Here it is folks!

Let's see what will happen at this ball for everyone so far.

Chapter 2
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"Ink-"

"Just give my name away Dream."

"Your one to talk plus everyone probably figured it out since we greeted people at the door."

"Well not everyone arrived yet so ha!"

"Sure." Dream rolled his eye at his grinning artist.

So, far the party was going well. People around talking and laughing as they have a good time. Either talking with friends they figure out is who or with strangers to guess who they are. Or to have a conversation around. Guest marveling the castle as they walk around, go to a table to sit while drinks and snacks being served. Or went to go get their own meal or drinks at the buffet.  Music playing in the background. One moment was a nice soothing music number to just listen around. Then the next song number that was happening and on the music booth was called "Soldier Boy". It was quite interesting to see especially in a few of their outfits they are dancing in. Ink can guess who a few of them possibly were. Along with the epic fail almost tripping on the other.

So, much fun around. Talk with different people around. A few were a good talks. Certain few he hate to admit were a bit boring but got away with it if pulled into a different talk or sink away. Talk with of AU Sans and their brothers. It was quite easy to pick out who was who.

But certain few have caught him off guard like Blue. Only way he figure that out was by Stretch. That he doesn't want to get into when he saw his friend look clearly annoyed. Oh brothers got love them.

Almost didn't see Reaper in the corner areas. He had to admit his outfit was very dark, well when you're the reaper it would be, but he like the style of it. Please he came but wish he social a bit with a few of the others. Then again possible would be troubling with the no touching rule or die.

Then Ink was mostly standing, looking around and talking to see what others are doing or interacting with who.

A few Undyne and Alphys at one table having an arm bar competition while their partners watching and cheering. Or were able to be pushed in to do some dancing.

Papyrus eating some spaghetti while Sans sitting with him. A bottle of ketchup he was holding on to and just drinking.

Saw Echo, who didn't changed much of his outfit expect a nice dress shirt under with the jacket longer with just a half mask, who looked ready to punch Fell. Fell outfit black and red mostly with a full mask just look annoyed while being held back by his brother Red. Who outfit looked similar to Fell expect no bow tie.

One of the Frisk having a dance off with one of the Mettatons.

Did see what look like Horror brother Blood in the Buffet. Not, causing trouble but make a double note to recheck later.

Talk with a few humans and monsters he rarely interacted with and was quite a change. A few monsters were already from the undergrounds or above to join in either knowing someone that was invited. The same with a few humans that got along well with monsters.

It wasn't too fancy but wasn't too wild. Maybe not everyone cup of tea party. But hey there are future parties to come around to celebrate.

So, why isn't he having fun?

Ink look down at the vials and held back a frown. He does want to have fun or at least showing he is. Dream not going to be by him all night since he will want to go have fun. Or talk to his brother. So, can't lean on his positivity to help. But he didn't want to use all of his vial. He knew he should have brought another batch with him!

"Ink you okay?"

"Yeah I'm good just thinking if I forgot anything." Which wasn't a total lie. Would say he forgot to bring another vial but hey didn't need to go that far.

"Oh hopefully it wasn't too important."
"Yeah not that important. Hey I'm going to go get some punch."

"Okay. I'm going to go talk with the others."

"Okay Dream."

Ink walk towards the drink stands. Could hear the song was over and the bands playing their instruments again. He was pleased Mettaton will handle the announcement for a guest to be singing when randomly picked. Or wants to sing. Snickered thinking about if Nightmare get picked or one of his teammates. Then again it would be funny to see Stretch sings or anyone in particular.

Even Error?

Yes, even-Stupid thoughts! Ink shake his head and took a deep breath. Just get a punch or find someone to talk too. Wasn't paying attention as he almost ran into someone on the side of their body.

"Yikes that was a close-" Ink sees a chest and slowly look up to see a tall figure with a helmet mask what look like a mock smile."-one."

Ink will admit he is jealous of a few monsters that are very tall. The Papyrus are just tall in general. Now over time Ink did finally gain some height along with a few others. He was so happy about that. Especially when he was taller than Error! Found that as a big bonus and remember the look of surprise on his face to see how much he grown. Since Ink chin was above Error head. Still remember Error reaction be annoyance but also amusement till he made a tall joke on him. One of the rare times they didn't fight as bad but was back then.

But this person was tall. Like a Papyrus and Gaster tall. Which is fine he still had to lift his head up at times to look at them. But the way how this person stood just gave off a vibe to not push them. Intimidating respect of sorts to watch your guard. Which was giving Ink a strange sense to be careful. Which he never had to deal with or even felt for.

"It was indeed." The figure stared at him but notice how the left shoulder and arm was being pulled closer.

