Handplates

Don't count on it

"Failure, failure, failure." Gaster sighed in annoyance. "If enthusiasm equaled adeptness, you'd be less of a disappointment, 2-P." He continued talking to himself, setting down his test objects on the table in front of him before stopping suddenly. "...Where's my colour cube?"

2-P sat in the cell, twisting the cube this way and that, trying to find a pattern that suited them until they made them all X's. "Subject 2." Gaster's voice rang out coldly in the quiet room, causing 2-P to jump. "D-Don't be mad! Don't be mad, I, I just-" They spluttered, staring at Gaster with utter fear. "How did you get that without me noticing?" Gaster asked, looking through the lasers at 2-P as they clutched the cube to their chest. "I really liked- I-I wanted to practice. So, so I can show you how good I am at puzzles, I'm- I'm really good at puzzles." 2-P tried to reason. "Subject 2," Gaster said, more seriously this time. "I am, I really am, see, look," 2-P said, extending the cube towards Gaster so he could see. "Look, it's all X's! And, and to solve it you have to make them all O's it-" They explained before Gaster cut them off and extended his hand. "Subject 2. Give me the cube," he said flatly, hand waiting. "I... I think it's really clever, I don't think anyone could come up with a puzzle like this, I think it's really good..." 2-P said, trailing off. With a sigh, Gaster grabbed 2-P's soul and pulled him to the lasers and extended his hand. "Give me the cube." With much sadness, 2-P placed the cube in Gaster's waiting hand. "You are never to take anything back to your cell again, especially without informing me," Gaster said sternly, pointing his finger at 2-P. "Or the consequences will be dire. Do you understand?" 2-P hung their head in shame and then finally in a quiet voice, "I'm sorry." Gaster turned and began to walk away. "Don't do this again." 2-P started suddenly. "When will my brother come back? I... I wanted to show him my puzzle." Gaster stopped and paused. "1-S is healing poorly. He has yet to regain consciousness." 2-P looked down at the ground, tears blurring their eyes. "Oh... I hope he comes back soon." Gaster turned slightly, SOUL feeling sorry for the little skeleton. "If you behave, I may return the cube later." 2-P's face lit up. "Really????? You mean it?????? THANK YOU!!" They blurted out as Gaster began to walk away again. "Never do this again," he said before disappearing out of sight. 

"God, What am I doing?"