Chapter Text
Azalea Bryony wasn’t sure what she was thinking as she parked her car in front of a large house.. In the middle of a dark forest.. Paying little mind to the fact that it didn’t totally look like something out of a horror flick, she did desperately need the work.. And the room.. That had been the only reason why she wasn’t leaving straight away.
In her hand was the ad from the magazine she had taken.. A phone call had given her the address.. So here she was now.. Knocking upon the door..
From inside she could hear a rumble of someone making their way to the door only for it to swing open with no one in sight. It was unnerving and though the outside of the place seemed rather dark and terrifying the inside was the opposite. The marble steps of the entryway were flooded with a warm amber light complete with a chandelier that hung overhead. Its crystal ornamentation refracted off the surface sending a shower of multi colored sparkles of light cascading down the steps. It was inviting surprisingly.
She was impressed.. Such a beautiful interior for such a bad exterior? She thought a moment.. Perhaps this person just wanted to deter wannabe robbers! The thought comforted her as she stepped inside. “U.. umm.. Hello? Mr.. Sans? W.. we spoke on the phone.” She called out, though a touch more relaxed, it was still unnerving to not see.. Anyone at all..
Someone appeared from behind her grabbing her from behind causing her to fall back against a rib cage. Before she could blink there was a skeleton in front of her keeping her up against the wall with a hand over her mouth signaling her to be silent. He wasn't rough with her but his white eyelights look distressed. She got a better look at her kidnapper now. He was a short skeleton with black shorts, a white T-shirt, and a blue hoodie trimmed with white fluff. On his feet were a pair of pink slippers, "quiet kiddo.” He looked around for a moment before releasing her, the coast was clear. "heh. Sorry there kid names Sans, Sans the skeleton." He winked at her as he always did when greeting new people.
A rush of fear shot through her system as she was essentially kidnapped by a skeleton! Oh she had thought she was going to die for a few moments there.. She gulped as she tried to contain her raging heartbeat.. “F.. for the love of.. You nearly scared me right out of my own skin.” She said in a ton slightly quieter than his own.. “My name’s Azalea Byony.. We spoke on the phone about the job you put out.” She said, holding the page.
The skeleton seeming named Sans scratched the back of his head with a smile on his face, "didn't mean to scare ya that bad but I'll take take scarin ya out of your skin as a compliment. Probably should have thought about how dead it was in here. So your Azalea huh? Heh. Well now that we're all introduced let me explain a little bout the job. See don't go shoutin my name around ya might not get me looking for you. This is a place meant to keep them in line. Thats your job kiddo. Don't worry they won't hurt ya.” He pointed a finger at her where he soul would reside, "it's a precaution but if they try anything it won't be a good time for them."
She nodded. “So.. I’m their caretaker? Whoever They are?” She asked curiously. “Seems like an easy enough task.. And It’s a live in position correct?” She asked him, looking back at the paper.
Sans nodded in response before speaking again, “your takin this rather well kid. Seen a skeleton before?” A rhetorical question as he watched her reaction. He placed his hand casually within the pockets of his hoodie to pull out a brand new smart phone, the wallpaper was a picture of him, “listen up kiddo if you ever have any questions or you need somethin just call me on this phone free of charge. Oh and heh. One more thing.” The lights in his eyes went out leaving only deep black eyeless sockets staring back at her, “dont ever let them leave.” As soon as they disappeared his eyes were back with the usual lackadaisical smile on his face.
“Admittedly I havent seen one before, but either I’m unconscious and dreaming, or I am really talking to a skeleton that makes jokes, about a job..” He said softly and accepted it. “Umm.. Where do I get settled in. and well.. Could you show me around? Or is that something I get to do on my own?” She asked, plenty of questions.
Sans chuckled at her commentary. She did take this rather well all things considered. He would have Frisk do the job but that was a horrible idea. They had too much bad blood already. He thought about it for a moment. He could not exactly risk being caught by them or know he was here in the first place, “sorry kiddo your on your own. Just remember that if ya see someone that looks a skele-ton like me… they aint and your not dreamin hard to believe huh? Heh. Thats the way most humans see us.” He shrugged before handing her the phone.
She noded, accepting the phone. “Alright then.. Can you at least tell me where I would be sleeping for this live in position?” Sides she had to put her things somewhere.. She couldn’t keep them in the car all the time, she kind of needed her clothes at least!
The skeleton just shrugged his shoulders, “guess that upta them. I’m sure you will be meetin them soon any just watch your back kiddo.” With that he snapped his fingers and disappeared from sight leaving the poot human stranded in a house of unknown origin and unknown….occupants.
She sighed.. Well that was frustrating.. And a bit annoying.. But she put the phone into her purse and started to explore the house. “Woow.. it’s so quiet.. Maybe this job will be way easier than I thought..” She said as she started trying to figure out her way around the house.
Someone was watching the whole entire time even when Sans had appeared not that he gave much of a damn. His alternate self had a tendency to stick his non existent nose into things it did not belong. A human of all things? Here? Living with them!? He stayed within the shadows leaning against a nearby pillar with his hood up skeletal fingers tapping against the marble making an eerie thrumming sound. She couldn’t see him but she sure as Hell could hear him.
