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Wing-Dings had pulled another all nighter. At least that's what I gathered from the ever darker bags under his sockets. Well that and the fact that he was using his breakfast as a pillow... again. Stars was gazing down at his young counterpart with a perplexed expression, as if he was trying to decide whether or not to wake him. I sat across from the two unable to suppress an amused smile. The monster standing to my left however wasn't as easily entertained. Swap huffed placing his hands on his hips. “Would you mind waking him up Stars? I'm sure his breakfast would be of more use if he ate it instead of slept on it.”
“Er. Yeah.” Stars made a motion to poke his friend awake.
“Hang on a second Stars.” I said quickly pulling out my phone and snapping a picture. “OK, now you can wake him up.”
Stars sweat dropped at my action before gently shaking Wing-Dings shoulder. “Wing-Dings wake up.” The scientist didn't even stir. “Wing-Dings!” Stars called again shaking him harder.
“Mmmhmmm,” Wing-Dings grumbled shifting his head so his entire face was in his meal. I snickered at this, Swap face palmed, Fell gave him a blank stare, B seemed confused, and Stars tried poking his skull. “Mhmmm.” He moaned swatting the offending hand away.
I snorted before reaching across the table and tapping the top of is skull. A grumble and another swat was his reply. “Wing-Dings.” I sang poking him again. “I'm gonna put another wig on you, and you won't find the acetone this time!” He shifted just enough to give me a nasty glare over his eggs. “Good morning sunshine.” I teased. Wing-Dings growled sitting up and blinking slowly.
“Well that certainly did the trick.” Stars laughed nervously.
“What a shame. The purple one would have looked sooo nice on you Wing-Dings.” I drawled with a smug smile.
“You have more than one wig?” Stars raised a brow.
“Yep!”
Plop! Back into the plate Wing-Dings went. Stars tried shaking him again, but he didn't stir this time. My teasing covered it up well, but I was seriously worried about Wing-Dings. He had worn himself down before, but never like this. The royal scientist had been working practically non stop for over a week! I knew I wasn't the only one who was deeply worried about him either. The light bags under Stars eyes indicated that he was loosing sleep trying to keep the other scientist from collapsing. Swap had been nagging at Wing-Dings more than he usually did about getting enough sleep. B had done the same only with more reasoning and less nagging. Even Fell had pulled him aside once to voice his concerns. But Wing-Dings had ignored all of them in favor of continuing his research. After talking failed we had forcibly removed him from the lab several times, but he would always sneak back as soon as we weren't looking. I had played dress up with him a few times to try and coerce him into sleeping in his own bed. I had even put a princess outfit on him once; makeup and all! But it failed to deter him like it used to...
Wing-Dings finally shot up after several minuted of Stars poking. “Wha! I'm awake!”
“Barely.” I muttered under my breath as Wing-Dings got up and trudged towards the coffee pot. Fell glanced over at me causing a shiver to travel down my spine. Things between us were still awkward to say the least. I would still stiffen whenever he got to close to me, and flinch if he spoke to loud. Fell seemed to have taken note of these thing and would move away whenever he got within a certain range of me. He was also trying to keep his yelling to a minimum; making a habit of stopping right as he was about to lose his temper and stating his thoughts in a firm but non-threatening manner. I truly appreciated his efforts, and they were working. I wasn't as scared of being near him as I used to be. However, the two of us still had a long way to go before things would go back to how they were before... If they could...
“Would you quit fretting over me like a mother hen!” Wing-Dings irritated voice snapped me out of my train of thought. Oh boy. He must be yelling at Swap again. I turned around preparing to reprimand Wing-Dings. But Swap wasn't the person Wing-Dings had snapped at. It was Stars... The tall monster was frozen in place with a hint of shock evident on his face. “I'm an adult! I can take care of myself.” Wing-Dings spat grabbing his cup of coffee and stormed out of the room.
Stars turned to face the table where the rest of us were sitting owl-eyed. “I should fallow him to the lab. Swap, Y/N thank you for breakfast.” He smiled down at us in his usual warm manner, but I could almost feel it's hollowness.
I rose from my seat and grabbed his hand as he passed. Stars jumped and turned back to me with a questioning stare. “I don't think that is a good idea.” I said with concern lacing my voice. “Why don't you give him some space for now. I'll go up and talk with him after breakfast.”
