Arriving at Small Birds Inn, they found the interior was that of a little lobby space, with a counter directly ahead. With two staircases off to the side, for either side of this hotel, or motel thing. Upon entry, they let their hands slip apart.
There was, at the counter, a little bird, and a tall statuesque man. Wearing a three piece suit, and a top hat. With what seemed to be sewn on buttons for eyes, and no mouth. The strange man gave a friendly wave.
"Oscar." The tall man somehow spoke. "Visitors."
Oscar, the Tiny Bird looked up from a junior jumble paper. "Ohzat right?" His accent thick. "Whozit, oh. It's a couple'a new folks. C'mon in. You folks doin good, feel'n fine?" The birds voice was deep and gravely, despite his size. "Hey Limbs, they look small ta you?"
"I believe they are children, Oscar." The Tall man, Limbs, apparently, replied. "Hello small beings, of youthful nature."
Aliza replied, with a. "Hello."
Oscar huffed. "Eh, kidz ain't got cash. Amscraw ya little-"
Limbs sighed. "Oscar. It's best we aren't rude to potential cliental, no matter the age. After all, these may well be more refugees to our Happy Town." The strands of fabric unwound, where a mouth would be. "We want to smile, for our guests. They've probably had a dangerous journey."
Limbs voice was very regal, though all of his words dragged slightly. And the smile that was presented, was honestly rather disturbing. Given that there appeared to be nothing within it.
Chara didn't find it menacing though, she found it "Cool." She wandered over. "We uh...do want a room, if possible?"
Oscar was finally taking in their appearances. Lingering for a moment. As her glanced at the door.
He asked. "Where'z ya parents?"
"No idea. They think I'm dead." Chara replied. "Where's yours?"
"Eaten alive by'a tree creature." Oscar chuckled. "You wanna room, kid?" He asked. "That's 100 G. No more, no less."
Limbs however, noticed the odd little tension between the two. He frowned briefly, imagining himself to be the cause. He was after all, aware, that some found his appearance unnerving.
Turning to face Aliza. "Hello child. I'm sorry if my appearance frightens you."
"It's...okay. Sorry." Aliza apologized.
"I know not everyone is comfortable with scarecrows." Limbs laughed softly. "Birds tend to have the more undesirable responses. Just ask Oscar."
"I'm not...a bid though, I'm a-" Aliza began.
Chara heard, and interrupted. "Tired. We're uh...she's pretty tired." The other girl looked confused. "So, here. 100 G." She put it on the counter. "Room please."
Oscar laughed some. "No shot kid. See, I knew ya wazza good sort-"
Limbs reached over, and pushed ten back. "Here. In case you want a drink from the vending machine."
"L-limbs. Whattaya doin!?" The small bird gasped.
"They might want a drink from the vending machine." Limbs replied with the same unnerving, but warm little smile.
"Ughhhh. Fine. But no givin away more cash. Ya gonna bankrupt us, idiot." Oscar groaned. "Why don't cha go show em to the room, while I put the cash up?"
Limba replied. "I would be delighted to." He picked a key from the interlinked ones on the wall. "Come along, I'll show you to your quarters for the evening."
Normally, this would have be easily done without any complications. However, Chara had been thinking about something, again. And desired some form of answer for the inquiry. While it was probably a stupid thought, to seek answers from random strangers, she didn't really have anyone else to ask.
She spoke. "I'll catch up. Gonna ask this guy somethin."
The small bird was in the middle of gathering the golden coins. Pausing when she said this, raising a brow. Seeming mildly annoyed.
Oscar asked. "Cha want from me?"
"In a minute." Chara replied.
Aliza asked. "Are you...not coming?"
"In a minute." Chara said again. "Promise."
"Okay." Aliza hummed, glancing her over, before following the other monster up the staircase.
This worked out for her, if she were honest. As she also had a question she was desiring an answer for. And wagered, that perhaps she could ask the scarecrow. After all, as sketchy as adults could be, they tended to know more about things than others. The two heading up.
