The sky was cold

The air dark

A perfectly

Endless

Dark World Night.

‟Hohoho! I transform into my 'gambler forme' and take my second turn! And I summon my dad to the board! Then this thing (expired debit card) attacks your chips directly! Dark Vegas here I come!" - The curly-moustache–wearing, 100%-real-adult at the table said.

‟No, thou deflated water beetle! I hadst tolde thee a million times! NONE of that is how pokér is playedeste! The dealer requireths a turn to set hise defense up!" - a tall figure sporting a comically long visor cap replied.

‟Wow, am I winning without even knowing the rules or something? Because I haven't even used my super awesome ace up my sleeve yet! Can I use it now!? Can I!?"

‟Is it slatheringe thine cards with salsa again?!"

‟Yes—"

‟—Thene NO!" - Gamblers' code of honor prevented Mr. Rouxls from moving a muscle in protest, so his pose was left unchanged and easy to describe to the reader.

‟Can we play a real game just once? Please?" - He asked from between his hands.

‟55theth times I have explaineth the rules (pronounced 'Rouxls') to you, you fistful of follies! My Rouxls Deck (pronounced 'Rules Decké') forbades you frome attacking mine face!"

‟D-Don't fight, you guys—" - A soft voice called out.

‟You're not even my greater dad! Your 'rouxles' (more like, pronounced 'lame!') won't stop me when I'm in gambler forme! (my evilness is tripled, but using it knocks a few years off my lifespan)!

‟(To make it balanced)"

‟Ha ha ha! This was not what I had meant when I said a little chaos might be fun. . . And these cards, how am I supposed to read a fortune with them. . . ? Upside Down, they do not change!"

‟T-They're not tarot cards, Se— Wait, when did tarot cards get in the deck?!" - The fluffy goat next to the figure asked.

He folded his cards onto the table. Rose up and turned his back to the game and up the stairs, out the castle basement. Nobody noticed him disappearing through the screaming, posturing, and rules explanation, him stepping out wasn't even heard.

His back rested on the darkstone bricks, looking to the sky to get some air and maybe a candy cigar… If only either existed down in the Dark World. Instead, he stared at the pure nothingness that was every direction of the surroundings. There was no gradient of temperature, of wind or time, all it was westward to eastward was incorporeal darkness lit up as if to distinguish ground from sky. It could even be considered inhumane, and did little to soothe him anymore.

‟Soul! Wait!" - he heard a muffled voice call out to him, someone did notice. ‟Is something wrong— Gah!"

The fluffy prince rushing to get to him, tripped on his pink muffler and rolled up to the castle entrance like a heavy rubber ball. After sighing, he helped the dexterous prince untie himself.

‟Isn't it hot to be wearing that outfit?" - He asked, helping him get back on his hooves.

‟Hot?" - the evergreen prince asked, expression bemused, ‟Is it hot here? You can tell?"

‟Not anymore. But it still feels out of place, you wearing that."

‟Why'd you leave? If you don't like our poker games you could have just—"

‟I'm good, Ralsei."

‟You're not good if you left mid-round like that. You had a good hand too! There's got to be something on your mind." - the Asriel look-alike stared up at him, spectacles like little telescopes disk bearing his sight into a narrow point.

‟Aren't they gonna notice you're missing too?"

‟Don't worry about me! I just put the training dummy in my seat! I actually do it a lot and nobody's noticed yet!"

‟Wait, really?"

‟Yeah, it… e-even wins more than me, somehow."

‟…Well, I can talk about it, but I don't think you could do anything to help."

He felt the kid's nerves in his fingers fidgeting under his own floppy, attentive ears.

‟I-I can't say but… nothing ever changes if you don't talk about your problems! It's my responsibility as a prince to do my best to help you!"

He let his head rest on the 'cold' wall and eyes wandered upwards, ‟… Ral, do you still remember what month it is?"

‟On the surface?" - The pale preteen put his finger to his mouth, ‟Hmm… I don't recall, but I can ask Queen!"

‟No, I don't care about the exact date. It's just been so long since anything happened. It's like we're out of time."

The prince followed his eyes, watching up and long above them, where pure darkness had only the fountain to give it shape. At any point, that sky would open wide and white, and flash brilliantly with life. The heroes of Light would fall out of the sky to give the Darkners purpose, or at least give a sign of life. They hadn't appeared in what felt like forever, but forever did not mean much in their world. They slept with no dreams, but when or how or why seemed random, just 'you go to sleep when you are tired', there was no shape to days nor years.

