Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Ugh, you need to get better clothes! There's nothing good in here!" You friend, Marigold, complains, half of her body dug into your closet. You passively hum in agreement, already used to her complaining about your lack of clothes. You're too busy looking over the bills anyway, the pretty blonde woman's annoyance at the back of your mind. 

You know what she wants and why she's digging in your closet, tossing clothes over her shoulder as she looks for something specific in the depths. You know you should tell her no and to stop looking already, tell her you can't go and can't afford to. You don't particularly want to go either, but... 

But you also know her responses. 

"Come on! You can't make me go alone!" 

"It'll be a lot more fun if you're there with me!" 

"I'll pay for the drinks!" 

"Don't be a killjoy!" 

Among other things and whining until you agree, or not talking to you for a week for standing your ground. Just agreeing is a lot easier than telling the girl no, whether you want to go or not. Whether you want to drink or not. 

Marigold has always been stubborn and headstrong, maybe to an excessive degree. But she's your only friend too, and has been since you were both kids. Growing up in the apartments across from each other helped certainly, and the fact that neither of you have left home yet probably has a hand in it too. 

She was always the leader. Making decrees and choices like a queen and she definitely grew into one too, with her stunning looks and grace. A bombshell blonde, you believe your mother called her. You think that fits her well, she's definitely a bomb at times. Men flock to her and she's often cycling through boyfriends, a trail left in her wake wherever she goes. 

You've often told her that's going to get her in trouble one day, but she just laughs it off and says those men were never her "Prince Charming" anyway. You're wondering if anyone is ever going to live up to her standards. She seems happy enough with her free lifestyle though, so you're not sure it really matters. 

"Ah-ha! I finally found something!" Marigold declares, crawling out of your closet. She waves a sparkly white fabric in her hand, making you raise an eyebrow as she stands up again. "I forgot I even gave this to you!" 

Ah. You know what that is now. 

Marigold throws the dress at you, you barely catching it before it hits your face. 

"Put this on quick! I still need to do your hair and makeup!" She says, then immediately turns to start digging through your jewelry and shoes. You let out a sigh, stripping to pull the dress on and checking it out in the mirror. 

It's pure white and shimmers in the light, which is honestly very pretty. Though it's very revealing too, sleeveless and barely covering your ass to show off your legs. It's backless too, meant to be worn without a bra. Sparse fringe on the bottom for movement. 

Very pretty. You think it doesn't look very pretty on you, which is probably why you shoved it into the back of your closet until Marigold unearthed it for you again. 

"Perfect! I don't know why you hide this," Marigold scoffs as she turns back to you again. She descends to put some bracelets and a necklace on you, you fixing some of them after she backs up. "You need some better jewelry too, by the way. There's so few options!" 

She then hands you a pair of heels to slip into and strap on. 

"I heard of this Monster club and we have to check it out. It sounds amazing ," Marigold says, grabbing a brush to make your hair presentable. "I've only heard good things about it! It welcomes Monsters and Humans, so there won't be any trouble there." 

She moves on to makeup, which she brought from her vanity. 

"I've heard the drinks are to die for, even have a few Monster options," she continues, sighing dreamily. "I can't wait to try some. It sounds so good!" 

Marigold squeals, stepping back to check over what she's done. With a nod, you stand up again and Marigold hugs your side as you both look in the mirror. You're almost matching, you think. Your dresses are slightly different styles and colors, Marigold's being gold and lacking the fringe, but they're of similar lengths. Your makeup and hair are close too, but more complimentary to your dresses. 

"Amazing," she grins, squeezing your shoulder. "Alright, let's go! We don't want to be late!" 

You're then dragged out of your room, the girl only pausing long enough to let you shove some money into your underwear (since you lack a better place to put it). You then get in a taxi and a short ride later, are in front of the club. 

It's... rather unassuming honestly. Dull brick walls and a plain windowless door. There is a pretty long line and bouncer in front of it though. A line that you have to get into, but Marigold drags you to the front and you soon figure out why it's allowed when she says the name of her current boyfriend. 

Apparently he's important enough that she can just skip lines at this club? Whatever. 

Inside is noisy for sure, but you weren't expecting anything else. It's simultaneously bright and dark with the flashing lights, the lilac walls and pink shiny floors not helping matters. It's rather packed as well, Marigold pulling you through the dancing bodies and up to the bar. 

"This place is looking even better than I imagined," Marigold grins, grip on your wrist tightening in her excitement. You try to subtly twist out of it, though she thankfully lets go when the bartender slides two glasses over to you both. You take yours without complaint, since you know you're drinking it one way or another. 

It tastes surprisingly good, like blue raspberry candies. You tilt your head at the drink that doesn't even really taste like alcohol at all. It's a pretty blue color too. 

"I love this!" Marigold grins, tossing hers back. She taps your drink, obviously wanting you to do the same. You do and a moment later both of your glasses are refilled. "Come on! Let's go dance!" 

And so you do. 

_____ 

Doll casually roams through the dancing bodies of Humans and Monsters alike, grin easy going. 

Tonight's been good, he thinks. Everything's been going his and his brother's way. A meeting went well, his club's the hottest spot currently, and his brother is happy. He's also spotted a cute little human sitting all by herself at the bar it seems. How fortunate. 

"hello there," Doll grins, sliding into the empty seat next to her. "what's a pretty girl like you doing sitting here by yourself?" 

You look up, slightly startled by his appearance if the look on your face is anything to go by. His grin widens slightly at the reaction, eyes hooding a bit. 

You're even cuter up close. 

"Oh! My friend is dancing with her boyfriend," you say, pointing over your shoulder towards the dancefloor. 

Doll hums, glancing down at the drink he can smell on your breath. A Monster drink, surprisingly. He didn't think you were the type to be able to hold it at first glance, maybe he was wrong though. You chose good though. 

Doll signals the bartender to get him a drink, one sliding over in a matter of minutes. He takes it as he gazes over you, a slight sway to your body and a charming grin on your lips. 

"so they just left you over here by yourself?" Doll pouts, still looking at you over the glass. You shrug. 

"She does that a lot," you state, still smiling happily. Doll raises a brow bone, but leaves it at that. 

"that's a shame. i don't know why anyone would leave such a cute little human by herself," he purrs, a blush staining your cheeks as you suddenly get real shy. 

Oooh, he loves the shy ones. 

"I don't know if I'd say that," you reply, making Doll chuckle. 

"come on, darling," he purrs, hand finding your hip. You don't react negatively to the touch, making Doll place a firmer hand on you. "i know a pretty girl when i see them." 

"Do you?" You ask, tilting your head. 

"yup," Doll grins, giving you another once over. He lingers over your legs, which the pretty dress you're wearing shows off wonderfully. "and you fit the bill perfectly." 

You hum, turn slightly more towards him and give him a look over yourself. He takes the moment to take a sip of his drink, probably the fifth one he's had today. Though he could use a few more to get a real , proper buzz going. Something he's going to get if this goes the way he wants it to. 

"Well, you're not so bad yourself," you decide, leaning forward slightly more to flick the gold body chain he's wearing. Doll's grin slightly widens, pleased. "Your eyes are pretty." 

Doll almost chokes on his drink, then laughs at that comment. You said it so sincerely . 

"aw, sweetheart. i like you already," Doll purrs, bringing that flush back to your face. He brings his hand up to catch your chin, tilting your face up to meet his. "why don't we go somewhere a bit quieter, hmmm?" 

You pull away, making Doll's grin drop a bit. 

"Ah, my friend," you frown, looking towards the crowd. 

"don't worry, i can have somebody watch for her," Doll assures, patting your hip. You look at him wide eyed as he flags the bartender again. "they'll come get you if she asks or when she's leaving." 

"Hmmm... Okay," you grin. Doll notifies the bartender, who gives a thumbs up. After which he stands and helps you to your feet before leading you to the VIP section, which has been recently vacated after the successful meeting ended. 

Doll grins at your wide eyed look, dropping onto the plush couch and pulling you down with him. Your little giggles are adorable, infectious even with the way they make the skeleton himself chuckle. 

A couple taps on the arm has more drinks brought in, you looking over them and the worker curiously. Though said worker doesn't pay you any mind. 

"this is what you were drinking before," Doll tells, offering you the same drink. 

"Mmm. It tastes like candy," you state, leaning onto his shoulder to look into the mixture. Doll chuckles. 

"do you like drinks that taste like candy?" He asks, twisting a bit to pull you onto his lap instead. 

"Yeah," you sigh, lifting a hand up to play with the fur of his jacket. "It tastes better than other alcohol." 

"monster alcohol always tastes better than the human stuff," Doll replies, grabbing his favorite. 

"This is the first time I've had Monster alcohol. I wouldn't know," you hum, making Doll raise a brow bone. He hums, looking over you again. 

Makes sense actually. He would've remembered seeing you come in before, and the only other place to get Monster alcohol in this city is Lucky's bar. So it's still a pretty rare commodity. 

"then i'll have to show you some of the best of it," Doll chuckles, but does make a note to keep it at a limit. Monsters make theirs strong and it's pretty potent for Humans. 

You still hum and agree though, letting him tip the glass at your lips. You both go through the tray brought out to you, then the next. But he goes through the third by himself, since he doubts you should be having anymore. You don't seem like you mind though, far too focused on tracing his bones and playing with the fur on his coat. 

"having fun?" He grins, tilting your chin up with his finger. You just giggle again, making the skeleton's grin widen. His hand trails down your side and over your ass, rubbing your thigh on either side of his hips. You shift slightly, arms going to rest around his neck and bringing you even closer. 

He sets his drink aside, pinching your chin again and bringing your face to his. You respond slowly, but gain more confidence as you continue. His hands move to wonder over your body, slipping under your dress just a bit. 

He loves the warmth he can feel from you, the way your much squishier body molds to his. The way your hands still trace and explore his bones. Humans are so much more fun.

"how about we take this upstairs, sweetheart?" Doll mutters, pulling just the slightest inch away. 

"Okay," you agree, breathless. Doll picks you up, your legs wrapping around his hips to hold yourself. He has no problems carrying you upstairs and to his private room at the club, nor does he have any problems dropping you onto the bed and getting either of you out of your clothes. 

This night has just gotten better and better. 

_____ 

You wake up to a bright light shining on your eyes and a pounding headache behind them. You groan quietly, blinking a few times before you realize you're not anywhere you recognize. You sit up as quickly as your headache allows you to, looking around with wide eyes. 

You're alone, that much you can tell. It's a very nice bedroom too with the softest bed you've ever laid on, the blanket over you just as soft as well. Warm too, cozy and beckoning you to just lay back down and sleep some more. 

A soreness between your legs is a good enough indicator of why you're here. 

You groan, stuffing your face into the blanket for a moment before looking around again. You spot a note on the table beside you, a package of painkillers and a bottle of water accompanying it. The note is short and sweet, apparently your partner for the night got called in for work and had to leave. 

You let out a sigh, downing the painkillers and the water before standing up. 

You find your clothes folded neatly on a chair and quickly slip them and your jewelry back on. Then head out as fast as you can for a walk of shame you're really not looking forward to. 

"Excuse me!" 

You stutter in your step and look over to see a woman walking towards you, making you wince and look around the empty club nervously. 

"If you're ready to go home, we have a car waiting out back," she states, making you look at her confused. She just chuckles a bit, nodding that way. "The owners have people over a lot. They like to make sure their partners get home safely." 

"Oh.. That's very kind of them," you reply, hesitantly following the woman. She just hums in agreement, opening the back door of the car for you. The driver asks for an address and you give it, back home before you know it. 

Well, that was quite an experience. Hopefully you'll never be doing that again. 

_____ 

You end up doing it again. Twice more in a row in fact, since Marigold wanted to go back to the club. That same skeleton with the mesmerizing purple eyes found you again both times, effortlessly supplying you with sweet tasting drinks and sweeping you back up to that same room for another night of fun you barely remember. All you know is you're left very satisfied by the next day. 

But you've managed to avoid going back for another week, since you got very busy with work. Marigold got busy as well, which is another reason you could avoid it. 

One more reason is getting chewed out by your mother for going to a club three nights in a row and coming back in the morning instead of the same night. 

"Where did I go wrong ?" She laments, pinching the bridge of her nose. "What are you doing wasting all my hard earned money at a club?!" 

You're not spending her money. 

"We're already so fucking tight on money and you're just blowing through all of what we don't have ?!"

Like you're the only one wasting money. You've barely paid for any drinks anyway, that skeleton or Marigold have been. 

"I didn't raise you to be such a whore!" 

Ouch. 

"Just get out of my sight!" She snaps, pointing away from herself. "You're such a disappointment." 

Double ouch. 

You still head back to your room, having been on the way there and only running into your mother by accident, and toss your work clothes on the ground. You drop onto your bed and groan into the pillow, trying to see if you can suffocate yourself with it. 

Unfortunately you don't get long before your door is slammed open and you feel a smack on your ass. Your head jolts up, seeing Marigold standing proudly in your room with a giant grin. 

Stars fucking dammit . 

You're back at the club again.

Chapter Text

"my, my. i see you're finally back, huh sweetheart?" A silky voice purrs into your ear as arms wrap around your waist from behind. You look over your shoulder to find that same skeleton you've seen the other three times you were here. You're considerably less drunk than you usually are by the time he arrives though. "i must admit, i'm disappointed you didn't come back sooner." 

"I've been busy at work," you simply reply, swirling the drink in your hand. The skeleton hums, pulling back just a bit. 

"shame. that's no fun," he pouts, hand trailing down your arm and into yours. "come on, darling." 

You slide off the stool, following the dazzling skeleton up to the VIP lounge once again. He sits, pulling you onto his lap like he often likes to do. His hands wondering over your back and hips, humming in consideration. 

"you're awful tense, sweetheart. is work running you that ragged?" He asks, phalanges digging pleasantly into your shoulders. You hum, sighing at the feeling. 

He certainly skilled with those hands of his. 

"It does that," you reply, the skeleton raising a brow bone. "It’s just like that." 

"i see," he replies, reaching around you to grab a drink. "but i know just the thing to wash a hard day's work away." 

Your new skeleton friend is so charming. You must admit you're surprised you find him so attractive, on account of him being mostly bones. He is dressed flashily, always in some type of fur coat and tight pants when you see him, knee high, and slightly heeled , boots to match them. He's also always wearing some type of jewelry, often gold and delicate looking pieces. He really seems to favor body chains and cuffs, having one gold cuff wrapping around one of the bones of his ribcage on each side. 

His purple eye lights are the most mesmerizing thing about him though. Always in the shape of upside down hearts and gazing at you through half lidded eye sockets, always looking so pretty and deep against the black. Always matching the carefree, seductive grin on his face and the deep timber of his voice. All of which effortlessly pull you into him. 

You wonder how many other women he's charmed. You have to imagine he's left a trail of broken hearts and teardrops behind him. You have to imagine you'll eventually be added to the list too, if this keeps going the way it is. 

You chuckle, accepting the drink he hands you. 

You're pretty sure this may be a mistake, but you suppose another night won't hurt too much. As long as you stop before anything gets too far. It feels good after all, in his embrace. 

Only.. you don't. You don't stop, you keep coming back again and again. Partly at the behest of Marigold, who's gotten particularly fond of this club and her apparent boyfriend being a regular anyway. Then partly at your own volition, loving the way you're held by the skeleton with the mesmerizing purple eyes.

Addicted to the way everything bad washes away while there. 

"I think this is becoming another bad habit of mine," you tell him one time, the six or seventh visit you've made to him and after the alcohol has loosened your lips. Said lips nearly pressed against his neck, pausing from working their way over the bones. The skeleton raises a brow bone, one hand still carding through your hair and the other slowly pushing your dress up. 

"oh?" He asks, you just humming in response while your lips fully press against his neck and start leaving another trail. He hums, hand gripping your ass tightly. "well, we all have our bad habits, darling. let's not think about it." 

He then flips you onto your back instead to attack your neck in return, leaving you with another satisfying night ahead of you both. 

It's become such a habit that your mother is more than aware of it. Especially the nights you start sneaking out by yourself to visit, when the nights become lonely and your mind becomes too much. The nights where you'd rather just drown yourself in the experience than stay in your bedroom to be swallowed up. Go to someone that can make you feel something again. Not that your mother cares about such reasonings. 

"You're such a disgrace!" She spits, you remaining quiet. "I expected so much more from you! How did you become such a lazy, useless whore !" 

You don't respond, she didn't want one anyway. 

"Everyone's been noticing and are talking about it! Do you even realize the looks I'm getting because of you?! You've made us the laughing stock of the building! People have seen you leaving late at night and coming back in the morning! Don't you have any shame?!" She nearly throws the cup in her hand, making you flinch. Not that she notices, you doubt she'd care. "What about Thomas? Don't you care about how this will make your fiancé feel?! You were never like this when he was around!" 

"He's not my fiancé, you know this," you speak up, the first time since she started yelling. You haven't been engaged to him for a long time now, for good reason. 

"You should be!" Your mother screeches. "Obviously! You've been on such a downhill slide since you stopped seeing him! Everything was better back then! You've been making us look like fools now! How do you think I feel knowing my daughter has been making a whore out of herself?!" 

You sigh quietly, looking towards the ground. 

"Who would even want you now?" She eventually scoffs, shaking her head. "Now that you've sullied yourself so much. I'd be surprised if you could find anyone that would take you." 

Ouch. 

"Your mother is such a bitch," Marigold says, later that night. She checks her makeup in her vanity's mirror. "I could hear her screaming from over here." 

She looks over at you, raising a perfectly sculpted brow. 

"I mean, you're not even seeing multiple guys are you? Just the one?" You nod to her question, looking over the clothes she's laid out on her bed. Marigold scoffs, shaking her head. "Then you're not whoring yourself out. And even if you were, who cares? It's not like it's any of her business, it's your life." 

"She wants me to get married," you mutter, glancing over in the mirror. "Have children and all that." 

"Ugh, ew," Marigold scoffs, sticking her tongue out. "I guess that's why she liked your ex so much, huh?" 

"Yeah," you sigh. 

"Well, screw her," the other girl declares, taking your hand to drag you towards the exit. "We're going to have a night of fun. I'll buy you a drink before your mysterious prince comes over to sweep you off your feet again." 

You snort at her, shaking your head a bit. But your skeleton friend does find you again after you drank with Marigold for a while, pulling you back up to the lounge and eventually to his room. Just like what always happens when you come to this club. 

_____

"you're in luck tonight," the skeleton grins, leaning back into the couch. 

"Oh? Why's that?" You ask, taking a drink of what's quickly become your favorite of this place. The blue raspberry drink is delicious and you wish you knew how it was made. Though it's probably best that you don't. 

"the best chef in this city has stopped by to cook for us," the skeleton tells you, waving someone in. One of the workers comes over and he orders her to go grab a menu. 

"That's some high praise." You take another drink. 

"he's deserving of it, darling." The skeleton chuckles, thumb rubbing over your arm. You hum. 

"I wasn't aware you served food here," you comment, tilting your head to the side a bit. He shrugs a shoulder. 

"it's mainly for the VIP sections." He takes the menu handed to him, tugging you to lean more into his side so you both can look over the list. "order anything you like, sweetheart. i can say it's all amazing." 

"Hmmm," you hum, eyes gazing over the options. You have to say, you don't even recognize some of the things listed. You definitely haven't ever even thought of trying most of it before, all far too out of your price range to even dream about. It all looks like stuff served at a very fancy and expensive restaurant. "I don't know if I've ever had any of this before." 

"would you like a recommendation?" The skeleton asks. 

"Please?" You look up at him again. 

"well, if you're looking for something sweet, you could go for one of the desserts," he offers, flipping the menu to show them off. Your eyes gaze over the new options, all of which sound delicious. Your eyes are drawn to the one he points out though. "specifically this. but if you're looking for something more filling.." 

He flips back to what you were looking at, pointing to another of the options. Which is some kind of expensive meat dish, which sounds like it might be a bit too filling from the way the menu describes it. You haven't eaten much today, haven't gotten the chance, but you still know yourself well enough that you're not going to be able to eat too big of a meal without regretting it later. 

"hmm. how about we get something to share, sweetheart?" The skeleton asks, apparently seeing the conflict on your face. 

"Alright," you nod. At least that way, nothing will probably be wasted. 

Your skeleton friend hands the menu back, ordering something before the worker hurries off to somewhere beyond the VIP lounge you're inside. A few minutes later, a tray of fruit is brought out and placed on the table next to the drinks. Which includes chocolate covered strawberries, your skeleton friend plucking one of those from their bowl and holding it to your lips. 

"here, babygirl. i bet you'll love one of these," he grins, you biting into the fruit. 

"Mmmm. It's good," you agree, grinning. The skeleton chuckles, tilting your chin up so he can bring your lips to his teeth. You part them, allowing his tongue into your mouth in an approximation of a kiss. You only pull back when you need a breath. "Do you spoil all your bed warmers this way?" 

"can't say i've ever had one stick around for as long as you have," he replies, hand tangling into your hair. "you've been my favorite by far, princess." 

".. We hardly even know each other," you counter, red staining your cheeks.

You still don’t even know his name.  

"and yet, i feel like we've known each other our entire lives," he replies, thumb brushing over your cheek. 

"You charmer. I bet you say that to all the pretty girls you've met." Your blush worsens, the skeleton laughing and bringing you in for another kiss. 

"only you, beautiful." 

He only pulls back again when the worker from before comes back, bringing something delicious smelling with her. You glance down at the plate of food, the plate practically having every inch of it covered with something. Whether it's the biggest piece of meat you've ever seen in your life or the veggies and sauce accompanying it. 

"Wow," you mumble, eyebrows raised. "I don't think I've ever seen that much food on one plate in my life." 

"hmm. he does like to fill up the plate," the skeleton beside you comments, gazing over you once more. "let's dig in. you look hungry, sweetheart." 

You nod, the skeleton feeding you some of the bites himself. You're surprised by the flavor, the food tasting better than you would've thought. Your skeleton friend laughs at the look, grin widening just a bit more. 

"i guess you like it then?" He asks. You nod, eyes wide. 

"This is the best thing I've ever tasted." 

"i'll send the compliments to the chef." He leans back on the couch again, hand rubbing down your side. 

"Please do," you grin. He hums, bringing your face back up to his. 

_____ 

It's on your... fifteenth? ..twentieth? You don't know, you lost track a long time ago. It's on one visit that something new happens. 

You're let into the club as usual, the bouncer and staff already well used to your presence and practically letting you do as you please. The bartender stops you before you can head to the usual lounge you're used to just heading into by now, surprising you a bit. 

"Boss isn't up there tonight," she tells you, then nods at something else. "John will escort you over to where he is." 

"Oh, okay. Thank you," you nod, looking over as one of the big burly bouncers makes his way over. The bartender nods, you then following the silent giant as he makes his way through the throngs of people and past a door in the back. You glance around as the music becomes considerably duller and the lights dim quite a bit. 

John knocks on one of the doors, waiting for an answer before opening it and letting you in. You find your skeleton friend sitting at a desk, looking up from whatever he was doing. 

"ah, sweetheart," he greets, leaning back in his chair. You look back for a moment when John closes the door again. 

"Are you busy? I can leave if you'd like," you offer, looking back at the skeleton. 

"don't worry about that. come over here," he smiles, beckoning you to join him. You do, letting the skeleton pull you onto his lap, settling yourself there. It's rather comfy, the chair nice and plush and the skeleton pleasantly warm. He spends a moment greeting you like he usually does, a kiss and touching wherever he can, before he turns his attention back to what he was previously doing. 

It looks like finances or something. You guess it makes sense, he is the owner of this club after all. 

You lift your eyes from the papers on the desk to look around the room you're in, curious about the office space. 

It's cozy for a boss's office honestly, pleasantly warm and inviting looking. Kind of like those offices you'd seen in an old mansion or something. Old looking wallpaper with the wooden segments, a nice plush carpet in the middle of the room. A few bookcases on the wall to the side of the desk, filled to the brim with books of all kinds it looks like. You almost expect there to be a fireplace somewhere in the room, but there isn't. 

You still look over the books curiously, finding one title that catches your attention. 

"see something interesting?" Your skeleton friend asks, voice almost a low grumble. As if he's tired. 

"Oh, uh. Just one of the books," you reply, looking back at him. He hums, sitting up to look over the shelves himself. 

"which one?" He asks. You give him the title, then watch in surprise as said book is encased in a purple glow before landing in your hands. You look between the skeleton and the book a few times in shock. He just chuckles, his phalange tapping your nose. "magic, love. all monsters have it." 

"Right," you hum, opening the book to look over the synopsis. 

"do you like reading?" He asks, hand finding its way into your hair again. Your head falls against his chest with the motion, his hand eventually finding your neck and smoothing over your shoulder. 

