Unrequited LOVE

•Chapter 11•

You dressed quickly, not wanting to keep them waiting. The outfit you selected was simple, yet practical: black jeans, a gray t-shirt, and your signature jacket.

Damn, I look good.

Smoothing down your hair (which Blue had actually cut a week ago), you trotted to the bathroom to take care of some things.

Who knew wings need to be brushed?

Ink was in the process of finishing the sandwich he'd made when you walked down. His tongue, a vaguely human-sized appendage that glowed every color of the rainbow, swiped over his teeth in satisfaction.

Yup, never getting used to that...

The concept of skeletons - literal skeletons - having tongues (possibly other 'appendages', too) plagued your mind time to time. It was just so wrong; they were made of bones, for goodness sake!

...Although it's no worse than me having wings, I suppose...

"Oh, (Y/n), you look nice," Dream comments as soon as he sees you. His face twists into one of his signature grins, filling you with a welcome burst of calm.

You notice the food on the counter, stored in thick brown bags. "Oh, I did you get the food."

"yup," Ink answers. "so we can deliver it quicker."

"Thanks, guys," you walk over and haul some of the bags into your arms. The three skeletons follow suit and grab the remaining bags.

Damn, they're strong, you think, watching Blue stack six bags in his seemingly-spindly arms. "Everyone ready?"

"YUP!"

With a soft whirl, you conjure a portal to the bad guys' pocket.

Here we go.

You can see Horror waiting on the porch. His eyesight contracts when he catches sight of the skeletons accompanying you.

...It dawns on you that you should have called beforehand. A fight is the last thing you want, especially at this time.

"Horror!" You greet him happily, pushing your worries away. I trust them. "We got the food!"

(Since when was that established?)

At your voice, the giant skeleton's eyesight returns to normal. You resist the urge to sigh in relief. "...(y/n)."

Thank god...

With renewed vigor, you hand him the bags. Blue try to do the same, but freezes when a harsh growling noise fills the space. You realize the sound is coming from Horror, who's face has twisted into a nasty snarl.

I spoke too soon-

Dream and Ink stiffen, obviously startled by the noise. Ink's eyelights flare orange - warning colors.

No no no no-

In an attempt to diffuse the situation, you lay a hand on Horror's massive arm. The growling stalls. "Horror, it's alright."

Silence. The way Horror stares you down (adoringly) causes your cheeks to pinken. Nevertheless, you continue. "Calm down. They're helping me deliver food. Food, Horror. Just food."

"...so..." his expression resembles that of a kicked puppy. The guilt slices into your SOUL. "...you aren't going to... bake with me...?

"Uh," you say eloquently. "I-I didn't say that. Of course we can bake!"

His smile returns. You exhale softly. Nice save, (Y/n). "promise?"

Just as you're about to respond, Blue interrupts. "SHE MIGHT NOT WANT TO BAKE WITH YOU, HORROR."

...excuse me?

Horror's face falls again, the dangerous snarl returning. His clothed ribcage rumbles threatening as the growling picks up again.

God give me strength.

You can tell this isn't going to end well. Gently squeezing Horror's arm, you address Blue. "Blue, I appreciate the concern, but I'm totally fine with baking with him."

Unfortunately, the smaller skeleton doesn't look convinced. "BUT-"

"she said she's fine," for once, there's no waver to Horror's voice. A threat, you realize. "l e a v e."

Did he just...?

Your friends flinch. Blue looks like he wants to reach out and grab you, but doesn't.

"leave," Horror says again, subtly flexing his claw-like phalanges.

You gulp helplessly; the situation is spiraling out of control. Fast.

Just when things can't get any more tense, they do. Dust enters the scene, glowering dangerously. "he said 'leave', you sparkly bastards."

Blue places his bags on the ground, as do Ink and Dream. At a loss of what to do, you attempt taking a step towards the bags on the ground. Horror, however, has other plans. He seizes your wrist and pulls you against his massive ribcage.

You struggle half-heartedly, not wanting to set him off. "Horror-"

"...stay..."

His voice is surprisingly calm, reassuring, even. You stop struggling and allow yourself to relax; it's clear his intention is not to hurt you.

Dream stiffens at the action. "Horror, you can't grab (Y/n) without her permission. Let her go."

"no," it's as if his voice dropped a few octaves. "...we're going to bake..."

"exactly, so fuck off," Dust agrees, left socket alight with wisps of purple magic. It reminds you of the time he threatened you in the laundry room, but worse. "or do ya wanna have a b a d t i m e?"

"It's alright, guys," you say, attempting to diffuse the situation. Please calm down-

Blue glances at Dream and Ink, then at you. There's concern written all over his face, like you've just asked him if he likes playing with fire. "ARE YOU SURE?"

Thank the multiverses. He's wavering - they all are. Just one more push.

"Promise."

That's all it takes. With one last forlorn look, Blue walks back through the portal, flanked by Ink and Dream.

I hope they're not mad...

Horror releases his hold on you once the portal closes. His grin is apologetic. "...can we?"

Is that even a question?

"Of course," you grab a few bags from the ground and follow him inside. Dust grabs the remaining bags and trails after you, muttering something to himself.

Thank goodness that's over.

***

Oh my, how bold of you, Horror!