When it was just the two remaining beings downstairs, Chara let out a nervous breath she was keeping in. Turning to face the bird, who had finished moving the G into the register. Noticing the child looking nervous.
Oscar asked. "Whattaya after...kid?" He began. "If this is a drug question though, ya can-"
Chara asked. "Okay, I know you're a stranger, have no reason to help me, and no obligation to answer my questions with honesty. But there's something I really need an answer to, because I keep not knowing what to do. Or what it is, and so...yeah."
The small bird blinked. "What?"
"What does it mean when you like something, but get nervous about it?" Chara asked. "Like, I dunno...holding hands with a friend?"
Meanwhile...
Aliza had walked up the stairs with Limbs. Taking a moment to appreciate the hallway of the inn. It wasn't altogether long, but it was well decorated. There were a few tables, with plants on them throughout it. A few pictures on the wall. And a vending machine, at the end of the hall.
Though, admittedly they weren't her most pressing concern. She turned her focus to the polite, if odd monster. Composing herself, and finding the bravery to speak.
" ?" Aliza spoke.
"Yes child?" He replied.
The lanky monster had to crouch some to navigate the hall. It was wide enough for his traversal. However, it wasn't quite tall enough. And his balance was a bit lacking. A decent shove, or a respectable breeze could probably knock him back.
"Can I ask you something?" Aliza inquired, running her fingers against the scarf.
"Of course." The man replied. "It is our duty as hosts to be of assistance. So, ask whatever you deign."
Admittedly, he was imagining her question to be related to room service. But patience was his middle name. Literally, actually, it's weird. His surname is 'Scarecrow' which...makes sense, if nothing else.
"So...what does a fluttery feeling...in your stomach mean?" She asked, as he paused, glancing. "Like..uhm...when you're...say, holding hands...with a friend?"
"That is...an unanticipated inquiry." Limbs noted. "Though, I suppose the answer depends slightly. How old are you now, child?"
She hadn't really thought of her age in some time. There wasn't much of a call to. It wasn't like she ever celebrated her birthdays. But, when she sought the number, she was able to determine it easily enough.
She was...
Over by the counter...
Chara groaned at the question the bird had asked. She hadn't given her age honest consideration in some time. Though, she knew it, she didn't get why it would matter. All the same, she answered.
"12. Almost 13?" She replied. "Why, what does that matter?"
The bird let out a whistle, and laughed hard. "Sounds like it's probly related to uhh, puberty. Sucks ta be you kid."
"What?" Chara asked. "I-I...what does that...even mean?"
"This is really somethin ya folks aughta chat'atcha bout." The bird said in a moment of sage advice. "But uh...since they think ya dead...I'll run the basics."
In the upstairs hall.
Limbs had taken a seat. This was going to require delicate wording, he wagered. He would make it a bit 'vague' as he simply wasn't an expert on these things. Nor was he a trusted figure, who should be providing all the information.
"When we mature as individuals, we go through this process." Limbs said. "It's an alteration to both our physical forms, as well as our mental understandings, general desires, and interests." He hummed. "It can be a period of discomfort, and confusion. As it brings many new sensations to ones personal being. Admittedly, there is...a good deal more. However, it is often a conversation best left to ones guardians or educated professionals, and themselves."
Aliza didn't fully understand. "So...that's...why it's there?"
"In a sense. I surmise these sensations have occurred odd and on, for a time now?" He asked, as she nodded. "Then, yes, it is probable, that you're feeling a form of interest, or attraction." He noted. "Early on, this is a preferential view of an individual, for reasons that you may not be able to clearly define. Though, the inelegant terminology, may be the most suiting as it can be more easily understood"
"What's...that?" Aliza asked nervously, already knowing the answer.
"You may be experiencing, what is sometimes, called a crush." Limbs articulated.