Ink followed it and move his head slightly till he notice the taller figure has somebody on the other side of their body. Look down and stop too see another mask staring at him. No mouth and just eye holes with 4 star designs with strings on the mask cheek. Ink then takes in the outfit, no dress, they were wearing. Ink was in slight awed staring at this stranger. Wait maybe it could be someone he knows?

"Excuse me?"

Ink stop thinking and look up at the taller one. His head tilt at them. "May we pass by?"

"Oh yes, yes here you go." Move to the right side. Left would have been easier. But he wanted to see the "dress" better on the stranger.

"Thank you."

"I'm Ink." Hand out to shake. Slightly hope the one on the dress shake first. But instead the taller one took it first.

"Oh yes, you're the Guardian himself." The taller one spoke shaking their hand.

Ink couldn't help but notice he had a strong grip and long fingers. "Correct."

"Have to say you're not following the rules of a masquerade party."

"Well um well you know being one of the host should be a small exception for me." Finally, let go of the hand.

"I see."

"And you two are?" Response a chuckle.

"Nice try. But we would like to keep it secret. Unless you can figure it out."

"Huh. Fair point."  Smile at him. "Is there something I can call you?"

"Yes, you may call me Disguise."

"Disguise." Ink repeated the name and look at the shorter on. "And you?"

"Puppet."

Ink freeze a bit. Not because of the name but the voice. It wasn't female but it wasn't male. Now the voice did sound nice but seems off? Maybe it was the mask covering the mouth. It's possible. "Puppet. I like that name."

"Thank you." 'Puppet' nodded and stared at them.

Ink like it. He doesn't know why but he like it a lot. Confused but very curious about this stranger.

"Come Puppet I believe our host is busy."

But Disguise he was already disliking. And he doesn't usually dislike someone this fast.

"Agreed."

"But I-"

"Take care Ink. We can talk once you're not busy." Disguise said as he walks off with Puppet, their arm held wrapped securely around their shoulder. Puppet rest against Disguise arm. Slightly turn back to look at Ink. Then back away.

Ink stand still at the spot. His hand twitching slightly as annoyance and anger filled up his mind. He did not like Disguise at all. But Puppet.

The mask tilt his head looking up at them. The starry midnight dress wrapped around their figure. The sheer blue scarf was like wings flowing behind their back. Mysterious and attractive.

Ink unaware as his face relaxed and cheeks flushing rainbow. He needs to talk to Puppet again without Disguise nearby. Eye socket widen and grin form as he had a plan ready. Just need to go find them.

While Ink was off to do his own thing, along with being trapped into a few talks, Disguise and Puppet were looking around the ballroom. They would stop as they are listening to the music or looking around the room. Now and then speaking to each other closely but nobody close could hear, understand, too loud or wasn't paying attention.

"You sure?''

"Yes, I don't mind. I'll find you if a catchy song comes up or just to check on you."

"My, my look at you wanting to dance."

"Oh quite you. This is a rare opportunity."

"It quite is. If I meet our friend I'll tell them you're here."

"Same with you. By the way you have my permission if you want to dance with someone."

"My, how thoughtful of you. That goes with you too."

"Dance with one of these people here. Oh please."

Disguise lean down to press his mask against the other and nuzzle them. Puppet return the nuzzle back.

"Behave now."

"Your one to talk."

"True. But do come back if anything happens."
"I will."

One last nuzzle and they both separate to their own directions.

Disguise found a few people to talk with and join in easily in the conversation. Just talk, play around words and have their attention on you. But not a lot just enough so they won't asked too much questions. But enjoy the talk. He was always good at that especially when he doesn't need to put effort in his words.

Puppet stared watching everyone dance around happily as if nothing matter. Talks and laughs with friends, family and strangers around. Nobody not caring and worried. All of them just so happy.

Glove hand clench and then relax. They continue on as they walk around the area. Able to not be too close to people. But was a bit hard since there were lots of people. Debated where to go next till they bump into someone. "Sorry- "
"No, don't. I didn't look."

Puppet look at the person, well skeleton, they bump into. Look well just like a party guest in nice clothing like royalty. Everyone would have think normal till they felt it. Felt the negative magic.

"It's alright."

Nightmare wasn't having that much fun. There at the ball and wished they could leave. But everyone now off doing their own thing! Well can find certain ones very easy. The others better not do something they'll regret unless he is there. But at least one of the plus sides his brother didn't find him besides the greeting door. Which was Ink and Dream greeting them. Well at least he knows who to avoid. Which was a good job on his part.

