On The Surface | An OCTale Sequel

34) Treble Heart

3rd March

"Flowey! Guess what time it is!" I chirp, and instead of him groaning, he actually seems excited.

"Today's your band practise again, right?" He replies, as I nod, picking him up in his pot.

"Casteller texted me this morning saying that she's finished writing the song! And I've been practising playing the pan flute a whole lot recently, too! It's gonna be great!" I continue, as he nods along.

"Sounds cool. Let's go already!"

* * * *

As I place Flowey down on top of the piano, Crimson walks in with a coffee, a bottle of iced tea, a glass of water, and some orange juice, all on a tray. I thank her as she passes me Flowey's water and my juice, and I decide to start up some small talk.

"Hey, Crimson, how's it going with you and Sam recently?" I ask, as she turns towards me, flashing a toothy grin.

"It's awesome! The other day, he nerded out about how he fixed Emmaton up last week, it was so cool!" She grins, before going oddly quiet afterwards.

"...Crimson?" Flowey asks, as she seems lost in thought.

"Oh! Yeah, I was just thinking again...Tyler, promise you won't tell Sam this, okay? But..." Crimson explains, starting to blush a little.

"I'm going to ask him to marry me soon!" She announces, as I gasp.

"Oh my god! That's really great! Good for you, Crimson! When are you going to pop the question?" I chirp in curiousity.

"I dunno when yet, but we'll probably hang out at the local beach. Yeah, we'll definetely go to the beach!" She smiles enthusiastically. I think she's been planning this for a while.

As we finish talking, Castellar finally arrives. She's sweating slightly, so I'm assuming she ran.

"Sorry I'm late! I had to run a few errands for my mom, she's making us this amazing chocolate fudge later! You should all try some!" She beams, and we all collectively agree. It'll be nice to have a snack after this is over, and it'll be nice to hang at Castellar's for a bit.

"Anyway, when are you guys gonna start singing? I'm getting bored of waiting." Flowey yawns, and Crimson glares at him slightly.

"Yeah, yeah, Cassie's here now, we're starting. You got the lyrics?" She groans, looking over at Castellar, who gleefully holds up her notebook. I notice Emma has been scribbled in the margin.

"And I've got my pan flute!" I cheer, pulling it out of my pocket.

"How do you fit so much in that small space, Tyler?" Flowey genuinely asks, chuckling slightly.

"Okay, are we ready? A-one-two-three!" Castellar announces, as Crimson starts to play her piano.

* * * *

Every day, I imagine a future where I can be with you
In my hand, is a pen that will write a poem of me and you.

"Hey, are you okay?"
"Ah...! A...human?"
"Yes. Hello! What's your name?"
"...Luke."

The ink flows down into a dark puddle,
Just move your hand - write the way into his heart!
But in this world of infinite choices,
What will it take just to find that special day?
What will it take just to find that special day?

"[Hello! I am Luke, and this is my friend, Tyler! What is your name?]"

Have I found everybody a fun assignment to do today?
When you're here, everything that we do is fun for them anyway.

"Stop being such a crybaby, it's only a story! Anyway, I wasn't finished."

When I can't even read my own feelings,
What good are words, when a smile says it all?
And if this world won't write me an ending
What will it take just for me to have it all?

"Despite everything, it's still you."

Does my pen only write bitter words for those who are dear to me?
Is it love if I take you, or is it love if I set you free?

"Heheheh! I love you too!"

The ink flows down into a dark puddle,
How can I write love into reality?
If I can't hear the sound of your heartbeat,
What do you call love in your reality?
And in your reality, if I don't know how to love you,
I'll leave you be...

"Maybe we'll meet again sometime! Until then!"

I failed to realise that I've started crying.

* * * *

Everyone looks at me in concern, as I try to wipe the tears away, but they don't stop falling.

"I...I don't know why I'm crying...That song...I think it just brought forth some memories. I'll be fine." I smile weakly, still crying. Flowey looks away, knowing what I'm talking about.

"Well, if you're sure, Tyler..." Crimson remarks in concern, making her way to sit next to Castellar.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Cassie asks, like the cinnamon roll she is. I nod.

"It's just...everyone seems to have someone special in their lives right now. Castellar loves Emma for being herself...Crimson and Sam are getting engaged soon...Impact even confessed to Guidea the other day! But...what about me?" I explain, Castellar putting an arm around me.

"Tyler, you don't need a boyfriend or girlfriend to be happy! After all, we all love you as a friend, isn't that right, Crimson?" She grins, and Crimson nods in agreement. Even Flowey smiles at this.

"Thanks guys...but it's more than that. I had somebody I loved! But they're gone now...and I don't know when or if they'll come back..." I frown, Flowey becoming morose again. We both know the truth behind why Luke can't come back. And we have no clue of how to stop it.

"Oh...well, you just have to believe in them! As long as you have faith in them, they'll surely return one day!" Castellar beams, and I giggle.

"Thanks, Cassie. I have no clue how you manage to stay positive all the time." I smile, as she's lost in thought for a few seconds.

"Well, I guess I stay strong because others need somebody to look up to in times of darkness, right?" She shrugs, and I grin. I told her that.

"Well, I'm starving. Let's head off to Castellar's!" Crimson announces, and we all cheer.

* * * *

* After playing video games and eating some delicious fudge, I head home.
* The thought of how my friends will always support me fills me with determination.

*...

*But seriously...we need to think of a plan to save Luke.
* Before it's too late.

They're too far gone, Tyler! Just give up already!