Hey! We reached the big ten 'o! Congrats for making it this far! :D and thank you for all your continued support! Never figured this story would be so long or grant so much attention. So glad you guys are still enjoying this! :D

Delayed, has only been a month. lol oops. Sorry guys, work is hecktic as all hell right now and it ain't calming down. Updates will be delayed for a while probably until I get to chill more. I'll write from time to time when I'm not too tired :P

Zootropolis is the best btw. Go see it if you haven't. It's amazing. Officer Hops! Nick the Fox! Yeah~

Also this has been so slow burn, but Frisk finally starts becoming less of a frigid bitch here thank goodness :P finally we are progressing to some fluff! HUZZAH it only took ten chapters. Man, takes forever. xD

Hope you enjoy this chapter! Warning for some violence here, it's not as much as the last but still a little bit and racism, just be warned. Enjoy~

Chapter 10 Shopping is Hard

I woke up to the sound of Sans and Papyrus arguing. Well... I say arguing...

"SANS. YOU ARE INFLUENCING THE HUMAN IN AN AWFUL WAY. WHY IS THE HUMAN ASLEEP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY?"

"she told me sleep is the best cure for when humans are sick. i didn't argue. she knows more than me."

"OH 'SHE'? WOWIE, SHE'S JUST LIKE UNDYNE!" Not what I wanted to hear in the morning. Afternoon. I'm still not entirely sure how the time of day works in the Underground and I had been living with Tori long enough.

"huh?" Sans genuinely seemed confused. Oh, I had to hear this. "what makes you say that, bro?"

"WELL. FROM WHAT UNDYNE AND ALPHYS SHOWED ME IN THEIR HUMAN HISTORY FILMS, A POLICE OFFICER BEATS UP THE BAD GUYS, SHOOTING THEM WITH GUNS AND CHASING THEM DOWN. THEY WOULD STAND IN FRONT OF OTHERS IN NEED TO PROTECT THEM, JUST LIKE UNDYNE WOULD. I CAN SEE FRISK AND UNDYNE BEING GREAT FRIENDS."

Sans chuckled, he was close enough that I felt the vibrations on my side. He was pretty close, pretty comfortable. "maybe. but frisk is human, and undyne doesn't like humans. you remember that, pap?"

Papyrus hmm'd aloud to himself, I could imagine that he was purposefully giving the exaggerated look of him thinking, just because that was how Pap was. "YOU'RE RIGHT, SANS. I MUST CONVINCE UNDYNE HOW SHE IS WRONG. NOT ALL HUMANS ARE TERRIBLE, AFTER ALL, YOU SEEM TO BE FOND OF HER, BROTHER."

Sans spluttered, sounding rather surprised by what Papyrus had said. So was I, honestly! Honestly, after our last talk, it seemed like he wasn't too fond of me at all. From his perspective, I seemed to be ruining his life, causing RESETS, making him relive days over and over, without any pattern or reason that he could see. He sounded relieved that I was gone, by the way he put it, because then he could live a normal life, as normal as possible in the Underground anyway. If he wasn't, he should be. I couldn't imagine going through Groundhog Day, over and over. That hardly seemed like someone being fond of another.

"what makes you say that, bro?" Sans asked, sounding pretty cool and collected for what Papyrus had implied earlier.

Papyrus laughed "NYEH HEH HEH. YOU THINK I DON'T SEE IT? I KNOW YOU, BROTHER. YOU DON'T LIKE TO KEEP CLOSE COMPANY FOR A LONG TIME. EXCEPT FOR ME, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, BECAUSE I AM THE GREATEST, OF COURSE. BUT THIS FRISK, YOU DON'T FALL ASLEEP WHEN SHE TALKS, YOU HANG ON TO WHAT SHE SAYS AND VALUE HER WORDS. IT'S WEIRD." There was the sound of rattling bones, those horror films taught me well, before he continues. "YOU CANNOT JAPE THE GREAT PAPYRUS, BROTHER. CLEARLY, YOU CARE DEEPLY FOR THIS HUMAN. FEAR NOT! ANYTHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY, I WILL PROTECT. JUST LIKE UNDYNE TAUGHT ME!"

There was silence, for a moment or two. I got worried that me faking sleeping had been discovered, when Sans spoke again. "thanks bro, you're the breast." As he said this, suddenly there was a poke, no more like a pinch, to my boobs and I shot up, still sitting but dragging the duvet up with me covering my chest. I screeched, my hair must've been a right mess, clothes ruffled and creased from sleeping on the settee, I must've resembled the wicked witch of the west or something.

"That hurt, you arsehole!" I spat out, and I wasn't lying, a month or so of hiding these except for when going to bed did that. Not to mention, Sans' fingers were not exactly cushioned, and the little bit of fabric from PJs I had packed away (Tori insisted) did not cushion them very well.

