A Villainous Company

by Revharem

The mountain range known as Mt Ebbott no longer held monsters Underground. Now among the humans they must find jobs. UnderFell Papyrus and Undertale Sans find themselves employed by the villainous (and horny) group known as Black Hat Inc.

25. Angst in the House of Black Hat

Sans was surprised when he actually woke up earlier than Flug and almost slipped back into the sweet embrace of sleep. Shaking his head, he knew he had stuff to do. Flug had made it very clear he didn't want to read Sans's file in its entirety and wasn't ready to do so anyway. He'd just have to make an abridged version and whenever Flug finally was ready, he could read it over and figure out all the science and magic behind what made Sans as weird as he was.

Slipping out from between Flug's arms was the first matter of business though. As always, the kid had a tight hold on him and with every breath his fingers brushed just ever so slightly against the front of Sans's lumbar vertebrae, threatening to make him shiver and moan with want. Forcing the desire down, he couldn't help remembering when he'd gotten himself worked up the day before.

He thought he'd hid it well when Flug had shut him down yesterday, but the restriction of not being able to place a Mark on the kid's Soul had really dealt him a blow. He should have known Flug would be against it as it was a possibly deadly stunt just for pleasure, but that didn't stop him from hoping beyond expectation. Maybe someday Flug would trust himself and Sans enough to allow it to be attempted, he could hope for that at least.

Fifteen minutes later, after several slow twitches and twists, Sans was free and teleported to his own room to get dressed in some of his own, more comfortable clothes. Even as a human child, Flug had been taller than him and the shorts were more like pants and refused to stay up on his hips. Dressed in better fitting clothes, he pushed his way out into the lab and retrieved the flashdrive from where he'd tossed it the day before, going to a holotable to begin working on scanning through his file from the very beginning.

He'd never read it himself and several times caught himself reading instead of skimming as he came across different experiments he could or could not remember. There was a lot here that he previously had no idea about and it astonished him how much he didn't know about his own body and magic. Apparently his father had started keeping a journal on him and his development even before he'd been lain which led him to believe, even more so as he continued, that for his entire life he had been little more than a very intelligent lab rat at his father's disposal. Sure, he held more prestige and was considered a better specimen since he'd been created using particles from his father's own magic, but he was still just a specimen.

His mother was too, he learned. She had come from a poor mining family of skeletons and had next to no exposure to what an actual mating was supposed to be like as she'd been raised by her father when he wasn't in the mines and he'd been mostly mentally absent since surviving through his own mate's demise. She made the perfect woman for Gaster's manipulation and it helped that she honestly thought that he loved her. That confirmed Sans's theory that his parents had never actually been true mates at least.

Two hundred years into the notes they thinned out and seemed almost abandoned for a time. A stretch of sixty years passed where his dad paid him little to no attention and didn't run any tests or analysis on him, but that correlated with what he remembered. That was the time when Gaster had been with Black Hat and then the War. Once they were Underground and forced into close proximity once again, the notes slowly picked back up. They'd had to focus on the Core for a long period and that had kept the experiments from going too far in the beginning, but after a century the Core had been completed and another saw the king end their supply of subjects.

Sans hadn't noticed too strongly the tests that had started with the end of the subjects, but that was due to the nature of them, Gaster had studied his physiological behavior. How he had reacted with Gaster, towards the subjects they had remaining, towards his incubator who he still insisted on calling his mother, this was all noted and carefully categorized as his psyche was analytically ripped apart.

Then, in the last century, Gaster finally began the real tests. The effects of human Souls in different quantities; This was an idea suggested by Ganz's father, as it had successfully made Ganz a much stronger monster. The effects of breaking and magically or physically healing bones and which was actually healthier, regardless of time spent. Isolation versus forced co-operation, how to lower, or raise access to a monster's magic and their Soul. The Soul-blocking cuffs that had been used by Papyrus on Sans, it turns out, were created by his father based on Sans's own magic and the tests that had been run on it.

Then there were the tests that only had to do with his magic. How it was made up, its density, its reaction to stimulus, its reaction time, how it connected to Sans himself versus just connecting to his Soul, how powerful it was and its capabilities. It was at this step that Sans's blaster had gained their growth and shrinking properties and he had developed his bone attacks. Here he had also grown his magic to be stronger than any other monster in the Underground and had learned to shield that power at all times. According to his father's calculations, given proper rest, nutrition, and exposure to the surface for a fair amount of time, Sans's magic was possibly stronger even than most human magic.

This was also where his magic had become sterilized and poisonous to other monsters. His father had warned him, after a particular experiment, never to try to heal another monster. Told him that it would cost him dearly if he did. Sans hadn't realized then that what Gaster had meant was that he would kill any ordinary monster if he attempted healing magic. Flug probably only survived because he had human magic and wasn't ordinary by any sense of the word, plus he was bound to him. All those times Papyrus had gotten hurt and Sans had barely held back from trying to heal him himself. He was never happier that he hadn't. He could have killed his own brother.

That was a terrifying thought, but nonetheless he put it down in his abridge report for Flug. The kid deserved to know everything. He was, afterall, what he was now because of what Sans had done and continued to do to him. Flug's whole life since meeting Sans had been turned upside down and it was all his fault. There was no cure either, no way to return Flug to humanity. Sans wasn't sure if he was happy or not about that, but he knew he didn't have any plans to look for a cure either. He was selfish and planned to keep Flug as his, no matter what the cost.

Waking up clinging to a pillow instead of his mate, Flug sleepily called for Sans through their bond. Sans where are you?

Lab. I'm condensing the report for you like you asked. Sleep okay? It's almost eleven.

Yawning and stretching Flug padded to the lab leaning heavily against Sans. "Yeah, I slept good, you?"

"Always good when I'm with you babe." Sans hummed as he tapped a key on the keyboard repetitively without actually typing anything, just thinking. "Say, do you think I should share this with the boss as my 'new dad' or would it be too stressful?" He wondered aloud.

"He would probably want to kill your father for doing what he did to you. He reacted quite badly in the nightmare." Flug offered.

"So that's a solid no then." A sigh whistled through his teeth. "Wish people would stop fighting my fights for me, especially knowing what I do now after reading this." Sans grumped. All the same, he leaned back into Flug, straightening out his spine for the first time in hours.

Hearing the painful cracking as Sans straightened Flug tisked. Running his hands along Sans's spine and masasing the bone. "Poor dear, you've been working too hard."

Slumping into Flug's hands, Sans rolled his head back and forth in a lazy denial. "It ain't really work babe. Just paraphrasing and simplifying a report. It is the same as what we do when we report a new device to the villainous public. Keep it short, to the point, with the minimum facts that are needed. Not really hard, just...gah. It's a bit mind shattering is all, to find out all this crap about myself that I never knew."

"I know. I'm sorry… Do you want to take a break?" Flug offered. "We can check on Papyrus? Get out for a little bit."

"I'm almost done. Would you mind grabbing us breakfast and then I'll close this down? I've only got twenty pages to go." Forcing himself back to the screen, he held one of Flug's hands for a few seconds longer before resuming his work, rubbing at his cervical vertebrae and twisting his back, releasing a few more rough sounding pops from the joints.

Nodding Flug kissed his skull getting up and heading to the kitchen. Looking in the pantry Flug got some pancake mix down and some chocolate chips. "I think we deserve a treat." Cooking up the pancakes Flug hummed.

Watching Flug leave from the eyes of a small blaster that sat on a nearby shelf, Sans sighed. Would he really be able to handle even this revised, shortened version? There was so much left out, so much cruelty even in this short version. Biting his own tongue to regain his focus, he resumed reading his file. He was past the point when his mother had Dust now, so he knew it had to be ending soon. Twenty pages. He could do this.

Humming Flug twirled around the kitchen squeaking when he spotted Black Hat in the doorway an amused grin on his face. "Black Hat! Don't sneak up on me!"

Chuckling Black Hat walked forward looking at the pancakes. "Making breakfast? May I join? Edge is looking for Nightmare so he's not here to spoil me." Sitting in a chair he rubbed his stomach. "It Isn't long now."

Smiling Flug put a plate of pancakes in front of his boss. "I'm sure Sans won't mind. He said he wanted to talk to you anyway."

Striking away tears, Sans bit at his teeth and buried his emotions, pushing through his reading. He had to finish this, but seriously. What the fuck was wrong with his father. Forcing Pap's magic into his marrow stream as well? Was that why he could do more than one kind of attack? He had a bunch at his disposal, but he'd never thought about it. Stars damn it all! One more thing to note in his report for Flug.

Feeling a slight painful sadness from Sans Flug sent a supportive Breakfast is done. You don't have to keep going, but I appreciate you doing this. You are so strong.

Sans didn't think twice, not even closing the documents before teleporting to the kitchen to his normal spot. Just his luck that his spot was taken by a demon. "Shoot, sorry." His apology clipped itself in half as he teleported to an open chair as soon as he realized his mistake. "Really sorry.."

Chuckling Black Hat waved it off. "Not the first time I've had you in my lap."

Unable to deny it, Sans kept his head down as his skull flushed deep blue. The last time he'd been in the boss's lap coming back quite vividly, arousing him slightly with the memory. "Y-yes sir."

Sitting a plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front of Sans with a clink Flug smiled. "I made them special with chocolate chips." Sitting next to his mate Flug happily dug into his pancakes. I can tell him to leave if he's making you uncomfortable.

N-no, he's fine. Just me making things awkward is all. Sans shook his head and examined his food to hide his embarrassment. He really shouldn't be thinking about his adoptive father like that! Especially not with his mate sitting right next to him and after he made such a wonderful breakfast too. "Thank you! I could really use the food." He was silent and still as he realized he hadn't eaten in over a week. "Damn, guess I really could. Oops." Coating his pancakes in a heavy layer of syrup and butter, he slipped over to the fridge to grab the ketchup before returning to work his way through the fluffy breakfast with delight.

Grinning Flug added two more to Sans's stack when he'd vacuumed up half of his stack. "Did you not eat while you were gone love?"

"Nope! These are really good babe! Did 5.0.5. help you?" He asked, not even trying to breathe between bites other than to moan at the molten chocolate as it met his tongue.

Beaming at the praise Flug kissed his skull. "Nope! Cooked them all by myself. I'm glad you like them. I'll be sure to fix them more often."

"Please do!" He got out between a set of bites. He finally paused to take a long drag of his bottle of ketchup before getting back to work on the breakfast. He hadn't even realized he was famished.

Grinning at his adorable skeleton Flug felt immense pleasure in being able to provide for him. "So, Black Hat do you know when Fell will be back?"

"No, he should be back soon with my child. Though once you are finished stuffing your face we need to discuss your extended leave, Sans. I don't believe I approved you leaving for a week." Black Hat narrowed his eye at Sans.

Sans paused mid-bite, almost comically, before putting it is his mouth much slower and nodded. Finishing it off, he sat back. There wasn't much left on his plate and he could afford to chat while he finished. "Yeah, about that. Sorry I just up and disappeared. I was working, it's just that what I needed to work on, I couldn't do here. We don't have the power, advancements, or materials. I got plenty done though, enough to keep us covered for the next several months in terms of new products. We'll just have to keep up with orders." Before he started rambling he grabbed another bite, keeping his head down. He knew he should have asked, but the ring had seemed so important to Flug and the teleportation band was practically a must if they were going to be equals.

Black Hat nodded, "I see. Where are these devices? I should probably start a video schedule if you've created so many while away. Good work, Sans. I will not allow either of you two to slack off, but you can take some time and less hours while I work these devices into the market. If you leave them in the lab and label them on what they do I will start working on the schedules."

Nodding, Sans finished the last of his pancakes and took one last swig from his bottle before motioning Black Hat to follow him. "Babes, you mind cleaning up? Sorry, I'd help, but I want to show him where everything is and get to organizing the data files for the new devices." He was hesitant since Flug had done so much and he was essentially brushing him off, but that wasn't what he wanted to do. He just wanted to make sure Black Hat understood and knew that he really hadn't been slacking.

"Of course love. I'll be there in just a bit, after I wash the dishes." Flug took the plates to the sink to get started.

Following Sans to the lab, Black Hat rubbed at his belly. "How is your brother? He should be awake by now, correct?"

"Yeah, I spoke with him last night to update him on what we are doing next. He said he has to clean up the house and pack things. He'll let me know when he's ready to move." Sans confirmed. Noticing Black Hat's attention, he asked, "How are the eggs coming? They should be due in a month or two, right?" He held open the door to the lab, letting his boss enter first.

"Almost a month. They are coming along so well since talking with those Lust skeletons. I will have to thank them when they aren't trying to stink up their claimed room." Groaning and walking into the lab, Black Hat waved his hand as if fanning away a stench. "Their sex stank up the room and it took three days of 5.0.5 cleaning before it smelled decent again." Walking around the lab he noticed a document up on one of the screens, glancing at it before looking around again.

Sans made his way to another computer station that had several small boxes stacked near it and began typing away on the keyboard he'd summoned from the wall after putting on his gloves. "Since when have they had a room here? I thought they'd never been to the surface."

Turning back to the computer as Sans typed Black Hat looked at the document reading it as he replied. "Flug invited them over. It's the room with heart stickers on the door. I wasn't feeling up to dealing with their stench so I took Fell on a trip while they stayed for a few days. Dementia seemed to enjoy herself, Flug too."

"I really shouldn't be too surprised. Have to wonder why he didn't tell me though. Probably just had too much on his mind." Sans hummed to himself absently as he moved files and organized everything. There really was a lot of data here. Their server was almost full. He'd have to see about updating it soon.

"My son probably distracted him. The nightmare really riled Flug up." Blinking Black Hat frowned scrolling down through the file on the screen. It sounded so familiar and it was irritating him.

"Well he did die multiple times. That will shake anybody up, and then on top of it all, he had to watch me die and or kill him over and over. By the sound of it, you only remember the very tail end, which is very interesting. He, on the other hand, remembers a whole lot more. Having lived through Resets myself, I can understand what he's going through. It is very disorienting. I'm almost done here, then I can show you what I got done." He was completely oblivious to what Black Hat was doing behind him, figuring the boss was either just standing or maybe sitting while they conversed.

Shivering Black Hat felt his tentacles form wiggling in irritation. He now understood what he was reading, it wasn't one of Flug's experiments, it was Gaster's. Growling lowly, Black Hat's claw clicked the table harshly.

Hearing the growling behind him, Sans turned. Had he said something? "Sir, is everything okay?" Seeing Black Hat at his previous workspace with the report still pulled up, he instantly sprang into a cold sweat, magic beading around his skull. "Oh shit. I thought I closed that." he whispered, but it was quiet enough in the lab to hear a pin drop, had one been so inclined.

Claws digging into the table Black Hat seethed in rage. Growling he picked up the table, ripping it up and tossing it across the room. "GASTER!"

"Oh come on. I spent four hours typing up that paraphrasement...uh, shit, not important. Sir! Black Hat! He's not here! Black Hat!" Eyelights darting from one part of the shop to another, he wondered at how much damage the demon might cause before calming down and prayed that he didn't try to actually go after his father. That would be a whole other mess to deal with. Flug, stay out of the lab. Boss is pissed and ripping shit apart.

What happened?! Fell won't be back for days! Flug looked around worried. What could they do?

Howling out in a demonic rage, Black Hat's tentacles pierced the floors and walls. His claws digging into whatever was closest to him to toss around the room searching for the man of his anger.

Running up to him, Sans begged his boss to calm down, heedless of the danger. He just hoped that if he could reach him, maybe he'd be able to save some of the data that was stored in the tables. Most of it was on the servers, but if Black Hat kept piercing everything, he could hit one and they would lose everything. "Sir! Please!"

Snarling Black Hat rounded on Sans. His eye was glazed over in rage. "GASTER! YOU WILL PAY!"

"You have to stop this Black Hat! Think about your clutch!" The rage in the demon's eye as he rounded on Sans made him choke as memories of the War flooded his mind. That was the last time he'd been coherent and met Black Hat in such a state. Reactively he struck out, Karma attacks bouncing around the lab and striking tentacles, screens, tables, and Black Hat himself. Sans all but shut down as he succumbed to a panic attack and his old brainwashing took over from when his dad had kept him locked up.

The quick red bones pierced his tentacles instantly causing them to melt away like the bone was acid. Crying out in pain and rage Black Hat stepped forward to attack before a red bone hit him in the chest. Dropping to his knees as excruciating pain burned through him. Black Hat screamed, faceless victims flashing through his vision as his veins felt like lava, his muscles ached and weighed as lead, his skin rippled mouths forming and shrieking as if trying to separate from his body. His Soul cried out for his mate and Fell's protection from this pain. "Help!"

On the opposite side of the world, Fell was trying to get these idiodic humans to understand what he was looking for. What information he had gathered so far suggested Nightmare's last appearance had been somewhere in Pakistan. Throwing up his hands after a loud argument and having killed the entire group when one had dared point a gun at him, he felt something faint strike his Soul, and then unceasing pain ripped through his body. The scream he heard was shattering, desperate, full of pain. He was screaming, where was this pain coming from? Just before he passed out, he felt and heard Black Hat crying out for help. The powerful demon who never cried, especially not in pain, and who never asked for help, was in need and held his clutch. Fell was too far and now was passing out into the void of unconsciousness.

Slowly rising, eyelights gone, Sans watched passionless, dead to the world, not really seeing or hearing what was going on around him. His target was neutralized for now. He would await further orders. He didn't know who from, but that wasn't for him to know or care about. He would simply wait. If his target regained its facilities, he would bring it down again. That had been his last order, right? Why else would he attack it?

Hearing the scream Flug bolted for the lab busting into the room "Sans?!" Rushing over to his mate Flug took his skull in hand turning it every which way. "Sans? Are you hurt?" Glancing over to Black Hat who was curled up on the floor still howling in pain. "God what happened to Black Hat? Fuck." Taking out his phone Flug quickly called Red. Black Hat needed Fell and with Sans looking dead to the world he needed the edgier skeleton.

Snorting awake at the buzzing in his pocket, Red flinched when he saw the human scientist's number. The last time that kid had called him, he'd ended up walking in on their sexual endeavours. It was oh so tempting to ignore it, but even in the bar across town he had heard the screams from Black Hat Inc. With a sigh, he answered, quickly pulling the phone away from his skull as the screams now spilled through the speaker. "What do you want, human?"

"Get your brother! Sans got in a fight with Black Hat. Both are acting strange. I need Fell now!" Flug yelled over Black Hat's screams.

"Isn't he there with you? He shouldn't have left Black Hat's side with their eggs coming so soon." Red was confused.

"No, he went to find Black Hat's lost son, Nightmare."

"That freak is related to Black Hat!? Stars only know where either of them are then. This ain't the Underground kid. It ain't like I can just ask around the sectors and everybody knows everybody! I don't know where he is. Boss don't talk to me no more." Red shouted back getting a raised brow from the bartender, which he flipped off.

"Can't you track his Soul or something?! I need him now!" Flug yelled back frustrated.

Grumbling and unwilling to admit as much, Red finally came clean. "I can only short range teleport. I got strong magic an' all, but most of us can't teleport that far, of us that can teleport that is. A mile is my top and he ain't in that range."

Yanking at his hair Flug gasped. "Get to the lab and I can take us. If you can pinpoint him I can use my band." Flug tried to get Sans to come back into awareness.

"I can try, but no guarantee. Don't know if I'll be able to find him. You better not be having sex this time." He hung up the call and tossed Amethyst a few bucks, to the bartender's surprise. "Yeah, yeah. I'm gettin' paid now. Figure I can start payin' so Boss'll have less to worry about." He snapped before teleporting into the lab, only to stumble from the screams. It had been a while since he'd been in range of them. Since before the barrier broke to be honest. "Fine, I'm here." He yelled over the din.

Walking over Flug took Red's arm. "Try to pinpoint him."

"He ain't in my range kid. I tried to tell you that. What's up with smily over there?" He had a nasty feeling from Sans, like he could feel his own sins crawling on his back. The Judges had agreed to not use their power on each other, but something about Sans just didn't feel right. Glancing at Flug, now thoroughly worried, he took a step away from him. "What happened to you?!" The kid was a monster now? How and when had that happened?

Huffing Flug shook his head. "We don't have time for this. Black Hat got upset and Sans and him fought. He probably used that, um, Judge thing on him. I don't know! Neither are responding to me. Use my magic to try to pinpoint him. Sans made me a band where I can travel anywhere. I just need a guess on where to go. I think? I'm not quite sure if I need that, but I need Fell. Who knows what is going on through their bond!"

"Fine, fine." Glancing at Black Hat, Red did have a moment of worry for his brother, but no, Boss could handle anything. He wouldn't lose him again. Glaring at Flug's grip on his arm, he bit back his pride and warned him, "This may hurt. My magic is unstable and isn't friendly." Tapping into Flug's Soul, he grabbed at the magic there and searched for his brother's signature. Flug's magic was so much more powerful than his own and Fell was found in seconds. "There!" He bit out harshly, sending the location through his sparking and burning magic to Flug.

Feeling the sharp burn of magic Flug bit his lip causing it to bleed. When he knew the location he used the band to appear next to Fell. Seeing Fell passed out on the ground he gasped kneeling next to him "Fell, shit!"

"Boss!" The second his arm was released he severed the connection to Flug's magic and rushed to his brother's side. "Come on you shit-head. Get up!" He could smell blood nearby and sent a weak magic pulse out to detect life forms, only finding the bodies in a tent on the other side of the hill. Traces of his brother's magic were all over the place. Damn idiots probably pissed him off.

Shaking Fell's shoulder Flug shook his head dipping his arms under Fell's legs and spine and lifting him into his arms princess style. "Hold on to me Red. I'm taking him back."

Blinking in disbelief, Red gaped. His seven foot tall brother was picked up like he was nothing and the human, no monster seemed completely unaffected. "Are you nuts! Taking him back there will only increase whatever he and Blacky are goin' through. Shouldn't you wake him up first? I don't know, something!?" He was starting to go into hysterics, seeing his brother looking so dead again. He didn't think he'd see that after the barrier broke and the resets stopped.

Frowning Flug nodded sending a small jolt of his magic into Fell. "Fell, you have to wake up. Black Hat needs you."

