Funderswap!

by ReneeLouvier

This is an ongoing story having been co-written by myself and a friend.

1. Chapter 1

It's a beautiful day outside.
Crystals are glowing.
Flowers are whispering Looks like a good day...
To mess around with wreckless abandon!

A little shadow climbs up the cabin at the far east of snowdin. Gingerly placing three buckets over the roof panel above the door. They had to make this perfect for the first ultimate prank! They had to! Friends were watching at some bushes across the way, seeing if their plan would work. A small thumbs up from the shadow as one of the monster kids from the bushes threw a snowball at the cabin door to get a knock in before hiding again.

Wingdin had been getting ready for work, as well as Dr. Caddy Brewer; who was normally just called Cupcake, by his usual nickname. Before any of them could leave however, Sans was excited to head back to school after having been sick for for a few days.

"PAPA! PAPA, YOU SAID YOU'D WALK ME TO SCHOOL TODAY! WE CAN'T BE LATE!" Sans exclaimed brightly, taking hold of his Papa's gloved hand as he headed to the front door.

Before Wingdin could stop him however, the little skelegator had opened the front door, and was drenched in icy cold water, chilling him to the bone, even past his baby blue ectogel.

Cupcake was furious, as he glared around in the front yard. "Where are you, y-you little hooligans!? Show yourself this instant!"

Before anyone could stop them, another snowball was thrown straight at Cupcake!

"Shoot! They're out! SCATTER!" One of the kids yelled before they all ran off.

The one monster on the roof panicked and scaled down the way before slipping and falling to the snow below...face first. From the fur and tail...seemed to be a cat monster. A muffled "Oww.." can be heard a few moments later.

Cupcake screeched as the snowball struck his face, and sputtered angrily. Wingdin ran outside and she scooped up Sans into her arms protectively.

As he swiped off the snowball from his face, he had to bend over to get his glasses from the ground. Seeing the cat monster, he blinked a bit. "You're one of the perpetrators then aren't you? Hmm...a-are you okay?"

Wingdin carried Sans back inside the house, and helped him to get stripped of his wet clothing, and into something dry. She knew he just wasn't going to school today most likely.

The cat monster managed to get herself up and shake any remaining snow off. She looked up at the one calling out and blinked.

"THEY MADE ME DO IT! YOU WON'T TAKE ME ALIVE!" She shouted out before running off to the river's edge.

Cupcake blinked again, and he sighed, following after her. "Miss! Miss, if they made you do it...drat...I just want to talk with you..."

Bitter had come out from the house, and he looked up at the roof, seeing one of the buckets barely hanging onto a Gyftmas lightbulb. "...what the hell happened out here? Sans is already friggin sick again!"

The girl seemed to panick at seeing him and decided running back home was no option. She noticed an ice block coming down and decided that would be her ticket out! She tried for a jump but her leg didn't seem to work with her as she plummeted into the icy water, struggling to swim with an injured leg.

"AH! NO! NOOO! GUYS! HELP ME! MAMA!" she struggled as she tried reaching for something to stay afloat as the waters slowly carried her.

Cupcake had gotten to the icy water, and he tried to grasp her with his blue magic, but she was moving too fast; despite the slow carrying water for him to grasp her.

Papyrus had already left the house, and was heading to Gerson's market to pick up some cinnabunnies for his work. Hearing the yelling; he threw off his hoodie and leapt easily into the water. "hang on kid, i'll get ya..."

Using his strong tail, he propelled himself through the water, and snatched her up; bringing her to the edge of the river. Cupcake already had his thick vest off, and wrapped her up in it.

"Dear, are you okay? Y-You are absolutely insane, child to go swimming in the w-water!" Cupcake murmured, as he held her close to his chubby soft chest.

She just started shivering, unsure what to really think at the moment except fear and pain.

"Uh...u-uh..." was all she managed to speak out before letting out a little sneeze.

Cupcake sighed softly, and he hurried to bring her back to his home, not sure how else to help her at the moment. "It'll b-be okay, dear...we'll get you warmed up in n-no time."

Papyrus pulled himself out from the river, and shook himself clean, yawning. He decided to continue on towards the labs, knowing that his Papa would be late to work most likely.

The girl didn't say much but watch him take her in. She just snuggled into the warmth of the vest and hoped things would turn out okay. Maybe the rest would come back to get her...?

Cupcake continued to carry her into the house, to the kitchen. Wingdin, love; put on the kettle for some cocoa, for the little one here. She tried to run into the river, near the Ice Wolf... He called out in Hands to Wingdin.

Wingdin sighed, as she worked on getting Sans warm, while he cuddled against his Papi, the large hulking brute known as Edge. Of course, Caddy...eh, if the little one is okay with it, let her rest with Edge. He's really warmed up right now, and he's right in front of the fireplace!

Edge looked up at Cupcake and the little girl. "She is one who throwing water on Sansy? Why you do thees? What is name?"

The cat girl looked over at Edge, seeming unsure of what to say. Instead, she just hid in the vest before mumbling something.

Cupcake sighed softly, and he gently started to rub her head and back with the inside of his vest. "Dear you need to speak up, okay? We couldn't understand you any...and at this point, you're not really in trouble, okay? We just want you to be alright..."

Edge shifted Sans against his chest and he chuckled softly. "You not give good of name, I give you name, little kitten...eh, your name could be being...ooh, how about being Alice?"

The girl peeked at Edge and sighed. "...I have a name...My name is Marrie..." her voice squeaked out, "...and...my leg hurts..."
She mumbled out that last part as she tried moving her bad leg to a more comfortable position, wincing slightly.

Cupcake gently helped Marrie to move and he worriedly frowned. "Oh, no...my wife can help you Marrie. It's not a problem at all. I'll let you rest on my husband, while I get her, okay?"

The heavyset teacup scientist delicately placed Marrie on Edge's soft chest, then he went to go and get Wingdin. After a few moments, Wingdin came into the living room, and she knelt down in front of Edge, looking to Marrie.

"Marrie, I am Mrs. Aster...Sans mother. Caddy saying you have hurt leg?" She gently lifted her bony hands and rested them just above Marrie's legs, a soft green light gathering at her fingertips, as she worked on attempting to heal the little cat-girl's leg.

Marrie just watched her work, still suspicious but curious. She didn't really say much else until her leg started feeling better.

"...you're gunna let me go now...right...? I'm still gunna be in trouble...?"

Wingdin seemingly pursed her 'lips' if that was even possible for a skeleton, and she sighed. "Marrie...it was not just being you who put those water buckets on my home. I do not know if you are being in trouble, but...I just want to asking a couple of questions before I let you go back to your home, dear."

Cupcake nodded, as he stood behind Wingdin, watching carefully. "My wife is correct. Just why did you put those buckets of water on our roof? Were you and your friends trying to attack me for some reason? I know some monsters don't particularly care about me being their Royal Scientist...or was it something against Sans? He's only seven years old...he has one hp, Marrie...you could have killed him by doing that..."

She didn't look at either of them, just staring at the floor.

"I don't know...they just said it would be funny...and I could join them if I did the favor...cause I can climb better..." She muttered out, "I wanted to help be funny...they said no one will get hurt...and I get friends... What's a Royal Scientence? Sentence? Sen...Scienny...?"

She didn't really know whell how to pronounce it. No idea who these people in front of her were. All knowledge was just on a promise and a laugh but ended up with a lot more.

"Royal Sci-en-tist. It is what my job is. I work with Queen Toriel." Cupcake sighed gently, shaking his head. "Ah, I see...don't you worry yourself, Marrie. If you're feeling better, you can go ahead and go for now. You're not in trouble."

Wingdin nodded in agreement, and she frowned sadly. Marrie was tricked most likely...we will just do what we can to keep Sans healthy, Caddy. Just send her on her way.

Edge gently handed Marrie back to Cupcake; who delicately took the little cat girl in his gloves. Then the Royal Scientist carried her to their front door, and placed her onto the ground. "Go home, Marrie. You're not in trouble."

She just looked at them all and nodded slightly before staring up at Cupcake.

"...Okay. Thank you..."

She started to walk and paused, like trying to think. A lost look in her eye before going off to a corner in the path and drawing in the snow. Waiting again...

Cupcake watched Marrie for a few moments, and he sighed softly. He saw that she was just waiting for something that may not ever come for her.

Sans let out a growling sneeze from Edge's chest, as he cuddled in the blanket.

Wingdin knew that Sans would most likely need some medicine, and she put on her winter coat and scarf and headed out from the house to go to Gerson's market. It had been nearly an hour since they'd sent Marrie away from the house.

As she came farther up the pathway into town, from their little Gyftmas light adorned house that sat in the far east of Snowdin. She stopped as she saw Marrie. "Oh...oh Marrie, just why are you not at home? Is everything being okay?"

"Um...i don't know..." She shrugged as she kept drawing in the snow. Seemed to be little stick figure cats with little smiles. Looked just like a little family.

Wingdin would have knelt down, but she had been having trouble kneeling down lately. "Aww...well, hmm...would you wanting to come with me to Gerson's market? I can get you a cinnabunny."

She smiled sweetly to Marrie; her hand resting on the side of her stomach as she giggled a bit. "I know you did thing early; but it is okay, Marrie. You just little kitten, you not knowing any better sweetiepie."

"Okay..." She nodded and left her little drawing to get up. She seemed sad at being called sweetiepie but something else quickly got her thoughts back, "What's a cinnybunny...?"

Wingdin smiled softly, as she looked to Marrie sweetly. "A cinnabunny is a little sweet pastry. Rolled up with flaky dough, and coated in cinnamon and sugar. I do make my own cinnamon buns, but I sell them in New Home."

"Do you not like me calling you that nickname?" She commented gently as she walked on towards Gerson's market, with Marrie following beside her.

"Sounds yummy!" She commented lightly as she tried grabbing onto Windin's hand.

"Mama called me sweetie lots. Cause I like sweet things. But I get losts a lot too. That makes them mad..but unka says it's okay longs as I have a hand and get back home." She chattered.

She wasn't very vocal before, but she certainly is now with promises of food.

Wingdin nodded, smiling as she then easily held onto Marrie's hand. "Oh, is that being so. If you know where you live, I could be helping you to get home, with a few cinnabunnies for you as well."

"I know how it feels to have worries over little children being lost. I do worry about watching over Sans in the coming months..." She stated softly, heading towards Gerson's market in the distance.

"I live in Wa...Water...Waterfall." She stumbled with her words, "There's lots of plants and stuff cause of sissy. I think it's pretty." She chimed in as she walked, "Sissy makes lots. And unka makes meda...mede...medacin...medaci...medacine!" She seemed happy enough with her pronunciation.

Wingdin smiled, and giggled a bit. "Okay then, Waterfall. After we get some cinnabunnies; I can bring you back home, would you be good with that, Marrie?"

As she had gone into the market, she got a dozen cinnabunnies and she then came back to Marrie as she'd let her read a kids little magazine, looking at the pictures. "I've got you a dozen of cinnabunnies. So let's go and get you home, Marrie."

Before they left the market, she paused, shaking her head a bit. "They are already kicking so strongly..."

Marrie nodded, seeming happy with that idea.

Marrie kept looking at her pretty pictures, tail switching in curiosity. Her ears perked up when Wingdin's talked again.

"Kicking?" She asked confusedly as she looked around. Looking for something that looked like kicking.

Wingdin blushed softly, and she giggled at how Marrie was acting. "Oh! I...eh, I am having baby, Marrie! I am only two months away from having little one."

"Oooooh" She cooed out before putting down the magazine.

"Babies do that?" She asked confusedly before taking her hand again to leave.

Wingdin grinned softly, and nodded. "Yes they do, they move about within my stomach, and they can be so very active!"

She led Marrie on through Snowdin, then on towards Waterfall. As she came through the pathway, she removed her winter coat, and draped it over her shoulders, which easily revealed her rounded stomach as she led Marrie further on. "Do you know where you are living?"

"Um..." Marrie looked around, trying to find something that looks familiar.

"Sissy said...um...ice...goes home...but...no ice...lots of crystals and mushy...musha...mooshuus...mush...mushrooms!" She smiled at getting the word out again. Words were hard sometimes. "Sissy knows lots of trickies and stuffs. I like sissy."

She nodded and smiled. "Oh! I know where you are living then, dear. You are in crystal caverns! I will taking you there...how you got all the way in Snowdin, that is...very interesting."

"New friends took me. I have one friend. And she said to come. So I followed cause they said I'd get more friends and we do something really funny. I like funny stuff. " She mentioned, "I don't know where they are now...I got stucks...and lost again." She seemed pretty sad about that.

"Oh no...you are needing better friends then! Also...my little boy Sans, he always wants to have friends..." Wingdin murmured softly, carrying the bag of cinnabunnies on her free wrist.

"Hmm...you liking funny stuff, Marrie? And do not be worrying about being stuck, is why my husband and older son helped you." She gently patted Marrie's shoulder, while leading her towards the Crystal Caverns in Waterfall.

Marrie nodded all the same. As the two neared the Crystal Caverns, two voices could be heard arguing, echoing across the halls as they got closer.

"You were sitting right there! How the hell did you not see her leave?!"

"I've got my eyes closed and getting a jam out! I can't be looking at everything over here!"

"You had one job! Stars alive, V! It was just watch over our sister! And you couldn't even do that!"

"Fuck you! I have more jobs than that! Why is this suddenly mine!? I get a break out of the fucking day and ya expect me to be baby sitting?!"

"THIS IS OUR SISTER! THE ONE THAT GETS LOST ALL THE DAMN TIME! UNC'S AND I CAN'T BE FUCKING WATCHING HER ALL THE DAMN TIME! I DAMN WELL CAN'T DEPEND ON MOM TO DO IT!"

"Oh like I don't work enough either?! You're not the one people depend on to fucking keep the plants alive! Fuck you!"

Further down were two cat monsters. One dressed in a flowery...punk rock kind of style, teeth beared and looking angry at the taller cat monster in tattered overalls and straw hat.

Wingdin sighed as she came a bit closer to them as they argued. "Ah...h-hello? Hello, I have brought Marrie home? Are you, eh, being family?"

She gently picked up Marrie into her arms, and sighed shaking her head. "Do you two fighting like this, when Marrie is being under your care?"

The two teens looked over at Wingdin, surprised someone was around to hear them.

"Sissy! Bubba!" Marrie cheered before reaching out at them.

"She's heard worse..." Both of them answered plainly before the one in overalls took Marrie over. "How far did you get this time?" He sighed as Marrie giggled and hugged his neck.

"Thank you for bringing her back. We're very sorry about the trouble.." He apologized as the other teen cat blew a stay tuft of hair from her face.

Wingdin sighed softly, and held out the bag of cinnabunnies to V. After V took them, the sweet skeleton mother rested her hands on her stomach. "It is okay...she apparently went all the way out to Snowdin."

"What she did was, well...she had a bit of fun playing with my little boy. And my husband, Dr. Brewer, he so happy that our little boy Sans has a new little friend! Maybe, we can go visit together in New Home Gardens? I am Wingdin Aster-Brewer...it is pleasure to be meeting you both."

"Snowdin?! How the fuck...?" V started as she held the bag but a glare from the elder brother stopped her short.

"Well..thank you for taking her all the way back. I'm glad she wans't too much trouble. Very sorry again ma'am. Marrie? What do we say?" He looked over to his younger sister with a soft smile.

"T-Thank you. P-play?" she seemed happy with the idea.

"She'd love that. I think some more friends are in the market for her. Right Veron-..." He started but a growl from the punk floral sister interrupted him.

"Call me by that stupid name and I'll shred your tail, Darren. And yeah. Sure what the fuck ever." V hissed before heading off.

Wingdin merely watched as V stalked off, and she shook her head. "Mmm. Yes, Marrie...we can set up a playdate with you and my little boy Sans. As long as we are not being busy."

Papyrus had finished up some things at the house, and he wondered what was going on. He sent a text to Wingdin; who responded back quickly.

The motherly skeleton sighed. "My older son, Papyrus, he will be coming back, so I do not have to be...walking all the way back home. He...might be bringing my husband with him as well. Darren, is it? I am happy to have brought Marrie back to you."

"You are welcome to stay and wait then if you wish. I know the walk is long, ma'am. Least we can do. Marrie...how about you check on Mama, hmm? I'm sure she'd like to see you." Darren gently let his baby sister down. Marrie looked up at him with a little sadness and nodded before heading off.

"I also apologize about my sister. We've been...all a little overworked." He sighed before leading the way down to house down the cavern. Just as Marrie described. Mushrooms crystals, and many types of plants were growing around. A small river could be seen flowing behind the house that seemed to rake down to the larger patches of plants around the area.

Wingdin followed Darren down to their house, and she smiled softly seeing how their house appeared. "It is being okay, Darren. I knew something was wrong when she was talking of her leg hurting and seeming so little to be doing such a thing when she wandered..."

Papyrus had indeed shortcut over to Waterfall, with Dr. Brewer along with him. He followed along the path that he could smell of cinnamon, that he knew his mother smelled like.

"Yes. My youngest sister has a bit of a twitch to her leg and speech as you have heard. But it's nothing life threatening. We have been told she should grow out of it." He explained lightly as he opened the door to the house.

It's plain looking. A large brown couch in front of an old tv, a small simple kitchen in the back with a table big enough for 4 people. A hallway to the rear of the house and a staircase next to that leads to the rest of the house.

Marrie grabbed two cinnabunnies, one immediately going in her mouth before running off with the other in her hand, heading down the hallway before slowly sneaking inside. Staying quiet...

Wingdin nodded softly, and smiled sweetly. "Ah, that is understandable. Many little ones have such of the issues, you know..."

Papyrus came further down the path, and he saw the nice looking house, and chuckled a bit, knocking on the door. His father, Dr. Brewer stood behind him.

Darren heard the knock and headed over to open the door. "Ah. You are here for Madam Wingdin...yes?" He asked as he saw Papyrus.

"How many guests are we having over? And please tell me they're not here for anything your sister is...experimenting...with again...?" A rough voice called from outside the home.

Papyrus chuckled softly, as he smirked to Darren. "sure, yeah. we're here to pick up ma. papa, ah, well, dr. brewer, had decided to come as well. hope that's not an issue..."

Wingdin had gone a bit through the living room, and she'd settled herself onto the little couch, hoping that Marrie was okay, and she still wondered just how the little cat could have gotten all the way out into Snowdin from where she lived. She heard the rough voice calling, and sighed.

A tall, rugged cat monster with a beard went around Pap as he came in the house with a basket of fresh picked vegetables.

"Hello uncle. No, they're not from Vera. This ma'am brought back Marrie before she got too lost." Darren explained, "Vera's run off and Marrie's currently with mom."

"Not causing too much of a rukus, I hope. Thank you for returning my young niece. She means well but she's a bit direction disabled." The older cat chuckled before heading to the kitchen.

Wingdin giggled softly and nodded. "It is being no problem, sir. I...well, I was hoping to maybe have our children have little, eh...what is word dear?" She gazed to Cupcake as he came inside and stood beside her.

Cupcake smiled sweetly. "Oh! You mean a playdate, love. Yes, it would be nice perhaps, if my son, Sans, and your...niece, Marrie have a playdate together one of these days. Despite what happened, I'm sure our son will be perfectly healthy in a week or so, and we can arrange that. He does love swimming out here in Waterfall, being half-alligator as he is..."

"Hmm. Girl needs more outings that don't get her lost. I see no reason as to why not." He agreed. "My apologies. Call me James." The cat smiled.

"Should I handle the cleaning again, Unc?" Darren asked.

"No. We'll leave your sister to do it. You know she'll do things for a meal. For now, make sure our guests are taken care of. I still have to prepare some medicines for shipment to Hotland." James shrugged it off and headed upstairs, "Excuse me. Work is never done, sadly. Enjoy yourselves."

Cupcake chuckled and nodded at what James stated. "It's q-quite alright, sir. And yes, I'm quite aware that work is never really done, anymore...I should be heading out to work soon enough at the labs anyways."

Papyrus had instead sat down beside his mother, and he smirked. "yeah, it's fine sir." He looked to Darren, and smiled sweetly. "thanks for uh, hosting us i guess? and it's not a problem at all either dude..."

"My family just has a bad problem in thinking they're a fucking burden! But I say to hell with it! So what!" Vera hissed as she came back over to the kitchen.

"Can you yell any louder? I don't think mom heard." Darren looked deadpanned at his sister, "You also have veggies to clean. Unless you don't want dinner"

"Uuuuuuugh. Gotta bug me for shit again. And...you guys still here? Aren't you tired of this mudpile?"

"Leave them alone, V. They can stay long as they want. How about you-..."

"I'll shut up when I want to! You're not da-..." the cat girl promptly got cut off as her brother put a cinnabun in her mouth.

"Quit it. You can bitch at me later. Not while we have guests." Darren sighed as V growled with the bun in her mouth.

Wingdin giggled softly, her hand resting on her stomach, watching as the siblings argued very easily with each other. "Oh, do not be worrying about ourselves. We have our own children, we are used to the eh, sibling battles."

Cupcake nodded in agreement, as he leaned down, giving Wingdin a gentle kiss, before he then left to head to the labs for work.

Papyrus snickered, his tail resting on his thighs a bit. "and nope, we're not tired of this uh, mudpile. i'll say this, i'm only really here cuz ma's here. she just likes to make sure things are safe for everyone...my mother has a big soul, yanno?"

"We'll be fine. Thank you again for everything." Darren assured as V just munched on the bun with an annoyed look.

A moment later Marrie came back with half a bun left in her hand.

"Hey Marrie. Mom try eating?" Darren smiled lightly at her. The girl nodded and showed off the bun in her hand.

"More than I thought. That's good. We'll get her to eat later. Why don't you say goodbye to these nice people? We can see them all later" Darren spoke softly to the youngest.

Wingdin and Papyrus had stood up from the couch and the motherly baker smiled sweetly to Marrie. "It was nice to be seeing you Marrie. Maybe in bit of time, we can have you come play with my little boy, Sans? Would you liking that?"

She looked at the two to make sure this wasn't a joke. Took 2 seconds before she nodded with an excited smile. "Play! P-play!"

Wingdin's smile only got wider, and she nodded brightly. "Oh, yes that is sounding so wonderful, Marrie! You can come play, whenever you wanting."

She reached into the pocket in her skirt, and pulled out one of her cafe's business cards, handing it to Darren. "This is my number, please, be calling me when you wanting her to play time with my little boy."

Darren took it with a smile and nod. "Of course. Thank you again for everything."

Marrie looked more than happy with the new exchange. She got a friend after all

Papyrus and Wingdin said their goodbyes, and they then left the little house out in Waterfall. After heading back to their own home, life seemed to mostly go back to normal.

They had taken care of Sans, making sure he was safe and healthy; and after another month had passed, he'd wanted to see his potential new friend!

Sans was dragging his mother, now only a month away from having the baby, out to Waterfall. "MAMA WE GOTTA HURRY UP! I WANNA SEE MARRIE AGAIN!"

Wingdin sighed softly, and followed behind her exciteable little boy, as he swam up the channel beside the walkway where she was going through; her hand resting on the top of her much larger around stomach.

Meanwhile Darren was with his sister, a picnic basket in hand with fresh food to share in case anyone got hungry. Marrie was skipping alongside him as she played with a vine she found, acting like a lasso.

"Careful now. You'll trip." Darren lightly warned the girl. True to his warning...she did but got back up easily enough to try again.

Sans pulled himself out from the water, shaking himself dry as they came upon the snail races, deep in Waterfall. He looked up at his mother, grinning happily. "I CAN'T WAIT TO PLAY WITH MARRIE, MAMA!"

Wingdin chuckled softly, letting out a soft huff. "I cannot wait to be sitting down, Sansy...but it is okay. Your brother is busy at labs, along with Papa...and Papi is helping the rabbit families with their gardens. Let's see if we cannot find your little friend, hmm?"

There was laughing coming from the snail races. One laugh was very familiar. V would move from the area with a wave, "Give me 10! I'll bring it over! Hang on!" She laughed before heading off.

Wingdin smiled a bit, hearing the familiar laughing. Seeing V; her smile grew a bit more. "Oh! Helloing, Vee! Ah, it is pleasure seeing you, I hate to be bothering you, are you knowing where your little sister is today? Is she at house maybe?"

Blue was bouncing on the balls of his feet, his originally fluffy princess skirt sticking to his legs from the water. "YEAH I WANNA PLAY WITH HER TODAY! I BROUGHT OVER SOME OF MY FAVORITE TOYS TOO!"

Wingdin gestured to the tote bag she held in her hands, grinning lightly.

V just looked at the two with a slight sour expression before sighing, "I don't know. I'm not their keeper. They'll be around when they're around." She shrugged before leaving.

Two minutes later and squabbling could be heard down the way toward the crystal path. An indication the elder siblings found each other...

Wingdin frowned a bit, at the sour expression on V's face. Regardless, she and Sans continued down the pathway, and she sighed hearing the arguing. "Oh no..."

Sans growled worriedly, and he went ahead of his mother, seeing the two of cat siblings arguing badly. "MARRIE? MARRIE...I CAME TO PLAY TODAY..."

Marrie watched her siblings with an annoyed look before seeing Sans. She ran over with her vine lasso in hand. "Sans! Sans!" She called happily.

V just hissed before heading off to get her stuff. She wasn't going to deal with people.

Darren sighed and watched her go before focusing on Marrie and the rest.

Sans growled happily and giggled brightly. "Marrie! I brought some toys over!"

Wingdin came over closer to Darren, holding the tote bag still in her hands. "Helloing Darren. I hope things are not going too bad today? She...eh, is not my place to be speaking...but she was at snail races...I see her leaving just a bit ago..."

She made a soft noise, and sighed; rubbing the side of her stomach irritatedly as she shifted on her feet. "I am sorry if it bad time to be coming..."

"No no. This was a good time. And yes..my sister frequents there. She hangs around with friends there." Darren explained, "She's just been her usual mouthy self. I wouldn't worry too much."

Marrie giggled and showed her vine lasso to Sans, seeming really excited with the play date.

Wingdin nodded, and she saw a nice flat rock; heading over to it, still close to the children; to watch them. She eased herself onto it, and covered her mouth as she unexpectedly let out a pleased noise to be off her feet. A slight purple blush crossed her cheeks.

Sans gazed at the vine lasso with starry eyes, and he giggled again. "That's SO COOL! I like your lasso, Marrie! Oh, Mama brought us cinnamon buns from her bakery! They're even better than the cinnabunnies!"

Darren didn't judge as he took a seat close by with the basket by his side.

"B-b-buns!" She giggles out as she tried lassoing a small rock nearby, missing.

"We also brought sandwiches and fresh vegetables from our farm if you are all interested as well." Darren notified, seining quite happy to share.

Wingdin smiled, and watched the two as they played together. "Thanking you, that is sounding very nice. I am sorry if I am not that, able to getting around too well. I am very close to having my child you see? But no one else able to bring Sans, so I come."

Sans watched, and he cheered happily. "Try again! Try again! You can do it, Marrie!"

The sweet motherly skeleton pulled out a couple of toys from the tote bag, and a box containing two dozen mini cinnamon buns. "Would you liking a cinnamon bun, Darren?"

"It is no trouble, Ma'am. I'm surprised you allowed yourself the journey. Should it be easier, we can go and visit you in Snowdin." He offered before taking a bun.

"You try..?" Marrie let him have the lasso. Seemed like she was ready to share.

Wingdin shrugged softly, as she smiled. "I am on feet many an hour during the day...I am used to walking long times. I own Cozy's Cafe in New Home...but as I am on eh, leaving time for baby, I have been...antsy, I think is term..."

She sighed, smiling still; as she rubbed her stomach where the baby was kicking hard. "But thank you so very much, Darren."

Sans gently took the lasso, and tried it himself. He was no better than she was with it however, but he still laughed softly. "Yay, it's so fun!"

"It is no trouble. I'm sure my family won't mind." Darren assured, "Well...majority of the family. I'm afraid it's hard to tell what my sister thinks about now." He seemed bothered by that but tried shrugging it off.

Marrie giggled, seeming happy with the try either way.

Wingdin frowned softly, and rolled her working eyelight. "If I may be bold, I feeling that Vee needs good timing-out. She is very much rude, and not nice to her elders. She try to hide, but I may only have one eye, but I see. She is not nice child."

Sans tried again, and nearly got the little rock with the lasso. "Oooh...hmm...we can make it long, maybe it reach?"

"She wasn't always like that. It's only been recently." Darren sighed, "Believe me...I do not know what to do with her. And one thing I know I can help...I know no potion or medicine or magic could ever do it...I'm not close enough to what he was..."

Marrie nodded. "More v-vine! Vine!" She exclaimed and ran off to try and find more.

Wingdin listened and nodded softly. "He? Oh, I am sorry to hearing that. Did...um...your father passing away? It can be being hard to handle such thing...my husband...he lost his mother when he was only...eh, 10 or so? It is still hard to him..."

Sans followed after her, to help her get more vine. "W-Wait! I come with!"

Wingdin saw them running off, and as best she could, she scrambled to her feet, following them to make sure they stayed safe as they went down a little pathway together.

Darren noticed his sister leave and ran off to get her, "Now hang on! Marrie! Don't run o-..."

Before he could stop her, vines grew in front of her path, just getting her stop anyway. V was coming back with a knapsack of stuff as her magic made the vines for her sister. "Nice try sis. Like hell I'm gunna be blamed for your shit again!" She hissed out before walking back to the snail farm.

Marrie didn't seem to mind, she got what she wanted and started removing the vines her sister made. "Tankies!"

Wingdin chuckled as she reached out with her string from her hand, grasping Sans and pulling him back towards her. "There we are Sansy...do not be running away like that..."

Sans had his mother's purple string wrapped around his waist, and he giggled softly. "I wanted to follow Marrie!"

Wingdin made her way back to the flat rock, and she placed Sans onto the ground; who went back to where Marrie was.

"We can make a big big lasso! Maybe...maybe you can get me!" Sans let out a playful growl, his tail wagging happily.

"Okay! I get you!" Marrie giggled before working on making a bigger lasso.

Darren sighed, least glad that things worked out. But...looking where V had gone...part of that still worried him.

Wingdin had pulled out one of her own cinnamon buns, taking a bite from it; as she watched Marrie and Sans playing. "You know, if you wanting to check up on V, you can leave little ones with me. I have my purple string, I can keep hold on them. No problems."

"Knowing if I did, she would get worked up again. She thinks I'm too protective." He sighed, "I do not know if I'm doing too much or not enough."

Wingdin finished the bun, and she sighed. "Of course, that is making much of the sense, Darren."

Sans was watching as Marrie was making the larger lasso, and he giggled brightly. Seeing the large body of water near them, he easily slipped into it, and started swimming in circles in the water.

Wingdin laughed softly, seeing her son being so silly. "Sansy, baby I do not think Marrie would want to be swimming..."

"Mama, you should join me! Doc Greenburg said that swimming...um, it's good for you and baby!" Sans called out happily.

Wingdin blushed deeply, knowing she was indeed wearing her modest bikini underneath her dress. "Ohhh I am not thinking everyone needs to be seeing...all of that..."

"If you'd like to, please. Do so, ma'am. My sister and I will be fine." Darren chuckled lightly.

Marrie wasn't really sure of the water, still shook from her last experience trying to swim. She kept looking at her bad leg, testing it lightly to see how she'd fair.

Wingdin blushed still, and she set her tote bag down beside Darren; then she pulled off her dress, revealing her very modest bikini, which ended up showing off just how large her belly was, the darker purple colored womb easily seen within her belly.

She made her way over to the large body of water, and eased herself in, letting out a pleased noise, as most of the weight of her belly was eased off of her. "Oooh...that is very good..."

Sans came over to the edge of the water, and he grinned, holding his hands out to her. "I can hold you! Mama won't let you get hurt!"

Darren didn't mind. He just let the three have fun.

Marrie seemed to trust him and allowed for it. She took his hand and followed in. She was still scared but Sans made her less scared.

Wingdin watched happily as Sans helped Marrie into the water. "There we go...easy now sweetie..."

Sans held onto Marrie carefully, his bright blue eyelights watching her intently. "Yay! You're doing it, Marrie!"

Wingdin took a few steps and went gently swimming out in the deeper water, easily staying buoyant as she watched the children closely.

Marrie tried swimming around. She wasn't a great swimmer but she did well enough to float.

"Just be careful. Take it slow, Marrie. Very good." Darren encouraged.

Marrie kept going for a while before scrambling back to the edge. Looks like that was enough...

Wingdin watched closely, and after a bit more swimming; she pulled herself out easily with her thick back strings lifting herself up from the water. Still dripping wet, she eased herself onto the little bridge. "You did so well, Marrie!"

Sans went diving down deep into the water, having spied something shiny at the bottom. Soon only the tiny bubbles could be seen as he had so easily slipped underneath the surface. Wingdin didn't seem bothered by it at all, as she sat on the little bridge, still in her bikini.

Marrie shook off what she could of the water before Darren gave her a towel to wrap up in. She seemed comforted by it so she decided to stay by her brother and relax.

"Bubby...leg..." She muttered out which earned her a soft pet.

"I got it. Don't worry. Just stretch it out and relax. Okay?" Darren gently instructed her. The girl just noded and did as told. She was done with water for now.

Wingdin watched idly as Sans was still underneath the water, and she lifted herself with her strings down into the water once more; going below the surface. Moments later both her and Sans came topside in the water.

Sans crawled out from the water, carrying a large pearl in his clawed hand. "I found something for you, Marrie!"

Marrie peeked up from the comfort of her towel, seeming confused. She headed over to see what Sans found, curiosity in her eyes once she saw the pearl sparkle.

"My my. What do we have there?" Darren asked with a chuckle, enjoying the look his sister.

Sans grin was wide and bright as he gazed up at Darren. "It's a pretty little ball I saw while swimming! I thought she would want it! It's for you!"

The pearl was rather large, nearly the size of a pool ball, as he held the shimmering bauble out to the little girl.

Wingdin cooed softly, while giggling. She got up from the little bridge over the water she was seated upon, then she went and got her dress back on. "Ohh, that is being so sweet Sansy..."

Marrie happily took it to hug, eyes wide and shining at the sight of it as her little tail twitched and wagged about. "P-Pretty! It's super p-pretty! Bubby!" She cheered out.

"I see it, I see it! It's very nice! What do we say?" Darren couldn't help but be happy for her.

"T-Thank you!" She giggled out. She waved a free hand at Sans for an air hug since she was still fearful of going back in the water.

Sans easily pulled himself out of the water, and shook himself off, before he came over and hugged her happily. "I'm happy you like it, Marrie!"

Wingdin felt her tote bag vibrating and she glanced at it curiously. "Oh dear...Papa has texted me, we need to going home, Sansy."

Marrie happily hugged him back with a slight purr. She seemed a little disappointed their playdate was done though. "Understandable. We best be going back as well." Darren agreed.

Sans grinned sweetly. "We'll come back soon! Oh! Maybe you can come visit me!?"

Wingdin nodded to what Darren stated, and she sighed. "Yes, that would be being very nice, I am probably going to be eh, bed-bound in last two weeks of having baby...just another two weeks on my feets you know..."

Darren nodded, "I understand. We'll visit. Only fair after these last few times. Would that be fine, Marrie?"

Marrie nodded more than excited at the prospect.

"Then we'll come. We owe you all a visit." Darren took Marrie's hand and handed the basket over to Wingdin, "A small gift. Perhaps these would do well for you and your family. Fresh vegetables are always best."

Wingdin gratefully took the basket of fresh vegetables, and she smiled. "Thanking you Darren. You are so very kind. I look forward to seeing you and Marrie when you come visit."

"Of course. Until next time, ma'am. Come on Marrie." Darren patted his sister with a smile.

"Bye bye." Marrie purred out before the two siblings left back home. Marrie's still hanging onto the pearl, skipping happily by her brother.

Another week had passed since Sans had seen Marrie last. He was drawing pictures of her, while he sat on the little chair in the bedroom where Wingdin was now bed-bound.

Cupcake had opted to stay home until Wingdin had the baby, and when he heard the knock at the front door; he opened it with a soft smile on his face. "Oh, well hello there. You must be Darren, and I remember you, you're Marrie~"

"Hello sir. Sadly I'm just dropping Marrie off. I'm needed back on the farm. Would you mind?" Darren looked apologetic.

Marrie waved at Cupcake before rushing in to find Sans. She seemed excited as she dragged around a small bag with her.

Cupcake chuckled softly. "It's not a problem, Darren. I'm just here with my wife Wingdin. She's bed-bound right now, soul issues, but we don't mind watching over her!"

Wingdin watched as Sans was still drawing on the little bed-desk he had on the king-sized bed. Sans heard the rushing around in the hallways, and he leapt down from the bed, and let out a pleased squeaky growl when he saw Marrie.

"M-Marrie! You're here! Yaaaay!" Sans exclaimed happily

"Thank you. I am more than appreciative. I'll try and be back later." Darren waved before rushing off again.

Marrie saw Sans and went over to hug him, "Hi S-Sans! Bubby said I p-play today!" She giggled out.

Cupcake paused when he heard Darren speaking. "...try and be back later? Oh...okay then..."

He closed the door, heading back inside.

Sans gave her a snuggly hug, and grinned widely. "Yay! We're gonna have a lot of fun! I'm keeping Mama company! You wanna say hi to Mama?"

"Okay! Lookie! My mama was better for a liddle...and...and...look!" Marrie happily took her small sack and pulled out a cute handmade stuffed bear. "F-Fix for b-babbie!" She seemed very excited with the gift.

Sans eyes went starry, and he clapped his little clawed hands together. "Oooh! It's sooo cute, Marrie!"

He led her down the hallway, to his mother's bedroom. "Mama! My friend Marrie came over!"

Wingdin was sitting up partially in bed, and she smiled softly. "Oh hello there, Marrie...I would giving you hug, but I am not allowed to be moving too much..."

Marrie nodded in understanding as she headed over. She showed the bear over to Wingdin with a smile, "F-For babbie. Mama little better so...she f-fixted it."

She seemed more than happy about it all.

Wingdin smiled happily, and she giggled softly. "Oooh, that is so very cute, Marrie! Thanking you so much."

She carefully reached over, her large belly shifting underneath the blanket as she did so. Pulling out from her knitting bag, a sweater. "I making for you, Marrie. I knit in free time...I think it so pretty for you."

Marrie smiled and took it, giggling at the softness of the sweater.

"T-Tank you! Soft!" She purred out before trying to put it on. Little hard at first but she manages.

"W-Warm!"

Wingdin nodded, as she leaned back further against the pillows. "I am so happy you liking it, Marrie."

Sans giggled happily, and showed the drawings he'd been doing of her. "Lookit! I drewed you, Marrie!"

Marrie giggled and looked at them. "Good dray...daw...droll...draw...ing! Drawing!" She managed to make out before hugging Sans again.

She pulled out another thing from her sack and handed it to Sans. A small bell with a little crystal on the top. "F-For you! F-Found h-here for you!" She seemed excited with the newfound shiny thing.

Sans accepted the hug sweetly, his tail wagging a little. "Oooh, that's sooo pretty!" He held it delicately, and gasped.

"I love it, Marrie!"

Marrie giggled again, happy he liked it.

There would be a knock on the door sometime later. But it wasn't Darren waiting there this time. Vera waited with a slight grumble with a guitar strapped to her back and jacket on tight.
"F-Fuck this shit...why snowdin of all god damn places...?" She hissed. She hated the cold.

Cupcake quickly opened the door, and had a wary smile across his teacup'd face. "Hello there, you must be Marrie's older sister then? She's eating dinner right now in the bedroom with my wife and my little boy...would you like a hot cup of tea maybe?"

"Uh...nah. I'm good. Thanks. Just...checking on my sister." V kept a deadpanned face, "Anyway...can I get in or whatever...?"

Cupcake rolled his eyes, and then realized that he was unfortunately taking up the room that she needed to get inside with her guitar strapped to her back. "I didn't realize you had your instrument with you dear. Please, come inside, I'm terribly sorry..."

After she came inside, he closed the door behind her, and went back to the piano, where he'd been playing music after having finished cleaning up from making everyone else dinner. Soon the piano music was filling the room from his playing.

She raised an eyebrow at the music. She just listened for a few seconds, "You're not bad for an old man."

"Really now?" Cupcake continued playing the nice music, and he chuckled softly. "Now, I'll have you know, my father is a kindly old Irishmonster, always used to tell me these old wive's tales...would you care to hear one, V?"

When he saw she'd shrugged, a slight smile across his face, he grinned a bit. "Mhm...well, this is one of those old folk songs, that my Da always would jokingly sing to me as a wee lad..."

His fingers flew across the piano as he began playing a different, more high-spirited tune. "About a maid I'll sing a song...Sing rickety-tickety-tin! About a maid I'll sing a song, Who didn't have her family long...Not only did she do them wrong, She did ev'ryone of them in, them in! She did ev'ryone of them in!" He continued to play the jaunty tune, glancing over at V with his dual-colored eyes sparkling. "One morning in a fit of pique, Sing rickety-tickety-tin...One morning in a fit of pique, She drowned her father in the creek...The water tasted bad for a week! And we had to make do with gin, with gin, We had to make do with gin!"

As he finished up, he was laughing brightly, looking to her. "I may be an old man, but I'm a pretty good singer too~"

Vera looked impressed but tried not to look it. "Not bad. Not bad. Though I prefer my own thing here." She pointed at her guitar.

"Friends and I get together for a jam sesh." She just mentioned, stopping herself before she dropped any more info. These were still people she didn't know nor trusted.

Cupcake nodded, and he continued to play music idly while she spoke. "Sounds like a lovely way to spend the afternoons together, V."

He sighed, as a third glove came out from his back pocket, to grasp his mug of tea so he could drink a bit, while his main two gloves continued playing. "So...how are things going with you and your family? I'm sorry to pry, but I've heard bits from my wife, that perhaps things aren't...as well as they could be?"

"I am the Royal Scientist, and even if I cannot help everyone in the Underground, I try my best to help those that I'm able to help." He commented quietly, his dual-colored eyes looking to V.

"...It's whatever...and call me Vera. V is only for fam or close friends." She let out a low growl before playing with the sleeve of her jacket.

"...We're fine. Just a lot of stuff going on...we're getting used to it. So...whatever. Don't think science or nerdy crap is gunna help us with the farm...i don't know..." She sighed.

Cupcake cleared his throat, and turned back to the piano. Whatever bravery he had before, had completely evaporated by then. "A-Ah...r-right Miss Vera...if you need your sister, she is um...r-right down the hallway, with my wife."

A third glove pointed towards the main hallway, as he shifted his portly self back towards focusing on playing piano, instead of talking.

"Just...Vera...and...yeah...thanks..." Her voice got low but with no venom. Just...as if she was tired...

She headed towards the hallway to grab her sister. Tail hanging low.

Marrie was drawing with Sans at the moment. Currently the picture looked like a cute little white dog.

Cupcake continued playing piano quietly, feeling rather down after how Vera had reacted to him trying to be kind to her.

Wingdin was watching them drawing, as she rested in the bed. Sans grinned as he looked at the picture.

"You drewed a really cute doggie!" Sans beamed happily to Marrie.

"I like doggies!" She giggled out, tail happily twitching.

"And I like to be home soon. You ready to go?" Vera leaned against the doorframe.

"Aww..." Marrie shrank a bit at seeing her sister. Not really too happy about it.

"Unc had to take care of mom. Darren's making deliveries. I'm the only one who can come pick you up. Come on. We gotta get home." Vera sighed, that tired look coming back on her.

Sans laughed brightly at her tail twitching. His own tail lightly intertwined with hers and he snuggled lightly against her. Seeing that Vera had come to the doorframe, he frowned slightly.

Wingdin had sat up a bit more in the bed carefully, her hands resting on her stomach. "You can come any day that you are wanting, Marrie. I know that me and Sans will be missing you."

Marrie just nodded, a small smile came up at the offer.

"Yeah...we might take you up on that. Not like ya do much to help anyway." Vera muttered that to herself but it was easy to see Marrie had heard it as her tail drooped to the floor. "Come on. Let's go."

"...okay...bye bye..." Marrie hugged Sans before going with her sister. She didn't like it much, but not much could be done.

Sans frowned having heard it as well, and he leapt up from the bed, running to the doorway. His little fangs were bared as he glared up at Vera. "You MEANIE! Don't be meanie to my GIRLFRIEND!"

Both cats stopped at their tracks. Vera looking like Sans had spoke in tounges and Marrie was very confused.

"...The fuck?" Vera managed to speak out before rolling her eyes, "Whatever...fuck it. I'm not gunna deal."

Before Marrie could ask, Vera just walked with her out. Letting out a small bye at Sans.

Sans watched as Marrie left with Vera, and he started to cry. Heading back to the bedroom, he crawled up onto the bed and cuddled against Wingdin, sobbing as his soul felt in pain for how Vera treated Marrie.

Be some days later before a small but frantic knock on the Snowdin family's door. Marrie seemed pretty scared but tried to keep brave as she waited for someone to answer.

Edge came to the door, having come back from Underfell with Bitter to help out as Wingdin was very close to giving birth. The very large and brash skeleton gazed down at the tiny cat monster, and rose an eyebrow.

"Who is you? You are...eh, Sans leetle girlfriend, yes?" He rumbled softly, leaning over a bit to look closer at Marrie.

Sans came down the hallway, and he tried to squeeze between the large skeleton's legs, and was ended up getting picked up by Edge and he let out a tiny squeak. "PAPI! IT'S MARRIE, LET HER IN!"

"Where's your bubba Darren? Is everything okay?" Sans asked quietly, as Edge indeed moved away from the door to let the kitten inside.

Marrie didn't come in though, she just shook her head, seeming scared.

"B-bubby away...s-s-sissy...in...t-tra-...trub...triiib...t-t-trouble! H-Help!" She mustered out in her panic before running off again back to Waterfall's entrance.

Edge didn't think twice. He grabbed his husband Bitter under his other arm and took off RUNNING after Marrie to help however he could. Bitter was understablely confused as his quite large husband was just booking it across Snowdin, following this tiny kitten monster. Sans meanwhile was urging Edge on like he was a powerful steed in battle.

"HURRY PAPI! WE GOTTA HELP MARRIES SISSY!" Sans hollered loudly, clinging to the big skeletons jacket collar.

Marrie kept rushing off. She'd take a few seconds to remember where she was or where her sister would be before rushing off again. Would only be a few minutes before they'd hear talking and groaning.

"Just stay with me, V. It's going to be okay. Just relax...you're okay...you're gong to be okay" A new voice spoke up. A female bat monster was by Vera's side., keeping a tattered sweater on Vera's side in hopes it helped. The cat monster looked quite worse for wear. Burns, bruises, slashes, and marks littered her broken body, like she had just come out of a very bad fight. The bat monster had a few tears of her own, but she looked healthy compared to Vera's own injuries.

Edge slowed down as he came closer, and he knelt down carefully, putting Bitter onto the ground along with Sans. "Oh no...she is hurt so bad..."

Bitter nodded, and he sighed, coming closer to Vera's side. "Heya...I'm Bitter, Wingdin's husband..." His gloves charged up a soft green color, while his cracked eye opened up, revealing a gentle green light, reflecting his soul color.

As he began to heal her, his voice, rough and raspy; was quite soft and kind however. "...I see ya like dustmetal...it's a pretty good band there..."

Sans stood near Marrie, and hugged her worriedly. Edge reached into the pockets of his sweatpants, and grinned when he found a vial of his HP booster he usually carried with him. He handed it to the bat monster. "Give to big cat, is HP help...will stable...stabili...make her stronger!"

The bat monster nodded and took the vial. "A bunch of others just...showed up and tried hurting two other friends of ours. Vera and I tried holding them off while we told them to hide and keep the kid safe. ...She took most of the damage trying to get all of them focused on her...I just barely got the thugs to run off..." The bat monster's voice shook as she tried to keep her friend awake.

Vera was breathing shallowly as she was being healed. She didn't seem to respond much other than a pained moan before passing out.

"V! Vera! Don't do that! Come on! Wake up!" The bat monster tried to get her to wake without moving her too much. The sweater that was held at Vera's side fell off, revealing the worst of the injuries. A huge burnt slashmark at her side, clothes had singed and dust was slowly flaking from the wound.

Marrie was clinging onto sans, fearful and scared, "S-Sissy...s-sissy..."

Edge frowned seeing the wound. Reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a small syringe he held on him, in case of medical emergencies. The little capped syringe glowed an odd pinkish-red color. Bitter, keep her stable, increase your healing output, darlin...

Bitter saw the syringe and his eyes widened. "Fuck no, Gaster you ain't doing that to this girl!"

Edge growled, and pushed the bat monster to the side delicately. She ain't dusting. Marrie needs her big sister. Without a second word, he delicately ripped the rest of the shirt down the middle, and after snapping through Vera's bra easily; he positioned the needle over where her soul was, and he plunged it in, injecting half the solution into Vera's chest.

The crazy ass skeleton had injected Vera with Artificial DT in a last ditch effort to keep her alive.

Once the DT hit her, she woke right back up and gasped before coughing up a storm. Like she just got fished out after drowning, desprate for air.

"Vera! Holy shit!" the bat monster tried helping her in a better position for her to breathe. Looks like the DT was working.

Marrie couldn't help but start crying at the sight. "S-s-si...s-s-ssy...sissyyy...n-no m-more..."

Edge gently slid his natural arm underneath Vera, helping her more and he gently let her rest against his fat ectogel gut. "Soft breaths...calm...calm...it will be burning, but it helping you..."

Bitter still continued to heal Vera, his glowing green gloves resting on her shoulders. "We're right here, Vera...we got youse...it'll be a'right..."

Sans gently turned Marrie away from the sight, letting her cry into his neckerchief. "She's gonna be okay, Papi and Pops know what they doing, Marrie..."

The healing seemed to be working. There would be some scarring, no doubt...but she was looking better. Exhausted but better. Even her gasping died down.

"Thank the stars..." The bat monster sighed in relief in seeing her bestie was looking better.

"VERA! V!" Darren's voice could be heard as he rushed over the opposite end of where Edge and Bitter came from. Two ghost monsters were coming slowly behind him.

"Is she okay!? What the hell happened?!" Darren looked extremely scared with seeing the scene as Marrie rushed over to her brother for a hug.

Edge held up his metallic hand, the large skeleton staring down Darren and the two ghost monsters. "Waiting...she needs rooms to breathe..."

Bitter was still healing her, and he looked up at the noise and he sighed. "We dunno! Far as the bat chick told us, some other bastards came by trying to hurt them all, and uh, V took a damn beating, hard. Sounds like shit back home to be honest...but uh, Marrie came an' got us, all the way back in Snowdin."

He nodded to Edge, who now had Sans sidled up against his hip. "I'm one of Wingdin's husbands...we uh...we're a quad-couple, if yer confused. I'm healin' her, and Edge, he's the big fuck holdin' her...he helped her out more. She seems like she'll be a'right now..."

"I don't judge sirs. I just rather know my sister is okay." Darren tried getting a good look on Vera, who was doing her best to avoid eye contact with him and the others.

"Zhara. My name's Zhara. And yeah...they were trying to get a rise out of us and tried dragging Napst and Happy in a fight. Vera was the one to step in before they tried dragging the little one in too." The bat monster explained.

"Heard as much from those two. Shit V..." Darren was trying to push back the worry but you can hear the waver in his voice.

Vera just tried to focus on anyting else, even with Marrie reaching and taking her limp hand.

Bitter noticed that she was as healthy as she could be, and he gently lifted his gloves from her shoulders. "Mm. That's fine and fuckin' dandy, but really...who were these assholes? Me and Edge'll give them shit. Our son loves Marrie, and that makes her family, and family of hers is family of ours."

Edge nodded gently, agreeing with his short teacup headed husband. "I will giving them worst of times, should they bothering you again, V..."

"J-Just shut up...l-let it go...okay..." Vera hissed out shakily before Darren and Zhara helped her to her feet.

"Are you sure? We can get the guard to investiga-..." Darren was cut off by a hand to his mouth.

"L-let it go...i'm tired anyway...j-just want to go home..." Vera breathed out, "...Just let me stay home..."

Edge stood up, and watched them with a slight frown across his face. She's a fuckin bitch, ain't she?

Bitter sighed, rolling his working eye; as his other broken eye had closed back up again. "Yeh...your welcome, Vera. C'mon Sans...we're going back home..."

Sans looked to Marrie, tears gathering in his sockets worriedly. "But...But what about Marrie...?"

Vera did look slightly over to Marrie, who now was clinging onto her sister's leg.

"...you okay, kid...?" Vera quietly asked.

Marrie nodded her head with a sniffle and kept hugging her.

"...Good...Napst and Happy...?"

"We're okay V. Thanks. Happy's a little jumpy but...we're okay." One of the ghosts spoke up while the other one had already disappeared.

"...Good...I...need a nap...I...I want to go home..." Vera repeated again. Even with the DT, she seemed tired...obviously not physically. Her eyes gave that much away when she tried looking at Bitter and Edge, looking away from them just as quick.

"We're going home sis...we're going home...come on...Thank you both again. We're more than grateful..." Darren looked to the two before helping his sister walk back. Marrie gave a small wave at Sans before staying with her. Zhara not far behind to help out.

Edge nodded and he gently picked up Bitter into his arm, along with Sans in his other arm. "Yes. Good to be hearing."

Seeing as they left, Edge huffed and started to head back home as well. He set Bitter down, and then handed Sans to his husband. Reaching into his jacket; he pulled out a cigar and lit it up, taking a puff from it.

As they came home themselves, it was a harsh thing to be greeted by. Cupcake was carrying a small box in his gloves, obviously having been crying harshly.

Bitter stopped Cupcake, his eye widened. "Yo...Doc...w-what happened?"

Cupcake sniffled, and he shook his head. "...w-we lost...lost the baby...W-Wing...she's barely hanging on..."

Bitter nearly stampeded past the obese scientist, and hurried to the bedroom; getting to the bed, and he delicately curled up next to Wingdin, hoping to heal her.

Sans had been nearly thrown to the ground in Bitter's rush, and he stood there crying. He went out to the front yard, and started playing. After only a few moments, he just sat in the cold wet snow.

Darren had helped Vera into her bed. Marrie staying with Zhara for the time to help calm down the little girl and get her relaxed.

"...You gunna talk to me...?" Darren looked at his sister who already tried hiding herself in her blankets.

"...What do you want me to say...? I deserved this? I should have said shit to them...?" Vera muttered from the blanket underneath.

"V...come on..."

"That the only reason why I shouldn't die is because the fucking farm needs me? Don't act like you fucking care, Dare...everyone rather me fucking dust like dad...least if I did I'd be with the one person who did give a shit about me..." Vera hissed out.

"V, we talked about this. I care...look I'm sorry I wasn't there. I was trying to-..." Darren once again cut off, only this time by a vine throwing a pillow at him.

"Just shut up! Okay...fucking...leave me alone..."

"V...vera...Veronica...come on..."

"I SAID JUST LEAVE ME ALONE! YOU GOT WHAT YOU FUCKING WANTED! KARMA BIT ME IN THE ASS LIKE YA SAID! YOU'RE ALWAYS FUCKING RIGHT! OKAY! NOW LEAVE M-ME...A..a-alone...just...leave me alone...just go a-a-away...p-please..." she started sobbing out and curling in her bed.
Darren tried reaching out to her but he stopped. He left her alon, just like she wanted.

Meanwhile Zhara had left with Marrie back to Snowdin to escape the constricting vibes in the house. Any time away would be good.

Sans continued to sit outside, sadly patting the snowy ground. Edge had gone inside as well, to try to help the best he could with Wingdin.

Wingdin was nearly gone, and Edge pulled out the rest of the DT syringe, and he injected it into Wingdin's soul. He prayed that it would work for her.

Zhara and Marrie had reached Snowdin when Marrie ended up spotting Sans.

"S-Sans...?" She managed to call as the two came closer, "S-S-Sans...?"

Sans looked up to see Marrie, and the tears started flowing faster. "M-Mama's dying! She...she lost my baby sibby..."

He hugged himself, and sobbed. "My daddies are doing everything they can to h-help her..."

Marrie rushed over and hugged him, tail wrapping around one of his legs.

"Oh stars..." Zhara muttered before heading over to stay with the two kids, "I'm sure they're doing what they can...just have to keep hope. That's the best we can do."

"S-Sissy...?" Marrie looked up at her sister's friend.

"Your sister is okay too. Everything will be fine in the end...i'm sure." Zhara tried to assure while putting a wing around the two for a small hug and to keep them warm from the cold.

Sans cuddled against of Marrie, and sniffled, soft worried growls coming from him. "I DON'T WANNA LOSE MAMA!"

Wingdin let out a pained scream, as Edge had injected the DT into her soul. The rest of the first syringe, and when he'd given her a second one, was when she screamed. Cupcake hugged her firmly, as she started to have a seizure in the bed. Edge was gently massaging her chest. It'll be okay, Wing...it'll be okay...shhhh...let it pass...let it pass...

Sans started crying openly again, hearing his mother's pained scream. Mama...Mama is hurting, no no no...we need to get inside! We need to go see Mama!

"We can't. There's already a lot of people up there. Your mom will be okay. They just need a little time." Zhara tried to calm Sans, keeping her wing wrap tight. Marrie kept clinging to Sans, shaking at the sound of the screams.

"She'll be okay...just...wait for your parents to come down...Just give it a little time..." the bat was at least hoping that was the case, even if she had to fold her sensitive ears down to block out most of the screams.

Sans cuddled against Zhara as she'd wrapped her wing more around him and Marrie. His breathing calmed down a bit, and the screams from inside the house had quieted down as well.

Cupcake soon came outside, and he paused near Zhara and the children. "S-She'll need to recover...but you three should come inside at least..." He held his gloved hands out to them, and sighed softly.

"It will be hard...but we will all get through this..." He murmured softly, his eyes saddened and his expression weary.

Zhara nodded and led the two inside before letting herself in.

"That's a good...thought to keep...sorry about um...coming in like this. Just...here...for...Marrie..and...um..." Zhara tried to converse but..things were hard with strangers. She's a lot more polite than Vera at least.

Marrie just stayed by Sans, part to be there for him and part cause she needed a little comfort herself.

Cupcake gently closed the door behind them, and he sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "It's alright dear. No need to overwork yourself...you can rest wherever you want..."

He went to the kitchen and started making up a few mugs of cocoa quietly.

Bitter came out from the bedroom, looking bedraggled. "...hey, Doc? She's had two seizures, but she'll live. She uh...heh, she looks a lot like tha other Gasters though...her sockets cracked from the pressure...she uh...might've lost her sight..."

"Yes sir...thank you." Zhara nodded before taking a seat at the couch.

Marrie looked over at Sans, "...Y-your...mama...o-okay...?"

Sans nodded softly, and continued to cuddle with Marrie. "I think Mama's okay...Pops...h-how bad is it?"

Bitter turned and looked towards Sans. He managed a soft smile with his pointed mouth despite his exhaustion. "Yeh, Mama'll be a'right...she may have lost her sight, her working eyesocket cracked...but what we did saved her from dusting though..."

The rest of the night passed easily, as Sans fell asleep against Marrie. Cupcake came over and brought Zhara and the others mugs of cocoa to drink, and a blanket for them all.

As the morning came, Sans woke up, and nuzzled Marrie softly. "...Thank you for staying Marrie...I really like like you."

Marrie seemed to wake up from the nuzzling. She responded by patting his head. "Uh huh. Like...you...are nice." She purred out, seeming happy but still sleepy

Zhara was currently asleep on the edge of the couch, squeak snoring soundly.

Sans curled up happily against Marrie, soon falling asleep once again to the nice warmth and fuzziness of Marrie.

Time passes, like it does for everyone, and soon enough, five long years had passed in the Underground. Wingdin indeed had gone blind from the stress of the DT, but she was doing somewhat well as a stay-at-home mother for her boys.

Sans however, had grown into a strapping young man of 12 years old, and he'd just graduated from middle school, and was starting to persue wanting to be in the Royal Guard. He easily leapt into the caverns, and swam up the channel heading towards his long-time girlfriend's house, to see Marrie.

Pulling out from the water, he grinned seeing Vera. "HELLO VERA! IT'S NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN! IS MARRIE AROUND? I WAS GOING TO TAKE HER OUT TO LUNCH TODAY!"

Vera opened the door. The now 21 year old had been stripped of her punk rock look, now just in more free flowing clothes and a flower crown on her head. The scars of the fight that almost took her life were still around but the new style made them easier to hide.

"Uh hey. Yeah. She's outback messing with her magic again. Just watch for any speeding bells being thrown about." Vera shrugged, "Just have her back before dinner, k?

Sans nodded brightly, and gave her a bright fanged smile. "Your clothes are beautiful today! And don't you worry! The Magnificant Sans can avoid any kind of attack!" He nodded to Vera, and headed towards the back yard.

Sure enough, a speeding bell attack was soon accidently lobbed at his head. Easily, he pulled up a white bone, and swatted it away rather easily. "MARRIE! MY SWEET DARLING! I'VE COME TO TAKE YOU TO LUNCH!"

"Have fun." Vera sighed before locking up the door behind her. She had her own stuff to do for the day.

Marrie was trying to hit a homemade target with her bell shaped bullets before she heard Sans call. "Sansy!" She giggled out before letting them drop, accidently hiting her head.

"Oww...I have to get better..." She rubbed the sore spot on her head.

Sans came over and he smiled sweetly to her. "You're doing wonderfully though, Marrie! Are you ready to go, or would you like me to help you with your aiming?"

Marrie thought about it and nodded, "Maybe a little. I just want to hit the target at least once! And I've hit everything else..." She seemed quite disappointed with that.

Sans gently made a soft noise, as he surveyed the surroundings. "I can see...hmm...so...you just imagine your attack, forming in your hands, dear..."

He brought up a short white bone, his own magic attack, and he hefted it easily with one hand. "Then...you take sight of the target in front of you...rear back...don't look at the attack in your hand, but the target in front of you!"

Then he pulled back his hand, and let the attack fly from his hands, striking the target easily. "...now, I'll reset the target, and you try it, love."

Marrie nodded and tried to focus like her boyfriend did. She managed a little bell bullet again and tried focusing on the target. Her little tounge even poked out for maximum focus.

Sans watched her closely, having re-set the target for her. "There we go...okay...okay now...visualize the target, not the attack in your hands...now...you just throw it." He watched with bated breath, hoping she would be able to hit the target. He wanted his girlfriend to feel the best that she could about her attacks.

Marrie took a breath and nodded.

"Okay...okay...visualize target...and..." She decided to go at it and the attack hit it!

She gave a happy mew in delight, "I did it! I did it! Sansy! I did it see!"

Sans was beaming, and he pumped his gloved fists in the air. "Marrie! That was absolutely splendid!" He growled happily, and wrapped his arms around her, snuggling her happily.

"That was the best, my dearest!" He carefully lifted her into his strong arms, and he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I am so so proud of you! Oh, what are you feeling like for lunch today?"

Marrie just giggled and laughed at her boyfriend's shenanigans, tail flicking and twitching around happily in her excitement.
"U-Um...I don't know! Um...maybe a hamburger?" She purred out, seeming happy with the idea.

"Hey. What's with all the cheering over here, huh?" Darren's voice called out from the overbrush. The older cat monster sibling soon came over with a full basket of freshly picked herbs, "Hey Sans. Good to see you again. What's the celebration for this time? Managed to get her grades up again?"

Marrie rolled her eyes with a smile, "My grades in school are fine. Thank you, bubby!"

Sans nuzzled her, before placing her back onto the ground once again. "A hamburger, that sounds wonderful!" He lightly wrapped his tail around Marrie's waist, smiling sweetly.

"And the celebration Darren, is that she hit the target excellently!" His grin was infectious, as he lightly patted his own chest with his gloved hand. "I helped her to keep her focus, and she was able to strike it directly in the middle!"

"As for that hamburger, let's go ahead my love!" Sans gave her a sweet kiss on her cheek, holding his hand to her.

Marrie continued to giggle, feeling the happiest around.

Darren just chuckled at the two, "Alright. I'm counting on you to take care of her, Sans. You two have fun. Oh, and do say hello to your mother for me." He gave Sans a pat on the head and a quick hug to Marrie before heading back in the house.

"I will take excellent care of my darling Marrie, Bubba Darren!" Sans exclaimed, and he smiled looking to Marrie lovingly. "And I had thought we would stop by Mother's, before we went to Muffet's for that burger?"

Sans led the way through Waterfall easily, knowing the pathways like the back of his gloved hand. With his mother having gone blind years ago, Dr. Brewer had stepped down in his position as the Royal Scientist, allowing Undyne to take over. His older brother however, was still rather lazy it seemed, even though he ran multiple stands throughout the Underground. They came upon the little Gyftmas-light adorned house, far east of Snowdin.

As seemed usual his brother was outside, a cigarette hanging just an inch from his fanged jaw; his hands shoved deep into his hoodie pocket. Papyrus had his sockets closed, looking as tired as ever. The 21 year old honestly looked and acted as if he was nearly 40 some days.

Marrie seemed more than happy to stop by and say hello. She did really like Madam Wingdin and the rest of Sans family. They were quite nice to be around and a good escape if she couldn't deal with family at the moment. Yes her sister got somewhat better, she wasn't as quick to anger or moody like she was years ago. But she had her moments despite how few and far inbetween. Darren had been taking more and more work for the farm and business to run smoothly as their uncle was teaching them all the ways of preparing herbal medicine..

She was pretty glad Sans knew where he was going. She still had trouble with finding her way sometimes.

Marrie noticed Papyrus and gave a small smile, "Hi Pap-Pap. How are you doing today?" She didn't mind him much, she liked how much different he was from her own siblings.

Papyrus yawned a bit, opening one eye slightly, the bare edge of his orange eyelight being seen. "doing pretty good. tibia honest, i'm pretty bushed though. might go take a swim, or somethin..."

Sans chuckled softly, rolling his baby blue eyelights at his older brother. "Have you even checked up on your puzzles today? I know that I made sure my tasks were completed, before I went to go and get my girlfriend!"

Papyrus' long tail came out and lazily laid down against the snowy ground. "eh, nope...but you have fun today, yeah? hey, i think i hear pops callin' for me..." Before Sans could respond to Papyrus, his brother had gone around the side of the house, and was suddenly gone.

Sans looking around the side of the house, his eyes narrowed. "...HE'S ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING TRICKY, MARRIE...NEVERTHELESS!" He went and opened the front door, gesturing for her to come inside. "Mama and Papa will be so happy to see you, my dearest."

In the house, Wingdin was seated at the kitchen table, kneading out dough for a loaf of bread. Despite having gone blind, she still loved to bake, and Cupcake was right beside her, in case she needed help with anything. Cupcake, in his retirement, had gotten quite a bit larger around; and he was incredibly soft and squishy. It was his own mastery over blue magic as to how he had little to no issues moving around at his portly size.

Marrie just purred and waved at Pap as he left before going inside, "You say that all the time, Sansy. He looks the same to me."

"Hello Madam Wingdin! Mr. Cupcake!" Marrie purred out, always happy to see the two. She really did appreciate the two in the last few years, especially considering how her own mother was. No one else had really seen her mother outside the siblings as she was already bed ridden from illness. She did wonder if Wingdin and her would have been friends if they ever got a chance to meet.

Wingdin brushed off her hands of the dough, and she stood up from the chair; a thin white bone cane appearing in her hand. "Marrie! Oh, Sansy not telling us he bringing you over today! It is being so good to see you my dear."

She came over carefully, Cupcake close behind her but not crowding her; and as she felt Marrie's hand, her smile grew even more. Gently she pulled Marrie close to give her a snuggly hug. "I just was making bread for dinner laters tonight."

Cupcake lightly patted Wingdin's shoulder, giving her a kiss as he then went to the fridge, getting himself a can of tea. "Yes, we're having beef strognoff, roasted garlic vegetables, and a bavarian cream pie for dessert! And how is your family doing lately, Miss Marrie? I w-was going to come and visit, but eh, sadly I might be retired, but the Queen had requested me to assist Dr. Undyne Boush on a few things at the labs the last few days."

The retired scientist shook his head, sighing. "I am nearly 60, I do not want to be in the labs anymore. I just want to spend time at home with my family now...you understand that, don't you dear?"

Marrie coudln't help but purr again with the hug. Felt nice to get them and so strongly from some mother figure. The talk of food did make her tail twitch in interest and excitement, but she herself wouldn't admit to it.

"Good. Sissy's trying for a boy to like her. Bubby's working but he says hi. Uncle is helping Mama and doing delivery stuff still. He says retirement would be too boring for him." She went over all her family's shenanigans, "It's okay if you're busy Mr. Cupcake."

Cupcake chuckled softly, as he drank a bit of the canned tea; then set about panning up the dough Wingdin had worked on. "Ah, well...for me retirement doesn't feel much different then when I was in the labs, hahaha. I was always just sitting around on my fat arse just writing, and going over paperwork it seemed! However, your Uncle, doing those deliveries...of course he wouldn't want to sit around like an old fuddy-duddy like myself~"

Sans went and opened the oven for his Papa, and he came over and gave Wingdin a kiss on her cheek. "Papa, don't put yourself down! You've worked for many many years in the Royal Labs! You deserve this retirement!"

Wingdin gently had brushed her cheek against Marrie's head between her ears, humming softly in happiness. Her sockets were both fused shut now, the cracks easily seen across both of them, reaching up into her forehead, and down to her cheeks. "I hope Sansy is being good to you today, my sweet Marrie~" She murmured, pressing a motherly kiss to Marrie's forehead gently.

After helping his Papa out, he knew he wanted to go and check up on his Papi. "Marrie, I'm going to check up on Papi really quick, okay? I'll just be down the hallway."

"Okay! I can stay here!" Marrie assured before looking back at Wingdin, "He's been very good as always. He even helped me with my my magic attacks today! I'm lucky to have him." She sounded sincere in it, a tiny blush to her cheeks.

"As for Uncle, he likes keeping busy. He gets bored quick." She giggled out before it quieted down, "Maybe he'd relax more if Mama was okay..."

Wingdin nodded softly, and swayed on her feet a bit, snuggling Marrie; before she lightly pulled away, holding Marrie's hand. "Why don't we go and be sitting on couch, hmm? It will not taking Sans long to check on his Papi."

Sans had gone down the hallway, and came into his Papi's bedroom, where he normally was most of the time. After Wingdin had lost her sight after he'd so rashly injected her with DT, he ran to Underfell, devastated that it had occurred. It only took about three months, but in that dangerous, twisted timeline; he'd been brutally attacked, in an overthrow for his position as the Royal Scientist.

Bitter was able to drag Edge back with him, but not without the old skeleton having been gravely injured. The side of his skull was missing now, and although he wasn't bed-bound by any means, he certainly had become brain damaged as a result. Bitter stayed with his husband in their bedroom, which had their own bathroom attached between the boy's bedrooms.

At the moment though, Edge was simply seated on the bed, while Bitter was sleeping beside him. His natural hand rested on Bitter's back, rubbing gently. When Sans opened the door, Edge's working eyelight flickered a bit brighter, until he noticed it was just his son.

Be quiet, Pops is sleeping kiddo...d-did you have fun with your wife today? Edge murmured.

Sans shook his head. "Papi, she's not my wife, she's my girlfriend...but, we're heading out to have lunch together. Would you like to come say hello to her?"

Edge shook his head, turning his attention back to Bitter. "...no. Have fun."

"Have you eaten today?" Sans asked quietly.

Edge's response was monotone, not much emotion behind it. "No."

"What? It's nearly lunchtime, why haven't you?" Sans growled out worriedly to his parent.

The old broken-down skeleton sighed, and continued to rub Bitter's back. "He hasn't woken up. Not wanting bother others. Hands shaking, will making mess."

Sans sighed, and gave his Papi a hug. Edge had lost a lot of weight since coming back home from Underfell less than a year and a half ago. He normally didn't wear his robotic limbs anymore, leaving him unable to do much unless he got a crutch out to balance himself with. "...I'll bring you home a burger, Papi. We're going to Muffet's. I'll see you later, okay?"

Edge merely nodded, still watching Bitter closely as his coffee cup hybrid husband was sleeping. Sans came back down the hallway, his eyelights out as he growled under his breath for a moment in worry.

Marrie meanwhile was talking about things at home. Like how her sister and the guy she liked were going out more to help Zhara and the snail farm that was 10 minutes away from their home. Apparently one of the ghost cousins who lived there had gone disappeared about a year and a half ago, so no one was around to keep the last cousin company or help the farm. Marrie always did wonder what happened to him, but she kept hope that he was okay.

"I want to help too but Sissy says that they're doing okay for now. And Mama might need me more if Uncle and Bubby are out." She shrugged, "I feel bad but...I try. I wanna be a good healer so if Sansy gets hurt in the Guard, I can help him better."

Her healing magic was getting better, but she still had a lot of training to do if she wanted to make it Royal Guard levels good.

Cupcake had sat down on the piano bench across from Wingdin and Marrie, listening to Marrie as she spoke. "Well, don't feel bad, dear. You're doing the best that you can! And Sans has gotten much stronger over the years, but, eh, we still do worry about him. With only 10 HP...he is still rather sickly sometimes..."

Sans stood in the end of the hallway, his arms crossed over his chest. He growled again, stomping his foot in irritation. "PAPA I AM NOT SICKLY! I WAS GIVEN SO MUCH ENERGY AND STRENGTH THAT THE GOOD ANGEL DECIDED I WAS TOO STRONG, SO THEY NERFED ME WITH MY LOW HP!"

Wingdin giggled softly, and sighed gently. "Of course, my sweet Sansy...now why don't you and Marrie run along, don't want to be waiting so very long to have your lunch, hmm?"

Sans' eyes opened more, and he grinned brightly. "You're right Mama! We should hurry up! Oh, I told Papi that we'd bring back a burger for him...he didn't eat anything today...again..."

"You are really strong! Your hugs say so, tough guy." Marrie giggled before giving Wingdin a hug goodbye,

"Maybe get a nice treat for him and for Mr. Bitter too." Marrie suggested before going over to take Sans's hand, "And we can see if Muffet has that milkshake we like a lot!"

Cupcake smiled sweetly, and waved as they were going to leave. "Have fun you two." He got up from the piano bench, and pulled out his wallet; getting some cash gold out from it, before handing it to Sans. "Pay your brother's tab please, Muffet is rather cross with him last he spoke to us..."

Sans nodded brightly, and gently held Marrie's hand. "A lovely idea, my dearest. Goodbye Mama, Papa. We'll come back later on!" Taking the money from his Papa, he nodded; slipping it into his pants pocket.

He led Marrie out from the house, heading further into town where Muffet's shop sat. His tail wagged happily, as he leaned over and nuzzled Marrie lovingly. "A milkshake sounds delightful. Oh...Captain Alphys said that I can go to the next level of my training for the Royal Guard! I'm a Junior Guardsman!"

Marrie giggled with the nuzzles, always getting tickled by the feeling.

"Really?! That's great! I'm so proud of you! You're doing really good!" Marrie nuzzled back, tail twitching in excitement again for him, "What are you going to do now...?"

Sans thought for a moment, scratching his cheek as he did so. "Well, I'm going to begin actual patrolling, my love. Keeping the Underground safe for everyone who inhabits our beautiful mountainous, well...prison. I am always on the lookout for a human however, and one day, I will capture that human, my beloved! And I will become the Captain of the Royal Guard! And you will want for nothing!"

He came closer to Muffet's and opened the door for her, smiling sweetly to her. "After you, my sweet Marrie!"

At the main counter, Muffet's multiple arms were working on drinks and getting things ready for customers who wanted them. Her five eyes occasionally gazed to the customers, her main two eyes somewhat hidden behind her oval-shaped glasses.

Marrie smiled and kissed his cheek before going inside. She did have some slight worry about the human thing. But she let it slide for now.

Her focus instead was just on Muffet and watching her work before looking around for a free spot to sit. "H-Hi Miss Muffet." She did manage to mew out, always feeling bad for bothering the spider monster.

Muffet looked to Marrie, a slight smile across her face. Due to an accident years ago, she rarely talked; preferring to speak in sign language to her friend who always sat at the bar. It seemed only them and Papyrus understood what she said. Muffet nodded, and pointed with one of her hands to a free spot at the bar.

Sans blushed, as his eyes went heart-shaped at the kiss from Marrie. Heading inside, he smiled brightly to Muffet, waving excitedly to her. As they took their seats, Muffet came over and set down a pair of menus for them. "Glad...to see you...dearie." She managed to say softly to Marrie.

"Orders?" The older spider monster chirped out quietly. Sans looked over the menu for a moment, and he sighed happily, his longish bony tail lightly resting across Marrie's hips.

Marrie seemed to relax a bit and smile at Muffet before looking at the menu, her tail still twitching slightly. The only part of Marrie's old habits that never got outgrown.

"Can I get a hamburger please?" Marrie peeked from her menu, "And...um...Sansy? What kind of milkshake you want?"

Muffet stood behind the bar, most of her arms resting at her side, her main two cleaning out a glass as she waited for the teenager's orders. She nodded at the order of a hamburger.

Sans thought for a moment, and smiled. "I would like to have a double hamburger please, and oh...a milkshake, but what flavor...hmm, would you like strawberry, my love?"

Muffet cleared her throat raspily, her hand covering her mouth for the moment. "We have...tutti-frutti...as well."

"Oooh! That sounds yummy!" Marrie's had a sparkle in her eye at the mention of tutti-fruiti, her lightly twitching tail going full on twitch in happiness.

"Sansyyyyyy...Knight in blue armooooor...pleaaaaaaase?" She mewed out, cute face on.

Sans hadn't thought of getting two milkshakes, he really wasn't supposed to have that much sugar in a day, being sensitive to it. But it was something that his girlfriend was wanting and she was mewing so cutely! How could he deny her!?

He laughed brightly, and nodded, quite a proud expression upon his face. "OH OF COURSE, MY SWEETEST MARRIE! WE'LL HAVE A HAMBURGER, A DOUBLE HAMBURGER, A STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE, AND A TUTTI-FRUTTI ONE, MISS MUFFET!"

Muffet's middle hands were writing down the order, her expression relatively unchanged despite Sans loud volume in his excitement. "...the tab?"

Sans's exuberance fell, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "Of course, my lazybones brother hasn't come in...I had hoped perhaps I could just take this gold back to Papa...but nooo..."

He pulled out the neatly folded stack of cash gold, and sighed dramatically. "All he does is sit at his station and boondoggle all day, while smoking those disgusting cigarettes of his..." After his grumbling, he handed the money to Muffet.

"...Thank you, Sans." She cleared her throat again, and smiled to Marrie. "Orders...will be out...quickly."

Marrie seemed a bit disappointed with getting two. She was hoping to split one between them. But she'd grin and bare it for now, Sans must want to have his own flavor instead.

"I could have helped pay for our meal. That way your Papa still had money." Marrie felt bad for what Sans had to deal with, "Least your brother's cigarettes aren't too smelly...Sissy's found a new plant she's been messing with and it leaves her smelling really...weird. Luckily she keeps it to her room, I don't go in there anymore."

Sans chuckled softly, and sighed. "Oh, that money from Papa wasn't for our meal. I'm paying for that love! No...that was paying for Papyrus' tab that he always runs up when he's in here...every single night. He eats such horrible food too. Greasy, fatty ribs; chicken coated in mounds of cheese, roasted potatoes coated in pulled pork...and he drinks honey like it's water!"

Muffet had since gone to fill their order. Sans leaned over and gave her a kiss on her cheek lovingly. "Don't worry about it, Marrie. And you say Vera's found a new plant? Sounds like something that Undyne would love to know about! She's always working on botantical sciences, when she isn't doing things with her robotics..."

He patted her leg softly, his tail softly waving behind him as he sat on the barstool. "And I know we normally share a milkshake dear, but the tutti-frutti...has a lot of sugar. That strawberry flavor I get is actually a low sugar variety! You know how I get with sugar..."

"Oh yeah...sorry. I forgot." Marrie felt bad, her excitement for sweets getting the best of her.

"I don't know if this new plant is a good one to look at. It makes her as weird as it makes her smell later." Marrie sighed, she loved her sister but she can be a lot sometimes.

Sans smiled softly, and he gently rubbed her back. "It's alright, my dearest...we all sometimes forget things from time to time. Papyrus seems to forget a lot you know! He's always mumbling to himself about something or other..."

Muffet came back with their food, balancing the plates and two milkshake glasses easily in her multiple hands. After she placed them in front of the teenagers she chuckled softly. "Pap talks...of resets...and starting over. Silly man...enjoy your food."

Sans scratched the back of his skull with gloved hand curiously. "...Resets? And starting over? Goodness, Papyrus sounds a lot like Papi does some days..." He gently took his milkshake into his hands and took a sip of it. His eyes went starry. "OOOH! You should try yours! Mine is wonderful!"

Marrie seemed confused on the whole reset talk but didn't mind too much as she dug into her milkshake. She seemed estatic, eyes sparkling at the taste and tail twitching a storm again, "This is so yummy! Thank you Miss Muffet!"

Her thoughts about Sans brother still stayed but maybe she'd ask her sister about it. Maybe she'd know.

Muffet nodded gently, and she started to work on cleaning up part of the counter. Sans meanwhile took a huge bite of his double hamburger. Normally he wasn't one for greasy foods like this, but Muffet made sure to press out the extra fat for him.

He growled happily, as he tore almost animalistically into the burger, his mouth getting slightly messy in the process. As his blue tongue came out, he licked off the mayonasie that was on the edges of his 'lips'. "MMM! I LOVE YOUR BURGERS, MISS MUFFET!"

Muffet raspily chuckled, setting down some napkins for them both. Sans then continued on drinking his milkshake. His tail was audibly rattling in sheer happiness. After wiping his mouth off, he smiled to Marrie, and watched her as she ate, he loved her so much.

What none of them realized was this was about the 50th reset that had occured. This was the 50th time they had gone on this date. The 50th time they'd ordered burgers and milkshakes. Unknowingly, Papyrus had trailed them the entire day, knowing where Sans would go, how Marrie would act and react. And he also knew that this was the perfect time of their date to 'drop in'.

When Sans was gazing deeply at Marrie, entranced with her. As he came inside the restaurant, he sighed to himself. A few of the patrons spoke up, greeting him as he came in.

"Yo, Paps!"

"Papyrus!"

"What's up, Stretch?"

Papyrus just nodded and made his way to his well-worn barstool at the counter, and just sat there. As if he was waiting for someone.

Marrie giggled at Sans's look while she drank and ate. She couldn't help but have her tail stretch over and boop him on his nasal cavity, thinking he was cute.

Her attention got pulled away when she saw Papyrus, speaking of the brother, "Sansy...? Is your brother okay?"

Sans blinked a bit, and looked over to where his brother had sat down. "I...I DON'T KNOW, MARRIE."

Papyrus heard his brother and ran his clawed hand over his skull sighing. "...bro, why don'cha take the food back to ma's house. i'm sure papi's pretty hungry..." His voice had an underlying tone of worry to it.

Sans was utterly confused, until the door finally opened and in walked a small human. They had brown hair, pale skin, and rosy red cheeks. They looked a bit timid, and almost fearful of everything at the moment. The younger skelegator brother's eyelights went out, and he gasped. "...OH...OHMIGOSH, MARRIE!"

Marrie seemed confused at the sight. Why was Sans so excited? A new friend? And why was Papyrus acting weird...?

She decided to voice it, "Yes...? Do you...know this person? I don't think I know them..."

Of course the girl has never seen a human before.

Sans' eyes narrowed, as his eyelights flickered back on. He shook his head, then got down from the barstool, heading over to his brother. "Papyrus, is that what I think it is?"

"...they're not an it, sans. and why would you think that?"

"But they look like a...wait, no...they couldn't be that..." Sans mumbled as he gazed closely at Chara.

Chara meanwhile, looked up at Papyrus pleadingly. The tall skelegator helped the child up onto the seat beside him, and he gave his brother a lazy grin. "eh, don't worry yourself. go ahead, get that food for papi and pops, and we'll be fine..."

Sans sighed, and went back over to Marrie. "Well...my brother certainly has this under control I guess...let's go those meals for my fathers then we can go perhaps, if you'd like, my love?"

"Oh, okay. S-Sure." Marrie was back to her shy self in front of the new stranger, her tail wrapped around herself in comfort, "I might have to go anyway...Mama must be missing me..."

Sans nodded softly, as he picked up the wrapped meals that Muffet had already put together for him, knowing what the two monsters from Underfell seemed to like to order. "Of course, my dearest. We can just drop the food off to Papa, and I'll bring you back home. It's not a problem at all."

"Okay. Thank you Sansy." Marrie smiled a bit, feeling a little better, "Thank you again, Miss Muffet. The food was really good today."

Muffet nodded and gave Marrie a small wrapped box. "For...later. Enjoy...have a...good day, dearie."

Sans smiled sweetly, and gave Marrie a gentle kiss on her cheek; as he held the meals in their bag in his hand. With a last glance at Chara, who was picking at some curly fries in the basket in front of them, he then led Marrie out from Muffet's.

Marrie put the box in her inventory and nodded at Muffet in thanks before leaving with Sans. She did give a wave at Papyrus and this new person who joined him.

"Sansy...? Who was that...?" Marrie asked, still seeming worried.

Sans carried the bag in his gloved hands and he frowned a bit to himself. "I believe...that might have been a human, Marrie...but my brother has always had a good head on his shoulder. He might smoke, and boondoggle about, but...he's a good man. He always tries to look out for me, and our entire family...so if he says to trust him on something, I do!"

He came to his parents house, and he went inside without a second thought; leading Marrie upstairs to where Edge and Bitter's bedroom was. "I just need to drop these off, then I can walk you home alright? You want to come, Papi loves seeing you..."

Marrie nodded and left it at that. A human...that was something...

Once at the house Marrie just let herself be led by Sans. She didn't seem to mind following, especially to see Mr. Edge and Mr. Bitter. The two were a bit scary to her at first but she grew to like them both.

"Okay Sansy. I'll be right behind you." She purred.

Sans smiled, as he opened the door quietly to his father's bedroom. Edge was leaning on his crutch, near the closet, just in his shorts. He was looking for something to Bitter to wear, who had finally woken up just about ten minutes before. Neither of them were doing too well with their health.

Edge was slowly going senile in his old age, and Bitter was just getting older, the life spent in the harsh timeline of Underfell having finally caught up to him. Bitter was just in underwear as he sat trembling a bit on the side of the bed, watching Edge closely.

Bitter saw that Edge had pulled out a lightweight dress for him and he grumbled. "Don't wanna wear that..."

Edge shook his head, as he hobbled back over to Bitter, and started to gently pulled the dark red cotton dress onto his husband's shoulders. "I ain't gonna tie yer shoes again, and I can't do buttons no more. Your hands are shaking so much you can't either. So it's the-the dress or you go naked..."

Marrie stayed behind him as promised with a small sad smile, the state of the two...reminded her of someone...two someone's but...it was hard to really remember him in the first place...

"Um...hello Mr. Bitter and Mr. Edge. I hope we're not intruding..." she asked lightly.

Edge looked up at Marrie, and grinned a bit. He was missing his golden fangs now; having had them ripped out in the same battle that took a large chunk of his skull back in Underfell. "Oh, heya darlin...naw, yer not intruding none. Jus helpin' Bitter get dressed."

Bitter leaned his cup against Edge lightly, as Edge helped him to pull the dress down further onto him. Edge gave Bitter a gentle kiss, and he grabbed a house robe for himself, along with his new, lighter robotic leg. Leaning himself against the closet wall; he clicked the robotic leg on; then pulled the house robe on. "Can't be goin' nearly naked around youse, kitten. So, you and S-Sansy havin' a good day? Or...or is it night? I ain't real sure what time it is no more..."

Sans came in further, and set up the boxes on the little table. "I've brought you food Papi. I'll help Pops to the table, okay?"

He went over to the bed, and smiled softly, as he gently slid his arms around his Pops; helping him to sit up again. The short coffee cup monster was half-asleep, soon woken up more by Sans' moving him. "Huh? Oh heh, heya Sansy..."

Bitter was helped to the table, and he yawned a bit, reaching for the medicine box. "Is Marrie wit'cha? She's a sweetheart...an when youse two gettin' hitched?" He was starting to count out his medicines for that day.

Marrie didn't mind. There were worse times in her own household, but she never spoke of them.

"We're doing okay, Mr. Edge. It's still day hours right now. Sansy and I came back from Muffets for lunch." She answered lightly before heading over to Bitter.

"I'm here Mr. Bitter. I think I'm a little too young to get married right now." She giggled out with a slight blush, "I like how we are right now. How are you feeling?" She couldn't help but worry about him and Edge.

Edge nodded softly, and brought over a lidded cup that he filled with water for Bitter; and he pressed a soft kiss to Bitter's cheek, before he sat down in the chair across from his husband. Bitter grasped the cup; the trembling in his gloves easily seen, as he took a few of the nearly ten pills that sat in front of him.

"I'm a'right I guess, Marrie...ehh..." His head was slightly wavering as he spoke to Marrie; his reddened pupil faded. "...s-saving Edge last year really...really hurt me bad yanno. My healths just gone in the shitter since then, sweetheart. I'm nearly 60, yet...yet the doctors say it's like I'm 90..."

Sans meanwhile was helping to set up the meals for his fathers, a gentle contemplative expression on his face. He always felt a bit sad around his parents, but he tried to not let it bother him much so he could help them the best he could.

Edge pulled out a small bottle of green liquid, and then after pouring out a measure of it, he drank it straight like it was a shot of liquor; then he poured another measure, and added it to Bitter's water. "Yeh...doctors say they're fuckin surprised I'm alive...dunno what time of day it is...or hell even how old youse two are. Honestly...I only know yer name, cuz yer the only cat monster I really know...it's why we stay in our bedroom most of the time...plus who wants a couple of senile old fucks from Underfell runnin' around the place, heheh..."

"That's a shame...I'd like to see you both around more often, especially out of this room. There's a lot to like...even if this mountain seems a little small." Marrie smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure you'll get better again...I'm working on my magic...and my siblings are making better medicine. So...there's still hope there."

"Sans? Do you need help with that?" She saw Sans setting the meals up and figured she could help a little more. These were things she was pretty used to...but it didn't mean it hurt her heart any less.

Edge smiled softly, and nodded, as he gently reached over, and helped steady Bitter's hand to drink his medicated water.

Sans chuckled a bit, and handed one of the meals to her. "You can help Pops with his meal, he can't really use a knife anymore. Miss Muffet sent him and Papi steak burgers, which well...need to be cut up some, if you don't mind?"

Edge reached behind him carefully, and picked up his new robotic arm, and attached it, flexing the thinner fingers. "There we go...yeh...it'd be great to go out and enjoy some time together. I jus got my new limbs in a few days ago...I can get Bitter's new chair, and we can go out to yer farm. See ya sis and family eh?"

"Mhmm! I can do that." Marrie headed over to help with cutting the burgers. Least she can do so the food doesn't get too cold.

"And my family would like that a lot. Maybe I can introduce you both to Mama this time? She hasn't been feeling too bad now..." She was hopeful in that. Her mother's been bedridden for years after her dad passed away. She didn't remember much about her dad since she was so young when he passed, but she did know what took her dad away had also hit her mom. Mom was a lot stronger though...so that was something to hold onto hope to. She hoped that was the same way for Bitter and Edge.

Bitter held his fork carefully, spearing a bite of the food. It could be seen as he sat; his bare flat doll-like feet were turned inwards due to his arthritis. "That'd be just great, Mar...I ain't neva met your Mama, but she sounds like a swell lady to...to have raised a nice kid like you."

Sans finished setting up their meals, and he pressed a light kiss to Edge and Bitter's cheeks, then he lightly wiped Bitter's cheek off of some meat juice. Despite the slight protest from Bitter, he took off his neckerchief, and tied it lightly around his Pop's neck to protect the older man's dress. "Alright! Well, I'm going to take Marrie home for now, I'll be back in a bit okay?"

Bitter and Edge nodded softly, and Edge took another bite of the food, and lightly jabbed his fork towards Marrie as he started to talk. "Now, jus so ya know...we don't stay in the room cuz we're made too...it's jus easier on both o' us. Bitt's has trouble walking anymore, got the shakes somethin' terrible my poor cup of coffee...an me, until just a couple days ago, I was limited by my crutch, til' I got my new limbs. But we'd love ta come see yer folks. Jus let us know when, darlin; a'right?"

"I'll let you all know know soon. Take care of yourselves until then, okay?" Marrie smiled but had that slight hint of worry in her voice. She gave the two each a quick peck on their cheeks before leaving with Sans. She liked her boyfriend's family, they were all really nice and sweet people. Didn't have much of a dad figure in her life outside of her uncle and brother, but it felt nice having something close through the skeleton and cup hybrid monsters.

"Goodbye Mr. Bitter and Mr. Edge. Until next time!" She headed out the door. Worry still flooded her mind but...she knew things would be okay. Darren always said things get better, and he hasn't been wrong yet. She did wish to help out more if her magic allowed it. She couldn't do much but that didn't stop her from at least trying her best.

Sans followed alongside of Marrie and he gave her a soft kiss. "SO, THAT WAS VERY NICE TO HAVE YOU MEET UP WITH POPS AND PAPI AGAIN, MY DEAREST MARIE. NOW, ONWARD TO YOUR PARENTS HOUSE, RIGHT?"

As they made their way towards Waterfall, the little child known as Chara had tried to warn Papyrus of what was going on, how they were being controlled by someone outside of where they must've been at the time, and how it scared them. Papyrus told them that he'd keep an eye on them, and how he hoped whatever this outside source was, would not act in a bad manner.

The last thing he warned them, was not to attack his brother. Chara just nodded, and left to go to the Inn.

Marrie giggled and kissed him right back, "I like your family, Knighty. They're really nice. But, I think I'm ready to go home. Uncle's probably worried..."

By the time they got to Marrie's home, Zhara and Vera were conversing by the front, Vera looking slightly annoyed as Zhara was pestering the cat monster.

"Come on! You promised!" Zhara huffed.

"I said I didn't actually know the guy! I just know him from my kid sister!" Vera sighed as she was strumming a worn guitar.

"Pleaaaase? At least ask! Come on! Think of them!"

"You're not gunna stop until I ask are you?"

"You think they'd work the courage to pester you?"

"...Ya got me there, Z."

Sans blinked a bit at the exchange, and he grinned brightly to Zhara and Vera. "HELLO THERE, VERA, ZHARA! I PROMISED BUBBA DARREN THAT I WOULD BRING BACK MARRIE BEFORE DINNER TIME! AND, WE GOT SO MUCH DONE TODAY, AND IT'S STILL...AH, NEARLY AN HOUR AND A HALF BEFORE DINNER!"

He gave Marrie a sweet kiss on her cheek, looking rather proud of himself; his two-foot long tail waving lightly behind him. "So, Marrie, talk with your Uncle and your mother, and we'll see when it's good for Papi and Pops to come over to visit!"

Marrie giggled and gave him a kiss on his nasal cavity with a little purr, "Okay! I'll call you later to let you know!"

"Wait! Sans! Hang on!" Zhara hoped he wouldn't leave too soon, "Come on, V!"

"Do I have to? He knows you too!" Vera groaned, really not wanting to do this.

"Who paid your alcohol tab at Muffet's last month...?"

"...Fuck. Fine... Yo Sans. Quick question before ya leave." Vera packed her guitar away again before deciding to lean against the wall of the house.

Sans watched as Marrie had gone inside the house, a slight blue blush across his cheeks. Hearing the two ladies calling out to him, he turned back around, and laughed a bit. "OF COURSE, THE MAGNIFICENT SANS IS ALWAYS ABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS!"

He paused for a moment, and rubbed his cheek worriedly. "Though I should be getting home soon to help my parents...BUT ASK AWAY! WHAT IS YOUR QUERY?"

"Won't take too long. We just wanna know, is your bro single?" Vera asked the quistion straight up.

Zhara sighed but..she supposed that worked...

"We're asking for a friend of ours." Zhara tried clearing that up before it could lead to any awkward places...
"Papyrus? As far as I know, yes he's single!" Sans replied and sighed dramatically. "Why anyone would want to date him, is beyond me...such a lazybones when he's not working himself to just thin gel and bones! And he never eats anything healthy, always eating the greasiest food...and he smokes..."

The young skelegator shook his head, closing his eyes. "But yes. My brother is single. At this point in the day most likely he's at home, helping Papa and Mama with their dinner or other things around the house..."

"Trust me dude, we don't get it either. But like...that ain't my place to judge. I already got a guy." Vera rolled her eyes at the thought.

"Thanks Sans. We'll probably bug him later for a favor." Zhara smiled appreciatively at the skeleton, "See you around."

Sans nodded, and he saluted them easily; before he leapt into the waterway near the house, and went swimming easily down the channels to head back home.

At the time, Papyrus had headed home and was leaning against the outside wall of his home, a cigarette in front of him. He was happy to hear the calls of the parents telling their children to come inside for dinner. It was something he felt he hadn't heard in a long time.

"He's a strange one..." Zhara chuckled lightly at seeing Sans go.

"My sister loves the energetic jocky dork and one of my best friends is in love with the complete utter nerd that's his brother. Life is a hell of a strange one." Vera shrugged.

"...How much weed did you smoke beforehand...?"

"Didn't smoke it today. I ended up learning you can bake that shit! You wanna try a brownie? I made 'em before my bro woke up for the day!"

"Vera...why..."

"It's herbal research Z!"

A couple of days passed by, and it was a good day for Bitter and Edge to come and visit the little family out in Waterfall. Edge carried Bitter in his arms, while Sans carried the wheelchair on his back. They came to the house, and Sans knocked on the door brightly, grinning to his parents as Edge opened up the wheelchair and gently placed Bitter into it.

Papyrus had decided to come along, and was nasal ridge deep in one of his journals, having been writing down how the human had been doing the last couple of days. It seemed they were mostly brown eyed so far, and just staying in the Inn and eating from Muffet's mostly.

Darren would end up opening the door with a smile on his face. "Welcome everyone! Please, come in! We're been expecting you all! Sans, Marrie's in her room if you wish to see her before she comes over."

Darren moved away from the door to let the family inside. Meanwhile James came out of their mother's bedroom with a tray of small empty bowls and glass cups, a worried look on his face as he slowly closed the bedroom door.

Sans smiled happily. "Thank you Darren! It's a pleasure to see you again! I've been on patrol with the Junior Guardsmen for two days, and it's a great job! With great benefits as well! I'm going to go and see Marrie...Pops, Papi, will you be alright with just Papyrus?"

Bitter was just leaning his teacup head back slightly in the wheelchair, as Edge pushed him in and he chuckled softly. "Sure sure, Sansy...go'on go see ya little kitten! We'll be jus fine...jus park me somewhere, G. I'll be happy."

Edge sighed and pushed Bitter more into the house, and leaned down giving his husband a sweet kiss. "No I'm not gonna just park ya somewhere, Bitts. You're staying with me. And if ya start hurtin' I got your medicine with me, alright?"

Sans saw James, and his smile fell. "Mr. James, is everything alright?"

James paused and tried giving a smile to Sans, "Yes, just fine. Just checking on my sister-in-law is all. I'm happy to see all your family here and in good health." He mentioned, "Just had to take care of her. Excuse me, son." He left into the kitchen to put the dishes in the sink before going to say hello to Sans's family.

Darren was helping out the rest to make sure everyone was comfortable and had enough room around.

Marrie was in her room as stated. She was reading up on healing magic practices and was focusing on a little snail who's shell was cracked. She was focused but was doing her best as her paws turned green over the slimy creature.

Edge stood up from the couch, and looked to Darren and James. "Is there anythin' I can do to help maybe? Might be an old man, but I like being helpful yanno..."

Bitter's hands were trembling as they always did, along with most of his body, but he smiled sweetly at Edge offering to help. "Awww, Edgy, you're always so kind, sweetheart..." He smoothed out the dress he was wearing, a nice dark purple dress with a bit of lace at the edges. He realized the day before after trying to button up his pants and failing, that perhaps dresses weren't so bad.

Sans saw that his brother had perched himself on the edge of the little couch, where Edge sat with Bitter wheeled in front of him. Seeing they were mostly okay, he went up to Marrie's room and smiled as he lightly opened her bedroom door. Seeing the little snail she was working on, he stayed quiet for her sake.

"Not much can be done I'm afraid. Sat through many doctors and the only thing helping her now is my own batch of medicine. She's faring better than my late brother, that I'm thankful for. Hopefully she's feeling up to meeting you fine folk when she wakes." James gave a rather bittersweet smile before going to clean up.

Darren had gone over with him to make some refreshments for everyone, "How does everyone feel about lemonade? We made it fresh."

Marrie was focused on her task, but learned it was a bit strenuous. By the time she let herself take a break, the snail's shell had seemed to heal slightly. There wasn't as huge of a crack but it would still need time or more magic to fully go back to normal. "Ooh...darn it...I should have healed it all by now!" Marrie growled and put the snail back in it's little bowl to rest again, seeming upset.

Edge nodded to James, and he sighed, lightly rubbing Bitter's knee in a comforting fashion. Reaching into the backpack that Sans had hung on the back of the wheelchair, he pulled out the lidded cup he brought out of the house for Bitter. "Lemonade sounds great."

Getting up from the couch, he carefully made his way towards the kitchen a bit, holding the cup in his hand. "I uh, my husband's hands shake a lot, so I brought his cup he uses. Hope that's a'right..."

It could be seen that Edge was almost painfully thin in the thin sweatpants and light sweater that he wore, much different than how he looked not even two years ago. He spoke much softer, his golden fangs missing; which almost gave the old man a lisp. Papyrus still had his nasal bone in his book, and he didn't even seem to notice that he was anywhere different, as he soon fell asleep on the couch, his long bony tail draped over the arm of the sofa.

Sans gently came into the bedroom, and he sighed quietly. "Even a bit of healing, is better than none, Marrie...you're doing so well with your studies..."

"Of course. I understand." Darren nodded as he got the pitcher of lemonade from the fridge. He did feel bad for seeing Edge in such a state, part of him wanted to look away due to old memories. But he kept his look and offered to fill the cup for Bitter along with getting everyone else a glass.

"If you do need anything, please feel free. Our home is yours as much as you've offered yours to my sister." Darren assured.

Marrie let out a spooked mew before looking over at Sans, "You scared me! But...um...t-thank you...I just wish it was better..." She sighed and petted the snail's shell before going to Sans and hugging him. "...I'm happy you're here though..."

Edge chuckled softly, as he leaned lightly against the doorframe separating the kitchen from the living room. He tried to seem calm and collected, but at his age, it came across as sickly and weak unfortunately. "Not a problem, kiddo. Jus sorry ya gotta see me bad off as I am, heheh."

Bitter rolled his eye, and sighed. "Edge. Don't be so down on yerself, darlin..."

Sans came further into the bedroom, and he nuzzled her lovingly. "Same here, my dearest...I didn't mean to scare you though! I'm terribly sorry..."

"It's alright. Can't be helped." Darren assured before filling the glasses with lemonade and handing Edge Bitter's lidded glass.

"It's okay. I just wasn't expecting it." Marrie smiled and nuzzles him back, "Let's go down now, okay?"

Edge smiled softly, and brought over the glass to Bitter, giving him a kiss on his cheek. "There we are. I told ya I wouldn't forget yer cup, sweetheart."

The slender and tall old man sat on the couch then, and leaned over; gently smoothing Bitter's lace-edged dress over his legs delicately. It could be seen that the teacup hybrid's doll-like legs were covered in slight bruises and the used to be pristine white 'skin' was mottled appearing, when one of his long black socks had fallen down and bunched around his ankle.

Bitter took a few sips from the lemonade, and smiled. As he set the cup into the little holder on the wheelchair, the old man grinned to Darren. "T-The lemonade is wonderful, thank ya kid."

Sans nodded to Marrie's request, and he gently led her downstairs to the living room. He saw Bitter seemed to be comfortable, and he immediately saw that his Pop's stocking had fallen, and he went over to fix it. "Pops...your bruising is getting worse..."

Bitter patted Sans' shoulder, a shaky smile crossing his face. "Aww, don't worry 'bout me, Sans. Your old Pops is doin fine..."

"Thank you sir. I'm glad you enjoy it." Darren smiled before handing everyone else a glass.

Marrie saw the bruising and thought of something, "Um...Mr. Bitter...I...I can try and heal it."

"You're still in training, little cub. I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Maybe we'd get your sister to do it, her healing magic's good with bruises...where is she anyhow...?" James headed over to take his own seat in the livingroom, a worn wooden rocking chair.

"I can do it, Uncle. I've been getting better! And it would be good practice! Please...?" Marrie begged, "I can do it!"

Bitter nodded, a slight odd appearance with his shaking head and body. "Marrie, I wouldn't... w-want too see you get hurt..."

Carefully, he leaned down and tugged the black stocking back up. "This bruising, it's just bad circulation the docs say."

Edge took another drink from the glass of lemonade, and sighed. "Bitts, if Marrie thinks she can heal ya, why doncha try? Long as her Uncle don't mind it..."

While the elderly couple was talking, which sounded more like an argument, but it wasn't really. Sans went into the backpack on the back of the chair and pulled out the medicine box.

He pulled out his Pop's morning medication, and then he held them to Bitter to take. Edge reached over, his natural hand taking the pills from Sans hand. His bony arm was covered in micro-cracks, which Marrie had already seen, but not the rest of her family.

James noticed the cracks, but didn't say much on them. Wasn't his place. Darren on the other hand...

"If you need any medication, we do have some we can spare from our stock, or make some if we don't have it. That's why we collect as many herbs here." The older sibling offered.

"Uncle...?" Marrie looked over at him, hoping he'd let her try.

"...Alright. But moment you feel like you can't handle it, stop. Don't force yourself, else ya do damage to both you and Mr. Bitter if ya ain't careful. Understand?" James sighed. Marrie nodded, looking determined to try.

Edge smiled a bit, and he carefully moved Bitter around a bit in the chair, helping to pull the man's slippers off, then slide down his black stockings, revealing his bruised, mottled legs with their doll-like ball joints at the ankles and knees.

"Heh, thanks for the offer of medication, kiddo. We take enough of it already though. Bitts alone takes stuff for his seizures, soul pulse irregularity, circulation, and three of them alone are just for pain..." Edge spoke as he gently rubbed Bitter's thigh comfortingly.

"But if Marrie here thinks she can help him out, every just a bit more, she's welcome to try." Edge finished, as he looked to Marrie.

Sans was so proud of Marrie. "You're going to do wonderfully, my love!"

Marrie took a breath before nodding, ready to try. She let her hands glow green, slowly activating her magic, and soon held them over Bitter's bruised legs. Wasn't doing much at first but it was slowly healing them to look less dark in color. She was trying her best despite looking like she was focuing pretty hard.

Darren just watched her in worry while James observed her technique.

Bitter watched carefully, as he saw her hands glowing a gentle green. He could also tell his legs were slowly getting a bit better.

Seeing that she was getting close to possibly hurting herself, he leaned forward from his wheelchair and placed his own trembling gloves over her hands. "Y-You did good, hun... that's e-enough...thank ya."

"You need to try to, imagine things bettah when you're healing. You can't think of the injury, you have to think about the intent you wish to impart through your touch..." Bitter calmly said, as he looked to Marrie.

"Your healing... it's the rain that slows the fire, but may not put it out... it's the sandbags by the river side, it will hold back the river, but the water still trickles through..." As he spoke, his head slightly trembled and he leaned forward giving her a soft hug.

"You don't get rid of the illness or injury, but you make it better." He murmured. "I could feel you were trying to heal it completely. That's too much, especially for someone yer age..."

Marrie hugged back, stopping her magic, "...I know..but...I...I thought I...at least..try..." She panted out. She overdid it a little but not too much thankfully.

"Hence why you're still in training, cub. You did fine for now. Take a rest. I think you did enough for the rest of the day." James spoke out with a proud smile.

Bitter gently rubbed her back, smiling. "Thanks fer everythin though. You did great I thought."

Sans gently took Marrie's hand, leading her to the couch. He gently snuggled her, giving her a kiss.

Edge leaned forward again, pulling Bitter's stockings up and helping him get his ballet styled slippers on. Papyrus had woken up, and he looked around, seemingly pleased he was not at home. Which meant the kid hadn't reset...yet.

The lanky skelegator decided to go and get himself some fresh air, then taint that fresh air with a cigarette. "excuse me please. i'll be right back."

He then left out the front door, whistling to himself a bit.

Marrie stayed with Sans and rested against him while Darren gave her a glass of lemonade to get her strength up. Boyfriend plus treats always helped.

"If you see my older niece around, tell her we're looking for her." James asked before looking towards the rest.

Papyrus nodded, and smiled a bit. "can do, sir. see y'all later."

With that he left the house, closing the door behind him. He started to go down a small pathway, and pulled out his packet of cigarettes, lighting one up with his orange magic easily.

He didn't realize he was heading towards where Vera and Zhara were.

Vera was on a smooth rock as she strummed on her guitar, softly playing a melody as Zhara was doing some stretches and...someone else was singing. A pink ghost by Vera's side was providing the vocals, seeming comfortable to do so with the two's presence around, it was soft and almost eerie...but gentle and slowly picking up volume as more confidence came. Seemed things were pretty peaceful.

Papyrus slowed down, listening to the pink ghost as they sung so soft and so eerily beautiful. He sighed gently, a plume of smoke curling from his 'nose'.

He came over closer and leaned against a wall, his clawed hands in his hoodie. The tall skelegator almost looked like he was asleep standing up, his large round glasses almost obscuring his eyes completely.

Vera kept playing for their ghost friend before suddenly stopping at seeing Papyrus. The ghost ended up stopping and was about to ask until they saw the skelegator and began to disappear.

"Aww! Hap! Come on! We talked about this, dude!" Vera complained as the ghost hid, "Haaaaap! God damn it!"

"Oh boy...Hi Papyrus. What brings you here?" Zhara got up from her spot and dust herself off.

Papyrus' eyes widened a bit at the reaction from Hap, and he shrugged a bit. "heya zhara. came with my folks, to see mar's folks. tibia honest, i was gettin' a little bonely, nyehehehe, so i came out here to have a smoke and to chill some."

"sorry if i caused them to vanish like that..." He drawled softly; his long tail uncurling from around his waist as he relaxed.

"You're fine. Happy's normally shy. Happy? Please?" Zhara called around, hoping the ghost was still there. The ghost would soon reappear behind Zhara.

"There you are. Don't be shy. Come on." The bat monster urged before slowly stepping aside.

"Oh..well...h-hello..P-P-Papyrus..." They shyly waved before hiding back behind Zhara. Zhara couldn't help but chuckle while Vera facepalmed.

Papyrus' fanged grin was rather relaxed and he smiled. Lifting one of his clawed bony hands he waved back. "hey there happy. i know my lil bro was talking to me about this nice little person who seemed to kinda like me?"

He shrugged a bit, as he took his glasses off, then slipped them into his hoodie, revealing his soft orange eyelights, his eyes half lidded. "but yeh, ya prolly already know me. just uh, don't let me being who you think i am, taint who you may end up knowing about."

Happy blushed at the mention of them liking him. before the two looked over at Vera.

"...Damn it Sans! You had one fucking job!" Vera groaned, "Well don't just look at me! Come on Happ! He's right there! Just go for it!"

"Vera...gentle." Zhara reminded before she tried stopping Happy from disappearing again.

"Ooooh...well...I...just I...I didn't mean..ah..well...I just k-know you f-from...a-around and...I thought...well...oooooh..." Happy was ready to disappear again as they muttered apologies, "...I'm sorry...i'm a bit of a nobody myself...so...it's...okay..."

Papyrus stood there, listening to Vera arguing about his little brother, and he chuckled softly. "my bro's really cool that he let me know about that. i mean, sometimes i'm so out of it, i forget what day it is even..."

"happy, you're not a nobody...i mean, i'm a nobody too. just the stuffed shirt that would go in place of my papa, and makin' sure that he didn't mess up anythin at the labs. nyeh-heh-heh...lots of people think i'm some bigshot. i ain't anything special, hap." Papyrus said softly, a gentle smile across his face. Letting out a puff of smoke, he promptly sat down on the ground, his tail curling into his lap. "what were ya thinkin?"

He then patted his bony tail a bit, as if offering a seat. "...i'm all ears, happy, and i'd love to talk more with ya."

Zhara side stepped again so the ghost was in full view, "Well...? Go on Happy. It's okay. Nothing wrong with talking, right?"

Happy still looked pretty nervous but nodded. The ghost floated over near Pap, slow but...they managed.

With a little determination they managed, "...H-How can you be...a-all ears if...you don't h-have them...?"

"...Wow that was a corny ass joke, Hap." Vera started to laugh before Zhara slapped her upside the head, "Oww! Hey!"

"Leave 'em alone, V. They're trying."

"I was just kidding! Damn!"

Papyrus chuckled a bit, grinning more widely to Happy. "nyehehehehe, well, i'd be lyin if i didn't just 'cashew' in a cute place like this, hap. and it's really 'rice' to get to talk with ya too. ya already might know me, dr. papryus h. aster. i uh, was the assistant to the royal scientist, dr. brewer, he's my father, well, step-father i guess..."

He reached into his hoodie pocket, pulling out a can of tea; popping the top to drink from it. "when undyne took over after papa retired, i decided to retire too. what's up with you, happy, tell me more about yourself, if you don't mind..."

Happy blushed, seeming entranced with every word Pap was saying. Moment they had to talk about themselves is where they seem to sulk.

"Oh...w-well...I'm just...Happstablook...I run the family snail farm...alone now since..most of my cousins left to be coporeal...I-I...sing in my s-spare time...and...well...that's...all there is to me...I...did warn you i was a bit of a nobody, darling..." They gave a sad smile, "I'm afraid I'm not as interesting...I'm sorry."

"Happy, you're more than a nobody! The hell with that bullcrap! We talked about this!" Vera looked at the ghost with a less than happy face.

"What about all those nice fashion designs you made after getting that human magazine we found in the dump? Those were really nice." Zhara piped up as well, "And you helped Vera's and I's waredrobe."

"I gotta say. Hippie fringe isn't that bad. It's cosy as hell, dude." Vera agreed as she played with the strings on her frayed cardigan.

The ghost just hid their blushing face in their nubby hands, slowly starting to disappear, "Oh...oh my..."

"happstablook...it's a really nice name." He stretched out a bit more, then decided to pull off his hoodie, which revealed his very badly damaged upper arms, clawed with old gouges and nicks; along with his slightly stained white tank top. There was a few odd golden colored patches on it, with some grease stains as well. "and you are not a nobody. and i wouldn't just go and tell ya, oh yeah everyone is a somebody, because..."

"cuz if everyone is a somebody, then everybody's the same. and that's not true either..." He had long ago learned how to manipulate a glove like his Papa and Pops do for their hands, and a single glove came snaking out from his back pocket, and he gently placed it on Hapstablook's side.

"please don't go away, i'm really liking having you around, happy."

Vera and Zhara blinked at the sight of Pap but both said nothing as they looked over at Happy who was slowly coming back.

"R-Really...? Y-You...like...having me...h-here...?" Happy seemed surprised but hopeful, "W-well...I...do enjoy you...b-being here...and...Happy...just...H-Happy's okay..." Little ghost was blushing again.

"yep. you're pretty neat, happy." Papyrus yawned, and sighed happily, as he took another drink from the can of tea. The glove he'd been manipulating went back onto the now crumpled hoodie.

As the teenagers were relaxing, Sans was cuddling with Marrie; his tail gently wrapped around her waist as he listened to two of his fathers talking quietly amongst themselves. Bitter had finished the glass of lemonade, having taken his medicine for the afternoon; and he was shifting slightly in the wheelchair. Edge reached over and helped Bitter to get more comfortable.

Sans gave Marrie a gentle kiss on her cheek and glanced over at the door. "...I don't think it takes that long for my brother to smoke a cigarette..."

Edge chuckled a bit, and then stood up. "I think I might just take Bitts out for a smoke of his own, if ya don't mind James?"

Happy seemed relieved at that and kept their form. Zhara and Vera kept their distance and silence to let the two talk.

"Not at all. Please." James nodded and looked to Marrie and Sans, "Marrie, cub, can you go check on your mother? You can bring Sans along, I think she's well enough for an extra visitor."

Marrie nodded and nuzzled at Sans back, "Do you want to meet Mama? She's really nice. Just...have to be a little quiet...she can't take a lot of noise."

Sans nodded gently. "Sounds like a plan, Marrie. It would be nice to meet her. And I might be a strong and loud monster, but I can be quiet when needed."

Edge got up from the couch and he carefully pushed Bitter outside the house in his wheelchair, heading down a similar pathway to the back side of the house. Along the way, he lit up his own cigar; then pulled out a cigarette and placed it into a holder for Bitter. "Once we find a nice place ta stop, I'll light up yer cigarette, Bitty..."

Bitter nodded softly, as he held his gloves in his lap. The lacy sleeves of the dress showed his thin, spectral arms, and he chuckled softly seeing the teenagers. "T-There's the kids...Papy, we was w-wonderin where the fuck youse was..."

Papyrus glanced over, and smiled happily. "yep, just found some cool pals to hang out with pops. you came to have a cig, huh?" He looked to Happy, and smirked. "jus a moment, happy. i'll be right back, i'm gonna help pops and papi out, you can say hey to them, if you feel up to it, happy. i know you're shy, but uh...i gotta lot of family actually..."

Marrie kissed his nasal bone again before taking him down the hallway that contained her mother's room. She slowly opened the door to reveal a dark bedroom. There was light coming in from a few crystal lamps but it just did enough to keep a slight purple glow in some areas, not really light it up. On the large bed in the left of the room was a female cat monster, gray fur from illness, sunken tired eyes, almost white and grey hair, breathing like she was slowly gasping for breath. You'd think she'd be 90 not in her early 50s. Bitter was bad, but she was completely thin and sunken, but somehow still managed a smile at seeing company come in.

"Mama? Hi...it's me...Marrie. I brought Sans here...my boyfriend I told you about...?" Marrie spoke gently as she came in.

"It's okay...I understand. I...had...a big family too..." Happy looked over at Vera and Zhara. The two decided to follow Pap, if only to give some comfort and support for Happy to say hello.

"Hey. Damn, everyone's smoking, I wish I had my pot with me." Vera sighed.

"Let's not add weed to the pile please..." Zhara shook her head, seeming annoyed with the prospect.

"Fiiiine...I'll stick to my brownies. I'm telling ya! They're good!"

Sans came closer to the bed, and he covered his mouth seeing how bad off Marrie's mother appeared. She looked like she could dust if someone breathed on her the wrong way. "Hello, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you..." His voice, usually loud and boisterous; was gentle and quiet as he spoke.

Edge had parked Bitter's wheelchair near the cavern wall, and he settled down onto a large rock near where he'd parked his husband. After getting him parked, he pulled out his lighter as he lit up the cigarette, and helped Bitter to hold it with his glove. "There we go, darlin...easy now, don't need ya burning a hole in yer dress..."

Bitter's hands shook as usual, and he took a few puffs on it and sighed; as the smoke eeked out between his pointed teeth. "T-Thank you Gaster..." The scent from Bitter's cigarette was rather familiar to what Vera usually had. Within a few moments, the trembling of Bitter's body and hands started to calm a bit.

Papyrus grinned seeing that his Pops was enjoying himself. "hey pops, you feelin' better now? this is my new friend, happy."

Bitter's eye slightly narrowed a bit, and he smiled happily. "Oh, the Blook family! Glad ta meet'cha Happy. I'm Bitter Aster, one of Pap's fathers..."

Marrie headed over to gently give her mom a hug. Her mom slowly managed a weak version of a hug with gasping breath.

"I wanted you to meet...is that okay...?" Marrie asked as she fixed up her mom's blankets and pillows so she's sitting up comfortably. The sickly monster managed a smile and a very raspy laugh which soon turned into a bad coughing fit. Marrie quickly got her some water from a nearby pitcher and had her drink. "Easy mama...he won't go anywhere yet...it's okay..." It wasn't hard to see how heartbroken Marrie was about her mother.

Happy poked their head out from behind Pap, "Um...h-hello...N-Nice to meet..all of you..." They were still shy but they managed.

Vera shrugged in her own silent 'Fuck it' and pick out a bag of brownies from her inventory and took a bite.

"...Really V?" Zhara looked over at her who just gave a shrug,

"Relax. They're normal brownies...I think.."

Sans came over a bit closer, and he smiled sadly. Delicately he knelt down on the edge of the bed, and lightly patted her mother's hand after she'd taken a drink of water. "I'll stay as long as you'd like me too, ma'am. I am honored to be able to spend some time with you today. My name is Sans Aster, ma'am."

Papyrus grinned lightly, as he could almost feel Happy having been clinging to his tank top. "take it easy pops, want me to hold your cigarette fer ya?" Bitter nodded softly, and Papyrus came over and held the holder easily in his hand, while he came and knelt down a bit beside his father.

Edge was just content to sit on the rock, his own short and thick tail almost curled against his thigh; and he let out a large puff of cigar smoke. "Papyrus, don't baby yer Pops. Help him, but don't shove it on him, a'right?"

Papyrus rolled his orange eyelights and chuckled. "i know papi. just wanna make sure he's comfortable, until the medicine hits him better."

She just gave a nod as she calmed down from her fit. Marrie hugged her mom again and kissed her cheek. "Her name's Tahi...Tahi Jae..." Marrie spoke for her as the sick cat smiled and patted Sans hands lightly. "She's glad to meet you finally...I...told her a lot about you, Sansy..."

Vera shrugged at it, "What? He need something stronger? You should see my weed game." The cat monster offered.

"You mean like those samples you gave at the Napstaton viewing a week ago?" Zhara glared at her bestie.

"Hey. I said they were testers! I didn't get the strain right! I got it down now. Besides, made the show a hell of a lot more colorful for those two!" Vera chuckled.

"How are you feeling though, Mr. Bitter? I haven't seen you or the rest of the family in quite a while." Zhara smiled as Vera took another brownie to munch on.

Sans gently kissed Tahi's hand delicately, and smiled to her. "Oh, there's not much to tell about myself, my dear. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Tahi. And I've heard plenty about you yourself, as well."

Papyrus chuckled at Vera's suggestion for something stronger. Bitter meanwhile, took another puff of his cigarette; his hands just barely trembling now; as he laughed roughly.

The old teacup hybrid looked to Zhara, and he grinned slightly. "I'm okay I guess...can't really walk much no more, it's why I'm using my chair most of the time. My legs are kinda...really fucked up. Edge says that me battling for him back in...where we used ta live, really hurt me bad. Like my life kinda...caught up wit me."

He rubbed the back of his head gently, and sighed. "...being half ghost from my own Ma, makes it hard to kill me, but also dunno how long I'm gonna suffer like this..."

Edge gently patted Bitter's thigh, and frowned a bit. "Bitty, darlin...we jus try to do our best..." He looked to Zhara, and gave a slight smile. "It's hard, Doc's retired, and he's the most healthy out of all of us. Wingdin went blind after...after what I did to save her...cuz of my running like a coward, got caught up in some bad shit and had the crap beat outta me...Bitter got dragged into it as well..."

Papyrus listened, and he nodded along with what his Papi was speaking. "yeah...but we're surviving aren't we...we'll get through it all together..."

Tahi just nodded before starting to cough again. "I think it's maybe time for your medicine, mama...I'll get it for you...Sans..? Can you watch her a second? Please?" Marrie looked at him with a pleading look.

"Oh...I'm so sorry about that." Zhara felt bad for asking.

"Well if ya need the stronger stuff, I got it. Good for pains too, with and without a high." Vera offered before biting into her brownie, "Or I can do the whole healing buff thing. I don't know." She has gotten better with being nicer to people, despite being a little awkward with it sometimes.

Happy just stayed by Pap, worried about his dads but understanding. "...It...is still nice to meet you...though..." the ghost managed to speak despite the shyness.

Sans nodded, smiling worriedly as he sat carefully on the bed near to Tahi. "It's no problem at all, my dear. I have no problem spending time with your mother, Marrie." He gently rubbed Tahi's hand comfortingly. "It is an honor to be able to keep her company however long it takes."

Bitter chuckled quietly, letting out a plume of smoke from between his pointed teeth. "Don't worry yerself, Zhara. And as for uh, more strong stuff, that might be great actually. Still got twisted legs, but maybe it won't hurt so bad."

He thought for a moment, and held out his partially smoked cigarette to Vera. "Try this. You can see if it's weaker or stronger then what'cha got."

Edge glanced over to Happy, and smiled. "Nice to meetcha too, Happy. Hey if ya ever wanna haunt our house, feel free. We love having company ova."

Tahi chuckled lightly between wheezes before settling back down. Marrie kissed Sans's cheek before heading off to get her medicine. Tahi did let out some more wheezes before she tried attempting to talk, "...Y-you...y-y-you...g-good...t...t-ta...h-he...her..." she croaked out.

"Here. Gimmie." Vera took the cigarette to test it. Once she got a wiff and puff, she gave it back and thought, "Nah...I got something stronger than that. I'm guessing ya don't want the high but I gotta thing. Need three days to get it ready though."

Happy gave a small nod, seeming well...happy with that, "...I'll...try and visit..thank you...just...need to keep the snails taken care of first..."

Sans nodded softly, as he listened closely to Tahi. "I try my best, Mrs Tahi. I've...always tried to be the best friend and now boyfriend that I could ever be for her."

Bitter smiled gently, and he chuckled a bit. "Three days is fine...sometimes I sleep the day away in bed if I'm hurting too much..."

Papyrus sighed, happy that things were going so well with his family and his new ghostly friend. He honestly thought they were pretty cute. Sweetly scalloped form, with that tuft of spectral hair that covered one of their eyes so jauntily. He didn't even realize that his eyelights had changed to hearts, while he gazed at them.

She nodded slowly before struggling to get her hand up to point at a picture frame on the opposite side of the room. Hard to tell what was on it due to the low light.

"Alright. I'll get it in three days. Most likely Mars will give it to ya when she visits." Vera shrugged before making a mental note in her head to get that done. Part of the business.

Zhara however did notice Pap's change in eyelights. She stopped herself from saying anything. Especially as Happy was blushing a bit being so close to Pap. They seemed content enough with everyone around. They did look up at Papyrus and notice him staring, causing the ghost to blush more, "Oh...am...am I bothering..y-you...? S-sorry...I..didn't mean to...stay..so...close...oh my..."

Sans noticed her pointing to a picture frame, and he smiled a little. "Oh, would you like me to get that for you, Ma'am?"

Bitter nodded, having finished his cigarette by then. Edge gently took the holder, and after tapping out the smoldering end of it; he got a small burn-proof bag they carried, and he slid the butt of it inside. They both tried to not leave trash anywhere. A moment later, his cigar end was dropped into the little bag as well; then he closed it up. "Sounds like a plan, Vera." Edge replied, as Bitter was nearly asleep in his chair by then.

Papyrus shook his head, and grinned lazily. "naw, you ain't botherin me at all. it's hard to not stare at such a ghostly pink diamond such as yerself, yanno."

Tahi nodded again as she gasped for breath. Seemed she was eager to have it.

Vera nodded and looke over to Pap and Happ. Happy went from a slight blush to turning completely red and flustered before going semi transparent.

"I...I...I'm not...oh...oh my...oooooh d-dear...aaaaa..." the little ghost managed to say before they went completely transparent.

" stopped working." Vera chuckled as Zhara tried hard not to laugh.

"So cute!" Zhara giggled out before biting her lip to stop letting out anything else.

Sans gently got up from the bed, and went over getting the picture frame for her. Bringing it back to the bed, with a careful movement he sat back on the bed near Tahi; showing it to her. "This is what you wanted, right?"

Papyrus just chuckled and he leaned against the cavern wall beside Bitter's wheelchair; closing his eyes a bit; as his long tail rested in his lap. Edge just chuckled, and gently held Bitter's gloved hand as he slept.

Tahi carefully took the picture frame, her arms fell some from the weight due to her weak statue but she tried managing as she wiped away a bit of dust. On the frame was a photo of a healthier, younger Tahi with a well built male lion monster by her side. Two cat children were in front of them which appeared to be a younger Darren and Vera. And looking sleepy but sound in Tahi's arms was a tiny baby Marrie. All of them seemed happy.

Zhara tried helping Happy calm down, which wasn't working well by words at least. "Uh...V? Little help...?"

"I got it, no worries." Vera sighed before growing a large vine for her to sit on as she brought out her guitar again. She started strumming it before playing a calm tune. That seemed to help Happy a lot more as they started coming back and be a little less red.

Sans' sockets widened a bit, and he gasped, seeing the man in the picture frame. "...T-That's the Colonel! I've heard of him! He was one of the best guardsman around! That's amazing...I am...I am so sorry, Mrs. Tahi..."

Papyrus started to snore a bit, as he'd fallen asleep on the ground where he sat.

Tahi giggled and wheezed a bit as she trailed the photo of her husband with a shaky finger. She looked over at Sans and pointed at her late husband over to him. "Y-You...r-re...rem-...s-sound...l-like...h-h-him...g-go...g-good...m...m-man...s-sweet...h-heart...c-care...for...m-my..b-ba...bab...baby..."

Vera just looked at Pap and Bitter as she played, "Damn...tough crowd."

"I think everyone's just relaxed now. I better head back to New Home. My parents must be wondering about me." Zhara smiled a bit before fist bumping her bestie. "It was nice seeing you all again. Hopefully I can see you all again soon." Zhara waved at Edge before flying off back home. Happy disappeared for a moment before reappearing again with two spare blankets.

"Heh...not even a day and you're already covering him, huh Happ?" Vera chuckled while Happy blushed again, trying not to make too much noise to wake the sleeping monsters. They gave one blanket to Edge in case Bitter needed it before gently placing the other one over Pap's shoulders.

Sans' teared up slightly. Being compared to the Colonel, someone who was held in higher standing then even Gerson; he sat up a bit straighter, and nodded stiffly. "I will always care for Marrie. She has been by my side since we were very little, and I will always stand by her, no matter how life goes. I...I might be too young right now, but...I want to marry your daughter, when we're old enough."

Edge took the blanket from Happy, and delicately tucked it over Bitter's lap. "Thank you Happy. You're a sweetheart."

Pap yawned a bit, and smiled happily at being covered; letting out a soft hurgling noise of happiness.

Tahi let out another wheezing giggle at that, "I-If...h-heart...w-w-wants...b-b-bless...i-ing...y-y-you..urs..." She started another coughing fit before Marrie finally returned.

"Mama! I'm sorry! Uncle had to make you a new batch!" Marrie apologized before going over to help her mom again, "Thank you Sansy..."

Happy just nodded, blush coming back hot again, even moreso when Pap started hurgling. They thought it was too cute.

"Oh brother." Vera rolled her eyes with a smile, "Alright. Welp...I'm going inside...I'll see you two in later. Happ you can join if ya want bud. If not, have fun with your lover boy."

Sans gently started to rub Tahi's back, and let out a soft worried noise at her coughing fit. He looked to Marrie, and he smiled a bit more. "It's never a problem to help you my love. I'm happy to have stayed by her side."

Edge nodded to Vera as she was heading back inside. He yawned a bit, and smiled a little. "I should prolly get Bitter outta the wet for now. Happy ya gonna be a'right hanging 'round with Pap till he wakes up?"

Over in Snowdin, Chara had been wandering around Snowdin more. Nobody seemed to realize they were a human, and they went poking around some of the brother's puzzles, and found themselves seated in the middle of a small cleared field, looking over a crossword puzzle that Papyrus had apparently left for someone to find. They had a feeling bad things were going to happen soon, but they hoped maybe it wouldn't be that bad this time around.

Marrie gave him a thankful look before helping her mom take her herbal meds. Once done, Tahi settled down again, looking drowzy. Marrie just kissed her head and tucked her in, "Sleep mama...you'll get better soon..." She whispered before heading to the door again, "She needs the rest..."

"I can stay...s-sure." Happy floated by Pap's side, not minding to stick around for a little longer.

James was chatting with the others in the meantime, along with Darren.

"Sounds like retirement is treating you well. I don't know how you do it."

James chuckled as Vera came back inside. "There ya are. Wondering where ya went."

"Just hanging out with Happ and Zhara, Unc. No biggie."

Sans followed Marrie out from the room, and after the door was closed, he gave her a sweet kiss. "No matter what, my love. I will always be by your side. I promise you."

The rest of the day went nicely, and the skelegator brothers had taken their fathers home. After a nice dinner with their family, the next day had begun for everyone. Papyrus woke up and sighed...he was happy to realize that it still hadn't been reset.

They made their separate ways, and Chara had woken up in the Inn; their eyes red colored.

Making their way through Snowdin, they'd passed the gyftmas light decorated house, and they stopped a bit away from it; looking backwards in curiousity. Cupcake had come out to get the newspaper. He saw Chara, but didn't think much about it as he waved a glove to them. Chara didn't wave back, they just stared.

Soon, they continued to make their way out from Snowdin; and the snow was whipping up more harshly, obscuring their vision. Sans had been going through his early morning patrol, and he stopped, when he saw the human. He knew that Marrie was on her way to see him again, and he wondered what was going to happen.

"HUMAN...I SEE YOU'VE DECIDED TO GO FURTHER INTO OUR MOUNTAIN. ALLOW ME TO TALK TO YOU, ABOUT SOMETHING VERY NEAR AND DEAR TO MYSELF." Sans spoke to them, a fanged grin across his face.

"HAVING SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU...IS THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD! SOMEONE WHO WILL LISTEN TO YOU, CARE FOR YOU, STAND BY YOU...I CANNOT LOVE YOU...BUT I CAN BE A FRIEND TO YOU. ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND, WE CAN BE YOUR FRIEND! WE WILL SHOW YOU THE GREATEST TIME EVER IN OUR BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN!" Sans paused, as Chara took a few steps closer to him. He could see their weapon held in their hand, the red glint in their eyes, just past their dusky brown hair.

"BUT...I MUST BE THE BEST JUNIOR GUARDSMAN I CAN BE! I MUST CAPTURE YOU! OH...BUT MARRIE WILL BE SO CROSS...NO, NO!" He pointed to them dramatically, his tail waving behind him; as he summoned his blue bone battle-hammer.

"I AM THE MAGNIFICENT SANS, AND I WILL CAPTURE YOU, AND I WILL BE AS LAUDED AS THE GUARDSMAN OF OLD! COME, AND HAVE AT ME! IF YOU ARE KIND ENOUGH...I MIGHT EVEN SPARE YOU." Despite his harsh sounding words, his full intention was to spare the human regardless. He just liked being dramatic.

Chara ran at Sans, the red glint nearly reflecting off the snow it seemed, as they went to attack at him.

Marrie was coming down Waterfall for the day, humming softly as she was coming down. Happy was just walking behind her just to make sure she didn't get lost...again.

"It was nice of you to walk me down, Happstablook. You didn't have to. Sissy could have taken me." Marrie mentioned to the ghost as she walked.

"I know...but...your sister was...insistent...and...well..I don't...really mind at all...s-so...um...sorry..did...you...not want me to, darling...?" Happy seemed shy all of a sudden.

"It's okay! Don't worry! I like having you! I bet Sansy's family's gunna be happy seeing you too! Especially Papy!" Marrie giggled. Happy blushed heavily, "W-Whaaaaa!? W-who!? W-What?!"

"Sansy told me. You two sounded really cute!"

"Ooooooohh...whyyyyyy..." Happy went semi transparent again as they turned pink to red in embarrassment.

Near the Snowdin bridge, the battle between Chara and Sans waged on. The area was studded with bone attacks, and every few seconds a few more would disappear, only to be replaced with more of them.

Sans was panting for breath, already getting quite exhausted in the battle. "HUMAN...I DO NOT GIVE UP THAT EASILY...BUT YOU...ARE VERY STRONG..."

Chara looked to Sans, their head tilted to the side. Seeing him so exhausted, gave them an idea. He couldn't easily deflect any attacks now. And with only an HP of 10? He was likely a pushover. They poised to attack, just as they saw the cat and ghost monster come up over the hill of the bridge, a strange grin across their face.

Sans gasped, as he let out a pained shrieking growl, when Chara's weapon struck his neck. It sliced through his neckerchief, and sent him reeling backwards into the snow. "I...j-just wanted us...to be friends...h-human..."

His eyelights went out, but he was not dusting. As the snow whipped up more fiercely, he took that time to try to crawl to the icy river. Chara was glaring to see where the skelegator had gone; and they'd picked up his neckerchief. Assuming the snow was his dust; they let out a raspy chuckle. Sans had gotten to the river, and went swimming alongside the ice blocks. A thin trail of blue magic blood could be seen dotting the snow where he'd crawled.

Marrie saw what happened to her boyfriend and froze, eyes wide and brimming in tears as she saw Chara pick up the neckerchief.

"N-No...h-human...w-w..what...have...S-San...Sansy...?" She was shaking in fear and hurt.

Happy floated behind her, not sure what else to do, "Marrie...we...we need to go...now...please...let's...let's go."

Marrie just stayed frozen. "Marrie! Come on! We can't stay! Let's go!" Happy tried taking her, dragging her away for her to run back home.

Papyrus had been watching, and he saw that after they ran back from where they'd come from; the human continued their path across the Snowdin bridge. He came over to where the human had dropped the neckerchief, and he picked it up himself. Then he put it around his own neck, fingering the torn area of the fabric. "...you're going to pay human, i told you...i asked you..."

He shook his head, and then shortcut ahead to the Judgement Hall. What they did is up to them now. He'd already sent out a bulletin for everyone to stay home, don't come out. The entirety of the Undergrounds' cellular system ended up getting buzzed the same message, as he had the ability to issue such a statement as a Royal Judge.

Edge and Bitter had long since left their own house again, to go and visit with James and the rest of the family. Also so Bitter could pick up the new stronger medication for himself. He sat in his wheelchair, outside the house; enjoying the sparkling crystals in the caverns. Edge felt his phone vibrating, and he didn't move an inch.

"Darren...take Bitter inside would'ja? I'll just uh...hang out here."

By then Chara was getting closer to the residental area of Waterfall. They had been on a rampage by then, their eyes still red colored. It seemed they were completely on auto-pilot by then.

Darren nodded and took Bitter inside the house. "Alright..."

He seemed worried and hoped nothing was too wrong.

Marrie had kept running with Happy had gone back to their farm to hide. She managed to get to the front where she saw Edge and ran over to him, panting and sobbing.

"Heya kitten, what's goin on? I know a clear-out was sent, but..." His natural hand gently wiped away her tears comfortingly. "...you're all broken up...tell Papi Edge what's goin on..."

He had a feeling, having caught whiffs of dust in the air; and seeing swirls of pale gray dust, sparkling like moonlight, in the water as it flowed towards the farm.

Chara was already past the snail farm, and was getting closer to the Colonel's old farm by then.

Marrie kept crying and sobbing, clinging onto him tight.

"S-Sans...s-s-saaans...n-no...no no...he..he's..." She managed to mumble out before she returned to sobbing again.

Vera was just stepping out of the house to see what was going on and where her sister was until she caught the two standing there. That answered that question.

Edge felt this chill crash over him, and he let out a stiff breath suddenly. "I see, kitten...it'll be okay...it'll be hard, but it'll be okay..." His sights drew to the small creek by the house, and it was filling with the same moonlight shimmer at a higher rate. Whatever it was, they was getting closer.

He looked to Vera, and then pressed a kiss to Marrie's forehead. "Vera...take your sister. Go inside. It's a human, and they're comin this way...I'll hold 'em off. Lock up the farm..."

Sans had been swimming for what felt like an eternity, coming up for air every few minutes. Being made for swimming; as he was half-alligator, is probably what saved him in the long run. He crawled out from the water, hoping he was near the farm. He was disoriented, and his right eyelight was out in his stress. As he finally reached the bank, he laid on his back; still bleeding from his neck.

Marrie ran to her sister and held on. Vera just kept a hug on her before ushering her inside and locking the door behind her, "You're crazy old man if you think Imma let you handle this human alone." Vera headed over by him, unafraid.

"This human comes on my turf..., they deal with me. Ain't anything changing about that." She hissed and grew a few large vines with thorns, ready to strike when called.

Happy managed to get out of their house, wondering if it was a good idea to run off and see their friend's farm or go and find Papyrus back in Snowdin. Least as a ghost they were safer from physical attacks but it didn't make them less afraid. They did give a small shriek in response when they heard something pop from the water, only to look surprised when they saw it was Sans.

"S-Sans! Oh my goodness! Darling!" They floated over to him, worried about his state.

Edge chuckled darkly, and nodded. He was an old man, that was for sure. A large hole in his skull, and painfully thin all over. He stayed seated, and puffed on his cigar. "I might be crazy...but I'm willing to do anythin' fer my family ya see?"

Unfortunately Sans hadn't come up near the farm, like he'd hoped. He was panting for breath; blue blood starting to pool beneath his neck bones a bit. "H-Help...help me...hu-human...is...is M-M-Marrie safe?"

"Good. We're on the same page then. I'm not losing anymore family...my dad was the last fucking one..." Vera growled again as Marrie could be heard banging on the house door. Muffled cries and yells of panic, hoping they'd come back inside.

"S-She's safe...she's back home...c-come on!" Happy tried leading Sans into their home, hoping they still had a first aid it somewhere to help him out. They were no healer, but, it was something until they could get actual help.

Edge nodded, as he stood up while Chara had taken a back path across the marshlands, ending up in the front yard of the farm. "Oh...see ya decided to drop by huh, kiddo?" He summoned his large red bone club in his hand. Due to his weight difference, it was almost comical in his hands now.

Chara sized them up, their red eyes flickering a bit. The old skeleton chuckled a bit, grinning widely. Then Chara came rushing at them both, their weapon ready to attack.

Inside the house, Bitter carefully wheeled over and gently put his gloves on Marrie's shoulders. "C'mon Mar...c'mon...why don'cha sit wit me, kitten? It'll be a'right..." Bitter was tenser than normal, himself ready to fight if needed, despite his failing health and advanced age. He had a faraway look in his eyes, that he would be willing to dust to protect those in the house.

Sans managed to get to his feet, and he was faintly growling in pain; as he followed Happy into their home, nearly collapsing onto the floor as he came inside.

"Bring it, twerp!" Vera growled before letting her vines fly and attack first.

Darren was already calling the guard for help just in case. Marrie hiccuped and hugged Bitter's arm, scared and hurt, "B-But...s-sis-ssy...a-and Mr...E-Edge..and...Sans...s-s-sans...I...i don't...i don't want to l-lose them too..."

Happy gave a panicked yelp again before closing the door and floating around in a panic, wondering what to do. They disappeared for a moment before coming back with their first aid kit. Doing what they can to try and help the skeleton hybrid.

Chara dodged the attacks, and they lashed out at Edge, who managed to block their attack with his robotic arm. The child growled, and then went to attack Vera, attacking two monsters at once was something strange for them. They performed a check on Edge first.

Dr. W. D. Gaster - ATK 660 DEF 66 - 'A misplaced man from a dangerous world.'

Their grin widened, and they ran at Edge, their weapon outstretched to slice directly at his soul, aiming to dust, as their red eyes shone upwards at him.

Bitter gently rubbed Marrie's head, and sighed quietly. "Edge might be an old man...but he's strong...a lot stronger than I am. Sans...I don't think he's gone...I hope I'm right..."

Sans was still gasping slightly for breath, and he felt the roll of gauze going around his neck bones, and he sighed; as the flow of magic blood was stopped. "...Oh...oh thank you Happy...oh god...that human is on a war path!"

Vera managed to get some vines wrapped around the human's torso and throw them at a wall, mostly to buy time while doing some damage, "Not today, twerp! You're going the fuck down!"

Marrie just hoped he was right, and stayed by Bitter.

Happy just looked relieved that Sans was doing better. "I-I know! There's an alert t-telling everyone to stay inside! Lock doors and e-everything! I just hope the human left b-by now...oh...oh dear...how did you even survive that?! We saw you d-dust!"

Chara was thrown against the wall, and they nearly were knocked out from it. Groaning, they slid down the wall. Edge marched over, and started to mercilessly beat them with his bone club.

Bitter gently rubbed Marrie's head with his trembling glove, letting her stay close by him.

Sans nodded softly, and whinced at the pain. "Ooh...I...I didn't dust! I was injured, and I crawled away into the river! I can swim very well, being half alligator like my brother, Papyrus!"

He put his gloved hands to his face, frowning. "OH NO, MY BROTHER! MY PARENTS! WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THEM!"

Chara could feel their HP slipping further and further down. They shoved their weapon upwards in a last-ditch effort, and they pierced Edge's ectogel gut with the sharpened stick they held.

"I..I don't know...I had Marrie run back home and be with her family...I never saw if the human came close to Papyrus or the rest...I'm..I'm sorry..."Happy couldn't help but start crying, acid tears floating upwards and causing a stain in the pink roof.

