Archive of Our Own ^beta

Frisk could only stare at the white blank screen burning into their eyes. What was supposed to be written with words was empty by a human with a clouded mind and a lack of sleep.

They groaned out to the quiet room as they ruffled their hair in frustration. Their laptop hummed to fill in the silence again.

Glancing at the taskbar of their screen, they noted that it was past midnight. It was as if the program was mocking them, revealing that it could never finish before the due date.

Usually, they were great about turning in their assignments on time. However, they had recently injured themselves while traveling for their semester break. Raising their left arm they stared at the brace enveloped neatly holding their fractured bones.

That was their strong hand too…

Now, they were stuck trying to catch up on their missing workload. Thankfully, the professor had given them an extended period to turn it in, but that was impossible because they could only do so much with one hand.

They hated how slowly it usually gets things done. Even worse, their club activities were placed on hold until they recovered. They could feel their legs getting restless, it was shaking this whole time, ready to let loose some energy.

The sounds of soft knocks took their attention away from the screen. They stared at the door, bewildered. Who was awake at this time of hour? They waited until another series of knocks to confirm someone was there.

There were two guesses. One was their roommate, but that was immediately crossed out since they had a key to their room and were still out of town. Second was the RA, but they were positive that they were asleep at this hour.

Hmm… Perhaps a small distraction could clear their mind.

Pushing their chair back, they stood up to make their way to the door, their socks thumping across the carpet. Once they had reached within range, Frisk clumsily turned the knob and slowly opened it to see their surprise guest holding a tote bag of hidden goodies.

“You’re looking terrible tonight.” Chara, their childhood friend, insulted them as they invited themselves in without waiting for a response from the resident.

Ignoring the insult, Frisk only watched in confusion as they closed the door. While they weren’t upset that their friend entered without permission (sometimes they barged in with a copy of their key they somehow got), they were just lost about them being here at their dorm at this time.

“I would be asleep but I have to turn in this essay.”

Chara hummed in acknowledgment as they rummaged through their bag they brought. They took out an assortment of ingredients, along with their small bag containing their knives, placing them upon the table.

Frisk continues to observe the culinary major as they set up their own station. They weren't concerned with this type of behavior seeing how long they had grown up with each other.

Well, more like barging into their life as their new neighbor as children to meeting again with a group of teens trying to summon a demon. The good ol’ days.

They went on to let Chara as they pleased as they made their way around the kitchen. Pale nimble fingers opening cabinets, already knowing their way around the drawers and shelves. They threw on an apron hanging off a nearby handle, tossing it around their neck and quickly tying the strings with skillful practice behind their back.

“Be a dear, and hand me the chicken.” Frisk picked up the defrosted poultry and placed it on their hand. Just watching them working around their kitchen gave them a small reminder that had their stomach growling out that they hadn’t eaten in hours.

Pausing with their knife work, Chara glanced over their shoulder before giving a knowing smirk. Frisk turned red, embarrassed that their hunger was calling them out. 

With a shy expression, they rubbed their stomach to silence it. “As you can tell I haven't eaten yet…”

Chara waved a knife in their direction, waving them off. “Get yourself situated. It will take a while before dinner is ready,” they pondered for a moment, "breakfast?" They shrugged their shoulders before resuming their task of cutting off the fat.

Frisk obediently did as they were told and got themselves comfortable on their beat-up couch. They sank into the comfort of their hoodie as they watched as a spectator from afar.

 “Can I ask why you decided to come over so late to raid my kitchen?”

With the sound sizzling of chicken cooking in the background, Chara turned their head slightly to side-eye at their friend. 

“Well, when I was coming back to my dorm my roommate was telling me that a certain person was overworking themselves.”

Frisk felt their heart drop. Damn that goat. They mentally made a note to dye their fur pink when they catch him.

“To the point they were skipping meals which is weird, since they have such a big appetite.” They twisted around to show their body, they were unable to avoid the look of wrath they wanted to steer away from. Their hands were on their hips, still carrying a knife (a skillful talent they also wished to evade), and their complexion curled into a disgruntled expression.

