#skelereader

~~~

While Axe checked you over, Edge grabbed Red by the back of the neck and stormed down the main hatch, loudly yelling at the rest of the crew to mind their own business as they scurried out of his way. For the most part, Red's protests went unheard as he was dragged down the steep steps. Blue, on the other hand, had hesitantly approached Papyrus, whispering something before they too turned and headed past the hatch, disappearing through a pair of doors into the upper levels of the ship. 

The clearing of a throat had you tensing and pressing closer to Axe. Black had once again gotten closer than you were comfortable with, standing only a couple paces away. “AS HEARTWARMING AS THIS IS, IT IS QUICKLY BECOMING LATE AND THE LADY STILL NEEDS ADEQUATE DRESS. MY BROTHER’S COAT IS HARDLY A FITTING SUBSTITUTE.”  

Rus chuckled beside him. However, when he made to comment, a look from Black had him looking down instead. 

Axe narrowed his sockets. “Don’t know where you’re planning on get’n somethin. Ain’t exactly swimmin in extras and you’ve refused to mend mine so I could give it to her.”  

Black scoffed. “YOU FAILED TO MENTION IT WAS FOR YOUR MARKED. YOU HAVE ALSO YET TO COMPLETE THE TASK I ASKED OF YOU. I DID NOT SEE THE POINT IN TURNING IN YOUR FAVOR WHEN MY OWN HAD BEEN UNMET.” 

“Been busy.” 

“AS WE’VE ALL.” 

Something shifted in the air, both of their eyelights brightening. Rus glared, moving closer to his brother. It took Crooks placing a hand on Axe’s shoulder for the two to back down. 

“Petty bastard.” 

“WHEN IT SUITS ME.” With a flourish of a hand and a half step back, he indicated the direction of the doors, continuing to meet Axe’s gaze. “NOW, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD ATTEMPT TO FIND SOMETHING MORE SUITABLE UNTIL NEXT WE MAKE PORT. SURELY YOU CAN AGREE IT WOULD BE IN EVERYONE’S BEST INTEREST.”  

“Fine, but we’re not leadin’.” You could hear the creak of Axe’s teeth. 

“OF COURSE.” With a tight turn, Black nodded, marching forward with Rus trailing behind with a wink. "AS YOU WISH." 

Axe refused to move at first, tugging his empty socket and prompting a sighing Crooks to nudge you both. "I Know You Don’t Like Him, But He Is Fair.” 

“Bastard never does anything fer free.” 

“And Yet, He Has A Point.”  

Neither you nor Axe was reassured but allowed him to guide you forward regardless. Crewmen brave enough to linger eyed your group with various degrees of emotion. When a dog monster growled, another was quick to slap the back of their head, nervously hunching at a glare from both of your skeleton friends. You tried not to show your fear or your growing limp as you passed, hoping Rus' long coat hid what you couldn’t. It didn't seem like a good idea to show weakness around others. The watchful eyes and aggressive postures spoke volumes to your already heightened nerves. Entering the ship did nothing to ease your discomfort.  

It felt cramped and pressing despite having more than enough space and light. Unlike the previous ship, several lanterns lit the expanse leaving no ominous shadows or darkened areas. You could easily see all the doors lining the walls as well as the beautifully carved and decorated windowed doors marking the end of the hall. Rus waited near the last door on the left.  

It was calm and warm, but you couldn’t shake off the feelings of danger. 

“Ya c’n go inside Darlin. Milord’s wait’n.” Rus stood to the side, motioning you inside the now open door. 

You looked to your companions. While Axe kept his eyelight on Rus, Crooks’ soft smile and nod gave you enough of a boost to cautiously cross the threshold. It smelled of lavender tinted with something you couldn’t quite place, the overall size relatively small. What looked like a narrow modified canopy bed connected to the wall was on your right. In front of you, under a single window, was a rather lovely desk intricately carved with polished knobs. To your immediate left was an open decorative chest shoved in the corner. Everything was of exquisite taste and quality, from the bedding and carvings on the furniture to the upholstery on the chair at the desk. The few trinkets left out were of fine gold or silver with glistening jewels. 

You jumped when the door closed behind you. Axe nor Crooks had made it inside. It had your stomach rolling with nerves. You did not anticipate having the others closed out. Having Black now between you and the only exit made it worse. His eyelights were too bright. 

Didn’t Rus call him a lord...? 

Your chest tightened at his approach, making sure to lower your gaze. 

“TRUE TO MY WORD, THAT HORROR’S GARMENT HAS BEEN MENDED. HAD I KNOWN IT WAS FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS, I NEVER WOULD HAVE HELD ONTO IT.” In his hands was a large linen shirt, neatly folded and dark in color. Holding it out, he offered it to you. “PUT IT ON. I WILL ADJUST IT AS NEEDED AFTER.” 