Downstairs, Chara was absolutely flustered.
If she was honest with herself, she was painfully aware of this fact. Though, she had been attempting to dismiss it for awhile now. The girl presently in a bit of panic.
"S-so I-I have a crush?" Chara asked, in alarm. "H-how, why?" She huffed. "We've only known each other for..I-I dunno, days. D-doesn't that take...a long time?"
Admittedly, Oscar had imagined this conversation would be boring, or annoying. But seeing the mundane panic over something so basic, was honestly amusing him greatly. He let out a little chuckle, and pulled a brown bottle up onto the counter.
"It ain't too complicated, honestly." Oscar shrugged. "Sometimes folks get it just by look'n at a person. Sometimes it can be brought round by shit like shared trauma, life experiences, hobbies, that kinda thing." He explained. "Or, for some folks, it's just based on someone lookin a little nice that day."
Chara was aghast. "T-that's n-not simple at all!"
"Eh...maybe not." He poured himself a drink from a bottle bigger than himself. "But hey, that's how it is."
Aliza was beat red, standing in the hallway.
This was all quite a lot for her to process. Limbs had put things as delicate as possible, but it hadn't helped. She was presently feeling anxious, and nervous.
"I-I've never...had a crush. I-I mean...I don't think so?" Aliza looked panicked. "W-what do I do?"
Limbs found it adorable to see the girl panic. It honestly wasn't that big a deal. Though, he knew at this age, it had to feel far more severe than it was. So he tried to be reassuring.
"It's okay. It's alright. There's no need to panic. I assure you." He, well, assured. "At your age. A crush shared mutually would mostly be akin to a normal friendship. With an added sense of connection, or general attraction." He pondered, adding. "In the majority of cases, you would continue as normal with little honest deviation. Though, some do kiss at about this time." That made Aliza even redder than before. "I would however add, that it's possible it won't last. Many early crushes don't persist for extended length. Acting more as fleeting and temporary attractions, as your mind begins to come to terms with what it likes, and does not."
Chara was sitting down on one of the chairs, in the lobby.
She felt, utterly mortified. Head buried in her hands. With the fluffy ends of her hood pulled up, to try and hide her growing embarrassment.
"S-so...if I just...keep going, it'll...go away?" She asked.
"I dunno, probably." The bird replied, sealing his bottle.
She glared at him, unburying her face. "What do you mean probably?"
"I mean, probably. I dunno. Stuff's tricky kid." Oscar replied, briefly dipping his head into the shot glass, before leaning out. "Honestly, it ain't this bigga deal." He assured. "Like, here, check it. What's the 'worst' thing you wanna do, in your mind?"
"W-worst thing?" She asked.
"You're attracted ta ya friend. What's the 'worst' thing, you wanna do with her?" He clarified some. "Go on. Tell me."
Aliza stepped past one of the tables.
She was pacing at this point. Fingers grasping the scarf end tightly. Her necklace swinging, as she turned. Stepping for a time, before turning back around. Trying to think, trying to find some sort of answer. Getting every flustered, each second.
"I dunno...just...I like hugging her...more than most." Aliza replied, fidgeting. "M-maybe?"
"That's quite adorable, child." Limbs commented, rising from his seat. "Please don't fret your feelings. These things are what make us, who we are. Whether they be fleeting things, or long-lasting." He suggested. "The important part, is finding comfort in yourself."
"What if...she doesn't...like me...too?" Aliza asked him.
"Hmm?" Limbs hummed.
"L-like...what if...it's uhm...j-just me?" Aliza couldn't discern how better to ask her question.
The small bird poured a little more into his shotglass.
This was the easiest question to answer. And yet, here it was, presented so genuinely. Honestly, he wasn't equipped to handle all these inquiries. As amusing as it was. He avoided kids, relationships, and the sort, just because of this. They were so incessant. The purple-eyed girl now standing in front of his desk, awaiting a response.
