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bengallemon · 3 years

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yooo look Xpressolight writing part uno

When I first did some Xpressolight art like, 2 days ago, writing brain was like “EYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY WRITE SOMETHING” and I was like “no art first then write” and since i don’t have any more Xpressolight art today to give I wrote! This part is 1292 words long btw

(tagging @help-im-a-gay-fish since this is Xpressolight which is a great shipname)

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The sky is a bright blue, the surroundings a nicer part of a city, with green grasses and trees with leaves of all shades of red, orange and yellow. The quiet silence around the trio walking through the city is penetrated by the voice of the shorter one, her hair swaying wildly in the light breeze, reaching to just under her hips.

“Please?”

“No.”

The voice shooting her down belongs to the taller one on the other side, her bright golden blonde hair flowing neatly down to her elbows. She knows what the catlike one wants, judging from how she’s made her voice to have the most innocent, pleading tone she can muster.

“Please?”

“No.”

The one in the middle sighs, her shoulder length hair a coffee brown. She tries her best to ignore the other two, knowing they were going to be like this until they get back to the apartment the three of them share.

“Please~?”

“No~.”

The one asking for something stands up on the tips of her toes, her two fangs shining in the light of the waning day. The golden locket around her neck hangs loosely, the slowly dwindling afternoon light highlighting the lone crack in it.

“Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease?”

“No, Cross. No chocolate for you.”

The blonde one’s voice grows hard for a second or two, hoping to make it very clear what the answer will be.

“Why not?”

“Because you’ll eat way too much?”

The middle one joins in on the conversation, her voice soft and happy. Cross glares at her, her voice gaining the tone of mock betrayal, although there are hints of genuine betrayal in there, hidden.

“Ccino! I thought you’d be on my side!”

Ccino laughs, knowing Cross would try to use her to get all the chocolate she wants. Ccino spares a slightly afraid look at Dream as they try to figure out a way to placate Cross until they got home.

“I’m Dream’s side, because we know what you’re like.”

“Yeah, you’ll eat too much and make yourself sick, so wait until we get home.”

“But I want chocolate now!”

Dream sighs, shaking her head.

“Just wait until we get home and then you can have some chocolate.”

“After dinner, though. Right, Dream?”

“I thought you weren’t gonna mention that!”

Cross blinks a few times before her smile widens, her voice adopting a playfully suspicious tone.

“What happened?”

“Dream a- “

“NOTHING HAPPENED I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT now let’s just go home and eat dinner!”

Cross and Ccino begin to laugh, two clearly different laughs piercing the air. One soft and happy, the other quiet but sharp. Dream blushes furiously in embarrassment as the three of them continue to head home.

The back and forth between Cross and Dream goes on for a little while longer until they fall silent, the three of them just walking together, enjoying the content and not awkward silence between them.

The sky begins to obtain the fabulous display of colours that accompanies every dawn and dusk as the trio reaches the apartment building that they live in. One of the newest apartment buildings to be built, standing out in its cleanliness and more modernised look compared to the grey buildings around it.

Rumour has it the old apartment building exploded around ten years ago, only getting rebuilt and improved after eight or so years. Even though it’s a lot newer and better than the older, more run-down buildings around it, people hesitated to work there, much less move in. As a result, the individual apartments are a lot cheaper, making it perfect for three students to move in, still attend university and have part-time jobs and let the three save a lot more money than what they would have been able if they had chosen any other option.

The three of them enter the building, going into the large elevator waiting to take them to one of the higher floors, where the much larger apartments are. The larger apartment is necessary, not just because there’s three of them, but also due to the fact that Ccino has a love of cats and has adopted… quite a few.

The door opens as they walk into the loungeroom, Cross instantly leaping through the air, hitting the couch and greeting the cats with all the snuggles they’ve had to miss out on when their owners were out. Ccino lets out a laugh as Dream sighs, moving into the kitchen to see what they have in stock.

Ccino sits down on the couch next to Cross, who has curled up into a ball, a cat on her head, one on each shoulder and three in her lap, all purring very loudly as she cuddles with them.

“Why do you always cuddle with the cats but not with us?!” Dream whines from the kitchen, voicing what she and Ccino are thinking, both hearing the content purring. Two littler cats try to climb up Dream’s leg. She sighs as she pets them and place them on the floor.

“Because cats are quiet, Dream. You’re loud.”

