Work Text:
Ramb slid a damp cloth across the bar’s countertop. It was reaching that time in TV World where employee chatter began to overstay its welcome and impatient janitors were tapping their feet waiting to lay down a mop. Ramb didn't mind the late nights. If anything it's where he felt most in his element. Being behind this booth for so long made him learn the flow of things; like when the bar was most busy or when he could anticipate a regular showing up for their weekly “therapy session”. Ramb wasn't much of a talker OR a listener in these cases but seeing some sad sap clinging to a glass of whiskey while the sun was still out invoked a bit of empathy within him. He wasn't sure if it was him or the alcohol that really helped these people but as long as they were able to go about their day without fuss, all was well.
Ramb eyed the exit doors, taking mental note of who still remained in the room. There were always the coworkers that lingered. Always trying to convince their buddies to go out bar hopping or gambling before having to wake up for another shift. Ramb understood the feeling of wanting one last huzzah before it was back to the grind. Or worse, having to face that feeling of going home alone at the end of the night. It was tempting to pour himself a glass every once in a while to help muddy these thoughts but his job already hung by a thread. Him and the big boss weren't exactly on the best of terms and an intoxicated bartender wouldn't look good on record. He wasn't sure if Tenna would actually have the audacity to fire him but it was better not push the limits. Ramb glanced up as he heard the greenroom doors swing once more with the sound of chatter growing distant. With the greenroom now mostly vacant, the Plugboy tossed the rag to the floor and stretched. Time to go home.
Ramb lifted the countertop and exited the bar. Thankfully his place was just a short walk away. Unthankfully, Toriel had left the living room window open that night and it brought quite the chill in the outdoor sections of TV World. Ramb would have to rummage through the communal break room for a spare jacket. He assumed whoever it may belong to wouldn't mind considering they had probably already left. He tossed his apron on the bar and made his way down the main corridor. He didn't usually come through this way and it was admittedly a bit tempting to peek through some of the rooms. He could only imagine the extravagant costumes and equipment that must be hidden behind closed doors. Ramb didn't see himself as someone fit for the big screen but a noir detective look might do him some justice. His fantasies of playing dress up quickly ceased at the sound of… Yelling? Who could still be here with THAT amount of energy? Ramb considered himself to resemble that of a dog more than a cat so curiosity wouldn't kill him today. He made his way towards the voice, inching himself closer to the wall to get a better listen.
The second to last room on the left; that's where the boisterous individual was. It didn't take long for Ramb to recognize who that voice belonged to as no other Pippins could speak with such authority. He peeked up in the window to catch a small glimpse of Battat frantically slapping at a pile of notes with the back of his hand. His other two coworkers, a Zapper and a Shadow Guy, looked non-too-pleased with the lecture as they drooped in their seats.
“We can't have that happen again! One Mike per call! If Tenna needs one of us, you need to confirm with the OTHER Mikes on who is responding!”
The Zapper shrugged.
“Isn't it betta for Tenna to have TWO Mikes on the scene instead of one? He already can't tell the difference between us.”
The Shadow Guy trilled out a musical chord and nodded. Battat’s jaw went agape as he looked between the two.
“No! That's not… I mean… It's just poor planning! While one Mike is doing that, the other can be taking care of something else! It's about efficiency!”
“I thought it was about Tenna.”
“IT IS about Tenna! But it's also- AGH. Nevermind. Let's just pick this back up tomorrow. Pluey, you're on spotlights so make sure you're on set at least twenty minutes early. Jongler, you're-”
“Working the screens, boss. I got it.”
“Right… Yeah. I'll… see you both in the morning.”
The coworkers nodded with baited breath as they waited for their high-strung boss to leave. It was much too late to be having meetings like this and the stress on Battat's face made that obvious. Ramb took note of Battat now coming towards the door and quickly ducked below the window. He didn't exactly have anywhere to escape to in time so it was better to just face reality. Battat opened the door, his eyes trailing the floor as if he were just a husk of himself. Ramb leaned against the wall, wasting no time to start a conversation.
“Your throat ever get sore from all that yelling?”
Battat withdrew into a defensive position before letting out a frustrated sigh. Ramb smirked.
“Didn't mean to frighten ya.”
Battat shut the door behind him and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
“You're still here, huh? Thought the bar closed early on weekdays.”
“Closing early would get rid of half my customers! That wouldn't be very business savvy, now would it?”