"Well, have ya asked her?" Oscar inquired.
"N-no." Chara replied in surprise. "Y-you can't just ask that stuff."
"See, lots of folks keep that shit logic most'a their life." Oscar nodded. "They wind up pissy little brats, who can't tell." He took another drink. "So, just ask."
She muttered. "I...it's dumb...a-and silly. And-"
"So, you're freaked out'n dunno if she likes ya back, so ya ain't sayin nothin?" Oscar guessed, as she froze. "Am I right?"
Aliza slid against the door.
That was precisely the reason. Despite how Limbs had assured her it was fairly low stakes, she didn't feel like it was. The girl pouting some, examining the necklace around her neck.
"Yeah." She admitted. "Sorry...I-"
"Don't overthink it." Limbs said. "The worst answer you can get, is no. And I assure you, it will feel worst, if you never get an answer."
"B-but...what if...I don't...want her to say no?" Aliza sked.
"A delicate lesson of life, is learning to accept that what we want, isn't always what others want." Limbs said, patting her on the head. "If she doesn't. You must respect it. After all, you'd want the same treatment, correct?"
The last question had been answered.
Chara stood in the lobby. She still didn't feel certain about anything. Though, she simply couldn't think up any other questions to ask, that she imagined would get answers. At least, not in her present state of being incredibly embarrassed.
"Thanks." She muttered.
"No worries. But uh, don't count on more advice." Orcar commented. "Capeesh?"
"That's...fine. I...I'll figure it out." Chara suggested, sliding her arms into the sleeves of the coat.
At first, she attempted to dissuade herself of the implication that she had a crush on her friend. However, it required little introspection to discern this was very likely the case. And that understanding, and the developing awareness of it made her feel so very awkward, and insecure.
She wondered if this was how every 'stupid' adult, and teenager felt when they liked someone? Was this how Toriel and Asgore felt? It seemed miserable, and delightful in unison. And she didn't know what to do with it.
Wandering up the stairs, she found the tall monster heading back down. She barely processed his existence. To busy with this newly defined existential question lingering in her consciousness.
"It's the door on the left, at the end of the hall." He noted. "Your friend is already inside."
"T-thanks." Chara stepped through the hall. Eyes scanning the area, without really taking any of it in.
She reached the vending machine, before the room. Pausing, to stare at the door for a moment. She felt nervous, but she would persevere. Summoning that willpower before heading into the room.
She had her hands pushed through the sleeves of the jacket, with one in the pocket of the thing. Upon entry into the room, she started to glance around it. Taking it in, at least somewhat. It wasn't impressive, but it wasn't bad.
There were two beds, with chests at the end of them, on either side of the room. There was a window in-between them, that faced out of the front of the inn. With Aliza, presently trying to reach something above them.
It seemed there was a ceiling fan. The cord dangling just above the girl, who was on her tippy toes. Chara wandered over, and reached up, barely able to grasp it by following the same tactic. Giving it a pull, as the fan came on. The two coming face to face afterward.
Aliza spoke. "Hi."
"Hey." Chara replied.
They stared at each other for a moment. All they had to do, was ask a single question. And their silly young minds would have some semblance of peace.
"So..." Aliza pondered.
"Guess it's uh...time to crash huh?" Chara suggested, quickly moving away from the other girl.
"Y-yeah, probably." Aliza laughed nervously, while heading to the bed. "It's...late, right?"
"And sleep is like...stupid important for uh...I dunno the environment or something." Chara muttered.
"Oh, yes, yeah, mhm." Aliza nodded. "Uhm...trees."
With this exchange of wisdom, parallel to the stunning intellect of ancient poets, they quickly dove into their respective beds. Shoes kicked off, scrambling in. Only for, in their haste, a realization did creep. They had left the light-switch on.
Honestly you two?
Realizing this critical error, they naturally, and with haste...didn't get up to just go turn it off. No, instead they waited. Seemingly nervous of the other getting up to do it. Lest they draw so near to one another once more.
