Chapter Text
Kris slowly opens their eyes, jolted awake by the morning sun hitting their face. Ralsei is still there, next to them, sleeping with an arm lazily draped over them. He looks so peaceful there, eyes closed, slowly breathing in and out again. They don't want to move, as to not disturb the sleeping goat; they are fully content just admiring him instead; his white fur that's always a little extra puffy in the morning, his pink horns, practically shining with how well he takes care of them, his cute fangs even, that they were more infatuated with than they would ever admit. He definitely deserved a good night's rest after last night. Speaking of, last night is a lot to unpack for Kris. Sure, they have wanted to get closer to Ralsei for a while, even Susie had teased them about that, but last night was a little rough, especially for Ralsei. He seemed very happy with how thing ended up though, and that's good enough for them.
Suddenly, Ralsei shifts a little, opening his eyes. "Moorningg Krisss~" He practically yawns out, as he stares at them eyes wide open for a mere second, before looking away sheepishly while removing his arm from them.
"Did you sleep good?" Kris asked, in their usual teasing tone.
"Y-yeah... I did, very well actually..." Ralsei responds with a quiet voice, flustered by Kris's closeness.
"Same... I think that was the best night's sleep I've had in a looooong time." Kris says with a smirk.
The two awkwardly stare into each others eyes for a moment, before looking away, a blush forming on both of them.
"So-" Kris clears the awkward silence. "We should go get breakfast."
"Yes, cough that seems like a smart idea. I think." Ralsei agrees.
As Kris is about to walk up to the door, Ralsei puts his paw on their arm, prompting them to turn around.
"Thanks, Kris. I uhh... really needed that, I think." Ralsei says.
"Anytime, Ralsei dear~" Kris answers, struggling to keep a straight face before letting out a giggle. Ralsei turns redder than a tomato in response.
Kris slogs into the bathroom with Ralsei following close behind to brush their teeth for the morning; Kris had not been too keen on taking care of their personal hygiene after all the drama with the Soul, much to their mother's dismay, but Ralsei would always drag them in like the responsible young man he is. Ughhh. They get to work with brushing their teeth; Ralsei has been weirdly insistent on Kris's personal well-being, which Kris did consider a little strange, but that could be easily chalked up to Ralsei's inexperience with relationships of any kind. They feel a little childish using flavored toothpaste at their age, but they shrug it off as one of their weird human quirks, like using the same shampoo every time, or how they wear the same clothes whenever they can; truthfully it's just a comfort thing for them. Just as they are about the put their brush down, they feel something grabbing their arm.
"Nuh-uh Krish! That washn too minutesh!" Ralsei looked at them with a stern gaze.
During his time in the Light World, Ralsei has become obsessed with all these little rules you're expected to just know; brush for two minutes, don't stare at the sun, turn off the lights when leaving, don't put metal into the microwave. There were a lot to keep track off, and Ralsei likes writing about everything in his notebook that he got from Toriel.
Kris sighed and got back to work on cleaning their teeth. Ralsei could be such a handful, even if he does it for their sake. He's even gotten Kris to start flossing again, which was something they had given up on ages ago.
Once they're done, the two walk into the kitchen. Toriel is busy making breakfast. The air smells like eggs and pancakes.
"Ah! Wonderful timing, you two! Breakfast is almost ready!" Toriel cheerily exclaimed.
Seeing Toriel gain some of her cheerful demeanor back makes it hard for Kris not to smile; it was so good to have her old self back, and with both Dess and Azzy having returned (Asriel even took a semester off from college), and the Holidays visiting again somewhat regularly, it really felt like everything was fine again. It was nice to have Asgore be around for dinner sometimes too; the two might not have gotten back together, but Toriel doesn't dislike him anymore at least.
Speaking of the Holidays, tonight Toriel, Asgore and Azzy would go over for an "adult dinner", which leaves Kris and Ralsei home together for the evening. They've wanted to have another sleepover with Susie and Noelle for a while, and today would be an opportune time to hold one.
"Mom, is it ok if Susie and Elly come over tonight? Since you're gonna be at the Holidays?" They ask, with a nervous tone to their voice. Last time they accidentally woke up Toriel in the middle of the night, and they've felt bad about it ever since.
"That would be wonderful sweetie. It would be great to have all your friends over again." Toriel answered.
"Thanks mom." Kris answers in a quieter voice, visibly relaxing in their seat.
