Once Mettaton was informed about Chara, he tripled security. Asriel and Charlie were skeptical of how effective it would be, but they were thankful for the gesture. He also put in an order for a new implant for Charlie, which would be ready in a month or two.
Once everyone arrived home, Charlie and Scarlet saw to some last minute details, helping everyone settle in. The Undynes' and Alphys' lived together in their duplex. Asriel, Sann, Pap, and Todd shared an apartment across the hall from Scarlet's where Charlie decided to stay. That decision was resolved after Asriel and Sann nearly got into a street fight over where she would be sleeping.
While Scarlet and Charlie were busy with setting up Scarlet's place to better accommodate two, Asriel, Sans, and Sann broke the news of Chara's return to the rest of the group.
The girls were never to be left alone. That was the plan.
The plan however backfired. Charlie left every time argument occurred with one of the guys. Scarlet on the other hand was annoyingly good at sneaking around, something Sans tried to warn the others about. However after a week or two, the boys were suddenly much calmer about the girls wandering off. The girls found it a little suspicious, but decided not to question it.
Charlie's group finally adjusted. Sann and Asriel learned to get along. They even shared a room.
Mettaton rearranged Scarlet's schedule so she would have more time to help everyone adjust to domestic life. When she did have work, Sans was there to casually watch over things.
Sann and Sans would often disappear when everyone was home safe, discussing things and sharing war stories. The more they talked, the better Sann felt about their world. Another week or two went by without a hitch as the group became closer, melding into a more coexisting family.
Sans got to know Asriel and Charlie a little better. It seemed he simply got off on the wrong foot with him. When the two were alone together, they were delightful to be around. Asriel was everything Sans hoped he'd be and Charlie was wonderful; Sans could see why she was the Queen through her calm demeanor and witty remarks.
Typically, when Scarlet came home, Asriel would either disappear to his room or attempt to join in whatever was planned for the night. He always seemed disappointed when it was usually along the lines of something Todd and Sann chose to do. The three of them had become close, making crude jokes and pulling pranks. Scarlet would go bar-hopping with Sann and Todd once a week, absolutely ecstatic she finally had friends that were willing to do that. The three of them would disappear around 10pm and come home pretty drunk around 2am. Charlie, Sans, and Asriel didn't much care for this ritual… though they were all thankful that Sann and Todd were adjusting well. Sans tried to be accepting, knowing Scarlet usually had a hard time making friends.
The Fearsome Foursome, as Scarlet and Charlie dubbed them, kept to themselves mostly. Undyne was constantly posting photos of their activities and vacations they would all take. Training with both of the Femme Fish Fighters would happen whenever everyone had time. Scarlet tried her best to assist in coaching Charlie in basic combat techniques. It took a few sessions, but Charlie began to get the hang of it.
The entire group would all try to get together for a "family activity" at least twice a week. It was very odd for the Renegades to be living apart, so it was usually something everyone looked forward to. However, the foursome was up to no good.
During one event, a barbecue in the park, Undy and Undyne had taken note over the past few weeks on how Sann and Asriel has stopped fighting. Almost completely. ever since New York, Asriel and Scarlet stayed a safe distance from each other. Though that didn't stop the Undyne's from noticing the way Asriel would stare at Scarlet, who seemed to be oblivious. Not to mention, Sann and Charlie felt way more comfortable showing PDA… something Charlie would usually refrain from as a courtesy to Asriel. Interesting...
They began testing a devious theory, informing their respective lovers and putting a plan into motion.
Undyne sat near Asriel, who stood, watching Charlie, Papyrus, Pap, and Todd play volleyball.
Scarlet walked over join the spectators.
Undyne stretched out her foot, sending Scarlet falling forward.
Asriel didn't even think. He lunged forward and caught her.
Scarlet looked up as if he'd just insulted her.
She scrambled out of his arms, face flushed, leaving Asriel frustrated, feeling as if he'd done something wrong.
The two awkwardly apologized over and over and spent the rest of the day avoiding one another.
VERY interesting...
That night, The Fearsome Foursome began to plot. With all of their ships combined, they had quite the armada…
Scarlet woke up with a loud yawn and looked at her phone. She smiled and stood. She and Charlie had never really spent any quality time together, other than parties and the occasional odd conversation to kill time while they waited for other plans. Though, even then, they mostly ate breakfast said goodnight before Charlie slept in Scarlet's bed and Scarlet took the couch.
"Charlie!" Scarlet said, bursting into the bedroom. "Wake up, Queenie-face!
Charlie yawned, she leaned over and grabbed her phone, looking up at it.
"Ugggg," Charlie groaned. "Morning sunshine."
Scarlet rushed into the room, pouncing on her. She shoved Charlie around in the covers
"You know what day it is!?" Scarlet was beaming with a rush of possible excitement...or anything that involved being able to leave the house after getting an 'ok' from both Sann and Sans for safety reasons. Charlie groaned, pulling covers over her face, she had another nightmare about Chara, but that was nothing new.