C'mon, persevere, be brave...go. Go turn the light off. It's not that hard.
Thankfully, for our sake, Aliza eventually got up. With a haste to her step, she wandered over, and turned it off. Before heading back to her bed. Climbing in, covering up, and hiding herself once more. The pair actively turning to avoid looking at one another.
Well, it's clear they both learned so many helpful things from their chats. Including the art of effective communication.
They would continue this trend for a time. Sadly.
The silence was destined to give.
However, I didn't expect it to last an entire hour. I'll spare you the majority of that time. As the pair elected to say...nothing. Purely unable to sleep.
They were bored out of their minds, anxious as can be. Yet, they refused to speak. Though, the pair had, at one point turned to face one another.
They were presently staring across the divide, as the faintest light from the window illuminated the space. Painting the area in a supernatural hue, of blues, and shadows. Continuing in their stalemate, without natural end. Until the Narrator got annoyed with it all, and elected to intervene.
A voice whispered to Aliza. "Hey, Aliza?"
The sudden words reaching her surprised Aliza. Blinking, and observing her counterpart. Having heard Chara speak, or, perhaps a voice that was merely similar.
"What?" She spoke.
"Huh?" Chara replied.
"I-I was, uhm...s-saying hi?" Aliza felt a little bit confused.
"Oh, heh, right...hi." Chara said, as they fell silent for a moment. "Guess ya can't sleep either?"
Aliza shook her head. "No."
"Yeah, no matter how far I blank-get, I just can't pull it off." Chara punned.
Aliza snickered, snuggling with her pillow more. "You're so silly."
"I try." Chara sighed tiredly.
With that, a little lull fell across them, as the room fell into near silence. The only real sound disrupting it, being the ceiling fan overhead. The duo considering what to say next.
Though, neither was willing to discuss certain subjects. Namely, the things they wanted to discuss. So, instead...
"Hey...uhm...Papyrus, and Metta were...nice right?" Aliza asked.
"They were pretty cool, I think." Chara replied. "I think they felt bad for us though."
Aliza hummed. "Well, probably. Y-ya know...I figured, they might be...secretly bad at first."
"Oh yeah?" Chara raised a brow. "Why'd you think that?"
"Adults are...not usually nice for no reason." Aliza pondered, recalling something, that she buried immediately after. "They...often...want things."
"Want things?" Chara raised a brow.
"Well...uhm...some want...you to...do things, is...it's nothing." Aliza glanced to the side, looking deeply bothered for a moment.
It took Chara a moment to discern the meaning of this comment. However, she wasn't unfamiliar with the concept of 'predatory humans.' And when it clicked, the shadows crept at the edges of her eyes.
"You don't...have to talk about it." She felt her blood boil. "Just...if anyone tries to ask for...anything that makes you uncomfortable...you let me know okay?" She smiled darkly. "I'll cut their throat, so they won't ever bother you again. Alright?"
"C-chara, that's so violent." Aliza replied.
"Sometimes violence is the answer." Chara replied. "But uhm...anyway-"
"Right. Sorry." Aliza apologized. "I-I shouldn't...uhm...it tends to...I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. Don't ever apologize for that." Chara demanded, while adjusting her pillow. "Got it?"
"Okay." Aliza smiled some. "Well, I was...meaning that, I...I dunno, people are nicer here. I mean, not everyone. But...they were nice."
"I think they're good people. Rather than just 'nice' ones." Chara commented, thinking. "They weren't overly controlling, manipulative, or anything. Usually...that's a good sign."
"What do you mean?" Aliza asked.
"Some folks will...like, hmm...so if someone has something they want. You can notice. Cuz they'll ask you to...ya know, do somethin you don't wanna." Chara said, noticing her friend glance away briefly. "It's...well, it's like, they try to do nice things for you. Only so they can say later, that like, you owe them. And that's crap. Cuz...if someone's a friend, or good, then you don't owe em nothin."