If it was years, they hadn't been felt.

‟I wonder if they already left Hometown."

‟… Come on, Soul! You already did more than enough to help them! And remember what Kris said… It's better to let them live their lives and learn to live ours until the next gate opens. Then I'm sure we'll come back."

‟Well aren't you just the nicest goat around?"

‟H-Huh?"

His sarcasm flew over his partner's head as it often did.

‟Ralsei, I'm not worried. And notfor their well-being. I want to knowwhat they're doing, for my sake."

‟I-I guess I can't say I'm not curious, but…"

‟Then can't we do something?"

‟Are you really that curious?"

‟I am! I want to see how Kris and Noelle are doing! I want more of them, I want to see what's up with them these days!" - He looked back at the expanseless sky. ‟They may be together, and I'm sure Kris got accepted into some university, but that's not enough. They've got to be happy, but… It still feels off! They got to be having some issues to get through! Things left to do? It's not like their lives are anything close to perfect. Or that they can't be better. Just because they're together doesn't mean it's all perfect! And not just them, everybody else too! Catti, Toriel, Asgore Pizzapants, Berdly. I want to see them again, what if they have problems too… It feels like it's been years since we've last gotten any update. And 6 months more."

‟I get you want to see them, but is that necessary?" - The goat retorted.

‟It's not necessary, but I want to see. And I want to improve them, and besides." - He ruffled his hair, in the whites of his eyes were his pupils, darker than the rest of his body, carnation-red.

‟I still feel bad for Susie. It feels like Kris and Noelle can still make it up to her." - Not just, they could again be amazing friends. The best of the best. And more. They could always be more.

And to that Asriel had no reply other than a sympathetic nod. He took a deep breath.

‟I can't bear thinking of them being unhappy. And even worse if they're happy and I'm left behind. I don't want to be left behind."

‟And you gotta realize how boring it is, right?" - The entertainment of the Dark World was basically just its inhabitants and infinite supply of food. And neither would last someone a lifetime.

‟Well," - The hospitable prince was fidgeting with his paw pads, and the Soul realized he was starting to plead to no one, ‟This world is what I'm used to, so I've never given it thought like that… But I can see how someone coming from the surface would think that. It is pretty chaotic compared to down here…"

He pretended to take a make-believe smoke break. Having to wait so long without any signs of life had left him feeling ironically emptier than when he was inhabiting others. If Kris was in his position he would have given a long monologue about his deep complex feelings, about this and that and relating to that other things. But he wasn't Kris. He knew what he wanted and was just waiting for the chance to get it. The Soul was almost as simple as all the Darkners, just less flashy. He couldn't explain the enjoyment he got in seeing them happy and grow as people, maybe it was a selfish, voyeuristic sensation. But it couldn't have been a force of evil.

‟Well," - He picked his pink bangs off the wall, ‟I'm getting out of here one way or another, and you can be damn sure you'll be helping me."

‟If… that's truly what you want." - The soft boy said anxiously, ‟but, you're just a heart out in the Light World, so we're still back to waiting for them to come. And it's not like they're just gonna fall out of the sky!"

‟They do fall out of the sky, though!" - he turned to look, something was suddenly off.

‟He he, yeah! But you know what I meant! … Hm? What's wrong?"

The pink boy's ears perked up sharply. He felt a slight gust of wind billow his cape. Something that wasn't existent in that still world. Immediately his rusty instincts shot through him, he grabbed little Ralsei and dragged him behind the castle's entrance, peeking out.

‟W-What's wrong?! Wait, are they finally coming?! Who is it!?" - The short fluffy goat asked, trying to look past the Soul's chestplate.

‟It's…" - He glanced at their new guest for a long time. His face was still and his pink eyes were turning with the many possibilities of what just stumbled upon them. Of all people, it just had to be her.

‟Ralsei." - He turned around, ‟Can I ask a big favor of you?"

‟—O-Of course?" - Before he could peek his glasses out Soul grabbed him deeper.

A purple dinosaur plodded through the dark corridors, like a small blob of garish pink fighting to hold the darkness back. Each step taken with a wound-up slackness without her usual bravado. Everything from her posture to her gait and black hair covering her eyes were betraying her hesitance to exist here. She was making herself non-existent, one with the roiling waves of nothing around. Almost like she was trying to pretend she hadn't just come here.

‟Susie! Long time no see!" - The Dark World Prince, Ralsei, said with hands behind his back.

‟Wha—D-Don't scare me like that, asshole! Next time you do like that I'll—" - she stopped herself in her tracks, looking downward.

