"where?"

"By Grillby's. It's like a block away."

"huh, pretty vague, but I guess it was pretty frisky business you were focused on."

"Pfft, okay. But they thought they had killed themselves."

"you laughed?"

"I feel horrible about it now, but it was kind of ironic."

"no worries, kiddo. no one is dying on my watch."

". . . Sorry. I didn't think this would happen. I didn't want to load."

"Frisk, you're all right. i'm not mad, I can't be mad with you. here, have a juice packet. it's got apples."

"Heh. Thank you, Sans."

"anytime. now wipe those tears, bucko. it's time to have a little chat with our alley friend."

The world fades and a bell rings, and Frisk stands up with determination.

.

.

Déjà vu.

That was the only thing that kept me rooted in place. I tilted my head, staring at the hedge I was hiding behind in confusion. It felt like a different hedge suddenly, like it wasn't the hedge I had been hiding behind a second ago.

"I'm losing my mind." I murmured. "Keep it together, will you?"

The students wandered by. The conversation about May passed by and I frowned in annoyance. There was some heavy familiarity circling around here. It was starting to grate on my nerves.

I shrunk when I noticed Frisk walk by. They seemed almost robotic, not even looking in my general direction. My worry burst, knowing they definitely found out by now. They fit the bill of confused and distraught. I watched them go, idly wondering where Asriel was.

"Leo!"

I relaxed, turning to find Fox Box slinking around the hedge. She had a large grin, nearly shaking with excitement. I didn't have the heart to stop her from climbing up onto my shoulder.

"What's the plan, huh?" She cackled deviously. "Are we going to hit Corben? He totally deserves it. Did you know there's rumors going around that he sold out May to the anti-peace group?"

I paused at that, the new information throwing me off track. I shook my head, "Fox Box, I lied. I need to talk with you."

Her excitement dies into a concentrated suspicious look, "Huh? You've been crying, have you? Is that why your hood is up? What happened?"

I grimaced, the onslaught of questions expected, "Let's go somewhere more private, okay?"

She consented, sending me a pointed look that practically demanded answers. I marched away from the hedge and back into town, looking for a suitable place to talk. It didn't seem I'd find one, so I lowered my voice as we passed the crowds, "I found out who I was."

Fox Box perked up, "Oh, really? You got your memories back?"

I shook my head, "No, but I know what it means now. Fox Box, Chara is dead because of me."

The cat monster bristled, looking annoyed, "We've been over this you dingbat, there's no way you could have-"

"No!" I hissed, clenching my fists. "Fox Box, listen."

I tell her about what I had come to the conclusion of, how it all met up back to Chara and me. Her suspicious look became concerned, but still doubtful.

"That's not concrete." She said. "If Sans hates you, wouldn't he have outright told the two of them that you were a killer?"

I stopped at that, frowning, "I don't know. But Frisk was acting strange when they left the school. Asriel wasn't with them."

Fox Box closed her eyes. The action had me afraid, because this was the moment of her decision.

"Leo." She breathed out slowly. "You are the biggest idiot ever."

I deadpanned. "Gee, Fox, it's not like I was waiting for an actually serious response or anything. Dumbass."

She cackled, "Well? You're telling me this Leo, the Leo that gets good grades and is afraid of motherly affection, is a cold hearted killer? Don't make me laugh!"

I couldn't help the weak smile, sort of glad she didn't believe it, "You're already laughing, you tool."

She nodded happily, "Can always count on you to say something stupid. Did you really pack everything in that backpack? Did you leave a cliché note to Fran?"

I winced, "No, but I did pack all my chocolate."

Fox Box almost fell off my shoulder from the fit of giggles she had, "Where were you gonna go? Underground?"

"Shut up." I put my hood back, running a hand through my hair. ". . . Thanks, for believing in me."

"You were blubbering about it and everything." She scoffed. "Now let's get back to Fran. Hopefully she hasn't found you missing, that'll make a good conversation."

I snorted and made a funny voice, "Sorry Fran, I'm a wanted murderer and I need to follow my own path."

Fox Box guffawed, "I'll call when I'm away from my own wanted posters! If you're smart, you'd trace it for the reward money!"

I burst into happy laughter, glad Fox Box hadn't taken it seriously. A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Suddenly, the future didn't look so bleak anymore.

I looked up at the sun.

"It's a good day." I said.

.

.

I hadn't expected to run into the two.

We had managed to get to the apartment complex and deposit all of our stuff without Fran noticing. Fox Box had suggested comfort food, therefore we were on our way to Muffet's Delights. We met Frisk and Sans along the way.

Sans was his casual, lazy self. He offered a wave and a yawn, which was probably the best out of him. Frisk was wearing their jacket tight around them. I thought they were cold at first, before noticing a trace of red on their shirt.

"Uh, Frisk? You're bleeding."

It was weird that they weren't making eye contact with me. My voice made them jump. I raised an eyebrow, a little concerned. Sans waved his hand dismissively.

"don't worry about." He nodded his head slowly. "Frisk is tough. it's not even their own blood."

I gawked. I heard Fox Box whoop from my shoulder, sounding as awed as I felt, "Frisk won a fight? Holy molly, today is the day!"

Frisk started, blinking at us, before developing a large grin. They shook their head, "Sans did the fighting. Though I wish it didn't have to come to that."

"Was it a terrorist?" Fox Box asked, eagerness radiating off her.

"who knows?" Sans made a show stretching, "could have been anyone."

I opened my mouth to ask about that, wondering what could have happened, when something hit me. I flailed, trying to catch Frisk, who'd suddenly launched themselves like a rocket at me. They didn't let go, so I awkwardly returned the hug.

"You okay, Frisk?" I looked at Fox Box on my shoulder for help, but she just shrugged, "Hey, if they attacked you, they deserve to get beaten up."

They nodded into my shoulder, but still didn't let go, "I'm glad you're okay."

I tilted my head helplessly, "I wasn't the one attacked, dummy."

They nodded again, but didn't seem placated. I sent Sans a look which he just grinned hugely at. His amusement grew at my discomfort.

Eventually, Frisk stepped back. They were sporting a stronger smile then before, "Thank you, for that. I needed it."

I scratched my hair awkwardly, "Uh, anytime."

"c'mon, kiddo." Sans ruffled Frisk's hair. "let's get you home and cleaned up. wanna hear a good joke about skeletons being calm? it's cause nothing gets under our skin."

I snorted. Frisk seemed brighter at the joke, laughing. They turned to me and waved, their expression soft. I returned it, "Well, I hope your day gets better, Frisk."

"It already has." They said.

I watched them go, the feeling of déjà vu coming back.

"You want to get some donuts already?" Fox Box asked. "I feel like everyone's emotions are out of control."

I seconded that, and headed for the bakery.

.

.

"Chara, do you remember me?"

"No. Who is Chara?"

". . ."

"Uh, um, Asriel. It might be better to, uh, give them some time?"

". . . Chara, do you know who Frisk is?"

"No."

". . . Do you know who I am?"

". . . No."

The curtain closes and a computer is turned off, the only noise left the quiet weeping of a mourner.