Red flinched even as Fell gave a very un-intimidating shriek before flailing and falling. Grasping at his chest, heavy red tears burned down his skull as he dealt with the blow to his magic as well as the pain echoing through the bond from Black Hat.

"You didn't have to hit him!" Red growled, one eyelight going out and the other lighting up dangerously.

"Red, calm down. He only did what he knew." Fell kept his eyelights on Flug while trying to calm his brother. "What's happened to Black Hat. Why does he hurt so much? What about our clutch?" He asked, breathlessly. He hadn't tried to get up from where he'd fallen in the sand.

Taking a cloth from his pocket, Flug knelt down wiping away the red tears. He ignored Red's remarks. "Black Hat got upset and I think Sans used his Judge magic on him. I don't know. Neither are responding to me. I just knew I needed to get you. Are you ready?"

Red added, "Sans felt all weird too. Just being near him I could feel his Judgement. Something major went down between them Boss."

Fell nodded, trying to think what may have caused Sans to unleash such a powerful attack on Black Hat. Looking to Flug, he asked, "Do you have any idea what could have caused them to fight? They seemed to be getting on pretty decently in the past few months."

"I don't know. They went to look at devices. Everything was fine and then Sans told me that Black Hat was tearing up the-Shit the document! Black Hat must have seen the document of everything Gaster did to him. He was paraphrasing it for me to read and-and I think he left it up before breakfast."

Both brother's eyes went out. "We need to get back now." Fell said, fear lacing his words. "If Black Hat gets up before we do, Sans could kill him if he doesn't kill Sans. Get us there NOW!" He pushed himself to his feet, grabbing Red and latching tightly onto Flug's shoulder.

Flug tugged Fell close one arm sliding under his to make sure he stayed standing. Using his band they were back in the lab.

Black Hat laid panting on the floor small broken whimpers coming from him. His voice was weak from his screaming.

Rushing to his mate, Fell cast worried glances at Sans, recognizing instantly what was going on and feeling his magic run cold. He hated to do it, but he remembered what his father had called Sans before he'd been forced into the Void and he knew that Gaster had to have used the same name. "Subject-S, stand down. No further hostilities." He barked coursly.

Instantly Sans relaxed, dropping into a pile where he stood like a marionette with its strings cut.

Red's sockets widened. "He reverted? Oh stars, that isn't good." he whispered, slinking to hide behind an upturned table.

Rushing to his mates side Flug tugged Sans into his arms checking him for injuries. "Everything is okay love. I have you. Flug has you." He spoke softly and sent through their bond.

Blinking his eye open Black Hat whimpered, reaching out to Fell. "F-fell… Hu-hurts..."

"I imagine it does sir. I'm amazed you survived if I'm honest." He held his mate's head in his lap, stroking away the horrors that formed over his body. "I can't help you until it finishes unfortunately. This is magic beyond my ability." He glanced often over at Sans, worried for both his mate, Sans, and Flug. "He'll respond to his designation until he snaps out of it." He informed Flug. "Used to be called Subject-S. No telling how long he'll be like that though."

Nodding Flug pet his lovers skull. "Should I take him away? Would that help?"

Whimpering into Fell's lap, his body shook as pain continued to course through him.

"Not sure what will help. I don't know what he went through, but it had to have been rough. Maybe try to get his brother to talk to him. He's always lived for Papyrus. It might shake him awake." Fell suggested, still petting his lover and trying to scan for their eggs' lifesigns.

Whimpering, he hid his face knowing that his magic was out of flux. The pain was attacking his eggs and eating away at their shells. One weakly pulsed, it's shell halfway ate through. It wouldn't last long. "I-I'm sorry."

Finding only one left, Fell choked. "Try not to attack me, if you can Kuro." Fell whispered to his lover and began feeding magic to the egg, trying to build up its defenses and protect it from the wild and dangerous magic that surged around it. It wasn't easy and more than once, the defenses he built were knocked aside, but he persevered and kept fighting for their offspring's life.

Kneeling down Flug asked "What's wrong? Are the eggs okay?"

Fell shook his head. "We lost four and may still lose this one. Black Hat will be beside himself when he recovers." His fangs were gritted as he fought the dark powers that stabbed at the egg within his mate. "You should tend to your own mate. He needs you now."

Frowning Flug nodded. "Good luck." Cradling Sans close, Flug used the band to appear in their Snowdin house. "Papyrus?!"

"HUMAN? SANS?" His voice echoed from the floor above and seconds later he exited his room to look over the banister of the loft. "I TOLD SANS I WOULD CALL WHEN I WAS PACKED, OR DID YOU WISH TO COME AND HELP? NOT TO WORRY, THE GREAT PAPYRUS CAN HANDLE THIS." He insisted, fist over his chest and standing tall until he saw the worry of Flug's face.

"Um actually it's about something else..." Shivering Flug sat on the couch placing Sans next to him in the middle of the couch. "Could you come sit next to Sans? I… He needs you right now."

"HUMAN, WHAT IS WRONG? HAS SOMETHING HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER?" He came down the steps and around the couch. Upon seeing Sans's catatonic state, Papyrus shook his head, tisking. "FLASHBACKS. THEY GET HIM EVERY TIME. ONE MOMENT AND I'LL FIX IT UP." Walking into the kitchen he reached into a high cupboard, grabbing a jar he had just for when stuff like this happened. "IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE BIT FOR HIM TO BE COMPLETELY BETTER, BUT BY THE END OF THE DAY, HE WILL HAVE FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT THIS AND BE ALRIGHT. CAREFUL, HE USUALLY FLAILS A BIT." Papyrus walked behind the couch, staying out of striking distance and shoved the jar in front of Sans's nasal crest for a few seconds.

It took all of a few seconds before Sans yelled out and did indeed begin flailing, eyelights flashing a myriad of colors before settling back on his normal blue. While he recovered, Papyrus quickly and quietly hid the container again. Speaking as softly as he could, he checked on his brother and assured him. "Sans, You Are At Home. Back In Snowdin. Flug Is Here. I Will Be Upstairs. Talk To Your Mate. We Are Here. Everybody Is Okay." Once Sans nodded, Papyrus waved for Flug to sit next to him and went back upstairs, casting worried glances over his shoulder every so often.

Scooting closer Flug didn't touch him. "Sans, are you okay?"

Gritting his teeth and taking deep breaths to clear the scent of the smelling salts from his skull, Sans slowly nodded. "Y-yeah. What, what happened. Why am I back home? Wait, Black Hat, the lab!" Clutching his skull and doubling over, he groaned. "Fuck, what did I do?"

"I got Fell, he's with him at the moment. You stopped him from destroying the lab… But his eggs." Flug frowned looking down. "Fell is trying to protect the last one."

Sans's jaw dropped as his eyelights went out and his sockets went wide. He was speechless. He had murdered Fell and Black Hat's children. "N-no. No. No." Clutching his skull, he curled into himself.

Papyrus who had been listening in from upstairs dropped his lamp, shattering the bulb. His brother had killed their adoptive parent's kids? That, no, that couldn't happen. Children were sacred. Stepping back out onto the loft balcony, he asked, "Human, Are You Certain Of This?"

Nodding he pulled Sans into his lap. "I asked Fell if the eggs were alright and he told me they lost four. He was using his magic to protect the last one from Black Hat's raging magic, his magic must have started to attack the eggs at some point."

Sans sat curled up and shaking, crying silently into Flug's lap, unable to cope with this murder. The murder of human children had been hard, but it wasn't the same as monster children which were much rarer.

"I Know We Have Had Our Differences Human, But Could You Tell Me Exactly What Happened?" Papyrus came back down, sitting in a recliner catty-corner to the couch where Sans and Flug sat so they could talk instead of yelling across the house.

"I don't know what happened. Sans and Black Hat left to look at the devices in the lab. Then he told me Black Hat was destroying the lab. I assume he saw the document of what Gaster did to Sans. Sans must have used his Judge magic and attacked Black Hat. I came in to him screaming in pain. He has so much evil inside of him it was practically tearing him up. I got Fell and then I came here with Sans since Fell thought you could help." Flug carressed Sans's bones, sending comfort through their bond.

"So If I Got This Right, Black Hat, Your Boss And Our New Adoptive Father, Read Up On My Brother's Past Through Something That Had Been Left Out And Started Destroying Your Workspace. Sans Attacked Him For Some Reason And Used His Most Powerful Magic, Which Killed His And Fell's Eggs. Is That Right?" Papyrus was trying to understand the whole story, but it seemed like something was missing to him.

Nodding Flug sighed. "I think it was self-defense on Sans's part. Black Hat is the one who attacked him during the War and can be a horror in himself. He apparently had a flashback too..."

"Self-Defense…" Papyrus shook his head. "This Is Going To Be A Mess Trying To Figure Out Who Is In The Right And Who Is In The Wrong. I'm Not Sure How The Law Would Handle This. Undyne Never Covered Something Like This In Our Guard Classes." He looked worriedly over to his brother. It was obvious that the murder weighed heavily on him, regardless of who was at fault.

"Does it matter who was right or wrong? Why are we bringing the law into this? This is between Sans and Black Hat… Papyrus are you trying to send Sans to jail?"

Holding up his hands quickly, Papyrus shook his head. "No! That Is Not My Intention At All! I Am Merely Trying To Look At All The Facts Logically To Find The Best Course Of Forward Action. I Am Trying To Help Find The Best Resolution To The Current Situation." He insisted.

Frowning Flug narrowed his eyes. "Like your resolution last time? I swear if you are trying to hurt Sans-" Flug cut himself off with a deep breath. "Nevermind. Do whatever you think. Sans can you talk to me? Tell me what you are thinking." Flug asked out loud and through their bond, giving Sans the option to keep it though their bond.

The silence of their bond was shattered as the screams of the dead and dying from across timelines and a near endless past played through their shared mind. The faces of innumerous human children covered in blood, lifeless eyes, the light going out of monster's eyes as human children Dusted them for no reason. The War, all the bodies, human and monster surrounding them as they cried in pain for help where none was coming. Mercy killings, ending the suffering of thousands on the battlefield as healing was in short supply. Children, adults, elderly, friends, foes, strangers, so many dead by Sans's own hands, by his own magic. Images with full sound and color flashed through their bond for a mere instance before shutting back down to silence between them as he cried still silent into Flug's lap, reliving all his murders.

Breathing in a shuttered breath Flug felt tears roll down his cheeks clinging to Sans tighter. Closing his eyes he sent snippets of Sans making devices with Flug, eating with 5.0.5, Sans talking about Black Hat adopting him and Papyrus, Flug and Papyrus making snowmen, their first kiss, the first time they bonded and Marked each other, and more happy memories.

Shaking his head, Sans tried to find a moral strong point. "No. No. No. I'm no good. Just a murderer. Killed so many." He choked, fighting but didn't know what for.

Papyrus tried to reach out, but after what Flug had reminded him of, hesitated and pulled back his hand, afraid his brother truly didn't want him or his touch. He didn't want to make life any harder on his brother. Maybe he really should just leave, let one of the other sectors take him and transition so he could fit in.

Shaking his head Flug held Sans's skull and kissed him. "You are good. Look at Papyrus. You raised him all by yourself. You are good. You did what you had to and what Gaster forced you to do. Love you are good."

Dad didn't make me kill all those people. I chose that. I did that on my own. Sure, he made me better at it, but he never knew I was actively doing it. I've killed so many Flug, and not through an invention in someone else's hands. Through my own power. I am a murderer. If it weren't for my dad, you would be dead. He stopped breathing, but the tears became stronger as he realized the truth of his last statement. If it weren't for him, you'd be dead. I would have killed you and not been able to do anything about it.

"Love, no no. You are good. Papyrus tell him!" Flug looked to Papyrus desperately.

"HE'S RIGHT SANS." Papyrus's surprise was written across his face when Flug asked him to vouch and say anything. "YOU ARE THE BEST BROTHER I COULD EVER ASK FOR. YOU SAVED ME FROM DAD. YOU RAISED ME, GOT US THIS HOUSE, WORKED TWELVE JOBS AT ONCE AND STILL FOUND TIME TO HELP ME BECOME AS GREAT AS I AM. YOU ARE THE VERY BEST, REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, YOU ARE A GOOD MONSTER. EVEN IF YOU HAVE DONE ATROCIOUS THINGS, YOU TAUGHT ME SOMETHING IMPORTANT. ANYBODY, ANYBODY, IF THEY REALLY WANT TO , CAN BE A GOOD PERSON. THAT INCLUDES YOU. YOU ALREADY ARE, BUT IF YOU DON'T THINK SO, REMEMBER, YOU CAN BE!" Papyrus was out of breath by the time he finished, but he felt he had gotten his point across. He had the best brother and Sans just had to know that!

Smiling, Flug nodded, holding Sans close and kissing his skull. "See you can be a good person, if you don't believe so. I believe you are a great person and a great mate. Just check my Soul if you think differently."

Unable to stop from smiling, even through his tears, Sans pushed at Flug's chest. "Don' need to. I c'n feel it strong enough." He half laughed, half sobbed.

"THAT IS IT. I AM MAKING MY FAMOUS HEALING HOT COCOA. WOULD YOU LIKE ANY HUMAN?" Papyrus stood up suddenly, looking down on the two of them while he waited for Flug's answer.

"Sure, but Papyrus… You can't really call me human anymore." Flug smirked a bit hiding his smile by nuzzling Sans's skull.

"HMMM?" Papyrus read Flug's Soul and his sockets widened. "I DO SUPPOSE NOT! BUT YOU STILL LOOK HUMAN. I SUPPOSE THIS IS ANOTHER EXPERIMENT THAT SANS HAS DONE TO HELP YOU LIVE LONGER AND THEREFORE PRESERVE HIS OWN LIFE?" Even as he talked, he moved into the kitchen to begin making the hot cocoa, putting healing magic into the mix and the marshmallows. It seems that it would be very much required in the current situation.

Chuckling Flug hummed. "It was more of an accident that turned to our favor."

"Lucky one too." Sans muttered.

"WELL GOOD FOR YOU EITHER WAY. YOU GO BY FLUG, CORRECT?" He tried out the name, but it felt weird. He still looked like a human. "SO HOW ARE YOU TWO DOING THINGS NOW, I MEAN, YOU ARE TECHNICALLY A CHILD BY OUR STANDARDS, YOUNGER EVEN THAN ME IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY. WILL YOU BE TRAINING IN MAGIC?"

Nodding Flug blushed. "Technically yes um yes Sans is going to train me. Oh do you want to look at our rings?"

"RINGS? ISN'T THAT A HUMAN TRADITION?" Papyrus asked, peeking back into the room.

"Yeah, Paps, but it was worth it. Gave a really good feeling. Humans apparently have good ideas too." Sans was slowly getting better with the positivity coming off his two closest family.

Smiling Flug kissed his skull holding up their hands showing off the rings. "It makes a physical pact to back up our bond. It's nice to look at and be reminded too."

Papyrus stared for a moment at the rings on their hands before he stepped back into the kitchen to dole out boiling milk. "You two are so strange. I don't think I will ever understand."

"Give it time bro. You are still young." Sans insisted, giving a weak smile up to Flug. He clasped his hand around Flug's weaving their fingers together looking for comfort.

Smiling Flug leaned down taking a kiss on his teeth. He let it linger but not pushing for anything more than a light kiss. "I love you."

"Love you too babe." Sans whispered into their kiss, accepting it and not taking it any further. His brother was present after all. "So wait," He recalled something his brother had said, "What do you know about me saving you from dad?" He looked around Flug toward the kitchen.

"I FOUND THE LAB SANS, AND MY FILE. I THINK IT WAS WRITTEN BY MOM. DAD'S WEIRD WRITING WASN'T IN IT. THE REPORTS STOPPED SHORTLY AFTER SHE MENTIONED THAT DAD PLANNED TO START EXPERIMENTING ON ME." He didn't elaborate any further than that, but he didn't need to.

"Oh, how, nevermind. I don't think I want to know." Sans shook his head.

Holding him close Flug nuzzled his skull. "So, are you getting everything packed up okay?"

"THAT IS RIGHT. I HAVE BEEN PACKING SINCE SANS MENTIONED THE MOVE. I ONLY HAVE A LITTLE MORE TO PACK AND THEN EVERYTHING WILL BE DONE. I HAVE TO GET EVERYTHING DOWN HERE DONE AND ONE MORE SHELF UPSTAIRS." Papyrus confirmed, more than happy to move onto happier thoughts. He walked out with two mugs, one blue, one a light lavender. "ENJOY! I AM GOING TO GO UPSTAIRS AND TRY TO FINISH MY PACKING UP THERE."

"He is really the best thing to happen to me. If it weren't for him, I think I would have let Gaster use me until I Dusted or broke the barrier and wiped out humanity." Sans stared at the surface of the rippling liquid. It had small circular ripples to match the vibrations of their voices.

Frowning Flug rubbed Sans's shoulders. "Hey, don't think like that. You are here with me. You didn't do any of that. You became a great brother and a great mate. I think you need happier thoughts… Where should we put Papyrus's room?"

"Black Hat and I agreed that putting him on the other side of the mansion with 5.0.5 was the best idea, what with how you two fight and his outlook on life. It is best to keep him away from Dementia and our work. Plus I don't think I could handle you two constantly bickering. I'm gonna have to resume his training and I'm going to have to work on training you now. Can't train you together. You are both too protective of me." He shook his head. "Sorry, rambling."

Pouting, Flug slumped. "Sorry… I'm trying to be better."

"No, no, no. Don't take it personally. It is totally normal. I do thank you for trying to get along with him. Look, let's just drink the cocoa and figure things out...I wanna spread out and look at some readings... And shit, I can't. I don't wanna leave you alone, I don't wanna be alone, and I can't take you there. Fuck, shit, hell, shoot the stars, I am running in circles."

"SANS! LANGUAGE!" Papyrus admonished, causing Sans to flinch.

"And add that to the mix as well. Shit." he muttered quiet enough for his brother to not pick up.

"Fuck, Shit, Asshole, Dammit, Twat, Pussy, Dick!" Flug grinned looking up to Papyrus.

"Please don't get him started." Sans sighed even as Papyrus shrieked upstairs.

"NO, ABSOLUTELY NO. I DO NOT KNOW WHO CORRUPTED WHO, BUT THAT IS VERY BAD LANGUAGE. BAD WORDS. DO NOT SAY THOSE! THEY ARE BAD AND NASTY! BAD NOT-HUMAN! STOP THAT!" He yelled from his room.

"Looks like he found a way around that human verbiage." Sans dragged a hand over his face, not able to hide the smile from his face anymore. Only Papyrus could get him smiling so fast. Flug was a close second.

Cracking up Flug wheezed "Okay-okay we are stopping!" Giggling Flug shook his head. "It's fun to get him riled up."

"Kids." Sans pressed his hands together, looking up at the ceiling. "Stars guide me well, I'm gonna need it." He prayed. "I love ya Flug, don't ever forget it, but I think I'm gonna have a very interesting next forty years."

"God I would hope so. It would get boring otherwise." Grinning Flug looked at Sans love shining through their bond. "You've made my life so much more interesting than I could ever hope for."

"And it only gets more so as you go." Sans ensured with a grin. "We should probably go check on the boss." His sockets went dark for a moment before rekindling. He had finished his healing cocoa and was honestly worried about the demon. That worry extended to his worry about his own life expectancy. He'd just attacked the boss and wiped out most of his eggs. He didn't figure Black Hat would take kindly to that, but better to face the fire sooner than later.

Flug nodded draining his cup and shouting up to Papyrus. "We are leaving. Text us when you're ready to move."

Nodding and following Flug's example, Sans yelled up, "Love ya bro. I'll get ya to the surface as soon as you're ready." and with that, teleported both of them back to the lab. As expected, it was still a mess from the demon's tantrum earlier.

Black Hat blinked from where his head was cradled in Fell's lap. The pain had finally stopped, but he felt a weakness he had never known before. Only sucking Papyrus's overloaded magic felt similar. He felt like he was dying. He could only twitch his fingers. His throat felt raw and weak only whispers coming out.

Sans spotted the demon almost immediately, as well as Fell. "Oh stars, Fell, I-I-I...I don't know how to… Stars, I am so, so sorry." he rushed over, but also kept his distance, not sure of how the other would react to him coming back. "Did the last one make it?"

Glaring at Sans and looking much worse for wear, Fell ground out an affirmative. "Only just barely and there is no guarantee that it will survive the laying in a few weeks." Hearing his mate's call for a ceasefire, he quieted.

"Stop." Black Hat whispered. "He didn't… mean to…"

Flug frowned walking over to the mini fridge and grabbing a water. Uncapping it he handed it to Fell. "I am grateful I got you in time."

"That one blessing is the only good thing that came out of all this." Fell growled, but accepted the water. "I don't care if he meant to. We-we lost them." Fell's voice broke and Red who had been sitting in the background just watching finally stepped forward to place a heavy and comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. "It's better than nothin' an' that is what we grew up wit. Take it and keep movin' bro. Tha's what we alway bin doin'." He told him, trying in his own way to help Fell to keep moving forward.

Sans looked away, ashamed. "I wish there was something I could do Fell. I am sorry." He didn't have any further words to offer.

Biting his lip Flug offered. "Isn't it usual to only have one offspring during a monster mating? Maybe this is how it was supposed to be… Fate or Destiny maybe?" It felt weak to his own ears, but maybe it helped.

"Only one left from the last clutch…" Black Hat whispered. Maybe he was only supposed to have one at a time and he had been forming an abundance of eggs.

Fell wanted to argue, but it did make sense. Monsters only ever had one at a time. If they did have more than one form, one of the two young always died if both didn't. "Damn, this one had better make it." He swore.

"Not to chase you Fell, stay as long as you need, but do you mind if I try to get this place back in working order? We do have a job to maintain as well and I need to assess how much data was actually lost." Sans hesitantly asked.

Fell waved him off. "Do whatever you need. We will move when Black Hat recovers. Later I'd like an explanation on where you got enough power to do this to someone of his power."

Sans shook his head, "Dad." was all he said before moving away to grab a shorn in half table with blue magic and lifting it over to an open area.

"Do you need anything?" Flug asked.

Groaning Black Hat twitched. "No… Just Fell…"

Fell stared after Sans with a haunted look. What exactly had Gaster done to him while he'd been down in that lab all those years. Turning back to Black Hat, he stroked his head. "I'm here Black Hat. I didn't find Nightmare, but I came home for you." He assured.

