[Asriel x Male!Reader] A Life Less Ordinary - Ch11

      Spring Break. That was always the time of year when your high school or college-age classmates would go to some nice location, such as a beach or on a cruise. But, for you, it was was truly intended to be a break. Even if you didn't leave the confines of the four walls in which you slept, you were taking a break from everything. You looked forward to this time of year almost as much as you did Christmas. Finally, it was here. You could rest your mind and body.

      The two to three weeks that followed after Asriel left were rough. Even though Frisk gave you her number and the two of you texted back and forth about how you felt, you still felt at a loss for your friend. If her departure for the same location wasn't almost right at the same time as Asriel's, then she would have offered a chance at lunch or something to help you feel better. No matter what it would have been, you appreciated her concern.

      Although those past few weeks were rough, you pushed through them. In fact, you had more strength than you thought you did. The days weren't so bad. You woke up, got ready for work, worked, and came home. On class nights, you would go to class and, much to your surprise, keep your mind focused on the material being taught that night. However, it was always the nights that gave you the most trouble. After the sun set, especially on the two Fridays you had to endure leading up to Spring Break, you weren't hardly able to function. It was as if the night had some trance that paralyzed you and held you still.

     Though, you didn't face it alone. You had your friends. Although they were miles and miles away, you still had their numbers. When time came for the sun to set, it helped to be able to text them. Asriel always sounded happy to hear from you when you sent him messages. Most times, he would reply within the first few minutes of you sending your message. It didn't matter if the message was minuscule or was just a simple "Hey!", he was always eager to talk to you. It made you feel happy, if not humbled. More times than not, you remembered that he was still the prince of all monsters and he took time to talk to you.

       However smoothly you handled those weeks after he and Frisk left, you still had to take that mental break. Although the outside shined and performed like a champ, the inside was close to breaking down. You don't know how you did it, but you managed to swing getting the whole week off from work. Your coworkers probably had a vendetta against you, at this point, but you didn't care. You were going to be miles away from them. In fact, you were going back home for that week. It would've been nice to spend that time away from everyone and be alone, but you didn't want to see the sight of that town or your apartment. It all reminded you of Asriel and Frisk. For this week, at least, you were going to get away from it all.

      The whole ride home, you were quiet. You had plenty of time to reflect on everything that had happened since you moved up to where you were working and attending school. No matter what you thought about, it all came back to Asriel and Frisk. It all came back to how they honestly helped you through more than anybody else ever helped you through. You couldn't get them off of your mind. Although you wouldn't be too quick to admit this to anyone, you could've sworn you felt their presence in your car with you. When the radio was turned up, you could hear them bickering and poking at each other in the back seat.

      That helped you get home. Before you were aware, you were coasting in your driveway and parking your car in your old spot. What little you gathered with you to take home was in the bag in your hand as you walked through the door. Your parents were delighted to see you home. Their kind words and tales of how much you were missed were nice,but at the moment, you just needed to crash on your bed. It had been a long day and a seemingly longer trip. Tomorrow might be a better day to tell them of your new friends. Tonight, you were going to sleep it off.

      After a short exchange with them and a nice hot shower, you were off to your old room to rest. The surroundings were nice and familiar, but you still couldn't shake how down trodden you felt. Perhaps, you reasoned, texting Frisk and Asriel would help put your mind at ease. Anything would be better than lying there, staring at the ceiling or absently watching whatever programming that was on the TV.

      As a matter of fact, there was something you wanted to propose to Frisk. On the way home, you had the idea of keeping in touch with them through video chat. You had done it with your old friend from your hometown on occasion. It wouldn't be the same as being in the same place with them, but it would be better than nothing at all. In fact, if technology permitted, you could all watch some show together. It would be like another movie night, really.

      As if stricken by pure inspiration, you eagerly texted the idea to Frisk. Within minutes, she replied with her vote of confidence. In fact, she thought it would be a much needed relief from the situation that had developed from where she and Asriel were. According to her, tensions were still relatively high in that area. On top of working as good will ambassadors, they were both working as mediators.

      She did suggest something else to you. She told you of a friend that she met back when she went through the underground. Apparently, this friend had quite a fascination with above ground animation. Frisk connected the reason for introducing you to her because she had the same idea of hosting a video chat and showing off some of her favorite shows. Frisk left it vague as to what type of shows they were, but reassured you that you would like them. From what she said, you were thrilled to meet this person.

