@under-top and I wanted to let you know how grateful we are for all the wonderful contributions made for this challenge!! So many inventive and creative takes of the prompts based on lore and scenery, so much love all around it was amazing I really enjoyed drawing without pressure this week myself so it was amazing to see artists and writers follow through. Aster and Gaster are very grateful for your support and so are we <3
Good job to all the people who participated and/or carried out this challenge in full, and we hope you had as much fun as us!!
It bears repeating on this blog too: thank you so much to everyone who participated, no matter to what capacity!! Seeing so many folks show our goops love was heartwarming, and I’m so glad I could do something small and write alongside you all. I’ve been gushing over the submissions all week, it’s really been a special treat.
We appreciate you all! Thank you for portraying Gaster and Aster with your beautiful works ;0; we’re grateful!
According to Google, on the honeymoon, the newlyweds travel and relax in every possible way. So I like to think that Ink gave them a multiverse ride (perhaps not even entirely of their will xD). So, here. Sorry for being late (*n´ω`n*)
After that, they are unlikely to want to leave Zephyrtop ’:D
The sound of party poppers filled the air, along with some cheers from Ink.
The morning after, to be honest, left Gaster exhausted (in a good way). The reception was wonderful, happy faces all around and dancing all night. And he was fairly sure he had fallen asleep sometime around 2am.
However, soon after coming to Ink had insisted on an after-party.
Aster had managed to convince the hyper skeleton to host the party at his tower, just the three of them. Gaster was thankful, seeing as he really only felt like relaxing with the love of his life on the couch, watching their favorite movies.
A few disney classics later, and Ink took it upon himself to whip up a small dinner. He had dragged the two newly-weds to the dining room table, urging them to sit down.
Which brings Gaster back to the present, where Ink was covering the table with confetti. Aster was laughing at their son’s antics, bubbly and light, and–though tired–Gaster felt like he could live in this moment forever.
Suddenly, Ink raised a wine glass full of chocolate milk, he gestured for his dads to do the same. When they followed suit, Ink lit up.
“To six years, and to many more!” He toasted, their glasses clinking and spilling over at the edges.
Gaster repeated the words in his head, smiling at the thought of it. Indeed, to many more years at his husband’s side.
___
Thank you Comyet and Undertop for making this week’s prompts (also, thank you two for these lovebirds, they wouldn’t exist without you)! I had so much fun doing these, and I’m so glad you guys enjoyed them as much as you did!!
“So…what’s next on our agenda?” Aster piped up from where he sat, opening the picnic basket settled by their feet. “Perhaps we can take a walk down to the beach? Or stop by that new little book shop in town. Alphys said you might like it.”
Gaster mumbled something unintelligible from where he sat against a nearby tree, squinting as his husband lifted the top hat from his face. He blinked away the sunlight, replying, “We could also just nap the afternoon away, don’t you think?”
“I wouldn’t mind, if that’s your preference. But we should pack our things away first.”
Aster smiled, coaxing the other to sit upright, offering him an arm. Gaster sighed with a small smirk, shaking off grogginess and moving to lend a hand. The two quickly stacked plates and glasses back into their nest of wicker, the blanket under them emptied of their quiet midday meal.
Granted, they’d already had quite an eventful day, so the ringleader had every right to feel a nap call his name. Anniversaries were a special time in their lives, and so they always reserved those occasions for themselves, spiriting away to explore more of the world they’d turned into their safe haven. Of course, no one could interrupt them when they ran away like this, either. It was nice to feel alone together.
Eventually, both of them had settled down against the knitted fabric beneath, staring up at a sunny sky, framed by the wildflowers surrounding them. It was a kaleidoscope of colors for miles; the flora of both universes intermingled, swaying in the gentle breeze.
“You’ve been yawning so much, Gaster. You’re not thatold yet, are you?” Aster teased, glancing over as he put his chin against his partner’s shoulder. “Maybe the flowers are making you drowsy.”
“Mmm. Or maybe you’re so comfortable to cuddle with, I don’t feel inclined to stay awake.”