She looked this way and that.. This place was dark and she frankly didn’t like that.. Her imagination tended to run away with her thanks to horror movie marathons.. “W.. Who’s there? I’m not a burgler if you are worried about that.. I’m just the new caretaker..” She wondered if she was literally over thinking the house settling or something.
This was going to be interesting. Something to spice up his rather dull and bleak existence. Lets confuse her shall we? He teleported just behind her taller than his blue hoodied counterpart and wrapped his arms around her holding her close to him from behind, “hiya sugar. gotta say what are ya doin in here? not many humans are brave enough ta step foot here” She couldn’t see his appearance except for the skeletal hands and greyish blue fabric clad arms around her. His mouth was dangerously close to her ear, “well?”
She jumped when he grabbed her, a gasp of surprise comming form her lips as her heartbeat raced.. “I.. I.. answered the ad.. For a live in caretaker.. U.. umm.. S. see?” She said, holding the paper like it was a lifeline, and maybe it was, or maybe not.. “I’m jst.. Trying to find my way around.. Umm.. Who.. who are you?” She asked, trying to be polite at least..
He could feel her racing heart against his ribcage as he plucked the piece of paper from her hands with two boney fingers. He knew of this add of course but didn’t think much of it right now he was having too much fun, “heh. i see. Guess…” He spoke as he began to remove his arms from her rather slowly, “i gotta” he made sure to brush his fingers down the side of her waist, “let ya go then huh?” Then his hands retreated back into their pockets before he blinked in front of her instead, “names Sans… the skeleton but uh.” Unlike his blue hoodie counterpart this skeleton s eyes were a mix of blue, red, and white. His fingers were sharper then her “employer” and his smile looked not all that friendly. On his feet were a pair of greyish blue tennis shoes neatly tied and white socks that were visible over the foot wear. There were no fluffy pink slippers to be seen, “you already knew that didn ya?” His face was twisted more into a smirk then a smile, eye sockets half lidded.
She shvered as his fingers brushed down her side, h.. Holy fuck that felt much hotter than it should have. “Umm.. y.. Yea.. Umm.. You.. must be the skeleton He said looks a lot like him.. W.. well.. Hi.. Sans the skeleton.. I’m Azalea.. Can.. I call you some kind of nickname? He said that name shouldn’t be said here.. Maybe that’s to avoid confusion or something?” Well with her hand outstretched for a handshake, and scared little smile, she was at least trying to be friendly.
Sans, or rather a duplicate of him chuckled. It sounded near identical to Sans’, “heh. Ole’ blue usin ya to do his dirty work huh? dont worry i wont tell the others have nothing against being here anyway. Not much fer me back in ma timeline.” They all looked somewhat alike some more than others. He personally was just a version of Sans that had lost his sense of self. It was probably a good thing that she ran into him first out of all of them. He wasn’t too far gone from the one that had given her the job, “ya can call me Dust darlin. We all look alike so yer goin ta have ta go by our nicknames. universes get all messed up ya know?” He could tell she was scared of him so he extended his hand to her and shook it gently. He wasn’t just going to randomly hurt her there was really no point to it all anyway.
She nodded, relaxing when he shook her hand. “Timeline? Do you mean to tell me that some of my science fiction books are actually real?!” She said in surprise. She wasn’t a genius or anything, just an average intellect person who read a lot of sci-fi.. “Dust.. Alright.. I’ll remember that name then.. It’s really nice to meet you.”
He closed his eye sockets with the same smile on his face as Sans had before, “got that right darlin. we are all from different timelines all deviatin from ole’ blue. Its probably a good thing ya met me first now that i think about it. Not that different from him really i was him at one point.” It was odd how he shifted his tone so suddenly. On one hand he was kind and rather helpful but on the other he was devious and rather mischievous. She acted like he was just some kind stranger. It wasn’t exactly far off from the truth with him anyway. The others were a whole other can of worms, “nice ta meet ya to sugar. But gotta warn ya the rest of us aint as laid back as i am. Ill make sure they dont do anything to ya.” He cracked open his eye sockets before walking right up to her. He was looking down at her with half lidded eye sockets that lackadaisical smile on his face. His hand came up to grab her chin and pull her close to his face, “fer a price.”
She nodded, her heartbeat had started to calm down now.. “I see.. Well. Maybe the others will be less inclined to do less than nice things to me if they had some dinner home cooked by me?” She offered, before her eyes went wide at his grabbing her chin. Oh god he was so close.. Why was she thinking totally not pure thoughts right then?! Her heartbeat increased again…. “W.. what..?” was all she managed to whisper..
He leaned just a little bit closer before releasing her chin and laughing, “dont look so shakin darlin im just givin you a taste of what the others might do to ya. gotta keep yer guard up. even round me” Wow son of a bitch. He placed a hand on her head gently returning to his full height eye sockets once again closed. It was a little too much fun making the human squirm just by doing things like that. Were humans into that kind of thing? He supposed.
Well he wouldn’t know what she was into if he didn’t get close to her. When he released her chin she let her body shiver, a nice blush decorating her cheeks. Yup.. her mind had gone so south about then! “Y.. yea.. I’ll keep that in mind.. Dust..” She said softly, trying to calm her racing heartbeat. “Hey do you know where I’ll be staying? I need to know so I can get my things in there..”