Papyrus gasped, seeming almost appalled. I thought for a moment because of my language, but he seemed to be... "SANS. YOU HAVE REACHED THE LEVEL OF TOUCHING WITHOUT PERMISSION. YOU TWO..." He put his hands to his face in a shocked manner, before a massive grin took over his face and he hugged his brother close. "HAVE REACHED BEST FRIEND LEVEL! OH, I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!" He then reached for me with his other arm closer to me, pulling me forcefully to his chest. He didn't cushion it, so I knocked tits first into his chest. And that hurt. I winced, Sans must've realised as his eyebrow bone raised, asking if I was okay. I just rolled my eyes, I didn't want to explain human anatomy to a male, let alone a monster. But...

Papyrus was pretty adorable. I wasn't sure we were best friends, Sans and I. We still barely knew each other, but people make friends really fast in certain environments, like school, right? Maybe this was just one of those situations, or maybe just people clicked better and made friends quicker than others. I was usually pretty reserved, I didn't make friends too easily in recent memory, being androgynous people were never sure how to react when they initially met me.

Well, really, labels were just that. I enjoy Sans' company and wouldn't mind having him around, maybe even rather have him around rather than being alone. That is that.

We broke apart not long later, then began discussion of our plans. Or, rather, my plan, with the help of Sans. "So, what's the best way to get to Alphys? You said she's pretty much the only one who can break these safely, and I don't want to go visit Grillby's anytime soon."

Papyrus put his hands on his hips, almost glaring down at Sans (it was a weak glare at best) "I TOLD YOU THE HUMAN WOULDN'T LIKE GRILLBY'S, BUT YOU NEVER LISTENED TO ME!"

I had to laugh, adorable Papyrus. "It's not Sans' fault, he was only introducing me to his favourite place. It's what friends do."

Papyrus seemed to beam at his, his mouth slipping into what I assumed to be a wide smile. His eyes certainly squinted in a similar way to his brother, showing happiness. "OF COURSE. IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS. I'M JUST SO HAPPY YOU FINALLY FOUND A BEST FRIEND!" Papyrus was practically beaming, looking at his brother, looking so proud of him. And Sans just kept that grin of his that never truly seemed genuine and rubbed the back of his head, looking away, embarrassed.

"aw gee bro, it was all thanks to your advice." Sans says, he spoke it rather quietly, as if he were trying not to draw attention to himself. I noticed that, whenever it came to compliments, he shied away, uncomfortable almost with being given any compliments, but didn't bat an eye when he was scolded r told any negative things. I had to wonder what caused him to react in that way. Abuse victims were not that uncommon, in actuality it was even the most crimes we got a call about, domestic abuse on both sides. He was showing some signs but... then again, he had told me he was living Groundhog Day and it was apparently my fault, or at least I was causing them. Why I had been doing it myself, I wasn't too sure, having completely forgotten I had even been here before. I was still adjusting to that, the idea that time is repeating itself because I'm unhappy with the way things are. At least, that's what Sans seems to be making it out as.

Papyrus seemed to beam under the attention he got, entirely the opposite to Sans. "WELL, I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AFTER ALL." His scarf seems to flutter in the air, dramatically, like some kind of super hero from a comic and he stood proud, chest thrown out in pride. I decided to amuse him and agree.

"sure are, bro. you're the best a brother can have." Sans' eyes reflected his feelings, his grin wide, it looked more real than his other grins he usually put on. He really did care for his brother, more than he was willing to show openly. I never had a sibling, so I didn't quite understand the relations between siblings, but the look Sans gave Papyrus and the one Papyrus had given in return showed what a true sibling bond was.

Papyrus then stood to attention suddenly, "ENOUGH TALKING. HUMAN, YOU SAID YOU NEEDED TO SEE ALPHYS? OF COURSE, I SHALL ACOMPANY YOU AS I AM TO VISIT UNDYNE SOON ANYWAY. MAYBE I CAN EVEN INTRODUCE YOU!"

"No!" I shouted, probably louder than I had meant to, as Papyrus looked at me with a puzzled expression. I coughed into my fist, trying to cover my mistake. "No, not yet. We're trying to surprise Undyne. Wouldn't she be amazed to see a human who works the same job as her only on the surface?" That was the quickest pack of lies I had ever thought up in my life, barring the time I had to lie to my mother last. I was pretty impressed.

"OH OF COURSE! WHAT A WONDERFUL IDEA, HUMAN!" He took my hand, then proceeded to fist pump my closed, still fist. Right. "WE SHOULD WORK TOGETHER ON THIS. WHEN WE REACH WATERFALL, I SHALL DISTRACT UNDYNE BEFORE BRINGING HER TO ALPHYS. YOU AND SANS GO TO ALPHYS, MAYBE THEN WE CAN PUT AN END TO THIS."