Attempting to put power back into the table, Sans gritted his teeth as sparks shot off but the screens flickered back to life. Hopefully he'd be able to save some data from it then. He got to work silently. Thankfully most of the old stuff was backed up on paper and the new stuff that he'd brought was backed up in the old lab, but for now, he wanted to avoid having to re-upload or download the information. It took too much time.

Nodding Flug went to Sans. "Do you need help?"

Black Hat shivered his claws clenching and unclenching around Fell's hand. He was slowly gaining movement. "You find him later..."

Sans glanced around the lab, trying to figure out what he could give Flug to do. At the moment he was most worried about the data on the shorn tables, but he was also worried about Black Hat. This would all be so much easier if he could just spread out. "See if you can get the boss out of here."

Nodding Flug kissed his temple. Turning back to Fell, Red, and Black Hat, Flug knelt down. "Black Hat I'm going to move you to your bed. I think you would feel safer and more comfortable there." Running his hands under his legs and back Flug lifted him into his arms. Looking to Fell, "Will you open the doors."

Groaning Black Hat huffed weakly wrapping his arms around Flug's neck. "I don't like when I'm weak..."

"I know Jefecito." Flug held him close making sure that he wouldn't slip out of his hold.

Watching them all file out of the lab from the corner of his socket, Sans couldn't stop the sigh of relief when they were gone. Using magic to shut the door, he went over to their main computer and put a few lines of code into the defensive wall around the lab and shivered when he felt Black Hat's magic leave the room. Now he could play. Releasing his magic, he quickly covered everything and moved the broken equipment so he could analyse it all at the same time while also working the computer to organize the files like he had originally been doing. He wanted to be fully caught back up when their boss was back in better health.

Placing Black Hat on his bed Flug tucked the covers around him like a parent would a child. "Do you need anything to drink or eat?"

Huffing Black Hat frowned looking to Fell, "I am not a child."

"That you certainly aren't, but surviving a Karma attack will take a heavy toll on you. Also, you should rest and eat for the egg's sake. It is very weak after all that." Fell's worried gaze flickered between Black Hat's face and his abdomen.

Flug nodded "Do you want to fix something? I'm sure Red and I can watch over him while you cook." Flug offered sitting in a chair next to the bed.

After a moment, Fell nodded. "I'll infuse it with healing. It might help, worth a shot at least." Petting Black Hat one more time, he rose and left the room. The second he was out of Black Hat's presence, he started to silently break down. He'd lost four kids at once and might still lose his fifth. It was only luck that he hadn't lost his mate. He'd never been more terrified in his life, not even under his father's tyranny.

Wilting in the bed Black Hat beckoned Red over. "Watch him. I can not protect him like this. I need you to watch him in case heroes come. I can't lose my eggs and my mate."

"Sure thing. You better pull through this though or I'll find a way to bring you back just to beat your ass for leaving him." Red awkwardly patted his shoulder before walking out, and upon seeing his brother, pretended not to see him weeping and leaned against the side of the doorway out of sight of Flug and the boss. He'd wait as long as needed.

Taking one of Black Hat's claws Flug rubbed it only for it to be yanked away with a snarl. "I'm not dying! Don't act like I am. I don't need your special affection."

Chuckling Flug shook his head. "Very well. You did scare us. Fell is really worried."

"I know. I failed him. I almost lost my clutch again due to Gaster. My rage against him is killing everything I hold dear." Black Hat grumbled. He wanted to find the skeleton and Dust him, but he couldn't.

A text rang through from Sans on both their phones and two chirps could be heard outside the room as well. The rumble of the Fell brother's voices could be heard and then tapered off as they moved away from the wall and down the hall.

Pulling out his phone to read the message. Flug read it outloud for Black Hat.

All data retrieved successfully. Systems rebooted successfully. Damage minimal.

"It seems like Sans got everything fixed then. I wouldn't suppose you want to talk to Gaster and give him your two cents." Flug asked. You okay love? Your message was kind of robotic.

Growling Black Hat huffed. "I would rather punch the man."

Snickering Flug nodded. "I understand. Recently I've been wanting to punch him too. This was a while back and Sans kind of forgives him. They apparently are talking again."

Growling Black Hat huffed a claw shakily rubbing at his face. "I hate the man. He has caused me so much grief… However, I guess the same could be said about me and Sans. I've hurt him. Is this the universe getting back at me for all the evil and destruction I've caused?"

"I don't believe so. I just think it was some accidents that caused it all to go down. It will all work out now. I'm sure Fell will keep your egg full of magic and healthy."

"I don't want to lose my egg. It was already hard on Fell if our eggs didn't turn out and now finding out we only have one shot..." Black Hat sighed. "I want him to be happy. He is the only being that has made me happy in so long."

"Trust me he will be happy. I'm sure your emotions affect the egg. So, try not to think about the failures, try to think positive. I know it's not ideal but there is always Fell's Heat if your egg doesn't make it." Flug offered weakly.

Nodding Black Hat tried to think positive for their egg. "Yes, it is coming for Christmas. We can have another clutch then. Another clutch to keep this egg company." Black Hat added not losing hope for the single egg he had left.

Flug's phone chirped again, this time from Red: Is lasagna okay for you both? It is Boss's best dish.

"Fell is making lasagna, is that okay?" Flug looked up from his phone to ask.

"Yes, his lasagna is my favorite." Black Hat smiled wiggling slightly deeper into the blankets, a hand rubbing his stomach.

Texting back affirmatives Flug smiled. "Does he make it for you often?"

"He spoils me with it. He is a master in the kitchen." Black Hat spoke fondly.

Alright, will be about an hour. I'm gonna go look in on your mate. Want to make sure he is alright after all that.

Smiling Flug texted back: Thank you. I really appreciate you being here Red. You are a great brother.

"Red is a good brother. I'm glad I was able to get him to help find Fell."

Huffing Black Hat shrugged. "He's decent. He hangs around my mate too much."

"Black Hat they are brothers of course he's going to hang around."

Looking behind him one last time, Red left the kitchen before Fell threw a knife at him for hovering. Fell was dangerous when he got tense. Making his way down the halls, he shuddered as he passed Flug's then Sans's doors. He didn't think the image of the two coupled would ever leave his mind. He was scarred from that.

Knocking on the heavy steel door of the lab, he yelped as he was simultaneously shocked by a strong electric pulse and burned by the metal. What the fuck? "Yo Sans, open up. What are you doing in there!" He yelled at the door and hit the wall a few times for good measure.

There was no answer, no reaction from the wall or the door, nothing to signal he had even been heard. Attempting to teleport into the lab, he found himself deposited back in the hallway, practically thrown if he was honest, not setting down like he normally did, but colliding with a wall hard enough to make him see stars. Pulling out his phone with shaky hands he quickly dialed Flug.

Feeling his phone vibrate and seeing Red's name pop up in a call Flug answered it. "Yes, is something wrong?"

"Judge, er Sans has gone mad! I can't get into the lab! Teleport ain't even workin'" Red shouted at the phone while staring at the door with wide sockets and blown eyelights.

"Shit okay. Come back and I'll try to get him out. I don't want Black Hat alone."

Growling at not being left alone like a child Black Hat frowned. "Not a child, Flug."

"Yeah, sure. I don't wanna be here anyway. This is freaky. When did that bastard get so much magic anyway!?" Seconds later, with the stink of brimstone filling the room, he appeared, still looking completely terrified. "You have fun dealing with him. I don't want no part of it."

Shaking his head Flug stood walking to the door. "Thank you for trying to check on him. Oh, don't let Black Hat threaten you too badly." Walking to the lab Flug bit his lip going through to their bedrooms' door instead of the main door. Knocking on it Flug called outloud and through their bond. "Sans, open the door. I'm getting worried about you."

Access granted. The door unlocked, but didn't open, pinned closed by a pile of questionable laundry. Could be clean or not.

Frowning Flug kicked the pile of clothes to the side and opened the door. "Sans you are sounding weird."

The floor of the lab wasn't visible for a heavy fog of blue rolling mist that stopped at the edge of the doorway, easily six inches deep. Music played loud inside, no sound escaping until the door had been opened. Sans was nowhere to be seen, but the broken tables were set back in their places, sparking but lit up and apparently working as data scrolled across their screens. Only one was off, but the wires of the exposed center moved on their own, seeming to be trying to knit themselves back together.

Shivering at the similarity to Gaster's lab Flug whimpered. "S-Sans?" He didn't dare step into the blue mist of magic.

Enter. Lab integrity malfunction. No -ERROR- CoMe iN. The voice sounded like Sans, but robotic. At the end, inflection came in, suggesting Sans was behind it after all.

Shaking his head fearfully Flug whined. "N-no you come out. Sans I-I don't like this. You're scaring me."

A groan sounded from deeper in the lab. Processor disengage? Confirmed. "I'm trying to fix shit Flug." Sans groaned as he pulled himself out from between the halves of the table that had been trying to knit together. The wire ends wilted for a moment before trying to tie together again as he sat on top of the table to look across the lab at his mate. One eyelight was out while the other blazed brightly. "What's there to be scared of anyway? It's just my magic, a bit less restrained than normal, but that is why I cut Black Hat's influence over this space. Keep the door open and I may lose my hold. Then I'll be hurting."

Biting his lip Flug hesitantly stepped into the room closing the door behind him. "Your voice was weird… I-I don't like your magic like this. It reminds me of Gaster's. Sorry, it's just kind of scary being surrounded by so much of it. Are-are you okay right now? Like in the right headspace for this?" Flug asked not leaving from his spot just inside the door.

Sighing and flopping onto his back, just to roll over to bury his head back in the table, he replied, but the sound was muffled. "I'm fine Flug. I was connected to the system. It is a completely different process." Muttering to himself, he continued to work, using a background thought to raise catwalks around the lab and under Flug's feet so he wouldn't have to walk in the 'scary' magic. "Figures now, in my most exposed and open state, now you're afraid of me. Not when I have attacks circling us, not when I'm filling you with poison, no. You are only afraid of a unleashed Soul."

Squeaking as he was lifted Flug clung to the railing before wilting at Sans's mutterings. He didn't mean to have this reaction to Sans's magic, any other day he would be fascinated and overjoyed to study Sans's magic more. The nightmare changed his views on mist of magic. Instead of fascination he felt fear. The almost robotic way Sans spoke earlier scared him down to his Soul. It was like he was back down there. Shaking his head because he was being weak, Sans lived that not him. "S-sorry I've disappointed you. I'll let you get back to work." Flug awkwardly tried to wiggle off the floating catwalk toes reaching to the unseeable floor.

"Ya aren't going anywhere. Take a seat, plenty of tables open. Talk to me. I've scared you somehow, I need to understand it so either I can break your fear or fix my mindset some more. I'm used to scaring other monsters, but that is 'cause I'm a freak among my own kind. I know that now. You ain't like them or the humans anymore. You aren't like me either. We are each hybrids." He shut up quickly, punching the side of his head before muttering, "Shut up, shut up, shut up. You're just gonna scare him more, damn freak."

Crawling along the catwalk Flug sat on the table Sans was on. Taking his hands to keep him from hitting himself anymore Flug frowned. "Love, you aren't a freak… I'm sorry I got scared. Just with the nightmare and all I guess I'm a bit hesitant to magic..."

Going limp so he was just hanging in the insides of the table, Sans sighed. "Ask Fell or any other monster. They all agree. I'm strange, weird… a freak. No monster has ever had my level of magic. I can emulate things my father did, but my magic is far stronger than his ever was." He said to the guts of the table.

"That doesn't make you a freak that just makes you unique and special. Um, could I ever be able to do this mist thing? Maybe understanding it a bit more might help me not be so scared of it." Flug offered.

Pulling his upper body out from the table, Sans gauged Flug's face, trying to tell if he was serious. "Not if you're afraid of it." He finally said and laid back down on his back. "You need complete confidence to pull this off. Either that or a complete lack of self-preservation, which you certainly have." Pushing himself back up to look around the lab, he evaluated it and his words before he spoke. "What is a Soul made of Flug?"

Biting his lip Flug looked to his hands. He should know this. "Um a person's whole being. For monsters it's the main traits right? Like perseverance and determination and them..."

"Yeah and no. That is what it is and what affects it's appearance, but what it is, what it's made of. The Soul, when you held it, it was sort of squishy, but warm and had a resistance. It felt powerful and strong, as if there was more than you could see, did you feel that? I know you've only held my Soul once, but do you remember?" Sans was trying to explain without giving the answer away immediately. He wanted to see Flug come upon it.

Nodding Flug tried to remember. "It was kind of like an electric current of magic."

"And then, when you were drunk on monster alcohol, remember how yours kept spiking?" He prodded, smiling slightly at the memory. First time in a while he'd really been smash-faced drunk and had it last.

"Yeah… It looked like a volcano of magic."

"Bingo." He pointed a finger gun at Flug. "And where there is a volcano, there is a host of power and pressure being kept behind something that seems small in the grand scheme of things, unimaginable power and strength, right?"

Blinking Flug nodded. "And that makes the mist. You let go of the volcano?"

He nodded. "And its ash falls over everything. Yeah, my magic is spread throughout this lab in essentially a gas, allowing me to be everywhere and nowhere. I'm also in and part of everything to a degree. Monsters are mostly magic with a little bit of matter, so I have all my matter here, but the majority of me...is this entire lab right now." He absently tapped a few fingers against the table. "You might want to hold onto something." He added randomly before the table jerked, pulling itself together and repairing itself.

Gasping Flug clung to Sans's arm "Shit! More warning love. That's really amazing though! You are able to control this whole room? That is so cool." Flug looked around the room in awe, the mist becoming more of an interest than a fear now.

He nodded. "And every thought, every micro-thought, they all come to full fruition. I don't have to limit myself to what my hands can create or what my eyes can see. My magic is free to do whatever I want. No restrictions."

"Wow..." Turning to Sans beaming Flug pulled him into a quick kiss. "You are amazing!"

A force held Flug back from pulling or hugging Sans's body too tightly or kissing him too forcefully, but Sans reciprocated lightly all the same. "I know." He whispered against Flug's neck, a smile pulling at his face.

Biting his lip Flug grinned asking excitedly. "Can I touch your mist magic? What does it feel like? Can you feel everything it's touching?"

"It will just feel like air, but yeah, you can touch it. Won't hurt you. An' yeah, I can feel everything. Like this, nobody in the lab can sneak up on me if they are on the floor. Oh, and you wanna know the best part, love?" He said all this lightly into Flug's collar as he was held close, a cheeky grin morphing his features.

Wiggling excited about getting to experiment in Sans's mist magic, Flug asked, "What?"

"This is only a quarter of my power." he breathed a sigh across a patch of exposed skin, glad that Flug's fear was abating. Simultaneously he fixed the remaining tables, making them all scrape and smash together, mist over taking the collision points and receding to show unmarred work spaces.

Shivering Flug blinked, only mildly impressed before remembering that to monsters this would be a big deal. He knew his mate was powerful and often forgot that he was probably the most powerful. "Oh, showing off for me, are you? The others might get jealous of me having you and all that power all to myself." Flug smirked, leaning his head back so his neck was more exposed to Sans.

"They can be as jealous as they like. You are mine and are just as powerful. Let them gawk. We are literally a power couple." He growled, liking the invitation and licking a small strip.

Shivering and giving a small noise of approval. "We probably shouldn't do anything right now. Not that I don't want to! You do a great job at turning me on, but Black Hat is still recovering, you're fixing the lab, and wow just not really the time or place. I love you, sorry to call a rain check on this." Flug frowned leaning into Sans even as he said that.

Sans clucked his tongue. "Too much thinking. Lab is fixed, and your body seems to disagree with your mind. What do you really want?" He purred, the unseen restraints from earlier now gently urging Flug to relax and lay down on the table. "Black Hat won't enter here. He'd injure me and he won't do that. Besides, why should we wait for him to have our fun. Never stopped you before." He didn't advance much, only following Flug so far, willing to stop or to push the game as far as he could.

Whining Flug arched back until the magic laid him on the table. "Fuck Sans… God, you really want to know what I want?" He asked pulling Sans down closer to him.

Caging Flug's head between his hands and straddling his abdomend, Sans hummed. Lidded eyes watched his mate with a lust almost as insatiable as a particular set of brothers he didn't care to name.

Grinning up to his mate Flug kissed him pulling back only to mutter his request. "I want you to fuck me pregnant."

The light in Sans's sockets instantly went out and the room seemed to implode, magic mist that had been rising clearing out instantly and the indistinct, unnoticeable hum that had been present disappeared. Teleporting across the lab and away from his mate, Sans punched the cage, pissed at his own emotional whiplash.

Jolting Flug looked over shocked. Instantly he felt guilty. "Sans, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked, I know we have to wait. Sorry-sorry…." Sighing he sat up hopping off the table to go to his mate. "Why are you punching cages? Love you are going to hurt yourself. Give me your hand, let me see if I can heal it."

"I'm fine!" He bit out before collapsing to the floor, tears quickly staining his skull in heavy streams. "Dammit." he tried to hide his face, but the sobs that shook his body were obvious.

"Love? Honey what's wrong?" Kneeling down he wrapped an arm around Sans's shoulders tugging him to his chest. "Love, tell me what's wrong."

Shaking his head, he flicked a finger at one of the tables, the one he had been working at before breakfast and the whole mess this morning. A voice, computer generated, began reading at a particular spot in some article it seemed.

"...and the application of large amounts of foreign soul matter has polluted the magic stream. Healing, nursing, or any such caring facilities will no longer be possible. Magic has become corrosive and deadly. Reproduction will not be possible..."

He flicked his finger again, crying in silence, waiting for the reality to set in.

Blinking Flug held Sans tighter. "Oh, love..." Turning Sans's skull Flug wiped away his tears kissing his skull. "I won't turn you away if that is your fear. It is disappointing that we won't be able to create a Souling the usual way, but as I stated before, creation through sex isn't the only way. Love, we can get through this." Holding him close Flug asked softly, "Is your magic affecting me in a corrosive or deadly way? Should we look into more protection? Your magic shouldn't be able to hurt your mate, should it?"

Sans stared at his mate, completely blown over. "You did not just ask if my magic is affecting you in a corrosive way." He stated, disbelieving how dense the kid was. "And 'you won't turn me away'? As if I was worried about that! By the stars Flug. Just…" his face glowed with the tear tracks, but his shock had stopped them from falling. Getting up, he paced away from his lover, only to turn back thinking he had the words only to find he didn't and resume his pacing, slowly breaking out small, quiet, hysterical laughter that only grew.

Blinking Flug watched Sans at a loss. "Is-isn't that what you told me? I didn't think any of magic was, you know, corrosive, but I don't know, magic is weird. What are you wanting me to say?"

"I don't know!" He rounded on Flug. "Not that! I mean seriously, don't you think that if monster cum turned people into monsters, the government would have raised a stink about it by now and heroes would be enforcing segregation laws or something! And you leave me? As if! I was more upset about the fact I had the choice taken from me, but no. No sympathy for the one who is the victim here. I ain't looking for pity, but dammit Flug, a little sympathy might go a long way for you." He fought to keep his temper but knew his control magic kept flaring in his left eye.

Biting his lip Flug nodded. "You are right. I was being insensitive. Love I'm so sorry this happened to you. I truly am. You should have been allowed the choice. You didn't deserve this. Everything in that damn document you didn't deserve. I'm sorry. I wish I could take it all away and make it better. I'm sorry I'm such an idiot sometimes and make you feel like I don't care."

Deflating, Sans just hung his head and slumped against the nearest table. "I need a drink, preferably something heavily intoxicating. Did you really think that my turning you into a monster was normal? I mean, look at how all this started. I hurt you from the beginning and even before that, my first day here I showed you what happens when monster magic is applied to humans normally."

"I know. This isn't a normal change. Do you want to go to Grillby's? A drink might be a good idea." Flug offered.

Sans nodded, but didn't otherwise move. "Thinking just isn't happening right now." He sighed, weary from all the emotions.

"Sans, can I hold you? I understand if you want space. I'm such an idiot sometimes. I just… I love you. I want you to be happy and the best for you. I'm sorry if that gets muddled sometimes." Flug stayed where he was allowing Sans his space if he wanted it but offering to hold him if not. He felt guilty for messing up and causing Sans more frustration.

"I-I'd like to be held." He said quietly, curling up very small. He could have been mistaken for a large doll with how small he looked when curled up, but it made him feel safer somehow.

Nodding Flug walked over scooping Sans into his arms. "I'm so sorry love. I'm an idiot but I'm here for you." He kissed Sans's skull lightly cradling him close. "Do you still want to drink? We can go to Grillby's. You don't have to do anything if you don't want to. I can get it and pay and take care of you."

"If you're okay with it, yeah, I'd like a drink." He snuggled into Flug's chest, starting to cry again.

"Of course love. Don't worry I have you." Flug murmured using his band to appear in Grillby's bar in a corner close to where they sat last time. Seeing the booth open Flug scooted Sans inside. "I'll give Grillby the order love. I'll be right back."

Walking to the bar Flug waited to get Grillby's attention.

Finishing serving the round of shots a large plant and a lizard had ordered, the elemental turned and was surprised to see the anxious young man turned monster at his bar. "How can I help you, Sans's mate?" He asked carefully, fully aware of how protective Sans could be and not sure where things stood. Last he'd seen Sans, the demon had ripped him away spewing threats and thanks in equal share.

"Um Sans wants drinks. Strong stuff… Please." Flug awkwardly asked. "Oh and a coke for me."

"Is he drinking for pleasure or malcontent?" The bartender sighed, glancing over to the booth reserved for his oldest customer and one time son.

"To forget? He's had a hard day. I think he wants to get wasted. Don't worry I have a way to get us home and will look after him." Flug told Grillby quickly remembering in monsters eyes he's a child.

Glancing around to make sure nobody was paying him attention he beckoned Flug closer. "Do you mind if I spike yours a bit then? He burns off everything he drinks so fast, he can't properly get drunk, but I'm sure he's told you about that. If he really wants to be drunk, you'll have to do it for him. I have human alcohol as well."

Looking at Sans and biting his lip Flug nodded. "I don't need to get wasted but I agree. Last time I got him more drunk than he got himself. Um, I could probably have two mixed monster drinks max." Flug looked to Grillby feeling like a child just turning twenty one. "Can you pick them?"