‟I-I meant, hi Ralsei. Sorry for… long time no see. Are Kris and Noelle around?" - Said Susie, wearing her layered jacket with her heart of gold un-proudly displayed.

‟I missed you too! And they haven't come around often either…" - The boy retorted, trying his best to not give her a big old fluffy hug.

She scratched her nape, visibly at ease, ‟L-Look, I-I'm sorry I haven't visited lately, I've just… s-stuff happened. You guys kinda got put on the back burner." - She said as if she'd practiced the line a hundred times, and she still fumbled it.

‟No problem at all Susie! And don't feel pressured to visit; no matter how long it's been, you'll always have a home here!"

‟…Thanks, but."

‟Hm?"

‟T-Talking of burner…. It's like, way too freaking HOT down here! What the hell!?" - She flailed her arms in protest. The breath she spit almost burned up.

‟Really? I'm very sorry! I'll try and see—"

‟Wait, you're thinking it's cool!? I came here to cool off and it's even worsethan above! Are you running a sauna in here or something!?"

‟I'm very sorry, I should've asked Soul if he thought it hot— Susie, are you already leaving?"

‟Tch, You're damn right I am," - she looked down at him, breath exhaling into black steam ‟Not unless you get some AC better than a leaf… If I stayed down here I'd like, Die."

‟W-Wait, you're going back?! But I still need to— I mean, you haven't spoken to—"

‟Yeah, sorry about that. I like Lancer but tell him to get an ice oven in his bakery first. I'm going back in a few days. Maybe."

‟No—" - he recomposed himself, ‟I mean, uh… Susie!"

‟What."

He was heavily fidgeting with himself, as much as one could both of their hands were behind their back.

‟Sorry dweeb, I came to hang out and chill, but I don't wanna think what'd happen to me if I passed out down here. I'd probably ultra-die."

‟Uh—Susie! Behind you!"

‟Huh!?" - She turned to look, axe pointed defensively with her back slouched over.

‟What is it!? I don't see anything!"

‟Susie!—" - she heard his voice tighten behind her, a glowing heart in his hands, ‟I'msosorryforthisI'llmakeituptoyou!"

The next moment she felt a horrible pain stabbing into her back.

The sky was warm

The air bright

A perfectly

Normal

Summer Day.

Thwack!

A thick accounting book fell onto bright green eyes. The doe was too helpless to do anything but protest limply under the tent of her optional 'homework' material. A soft and monotone groan echoed in the living room.

A much louder groan pierced through the front door, it swung open to reveal Kris (king of gamers) heroically dual-wielding bags of groceries, sweat dripping onto the carpet. Quickly his girlfriend rushed on to help him carry everything to the kitchen.

‟Y-you don't have to force yourself to do it all in one trip, Krissy."

‟I'd never live two trips down." - His pride as a man was staked on that. He wasn't going from sans' to her house twice.

‟Don't be silly now, what if you collapse?" - The bouncy deer put the lighter bag down. She had the same cute and freckled, infectious smile of hers. So common she wore it that Kris wondered if it was stuck like that, and with how much they'd been together and her wearing it, it maybe had.

She spoke again, ‟Well, maybe you're right, with how hot it's been. Just when's this heat wave ending already!?" - The deer screamed out in frustration, eyes piercing the tone-deaf sun, ruining their summer. Not that she had many plans, herself.

‟Not anytime soon, the news lady said."

‟And I thought last year was tough… I don't think I'm gonna make it like this…"

‟You'll be fine," - The teenager said, reaching down into their freezer.

It was no joke, what had hit them. The sun scorched with ire at their town and everything it stood for, the air hung low and stifling and worse even, the pavement absorbed it all only to spit it back out with a vengeance. Some monsters were much worse at handling it then others. Humans were lucky enough with their special ability of sweatinglike… pigs? Sweating like humans.

‟Here." - He got her an ice pack.

‟Ow—! Don't throw it so hard." - She released a pleasured sigh as it sat between her horns.

Furry kinds like Noelle had it the worst, when it got real bad it was borderline unsafe for her to go out of the house, the news had said. Curiously enough his parents were handling it much better. Something to do with coats and habitats and the indomitable goat-thing spirit.

Everything was getting put in its rightful place, he double-checked the list and bought it all right. Many many things he had learned about the Holidays while living with their second daughter. The minutely domestic, borderline private; the things she'd probably never think merited learning. Noelle's specific system for organizing their fridge, or where to store the eggnog and hide the spearmints, and where to keep Carol's fruitcake so her kid won't ruin her diet again. She was no slouch with her diets, often to his dismay. Except the cookies, those didn't count 'because she's a Holiday', by her words. She literally made so many she'd sometimes bake them without realizing it.