"What's up.." Charlie mumbled. Scarlet jumped on her, poking and giggling. "Is it someone's birthday?" Charlie rubbed her eyes and playfully shoved Scarlet off.
"It's our monthaversary!" Scarlet said, rolling off the bed and tearing the covers away.
Charlie scooted off, she held only one eye open. She pulled a black tanktop overhead and shuffled into some blue jeans and then pulled her hair up in a messy bun,
"Well, we can't very well stay in for that. What's the plan, my sunshine?" Charlie quipped rubbing her cheekbones for stimulation to stay up.
"We're going on a girl date~!" she smirked, already dressed. Charlie smiled and shrugged, Scarlet skipped to the kitchen. "The boys are all busy with some bullshit, so I was thinking you and I hit up the Cherry Blossom Festival!"
"Da what," Charlie gurgled while brushing her teeth. "Uhh, sure," Charlie spit toothpaste. "Let's just leave early, I want to eat brunch."
"You got it, babe." Scarlet smiled, handing Charlie a stylish jacket to wear. "Oh, also..." Scarlet went into her room and pulled out an origami rose. She stuck the pin into Charlie's bun. "Perfect." Scarlet admired the simplicity of Charlie's bun.
"Whatever, let's head out," Charlie raced out the door, pushing ahead as well as any anxious thoughts about the monster who haunts her dreams. She grimaced but kept it buried for the time being. Scarlet scoffed. She caught up to Charlie and looked at her with a smug grin.
"What?" Charlie kept running down the steps, skipping a few.
"You know, the other guys might let you act all mopey and whatnot, but I'm not really that big of a fan of that sort of thing." Scarlet hopped the banister and headed off. Charlie eventually allowed Scarlet to take point, guiding her to the new destination.
"I know it's a little hard to be optimistic when that... asshole out there somewhere. But listen." Scarlet stopped and hailed a taxi. "If you just worry all the time, you're just wasting energy. If he shows up, we'll deal with it. If he doesn't, then you're better off making some crazy awesome memories, you get me?" She looked up at Charlie with a bit of a leer. Charlie rolled her eyes, but smiled in adoration. She patted Scarlet and stepped into the car.
The two of them arrived at the Festival. There were people dressed in traditional robes running around as the two girls waded through the crowds. Scarlet walked up to a booth and ordered Charlie a bento box of breakfast, getting herself a few sticks of fried foods. They walked along the pathways covered in cherry blossom petals, observing the live music and various street acts.
"So. I have a question." Scarlet began.
"Shoot," Charlie responded.
"So who exactly is your lover right now?" Scarlet stated, casually. Charlie stopped mid-bite and burst out laughing. Scarlet was pleased with this response.
"I'm trying to read the situation without asking, but it's pretty confusing from the outside, I gotta admit…. I mean unless you guys are the poly-type" she snickered and winked. "No judgement in this house."
"I uh, well, I believe Sann and I are together," Charlie smiled, taking a bite of her food. "He's been there for me since I arrived in the underground."
"So, then... what's up with his royal dorkness?" Scarlet scoffed.
"Asriel...well..he's something else." Charlie responded, trying to find the words.
"Obviously." Scarlet rolled her eyes, going through her phone and slouching.
"He's had a thing for me since I've met him...at least I think so. He's nice... and in another circumstance I probably would've ended up with him... but at the time I had already fallen for someone else."
"That's funny. He said you know so." Scarlet smirked.
"Well, I suppose I do, though I wish he would like… Let's just say he's not the best at letting go… in more than one way." Charlie picked at the wrapper of the kitty donut she purchased.
"Poor thing is lost in love with you." Scarlet teased..
"Yeah, but I have high hopes he'll find someone else. Especially now that i'm nowhere near the only human in his life." Charlie sighed. Scarlet smiled and guided her into a bridge, the two of them leaning over the banister and watching the flower petals float down the stream.
"Well, I can't say i'm not a little disappointed. Now that I've confirmed that hooking you guys up would be home-wrecking, I guess I'll have to break it to him." Scarlet sighed sarcastically. Charlie looked over at her with a pretty scolding brow.
"I tried pretty hard. I knew something was up when my flawless plans weren't working." Scarlet said with a smug grin.
"You were trying to do what …?" Charlie said lowly.
"Hey, Asriel never said you were with Sann. He only said that you, quote: "Had a Thing" for him." Scarlet snickered, doing a poor impression of Asriel. "I mean what was a bro to do? He was just so... sad and awkward. I wanted to help him. But between us, I don't want to put you in a situation that would cause more drama. Knowingly anyway… They already fight all the time, and now I know why."
Charlie laughed softly for a moment, then sighed. Scarlet nudged her with a smile.
"The boys can suck it. You're my arm candy today." she said, extending her elbow for Charlie to take.
"So I have another question…" Scarlet said inquisitively with a grin as they continued to stroll, the falling sun triggered dim lights to switch on in the trees and overlaying canopy. "This is a pretty weird one though, so feel free to stop me. Have you guys... done it yet?' she smirked. Charlie playfully gasped, hand over her mouth in a delicate fashion.
