Chapter Text
Surprisingly, it was your first time at a frat party. Your reputation amongst the campus residents would have others think that you’d be out there living it. But, no! These sorts of gatherings never interested you. Only ever focusing on sports related events. The excessive amounts of alcohol involved were one of the things that pulled you away, too. Speaking of, on the dance floor was your friend, Asriel, who had dragged you along for the hell of it. Really, the only reason you’ve been standing here for so long is because he needs someone to escort him back to his dorm safely. This doesn’t stop you from having at least a little bit of fun, of course.
Well, one thing led to another and now you’re sitting on a couch inside his dorm. Asriel is inside the bathroom. Sounds of vomiting echoed. Gosh… It’s past midnight and you’re feeling a bit drowsy yourself. Couldn’t be worse than how Azzy’s feeling, though… Out of the goodness of your heart, you decided to stay over to check up on him. That, and you’re his friend. You find yourself standing up and exploring the place, searching for a glass cup, or anything that you could pour water in to give Asriel. You find a watercooler near the kitchen area.
As you’re fulfilling the watercooler’s purpose, you hear the sound of a door opening. But it wasn’t the bathroom door, you feel like. No, it was the entrance. Someone else had just come in. You looked over the kitchen counter to be met with a human. You couldn’t quite make out their face clearly, but it was probably safe to assume that they were an associate of Asriel's. The door was locked, anyhow. They must have had a key.
Then, you remembered. You recall Asriel mentioning that he had an adoptive sibling. Kara, was it? At this point in time, you knew quite a few things about them. One, they were nonbinary. Asriel was quick to point out how the two of you were the same when you first met. Two, they were a human. Well, duh. That fact has very much confirmed itself just now. Three, they must be some sort of ninja..? You’ve been to Asriel’s many times before, and only now have you ever encountered them. They either stay in their room most of the time, or they go out a lot. Though until now, you didn’t know that they were living with him. Or that they even went to the same college.
With how often Asriel would compare the two of you, you’d think they’d be somewhat similar to yourself. Same race? Same hair? Maybe even a carbon copy. The human standing across you, however, looked nothing like you at all. You begin to wonder if this was really them. Or if Asriel needs to work on his perception of humans.
Nevertheless, you use this as an opportunity to make a good first impression.
“Hey! You must be… Kara, right? Asriel told me about you!” You said, still standing over the kitchen counter.
“...It’s Chara.” The latter spoke. You were sure that you pronounced their name right, but for some reason, their correction somehow made more sense to you.
“Oh, whoops.”
You had finished pouring Asriel's cup of water, now walking to the living room table to place it there. After that, you looked back to the human you were talking to, and– Oh, jeez. Now having a closer look, they’re quite significantly taller than you, their skin pale as if you were conversing with the undead. Their cheeks were red, maybe makeup? And they’re… glaring. Right, of course. You haven’t told them your name yet- Or why you’re here. It now hits you how weird it must be to be seeing a stranger in your own home.
“Sorry, I should’ve started with my name. I’m Frisk! I’m friends with your brother. Though, you probably already gathered as much… Anyways- Uh. He’s not doing great, so I thought I’d stick around until he’s better.”
You reached out your hand to them for a handshake.
“It’s nice to meet y–”
“That won’t be necessary.” They’d immediately shut you down before you even finished your sentence. You lowered your arm in response.
“Oh.”
“You have my deepest gratitude for looking after my brother. But you should go. Now.”
Already off to a bad start, it seems. Their tone sounded rather dismissive. But when has that ever stopped you?
“I get that it’s late and I’m just a stranger to you, but Asriel asked me to. I’d feel awful just leaving him like this. Can’t I at least say goodbye first?”
“Well, I’m here now. There’s no use for you here. Go.”
“No!”
The bathroom door then proceeded to open, with Asriel coming out of it with the fur around his face completely wet. You remembered something funny. He looked like the cat who sunk its face in milk.
“Char– You’re home early!”