Frisk lowered their head to break eye contact, like a small puppy trying to avoid being berated. Not their fault for skipping meals. Well, it was their fault but they wanted to at least get a head start on at least a couple of things done.

Soft footsteps made their way to the couch. Once Frisk saw sandals in their peripheral they felt their chin being forced to look up. Red on red connected and they felt like the scum of the earth by the way Chara glared at them.

“You know we’ve talked about this, right?” Their eyes soften with concern. Their gentle expression looked abnormal over their usual creepy look.

Frisk’s throat made an audible noise when they swallowed. As a Playboy-type personality they were, they could not handle being the receiving end.

They weren’t used to their friend taking this much of their space. Chara, who was a reserved person, cherished their love for living in isolation. So their being so close to their face made them timid about the unusual demeanor.

Chara’s finger lingered a little longer on their chin. They left phantom traces across their growing stubble before removing them to return their attention to the stovetop.

“This is already a bad habit of yours, so don't relapse again.”

Frisk gripped their hoodie as they bent over to hide their burning cheeks. “O-of course…” They ponder what just happened. Their heart felt like it was erupting out of their ribs, judging by the way it thumped so hard. 

Shaking their head to clear their senses, Frisk needed to remain calm before they spiraled into insanity by overthinking.

They were aware of their one-sided crush they had on Chara but they were too afraid to act upon it. Not because they were scared, oh no, Frisk could give them a whole love confession by showering them with gifts and affections. They were scared that it could ruin their friendship.

Ugh.. They clasped their hands together and wished the universe could give them a break.

Thankfully, their wish was answered when a plate was presented on the table in front of them. A nice cut of a grilled chicken breast smothered in gravy, accompanied by a generous helping of white rice and green beans. The presentation of it was perfect as it smelled.

With a fork and knife in hand Chara, who now occupied the space next to them, began cutting into the chicken.

“Ah, you don't need to do that!” Frisk’s hands wavered. They were unsure how to safely retrieve the silverware without being stabbed by their knife-obsessed friend.

They were silenced by a cut of poultry being shoved into their mouth.

“Now, now, I’m doing my duty as your friend to take care of your every need.” Chara hushed, waving a scolding fork towards their direction.

Frisk could only obey their request by enjoying their homemade cooking. By closing their eyes, they could savor the flavors gleefully. They heard a small huff of content released from Chara’s nose as they watched their best friend scarf down every bite they offered.

Every time they opened their mouth another piece was there to replace the empty spot until there was nothing left to offer. 

Now with a full stomach, Frisk sighed in satisfaction.

“Now then, feeling better?” Chara teased, pleased with their companion’s reactions.

Frisk nodded, licking their lips to collect the leftover scraps that stuck around the corners. Chara's eyes lowered to their tongue that was peaking frequently to swipe the sauce that stuck to the corner of their lips. Once they noticed Frisk couldn’t reach, they leaned in to wipe the gravy with their thumb.

Chara felt them flinch from their sudden touch which separated them to give the bewildered human some space. 

“Apologies, you missed a spot.” Chara licked away the gravy, noting that they forgot to bring some napkins. 

Frisk could only croak out a ‘thank you’ before turning away.

Chara mentally kicked themselves in the leg. Their friend was clearly uncomfortable with their actions, and in an attempt to fix it, they opted to hold their hand knowing that it was always the best way to comfort them.

That caused Frisk to swivel their head around to stare at them. With burning cheeks, Chara lightly scratched their face with a finger.

“Sorry, again. For both barging in and the whole stunt earlier.” Their eyes suddenly locked onto their broken arm. Their smile fell into a regretful frown. “Also, why did you feel the need not to tell me about,” They waved their free hand around the subject in question.

Frisk could only grin. “Not really the first time it happened.” When they realized that their attempt to lighten the mood failed they dropped the whole act. “Sorry, I didn’t want to worry you over something so minor.” 

Shaking their head, Chara interlocked their fingers. “Only you think that.” Frisk couldn't help but agree. From cuts to broken bones, it was always something they got themselves into. 

Slipping their fingers from their hold, Frisk gently held their rosy cheek. “Listen, this isn't my first rodeo, this will be like that one time I got possessed!”