What is he talking about? "Come again?"

Sans snickered, glancing at me from the corner of his eyes. "pap is trying to set up undyne and alphys together, since everyone but them realises they wanna bone each other. you remember the lesbians i mentioned before?"

Ah yes, I remember now. So, Undyne the psychopath wanted to have it on with Alphys the scientist? Interesting, but they do say opposites attract. But, I could use this to my advantage, it was perfect! I felt bad taking advantage of Papyrus at a time like this, but it seemed too good to pass up. "Sure, that sounds like a fantastic plan, Papyrus. I am a great believer in being true to yourself." I wasn't lying, but it did sound like it came from some cartoon film, I do admit. Best I was gonna do.

I thought I could almost hear a squeal from Papyrus, as his eyes almost looked like black diamonds as they were shining (how? HOW?) "OH THANK YOU HUMAN! YOU ARE ALMOST AS GREAT AS THE GREAT PAPYRUS. Almost." He seemed to look shifty for a moment, before walking up close to you and says in a normal voice next to your ear. "What's this, lesbian thing? Is it a friendship ritual?"

Um. "Well. It's... a girl thing. Only girls do it." Saved!

"OH. I UNDERSTAND NOW. JUST LIKE BONING IS MOSTLY A SKELETON THING. BUT UNDYNE IS SPECIAL."

I was not entirely sure Papyrus knew what boning meant. A glance to the side at Sans confirmed that no, he didn't know what boning meant. That grin of his was almost to his eye sockets, he had a hand in front of his mouth as if to hide himself giggling. Too bad his smile was way bigger than his mouth. His eye sockets were squinted, silently laughing. Wow, sometimes he surprised me by how childish he could be, considering what he had suffered. As much as he surprised me in showing me how broken he believed he was, he still had a reason to live. I sure hoped that nobody could act that well, pretending to be happy whilst their lives fell apart around them.

"Ah... of course, Papyrus." I coughed again into my fist, hoping to diffuse the awkward situation. "Anyway, here's the plan. You guys got a shop or something in this town? I don't remember much of it after you guys captured me."

"AH YES OF COURSE! HOW RUDE OF US!" Papyrus exclaims as he once again, stands to attention, posing in a heroic pose for dramatic effect. "I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, SHALL GIVE YOU AN ENTIRE TOUR OF THE TOWN. SANS. YOU... oh." Papyrus pulled me forward, dragging me to the door and was probably about to tell Sans to hold the fort when he was dragged with me just behind. Oh yeah, we were still cuffed together. "... WELL. IT SEEMS WE ALL MUST GO. SHOPPING TRIP!" He seemed so excited to be going to the shops, like a child on Christmas. Or something.

That was when Papyrus opened the door and leaped out of the house. Dragging me and Sans behind him. I almost fell forward, struggling to keep up with Papyrus whilst Sans didn't attempt at all an fell, landing on his back and allowed himself to be dragged again.

"SANS. YOUR LEGS WILL FALL OFF IF YOU KEEP REFUSING TO WALK ANYWHERE."

"i can just put them back on again if they do that."

"EXCUSES. YOU'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO CAPTURE ANOTHER HUMAN WITH AN ATTITUDE LIKE THAT."

"naw don't need 'nother one."

"UNDYNE WOULD BE SO DISAPPOINTED IN YOU."

"i'll just joke back into her graces. you know how she fishes for compliments."

"OH MY GOD NO. NO PUNS."

"she'll suddenly feel gill-ty for yelling at me."

"NONE OF THIS NONSENSE."

"i wonder, on a scale of 1-10, how gill-ty she'll feel when she finishes."

"THE HUMAN DOESN'T NEED TO ENDURE ANY OF THIS HORROR."

"but we're, like, best chums. ami'right?"

Papyrus continued to screech inane words, I wasn't sure what made up swear words he had, but he sounded pretty irritated. Sans was pretty impressive of coming up with puns on the fly like that, far more skilled than I ever will be. Humour, that was quite the defence mechanism. Or, maybe this was his way of spending time with Papyrus? Either or could be true. Arriving at the shop, we discovered it wasn't very big and there was a bunny woman at the till. Seriously, an anthropomorphic rabbit, with big ears and noticeable lipstick on. She glanced at the ground, frowning, as we entered. "Is your dog well trained?"

Oh yeah, Shadow. Being with other people like this and not being on duty, or doing badly at my job, I seem to struggle to pay as much attention to Shadow as I should. I feel bad. Maybe I should get him more treats, as an apology.