"Shit! Edge!" Vera yelled out before doing her last ditch effort. She summoned a vine from the ground near Chara and had it wrap around their neck tight while she summoned a bow and arrow, her usual weapon of choice.

Sans carefully stood up, and looked to Happy. "D-Don't cry! Don't cry! I'm going to the farm, you go find my brother! He's most likely in Hotlands to try to head off the human!"

Edge pulled away, and stumbled backwards, as he struck the ground; red magic blood spreading across the torso of his shirt. He groaned softly, his eyes closed tight.

Chara's neck was wrapped tightly by the thorned vine, and they started choking. Their HP kept slipping more and more, until finally it was exhausted. The Player had gotten bored of the strange fight, and that left Chara back in control once again.

They started crying as best they could while choking, their eyes a soft brown once more. Waving their hands, they started slapping wildly at the vine, trying to sign for them to be let go, that they surrender.

Happy continued to cry, hard to stop when they started.

Vera hissed at Chara before releasing the vine a bit for them to breathe. She still had many more grow and tie and wrap around Chara, making sure they were trapped before running over to Edge.

"Holy shit old man! Okay, hang on!" Vera tried to get a look at the wound to know what she was dealing with before trying her hand at healing him. Her magic was significantly stronger than her kid sister's...especially considering that extra DT put into her when she was a teen still flowed through her.

Sans nervously held up his hands, and just sighed; as he went running out the door to head back to the farm. Cursing his short legs, he wished he could swim it would have been much faster, but he didn't want his neck to start bleeding again.

Chara was gasping for air, tears still flowing down their pale and rosy cheeks.

Edge let of a soft growl of a breath, as he pulled his pale blue sweater upwards, revealing the small yet jagged piercing wound in his slim stomach. "S-Shit...still got a chunk of wood in there..." Red magic blood easily flowed from the ragged wound as he shifted to lay down on the moist ground.

"I got it. Just...chill...this is gunna hurt like hell..." Vera didn't like how that looked but went in to take out the wood before healing him again. She gave a glare at the human, "You're lucky I'm feeling merciful to you ya little twerp...the queen isn't going to give you that kind of pity though." With that, she just focused on getting Edge's wood piece out.

"Okay...I think I got it...i'm pulling it out on three..."Vera kept a claw on the piece, ready to go.

Chara just sniffled, having finally caught their breath somewhat by then.

Edge nodded, and they counted down from one to three. On three the wood chunk was removed, and he howled in agonizing pain. "AHHHH FUCK ME THAT HURT!"

Bitter's body tensed a bit more, and he gently held onto Marrie. "...what slices goin in...slices comin' out..." He murmured softly. Seeing that Marrie was probably looking at him in confusion, he sadly chuckled a bit. "It's somethin we used ta say back home...hopefully he's a'right, kitten..."

"I warned ya, old man. Now just hold still. I gotta heal ya." Vera sighed before getting her healing magic to work on the wound.

Marrie sniffled and kept her hug on Bitter, "..I...I hope so t-too..."

"As do I...as do I..." Darren sighed, not liking any bit of this.

Edge stayed still, and put his metallic hand over his face. "We're leavin the kid here...they can rot."

Chara started crying again. They didn't even realize what was going on with them, and they were scared at how hurt the apparently older skeleton was.

Soon, huffing and puffing was heard down the lane, followed by frienzed, stuttering growling. Sans was running as fast as his somewhat short legs could take him. "VERA! OH THANK THE ANGEL, YOU'RE ALRIGHT! I BATTLED A HUMAN, AND...AND THEY ARE STILL HERE, AND WHY IS MY PAPI ON THE GROUND?!"

Edge for once started crying suddenly as red tears spilled down his cheeks. "Oh my little Sansy, we thought ya got dusted, oh fuck this is great, you're okay! Shit, ya got gauze on your neck, what...did they hurt you?"

"I should fucking choke 'em again after that shit! Only reason I'm not is I'm more focused on getting your old man healed up! They're lucky I don't fucking string 'em up like a fucking pinata!" Vera growled before trying to calm down and focused on her healing. She seemed to be almost done, no red magic seemed to be pouring anymore.

"The little twerp here came and fought the both of us. I managed to throw 'em at a wall and disorient 'em but they ended up stabbing Edge. I choked them out and here we are." She gave a quick explanation, "Go see my sister...she's inside...she or my brother can heal that neck of yours for ya..."

Sans nervously nodded a bit, and he came up to the house, knocking on the door. "I'D LIKE TO COME INSIDE PLEASE? VERA SAID THAT SOMEONE COULD HEAL ME..."

Bitter nearly scrambled out of his wheelchair, immediately nearly falling over when his knees locked up on him, as he quickly went to the door to unlock it. Leaning against the door awkwardly, he yanked it open, and smiled brightly. "Oh gawd yer alive, Sans...Marrie said ya dusted!"

Marrie was surprised too before she broke into sobs again, "S..S-S-SAAAANS! SAAAAAANNSSS! YOU WERE...I SAW..AND..." she broke down onto the floor, happy but scared still.

Vera finished her work and helped Edge up from the ground, "Come on...we got familes to go back to..."

Sans immediately went to her, and knelt down to help her up into his arms. "Oh my sweet Marrie...I wasn't dusted, I used the blizzard to sneak away. A cowardly exit, but...it saved me. So I could come back to you."

Edge nodded softly and sighed, picking at the red magic blood on his sweater. He came into the house, and saw Bitter still clinging to the door, his knees splayed in an odd angle. Chuckling softly, he scooped up Bitter, giving him a sweet kiss. "Told'ja I'm too tough ta kill, Bitty..."

Bitter nearly broke down crying himself, as he snuggled against Edge in relief. Edge decided to just plunk himself down in Bitter's wheelchair, holding the old teacup hybrid to his chest.

Marrie held on tight to Sans, afraid to let go as she cried. Only getting brave enough to smother him in kisses as tears still dripped down.

Vera just looked tired, but deep down thankful that things turned out okay. Darren headed over to her and gave her a tight hug, "...I'm glad you're safe..." "You and me both...you and me both..." Vera sighed, "I gotta make a call...someone's gotta collect the little twerp..."

Sans laughed softly as he was smothered in kisses from his beloved, a soft hurgling purring noise coming from his chest.

Chara had wriggled out from the vines, their eyes reddened again. They were coming closer to the house, and they shoved their other weapon they had, straight at Vera's soul.

Marrie stayed snuggled next to him, purring lightly with sniffles in between, "..D-Don't...s-scare me..l-like that again...!"

Darren had since let go of Vera to check up on the rest. Before Vera could do anything, she felt a sharp stabbing pain at her soul. She grew wide eyed when she realized what happened, "Y-You...l-little...t-twe...we...rp..." She struggled to breathe before dropping to the floor, clutching her chest where the weapon hit.

"SISSY!" Marrie screamed out as Vera turned to dust.

Chara grinned brightly, looking to those in the house. They took another step inside and suddenly their path was halted by red teacup saucers stuck in the floor.

They seemed confused until they looked up and saw Bitter glaring angrily at them from Edge's arms. "Don't you take anotha fuckin step..."

Sans stood up from where he was snuggling Marrie, and he growled deeply baring his fangs. "I TRIED TO GIVE YOU MERCY HUMAN!"

He lifted his hand, bones ramming upwards from the floor, finally spearing the child from beneath.

Their soul shattered, and when presented with the menu, they chose to reset. Time rewound for all. Sadly they'd forgotten to save in Waterfall. They were pulled back to Snowdin, right beside Gerson's shop.

Back at the snail farm, Vera seemed like she was lost in thought, wondering why there was a weird dull ache in her soul.

"Sissy...?" Marrie looked worried for her as Happy finished putting some food down for a snail.

"Are you alright?" Happ also seemed concerned for their friend.

"...I'm fine. Sorry. Just got distracted." Vera tried brushing it off, thinking it's something she can get looked at later. "Anyway...Happ, why not take Marrie to Snowdin? It's just a few snails left, right? I can handle it. Gives ya an excuse to get out for a little while."

"A-Are...are you sure...I don't want to trouble you, darling..." Happ's look didn't change much.

"It'll be fine. Mars, you good?" Vera looked to her sister who nodded. "Yeah. I don't mind. Come on Happy! We can see Sansy and all the family!"

The two headed off which left Vera with the snails, and many weird questions.

Chara stood by the save spot, blinking their eyes. Papyrus was hanging by the librarby; and he yawned a bit, watching them. Chara decided to wait, and went into Muffet's on their own. Having seen they must've gotten distracted, he sighed; leaning back on his tail a bit. "good...maybe this time will go better..." He muttered.

Sans had been on early morning patrol, and he was coming back from the walk near the Ruins; when he saw Edge and Bitter coming out from the house; and Edge was slightly fussing over Bitter's lacy dress. "HELLO PAPI, POPS! HEADING OUT ALREADY?"

Edge grinned softly, and nodded. "Yep...we're headin' out to the farm, get Bitter some new medicine!"

Sans had a bright grin on his face. "YOU COULD MAYBE WAIT A BIT, I HAVE THIS FEELING THAT MARRIE IS GOING TO BE COMING OVER!"

Bitter reached up with his trembling gloved hand, and patted Edge's arm. "Y-Yeh...let's wait a bit. I love seein' kitten...she always gives tha best hugs."

Be only a moment before Marrie and Happy made it to Snowdin. Happy was already slightly more red and pink as Marrie giggled at something. She'd see Sans, Bitter, and Edge and start running over. Happy did their best to follow behind.

"Sans! Mr. Bitter! Mr. Edge!" She giggled and headed to Sans first for a hug and kiss.

Sans gently wrapped his arms around Marrie, giving her a loving kiss. "HELLO MY DEAREST! I HAD A FEELING THAT YOU WERE COMING TODAY!"

Bitter waved gently to them, and Edge just chuckled. "Heya kitten, glad ta see ya. We was headin over to the farm, but Sans had us wait. I'm happy that we did."

Papyrus came back towards the house, and he was walking at a lazy pace; his black sneakers almost shuffling in the snow. "oh hey happy. you came too? um, if we're havin a little meet and greet, we should head inside; don't want pops or papi too long outside in the cold..."

Edge nodded and then gently he wheeled Bitter inside, holding the door open for the others.

Inside the house, it could be heard that Cupcake was reading the news to Wingdin at the kitchen table. "...and the Royal Guard captured the thief that was seen around the New Home industrial area, with no issues. They are being hold on a 5,000 gold bond in the Royal Jail. Well, that was certainly interesting...their crime spree has been brought down at least, that's good, wouldn't you think, love?"

Wingdin nodded, and sighed. "I was being so worried they were going to try to steal from my cafe next..."

Marrie let out a soft purr as they went inside. She did give a quick hug to Edge and Bitter beforehand. Happy kept by Papyrus, doing their best to hide their tiny blush.

"Hi Mr. Cupcake! Hi Mrs. Wingdin!" Marrie immediately headed over to hug the two, purring lightly.

Cupcake smiled brightly, chuckling. "Ah, Marrie! It's a pleasure to see you today!" He gave her a soft hug, chuckling.

Wingdin gave Marrie a gentle kiss on her forehead; grasping Marrie very delicately by her cheeks like she always did. "Ooooh are you wanting somethings to eat? I making fresh cinnamon buns this morning, sweetheart."

Sans grinned happily, and he went around his parents, and saw the cinnamon buns on a foil covered tray. "I'LL DISH OUT THE CINNAMON BUNS, MAMA. YOU SHOULD RELAX! OH, HAVE YOU MADE ANY GHOST BUNS LATELY? I'M SURE BROTHER'S DATEMATE WOULD LOVE TO TRY ONE OF YOUR GHOSTLY CINNAMON BUNS!"

Wingdin's expression lit up a bit, and she smiled brightly. "Papy brought his datemate? I wish I could be seeing them, they have always sounded so nice..."

Papyrus' tail went straight upwards, and he nervously chuckled. "sorry hap, guess my lil bro's got a big mouth. i uh, so these are my parents. dr. brewer, but everyone calls him cupcake. and this is my mother, wingdin; she's blind. and you've already met my other fathers, edge and bitter..."

Marrie giggled again as she was hugged and kissed by Cupcake and Wingdin, "I'd love one, thank you."

Happy meanwhile had since turned completely red in their semi-transparency, "..It's...n-nice...to...m-m-meet...you...s-sorry..." They managed to squeak out from their embarrassment.

"Happy's really nice, Mrs. Wingdin. Don't be shy! Come on over! It's okay!" Marrie tried convincing Happy but the ghost just stayed put as they tried hiding their face with their tiny nub hands.

Sans started to plate up the large cinnamon buns, and drizzled extra frosting on them. "I'LL SET THE TABLE!" He then went around and set down the plates easily.

Papyrus chuckled quietly, and looked to Happy; his tail gently coming up to lightly brush against their incorporeal back. "don't be sorry, it's alright, happy. my parents are really sweet, and they're incredibly patient too. take your time, it's fine..."

Wingdin smiled sweetly, and felt her way over to the pantry. "Oh, Marrie, don't be worrying them so much. I know they might not be being able too, but could you describe them to me? Papyrus sometimes doesn't tell me much, and I'm going to get them a ghost bun from the pantry."

Happy just nodded from their place, slowly being less transparent, "...s-sorry...I...well...I've..n-never..done...this...b-before..and...it's...i'm sorry..."

"Okay! Happy is a pink ghost with a big oval eye and has this long bang of pink hair that covers their other eye that looks really cute! They're like a big pink marshmallow with bangs." Marrie giggled, "They feel like one too if you can get them solid enough to hug!"

"Oooh...well...t-thank you...darling...sorry if I sound so plain...I'm..not exactly happy with how I look either..." Happy sighed, seeming a bit disappointed.

Wingdin giggled softly, and she had been reading the labels on the boxes in her pantry. "It's okay, Happy. Personally I liking the color pink, even though I cannot be seeing it anymore. But if you are not liking how you looking, why not change it then? You should not change for anyone but yourself."

She found the box, and carefully held it in her hand, as she made her way back to the kitchen table. Cupcake slipped his glove off, and had gotten their ghost-food plates out; using his spectral hand; he got one of the buns and placed it onto the plate. "Here we are, Happy. If you would like one. If not, don't fret too much, me or Bitter can eat it as well..."

Bitter chuckled brightly, shaking his head. "Of course, another reason to eat somethin' Nerdburger...even with ghost food ya put on weight, heheheh."

"A...little harder than it sounds...But...maybe one day..." Happy sighed before genty taking the plate from cupcake, "T-Thank you..." They took the bun and began to eat it, feeling a little better with the ghosty sweetness.

Marrie giggled a bit with Bitter's comment before helping Sans get the buns on the plates. "Careful my blue knight, i'm spoiling you lots with sugar later." She purred before giving him a few kisses on the cheek.

Papyrus took the plate from Sans and took a huge bite out of one of the buns. "mmmm...ya always make the best cinnamon buns, ma..."

Sans giggled brightly, his tail waving happily. "Oooh, spoiling me, my dear~ That sounds delightful!"

Edge had settled down in the chair beside Bitter's wheelchair, and he started to cut up Bitter's bun for him, giving him a sweet kiss on his cheek. Having done that, he saw that Cupcake was busy with helping to put away the buns, and he went over; delicately taking Wingdin's hand. "Here we go darlin, I'll get'cha a bun, okay?"

Wingdin settled down into her chair and blushed softly. "Oh...thank you Edgy...and yes, if you ever needing help with changing anything, Happy; please, be letting us know. We are not richest peoples, but we have enough, and can help anyone who is family. You are with Papyrus, yes? Then...you are family!"

Chara had gotten bored, their red eyes having come back once again. Looking through Snowdin, they made their way to the gyftmas wrapped house again.

Marrie giggled along with Sans, her own tail twitching in happiness, "Good! That's what I want!"

"Oh no...please..don't do that...there's no need...I'm...not worth that much...besides...someone needs to watch the snails...and...i'm a little fearful of becoming coporeal so...i...i can wait..." Happy immediately felt bad for bringing it up. They went back to silently eating their cinnamon bun.

Wingdin sighed softly, and took a bite of her bun. "Happy, I just was offering. You do not have to be doing that, just because I offer. It is your choice."

Cupcake and Bitter both nodded to what Happy spoke about being corporeal. Cupcake was the first to speak up however. "Happy...I know that it can be terrifying to become corporeal...most of my extended family are ghosts, myself being half-ghost as it is. My mother...she was a ghost who became corporeal, bound to a sewing dummy...it can be hard, and it has it's...ups and it's downs. I haven't stayed very close to the ghost side of my family unfortunately, as they blame me...f-for my mother's death."

Bitter gently reached over and rubbed Cupcake's shoulder. "They're assholes is what they is, Doc. But yeah, you do you, Happy. You wanna stay incorp? That's great. You wanna go corp? That's fine too. If ya wanna go corp, and ya need help, we're here ta help ya. But if you wanna stay incorp...well, me and Cupcake know where ta buy ghost food fer ya when ya come over to eat, a'right?"

Chara came to the window, looking inside the house. They could see the family seated at the kitchen table, and they felt an ache in their heart. Their eyes had flickered to brown, then flickered back to red. Going to the door, they tried to open it, and found it was locked. Scowling to themself, they went and sat on a log across the pathway.

The Player was going to make sure they didn't miss this time around with that annoying blue skelegator.

"S-sorry...just...I...have a lot to think about...a lot of my own cousins left to be coporeal...and...one disappeared...probably to do the same...and left me behind...I don't blame them...even if they f-forgot me...i'm just sorry i held him back from so much...i wish i knew he was okay..." Happy muttered out before taking another bite of their bun, tears forming in their visible oval eye.

"Maybe they'll come back...you never know." Marrie looked over at the ghost worriedly, "I'm sure they couldn't have just forgotten you. "

Papyrus came over to their side, and he gently gave them a kiss on their cheek. "...if ya want, later today we can stop by the labs. undyne's been workin on something interesting, that uhh...might kinda explain things, hap."

He nearly was whispering as he spoke to Happy. "his name is napstablook, isn't it?"

Happy froze in place at both, looking at Pap with a wide eye. "Y-Yes...that...t-that's..h-him..."

They wouldn't question it now but they decided to relax against Pap, needing the comfort.

Pap gently wrapped his tail around their body, and nuzzled his chin against their head softly. "mmm...we'll go check it out if ya want, happy. but if ya don't, that's alright too. no skin off my nose~"

Sans had sat down beside Marrie, his own tail lightly intertwined with hers as he gleefully ate his cinnamon bun. He saw that his mother was trying to get to the napkins; and he silently handed her one. Then he took another one, and went to wipe off Marrie's cheek, when his blue tongue came out and cheekily licked off the frosting. "Tastes even better!"

"...m-maybe later..." Happy blushed and snuggled into Pap's hold, it felt...nice, "...thank you, darling..."

Marrie immediately began laughing, "Saaaaans! Noooo! That's gross!" she couldn't help but nuzzle him again before taking a piece of her bun and tried feeding him.

Papyrus started softly hurgling in happiness, his sockets closed as he held onto Happy blissfully. He felt like he could go to sleep just then, but he smiled brightly; the tips of his large fangs being seen.

Sans laughed happily, and he saw the chunk of bun she was trying to feed him. He started playfully snapping his jaws at her. His sharp teeth almost flashing in the lights of the kitchen; but he knew exactly where his teeth were, being an expert at tampering his power and strength. After a few snaps, he got her hand; but instead of his sharp fangs, it was his tongue that wrapped around the chunk of cinnamon bun.

It looked like he was trying to eat her hand almost, but he delicately pulled the piece of bun from her fingers, pulling away gently, then he pressed a rather messy kiss to her hand. "OOOH, MY DEAREST, YOU ARE SO PLAYFUL TODAY!"

Happy couldn't help but go completely red again at seeing Pap hurgle and smile like that. But they did try being brave a bit by booping his nasal cavity, a small smile appearing on their face.

Marrie just continued to laugh, "You're the one playing with me!" she gave him another hug and kiss to the cheek, "You're silly! But that's why I like you so much!"

Meanwhile Vera was walking down towards the Aster home, shoulder bag around her with Bitter's new meds. She let the questions in the back of her mind for now, only for them to resurface when she saw Chara in the snow. She didn't know why she had to be cautious around this human...but something told her she should be...

Papyrus blinked a bit at the booping, and he chuckled softly. He reached up with his lightly-clawed hand and delicately tapped their face where they would have a nose, booping them back. "hey you are pretty soft...i could just snuggle you all day long, happy~"

Sans started to hurgle just then as well, as she hugged and kissed him. "Awwww...muuuurrrr...Marrie! I love you, my sweet dear~"

Chara looked up at Vera, and grinned to her. They stood up, backing up a step; then they went back to the crossword puzzle. They decided not to engage the older cat, having decided on their first major attack being that blue skelegator.

Happy managed a little giggle in response, "w-well...I..wouldn't mind...if you...want to that is..."

Marrie continued to giggle and laugh.

Vera just watched Chara go with a suspicious glare before going to the house and knocking on the door. She'd worry about that later...

Papyrus' hurgling got a bit deeper, and he snuggled Happy with a blissful expression. "mmmm, that sounds wonderful~" His sockets closed and he yawned, his mouth full of sharp teeth being seen for a moment, before he then pressed a soft kiss to Happy's cheek, nuzzling them sweetly.

Sans just cuddled Marrie happily; his tail wrapping around her waist easily.

Cupcake heard the knocking on the front door, and he came to it smilling. "Well, hello Vera! It's a pleasure to see you this morning. Why don't you come in, I can get you a cinnamon bun if you'd like? You look a bit ruffled, dear, is a-anything the matter?"

He looked around outside in the front yard, after Vera had come inside; and his dual-colored eyes narrowed a bit. Seeing Chara skulking around the pine trees, he frowned deeply, shutting the door quickly and locking it. "There's a human out there...and they're a red soul, pure determination...that's not good at all."

Happy went completely red but let themselves be cuddled. Marrie was correct, they did feel like a soft marshmallow when allowed physicality.

"How'd you figure all that out by looking at 'em?" Vera asked confused as they went in.

"Sissy? What are you doing here?" Marrie looked at her confusedly until she noticed the delivery bag, "Oh! You got Mr. Bitter's pain medication!"

Papyrus was greatly enjoying cuddling Happy, he adored soft things to be honest. He pressed a few lazy kisses to Happy's cheek, and accidently kissed their mouth, a soft blush of orange crossing his cheeks.

Cupcake sighed, glancing out the window. "It's their eyes. Edge and Wingdin have told me, that when humans could utilize the magic in their souls...their eyes light up, much like a skeleton's eyelights, reflecting the color of their soul."

Bitter looked up from the table, where he was finishing off the bun; having to keep spearing the same bite repeatedly as the slick, frosting covered bun kept falling off the fork with his trembling gloved hands. "Saves us f-from havin to come all the way out ta yer house. Thanks, Vera."

Happy seemed to have fainted through the floor and Pap's hold, going completely transparent with a hard blush. Knock out.

Vera just nodded at Cupcake before going to Bitter, "Yeah...it was done so..mind as well. I had to check on my sister anyway. So...yeah..." She still seemed disturbed but tried shaking it off for now. "Anyway..here. Hopefully this stuff keeps ya pain free. Just take two smokes a day, it lasts like...9 hours last my uncle tested. So...you should be good." She handed the bag of herbs to Edge to take.

Papyrus found himself ghostless and cuddle-less, as he slumped to the floor with a sigh. He didn't even bother moving as his ass was still in the seat, his top half on the floor.

Edge rose an eyebrow at the position Papyrus was in, and he chuckled softly. Looking to Vera, he nodded gently; and took the bag of herb from her. "Thanks, Vera. I'll make sure it's good for him."

Bitter gently gave Vera a hug, patting her back with his gloved hands. "Thank you so much, Vera. It'll help me a lot."

Cupcake stayed by the window, nervously watching Chara, as they'd taken their spot across the pathway again. Papyrus, you should go and alert the Queen. There's a human here in the Underground. They have a red soul...it's the one we're waiting for.

Papyrus sat up slowly at what his Papa said, he already knew, but couldn't let that be known. Wingdin let out a worried squeak of a noise, and Edge was instantly on alert, looking to where Cupcake stood nervously. Sans was nearly vibrating in his seat, both from the sugar he'd had, and from the knowledge that a human had come to their Underground.

The tall skelegator got up from the chair, and he nodded. "sure thing, papa. uh...maybe we can jus talk to them? see what they want?"

Wingdin was nervous, as she put her hand over her mouth; her permanently closed sockets leaking purple tears down her cheeks. She was terrified of humans.

Cupcake shook his head, and pointed towards where New Home laid. "No. Go ahead to the Queen. Let her know. We will need to keep the populace safe if we're to survive. A red souled human...could be the worst of all, son."

Papyrus sighed, and nodded. He took a few steps, and then -voip- he'd shortcut to right outside the labs. He decided to check up on Undyne first, and let her know. She was the Royal Scientist after all. He was just the Royal Judge now.

Sans got up from the chair, and he looked to Marrie. "MY DEAREST, THERE'S A HUMAN OUT THERE! WE MUST GREET THEM, AND TALK TO THEM. THEY COULD BE OUR FRIEND, MY LOVE!"

"Oh! Okay. But..didn't your dad say they could be dangerous...?" Marrie seemed confused.. Vera looked just as suspicious of the whole thing. Happy ended up appearing again after their little fainting spell, looking around for where Papyrus went.

"He'll be back, Happ. Just hang tight...and I don't think my sister should be going out there." Vera didn't like the sound of her sister seeing a human.

Papyrus made his way into the labs, and crinkled his nasal ridge at the scent. It was mostly sea salt, asian food and mechanical parts anymore. The lab had been downgraded since Dr. Brewer has retired. It used to be that all levels of the lab were used, now, only the top two levels were active anymore.

"yo, undyne? you here? it's papyrus!" He called out to the seemingly empty lab.

Soon the rattling of something metal was heard, along with a burbled squeak. "O-Oh! You never c-call, Papyrus! You j-just drop in! What's w-wrong?"

Undyne was taking the stairs two at a time, nearly tripping over her own feet in the process, her long red hair getting in her eyes.

Papyrus just stood there, watching her. "yeah so...papa told me to warn you, there's a human in the underground now."

Undyne's grin was wide, and she giggled nervously. Turning to the main computer, after she swept away empty ramen cups and seaweed wrappers, started tapping away at the keyboard. "I k-know! I've g-got cameras set up everywhere!"

"isn't that a violation of privacy, dyne?" Pap drawled, as he gazed to the monitors.

"M-maybe...it was a s-suggestion though from um, someone I-I've been helping..." Undyne held her upper arm nervously and chuckled lightly, pushing her glasses further against her face.

"...uh-huh. welp, i did what papa asked." He started to turn to leave, then he shrugged and looked back at her. "someone you've been helping huh? you've tickled my funny bone, just who is it, undyne?"

Just then someone knocked on the lab doors before they bust open with show lazers lighting the place.

"YOOOOOO! UNDYNAMO! BUDDY! COMPADRE! GUESS WHAT GIRL! I'M HERE FOR MY OIIIIILLL CHAAAAAANGE!" Napstaton's voice rang through the room along with the sound of air horns. The blue tinted box robot wheeled over with his flashy N on his screen.

His screen had it turn to an exclamation point in seeing Pap, "Heeeeey! It's Carrot top here! Whazzup maaaan? You talking science shit again bro? Or are you here for like, other nerd crap or something?"

Undyne squeaked at the flashy show put on by Napstaton's laser light show, and then cringed at his air horns. "O-Okay...I'll g-get that..." She paused, when Napstaton completely ignored her, to talk to Papyrus. "...ready..."

Papyrus merely just rose an eyebrow at the robot's flashy presence, and chuckled softly; his tail waving languidly behind him. "uh, i'd say neither to be honest...but maybe both? nyeheheheh...just came to tell undyne something that was going on. papa, er, dr. brewer thought it was important to bring it to her attention...guess your body's workin out for ya? or you're workin out for yer body? can't really tell which, pal."

He reached into his hoodie, pulling out a bottle of honey; taking a swig from it easily, as he eyed the box-shaped robot curiously.

"This ain't even the full stop, broski! Dyne's got something special for me in the mix later! But I'll be stoked when it's ready to go! I know my fans will be too!" He gave Pap a few finger guns before stopping his light and airhorn show for the moment.

"But much as I love talking about me, what's more important than getting ready for the next show? Gotta blow some mons away with my sick beats! I got a new song peeps are gunna love!" Napstaton seemed more than excited to get started.

Papyrus just listened to Napstaton, silently sipping on his honey, and wishing he could just shortcut away from his own life for the moment. Oh, how he missed his Papa being the Royal Scientist. "blow them away with sick beats, or the hot air coming from your ventilation unit, pal?"

Undyne had gotten everything ready for Napstatons oil change, and she sighed. "P-Papy! Don't b-be so rude! What if I-I told your father h-how you were acting?"

Papyrus' tail dropped and he let out an annoyed sounding growl. "dyne...really? you think you can hold that over my head, like i'm a little kid still? please..."

Undyne rolled her eyes, and just pointed to the door. "I-If you're done here...I n-need to perform maintenance on N-Napsta...and continue on m-my work for the other form..."

Cupcake had meanwhile gotten worried when Papyrus hadn't come back within the hour, and he left the house on his own; to head to the labs. The trip was rather quick, as he went inside the lab using his key card. "Papyrus? Your mother is getting worried sick!"

"Yoooo! Well look who it is! Dr. Cakeman! Whazzup dude!" Napstaton waved, "Looking good old dude!"

Napstaton was just doing his best to cut the ice. Didn't look like he was phased by Pap's words at all.

"Your boy's just talking science and throwing hot burns, but hey. No skin off my bones, or his either." He laughed.

Cupcake chuckled nervously, looking at Napstaton. "Ah...um...it's Dr. Brewer, actually...m-my friends and family call me Cupcake, and you are neither of those dear myx. Dr. Boush, I'm too assume this is your creation?"

He gestured with his left glove to Napstaton, a confused expression across his face. Undyne nodded, then she shook her head, then she simply shrugged; not sure what to answer to the senior scientist. Cupcake spied the computer, with it's multiple monitors, and he pushed his way past Napstaton curiously. "Dr. Boush, these are to be used for monitoring the CORE, something that I created! Not...not for your vouyerism, young lady!"

Papyrus simply stepped back, with a cheeky grin on his face. He winked to Undyne, and snickered. "...busted..."

Undyne squeaked loudly, and she began to type some quick code into the computer, nearly tangling her fingers in her hair in the process. "O-Omigosh, Dr. Brewer! I-It is for the core, it is I promise! It's a-also for...for keeping security tabs on the entirety of the U-Underground!"

Cupcake sighed, as he saw the monitors quickly flipping to different angles of the core; and his dual-colored eyes flickered across them. "...When was the last time you observed these set-ups, Undyne?" His voice was crisp and firm as he spoke.

Undyne tittered nervously, pushing her hair behind one of her ear fins. "A-Ah...uh...n-nearly a...a week ago, Sir?"

Cupcake just shook his head, and sighed. "Of course it's been that long..." He continued further into the lab, using his blue magic to easily flip on the rest of the lights in the unused areas. "I'm going to inspect the core personally, Dr. Boush!"

"D-Dr. Brewer! You're...w-what about y-your age, you shouldn't b-be..." Undyne stammered out, when Cupcake turned around to face her.

"I built this device, and I will not let it fall into disrepair, young lady. I trusted you when I retired to care for my dear wife Wingdin." He sighed, continuing on through the lab. "I guess my trust was misplaced then..."

Woah woah woah! Back up man! Where's all the harsh vibes coming from!?" Napstaton's exclamation mark popped on his screen as he wheeled over to the old doc, "Where the hell you come from, man? Ya ever think she's busy with other crap!? She's one fucking scientist in a giant building doing many things at once! So excuuuuuuuse me if she can't be looking at janky cameras and stuff!" Napstaton had a pixelated frowny face on his screen now, looking none too pleased.

"I'm not a friend or family member to YOU, browski! But I am to her! And I know one thing, that's not how ya fucking talk to her! Last I checked Cakeman...she's the one working here and YOU'RE the one who left!" He had no fear, that was for sure.

Cupcake was livid, as he scowled at the box-shaped robot. The tea in his head was roiling by then, a building kettle whistle noise coming from him. "You'd do best to get out of my way, robot. I might have left here, but it was to care for my wife and husbands. Not because I didn't want to work in the labs anymore. I created the thing that gives us electricity and keeps the Underground surviving as well as we are! And if something isn't operating properly on that geothermic extrusion propulsion generator, it will destroy everything. Including you, browski."

He shook his head, and simply walked around Napstaton, shaking his head as he muttered. Stupid damn robot, can't believe he'd even attempt to get in my way. We can't have the core overheating or breaking down! It could injure so many of us!

Papyrus sighed, running his hand down his face. "...i need a fuckin smoke...eh...jus stay outta papa's way, would'ja napsta? it'll be best fer everyone."

"Your Pops could learn to take a chill pill while he's at it, man!" Napstaton huffed before going to Undyne, "Come on Dyne. Let's go. Don't need these dudes cramping your style."

Undyne nodded softly, and looked to where Cupcake had stormed off too. "R-Right...I've g-got everything s-set up for you, Napstaton...a-and your EX body is a-almost done too!"

Papyrus sighed again, shaking his head. Frowning a bit, he headed back towards the entrance to the labs. Taking a moment to enjoy the heat of Hotlands once the doors closed behind him, he frowned. If his theory was correct, the worst possible outcome was going to happen, with his Papa. Something was going to go wrong.

And he was going to fall. Looking over to the roiling lava, he knew he couldn't let that happen without attempting to stop it. He dashed back inside the labs, and went to the camera setup, typing the codes to bring up the cameras for the core once again. Glaring at them, he tried to see if his Papa was visible. Nothing. Nothing at all.

The only thing he swore he saw, was a splash of tea on a walkway, quickly evaporating in the broiling heat near the core.

He looked to where he knew Undyne and Napstaton had gone too, and he went running. "undyne! napstaton! did you see where papa went?"

Undyne looked up from her work on Napstaton's EX body, pulling her goggles up. "...Y-Your Papa? You don't have a Papa, Papyrus..." She started to ramble a bit, counting with her fingers. "You've got your Papi, your Pops and your Mama...b-but no Papa...s-s-sorry..."

"How many Pops do you even have, man? Like...aren't all of 'em at home or something?" Napstaton answered from the bench, chilling while Undyne worked on his EX body.

Papyrus managed a weak grin, and chuckled a bit. "y-yeah...they're...they're all home...yeah...i uh...thanks..."

His tail was dragging as he turned and left, he shortcut home; and just went and sat on the couch. After a moment, he flopped on his side, just utterly tired. But he probably couldn't tell anyone. Looking at the family photo in the living room...he was gone. It was as if Dr. Caddy Niall Brewer had never existed for them.

Sans hadn't left the house yet, at Vera's insisting; and he heard his brother flopping on the couch. "BROTHER, NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR FLOPPING LIKE A FISH OUT OF THE WATER! WE NEED TO CONFRONT THE HUMAN! CAPTURE THEM!"

Papyrus just looked up at his little brother, and he sighed. "...go fer it sansy."

Edge looked to Bitter for a moment, and he closed his eyes. Something felt very wrong to him, but he just wasn't sure what it was. Rubbing over his soul, he sighed and gave Bitter a kiss on his cheek. Standing up from the table, he went over and got Wingdin another cup of tea. "Here ya go darlin..."

Vera stood there, wondering what just happened. She looked over at Pap then at the rest of the adults. Something...didn't feel right. She noticed the photo and stared for a while. Her mind was telling her there was something missing...but what could be missing if everything was there already.

Happy had since left Vera's side and floated by Papyrus. "P-Papy...? Is everything alright...? Are you feeling tired again...?"

Papyrus looked up at Happy and he sighed. "...yeah...but when am i not tired, hap...thanks though...uh...i dunno if things will ever be right again..." He started to think back on all the things his Papa had done for him, and his little brother, and orange tears gathered in his sockets. Taking in a shuddering breath, he closed his sockets and sighed; feeling the wave of sadness pass away.

"...i'll be fine, happy...jusssst fine..." He let his tail flop onto the floor and he wiped his eyes off with his hoodie jacket.

Sans crossed his arms, and he sighed. "WELL, YOU REST HERE BROTHER. I AM GOING TO SPEAK WITH THE HUMAN!"

Chara had gotten bored, and went and dusted a few monsters in the outskirts of Snowdin to get more gold, then they popped into Muffet's, getting a burger to eat. After they'd finished eating, they went back to the Gyftmas light covered house. They saved outside the shop before they went too far however. Checking their inventory, they grinned and equipped their most powerful weapon, tying the muscle bandanna around their forehead.

They would get the annoying blue skelegator.

Sans left the house, and went to the edge of the bridge, waiting for the human, knowing there was no other pathway they could take. Spying them coming closer to him, he smiled brightly. "HELLO HUMAN...IT IS I, THE MAGNIFICENT SANS; AND I AM HERE TO EXTEND A HAND OF FRIENDSHIP TO YOU."

Chara decided to be cheeky, and they blew a kiss to him.

Sans blushed a bright blue, and he nervously laughed. "MWEH-HE-HE! I AM SORRY, LITTLE HUMAN, I CANNOT DATE YOU! I AM ALREADY BETROTHED TO MY BELOVED MARRIE! BUT I CAN STILL BE YOUR FRIEND...IF YOU WANT TO BE?"

As they had already reset once before, they had truly continued on with their genocide path, and they stared down Sans, their red eyes glittering.

Happy decided to stay with Pap for the moment, floating just by their side, "...Then...i'll stay here..if...if that's okay..." they whispered.

Vera watched her sister head off with Sans, already not liking what's going on. Marrie didn't seem to mind.

Marrie did notice the kiss and huffed, "I'm the only one giving him kisses, human. But if Sans is giving you a chance of friendship, I will too. You seem nice for the only human I've seen!" She purred slightly with her tail twitching.

Vera just watched from the side, tail swaying in anticipation, "What the hell is wrong with me...? The hell is up with that human...?" she hissed lightly to herself.

Papyrus looked to Happy and smiled softly. He held his arms up almost pitifully, as if asking for a hug.

Chara raspily chuckled, bringing up their menu to do a CHECK on them.

Sans Serif Aster - HP 10 - ATK 3 DEF 3 - 'He likes to say 'Mweh-hee-hee' and to swim in Waterfall.'

Seeing his HP, they chuckled again, and ran to attack at Sans first. Sans leapt backwards, sending up a wall of bones, gently picking up Marrie with one hand; as he growled going sideways from the wall of protective bones.

"HUMAN...WE ONLY WANT FRIENDSHIP! WHY ARE YOU ATTACKING US?!" Sans exclaimed, gently setting Marrie back on the ground carefully. Chara leapt around the bones, and found themselves knocked back by an errant bone in their path.

Happy obliged and sank into Pap's arms, snuggling close with their own nubby hands to hug him.

Marrie let out a small shriek in surprise, "Hey! What's that all about?" She hissed slightly at the human before making a yarn ball bullet.

Chara dodged the yarn ball bullets, and was struck in their side by one of the yarn ball bullets; and they groaned softly.

Sans frowned, and let out a huff, as he shook his head. "HUMAN, DO NOT MAKE ME USE MY SPECIAL ATTACK! YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DODGE IT, AND IT WILL BE YOUR DOWNFALL!"

Chara ran forward and went to attack Marrie next, which instead had Sans jumping in front of her to protect her. Chara's weapons slashed right across his neck and shoulder harshly. Their face was splashed with blue magic blood; and they laughed raspily; staring at Marrie.

Marrie yelped and kept to his side, "Sansy! " Marrie thew even more yarn ball bullets at Chara, hissing.

"STAY BACK! YOU...YOU!" She yelled before throwing a larger one at them.

"SIS!" Vera yelled and ran over to Pap, "You wanna get up you lazy sack of shit?! That stupid ass human is wearing your bro's blood on their stupid face!" Vera hissed before running outside the house.

Chara was thrown backwards from the yarn ball bullet, and panted, as they rushed forward to attack Marrie, deadly intent across their face.

Sans was gasping in pain, his blue eyelights blown wide as he gazed up at Marrie. "R-Run...run my love...please..."

Papyrus nearly threw Happy across the room, as he got up as quickly as he could; he had just lost his Papa, and he wasn't going to lose his brother too. Coming outside, he grabbed Chara's soul, a large foreboding Gaster Blaster appearing in front of them.

It was too late however.

Vera was just as late, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Happy was confused as they floated to the ground.

Marrie didn't run or dodge in time. Chara had gotten to her, and their intent was too much.

She only turned to see Sans with tears in her eyes, "S...s-sa.. ..." and her body turned to dust that mixed with the snow.

Sans sat up in the snow, watching as her body turned to dust right in front of him. His blue magic blood kept flowing from his neck and the slash on his shoulders, as equally blue tears flowed down his cheeks. "M-Marrie...my Marrie..."

Papyrus stood there, frozen in place, the Gaster Blaster slowly dissapating. He felt his soul plunge into his stomach then. "..." He closed his eyes, and then turned around and shortcut further into Waterfall, sending out a text alert to stay in their homes, as sent out by the Royal Judge.

Sans just stayed in the snow, blood dripping down his neckerchief, and he looked up at Chara. "You...you have hurt my love, human..." He started to growl lowly, clenching his clawed hands into the snow, letting out a fearsome growl; his tail rattling fiercely.

Chara stood up, and looked to the skelegator in front of them. They took a step backwards, and held their weapon in front of them nervously. Their eyes had flickered back to brown. It was as if they didn't know where they were then. Feeling something wet on their face they reached up, and touched it. Pulling their hand away, it was coated in blue.

Sans lunged forward, snapping his jaws sharply at Chara. "YOU DUSTED MY BELOVED, YOU DISGUSTING HUMAN! YOU WILL NEVER BE MY FRIEND, YOU ARE MY ENEMY NOW!"

Chara was terrified, and they managed to run away, just for Sans to snap at their arm, and take a chunk out of their flesh in the process. Running down the bridge, they stopped at the edge of Waterfall and ducked into a side passageway, taking their bandana off, and they wrapped it around their arm.

"MARRIE!" Vera cried out and fell to the floor, sobbing.

Happy just managed to catch the end of that, shocked and scared over what they just saw. They did manage to float to Sans, wondering if he was at least okay.

Sans was still growling sadly, and had his face in his gloved hands, sobbing as well. He rubbed off his face, and picked up her bracelet that was left behind. He had made the bracelet with pearls he'd found while diving over the years. Fingering the bracelet, he coughed deeply, as his HP was still steadily chipping down in him.

Wingdin had heard the screaming and she blindly went out to where they were, tears trickling down her cheeks. "S-Sans...Sans my baby..." She went straight to where she'd heard Vera sobbing; and she wrapped her arms around her. "Oh...Vera...Vera what happened?! I hearing screaming and...and growling..."

Chara continued through Waterfall slowly, and found an empty telescope, and they bought a burger from a little stand ran by a smooth talking cat in Waterfall. Eating the burger healed them somewhat, and they sighed.

Continuing further on, they encountered Alphys, and had fought her, but only managed to slice her tail off, severely injuring the head of the Royal Guard. They backtracked then, and sat by a piano, picking out a melody on it sullenly.

"T-That...f-fucking human...k-killed my sister...IT FUCKING KILLED MY SISTER!" She yelled out before rushing off. "IT'S SO FUCKING DEAD!" She'd escape to Waterfall, wanting revenge.

Happy did their best to wrap up Sans's injury on his neck with a bandage they had in their inventory, "I'm sorry..i'm so sorry...i'm so so sorry...i'm sorry..." they kept repeating as their own tears started to flow.

Wingdin was left in the snow, as Vera had run off; and her own tears flowed faster down her cheeks. "Oh my god, Marrie...no...no..."

"Thank you Happy..." Sans looked to Happy and stood up, going to his mother. "You...need to go inside mother..." He helped her to her feet, and helped her inside.

Chara sat by the piano, picking more notes out sullenly. The Player had gotten tired of their battles then, and had left the human to their own devices. Leaving the piano room, they wandered around a bit more. Finding a room almost hidden, they stepped through the doorway, tilting their head curiously. A large figure, clad in swirling black, with a strangely shaped head stood with their back to Chara.

The little human took a few steps towards the figure, who suddenly turned around to them. Their head was dripping, their eyes partially open, their scalloped mouth was twisted, the inside of the white teacup was full of something as black as their body. Dual holes were through their gloves.

It was Cupcake, having been twisted by the void and the darkness. It had only been barely an hour since he had fallen, but it felt like an eternity to him.

"̴G҉o ba͏c͟k͏.̸ F͝i͞x͝ w̕ha̕t y̶o͜u ̷br͟ok͢e͞. ̨D͢on͘'̸t ͠f͡orget̷."͝

Chara shuddered as the figure suddenly disappeared as soon as he'd appeared with a strange noise. They backed out from the room, and looked around in fear at the dripping figure they'd seen.

Happy sniffled and decided to go back home. This was already too much.

Vera was still running around Waterfall with her bow in hand, eyes dripping in tears but burning in anger, "Where are you...you little murderer...?" She hissed and kept looking. She wasn't resting until the human was dead. She didn't even bother seeing her phone ring, her brother calling and Zhara sending panicked messages asking if she was okay.

Meanwhile in Hotland, Napstaton was looking at the screen. "What do we do, Dyne? We got a plan?"

Undyne stared down the screens, and frowned. "Y-Yes...n-n-no...I don't know Napsta!" She ran her hands through her red hair and she hugged her knees as she sat in her desk chair. "Y-Your body is ready, though...i-if that helps...I...I gotta...I gotta go...go somewhere..."

She dashed out from her chair, running down to the true lab, her red hair flying behind her. She thought she'd seen Alphys die on screen, and was terrified of what could happen.

Chara had gotten so scared of seeing the void-effected Dr. Brewer that they went running through Waterfall, and stumbled into Hotland finally, having hidden in the side pathways the best they could, and they'd avoided Flowey Village completely.

Napstaton decided to get ready. Someone's gotta take care of his audience now...might as well be him. He headed up to the room to get it set up.

Happy tried texting Pap from the safety of their home, wondering where he went and if he was okay. They tried contacting Vera with no luck. "...Please let them be okay..." they sniffled out.

Undyne huddled in her room, hugging her body pillow, chugging a bottle of water; as she let out burbled gasps of fear. She knew Napstaton would protect her, hopefully...

Papyrus was waiting in the Judgement Hall, his place of work since retiring as the Assistant to the Royal Scientist. He sighed, seeing that Happy had texted him. [i'm alright, my pink diamond...just...waiting. please stay safe, okay?]

Sans was seated in his parents home, being healed the best he could by his Pops, seated on the couch as Bitter sat in front of him in his wheelchair; his trembling gloves over his neck and shoulder.

Chara continued through Hotland, fearfully watching as they went. They tried to go into the large laboratory they saw. But there was no response from inside. Figuring out the way through the puzzles themselves, they finally got to right before the CORE.

They wondered if they would encounter any other monsters...

Happy looked at the text and sighed. [okay...if you see Vera...can you tell me..? She hasn't come back...and she isn't answering...i'm scared...]

Napstaton had waited in the CORE in their box body. They were ready for this human. Whatever the cost. They were going to protect the rest of the monsters who remained.

Vera meanwhile was just passing through Hotland, growling with a weird aura to her. She wanted nothing more than to get this human back. "You're going to pay...you little bastard...no one messes with my family and lives..." She hissed.

Chara hadn't saved since Snowdin, but they hadn't realized it just yet. As they came closer to the CORE, they checked their inventory and pulled out a half of a Bi-Burger, to try to boost their HP some. They had their muscle bandana wrapped around their right arm, where Sans had taken a huge bite out of them. Their weapon in their hand, they hurried towards the CORE, despite it seemed so quiet and silent.

They could have sworn they smelled a faint of chamomile tea and cinnamon buns, despite being this close to the CORE. It felt strange, as if they were oddly close to where something horrible happened. Chara stopped, when they saw the blue boxed robot.

Napstaton stood there, waiting. Once he realized Chara was there, he spoke. "So human...like...normally I'd be totally stoked to bring you into my show and stuff. Kick back, relax, and party it up and whatever. But...ya made a grave mistake, dude. You're killing my audience! And I'm an entertainer! If I don't got an audience, what am I gunna do? So...i like your kind, man...but your actions? Totally not cool. So...it's up to me to put ya down, human. For the good of everyone else."

Napstaton sounded serious for once as he flipped the switch himself. Turning into Napstaton NEO. Hair slicked back, two cannons taking over his usual soundboard and a pair of boosting wings to give him some air, while his own baby blue soul lit up the container in his belt buckle. "Like...no hard feelings human dude...Nah. I lied. Total hard feelings!"

Chara's eyes widened, and they pulled in a gasping breath of fear. This robot was terrifying. Their eyes flickered from brown to red, and they let out a strangled snarl; as they brandished their weapon.

They didn't last long however, as the constant HP leakage from the bite from Sans had finally caused their soul to shatter, before they could even take two steps forward towards Napstaton NEO. Chara fell flat on their face, not moving. The Player however, had stepped away. So for all intents...

Chara was dead.

Napstaton blinked and poked at the lifeless body with his foot. Once he saw they weren't moving, he made himself back into his box form.

"...Holy shit I killed 'em...DYNE! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS FORM MADE OUT OF, DUDETTE!? I KILLED 'EM JUST BY LOOKING AT 'EM!" He yelled into the air, maybe thinking she was listening on one of the cams.

Undyne had been sobbing into her anime stuffie that Alphys had found for her in the dump, and she heard Napstaton's voice ringing out from her tablet console. Picking it up, she cleared her throat, trying to have it not sound like she'd been sobbing and ugly crying. "I...I just made it o-out of parts I found, Napsta! I-It's nothing that special...maybe...maybe s-something else happened?"

Chara was still dead on the floor, despite their arm slightly being shifted as Napstaton moved them with his foot; before he'd changed back to his box form. The Player hadn't returned yet.

Undyne thought for a moment, and sighed. "B-Bring their body to the labs...maybe we can...we can do something t-then..."

"Gotcha sista! Be there in 5! Actually...hold on..." Napstaton took out his own phone and posed in front of the dead human for a photo.

Once he got a good fliter on it, he put it on his Undernet account with the caption "Destructive human killed by yours truly! You're safe my broskies! Nightly news as scheduled for details! XOXO" Once that was sent on, he picked up the body and started wheeling back to the lab.

Undyne was waiting at the front area of the lab, her hair pulled up into a tight bun, her lab coat on. Her pale pink Mew Mew Kissy Cutie shirt had chocolate stains on it, and her leggings had holes from where she'd been grabbing awkwardly at her own knees in her fear and terror. Watching as Napstaton brought the human's body inside, she grinned a bit, and gestured for him to follow her.

"S-So I went poking around in the True Lab...t-to see if I could find something t-that could help us, Napsta..." She pointed a metallic tube, with a glass encasement. "I found t-these...they smell like tea containers, but they were empty. There was some notes here...b-but I can't read it well. It's a mixture of whatever Papyrus and his mother speaks in, and very...very formal english. From w-what I could deduce, it's a container, like the ones the Queen commissioned...back when I was a kid. They're s-soul containers."

She pointed to Napstaton's midsection vaguely. "They're also similar to where your s-soul goes when you're in your EX or NEO body!"

Opening the seal on one of the containers, the smell of strangely enough; orange tea came strongly from it. Cupcake had used to store tea blends in them, long ago; before Papyrus had gotten onto him about it, and he started to just store it in his emergency apartment. "OH, wow that is...really strong. I don't even d-drink tea, unless it's green of course...a-and heavily sugared..."

Focusing on Chara's body, she started to coax out the little human's soul, but felt some resistance at first. "C-C'mon...this kid is supposed to be d-dead!"

The Player had gotten back in control, but they weren't quick enough it seemed. Undyne had gotten Chara's soul out from their body, and just as The Player had triggered them to do a RESET...the lid had been screwed shut on the soul container.

Chara's eyes opened, and they were suddenly in Snowdin, yet again. But...nobody was controlling them.

The Player however...was stuck in the soul container, all the way in Hotland. Now they were shoved in the back of the True Lab, in Cupcake's old storage room, behind a locked door.

Vera had just got to Hotland's CORE when the reset happened. She was lost in her own thoughts again when Marrie started calling her.

"Sissy? Are you okay? We don't have to go to...Sissy...? Why...why are you crying...?" Marrie looked scared as Happy looked concerned.

Vera wiped at her face, she had tears streaming down, "I...I don't know...wha..."

"Maybe you should go home...?" Happy worried over her as they handed over a tissue they had in their inventory.

"Thanks...I...Marrie...can we stop by home...? Please?" Vera sighed as she tried calming herself down.

"Oh..okay. I..guess Sansy wouldn't mind waiting a little...come on..." The two sisters said goodbye to Happstablook before heading home themselves.

Bitter and Edge had been getting ready to leave to head to the farm in Waterfall, and they both worried about leaving Wingdin home alone. "Darlin, you should come with us...it won't be no trouble..." Edge purred, as he held Wingdin's hand.

She waved her free hand slightly, shaking her head. "Oooh, no no no, you can park me in front of the TV, I like listening to Napstaton..."

Bitter looked to Edge and sighed. "A'right Sweet Buns...we can do that. Just uh...please don't go tryin to cook anythin okay? We'll be home in...a-about an hour or so. We'll put on the news for ya, we love you."

Edge helped Wingdin to the recliner, and Bitter turned on the news for her. Then they went to leave together.

Chara came up to their window, and then ducked away, as the pair came outside. After they'd left, Chara carefully went inside the Aster house, and looked around. Wingdin was just seated in the recliner, looking seemingly off into space as the news program played on the TV. They snuck around throughout the house, curious as to what they'd find.

Marrie had stayed by her sister's side, still looking worried after their trip with the snail farm. Vera still had no idea why she acted like that but didn't really care. Her sister's presence was making her calmer somewhat. She just reclined back and tried not to stress about it.

"You sure nothing happened, Vera...?" Darren asked as he gave his two sisters a cup of tea.

"I swear nothing happened...least...I didn't think anything happened...I just...I don't know...ugh...maybe I'm letting too much stuff get to me...I...I've had a rough past few days..." Vera chugged her tea, already looking exhausted again.

Bitter and Edge made their way to the farm, to visit again, with both of them in a pleasant mood, despite the overhanging worry of leaving Wingdin alone. As they came up to the house, Bitter knocked on the door, and smiled softly. "We ain't staying long Edge, we told Wing an hour. I don't wanna make 'er worry none..."

Chara continued to creep around the house, and they sat in the living room, far away from the recliner, watching Wingdin as she listened to the news. Occasionally she would smile, or giggle, frown or have a concerned look across her face. But she wasn't looking at the TV. Was the skeleton somehow blind, Chara wondered? Could a skeleton be blind? How did they have sight to begin with?

Lots of questions, with no answers.

Papyrus meanwhile, had been lounging at Muffet's, waiting for the human to go into there. However...everything was seemingly out of whack now. So all he did was sit in the corner, pissing Muffet off with his smoking and drinking cup after cup of tea nervously.

Sans was finishing up his early morning patrol, as he did most mornings, and he wondered where Marrie was. Idly scratching his neck vertebrae, he gazed around curiously. "She said she would meet me here at the end of the bridge by home, to go pick a movie out at the librarby!"

Marrie decided to text Sans as Darren answered the door. [Hey my cute knight in shining armor. I'm sorry..I'll be running a little late. My sister's been acting really weird and I'm worried. I'll try and be there at our spot later, okay? Love you!]

"Ah! Mr. Bitter and Mr. Edge! I wasn't expecting you to come over. But do come in...and...be gentle around Vera...she's been a bit under the weather." Darren let that last bit whispered over, looking really concerned.

Vera in the meanwhile was playing with the flower crown she normally wear on her head, carefully messing with the flowers, same tired and confused expression on her face.

Sans felt his phone vibrate, and he grinned seeing it was Marrie. He took a selfie of himself, with one arm flexed up happily. [Of course my darling dearest! I have no problem at all! I can go home and see how my parents are doing, I think Papyrus is still out at Muffets, that lazybones.]

Edge nodded as he gently pushed Bitter inside. "Of course, Darren. We ain't gonna stay long; we had ta park Wingdin 'front of the news, ain't nobody home to watch 'er..."

Bitter was parked near to Vera, and he smiled softly looking to her. He didn't say anything, but he simply sat there, his gloves folded in his lap. Edge gave Bitter a sweet kiss on his cheek, and the tall, slender skeleton stepped away from Bitter, a bit closer to Darren. "We jus came ta get Bitter's medicine, ya see? Somethin'...just felt a bit off, wanted to stop by earlier yanno."

Chara still stayed in their spot on the floor, watching Wingdin intently. It was child-like curiosity however, nothing malicious at all in their wonderings. They saw that she was patting the end table beside her recliner and they wondered why.

"Oh...I must have left tea somewhere..." She murmured to herself, focusing back on the news program once more. Chara stood up and silently went and got a glass of sweet tea from the fridge. Bringing it over to Wingdin, they tapped the cup to the table, then stepped away gingerly.

Wingdin heard the tapping, looking towards it. She got the cup and smiled gently. "...t-thank you."

Marrie saw the text once it arrived and giggled. She sent a selfie of her sticking her tounge out with a little peace sign, acting cute, [Well your Papi and Pops are here with us! Say hi to your Mama and brother for me!]

"Didn't...I give you...the medicine...already...?" Vera asked confusedly before putting her flower crown back on.

"No...you just finished it yesterday, remember? Uncle tested it for you when you asked and said it was good. They couldn't have gotten it before." Marrie quickly reminded her which made Vera look all more confused. She tried putting some stuff together but held her head in slight pain. "I...I could have...but...that...I..."

"V...why don't you lie down...? You're not feeling well...look...just head to your room, I'll go grab the meds. Okay?" Darren gently took his sister's shoulders, looking worried.

"Uh...y-yeah...yeah...o-okay...I...I just...I don't know...I...I'm just gunna go..." Vera walked away into her room, feeling like she's going crazy for nothing. Both siblings looked worried for her as she left.

"She was just fine earlier this morning...are you sure nothing happened at the farm, Marrie?"

"We were just feeding snails and I was saying that I was going to visit Sans. All of a sudden, she started crying out of nowhere and...we went home since she didn't look good...maybe she didn't sleep again...?"

Edge frowned a bit, and sighed; shaking his head. He had a feeling what had happened, but he just tried not to think about it. He knew that Wingdin would be the same, but...throughout all of it, she stayed in the house until the very end. Being blind truly does have some positives, he figured.

Bitter looked to where Vera had gone, then up at Edge; and he gently patted his husband's hand. "Edge...Gaster, ya okay? You look like ya saw a ghost, and...and not Happy either..."

Edge rubbed the back of his head with his robotic hand and chuckled softly. "Jus a old man thinking 'bout past memories babe...I'm alright..."

Sans had gotten the text message, and he was instantly running towards the house. If his Papi and Pops were at the farm, that meant his mother was alone; because he knew his older brother was still at Muffet's. Coming into the house, he nearly shrieked. Still clutching his phone, he took a couple pictures of Chara as they had run away from him terrified; and he'd chased them into his bedroom closet.

(Picture of Chara sprinting down the hallway)

[MARRIE! MY MOTHER IS HOME ALONE AND THERE'S A HUMAN HERE!]
[I'M GOING TO CAPTURE THE HUMAN, MY LOVE!]
[I'M GOING TO END UP GETTING TO BE THE CAPTAIN OF THE JUNIOR GUARDSMAN!]

(Picture of a blurry Chara huddled in his closet.)

[I'VE CORNERED THEM MARRIE! MAMA IS SAFE! NO WORRIES THERE! I WILL HOLD THE HUMAN HERE!]
[...SHOULD I CALL ALPHYS, OR UNDYNE? OR MY BROTHER? I'M NOT SURE WHICH NOW.]
[NOW THE HUMAN IS CRYING...I DIDN'T KNOW HUMANS COULD CRY.]

(Picture of Chara hugging one of Sans' stuffed toys, obviously sobbing.)

[I'VE MADE THE HUMAN CRY, MARRIE! HOW DO I GET THEM TO STOP CRYING!]

"I'll go get your medicine. I'm sorry about that...i'll give her a minute..." Darren sighed before going upstairs to grab it.

Marrie checked her messages and was now worried for a different reason, "Oh no...Mr. Edge...Mr. Bitter...would it be okay if I went to Snowdin with you both? Sans found a human and...is not handling it well..." She showed them the pictures Sans took along with the texts. Darren ended up coming back with the bag of medicine in hand.

Bitter's expression fell as he glanced at the phone. "Aww hell...shit Wingdin's probably freaking out, if he's freaking out too..."

Edge just nodded as he looked to Marrie. "Not a problem, kitten. We'll keep ya safe. We might be old farts, but we're from a pretty tough area long ago. Don't worry about 'er Darren. We'll watch 'er."

They then left and Sans was still blowing up Marrie's phone with worrying texts as they made their way back.

Wingdin had heard the sobbing in Sans room, and she made her way down the hallway. "Sansy? Baby what is being wrong...did you get hurt?"

Sans nervously tried to close the door on his mother, but she just snaked her strings underneath the door, and managed to turn the doorknob open that way; coming inside the room. "Do not be closing doors on your Mama, Sansy...wait, that is not you crying..."

"OF COURSE IT ISN'T MOTHER, IT'S...IT'S A...A LOST CHILD..." Sans murmured, as he looked to Chara.

Wingdin came over and she knelt on the floor near the closet. "A lost child? Oh no...come to Wingdin, sweetheart...it will be okay...can I give you hug? I might be made of bones, but I am very snuggly soft."

Chara nervously looked to Sans, and then they crawled out from the closet cautiously; and they gently leaned against Wingdin. Soon they found themselves in a firm, yet loving hug from the motherly skeleton. Wingdin started humming softly, rubbing Chara's back; as they hiccupped and sneezed from their sobbing.

Sans took another picture, and sighed, as he sent it off to Marrie.

(Picture of Chara being held by Wingdin.)

[I think they may not want to hurt us...but they might be hurt themselves...]

Marrie had taken the medicine from Darren before going with Edge and Bitter. Darren had promised to watch over Vera and their mother in the meantime.

Seening the texts as they went along did worry her, especially that last one.

"Sans and Mrs. Wingdin are okay...the human's being hugged by her...Sans thinks they're really hurt." Marrie told the two as they got closer to Snowdin.

Once there, Marrie immediately let herself into the house and got looking for the three. "Sansy? Mrs. Wingdin? Human? Where are you...?"

Sans came down the hallway, and he smiled softly to Marrie; giving her a loving kiss. "They're back in my bedroom, Marrie. The human has almost fallen asleep in Mother's arms...they act as if they're terrified, and I...I think I scare them..."

He lightly tapped his fangs with his index finger. "Every time I've tried to smile at them, they just...shy away."

Wingdin was seated on the floor, lightly rocking Chara in her arms, humming softly; singing a quiet lullaby. Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly...All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise...Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these sunken eyes and learn to see...All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to be free...

Chara didn't understand the words that the blind skeleton was singing, but they liked how soft and melodious it sounded to them. They yawned, and cuddled against Wingdin's chest, closing their eyes.

Wingdin gently rubbed Chara's back and sighed. "This little child...they are hurt so bad, not physical...emotional...they...poor child...poor sweet child...who hurt you? Who made you do bad things? You are safe now. You will always be safe."

"Oh...I don't know why...you do have pointy teeth but, you're not scary. I think your fangs are really cute." Marrie gently cupped his cheek begore giving him another kiss.

"I guess that's two people who are having a bad time...my sister wasn't doing well either..." Marrie sighed, "what do we do with them...? Won't Alphys come over to get them?"

Sans laughed softly, a soft blue blush crossing his cheeks as she kissed him again. "Mweeeh...I love your kisses, Marrie~"

Wingdin continued to gently rock Chara, who had fallen asleep. "There is no need...they have such small, tiny soul. I almost could only feel their physical beating heart. They are poor lost child, who fell down here..."

Sans blinked a bit, looking to his Mama. "Mama...how did you know that?"

Wingdin looked towards Sans' voice and she smiled a bit. "Someone...taught me long ago, that even though you can see a human's soul color by their eyes...you can feel it through their soul pulse. The child's was so weak, I thought they almost not have one...but I...I don't know who told me that originally though..."

She looked a bit distraught for a moment, not able to grasp the memory of who had taught her that. A fleeting memory, on the tip of her tongue; it made her sad, but she just sighed. "I just know I guessing."

Sans blanched a bit, and he looked at his phone. He had been texting EVERYONE in his fervor earlier. "OH NO. I TEXTED CAPTAIN ALPHYS! SHE'S GONNA COME HERE AND, MWEEHH, NO NO NO..."

"Oh no...well...l-let's just talk to her. Maybe we can explain some stuff...?" Marrie thought outloud as she leaned on Sans. "Let's find your brother. He might know what to do!"

Sans nodded, and he just scooped up Marrie into his arms and went running out the front door; as he booked it to Muffet's. Setting her down before he came in, he strode over to his older brother, who was nearly asleep at the counter, a smoldering cigarette in the makeshift ashtray of his first cup of tea.

"PAPYRUS! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU, YOU'RE...SITTING IN MUFFET'S AND SMOKING. IS THAT WHAT YOU DO ALL DAY WHEN I'M OUT ON PATROL?! I SWEAR YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED WORKING AT THE LABS, AT LEAST YOU DID SOMETHING THEN!" Sans blasted at his older brother, sighing dramatically.

Muffet covered her mouth with one of her hands, raspily giggling.

Papyrus cracked open an eye, looking Sans over for a moment. His tail lazily drooped down behind him and the tip twitched a bit, the only sign of movement from the skelegator. "...glad to see you don't be-leaf me when i tell ya i'm workin hard, huh, bro?"

"Sans...remember why we're here..." Marrie gently reminded her boyfriend before going to Papyrus.

"We need your help. Please? Sans found a human and Alphys found out. We don't need them getting hurt...Your Mama says they've been through a lot of pain already. Please, Papyrus...?" Marrie looked over at him with a hopeful look.

Sans crossed his arms, his tail rattling behind him. He was mighty cross at his brother, what if the human wasn't so hurt, their mother was completely defenseless at home. "Mweehhh...okay, Marrie..."

Papyrus sat up, and ran his hand over his skull tiredly. Everyone thought he was lazy, but in fact, he hadn't slept in what felt like nearly two months what with all the resets that had been going on. Each time a reset happened, he felt like he was being pulled sideways and inside-out; and each time, faint cracks spread across his own soul. Then with his Papa being lost...that just left an even bigger crack, and left him feeling almost hopeless.

"sure...i can stave off old dino breath fer ya...you're such a darjeling bro, how could i say no to your girlfriend's face when she pleads so cutely." He got up off the bar stool, and looked to Muffet. "put it on my tab please, muffy, thanks, you're a doll..."

Heading towards the door, Sans let out an irritated growl. "What is with all the tea puns, brother?"

"nyeheheh...just...feels right. lets go and take a pekoe that new friend of ours, huh?" He drawled as he left Muffet's and held the door open with his tail for Marrie and Sans.

Marrie gave a quick wave and smile to Muffet before heading out the door, "Thank you, Papyrus." She really did mean it. Now it was back to the human.

Back at Waterfall, Darren was handing a cup of tea for Vera as they stayed in her room. "...Are you really sure...? This...this isn't some prank or anything...right..." Darren asked her, looking worried.

"Bro...look at me...if this was a joke, would I be looking like this...? Stars I want to smoke or...drink or something..but...I can't even do THAT anymore..." Vera sniffled as she took a sip of her tea.

"And when were you going to tell me this...?" Darren pulled his sister in for a hug, knowing she needed it, "Or tell uncle...? Marrie? Does anyone else know...?"

"No...I...I wasn't planning on telling anyone...I...I was just hurt...and stressed..and...maybe that's why I'm thinking all crazy with the deja vu and bullcrap...just...I thought I...and he was...stars I'm so stupid..." Vera sniffled out as her brother held her tight, doing his best to keep her calm. "Shhh...we'll get through it...it's okay...it's all okay..."

Papyrus led the way to the house, and he blinked when he saw Wingdin being led into the living room by Edge, as she still carried the sleeping human in her arms. "...aw shit, really...this little brat?"

Sans looked up at his brother, his sockets narrowed. "Don't curse around children!"

Papyrus snorted a laugh, and grinned. "you're still a child, you're barely 16, bro."

He gave his brother a deadpanned look, and pointed to Edge and Bitter. "You know who raised us. I, The Magnificent Sans is an exception, as I grew up around cursing! Damn, shit, hell, motherfucker!"

Wingdin glared towards Sans, frowning. "Sansy! Stop cursing, the little human is sleeping!"

Sans covered his mouth with both hands, his tail dropping between his legs. "...Sorry Mama."

Papyrus snickered and came inside, gazing idly at Chara. "...they don't have a red soul anymore...it's...really tiny, and green...huh, guess they are different. somehow." He looked over to Marrie and smiled. "thanks for getting me, i'll go head off dino boulder crusher at the pass, don't worry about her."

"Thank you Papyrus." Marrie looked gratefully at him before looking at Sans with a less than impressed look, "Just cause of that, you're not getting any more kisses for the day Mr. Hypocrite." She stuck her tongue out at him and looked away from Sans in a huff. Little hard to tell if she meant it seriously or she is playing a bit for dramatic effect.

Happy decided to be a little bit brave as they came down to Snowdin with a small bag in their hand. "ooooh...okay...um...h-hi...P-Papy...just...wanted to come down...s-say hello...I...brought some...c-chocolate turtles from Waterfall...thought you...no...no...I have to be more confident than that..." Happy sighed at themselves, trying to practice what to say. "Hi Papy. I...got these chocolate turtles for us and...I was wondering...well..if you wanted to...? No no..that's not right either..."

Sans' let out a pitiful sounding soft growl. "Maaarriiiee...I didn't mean to act like that..." He frowned sadly, and pouted, looking to her with his big baby blue eyelights; his tail low and sweeping from side to side slowly.

Bitter snickered, as he watched from his chair. "Youse two are so cute, I swear."

Papyrus just chuckled as he left the house. Sighing for a moment, he put his hands over his face and hooked his fingers into his eye sockets. It didn't hurt him, but god sometimes he felt like ripping his skull off and playing bowling with it. Maybe the raging migraine he had most days would finally go away with his head.

Running his hand over his head again, he frowned softly; thinking about how fast Alphys would even get here. Instead of going to her, he decided he would wait for the loud and brash yellow dinosaur. What Undyne saw in the muscle-headed woman was beyond him.

He always liked soft things, despite himself being naturally so sharp and pointed. As he stood there, near the bridge into Snowdin, he thought about Happy, and a grin spread across his face; his sockets closed, as he leaned against the railing slightly.

Marrie looked at him and turned away again with a dramatic huff, barely managing to keep the smirk off her face, "Nope! You're in trouble, mister!"

Happy had just reached the bridge, eyes closed as they kept reciting their words, "I'm doing fine..the snails are good...I...had some chocolate turtles to share...so...no...wait...What I'm trying to say is..." Happy opened their eyes to see where they were going and saw Pap almost right in front of them.

They turned completely red in a panic and one eye wide, "AH! H-H-HI! P-P-PAPY!" The shy ghost squeaked out in surprise as they clutched the bag of chocolate turtles, "W-W-What are you doing h-here...?"

Sans whined again, putting his gloved hands together; then he got on his hands and knees, looking up at her. "Pleeeassseee Marrie! I am begging yoooou! I will never curse again! I am so very sorry, my sweetest darling love, those disgusting words will never cross my fangs again! Cross my soul!"

Edge had settled onto the couch and he snorted softly. "Oh yeah, watch out when ya crunch ya tail in somethin' Sansy, you'll be down an HP and cursing ta make your old Papi blush~"

Papyrus let out a soft chuckle, not phased at all by Happy's skittish nature, having easily grown used to it. "just waitin for little miss lizard brain to come thundering down here...bro found a human, they're uh...kinda messed up, not physically, but they've been hurt. what'cha doin down here in snowdin, my diamond? comin' to visit yer favorite skellygator?"

His nasal ridge flared a bit, as he sniffed; and he smirked, perking up a bit brighter. "are those...honey chocolate turtles?"

Marrie looked at him, now showing the smirk. "Weeeeeell...I guess I can't say not to that face. You make it hard to stay mad." She giggled before kissing a fang, "I wanna be the only thing crossing those teeth, mister." She gave him a hug, her tail wrapping around an arm of his.

Happy stammered a bit, slightly smiling as they spoke. "O-Oh! Well...um..y-yes...TO the um..well...turtles...I...bought some..and...thought you'd like to...s-share with me...? Gerson added some...ghost turtles for me...so...I thought..we...could...hang..out and...eat them...?" They blushed and handed over the bag to Pap, "I-If you..like to..."

Sans gleefully hugged her, and snuggled her happily; nuzzling her cheek lovingly. His face was lit in a blue blush, and he laughed brightly.

Papyrus nodded gently, and he plunked his bottom right on the bridge without a care, curling his tail around like a second seat for Happy. Reaching into the bag, he pulled out a turtle for himself, and then floated out a ghost turtle for them. "sounds like a plan, happy. if undyne is doing what i'd asked her to do in that text i sent 'er...may not have to deal with alphys anyways. leaves more time for me an' you, boo."

Marrie giggled and kissed his cheek again before nuzzling him back, just staying close to him made her happy.

Happy couldn't help but blush and laugh a bit before taking a bite of their turtle. They looked more than comfortable to relax and stay with Papyrus. "I...I would like that...very much..." they smiled lightly before relaxing against Pap. "A-About as much as...I-I like you..."

Sans held her easily, his tail curling around her back gently; happy to be near her as well. Wingdin had fallen asleep in the recliner, as Chara was sleeping as well. Bitter was nearly asleep himself; his head tilting to the side slightly in his wheelchair. Edge was already asleep, his hand holding the remote to the TV.

Sans decided to change the TV for them, and as he reached for it, Edge growled softly under his breath, not meanly, but more in a playfully arguing manner. "M'watchin that, dun change it..." He went right back to snoring however, after Sans removed his hand.

Papyrus blinked a bit, having popped a turtle in his mouth already. Swallowing the treat, he looked to them, a slight orange blush crossing his cheeks. "...you really do like me? oh...nyeh-heh-heh...i'm nothin' special...but i guess, if a monster as beautiful as you, can see somethin' really nice in me...i can accept it. i...really like you too, happy. would you uh...wanna be together, maybe?"

"Maybe we should go somewhere else..." marrie whispered, not wanting to disturb the sleeping adults and human around them.

Happy started blushing themselves, their face more red than pink. "Well...I'm...nothing special either...s-so...that..makes two of us...but.. you're smart...and funny and...a-and...well...I... I would...love to be together, darling..." they squirmed a bit from nervousness in their seat before slowly leaning on Pap. "...I...would love that..."

Sans nodded and gently stood up, taking Marrie's hand. "It sounds like a wonderful idea, dear."

He took her outside the house, and looking from side to side, not sure where to take her. "NOW WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO, MY BELOVED?"

Papyrus gently leaned his hand on their side and he chuckled. "i'd love that too, boo..." He popped another honey chocolate turtle into his mouth.

"didn't know i was funny though, hap...nyeh, i like that, thanks." Leaning down, he gave them a sweet kiss.

"Well...the libarby is still open. We can still rent a movie like we planned." Marrie suggested, her tail twitching behind her.

Happy's blush traveled everywhere but, they didn't fight the kiss. They did have little tears in their eyes though, unlike before, these were from happiness.

Sans grinned, scratching his cheek. "After the excitement of today, I completely forgot about getting that movie for us... that's a splendid idea, Marrie."

Papyrus grinned lazily, watching Happy after he'd kissed them. Reaching into his hoodie pocket, he pulled out a cigarette, and lit it with a flick of his magic. "i met napstablook at the labs..."

He took a puff and exhaled softly. "he was uh...kinda very loud and rude. but i didn't let him get under my skin none, nyehehehe."

Marrie giggled and took his hand, "Then come on! While we still have time!" She led him this time to the libarby, happy to get some quality time.

Happy's expression went from blissful to shocked. "W-What...why was he...I...I mean...that...sounds like him but...why was...he...you're...this...isn't a joke...right...? He's been gone for two years...I...I" The tears they had earlier would be ones of mixed emotions as they started floating upwards.

Sans followed happily, hearts in his eyelights.

Papyrus looked to Happy, lightly rubbing their back. "it's no joke. i wouldn't joke about something like that, hap. he's napstaton now. that uh... wheeling box robot, that djs on the news and stuff. ma likes to listen to him...she can feel the beats of his music apparently..."

He sighed, closing one of his eyes. "ya wanna go to the labs with me?"

Happy hiccuped and sniffled before slowly nodding. "I-I...I want to see..f-for myself..."

Papyrus popped another turtle into his mouth, and he put the bag into his inventory; before he seemed to unfold himself to stand back up. He knew it wouldn't take too long, but he still hoped things weren't too bad at the labs.

Undyne was seated in the main lab, having been talking or attempting to with her girlfriend Alphys, and she sighed running her hand through her hair. "S-So...Papyrus c-called me, well...he-he sent a text, Alphys, and he told me t-that his mother was taking c-care of the human...so there's n-no need for you to go and uh...uh get them I guess..."

She took a sip of her green tea, and nibbled on a piece of Pocky nervously, as she clicked through the camera view around the Underground. When the doors to the lab entered, she let out a burbled squeak, and clenched her hands to her knees; dropping her packet of Pocky all over the keyboard.
Alphys was holding her cup of tea while looking at Undyne, a small smile on her face before she explained the news of the human. "Look, I know Papyrus and his family. Least glad no one's hurt but you still realize I'll need to take them to the Queen, right? That's part of the job, Undyne. I gotta get 'em. If it really means that much to you and him, I promise I won't hurt 'em...unless I find out they're being a total little brat. But I gotta do my part. I wouldn't have to if Sans did his part of the work, but...well...I'm with you for a reason." Alphys didn't look like she was going to budge.

Alphys did immediately go on guard with her axe in her hand, ready to fight whoever scared the crap out of her girlfriend.

Papyrus came in, and he smirked a bit. "yo, dyne, really you're gonna throw your snacks jus cuz i came in? pfft..." He didn't seem phased at all by Alphys brandishing her large axe.

Undyne frowned worriedly, and she started to pick up the pieces of Pocky from the keyboard, dumping them back into the bowl that had sat between them. "P-Papyrus! You s-scared me, I thought...you usually call me or-or text me when you're coming b-by the lab...w-why are you here anyways?"

Papyrus shrugged, and loped more into the lab, then leaned back on his tail slightly. "well, mama's still got the human, they're all...uh napping. yanno my parents are pretty old as it is...i think sans went out somewhere with his girlfriend...but uh, i didn't come here fer anythin' about the human though...came for my datemate, happy."

"Since when do you have a datemate? And Happy? Like...the ghost over at the snail farm, Happstablook Happy?" Alphys asked as she put away her axe.

Happy was hiding behind Pap, seeming intimidated by the head of the guard and the scientist.

Papyrus nodded, with a lazy grin across his face. "yep, and yep, al. happstablook is my datemate, we talked about it, and figured it'd be good for us."

Undyne scoffed slightly, as she set the pocky back down on the desk. "I-It might be good for your depression too. I-I've caught you staring...into the lava Papyrus...it worries me."

Papyrus looked down a moment and he shrugged. "it's like i always tell ya undyne, the warmth helps me to think. but uh, yeah, they're behind me right now, and we came to see napstaton. apparently he's not had any contact with them for over two years."

Undyne tittered nervously, taking another sip of her tea, as she sunk down into her chair. Her hair covered her face then. "O-Oh? Re-Really now?"

The lanky skelegator tilted his head from side to side, his hands in his hoodie pocket. "...it's about how long it took ya to build his body, wasn't it?"

Happy poked out from Pap's side, "Is...Is he...r-really here...?" They looked like they were about to cry again.

Undyne looked up from where she'd been sipping her mug of tea, and closed her eyes. "I-It didn't take two years f-for his body, Pap...it took a year for the body, then a year for him t-to become a...a celebrity. Or d-do you not watch TV?"

Papyrus shrugged again, looking back towards Happy. "no i don't normally watch tv. usually i fall asleep to the tv, or i'm putting it on for mama. but yeah, he should be around here somewhere."

He put his hands around his mouth, and shouted the best he could. " i! the gators back to wrassle ya, if ya think yer down fer that!" It made his soul cringe to yell out like that.

Alphys couldn't help but bust into laughter at hearing that, banging her hand on the chair's arm as she did, leaving a sizable dent. "THAT WAS SO BAD! OH MY GOD!"

Wouldn't be long until the doors opened again at the opposite side where the robot stood, "Yoooooo! Hey! It's Judge Skelegator! Like, I'd love to chat and smoke ya down broski but I got a show coming up la..." Napstaton stopped in his tracks once he saw Happy.

"N-Nap...Napsta...Napstablook...is...is really you...?" Happy slowly floated over.

"Uuuuuuuh...who's that! I don't know 'em! Must be an imposter or something! Someone trying to get my totally tubular title! Not cool. Uh..I'll deal with that later! Gotta go dudes!" Napstaton tried wheeling off.

"N-Napsta...wait...please...!" Happy looked distressed.

Papyrus didn't acknowledge Alphys as she'd burst into guffaws of laughter. But he did focus himself on how Napstaton was acting. He frowned, and shortcut over to where Napstaton was trying to wheel off too, blocking the way. "...your show can wait. pfft i think the only one who really watches you all the time is mama anyways...well, listen at least."

His tail waved irately behind him; as he stared the boxy robot down. "please, just take a few moments, talk with your cousin, a'right? or uh, i could just go ahead and have the queen put on an emergency broadcast, about the human we'd found..."

He scratched his chin, idly picking at one of his fangs, with his clawed finger. "...i was gonna have tori let you give the announcement too..."

Even without a face, Napstaton still homehow managed to looked intimidated and panicked. "H-Hey man! Take it easy! Like, I'm just trying to do my thing, ya know? No one's getting hurt over here, huh?"

"...N-Napsta...b-blo-..." Happy called out again but was stopped short.

"Don't...call me that...I don't go by that name anymore...alright..? It's a thing of the past...just..." Napstaton looked over at the ghost, "Look...I'm sorry...just...I...I gotta go."

Papyrus closed his eyes, and sighed. "napsta...c'mon man, even if you don't go by that name, you are still you. and they're still your cousin." He glanced at the clock across the room, seeing what time it was, and he shook his head.

"the dj hits of the week can wait a few minutes longer...and if you can't wait...can ya promise to make time for them? that's all i'm asking. it's not cool to abandon your family just because you wanted to be selfish and become famous. so you're famous...what now? you might have tons of fans..." Papyrus frowned, his sockets opening, as his usual soft orange eyelights were missing.

" u' e."

Napstaton backed up at that, unsure of how to respond. Only one thing came to mind...

"Selfish...? This is selfish? I was doing this for Happy! This was supposed to be Happy here! People just happened to like it, it got the Queen all fucking excited cause hey! We probably don't gotta kill anyone since she suddenly made a soul! I was testing this, people got to liking me and shit just started up! I was going to come back! But..." Napstaton looked over at Happy, "...I was going to come back...just...things came up...I got in over my head...and...we had one thing left to test...I was gunna put myself in it so I knew if it was safe enough...I'd come back and get you..."

"...So...you...left...because of me...?" Happy sniffled out.

"No! No! I left...for you. Undyne gave me these cool ass looking sketches of a body! A body that looked like you'd hella love! But...there was a lot that could go wrong. So...I didn't want to get your hopes up and things...happened...so...I went instead...Happ I'm sorry..." Napst was...ashamed. Or at least as ashamed as he could show with no facial features.

Papyrus didn't like pushing people like he did. But it was part of his job as the Royal Judge. He could get right under anyone when he needed too. But it made the difference. He got Napstaton to talk with his cousin, Happy. However...the answer might not have been the best one, he realized.

"welp, now that you've actually explained yourself, instead of just being an box filled with bass and ass, it makes a lot more sense. thanks for that. sorry to have put you on the spot, pal; but...it had to be done." He spoke softly, as he looked to Happy. "see, hap? he just put himself on the line, instead of you. i guess everything's worked out then or..."

Undyne was watching nervously, feeling rather ashamed herself of feeling like she'd been the one to have come between the ghost cousins. "I-I a-a-also have some...some designs f-for a body f-for you Hapstablook, i-if you maybe...w-wanted one too..."

She started shuffling through her papers on the messy desk, and found them. The original design she'd created was for a robotic teddy bear of sorts; but with her having perfected Napstaton's EX body, she realized that Hapstablook...wouldn't really need it actually. Getting up from her desk chair, she came over, nervously pushing her hair behind her ear fins. "I...I have them here...i-if you wanted to look at them...it would...would take time to make it though! Probably at least six months!"

"...Well Happ...? Ya get to skip the whole box part and get straight into it...what do ya say...cuz...?" Napstaton was looking at Happy with hope and some fear.

"...I'd...like that...can...I see them..." Happy looked over at Undyne, curious. "...I guess I can't blame you for that, Napstablo...Napstaton...sorry...but...you still have one other person to tell..."

"Yeah...I know...I'll...get to her soon too...I did say I was planning to tell her along with you..." Napstaton sighed, looking a little more relieved at one thing.

Undyne fixed the papers in her hands, and held them out to Happy. It was for a human-styled robotic body. The body was considered nude however, for sake of the diagrams, as they had a similar, yet separate design from their cousin's. Their limbs, specifically their arms could extend outwards if they wished, and their soul was housed in their chest, visible through a heart-shaped panel in the middle. Their hips curved outwards into a cute, heart shaped bottom; they looked soft and huggable for a robot! Their hair was black, a large chunk of it covered over one of their eyes, just like it did for Hapstablook normally.

Papyrus gazed at the diagrams, and his eyelights flickered to hearts; his tail softly waving behind him. Without him realizing it, he was hurgling in bliss gazing at the diagrams. "...wow ya somehow made them just as beautiful as they are now, 'dyne..."

Happy couldn't help but giggle at the compliment before looking at the body.

"It does...look really nice...and...you..won't mind..making it...? Aren't you busy with a lot...?" Happy seemed worried about that.

"We got the time stuff worked out, cuz! Don't worry! You let Dyne handle it! You'll look sick!" Napstaton chuckled, looking excited for them.

"Easy Romeo. She's still gotta build it. How about you enjoy what you have now while I go see this human." Alphys for up from her chair and gave her girlfriend a kiss on the cheek, "I'll be back, pretty girl. There any trouble, I'll come running with my axes!"

Undyne had shook her head at Happy's questions, and when Alphys came over and kissed her; she instantly flushed a deep red, nearly mashing the papers in her face. "Ooooh! A-Alright, Alphys, I-I promise you, I w-will!"

Papyrus chuckled quietly, starting to lean back on his tail. His phone vibrated and he glanced at it.

[Papy, your Mom is asking about the rapping robot?]

His eyes widened, and he laughed brightly. "well, uh, guess i'll take ya with me al. the kid is using my mom's phone and uh...sent me this." He showed Alphys the text message, chuckling.

Looking to Napstaton, he grinned. "guess you should head on to your show. like i said, my ma's your biggest fan. she's told the kid to ask me about the 'rapping robot'. she's uh, probably wondering why you aren't on the tv."

"I'd be on it if I wasn't dealing with a family reunion. But hey..show's gotta go on. Not like the Underground has any other stars...well...least for now." Napstaton chuckled lightly before patting Happy's head. "Catch ya later, cuz. Let me know what you and Dyne come up with."

"You're not going to leave forever again...right...?" Happy asked, seeming worried.

"Not again...i promise..." Napstaton assured before heading out the lab to get his broadcast on.

Papyrus smiled softly, looking to Happy. "hey, happy; you wanna cuddle me, and we'll take alphys with us back home. i know a shortcut."

He started to walk over to where Alphys was, getting ready to leave the labs.

Happy wasn't sure whether to stay or not, but ultimately decided to stay with Pap. "Okay...C-Can we talk...later...um...Dr...Undyne...?"

Undyne suddenly stopped blushing, and she held the papers awkwardly. "Um...y-yeah, not a p-problem, Happy! I can go ahead and maybe...um start on the basics for it's design if y-you wanted me too?"

Papyrus had stopped where he was, his hands in his hoodie, as he was between Happy and Undyne, and Alphys who still stood rather impatiently near the doors. He almost looked like he was ready to fall asleep standing up; his tail keeping him balanced as he leaned upon it slightly.

Happy nodded, "Y-Yes please...thank you..."

Happy then reached over to Pap and gently pat his head, "...We can go now...sorry...for..the wait..."

"It's fine. Let's just go. I don't want to keep the Queen waiting for anything, I just finished giving her the message about the human." Alphys huffed before walking out.

Papyrus perked up a bit when Happy patted his head. Gently snuggling them to his chest, he grinned lazily, giving them a kiss on their cheek. "welp, guess she don't wanna learn about my shortcut then..."

He took a few steps outside the lab, and he then shortcut them all the way to Snowdin, to right beside his parents house. Then he just leaned against the outside wall by the door, and yawned a bit. Delicately he rubbed Happy's back, and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it up. "...wonder how long it'll take 'er, hap? so uh...about that body for ya...i really think it's nice, don't you? i know mama can't really knit anymore, but she's got plenty of sweaters that you could have, if you wanted..."

Happy blushed and snuggled up to the skelegator, "That would be nice...I...still have to be soft for you..." they let out a tiny echoed laugh, "She did say it would take about six months...but...I don't mind waiting...it's okay..."

Not long after Happ said that, Alphys had just reached Snowdin with her own snow jacket on. "Snowdin suuuuucks! It's so freaking cold here! How do you even live in this place?!" She complained before stopping herself at the front door of the house.

Papyrus nuzzled Happy gently, and chuckled a bit. "as long as i've got you happy, i don't mind waiting at all...nyeheheheh...even without a sweater, you'd be soft to me anyways, my sweet little marshmallow~"

He glanced up at Alphys, and snickered. "because it's better for my brother's health, and my parents like it out here...ya wonder why i wear such thick hoodies all the time? i'm half-alligator. unlike my ma or papi, i can feel the cold somewhat, so uh...yeah it's damn cold here."

Going to the front door, he opened it up; letting Alphys inside, while still cuddling Happy to his chest. The TV was on Napstaton's Weekly DJ Jam show, and Wingdin was humming along with the music happily. Edge was making dinner, while Bitter was holding Chara in his lap. The lanky skelegator came inside the house, and promptly plunked his butt on the couch, and sighed happily.

Wingdin looked to Papyrus, and she smiled. "Oh, Papy, I thought you going to stay out all night long...did message Chara sending come through okay? Because only few minutes after they sent it, the rapping robot came on the TV! I loving his music so very much, it is so nice!"

Happy stayed in Pap's hold, blushing but in joy just being near, "We...um...got stopped along the way...i'm sorry..." Happy felt bad for the hold up. There was just a lot.

"Good to see you all are good. But...I am here for business though." Alphys spoke up as they headed over to Bitter and Chara. She gave the kid a glare as she scanned them...looking for anything suspicious or off. "Human...you're coming with me, by order of Queen Toriel."

Papyrus watched Alphys and sighed softly, his thin fingers gently rubbing Happy's back. "...yeah, ma...just uh, what hap said. got held up is all."

Chara looked up at Alphys, and they shrunk back against the coffee cup hybrids chest. They tried to say something, but their voice was caught in their throat, like it almost always was it seemed. "..." Bitter gently patted Chara's head, his gloves trembling slightly through their brown hair.

"It'll be okay, kid. Alphys is really nice...jus like Sans. She might seem kinda rough 'round the edges, but so's me and Edge, yeah?" He gently shifted them a bit, patting their bottom; to encourage them to get down from his lap.

Chara gently slid down from Bitter's lap, and took a few steps towards the sharp and strong looking yellow dinosaur. They held their hand up to Alphys, a nervous smile crossing their face. They seemed very scared of her.

Alphys extended her hand and took Chara's. "Alright. Come on...it'll be quick." She sighed before walking out with them. Her grip was strong but...not bone crushing. Like enough that a parent would do to make sure their kid doesn't run into traffic.

Happy watched them go before sinking back and checking their phone. "Oh...i'm sorry...I have to go...home..now...I'm needed...and...need to bring Marrie too..."

Chara just quickly walked alongside of Alphys, hoping that it wouldn't be too bad for them. Just like Miss Wingdin had said, Chara had a soul, but it was smaller than normal apparently...although Chara didn't really understand what that meant for them though.

Papyrus gave Happy a sweet smile, and a loving kiss to their head. "it's alright, boo. i should prolly go and help papi with dinner anywho. so uh...just text me when ya wanna meet up again, a'right?"

In the library Sans had curled up with Marrie in one of the soft chairs between the aisles, where the library monster couldn't really see them, and he was enjoying time with her. Their movie selection was mostly forgotten, as it laid on the floor beside the soft chair they sat in. "...M-Marrie...it's not right for Junior Guardsman to be doing this...oooh...mweh-hee-hee...That's nice, Marrie..."

Happy nodded and gave a kiss back to Pap. "I'll let you know...thank you Papy...for everything..." they whispered before disappearing.

Marrie was happily seated over Sans, tail wrapped around his hands as she kept kissing his collar bone while her hands massaged his tail. "It's okay. No one has to know...and I did say I'd spoil you, Sansy. You work really hard my cute knight~ Nothing wrong with a little break." She purred lightly before continuing her work.

Papyrus just smiled as he closed his eyes blissfully. He loved having someone that he could love and care for in his own way. And with Chara not wanting to reset anymore, maybe...maybe it would be worth it.

Sans was in the best prediciment ever. His hands being held by his loves soft and fuzzy tail, while she smothered kisses on his sensitive collarbone and her hands were massaging his bony tail. He found himself quietly panting and growling at all the loving attention from her; a deep blue blush across his face. His chest felt so hot, and yet it felt soooo good.

"Y-Yes, my dearest...you spoil me sooo much! Mweeehhh-heee-heeee!" He found himself kissing what he could of her head and ears, nearly nipping in his excitement.

Marrie couldn't help but giggle and blush at the actions. Least until Happy appeared by them.

"Oh...um...am I...interrupting...? I'm sorry...I'll go now..." Happy seemed awkward with the situation as Marrie side stepped from her boyfriend.

"Sorry...it's not what it looks like! Un...what did you need?" Marrie gave a laugh, hoping that would hide her embarrassment.

Sans tried to hide his face in his neckerchief, and it could be heard that his tail was popping as he straightened it out. "SHE WAS JUST HELPING GET THE KINKS OUT OF MY TAIL!"

The librarby monster suddenly hissed a warning, shushing whoever had just nearly yelled in the library.

Sans' blush only seemed to brighten at the warning, as he clamped his hands over his mouth. Looking to Happy, he wondered what was going on just then. "...S-Sorry...is everything okay, Happy?"

"Well...yes...but...I...don't know. I was going to take Marrie home...Darren used Vera's phone to text me...he said it was important..." Happy answered looking worried.

"Uh oh...important talk...that can mean anything..." Marrie sighed, not looking forward to it.

Sans wrung his hands together, and sighed. "O-Oh...alright then...I should probably be um...getting home myself. We can rent that movie some other time, my dear."

His intention however was not to go home, but to follow them through the waterways. The Junior Guardsman didn't like to be sneaky, but he had to be! To protect and help his beloved dearest's family!

"Okay. I'll call you later, okay?" Marrie smiled before giving him a kiss goodbye. The ghost and cat monster head out from the libarby and headed towards home.

Meanwhile Darren was waiting for the two to arrive. Zhara was currently with a napping Vera. The poor girl looked super exhausted for the moment.

Sans was determined to help her out. He followed them as quietly as he could, and when they'd left Snowdin, he slipped into the water; swimming through the channels, knowing the pathways by soul. Turning left, turning right; going through a micro-cavern he paused as he came out from the water. Shaking himself off, he sighed, pulling out his waterproof and shockproof phone.

"...No calls, they've not gotten there yet then." Slipping it back into his inventory, he then dove back into the water, and went through the waterways again. Going straight down the main pathway, he dove down deep; knowing that if Marrie or Happy looked to the side, they could possibly see him cutting through the water.

Marrie and Happy soon got to the house. She gave him a quick text saying she's gone safe before heading inside the house. "I'm home...what's going on...? Everything okay?" Marrie asked.

"Have a seat, cub. We're all waiting ourselves." James called as Marrie and Happy came in. Marrie took a seat by her uncle and Happy stayed with Zhara and Vera.

Zhara gently woke Vera up, "Come on...it's time..."

Vera groaned and sighed, not liking this one bit, "Okay...well...it's news...good or bad is up to you guys..."

Sans felt his phone vibrating, and he pulled up from the water; looking at the text. He was just a creek away from their house by then. Nodding to himself, he pocketed his phone, and dove back into the water; continuing to swim to the farm; whereupon he pulled himself up from the water. Shaking himself off, he then re-tucked his shirt into his pants and sighed softly. He wasn't sure what to do however, he would have been intruding if he came inside, as he wasn't invited. But in case something bad happened...he wanted to be ready to help however it was needed.

Grabbing his phone, he went a bit down the thin pathway, and sat down beside a glowing mushroom. [Thank you for letting me know you are home, my love. I've gone out on patrol in Waterfall. Let me know if you need anything. Your Shining Gatorly Knight is always here for you.]

Marrie didn't seem to notice the text as she was listening to her older sister talk.

"...Long story short...I'm pregnant...Bernard...the guy I was...I thought...I was dating...he's the dad...but...he wants nothing to do with me..." Vera sighed, her hands bunching up the cardigan she wore.

"Wait...why does he want noting to do with you!? You've been nothing but good to him!" Zhara looked angry at that while Marrie was still processing. Happy had since floated over to give Vera a hug, looking like she needed it.

"...Found out he was using me to get his old girlfriend jealous...he never loved me from the start...I was an idiot...and...yeah...that's...why I was acting so weird earlier...I...just got really stressed about it..." Vera hugged her ghost friend, taking their offer to try and relax.

"Unbelievable! Why am I more upset about this than you?! You'd be pissed enough that you'd be kicking his ass!" Zhara hissed, "Do I need to kick it for you? I can!"

"Just let it go...karma bit me...it came back...okay...? I'll live with it..." Vera groaned, not feeling good at that moment.

Sans sat near the glowing mushroom still, picking at his neckerchief for the moment. He had lied about going on patrol in Waterfall, feeling bad about doing that to his girlfriend, and he sighed softly, his boots off; as he dipped his feet into the water idly. The tip of his tail rested in the water, flicking from side to side. Pulling out a snack he carried with him in his inventory, he took a bite off the jerky that he'd gotten from Callie's shop earlier that week. The rabbit lady loved to spin old yarns about her time in the Guard, but it was fine with him.

He hoped things weren't as bad as his mind was making them out to be. What if Mrs Tahi had passed away? But wouldn't Happy have said that to begin with? What if Vera was sick? His Pops had said she was acting rather strange when him and Papi had gone to get his medicine that day. Oh no, what if something was wrong with the farm itself? What if the background magic had tainted the water too much and they couldn't use it on the crops anymore?

The young skelegator's mind swirled with answers, till he just sat there, holding his head in his gloved hands, worried about something that may or may not be.

Vera finished getting everything out and Darren helped her into bed while James went to see Tahi. Which left Zhara, Happy, and Marrie alone in the living room.

"That's still not right! I have a nerve to give that guy more than a piece of my mind! V loved him! Gave him everything! That two timing...pompous piece of..." Zhara hissed.

"There's not much we can do about that...is there...?" Happy asked, "she didn't seem like there was..."

"...maybe not for us...but...I have one idea..." Marrie took out her phone and saw Sans's text.

"Girl, get his butt whooped. I think it's time that Bernie got put in his place." Zhara smiled. Marrie felt a little bad..but maybe there was something her boyfriend could do...

[Sans? Are you busy? I want to talk with you.] she texted out and sent it.

Feeling his phone going off, he picked it up; and his eyes widened with worry. Without even texting back; he snatched up his boots, and went running full tilt to the house. Unlike most people's houses, he knew not to kick his way through the front door; and he was nearly vibrating as he knocked at the door; only a few minutes after she'd sent the text.

"Marrie! Your Knight in Shining Armor is here, my love! What do you need to speak with me about?!" Sans was trying his best not to shout, he didn't want to bother Mrs. Tahi of course, but it was incredibly hard for him to not use his usual booming volume.

Marrie blinked at the sound of Sans's voice outside her door.

"...Wow...that's quick...you didn't send him anything weird, right?" Zhara asked and Marrie shook her head.

"He has a lot of energy. But that's good in this case." Marrie headed to the front door and answered it, "Thanks for answering. Let's get away from the house...Sissy's going to bed and mom needs the quiet. Come on." With that, Marrie led Sans to the farther part of the farm to get enough distance to talk.

Sans quickly slipped on his boots, and followed them, with a determined expression across his face. "This must be very important for you to need to almost leave the property to inform me about this my dearest."

He looked to Marrie and Zhara, a stern and worried expression on his face. "So...what is going on then?"

Marrie didn't look too happy, "Just...a little...mostly because I don't want my sister worring more than she is..."

"Can the guard do anything about total jackasses?" Zhara asked, seeming like Vera's usual sass had transfered to her whenever she got mad.

Marrie sighed and took Sans's hand, "...My sister got duped by the person she loved...he used her and left her for another girl...and...now Sissy's having his baby...is there a way that...maybe you can talk to him? Maybe at least try and get him to help...?"

Sans nodded, listening to them both. A rumbling growl rose in his chest, and he bared his fangs, letting out a short huff of breath. "This is the biggest reason why I entered the guard, my love. I do not want what happened to my mother, to happen to anyone else in the Underground. It is said, that monsters should love and support one another...but sometimes..."

He growled finally, nearly snapping his jaws as he spoke; his eyelights gone. "SOMETIMES THERE ARE MONSTERS WHO ARE SO FAR GONE UP THEIR ASS, THAT THEY NEED TO BE FORCED TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION!"

Taking in a stuttering breath, he sighed, shaking his head a bit to clear it. "...Tell me his name, and if you know his last known location. I will assist however I am able. And...if it's something that Guard cannot help with...then I will do it personally, my beloved."

Both girls blinked in surprise, not expecting that from him. Marrie shook it off the quickest and smiled, "Thank you, Sansy...just...don't hurt anyone too badly...okay...? I just want sissy to be okay..."

"She will be, Mar. Don't worry...I'll handle her. Sans if you ca manage it...kick him good for me." Zhara left with that request as she headed over to the house, "His name is Bernard, by the way. Bernard Magfire. Half magma elemental half lion monster. He always hangs out in Hotland. But trust me...his fire is as hot as the desserts sold in Napstaton's hotel." Zhara mentioned as she left.

"Thank you, Sansy...I'm glad you can help..." Marrie gave him a hug, part for thanks and part for her own comfort, "...I'm really scared for Sissy...she's...not doing really good..."

Sans returned the hug, himself standing very stiffly at the moment. "Bernard Magfire...right...thank you both." He nuzzled Marrie sweetly, and sighed softly. "I know you're scared, my love...but I will do my best for you and for Vera."

He turned to leave, and then turned back towards her. "...I love you Marrie. I...I want to give you something before I go."

Reaching into his inventory, he pulled out a golden ring for her. "I know we still can't get married, but...this is for you. I will love you forever, my dearest Marrie."

Giving her a passionate kiss on her lips; he then closed her hand around the ring; and turned away, slipping down into the channel of water to swim towards Hotland as far as he could. He knew he would need the dripping water to keep him from getting overheated for at least a little bit into Hotland.

Marrie leaned in with that kiss and watched him go. Once she couldn't see him anymore, she stared at the ring and smiled wholeheartedly.

"...I love you too...my knight..." She whispered and hugged her hand, letting the ring shine in the crystal light. She decided to head back inside and see her sister...her family needed her too.

Meanwhile in Hotland, a group of monsters were chilling by the lava pools. A smoke elemental was relaxing in the lava as if it was water. On the edge were a poison elemental, a rock monster, two snake monster twins, and a candalabra headed monster were all chilling and drinking. Out of the lava came out a lion-magma hybrid monster, looking quite happy in his element before swimming to the edge to get out.

"Hot enough for ya Bern?" The smoke elemental laughed as he shook himself off.

"Watch it man! You're gunna burn our fucking cooler again! The only thing that's supposed to keep cool is the beer!" The rock elemental complained as Bern finished getting any residual lava out of his mane.

"Ah relax! It ain't gunna burn your cooler! I'll buy a new one if you're that worried, Lime." Bernard rolled his eyes before joining the others for a cold drink, "It's hot for me, baby cakes. But I see something hotter than this place! And she's looking right at me!"

Sans pulled out from the end of the water pathway, and came into Hotland; on a clear mission. To find a magma lion hybrid, named Bernard Magfire. After a bit of searching, he'd found them by the lava pools. Coming over to them, he saw Bernard, and chuckled softly to himself. "BERNARD MAGFIRE? I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A WORD WITH YOU, SIR..."

All of the monsters by the pools saw Sans and looked over in confusion. "You know this blue tater, Bern?" One of the snakes asked him..

"Nah. Never seen him in my life. What's up pipsqueak? You my pizza delivery guy or something?" Bernard chuckled and headed over.

Sans frowned softly at the joke about him being a 'blue tater', and he sighed. "No. I AM THE MAGNIFICENT SANS ASTER, JUNIOR GUARDSMAN IN THE ROYAL GUARD."

His voice got a bit quieter as he glared up at Bernard. "I know what you did. Leaving her alone, in a time when she needed you. You are disgusting, Bernard. And you have one chance to make it better, or there will be hell to pay."

Bernard just looked at Sans confusedly, "The fuck are you on about..? Look small fry, I'm not doing shit. I haven't done shit. And last I checked, guard can't do shit without me starting shit. So...how about you go pretend to be guardsman somewhere else, huh kiddo?" He huffed before joining back with his friends.

Most people would think of Sans as a sugary-sweet, darling kind blueberry of a young man. Always kind, always able to lend a helping hand. But when you were raised by two monsters from Underfell...well...the sweet blueberry can also play dirty when needed.

Sans slipped his gloves off, tucking them into his inventory as Bernard turned his back to him. That was the magma lions first mistake. And the second? That was not owning up to what he'd done wrong. The Junior Guardsman had given him a chance. He lost that when he when he denied what he'd done, and then insulted him on top of everything else.

With a snarling growl, Sans leapt up onto Bernard's back, digging his sharp claws into the man's back deeply; and he then started to bite the back of Bernard's head fiercely. His tail came around and whipped at the man's shoulder, ripping at his flesh.

Bernard started yelling and tried shaking Sans off moment he started getting bitten and slashed, "HEY! WHAT THE FUCK!? GET HIM OFF! GET HIM OFF!" Bernard tried using some lava magic to try and burn Sans off of him. The friends stood and watched, unsure of what to do or how to help him.

"Baby!" The smoke monster yelled before swimming back to the edge, hoping to help him somehow.

"GET OFF OF ME YA LITTLE BRAT!" Bernard hissed out as the Rock Monster tried to come over to pry him off.

Sans growled deeply, and bit one last time around the back of Bernard's neck angrily; before he was pried off by Lime, the rock monster. He was snarling angrily and wildly clawing in a frenzy; and he rolled to the side, managing to fall out from Lime's grip. The side of his face was burned, but he knew he'd bitten Bernard badly; if the burns in his mouth was any indication.

"YOU LEFT VERA, AFTER YOU GOT HER PREGNANT, YOU GIANT SOULLESS BASTARD!" He screeched, before he started coughing and ran back towards Waterfall the best he could. He was down to 2 HP and knew that he could be hurt worse if he didn't get away from the situation.

Bernard hissed and held the back of his neck in pain as his smoke elemental girlfriend tried tying it up to slow the bleeding.

"Who the hell is Vera?" She questioned with some anger.

"Fuck if I know. I don't know anyone named that, sugar smoke." He hissed as Lime tried healing him up.

"You got a girl pregnant?" The rock monster asked.

"It's not my kid. Probably just some whore I fucked around with. Can be anyone's...now let's get the hell outta here. I'm missing my fucking neck!"

The friend group packed up and took their bud off to get checked. That was definetely going to scar...

Sans had managed to make his way back to the space between Waterfall and Hotland, and he was starting to blink in and out a bit. Pulling his phone out, he texted his brother the best he could.

[BROTHER...NED HLP. WTRFLL, BIT LAVA]
[HLP ME PLZ]
[HLP PASS DOWN SOON]

He tried to send a message to Marrie as well, his vision starting to blur more; as he was about to collapse by then, trying to get to the water to get the lava off of his face and neck.

[MAR HLP PLZ...BIT LAVA. WTRFLL PATH]

He managed to get to the water, and as soon as the cool water hit his face, it was too much for him; as he tumbled into the water, and started floating down the main pathway. Thankfully the young skelegator was on his back, as the river took him towards the farm despite he had no idea what was going on.

Marrie had finished checking on her sister while Zhara had gone off to walk Happy home. She noticed the text on her phone and her heart dropped.

She made a mad dash to go find him, "SANSY! SANSY! WHERE ARE YOU!? SANS!" She yelled out his name, looking around the water hoping she'd find him. Wouldn't be long until she saw him floating in the water, "Sansy! Hang on!"

She ran over to some nearby vines and grabbed a few to make a lasso. Once there was a good knot, she threw it and managed to grab his foot, pulling it to get him to the edge. Her aim had gotten better since she was a child.

"Hang on Sans! I'm here! I'm here! stay with me! Sansy!" She cried out as she kept pulling him over.

Sans had black scars across the right side of his skull, his mouth hanging open slightly. Hearing Marrie's voice, he started to rouse a bit, coughing out the water that had gotten into his mouth, and he twisted instinctively feeling something caught on his foot. He didn't realize it was Marrie pulling him out from the water.

Growling disoriently, he twisted and turned as strongly as he could, then he started to crawl out from the water more; his eyes closed in pain. He panted, and let out whining growls as he collapsed onto the ground, the vine now twisted around his legs.

"...M-Marrie...Marrie my love...I...I got him...I tried to...to...get him worse...I f-fought like...like Papi...for you a-and Vera..." He choked out, panting softly.

"What did you do...!? I thought you were going to talk to him!" Marrie looked worried as she tried getting him untangled before attempting to heal him, doing her best not to panic.

"Just stay still and rest, okay...? It's going to be okay..." Marrie's voice shook as she kept trying to get him healed up.

Sans stayed on his belly as she healed him slowly. His eyes soon opened, and he still let out pained growls as he soon laid on his side. "I tried to...talk with him...but he would not listen! He insulted me, and acted as if he knew nothing!"

He slowly sat up, and coughed deeply. "After he wasted his chance...I took mine. Such a soulless bastard, doesn't deserve the time of day my beloved..."

After she'd healed him mostly; he sighed, and looked to her. His right eyelight was gone. Blinking his sockets, he sighed tiredly.

Papyrus hadn't gotten the text messages, as he was sound asleep on the couch. Edge had seen them, and he scowled, leaving the house. Heading to Waterfall, he came upon Sans and Marrie.

"What the hell are youse two doing this late? Is everythin...oh..." Edge scowled as he saw the injuries to Sans face. "Sans...who did this to you?"

"Bernard Magfire...I...I started the fight, it was over something...I am not sure if I'm allowed to tell you about Papi..." Sans muttered, looking to Marrie.

Marrie wasn't sure either. She was already overstepping for her sister.

"...I...asked him to...it...was for sissy..." Marrie looked to the floor, seeming tired from all the healing, "...I...I didn't mean...for him to get hurt...I...I only wanted to..." She sniffled, looking ready to cry, "...I'm sorry Sansy..." she got up and ran for home, ashamed for getting her boyfriend so hurt.

Sans reached out for her, and he sighed sadly. Closing his eyes, he laid down on his side and growled pitifully. Edge shook his head, and gently picked up Sans into his arms, bringing him back home.

It was seemingly radio silence for nearly a week, while Sans recooperated, and he finally left his room when Alphys had told him to meet up with her in New Home with the Queen.

Toriel was seated in her throne room, after having spent time with Chara and found out that not only were they not harmful, or out to hurt the monsters...the child was pretty much useless as their soul was not only green colored, which they already had one that color...but their soul was so small and cracked from all the pain and hurt in their life.

As Sans came inside, Toriel's eyes opened a bit more. "Sans...have you been in a battle with someone? You...are you okay?"

Sans nodded softly, having gotten dressed up in more formal 'battle body' for the occasion. His boots were shined, with his dark blue pants tucked into them neatly, his pressed gray shirt tucked into the pants, and his shoulder pauldrons were shined and his neckerchief that he always wore was even fixed up. He bowed politely to the Queen, and sighed softly.

"Yes your highness. I am sorry for any indolence on my end of things. I acted unlike someone in the Royal Guard, a-and I was trying to defend the honor of my girlfriend's sister. You and Alphys requested my presence. Is everything alright with the human?" He asked quietly.

Toriel let out a soft chuckle, looking to Alphys. "Yes...I believe that Captain Alphys had lifted the child earlier and was about too...what was it you said? 'Yeet this empty kid into Snowdin!' If I'm correct..."

"Yep. I sent 'em onto Riverperson's boat and let 'em go. They should be in snowdin soon, your highness." Alphys answered with a toothy grin, "I told Papyrus to keep an eye out for 'em."

"But what the heck did this guy even do? Must have been bad if you went through trying to mess him up." Alphys looked to sans confusedly.

Sans rubbed the back of his head with his gloved hand, his tail drooping. "Yes...what the man did...it struck a nerve with me, Alphys. You know what happened to my mother...a-about myself...this man betrayed my girlfriend's sister. Pretended that he loved her, and...it was only to get another woman jealous...now, she's pregnant, and she's sick...and he will not attempt to help her in any fashion, even though the child is his."

Toriel covered her mouth, and shook her head. "That is horrible, Sans..."

Sans looked to Alphys, his right eyelight was just barely lit, compared to his left one. A large streak of scars littered the right side of his skull from the streak of lava that had burned him, but it was already slowly healing further. "I tried to talk to him...give him a chance to try to make things better. Even if he didn't want anything to do with her...maybe give her some money, or...at least some supportive magic...b-but he denied it all!"

His gloved hands curled into fists, and his tail started to rattle slightly. "I tried to give him a chance...I tried! B-But he insulted me, a-and called me a little child, I couldn't take it! I wouldn't take it! So...I just...I attacked him...but he was stronger than me."

Alphys stood there in thought, "Not like there's a law that can let us arrest him...least not one I know...but that still shouldn't fly. GGAAAAAH! Why are people such huge douches!?" She yelled out before remembering she was with the queen.

"Uh...sorry, Toriel." She apologized quick, "There anything we can do about that...?"

Toriel thought for a moment, and sighed. "We can have him submit to a paternity magiDNA test, insuring he's the other parent of this child. I will have to contact Judge Aster though...I have a feeling it won't be hard to get that done."

She smiled softly, and came over to Sans; gently cradling the burned side of his head in her furry hand. "You've done well, Sans; even if you were...a bit misguided in your attempt."

Sans looked up at Toriel, and smiled brightly. "T-Thank you, your Highness..."

Toriel looked to Alphys. "Captain, send a message to Judge Aster, letting him know what I require to be done, then you can take the rest of the day off. It will take some time to get this working, if we're to do this legally of course. And Sans, why don't you go and see how your partner is doing? Have you spoken to her since the attack?"

Sans shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest.

Toriel smiled softly, and patted his shoulder. "Go then, with my blessing Sans. I hope they're doing well."

"Yes your highness. I'll get that right away." Alphys nodded before giving Sans a noogie, "Go see her, punk! Love the heck out of her!"

Alphys headed off to go give her message to Pap. She just hoped he take this better than Sans did.

"Ah he's the Judge. It'll be fine." She told herself as she texted out the message.

Sans let out a nervous growl at Alphys noogie. "PLEASE DO NOT NOOGIE THE SKELEGATOR!" After that was done, he blushed and grinned, before heading out from the throne room.

After leaving New Home, he went through Hotland carefully; and thankfully hadn't encountered anything along the way. He always got nervous going through that area nowadays. Once he got into Waterfall, he leapt into the water, and started swimming towards the farm happily.

In Snowdin, Papyrus was chilling with Happy near the bridge, their favorite meetup spot lately. He had gotten some of his Mama's ghostly buns, and a few regular ones for himself. As he lazed against the pole supporting the bridge, he hummed softly while he listened to Happy singing quietly.

"...you really sing great, my diamond. you've got such a boo-tiful voice~" He drawled softly, when he felt his phone vibrate. Rolling his eyelights, he pulled it out glancing at it. "wonder what lizard brain wants?"

Marrie was with her sister for the moment, the two just sitting by the water's edge to relax.

"So...heard from Sans yet..?" Vera tried making conversation.

"...no...not today...again...he probably hates me..." Marrie sighed sadly and cuddled close to her sister.

"Him? Hate you? Not likely...he's not Bernard..." Vera sighed and placed a hand on her stomach, it would still be a long time before anything would show.

"...Are you going to keep them...?" "..Don't know yet...still thinking about it..."

With Happy, they were enjoying themselves with the bun and Papyrus. Blushing when he started mixing puns and compliments. They stopped once they heard the phone go off. "Oh...? Must be something important..."

[Hey. Queen needs you to run a magiDNA test on someone named Bernard Magfire. Sans told us he got his girlfriend's sister pregnant and is being a giant deadbeat bastard! Get to it, punk! If ya need back up, let me know! And don't be like your bro and pick a fight with the guy! At least without me!]

Sans came up for air, and he sighed as he treaded water for a moment. He felt bad for how long he'd ignored nearly everyone after the fight had happened. It didn't help he'd been out cold for nearly two days after Edge had brought him home. He took another breath, and dove down deeper to the waterbed, looking around. It was a bit harder with his barely working right eyelight, but soon he found what he was looking for.

After pocketing it into his inventory; he continued on towards the farm. As he came to the edge of the farm, he saw a tail dipped into the water. It was Marrie's tail! Swimming up from the bottom of the waterbed; he very delicately nipped at her tail playfully.

When Papyrus had seen the text, his orange eyelights went out, and he sighed. "...yeh, really important. i uh...gotta go head into the courthouse happy...i'll be back soon enough, unless ya wanna go on home, of course. i love ya, happy."

Marrie let out a yelp in surprise before getting her tail out of the water.

"What happened? Trash hit your tail again?" Vera asked worriedly as Marrie inspected her tail.

"I-I don't know...maybe...but...could...it also be...?" She seemed hopeful when she slowly peeked over the water's edge.

"Oh, okay...I understand. I'll just...stay here." They kept to their seat, little disappointed but work was important, "Love you too...stay safe..."

Sans slowly swam upwards, and looked to her with a gentle fanged smile. "Marrie, will you play with me today?" His eyelights were heart-shaped as he gazed up towards her.

Reaching to his inventory, he pulled out a beautiful heart-shaped green crystal he'd found while searching the waterbed. "I even brought you something, my love."

Papyrus gave Happy a sweet kiss, running his hand through their hair gently. "alright happy. i'll stay safe. just going to the courthouse is all."

He nodded, then took a couple steps down the bridge leaving Snowdin, and he shortcut the rest of the way to the New Home Judgement Hall, heading quickly to his office.

Marrie blushed but her eyes were soon wet with tears, "...S-Sansyyyy..." she sniffled before jumping in the water to hug him tight. "...I-I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...I-I-I'm s-s-sorryyy..."

Vera sighed watching the two, small smile on her face, "...Told you he couldn't hate you..."

Happy smiled and watched him go...now they were all alone. They decided to pull out their diary and start writing while they waited. It eased their anxiety.

Sans soon found himself nearly plunged underwater suddenly by Marrie landing on top of him. He rolled quickly with her, and laid on his back in the water, hugging her firmly to his strong chest. "MY DEAREST WHAT ARE YOU SORRY FOR? I SHOULD BE THE ONE WHO'S SORRY...I ACTED JUST LIKE MY FATHERS USED TO DO WHERE THEY CAME FROM..."

He gave her a passionate kiss, running his fingers through her fair-colored red hair. "I love you so much, it is eternal, and I hope and pray that one day, even if we are old and gray, together, we can see the surface..."

With a gentle touch, he enveloped her soul in his blue magic, and he lifted her out from the water, placing her onto the water's edge near Vera. Then he turned over himself and then climbed out himself. Standing up, he shook himself off and yawned a bit; settling down beside her. "You are quite possibly the only cat monster I know that loves swimming. Though, it might be because of myself, and my excellent swimming lessons!"

Papyrus had issued two different things for Bernard Magfire: A Summons to appear in Court, after going and getting a Court Ordered MagiDNA test at the New Home General Hospital. He sent one out to Vera as well, as it was required.

After that was done, he stopped by his mother's old cafe, as it had been run by his Uncle Getter since she'd gone blind. Getting a couple of meals to go, one regular and extra meaty; and one of a nice ghostly meal that Happy would like; he stuck them in his inventory and came back towards home. After he got past the CORE and the labs, he decided to just walk through Hotland on his own, having gotten rather tired from the long distances shortcutting.

Marrie sniffled and tried wiping her eyes, "You...y-you were a really good teacher..." She hiccuped before hugging and snuggling by him again, "...I love you...I love you so much..."

Bernard was just walking past the same area to get home. His neck was now in a fire proof bandage and cast, grumbling over something. He looked around and lit a blunt, something to do while he headed for home. "Heh...one other thing that whore was good for..." He chuckled to himself as he walked. He'd get to home soon enough, he'd figure.

Sans nuzzled her gently, and cuddled her lovingly; his tail wrapping around her back slightly. "I love you too, Marrie...will you marry me?"

Papyrus spied Bernard as he wore his bandage and cast, as the magma lion was grumbling to himself. He frowned as he heard what the man had said. Turning back around, he then shortcut in front of Bernard, glaring the man down. "... y?"

Marrie nuzzled back, giggling slightly, "We're still teens, silly knight. But...when we get there...then..." Marrie was immediately cut off by the sound of puking.

Vera had gone to the edge of the water, emptying her stomach through the flow of the river. Once she was done, she sat back down and gasped for breath, "S-Sorry...s-stupid...m-morning sickness...Unc warned me about that..."

The magma lion fell on his butt with the sudden stranger in his face, "Hey! The fuck man!? What the hell is your beef?!" He growled out before getting back up, "No one's even talking to you! God damn it!"

Sans frowned worriedly, watching her puking. "Do not be sorry, Vera...I...think I will walk home instead of swimming however. If you need it, I can bring you some ginger tea, it always helped Mother out...back then."

Papyrus shrugged slightly, and he chuckled a bit. "well uh...heard ya talkin about some whore...i uh don't really care to hear someone talking like that about others. but, i'm willing to listen, pal. sorry, thought you were someone else actually..."

He stepped back a bit, his tail still curled around his waist underneath his hoodie, sight unseen. "...i'll uh, let ya go. i'd say to watch yourself though. if ya ain't thinking straight, then you're probably pretty crooked regardless."

"We got some...Darren...got some for me...I'll go brew a cup...you two do...whatever you do...I'm going back inside..." Vera sighed before getting up and heading to the house.

"You sure? I can go with you..." Marrie looked worried for her. She just saw her sister shake her head before getting in the house.

Bernard just stared at Papyrus before walking off, not wanting to deal with anyone. Just wanting to get home and chill.

Sans frowned softly, and looked down a bit. "I'm sorry, love...if you want to go with her, that's perfectly alright..."

Papyrus watched him head off, and he sighed. Then he continued on back towards home, deciding to shortcut the rest of the way. As he came over the hill of the bridge into Snowdin; he saw Happy was still there where he'd left them. "heya, happy...thought you'd have maybe uh, gone home or somethin. you wanna come in for a bit? i got us dinner, from ma's old cafe."

"No...she wants her alone time...I'm just worried..." Marrie sighed and snuggled to Sans, "...Things haven't been really good this past week...you're the first good thing that's happened with me today..."

Happy peeked from their diary and put it away, "Oh...alright. That would be nice. Thank you...was your trip to the courts okay...?" They floated over to give him a kiss on the cheekbone. They were learning to be a little brave.

Sans gently ran his hand through her hair lovingly, pausing to rub behind one of her ears. "I am terribly sorry my dear...I didn't stay away because of something that happened with us...the first two days once Papi brought me home...was spent stuck in bed, healing further...then I felt like...like I'd hurt you somehow...and I was scared to see you..."

Papyrus smiled at the kiss from them, and he grinned lazily. "yeah...just had to issue a couple of things. kinda busy sometimes being the head judge an' all."

He led Happy inside the house, and went over to Wingdin, who like normal was listening to Napstaton's broadcasts; and he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "hey ma. i got dinner already, me and happy are gonna go chill in my room for tonight, a'right?"

Wingdin looked towards Papyrus and nodded gently. "Yes Papy, it is being okay. It is good to know you are here again Happy. You make my boy so very glad."

"I just thought you were mad at me for getting hurt...i tried healing you..but...I wasn't good enough...I couldn't do it all...and... never heard from you again..." She sighed, "...I'm just glad you're here now...i missed you so much..."

Happy smiled a bit, "Thank you...he...makes me glad too..." they blushed lightly before gently patting her hand. They did look at the TV where Napstaton was doing their musical game show in their EX body. He sounded a lot more excited this time around. Happy couldn't help but day dream that they'd get to perform like that one day.

Sans cuddled her, hurgling gently in happiness. "I was never mad at you, my dearest...I was mad at myself for being so foolhardy...you were good enough, no, you were great at healing me. Papi said that if it wasn't for you...I...I might have dusted that night. My HP was down to only 1, by the time he'd gotten me home...but he saved me, and it just took me time to heal further on my own..."

Papyrus smiled, as he knew his mother appreciated Happy's presence, even if it was just a simple hand pat. He glanced to the TV and chuckled softly. "so ma, you getting the answers right tonight?"

Wingdin grinned and nodded. "Oh yes, I am doing very well! He speak of having audiences soon, if he getting bigger studios. It would be nice to be there live, wouldn't it? Ah, and if you were singing, Happy! You have such beautiful voice!"

She reached over and got her cup of tea, taking a sip from it. Looking towards the TV, she listened to the music a bit, thinking. "It is 'Dances in Moonlight, by Sonata 6!' I thinking that right..."

Marrie cuddled back and held on tight, "But...your eye...and..." she stopped herself from going further, "...I was just so scared...I thought I was going to lose you too..."

Happy smiled a bit and watched Napstaton on screen. "Well...We'll see...I...don't think I'm that good...yet..." they were working on their self esteem as of late.

On TV, the buzzer rang for the contestant, "Ooooh! total wipeout there, man! Time. Is. UP! The correct answer was, Dances in Moonlight by Sonata 6! Ya know what that means! Punishment time!"

The plant monster contestant gave a startled yelp as ice water rained on their head. "Oooh! Ice bucket challenge! Harsh! You get rained, and half your winnings get donated back to the New Home Orphanage! But ya did awesome, broski! We'll be right back after this commercial break! Woooooo!" Napstaton have a quick dance and pose before the commercials started rolling in.

Sans nodded softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead; as he slipped his glove off, letting his bare hand lightly run through her hair. "But you haven't. The Magnificent Sans will always be here for you my dearest sweet Marrie."

In the house, Papyrus smirked hearing that his mother had gotten the answer correct again. As the commercials started to roll; he lazily strolled into the kitchen and got the jug of tea; then came back and refilled it for her. "great job on that answer, ma. i refilled your tea. papi's in the shower right now, and pops fell asleep beside ya in his wheelchair again. i love ya mama."

While Papyrus had gotten her tea, Wingdin looked towards Happy, where the mother thought they might be floating. "You are very good in singing, Happy. Do not selling yourself short, please."

Hearing the tea glass getting filled, she Wingdin held her hands out towards him, and Papyrus instantly gave her a hug, and a kiss on her cheek. "I loving you too Papy...you go, spend time with datemate. napsta keeps me company like he usually do."

Papyrus nodded, as he started to go down the hallway with Happy floating beside him after he'd put the jug of tea away. "...it's all she does anymore, happy. she sits in her recliner, listening to your cousin...news, music, game show host, whatever he does, she listens to him. nyeh, she thinks he's too much sometimes, but i'll be honest, i gotta really thank him. if it wasn't for his broadcasts...ma would be a lot more lonely i think."

Opening the door to his bedroom, he went and sat on the bed, expertly flopping onto it. With a growling sigh, he closed his eyes. If a skelegator could manage to have bags under their eyes, he had them. Using a bit of his blue magic, he dragged over a small table; and he set down their meals from his inventory onto it. "...i am exhausted...and it's supposed to be my day off..."

Marrie let out a small purr and relaxed, "I'm here for you too...my knight..." she whispered gently before fully relaxing in his hold.

Happy smiled a bit at the skeleton woman, giving her another ghostly pat on the hand before leaving with Papyrus.

"That goes for two of us...I always thought his voice was very comforting...though...I guess I know why that is..." They admitted as they followed him.

They followed Pap to the bed and floated over his chest, giving a little ghostly pat on his bags, "...maybe you'd like a nap...? If you are more tired than hungry...it might...be a...good...idea..." they were being a little shy again.

Sans just held her, gently hurgling as he rubbed her head and back lovingly. Soon he'd easily fallen asleep, cuddled close to her in the reedy bank, beside the water's edge.

Wingdin smiled more feeling Happy's pat, and she waved to them, as she took a sip of her tea.

Papyrus opened his eyes, gazing up at them. A lazy grin crossed his face and he nodded. "it sounds great hap. thanks, you wouldn't be-leaf how bone tired i am lately." He gently wrapped his arms around them; nuzzling his cheek against their forehead lovingly. "my squish pink marshmallow diamond..."

He let out a quiet hurgling noise, and snuggled them happily.

The next few months had come all too quickly for them all, and Papyrus had joined in on the work for Hapstablook's body, alongside of Undyne, and he wheeled back away from the body, typing in lines of code into the computer. He paused, when he saw a folder of pictures deep inside the computer. Out of curiosity, he opened it, looking through the pictures. It was all pictures that had something missing it seemed...Cupcake.

He covered his mouth, looking down to the keyboard. Shaking his head, he closed the deeply buried folder; and got back to work. Despite he was hard at work on his datemate's body, he couldn't forget work on his other project. One that he did when those were asleep. That he refused to tell the kid about when they'd asked. A machine to try to bring his Papa back from where he'd fallen.

A shudder ran through him, setting his tail off rattling; as he remembered seeing the splash of tea on the walkway. Pulling away from the computer, he watched as the body for Happy slowly lit up; indicating that it was taking hold. All they needed now, was for Happy to inhabit it; and it would potentially work.

Sans at the moment was at the farm, helping to move some heavy items they needed into the baby's room, in the small cottage styled house that was built on the farm's property for Vera and her forthcoming child. "OKAY, SO...YOU'D LIKE THE CRIB HERE, SISTER? OR...BACK WHERE IT WAS BEFORE?"

A sweet water elemental, known as Aquaria, had started to help Vera out with her herb growing; and she was coming to speak with Vera that day. It wasn't about the business however, but to bring a present she'd gotten for the baby. She had hair that usually flowed down in dreadlocks, and usually wore simple hippie-esque clothing, with sandals on her feet. Her eyes were white and very expressive; her voice soft and burbling like a gentle creek.

She knocked quietly on the door to the cottage, her dripping mouth parting to smile a bit. "...Vera? Woo-hoo, I came over to see ya hun..."

Happy was currently in their snail farm, giving the snails their check up for the day. Napstaton was with them since he had time to play catch up.

Vera was in a chair, tired and groggy but did her best to keep awake. She'd been wearing a lot of baggy clothes lately despite her having a small bump. It was hard to tell with the clothes she wore.

"Uh...there's good I think...Be better over there." Vera shrugged. She still wasn't used to a lot.

Marrie was at the living room sorting through some decorations and picture frames when she heard the knock. Wouldn't take her long to open the door, "Oh! Hi Aquaria! Sissy's in the baby's room right now with Sans." She smiled and let her in, "I thought today was your day off?"

Aquaria grinned softly and shrugged a bit; the package underneath her arm. She came, shuffling slightly with her sandals. "Yeah, like today's my day off, but I just wanted to come and visit. Plus I got something for the little rugrat!"

She pulled out from her inventory a treat she knew that Sans would like, fruity grilled fish jerky. Holding it out to Vera, she smirked. "And I got something for the baby coming too~"

Sans nodded to Vera, and left the crib where he'd set it down. He stretched and yawned a bit, running his hand over his skull. His eye had healed almost completely, though in even the littlest stress his right eyelight would blink out before his left would anymore; and he had a bubbled scar that reached over his right eye, over the side of his skull. Coming out from the baby's room, he strode into the living room, and waved happily to Aquaria.

"Hello Aquaria! Fancy seeing you here today! I don't believe I've had the chance to introduce myself yet! I am The Magnificent Sans, boyfriend and future fiance, to my Dearest Marrie here!" He politely bowed to Aquaria, who merely snorted softly.

"Heya short-stack. I already met ya like...a month ago, dude. Your memory still bugging ya I guess?" Aquaria stated quietly, when a bright blue blush crossed his cheeks in nervousness. "Chill, it's fine. You can introduce yourself much as you want man. I'm fine with it. So, uh, the magnificent Sans and his dearest Marrie doin' anythin today, or you just crashing at your sis's place?"

She reached into her inventory, pulling out a 50 gold bill. "Go make yourself scarce, huh? I'll treat ya to lunch. I know V could use the relaxation probably..."

Sans gently took the gold bill. "Oh! WE COULD NEVER TAKE YOUR MONEY AQUARIA..."

Aquaria closed her eyes for a moment, and sighed. "Um...sure I guess. Just uh, whateva." She then went down the hallway towards the baby's room, quietly going inside. "Heya Vera...how ya feelin' today, hun?"

Marrie giggled a bit as she held the jerky. "Come on. I'm getting pretty hungry anyway." She gave Sans the jerky, "I'm worried about that memory of yours though..."

Vera looked over at the water monster with an exhausted smile, "Hey...I've been better...just super tired..." she yawned out. "Stars it's only been a few months and I already want this to end..."

Sans took the jerky and put it into his inventory. Looking to Marrie, he nervously smiled again. "Mweh...it's okay, dear. I just occasionally forget things is all, nothing too major!" He gave her a kiss, and led her out to go grab something to eat together.

Aquaria nodded softly, and she came over to the chair that Vera was seated in. "Eh, well...babies take time I guess; gotta get all their little parts, and don't be so worried...your making a new life, dude. It's what it is. Anythin I can do to help you though?"

A slight blush crossed her cheeks, as she rubbed her hand through her dreadlocks. "I uh...I know you're prolly really tired cuz of...um...well, you're having to give a lot of your magic to that kid...maybe...maybe I could help ya?" She held her hand out towards Vera, her watery hand softly glowing with her inherent purple magic.

Marrie didn't look too convinced as she took his hand, "Come on...let's go. I'm just worried about you..."

"It's fine Aqua...I'll be okay. Just need to take the stupid meds the hospital gave me...I did forget them this morning..." Vera yawned out again, not seeming to notice Aquaria's blush or hand as she tried getting herself up from her chair. She wobbled a bit from dizziness but managed to walk back to her own room.

"Besides...I don't need him...he certainly doesn't need me..." she muttered out with slight venom to her voice. She still was hurting ever since their court and hospital visit.

Sans nodded softly, and he walked with her to the little shop that was on the outskirts of Waterfall. His tail stayed between his legs as he walked with her. Sure he'd been forgetting things sometimes, but that couldn't be too bad, could it? He sighed softly, instead of thinking too deeply; which tended to give him a headache, he just walked alongside of his fiance.

Aqua withdrew her hand, and slowly followed Vera; worried about her. "Vera...you don't need him..."

She stood there as the door to Vera's room was closed in her face unexpectedly. "...but I thought you might need me..."

Sighing gently; she went back to the living room, and saw there was unpacked boxes and items, and she began to work on getting things put away and put up. Even if Vera felt like she wasn't needed, the water elemental had honestly fallen in love with her, and wanted to support her how she could.

Marrie stayed with Sans, her arm wrapped around his for the moment, still worrying over him. She couldn't help it, ever since he came back from fighting Bernard, she always worried. Even when he did patrols, she worried. "...I love you..." she muttered lightly.

Vera looked for her meds and quickly took them with a glass of water. She felt a little better afterwards. For now she decided to lie in bed for a little and let sleep take her. Least in sleep, all her problems were gone. No mom who's one foot in Death's door, no farm to run, no bastard deadbeat who hated her, no dad who's dead and gone, no noise, no stress. Just peace in her dreams.

Sans smiled to her, and gave her a kiss on her cheek lovingly. "I love you too, Marrie." He paused, looking around for a moment. He'd forgotten which way he needed to go just then, to get to the food truck.

"Um...oh..." He frowned a bit, and sighed. "OH DRAT...WHICH WAY IS THAT TRUCK AGAIN..." Scratching his skull, he sighed, and leaned his head against Marrie's.

He closed his eyes, and let out a quiet growl of frustration. "I'm sorry my beloved...they change their position all the time, and I'm not sure where they are today..."

Aqua was softly scatting to herself in her own burbling way; as she put away the items, and made sure to keep things quiet for Vera's sake.

In the labs, Papyrus had finished with Happy's robotic EX body, finishing the coding after placing a softly knitted sweater to the side that they could wear and he ended up falling asleep at the desk, his round glasses on his face. He'd sent a text to Happy to come by the labs then they were able to, before he'd fallen asleep at his desk.

"Sans...dearest...it's right down that way..." Marrie pointed to the left. True to her word, there was the sign for the food truck at the left, signaling it was down that way.

Wouldn't take long for Happy to get there along with Napstaton and Zhara. She decided to tag along since she was heading that direction.

"Yooooo! It's finally ready?! Awesomeness!" Napstaton cheered with his usual air horn sounds playing from his chassis. Happy couldn't help but giggle a bit at their cousin's antics before Zhara lightly jabbed his shoulder.

"Oww! Hey!" Napstaton complained as he rubbed his shoulder.

"Take it easy with the air horns, ya dope." The bat teased before looking at Pap, "So...this it skeleguy?"

Sans blinked a bit, as a brilliant blue blush crossed his cheeks. "Oooh...ah, right...Sorry my love..." He went down the pathway with her towards the food truck.

Papyrus hadn't heard the air horn, and he hadn't moved much in his sleep. Sitting beside him was a small case, which contained his bone-conducting hearing aids. Which was exactly why he hadn't heard the annoyingly loud air horns. Undyne had certainly heard them, and she came out from her bedroom yawning. Walking over to Papyrus, she tapped his shoulder.

At the tapping, Papyrus lifted his head, and blinked when he saw Napstaton, Zhara, and Happy. "oh...oh shit, hey...umm...fuccck..." A brilliant orange blush crossed his cheeks, and he went for the small case.

Undyne looked nervously to the trio, laughing softly. "H-H-Hi...um, Papyrus...um...d-doesn't like anyone to k-know he's...uh..." She looked back to Papyrus, signing to him. [What's the term again?]

Papyrus reached up inside his skull behind his jaw, attaching his hearing aids. "it's called 'functional deafness'. i can hear perfectly fine with my aids, but uh without 'em...it's pretty damn quiet on my end...but uh, yeah you're here to check out what i created for my sweet pink diamond..."

Marrie kissed his cheek, "It's okay. It's easy to miss." She led him off to the food truck, hoping to get his mind off things.

Happy didn't seem to mind as they floated over to give him a kiss, "It's okay...it's nothing to be ashamed of..." they assured, "I know you both have been...well...working a lot...so...thank you...you didn't have to..."

"That's why we got so far, Happ! Come on! Let's try this thing for a wild ride!" Napstaton looked excited while Zhara tried calming him down.

"You ready, Happ? It's going to be a bit of a change." Zhara looked at the ghost who gave a nod.

"R-ready as I can be...I'm...a little nervous..."

When they arrived at the food truck, he saw that they were serving tacos, and he lit up in a bright grin. "OOOH, THEY'VE GOT TACOS, MARRIE!"

Heading up to the truck, he got a large order of tacos for them both, and then went and sat down at one of the large flat rocks that sat around the area of the truck for monsters to sit at. Giving Marrie a kiss, he hurgled softly. "You always make me so happy, Marrie. Thank you."

Papyrus smiled at the kiss, and his tail slightly waved in happiness. Standing up, he yawned again; and gave Happy a sweet hug. "i'm right here, happy...so you just float inside the robotic body, and you possess it, your soul will naturally be drawn into the chest cavity, okay?"

He stopped right in front of the robotic body, looking to Happy. "once you're inside it, i've got you something special too. i just couldn't put it on your body yet, because i have to make sure things work first..."

"You make me happy too, you big lug." Marrie laughed a bit before giving him kisses, "What would I do without you...?"

Happy nodded and gave him one last kiss, "Just...last one...where I'm like this..." they whispered before floating over to the body.

"Wait...What thing?" Napstaton questioned. But before he could get Happy on the same page, the ghost had already gone inside to possess the body. The container began to glow a soft pink as Happy's soul appeared and tried to get comfortable. It would take a little effort but slowly, Happy managed to open their new eyes, colored soft pink just like their soul.

"Did...Did it work...?" They asked, trying out their voice.

"Woah..." Napstaton was stunned along with Zhara. "you...look...RADICAL CUZ! Holy crap!"

Sans blushed deeply at being smothered with kisses by Marrie. "I don't know, my dearest...but I would be so very lost without you..." He took a big bite of his taco, happily eating.

Papyrus grinned brightly, his tail happily rattling. "it worked! holy shit it worked! i was worried about the deep coding, and getting the limbs to correlate to the insertion strapping to their soul, but it worked!"

He gently wrapped his arms around them, and gave them a passionate kiss on their mouth; his tail lightly wrapping around their back softly. "oh happy...you're gorgeous my sweet diamond...so beautiful...as beautiful as you were before..."

His hands ran down their sides, and he inspected every nook and cranny of their new body; nodding to himself, as his orange eyelights flickered over their body. "it's perfect...it's absolutely perfect hapstablook...now the thing i have for you that i couldn't give you until i made sure your body was okay..."

Turning to his desk, he picked up the knitted sweater and scarf set. "it's one of the last sweaters my mama knitted before she went blind...and this scarf, she made it for you actually, this past year...it's a bit...oddly shaped, dear...but i hope it fits..."

Happy blushed heavily, their face turning a bright pink instead of the red they usually do but still melted into the kiss like before. "O-Oooh my...oh dear...I...oh goodness!" They seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. They did manage to calm down before taking the sweater and scarf, smiling a bit at the handiwork.

"T-They're perfect, Papy...thank you..." They managed to calm their blush before putting on the sweater and scarf. They seem to fit in just pefectly.

"You look really cute Happy!" Zhara complimented before helping them off the table. Took them a while since they kept wobbling and shaking trying to get used to gravity.

"Heh, yeah. Took me weeks to get used to being on the ground and not floating around. You'll get it eventually, Happ. I'll help ya out!" Napstaton chuckled, "But you're not doing too bad on your first go! I'm actually kinda jealous, you got some good works and got 'em fast!"

"You still look cute too, babe." Zhara rolled her eyes with a smile before giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Baaaaaabe! I'm not supposed to be cute! I'm rad and party-tastic!"

"You're a cute giant dork. Only difference between then and now I know your ticklish as hell." Zhara smirked.

"BABE!" Napsta looked panicked.

Papyrus watched them carefully as Happy walked unsteadily on their feet. "there we go...easy my diamond..."

He chuckled at the banter between Zhara and Napstaton. "you two are precious ya know that? and hey, napsta, if uh your ever gonna be able to do a live audience show, could'ja let me know? ma would love to go to it... actually...she could probably make for good ratings..."

He looked to Happy, holding them gently with his tail for support. "mama gets every song right on your game show yanno, doesn't she hap?"

Happy nodded, "It's...really something..." They managed to get a few steps in before they started slipping and clinging onto Pap for support. Like a baby deer getting used to their legs.

Napsta groaned, trying not to show his own baby blue blush on his face. Zhara had a winning smirk, "Oh right. How's the larger space coming?"

"Oh! Yeah! We're almost done with construction! So...like...live audiences can start as early as next week! I'm bringing out all the stops for the first one! Maybe try and drag the human into it!" Napsta went from embarrassed to excited once more, normal for him to bounce back and forth through emotions.

"Happ! You want some air time? We can do a whole bit of our own!" Napsta looked at his cousin but got a smirk of his own, "Buuuut...if you wanna cling on to Pap there longer, I getcha. Once ya start feeling stuff, ya just never wanna stop." He snickered.

Happy started blushing at that comment, "W-What's that supposed to mean...?"

"Whatever ya want it to mean, cuz..."

