After unexpected revelation and a four year disappearance, Frisk returns. However, readjusting is the least of her problems. When a lost friend makes his way through the timelines, bonds will be strained and her promise to Sans will be put to the test. But with a few bad puns and a little bit of determination they might make through to the next sunrise.

He looked at the picture in his hand, his grip upon it slack as the darkness of his room made the figures on it just barely able to be seen. What was the point? In fighting, in trying, in preserving, in loving? People could give reasons and yea they may have been good ones… But they mattered not when everything you fought for was erased every single time. The normal jovial expression lost its nature and was replaced with one filled with sorrow and anger. What good were memories anyway? Memories were only useful for events that happened once to preserve them but his life repeated over and over and over…

And over…

So what good were memories that no longer existed?

He allowed the picture to slip through his fingers and as he closed his eyes. Despite the resolve to not care, despite knowing what it would lead too in the end… He couldn't help but to care when it came to one particular human child.

His lamenting didn't stop him from hearing the rustling of the tree branches outside. Nor from hearing the light grunts as someone made their way through them. With a soft huff the skeleton's eye lit up as he turned towards the window. "You're incredibly bone headed for someone made out of flesh." Soon a child could be seen being lifted by an unseen force through the skeleton's window. "Now tell me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure that humans break after falling from a seven foot tall tree. You trying to prove a point?" "I got a bone to pick with you, block head." She had grown a lot in the past for years… From a tiny 9 year old who held on to her determination with such fierceness, to a twelve year old who stood her ground. A twelve year old with reason behind her determination. The skeleton however, unlike other monsters who had learned to cower whenever she found reason to open her mouth, merely smirked at the child before dropping her ungracefully. "Do tell." Rubbing her head, the child stood to her full height and stalked towards him unwaveringly. She was short in comparison to himself and Papyrus, only reaching his shoulder.

Even the tiniest monster child dwarfed humans. This was one face he realized quickly upon reaching the surface. The sight of the then little girl on his shoulders made him look like a giant with a child. And Papyrus came storming in? Well let's just say his brother didn't have a good sense when it came to being subtle. Yet despite that, he recognized how this child who came up to his shoulders was able to strike fear into the hearts of humans and monsters as she locked eyes with him. "I thought we were friends." He paused, taken back from the question before his face softened. "Where's this coming from, kid? You and me, we're two peas in a pod, you know this." "Do I? That's not what I heard. That's not what I heard at all when I heard Toriel and Asgore speaking of how you were against my training. How you warned them it wouldn't end well and made it seem like I was a fuck up." He flinched at the last words and turned his eyes away. "You ain't no fuck up kid. But…" "But?"

Honestly, if it involved someone else he wouldn't have bothered to express his opinion. But Frisk wasn't someone else. Frisk was…something else alright… Any being with an ounce of magical tendencies could taste the determination flowing off of her with every action she took and every step she walked. At first they had all wrote it off as a trait of being special but over the years they quickly learned it was something more. It wasn't just talent; it was magic—and that made her dangerous. A human with magic tendencies hadn't walked the earth for years and now? They had no idea how to deal with it. Of course if it would have been any other human they would have quickly annihilated them in silence, unification or not. But they couldn't do that this time; not with Frisk.

They had met to talk about how to handle the situation the moment in the dead of night after their fears were realized. The child had successfully helped with the unification of humans and monsters on the surface world to the best of her abilities and spent most of her days dallying in school and the daily activities of monsters. But she wasn't like the other children. As smart as she was she just didn't belong fully although she was not being ostracized. It was quite opposite really, the children adored her. But even their innocence wasn't blind to her difference. Despite Toriel's wishes, Frisk was more of a monster because of the nurture she received than a human in nature. So when Asgore spoke of taking Frisk away and teaching the child to harness her abilities he was first and foremost the strongest oppose, much to their surprise.

For four years, they have lived in peace but he lived in fear. Forever waiting for the next reset. And just when he was getting slightly adjusted to the sense of hope, they wanted to put her in a situation that could jump start it all over again. The ferocity of his stance along was enough to cause them all to step back, to truly listen but in the end they outnumbered him, believing it for the best.