Gaster chuckled, looking at his loving husband with a familiar gleam in his eyes. Slowly, he lifted his hand, waving it overhead. Aster glanced at him with a quirked brow, curious as the ringleader opened up a console, rifling through endless lines of code with noticeable intent.
“What’s gotten your attention, dear?”
“I almost forgot to show you. Take a look at this,” he said, summoning a drop-down network of commands, stopping to let his finger hover over one sub-folder in particular. “What do you see?”
“Hm? Oh…what is that?”
[ZT_Week_22_.zip]
Aster blinked in curiosity, motioning for his partner to open it. Gaster easily complied, filling their skyward view with dozens of images, each more colorful than the last. Slowly, as he scrolled down through all of the ornate artworks and texts, the skeleton found his face softening with a warm smile.
“Well, well. These are our gifts, I take it?”
“I think so,” the other said, voice hitting bittersweet notes. “They’ve kept their promise not to meddle, so I’m grateful. But they haven’t kept our lives a secret, either. Our audience is a bit bigger than I’d have expected.”
“Oh–look at that one!” Aster stopped his hand, beaming as he saw their faces illustrated in brimming joy, reflecting them perfectly. So many interpretations, unique and wonderful in their own ways…all made with love, given the dedication and charm each possessed. “Ink would have a field day with these.”
“Which is why I saved them to show you first,” Gaster whispered, smoothly peppering his cheek with kisses. “Inkling might have ruined the surprise.”
“Well–I’m flattered.”
The skeleton chuckled, draping an arm over Gaster’s chest as the images continued to flicker by. Both were eager to comment, laughing over some, reminiscing over others. Even when reminded of hard times, they seemed to find the best in all things. They were too happy to do otherwise.
When the folder had reached the end of its list, Gaster closed the program, moving to shut the console down. His husband stopped him, however, propping himself up on an elbow to execute a few commands of his own.
“Did something come to mind?” asked the ringleader, helping keep his partner upright with a hand. “You seem quite focused.”
“Well, I’m grateful for all I’ve seen, but I have to wonder if we’re leaving ourselves a bit too open for prying eyes.” The skeleton chuckled, looking back at Gaster with a sly wink. “For now, I think it best if we advocate for a bit of privacy. Especially on our special day.”
“Ah. Right.”
Gaster blushed with a quiet laugh, watching the module spring to life as it set to work masking their data. Given how distracted he was by the text that flickered there, he was amply surprised to find his husband settled against him, smoothly wrapping his arms around his shoulders. Any further inquiry was stowed away for later, their mouths greeting as Aster surprised him with a sweet, tender kiss.
“There,” he murmured, looking at his other half with all of the love in the world. “Now, we can finally–”
“That somehow I believe is the way my life should be”
Blue really was Gaster’s color. It was bright and solid, something to lean on and something you can get lost in. And, well, it was seen everywhere. In the sky, in the sea, in the flowers on their dining room table, on porcelain tea cups.
And there was no fitting color for Gaster to wear at his wedding.
“Shaken up, in a whirl, on this rambling roller coaster”
“But what is it that I can’t take my eyes off?”
______
Aster readjusted his tie for the umpteenth time, anxious out of his bones.
Finally, after so many years of pining. Today was the day.
He checked himself again in the mirror before him. Nothing had spontaneously torn or gotten stained from when he checked last time. Ink stood by his side, in a familiar outfit—the same one he wore to the love ball, in fact.
Ink blinked at Aster’s nervous shuffling, his eyelights changing to a blue diamond and a yellow sun. “Dad, it’ll be fine, I don’t get what you’re so worried ‘bout. You two have been head over heels since basically the begining of time!”
Aster shot him a glare, as much as he loved his son, he wasn’t the best at offering reassurances.
“Marmalade and sugar song, penauts, and a bitter step”
“Too sickly sweet and bitter, sends my head into a spin!”
