This is related to my "Once Upon A Handplate" fanfic, an AU based on "Handplates". You can find the story on my profile, along with the many related one-shots. This story takes place one year after the end of the main story.
The first part of the Gastty wedding story is here! This first part is more about preparation, the wedding itself shall happen in the second part. Stay tuned, I'll try to write it... relatively soon. ^^
Disclaimer: "Undertale" belongs to Toby Fox. "Handplates" belongs to Zarla. Only the OCs (Patty, Noelle, Sam, Piper and baby Junko) belong to me.
Gaster and Patty, holding their hands, walked closer to the house where Papyrus and his family lived. As they approched the door, Gaster tensed. He wasn't exactly at ease, Patty could tell, so she gently squeezed his hand in reassurance. With a smile and a soft tone, she said:
"Don't worry Gaster. Everything's gonna go well."
Gaster just nodded in response and knocked the door. A small message sticked near the doorbell instructed to not ring but knock. Gaster could guess the purpose of this message. The parents didn't want the sound of the doorbell wake the baby. It didn't take long before Gaster and Patty heard the door being unlocked, and the next moment the door opened, revealing Frisk. The human didn't look her best. Not that she was ugly, but her fatigue was obvious. Frisk had dark circles under her eyes and her hair was slightly messy. Her gaze was even a bit unfocused, which meant she's been sleeping until the knock on the door woke her up.
"Oh, Dr Gaster… Patty… Come in." - Frisk said, opening the door wider and stepping aside.
After the couple entered and Frisk closed the door, Patty asked in concern for her host:
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just tired." - Frisk replied, with an easy yet quiet tone.
"Sleepless nights, huh?" - Gaster said with a knowing look.
"Yes... and so are afternoons." - Frisk nodded slowly, but then smiled - "Well, I went through this once, so I can do it again."
"Babies grow up fast, it'll get better soon." - Gaster stated, with a shadow of a nostalgic smile.
"That's true. So!" - Frisk's gaze altered between Gaster and Patty - "What brings you here today?"
"We came with wonderful news." - Patty started, as it took all her willpower to contain an excited squeal.
"But I think it's better to tell it to you and Papyrus at once." - Gaster said and after a quick look around, he asked - "Is he at home?"
"SURE THING I AM." - Papyrus said, as he was descending from the second floor - "I WAS JUST WATCHING OVER BABY JUNKO, ALLOWING FRISK TO HAVE HER NAP."
"Which is so very appreciated. Thanks, Papyrus." - Frisk thanked her husband with a tired, yet genuine, smile.
"THAT'S A NORMAL THING TO DO." - the skeleton replied, before greeting Gaster and Patty - "HELLO GASTER, PATTY. HOW ARE YOU BOTH DOING? THERE'S SOMETHING IMPORTANT YOU HAVE TO TELL US, RIGHT?"
"We're doing wonderfully, Papyrus." - Gaster replied, then his expression grew awkward - "And yes, we have quite… big news."
"Gaster proposed to me yesterday!" - Patty exclaimed, her big golden eyes and wide smile reflecting pure joy.
"W-What..?" - Frisk breathed out in surprise, feeling more awake than she's been in the past few hours.
"YOU TWO ARE GETTING MARRIED..?" - Papyrus asked, to make sure he got it right.
"Yes, that's… kind of the point of a proposal." - Gaster replied, averting his gaze for a brief moment.
Papyrus and Frisk exchanged a surprised glance, before looking back at their visitors. Then, catching Gaster totally off guard, Papyrus wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug, and said loudly:
"I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU, GASTER! CONGRATULATIONS!"
"...Thanks you…"
Gaster didn't dare to hug back, but he patted (a bit awkwardly) Papyrus' shoulder. Meantime, Frisk took Patty's hands in hers, genuinely congratulating her on her turn.
"I'm so glad… You two really need this." - she said.
"True… After a year together, we just know we don't want be anywhere but with each other." - Patty replied, her eyes glimmering.
The two women hugged, before Frisk requested to see Patty's ring. The cat woman obliged, showing her hand. Frisk didn't recognize it to be Toriel's ring, since she's never seen her wear it.
"It's beautiful…" - Frisk said, before looking up at the cat monster - "You're a lucky girl, Patty."
"Actually, it's… the queen's ring." - Gaster clarified hesitantly.
"What, really? It's Mom's ring?" - Frisk blinked in surprise.
"She hardly insisted for us to have it." - the former scientist explained - "You don't mind, do you?"