"You wouldn't know it the way you talked about me. A danger to myself—" "You are and you know it… Frisk, if your hand is force you—" "I WILL NOT RESET!" It was rare to hear the young girl speak, even when she got older and although it was a treat she usually shared with him, he was never before on the receiving side of her rage. "For the past four years, you've doubted me… Even in our happiest moments I've seen it in your eyes. I'm not your friend your just keeping tabs on me! Watching and waiting for me to fuck up—to restart…" Her shoulders shook and in that moment there was no amount of reasoning that could stop the guilt from filling him. Walking forward, his face fell (well as much as it could) and he reached out. "Frisk…"

Slap.

With tear filled eyes the girl looked up with a harden face and slapped his hand away as hard as she could. But he knew that look. It wasn't anger, sorrow or even hatred… It was that look she gave when she had a goal. When her heart was set upon whatever task had been presented to her no matter what. "I'll show you… I'll prove you all wrong… Asgore will teach me and I will learn. I'm become so damn good at controlling it I'll be able to take you on!" Reaching up, she grabbed his collar and yanked the skeleton down to her height as her face filled with nothing more but determination. "And I'll do it all while promising on my soul to never ever reset ever; I'll do it all in one shot!" Turning her back to him, Frisk moved to the window yet just as she was getting ready to jump from to the tree, she was once more lifted up. This time however she fought the magic around her all the while earning a sigh from a now exasperated Sans.

"Yesh, kid. Let me get a word out." She hissed quite literally at him, earning a snicker in return. "And stop the cursing. I told you to stop hanging around Undyne…" He brought her before him as he sat on the bed and placed her down next to him. "Why do you care anyway?" She snarled as he moved back on the bed to lean against the wall. "Don't let my existence bother you…" Once more she was interrupted. Turning his face to hers the monster stared at the child dead on and without a word she knew.

It wasn't as if she didn't know that his words were stated out for frustration over the general situation and what not but… They still hurt. Amusingly enough, she took it upon herself to act her age in that moment; crossing her arms over her chest, Frisk turned her head away from him and closed her mouth. She was done talking but that was fine. All she needed to do was listen. "The underground was one thing kid, but this place is another entirely. Four years ain't enough to map out the dangers of this world for us and although you may be human you are one of us. If the humans catch word of this…" He watched her fidget under his gaze getting the signal he needed to continue on. "I rather have another reset than another war. But if I can avoid either I will do what I can too." He shrugged. "I worry about 'cha kid. The resets don't just affect us, you know." She completely froze up knowing fully well what.

He had managed to break down her rage towards him but he knew she was going to hold on to whatever little pieces of it she could. She wouldn't be his kiddo if she didn't and although her stubbornness was commendable it just wouldn't do. Without a warning, Frisk quickly found herself upon the skeleton's lap. Looking up, surprised Sans' smile widen as he relaxed back bring her with him. She fought herself fiercely against accepting and forgiving the skeleton at first but she quickly found herself leaning against him and wrapping her arms around his ribcage. "You got my number kid. Anything happens let me know and I'll be there quicker than you can say 'bone daddy.'" He winked and she couldn't help the chuckle that fell from her lips. After a while the soft sounds of snoring could be heard. But for once it wasn't coming from him. Reaching up he placed a hand on her head.

"Go on and train kid..." The lights of his eyes dimmed until there was nothing but darkness left as he kept unconscious yet protective hold over her. "Prove me wrong…."

Every Friday—that was their routine.

Every Friday, she would call in and talk to him for exactly 4 hours before Asgore gave the order to sleep. At first he thought it was bit of over kill but as time progressed he found himself wishing for more time in order to hear exactly what happened in her day to day activities. His life had pretty much remained the same; wake up, nap, banter, snicker, nap, make sure Papyrus was still alive and back to sleep. With the exception of the kid coming from time to time it as just like back in the underground—and that unsettled him. Due to the nature of her training, Frisk wasn't allowed to come home for the holidays and technically she wasn't even supposed to be talking to him at all. However, after a…firm discussion about what he was willing to do if he wasn't kept in the loop, Asgore was willing to look past their weekly talks as long as he kept his mouth closed about them to the others.