Dust noted the way her body shivered when he pulled away, interesting~. Stars he was around lust wayyyy too much nowadays or rather forced to be around. Bloodberry didn’t help either in that regard but he just pushed it off, “i can imagine in one of the wings over there. Just careful what room ya choose there are tons but uh. Some of yer neighbors might not be as savory. i can take ya there if ya want.”
She nodded. “Please Dust?” She asked sweetly. “I don’t want to make any of you angry with me..” She wasn’t naive not by a fucking long shot, hell have the thoughts running through her head right then were about as impure as thoughts could get!
Dust’s multi colored eye lights meandered to look at her. The way she so sweetly asked for his help and said his name. Oh boy. She hoped she wouldn’t notice his death like grip in his hoodie pockets because hey he had needs too. He wasn’t completely numb to anything of the sort but he also was not the emotional type either. He usually just loved to mess with people and make them squirm. He cleared his non existent throat, “yeah guess i could h-” He blinked a few times before sliding his fingers up under her chin tilting her face up to look at him. He was taller than her after all, “watch what and how ya say stuff round here.” He leaned a little closer just like before, “might just get ya in trouble.”
She nodded, right before he took her chin and tilted it. Her cheeks flushing with blush. “Y.. yea..?” She asked, a low, surprised, whisper..Oh holy fuck did she want him to do so many things to her, but still.. She needed to get things going.. To get her room moved into.. But hot damn was it hard to keep her thoughts straight with him so close~
Dust was no fool he knew what he was doing to her or rather the lack of doing to her. Humans were so easy to read. His magic always focused around the inner depths of a person's soul. Their sins and their virtues. He just had to look deeply in their eyes to figure out exactly how they were feeling. It’s why he was a judge only he could do that job. Even in his current state he still had this ability and oh how he abused it. He was still a villain afterall. Just a little bit closer and he started chuckling before running his purple glowing tongue over the soft skin of her cheek before pulling back and turning his back to her. Well if she wanted an answer that was clearly one, “ ya got something on yer cheek there.” His comment was followed by another devious chuckle, “ya humans may think we cant do anythin to ya but we skeletons have a few tricks up our sleeves.” He only turned his head to look at her and smirked knowingly, “since yer wonderin.”
She could only nod when he pulled away, before her mind caught back up as she hurriedly wiped her cheek off.. “What.. What are you a mind reader?” She said softly, moving to follow him. “I know monsters have magic and all.. But I had no idea skeletons could do that..” She rather liked it it seemed.
Dust was enjoying this all a lot too much mostly because he had only had the company of himself for a while now and not in the good way, “not a mind reader more like soul reader. Can see exactly how yur soul reacts ta certain stuff. Can do anythin ya can and cant imagine darlin~” He chuckled again before leading her down the hallway. After a few turns and up a staircase they ended up in the residential wing. He placed a boney hand under his chin trying to recall who occupied each room, “here we are but uh. Im tryin ta remember which ones which. Ma rooms just over there.” He pointed to a ebony door just a little way down the hallway. Each door looked different signifying a certain resident well to the initiated. Dust was not too knowledgeable in this since he kept to himself most of the time and didn’t want to interact with what he called ‘the clones.’ Just pick any door that has nothin on it. Ill be right behind ya.”
In the hallway where they both stood were doors flanking either side. The doors leading down on the left side looked as follows in order. The first door was a purple color with a blue heart right in the middle outlining the heart was a bright cyan. The second was a door that was off white and slightly chipped with some cyan framework surrounding it. The third was a technicolor 90’s nightmare with neon colors splashed across the wood. It was enough to make the eyes burn. Next to that was the last door on that side that was black but underneath where there were lines carved into the wood was orange. The doors to her left were as follows. One was mahogany seemingly simple in design. The one next to it was Dusts, though upon closer inspection the wood was not ebony but changed color when the perspective changes. It was more a deep blue bordering black. The door next to his was one with was crimson with golden details on it and some scratch marks, wonder what happened there? The third door was one that was also black but had a series of 0s and 1s in yellow, blue, and red on its wooden frame. The fourth door just had a horrifyingly giant axe embedded into it. Last but not least the door all the way at the end in the middle of everyones was a deep black and that was it.
She gulped softly and nodded. “I can imagine a great deal..” She said softly, and looked around at the doors.. The ebony/really neat dark blue one was Dust’s.. She would definitely remember that one.. She went down the hall, looking at each door in turn.. The 90’s nightmare had her blinking curiously.. Good lord that was a tacky color scheme.. She thought the orange lined door was interesting, the blue hearted door was cute..
When she came to a plain mahogany door, she moved to open it.. It was plain so it was empty right? There was something uneasy about the one in complete black.. “Hey Dust? Do you know whose room that one is back there?” She asked him, pointing towards it.. “And I don’t think I even want to meet the person who shoved that axe into that door..” She shuddered..
Dust was meanwhile glaring at the purple door with a grimace on his face. It basically said please dont come out I dont want to deal with you. His attention was grabbed by her asking a question, “heh. Thats horror ya dont want to bump into him. hes not put ta gether. Dont worry darlin yer choosin tha room next ta mine so just say my name and ill be there.” He pushed open the door she was in front of and it was indeed empty, lucky break who knows what would have been in there?