"Certainly." Grabbing a coke from the cooler behind him, he poured it in a glass and added multiple shots of other, unidentified liquids. That finished, he again went into the fridge and got a bottle of ketchup, quickly whipping it together with tequila and something bright before handing both drinks over to Flug. "Be careful and enjoy."

Nodding Flug smiled. "Thank you Grillby. You are a good friend to Sans. If you ever want to come over or something just let us know. Now, I should probably get back and slosh my skeleton." Walking back to the booth Flug scooted in next to his mate. "Love, I got your drink." He passed the ketchup and sipped his own drink.

Sans took the heavy glass filled with condiment and alcohol, downing half of it at once without any hesitation. "Thanks love. I appreciate you doing this for me." He sighed, eyelights fixed on something beyond perception, likely watching the past.

"You did want to get wasted, right?" Flug moved his glass between his hands contemplating on if he should down it like Sans. His magic would spike hard if he did, but if Sans wanted to get sloshed that would be the way to go.

"That's kinda the point of going to a bar, isn't it?" He sighed. Here goes another lecture on how Flug wouldn't mind if he did. He took another drag from his drink as the barely there buzz started to fade already. Damn his overpowered magic.

"Good, Grillby helped me with making the drinks. You should get at least drunk." Flug kissed Sans's skull before downing his glass and groaning as his magic spiked harshly in retaliation.

Sans wasn't expecting the spike and having just taken a hearty swig of his own drink, nearly puked pure magic over the table. Once he managed to stuff his own magic down a little, he held onto the wood in front of him as the whole world swayed and shifted. "What the fuck is in this." He groaned, glaring at his glass until it became too much effort and he pushed it away.

Blinking the fuzziness from his vision Flug chuckled. "Not yours love, mine. Gonna get you wasted through me." Waving to Grillby Flug shouted probably a bit too loudly. "Hot man give us another!"

"'M gonna be sick." Sans warned before trying to teleport, landing just outside the front door of the establishment before doing just that while screaming in pain. Instantly the entire doggi table was rushing for the door, Grillby and another, smaller and slighter green elemental not far behind.

"Shit." Flug groaned. He kept doing things wrong today. He hoped he didn't mess up Sans too much. Stumbling to the door Flug scrubbed at his face. "Grillby, we fucked up. Well I fucked up with your help."

"It is my fault, I should have never given a kid like you something like that." He huffed as he pushed through the dogs to get back inside, the other elemental seem to have clasped onto Sans's foot for some reason and all the dogs were looking around confused with hackles half raised against whoever had attacked their commander. The marrow on the street was enough for them to be wary. Sans, even when drunk, was no easy opponent.

Lowering his head in defeat Flug sighed. "I'm sorry… Is he okay? Should I take him home?"

"He isn't going anywhere until I heal him." The smaller elemental said. She had an airy, quiet voice that carried easily over the commotion.

Nodding Flug went back to their booth laying his head onto the table with a small thump. He keeps messing up. "I only wanted him to relax and enjoy himself, not to try to give him alcohol poisoning."

Dogerresa had just reentered the bar as he grumbled to himself and picked up his words. With interest and concern, she padded over and slipped into the booth opposite him. "How would you have given him alcohol poisoning child? Forgive me, I know you are not a child in mind, but I only speak for what I see. We all saw Grillby give you a soda as you requested." She would figure out what was going on.

Grumbling Flug peeked up at her. "Sans wanted to get wasted so Grillby helped me spike the drinks. It was all consensual, I just chugged it too fast and made Sans sick. "

She shook her head. "It had to be more than that. He was attacked. There is marrow all over the front of the building. It has to be more than just alcohol poisoning. Either way, I guess I'll let the fact you were drinking slide. This isn't your fault pup. Don't worry, we will get to the bottom of it.

"It is my fault. My magic affects him through our bond. I made him sick." Flug frowned, feeling beyond guilty.

"You just rest pup." She placed a tender paw on his head, offering a smidgen of healing magic to help with the alcohol that was spiking his magic. It didn't do much considering how much he had, but it was all she could spare at the moment.

Blushing Flug gave a small nod. She was a nice motherly woman. "S-sorry to cause so much trouble…" he offered weakly.

Once he nodded, Dogeressa got up and left to go talk to Grillby, flinching momentarily as she passed through the doors to the back as Sans's screams and cries hit her sensitive ears. Serving alcohol to minors was forbidden, but Flug was a hybrid and an odd case. Still she'd have to talk to him about safety and how to handle things like this in the future. She'd have a more in-depth talk with Flug when he was sober.

On one of the prep tables in the kitchen, amid cutlery and dishes, Sans lay pinned down by several of the workers as he thrashed. It was obvious he was fighting just as hard as they were to stop himself from moving, but he was losing the battle as his body spasmed and contorted. Grillby stood at one end holding his head and making sure he didn't bash it off the table, further injuring himself, and Fuku, his daughter was at the other end applying powerful healing magic. It was evident that she was struggling as well ,a tip of her tongue pinched between her teeth as she tried to convince his magic to heal the wound and stop the bleeding. There was something wrong with his magic. It wasn't normal, wasn't completely monster based.

Shivering at the pain through the bond Flug gave a small whimper covering his head. He screwed up so bad. Trying to block out the screams of his lover. Tears cropping up Flug crawled under the table curling up and crying. He had failed Sans. He failed to understand him. He failed to protect him. He failed to help him. He just caused pain. Flug burrowed his face in his arms sobbing quietly under the table.

Sans did his best to hold back from transferring his pain to his mate and to silence his screams, but he could only do so much. Thirty years ago an injury like this would have had him crying out once and then maybe, maybe crying silently. He had gotten used to not living with such severe pain. At least, thanks to what he'd been through, he knew exactly what he'd lost, just not how and the way his vision and magic kept spiking due to whatever Flug had drank wasn't helping matters as he had to keep it from touching or contaminating anybody who was helping him. One touch and they'd be in much worse shape than he was, and Dust would be guaranteed. Flug? Don't blame yourself. If you can use your magic, they could use you now. I don't wanna kill anybody here and I'm afraid. He tried to send the words through without sending his pain, but he knew his agony would bleed through at least a little.

Whimpering at the pain Flug crawled out from under the table tears still rolling down his cheeks. Creeping into the room he bit his lip before weakly calling out. "S-sans wants me to heal him. His magic could hurt someone..."

The green elemental looked at him skeptically before getting kicked in the face by a marrow covered foot, knocking her back a few steps. "You're just a kid. Dad, why's a kid even here? Why are you even here?" She turned back to him, trying to restrain Sans from kicking again while she spoke. "And what do you mean, he wants you to heal him? What could you even do?"

Dogaressa and Grillby both waved him through though, the latter explaining. "Flug is Sans's mate and a former human. He has considerable magic, though I question his control considering what he's had to drink. Let him try, help him if he asks. He has more magic than any of us."

"How… nevermind. If you can heal him, go ahead. I'm not getting anywhere and I'm at the top of my class." She moved, still trying to restrain Sans with the other monsters in the room. They were all too focused on Sans to watch Flug attempt magic.

Biting his lip Flug walked over frowning at the lost bones. Love, what did you do? Hovering his hands over the toes Flug closed his eyes reaching for his magic with the intent to heal. His hands shook and he felt a migraine start to form behind his eyes but Flug didn't stop. He was going to help dammit.

Sans bit back at the pain, but couldn't stop the howl of pain and fresh thrashing as bone rapidly regrew and a new joint formed. He'd never had his bones grow that fast and the flood of magic that it took was overwhelming.

"Hold him!" Fuku yelled, nearly getting thrown herself. Even Dogaressa had to join in to aid in the restraint. They had all glimpsed what Flug was pulling off and were blown away. That was far beyond monster magic capabilities. They could reseam bone or heal over the end of a broken one, sure, but to regrow fully missing bone or bones was beyond the capabilities of magic.

Huffing with strain Flug's eyelids squeezed together tight in concentration. He just had to focus! The migraine and nauseousness of pain and alcohol pushed at his magic making him waver. "Fuck…." Hands shaking Flug put more healing magic out trying to finish quickly.

A paw on his arm and only a faint whine in the sudden silence pulled him away from the healing. "It's done pup. You can stop. You did well. Come sit down, someone get him some water." Dogaressa commanded as she led him away to a nearby chair, helping him sit and crouching next to him in case he needed assistance in anything, even sitting upright.

Blinking as he was led to the chair and sat down Flug wobbled in the chair slurring quietly. "Did I help?"

Dogaressa nodded solemnly. "Did more than just help. I don't think anybody here has ever seen anything like that before. That was amazing." An octopus looking monster pushed a cold glass of ice water into Flug's hand. "Thank you Bert." She said quietly before turning back to Flug, "Now drink that slowly. We don't need you getting sick and that much magic had to have some sort of toll." She worried, straightening his hair just to give her paws something to do, worrying about him like he was one of her own pups.

Closing his eyes he relaxed into the comforting touch as he slowly sipped his water. His body felt like jell-o. His migrine was at full force and he weakly asked. "Is there… Can I get a wet rag?"

"Certainly honey. Bert? A cool cloth please, and some magi-cubes for his water? Just stay awake for us a bit longer, alright?" She cooed and stayed beside him. Nobody asked questions and just accepted it. She always got like this around young people. Fuku was glad she wasn't the source of the doting for once. It made her so uncomfortable.

Sans had passed out after the healing finished. He was now snoring peacefully on the metal table, unaware of his surroundings, and due to Flug's magic, deeply drunk as well, so his dreams were weirder than ever. Pink elephants couldn't touch what he was seeing.

Giving a barely there nod Flug rubbed at his temples trying to relieve some pain. Being handed the cool cloth he held it to his eyes sighing and leaning back in the chair so it stays on without him holding it. "Thank you..."

Clinking and a slight increase in weight in the glass in his hand marked the addition of the requested magi-cubes. They looked like little green ice cubes that quickly melted and turned the water a dark green color.

"Please drink pup. I promise it will help." Dogaressa urged.

Nodding Flug sipped at the healing water sighing as his nausea faded. He was feeling a lot better if not a bit tipsy and tired. "Grillby?" Flug called out not risking to take off his cool cloth and face the light.

The elemental turned from where he was cleaning up the mess of marrow all over the counters and cupboards.

"Do you mind if we stay for a bit longer. My head is killing me otherwise I would take him home. Again, I'm sorry for causing so much trouble. Thank you for helping Sans."

"Stay as long as you need. Sans has a reserved bed upstairs in my living quarters if you need it. Please don't take unnecessary risks while drunk." He advised before returning to his cleaning.

"You are an absolute saint Grillby." Flug relaxed in the chair almost falling asleep with the fear of having to leave soon abated.

The elemental laughed, gesturing for the canine monster to retrieve his drink before it dropped. Once it was out of the way, he had Fuku take Sans upstairs and sent Dogaressa up after her with Flug. Now that they were handled, he and the guard could get down to trying to figure out what had happened to Sans and who had attacked him.

Flug made a small noise at Dogaressa lifting him when he had just gotten comfortable. Placed in the bed Flug curled around his mate with a sigh easily falling asleep.

She tried to remain by their bedside, but both Fuku and Grillby made her leave, following after her to let the two sleep peacefully and undisturbed. "They don't need you hovering." Fuku sighed, ushering the dog down the stairs.

Blinking awake Flug heard voices in the hall. He felt hurt all over. Groaning he sat up only to be hit with dizziness leaning to the side of the bed and throwing up. Dry heaving Flug clutched the sheets panting for air. Where was he? Looking up as he swiped away tears from throwing up, he didn't recognize this place.

Sans teleported into the room, staggering a step or two, still off balance from Flug's spiking magic. It had calmed down quite a bit in the hours they had been asleep, but it was still off putting. "Flug, are you alright?" Then he noticed the mess. "Gonna need a mop Grillbz." He called softly. The door which had begun to open, stopped and then slowly drifted open on its own. Grillby had been about to come in himself but left to retrieve the requested item.

"Sorry…" Flug offered weakly. Hiccuping Flug made a scrambled motion that he was going to be sick again.

Glancing around, Sans found an empty wastebasket and rushed to get it to Flug, getting there just in time and avoiding the puddle of vomit from the first round of upheaval. Rubbing his back, Sans tried to comfort Flug as he emptied the contents of his stomach, not that there was much there other than pie from when they had visited Flug's mother. "Maybe don't hit the alcohol so fast next time?" Sans tried for light joking, hoping to ease the situation.

Dry heaving into the wastebasket Flug whined. He felt exhausted. Spitting the last of the taste out Flug looked up to Sans. "Please, I already feel awful…" groaning he rolled over laying back down. "Sorry about the mess… I can clean it up."

"Don't worry about it, Grillby and I will take care of you. He told me what he did and you both were idiots, but the thought is appreciated. Your capability on healing is amazing by the way. Now, I'm gonna go get you some water with magi-cubes. You need to replenish."

Nodding lightly Flug sighed rambling. "I messed up everything earlier. The talk, drinks, getting your toes broken. I don't know how I can be so stupid some times. I'm glad you feel better. I think all the healing and the drink is making me sick. Had a migraine. Can I get a wet cloth again?"

Sans nodded. "Yeah, probably. I'll go get you one. Rest up and don't worry, we are safe."

Giving a small noise of understanding Flug closed his eyes. "Grillby is a nice guy. We need to do something for him."

"You need to rest or Black Hat will have my ectoplasmic ass." His boyfriend insisted.

Nodding Flug relaxed back in the bed his eyes closing. Sorry for messing up. Such a bad husband. I loves ya. Flug sent through their bond already falling asleep again.

Chuckling and smoothing out Flug's hair once more, Sans repeated the words. "I love you too." Getting up he wet a cloth in the adjoining bathroom that rarely saw use and returned to lay it over Flug's head.

Moments later Grillby entered with a mop and bucket, his face flickering in a multitude of colors. "The kid got sick after all. We weren't sure how he'd handle. I really am sorry for all this Sans. I was just trying to help." The elemental was bashful, knowing that this all came back on him.

Shrugging and getting up, Sans seemed to be blowing the whole thing off until he was almost out the door. "It's no big deal Grillbz, no harm no foul after all, right? If you ever spike his drink with Midnight Moonlight and Essense of Golden Flower again, you and your bar will be Dust." He made his way downstairs, letting the threat lie. He had checked Flug's drink after recovering and had been able to identify most of the alcohols in it. There was hardly any coke left, most of the drink was a combination of some of the heaviest and hardest liquor monsters served. They were lucky Flug was as strong as he was and was still primarily a matter based being. Had that cocktail been served to anybody else, Sans included, it would have ripped them apart from the magic spikes. Midnight and Essense were common enough drinks, but combined they made a deadly combination. Sans would be watching Flug for the next several weeks for symptoms of the deadly poison.

Left in the room, Grillby shook as he went over everything he'd put in the drink, turning almost entirely blue when he realized he had mixed those two. He was lucky he was still standing. He quickly cleaned up Flug's mess and got busy cleaning other parts of the house, doing all he could to avoid Sans. The skeleton was sticking around while Flug slept, exceptionally protective after the accident.

Taking a seat in the empty bar, Sans pulled out his phone and dialed Black Hat. He figured it would be a good idea to report that he and Flug would be absent today. He'd been skipping a lot recently and he wanted to check on Black Hat's recuperation anyway.

Picking up on the third ring Black Hat grumbled. "What?" He was still laying in bed having been banished there by his lover. While his body wasn't fully recovered, he could move so he should be allowed to work.

"Hey boss, there was an incident at the bar last night, so Flug and I won't be making it into work today. Sorry. I got most of the data organized after you left the lab, so when we get back in, I'll go over it with you and we will get caught up on the orders. I am really sorry for all the crap recently. I'm trying." He bit at his teeth while waiting for a reply. Telling your demonic, evil boss you were calling off wasn't necessarily a good idea, but not telling him was worse. Black Hat had been more understanding recently, so they should be fine.

"It doesn't matter, Fell has quarantine me to my bed until I'm fully recovered. I will probably be stuck here for the next two days." Black Hat gave a resigned sigh. "Take care of my scientist. When you get back, bring the work to me to look at."

"Yes sir. Thank you sir." Ending the call, Sans took a moment to laugh to himself at Fell forcing Black Hat to remain in bed, then pout as he remembered he was the reason for that. Shaking his head he gave his brother a call, only to be told he would be called when Papyrus was ready to move and to stop pestering. He knew what he was doing. Sighing, he went around behind the bar and grabbed a bottle of monster tequila and a deck of cards and went back to his table. Knocking back swig after swig, Sans quickly finished off that plus several other bottles, winning and losing the War game he had going on. Soon he didn't have room on the table with all the empty booze bottles, so he moved to another table to start again. He'd pay, but he needed the buzz. It helped him cope.

Grillby came down a few times, but once he realized how much Sans was going through, he only sighed and laid the key to the storage locker on the counter and placed a large order with the alcohol company. They would love him, but he was used to this. It had been a common sight when they had still been underground.

Cracking his eyes open Flug jolted awake as he was suddenly throwing up in his lap. Panicking when he couldn't get any air between heaving. Once his body finally stopped trying to destroy his stomach Flug looked at the mess he made. Whimpering he wiggled away from it. Seeing the bucket next to the bed Flug snatched it up, cradling it close to his chest in case of another bout of sickness. Weakly standing he stumbled to the hardly used bathroom. He felt dizzy and unstable, but he wanted a shower. He was covered in sickness and he was burning up while shivering. Standing in front of the shower Flug zoned out.

Grillby hurried to the room and sighed when he heard the shower water start. He hated that thing, but it should help the human. Seeing the mess on the bedding, he shook his head but quickly stripped it before it got into the mattress and took it down to his washer. Wasn't the first time he'd dealt with magic backlash or a hangover. Once he got everything in the wash, he started it up, using the restaurant's water main and not his own so he wouldn't disrupt Flug's shower. Going back upstairs, he called into the room, seeing the bathroom door had been left open. "Flug? Everything okay?" If the kid had passed out, he needed to take care of him. Last thing he needed was him wandering around and passing out, cracking his head on the stone floors that covered everything in his home.

Turning to look at Grillby he blinked dumbly. He still stood fully clothed clutching the bucket. "I wanna take a shower. Made a mess." Flug mumbled.

"Well go ahead. I can't help you with that. I'm not so good with water. It doesn't agree with me. I already took care of the mess, don't worry about that." He carefully patted Flug on the shoulder.

Whining Flug melted into Grillby's touch stumbling forward into his chest. Burying his face into the warmth of Grillby's chest Flug mumbled, "Warm~"

Stumbling back a step, Grillby sighed, used to this reaction. Peeling the vomit slicked Flug away from him by the back of his shirt, he stated clearly, "Get a shower, a cold one. When you get out, I'll have a warm bed waiting for you, and water."

Whining Flug stumbled as he was pulled away. "Stay please…"

"Get washed and maybe." Grillby told him. Drunks were so clingy.

Whining Flug wobbled as he yanked his shirt over his head. It hung on his head for a second. Kicking off his shoes he pulled down his pants and boxers stepping into the shower with only a few stumbles.

Grillby blinked before leaving the bathroom. For a boy who had hidden in the dark corner with a bag over his head the first time in the bar a few months ago, he was pretty shameless now. That was liquor though, liquid courage. Grabbing some sheets and blankets, he quickly remade the bed, patting everything down to make sure it was warm as he had promised. Then he headed downstairs, noting that Sans was at his fourth table now. He grabbed a few bottles of water and merely shook his head. This was probably Sans way of coping with the magic spikes his younger mate was still giving off.

Stumbling and slipping in the shower Flug sat hard on the tub floor and just washed from there. Once he finished he fought to get out and get wrapped in a towel. He gave a weak attempt to dry off before walking to the bed. Not having clean clothes and still feeling like death Flug slipped under the warm blanket nude.

By the time Grillby made it upstairs, Flug was already in bed, having had to call the liquor distributor to update his order. The kid's shoulders peeked out from under the blankets, bare as the day he'd been born. Grillby wasn't going to check to see if he was entirely like that, rather just fixed the covers to properly cover him and set several bottles by the bedside and resituated the bucket for him by the bed. Going into the bathroom, he found the discarded clothes from earlier and they were proof enough of the state of Flug's dress at present. Collecting them, much like a common parent, he took them down and threw them into the wash, the blankets from earlier having already finished their cycle.

One bone headed son in the bar, and now another son, or rather son-in-law in his upstairs bedroom. Both with obviously terrible hidden pasts and who had gone through horrors he couldn't imagine in his worst nightmares. What was he going to do when they had kids?

Blinking awake twenty minutes later Flug snatched the bucket heaving acid and magic into it. He was sweating and dizzy. He weakly called out to his mate. "S-Sans… s-Sans…." Hiccuping Flug called again weakly. "Grillby? Grillby!"

Grillby entered the room moments later, having been listening for sounds of Flug rousing while doing menial chores around the house. "Still rough?" He asked, stepping up to the bed and gently rubbing Flug's back, radiating small amounts of healing magic.

"Wa-water please." Flug whimpered. He must have gained a fever in his sleep. "Fever… Where Sans?" Flug croaked out his voice weak and strained from throwing up so much.

Reaching around behind Flug, the elemental passed him one of the water bottles. "This time, take it slow. Your boyfriend is downstairs drinking off your hangover as much as he can." He let him know. "Is there anything else I can do to help? Sans has his own way of dealing with things. You can't cope the same way, so let me know if I can help."

Sipping the water Flug groaned. "I would complain, but I've been an ass to him. He can take all he needs. Thanks for helping Grillby. You wouldn't have any medicine for this would you? I feel like I have the flu."

Grillby only shook his head. "We were technologically ahead Underground, but when it comes to medicines, we never put much stock in it. We don't have anything like that. Sorry kid."

Whining Flug held his head. "Can I get some more of the green ice water."

Chuckling, Grillby left the room with assurances that he would bring more magi-cubes.

Sinking back into the bed Flug scrubbed his face with a discarded wet cloth. He felt hot and was shivering at the same time. He was never going to drink and use healing magic at the same time again. He was death warmed over.