"Do you want me to help you set up the mattresses for our guests, Kris? Or can I trust you to set them yourself later?" Toriel asked with that tone she uses whenever she knows she's setting herself up for disappointment.
"I've got it mom, don't worry about it." Kris answers, knowing full well they would not.
"Ralsei, dear. Will you make sure Kris actually gets them set up? Last time Noelle and Susie were forced to sleep on the couch." Toriel knew to appeal to Ralsei, as he could be trusted with these things.
"Of course Ms. Toriel, but I uhh... don't know where they are?" Ralsei answered sheepishly.
"Ralsei, as much as I appreciate your formality you do not need to call me Ms. Toriel at all, just Toriel will be fine." She giggles a little. "But yes, they are upstairs in the guest room's closet. Ask Kris to help you carry them."
"Sorry, mam." Ralsei apologized. "I will try my hardest to get Kris's help, but you know how they are." He answers while rolling his eyes sarcastically. He was getting good at the whole sarcasm thing.
They both giggled in unison, both fully knowing that Ralsei would be setting up alone. Maybe he could get Susie to carry the mattresses at least.
Kris simply rolled their eyes as they continued to slam pancakes into their mouth in record speed.
"Well, children, I shall be heading to the city to buy some food, I will see you later!" Toriel says while pulling on a jacket.
Before she leaves, she walks up to Kris and nuzzles them before handing them 20 dollars. "Here is some money kids, remember not to buy too much sweets!"
Hell yes.
After the two finished eating, Kris walks up to the couch and sits on it, fully relaxing into the cushions. Ralsei sits next to them.
Kris pulls their phone from the pocket; they have to contact their accomplices.
---
The Fun Gang 8:26
Kris: yo
Susie: Sup nerd
Kris: sleepover tonight?
Susie: Hell yea
Susie: I guess
Susie: Noelle
Noelle: Uhhh I asked my mom and she was ok with it. I thought you were here for the dinner though? :p
Kris: nah
Susie: Cool should we come ther now
Susie: There
Noelle: I need to do my chores first T_T
Susie: Kay I'll come pick you up in like a hour and a half
Susie: Noelle
Noelle: Sure >:)
Kris: kay me and rals will buy some snacks first
Kris: also someone get birdbrains on we need his ass for dnd
Berdly: Yeah I'll come after my shift at 5 k?
---
After staring at the ceiling for a few minutes Kris jumps off the couch and stretches their back proper, before heading upstairs with Ralsei in tow. The two changed from their jammies into some actual clothes, grabbed their backpacks and went outside. It was relatively sunny out, with clouds in the horizon. They had heard Toriel talk about raining at some point while they were eating, which they thought would make for a good excuse to stay indoors for the day. As they walked down the street, Kris's and Ralsei's hands brushed against each other. Then again, and again before Kris grabs Ralsei's hand in their own. Ralsei, not wanting to ruin the moment, reciprocates the gesture, not daring to look at Kris. This was fine with them, since their face was very obviously burning red. The two made it into the convenience store, Ralsei taking a simple bag of chisps and some "healthy snacks", while Kris bought a six-pack of soda, a couple cans of store-brand energy drinks, multiple bags of candy as well as a fancy chocolate bar for themselves. As they start walking back home, their hands brush again -- this time Kris gently grabs onto Ralsei's without hesitation, while Ralsei positions himself to be a little closer to Kris. The walk home is silent, and both decide to just enjoy the other's company, not daring to break the fragile moment. Kris opens the front door and walks inside, Ralsei following behind. They place their bags on the table, as Kris admires their treasure trove of sweets like a starving dog. Ralsei takes his snacks and organizes them into small nice bowls, arranging them on the table neatly, while Kris empties all the bags of candy into one big bowl, creating some sort of Frankenstein's monstrosity.
After setting up the snacks, Ralsei sits on the couch as Kris goes into the bathroom. He can't deny that he's feeling a little nervous. He's so new to this whole romance thing, and he really wants it to be perfect. His only frame of reference comes from fairytales and books, and while imagining him and Kris being the perfect lovers, slow dancing in a field of flowers under the sun, is an image he holds onto dearly, he has to admit that in foresight it does seem a little ridiculous. You can't blame him though, the Dark Worlds were so far removed from reality that if you lived your entire life there your worldview was bound to end up... weird.
This is so darn frustrating... What am I going to do?
Ralsei's train of thought was cut by the noise of the toilet being flushed and subsequently the sound of Kris washing their hands. They come out with a smug grin on their face and walk up to him, before flicking water from their hands towards his face.