Papyrus didn't mind being clung too, and he helped them to stand again, letting them use his nearly four foot long tail for support. "oh? nyehehehe, it'll take awhile to get used to walking around like nap said, but i don't mind ya using me, boo-bear."

He yawned, as the tip of his tail teasingly tickled against Happy's side without him meaning too, he was quite happy with being leaned against. "and gettin' chara on your show? maybe...they uh, still don't talk much yet. me and then talk using sign language still. i've heard them whispering to mama, but she's the only one they'll even attempt to use verbal communication with, because she can't see..."

"they do call her mom, so...welp, looks like you'll be meeting my ma actually if you wanted chara on your show." He pulled out his phone, tapping away on it with one hand, his other one wrapped around Happy gently.

"okay...so, mama is very excited about the thought of meeting you...annnnd she's having papi find her best dress now, aw geez..." Papyrus drawled softly, glancing to Happy. He then showed them the picture that had come in.

(Picture of Chara holding up two different dresses, one green, the other pink.)

[Which one would look better on Mom? She's getting over excited like Bubba Sans does sometimes. - Chara]

Papyrus let out a soft worried growl. "...how do i tell ma that you're not coming over today?"

"Why not?" Napsta asked as he pulled Zhara to his side, "Like...today's not TV show day, dude. This is my day off. So, like, I got nothing to do. Babe?"

"I was going to practice for later, but I can spare a visit. The pink one fits your mom best by the way." Zhara pointed out with a smile.

Happy couldn't help but giggle at what was going on along with the feeling of Pap's tail brushing against their side, "Guess this will be a fuller house than normal..."

Papyrus grinned and he tapped out a response to Chara. "alright then. so uh, if you two will follow me out from the testing room, i know a little shortcut back home."

He picked up Happy into his arms, giving them a kiss. Then he led Napstaton and Zhara outside from the testing room. As he opened the door to the rest of the labs, they walked out into the cold of Snowdin suddenly.

Papyrus meanwhile suddenly looked very, very tired. He gave Happy a lazy grin, and continued to carry them in his arms. "best shortcut huh, happy?"

Edge was out front, stacking some firewood, his old fuzzy jacket on, the swing of the axe rhythmically going with each hit on the logs he worked with. Just under the edge of the front porch, Bitter sat in his wheelchair, having one of his medicinal cigarettes.

Zhara immediately started shivering in the cold, still not used to the freezing temperatures of Snowdin. Least like a gentleman, Napstaton had taken his jacket off and had given it to her. "Thanks, bub."

"No prob. One thing Dyne never got on me, me feeling cold." The robot chuckled.

Happy smiled and managed a kiss to his cheek, "It is...but don't overwork yourself too much..." They still looked worried for their skelegator.

"Um...Bitter...? Edge...?" Happy shyly called out from Pap's side, hoping this would turn out okay.

Edge looked over, and he grinned happily. "Heya, you look great darlin, c'mere..."

He set the axe down beside the stump, and came over to Happy and Papyrus. "So he got your new body up and running huh? You look really nice, Happy."

Bitter had finished his cigarette and he pulled the door open for Zhara and Napstaton. "C'mon in, I know it's a bit too cold for ya Zhara... Chara's in there somewhere with Wing."

Wingdin had put on her pink dress, and with some help from Chara, had gotten it zipped up. Chara's raspy voice could be just barely heard. "Mom...you look good... it's okay."

They coughed softly, leading Wingdin into the living room as they came in. "It's...just Napsta..."

"Thank you...it's..nice so far..." Happy lightly blushed, still needing to get used to everything. They'd walk in with Napsta and Zhara afterwards.

"Thanks for letting me drop by! I know I got a big fan over here! I'd bring in the stops but...she'd kick my ass if I did." Napsta chuckled as they refered to Zhara.

"Babe, I love you and your enterances are always fun. But we're in Snowdin and last we need is an avalanche of snow dropping on our heads or scaring the fur off of every monster that lives in this sleepy little town." Zhara sighed with a small smile. "Fair point, babe! I'll hold off for now!"

Happy tried leading Pap to the couch so he could rest a bit, "After that...I think you need a break..."

Wingdin's expression lit up hearing Napstaton. "Ooooh! Napsta! I have been listening to you since you starting on the TV!"

Papyrus let himself be led to the couch and he sunk happily onto it, wrapping his arms around Happy. "thanks boo..."

Chara looked up at Napstaton, their eyebrow risen upwards. [Mom watches you all the time. She doesn't like when it's a re-run day.] They signed, looking to him curiously.

Taking their Mom's hand, Chara urged her to come a bit closer to Napstaton. "He's right...in front of you. She wants...to hug you."

"Hey! I'm all cool for hugs, yo! Sorry for rerun days, I use those to get more shows cracking and songs started up!" Napstaton headed over to hug Wingdin, "But it's always chill to meet a fan!"

Zhara just watched him with a smile, "And one who treats his cousin very well at that."

Happy snuggled into Pap and nodded, just relaxing in his hold, "Thank you...for everything, Papy...I owe you so much...I...hope I can repay you some way."

Wingdin happily hugged Napstaton, patting his back softly. "Oh! You not box anymore! I thought Papy joking when he say you looking like human now!"

Her hand gently cradled Napstaton's cheek. "You so handsome, Napsta...you such good young man!"

Chara smiled watching their mother interact with Napstaton, they covered their mouth as they saw happy tears trickling down Wingdin's cheeks. "Mom... you're crying?"

Wingdin hurried wiped her cheeks and her sealed shut eye sockets, chuckling softly, as she wiped her hand on her dress. "I am so sorry my child, I just so overwhelmed and excited to be meeting Napstaton! When I am lonely, and others doing things...you are always my company. I not feeling alone when you on TV."

Papyrus chuckled softly, nuzzling Happy's cheek. "hapsta...you don't really have to do anything for me...i'm just glad you can put up with me being as lazy as i am..."

Napstaton just chuckled and hugged her back, "Yeah! Like, the doc had me updated so I decided why not! Makes music making and dancing totally easier! And I'm stoked I got a totally rad fan like you! Anything to help make the days pass by! That's why I do the stuff I do! But I did hear ya wanted to be part of a live audience, sooooo...I got a thing for you and the human! I want you both to be there for the first live show! You Missus Wing can be in the audience! AND!"

Napstaton looked right at the human with a playful smirk, "YOU little dude, get to be my co-star! I know all monsters everywhere would be totally into you!"

Happy nuzzled back and, with a little bravery, kissed Pap gently, "How could I say you are lazy after everything you've done for me...you worked very hard, Papy...for me...no one else has done that before...well...besides my cousin now...but...you've done a lot for me too...so...I could never call you lazy...I...rather would call you...a...a d-dream come true..." They blushed before snuggling under the skelegator's chin, soft hair tickling under.

Wingdin giggled happily, grinning as widely as she could. "Oh to be there live would be being so wonderful! And Chara, oh you get to be on the show, my child!"

Chara's eyes widened as they gazed up at Napstaton. They remembered the bite from Sans, and instinctively held their right arm a bit nervously. "Co-star?"

They cleared their throat a little, looking towards Wingdin, as they took her hand. "Mom...knows answers...not me. What...can I do?"

Wingdin knelt down gently rubbing Chara's back, and pressing a kiss to their forehead. "It will be being okay my child, you will be having lots of fun with Napstaton. And if something is sounding wrong, Mama help with her strings okay? They will be safe, yes Napsta?"

Papyrus listened to Happy's words of praise, and his entire skull nearly flushed a bright orange. As they tucked their head against his chest, their soft black hair tickling his chin, he began hurgling happily. "you're my dream too, my dear diamond marshmallow~"

"Yo like, totally! Nothing dangerous little dude!" Napstaton assured, "Like, I was thinking you'd do some cookin' or show some dance moves on my dance show!"

"He wouldn't do anything to delibrately hurt anyone. Anything that does involve someone getting hurt is all staged." Zhara spoke up as she fixed up Napsta's jacket on herself, still feeling a bit cold.

"What my bae said! No one's getting hurt, it's just all class acts and total fun times, dude! Wouldn't be cool if I hurt ya on stage, especially after everything the Queen did to make sure you're cool while you're here." Napstaton fixed up his hat to move some hair out of his face, "What do ya say little dude?"

Happy let out a small laugh before resting against them, "...I love you...my honey bear..." they whispered lightly, eyes closed in bliss.

Chara leaned lightly against their mother, and closed their eyes for a moment; thinking. They rubbed their right arm again, and sighed. "I...like cooking...with Papi."

Edge came inside after finishing up the firewood chopping, and he had put the axe away, pausing to hang the coat on the hanger beside the door. "Got all the firewood stacked up, Sugar Cube. Whatcha want fer dinner?"

Bitter had been quiet, as he sat beside the recliner; listening to Napstaton and the others. "How's about just something we got in the freezer, Gaster."

Edge rolled his eyes and frowned. "We have guests, Bitts. If they're staying fer dinner?"

Papyrus smiled sweetly, his tail lightly laying across Happy's hips. He chuckled softly, nuzzling their head delicately.

"Then you'll do great on the show, little dude! We'll make some good stuff!" Napsta looked really excited at the idea, ready to get stuff one. Zhara had to be the one to calm him back to down to reality, especially when dinner was mentioned.

"I mean, if ya want us to say, sure. Babe?" Napstaton looked to Zhara.

"If you'll have us, we'd love to. We won't mind either way." Zhara nodded and leaned on the blue robot, "Though, I do have to make a quick call first. You mind...?"

"Nah. Go for it, babe. I'll stick with my number one fan and my number two co-star!" Napstaton chuckled.

"Number two co-star?"

"Number one is always your spotlight, sugar wings~"

Zhara blushed at that comment before rolling her eyes with a smile and leaving outside, "Flattery only gets you so far, half note."

"It does get me somewhere though~ Love youuuuu!"

"Love you too, you giant dope."

Wingdin was led into the kitchen by Chara, who then silently waved at Napstaton to follow them both. "Oh, Chara, you are wanting Mama to making dinner?"

Chara patted her hand twice, and raspily giggled. "Casserole. Freezer."

Wingdin lit up and smiled sweetly. "Ah, yes, it is being Sunday isn't it? We will be making our favorite dinner then, Chara?" Feeling her way to the freezer, she pulled out a large covered dish, and set it onto the counter. Moments later, Chara put it into the oven for their Mother.

Pulling out a few more things, Wingdin then started getting things ready for her to work on her famous homemade cinnamon buns. Easily the child moved around Wingdin; helping them like second nature. Occasionally, they would tap her arm in a certain spot; then Wingdin would stop stirring the wooden spoon, and Chara would add more of a certain ingredient. After a few ingredients, they paused, and Wingdin looked towards them.

"What is being wrong, Chara? Are we out of something for buns?" She murmured softly.

"Cinnamon, or fruited?" Chara replied quietly.

Wingdin's eyebrows lifted, as her sockets couldn't move anymore, being fused shut since being blinded years ago. "Oooh, that is being very good question, my sweet child. Napsta, would you liking cinnamon buns or a fruit style?"

"Never had either. So..like...I don't know. " Napstaton shrugged, "What's better?"

"Well...cinnamon is really good for a classic. But the fruit is just as sweet...just...in a different way...i like those a...little more..." Happy spoke up a bit from their spot.

"I'll take my cuz's reccomendo then! Fruit it is!" Napstaton chuckled, "How can I not. You look like you're in a sweet spot, Happs! You comfy on that skelebean bag?" Chuckling turned to snickering. as happy went pink again. Their facial features were getting a work out for sure.

"Napstaaaaaaa...please...!" Happy begged as their cousin kept snickering.

Wingdin smiled softly, and nodded to where she'd heard Napsta's voice coming from. "Fruit then, we shall be doing...ahh...oh, cherry filled is sounding best! We getting fresh cherries from market yesterday, Chara."

Chara nodded, patting Wingdin's arm again. Then they went into the fridge and pulled out the bag of cherries. They chuckled softly, seeing they were already pitted. Setting the bag on the counter, they looked to Bitter who had been wheeled into the kitchen by Edge. [You already pitted them, Pops? I guess you couldn't sleep last night?]

Bitter chuckled softly, and nodded. "Yeh...smoked an extra cigarette last night, was up laaaaate last night kiddo. Ya need me to help ya with the stove, or you got it?"

Chara got a small saucepan out, and nodded; starting to set up the cherries to cook down for the filling. [I have this Pops. You can entertain Nap...N-a-p-s-t-a...the robot. Him.]

Wingdin had finished the dough, and stretched a moistened cloth over the top for it to proof, then she washed her hands in the sink. "I am sorry my house is not that interesting, Napsta. It is not always, bam pow loudness, like with you. It is quiet in Snowdin. Best for our sons, and our child, Chara. They are enjoying living with us though, and although they have the trouble talking, they try their best for my sake..."

"It's cool! It's cool! Doesn't have to be a party every hour on the hour!" Napstaton assured, "It's honestly good to have a chill time. Even I get tired of all the loud music and stuff! Which is why this is my day off! So it's all good in the neighborhood!"

Napstaton was about to say more when Zhara came rushing back in, "Happy! We need to go!"

"Huh...? But...we only got here a little while..." Happy looked confused and unsure if they wanted to move from their spot.

"Babe? What's going on?" Napstaton looked just as confused at her haste.

"I'm sorry but...Happy and I really need to go! Something happened at V's farm...their mom is gone!" Zhara looked panicked.

Wingdin nearly dropped the rag in her hands. "Oh my goodness no...I am so very sorry to hear that..."

Chara clung to Wingdin's hip, looking over at them all; and they were looking to Papyrus worriedly, who was still asleep at the moment.

Papyrus by then had fallen asleep on the couch, cuddling with Happy; and he woke up as he felt the rush of cold with Zhara's flinging of the door. Sitting up, he blinked and looked over to Zhara worriedly. "...wait, what's happened?"

Without a second thought, he stood up, and went over to the door closing it. "just follow me, i'll get us right there, okay?"

Opening the door again, it lead straight out to the farm, as he gestured for them to go. He gave Happy a little smile. "go on, you're right at the farm, boo."

"W-What do you mean she's gone...she's..." Happy started.

"No! No! Not like that! I mean she's gone gone! She's disappeared! V just told me they went into her room but she was missing! There's no dust so she's not dead! Look, we need to go!" Zhara was already heading towards the door.

"You need me to come along?" Napstaton was ready to leave if she was.

"That would be nice...I'm sorry Mrs. Wingdin. We'll have to come back later." Zhara apologized as Happy wobbled over on shaky legs to meet with Pap.

Meanwhile at the house, Marrie was holding onto Sans, ready to start sobbing as V and Darren were fighting again.

"HOW THE HELL DOES SOMEONE LOSE A BED RIDDEN MONSTER!? YOU WERE HERE ALL FUCKING DAY!" Vera growled, seemingly back to her old energy.

"I don't know! I'm telling you! I was cooking in the kitchen and getting orders made! The house was quiet! No sound! No anything! I checked on her as usual! One hour she was there and asleep, the next, she's gone!" Darren argued back, "Perhaps...she's feeling better? Maybe on a walk? She has been a little more vocal as of late."

"Oh yeah! A woman who's been bedridden for years on end can suddenly fucking walk up from her room, without having you see her, and just go fucking missing! And I'M THE ONE WHO'S FUCKING SOBER!"

"This is not a hallucination or me getting high! I'm not like you on that front!"

This kept going back and forth between the two...

Sans worriedly looked between the two of them as they were arguing and he frowned sadly. "I could perhaps try to follow her by scent? I...I just want to try to help, fighting won't solve anything at all!"

Papyrus decided to go with the others as they went through the door; supporting Happy carefully. Once they had went through the shortcutted doorway, they exited out just at the end of the pathway just before the farm. At that moment, Papyrus looked almost sick by then; but he stayed silent; while helping Happy to walk with their new legs.

"At least SOMEONE wants to fucking help!" Vera hissed.

"I don't see you doing anything either, sister! I've already tried looking around!" Darren hissed right back.

"Oh yeah! Look how much that fucking did! Just like...!" Vera stopped as Zhara rushed in, "The hell is going on over here?!"

Happy did notice the state of Pap though, "Papy...? Are you okay...? You...don't look well..."

Sans let out a surprised growl at Zhara rushing inside the house, as he still held onto Marrie comfortingly. "ZHARA, THAT WAS AWFUL QUICK! OH NO, DID BROTHER DO ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE SHORTCUTS OF HIS? IF HE DOES TOO MANY OF THEM...HE GETS SICK..."

Papyrus managed a soft smile, and gently patted their arm. "...jus need a nap, happy. that uh...took a lot outta me. but it was important to ya, so...i knew we had'ta get here quickly."

"That explains why he's not looking so hot!" Napstaton called from a little behind as he watched Happ and Pap come over slowly.

"Papy...we could have walked...it's okay...let's find you a place to rest...please...?" Happy looked really worried.

"God damn it...we go from one missing sick person and end up getting another. Fucking...fantastic!" Vera growled. Marrie was clinging onto Sans, already letting tears fall.

"What are we going to do...?" Darren sighed, "I just...don't know how this happened..."

Papyrus looked down to the floor, and he sighed. "don't worry about me, it ain't no damn problem. i can just go home...sorry i just tried to help everyone. and...you're looking for tahi i guess? have you tried where her and colonel jae used to spend a lotta time together? maybe she got out...wanted to reminisce some. she's old and feeble, but not soulless..."

Sans gently rubbed Marrie's cheeks worriedly, trying to give her comfort. "BROTHER, PLEASE, REST. I CAN GO TRY TO TRACK HER DOWN BY SCENT. IT'S NO ISSUE. IF YOU'VE DONE TOO MANY SHORTCUTS, YOU'RE HURTING YOURSELF, PLEASE...STAY HERE WITH THE OTHERS. MARRIE...I NEED SOMETHING OF YOUR MOTHER'S, SO I CAN GET HER SCENT."

Vera headed over to help Happy and Pap to the couch to rest. "Just chill here for now."

"You've done enough, Papy...you've done more than enough...please...take a break...please..." Happy was looking pretty distressed with him being sick like that, pink tears started pooling in their eyes...least those are working.

Marrie sniffled and headed into her mom's room to grab something. The last thing her mom could touch...the old picture frame with the same photo Sans saw. "...P-Please find her, Sans...please..."

Papyrus had slumped onto the couch, his cheeks almost looking green, as he laid his head against the back of the couch tiredly. He might have had a much higher HP than his brother, but everytime he did a shortcut; it felt like his soul was getting another micro-crack, and each night he would heal up those micro-cracks while he slept. However, when he did as many shortcuts as he had that day...it felt like his soul was rending in two and it made him feel sick to his stomach.

He looked to Happy, and gently rubbed their tears away with his thumb softly. "shhh...shhh...i will happy..." He looked to his brother, and smirked a bit softly. "...go patrol the edges of the farm first to catch the scent, go from there, bro...i love ya...be safe."

Sans nodded stiffly, as he gingerly took the photo frame into his hand. Lightly hovering his nasal ridge right over the glass of the photo, he took a deep sniff. Then another one. He opened his eyes, his baby blue eyelights narrowed; and he sniffed the air curiously. "...THE WINDOW..." Following her scent, he went to her bedroom, then went from the bedspread, and down onto the floor, and to the wall, up to the single window that sat in Tahi's room.

"...She was dragged out from the window...there's a tuft of gray fur here...I will take this into my inventory, and follow from there my beloved dearest!" Gently storing away the tuft of grayed fur, his narrowed eyelights gazed out the window, and he then left the bedroom, and the house; heading straight to the window, sniffing softly to catch the scent again. He looked around and took a deep sniff in the air near the window.

Happy sniffled and stayed with him to make sure he was resting.

The siblings plus Zhara and Napstaton followed Sans down to the bedroom and then outside. "You may want to stay behind, Vera..." Darren looked at his sister who only growled, "I'm pregnant. Not sick or lacking shit. I'm fine."

The scent would trail to the outreaches of the farm, past that and just...stopped...right by a wall near the river's edge. Zhara looked around for anything that could be a clue.

"So...either she fell into the river...and floated somewhere in Waterfall...or..she can pass through walls. Second option is out so she must be around Waterfall somewhere." Zhara watched the river flow about for a minute or so.

"That means she can be anywhere..." Marrie looked really worried for that.

Papyrus soon was actually sleeping deeply, his head leaning against Happy's chest, his tail heavily draping against their hips. Soon his jaw was slightly hanging open as he snored.

Sans looked towards the wall, and he sighed in annoyance. "...HMM...the trail isn't cold just yet!" He pulled out the gray fur from his inventory, and took another deep sniff from it, resituating the scent of hers. "...SOMEONE DRAGGED HER OVER THE WALL MOST LIKELY!"

He darted through the river, catching the scent once again, and he sniffed at the base of the wall, his eyelights narrowing once again. "...yes, yes they took her, and dragged her over the wall...there are minute tufts of gray and white fur caught in the bricks here...and here..."

Pulling out one of the tiny tufts of fur, he held it in his gloved hand and compared it to the tuft found on the window sill. It was Tahi's fur. "...I could scale the wall..."

Let me try. These wings are more than just for show." Zhara unfolded her wings to fly up the wall. The wall itself was pretty thick, but ended at a ledge. The fur trail seemed to end there, tufts just on a pile on the ledge.

"There's nothing up here! There's more fur but...that's it!" She called from the ledge.

"How would she even get up here? She couldn't walk, let alone climb by herself!" Vera looked suspicious at that.

"M-Maybe we should split up...? She could be around still..." Marrie suggested.

Sans nodded at Marrie's suggestion. "MY DEAREST, GO WITH VERA. I WILL SCALE THE WALL AND FOLLOW ZHARA ON THE TRAIL OF THE SCENT. EVEN IF THE FUR HAD ENDED, PERHAPS THE SCENT HAS NOT!"

He removed his boots, revealing his sharp claws on his toes, and then his gloves, revealing the sharp ends of his fingers. Latching onto the wall, he easily clawed his way upwards, and ended on the ledge beside Zhara. Sniffing the edge, he then clawed his way along the upper ledge, and followed it curiously. Catching the scent again, he growled softly, and darted forward, his tail waving in excitement, as if he was on the hunt for something by then.

His natural instincts had kicked in, as if he was searching for an injured monster to feed upon, blue drool starting to gather around the edges of his fanged jaw. "Close...close...keep going, nearly there..."

Zhara followed him by flying overhead. But the scent trail would soon end at a little enterance way of a cave within the wall. Or...what would be an entrance way...The rock was shaped to look like an arch to a door but there was more rock covering it.

"Huh...weird...why would this be here...?" Zhara looked over at the rock and knocked on it, "...I wonder...rock just doesn't form like this...least not by itself..."

Sans frowned, as he stood in front of the rock wall. "...I CAN GET THROUGH THAT NO PROBLEM. STAND BACK ZHARA."

He summoned his 'Special Attack' which was in fact his Gaster Blaster, and pointed it towards the rock wall. Blue drool still trailed down his rounded cheek, his fangs in full view. He looked less than the usual upstanding Junior Guardsman, and more like a predator on the hunt, wanting to reach his presumed kill; if his bared fangs was any indication.

Using his Gaster Blaster, he started to blast through the rock wall carefully. After a few moments he got through it, and grinned triumphantly; laughing brightly. "LET'S FOLLOW THE TRAIL ZHARA, TO OUR...OUR RESCUE!"

"You might wanna wipe up a little, friend. You look like you're ready to eat a steak." Zhara took out a hankerchief from her inventory and handed it to Sans before making her way into the cave. It was pretty dark so Zhara took out a flashlight. It wouldn't light up for a minute until she used her magic.

The cave itself was rather small but it had a small path leading down. There was no Tahi and the scent trail ended. But...there were more...things around. Red and black scribbles of revenge and hatred, dried herbs and spices around, dried up wicker and wheat dolls strung up like protection spells, and a circle around the caved room made of what looks like salt...and...possibly dust..hard to tell. Knives of all sorts of shapes were stabbed into the rock wall furthest down the two, one was piercing a picture of a scribbled out photo of the Colonel...and another was stabbed through a photo of Vera, positioned where her baby would be.

"...Oh heavens to Toriel...what...even is this...?" Zhara looked around in shock, afraid to even approach even further into the room.

Sans wiped his mouth off, and shook his head to clear it. "S-SORRY...To keep a scent better, I...tend to go a bit...my brother calls it 'feral state'. We act more like our birth father, if that makes...sense..."

His voice was seemingly taken from him as he gazed around the cave area. As he took everything in, he frowned deeply. "...We've stumbled upon the killer's cave, in the back end most likely. They most likely are able to either move via Blue magic or via some control over earth elements...we must press forward, Zhara...then we might come upon the trail of Tahi again..."

"I don't know...this just...doesn't feel right, Sans...I think we should go back...check on Marrie and V." Zhara looked pretty disturbed at everything around.

Outside at the ledge, Napstaton was sitting around, unsure of what to do. "Hey! Everyone okay up there? Dudes! Babe? Sans broski?" He yelled from his spot. Marrie and V had already left a while ago to search elsewhere. Darren had gone to call his uncle to inform him of the news.

Sans sighed, and pulled out his phone, taking a few pictures for evidence. "I will then get my senior Guardsman to help us, Zhara. I will contact Alphys over this matter. She can possibly help us further in this..."

Turning from the sight of the strange caves, he urged Zhara to go ahead. "YOU GO FIRST, IT IS MY DUTY AS A GUARDSMAN TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL PERSONS LEAVE A DANGEROUS SITUATION SAFELY BEFORE I DO MYSELF."

Zhara nodded and headed off first out of the cave. Once she was out, she immediately flew back down into Napstaton. He caught her pretty quick, "Babe...? You okay? You're shaking..."

Zhara just held onto him, scared, "...W-We need to find V...I...I think something bad is going to happen...I feel it..."

As he watched Zhara heading out from the cave, he came out as well and stood at the entrance to it. Frowning, he pulled his phone out; texting Alphys.

[CAPTAIN ALPHYS! IN MY ASSISTING SOME FAMILY MEMBERS, IN SEARCHING FOR MY FUTURE MOTHER-IN-LAW, I ENCOUNTERED THIS STRANGE AND FOREBODING CAVE. I FOLLOWED THE SCENT AS FAR AS I COULD. THE TRAIL ENDED HERE, COLD. UNFORTUNATELY...IT CREATES MORE QUESTIONS THAN I AM ABLE TO ANSWER, PLEASE, CAN YOU HELP ME, ALPHYS?]

(Picture of the cave in question) (Picture of the hanging dolls) (Picture of the scribbled out picture of The Colonel) (Picture of Vera with the knife in the picture's belly.)

[I AM HONESTLY FEARFUL THAT I AM OVER MY HEAD. MRS. TAHI JAE, MY FUTURE MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS AN INVALID, UNABLE TO WALK, LET ALONE MOVE MUCH ON HER OWN. EVEN BREATHING WAS SOME DAYS TOO MUCH FOR HER ALMOST. I FEAR SHE IS GONE. EVEN IF THAT IS THE CASE...I DO NOT WANT TO SEE MY SISTER-IN-LAW PASS AS WELL. I WILL CONTINUE TO BE ON THE CASE. - J.G. SANS ASTER.]

Sans then leapt down from the raised precipice of the cave, and he growled softly to himself. Going to his inventory, he pulled out an energy drink he carried with him, and downed it quickly. "So! The trail ended cold, Napstaton. However, we...found something much more...grisly in the cave above...we must hurry to find Vera!"

He sniffed the air lightly, knowing Marrie's scent by soul, he knew that Marrie had to be with Vera hopefully. Turning his head slightly from side to side, he caught it, and his eyelights narrowed slightly. "FOLLOW ME ON LAND!" He then leapt into the water, swimming rapidly through the cavernous waterway, heading to where he could smell Vera and Marrie were located.

The two looked at each other before following behind, doing their best to catch up.

"Would it be a bad idea to call a camera crew?" Napstaton looked to Zhara as they ran.

"What? This doesn't look like a good time, Napsta!"

"But babe! Think of the views!"

"Remind me to slap the back of your head later..."

"...So is that a yes..?"

"NO!"

The trail would lead off to the path of the echo flower room, where many echo flowers bloomed and people echoed their wishes. This normally peaceful place unfortunately looked anything but, as there were trampled echo flowers, withered vines and tattered remains of yarn ball bullets. Off to the side of the path, lying face down in the muddy ground was Marrie, passed out next to the broken mess that used to be Vera's flower crown.

Sans came out the water, looking around after he'd shaken himself off, and he saw Marrie; letting out a fearsome, wailing growl. "MARRRIEE!" He ran forward, and gently turned her over onto her back, checking her soul pulse, and trying to make sure she was okay. "Oh my god, oh my god no..."

Going into his inventory, he pulled out his med-kit, and opened it quickly, accessing her damage; and he gave her a dose of liquid green magic to stabilize her. "NAPSTATON, STAY WITH MARRIE, I'M GOING FORWARD TO FIND VERA!"

He gave Marrie a kiss, growling so softly, it sounded like he was weeping almost by then. "I will find who did this, and I will bring them to justice my dearest love..." Going quickly over to the tattered remains of the yarn bullets he sniffed them curiously, and continued to follow the trail carefully and rapidly.

Luckily Marrie was alright, just passed out and sleeping. Zhara looked around the area as Napsta checked on Marrie.

"She's okay...some HP knocked down but...she's not hurting...I think she got hit with something that made her knock out." Napsta informed but was shushed by Zhara. "What I do now...?"

"Babe...just...shush...hang on..else I'm going to lose the echo...!" Zhara whispered at him, hoping the echo flower she was by didn't catch any part of their conversation.

One touch of the echoflower made it speak...it was soft...but still contained all the hurt and fear it captured from Vera's voice...

"Please...please don't hurt her...don't hurt Marrie or the baby...p-please...p-please...n-no..."

"Oh stars..." Zhara stepped away with Napsta looking just as shocked as he carefully picked up Marrie. "Let's get her back at the house..."

"Yeah...l-let's go..."

The scent trail for Vera would run cold quick. It would just get to the entrance of the next room before all trace of it was gone. Like either the person who took Vera vanished or used a shortcut similar to Pap.

Alphys would finally respond, [I made a call to the rest of the guard! We'll keep an eye out for the old cat lady! I'm already at the farm and talking with your future brother-in-law and uncle-in-law. Other guards are inbound or searching the perimeter, including that room you found. I'll let you know what we find.]

Sans had been searching and he scowled as the scent went cold. "...DAMN IT! WHERE IS MY SISTER VERA!"

He paced the entrance to the next room that he'd come too, and he then felt his phone vibrating. Glancing at the text, he frowned further. "...what could they have done with her...and why..."

[THANK YOU CAPTAIN ALPHYS. I ENCOUNTERED ANOTHER AREA, WITH MY FIANCEE MARRIE JAE; AND HER SISTER VERA JAE...UNFORTUNATELY...VERA WAS TAKEN. BUT THE SCENT RAN COLD. I WILL TRY MY BEST TO FOLLOW A TRAIL AS BEST I CAN. I AM IN WATERFALL CAVERN 12-T AT THE MOMENT, FARTHEST BACKMOST LEFT HAND CORNER.] He texted back.

Standing at the entrance to the room, his gloves and boots still stored in his inventory, he glared to the area where the scent ran cold, and dropped to hands and feet, flat on his belly, nearly shoving his face at the ground, where he last caught wind of Vera's scent. He growled softly, sniffing everywhere he could, and examining the ground studiously from his vantage point. A flower, a thread from clothing, a bit of fur or hair...anything to give a further trail.

There didn't seem to be much there. No fur, no flowers, no threads of clothing...nothing...except...

A burnt blank leaf of some...plant. Hard to tell of the kind but it was very familiar somehow. Along with it was the same wicker from that were used to make the dolls in the cave, only yellowed and withering.

Napstaton and Zhara decided to head back to Snowdin with Marrie, thinking she'd be safest there in case the person who took Vera decided to come back. Zhara would knock on the door in a panic as Napstaton was still carrying the cat monster, still asleep.

Sans picked up the burnt blank leaf with his blue magic, staring at it for a few moments. Seeing the same wicker used from the dolls, he blinked a bit seeing it was yellowed and withered. He set them down together and pulling out his camera, he took a high quality picture of them, and sent it to Alphys.

[I FOUND THESE AT THE SCENE. IT APPEARS TO BE A TYPE OF BURNT AND ODDLY SHAPED LEAF. I BELIEVE IT MAY BE THE MEDICINE THAT VERA'S FAMILY GROWS ON THE FARM THAT MY FATHER, BITTER TAKES. I HAVE SEEN IT BEFORE IT IS GROUND UP AND IT SEEMS CLOSE TO THIS FORM. THE WICKER...I DO NOT KNOW WHERE IT ORIGINALLY COMES FROM, BUT THE GUARDS WILL RECOGNIZE IT IS SIMILAR TO WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE ORIGINAL SCENE OF THE CRIME.]

Wingdin heard the frantic knocking, and nearly had thrown Chara from her lap in the process as they were snuggling while listening to a rerun of one of Napstaton's evening slow-music wind-down shows. Edge nearly ran to the front door, his red magic club in his hand, looking rather fierce despite his age. What in the fuckin hell is... He growled out before he caught himself.

"Oh my gawd, Zhara, come on in...what the hell happened to kitten? Where's Sans and Papyrus? Bring her in, bring her in...BITTER! Grab the med-kit from the bathroom, OURS!" He nearly bellowed across the house.

Soon the sound of a hurried walker was heard, and Chara soon scrambled from their Mother's lap to assist their Pops. Chara helped Bitter into the living room, where they glared at their largest father figure. [Really, you had to scream at Pops? You could have told ME, Papi...]

Edge shook their head, and pointed to the couch. "You, robot sit lay 'er down on the couch. What's her HP? Where's the injuries?"

Bitter looked over Marrie, and nearly wanted to slap the old man silly. "Gaster, I swear the damn Merciless Angel, she ain't that hurt...just a few HP knocked off." His reddened eye focused on Napstaton and Zhara warily. "Where's Vera though?"

Took a minute for Alphys to finally respond.

[Wicker...that looks like some of the stuff we find over on the farm here. I know some people in waterfall who are old fashioned like using them to make baskets and stuff. But that black leaf you found...that's not medicinal stuff, Sans...least it's not supposed to be used like that according to what I just heard from your brother-in-law...]

The next message would come in about 5 minutes later.

[Sans...I had to arrest Darren Jae for questioning...he knows something. He's the only one who grows that type of plant. He has pots of them in his room. I'm going to ask you to come down to Hotland. ]

Napstaton did as he was asked to put Vera down on the couch. "We just found her like this, dudes! We were trying to find Missus J but...Zhara and Sans found some weird shit instead! Vera and Marrie had gone off to find their mom, Sans ran off to find them, and...we just found her knocked out like this!"

"Vera's been kidnapped too...whoever took Mrs. Tahi...went after Vera too...and I'm really scared on what's happening to them right now...Vera and her baby are in serious danger..." Zhara looked shaken as she spoke, "...An echo flower picked up Vera's voice...she...s-she was begging whoever t-took her...n-not to hurt Marrie...o-o-or the baby...I h-haven't heard her so s-scared before..."

"...Sans is still looking for Vera...he can find her. Pap and Happy are back at the farm resting." Napsta mentioned as he pulled Zhara close for comfort...for both their sakes.

Sans had stood up when the first message had come in. He sighed reading it, as he shook his head. So he was incorrect in his thinking, at least Darren knew what he was talking about, like he did with most plants and things of that matter.

When the second text message came in however, it felt like his blood was boiling. He almost cracked his phone's screen as he returned a message to her.

[ASAP, CAPTAIN.]

As he took a deep breath, he felt a different type of anger, one that he'd never truly felt before. Sure, when Vera's honor and trust were betrayed by Bernard Magfire, that was one thing...but to potentially have Darren attack his own sisters?

That was utterly atrocious to the young skelegator. Love, and honor and family all were held in the highest of regards to him. And to break something of that nature...it chilled him to his core. Narrowing his eyes, he leapt into the waterway, and swam as quickly as possible out through Waterfall, and as soon as he got out from the last waterway, he pulled his boots and gloves out from his inventory, slipping them on.

Then he ran. He ran all the way to where he knew Alphys would want to meet him.

In the house, Bitter nodded softly, and sighed; looking more like the old man he was. "It's fine, Napsta...sorry, me and my husband we...get pretty wracked up over bad things happening 'round here. We don't exactly come from...here, normally. Though we've lived here for near on 20 years now..."

Edge listened closely to Napstaton, and he frowned a bit. "So...kidnapping...was there a ransom note, or a warning of some sort left behind? Where's James in all'a this? Usually if someone's gonna kidnap someone, there's a damn motive behind it. But if there seems to be no motive...then they're basically takin' the person to be murdered in most cases..."

Wingdin sniffled softly, wiping her cheeks off with her handkerchief. "...Perhaps they thinking that Tahi is...too large a burden...and that Vera is only adding mouth to feed to home..." She spoke with conviction, her voice trembling slightly, knowing what Meaux had tried to do to her years before, claiming those same things when she became pregnant with Sans.

Alphys was waiting in Hotland where the questioning cells were. Darren was already cuffed and inside with a few other guards watching over him. Soon as she saw Sans, she straightened up, "There you are. You ready...? I'm going to need your help with this, he's keeping his stupid mouth shut."

"There was nothing...We didn't find anything like that..!" Zhara was already close to tears, only to start actually crying at the mention her best friend could be murdered.

"Hey..hey...it's okay...they'll find her...they're gunna find her...shh...it's alright..." Napstaton pulled Zhara close, letting her cry, "Let's...not think foo far ahead, dudes...like...I don't think her old uncle did it. Guy is usually out doing deliveries and crap, right?"

"T-They helped her build that house for her and the baby! He took care of her...I...I don't know...I just want her back...I just want her safe..." Zhara cried out.

Meanwhile Marrie herself was starting to stir, letting out a groan of pain.

Sans nodded, as he strode over to the holding cell where Darren was. His face was set in an expression that Darren had most likely never seen before. His fangs were very visible as he scowled towards the door; his eyelights were dim, his arms held stiffly at his side. He nodded to Alphys. "CAPTAIN, YOUR PERMISSION PLEASE FOR INTENSE QUESTIONING?"

He glared at Darren while his spoke, his tail slowly drifting from side to side, the tip twitching in his agitation.

In the house, Edge sighed softly, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Zhara...we're uh...sometimes honestly a bit too much for others..."

Bitter came over, his walker shuffling against the floor a bit. "Hey, hey...hopefully things'll turn out okay...we just gotta pray and wait, right Wing?"

Wingdin nodded softly, and she sighed quietly. "Yes...we pray..." She got up from her chair, and went to the kitchen, sitting by the echo flower that she still managed to have, from when she'd picked it in Waterfall, waaaaay back when Sans was first born. Through her green magic, it still was alive to that day. Dear angel above, I pray to you, please keep my family safe from harm; and bring those who wish to cause them pain to justice. This I wish to you.

Chara rubbed Wingdin's back, and leaned their head against their mother's side tiredly. They wished they could RESET still. Perhaps...it could help them all, but when the outside influence had left them...it took their ability to SAVE and RESET away from them.

Darren was already shaking scared, "I'm telling you...t-this isn't necessary! I-I'm not the bad guy here!"

"Easy Sans. I said there was something up. I didn't say he was a full on suspect." Alphys placed a hand on Sans's shoulder to calm him down. "So...tell me again...what were you doing earlier today...?"

Darren was still shaking in fear, "I was making n-new medications f-for customers...m-my uncle asked o-of me to do so...t-that's all I've done all day...I-I swear! I-I would n-never delibrately hurt my sisters! I-I took c-care of them b-both when my father died and my mother g-got sick! I love them both!"

"Then in that case...you know what this is then." Alphys showed the photo of the leaf Sans took, "Look familiar...? They look like the ones growing in your room..."

"I...I don't u-understand...t-t-that's my variant yes...I-I'm the only one who g-grows it..." Darren gulped, "I...I don't know anyone who has access to it. I...I only know t-two people who have...one of them is m-me..."

Marrie groaned again before slowly waking up, "H-huh...? W-Where...am I...? S-Sissy...?" she groggily looked around, vision still blurry from the hit she took.

"Hey lil' dudette! Least you're okay..." Napstaton smiled a bit as Zhara tried and failed to get herself to calm down.

Sans took a breath in and sighed, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "New medications for customers...that would have likely kept you busy all day then...you remind me so much of my brother, and he could easily work for hours at a time, without taking a break or even stopping to eat or drink."

Looking to Darren, he growled softly; but it was more as if he was worried and almost scared, rather than lividly angry. "You say you took care of your sisters and your mother...how did your Uncle James feel about the situation? How did he even come about living with you? Surely it was to care for The Colonel first...he might have felt like he was forced into it...and perhaps it had simply been too much for him..."

His glare bored into Darren as he gazed through the bars, his right eyelight slightly dim compared to his brightened left one. "...AND HE WANTED TO FRAME YOU, BROTHER DARREN. CAPTAIN, IT IS MY SUGGESTION THAT WE SEND THE GUARD IMMEDIATELY TO WATERFALL TO THE JAE FARM AND APPREHEND JAMES DAE, IF HE EVEN STILL IS THERE..."

Bitter came over a bit closer, and he carefully sat down at the end of the couch, lightly running his trembling gloved hand through her hair. "Shhh, Marrie...yer home at the Aster's it's a'right..."

Edge came closer to Zhara, and gently wrapped his arms around her, hoping to help her calm down with a hug. "Zhara, we're all tryin' our best. Bitt's is right, it'll be okay"

"What?! No! Please! My uncle is a good man! He'd never do this!" Darren refused to believe that.

"He was the first one who came running when my father was sick. He was the one who helped me and my siblings when our father passed on. He offered to live with us...he was the only one who made medicine strong enough to help my parents. He still lives with the guilt that he couldn't save my father...I...I can't believe he would ever do this..."

"We'll still bring him in for questioning. Just to get stories straight. You said two people grew that plant you have...you and...who's the second...?" Alphys looked suspicious of him.

Darren kept silent, still afraid, but not really at the guards in front of him.

"Spill it. Else you're making yourself and your uncle look worse, punk! Now talk! Who else knows?!" Alphys punches the table enough it bent, causing Darren to jump from his seat.

"You wouldn't believe me...and I c-could Be next..."

Marrie mumbled a bit at the touch, "My...head hurts...where's Sissy...? Is she okay...? She's here...right...?"

Zhara seemed to cry only more at hearing Marrie say that. To Marrie, that already wasn't a good sign.

Sans was pacing by then, his tail lashing behind him. "I WILL BELIEVE YOU, BROTHER DARREN. I ONLY WANT FOR THE FAMILY TO BE SAFE...EVER SINCE I FIRST ENCOUNTERED YOUR BABY SISTER MARRIE, WHEN SHE TRIED TO PRANK OUR HOUSE...I HAVE LOVED HER. I ONLY WANT FOR HER TO BE SAFE, AND BY EXTENSION, YOUR FAMILY."

"FAMILY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO MYSELF. LOVE, FAMILY AND HONOR!" He leaned forward, removing his gloves. Digging his claws into the table, he growled lowly; as he drug them across the surface, causing deep grooves on the surface. "...And you are family. Even if you are being held and questioned...tell me who it is, Brother Darren..."

Bitter stopped rubbing Marrie's head, and he sighed. "I...Marrie...she...she ain't...I'm sorry..."

Edge gently rubbed Zhara's back, letting out a soft breath of worry. "Sans is out working on getting everythin' fixed, kitten...it'll all be fixed soon enough..."

Darren still shook in fear, shrinking into the chair, "...s-she t-t-taught me...I-I learned f-from h-h-her..."

Alphys growled, "Who's her, then?"

Marrie looked pale, "No...Sissy...mom...mom was.."

"You saw your mom?! That means she's okay, right? That's something! They're keeping them alive!" Napstaton tried looking at the bright side.

"No...y-you don't get it...M-Mom was the one...who...attacked...us..." Marrie got a sudden headache before passing out.

Back at the interrogation room, Darren was just stuttering it out, "...O-Our mother...s-said it was f-family t-tradition t-to grow it...I n-never wanted it..."

Sans' eyelights went out, hearing what Darren had said. Standing up from where he had leaned over, with the table having a dent in it, and now two sets of deep claw marks, he slipped his gloves on, and looked to Alphys.

"I will personally go and speak with James Jae now. My brother Papyrus is still at the house, if something has happened...he will have taken care of it already I fear. My brother...you know he has his ways, Captain Alphys..." Sans spoke quietly to her, showing just how intense this was for the Junior Guardsman.

At the house, while everything was going, Chara had stayed in their Mom's lap, to keep her calm over this entire thing. They had even gotten her knitting, helping her to work on it so she could try to stay calm. Having a blind skeleton getting too stressed was not a good thing for anyone. However, as their Mom knitted haphazardly beside them, they kept a tight watch on what was occurring just a few feet from them.

When Chara heard what Marrie said, their brown eyes flew open wider; and they grabbed their phone from their inventory; hurriedly texting their brothers.

[Pap, we have Marrie. She just said that her mother attacked her.]

[Sans, we have Marrie at the house. She just said her mother attacked her and Vera.]

After sending the messages, they tucked their phone away, and leaned lightly against Wingdin's side. Part of them thought about going out to try to help...but it might just cause more harm then good by this point.

Papyrus' phone vibrated and chirped in his hoodie pocket, as he was completely out cold with his exhaustion; leaning lightly against Happy, still at the Jae's farm. Sans immediately picked up his phone, and looked at it.

Turning towards Alphys, he showed the message to her. "CAPTAIN, MY SIBLING CHARA INFORMED ME THAT MARRIE SAID IT WAS THEIR MOTHER THAT ATTACKED HER AND VERA. IT MAY SEEM ILLOGICAL, BUT I TRUST MY FIANCE."

Happy was currently asleep on the side of the couch, only to be roused awake at the sound of Pap's phone. "Hmm...?"

"Just rest for now, you young folk need it." James called from his rocking chair, nursing a cup of tea, "I'm sure Captain Alphys and Darren will be back shortly..." he seemed to be saying that for his own sake, guy looked very worried.

"What?!" Alphys growled put as Darren turned pale.

"Oh Stars above...please no...she can't be..." Darren looked like he was about to start crying.

"Can't what?! Spill it!" Alphys banged on the table again, causing it to split in two. Damn, she'll need to pay for that.

"Our...our m-mother s-she...!" Before Darren could explain, something broke a nearby window and hit Darren straight in the neck, a dart with a dark purple plume that put the cat monster out, HP slowly dropping.

A shadow outside the holding building disappeared as quick as they came, leaving the same burnt leaves as before in Waterfall.

Sans let out a startled growl, and darted to the window. "KEEP DARREN STABLE! I'LL TAKE THE CHASE!" He smashed through the window, tucking and rolling to do so; and he was on his feet instantly; taking chase after the presumed shadowy figure.

"HALT IN THE NAME OF THE ROYAL GUARD!" He bellowed out, as he had caught a bare whiff of a scent, and was following after it doggedly; his eyelights darting to keep sight of the rocky pathways ahead of him. The heat of Hotland made him want to be sleepy, but he was determined to follow this figure, and find them, and bring them to justice!

Even if it turned out to be his own future mother-in-law.

The scent trail would lead nowhere except fot that spot the shadow figure disappeared from. The burnt leaves would soon disintegrate in Hotland's heat.

Alphys put up a call for a Guard Healer as she removed the dart from Darren's neck and tried keeping him stable, "Come on...come on...stay with me...don't die on me now...WHERE THE HELL IS THE MEDIC!?"

Wouldn't be long for the medic on call to rush in and care for Darren, doing what they could to get the monster stable enough for real treatment at the nearby hospital.

"I'm going to Waterfall to get James Jae! Sans, do what you have to do!" Alphys growled, her battle axes in hand before she ran off towards the marsh.
Sans came back inside the interrogation room and he picked up the plumed dart, gazing intently at it. "...what could this be from..." He growled worriedly, and carefully tucked it into an evidence bag, placing it in his inventory where it couldn't further hurt anyone.

He wasn't sure what to do now, it all was so confusing. No scent trail to follow, the dart gave no indication of from where, Darren was now unconscious and being carted off to the hospital...Vera was still missing, and Marrie was in Snowdin with his parents. Thinking on what he could do, his head started to hurt, as he tried to think deeply.

Clutching his skull, he growled pitifully. In the now empty room, tears rolled down his cheeks in his frustration.

...Papa would have known what to do...

He looked towards the wall, and laughed nervously to himself; shaking his head. W-What am I even talking about...I...I don't have a Papa...I'm going crazy... He wiped his eyes off, and looked to the broken table. In aggravation at the seeming hopelessness of what was happening, he started slashing, clawing and biting at the broken table, further destroying it like a mad animal.

After a couple of minutes, the table was just chunks of wood and twisted metal on the floor by then, along with the chair that Darren had been seated in. Sans stood up, and spat out a chunk of wood from his mouth; and pulled out the pocketed dart once more from his inventory, gazing at it; as if it had answers for him.

Of course it truly wouldn't as it was just a dark purple plumed poisonous dart. It couldn't speak, the scent still on it, led nowhere. The trail had gone cold.

Sans would get a text from Alphys some ten minutes after his outrage on the table.

[Hey! Meet me at the Jae farm. There's something you gotta hear, Sans. But if you wanna see your fiance, sure. Go for it. But I think you should know all this stuff too.]

Meanwhile in an undisclosed location, Vera was tied up and lying against a wall, groaning from pain with the hit she took earlier. Once she opened her eyes, she noticed this wasn't home...or Snowdin. "No...no no no nononono. This can NOT be happening!" She tried struggling through the binds that held her but it didn't seem to be any use, "Help me! Someone! Anyone! Help! Please! Marrie! Darren! Nggggh...Sans! SOMEONE! PLEASE! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!"

"You won't my dear..." An old female voice called from the shadows, leaving Vera a crying shaking mess of fear, "Now now...that's not a good way to convince mommy...You need to be a good girl...your a momma now...so...you should know...mothers...know...best...and if you play nice..." The shadow walked towards her, gently stroking Vera's stomach as she cried, "You'll get to be a momma again someday..."

Sans saw the text message, and nodded to himself. After leaving the interrogation room; he headed out from Hotland, and then leapt into the waterway, leading to the Jae Farm. It only took him about ten minutes of swimming, but he made it; and came out from the water; heading up to the house. He came inside, and looked to Alphys. "I'M HERE CAPTAIN. WHAT'S GOING ON..."

Papyrus was still fast asleep, his hearing aids in his case no less; so he couldn't be woken up easily. The dark circles under his sockets were deep and it appeared that he desperately needed his rest, despite what was happening unbeknownst to him. It could be seen that Happy clutched his hearing aids case in their hand; as if attempting to protect him from being woken up.

Happy jumped a bit at Sans's sudden loudness but quickly tried calming themselves down for Papy's sake. They didn't want him doing anymore than he'd already done.

Alphys was on another chair, waiting with an irritable expression as she sharpened one of her axes with a stone.

James was still in his rocking chair, cup of tea in hand, "I'm glad you came, son. I think for your safety and the safety of the rest of the family...you should hear about all this. I was just hoping this was part that I was completely wrong in...and my brother put a stop to...after all this...I know my brother failed...in more ways than one..." James sighed sadly as he drank his tea.

Papyrus let out a soft noise as he slept when Happy jumped. Instead of waking up, he just curled his tail a bit more around their waist, mumbling softly. "...honey diamond nuuu...pap's here boo-bear..." He leaned over onto Happy, his face planting right over their soul, as he continued to sleep, cuddling them sweetly.

Sans looked to his brother as he mumbled, and he sighed a bit. Looking over to James, he shook his head a bit. "What was it then that The Colonel wasn't able to stop then? What do you know that we can use to help?"

Going to his inventory, he pulled another energy drink out and took a few swigs of it. Then he pulled out a packet of HP booster his Papi made for him, adding the liquid to his can before he drank more of it; preparing himself for whatever may need to be done.

Happy blushed at the feeling of Pap near their soul. They let out a small smile before gently stroking Pap's head, letting him rest.

"Where do I begin...? Back when my brother and I worked for the guard, along with usual guard duties, my brother also had a side mission. See...there was a...group made of monsters and humans that created some...magic...if you could call it that. Did many things to magic users and humans alike...death was merciful with this kind of magic... It reeked of something evil, and my brother did what he could to destroy all traces of it...And he did. Least we thought. Last raid that happened was before we got sealed here underground. He along with a team of soldiers and guards managed to disband and kill any last of this...occult group. Except for two. The leader of the monster portion, who was put on trial but killed himself before he could see court...and a young kids who looked like a victim of circumstance..." James looked to all of them who were listening before looking right at Sans,

"You remind me of my brother, Sans. Believed in the best of people. Believed people were worth a chance until they outright refused. Kept family important along with love." James chuckled sadly at that, "...He was the same when he brought that girl home...Tahi Ellen Moria...he thought he could help her get back on track...thought she could be saved..."

Sans listened intently, and he had quickly finished the second energy drink while doing so. Nodding gently, he went to his inventory and pulled out the still bagged dark purple plume dart.

"This was what struck your nephew...do you possibly recognize it, sir?" He asked quietly, as he held the bagged dart in his gloved hand gingerly.

"...I do..." James sighed, "Some guards who came to me from the fight had these darts...low HP...and some...dusted before I could help them...I thought we burned the last of these poisoned plants but...I supposed we missed some. If my nephew was struck, then I can only pray he survives..."

"So what does this mean about your sister-in-law? Where can we find her? Why did she pull this stupid sick person act?" Alphys looked frustrated about all that.

"I wish I knew..My brother had thought he turned her good for the better. They had a happy marriage and family...so I thought...next I know after Marrie's birth and his retirement, the two started to distance themselves greatly, getting into arguments. My brother grew ill along with Tahi...so I did what I could...I don't want to say it but...their illness was nothing like I ever saw before...and part of me feels like this was her plan...but backfired on her as well..."

Sans listened intently, and he frowned slightly. "I...think I might know someone who would know about this, Uncle James..."

Pulling out his phone, he called Edge, and put the phone on speaker. Papi, we've got a problem. There was an old group of monsters and humans that had banded together years before, they used a type of magic, and it was incredibly dangerous, James says that death was merciful with this kind. He said it reeked of something evil...they worked to try to rid everyone of it, and they thought they'd gotten it taken care of. I'll send you a picture of the dart that was used, would you know anything about it this, maybe something similar from your timeline?

Sans took a picture of the dart, and sent that along with the pictures of the wicker dolls, cave and all of the evidence so far, to Edge's phone. Edge had been listening closely to Sans, and he scrolled through the pictures slowly.

Edge sighed, shaking his head. "I don't think this'd be the same here...but back where I came from...this looks like the work of a group of monsters called 'The Headhunters' or somethin' like that. They tended to have different names. I'd known they were around before we got our asses kicked inta the mountain...and after they came in, it was just monsters by then. They swore vengeance on humans, because it was their human side of the group that betrayed a lot of their members originally."

Scrolling through the pictures, he stopped at the dart. "Slow-acting degenerative neuro-muscular toxin. Acted much like a cobra or python's bite would. Though...that's what it was where I came from...dunno 'bout round here. Sorry."

"I originally thought of that as well...not hard to treat but it will leave people to be bed ridden for a few days until the toxin completely flushes out of the system." James continued on, "I promised I'd never get involved with another one of these occult missions...but...for the safety of the last bit of family that I have...I have no choice...There's only one place that I may know of that she could be holding my niece..."

"Then spill it! Sooner we get it, sooner we save her and get Tahi arrested! You could be safe!" Alphys looked ready go, sharpened battle axe at her hand.

"It's dangerous...and it's not guaranteed they are there...but it's the only place I know of that they could be...I just pray we're not too late..." James got up from his place, "My brother last fought this occult within a secret cavern near the dump. The waterfall there that seems to end in nothing? It does end. It's kept in pitch darkness and the lie we told that it led nowhere was so no one would dare traverse though that part of the marsh. It was their last hang out where they would do rituals and spells without interruption. Least until my brother found them."

Sans sighed, and then put away the phone after his Papi had hung up. "...KNOWING THAT YOUR BROTHER IS DEAD, MOST LIKELY THEY WOULD HAVE BEGUN MEETING ONCE MORE."

Thinking to where it could be in the dump, he nodded to himself. Looking over to Alphys, he sighed quietly; as his sights drew to his brother. "...We're going to need Papyrus, I believe to assist us, Captain Alphys. He knows the more secret places of Waterfall even better than I do."

"A-Are you sure...? He still needs rest..." Happy looked worried about that as they looked to Pap. They saw the bags under their love's eyes, and how exhausted he was.

"It's our only shot...I'll give him something to help with his magic, should that be the case. But I don't want to lose anymore of my family that I already have. Please..." James looked like he was ready to beg at this point.

"...We gotta Hapstabook. Our job in the guard is to protect people..." Alphys agreed.

Sans came over to Papyrus, gazing to his older brother for a moment. He honestly felt horrible waking him, despite the circumstances. The young skelegator hadn't seen his brother looking this bad in quite a few years. With a gentle touch, he patted his brother's chest.

Papyrus let out a soft growl, blinking a bit. "...aw fuck my head..." He sat up, and yawned widely; looking to his brother blearily.

[Papyrus, we need you to take us to the darker parts of the dump, where you've always told me not to go.] Sans signed to his brother, knowing he wasn't wearing his hearing aids.

"...why? darker parts of the dump? there's nothing there but garbage, bro..." Papyrus drawled, as he looked to Happy for a moment after he yawned again. "happy...boo what's goin' on? i...i am so bone tired..."

Sans then explained rapidly in sign language, after Papyrus put his glasses on, his eyelights quickly following his bro's hands while they moved. After he was done, Papyrus seemed more alert, and he sighed, shaking his head.

"...hapstablook, can ya gimme my hearing aids...i'm gonna need 'em. i know where they are." He held his clawed hand out to Happy.

Happy nodded a bit worriedly before giving them up to Papyrus.

"Let's get going quick while we still have time. Sooner we get there, the better chance she has." Alphys put her axes away for now.

"I will come with you...at most it's to make sure my niece is taken care of and the rest of you have a healer on standby. I'm old but I still work damn well." James didn't look like he was going to take no for an answer.

Papyrus slipped the hearing aids into his skull, then he leaned over and gave Happy a passionate kiss. Standing up from the couch, he thought for a few moments, and stepped forward to the front door to the farm. Concentrating his magic, he was able to shift space and time as he did for a shortcut; opening up directly into a thin cavern right next to the waterfall, where the secret door laid.

Sans hurried through the door, and looked to Alphys and James. "Hurry! This is what I speak of with a 'shortcut' that my brother uses!"

Happy leaned into that kiss, seeming sad when he broke away, "...Be safe..."

"We'll be back." Alphys headed off to the short cut without hesitation. Behind her was James, determined to get his niece back.

And that would leave Happy alone by themselves, unsure of what to do but wait...be fearful, worried, and wait...

After they'd come through, Papyrus looked to Alphys, smiling softly. "i love you happy. angel forbid something happens...go home...go to snowdin...please." With that, he closed the door, and sighed tiredly.

Looking to Alphys, James and Sans, he then looked to the Waterfall, and walked through, brave and determined to save Vera; his brother directly on his heels, Alphys and James not too far behind.

Once the door closed, Happy let the tears fall. Bringing their knees to their face and cry, hoping they all would be okay.

James was following just fine. Alphys behind with her axes out and ready to go. Wouldn't be long until they reached the dump and the "end" of the mysterious edge. Many thought it would be a portal to another world, a total dark abyss to nowhere, or simply, a death trap waiting to happen. James had no fear of this place now. He went off to tie a rope to a stable piece of rock or trash and let it fly to the ledge.

"I'll go first...mind yourselves, this is treacherous to just fall right in. Watch out for any flowing trash, keep your face to the side and at least one firm hand on the rope." He warned before starting to scale down the ledge as water continued to flow.

Papyrus nodded, and he summoned a Gaster Blaster, and pulled himself up onto it, then grabbed his brother with his long tail. "we'll meet you at the bottom, james. c'mon bro...i can't risk you getting hurt before the actual fight..."

Sans cuddled close to his brother, as he directed the Gaster Blaster down the abyss, as if it was an elevator of sorts. The water was splashing wildly down the cavernous hole, pieces of garbage and debris smacking off the sides, and just dropping around them. Soon the only thing visible farther down the hole was a pair of dim orange eyelights, and another pair of blue eyelights, one bright and one dim.

James and Alphys would scale down without much problem aside from a few falling wrappers or clumps of junk falling past them. Just as James had described, it was in total darkness but there was watery land below. Once to the bottom, James would take out a crystal from his inventory and allowed it to light up. Trash had fully taken over the place with murky and dirty water, a shoreline further to the back which led to a dark cave entrance...laced with black and red scrawlings...same as the ones found in the cavern by the back of the farm. It looked abanonded for years...but the recently burnt out candles had spoke otherwise.

"...She's here...be on your guard...all of you..." James whispered as Alphys took the crystal and the lead.

"I'll handle it...rather it be me than any of you...come on..." She didn't waste time to get through the dirty water and onto the somewhat drier land.

Sans hurried to be closer behind Alphys, as Papyrus had easily desummoned the blaster creature, and he wondered just how bad it could be.

As they went slowly further into the darkened cave entrance, Papyrus wondered just why would Tahi do such a thing, with her own daughter no less. Taking ahold of someone else, grisly as that would have been, might have been a teensy bit better.

Shaking his head, he continued to follow; feeling almost sick to his stomach at how much he'd done that day. It felt like nearly an entire weeks worth of shortcuts, shoved into a span of just four hours.

Deep in the cave were more scrawls and wicker dolls again. Some of the writings seemed somewhat coherent as they talked of blessing and the angel of death arriving, or warnings to watch your souls.

Furthest down was an opening in the cavern, what seemed to be a a ritual circle with a circle and spiked wings across it, a diamond in the middle of the circle. lit with candles at each point.

To the back of the room was a large table with more writing on the walls, candles lit and burning, red and purple covers and shawls dressed around them with the same symbols as the one on the ground, an open book at the ready...and some pots that could contain ingredients.

At the left side of the cavern...was Vera...shackled from her writsts and ankles on the wall, her fur was a mess as she looked tired and ragged from crying so much. Her small baby bump had red lines circled around it...like a guide for an incision.

"Oh stars...Vera..." James was tempted to run over to her and help, but he knew there were likely traps around.

Vera did seem to respond at the sudden voice, looking over to see the group, "...R-Run...g-go..."

Sans gazed around the room, and he had to stifle himself from letting out an angered growl. He shook his head, and looked to his brother.

Papyrus had a steely look upon his face, and shook his head as well. "we ain't leaving. no matter what."

Sans nodded to what his brother said, as he looked carefully around the room. Being a master at creating puzzles, he could somewhat easily see where the traps began and ended. For the most part at least, as the candlelight made everything flicker and distort inside the cavern.

His dim eyelight didn't help things either. Getting past two of the traps, he started to inch his way closer to Vera. "I'm going to get you sister...I can bite through the chains that hold you..."

Vera just kept shaking her head, ready to start whimpering again.

Alphys let Sans handle this, guy was a master of puzzles after all. She did keep on guard to make sure no one came around.

"You'll be safe soon.. Just hang on a little longer...you'll be okay..." James whispered to her which only seemed to get her whimpering.

Sans kept his sights on the traps around him. He slunk to the floor to avoid a poison dart that would have been flung at his head; it harmlessly striking the wall, as a trail of neon green poison drizzled from the hollowed tipped end.

A few more steps, slicing through a trip wire with his claws, sending a blade crashing down from the ceiling, as he pulled his hand away just in time. Then he stepped over the knife, and sighed.

Only a couple of steps to get to Vera, as she had been all the way across the room when they'd come in. Analyzing the best he could, he knew there had to be a pitfall trap surrounding her. The old dry-moat style. Taking a long white attack bone of his, he started to strike the ground; causing the pits to fall way. In a semi-circle around her, there was a single pathway.

As he tested it by lashing down with his strong bony tail, he smiled and stepped onto the platform, and came right in front of her. "Sister...I am here to save you."

"You'll e-end up dying..." Vera whimpered out, "Just...l-leave me...t-take care of my sister..."

"Sans! Quickly! Let's get her out of here!" James whisper yelled from the end of the room.

The hallway that led them into the room had suddenly closed shut. Alphys ran over to try and break it down but no such use. Any other exists were closed the same way.

"...You should have listened to me...but I was right...you really ARE just like him..." Vera cackled, but this wasn't Vera at all...Her eyes turned red before the rest of her body became black as the "shackles" on her pulled her away from Sans and into the air. A large black metal cage went over Alphys, Papyrus and James to entrap them.

"Magic won't save you here...not unless you're like me.." _Vera laughed only to reveal it was Tahi. Her fur was still old, gray, and sunken like she was bedridden, but there were crystals on her that seemed to keep her well enough to move and talk.

"I'm impressed you got through that easily...It's quite the achievement, dears. Bravo..." Tahi chuckled as she lowered herself onto the ritual circle as all the flames lit a sinister black color but still retained the light.

"WHERE'S VERA YOU WITCH! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!?" James growled as he tried to break the metal bars but was instantly burned when he did so.

"Now now James...You know me to be smarter than that. Dark potions always come at a price. But after all this, it will be worth it." Tahi hissed out as she slowly lowered herself back to the ground.

Sans gingerly walked over closer to Tahi, but didn't dare enter the ritual circle. "What is it that you're trying to gain, Tahi? Tell me...you've peaked my interest with all of this...surely it must be very important, for you to go this far, and go through so many protections..."

"You knew my every move didn't you...my ability to track you via scent, follow the pathways, who to ask, and what they would give me in return...what's your end game, Tahi? What's your goal?" Sans asked quietly, staring her down with a firm expression across her face.

Papyrus already looked rather green in the face, after doing yet another door-opener shortcut for more than one person; which he tried to rarely do...and then summoning his Gaster Blaster, which was a further drain on his magic. He frowned to himself, and tried to shortcut out from the cage, to wage an attack on Tahi; being hot-headed as he sometimes was.

All he succeeded in doing was backing up straight into the cage's bars, his tail getting burned. He turned to the side, groaning; as he finally just threw up in the corner, as the nausea had won.

Tahi just laughed at seeing the poor attempt Papyrus made as James headed over to help him out.

"Oh you have no idea, dear...I'm still dying...least for now. I saw what my 'husband' did to my family...my friends...the only group I've ever known! I was never a victim...I was part of their circle. He took EVERYONE away from me! But...I thought I could build it all back. Children could supply me with new members...and I'd do it with his genes. I'd do this all under his nose. I almost had my eldest take on the tradition. But he was too damn soft! I couldn't use my second as she wanted to me more like her father, the murderer! And the third...I had no chance with when he retired! He was home every single damn day. I couldn't escape like I used to! And he got too close to seeing what I was doing..." Tahi hissed out.

"So you killed him...you killed him before..." James hissed back as he tried healing Papyrus up.

"Before he could connect the pieces. I must say...I was quite messy in my juncture...and I suffered for it. But the Dark Angel sent me a blessing...my youngest was dating a young man...young man means I get born a grandchild...a baby to use to free myself. But...that wasn't fast enough..." Tahi chuckled and snapped her fingers. The diamond portion of the ritual circle opened up and put out a table with the real Vera, tied up and gagged with a rag in her mouth, the same incision markings on her baby bump as she gave out muffled cries and screams, trying to wiggle free.

"Wasn't easy to bribe such a scared little oaf to do the job. But he learned to back away once it was done. Bernard is smart in that regard..." Tahi chuckled as Vera looked at her mother in shock and fear.

"Oh sweetheart...you didn't know? Tough...heroic men are great for attracting girls...not so much vice versa...let's face it dear...with the way you look and act...trying to be anything like your father...who could ever love you...just the way you are...? A little whore in a sea of jewels..." Tahi traced a claw on her daughter's stomach as the girl started crying again.

"Now now...there there...you'll be released from this soon, my dearest...this baby becomes my life force...your friends become my new ingredients...and I get to live peacefully away...and my family is avenged once again." Tahi laughed as she pulled out a knife from her inventory, the same one shown that was pierced at the photo of Vera in the farm's cavern.

Sans stood there, listening to all of this, and he started to growl angrily, glaring at Tahi. "FREE YOURSELF?"

He backed up as the table appeared, with Vera tied up on the surface. As Tahi continued to speak, it was as if the burn scar of his face started to feel aflame once more. His tail started to lash from side to side, and his sights drew to the knife as she pulled it out from her inventory. "NO! WE WILL NOT SUBMIT TO YOU, FOUL CREATURE!"

With a shrieking snarl, he grabbed the back edge of the table, and attempted to launch himself at Tahi, his clawed hands wrapped around his battle bone-hammer that he'd summoned, and his fangs bared in quite possibly the fiercest expression he'd ever had in his life.

"Tell her Sans! Kick her ass!" Alphys cheered from the cage as she kept trying to break it down, despite the burns she was suffering from.

Tahi didn't look phased as she took a burnt leaf and crushed it, having her disappear. That's how she was able to teleport around.

She would reappear in another corner of the room and summon more dark knives, flinging them straight at Sans.

"You'll have no choice. You came into my snake pit...you'll learn to die. My freedom from this curse will be lifted...and perhaps with your dust, I can renew myself. I was thinking a nice plant elemental...lush flowers for hair...easier to grow the plants I need for my spells. Or perhaps I'll use the fire in my unborn grandchild to be a fire monster...easier to make quick work of monsters who think they can defeat me." She laughed and summoned more to attack.

Vera had stopped struggling as she only seemed to cry. One knife barely managed to miss her side, causing her to let out a muffled scream in fear.

"NO!" James looked panicked at seeing his niece and future nephew-in-law in trouble. Alphys was still trying to break the bars, even if she was getting burn marks all over her scaley skin.

Sans summoned multiple bones, still snarling like a wild animal, deflecting knifes as quickly as he could. When the knife barely managed to miss her side, he flung up protective bone walls around Vera, and then crawled up the sides of the bone walled cage he'd erected, and stood on the edge of it, his hands flying as if conducting an unseen orchestra.

Bones, white and blue, were flying wildly throughout the air; all aiming for Tahi or to deflect the knives. He scrambled from the bone cage, and ran straight for Tahi, sliding quickly between her legs, and popping up behind her, grabbing her in a bear hug around the woman's waist. "YOUR CURSE WILL BE YOUR UNDOING, TAHI! I TRUSTED YOU, CARED FOR YOU LIKE MY DEAREST MARRIE! I FEEL NO PITY FOR YOU, AND WHAT YOU ATTEMPT TO DO!"

He flung her to the floor harshly, in a piledriver slam; and then summoned two blasters of his own, them charging quickly up. "TELL HIM HELLO WHEN YOU SEE HIM."

Flinging his hand forward, while panting rapidly and growling; he set the blasters off at their highest power, blue sweat dripping from his skull already. As he stood there, while the blasters where firing their laser attacks, it could be seen that he had not escaped unharmed in their battle.

His battle suit had multiple cuts in the fabric. There were slice marks on his exposed arms, and a few even on the back and sides of his skull where the dark summoned knives had grazed him with their razor sharp blades.

Tahi growled and tried sending more attacks to try and undo Sans, but everything got deflected or protected her. Once she was thrown to the floor, she let out a howl in pain. In seeing the blasters, she enacted the last of the magic leaves she had on her person and teleported once again, just barely missing her but not leaving her unscathed. Fur was singed from where he hit her, claw marks and bruises from where bones grazed her. She was still weak from her curse, but she wasn't going to let it stop her. Her tail had suffered the worst as it seemed to burn half off in her rush to dodge the blasters' full power.

She teleported right on the table with Vera, her physical knife right on her throat, ready to kill her. "If I go...I'm not going ALONE! You kill me...she and this child die along with me! The secrets all die along the three of us! I have sacrificed too much to let this go down without a damn fight!" She hissed out as she placed the knife to Vera's neck, just managing to cut a bit to bleed a small bit out of her.

Vera froze in fear as tears kept coming down, a look begging for everything to stop.

"Oh quiet you! You always wanted to follow in your father's footsteps...and you'll follow them right to how they ended...You wanted to be like him so much...? I'll give you that oppertunity...you already failed me enough...at least you tried to properly give me a key to my healing. So you were good for something." Tahi chuckled.

James suddenly remembed. He pulled the dart Sans had given him from his inventory, it still had some toxin left...a good enough throw could buy them all time...

Sans was panting, most of his energy exhausted from using his blaster's full force. He growled weakly, trying to send out another attack, but he couldn't manage it. "P-PLEASE...PLEASE NO...DON'T DO IT!"

He tried to gather what energy he had, to run forward, but he ended up tripping on a crystal that littered the room, and he landed on his side; his own HP down to 2 from the stress and force of full fledged battle. "...V-Vera...I'm sorry..."

Throughout all of it, Papyrus had passed out cold from the sickness that had overtaken him from the multiple shortcuts that day. His soul unfortunately wasn't the strongest, despite having a higher HP than his little brother. Unseen to most likely anyone, Cupcake was watching them; blended into the darkness in the corner of the room.

Alphys was already worn from trying to break the cage, her own HP hurt and down almost. But she knew one more hit would be enough to break it all...

James decided it was worth the risk. As Tahi began to laugh, thinking she had victory, James thew the dart with his might, aiming straight for her. It pierced Tahi's shoulder, causing her to knock back and cut Vera a bit more making her lose another few bits of HP but no other damage.

Tahi stumbled back before the left over toxin started to take effect, freezing her in place, "NO! NOOO! YOU LITTLE!"

"That's for my niece..." James growled as Alphys decided to break the cage with one final charge. It worked and it broke but left Alphys writhing on the floor from pain. James took that opprortunity to grab one of the fallen knives and throw it right at Tahi.

It missed...at least at first. It cut the crystal she wore on her neck, reducing her back to her weakened state.

"NOOO! NO! N-N-NOoooooo..." Tahi garbled and coughed, gasping for breath as the rest of her couldn't move.

"...This...is for my brother..." James walked up and took the knife back. In one swing...she finally dusted. It was done. He dropped the knife and fell to his knees, shaking.

Sans was still panting, and he rolled onto his back, growling pitifully. "P-Pappyyyy! Bro-Brothhheerrr!" Despite being nearly seventeen years old himself, he started to cry from the pain, much like he would when he was much younger. In his fear of getting further hurt.

Papyrus started to rouse finally, coughing tiredly as he did so. Looking around the room, he saw the pitiful state everyone was in. Getting to his feet, he first went to Vera, removing her bonds; and he picked her up in his arms, then his brother. Focusing his energy, he shortcut them to the farm; nearly dropping them both onto the floor unexpectedly.

Looking to Happy; his eyelights were gone. "m-more are comin' boo...gimme a mo-moment..."

Taking another step forward, he nearly fell to his knees, but he grasped Alphys' and James' hands, and took yet another step forward with them. He was nearly dragging them by then, but he managed to get them to the farm as well. As he started to step towards the couch to sit down; he just collapsed and face planted onto the floor, his skull striking the cushion of the couch; as he passed out yet again.

Happy cried at seeing Papyrus in such a state. They did their best to get them comfortable on the couch to sleep before helping the others.

James decided to help get Alphys and Sans some HP potions into their systems to heal and replenish some HP back before trying to treat Vera's wounds.

Happy did try texting Edge with Pap's phone, since theirs didn't have the skeleton's number. [It's Happy. They're back...they found Vera. Everyone's hurt. James is trying to help them. I think they need more...] They sent before James called them over to help settle Alphys down to get her burns treated.

Guards who were still in the area finishing finding evidence on the farm helped to get their guard leader, Vera and Sans off to the nearby hospital for better treatment. Only so much herbs and potions could do.

Edge had gotten the text message and he sighed worriedly. "Oh fuckin hell...so uh, Happy's texting with Pap's phone. They're all back, and they found Vera...and everyone is hurt to some extent. James is helpin them out..."

Wingdin started to cry, covering her face. "Oh no...my boys...they're hurt...Sansy only has ten of the hp!"

Zhara had ended up staying in Napsta's lap, she seemed tired from crying all that time.

Marrie was just finishing sleeping it off. She'd been in and out of it for a while but it looked like she was staying up this time, "S-Sansy...? S-S-Sa...saaans..."

Happy would end up texting again after a few minutes.

[They're at New Home Hospital...Sans and Pap are okay...exhausted themselves. They...haven't said about Vera yet...and Alphys is getting treated still. James too since he had burns. I don't know what to do! I'm sorry...]

Happy sniffled in the waiting area of the hospital, tears threatening to fall as they waited for any response, be it from Edge or the doctors who were treating everyone else.

Edge read the latest text from Happy and he sighed a bit more relieved. "Sans and Pap are alright, they're just exhausted it seems...but they've not said anything about Vera yet. Alphys and James both got burned somehow, and they're getting treated. They're all at New Home Hospital right now...you kids should go and be with Happy, alright?"

Chara stood up and pointed to Wingdin. [What about Mom? My brothers?]

Edge shook his head gently. "Chara, your brothers are fine. We can go visit them later today or tomorrow. We don't need to be crowding everyone with our old asses up there. Now if you want to go with the kids, go ahead."

Taking his phone, he texted Happy back. [I think the kids, I mean, your cousin, Zhara, Marrie and Chara are going to come up to the hospital. We don't want to crowd everyone up there.]

Chara nodded and came over to Napstaton, looking up at him. [I want to go with you. I want to see my brothers.]

In the hospital, Papyrus had gotten an IV bag of tritiated fluids to replenish himself after having gotten himself caught in a magic exhaustion. Sans meanwhile had been patched up, after he was put into a hospital gown. Luckily all the slices from the knives were merely superficial and nothing too deep.

Napstaton nodded and helped Zhara onto her feet, "Come on...let's go see 'em. I think they need some friendly faces, huh?" The guy was trying, even if he himself was slightly panicking in the inside.

Zhara nodded before taking one hand of his, leaning against him for slight comfort. Napstaton offered his free hand for Chara to grab as Marrie got up herself to follow the three out.

Happy would soon be given permission to see Papyrus after he was given his IV and bed for resting. Wouldn't be too long after they walked in to get to Pap's side and hug him close, "Papy...P-Papy...H-honey b-bear...? C-Can you h-hear m-me...?" They sniffled and nuzzled him gently on his cheek.

Papyrus opened his eyes, and gave them a lazy grin. "yeah, your voice sounds like an angel's babe..." His voice was strained, and quieter than normal as he spoke to them; his eyelights barely lit, even as they displayed hearts when he looked to Happy. Turning his head slightly, he gave them a soft kiss on their lips.

"i love you so much boo...my sweet soft marshmallow..." He mumbled, as his tail started to thump in happiness underneath the covers. He was in a hospital gown himself, the only real injury being his burned section of his tail; already wrapped in gauze.

As they came to the hospital, Chara bee-lined straight to the front desk. "Asters..."

The secretary looked at Chara, and wrote down their room numbers, also giving the numbers for Alphys, and James too. Getting the slip of paper in their hands, Chara led the way to get to their rooms.

Sans was across the hallway from Papyrus, and he was still passed out from the ordeal, his tail partially hanging out from the covers. Nearly his entire body was covered in what appeared to be long and thin papercuts; a few of them were deeper, and those had bandages over them, to keep him from bleeding any. Beside the bed was an IV pole, with antibiotics, and HP replenishing solution being pumped into him.

Happy sniffled and let a few tears fall before planting kisses all over Pap's face, "I love you too...I l-love you..." they only repeated with each kiss they added, happy to see him okay.

Zhara and Napstaton asked the same. Napsta decided to follow Chara to check on Sans while Zhara and Marrie stayed behind to ask about Vera.

"She's being put in a room at the moment. Nothing too serious...just a bad cut on her neck and both her and the baby were treated for shock. Mom should be okay, baby looks okay for now. But we may need to keep her a bit longer than the others." A nurse informed as they gave the two the numbers for both James and Darren for now.

James was just being treated for the burns on his hands and getting his magic replenished after using so much to heal the others. Darren was still somewhat paralyzed from the toxin earlier but was fully awake and on the way to recovery. Alphys was being treated for burns, an IV was put in her for an HP booster, antibiotics, and most of her body was covered in gauze, burn cream and more gauze. She seemed more annoyed and tired than anything else in just lying in bed.

Marrie decided to check on her family first, giving them a few moments of time before James and Darren convinced her to see Sans. They knew how much she held back. She'd be in Sans's room without anything else stopping her, immediately going to his side and hugging his free arm. "S-Sansy...? Sans...? Sans..." She called weakly before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Papyrus's tail rattled happily at the kisses, and he grinned lazily to himself, blissfully happy. "you are the best ever, happy...w-would you marry me?"

Sans was deep asleep, himself seemingly having a silent battle with himself, unseen to anyone else. He stressed and worried over what he'd done, damning the woman he saw as his mother-in-law, who he talked at length about Colonel Jae, a man he very much looked up to in his life. And to see her attacking her own daughter, and trying to carve the baby out from her body, it effected him deeply.

However...at the kiss from Marrie; his arm twitched slightly, and his eyes blinked slowly. "M-Marrie...my dearest...you're okay..."

He smiled gratefully for a moment, before large blue tears started to pool in his sockets. "I...I C-CAUSED YOUR MOTHER TO DIE...I AM...I AM SO SO SORRY MY BELOVED..." He started to sob, the tears streaming down his cheeks, as he pitifully growled in worry.

As his breath hitched in his throat, he looked to Marrie woefully; and delicately held her hand with his free one. "Can you forgive me...I wasn't strong enough...it took your Uncle to finally stop her reign of terror...I...I was too weak, my love..."

Happy's tears multiplied as they slowly nodded in response. They held his head to their soul chassis and stroked his skull, "...Yes...Y-Yes...I...If y-you want me..." They hiccuped.

Napstaton only heard the conversation in Pap's room just outside the door. He decided that he'll leave the two be for a while.

Marrie gently cupped his face with her free hand, tears threatening to fall, but didn't, "Shhhh...shh...it's okay...it's okay Sansy...Uncle told me what happened...you fought really hard. He wouldn't have been able to do it if you didn't weaken her so much...I care more that Sissy and you are okay..."

She tried wiping some of his tears away before kissing him softly, "You really are my knight in shining armor...Thank you...my sweet love..." some of her own tears fell but she didn't seem to care as she went in for one more kiss.

Papyrus let them hold his head to their soul chassis; and he began to hurgle softly at their delicate fingers stroking his skull. "...hapstablook, why wouldn't i want you? i asked you anyways...but of course i want you. i love you so much, i can't think of life without you...it's the exact reason why i asked you to be my spouse, my sweet fluffy pink diamond..."

He yawned widely, and nuzzled their soul chassis, letting out a quiet rumbling hurgle of happiness.

Sans listened to Marrie; and he smiled gratefully, before he returned the kiss to her. With a delicate touch, he reached over, wiping some of her tears away from her soft yellow-furred cheeks. "I will always be your knight in shining armor, my dearest Marrie Jae...and I will always protect you, as long as I am able!"

"I don't know what life would be without you...and...I suppose I was...being silly...I'm...working on it..." They sighed lightly, confidence was a slow builder, "I love you, honey bear..." they let out a shaky breath before quietly singing their fiancé a lullaby.

"Long as you're here, that's all I want..." Marrie sniffled, nuzzling him gently.

Zhara would end up coming into the room, "Hey...they got us back with V."

"How is she? Are her and the baby okay...?" Marrie immediately looked worried as she got up from her spit.

"Vera's gunna be staying here for a few days. She's recovering from shock and that gash she had on her neck. Baby looks okay, nothing seemed to go totally wrong except for being a little low on magic. But they're keeping an eye on the soul pulse just in case. I'm heading to see her right now." Zhara seemed slightly relieved, but it was clear where she was headed.

"I'll be there in a little...watch her for me...?" Marrie looked at the bat, who responded with a thumbs up before heading off.

Papyrus gave them a kiss on their cheek, before he'd settled back down in the bed. Despite how things had gone, he still was dreadfully sick from all the shortcutting. He hadn't wanted to tell Happy, but his soul had started to skip pulses when they'd brought him into the hospital. Hearing t hem singing so sweetly, a lullaby no less...it calmed him down, and he started to fall asleep.

Sans smiled softly at the nuzzling, laying back on the pillows soon afterwards. Hearing about Vera made him smile even more brightly. "That's wonderful that she's doing better! Marrie, you should go and see her! I'll be fine. I'm your strong Knight in shining blue armor!"

One of the nurses came in, checking on Sans. "Mr. Aster? Oh good you're awake! Alright, so, we've further reviewed the results of your tests, and although you got all the way down to 0.5 HP, your back up to 10, and we're hoping to see that climb more."

Sans chuckled softly, shaking his head. "That's wonderful to hear, my dearest isn't it?"

The nurse had a confused expression across her face. "That's wonderful?"

Sans grinned, giving Marrie's hand a sweet kiss. "I'm fully healed, my love. Go and see your sister, she needs your support. And... could you let her know, even though it was needed... I feel bad for injuring and abating in Tahi's death..."

Happy kept going for a little while longer after Pap fell asleep. Once they knew he was completely knocked out, they gently took his hearing aids off and into their case before continuing to stroke his skull, letting him rest. "Sleep well, honey bear..."

Marrie giggled and nuzzled him again, "Okay...if you're sure. I'll be back, okay? I know she'll understand." She gave him one goodbye kiss before following Zhara to Vera's room.

Napstaton was already keeping Vera company in her room. Vera was in a hospital gown and hooked up to an IV and liquid magic transfusion to help her and the baby. Two sets of pulses could be heard from the monitor on her other side, one for her and the other for the baby.

Both seemed normal for now. Vera herself had a bandage that wrapped around her neck along with a few others that took care of any cuts or bruises that littered her body. Her eyes were red and sunken from all the crying she'd done, her fur a bit of a mess, but she looked okay.

Zhara immediately came over and hugged her bestie, who slowly managed a weak hug back. "How are you feeling, V? You and the tiny tyke okay...?"

Vera managed a nod, her voice hoarse, "Y-Yeah...they're okay...I f-feel like c-crap though...Mars...?

Marrie headed over to take her less bandaged hang, "I'm here sissy. I'm okay. I saw Sans...he said he's feel bad for hurting mom..."

"...S-She was a bitch...n-never liked h-her much a-anyway..." Vera weakly hissed out, a lot of Tahi's words were still floating in her head. She'd cry but, she ran out of tears a while ago. Marrie had an idea of what she meant but it didn't stop her from hugging her sister, "...She's gone...and you're okay...that's all that matters...right...?"

"...Depends what you mean by okay...but...y-yeah..." Vera just lied back and tried to relax.

"Hey, least it can only go up from here, right?" Napstaton tried to lighten the conversation a bit, "Like...uh...you got a whole place to yourself! I'm dropping a new album later! And ya got a lot time for stuff!"

"He's trying." Zhara gave her friend an apologetic look. Vera managed a tiny smile but slowly relaxed back to rest.

While all the fighting, and life-threatening things were happening with the Jae and Aster families; Aquaria Noelani had been having a much more quiet day. She'd been arrested for disturbing the peace in downtown New Home while intoxicated, and had just gotten out after paying her bail, since she'd sobered up.

She'd tried to call around, to figure out what was going on with Vera, and she was surprised to find out that her friend was in the hospital. The first thing she thought of was heading to the gift shop, and she got a box of V's favorite chocolates, a bottle of sparkling rose grape juice, a patterned headband, that could double as an eyemask, along with a soft lounging robe, and a cheesy comedy movie; along with her portable movie player.

Coming up to the hospital, she figured out where Vera's room was, and she tentatively knocked on the door. The pink-eyed water elemental shifted on her feet nervously, hoping that Vera and her kid was okay still. "Yo...V...you up for a visitor hun? It's uh...Aquaria Noelani..."

Zhara and Napsta were still in the room with her. Marrie had gone off to find something for Vera to eat along with checking on her brother and uncle.

Vera herself was barely awake, she really did look exhausted but was too scared to sleep at the moment, not that she'd admit it. "H-Hey Aq...come in..." She wheezed out as Zhara was braiding her friend's hair to keep her calm. Seemed to work enough.

"Party's all in here, dude. Come on in." Napstaton waved at Aquaria.

Aqua nodded to Napstaton, and she let out a stuttered breath, seeing Vera in the state she was in. "Hey...figured you could use some shit to help ya out mebbe..."

She gestured to the items in her hands. Pulling over the table, she set down the box of chocolates and grape juice first. Then she set up the portable movie player, and smiled happily to Vera. "Hey...I'm...I'm sorry...I shoulda been at tha farm earlier today, but I got a bit too uh...slap-happy on my own product, and got thrown in the pokey for most of the damn day..."

Coming closer to the bed, Aqua gazed to Vera, a blush crossing her cheeks. "I...s-shit...I ain't good at this crap...but knowing what you went through today, I can't keep it in no more...I love you, and your kid."

"I've known ya for only like a few months, but I really like you..." She sighed, having started to run her hands through her watery dark blue and teal dreaded hair.

Vera just looked up at her, the words of her mother rang in her ears again

"You're a whore in a sea of jewels...you really think anyone could love you...?"

They made her shudder, "...Y-you don't mean that..." she curled curled up slightly onto her bed, "...no one means that..."

"V...V come on..." Zhara didn't like where this was going. She knew this wasn't her bestie normally, "V that's not true...we like you."

Vera kept silent, part due in that she didn't want to argue and part because she was too weak to even try.

Aquaria sighed, and she set up the portable player, and got one of the cups from the table beside the hospital bed; and the uncorked the grape juice, pouring a half glass for Vera, then she opened up the box of chocolates. "Well, I mean it. Even if ya wanna friendzone me, I'll always be here fer ya, and yer kid."

"Whenever you'd be playing your guitar, I'd always be listenin' in...sorry fer being a creep." She blushed deeply, her dripping mouth curving into a cheeky grin. "I also watched ya bathing a few times too in the main creek...so there, everythin' is out in the open now. And...I still love ya, Vera."

Vera didn't say much else, looking exhausted and unable to do much anymore. Zhara just helped tuck her friend in with the sheet and let her rest, "She's had a...really long day...I don't think she's up for much right now..." Zhara looked over to Aquaria, "...Long story..."

Marrie soon returned with a small tray of food, only to see Aquaria there and her sister passed out once again. "Oh...Hi Aquaria. What's...going on...?"

Aquaria nodded softly, and picked up the glass of grape juice, drinking it easily. "Eh, it's fine. I gotta go home anyhow, and I know my Ma's all in a tizzy 'bout the guard pickin' me up this morning too...so don't worry 'bout telling me Zhara. I'll find out soon enough from someone, yeah?"

The water elemental tucked her hands into the pockets of her soft, flowy pants, and then headed out from the room, tears almost unseen in her solid pink eyes.

"Sorry..." Zhara whispered as she watched the water elemental go. Vera was whimpering in her sleep, Fear on her face until Zhara tried calming her down with moving her hair around.

"You've been through hell and back, V...it's okay...it'll be okay...you'll be fine..." She sighed, Vera slowly calming down but still bothered.

Marrie left the food by the empty table besides the bed and headed off to see Sans again. Napstaton and Zhara would head off to find Chara while Vera slept. Rest would do her good.

Aquaria sighed as she'd left the room, and pulled out a wide headband, tugging her dreads backwards. Then she went and left the hospital, heading back home. She had a feeling this was way deeper than it could have been what she thought, and she didn't know how to help her. She had left everything she'd brought for Vera behind however.

Sans was seated up in bed, wearing an eyepatch the nurse had given him over his better eyelight, for strength training; as he worked on a jumble word puzzle. He had started to feel very hot, and he'd removed his hospital gown. Sitting in just his boxers, his muscular ectogel could be easily seen; as the blanket pooled around his waist. Occasionally his blue tongue would poke out, as he let out little growls of curiosity, while he worked on the puzzles.

Chara meanwhile, had taken a chair from one of the rooms, and they had positioned themselves directly in the middle of the hallway. So they could see both of their brothers at the same time, as they were in different rooms, one across from the other.

Happy currently was still with Papyrus, stroking Pap's skull lightly and humming a quiet tune, even if the sleeping skelegator couldn't hear them.

Zhara and Napstaton would soon find the human kid and headed over, "Hey little dude. You chilling?" Napstaton smiled at them as he looked at the two rooms.

Marrie had gone back over to Sans, only to blush at what she found, "...Um...S-Sansy...w-what are you...d-d-doing...?" She wanted to look away but couldn't help but stare at her boyfriend's figure. She'd never really seen him without his shirt off..or at least like this. So it was a bit of a surprise.

Papyrus was deep in a well needed sleep, snoring softly as Happy continued to still hum to him in his slumber. In the corner of the room, a lone figure sat, watching them. Shrouded in the shadows, was Cupcake, watching his eldest son and their fiance.

"I͏ ͢a҉m p̕roud ͞of y̵ou͢ H̨apst̀a̛b̀l̵oo̶k͝. ͡Y̧o̶u͝ ͘g͏i̢ve͞ my͢ s͡o̴n a̡ ͠rea̸son̨ ͠to͏ l͝iv͘e̷."
͟ "̴T͝e̕ll͘ ͟h̷im͡ ̕to҉ ͠neveŕ ͢gi̡v̧e͠ ͟up. ̸Únlik͢e my͜s̛e͡lf.͏.͡."̶

Sans looked up from the puzzle, and he grinned softly. Holding up the book of jumble word puzzles, he snickered a bit. "I'M JUST DOING SOME WORD PUZZLES MY DEAREST. I WAS GETTING A BIT ANTSY, SO THE NURSE GAVE ME THIS BOOK; SHE SAID IT WOULD BE BEST IF I WORE AN EYEPATCH TO STRENGTHEN MY WEAKER EYE TOO."

Looking to himself, he blushed slightly. "OH...I-I'm in my underwear...that is because the nurse turned on the heated bed, but...they also turned off the air conditioning, and I'm getting overheated...I can't go into heat-induced hibernation...not now! You need me my love!"

Happy heard the voice and looked around, soon finding the shadowed figure and froze in fear. They weren't sure how to react or what to do other that sit and hope whatever this was wasn't going to hurt him.

"Y-y-your...s-s-son...?" They gulped out, still not liking where this was going.

Marrie couldn't help but giggle a bit and kissed his cheek, "It's okay. You did a lot. I wouldn't mind if you had a nap. I think you and my family all deserve one. Maybe I can give you a little massage too if you need it..."

Her tail gently wrapped around one of his hands, "You do deserve a little reward after everything..."

Cupcake tilted his head slightly, the black liquid slightly sloshing within his teacup head. An echoing bit of laughter came from him, and he gently lifted one of his gloved, dripping hands to wave at Happy.

"Y͡es..̸.͟m͝y ͝so̵n. I̸ w͞as͞...҉a҉m̀.̵.҉.Dr͠. ҉B̸rȩwe͘r..̷.̧"

̷"Y͢ou do͝ ́n͟ot̷ remem҉ber͜ ̶m͡e̡ th̴o̕u͜gh.̨.."

̕"̸..̨.̛kee͞p ̢w̧a̕tch͢ ́ǫv͏èr my şon.̨..̶yǫu͞ àŗe̴ a ͟w̕on̨der͟fu͠l ͏per̨s͜o͢n̛,̢ ͘H̡ap̴st͏abl͠oòk͝."͡ ̴ ̕"̶Fo͝l̶l̨o͟w͟ ́y҉ou̧r soul,̷ a҉n͡d ̴y͜ou̴ w̨ill̕ gai͜n̵ t͟he͏ ͞ador͞at̕io҉n̵ y̛ǫu ̀so ͏r҉ich̢ly̸ d͏es̶er̕v̧e͘.͏.͜."͞

While Cupcake spoke, taking his time to make sure Happy heard him; Papyrus was starting to softly snore and growl sleepily while he stayed still in the bed, leaning against his fiance as they cuddled him on the bed.

Sans blushed softly; as he felt her tail wrapping around one of his hands. It could be seen his soul was starting to pulse a bit faster in his chest, nestled behind his ribcage. "A little...massage my dearest?"

Happy blinked, unsure of what that this was about. Pap had said something about his bio father...was...this the same person? They didn't seem to think so. It was...hard. For now, they just nodded and kept with Papyrus, letting him rest against them.

"Mhmm..." Marrie giggled and brought her hands over to his shoulders, "Just a little one...you really did work hard. Least I can do..." She purred and got to work on doing his shoulders before trailing down and trying his tail again. Similar to what she did in the libarby all those times ago.

Cupcake watched them for a bit longer, then the next time that Happy had looked to him, he had vanished; as if nothing was there at all. Papyrus sleepily nuzzled his cheek against Happy's soul chassis, letting out a weak hurgling growl of happiness.

Sans felt her furred hands going to his shoulders and he let out a happy noise, smilling sweetly. "Oooh...there is...l-little need, I just do what...I can to help my loved ones..."

As Marrie trailed down from his shoulders, then to his back; he could have sworn that her fingers were enchanted with how well she worked out the knots and stiffness in his ectogel. Then...oh then she went down to his tail. Now when he was in the mode for fighting, or just during most any other time, his tail was actually usually not very sensitive, and sometimes was even numb.

But when his beloved Marrie would touch him, it was as if each touch lit him afire in the best of ways. His uncovered eye displayed a heart-shaped eyelight; as he sighed gleefully; his tail almost rattling in her hands.

Happy seemed surprised after the shadow left. They pet Papy lightly and seemed worried. They'll ask when Pap woke up...for now, Papy had enough stress on his hands, to his thought.

Marrie kept working his tail just fine, giggling at hearing Sans make his noises. Going back and forth between doing his back and his tail to work things out.

"Thank you Sansy..." She whispered lightly as she kept working out every knot and stiff part she came across.

"You want to head home, Chara? I think everyone's just asleep at this point." Zhara asked the human, seeming tired herself.

Papyrus yawned again, and snored with a soft hurgling rumble.

Sans soon felt like he was going to melt into a skelegator puddle at her massaging. His grin was wide, and once she got to his stomach; his sockets started to flutter closed. Rubbing his stomach was like an off-switch for him, as it was for his brother. A blue blush faintly streaked across his cheeks, as he yawned gently; while his eyes were closing more and more.

Chara glanced between the doorways, and they stood up. [Yes. Mom is probably worried by now. I guess that my brothers are okay then...] Their hands slowed for a moment, as they looked back to Papryus' room, then Sans' room, and finally over to the area where Vera, James and Darren were located.

[Does Nap get money for his shows? Maybe he could donate it to help needy monsters. I know that would get more fans. Just something I have been thinking about, along with other things.]

"I got money for these things, yeah. I try and throw extra cash at my employees and stuff. But I think I can spare some more for others. You got people in mind?" Napstaton gently patted Chara's head.

"Wouldn't hurt, Napst. I think that's a very good idea, Chara." Zhara agreed as she and Napsta started to head out.

Marrie had already made her decision to stay with Sans, getting him relaxed and comfortable for him to sleep. Not like she could go anywhere else. All her family was in the hospital and she didn't feel like going home by herself. So there she stayed, watching her boyfriend fall asleep.

Chara thought for a moment, and looked back towards the rooms where most of the Jae family was currently. [Yes. Potentially raising money for the Jae family. Not to be rude but...they are poor. And these medical bills might be too much for them.]

Running their hands through their brown hair, they sighed a bit raspily. [My brothers are alright however, Sans is covered by the Royal Guard, Papyrus is covered because he's the Royal Judge. So, they might need some help. Or something.] Shrugging their shoulders, they started to go down the steps two at a time.

Reaching into their inventory, they pulled out a cinnamon bun from their Mom; eating it as they walked along with Napstaton and Zhara. Taking the puzzles through Hotland near the core like it was nothing, they giggled at the air vent system, like they always did.

Sans fell asleep in the bed, and it could be seen that he was sleeping peacefully this time; being so close to his love.

As time passed, the families started to get back to some semblence of normal. Aquaria worked every day alongside of Vera, and hadn't tried to really bring up that day at the hospital. Two months had passed slowly, and at the moment, she was watering some of the plants; manuvering easily among them.

After she finished that job, she gathered up the plants ready for processing, and came into the living room. "Ey Vera, I got the Dragon Ice subtype ready to go nearly. I'll go grind and portion it, yeh? How ya feelin' today, hun?"

She had a cigarette in her waterproof holder in her mouth, taking a few puffs from it. "An' uh, testin' the Wicked Sugar Cookies...this is about twice as strong as we thought it would be...I'm uh...flyin kinda high right now hun..."

Papyrus and Happy were enjoying one of Pap's days off, as they lounged in the main house of the farm with James and Darren. The lanky skelegator had a light level of a weed cigarette stuck between his fanged teeth; occasionally taking a few puffs from it. "...just so you know happy, i put my phone on vibrate, so i can still hear you, but not my phone~ nothing's gonna bother us today, my sweet diamond."

Within these few months, Napstaton had happily taken care of the family's medical bills for their stay at the hospital. Zhara and him were now working togehter to work on getting a chairty pool going. Vera's stomach of course was bigger and about ready to pop.

She reclined on her chair and sighed, "I'll work on it later. Just...ugh...this kid has been distracting me..." She tried to relax as she rubbed her stomach to calm the baby messing about, "Might as well stop smoking it if it's too much. I'll put it on the backburner for now..."

Happy was currently cuddled against Pap, playing with one of his hoodie strings, "Sounds perfect, honey bear..."

"Still question why you decided here of all places?" James chuckled, not bothered by the two's presence as he cut up some veggies.

"Papy didn't want me focusing too much on farm work since it's been stressing me as of late...Napstaton, though I love my cousin, is a bit too much at the moment to be around without Zhara so we can't stay around. And Papy's house is a bit too crowded, sad to say...I'm sorry...are we bothering you at all?" Happy tried to explain but immediately felt bad.

"No no. Please. I never mind company. You two just enjoy yourselves, I'm actually going to be upstairs in a moment to make new potions." James assured, "Darren is currently out in New Home today, so it's just me for now unless Aquaria and Veronica decide to visit."

Aqua grinned softly, and tapped her cigarette out in the ashtray on the coffee table in the living room. "Hey, yeh I know, Vera...got that taken care of it at least." After setting her holder down, her pink eyes looked to the nearly overstuffed mother-to-be.

"Vera, really? Yer waddling so much, ya look like you're trying to twerk when ya walk, babe. I'm gonna process the Dragon Ice; you rest, alright?" She came over, giving Vera a sweet smile; as she delicately rubbed Vera's belly. "You need to rest, you're about to pop."

Papyrus took another puff from the cigarette and sighed, closing his eyes mostly. After exhaling, he pressed a slightly smoky kiss to Happy's head. "nyeheheh, sorry hap, got a puff of smoke in your hair, boo..."

His tail gently curled around their hips, and he then floated the by-then finished cigarette into the ashtray; stubbing it out. Letting out the last exhale, a wide lazy grin curled across his fanged mouth; and he hurgled happily, feeling Happy's body cuddling against his slender ectogel chest.

"Yeah...tell them that. They kept kicking me all last night..." Vera let out a yawn, only to wince, "Scratch that...they're still kicking me..." Vera still had a hard time actually believing Aqua loved her as she said. But she did appreciate the water elemental's company, it made her feel less alone. "But...yeah...okay...I'll just be here..." She tried positioning herself on the couch to try and sleep.

Happy giggled, not seeming to mind. They themselves didn't like to smoke, but this they could tolerate it, especially if it involved kisses. Happy did gently scritch the bottom of Papyrus's chin, "You're too much, Papy..." they giggled a bit and kissed him lightly.

Aqua smiled gently, and she knelt down beside Vera; and started to gently rub her large belly comfortingly. "An' I'll be right here, babe. That helpin' any? You can rest, and I'll jus' keep on rubbing you, till they go to sleep too..."

Papyrus' grin melted happily as they scritched under his chin. "hurrrggghhh...that feels sooo good happy..." He gently kissed them back, and lovingly nuzzled them cutely.

He felt the medicinal cigarette finally kick in fully, and his whole body relaxed a bit more. "ooooh, there we go...that is exactly what i needed mr. james...thank you, sir. my upper arms and tail have been giving me some issues lately...happy thinks i'm too tense sometimes..."

While everyone was enjoying time with their loved ones, so was Marrie and Sans. At the time, Sans was outside doing practice with his bone battle-hammer, in just a pair of shorts and his boots. Ever since the issues with Tahi, he had been pushing himself to his absolute limits to make sure he was strong enough to protect his beloved dearest.

Edge was in the backyard with Sans, setting up targets for the young man to smash down. "Okay, so watch your right side, Sans. That's yer weak side! And GO GO GO!"

Soon the sound of smashing rocks was heard, along with strong and fierce growling with each strike and swing from the young skelegator.

"I'll be fine...thanks..." Vera yawned and tried sleeping. Wouldn't take long before she ended up falling asleep, she was really tired.

Happy giggled again and kept going, seeming to like how Pap reacted. Their self esteem had been growing nicely since their impromptu engagement.

"Of course. Glad it's working well. Just be sure you do the exercises I had Darren show you to get a fuller effect. Hopefully you won't need this afterwards" James chuckled before heading upstairs.

Marrie was currently inside with Wingdin and Chara, learning how to make cinnabuns as Napstaton's show was on, usual news broadcast to explain the happenings in the Underground.

Aqua smiled, and gave Vera's belly a gentle and sweet kiss. She continued to rub softly, and watched Vera as she slept.

Pap's sockets closed fully, and his mouth started to hang open; his fangs in full view as they continued to scritch at his chin. His tail was starting to twitch and wag in his blissful state.

Sans was smashing the targets down left and right with ease, having gotten much stronger than just a couple months ago. As he hit the last target, he growled gleefully. Still carrying his battle hammer over his shoulder, he came inside the house; looking to Marrie. "DO I SMELL CINNAMON?"

Wingdin giggled softly, as she was showing Marrie how to do the twist, roll and tuck like she did for her cinnamon buns. Being blind like she was, Chara held their arms above the cutting board while they stood in front of Wingdin. Which allowed her to feel the 'boundaries' of the cutting board, while she did the twist, roll and tuck motions. "Ah, yes, my little addled blueberry, we are making cinnamon buns today!"

Chara looked over at Sans, and raspily laughed. [Going for Mr. Skelegator of the Universe, huh, bro?] They then playfully flexed their arms towards Sans after signing.

Sans had a brilliant grin across his face, as he hefted his battle hammer upwards, and did a strong flexing position. One would have thought that a skeleton couldn't have a six pack abs and be 'muscular' but somehow Sans was managing it.

Vera just continued to sleep, she needed her rest since she was ready to have the baby at any time. The bump itself didn't seem to move anymore, following in their mom's footsteps.

Happy giggled and suddenly got an idea. They've seen Marrie do this with Sans...and they were curious if their skelegator was the same. "Papy...? Can I try something..please?" They asked shyly, pink blush on their face.

Marrie watched Wingdin carefully and tried doing it herself. She was still going to need practice but it wasn't terrible, "She makes this look so easy!" The cat monster laughed only to stop when Sans flexed. She couldn't help but blush at the sight, her tail twitching in slight excitement. "He's already the skelegator of my universe." She muttered with a lovestruck look.

Aqua pressed another soft kiss to the surface of Vera's stomach, then she quietly went and worked on processing the Dragon Ice strain in the kitchen while Vera rested.

Papyrus gently opened his eyes halfway, gazing down at Happy lovingly. "oh, you want to try something? be my guest, boo-bear..."

Sans saw her noticing him, and he grinned a bit brighter, making sure to look at her, as he flexed again. "I SEE YOU NOTICING ME MY BELOVED DEAREST...LIKE WHAT YOU SEE, MWEHEHEHE!"

Vera just continued to sleep. She did let out a small grumble of discomfort before settling back down.

Happy nodded and decided to be brave about it, slowly reaching over and took Pap's tail. Took them a minute to remember what actually happened but soon they just ended up playing and prodding around with his tail, not exactly the same as how Marrie did with Sans, but they thought it was close enough. It was fun to play with.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't, hero." She gigled out, "I knew about the hammer, Sansy. I didn't realize you also wielded guns on top of that." She actually did watch him for a bit before trying to do a twirl and tuck like Wingdin. "Just don't overwork yourself, Sans. If you need a massage from me later, all you have to do is ask~"

Aqua pulled back her dreads neatly, before she started working on grinding, measuring and portioning out the weed from their latest batch. "A'right so...Johnson's want a butter extraction, the Yitz clan wanted an...avocado oil infusion? A'right we're gonna hafta charge 'em extra unfortunately...then we've got...hmm...20 pre-rolls, 15 cigarettes, 4 wax cartridges, and...a double order of V's Brownies...hehe. Alright then. Gotta get goin with the processing then..."

Pap's eyes followed their hands, and once they had their hands on his sensitive tail; he shuddered softly. "h-happy...oooh...y-yanno that's kinda...sensitive...nyeeeehhh..."

The smile that crossed his face, was somewhere between lewd and absolutely thrilled that his fiance was touching him in such a manner.

Sans let out a bright laugh, and held his hands on his hips triumphantly. "WELL WELCOME TO THE GUN SHOW, MY DARLING DEAREST!" He flexed his arms a bit more, and chuckled as he came over to Marrie, and gave her a passionate kiss. "And if I need a massage I will certainly let you know..."

Happy nodded and kept trying their best to keep playing around with his tail, "...T-That's...why I...wanted to try...um...does...it feel good...?" They shrunk back a bit as they put a little pressure on one spot as an attempt to get into massaging his tail.

Marrie couldn't help but blush and laugh, kissing him back when he did so. "I'll be waiting. Until then, I'm back to trying making these cinnabuns as sweet as you, dearest knight."

Be only about 10 minutes into her nap where Vera started to get uncomfortable again. She tried switching positions and it seemed to work for a little until it just didn't anymore. She decided to open her eyes and get up, "Come on kid...please...mama's tired..." She begged silently before feeling another stronger pang of pain, causing her to groan and clutch her bump. "Oh no...oh come on...s-seriously...?" Before she could voice any other complain, she let out another pained groan and sat back on the couch.

Papyrus was nearly ready to let his own soul come out to mingle with their's, and he lightly traced his clawed finger over their chassis. "...it feels heavenly, hapstablook..." He nearly purred as he leaned his face closer to their's so he could whisper to them.

"...wanna find a secret place just for us?" Pap murmured, in a rather husky, and nasal voice, his orange eyelights looking to them lovingly.

Sans blushed happily, and he went over and nuzzled Marrie sweetly, watching her for a moment as she continued to make cinnamon buns. "You're doing so well, dear!"

Aquaria had set up the slow cookers for the weed butter and oil leeching; then she'd started to grind the rest of them for the cigarettes and pre-rolls. After she'd finished her fifth pre-roll, she heard Vera speaking to the baby; and she got up carefully. "Hey Vera...ya a'right there Catnip?"

She came out from the kitchen more, to see Vera groaning and clutching her bump. "Oooh shitballs...c'mon Vera, we got this together, babe...can I uh...check ya maybe? I've been reading on how you um...give birth. Keeping ya calm and settled, administering pain medicine if applicable, assisting in live births if needed..."

"I ain't leaving ya, Vera...I'm here for you, Catnip..." She murmured, holding onto Vera's hand lovingly, her body cool to the touch, and seemingly moist, yet she left no water trail.

Happy blushed heavily at the feeling, but their face turned completely pink at the question. "...Oh w-well...I...oh m-my...I..." They let out a shy mumble as they hid their face in their hands. It took them a moment before they gave a small nod.

Vera tried catching her breath as another wave of pain passed, "Y-Yeah...I...I think this is...but...see...if it is...call my uncle. H-He knows what to do..."

She let out another pained growl and leaned back on the chair, "Actually...f-fuck the checking! C-Call him now! I think this is it! This is NOT fucking kicking like last night!"

Papyrus gently scooped up Happy into his arms, and gave them a sweet kiss; before he simply walked back with them into what became the guest bedroom after Tahi had been disposed off. He gently set them onto the bed, and passionately kissed them, before he crawled into the bed beside them. After smothering his sweet as sugar fiance in kisses, his soul had started to slightly coax out from his chest seemingly unbidden; as the crackled soul came out between them. "this is yours, hapstablook..."

Aqua nodded stiffly, her dreads bouncing slightly. "Oh, shit...uh, uh...ya need ta get down in the floor, and I can help ya with that..." She already had her phone out, calling James. "I'm callin' em right now, Vera. Just try to take deep and soft breaths. Focus on my pink eyes, yeah?"

Happy did their best to keep the pace with the kisses before resting a bit. Once they saw the soul, they turned completely pink once again, slowly reaching out but afraid to really touch it over the cracks. "I'm...not sure...this...seems a bit wrong..with...well...h-him here...and..." Happy started off until they heard frantic footsteps go from downstairs to the livingroom.

"Happstablook! Papyrus! watch the house for me! Something urgent came up! Feel free to help yourselves!" James yelled out before slamming the door behind him as he ran off. Seemed like James got Aqua's call.

"...well...n-nevermind..." Happy looked back to Pap...and...gently closed the door to the bedroom with their own magic.

Back with Marrie, she was just washing her hands after putting her cinnabuns in the oven. Her phone sounded off with a text message and she headed over to check.

"Oh. Uncle! He usually never te-...OH MY GOSH!" Marrie shrieked, looking excited, "Sansy! My sister's having the baby!"

Vera refused to get on the floor, instead helping herself to getting to her bedroom while pain was subsiding. Soon as she reached the bed, she let out another pained groan, "I regret saying I wanted this over! Stars this huuuurts!"She tried her best to keep soft breaths for everything.

James would be banging on the front door in no time, "Vera! Veronica I'm here! Can you open the door?!"

Papyrus chuckled softly, and hurgled happily, as he nuzzled them. "...it's perfect babe~"

Sans grinned widely, and gazed towards the farm. "ONWARD TO SEE MY SOON-TO-BE BORN NIBLING, MY BELOVED DEAREST!" Grabbing his bone hammer, he then sent it away; and grabbed up Marrie into his arms, and started to run towards Waterfall, to go see and assist Vera the best they could.

Aqua, upon seeing that Vera was refusing obviously to get onto the floor. It was just her first thought because she didn't want to risk exhausting the woman she loved any further. "Awww...aww shit...yeah, I know babe...just keep taking measured breaths alright?"

The water elemental started to massage Vera's shoulders and upper back, trailing to her lower back; where she focused most of her somewhat healing and empathic touch. "I'll neva leave your side, Vera...I'm here for you always..."

She heard them banging on the front door and she sighed. "...well, when I get back from letting them in before they break the door down...I'll be here for you always, Catnip."

Going to let him in, she sighed a bit. "She's peaking around 8 minutes between contractions and she hasn't let me check her down below, so I dunno how far she's dilated..."

Marrie giggled and let herself be carried away, excited to see her little nibling soon, "Oh! I wonder what they'll be! A boy? A girl? Oh I don't care! I just want to hold them!"

Vera didn't seem to really get it but her focus was on managing her pain. She did find a small sense of comfort in Aqua's words before another contraction came.

Once James was let in and told the information about Vera, he was about to ask where she was currently until he heard the pained groan. "That would answer my question. Aquaria, I need you to get a bowl of warm water and some towels. Just bring them into the room, I've done this three times before." He headed off to his niece's bedroom to take a look at her. Didn't have much time to waste.

Aqua nodded and went to go get the required things. She thought about what the child may be like, and she got two bowls. One of warm water, from herself, as the water heater decided to be testy just then; and a bowl of naturally warm firewater she'd gotten, just in case. Hurrying along with some warmed and sterile towels, she came back into the room. "Got ya the stuff, Mr. James!"

After setting the items down, she instantly went to Vera's side, and gave her support that she desperately needed. "Oh hey, Mr. James...I brought warm water, and warm firewater...just in case yanno? The uh...the water heater ain't working right again, so it's my own water..."

Sans was just gleeful as he ran through Waterfall, and he got an idea. "HOLD ON MARRIE! I'M GOING TO DIVE DOWN, TAKE A DEEP BREATH MY LOVE! WE'LL CROSS THE GAP OURSELVES!"

"That's just fine. Long as it's warm and I can get to them when I'm ready." James assured as he helped Vera out to check on her down under. "Just keep breathing, in and out. You're doing just fine. I need you to take a deep breath and push when I say."

Vera kept trying, even taking Aqua's hand and holding it tight, "I've been fucking breathing! What else would I be doing?! I'm just ready for this kid to come OUUUT!" She let out a strained groan before doing as her uncle said, taking a deep breath.

Marrie held onto Sans's neck, her face buried into his shoulder with a wide grin. One deep breath as she waited to drop into the water with her love.

Aqua let Vera hold her hand and squeeze as much as she needed. "They'll come out, babe...they're gonna come out...Rome wasn't built in a day yanno..." Without thinking she pressed a soft kiss to Vera's temple, giving her a loving drippy smile. "You're doin' great, Vera..."

Sans took a deep breath as well, and with ease and precision; he dove into the water. Propelling himself, even with his love on his back was an easy feat for himself; as they rapidly went through the narrow waterways. Within a few moments, they had launched over the last of the thin strips of land, and Sans was easily barreling through the water once more.

He came up for air, and he heard Marrie taking another deep breath as well; as she clung to his neck easily. Then he lashed his tail forward, and dove down, taking a shortcut underwater cavern. This was the hardest part of his deep water dives. They were underwater almost for too long, but before their nonexistent lungs felt like they were going to burst from pressure; they breeched the surface once more, and were directly at the side of the farm.

His own version of a swam shortcut changed the normal route of a nearly 50 minute walk through Waterfall, down to just 10 minutes as he swam through the channels and waterways. Pulling himself out from the water, he gingerly set Marrie on the ground and then shook himself mostly dry. "LET'S GET INSIDE MARRIE! I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE MY NIBLING!"

Vera was going to ask about the sudden kiss when she was hit with a hard wave of pain along with something else.

"And that's our cue. Water just broke. Take a deep breath, Vera and give me a good push!"

Marrie laughed at seeing Sans shake himself before trying to get herself semi dry. Her laughter would stop when she heard her sister scream out in pain, "Sounds like she's still working on it! Come on!" Marrie immediately ran over to her sister's home, least the door was still unlocked from earlier.

Aqua continued to hold onto Vera's hand, watching her carefully, to see if she needed anything. After a few moments, she gently wiped her own hand over Vera's forehead; giving her a cool, and moist 'washcloth' of sorts; to keep her cooled off. "Oh...oh the baby..."

Sans hurried alongside of Marrie, grinning from 'ear' to 'ear' as he came closer to the little cottage where Vera lived.

Aquaria had moved in a month and a half ago, what she never told anyone except James; was that she wasn't choosing to be a roommate, but rather had been kicked out by her parents; for her drug use and her beliefs.

Vera just kept a tight grip on Aqua's hand, trying to breathe before she did another push.

"Baby's doing fine. You're doing just fine! Just keep breathing, the baby's coming." James assured and watched for any signs of problems. So for he was relieved to see none. He wouldn't lie, he was grateful for Aqua for choosing to live with his niece.

Vera let out another pained groan before taking another breath and push. The sound of pained groans seemed to have made Marrie jump, not expecting it as she came into the cottage "Sissy? Are you okay? Where are you?"

"I would suggest staying in the livingroom, cub! Baby's not here just ye..." James was explaining before Vera let out another scream, "THEY'RE COMING OUT! I'M FUCKING WORKING ON IT! THEY'RE FUCKING COMING OKAY! DON'T FUCKING RUSH MEEEEE!"

"Oh...boy..." Marrie felt bad for coming in until her uncle spoke again, "Just...be on standby you two! And forgive your sister, she's under a lot of pain from all this. Alright, come on! Push! That's right! Aquaria, hold her up slightly!"

Marrie decided to take a seat on a nearby stool while her sister was groaning and crying out in pain in her work.

Aquaria was right ready for anything to help, and she gently looped her watery arms around Vera; holding her up carefully. She gently tucked her head against Vera's head, unable to contain herself, as her hand lightly pushed back Vera's hair lovingly. "Push, Catnip, push, yer doin' great babe..." She murmured sweetly to Vera's ear.

Watching as best she could, she smiled brightly. Aqua wondered for a moment, if the child would look anything like her, as she'd contributed magic to ease the stress on Vera during the last nearly 3 months of her pregnancy, and more regularly, nearly every day since she'd moved in 1.5 months previously. "H-How are they, Mr. James? Is the baby a'right?"

James was clearly focused on his task, "Just one more. one more. Give what you got!" He urged as he grabbed a towel, "Come on! One more push! One more!"

Vera took a few breathes before he got a final one out, the encouragement seemed to help a lot since she felt like giving up a few times already. Wouldn't be long until the sounds of crying could be heard.

"And there we go! Well done, girl! Well done! It's a little girl!" James had a bright smile as he helped clean the baby up and wrap the little one in a new warm towel.

Vera was panting away, mentally glad it was all over. James gently placed the little bundle in Vera's arms, making sure the baby had support.

Little baby was still cat-like. Sky blue fur just like her mom, turquoise nose, inner ears and little paw pads, most likely came from Aquaria's magic. The only things that seemed to be left over from Bernard was a sunset orange tuft of hair with one little blue streak, and lion-ish shaped ears on her head. She didn't seem to stop crying, only lessened in volume when placed in the new mom's hands.

"Shh...it's okay...h-hey there...Stars...you know...you were s-such a p-pain in the ass these last few months...but...holy shit...you...you look worth it, baby girl...hi sweetie..." Vera whimpered as she tried rocking the bundle, silently telling herself she'd never be like her own mother.

Aquaria's mouth was trembling, as she covered her mouth for a moment. "V-Vera...she's so beautiful...if...if you're tired, I don't mind helping you rock her..." She gently suggested, as she still helped support Vera somewhat upright against her chest.

Sans smiled softly, hearing the baby's cries. "Ohhh, Marrie! They certainly have a strong cry!"

Vera just shook her head, only wanting to keep holding her baby close, "Just...little longer...p-please..." She couldn't help but let a few tears fall as she rocked her baby. Little one was slowly calming down until they settled for a soft bit of sleep.

James finished cleaning up and looked to his niece, "Want Marrie and Sans in? I think they're as excited to see the little one."

"Y-yeah...s-sure..." Vera's voice became hoarse, unsurprisingly with all the yelling she did prior.

James headed down and let Marrie and Sans in to see the baby, "We have a little girl. You're free to see her." Marrie wasted no time to rush in.

Aquaria nodded softly, and gently rubbed Vera's shoulder while she held the little girl. "Take as long as you want, babe...I just wouldn't want you to hurt yourself is all..."

Sans came inside the room, right on Marrie's heels; and he giggled brightly, covering his mouth when he saw the baby. "Wowzers! They're absolutely beautiful, Sissy Vera! And they look so much like you and Aquaria!"

Aqua blushed slightly, as a pink blush crossed her seafoam blue cheeks. She still kept her sights on Vera and the baby just in case either of them needed her.

Vera let the comment sink in but decided to hold her thoughts for later.

"Aww...she's so cute, sissy! I bet she has a really cute name too!" Marrie giggled out as she headed over.

"Y-Yeah...um...k-kinda...don't...know if it's cute but...I like it." Vera shrugged as the little one slept soundly despite all the noise. She really wished she was her kid right now.

Aquaria grabbed a few pillows, and gently helped Vera onto them. Giving her a slight smile, she looked towards the kitchen. "I uh...gotta go work on the shipments, V. I'll just be in the kitchen, so if ya need me, just whistle or somethin'..."

Sans looked to the water elemental as she'd started to leave the room, and he had a slightly concerned expression across his face; but he kept his mouth shut, lest he upset anyone on such a nice day that day.

Vera watched her go and sigh, stress coming back to her.

"...Sissy...?" Marrie started off before Vera quickly made a decision.

"...Hey...Aqu...can...you stay for a sec...? Please...? Mars...Sans...I...know you just got here but...can you give us a minute alone...? I'll be quick...maybe tell the rest about little Kryssie here?"

"Kryssie?" Marrie looked at her confusedly.

"Short for Krystabelle. Or...I don't know...Krystal's a cute name too. Either one of those." She managed a small, tired smile.

Marrie seemed to understand. She took a quick picture of her baby niece before heading out, "I'll let everyone know. We'll be right outside!"

"I'll take care of those shipments. Not to worry. You two take your time." James offered as he and Marrie headed out.

"Come on Sansy!"

Sans was soon right behind her, smiling happily as he followed beside her, as she momentarily left the house to sit outside.

Aqua came back in, and her mouth had even gone from her face, not sure how to feel. She looked at the little girl in Vera's arms and her eyes crinkled up, her version of a mouthless smile.

"Krystabelle...any of those types are beautiful, Vera..." Aqua stated softly.

"Yeah...I'm...leaning on that...but..." Vera looked torn as she held her baby, but she decided to do this, "...Aqu...you...you actually love me...even after all this...? I've...just gotta ask...why...? Why waste all this on me...?"

She part wanted to know the answer, and was part afraid of it.

Aqua sighed, and bundled her dread hair into a large bandanna to give her something to do while she thought how to word it.

"Why do you say it's a waste?" Her mouth still hadn't returned yet as she spoke. "Dude, I've loved you since the fifth grade... and I always thought you were way outta my league..."

The somewhat slender water elemental who always smelled of raspberry tea and double caramel cookies smiled sadly as her mouth returned. "The point of it is...you saw me for who I am. Not the fact that my parents would keep kicking me out and then taking me back and then repeating the same shit every month...you saw me as someone who is as passionate at helping people like you are in your own way, and just... trying to do better."

"Even if the world just sees us as a couple of potheads." Crossing her arms over her chest, she sighed, looking to the baby.

"I can tell they look a lot like both of us... I'm sorry if I'm not making much fuckin sense..." Aqua let out a burbling snort of laughter. "Then again I did smoke half a joint of Sugar Cookies... I just love you. Why does it have to be so complicated? I love your laughter, your pissy moods, your guitar playing...your everything about you."

"Honestly... I thought you didn't want me..."

"It's...not that I didn't want you..." Vera looked over at her sleeping baby in her arms, like it was giving her a little courage to get through this. "Just...I couldn't...believe someone wanted me...ever since I was a kid...I was always being told no one would want me...no one would love me for who I was...for...anything me...because...who'd want to love a good for nothing when there's a sea filled with jewels..."

She made herself look right at Aquaria, even if she wanted to look away, "...The day I was put in the hospital...my mom put me there...she...was ready to kill me and my kid...so she can save her own stupid ass...with...whatever fucked up mentality she had...her dying words to me were that...all i was good for was making this kid to save her...I was nothing but an extra...she had to bribe and force Bernard into going out with me...and...making her..." Vera looked right at her little girl.

"...So...when you told me all that...at the hospital...all I thought of was my mom...and...the bullshit I kept hearing as a kid...Cause...h-hey...I was pretty much shit...w-who can l-love me...r-right..?" She gave a tearful laugh before it slowly dissolving into held back sobs, "...I...I c-can't...b-be w-w-worth i-it..."

Aquaria came over to Vera wrapping her arms, the cool, watery arms of hers wrapping lightly around Vera and her...no their baby.

"Catnip, what in the world..." She gently leaned forward, giving Vera a passionate, warm kiss. "You are worth it, damn it...I stand by what I said, I meant every word of it..."

"I love you, Veronica. And I love our daughter, plain and simple. It's why I've stayed with you... because yeah, even though my parents kicked me outta the house, 'stead of me having been looking for a roomie...I wanted to stay with you. I chose you. I chose us." Aqua paused for a moment, thinking.

"Yanno... there's a special word that I would use to describe you. You're my ohana...and that means family. Which is who you are." She then gently rubbed her thumb against Krystal's cheek.

"I...was going to ask if I could give her a middle name...Leilani...it means 'heavenly flower' in Hawaiian...Krystabelle Leilani Jae." Aquaria blushed softly, looking to Vera gently. "How does that sound, my ewalani...my 'lady from heaven'?"

Vera let herself cry in Aquaria's arms, barely registering the kiss in her upset but managed slightly. All the noise and movement ended up waking little Krystabelle, making her start whining.

"T-Thanks...t-thank you..." She hiccuped out before trying to calm her baby again.

"...Leilani...I...I like it...I...like it a lot..." she mumbled something else, but her exhaustion was taking over. She could barely keep her eyes open. Almost no sleep and having a baby did drain a lot of energy from her.

Aquaria smiled gently, and with a very delicate touch; she scooped up Krystabelle from Vera's arms. "Mhm...I'll get little Kryssie calmed down again, you needta rest, yeah?"

She started to rock and sway on her feet softly, gently humming to calm the little one down more. "Heya there...I...guess I'm one of your mothers...Yeah, I am...you can call me whateva ya want, Kryssie...Ma, Mama...Mom...even Momorino, I don't care...but yer gonna be spoiled rotten by yer Ma...yes you are. My precious lil' wahine...that means lady in Hawaiian...yes it does..."

Sans had quietly come back inside, and he patted Marrie's arm silently. "Look...it's soooo cute, Mar!" He whispered to her.

Back in the main house, Papyrus was sprawled out on the bed, after having plenty of fun with Hapstablook; just in his boxers and slightly stained tank top; his thick tail draped over his fiance. "...holy shit that was great, hap...kinda...new thing with us going that far, but did'ja like it?"

Vera smiled lightly before passing out, exhaustion got the better of her. Least this time, she looked more at peace in her rest.

Kryssie herself was calming down again, letting out a tiny coo and yawn.

Marrie was right behind Sans, giggling a bit at the sight, "I know! Oooh...this is going to be great!" Marrie had finished sending the text of the new baby out, hoping to get responses soon. Texts included Edge, Darren, Zhara, and Happy. She figured one would be pretty close to the others so they all could see the little one.

Happy was cuddled up to Pap, a big smile on their face, "It...was new..but...i liked it. I...I loved it..." they cuddled close and kissed him lightly. Their focus would be taken once their phone went off. "Oh...dear...I'm sorry...I thought I had that on silent..."

Aquaria was softly singing to Kryssie, swaying as she walked around the room a bit. Seeing that the baby had let out a tiny coo and a yawn; she smiled as well. "There we go my sweet keiki, my little child..."

She noticed Marrie and Sans, and grinned. "Aloha you two...Kryssie's almost asleep, along with her Mama."

Pap chuckled quietly, and gave them a kiss. "it's cool, babe. i figured i just didn't want work callin' me. but everyone in the family knows to call you first on my days off. so...what's goin on, boo?"

Edge had gotten the text, as he was helping Bitter out from the shower. After getting his husband into his wheelchair, he plucked up his phone. "Hey, Bitts...Vera had the baby! The little tyke is precious ain't they?"

Bitter was still drying himself off, and a big smile crossed his teacup'd face. "Awww...they're damn beautiful!" Edge then helped Bitter into a light dress, and sat on the side of the bed while he responded back.

[That kiddo is damn gorgeous, Mars-bar. Has Vera and that tall drink o' water talked any? Or did they wait for her to fuckin' pop the kid out to actually have a chat?] Edge blithely texted back.

"That's okay. I know Vera's been pretty tired lately. Sounds like everything's okay now." Marrie was happy about that, "Guess this means I have two new family members. I think you'll do them really good, Aqua."

Kryssie let out another small coo, in response, one of her little ears flicked in liking the sounds of people talking.

"Can I hold her? Just a little? Please?" Marrie looked really excited, especially with the little noises her niece was making.

Happy kissed back before looking at their phone. Their smile only increased, "Vera had the baby. She...looks really cute." Happy showed the picture to Papy, "So...tiny...!" They couldn't help but giggle.

Marrie would notice the texts coming in. One from Zhara saying congratulations and she's holding off Napsta from getting a camera crew over. She mentally thanked her for that. Edge's message came in, she put in a reply.

[They talked a little after Krystabelle came out. I think Sissy's doing a lot better now, but we'll see for sure when she wakes up. Aqua's doing really good with the baby though!]

Aqua smiled, as a few thin pink tears trailed down her watery cheeks. "E komo mai...that means your welcome...gawd, I...I just love your sister so much, and I love Kryssie so much too...as far as I'm concerned...that bastard ain't their other parent. I am. Soon as I knew, I tried to support V as much as I could..."

She looked back to where Vera was sleeping. "You don't know how many nights she clung to me like a warm squishy doll, and just sobbed into my chest..." After Marrie asked her about holding the baby, she gave a dripping, cheeky grin. "I dunno, can you? Hehe. Yeah, sure, just make sure you support her head, Mar!"

Sans was nearly ready to explode from the cuteness of Kryssie. "MWEH-HEE-HEE! THEY'RE SOOOO PRECIOUS! AND CUTE! AND I WANT TO SQUISH THEIR LITTLE CHEEKS! AND FLICK THEIR EARS SOFTLY!"

"ahhhh-ahhhh-ahhhhh!" He was clutching his gloved hands over his still bare chest, a brilliant blush across his rounded cheeks.

Aqua looked to Sans, chuckling as she'd given the baby to Marrie. "Hokus...stars I know you're excited, but what the heck you doin, Sansy?"

Sans grinned, as he had stars in his eyes. "I'm very slowly and softly screaming! They're! Just! So! Perfect!" He gently leaned over and gave Kryssie a kiss on her forehead.

Edge saw the reply and he grinned lightly. Going over to the couch, he settled down beside Wingdin; after lifting Bitter onto the cushion between them both. Bitter held up a stack of knitted hats, mittens, and boots. Then Chara took his camera and took a picture of all three of them; while Bitter held up the baby clothes. Then the short human sent the picture to Marrie.

Wingdin was managing to look at the camera, because Chara had clicked their tongue; Bitter had a weak smile across his face. Edge looked rather tired, but had a smile, with his new top denture in. His teeth were back to looking gold once again, and he was happy about that. Chara then texted a response on their phone.

[Papi told me to text you this pic. Pops finally got up after you and Bubba Sans left. He's...possibly close to his time. He'll be going to see Doc Greenburg in a week, and see what is up with him. The baby clothes are for the new kitten. I would guess they'd be a water kitten, hopefully.]

Marrie just smiled, happy to see her sister get some happiness out of everything. She happily took on Kryssie, supporting her carefully in her arms.

"Hi little girl! Ooooh! Look at you! You're so pretty! You're going to be loved a lot, yes you are! " she laughed,"She's a perfect little baby!"

Kryssie's ear flicked again, letting out a little cough before cooing again.

Marrie did check her messages again and gave a bittersweet smile.

[Hope so. Guess we'll see. When Vera's awake and a little stronger, I'll ask if she wants to visit you guys there to meet her. Her names Kystabelle, Kryssie for short! Sans, Aqua and I are taking care of her while Vera sleeps.]

Aqua sighed, and went back to the bed, and gently snuggled against Vera; running her fingers through V's blond hair. Looking to Marrie, watching as she easily cared for Kryssie. "Yeah, her full name is Krystabelle Leilani Jae. I...don't want to jump too far forward, but I figured if me and Vera ever got married I'd prolly take her last name...unless Kryssie wanted her last name to be Jae-Noelani...oh wow, that's a mouthful. Gotta love Hawaiian language not having many letters, hehehe..."

Sans gently rubbed Kryssie's back lovingly, and smiled sweetly. "Such a sweet and beautiful little girl!"

Edge gently placed the baby clothes back onto the coffee table, and then he pushed Bitter to the kitchen. The coffee cup hybrid seemed more weak than ever, as Edge helped Bitter to eat something for lunch. Chara had come into the doorway of the kitchen, and watched their fathers for a moment. Their brown eyes were saddened, as they saw Bitter was having awful trouble even eating.

[Hopefully that'll be soon. When you're able, see if you can get my brothers and bring them along with yourself and Happy back to the house.] Chara texted back.

Marrie giggled a bit and held onto her niece, "You never know. My sister could come around. Sansy...You want to hold her? Your sibling keeps texting and I don't want to keep disturbing Kryssie."

Marrie did manage a text to Chara,

[I'll try. Let me see if I can reach Happy.]

Sans grinned and he gently took the baby in his arms, and cradled her easily against his bare chest. "Hello there, my little niece...you are gorgeous...go ahead and see if you can talk with Chara."

Chara had gotten the text from Marrie and they nodded to themselves. [Thank you. I've been watching Papi and Pops all day today...he's just so weak...I'm scared about it all, Marrie...and...and I keep seeing someone in the corner of the rooms.]

Kryssie settled in, letting out a tiny coo before letting out a tiny kitten sneeze before going back to a little coo.

Marrie nodded and started texting Chara, looking concerned when she saw the comment on someone in the corner.

[I know...I'll come back soon...maybe talk with my uncle to see if there's anything we can make to boost his energy again. But...what about this...someone in the corner? Have you told anyone else about it? Do they look dangerous?]

Sans laughed softly, and let out a soft curious growl at their kitten sneeze. "Oooh, that was a big little sneeze, ma'am! You are so cute!"

Chara was standing in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room, now looking at their mother Wingdin as she sat in her recliner, enjoying Napstaton's channel. They looked behind their mom and saw the same darkened figure from the kitchen, watching silently over the blind motherly skeleton. Taking their phone again, they read the text and responded.

[No...no one would believe me. They don't look dangerous...they look sad, and lonely...]

Chara sent a second text message, but it would come to Marrie's phone garbled, and glitchy, not displaying correctly.

[̠̺͢I̙̮͚̯t͓͙̼̕'s̝̥ ̻͙̹̖̣P̲͓̫͚͓̺͡a̸͎̜̪p͙͎͚͇͇̜̩͟a͡.̨͙̥̥̱͍͖]͔͘

Kryssie's ear flicked before settling down to sleep. Baby was tired already.

Marrie looked confused on what it said. She didn't really get it. But...perhaps she'd talk with Sans later about it.

[Long as they're not hurting anyone...I suppose it's okay. But if they do cause a problem, we have people who can help.]

Happy lied there against Papyrus, curious about something. This was bugging them for a long time and they decided to voice it. "Papy...may I ask something...about...your family...? If...you wouldn't mind that is...?"

Sans had started to slowly walk around the room; rocking Kryssie in his arms, keeping them happily still asleep like most babies liked. He glanced to Marrie as she was intently texting, hoping things were alright.

Chara texted back, as they gently settled onto the couch near the recliner. They saw the shadowy darkened figure a little better. It appeared to be Dr. Brewer to them, as he sat in a chair as dark as his body; his white dripping gloves clasped over his large gut; just a little behind and beside Wingdin's chair.

Her hand rested on the arm of the recliner, occasionally tapping along with the music as it played. Cupcake gently rested his glove over Wingdin's hand, and a wavering smile could be seen on his slightly dripping teacup head. Looking back to their phone, Chara frowned a little.

[No...they don't want to hurt anyone...I think they miss Mom.]

Papyrus was idly picking his fangs, and he closed his mouth; noticing they were looking at him then. "huh? sure, shoot the breeze, my mecha main boo~ ask me anythin' ya wanna know!"

Marrie wasn't sure but figured it would be okay.

[Okay...I guess it's fine...I'll still ask Sans. I just...don't get it...why would they miss your mom...?]

She started to get a bit of a headache and held her head.

[I need to go, we'll talk later...]

Happy took a bit before deciding to ask, "...What was your dad like...?" They were quiet but...for Pap it could be heard clear as day.

Chara nodded to their phone, not responding; as they watched the shadowy figure and their Mom. Wingdin was humming softly to the music on the TV, leaning back in the recliner slightly. Cupcake's dripping glove gently seemed to rub her bony arm, as he continued to smile happily. The black liquid in his teacup'd head started to steam lightly, a very faint gray cloud visible from his dripping head.

Papyrus thought for a moment. "um...which dad? i technically have four...i-i mean three of 'em...i have papi, pops, and then there's meaux. but because you stated 'was' guess you mean meaux, that fuckin' bastard..."

He didn't want to talk about his Papa, because it would just cause Hapsta to have a headache and no remembering, just like everyone else. "yeah...you know papi and pops though..."

Happy thought of that as much, "...Yes...I...thought you said that...but...Meaux...he...didn't love you...yes...? I...I saw someone at the hospital months ago...and...they called you their son...but...they said they loved you..a lot..and...I wasn't sure who it was..." Happy vaguely remembered the conversation. They were trying to remember more...they knew they told them their name but...they couldn't remember.

Papyrus sat up more on the bed, looking to Happy curiously. "...meaux never loved me...he's the one who, well...injured ma and caused her to have sans early actually...but uh...the one you saw, that would have been papa..."

He sighed, and then slipped his glasses on. "...you'll probably get a headache, but i need to tell you...his name was dr. caddy niall brewer...he fell into the lava, just a day before we found out that vera was pregnant actually...after that happened, no one remembered him, it was as if he'd been erased off of the face of existance..."

"i miss him everyday...and i've been trying to find a way to bring him back, but nothing so far...i...i know he would be excited to see kryssie...and uh, if we ever had kids...i wouldn't want him to miss out on them, whenever that is of course..."

Happy did get to have a slight headache but they leaned onto Pap, "It's...a lot to think about...and...I understand...I just didn't know who it was or...why they were so proud but...I see the difference." They smiled, "...I...don't remember much of the last time I saw him...but...I do remember this...he...was happy I was there for you...and...he's very proud of you and Sans..."

Their head was hurting quite a lot now, they shut their eyes to help themselves rest a bit as they hugged Pap's arm, "...I...think we need to wait on kids...just..well...a-a little..." they manged a weak chuckle.

Papyrus sighed and nodded in agreement. "oh yeah, i know we should wait, boo...just uh, makin' a comment i guess...but yeah...so ya told me about vera having the baby? we should go and check them out, see how she is."

Aqua meanwhile, had crawled further into the bed with Vera, and she pulled her bandanna off; letting her dreads splay out as she fell asleep beside Vera, after giving her a soft wet kiss on her cheek.

"I..I think so. Yes." Happy nodded before getting up, "I would really like to see her."

Vera was still sound asleep, cuddled up next to Aqua. She did move and tussle a bit as she dreamed of something unpleasant. Her mother's venomous words, the memory of her dad dusting in front of her, the beatings done to her when she was a teen, all haunting her again. A scared whimper came out from her as she clung onto Aqua's body.

Marrie was back with Kryssie, the baby had gone off and fallen asleep herself but Marrie didn't want to let her go just yet. She stroked her niece's cheek and looked to Sans, "Sansy...?"

Papyrus nodded as well, as he got up from the bed, and yawned widely. "mhm! nice thing is i ain't gotta shortcut nowhere, we'll jus get dressed more and walk over to the house."

Aqua felt Vera clinging to her body, and she easily slid her arms around her; letting her nuzzle her chest. Starting to wake up slightly, hearing her whimpering. "E noho mālie kuʻu aloha, eia wau noʻoe..." She murmured softly, hoping it would be comforting for her. "...ʻaʻole wau e haʻalele iāʻoe, aloha mau loa wau iāʻoe..."

(Quiet my love, I'm here for you...I will never leave you, I love you forever...)

Sans had been looking out the window, his hands resting on his hips; as his tail slowly waved. Hearing Marrie speak to him, he blinked his eyes a bit, looking towards her. "O-OH, SORRY...WHAT DID YOU ASK ME, DEAR?"

He gazed at her, with a sweet smile; his right eyelight a bit more dim then normal. "IS EVERYTHING OKAY, MY LOVE?"

Happy giggled a bit before going to grab their jacket and scarf. Had to be somewhat dressed to visit, even though their robot body didn't exactly come with clothes for the most part.

Vera started to slowly calm down again, but still clung onto Aqua. There were a few tears but she went right back to sleep.

"I just called you, silly. I didn't ask anything yet." Marrie giggled quietly as she held Kryssie, "...I was...going to ask...um...you think...one day, we'll do this...?"

Papyrus yawned a little, and tugged at his tank top a little. "...i need to get some new tank tops soon enough. i've got enough honey on this one to start a jive hive~" After he saw they had gotten dressed, he pressed a loving kiss to their mouth; slipping his hoodie on then leading them out the door with them.

Aqua kissed Vera's cheeks gently, rubbing her back softly; still humming a little.

Sans blinked a bit, and grinned sweetly. "If you would want to have children with me, my dear Marrie...of course. I would love to be a parent with you..."

Happy giggled and got their shoes on, but happily paused to kiss Pap. "Much as I say you're sweet, I do not want to feel sticky all over too. Your kisses are enough." Once out the door, they were ready to see the the baby.

"I was just thinking...we still have a lot of time...so...you know...I'm just curious about our future. Cause...I want to make it special with you.." Marrie purred lightly as she nuzzled her niece.

Papyrus had a lazy and pleased grin across his face, as he came up to the front door with Happy in tow; and he quietly opened the front door. "in you go my bae-boo~"

Sans thought for a moment, rubbing the right side of his head; near the old burn scar. "Of course my dearest, such a time as that is of much importance to myself. When we do...decide to go ahead with that, it would be an honor to have children with you my dear..."

Walking away from the window, he came over to the chair, looking closer to Marrie and Kryssie. "...I've tried to never think much about my own mortality, as a very sick child...but no matter how much of my life I have left, I only want to spend it with you, Marrie."

Happy giggled and headed inside, looking around the quiet house.

Marrie smiles and kissed him gently, "I hope you stay for a long while. You're strong...and I can't help but try and be strong with you...so...I hope we keep together for a long time too..." she purred.