A look in a direction reminded me of my current state of undress, that I needed a bra, badly. At least if I wasn't going to use my binder. It would be easier to just have a bra if nobody cared. As I walked up, I paled. What. The fuck are those? Hammocks for dogs? They were huge! I could fit a Jack Russell in each cup! The rabbit monster must've laughed, seeing my expression at seeing such huge bras.

"Yep, you're definitely from The Capital! I heard the larger monsters had to evacuate out of The Capital and further into the cave because of the lack of space there. Is that true?"

I wasn't sure, no idea what the real name of the capital was, but it sure reminded me of the well known problems other countries on the surface had. So I smiled sadly and explained; "Yeah, unfortunately. It's tough to find a job and good home in the capital these days. It's why monsters are leaving there slowly but surely."

Sans seemed rather surprised by my powers of bullshitting on the spot, but the only clue he gave me that he was surprised was a slight lift of the bone brow. Shadow, on the other hand, seemed very interested in the bunny monster. I paled, hoping he didn't find similarities with the rabbits he chased back home and this monster who owned the shop. I really didn't need to be banned already.

"Aww, well you probably won't have much better luck here, I'm afraid darling!" The bunny monster smiled, but it seemed more morose than anything. "Not unless you want to work with the Royal Guard. Speaking of, how is that going Papyrus?"

"IT IS GOING, GLORIA. THANK YOU FOR ASKING." He was still shouting, but at least Papyrus was using his manners. "I PLAN TO SURPRISE UNDYNE TODAY, BUT SHH IT'S A SECRET." I'm not sure Papyrus knew what a secret was either. Now I'm suddenly nervous. Was Papyrus at all capable of keeping quiet? Sans nudges my shoulder slightly, turning my head I see him looking at me. His grin was smaller, but still a grin, and he gave me a wink. I wasn't sure what he was telling me. Monsters and their lack of expression.

Papyrus and Gloria continue talking, whilst Sans tugs on the cuffs a little and heads in a direction. I knew that that not so subtle message meant he wanted me to follow him. Of course, he goes straight to the seasoning bay and immediately grabbed a few bottles of ketchup in his arms. He then looked at me, like a dog so proud of his catch. I had to roll my eyes. He was trying to be adorable. "You realise we survive on more than just ketchup, right? We need something other than ketchup."

He just kept looking at me, like he wasn't at all bothered. "i'm just picking up my meal for the journey. this is mine."

"Do all skeletons survive like a student or is it just you?"

"nah, i'm a special case, babe."

"'Special case', indeed."

"ouch. i feel like there's an insult there somewhere."

I didn't want to educate on Sans about making jokes of people less fortunate than us, when you work with people constantly throwing insults at you, you tend to grow a dark humour. It was the best way of coping with the problem. "Let's just say I don't have the best coping mechanism."

Shadow began barking. He didn't sound like he had gotten to the dog food section, so I walked over to where he was barking, Sans following close behind holding the bottles of ketchup close to his ribcage. He was still in the clothing section where I had been earlier, though he had gone further in the back of the store. He held something in his mouth, it looked like a glove, a pink leather glove, one that looked really expensive, clearly made for a humanoid creature. There was a tag hanging off of it showing the glove cost 50g. I didn't understand why Shadow was showing this to me.

"Shadow, you know you're not supposed to pick things up randomly." I told him, taking the glove from his mouth. Luckily, the glove hadn't been damaged at all in his jaws and he hadn't slobbered all over it either. Though, I noticed that there was a mark on the inside of the glove. Writing. In pen. A name, a name I recognised.

Trevor Baker.

It took a moment, but I knew I recognised the surname. Trevor Baker. Like Allan Baker. The fifth missing child. +5 Attack said the floating text just beside the glove as I looked at it long enough. I blinked. The text was still there.

"that's a weapon." I jolted slightly as Sans came right beside me to take a gander at what I was staring at. "don't recognise it, none of the royal guard use that anyway."

"No, take a look there." I turned the glove so the name written in ink was shown to him.

"trevor baker? he a baker or something?"

"That's a human name. One of the missing children who fell down here was called Allan Baker, he ran to the mountain trying to find his friends who got lost here too, stole a glove from his dad and was never seen again. Tori said the children all passed the Ruins, so they must've gone through Snowdin. Allan Baker must've died nearby Snowdin somehow if his glove made it here."

Sans seemed to tense, I only noticed because the cuffs seemed to become more taut and I saw him back away the slightest bit. "that's a human weapon?" he asked. Turning my head, he seemed to be grinning still, but there was a strain to his lips. By lips, I meant the bone material that seemed to react similarly to flesh, but honestly I had no idea what it felt like.

"Back on the surface? No, honestly." I told him the truth and his eye sockets widened slightly in surprise. "This honestly is a fashion item. I don't really know much about fashion though. It's just meant to look good, but you'd never catch me wearing this." Papyrus and Gloria were no longer talking when I turned around, so I took the opportunity to ask her; "where did this glove come from?"