“Me, loud? The cats are way louder than me!”

“Well at least the purring isn’t annoying.”

An exasperated sigh is heard from the kitchen, followed by a tired and slightly annoyed sigh from Dream right after it, causing Ccino, who has just been quietly sitting, listening to the small banter, to grow curious.

“Is something wrong?”

A bigger sigh is heard.

“Yeah, we don’t really have anything quick to cook right now.”

“So, we should just order pizza or something then.” “Does this mean I get to eat chocolate?”

“NO.”

“Aw…”

Dream laughs a little at Cross still trying to get chocolate before eating something actually substantial. Her laugh turns slightly dark, remembering some things.

“We’ll order pizza, then you can have some chocolate. Not too much or we’re going to be awake all night.”

“But Dream, school is over for the rest of the year and we’re getting just that little bit closer to graduating! Can’t I have a little more?”

Ccino lets out a happy exhale, remembering that they don’t have to worry about crushing amounts of homework for the rest of the year until school starts back up. She gets up to grab her phone, which she left on the coffee table, sitting back down on the white couch.

“What do you two want?”

“Pepperoni please, Ccino.”

“CHOCOLATE.”

“No Cross, pick a pizza.”

“… Chocolate pizza?”

Dream and Ccino both sigh, knowing they should have expected such answers.

“Cross, there is no chocolate pizza. Now pick a type or we’re just gonna have one big pepperoni pizza since I know that’s what Ccino will pick.”

“Yeah, I don’t really care, and pepperoni is a classic.”

“… you can put chocolate on pizza. Ever heard of Nutella pizza?”

Ccino inhales sharply.

“Nutella on pizza is an abomination of the great thing known as pizza, and you know it! Besides, there isn’t Nutella pizza on the menu!”

Dream laughs hesitantly.

“Wow Ccino, didn’t know you’re so against Nutella on pizza.”

“It’s a terrible use of Nutella and it tastes horrible.”

“HOW DARE YOU.”

“I see we have someone who hates Nutella on pizza and someone who loves Nutella unconditionally… which isn’t surprising. So, this is a case of unstoppable force meets immovable object.”

Cross rolls her eyes, now glaring at Ccino while petting the cats around her. She relents and lets Ccino order a large pepperoni, knowing that it will be enough to feed the three of them. Ccino gets back up, moving to the kitchen as well, wondering what drinks she should prepare for herself and Dream, already knowing what Cross wants, considering she lives off iced chocolate and hot chocolate.

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Also random questions since this is basically a sorta college/university AU for me, what sorta part-time jobs would Cross, Ccino and Dream have? Also stuff they would study also what’s the actual job title for working in a cafe/coffee ship and making the stuff and all that i would google it but i’m lazy

#lemon's writing #a very smol hint of angst in there #just to please angst brain for the minute since this is part is fluffy #any real angst bits i will put under a read more thing and apply various warnings #but the fluffy stuff can vibe #lemon's fanfic writing #xpressolight #fluff #sansest #now to just vibe or continue writing probably just vibe #also periodic reminder that the bloodswap blog is up for those of you who remember what it is #i might post some bloodswap art depends how long my new fixation lasts #considering i've been fixated on undertale and deltarune for months xpressolight is gonna be here for a while #dont mind me just rambling in the tags #IS THE JOB CALLED A BARISTA #IS THAT WHAT IT IS #also it's loving ccino hours all the time #loving ccino 24/7

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secret-time-is-here · 5 years

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The King and his Aid; Trials

Chapter 1, part 2: King to be, bride to find, heir to come

NOTES PLEASE READ: Yes, If you’ve looked at the tags Ccino is in here and he is a girl-but BEFORE you get angry, unfollow, complain, etc. please read it. There are many hints dropped that Cora isn’t exactly a girl. I’ll be making amends for it by the end of Trials, I promise you. Just, stay tunned, and wait until Part 6: Royal relations. Thank you.

Also, I’m aware Ccino may be a bit OOC, but there isn’t much information on him and I’m doing my best to follow how his character is like with the little I have to work with. Some details I’ve put in will be explained later in the series, I promise.

Previous - First (Season 1) - First (Season 2) - Next

Their pinkies parted their temporary connection as the frame of doors passed over them, no longer alone outside where feelings and talk are free. Here every word the Prince spoke was hung onto to by maids and guards that roamed and stationed the halls. It didn’t help many were envious of Edwin, constantly at the King to be’s side and helping when needed. Many women and men would kill to be his aid, either to be by his side nearly all day or for the payment of the job.