"Yes. I haven't found the time to go to the library for a long time now though," you sigh, flipping to the first page. 

"it seems like you haven't found the time for a lot of things, my dear," the skeleton mutters, turning back to his paperwork. 

"I haven't," you agree. The skeleton hums, hand still smoothing over your arm as he works while you engross yourself in the book in your hands. Just quietly sharing the space together while doing your own things. 

It's not what you had in mind for tonight, no drinks nor your regular activities. While you do go back to his room, nothing happens. You just... sit in each other's presence, enjoying the time in each other's arms. 

You suppose it did still do what you wanted. It gave you a peaceful night.

Chapter Text

You just keep coming back again and again, and Doll can't say he's too upset about this fact. He still doesn't even know your name, but he's already so captivated. You're so.. interesting. He wonders what keeps bringing you to his club every week, what's kept you coming back for the past month and a half. 

When you show up is pretty random, there's no pattern to it, though he can usually expect you to come in both on Friday and Saturday nights. Sometimes Sunday too if he's lucky. But any other night is a surprise. Sometimes you're there, sometimes you're not. He can figure you work weekdays from the more regular visits during the weekends where you come with your friend, so he has to wonder what brings you here on days you're working in the morning. 

He chooses not to question it for now. You're coming to him either way and he's quite enjoying your presence, especially when he gets to put his hands all over you and massage those knots out of your back. Humans have such fascinating bodies, so similar and yet still different in a bunch of little ways. He's loving getting to explore and learn your body up close, that you let him do it so willingly. 

Not many Humans are that willing, much less willing to keep coming back. 

If you weren't getting completely drunk and sleeping with him every time, he'd think you're a spy from some other group. But your eyes are always glazed, drinking far too much to be able to remember practically anything in the morning. You don't particularly look like the gangster type anyway, far too reminiscent of the girls coming in to work for them out of desperation.

Well, they're desperate until they start working anyway. His brother certainly knows how to handle and put them to work in ways that they actually enjoy, or at least are mostly content with. There's a reason they have the best employee satisfaction rate out of their type of clubs. 

He wouldn't have let you this close to him if he had any inkling of you being dirty. He wouldn't have let you back into his office, which if full of things other mob bosses or "good" cops would love to get their hands on, either. But you hardly gave the filing cabinets or his desk drawers a passing look, the finances he was working on hardly even catching your interest either. Instead it was the books , many of which he keeps there for lack of a better place upstairs. Nothing noteworthy, besides his novel preferences which he'd hardly consider something of value. 

Yes, he's pretty certain you're clean . Which means this can be all the more fun for him. 

Doll glances up as you walk into the lounge again, here on a Wednesday night this time. Let in by bouncers he's told to just let you through whenever you show up, unless he's in a meeting of course. 

He'd rather this little thing he has going with you not be tragically cut short by such a simple little preventable situation. This is far too fun and pleasing for that. 

You look tired, half dressed up like you just threw on the nicest clothes you can find that fit with the club's non-official dress code. Makeup and hair hurriedly slapped on and barely covering the bags under your eyes or the way they're a bit glassy, but not in the drunk way. This is hardly a surprising look for your weekday visits though. 

Doll figures you may be here out of your own desperation in some way. What had you called it one night? Another bad habit? Well, just as well. He can probably say the same. 

He briefly wonders what you're trying to escape from. 

"hey, sweetheart," he greets, setting his drink to the side and inviting you to join him on the couch. You do, seating yourself nearly in his lap. Where you'll eventually end up anyway. 

And you do a few drinks later, your thighs on either side of his hip with your ass in his hands and his tongue nearly down your throat. Your hands either gripping his shoulders or tangling into the fur on his jacket. He thinks you always look your best then, but he can say that about a lot of moments you're with him, particularly in his bedroom. 

You always look so good when you're panting under him, or on your knees with his hands tangled in your hair. Always making the cutest and most pleasing noises that he loves pulling out of you, the best part of the night in his opinion. Always leaving him satisfied in a way no other Human or Monster lover has, straight down to his SOUL. 

If he wasn't almost addicted to the feeling, he would've tossed you to the side long ago. For both of your sakes. Nothing good ever comes from feelings in his line of work, for either side of the party. And even if he knows this'll likely crash and burn one day, he just can't seem to keep his hands off of you. Well, he’ll just have to see if he can make it so it doesn’t end too badly for you. 

For now though, he's just going to enjoy you as much as he can. 

"Oh! I know this song," you grin one night, looking towards the ceiling. Doll hums against your neck, pulling away just far enough to gaze at you curiously. 

"do you now?" He asks, getting your cute drunk giggles in reply as your eyes slide back down to him. 

"Mmhhmm," you grin, happily and dazzling the only way you only seem to do when drunk. "A co-worker likes to play this song a lot." 

Doll hums, watching as you giggle and sway along to the beat. 

" Tell me who's gon' save me from myself when this life is all I know, " you sing along, eyes wandering to the crowd dancing outside the lounge. " Tell me who's gon' save me from this hell without you I'm all alone! " 

Doll's grin widens a bit more, chuckling as he watches you in amusement. 

" Who gon' pray for me? Take my pain for me? Save my soul for me? 'Cause I'm alone, you see. If I'm gon' die for you, if I'm gon' kill for you, then I spilled this blood for you. " 

"little songbird are you?" Doll asks after the song changes, pulling your face back to his. "that mouth of yours is multi-talented, isn't it?" 

You laugh at that, making Doll chuckle along with your mirth. 

"I don't think I'd say that ," you respond, grin remaining in place. "I'm not that good of a singer." 

"...who told you that?" Doll asks, raising a brow bone.

He personally loves the sound of your voice, whether you're singing or not. Or when you're not singing in the traditional sense, he should say. 

"My parents, my friends, my music teacher," you hum, making Doll's brow bones raise in surprise.

......Really now?  

"well... they obviously don’t know talent when they hear it," Doll states, moving his hands to your hips. "your voice is heavenly." 

"Flatterer," you laugh, then tuck your head into his neck to press your lips to his spine. He shivers, tilting his head back to let you have your fun. 

He'll get to hear more of your voice later, he knows, all night long too. 

He's just going to enjoy this while it lasts. 

_____ 

Today has been a particularly bad day for you. All the horrible customers seemed to choose today of all days to come in with the worst of attitudes and with the patience of a tantruming toddler not getting their way, impossible to please and despising your very existence in their presence. Your boss and co-workers weren't in a particularly cheerful mood either, and decided you were the best person to take their horrible moods out on considering nothing you could do was enough today. Even the very act of breathing was offensive. 

That seemed to carry over on the way home too. Seems like everyone was pissed today and you got caught in their crosshairs. You missed your bus thanks to a pissy patron and co-worker who wouldn't let you leave, so you had to walk home. Which the other people on the sidewalk found offensive that you'd dare to cross their paths for some reason. Whether that's being too close to them on the crowded path or... you don't know. Daring to breathe the same air as them you guess. 

Your mother decided to start screaming about your habits the moment you came home too, apparently overhearing the neighbors gossiping about you again. Going off about how much of a disappointment you are, how she didn't raise you to be this way, and on and on. Then she had to bring up Thomas again, how he was such a nice boy and how you were a fool for leaving him. How close you were to finally becoming useful for something and now all you're good for is selling your body. 

Ouch. 

You get it, universe. You're worthless and about as useful as a broken spoon, and your very existence is an affront to everyone around you. You've gotten the message loud and clear, thanks. It can stop shoving it in your face now, you'd appreciate it if it would. 

You sniffle, shoving your wet pillow to the side and sitting up on your bed. Your eyes catch the sparkly white of your dress, and you rub the wetness from your eyes. 

Might as well go somewhere you're at least somewhat welcomed. 

You're late to the party, but it's still in full swing and looking like it's going to continue until the club closes in the early hours of the morning. The bouncers let you in with barely even a glance, no one else even taking a passing glance at you. 

Feels good after all the unwanted attention today. 

The guard at the usual lounge you go to nods in greeting, parting the beads covering the doorway for you. You thank him before heading in, finding your skeleton friend sipping on a drink while on the phone it looks like. No phone you've ever seen though. 

He still waves you over with a grin, you seating yourself next to him and leaning back into the plush couch. Looks like you caught the tail end of whatever conversation he was having. The first bout of luck you've had today. 

"hello, sweetheart," he greets, pulling you in for a kiss. "guess it must be my lucky day." 

"Why's that?" You ask, pulling back just a bit. 

"i get to see your pretty face, of course," he grins, making your cheeks light up. His thumb brushes over one, though his brow bone raises a bit as he looks at you. 

"You're such a flatterer," you chuckle, leaning into him and breaking his gaze from your face. Which you hope you cleaned up enough for him not to notice the results of your shitty day. 

He hums, wrapping an arm around you and bringing you closer. 

"you're all tense again, darling," he mutters, hand kneading into your back. You sigh slightly, leaning deeper into the skeleton's embrace. You just hum in response. "rough day?" 

You groan in response, letting out an annoyed puff of air. 

That hardly covers it. 

Your skeleton friend lets out his own huff, but more amused. 

"i'll take that as a yes," he states. You crack an eye open when he knocks on the arm of the couch, a waitress coming in. She walks out just as fast, the skeleton returning his pretty eye lights to you. He doesn't say much more though, continuing to rub and knead your back. 

At least until the waitress returns, carrying what looks like a bowl shaped to look like a wide cup wine glass. Which is filled with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. Along with a few cherries to top it all off.

You sit up a bit more in confusion, your skeleton friend pushing the dessert into your hands. 

"alcohol is a good way to forget a bad day, but ice cream helps just as much. if not a better solution," he chuckles, you smiling just a little. 

"Ice cream is the best," you agree, taking a bite out of the dish. You look up at him in amusement though, raising an eyebrow. "But I don't think you should be encouraging ice cream instead of alcohol. Might hurt business." 

The ice cream is delicious though. 

"hmm. maybe, but most people go to bars to drown their sorrows. Not night clubs," he counters, grinning in amusement. He plucks a cherry from the dish to drop into his mouth, stem and all. At least until he pulls the stem out again, tied into a knot, and flicks it into a garbage can. 

You'd be impressed, but you're already intimately aware of what he can do with his tongue. 

"i'm curious, sweetheart," he speaks up again a bit later, twirling a piece of hair around his finger. "what do you work as? i assume it's demanding." 

"'m a waitress," you grumble before you can think better of it, sinking back into the cushions. Your skeleton friend raises a brow bone. 

"hmm. i see," he replies, glancing off to the side. You glance over at him again, brows creasing in worry. "that makes sense for how stressed you always seem to be." 

He.. noticed that, huh? 

"what did you want to be?" He then asks, sounding more than a bit curious. You send him a confused look for it, tilting your head. "i'm guessing waitressing wasn't the career path you wanted growing up. what was your dream job?" 

"Oh... I, uhm," you say, looking away from him again as your cheeks stain. A bit of a smile crosses your lips at reminiscing about that little bit of your past. "I.. I wanted to be an animator. Or a painter. I often.. I wanted to try mixing the two actually.... I had a bunch of those little flip books, made them myself half of the time." 

"hmm. that sounds incredibly interesting," your skeleton friend grins, glancing over you. "i wouldn't have taken you for an artist." 

You chuckle at that, looking over at him again. 

"Most didn't. My grandpa was all for the career choice. He was fascinated by the cartoons at the theaters and taught me everything he knew about paintings. He's probably what influenced that choice," you sigh, smile still in place. It falls a bit though, you shaking your head. "My parents found it unrealistic though... Wouldn't let me pursue that path." 

"hmm." the skeleton's eye sockets narrow a bit, though you look at him curiously yourself. 

"What about you?" You ask, taking another bite from the ice cream dish. "What was your big dream when you were younger?" 

He regards you for a moment, head tilted. But then he shrugs. 

"well.. i actually wanted to be a scientist, like my pops," he replies, your eyebrows raising surprise. "figured out later in life that career path didn't suit me very well. just as well though. i'm pretty satisfied co-running this place, suits me much better." 

"You must be pretty smart," you muse, the skeleton huffing in amusement. He grins, ruffling up your hair a bit with the hand buried in it. 

"you could say that," he hums, you chuckling at the cocky grin spreading across his face. "....what's your favorite color, darling?" 

"Really?" You snort, raising an eyebrow in amusement. 

"what? can't a guy be curious about the pretty lady in his arms?" He asks, the same amusement coloring his voice as it does yours. 

"I guess," you hum, glancing towards the ceiling with a hum as you think about it. "I suppose it'd be... red. Though I like a lot of the pretty richer shades, no matter the actual color." 

"interesting," the skeleton hums, tilting his head to the side a little. 

"What about you, Handsome?" You ask, sitting up a bit more and facing him a little better. He pulls your legs up and over his lap, hand smoothing over your calves. 

"hmmm.. i'd have to say purple or gold," he grins, eye lights darting out of the lounge for a moment to glance over the crowd. 

"I have to say that's not much of a shock," you tease, tapping the golden cuff wrapped around his rib. "You wear an awful lot of both." 

"hey, what can i say? i have an eye for pretty things ," he replies, slowly dragging a hand up your leg. You laugh, even as the blush crawls back onto your face. The skeleton looks pretty proud of himself, especially as you try to hide your red cheeks behind the slowly disappearing ice cream. 

".. I'm guessing you like mystery novels? You had a lot on your shelves." 

"i do.. tell me, what type of books are you interested in?" 

"Uh, well.. I guess it would have to be.." 

You end up just.. chatting with your skeleton friend about mindless things for the night. Again, not what you were expecting but it worked just as well.

Chapter Text

It seems like your skeleton's club is the only place you're welcomed in. The only place where no one seems to bother or hate you, barely even acknowledging you exist. Aside from your skeleton friend and a few of his workers, the former of whom seems like he can't get enough of you. The same way you can't seem to get enough of him. 

The way he's always touching you in some way, pulling you in as close as he can get you. Drinking in everything he can and looking to even enjoy every minute of it, every reaction and touch. Like he's happy you're there, enjoying your presence. Even if he's not always ending the night with you under him in his bed. It's.. intoxicating. 

You certainly enjoy it. Enjoy his touches, his honey-coated words, his attention. You also just.. enjoy him though. You like touching him, you like hearing his voice, you like what he does to you and gives you. You like being in his presence, all things considered. Everything about the pretty skeleton you're coming to admire more and more each visit, drawn in by every sweet word and loving touch. 

This may be going too far, it's already probably gone too far. But you don't know if you really have the will or strength to stop it anymore. You know nothing more is probably ever going to come out of the relationship with the skeleton. You still don't even have his name after all. You're more often there for some fun beneath the sheets, he probably only sees you as a bedwarmer more than anything else. 

Even.. even if some of those nights are more.. tender and soft than a drunken tumble. More soft touches and more loving. It's still.. nothing more than some fun, you have to tell yourself. It doesn't actually mean anything other than satisfying a need. 

And.. those nights where nothing happened, where you both just shared a bed, didn't mean anything either. Just.. he was probably just humoring you, or taking pity. Amusing himself with the silly little Human that comes to his club more than she probably should. You can't let yourself believe anything else, you don't think your poor heart could take it. 

So, none of it means anything. It's just.. you're both just there for some fun, that's all. He'll eventually get tired of you and you'll move on. Just the way this kind of thing goes, after all.  

Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, Sweetie. Maybe then you'll actually believe it. 

There's been more rumors going around your apartment building, rumors you're starting to hear now too. Rumors your mother is even more pissed about, which you're pretty sure are fueling some more of the gossip ring from neighbors able to hear the shouting. 

Some of the younger boys in the apartment have even whistled at you and Marigold, jokingly asking how much it costs for a night. Marigold promptly flipped them off with a kiss and a wink. 

"Don't listen to them, they're just jealous," she tells you with a huff, swiping some hair off her shoulder. "And honestly, like anyone in that apartment building is any better? We're all in the same boat." 

"Hmm." You just hum absently, checking your makeup in the mirror. 

"Some of the people in the building are a lot more nasty than either of us. I know some workers with more class than them," Marigold snorts, shaking her head a bit. "Like they have any business looking down their noses at us. At least we're having fun." 

"Yeah," you agree, nodding along. 

Marigold wraps an arm around you, grinning widely. 

"Come on! Let's go! I've been dying to go out all week," she groans, leaning her head back dramatically. You chuckle in response, shaking your head a bit as you let her pull you out of her apartment and onto the sidewalk. You both ignore the whistles and whispers, just walking faster until you get a taxi and are at the club. 

Marigold immediately runs off to go find her boyfriend, you're guessing. But you hardly expected anything else, so you just continue your journey up to the regular lounge. There you find your skeleton friend lounging and watching the people partying down below. The guard at the entrance nods to you in greeting before letting you inside. 

Your skeleton friend's surprisingly dark face considerably brightens at the sight of you, you ignoring the way it makes your heart leap to your throat. 

"sweetheart, welcome back," he purrs, pulling you into his lap when you get close enough. You just barely catch yourself on the back of the couch, nearly face planting into the skeleton. You aren't able to get a word about it out before his tongue is nearly down your throat. You melt as his hands roam over your sides and to your legs, fingers pressing into and kneading the flesh. 

"Bad day?" You ask after finally parting for a breath. Your skeleton friend nearly growls, gripping your thighs a bit tighter. 

"something like that, love." He brings your lips back to his, his hand shoving your dress up and up. Your eyes snap open, your hands grabbing his wrists. 

"You sure?" You ask, eyes darting to the windows and back to the skeleton. Your cheeks stain red as well, the skeleton huffing in amusement. 

"i'm sure. no one will notice or see, sweetheart. it's one way glass." He flips you over onto your back, one hand coming up to curl into your hair and the other getting back to what it was doing before you stopped him. But you hardly have any other protests. 

_____

You knew your nighttime shenanigans with your skeleton friend always left you very satisfied by the morning, but stars do you wish you were more sober for more of them. 

You fix the makeup the little romp in the VIP lounge messed up, also fixing your jewelry and dress. You try to tame your tousled hair as well, huffing a bit at the mess the skeleton made it into. You can't say you're too annoyed though, but you're not really sure why you're bothering either. It's all probably going to get ruined again soon. 

But you did need to leave the lounge so it could be cleaned up, and it does give your skeleton friend some time to go take care of whatever he needed to. Some business thing or something of the sort, you're not sure. But it's not really any of your business anyway, and he said he'd be back in just a moment afterwards. But that's still the reason you're taking your time fixing yourself up again. 

He really didn't seem in the best mood. Maybe work's getting to him, you'd get that. 

You glance over at a knock on the door, heading over to see who's knocking on the unlocked public bathroom door. It turns out it's one of the guards... John you think. 

"The lounge is cleaned out. Boss is still taking care of things, but if you're staying you can wait for him there," he informs you. 

"Alright. Thank you," you reply. "I planned to stay for a bit longer if he wanted me to." 

John just nods at that. 

"I'll escort you, if you're ready Ma'am," he then says, making you blink a few times. 

Escort? 

"Okay," you nod, following the guard back up to the lounge. You seat yourself on the couch, John remaining outside of the door. 

"If you need anything before Boss gets back, knock on the door." Said door is then shut and John stands guard outside of it. You blink again, head tilting before leaning back into the very comfy sofa. 

Your eyes catch on a familiar drink tray and you grab your favorite to take a sip of. 

It takes a few minutes before your skeleton friend is walking back into the lounge, looking a bit more annoyed and angry than he did when you first showed up. You sink into the couch a bit, but his expression does lighten again when he sees you're still here. 

Letting out a breath, he rejoins you on the couch and pulls you back onto his lap. You tilt your head a bit, looking over the skeleton with a closer eye. 

"Work putting you through the ringer this time, Angel Eyes?" You ask, rubbing a thumb just under his eye socket where there seems to be the beginnings of some type of skeletal eye bags forming. The skeleton huffs, looking at you in amusement. 

"angel eyes?" He questions, you humming a bit. 

"Your eyes are very pretty," you shrug, making the skeleton chuckle again. "But you're pretty enough to be an angel regardless." 

He pauses for just a moment, grin falling just a tad. 

"my dear, i'm the farthest thing from an angel," he comments, head tilting so he can run his tongue over your neck. Your head tilts back to allow him to do so, a hum traveling up your vocal cords. 

You don't think you'll ever get used to the tingling, electric feel of his tongue. But oh does it feel good. 

"Maybe so. But demons are still just fallen angels," you reply, hand sliding to the back of his head. He just hums, far too interested in working your neck, leaving little nips and tingles in his wake. You gasp a bit as his teeth bite down on your shoulder a bit harder than the previous little nips, the skeleton sounding quite pleased with the noise.

He seems to relax the longer you let him touch you, and touch you he does. 

But the moment is interrupted by a knock on the door. Your skeleton friend sighs in annoyance, glancing up and narrowing his eye sockets at the door. 

"yes?" 

John half steps into the room, still blocking anyone from seeing into the lounge. 

"Your lady's friend is looking for her," John informs you both, you blinking in surprise. "Should I let her in?" 

"well, sweetheart?" Your skeleton friend asks, raising a brow at you. 

You pause, staring at him for a moment. You then look towards the door again, where you know Marigold is probably waiting. You unconsciously twist a bit of the fur on your friend's coat and bite your lip, you not noticing the skeleton's studying gaze. 

"If.... If you're up for it," you reply, looking back at him with a raised eyebrow. He blinks. "Otherwise I can go out to see her." 

"hmmm." His hands return to your hips, smoothing your dress back into its proper place. "let her in." 

John nods once, then opens the door further. You can see Marigold standing out there, looking between the guard and the lounge. Her eyes soon land on you though, the much prettier girl stepping into the lounge and glancing around. 

You glance back at your skeleton friend, who's eyeing the other girl. You slowly slide off of him, though his hands linger before letting you go. 

You ignore the small pit in your stomach, turning back to your friend who's raising an eyebrow at you. 

"Everything okay?" You ask, taking a few steps closer to the woman. She doesn't say anything for a minute, but then shrugs. 

"Jake ditched me," she scoffs, crossing her arms and glancing out of the lounge again. You blink a few times, looking at her confused. "My boyfriend, or ex now. The jerk. Didn't come back after supposedly going to the bathroom." 

She's.. more upset than she looks. You can tell by the way she's holding herself, even if she just looks pissed off. 

This was her longest lasting relationship...

"Oh. I'm sorry," you frown, placing a hand on her arm. She lets out a breath, slumping a bit. But her eyes travel back to the skeleton watching you both, darting between you and him a couple of times. 

"But you didn't tell me you're fucking the owner of the club!" She whispers to you, grabbing your arm to pull you a bit closer. You just blink at her a few times. 

"How else did you think we were getting in?" You ask, just as quietly. Marigold opens her mouth, then closes it again. 

"You could've still told me you were playing with him," she grumbles, glaring at you. 

"I... I'm not," you reply, shaking your head. Marigold raises an eyebrow at you, glancing between you and the skeleton again a few times. You look back at him yourself, seeing he's still watching quietly. His fingers tapping against the arm of the couch. You're.. pretty sure he's staring at Marigold specifically. You turn back around. "Are... What do you want to do? Are you going home or...?" 

"Hmm.... Hadn't decided," Marigold replies, making you raise an eyebrow. She looks at the skeleton again, nodding in greeting. "I'm Marigold. Nice to meet you." 

"charmed," he replies, smiling lightly. 

"I guess I have you to thank for taking care of my friend," Marigold then comments, seating herself on the couch. You pause, but then seat yourself as well.

You look over Marigold and then over at your skeleton friend, your eyebrows lowering slightly. Marigold puts on her most charming smile, not fixing the strap of her dress that slips down her shoulder. 

"i suppose so," your skeleton friend replies, looking back at you again and the space between you both. He then looks at Marigold again. 

"Well, she can be quite the handful," Marigold chuckles, leaning back into the cushion and twirling a piece of hair around her finger. You raise an eyebrow at her, frowning. Your fingers dig into the couch cushion just a bit.  "So I'm glad she had someone else looking out for her too." 

Your skeleton friend raises a brow bone, head tilting. 

"i'd hardly say that," he states, eyes trailing over to you again. "she's been a delight to have around." 

"... I'm glad to hear that," Marigold grins, leaning forward slightly. His eyes glance down, before going back up. You nor Marigold notice the twitch of his fingers, nor the way his eye sockets narrow slightly. You do notice, however, his other hand coming to rest on your neck, fingers tracing over it and to your shoulder. "She does have a habit of being troublesome at home. If you ever need a break, just give me a call and I can get her off your back for a bit." 

"hmm. i think i can handle her just fine," your skeleton friend says, leaning forward. You glance back at him as his arms wrap around your waist, pulling you back into him. His teeth rest against the back of your head, a breath disturbing some of your hair. "she's hardly caused me any trouble here." 