"I only ask because I have a Sans too, ya see." Scarlet snickered. "He refuses to say anything about it."
Charlie's smile faded when she realized Scarlet was serious. Scarlet grinned defensively.
"For real though… Like... can they!? How would one reciprocate? Would you use protection?" she fired off questions with startling precision. Charlie coughed into her free arm, hiding flushed cheeks.
"I… uhh… well… yes." That was the most dignified response Charlie could muster. Scarlet laughed.
"I can stop if you want." she snickered, walking to a booth where they could buy cherry blossom spinners to send flying into the river. There were a few garlands of flowers that sat in the river where you could win a prize if you landed your spinner inside one of them. Charlie stretched her hands overhead, brushing off the embarrassment.
"Sann and I hooked up," she whispered into Scarlet's ear. "Just once, though." Scarlet handed Charlie a few small propellers with pink flowers on the top of them. The two of them made their way down to the river bank, where a few other kids were sending their flowers flying over the river, giggling and running around.
"Aw. Was it any good?" Scarlet zipped her hands together, showing Charlie how to do it. Charlie tried a few times, but kept dropping the stick...
"Well... he's kinda the best sex I've ever had. I've only had a few partners, but being with him," Charlie shivered, "it's... breathtaking. The passion I felt that night alone was enough to become imprinted in the back of my mind, surfacing every time he smiles at me. Like how he used to every morning."
"I'm just trying to picture what that's like, dating, let alone doin the frick frack with a skeleton, but I can't even fathom." Scarlet said, zipping her spinner and watching it land into a ring worth a high amount of points.
"I think we have a winner!" Scarlet cheered. The man at the stand offered the girls a plushie of their choosing. Charlie slapped Scarlet' arm as she pointed up at a chibi skeleton plushie. The vendor noticed Charlie's stare and handed each of them their own. Charlie giggled like a schoolgirl and rubbed her face into it, truly appreciating that she was in a world where things this adorable could exist. Scarlet laughed and shook her head with a smirk.
"Good god. Every single one of you needs to get laid. You've been alone with Sann so many times since you got here and you're really telling me you haven't hooked up this whole time?"
Charlie laughed and played with the squishy limbs.
"I really don't know what you want me to say. I mean, we do other stuff sometimes, but that's pretty much all I've got. We just haven't really had time, I guess."
"Oh come on, you're not that naive." Scarlet stuffed her plushie in her hoodie and zipped it up halfway, it's squishy skull popping out. "Does Sann even have a dick?"
Charlie walked into a stand of cotton candy and it nearly fell over. After constantly apologizing to the agitated vendor, she quickly walked off, with Scarlet laughing behind her. Scarlet loved seeing her flustered. It might just be her new favorite thing.
"I-I think so. It felt like a… well, you know. B-But I've never actually seen it… We've only done it once, remember? And… I wasn't really in a good position… to see it." Charlie said shyly.
Scarlet covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Well, I guess we'll both just have to imagine." Scarlet joked.
"I've seen my Sans' tongue. I can only assume there are more tricks hiding up that magician's sleeve." Charlie could sense the lady's curiosity, so it'd only be polite to explain what she knew.
"Right before we…" Charlie cleared her throat. "Sann explained a few things… Since it's rare for two monsters to possess the same physical features, they have the ability to change their… you know, equipment ?"
Scarlet snorted, enjoying her attempt at describing monster sex ed. Charlie's embarrassment turned to smugness.
"W-Well… why so curious? Trying to study up for your own bonehead?" she clapped back. Scarlet nearly tripped over herself.
"WHAT? No! Oh my fucking god, don't even joke. I mean, sure, I'm curious, but he's like my best friend."
"Hmm… methinks the lady doth protest too much." Charlie sneered.
"Noooope," she squirmed. "He's just… no. It wouldn't work. So it's not." Scarlet said flatly. "Besides, Sans is still sort of getting over Toriel."
"Huh?" Charlie looked a little shocked before the realized,"Oh...I forgot you're talking about your toriel and sans."
"Yeah… They were together for like... 5 years, I think he said? Some long ass period of time. They went through a lot, so, you know." Scarlet continued.
"Wait a minute," Charlie said, thinking for a moment. "...do you have an Asriel?"
"No, oddly enough. Or... we might but I haven't seen him yet."
"I don't know why… but that's a little unsettling." Charlie shuddered.
"Asriel's the only monster from your group I've met for the first time, so-to-speak. But… I have a theory… it's a pretty morbid one, though. Asgore and Toriel were married at one point. Sans told me they had kids, back in the underground." Scarlet fidgeted with the hem of her jacket a bit, not sure if the topic was appropriate. Charlie slowly began connecting a few dots, her expression growing more and more grim by the second.
"Kids...?" Charlie said softly, wondering if this world had a Chara as well… "Where… are they?"
"They died..." Scarlet shrugged. "I don't know the full story, though… it happened before they resurfaced."
"Well… Asriel is Toriel's son..."
"I sort of assumed. As- gore, To- riel , As-riel . Someone isn't very creative with names."Scarlet tried to lighten the mood.
