"So What" played quietly in the background as a bunch of monsters chatted in the dim light filled area, the same warm feel you'd get in any bar without anyone getting drunk or starting fights. Though two people still managed to get a headache from all the noise; the Royal Scientist well known for his projects and his accomplishments, and the bartender who was quietly cleaning glasses as well as he could without any water.

The skeleton's breaths were irregular and rapid, sometimes a hiccup or two interrupted him as well as some quiet sobs. He has been in this panicked state for more than 15 minutes, his fear and anxiety invading him like a parasite in a body. He had been taking regular glasses of beer at Grillby's for almost two years now, and despite being quiet this day, spoke with the owner of the bar a lot since he was always getting drunk at the front row.

But even when he was drunk, he was well behaved and couldn't escape his poor state of mind.

Grilby always listened to the scientist's word vomit, and always tried to help, in any way possible.

And everyday Gaster said something new, Grillby wanted to get closer. Until he wanted to get closer than friends should be.

"You okay, Wingdings?" the man of blazes asked, concern shaping his voice in a vibrating mess.

Gaster covered his face more. "I don't even... fucking know anymore."

Grillby's hand almost automatically moved in hopes of patting his head, but he kept himself from doing so. "What happened?"

Gaster lifted his head, probably preparing to become a vocal typewriter as he always does, but all that came out was "Shit." before he buries his face in his arms.

Grillby lowered his head a little, as he felt an ache for his friend who was hurting. "You told me more than you seem to tell anyone, so today shouldn't be an exception."

"But I'm sober today."

"Would you like something?"

"Definitely not just beer." The skeleton's face let a small smile show for a split second before diving back into melancholy.

Grillby filled a small glass with who knows what ungodly strong alcohol and slowly pushed it towards the scientist. Gaster grabs it and empties the glass in one sip, then coughs audibly before wiping a tear off the corner of his eye.

"Thanks." he said, his voice obviously sore, but at least it was better than him crying for any longer.

"So, what's happened?" asked the flame guy, still waiting for a response.

"I still remember the war like it's still going on," started the crying man, "and I hate it."

Grillby stopped what he was doing to look at Gaster with a face only expressing concern.

"I remember the screams, the fire, the..." He took a moment to sniff and think of what he wanted to say. "...The guts, those fucking horrifying smiles the humans had, and the innocent kids on both sides that got killed..."

Grillby pulled the collar of his shirt down, then placed his glasses back on the top of wherever his nose bridge was. But he listened carefully.

"I always remember. Any mention of the war, any mention of humans, and I feel it all again. Like it was happening again."

Gaster seemed to think of something else and smiled again. "I also have something else to tell you, I think."

He hesitated a moment but lifted his head off the counter. "I... Would've loved to know more about you. You actually listen, and people like you are kind of hard to find."

"Nobody ever speaks to me," replied the bartender, "so when they do I try to be the best I can with them."

"You don't speak much in return, do you?"

"No, you're right. I'm actually scared of what people may think of me. Especially..." he stops for a moment. "...you."

Gaster coughs. "I could say the same about myself." He chuckles and then rubs his neck nervously.

"You're a wonderful person, Wingdings, and I wish more people saw that. But I do and I don't know if I regret."

Gaster and Grillby's colors change almost suddenly. "You... What?" asked the scientist to the bartender.

"We could hang out at my place later. We could talk about it."

Gaster looked at Grillby and smiled.

"I live behind here, my house is a little further. It'd be nice for you to come once I close this place."

"I'll free myself some time for you."

After those words, the skeleton left, leaving a generous amount of money on the counter.

«——★∆★——»

Everyone left, and Gaster flipped the "Open" sign to show the side that said the opposite. He then put a coat on, and left the bar.

The snow outside was still falling at a regular pace, as usual, but he was used to it after over a decade in the underground. A tall figure in a navy blue coat was walking fast, and started running as soon as he spotted Grillby. As the figure approached, it was clear it was the skeleton from before.

"Grillby!" he finally said when he was close enough, stopping close, panting like a dog. "I thought I was late, I forgot that my clock is a little too speedy."

"It's alright. Come with me, I'll show you where I live."

Grillby threw a warm smile at Gaster, then went behind his bar. A little further was his house, that he opened the door to. He let Gaster go in first then followed his guest inside.

The walls were orange, sort of expected as Grillby was all for warm places, and a fireplace was on in the center of a wall in the living room. The sofa was covered in smooth tissue and was green, with one matching chair near it and a small table in front. The kitchen was behind, not directly visible, and a small door to the right led to presumably the other rooms.

"Sit down anywhere." said the owner of the place. "What would you like?"

"Coffee." answered Gaster, as he sat on the couch.

The living torch went to the kitchen and turned the coffee machine on, and prepared coffee for Gaster, then making himself some peach flavoured tea. Once everything was ready, he brought it all on the small coffee table. He sat next to Gaster and grabbed his mug, as Gaster grabbed his cup of coffee.

"So, about earlier, what did you want to say?" asked Grillby between two sips.

"You..." Gaster's face revealed a warm smile."You're also a wonderful person, Grillby. It's a shame nobody talks to you."

"Wingdings..."

"Yes?"

I..." He was hesitant. But he finally said it. "I think I somehow fell in love with you. I know this sounds kind of stupid, but I don't know how else to say it."

"I think the same happened on my side."

The both of them share a stare, then smiles, and finally by simply leaning forward a little, shared a kiss that they both wanted.

Gaster slowly backed off and opened his eyes. He simply laughed and took another sip of his coffee, as Grillby imitated him with his tea. No words were shared but this was a calm silence.

Gaster emptied the cup first, put it on the table, and rested his back on the back of the couch. Grillby finished his drink last, and after putting his empty mug on the table, pulls Gaster slightly towards him and hugs him.

(Author's Note) wow ok this is one of my favourite ships in Undertale so I feel very happy about writing this today so uhh yeah

hope you like it

Word count: 1255

Hours spent: wrote this all in less than 2 hours wtf