Ink, ignoring Aster’s look, continued on. “Listen. Today is gonna be great, m'kay? Now, c'mon! The ceremony’s gonna start soon and you wouldn’t wanna be late to your own wedding, would'jya?”
Aster, despite the stress-inducing nerves, smiled at his son. He was right. Today was the day, the one he’d been waiting for, and it was going to be great.
He held that thought in his mind, seemingly alive and beating like another SOUL, as Ink dragged him out of the dressing room.
(At the same time, Gaster was being pushed out into the ceremony hall by his son, Sans.)
______
“I do.”
Ink beamed behind the alter, smugly saying the next oh-so-famous line, with a twist of course.
“You may now kiss the goop!”
With a flourish, Gaster leaned in, kissing Aster with a lifetime of love and more.
“Come along and dance with me, party till we lose it all!”
“The world will sing aloud, because tonight is going down in history!”
____
Mwhahahamore song lyrics and fluff!! I hope it’s sweet enough for these two dorky lovebirds <3
Song used: Sugar Song to Bitter Step
I really love Mafumafu’s cover and you should absolutely listen to the song (it makes me wanna get up and dance, it’s such a fun song)! Unfortunately, I don’t know japanese and had to make due with these twotranslations^^’
The day had finally arrived. At long last, Aster and Gaster had exchanged rings and vows under the canopy of a united world. There were still plenty of adjustments to be made in their new home, but that could wait–especially with a wedding at hand!
Aster was radiant, left beaming from the love that lay nestled within him. The pair had chosen to uphold a very powerful, and sentimental tradition from his world: the exchanging of souls, the ultimate emblem of unity and respect. Now, Gaster’s heart would be with him always, aglow with all of the sentimentality that the years together had nourished. At last, he could say that his life felt perfect, like nothing more could ever go wrong. Given all that he and his husband had conquered to make it this far, the skeleton could acknowledge that it was a well-earned victory.
The reception and ceremony were as bombastic as they were sweet, and what followed was a brilliant night of celebration. Of course, with all of the mingling and partying came another special moment among many: the two newlyweds would share a dance. Well into the festivities, the ambiance of the party grew warm, music slowing to a cozy rhythm. Of course, all eyes fell on the couple, who graciously took the chance to step on the dance floor before their guests.
Gaster was more than eager to lead his husband by the arm to center-stage, a familiar experience made newly exhilarating by the setting. Performers from the circus had all taken up their instruments, the strong and steady sound of a violin cutting in to signal the next song. Grillby, dressed in all of his finery, held the instrument aloft, sliding the bow over the strings with a dutiful, experienced hand. The rest of the orchestral band followed suit as the two took their first steps, surrounded by the many monsters that cherished them.
With hands intertwined, they began to dance.
The ringleader was content to slowly lead his partner, easing their feet along in time with the music. Far be it from him to admit it, but he had taken a great deal of time to practice, just for this special night. For Aster, he would not settle for less. He could feel the other’s soul beat with trepidation in his chest, causing a smile to blossom on his face.
“Are you nervous, love?”
Aster felt his cheeks grow dark, but he smiled and followed along. He carefully pressed himself against Gaster, feeling their souls hum in unison. Slowly but surely, the skeleton’s nerves settled as everything around them disappeared, until his eyes fell on his partner alone.
“Just a little,” he admitted, quietly stifling a laugh. “It’s more…nostalgia, I think.”
He was made to twirl with a little spin, mesmerized as his other half moved in a flourish. Gaster kept the distance between them sparse, whispering a teasing inquiry against Aster’s ear.
“Reminiscing about our first meeting, perhaps?”
“Perhaps.”
The two locked eyes, sharing a mirth that was as secretive as it was joyous.
Enamored, Gaster continued, “Love…I am lucky to call you my husband. So very, very lucky.”
“It’s more than luck,” Aster mumbled in return, letting his lips gently brush Gaster’s in a tender kiss. “It happened because I love you.”
“Too true.”
The music swelled. The two settled their foreheads together, ignoring how silly they might have looked as they continued to keep time with one another. This was their moment, and nothing would ever change that.