You froze, intently focusing on the simple article of cloth. Was he expecting you to do it here and now? In front of him? Wasn’t it bad enough you were laid bare in front of all those on the deck, or stars, when you pressed yourself against Blue? At least Axe had good reason to see you. Multiple! To willingly undress now in the presence of a man other than your husband...  

By the angel, what would Axe think of all this? 

Black must have noticed your silent panicked uncertainty when you didn’t immediately take it. Clearing his throat, something in his tone changed. “I SHALL, OF COURSE, REFRAIN FROM LOOKING WHILE YOU DO SO. YOU MAY LEAVE MY BROTHER’S COAT ON THE CHAIR WHEN YOU ARE READY.” 

It was hard not to squirm. While that was greatly appreciated, it still felt uncomfortable. Could you trust his word? You hardly knew the man. Perhaps things may have felt different if the room wasn’t quite so stifling or the door hadn’t been shut so suddenly. 

Luckily, heavy thumps in the hall distracted Black enough for him to hand you the garment himself, squinting at the door behind him. He was just about to speak again when another set of thumps sounded, this time shaking the door. Growling, he finally turned when the muffled voices following the noise got angrier. 

You really didn’t want to do this right now. Not here. Not with all the uncertainties surrounding you.  

Taking a slow breath in, you let it out. The sooner you changed, the sooner you could be rid of these unsettling feelings. With unsteady fingers twitching against the fabric as you took one last glance at Black’s back. 

One more breath. 

The sound of your rattling bones was louder without the security of the coat. Placing it on the chair, you did your best to quickly dress.  

The feeling of fabric against your bones was surprisingly comforting as you pulled it over your head. True to Axe’s size, the shirt almost went to your knees. It was so large the fabric pooled on your much smaller frame and reminded you of the nightgowns you used to wear back at the manor. 

If only it wasn’t so short. 

Though your more private areas were covered, it was not good for a lady to show so much… leg. You tugged at the hem, the sleeves threatening to engulf your hands.  

“I’m dressed, my lord.” 

A calculated breath was your only answer before his eyelights found you, fuzzy with a slight warble. You had to second guess if you had seen them correctly, for the next moment they were back to their bright and sharp orbs. Getting closer, they traveled over you as he hummed, the heel of his boots clicking as he circled. If you had hair, it would have stood on end at the subtle brush of his hand against your back. 

“AS I EXPECTED.” 

You startled, yelping when he came around to lightly grip your hips. Instinctively, your hands came to your chest from the forwardness, sockets wide. He paid no mind, eyelights intent on the bunched fabric. He only let go to pull a satin rope from his pocket. 

You squeaked again when he reached around you to wrap it around your waist. 

“MUCH BETTER. HOWEVER," His gloved hands touched your elbows, slowly moving up your arms to grasp your hands for inspection. “YOUR MAGIC. IT IS MUCH TOO THIN…” He turned them over. “Hmmmmm. Knowing Him…” 

Your chest clenched. He was close enough you could feel his ambient heat and wisps of breath. 

Before Black could say or do anything else, his door nearly burst off its hinges, a very aggravated Axe forcing it open. Black pulled you into him with a snarl, eyelights vanishing with the click of his teeth. Stuck in a headlock was a disgruntled Rus, resigned to the hold around his neck. 

You didn’t know if you could physically handle any more stress.  

“BY THE ANGEL, YOU WILL REPLACE THAT LOCK IF YOU HAVE BROKEN IT!” 

Axe’s voice was low, grin tight as he took in the scene. “Don’t appreciate the closed door, Black. Hell ya think yer doin’ in here?” 

Black placed you behind him, grumbling a growl. “AS I STATED EARLIER, I HAVE GIVEN HER SOMETHING TO ADEQUATELY COVER HERSELF UNTIL WE CAN PROCURE SOMETHING MORE FITTING.”  

Axe narrowed his sockets at Black’s squared shoulders. For a split second, you could see the red orb of his eyelight flick over the man in front of you before it focused on you.  

“Sure that's all ya were doin’?” 

The fabric of Black’s gloves creaked. “IF YOU MUST KNOW, I WAS INSPECTING HER MAGIC FLOW. I’M NO EXPERT, BUT EVEN I CAN TELL IT’S RUNNING LOW. A MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION WOULD BE, WHY HAVEN’T YOU—” 

“I’ve been doin’ exactly what I need ta be. Don’t need ta explain myself either.” Rus stumbled into the room when Axe unceremoniously released him to motion to you. “Now, if yer done?” 

With a snarl, Black pointed a finger. “NOW SEE HERE YOU–” 

Instinctually, you reached out, stopping just before Black’s arm. “My lord, I!” You faltered at his abrupt attention, pulling back to dip your head in respect. “I thank you for your kindness, but I should return to my lord husband before any more misunderstandings occur.” 

His eyelights stuttered. “I, I BEG YOUR PARDON?” 