Marigold stares at him for a moment with a slight, barely noticeable frown. Her eyes flicker down to his hands caressing your waist and the way you lean into the touch, her frown just a bit more pronounced for a second. But then she sits up again, fixing her dress and humming. She grins, happy and satisfied if you know her well enough. Which you do. 

What exactly was she trying to do? 

"Well, good," she states, then looks at you again. "I'm gonna head home, Honey. You have fun now." 

"You sure? ...Are you good to go by yourself?" You ask, hesitantly. Your eyes glance towards the wall, frowning a bit more. "It's... awful late." 

Marigold scoffs, looking more than a bit amused. 

"i can get a car if you're worried, sweetheart," your skeleton friend offers. 

"Would you?" You ask, looking back at him. He nods, making you smile. "Please?" 

"of course." He knocks on the arm again, telling the worker that comes in to escort Marigold home. Said girl raises an eyebrow at you, impressed, then follows the worker at her request. 

Neither of you notice the skeleton glaring at her back. 

"Thank you," you grin, turning to look at him again. He smiles back, hands coming up to cradle your head. 

"of course, my dear. anything for you," he hums, pinching your chin to bring your face closer to his. "now where were we, hmm?" 

He pushes you onto your back again, finding yourself in for a much, much longer night.

Chapter Text

You have the feeling your mother is up to something. You can't say for certain , since you've been doing your damnedest to avoid the woman at every cost. It's just a feeling in the pit of your stomach, telling you to be careful and get ready for something to happen. That instinct has never failed you before and you're not going to ignore it this time either. 

Doesn't help that she's been looking to get to you , which is keeping you from going anywhere except work. She's even been stopping Marigold every chance she gets, which isn't really that surprising. Your mother hasn't liked Marigold in years, not since she became the woman she is today. 

But that also means you haven't gotten to go to the club very often. Not unless you're slipping out in the dead of night after your mother's fallen asleep. Which is exactly what you're doing right now. 

You let out a breath of relief once you're on the sidewalk, quickly heading out to get to your little safe haven as quickly as humanly possible.

You're able to arrive without any trouble, though you're stopped before you can enter the lounge by the guard posted there. 

"Wait a moment here, Ma'am. The bosses are in a meeting," he tells you, making your eyebrows raise a bit. 

"Oh, okay," you nod, taking a small step back. 

A meeting at this hour? It's so late though, past midnight even. 

"I can come back a bit later, I'd hate to interrupt," you tell the guard, who just holds up a hand for you to wait there before he knocks on the door. He waits for a second, but then steps in and announces your presence here. After a moment, the guard motions you to step into the room. 

You're greeted by the sight of two skeletons sitting on the couch you're usually on, two humans on the opposite couch. The two humans and one of the skeletons, not your friend, looking over you curiously and confused. Though your skeleton friend looks pleased, beckoning you over to himself. 

You do, him pulling you onto his lap like usual. Though, he's not dressed like he usually is. Instead of his usual cropped fur coats, he wears a white button down dress shirt, though it doesn't look like he actually bothered to button it at all. It is tucked into smart black slacks though, the shirt's sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He still wears his gold body chains and cuffs, unsurprisingly. 

"I can come back if you're busy," you murmur to the skeleton, looking over at the other three in the room staring at the both of you. 

"nonsense, darling. we were just about to wrap up anyway," your skeleton friend replies, fingers threading through your hair. His gaze does trail up to the two Humans, his eyes a lot sharper than you're used to seeing them. "but, here." 

He hands you his strange looking phone and two.. you're not sure what they are, but apparently they go in your ears. You glance up at him again, the skeleton just grinning at you before his attention is turned back to what he was previously doing. It seems all four go back to that, but you can't hear any of what they're saying with those things in your ears. 

You're guessing that was your skeleton friend's intention though. You're not sure why he didn't just have you wait at the bar if he didn't want you listening in on the conversation, however. 

His phone is interesting though, you really never have seen anything like it. Most phones you've seen are just wall phones, you didn't think they could be hand held like this. You've never heard of it either, no one's talked about it at all. Or at least not when you're around. This must be a fairly new thing, it's impressive! 

Your head bobs a bit to the music filtering into your ears from the device in your ears, you are more than surprised by that too as you explore the phone in your hands. Or at least what's on it at the moment.

Until you catch movement out of the corner of your eye anyway, noting that the two humans have gotten up and are leaving the lounge. Though the second skeleton, who you now note is dressed nearly identical to your friend, stays and is now looking over you again. From the bar in the lounge though. 

Your skeleton friend takes his phone back, along with the little devices in your ears. He sets them aside before running his hand through your hair again. 

"......So, Are You Going To Introduce Me To Your Friend?" The other skeleton asks, raising a brow bone at the skeleton you're sitting on. 

"of course. sweetheart, this is my brother. bro, sweetheart," your skeleton friend grins, making the other narrow his eye sockets. 

".. You Don't Even Know Her Name, Do You?" The other skeleton glares over at his brother, looking more than a little unamused. Your skeleton just grins, even as a pit of nerves grows in your stomach and makes you lean into him a bit more. Your skeleton friend's brother sighs, shaking his skull. "Why Am I Even Surprised?" 

"hey," your skeleton friend counters, raising a hand. You stifle the laugh that unwillingly bubbles up to your throat, covering your smile with a hand at the indignation in your friend’s tone. Your skeleton friend still looks pleased though, hand coming to rub and massage the skin of your leg. 

"Well, It Was Awful Rude Of My Brother Not To Introduce Himself," your skeleton friend's brother states, bringing over some drinks. He sets them down on the table between the couches, staring at your friend for a moment. Seemingly having a conversation you're not privy to. But he seems to get something from the way your skeleton friend holds you a bit tighter. "But! We Can Fix That Now." 

The other skeleton grins, holding out a hand for you. 

"You May Call Me Sheba. My Brother Is Called Doll," he introduces, bringing your hand up to his teeth when you give it. Your cheeks darken a bit, which makes his grin grow. "It's A Pleasure To Meet You, My Dear." 

"It's nice to meet you too," you reply, giving both of them your name in return. Your skeleton friend- Doll, it's so strange to know his name now- hums, squeezing your thigh a bit tighter. 

"lovely name for a beautiful girl," he muses, thumb rubbing circles into your skin. Your cheeks darken just a bit more, making the skeleton holding you chuckle. 

Sheba hands you a drink, your favorite one somehow, before grabbing himself a drink and sitting down again. He takes a sip, eyeing his brother again for a few seconds. 

"So, Am I To Guess You Two Have Been Seeing Each Other For A While Now?" He asks, raising a brow bone. Doll hums, you taking a drink yourself. 

"just about.. five months now," Doll states, tilting his skull to the side a bit. "that right, love?" 

"I think so," you hum. "Might be coming up six on soon." 

Doll just hums, Sheba looking more than a bit surprised as he looks between the two of you. 

"And I Somehow Never Found Out Before Now?" He questions, looking at Doll specifically with that question. He shrugs, the other skeleton narrowing his eye sockets. "I'm Impressed." 

"there wasn't really a schedule," Doll states, bringing a hand up to play with your hair. "you were usually busy at the time." 

Sheba just hums, not looking like he completely believes it. But he apparently lets it go for the moment, taking another drink before sighing. 

"I Suppose Some Things Make A Bit More Sense Now," he says, giving his brother a wary look. "But I Hope You Were Planning On Introducing Me Sometime Soon." 

"of course," Doll replies after a moment, but then looks at you again with a raised brow. "my little sweetheart just hasn't come around for a while." 

There's a question in that statement. It makes you grimace and give an uncomfortable shrug. 

"Just.. haven't been able to get out for a while," you tell him, making his brows furrow. 

"...... Well, I Hope Everything's Alright," Sheba says, tilting his head. You just give another uncomfortable shrug, Doll's hand moving down to knead your shoulders. 

They don't ask anymore questions about that topic, thankfully. But Sheba still did ask quite a few questions over more drinks, meaningless ones. Like what you worked as, some of your favorite things (like color, flower, food, book genre, that kind of thing), and just general questions. Doll mostly stayed quiet, preferring to simply touch and massage you. Just watching the interaction. 

You certainly relaxed more and more the longer the conversation went on, and the drunker you got. Well, all three of you got. And Doll's touch becomes less innocent the later in the night it gets, which Sheba certainly noticed. 

"want to take this upstairs, sweetheart?" Doll mumbles against your neck. You hum in confusion. "your little conversation... though maybe you both should continue that another day." 

"Are You Implying I Join You?" Sheba snorts, swirling his drink in the cup. "Because I Believe That You Should Actually Directly Ask Your Lady Friend If That's Something She's Comfortable With, Brother." 

You blink a few times, looking over at Doll who looks completely nonplussed. He runs a hand up your side, grinning easily. 

"of course. it's your choice, love," he offers. You hum, looking over at the other skeleton again. He's looking over you himself, though his eye lights trail back up to your face. 

Maybe another bad, alcohol based decision that you'll regret later. But.. you agree. The charming grin on Sheba's face makes the butterflies in your stomach flutter, along with the familiar pleased growl from Doll. 

"let's get out of these stuffy clothes then." Doll's teeth gently nip your chin as his arms hook around you, heading for the stairs with Sheba following behind. 

You're sure this will be an interesting night. 

_____ 

You blink awake, immediately reaching for the table beside the bed. Your hand searches for the pain pills and water, eventually finding them and bringing them to yourself. 

You're a lot more sore than you usually are in the morning, you note as you sit up. Though you have to freeze at the groan from behind you. You actually open your eyes and look to the side to see Doll's still in the bed with you, surprisingly. He's usually gone by the time you wake up. 

"mornin', sweetheart," he grumbles, throwing an arm around your waist and nuzzling your hip. You reply in kind, taking the pills and drinking about half the bottle. "not leavin' already, are ya? stay for a bit." 

"I got work," you yawn, not hurrying too fast to get out of bed despite your claim. Doll just groans at that, holding you a bit tighter. 

"skip a day." 

"... Can't. I'll get in trouble.. or fired," you grumble, digging the heel of your palm into an eye. Doll hums, pulling himself up so he can nuzzle and nip your neck. 

"don't worry about that. i can take care of it for you," he mumbles, gently tugging your chin to face him. He pulls you into a deep, slow kiss. "there's a nice, relaxing bubble bath with our names on it, sweetheart. and a lazy day ahead." 

"... You're a horrible influence," you reply, leaning forward for another kiss. Doll just laughs at that, gripping your hip a bit tighter. You hiss a bit at the sting, making Doll pull back. He loosens his grip, looking over you again with a frown. 

"hmm.. perhaps we were a little too rough on you last night," he observes, gently running a hand over your thigh. 

We.....? 

.. Oh. 

Oh.. right. Sheba joined you both last night. You had almost forgotten. 

"come on, love. i've got just the thing for that," Doll grins, helping you to your feet. He slides a fluffy robe over your shoulders and grabs one for himself as well, then guides you into what has to be the most lavish bathroom you've ever seen. 

It's a big room. There's two baths in it too, a big shower and a big tub which are both separate from each other. Both actually have ledges you can sit on in them too. There's a lot of mirrors in the room as well, a line over the sink like in the public bathroom downstairs and one that's ceiling to floor. There's shelves with a lot more products than you'd thought skeletons would need, along with a bunch of white fluffy towels. 

"Wow," you mumble, Doll looking back at you amused. 

"nice, isn't it?" He asks, going up to the shelves to look for something. You hum in agreement, still taking the room in. Doll apparently finds what he's looking for as he heads over to the tub and starts the water. Afterwards, he slides the robe off his shoulders and yours as well to hang onto some hooks. 

You catch yourself in the big mirror afterwards, getting a good look at yourself...... 

They certainly were rough... You have a few bite marks and bruises littering your skin, not all together an unusual sight. Doll often gave you a few of those over the months, but there's a lot more now. Even some in more visible places, like the one on your neck. It's... pretty obvious what went on, especially coupled with your messy hair. 

Whore . 

You flinch at what suspiciously sounds like your mother's voice whispering in your ear. You grimace, rubbing at one of the bruises on your hip. 

Only good for being used . You're a disgrace. Don't you have any shame ? You're just a disappointment. 

Who would want you now that you've sullied yourself so much? Disgusting. 

You blink, looking back up as Doll's arms wrap around you from behind. He nuzzles your neck, a low rumble coming from his chest. His hand covers yours on your hip and the one you unconsciously brought up to your opposite shoulder, lacing his fingers with yours. You see him look up at you in the mirror too, bringing both your hands to your stomach. 

You suddenly start to feel a bit self conscious with him studying you through the mirror, eyeing your body up and down. But you know he's seen it all before, became intimately familiar with it throughout the months. 

"beautiful," he murmurs into your jaw. Your cheeks stain with red, especially with the purr afterwards. "you're absolutely gorgeous , sweetheart." 

Well.. at least he thinks so.

Chapter Text

The bathtub is heavenly, you have to say. The water is warm, a bit on the pleasantly burning side, and soothes your aching muscles. Doll must've dumped something good into it, because the bubble bath he used smells fucking divine . This is the most relaxing and pleasant bath you've ever had in your life. 

The said skeleton behind you probably adds to that too, with the way he's rubbing and kneading your muscles under the water. 

"You're really good at that," you say, sitting up just a bit. Doll hums, a question in it. He lets you turn to face him, pulling your thighs to rest on either side of his hips. You wrap your arms around his shoulders, the skeleton looking more than a little pleased. "The massaging, I mean." 

"darling, that is nothing ," he laughs, hands coming to cup the small of your back. "if you want a real massage, i'd be more than happy to comply though." 

"You know how to?" You ask, tilting your head. 

"i do," he grins. You hum, leaning a bit more onto him with a little smile. 

"Maybe I'll have to take you up on that offer some day." 

"please do," Doll purrs, leaning forward just the slightest to capture your lips into a kiss. 

Doll lets you spend as much time in the tub as you like, which means you only get out when your skin starts to wrinkle and the water gets cold. He stays in with you the entire time too, slowly rubbing his hands over every inch of skin he could reach. 

When you get out, you pointedly ignore every mirror possible even as you dry off. As you stand up once more, you feel Doll standing behind you. Before you can turn to face him, you feel something slip around your neck. 

It's.. a necklace. A very pretty, very expensive looking necklace at that. The chain looks like three delicate golden chains braided together, holding an upside down purple heart pendent. The purple gem is set into a gold backing, a small golden bone dangling beside it. It all shimmers and shines in the light, resting delicately against your throat. 

You turn to look at Doll, hand coming up to graze your fingers over the pendent. He looks very pleased, eye lights gazing over how the necklace sits around your neck. 

"What...?" You mumble, looking at the skeleton in confusion. 

"a gift," he grins, cupping your chin in his hand. He tilts your head up just a bit, grin widening ever so slightly. "a good choice too. it looks beautiful on you." 

"You shouldn’t have," you chuckle incredulously, blinking at the skeleton. "You didn't have to." 

"i know. i wanted to," Doll replies, leaning down to kiss you again. He holds for a long moment before pulling back. "a beautiful necklace for a beautiful woman." 

"... Thank you," you mumble, looking back at the pendant in the mirror. "It.. looks expensive." 

"don't worry about that, love," Doll murmurs, nuzzling the side of your head. "just promise me to always wear it." 

"Hmm.." Your brows furrow a bit, running a gentle finger over the jewel. ".....Okay. I promise I'll always wear it." 

"good. be sure to keep that promise, sweetheart." Doll pats the underside of your chin before grabbing the robes again. You slip on one of them, then follow the skeleton back out of the bathroom and to his room again. "there's clothes on the bed for you, love." 

You look over with a raised eyebrow, finding not your dress on the bed but some other clothes. You pick up the shirt on top, finding a white button down blouse and a black skirt to go with it. There's also some underwear- lacey underwear-there too, making you look up at the skeleton again in confusion. 

Doll grins and shrugs a shoulder, glancing down at the clothes. 

Well... you don't actually want to know, you decide. 

You just slip into the clothes, buttoning up the shirt slowly. Doll comes back over soon enough, fully clothed and eyeing you up and down. Well, as fully clothed as he ever is anyway. 

"here, baby," he grins, pulling your hands away from the buttons. "like this." 

He has you tuck the blouse into your skirt and buttons the shirt just under your boobs, along with rolling the sleeves up to your elbows. He then grabs your bracelets for you, handing them over so you can put them back on. 

He eyes you up and down for a moment, then nods. 

"beautiful," he states, you just fidgeting with the shirt a bit. "is that comfortable?" 

"What?" You look up at him again, then drop your hands. "Oh, yeah. It's nice.The shirt is really soft." 

"you can do the buttons up more if you'd like, sweetheart," Doll tells you, raising a brow bone. He threads his fingers into your hair and fluffs it up a bit more, grinning softly. "it's alright." 

"No, no. This is alright!" You reply. You grin back at him, then turn towards the mirror to look at yourself. 

..

It does look good, you'll admit. You're going to need some makeup to cover up the hickeys though. Which Doll has, apparently. 

"my brother is better at this than i am," he admits, eye lights more focused on his current task. Though he does spare a moment to look up at you with a grin and a wink. "but i like to think i'm pretty good as well." 

"I wouldn't have thought either of you would be at all," you blurt out, making Doll chuckle. He taps your nose, looking more amused than offended. 

"not many people do, sweetheart." He puts the makeup away after finishing, your eyebrows raising a bit. 

The marks are all covered and you wouldn't even think anything was there, and you have a very nice looking "natural" makeup look too. Not something you would be able to do yourself. Maybe Marigold would, but not you. 

"i'm sure sheba has breakfast ready," Doll speaks up, putting an arm around your shoulders. "let's go check it out." 

"Breakfast? It has to be closer to noon by now," you comment, Doll shrugging his other shoulder. 

"so we'll be having brunch instead," he grins. "sounds just as good to me." 

You just chuckle, allowing him to lead you out into the kitchen where a heavenly smell is emanating from. It seems like Sheba has cooked up quite the spread for "breakfast" with everything from pancakes to bacon, and he's cooking up some eggs right now. 

Sheba turns at the sound of you both approaching and grins at the both of you, leaning against the island counter with a sink in it. 

"Good Morning! Or, I Suppose It's Closer To A Good Afternoon Now," he greets, then quickly turns to the stove behind him again. 

"semantics, bro," Doll replies, waving it off. He guides you to the table just outside of the kitchen area and pulls out a chair for you to sit in, pushing it back in once you do. He then takes a seat next to you. 

"I Do Hope You're Hungry," Sheba grins, bringing over a plate of eggs. 

"Oh, yes. This all looks delicious. Thank you for making it," you nod. Sheba hums, seating himself. 

"Of Course! It's My Pleasure," he replies, grin just a bit wider. 

"dig in, sweetheart," Doll nods, handing you a spatula. You take what you like, then the boys do as well. You note how Doll takes four pancakes and some sausage and bacon. He drowns his pancakes in butter and syrup, dips his sausage in it as well. Sheba takes a lot of the eggs and toast, and adds more butter to the already buttered toast. 

You have a lovely breakfast, Sheba taking the dishes away with Doll's help. Both insisted you sit pretty right there and let them take care of it, since you're the guest. The two talk quietly enough to each other that you can’t hear them for a moment before Doll returns to you. He takes your hand to help you stand once more, grinning easily. 

"come on, sweetheart," he smiles, tugging you along with him. 

"Where are we going?" You ask, tilting your head. You still follow him without a protest, downstairs into the nearly empty club. 

"out," he grins, looking back at you momentarily with a wink. "you can think of it as... a date." 

You blink at him in surprise, having not expected that answer. Something he picked up on if his chuckle is any indication. 

You.. haven't been on a date in a long time. Not since your early days with your ex. 

Doll does abruptly stop near the entrance, almost making you stumble. You glance up at him in confusion, seeing that tense and annoyed expression on his skull again. Following his line of sight, you see another skeleton leaning against the wall. 

He's a lot taller than your companion, a bit lanky but not as much as Sheba is. He has two cracks on his face, one of them looking like it makes his right eye socket droop. The crack goes up from that eye, a second one going down from his left. There's a few scars, you think, carved into the bone. A very visible and prominent one on the right side of his jaw. Despite that, he looks rather relaxed. A lazy smile and his working eye socket lidded.

He's dressed rather nice too, in a suit. Though without a tie and half the buttons on the dress shirt undone. His jacket is just hanging on a shoulder, hat tipped down to shadow his eye sockets. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, showing off a simple looking braided bracelet that matches with the necklace around his neck. 

You meet his yellow eye light. 

"wait here a moment, sweetheart," Doll tells you, though he doesn't get to take a step before the other skeleton is walking over. Doll tenses further, then forces himself to relax. " gamble , didn't expect you to be here so soon ." 

"Gamble" chuckles, looking quite unbothered. He eyes you, then lazily turns his sight to Doll. 

His eye reminds you of a bee. 

"I was in the area," he replies, eyeing the other skeleton. Though his sharp eye light returns to you again, glancing over you curiously. "I wasn't aware you had a guest . Are you going to introduce me to the pretty lady?" 

A blush covers your cheeks, glancing between the two. 

"sweetheart, this is gamble. gamble, sweetheart," Doll replies easily, making you glance up at him again. He looks at ease, casual. You turn back to the other skeleton with a small, friendly smile. 

"Hello. Nice to meet you," you nod. Gamble's grin widens a bit more, taking your hand in his and placing a kiss on the back. 

"The pleasure is mine, Sweetheart," he replies, eye light lingering at your throat for a moment. Doll shifts his arm to wrap around your shoulders, then nods back towards the staircase. 

"sheba's upstairs. we were just heading out," Doll tells him, steering you towards the doors. 

"Were you?" Gamble asks, brow bone raised. 

"yes," Doll replies. Without another word, you two are outside and entering one of Doll's cars. You give him a curious look, to which he shrugs at. "don't worry about him." 

"... Okay?" You reply, leaning back into the seat as the car drives off. 

_____ 

"He took you where for dinner?" Marigold asks, eyes wide. She holds one of your dresses up, nearly looking like a statue. You repeat the restaurant's name. " Holy shit . That's like.. the top restaurant in the city. Crazy expensive. He must have really been pulling out all the stops trying to impress you.. And after taking you up to the hills and to see a movie even. How romantic ." 

You hum noncommittedly. Though the red spreading to your cheeks betray you. 

"He even gave you that necklace?" She asks, eyes locking onto the pendant. You nod, hand coming up to brush against the trinket. 

"Yeah. Before we left," you reply. Marigold drops the dress, grabbing both your hands and squeezing. 

"He's totally into you," she grins, sounding more than excited. "Oh this is amazing! He already sounds leagues better than that dick for brains from before." 

"I don't know, Goldie," you sigh, glancing off to the side. 

"Oh, don't say that! He has to be with everything ," she replies, rolling her eyes. She stands once more, going to look over your dresses again. "I mean, he seeked you out for all those hookups and now's giving you gifts and taking you on a dates? I think he's smitten ." 

He also somehow kept his promise. Your work didn't say a thing about your missed day. Your boss actually looked a bit pale when you came in today, though it was a long one still. 

"Now! Put this on, we've got somewhere new to try!" Marigold grins, tossing a dress at you. You barely catch it before it hits your face, looking over it. More casual than your typical club wear, a bit more subdued and conservative. Still nice though, showing off your legs. Makes them look especially nice with a pair of heels. 

Then you're off to this new place Marigold found, a simple and nice looking bar as a matter of fact. Maybe a little fancier than your run of the mill bar, but not so fancy that it has a bouncer like Doll's club. Seems like the place anyone can come to enjoy a drink, and it seems like anyone does in fact. Just by the looks of the patrons of the bar. 

It's kind of cozy too. A light chatter from other patrons. A few booths and tables that are mostly occupied at the moment, nice wood and actually comfy looking. The lights aren't all that bright, and give the place a warm glow. The decorating is interesting, what looks like paintings and pictures on the wall. A mirror or two. 

Then there's the bar, which honestly looks like the nicest part of the place. Long with many seating spots available, the wood looking polished to a shine. Behind the bar there's a nice looking set up, bottles and coolers showing off what's available. A decorated board with the menu right in the middle and framed by the shelves of liquor. 

Then behind the bar, apparently the sole person manning it at the moment at least, is another skeleton. A bright and bubbly one by the looks it, with the way he's interacting with the other patrons at the bar. Laughing, doing tricks with the drinks, and chatting quite happily, a bright and friendly smile covering his skull. 

Well, you've certainly been meeting a whole lot of skeletons lately.

Chapter Text

"Come on. Let's get a drink," Marigold grins, pulling you right up to the bar. You both take a seat, waiting patiently for the bartender to come back over. Marigold browses the menu in the meantime, you glancing over it and picking something random which looks the cheapest. Then you're back to looking over the other patrons of the bar. 

