***Hello, everyone! So I'm sorry that this chapter is short, but don't worry—the next chapter will be important to the plot! Anyways, Mettaton belongs to Toby Fox, Tara is my child on the weekends but I lost the court case and she belongs to Kender20, and let's go!

Chapter Eight: Pre-Show

Mettaton's first out-of-show performance was two states over, and the biggest show he'd had yet.

The drive wasn't bad; they had funds in for a proper bus for touring and travel, and Undyne didn't mind driving long distances. However, they also had invited Tara's family to ride along with them to be special backstage guests.

They had been extremely happy to be a part of Mettaton's biggest event so far, and Tara's family would up driving behind them while Tara herself rode on the bus the whole way there.

It was quite an interesting drive, with hours of binge-watching, deep discussions, silly chat, and blackmail-worthy photos. And what made it even more intriguing that Mettaton didn't know of was that Tara had a present to give Mettaton on opening night, right before the show began.

XxX

Mettaton was relaxing in his dressing room with Tara backstage, letting his feet soak in ice water so he didn't die onstage.

I have a gift for you, Tara signed, opening up her bag. Mettaton smiled. "Well, darling, don't keep me waiting!" he said, smiling. Tara beamed and pulled a bag out of the small backpack she'd brought with her.

Mettaton opened it up and saw a beautifully-illustrated book. It was a copy of the original story of The Little Mermaid.

I went to the bookstore and saw that they were selling copies of the same book that saved my life. I figured I could give it to you as good luck and as a thank-you gift, Tara signed.

Mettaton gently put the book back into the bag for safekeeping. "Come here and hug me, darling. This is by far the best present I've gotten in a long time," he said. So, Tara hugged him, smiling.

Afterwards, she seemed to think of something. You know, I was inspired by you to start dancing for people, she signed. "Oh? What do you mean?" Mettaton asked.

Tara pulled out her phone and handed it over. Mettaton scrolled through and discovered that Tara had, once a week, begun to upload originally-choreopgraphed dance routines to YouTube. Each video already had a few hundred views too it.

Mettaton smiled and quickly accessed YouTube on his own phone. "You're one subscriber up now," he said. Tara smiled proudly, pocketing her phone once more.

Since Mettaton had his own phone out, he checked the time. Then, he sighed. "Concert time. Wish me luck," he said. He took his feet from the water and dried them off before putting his boots on. He looked himself over in the mirror with a sigh.

I'll be cheering you on from the wings with my family. Good luck, Tara signed. Mettaton hugged her once more, nuzzling the top of her head. Then, he knew that he couldn't wait any more.

Tara joined her family, who were all sitting backstage, and Mettaton braced himself as he went onstage to perform for the biggest crowd he'd ever performed for in his life. This arena could have held every monster in the Underground and then some.

Showtime.

***Yes, short chapter. And by the way, this story is coming to a climax and a close shortly thereafter. Anyways, be sure to leave a review on the way out and I'll see you all in the next one! Bye!