“I must say, though,” Aster added, watching Gaster’s eyes light up in the process, “If being lucky is having me by your side, then you’ll be lucky for all eternity.”
“That would make me the happiest being alive.”
“Is that a promise?” Aster giggled, expression softening as he caressed the other’s cheek, feeling his partner’s hands shift to better accompany their steps. “I told you, I’d be the one to make your face light up like the stars. I always knew I’d see it happen.”
Perhaps, in harder times, there had been misgivings about how far their relationship could go. They were often marked as liabilities to those who occupied their worlds–who could have ever imagined that a love like theirs could bridge the gaps between worlds?
“We did this together. We’re stronger for it.”
“This is our reward for keeping faith in one another.”
The skeleton blushed at Gaster’s sentiment, gaze flickering to the members of the troupe. Their conversation had been too quiet to overhear, but his fluster was understandable. He’d have to integrate into a larger family than ever, now. Meanwhile, a glance back at Gaster revealed mischief in the ringleader’s eyes, that same sense of childish delight spilling forth in his murmured words.
“Don’t let go, alright?”
Before Aster could reply, Gaster gracefully pulled his husband down into a dip, the skeleton’s arms wrapping around his neck. The monster was a showman at heart, and couldn’t resist leaving the skeleton with one last kiss to the final notes of the song. Applause rang out around them; it was a performance to remember.
Aster felt like he was melting. With his soul safe inside of Gaster, he knew his feelings would be all too evident. Of course, the moment was only interrupted by Ink on the sidelines, who paused his snickering long enough to wolf-whistle at the pair, making their friends burst into well-meaning laughter around them.
Admittedly, even the married couple could share a pair of silly grins at that.
That’s all Gaster could think when he felt blood bubbling up his throat. He could feel his own consciousness suffocating under the weight of it.
Gaster coughed wetly into his hand, dropping the porcelain cup in surprise. Weakly, he looked up at Aster. And what he saw chilled him straight to the bone.
Aster, grinning maniacally with boring red eyes. His eyes sparked with malice and glee.
No, it… It can’t be..?’
“What? Don’t think that this would’ve lasted! How can he even stand you?” Echoed Aster’s voice, chillingly and distinctly someone else’s.
Gaster tried to speak, to protest or curse, but he only ended up gargling on his own blood. His hand shot up to his throat, clutching at his failing words. Lower, a cold amulet rested against his chest.
“Oh dear, save your strength! Hah! What a joke.” Turning and waving a final goodbye, decidedly not Aster left Gaster for dead.
Gaster grasped at his red heart locket in a last-ditch attempt to anchor himself as his vision started going dim.
The day had brought little but the patter of rain outside the space the two shared, the fresh scent of damp grass coaxing itself into Gaster’s home. Admittedly, he would have enjoyed the soothing weather a bit more, were he not three days deep into an awful cold. Between a slew of back-to-back performances, and his many eager attempts to impress his new beau, Gaster had certainly overworked himself, right down to the bone. It was no wonder that he hadn’t been exhausted sooner; either way, he was facing the consequences now.
As the ringleader took pause from reading an old, worn-down book at their shared table, his eyes wandered, following Aster’s back as he busied himself in the quaint kitchenette. He hummed out a tired breath, heaving a sigh to keep a cough down at the back of his throat.
“I hope I get over this soon,” he groused, propping his chin up on an elbow. “It’s not like me, I promise. I’m sorry to have made you go out and tell the troupe on my behalf.”
“It was no trouble,” Aster hummed back, “Everyone wished you well. They’ll be just fine without you tonight.”
“I know, I know. But I can’t help worrying.” The ringleader huffed, a little apologetic grin playing on his lips. “I hope herb hunting with Alphys wasn’t too overwhelming for you.”
“Oh goodness,” Aster chuckled, “She’s a bit of a character, isn’t she? But a very interesting one. We managed to get everything just right for your medicine, don’t worry.”
“Thank you. I’m grateful to have you here to dote on me.”
The skeleton didn’t reply.