There's actually a few other Monsters here, though it's mostly humans. What look like dogs on two legs actually, then a bunny-looking Monster or two. They're mostly sitting separate from the humans, though one of the bunnies is chatting up a human man. 

In a corner, away from everyone else, there's another skeleton too. A tall, lanky looking one, hunched over some... thing. Looks rather flat and long, kind of like a book if you kept one side of it on the table and the other open. You don't know what it is. The skeleton seems engrossed in whatever it is though, only glancing up once in a while. Tapping his fingers on the bottom side of it. 

"HELLO!" 

You jump a bit, turning again to be face to face with the skeletal bartender. His eye lights are a startling blue, like some kind of jewel. A deeper, rich shade. Surprisingly sharp too. 

"WHAT CAN I GET FOR YOU LADIES?" He then asks, leaning against the bar. Marigold happily rattles off what she'd like, then nudges you to do the same. You do. "COMING RIGHT UP! JUST A SECOND!" 

He turns to the shelves, grabbing what he needs. He certainly makes a show of it too, spinning and tossing the bottles with a precision and skill that tells he's been doing this for years. Or at least has practiced a lot. Then he's sliding the finished drinks over to you. Marigold claps and then takes a sip. 

"My, you're certainly good at that," she grins, fluttering her eyelashes at the bartender. He chuckles. 

"THANK YOU. I TRY," he nods, then glancing between the two of you. "I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU TWO AROUND BEFORE. WHAT BRINGS YOU HERE, IF I MAY ASK." 

"We like trying out different places," Marigold replies, leaning her chin in her hand. "We only recently learned about this bar, and decided to stop by." 

"WELL, WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE YOU HERE," the bartender winks. Marigold giggles, you shaking your head in amusement. The bartender goes to serve the other patrons, Marigold starting to chat up one of the Monsters at the bar. You turn to look around again, taking a sip of your drink. 

Not as good as your favorite from Doll and Sheba's club, but not bad. 

Your eyes gaze over the crowd again, absently watching what they do and mostly ignoring your friend flirting with other people. A lot come and go in the time you're watching them, though most of the Monsters stick around. The one Marigold's flirting with looks very content to sit there and flirt right back at her. Even refills her cup for her quite a few times. You have a hunch she's going to be going home with this Monster, or maybe she'll bring them back this time. You don't know, aren't really interested in finding out either. 

You eventually find that skeleton in the back again, watching them do whatever it is they’re doing. Though your eyes meet when they look up, making you advert your gaze to your drink. A bit of a blush coming to your cheeks at being caught. 

You only look up again when the bartender approaches once more, smile still in place. Marigold's still too interested in flirting with someone else to notice. 

"HOW ARE YOU DOING?" He asks, leaning onto the bar. You notice his eye lights trail down, then linger around your neck. 

"I'm good," you smile, leaning back a little bit. "Thank you." 

"HMM. GLAD TO HEAR IT," he smiles, eyes meeting yours once more. "THAT'S QUITE THE PRETTY NECKLACE YOU HAVE ON. WHERE'D YOU GET IT?" 

You note the black choker around his neck, a little star charm dangling from it. Easily able to be seen by the way his dress shirt's collar is undone. 

"Oh, a friend gave it to me," you reply, free hand coming up to cover the pendant. 

"Yeah, a friend ," Marigold chuckles, arm coming up to swing around your shoulders. She giggles, you’re able to smell the alcohol on her breath. The Monster she's making friends with looks quite amused, and so does the bartender honestly. In the way you'd find a pet’s actions amusing. "He looks a lot like him, doesn't he?" 

"Mmm. I suppose," you huff, looking over at your friend with a raised brow. Marigold giggles, leaning back into her own seat with a grin. She takes a sip of her drink, more focused on you. 

" Pretty boy," she adds, setting the drink down again and leaning onto the bar. Though she leans a little more towards the bartender, who raises a brow bone. She winks. "I'd say they're a little more than friends though. He took her out on a date the other day. To the fanciest place in the city." 

"Marigold," you hiss, elbowing her in the side. A blush covers your cheeks, glaring at the other woman for telling your business to a bunch of strangers. Though you don't notice the bartender's interested expression as you scold her, or how sharp his eye lights turn. 

"What? It's impressive," Marigold huffs, rubbing her side. You sigh, covering your eyes. A chuckle brings you out of hiding again, the bartender looking rather amused by the whole thing. 

"WELL, I'M GLAD YOU SEEM TO HAVE A NICE RELATIONSHIP GOING ON SO FAR," he grins, the blush not leaving your face with those words. "I HEAR ABOUT FAR TOO MANY SAD BREAKUPS AFTER ALL. IT'S A NICE CHANGE." 

You grumble incoherently, taking a sip of your drink. That gets another laugh out of the bartender, and a chuckle from Marigold's Monster friend. 

"DON'T WORRY, DEAR. WE WON'T BE SPREADING THE NEWS AROUND." He winks, then goes off to serve other customers again as more appear at the bar. Marigold and her Monster friend continue their chatting, you let out a breath of relief at being left alone again. 

You only startle a little when that second skeleton in the bar sits down right beside you, leaning against the wall beside him with a small smile. 

"uh, hey. this seat wasn't taken, was it?" They ask. You shake your head. "great. i mean, you don't mind if i sit here a little bit, do you?" 

"No. You're okay," you nod, the skeleton grinning a bit wider. 

"great. thanks." 

You glance up as the bartender returns, sliding some kind of drink over to the skeleton beside you without him ordering. You raise an eyebrow, but don't say anything assuming he must come here a lot or just orders the same thing. 

"oh, that's my brother," the other skeleton says, nodding to the bartender making his way back to the other side of the bar. You blink at him. "he's actually the owner of the bar." 

"Oh, cool," you nod, glancing up at the bartender again. The skeleton beside you huffs in amusement. 

"sure is," he nods, chuckling a bit. He looks back at you again, then the drink you’re keeping covered with your hand. "do you... go out to a lot of bars?" 

"I suppose," you nod, looking over the skeleton again curiously. He's quite the chatter. "My friend likes to go out a lot, it's usually our weekend activity." 

"i'm guessing you're not as much of a fan?" The skeleton questions, raising a brow bone. You blink at him. 

"What makes you think that?" You hum, wondering where that assumption came from. 

"well, you said your friend likes to go out," he replies, head tilting just a bit. "and you didn't seem like you were enjoying yourself too much over here." 

You shrug, taking a sip of your drink. 

"You got me." You place your drink back onto the bar, looking over the skeleton again. "I don't mind going out though. Just not exactly my idea of fun, but it's a reason to get out of the house." 

He glances over you once more, head still tilted. 

"hmm. i get that," the skeleton grins. He then holds out a hand, relaxed and easy. "i'm plantin." 

You eye him for a moment, then hold out your hand and give him your own name. Though you have to raise an eyebrow at his. He shrugs, apparently reading the look on your face. More amused than offended. 

"strange name, right?" He chuckles, you shrugging. "it's a family name, and a traditional thing. passed down an' everything." 

"Neat," you nod. He snorts. 

"yeah." He takes a drink from whatever the bartender gave him. 

He then gets you chatting about other things too. More than a bit relaxed and at ease, and he seems to just want to talk. You don't think he's interested in anything else at least. He hasn't made any move to touch you yet, not like Marigold and her friend currently are getting to anyway, and you don't know if you'd let him either. Though he has refilled your drink for you. 

He's nice, you decide. A good conversationalist. Genuinely seems interested in your answers and opinions on things as simple as the restaurants around town and book recommendations when you somehow get on that subject. He has a lot of his own opinions on books though, seems like he's a big reader. 

"uh, your friend is leaving," Plantin points out, glancing behind you. You turn to look for yourself, eyebrow raised. Marigold grins back at you, waving her fingers. The bartender calls to the Monster, who gives him a thumbs up. 

You just sigh, leaning your chin in your hand as you look back at the skeleton. 

"Yeah, she does that," you shrug. 

"uh, that's common for you two?" He asks, brow bone raised. 

"She likes making friends," you simply reply, head tilting. Though your eyes travel up to the clock above his head. 

You should probably head out yourself soon, though there's not any rush. You can at least finish your drink. 

"doesn't... seem like something a friend should do," Plantin comments, taking a sip from his drink. You shrug again, humming as you take another drink. 

"Who am I to stop her?" You grin, leaning your chin into your hand. "Besides, I don't think all the stars in the sky could stop her if she didn't want to." 

Plantin hums, head tilted. You glance up as the bartender slides another drink to you, despite you not having ordered it. You sit up again, raising a brow. 

"Thanks?" You say, looking at the one in your hand that's not even empty yet.

"OF COURSE!" The bartender grins, sending you a wink. 

"This does have to be the last one though. I need to head home soon," you tell him, just so you don't get any more drinks sent your way tonight. 

"OH? WOULD YOU LIKE FOR ME TO CALL FOR A TAXI?" The bartender asks, raising a brow bone. 

"Oh, no need," you assure, waving a hand. "I can get home just fine." 

"IT WOULDN'T BE ANY PROBLEM," the bartender assures, grinning easily. "IT'S AWFUL LATE OUT AFTER ALL." 

"Hmm," you reply, glancing at the clock again. "I'll be alright. Don't worry about it." 

"ALRIGHT. LET ME KNOW IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND BEFORE YOU LEAVE," the bartender replies. You nod, smiling back at the man. 

You do end up going home by yourself, after you finish the drinks and talking with Plantin. You get home just fine though, not bothered by anyone on the walk. You know what places to avoid and where not to go, just from the past experiences. 

Your mother luckily isn't up either, thankfully. So you're able to go to sleep peacefully. You get at least a week of luck in that regard, allowing you to finally breathe a little. But eventually that luck dries up again and you get a problem. Your mother caught up to you now, and stops you before you can leave the apartment. 

"Where do you think you're going?" She asks. 

"Out," you reply. 

"You're always out anymore!" Your mother sighs, exasperated. "Why don't you ever stay home for once? Or at least tell me where you're going! You were never like this before, I swear. You've been on such a downhill slide ever since you broke up with Thomas. What happened to you?" 

"You know what happened," you frown. Your mother rolls her eyes. 

"This again. Thomas is a nice boy, you shouldn't go around saying those things," she scolds, shaking her head. "You're always making up such awful things. You should know better than that!" 

"I didn't make them up," you state. Pain and hurt start to build, just like every time this topic comes up. 

"Sweetie," your mother sighs, looking more than disappointed. "Thomas couldn't do such a thing, especially since you two were dating. You know this. He's a good man with a good job. It's stupid of you to let him go." 

"Whatever," you mutter, heading for the door again. Your mother grabs your arm, you wincing at the fingernails digging into your skin. 

"You wait just a moment, young lady," she demands. 

"Let go," you frown, tugging on your arm. Though that just makes her tighten her grip, to a painful degree. 

"You need to stay home," she demands. 

"Let go," you repeat, your brows furrowing. 

"Go back to your room," she demands, actually pulling on you towards it. 

"No!" You yell, tugging back. Your mother yells your name, you wincing as her nails dig in deeper. You dig your heels in, pulling back harder. Her grip dislodges, making you stumble back a step. 

"You listen to me you brat," your mother growls. You turn, though are tugged back by your hair. You yelp, immediately falling back and onto your knees. "I am your mother . You listen to me, do you understand?" 

"Let go!" You yell, holding onto your head. 

"Listen to me when I tell you something then," your mother hisses. Tears bead into the corner of your eyes. "What is that?"

You're finally able to pull your hair out of her grip in her confusion, shifting further out of her reach. You notice her eyes are on your necklace, making you clutch it in your sudden burst of fear. 

"Where did you get that?" She demands, eyes narrowing on you. "Did one of the men you sleep around with give it to you?" 

You stumble to your feet again, taking a few steps back. Your mother looks disgusted, shaking her head. 

"Your father would be so disappointed in you," she scoffs. 

You run for the door and out, knocking on Marigold's door while desperately trying to keep the tears back. It's eventually opened by your friend's mother, who grins at you. 

"Oh! Hello!" She greets, stepping aside. "Goldie's in her room. I think she just woke up, but you know how she gets on the weekends." 

Your friend's mother chuckles, soft and affectionate. 

"Come on in," she then invites. 

"Thank you, Delia," you reply, giving her a watery smile. 

"You're very welcome!" She replies, grabbing her purse. "I was just about to head out on some errands! I won't be out too long and I'll grab a pizza on my way home for you two. How does that sound?" 

"It sounds great. Thank you," you nod. Marigold's mom hums happily, waving as she heads out. You immediately head towards Marigold's room once the door is shut, nearly slamming it open and almost startling Marigold off her bed. She blinks up at you, then lets out an "oof" when you drop down half on top of her. 

"Something happened, didn't it?" She asks, just getting a sniffle in response. "Ah. It's okay. You can cry." 

Her arms wrap tight around you, you finally letting it all out.

Chapter Text

"Here," Marigold offers, handing you a wrapped ice pack. You place it over your red eyes for a few minutes, both to hopefully make the red go down and help your stuffed up nose from all the crying. You take the glass of water Marigold slides over to you too. 

"Your mom went out on errands," you mumble. 

"I know," Marigold replies, heading off somewhere in the apartment. The bathroom, then her room it seems. 

"She's going to pick up a pizza for us," you add, Marigold just humming. 

"She'll probably be a few hours. You know how she gets when she's shopping," Marigold states, setting some stuff on the table when she comes back out. You only peak an eye out to see it's a bunch of facial cream and the like. You let out a breath through your mouth. 

Marigold waits for a bit longer before taking the ice pack back, nodding after that. You both then move into the living room, Marigold setting up the radio to play. You both then apply a thin layer of cleansing cream and pin your hair up with curlers. Marigold then gets to work on your nails. She only stops when it's time to wipe the cream off and replace it with stimulant cream, then she's right back at it. 

"Your mother's really a bitch," she says, you just humming. You blow on the nails that Marigold has finished to get them to dry faster. "Are you going to be okay?" 

"I'll be fine," you reply, glancing towards the window. 

Marigold got lucky with a decent view. 

Said girl just frowns, looking up at you. But then she just sighs, looking back down again and only moving her eyes back up when it's time to switch the stimulant cream with a complexion mask. You wait until your nails are done to do anything else, Marigold moving onto her own nails. 

That's where Marigold's mother finds you both when she gets home, still on the couch with your complexion masks on and nails long dried. 

"I got pizza!" She announces. 

"Ooo! Yum," Marigold grins, leaning over the back of the couch. 

"Come and dig in, girls," Marigold's mom grins, placing the box on the table. She digs out two plates as well, setting them down with two glasses of juice. 

"I think our masks have been on long enough," Marigold says, looking over at the clock. She nods, you both peeling the masks away and taking care of them before going to sit at the table. "Ooo! Pepperoni!" 

You both take a slice from the box and dig in. 

"You're not going to have any, Mom?" Marigold asks, looking back at the woman. 

"Oh, no. You girls eat your fill," Marigold's mom replies, waving a hand. "I've already eaten!" 

"Okay," Marigold replies. She eyes you for a moment, head tilted. "You should go see your man tonight... Or stay here." 

"What?" You ask, looking up from your slice. 

"You shouldn't go back to your apartment tonight," Marigold states, shaking her head. She glances away. "I'm.... I don't know what exactly happened, but.......... You just shouldn't go back. Not tonight. Maybe not tomorrow either. Just... stay somewhere else." 

"I wouldn't want to inconvenience anyone," you frown, looking back down at your food. 

"You're not an inconvenience," Marigold states, firmly and glaring at you for the notion. "Not here. And if your man is worth anything, not for him either." 

You shrug, just taking a bite out of your food. Marigold sighs, softening just a bit and leaning back into her chair. 

"Really. Just... don't go back right now. Please?" She pleads, leaning onto the table a bit more. "I'm worried." 

"Okay. I won't," you agree, even if you know it'll probably make your mother more angry. Marigold sighs in relief, leaning back to eat her dinner. 

A bit later, you're both getting dressed up. Something a bit more nice than the casual and comfy attire you were wearing, and taking the curlers out. You both look nice all dressed up in your curls and heels, like proper young ladies. 

You still think it's all rather unflattering on you, especially next to Marigold. 

"Oh, look at you two!" Marigold's mom grins, hand on her cheek. "Aren't you two just as pretty as a picture!" 

Well, at least someone thinks you're pretty. 

You still plaster on your prettiest smile, appearing like nothing's wrong. 

"Of course," Marigold grins, twirling on her toes once. "We're going out!" 

"Well, have fun! Don't get into too much trouble, girls," Marigold's mom laughs, waving the two of you off. 

"We'll try," Marigold smiles, hooking her arm with yours and pulling you right out of the apartment. Then onto the sidewalk and to who knows where. "We have some time to kill, so let's go to Lucky's." 

"Lucky's?" You ask, gazing around at the people. 

"The bar we were at yesterday," Marigold reminds, you humming in agreement. 

"Alright," you agree. 

After a taxi ride, you're both outside of the bar and heading in. It seems like the same people from before are here today as well, and the same skeleton is behind the bar as well. You both take the same seats as yesterday too. 

"We'll head over to your boyfriend's club a little later," Marigold sighs, leaning against the bar. "But, you're drinking with me for a while before going to see him, okay?" 

"Boyfriend?" You blink, making Marigold huff. 

"Yes. Remember, you're not going back to your apartment for a little bit. See if you can stay with him," Marigold replies, shaking her head a bit. "Even if just for a night." 

You just sigh, eyes glancing up at the bartender who approaches you both. You pull on your nicest smile again. 

"WELCOME BACK, LADIES!" He grins, leaning onto the bar. "YOU BOTH LOOK LOVELY TODAY." 

"Thanks," Marigold smiles, sitting up a bit more again. 

"YOU'RE WELCOME. WHAT CAN I GET YOU BOTH?" He asks. You both order and he slides the drinks over. Marigold takes a sip of hers, then wraps an arm around you. She leans in closer, lowering her voice. 

"I'll buy the drinks. And we can all forget about the shitty morning, alright?" She smiles, patting your arm. You let out a sigh, but smile at her and nod. 

You don't feel like drinking tonight, you don't feel like doing much other than laying in bed. But that's never really worked for you before, so drinking your problems away for a night is probably the best you're going to get. 

And so... you do just that. 

_____ 

Gamble leans against the wall in a VIP booth at Doll and Sheba's club, gazing out at the various people inside. The club is in full swing, though they can't hear much of the party going on out there. It's much more subdued in the lounge after all, especially considering what's going on in here. 

They're having a meeting. Doll, Sheba, Gamble, his brother, Capo, and Clip are all that's currently in attendance. Gamble isn't sure what the others are doing, but they all don't like to meet up anyway. 

The others are currently sitting on the couches and talking, sipping on alcohol Doll and Sheba so generously provided. Money shares that Capo's dealing out or whatever, from their various businesses and other activities. Stuff Gamble can't say he cares too much about. As long as he has enough for what he wants, he doesn't pay too much attention. His brother mostly takes care of that, considering he's the more... mindful of the two. 

"SO, THE DEAL WAS A SUCCESS?" Capo asks, raising one brow bone at Doll and Sheba. One of his gloved claws taps against the black business binder resting on his crossed legs, purple eye lights sharp. Clip, his brother, sits on the same couch with his head leaned onto the back of it. Looking about as interested as Gamble feels. 

"It Did," Sheba nods, arms crossed and foot tapping on the ground. 

"GOOD. THAT WILL PROVE USEFUL IN THE FUTURE," Capo nods, looking at his notebook. Sheba just hums, both him and his brother looking unamused with the current company. 

That likely makes six of them. 

Gamble tunes out the rest of the conversation, more interested in checking out the patrons of the club. Maybe see if he can find anyone interesting to have a bit of fun with tonight. 

And he does find someone interesting, sitting all alone at the bar. 

Doll's little sweetheart. 

Well, he can't leave her all alone out there, can he? 

"GAMBLE." Said skeleton pauses, glancing over at his brother with a raised brow bone. Vig looks unamused, his own brow bone raised. 

"Just stepping out for a moment," Gamble grins, shrugging a shoulder. Vig sighs, but waves him off to continue the meeting. The other four do the same.

"JUST DON'T GET ANYMORE DRUNK THAN YOU ALREADY ARE," Vig requests, leaving Gamble to slip out and head for the bar. He stops beside you, leaning against the bar and observing you for a moment. 

You haven't even noticed him, and don't until he says something. 

"Oh, hi," you grin, swaying slightly in your seat. Your eyes are slightly glazed, smile happy and loose. Though your eyebrows furrow a bit. "Do I know you?" 

"Gamble," he replies, chuckling a bit. "We met a few days ago. I'm Doll's friend." 

"Oh! Yeah, I remember now," you nod, giggling a bit. "You were waiting here when we came down." 

"That was me," he grins. 

You're drunk right now. Well, isn't that perfect. 

"What are you doing here tonight?" You lean, leaning your head in your hand. "Or are you here every night or something?" 

"I'm not here every night," Gamble chuckles, looking over you amused. "I'm just visiting tonight, Sweetheart." 

"Ooh. Okay," you reply, giggling a bit afterwards too. 

Gamble glances around, then up to the VIP booth. No one's looking at them currently, but he doesn't want Doll or Sheba seeing you two. And he wants to... ask you a few questions no one else needs to overheard. 

Maybe he can fuck with Doll a bit too, that'll be fun, and maybe he can figure out why Doll seems to like you so much. 

"Hey, why don't we go somewhere a little more... quiet and chat?" Gamble asks, leaning a bit closer to you. 

"Oh. I'm waiting for my friend to get back from the bathroom. We're here together," you reply, still leaning your head on your hand that's covering the top of your drink. 

"It'll only be a minute, Sweetheart. You'll be back before she is," Gamble assures, offering a hand. You look unconvinced, humming. "I promise. She won't even notice you're gone." 

"Mmmm. Okay. But only for a minute," you agree, Gamble grinning a bit wider. 

"Only a minute then," he chuckles, taking your free hand and leading you towards the back. He knows no one would look back there, along with a convenient little closet he can always pick the lock on. 

You don't even seem to mind being locked in the small space with him, nor when he pushes you up against the door. You don't seem to have a very good sense of danger, or not when you're plastered at least. 

"I've got a few questions for you, Sweetheart," Gamble tells you, picking up one of your curls to play with. "Think you can answer them?" 

"Sure," you giggle, still swaying in place. 

"Great," Gamble grins, leaning a bit more down to be face to face with you. "I've got to ask... when'd you meet Doll?" 

"Uhm... A few months ago," you reply, tilting your head a bit with a small grin. 

"And where'd you meet?" Gamble asks, raising a brow bone. He plants a hand right next to your head, not that you notice, to lean a bit easier. 

"Here. We met here," you nod, giggling a bit again. Gamble considers placing a hand on your hip to steady you a bit more, but he doesn't yet. "He... He came up when I was at the bar and got me a drink." 

"I see... What exactly is your relationship?" Gamble then asks, leaning just a bit closer. 

"Uhm... I don't know," you shrug, making Gamble raise an eyebrow. "We mostly just... hook up.. He's taken me out before though." 

"Really," Gamble asks, tilting his head. You nod with a hum. "Interesting." 

You hum, tilting your head a bit. 

Gamble eyes the necklace around your neck for a moment, the wheels turning in his mind. 

Why would Doll give you that necklace if you're just a bed warmer? Or take you out for that matter. That necklace holds a lot more significance than you'd give to someone you're just fucking. So what is Doll so interested in? 

"Do you know what Doll and Sheba's jobs are, Sweetheart?" Gamble asks, raising a brow bone. 

"They run this club," you reply, a bit of a question in your voice. Or maybe confusion. 

"And that's it?" Gamble asks. 

"Yeah?" You hum, a question definitely in your voice there. 

So you don't know about their shadier business. 

"Have you seen either of them... do anything?" Gamble asks, tilting his head. You look even more confused at that. 

"Do anything?" You repeat, smile still on your face. "Like what?" 

"I don't know... Anything bad?" Gamble offers, finally placing a hand on your hip before you can stumble. 

"No.. I don't think so." You shake your head, not even noticing him catch you or his hand on your hip. 

Gamble hums, more confused. So what is it about you then? 

"I see," he replies, looking over you again. 

Not as pretty as some of the other girls they've taken to bed, doesn't look like the type to offer them any real advantage in any way. Are you the daughter of someone important? He wouldn't think so, since he can't remember you from anywhere. You don't look rich. 

What is it? 

He leans a bit closer, thumb rubbing over your side. 

Well, Gamble doesn't think he's going to figure it out just by talking to you. He may have to do more digging. Into you surely, just to see if you have any ties they need to worry about or could make use of. He's not expecting much though.... 