There was a beat of awkward silence before Axe broke into heavy laughter, the loudest and deepest you’ve heard from him. It was enough to warm your cheeks as he beckoned you out and away from the room. Black gaped, slack-jawed and sputtering as you passed. You were already being guided onto the deck by the time he was able to call out one last time from his doorway. 

“AXE! YOU WILL… THAT… YOU WILL EXPLAIN YOURSELF!” 

Axe only laughed harder, closing the doors behind you. 

The sun had mostly set by the time you stepped out into the humid sea air. You would have done anything in the past to be able to look up, out, and around but Axe was swift in guiding you down the main hatch. You didn’t want to linger longer than necessary anyway. 

You didn’t have Rus’s coat to hide under. 

You were grateful for the darkness once you were under. The lanterns were farther spread, some empty of light altogether. It helped ease your mind against the wandering eyes. Most gathered under the brightest lamps, playing cards at makeshift tables, drinking, and socializing while others lounged in hammocks hanging interspersed between the canons. While some watched you pass, Axe was surprisingly good at slipping through the darkest areas to avoid the unwanted attention.  

The closer you got to the front of the ship, the fewer people there were until you came upon barrels and crates stacked near and around an area quartered off by familiar heavy sheets. You could even recognize the stack you and Blue had hidden next to, the sheet on that side still halfway pulled down. Axe was kind enough to hold the flap for you to enter. 

Finally, you were able to relax the tension out of your shoulders and pained joints. You wanted to climb back into the hammock and rest your aching pelvis, maybe snuggle against Axe and his warmth. The way he moved about though had you gingerly sitting on his stool, setting it upright from where it had been knocked over. 

You wondered when that had occurred. What happened after you had been taken? 

... 

A quiet curse had you looking back at Axe as he re-fastened the makeshift wall. There were a few more rips in it than you remembered. If he had any sewing supplies, you would have to mend them. It was the least you could do as thanks. 

You let out a slow breath, peering down at your clenched fists. They were cold and stiff on your lap. Black had been interested in them. The lot of them had been interested in general, but he had seemed so focused. 

Your voice was soft, hesitant as you summoned the courage to speak. “Axe? I have so many questions, but I’m afraid… I don’t know if I’m allowed to ask.” 

Axe chuckled. “Don’t gotta be afraid with me, Dove. It’s good ta ask questions around here. The more ya know the better, good or bad. Don’t let anyone tell ya otherwise.” 

You picked at the hem of the shirt, smoothing it down as much as you could. “Is that true?" Axe simply grunted. Collecting yourself, you forced yourself to ask the questions burning your mind. "What is a Banthos? What does it mean to be one? And what did Black mean when he said my magic was too thin? I don’t have magic. I’m not… I’m not even a monster.” 

It was hard not to flinch when, from your peripherals, you saw him stop. His voice had become more serious but thankfully still soft.  

“The hell yer not. Listen, I don’t know what you’ve been told, where ya come from, or what ya been through. But you’re as much of a monster as the rest of us. You’re made of magic and hope just like me.” He came over to place your hand in his scarred one, taking a knee to look directly into your sockets. “We’re the same. Dust and all. It don’t matter about anything else. As fer your magic,” he rubbed his face with a frustrated sigh, “let me worry about that. Just know ya got it and I’m gonna make damn sure ta get it where it needs ta be.” 

You didn’t know what to say to that, but it sent a comforting feeling to your chest. He was always so warm. It reminded you of your mother.  

Nodding, you were about to ask about your first question when footsteps interrupted you. Axe stood, moving between you and the flap.  

“AXE, IT IS GETTING LATE. I HAVE TAKEN THE LIBERTY OF PREPARING SANS’ ROOM FOR THE LITTLE MISS. I HOPE YOU HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN.”  

Axe only slightly relaxed at the sound of Papyrus’ voice, not moving but calling out to the other skeleton. “I can take her when we’re ready. Just got a few–” he bristled when Papyrus entered and smiled down at you, hand twitching at his side –“more things ta take care of.” 

“AND WHAT MIGHT THAT BE SO I MAY HELP?” When Axe only grumbled, Papyrus took it upon himself to continue. “WELL, WHILE YOU FIGURE THINGS OUT, I SHALL MAKE SURE TO GET HER SAFELY TO HER NEW LODGINGS.” 

You both tensed. “Papyrus. Paps. At least let things settle before ya drag er away. You saw Sans. I don’t trust him.” 

Papyrus looked a little sheepish at the accusation. “I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERN, BUT I HAVE FAITH THAT THIS WILL WORK. I MYSELF WILL KEEP AN EYE ON THINGS IF I MUST. He Means Well. NOT THAT, THAT IS AN EXCUSE FOR HIS TERRIBLE BEHAVIOR.” He came forward to place a hand on Axe’s shoulder, humble and pleading. “WON’T YOU AT LEAST TRUST ME?” 