"Kris!" he attempts to protest.
"Hehe" they giggle in return, before laying on the couch, legs swung onto Ralsei's lap, before whipping up the phone from their pocket and resuming doomscrolling. Ralsei is a little startled by the sudden contact, but decides to just relax with Kris next to him. At some point, without him even realizing he's started rubbing circles on Kris's legs. He stops for a bit, horrified that he'd allowed himself to be so careless, but continues after realizing that Kris would've told him if they didn't like it. Speaking of Kris, he looks over at them only to realizes they were sleeping, phone dropped onto their face. He gently leans towards them and places it next to them, before taking a long look at their face. They look so pretty, Ralsei thinks, before snapping out of his trance and turning his head away from them, as if he was afraid of being caught.
He finds himself a little tired too, last night was a bit of a doozy after all, and surely a nap couldn't hurt, right? He finds himself considering if Kris would be okay with this, but considering everything that happened last night, maybe it would be? He lowers himself onto Kris, practically laying on
top of them. He finds their smell so inviting, a mixture of the pancakes from this morning, and the apple scented shampoo they use. Their sweater feels so nice against his fur too, and their soft breathing helps him sink into their chest. He finds himself drifting into a peaceful nap rather quickly, as he focuses on Kris's tiny movements and sounds.
...
Kris finds themselves awake again, realizing they had fallen asleep. Before they even open their eyes, they feel something heavy on top of them. They don't even have to take a second to know exactly what, or rather who it is. They open their eyes to see Ralsei laying on them. Judging from the sun coming out of the window, they must have slept for around a couple hours, and the checking of their phone proves them right. They had gotten a few texts from Susie, and open them with one hand while the other finds itself stuck under Ralsei.
---
Susie 10:29
10:07: Yo we are coming soon yuo want anything to drink?
10:07: You*
10:07: Shit
10:11: Alright we're comin over in like 20 minutes or so so I best not find your ass sleeping or anything got it?
---
Shit. They missed an opportunity to get free stuff. They had plenty of their own here anyways, and knowing Susie and Noelle, there were bound to be more. Their phone gives them a low battery warning, to which they roll their eyes before setting it into their pocket. They pull their free hand up to Ralsei's head and start petting it, hoping to wake him up.
"Mmmmmmm... Kriss..." Ralsei practically yawned out those words. "Five more minutes?"
"Wait! Kris!" Ralsei pushes himself up. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to fall asleep! Aren't Susie and Noelle supposed to be coming? I'm sorry, it's just that it looked so comfortable and-"
Kris cuts him off by pulling him back down into a hug. "It's ok Rals, we both need energy for the sleepover anyways, right?"
"Yeah, I guess... so." He sounds a little relieved, but still nervous, which Kris picks up on.
"You know Rals, it's ok. I really appreciated the warm blanket for my nap too~" they muster a playful smile at his direction, before pulling him into a tighter hug.
Ralsei can feel his cheeks burning at the sudden affection Kris is showing him. He can feel himself melting into their embrace. He turns a little to look at Kris, and notices their ruby eyes staring at his. His eyes flick at their lips for a moment. He's about to something really stupid.
As if gravity, he crashes into Kris, lips locked in a heated display of passion. Kris didn't ever think Ralsei would have the guts to go for a kiss, and they were caught a little off-guard, but it only took them a few seconds to start kissing him back. The two pull away for a single second, warm breaths brushing against the other before diving back in. In a bold move, Kris's hands start exploring Ralsei, brushing over his back, his neck, his ears, his chest before finally settling on his shoulders, desperately pulling him closer, if such a thing was even possible. Meanwhile Ralsei's hands were stuck; not literally of course, but he felt himself paralyzed. He could only focus on Kris, their taste, smell and now their touch all over him. He desperately wants more from them, to pull himself even closer. They hold the kiss for as long as possible, before finally surfacing to breathe only at their absolute limits. Kris stares at Ralsei, how his lips are glistening, how a strand of spit connects the two, how his hair looks wild and flushed, how warm he feels- while Ralsei finds himself practically stunned. Kris's eyes are so beautiful to him, and the way they're staring at him right now with so much passion behind them makes him feel woozy. Suddenly, realization hits him as he buries his face into their shoulder, face burning red, while Kris lets out a genuine chuckle.
I- I can't believe we just did that...
Their moment of post-makeout bliss lasts for a grand total of ten seconds as Susie opens the front door and stares at the two in a panting pile on the couch looking like a total mess.
