Reborn As A Dust Sans [Undertale Multiverse]

Ch48 - Pomegranate

Ashe's POV

You snorted as Spooky dissolved into a flustered mess at having been semi-acknowledged.

"Oh! Ashe! This way! Quick!" Ink launched into action, dragging you alongside her as she booked it. You dis nothing to fight her grip, but almost tripped at her sudden insistence. "This! Here! This super cute little store has the most adorable dresses, and skirts, and, just, gah!" the artist rambled, gesturing to a relatively small looking building.

The building itself was a mix of plum purple and deep maroons, creating an environment that felt almost regal in nature. Far too formal for a general store, probably the type of place you buy custom fitted outfits from.

It certainly looked expensive. The mannequins displayed in the window showcasing designs that surely would have cost a fortune to purchase, they looked so elaborate and gorgeous. There were a mix of styles, but they all felt similar, like they were all designed by the same person.

Ink's confidence seemed to falter. "Uhm... maybe we should... do this later?" she murmured, clearly intimidated.

You could see the longing in her eyes, the way she really did want to try things on. She just needed a little encouragement. You had more than enough patience for the both of you. 'Its okay, Ink, I'm here with you,' you encouraged. 'I think I want to look at some dresses too anyway,' you signed to her with a reassuring smile.

"Really? You do?" she let out. Though her tone was questioning, you could hear the relief in her voice.

Truthfully, you didn't really want a dress that much. It wasn't that you disliked them, just that they weren't really something you considered your style. But if you trying them on with her would help her feel more confident, you were perfectly happy to do so. Besides, trying stuff together sounded like fun.

'I do! Do you think you could help me find something pretty? Maybe if you show me what you like, it'll help me figure out what I like,' you suggested. Maybe a lil sneaky, asking her preferences, but it clearly worked because her confidence returned tenfold.

Without waiting another moment, she tightly gripped your hand in hers, pulling you into the pretty little store and heading straight for the dresses with clear excitement. You chuckled as she went through various sections, momentarily left behind.

"Good Afternoon, Dear. Do Either Of You Need Assistance?" a sans variant in militaresque attire let out as they approached the two of you. Ink didn't really seem to notice, too busy looking st clothes, though this stranger's attention seemed more fixed on you in particular.

There was something about their voice that screamed authority. They didn't need to threaten folk to behave, because their mere existence demanded it. Somehow, you were sure even Killer would behave around this variant. Scary.

You shuddered under their gaze, but gave a smile. 'Ink wants to get some clothing, but is really nervous about it. I'm just here for encouragement,' you explained, not outright saying that Ink was after feminine clothes in particular.

"I See. I Am Pomegranate, I Come From A FellSwap-Gold World And Am The Designer Of These Pieces. A Pleasure To Meet Your Acquaintance."

'Ashe,' you introduced politely. 'Um, we might be here for a while, this is her first time picking things out.'

"Very Well Then I'll Be Closing The Store Temporary To Give You Both Some Privacy. Do Let Me Know If You Need Anything, Dear."

'Is that okay? Wouldn't you lose customers?' you responded with uncertainty.

Pomegranate simply chuckled. "This Is Nothing At All. I Owe Ink Many Thanks For Aiding My Au When It Fell. The Least I Can Do Is Let Her Explore In Peace," they hummed. "Do Pick Out An Outfit For Yourself, Too, If You Like. Any Friend Of Ink, Is A Friend Of Mine. That, And That Dust-Covered Hoody Is Horrendous."

You nodded, watching for a moment as they left from the aisle, hands still clasped behind their back. They seemed very formal and polite, and a little bit terrifying, but not necessarily in a bad way. Maybe you would get a chance to get to know them more someday.

Once you met back up with Ink, you realised she had paused at a particular outfit. It was a vintage styled dress covered in sunflower patterns. Her phalanges were trembling, like she was afraid even touching it would get her into trouble, and when her gaze hesitantly reached yours, you gave her a reassuring smile. 'That one is really cute! Do you want to try it on?'

She hesitated. "N-no! Yes? I don't know!" she stuttered out, shoving it into your hands as though she were burned by it. "You try it! ...Please."

You chuckled. She clearly didn't quite have the confidence to try on a dress herself yet, but maybe she would feel more comfortable if it felt like a group activity. 'Sure,' you signed, to which she looked surprised. Had she really expected you to be mad? 'But you should try the next one, okay? You'd look really pretty.'

You disappeared into the change room, dress in hand. You cringed as you took off your hoodie, the pale blue still covered in the remnants of monster dust. It was uncomfortable to look at now. You hadn't really thought about it before now, but it just didn't feel like you. Had it ever? Or was it just a reminder of a skeleton who's identity you had stolen away through accidental possession?

Sighing, you placed your own clothes down and carefully put on the dress. It fit nicely over your bones but was definitely the wrong size - it wouldn't have fit you or Ink, so she must have just grabbed the first one she saw from the rack without checking.

"WOWEE, BROTHER. THAT LOOKS... ER.... CUTE, BUT UHM, WAY TOO BIG FOR YOU. YOU PROBABLY NEED LIKE TWO SIZES SMALLER," he encouraged.

'It's okay, Spooky. I'm just trying stuff on to make Ink more comfortable,' you signed quickly before trying to readjust part of the dress to fit better.

"...YOU DO KNOW INK IS STILL OUR ENEMY, YES?"

You shrugged. 'Consider it a temporary truce?' you signed uncertainly. 'I know I could escape now, but I want to make sure she has support. Dream doesn't... seem like he's a very good friend. And Blue is clearly trying, but, um.. I just think its a good idea to get to know Ink better.'

"I GUESS THAT MAKES SENSE. SHE'S NOT AS BAD AS I THOUGHT SHE WOULD BE, ADMITTEDLY. STILL KIND OF ANNOYING BUT, UH, IN AN AFFECTIONATE WAY? LIKE KILLER IS."

You snorted at that, then made a vague gesture before slipping out of the change room to show Ink the dress. She had been waiting long enough to see your outfit.