At the least, Edwin wasn’t in for either, he was there to be there for his Best friend; so they could stay close and not be pushed apart by their places in the hierarchy. He did get money from it, yes, but he refused anything more than a third the actual pay-not wanting to take so much from Neil when he was already given a luxury room and taken care of well.

The small portion he did take was often used to buy gifts for Neil or buy supplies for his hobbies. It was a good thing that shop owners didn’t care for who he was or what he did, they just enjoyed him as a customer because of how often he bought supplies and the good tips he gave for their service.

Walking down to the meeting room, people stared. Of course, they hadn’t seen their hands touching, but they-like everyday-see the elder Prince and his Aid walk side by side, treated as if an equals. Many have objected or tried to, but in any case, they were cast aside and unbeknownst to them-put on a long growing list of people not to listen to. Kept up to date by Neil himself.

Some would dare try again, dare to tell him it was wrong, dare to say that his best friend shouldn’t be by his side, but they would just be passed, ignored as if they didn’t exist. Not many were able to tell the King to be what to do and have him follow it-and the little that could were sincerely close to and trusted by him. One of those few was Edwin. Truth be told, Neil would trust his life with the lowly aid.

A pair of doors opened before them again, their eyes were greeted by a royally large room with a large ovular table, many chairs linning it but not many sitting in them currently. Very few of the high court are needed for such a trivial matter as a brief summary and schedule for the ball, really, any member of the court could do it, it was simply a matter of who was willing to.

“My Lord,” An unimportant court member welcomed, a small bow before standing straight and tall once more, “We will be starting the summary shortly, with your arrival, we are just waiting for Prince Dean to show.” The court member clasped their hands together, seemingly proud, a mystery to why until Edwin pointed out in a whisper that they were some time ahead of schedule.

“Good morning, Sir,” Neil greeted with a smile, bowing as well. No matter how many times he was told how to treat his Kingdom, he would never treat them as if they were scum, he’d rather be side by side and trusted during his rein than feared and likely dethroned. “Thank you for doing this, I’m sure they were many other more important things that needed your attention.”

“Thank you for being here, your highness.” They smiled, the prince always did treat everyone better than he should have.

“Please,” The King to be replied, waving a hand in a “no” gesture, “Prince is more than enough.” The court member stuttered out sorries and thank yous.

Neil walked over to his seat at the head of the table, his aid following silently and patiently like at breakfast. He wasn’t allowed to ask for a seat, he had to be offered it.

“Do you wish a seat, Edwin?” The Prince politely asked, showing a hand to the chair next to him on his right. Like a record on repeat, the aid took his seat quietly, just another day of life as a servant.

The few court people sitting all rolled their eyes exchanging looks of disgust, Neil murdered them with his eyes, they promptly froze in their seats and sat still like they were wooden puppets. While the Prince did his best to be trusting and friendly, very few court members wished to deal with him and his equality ways.

The thundering noise of doors opening behind them stole the elder Prince’s attention, and they all turned to see who it was.

Dean walked in with an emotionless expression, a pair of guard’s several paces behind him.

“My Prince,” The leading court member bowed once more, getting barely a nod from the younger prince. The king to be frowned, at least he was first in line, Dean wouldn’t last long without him to defuse any and all situations. The leading member followed in his frowning, the court was only a level below the royals when it came to hierarchy, it wouldn’t kill to say hello back. “Well then, since all are present, we should get started.”

The torturously long presentation started, Neil looking around as the presenter did his speech and spiel. Ever so slowly his eyes drifted from the presenter, then the room to the chair on his left.

Dean wore the usual formal clothing they were presented with, a suit and tie with their crown the younger prince having his sun embroidered on the chest pocket while he had the moon, his brother having a yellow sun upon the center swirls of his crown while he owned a white moon engraved into the plate of his. His eyes gazed over to his best friend.

Edwin’s glitching as always wasn’t calm and bounced around his body, the ever apparent Error signs across his body flashing at random intervals. His vest baggy over his suit and bow, a silver pocket watch with the chain poking out of his chest pocket, a large crescent with a sun cradled in its center on the pocket-the symbol of their kingdom. His eyes eventually made their way up, just staring at his aid.