Uh oh.
"HAHAHAHA! And here I thought Kris was sleeping when they were busy making out with their fluffy "roommate"! Did ya two forget you invited us here or what?" Susie walks in, with Noelle behind her carrying multiple bags with a blush on her face as she wordlessly shuffles into the kitchen.
"I can explain Susie! It's that me and Kris were just- we didn't get good sleep last night and-" Ralsei speaks fast, fumbling his way around the facts while trying to dance around the obvious glaring issue of why he couldn't sleep last night.
"Yea I'm sure! Were you two too busy making out last night too?" She playfully jabs Ralsei in the arm, before joining Noelle in the kitchen.
"Yeah? And how about you two? Practically had to be locked in a room in the Dark World just to even dare to attempt talking to each other?" Kris fired back.
"Fuck you too Dreemurr." She sarcastically answers. "But we're even now. One embarrassing moment for me, one for you."
Kris and Ralsei sit up, brushing off their clothes and adjusting their hair. Kris hops up from the couch and walks to the kitchen, ready to steal a handful of whatever snacks Noelle and Susie brought. As they scoot over they practically begin drooling; multiple bags of chips and candy, enough soda to take a bath in, those spicy Korean noodles that would probably kill Ralsei, Christmas-themed exotic snacks imported by Carol from Japan- there's a lot. Ralsei walks into the kitchen behind them to stare at the treasure trove from over their shoulder, and even he's impressed (and a little intimidated) by the sheer amount of stuff on the table.
"So, what are we doing first?" Susie asks.
"Uhhh idk I really didn't plan much for the day, and since it's gonna start raining soon we can't really go outside either." Kris answers.
"Damn. And it's still a while before Berdly gets off from work right? Who the hell even works on Saturdays?" Susie scoffs.
"Noelle? You're good with ideas stuff, can you come with something not lame?" Susie turns over to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Uhmmmmmmmmmmmmm." Her face turns red. "How-how about we play some board games? Kris has to have some stored somewhere."
"Neerrrrddddd." Kris answers.
"Yeah yeah as if you've got a better idea?" Susie says annoyedly. "One that doesn't involve making out with Ralsei in a closet for four hours while we wait for Berdly?" She adds with a smirk.
"S-Susie!" Ralsei huffs, face red.
"I guessed so." Susie says after ten seconds of silence from Kris.
"How about you and Rals go upstairs to get something good, while me and Noelle set up the table downstairs?" Susie suggests to the trio.
Kris shrugs before heading upstairs, with Ralsei following behind.
"Kris, should we get the mattresses now?" Ralsei asks, following them to Toriel's room. Kris remembers her having Monster-monopoly somewhere in the closet.
I guess not.
Ralsei sits down on the bed, while Kris just silently rummages through the closets. He finds himself surprisingly content in the moment, relieved from the stresses of the past few weeks. It's strange, really. How you can just be fine in the moment. Not actively happy, nor sad. Just fine. It's nice. After some time, Kris finds the box they're looking for, and turns to Ralsei. They lean in and give him a quick peck on the lips before turning towards the door to go back downstairs with a devilish grin on their face. Ralsei doesn't even register what happened before Kris is already down the hallway; he was simply stunned by the act. He quickly gets up after realizing that Kris left, and catches up to them quickly. Noelle and Susie are already eating some chips on the couch below, having extended out the living room coffee table for gaming. Kris sets the box on the table and they set the games up. Noelle wins the game without breaking a sweat, not to Kris's surprise; she'd always been a sweat on family game night.
"Man I'm hungry as hell. Kris you got any food in the fridge? We didn't bring any... actual food over." Susie asks.
"Mmmmm.... maybe? Idk I was gonna just eat snacks for the whole day." Kris answers.
"What if we just ordered pizza from ICE-E's? I could pay for it, you know?" Noelle says.
"Get me an extra-large one!" Susie shouts from the kitchen before cackling maniacally out loud.
"Kris? What toppings do you want?" Noelle asks.
"Me and Ralsei can have an extra-large one to share, and I guess... actually Rals you can choose. Anything but olives." Kris says as they lean against him.
"Ummm.... Golly, there are so many options here. Uhmmm.... This one looks good. What do you think Kris?" Ralsei's paw is pointing at a Hawaii pizza.
"Yup looks good." Kris grins. They know Noelle is one of those "no pineapple on pizza" purists, and the mere act of ordering one would make her writhe in agony.
