DARK, DARKER, YET DARKER

{{AUTOPLAY}} Indie!Semi-selective W.D. Gaster from Undertale. Please read my Rules and About pages before interacting. M!A: None and Accepting Rules | About | Headcanons Icon drawn by inkflcw

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//Guess which dumbass finally remembered Gaster’s info!

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knightofivory​:

If Gaster is curious about it Hollow would answer, maybe not as much as any other question but they would provide something close to it. They knew the reason why they weren’t given affection, why they were given a very cold shoulder when they were created, it wasn’t something that they are unaware of. 

But. It still hurts. An ache that they would feel at times before burring it away.

“ You are very good with spotting it. I lack a face and still you noticed “ “ It is ok. Just. Surprising. Trained to keep feelings away. Make sure their not shown. Surprising when hearing it shown “

“I don’t look at the face to see it... Your body language and I suppose the air you give gave it away.”

Gaster smiled with a soft chuckle. After all, looking at his son’s face was pointless with that constant smile. Even his eyelights didn’t give him away most of the time. And he’d been that way since he was a little babybones so he had plenty of experience spotting small tells.

Hearing how Hollow had been trained to keep their emotions away made him confused and upset. Why do that? It made them seem more like... Like an object and that couldn’t be right... Could it?

“I do not wish to upset you if this is a sore subject but why would you need to do that? Why do you need to keep emotions away?”

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knightofivory​:

Hollow nods in understanding to that. Hard not to understand when they had ended up baring witness first hand of it going out of control. How it could also spiral to hurting one’s that were not originally involved, instead widespread harm. 

“ I was? “

They sound confused at hearing they seemed upset. They were but they thought that they hid it well. Gently shaking their head as they sign. 

“ Troubles kept quite about. Comfort new “

Gaster smiled sadly for them and nodded a bit. The poor bug was obviously not used to such affection. Such a terrible thing. It was actually painful to realize. How could no one give any kind of comfort to them? What kind of land was this?

“Most would not notice but my son is also very talented at hiding his pain behind a smile. I have learned to see past it. And when I see something like that I just want to help that feeling go away. But I still should have asked since you are not my child.”

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knightofivory​:

A perfect world. Can’t say that there hasn’t been attempts to get close to it. Sadly there tends to be nasty strings attached and someone having to sacrifice. What’s the point in a perfect world when someone is still suffering? Hardly much. 

A surprised whistle leaves Hollow as their hand is gently squeezed. They haven’t been paying attention and the action is new. There is a familiar feeling but they couldn’t place where it’s from. Was it from the King? Hollow knew the action is supposed to be comforting but its so terribly forgin to the knight that their left confused. 

The whistle turns into something of a sad sigh as they sign back. 

“ Hopefully they do not take it to far often. I have seen one’s that become lost in it and misery ended up being everywhere “

Gaster let himself drift off in his own memories and thoughts for a moment. He recalled how peaceful it had been in the Underground with the monsters where there was no strife or fighting among themselves. Even after the war and they all had lost so much. It only changed when the first human fell... And then everything changed... So much pain everywhere and strain.

Seeing Hollow’s confused face made him blink back into reality and he blushed a bit and got flustered.

“You would think they would have more respect and knowledge for that but they care only for themselves. And I’m sorry for that action before, I should have asked. You just seemed so upset...”

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knightofivory​:

“ It sounds terrifying “

There is a sickening feeling sinking into them at the thought of it going into that direction. Being so close, space being nothing but thrown away to only satisfy the one initiating the action.

Their signing slows a little but continues. Thinking about something that has them pause in the middle before resuming where they left off. Pushing away the bubbled up thoughts to reply.

“ Taking from others… Sounds like that will be around forever as well “

“It is sadly... In a perfect world we would never have to worry about this.”

Gaster frowned softly and signed for his apologies in opening Hollow’s eyes to this truth of the world. Knowledge was good but sometimes it was painful. And it seemed to hurt Hollow more than they let on. He gently took Hollow’s hand in order to give it a gentle squeeze before releasing. It was the only way he could possibly give the bug a hug.

He then released the other’s hand and looked apologetic for the action to begin with without asking. It was just his fatherly instincts kicking in wanting to comfort someone.

“It likely will... But that is the nature of most species instincts. Take in order to survive but sadly some take it too far.”

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knightofivory​:

So there are different levels to this activity where it may still be possible not to having children. There’s probably different ways to protect themselves to by Hollow’s guess. 

Still, it doesn’t sound appealing to Hollow. The activity itself.

“ And the two tend to survive afterwards? One not ending up harmed? “

They remember hearing about Mantises and their honestly a little more intimidating when in that light. 

Gaster gives a staticky sounding hum as he thought about the questions and sadly found himself lacking knowledge in that department.