The way his pupils were mismatched, the permanent tear tracks under his eyes that could never be wiped or scrubbed away, the small but boldly circular glasses that sat so snuggly on his nasal bridge. Neil couldn’t describe what he felt when he saw Edwin, but he did know one thing.

The prince had to tear his eyes away from his aid to concentrate on the meeting once more, at the least, it was almost over.

“Then we all gather in the great hall for dinner-”

“Did you remember a seat for Edwin?” The King to be pressed, interrupting the council member, who sighed, saying they did as he requested. “An actual chair? Not a stool like what you tried to pull last time?” Neil questioned further, his tone calm but his glare throwing knives.

Another reason why most refused to deal with the King to be was his attitude when it came to Edwin, a slave and servant to him, one he refused to address as such and instead acted protective over. However, no one blamed him, with their past accompanied by how they met-anyone would be protective over him. Although, the servant was just protective of the Prince as he was over him, having gone through vigorous physical and mental training to stay by Neil’s side.

He was tense, when it came to Edwin, he just couldn’t hold his anger. His best friend grabbed his hand under the table and he relaxed, he didn’t dare to look over to his aid, that would just give it away. The air turned warm again, he hadn’t even realized it had become cold until after he started to calm down.

“We will arrange something for your-” Neil shot another glare, barely lowering his head to amplify the effect of disappointment and anger. “F-for Edwin.” They finished, stuttering at the disappointed expression, the meeting continued on.

Slowly the King caught on to what he missed, Edwin tracing the words in his palm, knowing that Neil likely had drifted his attention elsewhere.

First was greeting each princess, the ten or so that did respond to the invite, after that it was a period of intermission, talking to each other and filling in time before they were to dine in the great hall, then after that, they were all to dance. Constantly trading off, both he and Dean were to dance with the Princess’ and whoever they weren’t partnered with would be with a guard until they switched. Then after goodbyes, the ball would be formally concluded.

Both Princes were to be on best behavior and keep an eye out for any Princess they like, as well as be respectful hosts. Soon the meeting parted, Dean was first to leave, his guards followed soon after, and then the court members.

Neil exhaled a long sigh as his posture slumped. He was going to have to deal with Dean’s pissy attitude for lunch as well, hopefully, his brother could keep it under control during the ball and dinner.

“Do you want to sit a bit before we head out to lunch?” Edwin whispered, not wanting the guards that were stationed outside the cracked doors to hear him. The prince gave a soft nod, his eyes going blurry with a need of rest or at the least some relaxation.

His aid rested a hand on his shoulder, long having been used to the Prince’s touch. As Edwin had described it a few times, his touch was warm trustful and familiar, but despite that Neil refused to initiate any contact and always let his best friend do it first.

“During your free period we could go to your study and I could read to you?” Edwin offered, circling his thumb in soothing motions on Neil’s back, trying his best to keep his friend’s mind focused. In his own mind, his voice was terrible, it jumped and repeated itself like an old messed up record, but the King to be seemed to like it anyhow.

Even with his voice low and soft, trying not to be overheard, it jumped pitches at random like ocean waves.

The prince gave another nod, leaning his head over to Edwin’s hand, leaving his skull hanging barely an inch away from his aid’s hand. He could feel the warmth radiating from it, the comfort of another body battling against the cold loneliness that always seemed to plague his body. No number of layers could ever be greater than the warmth another body gave.

The servant moved his hand from Neil’s back to his cheek, the soft bone contrasting to the King to be’s seemingly rough personality. He allowed his thumb to trace the lines of his best friend’s skull finding a comforting place to lay near the older skeletons eye socket.

They sat contently like this for a few minutes longer before Edwin begrudgingly moved his hand away, checking the time, they had to get going, they were going to be late to lunch. The aid could handle going without a meal, but he had to make sure his Prince ate something.

Neil took the hint, fixing his slouching posture and pushing back his chair to stand up, extending a hand out to his aid with a light smile-his smile growing wider when a warm skeletal hand held tight to his own.

They left the room happier than they were walking in it, their hands swaying near each other and seemingly accidentally brushing against the other. Their strides to the dining hall confident and complacent.

Dean sat waiting, a pissed look on his face.

“I think you need more anger management, Dean.” Neil bluntly commented, walking in the room with a half smug look. The younger Prince clenched his jaw and lowered his eyebrows, far from pleased.