When Grillby returned, he was carrying a hot broth. "Try to keep this down. It should help. Since your guardian and mate is busy trying to stay drunk, I'll offer. Do you want any explanation for what you're going through? It threw my daughter for a loop her first time too and she is professionally trained." He laughed at the memory, a warm sound that sounded aged.

Nodding Flug stomach grumbled loudly as he reached for the broth. "Yes, please. All I understand is alcohol and healing magic doesn't work together." Flug sipped at the broth slowly not wanting to throw it up.

Grillby burst out laughing at that, completely doubling over. "Alcohol rarely works together with anything." he acknowledged. "But that aside, you used an excessive amount of magic last night. No other monster could have done what you did and even if they did manage, they would be stuck in hibernation for at least a year. The backlash for that magic usage is part of why you feel so shitty right now. Now I won't say that your drink doesn't have a part in it either. I'll admit I messed up in making it and I should have warned you more carefully. There were a lot of strong monster alcohols in that. You were supposed to drink it slowly, not shotgun it." He shook his head at the idea of anybody shotgunning the cocktail he'd handed off. "I don't think I've ever seen Sans puke so fast after a drink. Either way, once my s-, once your boyfriend finishes wiping out my stocks, I'm sure he will be watching over you quite closely. He knows what to watch for in case anything doesn't work with your system. Just let me know if you need anything in the meantime and try to rest."

"Husband." Flug offered weakly holding up his hand showing the ring. "I don't like this death warmed over feeling, but I guess it's better than hibernation. Yeah, I didn't really think the drink through. Last time I had shots. I'm an idiot with monster stuff."

Grillby was completely taken aback and took Flug's hand gently, checking out the ring. It was flawlessly made and he would recognize the stone anywhere. All monsters would. Only Sans could have devised something so hard to make for something so simple. "Congratulations then. On the topic of your drinking, perhaps you should learn a bit more, but it will come with time. You are still young."

"Thanks, you guys are just old." Flug chuckled, his eyelids closing before peeling open again. "Wait, why is Sans cleaning out all your drinks? Wouldn't drinking more make him more drunker? Fuck that didn't come out right."

Laughing, the elemental shook his head. "He can't get drunk, not on his own, not for long. Longest I've ever seen him drunk was about two hours, then he was completely sober again. He's drinking to stave off the effects of your drink as well as to just drown in the alcohol like he originally planned. He used to do this to all the sectors in turn before the barrier broke. Just go through and wipe us out, a different bar every night, sometimes more than one. I've already made an order to replace everything, don't worry about it."

Frowning Flug shook his head. "That can't be healthy… You just let him do that? I guess if it helps. You're a good father." Flug mumbled sipping his broth. Realizing his slip up Flug corrected, "Fuck, I mean friend."

Grillby started at being called a father to Sans, but he did consider it true. "Either works." He shrugged. "But yeah, I let him do whatever he wants for the most part, so long as he doesn't Dust himself. He's an adult, I just clean up after him. "He's a good kid." He seemed lost in thought, very far away.

"You consider him a son?" Flug asked slightly surprised, but it also made sense with how Grillby treated Sans.

Looking down at Flug, he nodded, a bit surprised. "Has he not mentioned his time with me? He and Papyrus spent two or three years under my roof before they got their own house and even then they didn't go far. Before me, they were living with the king, but for some reason, Sans didn't like it that way. They've only been on their own for about twenty years."

He was quiet for a time before starting again. "When I first saw them, Sans was so despondent, yet at the same time, I could feel his magic threatening to break the very air around me. Such fury I have never felt, not even in the War. I had spoken with Sans's father many times before the war. We had lived near enough to each other and even then I ran a bar. He would come by occasionally for a pint, back when it was still served in wood and stone pints." Grillby put a hand to his head, dizzy for a moment. "I had forgotten all about that. I can't really seem to remember much at all about him, not even what he looked like. How strange. Well, anyway, having known him and heard of Sans, the king saw fit to give them to me to care for. Sans unnerved him too much to keep in the castle anyway."

Getting up and crossing the room to look out the window, Grillby sighed. Wasn't long after they moved out from my home that I heard Sans had been named crown commander, a position none in the Underground had obtained until then. There were arguments of course, he is so weak, but they don't know the power he really holds. Not even I do." Turning to look back at Flug he started as he noticed Fuku standing in the doorway. "Fuku! I didn't know you were there. Flug, this is my daughter, Fuku. She's the one who's been making the magi-cubes and was helping your husband last night."

"Dad, get out. He needs to rest, not listen to you running your jaw." She demanded and watched as, jokingly dejected, Grillby left the room. "Now, how are you coming along? Been sick a few times and a fever by the look of you." She commented, closing the door and coming closer. "May I examine you to determine your state? I am a medically licensed monster and I know what I am doing."

Chuckling Flug nodded to Fuku's question. The information Grillby provided was very interesting. "Grillby is very sweet, he wasn't bothering me at all."

Placing her bare hands on his back and chest, warmth seeped into his skin. It was different than the heat of a flame, something below the skin, gentling and rippling across the barest edges of his Soul, luring him into an easy and restful sleep. Once he was out cold, she helped him lay back down and place a hand over his forehead and another on his abdomen. Now was the hard part, stopping the magic revolution and the alcohol poisoning. She spent a few hours focusing on each, only leaving his room when she was finally exhausted but had removed all forms of sickness, including a small bout of flu that had been working its way through him.

Left alone to his sleep, Flug murmured half asleep. His dreams started out pleasant, but soon became reminiscing of his recent nightmare. Waking up without Sans, alone and broken. Desperate to find his mate only to be met with an empty mountain. The dream switched between scenes sending him to Papyrus's melt down watching Sans's ribs shatter being unable to heal him. Jolting He sat up in bed sweating and sobbing.

Tossing off the covers and pulling on his now clean clothes, Flug ran down the stairs not noticing that he didn't feel queasy or ill in any way. Tripping on the mass of bottles covering the floor Flug face planted with a startled cry.

"Flug?" Sans peeked over the back of a booth in the far corner. "Hun? You okay?" He could be heard mumbling to someone before leaving the booth. The lights were only set to dim in the room at the moment, so the entire corner was thrown in shadow, almost no light to be seen. Even in the faint light though, Sans navigated the maze of bottles to cross the floor and check on his lover.

Groaning Flug felt bottles dig into his side's lucky that none shattered in his fall. "Sans? So many bottles…" Trying to stand his hand caught on a bottle rolling out from under him and sending him to the floor again.

Dodging the rolling remains of his past day and night, Sans helped stabilize and support Flug until he got his feet. "Hey, how ya feeling? You okay to be out of bed?" He asked, worried.

Blinking as he finally was able to stand, Flug nodded. "Yeah, I actually feel fine. Fuku must have done a good job at fixing me up. How are you? Did you really go through all of Grillby's alcohol? There are bottles everywhere. Why did you just leave them everywhere? You shouldn't make your dad pick up after you." Flug berated.

"Oh for the love of- you just woke up babe. Stop momming me for ten minutes. So I drank a little. I haven't really drank in ages, I needed to let go a little and I knew it wouldn't affect you in your state." He berated right back, looking up at Flug now that he had his feet under him.

Sniffling Flug frowned. "Maybe I should just head home since you are having your fun. I'm sorry I'm such a mom and care about you. I see you aren't the same since Grillby has been checking on me while you drank away all your problems. Am I really such a burden to you?" Flug asked his Soul aching at the thought. Sure Grillby said Sans was 'coping,' but he was constantly checking on Sans when he went into a healing coma. They were different people and it hurt to know Flug was more attached to Sans than Sans was to him.

Sans was floored and it showed. He looked like he'd just been slapped across the face. "Where is all this coming from?" He asked, slightly annoyed and very much hurt. "You have never been a burden Flug. I was just- I knew Grillby was- and I-" Shoulders dropping into a hard slump, he face-palmed and fell against the back of a booth. "I'm sorry I went drinking? I don't know what you want from me, Flug."

Sighing Flug slumped. "I wanted to be checked on by my husband instead of Grillby. I wanted you with me while I felt like death warmed over. I know you wanted to drink that's why we came, but THIS is excessive and you kind of choose it over me."

Sans shook his head, but he understood Flug's thought process. "I know what it looks like Flug, but I didn't choose it over you, and this is not an excess for me. This is a drop in the bucket. I could feel what you were going through. I wouldn't have been any help and I probably would have been kicked out pretty early on. Fuku doesn't like her patients being bothered and I can't heal ya. I'm sorry I never made it up to check on you."

A chilling laugh came from the dark corner. "You really have been tamed Sans." A dark voice seemed to echo.

Jolting at the laugh, Flug looked to Sans wide eyed forgetting about the argument to ask about the creepy laugh. "Who's that?" Thank you for explaining. Please, next time, check on me though.

Perfect timing, Sans thought as he dodged the building confrontation. Anytime babes. "Flug, come meet an old friend of mine. The Prince of the Night and eater of bad dreams, Nightmare." He easily led Flug through the bottles, some of which were full gallon bottles, others only being small flasks. There was even an emptied barrel next to the wall.

Being lead to the dark skeleton Flug blinked. "Black Hat's kid? That Nightmare? The one that messed with my dreams?"

"Eh, yeah. That one." Sans confirmed, really hoping Flug wouldn't hold a grudge. Night had only been trying to help.

Again the chilling laughter filled the bar. A bright white cheshire grin appeared in the darkness as well as a bright, wide, blue eyelight that fixed on Flug. "You put up a good fight too. I ate well that night. Sorry they fucked you up a bit." The dark skeleton said. To Sans, he was reproachful. "And you, you know I hate the formalities. Prince of the Night my ass. They liked me only slightly more than the rest of the fucking Underground."

Turning to Sans, Flug asked, "Does he know? Did you tell Fell he was here? Black Hat is dying to meet his lost son."

Sans nodded. "I told him the truth, but I haven't reported him to Fell or Black Hat. It is up to him if he wants to meet his father."

"Heh, the old man sounds like a right bucket of laughs. Oh, by the way, king me!" Nightmare responded as well.

Nodding Flug walked over, sliding into the booth opposite Nightmare. "So, uh you guys are friends?"

"Yes." Sans answered quickly, cutting off any denials.

"No." Was Nightmare's response. "I don't have friends. He just puts up with my company." His lone eye never left Flug and even up close, in the darkness it was impossible to see his form. "May I?" A dark, seemingly dripping hand reached from the darkness for Flug's head, stopping halfway across the table.

"Up to him." Sans shrugged. "He wants to take a layer of your recent dreams. It won't affect your memory of them. Sorta like copying."

Smiling Flug chuckled, "Yeah I feel like Sans puts up with me sometimes too. Sure, a friend of Sans is mine too. I mean he is my husband I should be able to trust whoever he hangs out with." Flug leaned the rest of the way forward.

"Freaky." He laughed at Sans earning a sigh and a black checker on his new king. Swiping a hand near Flug's ear, never touching him, he pulled back what looked like a small black marble. "You dream vividly. I like that." Without further thought, he tossed the solidified dream into his mouth, breaking it between his teeth, humming with approval. "Still reliving the last one? I can give you something new if you'd prefer?" He offered.

"It isn't 'freaky'. He was an adult when we got together." Sans muttered before grinning and taking three kings and a pawn. "King me."

He couldn't help but stare entranced at the small marbled dream that was broken between sharp teeth. Flug blushed at the compliment, it felt more intimate than Flug thought it should be. "Th-thanks? I've never really thought about it that way. So, you eat dreams? That's fascinating." He gave the skeleton a starry eyed look willing for Nightmare to continue talking.

Sans snorted quietly with laughter at Nightmare's disbelieving look. He was good at discerning the other's emotions, even when he couldn't see him. "I don't eat dreams," he started slowly, picking up speed and confidence as he spoke, "I eat nightmares. My adoptive brother, Dream, eats dreams, the good, shiny, fluffy ones that everybody wants. Either way you are welcome. Oh, and Sans, you aren't getting that King out of my territory. I hope you know that." He warned as he placed the additional checker on Sans's piece.

"What's the difference? Between dreams and nightmares? I mean a dream can be scary and a nightmare can change and become just a regular, just weird dream, can't it?" Flug tilted his head interested. "What do they taste like? Are certain ones your favorite?"

"Dreams are sweet, sometimes tangy. Nightmares are bitter, have a sort of cloying taste." Nightmare described. "As for the difference, a dream can become a nightmare, sure, and the reverse is true too, but it doesn't happen often. The point of turning cuts one from the other. If they bleed into each other, well then it is just that much better of a meal. As for my favorite, I rather enjoy the taste of the dark dreams, like the one I gave you. Didn't mean to fuck you up, but the taste was amazing. The more vivid a dream, the stronger its flavor, so that is something too." Realizing how long he'd gone on, Nightmare blushed, bright blue coloring his otherwise hidden face.

Seeing the inky figure illuminated only slightly by the bright blue blush, Flug squeaked. "Oh my stars! He's adorable!" Flug beamed turning to Sans, "Did you see that blush?! Black Hat is gonna love him. I know I already do. He's like you when you get going on science." Flug grinned looking at Nightmare. "Please, keep going. You are so interesting. I love listening to people talk about what they love. It really shows who they are."

Barely concealed laughter emitted from both monsters at Flug's squeal and pronouncements.

"Taught him how to properly swear already Sans? Not only starting young, but rough too." He jumped a piece several times, taking three kings and four pawns, leaving Sans with only two pieces. "You're gonna lose again." He taunted.

"He picked that up on his own, and yes Flug, I did see him blush." He was smiling, glad Flug wasn't repulsed, but he hadn't really seen the other yet. He was just thankful that no grudge seemed to linger.

The bright eyelight lit once more on Flug. "So you think I'm adorable. First I've ever been described as such. Not too sure how I feel about that. Now, let's see, you want me to 'keep going', so where to go?" He egged on Flug to see how the kid would reply. He normally struck fear into children, so he was surprised and uncertain of how to handle this one, especially after his last encounter with Sans when he'd disturbed the kid's rest.

Chuckling Flug leaned into Sans's side taking one of his remaining checkers and jumping two to get it kinged. "Well, I know Black Hat can be adorable sometimes even in his demon glory. So it's not a far reach that you can be adorable, especially with that blush! You remind me of my little lover, all embarrassed like that." Flug teased kissing Sans's skull before turning back to Nightmare. "Yeah, continue telling me about yourself like… What do you do for fun? Do you dream, or do you not need sleep? Do you have any friends besides Sans? What's your favorite color? Those kinds of things."

The lone eyelight in the dark zipped to look at Sans. "Is your kid-husband flirting with me?" He asked, only half joking.

"Maybe. He might just be being friendly." Sans shrugged.

The light ficked between the two before settling on Flug uncertainly. "Well alright then. For fun, well, I guess this is it, I play checkers with Sans and hide in the dark. As for dreams or nightmares, no, neither I nor my brother have sleeping visions. Sans has been the only monster to ever stand my company, but as I stated before, regardless of what he says, we are not friends. And a favorite color...probably green, for kindness."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Flug offered weakly. "I wasn't trying to flirt… It kinda sounds like Sans is your best friend, to me at least, you hang out and play checkers. That's pretty much what friends do." Flug's smile grew as Nightmare shared his favorite color. "Green is a very nice color. Um, are checkers your favorite game or the only one that Sans will let you play? He's not very good at it." Flug chuckled pointing out a few possible moves Sans could make.

Nightmare shook his head quickly. "I'm just not used to being flirted with. Victims are more my speed. You are fine. Also, Sans is super possessive, so I really don't wanna get on his bad side again." A low growl from Sans shut him up for all of a second before he continued. "We play checkers cause it is simple and I get it. I'm not too strategic and this lets him not have to think much either." Taking his turn, he skipped down the side of the board with a move that few people knew and took both the piece that Flug had moved and Sans's last piece.

"Damn you are good!" Flug stared at the game impressed and shocked. "Sorry, love you lost. I'll still give you a prize though." Flug turned his skull kissing him on the teeth before pulling back smiling in amusement. "You smell like a bar."

"Well you're no bed of roses either." Sans joked, smiling and referring to the faint smell of puke that remained.

Laughing, Nightmare nodded, the movement only visible by the movement of his eyelight. "Damn straight I am."

"So Nightmare, how are Geno and Cross. Heard they were your latest victims." Sans asked easily as if he weren't talking about rape.

"Cross said he might not hate me and well, Reaper threatened to give me his hands if I ever touch his mate again." The darkness shared.

Frowning Flug snuggled closer to Sans looking into the shadows trying to pick out which was the darkness and which was Nightmare. "Did you really do a number on them? Sure, I was a bit upset after our mix up, but once Sans and I talked it over I know it wasn't really your fault. I'm not mad at you. Gaster, I'm slightly mad at."

"I'm with you there pal. Until I ate your nightmare, I didn't have a clue what actually happened to Sans here. I was under the same inclination as the majority of the Underground when it came to him. Dreams and nightmares really can be informative, ya know. But as for them...you could say I did a number on them. They survived, not sure how many I Dusted this time and I think I may have caught a human or two this time as well. I can't really remember." Another head shake. "Hate these Heats, but every boss monster does."

"Oh!" Flug finally connected the bits of information. "Oh dear you get them too? Wow, that is interesting. I actually know what that feels like. It is really weird and controlling. I'm sorry you all have to go through those." Flug frowned, shaking his head remembering his small dose of Lust Dust and what happened afterwards.

"And when did that happen?" Sans asked, once again left in the dark. "If you are having Heat spikes already, then we have a bit more to talk about. You shouldn't even have those until you hit sixty."

Nightmare laughed hard, pounding the table as he doubled up. "Kid, you're cute. I think I like you." he gasped out between laughter.

Blushing Flug puffed out his cheeks. "You didn't want to hear about my week earlier only about the nightmare. I invited the Lust Brothers over and tried out what it would be like to live in their sector. It was very interesting and informative."

Instant silence reigned in the bar. "This is exactly why I don't make promises." Sans said before disappearing and reappearing with four six-packs in each hand. No sooner had he set them down than the cap of one bottle went flying into the barrel they had passed by the wall. It could be heard striking several other caps that were already there. "Sorry I didn't listen back then. Seems I missed a lot. You had a busy week apparently."

Nightmare wasn't sure if he should run or watch what was happening. Was Sans seriously not going to kill the Lust brothers for touching what was his? Was he just letting Flug off the hook? "What the hell has happened to you?" He finally asked, staring at Sans as, already, he finished off the first bottle and set it next to several others on the table.

Frowning Flug nodded, "Yeah, I had a busy week. I wasn't planning on doing that, but when it came up I really wanted to know what it was like. I wanted to understand how Heats and their sector felt. I think we did twenty seconds. I'm sorry if I've upset you. You weren't here for me to ask and Razzy and Sugar Plum didn't take things too far. I remembered from last time and set boundaries… Are you mad at me?" Flug slowly grew quieter the longer he rambled sinking into the booth as Sans drank. He messed up again.

Finishing a second bottle easily, Sans shook his head. "I'm not mad at you. I said I would treat you like an equal and an adult, so your choices are your own and I did sever communication, so it falls just as evenly on me. I'm possessive, you know that, but you seem to have chosen to remain as you are, so I am thankful. I love you as you are." He popped the cap off a third bottle and set up his side of the checker board for a new game.

"Geeze man, slow down. You're not even tasting it." Nightmare prodded, worried for Sans. Maybe being mated wasn't all it was cracked up to be, or maybe it was just the age difference. He wasn't sure, but it was a mess between these two.

"Um, okay… If it helps they didn't stay long. We also think we've found Demenica a mate. Um Murder? They think she might fit well with him… I love you."

Choking on his drink and slamming it back into the table, Sans gasped before howling with laughter and shouting, "That would be the perfect fit. By the stars Flug. You are perfect. Love you too!" His eyelights were two different colors for a few seconds before returning to normal. "Eh, sorry about that, but I do love you too."

Nightmare laughed. "Watching you get shit-faced and sober up is always amusing." He could be heard shifting on his side of the booth.

Perking up Flug pulled Sans's skull close and peppering kisses over it. "I love you! I'm glad you think they would work. Nightmare is right you are adorable, but to me you are always adorable. Unless you do the scary face."

"When did I say he was adorable?" Nightmare asked, affronted.

"I have a scary face?" Sans was just as puzzled.

"Amusing, adorable, same thing. Sans is adorable. And yes you have a scary face. The face where your sockets go empty and your voice goes low and spooky. You always do that when you are mad at me." Flug described waving his hands around to try to capture the image from memory.

Nightmare's grin turned devilish. "May I take a look. I haven't seen that look before."

"They are certainly not the same thing." Sans sighed before taking another hit off his bottle, only to find it empty and open a new one.

Tilting his head in confusion before blushing darkly. "Nightmare! Is your mind always in the gutter? For shame. No, I meant when he was angry with me not… Punishing me." Flug blushed looking away to open a bottle for Sans.

The darkness hesitated before lighting up even brighter than before. "No! That isn't what I meant! I mean, I haven't seen that look either, but I swear, I just wanted to see his angry face. He is always so calm around me other than that one time and I didn't really get to see his face. I wasn't, I didn't mean, just no!" His blush-light was abruptly cut off and his rambling denials muffled as something seemed to cover him from behind.

Even Sans nearly spit his drink. "Fuck Flug, who's really in the gutter?" He asked, just as thrown by the accusation, but laughing at Nightmare's reaction as well.

"How was I supposed to know! You both were being all secretive about knowing what 'That look' looked like. Sorry if it sounded wrong." Flug scrubbed his face reaching over to Nightmare. "Sorry, I shouldn't have accused you of thinking that way. Though your reaction was kind of funny."

"Flug, don't-" Sans cut himself off as he realized he was reaching for Nightmare.

Nightmare was still curled up, so didn't see the inbound hand.

His eyes went wide as his hand met a slimy textured thing. Flug made a shocked noise of confusion. Was that Nightmare? The feeling didn't feel like bone, it was more of a slime that Black Hat would leak from his tentacles. "Nightmare?"

Shrieking with surprise, Nightmare teleported across the room, knocking over bottles as he landed in a different booth, right under a light. He managed to maintain his balance, but only by spreading out his appendages to hold onto the back of the booth seat.

"He doesn't really care for touch I don't think." Sans whispered. "That or he just doesn't get it often. I don't know. Don't go out of my way to touch him."