The castle he will admit have an appeal taste to it. Prefer his own castle but hey it is his home. The stain glass he will think about in the future. Yes, all of the bad sans together raining terror down all the AU to gain and rule. All together. Him, Killer, Horror, Dust, Cross, Err-

He stops himself after that and grab the first drink he saw. Didn't do much besides disliking the sour taste and to not grab that again.  Besides thinking he did have a few rare talks with some people but as if they could feel the negativity from himself they either left or go off to dance. It was quite frustrating and ready to just go brood in the darkness like Reaper been doing. So, far not a bad idea. All this positivity giving him a headache.

Which lead to him not looking and bumping into somebody.

Held back snapping at the other person. One only because he heard the apology first. So, told himself be civil. Till he look at the person and freeze.

"It's alright?" The mask person spoke again.
Nightmare shake his head and relook at the shorter being. He wasn't one to be caught off guard by one appearance usually except a few times. But this person? Monster? Certainly did.

"It's okay."

Then what Nightmare did next was quite a surprised.

He stand up straight, taller than his guest, and bowed. "Greetings meeting you I'm-"

"Are you going to say your name too?"

He stop and think it over quickly. Huh it would ruin a surprise. Plus, he rather not have someone be intimidated by his name. "I'm...Mare?"

"Mare?"

"Yes, Mare." Lean back up a bit and took the person hand. "May I asked yours?"

"Puppet."

"Puppet?" Repeat the name. Well nickname it must be. But he like it. "Well Puppet enjoying this party?"

"Too much people buts it so far seem alright."

"One way of putting it." Straighten his back up and let go of the hand that he was beginning to miss holding. "What AU would you be from?"

"Clever but not telling."

"Come now not even a little."

"Would you admit where you're from?"

Silent for a while. "Fair enough. Wouldn't be pleasant anyway."

"Know that feeling."

"Do you now?"

"Let's just say was tough. Very tough but I've been getting my life back together slowly."

Well that explains the negativity he felt off this person. It was really a lot. So, much negativity in this person but yet can feel that touch of positivity. Not overwhelming crazy but enough that it wasn't giving him a headache or making him feel weak. This Puppet was happy but at the same time has issues.

It tasted delicious.

That startle Nightmare the most. Only a select few gave him that kind of thought and urges to be close to him. But this just felt different. Like it changed and that's was driving him a bit crazy. Yet, he will pushed it aside and talk with his new talk buddy.

The talk they were having actually wasn't bad. Nightmare didn't so much while Puppet was quite till he put in a few words. He like it. Like how normal of a talk they are having. He will admit when Puppet was talking his half pay attention while he was looking at them. He like the theme they were going for and hidden themselves well. But he wanted to rip the mask off and see who he is talking too. Wanted to know who they are and touch their face? Would they mind his other form? Would they mind if his tentacles went their dress and touch their body? Could he get them to join him?

Music was then starting up.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Nightmares watches as a few couples and just people began to go on the dance floor. He glance at Puppet, who was just staring at the dance floor. Took a deep breathe. "Excuse me Puppet?"

"Hmm?" Look at Nightmare.

"Would you care to-"

"Brother!"

He was going to murder someone tonight. Snap his head at the direction of Dream coming towards him. His fist tighten and let loose an agitated growl.

"Brother there you are. I need to talk-Oh hello?" Dream stops by his brother side and take in the guest look. They said nothing but just nodded to them. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Yes, you are." Nightmare eye socket glowed dangerously. Move his body a bit to stand a bit in front of Puppet. "And I would like you to leave."

"Brother-

"Stop calling me that."

"I should leave."

Nightmare turn his head and look at Puppet. No, no, no! He didn't want them to leave! Dangit Dream! "No, no wait-"

"We can talk later. You should...chat with you brother Mare."

"Mare?"

"Quite Beam."

"Have a good brotherly talk." Nods at them both and turn to walk away.

"Beam? Why you-"

"Shut up. Just shut up right now." Nightmare lean in and whispered to Dream. A warning tone in his voice to not push him at the moment.  "If this talk is about still being allies and giving up what I'm doing. I will physically throw you out that stain glass window."

"But Nightmare. Error gone-"

"Are you deaf Dream? Did you not listen to me before? I did all of that before meeting him. I ate the apple before I meet him. I killed many, many people, monsters before I meet him. Remember the village I slaughter and destroyed. I decided on spreading negativity and concurring the AUs before I meet him. Why can't you get it in your damn head it wasn't his fault how I turn." He glared at him. A look of mild disgust at Dream who still doesn't get it. "And right now I was actually having a good time, talking with someone and was going to asked them to Dance. Till you came here with your damn worry nonsense."

"I'm sorry."

"I don't want your apology. I want you to leave me alo-"Stop when he look ahead.

Dream confused why he stop till he look at the direction his brother staring at.

On the dance floor was puppet but dancing with a tall guest. They dance slowly together till they picked up the speed from the violin. The taller one holding Puppet closely like they were a precious treasure. Puppet nuzzle close against the other dance as they lead the way.