Chara chuckled, “This is a completely different matter. Last time you got possessed by a demon you fought almost everyone you met.” shaking their head at their foolishness.

With a wide grin, Frisk could only wink. Not like they had a comeback at the moment.

The urge to wipe that stupid smile from their face was building within Chara. They opted to pinch their squishy cheek instead, “You cheeky bastard.”

While Frisk struggled with the agony pain set upon their face, Chara’s gaze shifted downwards. Their lips were the subject of their attention again. The first time they stared at it was an accident, only meaning to force them eye-to-eye to show how serious they were. The second was to help clean up the mess. But the third time? They were now openly staring at them with no remorse.

Debating if what they were about to do was shameless, they decided to ignore their conscience before closing their eyes to lean in to softly connect their mouths.

They could feel their partner tense up at the sudden action, but before long they relaxed and tilted their head to give them a better position to mend their lips.

At first it was slow, testing which pace was proper, then it turned adventurous feeling more comfortable.

Their lips made soft smacking noises as Chara greedily returned the favor with much enthusiasm since they now had an open approval. Pale fingers caress tan cheeks, feeling the rough texture the skin gives. Their nails softly scratched their jawline as if they were about to disappear if they let go.

Frisk’s hands fidget around the hems of Chara's sweater, unsure where to settle. They were soon guided to rest on their hips, keeping a steady grip.

Not satisfied with how far apart they were, Chara saddled onto their lap. With the new position, their slim fingers raised their chin to keep their lips together. However, with the sudden change of position, Frisk grunted when they fell onto their back. Now face-to-face, lips unattached, they were faced with a small stalemate.

“Um, come around here often?” Frisk sheepishly smiled with the dumbest pick-up line that came out of their mouth.

Chara glared, “You’re the most foolish human I have ever known,” With a quick dive to give them a peck on their lips, they let their mouth curve into a grin. “Are you going to continue being stupid or can I go on?”

Holding their hands up for a mock surrender, Frisk smirked. “As you wish, your majesty.” and with a Chara unamused groan they lean in to continue. Frisk yelped when their bottom lip was bitten as payback.

However, they were silently forgiven when Chara interlocked their fingers between their messy locks. Hands wandering around testing the waters, bodies close in proximity looking for warmth, and their lips becoming swollen from the pasting moment.

Finally, needing air to breathe, Chara broke contact, noting the spitline that broke apart being wiped away by Frisk’s tongue.

Chara could only laugh at the dazed look Frisk was giving them. “I perhaps got too carried away,” they said, gently holding their cheeks. Frisk could only respond by grabbing the hand and leaving a kiss inside the open palm.

“Always a charmer. Now,” Chara removed themselves from Frisk to settle comfortably onto the couch, the separation already sullying Frisk’s mood. “Don’t forget about your homework by the way,” with that they smugly grin like the cat that ate the canary.

Homework? Frisk looked downfound. They scratched their head, gears turning.

“Shit!” They hissed as they remembered the time. They hopped off the couch before booking their way into their room. Luckily, the noise won’t be disturbing anyone since it was just the two of them.

Once they were in range of their desk they fell onto their chair a bit roughly and hastily began typing away on their keyboards with the sudden motivation. 

The distraction was only supposed to be a small break, however, they had let themselves get lost in their hidden desires. The way their fingers falter remembering the softness of their lips. They snapped out of it before reminding themselves that their source of crisis was an urgent task.

The violent sounds of clicking hid the approaching guest now turned partner entering the room.

“Hm, now do I think about it… Perhaps we should do a study session.” Frisk slowed down their pace as they cautiously turned around to make eye contact, the knowing tone of their voice causing them to give them a look of suspicion.

Chara was leaning in their doorway, arms crossed and a sinister grin plastered on their face. With a small boost, Chara left the doorframe before stalking towards the restless college student. When they had reached their destination they leaned in with an unwavering smile. 

“There are a few theories I would like to test out.” The tone of their voice made their heart race.

Frisk's eyes flickered to the screen then back at the predator grinning at them. They were sweating when their strings on their hoodie were being tugged upwards.

“Hypothesis number one, how long can a human go without oxygen?”

Their essay was turned in late.