"Hello? Anyone home?" Happy called in the house, hoping someone would answer.

Sans and Marrie had been in the baby's bedroom in the back of the house, and he heard Happy calling out. Smiling, he came down the hallway, and grinned up at Happy. "Hello, Sibby Happy! My dearest Marrie and I are in the new baby's bedroom! Vera and Aqua are sleeping in their bedroom right now, with V recovering!"

Papyrus' sights trailed up and down his little brother's body for a moment, and he blinked curiously. "...there a reason you're nearly naked bro?"

Sans blushed deeply, and chuckled softly. "Ah! I had left the house so quickly, I was doing smashing practice in the backyard with Papi!"

"...uh-huh. not the fact that you're wanting to show off your adonis ectogel..." The taller brother drawled softly, snickering.

Sans couldn't help but have his skull looking more like his namesake of a blueberry. He puffed out his cheeks almost angrily, a weak warning growl escaping between his fanged teeth. Papyrus flashed Sans a very toothy grin; and then followed the young man to that back bedroom.

Happy had to hold back a laugh before sneaking away to see Marrie and the baby while the two brothers teased each other.

Happy managed to find Marrie and sit with her to view the little sleeping bundle.

"Is this her...?" Happy whispered, little pink heart lights alit.

"Mhmm. Her name is Krystabelle Leilani Jae. Kryssie for short." Marrie smiled as she gently passed the sleeping Kryssie to Happy.

"Hello little one...hi there...you look just like your mommy...heh heh...oh...she's beautiful...!" Happy couldn't help but she'd a few tears over the little one. Kryssie began to wake up and start whimpering from being disturbed. "Oh! Sorry..." Happy immediately felt bad again as Marrie tried to help calm the little one down.

Aquaria yawned, hearing Kryssie's whimpering. Carefully, she untangled herself from Vera; giving her a kiss. Then she came down the hallway, her dripping mouth open in a yawn. "...oh gawd, I needed that nap..."

Looking into the bedroom, she smiled softly. "Aloha, Happy; I see our little one is starting to get a bit active, hmm? Howzit going wit'chu lately though, Hap?" She mumbled slightly, as she went to gently take Kryssie to comfort her.

"Oh...um...w-well...thank you..." Happy got a bit shy again, "Just...same old...same old...sorry..."

"Don't apologize, Happy. It's okay. That means it's been really comfy lately, right?" Marrie tried to get the robot to perk up. Seemed to work as Happy managed a smile and nod.

"Oh, Aqua, is my sister awake yet?" Marrie looked at the water elemental as Kryssie went from whimpering to crying.

Aqua's mouth disappeared and she tried to sway and rock to calm Kryssie down more, checking to see if she maybe needed something. "Ah, no no...my ewalani's still knocked out in there...she's okay, but she's exhausted."

She gently rubbed Kryssie's back, pressing a soft kiss to the baby's head. "Hokus...little one, are you hungry? C'mon, let's get you to Mama then...Ma has no milk for you unfortunately..."

Looking over to Happy, as she slipped out of the room to take Krystabelle to Vera, she gestured for them to follow. "And hey, don't ever be sorry about same old, same old...everyone has kuleana, or responsibilites to take care of. The snail farm, your cousin, your boyfriend...there's a lot on your plate, Happy...even if you don't realize it."

"I mean, me and Vera, we run our medicinal business out of our home...and I'm lucky that Uncle James is willing to help us fill our orders when we're busy. Even though...he's Vera's uncle, if he wanted and Vera thinks it's okay; he can be Kryssie's 'kupuna' or grandparent. I mean...hell my parents aren't going to want to see their grandchild I bet." She shook her dreaded hair slightly; as she came into the bedroom.

Coming over to the bed, she lightly patted Vera's shoulder. "V...hey V, the baby needs to eat..."

Kryssie kept crying in Aqua's hold. Marrie watched Aqua go with the baby and looked to Happy, "She's right. It is a lot. Nothing's wrong with same old same old."

"Y-Yeah...we...did do something different but...it was good..." Happy smiled a bit.

"Oh! That reminds me...Sansy? Pap? Chara was asking if we'd all go back to the house together, possibly with the baby. But...they wanted us to be there. Um...Chara...gave me some news." Marrie looked at the skeleton brothers, remembering the texts she recieved earlier.

Vera stirred from her sleep, slowly getting her eyes open as she heard her baby cry and feel Aqua pat her, "H-Huh...what...? W-what's wrong now...?" She yawned out, still seeming tired.

Sans and Pap had been quietly arguing over something insignificant, when they both looked up at what Marrie said. Papyrus was the first to speak. "...news? oh...wonder what's goin' on that they'd need all of us..."

In the bedroom, Aqua gave Vera a soft smile. "Just gimme your breast, I'll get Kryssie fixed up. She's hungry..." Gently, she sat down on the bed beside Vera; helping her with the baby. "And I know it's a big thing, but...apparently the Asters wanted to have someone bring the baby over...like...today I think."

Glancing to the door, she saw it was mostly closed; then she lowered her head slightly to whisper to Vera. "...I think Mr. Bitter is falling down...he's probably close to dusting, Vera..."

Marrie sighed, seeming sad to say this but...it had to be done, "...Pops is...not looking good...Chara said he's getting weaker by the day...so...they asked if we all could go to see him...while he's still here..."

Happy looked solem at the news before heading over to Papyrus's side, "...H-How...long...?"

"They don't know...he has an appointment to see the doctor but...they said it might be soon." Marrie played with her hands to distract herself slightly.

Vera groaned lightly before taking the baby to feed. That seemed to solve her dilemna as she calmed down once she latched on to eat. Hearing about Bitter flashed a memory of her father through her mind.

"There's my little sprout! Aloe Vera! Ha ha!" his voice boomed in her head with a laugh before he started hacking and coughing from his bedside.

"Dad...please...don't waste your energy..it's okay...here...Uncle made something new...maybe this will work...I-It has to this time."

"A new one...huh...? He needs a..b-break baby...t-tell him t-ta..."

"Dad? Dad?! Daddy!? DAD! UNCLE! UNCLE PLEASE COME HERE! UNCLE HELP! UNCLE!

She remembered was dust coating her father's bed, her arms, and her clothes, the tears she cried for three days straight, the smell of the clothes she wore that day, staying out of school for a week because she couldn't take it.

And she thought of the skeleton brothers, hoping that hell won't be the same as hers.

"...We're going...I think my uncle has a spare wheelchair we can use...my...legs are fucking jello right now...but...that should work..." Vera looked up at Aqua, her dark bagged eyes had read seriousness despite the shock and fear from earlier.

The brother's eyelights both went out, and they went a few shades lighter white then they normally were. Papyrus let out a soft shaky breath, and Sans' had tears gathering in his still empty sockets.

Papyrus shook his head, running his hand over his skull. "...he's gonna fight tooth and nail, if i know pops...and he'll deny it up and down that anythin's wrong with him..."

Sans wiped his cheeks off, letting out a faint growling sob.

Aqua nodded softly, and gave Vera a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll go grab that wheelchair, yeah? Be right back..." She then headed out from the bedroom, and went to the kitchen to talk with James about a spare wheelchair for Vera to use and why.

Papyrus stood there, staring at the floor while all of this was happening. "...huh...papi always figured he'd be first to go..." He muttered softly to himself. "...hey whenever ya get that chair for vera and get all fixed up...uh...i'll open the door here, and it'll be a quick trip. i ain't done any shortcuts in a few weeks, i'll be fine. this one is worth it..."

Marrie went over to Sans and gave him a tight hug, trying to nuzzle his tears away, "...I'm sorry Sansy...I'm so sorry..." she quietly whimpered but kept her hold.

James understood more than anything, "Spare wheelchair is in the shed behind the house. You can't miss it. Just give it a quick clean and it should be ready. I can stay and watch the house...I'll need to call Darren and let him know anyway."

Happy held onto Pap, doing their best, and failing, to not cry. They really enjoyed being part of their fiance's family since Napsta and themselves never really grew up with parents. Just an old ghost aunt and older cousins who ended up raising them.

Sans tried to be strong, but it was hard. He'd known the man nearly all of his life, since he was three years old; and he'd supported him when no one else seemingly would. When everyone was scared of him doing something due to his weak health, his Pops was always there for him. Tears continued to fall, and he nuzzled his face against Marrie's neck, snuffling sobs into her fur.

Papyrus' tail lay drooped against the floor, and his expression was almost unreadable; as he hugged Happy softly. "...we'll get to see him, hap, just a few moments..."

Aqua had immediately gone to the shed, and found the spare wheelchair; cleaning it up quickly. Then she brought it into the house, and set a pillow into it; so Vera would be somewhat comfortable. "Got the chair, hun...lemme help you into it..."

Carefully, she helped Vera to stand, after placing Kryssie on the bed; and tugged the new mother's skirt down that she wore still. Fixing her up, she then helped Vera into the chair; and then handed her Kryssie into her arms. "...There we go, all ready to go now..."

Papyrus saw that Aqua had wheeled out Vera and the baby from the bedroom; and he went to the front door of the house, where everyone had followed him. Holding onto Happy still; he opened the door, which lead into what looked like they were right beside the front porch of the Aster's house. Going to the door, he opened it quietly, to let everyone else come inside first.

Marrie let Sans cry into her neck, rubbing his back in hope it helped a little.

Happy sniffled and kept their hold on Pap, trying to get themselves to calm down.

"Thanks...um...fuck...i'll work on a thing..." Vera was a bit out of it to try and think of cute nicknames for her new girlfriend. That thought already was weird but, not terrible. She carefully got into the chair and tried to get comfy before getting Kryssie back. Little one wasn't very happy being torn away but soon calmed down once she was back in her mama's arms.

"You still want to go, sansy...? Or...do you need another minute...?" Married whispered at him lightly, stroking his skull with a gentle touch.

Papyrus stood there holding onto Happy, he gently put his chin on their head, burying his face in their black hair. "...nyeeeehhh...t-this is so hard, hap..." He looked over to see that everyone was still with them both.

"I w-want to gooo..." He murmured through his sad growls. Sans nodded his head, still pressed against her neck, and he sniffled softly, wiping his face more. "I have to be strong...I h-have to be there...f-for my Pops...and Mama and Papi..."

Aqua let out a soft burbling sigh. "Don't worry so much on pet names or nothin...I know it's all really quick for you, my sweet wahine...and doesn't make it any easier I've got like a million nicknames for you easily, heh." She started to push Vera along with the others, as they finally made their way towards the Aster house, after Papyrus had shortcut them all there.

Sans was torn up so badly, but he knew he needed to see his Pops before anything happened further. Papyrus went up to the front door, and held Happy close to him. "do you need any help with the chair, aqua? and uh, don't worry, there's a ramp to get in, so it's not that hard..."

"I'm here, Papy...I'm here..." Happy managed to at least stop the tears, nuzzling their fiance gently.

Marrie kissed a few tears away from his face, "It will be okay, Blue...don't worry...I'm right here with you..."

"...It's hard losing someone you love a lot...best you can do is...be there and make it worth it..." Vera recounted the words her uncle said once to her. She never really understood it much until recently, "Shouldn't be bad...I'm not heavy...I had a baby." Vera growled lightly but let it pass, especially since Kryssie was now awake and cooing up a storm with the sound of voices. She even managed to half open her eyes, reddish-pink in color. Combination of who helped bring her into the world.

Papyrus kissed their head, and nuzzled Happy back, letting out a quiet sigh. "...thanks, hap..thank you vera."

Aqua managed to have a small smirk, and she patted Vera's shoulder. "Naw, it's not hard at all, I just don't wanna flip them over or anything..." She then pushed Vera's chair up the ramp, and looked to Papyrus. "You uh...gonna open the door there, big kahuna?"

Papyrus sighed, and nervously chuckled a bit. "...yeah sure..." He reached forward and opened the front door, letting out a soft breath he didn't even realize he was holding. "hey...everyone..."

As he stepped into the house, he looked around for where Bitter was possibly, and he almost smiled when he saw the old coffee cup hybrid seated in his wheelchair beside Wingdin's recliner, until he saw just how weak he appeared. The past two weeks had been spent at Happy's house actually, helping them with their farm, and just taking time for himself.

Sans felt just as bad, he knew his Pops was weak, and sick...but his eyelights came back; blown wide at seeing how bad off he seemed. "P-POPS?"

Bitter heard Sans' exclamation, and he snorted softly; lifting his head from where he'd been sleeping before. "Huh? Wha the fuck...oh...Sans...hey..." His gloves were resting in his lap; as he held them together; to try to stop the shaking. "V popped that...kiddo out...yeh?"

Marrie looked at Bitter, seeming worried but did her best to hide it in her smile. "Hi Pop...good to see you again..."

Happy stayed with Papy the entire time, holding onto his hand for mutual support. Was something they could do.

"Yeah...actually that's...kinda why I'm here. She...came out pretty quick...her name's Kryssie." Vera chuckled lightly as Kryssie started cooing again, a tiny paw went into her mouth to suckle for a little.

"Want to see her? She's pretty energetic for just a newbown." Vera gently rocked her baby girl.

Bitter's head trembled something bad, and he could barely move in the wheelchair. His legs were twisted, as his arthritis had taken them over by then. Looking to Vera, he managed a smile; and then covered his mouth with his gloves, wheezing terribly for a moment. Wingdin reached over awkwardly, and lightly rubbed Bitter's back comfortingly once she'd reached it. Chara was nowhere to be found, as they'd hidden in their room overwhelmed by emotion.

Edge came back into the living room; holding a cup of medicine in his hands. "I know ya couldn't keep dinna down Bitts, but ya need to try to take this medicine okay?"

Bitter had stopped wheezing, and he let out a huff, trying to catch his breath. "Don't wanna...take no fuckin shit...it burns, Gaster..." Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eye; trying to get his breath again. "Oh...my fuck..."

Sans let out a hiccuped cry, and hugged onto Marrie again. Papyrus held Happy's hand firmly, yet not painfully.

Bitter finally got his breath back for a moment, and he wheezed again, but it was much softer; as his breathing was more shallow. "Yeh...yeh...wanna see 'er...she...heheh...she's a prin...a fuckin princess..."

His reddened eye gazed at Aqua and Vera, and he smiled brightly. "Youse two...m-make a great...co-couple..." He let out another wheezing shallow breath, managing to snicker slightly. "Don't...don't drown 'er...bahahaha..."

Edge managed to let out a bark of a laugh when he realized what Bitter was talking about. "Oh gawd Bitter darlin...they just had a kid, I don't think that's happening no time soon..."

Marrie was doing her best not to start crying either, holding onto Sans as best as she could. Happy kept a hold on Pap's hand, doing their best.

Vera couldn't help but chuckle slightly, "Yeah, I'm not doing shit for a while. But thanks...we're working on stuff." She looked at her little girl, who was still sucking on her mouth, "Come on you...I should have brought in a binky before we left. Aqua..mind if you move me a little closer? I think Kryssie's curious." Little Kryssie was indeed looking around but completely not focued, taking in whatever she could see while she purred/mewed in her warm blanket.

Aqua nodded and wheeled Vera closer to Bitter's wheelchair. She was having a bit of trouble moving her around though.

Edge came over and gently picked up the entire wheelchair, setting her down nearly beside his husband. "There we are, right beside 'em."

Bitter looked to Vera, a shaky smile on his porcelain face. Looking at the old man closer, it could be seen that his entire head was lightly crackled all over, the cracks in his broken eye were deep like gouges. He was wearing a thin deep blue velour dress with long bell sleeves, which did nothing to hide how drastically thin he'd gotten from the inability to eat the last few days.

His eye looked to Kryssie, and he let out a tiny gasp, pointing to the baby with a shaking hand. "S-She's sooo damn cute...how...how old is she? Did'ja jus pop 'er out...?"

Lightly, he patted her knee, leaning closer to them both a bit, his head shaking as he spoke. "D-Damn she's...gonna...gonna be a soul breaker...she's pretty...jus like...like her Ma..."

Sitting back up again, he ended up slumping against the back of his wheelchair tiredly. "I...you r-raise 'er good...y-yer Ma...yer Ma she...she'd have been...been shit back home in Fell...not even back...back there do they...do they do that to they kids..."

"Thanks." Vera was a bit surprised from being lifted so easily but didn't really complain. She did find it hard to really keep looking at Bitter after seeing...everything wrong with him. Reminded her too much of her dad before he dusted.

"Just had her today, yeah...was a hell of a surprise but...I think she's worth it." Vera found a bit more strength with just looking at her kid. Kryssie looked over at Bitter and cooed, curious on who it was.

"...Not like my mom ever raised me anyway...one thing for sure...I'm nothing like my mom...and I'm not damn about to start." She assured before nuzzling her kid, causing a tiny purr to escape from Kryssie, "You're going to be loved...whether ya like it or not."

Bitter heard Kryssie cooing, and he gave her a shaky smile. He leaned forward again, and gently let his hand shake close to Kryssie's face. "Heya kitten...y-yeah, she's gonna be loved...b-by everyone here..."

He found himself slumping more forward in his chair, the inside of his cup head being able to be seen as his forehead was nearly touching his knees. Papyrus came over, leaving Happy's side, and he gently helped Bitter back upright again. "pops...w-what was that? you okay?" Papyrus murmured, as he helped Bitter to sit back upright again.

Bitter gasped for breath, his red pupil constricted as he caught his breath again. "S-Soul...stopping...and s-starting..." Wingdin silently covered her mouth, and sighed sadly.

Sans let out a squeaky saddened growl. Aqua looked at Bitter's expression and could tell he was in so much pain just then. Reaching into her inventory, she pulled out her half of a blunt of the Wicked Sugar Cookies. "Mr. Bitter...I've...um got something for you that can help with your pain...it's the strongest blend we have lately..."

She helped him to hold it, while in the holder; and without a second thought, Papyrus flicked his thumb, gathering a tiny amount of his heat-based flame magic, lighting the blunt for Bitter. He got an idea, and pulled out a paper bag he had in his inventory, dumping the jerky onto the floor.

Papyrus proceeded to take a few deep hits of the blunt, blowing the smoke carefully into the paper bag. Holding it closed; he handed it to Aqua, and she helped Bitter to inhale the smoke through normal shallow breathing. "There we go sir...just breathe normally...there that'll help you..."

After a few more hits from the bag setup; the shaking and trembling soon slowed and softened, and Bitter's red pupil got a bit wider. His soul was still on the verge of cracking, but he smiled a bit more happily to Vera.

Vera didn't really hide her expressions anymore. She knew this was hard for everyone. It still hurt to remember.

"...Hey...Edge...? You...want to hold her...? My arms are kinda tired...I need a break." She offered. Kryssie let out another coo before deciding to suckle on her paw again.

Marrie held onto Sans, doing her best to be strong for him, but it wasn't easy with her seeing Bitter like that.

Happy just stayed by the side, worried and waiting, unable to do anything to really help.

Edge nodded softly, gently scooping up Kryssie into his robotic arm; so he could gently interact with her with his natural hand. "Sure thing, V...heya mini kitten...you're a cute little baby ain't ya?" He sniffled softly, and using his good ability to hide his true emotions; so he could keep a happy pleased smile on his face for Kryssie.

Sans just leaned against Marrie lightly, his tail just hanging behind him as tears trickled down his cheeks. He nuzzled Marrie's cheek, letting out a mournful noise, unable to speak.

Papyrus took one last inhale of the blunt, and exhaled all of it into the bag; handing the bag to Aqua. She held it gently to Bitter, assisting him to finish it up. Papyrus let out a few coughs, and sighed deeply; his own eyelights blown wide from how strong the blunt was. Going to the cup of tea he saw by his mother's chair, he dropped the stub of the blunt into it; to extinguish it. "oookay...woooah that is really strong shit...i hope it's helping you some pops...i can't feel my fuckin' tail..."

Bitter let out a raspy laugh, and he leaned back against his wheelchair, and nodded softly. The shakes and tremors had finally managed to stop; leaving him slightly slumped in the chair he sat in. "Oh...fuck yeah...my...my chest kinda hurts, but nothin's shakin' no more..."

Pap looked to Bitter and he sniffled. "...it's cracking ain't it...i-i can't even feel my damn tail, and your chest still hurts, pops..."

Kryssie looked up at Edge, still suckling her paw. With her free one she tried reaching out, liking the shininess of his teeth.

"I warned you...that's stuff is powerful. I haven't had a chance to really perfect it." Vera sighed looking at Pap. She was surprised to hear that Bitter was still feeling pain even after all that. She knew what that meant...she had first hand experience...her uncle's medicine couldn't fixed cracked souls...no weed could do that either.

Marrie held onto Sans, her own tears threatened to fall but didn't as she kept an arm around her boyfriend tight.

Happy was at pap's side again, trying to urge him to sit down, almost afraid of what would happen if he didn't.

Edge purred softly, leaning closer to let her touch his shiny gold fangs. He chuckled gently, smiling to Kryssie sweetly.

Papyrus could barely feel Happy's hands on his shoulders, and he stumbled his way to the couch beside his mother's recliner, slumping into the cushion; his eyelights still blown wide. "...ish 'kay vera...jus...jus did it fer pops..."

Bitter laid against the back of the wheelchair, his body slack as his thin chest rose and fell with each strained breath he took. He looked to Vera, managing a wavering smile. "V-Vera...y-you just do what'cha feel is right...yeh? My boys...my boys know good...t-that little kitten's gotta know...h-how ta be good..."

He coughed deeply, feeling like a knife was in his chest just then. Coughing again, a thin trail of reddish magic blood trailed down the side of his pointed mouth; as his lungs were filling with his own magic blood by then. Sans buried his face into Marrie's neck, nearly trembling with his crying. Papyrus was seated on the couch and when he saw the blood trailing down his Pops' chin he let out a low cry, orange tears streaking down his cheeks openly.

The baby just bapped them with her little paw, more out of curiosity than anything.

Happy held onto Papyrus, their own pink tears falling as they shook. Marrie let her own tears fall as she held onto Sans tighter.

Vera just looked at Bitter with a smile, her own mind reciting "Just don't think of dad...don't think of dad..don't think of dad...don't think of dad."

"Yeah...she'll know. She's got a lot who'll teach her. Don't worry. I'll make sure she turns out alright." She promised.

Dad...you need the rest...please...

The thought echoed in her head moment she saw the blood. "...You...need some rest, old man. Ya deserve a break...you know...?" Was all she managed to say, her tail curled around her waist.

Bitter coughed again, and put a glove to his mouth; looking at it when he pulled it away. "...heh...heh...g-guess I...I will..." He sighed, the burbling and gurgling of his chest could almost be heard by then as he struggled to breathe.

Aquaria stayed knelt beside Bitter's wheelchair, watching him closely. She held his other glove, and could feel the already weak soul pulse slowing down more. Her pink eyes gazed to Bitter, and her mouth couldn't be seen. "Just rest, please...a hui hou kākou...until we meet again, Mr. Bitter..."

Bitter hadn't heard Aquaria, as his other glove rested on Vera's arm. "A-At...least...I ain't dyin...l-like a bi-bitch...I lowerca-case love a-all of youse...so...much..." His glove started to slip from Vera's arm, as his soul finally had stopped pulsing.

Wingdin covered her face with her hands, quietly weeping in her recliner. Edge paused only for a moment in his smiling to Kryssie; as a large red tear rolled down his cheek, he pressed a soft kiss to the tiny kitten's forehead, purring and rumbling to her gently. Sans just clung to Marrie, about ready to collapse. Papyrus was still just sniffling against Happy on the couch.

Vera just stayed still, expression unreadable, even as she gently took Bitter's limp hand, "...Say hi to my dad for me..."She gently placed his hand back onto his lap and relaxed back into her own chair as she looked at Sans and Pap, "...I'm sorry..."

Marrie was already crying along with Sans, her own knees couldn't hold her up anymore as she sat on her knees and cried. Happy was sobbing with Papyrus, hiding their face within his hoodie unable to look and see.

Little Kryssie let out a tiny coo at the purrs and rumbles, her little paw patting at Edge's cheeks as the tear rolled down, confused as to what and why.

Moments later, another trail of reddish magic blood was seen trailing down the corner of Bitter's mouth, his working eye closing the rest of the way. The sound of his slippers tapping against the floor was heard, as his body started to dust. Being someone from Underfell, however, left his dust a reddish-silver color, as it pooled in the wheelchair's seat.

Edge couldn't watch, as he had quite possibly the most fake smile upon his face, interacting with Kryssie. More red tears rolled down his cheeks however, and he couldn't help the strangled sounding purr that came from his throat. Wingdin couldn't hear the usual noises of Bitter breathing, and she leaned forward in her recliner, her face pointed towards Bitter's recliner. Purple tears leaked from beneath her fused shut sockets.

"N-No...I not hearing Bitterkins...h-he is..." She gulped, and covered her face, openly sobbing as it felt like her heart was simply breaking. Her teacup was gone.

Kryssie let out a tiny mew, seeming unfocused, not understanding at all what was going on. Vera looked over to him, arms outreached, "...I can take her back...if you want..." she offered, not daring to watch Bitter dust. She made a note to text her uncle, brother, and best friend later about Bitter's passing.

"...One thing for sure...I'll make she she knows who he was..." Vera gave a tired promise, her own heart silently breaking at old memories mixing with the events before her.

Edge gave Kryssie back, and gasped deeply the moment the child was turned away from his face. Oh my god...oh my god, my little brat, my darlin...I...I can't believe it...y-you're gone...oh fuck...oh fuck you...you didn't want me to do nuthin to ya, and I didn't and now you're gone...

He went down the hall, going to the bedroom, and he went to the dresser drawer, pulling out a box they had gotten. It had an image of his favorite Dustmetal band on it. Bringing it back, very carefully Edge got to his knees and gathered up Bitter's dust; large red tears rolling down his cheeks all the while.

Sans was just staring straight ahead, his eyelights still gone. He had stopped crying and was completely unresponsive, just softly growling as he breathed. The young skelegator had gotten so overwhelmed he was having a catatonic seizure; laying against Marrie; his body as rigid as stone almost.

Vera held Kryssie close, watching Edge work for a little while. Kryssie herself was beginning to get ansy as she started whimpering again. "Shhh...it's okay...it's alright..." Vera gently rocked her, humming a soft lullaby to calm her down.

Marrie noticed the sudden change in Sans and immediately began to panic, "Sans? Sansy? Sans! Sans! Sansy!" She sobbed out and tried to get him responsive again by cupping his face into her hands, "Sans! Please! Sans! Wake up! Sansy!"

Happy was still crying in Pap's hoodie, unable to take the heartache from it all. They managed a very muffled "Home..." before continuing to sob.

Edge sighed, as he had finished getting all of Bitter's dust into the box, then he folded up the dress that had laid draped over the chair. His voice was soft and husky with emotion as he spoke. "He's havin' a seizure, Mar...it's been awhile, but...he'll be okay. Just give 'em a few minutes, it's one o' those...whazzit called, Wing?"

Wingdin had been sobbing and after a few minutes she had mostly calmed down, still sniffling. "I-It is being called...cata...catatonic? Eh, stone-still seizure..."

Papyrus was still so out of it, when he heard Happy crying, and them muffling out the word 'home', it was all it took. Shambling to his feet, he held their hand and then took a couple steps. Then they were gone, and laying on the floor of Happy's house. "...shit sorry...still kinda...overbaked babe..."

"Just give him a little, Mars...alright...? It'll be okay...come here sis..." Vera opened an arm for her sister but Marrie refused, continuing to sob and latch to Sans, hoping he'd come out of it soon. Vera just decided to text out Zhara, her uncle and Darren the news. What became a pretty good day for her, instantly soured with this.

Happy shook their head and still hugged on, "...i'm s-sorry...i-i'm s-sorry...i'm s-s-so...s-sirry...I c-could't..." they hiccuped, looking like an absolute mess from this.

Sans had been pushed into the couch from Marrie latching onto him the way she had. It took another minute or so, but his eyelights came back on, and his entire body felt like jelly as he instantly slumped flat onto the couch with Marrie on top of him. Tears filled his eyes, and he started to cry; holding onto Marrie. "H-He's gonnnneee..."

Aquaria sighed quietly, watching from where she still stood beside Bitter's now-empty wheelchair. Wingdin was simply hugging a pillow she kept near her, crying openly, yet quietly; Edge was shuffling down the hallway to place Bitter's dust on the vanity table, not sure what to do with it for now...Vera looked like she'd swallowed a lemon, with an increasingly fussy kitten in her arms and attempting to text what had happened that day.

She came over, and gently took Kryssie from Vera's arms, slightly swaying on her feet to try to calm her down. Not sure what to do to calm the baby down, she started singing an old lullaby she knew. "Aloha ʻoe, aloha ʻoe e ke onaona noho i ka lipo...One fond embrace, a hoʻi aʻe au, until we meet again. 'O ka haliʻa aloha i hiki mai...ke hone aʻe nei i kuʻu manawa! ʻO ʻoe nō kuʻu ipo aloha a loko e hana nei!"

(Farewell to thee, farewell to thee, the charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers...One fond embrace, ere I depart, until we meet again. Sweet memories come back to me, bringing fresh remembrances of the past! Dearest one, yes, you are mine own, from you, true love shall never depart!)

In Happy's house, Papyrus was sprawled on the floor, with Happy hugging onto him, and he looked to them worriedly. "...don't be sorry...don't ya ever be sorry babe...it's life...or...this case it's death...i dunno. how about we just lay here, till we feel better, huh? would'ja like that? and when we get up, i'll make ya a sandwich 'er somethin...i love you hapstablook, please don't feel like ya did somethin' wrong...it's alright...i'm jus happy he wasn't hurtin' too bad when he left...an i'll prolly be wreck the next week or so...jus can't feel much o' nothin' right now..."

Marrie nodded with tear stained eyes and huddled herself close to Sans, her fur was still damp from his earlier tears but she didn't care. Only doing her best to comfort her boyfriend as she ran out of tears to cry.

Vera let Aquaria take on Kryssie as she slumped in her chair. How she wasn't a blubbering mess was a shock to her but she was too tired to really say much. Kryssie would calm down some at Aqua's song, she still complained but she wasn't going to cry about it.

Happy sniffled and nodded. They'd like that. "...I...l-love you too...I'll...b-be here too...f-for you..." was all they could manage for now. The whole thing was just a shock for them at the moment.

As the coming weeks went by, life slowly started to return more to a normal pace.

After Bitter had sadly dusted, Edge found Chara in their closet, trying desperately to bring up a menu they couldn't access anymore. The distraught child even resorted to drawing a RESET button on paper, and was punching it in their saddened anger. It was strange, for sure, but it helped them to process what was going on.

Taking Bitter's dust, Edge went and spread it where he'd requested. Going to Underfell himself, he took a handful, spreading it around the labs. As if declaring that if anyone wished to bother him; Dr. Gaster would show no mercy anymore. The rest, he spread at the Jae farm, with James' permission in a nice little ceremony of sorts.

Now it was just Edge and Wingdin, living with Chara. Papyrus had since moved out, and into Happy's home; enjoying being in Waterfall as it was more natural for him. Sans had taken to spending so much time with Marrie that it seemed almost that he too had moved out as well. Spending multiple days at a time with her, only coming home to sleep occasionally or to get something he needed. But it didn't bother the elderly skeletons, they had their child to raise, and their own health problems to care for.

Soon, it seemed that time had sped up for all of them, and it was now a year to the day of Bitter's passing.

Aquaria was humming in the kitchen, swaying on her feet as she trimmed up some product at the kitchen counter. She soon heard the padding of tiny feet, and chuckled softly; shaking her head. "Is that my little wahine comin' to check up on your Ma?"

She grinned, kneeling down in front of Krystabelle who was toddling into the kitchen. "What'chu doin' keiki?"

Kryssie let out a curious mew as she toddled about for a little longer before falling, landing right on Aqua's knees. The soft support made her giggle.

Vera would soon headover, looking like she got done with growing some things outside, "She's being a little explorer today. I had to stop her from crawling into the lemon grass else she was gunna try eating 'em again. She keeps being like that, might have to leave her here when I head to New Home. Last I need is for her to wander off on me or Darren."

Since the time passed, Darren had moved over to New Home over guilt after what happened to his sisters and mother but had always said it was awkward to live at the farm with Vera and Marrie's partners and wanted to give them space. The sisters had forgiven him a long time ago but they couldn't convince him to stay. Darren did occassionally visit to catch up or help out if there was a need for an extra hand.

James was now handling medicines and helping Vera keep the farm and pharmicutical business running. He didn't mind any, the work suited him fine.

Marrie was happy enough to let Sans stay with her and her Uncle, the house did have a lot of room since her siblings left. For now, she was still heavy in her studies to be a healer like her uncle, her magic getting better with each lesson.

Aquaria scooped up Kryssie, giving her kisses on her cheeks. "Ah, being a little kolohe, a little rascal on your Mama, huh?" She held Kryssie in her arms, and sighed, looking to Vera. "She's been in the lemon grass again? Oh geezus...sure, sure she can stay here with me and her Kupuna James, you enjoy time with Darren."

She gently rubbed her fingers through Kryssie's hair, and chuckled. "So what's on the menu for today, Vera? Jus heading out to New Home? Or somethin' else? On my menu is just bottling up some new butter blends though, nothin' too harsh..."

Sans had finished his shift on patrol, and he came up to the house, and grinned as he came up behind Marrie, wrapping his arms around her. "GUESS WHO~"

Over at Papyrus and Happy's house, the tall skelegator was working on deboning a rib roast for pulled beef; and had a bone sticking in his maw. Just in shorts and shirtless; he was humming happily to himself, his round glasses perched on his nasal ridge. After he finished up deboning and shredding it; he popped it into the fridge, and put the bones away as well.

Taking a bite of the bone in his mouth, he went and laid on the chair; closing his eyes as he rested peacefully.

"Visiting Darren and getting some supplies for Unc and Marrie. I'm thinking about bringing back a little dessert for missy here to celebrate. I shouldn't be too long." Vera promised before giving Aquaria a kiss on the cheek. She'd been getting better in accepting and giving the love back. Kryssie let out a tiny giggle before reaching to hug her Ma's hand. Vera gave her baby a few kisses on her head, causing the little kitten to laugh and pat her mom's face.

"Be good for Ma, little sprout. Don't be causing too much trouble, alright?" Vera purred lightly with Kryssie giggling and babbling.

Marrie was currently reading one of her study books when she felt Sans's arms around her, "Hi Sansy! I missed you!" She giggled out and hugged him back, plastering his cheeks a bit with kisses.

Happy was currently with Zhara outside on the farm, tending to the snails. The two were just conversing about life and catching up. Napstaton had been working on a lot of new stuff, the live shows were doing well along with concerts he put up every once in a while. Even getting Zhara into the acts as one of his dancers. So the two have been busy with all sorts of things.

Pap unfortunately wouldn't get to rest too long as someone kicked the door open, the airhorns and lazer light show would be a good guess as to who.

"YOOOOOOOOOOOO! SKELECUUUUUUZZ! WHAT'S BLAZING IT, DUDE!?" Napstaton made himself at home inside, sliding over to Pap's side of the chair, "Dude! I got a radical idea that's gunna TOTALLY change things for the next LEVEEEEL!" More airhorns and he threw in some glitter in excitement.

Aquaria smiled at the kiss, and nodded softly. "Sounds like a good plan, Catnip~ And take your time, no rush. I've got things handled 'round here, hun." A slight pink blush crossed Aqua's cheeks, as she gave Vera a slightly watery grin.

Sans laughed happily, as he got smothered in kisses. "I MISSED YOU TOO, MARRIE! I KEPT THINKING ABOUT YOU ALL DAY TODAY WHILE ON PATROL!"

Papyrus however didn't move a single inch, except rolling the bone between his fanged teeth. Having seen the lazer light show, he opened one socket lazily, and looked over to Napstaton. Pulling the bone out from his mouth in an easy motion, he yawned softly.

Then he tapped the side of his head idly. "what was that, pal? lemme get my hearing aids in~"

Vera chuckled, "Alright. I'll be back. Call me for anything." Vera was soon out the door and walking. Kryssie looked up at her water Mama and babbled curiously, seeming like she was asking what now.

"Aww...!" Marrie nuzzled up to him and closed her book, "Well, I'm here and ready for anything! Uncle's off in Hotland today making deliveries. So we have the house to ourselves until later tonight."

Napstaton cut off his sound bites and killed the lights, looking confused over at Pap "Wait...seriously? Dude, you gotta keep those on man! What are you even doing anyway? Cause I hope you can cancel 'em cause you and I are doing a thing, broski!"

Aquaria chuckled, and pressed another kiss to Kryssie's cheek. "Mmmm...you're right wahine, what're gonna do, hmm? Oh! Your Kupuna's off in Hotland today...we could play tea party, or hula if you want? You wanna dance with Mama?"

Sans thought for a moment, his tail lightly waving. "Ooooh...ready for anything? There's lots that we could do together, Marrie! Maybe go swimming, or just relax together in bed maybe?"

Papyrus chuckled softly, not able to hear Napstaton much; as he reached over to the small box that was plugged into the wall. Pulling out the hearing aids, he slipped them in and sighed. "sorry, cuz, i do gotta charge these things, and i was up really late last night, so i didn't get a chance to plug them in till earlier today..."

He settled back onto the couch, his tail draped over the arm. Looking over at the blue robot, he tilted his head slightly. "if i heard you right, you asked me what i was doing...and that was just relaxing. i made pulled beef for sweet buns for dinner tonight...but uh...that was about it."

The tall skelegator wasn't about to talk about the secret cave he had where he'd been trying to figure out to make a device to bring Cupcake back. He was going to work on that, but he couldn't say that to Napstaton. Instead he just yawned, leaning his head back. "so uh...ain't got nothing going...what's up bro-bot?"

Kryssie started to laugh and shriek at the idea of being with Mama. She proceeded to then grab her water mom's face and smoosh her cheeks, feeling quite touchy today.

"I guess a swim would be nice. I haven't done that in a while." Marrie got up from her seat, "But I wouldn't say no to cuddles. Just careful with the teeth okay? Uncle got smart with me once he saw the last scar on my shoulder." She laughed and headed to the room.

"Alright! Check it! Z and Happs are hanging out a lot and doing like things. And got me thinking like 'Yo! I gotta try that with my new cuz!' Cause like, no offense dude, I never really hung out with ya or really got to know ya! All I know is that you hang out with Dyne, do the whole sciencey thing or whatevs, and my cuz goes pink anytime I ask aboutcha. Sooooooo, we're gunna try and party it up, man! Bro y bro! Mano y mano! Bros before does! Whatcha say, broski!?" Napstaton seemed pretty proud of himself for getting the idea. Granted it was Zhara's comment on the whole thing that started it but he decided why not.

Aquaria didn't mind her cheeks being smooshed. "Hehehe! Awww, oooh you're just so excited ain't ya!" She went over to the closet, and started looking through it, pulling out a small hula skirt for Kryssie, and a larger one for herself. "Gonna dance the hula with Mama! We're gonna have so much fun, Kryssie!"

Sans had a deep blush across his cheeks, and he lightly rubbed her shoulder lovingly. "I'm so sorry about that, my dearest! Just got a bit excited you see~" He pressed kisses along her shoulder, leading up to her cheeks. "But a swim sounds delightful!"

He took off his 'battle body', stripping down to his boxers and stood very proudly in front of Marrie. His muscular body had thin scars all over, and he still had the black streaks across the right side of his skull. "Care to lead the way my dearest?"

Papyrus listened, as he crunched on the bone idly, and he chuckled softly. "you wanna party it up, with me? mr. laid back and lazy science gator? uh, sure i guess. um...we can go 'head over out...wherever ya wanna go?"

Getting up from the chair again, he grabbed his tank top; slipping it on, then he grabbed his hoodie, pulling that on as well. "ready to go now..."

Marrie giggled, feeling ticklish from the kisses. Wouldn't take her long to get in her two piece bathing suit and be ready to go. It was the right one that showed off just enough for Sans but still modest and hugged her figure nicely. "Okay!" She ran off the house to head to the nearby swimming creek, a medium sized pool of water with a waterfall that acted like a nice water slide if you could climb to it.

"Richeous duuuude! This is gunna be sick! To Hotland, bro!" Napstaton picked up Papyrus and basically carried him like a football. He did pass by Happy and Zhara who were petting some snails.

"Be back later, babe! I'm borrowing Pap for some bro time!"

"Just bring him back in one piece. And please no controlled explosions! I don't want to drag your body back to Undyne to fix you...again!" Zhara sighed as she watched her boyfriend and Pap go.

Sans followed her happily, and he easily slipped into the water, swimming down deep for a moment, before he breeched the surface growling gleefully. "AH! IT FEELS WONDERFUL TO BE IN THE WATER, AFTER A DAY PATROLLING THROUGH HOTLAND!"

Papyrus let himself be carried like a football, not really caring one way or the other. He just had a lazy grin across his face as he was carried, and he chuckled softly. "see ya hapsta...love ya bae-bot~"

Marrie took her time in getting in the water with him, "It is really refreshing. I needed a nice break from today. Oh yeah, Vera texted me earlier. She was saying how she was going to get a cake for Kryssie wanted to know if we were going to visit for a slice."

"Love you too, honey bear. Be safe you two." Hapsta waved as the two headed off, "He's been more energetic as of late..."

"Yeah, Undyne updated his energy outputs so he's been doing a lot more lately. It's nice but...I don't know...feels like he's hiding something from me..." Zhara mumbled that last part, unsure but hoping it was all in her head.

Napstaton ended up dragging Pap over to his hotel, right at the penthouse where the robot lived. "Alright dude! Welcome to Casa del Party! This is gunna be lit dude! Just you wait!" He really did look excited for it but..something about it also seemed a bit...much. Even for him.

The penthouse itself was huge. Large couches and beanbag chairs in front of a big TV and stereo system, kitchen off to the side behind a big door with a mini bar and table off on the other. There were hallways that led to bedrooms, spare rooms, and Napsta's private studio where he worked on new songs or brainstormed ideas for shows. All lavish in the lifestyle for the guy.

Sans was swimming on his back, his tail slowly cutting through the water as he listened to her. "Oh? A cake sounds delightful! I picked up something for Krystabelle while on patrol too! I left it in the living room when I came in, Marrie. I just need to wrap it and it'll be perfect!"

Papyrus stood up from Napstaton's hold, gazing around the penthouse for a moment. "casa del party...lit as ever, huh?" He shuffled slightly through the penthouse, his thick claw-proof slippers making soft noises against the tiled floor.

"so uh...what're we waiting for pal? you doin' alright lately? ma's told me that your voice seemed a bit...jarring the last week or so of shows. like you're louder than normal, and that you sound stressed, despite the...clear ability to relax." He lifted one hand, gesturing to the lavishness of the penthouse.

Marrie seemed happy with that as she swam over to get onto of his stomach, planning to lie on him while he floated about, "Sounds cute! What did you get her?"

"What? Psssh! Naaah! I'm totes chill, dude! don't worry about it!" Napsaton tried to laugh it off, "Just...uh...here to grab a thing! Like, make yourself at home, man! Mi casa's su casa!"

He headed down the hallway quick into his private studio. Once he for sure thought he had closed the door, he started to panick a bit on what exactly to do now that Papyrus was in the house. Didn't think he would get this far. His only friends were Undyne and his cousin. All they did was watch anime or write songs. Both of those...did not look like they could be done with Pap, so here he was, in his soundproof studio trying to get ideas.

Sans easily let her crawl up onto him, and he sighed softly; his tail still slowly cutting through the water while he floated. "I got her a little play kitchen! I thought about gardening items, but her mothers already have plenty of that sort of thing! She always wants to do tea parties with me when we come over! So, a play kitchen is perfect!"

Papyrus rose an eyebrow at Napstaton, watching him as he headed quickly down the main hallway. Blinking a bit, he shrugged and then shuffled over to the mini bar; poking around in the fridge. Grabbing a mini bottle of liquor, he mixed himself a honeyed whiskey drink; and plunked his butt into an overstuffed bean bag. Letting out a pleased hurgling noise, he took a sip of his drink and smiled lazily.

May not have been what Napsta had figured would happen, but the lazy skelegator was happy nonetheless just sitting and chilling in a different place. It made not much difference to the man to keep things low key.

"Sounds perfect to me!" Marrie giggled, "She does really like when you visit. If she's not playing tea party, she keeps wanting to climb all over you!"

Napstaton jotted a few things down and decided to head off. "Hey dude! I got some ideas! Huh...? Oh! Hey! See ya like my bar set up!" He chuckled, doing his best to hide any nervousness or anything.

"Like it? It was a thing I tried, doing sick ass bar tricks! I can do it hella awesomely! But uh...hard to actually get it to work in hotland. All the stuff either explodes or catches on fire. Totally down to do it but burning metal isn't like...radicals for the camera! Ya know?"

Sans grinned brightly, and laughed a little. "YES! SHE LOVES MY TAIL TOO! I just always try to be such a good uncle to her..."

Papyrus chuckled softly, taking another sip of his drink. "mhm. sorry i'm not exactly...so flashy like you are cuz. i'm just a...pretty easy goin' guy yanno? you don't hafta try so hard wit me...to be honest, i was just gonna try to relax today..."

He looked up at Napstaton, smiling softly. "but ya said you've got ideas, huh? what were ya thinking of, nap?"

"You're a really good Uncle, Sansy. I promise." Marrie gave him a sweet kiss, "And you're an even better boyfriend."

"Okay! Yeah! Totally! Like...you can teach me some cool science crap! I tried getting Dyne into a thing but she gets all sweaty and junk in trying to explain shit to me! You're good at that! Might even help me get some new stuff to put on the show! Or we just...i dunno, talk? Like I said, I know nothing about ya dude! Happ has told me things but they never finish since they get all pink and flustered!" He laughed at the image in his head. It was nice seeing his cousin so...happy.

Sans returned the kiss, and cuddled her lovingly. "Awww...I love you so much, my dearest Marrie."

Papyrus grinned again, taking another sip of his drink. "then pop a squat, napsta. you know nothin' bout me, huh? i...got a lot ta tell you i guess, nyeheheh...normally i wouldn't be so...open with myself, but i trust you."

Sighing, he tilted his head back a bit against the beanbag; his clawed fingers tapping against the glass in his fingers. "uhh...i used to be the royal scientists assistant...but you don't remember him...it's alright...but uh, yeah, i sped through school, graduated high school at nine years old...uhh...went through college pretty darn quick too...uh, i've got um...oh yeah, four doctorates now. and i'm now the head royal judge for the kingdom under queen toriel..."

Taking another sip of his drink, he finished it, and sighed; his large fangs being visible. "and uhhh...i'm married to your cousin, hapstablook. yeah. that's uh, me."

"Love you too, blue bear." Marrie giggled and relaxed back.

Napsta decided to grab himself a beer, not really in the mood for anything fancy, before sitting on an opposite beanbag and chilling. He just blinked, that was it to this guy? "Huh. Damn. When I heard Happy call ya smart, that...wasn't what I was expecting. That's pretty cool though! If you're so smart and shit, why didn't ya just stay in the labs with Dyne? Unless the Judge thing fits ya better."

Sans just hurgled softly, continuing to slowly spin circles around the lake happily.

Papyrus pushed his glasses up a bit, and chuckled. "eh, well...that's the thing. after...the last scientist retired, i realized i'd only stayed to help him. so, i retired as well. if i'm needed, dyne can always gimme a ring. but...being a judge is just easier. i've not got that much energy, and runnin' around a lab is hard sometimes. i also do sentry work, all throughout the underground, and i assist where it's needed in construction jobs with my birth father's old construction company, which i own actually."

"capitol city builders, they actually built your hotel; and i oversaw the base pouring and the planning of the restaurant and dance club..." Setting the glass down, he reached into his hoodie and pulled out a bottle of honey; taking a swig from it. "...a lot of my low energy comes from a magic imbalance, constantly low blood sugar. which is why you see me drinking honey a lot most likely..."

"Woaaah...dude! I didn't know that!" Napstaton looked impressed, "That's totally rad! Bio dad must have been cool if ya got in charge of the comp!" He swig of his beer, seeming interested. "Not hard to see everything I made for myself has been from me. It's been legit pretty awesome! Though fame's got it's ups and downs. Ya know celeb life." He shrugged with a smile, "But hey. Life be like that anyway, ya know?"

Papyrus let out a growl, and rolled his eyelights. Setting his bottle of honey down, he pulled off his hoodie and then his tank top, revealing his heavily scarred body. Deep gouges in his upper arms, slashes shown across his ectogel chest; where he had a slight pot belly on his slender frame from his admittedly horrible diet. His bottom-most ribs were completely missing; having been broken straight off.

Looking straight to Napstaton, his grin was flat, his fangs barely pointed past his mouth. "...you think my bio dad's cool now? they just needed someone to run it, so they asked me, that was it. my legal name is papyrus harlow sauveterre...but i go by my mother's last name of aster."

Sighing again, he settled back in the beanbag chair again, nearly smiling as he took the honey bottle again. "but yeah...fame's got it's ups and downs...i wouldn't really know much about that, because although i've been in high positions before...it's always been behind a desk, or a book...not in the public eye. and i like it that way. creating the homes, the technology, the ways of people to enjoy their lives comfortably and peacefully. i don't need people cheering my name, to know they're grateful and happy."

"knowing i come home to my spouse, and know that i've helped monsterkind in some way, i'm just...nyeh-hee-hee...happy to see happy, so happy."

Napstaton blinked and shrank into his chair, having not expected that. He wasn't also expecting Pap to bounce back and gush about his cousin. "...Woah..." was all he really could say at that moment. He just listened to him for a bit as he held his beer.

"Sorry dude. I uh...like...didn't know or anything. Glad to know my cuz is making ya happy as much as you do them." First time in a while that Napstaton had gone completely quiet.

Papyrus smiled, nodding. "eh, it's fine...and yeah, it's good and all. sorry 'bout throwing so much at ya. an' that's not even half my damn story either, that's just me, not my whole fam, if you catch my drift...but, the fact my lazy ass is still doing great with my boo-bot, i'm feeling really damn lucky to be honest."

Taking another swig of the honey, he felt his sugars starting to even out again, and he seemed to perk up a little bit. "so...how'ya doin with zhara lately? and uh...i heard dyne put in an energy upgrade for ya...and um...you worried 'bout something? i mean, i'm your cousin-in-law dude, and i don't mind helping out those that may need it. something eatin' at ya?"

Napstaton drank his beer, not really sure what to say now. He did latch onto that first question, wating to dodge the second, "Oh yeah! Girl got my energy servos fixed up! So I got twice the energy to last twice as long! So I got to get a bunch of other stuff done! Z's been a giant help with things too! Damn she works a stage! I didn't even know she had those kinds of moves on silk!" He chuckled. Deep down, he was still pretty nervous, but the beer was slowly helping him.

Papyrus nodded, and then got up again, still shirtless. "that's great. i'd hoped they would work for you. you've got the same servos i created for happy. i also created your updated dj spinner plates, which can fold out to a extra set, at the cost of reduced usage time..."

Heading to the mini bar, he rooted around and found a bottle of very strong whipped cream vodka, and a bottle of cinnamon whiskey. "heeey...i got a drink i can make for us, napsta; if you're up for some fun with your cuz?"

Pulling down two tall glasses, he got out a few other things; grenadine syrup, cinnamon sugar sprinkle, a bottle of cream soda, and some stone ice cubes. "it's something i created...cozy's cinnamon roll, after dark~"

Starting to put it together, he finished it up with a curl of whipped cream, and a shake of cinnamon sugar on top; then he brought over the strong and sweet drink. It actually tasted just like a cinnamon bun from Cozy's, the way his mother would make them; but replicated through alcohol. "try it, i'd recommend just sipping however, it's kinda strong!"

Napsta figured why not. The beer was good but he would never say no to a mix drink. Luckily he had the next few days off since he prerecoreded a bunch of episodes for the past week. He took it and tried a sip, "Woah...dude..that's actually pretty good! If this is the fun, sure! Hit it up, cuz!" This he could get used to.

Papyrus chuckled brightly, he'd learned how to make some wicked good drinks from his fathers, and he started making smaller versions of all the drinks they loved. A pink cosmo for his mother, a pan-galactic gargle blaster for his Papa, a double-strength irish car bomb for his Papi, and finally an espresso martini for his Pops.

He'd set the pairs of drinks on a tray, and he brought them over to settle it between him and Napstaton. "these represent my parents...all of them. one of them, the pan-galactic gargle blaster, was named after my papa's favorite book, the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy..."

Picking up the pink cosmo, he drained the fruity drink easily, looking to Napsta. "...you wanna know a neat trick, napsta? i know how to give anyone an instant headache."

Napsta was just getting the first drink Pap gave him down. Not his first time around the strong stuff since he did DJ all night and a buzz kept him awake for hours at a time. "Oh yeah? Lay it on me, dude! Try me!"

He looked at Pap with a challenging smirk, "Next round of mixies is on me though! I gotta show off the skills! I teach my employees how to work the place afterall! Gotta know what I'm doing!"

Papyrus nodded, and he pulled out his phone, taking a picture of the drinks; then a picture of Napsta holding the pink cosmo. "i'll have these to show happy we had a great time...oh and we should prolly let 'em know we're drinking and shit..."

(Picture of Napstaton and the 'family platter' of drinks)

[hey happy, me and napsta are drinking boo...we're at his penthouse, and having some good 'bro time' together. i've also got my pain medicine cigarettes with me too. i'll prolly just pass out here when we're done having fun.]

"there we go, took care of that." Pap picked up the pan-galactic drink, taking a little sip of it. "so...how to get nearly anyone to have an instant headache...dr. caddy brewer. he called you selfish, and you told him off. despite everything, he cared for all of us, and he'd be proud of how far you came, giving mom a friend on the tv in your shows, and being a good cousin to me and my bro, sans."

Napsta chuckled but gave a quick text to Zhara to make sure she knew what was up.

[Yo babe. Pap and I are having some drinks! Miss ya already, sugar wings! Til lateeeeer! XOXO]

He was satisfied with that and sent it. After that, he drank up the last of his thing as Pap was talking about Dr...something. He didn't fully hear everything as his servos started to lock up and give him a major headache. He did hear something about his mom and being a good cousin. Seemed to go as fast as it went.

"Woah...dude...what the heck?That was weeeeird...what's in these drinks man?" Napsta looked at his now empty glass, trying to see of the skeleton made some kind of trick in it.

Papyrus chuckled softly, shaking his head. "just the alcohol that's in your bar, buddy...that's it. nothing extra. what that effect is, is a temporal mentality protection loop. someone, the person who's name i stated, is considered as if they never existed...but you have residual memories of them...and when i say their name, your mind starts to shut down temporarily to protect you...the loop ends up closing so rapidly, it results in vasoconstriction in the brain. or in your case, your servos rapidly lock up for a moment, which causes the headache."

"i won't say the name again, but it's uh...kinda mean and neat party trick, sorry to subject you to it." Lifting up the irish car bomb drink, he chuckled. "although we've not gotten this far, this one is a traditional double-strength irish car bomb, one of papi's favorite drinks. and this last one...it's in memory of pops. may he have found peace with the angel above...it's an espresso martini."

Napstaton barely understood what that all meant but shrugged. He'll live with that.

He did remember what today is with Pap's explanation of the espresso martini, "Oh yeah. Today's the anniversary of him being gone, huh? That's a total bummer, bro. I'll take a shot for the guy." Not much he could do about...that.

Papyrus nodded softly, and he sighed. "pops wouldn't want us to be sad though. he went out on his own terms, surrounded by his family. he always thought he'd be dead in a ditch back where him and papi came from..."

Taking a sip of the third drink, the irish car bomb, he was starting to really feel tipsy by then. Pulling out a medicinal cigarette, he held the silver cigarette holder he used sometimes, that was his pops. Lighting up the cigarette; he leaned back in the beanbag and smiled softly. "...i'll miss 'em...but he's at peace now."

"so ya doing good in your shows? not sure what to talk about wit'cha dudosity..." Papyrus drawled, letting out a plume of smoke from between his fanged teeth and his nasal bone.

Napsta took the espresso martini and took a sip to commemorate the man. "Wish I could have been there. We didn't get the news til next day since Z and I were recording all day that day." He sighed.

"Show's are good. Got some new episodes ready to run starting tomorrow. But uh...I can talk about my fam since ya shared a lot of yours. Only fair man." He put down the drink and thought about it.

"My parents were never in the picture. Neither were Happ's. They might have told ya. We were raised by an old aunt of ours. Neither of us were close to her. She was just...in her own world half the time. So it was me, Happ, and our other two cousins who raised each other. We had other relatives but they ended up ditching the farm for bigger and better." Napstaton started, "We were all we had. Wasn't too bad. Meant we found our own passions together. But...eh...families break a lot. Our cousins left to be dummies. Then it was me and Happ for a long time."

Papyrus nodded, knowing that they would have been there, had they known. "mmm. hey ma'll like the new episodes."

As he listened to Napstaton, taking a few more slow puffs of his cigarette, soon the scent of the herb filling the penthouse easily. "...yeah...sounds like me and my baby bro, first four years of his life...was jus me and him and ma. in our tiny ass cramped apartment. though...now it's just papi and mama in their old home out in snowdin..."

"don't wanna be a debbie downer, but it'll prolly be ma that's next i think. all she does is sit in her recliner...and watch your shows...she has no drive, no need anymore. papi brings her food, brings her drinks...and she doesn't move until it's time for bed..." Papyrus sighed, waving the cigarette holder, until he finished. "...i just hope my thinking is wrong, though..."

"Hmm...maybe she just needs a little spark. Was thinking about maybe having her on a quiz show. I had her on the audience before, never on the stage. Might make her day." Napstaton chuckled as he took another sip.

Napstaton went quiet after that, internally fighting with himself on whether or not to tell Pap. If what he said about Wingdin is true...maybe this would be the last chance.

Papyrus smiled sweetly, and sighed gently. He sat up and finished the irish car bomb drink easily. "...oh she'd love that, napstaton...despite everything, she's still your biggest fan ever."

"...wow, the flashiest bot in town, and you're quiet. i'm surprised, cos."

"Sorry dude. Uh...little on my mind." Napsta chuckled lightly, though you could tell it was bothering him. Maybe it was the alcohol letting him speak his mind, "Look...dude...can I trust you with a thing? Like...this is hella important...last I need is for someone to get hurt because of me...I got enough guilt to last me..."

Papyrus looked to Napstaton, and he nodded. "of course, i promise i won't tell no one...and i don't like making promises to be honest."

"what's going on, then, napstaton?"

Napstaton downed the last of the drink and put the glass down.

"...Made a discovery back at the lab...I don't know why Dyne has it but...she said something ain't right with it...a human soul...red. We're thinking about telling the queen about it but...we don't know where it came from and...something about it gives us the creeps." He really did look genuinely unnerved by it.

Papyrus sighed, and took another puff from his cigarette. "yeah i remember that. i'll take care of it, don't worry about it. maybe we'll be able to actually get through the barrier now..."

"That would be pretty rad. And good timing too." Napstaton decided to get up and make some more drinks. He decided to go for his favorite three.

"...But uh..that's...not all that's buggin' me...does...Happ...ever ask...about me...? Or talk about me at all with ya...?" Napstaton decided to ask as he mixed up the drinks.

Papyrus watched idly as Napstaton mixed up some drinks for them both and by then, having finished all of the 'family platter' of drinks he'd made before, he chuckled softly. "uhh...sometimes? but i don't really know what to tell them...because really, i don't ever talk with you, so mostly the answer is just, whatever you say in the last episode, that's how he's doing..."

"they talk with ma a lot, and they've been a bit worried with how your energy has seemed to ramp up, until i let them know that you had your energy battery increased to their power level...so...yeah, even though they ask about you, not really sure what else to say..."

"Uh...yeah..." He sighed and kept mixing the drinks up. He'd try for some fun parlor tricks but decided not to push himself too hard.

"...Just been thinking of a lot...and I know they're happier with you. So...thanks for that...but...sometimes I can't help but think of that one convo you had me have with 'em when they first saw me again. I left without a word...just like my family did with us...I promised I wouldn't leave...and...there I went. I was doing it for them but...that's..not really a great excuse. And then Z...fuck I feel like I fucked up with her the most..." He's set up the drinks and bring them over. One cup looked like a tiny fishbowl with gummy fish floating around, a margarita looking drink that looked like a sunset, and two shot glasses with rainbow colored layers.

"...I know Z says she forigives me and kicked my ass about it but...just feels like I could have been better or I lost a spark with 'em both. After all this time, ya think I'd be over it since I feel like it has...there shouldn't be that loss especially with how much I love 'em both...but...still eggs me. ...maybe you're right...maybe I am selfish...could have ran back home anytime...maybe I could have put shit on hold for 'em...maybe..." He really did seem hung up about it, even the light from his soul chassis dimmed as he talked.

Papyrus seemed a bit slack jawed, as the drinks were really starting to hit the young skelegator. He yawned again, and smiled at his cousin-in-law. "you didn't fuck up with zhara...she's a damn good woman...sorry holy shit i'm pretty damn ripped by now...but yeah, so she love's ya so damn much and it's easier to get ya moving from one place to another with yer energy increaser..."

He frowned at himself and sighed. "i just hope i'm not holding happy back. despite my strength, i'm pretty darn weak with getting sick and my low blood sugar makes me weak so much...i feel like i'm not able to be a good husband for them..."

"It's cool..." He took one of the shot glasses and downed the rainbow colored contents.

"I love Zhara...I love my cuz...I just...wanna do better for 'em...ya know...?" Napstaton sat back on the beanbag chair with a thump.

"Trust me dude...you are the opposite of holding Happy back. Honestly? I think you built them up a lot. I never seen them so fucking...well...happy! Heh...heh...they're more confident...they smile more...they're not afraid to sing in front of people as much...that's all because of you, dude...gotta thank ya for that...you've done more for them in..like...a year and a half...than I ever did during our whole childhoods..." He started laughing for a bit as he pulled the rim of his hat down, tears started forming and slowly dripping down.

"...I'd love to be half of what you are, dude...smiles of fans...I see everyday...but...theirs a-always mattered more to me..." that would be it before he started sobbing.

Papyrus wasn't sure what to feel just then, completely half out of his mind on the liquor by then, and it felt like the other half of his mind was taken by his pain medicine...which in hindsight he realized maybe he shouldn't have mixed the two together. But it was too late for that. Settling back into the oversized beanbag, he opened his arms wide for the robot that was his cousin by marriage. "c'mon dude, bring it in...their smile always mattered to me once i really knew who they were...the reason i prolly got them to open was because...i'm just me...i don't try to be something i'm not...that and i'm really laid back which really works with their level on anxiety and such..."

"...sorry i'm prolly being too sciencey for ya..." Pap took the last swig of the espresso drink, grabbing one of the mixed drinks that Napstaton created. "...nyeh, pretty good drink ya did here cuz...but yeah...their smile...their smile always makes my soul melt i swear..."

Napstaton leaned into Pap's hug, still sobbing. Pent up emotions plus a robot who cries when drunk is a weird concoction of it's own. "T-Thanks man...The f-fish bowl's a fave of Z's...she just fucking loves fish! And she's fucking cute! And I w-wanna do more for h-herrrrr! And h-Happ too! And you man! You're...Y-You a d-damn fine cuz! M-Making 'em s-smile and shit, man..!" Now it was hard to tell if these were pent up emotions or just him being really drunk.

Papyrus didn't care if it was the robot's pent up emotions or just him being really drunk. Regardless, letting it all out was a good release for him. It was something his Pops had taught him. If you can't get them to open up naturally...get them drunk. It always works. Which was what he applied today on Napstaton. Hugging his arms around his robotic cousin, he didn't quite care if it was him or the drink...

But he got him to open up some, and that made him feel like he'd done rather good for his cousin that day. "of course she loves fish...just natural for her...and of course ya wanna do more for her. you wanna give your partner the world don'cha? it's why i managed to finish happy's body in jus' two months, and not six, like i'd thought originally..."

He sighed, realizing that just him rambling wouldn't work here, and he simply held his crying cousin the best he could, rubbing the robotic dj's back. "you've done enough, dude...at least for me. the fact that you recognized my pops...and his passing...makes me happier than you could ever realize..."

Napstaton just nodded and cried for a while until he just went silent and...limp. Though his energy output increased, it seemed like he forgot to charge himself, body now just heavyweight metal.

Pap's phone would be ringing soon enough, Happy was calling.

Papyrus suddenly felt a great weight upon his chest. Shit. His cousin had forgotten to charge himself it seemed. Goddamn it. Shifting the now seemingly lifeless robot on his bare chest so he could reach his phone, he sighed, using his blue magic to go and plop the 'lifeless' Napstaton into the other beanbag chair across from him.

Picking up the phone, he coughed a few times, then answered. "hey...oh hey bae...everythin' okay wit'chu tonight? i'm uhhhh, gonna have to figure out how to charge your cousin prolly a million sheets to the wind right now, but that shouldn't be toooo damn hard, yeh?"

"Oh dear...Well...Zhara and I are doing fine. We're at Vera and Aqua's celebrating Kryssie's birthday. I was going to ask how things were going...do you want her on the phone? She might know best...it...can't be that different how I charge...right? Um..I'll...just...ask her..." Happy was pretty concerned with the state of their cousin.

Meanwhile Vera was watching her little girl try and climb over her Uncle Sans again. Her tiny claws managed to grip onto his shirt but nothing that would cause HP damage to him since they could barely pierce anything. She let out a little purr as she managed to get up to his shoulders.

"glad to hear it babe, uhh, we'd be there, but we're in new home i think and we are...pretty damn plastered right now. i made a 'family platter' of drinks for me and him, then he made his own mixed drinks and we started off the night with an after dark cinnamon bun...yeh...yeh, get z please, boo...i don't wanna plug the wrong thing on 'em and fry his ass..." Papyrus lamented quietly on the phone, looking over his cousin as he himself was slightly wavering on his feet.

In the house, Sans was laughing happily as Kryssie managed to get to his shoulders on their own. "YOU ARE THE BEST CLIMBER, KRYSTABELLE! SUCH A STRONG LITTLE ONE, AND TODAY YOU ARE TURNING ONE YEARS OLD, I'M SO PROUD OF YOU, MY NIECE!"

He reached up and gently nuzzled her as she clung to his shoulder. Aquaria giggled softly, watching how her daughter was acting around her Uncle Sans. "Awww...she's sooo cute, Vera...you know she's getting better at dancing the hula with me. She nearly got all the movements right today! She is sooo smart, our little wahine..."

"I'll get her...hold on..." Happy felt bad but they couldn't help but laugh a bit. Least things seemed to be okay. They managed to get Zhara and explain the situation. Zhara took the phone and silently thanked Happy before talking, "Hey Pap. Happy told me everything. He's not that hard to plug in actually. Just get him somewhere soft for him to sleep it off, there's a compartment on his "belt" that kinda looks like a pocket but it his cord storage compartment. Just press the little button on the top of it, the cord should pop open and you can just pull it to the nearest socket. And if you're feeling generous, put an ice pack on his head or soul. I know he's going to be feeling the hangover when he gets back up." She was pretty knowledgeable already on how he worked. Had to be after so much time together.

Kryssie let out a purred laugh as she tried patting Sans's face. She did try to put her paw into his eyesocket however, little curious rascal she was. Marrie however did try to stop her, "No no! Not that, Kryssie!"

Vera snickered at the sight, "Careful, she has grabby hands." She did look over at Aqua, "Yeah, she's a cute little mischief maker. She's doing pretty damn good for a year old. That's a blessing already."

Papyrus chuckled, and grinned to himself. "sure, sounds like a plan. i'll get him plugged up and set him up that ice pack. me, i'm gonna finish the drinks left, and pass out on the beanbag after finishing my cigarette..."

Sans laughed brightly, until she started to put a paw into his eyesocket, which actually hurt a bit. "OOH...OOH NO KRYSSIE...NO PAW IN YOUR UNCLES' EYESOCKET, PRINCESS PLEASE..."

Looking to Vera and Aqua, he smiled softly. "That's quite alright...we'll get her sorted out!"

Papyrus grinned as he laughed over the phone hearing what was going on. Leaning against the beanbag chair for a moment, he sighed. "yeah, i'll get him charging, and i'll just...pass out here i guess...i love you hapstablook. i'll see how the thing i worked on rated with his energy expenditure..." He chuckled, letting out a quiet sigh.

"hm i'm really fucked up hapsta...and uh, hapsta, dear...i jus wanna cuddle yoooou..." The rest of his language was garbled, hands and english as he was truly getting more and more drunk it seemed, while he finished the rest of his drinks. ...you're so pretty and make me so happy, i just wanna be the best husband for you happy...

He tended to get needy when he was drunk, and he started to whine slightly, his tail rattling a little. As the phone was still in his grip, he started fiddling with Napstaton's belt, getting the cord out and plugging it in.

Realizing he still was on the phone, he smiled a little. "i love yoooou, hapsta...give kryssie big hug and snuggle from her uncle papy, would'ja?"

Zhara could be heard laughing on the line, along with Happy letting out flustered sounds.

"Yeah, we'll let her know. Both of us can hear ya, Pap. Loud and clear." Zhara was patting Happy's back to get them to relax, "Thanks for taking care of Napsta. We'll see you later."

"I love you too, Papy. Just, be careful. Don't overdo yourself. We can...um...cuddle when you get back..." they did seem to find it funny how much Pap changed when he was drunk.

Marrie managed to get Kryssie off of Sans's eyesockets. Little girl just babbled on in her aunt's arms.

"Silly girl. No hands in there, okay?" Marrie gently set her down, letting her crawl back over to her moms.

"Did Uncle ever get back about Edge and Wingdin?" Vera looked over at the rest of the group.

"I think Darren said they're working on it, sissy." Marrie shrugged.

Aqua scooped up Kryssie, gently nuzzling her daughter's cheek, as her dreads bobbed a bit with the movement. "You are such a silly little rascal, yes you are! Are you ready for your presents, keiki?"

Sans sighed, scratching the right side of his head. "IF DARREN IS TRYING TO GET MAMA AND PAPI TO COME OUT TO WATERFALL...THAT'S GOING TO BE SOMEWHAT HARD. MAMA CAN'T SEE, AND PAPI IS AFRAID OF FALLING INTO THE WATER. HE CAN'T SWIM WITH HIS ROBOTIC LIMBS!"

At their house in Snowdin, it was just Wingdin and Edge by then. After the brothers had moved out, Chara had left as well, to move into a little apartment that was supplied by the Queen herself. It was just too cold for the young human to stay in Snowdin unfortunately.

Edge was seated on the couch, just holding one of Wingdin's hands quietly, as one of Napstaton's shows played in the background. Wingdin's health had been slowly declining since Bitter's passing, and despite both of them not being that close originally; he still loved and adored his wife so much. Due to the DT in his soul, and the black magic he'd done years ago, he knew of Cupcake's falling. But he knew even if Wingdin wasn't aware of it, sometimes, he would catch her randomly crying, not sure why it was happening.

What didn't help things was when the Queen had visited the month previously with Chara in tow, and Toriel had somewhat rudely suggested a place they could move to in New Home. The 'extended care facility' for senior citizen monsters. Shaking his head at the thought, he gently rubbed his natural thumb along Wingdin's palm.

"Ya hungry, darlin?" He rumbled softly, looking to Wingdin.

Wingdin shook her head quietly, her face pointed towards the TV. Edge patted her hand lightly, getting up and heading to the kitchen. Looking in the fridge, he frowned a bit. Despite he'd gotten his golden fangs back in the form of a denture; he still was rather slender. There wasn't much food left in the house, as neither of them had left recently for any reason since Toriel and Chara had visited a month ago.

Looking at Wingdin from the kitchen, he watched her for a moment as she sat in her recliner. He could see the advanced age on his wife all too easily. Spiderwebbed cracks leading from her fused shut eyesockets reached up over the top of her skull, and down into her cheeks. Her bones were thin, her ectogel not much better. The house dress she wore was a bit dirty from age, faded with a few spots, and the socks on her feet were mismatched for some reason.

"Maybe we should go to them? Wouldn't be hard to move the stuff." Vera suggested, "Besides, Kryssie loves the hell out of 'em too."

Kryssie giggled and laughed as Marrie tickled her belly. "Silly girl!"

James had gone down to get the couple some groceries, knowing that the couple needed to restock after a while. Darren was currently with the elderly Skeleton couple.

"Are you sure both of you wouldn't want to go? I'm sure your sons and Krystabelle would love to see you." Darren asked lightly.

Sans nodded, and grinned happily. "That's a WONDERFUL idea, Vera! We'll pack up things here, and head to my parents house!"

Aqua smiled, and went to the bedroom; to get Kryssie dressed for the colder weather. She slipped on her thicker ankle-length coat; made from patchwork leather and denim. Slipping on her thick boots, as she normally went barefoot in their home; she walked a bit oddly.

"We're ready to go, my ku'uipo~" (my sweetheart) Aqua murmured to Vera as she came over and pressed a kiss to the cat's cheek. The water elemental had dressed Kryssie in a snow suit; which nearly made her look like a star.

Wingdin rubbed at one of her sockets, and sighed quietly. Feeling for the TV remote, she held it in her hand tiredly. "Our sons are busy with spouses...no need to be bothering them..."

Edge brought over the nearly empty jug of sweet tea, and he gave Wingdin the last of the sweet tea in her glass. "Darlin we wouldn't be botherin' them...you wanna see Kryssie don'cha? That little kitten's pretty much like a grandkid for us..."

Vera, Zhara, and Marrie helped get things packed up and in Vera's inventory before the cat got herself in a leather jacket with an insulated inside.

"We're good here too. Let's get going, huh Waterdrop?" Vera chuckled and kissed her back. Kryssie babbled from her little snowsuit, moving her little star point arms.

Happy couldn't help but coo and smile over how cute Kryssie looked. "Let's get moving!" Zhara chuckled and opened the door for them as Vera sent the text to Darren.

James soon came back with a few bags of groceries and headed towards the kitchen, "I believe i've gotten everything. Do let me know if I missed anything."

"Actually, good news. Seems they'll all be coming here." Darren smiled a bit at recieving the text.

"Can't go to the party so the party comes to you, huh? No doubt Vera's idea." James chuckled as he started putting away groceries.

Sans led the way, having put the presents into his own inventory to help them; and he chuckled softly, seeing how affectionate Kryssie's parents were. As they made their way across the bridge into Snowdin, he smiled to himself.

Aqua had bundled her dreadlocks into a bandana; and was humming softly while carrying Kryssie in her arms. She hadn't been to Snowdin in a long time, so she didn't realize that her cheeks and bare hands would start to get a icy sheen to them, making her face and her hands look slightly as if she were a glass doll.

In their house, Edge came over and started to help James put away the groceries. "She's a real good kid yanno...hey uh...can I ask ya something James?"

Marrie leaned against Sans, hugging his arm in happiness and excitement if her twitching tail had anything to go by. "I really did miss seeing them."

Vera blushed slightly at the sight but smiled, "Well don't ya look chill Aqu." She snickered as Kryssie started to reach out and pat her mom, liking the look and wanting to touch.

James help put away what he could before Edge started helping. "Fire away." He didn't seem to mind as he got a few things into the fridge.

Sans nodded softly, giving Marrie a gentle kiss. "Yes. I've missed them so much...unfortunately I've just been so busy I haven't had the chance to go and see them for nearly three months now..."

Aquaria blinked a bit, and looked over to Vera. Her watery skin was a pale bluish-green tint, but clear like glass now. "Chill? Hehe, mahalo, dear..." Looking towards Kryssie, she grinned sweetly. "Oooh you like how your Mama looks?"

Edge held a can of gravy in his hand, and he sighed a little. "...when Wingdin does pass away...would you mind if I moved in with you? I know ya got a...full house already, but...uh, I know this is a bit, awkward, but you're rather handsome too..."

A slight red blush crossed his cheeks as he continued to put away the canned items into the cabinet.

"I know...it's been slipping my mind to see them. But...hopefully this helps out a little bit." Marrie purred lightly.

Kryssie babbled out and kept patting away as her little eyes grew wide in facination. "You always like messing with Mama, huh? It's either Mama's face, your Uncle Sans in general, or you're gumming my tail." Vera chuckled at her little girl, giving her a little pet on the head.

James didn't noticed the blush, only focused on getting things put away. "House is actually much less full nowadays. It's just Marrie and Sans who live there. Darren's been living in New Home these last few months. Vera and Aquarina are living with their own cottage. And even with Marrie and Sans, they both are off and doing their own things so it's just me at the house. So, you are more than welcome if you so wish." James smiled a bit, "And thank you for the compliment. Age has been a mix for me, but I suppose I cannot complain."

Sans nuzzled Marrie's cheek as he came closer to the house. He saw the mailbox stuffed full with mail, and he frowned slightly. "Hmm...Papi usually gets the mail everyday..." He gathered it up into his arms, and went up to the door, knocking on it gently.

Aqua chuckled cutely, a pink blush reflecting in her cheeks. "You are just precious our little keiki~"

Edge nodded softly, and finished putting away the groceries, flexing his robotic hand slightly. "Yer welcome, James...yanno I'm surprised you never have had anyone in your life, it seems like...a-and if ya did, I'm sorry for assuming things, pal..."

Wingdin looked towards the door, hearing the knock; and she got out from her recliner. On memory, she headed to the front door; her socked feet shuffling slightly on the carpeted floor. Carefully she opened the door, her gapped-tooth smile visible. "Hello children...you coming over I hear from James..."

Marrie seemed concerned at that, but helped Sans best she could.

Darren got up to help Wingdin, least making sure she was alright on the way. He did give a wave at the others.

Kryssie purred lightly, only to start babbling and reaching out to Wingdin once she heard her.

"Hey, we decided to come over. Kryssie here misses her grandparents." Vera smiled, more especially in seeing Kryssie.

"No surprise to me. I never really had a fashion for love. Just, never really understood it much. But I'm happy enough with it. I still ended up with children despite it." James chuckled, "I believe my youngest niece had a title of how I am...something romance...Aromantic I think the term is. Not sure how that came about but it does seem to fit."

Sans' grin seemed to wither a bit seeing his Mama. He sighed quietly, and shuffled the mail in his hold a bit. "Hi Mama, how are you feeling lately?"

Wingdin heard Kryssie's babbling and she smiled a bit brighter; holding her hands out for the kitten. "I am being tired, but things are okay I guessing..." With Darren's help she carried Kryssie with her, to go and sit in her recliner again. "But it is the little one's birthday today! You are a whole year old, aren't you, Krystabelle~"

Aquaria came inside and carefully took off her jacket and boots, preferring to go barefoot inside the house. She let out a burbling sigh, and finally looked closer at her hands; her pink eyes widening. "Veronica, I partially froze! It must be below freezing outside..."

Sans came inside next and he shook off the snow from his skull and tail; and grinned to his mother, even though he knew she couldn't see him. "I'll set up everything, as soon as I get the rest of the things from Vera, my dear. Would you want to rest a little?"

Edge nodded softly, and smirked. "Aromantic, huh? Well...I guess this old skele' is barking up the wrong tree, so to speak. But despite that, I'd still like to have a friend to grow older with, James. Thank you for being here for me...I just got a feeling she won't live to see Kryssies second birthday..."

Kryssie babbled on and reached up to touch Wingdin, looking happy to see her. "Yeah, she's a full year older now. And she's very grabby, so careful." Vera warned.

"I've got her. Not to worry." Darren chuckled and kept an eye on them both.

"Well it is snowing outside, hun. And you're sooooo lucky I like the way you say my full name. Otherwise I'd kick your ass." Vera laughed before pulling her girlfriend close, "Come on, I'll warm ya up. while we work."

Zhara helped Vera out get everything. Presents and of course cake.

"I have no problem with your company. Always good to have a friend nearby. And...I do understand. Hopefully we make good time of what she has left. She's happy for now...that's all we can do." James looked over to the livingroom seeing Kryssie pat at Wingdin with the sleeves of her snowsuit.

"Best we can do now is also hope." James smiled, that's been his motto for decades.

Wingdin giggled at Kryssie's pats on her face, and she gently felt the little kitten's chest, finding the zipper for the snowsuit; taking it off of her gently. "There we are, you can snuggle Grandma so much better now, Kryssie!"

Aqua giggled brightly, nuzzling her cold icy cheek against Vera. "Oooh, you'd kick my ass, ku'uipo? I think I'd like that~" She let out a cute burbling noise, pressing a loving kiss to Vera, being playful.

Edge sighed softly, following James gaze to his wife. "...yeah. Never thought I'd get here in my life though...but you're right. Best we can do is hope."

Wingdin leaned back in her recliner, holding Kryssie in her lap, and she smiled a bit more. "My little sweetie kitten, you are a whole year old today! Your Grandpop would have loved to been here, to seeing you...but you having me, and your Grandpapi too. And your...eh, Aqua what is James name again, what you calling him?"

Aqua smiled softly, looking towards the old skeleton. "Kupuna! It means 'grandparent or ancestor' in Hawaiian."

Happy decided to take a seat closes to Wingdin, wanting to be there for her as well. "She's doing very well as of late. She can now climb on Sans on her own."

Kryssie giggled and held onto her grandma, playing with her dress fabric since she liked the touch.

"Oh my...shut up!" Vera laughed and kissed back.

Marrie couldn't help but giggle at the sight of everyone. "Sorry we haven't visited in a while, Ma...Sans and I have been really busy."

"You know you're welcome anytime on the farm. Kryssie does love you and Edge a lot." Vera assured.

Wingdin looked towards Happy, glad to hear their voice as well. "She is doing very well then if she can be climbing up on Sansy!" She gently patted Kryssie's back, and smiled towards the little kitten in her lap. "I would have...eh, changed clothes had I known earlier that everyone coming..."

Sans had set up a little table in the living room, and he set the cake and some plates up. "Mother...it is okay. We're all here to celebrate Kryssie's first birthday, and she is glad to be in your lap regardless!"

Aqua giggled, as she stacked up a few presents on the table Sans had set up. Then she cheekily waggled her hips, as if doing the hula; lightly bumping into Vera as she did so.

Wingdin looked towards Marrie, and smiled softly. "Marrie, it is being alright. Heh, you knowing I don't really eh, do much anymore..." She then looked where she'd heard Vera's voice and she tilted her head slightly. "I...I am scared to go to Waterfall...I cannot see, Edge cannot swim...we both could be being very bad hurt, if something wrong happened on way there...I know that Kryssie loves me and her Grandpapi so much..."

Edge stood in the kitchen, rummaging through the pantry, and he sighed, putting his head against the door for a moment. His soul hurt a bit, and he frowned to himself.

"If that's the worry, I could always come for you both and bring you over. Or the girls can come down and see you both themselves." James assured.

"I don't mind the walk. And it makes the cub happy." Vera chuckled before being surprised by Aqua's bump. She gave her a challenging smirk at her.

Kryssie was now trying to climb up Wingdin's dress the same way she did with Sans, wanting to be closer to her grandma.

"Papy and I have been wanting to visit you both...maybe we should come more often." Happy smiled a bit.

"We can drag Napstaton too. Someone needs to hear all his ideas for things besides me." Zhara laughed.

Wingdin smiled a bit brighter, and sighed happily. "That is sounding wonderful...thank you so much..."

She felt Kryssie climbing up her house dress and she giggled softly, gently picking her up to help her get closer. "Oooh you are little explorer today! Yes you are, you love your Grandma don't you?"

Edge left the kitchen, and headed to the bedroom. Getting an old black tank top on, he then slipped on a pair of dark gray sweatpants; and shook his head for a moment. Going to their shared dresser he gazed at a picture of himself, Wingdin and Bitter. It was the picture they'd taken, holding the stack of baby items for Krystabelle.

He took a few deep breaths, calming himself before he would start crying; and the grabbed a cigar of his, lighting it up. Coming back out from the bedroom, he gave everyone a nice smile, as he let out a slight puff from the cigar. "Heya kiddos, sorry 'bout that...where's our little birthday girl, huh?"

Kryssie giggled again and managed to climb on Wingdin's shoulder for a purr and nuzzle like she's seen her mommy do. That would be her answer to Wingdin's question.

"There she goes." Vera chuckled, "And she's right here using Wingdin as a climbing wall."

Kryssie's ears flicked at hearing Edge, causing her to go on a full on babble again. "She sees Grandpapi. She's exctied now." Happy giggled.

"I wasn't kidding when I said she loves you two." Vera smiled at her little girl.

Wingdin giggled, and nuzzled Kryssie back happily, pressing kisses to the baby's cheek. "You are too much! And so agile little one!"

Edge chuckled brightly, and came over to Kryssie, grinning to her. "Ah, yeah she sees her old Grandpapi! C'mere you lil brat!"

He scooped her up into his arms, and gently kissed all over her face, gazing his dual-colored eyelights down to her. "You are so beautiful, Krystabelle...mhm..." A few tears trickled down his cheeks, and he just held her close to his chest, letting out a quiet, shuddering sigh. He'd have loved you so much too!

Wingdin's smile fell, and she covered her mouth; looking down to her lap. Sans took a deep breath, letting it out softly. "Yes...Pops would have loved her too, but he doesn't want us to be sad. H-Honestly...if you asked him, he would say, forget he died, just celebrate her birthday. She's worth more than my weak old ass!"

Kryssie babbled and cooed on, even reaching out to pat Edge's face as she did with Wingdin.

Happy did head over to Wingdin and hold one of her hands, trying to be there for her.

"That sounds like him..." Marrie gave a small smile, "But she'll know how much she's loved. We won't let her forget."

"Yeah. True that."Vera nodded, "And I think it's safe to say she loves you guys just as much. She's just talking and purring a storm over there. I'm gunna lose it once she says her first word, I swear."

Edge just buried his face against Kryssie's chest for a moment, and sighed again, managing to smile a bit. Lifting his head, he made a silly face at Kryssie, partially popping out his gold denture to be a bit funny.

Wingdin held Happy's hand, and smiled to them. "Thank you, Happy...you are such good child, you all are."

Sans had gotten the last few things done with the cake, and he grinned happily, his tail waving. "THE CAKE IS DONE! Is the birthday girl ready to blow out her candle?"

He held the nicely sized modest cake in his hands, bringing it closer to everyone else, so Kryssie could blow it out.

Kryssie giggled at her grandpa's face before reaching up again, she seemed to like it a lot.

"I think she's ready. Just don't let her too close to the flame." Vera warned lightly. "Aww...this is going to be so cute!" Marrie looked excited as she got her phone out for a picture.

Edge pulled his gold fanged denture back into his mouth and made another silly face at Kryssie, tilting his face closer to her, cradling her easily in his robotic arm. "Awww, a'right then. You ready ta blow that candle out, kitten?"

He brought her over closer to the cake that Sans held up for her to blow out. "Make a wish, Krystabelle! An' you make it a good'un too!" Edge nearly purred as he held her carefully in his arms.

Aquaria had her phone out, having been taking video of everyone there that day; before focusing on Kryssie. "Go on lil' wahine, make your wish!"

Kryssie looked at the flame and tried reaching out to it, Marrie was quick enough to get her to not touch it though. "Come on, baby girl! Blow! Like this!" Marrie tried showing her.

Kryssie was still facinated with the candle but did try the blow, only for it to turn into a raspberry. The candle was blown out at least.

"That's one way to do it." Zhara took a few photos while Marrie was with the birthday girl.

Edge chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to Kryssie's head. "You did really good honey! That looks like really tasty cake, don't it? Let Aunt Marrie cut it up, and I'll help ya eat it, yeah?"

Wingdin giggled, looking towards Edge. "Ooh, don't you eat the cake on the baby, you let her eating it, Grandpapi..."

Beside Wingdin's chair, seated in the shadow; Cupcake watched as a wavering smile crossed his dripping cup, not really visible to anyone it seemed.

"͍̮̰̯͙Y̡͈̫ơ̤͕̟̯͇ͅu̳̠̲̬̦͙r͎ ̩̭͈G̲̞̹͙̣͓̰̕r̤̳͇̀a͍n҉̯̱d̤̲͎̗̳̖̣p҉̻̳̪͚a̡̹̲̺̗̦ ̫̳̲̣̲͇ͅi͖̮̳̖s̩ ̷͚̗͚̳̬̼prọ̫̜̤͙̫̀ų̻̭̫̙̠͖d͎̣̺̮̤̼͇ ̻̥͓ͅo̹̹̞̹͓f̰͔̕ ͙̮y͚͔͇̺̟͢o̠̜̣̖ú̩͍̜,͇̰̠ ͞K̹̞̙r̮̗̦͈̺̫y̻͍͜s̠̱͔͍͚͞ͅͅt̮a̮̖͉͇̣̝be͇̪̰̲͎̣̠l̝̦̩̩͍l̵̬̣e̩.̥͕̤̟̹.̻͕̖͕͘ͅ."̡̺̳̫̟̱̭̤ He murmured quietly, watching her, his gloved hands slightly clasped together.

Near Zhara stood a seemingly invisible specter of Bitter, although no one could see him. He was as he appeared much younger, and had the biggest pointed grin across his teacup'd face.

"You're a smart cookie, you little brat. Your Grandpops loves you!" He said, although it seemed no one could hear him either.

Kryssie giggled and cooed again, only to stop once she heard all these new voices. She looked over to where Cupcake was and cooed curiously at him. Hearing Bitter, she looked over at started reaching out to him, seeming to recognize him.

"Huh? What's going on baby? You wanna come to Auntie Z?" Zhara chuckled and headed over to see her.

Kryssie just babbled on and put a paw to Edges face as a way of saying no. She kept looking at the two spots, her tail flicking about as she babbled until "...G-Gampa...?"

"...Aq...pinch me. She...she did not just say something other than babbles...did she...?" Vera was frozen at the spot least until Kryssie tried it again.

"Gam..pa? Gampa?"

Edge frowned a little in curiousness. "...No...no baby, I'm Grandpapi...there's no...no Grandpa..."

Bitter blinked a bit, staring at Kryssie, as he chuckled quietly. Slowly walking through Zhara, which probably felt like a sudden chill, he came over closer to Edge and Kryssie.

Cupcake carefully rose from his spot in the shadow of the recliner. Stepping around the chair, he knew the others couldn't see him normally. He appeared to almost have no legs, just blackness extending to the floor, his floating teacup head dripping white, with black liquid in his head. His white gloves were deformed slightly, black holes in the palms.

Much like everyone else, Aqua couldn't see Cupcake or Bitter, and she was staring at her daughter, her dripping mouth having fallen open. "Oh my goodness...she did...she did! Krysta just spoke! She said Grandpa! Wait...wait why would she say that?"

Cupcake came a bit closer, gently touching her hand with his gloved one; his dark eyes gazing up at her.

"͓͚M̠͉̘ͅý̺ ̡͖̝̻̼ͅgr̷̲̼̪̠̞a̘͈̞̹̞͓̝nd҉̱̖ḑ̗͉̲̳͇a̵̦̭̤u̞g̳̖̤̪̻̪̟h̢͓̤̟t͖̯̪͡e̠̼̦̯̥r̨͔͙͎͚̬̤̥.̴̟̖͍̬͓̯̼.̯͖̲̣̖̱̪͢.҉̖̖̥͍̝̘̹y̷̥̞͓͙͍̫ó̤͍̮̻̝̯̯ṵ ̭̻̗͟a̜̥ŗ̼ḙ ͖͈̯͚be̮̮̝̜̖̖ą̫̬u̠̥t͉̯̮̭̱ͅí͓̹̘͓͚̺f̖̗͙̺̺͟u̘̦͉̳l̩̯͇̘̲͇ͅ.̗.͔̠̘.̢"͇̩̤̯

Zhara did feel the chill pass through her. She figured it was a draft from outside and bundled herself up more with her jacket.

Vera couldn't help but tear up at hearing her girl, "I don't know...but..oh my gosh...she fucking talked!"

"Probably because it's hard to say Grandpapi right now. I guess that's close enough for now." Marrie figured as much as she started cutting cake.

"I can agree there. Marrie's first word was "chaw chaw". If her was her way of saying "chow" and we knew she was hungry." James chuckled as Marrie blushed, "Uncleeeee..."

Kryssie did try touching him but of course, she really couldn't feel him or Bitter, "Gampa...? Gamp...po...?"

"Sounds like she's trying. Come on little sprout! Keep trying! Graaaaand...paaaapiiii..." Zhara was trying to get her to fully do it.

Bitter's grin was wide as he gazed to her. "Oh my gawd, you're so cute! I'm your Grandpops, Kryssie! I saw you...when youse was first born baby...I couldn't stay around fer ya, but I'm happy I got ta see how yer doing now!"

Cupcake smiled happily, and he gently reached up, rubbing her cheek carefully. "I'm your Grandpa...such a beautiful and smart little girl...you will do wonderful things in your life..."

Edge smiled sweetly, chuckling to Kryssie. "C'mon darlin...Graaaand...Paaapiii...c'mon you can do it, kitten..."

Sans snickered a bit hearing her first words. "That's precious, Marrie! Chaw chaw...awww..."

Aqua meanwhile was sniffling, as pink tears rolled down her watery cheeks. "Our little wahine...she's sooo smart, Vera..."

Kryssie giggles at the two figures, "Gampa! Gampop! Gam! Gam!" She cheered out in excitement, just seeming really happy.

"She's trying her best. Bless her soul." Darren laughed.

Vera nodded and sniffled too, "I'm so prouuud...!"

"Sansyyyyy!" Marrie groaned, "I was a baby!"

Bitter had gotten close enough to Cupcake that they could tell the other seemingly existed. Cupcake blinked his darkened eyes, and chuckled a bit. "Bitter...you're on this plane as well?"

"I guess so Nerdburger. We've got a gorgeous granddaughter don't we?" Bitter commented, looking up at Kryssie, as Edge started to take her away to Wingdin's lap so she could eat her cake.

Cupcake moved back beside the chair, and this time Bitter stood beside him. The ghostly figure leaned forward and brushed a kiss to Kryssie's nose. "Me and your Grandpa love you, and we'll always be wit'ya kiddo."

The void-torn scientist had also leaned over, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "Grandpops is right. We will never leave you."

Wingdin chuckled at how Kryssie was acting. "Awww, such a sweetie..."

Sans gave Marrie a kiss, and let his tail trail around her thigh for a moment. "Awww I'm sorry, my dearest!"

Aqua hugged Vera, nuzzling her girlfriend's cheek. "Our daughter is amazing!"

Kryssie continues to laugh and make grabby motions at the two, which could be easily mistaken for her wanting cake.

"I think she well earned her cake after that!" Zhara laughed.

Marrie pouted But didn't stay that way as she kissed Sans's cheek, "You're lucky you're cute."

Vera nodded, still sniffling, "I can't anymore dude...god she's a good kid!"

Cupcake and Bitter attempted to play with her the best they could, being spectral in a sense. Wingdin held the plate of cake for Kryssie, and without a second thought, Cupcake reached over for the fork that sat on the plate.

After moving the fork a bit, he cut into the slice and speared a little hunk, holding it out low to the plate for Kryssie; essentially feeding her. Wingdin being blind, she hadn't exactly noticed anything strange.

Sans blushed, and got a little slice of cake for himself, standing beside Marrie. "Aw, wowzers...thank you, my dear. This looks like a wonderful cake however!"

Aqua wrapped her arms around Vera, and lightly wiped her girlfriends face off; snuggling against her.

Kryssie giggled and started eating her cake. She seemed really happy with the food.

Darren did notice but figured it might have been Wingdin doing it. He wasn't going to question it.

James was having his own slice as he watched his niblings. A sense of pride was shown in his smile.

"Picked it up from New Home. Thought she's like it." Vera chuckled, slowly calming down.

Marrie did hand a slice over to Edge, "You can have a little bit, right...?"

Cupcake smiled happily, and continued to feed her, while Bitter saw she had a sippy cup of milk sitting in the bag they'd brought beside Wingdin's recliner. "I'll get her milk, Doc...remember, tiny bites, don't want 'er fuckin' choking none..."

"Of course, Bitter...we have had our children you know...good job, Krysta...that's such good nummy cake isn't it?" Cupcake sweet-talked to Kryssie, and accepted the sippy cup of milk as Bitter brought it over.

The fork wasn't that obvious. A floating sippy cup of milk however, wasn't that discrete...

Aqua smiled, and got herself a slice, enjoying it.

Edge graciously took the slice, and chuckled. "Yeh...I'm still on a lotta meds, but nothing wrong wit' a bit o' sugar, kitten. Thank you."

Kryssie giggled and kept eating her cake. Once she saw the sippy cup, she immediately took to it to drink.

Marrie giggled and kissed Edge's cheek, "Okay. Love you Papi." She let him to her cake before heading back to Sans and her uncle.

Darren noticed the cup and rubbed his eyes, "...Vera..."

"Yeah? What's up?" Vera was sneaking bites from Aqua's cake.

"...Did...Kryssie ever show signs of using magic?"

"Uh...no. Nothing yet. I was told that doesn't happen until she's like 2 or 3. Why...?" Vera seemed confused until she looked over at her kid.

Bitter had gently taken the plate from Wingdin's hand as her grip had weakened on it, holding it up while Cupcake was occasionally giving her bites of cake. Bitter shook his head as he saw she was draining her cup of milk. "C'mon Kryssie...don't drain the damn cup; you're gonna get a tummyache..."

Reaching up, he gently put his finger against her cheek; dislodging the sippy cup. And he tussled her hair slightly, patting her ear a bit. Cupcake chuckled gently, and then took her cup, heading to the baby bag. Unzipping it, he pulled out the container, and set down the sippy cup; taking off the lid and refilling it with the larger container he'd found.

Aqua had stopped eating, the fork falling from her hand when she saw the sippy cup seemingly moving about on it's own; then the baby's bag opening and what occurred. "...The...The sippy cup is refilling itself somehow..."

Sans let out a confused growl, watching closely as well. "And someone is FEEDING her, and it's not MAMA!"

Cupcake had finished up filling the sippy cup, and after replacing the larger container, he brought it back over to Kryssie.

"Can you say 'milk' Krysta? Milk."

Bitter snickered, leaning closer to Kryssie as Cupcake held the cup in his hands. "Cow juice, say that, kiddo!"

"Bitter, I swear, that's not good..."

Kryssie looked confused and started to whine when her sippy cup was gone. Once it was coming back to her, she relaxed again and held it, "Gampop! Miuce!" She giggled out and started drinking her milk. She managed to combine milk and juice, so that was something.

Vera just watched her, blinking, "...Is...Is she doing that...?" She seems really surprised.

"Oh...my goodness..." Marrie stared at her baby niece as she held onto Sans.

Bitter busted out laughing, a bright grin on his face. "MIUCE! That's fuckin' great kiddo!"

Cupcake managed to roll his darkened eyes, and sighed. Looking over towards everyone, he noticed that they'd all gone rather quiet, and his eyes widened. "Oh...Oh dear...Bitter...they're all staring at the baby...I think they saw what we were doing..."

Bitter shrugged, as he took the plate, now mostly empty and went over to Vera; holding it out to her to take. "I don't fuckin care. Wing can't friggin see, so we're just helpin' her out best we can, yeh?"

Looking over at Cupcake, he thought for a moment and smirked. "Hey, I got an idea. Go to the kitchen, get our tea mugs...and bring them out with you. That way we could tell them that we're here?"

Cupcake nodded and he gave Kryssie a light kiss on her cheek; then he went to the kitchen; and brought out two tea mugs. A black one with a skull and crossbones on it. And a second one that had periodic table on it.

"That's...Bitter's mug...a-and Cupcake's mug too..." Edge stated quietly, staring at the mugs that were currently floating into the living room slowly.

Kryssie giggled and laughed at the two as she tried drinking her milk. She did try batting at Cupcake when he gave her the kiss before he left.

Vera, Zhara, Marrie, and Happy were all surprised.

"Wait...So...B-Bitter...I know...but...w-who's...?" Vera started out before getting a headache, "Ah...god damn it not again..."

Happy finally noticed Cupcake coming down, eyes wide in shock at what they were seeing. "Oh...oh my..." They just ended up fainting on the spot, Zhara just managed to catch them with a wing of hers.

Sans was trembling. He stepped forward, and touched the floating mugs gently. "P-Pops?"

Cupcake sighed, and holding the mug in his hand, much like his own head would be positioned, he shook it. Thinking for a bit, he realized it might only be for a few minutes but he could possibly pull himself and Bitter from that plane of existance and to the mortal one. And perhaps Bitter could stay behind somehow...

He went over and took Bitter's hand, pulling the ghostly teacup over to where he stood in the middle of the living room before, and he handed Bitter his tea mug. With them both holding the mugs; they held their mugs outwards, and tried to focus on pulling himself and Bitter back to the mortal plane.

Sans watched curiously, and put his hands over his mouth. "W-What is going on? Happy! They fainted...oh...oh my goodness..."

It had taken about five minutes, which seemed just far too long and not long enough. But Cupcake had been able to bring both of them back. Bitter was somewhat translucent, as he was indeed a ghost now; and Cupcake was a sight to behold.

His white teacup, and gloves appeared to to be slightly dripping. Dressed in a cloak of inky black, it seemed to drip to the floor, and yet; not make a mark on the carpet. His eyes were an eerie pale gray color, and instead of dual-color of blue/orange; but both were black colored. His smile was scalloped and wavered, his voice sounded oddly pitched when he spoke.

"D-Did it work? You can...you can see us, correct?" Cupcake managed to quietly murmur at he spoke to them all.

"Yeah, considerin' they're fuckin' staring at us, yeah I think they can see us Nerdburger..." Bitter blithely stated, rolling his red-pupiled eyes.

Marrie started trembling in shock, tears forming in her eyes at seeing the two, part in happiness and part saddened to see them like that.

Vera's mouth was agape, not expecting...that at all.

Kryssie was giggling and reaching out at the two, "Gampa! Gampop!"

"...Well...that...explains...a lot..." Darren was just looking at the two, shaking a bit in fear.

Edge was staring at Cupcake and Bitter, and he had gone nearly pale as a white sheet. Dropping his cigar onto the floor, he took a step backwards, shaking his head. "W-What...what the fuck..."

Cupcake smiled a bit more, and he chuckled softly; before he moved over closer to Kryssie. "My little grandkitten...yes, yes it's your Gampa!"

Wingdin stared towards Cupcake when he came closer, and she suddenly sat up in the recliner; reaching out to him. "C-Cuppincake...you...you are being here..."

Cupcake gently leaned forward, and gave Wingdin a sweet kiss; his dripping glove lightly touching her cheek. Meanwhile, Bitter floated over towards Edge, and smiled up at him.

"Heya Gaster...I...guess I couldn't stay away, huh? I told ya that it was hard to kill me!" Bitter boasted gleefully, looking up at Edge.

Sans started to twitch slightly, and he gently took Marrie's hand; starting to tremble more. "M-M-Mar...Mar-Marrie...g-going down..." He started to slump to his knees, knowing that one of his rare seizures was going to start.

Marrie did her best to help him out, trying her best not to panic, "S-Sansy! Sansy..it's okay...just...t-take it easy..okay..?"

James headed over to assist Sans, as he kept watch of the two...would spirits be a better word?

Vera just watched them both, wondering and waiting. Kryssie seemed more than happy to see both, even as Vera picked her up. "So...y-you've been here the w-whole time...?"

Sans continued to slump to the floor, and he just let himself slip into a mild seizure; his body jerking and spasming lightly. He knew if he didn't fight it, it would be more quick.

Bitter turned upon hearing Vera talking and he smiled a bit softly. "Yeah...kinda? I've been uh, floating around the Underground since earlier today...something with it being the anniversary of my death an' all...ain't been here long, but Doc here...we been talkin' today...he's been here nearly the whole time since he died..."

Cupcake tilted his head slightly, smiling to Kryssie. "It h-has been over six years since I passed...I have m-mostly been in...in an area between worlds...it was...nothing...just nothingness...my own thoughts...to k-keep me company..."

Wingdin sighed, and she looked over towards Cupcake. "Caddy...at least you are back home with us now...you and Bitterkins..."

Cupcake turned to Wingdin, and he gently cupped her cheeks, running his fingers lightly over her fused shut sockets. "Yes, we-we're home now...hopefully forever..."

Bitter watched and he looked to the others curiously. "Yeah...hopefully..." Chuckling quietly, he crossed his gloves and looked to Edge. "Like I said, I ain't going that easily. I'm here to stay..."

Marrie just did her best to help him out, James along side him to make sure he didn't get hurt along the way.

"...You didn't happen to see my dad...did you...?" Vera wanted to at least ask.

Kryssie still giggled and babbled at the two, "Gampa! Gampop! Gampai!" she giggled out and suckled on her sippy cup, tail swishing around happily.

Zhara was just managing to get Happy to wake up and in a better position, "...Wonder if this is what the little cub wished for...?"

Within a couple of minutes, Sans had stopped seizing, and he blinked a bit; letting out a ragged growling grown. "O-Ooh..."

Bitter blinked a bit, thinking. "Big tall, broad-shouldered lion, could prolly give Sans a run in the loud and dramatic department?"

Floating over across the room, he picked up his mug, which was on the floor for some reason; and he played with it in his hands. "Yeh, I saw 'em. I can...uh get 'em for ya, from the other side, if ya wanted, I think...just like me he'll be a ghost..."

Edge just simply sat on the floor, flummoxed at what was happening. Just that morning, he was mourning the loss of his husband, and worrying over his wife. He still was worried over his wife; but now both of his husbands were back suddenly.

Aquaria was just staring and she took down her bandanna; wringing it between her hands nervously.

Marrie sniffled and placed his head on her lap, "Shh...it's okay Sansy...it's okay...just rest...it's alright..."

"...Yeah...that's...that's him..." Vera couldn't help but tear up, "...Stars I wouldn't know what to do if I saw him..."

"H-How...are you b-back...?" Happy was still trembling as they were quickly texting Papyrus the news.

Sans weakly nuzzled her, and closed his eyes. "O-Okay my d-dearest...I'm sorry..."

Bitter shrugged, and floated a bit backwards for a moment, looking to Cupcake. "I'm not sure really. All's I know is I was on one side, and next, I was here on this plane, but nobody could see me...and I was here wandering around the Underground...found myself here at the house, and it was around when youse came over that I saw Doc over there."

"We uh...helped out the baby, and then he got this crazy idea to try to bring us both of us to this plane. And it somehow worked..." Bitter finished quietly.

Cupcake had come over to Happy, and he smiled sweetly, his head tilted a bit oddly almost. "I j-just concentrated...and I was able to...to pull us from one plane to the other, Hapstablook..."

He looked down and grumbled a bit, his voice getting more distorted for a few moments.

".̀.̶.the ͟v͜oi̧d wa͢ş ev͝eryt̢h͘i͝n͠g͠.̕..̵t͡he vo̧id̶ ̕wa͝s̢ ͠no̢t̨h͜ing...a̷ll ̀I̡ ha͟d́ w͘às̢ ̶my th́ou͠g҉ht̛s,̡ ̧it̷ ́w͝a̕s̢ ̕ma͘dd̀ening͏, ͜b͡u̧t mo̵re ͠m̛a̕ddęniņg̶ ̢ẁa͝s not̷ kn͘ow͝in̨g h̸o̷w ̶my ̶f̀amily̧ ͏wa̕s with͜o҉u҉t͝ me҉.̶.͟."

"Don't be sorry...I'll feel better knowing you're okay..." Marrie gently pet his head and stoked his cheeks.

"He'll be fine, cub. Just don't jostle him too much." James assured.

Happy was a bit terrified at the distortioned but did their best not to show it too much. They knew Cupcake wouldn't hurt them after Papy told them the difference between his dads. They just simply nodded, "Papy's...asleep most likely...w-with my cousin...so...it...um..." they played with the keychain on their phone in nervousness.

Kryssie was just content in Vera's arms at the moment, sipping her cup and gumming the spout. "You are one crazy cub, baby girl...how did I get a little girl like you?" Vera chuckled and stroked her cheek, making Kryssie give a lighthearted coo in response.

Sans smiled at her petting, his tail softly thumping against the floor. Although it was a bit weak, he began to hurgle quietly.

Cupcake took a deep breath, letting it out slightly. "I-I am terribly sorry, dear..." He gently rubbed his cheeks, laughing for a moment, before he sighed once again. "...y-yes it makes sense that Papyrus is sleeping, he does a lot of that..."

Aqua came over finally after calming down more, and she leaned down giving Kryssie a little kiss on her forehead. "Today's been a big day for you keiki, hasn't it?"

Nervously, she looked to Cupcake and Bitter, waving slightly. "Aloha Mr. Bitter...and...um, Mr. Cupcake? Oh...you used to be the Royal Scientist...why didn't I know that already?"

Cupcake turned hearing Aqua speaking, and he smiled. Aqua's mouth instantly disappeared from her face, her pink eyes going wide.

Marrie smiled a bit and kept petting him, hoping it gave a little comfort for him.

Happy just nodded at Cupcake, hoping Pap would get their message soon. He should know...

Kryssie giggled and babbled at her mama before reaching a paw and Cupcake and Wingdin, babbling like calling them out. She really did love how Bitter and Cupcake were around.

Darren was still comprehending everything, unsure how to really take it, "...Toriel almighty...if this is the case...I hope mother is safely locked away..."

"I hope she's burning down wherever the hell she is." Vera growled at the mention of her mother, going right on guard and hissing. Kryssie didn't seem to like that and start whimpering. "Oh...damn...sorry baby girl...not at you sprout..you're okay...shhh..." It was a complete 180 for Vera to try and get Kryssie to calm down.

Aqua gently took their daughter, and started to snuggle her, swaying easily on her feet. "It's okay, V...and keiki, Mama's not angry at you, not at all...bad memories, your pupule tūtū, your crazy grandmother, you know? Don't worry..."

Bitter nervously chuckled, and sighed. "I dunno about Tahi, but most likely...she couldn't take the same trip that I did...I died naturally, and I have many people who love me and miss me. That's...probably one of the reasons I could come back. Tahi? No one loves her. So uh, yeh, she's trapped wherever the fuck she is..."

Cupcake heard Kryssie babbling, and he came over, smiling softly. "Y-You want your Gampa, sweetheart?" He gently lifted his slightly dripping gloves towards Aqua. "Could I hold her?"

Aqua carefully looked to his gloves, then looked to her own hands curiously. Hers, as she was warmed up again; dripped almost similarly, being a water elemental, but was still more solid than he appeared to be. "I...guess. Please, be careful..."

Cupcake gingerly took Kryssie into his hands, and smiled to her. "Let's go sit with Grandma, hmm?"

Kryssie managed to calm down a lot with being with Aqua and now with Cupcake. She babbled on happily again as she patted her goopy grandpa. She only paused to let out a tiny sneeze, but continued on babbling and giggling.

Vera sighed and leaned on Aqua, she didn't really have a problem with Cupcake taking her. "Good...it's where she should stay..." Vera sighed, glad her mother wouldn't make any appearance.

"...I really did miss you both..." Marrie smiled at the Cupcake and Bitter, "It's...good to have you back..."

Cupcake chuckled quietly, as Kryssie patted at his chest. He moved much like a slime monster would, sliding lightly across the floor, not taking steps; due to his body's nature. His body felt much like a soft squish toy, slightly malleable, yet he left no trail or wetness. "Oh-ho, you just love your soft old Grampa don't you, precious?"

He went to the couch, settling down on it; and it could be seen he actually seemed to have no legs whatsoever. Wingdin gently moved from her recliner, and settled down beside him. She leaned over and gently kissed Kryssie's forehead after gently cradling her head. "Hello sweetie-peetie~"

Cupcake then looked over to Marrie, and smiled back. "It's good to be back, Marrie. I have missed you all so much you know..."

Bitter snickered, and sighed softly. "Same here, kiddo." He looked to Vera, and smiled more genuinely. "...Thanks for being there for me...all of youse...heh, always thought I'd be alone when I passed...just some idiot facedown, dusted in a ditch...but I lived to an old age...surrounded by family...it was the best way to go, I swear."

"Hmm..." He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking. "...I'll see what I can do real quick. Hold on."

Bitter was suddenly gone, having seemingly disappeared. He had gone quickly to the other side, to the spiritual plane, to seek out Colonel Jae.

Kryssie giggled and kept playing with her goopy grandpa, seeming to like how squishy he was. Her attention was brought back to Wingdin when she leaned over for a kiss. She reached over to her, wanting to pat at her, laughing. She's a pretty happy baby.

Marrie smiled bittersweetly before focusing back on Sans. She gave him a few kisses on his face and watched her family.

Vera watched Bitter go, unsure of what was going to happen next. She decided to lean on Aqua and hold her hand, waiting.

"Well...this was a most interesting of birthdays." James chuckled with Darren barely getting his mind at ease over things.

Cupcake chuckled softly, letting Kryssie pat at Wingdin, while the older woman lightly leaned against Cupcake so the baby could reach both of them. "You are such a happy little girl, Krysta!"

Wingdin nodded, and nuzzled Cupcake's cheek softly. "She is such happy little baby, Cuppincake. I am so very happy that you are being back though, you and Bitterkins..."

Sans had nearly fallen asleep in Marrie's lap, his tail lightly curled against his girlfriend's wrist. Feeling the kisses, a slight blush crossed his cheeks, and he lightly hurgled.

Aqua, gently nuzzled her cheek against Vera's neck, and she let out a burbling sigh. "Pehea 'oe my ku'uipo?" (How are you my sweetheart?)

Edge meanwhile went and sat down beside James and Darren; shaking his head. "...trust me, youse'll get used to this shit, if you hang around our family enough...I can go ahead an' tell ya...Bitts is gonna try to bring Jonathan back wit' 'em."

Kryssie kept babbling and laughing, confirming that in her own little way, sometimes letting out a happy purr with a "Gampa! Gama!" along with it.

Vera gulped, unsure how that was going to go. "Um...y-yeah...just...Toriel almighty...dad's probably gunna be so mad at me...probably thinks I'm a fucking stupid ass after everything! Like...I'm a total mess overhere...! And..."

"Vera...it's alright. You learned from your mistakes. You turned out alright...dad loved you no matter what, I'm sure." Darren tried to talk her through it. James hadn't really said anything, just wondering if that could be possible.

Johnathan would manage to come with Bitter, though he wasn't seen just yet. He did smile at the group that made up the family, "...Toriel be saved...look at 'em...my kids grown up...I got a little grandbaby...James...what would I do without you little brother...?" He chuckled sadly.

Bitter nodded gently and came over to Cupcake. "Hey, Doc...do you think you could help again?"

Cupcake blinked a bit, and then handed Kryssie to Wingdin. "Of c-course...Krysta, stay with Gramma right now...I'll be right back."

Sliding down a bit to the floor, he stood up carefully and came over to where Bitter was, able to see Johnathan. Holding his hands out, he took Johnathan's hands; concentrating his energy in a similar manner. It took a couple minutes, and Johnathan finally came back to a ghost-like form. Cupcake wavered a bit in his form, appearing as if he was going to collapse for a moment.

Edge hurried over, nearly toppling the other couch he sat on with James and Darren in the process, and he carefully held up Cupcake; a look of fear upon his face. "Sweet-Tea...ya okay? C'mon...c'mon you alright?"

Cupcake nodded softly, and he closed his eyes, managing to firm up a bit more. "Oh...oh that was a lot of energy..."

Sans had managed to sit up and he sighed, rubbing the side of his skull. "...GRACIOUS MARRIE, I HATE HAVING SEIZURES...THEY ALWAYS MAKE MY HEAD FUZZY FOR AWHILE..."

He looked over towards his parents, and stopped when he saw Colonel Johnathan Jae. "...Marrie. Did we die? Did I die?"

"No, sansy...we didn't...your Papa brought them all here..." Marrie whispered gently as she held Sans in a hug, "H-Hi daddy." she managed a wave at the old Colonel.

Jonathan was much younger, strong built and looked healthier than when Vera and Darren last saw him.

Kryssie let out a little yawn, seeming sleepy herself before curling up in her grandma's hold.

"..D-Dad...?" Vera looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Dad..." Darren headed over to Vera's side, still not believing what they were seeing.

"There's my little sprouts! Stars alive, you kids grew up so well! Look at you all!" Jonathan laughed. That only seemed to break Vera as she ran over and tried hugging him, sobbing. "D-Dad...d-daddy...d-daaaad..."

Jonathan smiled and held his middle child, gently brushing her hair with his fingers, "...I'm so...so proud of you, flower bud...You did so good...so so good..." He then looked at James. James himself was standing there, small tears threatened to fall.

"Good to see you again, Joe..." James chuckled, "...Didn't do too bad like you said..."

"I've got a lot to thank you for, little brother...I'm sorry I left you with so much..." Jonathan smiled back while still helping Vera out.

Happy smiled at the sight of everything. They couldn't help but send a quick text to Pap. Even if he was still asleep.

[Love you, honey bee...if...you're reading this...I...hope to see you soon.]

Wingdin gently held Kryssie in her arms, lightly rocking her. "There we going little one...awww, today big day for you, yes?" She murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Kryssie's cheek.

Sans jumped up, and then nearly fell over again, his tail wagging excitedly. He picked up Marrie, carrying her over to Jonathan, and gently placing her on the floor in front of him. Then he gave the old colonel a proud salute, grinning widely. "COLONEL JONATHAN JAE, IT'S AN HONOR TO MEET YOU SIR! I'M YOUR SON-IN-LAW, JUNIOR GUARDSMAN SANS SERIF ASTER!"

Cupcake laughed softly, shaking his head. "Sans...dear boy you don't need to shout his head off...let him relax...he just came back from the spiritual plane...he has a lot to catch up on you know..."

Aqua just wandered aimlessly into the kitchen to get a drink for herself, she was already getting overwhelmed as it was.

Bitter went and sat beside Cupcake and Wingdin, and smiled as Edge settled down beside them as well.

Up in the penthouse, it was another story completely. Being a cuddler like he was, he ended up with his arms wrapped around Napstaton, snoring right against the man's chassis; his tail draped over his cousin-in-law's legs. He yawned, having felt his phone vibrating in his hoodie pocket multiple times.

Rolling off of Napstaton, he yawned again; fishing out the phone. "...oh...oh fuck me..." Laying on his back, he sent a text message to them.

[oh hi, i love you too, i just uh...well i was laying on napstaton, guess i passed out after plugging him in, boo...i love so much hapasta...hapsty...happy. shit sorry. um, sure sure, i'll uh be home soon-ish...]

He stood up a bit shakily on his feet, and focusing on where he needed to go, he shortcut back to their house in Waterfall. Landing on his back in the house, he frowned to himself, and sighed. [i'm home, boo...where are ya at?]

Kryssie gave a tired coo and another big yawn before slowly drifting to sleep as she sucked on her paw again.

Marrie let out a laugh as Sans carried her, "He's a big fan, daddy!"

"I can tell! Ha ha! At ease, guardsman. You're doing fine! I know this might be a little late but..." The colonel chuckled before clearing his throat, "And what do you plan on doing with my baby girl, scout?"

Vera managed a tearful chuckle, still in her dad's hold. "...I've missed you...s-so much...I'm s-sorry dad..."

"You did good, flower bud...I promise. I'm so proud of you and that baby girl you brought in...and I'm proud of the two of ya too. You turned out just fine." Jonathan chuckled. Darren couldn't help but smile as Marrie giggled again.

Napstaton was still out like a light, he whined at not really having anyone to cuddle anymore but settled down once he ended up cuddling a couch pillow. "Mm..baby no...sugar wings...come here...not time yet...mm..yeah...come on sweet girl..." he muttered in his sleep as he started kissing the pillow until he went completely quiet again.

Happy noticed the text and smiled to themselves. [With your parents, celebrating Krystabelle's birthday. You should come down, it...turned into a surprise party.]

Sans' eyes widened a bit, and he stood at ease. "I...well, I want to protect her, keep her happy, be a good husband, and...if we are blessed in such a manner, be a good father to any children we may have together. I have known her since I was six, and she was five. I have promised my love to her, and have already proposed to her, along with a ring. We do share a bed, but that is merely to make it easier on the household. Captain Alphys has told me, most likely I will never be a true Royal Guard...with my health issues. But on promise of Queen Toriel, when I become eighteen, I will be promoted to a special position, of Junior Guardsmen Emeritus. I will continue my patrols of the various states within our mountain, and I will be given a pay rate of a 1st Level Private with Commendations."

Bitter rested his chin in his hand, and laughed softly. "Sansy, you're talking to your father-in-law, not writing a book there, son..."

Aqua came back out with a glass of water in hand for Vera, and she looked to the ghostly colonel curiously. "Aloha sir. I'm um...Aquaria Noelani, uh...great to see you I guess? I'm with Vera, she's my girlfriend."

Papyrus got the text and he smiled lazily, standing up again. Going to their kitchen, he got a can of coffee from the fridge and chugged it. It helped to clear his mind quite a bit from the drinking and smoking earlier. He was very thankful for his orange magic, which caused him to burn though lots of stuff very quickly. Focusing once more, he shortcut from their home; out to Snowdin.

Heading into the house, he chuckled quietly. "hey surprise surprise birthday babygirl...uncle pap's here..."

Sans looked around Jonathan frowning at his older brother. "...fashionably late or just drunk again, brother!?"

Papyrus threw his hands up, growling at Sans. "...geez, i thought hap would'a told ya, i was spending time with napsta today, fuckin hell..."

Cupcake looked between his sons, and stood up; glaring at both of them.

"I͟'̸m nǫt ̨e̢ve̢n̨ ͞ba͟c͠k̸ in҉ ̀th͞i͝s ̸p̀ĺan͢e of e͘xi͢st͜ence͞ ҉for͘ an͟ ̧h̵o̕ur, ͠and̛ ̢I'̀m alr҉e͡ad͜y҉ hav̶ińg̀ ͏t̡o͜ b̷reak ̵u͞p̀ ͞a ͠f͝ig̢h̛t ̷bet͏we͏en y̸oư ҉t͠w͜o̵!̵?͝!"

Papyrus paused in mid-sentence, and looked over to Cupcake; his tail going completely slack.

Sans meanwhile just looked chastised and sighed. "Sorry Papa..."

Jonathan smiled at Sans before gently petting Marrie's head, "Sounds like I still have nothing to worry about. You got a full future ahead, hero it that way son. And you keep watching over my little girl here." He let Marrie go, letting her go over and hug Sans.

"He always does, Dad." Marrie pursed before nuzzling Sans.

In seeing Aqua he was ready to try the bit again when Vera patted at him, "Dad, don't you start. She's fine. Hell, we have a kid together!"

Jonathan busted out laughing, "Aww! I just wanted a little fun, flower bud! Ha ha! Good to meet you, Aqua! I know you're doing good for my girl here!"

Hearing Papyrus come in stopped Jonathan in his tracks as he watched the skelegator come in. Happy headed over to their husband with a hug, only to wince when they heard Sans and the growling.

"Um...w-welcome back, Papy...a...a lot has happened.." they managed to say, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything.

Kryssie started whining and whimpering at the sound of arguing, not liking the fact she was getting roused from her nap.

Papyrus just tucked his head against their chest, closing his eyes. "...all my work, all my late nights, and suddenly he's back, i just rest now, oh my god. this is amazing..."

Wingdin frowned, gently rubbing Kryssie's back. "Shhh...is okay, is okay, Gramma has you..."

She looked towards her boys and frowned again. "Shame on you both. Little baby is sleeping and you start growling...you are grown men, act like it."

Cupcake nodded in agreement, and he slid over to Marrie and Sans. "I think for now, perhaps we should just rest, and go to our respective homes... we've had a lovely party for Krystabelle, and well...a lot of things happened."

Sans listened to his Papa, staring at him. His body was nearly pure black, he looked more like a slug then a teacup hybrid, but still...it was his Papa. The man who loved him, and protected him. He stepped forward and just wrapped his arms around him, snuggling against his goopy chest.

Papyrus stepped away from Happy, absentmindedly patting their spouses shoulder. Then he went over and knelt down, and wrapped his arms around Cupcake as well.

Cupcake looked to his boys and gently placed a dripping glove on their skulls. It could be heard both of the skelegators were softly crying.

Happy smiled and hugged Papy back before letting him go for him to head over to Cupcake.

Kryssie started calming down again, slowly getting herself back to sleep, clutching to Wingdin's dress before she fully knocked back out.

"Yeah. I think...all of us need a break." Vera sighed before going to Wingdin, "You want me take her? I can always come back tomorrow for another visit with her."

"I should probably get back to Napsta...knowing him he's waiting for me with a possible hangover." Zhara chuckled.

Marrie and Happy watched Sans and Pap, smiling softly at the sight.

"Guess I better be off too. Much as I love catching up...my time here's been done." Jonathan chuckled sadly before giving his girls a hug, "...Both of you stay safe...maybe I'll be back...Darren, you take care of yourself. Keep doing what you can."

All three siblings nodded before trying to hug him again.

Wingdin was softly rubbing Kryssie's back still, and she looked towards Vera when she came closer. "One moment, she still sleeping...let her stay with Gramma..."

Cupcake looked over to Jonathan and nodded softly. "You are free to move been the realms, Colonel... I'm happy to have been able to help you today..."

Aqua watched as the siblings hugged the Colonel, her arms crossed over her chest, a smile across her face. "A hui hou, Colonel Jae...take care wherever you go."

Bitter was curled up against Edge, who just looked beyond happy at the moment, holding his ghostly husband against him.

Jonathan gave a wave and disappeared for the time, needing to head back. Marrie headed over to Sans, "Want to go home...?"

Happy smiled and let Papy take his time, they didn't mind waiting.

"Tell you what...why doesn't she stay for the night? I'll head home for a bit, grab her stuff, and she can spend a little more time with her grandparents." Vera offered. Never hurt for her little girl to get some time in.

Sans pulled away from Cupcake and smiled softly. "Sure my dearest...it was wonderful to see you Papa... I've missed you so much."

Papyrus instead stayed against Cupcake, his tail lightly wrapping around the man's backside in a comforting manner. papa, i missed you so much, i'm so happy that you're back...

Cupcake gently leaned down and pressed a kiss to his oldest son's skull, and smiled sweetly. "My boy...my boy I've never left you...it feels like it's been ages since I've seen you..."

Wingdin looked towards Vera and smiled a bit more. "That is sounding so wonderful! A spend the night for our little kitten! Oh, I hearing that Aquaria froze in cold temperatures? Take her back, leave her at home, then you bringing her things!"

Bitter glanced to Aqua and Vera, snickering. "'Ey maybe she'll get'ta drown ya, huh?"

A brilliant pink flush crossed Aqua's cheeks, and she nervously let out a burbling laugh.

Vera blushed heavily at that before laughing, "Real funny, old man. But...yeah, I'll get home and come back with her stuff. No biggie."

Marrie giggled and stayed with Sans. "It's my turn to climb and cuddle you too!" She purred and kissed Sans's cheek

"We should head home too." James nodded and began to head out, "We'll see you all again sometime."

"Yeah. Until later!" Zhara smiled before leaving.

Sans laughed happily, accepting the kisses from his beloved, snuggling against her.

Papyrus finally pulled away from Cupcake, and sighed. "uh, me and hap should get home too i'm thinking... we'll be by soon though..."

He took Happy's hand and shortcut with them back home.

Cupcake smiled softly and he slid back over to the couch, gently patting Kryssie's head lovingly. "She's so beautiful..."

Aqua shook her head and sighed. "Just lemme put my boots and jacket on, ku'uipo, then you can leave me at home after you get stuff for the little wahine."

Vera nodded and waited for Aqua to get her stuff on. Once she did, the two headed out back home.

Marrie gave Cupcake, Edge, Bitter, and Wingdin a hug before leaving with Sans, James behind them headed towards home.

Darren gave his goodbyes and headed back for New Home, he had a long travel ahead.

Kryssie was still sound asleep, sucking on her paw peacefully.

Aqua sighed, as she held Vera's hand. "So...that...was something else."

"It's good he's back I guess?" She murmured quietly. "Ghosts and... whatever Dr. Brewer is now..."

Sans was beside himself, humming happily as he walked beside Marrie. "MEETING YOUR FATHER WAS THE BEST EVER MY LOVE! AND PAPA AND POPS ARE BACK TOO! THIS IS THE BESTEST DAY EVER!"

"I'm gunna need an aspirin...or at least a good high to relax. Fuck...that was a lot." Vera sighed and held her head, "But...it...wasn't horrible."

Marrie smiled and held Sans's hand, "I didn't expect that at all. But...It was nice seeing him. And I'm happy he liked you!"

"You haven't seen him since you were...three? Four? It's quite the change." James chuckled a bit, "Years passed so fast..."

Aqua nodded gently, and sighed. "I just made a new batch of oil, I'll have some brownies ready when you get home..."

Sans grinned, feeling very very proud with himself at how well Jonathan liked him. "I'm happy too, my dearest! And I... meant to tell you what Alphys had told me a few days ago. About not being a full guardsman... I'm sorry dear."

In the Aster-Brewer home, Wingdin had laid back in her recliner, letting Kryssie sleep against her. It felt like life was finally good once again.

Four years had managed to pass, and with the newfound return of her husbands Bitter and Cupcake, Wingdin found herself healthier than ever.

At the moment, she was following beside Bitter, who hovered near her. They were headed to Waterfall to visit Kryssie. Wingdin was still quite thin, as she still didn't have much of an appetite anymore, but otherwise she seemed healthy.

Coming to the cottage, Bitter knocked softly on the door smiling.

Vera answered the door this time, "Hey, how's it going? Kryssie! Look who's here, sprout!"

Kryssie was currently drawing with crayons on the floor before noticing the door. She giggled and ran over to go hug her grandparents, "Grandpa! Grandpop! Grandma!"

Cupcake knelt down, himself having been stabilized two years earlier, and he gently hugged her back. "Well hello my sweetheart! It's a pleasure to see you again, and we came to celebrate your birthday today~"

He carried her back into the house, and tapped his chin playfully. "Now, Wingdin how old do you think she is?"

Wingdin gently patted Kryssie's face, and smiled happily. "She is feeling like she is being ten today, Caddy!"

Bitter grinned as he set down a few gifts on the table. "Naw, she looks like she's old enough to go party wit 'er Grandpop!"

Aqua stood in the doorway to the kitchen, and shook her head lightly, smiling a bit. "Ku'uipo, I finished the cake. Wanna check it out?"

"I'll be right there! Hang on!" Vera called as she closed the door once everyone was in, "Make yourselves at home!"

Kryssie laughed as she hugged her Grandpa tight, "Noooo! I am one...two...three...four...five! 5 years old! I'm a big girl, Grandma!"

"Yeah, you are sprout! And you're so smart. You going to teach your baby cousins when you see 'em?" Vera chuckled as she met with Aqua.

Two years ago, Napstaton ended up marrying Zhara, even televising the wedding for everyone to see. Only three months ago did Zhara end up giving birth, which was a pretty big surprise. Even bigger one when she ended up having twins. No one has seen the little ones in the public due to the new mom getting pretty sick after the births and to give the new family their privacy. But Vera and Happy have gone down to New Home to check on her and help.

Marrie at the time had been hard at work with her healing trade, now actually working and being called out to help sick monsters. Currently she was at home wrapping Kryssie's birthday present.

Aqua giggled softly, as she showed the cake. It was a beautiful trailing design respite with vines and little flowers, along with her full name inscribed on the top. "It's a lemon drop cake, with raspberry filling. I know she loves fruity things..."

She gave a soft burbling sigh, and gave Vera a kiss. Her hand rested on her rounded stomach, and she laughed softly. "I think I might go rest a bit on the couch with the old folks some...been on my feet all morning since you had gone to check on Marrie..."

Wingdin giggled happily, and gave Kryssie a sweet kiss. "Of course you are being a big big girl! Such a beautiful girl...tell Gramma what you wearing today? I know you so beautiful..."

Bitter chuckled as he got a couple bottles of soda out from the fridge, bringing it over to Cupcake and Wingdin. Cupcake didn't always have to eat, as was an after-effect of the Void on him, but he still liked to eat and drink. Bitter however as a strange variety of ghost, had no need anymore for food or drink, but he could still be helpful when needed.

At their home, Sans had come home from his patrol duty and he went running upstairs quickly; growling in worry. He thought he was going to be late! He stripped off his uniform and nearly threw it at Marrie as she entered the bedroom. "I HOPE WE'RE NOT LATE TO KRYSSIE'S BIRTHDAY! I RAN ALL THE WAY FROM NEW HOME!"

"Yeah, go rest up waterdrop. You didn't have to do all that but thanks a lot." Vera assured and kissed her gently, "You two deserve some rest."

"Uh huh! It's a dressie! Mama and Ancle Happy made it!" Kryssie giggled and twirled around. The dress itself has a white semi-frilly top with the bottom being blue with little tropical red and pink flowers with leaves. "And Mommy made me a flowery crown! So I look like a princess!"

Marrie giggled and managed to grab the flying uniform with her tail, "Sansy...relax! It's okay! We're not late and they're literally around the corner! Don't worry." She folded his uniform like nothing before she finished wrapping the present. "Besides, even if we did go when it started, I'm not even sure I'd they're ready yet."

Aqua chuckled quietly, returning the kiss. Then she wrapped her arms around Vera, nuzzling her wife's cheek. "Mahalo, my ku'uipo." (Thank you, my sweetheart.) She went and headed over to the couch, and settled down onto it happily. "So, my little wahine, you having a good day so far?"

Cupcake grinned happily. "It's simply gorgeous, and you really do look like a princess! Oh, and a flower crown...that just completes the look, I would think."

Wingdin gently took a sip of the soda that Bitter had given her, and she giggled softly. "A flower crown...aww your mommy's are just so kind and loving aren't they?"

Bitter looked over to Aqua, and he snickered a bit. "Hey didn't know the pond got a new addition! How ya doing, Aquaria?" He floated over to the couch, settling onto it beside Aqua.

Aqua chuckled quietly. "Better than I thought I would. I've not been very sick, but I get tired so often...it's also why we've not really come out to visit, unfortunately..."

Sans had gotten into the shower, and he was quickly getting washed up. "I GUESS SO, MY DEAR! I JUST KEPT BEING SO WORRIED ABOUT SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON PATROL! I HAD TO ATTEND QUEEN TORIEL TO A TRIP DOWN TO THE RUINS, AND I HAD TO TAKE MY SIBLING CHARA TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THEY'RE DOING WELL THOUGH!"

He came out from the shower, and got dressed in regular clothes; except for his shirt, heading downstairs from the shower. He grinned brightly to Marrie; and chuckled. "I do hope she likes the gift we got her!"

Vera decided to get things cleaned up in the kitchen and snacks set up for others when they arrived. Least she could do since Aqua did a lot of work, "She's already doing a lot better than me. I don't think I could have done a second go around. Once was enough." she laughed from the kitchen.

Kryssie giggled and kept dancing around her dress, "Mommy says Mama has to stay...cuz...cuz of sibby! They can't get cold and stuff!" She headed over to Aqua and hugged her, "Imma be a biiiiig sister and a big cousin! Imma be really good, Mama! Imma kick butts if no one's good!" Kryssie let out a little playful growl as she started kicking and slashing at the air.

Marrie smiled and put the present in her inventory, "You're doing fine, Sansy. Long as you just come home sometime, I'm happy." She chuckled and went to get her shoes on, "I'm sure she'll like the little outfit we got her. I still find it cute how she loves trying to be like you!"

Aqua gently ran her fingers through Kryssie's hair as she was close to her. "Aw, yes...Vera's worried about me freezing or overheating while I'm carrying, so...I stick around Waterfall for now. No Snowdin, no Hotland."

She settled back on the couch, lacing her fingers together over her baby bump and giggled at Kryssie's enthusiasm. "Oh you certainly will my little keiki. You're gonna kick butts? Oh goodness..."

Cupcake laughed happily, as he then decided to sit in a pair of chairs near the small fireplace; having led Wingdin to sit beside him. "You're certainly shaping up to be quite strong, little miss."

Sans looked to Marrie; putting his hands on his hips. "Now Marrie! I intend to come home on time every evening, and you know that." He came over and wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her and giving her kisses on her cheeks.

"And I am quite sure she'll love the outfit we got her, it's absolutely precious how she's wanting to be a lot like me!" He sighed and chuckled a little bit. "Mweh-hee-hee, better be me than my brother! Did you see when he was having some down time with Napstaton...apparently they decided to do some tricks on-air. Which also had both of them drunk or high."

Looking out the window for a moment, he sighed quietly. "Or both..."

"Only butts there are being meanies!" Kryssie promised, "Uncle Sansy said so! Cause that's what good heroes do!"

"She's been getting into a hero phase." Vera chuckled from the kitchen. There'd be a knock on the door soon and Vera headed over to answer it. James smiled with two teddybears in hand. "Hey uncle, where's Sans and Marrie?"

"They'll be coming shortly, I just came back from Hotland myself. Hope you don't mind, I brought my grandniece and the nibling a present as well." James smiled as he came in.

"I know. I know." Marrie smile and kissed him back, more than happy to get her share in, "You are a big hero for her. And for me too. As for Napstaton, I'm surprised he's still going with everything after what happened with Zhara. I guess he's just really excited." She shrugged, "Long as no one's getting hurt and your mom is having fun with it, I think it's okay. Happy hasn't been too worried about it unless it involves some HP loss."

She gave him one last big kiss before starting to head out the door.

Aqua patted the couch beside her, and gently snuggled Kryssie when she came up to sit beside her. "Okay, okay...you're gonna be a good hero, Kryssie! Gonna protect your little sibby, yeah?"

She lightly patted her rounded stomach and chuckled a bit, looking Vera. "You know, we should call that doc again though...I'm only two months along...were you this big at two months, Vera?"

Sans nodded softly, as he followed Marrie out from the house. "Yes...I do believe that one night was...more or less a celebration of the twins having gotten better after all of them being sick...and it just...got out of hand however."

"I had a bump but I think that was because I was a little underweight at the time. I'll still make an appointment just in case though." Vera assured.

"Best you do. Lest you end up unprepared like young Zhara did. I thought she wouldn't make it after everything." James sighed, he was there helping her out then. Napsta had freaked out and had to stay off the tv for a week to be by Zhara's and the twins' side. Luckily he had a backlog of pre-recorded episodes to make it look like he was still on, and whatever couldn't be covered recorded, Happy tried stepping in. They were rocky at first but they seemed to manage okay. They haven't appeared very often on TV, mostly taking over the news or a song segment if Napsta couldn't.

"She's been doing a lot better now last I saw. The twins are so freaking cute! You're gunna love seeing 'em!" Vera was excited to share the looks of her niblings.

"Cousins! Yay!" Kryssie giggled and ran off again to jump into Bitter's ghostly lap.

"Least Happy was able to take care of them." Marrie assured as they got to her sisters' door, "Dealing with your brother after that though? That I agree sucked. I still wonder what my sister does with that weed of hers."

Aqua gently covered her mouth, shaking her head at the thought of what Zhara went through. "I wouldn't want that either, James...I just want to be as safe as I can for our baby. I'd love to go and meet Zhara, but I hope she understands my travel limitations..."

Bitter caught her, and nuzzled Kryssie's cheek happily. "Flying baby bomb! Youse havin' a good day, honey?" He gave her a big grin, gazing at her sweetly. Getting up from the couch, he gently hovered up higher and higher; keeping a tight hold on her. Then he started doing lazy circles with her in the air.

Sans rolled his baby blue eyelights and sighed. "He gives it to my parents for Papi and Mama, and probably gives the rest to my brother."

"HAPPY BIRTH...WAIT." Coming inside the house, he grinned and his eyes narrowed as he looked around a moment. "EVERYONE IS HERE, EXCEPT THE BIRTHDAY GIRL! WHERE IS KRYSTABELLE?"

Bitter snickered softly, snuggling Kryssie close to his face. "Do you want to dive bomb your Uncle, ya lil' rascal?"

"I have no doubts. You need to care for yourself and your child. I think she would understand that more than anyone." James assured.

"Hey, welcome you guys." Vera waved from her spot as she sat down with Aqua. Marrie seemed confused, usually Kryssie would be running and tackle hugging Sans by now.

Kryssie tried to hold back a laugh and nuzzled back, giving an excited nod.

Aqua smiled, and her pink eyes gazed the room curiously for Kryssie. She leaned over to Vera gently. "Did Kryssie go to her room maybe?"

Bitter lined himself up with Sans, and then dropped the toddler; nearly four feet above his younger son. "Flyin' baby bomb AWAY!"

Sans looked up, and his eyes widened, as he saw that Bitter was a bit off mark; and she was falling right in front of him. Jumping forward, he snagged Kryssie; and tucked her close to his chest, rolling forward as he landed on his back. Kryssie was harmlessly on his chest, as he laughed softly.

Kryssie laughed all the same, tail swaying about in excitement, "Hi hi Uncleeeee! Yaaaaay! Again! Again! Again!"

Marrie was frozen in place, not expecting that in the slightest, "W-Well...t-there she is..."

"Nice catch, bro. Don't think you can do it again, sprout." Vera chuckled.

"Awww! " Kryssie complained but figured to just hug her uncle.

"Oh dear...a-are we late...?" Happy peered in through the open door, "I'm sorry...we got a little held back..."

Bitter came swooping down from the ceiling and blushed a bit. "Bahahaha! That was perfect, Sans!"

"No! Not again! That was incredibly dangerous! If it wasn't for my expert reflexes, you could have gotten seriously hurt!" Sans sighed, giving her a hug back while still on his back. "Pops, please don't drop the baby like that!"

Aqua sighed, leaning against the couch a bit. Looking over to Happy, she smiled a bit. "E komo mai, Happy! Come on in...no, no you're not late at all. You know how we are, just come drop on by; especially on little keiki's birthday~"

Papyrus was leaning slightly on his tail, as he grinned from behind Happy. "...hell, we're fashionably late as always, boo...it ain't no big deal, nyeh-heh-heh..."

"I know...but...I still feel bad..." Happy fixed up their large round glasses as they got the courage to come inside. They've been wearing the things a lot more since they started helping Napsta with his shows. The makeup artist thought it would give them a cute but intelligent look. That wasn't wrong.

Kryssie was still giggling until she noticed Happy and Pap. "Hi Uncle Papy! Auncle Happy!" She let out a little purr before giving her Uncle Sans a kiss on the cheek and wiggling out of his grasp to say hi to them.

"We're always fashionably late, cuz! It's no biggie!" Napstaton entered a little bit behind them with a big covered stroller in front of them and Zhara piggyback riding on him.

"H-Hey guys. Sorry...Got a little weak on the walk here..." Zhara waved from behind Napstaton, she did seem a little spent and pale, but James knew that was a great improvement from when he saw her last.

Papyrus came in and gently lifted up Kryssie in his magic, and gave her a sweet hug. "heya kiddo. glad to see ya. an' i had a feelin' that your uncle napsta and auntie zhara would want ta see too..."

Cupcake got up immediately, and went to the door, glancing around for a moment, before he closed it for them. "Don't need any rabble-rousers trying to get a picture in without any permission. I do hope it wasn't too hard of a trip though?"

Papyrus gently cuddled with Kryssie, and gave her a gentle kiss to her forehead, as he carried her across the room, to settle himself on the floor easily sprawling out with her on his chest. "hey, yanno i gotta get used to all'a this with a kid, you wanna know a secret of your uncle's?"

Kryssie giggled and hugged her uncle and auncle happily. Napstaton managed to sneak in a little fistbump with her before helping park the stroller and get Zhara on a free spot on the couch.

"We're okay. I'm doing a lot better than the last few weeks." Zhara chuckled a bit before relaxing in her spot.

"I wanna see! I wanna see! I like secrets, uncle!" Kryssie looked really excited until she heard whining from the stroller.

Napstaton seemed to take care of it as he rolled the stroller back and forth, "Uh..sorry...these two were finishing up naptime. They take a little while to wake up."

Papyrus chuckled quietly, as he sat up more, holding Kryssie in his lap after she'd gotten her loves in with everyone else. "hey, don't worry about it, napsta! we're all family here, and we all got kids one way or the other yanno, dude."

He tucked his face down and started to pretend to bite Kryssie's ears playfully. "hmmmm...these little ears look soooo tasty for the big gator today!"

Aqua smiled to Zhara, and patted her wing lightly. "Aloha, Zhara! I'm glad to see you out and about, I'd wanted to come visit, eh...well, Vera is pretty protective lately~"

Wingdin had finished her soda and Bitter brought over a small plate of snacks for Wingdin to eat, hovering beside her. Cupcake had opted not to eat anything, making sure that Wingdin ate in the meanwhile. She perked up when she heard the twins starting to whine a bit.

"Oh, they are sounding like they hungry, when they waking up they will need bottles." Wingdin commented.

Kryssie started laughing and trying to wiggle away, "Noooooooo! Uncleeee! I needy thoooose! Those my ears!"

"She told me...it's okay. Trust me...being worn and weak after having kids...it's...not the best experience. if you can avoid it, avoid it." Zhara smiled understandingly as she had Napsta roll the stroller over.