“In most cases yes, no one is harmed by the event. I cannot say that for bug species since I have only encountered you and no others so my knowledge is lacking there. And... Sadly, there are cases of individuals forcing another person to couple and it can badly hurt the victim. This is sadly something has happened for as long as life has existed it seems.”

He doesn’t look exactly happy about revealing that bit of information. It honestly disgusted him that such things could happen still considering how advanced society had become.

“But that is true of most things. It seems that fighting and harming each other is just something that will be around forever.”

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knightofivory​:

Sounds like they have a protective soft shell to keep their bones from being hurt. Hollow nods their head at the offer to take a closer look. They don’t seem to notice that they reach out and gently touch Gaster’s hand. Curious that bones could be smooth and texture different from bug’s shells. 

Tilting their head back to see the magic made hands. Pleasurable? So they feel nice when doing it? It sounds like something one would do when they have free time if what he says is true. Though Hollow is still confused at hearing that it’s possible to do so and not have offspring as the activity tends to lean more towards creating then not. 

Letting their hand go as they start to sign. 

“ Would that mean making out? I heard that its similar but it doesn’t end up with offspring created “

The skeleton smiles as the bug before him investigates his hand. It wasn’t quite as solid as it normally would be had he had his whole Soul. However, today seemed to be a good day since he was much more solid than his new normal state of being. It was actually jarring to be touched again after being isolated for so long.

Gaster then blinks at the other’s apparent confusion before reading the other’s signing and blushed a bit more. Of course! They obviously didn’t know much in this field and he’d left out a pretty crucial bit of information! It was fairly embarrassing but it also couldn’t be helped. He was far too used to being alone and not having to explain anything anymore.

“Well yes, it can be very similar and does not lead to children without going a step further which would be sex. However, it is possible to have sex without having children as well. There are means of protection for that scenario.”

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knightofivory​:

Hollow nods their head at the question. They are and would like to hear if it was alright. Far as they have seen for skeletons are shells and that’s about it. Bones being different then what is on the outside they have not seen. 

There is a pause as Hollow hears this. Tilting their head with a whistle leaving them. It wasn’t often that they heard it is unnatural. Most of what they heard and seen were of one’s procreate and what would become of it. Not of one’s not desiring to do so. 

Gaster beams at the affirmation of wanting to know more and looks quite excited to share. How long has it been since he’s shared his knowledge?

“Well, I’m certain you’ve likely never seen bones like these. Given you come from a kingdom of bugs you must have only seen exoskeletons hm? So, in quite a number of other species the sturdy part of their bodies is in the body instead of being a shell like you’re used to. My body is made of the bones that create an skeleton that supports a human’s body. Would you like to take a closer look?”

The scientist then holds out his hand in case the other would like to look more closely. Though seeing the confused face from the previous statement he blushed a bit and fiddles. Soon a magical pair of hands form in order to sign still while still holding his hand out to be investigated.

“Goodness I should have elaborated. Depending on who you couple with and how it is done, having sex can feel very pleasurable. So some couples choose to do so for the purposes of pleasure instead of creating offspring. But again, some people don’t have the desire for that either.”

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knightofivory​:

Hollow ignores the sad look at mentioning of their loss of arm. They lost a lot more then just that but they thought it was the lest of it. Only bright side to it is they still have an arm left. 

“ High price to pay. Shattered, still able to find pieces and will see your boys after all gathered up “

A lot more then what Hollow could say about themselves. There wasn’t any plans if they had ever survived the Radiance and being sealed away. Most of who they knew are gone. 

Gaster smiled a bit, albeit painfully, at the idea that he could potentially leave the Void.

“It is a lovely thought to finally be free of this place.”

He’d actually thought he’d never leave the Void and it was hard to think it could happen at all. However, he wasn’t alone in this struggle anymore. Now that he had a chance, he wasn’t exactly certain of anything after but it didn’t matter. He could get free. Finally he smiles a bit more sincerely and nods.

“Thank you for helping me Hollow, I don’t know how I could repay this kindness.”

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knightofivory​:

They tilt their head to see the revealed bones underneath the other’s sleeves. Their mind wondering a little if they had seen bones before, a large majority of the one’s that they had seen pasted away didn’t have any visible bones. 

As they listen they end up leaving a few cheerful sounding chirps and whistle. It honestly sounded like their happy to hear this and relaxed that it wasn’t just them. 

“ That is good to hear! Worried a lot “

He noted the curious look and chuckled quietly before moving closer to let the other get a better look. If this race was like the smaller, non-sentient bugs he’d seen Underground then they likely wouldn’t know what bones looked like.

“Are you curious about what I am? I could explain if you so desire.”

Gaster actually looked fairly excited at the prospect. He loved to teach and share scientific knowledge with those that were curious. After all, knowledge was a true treasure that should be shared!