Ralsei hands the phone over to Noelle with the pizza highlighted.
"You sure? Pineapple's not really, a common thing on pizza." As expected, she tries to resist.
"Oh, was that not good? I can change-" Ralsei stammers.
"Nah Noelle's just being an ass about it. You're good Rals." Kris stares at her with a shit-eating grin.
"If- If you're sure..." She sighs.
While waiting for the pizza, the four just sit around, scrolling their phones. Kris has scooted into Ralsei's lap, earning themselves a very flustered boy, while Susie and Noelle are in the kitchen getting soda to drink.
"Hey there cutie~" Kris looks up at Ralsei from his lap.
"H-Hi Kris." Ralsei says, shaking a little, overwhelmed from the closeness.
"What are you two lovebirds doing over there?" Susie calls them out as she walks back into the living room.
"Stuff." Kris answers.
"Move your legs outta the damn way." Susie says as she grabs onto one of their ankles.
Kris scoffs and kicks their legs off the couch, now sitting in Ralsei's lap like he was some sort of mall santa, continuing to scroll their phone while Ralsei just gently holds them. In no time at all, they hear a knock on the door, hopping off from the couch and answering the door. They take the pizzas and plop them on the coffee table. They open their pizza box and watch as Ralsei's eyes widen.
"This smells so good~" Ralsei exclaims.
They get to eating, and Kris can't help but smile at the fact the gang's all back together. No more drama, no more Dark Worlds, no nothing. It's comforting, in a way. After years of overwhelming stress, guilt, depression, it's a reprieve. Even if it doesn't last for long, it's a moment to take it easy.
They spend the rest of the day playing; Super Smashing Fighters, Delta Kart, DnD once Berdly arrives, hell, just plain old playing cards- and at the end they find themselves absolutely tuckered out. Ralsei had managed to get Susie's help in hauling the mattresses into his and Kris's room, and the gang is finally getting ready to sleep. Toriel had messaged Kris that she'd be staying at the Holidays for the night.
...
The gang is preparing to head to bed, Noelle and Susie in the bathroom changing, with Kris and Ralsei already back in their pajamas. Kris sits on the edge of their bed, contemplating the busy day. They yawn, before lookin at Ralsei laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Rals?" They ask with a whisper.
"Yes, Kris?" He answers, sitting up and turning to face them.
"Do you... want to... sleep... next to me a-again?" They ask, face towards the floor. They can feel a rapid blush forming on their face.
"A-a-are you sure Kris? I mean I'd love to, but you don't... have to. I'm fine sleeping here, you know?" He answers, with a little bit of a disappointed tone, as if he's restraining himself.
"No, Ralsei. I mean yes. I do- I do want to. It's okay, you know. You don't have to be so scared to ask for something." They answer. They are so frustrated with how Ralsei is refusing to open up, but it's not like they can call him out for that; they are guilty of the exact same thing.
He stands up, and slowly makes his way over the mattresses towards Kris. They pat the space next to them on the bed, pulling up the covers to let him get in. As soon as he sits down, Kris pulls him into a hug and rolls onto the bed, tackling Ralsei with them, to which he gives out an adorable little squeak.
"K-Krisss! Don't do that!" He tries to appeal.
"Sorry I can't help myself, you're just too damn cute, you know?" They answer.
"Euuughhhhhh" Ralsei tries to groan, but Kris can't help but think he sounds positively adorable.
"Hey, Ralsei?" Kris asks.
"Huh?" He answers, turning his face to look at them. They look at him as if he was the most beautiful thing they'd ever seen, with such reverence behind their gaze. He felt himself locked in place, as if he'd break from moving around.
Suddenly, Kris pulls their face closer to his, their warm breath tickling his nose. Ralsei gulps, before the two close the gap between them. This kiss was different from the others. It was not one of pure passion, not one of lust, but one of warmth. A soothing, revitalizing feeling, as if he'd finally sat down after a decade of standing still. And oh boy does it have an effect on him. He begins shaking in their grasp, tears silently falling down his face. He thinks it's the most beautiful moment of his life. It's not like Kris is unaffected either, the kiss was everything they ever dreamed of and more, a fire in their heart after more than half a decade of it being frozen over. They'd never thought that they'd find such beauty in life again. But here they are, in each other's embrace, never wanting to leave. They fall asleep, embracing each other, before Noelle and Susie even get back from the bathroom.
The last words Ralsei hears before drifting off is a soft "I love you."
And after everything, he finally lets himself believe in those words.