The Artist and the Angel(A Poth story)

Chapter 28: Advice

Palette's POV an hour later

"You really didn't have to do this Clyde."I say

"Two friends of mine try to buy you and have been harassing you. The least I can do is help heal you when you're wounded."He says, wrapping bandages on my ribs

He glances at me curiously.

"How did you get these wounds?"He asks

"You know Calludo?"I ask

"Heard of him. Total ass."He says

"Well he doesn't like me near Goth and...Hmph...It isn't the worst that I've dealt with...It's worth it for my family..."I say

"So avoiding and excluding my son is worth it?"A voice says

I glance over my shoulder, seeing Mr. Reaper hovering there with his wings flapping and his arms crossed.  I jolt and shudder at the pain from my sudden movement.

"Mr. Reaper! H-Hi! I c-can explain!"I say, quickly buttoning my shirt up again

"I'll go to the kitchen while you speak with Death."Clyde says

I glance at Mr. Reaper out of one eye, the other one patched up. His eyes shrink in his empty sockets, not seeming to expect that.

"Okay, so that much of what Goth said is true...Listen, I've heard two different stories from my sons and I'd like you to clarify so I understand. You look exhausted and beaten, are you alright?"He asks

"It could be worse."I say with a shrug then flinch in pain

"So, why do you avoid my son as if he's the plague lately? And hang out with Raven as if he is your new best bud?"He asks

"Cause I'm limited...Can't be around Goth, can't hang with him, can't be in his way. Raven is no issue...There's no way for me to get around these restrictions either...Calludo has been entering my head and confronts me in reality as well. He doesn't want to see me near Goth, saying that I get in his way and should know my place...Or else he won't just hurt me but my family...Today was just another reminder.."I say, bowing my head

"Ugh, this BS again?"He says

I glance up at him in surprise.

"Palette, that crap about places isn't new. That's how people reacted to my husband. My question now is did Calludo mention me or my husband at all?"He asks

I shake my head. He smirks.

"Then he has a surprise waiting for him."He chuckles

"I'm sorry about this...I'm sorry to Gothy as well..."I say, my sleepiness catching up to me again as I hold the necklace tightly

"No, Palette. We understand. Goth was just worried about you. He thought that he hurt you. You both really are considerate and a good fit for each other."He says

"F-fit?"I say to see if I heard him right

My soul beat a bit faster at the implications. He seems to notice and smirks, taking a seat beside me.

"Yes, you are one of the best people that I trust Goth with. Well, let me correct myself. You are the one I trust Goth with the most. You've always looked out for him and accept him as he is. You effortlessly make him happier than I've ever seen him, yet work so hard to make sure of that. None of this mortal and god nonsense. Just the kind of person I'd want my son to be around. Do you know why I was okay with leaving you in that Romance Box with him?"He says

I pause, thinking for a moment of what he's referencing.

"Because you like annoying your husband?"I guess curiously

He looks at me, quiet before chuckling.

"True, but it's also because I know that I can trust you if he were to be in that tradition. You'd be good for him if that were to happen, much better than others that I have seen near him. And maybe it's because you're like me. We've both been outsiders before and you and I have both set our souls on making two sweet skeletons happy and loved for no clear reason. As similar as I can think we are, you're your own person and I enjoy seeing how happy you both are together."He tells me

I gaze at him, amazed at his words. I knew that he was okay with me around his kids but I didn't know he actually was this supportive of me with Goth! Most of it seemed like jokes or teasing tricks to annoy Mr. Geno! But....it is nice to hear. I feel proud to have earned his trust or such high regard. Then he smirks wider.

"What did you think I meant when I said you are a good fit for each other?"He asks with a teasing tone

"N-Nothing!"I say, feeling my face burn

"Oh come on, you can tell me."He says

I shake my head.

"Gothy is my best friend...It would be wrong to think of more..."I say

"Do you think of more?"He asks

My face burns and I silently nod.

"There's nothing wrong with having a crush on my son."He says

"Yes there is!"I say

He looks at me with a questioning and stern gaze. I better choose my words carefully.

"He's my best friend...My first and only best friend...He has done so much for me. I don't even understand these feelings and I don't think I can trust them. The last times I trusted my feelings I got hurt or others were put in danger. How do I know that this feeling is actual love and not just an excuse to escape pain and mistaking his good intentions for more? It feels wrong to have these feelings and thoughts after all that he has done. I don't want to cross lines or find out that the feelings are wrong and hurt him...That would feel too close to my parents' ways of using others...Using him..."I explain

He chuckles in response.

"You are one of the last people that I'd worry about hurting or using Goth. Feelings don't always explain themselves like thoughts in the mind may do. They're free to interpret and the reasons come from how you react to them and show character. You are far from your parents. And your feelings are genuine and you'll be harmless to him. You know how I know this?"He tells me

"No...How?"I ask

"If you were selfish and using him, you wouldn't be questioning this. You'd be looking for how this benefits you or how to use it your advantage. You're being genuine with your feelings and factoring Goth into your actions. You care for how this may hurt him or his feelings, which shows real love. You have nothing to fear and should just embrace these feelings since they don't just come around everyday for just anyone."He tells me

I feel waves of relief wash over me, rinsing away the weights of my concerns or guilt for having these feelings. It's normal. It's okay. I'm not shameful for this crossing lines...

I really....love Gothy...It's a good thing...So what now?

"So...What should I do?"I ask

His eyes twinkle with creativity, an idea seeming to form in his head.

"I have a good idea of what you can do. Come here."He says

I lean closer and he whispers a plan to me with a proud, confident smirk. I listen carefully and smile.

I can make Gothy happy!

"But what about Calludo?"I ask once he finished telling me

"You worry about the plan and let us worry about him. Trust me, you're all set for this and there's no way for this to fail."He tells me

"Okay..."I say, trusting his word

Gothy is in for a big surprise!

TBC