“And I can see that but it’s alright. You aren’t unnatural for feeling this way. Even those that can procreate sometimes do not feel the desire to do so and prefer just a romantic relationship and there’s nothing wrong with that either.”

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knightofivory​:

Hollow gives a soft nod in hearing this. They may not know exactly what the cost was but they understood well when the cost ends up being high. Their kings words echoing in their mind. It has ended up applying a lot more then the prices that the royal has paid. 

The vessel listens and they could only hope that the job that the other’s son has taken was willing to do so. That he wasn’t alone in his work. To it all, they hope that they got have their goal reached and still be in one piece. 

A soft whistle leaves the vessel, soon bringing up their hand to gently wave back to Gaster that eventually goes to signing. 

“ It is ok. It is nice to hear that there is another that is similar. Feels better to hear. Hope your son bares less scars then I while still having both arms “

Hollow may be able to summon Void Tendrils but it wasn’t the same as having their arm in tact.

The skeleton looked more pained as he thought more about everything that happened while he was trapped in the Void. It also made him realize just how nearly impossible it would be to get all his Soul back and leave the Void forever.

It took the whistle and seeing the signing that brought Gaster back from his rapidly declining thought process. He looks sad that Hollow had lost one of their arms in their sacrifice and he sighed softly.

“My son’s scars are mostly internal and mental... He had taken on this impossible task to protect his brother but the toll is great. In the end though, he survived and that is the greatest thing I have left I must admit. I wish to be there to help him recover but sadly... The accident that shattered me and trapped me in the Void and I cannot see my boys.”

Not mention, even if he could get out to them it was very likely they wouldn’t remember him.

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knightofivory​:

By Hollows logic, Gaster is a scientist so maybe he would know the answer to their question. Wither or not it was ok as maybe it was just something missing when the vessel was created, or maybe it was something specific? They weren’t sure so their attention went to someone who might know. 

The knight tilts their head a little, empty gaze tilted towards the side to move their gaze away from him for a few moments before answering. It may also sound odd but their true in their answer. 

“ Yes… Wanted to know… Did not know… Wither it … Was because… Created… Different… Or if… Others similar. “ “ Do not.. Have luck in… Feelings… Bad happen… Needed to… Ask “

Gaster watched as Hollow seemed to contemplate what he said and chuckles softly. He then nodded and could understand the conflict the Vessel was feeling. After all, Gaster was skeleton and his kind were not particularly known for their sexual desires, since they lack the things required for such actions.

“I understand. After all, we are fairly similar when you get down to it.”

The scientist then pulled up his sleeve to reveal the bones that made up his arms.

“This is all I am. You are not so unusual Hollow, there are many who do not feel the desire to procreate or lack the means to do so but that doesn’t stop them from feeling romantic feelings.”

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knightofivory​:

@cntrynumbcrscvcntccn​ Continued from => ({ :♦: })

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The knight gives a soft chirp of sorry at startling him. Hollow may of asked someone else but they were sure that Gaster has some sort of answer to their question. They didn’t see why they would have to build up to the question they have so may as well be direct with asking. 

Hollow is a good listener and they stay quite as they listen to him give an answer. They might of tried to fidget a little in worry that the answer would turn negative, that one had to be physically involved in that way to be in a relationship with someone. If they had someone in mind to be romantic with they didn’t want to be close in that sense but they don’t want to end up lying about it to appease the other. 

“ Ok… Sorry though… For asking… Out of … No where… “ “ Needed… To know “

Gaster smiled and gave a gesture that it was fine. He’d always been a jumpy monster but it was just much worse now after being alone for so long.

After explaining and listening to Hollow’s words he shook his head and laughed softly. The sound wasn’t exactly like a normal laugh considering he didn’t speak normally. But it was his laugh regardless.

“Hollow it is fine, don’t worry about it. There is rarely a bad question to ask. As a scientist I enjoy a healthy dose of curiosity. I was more surprised that you would come to me with such a query is all but I’m hardly upset you did.”

The skeleton smiled again and then tilted his head.

“Is there a reason you had such a question? Or was it a curiosity that you’ve had for a while?”

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knightofivory​:

“ Land… Got intense… Not fun… To be … Part of “

It didn’t sound bad. The Void is part of them and considering that it didn’t end up destroying their home their fine with being part of it. Even going as far as possibly allowing them to see the other. 

There’s a whistle mixed with chirps leaves the vessel, soft and easily over taken if a breeze went by. 

“ Similar… Grounds… Company… Not many… “

But hearing of an eldest son does get the knight to tilt their head in curiosity. 

“ How… So? “

Gaster nodded and looked out towards the land before him. It wasn’t exactly hard to see the scars in the land. And if this was a underground civilization then the scars he could see were probably nothing compared to what laid beneath. And that was a sad thought.

“I can only imagine... My own home was not exactly a wonderful place to live. I did my part to make it better but... It cost me greatly in the end.”

