That night Frankie didn't have nightmares that made him wake up suddenly, screaming, but the moment the lights were out he wouldn't let go of Sans' arm, terrified that if he did he would wake to find Sans gone. His dreams were dark, and they made him tremble but he never woke. Sans, unable to pry away from Frankie without the little boy waking up and protesting, fell asleep leaning against Frankie's bed.
The next morning Grandpops came to visit. Frankie had spent the morning hours after breakfast working on the puzzle Toriel, Asgore, and Frisk got him, reading the book Riley had gotten him, and playing on the little handheld game Alphys and Undyne had brought. Now he was bored. So he was glad to see Grandpops come in.
"Grandpops! What are you doing here?" Frankie gasped. The old man chuckled.
"Heard you weren't feeling too well." Grandpops replied. He gave Sans a smile and then held out a Get Well Balloon to Frankie. "Here ya go, Frankie. Thought you might like this."
"Wow! Thanks!" Frankie took it happily.
"How are you feeling, kid?" Grandpops asked.
"Much better. Look! They put my arm in a cast!" He held out his blue cast so Grandpops could see.
"That's pretty neat."
"Do you wanna sign it?!" Frankie asked.
"I'd love to." Sans, as if on queue, held out the pens for Grandpops to choose. Grandpops chose a dark blue, like Sans had, and wrote his name carefully, on the underside of Frankie's wrist.
"And… uh… I think Frankie has something for you." Sans said, as he took back the dark blue pen.
"I… do?" Frankie frowned. Oh! He had nearly forgotten the little wooden rose that Sans had gone into the antique store to buy right before… well… "Oh yeah! I almost forgot. Do you have it, Dad?" Sans pulled the rose, wrapped in a little bag and tissue paper, out from his pocket and handed it to Frankie, who handed it over to Grandpops.
"You didn't have to do this, Frankie!"
"We wanted to." Frankie replied. "You helped me, and you gave me Mr. Rails."
"Frankie picked it out." Sans said.
"Well, this is very nice of you." Grandpops said with a big smile. He carefully unwrapped the gift, from it's tissue paper, and when he pulled out the rose he stared at it for a long time. Frankie was afraid Grandpops didn't like it when he saw tears in the old man's eyes. But finally Grandpops spoke, "Why, Franklin, thank you… It's so beautiful. It reminds me of my Eleanor." Grandpops pulled Frankie into a warm hug, "I'll treasure it forever."
The next day, Frankie was released from the hospital. It also happened to be a Tuesday. So, of course, a celebratory Spaghetti Night was in order. Everyone came to Sans and Frankie's little house. Papyrus brought a ridiculously large pot of spaghetti, and Toriel made dessert- a beautiful pie. Frankie and Frisk played happily, but Frankie didn't want to leave the living room. He was afraid of being alone, without adults… without Sans.
"My dad saved me, you know." Frankie said to Frisk. "I know he did. I saw him. He saved me. He scared those bad men away."
SANS is strong. Frisk nodded.
"Look at that," Frankie pointed to Riley. She was sitting right in between Sans and Alphys on the sofa, but was leaning towards Alphys, tapping her fingers nervously on her knee. "She looks really uncomfortable."
Weird… Frisk frowned. I wonder…
"What?"
No. It's nothing. So Frankie shrugged and dropped the subject. They returned to their game of "War". Grandpops had introduced it to Frankie when they were in the hospital, after Frankie had given him the rose. It was a fun card game where the players had to fight to win all the cards, but it could last for a very, very long time. So far, both the little skeleton and little human were enjoying themselves.
"So… Papyrus was saying something weird the other day." Frankie overheard Undyne say. "He said he would be moving in with you and Frankie…?" Sans grinned.
"He was very distraught when I told him I was adopting the kiddo. For some reason he took it to mean that I'd never see him again. So he's moving in."
"Oh thank god." Asgore groaned. Toriel shushed him. "I am sorry, Sans, but your brother spends an exorbitant amount of my money."
"Heh… Let me guess- Pasta."
"That is not all." Asgore sighed. "All these newfangled human things- he wants to try them all. And the ads on TV- he wants to try them all."
"Yup. That sounds like Papyrus. Don't worry about that from now on, I suppose I'll take care of it." Sans shrugged.