      If it was a chance to see Asriel and Frisk in person, it would all be worth it. Even better, you got to meet a mutual friend of theirs. Perhaps, your Spring Break was going to be a bit of a celebration, after all. After texting Frisk good night, you decided to text Asriel. To be honest, you wanted more than anything to call him and tell him goodnight, yourself. Yet, the anxiety of calling someone else over the phone always held you back from doing so. On top of that, you knew that he and Frisk were having a difficult time where they were. For now, texting might be best.

      "How's everything up there?" you text him, relaxing onto your bed.

      "Crazy, but I'm hopeful for this community!" he replied after a few minutes passed.

      "That's the spirit," you type out with a smile, "if anyone can spread light to a place, I know you can : D"

      "Thank you, ________. It feels good, knowing someone still believes in peace ] : )"

      You pause for a moment. Even though you hadn't known Asriel any longer than you did, you could tell when someone was trying to say something between the lines. The horned smile at the end of the sentence was a cover-up for the harsh message before it. It feels good, knowing someone still believes in peace. What could be happening there? Dare you ask? You were more than aware that the poor guy had more on him that his fair share at the moment. Frisk probably wasn't far behind, as far as mental stress goes. Maybe now would be a good time to talk to him about your plans.

      "Hey, if you're down and out, I've got some good news for you!" you text him, hoping that this would be a good idea to lift his spirits.

      "Cool! What is it?"

      "Frisk and I had the idea to do a video chat!" you told him, rather excited about the idea, yourself, "She wanted to invite another friend to it."

      "I would actually really love that, right now ] : )"

      His words hit you a little deep. Again, you could read between the lines of his text. If you could replace love with need, you would have what he was probably feeling at the moment. It broke your heart to know that he was having a bad time where he was. If this made him feel better, then you anticipated it all the more. You noticed that about yourself. Every chance you got to help him feel better, you took it with great pride. After all, that was one of the things that gave your life fulfillment, helping others.

      "Maybe tomorrow we could do it?" you ask, hoping for a confirmation.

      "Hopefully so. It would be great to see a friendly face again!"

      You smile, knowing all too well how he felt, "You got that right."

      Soon afterwards, you decide to send another text, "Hey, I know you may be stressed, but it's going to get better, okay? A wise goat once told me that."

      "Ha ha, you goat that right ] : P"

      His reply brought an almost inaudible chuckle from you. Whether he laughed it off or not, it got to him. You knew he needed a reminder to look on the brighter side of things. That was another thing you learned about having true friends. In times like these, you were each other's crutch. You held one another up and never asked for anything in return except for the other's friendship.

      "Ha, nice one, Azzy!" you send him, deciding to follow it up with, "Dish isn't over, yet."

      You knew he would think back to that first horrible pun that you told him. You were a nervous wreck that day. It still blew your mind, thinking of how far you three had come since that point. You felt that you could rest just a little better after thinking of how much more colorful the world had become since that day. The only thing that could bring you down was wondering if it would ever go away. Although you worried about it, you resolved not to let it bother you tonight.

      "Okay, that one made me laugh a little too hard!" he finally responded.

      After another short chuckle, you reply, "I'll be here all week!"

      "Although I could text you horrible puns all night, we must get some rest."

      "Aww," you responded, keeping that same wide grin, "if we must, then."

      "Until tomorrow, I hope you sleep well, _________. Sweetest dreams."

      "Same to you, Azzy. G'night."

      Anytime he texted you that, it sent a warm sensation throughout your body. Sure, good night or sleep well felt nice from anyone, but sweet dreams always felt special. Maybe you were digging a little deep into the situation, but you felt important that he texted that to you. Again, you wanted to tell him how he could turn anything negative around and lift you up with his words. Just with times in the past, you shoved it down, deciding to use it on a rainy day, instead.

      Finding time throughout the week would be the hardest part when it came to organizing this little video get together. That Saturday and Sunday were both busy days for you. Both days, you were spending time with family who insisted on asking you a thousand questions about how school was and what was it like working at a hospital. You answered their questions as best you could. To you, there wasn't much to talk about. In fact, it had all become an honest blur, which was another stark reminder of how much of a difference Asriel and Frisk made in your life.

      You woke up Monday, eagerly awaiting the night to come. You still had more break ahead of you than behind you. A nice burst of optimism hit you when you thought of having this chat every night of the week, if possible. As the day rolled on, you found that neither of them would be able to show up for the chat tonight. According to what Frisk informed you on, they were supposed to attend an event that would last for quite a while. Both of you agreed on tomorrow or Wednesday.

      However, neither of those days would work. Your Tuesday greeted you with an old friend asking you to join them for their birthday. You didn't want to go. Of all the people that were supposed to be there, you figured you wouldn't hardly know any of them. Yet, against your better judgement, you went. A heavy pain hit your chest when you had to tell Asriel that you wouldn't be able to make the proposed event tonight. As by his nature, he was understanding. By your nature, however, you were becoming doubtful. Be it your insecurities or not, you began to wonder if Frisk and Asriel thought you were trying to blow them off.