She noticed he didn’t answer her about the black door at the back of the hall.. “Oh thank you Dust. That’s really nice of you to look out for me.” She said sweetly, she thought he was just being nice, how cute.. “Alright then I guess I’ll take this room.. Thankfully I don’t have a lot of things in my car, so I’ll move them in here soon.. And after I’ll make dinner.” Good home cooked food always made people happier.. So maybe it would put her on her new wards’ good sides? Though she’d be lying if she didn’t admit to love cooking..
Dust poked his head inside the room taking note of how the architecture was for… reasons. The way she was so happy by his kindness made him remember his friend. Well his ex friend the human that had given and taken everything from him. She had to shake his head of the thoughts, “no worries darlin i can help ya move in. kinda surprised ya picked up this job ta begin with.” He knew that Sans had specifically left out a vital piece of information about them all.
She blushed sheepishly.. “Thanks Dust, but I don’t want to be a burden. I’m supposed to be taking care of you all not the other way around.”She said softly, though her smile turned to confusion as she came back towards him. “What do you mean? He just wanted someone to look after you all.. Right? Figure it’s about the same as any other job like it.. I’d help take care of the house, and make sure all of you stay healthy at least..”
Dust was about to say something before he heard a door open in the hallway. Out of instinct he scooped her up bridal style and teleported just in the middle of the grand entry before setting her down, “dont think yer quite ready fer that just yet. Lets grab yur stuff an get ya moved in instead.” Even if he was considered a villian he was still Sans in a way. A little overprotective, a little more conscientious then a lot of them. He was devious and twisted yes, but he also wasn’t going to kill or harm for the sake of it. He wasn’t blood thirsty.
She gave a startled cry as he suddenly picked her up bridal style and blinked them back to the entrance. “I don’t know if I will ever get used to that..” She said, taking a few moments to get over the sense of vertigo she had. When it did pass, she went out to her car.. A beatup old thing that barely ran, but at least it did.. She really didn’t have much at all.. A backpack, duffulbag, a small chest of clothes, and 3 small boxes of personal, books, and other various items and a bean bag chair. “That’s all of my things..” She said, not really embarrassed by how little things she had.. Her entire life was in the car after all, all condensed down to this.
Dust had been leaning against the doorframe unable to move past that point unfortunately. When she brought all her stuff inside. He studied it all this was going to be easy, “one super fast move comin up.” He winked at her before taking a box and disappearing one after the other. He just kept blinking in then out until the foyer was completely clear. After he was finished he dusted off his hands (HAH) “all done told ya i was fast.”
“That was incredibly sweet Dust, thank you so much!” She said sweetly, giving him a kiss on his cheek when she got close to him to pass him, a chaste thing, one of gratitude and delight. “I’ll get started with dinner then.”
Dust nonchalantly brushed off the praise only to receive a kiss on the cheek. That was unexpected. His cheekbones turned purple in color for but a moment. He was hungry but not for dinner. He had to shake the thoughts from his skull. DAMN IT he spent too much time in this insane asylum. He followed her into the kitchen now looking perfectly composed and took a seat at the grand table only to kick his feet up and close one of his eye sockets, “whatcha goin ta make there darlin?”
She had giggled seeing him react, but started looking through the pantry and fridge and freezer just to see what was there before she started to pull out some ingredients.. Meat, veggies.. Plenty of spices. “Goodie for me this place is stocked up, ahh.. I’ll have to get my spice jar to add to it. You guys will love it I’m sure.” She said softly, and got out a nice big pan, starting to prepare. “It will take hours for it to cook right, but it should be done about sundown, plenty of time for it to simmer.. I’m making my grandma’s amazing miracle stew.” She said sweetly. “Alright it’s not really magic and all, but the way my grandma made it, it might as well have been.” Ahh fond memories..
Dust didn’t say anything because just like in Sans fashion he had fallen asleep, most likely from the overuse of magic that he used to teleport today. He was still at the table with his feet up but he was not stirring from that spot.
After she got the stew going, she smiled at Dust sleeping at the table, and decided not to bother him as she headed back upstairs to her room, her spice jar was in her things after all.
Dust should have been paying more attention because he let the human out of his sight to head up to the den of Hell that they all lived. Ok thats an exaggeration but you get the idea. As she was rummaging around her items which were nicely organized and neatly placed by the way. It was one of the reasons Dust had been inspecting the room. A little skeleton who looked like a child poked his head into her room. His little blue star like eyes watching the human curiously.
She rummaged through one box only to pull out a decent sized plastic jar of spices, carefully labeled as Bryony family spice.. As she turned she jumped, not having expected anyone. “Oh! Hello there. What’s your name?” She asked curiously.
The little skeleton pushed open the door and looked up at here. He was really small and kind of adorable as he placed a gloved finger to his mouth, “Blue.” His voice was high pitched and god damn it adorable. It matched the blue bandana tied around his neck. He had come out of the door across the hall that was blue and white. She would now know why. Even the residents called each other by their nicknames to placate further confusion, Blue was one such inhabitant that prefered his nickname over his given name.
“It’s nice to meet you Blue. My name’s Azalea.. I’m the new caretaker for all of you, and I’m making dinner now.. I hope you like stew!” She said softly, gods he was so damn cute!