“Oh please. You're on a salary just like the rest of us.”
“It's the tips that do wonders, luv.”
Ramb didn’t have the heart to tell his fellow coworkers that his job here was mostly charity work on Tenna’s behalf. In return for helping out, he simply had a place to call “home” amongst the mess. Battat huffed before quickly locking eyes with the bartender. The sternness of it almost made Ramb feel uneasy as he silently looked back at the fluorescent die. Before he got a chance to speak, Battat piped up.
“Are you… doing anything right now?”
The question caught Ramb a bit off guard.
“I was just getting a coat. Aughta be heading home for tomorrow’s shift.”
Battat hummed apathetically and glanced to the side. Ramb tried to wait out the silence but found it uncomfortable after mere seconds.
“Is there… something you need from me?”
He leaned over to try and catch Battat's eyes once more but the Pippins now seemed purposely avoidant of the contact. After a moment, Battat cleared his throat and straightened his back.
“I was just heading out too. I shouldn't do these late nights. Gotta stay vigilant, ya know. I'll, uh, probably see you sometime this week.”
Battat waved a hand and quickly sauntered down the hall, his fist gripping his tie as he walked. Ramb stared, feeling unsatisfied as he watched him leave,
“Could it be… You want to do… That?”
Battat froze in his tracks and Ramb could've sworn he could see the die shaking in his black boots. The Pippins looked over his shoulder, his expression more meek with cheeks dusted green.
“... If you… would.”
A chill went down Ramb's spine as he felt his own face glow with a purple flush. It was going to be a long night for sure.
_____
Sometimes it was cuddling. Other times it was more handsy. Whatever the case, it was an odd habit the two had picked up on not long ago. It was hard to remember how or why it happened but Ramb knew alcohol must have been involved. It wasn't that he was particularly fond of his green, eccentric coworker, they just both had something the other wanted.
Ramb closed the breakroom door, not paying mind to whether or not it was locked. There would be no need for anyone to come in here for the night anyways. Battat sat on a couch in the middle of the room, fidgeting anxiously in his seat.
“This doesn't make me any less of a boss, alright? I'm still perfectly capable of handling my own stress!”
“I know it. Wouldn't see you as lesser for it.”
Ramb found it sort of endearing how Battat held to his self proclaimed “boss” title. The Mike secret wasn't much of a secret anymore to him and Battat knew that. A piece of Ramb assumed the little Mike wanted him to know just so he had another person he could use the title “boss” around. The Pippins took his job quite seriously and though it was admirable, it also got to his head more often than not.
“What are ya thinking today? Just need a shoulder to cry on?”
The bartender let out a laugh but in reality he didn't mind if Battat just needed to vent while laying on his chest. Ramb was in it for the company and any amount of attention was good enough for him. However, based on how unusually awkward the Pippins was acting, it was safe to assume he might have something less family friendly in mind.
“I… don't know. I don't even know what to ask for. I've never done- I don't-”
Ramb sat beside him on the couch, placing a hand on his lap. He gave a warm smile which only caused Battat to trip over his words more before Ramb spoke over the rambling.
“We can just lay here a while, if you want. I can put on a movie and-”
“No… I want… Need…”
Battat looked away with a palm to his cheek.
“Something more today.”
Even with his head turned, it was obvious Battat had a bright flush on his face. Ramb tensed up and removed his hand from Battat’s lap. His ears perked up and twitched anxiously. Battat had always been a very forward individual but rarely did he push boundaries on things like this. The two of them had never gone as far as… finishing. In fact they had only ever felt each other up over the clothes when cuddling and that just led to awkward workplace interactions the following day. Ramb cleared his throat.
“M-More? What kind of more?”
“Don't make me say it!”
Battat was trying to stay modest but the reality was Ramb genuinely had no idea what he meant by more. “More” could mean a lot of things. More could be someone's first kiss. More could be holding hands in public. More could be something that involved a lot of sweat and involuntary noises under the covers. Ramb stared at the Pippins with a friendly but clearly dumbfounded expression. Battat peeked over at the Plugboy and groaned.
“Could I… just show you?”
Ramb nodded. This was progress! It definitely wasn't the type of thing he wanted to keep guessing at. Battat shifted himself to face Ramb and pushed up the sleeve of his cloak.
“Okay, lean back a bit.”