“I do not need such trivial things, Neil.” The skeleton nearly growled out, his guards flinching at the tone. Neil dismissed them for their own lunches, they both gave him very thankful looks while adverting their eyes from their Prince. “Hey!”

“You did say you didn’t need trivial things.” The King to be pointed out, going to sit down across the table from his brother, making it harder to get to him if he were to throw a fit. Dean scowled, “We have guards stationed outside every entrance to the building and there are guards near every entrance to every room as well as patrolling the halls. Let them have a break while we eat.”

Neil looked over to Edwin, offering a seat again while his brother grumbled. The cooks came out of the kitchen and brought them their food, the Head chef following with a plate of his own.

“Hello, Howard. I didn’t think you’d make an appearance.” The elder prince greeted happily, as he rarely saw the chef aside from on occasion in the halls. The head stopped in his tracks, showing off an enticing plate of Jam roly-poly, a rolled-up jam pastry, this one looking to be blackberry.

“Good afternoon, my Prince.” Howard greeted, his bandages poking out from underneath his chef’s hat. “I wanted to wish you two luck for the ball this evening-since I’ll be in the kitchen preparing for it the rest of the evening.” He smiled while setting the pastry down on the table, showing off a wide happy grin, teetering on the edge of joyful and creepy.

“Why thank you, and I wish you all the luck with making the food, I know it’ll be divine.” Neil praised, the head gave a more bright smile, and bowed, leaving the room with the rest of the chefs.

“Dean, if you treat people like objects that can run on nothing, you’d be overthrown in a matter of days. You need to be able to treat them with respect and understand they are living being with needs as well.” The elder lectured while getting food for himself and grabbing some for Edwin as well, trying to get this lesson into his brother’s head once again, and once again-getting no results.

“Why should that matter? You’re first in line.” His brother shot back, also going to get food for himself, still unhappy with Neil sending his protection away.

“Once I get a Queen-if ever-then you’ll be pressed to find one too. Then you’ll be married off as well and become King of a different kingdom, I’m just giving you facts-ones that have been proven true many times in history.” Dean grumbled more so, “If you wish, I could lend you the books I own on the subject-you think I haven’t studied how to be a good King by now?” He emphasized.

Yes, he has been trained to be King and has been since even before their Mother’s death, but the ways he was taught seemed cruel. When their Mother was forcefully passed, he got to work studying how to be a good King, no longer having the wise advice from his parent. Many times over in history, he had found that strict leaders that treated their subjects poorly-and may he say, more like property-tended to die quicker under an array of circumstances.

On the other hand, nicer King’s also tended to die quickly, other royalty being jealous of their prospering towns and cities. From then on, Neil knew how he wanted to rule. A high leader than could be considered a friend and someone trusting, someone that may hesitate on punishment, but only to think over if they deserved it or already learned their lesson. He wanted people to be happy when they saw him, to be remembered as a great King with an even better legacy and to have other royals wish to be like him.

However, no matter how much he tried, he couldn’t get the idea to his brother. Dean had long since been brainwashed into the ways of ruling with an iron fist. The younger always thought he lectured him to anoy him and boss him, but in reality, Neil was doing his best to keep his brother alive, Edwin was almost like family to him but he didn’t want to lose the little blood relatives he had left. He didn’t want to go to a funeral with few people and even fewer royals and only think the whole time “I told you so.”

“When will you stop this nonsense?” The young Prince deadpanned, bordering on pissed again.

“When it saves your life, brother.” Edwin looked between the siblings, both of who were staring down at their plates and picking at their food with empty eyes. The Prince owning a more empathetic expression with his brows curved up in worry while the younger kept his brows flat and emotionless.

He was going to have to settle this.

Even if he hated his ability, it was a magic beings world, each having something specific and unique to them. Carefully, he took the King to be’s hand in his own and pulled out a string from his eye, sending it over to wrap around one of the Dean’s fingers.

The youngest jolted up, staring at the servant with some anger while the aid only held a serious expression. Neil raised his head in confusion, before realizing what his friend was silently telling both of them.

“How about we not let this food go to waste?” Neil asked, looking over to his brother with some worry still sketched across his face. Something seemed to click in the other Prince’s mind, the confused expression slipping from his brother’s face to his own.

“Let’s.” Was all Dean said as he stopped picking at his food, and started to eat.