Silence passed, only to be broken by the shrill of the kettle, whistling its spout off with urgency. Aster smoothly removed it from the flame, watching steam spring forth as he poured its contents into a dainty cup. He blinked once, then again, feeling a strange separation from the movements he was making. Perhaps he was simply tired in his own right; he had been picking flowers in the morning rain, after all. At the very least, it was simple enough to mix the other’s medicine in with his usual choice of tea, stirring faintly as the liquid took on an oily, yellow sheen. No surprise, given how much of the concoction he’d added.
“Alright, here you go.” Aster turned back with an even meter to his voice, gently lowering the tea and a plate of cookies in front of Gaster. “Golden Flower tea, just how you like it. Give or take a few additions.”
“Thank you, really. You’re too kind for milling around me like this.”
Gaster sighed, looking down at the cup with the faintest hint of regret, knowing how cloyingly sweet the medicinal herbs made everything taste. “Sweet additions don’t really belong in chamomile,” he mused, but said nothing, wishing only to show his gratitude to the skeleton before him.
“Would you like to sit with me for a bit? You must be exhausted after being out all morning.” He stared up at Aster’s distant expression, feeling a pang of guilt tug at him. It was no surprise that the poor man looked so out of it. “You don’t have to leave when it’s still pouring.”
“I won’t leave.”
“Alright then. Take your time.”
Gaster nodded without glancing back up at the other, feeling his eyes on him as he downed the drink in the span of a few moments. It was small enough to warrant it, and the less of that awful medicinal taste to coat his tongue, the better.
Minutes ticked by. The rain continued. Aster kept standing.
Gaster finally let his gaze flicker up, finding the skeleton with his back turned away, one bony hand gripping the chair opposite to him, and a few fingers tapping with impatience against the wood. The ringleader nearly spoke up, a strange unease creeping up from deep within him. It was only then that the taste finally hit him; not the sugary aftertaste he’d expected, but an acrid, foul bitterness, welling up in the back of his throat.
“Aster, I…” He eked, a wave of dizziness washing over him as he lifted his head. He froze, his eyes settling on the face of the skeleton that had turned to him at last.
He was met with a wide smile… and red eyes.
"You know I’d never leave you alone, right Gaster?. The monster let out an amused laugh, cupping his cheek in his hand. “Even if you look ready to keel over right now.”
Gaster might have whispered something in turn, confusion keeping locked him in place, all while the pounding of his heartbeat grew louder in the back of his skull. He wanted to get to his feet and recoil in that instant, but found it hard to even grip the table. Why were his hands so shaky?
“It’s such a shame, isn’t it? Getting poisoned by the monster of your dreams, and all. You really made it easy.” The creature cackled, mouth spreading in a sharp-toothed grin. “And no matter how much he’ll plead and beg for forgiveness, no one will listen! He’ll still be the one to have killed everyone’s beloved ringmaster.’
“What?” Gaster managed, bewilderment etched into his face. “What are you…?”
“Oh, and now you’re making a mess everywhere! You have awful table manners, you know.”
The thing in front of him continued to burst into giggles, Aster’s face taking on strange, uncanny expressions, too wide and animated for his reserved face. Gaster tensed, heaving out a breath as his eyes descended, the thud of something distant within himself matched with another noise, one that had been drowned out by the panic within him.
A constant, incessant dripping.
It only took a glance to know what it was, even as his thoughts went numb. Bright scarlet, pooling over an emptied cup, spilling over the tables edge and onto his lap.
At last, night returned to grace the sky above Aster’s tower. Gaster’s eyes struggled to focus on just one spot, marveled as he was by the splendid oddities and knick-knacks that composed the other’s research. Maps, telescopes, and hundreds of artifacts that didn’t exist in his world were at his fingertips, calling forth a curiosity he naturally possessed. He only straightened again when the blaster’s shepherd returned, smiling softly his way.
“Everything’s ready,” said Aster, motioning to an arranged set of cushions on the floor beneath the observatory’s dome. “Except my guest, it seems.”
