Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The feeling of sadness stabs him every time he thinks about his lover.
Reaper, the god of death, unable to get over the constant feeling that overwhelms him when anything reminds him of Geno. The built-up pain and regret he feels within his bones as he tries to push it aside but to no avail, it comes back. Unable to forget about his poison berry he picks up a new habit of painting. A way to always remember him when he feels depressed, Reaper takes the time to make every painting of Geno divine. He’s made so many of them, it’s like a museum in his home. Every hallway, every room, every wall, always a painting of Geno hanging there, and each one is elegant. Doesn’t matter whether the painting is too small or big to hang up, there will always be one close.

Reaper would take the time to get the colors and scene perfect, but if people were to visit his home they would think he made all these painting scenarios up when in reality, each painting actually has a story behind them. Each painting means something and each of them actually happened. Reaper isn’t the type to make something up or draw what isn’t real, he’s the type to paint what reminisces back. The only time he’ll paint something that has never happened is if Geno were to ask of him or if he paints what he wishes could’ve happened. Reaper has only painted one thing he wished to happen though, and that was a family with Geno. It’s his greatest possession of all and the biggest. He painted it in the only place he could reach unlike others considering the fact he has wings. but it brought him so much more pain than he realized after he was done painting it. He had to keep it in the dark, for it was too much for him to handle. No one was worthy to ever catch a glimpse of it. It may have taken him years to complete, but he had time to complete it. After all, he is the god of death now living a normal life due to him being banished for disobeying rules.

Unfortunately, that’s not where it stopped. Reaper was cursed to live on forever while his soulmate dies every time he tried to save him. He has seen every death and no matter how much he tried to prevent them, it is no use. His poison berry will suffer tragic deaths until Reaper is finally forgiven for disobeying the rules but since it had been centuries, he knew he wouldn’t ever be forgiven. They continued to make him suffer as if he were a toy to them. The only thing he became grateful for was the safety of his brother Papyrus. When Reaper first got banished away, he grew worried that they would banish his brother and use him against him too but mercifully, he was safe and not dragged into the situation. At that point it didn’t matter to him if his brother grew to resent him for the rest of his life for not reaping the soul of his lover, it was still his brother and he will always love him.

Then it hit him. Reaper became conscious of the fact that he had only painted Geno but not his brother. Without a moment to lose, he got up and got all the supplies he needed to get started. Walking over to the room he turned into his painting studio, and he stopped in his tracks. Reaper was crying but not over Geno, he was crying for Papyrus. He had to re-evaluate himself if he was strong enough to paint Papyrus, but he pushed all those sad thoughts away and proceeded to go to his studio. Reaper prepped up the canvas on the easel, got all his brushes cleaned, made sure he had every color he needed on his paint palette, and got straight to work. Reaper rarely ever cried in all his time but Geno and Papyrus had such a heavy impact on him. His dear brother and lover, if he had to make a decision on who to give up, he would plead and sacrifice himself instead. They meant so much to him even if one resents him and the other became cursed because of him. Reaper was never the type to show emotions or to just smile through the pain but this time he couldn’t. He blames himself for falling in love and having to be banished from not only fulfilling the duties he once had but from also ever seeing his brother again. Reaper could only rely on memories of both of them. As Reaper was painting Papyrus’s face, a feeling that he pushed away long ago came back. He missed his smile. He missed hearing his voice. He missed working alongside with his him. He missed all those moments he had with Papyrus. Reaper took a deep breath before resuming back to painting. This painting of Papyrus is now his greatest treasure of them all. No matter how much he loves Geno, his brother must and will always come first. It was his brother after all who had been alongside him for too long.

