(Two chapters in a week?? It's a miracle! Sometimes writing just comes easier to me some days and other days, not as much)

-3 days later-

~Y/n's POV~

With Cross' help, I had made a full recovery from my mild concussion. The only problem was that he had forced me to be bedridden this whole time. There was probably some useful information in this room that he didn't want me seeing.

It was almost hard to believe that me and Cross were on opposite sides of each other. He was supposed to be the enemy. So why wasn't he? Why was he assisting me? Why had he promised me that today was the day I could see Ink for a brief moment?

Cross had told me about it this morning. He was arranging it right now and it would be ready in a few hours. I was going to see Ink. I was finally going to be able to tell him that he's going to be a father. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face. Would he be happy? Anxious? Both?

I remember the promise he made to me all those years ago. He would never leave me if we found I was pregnant. I knew I could count him on it. Maybe it would inspire him to finally pop the question to me. We've technically been together for around 6 years, even if I wasn't present for 5. We're a fanfic couple written by an author who doesn't like a lot of angst so I think we're safe to get married. (I'M SORRY I WANT TO SEE YOU TWO HAPPY??)

The weird wall-door suddenly slid open, I was still trying to get used to that. Cross walked in holding some sort of small black bag. What I wasn't expecting was the person walking in behind him.

I immediately was on guard and sat up straight. It was Killer. The only reason I didn't start running and screaming was because Cross was here. But why was Killer??

"It's alright, Y/n. He's not going to hurt you." Cross reassured me, walking to my side of the bed. "Are you able to get out of bed?"

I was wary of what was going on but I nodded. Carefully, I got on my feet and stood right next to Cross. I wanted to make it clear that I didn't trust Killer.

Cross gently grabbed my hand with his free one. I was about to protest until I realized it was only because he was leading me to a dresser with a mirror. There was a chair situated in front of it that he sat me down in. Good, now I could keep a better eye on Killer in the mirror.

"So, what's this about?" I asked Cross as he placed his bag on the dresser. Killer had walked closer towards me and I instinctively tensed up. I don't think there was any way of getting me to relax around him.

"We need to, um... Dress you up a bit for when you see Ink." Cross nervously and unhelpfully answered as he took out a few things from the bag. Was that... makeup?

"Uhhh, why?? I just need a shower and some decent clothes to be 'dressed up'."

Cross sighed and started handing a few brushes to Killer who was now standing next to me. "I suppose I worded that wrong. Let's just say we need you to look... a certain way. Killer is only here because I'm shit at makeup and he's a master at it."

All of the supplies were out now. There was blush, lipstick, eyeshadow, and was that face paint? Killer reached for the eyeshadow first and was already putting a brush in it before I raised my objections.

"I am not letting him anywhere near my eyes or face." I said stubbornly. How could Cross expect that of me?! This skeleton has actively tried to kill me!

"I'm going to be right here the entire time. He's not going to land any unnecessary hand on you," Cross' eyelights suddenly both turn to red as he turns his head to said skeleton, "Isn't that right, Killer?" Cross' voice wasn't quite right when he said that... I don't think I was comfortable with either of them right now.

Killer sweat nervously as he nodded, quickly turning back to getting the eyeshadow ready. Cross' eyes were back to normal as he looked back at me, "Everything is under control, you're perfectly safe here."

It sure didn't feel like it after that display of dominance but I suddenly felt too intimidated to object again. So, with a racing heart I allowed Killer to start applying the makeup.

~~~
I had kept my eyes stubbornly closed the whole time. It sure didn't feel like Killer was doing a good job. He had applied the eyeshadow in what felt like a circle around only one of my eyes. He left the other one completely untouched! And something cold had been applied to my left cheek and spread around there. I was going to look like a clown.

"Alright you can open your eyes, just... don't freak out too bad." Cross told me with a slightly worried tone. That was definitely reassuring.

I slowly opened my eyes and was startled to see myself in the mirror. I looked worse for wear. It looked like I had a black eye and several gruesome cuts and bruises were covering my face. They seemed so real... Killer had outdone himself, I had to give him that.

But I was also extremely confused. "Why do I look like I've been-"

"Tortured? That's the intention." Cross interrupted me. He seemed pleased at my new appearance.

"But why?"

"We need you to look as helpless as possible. Would you be willing to act that part?" Cross suddenly asked me. His eyes looked distant... like he wasn't truly himself right now.

"Why should I? I'm not helpless!"

"You want to see Ink?"

"Well... yes."

"Do this for me and I can release you sooner, you'll never have to parted from him again."

My eyes widened at this, was he serious? "Promise?"

"I promise."

He said that without any hesitation at all. He was a Sans and if I knew one thing that almost all of them shared was that they hated promises. He really was being serious.

"...Fine."

"If it wouldn't be anymore trouble, I need you to change into something. Then, Killer needs to put makeup on other parts of your body."

"As long as it ties in with your promise then... sure."

Why did I agree to this. Cross had opened up the dresser and pulled out the clothes he wanted me to wear. Or should I say, the lack thereof.

"Are you kidding me?!" I exclaimed angrily as I lifted up the top piece. It was a tattered lacy bra. He wanted me to dress up in lingerie?!

"Unfortunately I'm not."

"Is there really nothing else?" I practically begged him to change his mind. I didn't want anyone (except maybe Ink) to see me in this!

"Like I said, we need you to look helpless. Vulnerable."

I didn't respond, only looking at the piece of fabric in my hands. If I do this I can see Ink... if I do this I can see him. With a deep take of breath to steady my nerves I hesitantly agreed. The things I did for love...

Cross and Killer at least had the decency to turn away as I got dressed. The bottom piece that Cross had given me wasn't nearly as bad as the top. It was a long skirt that had a slit through them to show my legs. It was also a bit tattered but didn't look half bad to be honest. At least I didn't have to wear more lingerie.

I tentatively told them they could turn back around. I wanted to cover up my entire body from them but I barely had a choice. I felt like I was going to die if I didn't see Ink soon. 5 years had already taken its toll on me.

Killer didn't even bat an eye at my lewd appearance, simply got back to work on the gruesome looking makeup. Cross didn't seem to have much of a reaction either. I was grateful for that at least. I still felt tense at being so exposed. Especially once Killer started to paint a wound near my stomach.

Cross seemed to realize this because he placed a hand on my bare shoulder as an attempt of comfort. It didn't really help though... I just wanted this over with quickly.

~~~
It took nearly an hour but I was finally ready. I looked awful but I know that's the point of this. Scars, cuts, bruises, stab wounds, you name it and it was on me. I definitely preferred this method than actually giving me these injuries.

As soon as Killer had left the room, Cross came up to me with a sigh. "I'm sorry I couldn't make that more comfortable for you. I couldn't let Killer see any kind of weakness. He might've tried to exploit that and potentially hurt you."

He sounded sincere and he looked so... tired. It couldn't be easy holding up that facade for so long. "I understand. Being uncomfortable is definitely better than being dead."

Cross walked towards the door and asked, "Do you think you're ready to go?"

I took a deep breath to collect myself and nodded. I was going to see Ink.

(I'm dating the story by saying this but Deltarune chapter two is releasing in under 25 minutes!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!)