Early? Just what kind of person are they for two in the freaking morning to be considered early for them? Then you remembered how Asriel must be drunk out of his mind. So, you stopped wondering. As you looked at the funny face he made, you could barely stifle a laugh. You chuckle, pointing at his damp fur.
“PAH! Asriel– Your face!”
“Whuh.. Hey!”
Laughter breaks the tension at least for just a moment. The third party, however, does not seem amused. Actually, you can’t tell what they’re feeling. Their expression was as blank as ever. Until. It looked like something had clicked for them. Or.. snapped? Their lips would suddenly shift, eyes contracting as they smiled. Are they.. Happy? They’re smiling, you’re supposed to take this as a good sign, but something feels off.
“It’s late. Asriel, tell your friend to go home.” They looked over to their brother. Almost felt as if they were trying their hardest not to look at you. Their tone, demanding. It felt strange, hearing their voice like this with an expression that didn’t match. You were creeped out the slightest bit.
“...It’s rea–.. lly dark outtt, it could be dangerou-”
“Tell. Your friend. To go. Home.”
“Yeesh- Okay, fine! Frishk– I’m sorry-” His speech was somewhat slurred. Understandable, but slurred. You only hope that Chara handles it once you leave.
“Yeah no prob, it’s alright. I’m a tough cookie.” You reassured him as you made your way out, waving from behind you to Asriel.
The night breeze passed through you colder than usual. You felt a tingling sensation from inside you. The thrill of meeting a new person, perhaps? Well, how could you be thrilled if that said person had tried to push you away just now? Either way, they have captured your interest. And, in your own regular fashion, you’re now determined to find out more about this peculiar person. No matter how off-putting they seemed.
You had no idea what you were getting yourself into.
——————
Spent.
So,
utterly,
spent.
What a gruelling night this has become. My smile faltered as quickly as the door closed shut. I had been looking forward to finally resting inside the comfort of my own dorm, only to be met with… Another inconvenience. Never the matter. That problem has now solved itself. Still, I cannot refrain my anger from the situation.
“...Asriel, please. Next time. Let me know before you invite a hu-.. stranger into our home.”
He’d look at me with eyes that showed no ounce of sobriety. Good lord. Did that human put him up to this?
“I… I didn’t think it would be a big deal– Actually, no. I wasn’t thinking at all… Sorry! I’m just- Gah… My head..”
“Drink some water and go to bed. Dry your face for The Angel’s sake.”
I glanced at the glass of water the intruder had poured earlier. Distrusting of what they could have put in it, I throw it away and give Asriel another one. Some of the water around the rim of the glass would spill as his paws grabbed it.
“Thanks…” I watched as he’d gulp it all down in one go. Of course, the cup the other human had picked out was too small for him. Typical. He then retreated to his bedroom, leaving me alone with only the company of the deafening silence of the night. The dorm was quiet, a stark contrast to the ongoings of my mind, as my thoughts were rushing with an inexplicable feeling. Disdain.
No, no. I mustn't let them manipulate my emotions like this. This is nothing. Nothing but a minor inconvenience. I have handled worse. This… This is a one time thing. Hopefully. Hm. Considering their companionship with my brother, the chances of another encounter aren't zero. Ugh. Why?! Why do they have to–?? Why must they…
Humans.
No matter the circumstance, no matter the area, no matter the situation, they always ruin everything. They're spoiled. Rotten.
While not extremely uncommon, their presence in this area is hardly felt. One of the many reasons why I moved here in the first place. And in turn, I have found my family.
But I did not think that another human like myself would be infiltrating this quiet life I've built. And through Asriel no less… Disgusting. I've prayed– begged to the Angel that something like this doesn't happen. Yet evidently my prayers fell onto deaf ears.
I do not mind the sight of another human. At best, I am able to tolerate them in a public space. But to have another be within such close quarters in my life as to enter my home, befriend my brother… I doubt I can talk him into avoiding them. Always the social butterfly, that one.
…
What am I doing? What am I getting so worked up for?
Sulking in my own negative thoughts will do me no good.
I've already made up my mind that this would be the last time I'll see them.
Yet, the odds that suggest otherwise are still higher than I'd like.