"I can handle this too...Doctors say I'm healthy enough to feed the kids again. With me being so weak when they were first born, they were scared how I was going to handle it." Zhara gently opened the stroller cover, revealing two baby bats with metal like features on opposite sides of their faces. Both had white hair, little silver bat ears, gray fur like Zhara's, and ghostly pale wings. One baby had their dad's faceplate pattern on their left, the other on the right. The one that had it on the left was wearing a blue bow in their hair. Both of their eyes were closed at the moment since they were barely waking up.

"What's better than one radical little baby? TWO OF 'EM! Awwww yeah!" Napstaton was already excited. Zhara couldn't help but give a small laugh, "Our little girl, the one with the bow, that's Nicole. The one who's currently whining right now, that's Max, our little boy." Zhara gently introduced as she picked them both up from the stroller.

Wingdin giggled at hearing Kryssie laughing; and then hearing Napstaton's excited exclaiming. "Ohh, hahaha! Ah, they must be being so beautiful Zhara!"

Sans came over and he grinned brightly. "You are quite correct Napsta...that is simply wonderful." He looked to his mother, and gazed over the twins. "They're baby bats, Mama...with metallic plates, as if they're sharing their father's faceplate. One half for each actually! They have white hair, silver bat ears, and soft gray fur...and their wings, they're a ghostly shade of a bluish-white...they're beautiful Mama..."

Papyrus laughed brightly, and gently just put his closed mouth against her floofy hair. "alright, you got the gator to stop...for now, nyehehehehe! but hey, about that secret..."

He gently cupped his hands around her ear, and barely whispered to her, so only she could hear. "there's a reason we couldn't do that cool shortcut trick i usually do to get here quicker! you're gonna have another lil cousin, from me and your auncle happy."

Zhara smiled and gently rocked her babies, the little boy calming down while the girl was barely opening her eyes after a big yawn. Lilac eyes, just like her mom. "Thanks Sans. it was hard but...I think they're more than worth it..."

Napstaton couldn't help but kiss Zhara's cheek, he did looked pretty relieved after everything.

Kryssie giggled and patted at her uncle's cheeks before he whispered to her. Once she heard, her eyes went wide, seeming to sparkle at the news. She took a big breath and started jumping in place, "Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! YAAAAAAAAAAAY!"

The two babies started to whine and cry with the extra noise. "Take it easy, Kryssie Cat! Uh...babies don't like a lot of noise. I uh...learned that the hard way." Napstaton chuckled nervously as Zhara tried handling the little ones.

"Oopsies! Sorries!" Kyrssie covered her mouth, only to whisper scream "Yaaaaaay!"

"That works, kiddo. That works." Vera chuckled.

Aqua rolled her eyes and laughed quietly. "Wahine...hmm...would you maybe want to blow out your candles, and have some of your cake already?"

Papyrus put his hand over his face and sighed. "whoops...that'd be my bad, sorry 'bout it..." Bitter came swooping over and chuckled quietly, plucking up Kryssie gently with his gloves. "Alright big guy, what did you even tell her?"

Wingdin had gotten up and came over with Cupcake gently holding her hand, and he gently led her hand to Napstaton's. "Your children sound like they are simply gorgeous, Nasptaton. And you know...if you are wanting to having me on quiz show again, I have had Cupcake telling me of people talking of wanting a head-to-head challenge from old winners~ It would certainly get more viewers on network possibly...and you could easily re-run lead-up shows for filler if needed!"

Papyrus rolled his eyelights and stood up, before he leaned lightly against the wall. "nothing, pops, don't worry 'bout it, a'right?" He felt a bit sick to his stomach, a slight green sheen taking over his cheeks.

Before Bitter could say anything, he'd sped off down the hallway to the bathroom, nearly slamming the door shut behind him with his tail. That honey chicken sandwich earlier for breakfast didn't sit well for him.

"Yay! Cake! Cake!" Kryssie twirled around in her dress excitedly.

"That sounds rad! Heck yeah! I'll call my crew and get that set up! Your episode was mad fun last time we did it, Mrs. Wing!" Napstaton looked pretty pumped about it as Zhara was busy feeding her kids.

Happy saw Pap run off and sigh, "Oh dear...um...Vera...do you still have any ginger left...?"

"Picked it this morning. Why?" Vera was heading off to the kitchen to grab the cake.

"Ooooooh! Cause Uncle Papy's like Mama! Imma get anoder cousin! Now I'm a big big cousin!" Kryssie giggled and jumped around in circles, "Yaaaay!"

"...That explains the rush off..." James chuckled a bit nervously.

Wingdin grinned happily, patting his shoulder. "They thinking I little old blind woman, yes, I am that...but I CRUSH compeition like is nothing!" Cupcake chuckled brightly, and gave Wingdin a kiss on her cheek.

Aqua sat up more, and shifted a bit to get the cake; before she saw the look from Vera. "Guess I'm staying on the couch, hehehe." She looked over to Kryssie, blinking a bit. "Wait...big kahuna's havin' a kid too? There something in the water lately? I'm having a kid, he's having one, Zhara's just popped out two kiddos. Marrie you and Sans ain't?"

Papyrus was clutching the toilet bowl, and sighed raggedly. Getting up, he rinsed his mouth out and came out from the bathroom. "nyeeeh...fuck only porcelain i wanna hug is my fathers..."

"What!? Nononononononoooooo!" Marrie waved her hands in nervousness, "Nothing like that! Uh...I've...actually wanted to wait a little longer...least...until I've finished training to be a healer...plus, Kryssie's been more than enough right now."

"Imma be the greatest like Uncle Sans and kick butt of bad guys!" Kryssie giggled and tried kicking at the air again, only to slip on her dress and fall on her butt. She didn't seem to mind as she got right back up to do a cute little hero pose.

Happy headed over to see Pap, seeming worried for him. A vine would end up extending from the kitchen with a cup of ginger tea for Pap, "Drink that, dude. Trust me, it's a lifesaver." Vera called from the kitchen as she was setting up the cake, "Ask Aqua and Zhara. This is the stuff we lived by the first few months."

"She's right...it did help a lot, Zhara smiled a bit as her kids were feeding under a soft blanket Napsta helped put on her.

Sans blushed and chuckled a bit. "Yes, my dearest is quite correct Aquaria! Plus, just so you know it would only be Marrie carrying! I myself have too many medical issues to put myself in that much danger!"

Papyrus smiled softly to Happy, giving them a kiss on their cheek. "hap, i'll be okay..." He gently took the cup of ginger tea and sipped on it. "...i usually have hard ginger candies, but uh, i forgot them..."

Aqua looked to Papyrus as he came back in. "How far along are you?"

Pap blushed, and shook his head. "it's actually coincidence the thing with the ginger candies... they're just my favorite, and they're good for a sugar boost...i'm only maybe...a couple weeks along?"

Edge had been finishing up with helping one of the rabbit families, and he'd been making his way finally to the house in Waterfall. Through the years he'd managed to even get more like he used to look in his size. Despite the gaping hole in his skull from the ages old fight in Underfell.

Along the way... he'd tripped and fallen into the water, and although he was hobbling on a frozen robotic leg, he was getting to his granddaughters birthday party. As he came to the door, he knocked a bit harshly on it, sighing as he was dripping wet.

Marrie nodded, "I'll be done with everything in another year, least if I keep up the way I am. So...maybe a kid isn't too far away. But I still rather wait a little."

Happy smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek back, "I found out same as he did...but...we didn't want to make too much of a deal with it..."

Vera had came back with the cake, candles lit up when she heard the door knock. "Aww man...can someone get that?"

"I have it. Not to worry." James assured as he went over to answer. "Oh! Edge! I was wondering when you would arrive! What happened to you?" He was a bit surprised to see him dripping wet.

"Grandpapi?" Kryssie poked her head from her spot as she ran over to see.

Edge chuckled a bit, seeing Kryssie. Wresting it from his frozen robotic arm, he pulled out the package for her. "I fell on the way here. Sorry babygirl your present got wet..."

Cupcake got up from the chair and hurried over to Edge's side. "Edge oh my word, I knew I should have told Bitter to go back for you, he said you'd be able to make it..."

He helped the older skeleton over to a spot on the floor, helping him remove his robotic leg and arm. "Your sweater is wool, you'll need to remove that too, dear..."

Edge sighed, then pulled it off, revealing he at least had a tank top on underneath. "So I'm stripping at my granddaughters party, heheh."

Bitter hovered near Edge, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I've been to crazier, Gaster. Let's let the kid have her cake though! That's a great looking cake, don't it Kryssie?"

"Cake! Cake!" Kryssie giggled and put the present with the rest. She ran off to her room, only to come back with the pinkest, girliest, flowery blanket, "Is Grandpapi cold? I can help! Lookit!" She threw the blanket and put it on top of Edge with the biggest smile on her face.

"That's my girl." Vera chuckled before holding the cake for her, "Come on Sprout! make a wish!"

Kryssie didn't waste any time as she blew out her candles and hopped in place. She was more than excited.

Edge just had the biggest smile on his face, he didn't care of it was flashing 'I'm a pretty pretty princess' on the back of it, his granddaughter was thinking of him and it made his soul so damn happy. "Thank you babygirl~"

Bitter snickered softly at the blanket, but still just cuddled with Edge regardless, helping him hold the blanket closed as his one arm was detached.

Cupcake knew the moment she'd made her wish and he'd helped Wingdin have a piece of cake, he'd get Edge's leg and arm back working again.

Kryssie giggled and headed back to Edge after her cake to hug him. James was giving a check on Edge just to make sure nothing else was damaged.

"You missed a bunch of bombshells dropping." Vera chuckled as she was cutting cake.

Edge gently nuzzled Kryssie, smiling sweetly. "Oh? What'd I miss, Vera?"

Bitter let out a bright peal of laughter, and shook his head. "Guess the water got messed up, cuz it's baby fever 'round here, Gaster!"

The old skeleton glared at his ghostly husband. "Be happy I can't slap ya, Bitts; babies are always good. Makes sense 'round here, and even back home, it showed that families were powerful and safe enough to have a kiddo."

Bitter nodded softly, and then gently held a plate of cake for Edge, so he could eat some. "Yeah yeah, yer right G..."

Aqua took her slice of cake and happily took a bite of it. "Hmm...I make a really good cake, ku'uipo!"

"That's cause you're sweet, Aq." Vera served up everyone else a slice that wanted one.

Marrie happily took one and started eating, "Guess Darren, Sans and I are going to be busier with babysitting, huh?"

"You three are the only ones left. But that's not a bad thing." James chuckled as he finished checking over Edge.

Kryssie was already eating her cake, giving a happy purr. She did try feeding some of hers to Wingdin, "Gramma? Ahh?"

Sans had gotten a half-slice and was nibbling on it. "Oh I love babysitting though! They're always the best little ones when we're watching them!"

Edge took a big bite of the cake and chuckled. "Yeh I'm fine James, jus' gotta get my limbs back online. Darn robotic pieces of shit...no offense Napsta, Happy..."

Papyrus just sat down beside Happy, sipping on the ginger tea, as he was nearly in his spouses lap by then, cuddling with them.

Wingdin heard Kryssie, and she giggled softly; opening her mouth for her. "Oooh, you wanting to give Gramma cake? Ahh~" She took the bite, and smiled happily. "Oooh, sooo sweet, little one. Thanking you, baby. You enjoy cake please, yes?"

Edge took another bite of the cake, and waved the fork as he spoke to Kryssie. "So, babygirl, what'cha wish fer huh?"

"None taken." Napstaton and Happy waved off Edge's comment. They knew what the elder skeleton meant. Happy didn't mind and just held Papyrus as they took bites of their cake.

"You feeling better, Papy...?" Happy still seemed worried over Pap, but when didn't they.

Napsta was currently feeding cake to Zhara as she was getting the twins settled back into the stroller. The twins were now actively awake and looking around, even though they were both relatively quiet. This was her first time out of their home since they were born.

Kryssie giggled and nodded, eating her cake again, "I'm not supposta say, Grandpapi! Else it's not gunna come truuuuuuue!"

The door knocked just then as Vera was about to sit down and eat her slice, "Aww man...alright. I got it. Probably Darren, guy takes forever and a half getting from New Home." She sighed and headed over to answer the door.

Darren was there...but so was Bernard. "The hell are you doing here?" Vera hissed out at Bernard.

"...He followed me over..." Darren sighed, "He wanted to see Krystabelle."

"After everything you fucking did, you think I'd let you the fuck in here?!" Vera was nonetoo happy as Bernard tried standing his ground.

Papyrus nodded softly, and gave Happy a sweet kiss on their cheek. Seeing Bernard there however set both of the skeleton brothers off and growling fiercely.

Sans came over to Vera's side, instantly summoning his bone hammer, as he glared up at Bernard fiercely. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAUSED FOR THIS FAMILY YOU BASTARD!"

Wingdin instantly scooped up Kryssie protectively in her strings, with Cupcake shifting his bulk to protect them both.

"D͟o͢n͠'͝t yo͟u ̀dare táḱe ̧a st̀ep͟ ̶towar͜ds̕ óur̕ gr͏an̢dda̷u̶g͘ht͜er!"

Bitter left Edge's side, the little plate of half-eaten cake clattering to the floor, and he hovered by Wingdin protectively.

Aqua kept her spot on the couch, but was fully ready to douse the magma lion in water if needed. "Ku'uipo...I can't believe him..."

Papyrus nodded softly, and gave Happy a sweet kiss on their cheek. Seeing Bernard there however set both of the skeleton brothers off and growling fiercely.

Sans came over to Vera's side, instantly summoning his bone hammer, as he glared up at Bernard fiercely. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAUSED FOR THIS FAMILY YOU BASTARD!"

Wingdin instantly scooped up Kryssie protectively in her strings, with Cupcake shifting his bulk to protect them both.

"D͟o͢n͠'͝t yo͟u ̀dare táḱe ̧a st̀ep͟ ̶towar͜ds̕ óur̕ gr͏an̢dda̷u̶g͘ht͜er!"

Bitter left Edge's side, the little plate of half-eaten cake clattering to the floor, and he hovered by Wingdin protectively.

Aqua kept her spot on the couch, but was fully ready to douse the magma lion in water if needed. "Ku'uipo...I can't believe him..."

Bernard just stood there, wincing but not daring to move or speak. Just staying in place. Darren however stepped in front of him.

"WAIT! Just...hang on!" Darren looked panicked, "I promise he means no harm..."

"Harm? After all the bull crap he put me through?! You expect me NOT to be angry over him seeing MY kid?! The kid HE NEVER WANTED?!" Vera was hissing venom at this point.

Kryssie was confused as her grandma pulled her closer, "Grandma...? Why's mama and ebryone mad...?"

Napstaton was already staying behind in case to care for both Kryssie and his family.

Bernard just looked at them all from the door, partially shaking but not saying much.

"Vera...let me just...speak with you outside? Please?" Darren was hoping to calm at least his sister down, "He won't come in unless he had your permission. I promise."

Wingdin pressed a soft kiss against Kryssie's head. "Babygirl is because he not good man to your Mommy, and your Mama stayed with her to help her out, that why they love each other so much..."

Edge huffed softly, shaking his head. "Yeh, he fucked her for shits and giggles then left her high and dry..."

Cupcake frowned, having put his gloves over Kryssie's ears. "Edge, please..."

Sans looked up at Vera, still holding his bone hammer. "DO YOU NEED ME TO ACCOMPANY YOU, SISTER?"

Kryssie still seemed confused but decided to stay with her grandma. She trusted them all for it.

Vera looked at Bernard who was just looking to the ground at this point.

"...Please Vera..." Darren pleaded, still scared to move from his spot.

"...Fine...Sans...come with me..." Vera looked to him before stepping out, "I'll be back."

Sans followed, his head held high, on full alert. As he stood beside Vera, his sights didn't leave Bernard, still nearly six years later, the black scarring and pitting curving around the right side of his skull. His right eyelight was still more dim than his left, permanently partially blind in that eye from the attack years ago.

"You nearly blinded me, Bernard." Sans growled out, his tail lashing as he spoke. "Don't think I'll show you mercy should you step out of line..."

"You're not the only one with scars, Sans. Vera you as well. I know where you were going with it...Bernard is fully mute..." Darren sighed and looked over that magma lion.

Bernard just nodded and took off his protective jacket, showing the darkened, ashy parts of his neck that were no longe rlit aflame. it wrapped around his neck and down to his shoulders and arms.

"How the hell did you even get him here...? Why did he even follow you!? It sounds like you led hi-..." Vera stopped and looked at her brother. Darren himself looked like he was ready to apologize, "...You did...didn't you? You fucking did...Why the hell would you..-!?

"He owes a favor to me and...well...a...f-friend of mine...in New Home...I'm...dating a family member of his...unbenownst to me a week ago...Bernard and my datemate had a fight...and...to resolve it...he had to see you and Kryssie." Darren sighed.

Bernard just nodded before slowly signing ...I was scared for my life...you...have no idea...there was...a lot I was afraid to get into...and afraid what would happen if I did try to stay...

Sans listened quietly, and he sighed softly. "Well... I can't speak for my sister Vera, but I'm still leery of you, Bernard. And don't think you can simply walk back into their lives and everything with simply be fine..."

Aqua got up from the couch and she went to the kitchen, shaking her head a bit. Getting a glass of punch for herself she sighed.

Not planning to...just...wanted to see the kid once...that's all." Bernard signed again, After that...you'll never hear from me again...I can promise that much...

"So what? You just wanna see what you stupidly missed out on? Newsflash! She looks nothing god damn like you! No thanks to you anyway!" Vera hissed.

...Good...be better if she didn't...look...if...you want to hit me...hit me...can't do anything worse to me than what's been done... Bernard just braced himself for any hit.

"Like hell do you mean? You mean my mother? Oh please...probably just threatened you until you pissed your pants! You had NO idea what I went through with her! What I went through with my kid! Or what I went through trying to forget your dumb ass!" Vera pushed him away a few times and Bernard let her.

"Actually...Vera...that's...not...exactly what happened..." Darren tried clarifiying.

Aqua came back into the living room and came over to where Wingdin and the others sat and she gently picked up Kryssie. "Why don't you come cuddle Mama, keiki?"

Sans made no move against Bernard, but his sights drew to Darren. "Explain, now. Rather than dancing around the issue, what happened?"

Kryssie headed over to Aqua and hugged her, "Is mommy okay? She and uncle and grandpop and grampa and...and...ebryone is really angry..." She looked pretty upset about that.

"I don't have all day, Darren. What is it...?" Vera was still growling.

"Right...I'm sorry...but...Bernard's dying...mother...managed a curse on him. That's...partially why he's gone mute...after she died...she laid something on him and...the injuries you sustained on him Sans plus that...he won't have long left..." Darren admitted.

Bernard gave a nod, Your bro...tried...I already let a lot go...I got no one left than just...my cousin...and...even then...I know people are just waiting to see me dust...I...deserve it. I'm not here to beg your forgiveness...or...tell you not to hate me...I...just want to see the kid...so...least I know I left... something good here...

Aqua gently ran her fingers through her daughter's hair and sighed quietly. "I don't know...Mommy went through a lot you know...and it took so much of your Mama's love to help her through it..."

She gently picked up Kryssie into her arms and came to the door, quietly opening it a bit, unaware of the conversation they'd had outside.

Sans sighed softly, putting away his bone hammer. "Even the worst of monsters, deserve a chance at redemption. My Papi taught me that. And I'm sorry for the way I've hurt you, even though it was deserved, Bernard."

Edge watched as Aquaria went to the door and he frowned softly. "Whatcha doin...stay in here Aqua... goddamnit, gimme that fuckin leg, Bitter."

He yanked the robotic leg back on, slapping it harshly a few times and it finally started to allow him to move it, as it had dried out mostly. The same could be said of his robotic arm, and he then came to the door, standing protectively over Aquaria and Kryssie.

Looking over Bernard, his eyes softened a little. "...You got some kinda black magic working on ya huh? Sorry to hear it, buddy." He murmured.

Kryssie held onto her Mama, still worried.

Bernard looked over at Edge, Sans, and then Vera, I gave up living a long time ago...only reason why I'm still holding on...is...that I didn't want to go without...doing something...right...

Vera still looked at him, growling. "...After everything...you did...? After I gave you everything...I...why should I...?"

"It's one way to let this go, Vera...please...it's just one...if not for him, at least for me. Least then there's closure and you no longer need to have this on your head anymore." Darren looked over at his sister.

Vera stayed silent, fists clenching and unclenching, "...Five minutes...you get five...no more...no less...you don't touch her...you don't call her anything...and I'm fucking serious when I say she's not your fucking kid anymore...she never was and she won't ever be."

Aqua's mouth wasn't visible, as her pink eyes narrowed, looking to Bernard. "Krystabelle this is...um, a man that Mommy knew a long time ago. He wanted to meet you, my lil wahine..."

Edge stood looming silently over Aqua and Kryssie, as if he was ready to attack if Bernard made a single wrong move. "Yeh, say hi to him, babygirl...his name is Bernard." He managed to rumble out as he lightly patted Kryssie's head with his large natural hand.

Kryssie looked at her mom and Grandpapi before turning to the man that made her mommy so mad.

"Hi. Mommy and my family call me Kryssie." She looked curious as she tried to get closer, "...You...look like me. Your hair and my hair is the same color!" She seemed excited at that.

Bernard just managed a smile and nod, You're a good kid...for your..moms...? How old are you...?

Vera translated for her. "Uh huh! Uh huh! I'm 5! And I'm gunna be a big sister and a big big cousin! And I wanna be a big hero like my uncle Sans!" Kryssie giggled.

Bernard nodded again, ...That's good...be a good hero...be better...be good...

"Okay! Imma be the best hero ever!" Kryssie giggled as Bernard started to walk away.

"Wait...where you going?" Kryssie tried following but Vera managed to stop her.

Uh...a walk...that's...what I was going to do...I...need to head...home... With that, Bernard left. Just as he said.

Aqua gently held onto Kryssie's hand, and sighed softly. Edge shook his head, and then plucked up his younger son without a second thought. Then he plucked up his granddaughter. "Let the man be. I know that look."

Sans twisted himself upwards and looked up at Edge. "Papi...what's going on?"

Edge sighed quietly, pressing a kiss to Kryssie's forehead as he went inside the house again, leaving Aqua, Vera and Darren outside. "He's going to see the angel prolly, son...he won't be hurtin' soon. Now, princess, how's about we have anotha slice of that cake, hmm? Your Mama really does a damn great cake!"

Aqua looked to Vera, and came to her side, hugging her firmly. "Vera...Vera, ku'uipo are you okay?"

"Cake! Cake! Cake!" Kryssie giggled and headed inside, ready to eat more.

Vera just stood there and watched Bernard leave until she couldn't see him anymore. "...Fine...I'm fine..." She muttered lowly before hugging Aqua back, "...Just...conflicted is all...I'll get over it..."

Darren watched the two before heading in as well, "Bernard's gone...everyone can relax now..."

"Thank the Angel. I hope you guys kicked his butt!" Zhara hissed out while Napsta was holding onto the babies.

Aqua nuzzled Vera, and rubbed her back gently. "It'll be okay...I'm always gonna be here for you, Veronica...I love you so much." She lovingly gave Vera a kiss, smiling brightly to her.

Edge shook his head, as he cut another slice of cake for Kryssie; handing it to her. "Go see if Gramma wants ta share, huh, princess?" Once she'd ran off again, Edge shook his head again, sighing quietly.

"No, he was kickin his own butt more than enough, Zhara. Hopefully...he ain't hurtin' no more. I mean, I ain't givin' the guy a clean slate or nuthin'...what he did was bad, and shouldn'ta been forgiven...but...he got what he deserved and then some." Edge stated quietly.

Cupcake gently rubbed Wingdin's arm, and she visibly relaxed greatly. She gently wrapped her arms around Cupcake's shoulders, and nuzzled him softly.

Papyrus had been going over something intently on his phone after the thing with Bernard had flared up. He had wanted to go with his brother, but Happy's hand in his hoodie had prevented him from moving easily. "...huh...guess i should try to get to the lab...undyne's been blowin' my phone up today..."

He looked over to Napstaton, and grinned. "hey, bro-bot; ya up fer comin' with me to the labs? undyne wants for me to bring something to the queen personally..."

Vera kissed back, she still looked tired but..not as bad, "Lets get inside...yeah...?"

Kryssie giggled and ran off with her cake back to Cupcake and Wingdin, "Grandpa! Grandma! Cake!"

Zhara didn't really seem to mind much until Papyrus made the mention of Napstaton, "What's going on...?"

"I'll go if Dyne needs me. Plus, if you're gunna be like that dude, I mind as well fly us there! Dyne hit me up with the new kicks! Babe, you gunna be okay over here...?" napstaton looked at her as he handed back over the babies.

"I'll be fine. Go check and see what's going on." Zhara assured as the two shared a quick kiss, and he gave a few kisses to the twins. "You little dudes be good for Mom, alright? Rad Dad loves ya! Come on bro broski! Let's hit it!" Once again Napstaton grabbed Pap like a football and started running out, "BE BACK LATER DUUUUDES!"

Aqua nodded gently, and started to lead Vera back inside, surprised to see Napstaton suddenly picking up Papyrus like he was a football. "E como mai, you two..."

Wingdin looked towards Kryssie and she giggled. "Oooh! That cake is soo good isn't it, precious? Yeah, Grandpapi giving you more of the cake..." Cupcake smiled and gently rubbed her shoulder. "You sit right here, and you enjoy that slice of cake, dear."

Papyrus just let himself be carried like a football again, and he closed his eyes. It felt quite similar to before, but now he was pregnant and starting to get a bit sick. He rooted around in his hoodie pocket and thankfully found one of his last ginger candies he thought he'd been out of, popping one into his mouth as Napstaton flew him out to the labs in Hotland.

"Napstaton and Papyrus got called in to help Undyne and the Queen. Must be really important." Zhara explained as Aqua and Vera came back. Vera grabbed one of the last slices to finally eat.

"Oh boy...that means anything." Vera shrugged and started eating. Kryssie giggled and started eating her cake, occassionally trying to feed it to cupcake or Wingdin.

"So...are you sure you can't tell us what your wish is, Kryssie?" Happy tried to inquire, hoping to change the mood of things from earlier.

Napstaton was flying by through Waterfall and then to Hotland. They even managed to pass Bernard but..he seemed pretty sluggish on the way back to Hotland...least it was thought he was going to Hotland until he took a turn opposite of where Napstaton was flying. The robot didn't seem to notice as he'd cross the room between Waterfall and Hotland and right to the front door of the lab with a good amount of speed!

"Oh DYNERS! We're HERE!" Napstaton bust open the doors to the lab, still carrying Papyrus, "How ya feeling, dude? Ride worth the time?!"

Papyrus felt sick to his stomach, his skull alight in green. He chomped noisily on his ginger candy and shook his head. "...fuck no...but we're here, that's what matters pal..."

Undyne came quickly down the stairs, and grinned nervously. "O-Oh! Goodness! I-I just sent Papyrus that text...a-and you're already here? I guess he-he did a shortcut?"

Papyrus shook his head slightly, and sighed quietly. "nope. napsta here ended up flying us..."

Undyne nodded, and she led them over to a part of the True Lab. "H-Here...you need to take this...it's...it's a red soul. Napstaton told me about this, a long time ago, b-but I was so scared to even touch it...I fi-finally told Toriel about this, and she said to bring it immediately to the Throne R-Room!"

Papyrus sighed and nodded. "...sure thing, undyne. we'll bring it right away to 'er..."

Aqua had settled herself back onto the couch, and leaned her head lightly against Vera's shoulder; her dreads falling down her wife's back.

Wingdin took a bite, whenever Kryssie lightly tapped the fork to her teeth, but Cupcake would politely decline; as he'd scooped her up into his plush and soft lap. "Oh, you need to enjoy your cake, darling...it's all for you, you know!"

Edge chuckled at what Happy had asked, and he gazed over to Kryssie. "Yeah, Hap's right, princess. Ya sure ya can't even whisper to ya old Grandpapi what'cha wish was? I promise, it'll still come true..."

"We'll get there ASAP, Dyne! No worries!" Napstaton was ready to grab Pap again when he noticed him all green in the skull, "Uh...maybe after a five minute break...? These new kicks work hella great though!"

Vera smiled and kissed Aqua's forehead, letting her rest up.

Kryssie only smiled and ate her cake, "But I like sharing!" She smiled and finished the last bit of her cake.

"It can still come true, sweetheart..it's okay." Happy assured. Kryssie thought about it for a litle bit and smiled.

"Um...okay! I wished for two things! One for the..bar...barrier to break so we can see stuff!" She played with her tail as she spoke.

"What's the other one, baby girl...?" Vera asked curiously, hoping this was...easier to manage with her.

"I wished to...to know what daddie was" Kryssie said it nonchalantly with a smile on her face. Vera's smile was completely wiped off at that though.

"Cause all the kids at school have a mommy or a daddy...or two daddies or two mommies like me! And Jingy from my class...he saw my Mama and Mommy and asked if I did my hair a color with crayon and I said no. So he said 'Oh! then you got another daddy or mommy?' and I said no...I don't think so...and he said 'But your mommies don't have orange hair like you!' so I wanna know how my hair is diffent...!" She seemed more than happy with her little story as she headed over to open presents.

Vera just stayed quiet, expression unreadable as she let her little girl have fun opening her gifts.

Undyne saw how green Papyrus looked and she sighed quietly. "I-I've got some ginger-lemon candies from t-the candy store...I think y-you could use them..."

Papyrus sat down on the floor and let out a tired growl. "thanks dyne...that'll help a lot. i uh, found out that me and happy are having a kid apparently, and i'm carrying..."

She came back, with a tin full of ginger-lemon candies. "Congratulations, P-Papyrus! Oh, these w-will really help you then!" After handing the tin to Papyrus, she watched him pop a couple into his mouth; then held out the soul container, holding the red soul.

Edge was struck silent, as he listened to Kryssie explain how she felt. "Well, it fuckin came true then didn't it?"

Bitter smacked Edge's chest, and frowned to him. Gaster don't be a damn jackass like that! Yeah of course she's gonna wonder why she looks different! We were lucky that the boys thought that they fit a lot of what you look like...so no one really picked on Sans growing up...

Edge looked to his slightly clawed natural hand, and turned around looking at his longer-than average skeletal tail that he had. Granted it was long left over from dabbling in black magic, years and years before he knew Wingdin or Cupcake, or even Bitter for that matter. "Hmm...yeh you're right..."

After Papyrus had felt better him and Napstaton flew out to New Home; with the Soul Container in Papyrus' inventory. They both went to the Throne Room where Toriel and Alphys was waiting for them.

"heya, your highness...got the text from undyne...and we brought it. thank goodness my papa made these things years ago..." Papyrus pulled out the Soul Container, and Toriel gazed it, before she gingerly took it into her own furry hands.

Taking it with her, she went to where she kept the rest of the fallen souls. Using it along with the other souls, she managed to get the barrier broken; after absorbing the souls within herself. It wasn't a hard process, and after the barrier had broken; it was like the sound of shattering glass was heard throughout the Underground. She took a few steps forward, feeling the strain of the souls on her body.

"C-Captain Alphys...p-please...I am...going to try to let the souls go peacefully...b-but if something happens...be ready to...to lead our people..." She closed her eyes, and tried to have the souls leave her grasp peacefully.

Kryssie seemed confused, at that, "It did...?" She looked over to her mommy. "Mommy? What's that mean...?"

Vera stayed completely silent.

Kryssie headed over to hug her, now worried about her mom being so quiet.

Alphys clenched her fists and nodded, "You'll be fine, Toriel...it will be okay...we can be set free now...War can finally end..."

Napstaton had gone back to Hotland to do an emergency news broadcast about the barrier breaking. He did give a quick text to Zhara to check the TV for it.

"Huh...? Oh! Napstaton's doing an emergency news broadcast! Aqua, can we get the TV on?" Zhara got his text pretty quick.

"Of course, Zhara..." Aqua nodded, and went over to the fireplace they had, turning the TV on. "...I wonder why he'd be doing an emergency news broadcast though..."

Papyrus watched carefully as he watched worriedly to the Queen, while she focused and tried to let go of all of the souls. "you've got this, toriel...just focus..."

Toriel closed her eyes, and managed to focus, as the souls peacefully left her body; and she finally collapsed onto the ground. She was exhausted, completely and utterly spent from everything; but she was still safe, and healthy despite passing out cold.

Papyrus grabbed his phone, texting Happy. [yoooo, bae-bot! we're free! the barrier is down! we can get to the fuckin surface now! oh my god, oh my god this is sooooo coooool!]

Napstaton was already live on the air, dark blue suit on and in total excitement.

"Like! Dudes! Breaking news! The barrier's broken! We're all free to go into the surface! After getting a seventh and final soul, donated from Dr. Undyne's lab, Queen Toriel has gone and destroyed the barrier! I repeat dudes! We're all free! A path to the surface is open! This sick news is brought to you by NTT Network! Stay turned for a message by our Queen herself!" Napstaton cheered from his newsdesk as he let the airhorns fly with a big message on the screen say "SURFACE OR BUST"

"Oh my..." Happy was shocked as they checked their phone.

"How...what...oh stars...we're..." Zhara was struggling for words as her babies babbled up at seeing their dad on the screen.

"Yay! My wish came true! You're right Auncle Happy!" Kryssie was bouncing up and down from her seat with her mommy and mama, "We're gunna see the surface mommy! Mama! Sibby!"

Papyrus rushed to Toriel's side, gently turning her onto her back, and he checked her. "she's alright! she just...passed out..." He saw the NTT news crews coming towards the Throne Room, and he blinked a bit, standing up. He knew he had to take care of this in place of the Queen. Putting his glasses on, he came up to the news crews holding his hand up.

"hello, i see you've come to get a word from the queen. she is currently indisposed right now, but she is healthy, and being tended too by the captain of the royal guard, alphys crackow. i am judge papyrus harlow aster, and i have been tasked with informing the public on what has occurred today."

He covered his face for a moment, a sheen of green coming across his cheeks. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a couple of ginger candies. "sorry, the stress is getting to me. today's a joyous day for monsterkind! the barrier has finally fallen. however...we will be taking this slow! please, we urge you to not rush the castle, stay in your homes! we will send out a conferment team, and we will make sure that it is safe for everyone! we do not want any unnecessary dustshed..."

"give the royal council at most one week, and we will have a special announcement on ntt news, along with a discussion with the queen herself!" He nodded, and pointed to the camera person. He scowled at Napstaton, almost immediately looking sick again.

"god, take that back, and show them, napsta. really you had to fly down here with your camera crew? the queen is out fuckin cold right now. she absorbed seven human souls into her body! she's alright...but it'll be...well, possibly at least a couple of days till she's better? that's why i said to give us a 'week'. and please...please, stress that we don't want a bumrush on the damn castle! keep them in their homes! what if the humans are not exactly friendly to a massive exodus of monsters?"

Back in the house, Aqua was just staring at the TV, her hand resting on her stomach. "Oh wow...oh my goodness, ku'uipo, we can be on the surface...together..."

Napstaton nodded and looked to his camera, "Well you heard here first dudes! Things are totally crazy with the surface opening up! But give it a week before ya start hounding towards the exit or bug the queen! We'll bring more tomorrow! Until then, peace out!"

The camera crew cut the film there and Napsta told them to head back on to Hotland, "DUUUUUUUUDE! We're going to the surface man! But like...much tempting as it is to run off and see it..and I would! if I didn't have a radical little fam back home!" He grinned.

Alphys was already carrying Toriel back to the castle for her to rest, not wanting her to be shown much more after eerything.

"Y-yeah...y-yeah we do..."Vera managed a little smile. Kryssie was just happy her mommy was speaking again.

"Huh...all my years...I never thought I'd see the sun again..." James smiled, "A magical day it is...Angel be blessed..."

An ugly sounding sniffling was heard, as Edge was covering his face in the girly blanket that Kryssie had given him before. Similarly, Wingdin was crying as well, her face pressed against Cupcake's chest. They were both crying from happiness.

Cupcake blinked a bit, and gently rubbed Wingdin's back. "C-Cinnabones...why are you crying dear?"

"I n-never thought we going to see surface again, Caddy!" She sniffled, the brightest smile across her face. "Our children will see the surface...oh...oh it will be being so beautiful..."

Aqua was still just surprised, staring to the TV as the news crew cut the feed. "...w-will I even be able to go?" She looked out to the distance, knowing that Hotland laid past their house, and further on was New Home, and then, the castle; where the barrier had sat before.

Bitter gently rubbed Edge's back, smiling. I know it's hard, but hey...not only are we seeing the surface, old man...we're not back there...we're in a better place. Maybe the humans...won't be so darn bloodthirsty like they were back home...

"We'll figure out a way, Aqua...I swear we will..." Vera was not going to give up on getting her there.

Happy wasn't really sure how to react, but they did seem quietly excited, "...I'm...seeing the surface...with...a family..."

"We all are Happy...we all are." Zhara smiled and rocked her babbling twins, "...You'll live in sunshine...just like the stories grandpa tells you..."

Aqua gave her wife a sweet and slightly dripping smile, giving her a sweet kiss. "Thank you, Vera...I love you so much."

Edge just hugged Bitter, quietly crying in his husband's ghostly shoulder. Bitter sighed, pressing a kiss to Edge's cracked skull. "It'll be okay, Gaster...it'll be okay...we'll be safe, I promise ya...that's why Pap said for everyone to take their time, yeh?"

Wingdin finally had stopped crying for the most part, and she was wiping her fused sockets with the bottom edge of her dress; and she sighed. "Oh...the surface...to feel the warmth of the sun again will be being just wonderful..."

Sans meanwhile, had stayed mostly quiet. Just staring at the TV. He wrapped his arms around Marrie; and seemed to be almost vibrating in place, from his excitement. The young skelegator had to resist the strong urge to simply pick up his wife and go running in a sheer sprint to the fallen barrier. His fingers gently squeezed around Marrie's waist, as if he was actively having to stop himself. It ended up looking like he was simply trying to cop a feel on his wife while they sat close together.

Vera kissed right back and hugged Aqua, one hand resting on her bump, "Love you too...so..so much..."

Kryssie had gone over to Edge and Bitter, wanting to hug her grandpapi and grandpop, "We're gunna see the surface! What's the surface like?" She seemed pretty excited like what transpired with Bernard never happened.

Marrie smiled and hugged Sans's neck, planting a few kisses on him, "I guess our future's a lot brighter, huh...?"

Aqua had a blush across her cheeks and she gently tucked her face against Vera's neck, giving her kisses lovingly.

Bitter looked down to Kryssie, and he bit his bottom lip for a moment, his pointed teeth easily being seen. "Ah...well...huh...what the heck do we tell ya kid?"

Edge sighed, and he'd since wiped his face off, putting his large glasses back on. "The surface...it's real huge, princess...there's no walls, in a lotta places...granted, yeh there's buildings and houses...but...there's places that're wide open fields...and there's somethin' called an ocean...its just miles and miles of water..."

Bitter grinned and chuckled. "Yeh! Now, me, I ain't seen the surface, but your Grandpapi and Grandma have!"

Wingdin got down to the floor, to sit beside Edge with some help from Cupcake, and she smiled happily. "Oh, Kryssie...the surface is simply so beautiful...the sun during the daytime, it warms you up, and gives you light...the moon at night...and the stars...the stars were so nice..."

Cupcake nodded, as he pointed upwards when Wingdin spoke of the stars. "Me and you, we can go star-gazing, Krystabelle! Me and your Uncle Papyrus! We used to attempt to do that, in the crystal caverns you know...but the stars in the sky, are simply so much more breathtaking, my sweet girl."

Sans felt Marrie's arms gently going around his neck, and he smiled softly, as he blinked a bit. His magic weakened for a moment in his surprise, his right eyelight blinking out, with no extra magic behind it. "It certainly is, my dearest...sorry about, squeezing you before. I almost took off running with you in my arms...in my excitement..."

Vera smiled nuzzled her best as she could.

Kryssie was wide eyed and sparkling at the things up on the surface, "Those sound super pretty! I wanna go!"

"We'll need to wait a little while, hun. They have to get everything together first." Zhara assured her. "Awww!" Kryssie complained and pouted.

Marrie tried to hold back a laugh before kissing his cheek again. She did lean over and whisper something only he could hear, "Well...nothing's stopping you...we could... celebrate another way~..." she purred a bit after and snuggled into him.

Aqua giggled at the nuzzling, and gave Vera another kiss, turning her stomach towards her wife a bit, as she wrapped her arms around her. "This is just the best though ku'uipo! We're going to the surface! Our children will get to see the surface!"

Edge just gently scooped up Kryssie, and gave her a snuggly hug. "Now, c'mon little kitten, ya wanna make sure everyone can go right? Well, babies need a lotta crap, heck, look at your twin cousins. They got baby bags and that big ol' stroller...we can't just go'on up to the surface with nothing for 'em right?"

Bitter grinned, pressing a kiss to her head. "Yeh, and you need to make sure that your Mama can make it too, mhm?"

Sans tail started thumping against the ground, and he gently picked up Marrie into his arms. "IT WAS GREAT TO VISIT, BUT WE NEED TO START PACKING RIGHT AWAY! AS JUNIOR GUARDSMAN EMERITUS, I'M SURE THE QUEEN WILL NEED MY ASSISTANCE IN GETTING THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION FIGURED OUT PROPERLY! WE WILL KEEP IN TOUCH, FAMILY!"

With that, he'd nearly run right out the door of the little cottage, and went back up the path to their own house they shared with James.

Kryssie looked at her grandpapi and nodded, "Ooooh...okay! Yeah! I gotta pack my toys!"

"That's right! Can't leave all that behind too." Zhara smiled as the twins cooed.

"Yeah! Don't worry! I can help pack!" Kryssie lightly petted her baby cousins before settling back with Edge.

Marrie left with him laughing and hanging on, "B-Bye guys!"

James watched them leave and sigh, "...I may need to stay longer..."

Edge gently hugged Kryssie as she came back to him and he chuckled deeply. "Gawd, guess he figures it's as good a chance as any, huh?"

Bitter rolled his eyes, and just smirked as he settled next to Edge. Wingdin leaned lightly over and gave Kryssie a little head rub. "You will have plenty of time to pack your things sweetheart..."

As Sans brought Marrie inside, he was growling happily, as he placed her onto the bed; and quickly got himself undressed in the heat of the moment, his tail lashing from side to side. Watching Marrie with an excited expression; he pointed to Marrie dramatically and then leapt onto the bed, after she'd gotten undressed; and he started to press kisses all over her body.

In the house, Aqua sighed and got up from the couch again; heading to the kitchen. She was still quite hungry actually as she started going through the fridge.

Kryssie giggled and snuggled in, just being a big hugger, "Okay!"

"Guess we'll have a lot going on then. Geeze...wonder how the surface is going to be...?" Vera seemed a little excited before looking at her little girl. "Guess you're one special little girl, huh little luck charm?"

Kryssie just laughed again, "Best birthday EVER!"

"I wonder if that means Napsta and Papy will be back soon...?" Happy wondered outloud before shooting a text at Pap.

[You okay, honey bear...? I hope you're not working too hard...let me know when you're coming back, okay? I love you.]

Aqua came back into the living room with a plate piled high with leftovers from the fridge, before she settled back onto the couch beside Vera. It was a very odd combination of foods, but it was stuff the Hawaiian water elemental loved, and all of it was slathered in teriyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

Papyrus had been taking the long way back, as Napsta had inadvertently flown off with his camera crew again. Shaking his head, he was most of the way through Hotland, and he smiled. [already on my way back, happy. i just made sure the queen was stable, talked with alphys a bit; now i'm just moseying back to the house. nearly through hotland actually. i'll text ya once i'm in waterfall, alright?]

Vera watched her with all the food, little concerned but let her. She couldn't judge, her cravings were just as weird when she was pregnant with Kryssie.

"You're really hungry, huh mama?" Kryssie commented in looking at all the food.

"Well your mama is eating for her and your sibling, Kryssie honey. Babies need a lot of food. I was like that with Maxie and Nicole when they were in my tummy" Zhara gently explained.

Happy would text back soon, [Okay. I'll meet you half way then...if you'd like.]

"Yeah sprout. Little baby's gotta eat, so mama's gotta eat too." Vera chuckled and patted at Aqua's belly. She did manage to get her tail to poke and prod up Aqua's shirt in an attempt to tickle her.

Aqua blushed a soft pink, and giggled brightly; the movement causing her shirt to raise up more. "Ku'uipo, stop that...you're gonna make my shirt go...up..." She looked over the plate of food, blinking her pink eyes slowly. "Vera..."

She pulled her shirt up more over her stomach, and let out a soft burbling laugh. "Oh...oh my god, Vera look!"

Papyrus got the text and he smiled. [yeah, that'd be great, dear. the party's nice, but i'm ready to wind down already...]

Vera laughed, "Gotcha!" She stuck her tongue out playfully before leaning over to give her bump a kiss, "My plan all along finally worked! Nothing can stop the kisses!"

"Nooooo! Mama's getting attacked by the kissy monster! Hold on Mama! Good Strong Kryssie's coming to save the day!" Kryssie did a little hero pose like she'd seen Sans do somethimes before jumping off of Edge's hold and run over to tackle her mommy. Vera managed to catch her and be careful with Aqua at the same time.

"Noooo! You'll never take me down without a fight!" Vera played along before sweeping her little girl's faces in kisses, causing her to laugh and squirm, "NOOOO! SHE GOT ME! MAMA!"

Happy giggled at the sight before looking at their phone. "I should get going...Papy's not feeling very well."

"You two be safe...Don't be a stranger in Hotland." Zhara smiled. Happy gave their hugs goodbye, feeling a bit braver than usual before leaving. Had to go take care of his sick and preggy skelegator.

Aqua started giggling brightly, at the attack of kisses on her baby bump. "Oh! My strong hero, come to save the helpless waterdrop! Hehehehe!" She had quickly seemingly forgotten about the two soullings visible in her exposed crystal blue rounded belly.

She grinned happily at her daughter and her wife, as she ate more of her food; not bothering to pull down her shirt at all. Looking over to Happy, she waved goodbye and smiled. "Be careful, dear!"

Papyrus was still just making his way easily down the pathways, yawning slightly as he went along. Hotland always made him rather sleepy. He was thankful however that his nausea had mostly gone away for the time being.

Kryssie was still giggling and wriggling away as her mom was piling on the kisses.

Zhara however noticed the souls, "Huh...guess you and I are more alike, huh Aquaria?" She laughed. The twins were currently playing with whatever was around them. For Max, it was messing with her mom's ear and hair. Nicole was currently trying to grab at Cupcake.

"What do you mean, Z?" Vera looked confused as she had stopped kissing Kryssie to give her time to breathe.

"Look over, V. No wonder you're so big after only a little time, Aqua. You're having twins too!" Zhara pointed out. Vera went from having a good time, to now looking a little stressed.

"...Well...shit..."

"Mommy! Bad word!"

"Whoops. Sorry sproud...but...uh...oh boy...well...good thing the surface is huge..."

Happy would be walking down Waterfall, hoping they'd still find Papyrus safe and sound. They knew Papy would be okay, but it was in their nature to worry.

Aquaria's eyes widened, and she looked down at her stomach again, and this time the two soullings could very clearly be seen. "Oh my goodness...you're right Zhara! We're having twins...oh...oh my...oh dear...I-I thought it was because my...my family always carried a little large...it's in our nature to hold excess fluid and such...being water elementals...ohhh goodness..."

Papyrus was intently gazing at his phone, reading over the flurry of texts from Alphys, sent from the Queen herself; about the situation and what he needed to do. He growled softly, shaking his head as he put his phone away in his pocket and sighed. "me and your parent...and you too...we got a lot on our plate, don't we little bit?"

"Congrats you two! Least we can both figure out the twins together." Zhara chuckled before Max started pulling on her hair.

"Oww...Oww...Maxie...baby...mommy's hair's not a toy...Ow! Okay...back in the stroller." She tried getting the twins to settle back in. Max took it fine but Nicole started crying once in the stroller. That caused a reaction in Max who also started crying.

"...it's...a ride..." Zhara sighed as she tried calming down the two.

Happy was still walking around before they finally managed to find Papyrus, "Papy!" they ran over to give their skelegator a big hug. "Are you both feeling okay...?"

Aquaria looked to the half eaten plate of food and she let out a quiet laugh of worry; as she ate a few more bites slowly.

Cupcake got up, and he came over to the twins, started to make silly faces to them to get them to stop crying. He started to hum softly, and continued to pull faces playfully for Nicole and Max.

Papyrus gave Happy a lazy and pleased smile, and nodded. He gently wrapped his arm around their shoulder, and gave them a kiss. "yeah we're feeling fine, hapsta...just got a bit nauseated from your cousins high-flying tricks. but uh, 'dyne gave me some lemon-ginger candies, so i'm feelin' a lot better."

He followed them to their home to rest together, knowing it was going to be much more busy in the coming few weeks moreso then himself being pregnant.

"...We'll figure it out, Aq." Vera assured and kissed her cheek.

Max still whimpered on but watched Cupcake. Nicole took a while to fully calm down she watched along with her brother.

"Thank you, Dr. Brewer..." Zhara took a sigh in relief as she gave her babies their pacifiers. That seemed to fully calm them down as they watched Cupcake make faces. Max did try to grab at him though.

Aqua blushed softly, and giggled. "I love you, Vera." She looked to Kryssie, smiling brightly. "So, keiki, are you excited that Mama's gonna have twins?"

Cupcake laughed softly, as he continued to pull silly faces to them, occasionally sticking his tongue out at them. He leaned a bit closer to them, and suddenly Max had his little hand wrapped around his handle. "O-Oh my gracious...come on, Max...don't grab onto m-my handle sweetheart..."

Bitter got up, and came over beside Cupcake. "Lemme handle the rugrats, Doc...they can't exactly grab through me, bahahaha!" He tilted his head closer to the twins, starting to make funny faces as well; to allow Cupcake to dislodge his handle from Max's grip.

Wingdin had nearly fallen asleep against Edge, who just gently held her with his robotic arm. "Maybe we should be headin' on home. All this excitement is a lot fer us old folks, Wing's already fallen asleep as it is..."

Kryssie nodded, "Dat's a lot of babies!"

Vera chuckled, "Yeah it is!"

Max decided to try and reach and touch Bitter instead. "I should get them home anyway. Starting to get tired..." Zhara sighed.

"I should be home as well. Zhara I can walk you back." Darren offered as he got up.

"I'll join the rest of the old folks. I think I'll need to keep away a bit longer for safety." James chuckled, "If you'll allow me of course."

Kryssie seemed sad at all her family was leaving.

"We can always visit, sprout. Don't worry. And we still got a lot to do before we hit the surface!" Vera tried cheering her up.

Cupcake sighed softly, and shook his head as Max had let go and instead tried to reach out and touch Bitter, who was partially intangiable just then. "It's not a problem at all James, we'd certainly enjoy your company!"

Edge got up and gently roused Wingdin to wake up a bit, as she yawned. "C'mon darlin...we're going on home, you fell asleep...ya doin' a'right?"

Wingdin nodded, and she looked around the room, trying to listen for Kryssie. "I want a hug from my Kryssie-kitten before we going~" She gave Kryssie a sweet and snuggly hug with lots of kisses and lovings before she left with her husbands and James.

Soon it was just Aqua, Vera and Kryssie in their little cottage. Aqua settled down on the couch, watching as Kryssie played with all her new toys.

The week passed, and the Queen had given her announcement; they were going to send their Junior Guardsman Emeritus, Sans Serif Aster; out through the previous barrier with the human Chara; to inspect the surrounding areas, and to see if it was inhabitable.

He had found out that humans were actually rather kind, and with help from Chara; he had managed to work out with the local human government a plan to come back to the surface, and through charity companies, even started to get rudimentary housing built for the monsters that wanted to leave to see the surface.

Aqua was pacing in their home, watching the NTT news, in just shorts and a tank top; her hands resting on her rounded stomach. "Oh...oh I hope it's all good out there, Vera...I am so damn nervous today!"

"You pacing around isn't going to make the wait go faster!" Vera chuckled and headed over. She had some cookie batter on her since she and Kryssie were making normal chocolate chip cookies.

Happy was with Papyrus at home, watching their cousin on TV as he was following them out to the entrance.

"Alright dudes! We're going to take our first look and see who gets to come on down first! This is going to be RIGHTEOUS!" Napstaton cheered out from his newscast as he turned the camera to Sans and Chara, "What do ya say, dudes?!"

Aqua blushed a bit, and plucked up some cookie dough batter from Vera's face with a finger. "I see you two are certainly making a mess in the kitchen, hehehe. But yes, I'll sit my butt down I guess..."

Papyrus gently wrapped his tail around Happy's hips, cuddling against them sweetly.

Sans was dressed in his Royal Guard uniform, and Chara was dressed in a tunic from the Dremurr House. Sans chuckled softly, shaking his head. "NOW, WE'VE ALREADY GONE OUT ON OUR FIRST PATROLS, NAPSTATON! THIS IS INTRODUCING THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO WHAT WE'VE MANAGED TO GET WORKING FOR OUR PEOPLE!"

Chara patted Sans arm, and rolled their eyes. "Lets go..."

Sans nodded, and led the news crew outside through the area where the barrier used to be, and down the side of the mountain, out into the sunlight. The pathway had been paved, making it easy for those who might be disabled to make their way down the winding path. At the bottom of the mountain, was a small village of pre-built houses.

Chara pointed to the houses, which had a nice creek running alongside the back of a few of them. [These are the first set of houses that the charity companies had built for the monsters! They are prepared to build more, if needed! They want us to feel welcomed to the Surface once again.]

Vera chuckled and kissed her lightly, "Yeah. Kryssie's currently licking the spoon right now. She's very happy with stirring."

"RIGHTEOUS! You see this dudes?! Houses! Sun! Green and air! You can't feel it from the screen but the air is AWESOME!" Napstaton was ready to fire the laser light show in excitement.

Aqua smiled at the kiss, and had settled herself onto the couch, watching the broadcast. "...Veronica...look it's so beautiful..."

Sans grinned brightly, and he waved to the mayor of the town that was coming over to them. "Hello Mayor Ucher! It's a pleasure to meet up with you again! This is Napstaton, he's our main newscaster and entertainer down in the Underground, and he's personally my cousin-in-law!"

Mayor Ucher smiled sweetly, and he nodded gently. "It's great to meet you too, Mr. Napstaton! And Guardsman Aster, along with Mix Chara...please, I personally welcome all of the monsters to our sleepy little town of Jacksonville! We only have 120 houses built so far, but we're planning another 300 houses soon enough!"

"I know...oh my god...that looks so...wow..." Vera smiled as she held Aqua, "And we're gonna live there soon..."

"Yo! Hey! Pleasure to meet you! So like, you and other humans don't mind monsters coming back? We're excited to get the heck on out of here! But like, we wanna know we're not stepping on your toes or something. We want peace and everything, ya know?" Napstaton decided for a little impromptu interview then. Never hurts and always good for the rest of monsters to know.

Aqua nuzzled Vera, and smiled happily, watching as the news crew was kind enough to give a sweeping view of the little valley that the houses were built into.

Mayor Ucher grinned lightly, as he listened to Napstaton. He was a young Indian man, around mid-30s; dressed in just pale brown slacks and a blue button-up shirt. As it was summertime on the surface, he had his long black hair behind him in a braid; with small square glasses perched upon his nose. "We just want to offer peace as well. As for other humans, I've performed a few polls of my town at least, and some of the surrounding towns, and there's been no qualms of monsters coming back..."

He sighed a bit, and smiled. "Of course, I can't say that it will be completely smooth sailing. No government...monster or human is like that. We are prepared to offer you protection however, and much like the Indian reservations for humans, we will offer you the ability to be your own government, in conjunction with the human government."

Sans nodded along with what Mayor Ucher was stating, not really understanding much of it. His tail lightly waved behind him, as he gazed around the area; enjoying the heat from the sun. His eyes were partially closed as he smiled.

Kryssie would come back, her face full with some batter and arms of cookie cutters, "I found them, mommy! Oh! What's that on TV?" Kryssie decided to take a seat with her moms, seeming curious.

"Sounds like a radical time, Mayor dude! And hey long as most humans like us and we get along, that's all that matters! You and Chara are great examples!" Napstaton smiled then looked at the camera, "We got home homes built and ready with more to come! We'll be with the queen in a few hours to discuss relocation for all monsters! So be patient, k dudes? Everyone can get a chance to at least check the place around before houses can be looked into and issues for moving in! Stay tuned!"

Aqua gently ran her fingers through Kryssie's hair, lightly rubbing behind her daughter's ears. "It's your Uncle Napsta, showing off all the houses that are up on the surface, keiki! It'll take some time to get out there...but that human there, I think his name is Mayor? Mayor's making sure that we're welcomed, and well taken care of!"

Mayor Ucher smiled brightly, as he looked to Napstaton. "Ah, well, Napstaton, all the monsters that are wanting too; are fully welcome to come out and check out the area for themselves! A bit past the village I've helped build up, is my town, Jacksonville! You're welcome to come and check out the area, and our bank will stay open late to help with gold to US legal tender transfers..."

Sans had by then stopped listening to them, as he ended up laying down in the soft grass; his tail softly thumping against the floor. The sun was just hot enough that it had made him very sleepy and he couldn't resist the pull.

"Alright! You heard it here, dudes! Make some plans and check out the surface! For now, we'll be back after these totally rad commercial breaks!" Napstaton had the cameras cut and his crew take 5. "Like thanks for being a total bro Mayor Uch! You're not gunna regret it man!" Napstaton chuckled before seeing his cuz-in-law.

"Sans! Broski! Wake up man! Come on! Get the hype in!" Napstaton headed over to wake him up.

Sans yawned and he sat up, rubbing the back of his skull. "Oooh the sun is just so warm, Napstaton! It's like the heat lamp at home, but even BIGGER AND BRIGHTER!"

Mayor Ucher smiled and chuckled a bit. He saw his husband coming over and he waved to him. "Of course, Napstaton! Ah, here we are, this is my husband...guess you got the little munchkin from daycare, and wondered how things were going, huh dear?"

He gave his husband a sweet kiss on his cheek and scooped up their daughter into his arms. "Sooo, Gloria...these are a few of the monsters sweetheart that Papa's working with! Do you want to say hello?"

Gloria was just barely four years old, and she had a stuffed cat in her arms. She hugged her stuffed cat closer, and looked over at Napstaton curiously. "Hi..."

Napstaton chuckled at Sans before checking out little Gloria.

"Hey there, little dudette! Nice to meet ya! Name's Napstaton! But NTT works too!" He smiled right at her, not minding, "She's cute! Reminds me of my niece at home! She's like the same age I think!"

Napstaton did offer a friendly fist up and Gloria, seeing if she wanted to fist bump him.

Gloria tilted her head, and pointed to Napstaton. "Toaster?"

Mayor Ucher blushed immediately, shaking his head. "No...no baby, he's not a...he's not a toaster...oh my gosh I am so sorry...she's only three years old."

He looked to his daughter, and smiled sweetly. "He likes to make it blow up, like Untie Cassie...try it baby...just like you do with them!"

Gloria lit up at the idea of 'blowing it up' something she did with her Untie Cassie a lot. "Hehehe! Bo up, bo up!"

She did a nice fist bump with Napstaton, giggling happily. "Toaster man! Bo up!"

Napstaton was trying so hard not to start laugh laughing right then and there. He "blew it up" with her.

"It's chill man! That's a new one though!" He couldn't help but chuckle, "I got kiddos of my own too! Lot younger than this radical little dudette right here!"

"Sansy!" Marrie's voice could be heard calling over. She was running up with a large bag in her hand, "There you are! I was looking for you!"

Mayor Ucher smiled brightly, and nodded. "Thank you, she's just three and the world is just so big and bright for her...honestly calling you a toaster is quite a compliment. If she didn't like you, she'd probably call you a 'wahcoom' she hates the vacuum to be honest..."

Gloria's sights drifted over to Marrie as she came closer to Sans. She looked to the stuffed cat in her hands, and blinked a bit. "Kitty?"

Sans smiled softly, and came over to Marrie, giving her a soft kiss. "I had told you that I was going on an expedition with my sibling and Napstaton today, didn't I? Is everything alright, my dearest?"

Gloria saw Marrie closer, and she started kicking and grunting to get out of her Papa's arms. "KITTY! Kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty!"

She was waving her stuffed cat excitedly, nearly smacking Mayor Ucher in the face, causing him to sputter and frown. "Gloria Marie Ucher, stop that this instant! She is not your kitty!"

Napstaton spluttered a laugh but it was all in good fun, "It's chill, no worries!"

Marrie kissed right back, "Everything's fine. You just forgot the lunch I packed you. I even got a chocolate bar in it for you and Chara to share. Oh...and Uncle gave me this thing! He said it would help keep you cool under the warm sun since he knows you fall asleep if you're too warm." Marrie pulled out a sack lunch from her bag and handed it over to him as well as what looked like a towel but it was cold to the touch!

Marrie would notice the yelling child, "Oh...did I interrupt something?"

"Nah! You're good, Mars! Tiny human's here just curious about us! Come on over! Say hi!" Napstaton happily invited as he fixed his signature cap.

Sans chuckled and wrapped the cold towel around his neck, feeling quite a bit more energized. "THANK YOU SO MUCH MARRIE! I feel so much better now! I...actually had fallen asleep out here already...you might've seen it on the news..."

Mayor Ucher put his daughter down, and sighed quietly, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. "Now Gloria...be nice...okay?"

Gloria's brown eyes were wide and sparkling as she gazed up at Marrie, holding her stuffed cat in her arms. She waved the cat a little and pointed to her. "Kitty? Big kitty!"

Marrie giggled and gave him a kiss on the cheek before kneeling down to see Gloria, "Hi there...Aw...that's a nice toy you have there. That why you're so excited? I look like your kitty?" Marrie's tail would twitch a bit, thinking how cute she was, "My name's Marrie."

"Sans, I'm heading off back to the Queen! Crew's calling to set up when she makes her annoucement. You dudes gunna be chill here?" Napstaton waved over at the skelegator before texting his crew on his phone.

Gloria looked to Marrie and toddled over to her, looking at her tail curiously. She looked to her own toy and petted the tail of it, and smiled brightly. Then she held the toy up. "Kitty! You!"

Sans nodded and knelt down as well beside his wife. "Aww, aren't you a precious tiny human? My wife looks just like your toy!"

Gloria looked to Sans, and took a step back at his large fanged grin. She giggled brightly, and put her hands around her mouth, making growling noises. "DOGGY!"

Sans let out a bright peal of laughter, shaking his head. "No! I'm not a dog..."

Gloria meanwhile was then on all fours, growling and barking as if she was pretending to be a dog. Mayor Ucher had just settled onto a tree stump nearby watching his daughter, while his husband sat on the ground, setting his daughter's backpack from daycare in front of him.

"Glorieee...c'mere baby...it's hot, you wanna drinkie?" The slender black man held up a sippy cup for Gloria, and she went toddling over to her Daddy. "There we go...don't need you getting dehydrated any precious...sorry for not introducing myself, I'm the Mayor's husband, Harold. And this is our daughter, who you've certainly met...she's a little handful, but we love her regardless..."

Sans smiled sweetly, and he pulled out the lunch bag for himself and Chara, and they sat down beside him. [Brother, did Marrie pack some of Mama's buns, I hope? It's been so busy working with the Queen, I've not had the chance to actually come and see everyone!] Chara signed, as they pulled out a few things from their lunch.

Sans tilted his head a bit thinking. "I'm not sure, Chara. We'll see though. Marrie did tell me that there's a chocolate bar to split however!" He pulled out more of his own lunch and saw it was roasted chicken with freshly grilled vegetables. "MMM! Thank you dear, it looks like a wonderful lunch!"

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Marrie Aster. Sans is my husband." Marrie introduced herself to the new humans before heading back to Sans when she saw Chara sign, "I did put in a bun for you both. Your mom wanted to make sure you still had a little piece of her."

Marrie smiled and kissed Sans's cheek, "The surface looks amazing from here...I can't believe it...I just hope we get everyone out okay. Sissy's been telling me Aqua's worried about getting here..."

Meanwhile Happy was curled up with Papyrus, music playing in the background while they were gently scritching their husband's chin. All in the name of getting him relaxed during his break, "This better, Papy...?"

"Glad to meet you too." Harold smiled and waved a little, before he started to help Gloria eat a snack from her backpack. Mayor Ucher was focusing his attention on his daughter as well, smiling sweetly. "There we go baby...tiny bites...that's good apple, isn't it?"

Chara went into the lunch bag, pulling out the chicken and veggie wrap sandwich they had, along with the cinnamon bun, and their face lit up. "Mom's bun! Missed!" They took the wrapper off, and took a huge bite of it, letting out a raspy, pleased noise as they ate the huge bite in their mouth.

Sans glanced to Marrie, as he had taken a big bite of the chicken and he looked out towards the houses. "Hmm...you're right. Brother can't shortcut because he's worried about it effecting the baby...perhaps Napstaton can fly Aqua like he'd done with Papyrus?"

Papyrus had his eyes halfway closed, enjoying Happy's fingers scratching underneath his chin. "mmmm...nyeeeeh yeah...that's really goood..." His tail was thumping against the floor as their spouse was making him just feel wonderfully relaxed.

It certainly was much better than he was just an hour ago; pacing the kitchen, while going over a notebook full of plans and layouts, as he was drawing up deeds in conjunction with the humans and their homes.

"Maybe...but that's still hard if she goes through hotland. If she freezes from the cold in snowdin...I don't want to see how she looks when she gets to Hotland!" Marrie was worried not just for Aqua, but how her sister was going to end up taking things.

"Maybe we should see Dr. Undyne? I think she and Papyrus were coming up with ideas on how to help ice and water elementals and magic users to get them through the heat. and to outside." Marrie figured, thinking it could work.

Happy smiled and kept scritching, even giving a few kisses to Pap, "Good...you..h-have been stressing out..and...I-I heard s-stress ins't good for t-the baby...so...I d-do want b-both of you to be okay..." They have been worried about the two lately. Especially with all the new news about the surface.

Sans nodded gently, and he took another bite of his veggies. "Yes! That would be best! But wait...to see Dr. Undyne, she'll need to go through Hotland anyways? Has Aqua ever even gone into Hotland before?"

Chara was still eating on their wrap sandwich, and they sighed shaking their head. [Far as I know, I don't believe water elementals leave Waterfall. And ice elementals don't particularly leave Snowdin either. Just like fire elementals don't normally leave Hotland...it's uh...pretty clear-cut usually...]

Papyrus let out a happy hurgling noise, and nuzzled against their spouse's cheeks as they pressed kisses to his chin and jawline. "yeah...i know bae...i'm trying to stay relaxed but there's just so much to take care of lately..."

He closed his eyes and just let his whole body go slack for a moment, sighing. "least the queen's letting me take my time with all of this...she understands, even if i'm nearly scared to leave the house now...everytime i go anywhere it's always 'judge aster' 'judge aster' and...i'm just ready to hole up in this house with you till our kid's born!"

"I was going to see Dr. Undyne silly." Marrie giggled and kissed his cheek, "And no...no I don't think she has like Chara's said. I knew one fire elemental who went through waterfall but...we haven't seen or heard from Bernard at all. Darren even told me he never went back home. His cousin's been really worried." Normally she wouldn't care about that guy, but he was related to her brother's datemate...so she loved her brother...

Happy just held him close and decided to give a few rubs to their spouse's stomach, "I know...I understand the excitement...is...there anyway I can help...?"

Sans chuckled brightly, and blushed a bit. "Oh! Alright then...oh...Bernard. Hmm." He shoved a large bite of chicken into his mouth and he sighed shaking his head. "Papi was correct then...Darren should speak with Papi, he'll be able to explain what has possibly happened."

Papyrus sighed, and gazed down to them; hearts in his eyelights. "...i've been trying to think of a way you could help me, but i'm just not sure, dear..."

"I'll have Darren bring his datemate then...I think they'll need to know it more than my brother...He...had the curse...right...? ...The...one my dad had...?" Marrie seemed uncomfortable and sad in mentioning her father. Yes, he still visited time to time in his ghostly form but, she still felt bad everytime she saw him. She never felt right...

"Well...I...can try something...um...I..have been getting better...a-addressing people...Napsta's been...getting me used to cameras and people...so...maybe I can help answer people's questions...so...you don't have so much...?" They asked lightly as one of the snails decided to crawl over and onto Happy's foot, just making themselves at home.

Sans nodded, and gently rubbed her hand lightly. "Yes, dear...it sounds like a good plan. You know Papi is willing to talk with anyone who might need it, hmm?"

Gloria had finished her snack, which was apple sticks, graham crackers and mozzarella sticks. Holding a mozzarella stick in her little hand, she came over to Marrie, and held the cheese stick up to her. "Kitty cheesy?"

Papyrus nodded softly, and he gave them a sweet kiss. "yeah...we can try that boo. i've actually got an outline set up, in my notebooks, but it'll be a couple days for the next announcement at least..."

Marrie managed a smile as she leaned into his touch, "Yeah...I'll talk to him on my way back..."

Her attention would be taken with Gloria as she offered the cheese stick, "Aww...thank you!" She let out a giggle before taking the cheese from her and taking a bite, "mmmm! Yum!"

"Oh...okay..." Happy felt bad as they started messing around with their fingers, "Sorry...I'm...not very good at much..."

Sans lightly gave her a kiss, and smiled when he saw Gloria bringing over the cheese stick. "Awww, she's absolutely precious!"

Gloria took the bitten cheese stick back and grinned happily, babbling to herself as she stuck the rest of the cheese stick into her mouth. "'Ummy cheesy!"

Harold shook his head, watching Gloria as she toddled around. "That's sweet of you to share, Gloria..."

Papyrus rolled his eyelights, and gently kissed their mouth lovingly. "hapstablook...you are good at plenty of things my dear...i love you so much...my sweetheart...you make me happy in so many ways..."

Marrie couldn't help but laugh, "She is! Aww...I bet Krystal would love to meet her! She needs more friends." She looked back over at Sans, "Do you need anything before I go? I was going to start heading back and see Dr. Undyne."

Alphys would soon make her way over, "Sans! Hey! You done over there? Queen needs to see you and Chara."

Happy couldn't help but blush, "...I love you too...h-honey bear...you...y-you make me happy too...and...I...I just want to be the b-best I can be for...for both of you..." Their low self esteem was getting to them again.

Sans looked up at Alphys, the fork stuck in his mouth. "Wait, really?"

Chara looked up as well, the last bite of their wrap held in their hand. "A-Already?" They managed to chew slowly the bite in their mouth before they swallowed after they croaked out to Alphys.

Sans nodded, and he gathered up his things, making sure his sibling had gotten their things as well. "Of course, Alphys. I and my sibling will be right behind you! My wife Marrie is requring to visit Undyne anyways! It was a pleasure to meet you Mayor Ucher, and his husband Harold, and their precious little girl Gloria!"

Papyrus gently nuzzled their cheeks, and pressed his forehead against theirs, his long clawed fingers lightly running through their black hair. "you're already the best, for both of us...you know how to help me stay calm...you always are there when i need you...even though i'm pretty laid back, i've got quite a few problems too, and you help me through those times when i'm angry, or sad, or the world is just too much for me to handle..."

"Yeah. Queen wants to go over some things with the both of you...She wants your opinion and an escort down to see the surface preparations herself. I'd do it but I have to stay here and make sure no one's running headfirst out." Alphys informed.

"It was really nice to meet you." Marrie nodded at the couple and their child, "Hope to see you all again!"

Happy snuggled up a bit, face still pink, "mm...I do it because...I love you...and...I don't like seeing you so upset...you deserve happiness too, Papy...but...I am glad I can help...even if a little...you...make me want to try harder...and...be a little braver..." they gently placed a hand on Pap's cheek, "I...want to change that much...but...i'm glad i can do a little for you..."

Sans nodded, saluting Alphys as he and Chara then went back into the mountain to accompany the Queen with what she'd wanted. He watched as Marrie went alongside of him inside as well. He gave her another kiss as she went on ahead to Hotland.

Papyrus smiled softly, and sighed. "happy...i don't usually get too upset...i have enough happiness, being with you, bae-bot...and i want you to do the best you can do ever, as long as you're not hurting yourself..."

Aqua had gotten up from the couch, and she went down the hallway to take a bath; feeling a bit dry and itchy all over. As she got into the tub, she sighed quietly, letting herself slip beneath the surface and she smiled; as only the top curve of her stomach could be seen above the water.

Marrie waved goodbye before heading towards Dr. Undyne's lab. Best to take care of business now.

"I'm trying...just...I want to be better...least..be a little more confident like my cousin...I...don't want to keep worrying and hiding all the time..." Happy sighed and leaned into Pap, "...I...am excited to see the surface...it..must be really nice there..."

Kryssie was messing around the house while Vera was cleaning the kitchen. She peeked into the bathroom and noticed her mama in the bath. She got the great idea to run back to her room and come back with a rubber duck, gently leaving it on her mama's stomach curve. Took her a bit since she was still rather short but she managed to do it.

Papyrus nodded, listening to his spouse. "...you don't have to be like napstaton though...just be you, happy. even if you're worrying and hiding...you'll always have me with you. and...yeah, i'm really excited to see the surface too. when i had gone outside, the one time so far...it was nighttime...i could see the stars, happy...they were so gorgeous...almost as beautiful as you are."

Aqua felt the little rubber duck being placed on her belly; she gently lifted herself upwards, and giggled softly. "Kryssie kitten...what'cha doin' placing stuff on me, hmm? Thank you for the little ducky though~"

She rested against the back of the bathtub, and chuckled a bit; causing her belly to shift with the movement. The little duck then fell off and into the water. "Oops...there it goes, baby...hey while I'm in here, you look like you're wearing more of that cookie than you ate it, keiki...why don't you come into this bath with Mama, hmm?"

Reaching out with her watery hands, she giggled sweetly, giving her daughter a big smile.

Happy giggled, "I won't be just like him...just...enough that I don't have to apologize all the time and I'm not scared of people..." They did blush more at the compliment, "Well...I-I'm sure...there's something more bright...that reminds me of your smile..." With that, they leaned in for a kiss, "...I love you..."

"I wanted to give my sibbies something to play! Bathtime's boring without toys! Or bubbles!" She laughed before taking her mama's hands, "Okay! But can I get my squeaky whale too? I like my squeaky whale!" She ran off to go get her favorite bath toy, a small rubber blue whale toy with white dots, and came back. She undressed herself since Vera had taught her how to some time ago and tried climbing in the bath with her whale in hand.

"I got it, mama! I'm big girl now!" She giggled and tried, she was still a little too short.

Papyrus blushed a soft orange across his cheeks, and he sighed happily. "i love you too..." He passionately gave them a kiss, wrapping his arms around them lovingly.

Aqua nodded, and gently let go of Kryssie's hands so she could go and get her squeaky whale. "Okay...okay I know you got it, keiki, but let me help you..."

She shifted herself a bit, and gently held her hand out for Kryssie to take, so she could haul her into the tub alongside her. "There we go! Lets get this kitten all scubba-dubba, huh?"

Using her own powers over water, she lifted her hand above Kryssie's head, and gently let a rainfall of water sprinkle onto her daughter's head, and grabbed the baby shampoo; starting to wash the little kitten's hair and head fur. "It's the lavender scent you like, keiki~"

Happy kissed right back, one arm draped around his neck. The other rested lightly on his stomach, a little reminder to themselves that they have a lot going for them.

Kryssie giggled and let her mom get her rained on and lathered, "Yay!" she squeezed up the whale in the water and had it "swim" by her mama's belly in an attempt to play with her siblings. Even if they're still in her mama's belly.

Papyrus hurgled softly, nuzzling Happy's neck sweetly. He curled himself closer to them, and just cuddled them happily; wondering just what their child may look like when they were finally here?

Aqua softly laughed at what Kryssie was doing, as she continued to bathe her little girl. "Awww, you playing with the babies, wahine? You're gonna be the best big sister ever, aren't you?"

She finished getting Kryssie's hair washed, and let the rain fall a bit harder to rinse her well; then she started to gently wash the little girls face. "No, no spittin'...there we go...now, you clean your feet and legs, like Mommy taught you, Mama's gonna clean her back okay?"

"Yeah!" Kryssie smiled and tried squirting the water at her mama's bump for play, "I wanna be the bestest big sister!"

She didn't really like getting her face washed, the bubbles in her eyes always hurt with that and soap didn't taste good even if it smelled nice. Once that part was done, she did move on to cleaning her legs and arms as she was taught. She even sang out a little song she made up as she did so while her tail still played with her whale toy.

Vera knocked on the door of the bathroom, "You two okay in there? Got the kitchen clean and stuff."

Aqua had finished washing her back and she smiled watching Kryssie as she was scrubbing herself up. "Oh yes! We're fine, ku'uipo! Kryssie came in to see how I was, and I saw she was dirty, so she's getting a bath too!"

She shifted herself a bit, and started to stand up carefully out from the bath. "I'm gonna get out of the tub though, okay? You can keep playing if you want, Kryssie!"

Getting her towel she wrapped it around herself the best she could, and blushed as her stomach poked out from the towel. Her darker womb took up a lot of the space in her rounded stomach. Aqua could tell she was carrying a lot of excess fluid already.

"Okay!" Kryssie continued to play with her rubber duck and whale, "swimming" around and squirting each other.

"Alright. Just checking in. You guys got anything you want in particular for dinner?" Vera asked from the door, "Also, does Kryssie have a change of clothes?"

"Can I be nekkid?" Kryssie asked as she let her whale make a splashdown, causing a bit of a mess.

"No, you cannot be naked! Clothes keep you warm sugar pea." Vera laughed.

Aqua giggled softly, letting her foot absorb the splashed out water. She noticed something very interesting, that her stomach slightly grew a bit at her absorbing the water. "Oooh...um, dinner? Nothing in particular, dear! And no, she doesn't. I'll get that for her okay?"

She grabbed her wrap dress, slipping it on, and she decided she needed to show her wife the reason why she probably was carrying larger. Heading out from the bathroom; she gave Vera a sweet kiss on her cheek and went to Kryssie's bedroom to get the little girl some pajamas. Her hips were almost swaying from the excess weight having absorbed a bit of water while in the tub.

Vera smiled and watched her go, happily taking in the sight of her hips. She did notice Aqua was a little larger than normal, "...Babe...? We're still having just twins...right...?" She asked as she followed her over.

Kryssie was now getting bored in the tub. Since both her moms were away, she decided to get out herself, throwing her toys out first before managing to get out herself. She did slip and fall face first but shook it off pretty quick as she grabbed a towel she found and put it around her head before escaping ot the bathroom, "Imma be nekkid!" she whispered to herself as she tried hiding in the kitchen for more cookies.

Aqua had stopped in Kryssie's bedroom, getting her the pink and purple pajamas. "Hmm? Oh yes, we are! I...well, I should maybe show you..." She went to the kitchen and unwrapped her dress, then she plugged up the kitchen sink; starting to run water into it.

"I didn't realize this is what would happen...and this is probably why most of my family would carry very largely when they were pregnant..." She placed her hand into the water, starting to absorb it. Her belly gained another couple of inches and she blushed a bright pink across her cheeks.

"See! It's still just twins...but...this never happened before I became pregnant!" Aqua chuckled softly, patting her expanded belly with her free hand. "I guess...it's to protect the twins maybe?"

"Huh...woah...that...is pretty handy...!" Vera chuckled only to realize something "Wait...how much water can you hold at a time? Maybe that will help when we head off to the surface!" She seemed excited before giving Aqua a few kisses, "That means we can get you and the kids safe down if we get enough water in ya. But...no way I'm still letting you take chances until we know for sure it'll work."

Meanwhile Kryssie decided to sit in the livingroom, cookies in hand as she waited for some cartoons to play on TV. Vera would end up hearing it and check in the kitchen, "Kryssie...I told you you couldn't be naked! Put the cookies down and get your clothes on."

"No! Nekkid mommy! It's fun!" Kyrssie giggled and kept to her spot.

Aqua continued to blush, and she thought to herself, wondering just how much water could she hold? She filled up the sink to the tippy top and then absorbed all of it, all too easily; seemingly allowing her body to expand in not only her belly; but her hips and bottom started to swell a bit too.

Repeating it for a second time; she was pleasantly overweight with her expanded body now; her stomach still the largest thing on her shapely body. She closed up her wrap dress, and got Kryssie's clothes, waddling into the living room.

"Keiki, come on now...you need to get your clothes on..." She chuckled a bit, shaking her head.

"Come on, sugar pea. Listen to ma...ha...ha...helloooo..." Vera looked at Aqua with a playful grin, "Well well well...aren't you curvy cute, seashell?" She purred lightly.

Kryssie was giggling, "Mama's big! Big and nekkid!" She got up from her spot and ran off.

Vera managed to snap herself away from Aqua to watch her kid run off, "Kryssie! Krystabelle! Get back here! You're getting clothes on!" She headed off to catch her little girl, who was still streaking around.

"NOOOOOOOO! I'M NEKKID!"

Aqua shook her head, and sighed, letting out a bright, burbling laugh. "I am not naked, Kryssie! My dress is just the same color as me!" She thought for a moment, and realized that their daughter didn't have far to run.

After a few moments of running around, she knew that Kryssie would want her cookies too. "Mama has your cookies~ And I'm gonna eat them all, wahine!"

She popped one of the chocolate chip cookies into her mouth and moaned cutely. "Mmmmmm!"

"Nooooo! I want cooki-WAAH!" Kryssie was running to tackle her mama for cookies when a vine grew out and grabbed her.

"Gotcha ya little rat!" Vera chuckled as she made the vine give Kryssie over in her arms.

"Awwwww! Noooooooo!" Kryssie whined and tried to get out from her mommy's grasp, having no use, "You're getting clothes, missy! No excuses!"

Aqua got up from the couch, and headed over to where Vera held Kryssie with her vine. "Shhh...shhh..."

She gave Kryssie a cookie, and then quickly got her dressed in her pajamas. "There we go...that's not so bad is it, Krysta?"

"Now would you want cuddles with Mama?" Aqua gently nuzzled Kryssie sweetly. "You've been a pretty silly girl tonight you know. And Mama needs to have some time with Mommy too, we need to figure out how we're going to the surface right?"

Kryssie still whined once she had her clothes on, but calmed down a bit with the cookie. She did nuzzle her back as Vera led her and Aqua to the couch for some cuddle time.

"Yeah! I wanna go there! When we going...?" She seemed curious as she at her cookie.

"We're still figuring that out, sprout. But we learned something about your mama that might help us a little. We just gotta know if it's going to be enough." Vera chuckled and patted Kryssie's hair, earing a nice purr from her.

She would do more until she heard her phone ring. "Huh...? Oh..hey, Darren's calling me."

"Why's Uncle Darry callin', mommy?"

"Dunno...usually he never calls me...he texts." Vera shrugged before leaving to the bedroom to answer it.

Aqua gently ran her fingers through Kryssie's hair, cuddling her against her more squishy body. She had a large glass of water from earlier, and she drained it, which easily added another half-inch around her middle. She wondered just why Darren was calling her and this late at night too.

"I hope everythin's okay, ku'uipo..." Aqua called out, while she stayed on the couch with Kryssie.

Kryssie stayed with her mama and cuddled her happily, "Mama's squishy...! Hehehehehe!" She giggled out and kept watching her cartoons. Be a bit of a while before Vera would come back looking...conflicted.

"Hey. I'm back. Darren's okay. He...might be stopping by tomorrow." She sighed before taking her seat back. Kryssie was already looking like she was going to fall asleep. One too many cookies had got her into a sugar crash.

Aqua nodded softly, her fingers still rubbing Kryssie's ear the way she liked. "I see. That'll be okay. I figured maybe we could see what my retaining limits are, Vera...I want us to make it to the surface. All of us. And I don't want...I'm worried that I'm a burden, holding you all back..."

She looked to Vera, gently running her hand through her wife's hair lovingly. "My leilani, my beautiful flower...I want the best for you and for our daughter...I don't want us stuck here in Waterfall, just because I can't go through Hotland..."

"Woah..hey...where's this coming from...? I thought I was supposed to be the cynical dumbass?" Vera chuckled before kissing Aqua's cheeks.

Kryssie muttered sleepily in her spot but only seemed to pass out, "We're going to make it to the surface...together...I could be stuck down here for another century and I wouldn't care. Long as I'm here with you...that's all that matters. We'll get there...and we'll get there as a family...I promise." Vera looked serious as she pulled her in close, "...I'm not going to leave family behind...not again... never again..."

Aqua smiled a little at the kisses, and she listened to Vera closely. "Awww...Veronica..." She gently gave Vera sweet kisses, hugging her very close.

She glanced down to Kryssie, seeing that she was asleep; and she gently scooped her up in her arms. "How about we put the little one to bed, then we can just rest together, hmm? I saw that look you were giving me before~"

"Yeah...sounds good." Vera chuckled and gave her one more kiss before taking Kryssie gently. Kryssie was throughly knocked out in her mommy's arms, sleeping soundly.

"...Ya know...I only made a big deal about clothes on Kryssie...for you though seashell...it's always optional~" She purred and flicked her tail slightly before taking Kryssie to her room.

Marrie was currently at home, making a late dinner for herself since she forgot to eat. Her uncle had gone off to bed early since he did a lot of work prior. So it was just her for the moment.

Aqua giggled softly, and she took off her underwear, then lightly wrapped her dress back around her. She was going to see just how much the dress could take as she filled up the bathtub with water, while she sat daintly upon the closed toilet lid.

Sans had finally finished with everything he needed to do with the Queen, and he came inside the house tiredly. He had been running since early that morning...or was it the day before?

He yawned, and came to the kitchen, smiling to Marrie. "Hello my dearest~"

Vera got Kryssie tucked in and comfortable. She put a kiss to her kitten's head and flicked her nightlight on before starting to leave.

"...M-Mommy...?" Kryssie called out tiredly. "Hey baby...shhh...it's bed time sugar pea...why not sleep...?" Vera tried her best to get her to sleep again. "Is. Uncle Darren okay...? You sounded sad..." Kryssie yawned and hugged her mom's hand.

Vera gently pet her with her free hand, "Yeah...we're okay...Uncle Darren got...some bad news...and he told me. But he's okay...he might stop by tomorrow to check things out and...get away for a little while...that's all. I promise. Now...go to bed...tomorrow's a new day...okay..?"

"Okay...i love you mommy..." Kryssie let out another yawn before cuddling with a nearby teddybear.

"Love you too, baby sprout...",Vera tucked her in again and hummed a soft lullaby for her, not leaving until she knew Kryssie was fast asleep. She looked at her from the door and sighed, "...You were the only thing good that came out from him..."

Marrie looked over at Sans with a big smile, "Hey...there's my royal guardsman. How you doing?" She smiled sweetly, "Hungry? I'm just making a quick stew from the meat we had in the fridge and some veggies uncle picked today."

Aqua had dipped her feet into the water, and soon she'd almost fallen asleep; herself having absorbed half the water in the tub.

Sans yawned again, and nodded. He was so tired even his right eyelight was out, as his excess magic had dwindled harmlessly away during that time. "Oh! That sounds delightful, Marrie...I got a couple of the floor plans that the humans have built for us, and I was wondering which one would you think would look better for us?"

"And I made sure that there is a few elderly care facilities being built too. Mayor Ucher was surprised to know that...monsters get elderly, apparently..." Sans stated quietly, as he came over to Marrie, giving her a sweet kiss on her cheek.

Vera would soon come back only to find Aqua gone. Didn't take her long to find once she looked into the bathroom. "There you are...aww..." She chuckled before heading over, "Come on...off to bed with you too, seashell...you're gunna need all that strength..." Vera gently tried getting Aqua out of the tub and carrying her to bed. Granted she needed a little help with her magic but, it worked out.

Marrie gave a few kisses to him, "Mm, okay. I can't wait to see what you got!" She seemed excited as she headed off to go grab some plates, "Go on and sit down and we can talk about them, okay? And really? We age too. Humans are funny sometimes. But we're funny too."

Aqua wrapped her arms around Vera, cuddling her very plush and expanded watery form around her wife lovingly.

Sans nodded and chuckled lightly; as he pulled out a couple of brochures from his Royal Guardsman jacket; before he slipped it off, and hung it on the back of his chair, relaxing a bit as he removed his boots too. "Yes, I've got a couple different varieties right now. Most of the homes they've built, were based upon bi-pedal monsters, with no distinct needs so far, so mostly skeletal, and animal type monsters are most suited for habitation in them! They weren't trying to be cruel, but of course they weren't sure of the types in the Underground. That's what the second and third wave of homes will be, more suited to specialized types!"

"And you are in an incredibly happy and joyous mood my love!" He smiled as he spread out the brochure in front of him to show her.

Marrie checked on the stew before deeming it ready to be eaten. She filled up the bowls and placed one down for Sans and the other for herself. "They're trying their best, I'm sure. Maybe we should have some monsters get some input on how their homes want to be made. Just so that way we can avoid any other mishaps." She took a seat on the table and looked at the brochures.

"I can't help but be, Sansy! We're making a new life together! Well...again! We're going to have our own house...I can work nearby...you're close by...our families can enjoy the surface...we...we can..." She started blushing heavily as she looked at the food in front of her, "...W-We can s-start a family of o-our own...doesn't that sound really nice...?"

Sans nodded, and grinned happily to her. "That sounds like the best dream having come true, my dearest. I will say this though...I was thinking perhaps...the six room home would be great for us? It's a bit large, but I...I think we can fill it up, wouldn't you think so?"

"I've always wanted to be a father..." He smiled happily, a heart visible in his working eyelight.

"If you think we can...we can. I'll be happy to go on that journey with you." Marrie gave him a quick but loving kiss, "Well...one day we will. I still want to finish my stuff too. But...once I get my license...you and I will get busy~ okay?" She purred lightly before kissing his forehead, "Think you can wait a little until then, handsome...?"

Sans' tail started rattling and thumping excitedly, and he nodded brightly. "Of course my dearest! I will wait for as long as it takes my beloved wife!"

He ate some of the stew, and grinned. "Oooh, this is wonderful stew my dear! Thank you, so much, Marrie."

The rest of the night went easily, and it was soon morning, as Aqua started to wake up slowly.

She yawned, and started in bed, her fingers gently rubbing through Vera's hair. "Aloha kakahiaka, ku'uipo...did you sleep well last night?"

Marrie gave him a quick scritch under his chin before eating her stew. She still had things on her mind, but she'd wait.

The next morning, Vera was still out could, snoring away. Her snores only turned to light purring at feeling Aqua's touch.

Kryssie would sneak into the room with her teddy in hand.

Aqua turned carefully onto her side and started to gently press and rub more, enjoying the purring from her wife. She gave Vera a sweet kiss on her cheek, a soft burbling giggle eeking from her.

Vera purred even louder at that before she started waking up, "Mmm...hey pretty seashell..." She smiled tiredly before yawning.

Kryssie started giggling and trying to get up, "Mommy? Mama?" She tried getting up on the bed.

Aqua smiled and felt tugging on the bedspread. "Hehehe, well hello there, lil wahine...let Mama help you up..."

She turned onto her back, and gently reached down, scooping up Kryssie and pulling her onto the bed. "And here's our princess! What're you doing up so early? Mommy and Mama aren't even out of bed yet, keiki~"

Kryssie giggled and hugged Aqua before she reached over and hugged Vera. Vera kissed her cheeks happily.

"Yeah, we're still getting up baby sprout." Vera chuckled and pet her head.

"I'm bored. And hungry." Kryssie shrugged, "And I wanna see you too!"

Aqua closed her eyes, her mouth disappearing, as she pretended to fall back asleep. "Oh no... Mama's falling asleep again... having twins is pretty hard..."

She opened one of her eyes playfully, and snuggled Kryssie sweetly to her plush soft chest. "Hmmm, what would my lil wahine want for breakfast? I was thinkin I'd make us some sweet poi and bacon wrapped spam~"

"Sounds pretty good to me." Vera chuckled and held her family close.

Kryssie patted at her mama's cheeks and giggled. "Yes! I want poi poi!" she gave a little pat at her mama's stomach, "Poi poi for babbies!"

Aqua giggled as well, and gave Kryssie's forehead a sweet kiss. "Poi poi, my little keiki wants poi poi? We're gonna have sweet coconut poi, and bacon spam, and maybe even pineapple waffles?"

She moved to get out of the bed, knowing that she rarely made pineapple waffles, and that would certainly get her daughter excited. Giving Vera a sweet kiss, she grabbed her house dress, slipping it on; thankful that she loved very large flowy dresses due to her size just then. Heading to the kitchen, her hips were swaying still as went and got a few things she needed from the fridge.

The coconut, and taro root; along with her pounding board which she set up on the counter. The can of spam, and slab of bacon, setting that to the side, she tended to slow cook it on the stove. Then finally the pancake/waffle mix and a fresh pineapple to hack and chop away.

Soon the kitchen was filled with the smell of bacon-wrapped spam and pineapple waffles, and the sound of Aquaria pounding away at coconut meat and sliced taro root, making thick coconut poi for their breakfast.

Vera was already enjoying the smells the house was under as she decided to get ready for the day. Morning shower for her, getting dressed in some shorts and flowy top. She got Kryssie all dressed up for the day in a comfortable flowery dress, and ready for the day.

To keep Kryssie from bouncing off the walls in excitement over food, she let her girl braid her long hair. That kept Kryssie occupied enough until she would be ready for breakfast.

"Mommy, are we gunna see the surface today?" She purred out while focusing on her braid.

"Maybe. We'll see sweet pea. We gotta figure out if Mama can get through there first. We'll probably be seeing that today." Vera smiled. That seemed to satisfy her girl as she went quiet again.

Aquaria got the currently fried sticks of spam out from the pan, and placed more in, humming softly. Soon the pineapple waffles were done, and she started slicing them into sticks. Drawing a sinkful of water, her third this morning; she slowly absorbed it, and sighed. She was positively fat with excess water by then, and was at her limit for absorbing water. Anymore and she worried her 'skin' or the surface tension that compromised her body would be too thin and would rip, causing her to start bleeding.

Happy with the state of her body, which was clearly visible underneath the very large housedress by then; she continued pounding at the coconut and taro root; scraping the thick, goopy poi and placing it into the large bowl. "Vera~ I'm making enough breakfast for your brother, you said he was coming over today, right?"

"Yep. He should be coming soon I think." Vera called from her spot on the couch as Kryssie was still braiding.

"Mommy's pretty!" kryssie giggled.

"Thanks sugar pea. You're so good at this, huh?" Vera chuckled. The door would knock about a few minutes after, "Take five, sprout. I'll be back. probably your uncle."

Kryssie let go and let her mom answer the door, deciding to run over and check on her mama. Wouldn't take long before she headed over to Aqua and cuddled her leg, "Squish!"

Vera would let in Darren, taking him inside. Poor guy looked exhausted.

"Morning, Aqua. Kryssie." He waved tiredly.

Aqua smiled down at her daughter who was squishing her chubby leg. "Mama's all squishy huh?"

She heard Darren being brought into the kitchen and she turned to put more poi into the bowl, finishing up with the pounding. Aqua looked to Darren, and smiled softly. "Aloha, Darren...you look exhausted. Here sit, I've made breakfast okay?"

She brought over a plate of waffles, spam and chunky poi, setting the plate down for him, then she started setting up plates for herself, Vera and Kryssie.

Kryssie waved at her uncle before trying to help her Mama with setting up. Vera stayed behind to talk with her old brother.

"Rough night...?" Vera looked over at him worriedly.

"...Very...rough...we found out what happened with him...he never returned from Waterfall..." Darren sighed, "My datemate was...not taking it well..to say the least."

"...You knew what the curse did to people...did to us...It was going t-..." She started whispering out before Darren stopped her.

"It wasn't that...believe me..I would have thought so too until I saw the gathered dust...it didn't look like dad's when he...passed on...his dust was dark grey and black...Bernard's...it was still white...normal dust...the curse didn't kill him then..." Darren looked tired as he said it. Vera got it after a bit, only letting out a growled sigh.

"...So you left your datemate alone...?"

"They wanted space...asked me yesterday...I didn't want to leave...believe me...but...they wanted it...so...I wanted to respect their boundaries..."

"...Sorry bro..."

The two siblings were just sitting there in awkward silence before Vera offered a hug. Darren didn't take long to lean in and accept it.

Aqua had settled into the seat after setting up the table with Kryssie's help. She set down Kryssie's utensils and gave her a sweet kiss. "There we go wahine, pineapple waffles, bacon-wrapped spam, and chunky coconut-taro poi. It's a traditional breakfast that Mama loves~"

She started to whistle softly, as she started to eat breakfast. Looking towards the living room, she wanted to try to give Darren some support as well, but knew it was more the place of Vera to help him.

Kryssie giggled and gave Aqua a kiss on the cheek back before digging into her breakfast, purring lightly as she ate her waffles.

Vera would stay there a bit longer before Darren decided to try and eat. Vera let him and headed off to get their own food. She did invite him over to sit with them but Darren was more comfortable with staying in his spot in the livingroom.

"Hey...so...I was thinking...why don't we try Hotland a bit? Mars texted me a while ago saying she was gunna be seeing Dr. Undyne again. If we can get from here to her lab...that might be a good test to see if this...water absorbing thing is a good idea." She suggested before starting to eat at her spam and bacon.

Aqua had scooped up a bit of poi with her fingers, and sat there with her fingers in her mouth for a moment. Pulling them out she nodded softly; causing her dreads to shake a little bit. "That would work, Dr. Undyne's lab is about halfway through Hotland, I think...I...I've haven't gone through Hotland in a long time. Actually I've haven't even been to New Home in years either..."

Picking up a waffle stick, she wrapped it around a stick of spam and nibbled at it. Her rarely seen flat teeth could be seen as she chewed on the spam. "Right now, I'm at my limit of absorbing water, anymore and...well, I could hurt myself."

"Yeah...let's not do anymore, babe. Last I need is for you to get hurt." Vera smiled, "But..I do gotta say...you're making it real hard for me not to just cuddle you all day."

Kryssie was already stuffing her face with waffle and poi, her tail was swishing about in happiness, "Yummy!"

"Careful sugar pea. You're gunna choke on your food." Vera chuckled.

Aqua rubbed Kryssie's back softly, and pressed a kiss to her head. "Mommy's right, be careful. Mama make thick poi today, you could choke on it..." She scooped up another mouthful of the poi herself, and sighed, sucking on one of her fingers idly; as her sights drew towards Hotland.

It was a rather scary thought, going through the broiling hot area, herself being a water elemental. It was dangerous enough normally, but even moreso with her having the twins to think about. "...I just hope I've absorbed enough that we'll all be able to make it..."

"It'll just be to the lab. We don't have to go all the way to New Home today if we can't do it. We'll just rest in the lab, get you fixed up..and head home. I can even use my magic to try and shelter you a bit too." Vera assured and kissed Aqua's cheeks, "You'll be fine...I won't let anything happen to any of you..."

Kryssie giggled, seeming more than excited to go on a trip.

Aqua smiled brightly, and soon they had finished their breakfast, and she was working on cleaning the pounding board, while Vera did the dishes.

"So you really like me this big, Vera?" Aqua asked quietly, gently bumping her soft and wide hip into her much thinner wife.

"Can you imagine me doing the hula now?" She murmured, and started to shimmy and wiggle in the traditional dance, causing the house dress she wore to sway almost seductively.

"Careful, waterdrop...that's how we got twins in the first place." Vera purred as she finished washing dishes, enjoying the show her wife was providing.

Kryssie was currently drawing in the livingroom, Uncle Darren nearby as he watched his phone for any new texts or calls. Nothing so far.

"Did you see the surface yet, uncle...?" Kryssie looked up at him with curious eyes. Darren chuckled a bit, "No. Not yet. I was hoping to in the next few days but...Uncle got...busy with other things. Maybe later..."

Meanwhile Happy had gone off from the house early to meet with Napstaton. They left some breakfast for Papy to stomach and a little loving note for him whenever he got up. They knew he needed a little more rest than normal, but jobs still had to be done.

Aquaria giggled, as she easily swayed and shimmyed, humming the tune she normally did the hula too. "Well at least I can't get more pregnant, hehehe~"

In their little house, Papyrus was finally starting to wake up and he yawned as he sat up. He idly patted his little stomach, which he already had anyways, which he knew was only going to get larger with their baby.

Heading to the kitchen, he found the breakfast, along with the note; and he smiled sweetly. "aww...happy..."

Getting his breakfast, he went to the couch and ate quietly, after which he looked to his middle, and smiled seeing the little soulling floating within their womb. "...you know me and your renny are sooo excited for you? i never thought i'd get to be a parent..."

Vera laughed and finished up to hug her wife from behind, "True. I could drop off Kryssie at her grandparents later~" she purred softly and kissed Aqua's neck before heading out to do the morning picking.

The note was simple but sweet. [Helping Napsta out today. Food is ready to eat if you'd like. I even left some hot water for that ginger tea if you need it. Take care of yourselves. Love you. -Happy ❤️]

Meanwhile Marrie was getting ready for her day. Breakfast was made, her bag filled with books, today was the day to head to New Home for her training.

Aqua giggled, and blushed as her neck was kissed. She playfully trailed her watery fingers along Vera's tail as she left to do morning picking. "That sounds like an excellent plan actually, ku'uipo~"

Papyrus read the note, and blushed happily at the note. He got up from the couch, and went to their kettle, pouring himself a cup of ginger tea; to finish up the breakfast with. "...renny really does worry over both of us so much don't they baby?" He spoke to his stomach, and smiled, rubbing his hand over the very slight curve of his middle.

Sans was already up, and was scrubbing the kitchen clean, his blue bandanna around his skull; wearing his frilly cooking apron to protect his shirt and skirt as he went through the kitchen in just his socks. It was his day off, but it wasn't a day to laze about however.

Marrie finished packing with a smile, "Sansy, you going to be okay? I'm going to be working until late tonight. So it's going to be uncle and you for today."

She double checked her stuff, including the student uniform was ready and clean. Luckily she had time to finish everything and get it clean the night before.

Sans came over and gave Marrie a sweet kiss. "WE WILL BE PERFECTLY FINE TODAY, MY LOVE! I'VE ALREADY GOT LUNCH AND DINNER PLANNED FOR ME AND UNCLE JAMES, AND THIS ENTIRE HOUSE WILL BE SPIC-AND-SPAN AS WELL!"

He held the mop in his hands, and smiled happily to her. "I was thinking of fresh caught fish for dinner!"

"Sounds great! I love it!" Marrie kissed him back, "Have fun! Love you!" She waved before leaving. Having a long trek ahead of her.

James was just barely getting up, yawning and heading to the kitchen as Marrie left. "What's all the hubbub...?"

Sans grinned to James, having gone back to mopping. "Hello Uncle James! Sorry if I was a bit too loud...but Marrie just left for first day of training at school! It's just me and you today, as it's my day off!"

Having finished up the kitchen, he went and wrung out the mop, and put it away with the rest of the cleaning tools, and he set out breakfast for James; lightly wiping his hands on the apron. "I've already got lunch and dinner planned out, Uncle James and I've got the basket ready for gathering vegetables, which I'll take care of, alright? It's been a long time since you've had a day off and you should relax!"

James chuckled and made his coffee for himself, he always preferred it that way. "Thank you Sans. Though, boy sure what to do to relax!" He took a seat to eat breakfast to figure out what to do.

Kryssie decided to go out to hug her Uncle Sans and Kupuna James. Darren had volunteered to go with her so Aqua and Vera had room to do what they wanted.

Sans had already gotten the basket, and went out to gather vegetables for the day's food. As he was coming back to the house, he saw Kryssie; and smiled brightly, waving to her and Darren. "KRYSSIE! HI SWEETIE! Wanna help me bring in the vegetables?"

He had a small bucket full of herbs hanging from his tail. "You can take the little bucket that's on my tail honey!"

Kryssie giggled and grabbed the bucket, "Okay!" She ran off inside to say hi to her Kupuna.

"How are you doing Sans?" Darren asked as he came closer, "You look well and busy."

Sans looked up at Darren, and smiled softly. "Ah, well...I've always been a go-getter, Darren! Even though my HP is only 10, Mama's always said that I act as if it's one thousand! I do the most that I can with what energy I have. And even though it's my day off...I'm getting things done around the house."

He held the basket for a moment, as he gazed down to it for a moment. He sighed, looking back up at Darren; his excess magic having gone away, leaving him with just his one eyelight. His voice was oddly hollow as he spoke to Darren, a tired and worried edge lining his tone. "...I have this feeling, deep in my soul...that Papi was correct, wasn't he? I am truly sorry, Brother Darren. Despite what happened...I hope he went with a clear conscience."

Kryssie was currently busy with James, talking his ear off about all sorts of things.

Darren looked a bit sad but nodded, "I...do not feel as near as any sorrow than my datemate does. I feel more for them than I did for...him. But I do hope the same as you, Sans." He smiled a bit in thinking of his love. "My only hope is that Krystabelle does not need to remember him...or at least know of him like my sister did."

Sans nodded, as he looked towards the house for a moment. "Mmm...yes. I agree with you about that with Krystabelle. She is a precious little darling, she doesn't need to know about the horrors of the past. She has her mothers, and they both love her so very much. And...I am still sorry for how I acted, which I know...your datemate most likely wants to blame me, for what happened to him, don't they?"

He chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "The inside of my mouth, is pitted much like my skull is...it's one of the reasons why I always wear my neckerchief, to cover the scars on my neck vertebra...I will carry these scars forever."

Looking towards Darren, he stared upwards at his older brother-in-law. "If I ever have the chance to meet your datemate, whatever they want to do to me, I am fully willing to accept it, as a Royal Guardsman who acted very unlike one in the past!"

"I wouldn't know, Sans. I have mentioned who you are...but...to my knowledge, Bernard has not made any mention of how they came mute to my datemate. Because as of now...they just take it as if Bernard wanted to end himself before the curse did." Darren looked over at Sans, "But...if the time comes...and they meet you and know of...the past you shared...I'll do what I can do be there for you. Family is and will always be important to me."

Kryssie ran out of the house to tackle her Uncle Sans's leg, laughing happily before running off into the farm to play. James was walking briskfully, just following the little girl, "On a walk. Little one wanted to play around in the large grass. I see no harm." He shrugged before following Kryssie behind.

Sans nodded, and he smiled softly at Kryssie tackling his leg. "Oh! Of course, Uncle James! I'll be fixing up lunch, it has to slow-cook for a bit! Darren, would you like to keep me company?"

He hefted up the vegetable basket again, and came inside to the house; heading to the kitchen with it. As he pulled out some potatoes and started to peel them, his tail wagged gleefully from side-to-side.

After having eating breakfast, Papyrus had lazed about the house a bit; trying to enjoy his day off. However, even lazing about was getting boring, and rather than bother his spouse as they worked with their cousin; he headed out to the snail farm, and started to take care of them, enjoying time with them as he worked.

He was wearing just shorts, a tank top and an old straw hat that Happy thought he looked cute in.

"Of course. Perhaps I can help as well." Darren offered as he followed Sans into the house. He need to be around people anyway.

The snails on the farm were mostly doing fine. Wasn't hard at all to take care of them since they just needed some water, wet leaves to munch on, and some cuttlebone to keep their shells strong. Luckily Happy had everything organized so it made taking care of them easier.

Kryssie and James would end up visiting the snail farm on their walk. Little girl got excited in seeing the snails, but looked more excited at seeing her uncle up and about. "Uncle Papy!" She ran over and tackled his leg, just like normal.

"Nice to see you up and about, son." James chuckled in seeing Kryssie so excited.

Papyrus had one of the snails on his shoulder and he laughed brightly as she tackled his leg. Using his long tail, he gently wrapped it around Kryssie, lifting her up a bit. "heya, kiddo, what'cha doin' out today? did'ja escape from one funny farm to tha' next one? i'd say this one is more my pace, though..."

He gazed at the little snails, having placed out what they need, and he was gently interacting with them. The slight glow of the soulling could be seen underneath his tank top within his middle. "...you havin' a good day though, kryssie-kit?"

Kryssie held onto Pap's tail and laughed, letting herself swing a bit around, "Yeah! Kupuna and I are on an aventure!" She laughed, "Whatcha dooooooing...? Ooooh! Shiny!" She let go of her uncle's tail to pat at the glow on his stomach.

"Looks like you and the souling are doing right as rain. Always a good sign." James commented.

"Where do babies come from?" Kryssie asked curiously as she kept patting at her uncle.

Papyrus grinned to James, nodding; and his sights drew down to Kryssie, chuckling softly. "ah, well...it's prolly a bit too young fer you to be askin' those kinda things, kitty-cat..."

He knelt down, letting his long tail brush the ground as he set her down, and he gently ruffled her hair lovingly. "how's about you ask me that when you're a bit older, huh? but uh, what i can tell ya now, is that babies come from the love of two monsters, yeh?"

Looking towards the snails, he gently picked up one of them with a ribbon on their shell and chuckled a bit. "...as to what i'm doin, i'm checkin up on the snails here. this one is named jamie, ya like them? happy thought they looked just so cute with this bow, so it's on their shell now."

Kryssie was going to pout and say she was a big girl already, but the sight of the snail in a bow took her interest more. "Slimmy!" She laughed and tried taking the little snail gently, "Hi Slimmy!"

"Nice save there, son." James seemed a little relieved with that, "That'll keep her busy."

Papyrus nodded, as he stood up and watched her interacting with the snails. "yep. i've had plenty of experience with little munchkins asking all sorts of invasive crap over the years. and my biggest culprit is married to your youngest niece~"

Leaning back on his tail, he closed his eyes for a moment, and chuckled softly. "...you know if i'm anything like my mother, i am going to probably have the magic backup disorder she had...just another thing for happy to stress themselves over with me...i...am going to have my hands full with a raving robot the further along i get, james..."

James chuckled a bit at thinking of Sans. But he did grow thoughtful at the disorder talk, "Well...should it come to things I can create something to help with that. Herbal medicine is not the only thing I'm known for. Should you need it, we can make that arranged." he offed.

Kryssie was still enamored with playing with the snails Even going as far as trying to put little stickers on their shells from a sticker book she had in her inventory.

Papyrus smiled a bit, folding his arms over his chest as he watched Kryssie. "nyehehehe, thank you so much. yeah it's similar to chronic magic backup disorder, but it's gestational, it just basically...well, you end up carrying very large, excess ectogel. it's only skeletons or skeletal-hybrids that have ectogel that is effected however. ma had gmbd, and she looked like she was ready to pop with twins or triplets, when it was just sans she was carrying...surprisingly she didn't have gmbd with the little girl she'd lost with papa..."

"so, i don't know if i'll have it or not, and it doesn't really harm you...unless you count absolutely wicked back aches from hauling around a double-sized watermelon harm..." He muttered, standing fully back upright again. Finding himself slouching, he tried to actively work on standing more straight.

"your auncle happy will simply love how you've decorated the snails, kryssie~" Papyrus chuckled, a genuine smile across his face.

"Still...excess magic isn't the best to have. There are things to help calm it down. But I suppose we'll see. I wouldn't mind looking into it just in case." James figured as much, "Never can be too careful."

"Pretty slimmies!" Kryssie laughed and kept sticking stickers on the snails, "What do all the snails dooo?" she decided to carry a few on her head. The little guys seemed to stick on just fine without problem, less minded letting Kryssie walk around as a personal taxi.

Papyrus just nodded slightly to what James stated, and grinned lightly. "thanks...yeah we'll see what happens. nyeh-heh-heh, you'll know i'm dealing with gmbd when i'm looking as big as aquaria despite only one kiddo in there..."

Looking over to Kryssie, he smiled a bit softer. "well, some of them race in the snail races, and some of them are sold as pets. the rest of them just hang around as pets."

James nodded and focused on watching Kryssie.

"Ooooh! Okay!" Kryssie giggled happily, "Like like slimmies. They're funny!"

Papyrus watched Kryssie as well, and he went over to where the leaves were and he started to scatter a few more around for the snails. After that was done, he'd already made sure they were well watered, had leaves, and had placed their cuttlebone out for them. "welp, they're taken care of. i was gonna go for a swim, you wanna join me, kryssie?"

Aqua had gotten everything fixed up in the house after breakfast, and she'd slipped on a pair of sandals, getting ready for her and Vera to attempt to make a trek out to the Hotland Labs. The partway point through Hotland. She knew if she could make it that far, without much evaporation, she'd be able to make the full trip then.

"Okay! Swimmies!" Kryssie giggled and put the snails down to join her uncle Pap.

Vera packed in a few extra bottles of water just in case into her bag, and some magic boosters to keep their magic up just in case.

"You ready to try this?" Vera was still unsure about the whole thing but she was wiling to give it a shot.

Papyrus chuckled softly, and he scooped her up with his tail, and then held her close to his chest, shifting her around to his back. "hold on around my neck, kiddo, we're gonna go diving!"

Aqua smiled and nodded gently, taking her wife's hand. "I am as ready as I'll ever be, ku'uipo...me and you together, on a trip! To...Hotland...holy shit this is scary, but we're doing it together..."

"Okays!" Kryssie did as she was told, holding on tight.

"I'll be here then. You two have fun." James waved, trusting Pap enough with the little one. Someone had to watch the snails and he didn't mind. Gave him something to do.

"Yeah. No way in heck I'd let anything happen to ya. promise." Vera held onto Aqua's with a firm but gentle grip, planting a kiss on her cheek for extra measure, "If you need a break or need to turn back...let me know, okay? I already called Dr. Undyne and she's waiting for us there."

Papyrus grinned brightly, and he took a deep breath; diving down much like his brother would, easily slipping beneath the water, and soon enough, he'd risen quickly above so she could breath, and he took to lazily cutting through the water on his belly. Just his eyes and nose were above the surface, as he swam slowly, letting her sit on his back.

"Of course...I love you so much, Vera." Aqua murmured. Holding her wife's hand, she ran her watery thumb over Vera's palm, and headed out the door with her, going towards Hotland.

As the heat started increasing, Aquaria started to pause a bit, hesitant to continue on; but she took a deep breath, and continued walking forwards into Hotland. Steam rose in thin rivulets from her; as the heat of course started to react with her watery body. "I guess you could say I'm just hot stuff~"

Kryssie held on and laughed once they reached up to the surface. She did pat at the water, making little splashes around. She did sing a little song as she floated on the water with her uncle. She did try to see if she could slip off her uncle to swim on her own, despite only knowing how to do a basic doggy paddle.

Vera chuckled a small bit, heat was getting to her a bit with her fur but it wasn't too bad. She did try using some of her magic to make a blanket of vines to keep some water in Aqua, "Long as your staying hot and not boiling mad. Alright? I love my water puddle, not water vapor." She joked back, hoping the lab was coming up soon.

Papyrus let her slip off if she'd wanted too, keeping a close eye on her as she swam beside him, his tail lazily propelling him through the water. He turned over onto his back and chuckled softly. "you're doin pretty good with yer swimmin' there kryssie..."

Aqua smiled brighter, and saw that they still weren't that close to the labs yet. She'd already lost about one fourth of her previous size, having evaporated quite a bit of her body mass. "Awww, ku'uipo..."

After a bit more walking, Aqua was down to nearly her regular size, the previously almost form-fitting dress was billowing on her. But they had made it to the labs safely. What didn't help was they managed to get turned around for a few minutes. Coming inside the lab, Aqua was nearly panting, her hand resting on her stomach as she came in.

"Uh huh! Mama and Uncle Sansy teached me!" She smiled before trying to dive herself. Didn't work very well as she just ended up dunking her face in the water.

Vera was already checking up on her, making sure nothing was amiss. Once she didn't see anything wrong, she looked around, hoping to see Undyne around.

Alphys was actually in the lab, looking for her fish girlfriend, "Huh...where'd she go this time...?"

Papyrus snickered a bit, and helped her when she sputtered a bit. "hey, take it easy...me, yer uncle sansy... we're skelegators, diving comes easy to us. same with your mama, being a water elemental... don't try too hard, okay?"

Aquaria panted a bit and went to sit in the chair she saw, her dreaded hair draping across her shoulders. Even in her evaporation, her hair had thinned out from it's thick, ropey braids, to thin, skinny tendrils.

Undyne has been called to an emergency meeting with the Queen, and had left a note. But it got buried underneath all the other papers on her messy desk.

"Okay." Kryssie shook off some water from her face before trying again. She managed to get a little deeper this time but still didn't really get it. She did try to get on Pap's stomach again for a little break, "Yours are diffrents too." She commented lightly as she held on.

Vera pulled out one of the waterbottles from her bag and handed it to Aquaria, "Here...take slow sips. I'm gunna the doctor, alright?" She gave a kiss to her head before rushing off, "Hey! Dr. Undyne?! Dr. Undyne?! Where are you? We're here!"

Alphys ended up hearing her and headed over instead, "What the hell? What are you doing here? Where's Undyne?"

"That's what I want to know too. We said we were coming here to figure out a plan for my water elemental wife to get her to the surface!" Vera tried explaining as Alphys went with her to see Aquaria.

Papyrus helped her onto his stomach and smiled sweetly to her. "my what is different, kitten?" He was thankful his hearing aids were waterproof as he swam with her.

Aqua took small sips from the water bottle, trying to resist the urge to completely drain it. Her other hand rested on her slight stomach, and she closed her eyes partially in exhaustion.

As she gazed at the desk, she saw a paper sticking out. Pulling weakly at it, she saw it was a note.

[To Vera and her wife and my girlfriend! I was requested at last moment to go and help Queen Toriel up on the surface, as both Sans and Papyrus were not available. Unfortunately. So I had to go. I'm with Napstaton, Hapstablook and Mayor Ucher. Don't know when I'll be back. Probably tonight. Maybe tomorrow.]

Unknown to anyone, Undyne had taken the last few bottles of water from her fridge as she needed them herself on the surface.

"You and uncle Sansy. Diffrent." She pointed out lightly, "Bitty diffent...cause of the tail and teef. Different from Grandma and Grandpapi. Like me. Diffent from Mama and Mommy." she seemed to smile a bit more as she played with the poofy ponytails in her hair.

Vera ended up looking at the note with her once Alphys and her came back, "Aww...man! That sucks! Are you kidding me?!"

"With the surface being open, I'm not surprised. There's been a lot going on to try and prepare everyone for the move." Alphys sighed, "You both need help getting back home to waterfall?"

Papyrus chuckled softly, and sighed. "...yeah...well...heh, me and you, we're not that much different, in a way, kiddo. but...that's a story for another time, alright? i promise you when you're old enough, i'll tell ya."

Aquaria looked towards the door, and her pink eyes fluttered closed in exhaustion. "I...I don't know...t-this was harder..." She was tired, and still pretty weak, as the radiant heat still in her body had been causing further evaporation. "...t-than I thought it would be...ku'uipo..."

Her body felt hot to the touch, like someone had placed a water bottle in the direct sunlight for a very long period of time. She felt like she was going to pass out, and even though she wasn't actively vaporizing she still was losing body mass very slowly from the heat.

Kryssie seemed confused but didn't ask about it as she tried going swimming on her own again. She had enough of a break for now. She did try to dive again, this time getting a bit more successful as she managed to get most of her body down under the water.

Vera tried giving her another water bottle to cool her down, "Just take it easy, okay Aq? Just take it slow...it's okay...Alphys, is there any water around? There's gotta be something to help cool her down!" Vera was trying her best not to panic then and there.

"Let me check. I bet Undyne has something around..." Alphys headed off to look around, trying to remember where the bathroom was exactly. She knew Undyne had a pretty good shower that had cold water running. Mostly to keep her fish girlfriend cool and hydrated when she needed it.

Papyrus chuckled as she'd slipped from his stomach, and tried diving again. He was thankful too that she didn't press the matter. He had promised her, despite never having liked the idea of promising anything, because then he'd be held to it.

Aqua sipped on the other bottle of water, and sighed quietly. "T-Thanks, my leilani...I l-love you..."

Kryssie was paddling away to swim about, but something got caught in her tail. and then her foot. A large piece of seaweed ended up roping her foot as well as a piece of stingy looking garbage got tied in her tail. Most likely remnants from the dump that got accidently tossed in.

"I love you too, seashell...just stay strong for me...it's okay..." Vera kept watch as Alphys ran back, "Here! found undyne's shower! That might help!"

Alphys helped carry Aqua over to the bathroom and into the shower, "Undyne likes taking cold showers so this should get you cool again."

Papyrus saw that she got tangled in something, and he dove beneath the surface, finding the object and he shredded it away from her foot and tail carefully with his claws. Coming back up again, he held her to his chest, and gave her a kiss on her forehead. "hey there, hey...uncle papy's gotcha...you okay there, kitten? i got ya free..."

Aqua felt herself being carried into the shower, and as the cold water hit her, she let out a confused burbling noise, nearly slipping for a moment in surprise. Grabbing onto Vera for support, she opened her eyes fully, and laughed softly; feeling miles better then before.

Looking to Vera, she smiled brightly. "Um...t-this might be kind of strange, but...well, I'm more than ready to get home, Vera...I'm going to load up again, so we can get the hell home!"

Kryssie let out a cough as she tried to breathe, still not used to being underwater for so long. She stayed with her uncle and started whining and coughing, having enough for the time being.

Vera just looked relieved even if she was shivering in the cold water with her wife. "Y-Yeah? G-Great! L-Let's get the home...fuck I just wanna head back and chill..."

"You two need an escort?" Alphys offered, "I don't think you two need to pass out again."

Papyrus looked around and noticed that they'd gotten quite a bit aways from the house, and he sighed. "heya, cling to my back okay? i'm gonna swim us back home...we've gotten a bit away from the farm..."

Aqua let herself absorb the water easily, as her wet dress clung to her steadily expanding body. "Yes please, we'd really appreciate it, Alphys."

Soon enough, her body was full of rolls and she was positively fat with excess water again within just about ten minutes. Stepping out from the shower, after she'd turned off the water, she smiled to Vera, and gently cradled Vera's cheek with her chubby-fingered hand. "Oohhh...my darling ku'uipo...you're shivering...I am so sorry..."

Kryssie did as she was told, still whining and whimpering, "...I don't like it..."

"It's fine, Aq. I'll warm up again when we get outside..." Vera was still shaking but she didn't seem to mind, "Long as you turn out okay..."

Alphys went on ahead to lead them back to Waterfall. Least she could do after a scare like that. Plus, it could buy some time until Undyne could come back.

Papyrus thought for a moment, and he gently picked her up off of his back with his tail, and he gently held her in his arms after he'd pulled himself out from the water. "alright, alright...i'm sorry kitten, i'll just walk ya home okay? i love you, my precious little niece, and i wouldn't wanna see get hurt..."

Aqua smiled softly, giving Vera a gentle kiss. The trip back through Hotland was seemingly easier than the trip to the labs. The water elemental was still quite skinny, but she was incredibly happy to just slip her dress off, handing it to Vera and she slid into the waterway, starting to swim back home. She didn't have to absorb more water, however, just enjoying the natural coolness of the river.

Kryssie nodded and hugged her uncle tight, afraid to let go. She'd be silent the rest of the way, something very different than what she usually would do.

Vera was relieved that things looked okay. She bid Alphys goodbye and thank you before trying to catch up with Aqua on foot.

James was still waiting back on the farm, playing an old harmonica he had with him to pass the time. The snails were acting as his little audience.

Papyrus made it back closer to the farm, and he was worried he'd been too rough playing with Kryssie. "kitten? i'm sorry if i scared you..."

Aqua was happily swimming deep within the waterway, not having to come up for air, only her dreads visible as she easily made her way through the water.

As she came up to one of the walled off areas that led to their cottage on the farm, she sped up her swimming and leapt upwards, much like a dolphin would, clearing the little bridge, and landing in the other waterway.

She paused, seeing that Vera was having trouble, and she leaned her folded up arms on the crystalline bridge. "Oh! Oh ku'uipo, I went too fast I'm so sorry!"

Kryssie shook her head at that as she held on tighter with a sniffle. "...U-Uncle...am...am I weird...?" she sniffled out, still upset.

Vera was just managing to catch up, panting a bit, "I'm good! I'm good...just...give me a sec...Stars I hate having fur sometimes..." She decided to do a quick dunk in the water to refresh herself before shaking it off. Helped make her feel a little better.

Papyrus stopped and he looked down to her. "krystabelle...why would you think that? if anyone's weird it's your uncle here. i'm half skeleton, half alligator, deaf, with low sugar problems and i'm having a baby."

"now if that's not weird, i dunno what is." He grinned brightly to her, before he gave her a soft kiss, before murmuring to her more gently. "and why does my sweetest kitten in the world think they're weird, hmm?"

Aqua gently wrapped her arms around Vera, nuzzling her. "You remember how we first met in fifth grade? Years ago? I thought I was being slick by seeing how much cats hated water~"

"I pulled you in off the little gap into the water, and you screeched like crazy...till you started swimming circles around me. Hehe." She gave Vera a sweet kiss, smiling to her. "Even back then I was trying to flirt with you..."

Kryssie sniffled and stayed close, "...Cause...say so...kids...in school...diffent...diffent f-from mama..." she really did seem hurt by it, "...weird...they laugh a lot...I thought I was doing good, uncle..."

Vera chuckled at the memory, nuzzling her back, "Yeah. I thought I was going to be pissed with you for years. But...hey...water wasn't too bad. Just, had to get around to it." She shrugged with a small blush.

"What can I say? I was never a smart kid. You saw how stupid I was, I barely passed to high school."

Papyrus closed his eyes for a moment, and after opening them, he went over to Gerson's shop. After getting a sea tea milkshake for them both, strawberry for her and ginger-honey for himself. He then went and settled onto a flat rock with her in his lap.

"well...you are doing good, kitten...and yanno, you should prolly talk with your uncle sansy about those kids. he had the same thing happen with him when he was going through school too...everyone thought he was just a skeleton, and he would tease him for his fanged teeth and his tail...because we never had our birth father in the picture. and then they would look at our papa, your grandpa...and we look nothing like him whatsoever..." Papyrus spoke quietly to her as she drank her milkshake.

Cupcake had been heading to Waterfall that day to get some crab apples for Wingdin, as she wanted to make a crab apple tart for dessert that evening. Hearing Papyrus talking, he slowed down and sighed a bit, before coming around the corner. He was wearing his usual pink-striped shirt, brown slacks and dark brown oxford shoes. His eyes were still dimly dual-colored, having mostly stabilized with the experiments that Papyrus had helped with a few years prior.

"O-Oh! I hadn't realized I would r-run into you both today...how's my favorite little granddaughter doing?" He asked quietly, gently patting her shoulder with a soft glove.

Aqua gently cradled Vera's cheeks, and gave Vera a loving kiss, before she gently slipped beneath the surface of the waterway again. After a few moments, she stepped out from the river, and held her hand to Vera to help her out. "But that's the thing, you aren't stupid, my ku'uipo...you are smarter and stronger than I ever could think of..."

She didn't realize she was standing there completely naked, as her dress was still in her inventory. Her belly was slightly curved outwards with the twins nestled in her soft middle and she smiled lovingly to her wife; holding her hands. "You certainly came around to this puddle of water, Veronica...honestly I don't know what I would have done if I'd not met you again later in my life..."

Kryssie looked up at her grandpa with sad eyes as she drank her shake. Normally she would be ecstatic to see him, but she was still feeling down in the dumps.

Vera was blushing a bit at the sight, but didn't mind at the slightest. "Not sure either to be honest, Aqua...probably would have given up a long time ago if you weren't around. Thanks for sticking by me..." she planted a kiss on her.

"We should...uh...get going soon. Much as I love staring at ya like this waterdrop...I don't think I want anyone else to share the view. That's a my eyes only thing." She laughed.

Cupcake gently picked her up, and he cradled her in his gloves. "Ooh, what's with those sad eyes, my little princess? I-I couldn't help but overhear you and your Uncle talking...you shouldn't let what your classmates say to you bother you...it doesn't matter if you look like your parents, but if they love you...and your mothers love you so very, very much..."

Papyrus was taking small sips of his shake, and he nodded. "just like me and your auncle happy love you, along with your uncle napstaton, and aunt zhara, your uncle sans and your aunt marrie, and your untie chara. we all love you so much kiddo...and you know what, you do have something from your mama. you have her pink eyes. that's something that your mommy, and...and he didn't have."

Aqua returned the kiss, and smiled happily, until she realized and looked down at herself. A brilliant pink blush crossed her cheeks, and her mouth disappeared. "Oh tsa! I didn't realize!" She pulled out her dress from her inventory, and slipped it on quickly.

"There we go..." Taking Vera's hand lovingly, her mouth reappeared and she looked back towards Hotland. "I think...if we plan it properly...we can make it to the surface Vera. Our daughter and our twins will see the sunlight."

Kryssie sniffled and hugged her grandpa, "H-he...? D-dad...?" She whimpered out, "...Mommy gets sad when I ask...I don't like her sad..."

"We just gotta plan it out. Least we know Undyne has a damn good shower we can borrow." Vera laughed and nuzzled Aqua, "Let's get a plan...and maybe a little cuddle sesh if Darren still has Kryssie. Clothes optional~" she let out a playful purr before leaving a few kisses on Aqua's mouth and cheeks.

Cupcake cuddled her lovingly, and sighed gently. "Yes...none of us like her to be sad darling...and honestly it makes us sad as well..."

"But you know, if you wanted and it's alright with your mothers, Gramma is going to be making a crab apple tart for dinner tonight, and you could come and spend the night with us! And tomorrow... we're moving to the surface princess! You can help Grandpapi and us with that last bit of packing!" Cupcake exclaimed softly, pressing a gently kiss between her ears.

"Oooh, clothes optional?" Aqua let out a cute burbled laugh, and tugged on Vera's hand excitedly, going back to their home.

Kryssie snuggled into her grandpa and nodded, "...Okay..." That calmed her sniffles down. Her ears twitched at the feeling of the kiss between them.

A text from Happy would soon come for Pap, [Um...hi Papy. Just wanted to see how you're doing. Things are going good here...the queen even gave me some things to do to help...I'm hoping I'm doing okay but...she says I'm fine. I hope I can see you soon. Love you]

Cupcake smiled, and he carried her over to Gerson's shop, getting a dozen crab apples. "Alright then, I'll just text your mothers, how about that, princess?"

Getting out his phone, he texted Vera. [Vera, is it alright if I borrow my granddaughter for the night? We've already got her some extra clothing and tomorrow we'll drop her off on our way to move to our new home on the surface!]

Papyrus felt his phone buzzing and he got up from the flat rock, and lightly patted Kryssie's head. "hey i gotta go kiddo. i love you though."

Getting his phone out, he took a selfie as he went away back towards his own home. He was still wearing the straw hat, his tanktop and held the cup of the ginger-honey milkshake to show. [i'm doing great, boo. ate breakfast, thanks for the note. took care of the snails, some of em got stickers now thanks to our niece, nyehehehe. and for lunch it's uh...this ginger-honey milkshake.]

Kryssie waved at her uncle Pap before leaning on her grandpa. She seemed more tired now than sad, most likely because it was close to naptime, "...Bye uncle papy..."

[Yeah, no problem! Let me know if you need anyting extra for her.] Vera texted back pretty quick.

Happy was finishing going through some papers and scripts with Napstaton when they got the selfie. They instantly turned pink at seeing him in the straw hat and tank top before giving a lovestruck smile. Didn't last long when they saw the text that came with it.

"Um...N-Napsta...?" Happy looked over at their cousin who was still filing through things.

"What's up cuz?"

"Um...am I...done for now...? or...can I take these home...?" They were getting a little better with showing some confidence.

"Oh yeah! Totes! I'm almost done anyway. Go on ahead!" Napstaton stopped to check his phone, "Oooh...I better take 5 too. Daddy duties call! I'll catch ya later, k?"

Happy nodded and headed off back to Waterfall, [I'm coming home. You both need more than just milkshakes. See you in a few.]

Papyrus waved back to Kryssie, smiling sweetly. "don't have too much fun with your grandparents, kiddo! love ya~" He rounded the corner, and started whistling softly to himself as he headed back home.

Cupcake chuckled quietly, before slipping his phone back into his pocket. "Well, your mothers don't mind it at all, Princess! We're going to have lots of fun tonight, and for starters when we get back, you can take a nap on your Grandpapi, would you like that?"

As Papyrus came in the door to his house, he felt his phone vibrating again; and he blushed. "...oops. i hope hap's not angry with me...i just wasn't really hungry...welp, guess i'm eating again...nyeh-heh..."

He settled onto the couch, and patted his slight stomach. "renny's gonna make sure we really eat good, aren't they?"

Kryssie nodded and let out a little yawn, already looking like she could fall asleep in his arms.

Happy was making good time in coming back from New Home. The elevators plus the new rollerskate feature they ended up finding out about a week prior was doing well for them in making up time. They still didn't know why Napsta had that one aside from his answer of "fun times!" but it helped. That's what mattered. Once they got to the marsh, they stopped the wheels went away and the rest was just walking home. They did notice the stickered up shells on the snails, letting out a small giggle before coming back to the house.

"Papy? I'm home." They called out.

Cupcake started to hum happily as he made his way back home, and sure enough, when he'd come into the house; he settled the sleeping Kryssie into the arms of her Grandpapi, who was also snoozing away in his recliner. He gently kissed Kryssie's head, as he pulled a blanket around her. "Sleep well, Princess...when you wake, dinner will be done~"

Bitter was silently hovering through the house, packing the last few things away that hung on the walls, like pictures and knick-knacks into a storage box that sat across from the single recliner that stayed in the house, where Edge sat.

Papyrus was humming softly as he had settled on the couch, messing around with his saxophone. Finding the pitch, he had started playing a nice melody on it. Hearing Happy, he grinned; setting the instrument to the side. "hapsta...got your message...um, sorry? i just wasn't up for really...eating much so i had gotten me and kryssie milkshakes and...um...yeh..."

Kryssie stayed snuggled with her grandpapi, snoozing away with the occasional purr. She'd be out for a while.

Happy headed over and kissed Pap lightly, "I wasn't mad. I was just occupied...I'm sorry if I sounded that way. A-Are you hungry...? I was...going to try to make dinner...but..if you want to go to Muffet's to eat instead, I wouldn't mind."

They did take a seat to give him a proper hug though, "Oh...you're playing again...?" They always looked interested whenever Pap played the saxaphone, little gleam of excitement in their eye.

Edge would be too, as he snored softly, occasionally rumbling in his chest slightly while he snoozed. His natural hand lightly rested near her head, and he yawned as she moved her head onto it. "...kitten...mmm..."

Papyrus chuckled a bit, and reached up to his hearing aids; adjusting them slightly. He clacked his teeth, then gave them a lazy and pleased grin. "mhm...it's been awhile, haven't really felt up to it, but...today was...an eye-opener i guess boo...and yeh, muffy's sounds great. i think it's her last month open too..."

He put his fingers to the instrument, playing a more somber, yet uplifting tune; his eyes closing as he started to play more soulfully.

Happy sat back and listened for a little while, loving the sounds their husband made with his saxophone. They started humming along with Pap after a bit, music did speak to them a lot. A bit after the humming would turn into actual singing. Usually a good sign that they're very comfortable.

Papyrus continued to play along with their singing, throughly enjoying listening to his spouse as they sang. Their voice was beautiful and blended gorgeously with his saxophone playing.

As the months drew on, it was slow going; but more and more monsters went to the surface with the help of Judge Aster's drawing of deeds bridging the gap between the monster government and the human government.

Soon it was nearly three months gone by; and Papyrus was pacing his house; wearing one of his more normal hoodies; his larger than average bump somewhat visible through the thick fabric.

"alright...so, we've got the last twenty houses done up, an'...fuck, fuck where's that last set of paperwork..." He went to the file boxes, flicking through it, as he crouched down quickly; using his long tail for balance; his round glasses perched on his nasal bone. Finding it, he let out a pleased growl; pulling the file full of papers that he needed.

He stood up a bit too quickly, and his eyelights suddenly flickered out as he cringed in pain. "...nyeeeeehh...oookay too quick..." He rubbed the side of his stomach, and blinked a bit; feeling the sharp pain fade away.

Aqua meanwhile was finishing up packing the last couple of things in their cottage; slowly going through the home. "...last trip, right Vera? It's...it's just me who's left to move, right ku'uipo?" She knew that Kryssie was with her grandparents and Kupuna James on the surface. She still had yet to see it, as things kept getting in the way.

Many, if not all of the healthy water and ice elementals had been moved from their respective homes, and only her, and maybe a couple others who were elderly or infirm were left. She was the only one who was pregnant who needed to be moved. Toriel herself had planned to accompany them on their trek through Hotland.

Happy headed over with a cup of tea for Papy, "How are you feeling, honey bear? Working hard?" They smiled and headed over, "I have some tea." They gently led him to the couch to get him to relax.

"Yep. Last trip, seashell." Vera smiled and kissed her cheek, "You feel ready for this?"

Vera was just getting the last bit of stuff packed up and into a box. "It's not just you. Few other elementals had to be moved out. But hey...we're going. That's all that matters." She nuzzled Aqua gently, "You excited? It so awesome up there. I already checked it! You're gunna love it!"

Papyrus smiled and settled onto the couch, his tail draping over the arm of the couch. Looking up at Happy from where he sat, he took the cup of tea; and took a swig from it, letting himself settle more. "yeah...getting the deeds drawn up for the last few houses...then i've got to work on the paperwork for a different charity company of the humans that said they'd step in for the more specialized housing..."

Drinking more of his cup of tea, he closed his eyes, and sighed tiredly. As he finished the tea; he pulled off his hoodie, feeling damp as he'd started sweating a bit. His stomach almost rivaled Aquaria's in it's size, despite the single soulling inside, halfway developed within their darker womb that was visible within his midsection.

After last week when his cousin-in-law had nearly burst into the house to announce that he was making the move topside with Zhara and the twins, he'd started wearing at least a sports bra. He hadn't thought much about his newer additions, until Napstaton had informed him that a particular something was showing. As he sunk into the couch, he sighed again; the tip of his tail twitching. "...can i just fall asleep until the kid's born happy? jus wake me up when it's time ta push..."

Aqua smiled at the nuzzling, as she held one of their washcloths in her hands. Her belly was quite large around, and stood out even more when she would 'tank up' with excess water. At the moment though, she was a normal size; her belly like a large watermelon in front of her. "I guess I'm ready...oh...I-I'm very excited!"

She giggled as she went to go pick up one of the last few photos they had to pack away, it was the only picture of her parents. Most of the others she'd had Vera burn symbolically in some crazy fit of weirdness when they first were together at the farm after she'd been kicked out. She had saved the one small photo of them in a nice frame, after finding it being used as a bookmark in an old schoolbook.

As she sighed, looking at the photo; she shook her head; turning to put it into the last little box before Vera taped it up. Her large belly bumped right into the table they'd decided to leave behind, and she dropped it; shattering onto the floor. "Lolo Kanapapiki!" (Stupid son of a bitch!)

Staring at the picture, she started crying; large pink tears rolling down her cheeks.

Happy kissed his cheek and his bump with a small smile, "Sorry Papy...duty calls. But I can help as best as I can." They offered that much as they sat back down with him.

"And...I can help a little again like this later..." They gently took Pap's tail and started lightly massaging it. They've gotten a lot better since the first time they've tried it.

Zhara luckily wasn't at the house at the moment, the last few months had got her back in better shape so she was out working with Napstaton and his shows again. But most times they'd take the twins with them or they'd be left with Zhara's parents. Sometimes it made things much easier.

Vera ran over to check what was going on, being careful of the glass, "Hey! You okay? Aww...hey hey hey...it's okay..." She headed over and pulled Aqua into a hug, "You alright...? Here...I can help the pain a little...where ya hit...?"

Papy opened one of his eyes, and let out a rumbling hurgle; grinning as he felt their fingers massaging his sensitive tail. "mmmm...nyeeehh...i love that, happy..." He turned over suddenly towards them, wrapping his long arms around them, nuzzling against their cheek and neck.

Pressing kisses on their neck, he continued to purr and hurgle and rumble happily; as he cradled his spouse closely to them. "you don't know how much i just wanna shortcut with you to our house on the surface, boo...tori promised me, jus' another month...one more month and i can actually take leave till the kids born..."

"i passed out at the last meetin' neva told ya...though napsta prolly did already...we was rehearsing for a thing that...oh that commercial thing about who ta contact fer housing or what-have-ya..." He shivered for a moment, remembering it just the week before. "...it wasn't that bad, but i scared everyone half to shit, hapsta."

Aqua looked down to the floor where the shattered frame was, and she looked to Vera, sniffling. "I...I didn't get h-hurt...t-the picture...it's damaged now..."

"I...I don't think they made it, Veronica...my makua, my parents they'd always told me, t-that they'd...they'd forgive me, i-if the barrier ever broke!" She still had tears trailing down her cheeks. "I was stupid...I was so stupid to think they were saying something true to me...so either they lied or they're dusted. A-And it's the last picture I have of them..."

Happy held Papyrus, leting out a few flustered giggles as they kept up the massage for a little longer, "It's only a little more...not to worry...I know this isn't easy.." They gave Pap a few more kisses on his head.

"Napsta did tell me. I was worried about how you passed out but...I know you better than that. You usually take good care of yourself and the baby...we all have a lot of help..." They snuggled up to him, "I did warn everyone else to watch out in case..."

"Babe...seashell...listen to me..." Vera gently tried wiping Aqua's tears with her hands, trying to calm her down, "Shhh...listen...You don't need their forgiveness as much as I can see...remember what I told you...? When we burnt their stupid pictures? You never need forgiveness...not for being yourself. If loving you for who you are is wrong...I'm happy to be damned. You have a family who loves you...and we're growing it..." She placed her forehead on hers and purred lightly.

"...If we see them on the surface...we see them...if they want to keep to a promise they half assed...fine...we don't...that's fine too...either way...you've still got me...a little girl...and a bigger family who love you...got that...?"

Papyrus smiled, as he took his glasses off, and just cuddled close with their partner happily, his strong tail slightly vibrating underneath Happy's skillful and pleasant touch. "thanks, boo...aw, geez, i don't know what i'd do without ya, happy...to be honest i'd passed out cuz of my nerves and my sugar'd plummeted. humans can have low sugar too, and mayor ucher knew what to do..." He pressed some more kisses to their face, and hurgled brightly.

"G-Got it...I'm sorry I'm being so silly..." She gently pressed a wet kiss to Vera's nose playfully, gazing into her wife's eyes. Looking closely at her seemingly solid pink eyes, revealed a slightly darker pink pupil, much like an eyelight within the paler pink color. And much like a skeleton's eyelight, her's could form hearts as well, though it was much harder to see normally, as they were right then.

"...but you're right, ku'uipo...you're right. Tsa makua, honi ko'u 'elemu! (Damn my parents, they can kiss my ass!)" Aqua blushed as she spoke, giving Vera a passionate kiss; her fingers lightly twining into her wife's beautiful blond hair; her pale blue fingers almost lost within the blue fur of her face and ears. "Aloha au ia 'oe my ku'uipo... (I love you so much, my sweetheart...) How did I get so lucky and blessed?"

"That's good...glad someone helped...next time I'll keep some honey with me just in case...never hurts to have your favorite treat." They laughed a bit before planting a few more kisses.

"Mm! Speaking of...I found this at the human towns...I..think you'd like it.." They rummaged in their inventory and pulled out a wooden stick with a golden yellow sucker on it, "They called these honey spoons...it's fresh honey hardened into a spoon shape...I saw it and thought you would like it."

"You're not being silly...trust me...I get it..." Vera purred lightly into the kiss, calmly brushing through Aqua's dreadlocks, "Your parents can suck it. Same as my mom. Fuck 'em."

She did nuzzle her a bit as Aqua played with her face and ears, purring still, "Love you too, seashell...honestly...? I can ask the same thing...sometimes I don't feel like I deserve ya..."

Papyrus took it delicately between his fingers, and curiousity got the best of him. "...sounds like my ma's cookie spoons she did around gyftmas fer like...gifts and stuff...but honey? that's so cool..." He tapped it with a clawed finger and scratched at the surface, investigating it more.

"...hmm, they probably use these for like...tea and stuff." His orange tongue came out and he licked it lightly, like one would a lollipop. As he licked it, his eyelights turned starry, something quite rare for him, and he shoved the entire thing in his mouth. "mmmmmm, this is sho gud, hapstaaa!"

As he sucked on the honey spoon, his tail started thumping against the couch as he felt on cloud nine. Cuddled with his favorite person in the world, his spouse; with a hard candy of his favorite item in his mouth.

Aqua's fingers stilled when Vera spoke of Tahi. A pause, then she continued to gently rub her wifes cheeks and ears. She was about to say something; when the soullings decided that nuzzling through Mama and against Mommy was going to be fun. "I see our little ones are deciding to say aloha, hmm?"

