Fictober 2024

Hope

Universe: Multiple(?)

MC: Core Frisk

Genre: Fluff, with a bit of angst

Warnings:
-OOC
-Mostly unedited
-Mention(s) of past violence

A/N:

Figured it was about time I stopped being so mean to Killer lol.
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Core tilts their head, gaze blank as they stare at the two skeletons in front of them despite the smile on their face. Colour's flames are set in a purple to red gradiant, with faint hints of yellow mixed in, the skeleton beside him wearing a cheery grin despite his defensive posture.

"If I understand this right..." Core's voice is full of disbelief as they fix their stare solely on Colour, gesturing vaguely towards Killer with one of their hands. "...  You want me to allow one of the most infamous skeletons across the entire multiverse into the omega timeline? A place where some of its residents ended there solely because of him and the gang he was in?"

Core does not think this makes sense. Colour must mirror their thoughts, judging by the sheepish grin on his skull, but he continues to persist.

"You said it yourself before. It's a new chance for outcodes, those rejected by their AU, and victims of genocide timelines, no? Killer fits into that description as well."

Core would hardly say he's only been rejected by his own AU, not after everything he's done. And could he still count as a victim after he turned the table and became the genocider? They'd be justified in rejecting the request, but... they hate hypocrites. Their smile drops, and they purse their lips, gaze shifting towards Killer as they narrow their eyes.

What a conundrum.

(The word was in last weeks crossword puzzle, and they've been waiting for a chance to use it. Choosing between two side dishes just doesn't feel worthy of it.)

The skeleton is utterly still, gaze firmly on them. His smile turns sharp when they gaze at him, the red glint of his SOUL flaring brighter as a dark substance drips down his eyesockets.

It's as if the skeleton is trying to sabotage himself. Core scowls at him.

They have two options now. They could be petty and go back on their word with the reasoning from their earlier thoughts. Or, they could... give the skeleton a chance.

Decisions, decisions.

Colour speaks up before they decide.

"I'll monitor him if it's necessary." There's a determined look in his eyelight when Core glances at him, face set in hard and serious lines. It's an unfamiliar sight on the usually laid back and sometimes melancholic skeleton. "Send in reports or something. You could put him on probation. Just... give it a bit of time, a trial period, so to say."

Core blinks. That... could work. Their face relaxes. Yes, that could work. They contemplate what restrictions they should place on him.

"First..." Core raises a finger, but despite the hesitance and apprehension in their voice, Colour seems to be relieved. "He can not attack any of the other residents, no matter what. If he gets harmed in any way, it will be on you to protect him and heal him." Colour seems hesitant to accept this condition but clenches his jaw and nods grimly. Killer's smile is strained, but strangely enough, a part of him looks relieved as well.

(It's as close as it can be to a direct order, something his mind happily absorbs as the rules of his new ruler, and he's a bit relieved that it's an order that doesn't involve him harming others. It's directly the opposite of that!

He's not- he's not sure he won't spiral the moment his EXP rises again, let alone his LV. He's done too much, wished too much harm on too many people, and acted on it, to be confident in himself in matters of restraining violence.)

"Second, he can't be allowed out of your house too long. "

This condition, the two of them readily accept. By the looks of it, Core thinks they were already planning on him not going out much, not for a while at least.

"Finally, if he breaks any of the two conditions or any others I think of by next month, he'll be kicked out immediately..." Killer and Colour relax, tension leaving their shoulders. Core continues. "... and you'll be kicked out with him." Killer tenses up immediately, but Colour only blinks in surprise before nodding his skull. Seems reasonable enough, considering he's the one vouching for him.

Killer starts to protest-

("You can't-"

But they can. He knows it. It's their dimension. They can do as they want with it. It's a miracle they agreed to allow him to live in it, but Killer doesn't want it to be at the risk of Colour's expulsion.

He's the one who can't handle that.)

-but Colour clamps a hand over his mouth, grinning cheerily at Core with a thumbs up. "You got it, kid!"

Core lets him get away with the nickname despite being older than him, their own smile returning to their face. With a simple (unnecessary) gesture of their hand, the door out of this room shifts to a portal that should land them perhaps a few houses down from Colour's residence, kicking their feet under the table in front of them.

They promised a nice Outerfell Toriel they'd be visiting for lunch, so they really don't have more time for this. Once the two skeletons (one of them very reluctant) go through the door, Core immediately disappears and reforms their body in the living room of the Toriel. There's a humming coming from the kitchen and a wonderful smell wafting through the house, a puzzle book prepped for them on the dining table they eagerly get to.

Core wonders how much chaos Killer's presence will stir up. They're a bit conflicted over that, a bit eager for drama and a bit guilty for the stress it'll put some individuals through. They really hope it won't be too bad. For now... where's that darned ladybug hidden on this page?

(It's been a week since Killer moved into his house, since he got permission from Core. The skeleton has been sulking for the majority of it over Colour's agreement to the last condition, Colour equally amused and exasperated over his reaction. He knocks gently on the door to Killer's room.

"You gonna be grumpy today too? Should I bring an umbrella?"

"Fuck you."

Colour only laughs at him, pushing the door open to find a pouting Killer curled in his nest of a bed. Colour has been in the habit of being neater ever since everything and getting settled in here, but he can't say his bed is in a much better state.

He grins.

"Come on. I know a nice cat cafe I'm sure you'll like, and I know the owner there, so I can probably arrange a private room of sorts."

Killer should be starting to feel cramped, after all. And Core did say he's allowed to go out, just not for extended periods of time. His grin softens when Killer perks up, a white ring appearing in one of his eye sockets briefly as his pout drops into a painfully hopeful look.

Colour reaches a hand out.

"It's a new day. Let's go."

Killer, still so very hesitant but more resolved by the day, accepts his hand.)
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Next chap: Swapfell red, Chara