You couldn’t place the look that crossed Axe’s face from the question, the red orb of his eyelight quaking until his free hand brushed the edges of his empty socket. “That’s cheat’n…” There was a heaviness to the silence.  

When Axe’s shoulders sagged, Papyrus gave him back his space. “All WILL BE WELL. I’M SURE OF IT.” 

You were uncertain as to what you needed to do, but before you could stand, Axe nudged you back down. With the reluctance of a stubborn cat, he then went about gathering items he had deemed yours, going so far as draping his favored blanket over your shoulders. When all was said and done, you were left with a surprisingly intricate box full of puzzles, Axe’s blanket, and an affectionate nuzzle to your neck.  

It was with a heavy heart and a glowing face that you eventually followed Papyrus back out into the darkness. 

You did your best to keep up with his long strides, missing Axe’s purposely slowed gait. You could feel the grinding strain on your pelvis and lower joints with each step. You focused on the clack of your feet to keep your mind off the aching. Papyrus was already several steps ahead of you when he got to the steps.  

Blessedly, he turned to wait for you. 

It was embarrassing how out of breath you had become from such a short distance, especially when you knew you didn’t technically need to breathe. You were even more so when Papyrus cocked his head to look you over with a contemplative hum. 

His smile was kind. “MY APOLOGIES MISS. I KNEW YOU WERE IN ROUGH SHAPE, BUT I HADN’T REALIZED…” He glanced up the steps. “PERHAPS IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR ME TO HELP.” 

Without so much as a warning, he picked you up and draped you across both of his arms. You almost dropped your box, squeaking in surprise as he ascended to the deck. Your mind and tongue had stopped working from the suddenness. Though Axe had carried you once before and had moved you a few times, you didn’t quite know what to think of this stranger picking you up so nonchalantly. It was as if it was the most normal thing in the world for him, smile just as polite and kind as before. 

With him carrying you, it took little time to cross the rest of the way back through the double doors and down to the end of the hall. Standing in front of the windowed doors, you were only jostled a little when he turned the knob. He used his boot to kick it open the rest of the way with a bang, making you flinch when the glass shook precariously. 

You thought you saw a flash of blue, but when you looked, there was nothing there but a railed raised platform with an extravagant-looking bed, windows lining the entirety of the back wall. 

You shuddered. It smelled overwhelmingly of snow and cold rain. 

Scrunching his nasal ridge, Papyrus walked around a heavy round table with a scattering of papers and a lantern. Stepping onto the platform, he carefully set you down, turning to furiously rip the blankets off the bed to ball and fling them across the room with a fwump. 

“FORGIVE MY IDIOT OF A BROTHER. I WILL BE HAVING A TALK WITH HIM ABOUT APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR LATER. FOR NOW, I’M AFRAID THIS WILL HAVE TO DO. AT LEAST THE BED IS EXCEPTIONALLY COMFORTABLE.” He put his hand down to pat the mattress. “IT IS A GIMBAL BED, MADE WITH LARGER MONSTERS IN MIND SO YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF SPACE AND WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE TIPPING OF THE SHIP.” 

When you didn’t move, he gently ushered you to sit before making his way to the windows. It was so dark now that the light from the lamp effectively turned them into mirrors. You were grateful, too afraid to look through them. To your relief, Papyrus closed the many curtains for each once. Once done, he gently took your box and stood at the end of the bed, bowing slightly from the waist. 

“I WOULD STAY TO HELP YOU SETTLE, BUT I UNFORTUNATELY HAVE OTHER DUTIES I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF AT THIS TIME. BUT DO NOT FEAR, I WILL MAKE SURE SOMEONE WILL BE BY IN THE MORNING TO BRING YOU SOME TEA AND BREAKFAST AND TO WELCOME YOU.” Walking away, he stopped to place your box on the table and extinguish the lantern. “SLEEP WELL MISS.”  

With a wave, he picked up the bundle of discarded blankets and walked out the door, closing it behind him. 

… 

It was frightening, alone in the dark.

Fear prickled your neck. Turning, the world cut in and out of focus as a large black mass formed from the shadows. Lithe and tall, it reached toward you. At the same time, the captain appeared from the obscurity behind it, his sockets void and grin twisted.

With a blink, the world shuttered, morphing and moving around you until you were half over the railing and gripping the fabric of the captain's coat. The shadow loomed behind him, hand gripping his shoulder as it turned to stare into him.

Fear gripped your chest. Scrambling for any form of hold, your cry passed on silently as you began to slip.