A couple of hours after still painting Papyrus, Reaper forgot when was the last time he slept. He stayed up for days taking time to paint Geno and figuring out where to hang them up that he never took the time to care for himself. He doesn’t remember when he last ate, cleaned, flew, exercised, went outside, or even washed himself. He may just be a skeleton who doesn’t need to do all that but it was something Geno took the time to make him care about. A smile broke out from Reaper as he was slowly dozing off but he tried to fight it off as best he could. This painting of Papyrus was too important to finish first. He slapped himself to stay awake and began painting faster, but he made sure he was also careful to not ruin it. He couldn’t mess up this painting of Papyrus. Reaper would not forgive himself if he messed it up otherwise if he did. He would burn it and paint another one until he was satisfied with how it came out.

Chapter Text

After finishing painting Papyrus, Reaper came to the decision to leave his home, rather than to sleep after dwelling consistently in his home when he lost Geno. It had been too long since he last went to his favorite coffee place so he settled on going first after he finished changing, nearly forgetting he was still in his pajamas. Before leaving his home, he takes a cap and mask to cover most of his face due to the fact he appears dead inside and out. Locking the door, he grabs his skateboard by the side of the door where he last left it. The coffee shop is at least a 5-minute walk away, so no point in taking a vehicle to waste gas especially when he doesn’t have much money considering the fact he hasn’t been working.

After arriving at the coffee shop, Reaper looked through a window and saw how empty it was. He picked up his skateboard, cleaned his shoes on the mat placed in front of the opened door, and walked in. He couldn’t believe how much this place changed but the atmosphere stayed the same. The feeling of a place feeling so warm and soothing after staying depressed at home just felt so nice. Reaper looked around for a bit, walking over to the countertop, sitting on one of the counter stools, and looking down at the counter while waiting for his order to be taken.

Reaper: (No matter the weather outside..this place really knows how to make me feel relaxed.)
???: Sorry about the wait. Are you ready to order now?
Reaper: …huh- Oh yea, Can I get a-

Reaper looked up, stopping mid-sentence as he couldn’t believe it. His eye-lights blanked out as he was shocked at who was standing before him.

Reaper: (It can’t be…no…I saw him die! I saw it so there’s way this is him! Please don’t tell me it’s that time again…please no)
???: Uhh-Sir? Is everything alright? Do you need more time?

Reaper snapped back to reality, thinking it was just a coincidence. If he had met other sanses then this is just someone who looked alike. There are too many au’s to count after all.

Reaper: Yea- sorry can I get a black coffee with a croissant on the side.
???: Anything else or will that be all for you today?
Reaper: That’ll be all, thank you uhh-
???: Oh sorry-Still kinda new to this job. The name is Geno.

Reaper couldn’t believe it. It was really happening again but it felt too soon. If he recalls the time, It had only been 30 years since he lost Geno, there was no way that he could be back this soon. A tear shed down Reaper’s face but thankfully for the mask and cap he had on, Geno couldn’t see it or ask why.

Reaper: Nice to meet ya, Geno. The name is…Reaper.
Geno: Well then, nice to meet you too Reaper. Your order will be here shortly.

Geno walked away to make the order while Reaper was too shocked to take it all in. No matter how much Reaper just wanted to get away at that very moment to not go through any of that pain again, he was lovesick. Every moment he ever had with Geno came back to him. Those were the happiest days he ever experienced. Reaper had every intention to feel that again. Even if the process would be long and hard, he just missed that feeling.

Geno: One black coffee with a side of a croissant ready.
As Geno slides over the cup of black coffee and plate with croissant to Reaper

Geno: I hope you enjoy it.
Reaper: Thanks, I’m sure I will.

Geno smiled at him, now cleaning his station for any other customers that may come by. How Reaper loved and missed seeing that smile, even if it’s something Geno may do to every customer, he still loved everything about him. Reaper pulled down his mask, taking a sip of the black coffee, he liked it hot either way. He’d completely forgotten the taste of it as he nearly chugged the whole thing down, nearly forgetting about the croissant on the side as he ate that too. As Reaper finished both his coffee and croissant within a minute, he thought about what to do next, but his attention was caught up to the napkin that was handed to him by none other than Geno.