Blue, as he was now named, made his way into the the room. As in he cutely let his little legs carry him into her room before he sat down next to her. He came up just to her ribcage with his blue oversized bandana over his mouth. He had to pull it away a little bit to speak, “are you a human?” He tilted his skull to one side, “ohhhhh stew! That sounds tasty! Are you going to make anything sweet?” He scooted a little closer. This human caught his interest if only in an innocent childlike way. He always wanted a sister.
She gave him a soft smile and patted his skull. “I might for dessert, but its not good to eat too many sweets.” She said softly. “Would you be a dear and tell the others dinner would be ready around sundown?”
Blue closed his eyes like a kitten being pet when she patted his skull, "awwww you sound like Papyrus.” He objected rather cutely with a pout. He stood up and wobbled a small amount before nodding, "ok.” and with that the adorable bundle of joy left the room.
She went out herself a few moments after and back down into the kitchen to put some of her spice into the stew and left it to cook, putting the spice jar up in the cabinet after she was done using some. She had enough time before it would be done, and so she decided to get unpacked and settled in while she did..
So she went back up to her room and put some music on from her cheap MP3 player, and started to sing sweetly while she unpacked.
Meanwhile another uninvited guest gently pushed open the door to her room with his foot. He barely recalled having an occupants inside this room before. No harm in checking. What he laid his white eyelights on was a human girl that was currently distracted by all her unpacking. This must have been their new caretaker. Not that he felt one was necessary. It would seem she was comfortable, too comfortable as he stood behind her. His skeletal frame didn't match his shadow as it seemed to have a life of it's own, "excuse me."
The sudden words from so close behidn her had her jump and cry out in surprise. “H.. holy hell.. I swear you skeletons delight in making me jump..” She said as she took her headphones off, looking at him. “Do you need anything? I have no idea if little Blue told you dinner would be ready about sundown or not.. Or.. that I’m the new caretaker.. But either way.. Hello.” She said, trying for friendly greeting, even while she felt totally not chill at all.
The skeleton that had come to her was wearing something that looked out of the era. In fact it looked centuries old adorned with purples and golds. He also had some kind of gold crown with a crescent moon carved into it. This was probably the last Sans that she should have met. He could feel her heart racing just by scaring her. Humans were so easily afraid which kept his power and his hunger at bay, most of the time, "it was not I'm intention my apologies miss. Not as of yet I only wanted to see the human that was going to take up residence among us. I do have to say I'm rather shocked a human would feel comfortable around any of us. He did happen to mention those things yes. The pleasures mine. You may address me as Nightmare."
She sighed in relief.. He seemed so chill himself and his clothing was so good! “My name’s Azalea. It’s good to meet you Nightmare.. I gotta say I love your outfit, purple’s my favorite color.” She said with a soft smile. “I dunno.. Despite all the surprises I’ve had today, you guys seem alright, I mean hell.. Baby Blue’s the most adorable little kid I’ve ever met, and Dust was such a sweetheart.. I have no idea why S.. he.. Was so worried about.. Beyond that I rather hope you guys enjoy dinner at least. I figure it’d be something nice I can do to start on the right foot, so to speak.” She said softly, bending down to grab a picture that she put onto her night stand. IT was of herself with an elderly woman, they were both cooking and looking like they were having such fun doing it.
Nightmare didn't feel the need to add any unnecessary drama he was the leader after all, "quite." Nightmare seemed even more laid back then Dust if that was possible though he did have this kind of unsettling presence about him, "my outfit? I will take your praises greatfully. Is that so? I'm rather fond of it myself especially right as the day fades to night and the stars blanket the sleeping sky. You would be one of the very few in your position with such a calm energy. I was about to make my way down there myself your help is most appreciated. I will take my leave and see you in due time miss Azalea." Nightmare turned to leave before pausing at the door and looking over his shoulder at her, "a word of warning however things are not always as they first appear.” With that cryptic message he was gone.
His words had her heart skipping a small beat.. “Maybe we can stargaze sometime..” The night sky was fascinating for sure, at least to her.. “See you at dinner then..” She said as he left, that warning cryptic as all hell.. She turned back to her unpacking, the two boxes were left, and she used her bed to set everything out as she slowly put it away. She hadn’t bothered to close the door either.
It would probably be a good idea to close the door at this point because the rest of her neighbors ranged from unsavory to psychotic. As before one of them exited their door to see the human beyond the room. This time however the skeleton just watched her for a moment and leaning against the door.
She noticed him after a few mins of him watching her, when she felt that creeping feeling of being watched.. “Umm.. Hello.. Do you need anything?” She asked this skeleton, looking back at him from the other side of the room, since she had just finish putting away a few things on a shelf above her.
This one didn't seem to smile like the rest had with his eyelight a bright orange. In fact everything he was wearing was practically orange except the red bandana around his neck. He had not moved from the doorway not even an inch, "what are you doing here?"
“I’m the new caretaker.. Name’s Azalea.” She replied, watching him curiously, she rather liked the bad boy look he had going on. “What’s your name?” She asked in polite tone.
Upon closer examination she would notice the crack that ran toward his left eye socket. He only had one eyelight the other seemed to be damaged, "look girl I have a soft spot for humans but the rest of them don't. You got a death wish or somethin?" His eyes shifted to look the other direction, "names nega… Thats what I've been labeled as anyway." He was still frowning.