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Lunch ended more smoothly then it started. Dean’s guards reappearing minutes before it concluded, looking not as exhausted or distraught as they had been before their break. Another bright side to their little exchange, the younger prince started respecting his personal protection. If he remembered correctly, Bernard and Curtis, as his brother had started to call them, looked shocked at the change in their Prince’s attitude-but were pleased nonetheless with the change.

As they parted ways from the dining hall, the elder Prince could swear he heard his brother say a polite goodbye to him and Edwin. From then on and until they reached his private study, there was a small happy jump in his best friend’s step, however, he couldn’t judge, he had one in his step too.

For years the two of them had tried to get Dean to respect his aid as a person and not a meaningless body drifting by Neil’s side. At last, after likely over a decade of trying, they were successful.

Doors were opened in front of them for another time as they reached his study, with the King to be’s movement quickly growing sluggish, he hurried to grab the book they were reading last time and sit down comfortably with his Prince. Edwin leaned against the corner of the plush buttoned tufted as his legs swung closest to the armrest, making a makeshift boney pillow of dark brown denim.

Neil soon made himself comfortable, resting his skull against his aid’s legs and closing his eyes, letting the next hour or two give his body rest as his best friend and he laid comfortably and read.

As the words washed over him and he listened to Edwin’s shyly cheerful voice, doing his best to make different voices for the characters based on how they saw them while trying not to be energetic and give away their favorite pass time to the guards outside.

The Prince felt his body relax and enjoy a soundly quiet moment in comfort, near to the point of fall asleep on his best friend with the way Edwin’s soft tone carried to him and how he soothing rubbed circles on his shoulder, making him desperately want to cuddle into the arm that was draped across his chest-falling prey to the need rather quickly.

Without his say, Neil felt his eyes be pulled closed and his head cloud, falling asleep.

Despite the soft snores that came from the Prince, Edwin continued to read for a few minutes longer, hoping that if he continued for a bit longer, he could keep Neil under the veil of sleep for the rest of the time they had alone. He wasn’t bothered in the slightest when he felt the King to be curl into the nook of his arm, in fact, he gave a heartful smile, letting the motion move his hand from his friend’s shoulder to his back-still tracing soothing and comfortable circles on the bone.

Refusing to let himself fall asleep, he used a string to grab a random book from somewhere in the study, happy when turning the book over it showed it’s contents to be astrology. He started to read through, checking his pocket watch every ten or so pages.

Time quickly passed as he read on, listening to the snores of his Prince beside him, curled like an infant in his arm. Too soon, however, their time nearly ended, and he had to wake up the soundly sleeping skeleton beside him.

Neil looked up at his aid with closed eyes after being gently shaken awake and Edwin looked down at him with a gentle smile, both of them would forever deny the sprinkle of a blush on their faces at that moment.

“Time to get ready?” The Prince asked, ignoring the flowery lilac on his face, his aid gave a nod, looking to be trying hard not to let his own flowery color take over his face and have his eyes bulge.

Snuggling his head back into his friend’s arm for a minute longer, he heard the soft sounds of chuckling above him before rolling back onto his back, carefully moving Edwin’s arm out of the way as he sat up-but never let go of his hand. Instead, the King to be opted to turn back to face his best friend and knot their hands together in a rare show of trust.

Neil allowed a soft chuckle to pass his own mouth as he leaned forward to touch his aid’s forehead with his own, the sound of clinking metal against bone before he angled his head to push his crown out of the way.

“Come on, we gotta get going, Neil.” Edwin laughed, thoroughly enjoying the gesture but still needing to escort his Prince to his room before heading to his own to get ready for the ball.

“Right, right.” The royal sighed, disappointed that their short time alone ended so soon already, “Sometimes...” He started, voice low and mind still cloudy with sleep, “I wish we weren’t here- I wish we didn’t have the titles or have to worry about all the damn rules.”

Neil’s skull dropped from pressing against his aid’s shoulder to his friend’s shoulder, letting his nasal ridge cradle the other’s neck as he felt the other skeleton move his skull down onto his shoulder as well.

“It’s not even sometimes, I think about it most of the time-” His voice trailed but still quiet as to not be heard, tone near whining but more distraught if anything, “I just wish, it was you and me, Edwin.” He confessed.

“You and me both.” Edwin sighed, moving to share a gentle but loose quick hug before they had to leave, his friend eagerly hugged him back-but before they could even settle how they were, three loud chimes echoed in the room, sounding from the old grandfather clock angled at them from a corner of the room.