"Oh...alright." Aliza examined the other girl for a moment. "And, well, they didn't do that. Did they?"
"No, they didn't. The most they did, was show concern for our safety. And tried to ask us to do something, to improve that." Chara noted, adding. "Though, what I was...well, what I meant when asking was, why bring them up?"
"Huh, oh." The orange eyed girl snuggled up with her blanket. "I...I dunno. They were really nice to me. And...I liked it there." She added. "It was...different than it was...it mom and dad."
"Not calling her mommy anymore?" Chara asked.
"I...maybe not." Aliza pondered it. "I mean...you don't call your mom that...a-and...well-"
Chara laughed a little. "No worries, dork. I wasn't teasing. Just curious."
"Hmm...okay." Aliza gave her a silly suspicious look. "I dunno. I was...they're so different. I-I mean, they seem different." She moved closer to the edge of her bed. "I...honestly. I kept thinking...they were gonna get mad, when...I said things. But...they didn't." She laughed softly. "O-or that...I dunno, I might get something thrown at me."
Chara frowned some. "You shouldn't...have to expect that."
"D-did I make...you sad?" Aliza looked worried. "Oh no, I-I'm sorry-"
"Huh, no, hey, look...I'm not sad. I'm mad, I guess." Chara commented.
"Why?" Aliza inquired.
"Because it's very indicative, of humanity." Chara remarked. "The fact you even expect them...it's disgusting that they've left you anticipating it." She muttered. "And it upset me. Is all. Cuz...you don't...deserve that."
The orange eyed girl understood, somewhat. She hadn't intended to fall into such a serious set of topics. It was part of why she found speaking uncomfortable. She couldn't ever seem to stop herself from saying something morbid. Though she did find the comment at the end nice, she elected to try and change the conversation some.
"Did you...ever have other friends?" Aliza inquired.
"Huh?" Chara was yanked from her thoughts. "Other friends?"
"I know...you mentioned your brother, but...like, some people have lots of friends." Aliza explained. "And...I figure...lots of people would like you...so."
"I think most people would hate me, honestly." Chara snickered, getting a frown in response. "Just...uhm, joking. Friends huh, I mean...maybe?" Her mind flooded with the pieces of her memories. "I knew...other humans that fell into the underground. I guess...we were friends?"
"There are other humans here?" Aliza inquired.
"Were." Chara pulled the blanket to cover her mouth. "I don't...remember them perfectly. But...I know they aren't around anymore."
"Did...they die?" Aliza asked.
"Yeah...each one, actually." Chara examined the other girl. "I tried to help...but it...wasn't enough. I couldn't...it just...never helped." She muttered quietly. "No matter what I did...they just...died anyways."
Aliza was left wondering, for however briefly what had resulted in the deaths of the other humans. Though, she had a few ideas. Given the experiences here so far. None were altogether pleasant.
She commented. "Chara...I'm so sorry."
"B-but uhm..." Chara didn't want to talk about this. "well, I had...other friends, that weren't, though. So, there's that." She hummed. "I knew...well, it's fuzzy, but I knew someone like Temmie, I think?" She was dubious about that 'memory' and decided to say. "Bob. Also a cat-dog, but ya know, not a creature. Like, a legit monster."
"There are monsters that look like Temmie?" Aliza asked.
"I mean, there are creatures that look like normal monsters, only meltier. So, there probably were, once?" Chara shrugged. "Guess they're not around now, but, still." She resisted a yawn. "My brother had friends though. A bird who told jokes. A squire, who wanted to be a knight. A dog or two." She noted. "So, it...wasn't all bad."
"Were they...friends like me?" Aliza asked, before quickly adding. "Y-your friend I-I mean."
"None of them have been like you." Chara snickered.
"Is that...bad?" Aliza asked.
"Er, w-what I mean, is that uh, they mostly hung out with Rei." Chara commented.