“Nega? Sounds like a super villain name straight out of comic books, but fair enough.. What do you mean a death wish? I havent done anything but start you guys’ dinner.”
He just folded his arms and scoffed at the villian comment. How ironicly droll, "it's short for negative smart one. It basically is giving you the not so subtle hint that I ain't nothin like the others. I hate joke and puns, I loathe, my brother, and I'm not even remotely interested in anyone's affairs but my own. You got it?” His eye flicked back to her, "you don't know do you? Hahaha girl you are in way over your pretty little head. Your trapped in a house filled wit-" He was cut off suddenly as another took a peak from the hallway. His color palette was eye bleeding, "ayyyyyy Blue bro was right. Sick trick Nega where did ya get a human?” Nega just rolled his eye once more in distaste, "take at least five steps back your making my senses bleed from that horrid outfit you call style."
“Neat jacket! A bit loud but totally 90s..” She said with a chuckle and came closer to them. “And you, don’t be so pessimistic, Nega.. You’re the only one that’s been anything antagonistic since I got here.. Everyone else I’ve met has been nice and rather sweet.. Even if Nightmare gives me the creeps..” She said simply. “I’m Azalea, pleasure, 90s bro.” She kinda liked the 90s at least a bit..
The skeleton wearing neon had his attention on Nega for a moment, "burrrn not cool dude." Her comment however perked him up with a huge smile. She couldn't see his eyes like the other due to the obnoxious shades but there was a damn good reason he kept them on, "ayyyy I like her. Names Fresh nice meetin you sister. Always appreciatin someone with super fly style ya dig?” They both exchanged surprised glances at her mention of Nightmare. Nega in particular spoke, "wait.. Ya met Nightmare….?"
“Gotta show you my collection of Transformers comics sometime Fresh.” She said sweetly, and looked at them both as they looked surprised.. “Yea..? Guy bout this high, wicked beautiful purple outfit.. Crown on his head? Gives off thsi really unsettling kinda aura? Who called himself Nightmare? Is that.. Bad or something Cause he seemed rather nice.. Bit cryptic but nice..”
Fresh wanted to make a comment on the Transformers but before being a little more serious, "love ta. Well. Not knocking a brother down or nothin cause that's super uncool but… Kinda surprised he-" Nega finished the sentence off in unison with Fresh, "approached you. Yeah that's him alright and he didn't say anything concerning to you?” They both looked at her and they both seemed wary about the skeleton she had met so casually before. Sure he spoke odd and dressed out of this century but he couldn't be all that bad right?
“Ahh.. well.. He did gimie this cryptic as heck warning I guess.. But it certainly doesn’t make sense with everyone I’ve met today..” She said softly. “Unless you are secretly Cthulhu or something..” She said, lookign at Fresh and Nega before laughing. “Nah.. that’s stupid.. Anyrate.. Hope you guys like Stew for dinner.. I haven’t figure out what to make for dessert after though..”
Another set of glances were exchanged by the two warily. They both knew that the warning was indeed valid not because of them necessarily but others. It was however a horrible idea to interfere with the boss' plans so they stayed silent about it. Nega replied warily, "well no use worrying about it now right? Who else have you met besides us?" Fresh on the other hand was laughing at her cthulu remark, "dude if I had that kind of power that would be super rad! Sick cant wait to try some! Sure it's off the chaaaain!" Nega interjected, "I'm sure it will be fine. Make whatever you want we aren't used to being pampered culinarily anyway."
She shrugged. “Lets see.. There was employer.. Dust.. Blue.. Nightmare.. Then you two.. He helped me get everything up here so fast..” She said, relaxed now.. “Well I’ve just got my books to put away.. Then I’l get started on some dessert..”
Fresh was counting the names on his fingers, "Dude! Thats like only half of us. Nega we should totally introduce her to the rest of our crew!" Nega gave him an encouraging yet sarcastic smile, "yes perfect great idea let's introduce her to the worst 4. I think that maybe your brilliance is just as bright as your color scheme." Fresh sighed, "dude why are you harshin my grill? Just wanted to help but your being extra uncool." Nega was rubbing at his temples before his eye light landed on her, "look you met everyone here you should. If you run into the others walk away. They aren't like us. As much as I hate putting myself anywhere near any of these morons. At least your safe around us. More or less. We better get you downstairs before the other four head down."
She nodded. “Ahh.. alright then, I’ll put my books away later I guess..” She said softly, as she hung her coat up.. She had this billowing off the shoulder type of white shirt, yet it didn’t hang so far down as to tease much, and her pants were almost skirt like in how they were styled.. Even her shoes were simple slippers, and certainly nothing was new at all, every item of clothing she had was worn and old, some had stitch lines that suggested amatuer patchwork. “Well lets head downstairs then.” She said, and would close the door behind them.
Nega was keeping an eye out for any of the other four as he led her down to the kitchen. As they approached there was the clamoring of voices. Some she recognized and some she didn't. As they entered the entire table was filled. Dust was still in his seat from earlier only he wasn't sleeping anymore. The only chairs left were the two at the head of the table both opposite of one another. Dust was sitting closest to the one as he saw her arrive he patted the vacant seat beckoning her over. Nega took his seat a few away from a skeleton she had yet to meet and Fresh did the same. It would appear that the four that they had both mentioned were already seated at the table that only left one chair left.