Geno: I barely gave it to you and it’s all gone, but you made a mess on your face with crumbs.

He said with a smile, trying to hold in his laughter as it would be rude of him to laugh
Reaper noticed how he was trying to hold in laughter as he kindly accepted the napkin, smiling back at him

Reaper: Why thank you, Gen, I appreciate it.
Geno: Gen? What happened to the O in my name hmm?
Reaper: I ate that O just like my coffee and croissant.

No matter how hard Geno tried to hold in his laughter, it burst out of him. Reaper was proud of himself for making him laugh, he was falling head over heels for Geno all over again as he didn’t sense himself blushing at that moment, wiping his mouth with the napkin. He knew at that moment, no matter the pain and suffering he went through, he would go through it over and over again just to feel happy and loved.

Geno: You know, you’re a funny guy. You should come by again sometime. It’s nice to have company on days that aren’t as busy as they used to be.
Reaper: What’s that supposed to mean?
Geno: I mean that this place is always empty and only still running in business because of the coffee powder monsters purchased online. No one comes in anymore.
Reaper: Is that so? Then I’ll be sure to come by again.
Geno: Glad to hear then, your total is $10.00 by the way.

Reaper reached into his pockets, hoping he had at least a 10-dollar bill as he realized he had forgotten his wallet. Thankfully, he did and passed it over to Geno. He took the dollar bill Reaper gave him and cashed it into the register.

Geno: Will you be on your way now?
Reaper: Ya want me gone now?
Geno: Nah, I’m just asking since we are about to close soon. They recently changed the time schedule on closing.
Reaper: Ah I see, well then it’s best that I get going then but I should be back tomorrow hopefully if I still have money, It’s been a while since I last worked.
Geno: If you don’t you can still come by, I can pay it off for you.
Reaper: No it’s okay, there’s no need to do that. We can just talk for most of the time instead at least until closing time or if your shift ends early.
Geno: That’s fine by me, see ya then, Reaper.
Reaper: See ya and enjoy the rest of your shift.

Exchanging their goodbyes until tomorrow, Reaper got up to head out, but before leaving the shop completely, he turned around to wave goodbye. Geno waved back at him. After leaving, Reaper felt so happy to have already befriended Geno, he cheered a little to himself. It has been a long time since he last felt like that. That joy and energy came back to him. He seemed to have always forgotten that feeling. Reaper looked up in the sky, noticing how dark it was quickly getting, and settled with walking the rest of the way home. He missed seeing the stars, though he never really cared about it. He only noticed how calming it felt to stargaze because of Geno. It was his favorite thing to do when he felt lonely, or at least that’s what Geno told him. Reaper finally made it back home, too tired to even use his keys, and just teleported straight to his nest of blanket. He really needed sleep as he changed back to into his pajamas, setting his skateboard up on the skate rack he had on his wall, and finally dozed off.

Chapter Text

A dark void with no ending to it surrounded Reaper. He remembered why he never slept as he should. It was always one nightmare after the other. He was never able to get rid of them no matter what he did. Even when he had Geno by his side, they just kept coming back and haunting him from past times. This time he looked around and saw nothing though. It was something unusual for Reaper. There would always be something or someone reminding him how it was his fault and how weak he was. Just as Reaper was about to take a step forward he heard a voice from behind him.

???: Wait for me!

Just as Reaper turned around, tears streamed down his face. It was the son he painted in his once ‘prized’ possession. As Reaper walked over to his son, from darkness came what seemed like vines, taking away his son. Reaper ran after him and the vines, more tears coming down.

Reaper: NO! DON’T TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME PLEASE! NOT HIM! NOT GOTH PLEASE!