"And...Rei is?" Aliza asked.
"Asriel." Chara replied, smirking. "I also called him Azzy sometimes. He used to get so upset about it too."
"That sounds a little funny." Aliza admitted.
"What about you?" Chara asked.
"Me?" Aliza added. "I've...never had a friend...before."
"What about Frisk?" Chara scanned her. "It sounds like you two were friends?"
"I dunno." Aliza hesitated. "Honestly...I thought...we could be?" She added. "But, whenever...I asked or like, suggested it...she would never say it." She explained. "I think we were potential friends...but, never really. I-it's weird."
"She wouldn't say you were friends?" Chara asked.
"No. She would...just say things like 'oh you know' or 'hmm, maybe' and things like that." Aliza pondered this. "Maybe...I said the wrong things?"
Chara considered it. "So, how long did you know each other?"
"A couple years...I think?" Aliza didn't know the exact time. "We ran into each other one day, w-when uh, well, she tricked me into giving her my food." She laughed some. "She came back the next day, and gave me more though."
"Did you guys play games, or anything?" Chara asked her.
"Sometimes." Aliza replied. "We used to go exploring...like, exploring the city. That's how we found Zone 0."
"Zone 0?" Chara raised a brow.
"It's where we live...or, well, I guess where she lives now?" Aliza closed her eyes, and thought about it. "It's...a building place. But...the workers left, and didn't come back. So...we stayed there. In one of the big pipes. Pablo called it 'concrete.' So, that."
"Pablo, the cat?" Chara inquired, with a curious look. "Do you two talk often?"
"Not...usually." Aliza admitted. "I mostly talk to Valerie. He's a good kitty. He doesn't mind...hearing me talk. He's just happy to be there." She wondered. "I...I hope he's doing okay."
Chara smiled some. "Cats are smart enough to be like, astronauts right?" She got a smile from the other girl. "So, I'm sure he'll be okay."
"Yeah. As long as he leaves that mean bird alone...I think so, yeah." Aliza replied.
As it turns out, actually conversing with others can be tiring in a fashion that isn't negative. The duo was beginning to tire, due to a sense of mutual comfort, and eased tension. However, there was still something they both wanted to discuss, but lacked the drive to. At least, until Chara, feeling more comfortable now, elected to do precisely that.
"Hey-" The purple-eyed girl hugged the jacket some. "have you...ever...had a crush?"
Aliza shifted, ensuring most of her face was covered in the blanket. In order to hide the obvious blush that had followed. She wasn't sure how to respond to that. Did she say yes? Should she say no? What if saying yes made everything bad somehow?
She had to answer. And thus, elected to try something. A non-answer, and a question.
"Uhm...have you?" Aliza asked back, comfortable in her reversal.
Chara considered, and said. "Yeah. I think...twice, now. Maybe?"
"Twice?" Alizas anxiety rose. "O-oh...I see. Well, who was...uhm, the first?"
"I don't know." Chara admitted. "It's...it's weird. I feel like-" something scratched in her mind. "it's something. Someone. I knew them...I'm sure of it." There was a vague recollection of a bed of flowers, and someone laying there. "I don't remember who, though...w-which is silly, I guess."
"So...you had a crush on someone...you don't remember?" Aliza felt a bit deflated. "Are they...around, anymore?"
Chara thought over the answer. The glimpses of wandering, joking with them. Dancing in snow. Of exploring, and feeling so interconnected with them were everywhere. The feelings of joy, of compassion, of...being terrified. The joy, and beauty found in the pieces of indiscernible static were intermingled, and distorted by dread. A feeling of utter hopelessness, helplessness, fear.
"I don't think so." Chara considered the faint traces of this memory she couldn't access. "When I think about them...I feel. Afraid, sad, angry...it's...weird." She shook it off. "Thinkin about it, maybe it's just some dream person who never existed, right?"
"Right." Aliza snickered, before asking. "What about...the second one?"
