Chapter Text
Clover enjoyed the fruits of their labor, watching humans and monsters dance in one little plaza.
See, when Asriel brought everyone back—broke down the barrier—he had a little voice in his head, telling him to bring back the humans who lost their lives in the underground. And that voice was Clover. That moment seemingly lasted forever, so Clover seemingly had forever to convince the kid.
“I just—isn’t it better to let them rest?” Asriel tried again, crumbling under the weight of Clover’s stern ‘glare.’ “Oh, like ya let me rest? In a box?” They rebutted. Asriel scoffed and gave them a glare of his own. “You did that by yourself, I was respecting your decision!”
Clover rolled their eyes and gestured loosely—loosely because they weren’t really moving an arm, just pushing out energy to convey the message. “They just wanna get outta here, like every other monster you got helpin’ you out breakin’ this damn barrier right now. Ain’t we got a right to properly end our journey? Ain’t it unfair that we never saw the sun again?” They argued, and they watched Asriel’s argument break in real time.
And then they were back, pushing against stone from the inside to be… free. Everyone was back. Even the original human they had guided Frisk with. Whewf. Good job, me!
Which brought them back to the party. Apparently, the day the monsters had gone free was New Years Day! Which made it doubly cause for celebration. Fireworks had been set up, streamers and decorations were thrown up around the plaza at the edge of the city, and magical lights were set up all around, fireballs harmlessly swirling around and floating water changing colors all around… it was a pretty spectacle. Helped, of course, by Starlo and the Feisty Four adding their own Eastern flair to it by putting some Glacialstones and Swelterstones in high places, adding more pretty colors (even if they had to be kept away from the actual partying. They were hot AND cold. Not fun.)
Humans and monsters alike were dancing to the music of Mettaton’s Greatest Hits (a third of the album was self-aggrandizing Mettaton solos, another third was better now that there were more musicians (and more importantly) more lyricists, and then there was the last third where El Bailador had a feature. That one, Clover thought, was the best. Who knew he had such a good voice for opera?) Of course, other bands had to take the stage, but Mettaton’s band had filled out a lot of spots to be there. So Clover would just have to hope the sweet, sweet voice of Bailador could soothe their ears every time they went on.
Clover wasn’t good at dancing, though, and they’d rather not embarrass themself trying to look any better than they were, like Melody was, trying to dance to music that did NOT go with ballet. They were good where they were, sitting at a table, watching their friends have fun.
Martlet, for the occasion, had made a series of intricate puzzles and was using them as games. Some were about the size of board games, while some looked a little more like obstacle courses than games. Many revisions and post-scripts were added and made, but everyone who participated seemed to be having fun! Clover had tried their luck on one of the obstacle course puzzles, only to get swept off their feet immediately. They had a good laugh over that.
Earlier, before Dalv had retreated to a table to cool off, exchanging a wave with Clover as he did so, he was selling candy and corn and candy-corn based treats to whoever wanted them—actually managing to get a lot of customers! And then there were too many customers, and he had to take a break. Clover even bought some themself! The candy-corn was… not good, but the actual corn was pretty great!
Axis and his… spouse were here too, though Axis informed Clover they’d have to leave when the festivities ended, as they now had… kids who were with their babysitter. Hum. Clover was extremely unsure on how that happened, but they were happy for the robot nevertheless. Even if dancing with his spouse caused a bit of a ruckus—on account of all the metal screeching against the floor. He seemed fine carrying them after, so… They’ll be fine!
And then there was Starlo and Ceroba. They had been avoiding each other for about thirty minutes when the festivities started, and now they were hugging and dancing together and holding each other close—well, were Clover less mature, they might’ve pretended to gag. No, they were literally an entire year older now, give or take some years dead, and they would be acting like an adult!
…After some childish eyerolls. They had to have some leeway!
But really, they were happy for the two. When they were adventuring, they thought Ceroba and Starlo were already close like that, but it took hearing a story about how she and her husband met to really convince them of anything. Now they were being all bashful while literally dancing to a love song. Clover gave them a month before the dam broke and someone said something.
Which was annoyingly similar to their issue with the first fallen human. No, Clover wasn’t stupid. Or naive. They just… they’d heard about this tradition from one of the humans native to the city, overheard a bit of conversation whilst walking around with Ceroba. Kiss somebody when the fireworks go off!