"No, why would I? I have my own ring there!" - the woman briefly showed the heart-shaped ruby on her finger with a light chuckle.
"BUT REALLY, IT'S A NICE SURPRISE! I GUESS I SHOULD'VE SEEN THIS COMING, SINCE YOU ALREADY WERE LIVING TOGETHER LIKE A MARRIED COUPLE..." - Papyrus noted to himself, before asking - "BY THE WAY, WHAT DID SAM AND PIPER SAY TO THIS?"
"The children are extasic about the upcoming wedding." - Patty said with a smile - "They say they're happy for us, and I can tell it's true."
"That's right." - Gaster nodded - "Besides, they knew beforehand I was planning to propose."
The four people then sat down on the couch, as Papyrus asked when they planned to get married. Patty replied that they were thinking to do it in a month, since they didn't want a huge ceremony. She and Gaster already had thoughts about it taking place in the park of the village. There was a beautiful spot there with flowerbeds and a pavillion that could be used as the altar.
"Now that we're speaking of the wedding…" - Gaster said, fidgetting his hands nervously - "We came not only to bring the news, but also ask you something."
"WHAT IS IT?" - Papyrus asked curiously.
"...I know that it may seem inappropriate. You and I... didn't exactly have a... smooth past." - Gaster clenched at the fabric of his sleeve - "But despite everything, I'll be… clearly not unhappy if you… if you accept to… come to the wedding."
Once he finally said it, Gaster dared to meet Papyrus' gaze. Like he should've expected, Papyrus' face reflected pure wonder. But the younger skeleton asked, just to make sure he got it right.
"YOU'RE... INVITING ME TO YOUR WEDDING?"
"Yes. And Frisk too." - Gaster replied, then added with a mildly nervous tone - "Considering how unseparable you two are…"
"So shall you come to the ceremony?" - Patty asked on her turn.
"YES!" - Papyrus exclaimed - "I'LL GLA-..."
Seeing he was getting really excited, Frisk quickly squeezed his shoulder and shushed him, before briefly pointing at the ceiling.
"SORRY." - her husband quietened his voice, before pursuing where he stopped - "I'LL GLADLY COME TO YOUR WEDDING. I'M SO HAPPY YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED, SO OF COURSE I WANNA JOIN THE PARTY."
"We had a feeling you'd say that, Papyrus." - Patty replied as her smile grew.
Gaster had an expression of relief on his face, but there was also a hint of the fact he was happy Papyrus accepted his invitation. Shortly after, the four people heard a rising cry coming from upstairs.
"You speaking quieter didn't make a difference after all..." - Frisk said to Papyrus with a tired look - "Sorry, I'll have to leave you by yourselves."
Frisk stood up from the couch and was about to head the stairs, as Patty suddenly jumped on her feet with a beaming expression.
"Do you mind if I come with you? I could help." - she asked.
"I can handle this myself." - Frisk shook her head.
"Aw, please? I never got to see the girl for real yet." - Patty pleaded - "I promise I'll be quiet."
The expression on Patty's face was so adorable that Frisk didn't have the heart to say no. Frisk smiled at the cat monster and invited her to join her upstairs. It would also allow Papyrus and Gaster to talk more privately, and both women had a feeling they had things to tell each other. When Frisk and Patty went upstairs and disappeared in Junko's bedroom, Gaster and Papyrus looked at each other, knowing they were in for a good talk. With his characteristic smiling face, Papyrus spoke up first.
"I'M SO GLAD I CAN ATTEND YOUR WEDDING. IT'S DEFINITELY NOT A MOMENT I'D EVER WANT TO MISS!" - he said, before he frowned just a little - "JUST... WHY DID YOU LOOK HESITANT WHEN YOU INVITED US?"
"That's because… I wasn't sure you'd accept the invitation." - Gaster replied honestly - "I thought that inviting you at my wedding was crossing the line."
"WHAT 'LINE' ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" - Papyrus arched an eyebrow.
"I mean... after everything I've done to you and Sans… after how horribly I've treated you… asking you attend my wedding isn't a very appropriate thing to ask…" - Gaster looked down at the holes in his hands - "It is a huge request, ask you watch the man who's tortured you get married…"
Papyrus was looking at Gaster with a moved expression. He then gently laid his hand over Gaster's wrist, making the older skeleton look at him in the eyes.
"I WON'T BE WATCHING GET MARRIED THE MAN WHO'S TORTURED ME." - Papyrus stated, before averting his gaze - "BUT I'LL WATCH GET MARRIED THE MAN WHO'S… KIND OF MY... F-FATHER."