"Jesus..." Charlie calmly sat down on a bench; This was a lot to take in. She hadn't yet met this world's Asgore or Toriel. They were constantly unable to make the get-togethers, busy with Ambassador errands. How would Asriel react to seeing living versions of his parents… How would they react to seeing their son… Scarlet said ' children. ' Does that mean Chara died too? Charlie sighed.
"I don't even know if I could imagine living in your world...but think about how they feel. They're essentially seeing their clones-" Charlie sat up with a gasp.
"Scarlett, I have a clone here. I have a double too... don't I?"
"Probably." Scarlet shrugged.
"I… I wonder if she's… I wonder how much is the same…" Charlie trailed off. Scarlet playfully nudged her after a moment of silence.
"Hey… Let's not get all soul searchy in front of the noodle hut. Let's head home. We can get all wonderous there." she said, patting her shoulder comfortingly. Charlie smiled and nodded, following Scarlet as she hailed a taxi.
Scarlet smiled, walking into the bedroom with a bottle of wine and two glasses. She set them down and began pouring, while Charlie changed into some pajamas. The two plushies sat side-by-side on Scarlet's bed. Charlie walked out of the closet and snickered.
"At this rate, you guys are gonna think I'm an alcoholic." Scarlet chuckled. "I can't get existentially fucked without some lube, though."
They toasted and both chugged the glasses. Scarlet poured them a second.
"Scarlet," Charlie began, "You need to hear me out."
Charlie sat on the bed. Scarlet joined her. They both laid back on the pillows getting comfortable. Charlie thought for a moment before speaking.
"Listen," she patted your back, "The war was hard… I'm sure I don't need to tell you that… but honestly, Chara being somewhere out there is a pretty big deal, even though you and I would like to pretend it's not. I don't really get close to people… because when I do, it always results in their death… or worse…" Charlie paused, swirling her wine, staring at her glass.
"...You know you're not safe around me right? That's why I've been distant..."
Charlie looked up to meet Scarlet's very serious glare. She took a sip of her wine and sighed.
"You and the others seem to have the impression that I'm this helpless princess." she began, sitting up a bit. "I'm a pretty tough cookie who's had her own fair share of near-death experiences. And that's without anything having to do with a monster war. Humans can be just as cruel."
"Exactly," Charlie sat up, "Chara is human after all. I know you're not weak... but I don't want you hurt."
"Charlie."she scolded. "I know what he wanted in that room. I know that look. I've seen it; dozens of times. The thought of you going through anything like that... what that felt like for me..." Scarlet looked down at her glass, trailing off. "Guys like him should be burning in hell. And while I've got the ability to prevent that, I will. He's not going to touch you. Not on my watch."
Charlie gently directed Scarlet's chin to face her.
"Scarlet, you've already done so much for us… I just don't want you to think that I don't like you. It's the opposite. I'm so happy we're here… You bet your ass I appreciate you." Charlie smiled. Scarlet playfully swatted her hand away and chuckled.
"It'd mean more if you bet your ass." she teased and play shoved her.
"Oh god, not you too…" Charlie groaned with a smile and took a large swig of wine.
"I mean have you SEEN your ass...?" Scarlet raised a brow, leaning over with a smirk. "No wonder Asriel's eyes are glued to it 24/7."
"Please, you're this international sensation. You've got crowds pining for a piece of that. How am I supposed to compete?" Charlie said, feeling the wine, giggling.
"If we both waited for him to inevitably barge in to 'check on us,' only to be laying on the couch in lingerie, Asriel would have a fucking heart attack." she burst out laughing.
"Oh, please don't… the poor guy! He would pass out!" Charlie snorted.
"Well it's not my fault he makes it so easy. He has so many fun buttons to push. He's like a bop-it." Scarlet snickered.
"Poor Asriel," Charlie shook her head. "He acts like he he's never known a woman before." she sighed, finishing her wine and pouring herself more. Scarlet realized Charlie didn't know... a large grin spread across her face. Charlie looked up with an inquisitive brow.
"That guy." Scarlet said, with a smug sigh. "... is 100% pure. Untouched, unsullied." she covered her mouth, waiting for Charlie's reaction.
"Oh god," Charlie blurted out. "How the hell have I gone this long without knowing that! Now I feel… really bad… for a few things." she chortled.
"Why do you think I took you two to New York out of everyone? I was like 'This guys needs a hobby or an orgasm, STAT!" Scarlet grinned, then sighed. "But, alas, now my plan is at a stand-still. I'll have to find a nice girl somewhere else." she laid back on the bed with a hand behind her head.
"Agreed... we really need to find him someone. Though... I think he'd prefer a real woman." Charlie looked at Scarlet, nonchalantly sipping her wine. Scarlet sat up, blushing a bit.
"Oooh no. Nnnnonono." She waved her hand across her neck. "He seems like the type who wants to make love and feel feelings …" she shuddered with a gagging noise.
"...and that's a bad thing?" Charlie teased.