His Soul panged in sadness for Nightmare. Seeing the skeleton demon balance himself with his slimy tentacles, Flug tilted his head using his band to appear a few feet away. "You have tentacles like Black Hat..."

"Holy shit, you can 'port?" Nightmare stumbled a step back closer to the wall."

"He ain't gonna hurt you. Calm down or we'll all have nightmares tonight." Sans called across the bar, watching the two interact carefully, ready to intervene if he had to. Flug had a way with monsters that always surprised him.

"Sorry for scaring you. I didn't mean to startle you by touching you." Flug offered not stepping closer, but sitting in a chair where he was. Showing his band Flug added, "Sans made me a band that can let me travel whenever and wherever. I'm still getting used to it. Are you okay with me sitting over here? I can move back to the booth."

"You are weird." Nightmare said plainly, relaxing instantly and staring at Flug like he was some strange new insect. "Sans, why isn't he afraid of me." Turning back to Flug he repeated the question. "Why aren't you afraid of me? What the fuck even are you?"

Laughing Flug nodded, "Yeah, I understand being confused. Sans was too. I work with your demon father. I've seen things. I'm just used to it now. You are one of the better looking things to come from Black Hat. Let me tell you a half human and demon mixed wrong is super creepy. Plus, you remind me of Sans. Sans is perfect in every way so..."

"Yeah, about that," kicking his way through the bottles so he could drop to the floor only to find the floor just as covered and having to use his tentacles to lift him over and through the mess to the small path that remained, Nightmare asked, "Just how messed up is that father? I've seen that Gaster was one messed up fucker through your nightmare, but what of my other sire?"

"Oh, he's fucked up in a completely different way. Personally, he is better when he isn't pregnant. Right now he is a bit obsessive and a bit of a crybaby." Sans provided flippantly from his booth. "Used to be scary and aggressive, but Fell's tamed him even more than Flug here has done to me."

Sticking out his tongue Flug blew a raspberry at Sans. "He's a demon so he causes mass destruction, killing, chaos, the likes. He is the number one villain, but he's stopped trying to take over the world due to it 'being boring' so he sells weapons to villains. Since finding his mate, Black Hat has gained a sense of love and family that Gaster never gave him. He wants to keep his family close and make up for his past mistakes. Hence adopting Sans and Papyrus and sending Fell to look for you. He didn't know you made it from his first clutch."

"From what Sans shared, he tried to wipe out the entire clutch due to us being 'imperfect'. I'm pretty sure I qualify for the imperfectness award." The slime covered skeleton offered. "He sealed me Underground for four-hundred human years, plus a few resets. I don't recall as many as Sans, but I got enough of them. He thinks I'll just drop all that and come running back cause he's part of the reason I exist? Not sure I'm just gonna run into that." Nightmare was being straight with the kid. They seemed honest enough, so he could return the favor.

"No, I don't think he expects that. He knows what he did. He doesn't regret it. It's a part of his nature. Frankly, he trapped Fell down there too. I think he just wants to meet you. He didn't know you were alive until just recently. Again, he is pregnant and emotional. He and Fell both are with how close they came to losing this clutch… But he's changed from who he was with Gaster. For one thing he didn't know how to feed the eggs magic! It was his first clutch and Gaster just wanted to experiment on it. He doesn't know how to be a dad, but he wants to try." Flug told Nightmare. He wasn't going to lie and claim Black Hat was a saint, he wasn't, but he was going to defend his lack of knowledge with raising children.

"Fine, fine, I'll give him a shot, but don't expect much. Come on Sans, you can bring those with you. Might as well go now. Grillby has enough to replace and I get the feeling you skipped work for this again." He moved past Flug, a chill wind coming off of him, and grabbed the checkerboard, folding it up and putting the pieces in a compartment before slipping the whole thing into his deep pockets.

"Guilty as charged." Sans admitted, raising a drink in toast to skipping work.

Laughing Flug shook his head. "You completed months of work already." Walking closer to Nightmare Flug smiled. "Thank you for giving him a chance. If you ever want to hang out with us just pop into the lab, well, knock first just in case we are experimenting."

Shotgunning the last of his bottle, Sans set the bottle down and grabbed the last one from his second case, having finished off both cases successfully in the short time. "'Right, let's go." He stumbled for a moment before stepping over to the other two.

Nightmare gave him a look that bled disbelief before offering a hand to Flug. "Think I'll ride with the kid. You probably should too."

Beaming at the trust Nightmare offered him Flug took the hand and wrapped an arm around Sans. Using his band they appeared outside of Black Hat's bedroom. Flug squeezed Nightmare's hand lightly. "Are you ready?"

"No." He replied even as Sans disappeared himself, going down to the lab to work on something or other.

Huffing at Sans's disappearance, Flug smiled at Nightmare. "You don't have to go in until you are ready. I'll be here with you the whole time. You don't have to do this alone."

"I won't ever be ready. How do you 'be ready' to meet your demonic father? That is a nightmare even I have never built." He didn't hesitate before pushing the door open and stepping forward into the room to look around. Instantly he was hit by the smell of lasagna, well made at that.

Black Hat sat up in his bed eating from a plate of lasagna, Fell hovering next to him even though he had told him countless times he was fine. "Flug, about time you ca-" Black Hat cut himself off making eye contact with Nightmare. Who was this stranger? Narrowing his eye Black Hat felt like this person was familiar in a way, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"So this is the grand 'Black Hat', huh." Nightmare air quoted the name. "Doesn't look like much. Hard to believe everyone is afraid of him. You sure this is the right guy?" He looked back at Flug, completely nonplussed.

Huffing offended, small thin tentacles grew wiggling irritatedly behind him. "Why you! Come into my bedroom and talk about me like that! Flug! Who is this-this person?"

Holding up his hands Flug shook his head. "Sir please calm down! You are still healing. You can't waste your energy like this."

Shaking his head, Nightmare sighed. "Pathetic. Even Dream was better than this. I'm gonna go find Sans." He went to leave but Sans was walking in the door already, a holo-tablet in hand as Black Hat had asked him to show him the new data.

"You wanted me?" He asked Nightmare as he passed.

"This is supposed to be him?" He pointed at Black Hat.

Looking over the boss and his sad position, Sans nodded. "Yeah, I accidentally hit him with a Karma attack yesterday morning. Nearly killed him. He's rebounding pretty well. Don't judge by appearances, you know how that goes better than most." Turning to Black Hat, he launched into explaining his own appearance in the room. "I have the data you requested sir. I have compiled it for you and whenever you are ready to look it over, I will be on standby.

Fell for his part was speechless. Where did Sans even find the dream-leach?

Snarling Black Hat threw his butter knife at Nightmare and it stuck in the wall next to his skull. "WHO ARE YOU! WHY IS HE IN MY ROOM!" Snarling Black Hat turned to Fell. "I can't take this degrading toy. I'm going to lose it soon." Black told his mate in warning for their egg. If he transformed with as weak as he is now and how weak the egg is they would surely lose it.

"Name's Nightmare." The black skeleton scoffed.

"That's your son, sir." Fell said at the same time.

"Meet the Prince of Darkness sir." Sans spoke simultaneously, all their voices colliding.

Staring at Nightmare studying his features and similarities Black Hat waved him closer. "My… Son… Come here let me get a good look at you. You are an adult by monster's standards now."

"Yeah, by a couple hundred years." A tentacle came up and removed the knife from the wall while he walked forward, delivering it into his hand so he could pass it back to Black Hat. "Think you dropped this by my head." he offered cheekily.

Rolling his eye Black Hat took the knife before taking a tentacle into his hand. "Your consistency is off. You are not melting though. Interesting."

Snorting, Nightmare rolled his eyes. "Yeah, such's the shame. If I melted, then Dream and his sector wouldn't have had to deal with me when I corrupted."

"Night…" Sans knew it was a sore subject for his friend, but there was never a way to cheer him up there. It was not a hidden fact that Dream sector despised the dark spot in their sector.

Chuckling Black Hat grinned, "I sense you also have a strong demon sentience inside of you. I could feel it during the nightmare you put Flug and I through. The unbreakable need and force to cause chaos is thriving inside of you. A lack of what people would consider 'pleasant' emotions within you. You truly are my child."

Raising a brow, Nightmare remembered he had caught Black Hat in the weave of the Nightmare as well. "Shit, your right, mind if I take a copy of that? The nightmare I mean?" He completely ignored the rest. The whole 'my child' deal was too close to what the queen had called him before he'd tried an apple from their tree.

"A copy of wh-" Black Hat questioned before being cut off from Flug.

"Yes, go ahead. Just watch sir." Flug nodded walking closer to be able to see.

Looking over at Flug before shrugging, Nightmare went to grab the nightmare from Black Hat before coming across millions more and quickly realized he couldn't immediately locate it. "Damn, you could feed me for years~ Uh, for now, just think of that specific nightmare so I can locate it."

"Ah, you feast on nightmares. I understand now. It could be considered a mix of mine and Gaster's need for magic and chaos combined into a nightmare." Black Hat closed his eye focusing on Sans killing him in the nightmare. "Does that help in locating it?"

"Perfect." Nightmare's hand darted out to grab the nightmare, pulling into the other's field of view a larger orb of what looked like hard candy. "Damn." He weighed it in his hand and grinned. "Never had one this strong." Without hesitation he took a bite out of it, enjoying the flavor and seeing the nightmare through Black Hat's eye. "'Mazin'." He mumbled through a full mouth.

Chuckling Black Hat watched Nightmare. "You are correct in that I could feed you for years. I would like to get to know my son a bit better. If you are willing to give me the chance. I'm willing to create a deal with a trade for room and meals for information if that is more to your liking."

"I ain't got a place to crash at the moment, so I won't complain. Especially not with meals like this. I'm not up on all that touchy feely crap though, so don't jump me for that. Also, keep me away from anybody you want to sleep. They will have nightmares, can't control that." He shrugged before eating the second half of the dream, breaking it down easily. "Woah, now that is an ending. Totally blown away there. Not bad Sans." He sighed as he finished off the dream.

"Yes, a lack of wanting touchy feely crap is normal for demons. However, having a clutch can throw all that out the window. I apologize for not being able to teach you about my side of your biology." Black Hat noted that he should teach Nightmare more about himself when the egg was no longer in danger. "I have any room you would like."

He shrugged. "I assume you mean the tentacles and slime shit. That only appeared after I corrupted. Used to be normal like Sans or Fell, none of this weird crap. If you've got pointers, I'll take 'em, but I'm pretty used to it now. I'll find myself a room, excuse me." He turned and left without further words to find an empty room and explore on his own, used to not having the assistance.

"Well that went well." Fell sighed, slumping against the wall. He knew Black Hat had been expecting something better. He just hoped they would warm up to each other.

Sans only shook his head. "Night just isn't too open to new people. He met Flug only a little bit ago and now you. It is probably more than he is used to. Give him time. Now, if you'd like, I can go over that data with you sir? Also, Flug, we will talk later about your week. I didn't mean to push it off. I'm sorry."

Nodding Black Hat patted the bed. "Yes, tell me about the devices."

It's okay love. I'm sorry I sprung that on you. Flug sent through there bond.

Setting the tablet on the table, Sans boosted himself up onto the bed next to Black Hat and retrieved his device. Going from one to the next, he explained the basics of their function, use and design. He hit on marketing aspects and target audiences, as well as presentation for each device, all of which was laid out in different sections of the documents for each device. In an hour he had only gone over three devices, but he had covered them so thoroughly that he might as well have been selling the device to Black Hat himself. Most everything was in the documents to be read, but he added sub-notes as he spoke promoting each device.

"You are very detailed in your explanations. I like that." Black Hat patted Sans's skull in impressed approval. "You did a good job. We'll start with these three and you can show me the rest later. Thank you for showing these to me and for bringing Nightmare here."

Sans shrugged, forcing himself not to duck out of the head pat. He knew Black Hat meant well. "Thank you sir. Let me know when you would like to go over more. I created a couple dozen while I was away and they are all detailed like this. You can also look over them yourself if you want. As for Nightmare, he chose to come. I didn't bring him. It was entirely his choice." He was silent for a moment, not sure if he should bring up another thought that had been plaguing his mind, but shaking his head, he dismissed the idea. "Will that be all sir?"

"Yes, for now. I think I'll rest for a little while." Black Hat rubbed at his small bulge. His baby bump had shrunk until it could barely be seen.

Nodding Flug rested his hand on Sans's shoulder. "Very well sir. Don't strain yourself."

Sans wanted to offer healing, but he knew he couldn't. With his level of magic, he should have been able to, but he knew he'd only kill the egg. For all he knew, Flug might as well. The kid had only ever healed him. Maybe their magic only worked on each other or maybe Flug's magic would work on others, he wasn't sure.

What are you thinking love? I can practically see the gears turning in your skull. Flug smiled, "Fell do you need anything before we go to the lab?"

Just that I wish I could help heal him after all the damage I caused, but another alteration of my magic was that it is deadly, especially in healing practices. I don't know if I could even heal you or if you could heal anyone but me without killing them. Sans looked up to Fell expectantly.

Shaking his head as he went over what was needed, Fell replied "No, we should be alright here for the time being. Rest is most important at this stage."

Rubbing Sans's shoulders Flug nodded. "Let us know if you need anything. We'll leave you to rest." Using his band Flug took them to the lab. "Love, do you want to talk or rest as well?"

With a sigh over the past twenty-four hours, Sans pulled up a chair. "Well, we definitely need to talk and while I'd love to force you to rest, I doubt that is gonna happen. Let's talk. Tell me about your week so I'm caught up, as well as anything else you'd like to share and I'll see what I can add."

Biting his lip Flug sat down shifting awkwardly. "Um, I knew you would be gone for a while, since we both get really into our work so I thought inviting Razzy and Sugar Plum over for a picnic would be fun. Plus, I wanted them to meet 5.0.5 and Demencia. I set them up with a room so they could leave to it if they needed to. We had fun. Went to a sex shop afterwards. Had a small panic attack and a hero tried to beat Razzy up. They flirted with him and were able to get me home to grab a paper bag..." Flug paused hesitant to continue since Sans's earlier reactions.

Sans had his head buried in his hand, but waved Flug on. "Continue. I won't say anything and I'll keep my comments to myself. You didn't invite them for sex, I know that. I'm glad they took care of you during the attack though."

Nodding jerkily Flug added, "Y-yeah Razzy was really good at handling the situation. He sat me down and tried to help even though it was his first time on the surface." Tugging on his sleeves Flug looked at his lap. "I'm sorry I disappointed you. I guess I should have asked if it was okay to have them over first. I know you don't like them..."

Sans merely shook his head. "No Flug, you were completely within your rights to invite them over. You consider them friends and I have no right to take that from you. I don't like them, probably just because they are so naive and young. They take everything they have for granted. I know they can't help how they are, but a part of me holds that against them too. I guess I'm just trying to protect you and make you like me, but you aren't. You are you. You haven't disappointed me. I'm glad you had fun. What else did you do?"

"Uh, after that we talked about me experiencing their sector… We did that and I kinda had a sudo Heat. Um, after that Demencia came in wanting to have her fun and I left because I didn't want to see that. I worked on some devices. Um... I accidently got Razzy worked up when he tried to heal me so 5.0.5, Demencia, and I watched some anime while they handled that. I got to hold Sugar Plum after though! Which was amazing, he is super adorable being as small as he is. Oh, they let me feel their Soul bond too so I was able to feel how they react to each other. After that I worked on devices and your ring." Flug recounted as best as he could.

Sans hand clenched and released multiple times, matching his breathing as he attempted to maintain his temper. It was harmless. Everyone was fine. Nothing major had happened. He still had Flug and Flug had had a good time. That was all that mattered. He repeated these things over and over inside his head. The mention of letting him enter their Soul bond though, that was really pushing his limits. One misstep and Flug could have accidentally become bonded to them. "I'm happy you had fun." He managed to say with hardly any bite. He wanted to be genuinely happy for Flug, but it was hard when he chose the worst people, in his opinion, to be friends with.

Sinking into the seat Flug frowned at his hands. "No, you aren't… You don't have to lie to me… You are upset. You are trying not to show it, but I can tell." Scrubbing his face Flug sighed. "If you don't want me around them anymore, just tell me. It really hurts me when I've messed up and upset you. It would just be easier to let them know now than have," Flug waved his hand between them, "Whatever this is keep going everytime I see them."

"No!" Sans yelled, fist slamming the table to look up at Flug before at a more moderate tone, reiterating, "No. I want you to have friends and I want you to choose them yourself. I'm just being selfish and overprotective. Possessive. Please don't let me come between you and those you get along with. Having friends is important." He looked away, and barely audibly muttered, "I should know."

Jolting and whimpering at the shout Flug looked at Sans startled. "Okay, sorry… I won't do anything. How can I fix this? What do I need to do to help you? Do you need sex?" Flug asked slightly worried. "I would-will do anything for you. If you need a night with Nightmare, or the fish lady, or Red, or time with Papyrus, anything at all."

Sighing and dropping his head to the table with a hollow thud, Sans groaned. "I don't know." he whined. "I just wanna protect you, but you know, at least partially, what you are going into when you do this. I keep trying to treat you like the child you are while trying to treat you like an adult as well. The balance is so confusing. I don't know where the line in the sand should be drawn." His voice became choked, frustration drawing tears from his sockets.

"Treat me like your lover." Flug offered scooting closer and kissing his skull. "I'm an adult, I'm your lover. You don't have to protect me as a child. I think I know just about everything I should be wary of. At least in the Lust sector. It's okay to be possessive and selfish. Just take me and love me." Flug gave him a smile kissing him again.

"You make it sound so easy." Sans scoffed, but started to smile a little bit. "If you met a newborn or a two year old who could walk, talk, and do everything, but was naive, would you treat them like the adult they act like, or like a two year old? That is pretty much where I'm stuck at."

"I'm not two, Sans!" Flug huffed crossing his arms. "You told me to tell you if you ever were treating me like a child, well here is the time. I'm not a child. I don't baby talk or need taking care of. I don't wear diapers or need you feeding me or bathing me. I can take care of myself just fine."

Groaning and bouncing his head a few times off the table, Sans muttered something under his breath before continuing. "I wasn't saying you were two." The strained patience in his voice was obvious, "I wasn't saying you use baby talk, or need taking care of, fed, bathed, or were in diapers. I was merely stating that you are exceptionally young and naive. It was an analogy. An ultimately intelligent two year old to you is sort of how you appear to monsters and admittedly me at times. You are twenty, still barely more than a toddler by monster recognition, and I am over six hundred, and one of the oldest remaining monsters from before the barrier. I know you aren't a child Flug, but try to see things from my perspective."

"An analogy that involved how you think of me!" Flug whined pouting as Sans continued.

"Obviously. I'm trying to help you understand my point of view. I'm not saying I'm correct, nor am I saying I am wrong. I am merely trying to establish understanding by treating you as an adult." He explained, never lifting his head from the table.

Biting his lip to hide the smirk that grew over his face, Flug had an deviant idea. "So, I'm just a glorified two year old to monsters?" Flug asked.

"Pretty much. That's why I get the reactions I do when we are out together and people gather that I am mated to you, since a proper mating requires a sexual bond, and I'm known to like my sex and liquor." Sans confirmed.

"Yeah, I get it… Bonedaddy~" Flug cringed as it left his lips. "Nope, nevermind. That sounds horrible. I get it now." Flug shivered, narrowing his eyes at his mistake. "Thought it would be funny, but it just makes me think of your dad. Not to be rude, but ewwww."

Sans couldn't help laughing at the punny name. "Awe, come on. I like it. It was pretty punsome." He finally lifted his head to look at Flug, a smile pulling at his face.

"More cringy than punny to me. I understand a bit more about the age thing, but really Sans don't treat me like a smart two year old. If anything treat me as a dumb equal."

Raising his brow, Sans shrugged. "I can give it a shot." He allowed.

"Thanks… Now about your father… He told me you were getting along better and talking again?" Flug changed the subject to something Sans failed to talk about when telling of his week.

Flinching, Sans quickly looked away. "Uh, yeah. Figured it would be a sore subject so sorta skipped over it?" He hedged, not sure how Flug would take finding out he had created a portal to a place that could Dust him on accidental contact.

"I might not want to talk to him or be near him, but he means a lot to you. I want to know. Did he contact you first?" Flug asked.

Sighing as he realized he wasn't getting out of this one, Sans shook his head. "No. I reached out to him. Needed information."

"On a project you were working on or the ring? I asked him if he thought you would like yours."

"On your band. It could theoretically take you into the Void, but I don't know if you could ever return if you went. Also, I may have made it possible to create a field of space where those in the Void could, ah…." He was silent for a long minute. "Cross over?" He finally offered.

Flug was silent for a bit before asking slowly. "You made a way for them…. To come out…. Of the void?"

He nodded, looking at the ceiling, licking over his teeth nervously. "Yeah, but only into a very small space."

"What was the one thing you told me not to do when we made connection with the void."

"Try to reach it?" Sans flinched into himself. "Look, I'm really sorry. I couldn't help it! I was curious and I actually had the machinery and necessary power to try. I'm sorry!"

Shaking his head Flug tutted. "Shame! Shame on you for creating that without me! I wanted to help make something, but you told me no."

"It could use stabilized and refined, but I got the basics started. I still need to figure out how much of a field I want to allow them to have though and how to keep them away from the edge so they don't accidentally dust themselves when they reach the edge, plus keep us safe from contact. I could use help with that if you want?" He remembered a part of the issue that would make the whole scenario a real pain then. "Just one thing. We don't have enough power here. It is down in dad's lab."

Groaning Flug smacked his face on the table. "Fuck your dad..."

"Not interested." Sans quipped. "Now Blindy I might consider. He isn't too bad looking and is older than recorded time apparently."

Cackling Flug shot a look at Sans. "You are horrible! I might get jealous if you talk about going after older guys."

"You're already taking the younger generation." Sans joked back. "Besides, I must be no more than a child to someone his age. I'm not sure I want to know how old he is. He claims they didn't even track the years back in his time."

"Dang… You think he would let me get a sample of his bones to check it in the system?" Flug asked before frowning. "I really want to work on this with you. Can you wait for a few days?"

Sans's brow furrowed before shrugging. "I don't think we can move his matter into our atmosphere and I don't want to give him too much to work with on his side. Getting his data for testing may prove difficult. Either way, I can wait for you. I'm in no rush to reopen the portal."