      Wednesday surely had to be the day. You woke up, feeling a mixture of hopefulness and desperation. Your break had been bittersweet, thus far. Bitter, because you weren't able to spend times with your friends, although you had time. Sweet, because you still had time to yourself throughout the week. In fact, some of that alone time was spent at a local coffee shop that had recently opened up. Although it wasn't anything like the one the three of you visited, it still had a peaceful atmosphere. The fact that they were opened late helped, too.

      As the night drew to a close, you finally got word from Asriel that they wouldn't be able to chat. Another crazy day had come and gone for him and Frisk. You dared not ask what made the day so bad for the two. Again, it bothered you, knowing that you wouldn't be able to be there to hear their problems, face to face. If nothing else, you knew that you could offer comfort.

      "Hey," you texted Asriel, hoping that this would cheer him up, "I know you two are having a hard time, but I believe in both of you!"

      "Thank you so much, ________. I promise, tomorrow will work out. Okay?"

      "Okay : )" you reply, knowing that, come what may, you were going to make sure that tomorrow would be the day.

      As it would turn out, that Thursday was uneventful, which was perfect for your plans. The three of you agreed on meeting up around 7:00. The chat client was already downloaded on your laptop. As for location, the new coffee shop would do. You decided not to try it at home. For an occasion like this, you wanted to be in a place most fitting. That, and you hadn't told your parents about Frisk and Asriel, yet.

      You weren't ashamed of having them as friends, by any means. In fact, you thought they would be delighted to know that you made some new friends. The only thing is, they might have a hard time believing that those two new friends was the savior of monsterkind and her friend, the prince of all monsterkind. On top of all that, you didn't know how much you really wanted to disclose on how close the three of you were. Not that they would give it a second thought, but it was something you really would prefer to keep to yourself. For now, at least.

      It was ten minutes til time for your meeting. You had your headphones set up, including the mic that was attached to it. Your favorite hot drink sat by your side, seeing as you didn't want to be one of those guys that sat in a place that had free wi-fi, but didn't buy anything. Your table was more to the corner of the dining area. The music from the sound system provided just enough ambient noise that no one would be able to hear what you were saying. Not that it would matter, seeing as the late night clientele was sparse. Regardless, you were set on enjoying this time spent with your friends.

      In fact, now that you thought of it, you were nervous. Maybe excited would be a better word for it, but you knew that nervousness was very much a part of it. You hadn't seen their faces in a while. More to the point, you never met their friend that they were going to introduce you to. Were they nice? Did you dress nicely? What if you didn't catch their joke or pop culture reference?

      They are Frisk's and Asriel's friend. They're nice if both of them can call him or her a friend.

      Your heart had to bump your chest when you heard and saw the notification Frisk sent, inviting you to a group chat. Before accepting it, you had to take a moment to calm your breathing down. It was only your friends, you could relax. After weathering the cold chill that shot through you upon pressing the button to join the chat, you saw the room window pop up on your screen. Within seconds, another window shot up, displaying your face looking absently into the computer screen. After perking up your expression, now aware that you were on camera, the chat window loaded a live feed of three other users.

      There they were. You were really seeing them and you couldn't believe it. Frisk was relaxing on what looked to be a plush surface, wearing a simple turquoise tank-top. Judging from the downward angle of her camera, she was using the chat client on her phone while lying down. Asriel, on the other hand, was sitting up in what you assumed to be a chair, wearing that same MTT hoodie. You figured that hoodie must've been a favorite of his. They were right in front of you, once more.

      The third guest was different from both Asriel and Frisk. She was a monster of a reptilian origin. Her appearance reminded you of a dinosaur, her skin a yellowish hue. Just like Frisk, she wore a tank-top. However, her's had a cat girl on the front, posed in a cute position. She also sat in a chair, but this one looked to be more in the line of an office chair, seeing as she was reclined in it. Once her eyes caught a glimpse of your stream window, she started to exhibit some signs of nervousness, herself.

      "You made it!" Asriel called out, looking happy to see that you made it to the session, "Alphys, this is our friend, ________."

      "Oh," she stammered out, trying to maintain her cool, "it's, it's nice to meet you-!"