His girlfriend wore a new head of hair, for the summer forced her to. Her love-nest of a frizzy golden mane was now a short and fluffy yellow dandelion; like a golden wool that still framed her face messily, with a braided tail sneakily escaping down her neck. With it she looked strikingly more like her mother, like she meant business, assertive and competent. According to Noelle herself, it was hot and it took way too long to take care of… And he already knew that it got absolutely everywhere.

She hadn't yet actually cut it, all her long hair was intact and hidden down her dress shirt, because it had taken years to grow and it would've been a waste. And he was praying she wouldn't because he loved her hair and it would make him very sad for all those weird boy impulses he can't really say out loud.

What hadn't changed was how Noelle was still wearing her frilly skirt and white shirt as if it was autumn.

‟If you're so hot, can't you take those off?" - He said, glancing at her clothes while stuffing the fridge.

Thwack!

A cereal box bonked him on his head, ‟It's not even noon yet,you horndog!" - She chided, walking past unamused.

‟And besides," - She continued, ‟I don't want to look like you!"

‟Like me?—" - The boy muttered as she walked away.

He was wearing shorts and a (he shuddered saying it) shirt. Not out of want, but the sun's need left him bereft of choice. It felt unsafe having so much of his skin exposed, he was vulnerable. But what was her issue with it? Or was she complaining about the shirt? It was from the school cross country club (actually, it was from Asriel) Or maybe it was his hair? That he'd let grow out, until his wolf's tail was reaching down to his shoulders, with his bangs hiding more than just his eyes. Yes, he did attract a few weird looks, but he was used to that. Nobody in Hometown was ever mean to him, but they still couldn't help staring. He tried his best to ignore them.

She didn't answer him, and they then went back to the drawing room. He continued his business, which was… well, videogames. The setup to their main TV had long gotten so tangled that Rudy decorated it with Christmas lights, they never took them down. And so she didn't complain when he hooked up his Cubemon console and added to the chaos. He was trying his best to play less videogames in front of Noelle, she was vigilant with those kinds of things. They were growing older and all that. But he wasn't perfect, he was trying what he thought was his best.

‟With all this heat coming from outside it's like we're the cookies being baked!" - She gloated, as she came wearing an ice pack and, of course, a bowl of peppermint candies. She would always come up with some cute reason for eating them. Last Kris heard they were 'halfway in-season'.

‟…Want to do something?" - He asked. Noelle was still busy with helping her mom 6 working days of the week. She was now gainfully employed and that meant less time together for them. And their eventual crumb of time together they spent on a Saturday lazing with the curtains closed. Him staring at the TV and her at her new Laptop mom brought her.

‟You're bored? Want to watch something?"

‟Not bored," - He said, staring at the screen, ‟it'd be a waste to spend the Summer inside. We should go on Dates while we still can. You know, before we leave."

Leave Hometown, that is.

‟Like what?"

‟Anything."

‟… Anything?"

‟Dunno… the pool?"

‟A public pool?"

‟No, like a water park. The beach."

‟Hm…" - She thought, he was sure she was checking her mental time-table. ‟Sounds fun!" - She said innocently, ‟so, what money do you have on you?"

He raised his head, and looked at her through his scan-code of a haircut.

‟Uh, I…" - He scratched his nape, ‟mom kinda cut me off from pocket money, so…"

‟Krismass." - He got a judging glare back, which then turned into a warm smile ‟I'm glad you want us to go out, but I think we should stop relying on our parents for pocket money, we're not teenagers anymore." - She said 'we', but Noelle was independent enough to pay rent if her mom had let her.

‟It's not that big a deal. I can just wait 'till she changes her mind, not like we're strapped for cash or anything."

She got close to him. That usually meant bad things for him. He wasn't naive enough to fall for that shallow smile.

‟Kris."

‟W-What, you want me to get a job?"

‟I mean, if you want cash then it makes sense!… Is there something wrong with that?"- This was accompanied by two expertly and judiciously built innocent rhinestone eyes.

‟Well— I mean… You know?…"

‟It's not that bad, once you get into it! I think your mom'll be glad to hear it as well."

‟Wh—Uh, I can't, I'm… Busy. And—"

‟… Busy? You? Kris Dreemurr."