It was already three, the guests were to arrive at half-past four, they needed to get going.

Only flinching at the noise, they didn’t jump apart, not wanting to let go of the other.

Edwin untangled himself first, standing up and stretching a hand out to his Prince who grabbed it without hesitation.

Quickly, they departed. Neil giving a quick goodbye and promise to see each other soon before heading into his room to get ready, his aid promising the same in return.

As fast but thoroughly as he could, he grabbed the ironed outfit set out by the maids for him and got to work dressing into the new suit. The new suit he was to wear held a toned royal purple with a black button-up poking out underneath the cuffs and a gray vest separating the two, a gray bowtie, a sleek pair of jet black silk pants, and shiny charcoal-colored dance shoes. The jacket felt stiff and newly tailored, but a weight accompanied it, a gold chair poked out from the pocket.

Neil carefully pulled out whatever was in his chest pocket, just in the slim chance it was fragile, and what he saw brought him near to tears. A bright white crescent sat aligned perfectly in the middle of the long-chain, something that had been a gift from his mother years ago, just when he turned ten.

How did he not remember?

That day over thirteen years ago, his mother had given him a gift in private before the party, showing the shinning and polished necklace to him, she promised that he could wear it for that day, but told him that after that it would be kept safe, until he the day he was to find a Queen. It had even made it into her will, but he was never given it.

It was her last blessing.

That must mean, Dean had his too, right? It wasn’t just his blessing, the same happened to his younger brother a decade into his own life, their Mother hadn’t been the only one proud that day.

A knocking sounded through the room, knowing that it was likely Edwin, he put his necklace back in it’s resting place and went to the door.

Opening the large engraved doors, he saw a mesmerizing sight. His aid was wearing an outfit near identical to his, at least the respected his wants when it came to his best friend.

Edwin also was wearing a suit, vest, button-up with a bow tie, pants, and dancing shoes, but all of them were colors different from his own. The suit jacket was an imperial blue while the vest was black and the button-up gray, the bow was black with grey pants and sapphire blue dance shoes.

He also had a necklace it seemed, as he had draped around his neck the symbol of their kingdom, a crescent cradling a sun. Accompanying and completing the outfit being his large circular red glasses, sitting snugly on his nasal bridge as always.

“Save the gawking for the Princess, my Prince.” His well-dressed aid spoke, interrupting Neil’s thoughts, a knowing smirk on his face.

“They’ll all be wearing big pink frilly dresses, that isn’t gawk worthy.” The King to be playfully replied, giving a wink to which his friend rolled his eyes.

“How about we just get going?” Edwin offered, smirk still on his face as he raised a brow in question.

“Of course,” The prince bowed, darting his eyes to check if anyone was near, although he was fairly sure they weren’t, most everyone was either getting ready or already waiting in the entrance hall for the guests, and few guards were spared from attending. Neil quickly straighten himself and offered his arm, “Shall we, milady?” He teased

“Hey!” His friend bashfully exclaimed, “I’m no girl and I’m not taking your arm, but-” Edwin grabbed onto the chest of his jacket, pulling his necklace out of its pocket by the peeking chain before going on his toes to reach his Prince’s height, “I have a feeling you’ll want this on for the ball.”

Neil politely leaned down to make the act of putting on the necklace easier for his aid, who knew nearly being a head apart in height would make their lives difficult?

His aid moved back after the snap of the clasp sounded, and both of them stood normally again, Edwin looked him over. Soon the servant started to straighten out the necklace so it sat nicely and in view, then got to making sure his outfit look right and everything was in order. Too soon, his friend moved back.

“Handsome and perfect.” Was all his aid said, albeit a smile etched its way onto his skull, “Come on, we need to hurry. It’s quarter past and it’ll take a few minutes to get there.”

Before his friend could hurry on without him, Neil grabbed his hand, and pulled him into a quick hug, just breathing in the last moments they would have alone together. Likely for the rest of their lives. No matter how much he was to delay it, he was a Prince at the right age to get a bride and carry children, and he was to find one and make some within the following year of the ball.

“Whatever happens, Edwin.” The elder prince started, “Know I care for you so, so much-and no matter what people say or what the princess try and make you think, you are number one to me.”

“Even to your brother?”

“Even to my brother.” Neil promised, planting a chaste kiss on Edwin’s cheek.