Reaper kept running after Goth until he tripped. The last thing he saw and heard was Goth screaming for him. Reaper had failed him. Despite wanting to go after him in this dark void he was in, he knew it would be pointless. He had to keep in mind it was just a nightmare and nothing else. He got up from the ground, wiping away his tear-stained face, unable to move or know exactly where to walk. There wasn’t anything he could do but wait until his body let him wake up from this nightmare.

Waiting and waiting, in the distance he saw what seemed to be Geno. Reaper got excited for a moment but immediately stopped. He didn’t want to get his hopes up and expected the worst to be said to him. Geno walked up to him, his face all neutral and empty when suddenly he hugged Reaper. Reaper couldn’t believe it at all for this had never happened to him. He wasn’t sure how to react or what to do so he just let Geno hug him. A smile appeared on his face. As he finally hugged back Geno, he heard a whisper.

Geno: Wake up. Come find me, but let’s do it right this time.

Before Reaper could even say anything back, he was woken up by the sudden sounds of birds chirping. He was processing everything that happened in that nightmare but then again to him it didn’t really seem like a nightmare despite Goth being snatched away, it felt more like an odd dream to him.

Chapter Text

Starting off the morning with an odd dream, Reaper tried to brush it off his mind but he kept thinking about it. Even when he tried to paint Papyrus to help him forget, he kept drawing the same scenario that happened. It made Reaper frustrated that he had a pile of canvases next to him, all scribbled with black paint due to him not being able to forget. He looked out the window, no clouds in the sky. He was able to go to the coffee shop and visit Geno just like he hoped for. Even if it had only been a day since he last saw him, He wanted to get closer to him in this lifetime of his. He had always started slow when he tried to get closer to Geno but something within told him he didn’t have to do that anymore. He just wanted to be with Geno again.

Without wasting any more time, He placed his painting materials to the side to get washed up. Even if he didn’t have to really wash up because he’s a skeleton, there’s no harm in keeping his bones clean, but he also missed that freshening feeling after a warm shower. After his shower and getting all dressed up, a sticky note slipped out of the hat he was just about to put on. It was a reminder to himself, a reminder to not forget Geno’s favorite flowers on the first date they had in the past. Reaper let out a sigh but smiled. He placed the note inside his pocket along with his wallet and house keys. On his way out the door, he placed on his shoes and closed and locked the door. Unfortunately, he just remembered he left his skateboard in his room. With a snap of his fingers, the skateboard was in his hands and he went on his way to a flower boutique.

Just as he saw the flower boutique within the distance he stopped. He looked to his side and there it was, bushes with red and white roses, Geno’s favorite flowers. But one rose in particular caught his eye. A rose beautifully bloomed with the colors red and white but not mixed together so it wouldn’t be pink. He watched his step and the thorns around the roses that were surrounding that specific rose, grabbed his pocket knife from his pocket, and cut the rose off the bottom of its stem. He made sure to also cut off the thorns and cut the stem a little shorter so it wouldn’t be too long to fit inside a vase. He thought about cutting off more roses to get them for Geno but didn’t want to risk his gloves getting ripped and accidentally killing all the roses within his touch so he left it to be, changing his destination from the flower boutique to the coffee shop. Although he would have been able to reach the coffee within 15 minutes, he didn’t want the rose to lose its petals to the wind so he continued the rest of the way slowly but with a smile, eager to gift Geno a rare gift he found just for him.

Chapter Text

Just as Reaper made it to the coffee shop, he saw two familiar faces talking to Geno before waving goodbye to him and thanking him for the coffee. It was Ink and Error, what a surprise to see them together for others it would seem. They never really had time to hang out with each other at least- not in public. To the public eyes, they would seem like enemies but in reality, they were best friends who unfortunately couldn’t really be seen together. To protect each other’s reputation, they only went to au’s that had no history or knew them. Reaper knew that much after all since he had a few interactions with them in the past.

Just as Geno was about to walk back into the coffee shop, Reaper came from behind and poked him which made Geno jump from the sudden touch.