Huh?
Ramb blinked and cocked his head.
“Me?”
“Yeah. I'm gonna show you what I want.”
Ramb's jaw dropped as he tried to find words to say. Battat chimed in once more.
“And spread your legs a bit-”
“Woah, woah! Shouldn't you just show me on yourself, pal? I don't need a hands-on demonstration!”
“Well, how else will you know the feeling? The pressure to use? I don't want to- to- be hurt or something!”
“What kind of guy do you take me for?”
Ramb let out an exasperated laugh. He was happy to help Battat with his needs but this felt like an unnecessary interaction! Battat clicked his tongue.
“So you know what you're doing, huh? You do this sort of thing all the time? We must be on totally different levels of experience!”
Battat glared. He had a point. If there was one thing Ramb knew… It's that neither of them got much action. That was already pretty telling based on these monthly workplace rendezvous. Ramb rubbed the back of his head awkwardly and groaned.
“Okay, fine! But I don't think it'll help me anymore than just doing it right out the gate!”
The Plugboy leaned back on his elbows and hesitantly spread his legs. He looked to the floor below as if it was significantly more interesting than the situation in front of him. This was humiliating. Ridiculous! Unnecessary! A plethora of curses coursed through his head before coming to a halt after a gentle touch was placed on his abdomen. He flinched and kept his gaze averted. Delicate fingers traced down the buttons on his shirt before slipping beneath the fabric, carefully pushing it up towards his chest. Ramb squirmed slightly at the sensation of his stomach being exposed in such a way. He closed his eyes and felt the nimble fingers now trace his waistline curiously. The Pippins was doing a lot more exploring than he had anticipated. Tugging, rubbing, proding. It made it all the more difficult to sit still.
“You never touched clothes before or what? You can just leave them on!”
Ramb felt Battat remove his hand, prompting him to open his eyes and see what the devil had been up to. The expression the Pippins had was… not what he had expected. He looked as if he had just clocked into an intense shift. Stern, focused, no nonsense as he perused his coworker’s body. It was a bit laughable. Ramb gave a pitiful smile.
“H-Hey, you know you can relax a bit. This sort of thing… isn't supposed to be so serious. If you're not enjoying yourself then what's the-”
“Oh! I see.”
Without a moment to waste, Battat's hand cupped onto Ramb's groin with a rhythmic massage. The Plugboy let out a yelp that was unexpectedly a few octaves higher than his usual tone. What was all that build-up for then?! Ramb tensed up, his face flushing dramatically. He looked to Battat who continued to have his “no nonsense” demeanor as he worked the area with his palm.
“O-Oi! A bit forward, aren't we?! I said relax! This isn't-”
“I wasn't sure what you had down there so I didn't wanna be hasty. But then I saw the outline of it and knew where to go.”
The outline of it?! Of WHAT!? Wasn't this the same guy that tried to avoid the subject altogether just moments ago? Where was all this confidence coming from? Maybe there was a reason his coworkers called him boss… Ramb gripped the couch cushions beneath him. Heat was starting to build in his nether regions as the Pippins caressed the bulge of his pants. This wasn't how this was supposed to go! Ramb began to feel ashamed of the sensations. His pulse quickened, his muscles began to twitch, sweat was forming on the surface of his skin. It was starting to feel… Good. And that was bad. Light waves of pleasure rose up his back and to the nape of his neck, causing his head to go into a tender fuzzy state. Battat carefully reached beneath him, tracing the crevice of his pants and trailing back up. No good. No good! Ramb bit his tongue as he felt his throat vibrate lightly. He was going to moan. He was about to make a fool of himself in front of his coworker! He quickly sat up and pulled his knees to his chest before letting out the hefty breaths he had been holding back.
“Time out! Time out!”
He gripped his chest, fanning himself with his collar as he panted lightly. He hadn't been touched in so long. Was it always this overwhelming? Battat’s expression softened.
“D-Did it hurt?”
“Ah? Well… No. But it's not supposed to be about me! Is this what you want me to do to you? I got the message loud and clear! Let's just trade places, okay?”
There was a look of dissatisfaction on the Pippins face as he let out a light huff. Ramb didn't understand. What good was it for Battat if he wasn't the one being touched? Did he enjoy watching an old man writhe in excitement from his fingers?... Of course not! That would be ludicrous. Regardless of the reason, Battat seemed to get the message. He leaned back a bit, resting against the arm of the couch.