      Frisk takes it upon herself, after a short giggle, to introduce the two of you. She tells you that she and Alphys met when she was going through the underground. Other than being a very bright scientist and great friend, as Frisk tells you, she's quite a major fan of anime and such forms of media. Such nice words made Alphys blush. After that, she tells Alphys about you and your hospitality when she and Asriel were where you lived. Frisk painted a nice picture of you for Alphys. You could tell that she relaxed some, but her apprehension was still there. It might take some doing to get her to become comfortable to you, but you were patient and willing. After all, you knew how it was to meet new people.

      "It's nice to meet you, as well, Alphys," you return her greeting after Frisk was done with introductions.

      "S-so, you like, well, you like anime, do you?" Alphys questions you, trying to hide obvious signs of sweating.

      "He does!" Asriel happily interjects, before you have a chance to respond, "In fact, he told us about the same convention that you're planning on going to."

      Her eyes sparked open, "You go to conventions? Oh wow, that is so cool! This is my first one! What's your favorite part? Do you cosplay? Have you been to any VA panels? What about karaoke? I've heard that you can do songs in Japanese, if you want!"

      Her tone, as well as her talking speed, increased as her questions flew through your ears. You wanted to answer every question as best you could, but you didn't have a chance to say a word before she asked the next question. In an instant, it looked like she turned around. That helped you feel better, knowing that you could have something to relate with her on, which gave you more room to build on.

      "Alphys," Asriel politely interrupted her, "I think he could answer those questions, in time. Maybe he could join us?"

      "Oh, sorry," she coughs a couple time, trying to play off her embarrassment, "well, I suppose so. It would cut down on cost for the joining rooms. You, well, you wouldn't mind sharing a room with all of us, would you?"

      "Of course not," you excitedly respond, "I would actually love to share a room!"

      You would love to share a room with them, indeed. Just the mention of sharing a room meant that they were going to be there for longer than just one day. In fact, they may spend the entire weekend, if you were lucky. Just the thought of getting to spend so much time with them filled you with such excitement and anticipation. It was maybe a month or so away, but it was worth looking forward to. In fact, it was more than worth looking forward to. You would get to see Asriel and Frisk again. You would get to be in the same place with them.

      "Then, it's settled!" Asriel confirms, giving a thumbs up, "Now, Alphys, how about some anime?"

      "Oh, right," she jumps, clicking away at her keyboard and moving her mouse around, "I hope you like Mew Mew Kissy Cutie. It's a personal favorite of mine! Frisk could, heh, she could probably tell you how much I like it."

      Frisk laughs some under her breath. She did recall a few occassions when she first watched an episode or two with Alphys. She told you of a few happenings when Alphys had her trademark fangirl moments. Again, Alphys blushed, having those moments brought back up. A cute, yet awkward, smile stretched across the side of her mouth. After Frisk was done recounting her past stories with Alphys, a video started to play in the main window, beneath the stream windows.

      The anime that the four of you watched was indeed different from the other anime you have watched in the past. The main protagonist had an interesting way of fighting and vanquishing foes. However different it was, it was still a happy anime. One episode gave you quite a warm feeling with its strong message of friendship. The only thing better than the anime was the moment that you got to experience with the three of them.

      Occasionally, you would look at each of the their stream windows, seeing how they were enjoying the episode. Everyone was laughing or staring intently, wondering as to what was going to happen next. Alphys was enjoying it the most, obviously. Of course, you yourself made your fair share of comments on the events happening. A few inside jokes were started because of your comments. The entire experience was wonderful.

      In fact, it reminded you of when you would have sleepovers in your childhood. The friends you invited over and yourself would pile onto the family couch and watch the movie you all picked out. That same feeling of togetherness that you swore you forgot long ago resurfaced during this time. It might not be in person, but it was just as good, if not better, than those get-togethers of yesteryear.

      After three or four episodes, you notice that Frisk is lying in a difference position, barely able to keep her eyes open. She yawns, telling you and the others that she's super exhausted. Her night was done with, but she's anticipating another get together like this. Furthermore, she tells you that she can't wait for you to join them when time comes for the convention. After which, she tells everyone good night and closes her stream.

      "Heh, well, I guess that's a good queue for me to, well, to go, for the night," Alphys says, looking nervous, again. "Maybe we can do this, you know, again?"

      "That sounds great to me," you add, giving her a smile.

      "Yeah, let's do this again, Alphys,"Asriel adds to your sentence.

      "Ha, well alright, then," she stutters out, letting a long pause in before moving her claws to her mouse, "well, good night, then!"

      Her stream window closes, leaving only you and Asriel in the chat. It had been far too long since you were able to see him. It was odd, feeling your heart rate increase. Although you were miles and cities away, you were alone, to some extent, with him. You missed that friendly caprine face of his. Judging from that familiar smile of his, he missed you, as well. Indeed, it was funny, seeing him made you exhale deeply in happiness, followed by a distinct of your heart rate slowing back down to a more relaxed rhythm.