Geno: ACK! Oh! Reaper please, you gave me quite a scare

Reaper: Heh, sorry. Couldn’t really help myself but I got you a little something to make up for it

Reaper looked at Geno with a loving smile on his face, holding out the rose he picked out just for him. Geno wasn’t sure how to react as this sudden act made him so flustered that he looked away but gladly took the rose from Reaper’s hand. Reaper couldn’t help but chuckle to himself as the look on Geno’s face was cute to him.

Geno: I appreciate the rose, I’ve never seen one like this before

Reaper: Neither have I but it reminds me of you, are roses still your favorite?

Geno: They are- wait I never told you that, we only met yesterday didn’t we? Unless you knew me before that?

Reaper immediately knew he messed up as beads of sweat were coming down his skull, turning slightly flustered on how could he screw this up and trying to find an excuse.

Reaper: You see uh, You just seemed like the type to like roses you know? And uh- I guess you could say I knew a little about you before I had the courage to talk to you?

Geno blankly stared at Reaper and his sad excuse but he couldn’t help it and laughed at him for the way he reacted.

Geno: You can just tell me when you’re comfortable, just please tell me you’re not a stalker-

Reaper was baffled at Geno thinking he was a stalker, quickly shaking his head

Reaper: No! I’m not a stalker. That I can reassure you but I will tell you when the time is right or when we get to know each other more if ya still want to?

Geno: I’d love to, how about I give you my number and we can try to hang out? I don’t have work tomorrow and only work for 2 hours in the morning the day after that so how does that sound?
Reaper: Sounds good to me, here’s my phone

Reaper pulled out his phone from his pocket, handing it to Geno to type his number. As Geno took his phone and saved his number as his contact, he quickly took a selfie with the rose and Reaper to set as his contact photo before giving the phone back to Reaper.

Geno: Thanks for letting me borrow your phone and thank you for this rose. It’s very lovely

Reaper: You’re welcome Gen, The rose made me think of you so I was careful enough to get it for you without disturbing any of the other roses.

Geno: That’s very sweet Reaper. Thank you so much. I’ll make sure to treasure it. Even if it’ll die since it was pretty much cut off from its life system, I’ll still care for it.

Reaper: Oooh riight, it was- I’m sorry but I think I may know someone that can try to keep it alive for you? I mean it is a one-of-a-kind so it would be a shame for it to die all because of me. My apologies Gen

Geno: That would be nice of you but its all alright. After all, it is the way life goes. Even as skeletons, we won’t always be safe from those who wish to bring harm to others

Reaper: You’re not wrong

As Reaper quietly whispered ‘I’m sorry for not protecting you’ so Geno wouldn’t hear him. Thankfully to him, it didn’t seem like he did. As both continued to talk until noon so they could clean up the place and pay for the pastries along with the drinks they had together until the next shift for another worker.

Geno: I’m surprised you stayed for nearly my whole shift even if it was also quite short today

Reaper: Its nothing, I enjoy your company, and its nice to talk to someone after spending almost uhh quite a long time that you don’t remember

Geno: Well I’m glad I can be that someone special then. Say, after my friend comes in to take the next shift would you mind waiting for me so I can change out of my work clothes and we can try hanging out today instead? If you’d like that

Reaper was a little overjoyed inside but didn’t want to show it since he’d be embarrassed about it so he nodded in response. Geno smiled at him before finishing cleaning up. On their way out Reaper held the door open for Geno, grabbed his skateboard that he left leaning on the side of the door and gently closed it. Reaper stayed close to Geno since the neighborhood he stayed in pretty much changed throughout the years and he didn’t want to risk getting lost or worry Geno, though he was hesitant on trying to hold his hand. No matter how fast Reaper wanted to move on and just grab his hand, He couldn’t risk it along with what others might think of Geno. He couldn’t care much how he was viewed by others but when it came to Geno it was a whole different story.