e̷̢̡͖̞͉̣̘̔͆̂̒̔̓̃͂̔͊̒̓̏̓̽̑̚n̴̡̗̺̤͚̜̼͉̺͉̪̤͔͙̺͙̥̠̤̙̄̇̐̅͑̌̾̀̈́̀̃͒̈́͒̓̎ͅợ̴̢̧̧̥̬͓͉͇̠̼͇͖̦͓͖͓͚̱̈̆͗͒̾̑̎̇͜ų̶̢̛͕̝̩̜̫̻̻̞̫͓͉̲̦̣̩̳̦͊̚̚ͅĝ̶̱͈̰̼͕̰̪͉͐̽̄͗̈́͑͌͛͗̾́̿̂͂̏́͆̚͝ͅḧ̴̨̡͍̣̘̠́̍̍̈̈́̿̓̄͂̾͊̃̽̄

You caught on the captain’s grip…

~ ~ ~

Cold sweat beaded on your spine and brow from the nightmare. Even though you were already starting to forget, the fear it had brought clung to your bones. You didn’t dare open your sockets for fear of whatever new horrors awaited you.

How long had you managed to sleep? You were terribly exhausted and couldn’t remember doing so in the first place. You thought your mind had been too troubled.

Something felt wrong.

It was so cold...

The clattering of your bones eventually registered through your haze, grounding you just enough to help open your sockets. The scene only served to make you feel colder.

You were in the captain’s cabin, curled in the middle of his bed on wrinkled sheets. While the room around you gave small signs of motion, the mattress remained stationary atop its specialty frame. The blanket Axe had given you was nearly to the floor at the end of the bed, a corner tugging and loosening as the frame adjusted for the ship. Behind you, the curtains blocked most of the dim light of morning, keeping the room in muted darkness.

The captain was nowhere to be seen.

You shuddered, stiff limbs reaching to grab the blanket and pull it over your head. The fabric was heavy and comforting, lingering bits of Axe’s scent filtering through. Though it had subsided significantly, you were grateful. Paired with the weight of the fabric, you could feel the tension and fear slowly ease. But you were still cold.

You had almost forgotten how cold you could get without the residual warmth of Axe and the blankets. Without them during the night, you hadn’t been able to regulate your temperature enough to stay warm. Your bones had grown too cool, the ache and strain now more noticeable the longer you laid in place. It made going back to sleep a lot harder than you would have liked, despite your lingering exhaustion.

Unfortunately, it was right when you had started to slip back into troubled sleep that a loud thump and curse startled you, once again, out of your calm. Moving on instinct, you fought through the frigidness of your limbs in an attempt to sit upright and turn.

Your first thought beyond the pounding in your chest was that of relief it had not been the captain. Your next was of exasperation at yet another skeleton suddenly barging in and adding to the ever-growing ensemble.

Bracing himself against the table, he actually looked rather tired. His posture was not rigid or hostile like you half expected. Instead, he reminded you more of a slightly shorter and less battered, Crooks. Their wardrobe was even similar, consisting of plain loose garb and an orange scarf wrapped around his middle. The man hadn’t even bothered with any boots or shoes, and judging by his lack of proper posture, most likely didn’t have plans to anytime soon.

His voice reflected your thoughts on his lack of sleep. “You awake? Did those calculations you wanted. It went about like I expected. Even if the wind picks up and Current boosts us along, we still—"

Your eyelights met when he stumbled from the table to face the bed, honied orange shrinking with the widening of his once lidded sockets. You clutched the blanket tighter to your chest, heart still squeezing from the sudden fright. You didn’t quite know what to do. Luckily, he seemed to have the same reaction as you, a choked garble accompanying a glowing face.

“You’re not— I-I didn’t realize… I’ll come back later!”

Then, he was gone.

You sat staring at the spot the new skeleton had stood, wondering why fate hated you so much. It was hard to tell if the skeleton was more surprised about your general person, or that you were in another man’s bed. Whichever it was, he was clearly not looking for you when he appeared in the room.

Looking down at yourself and at what you were wearing only brought on more self-depreciating thoughts.

You heaved a great sigh, squeezing your sockets closed and working on taking deep breaths.

At least you knew the others were starting to get up. You just needed to take things one step at a time. You needed to focus on the positive. Things were rough, but they weren't as bad as they could be. Axe had taken you in as his own. You were no longer starving and freezing to death on the other ship, and despite the captain wishing you dead, the other skeletons seemed to want to give you a chance. You had found a very helpful friend in Blue. There was also how Crooks aided in your defense during...

Right. You took another deep breath.

One thing at a time.

Forcing your aching and cold bones off the bed, you meticulously spread the blanket so no wrinkles could be found. You didn’t have much that was yours, but you tidied as best you could. You didn't dare touch anything else in the room, staying close to what bit of yourself resided while forcing your aching bones to move. There was no rush. Papyrus had told you someone would come, and the captain had been very clear you were not to be alone outside of this room.

…

You sat and waited.

What scarce light shining through the curtains gave little indication of how early or late it was. It was easier to track time down in Axe’s quarters from the distant talking of crewmen, but here, the only sound was the quiet creaking of the ship and the occasional clatter of your shivering bones. Still, you strained to hear anything that might indicate life, picking at the delicate bones in your hand as you continued to glance around the dim room.