      "Well," you say, breaking the short silence between the two of you after Alphys left, "it's just us, now."

      "Yep," Asriel agrees with you, giving that distinct bashful grin, "it's just us, now."

      "I've," you clear your throat, feeling a small lump forming at the back of it, "I've missed you, since you moved."

      Your tone was soft, leaving little room for ambiguity. A sentence like that could insinuate a lot of things. It could be used to guilt someone, yet it could be used as a line for more suggestive conversations. Yours wasn't meant for either. It was a simple statement that told him how much you missed him. You wanted to go further and tell him how much you've missed getting to be around someone as warm and welcoming as him, but you kept it to yourself. For his sake, you didn't want to get him worked up. He looked as if he was stressed enough as it was.

      "I've missed you, too, _________," he returns, propping his cheek on his paw while maintaining eye contact with you, "in fact, you've been on my mind, ever since we moved up here."

      "Oh, I have?" You question him, feeling incredibly flattered by his statement.

      "You have," he lets his happy expression slide to a more morose display, "I'm afraid everyone up here isn't as nice as you. I know I've said it already, but it brings me down to see such animosity between humans and monsters, alike. I don't know what has happened up here, in the past, but it seems like there is no love or friendship."

      "Asriel," you jump in, hoping you would have words to comfort him, "I'm really sorry that this is happening to you and Frisk. I know it has to be hard. To be honest, before you two, I was probably closer to the same way these folks are where you are now. But, as you have taught me, love can win this."

      At that moment, you felt a selfish side of you come out. It was a very nasty side and you hated when the thoughts would come to you. You felt that now was an opportunity to convince him to come back to where you were. Yet, you could've slapped yourself for letting such a thought hit you. Although you would love nothing more than to have him close by, you knew it was better for him to be out there, bringing peace back to humans and monsters.

      "You're doing good for more people than you will ever know, Asriel," you continue, "don't let them get to you. I believe in you."

      "Thanks," he says trying to quietly sniffle up a hidden tear, "I really needed that."

      "You like calling me that, don't you," he playfully snaps, "silly human."

      "Nice one," you say after chuckling loud enough that others in the shop could probably hear you.

      The two of you laugh it off. After that little exchange, the two of you catch up on what happened after he and Frisk left. You told him of all the new things that you learned in class; basic illnesses, various basic medicines, and different methods of administering oxygen were some of the things you named off. He, in turn, told you of some of the neat sights he saw while on his way up to where he is now. An amusement park was close by to where he was staying. The two of you agreed that you would have to go, one day. Even the topic of what the two of you would like to do came up when you brought up the subject of the upcoming convention.

      After a while, the two of you were exhausted from talking so much. Asriel's eyes were getting heavy by that point. He had to adjust his camera so that he could still look at you and stream himself while he rested his head on his folded arms. It was also getting late at the coffee shop. You knew time was coming to a close between you two. Although you tried to put it off, it was time to tell Asriel goodnight and make your way out.

      "Hey," you call to him, "I think it's time for you to get some sleep."

      After a short chuckle, Asriel raises up, stretching his arms, yawning, "I guess you're right."

      "I, I had fun tonight," you tell him, still smiling into the camera.

      "I did, too," he replies as he sits back down in his chair, "I can't wait til we get to watch more episodes together. Maybe next time, we could do it in person?"

      "I would love that, Azzy," you reply, dreading the fact that you would have to wait a while longer before seeing his face, again.

      "Take care until then, okay _______?" Asriel asks of you, looking right at you through the chat session.

      "I will, Azzy," you reply, "you get some sleep, okay?"

      "Since you asked so nicely," Asriel returns your request, "I will."

      "Goodnight, Asriel," you tell him, hovering your mouse around the close button on the chat screen.

      "Goodnight, _______. Sweet dreams."

      "Sweet dreams to you, too," you tell him, both of you smiling at one another before one of you closes the screen out.

      You stared at the wall for a moment before closing your laptop up. Just like that, the night was over with. You still had the same feelings as when the three of you would go on those fun adventures, but a strange feeling of loneliness hovered over you. At best, you could describe your emotions are melancholy. It was the perfect mixture of happiness and sadness. You neither dreaded this emotion, nor enjoyed it. It was simply there.

      That same feeling followed you all the way home and into bed. As with any time you spent with them, you replayed the moments in your head. You needed tonight, honestly. You needed time with them. To give you an extra boost, you knew that you would get to see them soon. Right now, it looked like things were only getting brighter.

      Maybe this Spring Break wasn't so bad, after all.