She stretched her legs out, out from the clutch of the shadows, back where light drowned out the air. The floor under her was straight and solid and scorching still. Something somewhere inside of her was alien. She felt her scales slimy all of a sudden. Her hair took a life all of its own, broiling up in waves. New cricks had made their ways into her spine. It wasn't just because of Ralsei's accident, she felt. Something was weird with her, fundamentally.

‟It doesn't sting at all anymore though… Like heck that was an accident! Damn dweeb, what's up with that guy?!"

Ralsei was so apologetic about it that she couldn't stay angry for long. He was definitely acting weird, though. There was always something off about him. It was almost enough to be worrying.

…

Whatever. She still needed to find somewhere to hang out now the Dark World was a bust. The school was abandoned, chock-full of dusty sun and as-such, hot as heck. She opened a window going out of her class and jumped through. Minus the heat, it was a nice day with a clear sky. Nice days meant everybody was out and about, prying into her business and looking at her shambling about.

The worst part of graduating was that it paradoxically became impossible to avoid the kids from her class. She had stopped bullying anyone in the last few months of school, it started feeling childish. It required her to show up to school. But now the same people that know her more than everyone else in Hometown could be behind any corner. She sometimes wished to pack her bags up, tie them on a stick and just move far away over yonder. Where nobody would look in her direction and ask her if she needs anything. You're a little too unusual and everyone's suddenly a concerned parent. Those people can screw themselves. You're all going to Hell, assholes.

But he never did. She thought, having by chance wandered face to face with the two lovebirds' bloc. He'd not care if she told him her breakfast was jerky and half a can of paint, he'd just tell her she's an idiot and punch her shoulder. No stupid worrying, and no telling her what to do. He was just as bad, or at least let her be as bad as she damn-well pleased. Everyone else was too concerned on being positive influences to ever care. And now her first friend was holed up and…

…It sucked.

She didn't dislike Noelle. She didn't dislike Kris. She should be happy for them, and she… was. She was. They did come to her and ask to hang out many times, but she couldn't bring herself to be the third wheel and learn to be herself like that. The rug was pulled out from under her and she didn't even notice until it was too late. Now she'd rather be alone than get included for pity's sake. She'd just ruin the mood. That's her specialty. Big dumpy dragon drags the mood down.

…Even through her solitary living she'd manage to overhear they'd be moving somewhere else together to live their life out. She was getting what she wished for all along. She wouldn't again have to worry about avoiding them on the streets, in the theater or worrying that they were in the Dark World. Or get to stare at their house to reminisce like some girl. Those two would finally leave far away, and she'd be left alone. And she hated that.

…She didn't want to be left behind.

Maybe them leaving would give her the space to think about what she'll do with herself and she'll fix her life up. Hah. Ain't she a kidder.

…That scared her all of a sudden. Weirdly made her anxious.

She was face to face with the mansion's gate, having walked there without thinking about it. Wondering if the two were home. Kris always walked his girlfriend home, holding hands and nuzzling their noses like just the cutest couple of Hometown. She'd see them walk off daily… Then all of a sudden school ended and she hadn't seen them once. Such a waste of time that garbage was. Didn't learn a thing then it ended, and everyone else had moved on but somehow she was nostalgic for it. Not like she had grownmuch, but she knew she wasn't getting any younger. What did she even have to lose again?

…Well, why shouldn't she, then? Why shouldn't she!?

She should just press the button already, a thought unlike her own told her. She had her hand over the interphone, and like a self-preservation instinct her other was holding the first back.

Talk to them, and go from there? They'd probably be overjoyed…

…Right?

‟I'd have even less time to spend with you!"

‟Come on, Krissy! Just find somewhere with hours you like and we'll still spend just as much time together! You can work-part time, too!"

‟But—" - he mumbled to himself, ‟But I'm already doing—" - My best.

‟Kris." - She locked eyes with him, ‟We could go on some dates, and you'd be more responsible! It's a win-win!"

‟… Fine." - He collapsed under her unrelenting overbite and freckles. He couldn't tell her no in good faith. His girlfriend had the money to invite him out, but she wasn't the spending type for romance.

‟Don't say it like that!" - She bemoaned him, sulking in kind.

‟Why not?"

‟Because it sounds like I'm nagging you into it!"

‟But you—"

‟I'm not! It's for" - she put a slender finger on his nose, ‟your benefit, dummy! Be more excited."

‟… Thanks sooo— much Noelle!"

‟That's better!" - she gave him a kiss on the cheek, ‟… But you didn't sound very sincere."