Chapter Text

After finally making it to Geno’s home which is a small cottage, Reaper was amazed by the beauty and how many flower beds there were. The way Geno always wanted to live never changed throughout the years Reaper had known him. It was like he fell in love with him all over again.

Geno: Oh- Before I forget, do you have any allergies?
Reaper: Skeletons can have allergies?

Geno looked at him a little dumbfounded before his face turned a little red as Reaper couldn’t help but laugh

Geno: That was silly of me to ask, wasn’t it?
Reaper: Just a little, but then again, we’re magical skeletons, so you never know,w but I’m not, at least I don’t think I am
Geno: Then hopefully you should be fine, I have a pet bunny
Reaper: You like bunnies?
Geno: I never thought I would get one, but I found the little guy alone, well, he wasn’t alone, but he was. Found him near an alleyway with his mother protecting him
Reaper: Aw, that’s unfortunate
Geno: Yeaa, but I’m glad I found him before it could have been too late
Reaper: That’s true

Reaper couldn’t help but frown a little, even if his job were once to take souls to the afterlife after a horrible tragedy, the deaths of animals made it a lot harder to work with, But he knew how to do the job well even when it hard and the most important role that he did. He never made them feel alone or useless, even after death. Geno opened the door for Reaper, letting him come in first. Just as Geno was closing the door, they felt soft thuds on the ground feeling close to them. It was a white mini lop with black spots around its face and ears that were visible with a white cape covering the rest of the black spots on its body underneath.

Geno: Awww, there he is. He came by quite fast. Oh, Reaper, meet my mini lop bunny, Goth.

Reaper was in a moment of shock, but thought to himself that it was just a coincidence. It was just a name given to the mini-lop. But it still made Reaper feel something. He wasn’t sure if that feeling was sadness, so he brushed it off before it made him overthink.

Reaper: That’s a cute name for the little guy. he even has a little cape
Geno: Yeah, I had to figure out a way to make him feel not as lonely, so I cut up one of my hoodies and just fixed the edges around it so it wouldn’t look all sad or get caught up in anything, you know?
Reaper: Yeah, I get it, don’t worry.

Geno smiled as he picked up Goth from the floor, lightly petting him as he looked over at Reaper

Geno: Would you like to hold him, Reaps?

Reaper was caught off guard but nodded

Reaper: Oh, uh- Sure, I wouldn’t mind holding the little fella

Geno got close to Reaper, gently handing him over to Goth. Reaper couldn’t help but feel jittery from holding something so small but so adorable.

Reaper: I can’t tell if he likes me or not-
Geno: Give him some time. I mean, he just met you-
Reaper: Fair point

Reaper gently cradled the little bunny in his arms, lightly petting him without worrying that his deathly touch would affect him due to said gloves he still had on. Goth didn’t have much of a reaction to it but he also didn’t seem scared to be pet by an unfamiliar person he had just met. Reaper, on the other hand, didn't drop his guard, even with gloves, he still felt fear within. The cycle of life is scary enough to deal with, including when you’re death itself. Reaper gently handed back the Goth to Geno

Geno: …so, how’d it feel?
Reaper: It was nice *mumbling under his breath* but even with gloves, I wouldn’t want to risk holding him longer
Geno: Hmm? I couldn’t catch what you said
Reaper: It's nothing, don’t worry.

Geno was a little skeptical about it, but dropped it for the time being

Reaper: Say, since we have the rest of the day to do something and you don’t have work tomorrow, would you like to go out to an arcade? I know a place that doesn’t close until midnight
Geno: Oh, that seems fun. Yeah, I’d like to go
Reaper: Great! It's not far from here either, so we can start heading there now, but will Goth be alright with us gone for who knows how long?
Geno: Mhm! I’ve had night shifts before at another job, and he’s used to it as long as I leave out his necessities.
Reaper: Ah, alright then, that’s good

Reaper gently patted Goths' little head before making his way towards the door.