And this one, she wasn't ready to answer. Originally, she'd believed herself capable. And yet, here in the now, she buckled.
"Hmm?" Chara then noted. "Hey now...I answered a question, you've gotta answer one. Those are the rules."
"They are?" Aliza shifted her position some. "Hmm, okay, what's...the question?"
"Have you had a crush before?" Chara asked her.
Aliza considered, and said. "Not...before...no."
A sensation like a crushing weight collapsed on Chara. Not literally, mind you, but emotionally. Misinterpreting the meaning of the response.
"Right. Uhm, hey, I do have something else, I wanna know..." Chara sought to abort this conversation. "uhm, future."
"Future?" Aliza asked. "What do you mean?"
"Well uh...I mean...you follow me around, and ya know, listen to what I say." Chara started, thinking. "I dunno, I guess. I feel bad. I don't think I've really asked what you want?"
"That's okay. I don't mind." Aliza assured.
"Okay, but, I still wanna know." Chara said. "So...what do you want uhm...in the future?"
"Like...in a day future, or...future, future?" Aliza asked.
"Either, I guess?" Chara said, content that they had escaped from the topic of crushes.
The orange-eyed girl had to consider this question for a moment. She hadn't really given it a significant amount of thought before. After all, what point was there in looking to the future, when there was so much that had to be done in the present. It was hard to plan for the next day, let alone a hundred days ahead.
Aliza replied. "Tomorrow...I, guess...I wanna...I don't know." She frowned. "I guess, hang out?" She offered. "M-maybe we can play a game?"
"A game could be fun." Chara considered things. "It's...been awhile since I've played one, I think?" She added. "That's a good idea, honestly."
"Mhm." Aliza smiled, appreciating the praise. "I thought so." She then added. "And uhm...future, well...I dunno. I guess...go home?"
"Like...to the surface?" Chara asked.
There had been a moment earlier when Aliza had hesitated to say much the same thing. It was when Chara was discussing future plans. She didn't want to say she'd just leave, and abandon her friend. However, she felt like that was what she was meant to do, right?
"Well...that's what you said in the ruins, right?" Aliza recalled. "That...you'd help me get back?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I did." Chara felt less confident of that. "Hey...I'm a little tired, heh. Wanna...get some sleep?"
"What about you?" Aliza asked.
"What?" Chara raised a brow. "What, like my future plans?" The other girl nodded. "I...dunno. I guess...I wanna go home."
"And then?" Aliza asked her.
"It'd...be cool to be happy again, I guess?" Chara shrugged, adding. "Not that...I'm not. Just...I'm tired. Is all."
Aliza provided a look of genuine concern. "I...I wish I could help make you feel happier."
"You...already do...you dork." Chara blushed some. "You're...a good friend."
Aliza smiled. "You are too...even if you're edgy."
"I-I'm not edgy." Chara scoffed. "You're just...I dunno, a dweeb."
"You're super duper edgy." Aliza commented. "You...wears dark clothes. You get angry. Violent." She snickered. "You swear. Are...really...cool. And well...that kinda thing."
"Y-you can't just...use my own words against me." Chara grew more flustered. "C-cheater."
The orange-eyed girl laughed softly, before yawning. The tension had faded from the air, and sleep was beginning to beckon. Eyes feeling a little bit heavier each second.
"Hmm...nope." Aliza retorted, in simple fashion.
"You just wait. I'll-" Chara yawned, after seeing her yawn. "come up with-" She yawned again, and then huffed. "something for you."
"Okay." Aliza replied. "Goodnight...Chara."
Chara sighed, and laid down again. "Goodnight, Aliza...dork."
"Edgy." Aliza muttered back, closing her eyes.
Ultimately, neither completely discussed what they had set out to. But, at least they had gotten to discuss something. And it was useful to get them to finally, go to sleep.
Yawnnnn. Ugh, now they've got me doing it.