“Is it… Too much to ask for?”
“Not at all!”
Ramb was too busy processing his own feelings to take into account what he now had to do. Anything was better than exploring further into whatever that was. Battat got comfortable and slowly opened his legs. Ramb adjusted his shirt and began to shift closer before an uncomfortable tightness stopped him. Keeping his legs close to his chest, he looked down at himself. The front of his pants were soaked. His genitals were still twitching in anticipation of touch.
Shit.
He didn't want Battat to see this. He didn't even want to see it himself. But it would be difficult to do what he needed to while keeping himself covered. He could stall and wait for it to calm down on its own but Ramb had a feeling it wouldn't be calm until morning. He bit his lip and looked around for a solution… Ah! The floor. If he kneeled on the floor, Battat wouldn't be able to see anything below his chest. It was good enough for now!
“Can we change positions a bit, yeah? I think it might be more comfortable this way.”
Battat was a bit surprised at the consideration.
“Yeah sure.”
Ramb carefully slid down to the floor. He kneeled facing the couch and patted the edge.
“Sit facing this way.”
Battat closed his legs quickly, wrapping his arms around his knees and staring with a wide-eyed expression.
“We're gonna do THAT?”
Again, Ramb wasn't quite sure what that meant. He just needed a proper way to hide his erection.
“Ah… hah… Yes?”
Battat looked away with a hand over his mouth. He spoke through closed fingers.
“Should I… take them off?”
Take what off? What was he getting at? Ramb didn't know but at this point he was too stirred to wonder.
“If you want to.”
A small squeak leaked from Battat's throat. He swallowed and nodded. Ramb didn't know what the little bugger was getting so bent out of shape for. He was doing exactly what Battat did to him! The surprises were behind them! At least that's what Ramb thought. He looked down for just a moment to adjust himself and by the time he looked back up, Battat had his pants and undergarments down to his ankles. Ramb watched awestruck as he carefully pulled them over his boots. What was happening? Why did Battat do that? Oh God, maybe he should have locked the door. Battat carefully positioned himself on the edge of the seat, clearly trying his best to keep his legs closed out of embarrassment. Ramb leaned back to give room as the Pippins twiddled his fingers, looking down to hide his face. His knees were tight together, lightly trembling as he struggled to muster up some words.
“Maybe just be… careful of your teeth… I guess.”
WHAT!?
Smoke nearly puffed out from the sides of the Plugboy's head as a rich violet hue coursed up his face. It all clicked together so suddenly. Oral? Battat thought Ramb had gotten into this position to do ORAL?! The bartender was hardly confident enough to use his hands and now his partner in crime was expecting his mouth? This was a strange misunderstanding! There was no way he could-
Ramb’s rampaging thoughts ceased as the shy man in front of him suddenly opened his legs. One thought immediately came to mind at the sight.
Green.
Ramb nearly choked on air as he gawked at the smooth crevices of the vulva. He had never seen (nor anticipated to ever see) the genitalia of a Pippins. Were they all like this? Was there variety? Whatever! It wasn't important right now! What mattered most was clearing up this snafu and getting back on the original path! Ramb looked up to explain but found his words falling flat at the sight before him. Battat’s eyes were shut tight as he continued to tremble; an iron grasp on the cushions below. This must’ve been the most vulnerable he’s ever been with anyone. Ramb didn't know for sure, but based on how closed off the guy was, this was probably new territory. Ramb looked down again and placed a hand on Battat’s hip, gently stroking his skin with a thumb. He feared that shutting Battat down now might shut him down for good. He didn't want that. As much as these little adventures were for stress relief, they also brought a closeness that Ramb hadn't felt in a very long time. He didn't know how to express to Battat how grateful he was without it coming off too strong. But this would do for now.
Ramb leaned forward, planting gentle kisses along Battat’s labia. The response from Battat was immediate as he shivered and hunched forward into the touch. He was cute. When he wasn't yelling and being so cocky, he was actually kinda sweet. Ramb ran his tongue over the entrance, swirling in a slow, circular motion with varying pressure. Battat was already whimpering under his breath. It sounded as if he was trying to say something but for now it fell on deaf ears. He must have been really pent up to come to Ramb with such a request and in a weird way, Ramb was glad he did. The Plugboy continued the rhythmic motion before pausing a moment to catch his breath. The heat from his lips traced the surface of Battat's genitals which were now starting to swell from the stimulation. Ramb's head was getting fuzzy again. Even without touching himself he felt the waves of pleasure start trickling up his body. He wanted more of a reaction from this so-called boss. With one swift movement, he dragged his tongue up between the labia, lightly sucking near the top and rolling the tip of the clit against his tongue. Battat jolted, wrapping his arms around Ramb's head as his knees involuntarily lifted.