"And I suppose it is rather nice that it will be one less house for me to worry about paying for." Asgore sighed. Toriel shushed him again. "I'm sorry, Tori. Human things are so expensive…"
"Well, about houses… there's not much room in this one for the three of us…."
"Oh dear. I suppose that's true." Toriel frowned. "We will have to get them all a bigger house. Papyrus is going to need a room."
"Oh." Asgore frowned.
"Do you hear that, Frisk? We might be moving!" Frankie, in the past year, had moved around quite a bit with his biological parents. It had always been from apartment to apartment, from better to worse. He had hated moving then. Now, however, the idea excited him. Moving now seemed like the beginning of a new life- a life he would share with his new Dad, his new Uncle.
That's awesome! I bet SANS will let you help pick the house. You should find one with a big backyard. Maybe we can get a play set, or… a trampoline! Or… a pool! Frisk grinned.
"Or all three!" Frankie cried.
While dessert was being served, after dinner was all cleaned up, everyone decided to let Frankie pick the movie. He chose one he'd never seen before, and it looked really exciting- "Planes." He settled down, leaning against his Dad, wrapped in blankets. They sat on the floor with Papyrus and Frisk. Frankie really liked the movie.
"Dad, I want to fly on a plane."
"I'm sure someday that can be arranged, kiddo." Sans nodded. Try as he might, even though the movie was really exciting, Frankie couldn't stay awake. He was exhausted. He drifted in and out of consciousness for a few moments, before passing out in his dad's lap. And they had only been about halfway through the film. What seemed like only minutes later, he blinked away to the feeling of being lifted up into his Dad's arms.
"Did I...miss the movie?" He murmured.
"Nah. Soon as we saw you fall asleep we paused it. We'll finish it next time, kiddo."
"Okay. Is everyone gone?"
"They want to make sure you get your rest so you can get better as soon as possible." Sans replied. "Now, it's time to get you into bed." Fear gnawed at Frankie's heart.
"Daddy…"He whispered. "Can I sleep with you? ...I… don't want to be alone." Sans seemed to falter at this new name at first, but it brought a wide smile to his face.
"'Course, Frankie." Frankie fell gently back into sleep before they were even halfway down the hall.
Sans could only lay awake, staring at the ceiling. 'What ifs' and multiple scenarios flashed through his head. It had been his job to protect Frankie. How many times had he sworn to it? How many times had he told the skele-child that he wouldn't let anything happen to him? Sans closed his eyes in shame. I've failed….
Red X, they had paid for what they did to Sans' son, but Sans… how would he pay? He had made a mistake, and this one had nearly cost him Frankie's life. Frankie suddenly jerked next to him.
"No!" The little child gasped.
"Frankie?" Sans murmured, he sat up slowly. The child was shivering in his sleep, moaning, flinching away from invisible enemies.
"No… no… no! Stop!" The little boy jerked again. "Please, you're… hurting… NO! STOP-"
"Frankie!" Sans gently shook the little boy. With a gasp the child woke, tears began to spill over his cheekbones.
"NO! No…" He was confused again, but he seemed to return to reality faster than the night at the hospital. His eyes focused on Sans. He blinked, looking up at Sans with fear.
"Dad…." He murmured. "They found me."
"No, Frankie, I'll never let that happen." Sans said. But it already has. You've failed once before what makes you think that you'll be able to protect him? They won't be coming back. The only reason they wouldn't be coming back is if there's a reset. There won't be a reset. They won't be coming back. Oh Sans, it's so pathetic that you think that. SHUT UP!
Frankie pulled Sans into his arms. "I know." He whispered.
"Try and go back to sleep, buddy." Sans said.
"Dad?"
"Mmhmmm?"
"Can you… tell me a story?" Sans blinked. A story? uhh…
"Sure." Frankie slowly lay back on his pillow, careful not to move too abruptly, because of the cracks in his bones. Sans followed, Frankie pulled him closer, leaning against his shoulder. "Well… Once upon a time monsters were trapped underground. There was only one way to escape, with Seven human souls. But one day, a little human named Frisk came and changed everything…." So Sans told Frankie the story of how he met Frisk, and how Frisk had set the monsters free.
"So, Frisk is a hero." Frankie murmured. "I wish I could be a hero. I wish I could save someone."
"You already are, kiddo." Sans smiled. "You saved me." He knew Frankie wouldn't know what he was talking about, exactly, but he felt it needed to be said anyways.