“I don't-” He stopped as I raised a brow at him. “Very well. As long as you'll talk to him.”

I stood motionless outside of the lab after breakfast. Yeah... Talk to him. That was easier said than done, but I had promised Stars. I inhaled deeply and entered the lab with a loose script of what to say in my head. Wing-Dings barely acknowledged me when I stepped into the room. Only flicking his eye over my form briefly before going back to mixing an assortment of liquids.
“Wing-Dings.” I spoke in a gentle but firm tone. “We need to talk.” Silence was his response, but I could tell from his eyes flickering between his flask and me that he was listening. “You know what you said to Stars earlier was uncalled for.” He stiffened but didn't seem to shut me out. So I continued. “Look. We all know that you are under an immense amount of pressure Wing-Dings. Being the one in charge of finding a way home can't be easy, and we all know that you're doing the best you can. But, this isn't healthy. All of us are incredibly worried about you. You can't keep going nonstop like this.”
“Or what? I'll find another wig on me tomorrow?” Wing-Dings finally spoke without looking at me.
I shook my head. “No. You wont.” I took a step forward and placed a light hand on his shoulder. He immediately turned to stone sucking in a long quiet breath. “The five of us care about you Wing-Dings, and we're worried. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we just want to see you in a healthier state.” I let go of his shoulder and stepped back. Wing-Dings said nothing he didn't even move. Then very slowly he went back to his experiment. I sighed quietly before turning to the door. “You should really apologize to Stars. He was only trying to look out for you.” With that I left. I had no idea whether my words would hurt or help Wing-Dings, but as of right now I had done what I could.

“Yo!” I smiled jovially wrapping my arms around Stars from behind. He let out a startled squeak almost dropping his cards. “How ya feeling?” I asked looking down at his skull.
Stars chuckled regaining his composure. “I'm fine Y/N.”
I hummed in acknowledgment not letting go. A throat cleared in front of us. I looked up to see Swap with a light coat of blue-orange tinging his cheeks. “Erm aren't your. Er... Isn't your chest a little close to his head Y/N?” He said turning a bit darker.
I blinked innocently pushing my breasts forward until they were almost touching the back of Stars skull. Said monster stiffened. I cocked my head to the side slightly shooting Swap a confused expression. “Why Swap? It's not like they bite.”
Swap's cheeks turned so bright they could light a room. I barely kept my poker face in tact as I watched his reaction. “E-excuse me.” Swap sputtered rushing into the hallway. I lost it; howling with laughter the second his hurried footsteps faded. I slowly let go of Stars and allowed my body slither to the floor where I continued to laugh. After a minute or two I managed to clamber into the seat next to him chuckling.
Stars sighed as the remains of his blush started to fade. “I know I'm going to regret asking but... How could your breasts bite me when they don't have teeth?”
I smiled slowly, and Stars started to sweat. Well he did know this was coming. “They can't bite. It was just an expression I used to mess with Swap. But if you really want I don't mind using something else to nibble.” I ended by biting my lip for show, and his blush was back.
“Why do you always do this to me?” Stars groaned putting his head in the table.
I giggled poking his skull lightly. “Because it's funny to see you flustered.” Also cute, but I decided to keep that information to myself for now. There was only so much the poor man could take in one day. I crossed my arms on the table. “In all seriousness though. How are you feeling? I doubt that your breakfast chat with Wing-Dings left you in a peachy mood.”
Stars sighed raising his head back up. “I will be alright. This isn't the first time he's snapped at me.”
My brows furrowed. “That doesn't make what he did right.”
“No it doesn't.” Stars said bowing his head slightly. “Did you talk to him?”
“More like at him.” I sighed placing my chin in my palm. “I don't know if he really listened to anything I said.”
Stars smile turned bitter. “I suppose we will have to wait and see.” I nodded.

Something woke me up that night though wasn't sure what. I hummed groggily checking the time on my cell phone. 2:47 AM. I groaned flipping onto my back and closing my eyes... I couldn't sleep. I rose into a sitting position. 3 AM and I'm wide awake... Great. My gaze drifted towards the ceiling. I wonder if Wing-Dings is still in the lab. I should go check. I kicked off my sheets and got out of bed.
