillby said stunned as he watched me and Phoenix. I was growing tired by the second and felt at peace which is why Phoenix appeared but i dont think that's what they wanted to hear.

"Yes, my magic is fire-based though I specialize in healing. The reason your friend, Frisk, made it out alive was because of my magic and Phoenix here." I spoke giving Phoenix a pat, i could feel her wonder and excitement as she took her surroundings in. I thought Grillby and the other monsters be upset with me but to my surprise, they were in awe all of them staring at Phoenix like she was the most beautiful thing. I envied the bird as I looked on before yawning my tiredness getting to me but i knew it be a long night for me.