Reaper: I’ll wait for you outside
Geno: Alrighty! I won’t take long

Geno slowly set Goth down on the ground, walking towards a drawer near Goths closure, filling up his food bowl with some pellets, lettuce and cilantro. His water was still pretty filled up so he didn’t have to add more to it. After making sure Goth had everything he needed for a couple of hours, he got on his knees and gave Goth a little smooch on his head before standing up and heading out towards the door, locking it behind him

Geno: Alright, I’m good to go!

Reaper, who was leaning against a nearby tree with his hands in his pockets, looked toward Genos with a smile. Geno rushed over toward Reaper as they walked next to each other to head over to the arcade. Geno took his time during their walk to talk about some funny and cute memories he had of Goth, as Reaper just listened to everything he had to say, laughing here and there

Chapter Text

They finally made it to the arcade after quite a long walk. The place looked quite small on the outside from Geno’s perspective, including this being the first time he’s seen the place, at least, in this timeline he’s living right now. Reaper, however, remembers this place and how large it is on the inside. After all, He used to come to this place with Geno a long time back.

Reaper: This is the place!
Geno: Seems relatively small?
Reaper: On the outside yea. Wait until you see the inside!

With that being said, Reaper grabbed Geno’s arm, catching Geno off guard, and rushed in. To Reaper’s surprise, the change barely even changed at all.

Employee: Welcome to Arcade Mania. Enjoy your time here, and if you have any concerns, feel free to let us know!
Reaper: Aye aye will do!
Geno: Woaah, it’s very colorful in here
Reaper: It hasn’t changed much, other than most of the neon lights have been turned off
Geno: I don’t see much?
Reaper: Oh, that’s because this is only the lobby and food court floor. Everything else is downstairs
Geno: No way this place has a downstairs!
Reaper: Believe it or not, it does!

Reaper checked in with the employee at the front desk while Geno looked around the lobby and food court. Although it wasn’t the weekend, it was surprisingly still packed, not to mention the workers kept the place clean, unlike other public places where you can tell.

Reaper: Alright, I got us our cards to play. You want a bite before heading down, or ya not hungry yet?
Geno: I’m not hungry yet. This place is surprisingly clean
Reaper: Well, if it weren’t, it probably would’ve shut down or not be as packed as it is now
Geno: Fair fair

Reaper grabbed Geno’s hand, leading the way to head downstairs. Geno held on tight not to get separated from him. On the way downstairs, Geno looked at all the pictures and art that were hung up. Lots of memories were made here as far as he can tell. Just as they reached the railing, Geno caught a glimpse of Reaper in one of the pictures, but couldn’t see who with as he nearly tripped.

Reaper: Woah! Something caught your eye?
Geno: Ah, sorry! I was looking at the art and pictures that were on the walls
Reaper: It’s alright. We can try taking pictures here ourselves and hang them up if you wanna
Geno: Hmmm…Actually, yeah, I’d like that
Reaper: Sounds like a plan then!

They finally reached the downstairs. Games, loud cheers, angry losses, and screaming were heard more clearly. So many games and crane machines were all over the place. They even had party rooms, karaoke, a roller skating rink, and photo booths. There was so much you could do here.

Reaper: So, what do ya think?
Geno: Wooaah, there’s so much to do. There’s no way we can do everything at once.
Reaper: Not today, but that should be plenty of time since you're free tomorrow.
Geno: Thank goodness for tomorrow

With that, Reaper chuckled and dragged Geno over to the racing arcade game. They took the first 2/4 machine there and sat next to each other.

Geno: Racing first, huh?
Reaper: Yup! And just because you’re my friend doesn’t mean I’ll go easy!
Geno: If that’s the case, then bring it on!

Reaper handed Geno his Power card, scanning his Power card to register him in the game, and Geno did the same.

Racing game: Please look up at the camera and smile!

Reaper had an idea and put up some peace fingers behind Geno’s head as their pictures were taken. To his surprise, Geno did the same thing without him noticing until the picture was taken.

