//Tick Tock

Callisto did their best to squeeze Gaster back, but they weren’t too strong. Besides, he was letting them down now, anyways. They stumbled back a bit dizzily, still laughing.

“That’s okay, I do too,” they huffed. Their cheeks were a little sore from smiling so hard, too, and their stomach ached from the laughter, though both feelings were pleasant. They hadn’t smiled so hard in awhile either.

“I’m excited, though! I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously.” They rock on their heels, standing straighter than they had before. Pride was swelling in their chest; it seemed that despite their many shortcomings when it came to science, they had finally thought up something brilliant.

“Well if we are friends then consider a token of friendship!” 

It had been ages since so much hope had flourished within the ancient monster; a child’s laughter had never been sweeter, and his cheeks had never been so sore from grinning. 

A while had passed since Gaster last received a hug as well. Eventually his circling steps slowed until he was left standing still. He squeezed the child tightly, hoping that such a simple act as an embrace could convey his gratitude. “Thank you so much, dear Callisto.”

After a moment he set them down. Gaster was no less ecstatic but for Callisto’s sake he thought it best to put them down before he spun the both of them into the river. 

One of many hovering hands patted their head affectionately. “I hope I didn’t dizzy you too much,” He commented wryly, “I tend to get caught up in the excitement of things.”

xoxo

Callisto /kəˈlɪstoʊ/ is the second-largest moon of Jupiter, after Ganymede. It is the third-largest moon in the Solar System and the largest object in the Solar System not to be properly differentiated.

Callisto was grinning, albeit a bit shakily.

“Thank you so much! It took me almost three weeks to come up with all that.” They took the journal back gratefully, hugging it to their chest. Clearly, it was the child’s most prized possession.

“I don’t meet many scientists either.” They laughed a bit. “On the Surface, there’s a lot of them, but most of them are of a very high status, so... They aren’t exactly people who would give a kid a second glance. Or anyone other than their colleagues, actually.” Callisto was still smiling, but their voice held a slight tinge of disappointment. They rocked back on their heels, looking down at their feet for a moment.

“I’d really like to hear about what actually makes echo flowers tick, though.” When they looked up again, they looked a bit more hopeful. Gaster was much friendlier than any of their heroes from the Surface had been--at least, the few Callisto had the opportunity to meet.

A pair of hands popped into existence, taking ahold of Callisto’s notebook with care. They were similar to the monster’s, only fur-less and with slender, tapering fingers that delicately turned the pages. His own paws were clasped close to his chest. Indifferent to this sudden appearance Gaster scanned over the contents with vivid interest.

“I see. Your theories are impressive - incorrect, but very thoughtful.” He settled down as he continued to read through, attention wholly enveloped by the child’s notes and entries. “You’re very intelligent, Callisto. It’s no wonder you’ve progressed so far through the Underground.”

Once he’d read through a considerable chunk of information Gaster offered their journal back. “It’s absolutely fascinating to read about another’s science! I don’t hear it as much as I’d like since there’s not too many scientists here. Well, none that I meet with often.”

you shall have peace when the stars arrive.

Now focused on the echo flowers, Callisto seemed to relax a bit. They wondered what Gaster had been about to suggest, but they were more excited that he wanted to take a look at their journal, and their findings.

“Yeah, of course! I mean, it’s not very organized, but,” They babbled on a bit excitedly as they handed the journal over, scratching the back of their neck.

“I figured there was about three or four ways the magic could be flowing through the flowers, but they’re all mostly... Theoretical. I don’t have anything to test it with, y’know?” Callisto was glad Gaster hadn’t come any closer than he already had. They were still fairly wary of the stranger, and keeping their personal bubble intact was helping to calm their nerves.

Gaster took their words as permission to approach and across the bridge to their side. He didn’t exactly tower of Callisto, nor did hover over their shoulder. Still, he was close enough for the aroma of buttercups and chemicals to waft from his fur.

At just the sight of the journal he clapped his paws together in glee. “My! You must be a very curious child. Perhaps you could…” His brow furrowed. Initial glee wavering he cut himself off before he could finish the suggestion. “Ah, no, perhaps not. You’d be better off as you are now. Studying echo flowers is perfect for a young one such as yourself.”

Again smiling Gaster motioned towards their notebook. “May I see your research?” He requested politely, “I’d love if you’d show me your theories. I understand if you would rather not though, of course.”

Stargazing isn’t the same alone.

10, 11, & 28~!

askthetic; accepting

10. if you could choose one person to protect with your life, who would it be?

“Only one?” There was a pause.

“I guess… I guess I’d protect Gaster. He’s one of the closest I have to family now. Since, you know… The rest of my family’s gone.”

11. if you had to choose one person to be protected by, who would they be?

“My dad.”

28. would you rather be the moon or the sun?

“I’d rather be the moon. I think being the sun would be exhausting.”

Outdoor bookstore, Venice 

BLACK VELVET NEBULA CAKE