Papyrus said the last word unusually quietly, and his cheekbones gained a red taint. Gaster's good eye widened and his body tensed a little. Did he hear correctly? Did Papyrus just say..?
"What… What did you..?"
"SORRY, I JUST… I MEAN, MY SOUL IS ACTUALLY A PIECE OF YOURS, SO TECHNICALLY YOU'RE SANS' AND MY FATHER..." - Papyrus fidgetted shyly - "I FIGURED OUT AFTER ASGORE HAD EXPLAINED WHAT 'PARENTS' AND 'CHILDREN' ARE…"
"A parent is what I was supposed to be…" - Gaster looked down - "But I've never played that role. So you don't have to aknowledge me that way."
"I KNOW. BUT… YOU'VE BEEN SO GOOD TO ME THIS PAST YEAR AND A HALF. YOU'VE SHOWN ME THE BEST SIDE OF YOU, THE ONE I ALWAYS HOPED TO SEE WHEN WE WERE IN… THE LAB. SO… I GUESS I JUST WANT TO SEE YOU THAT WAY." - Papyrus dared to look back at Gaster again - "IF YOU'RE OKAY WITH THAT."
For another moment, Gaster had no idea what to say. Once more, he was amazed by Papyrus' kindness and unconditionally loving heart. But he gave up trying to solve the mystery of Papyrus' being long ago, and after everything he went through… it didn't truly matter. It didn't matter as much as before why Papyrus was so willing to forgive him and accept him in his family. It was partly because Patty, Sam and Piper have offered him their love and helped him to forgive himself for most part. They've shown him that he deserved to be happy too. And now, when Papyrus said he saw Gaster like a father, the latter didn't question it too intensely.
"I'm not sure if I'll ever deserve this, Papyrus." - Gaster finally said - "Despite your forgiveness, what I did can't be erased. But if seeing me as your… parent feels right to you, then you're allowed to."
"REALLY? YOU... MEAN IT?"
"I do."
Before he knew it, Gaster was trapped in a hug again. He couldn't see it, but Papyrus' eye sockets teared up just a little. After a brief hesitation, Gaster gave in his current feelings and gently wrapped his arms around his son, returning the hug.
"THANK YOU…" - Papyrus then said - "I FEARED YOU'D GET MAD FOR MY WORD CHOICE."
"I'm not mad, Papyrus."
At those words, the two skeletons parted again and Papyrus was smiling widely at his father. Gaster couldn't prevent a corner of his mouth curve up a tiny bit in return. After the brief moment of silence, Papyrus decided to go back on the main topic.
"SO... HOW DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO KNOW YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED?" - he asked.
"Honestly? It feels wonderful." - Gaster replied with a relaxed expression.
"THAT'S A GOOD SIGN. I WISH YOU AND PATTY BE HAPPY FOREVER." - Papyrus said genuinely.
"I've never had much faith in life, but now… I just know we will be happy."
Papyrus smiled wider, loving how absolutely relaxed Gaster looked at that moment.
It didn't take long for the news of Gaster getting married to spread around. After their visits at Papyrus and Frisk's place, the couple announced their engagement on the social media. Alphys was of course the first and fastest to react to the post. She immediately liked it, commented how happy she was and how in her opinion Gaster and Patty were perfect for each other, and of course shared it to make sure all of her friends got the news! Noelle was the next one to react, even though she knew before about Gaster's plan to propose, soon followed by Asgore, Toriel and Asriel. Later that evening, Patty posted a photo of herself, showing off her hand to display the diamond ring. It took a couple of minutes for Chara to comment below the photo. All it said was: "Is it Toriel's ring?" Followed by a squinting smiley. Patty was about to reply that Toriel gave it, but Gaster beat her at this.
"Yes, it is. The queen gave it to us. If you have a problem with this, talk about it with her, human." - the message said.
The only thing that the human teen responded to this was: "It's CHARA!" Next thing the couple knew was that Chara went offline. She most likely went confront Toriel about giving the "family" ring to Gaster. This little incident aside, the spread of the news went well. Though, when Sans found out from Alphys about Gaster's engagement, for a long moment he wasn't sure what to think or how to react. Sans was at Grillby's when he got a notification on his cellphone about Alphys sharing the post. When he saw said post, the skeleton's eyesockets went dark. The hand holding his phone shoke as he processed. As Grillby noticed, he asked gently:
"Are you alright, Sans?"