“A-Aah! Oh-- wait- I- Mmnn…”
Ramb couldn't help but groan into him as he deepened the kiss on Battat's most sensitive part. He wanted so badly for this to just be an act of kindness for his coworker but he was in too deep. He was just as excited now as he hoisted Battat’s legs over his shoulders, causing the Pippins to lay back on the couch. He kept a firm grip on Battat's thighs as he repositioned his underside to allow easier access. Battat continued to sputter nonsense between shrill moans as Ramb’s exploration became more aggressive. Going back down, Ramb plunged his tongue inside, feeling the warmth of Battat's walls as slick fluid began to run down his chin. Battat's back arched as he desperately clawed beneath him.
“Ramb! I-I’m gonna-- Hah- No, I- I’M GONNA-”
Ramb removed his tongue only a moment to growl into him.
“So do it then!”
With one final move, Ramb harshly pulled Battat in by his hips, eating out his entrance as he felt the Pippins entire body locked up.
“AAH- F-FUUuuCK! I-IT FEELS REALLY GOOD! I'M SORRY!”
With legs of steel, Battat wrapped around Ramb, bringing him into a wet headlock. His back arched as incoherent sentences spewed from his mouth before settling into a loud moan. His body jerked as if he were being electrocuted by the outlet that clung to his waist. His eyes rolled into a rapid spin as he rode out the various waves of pleasure.
Ramb whimpered like a submissive dog in heat as he felt Battat finish on his face. It was enough to push him over the edge as his crotch throbbed and sputtered out hot strands of semen. Stars clouded his vision at both the pleasure and lack of oxygen from Battat’s smothering. If he had turned to stone at that moment, he'd have no regrets. The smell, the taste, it was suddenly very dangerous and he had no idea how he'd look at this uptight little boss the same.
Battat's muscles went lax as he dropped his legs and slumped back into the couch. Ramb desperately gasped for air after the release, wiping his mouth in the process. The spinning on Battat's eyes had begun to slow down before landing on a star and the number seven. Ramb stared in bewilderment at the feature. Pippins really did love gambling. Battat quickly shook his head to regain himself and sat up, lightly panting as he looked down at the mess he made on the man in front of him.
“Sorry! I should have let go before I… finished.”
“No worries. I'm not complaining. You did what you had to.”
Ramb couldn't hold back the grin that crept across his face. Battat could have held him there till he passed out for all he was concerned. Ramb tugged his shirt down to hide his front and stood up.
“I'll take care of the mess here. You should hurry home. I'm sure you have an early day tomorrow.”
“I… I do. Sorry again… To make you do this.”
“We should do it more often.”
Ramb bit his lip and looked away. He got a little too confident there. Battat blushed as he began putting his clothes back on. He cleared his throat.
“Ah… Yeah, maybe. Heh…”
A silence filled the air as the two went about their menial tasks. Ramb might as well open up the bar now since there was no way in hell he would be sleeping tonight. As awkward as it was now, he still felt a buzz of giddiness coursing his veins at the thought of seeing Battat again tomorrow. And the day after and the day after that. He knew he shouldn't get too attached but that was hard to ignore with the adrenaline still ever present.
Battat finished adjusting his clothes as Ramb sprayed disinfectant on the couch. The Pippins walked to the door, placing a hand on the knob.
“I'll see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow, luv!”
Battat remained still, his grip on the handle getting tighter. He quickly turned to face Ramb, pointing an authoritative finger and speaking as if he had been possessed by a drill sergeant.
“And next time it'll be YOUR turn! Got it!?”
The two stared at each other for a moment. Ramb chuckled.
“Ah… Wha-”
“GOODNIGHT!”
And with that, Battat flew out the door, slamming it behind him as the sound of boots against the tiled floor faded into the distance. The stupid grin returned to Ramb's face.
Yeah, he was definitely looking forward to seeing that little boss tomorrow.