She tried to pull away back to her book, unfortunately a warm hand grabbed the small of her back. ‟You think you can get away with just a peck?"

‟W-What?… I don't know what you mean." - She responded with a he'd-almost-believe-it innocent look.

‟…Were you always this crafty, or did you learn it from someone?"

‟M-Me? I'm just— Mm—" - Her speech was cut short by a soft sensation. He was hot to her, his lips and arms and chest burned sweetly. Home, apples, sweat and… She was starting to like those smells a bit more than she should admit. And he was wayyy too hot with this heatwave.

Now, he wasn't a dope. He could see the carrot-and-stick shtick that was just used on him. With some sweet carrots to boot. He didn't have a problem with it, for as much as it annoyed him, Noelle was kind of right. Toriel had alluded to the same thing before. And in retrospect he was thankful to have a girlfriend that wouldn't put up with him unless he was being the best to her. Being better for her sake was tiring, he was who he was, even if he wished he wasn't. But her reaction was the most satisfying thing the world had cooked for him. Mom being so hands-off lately started making sense, she trusted Noelle to be a good influence.
Sorry for that, back to smooching.

It was paradoxical how being together sent Kris' heart racing and calmed him down at once. Like any sort of anger and anguish were extinguished and poured down the grates of time. It was like the cool embrace of a bright Winter sun. It was soft and crisp and tender, she was fun and stressful and calming all at once. Like the first flower to bud through the flaky snow. Words failed to describe it, but he'd do everything in his power to never let her go.

‟—Being myself. Jerk." - She tried being mad at him but the poor girl was without the breath to do it properly. A line of spit split between them as they parted.

‟… Tastes of sugarplum. And spearmint." - He said, looking at the sultry girl who was pretend-protesting while getting her butt comfortable on the couch's pillows.

‟You keep saying that… What even issugarplum?" - She said, their faces inches apart.

‟Don't know. I love it." - He said, looking at her cheeky grin. He tried to put his hand through her face, but his shame stopped him. Even if he wanted to be more romantic, there was something keeping him self-conscious around her. Like at any moment she'd criticize him for something or other, or leave him.

She was very warm, breathing out faintly under her breath. He could feel the air on his neck. They'd had… When he said sultry he didn't mean it in a sexual way. Just that she felt very hot, not sexy— But, wait a second. Hot also meant—

‟Kris?"

‟Huh?"

‟… Thinking about something?"

‟I-… Sorry."

‟Alright, then" - She said, laying her lips on him to kiss him back. Breathing softly on his face.

…Actually, it wasn't that important.

It was hard to stop thinking like that. He hated when it happened.

…

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell Rock

‟A moment!" - She loudly responded in his ear, and he felt a distinct lack of fluffy tail in his palm.

Kris was left in the drawing room while the horrible carols continued a few seconds more. The mood jingle-bell-rocked to pieces.

‟Who was it?" - He asked.

‟Prank call." - She answered, ‟they just rang the doorbell and ran."

Back arched straight, bangs over the face, snout pointing ahead. Eyes open and only slightly glassy, not a single thing to draw attention. Perfectly boring was her figure in the mirror… Did she see pink? Her eyes were playing tricks on her.

She marched out of the librarby and towards the apartment complexes. The sun had fallen to where she wouldn't be questioned for coming home too early. Through a grimy alley, up a cramped staircase, by the fourth floor was her door. It was special to her, because different to all the other doors around, this one had the same number that was on her house key.

‟Am home!"

Walking into their living room, she could hear the TV playing.

It was dad.

Glued to his armchair. She didn't try to look at him, but his giant figure wormed itself into the corner of her eye. She walked past, and in front of him. The TV and chair were on opposite walls so she had cut in front every time she had to come or leave the house. He'd either completely ignore her existence or…

‟… Did anything today, Susie?" - She heard his low voice and swallowed.

‟I hung out with friends!"

He sneered quietly.

‟That's just what kids my age do, dad!"

‟… Stop wasting your time."

‟R-Right! Sor—"

‟It's been a month since you graduated and you still haven't found a job? You're not hiding anything, are you?!"

She felt her teeth clench and her fingernails dig in.

Why haven't you found a job, asshole?

‟I-…I'm not! And I'm trying, alright?! It's not that easy!"

‟Well do it already!"

‟I'll get on it, alright! Sorry dad!" - She felt her smile crack her face into sharp pieces.

After some more empty threats she was given implied permission to leave and she went into the bedroom, closing the door not too slow nor too fast to attract attention. Then cursed him under her breath. She wanted to smash the door down and kill him.