"...yeah, 'course i am." - Sans quickly composed himself - "just got some fun news here: gaster's getting married. that's kinda crazy, huh?"
"He is?" - Grillby leaned closer to Sans' phone curiously, before looking back at Sans again - "How do you feel about it?"
"me? heh, i guess i'm glad for the guy." - Sans replied with a easy tone and a shrug - "as long as he has his gal, he can do no harm, right?"
Grillby arched an eyebrow, unconvinced by Sans' answer. He was sure there was more to that, but knew that was all he'd get from him. As the fire monster went take care of his orders, Sans kept staring at the post, wondering if he should comment it. "yeah... when he's happy, he won't make others unhappy… so it's good he's happy." But the thought didn't satisfy Sans. He knew the others would say that everyone deserved happiness and a second chance. But a part of him felt Gaster didn't deserve what he was getting, that he didn't purge his sins sufficiently, that he hasn't suffered enough in counterpart of the pain he's inflinged… The feeling gave a bitter taste in his mouth. But what made him feel really bad was that he seemed to be the only one feeling that way. Everybody was writing congrats below the post, they seemed genuinely happy for the former scientist and his future wife. Sans debated for a long minute whether or not he should comment too. He'd have liked to just ignore the news, but seeing others writing something put him under pressure. Basic politeness wouldn't hurt, after all. Thus, he commented with a common: "i'm glad for you two." After that he turned off his phone for the rest of the night.
Days went by, and soon came the moment when it was time to think about clothing. Everybody had to get well dressed for the big day, but the most important was of course the bride's dress. Toriel knew a very good specialized store and offered Patty to take her there and to look together. Patty eagerly accepted, then she requested Frisk and Noelle to come along. Patty thought it would be a nice opportunity for them to spend time among girls. Frisk was a bit unsure at first, but Patty convinced her that it would put her mind at rest for a day from her mother duties. It was enough for Frisk to give in to the idea, since she admittedly needed to lighten up for a bit. Besides, she knew Papyrus would take very good care of Junko on his own.
"JUNKO AND I WILL DO ALRIGHT BY OURSELVES, SO DON'T WORRY AND HAVE FUN." - Papyrus encouraged Frisk when she shared her plans to go out - "YOU NEED TO GET A DRESS ANYWAY, RIGHT? I CAN RE-USE MY WEDDING SUIT, WHILE YOU CAN'T DO THAT WITH YOUR WEDDING GOWN."
"That's right…" - Frisk chuckled.
"I TRUST YOU AND NOELLE TO FIND THE PRETTIEST DRESSES." - Papyrus added - "I'LL BE WAITING FOR YOUR RETURN AND SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT!"
His statement amused Frisk, who promised to get only the best. The moment of departure, the young women were surprised to see that Toriel dragged Asriel and Chara along too.
"Those two don't have any formal clothes to wear." - Toriel explained - "Don't worry, they'll wander in other stores meanwhile, so they won't bother you."
Chara rolled her eyes. She wasn't enthousiastic at the idea to go shopping, this kind of activity not being her thing. It was too girly for her. And she wasn't thrilled by the idea to wear a dress at the ceremony either. At least, Asriel was coming too, which would make her time in the stores less unsufferable.
It took the group around fourty minutes to reach their destination. When Toriel showed the wedding dress store to others and as they all entered it, Patty, Frisk and Noelle looked around with amazed expressions. The place was indeed very impressive and the choice of dresses was huge. It didn't take long for the shop owner to show up and Toriel immediately introduced the bride to her.
"We have a wide choice of all designs and prices." - the seller reassured Patty - "The search is often a real adventure, but no bride has ever left without her dress. I'm positive you'll find something that responds to all your standarts."
"I really hope so..." - Patty replied.
She then felt Toriel lay her paw on her shoulder, making her turn around to look at the queen of monsters.
"Don't worry about a thing, Patty. Just pick what you like and I'll pay the difference, no matter what." - Toriel said softly - "Don't fill your mind about how much it costs. Just enjoy yourself, alright? Your wedding is a very special day."
"I'll try..." - Patty looked down shyly - "I still don't want to abuse of your generosity… but I will find the dress that feels right to me."
Toriel then said she'd return to the store in a couple of hours, after she found the outfits for Asriel and Chara. Meantime, the three young women could take their time to explore the store, and Patty could try as many dresses she wanted. Shortly after Toriel and her son and daughter left, the shop owner offered to bring several dresses of a different style each, so Patty could have a better idea of what she'd like. "I'm so excited to try them all. Bring it all here!" - Patty replied with clear enthousiasm.