Frisk.
That name.
I’ll be sure to forget it in due time.
——————
The next day.
The next day.
You wake up with a slight headache, having slept at such an ungodly time. You battle with your mind as you try your damned hardest to get off of bed. Fending off the demon that's whispering to your ear five more minutes. You feel something poking the side of your waist, buzzing. By instinct, you grab it and put it up to your face. And..! You can't see anything. You rub your eyes as an attempt to clean off any crust in your eye. You now opened your phone to see a few notifications from Asriel.
Asriel [7:18]
* Howdy!
* Just wanted to say thanks for looking out for me, I’m sorry about last night lol
* Wasn’t how I imagined you two would meet tbh
You now sit up from your bed, your blanket barely covering half of your legs. You decide to leave the message on read for now and respond once you’re in the proper headspace. Yawn.
You start to feel a little better once you actually begin moving to start the day. Washing your face, brushing your teeth, all the usual stuff. Your roommate left you a letter informing you that he’s going out early while also saying that he prepared you breakfast before waking up. Now, you’re sitting at your table and enjoying a bowl of oatmeal. With dinosaur eggs. Spoon on your hand and phone on the other. You start to type with your thumb.
Frisk [7:27]
* yeahy its alRIGht
* r they single
You grin at your own reply. God, you’re so funny.
Asriel [7:28]
* Dude.
Frisk [7:28]
* worth the ask lol
* CAn we call im eatin g rn
Asriel [7:28]
* Mmnn, maybe not. My head’s killing me. I don’t think I can stand using my voice right now.
Frisk [7:29]
* alrrr
You finish eating up the rest of your oatmeal before typing any further. You set the bowl aside, tapping your spoon against the rim before tossing it into the sink.
Frisk [7:31]
* soooo
* when r u inviting my “clone” to our dnd campaign
Asriel [7:31]
* Huh?
* Oh!
* I already asked them a bunch of times, but. They think it's childish }:(
Frisk [7:32]
* bummer
That's another piece of information that you've gathered about Chara. From what you have so far, you can probably guess what kind of person they are by now. Which is great! You know more about them now than you did before back when Asriel was being as vague as possible. Vague enough to leave many holes in your impression of them. Now you realize that all of his descriptions of them were wrong.
For one, you two don't look identical at all. That is, presenting in a more formal manner in comparison to your random pairings of clothing. Judging from the outfit they were wearing last night, they seem to know what they're doing when it comes to fashion.
You find it a bit ironic how Asriel, the brother of this person you're curious about, had been giving you false clues about them. Sweet? Outgoing? Mischievous? None of these matched the image of them you've conjured up. You're almost never wrong about your assumptions with people, so this is a little strange for you.
Well, there was one thing that he got seemingly right.
Distant. At least, that's how they came off to you. You wonder if their attitude is like this towards most people as well or if it's just… You. Hopefully it isn't the latter.
From what Asriel now just said about them finding DND ‘childish’, you wonder what they'd think about other things. Do they play video games? Do they watch anime? They struck you as the sophisticated type. Do they read books? If so, what kind?
You're aching to know more about this new person who had just entered your life yesterday.
The first half of May was uneventful to your standards. Slowly you'd brush off the small interaction you had with your friend's roommate. You met them once, then never again. Save for the few moments you'd steal a glance at them by the halls or the streets. And the occasional feeling of being watched whenever you’re with Asriel. It's as if they're a new character that's been added to your latest season, if that makes sense. You didn't keep thinking about this. Well of course, there were more pressing matters at hand. You feel the weight of your procrastination crawling on your back. Now you finally understand why they gave you so much time to work on your assignments.
Here you were in the cafe, sitting by the window– Or, wall? The wall was made of glass. You couldn't quite tell what these things are called or what they're classified as. Nevermind that. You were quietly enjoying your Mysterious Purple Drink which you Have No Idea What It Contains But Tastes Good Anyway. It seemed like the lady over the counter would have done something if you had left without purchasing anything off the menu. Of course, peer pressure got to you. You aren't exactly upset at this arrangement, however. All things considered, the frappe tasted good. It was your first time trying out this location as well. You loved new things. Then–
Ding!