She gave a soft smile at Dust, though detoured to check on the stew.. Opening the lid on the pot drifted the smell of wonderfully slow cooked meat and veggies in a ncie thick stock quickly filling the room.. She was fucking magic when it came to cooking, though dessert admittedly she settled on simple muffins, blueberry to be precise. When she’d put the muffins into the oven, and made sure the stew was fine, she came to sit by Dust at the chair he had beckoned her too before.. “So.. I take it this is about everyone.. Cept.. Nightmare?” She said softly, looking at each of the skeletons in turn.
Dust rested his his head on on the palm of one of his skeletal hands, "nice ta see ya in one piece darlin. Heh. Yep that's about right. None of us gave ya any trouble did we?"
She shook her head. “Nah.. Even the pessimist there didn’t give me much of a hard time, and I think Fresh and I will get along at least.. Seeing as he seems to like 90s stuff as well.. Maybe he can show me a few things I never got to experience.” She said with a soft chuckle. “Stew should be ready in a few mins.. Gotta get the meat cooked all the way through of course.”
Dust was relieved to hear that she at least met a good group. There was no telling what would have happened had she bumped into some of the others,"more lika realist. Why don't ya go check on that. Ya might want to be done before tha boss shows up."
She nodded, heading back to the kitchen.. Really the meat had long since been done, it was more just a matter of getting everything harmonized in flavors.. So she took it off the heat, and grabbed bowls enough for everyone. “Alright boys. It’s ready, line up nicely and I’ll give ya plenty.” She said, already starting to pour the bowls. Good servings of it too. She had made sure to make plenty for them all.
Dust didn't exactly like the idea of her getting near some of them so he appeared next to her, grabbed her and teleported her back to the table, "let em fend for themselves.” He snapped and two bowls, one for him and one for her made their way over to the table in a display of purple magic, "there all sorted don't even hafta lift a pretty little finger."
She actually blushed at his words.. “Ahh.. w-well alright. Should someone go tell Nightmare the food’s ready? Or.. do you guys just eat without him?” She asked, looking at him curiously. She was getting more used to the teleportation at least.. “MAgic is so cool..”
Dust raised a brow bone before shaking his head, "Ya met him already? well he doesn't exactly eat darlin." He settled back into his chair and straightened his posture, "he'll be here soon." He chuckled, "oh? Might be able ta show ya what else ma magic can do sometime.That ain't tha half of it"
She couldn’t suppress the shiver that his words sent through her. “I’d love to see more.. Magic’s fascinating.” She said softly, and started eating.. Since no one else waited, she wasn’t going to either.. “Yea.. He seems like an alright guy.. A bit.. Unsettling, perhaps.. But I love his outfit, purple’s the best color after all..”
There was the sound of footsteps from the hallway as they made their approach toward the kitchen. The sound echoed off the walls causing the clamor and eating to immediate cease. There was Nightmare with his hands folded behind his back. The rest of the groups looked mildly afraid of the purple clad skeleton. He was after all their boss. He had an aura of authority that was almost tangible.
She ceased when the others had. He seemed so much more intimidating now.. Or maybe it was just the fact that everyone else seemed to be nervous and afraid of him..
Nightmare made his way over to his seat at the head of the table and rested his hand on the back of it clearing his throat, "everyone I have some interesting news to share with you all. We have a guest among us." His white eye lights landed on her at the opposite end of the table, "would you care to introduce yourself to everyone one final time?"
His eyes felt like weights on her as she looked away, suddenly shy and nervous.. But when he asked her to introduce herself again she nodded. “My.. MY name’s Azalea Bryony.. I’m your new caretaker as of today.. I’ll be staying here as per my employment.. So get used to my cooking.. I enjoy doing it..” She said just loud enough for her voice to carry.
There was some side clamor for a moment but quickly ended when Nightmare spoke again, "you are all aware that no harm is to come of her in any manner. Understood? As I stated before she is our guest and will be treated as such. I suppose it's time for our own introductions."
They each went down the table introducing themselves one by one including Dust. The other four she had yet to meet also introduced themselves.
"names lust but you can call me whatever you want~"
"call me crimson or blood Berry.”
"Horror”
"EeeeeeRorrrR”
Nightmare had his hands folded in front of him as he spoke, "and of course we have already made acquaintance. I am Nightmare."
She nodded. “It’s nice to meet the four of you I haven’t met before now.” She said softly. “Though.. You.. Are oyu alright.. Horror? I mean.. That wound looks nasty..” She said, more out of concern than anything..
Thats when Nightmares normal smile twisted on his face. The whole table had burst into laughter. From afar nightmares face was half covered in shadow as only his twisted grin and white eyelights could be seen, "oh yes I forgot to mention a rather crucial stipulation within your employment here." Dust was leaning close to her with a huge grin on his face and half lidded eye sockets. He used his index finger to turn her face toward him but enough so that she could see the entire table that now had eyes on her, "don't ya get it darlin?” Suddenly all the lights went out leaving only each of their menacing different colored eye lights and smiles focused on her. When the lights came back on Dust was behind her chair with his arms draped around her neck loosely before whispering in her ear, "we're all evil." His chuckle so close to her sounded rather sinister in nature but he honestly didn't mean anything by it. It would be better for her if she was scared of them all.