Shared bedroom, one bed. The last time she had a bed to herself (except what Ralsei made) was her crib, still in the corner of her room collecting dust. Lately dad started falling asleep in his chair, so she could pretend it was 'her' room for the night, even though staring at the walls was the only way to spend the time now that her Gamemon's batteries ran out. The clock they had in-lieu of a window read 7:21. Her newest strategy was to go to sleep early, wake up before the sun, then leave before he woke up and save herself the headache. Yes, she went to sleep at the same time as the wimps and the nerds.

Susie threw her jacket off and tossed herself in bed.

She was happy she wasn't a human, because she'd probably be sweaty as all hell. The moment she'd pressed the bell to Noelle's house, discomfort welled up in her stomach and up through her throat until she felt sick of it to the back of her crooked teeth. She ended up violently running away, confused and angry at herself… She probably looked like a junkie to everyone in the street.

Just thinking about it made a stupid-big pit in her stomach… Just why the hell did she even think it was a good idea?! She'd never even tried anything like that before.

Maybe it was because she liked him.

Her eye twitched again. Pissed at the world for reminding her. She'd made peace with it. She stopped thinking that. She knew they'd leave and she'd be alone and that was fine. She didn't need anybody to be around, she could handle her own problems and she was happier as things were.

She wasn't being left behind. Shut up about it. Shut up. Shut up. Please stop.

There was a burning feeling in her that she should get up and do something. Without knowing what. Do something about everything, she'd been having weird flare-ups ever since she left the Dark World. She brushed it away, but it was growing to the point where it was making her light headed. She watched the clock tick as she tried her best to drift off to any kind of sleep…

… Even light sleep.

‟—e!"

… Anything would work, really. She's never had good sleeps ever.

‟Su—!"

… Even getting knocked out was fine.

‟—sie!"

… She just wanted it to turn to morni—

‟SUSIE!"

‟Agh! What the— I'm awake!"

She jumped up. Or was jumped up. Looking like a startled animal. Who the hell was screaming at her? From where!?

‟Are you crazy!? Settle down!"

‟S-Sorry dad!" - She said in her normal-est voice. Still shaking.

‟(W-What the heck was that?!)" - She whispered to herself. There was… someone. Talking to her.

‟Susie!"

She looked up and put her hands over her mouth and shut it hard enough to clatter, instead of screaming. She almost pierced her tongue. On her clock she saw reflected a picture of… Kris!?
Made of bubblegum?!

She started scream-whispering.

‟(W-What the hell!? Kris!? Is that you!? Wha-Why the heck—)"

‟I'm not Kris." - The reflection of Kris spoke, ‟What I am is… Uh, your subconscious."

‟(!? …Really? My subconscious is some guy I haven't talked to in half a year?)"

‟(… No way.)" - She chuckled dryly, ‟(I'm not that crazy yet.)"

‟Then, uh—I'm the, ghost… Let's just say I'm a spirit! Of your subconscious!"

The purple teenager stared expressionlessly.

‟(I'll ask Ralsei.)"

‟I'm real! Really!" - She saw its hand flail around, ‟Look! Turn your head!"

It disappeared from the clock. Then she felt her neck turn to look at the buttons of her jacket hung up, and saw it there. Then, compelled, she flipped her phone up and saw the ghost's reflection motion her to put it to her ear.

‟See?!" - She could hear from her phone's speaker.

‟I-I'm telling the truth! Only you can see my reflection! And only you can hear my echo! I don't think I'm a monster or a Darkner—"

‟(So, you're telling me.)" - She held her bangs up, looking at her tired eyes in her phone's cracked screen.

‟(I've finally gone loco?… Took longer than I thought, honestly.)" - The purplosaur smiled wryly. Huge cynical teeth on display.

‟(How long until you start telling me to kill my dad? Can't say I haven't been thinking about it—)"

‟Wait wait wait, haven't you ever seen a crime show?! You'd be the first suspect!"

‟(Wow, you answered that so quick that I'm convinced you really are planning on it. Figures, if you're me.)"

‟No!" - She heard the voice announce, changing reflections in her dusty room. It settled on the clock.

‟Susie!… This wasn't my plan, but— I, I'll help you out. You can't keep living like this."

‟(…Wow, thanks for telling me. Anything else you'd like to share with the class?)"

‟Are you really okay with not saying anything to Kris and Noelle before they leave?!"

‟…"

‟(When was it your business what I did in my free time?)"