The walk upstairs seemed faster than normal; soon I was standing outside the lab door. It was quieter up here than I had been expecting. Had Wing-Dings gone to bed for once? I entered the room to check. No, he was still in here using his desk as a pillow. “Wing-Dings?” No response. I walked close enough to see at the only part of his face that wasn't buried in his arms. His left eye that had tears streaming from it. I lifted a hand to wake him but stopped as my mind replayed what had happened the last time. I shook the thought away. This was Wing-Dings not Fell. He wouldn't hurt me...
I gently wiped his tears away. “Wing-Dings. Wake up. You're having a nightmare.” He shifted slightly so that his entire face was covered by his arms. I shook his shoulder. “Wing-Dings. Hey! You need to go to bed.”
He whined stirring slightly before he gasped and shot up. I jumped back at his sudden movement watching as he spun his head around before finally facing me. His eyes widened. “Y-Y/N. What are you? I-I-I... I need to get back to work.” He muttered tiredly. Wing-Dings legs shook as he stood. He tried to steady himself by placing a hand on his table full of notes. However, his strength quickly gave out sending him to the floor along with an array of papers.
I rushed forward to try and help him. “Wing-Dings! Are you OK?”
“It's a-alright.” His voice shook as he tried to rise. He slipped on some of the fallen papers sending them back into flight. Wing-Dings propped himself up on shaky hands starting to pick up the notes. “It's alright. I can fix this. I just need a bit more time. Just a little longer.” He glanced back at me. “Just wait a bit longer. I'll fix this.”
I placed a hand on the delirious monsters shoulder. “Wing-Dings. It's really late. You need to go to bed.”
“I-I can't do that. I have to fix this.” He responded without looking at me.
I placed my other hand on his free shoulder and turned him around to face me. “Wing-Dings you need to sleep.”
“You... you don't understand Y/N. I can't. I have to fix things because...” His form started to tremble under my hands. “It's my fault.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked momentarily puzzled.
“I fell and...” He stopped unable to continue.
My eyes lit up as the dots connected. “No it's not Wing-Dings. Accidents happen. No one blames you for our being here.” I said gently.
“But it is my fault! If I hadn't been near the edge of the core. If I had taken Sans advice and called in that day...” Tears started to leak from his eyes as he bowed his head.
“There's no point in placing blame on an accident.” I said firmly.
“But, I'm the reason you're here too.” He sniffled wiping his eyes. “When you came here... the rift you fell into... It was an after effect caused from my initial arrival in the void.” He admitted shaking harder. “You should be home with your family, but because of me-”
“Hey,” I gently lifted his head. “It's alright Wing-Dings. I don't blame you for what happened.”
“You're lying,” He said pulling away. “You said you miss your family... If it wasn't for me you would still be with them. All of you would be... If only I was the only one trapped here.”
“Wing-Dings don't you ever say that again!” I exclaimed. His head snapped up in surprise. “The thought of anyone being trapped in this place alone! It's a fate no one deserves. So please never think like that again.” I smiled softly placing a hand on his cheek and stroking away a few tears. “And you're forgetting. I also said that I was glad to meet everyone. Including you. I care about you Wing-Dings, and whatever part you may have played in my coming here doesn't matter.”
Wing-Dings was still and silent through my speech, and then he completely broke down. “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...” He cried placing his hands over his face.
I exhaled before putting my arms around his shaking frame. “Shhhhh. It's alright.” I soothed rubbing up and down his back. “It's alright. It's not your fault. It was never your fault.”
It wasn't long before Wing-Dings exhausted body forced him to pass out again. Allowing me to pick him up and carry him to his room. I tip toed through the bedroom door hoping not to wake Stars, and quietly tucked Wing-Dings into bed before I headed back up to the lab.

I yawned drearily from my spot in front of the stove. Last night I had stayed up tidying up the papers Wing-Dings had scattered about the lab. As a result I hadn't gone to sleep until about four in the morning. “Are you feeling OK Y/N?” Swap asked from behind me.
“Hmmm? Yeah? I'm just a little tired.” I responded glancing at him over my shoulder.
