Gaster x Grillby

On the House

There's a smut story coming out soon called, "A Bit More Than Kisses" which is like this story, but it is a smut compilation instead of fluff. If anyone has requests so I can get inspired, tell me, please.

I'm sorry if this story seems emotionless. I feel numb.

Gaster sighed as he pushed open the heavy, wood doors that teased tiny glimpses of light from the interior of a certain restaurant he had taken a liking to. No, it wasn't really the restaurant he liked, though the cozy, homely atmosphere was quite enjoyable, but instead, the bartender.

It had been three weeks since Gaster had met Grillby after wandering inside the bar during a frigid storm of snow and ice, looking to avoid the cold weather. Back then, it had been platonic, no romantic feelings whatsoever were shared or maintained by either of them. Just a stoic fire elemental helping a lost scientist out of the kindness of his heart.

But, now, things were so much different… Gaster had visited Grillby's to pay the barkeep a visit, and felt himself desiring to return again after getting to know him a bit better. The third time he visited, Gaster knew he was head over heels. This was quite regrettable, considering the fact that he, a shy scientist, would ever be daring enough to request his romantic company… and that there was barely even a miniscule chance a tall, strong, handsome bartender like Grillby would take a liking to him.

Gaster had been drunk when he let it slip about his sexuality and feelings. He had never had alcohol before in his life, but it turned out skeletons, or at least Gaster, had very low alcohol tolerance. Who knew?

He could vaguely remember being cradled by arms that emitted a faint warmth that betrayed their scalding hot appearance, wrapped in a tight embrace, and a whisper of words so quiet they could have easily been caught and drowned out by the wind.

"I love you, too…"

Gaster hadn't gone back since. He had been far too embarrassed, though he had a fairly valid excuse to make up for this lack of presence. His experiments regarding one of his newest inventions, dubbed "The Core", were growing extremely difficult to conduct safely. He already had an indent in his face caused by haywire machines, that ran from one of his eyes to the back of his skull. He didn't really care after it stopped hurting. For science.

The bar was completely void of all noise and occupants, save for the soft crackling and occasional pop of flames, signalling that Grillby was nearby. Most likely cleaning dishes in the backroom… oh. That's right, it was after hours, wasn't it…?

Gaster jolted and turned around, a wave of relief rushing over him that he wouldn't have to face Grillby, until-

"Leaving so soon? I would have taken great pride in considering I was more hospitable."

Gaster's shoulders clenched and he slowly turned around, his face blushing a vibrant shade of green that he hoped wasn't noticeable. Grillby was leaned over, his head supported by a fiery arm that rested on the bar counter. He must have heard the doors open and went to investigate who had entered.

"I'm- I'm sorry, but, uh," Gaster stumbled over his words. "I remembered something important, I, uh l-left the s-stove on… I, um, forgot to f-feed Pap-" he hit himself in the head for making up two awful lies, that weren't believable in the slightest.

Grillby waited in silence for a few moments before speaking again. "I'll get you a drink. Sit." He motioned to a barstool, and Gaster mentally thanked the bartender for not simply calling out his lies.

"I d-didn't bring m-money…" he had, of course, but he was just trying to get out of there.

Another elongated silence, something Grillby was known for. He turned around and started pulling various items out of dusty cabinets, appearing to be making some sort of concoction. "It's on the house," he murmured, his back still turned.

Curse that damn man's good manners! "O-oh… Thanks…" slowly and hesitantly, Gaster took a seat on one of the bright red barstools in front of the counter, nervously folding his hands in his lap.

Grillby turned around with a glass filled with dark looking liquid. He took a look at Gaster's face and frowned, setting the drink on the table and leaning over the counter to gently run his fingers down the crack in the scientist's face, magically cooling the flames on his hand so they wouldn't burn him.

"This wasn't here before…"

Gaster flinched at even as gentle a touch as that had been, conflicted between moving away or leaning into it. "... It was f-from a, um, e-experiment that didn't quite go w-well," Gaster explained.

"You should be more careful," the flame elemental criticized lightly, his touch lingering a moment longer before he pushed the drink towards Gaster. "Your safety is more important than research."

The shy skeleton felt the corners of his mouth curl upwards into a bright smile and grew noticeably more comfortable. "I'd like to think that what you said was true, but… it's a greater cause than I am."

Grillby inhaled sharply. "There is no such thing as a cause greater than one's life…"

"This one is… it will help so many people, and it isn't like I'm all that important-"

"You have two sons, Doctor. You're why they're here and you're the only love they know. They would cry if you died, and so would I." Grillby bowed his head, still solemn.

Gaster fought back another blush. "I suppose… and, please… my name is Gaster and I'd want friends to address ms as such."

"Friend? Hm. Alright. Friend."

"...do you not want to be friends?"

"Of course I do. I simply assumed, perhaps wrongly so, that our relationship was no longer as simple as a platonic friendship."

Gaster flinched. "I-i mean… do you w-want it to be… more than a friendship…?"

"Would you appreciate an honest answer?"

"Yes, I would."

"Then I'd like to trouble you to close your eyes for a moment."

Gaster gave Grillby a look mingling fear with confusion, but he closed his eyes. It wasn't like he didn't trust the flame elemental, he'd do anything he asked of him. This was just… an odd request.

The scientist could hear heavy, yet graceful footfalls approaching him. He was tempted to open his eyes, but kept them closed, as he had promised. Suddenly, his head was lifted and he felt warmth and an almost static-like tingling sensation as Grillby gently touched under his chin. A shiver ran up his spine.

Gaster's head was tilted upwards and he felt fire, with its heat magically cooled, press against his mouth. His shoulders clenched, and his eyes opened quickly. The flaming bartender was kissing him.

Gaster stiffened, unknowing of what he should do. He stayed completely still, conflicted between hating it and loving it, until Grillby moved away.

"Do you understand what that means, Doctor?"
"M-my name is G-gaster," Gaster stuttered, shoulders clenching; he could barely think straight enough to correct him. "Y-yes I do," his voice was quaking.

"And would you care to explain to me what it means?"

"You l-like me?" He was too shy to say 'love'.

"Yes. And would you be ever so kind so as to tell me what you think of me, as well?"

"..." Gaster looked up at the flame elemental, and stood up, his fingers hooking around his collar and pulling him down to his eye level. "I l-love you."