‟I'm stuck in you! And don't pretend you're happy like this, either."

‟(Do you like putting words in my mouth, fake dweeb?!)"

‟… Susie, why are you afraid to talk to them?"

It made her irrationally ticked off that whatever this thing was, it was talking like it both knew her and knew what's best for her. It was pissing her off. Even her thoughts were now turning into concerned citizens forcing her to act normal for her age? Maybe she'd go to the Dark World to get a Pipis-Lobotomy.

‟(Leave me alone, you weirdo.)"

‟I'm really sorry, but I really, uh, can't. Sorry." - The thing had Kris' annoying bangs that covered its face, and his cape and sword but it wasn't quite Kris. Kris could be held at gunpoint and he'd not show half the emotion that it was showing.

‟(… Too bad. I didn't ask for some pink Kris doll to live in my gray-matter either. So either get used to it or like, start paying me rent. My headspace's running a premium these days.)"

‟… Susie, do you really think this is how—"

‟Tch! Shut up already!"

‟Susie!? I'm coming over if you don't quiet down!"

‟N-Nothing dad! I'm talking on the phone!"

‟Talk quietly then! I can't even hear my thoughts."

‟Sorry!"

‟With that around… How can you stand to still be here?" - The thing talked, glaring past the bedroom door.

‟(Sure, I'll save up for a house. Just after I fill out my 401k. And get a down-payment for my mortgage.)"

The little kid-like figure looked at her instead, blankly. Her sarcasm completely flew over its head.

‟(… I don't even have money for food,you idiot! How am I supposed to move out!?)"

‟Just ask Noelle and she—"

‟(NO! I'd rather sleep on the streets!)"

There was something deeply revolting about exposing that side of her life to anybody. Barely anyone stood her as she was, if she were to start asking people handouts, she'd become pathetic. Literal waste of life.

‟(You better leave me alone, freak. Stop telling me how I should live my life.)

‟… Your choice, suz. I may be stuck here, but you're right. It is your life to live. Spend the good rest of it in this room. I'll find some other way to him." - The figure said, framed by the hands of the clock ticking in unison. Then vanished.

The lonely dinosaur was left with her thoughts and a deeply wrong feeling in her stomach. Dark-beige walls left to close in around her.

…

…

‟(… H-… Hey.)"

Quiet.

‟(… Hey? Are you listening?)"

‟(Hello!? Did you leave already!? T-Talk to me for a second!)"

‟Hm?" - The figure came back, she could see wide-eyed.

‟(Uh, s-so…)"

‟What?"

‟(W-What shouldI… do.)"

‟Whatever you want to, I told you."

‟(Not that, you idiot! I mean, like… You know.)" - She turned her face away.

‟You wanted to live your life yourself. I can tell you where to drop me off."

‟(Oh my god! Shut— I mean…)" - She bit her lips.

‟(I-I'm sorry…)"

‟Sorry? For what?"

‟(You—)" - A big part of her wanted to punch the clock in, ‟(I said I'm sorry, alright?! So tell me what I should do already!)

‟You're listening to me!?" - The figure had starry eyes under its bangs, all of a sudden.

‟(Shut up, pinky! Don't push your luck! I just want to know your ideas so I can tell you how dumb they are!)"

‟Okay, let me think… How much cash do you have on you?"

‟(… Five dollars. I have a cell phone and some clothes. And the house keys.)"

‟Okay, that's…" - She saw it pretend to take a deep breath. Did it need to breathe?

Actually, 'it' was a guy, wasn't it?

‟First of all, you need money!"

‟(No chance dad gives me any.)"

‟No! Not from him! From someone else!"

‟(I'm not begging.)"

‟Not that, I mean working for it! Like people on TV!"

‟(… A job? Me?)"

‟Yeah! Can you do a job?!"

‟(Nobody wants to hire this. Idiot)" - She said, looking at her shaggy hair and shaggier clothes. She was literally the furthest thing from employable.

‟You won't know until you try, right? I've seen weirder people with jobs on TV, haven't you…"

‟(So I'll be one of the working weirdos, great…)" - She said, sneering at the thought.

What TV did this ghost even watch? She didn't watch TV—

‟(… Wait, that's your great idea to 'fix my life'!? I could've come up with that on my own!)"

‟I never said anything about great ideas."

‟(Then— Then whatare you good for?!)"

The figure held his hands on his chin, ‟It'd be hard to explain so… Emotional support?"

‟(Like heck I need that! Leave! I can do it on my own!)"

‟I-I can help! I promise! And you can't even remove me!"