Gloria looked towards me, a thoughtful look on her face. "Ah yes! It was found with that Manly Bandana." She points towards a bandana that was nearby hanging on the racking, also for 50g with wavy lines drawn on with black felt tip pen. "It has abs drawn on it. I found it in the forest when I was gathering wood, just in the snow with a single glove. I'm sure it has a glove to go with it but I never found it. Nobody seems to have lost it, so I decided to put it on sale until someone claims it. I saw the name, Trevor Baker, but I don't know anyone by that name. It's a strange name." She shrugged her shoulders. "Do you know who this belongs to then? You seem to recognise it."

Well. What else was I going to say? "Yeah, I know Trevor Baker, they have a kid Allan Baker. I haven't seen them in a while though, just so busy in the capital you see!" I could feel Sans looking at me, but I didn't give in, I didn't look back. I didn't want to see his expression, telling this lie. "They'll be so glad I've found them. Maybe even give me an excuse to see them again."

Gloria put on a sweet smile. That kind of smile women put on when they are going to tell me bad news, but are trying to sugar coat it. "Ah, of course. But, since it has been such a long time, I can only sell it to you. For 50g for both, half price, especially for you!"

Well. The Sterling was bloody useless here and I had no gold, only moths in my wallet. So, I glanced to Sans.

"what. no, i'm already buying the food."

"C'mon, Sansy, just a few gold."

"i'm not rolling in dough, ya know. for the baker stuff." That was probably his worse yet.

"I'll pay you back, honestly."

"i'm letting you stay in my house too. you're already racking up on your debt."

"Fine, since I probably won't be able to get any gold for a while, how about some favours then? Favours for the glove and bandana?"

Sans raises an eye brow, putting a hand under where his chin would be, like he was thinking hard. "you sure? any favour i ask?"

He didn't sound flirtatious, but I could only imagine what kind of favours he was imagining. "Yeah sure, anything that is within my power, so don't go asking for anything impossible."

Sans stood a little taller, closing his eyes in a wide smile. "no problem. i'll keep it in mind. sure. i'll get you the glove and bandana, and i'll come up with a favour later." He held out his hand to shake the deal, to which I did. His hand was rough, like I expected bone to feel, but he was surprisingly warm and not dead (ha!) cold like I had expected him to feel. There was no heartbeat, that didn't surprise me, but there was a faint thrumming, almost like an engine running. Despite there being no pulse, he still felt very alive, unlike all those films and video games that always portrayed them as stiff and undead. Wow. I was learning a lot about Sans today.

However, getting this glove, although I didn't know where Allan Baker had died, or how, I knew at least that he had fallen down here for sure, and he probably died nearby. How Shadow sniffed this out as human was beyond me, perhaps he had been learning slightly from the sniffer dogs? Yeah, that was a dream. I'd never be able to utilise that when I need it, only at random when Shadow felt like it, I assumed. Though, this gave me a bit of hope, reminding me what I'm here for. Maybe at least some closure for the parents as well. Here's hoping!

With that deal sorted, I pulled Sans back into finding a suitable bra for myself, so at least it made me feel more dignified. That and I could imagine all the sexual innuendos that Sans would be telling me if I didn't sort it out. There was only so much I could deal before I would freak.

With that sorted, I moved onto picking up some food. We wouldn't have a kettle, or water, so I grabbed enough water for the desert. I was going to pick some for Sans and Papyrus as well, but Sans assured me that skeletons didn't feel the temperature 'cuz the cold goes right through us'. I'd heard that one enough to tell him he needed to try harder.

It was then that I noticed Papyrus putting his phone away. I had just picked up bread, ham, mayonnaise, peanut butter and other food that goes well in a sandwich when I turned around and saw it. At first, I didn't think anything of it, just politely asking; "Hey, Pap, who're ya texting?"

Papyrus got excited, mouth moving up in a smile. "UNDYNE WAS ASKING WHY I WASN'T AT MY POST, AS SHE WAS JUST SCOUTING OUTSIDE WATERFALL. I JUST SENT A TEXT BACK TELLING HER I WAS SHOPPING WITH SANS AS WE WERE GOING ON AN ADVENTURE." Um.

"Didn't you say Sans was a lazybones and barely makes it to work half the time?"

"UNLESS I YELL AT HIM TO WAKE UP. HMPH. HE'D NEVER MAKE IT TO WORK WITHOUT MY WAKE UP CALL." That's what I was worried about.

"Won't Undyne find that a little... weird?"