Her body shivered again.. Why the fuck did these guys make her both afraid and aroused at the same damn time?! Well with the exception to blue, which had her looking confused. “There.. Is no way.. You can tell me that that adorable baby Blue there is evil.. Just.. how? What? I kind of expected it from Horror, Crimson, and maybe Nega.. but.. Fresh.. Dude you too?” the lights going off had had her jump, their eyes making her shiver more.. “And.. It.. It’s not like i can just.. Leave.. Anyway..” She whispered.. Barely audible under her breath.. But Dust might ahve heard..
Dust didnt move from his position next to her. Nightmare spoke again "Blues usually rather innocent its his possessiveness you have to be mindful of. Don't let him near the cuttlery." Blue was busy with the bowl of stew in his lap and eating happily so much so he didn't care about the conversation. Fresh shrugged his shoulders sheepishly, "sorry bro guilty as charged." Oh he heard it alright as he whispered in her ear once again, "who said you would be able to darlin~?"
She shivered still, holy fuck his whispers were heating her up so bad.. “O.. Oh.. w.. Wait what? What do you mean by that Dust?” She turned to try and look at him. Nervous more than anything, but honestly where would she go even if she could leave? She had no job otherwise.. No family.. No home.. She was kinda stuck here, and just hoped to make the best of it..
Nightmare spoke up again, "I believe what Dust is attempting to convey is that the moment you stepped foot in this place you became a liability. We can't have you go running off to our hero counterparts now can we?" Dust could feel a heat radiating off her, "sorry darlin your stuck with a skele-ton of company fer a while." They all chuckled except for Nega who groaned at the horrible pun.
She gulped and nodded.. “A.. Alright..” She said softly.. If she couldn’t leave.. Well she did have the phone Sans had given her.. It was in her coat pocket.. Which was in her room.. “Well.. I mean.. Even if your evil.. T.. That doesn’t mean we couldn’t be.. Friends? I mean.. Since we’re stuck here and all..”
Nightmare seemed to look normal again as his white eyelights bore into her that's when he smiled, "but of course you are a special case." Dust was practically humming in her ear. Thats when a new voice spoke up. The skeleton had it's red boots crisscrossed resting on the edge of the table, "beats having to live with bones all day. Besides." His crimson eyes raked over her, "I have a few...ideas."
His humming still had her shivering from time to time, but she didn’t make a move to get away either.. “S.. special case? Why does that both seem really good and really bad?” She asked Nightmare, and then the new voice spoke up, and she looked over.. Was he one of those she had just been introduced? Or was this someone new?
Blood Berry or Crimson because the name sounds less stupid, continued to eye the human. His name had the word blood in it for a reason and skeletons don't bleed. Nightmare continued to smile at her, "why would you think so ill of us? It is only a good thing I assure you."
She gulped. “Y.. you’ll forgive me if I don’t fully think that given how Crimson’s staring at me..” She said softly, and tried to move then.. She aimed to stand up and move, if Dust and the others would let her of course. “I mean.. It could be nice.. And ya know.. Could do things liek movie nights or something..” She was at least trying to give them something much nicer to think about.. Watching movies seemed good.. Though she wasn’t sure if she wanted them to know that she liked horror movies..
Crimson had a small smirk playing on his face,"caught onto that did you? Interesting." He removed his eyes from her so she felt more comfortable. Dust released his hold on her letting her move freely now. He still was taller than her. Nightmare made a small gesture of his hand, "if you like."
She nodded.. That sounded like something good at least. “A.. Alright then.. Well I’ve finsihed, so I’m going to just.. Finish unpacking..” it wasn’t because Dust was making her feel like a bitch in heat, NOPE.. Or that their eyes were like something out of her Wet nightmares..
Nightmare stood as well, "you are all dismissed. I expect all of your compliance with my wishes." His tone was even but there was a threat laced within it. Thats when he finally left the room. Dust stepped toward her, "ya want my help with anythin darlin?”
“W.. well.. It’s just books.. But your welcome to come if you like..” She said, her cheeks a bit red with blush. “Alright it’s an entire box of books I jsut couldn’t get rid of.. But I like them..”
Dust chuckled and made sure to whisper in her ear as he passed, "wasn't talkin about the books sugar~" He started to make his way toward the entry way as the rest of them dispersed, "let's get to it then."
She shivered. “O.. oh! Oh fuck..” She said softly as his words registered in her mind.. “Y.. yea.” She squeaked. Gods she felt really hot.. But back up in her room, he’d see she had just about made the space really her own, it was just a box larger than most, and it was filled with books.. From a few transformers comics, to graphic novels, to HP love craft, and other random books compiling the Sci-fi and Fantasy genres, with a couple other horror books, and several ghost story books.
Dust was already upstairs taking stock of things leaving the poor human alone downstairs not realizing it. She was left alone with some of the ones that had yet to leave the table. One was Blue who was trying to fit an entire muffin in his mouth. The other was Nega who was picking at his dessert absentmindedly. She could have sworn there was a third. All she heard from behind her with a purr like rumble in her ear was, "oh yes please~"