It sounded silly then. Just anybody? It felt a little impersonal—or perhaps too personal. But then they used their new phone thing (so much packed into such a small cube really surprised Clover, until they remembered Axis was the size of them and half as smart) to research the whole thing. And it made them flush—they were romantic, okay!? Sue me!
The idea really stuck with them. A kiss on New Year’s, right as the fireworks went off, just to say “I want this moment of happiness to last the whole year” right off the bat? It got to them!!
So they thought about it. A lot. Clover and Chara had… technically gone on a date before. While Sans and Frisk were talking over food, Clover and Chara had floated over to a different table and ALSO talked! It was awkward at first, more than a little strained, but they both fell into a little conversation about something a little strange:
Luck. Clover asked Chara what they meant by calling them a good luck charm, and Chara responded.
“Frisk’s avoided certain death several times, and your name is luck-related. You have a four-leafed clover stamped onto your hat. This is not a hard connection to make.” They deadpanned, looking at Frisk as Sans talked about knock-knock jokes.
“Well, yeah, but we’re BOTH here. Why ain’t YOU the good luck charm?” Clover pressed, and they saw Chara’s eyes widen before looking the other way.
“...Because I am perpetually unlucky.” They answered cryptically, which Clover wasn’t satisfied with. Not at all.
“Ain’t you dramatic. Well, I ain’t gon’ believe that till I get proof, because yer much more of a good fortune charm than you think!” They said confidently, and for the first time this entire conversation, Chara’s eyes focused directly on them.
“...And where’s your proof, hm?” They asked evenly, interested but cautious, tapping their finger against the table even though they were incorporeal. An answer had never come so easy to Clover before. Maybe because it was a question rigged especially for them.
“Well, because yer smart. Smarter than me, that’s fer sure. You seen areas of the Underground I ain’t even heard of! You give more practical advice, while I jus’ provide comedy for the kid so they ain’t get bored. And yer insightful too. Thinkin’ of things I wouldn’t in a million years. If Frisk had just me to help them out, I’d never get anythin’ right ‘cept for Snowdin and maybe some bits ‘o Hotland. That’s it. You got knowledge on everythin’! If I had to pick between me and you, I’d pick you, because yer more useful, is what I’m sayin’.”
They explained all of that like it came easy, and that’s because it was. Chara looked floored, and Clover finished their speech with a smile. “Yer lucky because, without you, this adventure wouldn’t have gone nearly as well!”
Chara didn’t respond. Didn’t react beyond their wide eyes and open jaw. When they remembered themself, however, they said a simple thing. One that Clover wouldn’t forget, even to this day.
“...I’d be worse off without you. Much worse without you here to help us—” They stopped themself, bringing a fist up to their mouth before closing their eyes and continuing. “Without you here, I would be too distressed from my death to even consider helping our mutual ally. You made me… happy.” And they gave the most genuine little smile, shy and understated, yet it was all Clover could focus on in that moment. In that moment, Clover probably would’ve given anything to hear about how happy they made Chara, to say nothing of what they’d do to keep making Chara happy.
And then it was over, because Sans and Frisk had finished their conversation while Clover was catching feelings. Feelings that they couldn’t focus on then, because they were going to face Asgore very very soon.
And now Clover was sitting here, scanning the crowd for the human because midnight was approaching, and they at least wanted to talk before it struck.
C’mon, Chara, where are you?
~
Chara was extremely out of their depth.
This raucous ruckus was getting grating fast. At first, they attempted to follow Frisk around, because that had simply become habit. Then Frisk DITCHED them to go hang out with MK, and Chara was back to being alone. They attempted to speak to some adults, but they were caught up in their own shenanigans and enjoyment, so Chara simply returned to a corner and started to think.
At least the puzzle lady was nice. They got a free ball of cooled magma out of her games, too! Urgh, I shouldn’t call her that. Clover did give me her name… What was it? Marrr…. Marv—No, that’s not it…
Ugh, this wasn’t working. They weren’t going to remember the puzzle lady’s name. Chara wasn’t even close to anyone here other than Frisk, Flowey (who had opted to stay home) and… Clover. Who they were avoiding currently.