"nope. no bueno. not gonna touch it. Love and me... we don't really get each other. Like... allowing another person to have things they could just turn around and hurt you with... it just seems like a bad time." Scarlet said, looking away and sipping her wine. She tried her hardest not to think about that moment she and Asriel shared weeks ago, even though it had been on her mind a few times a day ever since.
"Mmhmm…" Charlie smirked. "...and what if he already had a thing for you?"
Scarlet choked on her wine, lurching forward and hacking.
"Jesus, Scarlet…" Charlie patted her back firmly. Scarlet recomposed herself with a deep breath.
"Uh… heh... Please tell me he doesn't." She sighed, facepalming.
"Why are you so nervous when I talk about him?" Charlie chuckled, rubbing her back.
"I-I'm not!" Scarlet snapped. Charlie smirked in disbelief. Scarlet stood up and paced. "It's just that… I have a long smoldering trail of burned bridges over rejected feelings and… you know, I would hate for him to catch fire." she joked, walking over to the bottle emptying the rest of it into her glass. "He's a fucking King anyway."
"That didn't stop him from hitting on me ." Charlie shrugged.
"Wait… He's been hitting on me!?" she groaned taking a swig again. Sure, Asriel was around, but he was usually there to nag about something or say some awkward comment and walk away as if he were angry. If that was flirting, then maybe Scarlet's perception on what might be 'normal' was more skewed than she thought.
"Uhhh you don't pick up on cues, do you…?" Charlie stood, placing a hand on her hip.
"Look, Charlie, it's not something i necessarily think about so, no, I usually don't assume anyone's ever hitting on me unless they're being… blatantly clear." she scoffed. Charlie patted Scarlet's head.
"Let me just say that I would know… I certainly know that look. The look that says "he's going to win you over.'"
"Asriel's nice to me, sometimes, but that's it. You're overthinking this. Besides, he's in love with you , dude. Not to mention he's sort-of your husband. This is ridiculous. Why are we even talking about this." Scarlet rambled, swatting her hand away.
Charlie laughed and raised her glass. "Congratulations… You have a crush."
"No! Shut up!" Scarlet blushed furiously and chugged the rest of her glass. She buried her face in a pillow and groaned.
"Hey, hey calm down," Charlie cooed and pat her back.
"No! You don't get it!" Scarlet grumbled.
"Look, if you don't want to get involved you don't have to. You can always tell him you can just be friends. He'll take the hint."
"Ooohhh, like he got the hint from you?" Scarlet looked up at her with a sarcastic leer, hitting her with the pillow.
"Hey!" she giggled. "I mean sure, he was a little… assertive, but that's how things were down there at the time. Now he's in a position where he can relax a little more and try new things. Looks like he chose to try you." she said, poking Scarlet's side. Scarlet rolled over, hugging the pillow and sighed angrily.
"Look… It's not that I don't ... want it..." she mumbled. "It's just..."
"You're not ready." Charlie finished. "There's nothing wrong with that."
Scarlet shook her head.
"I just... don't think I can ever be ready . For anything like that, let alone someone like him. I'm waaay too... fucked up. He doesn't know what i've been through..."
"Scarlet, please...if you knew about the war-"
"See? There you go again!" Scarlet snapped and stood up. "I've been-... I've been hurt, okay? Abused. I can't even think of trusting someone like that without feeling like I'm suffocating." She began pacing and rambling.
"I can barely talk to Sans about about my past without anxiety attacks! You guys don't think I know violence and blood!? I was trapped with a man for years who ran the type of business where people disappeared when they owed him money! I was locked in a room with that asshole every. fucking. night. for him to do whatever he wanted!" she began ranting in no direction in particular.
"And you know what? I figured that was love! That it was my fault if he put his hands on me!"
Charlie put her glass down and hesitantly reached for Scarlet. She pivoted, tears pricking her eyes.
"And you know the hilarious thing about it all? I kept trying after I escaped him! I tried with a few more people desperate to feel something!Anything!"
Scarlet's arms fell to her side, looking at the floor. "It all ends the same..."
Charlie's stood wide-eyed.
"I... I... 'can't' be with anyone..." Scarlet sighed. "...even if I want to be. I carry scars and past trauma that makes it just… not even worth it. Whoever I would choose would be cleaning up someone else's mess and no one deserves that..."
Charlie slammed into Scarlet with an embrace. She didn't speak, holding her close. Her silence was the only comfort she could give. Scarlet was oddly serene.
"I-... I've never told anyone that before… Not even Sans." she said, hugging Charlie back.
"If Asriel found out, though..."
"It'll be up to you if they ever know," Charlie whispered.
"I dont... I just don't want to be treated like I'm broken."
"Scarlet." Charlie pulled away and looked at her seriously. "There's nothing you can do to convince me you're weak. Not after I saw you beat the snot out of men twice your size and then some. Understand?"
Scarlet snickered and wiped her tears away. "...Thanks."
Charlie grinned, play-shoving her. Scarlet shoved back a little too hard, knocking Charlie towards the bed. She grabbed Scarlet's arm, flipping them in a tousle and landing on top of her.. The queen flushed and carried an apologetic look for a moment, but she wanted to somehow turn this into something amusing.