Gamble shivers as one of your hands comes up, nails raking down just the right spot of his spine until finding a grip on his shirt. He looks at you surprised for a moment, a certain amused glint in your eyes. He gets the feeling you did that on purpose. 

But maybe for now, he could have some fun though. If that's the way you want to play. 

"Want to have some fun, Sweetheart?" He purrs, leaning just a bit closer. 

"Mmm. I need to get back to my friend though," you mumble, frowning in thought now. 

"It hasn't been that long, Sweetheart. You still have a little bit," Gamble assures, tightening his grip on your hip just a bit. You hum, but sigh. 

"Okay. Just a little bit longer though," you decide. 

Gamble hums, tilting your chin up a bit. 

"Okay. Just a little longer then," he agrees, even if he knows you won't be going back for a while . Not until he's done with you. 

You hum when he presses against your lips, automatically letting them open. You even wrap your legs around his waist when he lifts you up by your thighs, pressing you tighter against the door. You don't say anything when you lose your panties either. 

Gamble doesn't bother to pay attention to whatever fell and shattered on the floor, more interested in getting his pants unbuckled and down. More interested in hearing you scream and feeling your nails against his bones. 

He thinks he may have figured out why Doll likes you so much by the end.

Chapter Text

Marigold's freaking out. She can't find you anywhere in the club, not that it's easy to look for someone among all the bodies in the place. But she's looked everywhere, scanning all the faces she can and specifically looking for your clothes. She can't see you. 

She knows you're black out drunk. She's drunk too, she knows, but you're much more drunk than she is. That doesn't happen very often, very rarely. She might have underestimated how upset you were at whatever happened with your mother. It must have been worse than she thought. 

She gazes over the people again, leaning up more on her toes in an attempt to look over people's heads. A whine escapes her, worried and slightly panicked. Her eyes eventually find the VIP lounges, specifically one with a guard posted outside of it. 

Marigold could almost slap herself. She can't believe she didn't think of seeing if your boyfriend came to get you. 

She hurries to meet the guard, quickly asking him about if the skeleton came up here with you. 

"No. The boss is in a meeting currently," the guard replies, raising a brow. "Your friend isn't in there with him." 

"You're kidding!" Marigold cries, nearly ready to rip her hair out. She turns back to look over the people again. 

"Is there a problem?" The guard asks. 

"I can't find her," Marigold frowns. "She was supposed to wait at the bar, but she was gone when I came back from the bathroom!" 

The guard nods, then talks into the thing on his shoulder. 

"Wait just a moment, Miss," the guard orders. Marigold taps her foot, looking out at the people while the guard steps into the lounge after knocking. The blonde girl doesn't even pay attention to the voices inside, more worried about finding you again. 

She does look over when your boyfriend steps out of the lounge though, his brow bones furrowed and shutting the door tight behind him. 

"what's going on?" He asks her. Marigold tells him you're missing. 

"We came here together and were drinking at the bar. I went to the bathroom and told her to stay at the bar, but when I came back out, she had disappeared," she replies, her leg bouncing restlessly. "She's very drunk right now and I was going to take her home." 

"how drunk?" Your boyfriend asks, eye sockets narrowed. 

"Black out," Marigold replies. 

"you don't think she left by herself, do you?" He asks, looking towards the doors. 

"No," Marigold frowns. "Maybe. I don't know. She said she'd wait right there." 

Your boyfriend turns toward the guard. 

"send a few out to look on the streets," he orders, the guard nodding. 

"Already done. I have other guards watching out for her," he replies. Your boyfriend nods, then turns back to Marigold. She's staring at him, a bit bewildered. 

"we'll find her," he nods, glancing around the room. She watches his arms cross, examines the look coming across his skull. An unsettled feeling stirs in her gut at the look, but she stomps it down. "don't worry, i'm sure she's alright." 

".... Thanks," Marigold replies, then quickly heads away from the skeleton to look around more. She doesn't see the way the skeleton's face twists further as she does, too worried about looking for you. 

_____ 

Well, he's certainly made a mess of you. Your nice hairdo is all messed up, your nice clothes rumpled. You makeup is smudged, and he can feel some of it smeared on his bones. You're panting, barely able to open your eyes and obviously about ready to pass out based on how lose your grip on him is. 

And all that's not even mentioning the mess between your legs. 

Gamble can't say he feels too guilty about the state he's put you in, even if you're apparently more drunk than he thought you were, nor the fact that you've both been back here far longer than a minute and your friend's probably very worried by now. You don't seem all too concerned about that either, looking about half asleep. 

He keeps you pressed against the door as he cleans himself up and buckles his pants again. He wouldn't want to set you on the ground. You lost a shoe and he can see the remains of a glass on the floor and a drink, he doubts you'd want to step in that. 

He doubts you'd be able to hold yourself up anyway. 

Once he's done with himself, he shifts you in his grip. Hooking one arm around your back and the other under your knees, making sure he's got a secure hold on you. 

"Hey, Sweetheart. Can you tell me where the staircase to upstairs is?" Gamble asks, you groaning. You do mumble the answer out though, Gamble heading that way. "I don't think I ever caught your name either." 

You mumble that out too, making Gamble grin just a bit wider. 

"Nice to meet you, Sweetheart," he chuckles. Your reply is unintelligible, but Gamble hardly minds it. He just heads for the hidden staircase and up them, glancing around the little home curiously. "Well, don't they have a nice place." 

He doesn't get any response, but he wasn't exactly expecting one from the empty room. 

Since he doesn't know what room is Doll's, he sets you down onto the couch. You groan in response, shift a bit, but you're pretty knocked out. He grabs a blanket to toss over you, then steps back as you settle. 

He still doesn't completely get what Doll's so interested in, but he's been left pretty satisfied with that little encounter. More so than usual. He can guess that's why Doll likes you so much, it does feel pretty good to see the state you're left in afterwards. Scratches an itch he never even knew was there. 

He'll leave you there as a gift for the two owners of the club. Something they'll.... appreciate , surely. 

Gamble chuckles, heading back down the stairs and out into the actual club. The VIP lounge is almost empty when he enters it again, only Vig and Sheba remaining inside. 

"THERE YOU ARE! WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?" Vig scoffs, eye sockets narrowed. Gamble shrugs, grinning easily. Vig just sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose under his glasses. "IN ANY CASE, THE MEETING IS OVER. LET'S HEAD HOME ALREADY." 

"Alright," Gamble shrugs, ignoring Sheba's narrowed eye sockets. 

Gamble and Vig leave the club, Sheba watching them the whole time. Eyeing the relaxed posture and easy grin on Gamble in suspicion. Only once they're gone, does Sheba go out to find his brother. Who's searching the club like a predator hunting its prey. 

"What Is Wrong?" Sheba asks, grabbing Doll's arm. The shorter skeleton appears to be relaxed, but Sheba knows him well enough to see the stress creeping onto his face. 

"sweetheart's missing," Doll growls, eye lights more focused on looking through the crowd. "her friend said she disappeared from the bar while she was in the bathroom." 

"Did She Leave By Herself?" Sheba asks, though he gets the feeling she's still here somewhere. 

"i don't think so," Doll frowns. "but we've checked the entire club. she's not here." 

Sheba hums, gazing out at the patrons himself. He taps a heel, thinking about it for a minute. 

"Well... She Knows The Way Upstairs, Doesn't She?" He asks, looking at his brother again. "Did You Check There?" 

"first place i looked," Doll sighs, tapping a finger against his arm. 

"Wouldn't Hurt To Check Again. She Might've Slipped Up After You Came Back Down. I'll Look Around Down Here More," Sheba offers, Doll's shoulders dropping a little. He nods, heading back for the staircase while Sheba looks around on the first floor. 

After not seeing anything in the club, he heads towards the back area. He doesn't think you'd come back here by yourself, but... maybe you weren't alone. 

The office doesn't reveal anything and neither does the bathroom. The storage room looks untouched. He doesn't know how you'd find the door to the basement behind the bookcase, but he double checks down there just in case. The little broom closet though, that reveals a shattered glass and a spilled drink, your favorite in fact. Along with... another mess and... a pair of discarded underwear. 

Sheba curses, heading for the stairs. 

_____ 

Doll flicks on the lights for the living room, pausing at hearing a groan. But he's quick into action again, going around to see you laying on the couch. You have an arm over your eyes, face scrunched up and obviously having just been awoken. He sighs in relief. 

"fuck, sweetheart," he says, coming closer and kneeling in front of the couch. "you should've told someone you were coming up here to take a nap. you had us worried." 

"Doll?" You mumble. 

"yeah, it's me, sweetheart," Doll sighs, shoulders finally dropping a bit. 

You move your arm away from your eyes, still squinting as you glance around in confusion. Doll finally glances over you, frowning a bit at your smeared makeup and rumpled clothes. 

"you're a mess, sweetheart," he notes, glancing over the couch. It doesn't seem like any of your makeup is on it. 

"Sorry," you mumble, pushing yourself up a bit. Doll helps you, since you're swaying something awful. 

"you don't need to apologize for that, sweetheart. come on, let's get you cleaned up," Doll frowns, helping you to stand on shaky legs. Doll's frown deepens at that, tugging you to lean a bit more onto him. He leads you towards the bathroom, having you sit on a chair. 

He wipes your makeup off your face, glancing down when you mutter about something uncomfortable between your legs. 

"and what's that, sweetheart?" Doll asks, brows furrowing a bit. 

"Wet," you mumble, still clearly half asleep. 

Doll frowns, glancing over you a bit closer. 

"sweetheart, did you just come up here?" He asks, raising a brow bone. You just hum in confusion, squinting at him. "why are you wet, sweetheart?" 

You just hum again, shrugging a shoulder. 

"I don't know... Your friend," you mumble, leaning forward a bit. 

"my friend?" Doll asks, confused. 

"Yellow eyes," you yawn. Doll blinks a few times, then curses. You take a minute, but you blink at him. A startled and confused look overtakes your face. Doll sighs, gritting his teeth together while glaring at the door. "Doll?" 

Your voice is small, timid. Doll forces himself to relax, face softening when he turns back to you. You look chastised, a bit scared. Doll doesn't think he likes the look on you. 

He cups your face in his hands, making sure you meet his eyes. 

"sweetheart, he's not my friend," Doll states plainly, making you blink at him. "be careful around gamble, alright? any other skeleton you meet too, okay?" 

"... Okay," you reply, shoulders still bunched a bit. Doll sighs, figuring he's probably going to have to give you that warning again in the morning. But he leaves it for now, standing up. 

"i'm going to get you something to change into for tonight," he tells you, placing a kiss on your forehead. You nod, humming to confirm you heard him. He's quick to grab something from his closet, a shirt he rarely wears. But he draws a bath for you to clean up in first. 

He turns when you sniffle, blinking in surprise. 

"Sorry," you mumble. 

"what for?" Doll frowns. You just shrug, Doll sighing and heading over to you again. "you don't have anything to apologize for, sweetheart. you're alright." 

You hum, leaning your head onto his shoulder. He pats your head, running a hand through your hair. Though he has to pull back when you flinch, whining a bit. 

"what's wrong? does your head hurt?" Doll asks, you rubbing a spot on your head. 

"A bit," you mumble. Doll hums and grabs some pain medicine for you, along with turning off the water. 

"here. let's get you cleaned up, sweetheart." Doll hands you the medicine, then helps you get out of your dirtied dress. He grimaces at the mess between your legs, helping steady you while you get into the bath. 

You're still very drunk, that much is clear. It makes Doll even more angry at the thought of what went on. 

He glances up when he hears stomping from in the living room, then his brother's call. Sheba enters the bathroom after Doll yells back, sighing in relief. 

"Oh, Good. She's Here," he says, hand coming up to his ribcage. Doll nods, looking back at you. 

"she was sleeping on the couch," he tells his brother. Sheba grimaces. 

"Yes, But...." Sheba trails off, looking more towards your dress. 

"i know. gamble," Doll nearly growls out the name, but doesn't for your sake. Sheba sighs, tapping his heel against the floor. Doll looks back at him. "you should go tell her friend that we found her. and she's staying here for the night." 

Sheba nods, though pauses in the door. 

"Is She... Alright?" He asks, looking over at you. You seem like you're about to fall asleep in the tub. 

"yes," Doll replies, carefully cleaning you up since it doesn't seem like you're going to do it yourself. Sheba nods, then heads back down to the club and leaves the two of you alone. 

Sheba has one of the guards track your friend down, since he has no clue what she looks like. But it doesn't take long for one of them to walk over with a blonde girl walking beside him. Sheba still asks if she's your friend, regardless if he trusts the guards enough to do their job correctly. 

"Yes, I am," the blonde replies, fidgeting restlessly. "Did you find her?" 

"Yes, We Did. She's Alright," Sheba assures, the girl's shoulders relaxing as she sighs. "Your Friend Apparently Decided To Take A Nap Upstairs." 

"Oh, thank the stars," the girl sighs, running a hand through her messy hair. 

"She's Going To Stay The Night," Sheba continues, making your friend blink at him. "She's Completely Knocked Out And Dead Asleep. We Don't Want To Wake Her Up." 

"It's... okay for her to stay?" Your friend asks slowly. 

"Of Course!" Sheba smiles, waving the question off. "We Don't Have Any Problem With It. She's Welcomed." 

"Okay.... Okay, good," you friend sighs, running a hand through her hair again. She lets out another breath, then pinches the bridge of her nose. She mutters under her breath, Sheba almost not catching her words. "When I told her to ask her boyfriend if she could stay the night, this isn't what I meant." 

"Excuse Me?" Sheba asks, raising a brow bone. 

"Oh, nothing!" Your friend replies, waving a hand. "If... If she's really okay to spend the night, I'm going to head home." 

"Of Course. I'll Call A Ride For You," Sheba nods. 

"Thanks," your friend smiles, weary. Sheba nods and does, the driver coming quickly enough. 

Sheba's happy to see you're still half awake when he gets upstairs again, sitting at the counter while Doll gets you some crackers and water. 

"Your Friend Is On Her Way Home," Sheba tells you, coming to stand next to you. 

"Hm? Oh... Okay," you reply, nibbling on one of the crackers. Sheba looks up at Doll for a moment, then looks back at you. 

"She Said She Told You To Ask Doll To Spend The Night," he brings up, making his brother look at him then you. "Was There A Reason For That?" 

"She doesn't want me to go home for a few days," you reply, making the skeletons look at each other for a moment. 

"Why's That, Sweetheart?" Sheba asks, gently. You just grumble, the two backing off for the night. "Alright. I Assume You've Got Her?" 

"yeah," Doll nods. Sheba nods back, then heads downstairs again.

Chapter Text

You blink awake, glancing around in disoriented confusion for a second until you realize where you are. You're in Doll's room, tucked cozy in bed like every other time you've woken up here. A glass of water and painkillers are on the bedside table again, you take them. 

You look down at the shirt you're wearing, then push the blankets aside to get up with a yawn. Your legs still feel a bit like jelly, but you're used to it by now. You take a moment to steady yourself, then glance around for your clothes. You don't see them anywhere though. 

You rub your head, grimacing. 

You head out of the bedroom, finding Sheba and Doll talking lowly to each other at the counter. Neither look very amused, Doll looking more than a bit irritated and angry while Sheba looks more concerned and annoyed. You pause in your steps at the looks, clutching your arm in worry. 

You don't stand there long before you're noticed. 

"Ah, Good Morning," Sheba greets. His expression changes, instead friendly and happy. Doll's changes quickly too as he turns to look at you, a lazy grin coming to his face. 

"Good morning," you reply, taking a few hesitant steps forward. 

"didn't expect you to be up so early today, sweetheart," Doll mentions, inviting you closer with an open arm. You do step beside him, the skeleton wrapping his arm tightly around your waist. His other hand comes up to your cheek, brow furrowing even if his smile stays in place. "how're you feeling?" 

"A bit sore, but otherwise alright," you reply, a bit confused. Doll hums. 

"do you remember anything from last night?" He then asks, letting his hand join the other at your waist. You hum, thinking about it for a minute. 

"Not really," you answer, shaking your head. Doll hums again, brow furrowing a bit more. "Why? Did something happen?" 

Doll glances over you again, head tilted a bit. You look between him and Sheba, growing more and more concerned. 

"Did... Did I do something wrong?" You hesitantly ask, fingers curling into Doll's jacket. 

"no, no. you're fine, sweetheart," Doll assures, thumb rubbing soothing circles over your hip. "we're more trying to figure out if... someone we know did something wrong." 

You look between them even more confused. 

"Do You Remember Doing Anything With Gamble, Darling?" Sheba asks, leaning against the counter. 

"..Gamble?" You ask, blinking. 

"a skeleton with a yellow eye light and two cracks on his face," Doll explains. 

"Oh! Yeah, I remember him. Uhm..." You think back on it again, looking towards the ground. "I.. don't remember what happened.. But I think.. yeah. We might've done something." 

You frown, trying to piece it together. The memories just... aren't there though. You can't remember it. 

"Hmmm. That's Alright, Dear," Sheba sighs, slouching just a bit. But he straightens quickly enough again. "You Were... Very Drunk Last Night. It's Not A Surprise You Don't Remember." 

"... Sorry," you wince, shrinking a bit in on yourself. 

"Hm? It's Alright. No Harm Done," Sheba shrugs, standing straight again. He glances at Doll, then you, and smiles. 

"yeah, but with that being said," Doll frowns, glancing out towards a window. A bad feeling creeps into your stomach, twisting like a snake. He looks back down at you. "be.. careful around any other skeletons, alright sweetheart? especially if they're claiming to be our... friends ." 

"Huh?" You ask, brows furrowing a bit. 

"We've Got Some.... Cousins ," Sheba grimaces, crossing his arms as he leans against the counter. He shakes his head. "They Like To Mess With Us, Or Try Angering Us. Just.. Be Careful Around Them Sweetheart. You Can Never Tell What Some Of Them Will Do." 

Doll pushes some hair behind your ear, then cradles your chin. He places a kiss on your forehead. 

"i don't think they'd hurt you, but they can be real assholes. just be on your guard around them if you meet anymore, and don't tell them anything," Doll sighs, pulling back just a bit. You get the feeling he'd really like it if you didn't interact with them, just from the grimace on his face. "if they ever give you trouble, just tell us, okay? we'll get them to back off." 

"... Okay," you agree, still more than a bit confused and concerned. But, they don't speak on it anymore and instead sit down to eat breakfast since you're awake. At their insistence. 

"Oh, You're Welcome To Stay Here For As Long As You Need, Darling," Sheba says, making you blink at him in confusion. 

"Huh?" You ask, brows furrowing as you look between them. 

"you said something about your friend not wanting you to go home for a few days," Doll replies, raising a brow bone. He grins easily, even as you feel a flash of panic. "we don't mind if you want to stay here with us for a bit." 

"And..." You swallow uncomfortably, looking between the two. "Is that.. all I said?" 

"It Is," Sheba replies, looking at you curiously. His head tilts, observing you for a moment. You let out a breath, shoulders relaxing a bit. "Is There Anything We Should Be Worried About, Sweetheart?" 

"Ah, no. Not at all," you smile, shaking your head a bit. The two boys hardly look convinced, but still sit back in their seats. 

"Alright. If You'd Like To Accompany Me, I Have A Few Errands To Run In Town Today," Sheba invites. You pause for a moment, then nod. 

"That sounds nice," you agree, Sheba's grin widening. 

"Perfect. I'll Let You Get Ready Then And We Can Go After," he nods. You agree, finishing breakfast before heading back to Doll's room. He gives you some clothes to change into, then wraps his arms around your waist once you're finished. He nuzzles your shoulder, looking at you through the mirror. 

"you look beautiful, sweetheart," he compliments, squeezing you a bit tighter. 

"Thanks, Angel Eyes," you reply, leaning a bit more into him. He chuckles, dipping to nuzzle you a bit more. "Are you coming with us?" 

"unfortunately, no," Doll sighs, head tilted back in a dramatic groan. "i've got to take care of some things for the club, but i'll be here when you get back." 

"Alright," you nod, meeting his eye lights in the mirror. You turn to him when he loosens his grip a bit, Doll bringing a hand up to cup your chin. He pulls you in for a kiss, deepening it after a moment. 

"alright. i should probably let you go now," he sighs once he pulls back, fingers brushing through your hair. "sheba's waiting after all." 

You nod, still spending a minute longer in the embrace before actually pulling away and heading back out to the living room. Sheba's there waiting, pulling his shoes and a jacket on. He grins as you approach. 

"Ready To Go?" He asks. You nod with a hum. "You Might Want A Jacket, It's Supposed To Be A Bit Chilly Out." 

"here, sweetheart," Doll offers, sliding a coat over your shoulders. You adjust it, slipping your arms through the holes. 

"Thank you," you grin softly, Doll simply smiling back. He gives you one last kiss before waving you and Sheba off, Sheba offering you an arm once out the doors of the club. 

"I Hope You Don't Mind, But I Do Enjoy A Nice Walk," Sheba says, leading you down the sidewalk.

"It's alright. Seems like a pleasant day for a walk," you nod. Sheba grins a bit wider.

"It Is!" He agrees, chuckling a bit. "I Heard There's A Market In Town. I Wanted To Go Check It Out." 

"Oh, that sounds interesting," you comment, looking up at him. Sheba hums in agreement. 

It's a bit of a walk, but you eventually find the road the market was set up in. There's tents and tables lining the street on both sides, people behind the booths and walking up and down the street to gaze at the various products. There looks to be quite the spread. 

"Well, There's Certainly A Lot To Look At," Sheba comments, gazing over what you both can see at the moment. 

"There is. I wonder what's all here," you say, interested in all the different wares available. 

It's too bad you don't have any money on you. 

"Let's Go See, Shall We?" Sheba smiles, tugging you into following along. You do, looking through the booths. 

There's plenty of produce for sale, which Sheba looks through intently. He also gives you little tips on which fruit and vegetables to buy as he does so, looking very pleased to impart that wisdom onto someone else. The vendors seem amused, for the most part. He also looks through the jewelry intently too, apparently having the same eye for shiny things as his brother does. They're both magpies it seems. 

You look through the jewelry yourself, finding a few interesting little trinkets. Of course, you don't buy any since you don't have any money on you. 

"Oh. I Wasn't Aware He'd Be Here," Sheba mutters, you just barely picking it up through the chatter. 

"Huh? Who?" You ask, looking up at Sheba. You try to follow his line of sight, but really can't do it because of the people milling about. 

"Oh. Don't Worry About It, Dear," Sheba replies, smiling pleasantly and patting your hand. You tilt your head, but go along with him. He pulls you over to another produce stand, you turning to look at the nearby stands instead. One in particular catches your attention, a booth two stands down. 

"Oh," you grin, slipping away from Sheba unintentionally to go check it out. "Oh, how cute!" 

It seems like an animal shelter set up a stand at the market. They have carriers and crates of older cats and dogs in the back, all lazing to looking intently at the people walking by or checking them out. They also have a little pen of puppies and kittens, your eyes drawn to the felines. There's many different colors and sizes. 

You lean down a little more to get a look at all the kitties meowing and crying at you or playing with each other. One catches your attention more than the others, standing against the cage and yelling for your attention. It's a bit bigger than the other kittens, shaggy and white in color. 

"Hello, Cutie," you smile, sticking a finger through the bars to scratch its head. It lets out the loudest purr you've ever heard in your life, making you giggle. "You're a sweet little thing, aren't you?" 

The kitten mews at you, eyes squinting. Though it tumbles back when it tries to move closer, falling on another kitten which immediately tries to bite it for the crime. The little white kitten retaliates in kind, making your smile widen a bit more. 

"EXCUSE ME, HUMAN," a loud voice speaks up from right behind you. You straighten, looking back to see a skeleton standing behind you. He's in a casual suit, but the thing that catches your eyes the most at the sharp fangs he has for teeth. And the unamused and impatient look he sports. 

"Oh, I'm sorry, Sir," you nod, stepping aside. He huffs, eyeing you for a moment. His already narrowed eye sockets squint further, red gaze scrutinizing for a long moment when something seemingly catches his eye. 

"THAT'S QUITE THE INTERESTING NECKLACE YOU'RE WEARING," he comments, raising a brow bone. "COULD I ASK WHERE YOU GOT IT?" 

"A.. uhm, friend," you reply, hand coming up to clutch the pendant. The skeleton hums, looking more skeptical as he gazes over you again. 

"I SEE," he states. "AND WHO WOULD YOUR FRIEND BE?" 

You glance over the way you know Sheba to be in last, frowning a bit as a nervous pit forms in your stomach. 

"Oh, uhm-" You're cut off by a call of your name. You blink, looking over your shoulder in surprise to see Plantin coming your way with a friendly grin. "Oh, uh, hi." 

