My Guardian Angel [Chara x Reader]

A Proposition

The Doctor and his right hand sat quietly in a decadent waiting room. Potted plants dotted the perimeter in aesthetic clusters, marble tables circled by cushioned chairs, and a thousand sharded chandeliers hung from the ceiling. They both wore dark suits, though one was certainly more comfortable with it than the other.

"You're telling me this is the pinnacle of human fashion? How asinine."

"Getting an audience with the mayor isn't your everyday occurrence. Besides, if you wish to strike a deal, it would be best if you at least pretended to be human," Valerie scoffed.

"What a revolting statement. 'Pretend to be human,' oh to stoop so low."

"Such disdain, and yet you claim to be some sort of savior. How can such benevolence come from that deep of a hatred?"

"How can an assassin hold such a deep connection with another?" the Doctor retorted with a low chuckle.

"......" Valerie could only glare at the Doctor in response.

Suddenly, another voice broke them out of their standoff.

"Miss Alania? The mayor is free now. You and your associate may enter."

"... Of course." Valerie stood up quickly, the Doctor following suit. Following the attendant, they filed into the mayor's office. It held a very similar cadence to the waiting room. Overtly opulent for nothing but asserting wealth. In the middle of the room sat a massive oak desk, commanding an air of authority. Sunlight flowed through the massive window to the left of the desk, casting the room in an overwhelming brightness.

"Welcome you two, please take a seat," the mayor said sweetly, to which the two obliged.

"Would you like something to drink?" He said with a snap of his fingers. An assistant hurried over with a plate with a bottle of wine and three narrow glasses placed upon it. The mayor took a glass and poured till the liquid reached the brim.

"Enough with the pleasantries, Mayor Hastlin," Valerie interjected.

"Always straight to the point. I admire you deeply for that trait, Miss Alania. Now, that being said, I'd never expect you back here again, not since your... previous resignation. Anyways, who is this special guest you brought with you today?"

"This is... the Doctor. He's here to discuss a proposition with you."

"Hm? Honorifics aren't really my thing. If you would, your real name please? Maybe then, I'd be more open to such discussions," the mayor asked in a veiled probing.

"Gaster. Wingding Gaster."

"A striking name indeed. So, about this proposition you spoke of?"

"Well, Mr.Hastlin, I'm sure you're aware of the town's current worrying situation. All negative press, doesn't it get to a person of such high standards as yourself?" The Doctor began with vague hand gestures.

"Yes, I am aware, we have the proper authorities working on it as of now. The rest, I cannot control."

"And the rising tensions outside of the town of Ebbot? What of that?"

"What exactly are you trying to get at, Dr. Gaster?" The mayor asked, his eyes squinting.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I'm just pointing out some things that I've noticed," Gaster hummed.

"Hm. It indeed has been quite a concern, seeing as it is the root of Ebbot's distress. Being locked in a cage is a maddening experience. You'd be surprised if we didn't spiral into the madness."

"It is a shame. All this anguish and violence. It's only going to snowball out of your control. Wouldn't it be nice if some of that burden were taken off your shoulders?"

"Oh? Are you perhaps suggesting a solution?" The mayor asked with a sip from his glass.

"Exactly. I just so happen to have a group willing to take care of the trouble makers."

"And what does that entail? Replacing the Ebbot police force?" The mayor tested with suspicion.

"More so, an active cooperation. They still conduct the investigations and detainment, but instead of placing those criminals in confinement, why not offer them... rehabilitation?"

Valerie's stomach soured at the thought.

"So you run an asylum?"

"You could say that," Gaster purred with a crooked smile.

"That somehow fits your stature, Doctor."

"I'm glad you think so. Now, what do you say?"

"As nice as your offer seems, I do wonder about the details you happen to be forgetting."

"Would you kindly elaborate, mayor?"

The mayor stood up with his glass in hand, slowly swirling it as he walked to the window.

"In all my years, there was one thing that made itself very clear. Things don't come without an equivalent exchange. You expect me to believe that you'll provide this service for nothing in return?" The mayor mused with a pointed question.

"Their salvation is worth more to me than any mortal folly. Perhaps, that's a foreign concept? Hah, I jest. Do know my offer is sincere, and that your choice here might decide the fate of this Ebbot that you so desire to control."

"Haha! What a character you've brought me, Alania. You have a keen eye doctor and a silver tongue. I like people like you. I'll have your proposition in my considerations," the mayor laughed, returning to his chair.

"Thank you for your time. I hope we'll have a fruitful working relationship," the Doctor bowed graciously.

"If I do accept this offer, can I expect Miss Alania to be helping with my work once again?"

"Over my dead body," Valerie growled.

"Of course, if you so desire," Gaster agreed in an instant. Then shooting Valerie a warning look, he silently reminded her why she was here.

"Tch..." Valerie forced herself to bite back a sharp retort.

"Shrewd as well I see. I'll have someone send over the details. We can discuss more when it comes to it."

"Very well. Then we shall take our leave. It was a pleasure speaking with you."

"Likewise, Doctor."

/

"I thought had I made myself very clear before the meeting, Valerie. You would do the introductions and I would complete the rest. Mind explaining to me your sudden provocation during our negotiations?"

"You never told me that we would have any dealings with outside parties. This isn't what we agreed upon."

"Always so close minded you humans. A puppet connected to strings connected to sticks connected to strings connected to sticks. What difference does it make the amount of convolution in between? In end your actions are still bound to my will. Perhaps it's been too long since I've reinforced that fact. Maybe this will help steel your resolve," Gaster reached into the dark crevices of his robe and retrieved an audio player. He tossed it to the ground carelessly before walking off.

The device clattered sickeningly against the ground taunting Valerie to pick it up. Part of her understood what lie within the audio player. A false relic of the past. A lie created to manipulate her. A fabrication to break her. And yet she still scrambled to it, picking it up with her trembling hands. Without hesitation, she hit play.