For a while, I had this story listed as "Complete"... Well, I changed it back to being "In Progress" because this story doesn't seem to want to let go. And honestly, I don't mind. I really liked writing this, and I was kind of sad when it "ended".
Fun fact: Chapters 8 and 10 have the same amount of words each; 339. I have no clue how that happened.
Bumbercatch: Originally, one wasn't planned. I figured that Sans would rather keep to himself. But... This story had a different idea, haha.
"CASEY?"
Casey looked at Papyrus from where she was lying on the bed, watching the young skeleton walk into the bedroom. Despite her original plan to sleep on the floor, Sans and Papyrus tended to share a bed, leaving the second one free.
"What's the matter, Papyrus?" Casey asked, tucking a placeholder in her book and sitting up, putting it on the pillow.
"WHAT DOES 'MOTHER' MEAN?" Papyrus asked as he sat down next to her.
"Where did you hear that?"
"YOU CALLED TORIEL THAT TODAY."
"... Oh." Casey responded. She and Toriel had gotten into an argument about Casey leaving the Ruins to get some things, and Casey had told Toriel "You're not my mother". Seeing the look of hurt on Toriel's face, she had immediately felt guilty and apologized. "A mother is…"
Papyrus looked at the human expectantly, fiddling with the end of his scarf as she tried to think of an answer.
"... A mother is someone who loves you no matter what, and will always be there for you. A mother will also do anything for you. At least, that's what one should be." Casey finally answered.
Papyrus went quiet for a moment, thinking over her answer. "... LIKE YOU?"
"Like me?" Casey asked, startled.
"... YEAH, LIKE YOU." Papyrus says firmly. "YOU ARE WILLING TO DO ANYTHING FOR SANS AND I, LIKE STAYING HERE WITH US. AND YOU LOVE US… RIGHT?"
Casey went silent, staring at the skeleton as she thought over what he said. Finally, she smiled fainly. "Heh… Yeah, I guess so."
"SO YOU'RE OUR MOTHER?" Papyrus asked.
"... If... If you want me to be."
Papyrus's eyesockets began to glow orange in happiness, and he hugged her tightly. "THAT'S GREAT!"
Sans walked into the room, his hands tucked into the pockets of his robe. He paused for a moment, looking at the scene.
"SANS! CASEY AGREED TO BE OUR MOTHER!"
"that's great, paps." Sans replied, his left eye beginning to glow a light blue.
Casey hugged Papyrus tightly before releasing him. "Hey, I have an idea. Let's see if we can surprise Toriel by making dinner."
Papyrus released Casey, hopping to his feet. "YEAH! ARE WE WE GOING TO HAVE SPAGHETTI, MOTHER?"
Casey smiled. "Yep."
Papyrus darted past Sans, heading out the door. The smaller skeleton glanced at Casey, shrugged, then followed his brother out. Casey chuckled, heading after the two.