Frisk and Noelle chuckled at this, while the seller went seek the dresses.
Meantime, Toriel, Asriel and Chara made it to a clothing store nearby. They barely entered the shop, as the goat monster immediately started to pick dresses that in her opinion looked "pretty" and make Chara presentable. One fancy red dress caught Toriel's attention, so she quickly grabbed it and hung it in front of Chara, to see if it would suit her well.
"This one would look perfect on you!" - Toriel said with a face of endearement - "Please, try it my child. I want to see you in it."
"I don't like it." - Chara stated flatly.
"Come on Chara, you can't be sure until you try it." - Toriel insisted.
"I don't want to!" - Chara protested, a bit louder than she intended.
Toriel looked around to see if anybody was staring at them, then she said with a hushed tone:
"We're in a public place, please don't make a scene over a nothing."
"I'm not. I'm just saying I don't want to wear it, but you're not listening."
"Alright, you don't like it. But why? I thought you love red color?"
"It's not about the color Toriel, but the design." - Chara said with a sigh - "It's… not my thing."
"Mom, maybe you could pick something less... fancy?" - Asriel suggested.
"How about this one then?" - Toriel showed one of the dresses she's picked earlier.
Chara only made a face in response after looking at it. Toriel sighed and said:
"Can you please at least just try it?"
"Fine..."
Chara just snatched the dress from Toriel's hand and walked in the direction of the fitting room. The two goat monsters exchanged a glance, knowing that this shopping session wouldn't be easy. And then it began. Whenever Chara showed herself in a dress, Toriel would immediately love it, while Chara wouldn't. For every dress, she's had something to dislike about the clothing. One time, it was the skirt being too puffy, another time it was the top being too tight, then it was the lack of sleeves, or those being too long. Each time, there was something else. Toriel, on the edge to lose her patience, suggested:
"Look... Maybe you could just pick the dress you disliked the least?"
"I hate them all the same." - Chara replied from the other side of the curtain.
"...I have a feeling you just like being difficult."
"And I have a feeling you don't quite get I don't want to wear a dress!"
"What are you suggesting to wear at the ceremony then?" - Toriel moved her arms in a frustrated motion - "You can't stick to your baggy pants and shirts forever!"
Chara let her head show up from behind the curtain and she said:
"Well then, I guess I'm not going to the wedding."
"You are going, and that's out of debate."
"What's the point? I'm sure Gaster isn't thrilled to see me there!" - Chara exclaimed as she finished dressing up in her casual clothes - "I'll do him a favor by not going."
Shortly after those words, the teenager went out of the cabin. She saw Toriel rubbing her forehead and slowly shaking her head. The queen clearly was on edge of despair. Asriel, who returned from paying for his own set of clothes, decided to take the matter in his own hands. He knew it couldn't keep going this way, and he didn't like when his mother and sister argued.
"Mom, Chara, please calm down." - the young prince said with a gentle tone - "I have an idea. Maybe I could help find an outfit that's formal enough yet not too girly?"
Toriel just nodded in response, while Chara approached her brother and smiled just a bit for the first time that day.
"I'd like that." - she said - "So, what are your ideas?"
"Let's wander in the shirts departement and we shall see." - Asriel replied, his own smile growing on his muzzle.
Meanwhile at Papyrus' home, the skeleton got a visit from his brother Sans. The latter wasn't living with the rest of the family for a while now, since a bedroom needed to be freed for Junko. Noelle wasn't ready to move out quite yet, so Sans decided to do so himself. Now, as Papyrus was holding the baby in his arms, the two brothers were talking about different things.
"babe junko sure gained some height and weight since her birth." - Sans commented as he leaned closer to the baby - "that's good. and she looks cute too."
"WHY, OF COURSE SANS!" - Papyrus said with pride - "SHE'S PRETTY LIKE HER MOM, AND HEALTHY LIKE THE GREAT PAPYRUS!"
"makes sense." - Sans' grin broadened, before he asked with mild concern - "how 'bout her soul? it's not a problem that it's 'dual'?"
"NO, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, SANS. HER DOUBLE TRAIT WON'T AFFECT HER HEALTH IN ANY WAY. SHE'LL BE PERFECTLY FINE." - Papyrus reassured his brother before looking at his daugther - "RIGHT, JUNKO?"
Junko obviously couldn't reply anything to this, so she just kept staring at her dad with her brown eyes. Sans then asked curiously:
"where are frisk and noelle right now?"