"I meant to do this in the most nonsexual way, " Charlie snorted while poking at Scarlet's stomach, hoping this would make light of the situation.
"It's okay if you didn't." Scarlet playfully winked, flinching a bit. Her flirtatious grin caught Charlie off guard, a little too inebriated to tell if it was a bluff. Scarlet poked Charlie back, both of them laughing as she allowed Charlie to pin her arms down.
There was a sudden thud as something fell in the closet. Charlie's eyes darted over to the source of the noise and froze. For a split second she was almost in a state of shock out of habit. She relaxed after a moment of thought….if it was Chara, they would have known by now.
A disappointed smirk spread across Charlie's face as she suddenly realized why the boys had been so lenient with letting them spend time alone all of a sudden. The solitude had been an illusion this entire time. She came up with a plan for the intruder, she slowly lowered to whisper in Scarlet's ear.
"Don't look around. Act like I'm saying something sexy and laugh..." Charlie instructed calmly. Scarlet did her one better and arched her back slightly, shifting against her with a play-moan. Whoever was watching was getting a show.
There was another thud, only this time it was accompanied by two or three of Scarlet's dressed being tugged down with the peeping Tom-Cat. Todd appeared out from under the mess of fabric and continued trying to play it cool.
"Well, well, well..." Charlie announced, already plotting the possible angles to punch him… and Sann… and Asriel...
"Dammit..." Todd cursed, casually kicking the dresses aside. Charlie rolled off of Scarlet. They both stood and began slowly stalking around the sneaky bastard.
"Watcha doin there, Tomcat?" Charlie cooed with a hint of malice as her fingers scratched his scalp. Todd's eyes almost rolled back, his body gave way after the intense satisfaction of being scratched. He purred.
"Hmm… No wonder the boys seemed totally cool with this date..." Scarlet sneered, squatting in front of the spy with a malicious grin. The cat glared at her.
"I was doing someone a favor..." Todd grinned back. "I should thank you for giving me what I came for."
"Oh?" Scarlet said lowly, her grin spreading wider. "I can think of a certain someone who'd enlist you to catch steamy girl-on-girl action. How much is Sann paying you..." she teased.
"And who said Sann sent me?" he shrugged and swatted Charlie's hand away, standing with a smug smile, his tail flicking around.
"Please, as if Asriel or Sans would have the balls. You guys joke about Charlie and I like every bar night." She scoffed.
"Todd, cut the crap! Who sent you?" Charlie demanded. She seemed a little more concerned than Scarlet.
"Wouldn't you like to know..." Todd crossed his arms.
Charlie glared at him. "Fess up!"
"Charlie... how much did he hear ?" Scarlet's face grew pale, realizing she had no idea how long they had been followed. Her chest suddenly started to feel a little heavy at the thought of her secret being exposed.
Todd noticed Scarlet's icy leer. He raised up his hands defensively. "Hey! Take it easy… It was Undyne, alright? Both of em. They just wanted me to catch any interesting… information." he snickered.
Scarlet's face went blank. "Fuck."
Before the girls said another word, Todd disappeared. Charlie felt the breeze as he flew past her and out the front door. Scarlet scrambled for her jacket and stormed after him.
"Come on. This can't be good, whatever it is." she growled.
"Hey," Charlie grabbed her arm, "are you okay?"
"He was following us…. All day. He probably heard everything, Charlie." Scarlet looked back at her, terrified. "Eh-vuh-ree-thing." she emphasized. Charlie realized the devastation they both could unfold and her eyes went widened.
"I'll make sure I check all our social media accounts..." Charlie spoke grimly, pulling her boots on.
"Oh my god, fucking hell..." Scarlet hissed. She pulled out her phone but nothing was posted yet. She slapped her forehead, stress levels hitting max capacity.
"They have been trying to hook Sans and I up forever. If Todd told them about Asriel… Holy shit…" Scarlet power-walked out of her building, Charlie training close behind.
Undyne's building was only 4 blocks away, so the walk was brisk. Scarlet didn't hesitate before slamming her fist against the front door.
Undy opened it with a wide grin. Her grin quickly faded when she saw Charlie drawing across her neck with a piercing glare. Scarlet grinned viciously.
"Sup.." Undy scowled at them and moved aside with a sarcastic bow. "We're just about to have dinner, care to join us?"
"Hey, buddy!" Scarlet shoved past Undy, making a b-line for Undyne, who only smiled at the sight of a successfully irritated pipsqueak.
"RUDE," Undy shouted after her. Charlie stood between them and flipped her off. Scarlet charged towards Undyne at the counter, but the fish woman halted the assault. Undyne's palm smacked Scarlet's forehead and safely held her head out of reach, Scarlet's arms flailing in futility.
"Eh, she's harmless." Undyne commented to an apathetic Undy. Charlie panicked and jumped Undyne from behind, trying to grapple her. Undyne grinned, this was new behavior from the pipsqueak-ier Queen.
