***Hello, everyone! I wrote this after finishing playing with Legos... I am a child indeed. Anyways, Mettaton belongs to Toby Fox, Tara is my child on the weekends but really she belongs to Kender20, and let's go!

Chapter Seven: The Little Mermaid

Tara and Mettaton wound up meeting as frequently as possible. They exchanged numbers and messaged each other, learning about each other with each text further.

They had even met each other's families over the time that had passed; Tara was politely received by Undyne (who honestly was just happy that Mettaton could ramble to someone else when Alphys was busy), Alphys (who had to hold onto Undyne's hand as familiar social anxiety kicked up), Shyren (who was delighted to be asked to sing), and Napstablook (who blushed when he was applauded for some tracks that were still in an early stage of developement).

Mettaton had tried his best to be plite to Tara's family, but he couldn't blame them for giving him a few weird looks. He was, mildly stating it, truly something else. Still, Tara's family of her mother, father, and four younger siblings were kind.

However, it was during one of Mettaton's rehearsal breaks (one of the few moments he didn't quite feel like hanging himself to end his suffering) that he got a text from Tara. It read:

Is there any way I can come by to whatever dance studio or place you rehearse at? I want to show you something I've been working on.

Tara hadn't mentioned working on anything. Still, Mettaton was willing to hear her out. He replied:

Ok. Come by my place at five. By then, the rehearsal day is over, so we can have the stage and everything to ourselves.

Mettaton checked the time with a sigh. He had to go back to rehearsing—he had to go back to the agony. He took his feet from the ice water bucket and dried them off, softly cursing as he did so.

However, as he pulled on his boots, one final text from Tara made him smile.

I'm excited :)

XxX

Later that day, Tara came prepared with a backpack. "You're happy," Mettaton noted as he picked her up at the entrace to drive her to the studio for whatever her surprise was.

Tara nodded, almost bouncing on her feet. I've been working on this for weeks. I finally finished the costume last night. I kinda figured that you would have a place to change clothes, she sighed.

Mettaton nodded as he began to drive, the pain of the pedals on his feet less of a terror than the pain of the ground on his feet. "I have a dressing room with a make-up bureau for you. I can also help you set up any music," he said. Tara gave a thumbs-up, unable to do any signing now that Mettaton had to focus on the road. So, their conversation was mainly Mettaton talking with Tara nodding or shaking her head.

After a few minutes, they arrive. Once they got to the stage, Mettaton sat int he front row. Tara set up on the stage, hooking up her phone to a small, portable speaker and disappeared backstage to change clothes.

After a few minutes, Tara came back in full costume with makeup on. She was wearing a handmade purple crop top, and a green skirt. She wore no shoes, but did wear lip gloss and mascara. A signle, temporary red streak was in her hair. Can you press play for me? she signed. So, Mettaton pressed play, and soft piano music began to play from the speaker.

Tara began to dance across the stage, the movements effortless yet focused all at once. Mettaton watched as Tara danced through her playlist for about ten minutes. He absorbed every detail, every motion, and committed it all to memory. The music faded away, despite how lovely it was; Tara's dancing was enough to tell a story.

When she finished (all too soon, in Mettaton's opinion) in a position laying on her back, Mettaton came out of his trance and applauded. Tara sat up and smiled. It was insipred by the original story of The Little Mermaid. You know it, don't you? she signed.

Mettaton nodded; that story certainly had some new meaning to it now. "I guess that explains the costume. You pull it off well, darling," he said. Tara bowed her head briefly to show her appreciation.

I had never heard of it until I moved to America, and I'm glad I heard of it when I did, she signed. Then, her expression softened. Do you mind if I backtrack and ramble a little?

Mettaton leaned back in his chair. "Go on, darling, I'm listening," he allowed. Tara took a few moments to sort out her thoughts. Then, she began to sign.

After I found out in the hospital that I would never speak again, I was devastated. I fell into a bad depression. But it was right after I got out of the hospital that my family moved to America. I guess we were done living in the slumbs after the near-death experience. I managed to make a friend in my first few weeks at a new school, and for my birthday, she gave me a book. A beautifully-illustrated picture book of The Little Mermaid's original story. After I read it, I was determined again. I was determined to live, not just exist. And I wanted to continue dancing. So, each day got better and better as I worked towards my dream. It wasn't until after I watched the video of your first concert, though, that I finally fully recovered from my depression, she explained.

Mettaton was taken aback by the story. Losing one's voice could make any person fall into a depression. It was Tara's initial cure that made a few a shock.

"You know, the mermaid suffers quite a lot in that story. But if it cheers you up, then I'm alright with it. I'm glad you have something you hold so close to your heart," Mettaton said.

Yes, but her bravery reminds me of you. Enduring your pain for the fans, Tara replied. At that, Mettaton subconsciously looked to his constantly-aching feet. He couldn't bring himself to look up, however, as he spoke to Tara.

"Thank you."

***Although Tara didn't dance to it, I can imagine her dancing to Yuri's free skate from Yuri! On ICE. Anyways, be sure to leave a review on the way out, and I'll see you all in the next one! Bye!