"Then we saved each other." Frankie whispered, drifting off into sleep. Sans hugged him tightly, wishing, somehow that he could protect his son from the nightmares that plagued him. But he knew another one would come in an hour or two. They came over and over. Sans, in some ways, wished that he could have the nightmares too. Because at least then he'd be able to fall asleep. Right now, as he held his son tightly, he was too terrified to close his eyes, too scared that he would wake up and the little boy would be gone. To fail again… he would never forgive himself. So he stayed awake, staring at the ceiling, for Frankie. He stayed awake to assure himself that the shadows in the hallway, fading and moving with the wind, were nothing more than that- shadows.
REVIEWS FOR CHAPTER TWENTY:
HourglassMadness: Hmm... So... I wonder just what exactly Riley is hiding? Is she actually a monster that looks like a human, or is it something else? Also, PAPYRUS'S REACTION WAS PERFECT! Papyrus's enthusiasm and passion for everything he does is really inspiring! Anyway, I'm a bit nervous about that coffee... Hangout. (COUGHCOUGHTOTALLYNOTADATECOUGH) They're going to wait until Frankie gets better, right? It might be a bit disastrous if Sans leaves when Frankie is that scared...
I'm only going to say this about Riley: It would make sense for her to hide from humans if she were a monster- but why would she hide from Sans and his friends? I really can't say anymore. It's a big, big secret! :O
Papyrus is amazing. I love him! I agree, he is really inspiring.
(COUGHYASCOUGH)
Frankie's situation is definitely delicate. But I think he's going to be okay... at least, during the day. Poor kiddo.
MechaSniper51: Everytime i see the title of this fic i keep saying
"MAJOR FRACTURE DETECTED,AUTOMATIC MEDICAL SYSTEM ENGAGED,MORPHINE ADMINISTERED."(read with HEV suit voice!)
I am really sorry to admit that we're not 100% sure what this is from...? We'll probably kick ourselves. :P
anthonyabc268: yes love is in the air Nheheheh
*choking*SOMETIMES I DON'T GET YOUR REVIEWS IN EMAIL FOR SOME REASON AND I ONLY SEE THEM WHEN I GO TO POST THE CHAPTER AND WHEN I SAW THIS I DIED. *cough* I mean... yess...? Maybe...
UT Midnight Sky: Hiya! My name's Dylan, and this isn't exactly my account. Tibia Honest it's my OC friend, Midnight's, and uh well he isn't exactly happy that I took his laptop... He's a bit of a nuisance. Kinda similar to papyrus, but he's not all that innocent. I mean he doesn't kill, he's just more aware of the world. Actually I think that's him now...
*Bang Bang*
Dylan? Open this door, or I swear I will not let you have your candy for tonight!
Hold on I think you might like this... Knock knock!
...who's there?
Theodore
...Theodore who?
Theodore will stay closed, and I'm keeping you laptop!
Argh!
*Bang Bang*
Hah, anyway hope you enjoyed this little situation I'm in. I love you story l, and hope you update more often. Now keep up the good work, and stay determined!
*Bang Bang CRASH*
...oh-no...
Oh Dylan, you might want to hand me my Laptop before you have a BAD time.
Hey isn't that sans's line? Wait... Why are you moving closer? Oh, uh, anyway I'll be going now, see you sometime in the future bye AAH-
Wows... Heya, Dylan. Wow. This whole OC thing is interesting... Umm... Nice to meet you guys!
Ed' .Kitten: This story is the epitome of freaking ADORABLE! XD I love it! Hang in there, everyone!
Awww! Thanks so much! We're so glad you like it! :D
reader99: is chara in sans head
No, Sans' situation is... I can't decided between more complex or simpler... hmm...
Guest: Looks like Frankie gonna have a mom
mmmmmmmMMMMM I'M NOT ALOUD TO COMMENT.
Anonymous: I am going to once again congratulate you on a fantastic chapter. I was so excited when it came out, I screamed and began to laugh hysterically on the floor. I absolutely ADORE Sans's reaction to becoming a father, it makes me really happy. Especially since it isn't just a love interest. This relationship is way more beautiful than that. If you keep developing Riley, I'm sure that will develop into something wonderful as well. I also like that she's more of a side character, it makes me happy :) I've always liked Sans being a gaurdian to Papyrus and NOW HES MOVING IN WITH THEM EEE. Well done :) (I'm sorry for being so judgemental tbh I'm not even that good of a writer I'm just a nerd that's waaaaay to confident in my nonexistent character development skills)
No, I totally get it. I'm so glad you're saying all this. Character development is hard- I think sometimes, in certain situations, it's even more hard when you have ready-made characters like in fanfics. You have to ask yourself 'how do I change this character. How do I develop them when they've already been developed?' Obviously, there's an infinite number of options for some characters. But sometimes not so much. Anyways, it's just great to hear all this. It's really encouraging! :D Thanks so much!