And boy did he regret that. But they say hindsight is 20/20. So he sighs and then looks to the other with a smile.

“My eldest son took on a job that was far to big for one monster to handle alone... He became a protector of the Underground to keep monsters safe. He had a talent that is rare for monsters and used it to keep others safe. Then... An incident occurred that proved too great for him and he almost gave up.”

He paused, hands trembling as he recalled all the timelines he could glimpse into and see his son get progressively worse and worse and Gaster had no way of helping him. It hurt so terribly still that he was afraid his barely held together Soul would break apart again. Finally he gets control again and sighs.

“... Sorry, I got a bit side-tracked there, but regardless, you have that same air about you. You’ve both had an enormous burden placed upon you that has left its scars,” then he pauses his signing and blushes faintly, “ah! Sorry that was probably a bit too forward now that I think about it.”

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knightofivory‌:

There are a few that do end up coming to mind but maybe that was from Hollow mixing violent with intense.

Honestly? It’s a mixture of ‘ reaction to the Void ‘ and their own. How the vessel is created wasn’t normal and considering that the Void used to create them is not common it’s even more unsettling. Bug and Void or neither? Hollow tended not to linger on that. Instead lingering more on how many times the King combined the two. 

They eventually nod. 

“ Understood… Void tends… To cause … A lot “

Gaster frowns as he watches them remain silent for quite a while. It seemed this was a touchy subject and honestly he couldn’t fault them for it. He sighed softly and looked to the holes in his hands. It wasn’t a hard guess to assume that they hadn’t been birthed into this world naturally. He had done the same in a way with his own sons. And furthermore, they didn’t even seem to have been raised normally and that hurt quite a bit. No father should not love their child.

“I’m sorry to have brought up a sore topic for you. I have no idea what happened in this land but I am glad that you have Void in you, as bad as that sounds. I think it’s what is allowing you to see me and I have not had company in quite a long time.”

He then laughs softly and his smile turns sad.

“Actually, in a way, you remind me of my oldest son.”

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Ah! There is Gaster! Hollow walks up to him, whistling to get his attention. Once able to their already asking a question through sign since it'll be faster that way. " Can someone have a boyfriend or girlfriend without intercourse? "

Gaster was quietly wondering how exactly he had appeared in the same area again. It was rare the Void let him leave in same spot, the weak points seemingly moving at all times. He’d love to run tests and figure it out but sadly that wasn’t going to happen. When Hollow whistles the poor skeleton monster jumps quite a bit, form seeming to glitch a bit as he does. He’s about to greet Hollow when they ask that question. He blushes a fairly bright shade of purple at just how direct they’d been.

“Goodness that’s certainly an unexpected question! I am perhaps not the best person to ask given I never really had a romantic partner... Sorry, I am rambling. To answer your question, no you don’t have to have intercourse to be romantically involved with someone. Of course, certain monsters... Or bugs in your case, do enjoy that aspect of the relationship I have known plenty of couples who are perfectly content to remain less physical.”

The scientist then flusters a bit realizing he’s rambling a bit again. It was hard to contain the urge to talk when you haven’t done so in what feels like eons.

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Gaster frowned at this knowledge, wondering what exactly they meant by not safe? Was this land inherently dangerous? Or rather, had been unsafe? He wanted to know more but decided it would be a touchy subject for now. He pushed down his natural scientific curiosity for now.

“Humans can be intense… An individual human can be nice, pleasant even! But as a whole species they are… mean and cruel. Whatever they do not understand or is different they reject in most cases.”

It was sad honestly. Hopefully at some point that would change and all the races could live in peace. However, he shook away those dark thoughts and looked back to the other and gave a small smile.

“Then again, I suppose I was not much better just now. You have done nothing to me and I feared you just for what makes you. I’m sorry about that.”

If Gaster is curious about it then they would need to find a place that they could talk about it. The subject wasn’t something that they could easily talk about as it remains fresh in their mind. 

“ Not … Good when… Become… Violent “

Some of them were easy to interact with. Easier to calm them down before talking to them. Others? Hollow only crosses their fingers that they don’t attack. Things always become harder to explain when in the middle of a fight. 

Hollow chirps back to Gaster. 

“ It ok… Used to… Reaction… Happy to… Talk “ 

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“No one race is good when violent I’ve noticed.”

He sighed again and then blinked a few times at Hollow’s next words and flinches. That certainly didn’t make him feel better at all! What happened in this land that caused such a reaction to be normal for them? He’s assuming it was among their own people too. Unless... That was just everyone’s reaction to Void.

“... I still shouldn’t have done that... You shouldn’t have to be used to such a reaction either,” he looks down to his hands for a moment before continuing to sign, “but being trapped in the Void for so long triggered an unstoppable reaction it seems.”