"NO PROBLEM, HUMAN." Yeesh! This is not what I need! I flinched like a scared cat when Papyrus yelled, and I could hear Gloria gasp behind. "SEE, THE GREAT PAPYRUS DOESN'T LIKE TO LIE TO FRIENDS. SO, ALL I DID WAS TELL THE TRUTH BUT LEAVE SOME FACTS OUT. THAT WAY, I DIDN'T LIE AND I PLEASE BOTH FRIENDS! MAKING FRIENDS IS EASY." I was pretty sure that that wasn't how it worked. It was nice to dream though, and I would feel like the devil himself if I tried to trash on Pap's dream.

But, right now, I was feeling pretty pissed that he had shouted my identity like that.

Sans laughed, however. Laughed! What a dickhead. "yeah, friends are easy to make, right human?" he said it so plainly, but his words strained on the word human. Not like he was disgusted with it, but like he was pushing it forward.

"Stop calling me that!" I was panicking inside. So much for a bunch of brothers trying to keep my cover low!

Sans laughed again, looking to Gloria as she looked more confused than ever before. "just messin' with ya. see, cuz frisk here looks human she gets so flustered and angry whenever we call her that. she's too big to be human though, but i can't help it." Sans may very well be my hero. He was better at bullshitting on the spot than I was, and that grin on his face made it hard to question him on whether it was true or not.

Gloria seemed to take what Sans said as true, as she laughed along with him. "Sans, you shouldn't tease the poor girl like that." She then looks to me with a smile. "I hope those boys are treating you well. They've certainly made the town a lot more interesting since they moved in a few years ago."

Shadow then began growling, his ears perking up slightly and twitching. He sniffed a few times, before he began barking at the door. Gloria didn't appear amused by that, though she didn't seem too annoyed either, merely asking kindly if I could calm him down. I trusted Shadow to know that he didn't just bark because he felt like it, however. Someone Shadow didn't like the smell of was arriving. I stared at the entrance, I felt Sans tense beside me. The only one that seemed otherwise oblivious was Papyrus who had found pasta nearby and was talking about the ways in which he would cook the pasta whilst in Waterfall and Hotland.

Nothing happened. For a minute or two. Shadow was still barking and snarling. Sensing the tension, Gloria didn't say a word, just as worried as the rest of us. It felt like a confrontation was going to happen.

Suddenly, something broke through the window behind me, the window I hadn't been paying attention to as Shadow was glaring at the door in front. I turned quickly, taken completely by surprise as a spear stabbed right through my chest once again. It didn't hurt any less this time than the last. FRISK HP 30/90. Shit! I coughed up blood, spitting it out and blinked several times to see Undyne standing before me in her full armour. I hadn't fallen over this time, still stood up purely by Undyne's strength keeping me up. Her yellow eye was staring at me, full hate in that gaze.

"You may have them all fooled, but I know better, human!" I think is what she said, there was a ringing in my ears making it hard to hear and I was sure Papyrus was screeching, Gloria shouting and Sans... I'm not sure. "Best to be rid of you before you poison anyone else!" I'll admit, I closed my eyes. I didn't want to face death just like that, when I saw her materialise another spear ready to finish me off. Closing my eyes, I didn't want to give her the satisfaction, I prepared for the inevitable blow to kill me.

...

Then I woke up.

I was standing in the shop still, looking at the glove. The window to the side hadn't been broken through by Undyne. Sans was still at my side holding bottles of ketchup. Paranoid, my fight or flight still flowing through my instincts, I looked out the window quickly. Nothing.

But the reflection was...

Over my shoulder, there stood a black figure, like my shadow had dethatched itself and hovered over my shoulder, with two blood red gleaming eyes staring right at me. Quickly turning around to face my attacker, I gasped in surprise when there was nothing. Just the shop door that was closed. Turning back to the window, it was gone. What was...?

"FRISK?" Papyrus put a hand on my shoulder, I shrieked slightly and turned around to look at him, sure that my eyes were wide woe frightened eyes. "ARE... ARE YOU OKAY? YOU ARE CHANGING COLOURS."

It took me a good few seconds to realise what he was saying and to stop thinking changing colour like a chameleon. I must've looked like a ghost, but that was something else new, that monsters do not typically change slight skin colour when angry, sick, or scared.

"Yeah... yeah just... um, would you excuse me, for a moment?" I put up my index finger as a sign to wait, then proceeded to walk slowly to the door. I had forgotten that Sans had been cuffed to me, until I went around the building, gave a huge sigh that almost sounded like a sob and collapsed to the ground. Shadow followed close to my side the entire time, realising something was wrong and sat beside me, rubbing his nuzzle to my side, doing his best to cheer me up. This was how it always was, if I grew upset or the pressure grew too much for me, Shadow would always be there for me, like a giant teddy bear, for me to hug and comfort me without judging me. He didn't give a shit if I looked like crap, a zombie or witch, if I made his fur wet, he didn't care. He loved me, as I loved him, as family. He didn't understand a word I say ever, but that felt better sometimes that he didn't understand what I was saying. I didn't want him judging me for feeling stupid that I was getting upset over nothing.