"THEY BOTH WENT IN THE CITY TO HELP PATTY CHOOSE HER WEDDING DRESS. AND BUY DRESSES FOR THEMSELVES TOO."
"oh... i see..."
Sans looked down and his eyesockets went black at the mention of the upcoming wedding. Concerned for his brother, Papyrus asked Sans if he was alright. Sans said that he was, though sounding unsure. After another moment, he asked his brother:
"you're going to that wedding, huh? ...i guess it's not unexpected."
"SANS..."
"i'm not saying it's a bad thing, y'know." - Sans went on, forcing a smile - "you and gaster get along well now, so it makes sense."
"SANS, PLEASE DON'T SPEAK LIKE THAT..." - Papyrus said with an upset expression - "GASTER'S GETTING MARRIED WITH A WOMAN HE TRULY LOVES, HE WENT THROUGH A LONG HARD JOURNEY TO GET THERE. IT'LL BE AN IMPORTANT DAY FOR HIM, AND I WANT TO ASSIST THE CEREMONY. I WANT SEE GASTER HAPPY, SANS."
"but isn't it awkward for you?" - Sans arched an eyebrow.
"HE'S NOT A NOBODY TO ME, YOU KNOW." - Papyrus stated, not daring to tell he sees Gaster as his father - "SO I WANT TO BE THERE, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST."
"he's hurt you many times, papyrus." - Sans stated, hiw voice getting a bit lower.
"HE DID... BUT HE'S GOOD NOW. HE'S CHANGED A LOT SINCE THEN." - Papyrus insisted - "THE WEDDING IS A PROOF OF THAT. SO I WANT TO BE THERE, TO ASSIST HIS NEW BEGINNING. ...AND I THINK YOU SHOULD TOO."
"what?!" - Sans' eyes widened at once - "look pap, you're free to do whatever you like. but i am not going to this guy's wedding."
"BUT SANS…"
"i get it, you wanna forgive him, leave the past behind, and all. good for you! but don't ask me do the same, 'cause i can't." - Sans clenched his fists - "so what he's being 'good' now? it doesn't change what happened between us. he could've stopped his 'project' anytime, but he didn't. he gave us no sympathy back then, so i don't owe him mine."
Papyrus didn't say anything, just looking down in mild disappointement while gently rocking Junko in his arms. He really wanted his brother to give Gaster a chance, he wanted him to see that Gaster deserved recognition for his efforts to change. Papyrus hoped that somehow, he could eventually convince Sans come to the wedding. But he also knew how hard it was to get Sans to forgive. This required a miracle.
Meantime in the clothing shop, Asriel was browsing through the hanging shirts with a pensive expression, while Chara stood behind him, holding black pants her brother found her a minute ago. The pants were tighter than those she was used to, but it wasn't a skirt and it pleased the tomboy teen.
"Ah, I think this one's perfect!" - Asriel suddenly exclaimed.
He showed a pale yellow dress shirt with short sleeves. With a closer look, one could see that it wasn't plain yellow, but rather with thin yellow and white vertical stripes. The sleeves weren't too tight, so the arms movements would still feel free. The fancy touch was mild, which made the shirt look pretty neutral, matching Chara's standarts.
"What do you think, Chara?" - Asriel asked his sister with an expecting look.
"I..." - Chara took the shirt in her hands to study it, before saying - "I like it."
"Well, I think we have your ceremony outfit ready!" - Asriel clapsed his hands together in delight - "Now go try it on! I can't wait to see you wear it all together!"
Chara nodded with a smile and rushed to the fitting room. Toriel looked at Asriel with a surprised look, not expecting to see Chara be so enthousiastic this soon. The two boss monsters waited for a minute before Chara came out of the cabin, wearing the black pants and the yellow shirt.
"That'll be a nice outfit for the wedding." - Toriel confirmed with a nod of approval.
"It suits you so well. It looks formal enough, yet it respects your spirit." - Asriel said on his turn with a big smile - "You're still very much you."
Chara then walked closer to him and hugged her brother tightly. It slightly took the goat prince by surprise, but he affectionately ruffled Chara's hair in response.
"Thank you, Azzy." - Chara said - "You're the best."
"Anytime, Chara." - Asriel replied.
"Now that this is settled, how about we pay for the clothes and go join the girls?" - Toriel suggested.
Both Asriel and Chara nodded, after what the human girl went back in the cabin to change back to her regular clothes.