The curtains were a wonderful pattern of white and blue. If you focused enough on the small crack between each one, you could almost see—

A quiet knock almost made you jump off of the bed. Focusing back on the door, a plethora of new noises filtered through as Blue cautiously poked his head through. You honestly didn’t think the other skeleton could speak that quietly.

"Good morning, Maiden!" Seeing you properly seated on the edge of the bed, he carefully slid inside. "I was going to bring you tea, but breakfast has been prepared a little early and the kettle has yet to be brought up. So, I thought it would be better if I brought you to the great cabin instead."

Your brows furrowed in slight confusion and nerves. You didn’t know what the great cabin was, but it sounded rather important. Tea and food would have been a blessing for the cold, but it could wait.

You nodded, standing as smoothly as you could. “Of course. If you think it best.”

The smile Blue sent you could have thawed the sun as he offered his hand, placing his free finger to his grin once both of you had reached the glass doors.  Then, carefully opening one, he slowly guided you through. The joy and warmth Blue’s touch brought only increased at the sight beyond.

Leaning against the wall next to the door was Axe, fast asleep and slightly slumped. His cleaver and hatchet rested loosely in his lap. You had to physically move to the side to avoid stepping on his legs.

 Blue’s voice, now even quieter, broke you from your fond stare. “I think he stayed there all night. He was there before even I woke.”

Something in your chest stirred, your stomach fluttering. It made your face feel warm as the corners of your teeth wrinkled your sockets. It made you wonder if he was the reason things had been so quiet and if he had anything to do with why the captain wasn’t in the room when you woke.

An unexplainable urge to touch tugged at your mind, the fingers of your free hand awkwardly moving as if to reach as you passed. Not noticing your blunder, Blue continued to guide you further down to another set of double doors. One was partially open, allowing you to overhear the murmurings of an argument behind the sturdy wood.

Blue slowed, giving a nervous chuckle before easing the door open to enter the larger space. Your stomach immediately sank with each step you took.

The skeleton from earlier stood next to a simple grand table, animatedly talking to the room. Most of the other skeletons were also there, sitting or wandering nearby. The most noticeable was the captain sitting in a pulled-out chair in front of him, his head tucked into his hands as he slouched forward. Rus had his head turned toward the newest skeleton from his draped position over the table, eyelights fuzzy and half closed. The Red was in a similar disposition, only leaning back with his hands resting over his stomach. Unsurprisingly, Papyrus and Crooks were carefully placing containers of food across the table, the former calling over his shoulder to address the new skeleton.

"There Is Really No Need To Be Upset, Stretch. Everyone Knows They Were There. That Was Not Meant To Be A Secret."

With flailing arms and a string of frustrated noises, Stretch was beyond exasperated. "So you're sayin, everyone else already knew? Was anyone gonna let me in on the little secret, or just let me find out by catchin them 'Beddin Down' together?" He cast an accusatory glance down at Sans. "I at least would have thought you, of all people, would have let me know. I thought we were better friends than that."

The tightening of Blue's hand sealed your newfound mortification as he turned to you. "MAIDEN?"

Papyrus, to his credit, had caught the dish Crooks fumbled, both snapping upright to stare. Rus and Red were also suddenly alert, the latter sitting up with a scowl.

"I'm sorry. The bastard did what now? I don't think I heard ya right."

Stretch, turned with narrowed sockets. "You heard me. I went to find Sans, and instead, found them in bed! A little warnin would have been appreciated." He seemed to hunch a little, a flash of color briefly brightening his skull.

You wanted the boat to swallow you whole as your chest squeezed uncomfortably and Sans jolted upright. "Now hold on! That never—"

"Never… what?"

Axe's sluggish, sleep-ridden voice cut through the room like a knife. The vibration of his boots let you know exactly how far he was behind you. No one dared move, but you could see the magical sweet start to form on several of the others as Axe moved further inside and clicked the doors closed. The captain had lost his eyelights completely. Stretch just looked confused at the sudden growing tension.

Sans slowly stood, bumping into the leg of his chair as he stepped back. "It’s, uh, nothing. It's not what it sounded like. I didn’t even go back to the room last night."

A few slow steps brought the giant directly behind you to place a deceptively gentle hand on your shoulder. Blue, understandably, flinched from the motion but remained quiet with his hand in yours.

“That all…?” He gave you a careful look over, letting out a tired huff. "I know ain't nothin happened." His hand twitched. "I wouldn't have let it."

Your head was beginning to hurt from all the stress, and for a moment, a little part of you missed the regularity of the manor before you ran. At least there, you didn't have any confusion about what was expected of you or what could happen at any given moment. You knew the rules and how to navigate the household. It was a familiar hell versus this unknown possible heaven.