I didn't feel stupid about this. Twice, I had died twice. I had just been killed by Undyne again, so quickly and so suddenly, then blinked back in time as if the whole thing had never happened. Neither Papyrus nor Gloria even knew what had happened, had no idea that, if nothing changed, in an hour Undyne would stab me through the chest and murder me right there without hesitation in front of civilians. Jesus. She hated me that much, that she wouldn't spare Gloria the brutality of seeing a human speared through the chest and blood spilt.

God, I can still smell it. Taste it. I could throw up. But I don't.

Scrunching noises in the snow. Someone was here. I tensed up, hiding my face in Shadow's fur, but the fact that he was not growling meant it was a friend. Peaking up from his fur, my eyes surely red and looking like a mess, I saw Sans moving to sit on the floor right beside me and Shadow, on Shadow's side. He didn't say anything for a while, just sat there, looking out in the distance, then looking down at the floor, tugging at his parka at the arms. I felt bad for him, honestly. He didn't seem like the type of guy who knew how to comfort another, he was already a broken man, it must've hurt to see someone else break in front of them. I'd apologise, but my throat hurt from sobbing too much, plus I'd sound like a toad if I tried.

Sans brought out a mobile phone, it wasn't his. "took papyrus' phone whilst he wasn't looking. figured we can't have that happen again." Wouldn't lie, that was somewhat sweet, in an insane way. I was very thankful that he did such a thing, even if it wasn't much, but that was how Undyne must've known I was there. "undyne has texted pap, asking where he is. pap doesn't have many friends, he's always wanted to make friends with everyone. he doesn't know what happens to the humans who fall here or their souls. but he knows that undyne doesn't like humans. she did get trained by asgore, so guess i can see why she hates humans."

We sat silently, for a moment or two.

"What about you? Or am I just a special case?" Sans' eyes seem to strain, taking a peak at me through the corner of his eye. "Look, I know you don't like me, the RESETS, living years of your life that never mattered and disappeared suddenly. I didn't make that RESET happen. One minute I was in pain, stabbed and dying and then the next I blinked and was suddenly looking at the glove like that whole event never happened. It's... it's so fucked up." I rested my chin on Shadow's shoulder. His tail wagged, whacking Sans slightly on his arm and face. He flinched away, I couldn't help but smile a little bit, but it didn't help. Not really. "I don't blame you if you do hate me, I'd probably wish the person who caused Groundhog Day on myself to disappear from my life."

"ouch. you uh... you make me sound like a dick like that." Sans' face did genuinely seem upset. He actually showed emotion, he looked... distraught. Yet, sympathetic. "is... is it bad, that i'm glad that happened?" I was about to say something, but he stopped. "no, no, listen. i'm not happy it is happening to you, all this awful shit. i guess this is selfish of me, but i feel glad that i'm not suffering through this alone. this repeating madness and not knowing where you are for a moment, or what happened. and yet, remember everything. it's harder trying to pretend everything is okay. guess it's nice sometimes to not pretend." his eye sockets went downcast, almost like a cartoon character showing sad emotion with their eyes. His grin was still in place, like it didn't know how to show any other emotion other than grinning.

I smiled sadly, I didn't blame him. "Don't worry, us humans get that too, it's rather normal. That's just the feeling of wanting to belong. Besides, being on the police force, I've seen a lot worse. Reading the newspaper; oh that's a paper that shows the news what has been happening locally and around the world, adverts and puzzles, you hear about some awful stuff. I've talked to a few other officers in the nearby cities, it's a lot worse there it seems. I assume you get nasty monsters too, right?"

"well, yeah." Sans seems thoughtful for a moment. "undyne may be an example to you. but, she isn't bad. should warn you, the kids here in snowdin love her, she's great with kids and she's pap's best friend too."

"That's relatable." I said, plainly, but I sniffed a few times and rubbed my nose on my sleeve. Sans didn't seem to care. "A lot of hate attacks and racist comments we get are actually from loving fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers. It doesn't matter. Anyone is capable of it, we literally don't judge anymore."

"yeah." Again, silence. "sorry. i'm not good at this."

I smiled and looked up at him from Shadow's fur. "Don't worry, it helped."

Silence. "so. we buying this or are we gonna make a run for it? cuz i'm not one for running." It wasn't until he mentioned it that I realised he was still carrying the bottles of ketchup in his arms.

I then realised as well that I had walked out with the gloves and manly bandana. "Oh my God, I've made a right tit out of myself. She probably thinks I've just run off with the merchandise."