-----

They made it to entrance hall in time, and surprisingly before Prince Dean, barely making it a few minutes before him. Dean too was dressed the same as the King to be, making the three of them stand out. Also, like his aid and he, the younger prince had different colors. A royal yellow boldly colored his jacket, while a gray vest sat on top of his shinning white button-up, a gray bow tie but similar to his brother jet black pants and charcoal shoes. A bright white sun necklace with a golden chain sitting confidently on his chest.

Before Neil could even turn to his brother to talk, trumpets sounded and cars started to pull in.

With Edwin at his right and Dean on his left, he felt confident he could handle the ball.

Princess started walking up the stairs. Their poofy, lacey, layered, or all of the above dresses trailing behind them as their servants were stuck carrying the trim, desperately trying their best to keep the whole dress above the stone pathway and steps. They were maybe two or three that didn’t insist on large ball-gowns but instead had trumpets, mermaids, or a-lines.

Neil could hear Dean leaning over to whisper in his ear, giving enough information to point out on particular Princess without actually moving. The third to last Princess that arrived was modest and clearly wishing she had been somewhere or doing something else. A traditional creamy satin column dress that held a jeweled neckline and long bell sleeves sat perfectly along her skeletal body, a magical body called to properly fill the attire. White outlined the sleeves, neck and short trim that couldn’t even brush the floor, a periwinkle purple lace softly contrasting the solid cream.

In a hushed whisper, his brother explained her name was Cora, not from too far of a kingdom but one that went unnoticed. A well mannered only child that-in the younger Prince’s eyes at least-would make a great Queen. The older prince gave a shallow nod to his words, planning to keep an eye on her for the rest of the night.

And so he did, with Edwin at his side, they shared comments about her. The meeting went smoothly and even Dean agreed that she did seem to be just as if not more polite than the King to be. During intermission she stood quietly by herself until she was approached by Edwin who, much like Neil did, treated him normally and as equals, gladly making small talk with him, and continued to do the same during dinner.

When his aid managed to get him through the crowd of Princess’, he reported that she was just as she seemed to be, quiet polite young women that carried the same values as the King to be did. Then when the music started to play, Neil went to a random Princess and started to dance, still keeping an eye on Cora.

Soon, like a blur, he and the kind woman were arm in arm, and the music started to play again.

“Good evening again, Cora.” The elder Prince smiled, almost breaking his expression with the visible flinch the Princess had at her own name. He made a mental note. If they were to become spouses, he’d make sure to ask about that.

“Good evening to you as well, your highness.” A shy voice spoke, but why at that tone?

“Please, we’re already on a first-name basis, Neil is just fine.” He assured

“Of course.”

Nothing else? Was submission just a constant in her kingdom? They had started giving Women their rights half a century ago, had it never reached their town? Truthfully, from Neil’s perspective, women should’ve had their rights a lot sooner but that’s what amendments are for.

“So, how has the evening gone for you so far, miss?” Another flinch, he decided to scrap pronouns altogether, “I hope you’ve been enjoying yourself.” She started to relax in his hold.

“It’s been well.” Her voice was still soft and shy, barely a whisper over the music, “Edwin was good company, thank you for sending him over.”

“Oh, I didn’t send him.” Cora stared with a curious expression in her eyes, “He saw you alone and wished to talk to you, I would’ve joined in but-as you probably saw-I was being bombarded but the others.” He gained a small and short laugh

“Oh yes, they were all over you, weren’t they?” The Princess humored, still curious to why or how someone else could have the same values as her.

“Like hens fighting over a rooster.” The elder Prince joked, gaining a smile from Cora. “I’m guessing you’re confused to my values?” He questioned, bringing the subject back to more political topics.

“Hmm?” She sounded, seemingly forgetting about it for a moment, “Right, yes, I was. I hadn’t met someone that also cared for their servants before you.” They confessed, looking genuinely pleased.

“I’m sorry to hear that, but, sadly, I share your experience.” The music stopped, and they started to part, “Friends?”

“Of course, Neil.” They smiled, looking happier than they did when they arrived.

Nightmare and Dream belong to @jokublog (Sorry that you’re kinda dead in this)

Error belongs to @loverofpiggies

Horror belongs to @sour-apple-studios

Cross belongs to @jakei95

Blue belongs to the undertale community

Ccino belongs to @black-nyanko

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