The captain grimaced, some of the others not faring any better. Not knowing what else to do, you used your free hand to pat Axe’s, looking over your shoulder to attempt a smile. Luckily, that was all it took for him to relax enough to nudge you forward and into a seat. Forced to let you go, Blue cautiously followed, sitting in the only other chair next to you.

Papyrus rubbed the bones of his hands together, grin tight. “Well, Now That That Is Settled, Good Morning, Little Miss. Axe. It Seems As Though It Is Already Going To Be An Interesting Day.”

A few moments of awkward silence was all you got before Stretch addressed the room once more, now just a little bit more flustered. “This… What…? Can anyone tell me what is going on?” He wildly gestured to you. “Who are they!? Why…! Nothin is making any sense!”

Making his way around the table, Papyrus pat him on the shoulder and eased him into a nearby chair. “Perhaps Now Is Not The Time. They Are A Guest! I’m Surprised Blue Hasn’t Already Told You.”

Blue ignored Stretch’s sputter and frustrated look, turning the other way with a tint of blue. “INDEED! I WILL… TELL HIM AFTER BREAKFAST!”

The atmosphere still sparked with tension, however, the quiet spoke louder than any words. Even as everyone settled - either sitting back in their chairs, resuming their work, or returning to their tired slouching - you could feel it throughout the room.

It was in the glances and the subtle shifting of the others. Your chest pulsed uncomfortably. Axe was rigid next to you, grin tight as he pulled at his empty socket. Blue seemed alright with his signature smile, but his eyelights were sharper and more focused.

It was hard not to squirm while you sat. On top of it all, the wood of your chair was hard and the warmth and joy from earlier had slipped back into the relentless chill of your bones.

“It Will Be Alright, Sunshine.” Crooks smiled, going out of his way to gently place a portion of seasoned potatoes and a honeyed biscuit in front of you before serving any of the others. His large hand brushed reassuringly against your back on his way past. It gave you the courage to sit straighter and ready yourself for the meal.

Courtesy told you to wait for everyone to be served, but looking around, you couldn’t help noticing that none of the others seemed to follow that rule. You also noticed that none of the others had the luxury of being able to use the small jar of honey, Crooks going so far as to swat hands away before placing it further out of the way. Stretch, in particular, made a grand noise of disappointment as he stared, turning his narrowed sockets your way after the container was promptly removed altogether.

You quickly averted your gaze. Not wanting to make yet another enemy over the sweet treat, you began sliding your plate toward the disappointed skeleton.

“You may have mine if you wish. I—”

A low growl from Axe and the suddenness of Blue’s hand on your outstretched one, gave you pause. Crooks, now on the other side of the table, was about to speak up as well, but the next moment had Black and an annoyed-looking Edge stepping through the open door.

With a few heavy steps, a large teapot was then placed on the table, Edge following with a matching creamer as he scowled over at Axe. You flinched at the force with which the pitcher was set down, then cringed at the drops of spilled milk. Your aunt would have been appalled…

“Nice Of You To Slack Off This Morning. I Hope It’s Not Going To Become A Permanent New Thing. I Don’t Appreciate The Extra Work. Next Time, If I Have Help In Your Stable, I’ll Just Slaughter That Stars Forsaken Beast. It Would Save Everyone Else The Trouble.” You flinched again when he turned his focus onto you, his eyelights flashing as they dipped lower. “And You. At Least This Time You’re More Decently Dressed.”

If you had ears, they would be burning. You missed the scathing quips both Axe and Blue sent the taller skeleton’s way, or the way the captain leaned further onto the table and put his head in his hands when there was an inevitable Argument. In the end, even Crooks and Papyrus had gotten involved. It took Black calmly sitting down next to Rus with a fresh cup of tea to finally shift the mood.

“IN CASE NONE OF YOU FOOLS HAVE REALIZED, THE FOOD IS GETTING COLD. THERE ARE ALSO MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DISCUSS THAN ARGUING OVER THE INTRICACIES OF MANNERS.” Taking a sip, he pointedly looked at the captain. “I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION YOU HAD SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO SAY.”

Surprisingly, everyone stilled, turning to stare. Sans groaned. “Stars. Yes. By the Angel.” He looked over everyone else. “If we can just finish eating, we can have the actual meeting.”

Edge scoffed. “Why Not Now? Or Is Your Bravado From Yesterday Already Gone?”

Sans looked extra tired as he sighed and rubbed the bridge of his brow, the dark marks beneath his sockets becoming more prominent from the motion. “You know what? Sure. I think I’ve had about enough.” Staring up at Edge, he continued. “Go ahead. Take a seat, Edge. By all means.”

Edge looked as if he wanted to say something more, but relented, sitting down with a huff. You were already regretting leaving the captain’s quarters at all, gripping the bottom of your oversized shirt like a lifeline. If you were honest, you didn’t know why their behavior was such a surprise. Your aunt had griped many times about how uncultured the men at the harbor were, the few times she had gone.