"hey. wasn't expecting to see you here," he nods. His gaze then raises to the new skeleton. "i see you've met charlesworth." 

"Uhm, I suppose so," you reply, glancing back at the skeleton eyeing you both. 

"PLANTIN," Charlesworth, apparently, replies. He raises a brow bone, looking between the two of you. 

"my bro has a stand set up, you should stop by," Plantin offers, stepping beside the other skeleton. You blink, but nod. 

"I'll try to," you agree, stepping slightly to the side. Plantin swings an arm around a very unamused looking Charlesworth, grinning easily. He mutters something to the sharper skeleton, who doesn't look any more amused than before. If anything, he looks more unamused. 

“great! it’s always nice to see a familiar face at these events,” Plantin nods, tilting his head a bit. He then raises a brow bone. “you here alone? you can hang out with us for a bit if you are.” 

“Oh, no. I’m here with-” 

You hear another call of your name, Sheba speed walking towards you this time. He stops beside you, arm coming up to wrap around you as he stares down the other skeletons. You stumble a bit into his side. 

"PALANTINO," Charlesworth greets. You look at him in confusion, then look up at Sheba. 

"Charlesworth," Sheba replies, eye sockets narrowing. "Nice Seeing You Here." 

"LIKEWISE," Charlesworth says, arms crossed. He looks down at you, then back to Sheba. Sheba only squeezes you tighter, eye sockets narrowing. Charlesworth huffs. 

"we were just leaving," Plantin says, grinning. He pats Charlesworth's back, the other skeleton glaring at him. But he does move on, after one more look over you. Sheba watches them go until they disappear in the crowd, then he turns to you. 

"Sweetheart, Don't Disappear Like That," Sheba frowns, squeezing you. 

"I'm sorry, Sheba. I saw the kittens," you reply, looking down at the pen again. You spot the white kitten again, staring right back at you too. Sheba sighs, letting you go and hooking your arms together again. 

"They Are Quite Cute," Sheba admits, looking down at them himself. "Did One Catch Your Eye?" 

"Yeah, but I couldn't take it in," you reply, sticking your finger in to scratch the kitten's head again. 

"Why Not?" Sheba asks, looking over the kitten himself. 

"Uh.. There's no pets allowed in the apartment," you excuse, glancing away from him. Sheba hums, remaining silent for a few minutes. 

You only look up when he shifts, seeing him slip a black device into his pocket again before waving over the attendant of the stand. Sheba talks to the nervous looking man for a bit, then you're holding the kitten you were previously scratching. You give the skeleton a bewildered look. 

"I Like Cats, To Be Honest," he grins, leading you away from the stand. "I Think She'll Be A Perfect Addition To The Family."

Chapter Text

Doll huffs, standing straight and leaning back on his heels with narrowed eye sockets. He rolls his bare shoulders to release some of the tension, a metal bat loosely gripped in his hand. He lets out a huff of air, nearly slamming the bat onto the table just a step away and rattling the other tools on top of it. 

Ignoring the bloody human tied to the chair in front of him, he picks up his phone and looks over it. 

Vig sure knows how to work wonders with those inventions of his, so much more convenient. 

His brother is on his way home with you, bringing the little friend you picked out at that market. Though this was sent half an hour ago, he must have been too into his work to hear his phone go off. Dammit. Doll lets out another breath from his nose, grumbling to himself for a minute before shoving the device into his pocket and heading for the doors. His gaze snaps to one of his boys waiting just outside, unamused glare still in place. 

"try to get some fuckin' answers out of that damn rat," he growls, nearly crushing the doorknob in his grip. "i'm getting sick of looking at the fucker." 

"Yes, Boss," Sam nods, Doll just grunting as he heads for the showers. He rinses off the sweat and blood that got on himself, grimacing at it all in disgust. 

Damn idiot gives them such trouble then dares to be even more of a nuisance down in the basement. This dimwit is even more of a fucking annoyance than your little "friend's" pathetic waste of space it called at boyfriend. The absolute fucker. 

Doll lets out an annoyed breath, shutting his eye sockets to let the water wash over his face. 

At least he doesn't have to try to get anything else out of the damn human himself. He can leave that to his goons, and go upstairs to see you again instead. A much better use of his time, in his opinion. Keep your attention on him instead of wondering elsewhere. 

Though Sheba did say you ran into Sniper and Strike while out, and he doesn't like that. Plus he added that you met them after you wandered away from Sheba, which is more than a little irritating. He needs to figure out some way to keep you from doing that in the future, but he's not sure how to word it to keep you from freaking out. Can't have the little mouse running away after all.... 

He trades the comfy and easy to move in sweatpants for his usual getup once done with his shower, making sure not a hint of what he was doing is left behind. Then heads for the stairs that'll lead him back up to the club, then to the apartment above it. 

It's already bad enough that he can't keep a constant eye socket on you, but he can't make you feel too suffocated. It'd drive you away after all and he doesn't want that. No, no. Can't have you running away now...... 

You and his brother are already home, you looking over instructions for the cat tree Sheba's apparently having John put together while he works on fitting a bunch of cat stuff into the living room. You have the fluffiest cat he's ever seen laying across your lap and batting at your fingers in an attempt to chew on them, you hardly seem bothered by it as you read. 

You look over when he shuts the door behind himself though, grinning lightly. He heads towards you, leaning against the back of the couch to get a better look at the white fluff ball. 

"well, isn't that just an adorable sight," he chuckles, his eye lights trailing back up to you. Your grin widens a bit more, looking back at the cat and poking its stomach. The cat immediately retaliates against the attack. "any idea of what you're gonna call it, sweetheart?" 

"I was thinking Duchess," you reply softly, looking back at him. He hums, nodding. 

"that's pretty," he agrees, coming around to sit beside you. He shares a quick look with Sheba, who just grins. His eye lights slip down to the kitten again, the purest blue eyes he's ever seen gazing back up at him curiously. 

They never really had any thought of getting an animal before, no real care for it. But... if it makes you happy and gets you sticking around longer, then why not? 

"I Think It's A Wonderful Name. Fitting, Don't You Agree Johnny?" Sheba chuckles, glancing over the thug. 

"Yeah, Boss," John replies, still mostly focused on twisting a screw into place for the tower. "It's great." 

"duchess it is then," Doll chuckles, gazing over you again. You hand the instructions over to John when he politely asks for them. 

Doll watches you turn your attention to the kitten and play with her, wiggling your fingers and scratching her stomach before yanking your hand away before she can bite it. Or letting her attack one hand before surprising her with the other. His smile widens more at the sight, eye sockets lidding in amusement. 

You're cute, he admits. Cuter than that little kitten on your lap, for sure. It is amusing to watch you play with the little thing though. 

Doll leans back into the couch, reaching an arm over the back. The tips of his fingers graze over the back of your neck and a bit over your spine, making you glance over at him again. He gives you a soft smile, you returning it and shifting to lean into his side. Doll lets out a breath, eyes lidding ever so slightly. 

You giggle as a rumble comes from his chest, shifting the kitten onto her back in your lap. Duchess practically goes limp as you do so, more interested in trying to chew your fingers than what you're doing. 

"Oh, Sweetheart, Before I Forget," Sheba grins, heading over to the pile of bags Doll just notices is grouped up on the table. You look over both your and Doll's shoulder in curiosity, and a bit of confusion. "I Have Something For You Here.... Aha! Found It!" 

Sheba walks back over and hands you a small brown paper bag. You take it, Doll and the kitten looking at it curiously. You open it up and your eyes widen a bit, pulling out a bracelet that Sheba told Doll you were eyeing back at the market. There's actually quite a few pieces of jewelry you were looking at back at the market in the bag, even the little stuffed toy from one of the booths you adored. You hadn't even seen him pick any of these up, Doll's guessing based on the look on your face. 

"oh, nice," Doll nods, looking over one of the little shiny pieces of jewelry. Definitely low quality for their tastes, but it looks pretty enough. He'll have to buy you some actually nice jewelry though. If he's going to keep you on his hip, then you need to look the part. 

On that note, he should probably get you some new clothes too... Hmmm. 

"I Saw You Looking At These," Sheba mentions, motioning to the bag with one hand while the other rests on his hip. "So I Picked Up The Ones You Really Seemed To Like." 

"Aw. Thank you, Sheba, but you really didn't need to!" You sputter, looking over the many little trinkets. "Are... are you sure?" 

"About What? Giving Them To You? Don't Be Silly, Dear, Of Course I Am," Sheba chuckles, mussing up your hair as he walks by with an arm full of more cat things. 

"don't worry, sweetheart," Doll chuckles, running a hand through your messed up hair before you could even try to fix it yourself. "money isn't an issue for us. so we can spoil you like the princess you are." 

He leans forward just enough to press his teeth to your head, nuzzling just a bit. Your cheeks darken considerably, you tilting your head down in an attempt to hide it. Doll chuckles, squeezing you tighter to himself. He leans forward just a bit more to whisper in your ear. 

"oh. i hope you're in for a little fun tonight too, babydoll," he purrs, low enough that his brother and the goon in the room don't hear him. Your face gets even darker, making Doll chuckle as he sits back again. 

You're always so shy at first. It's cute. Especially with how loud you actually can get. 

"It's done now, Boss," John speaks up, standing and backing away from the cat tree. 

"Good. You're Free To Go Then," Sheba says, waving the good off. John nods and heads out of the apartment, leaving the three of you alone again. "Well, I Think That Does It." 

Sheba stands back and glances around the living room, looking pretty proud of himself. Doll just hums, lazily looking around himself. 

"looks great," he nods, Sheba giving him a bit of an unamused look. You set the kitten down onto the floor so the little thing can go explore her environment. Which she does, trotting all over the room and looking into every nook and cranny she can get into. 

"You Didn't Even Look At Everything," Sheba scolds. Doll pulls you back into his side, getting you to comfortably snuggle up to his side. 

"sure i did," he shrugs, the other skeleton rolling his eye lights. 

"I'm Pretty Sure You Didn't," Sheba states plainly, heading towards the kitchen. 

"did too," Doll grins.

"You Didn't Even Get Up From The Couch!" Sheba argues.

"didn't need to. your work is always great." Doll doesn't even glance back at his brother, already knowing the reaction he's going to get.

"I! I Appreciate The Compliment, But Not Anything Else!" Exactly what he was expecting.

"okay," Doll replies. Sheba just lets out the loudest groan, making you giggle quietly. Doll winks at you, which makes you giggle more. 

Cute. 

Doll leans forward enough to catch your chin and tilt your head up, pressing your lips to his teeth and tangling your tongue with his. He ends the kiss with a nuzzle to the side of your head, drawing more adorable giggles from you. They actually pull a bit of a chuckle from him too. 

He really needs to make sure he can keep you. 

After a nice dinner with Sheba, which you insisted on helping with and Sheba was delighted by, Doll pulls you towards his bedroom with a grin. 

"Don't.. Don't you need to work in the club?" You ask hesitantly. 

"sheba can handle it tonight, sweetheart. don't worry your pretty little head," Doll assures, grinning easily. "we're not both always there." 

"You sure?" You ask, head tilted. 

"i'm sure," Doll replies, then cups the back of your head to bring you in for a deeper kiss. You reach up and wrap your arms around his neck, one hand slipping under his coat to scratch his spine in a way that he loves. He moans into the kiss, pulling away only a fraction. "ooh, baby. you don't know what you do to me." 

You blink up at him, looking confused and curious, but he doesn't explain it anymore. 

"let's get you out of those clothes already," Doll growls, doing just that as he guides you back towards the bed and gets comfortable for a long night ahead. 

Gamble touched what's his after all, so he needs to remind you why it's him you've been coming back to. Needs to get you under him and to hear your screams, particularly his name in them. For as long as you can too. Remind you that you're his . 

_____ 

"and what exactly is going on?" 

Blue smoke curls into the air, spilling out from between teeth and from the end of the cigar pinched between two fingers. It smells sweet, a sickening sweet that Sniper's all too familiar with and hates . Not like Guns cares for his comfort though, nor the comfort of any of the other skeletons besides his brother. The fucking asshole that he is. 

Can't say Sniper exactly cares for Guns' comfort either though. 

"EITHER DOLL OR SHEBA HAS PLACED SOME HUMAN WOMAN UNDER THEIR PROTECTION. BASED ON THE COLOR, I'M ASSUMING IT WAS DOLL," Sniper repeats, annoyed that he has to. "LUCKY AND STRIKE WERE AWARE OF THIS AS WELL." 

"really?" Guns asks, brow bone raised as he takes another puff from that stupid cigar. 

"YES," Sniper replies, impatient to get going and out of his stupid office already. Get away from the infuriating presence of the reason he's in this stupid universe already. 

"there a reason i'm just finding out about this now, then?" Guns asks, sounding more than a little annoyed. 

"I WOULDN'T HAVE A CLUE," Sniper huffs, eye sockets narrowed. "THAT'S SOMETHING YOU'D HAVE TO ASK THEM." 

"and this woman?" Guns asks, eyes narrowed slightly. 

"DIDN'T RECOGNIZE HER AS ANYONE OF IMPORTANCE," Sniper shrugs, maintaining eye contact. "HARDLY STOOD OUT IN ANY PARTICULAR WAY. NEITHER LUCKY OR STRIKE WOULD GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION THEY MAY HAVE HAD. SHEBA WASN'T UP FOR MUCH ANSWERING EITHER." 

Guns simply grunts, leaning onto his desk. 

"if you don't have any more information on this, then get out already." Guns waves the other skeleton off, making Sniper huff and narrow his eye sockets. But he does get up without another word and heads out of the room, happily at that. 

The less time he has to spend around that fucking bastard, the better. 

"what were you in there fer?" 

Sniper glances up from fixing his suit to look over at his brother, eye sockets still narrowed. Hit's smoking one of those disgusting cigars too, the red smoke curling just as much as Guns' did. 

"I JUST HAD TO INFORM HIM OF SOMETHING THE OTHERS HAD FAILED TO," Sniper replies, smoothing down his suit jacket. 

"an' what's that?" Hit asks, raising a brow bone. 

"THAT DOLL AND/OR SHEBA HAD TAKEN A HUMAN WOMAN UNDER THEIR PROTECTION, AND BY EXTENSION, OURS," Sniper huffs, shaking his skull. Hit actually looks pretty interested in that, humming with a bit of a smirk. 

"a human woman, huh? what she look like?" He asks, a bit of chuckle in his tone. Sniper sends him a look. 

"DON'T GET ANY IDEAS," he growls, sending a pointed look towards his brother. "THE LAST THING I NEED IS YOU GETTING INTO THE MESS AS WELL. KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS, SANS!" 

"no problem, bro," Hit sighs, kicking himself off the wall. He crushes his cigar into a nearby ashtray, leaning back on his heels. "by the way, ace's sending us on another run." 

"AGAIN?" Sniper groans, running a hand down his face. 

"seems humans don't know how to behave themselves very well," Hit shrugs, looking indifferent. But the hitch in his grin tells just how much this assignment annoys him. 

"WHO IS IT THIS TIME?" Sniper asks, heading for the basement door. 

"some political idiot's wife. ace wants it done as quietly as possible, and the remains sent back to the dumbass in a neat little package," Hit informs him. 

"LOVELY," Sniper huffs, voice devoid of emotion. Hit just grunts, rolling up his dress shirt's sleeves. 

It's going to be a long night.

Chapter Text

"leavin' already?" Doll whispers, nibbling the area between your neck and shoulder. 

"I've got to work," you reply, pausing in buttoning up your shirt to glance back at him through the mirror. Doll just hums, swaying with you slightly. His arms tighten for a moment, but then he loosens them again and straightens up. 

"are you going to come back here afterwards?" He asks, tilting your chin so you'll look at him properly. Your brows furrow a bit, kind of surprised he's asking. You'd think he and his brother would've been sick of you by now. 

"I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome," you chuckle, turning to face the skeleton fully. His grin slackens a bit, but just barely noticeably. You almost missed the change, as hard as it usually is to see on his face. 

"sweetheart, we said you could stay as long as you wanted. we meant it ," he states, leaning down to kiss you for a long moment. Leaving you a bit breathless and red faced. "you could never overstay your welcome." 

That brings more of a blush to your face, a warm feeling swirling in your chest at the sweet words. 

This skeleton is such a charmer. 

"Hmmm. If you're sure," you mumble, leaning into the skeleton a bit more. You'd hide your face in his chest if he wasn't holding it. He taps your chin, nuzzling your head. 

"i'm positive, darling. you could move in and you wouldn't hear me complaining," Doll chuckles, making you snort a bit even if your heart skips in your chest. It could never happen though, or you don't see it happening anyway.

You shake your head, looking up at him in amusement at the suggestion. As nice as it would be, you don't see him as the type for that kind of commitment. Nor would you think you'd be the one he'd do it with. There's probably someone much prettier and more confident, someone who'd actually fit at his side. 

"My mother wouldn't allow that," you reply, making the skeleton raise a brow bone. "I'm only allowed to move in with the man I marry." 

"hm. how old fashioned," Doll comments. You just shrug, pulling away from the skeleton and checking over your appearance one more time. 

"I better get going. I don't want to be late," you sigh, smoothing down your shirt. As much as you don't want to go, you need to if you have any hope for paying bills or getting any groceries this week. You know your mother could never afford to pay for both of those things, you need to make sure you both can eat and have a place to stay. 

Doll just sighs himself, patting your hip. You nearly ache for him to wrap you back up in his arms and just stay there for the entire day. 

"alright, sweetheart. i'll grab a driver for you," he says, nuzzling the back of your head again. "they can pick you up again after work if you'd like." 

You look up at him again, biting your lip. 

You really should probably go home. Your mother is going to be furious with you for spending the last two nights away from home after all that, especially considering where you've been staying, but you'd really prefer not having to deal with the fallout. Whatever comes from it and whatever she'll do. Waiting longer will make it worse though... 

"Okay. That'd be nice," you ultimately mumble despite your better judgment, making Doll grin. 

It's much nicer being here. You know you'll have to go home eventually but..... You'd rather live in the fantasy for a bit longer. It's so much more pleasant and comforting than your lonely little bed and screaming mother. 

"good. we'll have something nice planned for dinner tonight then," he says, then leans down to kiss you again. You giggle into the kiss, then shake your head when he pulls back again. 

That pleasantly warm feeling strengthens, but so does a bit of guilt. They always treat you so well, you don't feel like you really deserve such attention and doting. 

"You really don't need to keep doing all these fancy things for me," you tell him. Doll mocks a pout, threading his fingers through your hair. 

"i like to spoil my girls," he whispers, lightly scratching your scalp with the tips of his fingers. "and you're my doll ." 

"Am I?" You ask, tilting your head as much as his hand allows you to and blushing more. Doll hums, confirming this fact. His other hand comes up to rest against your throat, making your breath hitch, and taps his thumb against the pendant around your neck. 

"this confirms it, sweetheart." 

You hum, letting him nibble on your neck for a few more minutes. 

This skeleton will be the death of you, you swear. 

"I'm going to be late if I don't get going soon," you reluctantly remind, pulling back a bit. Doll sighs dramatically, but lets you go. 

"alright, sweetheart. let's get going, then," he relents, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and leading you out of the apartment. 

He waves you off as you get into the car, you watching as he heads back inside once the car pulls out. You slide back against the seat, running a finger over the pendant around your neck. 

His girl, huh? You.. don't think you've seen any other women with this necklace at the club. You have to wonder what he means by that, if that means he has other girls he's doing all this with or if it has some deeper meaning. You wonder again what this little thing you have going on is, but don't want to get your hopes up. 

Hmm. You guess you wouldn't be surprised if it was nothing, or if he has more girls. 

_____ 

"The girl Dolly's playing with? Yeah, I know about her," Gamble grins, leaning back into his couch. Vig sends him a look over what he's working on, eye sockets narrowed. 

Guess someone ratted Doll and Sheba out. He has to wonder who it was and who else has met you, or how much they got acquainted with you. 

" and you didn't inform my brother or me because? " Guns asks, sounding incredibly unamused even through the phone. 

Gamble can guess the reasoning of that. Guns and Ace are such worrywarts, or really more control freaks. They seemingly have to know everything going on in all of their lives, especially who they're talking with. Makes so many things hard, but they all know how to sneak around. 

There's no need for the two to know certain things . But as for Doll and Sheba's pretty little bedwarmer.... 

"Because there really isn't much to say about her," Gamble replies, a bit of a chuckle in his voice. "She's not anyone of importance or intrigue. She's living in one of those overpriced, rundown apartment buildings with her mother and works as a waitress at some shitty restaurant. I'd say the only thing interesting about her is how much of a good lay she is, or the fact that she doesn't seem at all bothered by Monsters." 

Gamble ignores Vig's scoff, the other skeleton going back to working on his project for the most part. Gamble knows he's still listening in though, his interest has been caught by this little bit of gossip. 

" she was still put under our family's protection, which is something we'd like to have known about , " Guns growls, still sounding very annoyed. " does she know anything? " 

Honestly, you were put under Doll's protection specifically, not the whole mafia. Though he guesses humans wouldn't be able to pick up on the little details, nor would regular citizens not familiar with the mafia. 

"Nope. As far as she knows, Doll and Sheba only run the club. She doesn't know anything about the family," Gamble replies, tapping his foot in the air. 

" good. are you aware of how long this has been going on for? " Guns then asks, making the other skeleton hum for a moment. 

"A couple months," Gamble replies, tapping his chin. "She didn't say how many though." 

" hmm. " Guns doesn't seem impressed. 

"As far as I could tell, she's an innocent. Not into any shady business or anything like that," Gamble informs him, waving a hand even if the other skeleton couldn't see it. "Sweet little thing, really. I couldn't dig up anything on her, not even a criminal record. Squeaky clean." 

Surprisingly enough. You're as innocent as they come, which is a bit of a shame considering what you're being unwittingly dragged into. That innocence isn't likely to last. 

" good to know, " Guns grunts. Gamble can imagine him smoking one of those cigars or fiddling with a pen. " what's this girl's name? " 

Gamble gives it to the other skeleton, only receiving another grunt in response. 

" if you find out anything else, tell me, " Guns demands, then hangs up. Gamble huffs, shaking his head a bit, then sets his phone aside. Gamble leans his head back, closing his eye sockets and letting out a breath. 

"Aw, Sweetheart. You don't know what you've gotten yourself into," he chuckles, grin hitching up a bit. "Poor thing." 

"AND HOW DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH OF A "GOOD LAY" THIS GIRL IS?" Vig asks, straightening his spine and wiping his hands off on a rag. "WHEN DID YOU EVEN MEET THIS GIRL?" 

"I met her a while back. Ran into her while she was leaving Doll's place with him," Gamble waves off, still grinning. "Got to bed her during that meeting." 

" THAT'S WHAT YOU RAN OFF FOR?" Vig huffs, shaking his head. 

"What? You had it covered," Gamble waves off, tapping his foot again. "It was completely worth it. You should try her out sometime, you'll get what I mean then." 

"I'D HOPE IT'D BE WORTH IT, CONSIDERING THE TROUBLE YOU COULD'VE CAUSED US," Vig glares, completely ignoring the last part of what was said. Gamble just laughs, more than amused. 

"Come on, Vig. I doubt Doll or Sheba were all that bothered," Gamble snorts, Vig only raising a brow bone. 

"YOU DID IT JUST TO BOTHER THEM, DIDN'T YOU?" 

"Of course." 

"YOU NEED TO STOP PICKING FIGHTS. IF DOLL OR SHEBA, OR THE LADY, TRY TO PUNCH YOU, I'M NOT SAVING YOU. YOU'LL DESERVE IT," Vig states plainly, far more unamused than Gamble thinks he should be. Gamble just grins wider, chuckling. 

"Fuck, I'd take it if it meant I could get the girly into my bed." 

Vig throws something at his brother, making the other skeleton curse and throw it back. The grin never leaves Gamble's face though. 

_____ 

"It Seems We May Have A Problem," Sheba announces, leaning over the back of the couch where Doll's sitting. He looks over his shoulder with a furrowed, and annoyed, brow. 

"and what's that?" Doll asks, tapping a finger against the book he was reading. 

"Guns And Ace Want To Meet Our Little Sweetheart," Sheba sighs, his leg bouncing. Doll curses, turning to face the other skeleton. 

"how'd they even find out about her?" Doll growls, glancing towards the phone in Sheba's hand. 

"Likely From One Of The Others That Have Met Her," Sheba states, raising a brow bone at his brother. "You Didn't Think They'd Keep Their Mouths Shut Forever, Did You? Especially If It Meant They Could Possibly Screw Us Over." 

Doll just growls again, tossing his book aside. 

"what do they want with her?" Doll then asks. 