They were consistent throughout the first 2 years yet the phone calls became few and far in-between for the latter half. It was really no surprise, he knew her training would pick up soon and that she would as time went on have little time to actually speak. He received text every other week letting him know she was okay and breathing at least but besides that he had to place his faith in the ex-king that the child was well and alive.

So when he got a call straight from Frisk herself he was a bit surprised. That surprise turned into joy quickly when he was told she would be returning home for her birthday

Her voice had changed that was for sure… no longer was it an awkward blend of a child growing into adolescence but a full on teenager. Their conversation was short, she had just wanted to let him know she would be home soon and to not tell the others—that Asgore would let them know in time. He had meant to ask her something else but she was off the line before he could proceed. Yet the rushed conversation left him with a since of fullness he didn't even know was empty.

Looking up at his calendar the skeleton took note. Friday the 22nd, two more weeks then she'd be home.

It was quiet…

It wasn't that he minded the silence but he knew better than to think that it was going to last. Actually he was more concerned as to why it was there in the first place. Could it be that the world was going to take a break for once? That his oh so wonderful crew was giving in for a day of silence? Maybe… Regardless, all he knew was that it was quiet.

Too quiet.

As if the heavens were playing a game, Sans turned his head and witness the destruction of his door as it was kicked in with obsessive force. One eye went black as the other lit up in slight annoyance but the disposition disappeared the moment he recognized his brother.

"NYHEH-HEH-HEH-HEH!"
"Welp, it was nice while it lasted…"

The shorter skeleton shoved his hands into his pockets and cocked his head before relaxing as his brother approached. "Whats up, buttercup? Oh and don't worry about the door. I like it broken." Papyrus clenched and unclenched his fist multiple times before stomping his foot down and glaring at the man viciously. "SANS YOU…! YOU-!" The words eluded the skeleton as he attempted to correctly convey his anger however he only succeeded in amusing his brother more. "YOU UNGRATFUL PILE OF LAZY BONES!" Chuckling, Sans turned his head just slightly as Papyrus continued to snarl in his ear. "Yesh! Tell me how you really feel."

"DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT DAY IT IS?!" Here we go. Of course, he knew, he knew before they knew. Still, he had to keep up appearances for her sake. "I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS HAVE COUNTED DOWN EVERY HOUR, MINUTE AND SECOND. NOW IT IS TIME! AND WHILE EVERY ONE AROUND YOU WORKS HERE YOU ARE LOUNGING!" "Uhh….Halloween already?" "AUGHHHHH!" Stomping his feet down in a small tantrum, the skeleton scowled. "FOUR! IT'S BEEN FOUR YEARS SINCE WE LAST SEEN HER! YOU CAN'T EVEN BE BOTHERED TO REMEMBER?!" Those words struck a chord with him but he said nothing in return. "SHE'S SIXTEEN NOW! FRISK COMES HOME TODAY!"

Standing straight, the change in posture caused his brother to pause as Sans turned to him and approached. He knew that. Why wouldn't he? By the nine, his brother was so…naïve… He wasn't the only one who was waiting all these years and if anything they were waiting for two different things. Papyrus was simply waiting for the child; the first human to pay him attention, the first person to truly believe in him outside of their world. But he was waiting for more. Waiting to see if she would keep the promise. Waiting to see if something would force her hand. He knew fully well what day it was.

Today was the day she proved him wrong…

Smiling at him, Sans snorted. "I know, I know. I'm coming. Frisk wouldn't want me to do anything less than be at my 100% when I see her. You know a skeleton can't go into a room unprepared." "…Don't you dare." Winking, Sans crossed the threshold of the door replying regardless. "We don't have the guts for it." "SANS!" Ignoring his brother, he made his way to the kitchen only to find the whole gang present. Toriel was the first to notice him and offered a bright smile. It had been hard keeping the secret of Frisk's return from her when he knew she missed her more than anyone. He was simply relieved when she finally learned of the news. Her once usual sullen looked had regained its normal cheery disposition. And more importantly, the puns were back in full effect. "Sans! I was worried you were asleep." "Well you know, sleep comes so natural to me I could do it with my eyes closed." He could have sworn he heard Papyrus groan. Giggling under her breath, Torial grinned. "It's a good thing you didn't miss everything. You were never good with keeping time." "Ya, I was going to look for my watch, but I could never find the time." He definitely heard his brother groan that time.