Reaper: NO WAY YOU DID THE SAME THING. HOW’D YOU KNOW?
Geno: HAHAHA! I DIDN’T KNOW!
???: Hey, is it alright if my friend and I join you guys?
Reaper: Oh sure thi- Classic? What a surprise!
Classic: Heya Reaper, long time no see ay?
Reaper: Long time no see, I see you’re here with Fell, huh?
Classic: Yeah, we got bored watching TV, so we came to Arcade Mania.
Reaper: Well then, you guys better get on quick, the match is about to start. Oh, and this is my friend Geno
Geno: Nice to meet you guys
Fell: The pleasure is ours. Get ready to lose against us!
Reaper: Bring it!

With that being said, Classic and Fell scanned their power cards, got their picture taken, and loaded into the game match just in time

Chapter Text

Reaper was competitive when it came to these games, just like Fell. Classic and Geno, on the other hand, were chill and didn’t mind what place they came in, as long as it wasn’t last.

Reaper: Last one to win is a rotten corpse and has to buy the others lunch!
Fell: Betta have yer wallet ready then!
Classic: Well, guess I can’t slack off this time
Geno: Oh boy

Within the next second, all racers were loaded onto their spots with the timer to start counting down. 3…2…1…..START! Fell took the lead with Reaper just right behind him. Classic and Geno were 2 racers away from them, but thankfully not the last of everyone else. As power-ups began popping up, Fell tried to get Reaper off his trail and throw a bomb at him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t successful. Reaper took a sharp turn and hit Fell with an ice slip, causing him to spin around, letting Reaper take the lead with the others.

Fell: SON OF A-

Racing Game: Lap 2!!

Reaper couldn’t help but laugh at how Fell was completely unheard because of the game. It nearly caused him to lose his first place by…Geno?! While Fell and Reaper focused more on being first and trying to beat each other, Geno had a speed power-up with Classic behind him. Fell immediately caught up with the rest of them, throwing a power-up bomb he snagged just on time, blowing them up, a 3-in-1 shot.

Fell: WHO’S LAUGHING NOW
Reaper: BRO WHAT
Geno: HAH NO WAY
Classic: AW Shhuuucks

Fell had the biggest grin on his face, collecting every power-up he could in hopes of it always being a shell he could throw at any of them behind him. Reaper, on the other hand, had a plan. He stopped in his tracks, letting every other player pass right by him to claim last place.

Fell: Don’ tell me yer givin’ up now, Reaps!
Reaper: Oh, you just wait for it.

With Reaper in last place, he began collecting power-ups, in hopes of getting that one power-up he remembered in-game. Once he got it, his eyelight lit up as the biggest grin appeared on his face. Reaper immediately used the power-up and looked over at Fell to see his reaction, who was near first place and about to beat the third lap, just before the final. Fell who was too focused on beating the third lap, ignoring the incoming warning from the game and kept laughing his butt off at the others until his smile turned upside down. Reaper had hit him with a….blue shell. Reaper instantly began laughing on the spot at Fells’ reaction, focusing on the game still to catch up for the final lap.

Fell: THERE IS NO WAY YOU DECIDED TO TAKE LAST PLACE, TO GET A BLUE SHELL TO HIT ME WITH IT
Reaper: AHAHA!! I DID. BETTER START FOCUSING ON GETTING THAT SPOT BACK. I’M CATCHING UP RATHER QUICK!

Fell looked over to the side where it showed each player and what place they were in, His eyelights fading away when he noticed Reaper wasn’t lying. Reaper was already in 7th place, moving up rather quickly. Fell shook his head and fixed his gaze back onto the game, trying to get every power-up he could to reach 1st place again. Geno and Classic, on the other hand, tried to remain in 2nd place after they saw what that blue shell did to Fell; they would rather not get hit by one and suffer the consequences, including it being the last lap.