Letting her hands rest, she placed one of her hands on her own belly; the other arm deciding to wrap around Vera's much thinner waist. "I think I'm ready to see the surface finally. Last I talked with Krysta, she said the sky was sometimes as blue as you, Vera...and sometimes, it was whitish-blue, like myself...I didn't know the sky could be different colors..."

Happy couldn't help but bust out laughing, thinking their husband was so cute enjoying his treat, "I-I-I'm glad you like it, Papy honey! M-Maybe I should get more..." They made a mental note to do so when they got to the surface again. For now, they enjoyed cuddling and petting their husband, even getting a few scritches under his neck. They liked doing it as a stress reliever for themselves and they enjoyed seeing Pap so relaxed.

Vera smiled and wrapped an arm around Aqua's shoulders. Her tail would come around and pick up the picture Aqua dropped, "Yeah...I've seen it...that one time I went up there...I immediately started missing you when I saw that sky...all I could think of was you..."

She looked at the last few boxes and smiled, "Let's get the hell out of here. We got family waiting...our family..."

Papyrus' tail lightly curled around Happy's waist, and he nearly purred in happiness, as he actually managed to start to drift asleep. His spouse truly lived up to their nickname, they always found a way to make sure he lived in sheer happiness everyday. Papyrus hoped that he lived up to everything that Happy wanted from him.

Aqua cooed softly, and nuzzled Vera's cheek. "You're right...I...I'll go 'tank up' then we can start heading out. Just give me like...ten minutes?"

Looking towards the kitchen, she shook her head. "I'll do this in the waterway, right before we enter Hotland."

After helping Vera with loading the last of the boxes; they each put them into their inventories. Aqua took Vera's hand and they headed out towards Hotland. As they got right before the end of the last pathway of water; Aqua slipped down into the murky depths. She let herself start to absorb to her max amount, feeling the volume increase quickly inside her.

Her dress started to strain at the sides; and she finally managed to get those last few gallons inside her. Carefully, she walked out from water, her dreadlocks thick and ropey; her body heavily obese with excess water. This time; with her training she'd been doing; she'd managed to hold more volume then the last couple of times.

Stopping in front of Vera; she smiled, her double-chins even visible. "I...I think I'll make it easily this time...I was able to increase how much I can carry, ku'uipo..."

Happy used a bit of their magic to drag over a blanket for Papy to keep him warm. They started practicing a bit of blue magic but they weren't nearly as skilled as their husband or brother-in-law. But that suited them just fine. For now, they started humming a soft song as they watched Pap fall asleep.

Vera chuckled and kissed her chubby cheeks, "Alright. Let's get going then. We got the lab if we need a break. Let's do it" She seemed determined to get on through. She still hated Hotland for other reasons, but she hoped this would be the last time they would need to traverse through here.

Alphys was waiting by the lab, just in case to help the queen out with the last remaining monsters who stayed in the underground that were in Waterfall, Snowdin, and the Ruins. Part of her was going to miss the heat the called home, but the surface was pretty cool. She was just glad she could spend that time with her girlfriend after this.

Papyrus soon drifted off to sleep peacefully, his hand resting on his stomach. His tail even stopped twitching after a few minutes, showing he'd finally gotten to that elusive deep sleep.

Aqua nodded, grinning brightly. "Let's do it!" She held Vera's hand and went on stridently beside her wife, much braver than she'd ever been going through Hotland before.

As always, vapor started to trail up from her shoulders and head; which in her opinion only made it easier to walk with less weight on her frame. Her other hand rested on her belly; making sure she kept a feel for the twins soul pulses.

Five minutes...ten minutes...fifteen minutes...soon they would come to that strange t-shaped area, that meant they were getting closer! Another five minutes, and there was the palm-tree shaped rock! Yet another five minutes, and here was the labs. Aqua went to her inventory and pulled out something she'd brought with her. A gallon sized jug of ice-cold water. She had four of them in total.

Popping the top; she started chugging like mad; reabsorbing the water readily into her body. Finishing the jug; she put it, empty into her inventory again. "Let's...keep going...I want...to see my baby kitten!"

She hadn't seen her daughter in near on an entire month by then, and she desperately missed Krystabelle. Getting another jug, she downed that easier than a frat boy does half-price shots.

"Go babe go! Hell yeah! Let's do it for Kryssie!" Vera encouraged each step pf the way.

"You two look like you got it under control." Alphys commented, "I'm surprised both of you didn't wait for the Queen to come by."

"What can we say? We got people waiting for us." Vera chuckled at Alphys before looking at Aqua, "We're almost there, seashell. Halfway there! We got this!"

Vera even pulled out a cold water bottle of her own to shower herself a bit. She hated the hotness of the place but a little bit of a cool down did her well enough.

Meanwhile Kryssie was watching the sky from her grandparents bathroom, looking sad and lonely. She had left her paper and crayons behind her. Some were pictures of new flowers that she saw on the surface, some were of her uncle Sans or her grandparents. But there was one picture she was keeping close to her, her own little art that depicted her and her moms together with a little house and sun in the background, smiling and happy.

Aqua nodded, keeping her pink eyes towards the prize. What lay past the fallen barrier. The surface, and most importantly; her daughter. Having gotten rehydrated, she hadn't even paused in her walking; continuing on. She knew the vent area was going to be the worst for her, but she soldered on. The laser grid had long been deactivated thankfully, and even the edges of the walkways were gated up she noticed.

Likely something from Papyrus having not wanted another incident like what had befallen his Papa, from what she could remember. Her head hurt when she tried to remember what went on, but that Dr. Brewer was simply back, and that was all that mattered. The elevator, finally the elevator; home, salvation, the surface...just seemingly inches away.

As they got onto the elevator; she chugged her third jug of water; her body mass down to near normal once again. She was panting softly, leaning against the wall of the slow-moving elevator, her eyes closed after chugging the water jug. "Almost...almost there, ku'uipo...my...my keiki...Mama's comin..."

Edge had been tinkering with his translator collar that day, and sighed as the micro-transistor was burned on it. Setting it onto the kitchen table, he headed to their bathroom, where he knew he kept a small toolbox. Opening the door, he smiled seeing Kryssie. "Kitten...oh...you sad? Why sads?"

His voice was more gruff than normal; and he tapped around his neck, the collar obviously not present. "Collar no working, never bother learn english you knowing. Can I help make happy?"

Vera was panting away too, mostly due to the heat. Once they got to the elevator, she thanked whatever was out there that let them through. She did give a quick kiss to Aqua, "Almost there...almost there...we're gunna see her...we'll be there soon..."

She started to laugh a bit, "You're going to love it there, seashell! We're gunna be there! You..me...Kryssie...the twins...our family...it's so...great...we're gunna be there together...I can't wait for you to check out the sky..the stars...the sunset! "

"Trust me, sunsets aren't the only thing you'll love up there!" A familiar voice boomed from the elevator. Soon, Jonathan appeared in front of the two.

"Dad!" Vera immediatetly grew excited as she hugged her ghost father.

"Hey bean sprout! Aqua! I'm so damn proud of you! Look at you! You're almost there!" Jonathan chuckled.

Kryssie looked over at Edge and reached up to give him a hug, just feeling lonely at that point. "...I miss mama and mommy...I want them home..."

She snuggled into her grandpapi with the picture she drew of them still in her hand.

Aqua nodded, smiling as she leaned against the side of the elevator still. "I know...oh...it'll be beautiful..." Her eyes widened, and she smiled seeing Jonathan. "Ma-Mahalo, sir...I can't wait..."

Vapor was still drifting thickly from her, her body temperature still raised as they hadn't gotten fully out from Hotland yet. As the elevator dinged finally, she stumbled out from it; and saw an elevator off to the side that read 'maintenance'. "Oh! Oh, Pap gave me code! It's...it's rapid, straight to throne room!"

She went to the keypad, and while leaning against the wall above the panel; she was almost wild-eyed as she keyed in the code she remembered. "...17...62...43...A'A! YES! It worked!"

Going to the elevator, she leaned against the wall in there, and waited for Vera to press the button. Her sights drew to the few portraits that oddly enough hung in the old elevator. One was of a younger Dr. Brewer, Wingdin, and the boys. Papyrus was maybe 12, and Sans was around 2 perhaps; dressed in a onesie; as the family sat on a couch, in a dull gray apartment. Another was a pair of school portraits of the boys when they graduated from school. Yet another, was Wingdin standing proudly in front of her cafe.

"This was the elevator Dr. Brewer took everyday...we...should bring these with us, for them..." Aqua murmured, looking to Vera and Jonathan. "It's his ohana...and nobody used this elevator since he retired I have a feeling..."

Edge gently scooped her into his arms easily, and nodded, gently pressing a kiss to her temple. "I knowing you missing them, your mothers...they coming, they coming you wait and seeing. Hmm...you wanting go have picnic? Go sit and watch? I get Gran...Grand..."

He grunted at his inability to say the word 'Grandpop' and he frowned at himself. "We get old brat, we go having fun?"

"Hell yeah! Let's go!" Vera was more than excited to get to the maintenance elevator. Once she got inside, she pressed the button and waited for the thing to travel to the throne room. Jonathan waited along with the girls, happy to come along to make sure they were okay.

Once the doors closed, she noticed the portraits along with Aqua. She did think about it for a minute before looking at her inventory. She figured there was enough room to bring them over. "Why not? I got room. Dad, can you help me get them down?"

"Of course!" Jonathan smiled before helping Vera take the portraits down so Vera can put them into her inventory.

"Old man's gunna flip when he sees these again! God, Pap still looks like a giant dork in these photos!" She laughed before putting in the rest.

Kryssie let out a sad mew but nodded, "...Okay...can we have cinnabunnies too...? I like those a lot..."

Only moments after Vera had put them into her inventory; the door dinged once again; and they were in the throne room, just right off to the side. Aqua stepped out, and looked towards where the Barrier was. They had circumvented New Home completely with this elevator. Taking a few steps forward, with the ambient heat still trapped in her body; she was down to her normal size, and still very slowly dwindling.

She pulled out a jug of water, and instead of chugging it, she poured it directly onto her head; a massive hissing noise coming from her body as it rapidly cooled her off. Where the icy cold water struck her forehead, a thin split occurred from the drastic temperature change; and a tiny rivulet of pink magic blood trailed down to her nose. "T'SA!"

Leaning forward, she clenched her forehead painfully for a moment; shaking her head. "Oooh...that's gonna sting..."

In the house, Edge nodded softly. "Of course. We have bunnies, and sandwiches that Gramma made..." He carried her into the kitchen, and looked around a moment; seeing Bitter seated on the couch beside Wingdin; who was attempting to knit a scarf for Napstaton. "Eh, old brat!"

Bitter looked over to Edge, blinking his eyes dumbly for a moment. "Who the hell ya calling an old brat, you ancient old fuck?"

Edge growled softly, turning so he could see Kryssie easier. "Tiny ears! No curses."

Bitter rolled his eyes and came floating over to him. "She's heard worse prolly, knowing 'er parents."

Cupcake came out from their storage room and shook his head. "Bitter really now? Kryssie, I have a feeling someone's been a pouting pussycat, haven't they? Your Mama and Mommy will be here at our house soon enough. Captain Alphys just texted me about thirty minutes ago; letting me know that they'd passed by the Royal Labs. They'll be here soon! And I've got a lovely idea for you...we could make them some flower and raindrop shaped cookies! Would you like to do that Princess?"

"Ah crap...Aqua!" Vera ran over to take a look at it, "Dumbass...you shouldn't have poured it all like that! Come on...let me see...I can heal it up..."

She tried getting a closer look to clean her up and use her magic to heal it, "Take it easy...I know you're excited babe...but...gotta take it slow. We're almost there...I promise."

Kryssie perked up at the news of her moms coming soon. Even more so when she heard the word cookies. "Cookies! I wanna make cookies for me and mommy and mama!" She wiggled out of Edge's grasp to go to Cupcake for cookies.

She did however pass by Bitter and wave her hands at him with a pouty face, "No bad words, Grandpop! Bad!" lightly giving him a little scold before rushing back to Cupcake.

Aqua gently looked up into Vera's face, and nervously laughed a little. The split in her forehead wasn't much at all, truthfully. "S-Sorry, Vera...I know...I just can't wait to see our daughter!"

Cupcake gently picked her up, and smiled. "Of course, of course...Luckily Gramma made up some sugar cookie dough earlier this morning! And I was just in the storage room...I got our cookie cutters out! The flower, the raindrop, and a teacup, along with a bone! How does that sound? Cookies for the entire family?"

Vera still healed it up anyway, not taking chances. "I know...i know...me either...Stars you're gunna make me get a heart attack one day from worrying so much." She sighed as she worked her magic.

Jonathan couldn't help but laugh at the sight, just thinking of how cute it was to see his daughter like this.

Vera wouldn't take long in healing it before checking on the twins, "Looks good...come on..we're almost there...ready...?"

Kryssie nodded excitedly with a giggle, "Okay! Gotta make a loooooooot of cookies!" She ran into the kitchen ready to help make them. She did her best to get to the sink and wash her hands before getting the dough and a juice box for herself later. That seemed to keep her busy for a good while.

Aqua smiled brightly as her wife checked on the twins. "Sorry ku'uipo...I know that Kryssie will be excited to see us, and her Kupuna Jonathan too."

After everything was finished up, she took Vera's hand and nodded. "Mhm...more than ready." Carefully, she followed alongside of Vera and out to the surface.

Her pink eyes widened, as she looked around in awe. It was midday by then; the sun was hanging somewhat high in the sky; as it was late summertime during the year. A slight breeze blew past them, and tears started to slide down her cheeks. The sky was a similar color to herself, a whitish-blue, and she covered her mouth, looking out to the little growing village.

Cupcake watched her carefully as he let her do what she wanted, while he started to roll out the sugar cookie dough.

Vera went with her, still holding her hand. Even with seeing the surface the first time, she still was in awe over everything. Looking at her wife, she ended up smiling wider and brighter.

"See why I couldn't stop thinking about you when I came...? It's beautiful...just like you, seashell..."She gave a kiss onto Aqua's cheek.

Jonathan waited by the exit, just behind the girls, "...Welcome to the surface, girls. I hope you love it as much as I did at your age."

Kryssie helped roll out her own little bit of dough. Once that was all done, she started cutting out the shapes of water drops, flowers, bones, and teacups with the cookie cutters they had. But she also tried being creative with other shapes like little musical notes, a bee, a snail, and a little cat head. She seemed happy enough with her creations.

Aqua turned to Vera, and wrapped her arms around her wife's shoulders. "Oh my god...oh my god this isn't a dream...I-I've seen this in books a-and drawings...b-but...it's real...it's really real..."

She looked out over the homes that dotted the little growing village, and she pointed out towards them. "We she make our way to the house! I...I'm nearly vibrating with excitement!"

Cupcake hummed softly, as he made his own cookies as well, and helped her to place them onto the baking sheets. "You've done so well, Kryssie. We'll bake these, and after they cool...we'll decorate them, that sounds good doesn't it? And your Mommy and mama will have fresh baked and decorated cookies when they get here..."

"Then come on!" Vera laughed and picked up Aqua without much problem as she ran off towards the villiage with her, "Hang on Kryssie! Mamas are coming!"

Kryssie nodded, seeming excited with the idea. Cookies and her mamas were coming soon. For now, she tried to climb up her Grandpa and hug him, "Yay! I wanna color the best cookies!"

Aqua gasped, holding onto Vera; as she ran towards the little village. "Oh, tsa! Y-You've been hiding this strength! Or...h-have to lost that much weight..."

Cupcake laughed softly as Kryssie was climbing up his slacks, her tiny claws latching onto his pink striped shirt. "Princess! You want to have some snuggles while their baking, hmm?"

Reaching down, he scooped her up with his gloved hands and held her close against his soft chest. "You're just a precious little girl, aren't you? Oh, so excited, and just thrilled beyond belief!" He leaned his head down, giving her a gentle kiss between her ears. "And yes, you'll color the best cookies, my dear...we've got our cookie markers, and icing, and sprinkles, and lots of little decorations!"

"I've always had strength, Aqua! Ask my dad! He taught me to kick ass if I had to! Plus, it's something called excitement!" Vera laughed and kept running.

Kryssie giggled and kept hugging her grandpa, squeeing and giggling all the while.

Cookies would be done soon enough and she would be deep in creation over her cookies. The snails looked like colorful creatures, her bee looks like a bee, music notes came in all sorts of colors, bones were white, blue, or orange, flowers came in all sorts of colors. But her water drops always stayed the same sort of blue like her mom.

She grew a tiny bit sad at remembering her moms weren't there.

There would be a knock on the door soon enough.

Bitter went and opened the door, chuckling softly. "C'mon, they're in the kitchen!"

Aqua nodded, and she came quietly into the house; the scent of the freshly baked cookies filling the house. "Aloha~ Are those cookies I smell? Has my lil' keiki been cookin' away with her Grandpa?"

Cupcake had the biggest grin across his teacup'd face, as he set Kryssie onto the floor so she could go running.

"I hope so! I need my sweet girl with sweet cookies!" Vera chuckled as she came into the house.

Kryssie let out a shriek of excitement before running at her moms, hugging them tight, "Mama! Mama! Mommy! Mommy! Maaaaaa!"

"Hey sugar pea! Sorry we took so long...come here.." Vera gave her a few kisses and held both her and Aqua tight.

Aqua gently snuggled Kryssie, giving her lots of wet kisses. "Oh my sweet kitten, my little wahine, keiki...Mama's missed you so much! But we're here, the surface, and you! It's all so beautiful...but nothing compares to you my baby girl..."

She sat on the floor, and hugged Kryssie close to her, nuzzling her all over; to the point that her face was starting to get wet just from Aqua's skin and the elemental's pink tears of joy.

Cupcake smiled softly and he came over giving Vera a gentle hug. "I know it took you so long, but we're happy that you're here now. I was still surprised...when Alphys called and informed me that you'd not even stopped at the Labs...nothing happened did it?"

"Mama...Mama!" Kryssie kept calling out and hugged her moms, most than happy to have them back. She even started crying, having missed them both very much. The time was too long to be without them for her.

"We're here baby girl...we're here...it's okay...Shh...it's okay..."Vera gently tried to calm them both down, even with a few tears falling from her own cheeks.

"Nothing happened. We've been getting Aqua trained so she can make it okay. Little scratch at the end but...we made it. That's all that matters." She explained before kissing her wife and kid a few times before getitng up to Cupcake, "We also made a quick pitstop and thought you'd want these back."

Vera pulled out the portraits that were in the elevator and handed them over to Cupcake, "Didn't want them collecting anymore dust...so...we brought 'em over."

Aqua cuddled Kryssie in her arms lovingly and gently rubbed her daughter's back happily. "My sweet keiki...my little girl..." She laid on her back in the floor, placing her little daughter on her heavy and rounded belly. The twins started to press and vibrate against their sister.

Cupcake gently took the portraits, and his dim dual-colored eyes widened. "Oh...oh my goodness...t-these were in the elevator!" He gently trailed his finger along the family portrait and chuckled quietly.

"This picture is nearly over twenty years old now...Sans was only two years old at the time. It was in Wingdin's old apartment in New Home that it was taken...Papyrus was only eleven...even then, he always did so much..." Cupcake mumured, before he picked up the picture of Wingdin. "Her cafe...oh...she was so proud of it."

Wingdin had gotten up from the couch, setting her knitting to the side. "I was being so proud of what, Caddy?" Her cane tapped lightly against the floor, as he came into the kitchen.

Cupcake gently hugged her, and gave her a loving kiss. "Vera was kind enough to bring back some portraits I'd hung in the maintenance elevator, love. It's all of us on the old couch, back in your old apartment, a couple pictures of the boys from school...and a picture of yourself in front of your cafe. It's...an old picture, back when you...before you even had Papyrus..."

Wingdin looked towards where she thought Vera was, and she smiled a little. "I am guessing I have both eyes then...not fused like now. What I would not give to be seeing my family once again..."

Kryssie stayed on top of her mama for a little while, patting at her siblings before sliding off and cuddling against her mama's chest. She seemed to feel a little better after the change.

Vera smiled at the two, "Well...least you can still feel the love around. That's what matters, right...?"

Meanwhile in their surface home, Marrie was finishing gettting the house together with the last box of things. Old photos, knicknacks, a few dolls she kept over the years, and her greatest treasure, the big pearl Sans gave her when they were kids which was nicely kept inside of a glass box. She placed it on the mantle, right in front of their wedding portrait.

She took a step back and smiled before looking around to see what other spot had a little too much space to put the last of the family photos.

Aqua gently sat up, and pulled out of her inventory the last jug of water she carried. Twisting off the top; she slowly drank it, while rubbing Kryssie's back. The 'pounds' seem to pile on a little bit; till she was pleasantly just barely plump again. She felt more stable then, with more 'weight' on her. "Mama's squishy again, hehehe. So have you liked it here, with your Grandparents? I know you missed your makua...but like Mommy said, we had to make sure I could make it safely."

Wingdin nodded giving Cupcake a soft kiss on his cheek, which caused the old scientist's cheeks to flush a strawberry pink. She giggled softly. "I can be feeling your cheeks are as pink as your shirt, Cuppincake."

Cupcake gently nuzzled her, then smiled brightly to Vera. "Oh, thank you so much for bringing the portraits back to us, Veronica. I still can't believe we made it to the surface though...it's gorgeous. Dad would have loved it here..."

Edge had been tinkering with his translator collar, and he had gotten the slim device on; trying it out. "Hey darlin' I think it wor-" Suddenly a loud -BZZT- was heard. "FUCK!"

Sans had been taking care of a few things, and he came back home; and simply stood in their front yard for a few moments, his hands on his hips. Looking around, he ran his hand lightly over the pitted, damaged area over his right eye, and scratched lightly at the pitting that covered his lower neck and the cap of ectogel on his right shoulder. The ectogel in that small area, was almost wavy with scars; and occasionally it itched.

Their front yard was nicely fixed up, and playfully his older brother had decided to put a small sign that said 'Beware of Guard Skelegator', which Sans thought was a bit funny, so it had stayed; next to the azalea bushes. His tail slightly waved, as he found himself lost in thought. He was daydreaming, realizing that he past daydreams had come true.

He was married to the woman he loved, he was pretty much the head of Royal Guard...even though it had been officially disbanded and he was truthfully head over nothing now, it still mattered to him...his family, his loved ones, and he himself; were on the surface. And, along with his brother, he played a huge part in it. He had family, he had tons of friends, he had the love of his wife; showering kisses on him nearly every time she came near him...but still, something felt off. But he couldn't put his finger on it.

So, the Royal Junior Guardsman Emeritus Sans Aster, decided to stay where he was...staring off into the distance, as if he was staring down a puzzle or another human, not really sure how he felt.

Kryssie hugged her mom, loving how cool and squishy she was. Once she heard Edge yell out, she looked over with a pout, "Grandpapi! No bad words!"

Vera winced a bit at being called Veronica but she decided to let it go. No harm done there. "Yeah, it's great out here. I can see why dad loves it so much. I've been told there's still a lot to see. So I'm excited for that!"

Marrie would finish inside and decide to go look for Sans. She didn't have to look far as she headed towards the front. She gently wrapped her arms around Sans' neck and kissed his cheeks.

"Hey cute, blue, and handsome~ What taking in the view?" She purred out before nuzzling him gently, "Can you believe it...? This open sky...the fresh air...I don't think I've seen this many beautiful flowers before! It's amazing...!"

Aqua giggled, and blinked hearing Edge yell out. "Oh, I hope he's okay..."

Cupcake nodded and held up his glove for a moment. "Please, excuse me, Vera...something's going on apparently..." He then hurried off to see what was going on with his husband. He could be heard slightly fussing over Edge from the bedroom. "I had told you, Edgy, let me fix that underneath the microscope once I found the blasted thing; your micro-capcitors are blown out, of course it's going to shock you!"

Wingdin sighed, shaking her head. "Two men of science under one roof, Underground...Surface; it is no different for me. They always doing they experiments and little doo-dads here and there...You know I telling Happy, they need watching out; Papy just as bad as his Papa and Papi sometimes. But hopefully, he being pregnant, he won't be doing any things like that."

She looked to where she thought Aqua and Kryssie were, and smiled. "Kryssie-kitty; you making cookies yes? You want to telling Gramma what you made? Tell me how pretty they are!"

Sans blinked a bit, at Marrie looping her arms around him; and he grinned happily. "I...guess I was taking in the view. I was a bit...lost inside my own head, my dearest...no...no I can't believe it still."

He waved his gloved hand out towards the sky, chuckling softly. "Mweh-hee-hee...it's...it's amazing. There's no upper ceiling, just the open sky...the ground is...it's normal. It isn't snow covered, marshy, red-hot rocks, or...well, paved over like most of New Home...and it's not like the Viviarium either...it's real dirt. Real grass. The flowers are naturally springing up! They even seem more...vibrant, strong, brighter, even smelling better! I...s-sometimes I have daydreams, and nightmares, after my seizures..."

Looking to Marrie, he gently ran his thumb across her cheek delicately. "Sometimes I wonder, is this a dream? Am I going to wake up...on the floor of our home with you and Uncle James looking down on me, in the dampness of Waterfall...I've dreamt of the surface, my beloved...and it's everything the books I've read have said and then some..."

Vera just chuckled, "Yeah, Happy needs the warning. Knowing them, I think they have Pap around their little finger last I heard."

Kryssie looked at Wingdin and headed over to take her hand, "Yeah! I made lots of cookies! I made orange bones, blue bones, white bones...snails like un Auncle Happy's farm, music thingies, a big bee, water drops like mama, lots of flowers, and I made Grandpop and Grandpa, and a big heart!" She started listing them all off happily as a normal 5 year old would do.

Marrie let out a purr as he rubbed her cheek before giving him another kiss, "It's wonderful here...I don't think this really is a dream, Sansy...we're here...we're actually here...and I'm here with you..." She couldn't help but place a few more kisses around before giving him one big kiss, her forehead touching his.

"If this is a dream...I don't want to wake up...especially if I'm not seeing you by my side..." She traced a finger across his damaged eye, being so careful not to disturb anything.

Wingdin happily went with Kryssie; and giggled softly. "Ooh, those all are sounding so good! Awww, you made bones and snails...ah, musical notes, a big bee; now where did you find a bee cookie cutter? They all sound great..."

Aqua went to get up from the floor, and she just laid there; her dreads splayed out behind her head. Her pink eyes flicked up to Vera, and she giggled. "...Guess I really am a puddle, ku'uipo...I...I can't get up..."

Sans returned the kiss; closing his eyes and he sighed softly; and as her forehead touched his, he smiled gently. As she traced her finger oh so delicately across his closed and damaged eye; he opened his eyes again; gazing to her. "You're right, my love. I always will be by your side, your stalwart and loving husband."

He gently picked her up around her waist, and spun her around; then wrapping his arms around her just snuggling her lovingly. A soft hurgling noise rose from his chest; as he grinned brightly to her. "I love you so much, Marrie...the Surface is just made more gorgeous by your mere presence my beloved wife!"

Looking towards the house for a moment, his eyes narrowed playfully. "Annnd I smell that you're making tacos for dinner~ Mwehehehehe! One of my favorite meals!" Giving her a passionate kiss, he carried her into their house; his tail closing the door behind them both.

"I made a bee, Grandma! All by myself!" Kryssie sounded really proud of herself as she picked up the bee cookie in question. Looked about as good as a 5 year old could get a bee made but she was still proud nonetheless.

"Hang on, seashell I gotcha." Vera laughed before helping her wife up to her feet, "Come here! We still gotta get the stuff to the house too!"

Marrie laughed at being spin around, holding on tight around his neck before nuzzling right back, "Love you too, Sansy...always..."

She started laughing again when he mentioned tacos, "I thought we could celebrate the move. So why not?" she giggled out before kissing him right back, "And...we have one more thing to celebrate~"

Wingdin gasped playfully, and gently gave Kryssie a sweet kiss on her head. "Oooh, you probably did very well kitten! I am proud of you, making it all by yourself!"

Aqua cuddled Vera sweetly, giving her wife a kiss. "Oh, you're right! Tsa, I almost forgot about our own house! Hehehe!"

Sans brought her into the kitchen, where sure enough a small pot of taco meat was in their slow cooker; the scent eeking out from underneath the glass lid. All the other fixings for their dinner sat in the fridge currently.

Picking up a spoon, Sans lifted the lid to the meat; and took a tiny bite of it; grinning widely. "Excellent spicing as always, my love!" Hearing her talk of yet another thing to celebrate, his tail started waving a little; as he looked to her.

"Oh? What else could there be to celebrate? We're on the surface...we love each other so very much, you've completed your training for a healer, and I'm the Captain of the Royal Guard!" Sans crossed his arms for a moment, shrugging. "Well, what's left of it at least...but no matter, it still stands."

Glancing to her, he smiled sweetly; before his smile dropped worriedly. "I didn't forget our anniversary did I? Oh, mweh, I hope I didn't, I'm so very sorry if I did, my dearest..."

"Yeah. We gotta get to that and finish unpacking. I doubt Zhara's gunna do everything for us." Vera laughed before kissing back, "Kryssie? You wanna say with your grandparents longer while Mama and I fix the house? Or you wanna come?"

"Cookies Mommy! I made cookies!" Kryssie called from the kitchen.

"Wanna do a cookie break before leaving then, seashell?" Vera chuckled at seeing Kryssie so excited.

Marrie giggled and decided to serve up the food since everything looked ready, "No. Our anniversary isn't for another month, silly!" She gave him a quick kiss on the nose before handing him a plate of tacos.

"I wanted to celebrate a new beginning...we've always talked about it...and before I left work I got checked up on. And...well..." She started blushing a bit as she made her own plate, "I think I'm ready to start a family...with you. Doctor said I shouldn't have the same problems Vera did when she was having Kryssie. So...if you want to start making the house a little less empy now...we can."

Aqua nodded, and headed into the kitchen, smiling happily. "Oh cookies, yes, I am hungry...give the tsunami of hunger your cookies." She playfully opened her dripping mouth, pressing kisses to Kryssie's head cutely.

Sans had a blush across his cheeks and he nodded, as he took the plate of tacos from Marrie. "Oh, wonderful! I was a bit worried about that..."

He went and settled at the table; listening to her closely. As he went to pour a bit of hot sauce on his tacos, he nearly dropped the bottle in his excitement. His tail started nearly whacking against the sides of the chair he sat in as well. "Marrie, that's wonderful! To be a father...ah, that would be excellent!"

"And it good that you wouldn't be having those same issues that Vera had either...it was dreadful when she went through them, and it would simply break my soul to see you suffer as well..." He ate one of the tacos, the tail thumping having calmed down. "...you know, I've heard that humans have these giant stores that are filled with just items for babies! I've been thinking of us going out to one of them, there's one in town actually!"

"Yeah! Bring on the cookies!" Vera followed behind as Kryssie was laughing and hugging her mama.

"Yay! Cookies!" Kryssie was more than happy to run off and go get the cookies she made to eat.

Marrie started laughing again in seeing how excited her husband was, "W-We can check it out! Okay! But no buying anything. I need to have a baby first! I think it would be nice to be a mom. And it's not like we don't have the room now! Even my uncle isn't living with us anymore. So...we have all the time and space in the world for it."

Aqua giggled and leaned lightly against Vera, playing with her wife's ear gingerly. "How did we get so lucky, hmm? I'm still surprised you two cats love your waterdrop as much as you do~"

Sans nodded stiffly, eating the second taco on the plate thoughtfully. "Of course, my love...all the time, space...and this brand new world to show them, don't we?"

Back in Waterfall, in the Underground; Papyrus' phone started to ring.

Opening one eye, he frowned; closing it back and snuggling against Happy's chest once again; his belly in their lap. He could feel their hand resting on the ectogel, lightly rubbing.

Soon, it rang again and he growled quietly; as if that would stop it's chirping and buzzing. "...m'takin 'em out, hap...dun wanna hear it..." He blearily reached up to remove his hearing aids.

"That's right." Marrie took a bite of her taco, thinking deeply. Just thinking about the future ahead.

Happy was reading a book when Pap was asleep. Hearing the phone, they gently took his phone to check who it was. "It might be important...I'm..sure it won't take long...right...?" They hoped at least.

Sans nodded, as he put a bit of hot sauce onto his tacos; and ate quietly. All the while, his tail was lightly smacking against his chair still in his happiness.

Papyrus yawned and nodded, taking the phone from them. "o'course...yello, this is dr. papyrus aster, what'cha want?"

"uh-huh...oh...i...i don't think so...lemme go check the records..." He muttered as he hauled himself to his feet, and went to the file cabinet. Slipping his glasses on that he'd stuck in his bra before; he started flicking through the folders. "...yeh, yeh...it's the tanishi corporation, based out of kyoto japan...yeah, we're finding out that undyne was pretty on the mark with that. yep, those people who love anime, tend to idolize and support monsters...they're backing the specialized housing for ucher...yep, so why'dja call me?"

"...no...no i'm still in the underground, buddy...i...am in waterfall with my spouse." He paused, and stood up as he went to the kitchen, flipping the electric kettle on. "...you were surprised...that i'm pregnant. okay...oh yeah...yeah, humans...fuck i forgot."

He growled, having gotten a mug down from the cabinet. "we don't do that to make kids, buddy! that's your schitck, not ours...oh my gawd you talked with my mother, whhhhy..."

Glaring at his phone, his eyes flared in his magic slightly in his anger. "yeah, well, i know i'm gonna be pushing 'em out, so i'd think you'd be a bit more understanding of my fuckin' condition! i can't go get on an 'aeroplane' and go to friggin japan! i've never seen one in my life before, why the hell would i know if i can even get on one!? talk with my cousin, napstaton, he's the big talker, i'm just the science guy and the judge. i do shit behind the scenes, he is the scene. buh-bye, pal!"

Hanging up, he glared at the kettle after putting his phone on the counter; his slippered feet tapping against the floor slightly.

Happy grew worried at the sound of that. That...must have not been good.

"Papy...? Everything alright...?" The asked worriedly as the headed over to see him.

He continued to stare at the kettle, the mug and tea bag sitting to the side. After a moment, he sighed; and shrugged. "mayor's aide called me, said they'd needed someone from the monster kingdom to fly to japan, to accompany someone from the tanishi corporation, who are financially backing the creation of the more specialized housing for monsters..."

"they all decided why not get the guy who is drawing up the paperwork and who can speak japanese. oh, it's just like when i was younger, and having to give speeches for papa from the royal labs, gawd!" Papyrus placed his hands on his stomach and closed his eyes. "...i've never been in a plane, i don't want to go to japan...i'm only like...a month away from taking my leave, and just...fuckin' sleeping till we have this kid of ours..."

He gently wrapped his arms around Happy's shoulders, snuggling them softly. "...if i find out i've still go to go there, would you go with me, happy?"

Happy hugged Pap tight, gently rubbing his skull in hopes it helped comfort him, "I'm sorry...but...If I do have to go...I'll go with you..." They assured.

"They shouldn't make you go...hopefully the Queen or Dr. Undyne and Alphys can go instead...or my cousin...Maybe I should call...?"

Papyrus started to almost purr at Happy rubbing his skull, and he smiled. "yeah, thanks boo...i figured after having a cup of tea, i'd make a call to tori, or 'dyne...you could call napsta, that'd be a great help actually!"

The kettle dinged, and he looked over to it; carefully pouring the boiling water into his tea mug. The scent of ginger-lemon tea filled the little kitchen quickly. He found a packet of jerky, and then went over to the couch, going to make some calls.

Luckily, after a few phone calls, Toriel herself had agreed to go, along with Undyne and Alphys; the nervous little scientist had practically begged to go with the Queen.

A couple weeks passed, and everything seemed to have settled down for everyone. Aqua was resting in the rocking chair; her hands splayed across her very large belly; looking at the room that Darren had painted for them in their new home. Gently getting up from the rocking chair, she waddled into the living room and smiled seeing Kryssie and Vera.

"So, what're you two doing today, hmm?" She eased herself onto the couch, letting out a burbled, pleased sigh. Her stomach nearly filled her entire lap, the surface occasionally peppered by the twins moving around inside.

Sans had been enjoying being semi-retired, as he cuddled with Marrie.

Papyrus had finally gotten everything done, and they were finally able to finish their move to the surface. All the other monsters had infact left the mountain by then; and they were making a last walkthrough along the entire mountain that day. Him and Happy had gone through Snowdin, then through Waterfall. They made their way through Hotland, and not too surprisingly Dr. Brewer was waiting for them at the CORE.

"We've been tasked with turning off the CORE properly, son. I...know your condition, but you and I, we're the only ones who know this device this...intimately." Cupcake commented, as he gently patted Papyrus' shoulder.

"yeah, i know...c'mon papa, let's get it shut down." He looked to Happy, giving them a sweet kiss. "don't worry, we're just inputting some long strings of code into the computer...that's all. we just have to do it together, because of security reasons. i'm even gonna get to sit down too~"

Vera was currently getting Kryssie's hair in a ponytail while human cartoons were playing on the TV. "Nothing much. I'm thinking about getting a garden started up here. I kinda liked having our own food around the house."

"Can we get popatoes? I like popatoes!" Kryssie asked as she started trying to dress one of her dolls into a makeshift superhero outfit. Kryssie herself was all in her own little "battle body" that Sans given to her for her birthday since she felt like playing hero.

Marrie was cuddling with him, relaxed and happy for the moment.

Happy nodded and gave a kiss back, "Okay...I can finish looking at New Home while you two work...it can't be that hard..." They offered.

Happy did end up calling Napsta a week prior to ask about the trip to Japan. He answered with more than enough enthusiasm to go, even bringing Zhara and the twins along. Just as he was loved on monster TV, he was more loved when he tried bringing himself and his music to human media. Japan especially started eating it up, so of course he took it as an opportunity to go and meet a big majority of his human fanbase.

Aqua beamed at the idea of a garden. "That's a wonderful idea, ku'uipo...I'd love a garden up here..." She leaned slightly forward, watching Kryssie over her belly. "I see my little hero is ready to go, huh? I was hoping maybe to get some company and protection, on my walk to town?"

Papyrus smiled lazily, and nodded; as he eased himself into one of the two desk chairs that sat in front of the large computer. "sounds like a plan, happy. yeah, just make sure there's no left in new home...the queen had sent out an edict to leave the front door open, once every one was gone from a building...so, yeah, close those front doors, and just make sure no one got left behind somehow..."

Kryssie giggled and nodded, "Yeah! I wanna protect Mama!"

"Alright hero, hang on Almost done..." Vera chuckled and finished the ponytail, "Alright. Have at it kiddo! Aqua, you want me to join? Or this better as a mom and daughter deal?"

Happy nodded and gave him a kiss on the cheek and a hug for Cupcake before leaving them to work. They could handle that...didn't sound too hard. Wouldn't take long to get to New Home and start looking around.

Aqua hefted herself to her feet, and smiled. "I was going to just take Kryssie, give you a little break, but...with the twins only two weeks away, I should probably have you come too." She patted her stomach, blushing. "I was just going to pick up a few things in town is all."

New Home was quite accurately an abandoned town, as it should be. Front doors everywhere hung open, some with celebratory signs hanging from them; proclaiming proudly that whatever family lived there, now lived on the surface. Some pasted and taped or stapled the announcement from the newspaper that the Barrier had broken. Others had notes for other people who hadn't potentially left yet, to go and join the others. A few...had directions to their own homes on the surface, stating that if someone was in need of a home; they could go and join whoever had left said note.

However, one door was indeed still closed within the city of New Home. An elderly monster, themselves an old white dragon. They were Leslie Brimstone, their scales mostly gone, mostly toothless, colorblind and slightly deaf. They went about their house slowly, and had no family. At the moment, their front door was closed in their little home that oddly stood out amongst the high-rise buildings.

Leslie was one of the original homeowners in New Home, besides the Queen herself. They'd fought in the Royal Guard years ago, alongside Colonel Jae as a Captain of the Dragon Corps, but those years were far behind them. Sitting on their couch, they flipped through the TV channels, finding nothing but static and snow. Tins of food littered the trashcan, and getting up with a tired little grumble, they started to rifle through their cabinets for something to eat.

"I don't mind either way. I need a few things at the market too, so no biggie." Vera didn't mind as she got up from her spot, "Let me just grab my bag. Kryssie, watch your Mama."

Kryssie gave a salute and held onto her mom's leg, "Okay! I protect mama!"

Wouldn't take her long to go off and take her bag.

Happy looked around, making sure all the houses had followed the rules, smiling at the notes of kindness and celebration when they passed them. Once they got to a closed door, they got confused.

"Oh...someone forgot...?" They muttered to themsleves before knocking on the door.

Aqua nodded, and gently patted Kryssie's head as she clung to her Mama's leg. "You're doing a wonderful job, keiki~ I'm so proud of you, my little hero." Seeing that Vera had her bag, Aqua gently took Kryssie's hand and they left the house to go to the market together.

In New Home, deep underground, Leslie had heard the knock at their door; and they carefully came over opening the door a little. "...H-Hello? Oh...I've seen you on the TV..."

They had a confused expression across their face, narrowing their old eyes. "W-Why are you here, dear?"

Vera took Kryssie's other hand as they left for the market. Kryssie was laughing and giggling along, skipping along with her moms.

"What are we getting at the market?" Kryssie asked as she kept up with the two.

Happy noticed the door open slightly, they tried to put on their best smile, "Um..h-hello...I'm H-Hapstablook...I'm..doing last minute checks around to see if anyone is left behind...the...Queen put a summonce saying that...we're all moving to the surface..and...I saw your house here..is...the...only..one...t-that's not e-empty...D-Did you need help...?"

Aqua thought for a moment, and smiled. "We're getting some fresh vegetables, and some seeds so Mommy can start her garden! And I was going to pick up another filter for the fridge's water supply too. Maybe some other things too...just not sure yet..."

Leslie smiled a bit brighter, and they opened their door more. "I...I don't have anyone left...they all went, and...n-no one told me what to do. I used to be in the Veteran's home...but they kicked me out for...for non-payment..."

They turned and went back further into their home and turned off the TV; having given up on it. The little house was mostly cleaned, though an odd smell wafted through the area. A few older monsters who lived in the apartment building beside their home had left rotting food behind in their cabinets, which meant an odd smell went through the whole area. "Do...do you know a Colonel Jae maybe? I used to know him, and his sweet wife Tahi..."

"Like what?" Vera looked at her curiously as she gently lifted Kryssie in the air to swing her a bit. Kryssie started laughing and kept back skipping as he landed again.

"I want strawberries! Can we get strawberries?" Kryssie asked curiously. "I say why not, I can probably grow 'em." Vera chuckled seeing Kryssie so happy.

Happy felt bad for the old dragon...and then Jae was named. "Oh...um well...I...don't know Colonel Jae...well...personally..but...I do know his children..." THey tried not to think of the odd smell coming from the building.

"I-I think we can still get you a home...t-there's a community for elders that can help...n-no payment needed..." They offered, hoping that was right.

Aqua stretched her back slightly, yawning as they continued on towards town. "Oh, maybe something for the twins, or something for our precious little hero...I'll know what I want to get when I see it!"

"Oooh strawberries...yes, we could get that, and some vanilla ice cream, along with some little cakes, and we'll have strawberry shortcake tonight!" Aqua had been on a sweets kick lately with the twins, eating nearly anything in sight that was sugary; along with dousing what wasn't sugary in teriyaki sauce still. "I need more teriyaki sauce and get some pineapple too...Vera can you bake me some teriyaki pineapple tonight?"

Leslie smiled more at Happy's suggestion. "Oh thank you dear...m-my name is Myx. Leslie Brimstone, it's a pleasure to meet you, Myx..." They then went to their bedroom, and got a small tote bag; filling it with what few items they owned. It wasn't much at all.

Coming back out, they smiled to Happy a little. "I-I'm ready to go, dear. I didn't know that I'd be able to go topside with everyone else. I've missed the surface...it was so beautiful..."

Vera rolled her eyes with a smile, already used to the craving. She couldn't judge, her cravings were just as weird when she was pregnant. Bacon dipped in marshmallow fluff, pickles and tomato sandwiches, dry pasta noodles with ice cream. She cringed at remembering she ate some of those.

"Yeah, I'll bake ya some, seashell. No worries." Vera chuckles. Kryssie seemed more excited at the prospect of sweets.

"It is still very beautiful. I...think you'll like it just the same..." Happy smiled and offered to take them down back to the surface. They didn't mind the company this time, it was less lonely, "Everyone was allowed to go topside...the...Queen made a decree...so...everyone's down and living there...we...m-my husband and I...were checking to see if anyone was left behind..."

Aqua giggled brightly, excited by the aspect of getting baked teriyaki pineapple that evening. She'd been craving it for a few days. They stopped to cross the street and waited for the light to turn green as cars slowly drove past. "...I'm still getting to used to these...ca'ars...? They call them vehicles. I don't know why they can't just walk where they need to go..."

The crossing light turned green, and Aqua took Kryssie's hand to lead her across the street. A very loud honking was heard just moments later, as a little car came careening around the corner unexpectedly.

Leslie listened to Happy as they both went along, and ended up heading towards the surface. Standing near the exit, Leslie looked back to Hapstablook. "Go back to your husband dear...he's Judge Aster, isn't he? He needs you now more than ever...I'll be fine, I'm an old dragon, been fine for years, a little more waiting won't hurt."

Vera growled and watched the car pass by, "HEY! YOU ALMOST HIT US!"

Kryssie held onto her mom tight, not seeming to expect the thing.

"They're annoying as hell too. Ugh...walking isn't that bad." She hissed out before looking around to make sure there were no other surprises. Once the coast was clear, she walked with them down the street.

"Oh. It's alright. He's busy with his father in turning off the CORE. He...might be a while. So I don't mind." Happy assured as they got there, "It's not that long from here now. It's just a walk down and to the housing. I can easily get back here again if I need to."

Aqua's entire body rippled lightly as if someone had thrown a rock into her body, and she cringed as she walked quickly along with Kryssie and Vera to cross the street. Taking a few more steps down the sidewalk, she rubbed at her back, and let out a pained yelp; as she massaged at her side lightly. A small stone the size of a marble came popping out from her watery body to clatter onto the road. "Oh! Tsa, that was in me...I think that ca'ar kicked it up...Hmm...let's just get to the market already..."

Leslie smiled happily, as they continued on beside Happy. "Bless you, Happy...you are a very kind person." They held Happy's hand for some stability, heading down towards the village where the housing was.

"Ugh...I can't believe 'em. You okay Aqua...?" Vera looked at Aqua worriedly.

Kryssie looked at both her moms before trying to continue to the market. She wasn't sure why humans were like that, humans were weird to her 5 year old mind.

Happy didn't mind. They were a lot better now with their stability than when they first got their body. "Oh...um...thank you. I...just do my best..." Normally they would be berating themselves but they've been getting a little better at building their confidence. It was just some getting used to and taking things to heart.

Just as Happy had said, it really didn't take long to get Leslie into the elderly folks community. "W-Well...here it is...I can just talk with the front and...get you a house..or...see if anyone needs...a...a roommate...I...do know Colonel's brother lives around here..."

James decided to stick around that part of the neighborhood since he didn't want to take up anyone else's space and he wanted to have space for himself for the time being. Guy was old but he tried his best not to fully act his age. So far, he was content in just living on his own and seeing visitors time to time.

Aqua nodded softly, and sighed. "Yeah, I'm alright...it's gonna sting for a bit, but it was just a small pebble...it didn't actually break the water tension, just...smooshed in kinda."

Leslie smiled sweetly, nodding. "Oh, James is still around? I thought he'd passed away...I'd asked some of my friends, before they too left, and none of them really knew about him..."

The old dragon held their bag close to them; and chuckled lightly as they looked around. Their eyes opened a bit wider seeing the old cat as he was coming closer to them. "James Jae as I live an breathe...I thought you died! I'd heard tell about you and your brother Jonathan goin' up starting that farm, but...nothin' more from it, an' that was near on twenty or so years ago..."

"Alright...well...let me know if something's hurting...last I need is you or the twins here getting hurt." Vera sighed and kissed her forehead, "Ready to keep going? We're not that far yet."

James looked over as he was tending some flowers, seeming surprised, "Leslie...stars alive I didn't think you were still around. No no...i'm very much living and breathing!" He chuckled and headed over to shake their hand.

"My brother is the one who...passed on...sadly. I've been taking care of the farm and raising his children. Now they've all grown up and left, so it's just me now." He smiled, "How have you been? You still look quite nice after all these years."

Aqua sighed, and nodded. "Of course I'd let you know, Vera..." She blushed at the kiss, and smiled brightly. "Of course I'm ready!"

Leslie happily shook James' hand, and a slight yellow blush crossed their cheeks at him complimenting them. "I'm very sorry to hear the Colonel passed, James. All my family that I have had, they done left me too...to the point where it's just me. Hell, they left me in the Underground, can ya believe that?"

They chuckled quietly, and sighed, smiling gently. "Well...I'm doing alright I guess. Was in the veteran's home back in New Home, but I wasn't able to pay a couple months 'cause of the doctor visits, and they done kicked me out. That was nearly a year ago, so I moved back to my old little home that I'd been renting to others...an' I think everyone forgot about me."

Their tail slightly wagged behind them, and they snickered, their yellow eyes gazing over James. They'd always liked him to be honest, but they were at an age where just a friend was good enough for themselves. "Hell, you done thought I wasn't still around neither. So, where can an old dragon get something to eat maybe?"

Vera kept leading Kryssie and Aqua to the market. Kryssie was already excited at seeing a human market up close and what they had to offer. She was disappointed in seeing no cinnabuns like her grandma made but they had a bunch of other fun looking things and food, so she couldn't be too bad.

James didn't like the sound of their family leaving Leslie alone like that, was a shame. "I'm sorry to hear that, Leslie. Family has always been important...should never leave people like that behind."

He dusted himself off and looked to both of them, "Perhaps you both would like to join me for lunch? I've got more than enough since I forgot I was living on my own...made enough to feed three." He laughed a bit at the confusion.

"Oh...well..I'd love to but...I have to go back and meet with Papy and Dr. Brewer...I'm sure they're almost done...so...um...sorry..." Happy felt bad for that but James waved them off.

"No need for apologies. I understand. You, Papyrus, Sans, the Queen, Chara, and Napstaton have been doing a lot of work to make sure monsters are comfortable up here on the surface. You do what you need to do. I can take Leslie off your hands, that is if you're going to join me."

Aqua happily was pushing a little cart through the market, as they got their items they needed.

Leslie listened quietly, smoothing down their dress a bit. "Take me off their hands?" They laughed softly, and nodded. "I'd love that, James. Ain't really had no one to talk with for a long time now, and...well, nothing 'cept tinned fish and chicken to eat either..."

Kryssie was going around looking at some cookies in an aisle when a human boy noticed her. He decided to head over and pull on her tail, causing her to yelp and pulls her tail back, "HEY!"

"Woah...it's real! Mom! Look! It's a real one!" The boy tried calling out to his mom who was on the phone at that moment.

"Then please. By all means. My house is your house. I hope you enjoy eggplant lasagna. Recently learned to cook it." James led Leslie into his home as Happy waved goodbye to the two. They had to hurry back to check on Papy anyway. They wondered if the CORE was done yet...

Aqua had been following Kryssie making sure she was okay; as she was reading the packaging on a box of black bean pasta when she heard Kryssie's yelping. "Oh, keiki, are you okay?"

She glared at the little boy, and then looked to the boy's mother. Aqua came over to the woman, and sighed. "Ma'am? Aloha, I am sorry to bother you, but your son pulled my daughter's tail."

Leslie smiled as they were led to James' home. "Eggplant lasagna, sounds wonderful old friend."

Back at the CORE, Papyrus and Cupcake were finishing up the long strings of codes needed to safely shut down the large device that had powered the entirety of the Underground. And after the last set of code was set up and deployed, soon all the lights were shutting off, section by section.

The streetlamps went dim, bit by bit by bit. Snowdin, Waterfall, then Hotland, and soon enough, New Home started to go off. Cupcake helped his son to his feet; and walked with him out from the labs; as they headed towards New Home and back towards the Surface.

The mom looked at Aqua and didn't think of anything, but did a double take on what she was talking about, "Daughter? Excuse me...?"

"Moooom! Look! Real monsters!" The boy kept trying to get her attention and drag Kryssie. Kryssie managed to dodge his grab and hiss.

"Marcus! Stop antagnozing the monsters! Get over here!" The mom pulled her kid by the wrist and kept walking, causing the kid to complain.

Kryssie rubbed her tail, seeming annoyed. Vera in the meanwhile was looking at the pinapples and seeing if they were good.

Happy just managed to get back to the exit of the Underground. They did get a call from Napstaton and decided to answer.

"Hey cuz! How we doing?" Napstaton called, still the excited guy as ever, "We're doing super awesomely over here! I got my own air time and doing all sorts of shows and interviews! Zhara's gotten some hits in too! People love her aerial silk dancing! It's awesome! How are things going down there?"

"Good...thank you. It...feels like everything's almost done...so...I think we're getting good progress..." Happy smiled, "I'm glad everything's going well...when are you coming back...? Soon I hope...Papy and Aqua should be having their babies soon..."

"Oh we'll be back for a while by then! Gotta see my cuz and the rest of the fam! Don't worry! And when I get there it's gunna be a PAAAAARTYYYYYY!" Napstaton was yelling through the phone, only to be scolded and have crying be heard on the other side of the line, "Oh...oops...messed up naptime...Uh...be back a minute Hap! Hang on! What's good little dudes?! Awww...come on! No tears! Dad's here and sorry! Gotta get back to sleepytown junction!"

Aqua snatched up Kryssie after she'd avoided the boy's grab; and she held her close. "Are you okay, Kryssie? Did they hurt you?" She glared at the human mother, shaking her head. "You need to have a real talk with your son. We are living creatures too!"

She waddled back to the grocery cart, and gently plunked Kryssie into the main basket. "I know you wanted to walk around, keiki, but it's safer here, okay? Let's go find Mommy now..."

Cupcake walked alongside of Papyrus, and sighed quietly. "...I guess I finally am truly and completely retired aren't I, son?"

"yep...and you're here with us, not...lost, like you were...safe and sound. i wouldn't have it any other way, papa..." Papyrus stated quietly as he walked with Cupcake, getting closer to the throne room, and heading towards the exit.

"Oh I can't wait to see my grandchild though..." He gently patted Papyrus' stomach lovingly, a slight blush to his cheeks.

"ah, well you got plenty of love to go around papa...i'm just happy things turned out as well as they did..." He stood at the base of the tunnel leading to the exit and he looked towards the rest of the darkened Underground.

"...i've seen so many resets...so much dustshed...i thought i was going crazy a few times to be honest...and sometimes...i still have nightmares." Papyrus said to Cupcake who had stopped and stood by his oldest son.

"...You still think that Chara can reset, don't you? I worry about that as well. But they've promised, even if that ability ever came back to them, they'd do no such thing." Cupcake patted Papyrus' back comfortingly.

Pap leaned his head against Cupcake's shoulder, sniffling. "i...i just get scared i'm gonna wake up...and all of it...of this...it'll be gone. and i think if that ever did happen i'd probably just finally dust myself...no use living on if all our work got scrapped, yanno! but then i see my spouses face...a-and i know that it's alright..."

Kryssie nodded and stayed put this time. She didn't like it but she knew better than to argue.

Vera finished picking out some pineapples and headed over to the two, "Hey! Check it! These look pretty good, right?" She didn't seem to see what happened earlier.

Happy just listened on the phone to their cousin, who was softly singing a lullaby to his kids. It was nice hearing their soft side again, they had to admit. After a few minutes, Napstaton came back on the phone, "Hey! Sorry about that. Z would have killed me if they didn't keep their nap."

"No it's fine...you're...doing well it sounds like..." Happy paced around the area, just giving their legs something to do.

"Yeah...like...not gunna lie to ya Happ...I didn't think I'd be the dad type. But now that I am...I can't really complain! It's been pretty cool! You're gunna love this thing, cuz! And probably be better at it than me." He laughed.

"Well...we'll see...I doubt it..but...the twins look good so far..."

"Yeah, right? I'll know for sure when they get older! Hopefully they turn out even more awesome than me! I gotta go through, call me anytime, alright? I'll see ya soon!"

"See you soon, Blooky...goodbye...say hi to Zhara for me..." Happy would hang up after that.

Aqua narrowed her eyes at the pineapples, and she nodded slightly. "A'e (Yes), they look fine, Vera...we're nearly done, right? I found the teriyaki sauce, got a few things...apparently human children aren't taught about monsters...and some kid decided to pull Kryssie's tail..."

She looked down the aisle they had gone too, and she saw the mother, and the little boy Marcus. Her mouth disappeared, and she shook her head. "That's them down there...he even tried to grab Krysta...I have no idea why!"

Cupcake gently rubbed Papyrus' back, and led him the rest of the way to the exit. Papyrus saw Happy, and his face lit up in pure joy seeing his spouse. "hapstablook! god i missed you babe!"

Vera growled at the news of her kid being bullied already, "Probably not used to us yet...pisses me off but...ugh.."

Marcus was still pointing at the mosnter family, trying to get his mom to look as he seemed excited. The mom however didn't really seem to care.

"Let's just forget it and move on...I don't feel like fighting..." Vera sighed and gently took Aqua's hand and the basket to the register.

"H-Hi Papy."Happy waved gently before heading over to hug him, "I did what you asked me to...everyone's gone. Did the Core get shut down okay...?"

Aqua nodded, and she followed Vera to the register. Seeing the boy yet again, she rolled her eyes and sighed. "I...I just can't let it go unnoticed, Vera...if it doesn't get addressed it's not going to change..."

She waddled over to the mother and her son Marcus, and she slightly leaned forward to the boy, smiling sweetly to him. "Little boy...why did you think it was okay to pull my daughter's tail? That's not nice! How would you feel if my daughter pulled your ears, and tried to show you, a human, to her mothers?"

Papyrus nodded, and gave them a pleased kiss. "mhm. it shut down smoothly. in about fifteen minutes all the residual power will be gone as well, and except for the natural crystals in waterfall...it'll be dark once again."

Marcus watched the water elemental, eyes wide, "Moooooom! Look it! It's talking water!"

The mom was putting her groceries in the checkout, "Leave them alone, Marcus. I see them. Hands to yourself."

"You're not looking!" Marcus kept complaining. Vera just looked at the two semi-annoyed as she paid for the groceries.

Happy kissed right back, "That's good...oh...Napstaton called. He said he should be back before the baby's due...so that's nice."

Aqua tilted her head a bit, and sighed; putting her hand on her belly. She'd been feeling some tightness across her stomach, and her mouth disappeared despite taking some deeper breaths. "Oooh...t'sa, that hurt..."

She glared at the mother, who was just ignoring her son and his cries for attention. "Ma'am, why won't you listen to your son! He...He's amazed by us, and honestly I'm pretty amazed by you, granted I've seen humans since being here, but...isn't it good to encourage your son, rather than just put him down like you're doing?! Enjoy the few moments you have, experiencing your son's child-like wonder, heleʻoe i kahi hele! (you fucking bitch!)"

Papyrus nuzzled them, and sighed. "that's wonderful, happy...then again, i've still got like two and a half months left. but now, everyone's taken care of, the forms came in for the new financial approvals, and it's back to just desk work for me, boo. and even then...just another month and a half and i'll be on full leave."

"I don't need to hear a monster telling me how to raise my child! I'm not doing the same with yours! Now if you don't mind..." the mom hissed out before bagging her groceries and taking her son.

"Okay babe...take it easy...let's not get too heated, alright? Much as I'd love to give a mouthful...remember we got a kid with us too." Vera mentioned over to Kryssie.

Kryssie was currently trying to pick out the best looking candy bar, there were so many different ones to choose from.

"That's right." Happy smiles before kissing him gently, "And we'll make the most of our time with it." They snuggled up to Pap.

"Would you like me to get you a honey spoon on the way home...?"

Aqua frowned, and turned back to her wife and Kryssie; waddling closer to them. "...I'm sorry...I just..." She sighed, running her fingers through her dreadlocks. Seeing Kryssie looking at the candy bars, she smiled a bit. "You thinkin' of getting some candy, keiki? O ka'āmela momona, nā mea nānā kupaianaha! (Oh caramel, those look wonderful!)"

Plucking up a caramel filled candy bar, she plunked it onto the checkout, and watched Kryssie sweetly.

Papyrus' eyelights flickered to hearts, and he hurgled happily in his chest as they snuggled to him; their hand on his belly. "mmmm...oh that would be great, happy...i'm actually kinda hungry too. do you we still have some of those steaks?"

Vera kissed her cheek and finished paying for everything, "Come on. Let's go home."

"But wait! We gotta get ice cream!" Kryssie mewed out and held onto her mama's hand, "Mama...you said ice cream...right...?"

"We'll get some, sugar pea. Don't worry! I didn't forget!" Vera laughed, "Ice cream we go!"

Happy giggled and scritched under Pap's chin, "We do. I can cook it up when we get back. Don't worry."

They gave him a kiss on the head and a small pat on their husband's belly, feeling a lot more brave and confident with them both around.

Aqua carefully gathered up their items back into the basket, looking apologetic to the cashier. "A'e, A'e, let's get some ice cream! We need that with strawberry shortcake! Oh, and whipped cream!"

The manager had seen the outburst from the water elemental, and she sighed, shaking her head looking to the shift manager. "Can you believe what the Mayor has brought here...all of these...monsters. They're driving away some of our business even..."

Papyrus' tail started waving happily at the scritching, and he smiled wide. "mmm...yer gonna put me to sleep, hap. let's go'on home, yeh? i love you so much..."

"Oh yeah...pretend like we don't hear you. last I checked, Monsters are GIVING you business!" Vera obviously heard it as she hissed, "But after this, we won't anymore!" She took her wife and kid out of the store, not wanting to do anything else in the place.

"Ya know...dad would talk a lot about the surface...he never mentioned how annoying humans could be." Vera muttered out to herself as they got on the sidewalk again.

"Love you too, honey bear...let's go home..." Happy gave him one last kiss before leaving the Underground...for good this time.

Aqua sighed, as they'd quickly gotten their groceries thankfully; despite Vera's proclamation of not ever shopping there anymore. "Excellent customer service my watery wide ass..."

She held some of the lighter bags, while holding Kryssie's hand. "You ready to help Mama home, my little hero wahine?"

Papyrus let out a pleased little growl, as he walked with his spouse. He waved off his Papa who went back home to be with his own wife and husbands, and he was beyond pleased to be home.

Kryssie nodded, "Uh huh! Yeah!" Kryssie giggled and walked with her moms back home. Wouldn't take too long to get back, even with the ice cream pit stop.

Soon enough Vera'd open the door to the house, get all the grocery bags in and starts putting them away. Kryssie was still eating the cone she got, thought she did look a bit messy with how many sprinkles and strawberry syrup coated her face.

Happy walked along with Papyrus back to the house, something a bit on their mind. "Papy...did...we ever come up with a name for the baby...?" They voiced their thought outloud, unsure and trying to remember if they ever talked about it.

Aqua had a simple chocolate cone with caramel drizzled on top, and she eased herself onto the couch still finishing it. The tensing and relaxing of her stomach was bothering her some; but she just tried to ignore it for then, watching as Kryssie was enjoying her ice cream. "You're gonna need a bath, little one; your face is covered in sprinkles and syrup!"

The water elemental loved their tub they had installed. It was a Japanese style onsen, and was double sized as well. All three of them could easily take a bath together, and it was deep enough that Aqua could sit right at the bottom with the water over her own head. It did of course help that she could breathe underwater if needed. A rare trait of fish monsters and water elementals. Much like a fish monster, all she had to do was expel the water from her lungs, and she was able to breath air again.

Papyrus thought for a moment, and shrugged. "i don't think we ever really talked about it, boo. i know that most skeletons get named by the font their voice sounds like. it's uh, a skeleton thing though. it's why my name is papyrus, and my bro's name is sans. my middle name, harlow, although it's a font...i don't have that accent, and it's just a neat name. sans' middle name was uh apparently named after ma's supposed great-grandfather of sorts? she'd only heard about him, serif, from time to time, so she wanted to honor him i guess..."

Kryssie giggled as she continued to eat her cone, not seeming to mind the mess on her, "Ice cream is good, mama!"

"Just try not to spill, sugar pea. I'm working on the pineapple right now, Aq if you're still hungry for it." Vera called from the kitchen as she finished getting groceries packed and was now cleaning the pineapple, before getting the peeler.

Kryssie just finished her cone and licked her fingers for whatever stickiness laid around. She loved sweets as much as her mama, but didn't have them often. The girl mostly enjoyed fruit, but never said no to sweet treats if people offered.

Happy seemed to coo over the idea, "Aww...that's so sweet. Well...if it's a tradition..I would like to keep to it. It sounds very nice." They commented and looked over at Pap's bump, "Hmm...I wonder if you will have a unique font...? For middle names...I'm...not sure what to do...I...don't really have anyone in my family like that..."

Aqua giggled at how much Kryssie was enjoying her cone. "Awww..." She glanced to the kitchen, and smiled. "Ooh, pineapple, yes please ku'uipo! I'm famished..."

The tired and still quite hungry water elemental stretched out on the couch, her heavy belly feeling like it was towering on her somewhat slender frame. It occasionally wiggled or jiggled with the twins kicking and jostling for what little room was left inside. Just another two weeks and they'd be here. "Fourteen days, Vera...I can't believe it...and they're both fighting for who's in my chest apparently!"

Papyrus blushed at Happy's cooing over what he'd told them. As they looked over his baby bump; he took off his hoodie, leaving him yet again in just his sports bra, and his belly visibly shifted as the baby kicked strongly. "woah! did you see that!"

"Pfft. Guess they're excited, huh? I don't blame 'em." Vera laughed as she worked on making her wife's pineapple.

"You're taking it better than I was when I had Kryssie. I don't think I could handle more kids after this. Three's my limit." She joked but deep inside, any more kids and she'd be flipping out. She loved her wife and the kids they had, but being a parent was a lot of stress.

Kryssie headed over to her mom and watched her belly move, "Do babies always do that, mama...?"

"See what...?" Happy seemed confused as they were daydreaming over the child they'll have soon.

Aqua had shifted herself a bit, and rubbed her stomach lightly. "I'm just trying to deal with it all, ku'uipo...but I do agree with you...three's probably my limit as well."

Looking to Kryssie, she smiled sweetly. "Sometimes they do! They like to test out what's going in their little world, which so far, is just Mama's belly! They're feeling feelings and maybe even thinking thoughts! So they get this feeling to move, and they start moving and dancing and jostling. Hey, maybe they're doing the hula inside, hmm?"

Papyrus chuckled softly, and looked to his stomach. He was surprised he could even see anything with the layer of excess ectogel he had over the womb. GMBD, just like his mother, at least it wasn't as severe as Wingdin's had been. Though...to be honest with how severe it was, it probably saved Sans life that night...

He shuddered, as his face suddenly went three shades paler and he cuddled closer to Happy.

Kryssie giggled at the thought of her baby sibs doing the hula in her mama's belly. She then remembered a question she tried asking her Uncle Pap and decided to ask now, "Mama...where do babies come from...?"

Happy noticed the change and held him close, "Papy...? Are you okay...? Is it the morning sickness again...? We're almost home...it's just around the corner..." They looked pretty worried.

Aqua's mouth disappeared, and she sighed. "Kryssie...you're...well...when two monsters love each other, they share their souls with their partner. And for me, that was your Mommy. A teensy, teeny-tiny part of her soul and my own soul formed into the beginnings of your siblings, and because I have less HP then her...they formed inside of me attaching with what's called a soul tether! Usually it's just one tiny part of the partner's souls, so it doesn't harm them at all. I carry them for six months, and then, they're born!"

Papyrus closed his eyes, and sighed, hugging them back. "n-no not morning sickness...i just...r-remembering some bad times in my life...it's alright...it's cool...hey, uh, before we get home, c-could we go see sans and marrie maybe?"

He knew his little brother was probably going to give him shit for just walking around in his sports bra, with his hoodie tied around his hips, but he didn't care. After remembering what his mother went through, the claws slicing through her ectogel like it was gelatin; thankfully she was carrying so much excess ectogel Meaux wasn't able to fully carry out what he'd intended to do. Which was kill his little unwanted brother. Even in her old age, she carried the three thick keloid-like scars across her midsection, a testament to how badly she'd been treated in her younger years.

Kryssie blinked, listening for a bit, "Oh. Okay!" She seemed satisfied before rushing off to the kitchen for a juice box.

Happy was still worried, giving them a few shy kisses. They still were getting used to open space and a larger public. Both still have them an anxiety rush but, if with Papyrus it wasn't too bad.

"I think we can stop by...yes. Are you sure...? Y-you look pale..." they put a hand to Pap's skull, wondering if he was coming down with something.
Her mind went to elsewhere pretty quick as she got her juice box, a cheese snack, and rushed off to get some toys to play with.

"That worked." Vera headed over with the cooked pineapple and a bottle of teriyaki sauce, looking amused on how Kryssie took the info and left.

Aqua sat up, and smiled softly; the blush still present across her cheeks. "And it's the truth too, thank goodness."

She gratefully took the plate of cooked pineapple and squeezed teriyaki sauce on it and ate a big bite of it, almost moaning at the taste. "You bake the best pineapple, ku'uipo!"

Papyrus nodded softly, and he started to lead Happy towards his brother's house. Getting to the door, he knocked on it worriedly.

Sans woke up from cuddling with Marrie and he slipped on his boxers, heading to the front door. Even with his 'retirement' of sorts, he was still quite 'muscular'; still covered in thin papercut-like keloid scars, on his bone and ectogel.

Tilting his head, he crossed his arms looking up at his brother. "Papyrus...you look horrible, brother. Is everything alright?"

Pap didn't care what his brother said, he just wrapped his arms around the young man, nearly cuddling the short skelegator close to his chest and swollen belly. Orange tears streamed down his cheeks, and he just held Sans.

"I try babe. I try." Vera chuckled and sat with her to watch some TV.

Happy was still worried at seeing Pap like that, "H-Hi Sans. I-I'm sorry...Papy wanted to see you...um..." They started out but didn't really know how to explain what was going on.

Marrie was still sound asleep, tossing a bit at trying to find her spouse's source of warmth. She only woke up when she fell off the bed in her sleep induced search.

"Oww...huh...? Sansy...?" She got herself up from the floor and put on a quick silk robe before trying to find her skelegator. Wouldn't take her long to see they had company.

"Oh...there you are. What's...going on...?"

Sans gently patted his brother's skull, and sighed. "I...I don't know, Marrie... Papyrus, what's wrong?"

Papyrus let out a sad sounding growl, and just hugged him still. "i...i had that scare again..."

Sans immediately knew what Papyrus spoke of, there was only one thing that scared his usually unflappable brother when it concerned him. "It's okay... it's okay Papy... I'm right here, Mama's okay too...and you'll never have anyone harm you like he did..."

He gently patted his brother's stomach and his tail curled around protectively. "Father can't get you...we haven't even seen him when we left...his dust is likely long gone down below..."

The younger brother looked to Marrie and Happy and sighed. "Brother had a scare, a... it's related to our birth father, Meaux Sauveterre. He injured Mama, which was why I was born premature... he'd run away after hurting our mother... Papyrus witnessed the entire thing. Mama nearly died that night. Her struggle to keep from dusting and to keep me alive, caused her one eye to fuse shut..."

"You're dealing with GMBD as well aren't you, Papyrus?" Sans asked quietly.

Papyrus nodded, still sniffling. Sans gently hugged his brother again, and smiled brightly to him. "Don't worry about that then...Happy would never harm you, so you have no worries. Would you want to put me to bed?"

The tall and pregnant skelegator just nodded again, wiping his face off. Sans smiled softly, holding his hands slightly upwards. He knew that his brother probably shouldn't be carrying him, but this one time shouldn't hurt him.

Happy followed Sans in, unsure of what else to do. They felt awful at hearing what happened to them all when Sans was born. No wonder his husband was so scared.

"I...I would never...hurt him...or the baby...n-not intentionally...I...I..." Happy was already shaking and nearing tears.

Marrie immediately headed over to take Happy into a hug, "We know you wouldn't Happy...it's okay...I...think we should leave it to the brothers..." She led Happy to the kitchen to let the brothers have their moment for now.

Papyrus had gently picked up his younger brother, carrying him to his bedroom. After sitting on the bed, and just snuggling his baby brother a little bit, Sans voice, although muffled, could be heard.

"You wouldn't think that Happy would hurt you, do you, brother?" Sans asked quietly.

Papyrus shook his head. "no...no god no...i...i saw what he did to mama...i...i have my own scars from that fuckin' bastard anyways...i just can't...it's nothing to do with hapstablook, it's all me, it's all my fuckin head, sans..."

Sans hugged his brother, and sighed. "No...what you saw it harmed you. Perhaps you need to see if you can find a therapist again, brother...that might help you some, because these feelings might only get worse, the farther along in your pregnancy you get..."

Papyrus just nodded and he patted Sans' back and then left the bedroom; going to Happy's side. "...m'ready to go home, happy...i-i'm sorry fer scaring ya babe..."

Happy sniffled, still worried. Once Pap came back, they immediately hugged them tight.

"It's okay, Papyrus...Happy's just really worried for you..." Marrie tried explaining.

"...L-Let's go home...I-I'm sorry..." Happy hiccuped out, their anxiety was getting the best of them again.

Papyrus shook his head, and pressed kisses to Happy's face. "don't be...don't be sorry boo...it's me, it's all me, nothin' with you...i'm so sorry..."

His tail wrapped around Happy's waist softly, and he gently hugged them, as he led them out from the house; to go back home. "i love you hapsta, i love you so much dear...i'm sorry for how this came on and shit, i didn't...it's just been building and i kept jus' trying to ignore it...and i know that's not good..."

Sans laid back in the bed, and sighed, as he ran his clawed hand over his skull. "BEING THE STRONGER BROTHER IS HARD SOMETIMES MY DEAREST..."

He looked up as Marrie came back into their bedroom. "But I hope I did well, by helping my brother..."

"I...I-I love you too...I-I'm sorry..." They were trying their best to calm down, "I...I didn't...I..." They just hiccuped the rest of the way home. Moment they did, Happy would immediately try for some snuggles. Always seemed to root them and calm them down.

Marrie headed over and sat by him, "I think you did...you're a very good brother, Sansy."

She placed a few kisses on his skull, "It's really nice of you to take care of your brother like that..."

Papyrus cuddled them as well, just wanting to be grounded in the slightly stretchable arms of their spouse. His face, as nearly always was smooshed right against their chassis; next to their soul; and he closed his eyes, as a few tears escaped his sockets. "i'm sorry too, i'm such a fuckin loser, all i can think about is the damn past, and it keeps haunting me...fuck, fuck i'm sorry hapsta...i love you, i love you so damn much, and i just want us to be safe and good and all i can think about is mama getting hurt by my fuckin father..."

Sans let out a soft laugh, and he smiled at the kisses from Marrie. "I just try my best...I love you so much my darling dear..." He gently kissed her back and smiled sweetly.

Happy just held him as they got to the couch, holding him close and gently rubbing his skull. There were still some hiccups but that didn't seem to stop them.

"Papy...i-it's okay...y-you're not a loser...y-you're h-hurt...y-you were h-hurt by h-him...I wish I could help better..." They continued to nuzzle and hug Pap close, afraid to let go.

"I love you too, Sansy." Marrie giggled and kissed right back, "We still got a lot of the day left...what do want to do?"

Papyrus sighed, trying to enjoy the head rubs. "thanks hap...y-you're doin' plenty babe..."

Sans let out a quiet pleased growl and turned over onto her, straddling his body on top of her. "I'D SAY WE GET BACK TO WHAT WE WERE DOING BEFORE WE FELL ASLEEP MY BELOVED DEAREST!"

In James' house the old dragon Leslie had enjoyed time with James and had a very great lunch with him. At the moment they sat on the couch beside him and they gently sat beside him as the old cat flipped through the TV. "Is all human television like this? Lots of channels...yet nuthin' to watch really?"

"...I hope so..." Happy sighed and continued the cuddle session. They didn't seem to do or say anything else at that point on.

Marrie laughed, unable to help herself, "Then? I think you were leading, my cute, blue and handsome skelegator~" she purred before giving him a few kisses_

James was more than content with the company. Especially when said company was about his age. He loved his niblings, don't get him wrong, but there were things he could never talk about with the three.

"Shame really. Humans have so much to give and do...but not a decent television program until some late hour." The cat kept flipping through channels, "Least with Napstaton, he had a pethora of shows...you didn't like one...another type would pop up within the hour."

Papyrus just stayed in their spouses hold, closing his eyes at a certain point as he started to fall asleep in their hold, after pressing a few kisses to their metallic face.

Sans grinned as he started to trail his fingers up underneath her silken robe, and started to take the lead in starting to get her ready to go for another round of sex like they'd been doing earlier.

Leslie nodded softly, and chuckled a bit. "I know! I'd love watching his quiz shows, and listening to his music...this...now this is just crap to be honest." They sighed, and found themselves slightly leaning against James.

"Ooops, sorry James, ain't got the best stability since the Guard yanno..." Leslie murmured, smoothing their skirt out nervously.

Happy held Pap and let him rest, keeping quiet for the while until they themselves fell asleep too.

"Music's not my taste...but then again...I'm a little more old fashioned. The quiz shows were interesting." He chuckled as he flipped through the channels more, landing on what looked like a human quiz show.

"I suppose this will do. Not as hyper and energetic as his but...it will do." James looked over at Leslie with a smile, "Not to worry. You're not bothering me now. If it helps, do as you like."

Leslie chuckled softly, and sighed, letting themselves lean lightly against James. The old white dragon looked to the TV for a moment, then over to James. "I didn't really care for his music neither, but it made me feel like I wasn't alone at least..."

"Guess I don't really need that no more." They seemed pleased at least by the human quiz show that James had found and started to watch it as well, just enjoying the old cat's company.

After a little bit, Leslie smiled, glancing over to James again. They patted his knee gently chuckling. "Thank you James, I'd always hoped to see you again yanno. Heh, I did have a son, did I ever tell you? But...he don't call his renny no'mo; don't bother wit me...ungrateful little brat."

"He's good for that, I suppose. You are the second I've heard say that." He has a smile as he watched the tv, "Well I did say my home is yours if you wish. I truly don't mind the company. I did want a space of my own but truth be told, it's quite the change from a full house of youngsters to just myself." He wasn't used to all the quiet the house had. He was at least used to warm smiles, sounds of sibling arguments, muttered readings of text books, and surprise hugs from his youngest niece.

Now that he lived alone, he had none of that. They still all visited him time to time, but it wasn't the same as living under one roof.

"Really now? I didn't think you would settle. I'm sorry to hear that. I know being an adult is challenging, but it never hurts to call or pay a visit." James looked over at the dragon, "I never settled down with anyone. But I still ended with children. After my brother died, his farm was was starting to as well. I went from visiting to take care of him to fully living there and raising his children. Now they're off having kids of their own...least one of them is trying. Eldest, I don't know what he's doing. Boy is an enigma."

Leslie sighed softly, running their hand through their grayed hair. "I...didn't really settle...it...it's something that no one talks about anymore you know..."

They lifted a necklace out from around their neck, and showed it to James. It was the Delta Rune symbol, with a dragon curving around it. "The Queen had...quietly started a program, amongst the dragons, to bolster the population, in an effort to storm the barrier. This was...long, long ago...us dragons thought it was wrong that she'd wanted to do this, but the...the payout was supposedly well worth it..."

"The soulache wasn't, James...I was paired with another white dragon, and we...created a child together. I never even knew her that well...we were paid because of a successful pregnancy...then...then the program was abandoned. And I was left with a little child, my son...and no support. I couldn't talk about the program even with the veteran's association! It was as if I was just...a...a single parent!" They sighed, and shrugged a bit. "I raised him and he went out on his own...and I was just left alone...again."

Leslie gently gave James a kindly hug, before settling back against the couch again. "At least I'm not alone now. Thank you."

James didn't like the sound of that at all. He did give a hug back.

"...That's awful...I'm...so sorry...no one deserves that...I wish I had known...". He did have some sorrow of his own accord. That's part of why he left to stay in the farm. He couldn't stand leaving those kids alone...especially with... the witch.

"I'm glad to keep your company...and you with mine. I must warn you though, my niblings do come with my young granddaughter. So I apologize in advance." He laughed a bit.

Leslie chuckled softly, smiling. "Oh, that's perfectly fine James... having company around would do wonders I'm sure."

They stood up from the couch, and went to their duffle bag that had a few things of theirs. A few old dresses, some pants and shirts. Leslie dressed simply enough, and didn't have much to their name. "Would you mind if I went and got something clean on? Um, am I staying here, I guess?"

In the largest house, nearest to the mountain opening, was the Queen's house. She lived with her ex-husband Asgore, a bit begrudgingly, but they were trying again.

Going through boxes of old paperwork, she sighed having found the folder that covered 'The Dragon Solution'. "Oh my goodness, I still can't believe we tried this, Gorey... dragons breaking through the barrier..."

"Be my guest...or, I think at this point, I should call you a housemate." James smiled and got up himself, "Do what makes you comfortable. I have no problem."

James headed off to do some dishes while Leslie did their unpacking and cleaning up. He didn't admit it outwardly but, he was very happy for the new change.

Jonathan was watching from a side, doing his best not to be seen. He hated the sounds of what had happened to his old friend and soon left to seek someone to talk to Toriel and Asgore. This was something he was not going to take lightly.

Leslie smiled softly, and gathered up their things, heading down the hallway slowly. Finding an empty bedroom across from James, they went in and started to hang up the dresses and shirts they had brought.

Finding a small shower attached, Leslie sighed happily and went to take a quick shower, one of their dresses laid out to put on afterwards. They thought about their son, and ended up crying in the shower to themselves.

Despite being forced to have a child, and be a Renny somewhat against their will, they loved their son and wished he would speak with them again.

Wouldn't be long until Jonathan had spoken with Darren. Darren had agreed to go and speak with the Queen and former king at their home at his father's behest. Jonathan would follow his son but wouldn't make his presence known unless he had to.

Darren had made up with his dating partner but he still had some stresses here and there. The outing was needed for him. He'd be at Toriel's and Asgore's doorstep soon enough.

"Are you sure about this dad...? I...don't think this is a good idea...if this wasn't common knowledge...there must be a reason for.." Darren still was pretty nervous about the whole thing.

"Son...I'm asking you for this as a favor. I need these questions answered...please. If not, I can call your sister and get it settled." Jonathan sighed, trying his best to be patient.

"No no! I can do it...I can manage...just...need to get my nerve..." Darren was never that confrontational, he hated any type of confrontation and hated violence. Which is why he and his father didn't fully get along with one another since Jonathan was all muscle and tried teaching him how to stand up for himself. Darren was the wimpier of the siblings, but that didn't mean Jonathan had no love for his son. Just a little less patience sometimes.

Darren took a breath and rang the doorbell of the house as Jonathan made himself invisible.

Toriel had put away most of what she'd been working on, and she came to the door. "Don't worry Asgore, I've got it!"

Opening the door, she looked down at Darren curiously. "Well, howdy, it's a pleasure to meet you? I'm afraid I've not met you yet...hmm...oh, you're the Colonel's son aren't you? I do know your sisters very well though...what brings you here today though?"

"H-Hello your majesty...and..yes...that's me...Darren Charles Jae...If...you'd be so kind I'd...like to ask you about something...? For my father's sake...p-please?" He wringed his hands nervously as he talked, hoping he wasn't being a bother.

"I know this may be none of my business but...it does deal with someth-...someone he cared about during his time in serving you."

Toriel nodded softly, and she opened the door more to allow Darren to come inside. "Of course...the Colonel was a very well respected man, and if you're asking on his behalf; who am I to deny you?"

"It's a shame that he was taken from us so long ago..." She chuckled softly under her breath as she went to the kitchen, putting the kettle on. "I mean, your brother-in-law Sans Aster has tried so desperately to fill those empty shoes left behind, but with his medical issues...heh, well, there's a reason he's just been given that celebratory position anyways...but, what was this matter you needed help with, Mr. Jae?"

"Ah...yes. Well...thank you for your condolences, your majesty...my family and I appreciate it." Darren nodded as he came in.

"My brother in law does his best. I know he does. But dad had his way with things, I suppose. But Sans never did too bad with what he could do. My family owes him as much." Darren twiddling his thumbs as he tried to word the next thing that came to mind.

"My father mentioned to me and my siblings of friends he worked with during the war. I've seen one or two and remember only a select of the stories he's told us. But...one recently comes to mind with new...information that I've heard and heard alone...tell me...do you...remember a...Dragon's Solution...?"

Toriel's crimson eyes flickered over to him, and she frowned softly; before she simply sighed. "The Dragon Solution...pray tell how do you even know of that? It was a failed program from years ago, probably before you were even born."

Picking up her mug of tea from the kitchen table, she settled herself into one of the oversized (but to her and Asgore normal sized) chairs; and took a sip from the cup. "Please, take a seat dear. What would you even want to know about that old program anyways?"

Delicately, she pushed a tray of cinnamon cookies her husband had baked earlier that day towards Darren. "They're cinnamon-caramel, Asgore baked them earlier this morning. Help yourself."

"It was...mentioned to me...by my father...He only mentioned he had an old friend who was part of the program...and...if left more problems than it did...solve them." Darren answered nervously before taking a cookie.

"To my knowledge...they did not do well in the program...nor did they fair better when it was disbanded...I...think I remember him saying how...it seemed...a...and these are his words not mine your majesty..but...he had said that it was horrid to hear that a good friend who fought so hard under you was tossed out carelessly...like that...and...forgotten..." He seemed pretty scared in saying that but he knew if he didn't, his father would be at his neck about it.

"Just...exactly...what happened that let a program like that come into pass...? I...did not take you or the former king to allow a...a decree such as that... forceful...for...lack of a better term..."

Toriel's gaze stayed strongly on the young cat, as her frown grew and grew; the more the young man spoke. As he finished up, she took another sip from her tea, and sighed slightly. "Well, you have only heard his side of things, granted from...so long ago. The Dragon Solution, was something that our original and first Royal Scientist had thought up. It was not Dr. Undyne Boush, or Dr. Caddy Brewer however, it was a Dr. Skink, Dr. Verdana Skink to be exact. She's since passed away, years ago; but her thinking after the barrier had been erected was that perhaps the power of dragons fire, ice and other powers over the elements could be used to batter down the barrier. This was before we realized that we needed human souls, my dear boy."

"So, as it went, we contacted all the dragons still present in our kingdom. Many of them were former Royal Guardsmen, or other high-ranking positions...to encourage those...who might have been less willing to...procreate; we gave them very handsome reward packages for successful pregnancies. However...once we realized that human souls and not dragons was the answer; the program was immediately halted." Toriel took a cookie herself, and played with it in her furry hand for a moment, before she took a bite.

"The dragons within our program understood what issues would occur during their time in it; and so far we have not heard of any issues, despite it being years later..." She looked to him again, and took another bite of the cookie. "...so, I've told you everything about this old, abandoned program that unfortunately failed due to our insufficient knowledge of the barrier when it was originally erected. Why did you want to know about it, Darren?"

"Well...y-you see...I..." Darren was already shaking in dear, not liking Toriel's gaze on him. It was this that decided Jonathan had to step up.

"And you have done nothing to make sure that the dragons that did have succesful pregnancies were taken care of afterwards!?" A booming angry voice came from the air. Soon appeared the Colonel in his ghostly form, but he looked quite angry at the queen.

"These are people who gave their lives and loyalty to you, my Queen! We would never question nor complain to you as your people are loyal! But to leave them behind?! Did you not see the consequences that became!?" He let out a fierce growl.

"N-Now Father! P-P-Please...let's not g-get into this! Y-You said you let me do the t-talking!" Darren was already in fear of the queen, he didn't need to be fearing his father with what he would say to her.

"And that wasn't going where it needed! You left them BEHIND, Toriel! Do you have any idea how hard it is to raise children on your own from a partner who had no love nor care from you at any point?! Was the heartache of those monsters worth this damned plan!? And since it failed, was there no action done to take care of those who had children?! Had you or Asgore ever came up with such plans?! Because the way I've seen it, I there's so such thing!" Jonathan's mane was standing on end with rage, he never liked leaving friends or family behind. Even with his death he had regrets but with recent events he could rest easy. This was something he could not forgive however...

Toriel nearly fell from her chair at Jonathan's booming voice. She stared at where he appeared, and started to nearly choke on the cookie in her mouth. After smacking herself in the chest a few times; she glared right back at him. "Colonel Jae! H-How...I thought you..."

She stood up from her chair so quickly that it toppled over with a resounding bang that rattled throughout the house. "I THOUGHT YOU WERE KILLED BY THAT HARRIDAN WIFE OF YOURS!"

Staring at the table, she took a few deep breaths, and glared at Asgore who had come running to the kitchen in worry. "...Gorey, it's fine...g-go back to your gardening dear..." Her sights drew back to Jonathan and she sighed, shaking her head. "No...no we didn't leave them behind, Jae...we gave them what we could. When this plan even was enacted, it was before the CORE was even built, those that were down there, lived in Home or Snowdin...Waterfall had barely been expanded into at that point..."

She sighed quietly, shaking her head. "As for those who had children...we did what we could. Giving them financial assistance, creating a type of food assistance for those who's Guardsman pension might not be enough...that was years and years ago however, Colonel...so...what is the meaning of all of this anyways?"

"I am dead. But I had some unfinished business...clearly." Colonel hissed out as Darren was now cowering behind the seat he once was sitting in.

"And though my wife has been quite unmerciful and callous with me...I do wish you do not speak to my family that way." He still kept his glare at the Queen, not backing down, "There were still those left to suffer. It's come to my attention that you ended up FORCING these dragons to procreate, and then left them in the dust! Leslie is one such of those parents! Left behind by the dragon you forced onto them, having them bear a child with no support but for monetary gain...and once the program left, they were left without any financial assistance! A single parent on their own to raise a son! And left forgotten and abanonded once money ran out! And the son had gone and left them alone! Do you have any idea?!"

"D-Dad...p-please...I...u-understand the anger...b-but...p-please...m-may I remind you while you are of the other p-plane of existence...I-I'm still here a-and very m-much mortal...?!" Darren slowly raised himself from behind the chair.

"Oh grow a spine, son! She wouldn't do anything! Not while I'm here!" Jonathan growled at his son before looking back to Toriel.

Toriel frowned deeply, and crossed her arms. "Jonathan...are you speaking of General Leslie Brimstone perhaps? General Brimstone was one of the few of the white ice dragons left in the kingdom at the time. They...were very handsomely paid for their services. It was never forced, but...it was highly encouraged. They were paired with a non-guardsman, the only other white ice dragon in the kingdom; a Miss Yancy Sliverwing...I remember them, as many dragons were earth and fire based...their powers over ice was thought needed against the barrier."

"And no, I wasn't aware of anything happening with the retired general...I might be Queen over our people, Jonathan...but I am not able to keep tabs on everyone all of the time." She righted her chair finally and closed her eyes for a moment, thinking. "And as to what their son has gone and done...that has nothing to do with myself, Colonel. However...I would think perhaps with your...newfound abilities, perhaps you could be the one to help them."

"Not handsomely enough if my family kept to the farm as their only source of income and the General struggled to pay for basic care for their only son. I don't expect you to keep tabs on every single person who is under your rule Toriel...but I do expect you to fucking CARE about the people you rule over. ESPECIALLY those who given their loyalties to you for generations." He still continued to growl before heading back to Darren.

"But fine. I had no idea what you would be able to help with now. You are only a face for the humans to call. Indeed...why should I care for a so called queen to rule with kindness and compassion...afterall...twas your idea of a war in the first place. A war that caused more problems than solutions...more heartache than progress... This is the same woman who allowed her children to be killed over foolish means...and rather than take responsibility for her own misgivings...she put blame on someone else. Asgore had the right idea..." Jonathan made a low snarl before dragging Darren off with him.

"I never needed you to help me...I don't see why I had the damn idea of asking you to start now..." With that, he disappeared and left Darren at the door. Darren was shaking like a leaf, panicking.

Toriel stood there, her crimson eyes wide at the accusations hurled towards her. She glared at Darren, and looked towards the floor; as tears gathered in her eyes. "...Leave boy, before I get ideas..."

Leslie had taken their shower, slipping on a simple tunic style dress and thin pants. Their thick white tail nearly dragged on the ground in their old age, and they came to the kitchen with a small bag in their hands. Seeing James was putting away what was left of dinner they smiled a bit.

"Oh, there you are, I was going to let you know I'm putting my medications in the fridge. They're properly labeled of course..." Leslie spoke softly, a mere shade of the strong ice dragon they used to be years ago in the Royal Guard.

"Y-Yes...y-your m-m-majesty...t-terribly..s-sorry...h-have a g-g-good night!" Darren raced out the door as quick as he was dragged there. He didn't stop, he just ran for home. Even when his father tried calling for him again.

James looked over from putting leftovers away, "Oh? That's fine. I'll be sure to watch out for that then. Please...you nay need to ask permission here, Leslie. As I've said..my home is your home."

He honestly didn't mind. Time did change everyone, he saw that in his niblings and his brother. He figured it was another one of those. But he did want to help them as much as he could. "Did you need anything else? I'm happy to help you get things more comfortable for you if needed be."

Sans had been out on an evening jog, something he did every night before dinner, being a skelegator of habit, and he nearly was bowled over by his brother-in-law. "DARREN! WHAT?!"

Picking himself up, he growled curiously, scratching the side of his head. "What on Earth is wrong with my brother Darren now?"

Seeing Jonathan, he blinked a bit, and gestured to where Darren had run too. "Colonel! It's a pleasure to see you again! Is there something I can help with maybe?"

Leslie smiled a bit brighter, it could be seen they were mostly toothless as well. "Of course, of course James. I just wanted you to know is all."

They thought for a moment and they shook their head. "No I'm actually quite fine. Other than, being nearly toothless, nearly deaf, and colorblind, I'm actually pretty healthy, long as I take my medications every day. I'm nearly a thousand years old you know. And I'm still doing well for myself. But I'm happy to have company, and I'm going to go rest a bit for now, 'less you needed help with something?"

Darren was panting out of panic, still shaking, "S-Sans! H-h-hello! I...um...s-sorry! Just...aaaah...I need to get home! Pardon!"

"Darren! Son! Hang on!" Jonathan let out an annoyed growl, but it was too late, Darren had ran off again.

"...I knew I should have asked Veronica...least the girl has the nerve and the spine to get things done." Jonathan watched his son run off home before looking at Sans, "Perhaps you can help me boy...I need a favor. You still have connections to people about. Can you find someone for me?"

"Of course. Go on and rest, I'll be turning in myself soon enough. Have a good night." James put away the last of things and headed off to wash his hands, "We can talk more in the morning. I believe I'll be getting a visit from my niece and grandniece in the afternoon. So if you hear the yelling of a five year old, I apologize in advance."

Sans saluted Jonathan proudly, and grinned brightly. "Of course I can find someone for you, my dear father-in-law! Who are you needing me to find then? I'll do my best to assist you!"

"That don't bother me any, James. Little ones are precious, and they should be encouraged to be have a zest for life, I say." Leslie nodded softly, and after setting their couple of bottles of liquid medications into the fridge, they headed back to their room, going to rest and finally sleep for the night.

Jonathan chuckled at Sans's energy, "At ease, son. And thank you. You happen to remember a General Leslie Brimstone? They are a good friend of mine and I need help locating their son. I suppose you can say I am in debt to dear Leslie and wish to repay them."

He figured that was a simple enough explanation without giving too many details. That's all he technically needed to do, "Be a big help if I can get the boy located."

James finished up not to long after and decided to head to bed. Part of him was wondering if he had to explain his brother's comings and goings, but, he figured if time came he'd do so. For now, sleep was calling him and he was fine with dreams. The feeling of company so close did ease some worries for him.

"General Leslie Brimstone..." Sans thought for a bit, scratching the back of his skull. He knew he'd heard that name before. It took him a few minutes, but he smiled. "I've never known them, except in history books on the guardsmen of the Great War. They were known for isolating groups of humans with their icy breath, and rending their enemies with their sharp claws! I've based some of my attack patterns after their own! But, I've never met them...as for their son, I think I have heard of him..."

"He used to be a school teacher, before he retired. But I don't know his first name. I just remember my brother telling me of his teacher Mr. Brimstone, but...he retired before I got to the fifth grade, the grade he had taught..." Sans finished. "I never actually knew him either, unfortunately..."

Looking to Jonathan, he chuckled softly. "I do know this... he's not a boy, far as it seems...then again I think my brother said he was a genius like himself though..."

"That would be them yes." Jonathan continued to listen, giving a thoughtful growl.

"Hmm...perhaps we should ask your brother then. And I know he's not a boy, be a man now. But, that still changes nothing in that I need to find him, son. Now...can you help me...?"

Sans nodded, and led the way to his brother's house, knocking on the door firmly.

Papyrus had been asleep in bed with Happy, and he opened his eyes blearily. "...great..."

Getting up from bed, he came shuffling to the door in just an old tanktop and khaki shorts. "mmm? what's up bro? you an the colonel enjoying some father son bonding or what?"

Sans sighed, shaking his head. "No, well...do you know what your old teachers first name was? Mr. Brimstone you'd told me, but he retired or something?"

"oh shit, yer asking me about old 'skinflint stone'...damn, that man was a hard-ass. reminded me of father to be honest...but uh, brimstone's first name was reginald, we sometimes called him reggie, but he hated that. said there was only one person who could call em that, and it wasn't us idiot kids." Papyrus commented, folding his arms underneath his chest. "as to where skinflint is...i dunno off the top of my head. but uh...hey, gimme a minute, i'll look in my records, see if he made it to the surface..."

Papyrus went to his file cabinets, which by then there was nearly four of them, stacked five drawers high. Looking to the labels he found the right drawer and started flicking through them. "bridwell, bridweg...here, brimstone. reginald brimstone...bought the house down on canterbury lane, number 52."

Happy was still currently knocked out. Robot had forgotten to charge themselves before knocking out. So currently they were at 20% after Pap noticed the change earlier.

"Thank you Papyrus. I most certainly appreciate it. Suppose I'll head down there with one of the girls and finish business." Jonathan looked thankful as he gave Pap a light pat on the head, his way of saying "job well done"

"I'll leave you two to rest. I know its getting quite late. Goodnight boys."

"night, colonel jae, your welcome." Papyrus smiled as he gently closed the door behind him.

Sans nodded softly, and walked back to his own home, pausing before he looked back up towards Jonathan. "I do hope things work out, Colonel. I'm happy to have been able to help you."

"I do too, son...I do too. And thank you...been a very good help." Jonathan gave him a pat on the head to before fully disappearing for the night.

Morning would come soon enough. Marrie was sound asleep in bed, purring away, snuggling up Sans only to hear beeping.

"Mmm...Sansy...turn off the alarm...I don't wanna be up yet..." Marrie let out a groan as she tried burying her face into a pillow to down out the noise. The beeping itself wasn't from any phone or clock alarm...it was coming from the kitchen.

Sans turned over to turn off the alarm, and he noticed it wasn't from his phone. It was far too early for that. Even for him. Sniffing the air, he sprung to his feet, his eyelights flickering out as he ran to the kitchen.

It was a fire, having taken over the kitchen and creeping into the living room, quickly spreading. He ran past the edges of the flames and flung open the front door, then he hurried back to their bedroom. Without a second thought, he grabbed her, after grabbing their phones into his inventory.

Running full tilt as the smoke was rapidly filling the house, he went outside the house, and leapt into the river, holding her close to his chest, before he climbed out again. The only reason he didn't call the fire department, was he could already hear the sirens in the distance.

Marrie screamed at the suddeness of being taken up like that. Once she saw flames, she immediately sprang awake, "O-O-Our...OUR HOUSE!? WHAT HAPPENED!? SANSY!"

Even with the river, she was stll panicking, only gasping for breath once they surfaced again. She didn't fully expect the jump.

Jonathan semi appeared by Sans and Marrie, giving a nervous and slightly shamed grin, "Uh...good morning kids...I...was going to surprise you with breakfast..but...uh...suppose my cooking skills are just as bad in the afterlife as they were when I was alive...sorry about that." He let out a small laugh before disappearing again.

Marrie got her bearings and looked to her ghostly father before screaming "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

Jonathan immediately disappeared again. Vera always had Jonathan's temper. Marrie usually never got angry. Disappointed and hurt, yes. But never angry. When she did, she was her father to the power of 10 when driven to that.

Sans stood there beside the river, watching as the fire department was putting out the fire in his home. One moment he was sleeping peacefully next to his wife, the next he was running terrified for his life. Due to a fire his father-in-law had set off by attempting to make them breakfast.

"Well, now I know where Alphys learned to cook years ago." Sans muttered, his eyes narrowed as he glared at their house. "Hopefully it's not too far gone...and...and at least we're okay. Right my dearest? It's just a house, it can be fixed and it can be repaired."

Marrie was still fuming in Sans's arms, fur still sticking out as she hissed at nothing, "Dad's going to wish he stayed in the afterlife now! THAT WAS OUR FUCKING HOUSE, SANS! THE SMOKE DAMAGE! THE WATER DAMAGE!"

"JUST...GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

She would need a while to fully calm down. Especially as she ran over when the firefighters arrived to take care of the scene.

Meanwhile, Vera was just getting up from her own slumber.

Jonathan had decided to visit his eldest daughter to hide from Marrie and making the excuse that he was there to visit them and play around with his grandchild.

Kryssie didn't seem to mind as she left her moms alone to sleep while she played with her ghostly grandpapa in the house.

Sans chased after her to try to keep Marrie from hurting herself...or anyone else for that matter, as she ran towards the firefighters.

Aqua stayed in bed for the time being, being so close to having the twins. She still had about thirteen days left, but knew they could honestly come at any time by then.

After about an hour more of sleep, she reached over tiredly, patting for Vera. "Ku'uipo?"

Carefully she got up out of bed, and went into the living room. She didn't realize it, but her stomach had already dropped down. She waddled to the couch and eased herself onto it. "I feel like a wrecking ball, Vera."

A contraction seemed to almost just barely ripple across her stomach, and her mouth disappeared as she rubbed her belly.

Vera let out a yawn as she got over to the kitchen to start breakfast, "I know babe...you said that yesterday too...just a little longer..." She started up making breakfast, getting enough out to get some omelets and a quick fruit salad.

Kryssie was giggling and running around with a little blanket cape, "Morning mama!" She suddenly started flying around, Jonathan was picking her up and letting her fly around.

"Wheeee! Grandpapa's here!" She kept laughing and giggling as Jonathan soon set her down by Aqua to hug her.

"Sorry for the intrusion girls. Thought I'd come for a visit." Jonathan chuckled as he made himself visible.

"Hey dad. Nah, you're cool. Make yourself at home. We were gunna visit Unc later today, but you're free to join us for breakfast." Vera was cutting up some fruit to go along with everything, "Babe, you want me to bake some pineapple for ya again? Or you want that for a thing later?"

"Aloha, Colonel." Aqua sighed softly, managing a smile as Kryssie hugged her. "Not a problem, sir...sorry if I'm not exactly, up to speed today..."

She closed her eyes for a moment, and rubbed her stomach as the twins were shifting in what little room they had left. "I dunno if I can eat, Vera... I'm not hungry..."

"Something...just feels really off. I'm all tense and nervous...for some reason." The water elemental leaned back on the couch, both hands running over her stomach. She was still dressed in her pajamas; silken pants and a semi-fitted tank top.

"I'm just Colonel to people outside the family. No need to call me that. John or some variation of Dad is alright with me, Aqua honey." Jonathan chuckled and took a "seat" on a nearby chair.

"Huh? You usually got a big appetite. What's going on?" Vera stopped her cooking and headed over to check on her.

"Mama? Are you feeling sick?" Kryssie looked at her mom confusedly.

"...Aquaria...how far along are you again?" Jonathan took a look at his daughter-in-law, trying to see if a hunch of his was correct.

Aqua could barely hear all of them crowding her at once. She tried to just focus on one then the other was speaking it seemed. Her pink eyes widened and she gripped the fabric over her stomach. "I...I only got like, less than two weeks...t'sa it hurts, it's like they won't stop kicking me!"

She sighed deeply, laying back against the couch again, closing her eyes. "Keiki I'm not...not sick...just not feelin good..."

Looking to Jonathan, she nearly had tears in her eyes. "Kāne, I'm scared...a-am I supposed to have em early?"

Vera took a look at her before looking at Kryssie, "Baby...sugar pea...can you get mommy's phone and call Kupuna James?Just like I taught you? I'm going to need his help. okay?"

Kryssie nodded and ran off with a smile, first hero mission for her.

Jonathan floated over, already confirming in his head that he was right, "It's normal, Aqua honey...you're having twins, so they have a time when they come early since they can't grow anymore with the little space they have. You and the children will be fine, just take it slow...that's all."

He at least remembered that when he was helping James study for his training. Sounded right in his head from memory.

"Come on...if they're coming, let's get you back in bed...unless you want to have them somewhere else." Vera knew this part, and she hated it when she went through it. But at least she semi-remembered on what to do.

Aqua carefully got to her feet, and she shook her head. "No...no bed, tub! I need the water...gonna dry out if not in the tub!"

She was in the middle of a contraction and in her mind she needed to get naked and into the very large bathtub they had. Without a second thought she slipped off her silken pants and waddled down the hallway slowly in just her tank top and her panties.

Stopping in the hallway, a splash was heard as her 'water' broke. Oddly enough, it was a swirl of thinly colored pink and blue, a mixture of both Aqua and Vera's magic colors.

Aqua let out a burbling groan, leaning against the wall. "Verrraa...catnip, I'm s-sorry if I ever cracked jokes when you were pregnant..."

Vera helped her out best she could, "Shhh...it's alright. Welcome to my world. Come on...we're almost there. Just take it easy, breathe through 'em like I did."

She helped get Aqua into the tub and start filling it with water. "Just in and out, seashell. Breathe in...breathe out...unc's coming. You got this. If I can do it, so can you. You're strong like that."

Kryssie went over to her Grandpapa, phone in hand, "Kupuna is coming!"

"That's a good girl, Kryssie baby." Jonathan gently scooped her up and held her, not needing her to be around when the babies made their debut.

"What's wrong with mama...? What happened?"

"Mama's having your siblings. She'll be okay. Your mommy's helping her and your Kupuna is coming soon to help too. We just have to be patient is all." He promised. He still remembers the days when all three of his kids were born.

Aqua had gotten her underwear off, deciding to leave her tank top on, though she hiked out up over her massive stomach. She moaned, cursing herself that she couldn't hold it back.

"I can do this... I can do this..." She smiled to Vera, pink sweat seeming to dot her forehead. Another strong contraction came rolling across her and she groaned. {I can't, I'm not strong...w-water ele... elementals...h-have their kids quick!}

Gripping the sides of the tub, she panted and then slipped beneath the surface of the water instinctively. She felt better being inside the tub, and her hands rested on her stomach. Feeling the contractions again, she tried to focus.

The young water elemental hoped that her wife remembered the breathing device she'd picked up for her, so she could join her underwater while she birthed the twins.

The little device just looked like a mouthpiece with a tube running through it, and it sat on the counter beside the bathtub.

Vera didn't forget it. It was with her, but part of her was still not liking being underwater. She looked back at the water and groaned, "Angel above Aq...you're sooooooo lucky I love you..."

She took the device and took only her shirt off, leaving her bra and sleeping shorts on before diving in with her laboring wife. Much as she hated being down deep in the water, she'd face it for her.

James would come in about 10 minutes later. Jonathan had pointed out where the girls had gone as he was caring for Kryssie. Wouldn't be long until James joined them underwater with his own breathing device. This wasn't his first water birth either, he's delivered all sorts of babies in other places. Came with the job that he signed up for.

Vera was still hanging onto Aqua's hand, trying her best to focus on Aqua rather than where she was. James did give her a few glances to make sure she was okay before turning to Aqua to see how far she had left.

By then the first baby's head was already crowning, and Aqua was taking deep breaths in and out, her rarely seen gills slightly flaring with each breath.

{Oh fuuuuuckkk...} She grunted and pushed again, the first baby sliding out, and she floated backwards in the water a bit. She reached forward, getting the first baby and she went topside, knowing they'd follow her. She breathed outwards strongly, the water quickly escaping her gills.

"C'mon... c'mon cry for Mama..." Aqua rubbed their back, they were a tiny kitten, oddly enough with gills along their neck. She knew they could breathe underwater like herself, but she had to make sure they could breathe air too.

After a few moments, a little spurt of water came from the babies gills, and the little boy let out a lusty meowing cry.

James and Vera would soon follow a bit after the baby was born. Janes did a quick look at the young kitten and smiled, "One out of two...healthy little boy. Good job, Aqua. Very good."

Vera gave a kiss to Aqua's cheek, "Hey...there we go...hey little troublemaker!" She could only laugh at seeing how her kid was.

"Still one more to be had. Aqua, can you give Vera the baby? You'll have to start pushing soon." James was happy to see a new grandnibling born but he had to keep vigilant since it wasn't exactly over yet.

Aqua already was deep in a contraction, and she shakily handed Vera their little boy. "Already...t-there..."

She let out a whimper, and patted Vera's arm. {I'll bring another kid up, my love...}

Slipping beneath the surface once more, already breathing easier as she was in her best state underwater, she focused on breathing, following the signs that James signed to her.

It only took a few pushes, but their second child, another boy was born. This one was similar to his brother, gills lining his neck, which allowed water or air breathing; along with what appeared to be water-repellant fur. One boy had icy blue fur, the other had a darker hue, closer to Vera's coloring. What both of them had however was Jonathan's head fur coloring it seemed.

After pushing out the second baby, who was a natural born swimmer; Aquaria had passed out, drifting down to the bottom of their nearly eight foot deep bathtub in their master bathroom.

Vera ended up seeing the baby and pulled him into her arms along with his brother. "Holy...h-hey! There's kiddo number two! Wow...you look...a lot like your grand papa...but I'm okay with that." Vera just kept the kids with her, gently rocking them.

James didn't let her drift too down far, bringing her up back to the surface but keeping her submerged to get her energy back up. He did focus on seeing the twins while his tail kept Aqua from drifting too much.

"Uncle? She okay?! What happened? " Vera noticed her unconscious wife and was ready to panic when James shook his head.

"She'll be fine. Water elemental need to gather their strength after something like this. Same with you when you first had Krystabelle. I just didn't want her going too deep in case I needed to do some healing. Boys are good?"

"Yeah...yeah they're both good. They're good..." Vera kept hanging onto the boys, letting out a relieved laugh, "I'm not gunna hear dad shut up about this huh...?"

"No you are not."

While Aqua was gathering her strength underwater, the twin boys were babbling and making all sorts of noises in Vera's arms. One boy, the one with icy blue fur, had a tuft of hair that looked strikingly like Jonathan's. The other one with darker blue fur, had blond hair like Vera's.

One boy let out a burbling squeal, while the other was mewing up a storm, their tail slapping against the water playfully. A few minutes passed by and Aqua had joined the land of the living once again.

After swimming topside, she weakly looked to Vera, and smiled softly. "Aloha, my ku'uipo...h-how are the babies doin?" She was still exhausted and nearly slipped down, as she awkwardly splashed water everywhere in her effort to not fall beneath the surface again.

The boys had water dribbling from their gills, their large eyes barely open, they were laying against Vera's chest just experiencing their new world for the first time.

Vera chuckled and held the two out, "They're good. Both are talkative little dorks." She gently kept rocking them as she placed a kiss on Aqua's cheek, "You feeling okay? Not so easy, huh...?"

"She did significantly better than what you went through, Vera." James let his tail go from Aqua as he looked at both mom and sons, "Two healthy baby boys as well no less. You did just fine."

Aqua gently took the boys into her arms, and lightly treaded water as she laid on her back delicately. Pulling off her tank top; she then put the boys to her chest and closed her eyes as she let them feed. She felt at ease, and blissful after the pain and pressure had left her. Still needing to recooperate, she gently rubbed their backs, and smiled sweetly.

{Just let me float, the boys are natural swimmers, my sweetheart...they will come and go as they want in the water...if you want to join us, you can~} Aqua murmured tiredly, her pink eyes gazing to Vera. Her dreadlocked hair floated lazily behind her, but her face told a different story; of exhaustion and barely hanging on, despite her easygoing, emphatic nature.

Sans was slowly walking through their house, or rather what was left of it; seeing their kitchen gutted out from the flames; and the rest of the living room soaked with water and obviously damaged by smoke. Sighing quietly, he shook his head; his tail rattling. However it seemed that Marrie was suddenly interested in something else as she'd gone to the bathroom.

"MARRIE...Is everything okay? Do you need assistance with anything...I mean, I know today has been quite...terrible my dearest..." Sans leaned against the wall beside the bathroom, wiping his arms off softly from the soot he'd gathered while trying to right a few things in the remants of their kitchen.

Vera leaned over to give her a kiss and rub her shoulders a bit. Marrie learned massage from somewhere, and that somewhere was from Vera.

"I've been there, seashell...just relax...take a breather. I'll be right here, alright?" She started activating her healing magic a bit to give Aqua a bit of a boost, just in case she needed it.

James decided to stay in the house a bit longer and help clean up, that included the mess in the hallway. He didn't mind, it gave his nieces the peace and quiet they needed.

Jonathan was still busy with Kryssie, now having moved outside since he wanted her to be a little more at peace. Girl was getting pretty worried but being outside and with her Grandpapa made things a little better.

Marrie looked at something in her hands, her face read annoyed. "Darn it...again...? Come on..." She whispered to herself before seeing Sans.

"Hey...no I'm okay...how's the kitchen...?" She sighed and thew the thing in her hands away. A negative pregnancy test. She washed her hands and started to leave. She at least hoped that was some good news out of it all, but she wouldn't be getting it from there.

Her focus now was on the pictures in the livingroom. Some survived with only the frames or glass being damaged by smoke, some pictures she knew had to be air dried, her wedding photo was ruined a bit with the smoke turning the picture darker than it originally was. Least the pearl Sans gave her a long time ago was still okay, only the glass it was sitting inside of was clouded with smoke and soot.

Aqua felt like she was melting more into the puddle she was at the massaging. Closing her eyes, she sighed deeply and smiled sweetly. {Ohhh...you do such good massage, babe...}

One of the boys detached from Aqua and went swimming in the water easily; giving out tiny cute burbling meows. Aqua looked over at them, and she smiled brightly. "Lookit, they're natural swimmers, ku'uipo...though I know it'll be hard for them to start crawling and whatnot..."

Leslie had gotten worried about how long it was taking James, as he'd run out without telling them. After locking up the house, they were making their way towards Vera's house when they saw Jonathan in the front yard with Kryssie. "H-Hello?"

They narrowed their eyes curiously, wiping their face for a moment in shock. "...James told me you died, Colonel..."

In their own house, Sans shook his head, following after Marrie. "The kitchen is a complete LOSS. Apparently your father was trying to fry up sausage and bacon, and he'd started a grease fire...I've already called a repair service for such things, and they said they'll be by later today for an estimate..."

Going over to their closet, he pulled out his dress uniform and unzipped it cautiously. "...OH NO MY UNIFORM! The...it smells like my BROTHER'S HOODIE NOW!"

Putting it back into the closet, he looked worried over at Marrie. "I do hope our photos are alright, my dearest...this is just...Papa's said we can move back into the house with them temporarily while our house gets repaired..."

"It's fine. They don't need to know how to walk or crawl yet. But uh...I think we gotta start giving them names though." Vera laughed a bit as she kept massaging.

Jonathan looked over seeing Leslie and froze. Busted...he knew he should have tried convicing Kryssie to stay to the back...

"Ah! Leslie old friend! Haven't seen you in a long time! Well...my brother wasn't wrong...I'm...still dead. Been dead for decades. But...I suppose you can say I have some unfinished business." He let out a nervous laugh as Kryssie stayed by him, "What are you doing here?"

"Some...are okay...our wedding portrait...i don't know if it can be saved...maybe Darren can fix it...?" She sighed, seeming saddened with everything. She loved her dad and appreciated what he tried to do, but at the cost of her house? It didn't sit with her.

She didn't notice the tears starting to fall.

Aqua watched their twins for a few moments longer and she nodded gently. Shifting herself to where she simply sat on the ledge along the side of the tub; the other baby detached and began swimming as well. "Well...I was thinking they would be named after Kane and Uncle James."

She pointed to the boy who had the tuft of brightly colored hair much like Jonathan's and she smiled. "He'd be John Kaiko Jae, and him..." She then pointed to John's brother who was swimming back towards Aqua, mewing happily. "...he would be James Uluwehi Jae."

Settling back against the lip of the tub; she gently gathered the boys; as a gentle wave of water pulled them to her side. Cradling them both close to her chest, it could be seen when she pulled them out from the water, they instantly put their heavy heads against her shoulders. Gravity was certainly against the watery twin cats, as the water elemental then slowly stepped out from their deep tub.

Moments later the boys started to cry. "Oh...oh no no...Mama needed to get out from the water, keikis...c'mon, shhh..shhh...we're gonna put you down, and give you a nice soft blanket, hmm?" Aqua started to slightly rock back and forth on her feet; and the boys started to calm down a bit at the 'ship on the water' feeling that it had on them.

Outside the house, Leslie came a bit closer and smiled softly at Kryssie. Looking to Jonathan they chuckled softly, smoothing their shirt sleeve down a bit. "Unfinished business? I've got that as well...a breakfast casserole that your brother suddenly left in the middle of eating. He wouldn't tell me what happened, he just...took off like someone lit his tail on fire..."

As Marrie spoke, Sans came over to his wife, and gently wrapped his arms around her. "Oh my love...it was all a mere accident...it will take time, but things will be restored as if nothing happened! I will make sure that, my dearest love..."

He gently gave her a kiss, and wiped away her tears. "For now...why don't get dressed for the day, then we can gather up what clothing we'll feel like we need, and we can go to my parents house? I'm sure they'll appreciate seeing that we're okay. The house, and our items can be replaced...we can't. So it's...good it wasn't any worse at least..."

"Those are perfect, babe." Vera chuckled and kissed her cheeks before gently rubbing her thumb on her boys' cheeks.

Once they started crying, she started humming a lullaby to help calm them down. She'd grab her uncle, dad and daughter later.

"Sorry about that. That'd be the commotion going on inside. My daughter-in-law went into labor so we called ol James over to help bring the babies into the world. So I was left here taking care of my granddaughter." Jonathan patted Kryssie's head, earning a little giggle.

"Hi! I'm Kryssie!" She laughed.

Marrie nodded and sniffled, hugging him tight. "Okay...l-let's go..." She didn't want to make things worse. For now, she wanted to get what she could and let things get fixed.

John and James started to fall asleep in Aqua's arms, James letting out a few tiny purrs and John mewing cutely. It seemed the feistier of the two didn't want to sleep yet. The world was so bright and exciting! And not everything was wet, so amazing. But even then, his eyes grew more heavy at his Mommy's humming, and soon he fell asleep as well.

Aqua smiled softly to Vera, and she put her forehead against her wife's. {...never again, Vera...you could not pay me to have more children...}

Leslie blushed softly, and ran their hand through their grayed hair. "Oh! My word, I didn't even know...well, now I feel like the asshole here. Oops...got little ears around, I shouldn't be cussin' like that."

They knelt down a bit, their thick white tail resting on the grass. "Well hello there, Kryssie. My name is Leslie. It's a pleasure to meet you, munchkin."

Sans returned the hug, looping his tail comfortingly against her back. "It will all work out, my dear."

After they'd packed their bags, they locked their front door...although it didn't matter much; what with the nearly blown out side of their house concerning the kitchen. As they were leaving, the restoration company had come by; and Sans spoke with them; while they got to work. It would take about a week total to replace everything. After two days, they could come back to the house anyways.

Thankfully it didn't take long, and they headed down the sidewalk, to cross the couple of streets it would take to get to Sans' parents house. Along the way, they decided to take a shortcut; through Papyrus' yard.

Papyrus was laying out in the backyard, just in boxers and a sports bra; with Happy curled up beside him, themselves underneath an umbrella. Sans stopped in the yard and stared at his brother for a moment.

"Again...welcome to my world. We're not having anymore kids. Three's plenty." Vera laughed a bit before continuing her lullaby for the twins.

"It's alright. She knows better, right Kryssie?" Jonathan patted her head again. Kryssie let out a purr before going closer to Leslie. She seemed interested in her grandpapa's friend.

Marrie just followed, seeming tired and stressed. She wasn't really expecting any of this.

Happy was serving themselves and Pap a glass of lemonade they made last night. They handed a glass over to him before they noticed Sans and Papyrus. "Oh...H-hello you two...good to see you..." they managed a smile.

"Hey. You two look comfortable." Marrie managed a tiny smile back, she still wasn't too happy

Aqua followed Vera slowly to the twins bedroom and she delicately put them both down in their crib.

Leslie smiled sweetly, their long tail curling beside them. "Well hello there...my name is Leslie Brimstone. I'm your grandfather's friend from the Royal Guard, years ago. And I live with James, I guess he's your great uncle?"

Sans sighed, and wrapped his tail around Marrie's waist. Papyrus sat up a bit more, blinking a little.

"you look stressed as hell...what happened?" Papyrus drawled, as he took the lemonade from Happy.

Sans pointed to his house and frowned. "A good morning breakfast gone wrong...our kitchen is gone and it's getting repaired. I just had us take a shortcut through your yard to our parent's house at the end of the cul-de-sac..."

Vera kissed Aqua's cheek and watched the twins sleep for a bit, "Wanna get Kryssie and my dad to see them?"

Kryssie giggled again and nodded, "Uh huh! Kupuna James is nice. He's helping my mama and mommy."

"Was. They're doing just fine now. I apologize for running off like that, Leslie." James headed over, drying his hands with an extra towel, "As you can see, it was a family emergency."

Happy looked over a bit and but his lip in nervousness, "...That explains the barbecue smell early this morning...Papy thought someone was grilling something..."

"Just our kitchen...and some of our pictures getting smoked..." Marrie mumbled, still seeming less than thrilled, "I love my dad but...cooking was never his thing...Uncle James is luckily much better.."

Aqua nuzzled Vera softly, and nodded. "Yeah...I'm gonna get a house dress on, and just sit for a bit in the rocking chair...still got my 'land legs' right now yanno."

Leslie stood up and chuckled softly. "Oh it's quite alright...family emergencies, well heck any emergency is certainly worth it James. I just was worried something worse happened...but it's fine. I put away breakfast, and cleaned up the kitchen too."

She gently patted Kryssie's head and smiled. "And you are just the sweetest lil munchkin aren't you?"

Papyrus had sat up more, and sighed; running his hand down his face. "greaaat...at least you two are a'right...fuck i thought someone was grilling bacon half the morning then i wondered why i could smell wood..."

Sans folded his arms over his chest. "REMINDS ME OF CAPTAIN ALPHYS. SHE'S BURNED HER HOUSE DOWN TWICE BEFORE I TAUGHT HER HOW TO COOK PROPERLY! AND SHE'S NEARLY BURNED DOWN THE LAB TOO."

Looking to his brother, he came over and just gave Papyrus a slight hug. "We should get going to Mama's house though, she'll start to worry if we take too long..."

Wingdin was currently feeling her way through the cabinet, with Edge assisting her; while she was setting up to make cranberry orange crispbread.

Bitter looked to the bowl of flavored heavy cream and brown sugar as he swirled the bowl slightly around. "...Yer really gonna be makin' this rich 'o ice cream, Wing? It's pure heavy cream and eggs...wait this is custard; you know Doc is big enough a'ready right?"

Wingdin snickered softly, shaking her head. "No no no...is for all family, good nice holiday type of foods. And we have roast slow cooking in oven too. Good big pork roast, with apple chestnut stuffing. Make my baby boy and his wife feeling better after problems today."

"Yeah...sounds good. Get some rest." Vera nodded and let Aqua head off. While she was away, Vera took a picture of the twins on her phone and texted the picture out of them to the other family members before heading out to the front to get Kryssie and her father.

Kryssie giggled and tried hugging Leslie's arm. "Thank you, Leslie. I more than appreciate it." James seemed thankful for that.

"When did you two started living together?" Jonathan gave a grin at James. His brother rolled his eyes, knowing what he meant but wasn't going to fall for it again.

"Woah...uh...you got a new roommate, Unc?" Vera came out to the front, cardigan on just barely keeping her bra hidden.

"Yes. This is Leslie. Old friend of your father's and I. Leslie, this is my eldest niece, Vera. How's Aqua doing?" James looked over at her.

"Just fine. She's getting rested up." Vera headed over close as Kryssie ran over to ask about her siblings.

"Yeah...we better go..." Marrie sighed. Happy felt their phone vibrate as they checked it, "Well...there is some good news. Aqua had her babies. Twin boys. One looks a little like your father."

Marrie headed over to take a look, a small gentle smile appeared, "Awww..." part of her longed for the day she could give a baby to Sans too. She wanted to. But for now, she was happy for her sister.

Leslie chuckled gently at Kryssie trying to hug her arm. "You wanna hug? Ain't no problem sweetheart." The old dragon gently wrapped her arms around Kryssie; her soft, leathery wings slightly fluttering. "You are a great hugger, aren't you?"

Looking over to Vera, she grinned wide; standing up again after hugging Kryssie; letting the child run off again. "Pleasure to meet you Vera. Oh, James I put a pot of soup in the slow cooker, we can have that for lunch if you're hungry!"

Papyrus glanced at the phone and grinned. "they're cute...hey they got gills, looks like they can breathe underwater like aqua can. pretty neat."

Sans gently gave Marrie a kiss on her cheek, hefting their large bag over his shoulder again. "They're beautiful. We can see them later on tonight if you wanted, or tomorrow morning of course...don't need to crowd them you know."

Taking Marrie's hand, they both headed off to Sans' parents house.

"Sounds lovely, thank you." James's smile grew...and so did Jonathan's. "Wipe that smirk off, brother...I know what you're thinking and no." James immediately went back to annoyed as Jonathan began to laugh.

"Nice to meet you too. Uh...you guys wanna come in and see the twins? They're sleeping right now but I think they can handle it." Vera offered as she picked up Kryssie to go see Aqua and the boys. "Sibbies! Yay!"

Happy nodded in agreement, "We can see them later too...I know Aqua must be exhausted right now..." They put away their phone before waving at Marrie and Sans leaving. Once they were gone, they focused on cuddling Pap again and patting his bump, "It will be your turn soon..."

Marrie just nodded as they headed off to Sans' parents' house. She needed to clear her head anyway.

Leslie looked between the two brothers, and put their hands on their hips. "Jonathan Jae, I can't believe you. You know what I went through and I wouldn't want no one like that. Now...a good friend, I could see...but don't be pushing us together when we don't wanna be. You nasty little man, I swear..."

They sighed, and smiled. "I'll let you two go see those babies; I'm gonna head on back home though, don't wanna be in the way none."

Sans had just quietly led the way to his parent's house, and came inside as he had a key. "We're here! Papa had said for us to just let ourselves in..."

Papyrus chuckled and shook his head as he put his glass of lemonade down. Closing his sockets, he pulled his straw hat over his face. "...wake me up when the baby's here, boo..."

"I mean no harm, Leslie old friend. And my thoughts weren't onto that. You admitted that all on your own." Jonathan laughed before disappearing to get inside.

James didn't really say much on the matter, he just headed inside.

"You're welcome to come in and see them too. Any old friend of dad's is a friend to the family." Vera offered before heading in too.

She'd bring Kryssie into the nursery quietly to let her see her baby brothers, "These are your little brothers, Kryssie...whatcha think sugar pea?"

"Wow...they're tiny...and got lots of bue..." Kryssie stared at her brothers, doing her best to be quiet as possible so she didn't disturb them. Mommy did say babies always need quiet.

Marrie followed inside, not saying much else since she didn't feel like talking at the moment. By that point, she just wanted to nap and forget what happened happened.

Happy giggled a bit and kept rubbing his belly, "Your daddy's silly...isn't he...? Don't worry...we're still just as excited to see you...take your time." They figured if Pap was going to be sleeping, they decided to sing up a soft lullaby for the both of them. It was still a really nice relaxing morning afterall.

Leslie rolled their eyes, and couldn't help the smile across their snout. Hearing Vera; they decided to follow anyways and see these new little bundles of joy.

Aqua had gotten a house dress on, and put on a CD of lullabies in the twins bedroom; before she'd fallen asleep in the rocking chair herself. She was letting out quiet snores that sounded like a barely burbling creek.

Cupcake had been playing the piano at the moment, and he turned on the bench and came over to them. "Oh, I am so terribly sorry to hear what happened, children...come, you must want to rest; it's been dreadfully horrendous today...the extra bedroom is all set up for you both. I'll call you when dinner is done in a few hours, alright?"

Sans hadn't realized it, but he felt quite exhausted as well after the adrenaline rush from that early morning had finally passed. "Thank you Papa..."

Papyrus listened to them, and let out a soft hurgling noise as they rubbed his heavy belly. He only had a couple months left; and his GMBD was pretty bad, he was nearly as large around as Aqua was. But he tried to put it out of mind, and having his spouse spoiling him nearly everyday was a pleasant thing however, and made everyday so easy for him. He didn't feel worthy of all of the attention, but he appreciated it nonetheless.

Vera used a vine from her magic to put on a blanket over Aqua, not wanting her to get too cold while she slept there.

James and Jonathan would come in and smile at the two little sleeping bundles. "Little boys...Stars alive...they're looking just like their grandpa with that hair." Jonathan laughed quietly as he hovered over the other side, "And one looks more like his mom here. You two did fine work, sprout."

"Thanks dad...but...that's not the only thing...we...figured out the names and..." Vera gently let Kryssie down, letting the little girl get a closer look of her brothers herself, "The darker blue one is John Kaiko Jae...and the one that looks a little more like me is James Uluwehi Jae." She looked at both of the cat males, soft smile on her face. "Named after the two best father figures in my life...Aqua and I agreed with it...so...yeah..."

Both brothers seemed stunned. Jonathan floated over and hugged his daughter with her hugging back, "...Thank you, Vera...makes everything I've done for you kids worth it..."

James joined the hug in too, looking like he was about to start crying.

"Love you guys too..." Vera managed a laugh as she held both of them, blessed to have both of them in her life.

Marrie nodded and followed Sans into the spare room. Part of her wanted to see the bright side of things at the moment. But everything didn't seem to add up for her. Once she got to the room and laid on the bed, she curled up and started to cry.

Happy didn't mind giving him the attention. Part because they felt Pap deserved it and part because it helped their anxiety too. Made things calmer for themselves and gave their mind and hands something to do while their husband enjoyed it. A few more months would make it even more worth it. They never admitted it outwardly but they were a little excited to see the baby soon. They just hoped they made a good parent along with a good romantic partner.

Aqua snuggled in the blanket as she slept. James started to stir in the bed; letting out a squeaky mew. His eyes opened a bit more; and he gazed up from the crib. John heard his brother mews and his tiny little hands started working the blanket. Moments later he sneezed; a dribble of water coming from the water kitten's gills.

Sans had set their bags down on the floor, and his tail shot straight up when he heard her crying. "Marrie...oh...oh honey..." He immediately crawled into the bed beside her, the bags forgotten; as he gently held her close. "My dearest, I know things look bad, but we'll get through this...together...I've taken care of everything that's happened, and give it a week, it will be like it never happened at all!"

Papyrus let out a quiet grunt as the baby decided his lungs were a good punching bag. "...guh, fuck...what're doin' up there kid? get outta daddy's ribcage..." He lifted the straw hat and yawned as he looked up at Happy, a lazy grin across his face.

"guess rest times ova, and it's time for daddy to get movin' huh? they get up in my ribcage and i get moving a bit then they're all happy again, nyeheheheh..." He drawled as he hefted himself more to a sitting position. "...hate to admit it, but i'm still stuck on that grilled bacon from earlier this mornin. you wanna go to muffet's? she reopened down in town..."

Kryssie watched the babies move about, eyes sparkling in curiosity and excitement. She loomed over to see both her brother's better, her tail swaying about behind her. "Hi...I'm Kryssie! Your big sister! Imma be a good sister to you!" She picked up a little tissue and wiped up the dribble of water from John, "Silly bubbies."

"Looks like the boys are up...Dad, Uncle? You want to hold 'em?" Vera looked at the two. James managed to whine out a yes as Jonathan tried his best not to bust out laughing before heading over to see the boys.

Marrie snuggled into his chest and only continued to cry, "It's not j-just that! I...I...I just w-wanted today to be g-good for something! Our kitchen's gone...the pictures I have are ruined...I'm n-not getting pregnant but m-my sister had her b-babies...and...it's...just e-everything all at once...!"

Happy got up from their spot a bit, "Goodness...little one likes to move about..." They gave a light pat at Pap's bump, "Please be nice to daddy...he works hard." They did give the bump a light kiss on the cheek before looking back at Pap, "Muffets sounds good...I think a walk over might help cure the little fuss..."

Jamie looked to Kryssie; his pink eyes blinking a little bit. John squeaked again, patting the blanket on him in some attempt, almost looking like the kitten was trying to swim.

Sans sighed, rubbing her back gently. He nearly paused when he heard her talking about not getting pregnant yet. "...Oh...hmm...just like with the house, my love...we have all the time in the world to have as many children as we want."

Papyrus nodded in agreement. "yeah, that's what i was thinkin' too. i'll get dressed, into something more uh...appropiate, and we can head on down there."

Going into the house, he found a pair of maternity khaki shorts (rather a pair that he just simply buttoned beneath his gut as he'd been too lazy to go find khaki shorts or pants that were maternity-styled); a simple tank top, after taking his sports bra off. Loping back into the living room, he chuckled looking to Happy.

"should i go out like this, or should i try to find a hoodie that fits over my baby bump?" He grinned, his large glasses perched on his nasal bone. Papyrus knew he was being a bit teasing at the idea of going out braless in just a tank top was not the best plan.

Kryssie giggled at seeing them before giving them each a little boop on the nose. Jonathan gave her a pat on the head before picking up his namesake, "Well hello there little man! Look at you! I can already tell you're going to be quite the strong one, hmm?"

James picked up the other brother, still biting his lip to make sure no tears came down, "...H-Hello there...fine young man, hmm...? I hope you do well, child..."

Marrie hiccuped, "It's just...everything together...I...wouldn't be upset at not being pregnant again...that's been happening for a while...it's...harder than I thought...but...the fire...my dad running off like that...the photos...the pearl...the kitchen...it...just hit me hard...that's all...I'm sorry for being whiny..."

Happy was putting away the lemonade they made into the fridge before they noticed Pap come back. They started blushing heavily before shaking it off, "Papy...I think the hoodie would be a good idea...b-but...a b-bra is best..." They still blushed, doing their best not to stare.

John blinked, and opened his tiny mouth a bit; his little tongue blepping out. As he looked around a bit; his ears flicked; still mostly stuck to his head, as was normal for baby kittens.

Jamie meanwhile was a bit more quiet then his twin, and hiccuped in James' hands; his ears springing upward in surprise at the noise he himself made.

Sans continued to caress her lovingly, and hurgled softly in his chest to give her some calm. "No, don't you ever be sorry for being whiny my dearest, you are one of the strongest women I know in my life! To have a day, where things just break down, it's understandable to be broken-souled over it all crashing down around you..."

Papyrus snickered, resting his clawed hand on his bump as he waddled over closer to his spouse. "...well, how am i supposed to keep 'abreast' of all the new things 'growing' in our lives?"

He busted out laughing as he winked at Happy. "yeh, yeh, i'll get a bra on babe...i'll prolly wear a zip-up hoodie at least, so it's easier to take on and off...i mean, i hang around here in just my bra...but i don't 'xcatly wanna go flashing the humans down in town..."

Jonathan chuckled and scratched behind John's little ear gently, "Atta boy. You're gunna be great!"

James smiled and lightly nuzzled him, "That's alright. One step at a time, little one..."

Marrie sniffled and nodded, trying to rest and sleep.

Happy let out a few laughs, at the puns and with his reasoning. "Okay. T-take your time, Papy." They managed to say with a laugh.

John looked up at Jonathan, and let out a tiny mew; clenching his teeny little fingers around the cuff of his Grandpapa's jacket. Jamie purred at the nuzzling, letting out another hiccup; as residual water trickled from his gills.

Sans kissed her softly; and curled up close to her to help her rest and sleep better.

Pap kissed their cheek, and went off to the bedroom; getting better clothing on. This time he actually made an effort to look nice. Going through the closet, he found something he hadn't worn in a long time. A mint green colored, button up long-sleeved shirt, with a complimentary starry skies bowtie; and his long khaki slacks. The slacks apparently had an elastic waistband, and they fit easily underneath his heavy belly; where the button up shirt; actually managed to tuck into the slacks. Looking at himself in the mirror, he realized this was possibly a look that Happy had never seen before.

'Dr. Papyrus Harlow Aster, Assistant to the Former Royal Scientist, Dr. Caddy Brewer.' He hadn't worn clothes like this in years, because it wasn't required in his day-to-day life. He just hoped that he wouldn't encounter Napstaton wearing this embarrassing getup. The overly loud cousin-in-law of his had in fact seen him wearing clothes like that, plenty of times before his robotic body was finished originally.

Coming out from the bedroom, he adjusted his bowtie; and blushed slightly. "ready for us to go, babe...it's uh...one of the few things that'd fit me." He slipped his hands into the pockets of his slacks and sighed. "an' i got a bra on, don't worry 'bout that..."

Happy was grabbing a lighter jacket to take with them to Muffets. They've been experimenting with a few looks for themselves but with the heat, they opted to keep their black tank top on along with the pink jacket they wore.

Once they saw Pap in their new get up, they blushed heavily, face going completely pink but eyes sparkling with little hearts. "Oh...my...g-goodness..."

Papyrus blushed as well, his long tail starting to wave behind him. "you like it? oh my goodness, i'm dressed like papa dresses...i had to wear clothes like this back in the lab, because my hoodies weren't protected from chemical spills yanno...but it is comfy an' if ya like it...i can start dressing like this again..."

As he moved forward, he noticed the fronts of the elastic pants starting to fall, and he rolled his orange eyelights. "aw geez really...i'm gonna have to get something else...h-hold on..."

Heading back to the bedroom; he tried to pull the slacks up over his stomach, but they weren't big enough for that. Frowning to himself, he pulled out a pair of black suspenders, putting the contraption on as well. "...there we go, least my pants'll stay on now..."

"here's your big dork of a hubby, happy...least i'm still feeling pretty great though. and don't think i hate what i'm wearing...i actually like it...just used to get a lot of shit growing up, and dressing like my papa..." Papyrus grew quiet, his hands resting on the top curve of his stomach, his entire face lit up in an orange blush.

Happy didn't seem to mind, their pink blush glew red at the sight. Once they heard about being teased about that, they headed over and hugged Pap close.

"...I love it, Papy...you...y-you look really sweet...I think it suits you and...i-it's cute how much you look u-up to your father like that..." They admitted quietly, blush still on their face.

They really did like it, they felt it was a nice little change. And seeing the resemblance made it all the sweeter for them. They only wished they could have the same connection with someone. But they didn't mind, they weren't the envious type. If anything, it made them treasure what they had even more.

They gave a kiss to their husband's nasal cavity, "...All those nasty things are not deserved...you look very nice...Papy..."

Happy didn't seem to mind, their pink blush glew red at the sight. Once they heard about being teased about that, they headed over and hugged Pap close.

"...I love it, Papy...you...y-you look really sweet...I think it suits you and...i-it's cute how much you look u-up to your father like that..." They admitted quietly, blush still on their face.

They really did like it, they felt it was a nice little change. And seeing the resemblance made it all the sweeter for them. They only wished they could have the same connection with someone. But they didn't mind, they weren't the envious type. If anything, it made them treasure what they had even more.

They gave a kiss to their husband's nasal cavity, "...All those nasty things are not deserved...you look very nice...Papy..."

Papyrus' blush covered his entire skull, and he laughed a bit nervously, his tail gently curving around his spouses back. "thank you hapsta...i love you so much..."

He pushed his glasses back further up, and smiled sweetly to them. "yeah, it's...been awhile, i used to be a real sensitive nerd...my birth father kinda...beat it out of me, but my papa, my real father, he helped me so much...it just came natural i guess..."

Holding their hand, he led them out from the house after getting his phone and wallet, then together they walked to town for dinner. "hey maybe if zhara and napsta is able, we can have dinner together? they are back from their trip right?"

Happy firmly but gently took his hand as they walked with him down to the diner. They found it really sweet how Papy talked about Dr. Brewer like that.

"Oh, yes. Napsta called me yesterday saying they came back. I think that's a nice idea. I'll give them a text later...it has been a while since we last seen them..." They did start to miss their cousin a little. But at least with him or Zhara calling every once in a while, things seemed to be good and they weren't fallining into anxiety over them leaving again.

Part of them did remember something they saw in a human TV show they seemed to really like and might be fun to try. This could be their own bias from not having a tight knit family like their husbands, but...they did want to try more to be a part of his family.

"Maybe...one of these days...we should do a family dinner...w-with...everyone...that...would...sound...n-nice...yes...?"They were trying their best to keep their anxiety down.

Papyrus grinned brightly, rubbing his thumb across Happy's palm. "that's a great idea actually! a nice family dinner, oh, hey i've got a lot of recipes my diadoe, that's my grandpa, that he used to cook years ago!"

He chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to Happy's cheek. The daddy-to-be looked a bit nervous as he spoke to them. "i swear, papi was right when he said i was like a chameleon...i get different clothes on me and i start to act differently...i'm s-sorry, hapsta..."

Happy looked glad their idea was taken so well, they seemed to really enjoy seeing Pap get excited like that. They'd grown worried when he'd started apologizing.

"S-Sorry for what...? I...I think it's nice...it's good seeing you so...h-happy...I l-love you r-regardless of what you wear...y-you're still my honey bear..." They assured as they kept their grip firm, "...You look...cute..."

They looked to the floor with a smile and soft blush with their admittance.

Papyrus smiled a bit and he looked to them as he pulled them close to him on the street corner. "hapstablook...i misspoke...i know it's good to see me happy, but...every day with you is sheer happiness my sweetheart..."

"i...get nervous sometimes as well, but i...i usually don't let it bother me, but when i'm dressed like this, i feel more...exposed...i guess..." He smiled softly, and gave them a sweet kiss, cradling their cheek with his hand. "it makes my soul swell with joy to hear you say i look cute, and everytime you call me honey bear...it just makes giddy..."

He gave them a passionate kiss, running his free hand through their black hair. Pulling away, he gazed to their eyes. "and my sweet spouse, you are my soulmate, my equal, and i will always take your advice, you have never steered me wrong before."

Happy kissed right back each time, enamored and in love with everything Pap is. Their eyes were practically hearts now, their anxiety was unable to touch them in this moment.

"I love you honey bear...you're mine just as much...I trust you with everything...just like those vows we made at our wedding...I want everything I do to help and love you...you're my equal and my rock...and..." They looked over to Pap's stomach, giving it a gentle kiss and rub, "...I love them just as much...it makes me feel so...excited...to be here with you...and stay with you...normally I relied on my cousin's shows for excitement and companionship...I don't need only him for that...not with you...you give that and more..."

Something about Papyrus made the robot feel so much braver. They liked it...and they wanted to keep doing it. And making his love feel loved...was better than any other reward. To prove it, they went in for another passionate kiss, not caring who dare saw.

Papyrus' tail went straight, and then started to wave happily behind them at the kisses from his spouse. He melted into the kiss, wrapping his long arms around Hapstablook, nuzzling them as he hurgled loudly.

A male human frowned slightly at the couple, shaking his head as he crossed by them both. "Get a room, you freaks..."

The female who hung on the male's arm, giggled. "Oh my god, I guess with nothing to work on, the judge got faaaat~"

Papyrus tried to ignore the scathing remarks, and he smiled weakly; looking towards the diner, which was only a few streets away. "c'mon let's just go, boo..."

Happy tried to ignore them too, but that didn't meant they still didn't feel bad. But...Pap's presence kept them from thinking about it too much.

"Okay..." They just took his hand and let him lead. Wouldn't be long until they saw the familiar sign of Muffet's.

"Doesn't look too different from when it was Underground..."

Papyrus grinned and laughed a bit. "no...no it looks just like when it was down there, geezus muffy must've just...brought the plans with her..."

Heading inside the restaurant, he sighed softly, smiling happily. Muffet looked up from what she was doing and a bright smile crossed her face. She came out from around the bar, and stopped in front of Happy and Papyrus.

[Thank you for everything, Pap. You've helped bring us out from the underground. After years of banishment.] Her five eyes gazed to Papyrus' swollen stomach, and her bottom arms clasped together happily.