"As Far As Ace Has Told Me, They Just Want To Meet Her. Introduce Her To "The Family" As He Put It," Sheba grunts, looking more than a bit annoyed. 

"family my fucking ass." Doll rolls his eye lights, leaning back into the arm of the couch. 

"Well, I Doubt We're Getting Out Of It. Ace Sounded Pretty Annoyed," Sheba sighs, leaning his chin in his hand. "He Offered Whatever Day Works For Our Girl Though. They'll Rearrange Schedules For It." 

"damn, so we really don't have a choice," Doll sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Sheba shakes his head, Doll just groaning. "great." 

"We'll Have To Talk To Her About It Once She Gets Back. Ace Wants An Answer As Soon As Possible," Sheba states, standing straight again. Doll looks over at him with narrowed eyes. 

"alright." 

It takes a while longer before you're entering through the front door again, your coat over your arm. Both of the brothers greet you, Doll from his position on the couch and Sheba from the kitchen. You smile and return the greeting, hanging up your coat and joining Doll on the couch when he beckons to you. He spends a moment rendering you breathless, grinning at the flushed results of your cheeks. 

"we've got something to ask you, sweetheart," Doll then sighs, tugging you a bit closer to his chest. 

"Yeah?" You ask, resting your head on his shoulder. 

"yeah." Doll glances to the side, resting his chin delicately on his fingers. He brings his eye lights back to you after a moment of thinking, gazing at your adorably curious expression. "family wants to meet you." 

"Huh?" You ask, blinking. 

"Those Cousins We Told You About, They Want To Meet You," Sheba sighs, glancing over his shoulder from the kitchen. He looks unamused though, probably as much as Doll is. "Whatever Day Works Best For You Though, Darling." 

"... Really?" You ask, fiddling with your shirt. Doll captures your chin and tilts your head up so you'll look at him again. 

"yeah, unfortunately," he says, pressing his teeth to your forehead. 

"Why do they want to meet me, though?" You ask, brows still scrunched. 

"they're nosy bastards. they'll come here if we don't go to this meeting," Doll sighs, shaking his skull. "telling 'em no isn't going to work." 

"Oh.. Do.. Do you think it's a good idea?" You ask, actually looking a bit nervous. Doll moves to run his fingers through your hair then up and down your bicep. 

"nothing's gonna happen to you if that's what you're worried about. the family's a bunch of bastards, but they wouldn't do anything to a pretty lady like you," Doll assures, grinning easily. "and sheba and i'll be there with you the whole time. you've got nothing to worry about, sweetheart." 

"Hmmm. Okay," you nod, relaxing into him a bit more. Your hand comes up to delicately mess with the chain around his body, seemingly a mindless action. "When'd they want to meet?" 

"said whatever day works best for you," Doll reminds, going back to threading his phalanges through your hair. You hum, thinking about it for a long few moments. 

"I suppose.... this weekend or the next?" You offer, looking up at the skeleton. "That's when I have off from work." 

Doll grunts, nodding absently. 

Right, your work ..... He'll have to figure out some way to get you to quit that useless place eventually. He can cover your expenses easily enough and it'll give you both more time together. It's something he'll have to think more about later though, one thing at a time after all. 

"alright. we'll set that up," Doll nods, glancing back at Sheba to see he's already messaging Ace on his phone. 

They're both not looking forward to this little meetup. They'll have to get you some nice clothes and jewels to wear, likely to a dinner if Ace is planning this whole thing. But they're not looking forward to the grilling and pettiness that's going to come from everyone getting together. A bunch of skeletons who can barely stand each other in one house is not going to be fun. Nor the fact that more than a few are going to be poking at you to get to them. 

It's going to be hell, he can already see it.

Chapter Text

"Do I look okay?" You ask, nervously fiddling with the nice fur coat Doll had bought you. 

You honestly think it was too much, all of it really. The nice, tight, deep purple velvety dress and white fur coat, the new heels and shiny jewelry. Doll and Sheba had taken you out shopping a few days before to get something nice to wear during the dinner apparently. This whole outfit costs more than you'd make in an entire year. You almost feel guilty for even daring to wear such luxurious things... 

The guilt isn't helped by the other guilt piling up. You still haven't gone home for the entire week, hiding out at the club with Doll. Your mother must be so worried while you're here getting expensive gifts and eating such nice food. You wonder if she's eaten well this week, considering you've mostly cooked both of your meals. You wonder if she's been taking care of herself. You wonder if- 

"you look amazing," Doll assures, nipping at your chin. Sheba sends him a look for that, a warning not to mess up the makeup he just applied. Doll's hands smooth over your hips, which the dress hugs perfectly. "absolutely beautiful." 

"I Agree," Sheba grins, taking your hand and placing his teeth against your fingers. "You Look As Lovely As The Night Sky." 

"... Thank you," you reply, a blush staining your cheeks. Sheba and Doll both chuckle, Doll moving to wrap an arm around your shoulders. Sheba drops your hand, standing straight again. 

"We Should Get Going Now," Sheba sighs, looking at the time. He grimaces, then schools his face into something more neutral again. "We Wouldn't Want To Be Late." 

Doll huffs, but nods. Sheba leads the way out to the car, you and Doll following along. You're mostly silent on the drive, trying to calm your nerves and cuddled into Doll's side. His hand absentmindedly rubbed up and down your hip the entire way, the skeleton himself vacantly staring out the window. But even if he didn't mean to, the action helped a lot more than you're willing to admit. It was soothing to say the least. 

The home you pull up to makes your eyes widen into saucers, mouth agape. It pulls a chuckle from both the skeletons, Sheba offering a hand to help you out of the car. 

"big place, isn't it?" Doll grins, watching you take the place in. 

You figured Doll and Sheba had to be wealthy, but you didn't think their cousins would own a mansion . The home is huge , and so is what you can see of the lot. There's a circle driveway, a fountain in the middle of the circle on a plot of grass. The front doors are doubled, and incredibly ornate looking. The windows are big and pretty looking. 

They're.... apparently more wealthy than you thought. Intimidatingly so. 

"We All Have A Share In The House," Sheba tells you, shrugging a shoulder. He places a hand on his hip, head tilting to the side as he scrutinizes the place. "All Of Us Have A Room Here, But None Of Us Like To Stay. Well, Most Of Us Don't. We Have Places Of Our Own." 

"... Why not?" You ask, looking over at him. 

You don't know if you'd like to live in such a big house, honestly. You imagine it'd get... lonely. All that space and so quiet. You like more compact places, and honestly the shoebox of an apartment you already have gets lonely enough as it is. Plus, you couldn't imagine cleaning this place or the cost of it. 

"we don't all get along very well," Doll sighs, shaking his head. "too many big and volatile personalities living under one roof is bound to cause havoc. best just to live separately, keeps everyone happy." 

"Oh," you blink, supposing that makes enough sense. But you don't get why they'd keep the mansion then. But what do you know about the one percent anyway? 

"Let's Go In Before You Get Cold, Darling," Sheba says, looking back at you from one of the windows. He already looks a bit annoyed and exasperated, and you haven't even stepped a foot into the house yet. 

Doll guides you up the steps and into the mansion, Sheba holding the door open for you. You already feel small in such a large entry way, out of place and even a bit unwelcomed. Like you shouldn't be there, or gracing such a beautiful and expensive place with your little ugly self. 

You keep close to Doll's side, glancing around warily. Though your eyes are drawn to the skeleton walking towards the three of you. 

He's tall, you think Sheba's height. He wears a nice looking suit, an orange shirt and white coat over it. His black tie is neatly done, brown suit pants and gloves looking impeccably clean. His skull looks clean too, you don't see a mark on it and his teeth are pulled into a pleasant grin. 

He stops right in front of the three of you, Doll's grip on you becoming just slightly tighter. 

"HELLO. SO GLAD YOU COULD MAKE IT," he says, nodding slightly. He addressed all three of you, but you feel like his sight was solely on you. Something you feel a bit more certain about when he holds a hand out to you. "MY NAME IS PAPYRUS. IT'S NICE TO FINALLY MEET YOU." 

You timidly give him your name, taking his hand. He gives you a firm shake, smile just a bit wider. 

"COME ON. EVERYONE ELSE IS ALREADY IN THE DINING ROOM," he beckons, turning sharply around. You glance up at Doll, who was glaring but gives you a grin once he felt your eyes on him. 

"we call him ace," he whispers to you, squeezing you a bit. 

"Really?" You ask, confused. Doll nods with a hum, grinning slightly wider at the annoyed look Papyrus sends him. 

It's a bit of a walk to the dining room, the sound of your shoes muffled by the carpet lining the halls. You don't get much of a look around the place, it's all so sectioned off. Closed doors and winding, confusing halls. 

"HERE WE ARE," Papyrus announces, throwing open some double doors and walking inside. The chatter immediately cuts off and a whole lot more eye sockets turn to you than you were expecting. You shrink a bit more into Doll's side, looking over everything with wide eyes. 

There's... you can count at least nine other skeletons seated at the table currently. All of whom are gazing over your form. You recognize four of them at least, which helps a bit. You didn't know that Plantin and his brother were related to Doll and Sheba though. 

Charlesworth is there too, leaning back in his seat and gazing at you with a critical eye. The completely unfamiliar skeleton sitting next to him however, is leering. 

"PLEASE, HAVE A SEAT," Papyrus offers, going to sit down at the head of the table. 

The three of you do sit, Doll and Sheba on either side of you. Your eyes connect with Plantin's a few seats down, and you smile and send a wave his way. He grins and gives you a lazy wave back, leaning back in his chair. 

"WELL? INTRODUCE YOURSELVES," Papyrus huffs, gazing around at the other skeletons like they're children. He gets a few annoyed looks for it, but they do introduce themselves. 

Sans sits next to Papyrus on the right side. He grins at you easily, relaxed and friendly. He's not as dressed up as Papyrus is, lacking a coat and showing off a pair of blue suspenders. His white eye lights don't seem as relaxed as his posture or grin would suggest. 

Lucky, Plantin's brother, sits next to Sans. He's in his usual get up. A white suit shirt with the first few buttons undone and sleeves rolled up. He still wears that star choker as well, easily relaxed and as friendly as he was at the bar. You don't know why it didn't connect that his name was Lucky. 

Plantin sits next to him, but you already knew him. His nickname is apparently Strike though, as Doll informs you. He's wearing what he usually does as well. A slightly rumpled suit shirt with suspenders hanging around his hips. A tie neatly done around his neck. The only other friendly face you're even slightly comfortable with at the table. 

Charlesworth sits on the other side of Papyrus, still with that scrutinizing sneer on his face. His sharp teeth pulled down and looking rather bored. He's wearing a suit again, still in that pretty red color. Just as done up and proper as Papyrus is. Just a lot more monotone. Red jacket, black slacks, black tie, and white shirt. 

Roffe, nicknamed Hit and Charlesworth's brother apparently, sits next to him. You can definitely see the resemblance, in the red eye lights and sharp teeth. Even if one of Roffe's is gold. He has gold rings too, quite a few of them on his fingers. He's done up quite a bit too. His red suit shirt, black slacks, and black tie. He's still leering, looking you up and down. His skull is cracked, specifically going up from the gold tooth to the top of his skull and straight through his eye socket. There's a few more nicks and divots in his skull, but you can't make them out as well as the one from his tooth. 

Aldus seemingly reluctantly sits by him, looking completely unimpressed and unhappy about the arrangement. He's got his arms crossed, but he's eyeing you himself. His gaze scrutinizing and unimpressed. His sharp teeth are pulled into a sneer. His purple eye lights are sharp, just as much as his teeth are. His suit is as crisp as well, black jacket hanging on his shoulders instead of completely on and connected by a silver chain. He wears a purple suit shirt underneath and black slacks. He definitely holds an air of richness about him, as intimidating as the house. 

Rotis, or Clip as Doll tells you, sits right beside him, slightly slouched in the seat. He looks pretty bored and uninterested in the whole ordeal, his eye sockets lidded and mouth turned down. He eyes you lazily from across the table, but you can't really make out what he could be feeling. You get the sense that he and Aldus are closely related from the similar features and dress they have. Even if Rotis' is a bit more messy and lazy than Aldus wears. He has a gold tooth too, almost exactly like Roffe's. 

Gamble actually sits next to him, leaning on the table. He sends you a grin and a wink, completely at ease apparently. Even when the skeleton next to him flicks him on the head. He looks absolutely unchanged from when you last saw him. 

Vig is who sits next to him. He has mirror cracks in his skull to Gamble, one going up from his eye and one going down from the other. He also has a few nicks here and there like Gamble. He's dressed formally as well, a black coat with a white button down and black slacks. You think the coat is a bit longer than a suit coat, actually bunching up on the seat of his chair. He's got an unnervingly serious look on his face, a seemingly almost permanent frown. 

A surprising, and a bit unnerving bunch. 

"we're glad you could join us tonight," Sans speaks up, directed at you. He grins easily, leaning on the table. "we appreciate you making time." 

"Of course. It's nice to meet you all," you reply politely, a small smile on your face. 

"same to you," Sans nods. "it's not often doll or sheba keep a datemate for long, so this is a pleasant surprise." 

You glance at the said skeletons, both of whom look more than a little unamused and annoyed. 

You're.... not sure what Sans means by that. You... don't think you're dating either of the skeletons, or you've never talked about it. Neither are denying the claim though and you feel a bit too awkward to do so yourself to... their entire family here. So you just.... smile, unsure of what to say to that. 

"ROMAN AND COURIER WILL BE COMING OUT WITH DINNER IN JUST A MOMENT, AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO MEET THEM AS WELL," Ace mentions, making you blink at him in surprise. There's more ? "THEY BASICALLY FORBID ANYONE ELSE ENTERING THE KITCHEN WHILE THEY COOK. THEY'RE VERY... PARTICULAR ABOUT HOW THINGS ARE DONE." 

Ace looks a bit exasperated, and amused with those words. 

"courier, or button as we call him, is that chef i told you about," Doll whispers, grinning a bit. You smile back at him. 

"The best one in the whole city?" You ask, just as quiet. 

"the very one," Doll nods, a bit of a chuckle in his tone. 

You glance over as someone comes out of a door you hadn't noticed before. Your eyes widen a bit at the sheer size of them, towering over basically everyone else. Both carrying platters of food with them, or pushing a trolley with food and drinks squeezed onto every available spot. 

The first is thin and willowy, the tallest of probably all the skeletons here. Courier, or Button, apparently. He's dressed up as much as everyone else, a suit shirt and nice slacks. He's also sporting suspenders and a slightly loosened tie around his neck. He's more focused on getting the food and drinks on the table than you or anyone here, thankfully. His eye sockets are sunken, a few cracks on his skull around his teeth. There's also a.... hole in the side of his head, cracks webbing out from it. 

The other, Roman or Pass as Doll calls him, is wider than he is tall, though still taller than the rest of the skeletons by the look of it. He's done up neatly too, but much more like the other tall skeleton. He lacks a tie though, the first few buttons of his shirt undone and the sleeves rolled up. He's got a grumpy frown on his cracked skull, the crack mirroring the other skeleton's. Like something small pierced his skull and it cracked like old fragile porcelain dolls. There's quite a few scars on his arms too, exposed by his rolled up sleeves. 

You've schooled your expression by the time the two look up, meeting your figure. They look entirely unimpressed, but friendly enough. They introduce themselves while sitting down on the other side of Sheba, you returning the introductions with a small smile. 

"WELL, NOW THAT WE'RE ALL HERE AND THE FOOD'S BEEN SERVED, WE CAN DIG IN," Ace announces, bringing everyone's eyes to him. He then looks at you, says your name with a friendly and welcoming grin and tone. "WE'RE ALL EXCITED TO GET TO KNOW YOU AND HOPE YOU'LL STICK AROUND FOR A WHILE."

Chapter Text

Capo doesn't find you as anything interesting, not really. It's obvious that you're from a poor class, despite the jewels and fancy clothes you're draped in. It's obvious in the way you walk too, unsure of your steps and shoulders hunched. The way you basically hide in Doll's side and turn to him for everything. You're not as pretty as the people that usually flock to any of them either, rather plain and simple. You carry that too. 

You're not confident. You don't seem to have any pride, nor do you possess any power. It's all very clear. You're not going to offer them any sort of advantage, he can tell that from a glance. You dressing up in designer clothes and dripping jewels isn't going to hide that fact, the way you carry yourself speaks more than your dress does. 

So why they're entertaining you at their house, he doesn't know. It all a bit.... irritating. 

You're nice, he'll say. You don't seem to be having any problem with being surrounded by skeleton monsters. But nice isn't saying much. Anyone can be nice, on the surface or below. But nice isn't going to offer or do anything for them. So he doesn't see any use for you being here. 

Too bad he's not in charge. 

"SO, I DO HOPE TO HEAR THINGS ARE GOING WELL FOR THE THREE OF YOU," Ace speaks up, glancing down the table at the three in question. 

"yup, things are going great," Doll replies, grin tense. He taps the fork in his hand on the plate ever so slightly. You just smile, a bit awkwardly. 

"THAT'S GOOD," Ace nods. 

Capo's bored of all the questions that Ace and Guns are throwing at the three of you. He doesn't get what the two are trying to do, or get out of the three of you. He doubts there's much to get out, knowing those two.

"WHERE'S YOUR FAMILY FROM, MAY I ASK?" Ace asks, taking a sip from the wine in his glass. 

"From?" You repeat, brows furrowing. "We're from the area, if that's what you're asking." 

Ace nods, looking interested. Though that information hardly a surprise. 

"would we know anyone from your family?" Guns asks, making you blink. 

"I wouldn't think so," you reply, a little bit of confusion in your voice. You probably haven't gotten so many questions about your family before, which is understandable considering they know you don't come from any important lineage. 

"your name just sounded familiar, that's all," Guns shrugs, making you look even more confused. 

"Oh, well I wouldn't know why," you shrug, a bit of a laugh in your tone. "I don't have anyone famous in my family. I don't think anyway." 

"your grandpa was a painter, wasn't he?" Doll asks. 

"Yeah, he was," you nod, looking at him a bit surprised. Capo doesn't get why, nor does he really care. "He sold a few paintings, but he wasn't famous or anything. I think those were just commissioned pieces." 

"A PAINTER, HUH? IS THAT WHAT HE DID PROFESSIONALLY?" Ace asks, sounding curious. "I HEARD IT'S HARD TO MAKE IT IN THE ART WORLD." 

"Oh, no. He wasn't a professional artist. He was a carpenter by trade, painting was just his hobby," you reply, shaking your head. You have a fond smile on your face though, apparently not minding talking about your grandpa. "He spent more time on art once he retired, but he never wanted to make it his job. He always said there'd be no passion in it for him if he did." 

"huh, interesting. your grandma was fine with that?" Strike asks, sounding more interested that Capo would think he'd be. Clip looks more invested than Capo was expecting too though, and he's not happy with that. Clip does not need to be getting involved with this.

"My grandma loved it. I think my grandma was what my grandpa painted the most though," you chuckle, smile just a bit wider. "He called her his muse. Their house was almost filled with the most beautiful paintings of her. She thought they were better than pictures." 

"that sounds very nice," Guns nods, humming a bit. "and your parents?" 

"..... I'm afraid they're hardly interesting," you chuckle, sitting up straighter. That laugh was fake and you suddenly look very uncomfortable. "My father went into the carpenter business as well and my mother stayed at home." 

Guns nods and moves on from that topic, but their interest is peaked. You have no problem talking about your grandparents, but your parents make you uncomfortable. You're hiding something about them, or there's something concerning them you don't want to talk about. 

You don't seem to really want to talk about yourself either, interestingly enough. Uncomfortable talking about your parents and yourself. Could be something to look into. Then again, it's likely to be nothing as well. You're not the mobster type, you don't seem to have the stomach for it. Your face is far to easily readable and you're way too open about a lot of things. 

Capo doesn't know if Guns and Ace have figured out what the wanted from this little dinner party, but Capo can say he's still not very interested in you. 

_____ 

You're an interesting little thing, Lucky thinks. An artist, which is so interesting! His brother likes to write, though mostly reads and does anything he can besides working on his book half the time, but a writer non-the-less! Maybe you two could collaborate some time. He hasn't seen your work before, but he's sure you and Strike could come up with something brilliant. 

Too bad Doll and Sheba got to you first. He thinks you'd be a lovely addition. 

He figures you could use a bit more of a confidence boost though, to really bring out your full potential. Something he assumes Doll and Sheba both are already working on, if he had to guess. Though if they're just trying through fancy clothes and jewels, they're going about it the wrong way. A nice start, but a bit more effort needs to be put in. 

"YOU LOOK LOVELY TONIGHT," Lucky grins, standing in front of you with Strike. 

Sheba is at your side, Doll having been.... requested to talk privately with Guns and Ace. 

"Thank you," you blush, smoothing down the front of your dress. Cute little blush you've got, Strike seems to think so too by the look on his face. 

"IT'S BEEN A BIT SINCE YOU CAME IN WITH YOUR FRIEND," Lucky mentions, eyeing Sheba's expression. It doesn't change from the pleasant grin he has it set to. 

"She's Been Staying With My Brother And I For The Past Week," he answers for you, arm around you tightening just a bit. You don't seem to mind it.

"REALLY?" Lucky asks, grin as pleasant and warm as Sheba's is. Which is to say that it isn't. 

"Yeah. Just...." You glance away, fingers twisting together anxiously. Your grin is just as anxious and uncomfortable, interestingly enough. "Just wanted to." 

He wonders why you're so uncomfortable with those words, which was obviously a lie. There's more to it than you just deciding to spend the week with your datemates. 

"WELL, I SURE HOPE THE TWO HAVE BEEN DECENT HOSTS AND BEHAVED THEMSELVES," Lucky grins, getting narrowed eye sockets from Sheba. He doesn't look towards the other skeleton at all, eye lights completely on you. The easy, warm grin is back on your face. 

"Yes, they've been lovely," you nod. 

"GOOD. IF THEY GIVE YOU ANY TROUBLE, JUST TELL ME. I'LL KICK 'EM STRAIGHT FOR YOU," Lucky winks, getting an even more annoyed look from Sheba. But also a little huff of amusement from you. 

"Like We Need You Meddling," he nearly growls, rolling his eye lights. 

"A BIT OF HEALTHY COMPETITION IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE," Lucky simply responds, smiling easily. Sheba just glares, Lucky's grin turning a bit more towards the malicious side. At least until Strike elbows him anyway. "EITHER WAY, IT'S NICE TO SEE YOU OUTSIDE OF WORK. HOW IS YOUR FRIEND DOING?"

Your smile is a bit softer, maybe a little tired, but you happily tell them your friend is doing well. He already had an idea, the Monster she went home with the other night is still talking to her after all. But your fondness for the blonde woman is adorable, he thinks. You obviously like to talk about her, and Lucky finds he likes listening to you talk.

Regardless of Doll and Sheba's claim, he thinks he'd like to get you over in his territory more often.

_____

Gamble is easily able to ignore the death glares sent his way, knowing well that Doll and Sheba can't do anything in the manor. Sure they may want to kill him, but they can't. He knows that, they know that, everyone in the house does. If they retaliate against him, Guns and Ace will step in and no one wants that.

They'll be punished harshly.

That threat is the thin string holding this whole group together. No one gets along with each other, shaky alliances held together with fraying rope and blades of grass. None of them are used to being the Big Boss, but they're used to these roles and rules enough. No one wants to be the one to snap the string.

They all, mostly, have a common goal. It's better to pretend to get along for now, even if everyone's real alliances are only to their own kin. It'll be easier that way after all.

The two may want to take a swing at him later, but he doubts they'll actually do anything. It's a well known fact that the two are the weakest of all the skeletons here. More often than not, they have others doing their dirty work for them. They rarely get their own hands dirty.

Gamble can't say the same.

So that's why he has no problems stepping on their toes. Or more accurately, messing with them through you. You're a cute little thing, your little blush is adorable. He likes seeing your reactions and cute little smile. He has to say he has a bit of a thing for Humans, much like Doll and Sheba. Human bodies are squishy and are very close in makeup to his own body. It's fascinating.

Though he's found that he hasn't been as interested in other Humans as much since he met you. Got you under him. Especially in regards to getting them in his bed. He'd like to try you on again, maybe bring you back to his home so there's less of a time limit.

He doubts Doll or Sheba have changed your relationship, they hardly like to settle down. They may have a claim on you, but you don't know what that means. Obviously by the way you look when anyone calls the two your datemates.

Doll and Sheba are going to learn that they're not going to be able to have their cake and eat it for long. Lucky's gotten interested, Gamble's interested, and he can tell Hit's eyeing you too. Guns and Ace themselves are interested, but they're often more busy than the others. Plus, their interest is mainly in your relationship to Doll and Sheba, not you yourself. But still if Doll and Sheba are going to want to keep you, they're going to have to commit to it. Or someone else is going to snatch you up.