Pirates. The lot of them…

“Alright then.” Sans turned to address the rest of the room. “In light of recent events, we will be heading inland sooner than planned. The railing on the main deck still needs to be properly repaired, ammunitions need to be restocked, and Alphys is running low on supplies after that last battle.”

Papyrus tilted his head, narrowing his sockets as he lowered himself into his own chair. “I Thought The Plan Was To Head Straight To New Home?”

There was a subtle glance your way. “It was.”

“Then Why Change Now? We Have Enough Supplies, In General, To Make The Distance. A Lot Of Ports Around Here Are Not As Kind To Monsters. It Could Cause More Problems.”

It was Stretch that answered, rather pouty as he lowered a forkful of potatoes. “We figured it would be better to stop sooner rather than later. We’re nearing the Crossroads. There should be enough of a Monster presence around there that we could get whatever supplies we need. He wanted to get to Hotland, but with the currents and wind, we wouldn’t make it within his time frame.”

Despite the sweetness of the honey, your biscuit turned to ash in your mouth. Your breath stuttered, Papyrus’ voice along with all the other questioning tones fading around you as a chill swept through your bones.

The Crossroads

Though you had never been allowed to travel outside of the manor, you recognized the region they were referring to. You had heard a great deal about it growing up. There were only a few towns and ports in that area.

You really hoped they didn’t…

An annoyed rumble from Axe snapped you out of your thoughts as Black called over the table, a deep scowl crinkling his sockets as the purple of his eyelights met yours. “ANYONE WITH EYES CAN TELL THEY ARE IN NEED. YOU CLEARLY NEED THE HELP.”

“Stars damned- Fine. If it will make ya feel better.” His arm snaked around your shoulders. “I’ll take ‘em to that lizard.”

“SEE THAT YOU DO.”

…

Maybe next time they would allow you to skip breakfasts at the main cabin altogether…

Sea of Hope Master Grand Master Post

Or so you thought.

Watching from his perch on the ship, Nightmare suddenly swooped down to sneakily grab you from behind, placing himself close enough to the nest that his tentacles could idly circle the shiver while still giving them space. You were placed in the equivalent of a lap amongst his tentacles.

“It isn’t well that you still sit alone, little fish. These little moments are times of bonding. No one should be alone during such opportunities.”

There were a few chuckles from the others as you squeaked and tried to twist in his grasp, heat blossoming on your cheeks. “It’s okay! You don’t— I can do it myself. The others already had partners anyway.”

Nightmare didn’t take any head, humming knowingly before delicately looking over your vertebrae in a similar fashion Axe was. It was Dream that sympathetically called to you.

“You don’t have to be shy, even if there are already pairs. There is always room for one more. It is more important to have these kinds of bonding moments.”

Killer grinned, peppering Cross with an especially harsh sand cloud. “Lucky. I bet she just didn’t want to get near Criss Crossies stink ~ ”

“Hey!” It was hard not to laugh along with everyone when Cross finally did tackle Killer, their tails and limbs tumbling out of the nest to kick up stray seaweed and kelp. Nightmare only sighed and sunk lower into his mass.

“Pay them no mind. Although inconvenient, play can also be a form of bonding.”

You had to hide the blooming smile behind a bony hand, watching Dream move on to comb over Axe as he worked.

It was nice. In a way, their nonchalance about the whole thing helped ease your tense nerves. Even with the two wrestling mer, you found that you felt comfortable enough to continue cleaning your hands and arms. It did little to take your mind off the relaxing way Nightmares claws passed over you, but it gave you something to occupy you. It wasn’t until you were shifted against the leviathan’s large chest that you stopped what you were doing to look up.

You weren’t expecting the large glowing tongue that came next. For as long as you had been with the shiver, you had never seen Nightmare lick anyone when grooming. The boys did it all the time. Even Dream on occasion, but Nightmare had kept to himself or only helped with joints and recesses.

The sensation made you squeak and giggle, each new pass filling you with warmth as you closed your eyes. Then, to add to your surprise, a low purr began to vibrate against you and the water.

If you hadn’t been content before, you most certainly were now. Something about sharing this moment with the dark guardian made everything else seem trivial. You didn’t need to worry about your place if he was willing to be this close with you. You were allowed to be here. You were accepted and nothing else mattered.

He was kind, and you belonged.

“Better?”

Your tentacles curled and unfurled in embarrassment as you gave him a sly smile. You blamed your rising courage on the guardian.

“Yes. But, I should be returning the favor.”

Floating up, you licked his forehead before slipping down to cling and pick through the vertebrae closest to his shoulders and spine. It made a lovely glow brighten his face with that low purr flaring up again.

“O-of course. If you wish, little fish.”

The rest of the boys were awfully giggly the rest of the evening. But you could hardly complain.