Laughing out right, the ex-matriarch shooed him to convene with the others. They may have all been friends of Frisk but they knew better—Toriel was her mother and when it came to the welcome home party she was the one in charge. With Undyne tasked in decorating with Alphys and Papyrus with the oh so important task of picking up the magical cake for Frisk to keep him out of the kitchen, it left just the two of them in the kitchen. With a mug in his hands, he stared off into space lost into his thoughts only to come too when Toriel approach. Playfully, she snatched his mug away earning a wide grin from him. "You know stealing someone's coffee is considered a 'mugging'." "Is that so?" "I'm afraid I'll have to call the authorities. But lucky for you they are usually off beat." Her smiled softened and she placed the mug back down. "This has been the first time in a while that you've joked around so freely like before." Thrown off, he rubbed his neck.

"Kid's presence changed a lot as did the lack of it."
"Aye… I missed her dearly… It'll be nice to have her back but a lot has changed. I wonder if she is still the same little girl I knew." Sans shrugged and stretched. "People change. She's not a little girl any more. I think by human standards she's considered a woman to some degree. Still I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't really change. Frisk has always been a special kid." She said nothing for a while and allowed silence to fill the room.

"I-… I hope that everything went well. I trust Asgore to take care of her I do… But I question what could go wrong, what did go wrong… I wonder about how she adjusted to using magic. How her body took the training no doubt he was forced to push upon her. What if she lost control at one point? What if she hurt herself or what if Asgore was forced to-?"

"Frisk is fine Toriel." Though his tone was soft there was an edge of finality to it. "Asgore wouldn't let anything happen to Frisk and if any of that stuff happened he would have brought her home." Toriel gave a sheepish smile before sighing. "I suppose you're right…It's hard to settle these feelings when she's been away for so long. I'm afraid I'll be an emotional wreck when I see her." "Hm… I'd tell you a chemistry joke, but I know I wouldn't get a reaction." Light heartedly she slapped the skeleton over the shoulder with a soft giggle. "Sans!" "You have my word that she is fine, Toriel." In an instant the mood fell serious as the skeleton locked eyes with her. "I wouldn't allow Asgore to continue on if I held the closest inkling that Frisk was in harm's way." Standing up he smirked and shrugged. "Call it intuition." "I see…"

Rubbing the back of his skull he looked to the side silently kicking himself for slightly giving away his position in the matter. "Ah… Let me know when Asgore pulls up alright? I'm going to take a nap. Then again knowing how you get with Asgore, maybe send Pap up." Toriel blushed; since returning to the over world she had since forgiven Asgore and allowed him back into her life. It was a long road to recovery but it was one they trekked hand in hand. "You just got up not that long ago." Looking over his shoulder he winked. "Gotta defend that lazy bones title." Smiling and shaking her head, Toriel let it go turning back to the stove to finish her cinnamon and butterscotch pie for the occasion.

He faced the door as he closed it but once done he merely stood there. Looking through the corners of his eyes he snorted. Maybe it was the transition from the underground to the surface or maybe it was the since of relaxation that dulled the other's senses. But whatever it was that stopped the rest from noticing it had no effect on him. "I keep telling you. One day those trees are going to be the death of you." The room was silent but soon small footsteps could be hears. Faint at first, they soon grew and upon doing so they came to rest directly behind him. "On the brightside, morticians can make you feel dead gorgeous." The lights in his eyes dimmed out as two smaller arms reached around him and moved to hug him from the behind. Without a word he remained like that for a second before smirking. "You grew…" He offered weakly and in return the intruder merely nodded.

"…I'm home Sans…"
"…Welcome home, kiddo."

I am a genius who posted this too early with out this note.

Hear that? That's the sound of me judging myself.

Let me me know what you think and if I should continue or let it go~

Muds