"Thank you… I do want to officially meet your dad when he's not trying to kill me." Flug smirked before adding, "I guess I should say your skeleton dad."

Sans smirked as he got the joke. "I guess I am racking up quite a collection now, aren't I." Sans laughed.

"You are. You have a skeleton, a living flame, a demon. You have a lot of powerful dads at your disposal. You think that will mean some good wedding gifts?" Flug teased.

"Wouldn't count on it." Sans nudged him. "Now, you got any more surprises to jump on me or shall we go get some actual food for us both? I'm thinking something Indian and spicy."

"My pancakes from yesterday morning not fill you up? I know I'm starving, I only have some broth in my system that I haven't thrown back up. I'm glad Fuku is so good at healing otherwise I would still be down." Flug's stomach grumbled in agreement to food.

Sans expression darkened for a moment, remembering the secret conversation he'd had with the young healer, explaining her father's mistake. He was lucky she was academy trained. She had informed him, after returning from Flug, that left another day, the boy would have died. "We are definitely lucky to have had Fuku on hand." He agreed aloud.

"Hey, don't make that scary face. I didn't mean to get sick from healing you. I hadn't ever healed someone before."

Shaking his head, his eyelights returned and he smiled. "Sorry, lost in thought for a moment there. So, how does India sound?" He offered his hand.

"Not sure I've had it before. I lived mainly on sandwiches before you love." Flug admitted taking Sans's hand.

"It is really spicy, like some of the spiciest you can get. Even their tea is spicy." He explained and then heat washed over them as they were in a sun-baked street with adobe shops all around. "Take your pick." He offered.

Shivering at the sudden change Flug bit his lip. "Please, pick for me. I don't think I could pick something so suddenly. I will have a panic attack if I try. Something mild maybe."

Humming an indistinct tune, Sans scanned the bright place before striding down the street casually.

Gripping Sans's hand tight Flug followed like a child. "Where are we?"

An old style jeep whipped around a corner gunshots ringing out and bouncing off the walls, wild cries ringing out. "Duck!" Sans yelled, throwing a barrier over them, blocking a bit of flying rock. The vehicle flew past only to slam to a halt and start to roll backward until it pulled even with them.

"Oh shit." A black skeleton swore, trying to turn the key on the dead car while staring at them.

"PJ~" One with glasses ducked from the back, worrying and throwing scared glances at Sans and Flug, as well as the locals who were starting to come out of the houses.

"Dudes, we should really be runnin'. This part-a town don' look so fren'ly no more." An eyesore of a skeleton with very mobile motions and flashing glasses watched their surroundings as well, holding one of the pellet guns.

In the passenger seat with another pellet gun was a skeleton in a white hooded cloak and a long red scarf, black tank top, and bright white shorts, one white slippered foot braced in the seat as he stood through the roof holding the frame as the car drifted backwards.

Squeaking Flug ducked down at the sound of gunfire. Clinging to Sans's arm huddling close, Flug whimpered. "S-sans!"

Standing to his full, and usually unimpressive height, Sans glared at the four in the car and grabbed it with his magic. "Somehow I doubt your parents know you are out doing this." He growled at the group. Don't worry, just a bunch of punk kids with pellet guns. I know their parents. Just don't let the bright one touch you, or even get close.

Flug relaxed as Sans explained. Just some punk kids? I can handle that. Flug slowly straightened from his cowering, leaning close, but no longer hiding.

"Gradient, I thought you were doing better than this. And you, Goth, I know your parents would not be okay with this." Sans worked his way through the car.

"Man, why ya gotta bust on all our awesome vibes?" The bright skeleton, known as Fresh, made to step out of the vehicle, a simple move, but froze when he realized the car was a foot off the ground.

"Parasite, you stay put." San growled. "Your boyfriend has a bit of explaining to do. In fact, you all do. Why don't we just all have a nice, sit down, get together of the judges for this."

Instantly everyone paled, even Goth, the deathly white skeleton dressed in white. Fresh's glasses read 'Uh-Oh' across the lenses. He quickly sat back down in his seat.

"Sans! Don't call people parasites. That's rude." Flug quietly berated. "They are just kids, don't be a bully. Let's just call their parents and go."

"Yeah dude. You are totes bein' rude man." Fresh said, leaning out the window, shooting a finger gun at Sans.

He is a parasite. The skeleton you see is just a husk. He died a long time ago. He's the most dangerous out of this bunch. "Nice try pal. Not gonna work." Pulling out his phone, he selected a few numbers and started a group call. "Flug, would you mind telling the locals that these kids will be handled. If they act out, use whatever you have in your pockets. You always have something." Seconds later voices started erupting out of his cell and he had to fight to get a word in edgewise with all the parents.

The kids in the car grumbled and flopped back in their seats. Gradient was the only one who looked almost happy that they had been caught, but he hid it well.

Nodding Flug walked over to the group of locals explaining the situation and they slowly wandered back into their houses and back to their daily lives. Walking back over Flug looked up to the car. He could hear Sans trying to talk on the phone on the other side of the vehicle. "Why were you shooting pellet guns out of a car anyway? You scared a lot of people and someone could have gotten hurt." Flug shook his head at the group.

Gradient stayed quiet, keeping his head hidden deep in his hood, his boyfriend ahead of him mimicking the action, shy of the new kid that had appeared with the Commander. PJ had no such inhibitions though. "Are you serious? All those years in the Underground and you don't wanna shoot up some humans? I mean, I guess it's easy for you, you look like one. The rest of us get shunned." He glared at Flug.

Blinking affronted by the words and glaring, Flug opened his mouth to argue before remembering since his magic changed he was a monster. Slapping his forehead he muttered. "Of course, damn magic." Looking back up to them Flug shook his head. "Trust me I know what it's like to be shunned, but that's no reason to 'shoot up some humans,' really you are just causing trouble. Don't worry about who doesn't like you. Worry about who does. I just surrounded myself with people who cared for me instead of focusing on how weird I was and how others didn't like that."

Goth looked up from where he had been sitting quietly to check out the Commander's kid himself. "Who are you to tell us what to think anyway? You're just a kid yourself. Sure you've got him at your side, but that doesn't make you better than us." His voice was quiet and dry, reminiscent of old parchment or heavy books.

Huffing and rolling his eyes Flug crossed his arms. "I'm just telling you what I did. I was trying to help. Go and be angry at the world and get yourself thrown in jail or whatever for all I care."

Leaning over the crossbar of the ceiling Fresh lowered his glasses to get a better look at Flug before whistling. Strange tentacles and purple fire shone from his eye sockets flicking unnervingly and a small Soul shining in one. "You ain't like normal monsters, are you?" His normally weird voice evening out for a moment.

Looking up to the skeleton Flug blushed rubbing the back of his neck. "Not really… Your eyes are pretty."

"Hey! Back off sprite!" PJ snapped, almost climbing over Geno to get at him before the car rocked sending back into his seat. "He's mine!" He grumbled.

"I don't want him! I just thought they were cool. Stars, can you guys not take compliments. Razzy and Sugar Plum took them better than you." Flug grumbled, he wasn't interested in the weird looking skeleton.

A second later Fresh was standing right next to Flug, checking him out, poking, prodding, and humming to himself. "You're pretty interesting too. I could get some good vibes outta you if I wasn't worried about bein' Dusted." He mused before his brows shot up and the text of his glasses began flashing WTF across both lenses. "You got the D already? Wowza."

"Awe, no fair!" and "Seriously dude?" Were heard from Goth and Gradient, though only in a whisper before they both realized they'd spoken aloud and went quite with bright blushes, both wanting to complete their own bond.

"Not sure why you two are so surprised. He said he was buddy buddy with the sluts. Course he got fucked. I'm surprised Mr. Law over here let him though." PJ whined. He was still pouting about being caught, not that he'd admit it, but it was clear. "And no fair Fresh. We can't teleport yet."

Flug glared at PJ. "They aren't sluts, asshole!" Flug huffed irritated that his friends were bashed. "How can you even tell and who's Mr. Law anyway?"

Fresh shook his head, looking back at them with a smirk. "Naw, he may have gotten from them at some point, but this kid has his mark all over him." He poked Flug's jaw, shifting his head to reveal a Mark on Flug's neck. "Commander has been busy with this kid." He jumped back as bright bones shot through the sidewalk, nearly impaling him.

Shivering as Fresh tilted his head, Flug froze in place. The touch didn't feel like someone friendly, more of someone wanting something. Dangerous. Was this the one Sans told him not to get close to? Flug wanted to step away from him, but his body was stiff and he collapsed instead. Was he scared of the skeleton in front of him or was it what he said and knowing how that looked on Sans?

The kids in the car were all silent as the stared at the Mark, the attack and then Sans on the other side of the car, one eye blazing while still on the phone.

"One moment Error, I have to deal with your delinquent son's boyfriend before he tries to destroy my mate." He took the phone away from his skull, a blaster coming into being behind him as he advanced. "Listen and listen well you damn parasite. I've warned you before, do not EVER touch what is mine. I don't care if it is my brother, my lab, my friends, or my mate. Never even think of infesting what is mine. I don't care if you have taken my friend's kid as your mate-to-be, I will Dust you." He snarled.

"Commander?" PJ, who had been all snark until now, finally sounded scared. "Please don't. I can't lose him. Please."

After a short bit of glaring, Sans dropped the blaster and let the bones disappear, checking on Flug. "Are you alright? I need to finish this call, but I need to know you are alright." He crouched to be level with Flug, worried.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit shaken up… Sorry, you told me to stay away from him and he touched me." Flug fidgeted looking down. "I'm fine though, you can go back to your call. Um, we are still eating, right?"

Chuckling, Sans nodded. "Yeah, we will still be eating. Don't worry. Geno might make us join them for dinner though." Returning to his call as he stood to throw another glare at Fresh, he let Error know he was back.

Shifting on the ground Flug looked back up to Fresh. "He wouldn't Dust you. I wouldn't let him Dust you for just touching me. Don't do it again though..."

Fresh grinned at the new information. "Golly good to know my bro." He picked up his glasses that had fallen. Teleporting back into the car, he kicked his feet up on the shoulders of PJ's seat, lounging back. The other three boys in the car had been conferring together and all jumped when he returned.

Sighing Flug shifted hugging his knees to his chest. He wished his friends were here. It was weird trying to relate to the young skeletons, which were now his peers. He felt old and young at the same time. "Hey, why do you call Sans the Commander?"

Goth looked over surprised. "Don't you know? What part of the Underground are you from that you don't know that much? It's because he is the Commander of the entire Underground's military. You mated him and didn't know that? Wow. Your parents must have sheltered you." His white eyelights looked between Flug and Sans trying to understand how and why the most respected monster would stoop to taking someone not even out of stripes to his bed. His parents were active enough that he already knew what could and usually did happen with mates.

"I'm not stupid! He just doesn't talk about it. We normally talk about science…" Flug pouted.

"He never said you were." Gradient mumbled, fiddling with his knuckles before reaching forward to rub a shoulder of his boyfriend who had flinched from the outburst. When he was being egged on by Paper Jam, Goth was someone else, but on his own, he was just as timid as Gradient.

"It was implied." Flug crossed his arms. "Yes, I've lived under a rock my whole life and don't know anything about the Underground. I'm learning, but it's slow..."

All the kids stared at Flug trying to understand while Fresh's grin grew larger and larger. "Wa~it for it." He hummed.

"How do you not-" PJ scrunched his face, thinking things through not his strong point.

Gradient raised his head for the first time, bright orange and red sockets on Flug as he studied him. "You aren't, or weren't a monster originally, were you?" He asked slowly, dawning on the truth, eyes going wide.

"No… It sucks being a kid again." Flug huffed resting his head on his knees.

"That is so-" Gradient began, eyes bright.

"Weird." PJ finished for him while Goth muttered "interesting."

"No, it's cool." Gradient snapped at his brother.

A hum of disbelief and disinterest met his indignation

Suddenly they were all somewhere else, Sans having grabbed Flug's Soul at the last second and dumping them all on the furthest outskirts of the town slums. In front of the car stood four very pissed off looking skeletons.

Gagging Flug knelt on the ground trying not to throw up. The sudden teleport irritated his empty stomach. "Sans..." Flug whined spitting on the ground.

"Sorry babe." He came over to rub Flug's back. "I didn't want the kids catching on and you aren't the best at hiding your reactions.

A shouting fest started next to them as Geno and Reaper began chewing out Goth and Ink and Error did the same to PJ, only reprimanding Gradient for tagging along instead of telling them the truth. Fresh stayed in the jeep while the kids got out to handle their parents' wrath.

Groaning Flug leaned into Sans's hold. "Hey commander, the kids know about us and me. You should explain it more before they start spreading you mated a kid. That bright guy practically knew it instantly, can he see bonds or Souls like the Lust brothers can?"

"He sees 'vibes' or something like that. What gets under your skin or makes you happy. In mated monsters, that is typically primarily their mate. Don't worry, I explained it a bit to their parents before we got here. Also, please don't call me that. I only use the title when I have to." He whined at the name.

"Is that why his touch made me feel scared?" Flug muttered nodding at the rest of what Sans said. "Yeah, I prefer calling you lover or your name. Commander sounds weird."

Sans slumped in relief. "Thank stars. I only got it cause I was the most powerful. Now as for his touch, that was probably just your self-preservation kicking in. Apparently you do have some. With just a touch, he can take over your Soul, body, and mind, making you want to be all flamboyant and weird as him. He feeds off of the vibes that the infestation creates." He glared at Fresh lounging in the jeep.

"Stop that. He didn't hurt me just freaked me out. Don't go making your scary face and summoning blasters. He has someone he cares about and cares for him. Don't ruin that." Flug poked at Sans's glaring skull.

"You didn't see what he did to his sector single handedly. If he had a mind to, he could wipe out the world. Sorry Flug, but nothing could make me like that one. Especially not when it comes to making sure he doesn't take a liking to you." He sighed. "I won't Dust him, and I'll leave him be, but I won't tolerate him checking your stats again."

"Okay, I can live with that." Biting his lip Flug asked. "Um, you said something about food? Sorry for sounding like a child, but I haven't eaten anything today and I'm really hungry."

Sans laughed. "Yeah, once they finish yelling at them, the guys promised us food for the hassle." he assured. "Sorry for the long run without it. We've been cooped up in the lab for so long I forgot how often 5.0.5 made sure you were fed."

"Yeah, 5.0.5 would have already shoved food down my throat. It doesn't help that we are both forgetful and easily distracted."

"No, it does not." Sans agreed. Turning to the yelling group that was only getting louder and not getting anywhere, he sighed, summoned a blaster shot a blast at the sky, silencing them all. "While I'm sure you could scold the kids until the moon sets, I have a kid here who is hungry. Think we can move it along? You were all just as bad. I remember." He looked meaningfully at each of the adults, all of which had been born in the Underground.

Blushing brightly Flug hid in Sans's jacket. It was embarrassing being pointed out as a kid and a hungry one at that. It made him sound needy.

Sensing his mate's embarrassment, Sans winked at him, letting him know telepathically, They are all kids to me, and they know it. I even helped with bringing Ink in. That is the one with the painter's sash. He actually did my tattoos. "Now come on, let's get out of this sun. I don't need anymore bleaching." He griped. Sun in India was way too hot for him.

Still shyly hiding Flug stood following Sans closer to the group. Ink must be a really good artist.

He covers his own bones so you can't see it, but he has tattoos everywhere but his skull and he's done them all. Perfect ambidextrous. He's from the Ink sector, so it is the focus of his life. His mate is Error, the black one. He has haphephobia, so don't touch him. Gives him seizures. The one in the black robe is Reaper, don't touch him either. Not sure why, but something in his magic kills most everyone on contact. His mate, Geno is an exception, and I assume his kid is one too. Sans explained this all as they approached.

"Right, sorry Sans." Ink said, scratching the back of his neck as Reaper laughed.

"Fair enough. I remember a large number of messes we caused across the Underground." Reaper conceded, nudging Geno suggestively causing Goth, their son, to roll his eyelights.

Nodding along Flug relaxed slightly, but stayed close clinging to Sans's jacket. Thank you for warning me. I'm glad I can meet some more of your friends.

Also, they are all judges, the adults that is. They are all quite strong. Fresh is one too. I'm not sure where the kids will go with their lives, but with parents like this, they will be just as powerful. "No harm done. Now," He clapped Ink and Error on the shoulders, making Error glitch up and go into shakes, bright red and orange letters appearing and disappearing spelling out ERROR all over his body and the air around him. "Let's eat."

Letting go of both of them, he passed by into the large house behind them that blended and melded into the hill behind it.

"Bastard." Error muttered once he recovered.

Frowning Flug gave Error a small apology as he passed, making sure not to touch the skeleton. "S-sorry about him."

Ink shook his head. "He does it every time. Sometimes I think he just likes riling us up."

Small blue strings hung from Errors twitching fingers. "Dad~" Gradient said reproachfully before following Sans into the house, followed by the rest of the kids.

"So~" Geno, arm wrapped around Reaper, spoke up. "You are the child but not-child that Sans has mated. Certainly an interesting predicament." One of his eye sockets seemed to be white-washed, not dark like the other.

Flug bit his lip anxiously glancing at where Sans disappeared into the house without him. "Yes… That's me."

"Well welcome to the Judges' circle. I'm sure that you'll be great as a monster. " He extended a hand, his jacket falling open to show off a blood stained tee shirt.

All the others nodded, smiling at Flug's timidness. It was adorable.

Hesitantly Flug asked, "Am I allowed to touch you? I-I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable or upset. Sans is already upset at, um, the brightly colored guy." Flug quickly explained glancing at the others. They seemed nice, but Sans had weirdly dangerous friends.

Geno started, blinking before laughing. At the mention of Fresh, all four of them glared at the now empty jeep. "He has good reason for wanting to keep you away from the freak." Geno confirmed. "But as for us, avoid my husband and Error and you should be fine. Bumping into Error won't hurt ya, but hubby here, well, if he could sew as much as he reaps, we'd be quilted."

Shaking his head and sighing, Reaper explained. "My sector handled death in the Underground. Every monster in my sector is deadly in some way. I happen to be cursed with touch. Direct contact with my bones will kill you. Please try to avoid it."

Nodding Flug smiled, "Sans told me a bit about each of you. I would offer to help you, but the Lust brothers told me that being this way makes them belong in their sector. So, I wouldn't want to offend you or scare you." Biting his lip Flug looked to Error. "Again I'm sorry he did that. It's not nice to tease in a way that hurts a person..."

Error laughed, looking to Ink. "He wants to know why you are so nice if you work for the top- WHAT? You work for Black Hat?!" Ink stared at Error then Flug, stunned. The others were surprised too.

Chuckling Flug nodded, "Yes, Sans and I both work as inventors for Black Hat. Since mating Fell he has mellowed out and has started developing more pleasant emotions. They have an egg right now if you want to send them baby gifts. I would wait until it's laid though." Flug rambled. "Black Hat is like a father to me, he took me in and gave me a purpose. He is far from nice, but I prefer to respect others and treat them how I would want to be treated. Plus, almost all of you skeletons need someone to be kind and friendly to you. It's easy."

Error looked puzzled and again Ink spoke for him. "He finds it weird that someone so kind hearted creates all those weapons, but he won't judge. No, I'm not asking him that. No. Error!" Ink turned on his husband but Error looked at Flug, speaking for himself.

"Ma-aa-ay I-I-I s-s-stra-a-ang-g-g-gle Sa-a-ans?" He grinned, a proud and defiant smile on his face. It guaranteed fun and maybe a little pain.

Blinking surprised and bewildered Flug stared at Error before a smile broke out at the insanity of the request. Laughing loudly Flug shook his head. "Sorry, but no. I'm the one for the pain kink I don't think he would be into it."

Several ERROR codes crossed Error's face as he blushed yellow and Ink blushed the entire rainbow.

Geno burst out laughing with Reaper short behind him. "Alright, I like this kid!" He stated. "You will fit in great." Grabbing his shoulder, Geno steered Flug into the packed house where the smells of foreign spices and food clung to the very air. It was also a lot cooler inside even without a door.

Giggling Flug beamed happily allowing Geno to steer him inside. Walking over to Sans he asked, "Did you make me a plate?"

Sans tapped the bowl next to him. It was filled with a light broth and several unidentified objects. His own mouth was full and several empty bowls sat between him and PJ. They seemed to be having a contest of who could eat the most.

Happily lifting Sans and sitting down with his lover in his lap Flug teased, "Don't eat all of it. You know I'm starving." The others like me. Oh, and Error asked to join us in the bedroom for some reason.

Thankfully Sans had just swallowed or he would have sprayed his food as he coughed and gasped at the pronouncement. "A bit of warning babe?1" The room had gone silent already just at Flug picking up Sans to put him on his lap, but the deep blush in Sans's face had everyone, especially the kids, wondering what was going on with the two outsiders. "And you." He looked at Error who had just walked in. "What did you say to him? You can't be fucking serious?!" Eyes tracked from Sans to Error to Flug and back again, all entranced. This was a busy day. Even PJ stopped eating to watch, allowing Goth to steal his portion.

"Oh dear." Ink murmured.

Error grinned before pressing his hands together in front of his chest and drawing them apart, a cat's cradle pulling taunt with a miniature Sans doll hanging from the center.

Jolting and using his band Flug was instantly in front of Error staring at the tiny doll of his mate. "HOLY SHIT! It's a tiny you! How?! Did you make this?" Flug looked up to Error in awe.

"Again, some fucking warning." Sans growled, rubbing his ass as he had fallen back to the chair at the disappearance of Flug underneath him.

Error quickly stepped back from Flug's sudden appearance, the doll and strings all disappearing. He nodded, confirming he had created the doll though.

All around the table the kids complained loudly at Flug already being able to teleport. He was younger than some of them and they hadn't even been able to start to.

Flug held up his wrist showing off the band. "I can't teleport. Sans made this band for me to allow me to teleport places. Error, can you make Sans again? Could you make one for me? I would love to have a tiny Sans. Please! I would do anything for it." Flug begged the skeleton.

Error raised his brows. "A-a-any?" A small grin began to take over his face and Sans broke into a sweat. He had seen the other's hand gesture before Flug had teleported. Error hadn't asked for a bedding, he'd asked for a fight.