Guest: I'm really enjoying reading this story! I finished everything so far in the span of a single morning. Now I have an enormous smile on my face! Thanks for a well-written adventure. I now have the DETERMINATION to get through the day!
Awesome! That's so great. Keep reading, we hope it'll just get better. :D
Anonymous: A side note: I THINK I KNOW HO THE VOICE IN FRANKIES HEAD IS OMG YOU'RE BRILLIANT AHAHAHAHHAHAH
Sans of Frankie? We haven't had a dream with a voice for Frankie in a while... oh, I guess his nightmare in twenty did sort of have a voice in it. *shrugs* I dunno.
Fern of the Clouds: Riley and sans, sitting in a tree!
K-i-s-s...wait...he doesnt have lips...0-o
i feel my sins crawling down my back.
*nervously laughs...* Riley... *whispers* Don't let your dreams be dreams.
OCs: Riolu (Narrator): Hey, my OCs are back!And now more have showed up. Also I couldn't get Moonbeam to shut up and talk about the story instead of his life.
Chaos: Hi!I like this chapter?*Didn't actually read it* I don't really like...reading.
Spyro: Hi!Papyrus panicking was funny, and I liked his story! Good Chapter!
Moonbeam: Hey!Guess what?I'm engaged to Spyro now!Our wedding is...I have no clue when it is. Also hehehehehe the creator of this married one of her OCs!Isn't that funny?
Riolu: No I didn't!Heh...ok...maybe I did...get engaged...to one of My OCs...
Wheatley (Yeah I named him after the portal character) : Yeah, um...hi. Yes, Riolu IS engaged to me. So um...heh...Cool Story!
Riolu: Yeah the story was really cool!
Moonbeam: HEY I HEARD YOU THE FIRST THING YOU SAID THIS COMMENT! I CAN STOP TALKING ABOUT MYSELF!Great story!I hope Frankie never gets attacked again, even though I Seriously doubt he or Riley will survive during the story.
~You eat the Cake.
~It Fills you with...
~DETERMINATION!
~It also fills you with Cake.
My goodness... this is chaos. I mean... shit... no pun intended.
But anyways. It was nice to meet all of you. And...uh... Congrats to Moonbeam and Spyro.
Thanks, I'm glad you like the story!
GenuineGreenTea: Hey,I loved this chapter. It really goes into how much Frankie and sans love each other. Also, this is I think the second time you've emphasized the scarf. What is it hiding?
(•~•) - justice the cat
Heh. What about this chapter. I'm sorry but I 100% died when I wrote that he says "Daddy". Ooh. Yes, the Scarf. Seeeecrreeets. Don't worry. Soon. I know! I'll give you all a fancy prophecy. (I am not good at rhyming so don't judge)
The tale of Riley's past shall be told
after the ceremony we'll behold.
On a bench, away from the rain
after vows have been exchanged.
Hehe.. not bad if I do say so myself. I should use 'prophecies' more often. That was fun.
I guest as much: Great update! I Riley love all these great character interactions going on, and keeping on that train of thought, are we going to see more visits next update, or are we leaving the hospital? Also, when do you think Sans is going to find out what's under her scarf?
Scarffff... See the above 'prophecy' for an answer to that question. I'm actually quite pleased with that thing. What do you guys think?
: Oh wow, I always love the updates! I've actually been reading this since really early in, so sorry for not follow/faving it until now. *coughlazycough*
It's so awesome that Frankie and Sans are going to be father and son! But will they have to pay for the happiness...? *starts worrying*
I keep wondering whats behind that scarf... Maybe a wound? It's all so mysterious.
Hehe. I've done that more than once too. Yes! Dad!Sans, always! :D
As for the scarf- see the above awesome-yet-terribly-composed 'prophecy'. Hehe...
WOW! Thanks for all the reviews! Super encouraging! See you on the next chapter! :D
-mariahills-capsicle