Not because they didn’t want to be near Clover—quite the opposite. If Clover couldn't make THIS bearable, then nothing short of a miracle could. They had the ability to make the most inane thing humorous, and that was something Chara needed right now. However…
They had time to get reacclimated to the new world they had gotten revived into. Time to use new technology, and find new things out about the year they lived in. Like new human trends to scoff at, and new inventions to wonder at—like the phone. Which had recommended to them a “list of things to do with your partner before the new year!” Enticing articles like these seemed exceedingly common in this new age, so Chara was going to ignore it, but…
Like an idiot, Chara looked through it. They didn’t know why, but they did and it ruined everything. It wasn’t an extremely long list, only about fifteen things. Simple things like a “game night” or a “spa day” (games must only be for night owls and spas only for early worms) and hanging out at an arcade (must line up with late-night gaming or be punished by the time police). There were other things too, like having a countdown with friends or a movie marathon, but the very last thing on the list had hooked itself in Chara’s brain and refused to go.
“Kiss your partner before the fireworks go off!”
Now, Chara didn’t have a partner. They were uninterested, generally. Humans are gross. But due to their cowpoke speech patterns, an ANNOYING little human made their way into Chara’s mind whenever the word came up! Partner. Pardner. The same word, just said differently, but it rang through their skull every time the thought of kissing your partner happened across their thoughts.
They called me a partner so much during our trip in the Underground, I can’t get them out of my head! Damn cowpoke!!!
It didn’t help that they had said… a lot to stroke Chara’s ego in the Underground. A lot of very nice things that they probably would’ve said about anyone, but Chara couldn’t help but selfishly hold onto the notion that those words would always be for them. So much banter, so much fun was had, and now they had to be normal about it all. They saw each other a lot, so usually they COULD be normal about it, but…
Normally, Chara could just… ignore it. Stop thinking about it with a smile and go bother Frisk with MK. But they could see Clover, all the way across the entire plaza, moping at a table, scanning the crowd for them, and they knew that the moment they locked eyes, Clover would walk up to them. And then Chara was gonna make things awkward, because they’d always make things awkward when Clover probably just wanted to talk about movies! They’d start imagining Clover and them under the light of the moon, the fireworks about to go off as they leaned in—
Chara stopped that thought immediately and began looking around for places to hide from their own brain.
I have to get out of here.
~
Clover had migrated over to Dalv’s table, mostly just to see the crowd from a different angle, but also to pool their misery with his.
“Oh! Hello… I’m afraid I have run out of treats for you, but…” Dalv started, trailing off at the tired look on Clover’s face. “Aren’t you, err… enjoying yourself? It’s pretty loud for me, but I still like it…” He mumbled, and Clover sighed to dispel their sour feelings. It didn’t work, but it did get Dalv interested.
“I was, uh—I was lookin’ fer—d’oh gosh do you even—I was lookin’ for Chara? ‘Bout my height, bangs, rosy red cheeks?” Clover stuttered, feeling embarrassed for even trying to explain it to somebody that had never seen them before. Dalv tilted his head, scratching at the base of his horns, before looking out into the crowd. “Hmm… Doesn’t ring a bell. Why do you wish to talk to them?” He kept his eyes trained on the crowd, looking for Chara.
Clover kicked their feet on the chair, looking out into the crowd with Dalv to no avail. “I just… before the big fireworks go off, I wanna ki—say somethin’ to ‘em. It’s really important to me that I do, and I just—I can’t find ‘em!” They sputtered, catching themselves. Ya don’t even know if they like you like that, you freakin’ weirdo.
“Hm… My eyes are not the best for this sort of thing. Too much light. Even now, a year out, my eyes are still better for the dark… Try asking Martlet!” The wise vampire advised, and Clover saw some sense in that. Martlet could probably fly up and try to spot Chara for me…
They got up from their chair, thanked Dalv, and started wading through the crowd to get to Martlet’s puzzle, hoping that maybe they’d find Chara along the way.
~
Chara was wading through the crowd. They saw Clover move, and feared the worst; that they had been spotted. But, thankfully, they were not, allowing them to dodge the dancing masses of magic and muscle, dedicated to looking away from any—
“Hey, Chara!” Called a somewhat nasally voice, immediately making them cringe as they turned around to see… two humans.
Melody, as she had been introduced, was a human Chara had little patience for. Apparently, she and Clover had been close in the orphanage they both met each other in. Her disappearance prompted Clover to hop in after her a few years later. Chara had also heard from Clover, during a rare off moment, that Melody was responsible for quite the attack against their friend Dalv and his friend. So Chara didn’t really want to stick around for this human.
Hazel, however, had been the source of the nasally voice. Orange hair, purple hoodie, and a notebook still being scribbled in as they looked at Chara with excitement. This is a happy event, Chara reminded themself, putting on their award-winning smile. “Greetings. What did you require of me?” They asked calmly, though they focused elsewhere out of the corners of their eyes to see if Clover was approaching.