"We've come for justice!" Charlie shouted, excitement building as she once again fought for honor. Todd cackled as he appeared on the kitchen counter and pulled out a cigarette.
"Poor, brave humans..." Undy snickered, occasionally wobbling from Charlie's cute jerks, but never losing balance. Todd pulled out his phone and began texting someone.
"What seems to be the trouble, pipsqueak?" Undyne sneered, holding Scarlet's head with a yawn.
"You're just a dirty Peeping Tom, just like Todd. Blackmail's so cliche! Can't you guys think of anything else to do?" Charlie accused her aquatic friends, curious as to where the Alphys' were hiding away.
"Hey," Todd playfully sounded hurt. "I'm not dirty...I clean myself every day, thank you." he snickered.
"Todd, did you strike oil?" Undyne looked over, grinning devilishly. Todd nodded, holding up his phone.
"They definitely had an interesting conversation or two…" he matched her smile.
"Well, what are you waiting for, flea-bag! I didn't pay you to tease! Play it back!" Undyne laughed while Scarlet fought harder.
"UNDYNE I WILL ACTUALLY KILL YOU!" Scarlet cried out, Charlie grew worried, noticing how frightened Scarlet was becoming. Charlie still pathetically grappled Undy.
"You, Kill me? FU HU HU! You're pretty damn funny, Scarlet." Undyne laughed in her face. Scarlet swept a kick underneath Undyne, knocking her to the side. Undyne's face was a perfect fusion of surprise and pride. Undyne landed on Undy, who fell back onto Charlie.
"Get off!" Charlie coughed, "You weigh a ton!"
Scarlet stomped towards Todd, ignoring Charlie's dilemma. Todd smirked, amused.
"You want somethin', bro?"
"Delete whatever the fuck you have, or I swear on Mettaton's toner, I will fuck you up."
Todd raised a brow. "Whatever you say, kid." he replied cooly and took a drag. Scarlet shoved her hands in her pockets and pivoted, kicking the cigarette out of his mouth, barely grazing his lips. Todd fumbled, but was able to catch it just as it hit the floor. He grew flustered, resisting the urge to punch her, but not in front of Charlie. He'd save it for the bar.
"Oohhh~ What is it? Got your own tongue?" Scarlet taunted with a familiar grin. She stomped on his hand. Todd grinned, he grabbed her leg and jerked it with ease. "Fucking asshole!" she called out, falling down as Todd scampered away. Charlie was lifted into a full nelson by Undy as Scarlet was lifted by her leg suddenly, looking at Undyne Upside down.
"You kids done with your temper?" Undyne sneered. Scarlet just glared at her, limp. Charlie struggled.
Undy snickered, "You can't even properly threaten someone Charlie," she howled.
Charlie then formed a very wide...michevious grin.
"You better give me those pictures Undyne," she threatened in a low voice. "Or else..."
"Oh please, or else what?"
"I'll tell Alphys! Taking pictures of steamy girl action isprobably a no no in her book."
Both Undy looked up at Undyne for a moment, worried.
"You wouldn't..." she dared.
Undyne scoffed. "If it meant bringing her ships together, she wouldn't care. Nice try, your highness. Keep with the empty threats. We captain our girlfriends' armadas of ships, thank you very much." she said proudly, swinging Scarlet playfully.
"...Th-Then I'll tell Asriel!" Charlie muttered, trying to come up with something quick. The Undyne's smiled broadly, looking at each other. Scarlet shook her head, eyes widening.
"Tell me what?" Asriel stood in the doorway with a scowl. The Undynes' mouths dropped. Asriel furiously glared them down. Todd was grinning behind the king's back.
Busted.
"Todd informed me that you two weren't playing nice," Asriel sighed, arching a brow.
"Release the lady," he ordered. Undyne dropped Scarlet on her head, she hissed and rolled backward to sit up. Undy nodded persistently to Undyne, urging her to listen to his orders, dropping Charlie as well.
"Now..." he continued, "What the hell have you two done this time?"
" NOTHING !" Scarlet shouted. Asriel's head snapped towards her, confused."Everything's fine. Just a stupid prank. Nothing to see here!" she nervously laughed, blush tinting her cheeks. Undyne grinned devilishly and looked between Asriel and Scarlet. How delicious, it looked like their plan could still work. Scarlet faced Undyne with pleading eyes as shook her head at Undyne, horrified.
"Hey, Asriel," Charlie walked up to him and laid a hand gently upon his arm. "Could you please give us a moment? I would like to properly scold them before leaving. And thank you for coming. Maybe now they'll listen…" Asriel took the hint and looked nervously at Scarlet but nodded back. He closed the front door and walked towards the entrance of the duplex, Todd following. Once Asriel shut the door Scarlet covered her face and groaned.
"This is a NEW low, you fucking piece of sashimi…" Scarlet ran a hand through her hair and sighed, looking up and staring daggers.
"Don't be such a fucking baby…" Undyne stood above her with a smug grin.
"Undyne..." Scarlet said, her voice cracking a little. "This one's a bit too far." Undyne and Undy grinned again.