Meanwhile in the wedding store, Frisk and Noelle watched Patty come out of the fitting room in another dress. The cat monster had tried a dozen or more of different wedding dresses. It didn't take that long for the women to notice Patty looked better in straight skirts than in puffy ones. The simplier the dress was, the better it underlined Patty's natural beauty. And here Patty stood in a sleeveless dress made of silk and some lace.
"I think you look pretty in this." - Noelle said.
"Hmm..." - Patty hummed as she looked at her own reflection in the mirror - " I don't know… The dress looks nice, but… it feels like a little something's missing..."
"Maybe you need a straight dress that's decorated a little bit..?" - Frisk suggested pensively - "Maybe… something with flowers?"
"Yeah, flowers really suit you, Patty." - Noelle agreed.
"Flowers! Of course!" - Patty exclaimed with a smile - "How didn't I think of that?"
Patty then called the seller and asked if she had a dress that had some flowers on it. After short thinking, the seller replied that she had a model like that. The woman went search for it at the back of the store and returned within minutes. She handed Patty a cotton dress with a straight skirt, no sleeves, but with many white fake flowers sewed all around the collar. Patty's golden eyes immediately glimmered in wonder at the sight of the dress. With a brief excited "thank you", she rushed back inside the fitting room. Noelle, Frisk and the seller chuckled at this and, while the latter went resume her business, Frisk took her cellphone and let out an "aww" at the sight of a message from Papyrus. When Noelle asked her what it was for, Frisk showed the photo of Papyrus and a sleeping Junko cuddling on the bed.
"They're just so cute together!" - Frisk said with an expression of endearement - "I can't wait to go back and hug my little babe."
"Wasn't the point of this trip for you to relax and... rest from being a mom for a few hours?" - Noelle asked curiously, yet with a touch of amusement - "Since we came here, you've spent your time checking if Dad posted anything about Junko."
"I can't help it. It's true that I needed a rest from the crying, but… paradoxally I still want to be near her as much as possible." - Frisk explained with a nostalgic smile - "Children grow up so fast, each moment is precious… I don't wanna miss anything, you know?"
"Is that because I...?" - Noelle didn't finish her question, but her mother understood what she meant.
"Not really, because I was being like that after you were born. And Papyrus too. I remember that when one was at the ambassy, the other was sending cute pictures of you. And shortly after my maternity leave, I even took you along to my workplace!"
"What really?" - Noelle snickered, the mental image being quite funny.
"Yep! You were a few months old back then. I let you imagine our interlocutors' faces." - Frisk replied - "But I soon realized it wasn't the most practical solution, so I had to trust Papyrus to take good care of you while I was gone, just like he trusted me. Being a parent is amazing, Noelle… It's so heartwarming to just be near the tiny being you made."
Frisk had a pink blush on her face as she described how good it felt for her to be a mother. Noelle was amazed by how serene her mother looked at the mere thought of her or Junko. Then, she looked down and said:
"You make it all sound amazing... Sadly, I don't know that same feeling."
Noelle didn't know how it was like to be the mother of a baby, since she's never raised Sam and Piper, having given them up for adoption at their birth. With a look of sympathy, Frisk hugged Noelle in comfort and said softly:
"Aw, everything will yet happen, my sweet... Someday, in due time, you'll have another baby."
"Yeah... Maybe someday..." - Noelle said with a faint smile.
It was at that moment when Patty pulled the curtain of the fitting room and stepped out of it, showing herself in the dress. Frisk and Noelle just stared for a moment, with looks of wonder in their eyes.
"What do you think, girls..?" - Patty asked, fidgetting a little.
"You look stunning..." - Noelle replied in all honesty.
"I totally agree..." - Frisk said on her turn - "But what do you think of the dress?"
Patty looked at herself in the mirror from different angles for a few moments, before she braced herself, swirled around and yelled with a squeal:
"I just love it! No, I adore it!"
"Looks like the bride found her dress!" - Noelle exclaimed.
"That's wonderful." - the seller said as she approached the ladies, holding a small veil in her hand - "I have a matching veil. It's attached to a flowery hair pin."
The woman the clapsed the pin at the base of Patty's ponytail, so the bride could see the final result. The veil was short, it was about as long as Patty's blonde hair. Patty and the others loved how she looked even more. Patty didn't get the chance to change yet when Toriel, Asriel and Chara returned, and the queen immediately loved Patty's final choice.
"You look wonderful, Patty." - she said - "Buy this one without question!"
"I know Gaster will love see you in the dress." - Asriel added with a confident smile.
"He'll love even more see her take that dress off." - Chara remarked with a smirk.
"Chara..!" - the others yelled in unison, Patty blushing the hardest.