“Oh, we just wanted to ask if you wanted to go puzzling with us!” Hazel explained cheerily, while Melody nodded. Chara felt their smile strain. A million meaner responses came to the tip of their tongue. They could say they’d already died to get away from humans twice, they could say they’d attempted an extermination before and were willing to do it again... (Not really. But it made an effective threat.)
Or you could just be nice, said an annoyingly Southern voice in their head. They’re already trying to be nice to you. Even if you don’t humor them, couldja at least be kinder to them?
And Chara held their tongue, reconsidered their words, and softened their smile. “I’d love to, I just… It is loud, and I would like to get away from all the noise for a brief moment.” They explained quickly, hoping to get out of this situation. Just because they were told by imaginary cowpokes to be nice didn’t mean they had to stick around. Hazel and Melody looked at each other briefly, a shared thought crossing their expressions, before they suddenly looked at something above and behind Chara’s head.
“CHARAAAAAAAA!!!”
Ah. Clover’s here. On the puzzle lady, no less. Why are they doing that? Are they—oh they’re looking for me. Oh, they’re dropping down… Towards me.
I HAVE to get out of here!!!
~
Clover reaffirmed their grip on Martlet’s shoulders as she flapped her wings as hard as she could. “Do you see them?” She huffed, the exercise putting a strain on her. Despite all the space she now had to fly in, she had gotten lazy(er) since learning about cars.
Still, Clover thanked her for being willing to help them out after a bout of being teased. Now that they had a bird’s eye view (snrrk), they could see the heads of everyone in the plaza, and thus could probably figure out Chara’s location from here.
“Phew—okay, I gotta go lower, I can’t—hhh—Can’t stay up like this…” Martlet sputtered, gliding over the heads of the crowd who was cheering at the display of flight. Despite being out of breath, Clover could feel a chuckle coming from her. They hoped that this would encourage her to fly more often. Taking advantage of the gliding, they used the closeness to the crowd to scan across the heads, looking ahead only to see…
“CHARAAAAAAAA!!!” They screamed, letting go of Martlet to roll into the ground and finally talk to them. As they did, they took in a couple facts they probably should’ve realized before letting go of Martlet.
- They were trying to roll into a crowd of people, which meant they might hit people on the way down.
- Chara was standing with some of the other humans on the concrete area of the plaza.
- They were much farther from the ground then they initially anticipated.
Basically, they were diving into straight concrete.
Clover held their breath as they approached the ground. They had exactly one way out of this, and they didn’t even know whether they could still do it after so many years of not. But they had to do it, or they’d probably break something and break it hard.
They thought back to the buzz, the rush of energy as they dodged the rush of attacks, flowers and the ringing of bells…
“For Chujin… For Kanako… For the future of Monsterkind!”
Clover was starting to HATE how familiar those words sounded. Which was weird, because this was the first time they had ever heard those words. Still, the rush began quickly.
It was just bells, bells and fireballs, coming down on Clover. They moved quickly, dodging from side to side, blasting any of the bells in their way, only to get cornered on all sides by a ring of fire. Clover felt the fire lick against their skin as the ring charged in, and then didn’t.
Instead, what they felt was magic.
When they first started traveling the Steamworks with Ceroba, they started thinking about magic more. Out of all the monsters they had met, they wondered why Ceroba was the only one who had any sort of… shield. There wasn’t anything like it, nothing Clover had seen to directly block an attack. Then again, they had never hurt anyone, but it still struck them as strange.
Clover had unlocked something better, though.
They became energy, their movement more than just a dash as they phased through the fires of Ceroba’s attack and landed on the other side of the courtyard, human once more. Electricity rushed through Clover’s veins as they hopped from foot to foot, prepared to face Ceroba once more.
Clover called on the memory of those sensations, the glow, the energy running through them after doing that for the first time, the ability to, for just half a second—
MOVE.
Clover dashed onto the ground, barely processing the impact as they rolled forwards through a few people before their magic fizzled, making them a physical being again. The immediate repercussions to their little stunt immediately made themselves clear, their knees immediately aching with pain at Clover’s landing.
However… They were at the literal edge of the crowd, and they could spot Chara speed-walking away from the plaza and into the grass where the hills were. So, like the stubborn little cowpoke they were, they limped towards the hills and picked up their stride.