Instinctively, you turn your head to the sound of the door chime to see–
Oh! It's them! You wonder if they still even remember you as you have remembered them. You lift your hand to wave at them as they walk towards the counter, but they never stop in their motion. Nor did they bother to even glance at you. Damn. You suppose that a second introduction would be in order.
You decide to wait until they get their order and silently wish that they'd stay and sit at one of the seats so you could come up to them in a somewhat proper manner. Lady luck cradles you tender as you notice that they haven't left. At the dark corner of the cafe could they be spotted. Now was your chance.
The closer you get, the more you recognize their face. They’re wearing an ever so familiar expression– The same one that they wore when they forced you out. That creepy smile. Obviously, this doesn’t make you falter.
“Hey!” You begin, “Funny seeing you here.”
You look down at their table to see what they ordered; a chocolate croissant. Is this what their brother had meant with them being sweet-? That’s another thing to note down.
“Greetings.” They said in a tone that’s… Indescribable. Their pursed lips should’ve offered enough of a clue like it would with any other person. They, however, were not like any other person. You had already acknowledged that.
“My apologies, but… Do we know each other?”
Like a knife to the heart. Ouch.
“Nnnnnot really! But, we’ve met before. I’m a friend of your brothers, remember?”
Their smile grew noticeably wider.
“Really now?”
Then, they just. Stare. And- much like before, you couldn’t tell what their tone was evoking. Has their memory refreshed now? Do they remember you? Do they care? Did bringing that up suddenly make them hate you? Having felt like you’ve run out of options, you invite yourself to their table and sit next to them. Their cheeks seem to tense up.
“So! Kara, right?”
“Chara.”
“Oh, whoops. Should’ve remembered that after the first time, huh?” You laugh awkwardly as you scratch your nape.
To which they replied with a simple hum. Tensions are high. You feel as if the more you talk to this person, the more likely they are to hate you. Which they most likely already do.
“Anyways- what do you major in?”
A pause. You were unable to decide if they were thinking hard about what they were gonna say, or if they didn’t want to say anything to you at all.
“Hm. Journalism.” They say even though they didn’t sound all that intrigued.
Throughout the entirety of this Somewhat Of A Conversation, you notice that Chara hadn’t touched their croissant. Crap, is it because of you?
“Interesting!” Taking a sip from your drink, “I guess it’s my turn now– Well, I’m majoring in HMA. And-” As you spoke, you’d notice their eyes getting wider at your response. “And! I’m also in a bunch of other stuff. Art, sports, y’know, all that stuff. Ooh! And Baseball! Mostly that.” You grin proudly at the long list of things you do. You’ve just told them everything about yourself, you’re sure that this will put you in a good light in their eyes.
“I see. Human Monster Affairs. I didn’t think you’d be the type.”
“Yeah, well, this is only the second time we’ve spoken. The more you know!” Your lips shifting into a grin, trying to keep the mood light. “...And speaking of, I didn’t get to hear much about you.”
“You’re the one who initiated. I’m choosing not to reveal any more than I already have.”
“Fair!”
No. It’s not fair at all. Here you were, sat tightly, sharing things about yourself nonstop. Yet they’ve barely talked about anything in return. It feels like talking to a brick wall. You at least found out they’re a Journalism major, but what else? There’s so much more that you don’t know, and you’re willing to dig through their skull just to find it. You don’t know why, but you feel like you should. As if an outside force was telling you to get to know them better. Or maybe it’s just you being you. After all, what are the chances of meeting another human with the same gender identity as you in this part of the city?
Having felt like there wasn’t anything else to add to the conversation, you continued sipping on the straw of your beverage. And, at long last, you see Chara grab a tissue and use it to eat the croissant they ordered. Tidy. Clean. Another set of traits added to your perception of them. You both sat quiet as you indulged on your respective food items.
You felt like you were getting closer to them. However a little amount of closeness. Still, it is there. And you feel it increasing.
LV: 1
EXP: 4
NEXT: 6