"I DO HOPE YOU'RE NOT PLANNING ANYTHING STUPID," Vig states, looking at Gamble with narrowed eyes.

"Of course not," Gamble grins easily, leaning against the wall. He doesn't take his eyes off of you though, watching the way you laugh at something Strike said. The other skeleton grins, obviously satisfied.

"I DON'T SEE WHAT'S SO INTERESTING ABOUT THAT HUMAN," Vig sighs, fixing the cuffs of his coat. Gamble raises a brow bone. "I DON'T. WHY ARE YOU SO INTERESTED IN HER?"

"I saw you watching her," Gamble replies, shaking a finger at his brother. "Don't pretend."

"I'M NOT," Vig huffs, shaking his head. "I HARDLY SEE ANYTHING INTERESTING."

"Lies. Your interest has been peaked," Gamble grins, especially with Vig's annoyed expression. "You can't hide it from me, Vig. I see right through you."

"I HATE HOW PERCEPTIVE YOU ARE," Vig grumbles, crossing his arms. Gamble just huffs, looking back at you. He has to take a glance around quickly though, just to see where everyone's at.

Capo and Clip are uninterested for the most part, Capo in particular looking rather bored. Clip just looks uninterested, but Gamble does catch him glancing your way every so often. Hit's obviously interested, from the way he's leering at you. But Gamble has to guess that Sniper is keeping him in check, even if Sniper is checking you out himself. Likely more in curiosity than anything else. Pass and Button look rather uninterested themselves, but those two always keep to themselves anyway.

He looks back over at you again, leaning his head back against the wall. Your grin is soft, amused and you look like you're enjoying yourself. Sheba still doesn't look happy with the company, but he's obviously enjoying your amusement. Lucky and Strike are obviously feeding off your reactions themselves, more than happy to get you laughing and annoy Sheba when possible.

They're going to have one hell of a competition. It'll be even more interesting if Guns and Ace can pull off what they intend to.

"YOU'RE GOING TO GET INVOLVED WITH THIS, AREN'T YOU?" Vig asks, sighing.

"I am," Gamble grins, unapologetically. Vig just resigns himself to it with another sigh, but Gamble knows he's interested too. His curiosity has been peaked by Doll and Sheba's possessiveness, along with their keeping you around for so long. They'd have thrown you away by now if there wasn't something keeping their interest after all. It's a curious thing, for sure.

Gamble bets this is going to be very interesting. He's rather excited to see where this goes, if it'll crash and burn or if you're just going to weasel your way into the very thread keeping this whole thing together. He wonders if it'll snap if you do, or if it'll just get tighter, stronger. And if it does, is it going to suffocate you or will it keep you together as well?

He can't wait to find out.

Chapter Text

Hit and Sniper stand in the office, Guns sitting behind the desk looking over some paper. Ace stands beside him, looking over the paper himself with a neutral look on his face. Ace finally looks up at the two though, his neutral look not changing in the slightest.

"WE WANT YOU TO KEEP AN EYE SOCKET ON THE GIRL. IF SHE OR DOLL AND SHEBA STEP OUT OF LINE, BRING HER TO US. WE'VE ALREADY GIVEN OUR WARNING TO DOLL," Ace tells the two. They nod, then are dismissed from the office. Ace sighs, shoulders slumping a bit. Guns grimaces too, leaning his head in his hand. "THEY JUST HAD TO GET SOME RANDOM CITIZEN INVOLVED, DIDN'T THEY?"

"s'not like they're purposely involving her in our work, paps," Guns grumbles, tapping a finger against the paper in front of himself. "her nerves were that of meeting new people, likely from our wealth and whatever the two said about us. Not from meeting the mafia." 

"THEY ARE INVOLVED WITH HER, THAT INDIRECTLY INVOLVES HER IN OUR WORK. THE IDIOTS SHOWED HER OFF TO A BUSINESS PARTNER AND GAVE HER A SYMBOL OF OUR PROTECTION, WITHOUT OUR PERMISSION OR TALKING TO US ABOUT IT, TOO. AND HUMANS ARE TOO DUMB TO RECOGNIZE THE DIFFERENCES IN SYMBOLS. THAT'S INVOLVING HER," Ace grumbles, pinching the bridge of his nose. Guns hums, leaning back in the chair with a groan. "LIKE WE DON'T HAVE A MILLION OTHER THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT."

"let's just hope they're smart about this. we'll deal with it if we ever need to," Guns grumbles, rubbing his eye sockets.

"LET'S JUST HOPE WE NEVER HAVE TO," Ace sighs, standing straight. "I HATE HAVING TO PUNISH SOMEONE WHO HAD NO BUSINESS IN THIS MESS IN THE FIRST PLACE."

_____

You think that Doll and Sheba's cousins are... rather nice. Of course, you've only just met them and some were rather.... cold. But you find that they're mostly agreeable, you think. Doll and Sheba have known them a whole lot longer though, so you guess you'll still have to take their word of them. Be careful as they've requested.

But right now, you only have one problem to take care of. You have to finally return home, something you're still putting off by hiding over at Marigold's apartment.

"You know, I really wasn't expecting you to stay at your boyfriend's for over a week," she states, arms crossed and with a raised eyebrow. There's an amused tilt to her lips though, obviously intrigued. "So, did you have fun?"

"Maybe," you huff, mimicking her pose. Marigold's grin tilts up more. "I had dinner at their family's house. It was huge. The family is rich, rich."

"Damn, you met his family?" Marigold asks, sitting up in surprise. "Things must be getting serious. And.... how rich are we talking? Like top of the ladder or...?"

"I don't know how serious it is. We haven't really.... talked about it. And yeah, I think they're at the top," you nod, making Marigold hum and lean back again in thought. Her eyes are wide in shock, hand to her chin in thought.

"And.... you really haven't talked about what's going on with him?" She asks. You shake your head, making her purse her lips in thought. She looks a bit troubled, crossing her arms again. "You..... might want to talk to him about it soon."

"Yeah, but.... I don't think it's actually anything serious. He didn't seem to want to introduce me to his family, seemed like he was kinda.... forced into it," you grimace, leaning your chin down on your arms with a sigh. Marigold's frown deepens, looking unimpressed. "He calls me "his girl" but I don't know if that means anything. It... kind of sounded like he has... more than one."

"I'd be... careful then," Marigold sighs, shaking her head. "He is a..... strip club owner. Don't let him.. pressure you into anything. I've heard of girls that get tricked into relationships with other club owners only to be forced into the business by their partners."

You wince, scrunching up a bit more.

"Doll seemed to have a good business though," Marigold hums, thinking about it. "Their club has an incredibly good reputation and it's always highly recommended by the workers themselves even outside..... So.. who knows? I have heard that the owners sleep around a lot."

"Yeah. Their drivers have said so too," you nod, sighing. "They're often driving the women home afterwards."

"....... Has Doll been... seeing other people since you?" Marigold asks, eyes narrowed.

"I don't know." You shrug a shoulder, not looking at the other girl. It wouldn't surprise you, honestly. You've just... never asked. You don't think you really want to know the answer. "Not while I'm there at least, but he doesn't seem like the type to settle down anyway. Don't you think?"

"I'd hope he's not seeing someone else while you're there," she huffs, glaring at the window. "I... don't know if he's the type. He seemed pretty interested in you after all, at least I thought so."

You just shrug a shoulder again, not really completely sure yourself. His family said outright that he and Sheba don't keep anyone around for long, you being the first to stick around. Their workers always seem kind of surprised about you still being there too, one even commenting on how odd it is. That none of the other girls have.

Well, it's not something you really want to think about. It's not likely that this is anything serious, and you're going to keep telling yourself that so you can pretend not to be hurt when it inevitably ends. Save yourself the heartbreak.

You've got bigger things to worry about anyway, like how to get into your apartment without having a confrontation with your mother. You... don't think there's any way not to though. You should probably just bite the bullet already.

The twisting pit of dread in your stomach is begging you to turn and run though, having rather you throw yourself into traffic than do this. But it's ridiculous. You're.... You're not scared of your mother. She's... not going to do anything, maybe say a few things that hurt but.... She's not going to do anything. It's fine.

It's fine.

Really.

Just... open the door. It's okay.

Take a deep breath and just do it.

Come on.

Your name is yelled the minute the door cracks open, making you flinch. It's swung open the rest of the way, pulling you in with it. You tense when you're grabbed and squeezed, taking a long moment to realize that's you're... being hugged. Your mother is hugging you.

The creeping feeling of unease tingles all over your skin, making you want to scrunch up and crawl in a hole.

Your mother hasn't hugged you since you were five years old.

"Where the hell have you been?" She demands, pulling you back to be at arm's length. "No letters, no nothing to tell me where you've been?! Do you have any idea how worried I was?!"

"I-I'm... I apologize. I... wasn't planning to be.. gone for so long," you reply, looking down and away from her. She huffs, shaking you once jarringly.

"You should be! I had no idea if you were alright or... or-! Or dead in a ditch somewhere!" She huffs, crossing her arms and glaring down at you. You still bow your head slightly, looking away.

It... seems like the floor hasn't been swept or mopped since you were gone.

"What's all that?" She asks, gesturing towards the bag on your arm.

"Just some.. clothes and things," you reply vaguely. She doesn't seem amused with that.

The dishes haven't been washed either, the counter dirty too.

"Would you just-" She cuts herself off, pinching the bridge of her nose with a tired sigh. "I... can't believe you sometimes. I really can't."

You wince, gripping the bag tighter.

"I don't even want to tonight. I can't," she says, shaking her head. Guilt wiggles into your gut. She turns on her heels and walks into her room. Your shoulders lower a bit more.

There's a pile of unopened bills on the table too.

You bring a hand up and clutch the pendant around your neck, taking a deep breath to try and calm your shakiness. You grab the bills and quickly retreat into your bedroom. You throw the envelops onto your desk, then drop onto the bed.

You spend a few minutes calming yourself down, then stand and sit at your desk to look over the bills. You spend the night taking care of the things around the apartment.

You only get a few hours of sleep that night, but you were too jittery to fall into a real restful sleep anyway. Something your mother doesn't seem too sympathetic about in the morning. But she doesn't say anything as you go out to pay the bills and get some groceries.

It's strange though, or a strange occurrence happens. The landlord takes one look at you, or the pendant around your neck, and stiffens. He looks disturbed and incredibly nervous as he takes the check from your hand, politely thanking you for making the trip instead of grumbling about how long it took you to get him the money.

"Everything in the apartment still running smoothly?" He then asks, much to your surprise.

"Uh, mostly yes. The faucet is still dripping," you reply, shrugging a shoulder. The man hums and nods.

"I'll get in to get that fixed. And check around the place, make sure everything's up to code," he says, tipping his hat. You nod once, still confused but not saying anything else.

You quickly leave and get on with your day. You go to work the next day, and the next. You get this sense of normalcy for about three days, then your mother decides that was long enough.

"Are you going to tell me where you were that whole week?" She asks, tapping a foot against the ground.

"It's... not important, really. I was safe," you reply.

"I think it is!" She argues. She shouts your name. "You've been gone for a week! A week! Do you think I'm the only one who's been worried?!"

"Who... Who else was?" You ask hesitantly, grip on your bag tightening.

"Your fiance, who else?" Your mother huffs, like she can't believe you're being this dense.

"You're talking to him?" You ask, in disbelief. "I-I'm not his fiance! I... I don't ever want to see him again! You know that!"

"Oh, quit being so difficult!" She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Thomas is the boy your father wanted you to marry!"

"What does that even matter?" You ask. "He's not even going to be here since he le-"

"Don't you back-talk me!" Your mother interrupts, pointing at you and making you flinch back. "You need to marry a good man and you had exactly that! You're going to apologize to him for all that nonsense you put him through and go through with that marriage!"

"No, I wont," you reply, shaking your head and backing up. "I'm not talking to him ever again. I don't want him anywhere near me!"

"He's willing to give you a second chance, which is more than you deserve at this point," your mother scoffs, shaking her head. "After all you've done to him, and making him look like an absolute fool with all your sleeping around. It's about time you finally fucking grow up and become a respectable young lady!"

"I'm fine," you plead.

"No you're not! Many girls your age are already married and having kids! You were already two when I was your age!" She spreads her arms out, gesturing around the apartment. "Do you want to stay here forever? It doesn't matter what you think Thomas has done! He has a house, a car, and money! He's a good man!"

"He's not a good man," you mutter, knowing she's not even listening. "And I know what he did, I don't think anything. I was there. It happened to me."

"I'm going to call-!" Your mother is interrupted by the door slamming open and Marigold running into the apartment. Her smile is fake, latching her arms around yours and setting her chin on your shoulder. She sings your name.

"You're late! Remember, we've been planning this whole thing today for weeks! I can't believe you forgot!" She says, much to your confusion. For a second anyway.

"Where do you think-!" Your mother looks furious.

"Come on! We don't have another second to waste!" Marigold drags you out of the apartment and slams the door closed. She lets out a breath once behind her own door, then spins around to look at you wide eyed. "Was she talking about your ex?"

"Yes," you nod, looking down. Marigold grabs your shoulders, wide eyed and gently shakes you.

"You are not getting back together with him, you hear me?" She states, fingers digging into your shoulders. "No matter what that woman says, you are not getting back together with that asshole!"

"I don't want to. I'm not going to," you reply, shaking your head. Marigold lets out a breath, and lets you go. She looks incredibly relieved.

"Good. Knew we should've filed a restraining order against him," she mutters, turning and heading for her bedroom. You sigh, hugging yourself for a minute before following her.

Yeah, maybe you should've. But there's no way it would've gone through, not against him anyway.

Chapter Text

You stayed over at Marigold's that night, had a sleepover. You did her skin care routine again, and painted your nails a new fresh color. You didn't say much, but there was nothing to say really.

You got up from Marigold's bed the next morning, leaving the girl to sleep while you got ready for work before existing the apartment. You wave to Marigold's mother before basically running out of the building, ignoring the judging looks you get from the other residents. You hurry down the street, intent on getting to the bus stop in a timely manner. You can't miss the bus, or you'll be late. You don't need to give your work any reason to fire you.

Luckily, you arrive early though! Which makes you let out a little sigh of relief, even if you do not want to be there and start your shift early. The bus stop is fine though, even if the wait is a little boring.

Only one other person is waiting for the bus to arrive, which you try to avoid making any eye contact with him. You can see him glancing at you in the corner of your eye, the wind biting at the long tan coat he wears, but you just desperately hope he leaves you alone. Thankfully, he does and the bus comes rolling into view to further solidify the lack of small talk.

The bus ride is uneventful, and you're too worried about getting off and into your job to pay attention to much else. You forget all about your troubles for the moment as you get into the work mindset. Well, all your troubles besides the work related ones, those are kind of hard to ignore at work after all. Not that they'd let you forget about them, no no. They can't do that, and have to do everything in their power to remind you of them for the whole shift.

You note someone come in and sit down in your section, making you sigh and your shoulders slump in exhaustion and dread. But you perk yourself back up and head over with a menu and a complimentary glass of water.

"Hello!" You greet, smiling as chipperly as you can fake. You welcome him to the restaurant and hand over a menu. He grunts, thanking you gruffly but politely. His eyes don't leave you to look at the menu though.

You note... he's a handsome human man. A strong jaw, no nonsense sort of demeanor. His eyes, so blue they're almost white, hold a sort of intensity that makes your stomach squirm. Like he's trying to analyze and delve into your brain, peal it back layer by layer. He looks like he has some muscle underneath his white button up. A tan coat and hat rest on the bench between him and the wall.

"Do you already know what you'd like?" You ask, a bit nervously. The man pauses, but shakes his head and finally looks at the menu instead of you.

"No."

"I'll give you a minute to look over the menu then!" You say, happily turning and walking away from the man. Get away from his intense stare finally. You think he may be another problem customer, much to your exhaustion and disappointment.

He... doesn't turn out to be though, much to your relief. He gets a plate of eggs, bacon, and chocolate chip pancakes with a black coffee, then goes on his merry way once done. He even gave a decent tip! So, you're rather pleased with that customer, for once.

If only your other customers could be so friendly. But they're not, and it leads to very long shifts for the week. Sometimes you swear your coworkers purposely give you all the bad ones, but customers seat themselves so you can't say that definitively. It sure seems like it though, they don't seem to have the same problems you do.

"Let's go out tonight," Marigold says, leaning back on your bed. "I don't really feel up for a party though, but it's been a long week. You don't mind not visiting your boyfriend for a night, right?"

"No. And I don't think we're really dating," you point out absently, finishing up writing the final check you needed to make out. Bills are all paid now, for a few precious minutes anyway. More will be coming, you're sure. Debt collectors are relentless after all, and your father left many on your shoulders.

More accurately, your mother's. But they're on your shoulders mostly. She could never pay them, after all. Or she won't, you don't know. You've been paying for them since you were old enough to work.

"If you say so," Marigold frowns. She shimmies her way off your bed and stretches, letting out a groan. "Let's go to Lucky's. That's also a good place, and quieter than the club."

You agree just as absently, making sure you put the bills into the mailbox before completely leaving the building. Then you're off to the bar, but still running through everything to be done in your head on the way. Dishes, sweeping, mopping, laundry. Probably more that you'll remember later.

The bar is as cozy as it was the last time you were there. Warm and inviting with the pleasant background noise of chatter to fill the space. You're pretty sure the same Monsters that were in here last time are again. The one that Marigold was chatting up is, and he welcomes you both to sit beside him. They're immediately chatting each other up again, the Monster buying you both a drink to start with.

"IT'S NICE TO SEE YOU BOTH HERE AGAIN," Lucky nods, to you more than Marigold. He looks pretty pleased to be honest.

"Nice to see you as well, Lucky," you nod, taking a sip of your drink.

It's not long before Plantin comes and sits down by you, immediately picking up a conversation from the dinner you had at the manor. You chat with him and Lucky well into the night, and the two pout and boo when you finally decide to go home. Marigold's already left with her Monster friend long ago.

These skeletons are way too relaxing to be around. You almost forget your responsibilities entirely when you get with any of them, it seems.

You guess you can't say you hate it though.

_____

Gamble is at the bar the next time you go, much to your surprise. Though... you guess you shouldn't be, he and Lucky are related. He looks pleasantly surprised to see you though, and Lucky grins when he spots you as well.

"What a surprise to see you here," Gamble greets, Marigold looking at you with a raised eyebrow.

"Hello," you smile back, waving a bit. You and Marigold sit at the bar, Lucky sliding you both a drink a few moments later.

"Do you come here often too?" Gamble asks curiously, glancing at Lucky. The skeleton doesn't even spare him a glance.

"Not as often as Doll and Sheba's club. We mainly come here when we'd like some quiet drinking," you shrug, Gamble humming and leaning against the bar more.

"It is a lot quieter here, that's for sure," he agrees, nodding. Marigold elbows you, raising an eyebrow while looking between you and Gamble.

"Do you just know every skeleton in the city?" She whispers to you, making you shrug a shoulder.

"He's related to Doll, Sheba, and Lucky and his brother," you reply, making Marigold blink a few times. Gamble glances between you and Marigold, grin still in place. You introduce them.

"Gamble?" Marigold asks, eyebrow raising in confusion.

"It's a nickname," he shrugs, easily. She nods, head still tilted. But she gets distracted easily enough by her Monster friend, who just arrived themself. You huff a bit in amusement, turning back to the skeleton beside you.

He supplies you with plenty of drinks and smooth talking, but even if he didn't Lucky would've anyway. Or Plantin would've, but he doesn't... seem to be here tonight weirdly enough. You briefly wonder where he is before the wave of alcohol and Gamble's smooth voice washes the thought away.

You wave to Marigold after a few as she leaves with her friend. She blows you a kiss and wiggles her fingers back, then skips out the door with her very amused Monster friend. You look over at Gamble, who's had more than a few himself, as he rests his hand on the small of your back.

"You want to head out too?" He grins, offering. You catch a scathing glare from Lucky aimed at him out of the corner of your eye. The look is gone when you glance over at him, making you wonder if you really actually saw it or not.

"Mmm. I don't know," you hum, leaning your head on your wrist. "What do you mean by head out?"

Gamble chuckles, looking at you in amusement.

"I think you know well enough what I mean," he says, leaning closer. His teeth brush your ear, thumb smoothing over your top. "We can go to mine, or yours, if you want."

You just hum, raising an eyebrow at him. He leans out of your space again, but doesn't remove his hand from your back.

"If you're worried about Doll or Sheba, you don't have to be," Gamble tells you, taking a sip from his glass afterwards. You blink at him. "They don't take relationships seriously. They've been sleeping with others when you're not there, I'm positive they won't care if you do the same. They're.... open like that."

"Hm. I don't even know if there's anything there anyway," you wave away, eyebrow still raised at him. Gamble just nods, like that proved his point. You roll the thought around in your head a few times, then loosen and roll your shoulders.

You suppose a bit of fun wouldn't hurt, according to your alcohol doused mind anyways. Maybe you could relax a bit.

"Alright," you agree, letting the taller skeleton pull you up and out of your seat. He takes you back to his home and into his bedroom and you go without complaint.

Perhaps the alcohol has loosened you inhibitions, maybe you had too many to drink. That always seems to be what leads you into a skeleton's bed. But you also can't say you hate it, even if you really want to. It makes you feel better after all, maybe a bit more whole.

That's probably not a good thing, but bad habits are hard to break. Especially ones that you let yourself slip into without struggling.

_____

"gamble," Doll growls, as soon as the skeleton walks through the door. Gamble grins, entirely unworried and uncaring of the animosity sent towards him from the other two skeletons in the room. They look like puffed up birds, not very intimidating in the least.

He can guess what they're upset about. He's gotten you under him a few more times than the two like, but he also knows you're still sleeping with them.

He can assume that they never wanted you under him though, and they're going to be very disappointed when Lucky finally gets you to his bedroom too. Or Hit, or Clip, or really any of them that will eventually likely try as well. Hell, he thinks Strike is thinking about it about now too.

"What?" He asks, as innocently as he can. The maliciousness still seeps through, but Gamble wasn't actually trying all that hard to mask it.

"You Know Exactly What," Sheba glares, huffing as he folds his arms over his chest. "What Do You Think You're Doing With The Human?"

"Exactly what it seems like," Gamble shrugs, leaning back against the door. "Getting her under myself as often as I can. I can tell why you two like her so much, she's a great squeeze."

The two look more angered by that.

"You both can't tell me you didn't expect it, especially after the dinner," Gamble chuckles, grin hitching up a bit more. He stares the two down with cold mirth. "Lucky's very interested in getting your girl over to his side now, and he's working towards that every single time she comes to his bar. Hit's going to try the second he gets a chance and it wouldn't surprise me if Clip did as well, you know how they are after all."

"as you said, she's our girl," Doll snarls, now wound up tight. Gamble can see how tensely his jaw is clenched, even from over by the door. "keep your damn paws off."

"Is she?" Gamble asks, rhetorically. He chuckles, shaking his head at the two. "What are you going to do to stop me? Or any of us for that matter?"

The two just narrow their eyes at him. Gamble can feel a spark of magic on their fingertips, but he just grins and raises a brow bone. The magic disappears quickly.

"That's what I thought," he chuckles. The two just glower. "You call her your girl and put your symbol on her, and yet she still has no idea what that means. She doesn't even think the three of you are in any serious committed relationship."

Gamble grins wider, sharp eye light piercing the two.

"Though I suppose you aren't, are you?" He nearly hisses. "You've been hooking up with other people when she's not here. A little hypocritical of you both to expect her to only sleep with you when you're still sleeping around with anyone that'll have you."

The two don't say anything, just seeping with barely contained rage. The empty club is quiet for a minute, and Gamble breaks it with a short bark of laughter that dies very quickly. He glares at the two, deciding to give them a piece of advice he'd probably be better off keeping to himself. Especially if he wants to keep having you under him. But... he honestly doubts the two could ever really take it.

"Little piece of advice, between friends," Gamble offers, hissing the word "friends" like it's something vile to spit out. "If you really want to keep the human to yourselves, settle down. Actually commit to the relationship or someone else is going to get there first, and you'll be shit out of luck then, Lover Boys."

Figuring this was all the two wanted to talk about, Gamble promptly leaves afterwards. He has no desire to stay any longer after all, not with two skeletons that can only bark instead of back up their threats with a bite. Honestly, you could do better with one of the others. He's not going to say anything though, he can let the two really figure that out on their own.

He's not going to offer the two anymore advice on the matter, after all he's got his own agenda. Helping those two idiots isn't a part of it.