Sans chuckled. "naw, even if you did, she knows where i live, she'd just raid my house. cuz, yeah, everybody knows me 'round here."

"Well, aren't you the popular one?"

Sans seemed to smirk, grinning at me and his eye sockets raising in a flirtatious fashion. I almost forgot he loved to tease like that for a moment. "yup, gotta fight for my affection, babe."

I had to smile, glad to know he hadn't changed and that this was just him. Or, at least, this was just how he was going to act with me. "I'm sure I'll cope fine. You just keep dreaming." Taking a deep breath, I stood up, feeling better about the situation, even if it was awkward. It felt like we both had so much to say, but just couldn't say it. Like Sans was itching to do something, but decided against it, and then there was me trying my best to not look weak and pathetic in front of him. Man, we were a pair. "Thank you, I know you didn't have a choice, being cuffed to me and all. But just having someone listening to be moan and cry made a difference. Even if they are a bucket of bones."

Sans made to grasp where his heart would be was he a real person, with a real heart. "you wound me. what would papyrus think?"

Chuckling, I ran my hand on his bald skull, like I was ruffling his hair if he had any. "I'm only teasing. You're a sweetie really, and you don't hear someone calling a skeleton cute every day."

Sans' face began to glow slightly blue, and he quickly stuffed his hands in his pockets, looking away bashfully whilst the grin stayed in place. "you flatter me, babe. though... do i get a reward or something for being a good listener, despite having no ears?"

Wow was that... was that blue light blushing? They were on his cheeks and his reaction immediately seemed shy and slightly unfocused. Wow, Sans was losing his cool, who would have thought! That gave me an idea, to see how much worse it could get. Smiling, I leaned forward and gave him a kiss on his forehead, giving a wink for good measure. There it was! Almost his entire skull became a sea blue colour of embarrassment. He ducked his head down, trying to hide it into his parka, hoping the fur lining his hood would hide his face and the fact that he was changing colour. That. That's adorable. Also a little bit hilarious. "How is that for a reward?" I asked, to which Sans grumbled something behind his parka. I didn't hear it, but I could assume it was referring to the kiss earlier, causing me to giggle.

"Alright, c'mon bonehead, we've spent long enough in here. Better pay for those groceries and grab some more food before Papyrus is worried and thinks we've ditched him." Before Sans had a chance to react, I grabbed onto his arm that was cuffed to mine and pulled him towards the shop again. I whistled for Shadow to follow close behind, and he did so with a wag of his tail.

"WOW SANS, FRISK, I THOUGHT SOMETHING HORRIBLE HAD HAPPENED. FEAR NOT, IN YOUR ABSENCE I TOOK THE LIBERTY OF GETTING ALL OF THE GROCERIES WE NEED FOR OUR PICNIC ADVENTURE!" Said groceries he got was spaghetti, pasta shells, twirly pasta, mince, glitter, a block of cheese, tomatoes and a metal pan. Ah. I don't think I had it in me to argue about how to cook pasta on the go whilst in Waterfall and Hotland.

Sans didn't seem to either, as he just shrugged his shoulders, bringing his head out sheepishly and bringing out his wallet. 300gp, I wasn't sure how much that was translated to sterling, but it sounded like a lot. Then again, yen wasn't really worth much either. With those groceries paid and the glove and bandana also bought, we were set for our journey to Waterfall.

"THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT! I CAN FEEL IT IN MY BONES!" Papyrus was like a kid on Christmas, skipping and bouncing around. "YOU MAY EVEN SAY, I FEEL HEATED FOR OUR TRIP TO HOTLAND."

Wait. "Did you just make a pun?" I blinked, looking at Papyrus.

He stopped, then turned to look at me. "I HANG AROUND MY BROTHER TOO MUCH." Was his excuse as he quickly tried to cover up the fact he made a pun, Sans having a huge grin on his face as we set off for our adventure to Hotland to meet Doctor Alphys. With the hope that I didn't have to run into Undyne again.

Or, maybe I hoped. Maybe Undyne knew something about Allan Baker's death.

After all, how did they get his soul, if he died due to natural causes and his bandana and single glove was left behind? Where was the other glove? And who took his soul? I certainly would love to have a word with Undyne, maybe catch her by surprise at her house. These are all ideas I could ask Sans' assistance on. Well, once we were not cuffed together anymore, that is.

They are so adorable. Teasing each other, isn't it the best?

Again, dunno what's really gonna happen next chapter so it'll be another long wait folks, sorry about that! If you've got any ideas I'd love to hear them and I'll see what I can do! :P

Ain't got a lot to say today. Still tired from being busy all the time xD

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or wanna bug me or chat! I'm not fussy either way c: sorry if I'm also slow with replying to comments! ;.; I just get so busy and distracted ^^; Bear with me!

~Blackie