[Oh! Congratulations! And everything is on the house. You have no more tab, and you can't ever have one again. Pick wherever you want to sit.]

Happy gave a nod and smile at her, "T-Thank you..." They were still a little shy but...they're more vocal with Muffet now than when they first met the spider woman.

Happy looked around, thinking a nice seat on the bar would bring back good times, "Papy...did you want your usual spot...?"

Papyrus nodded and headed over to the bar, sighing as he settled onto the cushioned...old barstool. Carefully getting up from it, he curiously peered underneath. Seeing the engravement he'd done over thirteen years ago, his eyes widened, standing up again.

"muffy did you?" He took his seat again, and chuckled softly, as it felt like home to him, after so much different things with the surface.

Muffet gently tapped the counter, smiling. "Thought... you'd like a...piece of back there...up here."

Papyrus couldn't believe it, he'd driven this woman crazy over the years, ran up hundreds of gold in honey, tea and burgers, and yet...she went out of her way to make sure she brought his old barstool up to the surface.

Before he realized it, tears were running down his cheeks, an incredulous, surprised smile across his face.

"Oh...Papy..." Happy smiled and pulled him in for a hug and a few kisses to his face, hoping to catch and wipe away the tears he had.

"You're so loved...you know that...?" They whispered gently before giving him another kiss.

Papyrus nuzzled Happy's neck and smiled, as more tears trickled down his cheeks. "oh...oh my god...i...i can't believe it..."

Muffet smiled and went to get Papyrus' usual order, doubled. A large sweet tea with extra honey, double burg and seasoned french fries.

Papyrus looked to Happy, and sighed tiredly, the most pleased smile on his face, as he rested his hand on his stomach. A small whimsun came over, nervously tapping Happy's thigh.

"M-Myx? Oh...oh I'm so sorry I'm...in-interrupting...just wanted to...to thank you on behalf of...of n-nearly all the...the whimsun population!" They managed to stammer out, themselves quite possibly the only type of monster more nervous then Hapstablook.

The rest of the restaurant cheered brightly, for the man who helped them all get their homes on the surface. Of course, Toriel broke the barrier...but Papyrus, nearly alone as the Royal Judge, was the monster who made their dream of home owning a reality.

Happy looked over at the Whimsun with a shy smile, "Oh...w-well...P-Papy did his best...and...I...m-managed to help a...a l-little...but..." They muttered lightly before holding onto Pap's hand to keep their bravery, "I'm...g-glad to see everyone e-enjoying themselves so far on the surface..."

They looked over to Papyrus with a smile, "Though...I really should thank you for more than...all this..."

Papyrus was nearly breaking down in the restaurant by then. A few other monsters came over and patted his back kindly, smiling brightly. A few even left trinkets and gifts as a way of saying thanks.

The Whimsun nervously shook, and smiled up at Happy. "Y-You did help, myx! B-But...if it wasn't for Judge Aster, we wouldn't have been able to get our homes as easily as we did!"

Papyrus sniffled and smiled as he looked to Happy lovingly. "more than all this, hapsta?"

Happy understood that, but said nothing else. This was for their husband. Their sweet, precious husband...

"I...suppose I can say more when we go home..." they sighed, their earlier bravery starting to dwindle with the crowd drawing in close. They still weren't used to crowds. Even when working with Napstaton, they still had anxiety over it.

Muffet came over and lightly started shooing away the customers, as she'd brought out their food to eat. "He's...carrying! Let Judge...relax please!" She managed to croak out, while she settled their plates and glasses of sweet tea onto the counter top.

Papyrus sighed softly, and he gently squeezed Hapsta's hand lovingly. The crowd easily started to filter away, as if they weren't crowding around the couple just mere moments before. "sounds like a great plan, happy."

He leaned over slightly and gave Happy a kiss on their cheek. "dinner looks great though, and i think little one finally calmed too, they're not kicking me too bad." Patting his heavy middle, he sighed sweetly; a slight blush across his cheeks.

Picking up the burger he took a big bite from it, and his tail started to wave slowly behind him in bliss.

Happy blushed a bit back and tried eating their food. Their anxiety was slowly leaving them now that the crowd dispersed. They would just focus on their fries, which seemed to do the trick.

"Thank you, Muffet..." they shyly muttered out before continuing to eat.

Muffet nodded, and went back to her duties; serving a few customers around the edges of the counter.

Papyrus was beyond in bliss just then. Seated on his old barstool; even if it groaned occasionally with his additional weight, eating one of his favorite meals. He glanced up over his glasses as Muffet sat down a bottle of honey in front of him. Grinning, he stuck the tip of the honey bottle between his teeth, taking a few large swigs of it.

He was famished it felt like, after a strange wave of nausea that morning he had opted not to really eat anything either. Finishing the burger, he then just idly ate the fries, and his tail gently rested against his spouses' lower back. "thank you for everything my ravishing robotic love~"

Happy was finishing up their burger, was nice to eat actual physical food rather than ghost food for a change. The stuff was a lot more flavorful!

Feeling their husband's tail on their back made them freeze a bit before relaxing back, "Mm...? Oh...well...I...mmm..." they seemed a bit flustered at the moment as they tried hiding their face in their hair.

"A-As I said...I...I should t-thank you...h-honey skelegator..." they managed to squeak out despite their form at the moment.

Papyrus took another swig of honey, and smiled to them. "okay then, boo..."

Leaning over a bit, as the barstool creaked slightly; and he pressed a light kiss to their cheek. He loved seeing that they were trying to hide their face in their hair; he always thought that was cute when they did that.

As the evening trailed on, Cupcake came to the bedroom, and lightly knocked on the door. "Sans, Marrie? Dinner's almost done, but I hate to ask this of you both...um, I'm headed to go and take care of something, and Edge already left earlier with Bitter to go to the doctor's to get his prosthetic arm fixed again. Could one of you come and watch your mother please?"

Wingdin was in the kitchen, reading through a braille magazine she had of recipes; a glass of tea beside her. On the radio was Napstaton's music to keep her company.

Marrie was just waking up after having her crying bit. She felt a little better getting all that out. Looking around, she noticed stuff was still in their luggage and beside her was Sans asleep, keeping her some company. She managed to wiggle out of his hold and mentally promised herself to unpack that for him later.

She opened the door to see Cupcake, "Sure...I'll be right down...we got her. Stay safe, okay...?"

Cupcake smiled gently and chuckled. "Thank you so much dear. She's very much a capable woman, I just...dread leaving her alone is all..."

He then left, after checking in on Wingdin once again. Seeing she was still happily reading her magazine, he left the house quietly.

Wingdin finished her cup of tea, and stood up from the table, getting her cane as she went to the fridge. After getting another cup, she went and headed towards her bedroom.

Marrie headed over to see Wingdin, only to see she was heading to her room, "Hi Mama Wing...you going to rest right now...?" She still sounded a bit down, but nothing to the level that she was earlier in the day.

Wingdin paused hearing Marrie and she shook her head. "No no, getting evening medicine...I keep box in room, just needing to take. Dinner will be done soon sweetie."

She came over to Marrie carefully, and after feeling Marrie's cheek in her hand, she gave her daughter-in-law a kiss on her forehead. "You know Papa is feeling so bad about your home, he wanting things to just be like before. But he cannot do all, so he doing what he can."

As she went into her bedroom, she got to her vanity and opened up her and her husband's medicine box. Feeling the caps of the bottles she pulled all her bottles out. She only took two pills at night, but she'd pulled out four bottles. One was in the morning, two at night, and the last was a bottle of fertility medication she'd had for a while. "Can you helping me? I need nighttime medications..."

Marrie nodded and headed over to help her out, least she could do. She rifled through the bottles to find the ones she needed.

"We should probably get these labeled with braille sometime...might make finding things a little easier." She suggested as she looked at them and set aside the ones Wingdin needed. The fertility medication did catch her eye, "Fertility medication...? You still take these Mama?" She did wonder why that bottle was still with her regular medications.

Wingdin giggled softly, shaking her head. "Oh no...your old Mama has no need for anymore babies. I am much too old...I...just haven't been able to bring myself to get rid of it..."

She shook her head softly, sighing. "Our little girl was going to be named Arial...s-she was a teacup head, like Papa and Pops..." Reaching for Marrie, she started sniffling a bit. "I sorry, I am sorry sweetie..."

Marrie headed over and hugged her, "No...it's alright...I'm sorry...take your medicine, Mama...I'll put the rest away..."

She did keep an eye on the bottle, the name stuck to her for a bit. She'd keep it for another time.

"You have many little ones now...Aqua had the twins today...two little boys. Least if you wish for babies, you can count on grandchildren." She let out a small laugh.

Wingdin pulled out her pills she needed, and swallowed them dry like she usually did. Standing up from the vanity's chair; she gripped her cane, and went tapping back down the hallway. "You can have them, if you wanting, Marrie..."

She stopped and smiled sweetly. "I know, so many of the babies...I love my grandchildren, and she had two boys? Awww...so lovely." Pausing for a moment, she rubbed at her fused shut sockets, and sighed.

"Maybe later tonight someone telling me how the boys looking..." Wingdin giggled softly, smiling back towards Marrie. "...it be so nice to have grandbabies from you and Sansy though, wouldn't it?"

"Yes...I'll...tell you at dinner. Sans...still has my phone. I'll ask for it when he wakes up...thank you..." Marrie smiled a bit before looking at the bottle. She blushed a bit in knowing her mother-in-law was just...giving those to her. But...

Another part told her there was no shame in trying...

"Yes...yes it would be nice..." She muttered quietly before taking the bottle and putting it to her inventory. There was no shame in trying...not when she wanted a baby of her own so badly...

Wingdin smiled as she went back to the kitchen. The pork roast was slowly finishing up in the oven, while the rest of the food was ready to be re-heated in the fridge. "That's perfectly fine sweetie...you should go back to sleep if you're tired though. I just was going to read my magazine, and listen to Napstaton while dinner is slowly finishing up. Papi and Pops should be back soon, and Papa might be even quicker with what he said he had to grab..."

As she settled at the kitchen table, she took a sip of her sweet tea, and smiled softly. "...it would be nice to see my grandbabies...I have never seen any of them..." She murmured to herself, sighing.

Marrie listened to her and gave a small "mhmm" in response, rather just sticking around nearby to keep her mother-in-law company.

Meanwhile...with Jonathan, he did manage to pry Vera away from her family for a few hours to take care of his earlier assignment. "Thank you again for doing this, sprout. I know you wanna be with your family after all this, but I won't make this too long."

"I get it dad. No biggie. It's just asking this guy, right? I get why you didn't want to ask Darren since he's being a wimp right now...but...why didn't you ask Marrie...?" Vera kept walking to the address her father gave her. Jonathan went totally silent.

"...Dad...?"

"...Dad...what did you do...? You got that face of guilt and nervousness to ya that you get when you did something..."

"...I...might...have...burnt her kitchen down trying to make her and Sans breakfast...?" He gave a nervous toothy grin.

"...Dad holy shit..."

"I thought I would get better! I was going to surprise her!"

"Dad! Oh my god!" Vera immediately busted out laughing as she turned the corner to where the house of Brimstone laid.

"You're sooooo seeing her later after this." Vera chuckled before getting to the house. Jonathan disappeared with a groan, already hating how that conversation is going to go but...for now...his focus on getting this done for Leslie...and for that, he had to stay invisible.

Reginald Brimstone was tending to his new garden; having stayed retired once he'd reached the surface with his husband. At the moment, he was in the front yard, holding a hose as he watered the begonias and rose bushes that lined his little home.

Hearing the loud laughter, he chuckled softly; looking over to Vera. "Good afternoon! It's a lovely day today, isn't it?" He'd always tried to be kind and was known to be a very sweet and helpful monster, if not stiff for the sake of his previous students when he was a teacher in the Underground.

Vera waved as she headed over, ready to do this favor for her dad, "Yeah. Real nice day out! Really quick...you wouldn't happen to know a...Brimstone, would ya?"

She got to the front portion of the sidewalk of Reginald's home, not wanting to get any closer without permission.

Reginald chuckled quietly, going to turn the hose off; as he picked up the flower food in his clawed hand. "Heheh...well, I'm Mr. Brimstone, if you're looking for myself, ma'am! But ah, don't know why anyone would be looking for me. I've been retired from teaching for nearly ten years now. Just live here quietly you know."

"Reginald Brimstone, actually. Pleasure to meet you...?" He set down the bag of flower food, and came over to the sidewalk; extending his hand to shake her hand.

Vera easily shook his hand, remembering some manner stuff from when she trained with her father, "Vera Iris Jae...sir. Pleasure to meet you."

She always had given her short name since she always hated when other people, especially strangers, called her Veronica. It was the bane of her existence until she had people just call her Vera. Iris was a nice middle name but when she had her bad girl persona as a teen, she made sure never to use it unless she wanted to look weak.

"Heh, don't seem to remember you from any classes!" Reginald chuckled quietly as he smiled to her. Pushing a lock of his dark black hair behind his horn, he sighed. "So, what brings you out to my home tonight, Miss Jae?"

"Anything in particular perhaps?" He smiled sweetly, his entire mouth of sharp teeth visible beyond his gentle, sweet-natured smile.

"That's because I don't think I had you in my school. But, I am here because you're related to someone. Does the name General Leslie Brimstone ring a bell for you?" Vera kept a look at him, making sure this really was the guy her dad was talking about.

"See...my dad is Colonel Jonathan Andrew Jae...He worked along side the General and were considered good friends. Passed away like a decade ago but he wanted me to finish up some business for him after he passed that had to do with the General. I thought you could help me."

Reginald's sweet smile fell, and he sighed. "Renny? Oh...Leslie...was my parent. They had a few strokes, nearly fifteen years ago, and I helped get them into the Veteran's home..."

He sighed, shaking his head. "But sadly they passed away, even though I miss my Renny everyday, dear. They were so sweet and kind...the home contacted me around, oh...ten years ago actually, let me know that they'd dusted during the night. I told them to please inter their dust in the area I'd set up in the past. But...yes, it does ring a bell for me, a very sad one you know. I'm sorry to hear that the Colonel passed away as well. Renny spoke so kindly of him you know."

Vera's smile turned to a frown when she heard the Veteran's home tell him that. "It's fine..but...Your Renny didn't pass away. They're alive and living with my Uncle James, my dad's brother. I...hate to tell you this but...the home lied to you. They were kicked out from the home because they didn't keep up with payments."

No wonder her dad was so admant to get them together. She tried to keep her own anger down, but the thought of if her dad ever went through that...well...luckily she wasn't as bad as she was a teen...

Reginald gasped quietly, and shook his head slightly. "They...they aren't dead? Oh...oh my god, my poor Renny...Ren, they must have hated me..." He started to tear up, and covered his face with his hands. "Oh...my god...I loved my Renny with all of my soul...I...I was still teaching full time, I couldn't give them the level of care they needed myself. It killed me to put them in that Veteran's home..."

"I...I know they truly didn't want to have me...they're aromantic, they've always been. My mother...she was never around after her and Renny had been forced together. Renny never lied to me about my past. But they loved me regardless of how I came to them. So...I...I begrudingly put them into that Veteran's home...came and visited them at the least once a week, usually three times a week when my schedule would allow. Even if I just sat there and graded papers, they always enjoyed the company." Reginald commented quietly.

"I miss my Renny...could you take me to where they live perhaps, Miss Jae? I would be in your debt, thank you...for letting me know about all of this..." He said quietly as he looked to Vera.

"That's what I came here for. My dad told me about them a few times before he passed away. And...with my Uncle living with them, I figured it would be good to find you and do what he wanted to do before he dusted. Come on. I'll bring ya home. They're with my uncle and my wife right now." Vera's smile came back as she led the way to her home.

James was currently making a snack for Kryssie since she was hungry. He didn't want to trouble Aqua since she was most likely tired from having the twins still. So here he was, chopping up some fruit and peanut butter for Kryssie to snack on while making some tea for him and Leslie.

Kryssie meanwhile was playing with Leslie, brushing the dragon's fur with and trying to make them "pretty" with little bow clips, giggling and purring as she did so.

Leslie let the little girl pretty them up, and they enjoyed the attention from Kryssie. "You have a very soft touch with that brush, Krysta..."

Reginald followed Vera, and sighed quietly as he entered the house with her. "I just hope my Renny isn't too angry..."

Leslie had plenty of bow clips amongst their white fur; and they smiled brightly. "Ooh, you could try whatever color you want, dear. I can't see color you know...so whatever is fine with me, precious..."

Kryssie kept giggling as she brushed and clipped on ribbons. "Okay! You look really pretty!" She was going to add another one when she noticed her mom come back.

"Mommy! Hi!" She ran over to hug her mom, who happily took her into her arms.

"Hey sugar pea! What are you doing, huh?" Vera laughed before peppering on some kisses to her giggly daughter.

"Making Kupuna's friend pretty! Who dat...?" She looked over at Reginald curiously.

Reginald stopped as he stood in the living room; looking to Leslie. His mouth opened slightly, and a slight whine came from him. "R-Renny..."

Leslie stood up carefully from where they'd sat in the floor, and they came over to Reginald, and looked up into their son's face. "Reggie...what happened, my little boy?"

Reggie sniffled, and he wrapped his arms around Leslie's shoulders, starting to cry. "Rennnyyyy...I am so sorry...I'm sorry Ren, I-I didn't mean...they told me you DIED!" He started to sob openly, as Leslie looked completely dumbstruck.

"I...I died? The home said I died?" Leslie looked to Vera, then back at Jonathan not sure how to take all of it just then. Their first thoughts was to comfort their son however. "Oh...my poor baby boy, they were terrible...I had a stroke yes, but I never died..."

Jonathan nodded, having a small smile on their face as he rested an arm over Vera's shoulder.

"Thanks Sprout..." He whispered so he wouldn't be loud enough for Reggie to hear. Vera just nodded back as Kryssie seemed confused.

"Mommy...?"

"That's Reginald. He's Leslie's son, sugar pea. Your Grandpapa wanted me to bring him back to his old friend." Vera explained gently. The little girl watched the two for a little before seeming to get it.

"And it's good right?"

"Very good. Just like you." Vera nuzzled her little girl again, earning a purr from Kryssie back.

"Love you mommy!"

"Love you too ya little worm~"

The next few days passed quietly, and soon a week and then even longer had passed. The Aster's house was finally fixed up back to what it was, as if nothing had occurred to their house since the fire from Jonathan. Leslie lived with James still, and they were close friends helping take care of each other, and Reginald was enjoying a nice relationship once again.

Papyrus was getting more and more antsy as more time passed throughout his pregnancy and at the moment, he was sitting at his desk; finishing up a bit of work left over that he'd put off from before his leave. His GMBD was at it's worst just then, his stomach nearly reaching his knees. Sighing, he continued his work; his glasses on the end of his nasal ridge.

"...fuck...gotta finish this shit up..." He lightly rubbed his large belly, and closed his eyes. He started to feel a bit light-headed but he continued on with what he needed to do on the computer.

Marrie ended up giving the damanged pictures for Darren to fix. He would get them all done within a few weeks, just needed time to go over things and make sure they were treated right, but otherwise they were all salvageable. Good news for Marrie. She could live with a few empty walls until those were fixed.

Happy headed over to Pap with a cup of tea and a bear container of honey for him at his desk, "You alright, honey bear...?"

Happy had since been getting more and more worried for Pap, but they tried their best to help calm and relax their pregnant husband through it all. It was getting a little tougher however. They were considering getting Pap to see a doctor about how much he was growing with his GMBD. They just hoped he'd feel a little better by dinner since Zhara and Napsta had invited them to dinner at Napstaton's mansion.

The robot ended up getting it contracted himself and saw to it's construction, pretty close to where the mountain laid. The robot at the moment was making plans for a night club to be made near the city that he could manage and sometimes work as he saw fit. It was mostly to give monsters jobs if they hadn't had any luck finding some or for any human who wanted an oppertunity. For now, he was more focused on taking care of family, giving himself a hiatus from movies or shows but still rolled out music every so often since it was still his main passion.

Papyrus looked over his glasses at Happy and smiled softly. "oh...yeah, yeah i'm fine happy...just finishing up some stuff...the uh, computers not exactly complying with what i need so...yeah..."

He stretched his arms over his head and yawned, before taking the cup of tea from his spouse sweetly. "thanks for the tea, bae-bot..."

Squeezing a large dollop of honey into the tea, he stirred it in and drank nearly half the cup. Sighing quietly, he shook his head and then finished the cup. Hefting himself from the protesting office chair, he rubbed his lower back, waddling to the bedroom.

"gonna get dressed for tonight, alright?" He called out as he looked through the closet. He'd gotten some new clothes that fit was he liked wearing, and they were very comfortable.

A long sleeved pale orange shirt, with a nice blue bowtie, black slacks, dark brown suspenders and his black sneakers. After getting dressed, he came back out to the living room and planted his admittedly widening ass onto the couch.

Looking to Happy, he blushed and grinned. "i know how papa feels getting around, nyehehehe. i think my ass is nearly as big as his is now. though uh...my stomach's nearly twice as big..."

Happy giggled a bit at that before deciding to sit down with him to spare some time. They decided with a nice pink cocktail dress with silver lining and a white shawl with light gray flats. They made the dress for themsleves a while ago for fun, but decided to break it out of the closet for tonight.

"Should...that happen? Not that I mind at all...but...I am getting worried about your health, Papy...you seem more tired or dizzy lately...and you are quite big for...just..having one...you're not close yet to having the baby..." They gently took Pap's hand, their thumbs gently tracing around his palm.

"Though...I do love you for who you are...I can't certainly complain about your new...um...assets" They tried their best at making the pun, smiling nervously in hoping it succeeded.

Papyrus grinned happily at the pun Happy cracked and chuckled brightly. "nyeheheheh, good one babe! yeah, it's uh...kinda normal and not...normal? ma got this big with sans...it's just excessive ectogel is all..."

He unbuttoned his shirt, after untucking it and pressed his hand into his stomach. It sunk in all too easily, like gelatin. He had to suppress a shudder at the feeling. "i'm safe and so's our child. i'm getting dizzy because my sugar keeps crashing... it's...not really related to the baby actually..."

The young man gently nuzzled his spouse's cheek, pressing a kiss to their lips. "and i appreciate that you're so worried over me boo...you know what, we'll go to the doctor's tomorrow, how about that?"

Happy blushed at feeling the kiss, but seemed to feel better at the sound he would be checked out. "That...would be nice...and m-make me worry less...I-I'm sorry...I...just want you both to be okay..." They felt a little silly worrying so much, but it was in their nature.

They did lean in for another kiss, wanting him to know how much they truly loved him.

Be another 2 minutes until Happy's phone rang with a text from their cousin.

[Hey cuz! Sent a limo to pick you and Paps up for dinner! Don't worry about it, thought you dudes would be comfy riding up here than walking! My assistant should be parked at your house by now, hopefully! Let me know when you're on!"]

"Oh...well..that's nice of him..." Happy smiled a bit and showed Papyrus the text.

Papyrus had patted their arm comfortingly. "don't be sorry, it's normal to worry over me, bae..."

He had cuddled with them, just enjoying being with his loved one after having retucked and buttoning up his shirt again. Having noticed the text, he looked to them as they read it.

When Happy showed him the text, his eyes widened. "oh! yeah that is nice actually..."

He got himself up from the couch, and while holding Happy's hand, they both headed out to the limo, and Papyrus blushed about as strongly as his spouse did at the idea of the actual limo parked outside their home.

"okay wow, that's bigger than i thought a limo could be..." Papyrus mumbled. "that is huge, happy..."

Happy was surprised to say the least. Goodness...that...was much more than they expected.

An annoyed blue rabbit monster had come out of the driver's side and opened the door for the couple to get in, "Right this way...I'll take you to Napstaton's place. Feel free to anything you see..." He was trying his best to keep a smile, somewhat.

Happy was a little nervous about it but proceeded in anyways, their hand not losing grip of Pap's.

The inside of the limo was exactly as one would think Napstaton would have it. NTT was embrodiered into the carpet and the seats, baby blue interior with lights and discoballs spinning about, and stereo systems which were playing some human music for the time being. There was a mini bar on one side of the limo but luckily it was filled with water and iced teas. Next to it was a jar of pink stuff with a gold lid with a taped note on it, of course from Napstaton himself. Happy immediately got drawn to it since it was the only pink thing in the limo.

[To Pap, we picked this up over in Japan for ya dude! It's called Sakura Honey! It's mad sweet but I think it's up to your standards, broski! Happ, if you're reading this, we got your gift at the house! See you dudes soon! -NTT & Z]

Papyrus had settled into the limo and he glanced around at the interior. "...this...is a lot of blue. huh."

He idly tapped one of the small disco balls, and chuckled softly. Seeing his spouse drawn to something, he smiled. "whatcha got there happy?"

After they'd handed him the jar, he grinned. "this looks so cool...i didn't know that it was possibly to get honey from sakura trees! actually, yeah, if you give the bees only access to certain plants of course they'd make certain types of honey...hmm..."

Happy giggled at the sight of everything as they got settled down, "Well...my cousin does have a theme...And oh? That right? It is quite nice...I..like the color."

They couldn't judge their cousin too hard on the blue. They themselves still really liked pink.

After getting settled in, the rabbit monster closed the door and got back to driving. It would take about 15 minutes driving until they reached the white gates that opened up into Napstaton's mansion.

Already waiting at the front door was Napstaton, Zhara, and the twins in their mom's arms. Napstaton was still in his normal attire, crop blue jacket, SnapBack backwards with the only difference being a white tie around his neck. Zhara was in a white high-low lace dress and her hair in a braided crown. The twins were just babbling lightly in little purple dress and suit for Nicole and Max respectively.

"Here they come!" Napstaton cheered out for the limo pulling in to get his babies hyped. Max started cooing and babbling to his dad while Nicole smiled and sucked on her pacifier peacefully.

Papyrus covered his face for a moment and sighed. "it's just dinner with family, not a grand ball...nyeeeh, this is a lot, wouldn't you think so, happ?"

Carefully, he got out from the limo, having gotten a bit of help from Jimmy, the slightly annoyed blue rabbit driver. He'd put the jar of sakura honey into his inventory, and he'd quietly brought some gifts for Napstaton, Zhara, and the twins.

"heya napstaton...nice place you got here. and how's everyone else doing?" He smiled sweetly, feeling like he looked somehow so out of place.

His center of gravity was off, and it had been nearly three months since he'd seen either Napsta or Zhara. With the GMBD, it gave him the appearance of almost having triplets, despite him and Hapstablook only having one child.

He held onto Happy's hand, feeling acutely aware of how their spouse must feel in a lot of situations.

"It...is a little. But I think this is as self controlled as he could get...knowing him we would have come in with a party" Happy let out a small chuckle at the thought.

Once they got out, Happy looked excited to see the family, it had been a while.

"Hey dudes! Welcome to Casa del Party 2.0! We're stoked you can rock it with us!" Napstaton laughed, which seemed to get the twins riled up in babbles and squeals along with him.

Zhara gently bounced her kids with a laugh, "It has been a while. We're doing okay. How are you both doing?"

Both of them did notice the change in Pap, but from prior experience, Napstaton was not going to comment on it unless he wanted to get mauled by his wife and cousin. He'd pass on that.

Happy didn't seem to mind this too much. It was from their cousin, and yes, it was a bit much but they knew it was out of love. They were trying their best to keep Pap steady and supported as they headed over and inside.

Papyrus' tail slowed slightly in it's waving as he heard what Happy had said. This was self controlled? Then again, in all the fights he'd seen with Chara and Napsta...his cousin-in-law could certainly bring a party when he wanted it. A hell of a killer party.

He realized that he had a thousand yard stare, and that Happy was gently tugging his hand. Blushing brightly, he nervously laughed, and sighed; continuing on up the few stairs. "s-sorry...got a bit lost in my own thoughts, happ..."

Looking to Zhara, he smiled sweetly. "i'm doing pretty okay, uh, getting my ass kicked by gmbd, but uh, the baby's doing good...that's uh...w-what matters, yeah? thank you for the honey, it's um...given me some ideas actually. oh, we got the baby's room finished last week..."

"It's okay...are you alright..?" Happy was getting worried again.

"He'll be fine, cuz! No biggie! Come on! We can chill in the livingroom until dinner's ready!" Napstaton had a big grin as he led everyone inside. The place was absolutely massive! A large front entrance with a grand staircase heading to the many rooms up, with an elevator behind it.

"You still look well enough, Pap. Least you don't have too long left. The baby's well worth it, I promise." Zhara assured as the twins in her arms cooed and snuggled up to her. Nicole however started reaching over to Happy and Pap.

Happy responded by giving the little one cute but funny faces, which entertained her well enough. "I'm sure... just hope things are good for when they do..."

Down the left side is where Napsta led the group off to a very large living room. A sunken sitting area with a large plush couch, bean bags, a large coffee table, and giant flat screen smart TV were all ready and waiting. A play pen for the twins were also nearby, with a few toys, blankets and pillows for them to keep them entertained. The mini bar had grown in size from Napsta's old penthouse suite, now with a rack for glasses, wines, and a nice mix of both human and monster made alcohols. There was a small portion of it that contained water, sodas, and juice boxes for Zhara and the twins.

"Make yourselves comfy, dudes! Pap, if ya really wanna send it, the couch reclines and does a sick massage feature! Check it out!" Napsta seemed pretty excited to show off the home. He and Zhara did pick things together to make it a nice combination of ultimate party house and domestic relaxation.

Papyrus was quite happy that Napstaton seemed to help Happy to breeze on past their usual worrying over him; as they went inside the house together. Looking around the very well appointed house; his eyelights could be seen to slightly shrink in sheer surprise.

He had known the mansion would be large, but it felt as if it was almost too much. But it was what he expected he figured. The lazy skelegator was pleased however just with his spouse and their relatively small four bedroom home. To be honest, he'd have rather had a two bedroom home, but with the size of their family he knew they'd needed more.

Resting his hand on his stomach; he went and settled onto the couch, sighing in relief. He'd started to hate being on his feet for any amount of time lately; due to the stress on his lower back. The scars that littered his ectogel itched almost always; especially with how the surface was stretched with how fat he'd gotten. If the man was being honest, part of his size was the GMBD...part of it was his excessive sugary and junk eating. In his worries while being pregnant, he'd taken to stress eating.

Closing his eyes, he started to relax; and soon enough, found himself nearly asleep as he sat there on the plush and soft couch; his long and thick bony tail draped over the arm. As he started to snooze, his glasses started to slowly slip down his nasal ridge.

Happy was helping Zhara settle the twins in their playpen when they noticed Pap had started falling asleep. They let out a small smile and giggle at seeing him so comfortable. It did ease their worries a bit more.

"Um...Zhara...do..you have an extra blanket around...?" They whispered and lightly motioned to where Pap was. Zhara gave them a nod and handed them an extra blanket from a hidden cabinet in the wall.

"We'll wake him when dinner's ready." She headed off to check up on things in the kitchen as Napsta was back with the babies and playing around with them.

Happy had headed over and placed the blanket over Pap to keep him warm and comfortable. They really hoped he was doing okay. Part of them felt like Pap was hiding something from them but they were scared to ask. They were at least hoping he'd tell them when they're ready. It was...hard...to say the least.

"Hey, Happ. Come here a second?" Napstaton called over as he left the babies alone to do their thing. Happ obliged as the two cousins sat on the stools by the bar.

"You sure everything's okay? You look down. And Pap looks like he's putting on more than he's letting on, and I'm not talking about the baby bump." Napsta started playing with the tie around his neck.

"I...well...I'm..okay..."

"Haaaapp...come on. I know you better than that. Spill."

"I'm okay, Blooky...I promise...it's just baby stress..."

"Happ. You're lying."

"I-I'm not!"

"You're not looking me in the eye"

"I...usually...d-don't...to...a-anyone..."

"No, but you're looking at everything besides me. That's how I know you're lying. You stick to looking at one spot the entire time usually. Come on, cuz...talk to me. What's going on?" Napsta sounded a lot different from the usual party animal guy he was. He was completely serious and concerned over his family. He could be like that behind closed doors, much as he loved the party lifestyle and was always at 110% energy, he really did care and love the people he held close.

Happy twiddled with their gloved hands for a bit before resigning, "...I'm just...worried...and...scared...s-something...d-doesn't feel right..and...I c-can't ask why...I feel like there's more behind things but...I don't want to pry...I'll find out when I need to..but...I don't want that to be too late..."

As the evening drew on, Papyrus started to rouse a bit, and he yawned quietly; sitting up more on the couch. He just stared straight ahead, wondering just where the hell he was at the moment. Looking up silently, he saw the giant television and chuckled quietly. "...oh yeh, i'm at napsta's..."

He rubbed his stomach and frowned to himself. Pulling his phone out, he looked at his calendar; setting up an appointment with his physician Dr. Greenburg. Going through his inventory, he got his glucose meter out, and gently tugging at his collar, he poked his ectogel, testing his sugar level as he was feeling rather dizzy as he'd woken up.

32. That wasn't good at all, he realized. Putting the meter away, he pulled out the jar of sakura honey. His clawed fingertips rattled as he tried to open it; his sockets halfway closed as he felt like he was going to pass out, but he didn't want to worry Happy anymore then they already were.

"Dinner's ready to go. The chef had a bit of trouble with the new human appliances." Zhara called over as the cousins were talking, "Also, Sans and Marrie arrived too, Napst."

Marrie poked her head into the house with a smile, "Hey guys! Thanks for letting us join you by the way!"

"Righteous! Glad you dudes could make it!" Napstaton gave a thumbs up as Happy patted his hand to go check on Pap. Their on way of saying "Be right back".

Happy headed over to Pap, only to realize how more tired he looked, "Papy...? Oh no...is your sugar down again...? Dinner's ready...but...here..." They gently took the honey away, knowing that was going to be hard to get open quick. Instead they replaced it with a honey ginger candy they kept in stock with them just in case. They felt bad for not noticing sooner.

Sans grinned sweetly, carrying a large box in his arms as he came inside the house beside Marrie. "WE BROUGHT OVER THE PRESENTS FOR THE TWINS! AND WE'VE GOT THE BEST OF NEWS, MY DEAR COUSIN!"

He looked over to Happy, and smiled seeing his brother; the smile slightly withering. "Oh...hello brother! How are you feeling tonight?"

Papyrus took the candy, thankful it was unwrapped already. He put it into his mouth and sighed tiredly, leaning his head against Happy's middle. "t-thanks...i...i guess it dropped when i was s-sleepin'..."

Sans came over to Papyrus, and settled down beside him. YOU DIDN'T ANSWER ME BROTHER...ARE YOU OKAY?

...no, my sugar dropped dangerously low, and i'm terrified that i'm going to be a horrendous father to our child, so what's new?

WELL...YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN A WONDERFUL BROTHER TO MYSELF OVER THE YEARS, I'M SURE YOU'LL BE JUST AS GOOD AS A FATHER...

yeah...i hope so...i keep getting bigger and bigger, and i'm just scared, sans, i'm scared...

Sans gently hugged his brother's arm, and closed his eyes. YOU'LL BE ALRIGHT. YOU HAVE YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY ALONGSIDE OF YOU NO MATTER WHAT. HAVE YOU GONE TO DR. KIRKLAND YET?

...no...i just know if i go, it'll just make hapstablook more worried about me...

THEN I'LL TAKE YOU MYSELF, BROTHER. WE WILL SAY IT'S A REGULAR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT. I'M NOT GOING TO HAVE MY BROTHER...GO BACK TO THAT DARK PLACE ONCE AGAIN, ESPECIALLY NOT WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT...

Papyrus nodded softly, as he moved the candy around in his mouth. "...s-sure we can do that bro..."

Sans smiled and nodded brightly; as he stood up to help his brother up from the couch. "THAT'S A WONDERFUL IDEA THEN. Now let's get you up from this couch, and we'll all enjoy dinner together!"

Happy blinked as the two talked amongst themselves. They were thankful for the lessons Cupcake and Edge gave them and Marrie for how to speak and read Hands now more than ever. Their heart sank and dimmed inside of their container as their lip quivered. How did Sans even do that?

For now they kept silent as everyone started to head off to the dining area to eat. Surprisingly enough, the dining area was smaller than the livingroom but still had a large enough table to fit everyone comfortably in. The table was set and had plates of all types of food.

"What's the surprise there, Sans dude?" Napstaton chuckled as he took his favorite spot. Zhara had left the twins in a new play pen that was nearby since the little ones weren't ready to eat yet and they didn't exactly like their new high chairs yet.

Marrie looked over to Sans questioningly, having seen the earlier conversation between him and his brother. There was a lot she wanted to ask, but for the most part she seemed more worried about Happy's state. So did Zhara when she returned.

"Happy? You okay? Is this too much again? I was just telling Napsta we should tone it down a little more. You don't have to feel obligated to eat fancy or anything. He just wanted you to enjoy yourselves." Zhara looked really worried about them. Happy didn't say much. Napsta knew what was bugging 'em and gave them a pat on the back.

Sans helped Papyrus to the table, and settled him into a chair carefully. Looking over to Napstaton, he sighed. "Well...I was hoping perhaps that...my dearest could help me with explaining it, if Marrie wanted of course..."

He thought he had found a positive pregnancy test in the bathroom trashcan after he'd taken a shower before they had headed over to Napstaton's house. But he wasn't sure if Marrie had kept it a secret or had forgotten to say something to him.

Papyrus crunched the candy between his fangs, and thankfully took a huge few gulps of the sweet tea that sat in front of him on the table. Looking over to Happy, he smiled softly; patting the chair beside them. "c'mon happ...i miss my bae-bot~ you alright, sweetheart?"

"I'll be...okay...Papy..." Happy rubbed their metallic elbow before taking the seat by their husband. Napsta bit his tongue from saying anything but he decided to give a talk to Pap after dinner. He went back to his spot.

"Alright. Wanna share, Marz?" He started playing with a fork until Zhara made him stop with a small laugh.

Marrie seemed confused for a moment before realizing what he was talking about. The fertility medication Wingdin gave her seemed to work, she took them before a night without Sans knowing. But seemed the trick worked but she wanted a better test from the doctors' to prove it when she went in for work the next day.

"Well...I'm not totally sure yet but...I...think I'm pregnant." Marrie took Sans's hand, a small smile in her face.

"Awww! Congrats you two! Your sister's been telling me you've been trying for a while!" Zhara looked happy for the two.

"Heck yeah! Welcome to the parent train! Whoop whoop!" Napstaton cheered which got his kids riled up from their spot. "Those two love your voice, I swear." Zhara barely manged a laugh before Napstaton started peppering her kisses.

"So do you~ But still! That's rad dudes!" Napstaton gave them a thumbs up.

Papyrus gently pressed a kiss to their cheek, smiling softly to them. He had dark half-circles underneath his sockets; but the slight blush across his cheekbones genuinely showed he was pleased to have his spouse near him again. "a'right boo. i love ya."

Sans grinned brightly, and hugged Marrie lovingly. "I...WE...WE'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO BE PARENTS, MARRIE?! I WASN'T SURE...I-IF I'D SEEN IT CORRECTLY, I DIDN'T WANT TO...OH...AFTER SO LONG, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, THIS IS AMAZING!"

Tears gathered in his sockets, and he hugged Marrie again, his hand resting over her still very slim midsection. Other than being in the Royal Guard, his second biggest dream was to be a parent, just as good as his own parents were.

Papyrus chuckled, taking a bite of his food. "i am so proud of you sans...yer gonna be a great dad. you deserve all the kids youse two can handle..."

His smile was genuine, but his tail stayed drooped against the floor, somewhat clear evidence of his increasingly depressed state. Normally he would have wrapped his own tail around his middle, usually hiding it underneath his hoodie. But with his massive belly, and also no hoodie; neither option was available to him.

Marrie laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I know! I know! I'm excited too!" She peppered a few kisses on him.

Happy managed a smile, but...it wasn't the same one they usually wore. Their pink eyes weren't bright and their soul still seemed dim. "Y-yes...you do...C-Congratulations..." They still sounded down as they started eating their food.

Napsta didn't like the sight of his cousin as he drank a bit of wine from his glass. But before he could voice anything...

"Um...Papyrus? Can I speak with you for a minute? I..won't take too long." Marrie spoke up instead, noticing the two were acting...different than normal.

Pap looked up to Marrie, and nodded. "sure thing...uh, here or, guess ya mean elsewhere then..." He hefted himself up from the chair, and went into the living room to talk with Marrie.

His hands were in the pockets of his slacks, his tired eyes gazing to his sister-in-law quizzically. "what's up, kitty-cat? had to be somethin' pretty important to pull me 'way from dinner...somethin' bothering ya?"

The daddy-to-be's tone was quiet, and soft as he spoke. He might have only been around 28 years old by then, but he still felt ages older than he should be. The life of a gifted and genius man isn't an easy one. One eye closed slightly as the baby kicked around inside of their womb; and he sighed quietly.

Marrie followed to the livingroom and look straight at Papyrus, "...Little...yeah...mostly the fact that...you're hiding fears about your spouse and baby without telling them..." She understood what was going on, and she didn't like how it was leaving Happy. She knew they saw it too but weren't going to mention it. So it was up to her to try for it.

"Happy's worried sick about you...thinking they're failing you as a spouse and friend. It's..none of my business Pap but...I don't think I can keep going on with this dinner and watch Happy go dim like that. I really do think you should talk to them about this. This isn't healthy for you or them...and I can't imagine what this kind of stress does to the baby..."

When push comes to shove, Marrie tries to get things done where no one else wants to or can. Her sister taught her a few things, even with the slightly strained relationship they first had. She knew what keeping secrets did, she almost lost Vera because of them. She didn't want anyone else to suffer like that again.

Papyrus stood still, his eyelights going out. "..." His hand left his slacks pocket and pressed against his stomach, feeling the baby pressing against the side of the womb strongly.

"...nyeh, what fears? i know hap's worried 'bout me, but it's nothin big, i'm going to see greenburg, my doc, tomorrow. already got a 'pointment set up too...i wasn't gonna try to drag out my supposed dirty laundry out at dinner, but...guess ya did that already?" Papyrus sighed, patting his stomach idly.

His eyelights flickered back on, more dim then usual; as a thin trail of whisping vapor seemed to come from his right eye for a moment. "... o' e."

Shaking his head, he gritted his fanged teeth for a moment; gazing back down at Marrie. A nervous and nearly scared grin crossed his face. "guess ya know what the white noise is, huh? papa prolly taught you...he loves teaching our...'dead language' to anyone in the family...great...this is why i love my family, but i stay home. everyone thinks that hapsta's the one who disappears at the slightest bit of problems, you know what...i would too. but i never could. so i had to just dig my heels in, and hold on tight to keep everyone else from drowning marrie."

"it was sans and your uncle james who saved vera, i still wish i could have done more, but my magic was depleted. i look at my brother and i look at your sister, and i ask myself 'couldn't have i done more' every scar, every bad nightmare...i failed everyone...i couldn't do enough. i used to try to do everything, and it always failed, so...why do anything now. just survive and...hope my kid isn't too fucked up having a shit dad." He closed his eyes, and covered his face with his hands. "...why am i unloading on you...i...fuck...fuck i'm sorry, marrie...i shouldn't be doin this..."

Growing quiet for a moment, he looked towards the floor. "...you know what sans tells me sometimes? he always says, when i'm feelin bad for...for everythin' with him...not feelin' like i did enough, like now...he says 'you jumped in the river back home, and you saved marrie. you didn't have to do that, but you did.'"

The end of his tail came looping around, and it could be seen that it appeared blunted, different from Sans' tail. "...lost the last two vertebra to my tail jumping in the river years ago. frostbite. but i'd do it again and again..."

Marrie listened without a sign of judgement or fear for Pap. Instead, she headed over and hugged her brother-in-law tight.

"...You shouldn't talk like that, Papyrus...but...I don't mind if you unload...I wanted us to talk...that's exactly what we're doing...I just wish you and Happy could do the same..." She rubbed his back, still keeping her hug tight.

"You did what you could, Pap...my family is still grateful to you and your family for everything...not just with what happened to Tahi...Sans was right...you didn't have to do the things you've done...but you did. You helped raise Sans and got him to be the man that he is...and I thank you...so much...for that. You didn't fail, Papyrus...I think this is the opposite of failing."

She sighed and looked at his tail, she felt a pang in her heart from seeing it, but...she never got unscathed either. Her sister didn't. Her brother didn't...a lot of scars were there. But they all managed...They didn't keep secrets between each other anymore, and she tried doing the same with Sans.

"I think you should make an appointment with your therapist too...not just your physician...and please...talk to Happsta...they just love you a lot. They want to help and be there for you. They saw that whole conversation too but they truly believe you'll tell them when you're ready...and by the way it looks like...them waiting is going to hurt them more if you keep quiet...please...brother...? Please...it's okay to ask for help...if you feel like you are failing...get help...we all love you a lot..."

Papyrus wrapped his arms around Marrie, trying to let some of the tension out from his usually stiff body. He sighed raggedly, as he listened to her talking to him. "..."

"i...i just...i feel like i coulda done more, marrie...and i love hapstablook so much as well...i...i will. i'll make an appointment with dr. kirkland...oh my god you both know hands now, great..." He looked to Marrie and rested his chin on her head for a moment. "...it's hard to ask for help sometimes..."

"you know...when you cry out in the night, and no one comes to help ya..." His eyelights looked up from the floor, focusing on her. "...why keep crying anymore?"

"but i need to do even better...and i'm going to do my best, alright sis?"

"It doesn't have to be that way, Papyrus...cause there is someone there who wants and can help you..." Marrie talked softly, "You did enough...all I'm asking is for you to try and keep doing what you can...okay? You're still a really good brother...and you'll be a good parent too."

She gave him a soft kiss on bottom of his chin, best she could do since she was shorter than him, "I believe in you, brother..."

"You want to go back now...? Or do you need another minute...?"

Meanwhile Napstaton had taken Happy from the dining room for a bit to have a heart to heart. Napsta wasn't going to leave Happy on their own like that, so he thought to just go over and be straight with them on things. Which meant that left Zhara and Sans alone with the twins and the rest of dinner.

Zhara idly waited for everyone else to come back, already feeling awkward just sitting there. Normally if she did interact with the Aster-Brewer family unless she had one of the Jae family members or her husband around. She might have known them for years but that didn't make things easier for her to actually talk with them. She always felt bad, she tried but never really knew what to say to either of them all.

"...So...parenthood. It's a big step...you know...?" She tried her best to make conversation, but she was already cursing herself inside for starting out like that.

Papyrus hugged Marrie for a moment more, and rubbed her back. "...jus' nother minute...your hugs 'mind me of ma..." He mumbled softly.

At the moment, Sans had the bone to a large rib in his mouth; and he bit through it suddenly as Zhara spoke. "OH! Y-Yes..." He awkwardly swallowed the chunk of chewed up bone in his mouth, and nervously grinned.

"It is a very big step, Zhara! But one that I, The Magnificent Sans, is fully prepared to deal with and experience!" Sans nodded to himself, and he took another swig of his tea. "Me and Marrie, we've spoken...for years actually about being parents when we got older...we've always loved children, and heh, I guess it just...feels right."

"Having been born premature myself, and originally with only an HP of 1, I wasn't thought to live for too long. Mother still prays to her old echo flower..." He sighed, looking to the table for a moment. "...when I was around six, Papyrus created a serum, that increased my HP to 10. Where it is now. I owe my life to my brother, in fact I owe nearly everything to him."

He played with the fork in his hand, idly spearing a grilled vegetable with it. "...Papyrus doesn't realize how many people truly look up to him...he gets so far into his own head, it scares me, Zhara...I'm prepared for being a father, but I don't think my brother is..."

Marrie nodded and kept her hug firm for him, "Take your time...it's okay..."

Zhara managed a little smile, "I don't think anyone really is fully prepared for parenthood...Napsta and I did talk about a little about having kids...and...goodness I still remember how happy and excited he got when I told him I was pregnant...we never expected everything that came but...it turned out okay...least I think..."

She looked over to her babies, who were just gently playing with the toys around them. Nicole was chewing on a stuffed clownfish's fin as she hugged it. Max was sucking on his binky as he was facinated with playing with his wings and feet.

"It just takes a little time..but...a good thing about is that you're not short on help. I think Papyrus just needs a reminder that there are people who can help and of everything good he's done before. My dad always told me that some people are stuck in a cave...and they don't have a source of light sometimes to help guide them. Sometimes it just takes someone close to them to give them a flashlight. Even if the batteries are low...some light is better than being stuck in the dark." She had this weird look in her eye as she spoke. One that spoke of an experience but wasn't personally hers.

She headed over to the pen once she heard Max crying. She picked up her little boy and tried rocking him, hoping to calm him down, "Shhh...easy baby beat...shhh..you hungry...? Got scared? What happened...?"

Papyrus closed his eyes, and looked to her, as tears were starting to stream down his cheeks again. "...thanks marrie..." He sighed, removing his hands to wipe his eyes and face off, looking to the ceiling. "...god...i swear i am just so messed up, dr. kirkland is probably going to wonder why i even got pregnant..."

Sans noded softly, listening closely to Zhara. "As far as I've seen, you are wonderful parents, Zhara. Yes...I have tried to always be that flashlight for him, shining as brightly as I could to help guide his way back home..."

"But when you aren't aware that your brother is gone...how can you give him that flashlight?" Sans set his fork down, and watched as she went to the baby pen. "...Is Max alright, Zhara? Do you any assistance?"

Marrie let out a small chuckle as she held him, "It's okay...It'll be okay...Hey...least when it's over you'll have a cute little baby for you and Happy to love and coo over. You know what the sex of the baby is yet...?"

"Thank you Sans...and no. it's alright. I think Max just found his appetite is all.." Zhara assured and rocked him a bit more before pulling down her dress a bit so he can latch on, "They eat at different times, surprisingly enough." Max seemed to calm down once he started suckling. Nicole just stayed by with her clownfish, happiest with it.

"...And...for that earlier question...I wish I knew that answer sooner...Just...be around...reminders don't have to be face to face...three words can be the most powerful thing in the world that you tell someone...you...can't be around for everything...but...least you can still be around." She played with Max's little tuft of white hair while she spoke, her mind going to a very old memory.

"Forgive me, Sans...the way you talked about Papyrus reminded me of something..." She didn't want to drag something down more than it already was. Especially since she didn't feel like she was that close with Sans. Part of her also thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to talk. That part of her past was never much of a secret to those who she was close to.

Papyrus chuckled quietly as well, and patted his stomach. "yeah...based on the last appointment i had, it's a girl actually...our little daughter..." He rubbed the side of his belly and sighed a bit.

Sans nodded as he took a bite of the grilled vegetable that he'd been continously poking holes into for the past five minutes. The meal had grown cold, but it didn't bother him at all thankfully. "You wish you knew the answer sooner? I've always tried to be around for my brother...as much as I can be."

"No, no don't be sorry in the least, Zhara...would you...want to speak about it perhaps? I'm very willing to listen, and perhaps...it might give us some insight. I know most of my brother's depression stems from how...'father' treated him, before I was even born. He went through so much abuse...mentally, emotionally and physically...I could never imagine how that could effect a person..."

"She'll have a lot to look forward to when she comes then." Marrie purred out and placed a hand on his belly, "A lot of love for the both of you."

"I couldn't imagine it either...then again...I was young...you don't...understand a lot of things...though...I think that makes it more heartbreaking..." Zhara felt a little weird about it but, she kept going. Max was staying quiet, as was Nicole.

"...Did you know I used to have a sister...? We were twins...I was the younger one by a few minutes..." She started out, "My sister and I were pretty close...she was talented and smart...in ways I still don't understand. But...she loved every bit of life...and what she could do...she tried making others lives better...but...she always found it hard to take compliments or praise. She always told me she never deserved it, that she was still horrible monster to be around...I tried to be her flashlight too...both when she was out and about...and when she was stuck in the hospital...part of me thinks I could have done more...but...what else could I do...? She asked me that herself in her note..." her hands kept a firm hold on her son as she remembered it.

"...I was the only thing keeping her going...until she felt I was holding her back...every kind thing she did, she thought it would help ease some...invisible sins she carried...I never realized that...I could be there a little more...how much power little paper stars and airplanes lit up her cave...or how powerful three words kept something strong...I couldn't be there all the time but...the times I did...I kept her...least until she couldn't anymore..."

Papyrus blushed softly, and nodded as he lightly rubbed his stomach. "...thank you. thank you so much..."

Sans listened intently, his tail drooping down as he felt pants of heartache at what Zhara was telling him. It sounded so much like his own brother. Doing everything that he could, not only for his family, but for the entirety of monsterkind. Making other's lives better. His brother took compliments and praise easily, but he did always...deflect them. Or try to pass it off to someone else. Letting others bask in the praise and adoration.

He looked to the table, and his eyes closed firmly for a moment. Without a second thought, he sprang up from the table and he hurried into the living room; and instead of tackling his brother, he gently wrapped his arms around him the best he could.

PLEASE TELL ME YOU'LL SEE DR. KIRKLAND! I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU BROTHER, I BELIEVE IN YOU, I ALWAYS HAVE, MY VERY AWESOME, AND KIND AND LOVING BROTHER PAPYRUS! Sans declared, as he gently rubbed his face against Papyrus' heavy belly.

Papyrus' eyes widened and he sighed; putting his clawed hand gently on his little brother's skull lovingly. "...sans, c'mon bro...why're you so blue, hmm?"

Sans just continued to press his face against the older skelegator's side and he sniffled gently. "...Because you are...I love you brother..."

Pap's eyelights went out again, his sockets wide. That struck him hard, taking in a deep breath; he knelt down carefully and wrapped his arms around Sans, his long tail coming around to press against the short man's back as if Papyrus never wanted to let him go. He patted Sans' back and gently pushed him to Marrie; before he went off to find the robot cousins.

Zhara watched Sans go with a small smile, "...Good luck..." she whispered out as Max finished his dinner. She put him back with his sister while she asked the chefs in the back to reheat the food while the others were still away. She looked over at her little girl and smiled.

Her fluffy hair and curious gleam in her eyes reminded her so much of her sister. That's why she gave her little girl that name. She only hoped she would do better with them both.

Marrie let the brothers hug for a while, smiling as they enjoyed their moment. Once Pap gave her husband back, she wrapped her tail around one of his arms and kissed his skull.

Happy and Napsta were by the front door. Napsta had his hat off as he hugged a crying Happy. Happy was sobbing into their cousin's shoulder, their soul container still dim, though not as bad as it first was. Letting their emotions out was helping a bit.

"I gotcha Happ...I gotcha...it's okay...it's alright...I'm here..." Napsta spoke a lot more soft, a big change from their usual demeanor. Family meant everything to him now...and he wasn't going to let it go again.

Papyrus paused in the hallway seeing Happy and Napsta. He sighed quietly, coming closer to them both. "happy? dear...i...um..."

The words died on his 'lips' as he saw just how much his spouse was openly sobbing, and he found he could barely move. Of course his stupidity made them saddened, of course how he acted got them so damn stressed that they were nearly breaking.

"...i'm sorry...i'm sorry fer everything..." And just like his mother...the apologies came flowing like the rivers he loved to swim through from his mouth.

Napstaton watched Pap spurt out apologies in front of them. He looked back to Happy, who was still sobbing, "Happ...go to him...he needs ya..."

He let go and turned Happy around. Happy immediately ran to Pap and hugged him tight, still crying.

"P-Papy...p-pa-a-apy..." They couldn't find any other words to say other than sobs.

Marrie would come back into the dining room with Sans a little later, "I'm guessing you and Sans had a talk?"

"You can say that...yeah." Zhara chuckled back as the warmed up food was being served again.

Papyrus found himself crying as well; and hugged them back too. "happy i'm friggin sorry babe...i shouldn't stayed quiet...i'm so sorry..."

Sans gently patted Marrie's hand and smiled a bit. "We'll all going to make sure that everything goes well with getting him the help he needs."

Napsta let out a sigh in relief, glad things seemed to be better. His cousin needed this, that's for sure.

Happy started to calm down after a while, now just giving out hiccups as they hid themsleves in Pap's chest. "...I-I l-love you..."

Marrie nodded and kissed his cheek, "Right."

The rest of the night went well, despite the near utter breakdown of the entire family for varying reasons. It all came together, when a week later; Papyrus and Happy had gone to go and see not only Dr. Greenburg, his physician, but Dr. Kirkland; his psychologist.

At the moment, he was leaving his second appointment he'd had with Dr. Kirkland; holding Happy's hand in his own. With some help from Dr. Greenburg, he'd gotten his GMBD under control, and his stomach was back to near regularity. It was still quite swollen, but nowhere near what it had been just a few weeks prior.

He was only two weeks away from having their daughter, and he felt like he couldn't be happier. After banning himself from his Judge-ly duties, his mind had become clearer, and after focusing more on spending active time with Happy; instead of just sleeping from exhaustion he was doing much better and was healthier.

Smiling brightly to Happy, his belly actively shifted a bit as their daughter kicked strongly. "nyeheheh...hello lil' girl, you decided to wake up i guess? least you were quiet and napping for your daddy's appointment, that was sweet of you~ so what do you feel like doing now, bae-bot? oh...we could go see how sans and marrie are doing maybe?"

Happy was thankful and relieved for the change in Papy. They seemed to worry a lot less and relaxed a lot more along with them. Which in turn helped them try to get Pap more relaxed.

Currently they were holding his hand as they were walking back out, "She's certainly active a lot more, isn't she? And I think it would be good to see Sans and Marrie." They didn't mind. They did like visiting the two.

Papyrus grinned happily, twirling the toothpick he kept between his fangs lately. "yes she certainly is, and it's great to feel her, nyeh-heh even when she's in daddy's ribcage...oof. so yeah, let's head on over..."

Despite he wasn't as large around as he'd been, being in the last few weeks of his pregnancy still put him slightly unsteady as he walked, so he enjoyed and appreciated that Happy kept a good hold on him. His GMBD wasn't completely cured, but he only seemed to have a few extra inches around his middle, though his entire body was slightly larger over all with his previous excessive eating.

It seemed however that his spouse loved the extra cushion on their string bean of a husband; if in private their roaming hands was any indication. Heading down the street to Sans and Marrie's house, he knocked on the door happily; and snuck a kiss to Happy's cheek.

"i love your outfit today, hapsta. it really compliments your eyes..." Papyrus nearly purred out as he murmured to them.

Happy blushed and started laughing, "I'm...g-glad you like it..." They seemed really happy about how they've been making clothes lately. It felt good that their hard work was paying off. They even started making clothes for their little girl to wear when she came. When they weren't making clothes, they were trying their hand at healthier meals for Pap to eat. Granted their husband still ate a lot, they didn't really mind. It was nice.

Marrie was currently online shopping for maternity clothes when she would get bigger. She wasn't anywhere near showing but she was excited and figured it would be fun. Hearing the knock, she closed the laptop she had and opened it.

"Hi Papyrus! Hi Happy! Come on in! Sans is cleaning up one of the spare rooms." She giggled.

Papyrus nodded gently, and smiled as they both came inside. "heya mars-bar...so what's shaking with you lately, other than deciding to outdo your sister in one fell swoop?"

Sans 'cleaning' was him painting and putting down carpet in the spare bedroom; getting it ready for their children. "NO! I'M OUT OF DAPPER VERIDEN GREEN!? That was a custom mixed color, I'm going to have to go out and get another pint of it now..."

Pap looked towards the hallway, waddling more into the house. "...nyeh, sounds like he's getting pretty into what he's doing...you need any help with somethin' bro?"

Sans came out from the spare bedroom, and scowled, pointing the paintbrush at his older brother. "You can help me by spending time with my dearest Marrie, while I run out to the hardware store for more paint! It's a quick trip my beloved, you won't miss me too badly, will you?" He went over to Marrie and gave her a passionate kiss.

Marrie let out a giggle as she kissed back, "I'll try not to miss you too much, little blue. I'm just going to sit around and look for stuff for the nursery, okay?" She gave him a light nuzzle before going back to sit down.

"Sans and I are just really excited. I'm only a little ways in and we're already setting things up!"

"Nothing wrong with excitement. I'm glad you two are enjoying yourselves." Happy led Pap to the couch to take a seat.

"How are you two doing though? You both ready for your baby girl?" Marrie seemed to have a lot more excitement for things all of a sudden. Though she had been like that since her pregnancy got confirmed by the doctor's.

Sans nodded brightly as he grabbed his boots; slipping them on. "I'll back my love. And don't go in the baby's room, the paint is still wet and the baseboards are still exposed, I've not tacked down the carpet yet!"

Papyrus snickered softly as he was helped over to the couch. He gently placed his hand on his stomach and smiled brightly. "oh yeah, we're ready. got the nursery mostly set up...still gotta get that crib finished though..."

"Cribs are...a lot harder to fix up than I thought..." Happy seemed a little embarrassed about it. Try as they might, they still didn't understand how that worked. "I did call Vera to see if she could help tomorrow however. She's usually good at building those up."

"She is. With three kids I hope she got the crib building down!" Marrie's tail twitched as she made a note in her laptop to shop for a crib.

"I'm sure...but...I think we have everything ready...I just hope I do well in being a good parent..." They still seemed a tiny bit nervous but they were doing their best.

"happy, you're going to do wonderfully. that's what being a parent really means, it's trial and error...all parents are different and all children are different...so we'll just do the best that we can as we go along." Papyrus commented, as he yawned a bit. Pulling out his glucose meter; he discretely stuck his ectogel, checking his sugar level.

93. Smiling, he put it away again; and leaned his head back for a moment, his tail wiggling slightly. "it's 93, hapsta; doing good still. mama's excited as well...and so are my fathers. i can't wait to see our little girl though..."

Happy gave him a kiss on the cheek, glad to know Pap was doing okay. "I can't wait too...our own little girl..."

"Well, two more weeks and she's here! I'm excited for the both of you! You'll do great!" Marrie was going to say more until she heard her phone ring. "Excuse me. I'll be right back." She headed off to go take her call, leaving the two behind for just a few minutes.

Happy watched her but didn't think much of it as they started to cuddle along with Pap, a hand gently rubbing his baby bump.

Papyrus smiled softly, as Happy cuddled him; their hand gently on his belly. "yeah sure thing, marrie. i'm pretty happily planted onto the couch, so i ain't movin'..."

He yawned softly, and nuzzled Happy's cheek lovingly; his tail lightly wrapping around their hips.

Happy nuzzled right back, still keeping up with the belly rubs as they gave a soft hum.

Marrie was on the phone, in the kitchen. Darren was on the other line.

"Hey, how's it going? I...huh...? No...I haven't in a while...I already forgave him, Darren. I'm not mad anymore...Oh, yeah sure. When? ...That's...kinda last minute...Well...if it's important I guess I really can't say no...Did you ask Vera? ...And she said yes? ...Okay...Yeah...Okay...Alright. I'll try and stop by...shoudl I bring Sa-...oh...okay. I...guess I'll meet you soon then...yeah...okay...bye..."

She hung up the phone and seemed, conflicted on what was going to go on. This was weird but..she couldn't put judgement on now. For now, she headed back to the livingroom to see Happy and Pap in a little cuddle session.

"Glad to see you two are comfy." She giggled a bit and got back to her seat, "Um...what were we talking about again...?"

"uh, we was talking about the baby...but uh, we can talk 'bout whatever i guess?" Papyrus shrugged softly, smiling gently. "...yeah ma's real excited though, she's even gotten papi to build a crib in their extra bedroom, both for our little girl, and the twin boys if they come over to see them too."

"what's got me worried is she's kinda...still doing what she used to do. just she sits in the kitchen now. i dunno...maybe it's just her age or somethin...i'm trying to not let it worry me too much though." Papyrus looked to Happy, softly putting his own hand over theirs.

"Awww. That's so sweet!"Marrie's tail began to twitch, only to stop when she heard what Wingdin was up to.

"Oh dear...Maybe Sans and I should visit more...we've been wanting to take her and the rest of the dads out to places to enjoy the surface. Maybe like a nice picnic in the park so she enjoys the sun a little."

She was thinking on what it could mean for her and the rest...and what her dad was planning with the rest of her siblings. Part of her wanted to question it but, she trusted her brother. Their dad would do good...right?

Happy interlocked their fingers together, trying to give a little support, "I think we can do that too...just spend a little more time...with them...I...did make a nice coat for her when it gets colder here...I was told there's snow sometimes...so...maybe it'll feel like Snowdin when things get closer to winter..."

Papyrus' grin widened, and grew more easy across his face. "that's a great idea, mama loves having company to be honest...she's always been used to a full household, hell, running your own cafe for over seventy years will encourage that too..."

Hearing about the coat, he chuckled quietly. "oh, you know ma loves her coats and sweaters, bae-bot that's so sweet of you!"

In her home, Wingdin was indeed just seated in her kitchen; Napsta's music playing on the radio while she had a magazine in front of her. However, her fingers weren't even moving across the pages. She sat there quietly listening. Bitter was out with Edge in their shed, and Cupcake was painting a mural in the grandchildren's room.

Much like monsters would paint murals of the surface in the Underground; it was the opposite here. So the grandchildren wouldn't forget where they came from originally, Cupcake was painting a mural of the areas that lie across the Underground.

"I thought she might like it..." Happy let out a small laugh, "We should visit...maybe see if Zhara and Napstaton can stop by too. "

"That or have another big family dinner again. Last time was really fun! We can even invite General Brimstone and their son over this time! I know Uncle James might like having their company around." Marrie looked excited with the idea.

At the Aster-Brewer house, Vera was stopping by with her bag of deliveries. Just because they were on the surface, didn't mean her business haulted. She did have the twins strapped to her though for the company and the fact there was no one else to watch them since Aqua was having a mother-daughter day with her. So for Vera, it was "Take Your Kid to Work Day". Luckily the work was done but it didn't hurt to pay the old fam a visit.

She knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer while she gently petted John's head, "Let's see what all your old grandparents are doing, huh?'

Papyrus grinned and leaned lightly against Happy. "yeah, we should do that too..."

Cupcake heard the knocking at the door, and he came down the hallway. He was dressed in old sweatpants, a very old, paint-stained shirt, and he was shoeless at the moment. "Ah, just a moment, just a moment! Had to put away the paints..."

Opening the door, he lightly pushed his glasses closer to his face; and grinned to Vera. "Well, hello dear, ah, you've brought the boys; how delightful! Wingdin's in the kitchen, and Bitter along with Edge are out in their shed at the moment...I've been painting the grandchildren's room today! Putting up a mural of the Underground. I know it's lovely and blessed that we're on the surface."

He held his gloves together for a moment, and sighed tiredly; tilting his head slightly.

"̴͔T̨̬̪ò̯̲ ̥̗ͅk̻̫̭n͍̼o̦͎w ̱̖̀o̼̹̲u̞̤̹r̫̟ ̮̰̘hí̺͚s̡̬t̫͖͓o͠r̡͖̩y͓̣͈ ̤̤i̛̠͎s ̖̮͚ṭ͈͡o̯͓̯ ̙̘͢n͍͚͈o͖͉̮t ̴͍̼r͔̲̹e̪p͈̙͘e͖̫͍a̼̖̕t̗̣̀ iṱ̹̖,̱̤͈ ͚̕m̦͝y͇̘̪ ̷̖̬d̖̱͕ea͍r͇̫̮ ̩̝̱ć̩̬h̖͇̕i̫̱̞l͈̺͟d.͍̰͖.̲͡.͙̱͎"

Looking to her, his usual dimmed, dual-colored eyelights flickered back a bit brighter, as he smiled. "So what brings you here today? Another delivery for my husbands I assume?"

Vera blinked at the sudden change, but honestly got used to it at this point. She just patted her boys' heads and smiled.

"Yep. Last delivery on my route this week. But I thought I'd stick around and chat, ya know?" She headed inside, "Mural though sounds really cool. I'm sure the kids will like it regardless. Huh boys?"

She chuckled and gently unstrapped them from the harness she wore so the two can relax and stretch without being dragged about.

"How's everything here though? Aqua's having a mother-daughter day with Kryssie so it's me and the boys."

Cupcake closed the door behind her; and he watched as the twin boys started to crawl about a bit. "A lovely idea, Vera!" Reaching down, he gently scooped up his grandchildren and gave them both kisses. His blue eye flared a bit brighter; as a playpen that was folded up in the corner lit up in his magic; then he popped it open.

"Here, the boys can play and we can rest some. You've been running all over creation today with your deliveries, child." He went to the kitchen, the playpen floating gently behind him only a couple inches from the floor; and he settled it beside Wingdin. "There we are...I'll get you a glass of sweet tea, how does that sound, Vera?"

Wingdin gazed up from her magazine, and she smiled brightly. "Oh, Vera...I not knowing you came today..." She heard the burbling mews of Jamie and John; and her expression lit up even further.

"My precious grandbabies...oooh, you are right beside Gramma aren't you? I hear you burble, burble, burble...you sounding like the cutest of creeks!" She gently lowered her hand into the playpen, and Jamie immediately started to lightly swat at her hand a bit. John soon joined in as well.

"That sounds great, thanks. I need a drink after carrying the boys and my deliveries around." Vera followed Cupcake down and let the boys mess around with the two.

"Hey Wingdin. Yeah, I just was finishing deliveries and I thought I'd stop by. Brought the twins with me since Aqua and Kryssie are having their own time today." Vera explained as she took a nearby seat while she played with the twins.

"Play nice, boys. Grandma loves ya a lot, so chill." She chuckled at seeing the boys swat and play with her, "How have you been through? Been a little while last time I came here."

Wingdin smiled softly, and she lightly rubbed Jamie's head lovingly. "It is good to be hearing you, Vera. I have been...being alright I guessing."

Cupcake made himself busy while he'd gotten Vera a glass of sweet tea. "Here's your tea dear. I need to go and finish up the mural, alright?" He then left the women together in the kitchen.

Wingdin sighed a bit. "...it has been awhile since you and...others have come by. Last I saw Sans and Marrie was...oh, last month I think? I haven't gotten out of the house too often..."

She lifted her dress slightly; showing a bruise she'd been dealing with on her leg. "I fell trying to get mail yesterday...I really...it's hard Vera. I am healthy but without my sight...it...life is so hard..."

Vera thanked Cupcake before he left as she sat with Wingdin and listened. Hearing that her own sister hasn't come by to visit did strike something in her. She made a mental note to talk with her later.

Seeing the bruise, she got up from her seat to take a look at it, "Oh...yeah...that's not good...I get it. It would be pretty hard to navigate around. I did hear there are resources to help those who are blind, maybe we can try those?" She started healing up the bruise, least where it wouldn't cause anymore pain for the elderly skeleton.

Wingdin smiled as the bruise started to go away from her bony leg. "Thank you honey...I thought it wasn't hard to go to mailbox. I trip on rock of all things."

She shrugged softly, and tapped her white cane to the floor. "I having this, but...what is point getting things? Most monsters with no sight get around okay, but I not deep-cave bat, I not sightless imp..."

After she set her cane to the side, she took a drink of her tea. "I have only been bring blind for about thirteen years. Since my Sansy was around six...not entire life. And even before then... I had both eyes before he was born...do you knowing just how old your Mama is, Vera? Hmm?"

"Can't say I do. You seem about as old as Zhara's parents." Vera shrugged as she finished up the healing, "That is pretty hard...most of your life you're used to sight and suddenly...it's all gone. I don't know any magic that could bring some sight back...some powerful magic maybe but...I know that's out of my field."

She got back to her seat and started drinking the tea Cupcake left her, "They always say with time, things get easier. Doesn't really look like it for you, though..."

Wingdin shook her head, and sighed. Leaning down towards the boys she lightly played with them again. "Mhm...I am 952 years old. I do not knowing any other pure skeletons...my family dusted in Great War...so, I could be very old, could be only middle age?"

Gently she patted John's head, and chuckled as she got up carefully from the chair. Using her cane, she went to the cabinet, pulling out a basket they had of bath toys. Feeling around, she found a pair of sponges, and she wet them both.

"Here you going boys, you feeling too dry for Gramma's liking..." She gently handed the sponges to Jamie and John and they both mewed happily, starting to roll around and bite on them.

After she settled back down again, she smiled towards Vera. "So even though time has been passing... I feel I'm stuck...and it's so hard... I miss my teacups, I miss my children, I miss my grandbabies..."

Vera smiled at her kids, watching them go to town with their new toys. She did feel bad about Wingdin however.

"...Not like they all left...but...we try out best to see you. I know Marrie and Sans are probably still excited over their news. I swear...she hasn't stopped asking me questions about mine and Aqua's pregnancies." She chuckled lightly at the memory of last night's phone conversation with her sister.

Marrie had been getting into a habit of asking her and Aqua several questions on what to look out for, what was the better brand of baby toys and essentials, ect. It was nice to see her so excited but it was getting a little draining for Vera.

"But you are always welcome to visit. My line's always open if you need help getting somewhere when Brewster and the other two aren't around." That's the least she could do.

"News? Marrie and Sansy haven't said any of the things to me...I know Sans called his Papa last week...I can hear him over phone, he loud." Wingdin mused, as her bony fingers lightly brushed her glass of sweet tea. "But...asking about pregnancies, oh more grandbabies. I am excited as well for Papy's baby with Hapstablook."

"He call a few days ago, telling me he doing better. GMBD is pretty much gone, and now any excess ectogel is his own fatness and baby." She giggled softly. "He say he getting bottom and hips like his Papa. I telling him, good for Daddy to carry little one on his hips. Is what Cuppincake did most times when Sansy have bad night."

Listening to the boys mew and make squeaky noises with their toys, she smiled softly. "And thank you for offer of getting around, Vera. I just, stay in house most days. Cupcake is usually with me; as he retired too long long ago. But occasionally...he needing to do things. Edge and Bitter...they do love us, but they still do things on own. They from different place, have own desires sometimes. I understand it."

Cupcake came back into the kitchen, humming softly to himself; as he plunked down a bucket full of paintbrushes, and started to wash them in the sink. "Ah, the mural is done in the grandchildren's room, Wingdin. It's gorgeous my sweetiebones. The beautiful tranquility of Snowdin, the lush marshlands of Waterfall; the beauty of the roiling lava in Hotland...and a bustling cityscape of New Home...they will learn our history through painting!"

He tapped the brushes that he'd cleaned so far, and set them on a towel. "Of course they'll learn that through schooling as well, but helping our grandchildren out in any way possible doesn't hurt either. Ah, they'll learn sciences and maths from myself and their Grandpapi; self-defense from their Uncle Sans, swimming lessons from Aquaria, Sans or Papyrus, robotics from Pap aswell...oh there's so much we can do to have the brightest little grandbabies, isnt there?"

Wingdin started to laugh brightly, as she looked to her husband. "Cuppincake, my goodness! They are still the tiny babies! Even the oldest is still only five! She can tell me colors and numbers...and she can start to reading. You act as if they gonna go fly a rocketship!"

He rose his glove in protest, a strawberry-pink blush crossing his cup. "Perhaps they will! Krystabelle Leilani Jae, first monster in space in this timeline! I would be such a proud Grandpa to say that we all helped make that happen!"

"Huh. She said she told everyone. Oh boy." Vera sighed, but turned to a chuckle when she heard the two banter about.

"Maybe. That is if you can get her into space. Right now, she found out about soccer and is loving it. I swear, she asked me to get her her own soccerball for Giftmas." She smiled at remembering her little girl. Kryssie has been getting enthusastic about all sorts of things since they got to the surface. Soccer was one of those and school would be soon. She'd start within the next week and the little girl was more that estatic to try and start making friends and learning more than either Vera or Aqua could teach her.

"Ya never know what'll happen later on. Whatever she does...hope she turns out better than I did."

Wingdin nodded, and smiled. "I will be remembering that for Gyftmas this year then. She liking soccer then. Hmm...I knowing what we getting her!"

Cupcake finished washing the brushes out and he smiled softly. "Oh do remember to put ourselves down as contacts for Krystabelle, for the school, Vera. Just in case you or Aquaria aren't able to pick her up for some reason. I know your Uncle James is also occasionally busy too, but it doesn't hurt to have everyone in the loop, right?"

Wingdin shook her head, and patted her husband's hip as he'd come closer to her. "Cupcake...it is being okay. I already giving Vera information for Kryssie...they know you, you old Royal Scientist! You not nobody. Aqua telling me when she gave school our contacting things, they went 'oh, Kryssie's grandfather is Dr. Brewer?' they seemed surprised and almost impressed from how she told me."

"I worry though...people knowing her grandfather's are Colonel Jae and Dr. Brewer...they might be expecting more than she can give you know..." Wingdin said softly, as she played with her fingers. "At least...with Papyrus and Sans...they look at me, little old baker, they not think my boys is special...I don't want Kryssie to...have too much stress put on her."

"I'm not too worried. Kryssie's a tough little girl. She can handle things alright. As I can handle her if needed. I went through the same stuff in school. Same with Marrie and Darren. I just gotta teach her." Vera was already prepared for that just in case. Luckily Kryssie was easy to work with ad she took explanations well.

"I'd worry more when Sans and Marrie have their kid. Or with Pap and Happy. Those two have a lot more on their reputations than Kryssie does."

Cupcake blanched and he nervously covered his mouth with his gloved hand. "O-Oh...you're right...oh no my boy's children are going to be put through the wringer!"

He started to wring his gloved hands together; and muttering to himself for a moment; until Wingdin gently stood up and wrapped her arms around him awkwardly. "Caddy...Caddy listen...it will be being okay. Our boys will be fine. They will be good fathers, and their spouses will be good mother and parent...we just need stand up for them. Children are smart yes, but they not saviors...Papyrus knows all too much of having large load on his shoulders...Meaux made sure of that. He would never let his daughter having to have that on her shoulders. Sansy...to be honest I am more worried of Sans, not in bad way you knowing, but..."

Cupcake sighed, putting the edge of his teacup'd head against his wife's forehead delicately. "...His enthusiasm, right my love?"

Wingdin moved her head, to rest against Cupcake's chest, and she nodded softly. "Mhm...but we be there, we all be there for our grandbabies...they will do good, but not too good, if you know what I meaning Vera..."

Vera stood there awkwardly, figuring she fucked up with saying that. But least Wingdin took care of it, so that eased a little on her.

"They still got a long way before they get to that point. I'm sure they'll figure it out." Vera assured before she heard her phone beep of a text. She checked up on it and sighed, "Damn...now? Alright...Can I trust you guys to watch the twins for me really quick? Darren wants me and Marrie to meet with him for a few hours...something about a family meeting."

Cupcake came over, after having been calmed down by his wife; and he gently gave Vera a hug. "Of course, Vera. We have no issues watching the boys for you. Bitter and Edge will love spending time with them too. Give Darren and Marrie our love; we'll be right here, and we'll make sure they stay safe and very loved."

Wingdin had already settled back into the chair, and her arms were down in the playpen; gently rubbing both boy's backs while they snuggled their moist sponges. John was still 'battling' the sponge, while Jamie had curled up against it, starting to snooze; the tip of his tail twitching slightly.

Vera nodded and hugged him back, even managing a quick one for Wingdin. She gave the boys a kiss on their heads, "Be good for the old folks, alright? No fighting each other." She chuckled and headed off to see her brother and sister. She just hoped whatever it was wasn't too serious. They hadn't had a family meeting in a long long time...

Marrie was already texting Sans over the message Darren sent her, grabbing her stuff, "Sorry. I have to be going. I hopefully won't be gone too long..."

She was already grabbing her purse and set of keys. She hated leaving company alone but...family meetings were serious.

Wingdin giggled at what Vera said to her sons; listening as she'd left. "Oh you two won't be fighting, no no no..." She cooed to the twins, as she lightly petted them both lovingly again.

Papyrus blinked as Marrie was hurrying to leave. "yeah, don't sweat it, mars...just head on out. we're cool here. might go check out how the sans-man is doin' with the kiddo's room though..."

Sans was still at the hardware store, waiting for the custom paint to be mixed. Getting the text message he sighed. [Alright my dearest! I should be home within the half hour! There was a line at the hardware store...but I'm also getting shelving for the baby's room too!]

"Thanks! I'll see you later! Help yourself to anything!" Marrie waved before rushing off.

Happy watched her go, so it was now just Pap and them. "...You want to see the baby's room...?"

Pap nodded, and shifted himself to get up; his tail pressing against the back of the couch for leverage. "ya-huh...it's gonna be niblings room, it'll be great to see how they're gonna sleep and spend the majority of their time! then again...i've got a huge mothering instinct like ma because i pretty much semi-raised sans myself...she worked such long hours at the cafe, she couldn't help it..."

Getting to his feet, he yawned slightly; and grinned lazily to Happy. "my beautiful bae-bot...i'm still so excited to be a father with you, yanno that?"

"I am too...and I think that instinct will come in handy..." Happy giggled and helped Pap up before taking them over to see their nibling's room. They really were looking forward to the day their baby girl would come to the world.

"We'll be almost there, Papy...she's almost here...I'm just imagining how she'll look like...your eyes...maybe my hair...or you think she'll be more ghost..? or what if she has a little tail?"

"oh i can tell you ma's betting on a little tail, based on some of the baby clothes she's been buying with papi's help...even pure skeletons have a short, nubby tail naturally. it's part of their spine actually! mine and sans' are longer because we're hybrids, half-alligator monster, half-skeleton. papi..." Papyrus paused for a moment, as he came into the baby's room looking around.

Two of the four walls were painted a beautiful green. A crib was fully assembled in the middle of the room; far away from the painted surfaces, and inside the crib was a couple rolls of carpet; and some tools. There was a little rolling desk chair with the back and arms removed; it could be seen it was Sans 'painting chair' as there was many streaks of different colored paint on the surface and wheels.

Papyrus eased himself onto the painting chair, and smiled as he looked at the room. "...it's beautiful. my bro's gonna be a wonderful dad. of course he'd be wonderful, he was raised by our step-fathers..." He mumbled softly, as he rested his hand on his stomach.

Looking to Happy he sighed. "i can't think like that, i'm not my father...i'm just me...and we're gonna have a beautiful child together...i love you hapstablook."

Happy smiled a bit at the sound of Wingdin getting babyclothes for their child. They could already imagine a few ideas on how their little girl was going to look. Their ideas stopped short when they went into the room.

"It is wonderful...I'm sure their baby will love it too." Happy was getting a few more ideas on what to make clothing wise for when Sans and Marrie had their kid. They've been wanting to make more baby clothes that weren't going to be stocked up for their own little girl. They...did make a lot...

"You and your fathers did well with raising him, Papy...we're going to have a great baby...and we'll be good parents...I know we will...I love you a lot too...Papyrus..." They gently pressed a soft kiss onto Pap's "lips" with one hand on his belly, "We love you so much..."

Pap melted into the kiss, and he smiled at Happy as he'd stayed seated on the rolling chair. Looking to the box of paints on the floor; he saw an empty canvas beside the box. "hmm?"

Lifting up the canvas, he saw it had a note on the back. 'For Papyrus! Don't paint on my freshly done walls, if you want to canoodle around with painting, use THIS!'

Papyrus started laughing, and showed Happy the canvas with the note. "my baby bro knows me all too well! aww...let's see what we can come up with bae..."

Picking up the paints, he got the artist's pallet and started to get globs of the paint onto it, then he started to paint on the canvas, after he'd propped it against the wall. "my beautiful spouse, you know, sometimes i lay awake at night, wondering just how i was so blessed to have you by my side...i know that we've all come so far in our lives...but i still feel sometimes, like i'm failing you, when i'm lazy, but i remind myself...i medically have problems, i do the best i can."

"it's something that you, along with dr. kirkland is helping me with...i'm trying to let myself not be overwhelmed...and i believe...i'm going to put in to retire from the position of the royal judge. i have done more than my fair share...and i have no need, as we're integrating with human society constantly...they have judges, and how i would operate, is nothing like their lawyers and judges...in fact, i've read up on our practices...and it's more akin to the judges of biblical times you know..." Papyrus was rambling quietly, a contemplative smile across his face as he spoke while he painted.

What he was painting was a portrait of the family, that included Cupcake, Bitter, Edge & Wingdin, Papyrus and Sans, with their spouses, and two baby cribs, which would represent the baby that the picture was to be hung in their room, along with Happy and Pap's unborn child. "...i am no king solomon, my love. dividing land and children...so...i will retire, yet again...and focus on our family. that sounds best, don't you think?"

Happy smiled at the canvas that was left behind, thinking Sans was pretty smart about that. They stood by Pap's side and watched him paint.

"I can say the same...I...still remember when I was day dreaming of you with Vera and Zhara edging me on trying to ask you out...I...had no idea how much I didn't know about you...but...I found myself loving you ever bit that I did learn..." They blushed at the memory of all that, "But...I'm glad they did...I wouldn't have met the monster I'm married...I promise you you're not failing me...all I ask is you do the best you can...and...I try the same for you..."

They kept watching Pap paint, smiling at seeing the cribs being added. They kissed his cheek, wanting to pass on a little more love to him.

"I think it would be lovely...just you..me...our baby girl...and the rest of our family...all of us together..." They seemed to really like the idea, "...Napsta was talking to me about maybe opening my own tailor shop...since...I started making more clothes...I...told him I would think about it. But...I think it sounds nice...I...would want to do it if...you want to be with me for it..."

Papyrus blushed softly at Happy's kiss, and he smiled a bit more. Listening to them, his tail was slightly waving in comfortable bliss. He felt at peace just then, painting, not a real care in the world; his spouse right beside him. Their little girl kicked slightly, making his stomach jump a bit.

Sticking the paint brush between his fangs, he lightly rubbed his stomach and chuckled. "mhm...oh, a tailor shop? i love that idea, happy. and it would be nice to help you with your dreams. all i want to do is lift you up as high as you can go my dear mechanical marvel of a dear..."

He continued painting for a moment and smiled as he painted the curve of the dress he'd put the painted Hapstablook in. "...i've already had my chance in the limelight, and you deserve everything that i can give you my darling."

"It just would be fun to do...I think...and..I do really enjoy it...I'll still think about it...for now...I just want to focus on you and our family..." Happy leaned their head on his, being thankful for his company and love. That's all they wanted and needed for now.

They gave a small rub on his stomach, "Hi darling...you're an excited little girl...hmm? Little longer, sweetheart...just a little longer...shhh..."

"Long as you and our baby are with me...that's all I need..." Happy pressed a few more kisses on Pap's skull, "...I love you..."

Papyrus began hurgling softly in his chest as they pressed more kisses to his skull. "awww...i love ya too, happy..."

After another half-hour passed and Papyrus had finished the painting, leaving it to dry in the baby's room. At the moment, he was rummaging in the cabinets, and found a large bag of pork jerky. "nyeh-heh-heh...score, he's got pork jerky..."

Opening the bag up, he plucked a chunk of it into his mouth, and grinned; his tail starting to wave behind him. "mmmmm..."

Sans came inside finally and he smiled at Happy and Papyrus. "Well hello there! I have finally gotten the paint for the baby's room, and I officially hate the hardware store!"

Papyrus paused, and tilted his head slightly. "whatcha hate the hardware store for? thought you were just getting paint, bro..."

Sans sighed dramatically, setting down the box that contained the shelving kits he'd bought. "...YES, WELL, I HAD NEARLY THREE HUMANS CALL ME A CHILD, DUE TO MY HEIGHT. ONE OF THEM ASKED WHERE MY MOTHER WAS NO LESS! I TOLD THEM MY MOTHER WAS AT HOME, AND I AM AN 19 YEAR OLD MAN. A JUNIOR GUARDSMAN...EVEN THOUGH I'M RETIRED."

"They seemed surprised that I was retired somehow at the age of 19!" He started to pull out the boxed lunch he'd gotten for Papyrus and Happy on the way back as well. Striding over to his older brother, he pulled the bag of jerky from his hands. "Too much salt, brother! Here, I've gotten you and Hapstablook lunch, it's the least I could do. It's a healthy, very well-balanced meal for you. And for Hapsta, it's a nice, hearty ghost-food meal. I wasn't sure if you'd wanted real food or not, so I erred on the side of caution, I hope that's alright with you."

Papyrus took the meal in stride, used to the whirlwind of energy that was his little brother. "uh-huh...thanks bro...so, what else happened, i'm all ears."

Sans grinned, and pointed up at his brother; lightly tapping the older man's swollen stomach. "Even though you have none."

Papyrus' tail waved brightly, chuckling. "oh you want me to take those out, well, i sure can do that..." He started to reach into his skull, to which Sans patted Papyrus' belly a bit more urgently, but not harmfully.

"NO! No no no, leave those in...ugh, you're so difficult!"

"no i'm papyrus harlow aster, and who're you?"

Sans growled and threw his hands up in frustration; a bright blue blush across his cheeks. With little warning, he started to very delicately push his heavily pregnant brother to the couch. "Go. Sit and eat. I love you Papyrus, but you're getting too riled up for your own good!"

Papyrus just looked like he'd won a million dollars, he'd not had a chance to get under his brother's ribcage like that in a long time and it felt good for some reason to him.

"Thanks you, Sans...it's okay. I'm sorry you had such an awful time at the hardware store however..." Happy took their boxed lunch and rifled through it. They could eat normal solid food now, but they still ate ghost food from time to time. Least this one looked tasty.

They couldn't help but stifle a laugh as they watched the brothers interact. It was almost cute to see them like this, and they knew Pap was just having fun.

Meanwhile in Darren's home, James, Darren, Vera, Marrie and Jonathan were all looking around each other. The siblings were wondering why they were all called while James and Jonathan looked solemn.

"So...what's going on? Everything okay Unc? Dad?" Vera looked a the two questioningly, not liking the look on their faces.

"Well...that would depend on how you take the news..." James sighed and looked a the siblings, "I'm perfectly fine but...it's your father who has the news here."

"Dad? What's going on...? Please don't tell me Queen Toriel is putting a ghost bounty on you or something..." Darren was already getting panicked until Vera punched his shoulder to get him to knock it off.

"Is everything okay, Daddy...?" Marrie was the most curious, not liking the look her father was giving.

"Well...partially. You see..." Jonathan started off as he looked at his children. His beautiful...adult...children, "I finished the business I had to do...so..."

Be two and a half hours more before Marrie finally came back home. She seemed tired and conflicted as she hung her keys on the rack and looked around, "Sansy...? I'm home...Are Papyrus and Happsta still here...?" She hoped to find him, wanting to get her mind of the family meeting she had prior. It was a little too much at the moment.

Papyrus had since finished the boxed meal that Sans had brought, along with a fourth of the bag of jerky he'd snuck back out from the cabinet. At the moment, he was nearly asleep on the couch; his head in Hapsta's lap, their sweater partially on his face. His long and thick tail draped into the floor before the end of it was lightly draped over his spouses crossed ankles.

Sans came out from the baby's bedroom; and held the paint roller in his hand. "Hello my dearest, yes they are! They're resting up in the living room actually at the moment. I'm back and nearly finished with painting the baby's room. How did that meeting go?"

"OH! Papyrus painted something for the baby...you should come and take a look at it..." He murmured, smiling to Marrie happily.

Happy had finished their meal and were currently patting Pap's head, humming softly as they kept his hearing aids in their pocket so he could rest. They themselves were just relaxing enough to finish charging since they didn't realize they were a bit low.

They did give a wave to Marrie as she came in. Marrie waved back before going to Sans. She tried not to look pained when he asked of the meeting, trying her best to keep a smile.

"It went. Let's see the room then! That sounds really sweet." She gave him a quick kiss before heading to the baby's room to see for herself.

Papyrus yawned, and turned his face towards his spouses crotch; falling further asleep. The world was silent to him, but he could feel the vibrations of Happy's humming and it kept him calm and very relaxed.

Sans didn't notice the pained look across his wife's face, as he'd hurriedly grabbed a couple of tissues to keep a drop of green paint from trailing to the floor. "Of course!"

Going back to the baby's room, he set the roller back into the paint dish. He just had part of one wall to finish now. Lifting up the painting carefully, he showed it to Marrie. "Brother told me that he'll paint one of your family as well, which will have everyone on it, along with us too. He was going to put your family on here, but he knew he would run out of room..."

"He...won't paint Tahi for...obvious reasons, I hope that's alright?" Sans muttered, looking to the painting he held.

Happy felt him move but didn't stir. They did blush where he did move though. They just let out a small flustered chuckle before continuing to hum and pet his skull.

Marre looked around, smiling a bit. "It looks good in here so far..."

She looked over at the painting and gave a smile, seeing how happy they looked in it, "That's okay...I understand...we...do have big families between the two of us..."

Her smile soured at the mention of Tahi but...what got her was just getting a painting of them all together...their baby wouldn't know...

She never noticed the tears falling from her cheeks or her tail wrapping around her waist. She only put a hand to her stomach, like somehow the apologies in her mind would transfer over to the baby.

Sans saw the tears and how her tail comfortingly wrapped around her own waist, just like his and his brother's would. Setting the painting down quickly, he went to her and hugged her. "Marrie, my love; oh...oh I'm sorry for mentioning her, I shouldn't have...j-just Papyrus knew that...despite what she did she was your mother...then again, he didn't paint our father so..."

His words were lost on his 'lips' as he wasn't sure where he was even going with what he was saying just then. Gazing to his wife, and best friend of over 12 years; he sighed. "Marrie...something's going on with Colonel Jae, isn't there? I can tell...we've never kept secrets...please, tell me love."

Marrie sniffled and hugged him tight, shaking her head. She didn't want to talk about it. Not now.

"...N-No...it's...it's okay...d-don't...put her in...p-please...I...I don't...want to do this right now..." She started hiccuping as she hugged him tight, "Later...just...n-not now...p-please not now..."

Sans nodded, and he gently shifted her into his arms. "Of course, my dearest. How about...we just rest some?"

Giving her a sweet kiss, he brushed her fair red hair out from her face, and nuzzled her lovingly. "My dearest love, you shouldn't be worrying over such things, let them leave your mind, and we'll take a rest ourselves. Papyrus and Hapstablook will be fine on their own, alright?"

Marrie sniffled and nodded, "O-Okay..." was all she could managed to say as she was trying to calm down. Rest sounded good right now.

"...C-Can I get a chocolate shake to go with too...and my pork jerky...?" It's only been two weeks and she'd been on cravings already. Not like she minded much but she did get hungry.

Sans nodded and he carried her into the kitchen easily, smiling as he then plunked his wife onto the counter, and reached into the freezer, getting their chocolate ice cream and chocolate milk out to make her a quick chocolate shake. Heading to the cabinet, he let out a curious growl when he didn't see the bag of jerky. "...OOH! BROTHER!"

He came striding into the living room, and looked around Happy and his slumbering brother. Tucked against Pap's belly and the couch, was the half-eaten bag of pork jerky. "PAPYRUS! You ate more of..."

Snatching up the bag, Papyrus' eyes opened, as his belly kind of slid forward, and his face mashed into Happy's crotch suddenly. ...dude the fuck, i like this, but why?

THIS WAS MARRIE'S JERKY! AND THAT'S TOO MUCH SALT FOR YOU! Sans blasted, as he went back to the kitchen, grumbling to himself.

Papyrus couldn't hear his brother's shouting anyway, and he just shrugged, and yawned, pressing a kiss to Happy's thin glass midsection. He was pleased where he was, even if he'd been roused and thrown a bit forward more into the couch.

Marrie heard the conversation from the kitchen, her eyes widened and then narrowed.

"You...ATE ALL OF MY FUCKING JERKY?!" Marrie screamed lout enough that the windows started vibrating, including Happy's glass container. Marrie was mad...and she was showing it...it didn't help matters that she had pregnancy on top of that that altered her mood.

Happy was already flustered with Pap getting so close to their crotch area, but now they were fearful and shaking from the sudden noise.

"THAT WAS MINE!"

Papyrus still couldn't hear Marrie, but he could almost feel the vibrations from her voice; and he certainly felt the shaking from his spouse. He sat up a bit carefully, and fished out his hearing aids from Happy's breast pocket; putting them in.

Standing up from the couch, he waddled to the kitchen, to see a very angry Marrie and a livid Sans. He didn't realize you could angrily make a milkshake, but his little brother was certainly attempting it. Sans pointed his finger at Pap as soon as he came in.

"I can't believe you! YOU ATE HER PORK JERKY!" Sans shook his head firmly, and sighed. "If you wanted jerky you could have gotten the container of beef jerky I got for myself and you too!"

"...dude i didn't know it was hers. i just figured you had it...sorry, i was fuckin hungry...and i didn't eat all of it, just...like half the bag, sorry..." Papyrus mumbled looking towards the floor.

"Um...y-you did say to...h-help...yourself t-t-to...anything...s-sorry..." Happy was still shaking, now a bit fearful on how the two were looking.

Marrie went quiet, her anger subsiding...until it started up again with her bursting into sobs. "I'M SORRY! YOU'RE RIGHT! I'M TERRIBLE HOST AND AWFUL FRIEND! I DID SAY IT AND IT'S ALL RUINED! AND I HAVE NO JERKY LEEEEEEEEFT!"

Happy bit their lip, unsure of what to do now at this point. This...was new for them.

Papyrus' eyelights flickered out, and he sighed silently; scratching his cheek for a moment. He certainly had some mood swings but this was nearly unheard of. Taking a step back, while his brother started to console his wife; he looked to Happy.

"uh...i'll uh, be right back..." Pap quietly grabbed the bag of pork jerky, and he left out the front door. It had been literally months since he'd shortcut, but he knew he could still do it.

He'd shortcut down to the store where he knew that variety came from. After grabbing onto the light pole in surprise; he headed quickly into the store and got four new bags of the pork jerky that she loved. Then after taking a breath to steady his nerves, he focused and shortcut back. He'd only been gone for maybe five minutes.

Coming back to the kitchen, he waddled over to Marrie; and put down the four bags, full of pork jerky. "here ya are, sis." It was somewhat evident the slightly dark circles under his sockets, as his eyes were halfway closed.

Marrie was still sobbing the entire 5 minutes Pap was gone, She was hiding her face in her hands and whimpering as Sans tried consoling her.

Happy just stayed there, unsure and a bit nervous when Pap left. They seemed to calm down when he came back, but immediately looked concerned when they noticed his eyes. "P-Papy...?"

Marrie poked her face out of her hands, tears still steaming down as she hiccuped. She headed over to hug Pap right, there were still tears but at least she had a bit of a smile.

"T-Thank you...s-sorry..."

Papyrus hadn't really heard Happy, as he hugged Marrie back. His arms were slightly trembling; but he held back as best he could. "don't be sorry, it's why i gotcha more...i uh...me and hapsta are gonna...go home, okay?"

He turned away from Marrie; and Sans immediately came around and looked up at his brother. "Brother...are you okay? You've got those dark circles again..."

Papyrus chuckled softly, and nearly stumbled as went to go waddling around his little bro; to head to the couch to his spouse. "...mmm...i-i'm a'right, bro...jus wanna go'on home..."

She noticed the trembling and started getting worried, "H-Hang on...m-maybe you should stay here for the night..."

Happy headed over with the spare sugar meter to check his sugar, "Papy...let me see...come here..." They thought maybe it had to do something with that. They did not like the signs at all. "Papy...what did you do to get them...? Did you take a shortcut...?"

Papyrus reached up, and tugged his top couple buttons down so Happy could check his sugar level on instinct. "y-yeah i took a shortcut, babe...sorry i...i just felt so bad that i ate that on her...and i'd do anythin' fer my little bro and sis..."

A few tears trailed down his own cheeks as he slumped onto the couch. His sugar level was 210, which was absurdly high especially for him. His hands were trembling still, and he chuckled softly. "i...i'm so sorry i just wanted to help out, b-bae-bot..."

Sans saw his brother's trembling hands and frowned worriedly. "Brother, why did you do that? You didn't have to shortcut, I would have gone out and bought more...you look quite the wreck though...210...that's very high, has it ever been that high Hapsta?"

"N-N-No! I..I-I haven't seen him be that high! I..I usually take care of him before he does!" Happy immediately began to panic, now getting really scared.

Marrie looked like she was going to start crying again, "You...y-you shouldn't...W-What do we do!? Is there something we give him!? S-Should I call my uncle!?"

Papyrus knew despite he was the one in medical trouble, he was quickly having his spouse, and his little brother and sister getting highly agitated and scared. Taking a soft breath; he leaned forward a bit on the couch; and looked to the three of them. "...m-marrie get me water, i need to drink; i'm prolly a little dehydrated...sans, go and get me the cinnamon, not cinnamon-sugar, just cinnamon...happy, dear just take a few b-breaths..."

"i'm okay...i'll be okay, it's just high sugar...nuthin else...a'right?" His voice was soft and calm, even though it was halting with each breath he took.

Sans nodded and skittered off to get his brother the cinnamon that he'd asked for. He wondered just why he needed cinnamon, but he wasn't going to question his brother, not now.

Marrie did the same, going to get water for him. She came back quick with a glass of water with a straw just in case.

Happy was doing their best, not trying to get a panic attack. "I-I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I-I'm...s-s-sorry..." Their voice was glitching out with their panic. Marrie was trying her best to calm them down after giving Pap the water.

"It's okay...just...take it easy...it's alright..." Marrie rubbed their back, hoping it also comforted herself.

Papyrus took the glass of water, and easily drained it; taking huge gulps of it, his fangs clacking against the glass. After draining it the first time, he sighed and closed his eyes for a moment.

"baby...baby it's okay...you didn't do this, i did this, because i overstressed myself with shortcutting...and all the jerky i ate is probably fuckin' with my sugar levels..." Papyrus murmured, as he'd wrapped his arms around his spouse.

Sans had come back with the cinnamon, and held it to Papyrus. "Brother...w-what do you want me to do with this?"

"git anotha glass o' water, put a tablespoon in it, i'll drink it straight." Papyrus muttered, looking to his baby bro. "...and lookit the jerky, is it salty or sweet?"

Sans went to get the cinnamon water for his brother, and his eyelights went out. "...IT'S SUGAR-INFUSED HOISIN-FLAVORED JERKY. No wonder it skyrocketed!"

Marrie was still trying to calm down Happy. Happy sniffled and whimpered, their voice still glitching out.

"You sure you don't need me to grab my uncle? he might have something to help too..." Marrie wasn't sure but still wanted to try.

Papyrus took the cinnamon water from Sans when he'd brought it over, and he slowly drank at it. After he'd finished half the cup; he sighed and nodded. "yeah...yeah i guess get your uncle...this ain't really happened before, but...but i should be a'right..."

Draining the cup the rest of the way, he pulled out his meter, and checked himself; even though his hands were trembling still. 165. "hey...it's gone down...that's good...that's really good, still kinda high though..."

Marrie nodded and headed off to go call her uncle.

An explanation to Leslie and a 15 minute walk later and James was at the house, checking over Pap.

"Hmm...high sugar...nothing too bad that I can't fix. I got a potion that acts as a sugar reducer in magic. You'll be right as rain, just need some rest. I don't think it should effect the baby so she should be safe too, Papyrus." James finished checking and looked though his inventory to find the ingredients needed to help him.

Marrie looked pretty relieved, there were still things she was learning for healing but felt thankful that her Uncle had something to help.

Papyrus nodded softly, and sighed. "thanks, uncle james...i knew of cinnamon, but...that was about it. i usually got the low sugar, not high...but shortcutting...i...i cross the void, to shortcut. it kinda makes me all wonky when i do that..."

Sans blinked a bit, looking to his brother. "You cross the void? Is there where Papa was...when he was gone?"

Pap nodded softly, and he watched quietly as James was going through his inventory. "mhm. it was...his artificial dt...it kept him from actually dusting when he fell into the lava...so he tried to shortcut, something he doesn't particularly do often...a-and he got caught in the place between, the void..."

Papyrus was slightly loopy, and he was an open book if someone had wanted to ask him anything just then.

Marrie blinked, not entirely sure what that meant. "Still...is it safe to be taking short cuts with the baby?"

James got to making the potion. Took only two minutes to get everything together and mix it before pouring it into a new cup of water. The stuff turned it white and looked similar to milk. Never was James so thankful in learning healing alchemy at a young age.

"Drink that, Papyrus. It'll take about 5 minutes for it to go into full effect. But it should lower it down to a better number. Just keep some water nearby...you'll end up needing the hydration."

Papyrus shook his head, and grinned a bit oddly. "noooo, no no no...it's not safe...not safe normally! if i tripped or something, we'd be lost just like papa was!"

Taking the cup of milky-looking water; he drank it all, and then leaned his head back against the couch; hiccupping slightly. "t-thanks uncle james...i never really had it happen, till a long, long time ago...i just ended up passing out where i was till it lowered on it's own...that...uh happened at least once a month maybe, with all the...-hic- shortcuts..."

Sans' eyelights went out and he sighed, rubbing his cheek for a moment. "...Brother...h-how bad is your health?"

Papyrus looked to Sans, and he grinned. "...uhh...missin' the last two of my vertebrae...gouges in my arms, claw marks on my ectogel...missing the bottom two ribs...uhh...i'm functionally deaf...and i'm depressed with anger issues! oh, oh, and i have hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, and occasionally it will skyrocket like this...kinda...kinda makes me drunk? it's...ooh it's hard but it don't hurt none..."

"Well...let's try and reduce those those, shall we? As for the skyrocketing, I can give you more of these so in case it happens again, you can be prepared." James made a note of all those as he kept watch of Pap's health, "You are very close in having the child. No use putting them in danger as well."

Happy already knew about all of Pap's problems, but it still didn't make things any easier for them, "...M-Maybe we should go home...g-get you to rest..." They sniffled out, trying their best not to succumb to a panic attack.

Marrie started feeling guilty again. If Happy wasn't going to start crying, she was.

Sans shook his head firmly. "No. You're going to stay here in our extra bedroom for tonight. We have four extra bedrooms on top of our bedroom and the baby's. We...made sure we got a large house as you can tell...so you're quite welcome to stay the night if you feel like it's needed."

Papyrus gently rubbed Happy's hand, and sighed. "...hapsta...shhh...shhh..."

He started to hum, and softly sing to them trying to help them to calm down. They were sitting...They were talking in the strawberry swing, Every moment was so precious...They were sitting, They were talking in the strawberry swing, Everybody was for fighting, Wouldn't wanna waste a thing...Cold, cold water, Bring me round...Now my feet won't touch the ground, Cold, cold water, What ya say? It's such, It's such a perfect day...It's such a perfect day...

Wrapping his tail around Happy's hips, he lightly pulled their hand over to rest on his stomach, as he sang to them gently; lightly running his clawed fingers through their black hair lovingly.

Happy continued to breathe shakily and sniffle as they cuddled against Pap's stomach. Hearing their husband hum slowly got them to start calming down, they weren't shaking as badly but they were still. They would fully calm down with some time, but being near Pap and hearing him sing was doing a lot to help.

"Y-Yeah...let's...let's get you in the spare room...it's okay..." Marrie sighed and went to go get a room for them ready. Least she could do to fix everything.

"I'll stay for a small while longer as well. Just to make sure things go well for him. Some rest will do him a world of good." James headed up to go give Pap another refill of water along with one for Happy whenever they were fully calmed down.

Pap took the refill of water, as he finished singing to Happy. Looking to them, he started to shift until he realized he was pinned to the couch by not only his own stomach, but Happy as well. "...uh, bae-bot...um...c-could you help me up maybe? i kinda can't move..."

Sans had gone off to help Marrie with the room as well, worried for his brother's health. With the luck his family tended to have, his brother would probably be having his niece in their house that evening.

Happy sniffled and nodded, panic attack seeming to be averted as they got off of him and helped him up.

Marrie finished getting the room together and sighed, "...This is going to be...not hard but...crazy...really crazy..." She placed a hand on her still flat stomach, "...I'm sorry Sansy..."

Papyrus smiled as they helped him to his feet, and he sighed, rubbing his stomach a bit. "thank you dear..."

Sans looked at the bed with a critical eye. There was a memory foam topper, then a claw-proof and waterproof bed protector; then the sheets. A fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and then the comforter. All of it claw-proof, as was nearly all of their bedding in their household. Tapping his clawed fingers together for a moment, he looked to Marrie, and sighed.

"Marrie...don't be sorry, not one bit. Life is strange, and fucked up, and things happen. It's sometimes all ya can do but ta hold on, and hope ya don't drown in the flood." His voice sounded more like his Papi almost for the moment as he spoke, and he closed his eyes, shaking his head.

"But holdin' on...that's not life. Ya swim against the current. Pullin' yourself up, and you live." He went over to Marrie, and hugged her lovingly. "If ya let go, that's when ya drown."

Marrie let out a small giggle before hugging him back, "...You sound like Papi...but...I guess that's right..." She relaxed in his hold, looking tired.

"...Can we go to bed, now...? I...I think I want to lie down..." She had enough for one day.

Happy got to the room and looked about, "Is...it ready...?"

"Yeah...go ahead. I'm..going to call it too...Night guys..." Marrie gave them each a hug before retreating to the master bedroom to get ready for bed.

James decided to stick to the couch and relax for a while, just to make sure there was no night time accidents. He knew the luck of his family and that of his nephew-in-law's...so wouldn't hurt to spend the night just in case.

"thanks..." Papyrus laid down in the bed, taking his clothes off, down to his boxers and sports bra; and he stretched out, yawning softly.

Sans headed to the master bedroom as well, and as Marrie got ready for bed; he stripped down his boxers; and started doing his nightly exercises of pushups and various other things. Soon after about ten minutes of the fifteen he did each night; he started to get a sheen of sweat on his skull.

Happy just took their cardigan off and set it down on the table nearby, keeping their shirt and shorts on. They laid by Pap and held him close, trying to relax enough to sleep. "...I love you, Papy..."

Marrie got into her silk lightblue nightgown and put her hair up into a ponytail. She looked at the mirror and tried to imagine herself having a belly similar to Pap. She seemed to smile a bit at the thought for her future before heading over to her bed.

She did giggle at the sight of Sans exercising before bed, finding him cute as she watched him before sliding into the covers.

Papyrus looked to Happy, and smiled softly, giving them a kiss. "i love you too happy. i'm sorry for how today went..."

Sans continued on with his exercises, and after another five minutes, he stood up and grabbed his dirty shirt; wiping his skull off. "Ah...there we go...it's always a good head clearer to do my exercises..."

"It's okay...long as I know you're okay..." Happy sighed and kissed him back before settling down again. They knocked out pretty quick afterwards.

"You sure it's not an excuse for me to see you being sexy?" She joked with a twitch of her tail. She patted down the empty side of the bed, wanting him to join her, "Come here, blue~"

Papyrus laid in bed, and sighed quietly; rubbing his stomach. He wondered just how he was going to be a good father like he wanted to be.

Sans chuckled quietly, as he came into bed beside her. He grinned brightly, the bone around his right eye slightly crinkling as he did so. "Being sexy? Ah, I thought I was sexy enough for you my dearest Marrie~"

He gave her a sweet kiss, running his hand down her side, letting his clawed fingers lightly run through her fur through her nightgown. "My beloved dear...you know...I was blessed that day, when you soaked me to the bone. Thank you. I would have never met you, and I am so glad for that to have happened."

Marrie giggled and kissed right back, only to giggle more when she felt his fingers running in her fur. She had always been a little ticklish.

"It's funny...I did that whole thing to make a bunch of friends...I ended up getting something so much better...and I'm nore than thankful for that too..." She started peppering him with kisses on his face, "A beautiful husband...a father of my child...and a loving family we'll call our own soon..."

She let out a few happy purrs as she kept the kisses going, tail twitching about happily.

Sans blushed as he was showered in kisses from his wife. "Mwehehehehe! I've always wanted showers of kisses, and the adoration of so many...but you have fulfilled all my expectations and beyond my beloved dearest Marrie! You are the best wife and friend that I could ever have!"

He gently positioned himself over her, his very muscular ectogel being easily seen. Then he started to kiss her back all over her face, and began to nibble on her ears playfully; trailing the kisses down her cheeks and her neck. Going over the nightgown, he paused over her stomach; and he gently laid his skull on her still slim stomach.

"Our children...my dear...you do not know how happy you have made me throughout our entire lives. Every day I wake up beside you, I am so very blessed." He murmured, pressing more kisses to her stomach.

Throughout the night, Wingdin had been having odd dreams, despite her lack of sight. She clung to Cupcake worriedly; then she turned over and hugged onto Edge; her two largest husbands. In her tossing and turning she was beset by worrying thoughts, until a calm seemed to come over her.

"I can say the same thing, my knight in skelearmor." She purred, only to giggle and squrim in feeling all the kisses on her neck and his nibbles. From there she gently pet his skull.

"I feel like I'm the lucky one with you...Love you Sansy..."

Jonathan hoped he was doing this right. Once he felt a connection, he headed over to Wingdin in her dream. He didn't look like a ghost there, just his normal, strong fluffy self.

"Mrs. Aster...forgive my intrusion..." He seemed to come closer to her within her dream, "I was hoping you would do me a small favor...I only entrust you and your husbands to do so..."

Wingdin, in her dream, had been battling the stand mixer; which quickly had gone away upon Jonathan's appearance in her dream. She looked to him, and blinked a bit. "No...actually you made a bad dream, much better John..."

She sat down on the floor; a chair appearing behind her easily; as they both were 'pulled' into a booth of sorts. "Most of my dreams involve me back in my cafe, and...heh, after 900 or so years of dreaming, it's easy to manipulate things. What's this favor then? Is everything okay with the family?"

Jonathan kept standing, not seeing a point in sitting when he was done here. "Well I'm glad I can help...but...I believe you may help me more than I can accomplish...my unfinished business is done, Mrs. Aster. I can no longer stay in this plane anymore. So...I'm here to ask of you to hep my family when they need it most..."

He smiled and pulled out a pin from his pocket. A silver rune with white wings and a dark purple heart in the center of it, a known medal given to those who are in the highest ranks of The Royal Guard who fought in the War.

"You've done so much already..and I don't think my children could have done any better without you and your family...for that...I thank you. I give my last gift to you...Mrs. Aster...take it as a token of my appreication...I think you'll find much use in the coming morning and every morning after..." He seemed to have a sad smile on his face as he gave her the pin.

Wingdin took the pin, gazing at it curiously. "I've seen this before...a Purple Runic Heart..."

Looking back to Jonathan, she seemed confused however. "But...a last gift? I don't really understand what you mean, but, heheh, alright then. I'm happy I got to know you at least. I've...I remember seeing the guard on the battlefield of the Great War...the screams of the humans, and the taste of dust on the air...it still haunts me sometimes..."

She came over to him and gave him a hug. "Thank you for everything you have done, in your life, and after your death, Colonel Jonathan Jae. I will do my best to keep our families together with love and care, the best way I know how."

"It will all make sense when you wake up...you'll see what I mean soon." He chuckled a bit and hugged her back, "Thank you...that's all I ask...goodbye...Mrs. Aster...tell your boys thank you as well for me...I'm proud to call you family..."

With that, he seemed to disappear. Most likely back to wherever souls went when they died.

In the waking world, Wingdin would have the Purple Runic Heart pinned onto her night clothes, a reminder of what happened in her dream...would soon be a reality as the morning sunlight began to come in.

Wingdin shifted a bit in her sleep; feeling the warm rays of the sun on her face; and she turned over to drape her arm onto one of her husbands. Planting her hand onto Cupcake's pudgy side, she opened her eyes blinking at the brightness of the sun.

Blinking...at the sunlight. It took a moment for her mind to process what happened. Then she screamed in confused shock.

Edge leapt out of the bed, landing on his feet; ready to attack anything that might be attacking them. Bitter flew immediately through the door to make sure nothing was in the hallway; and Cupcake, well he was so surprised he'd rolled right out of bed, onto his ass with a screeching yelp.

"WHAT IN BLOODY HELL!?" Cupcake screamed confusedly, looking around the room. Edge seemed to calm down a bit, and looked to Wingdin. "Uh...Sweet-Tea...didn't Wing have her sockets fused?"

Wingdin was still seated on the bed, clutching her chest as she gazed around the bedroom; her purple eyelights bright and vibrant, in her completely unscathed eye sockets. Feeling something on her chest, she touched the medal, and looked at it. "...John's purple heart..."

Bitter came rushing back into the bedroom, nearly bowling over Edge in the process. "Hey, that's great that Wing's got 'er vision back, Pap's having tha baby! C'mon!"

Soon the Aster-Brewer family was up, dressed and all of them were rushing out the door to Sans' and Marrie's house. Thankfully when James called Bitter he had told him they were there, instead of their own house.

Wingdin knew her eldest son the best, and went rushing into the house; pushing past Marrie and Sans, worriedly. She was thankful for her sight having been given back to her, by Jonathan.

She was going to have to wrestle a pregnant skelegator this morning.

Papyrus had woken up in the midst of strong contractions, and in his fear; he started to get somewhat...growling and bitey. He bit the pillows, ripped at the comforter, and nearly snapped at James in his confused pain. At the moment, he was curled up on the nearly shredded bed, his tail warningly moving as he stared straight ahead; letting out growling, rough panting.

James was currently trying to get somewhere close, but he wasn't about to risk his own safety or Happy's. He was currently holding back the robot from getting any closer.

Happy was shaking scared and looking like they'd start up a panic attack again, "P-Pa...P-Pa...P-Papy...r-rus...w...w-what...I..."

"It's not your fault, Hapstablook! He's in a lot of pain and instinct is taking over! Just stay behind me!" James didn't like the situation he was in at the moment, only hoping Wingdin and Edge would come over soon to help keep Papyrus calm or at least hold him down enough to ensure the baby wouldn't be hurt.

Marrie noticed Wingdin push past, seeming worried until she noticed, "...Sans...I'm not dreaming...M-Mama has...her eyes open...right?" Already this morning was quite the buzz for her.

Sans blinked a bit, rubbing his eyes. "OH MY GOD, MAMA CAN SEE!"

Wingdin hadn't noticed any of it, as she came striding into the bedroom; staring down her eldest son. Papyrus Harlow Aster, you stop shredding that bed this instant! You need to lay back, and let Uncle James take care of you!

She gently looped her purple string around his wrists and ankles, pulling them apart with a gentle touch; coaxing him to lay down on his back. "Easy...easy Papy...Mama's here..."

Papyrus had a contraction roll across him, and he bit at the strings, breaking the bonds easily. He couldn't even speak, he was crying from the pain. Wingdin shook her head, and sighed; before she simply crawled into the bed behind Papyrus. Gently, but with a firm, knowedgeable touch; she hooked her one leg over Papyrus' tail, and her other leg over his own legs. One arm held his arms back, and the other started to rub his stomach in a comforting manner.

"James, get me straps now. Edge has them. We tie him to bed, this be done safer that way. Caddy has muzzle, we put on him." Wingdin barked out firmly, pressing a gentle kiss to her son's sweaty forehead. "Happy...he will feel horrible about what has happened today, do not feel bad...he cannot help this, and he didn't even know this would happen..."

James nodded and looked to Happy, "Go with Marrie and Sans for now. I know your worried, but panicking over this will help no one. Understand? Just take a break...it's alright." He headed off to see Edge to get the straps and muzzle.

Happy whimpered before heading out the room as well. Marrie immediately took their sibling-in-law and hugged them close, hoping to calm them down while everything was happening. They would just end up shutting down as an emergency code kicked into gear, making them go limp in Marrie's arms.

"Um...Sans...little help...? This...is kinda heavy..." Marrie was having a hard time keep her balance as Happy's metal weight was getting to her.

James would soon come back with Edge to get Paps strapped up onto whatever stable parts were left on the tattered bed, he didn't dare try the muzzle though. Not with Pap still potentially snappy.

Sans easily picked up Happy's body, and carried them to the couch. "Not a problem, my dearest!"

Edge watched as James got Papyrus strapped to the bed, and he chuckled as he saw Papyrus trying to swipe his tail at him. "Nooope, you ain't getting me boy, yer gonna have your little girl safe and sound. Papi don't care how much ya bite and snarl..."

The hulking old skeleton was almost cooing as he took the muzzle from James, and with his robotic hand first, he went to go put it over Papyrus' mouth. Pap's eyelights had been gone the entire time, and he snarled loudly, going to bite the thing in front of him. Which was Edge's hand.

A loud metallic -crunch- was heard, and Edge let out a soft breath. It didn't hurt him in the least bit, but it still annoyed him. "...A'right then...let's try this again, boy..."

He went forward again, this time with Bitter gently holding Pap's head with his semi-transparent gloves; while Wingdin rubbed Pap's stomach. As he got the muzzle strapped around Pap's head, he smiled. "There we are...a'right James. Everythin's alright now with him. Do yer thing with the little girl I guess..."

"With pleasure...Can't remember the last time I had to have a patient strapped." James sighed and went over to do his work. Probably when he was still on the surface when he was young. But he'd reminice later, he had work to do.

Marrie sighed in relief and helped plug in Happy to a nearby socket just in case. Happy was still on emergency shut down mode, but their soul was still glowing in their container, a good sign that they were okay.

"One heck of a morning...and I didn't even start breakfast yet..." Marrie rubbed her temples, not surprised it turned out this way, but still quite annoyed, "Well...that room was going to get remodeled anyway..."

Wingdin frowned softly, looking to James. "I am so sorry about Papy...it is instinct, he not knowing what going on...oh, he has no hearing aids either! He cannot hear us!" She picked up the hearing aid case, showing they were still inside.

Edge shook his head, standing by to make sure that the straps didn't get loose, while James helped coax Papyrus to push when it was possible. "...No wonder he went feral...can't hear, glasses ain't on; and a shit-ton of pain..."

Sans nodded gently, and rubbed her back. "...Brother is going to be very embarrassed when he finds out what he's done...I've never been pushed as far as he, but...it's something that me and him, we call it 'going feral'. We give in to our instinctual urges, and we...become more like wild animals. Which unfortunately means growling, snapping, tail-whipping, biting and clawing..."

"I came very close to 'going feral' with...you know. Him. And I paid dearly for that, but...I'm more worried about their daughter. Thankfully he's strapped down now, and he can't hurt himself or the little girl anymore!" Sans smiled a bit, giving Marrie a gentle kiss on her lips.

"I don't hold it against him, not to worry." James assured as he tried to keep helping Pap through the birth, looking for any tell tale signs of trouble. "Perhaps we should put those on then? Child's crowning as we speak!"

"Right...Uncle James, Mama and Papi are all with him now...so...least they can make sure he doesn't hurt himself or the baby..." Marrie placed a blanket over Happy to keep them somewhat warm, even if she didn't know they'd feel it.

"...I just can't believe he did it...he's...gone now..." Her voice was so small as her tail wrapped around her waist in comfort, while she rubbed her stomach, "...I miss him..."

Wingdin nodded, and carefully; she put Papyrus' hearing aids back on him. She nearly got bit in the process, but she knew her son could hear when she spoke to him. "Papyrus...it's Mama...shhh...the baby is almost here..."

Papyrus let out a keening growl, his eyelights suddenly starting to flicker back on; as his clawed hands dug into the bedspread. oh fuck, oh fuck it hurts...shit, shit shit...

Sans looked towards the bedroom, deciding to give his brother some privacy just then. Glancing back to Marrie, he tilted his head a bit curiously. "Who did what, dear? You never told me anything about what was going on..."

Marrie gave a sad smile. "...Dad did what he wanted to...he's gone now..." A few tears escaped her as she stayed with Happy.

"Almost there! She's coming Papyrus, just focus! Almost there..." James was keeping focus. Within a few pushes, the little skeleton girl slid on out. James immediately tried cleaning her and wrapping her up, but the little one stayed completely silent.

"Come on now...come on...let's not do this now..." James immediately tried using some magic to help the little one out, hoping it didn't turn out what he thought would happen.. He wasn't going to let it.

Sans wrapped his arms around Marrie; rubbing her back. "We will never forget him. And we will always have him with us...in our memories."

Wingdin felt her soul plummet, seeing her granddaughter completely silent and still. She immediately came over to James' side, and looked closely at her, she saw her tiny fanged mouth wasn't open. Taking her pinky finger, she seemingly jammed it in and swiped out a load of gunk and orange goopy liquid from the baby's mouth.

"Come on baby, breathe, breathe for Gramma...I want hear you cry, please..." Wingdin begged her granddaughter quietly.

Edge, Bitter and Cupcake were watching with bated breath, worried about their granddaughter's health as well.

Papyrus seemed to snap out of it all, after he'd finally birthed her; as his eyelights blazed to life. ...please, please breathe... He yanked the straps down from where they'd been placed, and he ripped off the muzzle, crawling closer on the bed to stare at his daughter worriedly.

Marrie sniffled and nodded as Happy was starting to boot up and come back online. They seemed to be groggy from the sudden shut down, only when they remembered where they were, they sprang up and ran to the bedroom. "PAPYRUS!"

James tried rubbing the little one's back and turning her over to her back to get whatever goop was left behind. There was the tiniest sound of gurgling, which turned to coughing, which soon turned into crying from the little baby.

"There she is...there we go! Thank the Angel, she's okay!" James looked relieved as he flipped her back over to give to Papyrus.

Happy immediately got to the room, hair a mess and tears still dripping down from their earlier panic, "Papy?! Are you okay?! How is she?! H-How..."

"Little one came out okay, Happ. Bit of a scare but she's okay. Pap too." James assured, just glad the little one was wailing.

Papyrus was holding the baby in his arms as she was wailing up a storm; the remaining straps hanging off his wrists and ankles, the muzzle still partially hanging onto his face from one side. He looked up at Happy; his eyelights were hearts, quite possibly the strongest they'd ever been before.

"...we got our little girl, hapsta...s-she's so beautiful..." He nuzzled her, after shaking off the muzzle completely, and he gave the squalling infant a kiss on her forehead. "daddy's gotcha...renny's here too, they're just so glad you're okay..."

Gently he cradled the infant girl in the curve of his tail; and he unhooked his bra. Scooping up his daughter, he let her feed, as he closed his eyes. "...i...completely wrecked the room, didn't i? i can taste plastic, foam and cotton in my mouth right now..."

Moving his tongue around his mouth, he caught a different thing all together. His eyes popped open and he looked in fear to his spouse. "...along with robotic grease, oh god i didn't bite you hapsta did i!?"

Edge showed his mangled hand, and chuckled. "Nope, ya got me. It's a'right though. It was worth it ta see the little princess here..."

"You tried to bite at them in all that but they were quick enough to dodge." James clarified as he went off to wash his hands.

Happy looked relieved at everything before rushing off to Pap's side, showering his face in kisses and crying. "Y-You're o-okay...I'm s-sorry...Ooooh...Oooh Pap she's b-beautifuuuul..."

There came a lot more waterworks and nuzzles.

The baby herself was still crying but calmed down some with the presence of food. Her small skelegator tail had poked out from the towel and hung limply. Little ectogel she did have was a light purple-pink color, her eyesockets were still closed, a tuft of black hair sat on the top of her skull that looked like her renny's, and two little fangs that resembled a lot like her dad's but duller.

Papyrus chuckled softly, and started laughing a bit; as the little baby had finally calmed down enough that he could see clearly how they looked. "...oh...oh our little girl...you're so beautiful...oh my god..."

Sans came into the room, and he had tears running down his cheeks. "BROTHER...SHE'S GORGEOUS!"

Wingdin was crying probably the most of all, although it was silent. She still sat at the head of the bed, right beside Pap's head, as she gazed down at her granddaughter. She gently reached over and very lightly stroked the back of the baby's skull. This was an absolute blessing she realized. She could actually see again. Eighteen years of being partially blind, and twelve of fully blind...and she got her sight back the night before her granddaughter was born.

She looked to Marrie, getting up from the bed and coming over to her. Her smile was soft, as purple tears trailed down her cheeks. Wrapping her arms around the young woman's shoulders, she let out a soft sob. "...I will always be here for you, Marrie...your father blessed me, to have my sight back...I cannot thank him enough for this wonderful thing..."

Gently her hand rested on Marrie's slim stomach. "I got to see my granddaughter...and I will getting to see your babies as well. Thank you, my sweet daughter, Mama loves you so very, very much."

Happy was still overun with emotion at the moment, leaning against Pap and shakily stoking their daughter's cheek with their thumb.

Marrie had a tearful smile as she hugged Wingdin back tight, "...Thank you, mama...I don't know what I'd do without you..."

Few months would pass and everything seemed to go well with Pap and Happy's baby girl. She apparently loved to sleep just as much, if not more than her father. Caused some panic when Happy wasn't completely sure she was okay at times and caused her to wake up crying from their panicked noises, but things seemed to be fine.

Back with Marrie however...was...a challenge. The further Marrie had gone into her pregnancy, the more moodier she got. Thankfully she had no physical symptoms and almost no morning sickness, but instead it carried a lot of sudden angry outburts, laughing fits at seemingly normal things, and crying. Lots of crying.

Like now, she was sobbing over her computer as the screen shown little newborn baby booties that looked like little tacos. "They're Just so cuuuuuuuuuute! And small! And the baby'll look like they have little food on their feet but it's a boooootiiiiieeeeeeee!" She just kept on crying as she shoved another strawberry covered in melted mozzerella cheese into her mouth. Cravings were also a little odd as her mood swings.

For being almost 3 months in, she was already looking pretty big. Almost reminiscent of what Pap went through with his pregnancy but a trip to the doctors already had ruled out anything that was messing with her magic. She was just big for the moment until her next appointment to check on the baby.

Sans came home from having gone to the grocery store...again. It was the fourth time in the day. The first time was because they'd ran out of grapes to go with the guacamole she'd wanted for breakfast with her eggs. Then it was because he was going to make tacos for dinner that evening, and they were out of ground beef. Then she'd wanted strawberries, so he'd gone out to get those. This time, was he needed to get some ricotta cheese to mix with the mozzarella cheese. They were going to have Italian Tacos, a speciality of his for dinner that evening.

However he stopped as he saw what she was eating. Strawberries, covered in what looked like a cup of melted mozzerella cheese. He smiled softly to Marrie, seeing she was crying again. "Marrie, dearest? Are you okay? I'm back from the...the store..."

He'd been thinking that perhaps something was up with her being so large around, but he assured himself it was just natural. And the fact that she was eating nearly eight times a day probably didn't help things either.

"Sansyyyyyyy! Why are baby things so cute?! Look at 'em!" She pointed at her screen with her clean hand before setting it down and hugging his neck. She seemed to perk back up almost immediately with him home

"We missed you thoooough! I'm so happy you're back! Can we have cuddles? I like cuddles~" She started giggling up again as she kept nuzzling his face.

Sans' tail started waving rapidly at the happy mood she was in. He didn't know how she'd be acting from moment to moment, so he cherished the happy ones the most. At least it was better then the crying jags. And he was starting to get terrified of her anger spells. He only had 10 HP! If she truly got angry at him...she could hurt him possibly.

"Of course we can have cuddles, my dear. Just you settle down on the couch; I'll put away the groceries...then we'll cuddle together, hmm?" He replied, giving her kisses as she nuzzled his face continuously while speaking to her.

"Okay!" Marrie let out a few more giggles before settling down in her spot again on the couch, "Oh yeah. We ran out of mozzerella. I got hungry. Sorry!" She let out a purr before eating more of her cheesy strawberry goodness.

She picked up her computer again and added the little taco booties to her cart to buy later. They were too cute not to get!

Sans paused as he went to the kitchen. His tail drooped down and he smiled to himself. Just another three months. They could have Italian Tacos with ricotta and cheddar cheese he figured. Poking through the fridge he could see the strawberries were gone, the grapes, the tub of guacamole was nearly done with. There was what appeared to be a bowl of his mother's cinnamon buns chopped up and topped with...grape jelly and ketchup like some kind of barbeque sauce concoction.

Getting himself a can of tea, he'd finished putting the groceries away and he sighed to himself. Just. Another. Three. Months. And it would be so worth it! He hoped.

He headed out to the living room again, seeing her radiant and swollen form settled onto the couch. The bowl of cheese-covered strawberries sat beside her, while she balanced her little laptop on her heavy belly. "So, my gorgeous dear, what have you been looking up today? Other than those scrumptious looking taco booties, hmm?"

Placing the can of tea onto the coffee table, he smiled as he sat down on the couch beside her.

Marrie let out a giggle and leaned against her husband, still purring happily, "Just shopping for baby stuff. Though I'm not buying anything juuuuuust yet cause my sister and Happy were going to stop by with some things! Apparently Happy had a lot more baby clothes that they made so they wanted me to have some! Apparently Ebrima's not all that happy when she wears dresses."

She ate up another strawberry as she added a little baby beanie into her online cart, "Oh yeah! Mama called, she wanted to know if we'd want to have a family dinner together today? I told her yes cause she mentioned a lamb roast and cinnabuns. "

She looked pretty content at her little spot, tail twitching away in happiness.

Sans enjoyed feeling Marrie leaning against him, and he hurgled softly as he listened to her rattling on about things. "Of course...it will be good to see them, and see what they've both brought you..."

Closing his eyes for a moment, he couldn't help but chuckle. All the grocery shopping for seemingly nothing. Alright then. He could deal with that, he figured. "Family dinner? Sure...that sounds simply lovely..."

"Lamb roast and cinnamon buns...mmmm..." Sans grinned, as he rested his head against the couch and lightly rubbed her stomach lovingly.

Back at Pap and Happy's house, Papyrus was lounging on the couch, with Ebrima on his stomach. He hadn't really lost much weight after having her; and he resembled his Papa somewhat in his body shape lately. He just would joke it was his 'birthing hips' having finally came in, but it was truly him enjoying his retirement, and loving life with his spouse and daughter.

"so, yer taking all that stuff ta sans house today? ya need some help, hun or ya got it? yanno i can shortcut ya, if you wanted me too..." Papyrus drawled as he gently stroked back a piece of Ebrima's hair from her face, smiling to her. "oh..oh ya gonna try ta crawl on daddy, or ya just gonna go flop again on his boobies huh?"

Marrie let out more purrs as he rubbed her belly. There was a small few kicks before they settled down again, "Aww...baby's saying hi! They kick pretty fast..must come from daddy~"

At the house, Vera was helping get Happy's stuff into some bags to take. Kryssie was currently playing peekaboo with her brothers while they sat in their stroller.

"We'll be fine, Pap. Not like it's a huge walk. They're literally just half a block down." Vera called as she folded another pink dress and put it into the bag.

"Thank you Papy..but..I think we'll be okay. Are you sure you didn't want to come?" Happy was finished sorting through clothes they wanted to donate and was now helping Vera pack everything in. They stopped to coo over their little girl trying to crawl on her dad.

Ebrima latched onto her dad's shirt, letting out a small coo before deciding to flop on his chest, as expected. She seemed to let out a little hurgle, seeming to like how squishy her dad was.

Sans chuckled and pressed kisses to her stomach sweetly. "They're going to be the strongest and fastest ever!"

Papyrus chuckled and nuzzled Ebrima's head softly for the moment; holding his tail slightly against her for stability. "naw i'm good, boo. figured i'd just chill out with ebrima and the kiddos. let the ladies and bae-bots have their day. you're gonna have fun with uncle papy ain't ya, kryssie-cat? cuz we're gonna go over to gramma's soon too, get ready for dinner later on tonight."

"Okay. Don't try and eat too much before dinner, okay?" Happy headed over as Vera grabbed the bags to go. Happ gave a few kisses to their husband and their daughter, causing her to coo and reach out for their renny.

"Be good for daddy, okay darling? Renny loves you, Ebby~" They laughed as Ebrima patted at their face with her tiny clawed hand. Luckily her claws were as dull as her little baby fangs.

"Yeah! I'm gonna be the best babysitter!" Kryssie cheered out as she struck a pose in her little battle body. She just loved it a lot.

"Yeah you are! Just be good and listen to Uncle Pap. Keep your brothers from making too much of a mess." Vera kissed her forehead before helping the boys from their stroller and onto the floor with a few wet sponges in the shape of marine animals to keep them hydrated and entertained.

"Be good boys. Play nice for your cousin and big sis." She gave them a kiss on the head each before leaving with Happy.

"We'll see you in a little while." Happy headed off with Vera and to Sans's and Marrie's home. Really wouldn't take either of them long to haul the bag over and knock on their door.

John rolled over onto his side, attacking the sponge; before he just clung to it. Jamie stuck the head of his shaped sponge into his mouth; sucking a bit of the water from it happily. Papyrus yawned slightly, and sat up on the couch; holding his hand underneath Ebrima's bottom for support. "sure thing...heh, so you're being a great big sis ain't ya, kryssie?"

He gently patted Ebby's back; and smiled. Noticing she was starting to pat his chest, he unbuttoned his shirt; undoing the flap to his bra. Letting her feed, he leaned back against the couch. "gramma's gonna be excited to see you today, and you're so cute in your battle body too!"

Sans heard the knocking at the door, and he got up to answer it. "HELLO HAPPY, VERA. Please come inside!" He lowered his voice, looking to Vera and Happy almost conspiratorially. "Watch what you say, she's been quite unpredictable today..."

Kryssie smiled and did another pose before heading over to her brothers, "Uh huh! Makes me super strong and I can do stuff! I'm gunna be the bestest hero ever! But I gotta be the bestest big sister and cousin first! I gotta help with ALL the babies!" She gave each other her brothers a hug, tail swaying around happily, "Right Johnny? Right Jamie? You're gunna be having fun and being safe when you're with Super Sissy!" She just really loved her little brothers a lot.

"I got it, Sans. Don't worry." Vera waved it off, already used to her sister's shenanigans. Happy did nod in reply as they came in.

"Hey baby sis, how are you and the runt doing, huh?" Vera headed over to give her sister a hug.

"W-We brought the clothes...if..you want to sort through them...I..hope they'll be good...for your baby..." Happy waved and set a bag next to her. Marrie seemed more than pleased as she hugged her sister and sibling-in-law.

"Oh! I'm so excited! I can't wait to see what you made!" Marrie already started opening the bag and looking through some of them. Moment she found what looked like a little cat onsie, she started sniffling before starting to sob again.

"...Oye vey..." Vera sighed as Happy looked awkwardly nervous at the sight.

John looked up at his sister, and mewed. Jamie continued hugging the sponge; water dribbling from his gills. John sneezed at the hug, water spritzing from his own gills; as he started mewing excitedly in his sissy's arms. Jamie started burbling and waving the sponge around.

Pap chuckled at Kryssie's excitement, completely happy to just settle against the couch while Ebrima fed. After she was done, he lifted her up and started to burp her gently over his shoulder.

Sans grinned, as he followed them further inside and he started to look at what Marrie was pulling out. His working eyelight blinked out when she'd started to sob again. Closing his sockets, he sighed, and he hugged Marrie lovingly. "Dearest...it's beautiful...there's no need to cry! I know it's lovely and absolutely precious! But it's already been washed, it doesn't need another bath you know..."

Kryssie smiled and gave each her brother's a kiss on the head, eyes sparkling in how happy she was with doing a good job.

Ebby let out a small burp before letting out a small tired coo. She let out big yawn, her tail lazily flopped over her dad's hand, ready to fall back asleep, even though she just woke up two hours ago from another nap. Like father like daughter.

Marrie just hugged the onesie and sniffled, "it's just really cute...and...I'm so happy we're having a baby..and...and..." She was hiccuping out her sobs.

"Sis, come on. Not that big of a deal...The clothes are good and all but..." Vera started off but cut off once she heard her sister growl. The tears and sobbing stopped and Marrie's fur was standing on end. Anger spell...

"BIG DEAL!? YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS FOR ME TO GET FUCKING PREGNANT!? WE'VE BEEN TRYING FOR FUCKING MONTHS! I'M SORRY I CAN'T PRODUCE BABIES AS FAST AS YOU CAN! CAN I NOT BE FUCKING EXCITED AND HAPPY FOR ONCE IN MY GOD DAMN LIFE!? I'M A FUCKING WATERMELON IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS! SO EXCUUUUUSE ME! THAT I DIDN'T FUCKING GET ANYTHING AFTER ONE OR TWO BOOTY CALLS!" Marrie was radiating in anger, though luckily she never got physically violent with her anger outspurts...but she did cut deep in other ways.

Happy hid behind Vera, shaking out of fear from the suddenness of it all.

Vera however, didn't look phased, "Just a watermelon? You're holding a whole farmers market worth. You sure you only got one in there?"

Johnny mewed again, and went back to playing with the sponge. Jamie however curled up against the sponge just suckling on it for the water still; his little tail twitching.

Papyrus pressed a soft kiss to her cheek; wiping off a couple drops of milk from her mouth. "there we go princess...aww...ya ready to take a nappie again? yer jus like daddy, yeah, you are~"

He closed up his bra, buttoning his shirt back up; then he laid her against his chest and slightly chubby tummy. Pap had a feeling she'd probably go to sleep again with a full stomach.

Sans heard the growling, and his eyelights came back, blaring with his magic in his fear. Grabbing the pillow on the couch, he tried to shield himself it seemed from her sheer blinding rage. "M-M-Marrie? L-Love...please...p-p-please calm down...it...it's not good f-for the baby...o-or me!"

"When we gunna go to Grandma's house, Uncle Papy?" Kryssie asked as she left her brothers alone to play.

Ebby let out another yawn and tired coo before slumping in her Papa's hold to sleep, just as predicted.

Marrie was already livid as she got up to her feet and went up in her sister's face, "FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING BIIIIAAAaaaaaah..." Marrie was going to say more when Vera grabbed her left ear and started putting pressure at the base of it. That seemed to snap Marrie out of it, like someone pushed her reset button.

Vera slowly set her back on the couch, her sister still confused on what happened. "Better?"

"...Um...y-yeah...actually..."Marrie rubbed the ear her sister held onto as soon as she let go.

"...How did you do that...?" Happy was just as surprised as they slowly peeked from behind Vera.

Papyrus thought for a moment, and smiled. "hmm...i was thinking just in a few minutes actually." Using his blue magic, he carefully lifted up Johnny and Jamie, placing them into their stroller easily. Then he grabbed the baby carrier for Ebrima off the side of her play pen across the room.

"gotta get them all nice and snug and safe, right kiddo?" He smirked softly, giving her a wink.

Sans gently lowered the pillow, looking to Marrie worriedly then to Vera. "DEAREST...ARE YOU ALRIGHT NOW?"

"Right! I'll help!" Kryssie went to strap in her baby brothers, just like Mommy and Mama taught her. She didn't do too bad honestly, especially with making sure things weren't too tight.

"Um...yes...I am...I'm sorry, sissy..." Marrie felt bad about all the yelling.

Vera patted her head, "Eh...it's whatever. I didn't think that old trick still worked for you. Glad to know. Makes things a lot easier." Vera had always been thankful her sister was pretty much a wimp when it came to fighting.

"Now...can we try this again...?" Vera handed her the onesie back. Marrie took it and started sorting clothes normally, picking the ones that would be cute, useful or ones that might be good for the baby and giving back any of the ones that she didn't personally like. She still had no idea if she did have multiple or what even the gender of the baby was. She had the appointment tomorrow that Darren promised to take her to, to find out.

Papyrus slid his sleeping daughter into the baby carrier, and smiled brightly as Kryssie did a great job hooking her brothers up into their stroller. "hey, you did great helpin' me out there...so we got ebby; got her bag too...hmm...we got your bros, and they're nice and moist too. cool."

Getting up from the couch, he held onto the stroller's handle and went to his front door. "it's a bit warm outside today, so we're gonna take a shortcut, yeah?" Opening said front door, lead into his mother's living room; as they came out from the closet of all places.

Cupcake was at the piano, playing a very rousing song; humming along with it as he continued on playing. Pap smiled as he quietly pushed the stroller inside. Wingdin was fixing up the large dinner, while Edge was trying to figure out how to put the extra section in their dining room table.

"Fuck! Pinched my friggin finger...owww..." Edge cursed out as the leaf of the table slammed onto his natural finger.

"I told ya G, use yer robotic hand, but noooo...look what happened now." He floated over closer to his husband, and glanced at the finger. "Ya a'right though?"

Edge pointed his finger straight into Bitter's face. "I'll ram it right up yer backside if ya don't piss off and lemme get this shit fixed 'fer the kids get here!"

In his own house, Sans smiled brightly; as he calmed down and watched as Marrie went through the clothing.

Kryssie was enamored with how they did that, looking behind her to see if her uncle's house was still there. But no, just closet space. "How'd you do that!? I wanna do it!"

Her attention was quickly taken as she saw Cupcake, "Grandpa! Grandpa!" Ebrima was luckily still sound asleep, sucking on her hand.

Marrie finished sorting with Vera and Happy's help, putting back any clothes they didn't want back in. "Thanks guys..and thank you, Happy! These look really nice! I bet the baby will love them!"

"Of course...oh..um...should we head to the house now...? I just..noticed the time..." Happy looked at the watch on their wrist, realizing it was getting closer to the meet up time.

"Crap...yeah. Aqua said she was gunna meet up soon. Better not keep her waiting." Vera sighed as she fixed her hair into a quick braid to ride out the heat, "Happ, Zhara and Napsta still coming over?"

"Oh! Yes...they are. Blooky told me they would be getting there a little late but they should be there..." Happy let out a small smile glad their cousin can join them in family things again.

"Then let's go! Sansyyyyy help me up, pleeeeeeeaaaase?" Marrie gave him the big puppy dog eyes, she could easily get up herself as shown earlier but she still liked it when Sans held her.