But the teen was unimpressed by the other's reaction. A few minutes later, Patty got changed in her regular clothes and paid for the dress and veil. Luckily, it was one of the least expensive models, which Patty was glad about. Now that Patty had her wedding dress, Frisk and Noelle had yet to find outfits for themselves. Thus, much to Chara's annoyance, the group went to another store.
It was around two hours later that Patty returned back home, carrying the huge back containing her most sacred garment. She barely locked the door as she swayed happily towards Gaster and kissed him tenderly.
"I assume your shopping went well?" - Gaster said after Patty pulled away.
"Oh, it wasn't just shopping, it was more like a treasure hunt. Luckily, I found mine." - Patty said, raising the bag slightly.
"Can I see the dress?" - Gaster asked.
"No! Don't you know that seeing the bride in her dress before the ceremony brings bad luck?"
"But I meant, see just the dress itself?"
"Still no. It's meant to be a surprise." - Patty shook her head - "You'll see it on our wedding day."
"Well then, I can't wait." - Gaster replied with a smile - "Okay, now that you're back I'll go make the dinner. Anything specific you'd like?"
"I'm really hungry, so anything'll do." - the cat monster said with an easy tone.
After giving Patty a light kiss on her forehead, Gaster went in the kitchen. With a smile, Patty turned around and was about to go upstairs, but met face-to-face with Sam and Piper.
"Ow, you startled me…"
"Can we see the dress, Patty?" - Piper asked quietly.
"Dad can't see it 'cause he's the groom, but we're not." - Sam added - "Bad luck doesn't work with us."
Patty could tell how really curious the twins were, and she had to admit she was excited by the idea to show them the dress right away. She smiled and said:
"Alright, kids… I'll gladly show you."
The twins' grins broadened, excited to see Patty in her wedding outfit. The three went upstairs and then Patty locked herself in the bathroom while the kids waited outside. A few minutes later, Patty unlocked and opened the door. When Sam and Piper saw their future stepmom all in white, they went breathless for a moment. Patty stepped back, allowing the kids to enter the bathroom.
"Oh my…" - Piper breathed, before spealing - "You're so pretty!"
"That's a neat clothing there, Patty!" - Sam said on his turn, with a thumbs up motion.
"Thanks... I'm glad you like it." - the cat monster smiled - "I hope your dad will love it too."
"I just know that when Dad sees you like this, he'll fall in love with you all over again." - Piper said, her eyes shining.
"Aw, you're so sweet Piper." - Patty brought her hand to her chest, touched by the girl's words.
"But truly, you look majestic. - Sam said with a nod.
In an emotional rush, Patty wanted to hug the twins, but when she attempted to do so, the kids quickly stepped back.
"Wait, wait, you don't wanna ruin the dress before the big day, do ya?" - Sam said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, you must be careful." - Piper added.
"Right, haha." - Patty giggled - "Well, I won't wear it for much longer then. You'll get to admire me in two weeks."
The kids nodded, before going out of the bathroom and allowing Patty getting changed again. Once she did, she went back downstairs, wanting to see Gaster in the kitchen. The skeleton was cooking a sauce in a pan. Patty startled him by suddenly hugging him from behind. Gaster gasped, but then relaxed and turned around to face his fiancée. He gently stroked a hair strand and remarked:
"You really look happy today..."
"How can I not be?" - Patty replied, before leaning against his chest - "Two weeks... Just two more weeks and we'll be husband and wife."
"I know the feeling..." - Gaster said quietly, kissing the top of her head, then whispered - "...Patty Gaster..."
"N-Not yet..." - Patty slightly pulled away, her cheeks heating up.
"But very soon." - the skeleton replied, cupping her face.
The couple then kissed tenderly. Yes, very soon they would be married, and their love would be made official. The knowledge overwhelmed their both SOULs with love. Two more weeks... and they would be truly united.
A/N: I wanted to make as much different character inetractions as possible, since I want this story be one that "concludes" the universe/timeline in a way. I wanted to show how far the characters went throughout the story and after, and it was also important to show interactions between characters that barely did in my past stories. There will be more to come in the second part, but it will focus more on Gaster and Patty, I promise! ^_^ Here, we got to see how much in good terms Gaster is with Papyrus, and even with Frisk, but also a cute bonding moment between Asriel and Chara, Something they didn't really have after what happened to them. (It probably did, but off screen.) A glimpse of hope that Noelle will yet found her own family someday. Etc. It felt all very important to me, so the curtains closing feels the most satisfying as possible.