"Well, almost anything. I won't break my bond with Sans or allow someone to touch my Soul or Mark me... You can't beat him up or strangle him either." Flug added as an afterthought.

"Hey glitchy. I'll take you on. You'll make him a doll then, right? I just gotta be able to walk away. That is my only stipulation, that and nobody else gets hurt or dragged in." Sans called over the table. He knew what the black skeleton wanted. He was also back to eating.

Error had looked hopeful, but at Flug shooting him down he grimaced. Sans's offer had him grinning widely again though. Strings launched from everywhere and nowhere to form a hand for Sans to shake, sealing their deal.

"Better be a damn good doll." Sans warned. "Let me finish eating and let him eat, then we can fight."

Looking between the two confused. "Wait, what? Why are you fighting? I-I don't need one that bad..." Flug looked to Sans worried before turning to Error. "Why do you want to hurt Sans? Is it some sort of power play? I'll punch you right in your skull if you are just out to hurt my lover. I'm not one for violence but if you just want to fight him to hurt him I'll do it." Flug frowned giving Error a determined glare.

Everyone at the table threw questioning looks at Flug then Sans, including Error.

"Cool it Flug. As Judges, we used to spar pretty often. He ain't gonna Dust me and I won't Dust him. Everyone here is a one HP like me. Don't go unleashing your wrath. He's just itching for a fight and he knows I'll give him a good one. Honestly, I've been out of the fight for too long, I could use a good sparring match anyway. Just sit down and eat. It's fine. Remember, we are all friends here." He watched Flug as well, not concerned, but rather amused at how protective Flug had gotten for him.

Huffing Flug stuck out his lip in a pout. "How was I supposed to know that. All I knew is that he wanted to strangle you. Even Demencia doesn't say it like that when she wants to wrestle." Flug walked back to Sans sitting next to him and leaning close kissing his skull. "Sorry for being overprotective. I live with too many villains to not expect a fight to mean trying to kill someone. It would be fun to watch you spar. Your magic is so amazing." Flug gushed and started to eat his food. It was a bit hotter than he would have liked, but a few gulps of water soothed his mouth.

Blushing faintly at the kiss and praise, Sans kept his head down, eating himself and hoping everyone else would start to again as well. After a few seconds, the adults sat and got food as well and everyone once again began eating and banter started up between the kids and adults. In the din, Sans spoke to Flug so they wouldn't be overheard. "It's my fault for not teaching you. Even these kids can tell how much HP and LOVE a person or monster has. As for being protective, I can't judge you on that. Now, when we do spar, under no condition should you interfere. It will look like we are trying to kill each other. That is the point, pushing our capabilities. He said he wants to strangle me because he fights using strings. That doll, the handshake, the cat's cradle, all his creations. They can cut through almost anything and are wicked fast. Right now, you wouldn't stand a chance against him if he thought to block or stop you. Thanks anyway. These are some of the strongest guys I know. You only get to be a Judge if you are the strongest in your sector." He explained it all between bites of rice, peppers, mushrooms, and spicy food.

"Wow..." Flug looked around the table with new eyes on the skeletons. "Error has some pretty amazing magic… The fight will look kind of like the fish lady and the kids, right? Just if you get hurt I get to heal you. That is my deal. I won't stop your fight, but I get to coddle you afterwards… Thank you for doing this for the doll. I know you have your own reasons, but thank you." I want to have you with me always. Even if it's just a doll of you while you are working on your own things.

"What Undyne and her kid were doing doesn't even begin to compare. If you do step in, I can't guarantee I won't kill you on accident. There is a reason they had us go behind a protective screen in Antarctica. Fights, even sparring, are dangerous. If I get hurt, you can heal me, but if he gets hurt, let Ink handle it. We don't know if your magic is poisonous like mine or not yet. As for amazing magic, you ain't seen the half of it. Ink in a fight is just as hard an opponent, he literally uses ink, Reaper is a pro with a scythe that he can summon on a whim, and Geno, well. I don't know what he can do. He doesn't like to fight. A reset went wrong with him and he never properly healed from Falling. Now eat." Sans went back to his contest, several bowls behind PJ now and having to make up the difference.

Nodding Flug went back to eating excited about the fight. It sounded like a real superhero battle. He had seen a few with Black Hat fighting and it was something else. Eating Flug went to sneak a bite from Sans's bowls giggling at the small glares he got from the action. Taking the bite Flug felt like his mouth had caught fire. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he desperately fanned his tongue. "Hot hot hot!"

"Well if you're gonna steal food, you're gonna get burned." Sans laughed. "Anybody got something for him. He's used to much calmer stuff." he asked around the table. In short order a glass of goat milk was passed over.

"Ba dum, tiss." Goth and Reaper simultaneously mimicked for the pun and burn Sans had simultaneously handed out. "You dished that perfectly." The younger cheered.

"Nice follow up." Ink cheered, coming back into the room from retrieving more rice for their meal. He set the caldron down before setting himself up another bowl of the yellow curry.

Whining Flug downed the milk. "Meanie… no more kisses for you." Flug huffed picking at his food a lot more wary of the spices.

"Awe, you know you love me." Sans teased, eliciting gagging noises from all the kids and uncertain and confused looks from the parents. Flug had hinted at him and Sans being intimate before, and the way they acted certainly seemed to lean that way.

Shaking his head he smiled. Leaning over he covered Sans's skull in quick kisses. "I do love you~" Smiling Flug took Sans's hand in his own, their rings bumping together as he tangled their fingers. "You sure that spicy food isn't burning away all your magic tastebuds?"

"I'm sure." Sans grinned. Don't worry, I'll still be able to taste you just fine. He blushed under the shower of affection though, playfully pushing Flug off of him. Too many people were watching.

Turning bright red at the mental comment Flug lightly shoved Sans. "Sans!" You are such a naughty skeleton! I might need to punish you later~

Bursting out laughing at how red he got him, he nearly lost his balance on the shove. I'll take all your punishment love.

"Could you boys keep it PG? It is bad enough Reaper and Geno can't keep their hands to themselves." Ink sighed. "There are kids here, including your mate Sans."

PJ spoke up, taunting and obviously looking to cause issues. "Fresh says that Sans and the kid have already done it though. And the kid actually is just a human." He folded his arms, glaring at his parents. He wanted to be grown up and be with Fresh like they were with each other.

"We weren't being too bad, just kissing and holding hands. It was just pecks at that." Flug frowned scooting a bit away from Sans. "I'm not a kid either, I'm twenty three... I also have a name, it's Flug if you don't know."

Everyone looked completely unswayed by his arguments. "Twenty three and a monster." Reaper began before getting cut off by Sans.

"Did you not hear the kid?" He jerked a thumb at PJ, "He was human. Mentally he has all his facilities in the right place. I ain't about to treat him like a kid just cause he turned into one of us. He's in a peculiar situation. He is twenty three by human count, so by our count, he is old enough to be mine. His magic is just starting to activate properly, so he is a kid by that count, but he has been working for years, treated as an adult for years. I am not changing that just 'cause of some freak miracle. You can think less of us because of it, or get over it." He glared at everyone at the table, annoyed himself for Flug over the constant misconception.

"Well for our kids sake then." Ink tried, but Sans shook his head, pointing at Geno.

"Nu uh. No pulling that card. I've seen them grabbing ass and crotch all meal. You can kiss mine for all I care, I am not limiting him. He is perfectly in his right, so shove off or we will leave." His glare dared them to pick the second.

Geno and Reaper, both with hands caught on each other, blushed and shrugged at Ink and Error before shrinking into themselves with the glare that the black skeleton threw at them. There would be hell to pay later.

"Fine." Ink sighed, collapsing, "But that doesn't mean you are gonna get away with that sort of crap!" He instantly snapped at PJ. "I find out that you and him have done ANYTHING before you are old enough and I swear you will not leave this house and will not be allowed to see him until you are. Am I clear?" Error had to turn away as he laughed. Ink was so protective, it was hilarious.

Biting his lip Flug pipped up. "Um, Ink is right in that sense. You shouldn't rush into relationships until you are older. We are just a special case, but when we got together we both were of age. We aren't going to make out in front of kids, but if you are uncomfortable with us showing affection then maybe you should close your sockets. Plus, we are married and bonded so a little PDA is in our rights." Flug held up his hand showcasing his ring.

"You just don't like him and that's why you won't let me be with him!" PJ yelled over Flug, standing and pushing away from the table to glare right back. Black spots appeared all over the wall as his unstable magic reacted to his heightened emotions.

Without hesitation, Error cocooned his elder son in his strings, confining his magic and his body. "E-ee-eno-o-ogh." He growled. When he kept struggling, Error only sighed and the kid disappeared.

"Where did you- ERROR!" Ink yelled, turning on his mate. "You can't just throw our kids into the- You can't just put them there! Bring him back right now!"

Grumbling brokenly, PJ reappeared, looking terrified. "Don't do that!" He shrieked before tearing out of the room.

"Paper!" Ink called, hand extended before slumping back into his chair. Looking at Gradient he warned. "Do not turn out like him, please."

Flug sighed, wishing Fresh was here too. Turning to Ink and Error, Flug shook his head. "I know me and Sans have had plenty of arguments, but I think both of you need to accept his mate before you lose your son. Monsters know when they meet their Soulmate, right? Start learning how to accept them or you will drive him away. Trust me." Looking to Ink with a frown. "Also telling your kid not to be like another is a dick move."

All the parents and Sans shook their heads knowingly. "You'll understand when you're older." Geno told him with a smile.

"Fuck that." Flug stood walking in the direction PJ went. "I'm going to go check on him. At least I'm not too old to care." Flug hissed irritated that the parents weren't even going to try to understand the kid's feelings.

Just be careful babe. Sans asked of him but not joining.

Nodding Flug followed the sound of angrily muttering. "Hey, you okay PJ?" Flug asked softly peeking into the doorway.

Easels covered in paintings of all kinds filled the room, acrylic and pastel paints lined the walls, along with sports paraphernalia. The room was a mess. In the middle of it was PJ, crying agrilly as he hissed obscenities.

Creeping into the room Flug frowned. "Hey… PJ, can I sit beside you? Can I hug you?"

Looking over to Flug with his mismatched eyes, he half growled, half whined. "Why would you wanna do something like that?" Nobody hugged him. He was dangerous and worked hard for the rep.

"Because you're upset. A hug always helps when you're upset." Flug told him softly not moving from his spot until PJ allowed it.

"Fine. If it makes you feel better, whatever." He looked away, glaring sourly at a painting of the slums. They had a nice place, but only because of their magic. Without it, they would be in the same position as a lot of people out there beyond his window.

Smiling Flug sat next to him softly pulling PJ into a hug. Rubbing PJ's spine in a soothing motion, Flug frowned, "They are wrong to not accept your Soulmate. You both deserve happiness too."

PJ was surprised at how nice the hug actually felt and even more so when Flug didn't shoot down his mate-to-be. Turning carefully, breaking the awkward hug so that they faced each other, knee to knee, he really looked the human hybrid over. Just who was this guy?

"I noticed Fresh didn't join us. Is he not allowed in the house? If you both need a place to stay I'm sure I can get you a room in the mansion. I wouldn't condone sex or Soul bonding, but he could actually be under the same roof." Flug offered. This reminded him of his foster homes before he was adopted by his mother. Children being kicked out with nowhere to go. Punished for slipping the band kids food or clothes.

He shook his head. "No, because he is such a dangerous parasite, they don't trust him. I know I can though. He won't hurt me and hurting them would hurt me. I know they mean well, but…" He shook his head. "I just wish they could see what I do. Being here, in these slums, it hurts him, but he still comes around. These aren't the vibes he needs to live. They lack what he calls 'mojo'. Essentially it is happiness and goodness. A general peace and upbeat feeling. It is hard to describe." He scratched at the bright splash of color on his cheek before continuing, moving onto Flug's suggestion. "I don't think my parents would agree to me moving out either, especially not with you and Sans. I don't think they like the relationship you two have. It is too similar to mine and Fresh's." For once he was being honest and not aggressive. Nobody ever talked to him like an equal other than the kids, but the kids wanted him to be a tough guy, so it wasn't the same. Flug didn't seem to expect anything out of him.

Biting his lip Flug nodded. "If you need somewhere to go or someone to talk to I'll be here. Sometimes it helps knowing you have someone to rely on and a place to escape. I know Fresh can be a bit scary with his vibes, but if he doesn't bother anyone in the mansion I'm sure he will be allowed to stay or come over. Black Hat allowed the Lust brothers to have a room and I know a lot of people look down on them. They are good people. I'm sure if your parents gave Fresh a chance they would see that too."

"I'll pass on the offer when I see him next, but isn't Black Hat inc. on the other side of the world?" He was confused on the distance as well. Most of them could only travel a few miles at a time, Even his dad could only cover a few countries in a large leap.

"I guess it is. I forget how easy it is for Sans to travel. Here let's trade numbers and if you need me to come get you I can. This band can take me anywhere." Flug passed over his phone for PJ to put in his number.

Looking at the touch screen, the skeleton grimaced and handed it back. "Give me yours and I'll text you." He offered instead, pulling out an old button style flip phone. The kind that lasted through everything. His phalanges were poised over the number pad while he waited.

Smacking his forehead Flug nodded. "I forget about touch screens not liking bone." Spouting off his number Flug waited for the text to save PJ's number.

Seconds later a text went through, it read 'PJ' with two signatures in two sets of strange characters. "That's me." He saved Flug under Weird Monster Human Kid

Saving the number Flug smiled. "So are you feeling better? Want to go back and watch the fight?"

Sighing, PJ nodded. "Suppose so. If dad is busy with Sans, maybe he won't be able to throw me there again. It's so creepy." He gave a shiver before standing and offering Flug a hand up. "And if anybody asks, I will deny everything. Got it?"

"Of course, your secret is safe with me. Where did he send you anyway?"

PJ just shook his head. "Not a place you should ever go. How he and pops can go to those places is beyond me. I'm sure they had a reason when they were kids, but I don't wanna ever figure it out. It's all black and there is nothing there. No sky, no floor, just, nothing forever." He shivered before leading the way out of his room.

"It sounds like the Void?" Flug looked at PJ concerned. "I'm sorry. It must be horrible."

"How do you know of the Void?" PJ spun, pinning Flug to the wall with his physical strength alone. He looked terrified.

Squeaking Flug coward in PJ's hold. "I-I know of it because of S-Sans. I talk to the G-gaster Gang all the time."

Staring him down before stepping back to lean against a wall but still watching him, PJ thought. "So Sans knows about the Void. Who are the Gaster Gang?" He looked up to Flug, not sure if he should believe the story, but the other kid seemed to be honest with him so far. "Has Sans figured out a way to escape it yet? Has he been there?"

"No… Um the Gaster Gang are a group of scientists that got banished to the void. Sans put his own father there. He doesn't want him coming back even with their better relationship." Flug told him.

"Dammit." PJ swore. "But yeah, the Void is exactly where he puts us if we get on his nerves. Apparently the anti-void is even worse, but I can't imagine anything worse than that place. Pop swears it is much worse, but dad loves it. Pop goes to another place, he won't take us until we are adults, but if they like places like that, I'm not sure I want to know where he goes." The young skeleton shook his head, obviously scared of the unknown.

Eyes wide Flug shook his head stomping back into the dinning room rage fueling him as he got up in Error's face. "YOU SEND THEM TO THE VOID AS PUNISHMENT!? HOW-WHY?! DO YOU KNOW HOW MESSED UP THAT IS?!"

Nobody in the room had been expecting Flug back, Sans had been distracted, busy sharing results on some studies he'd been doing recently. The sudden shouting had everyone spinning and Error fell right out of his chair into Ink, sending him into spasms. Instantly shouting overtook the entire table as Sans tried to pull Flug away, Ink and Gradient yelled at him, Geno and Goth rushed to check on Error and Reaper tried to stay out of the way and not touch anybody.

"What the hell Sans!" Ink yelled at Sans, blocking Flug from getting near his Soulmate, enraged instantly.

Gradient had, in no time digitized and captured Sans and Flug in a barrier cage, keeping them from running off and escaping his Pop's wrath, the look in his eyes absolutely murderous.

On the floor, Geno and Goth did what they could to prop Error up without triggering his disability, not used to such a sudden attack.

Slamming his fist against the digitized barrier. Rage and determination fueling his fist cracking the barrier as he yelled. "He sends them to the Void! He could kill them and never get them back! He's trapping innocent kids in there! HE'S TRAPPING THEM WITH GASTER!"

Sans's eye blazed at the new information, fueling Flug's strikes with both of their magic, flooding and shattering the thin barrier to wrap and secure every person in the home, mist up to their waists in every corner of the place. "You had better have a damn good reason for allowing this Ink." Sans had never been this pissed off. The Void was not some place for children, and certainly not a place to just shove someone lightly.

All the yelling stopped instantly, none of the others having ever encountered this form of Sans's magic or having dealt with him this pissed. The entire place had an air of warning and angry energy. Geno and Goth both slowly poked their heads above the mist to stare at Sans in terror. Gradient was completely at a loss. Even PJ couldn't break his barriers. He'd never tried to catch his parents, but he thought it would hold up.

"Look, Sans. It isn't as bad as it sounds. I promise…" Ink tried.

Flug shook in place. "You are talking about the Void! It's all bad! He's shoving your own children in with killers! A place they can't escape from and could be trapped forever. FOREVER WITH KILLERS! How is that not bad?"

Ink's eyelights went out. "Okay. Okay, that changes things. Last time we were there, there was nobody there. We spent a lot of time there, nobody was ever there. It was complete isolation." Ink was shell-shocked.

Error, who had just regained his feet also went still and slack.

"What do you mean, last time you were there? I thought nobody could get out of the Void?" Sans asked, still pissed, but interested as well.

Huffing Flug pointed to Gradient, "He's been putting his kids in the Void when they irritate him. Obviously he's able to get them back. Until he can't. Plus, how did you not see Blindy?! He's been there before, well, all of you were born!"

"I didn't-" Gradient tried to argue but was shushed by Reaper behind him.

"I guess we could have missed one person." Ink tried, but even he couldn't justify it. "Look, it used to be a nice place. Error and I went on a lot of dates there. It was always empty. Sans, you know that the Ink sector inhabitants tend to disappear for months at a time before returning. Right? Well, we have a place similar to it that we always go to. Error's sector collapsed just as it was being founded and he is all that is left because he hid in his extra dimension. We figured the Void was just someone else's dimension and was safe as ours. We swear, it wasn't meant as anything more than a time-out space. You know, big, open, nothing to do but think or blow off steam. I swear we had no idea it was dangerous."

Error nodded in agreement, waving Gradient over to him and hugging him close, forcing down the ERRORs that ran across his body and made him flinch in pain.

Huffing Flug crossed his arms he was beyond pissed, but it was slowly draining him. It was hard to keep all of the powerful rage going. It's up to you to forgive them or tell them off anymore. I was just so pissed they would do that to their kids. They should have seen the fear on PJ's skull when he even thought of it. The Void scares-no terrifies him. Shaking his head, Flug pulled at his hair. "How can they not see how scared they make their own kids?"

Simple. They think they are doing the right thing. Parents make that mistake all the time. How many kids are afraid of the dentist or the doctor? Sans pinched his nasal ridge with a sigh. "Look, guys, I can vouch for the lack of safety in the Void. The guys we talk to there, they are almost all there for some nasty reason, including Gaster. You remember the scars you covered when you did my tattoos?" he looked pointedly at Ink, "Those were from Gaster. He did much more to others, dusted many others. I lived. I was lucky. There are monsters in the Void other than him, some are half-way decent, some are not. Just don't send your kids there. Also, consider getting Toriel from the Asylum sector to talk to PJ. He may not like it, but something tells me he's gonna need it."

Turning his gaze to Error, he just shook his head. "We will fight another day. You have some shit to even out with your family. I'm taking mine home."

About to leave he remembered one more thing. "Kiddo," his attention now on Gradient, "Nice barrier, but next time, measure your opponent's strength first. I outclass everyone here put together, plus I have my mate, who's power, while uncontrollable, is in the same rank. Keep up the good work and don't stoop to your brother's shenanigans. You are a strong individual."

Leaning into Sans's side Flug glared at Ink and Error. "Don't be putting your kids in the Void. If I hear about it happening I'm coming back to knock some sense into you."

"That counts for both of us. And I'll be asking our people to keep an eye out, so don't think we won't know." With that said, he teleported them back to their room. They had managed to get a free meal, but the turmoil of that family was way more than he'd bargained for. What a mess.

Collapsing on the floor Flug sighed. "That was crazy. Sorry I went off like that."

"Welcome to magic spikes." Sans sighed, collapsing right next to him. He'd forgotten just how draining they were. First Paper Jam, then Flug, then Gradient, if Goth had gone through one, Sans figured he'd have accidentally leveled the house. "Thankfully everyone calmed down pretty fast. They must be used to it by now with three kids. I don't know how they do it." He groaned. " But still, are they able to access and traverse the Void at will and there are other spaces like it? I need to run more tests."

"But first rest. Lay down with me at least until I fall asleep." Flug pleaded slowly standing to crawl into bed.

Not bothering to stand, much less crawl, Sans teleported under the blankets. "Soon as you get here. I will never turn down naps." He chuckled beneath the blanket, moving over to make sure there was enough space for Flug.

Nuzzling into Sans's ribs Flug fitted himself under his chin. "I love you. I'm glad I met some of your friends even if they make stupid choices."

"Eh, we all make stupid choices." Sans hummed, stroking Flug's back and wrapping a lone leg around the warm body that was suddenly so close. "Some are just stupider than others."

"True…" Flug sighed, clinging to Sans as his love wrapped around him. It was soothing to have him so close after being apart for so long. Flug clung to him as if Sans would leave again in the night.

Breathing slowing and becoming longer and shallower, Sans drifted off until his ribs barely moved. He'd been running so long and using so much magic. Rest beside his Soulmate was blessed. "Mine." He murmured in his sleep, claws digging into bare skin momentarily before releasing only to tighten again, much like he was kneading Flug's back as well as holding him safe or protecting him.

Humming happily Flug nuzzled Sans's ribs falling asleep. The kneading claws causing him to arch closer to Sans. It stung but also gave a sense of protection and ownership. He was Sans's.