"Oh… my fucking god, this is so fucking priceless!" Undy laughed. She leaned against a wall.
"Wait… what's so fucking priceless?" Charlie started to feel as though she was missing something. Undy wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"I almost died when Sann told me the good news." Scarlet looked over to Charlie, horribly embarrassed. Charlie looked between the three of them for an answer.
"Sann told us about New York. Sans has been acting all cranky ever since you got back and it wasn't hard to see why. You guys are about as subtle as a flying brick. Acting like school brats with your awkward are you waiting for, pipsqueak? Bed that royal piece of ass!"
Scarlet's arms dropped, her fists clenching. Charlie felt the tension radiating off of her and whipped to glare at Undyne with a familiar chill crawling up her spine.
"Come on, we're just trying to help!" Undy tried to sound a little concerned to Charlie.
"You can fuck with me Undy, I don't care, but they accepted us...Scarlet was the one who took us in. This shit stopped being funny the moment you persisted after she's clearly uncomfortable!" Charlie scolded. The three of them argued. Scarlet angrily knocked over a bowl of fruit sitting on the counter.
"That's it!" Scarlet shouted, stomping her foot. Charlie took a step back. The Alphys' poked their heads from around the corner. They finally appeared after eavesdropping.
"Scarlet, just fucking-" Undyne coaxed.
"NO! FUCK ALL OF YOU ." Scarlet shouted.
"FUCK YOU " to Undy.
FUCK YOU " to Undyne.
"YOU'RE COOL," to Charlie.
"I'M FUCKING OUT." Scarlet stormed out the door and slammed it behind her so hard a picture fell and broke.
"Fine! What a bitch..." Undy shouted, Charlie slapped her arm.
Undyne shrugged. "I thought she'd be down...?"
"Well, you were fucking wrong." Charlie snapped and walked after Scarlet. This was all going to shit. Scarlet stormed down the hallway, wiping tears away angrily. She heard Charlie running after her, Scarlet picked up pace.
"Hey," Charlie said softly while patting her back, "I'm sorry. They're just jerks sometimes...you know how they are." Scarlet shoved Charlie's hand off and kept walking.
"They can fuck off… I'm not- … ugh... I just can't right now..." Scarlet growled. Charlie desperately tried to stop her, gently tugging her arm.
"Scarlet, seriously. You might wanna calm down before you leave the house… Asriel picks up on sadness like a sponge…" she hinted. They both almost made it outside.
"Fucking just-! ... I don't care!" Scarlet barked, her breath hitching. "Everyone knows now anyway, right? Fucking let me ruin this like I do everything else!" She stormed out of the door, sending it slamming it against the wall and stormed down the street, pulling up her hood.
Asriel and Todd jumped, looking at Scarlet with concern. Charlie ran after her as the two wavered, but started slowly following them.
"Hey!" Charlie called, trying to think of something to diffuse the situation. An idea popped into her head. "Scarlet, come on! Please just talk to me!"
Scarlet stopped.
The foursome all piled out behind them, trying to get a good view. Scarlet took a deep, but jagged breath, holding back. She felt humiliated and impossibly vulnerable, wanting to either scream or run. Asriel watched the girls carefully, trying to understand what was going on. He could sense how tense the situation was and tried to wait for a good moment to intervene.
"What is it, Charlie? I want to be alone." she said weakly. Charlie approached her and carefully stood in front of her. She gently pulled back the hood her jacket. She grinned. Scarlet wiped her tears away, scoffing and looked at her with an impatient glare. Asriel nearly spoke out, but wanted to see where Charlie was going.
"Promise not to kick my ass?" she whispered with a grin.
"No dice, but it's not probable." Scarlet scoffed and rolled her eyes. "I'm in a pretty shitty mood," she laughed a little to avoid crying.
Charlie smirked, shooting a quick glance to the Undynes before kissing Scarlet softly. Everyone's mouth dropped open as Scarlet's eyebrows shot up. Charlie pulled away with a smile, turning to the crowd and clearing her throat.
"I like this girl." Charlie proclaimed. "You'll have to go through me if you guys ever want to mess with her again, got it?." Charlie winked at Scarlet, who was blushing furiously, wiping the kiss off like a 5-year-old boy and pulling her hood back up before continuing down the street.
Todd held back laughter as the foursome exchanged glances and whispers. Asriel was beyond lost at this point, shaking his head in disbelief and blushing. He had no Idea what he had just witnessed… or what it meant. Seeing Charlie kiss someone else.. especially Scarlet… was giving him thoughts he had no idea how to handle.
Charlie tried to play it off, even though she was blushing just as badly. The minute her eyes met everyone, she regained her confidence, seeing the Alphys' cower.
"Oh, don't think you're not still about to get a verbal asskicking. All of you. Inside. NOW." Charlie pointed, as the foursome ran back inside. Charlie shot Todd a glare, causing him to turn and start walking down the road. Asriel still looked a little dumbfounded as Charlie approached him. He started to say something, but she raised a hand and cut him off.
"Good night, Asriel. Get some sleep," she comforted, patting his shoulder and walking into the duplex.