“Oh. Just a second then.” He smiled turning away from his task of setting the table. I hummed in response and turned back to the omelet I was cooking. A light clink sounded from the counter next to me. I glanced down to see a cup of coffee. “This might help.” Swap quipped with a grin.
I smiled picking the mug up. “You're a complete sweetheart. You know that right?”
Swap giggled as his cheeks turned an orange-blue tint. “I suppose so. You're the first person whose ever called me that... What does it mean?”
“Sweetheart...” I paused trying to find the right way to explain it. “Basically means that your entire being is incredibly kind, and well sweet” I answered raising the cup to my lips.
“Oh! So then in human terms a heart is like a soul?” Swap asked placing the last few dishes at the table.
“I suppose so.” I mused setting my empty cup down “Where's B by the way? Aren't you still helping him around?”
“I am but... He said he was feeling well enough to try facing the stairs on his own.” Swap explained.
I cocked a brow placing the last omelet on a plate. “Wasn't he still struggling yesterday?”
“Er yes... But he was really insistent.”
“I see. In that case I'll go and get him.” I said turning off the stove.
“Um I don't think he'd like that Y/N. He seems a bit fed up with all of the assistance he's been receiving.” Swap warned.
“Well he's gonna have to deal with it cause he's still injured,” I snipped stubbornly placing the pan I was using in the sink. “Besides I'm a human. It's practically my job to aggravate monsters.” I joked stepping out of the room.

Stars was exiting his room just as I finished climbing the steps. “Morning.” I called trotting over to him.
“Good morning Y/N. I hope you slept well.” He responded politely.
“Somewhat... Speaking of sleep. How is Wing-Dings?”
“Out like a light.” He chuckled. “I think I'm going to let him sleep in today. As long as I can convince Swap to allow it. By the way. Thank you for taking care of him last night.”
“How did you? You were asleep! I saw you!”
“Just pretending.” He winked. I rolled my eyes.
The sound of a door opening brought my attention to the reason I was up here. I smirked at Stars. “Be right back I have to go annoy B.” I stalked down the hall towards the unsuspecting monster. “Hey B!”
He turned to me. “Good morning Y/N. How are you to- ACK! HISS! Put me down!”
“Nope! You decided to reject Swap's assistance. Now you get me!” I sang carrying him bridal style over to Stars. “Shall we?” I asked him.
“Y-yeah...” Starlord responded nervously sweat dropping at the situation I had placed him in.

It had taken a bit of coercion from both Stars and I to convince Swap to let Wing-Dings sleep in today. But he finally conceded under the promise that this wouldn't be a regular occurrence. After breakfast Stars was left with some free time so he and Swap decided to play cards again, B (who seemed to be giving me the silent treatment) and Fell slipped into the living room to watch some new musical, and I decided to retire to my room until lunch.
I was doodling in bed when I heard the stairs creek. I glanced at my phone. 11:23 AM. Wing-Dings must have just woken up. I got up and opened my door just as he was walking past. “Morning sunshine. You sleep OK?”
Wing-Dings flinched at my sudden appearance beside him before gazing at the opposite wall with a light blush. “Yes I'm fine now... I do apologize for my... Embarrassing out burst last night. It was unprofessional to say the least.”
“There's no need to apologize to me Wing-Dings. Everyone has their breaking point.” My mouth dropped into a frown. “Stars however...”
He gazed at the floor in shame. “Yes. I will have a talk with him when he comes up to the lab later... Thank you again for your help.”
“Anytime.”
“Well I hate to cut things short, but I need to get something quick to eat before I return to the lab. Or else Stars will worry more.” He said moving past me.
I silently watched him walk away for a moment. “Wing-Dings.”
He turned back to me. “Hmmmm?”
“Please try and get more sleep from now on. Getting home... It isn't worth the your health.”
His eyes widened slightly at my words before he turned away from me with a light tinge of yellow on his cheeks. “I'll try... Y/N... Remember when you volunteered to help in the lab?”
“Yes.”
“Is that offer still open?”
I smiled leaning against my doorway. “It is as long as you take better care of yourself.”
Wing-Dings sighed. “Always a catch... Very well I'll meet you up in the lab in thirty minutes... That should be enough time for me to eat a... healthy meal.”