“Sorry,” Gaster chuckled, returning to the skeleton’s side. “I got carried away with exploring. Your home is simply…incredible.”
“Thank you. As is yours.”
The ringleader took his place among the cozy pile on the floor, glancing to Aster once more as he crossed the room, taking up a spot by a lever and smiling back at him.
“Ready?”
“Of course.”
Aster let slip an anxious chuckle, pulling the mechanism down. It was followed by the clack of invisible gears and pulleys, the dome’s golden plates opening up like an evening lotus in full bloom. As it unfurled, the skeleton returned to the magician’s side, studying his face as Gaster’s eyes drank in the stars. A gorgeous curtain of purple and blue spread out above them, filled to the brim with bright and colorful stars, the sky blessing them both with a sight empty of clouds.
Gaster’s eyes widened as he leaned back on an arm, an audible gasp escaping him. The swirling colors and dancing lights were unlike anything he’d ever seen; it was as if the world itself served as the stage for some mesmerizing, ephemeral dream. Aster’s revelation was, quite possible, one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever laid eyes upon.
“I hope it lived up to your expectations,” Aster quipped, smile growing wide as the other failed to give him a reply.
“I…am quite overwhelmed, to be entirely honest.” Gaster breathed out with amazement of his own, following Aster’s hand as he pointed up at the sky.
“Do you see that cluster of stars, to your right? They’ve been the subject of my research for almost six years now. The youngest is Betelgeuse–the red one there.”
“I see. Like your blaster. Are the dragons and stars connected?”
“Yes.”
Aster’s eyes gained their familiar twinkle, even as his expression remained calm. More than that, though, Gaster could glean his excitement from how eagerly his tail swished against his legs.
“There are nine bright stars up there, phoenix-types which form the constellation Orion. Those stars are like the blaster’s souls–which is why they’re nearly immortal. They can live on in the sky for millions of years. As for the other constellations, well–” Aster paused, meeting Gaster’s eyes as he finally caught his breath, “–there’s billions, all belonging to different blasters, so many that even I don’t know about. But I know they’re out there, somewhere. And it’s my job to discover them.”
“That’s incredible,” Gaster murmured in return. “And how long have you been studying them?”
“Over twenty years. Can you believe it? It’s taken me this long to fully research just one constellation, out of all of them. There’s no limit on the knowledge to be gained, it’s so exciting!”
Aster’s tail only began to streak faster over their laps, the two beaming at one another in turn. His love of his world, and work…it was so bright, that Gaster couldn’t help but be drawn in by it.
“You can keep researching forever, devoting your life and love to the craft you hold dear.” He sighed, smile tinged with the faint hint of sadness. “What a wonderful life, truly…I hope you won’t mind sharing it with me.”
The skeleton took pause, gently running his hand down the length of Gaster’s back, soothing him with a gentle caress.
“My life is more beautiful with you in it.” He replied with a soft smile, a light blush rising to dust his cheeks. “Stargazing with you, it’s…it means so much to me.”
“Is that right?”
Gaster mellowed in turn, chuckling as he squeezed Aster tight in an embrace. His jovial mood returned just as quickly; how couldn’t he feel stirred, with the center of his universe within his hold?
“And you fill the emptiness in my heart! My life couldn’t be complete without you!”
“Oh–please,” Aster exhaled with humor, his blush growing stronger. “You and your theatrics.”
“I mean it, really I do.”
Gaster nuzzled his partner’s cheek, planting soft kisses there before finding his lips, drawing out the moment in quiet, gentle bliss.
“I know a lot has happened between us,” Gaster added with a murmur, “But we’ll get through this together. We have a whole future to look forward to.”
“Alright. No more apologies.”
The skeleton smiled with an easy nod, looking back to the veil of night as he shifted to hold the monster in his embrace. He felt Gaster press close, speaking in a low, contended whisper.
Of course, I don’t draw very well, but I hope you like this drawing, I am grateful to you for this week <3. (you will seriously realize my dream if you notice this)