He hate it.

"Brother." Dream turn his head slightly and eye socket widen. His brother was shaking crazily, the negativity rolling off him almost made him want to throw up. His piercing purple eyes glaring at the taller figure. "Who were you talking too?"

"Not your business and you stay away from them."

"What? No, you look ready to hurt them." Dream stayed his ground and stared at him.

"Only one of them." Pierce his tentacle in their mask through their head.

"Nightmare no just let them dance. It's just dancing see." Grab his arm before he goes out there. Could practically feel him ready to murder someone.

Nightmare ready to retort or punch Dream. Till he felt it. Just a tiny bit. Oh he knows what it is since he is currently like that and felt it many times.

Dream was feeling jealous.

Glance at Puppet and back at Dream. Who he thought his sockets were on him. But instead back at the couple. A longing look in his eye socket. A companion. A partner.

Let out a dark chuckle.

"What funny?" Dream look at him.

"I have to say Dream I would be a bit proud of you to be jealous. But the reason why is so amusing."

"And why that?"

"Because I won't let you have them."

"What?" Dream stared in shock and surprised. Along with a small panic. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh try to work better on your lies. I don't have much of anything lately Dream. My teammates are what I have left what is mine. In fact there are certain things I would like to move on and focus." Eyes look at Puppet as they are being spun around and pulled back closely in pest chest. "You will not ruin this for me."

"You don't know them."

"Just like they don't me. But I'm enjoying my time with them. Have to say this masquerade idea was such a marvelous idea." Then gave Dream a mock bow. "But I will "honor" this last day of the alliance. So, no trouble. But you. I want you to stay away from my Puppet."

"They are not yours."

"Just like they won't be yours either."

Dream says nothing and watches as his brother leaves. He look back at the dancing floor. Puppet face looking up at the taller. He could feel it. Actions says one thing.  The silent positivity exchange to the two of them says another thing. They were lovers or very, very close. He couldn't tell Nightmare everything what he felt from them because he doesn't want to believe it either. Even though he pointed it out.

He was jealous. Jealous in such a short time and wanting it to be him out their dancing with Puppet. He shouldn't be their emotions were so in sync together. Along with some negativity of the two. But the two of them were able to even it out.

Would he and Error able to have that?

The music finally stop and see the two huddle close for a while till they separated. Blink in small confusion. Maybe they are just very close but haven't say anything. Let loose a little smile at the idea. It gave him a tiny bit of hope Puppet could be available. Hopefully maybe get in a dance with him. Nightmare would hunt him if he pull such a stunt but it is a truce. He let out a positive glow and began to search for Puppet...Who he already lost track sight of!

Puppet let out a pleased hum. The dance was quite fun and glad the first one he had here was a slow one with Disguise. Kept looking around the place as he walks. Now and then a waiter or waitress presents them food but will decline. Kept walking till they bump into someone. "Oh sorry."

"Aw could have fell into my arms."

Look and see a smiling skeleton holding a ketchup bottle.

"How nice but I think your lover right there wouldn't approve."

"Dina will understand right." Rub the bottle against his skull. Sans grin hearing a small chuckle. "By the way like the mask."

"Like your date."

"Aww don't embarrassed them."

"Sans where are you?"

"Whelp that was my bro." Look back at them and wink. "Talk with you later. Maybe my date wouldn't mind a dance with you."

"Hmm gotta see if you can find me first."

"So, much work but I'll see what I can do." Does a funny bow and goes off to find his cool little bro. Turn and see they are gone. Huh. So, he will have to work after all. Let loose a small grin that wasn't force in a while now.

After a bit of walking Puppet decided to check out the Buffet room. Maybe this time there will be enough chocolate. Enter the Buffet room, not seem to care about a few worried and scared guest moving away. Along with a few workers on the other side either staying close to the table or at the wall.

Only thing matter to Puppet was get something chocolate. Look till they found the table and eyes widen behind the mask happily seeing a cup that showed a chocolate mousse parfait.
Hand reaches out to grab it. But another one came in as wall.

Puppet turn to look who it was.

It was Blood.
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Done!

Will Puppet get the yummy chocolate mousse parfait?

What will Horrortale Papyrus/Blood do next?

Will Nightmare, Dream or Sans get to have a dance?

What plans if Ink up to or will the many guest stop him so he has to be social?

How long it will take before everyone shows their yandere, possessive, jealous side?

Is there a certain song or dance you like to see be put in? I have a few a songs ready along with a vote for later for a certain scene. But for now I'm open up to hear some other options. Doesn't just have to be instrumental.

Music doesn't belong to me but its owner.

Till next time everyone!