Papyrus rolled his soft eyelights, chuckling gently. "don't worry kiddo..."

Cupcake heard Kryssie calling out, and he grinned brightly turning from the piano. His foot hit one of the pedals and a cacophonous noise came from the old instrument. Suddenly a -BANG- was heard in the kitchen.

"SHIT!" Edge hollered, and Wingdin's exasperated sigh was then heard. "Come on Edgyboo, let me helping with darn table! Why you not just getting the one from shed! We are nearly having to have outside picnic anyways! Zhara, Napsta, they all coming too!"

Bitter snickered softly. "It's gonna be baby corral in this house huh?"

Edge grabbed Bitter by his shirt and came out to the living room. He saw Kryssie and plucked her up by the back of her shirt. He had an extremely pissed off expression on his face, as he sulked over to the recliner. Plunking his fat ass into it, he held Bitter and Kryssie to his large and soft chest. Bitter gently patted Kryssie's head, smiling.

"Grandpapi's acting like yer baby brother's ain't he? Having a hissy fit, old man?" Bitter, for being an old ghost and a grandfather, could still be a huge brat some days.

Edge just rumbled softly, and put his face to Kryssie's hair, closing his eyes. "Jus gettin' tired and irritated. Wanted ta rest wit my brat and my kitten." He grumbled out gently; pressing a kiss to Kryssie's forehead.

Cupcake sat on the bench and sighed. "I'll help with the table dear...you still have dinner to finish I assume..."

Pap just blinked for a moment, and went over to the playpen set up in the living room and put the boys into it. He kept Ebrima in her carrier, as long as she was staying asleep.

Aquaria was heading back from her part-time job at the dispensary out in town; and she stunk like weed unfortunately. After getting into the house, she went and took a much needed shower; singing along to her CD of traditional hula music.

Sans however grinned and stood up from the couch, and with an surprising ease, he lifted Marrie into his arms fully; carrying her outside of their house. "OF COURSE MY DEAREST MARRIE! LET ME PUT YOU DOWN, LOCK THE DOOR, THEN WE'LL MAKE OUR WAY TO MAMA'S HOUSE!"

Kryssie smiled and let out a little giggle as she got comfortable with her grandpapi and grandpops, "Okay! Grandpapi, you're silly!" She patted at Edge's cheeks playfully.

She always liked her grandparents' house, there was always something or other going on and all her grandparents were funny to her in their own way.

Vera headed off back home, Happy tagging along behind since they didn't feel right going into the house at the moment. Wouldn't take long at all for Vera to open the door to her place and look around for her wife, "Aqua? Yo seashell? You home?"

Marrie nodded and waited outside, rubbing her swollen belly to calm the kicking going on. "So rowdy in there today." she paced around in place, hoping the movement would calm down the little one in her.

Edge managed a big smile at Kryssie patting his slightly chubby cheeks. "Aw...my lil kitten...ya always make me happy yanno that? Ya always have..." He nuzzled her again between her ears, murmuring to her. "Always my little sweet princess, yeh?"

Cupcake got the extension to the table easily set up with his blue magic, and he then got out some things to set the table with. After he'd finished that up, he came back out and started playing piano again; one of his favorite pastimes.

Aqua continued to sing loudly in the bathroom; and she came out from the shower, water dripping from her body. Coming out from the bathroom, she went to head down the hallway, still nude; when she looked towards the front door. {I'm right here, sweetheart! I just had to take a shower to get ready for the family dinner!}

After Sans had locked the door, he gently picked up Marrie again; and gave her a sweet kiss on her lips. "Ready to go my beloved dearest?"

Kryssie giggled even more and hugged her Grandpapi, getting ticklish from him doing that. "Love you, Grandpapi! And you too Grandpop!"She stuck out her tounge playfully before giving them each a kiss on the cheek, her tail swaying about in her usual happy, playful manner.

Zhara and Napsta just arrived at the Aster-Brewer house, Napsta helped her get the babies from their car seats before walking up to the door and knocking.

"I told you you were going to run that meeting for longer, ya dork." Zhara chuckled as Max tried reaching out to tug at her earring. She stopped him quick though.

"When you're right, you're right sugar wings. But that's why you're part of my totally tubular twosome!. And hey! We're just in time though! So it's all good!" Napsta was going to say more until Nicole shoved her binky into her dad's mouth. Zhara couldn't help but laugh, "I think your daughter's trying to tell you something!"

Happy felt a little awkward standing there with Aqua being naked. Vera didn't really mind, she loved the sight, "Hey pretty seashell. How we doing?" She headed over to give her a kiss.

"I'll let ya finish. Pap took the kids to the old folks home. Just wanted to check up on ya." Vera wrapped her tail around Aqua's waist with a grin, "Though I didn't realize I'd be checking you out too~"

Marrie giggled out and nodded, holding onto Sans tight, "Ready when you are! I'm starving!"

Bitter heard the door knocking; and he gave Kryssie a soft kiss on her nose. "Love ya too, puddin. Oh, hey it's the door, might as well just leave it open huh?"

Phasing out from Edge's natural arm, he went over and opened the door to see Napstaton with the binky in his mouth. "Didn't take ya fer that kinda guy, blue box! C'mon in. Doc's at the piano, Wing's finishing up with dinner and Gaster's already parked in the easy chair with the grandkid. You can plunk your munchkins in his lap or the play pen, take yer pick."

Edge smiled softly, and rumbling softly. "Awww, love ya too kitten~" Papyrus had fallen asleep with Ebrima still sleeping in her baby carrier on his chest; his tail looped into his lap.

Aqua blushed brightly, and her mouth disappeared as she noticed Happy. {Oh! I didn't know you were bringing Hapsta! Ohhh, I am so sorry!} She tried to hide herself against Vera, the pink blush creeping down through her watery skin to her neck and shoulders.

Sans grinned, and carried her easily to the house. She was honestly incredibly heavy to him; but he was very thankful he always did exercises every evening and every morning. It was one of the few reasons why he was probably able to lift and carry her then.

Zhara and Max were now laughing together at the sight. Napstaton took it out of his mouth and pocketed it in his inventory, "It's not like that I swear! Nicole's kinda being handy today with me-mmmph?! MMMMH!"

Just as he said, Nicole started shoving her stuffed fish in his face, "Shooosh..." she managed to squeak out. Zhara was bending over laughing as she came into the door.

Napsta looked a little less than amused as he gently put the toy town and patted Nicole's head, "Alright. Alright. I get it. Daddy's too loud and talks to much." He just rolled his eyes and followed Zhara in to put the kids in the playpen with the other twins in the family.

"Hi Uncle Napsta! Hi Aunt Z!" Kyrssie waved from her spot on her Grandpapi's lap as Zhara managed to calm down enough to wave and say hello back.

"You're fiiiine, Relax. Just finish up, alright?" Vera kissed her cheeks again, "We can save this look later~"

Happy sighed, used to Vera's antics. The two had been friends for years, about around elementary school age. Both their families collaborated to keep both their farms working for a long time, so it was natural the kids would get together and mess about.

Marrie didn't seem to notice either way, she was happy with everything so far and enjoying the ride. Least until she started getting queasy, "...Um...Sans...can..we wait a second...? Oh boy...I think the baby's kicking me...mm..." She placed a hand to her mouth, hoping to hold back. Morning sickness rarely happened, but when they did, it wasn't pretty.

Bitter snickered brightly, his pointed smile almost wicked as he laughed loudly. "BAHAHAHA! She sure told ya, blue boy!"

Edge reached up as Bitter was hovering back towards his recliner, and he yanked hard on the ghostly man's whispy bottom half. "Bitts, I swear you need to calm yer ass down tonight! Youse friggin nearly 60 an' yer actin' like yer 15! Sit down, shut up, and quit being a damn brat tonight!"

Cupcake nervously laughed, and came over to Napstaton and Zhara, smiling gently. "Just pick a spot anywhere you two. The kitchen is open as well, and we'll be setting up an outside table, because it will be the entire family, including a couple extra guests! For now though, I'm going to settle down at the piano again, hehehe."

Johnny looked to Nicole and Max and he mewed curiously. Jamie looked to Nicole and patted at her with his little fingers curiously.

Aqua put her hands over her cheeks and giggled brightly. "Oooh ku'uipo..." She gently pushed her hips into Vera's side cheekily, then she went off to their bedroom to get dressed.

Sans barely could hear her as she spoke while he was hurrying along. Seeing her putting a hand to her mouth, he gasped and hoped he was going to be able to stop in time. He really didn't want to get vomited on, on the way to his parents house that day.

Kryssie looked at Edge with a disapproving look, "Grandpapi, no bad words! Babies are here!" She only repeated what her mama's always told her when Vera slipped up and let out a cuss word.

Max babbled lightly, wings gently flapping about before crawling off to go play with some toys that caught his eye. Nicole just let Jamie pat at her, not really seeming to mind as she was just as curious.

"T-Thank you Dr. Brewer. We appreciate it." Zhara just barely managed to calm herself down before taking a seat on the couch. Napstaton decided to and visit Wingdin in the kitchen. Was in for quite the surprise when he saw she had both her eyes open and working.

"Woaaaah! Mama Wing! Happ wasn't kidding, you got your sight back! Purple's a good look on ya!" He didn't seem to realize he called her by what Happy's been calling her.

Marrie had one hand rubbing her stomach as she tried to keep the nausea in. She seemed to do okay after a little while as she felt her stomach settle down, "Baby kicked a little too hard for me...I...I think I'm okay..."

Edge had a big red blush across his cheeks as Bitter had settled back down against him again. "Mmm...sorry kitten~ I know I should clean my big old bear-trap mouth out wit soap huh?"

Bitter snickered at that, until Edge pinched his bottom sharply out of sight of Kryssie. He grew quiet and smiled softly, as he rested his teacup'd head against Edge's chest.

John turned his attention to a squishy sponge and started to wrestle it slightly. Jamie sneezed; water dribbling from his gills a bit; as he was still curious about Nicole. On the couch, Papyrus was still enjoying a nice nap, with Ebrima in her baby carrier; snoozing on his chest.

Wingdin had been rolling out the cinnamon bun dough, and she was doing a fancy fluted twisted roll design. Looking over to Napstaton, her gapped-tooth smile widened excitedly. "Napstaton! I have been seeing you and Zhara on the television; but it's wonderful to see you personally! I'd give you a hug, but I wouldn't want to get dough in your metal plating!"

Sans was careful, as he brought her the rest of the way to the house.

Kryssie just blew a raspberry before deciding to leave her grandpas be and go hang with Cupcake, She was more curious on what he was doing on the piano. "Whatcha playing, Grandpa?"

Nicole flapped her wings out at the suddeness of the sneeze, pushing her slightly away from Jamie. She did try crawling back however. Max would just be playing with his wings, sometimes lightly hovering a few centimeters off the ground before just falling back on his bottom to mess with a toy.
Ebrima meanwhile had started stirring, her little pink-lilac eyelights scanning the room in wondering where she was.

"Nah, it's fine! Sorry for not visiting more. Between all the shows and raising the twins, things have been going over my head! But we got a while though!" Napstaton just gave her a quick side hug, "How's things going?"

Marrie let herself down as she fixed her shirt. "...Huh...you know I for sure thought I was going to-...wait...nevermind..." Marrie immediately ran to a nearby garbage can that was left outside and started to throw up. Nope. Still got to her.

Cupcake smiled as he looked down at Kryssie. "Well hello my little princess, I'm just playing whatever comes to mind. I was taught piano when I was about your age, been playing off and on ever since. I just play whatever my soul feels like~"

Jamie batted at his own face a bit, and looked to Nicole curiously. John continued to wrestle with his water-soaked sponge, still sucking on the sponge for water. He started to mew loudly as he felt hungry; his tail twitching in irritation.

Papyrus felt her moving on his chest, and he yawned; feeling Ebby's face smushing into his chest as she started to turn her head slightly to see where she was. "heya flower-power, ya waking up huh? how ya feeling?" He gently trailed a clawed finger through her soft tuft of black hair.

Wingdin had a purple blush across her cheeks, giggling. "Oh, Oh my goodness...It is still so hard to know you are being family, being so famous you know. It is like when I with Cuppincake originally! So much cameras, so much eh, click, click, click! They wanting to know who the Royal Scientist is with...ah, just me."

She laughed happily, and twisted the rest of the cinnamon buns, arranging them on the baking pan. Going to the sink she washed her hands, scrubbing her joints of the dough bits. "As for me? How I'm doing? It is going very very well! I...I was blessed enough to be given sight back, from Colonel Jae...last thing he do before he go to other side. He finished business you know..."

Bitter came into the kitchen and looked around in the fridge. "Crap...where's Aqua's milk? There's none in the damn baby bag...I thought we had an extra bottle for the twins here!"

Sans gently rubbed her back and sighed worriedly. "Oh...oh dear I'm so sorry...I shouldn't have gone so fast..."

Kryssie looked at the piano and tried touching they keys. "Can I try?"

Ebby just cooed in hearing her dad, looking over as her tail flopped in curiosity.

"Yeah. Z told me after V told her. Bummer, he was a cool dude. But hey, least you got your sight can see everyone! Including yours truly~" he smiled, looking pretty happy regardless. He got used to treasuring what he had already, this would be no exception.

Marrie finished and took a wipe from her inventory to clean herself a bit, "I'm okay...maybe strawberries and cheese weren't a good idea..."

Wouldn't be too long until Happy, Aqua, and Vera would reach the house.

Cupcake smiled brightly and nodded; scooting over on the bench. He lifted her up onto the bench beside him, and gave her a gentle kiss between her ears. "Of course, play whatever your soul desires, Princess."

Papyrus gave Ebby a soft kiss on her skull and chuckled gently a bit. "you could prolly go right on back ta sleep couldn't ya?"

Wingdin sighed and smiled at what Napstaton stated. "Mhm...you are very true with that, Napsta. Bitterkins, no need to shouting. Babies can wait a moment or two, they not gonna go kaboom if they don't eat in a few seconds...look in back of fridge, her milk is pink colored."

Bitter nervously laughed and he pulled out a bottle of pink milk he'd found. As he came out from the kitchen; floating past Napstaton, he blinked seeing that Aqua had already scooped up John into her arms, and was feeding him; and by then was also feeding his twin at the same time. "Oh...guess ya got it already huh?"

He went back to the kitchen and put the bottle back, then he sighed, a bright genuine pointed smile on his face. "Tch, used to be alone, now I got more family then I could think of...it's great ain't it?"

Wingdin chuckled softly, and smiled. "I am so happy to be able to see everyone again. And...honestly, Napstaton, I know I consider you my son now; but even back then...you know you kept me company, when I felt like I had no one..."

Kryssie smiles and just played a key at a time to test the sounds. She seemed to really like it as she played around.

"Liking the piano, bean sprout?" Vera headed over to pat her on the head. Kryssie giggled and nodded.

"I wanna play!"

Happy headed over to give Pap and Ebby a kiss on the head. They took Ebby into their arms, earning a lazy cop from their baby girl. "Everything. Okay?"

"Hey, long as I make someone's day! That's why I do the stuff I do!" Napstaton chuckled, rubbing the back of his head, "It's cool though. Never really had a mom. But I'm totes down to try! You're already a good grandma to my kids!"

Cupcake grinned and he placed his fingers on the proper keys. "To be able to play properly Princess...is to have your fingers on the right keys. Follow my lead." He slowly played the scales. "Now you try, Krystabelle."

Papyrus smiled happily. "yep, doing great babe. just had a nice nap with ebby here. she jusssst woke up too." He flicked his glucose meter out from his inventory and checked his sugar really quick too. "yeah, we're really doing great, i'm at 88. a nice, even number."

Clicking off the baby carrier, he smirked and sat up a bit more; folding it up before putting it into his inventory as well. "she's a sleepy bum, but when isn't she, nyeh-heh-heh?"

Wingdin nodded softly, and she gently wrapped her arms around the nervous seeming robot; nuzzling her cheek against his metallic one. "You are my son then. My sweet singing, robotic precious little boy, Napstablook, who prefers to be being called Napstaton~."

Kryssie watched and tried to copy what Cupcake did, took her a bit since her hands weren't as big and she had trouble remembering what was what. But she got close.

Happy looked relieved at that as they gave him another kiss. Ebby babbled at the both of them before snuggling against their Zaza. "Yes she is. She is a lot like her daddy, probably just as smart too."

Napstaton chuckled before hugging back. This felt...nice. Never had it before but he couldn't say he didn't like it. "Hey, next fam dinner I call my place! Least then we got a lot of room! And a big pool! Undyne finished getting me fully waterproofed!"

Marrie headed inside the house, already feeling a bit overwhelmed with how packed a house it was. But at the same time, she liked it this way. "We're going to need a bigger house..."

Cupcake was beaming happily. "Ah, that's wonderful dear! You've almost got it, right off the bat! You will be a wonderful piano player I am sure of it, my sweet Princess..."

Papyrus hurgled at the extra kisses, and smiled happily as he tucked away the glucose meter into his inventory. He smiled at the sight of their daughter. "she's so beautiful bae-bot..."

Wingdin grinned and she pointed her finger close to his face, just like she would do her own sons. "Just you knowing, Mama cooking for family dinner. Is tradition! I make nice roast, and side dishes, and we all enjoy together! Oh, I love swimming, Napsta...is one of my favorite things to be doing! You know I am one of the only skeletons who can be swimming good as my boys~"

Sans chuckled quietly, rubbing her back lovingly. "Oh I know, Marrie...I've actually been thinking about getting an addition built onto our own home...why don't you and see how Mama is doing, she's usually not that busy, right? And you can settle down in the kitchen, if you wanted..."

"Yeah! Not bad sugar pea! I know you had a tough time with Mommy's guitar. You wanna try piano and see if that's better?" Vera did try teaching her how to play her guitar, but Kryssie kept breaking the strings on accident. And if she managed not to, she'd end up getting frustrated on not getting her fingers in the right place and her fingers hurting from all the strumming.

"Yeah! Can I Grandpa? Pleaaaaase?" Kryssie was practically bouncing in her seat, looking excited at the prospect of trying something new.

Napstaton just smiled, "Hey, my kitchen and house is all yours, Mama Wing. Just say the word!" He had a much bigger and...more sincere smile on his face. Not the one he usually had out on TV or one he put up for fans...it was a genuine Blooky smile.

Marrie nodded, seeming to like the idea. "Okay. Sounds good to me." She started heading over, her big belly bouncing around a bit. Before she hit the kitchen, she gave Cupcake, Edge, and Bitter a hug hello. She could never ignore a hug or hello to her dad-in-laws. Especially after everything they've done and made her feel welcome in the family.

Cupcake grinned brightly, lightly patting Kryssie's back. "Of course my sweetheart Princess! I'd be delighted to give you lessons!"

Wingdin noticed the larger smile and she gave Napstaton a kiss on his forehead like she would have her sons. "Of course, Napsta! Just as my home, is being your home. To be my son you need to learning my language too! It is called Hands!"

Edge, Bitter and Cupcake gave Marrie hugs in return, and Edge paused, patting her stomach for a moment. "Yer having three I betcha."

Kryssie let out a loud meow in excitement. Vera just ruffled her hair as she overheard Edge, "I told her that too! There's no way in hell she's not carrying more than one in there! Not with her being the healthiest outta this!"

Marrie just rolled her eyes with a smile, "Sans and I did say we wanted a big family. So if it is three, that means it's a good start!"

"Oye vey...A start she says." Vera gave a knowing smirk as Zhara stiffled a laugh.

"That's one way of doing it." Zhara got up from her spot as she went to check on the kids. Max was beginning to whine. He seemed to calm down when he saw his mom come over, immediately reaching out to her. "I know..I know...you're mommy's little boy, huh? Come here, Maxie Power."

"Oh yeah! Happ was telling me about them knowing a new language! Righteous! I can try it! I learned Japanese pretty quick, can't be that hard to pick up Hands!" Napstaton was already liking this whole thing.

Marrie would end up coming into the kitchen, "Hello? Am I interrupting anything?" She was a bit surprised to see her mother-in-law treating a celebrity like that. Back of her mind she knew press would eat it up, so it was best to say nothing, even if it was cute.

"Nah! Mama Wing and I were just talking about stuff! Come on over! Ya need me to help with stuff for now, Mama Wing? Or we just chilling until the dinner bell rings?" Napstaton was pretty much relaxed at this point, he didn't seem to have a total loud volume to him anymore.

Aqua rolled her eyes as she finished feeding the twins and putting them back in the playpen. {She's going to need a house as big as Napsta's when they're finally done, Vera~}

Wingdin giggled brightly and she opened the oven, a soft smile crossing her face. "Oooh, lamb is almost done. Just needing to boil, then we double fry potatoes in juices of lamb!"

"You both can just be resting in kitchen, keep Mama company! Oh! You can help set table actually!" Wingdin realized as she'd already started to chop up washed potatoes.

"Go getting Sans, he telling you where everything is if you not knowing, Napsta, Happy." Wingdin commented, as she opened the fridge with her strings, getting out some last few ingredients.

"I'm not doubting there, seashell." Vera laughed as Kryssie just looked excited at the thought of more cousins.

"I'm gunna have a biiiiiiig family!" Kryssie purred out, as she started trying to count all the family members she did have using her hands. She'd realize soon that she didn't have enough fingers to count them all.

"Oh...A-Alright! Just one moment..." Happy gently set Ebrima to be with Edge while they helped Napsta set the table. Least they knew where everything was, unlike their cousin. Napsta was never really good at domestic stuff, try as he might. Luckily Happy could pick up the pace and teach him.

Ebrima looked at her Grandpapi confusedly before starting to coo. Her little tail thumped about a bit, she couldn't get full on control of it yet. Though Happy was never sure it was because she was just too young to do so or that she was just too lazy to try. Either way, Ebby seemed more than content with her new squishy spot that was her grandpapi if her tiny hurgles were any indication.

"You're putting a lot in, Mama. And with a lot more energy, sight's been doing you really good." Marrie commented lightly before taking a seat nearby as she rubbed her swollen stomach.

Edge looked perfectly content with Ebby on his chest. He let out a soft and comforting rumble, matching her hurgling. "Heya kiddo. I'm your Grandpapi Edge. I'm a big tough sucker, who'll always watch out fer youse. I love you Ebrima~"

Sans was currently settled in with his brother, enjoying just snuggling his sibling at the moment.

Wingdin looked to Marrie and she smiled softly. "Well... I'm back to my old speed. I can see what I'm doing and especially...who I am doing for. I have many children, many grandchildren, I am very very happy woman you knowing..."

"Hapsta, please be getting Marrie a trashcan and some baking soda in water. Trust me... She'll need it..." Wingdin had a feeling her daughter-in-law would be hurling soon enough again.

Ebrima stuck out her tiny light purple tongue at Edge, a tiny smile on her face as she let herself flop onto place for a tiny nap again.

Zhara was gently rocking Max in her arms before Nicole started whining for food. She ended up picking her up pretty quick, let Max latch onto her wing like a koala on a tree as she opened her blouse for her little girl to feed. Max seemed a little more content with his new high place and closer connection to his mama's face.

Happy was just setting another plate down when they heard Wingdin call, "Oh! Right! C-Coming!" They hurried back inside and got everything for Marrie.

Marrie herself looked thankful before she started looking pale again. Wingdin predicted it well enough as the cat monster took the trashcan and started to dry heave before the last of her eating spree from the day was emptied out of her stomach. Happy set down the water for her and started rubbing her back.

There was another knock on the door. Vera was the one to go answer it since everyone else seemed busy. At the door was James and Darren, Darren looking a bit more nervous and down than normal.

"What's going on with you?" Vera looked over at her brother as she took them in.

"Well...it's...I..." Darren was studdering as he played with his tail end, trying to figure out how to word it.

"Poor boy got dumped. Datemate didn't want to keep the relationship going so, they packed their things and left." James ended up explaining afterwards. He was busy all day trying to clear out Darren's shared house with them and move to a smaller apartment. Darren didn't look any more pleased, seeming to look guilty over it all.

"I never liked 'em anyway. Take it from me, bro...they were not worth it...I was getting weird vibes off of them anyway." Vera patted her bro's back as James headed off to say hello and check on all the multitude of grandniblings he had so far.

For once Sans had joined his brother in a nap, cuddled against his pudgy older brother, snoring quietly away. Pap's tail was lightly curled around his brother's waist, holding him close.

Aqua had finished feeding the boys, and she was humming to them, before placing them into the playpen, watching as they placed with their sponges. She sprinkled water onto them, giggling softly.

Edge smirked at her sticking her little tongue out at him. "Gonna be a soulbreaker lil one..."

Wingdin sighed and nodded, as she watched Marrie emptying her stomach. "I had feeling. I got six sense about this. Been on nurse or assistant crew since I nearly was 15. Be it big or little. I see monsters so many different ways it make your head spin."

She tapped Napstaton between his eyes lightly as she turned over the potatoes in the pan on the stove top. "So you being robot like Happy end up being? Not wrong seeing you like this but..."

"You being so fancy, don't matter to me. You still my son. Be you box or big human thing. Even if it all fail, you back to ghost...you still gonna be my boy Napstaton...you hear Mama, yes?" She stated as she added a bit of seasoning to the frying potatoes.

Marrie would end up stopping soon enough. She would take Wingdin's word for it as she drank the glass Happy had given her. "I'll be okay now...usually I only get like this once or twice every week...or there's mint around me...I..don't know why..."

Happy just looked relieved things were okay as they offered to take the used trash can out. Never have they been so thankful for being able to turn off their sense of smell and didn't have a sensitive stomach. Even as a ghost, that was also the case for them, it's why they handled the snails so well back on the farm.

Napstaton just stared at her finger, unsure of why she was doing that. He also wasn't sure how to take the whole "If it all fail" thing. He didn't think he was failing...and Angel smite him down if he was ever forced to be a ghost again. He hated being a ghost now since he got so used to being in his robot body. Not like he could revert anyway, he already bonded with the hunk of metal that made him. If he was removed, he'd be dust.

"Uh, yeah. Gotcha Mama Wing." He just manged a nervous smile, smiliar to how Happy sometimes gave. It was easy to tell that he wasn't used to this kind of attention yet, and the Blook signature anxiety was still a thing, even with confidence as big as his.

"She means well, Blooky. Don't worry." Happy tried to reassure him, already knowing what was going on in their cousin's mind.

Wingdin looked to Napstaton; putting the lid partially on the frying potatoes to let them simmer; and she chuckled quietly. "Sorry, my son, Mama's english is not best."

She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him gently. "I do mean well...I just wanting to give all family love and care, Napsta." The oven started to go off, and she smiled sweetly.

"Oh! Lamb roast is done." After slipping on some oven mitts, she pulled out the roast, and looked under the foil. Her grin widened as she took a deep sniff of it. "Oooh...it smells lovely. Alright, this can be resting, and then we will carve and have dinner!"

Cupcake watched as Kryssie played on the piano, nodding to what she accomplished. "That's simply beautiful, my little Princess...now try your scales again, and we'll add more notes, hmm?"

Edge had nearly fallen asleep with Ebby on his squishy chest, and he smiled as his natural hand rested on her back lightly. His tail thumped against the recliner he sat in.

"Uh...right. Sorry...just..not used to this. Not even my Z's mom is like this with me. She's a nice lady, just different." Napstaton gave her a hug, it would take some time. Even Happy needed some time to adjust when they first came into the family.

"It does smell really nice, Mama Wingdin..." Happy complimented shyly, they wouldn't admit it openly but they were glad to come to a dinner like this. Been a long time since Napsta and them ever had a big family around them again. Well...massive more like it. Most they had in their little snail farm house was 5 people at one time. Normally Happy hated crowds, but this was a welcome crowd they had no quarrel with being in.

"Righteous! Dinner's gunna be legit!" Napstaton was right back to his normal energy.

Kryssie nodded and tried her scales again as asked. She still wavered a bit but she was learning. Even looked like she was having fun while doing so.

Ebby was still sleeping soundly, even sucking on her hand again. Edge apparently made a really good bed that kept her asleep.

The bat-ghost twins were at this point chilling in their mom's wings, clinging onto her wing curve. Both looked seemingly content in their new position.

"And they just like that?" Vera looked at her best friend questioningly while patting little Max's head.

"Yeah, my mother told me it's a good bonding thing. They look happy and are being kept warm, so why not? I take them off and hold them if I ever need to fly. So don't worry. But they're pretty much at the age where they can latch and climb on anything. So far, Max like climbing on Napsta and beds. Nicole prefers me or curtains, which I always fight with her to come down since she either starts tearing them or starts crying because her claws are stuck." Zhara chuckled and just listened to her babies give off content coos and squeaks.

As dinner was finally done cooking, Cupcake had gathered up the the outside playpen, and he'd set it up around a small area that included a little wading pool; a small hanging branch, and plenty of pillows, soft toys and blankets. The perfect enviroment for all of his grandchildren. Edge had carried out lots of the dishes, with Wingdin doing the rest of them.

After setting up things, Edge stood at the middle of the table; Cupcake and Wingdin on one end, James and Leslie at the other end; and everyone in between.

"I ain't much fer...speeches an whatnot...but I guess I can say whatever, we's all family here." Picking up the large fork and knife to carve the lamb roast, he chuckled a bit. "We're gathered today, on the Summer Solstice...the longest day of the year. It's a day of planting, of new beginnings. And we've certainly gotten a new beginning in so many ways."

"We've gotten out of the mountain, away from the imprisonment...me and my husband, Bitter...who most of you know as Pops or Grandpops...we escaped from where we lived, years ago, to a new beginning here. So...we feel doubly blessed this day. Myself, Caddy, Bitter, and Wingdin...we've been given not only our handsome and strong sons, but gorgeous daughters and handsome children as well, through marriage or just...yer our kid. We all gotta lotta love, and we share it freely and easily. We have our grandchildren...those that are here, and those that haven't come yet." He smiled softly, as he started to carve the lamb roast.

"So...to the Summer Solstice...a new year, new lives, new family...to each and everyone of us, we love you." He began to put slices of lamb on the plates, and sending them down to the others. "If anyone wants to uh, add on, go right ahead!"

Marrie smiled and watched some plates pass by before deciding to speak up, looking right over at her husband's side of the family, "Well...the first time I met this family...I was tricked into playing an awful prank...I never would have guessed that me mucking it up and almost drowning would have led me into finding the love of my life and soon father of my kid...or kids as people keep betting." She eyed Edge and her sister.

Vera just let out a snicker before sipping on a glass of water.

"Nor did I think I'd find what a real family was supposed to be really like. I don't think I speak for all of my side of my family but...things have been really hard. We struggled a lot. We put trust in people that didn't deserve it. But...you guys really showed us what a family could really be, and were even kind enough to let us be part of it. So...thank you...for letting us love and be loved along with you. I think that old bucket of water did a lot more good than it did bad all those years ago. I love all of you guys." Marrie sat back right down, leaning her head on Sans's.

Darren looked like he was close to tears before Vera lightly punched his shoulder to calm him down. Still made him shed a few, but he was rubbing his shoulder with a smile.

Kryssie had no idea what most of that really meant, mostly she got was that her family loved one another. She just let out a little happy growl before screaming out "OHANA!"

"Cheers, I'll drink to that, yo!" Napstaton waved his glass around. Happy just let out a soft laugh.

"The feeling is mutual from this end." James has a smile of his own as he handed a plate of roast to Leslie.

Leslie smiled as she took the plate, and settled beside James; patting his arm softly.

Edge continued to carve the roast, with Cupcake helping to serve out the side dishes with his blue magic. Papyrus and Sans saw the lamb roast had a bone, and they started to do rock, paper, scissors for the bone.

"c'mon bro i just had a kid a few months ago..." Papyrus murmured, a bright smile on his face.

"IT CAN'T BE THE ONLY ROAST MAMA MADE, YOU CAN HAVE THE NEXT ONE!" Sans responded, a cheeky grin across his own.

Edge shook his head, and chuckled. "No need ta fight boys." He took the bone in hand, and easily snapped the thick bone in half. "There we go. Each of ya get half then!"

The rest of the night went well; and soon they'd brought out a boombox, putting on nice music that anyone could dance too. Wingdin had cleaned the table mostly off, leaving desserts to pick at for everyone; and she went inside the house; coming out in a different outfit then before.

She had slipped on silvery pink high heels; with clear stoppers on the stiletto ends so they wouldn't sink in the grass, along with a beautiful light pink dress that reached mid-calf; and was edged in black around the hem and the sweetheart neckline. On her head was a thin, crystal beaded pink headband. Coming out, she headed straight over to Cupcake taking his gloves.

"Would you wanting to dance, Dr. Brewer? My sweet darling Cuppincake?" She nearly purred as she held his gloves. Cupcake gazed up at Wingdin, his entire cup flushed a strawberry-pink color, as the chamomile tea in his head started to almost boil in his blissful happiness.

"Ah-hahaha! Y-Yes, my dear...I may have two left feet, but I would love to dance with you..." He stood up from the seat he was in, and he took her out to the concrete patio they had that surrounded a fire pit. As the music started to shift to a different song on the boombox, he'd started to twirl her around delicately, dancing beautifully with her.

The grandkids with the exception of Kryssie were all in the outdoor playpen. Nicole and Max were climbing on the branch, getting used to their claws and movement. Ebrima was napping by a corner again as she chewed on a rubber duck left for her which caused an occasional squeak when she bit into it. Kryssie was off bouncing about everywhere, energized from dinner and the desserts she managed to sneak off with.

Napsta and Zhara we're currently nearby sitting around, just enjoying a little time to themselves. Zhara did try to egg him on to dance but Napsta kept silencing her with kisses and whimpering jokes and sweet nonsense in her ear. The easiest way to make the normally cool and collected bat monster into a giant flustered squeaking mess.

Happy was currently having a sweet treat of their own as they talked with Vera and Marrie.

Meanwhile, Darren had opted to be at the front yard, playing with an old yo-yo to give him some comfort beside all his sulking.

Johnny and Jamie had opted to take a nap inside the wading pool, tiny bubbles popping the surface as they slumbered under the water. They had pulled their play sponges into the water with them, and part of one of the blankets as well.

Wingdin and Cupcake continued to dance slowly, softer music playing from their boombox. Edge was enjoying a cigar, and yawned slightly as Bitter was enjoying leaning his ghostly body against his husband's soft chest.

Papyrus was enjoying a cigarette, occasionally taking swigs from a honey bottle; while he plucked a piece of the sweet treat that Happy had. "...ma makes awesome cherry buns~"

Aqua smiled, taking a sip of her sweet tea. {This is truly a blessed day, isn't it sweetheart?}

Sans just enjoyed listening to his wife, her sister and the others chattering away about things. Leslie stayed at the table with James, and she lightly leaned her head against his shoulder. "...tonight's been simply wonderful, James. Thank ya for including me."

The party wasn't overtly noisy; but it certainly wasn't quiet. And the noises and cheering and general hubbub had caught the attention of Kintaro Nagasaki; a young man who lived on his own just a few houses down from the Aster-Brewer clan. He'd come out from his house, slithering closer to the home when he paused seeing just Darren out in the front yard.

He lifted his hand gently, and smiled to the cat monster. "Konbanwa, eh, good evening! Is everything okay over here? It's a...a little loud..."

The young man was a naga monster; a snake with what appeared to be the upper body of a human male. His hair was a soft sandy brown, with a few highlights of blonde; his eyes were a soft golden color. When he smiled, it could be seen his teeth were slightly sharp, and as he spoke his longer than average forked tongue occasionally poked out from his mouth.

His snake body was a plain greenish-brown, with his underside a lighter shade than his back. He wore his old NTT Nice Cream Dream Parlor t-shirt, and nothing else. Laughing nervously, he let out a quiet nervous hiss; and sighed. "I am ssssorry, my name isss Kintaro Nagasssaki. I don't believe I've ever met you before!"

Happy smiled and placed a kiss on Pap's chin, "Mhmm...I..think I still prefer you, honey bear..."

"Yeah, I can't complain. It's a pretty good thing we got here." Vera's tail flicked about as she bit into another bun, "We picked a really good day for this, huh?"

"I think so. Feels nice getting everyone together." Marrie hugged Sans best she could without getting her swollen stomach in the way. There were a few kicks going about but they seemed to calm just as fast as they start. "I think the baby want to say hi to daddy~"

"Of course, Leslie. I'm thankful you were able to come. No sense in keeping you out." James did feel better with them around. He was currently just reading a book as a cup of coffee was at his side. Normally he didn't do sweets, most he did for dessert was just a cup of coffee and his book.

Darren looked up from his solemn yo-yo playing, only to jump in surprise when he saw who was in front of him. "Ah! A-apologies...I...don't think I've seen you either..." He was slightly put off from seeing the human portion of the man in front of him, but tried not to dwell on it too much.

"I-I'm Darren C. Jae. I beg your pardon...my family...well..more my sister's in-laws are having a bit of a dinner party in the back yard. I normally don't do these kinds of venues but...my sister wanted me present..and..I can't say no. Otherwise, I just...mind my own...as they say. I can ask if they can turn down the noise if it is that bothersome..." He got up from his spot and pocketed the yo-yo back in his inventory.

Pap grinned lightly at the kiss. "thanks boo~" Aqua finished off her glass of sweet tea, and laid her head in Vera's lap; stretching out a bit.

Sans returned the hug, and his tail started to thump against the ground a bit; feeling his child (or even children) start to kick around in his wife's very swollen belly. "Mwehehehehe! Of course! Their Daddy is always ready to shower them with kisses and give them all the love that they would ever want for!"

He kissed and rubbed her globe-like belly lovingly, resting his head on the top curve of it, and he sighed softly.

Leslie smiled and nodded a bit. "Reggie was gonna come, but he got busy. Boy doesn't know if he's comin' or going somedays yanno." They themselves was picking at a cherry bun; with a cup of hot tea beside them.

Kintaro slithered backwards a bit at the response from Darren and he let out a slight hiss of surprise as well. "Sssorry for ssscaring you." He knew that look, humans hated him and usually so did his fellow monsters. The man was usually an outcast in all walks of life. It was one of the reasons why he worked in the back area of the nice cream parlor back in the Underground.

Napstaton had been kind enough to hire him, but didn't want him to be seen by other monsters, lest he drive the customers away.

As Darren spoke, he listened quietly. "No...you don't need for them to turn down the musssic or the noissse. It isss alright! I jussst wanted to make sssure everything wasss okay."

He honestly thought Darren was rather handsome, but he tried to not dwell on it much. All it would bring is soulache again. Or getting rocks hurled at him like one time. "I mind my own busssinesss asss well."

Kintaro coughed and hissed a bit. Pulling out a tin of lozenges from his inventory, he wrapped his long, thin forked pink tongue around it and sighed quietly. "Sorry about the major hissing...it's hard sometimes to speak. I've not seen you around the village too often."

Before he spoke more, he shook his head and his tail swept against the ground nervously. He wasn't good at this kind of thing, and honestly he just wanted to outright ask the young cat. But he knew if he tried what he was thinking, he'd probably get hurt.

Vera patted Aqua's head, fingers messing around in her dreads.

Marrie's stomach kept having a few more kicks around, just one or two, like a little sign of hello.

"That's alright. There's always more days. He is always welcome to the house should he want to visit." James wasn't bothered by it too much, "Besides..not sure how much more room we can fit here."

Napstaton was about to bring Zhara in for a dance when they heard Nicole starting to cry. The couple headed over to check the damage. Zhara had picked her up and looked her over, but she didn't see any damage, "She's not hungry..I know that...did we get her fish toy?"

"Ah crap...I left it in the car. Hang on Nikki! Daddy's got it!" Napsta kissed his wailing little girl's head before rushing off to the front to his car. No baby of his was gunna keep having the blues.

"We're just fine...thank you...I..just needed some air is all." Darren rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit awkward over everything, "It's alright...I don't mind. I don't normally go out much. I prefer just reading and gardening at home. So...not..much of a real need to go around...heh...heh..." He was feeling even more awkward, doing his best not to look at the guy. He was getting nervous enough with how attractive he looked.

Before Darren could even think about saying much else, Napstaton got to the front, only to see the two. "Heeeeey! K man! How's it going my slick snake guy! What are you doing around here?" the robot recognized the naga monster anywhere. He liked the guy and thought he was cool. He always felt bad though for keeping him towards the back when the hotel and parlor were still there, not that he had problems with Kintaro himself but customers always complained. Napstaton always did do his best to compensate the poor guy.

"Y-You know him...? Well...suppose the shirt should have..tipped me off.." Darren was a bit surprised at Napstaton's sudden busting in, but was a little happy for some distraction to focus on.

"Yeah! Dude was one of my better employees back Underground! Still would be if you want that transfer over there, bro! Club's coming together and I could mad use a good server!" Napstaton suddenly remembered what he had to do and rushed back to his car, digging around before finally finding his daughter's clownfish plush, "Gotcha broski! You are missing your audience little fish dude!"

Kintaro seemed a bit more at ease, when he saw Napstaton coming through the house. Blinking a bit, he let out a soft, hissing laugh. "Mr. Blook, it is going very well tonight. Oh...I...a fish toy?"

He slithered closer to Napstaton, grinning lightly. "I have seen on the television that you have children now, they're beautiful Mr. Blook..." Looking to Darren, he couldn't seem to take his eyes off the cat monster. Hearing what Napsta had spoke about a job, he shrugged a bit. "You need a server still? It's been months, I would have thought that you had all positions filled already. I'm working in the Monster IGA at the base of the village now..."

"Yep! Got two little notes of my own, dude! My wife and partner in crime is taking care of 'em right now! But thanks man, I appreciate it!" Napstaton put the toy in his inventory for now, "Hey, I always got room for old employees of mine. Especially the good ones! But long as you're happy dude!" He gave the naga a thumbs up. He wasn't blind though, he noticed how mich Kintaro kept looking at Darren.

His eyes glowed a lot brighter as he got an idea, "Yooooo actually! You doin' anything right now K-man? Like, I can take ya inside and meet my girl! The fam would love ya, right Derr?" Napstaton gave a nice pat on Darren's back, causing the cat monster to lose his balance for a second before righting himself.

"Oh...uh...well...I suppose. I know Mrs. Aster wouldn't mind company...and...if...Mr. Nagasaki wishes." Darren was fiddling with the yo-yo he had in his pocket, hoping that would help calm his nerves a bit more.

"Hell yeah! Mama Wing would like you dude! Come on! They got sick desserts in here!" Napstaton headed back inside to deliver his little girl's fish toy back. He kept her waiting long enough.

Kintaro smiled softly, and followed Napstaton back into the house, gazing around for a moment. He slithered backwards a bit when Edge came inside and was puttering around the fridge.

"...Damn it, the fuck are my beers...shit, Wing used my last one fer the lamb..." He crouched down, the creaking of his robotic limb being heard. "I know Doc's some of that fru-fru crap in here...ah-ha!"

Pulling out a 6-pack of 'Summer Shandy Lagers', and a bottle of triple-strength bourbon, he grinned triumphantly. Turning towards the group of men, he blinked a bit. "Oh hey...didn't know anyone was in the house. Um...youse three wanna have a drink wit yer old man?"

Kintaro looked to Darren and Napsta curiously, and then pointed to himself. Edge grinned brightly, chuckling. "Ah, don't fool yerself. Whoever tha fuck ya is, spend enough time wit us, yer family. Especially if my wife and Sweet-Tea has a choice in the mattah."

Bitter came floating into the house, and he saw Napstaton, his eyes narrowing. "C'mon blue box; yer kids wailing and she set off Ebrima and the water kittens!"

Sure enough outside, Pap was walking around the yard, cradling Ebrima to his soft chest, his cigarette smoldering away between his fanged teeth. Aqua got the boys to calm down, but she just laid on the grass, her shirt completely off and both of them on her breasts at the same time.

Aqua looked up at Vera and giggled. "Moooo..."

Zhara was currently trying to calm both Max and Nicole. Max was still crying from hearing his sister shriek and cry from not having her toy. Seemed the little bat-ghost girl was inconsolable at the moment until her fish was found.

Ebrima was just cranky in having her nap ruined by the loud noises her older cousin made. Happy was right behind Pap, little worried about their little girl close to smoke.

Kryssie was just holding her ears down to drown out the noise, she could handle her two baby brothers crying, but more than them seemed to be a bit painful for her. Vera was just holding her at the moment, trying to get her to relax.

"Shiiiiiit...I'll be back! Hold that drink for me, Pops!" Napstaton immediately ran out to the back to deliver the plush, not meaning to take that long to get it. Luckily at seeing her fish friend was back, Nicole started to go into little sniffles and hiccups as she hugged it. Max in turn was then starting to calm down.

"Napsta, what took you so long? was it not in the car seat?" Zhara was a little ticked at how long gone he was, but Napstaton tried explaining best as he could.

Darren just let out a sigh, that was his family. Then again...he didn't want it any other way. "My apologies Mr. Nagasaki...it's a ...bit of a lively family here."

Kintaro watched from inside the house, looking through the glass patio door at the near familial chaos outside. He glanced to Edge, who hadn't really bothered to move and was fixing up four glasses of drinks. It seemed to be in tall glasses and at the moment the bottom of the glasses had a good two shots of bourbon in it, and he had the Shandy beers ready to pour in fresh.

Looking to Darren, he let out a soft, hissing laugh; pushing a chunk of his sandy brown hair away from his face. "Please...call me Kintaro. And it's alright. I...maybe should apologize to Mr. Blook and...and everyone else. It was my fault he did not return quickly enough..."

He started to go out to the back yard, and went to go over to Zhara and Napstaton. Papyrus paused seeing the naga monster, and noticed his cigarette still was between his teeth. Carefully using his blue magic; he flicked it to the ground and ground it out. Sans couldn't see Kintaro's bottom snake half as he slithered along the table, and he started to stiffen and get a bit worried, his tail nearly rattling, thinking a strange human had just come straight into the back yard.

Darren decided to follow Kintaro moment he noticed both Pap and Sans go stiff. He didn't want any problems to arise even more just in case.

Napstaton had taken his baby girl and start bouncing her lightly, "There we go...Rad Dad's here now. See? He got you back your little fish dude! Sorry he took long, Nikki Candy." He was trying his best to get her completely calmed down. Max seemed to look a lot better as he stayed with his mom and sucking on a pacifier he was given. "Just got held up, babe. Met an old employee of mine. Hey! Look! Here he comes right now! K-man! Come here!"

Zhara looked over at Kintaro and smiled, she'd seen the naga about once or twice before when they were still in the Underground. She never saw him much after those visits but she did remember how nice he seemed to be, so she was used to his look, "Hello Kintaro. It's been a long time. You look well."

"How the heck did you manage a guy like this in your business, Napst? And why is he around?" Vera was a bit surprised. She'd only knew of one other naga in her life that lived in New Home but all she knew of her was that she was a hell of a bitchy woman, was more snake like, she passed away a long time ago and she was the neighbor of some kitsune girl that she once had a date with that was part of a gang Vera tried joining. The date flopped but the two were relatively still nicely connected for the occasional weed transaction.

"Just wanted him to come over and say hi! Check out my tiny tots!" Napstaton didn't seem to notice the tension Sans had for his old employee. Darren just stood by, just in case.

Marrie however did notice, "Sansy...?" She placed a hand on his shoulder, not sure what really got into him. She herself had never seen a naga before.

Kintaro smiled gently, as he easily slithered around a couple of chairs and headed over closer to Napsta and Zhara. "Your children are beautiful. And thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Blook. I've been doing well since the barrier went down, relatively speaking."

Papyrus' tail swept low close to the ground in a nervous and almost warning fashion; as he frowned a bit. Sans seemed to jump slightly at Marrie's touch, and looked to her worriedly. "I've always thought that Naga's were humans in hiding! Granted...we're amongst the humans now, why did he just come barging in here unannounced! He's not family, so...so now I'm worried!"

Kintaro had heard what Vera said, and he looked down a bit. "Sumimasen, I...I should not have...it was nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Blook. I...I should be heading home." He bowed politely to Napstaton and Zhara, then he turned to leave quickly. He could tell vibrations in the air, and just the general feeling of everyone there, and it had certainly changed when he came into the back yard. To him it felt he certainly wasn't wanted.

Zhara glared over at Vera with her question.

"What? I didn't mean that as a bad thing! Just like...ya know! Nagas are rare, least for me! I lived in Waterfall all my life, Z! You know this!" Vera was trying to save her hide at that moment.

Napstaton had heard Sans though and looked at him with a semi-glare too, "Hey! I invited him here, dude! Just wanted to get him to say hi to my kids and Z! Pops even said it was all good! Not cool, man! Not. Cool."

Darren ended up gathering some bravery to go and follow Kintaro, "Ah wait! Mr. Na...Kintaro..! One moment...I deeply apologize for that...my sister really means no harm. Neither does any of this family...You shouldn't have to leave...especially with an invitation..." He really did feel bad for what happened.

Sans blushed deeply, and waved his hands a bit. "I'M SORRY I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT EITHER! I JUST THOUGHT HE WAS A-A HUMAN AT FIRST, WHO JUST CAME WITHOUT BEING INVITED!"

He crossed his arms over his chest, and in irritation seemed to have his cheeks puff out slightly with his growling. "I just didn't want our family to potentially get harmed!"

Kintaro paused as he got closer to the patio door, and he curled his tail around himself slightly; able to rest on the coil. He clenched his hands slightly in worry, keeping his gaze to the ground. It could be seen despite his upper half was very much human-appearing, his nose was slightly flatter than a humans; he had pale brownish-green scales around the edges of his face, and along the sides of his neck, shoulders and arms. They were stronger than his skin and could aid him in protection should he ever have needed it.

His ears were pointed, almost like short elf ears, and on his human-like hands, were more scales on the top; with very sharp, almost claw-like fingernails. His palms however were just skin. "...Do you want me to stay, Darren?"

"What? You think I'd bring in a guy who could hurt everyone now, huh?" Napstaton still didn't look all too happy. Zhara put a wing in front of him just in case in hopes to get him to calm down, "Babe..no one's saying that...Kintaro is a nice guy, Sans. He wouldn't hurt anyone without a good cause."

Darren looked over at this "family" of his. Granted Edge had said he was a son to the elder of the family and his sisters did truly love him, he didn't feel like he fit in either. Bit of an outcast just like Kintaro.

"...I can't force you to stay. It should be your choice...you are welcome here if you wish...as for me...I think I was about to leave..." He took a breath to get the next thought out, "...You are...welcome to join me...perhaps...I may treat you to some tea...? I know someone who makes the best Jasmine tea around." He said that last part a bit quietly, but he managed to say it.

Truth be told, Darren didn't feel like he should stick around either. That and unlike Vera, he had no tolerance for alcohol.

Sans put his hands on his cheeks and sighed. "Noooo! No no no! That's not what I'm saying either! It just...he...MWEH! I'm sorry!" He sat back down beside Marrie, and he gently laid his head on her stomach; closing his eyes.

Kintaro saw how perturbed that his former employer was and he looked to Darren again. He nodded softly, and smiled. "Jasmine tea sounds very nice. Thank you."

Turning back towards Napstaton, he bowed again in politeness. "Thank you again for inviting me, Mr. Blook. I will be taking leave now, I will be in contact with you perhaps about that job."

Looking back to Darren, he held his hand out to the cat monster. "I would appreciate your company, Darren."

Marrie seemed to understand what Sans was saying and patted his head. Happy was looking at Pap concernly as Ebrima whimpered in his arms, not liking the feeling that her dad was exerting out.

Napstaton still didn't look placated but he stayed quiet for the sake of his kids and wife and mostly not wanting to cause anymore strife than there already was. "Sounds good man. Number hasn't changed. Lemme know, alright?"

"Take care of yourself, Kintaro. Hopefully we see you again soon." Zhara gave a small wave at the naga monster as Max cooed and babbled out at Kintaro too.

Darren nodded with a small smile, doing his best to hide a blush forming, "I best be going then. Thank you for the...evening...Mrs. Aster. I'll...be seeing you all...again...sometime..." He shakily took Kintaro's hand and went off, not wanting to look back.

Sans pouted softly, and snuggled gently against his wife's heavy belly. Pap let his tail drop down, as he started to relax more. Shaking his head he just sighed, and pressed a kiss to Ebby's skull.

"daddy's sorry babygirl...jus got worried s'all...c'mere ya ain't ate in awhile, ya hungry kiddo?" He murmured as he popped open his shirt, shifting her around to nurse.

Wingdin came over with Cupcake and they both waved as Darren moved to leave with Kintaro. Wing looked to Napsta, and she gently placed her hand on his shoulder comfortingly.

Kintaro nodded softly, and he genuinely smiled at Zhara's comments. Gently he held Darren's hand, and followed alongside him, taking care not to drag anything underneath his tail. As he was led through the house, and back out the front door, he let out a quiet, hissing sigh.

"...Is...are all family parties that...tense?" He managed to state quietly, as he continued slithering beside Darren.

Ebby didn't seem to latch, she wasn't hungry it looked like. She just continued to whine until Happy decided to take her in to calm her down with a lullaby. "She's probably still cranky..."

Napstaton just kept his gaze down as he held Nicole. Max started reaching out for his dad and began to whine. "Napsta...? Half-note...?" Zhara was looking worried for him as he gently took his little boy too.

"...'m fine, babe...don't worry. I'm good..." He just sighed and held his kids, seeming to look a little better when the twins babbled and lightly batted at his face and headphones. He just nuzzled them both close, the one thing he could smile for right now.

Darren kept walking along until they got a bit away from the house, "...I cannot really say, Kintaro...I...usually never go to events that have my sister's in-laws...I still apologize for that. Usually they are good people...but...been a few times I've been around them all for more than a few moment. Truth be told, I don't find myself...too comfortable in their presence."

He kept walking, eyes focused on where he was going to find the tea place he frequented when in and around Hotland. "As I said..they are good people...my sisters are well enough...just feeling a bit out of place...that and...I don't have a large social battery as they do."

Pap just nodded, and closed up his shirt. He came over to Napsta and sighed. "sorry dude, ah, shit...me and my baby bro we just let ourselves get too worried over nothing, sorry 'bout it..."

Kintaro chuckled quietly; pushing his hair back behind his ear again. "I can understand why. The previous Royal Scientist, the Royal Judge, Junior Guardsman Emeritus Aster...lots of...very high names in one family. Very high pressure."

He tasted the air a few times, as his tongue flickered slightly. "I smell jasmine tea, and...wasabi-chili cookies? They smell spicy!" Looking down a side street, he saw a rather nice looking building, that read 'The Fire Pit Bakery & Tea Shoppe'.

Looking to Darren, a slight golden-tinted blush crossed his cheeks, and he chuckled. "As for a...social battery. Mine is nearly not there. I just like to have a simple life. Go to work, come home, eat dinner and watch a movie or funny videos on the computer...to be honest, most would call me utterly boring. I don't even really have any hobbies..."

"...It's fine, dude. Just made it feel like you dudes didn't trust me to bring a bro over to say hi. Like, Kintaro isn't a bad dude. Yeah, he looks a little human, but he's chill. He was one of my best employees for a reason." Napstaton looked over at Pap, "I wouldn't bring anyone over or have anyone work with me or the brand that wasn't cool or did their job right."

"It was just a bit surprising...but I feel awful...that's not exactly a warm welcome on our end of things..." Zhara bit her lip, saddened on how Kintaro must be. She didn't put it past Kintaro to do that.

"You and I both. Just..work, garden, made dinner, and maybe put on the radio while waiting for the next day. Simple things are more than enough to keep me happy." Darren agreed, seeming to like that, "My sisters find me a bit boring in that regard. But they still appreciate my work."

Darren opened the door for Kintaro.

Papyrus sighed, and shrugged. "...the only thing i can figure is we thought he was human and didn't realize he was invited. still...i'm really sorry..."

Kintaro slithered alongside Darren, and he chuckled softly, nodding a bit. "Mhm...I like boring to be honest. I live on my own, my...parents dusted a few years ago. Napstaton was kind enough to somewhat take me in actually. Granted, hehe, I'm older than him, he offered me a room at his hotel complex when I couldn't pay for it, and gave me a job at his Nice Cream Shop...He is a very kind and generous man."

Seeing that Darren had opened the door for him, he bowed slightly and went inside the tea shop. "...And you are very much the same as well." His golden eyes gazed to Darren, as a slight blush crossed his cheeks again.

Grillby was humming brightly as he was finishing up the latest batch of wasabi-chili cookies, and was setting out a tray of chocolate croissants as well. "Well hello hello, Darren! It has been quite a long while since I've seen you last! I wondered if you'd ever find my little tea shop again, dearie~"

Fuku, a green flame elemental and Grillby's daughter, came over to Darren and Kintaro; her large belly leading the way. "It's great to see you again, Darren! Would you like to sit at a booth or...oh, you have someone new finally! I knew you and Asley wouldn't work out!"

"It's fine. But I'm not the only guy you gotta apologize to." Napstaton decided to go take a seat to keep the kids from getting too antsy.

Darren was a bit surprised at that, "Well...I know Napstaton has a good heart. He takes a lot of care of my sister's best friend. And from my meetings with him, he seems like a good man."

Darren headed inside and waved at the two, "Yes, my apologies. I've been meaning to come again after so long." he smiled until Fuku mentioned Asley.

"Ah...you heard about that...well...mm...that's a better way to describe it...yes." He sighed, not really wanting to talk about that any further, "Booth is fine. Thank you...I hope you both have been treated well here on the surface."

Papyrus sighed, and ran his hand over his skull. "yeah, yeah of course..."

Fuku nodded, leading them to a booth. "Yes, we've been pretty well taken care of lately. Pere hasn't left the tea shop much, but thankfully my wife comes and helps us out a lot lately. And I'm so sorry for mentioning them though."

Kintaro seemed a bit confused by the rapid speaking of Fuku, and he nodded softly; following Darren to the booth; where he slid inside carefully. "It is nice to meet you."

Grillby came over, and patted Fuku's shoulder softly. "Oh my dearie, you should go and take your break already. Your wife just came in anyways, I'm sure she'll be pleased to see you~"

He waved his hand in front of his face, and laughed softly. "Oh, Mr. Jae, it's been so long, too long! And I must express my condolences on your failed outings. But it seems that you are out and about with a new skip and hop in your step! And what would you like to have tonight, mon ami?"

Darren just waved her goodbye before looking at Grillby, "Has been very long, sir. It's quite alright. I just hope I left on well enough terms. As for...skipping..I wouldn't really call it that. Just came back from a visit from family." He wasn't sure exactly what Grillby meant about a new skip or hop. Was it because of Kintaro?

Granted he did think the naga was attractive but it was a bit too early for him to be thinking thoughts like that. After all he just got his heart crushed recently.

"Just my usual. Jasmine tea and a butter croissant. Oh, if you have any cherry danishes, I'll take one to go. Been meaning to treat my young niece..." He did remember promising to get her a treat of some sort for the next day since Vera ended up convincing him to hang around with Kryssie more. Girl barely saw her uncle nowadays.

Grillby nodded brightly, and shifted a bit on his feet as he tapped his pen to the order sheet. "Hmm...jasmine tea, butter croissant, and a cherry danish. Oooh, dearie, a visit with family. That's always just so draining, isn't it?"

He put his hand to his cheek, shaking his head worriedly. "It's never good to be fousted into stressful situations on any day of the week! And for you sir?"

Kintaro thought for a moment, and he looked down towards the table a bit to the menu that was left on the table from Fuku. "I would like to have a...Jasmine tea as well, and an almond bear claw, please..."

Grillby wrote the order down, and he went to fix the food and tea for them both. Fuku giggled quietly with her wife, as she felt her baby kick around somewhat. Kintaro smiled softly, his golden eyes gazing to the nice cat monster across from him. "I...I am thankful for you supporting me tonight..."

Darren watched Grillby leave before looking back at Kintaro, "Well...after everything that happened it would be the least I could do. Napstaton has not spoken a bad word about you and you seem to be a fine man..so...be only fit I help. I still do apologize over that."

He started messing with the yo-yo in his pocket again to calm his nerves, "Have you any siblings, Kintaro...?" He tried asking for a simple question, felt bad for just being in silence like that.

Kintaro shook his head softly. "No. Sadly I am just an only child. No siblings, and that one other naga your sister was most likely thinking of, was actually my great-aunt...I am one of the last few naga monsters left..."

He saw the expression and he chuckled. "Don't feel embarrassed, Great Aunt Mimoru was certainly a memorable bitch."

Grillby soon brought over the food and tea, setting the tea set out for them both. "Enjoy you two! I've included a few extras for you both, and I do hope you enjoy it!"

On the tea tray was two cups of jasmine tea, the buttered croissant, and the almond bear claw. Between the two sets was a teapot, and some sweet mochi balls to share. There was a tiny sign that read 'Please Chew Me Well! Mixed Fruit & Cream Mini Mochi'

Darren blinked, that would explain a few things about his sister, "Ah...still..I apologize. My sister's rowdy nature may have not made things better."

He did smile a bit at seeing the mochi laid out. He just took his tea to sip on it a bit before deciding to try one.

"Hmm! Interesting taste...These are quite nice." He seemed to like them before going back to his tea.

"You are lucky in being an only child then. Two younger sisters were nice but the fact they both outrank me in magic and nerve makes it all the more chaotic. But...they are my sisters, and I do what I can for them. They're all I have along with my uncle. Still...always strange how much time has gone by and how much has changed."

Kintaro nodded softly, and he took a slow sip of his tea, sighing happily at the taste. "It is a blessing and a curse, if I am being honest..."

He plucked up a small mochi ball and swallowed it whole quite easily. "But being alone for so long, it is rather uncomfortable...in some fashion."

Glancing down to the almond bear claw, he suddenly blushed very deeply; realizing he had no fork or knife with it. The way his jaw was, he couldn't chew normally; he usually swallowed his food whole, like a normal snake would do. He could just rip it into pieces, but that would be rather rude to do in front of someone new, he'd feel so embarrassed.

So instead he decided to ignore the bear claw in front of him, and focus on his cup of tea. "One of my favorite things to do lately though, is to work on puzzles actually...goodness, I am such an old souled monster..."

"Understandable...we all need someone close by. Even if it is for a few minutes or hours at a time." Darren smiled as he bit into his croissant. He forgot how good Grillby's pastries were.

"Nothing wrong with that, puzzles are good for the mind and sharpen skills. Is an old tradition but an entertaining one nonetheless. Personaly I enjoy a good puzzle or two. Though, I've been putting more of my time into painting and sketching since we've moved to the surface. Didn't have much time for it back Underground, so I'm happy with the extra time and inspiriation to focus on it fully." He had been getting a lot better with his art. Restoring his sister's wedding portrait was a great reawakening of his skills. He hoped he could do a little more.

Kintaro nodded, as he played around a bit with the almond bear claw on his plate. His smile brightened as Darren seemed to agree with how he felt. "Mhm...I love paintings and sketchings...I am not too good with it myself, but I adore viewing other's created works."

Grillby came over with a fresh pot of tea, and he noticed that Kintaro wasn't touching his bear claw. "Oh, my dear boy why haven't you eaten it yet? Do you need a fresh one, dearie? I'll grab you one..."

Before Kintaro could protest, the flighty flame elemental swooped in and grabbed the plate from him. "I...oh..."

"That's Grillby for you. My apologies if my ramblings are keeping you from eating...please. Do not hold back for my account. I wouldn't want your food to get cold." he felt bad again. There was always that side of him that was fearful that he was holding people back or hurting others without meaning to.

No..he wouldn't think about that...she wasn't around anymore...he can't afford to right now.

Kintaro blushed softly, and looked to the table. "N-No...it isn't your...rambling, Darren..."

He ran his clawed hands through his hair and frowned a bit. "I...my eating habits are a bit...unnerving is one way an old partner of mine once described it..."

Grillby came back with a fresh almond bear claw, and with a flourish placed it in front of Kintaro. "A gorgeously fresh almond bear claw, sir! I do hope you enjoy it dearie~"

Kintaro nodded softly, and he picked an almond off of it, popping it into his mouth and swallowing. He looked to Darren and nervously smiled. "Y-You wouldn't mind to see how I eat?"

"Not at all. I've helped my uncle in his work before...can't be too awful I'm sure." he figured it was just the exagguration of a partner who knew no better. Kintaro was a nice man, he was sure it would be fine.

He just bit into his treat again and hoped his new friend would enjoy himself. That's why he brought him to the little cafe after all.

Kintaro seemed to calm down quite a bit, and he took another sip of the jasmine tea happily, and sighed with a gentle hiss. Picking up the almond bear claw, he gently unhinged his jaw a bit; as it opened wider than what would be considered normal; and he put the bear claw into his mouth.

As his jaw opened, it could be seen that he actually had no teeth, except the two fangs that were visible from the outer edges of his mouth. In a few movements, that almost looked like he was choking; he swallowed the almond bear claw whole.

The large treat could be seen traveling down his throat for a moment, then when it had gone through his gullet, he took another sip of tea, and nervously laughed to himself. He knew that Darren had to think he was insane, most people didn't know just what a naga monster was, and they usually thought that his snake half was just a visual thing. Not that he couldnt' chew, had no teeth, and had to swallow anything entirely whole.

Darren didn't seemed phased. As he thought, he'd seen weirder. It was a bit offputting but it was something that couldn't be helped. Why would be be reacting badly to that.

"Was the bear claw to your liking?" He took a sip of his tea, genuinely curious if he liked Grillby's baking.

Kintaro paused as he was drinking his tea. Darren didn't seem to think he was a freak. That was a new thing for himself. Almost immediately a large blush crossed his cheeks and he looked towards the table again, slowly nodding his head. "Hai...the bear claw was wonderful. Thank you again...I honestly can't believe that...it didn't really uh, phase you..."

"T-The way I ate that...I am sorry, I have always been...outcast for so many reasons all my life. Because I look too human...because I look too much of a monster, because I cannot chew my food...because if I eat a large enough meal I don't have to eat for a week..." Kintaro let out a hissing sigh, and put his head in his hands.

"I've been shunned most of my life, for one reason or another..." He frowned softly, looking up at Darren. "...today didn't surprise me to be honest. I've always had people be scared of me..."

"I have said I've seen much when working with my uncle. You're no stranger than any other monster I've met and seen. Do not apologize for being yourself. You never asked to look the way you do or be the way you are. I can never fault you for that. I'm sorry others haven't been so kind..." He truly did feel bad for the guy. Darren thought of him as nice and kind...little awkward but who was he to judge...he himself was the same way.

"You give me no reason to fear you...suppose we are outcast brothers in that regard. I've been different in many situations before...even in my own family..I felt isolated. Not to say my troubles are greater than yours but..I do understand the feeling in some degree."

He finished his cup of tea and sighed, already feeling a bit tired from being out for so long.

"Outcast brothers..." Kintaro laughed softly, letting out an easy sounding hiss. "...I am thankful to have come to know who you are...Darren. You are kind, and sweet...and perhaps...we can meet up here at the tea room next week? Giving us enough time to recharge our poorly working batteries?"

The young man finished his own cup of tea, and gently slid to stand on his tail once more. "I just need to get another few bear claws to go, then if you wanted...you could walk me home?"

"Thank you for the compliments. You are quite the friend yourself." Darren chuckled a bit, "I accept the offer. A week's time is perfect."

He tried to put away a stray thought for now, still too early for that. He finished his pastry and went to Grillby to pay for their meal.

Kintaro watched as Darren went up to the front to pay, and the tip of his tail started twitching as he surely enjoyed what he saw of the young man. After he'd watched Darren pay; he went and paid for a dozen almond bear claws, and a half dozen of heavy cream cheese pastries to take home. After getting his meal for the week, he slithered home with Darren walking beside him.

As it was, about a half of a week had passed and Leslie had known that their son was coming over to check on her, and she grinned as Reginald came inside the house. "Reggie, my you came over with a lotta things, didn't ya?"

Reginald chuckled brightly as he set down a large box in the living room. "Of course, Renny, I wanted to bring you some things that I knew you would want and need! Ah, I've got your old dress uniform here as well too, if you possibly wanted to keep it!"

Leslie rose their eyebrows at their son, chuckling quietly. "Now why would I want that old thing?" They held a cup of tea in their hands; coming to the sofa. "Did you say hello to James even?"

Reggie sighed, and he rolled his eyes. "Ren...it's not that big of a deal..."

Leslie scowled as they took a sip of their tea. "Reggie...I did not raise you like that! You go and say hello to James, while your old Renny goes on through that durn box ya brought over..."

Over at his own house Kintaro had been processing his weekly meal, and he was slithering outside to put the trash into the collection bin. His own stomach was still quite rounded, and he yawned a little. He wondered what he wanted to eat the coming week. He had about ten pounds of chicken he could cook up, and that would go great with the other half dozen of the almond bear claws he had left.

He'd thought about calling Napstaton, but he was still rather embarrassed about what had happened at that party. Running his hand through his hair, he let out a hissing sigh, and shook his head. Would he even be able to manage anything with Darren? Sitting on his coil outside enjoying the warmth, he pulled out his phone texting Napstaton. [Hello Mr. Blook. I know you have a very busy life; entertainer, business owner, family man; but if you could find the time, could we meet somewhere to speak about me working for you again in some capacity...and other things as well?]

James was currently outside in his personal garden, pulling out some weeds and checking on if anything was ready to be harvested. He did pull out some garlic and bell peppers that were fully grown and added them to his basket. He was quite proud of the little lot he made. Now if he could only get his damn tomato plant to produce more. He made a note to call Vera sometime later to see if she coud work her magic on it a bit. For now, he was content with the stuff he had. He decided to move on and check if his cucumbers were done.

Napstaton had answered pretty quick, seemed like he wasn't busy at the moment, [Hey dude! I already told ya, just call me Napstaton! Don't gotta be formal with me, man. We're chill! And hell yeah, bro! Ya caught me on a good day! You wanna meet at the club in an hour? I'm just leaving the studio and heading there now!]

Reginald came out from the house and sighed a little. Seeing James in his personal garden, he came over and smiled a bit. "Hullo there James. Renny helped me realize I hadn't properly seen you yet...would you like some help possibly?"

Kintaro grinned at the answer and nodded to himself a bit. [Sumimasen, Napstaton. Meeting at the club sounds wonderful! I will see you there.]

James looked up over at Reginald with a smile, "Ah, Reginald! Good to see you. Don't mind me, I just do my own. Actually, would you mind holding the basket for me a second? Just need to get myself up, old knee is giving me some trouble and I don't want to drop all the veggies out of clumsiness." He held out the basket for Reginald to take as he tried to prepare himself to get up from his spot.

[Awesome! See you there, bro!] Napstaton texted right back. He currently was chilling out in the limo for the moment as Jimmy drove him down to his club. Zhara was with him, relaxing at his side. The twins were with Zhara's parents' house for the day so the two could do business without too many interruptions, that and her parents had been pestering to see their grandbabies again.

"What's going on, Napsta baby? Good news?" She stretched out a wing a bit as she got into a more comfortable position.

"Yep! We're seeing Kintaro when we get to the club! He's taking my offer!" Napstaton just pulled her in close, metal cool to the touch since inside the car was air conditioned really well.

"Oh, how nice. I'm glad he reached out again. I hope he's not too sore about what happened, Sans is still hung up on it according to Marrie." Least that was the last she heard of the skelegator. Marrie did ensure her she had something to cheer her husband up when he would come back from his weekly spar with Vera that afternoon.

Reginald easily took the basket and gazed about the little garden. "Beautiful garden you've got, sir. Renny has told me quite a bit about you."

He chuckled a little and sighed. "You know, Ren would never say it, but in their own way, I think they love you. Well...as much as they feel they could. Renny has always been... unique at least."

Kintaro had gone back inside his house and got a nicer shirt on, and a matching pink skirt. Smoothing the shirt over his slightly heavy stomach he realized he probably looked pregnant. Great. Well hopefully Napstaton would understand.

Slipping his phone into his pocket, he headed out to go to the club, to meet with Napstaton.

In the backyard at Vera's house, Sans' eyes narrowed, at he glared at his enemy. His grip on his bone hammer tightened and he let out a fearsome growl as he charged at Vera.

He direct attack was a ruse however as a blue bone suddenly shot across where Vera's feet were to trip her up.

"Thank you, young man. Worked hard at keeping a farm, garden is a little more simple to take care of, even with my old age." He chuckled as he slowly got himself up, "Still..always need a break off my knee. Age still gets to me some days."

He dusted himself off a bit before taking the basket again, "Unique is always a fine trait to have. Be quite boring if everyone were the same. The feeling is mutual between me and your Renny. She's good company and a fine friend, I thank the Angel for that blessing." Truth be told, he really did like having the boy's Renny around, made the house a lot less lonely.

Napstaton was already at the club, directing a few guys on making some repairs to the stage lights and DJ table. Zhara was currently helping take stock of alcohol and ingredients for food. There were still a few renovations to be made before Napstaton would open the club out officially. So far, it's only been close friends and colleages that had tried out the party spot. Napstaton was hoping to get everything opened and ready by the end of the week.

Vera smirked feeling that bone coming with her magic. She easily side stepped out of the way and used a large sprouting vine to shoot her up into the air, her green bow and and arrow ready to take a shot at Sans. She fired three arrows, two to distract and trip him up, one to try and hit his hammer out of his grip. She wasn't her father, but she had plenty of skill and power to make his moves and teachings her own.

Kryssie was watching her mom and uncle in anticipation and excitement from a far enough distance so she wouldn't get hurt. "Go mommy! Go Uncle Sans! Yaaaaay!"

Reginald smiled gently, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I'm glad to hear that, sir. Renny has told me quite a bit, and they're very happy to have company once...again. Ren, you fussed about me bringing that..."

He had seen that Leslie had gone and put on her old dress uniform; smoothing down the skirt around her tail hole a bit. Then she bent over, and got her hat out from the box; snapping it open with a flick of her wrist.

Turning to James, they blushed, and looked down. "I just wanted to make sure it...still fit me."

Her outfit was a beautiful organza blue, the pale color of the flying squadron. Her skirt reached her mid-calf; her thick tail resting against the ground. Her double-breasted suit jacket was unbuttoned as her arthritis was acting up in her fingers, and she had her pale purple regulation undershirt on. One side of the suit jacket had her medals and designation as General with it's 3 stars. Technically she was above Jonathan in rank, but she was a different squadron. She was in the Flying Squadron and he was Land Division.

Leslie wore no shoes, as was traditional with most dragons; and she pushed some of her fur out from her face, behind her horn. Placing the hat between her horns, she let out a quiet giggle. "Well, I'm sure all gussied up and no place to go now..."

Kintaro came to the club and he blinked a bit; seeing that it had a sign labeled 'Under Renovation'. He quietly knocked on the door, and came slithering inside silently. "Napstaton? I did not realize the club wasn't...finished yet..."

He paused halfway down the hallway into the main dance floor of the club, and gazed around; tasting the air nervously. As he continued down the hallway and came out into the main floor he saw Zhara and Napstaton; and he also saw Jimmy as well. Grinning lightly, he slithered closer over to the usually cross blue bunny monster. "Ohayou, Jimmy! How are you today?"

Benny had come over to spend some time with his boyfriend and he blushed softly, rubbing the back of his head. "Ooh, Jimmy is this a friend of yours?" The slightly overweight tabby cat monster took a step back, and chuckled. "Um...I should prolly get back to my burger cart though, babe...they're not gonna grill and sell themselves you know..."

Sans grinned brightly, he had a feeling she'd do this. Rather predictable in fact. Oh, he noticed it was three instead of four, trying to throw him off. He leapt backwards, using his bone hammer to pole vault himself higher. Throwing the bone hammer into the air, he summoned a thin bone sword; and sliced through two of the arrows, and the last one nearly struck his skull right between the eyes.

Until Aqua sent a sharp jet of water from her hand to knock Sans out of the way. {Hey idiot, did you think you could catch it in your teeth!?} Shaking her head, she set down a little play table for Kryssie with a snack and juice on it. "Here you go sweetie, Mama got you a snackie~ Watermelon, juice and cheese crackers."

The young retired guardsman was soaked to the bone and he sighed tiredly. "Alright...I...I think we're done today. You did great Vera...I should get home to Marrie though..."

James looked over to see Leslie, "It still fits you quite well, dear friend. A shining reminder of who you are." He looked quite happy for them. "Should you need a reason, perhaps I can get my old uniform back on and we do something nice for dinner, hmm?"

Jimmy looked a bit more relaxed since Benny was around for his break. He immediately looked annoyed when he noticed Kintaro. "Stars...that guy? I swore he got left behind Underground." He dug into his pocket to get a cigarette out but a mini NTT robot floated over and snatched it before he could light it.

"HEY! What gives?!" Jimmy looked over at Napstaton, only to shut up once he saw he threatening glare from his boss.

"Sorry broski. Ya know the rules. Besides, don't gotta remind why some of these renovations had to be done...huh? Cigarette ash is a pain in the ass to get out of music equipment."

Jimmy sighed and looked back to Benny, "Yeah...go on...my break's over anyway..." he just gave him a quick kiss goodbye before heading to the back to finish working.

"Hey hey! There's the naga bro I wanted to see! How's it going, man?!" Napstaton left the stage to check on Kintaro.

"Thank you, mama!" Kryssie gave her a hug before going to eat some of her snacks. That earned quite a few purrs from the little girl.

Vera sighed in relief when Aqua managed that last minute save, "I'm good with getting my attacks to do tiny amounts of HP damage, but they still do HP damage, Sans. Yeah, we'll call it a day." She let her bow dematerialize before throwing a towel at her brother-in-law she had in her inventory.

"Same butt kicking time next week?"

Leslie blushed softly, and covered their cheek for a moment. "Oh, that sounds lovely, James. Reggie, baby could you help me with the buttons maybe? My claws are a bit stiff..."

Reginald smiled and nodded. He came over and knelt down a bit. "Of course Ren. Let's make sure your wings are all the way through the holes...mhm...Renny, your wings look better than they used to! The holes aren't too bad!"

They nodded gently, and extended their wings fully to their eight foot wide wing span. Leslie had a few ragged holes from old war wounds, which caused her to stay fully grounded since she was in the Great War. "...Yeah...they're not too bad. Don't hurt me too much either...I miss flying though, sometimes."

Looking to James, her smile returned sweetly. "But even though I'm grounded, I couldn't think of being grounded with you, you old tomcat~"

In the club, Benny smiled at the kiss from his boyfriend, his ears perking up brightly. Seeing Napstaton coming over, he just left and sighed. Kintaro looked between Jimmy, Benny and Napstaton with a nervous expression across his face. After the cross former co-worker and his boyfriend had parted ways, he let out a hissing sigh for a moment.

"It is...going, Napstaton." He slithered a bit closer to Napstaton, gazing up at the robot; as he let himself be lower in height then him, in a show of respect. "I have been getting tired, and not treated well in my job at the grocery store you see. So, when you offered...I knew it would be best to take you up on that. I am very honored that you still think so highly of me, Napstaton. I have only wanted to treat others how they would want to be treated, all of my life."

At Vera and Aqua's house, Aqua giggled, giving Kryssie a sweet kiss between her ears. "You're welcome, wahine!"

Sans grabbed the towel, and wiped his skull off, as he shook his tail slightly. "THANKS SISTER AQUA!" He looked over to Vera, grinning brightly. "Of course, Vera! Same butt kicking time, same place! I'll get you to submit to my strength next time!"

Johnny and Jamie were in their playpen and they started burbling and mewing excited to their Mommy.

"The ground itself isn't too bad down here, mighty dragon. It still gives a large amount of respect for you." He chuckled and headed off into the house, "I'll be a moment. No since in not joining you in the fun of good memories."

He really had no idea of his old uniform still fit him. He'd lost some weight but he figured it wouldn't be a problem. His brother was of a higher rank than him, but that never bothered him any. He was a man of healing.

"Bummer dude. Sorry to hear there's troubled waters. But like, hey! Like, we're all good! You'll be treated well here, man! Glad you're coming back!" Napstaton looked pumped, he was actually getting excited to get the club up and running.

"Glad to see you again, Kintaro. We'll do our best to accommodate you." Zhara headed over after coming back from doing inventory. Napstaton gently pulled her to his side with a big grin.

"Hell yeah! This is totally gunnna be lit! We're making good progress here! Server position is still open, dude! Unless you want to try the bar or cook up grub in the kitchen?"

Kryssie giggled again before stuffing another cheese cracker in her mouth, her favorite.

"Good luck with that, bro. Haven't gotten me just yet." Vera's tail flicked about with a challenging smirk before going over to her baby boys.

"There's my little tough guys! Like what mommy and Uncle Sans did, huh" she gently picked the boys up to give them a few nuzzles.

Leslie couldn't help the giggle from themselves. "Mighty dragon...please~ You flatterer..." They blushed again, and watched as her son Reggie started buttoning her jacket up for her. "And there we go, Ren. All buttoned up!"

They smiled and smoothed the jacket down slightly. "Thank you baby." Seeing James coming down the hallway, in his own dress uniform, her old eyes widened. Even though her sight was simple shades of gray, she knew it still looked very handsome on him.

"You look nice, friend. It fits you as well as it always has." She murmured, looking him over. Her soul swelled with joy, knowing that someone cared for her deeply like he did, the way that they did. Having him as a compaion and best friend made her happy every single day.

Kintaro listened to Napstaton rattling on about this and that; and he politely smiled when Zhara joined him; himself lowering slightly on his tail to go lower than her height then. "I do not need much accommodations, the only thing I can think of, is a um...stretchy uniform? I only eat once a week, due to my digestive system..."

He shifted slightly on his tail, hearing what sounded like cursing from a back area; then he suddenly lifted himself up to his full height of nearly ten feet upwards, so he could see what was happening. "Oh...goodness...that...I guess he's alright then...as for what you asked me...I could do anything you are needing, a server, bar, or a cook...I can do all of that honestly..."

Sans grinned again, and sighed as he fully put away his bone-hammer. "Of course! But I will get you soon enough, sister!" He came over and gently gave the boys a kiss on their heads. "Uncle Sansy loves you both so very much!"

He then came over and hugged Kryssie. "And I love you too Krystabelle. You continue being the best little hero you can be! And don't forget this Friday evening you're spending the night with your Grandparents! Papa told me to remind you!"

James chuckled as he tried made sure his pins were all in the same spot. He did get a few for some of the heroic saves he'd done as a healer. "Thank you, friend. I still can't believe it fits me well. Shall we look for somewhere nice for dinner? Be my treat." He was pretty happy with the compliments. He always had...mixed feelings about being in uniform, but support always helped.

"Hey man, chill! Just offering whatever ya want! Any position's avaliable, dude. Just want you to be comfy. I don't pretty my workers unless I know they can do better. You're already the best!" Napstaton chuckled, "Yeah, I'll get you that uniform, no biggie!"

Jimmy was the one who ended up cursing as he dropped a box of something on his foot, "Son of a bitch! Come on!"

Zhara groaned seeing how the rabbit was struggling and complaining rather than trying to fix the problem, "Why do you keep him again...?"

"I somehow think that he'll get better if I push him. Starting to think it's not working but...I keep giving him the benefit of the doubt." Napstaton sighed as he watched his wife head over to the rabbit to check on him.

Kryssie nodded, "Yeah! Imma play piano!" She giggled out and hugged her uncle Sans back, "Love you Uncle Sans!"

"Just take care, dude. Say hi to my sis if ya see her." Vera gave her boys a kiss on the cheek before settling them back down in their little playpen. She even was nice enough to grow some wet moss for them to keep them hydrated as they play in there.

Leslie nodded softly, her wings slightly fluttering a bit. "Sounds like a wonderful plan, Captain Jae." They gently gave him a hug, and then smoothed their jacket down again.

Kintaro calmed down somewhat, and lowered himself back down onto his coil once again. He bowed politely, and let out a hissing sigh. I am so sorry, I didn't mean to be confusing like that. I have quite a bit of anxiety to be honest...I just remembered how kind you were to me after my parents passed away. And I feel like I can't ever repay you, and you still offer me that kindness, despite your status now...

He lowered himself as he spoke, covering his face slightly with his clawed hands. I have never been accepted anywhere...monsters are scared of me, humans think I'm disgusting...it hurts my soul the way people of both kinds have treated me in my life; but you and you wife, and have never been anything but kind and accepting of myself...

Sans chuckled brightly, and patted her head lightly. "And you're doing wonderfully, from what Papa told me last time I called him! And of course I will see your sister, Vera; she's my wife."

He shook his head lightly, smirking. "Why wouldn't I see my own wife? Mwehehehehe!"

After he'd said goodbye to them all, he headed back home and started to wonder what he was going to fix for dinner that evening when he opened the front door to the house; and found himself frozen in thought.

Napstaton felt bad for the poor guy, he actually did like Kintaro. He was a good guy, good employee and a general all around cool dude. He thought of a bit trying to make sure he would say this right before speaking, You're a cool monster, Kintaro. Not a lot of people are like ya, you got a good soul. I like dudes who are true to themselves and work hard. Don't worry about repaying me or anything, I'm happy to help out anyone that needs a hand or whatevs. You're cool man, no worries.

He smiled, thinking he got that right. The smile would go away when he heard his wife scream from the kitchen. "What the fuck!? Babe!?" He ran off over there to check what was going on.

Zhara was currently drenched in her front with melted ice cream from tubs that had fallen to the floor. Jimmy was just holding on to the remaining two that managed to stay in his hands.

"...Fuck." Jimmy turned pale, realizing he fucked up majorly. Before Napstaton could say anything, Zhara started looking really pissed, fangs out and wings flared in anger.

"Did I just not say to TAKE MULTIPLE TRIPS!? DID I NOT JUST SAY THAT!? YOU JUST HAD TO BE THE BIG OLD MACHO WHO CAN HANDLE 10 AT ONCE!? NOW LOOK WHAT HAPPENED!" Zhara hissed out as Jimmy put down the remaining two.

"Not my fucking fault! I said I'd handle it! You distracted me! Besides, how do ya know it wasn't those damn huge wings of yours that knocked 'em! You've been barely missing pots and shit all day!" Jimmy wasn't going to back down...least until he noticed Zhara stepping closer.

"My husband may be nicer with you...but you get none of that from me...as of right the hell now...you...are...FIRED!" Zhara slashed at the hat Jimmy wore with his husband's logo, earning a girly scream from the rabbit as he ran passed his old boss and co-worker to leave.

"THESE PEOPLE ARE FUCKING NUTS ANYWAY! FUCK THIS! I'M OUT! FRE-GAAAH!" Zhara sent a lightning bolt at the rabbit to keep him running, just enough to get him to run off scared. Zhara looked none pleased as she still seemed to be boiling mad. Napstaton wasn't sure whether to be scared, nervous, embarrassed, or aroused on the state of his wife.

Sans meanwhile ended up getting poured down with confetti and glitter from an assortment of blue and pink from three different buckets that were tied to the door. Marrie was at the living room window, laughing away. "Surprise!"

Kintaro had started to say something in return, surprised that Napstaton knew his language, when he heard the shrieking from Zhara. He started to slither closer, when he shrunk down on his coil a bit.

"Mrs. Blook! Just go change... I will take care of this. And I will order new ice cream bases, to mix the flavors. I have this under control!" The young Naga hurried about, easily starting to clean things up.

Sans let out a confused growl, and his eyes went starry, gazing at the ground around him, then himself.

He'd worn a pair of black shorts that day, along with a white tank top, a very simple outfit, and he gazed at his bare hand, seeing the pink and blue glitter and confetti pieces that dotted his bony fingers.

"WHO DARES ATTACK JUNIOR GUARDSMEN EMERITUS SANS ASTER?" Sans yelled out in surprise. He coughed a couple times, as a puff of glitter came out from his mouth.

Hearing the muffled laughter, he saw Marrie and hearts appeared in his eyelights. "Was this you? Pink and blue...wait, we're having more than one?!"

Zhara just let out a hiss as she tried getting some ice cream off her face.

"Go change, babe. I got a working shower up top for a reason. Go for it." Napstaton gave her a gentle kiss between the ears, "I know I call ya sugar wings but..ya don't need to be this sweet for me, babe."

"Shut up ya...mmmph...fine..." Zhara sighed, finding it hard to stay mad when he was being like that with her. She headed off to get cleaned up and changed into something.

"You do whatcha gotta, K-man! Here, let me help!" Napstaton headed off to grab a mop and stuff to help clean up the rest of the mess.

Marrie continued to laugh a bit more before going over to hug him, "Yep! Darren finished taking me to get checked. You're not just having one or two...but three babies with me! Doctor said that's why there was so much kicking. It's not from one, they like moving around all the time."she rubbed her swollen stomach, babies were still for the moment.

"We're going to need a bigger crib, we got our hands full."

Kintaro had already been gathering up the empty and tilted ice cream buckets, throwing them into the garbage can nearby, and once Napsta came back with a mop, he started to really clean up.

"Thank you, Napstaton. I will be a loyal worker for you." Kintaro nodded, as he continued cleaning up the mess left from Jimmy.

Sans eyelights went out for a moment, and his grin widened brightly. "Three...three babies?!"

His eyelights came back with a fierce strength as hearts. "MWEHEHEHE! WE'RE HAVING TRIPLETS OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH THIS IS AMAZING MY BELOVED DEAREST!"

"Just keep being you, man! That's all I ask. Imma get some other stuff done, you got this all here?" He had better go check on his wife, just to make sure she still wasn't fully angry. Though that could be an excuse to mess around and check on other stuff . He had a goofy smile to him before heading off.

Marrie gave him a few kisses, excited for his excitement. "Mhmm! You're going to be such a good Papa!" She started sniffling as tears started to form, emotional from the news and maybe from her pregnancy in general.

Kintaro nodded brightly, easily taking care of the spilled ice cream, and soon he was slithering to and from the back freezer to the front freezer.

He looked at another worker who was working on the DJ table and he went over to them. "H-Hello, I was wondering, would you happen to know what else I can do to help you please?"

Sans gently picked her up in his incredible strength and he laughed brightly, then he carried her to the couch, starting to plant kisses all over her belly lovingly.

Leslie had sat down continuing to go through their box of items and they found a photo album. There was only a few photos inside, mainly of an infant Reginald and his Renny, Leslie.

There was also some pictures of Reginald's mother, Teresa Dergun. Leslie looked at the album, shaking their head softly. "...I really thought they were faithful..."

Reggie gently rubbed their Renny's wing. "Ren... it's okay. I mean you are aromantic, aren't you?"

"Being that don't mean I don't care, Reggie...my baby boy...I truly thought Teresa was going to stay to support us...I didn't have romantic love for her...but I still thought she was close to me...but...once those paychecks stopped coming in, she left." Leslie murmured quietly.

Reggie nodded, and he sighed. "Renny...I would be proud to call James my father though. He has supported you better than even myself. I still feel horrible..."

Leslie gently ran her claws through her son's white fur. "Don't... don't...they lied too both of us. It's okay. I've long since forgiven you. And...if he wanted, I would be proud to call him my 'platonic husband'... I've heard that those in the guard get better benefits if they're married I think..."

The worker at the DJ table looked at him confusedly, not sure what else to really get him to do or how you talked with him. The tiny mouse engineer popped out from a panel on the table, only to close it once he saw how massive Kintaro was compared to him.

"Uh...yeah. Boss had a thing...with the racks...? Putting up silks for the missus. Just..uh...check the locks? See if they hold tight? if not, throw 'em out." Demon monster shrugged before going back to work, "Otherwise, uh...I think the glasses for the bar gotta be unpacked and put away. Jims was supposed to do it but...yeah..he's not coming back." He just minded his own, not needing to be next on the chopping block from Napstaton or Zhara.

Marrie kept laughing away, letting her husband kiss her stomach all the while, "Oh, also. I'm officially off of work. Since I'm supposed to get bigger, they don't want me working anymore until a little after the babies are born. So..I'm a stay home mom now." She was a little sad at that, she loved working as a healer in the hospital. But she understood where it was coming from, her babies' safety came first.

James was currently looking up nice restraurants to to go and eat at. He figured maybe seeing Wingdin's cafe. Woman talked about it a lot, so he figured it would be good to finally try it. He did call Wingdin just to make sure it was still up and running, didn't want to drag Leslie and Reggie out for nothing.

Kintaro nodded softly, and he went to go and take care of what was asked of him. He went and checked the locks, finding out he had to throw two out, then he continued working on putting up the glasses for the bar.

As he sat on his coil, he yawned wide, his jaw unhinging oddly as he did so. Shaking his head a bit, he ran his clawed fingers through his hair and chuckled to himself. Just a bit more tonight, then I can go on home...

Pulling out his phone, he texted Darren. [I got pretty much my old job with Napstaton again. I also scared a mouse monster... nothing new today. This week, would you want to have dinner at my house? It will be Italian chicken, roasted purple sweet potatoes and green beans.]

Sans nodded as he gently started to rub his fingers over her heavy belly lovingly. "Of course...they will surely miss you at the hospital! But every morning will bring new experiences in our growing house, and I will always stand by your side no matter what my beloved!"

His grin was infectious and he chuckled brightly. "It was hard to tell, what combination of boys and girls are we having my dearest?"

Wingdin heard the phone ringing and she smiled answering it. "Ah, James! Is so nice to be hearing from you! Are you needing help with something maybe?"

Darren was currently sketching a still life of a rose in a vase. He saw the text and decided to check up on it. He just let a smile and text back,

[Glad to hear you have your old job back. I would be honored to join you for dinner.]

He's never notice the blush on his face from that, but at least a friend was something he needed.

"Little bit. They're all huddled together so close. But we managed." Marrie sniffled and hugged her husband, "I still can't believe it..."

"Ah, Mrs. Aster. Good to hear from you as well! No, I'm quite well. I was just wondering if you know if your cafe was opened here on the surface? I know you've talked a lot about it and wanted to see for myself." James chuckled as his fingers played with the phone cord.

Kintaro got the text back, and a golden blush crossed his pale cheeks. [Yatta! I cannot wait to see you then! Same time as last week? It is my day that I eat of course.]

As he finished up putting away the glasses, he started to finish up with everything else he needed to do. When he finished with his work, he took a selfie, with his fingers up in a peace sign, and his pink forked tongue hanging cheekily from his mouth. He then sent it to Darren, smiling. [I can't wait to see you, kawaii neko~ (cute cat)]

Sans hugged her back, and lightly trailed his fingers over her heavy belly. "Neither can I...I...need to let you know something though, my dear...you nearly knocked me over this morning in the kitchen! I...am shorter than you are you know..."

Wingdin was finishing up with part of dinner prep, knowing that Kryssie was going to be brought over for a weekend spend-the-night; as she held her phone in her string. "Hmm...oh my cafe? Yes! It actually is up here on the surface. And I am still owning it as well. But my brother Getter runs it, as I am still retired. I may have my sight but for now, I am happy being with my husbands at least. They are knowing if I getting too bored, I might go back to working though...but even then...nowhere near as much as I used too..."

Leslie smiled as they stretched their wings out a bit, while Reggie started to rub some pain cream on her wing holes. "There we go Renny...that should help you with the pain..."

Darren finished his sketch with a smile, seeming happy with the result. He checked his phone and read the texts, blushing heavily. "Well...then...uh..."

[Sounds wonderful. See you then]

He...had no idea how to take this.

"Sorry Sansy...I'll be careful." Marrie purred and lies in the couch, trying to relax.

"Just fine. I've wanted to visit anyhow." James smiled, "Just to see how it is. You talk so proudly of it, I've done injustice in not going sooner. Plus would be good for Leslie and I to try something new."

Kintaro smiled happily as he saw the text back. Just three more days to wait! After he'd finished his duties; he went and headed towards where Napstaton and Zhara had gone, and he curled up on his coil; starting to just rest some so he was out of the way of everyone else, while he waited for Napstaton. He had realized he'd just started working again and had no idea what his schedule was or what his uniform was possibly.

Sans smiled, and gave her a passionate kiss. "Thank you my love, please don't feel too bad! I just wanted to let you know Marrie."

Wingdin smiled and chuckled softly. "Sounds like a very good plan! I would suggest trying the omnivore blue plate special! It's a very super fresh mixed plate of meat and vegetables, with a portion of hearty brown oat bread."

Napstaton and Zhara would soon come back, Zhara wearing an NTT tanktop, yoga pants and her husband's signature jacket. It was the only spare clothes that were around.

"Hey Kintaro dude! How's it going, man?" Napstaton waved at him as they came over, "All good?"

"Sorry about my outburst earlier, Kintaro...normally I don't let much get to me but...ugh...that monster! I swear hit the last straw for me!" Zhara still looked slightly ticked off.

"Babe, it's okay...relax. I'll...figure that one out later. Least ya turned out okay. No use crying over spilt ice cre-..." Napstaton stopped after seeing her glare. "...Right. Too soon. Got it. What's up?"

"I'll take that note of that. Thank you, Mrs. Aster. I should go now. Hope to hear from you again." James hung up the phone after a while before heading off to check on Reggie and Leslie, "Found out a place to eat. Shall we?"

"Hai, everything has been fine. I accidently startled a mouse worker near the DJ table however..." Kintaro nodded gently as he rose from his coil slowly. "I just came to ask, sir, what is my schedule, and I believe I would do best as a chef in the back. I...still have trouble with crowds, and...you know how most others are with my...eh, appearance. It is horrible, but sadly true."

He lightly bowed to Zhara, and smiled a bit sweetly. "It is okay ma'am. Jimmy has...very much tested my patience in the past as well. The only reason he never kept egging me on, was he believed I was venomous or poisonous." Kintaro gently displayed his rather impressive fangs, which did next to nothing except protect him in potential fights, as he was a non-venomous/poisonous snake.

Looking to them both, he gestured to where the main floor was down below the staircase. "You'll find that everything is cleaned up, put away and ready for use. There is no trace of split ice cream, and I've organized the containers for easy access and by their use-by dates."

Leslie was patiently waiting on the couch, looking like they were dressed up for a nice night on the town; holding their little bag they normally carried; nice and in their dress uniform. Reggie had taken the box of items and was putting them away in his Renny's room. Hearing James, he came back out and smiled.

"Sounds like a nice plan then." Reggie chuckled a bit, and saw that his Renny had started to fall asleep on the couch; still clutching their bag.

"Thanks dude! Ya did really good! The place doesn't open until...like...the end of the week. Stuff should be ready to go by then! So...like...it's a club! Place opens at 5pm every day. So..how does starting off from 5 to 11pm sound for the first few weeks? I'll get a uniform for ya by the first day of opening." Napstaton tried figuring it out in his head. He had 5 chefs in total with Kintaro. Three that were going to be working with the naga he knew would be totally cool with the guy. And the last two would take the real late to early morning hours.

"Well, we don't need to worry about him here. As for fights, we have bouncers for that." Zhara managed a small smile, despite her earlier annoyance.

"If ya got nothing else dude, you're pretty much free to go! Here! Least I can do is pay ya for what ya did so far!" Napstaton pulled out his wallet and handed him some cash for everything he did. It was a good heft amount for the few hours he worked. But it was nothing knew as the DJ was known for being generous with his employees.

James headed over to see Leslie, gently placing a hand on their shoulder, "Leslie...? Are you still up for a small walk down? If not, I can walk down and get it for carryout." He felt bad if Leslie was feeling too tired to go around, that or maybe he did take too long on the phone.

Kintaro nodded softly, listening intently to him. "5pm...that is a good time for a club. I believed it was an...ice cream parlor? Or you are combining both the DJ club and your parlor together? Those times are good as well! Yatta! A new uniform! Thank you, thank you!"

He looked to Zhara and bowed politely to her. "I am sorry that you had gone through that, Zhara. I am very well capable of protecting myself, and offering my own strength in case of emergency. And...oh, oh my..."

Gently he took the hefty amount of cash, and his large golden eyes blinked slowly. Holding it close to him, tears gathered in his eyes. After he put the cash away, he bowed again, in a reverent manner to the robot DJ. Thank you so much, Napstaton. I truly am thankful for your kindness. If possible, I am thankful that it is open at the end of the week. Each Sunday evening, I eat my weekly meal. I can work afterwards, but...you remember I...

He blushed deeply, and covered his cheek with a clawed hand. ...looked like I was pregnant for a day after eating...I'll go home for now, thank you, dude.

Leslie yawned softly, and blinked their eyes. "Oh! Didn't realize I'd nodded off there. Of course I'm up for a small walk down with you."

They got up from the couch and smiled sweetly, as they gazed up at James. As they both headed out the door, she saw that Reggie was puttering around for a moment, and Leslie frowned a bit. "C'mon Reginald; don't keep your Renny and Papa waiting! We's going out ta eat, boy, less you already forgot..."

Napstaton chuckled, "We got the parlor down by the way. The two are connected actually! But ice cream parlor is open both day and night. Club's only open at night. Until I get like...confirmations on stuff from the other workers on both things, I'll let ya know. But that's what it's looking for the club. I'll probably put ya at either or depending on who's ready opening week." Napstaton waved it off.

"You mean I'll see who's ready opening week. You're going to be busy making songs for the next few days." Zhara rolled her eyes, knowing exactly where her husband was going to be for the time. She knew his excitement well.

You're fine, man. I gotcha. I'll keep Sundays off for ya, t's no big deal! He answered back with a smile, "You have a good day man!"

"Those japanese translators did you pretty good, hmm?" Zhara chuckled and leaned against him, "It's kinda sexy~"

Napstaton growled playfully, "Not the only language I know, babe...got plenty, but only need one language with you, sugar wings baby. I'll speak ya in love later~"

Zhara rolled her eyes with a smile as she walked away, trailing her wing against his chin as she headed off to finish other work. Napstaton had the biggest lovestruck smile with hearts in his eyes, "God I love ya, babe."

"I love you too, ya big doofus."

James picked up his keys, ready to go when he heard Leslie say that, "Papa...?" He seemed confused at that, "Pardon? Did I hear that right?"

Kintaro smiled as he slithered off to go back home for the evening. He knew in about three days he'd have his dinner with Darren; and he'd start working full-time with Napstaton. His soul was as light as a feather it felt like just then.

Leslie blushed softly, and they smiled gently. "Yes you did. I...I hope that's alright? I um...was talkin with Reggie earlier today, and we talked about his mother, Teresa Durgan...she knew I was aromantic, and understood that I just...didn't feel like that. But I had thought we were close friends, and able to platonically love each other...but when those checks stopped coming in, she left."

Reginald smiled softly, and stepped closer to his Ren; lightly putting his hand on their shoulder. "James...I know how you and Renny are. But the fact that you're able to support each other the way you are...if you didn't mind it, I would simply love to call you Papa, or...whatever term you would like to be called by."

James was very surprised to hear it but let out a small smile, "...I'm honored...if that would make you both happy...I do not mind this new title..." He was biting the lower left of his lip, trying to make sure he didn't cry. Inside his mind however was screaming and sobbing, having never had that kind of feeling since his first Father's Day gift after staying with his niblings the first year of Jonathan falling ill.

"I'm not planning to go anywhere lest you two are coming with me...such as dinner at my good friend's cafe." He offered his hand to Leslie to walk down with her. Least he could do and that he wouldn't end up trying to bawl.

Happy was currently playing with Ebrima on the couch, shaking a toy rattle in the shape of a flower. The little girl smiled and tried reaching out for it, babbling all the way.

Happy giggled and gave it to her, letting her try and shake and bite at it to her little heart's content. "You like your new toy, baby girl? Yes..? Oooh...you're so cute! Look at you!" They placed a few kisses on her, making Ebrima coo and pat at them.

Leslie gently took his hand, smiling to him. As they walked along the path, she gently leaned her furry and scaly head against his upper arm. "Thank you James. You are a wonderful friend. And dinner at a cafe, how nice~"

Reggie just smiled, his hands in his slacks pocket. He'd not seen his Renny as happy as she was in a very long time. He knew they'd finally found a beloved close friend for the rest of their life most likely. And he couldn't be more happy to call that man 'Papa'.

Papyrus was humming and making dinner for them both in the kitchen, dressed in just shorts and a tank top. "ebby...oh ebby my ebby..." He came over carrying a few plates of food in his hands, while singing something off the top of his head. "my sweetiepies, my lovey spouse, my baby girl...hapstablook, and ebrima, my sweet souled loves forever~"

"i made us some uh...chicken satay with sweet brown bread for dipping in the leftover sauce, boo~ and for you my babygirl! we're gonna try a couple of chicken niblets, a few crunchy carrot matchsticks, and daddy's milk~" Papyrus cooed out, as he settled Ebrima's little plate near her.

James walked along with them, seeming fine with them leaning against him. He didn't remember how good it was to have a close companion at his age before. It really did brighten up his days a lot more. The fact that he had a son made things even more wonderful.

Wouldn't be long until they reached the cafe. He did look at his phone just to make sure he got the address right.

Happy giggled and kissed his cheek, "Thank you Papy...smells wonderful! Right sweetheart?" Happy nuzzled Ebrima again, causing her to babble out again. "Hopefully she likes the carrots...though..are you sure she can eat them hard? Those teeth don't look sharp enough..."

Ebrima took one look at her plate and tried grabbing a carrot. Instead of eating it however, she immediately threw it at her dad's face, barely missing his nasal hole.

Leslie smiled softly, as they came up to the cafe. "Nice little place here...Cozy's Cafe. Looks like a great place to eat at actually..."

Getter, the current owner of the cafe came over to greet the newest customers. Although they had moved the cafe from the Underground in New Home out to the village, it still was rather quiet, and tucked away. Between a picture framing shop, and an apocathary store; it was a modest living. The older candytaur's black hair was fully white by then, and his pinata feathered back end was slightly thinned in it's feathers.

"Well, hello hello! Nice ta see some customers tonight. Been mighty quiet 'round here lately. I am Getter Riccarelli; and I'll be happy ta help ya tonight, right sir. Oh...Royal Guardsman, thank ye fer ya service." Getter spoke quietly in his Cajun accented voice. "And if'n I'm 'membering right, General Brimstone of the Dragon Corps, and Captain Jae of the Healer Council. It's a pleasure to serve ya whatever ye want."

Leslie blushed deeply, and covered her snout with a hand. "Goodness...thank you so much..."

Papyrus chuckled as he'd settled down near his spouse and daughter, watching for a moment. "actually they're par-cooked! so they're not...that...hard..." He slowed down in what he'd been saying as the carrot stick stuck to his cheek and slid down.

"nyehehehe, you think your being cute, don't you, ebby? why don't you try it, babygirl?" He plucked the piece of carrot on his cheek and ate it happily, making a show of it to Ebrima. "how's about those chicken niblets, hmm?"

Grabbing his fork, he ate a big bite of the chicken satay he'd made, and grinned happily.

"Thank you sir. Good to finally meet you in person as well. Mrs. Wingdin Aster has told me some about you and her cafe. Just sorry I haven't come in sooner." James seemed thankful for the welcome as the looked about. Just as Wingdin described it for him, seemed perfect.

Ebrima laughed at seeing the carrot slide down her dad's cheek, seeming to like it. "She's being very silly today." Happy giggled back before picking up a chicken niblet for her to eat. She ended up taking it...but throwing it right at her Renny's face, giggling again.

Happy sighed as it landed on their chest. They plucked the chicken off and set it aside on her plate. "Come now Ebby. It's yummy. Mmmm!" They tried it again in hopes of getting her to eat something. The little one did manage to grab a carrot and hold it, but seemed more intrigued at how it felt in her hands as she tried playing with it.

Getter led them inside the cafe, offering them a wonderful table. After bringing their menus; he brought them all water to drink while they chose what they'd wanted to eat.

Leslie gazed over the menu, and smiled a bit. "Hmm? All of this looks wonderful...I think I'd like to a bowl of minestrone soup, with the grilled cheese and ham sandwich please? Oh, and hot orange tea to drink."

Reginald looked over it as well, and chuckled. "I believe I'm going to have the cheddar & roast beef sandwich, with ah, chicken noodle soup. Lemon lime soda please."

Getter chuckled quietly, and glanced to James curiously, the order pad ready to scribble upon. "And for you sir?"

As he sat on the couch, watching his daughter, Papyrus rolled his eyelights and sighed. "alright then, maybe you still just want milk, hmm? maybe we're trying to her too quickly on solids yet..."

James looked through the menu and remembered what Wingdin had recommended, "I would like the omnivore blue plate special with a cup of decaf coffee, please."

"No...she did grapes fine last time I gave them to her. She loved those." Happy tried to think on how to get her to eat. Ebrima tried reaching out for another carrot to play with but just couldn't reach.

She struggled for a bit before one of her eyesockets started glowing and made a carrot go blue. It slowly started floating up before it ended up zooming passed and hitting Pap square in the forehead. Ebrima's glow stopped as soon as it came as she started laughing.

Getter nodded brightly, and smiled. "Of course, a great choice sir! I'll get it all out in a few minutes. I'll bring around some bread and fresh creamery butter for ya'll." He headed on back, and was careful with his centaur bottom half. A few moments later he brought around some dark brown bread rolls and fresh butter for their table.

Papyrus leaned forward a bit, watching in surprise as her eyesocket glowed and a carrot matchstick went blue. He grinned brightly; and sputtered as it smacked into his forehead. "gah! ebrima...nyeeeh, don't throw your food babygirl! daddy and renny aren't targets! please, try to eat sweetie..."

Kintaro had gone to the market to get himself some groceries, and he was getting about fifteen pounds of bone-in chicken breasts, a few pounds of fresh green beans and he was very pleased that he'd found some purple sweet potatoes. As he stood on his coil, he examined the potatoes carefully, wanting only the best for his dinner with Darren.

He tried to ignore the stares of the monsters in the store around him, and the few humans that also went around the store doing their shopping. Hearing a few comments, he continued to just stare at the purple sweet potatoes.

James decided to try one out to see how it would taste. He looked quite happy with the result as he took a bite of a roll.

Happy was even more surprised at that, "Aren't children only supposed to show magic at 2 years old?! Goodness me!" Happy tried cleaning up Pap's forehead while giving her a piece of chicken to eat. She seemed to take this offering at least as she started biting and drooling on the niblet.

Darren was currently grocery shopping for himself since he'd ended up finding out he ran out of a few things at home. As he turned the corner to go grab some fruit, he noticed a familiar monster. "Kintaro?"

Leslie got a roll as well, and they let out a quiet pleased sounding noise as they took a small bite of it. "Mmm!"

Reggie got a roll as well and he watched his Renny carefully. "Ren are you sure you don't need any help with that? Remember you don't uh, have that many teeth left... I wouldn't want you to choke..."

Pap was just staring at his daughter, which was why Happy had to wipe his forehead off. "oh my god... she's a prodigy..."

At the grocery store, Kintaro froze hearing Darren's voice. By then at least his stomach was back to being slender again. He set down the purple sweet potatoes he was looking at, and shoved his hands in the pockets of his skirt.

He felt embarrassed just then, as a human was coming over to him, as if to ask a question, then, like normal...they noticed his snake half.

"Oh! Oh my god, no no no, what the hell are you? I'm...ugh, sorry sorry..." The human male had stammered out, as he'd quickly went down the nearest aisle.

Kintaro's shoulders slumped, and he just closed his eyes. Maybe Jimmy was right in a way. Maybe he shouldn't have left the Underground...

"Well...she is the daughter of The Judge..." They chuckled slightly as Ebby babbled, seeming happy with her chicken treat. "Goodness...going to be more like your Papa than we both thought, hmm?"

Darren didn't really like the sight of that human just doing that. Were nagas that strange? Goodness. "Are you alright, Kintaro? There have been a few rude humans. I wouldn't let their biases bring you down." He didn't feel right just leaving him like that.

Darren remembered a line his little niece had said when they had visted the park. She outright said said "Humans are weird." Perhaps his little niece was right in more ways than one.

Pap blushed softly, and chuckled brightly. "the judge, geez happ... nyehehehe, yer jus as bad as sans, heh. but of course though,, she is the daughter of the beautiful, multi-talented, ultra huggable hapstablook!"

He leaned back on the couch for the moment, the fork idly in his mouth. "yanno in other timelines you call yourself mettaton?"

In the store, Kintaro just wanted to disappear by then. Hearing Darren speak to him, he started moving again, getting the rest of his groceries. "I...will be okay, Darren. As for them...maybe Jimmy wasn't wrong in what he thought..."

He knew that Jimmy was somewhat well-known by the derogatory nickname of 'Creampants' he'd tried to take the dragon and rabbit pair that always hung outside of Napsta's hotel some Sparkle Shakes.

And well, Napstaton had caught him red-headed, and he'd shoved them into his pants...hence the nickname.

"I was just..kidding." Happy giggled as their soul seemed to brighten in their container.

"She is very special...and I think ultra huggable is a title belonging to you...!" They lightly poked him where there was extra exctogel around his stomach, but they still loved it.

At hearing of other timelines they grew confused, "Hmm? Other...Mettaton...? But...I like my name..."

"Jimmy?" Darren was confused on who Kintaro was mentioning, he'd never heard of a monster like that. He didn't really go into the ice cream parlor at Hotland. Most times he did go to NTT's hotel it was to pass through or help Zhara with his sister.

What he could tell right now is that Kintaro needed a friend. "...Well...I'm glad you are around."

Papyrus' grin broadened at Happy's poking his chubby gut. "nyeh-heh-heh, ultra huggable skelegator~" Noticing how confused they seemed, he sighed a bit. "oh...um...there's something my papa had created...back in the underground, called an observator...it allows us to look at different places, what we call 'timelines' and basically...um...we're a swap of a different timeline. it's...really confusing i know..."

In the store, Kintaro looked down to the floor and sighed softly. His large golden eyes looked up towards Darren, and a slight smile crossed his face. "...Thank you. Don't worry about Jimmy, and I won't either...it doesn't matter now...I just had remembered something he'd said..."

He shook his head, and took in a deep breath, letting out a quiet hiss; as he tasted the air nervously. Kintaro wasn't sure what to really do then. "Would...you want to accompany me while I finish my shopping? I just was...getting some purple sweet potatoes for our dinner. Napstaton paid me for my work today, and I just wanted to stock up..."

"Oh. I didn't know that. That...is a bit confusing..." they had no idea something like that existed. "...Am I...nice...in that...um...timeline?"

"I wouldn't mind. I'm grabbing a few things for myself." Darren smiled, if his presence helped his new friend get better, who was he to say no? "I was thinking of making a few berry tarts for the dinner. Is that alright?"

Papyrus nearly bit his fork in half at that question. "uhh...you are certainly something else, that's for sure. but yes, you are very nice. um...best way to put it is napsta is like you...but you're somewhat like him. hence it's...swapped. sans is like myself. and i'm...like sans here. if you ever wanted...we could go there, you know, for a visit. dr. gaster and caddy actually consider me and sans their nephews! or, if it's easier, they could come here...hey...they'd love that! we're on the surface! i don't think they've gotten to the surface yet!"

Kintaro brightened up a bit, and he smiled more. "That sounds delightful."

Slithering closer to his grocery cart, he raised himself from his coil and picked up a few more sweet potatoes, placing them into the bag he'd already gathered up. "And berry tarts? Oh, arigato, Darren!"

He started to push the cart more, as he knew he needed to get some water for himself and that was about it. "I had figured that...having a dinner together on my eating day might um...be better for myself actually. But I'm looking forward to the berry tarts, Darren."

Another bird monster let out a surprised squawk as they stepped over Kintaro's tail quickly. "D-Disgusting snake! Watch where you're going!"

Kintaro turned to apologize, and the bird monster seemed to go incredibly pale seeing he appeared to be half-human. Before he could say something, the bird monster hurried away after dropping the box of cereal in their wings.

Happy had a loving smile, finding it adorable how their husband got so excited for this. They couldn't say no, not with him being so cute.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. If they are something like us, they must be nice. I wonder if they have a little Ebrima like us too...?" Happy tickled Ebby's chin, earning a laugh and tiny hurgle from the little skelegator-ghost hybrid. She started babbling at her dad and reaching out for him, wanting her squish spot.

Darren nodded and picked up a few berries for himself, "Oh yes. I do enjoy baking time to time. I'm not a professional by any means but...I think I do well enough..."

Darren was going to say more, the monster's comment made him freeze Before he could say anything to them the monster ran off. "That was just rude...no need for something like that..." He let out a small huff. Granted he couldn't actually fight, nor did he want to, but he had no idea why people could be like that.

"Some monsters...we lived with many different varieties, all sorts of shapes, colors, and forms...all of us lived with relative harmony. No monster should be too strange with another. We've been stuck underground for centuries, the least we could do is show some sort of community with one another!" He soon realized he said that all out loud and blushed heavily. He had a bad habit of vocalizing his thoughts when under stress. Second hand or otherwise.

Papyrus reached over and gently took Ebrima, cuddling her to his squishy chest and stomach. "my lil' babygirl, lil' sweetie babygirl, you love yer daddy huh? yesss, your squishy plush daddy~"

He sighed in bliss and smiled. "so uh, yeah...papa and papi, they actually moved the observator into their basement lab in their new house now, happy. i remember the codes for the other timelines. we really only talk to...two different timelines though. alpha, which we're swapped with, and one we call outertale. though it's harder to speak with them, as they're farther away..."

Kintaro looked to Darren and smiled nervously. Seeing the bird monster having heard what he'd said as they picked up their box of cereal, he looked worried to them. "What did you say, cat?"

Hearing the bird talk back to Darren, he protectively started to coil his length around Darren's feet, rising up taller beside him. "Do not start anything you cannot finish..." His golden eyes glared to the bird monster.

The bird monster blinked a bit, looking to Kintaro as his own eyes narrowed. "I just asked him what he'd said. You're some creepy mixed thing! You look like a snake and a human fucked!"

Kintaro started to bare his large fangs at the bird, and let out a warning hiss; his muscles contracting in a strong ripple along his body; as if ready to strike. "And you look like a feathered dussstmop and a rat fucked! Go...now..."

Ebby babbled and patted against her dad, enjoying the squishiness. She let out a little hurgle in her relaxation.

"Oh? Is that why they're called that?" Happy seemed intrigued with the talk, "Suppose it wouldn't hurt to speak with them..."

"Now now...let's not start anything. I'm just trying to say...we are making peace between monsters and humans currently. If we want to show peace between us and them..we should show peace between each other. Otherwise how can we ask for harmony if we can't show it to our own kind...I do not wish for violence. Please...let's just..enjoy our remaining day. We all have families to go home to and days with plans ahead..." Darren smiled nervously, hoping there wouldn't be a fight that started. I'm a grocery store no less... guy couldn't fight but least he could talk. One thing his sister and his father had a hard time doing but he did well was negotiating.

Papyrus leaned back against the couch, and chuckled brightly as his daughter babbled and patted at him. "sure thing, we can do that next week bae-bot! papa will really like seeing dr. gaster again."

The bird looked to Kintaro, who was looking very agitated at the moment, then he glanced to Darren. "U-Uh...y-yeah...sorry...sorry dude..." He started to back off, clutching his box of cereal close to his chest, his wings covered over the box of brown sugar crispies.

Kintaro started to calm down more and more, the farther away that the bird monster backed off. By the time that the other monster had completely gone away, his tail end was lightly wrapped around Darren's legs, and his arms were around Darren's shoulders delicately. "...Are you okay, Darren? I am sssorry that happened..."

"Sounds lovely." Happy gave him a lighthearted kiss. Ebrima just enjoyed herself on her dad before deciding she was hungry for food.

Darren was a bit surprised by that, his face started to go red. "I'm fine. N-nothing I am n-not used to. W-would you believe me if I said this wasn't my first...?" He laughed nervously, not sure what to do now.

Papyrus smiled at the kiss, and he smiled softly. Noticing that Ebrima was hungry for food, he then opened his shirt for her to latch on. "you're gonna be drinking milk for awhile aren't you, babygirl?"

Kintaro noticed that Darren's body temperature had risen, and he slowly unwound himself from around Darren's legs. "I'm sssorry...I jussst wanted to protect you, Darren..."

He slowly slithered away from Darren and smiled a bit to him. "Nothing you are not usssed too? And I believe you, anata...I...should go and check out, get back home already..."

Ebrima latched on and quietly started to drink. That would appear to be a yes.

"I'm with you there. I think this has been enough excitement for me." Darren tried to laugh it off, "Let's go, shall we?"

Papyrus chuckled softly, and laid back on the couch as she fed. "long as you want it, they'll be there, babygirl..." He looked over to Happy and gently trailed his long tail along their lower back. "i love you happy."

Kintaro nodded, and he went and checked out his groceries, smiling gently.

Soon enough a couple weeks had passed, and Papyrus had come over to his parents house, along with Happy and his daughter Ebrima. He carried her down to the basement lab, with Edge and Cupcake following them.

"Are ya sure you wanna try this, Pap?" Edge rumbled softly, he knew that Kryssie was coming that evening for a spend the night as it was. "Kitten's gonna be here..."

Papyrus smiled. "hey, papi it's alright, it's just dr. gaster and caddy, and their sons and uhh...partners too if they wanted..."

Cupcake blanched a bit, and sighed. "Oh dear lord, what kind of message did you send them!?"

Papyrus handed Ebrima to Happy and chuckled a little. "...just to have a family reunion. and that we'd like to share the surface with them." He went to the Observator and started to type in the information, the long string of code. "just a bit more code, and they'll be able to walk through like a doorway. it'll be dr. gaster, caddy brewer, sans, papyrus, and their spouses."

Happy gently bounced Ebrima in their arms, letting her just play and coo about. "I just hope they like it...and..l-like us..." Happy was a bit nevous about this, but meeting new people always did make them anxious. Even if...technically these were people they knew...but...not really. It was still a bit confusing for them.

"Are...we all going to be able to fit in the house...?"

Papyrus grinned as he continued to put in the code for it the doorway. "uh-huh, yep they'll be able too, sorta..."

Outside the house, a yelp was heard from Wingdin as that doorway had opened, right into her begonia patch. Dr. Gaster nervously laughed, while Caddy tried his best not to smash the flowers with his feet.

"I am so sorry Wingdin! We not knowing that we coming through here!" Dr. Gaster spoke softly, as he lifted Caddy upwards with his hand. His teacup-headed husband, just held onto him with his gloved hands. "Hello, Mrs. Aster! It's a pleasure to see you again, it's been far too long!" Caddy cheerily replied.

Papyrus came out, and decided to take a long leap over the flowers to try to not damage them any further. "THERE WE ARE, YOUR FLOWERS ARE MOSTLY UNHARMED AUNTIE WINGDIN!"

Sans just took a few shuffling steps, finding the path of least resistance, by following his Dad's path. "there we go, outta yer flowers. so's how's the crew doin' aunt wing?"

Mettaton was carrying a baby carrier with the hood down, looking about curiously, "Well that was one way to make an entrance!" I prefer a few more smoke bombs and glitter to add some pizzaz!"

"I'm not trusting glitter for shit after the last time. I swear to the stars, I still find some in my fucking fur from the last time!" Alpha Marrie, though called Marris, groaned and flashed her canines, rather not liking the idea of more messes being made. She looked practcally identical to her swap counterpart, but her hair was in a messy bun, had a black leather jacket drapped on her arms, white tanktop and gray leggings since she herself was as round from pregnancy.

"I'm just saying, nothing wrong with a big entrance, Darling! Tina Sweetheart! It's okay! We'll fix those in a little while! Come on in!" Mettaton called from his spot as he checked up on the sleeping little lump in the baby carrier.

"Um...c-coming Uncle Metta! Oh dear...Are you sure? I can..um...p-probably fix it...m-maybe...I feel bad..." A little voice called back from outside.

"It's fine baby girl! Just stay close! I don't want you to get lost! This isn't the Underground anymore!" Mettaton set the carrier on a nearby couch, making sure the little one sleeping stayed asleep. A rabbit-bat hybrid girl with orange hair, bat wings, yellow fur, and thick green glasses peeked in, some bits of dirt on her blue-green striped shirt and cargo pants from trying to save any broken flowers.

Happy seemed to have heard the commotion from upstairs, "I...think they're here..."

Wingdin had since stood up and brushed off the dirt from her dress, and picked up her gardening tools. "My flowers are gone pretty much...but we are doing very very well, Sans. It is good to be seeing you again. Our Queen Toriel had broken the barrier, about...a year and a half ago actually. It has been so nice on the surface you knowing."

Sans chuckled at his wife's fussing. "heheheh, glad to hear it aunt wing. eh, sorry 'bout the flowers though. marris, ya feelin' okay? i told ya it'd be a trip, huh?"

Papyrus went over to Mettaton, smiling gently to him. "You know what would have been perfect? A flower cannon! EVEN MORE FLOWERS!" He lowered himself slightly and gazed at the baby carrier. "And how's Papa's perfect little boy? Oop he's still sleeping..."

Gaster chuckled softly, and he gently picked up Tina with his blue magic. "Come here to Grandpa, Tina. Metta is right, this is surface! Big wide open areas, you stick with Grandpa and Grandma, we keeping you safe!"

Pap chuckled, and went upstairs as well, with Cupcake and Edge on his heels. Seeing the crew outside, he grinned brightly. "cousin papyrus, sans! heyyy, it's great ta see both!"

Papyrus lit up, and he came dashing over, wrapping his long arms around the skelegator. "COUSIN PAPY! I HAVEN'T SEEN NOR HEARD FROM YOU IN A LONG, LONG TIME! WE THOUGHT MAYBE YOU'D FORGOTTEN ABOUT US!?"

Pap just let himself get hugged, and laughed softly. "noooope, just got busy, pal...yanno my bro has missed you some. guess you got busy too? hey uh, watch...watch out, ow, ow my chest buddy!"

Sans looked to Marris then to Pap and smirked. "uh...hey marris...we're gonna hafta go by nicknames here. i used to go by comic, as it's my middle name, yeah? and uh, hey, pappers, looks like gator's got uh...a kiddo like you do. maybe back off a bit?"

Papyrus had moved in a certain way and he also suddenly felt a twang of pain across his own chest. Suddenly he put Pap down, and put his arm across his chest, wincing. "SORRY COUSIN...YOU HAVE A CHILD TOO DON'T YOU?"

Pap closed his eyes, and nodded, his own arm across his chest, cursing quietly. "...owww yesss..."

Tina managed a small giggle as she was taken by her grandpa. She seemed to feel a little better with being with him, "Yes Grandpa. I promised Mama I wouldn't leave too far."

"I'll keep note of that idea, Papyrus baby! I like it!" Mettaton laughed as Happy slowly started to approach with Ebrima in hand. Happy gulped and headed over to be with their Papyrus. Ebrima looked confused as she saw...two daddies? And another Renny?

"Um..h-hello..." Happy managed a wave as Mettaton brought out a sleeping little boy. He had black hair just like Metta, white skin like bone but most of his body was gray in metal plating.

Marris raised an eyebrow but shrugged, "Alright. I'll try and kep it in mind. Expect me to slip up because...god damn...this is still gunna take me a bit to wrap my brain around."

Tina however looked really excited with seeing the doubles of her adoptive family, the science loving part of her was enjoying every bit.

Pap sighed, rubbing his chest slightly. "damn you are strong, papyrus. oh geez, you've got a kid too? aw, they're beautiful. this is my daughter, ebrima. and my spouse, hapstablook."

Papyrus grinned proudly, and put his hands on his hips. "WONDERFUL! And this is my husband, the gloriously handsome and very popular METTATON! And our absolutely perfect in every way son, ROCKY! Who I am still breastfeeding right now!"

Pap blinked and blushed brightly. "and so am i with her."

Comic snickered, and gave Marris a sweet kiss, patting her heavy stomach. "eh, it's a'right kitty-cat. yeah, it's a bit weird, but uh...they're like really, really extended family. wait'll ya see yourself and me...they're a darn hoot. you uh, wanna go rest some or somethin? we walked all the way from new home to the labs earlier..."

Gaster gently gave Tina a kiss on her forehead, and he smiled seeing Cupcake having come out from the house. "Ah, Dr. Brewer! It is so good to be seeing you again! I had thought something...had happened to you perhaps, but, I can be seeing nothing is wrong!"

Cupcake laughed brightly, rubbing the back of his head slightly. "Oh, dear, nothings wrong, just getting is older is all, Dr. Gaster! And getting an incredibly large family in the process too!"

Bitter had opted to stay in the house, knowing he didn't feel right bothering with the Fruit Cup from Alpha and he personally preferred his own Dr. Gaster, otherwise known as Edge. The two of them stayed in the living room, the TV quietly on a show of Napstaton's. Hearing the doorbell ring, he got up and went to it; blinking when he saw Sans, Marrie and Kryssie of all people. "...Did Papy tell ya about yer Cousin coming by?"

Sans' grin was infectious, as he was bouncing on his heels practically, holding Kryssie in his arms. "YES! COUSIN PAPYRUS AND COUSIN SANS AND UNTIE CADDY AND UNCLE GASTER! I'M SO EXCITED, MWEHEHEHEHEHE! COME ON MARRIE! TAKE YOUR TIME OF COURSE, MY DEAREST, BUT THIS WILL BE THE BEST EVER MY LOVE!"

Mettaton immediately headed over to check out his counterpart and their daughter, "Well don't you two look absolutely gorgeous!? I'm glad we still share a love of fashion!"

"Um...oh...uh...t-thank you...I...made it..m-myself..." Happy was already feeling a bit intimidated. Mettaton saw it since they were used to their own cousin doing such and stepped back a bit. He did gently pet Rocky's head, earning a yawn from the little boy. "Rockyyyyy...little star, you waking up baby?"

Rocky did indeed stir, tiny eyesockets similar to Pap's had opened up and started scanning around. Ebrima just started at the two of them, unsure and confused, but unafraid.

"I'm fine, Sa...Comic...I'm pregnant, not disabled. I can stand for a while longer. Besides, i start sitting down now, the kids won't let me enjoy it." Marris sighed, can't really get mad with how her husband was being with her. She just chose to stand and rub her swollen belly to calm any movement in her.

Kryssie giggled and held her uncle, seeming excited along with him, "Our Ohana's really big!"

"Yeah, it is. Just when I thought it couldn't be bigger." Marrie laugh and rubbed her stomach as proof, "Just wait for me, I'm not as fast as I like to be." She just followed them as best as she could. Kryssie was just bouncing and growling excitedly, ready to meet the rest of her family.

Pap gently wrapped his tail slightly around Happy's waist. "mhm, hapsta makes all our clothing, they're even doing great with claw-proof fabric for myself and my baby bro." He leaned over giving a kiss to Ebrima's skull. "heya ebby, doncha worry, daddy and renny are right here. that's your uncle papyrus and your uncle mettaton! they're from a different timeline."

Papyrus grinned at his son's waking up and he gave his boy a kiss on his skull as well. "NYEHEHEH! Rocky are you hungry perhaps? I know it's been nearly three hours since he fed last, Mettaton!"

Comic nodded, as he continued to lazily rub her heavy belly lovingly. "yeh, i know marris...you know i worry 'bout ya and the kiddos...jus want ya to be happy babe..."

Caddy had started to go to the house, to say hello to Bitter, knowing the surly Fell version of himself would most likely hide away, when he was knocked ass over teacup by the speeding Sans and Kryssie. "Oh my lord!"

Sans skidded to a halt, and growled worriedly, setting Kryssie down onto the ground. "OH UNTIE CADDY I'M SO SORRY! ARE YOU OKAY!? YOUR PORCELAIN ISN'T CRACKED IS IT?!"

Comic perked up instantly, and shortcut over to Caddy in worry. "ma, you okay? dude, sans really? did you not look to where yer running?"

Paps scowled as well, and shook his head. "sans...you're a grown ass man, and you've only got one good eye left, why are you running at top fuckin speed through the house! geezus bro..."

Sans looked down, and ran his clawed hand over his skull. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to do that...are you okay, Untie Caddy?"

Gaster had come over as well, and held his hand out to Caddy to help him up. Caddy shook his head, standing up on his own, and he smiled softly, a bit nervously no less. "Children...children I'm okay...Sans just knocked me over, it's nothing big...just an accident!"

"Possible, you want to take him, Darling?" Mettaton gently handed over Rocky to him for a feeding. Rocky was just waking up and rubbing his eyesockets with the tiny sleeves of his onesie. Happy managed a little smile at the sight.

Ebrima let out a coo as her tail swayed back and forth a bit in curiosity before reaching out to her daddy.

"I'm fine...don't worry about. it...but...mm...ya keep me happy enough...alright..?" She did manage a small smile at him.

Kryssie managed to jump out of her uncle's arms before he crashed into Caddy. She winced a bit at the impact but she knew they would be okay. Her attention went to the little girl in Gaster's arms. Tina was the same as she looked at her.

"Aloha! Hi! I'm Kryssie!" Kryssie giggled and bounced up and down in place in her excitement. Tina stayed with her grandpa for a little more, still seeming shy, "Um...T-Tina..h-hi...you...kinda look like my Aunt Veronica..."

"And you kinda look like my Auntie Zhara! With the wings! They look cool! And you gotta be my Uncle Gaster! And Untie Caddy!" Kryssie cheered in excitement, Sans managed to give the little girl a small lesson on who was who before they got there.

Marrie was still standing there in shock, especially when she got a glympse of her counterpart. That was...a difference...

Papyrus easily took his son, and pressed a gentle kiss to his skull. "Now let's see if you are hungry, my beautiful son!" He politely turned around, and lifted his section on his nursing sweater that he wore, seeing if Rocky wanted to eat.

Paps gently took Ebrima, and smiled lazily to Happy; as he gave them a sweet kiss. "you wanna maybe go sit at the patio, hapsta? it's a bit quieter over there..." He noticed Ebrima started to pat his chest through his wrap shirt that he wore, and he snickered. "looks like it's the milk bar for the kids today, nyeheheh~"

He shifted his shirt over, not caring his breast was fully exposed until Ebrima latched on, then he led himself, Happy, Mettaton, and Papyrus over to the patio furniture. Paps had a feeling no one would want to go inside for this trip.

Gaster smiled gently to Tina, rubbing her back delicately. "It is being okay, oh, Kryssie, such a beautiful name. And you are looking like Veronica does."

Cupcake had hurried into the house, which had a very protesting Bitter at the moment. "YOUSE BROUGHT ALLA THEM HERE!?" His voice was heard crowing loudly from the living room.

Caddy looked towards the house and sighed. "Oh goodness...Bitter isn't exactly in the best of moods is he?" He looked to Wingdin, and she sighed as well. "He...isn't exactly solid anymore either...he's a ghost now, Caddy."

The teacup hybrid seemed quite surprised by that, and chuckled softly. "A ghost? Wait, he's already half-ghost because he's like myself...but you mean he's fully a ghost now?"

Wingdin nodded as Sans and Marrie came over closer to Comic and Marris. She grinned to Comic and Marris, giggling. "Ah, my nephew Sansy!"

Comic smiled softly, waving to her tiredly. "heya aunt wing. call me comic, it'll make things a bit easier on everyone. this is my wife marris, i like to call her kit-kat sometimes. though i know it ticks 'er off."

Sans grinned, and gently hugged Marrie. "AND THIS IS MY WIFE MARRIE! OH THIS IS WONDERFUL ISN'T IT MY LOVE!?"

Comic snickered, slipping his hands into the pockets of his jacket that he wore. "welp, this is pretty great. your surface is pretty nice...beautiful breeze, with fresh air...the sun's nice too, sans...thanks for inviting us for the day."

Happy nodded and decided to try and decided to go into the patio to relax. Mettaton did follow, hoping to make some conversation. Wasn't any different how he tried talking to his cousin, but it was strangely...familiar...too.

Rocky took a minute but he latched on okay. Unlike Ebrima, he was a little more sickly and weak, but there were signs he'd grow out of it. For now, he just ate slowly and slept most of the time to conserve energy.

Ebrima just fed without much problem, already used to her way, only being a pain in the butt when her little fangs got in the way, apparently they've been getting sharper as of late. She could fully puncture soft grapes. but that could be because those were her favorite to snack on.

"Hi Grandpops!" Kryssie waved over at Bitter as Tina slowly let herself down from Gaster's hold.

Marris just gave a small wave with a peace sign, "What's up? And you are so lucky I can't slap ya behind the head ya blue couch potato." She gave a small hiss at him before deciding to lightly pat at his butt with her tail, no malice behind it so it did no damage but it was enough to be a little cheeky with him.

"Mhmm! It's good to see family, especially...well...like this! Marris huh...?" Marrie looked confused with a smile before extending her hand to her double, "I'm Marrie...well...uh...guess we...both are? You look nice."

Marris just stared at her with a raised eyebrow, it was like looking at a mirror but it showed the complete opposite reflection. Marris had no idea whether to hate it or heavily question it. "Uh...hi...?"

Papyrus went and settled down beside Mettaton, carefully cradling Rocky in his hands. Pap was nearly about to fall asleep, and he pulled out a sugar meter, checking himself. 55. "shit, ya got any candy bae-bot? sugars a little low...else i might uh, pass out soon 'nuff."

Bitter heard Kryssie and looked over past Cupcake, and sighed, covering his face. "Aw, geez, Kitten's here too, Nerdburger?" He floated over and easily scooped up Kryssie into his arms, floating on his back. "Heya Kitten...you miss yer old Grandpops huh? And I see ya got to meet Fruit Cup too!"

Caddy crossed his invisible arms, glaring at Bitter. "I am her Untie Caddy, not 'Fruit Cup' you little...heheh..." He saw Tina getting out from Gaster's arms and he smiled sweetly to her. "Oh, Tina I actually thought you'd gone to sleep in your Grandpa's arms...hmm, well this is Kryssie...your Grandma Wingdin's granddaughter...would you like to play with her maybe?"

Cupcake smiled softly, watching as Bitter held Kryssie on his chest, still floating horizontally. "Kryssie, Princess, would you like me and your Grandpapi to bring the piano outside to the patio?"

Comic had the cheekiest grin across his face, as one of his eyes closed to look over at Marris. He shuffled slightly in his slippers and chuckled; as his hand reached out to pat Marris' swollen belly. "we're having three kits, i can't wait ta be a proud papa~"

Sans hugged Marrie lovingly, his tail waving brightly. "Oh that's wonderful Comic! We're having triplets as well!"

Comic tilted his head slightly, and tapped around his right eyesocket curiously. "so uh...how'd that happen, cuz?"

Sans bared his fangs in nervousness for a moment, and looked down. "I DON'T REALLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT COUSIN COMIC..."

Happy nodded and looked a bit before only finding a honey spoon in their inventory, "This okay, honey bear? I'm sorry...I thought I had more candy..."

Kryssie giggled and hugged her Grandpops, giving the ghost teacup a kiss on his cheek, "Uh huh! I like them, Grandpapi!"

Tina shook her head at Caddy, "I had a nap..um...earlier...I'm..okay...Grandma..." She did look up at Wingdin and then at Kryssie. Before she could answer, Kryssie let out an excited squeal, "Heck yeah! Pleaaaase!?"

"Come on, Tina! We can go play while my Grandpapi and Grandpops get the pianooooo~" Kryssie sang happily and laughed.

Marrie laughed nervously at the question as she held her stomach, "Now now...there's children around..."

Marris just rolled her eyes, "Don't start, Comic. Else I'll spill it instead, lightsaber joke included." She threatened.

Paps nodded and slipped the honey spoon into his mouth. "thanks, it'll be perfect. i forgot to pick up more candy for myself the last time we were at the store...ebby, c'mon kiddo daddy's boob isn't a chew toy..."

Papyrus simply held Rocky while he fed, and his eyes widened slightly at what Paps stated. "CHEW TOY? ROCKY CAN BARELY LATCH SOME DAYS. IN FACT WHEN WE'RE AT THE STUDIOS I TEND TO HAVE TO PUMP FOR HIM...METTATON LOVES FEEDING HIM SO THAT GIVES HIM THAT OPPORTUNITY!"

Cupcake chuckled softly, picking up Kryssie into his arms. "There there, Princess. You should calm down a bit, alright? Tina is a bit shy it seems, like your Auncle Hapsta, so take care. Me and Edge will bring the piano out to the patio."

Gaster smiled a bit nervously, looking to Caddy. "I...should maybe be helping?"

Edge already was starting to push the piano out easily. "Don't flatter yerself old man, I've got the piano a'ready." Bitter just hovered near Caddy and Gaster, an eyebrow raising slightly. "Which ones the old man, ya old bastard?"

Edge barked out a bright laugh, shaking his head. "All'a youse. Then 'gain, I am tha oldest HERE so...gyeheheheheh, guess that'd be ME. But uh, 'eres that piano fer ya, Sweet-Tea."

He leaned down and gave a kiss to Cupcake's cheek, smiling. "I'm gonna go make myself busy in tha house so youse all can enjoy yerself. I gotta get some stuff done anyways..." Plucking up Bitter by his ghostly shirt, he went back into the house.

Cupcake blinked a bit, as a blush crossed his cheeks. "Hehehe, alright Edge. Ah, let's get this piano ready to go then Princess!"

Comic and Sansy looked to each other, then to their wives. Sansy first started to open his mouth to speak, and sighed quietly. Comic shrugged for a moment and also drew quiet.

Comic chuckled quietly, and opened one of his eyes. "lightsabers aside, which uh, we'd probably lose in a duel...being so evenly matched o'course. but uh...all i was askin' 'bout was the black patch of burnt bone."

Sansy blinked a bit, and looked to Marrie; his eyelights reverting to plain white, as his right one blinked out then. "IT'S AN OLD INJURY, COUSIN COMIC...BUT...HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT TO HAVING THREE KITTENS AS WELL? I THOUGHT THAT MIGHT BE...HARDER! OR IS IT BECAUSE I'M A SKELEGATOR HYBRID?"

That apparently made Ebby decide to bite down harder. Girl was testing her limits.

"Then again..she looks perfectly healthy. Rocky had a few problems when he was first born." Metta gently patted her baby's head. Seems Rocky had fallen asleep trying to suckle again, so the pat woke him back up to start eating again. "He's a good boy...I do worry about him."

"Oh...E-Ebby's...p-pretty good...she..um..has a tendency to play around though...when she isn't sleeping for hours on end..." Happy managed a small giggle at seeing Ebby.

Kryssie giggled and watched her grandparents go, "Thank you! Come on! I got stuff we can play with!" Kryssie took Tina by the hand to play with her. Tina followed behind, though it looked like she was being dragged away. Her wings at least let her be floated as she was carted away rather than let her feet drag on the floor, that would be rude. Though the sight of the made it look like Kryssie was getting a kite to fly up with the wind.

"I think that might be because of who were are, Sansy." Marrie giggled a bit, "I well...um...we are cat monsters afterall..."

"Don't flatter yourself, but double me is right. Least that's the thing my doc said last time I went for a solo appointment. You maybe magic, ya tater tot but you're not that Hoodini over here." Marris let her tail flick about.

"Um..quick question...what are your siblings like?" Marrie decided to ask, looking more curious by the minute.

"My older brother is a damn nerd with a stick up his ass having to be Mr. Fancy Pants. If we're talking my sister Veronica, she's just running her candle shop with her wife or whatever. Myst is running her dance school fine with Napst. They're doing alright. I got stuck with her kid for the day because someone wanted to be a science nerd with her grandparents." Marris replied.

Pap crunched down suddenly on the honey spoon, and jerked straight upright. "shit kid! c'mon..." He took a thin clawed finger of his and slid it between Ebrima and his breast. "no no no, you ain't chewing on my tit, kid. you can go chew on renny's fingers or something...might start pumping myself, i am tired of ebrima apparently trying to eat my damn nipples or somethin'..."

He sighed, holding Ebrima at arm's length, looking at her playfully. "you're just a cheeky lil bum, ain't you? wanting ta show off yer sharp teeth to your uncles, yeaaaah?"

Papyrus lightly rubbed Rocky's back as he continued to feed again, and smiled softly. "Thank you Mettaton, I figured he might have been done soon, but of course, he'd fallen asleep again. Such a sleepy little boy sometimes!"

Cupcake pushed the piano out to the patio, thankful for the wheels, and he saw that Tina and Kryssie had already started to go and play. Smiling to himself, he sat at the piano and started to play happily. Gaster got a chair and gently picked up Caddy into his lap. "Dr. Brewer, you play so beautifully!"

Cupcake continued to play a nice jaunty tune on the piano, and he smiled brightly. "Well, thank you Caddy! I've been playing for years, since I retired as the Royal Scientist!"

Gaster blinked a bit, looking at Cupcake. "You retired!? Oh...you really are so lucky, Dr. Brewer...Dr. Alphys does take care of more of the day to day things, but uh...I still do quite a bit..."

Sansy blushed brightly and grinned nervously. "Sorry, I know that...I think we both know that...but...weren't you taking Mama's old fertility medication too?"

Comic immediately opened his eyes and gazed to Marrie curiously now. "...no fuckin way. you pulled that stunt too?" He covered his permagrin, and started laughing hard enough his shoulders were starting to shake.

Ebrima stuck her tongue out at her dad before Happy took her and handed her the little handmade chew toy they made for her. She took that well as she started to bite on it. "Might be a good idea. That or get her more used to solid foods again.,..." Happy bounced her lightly, earning a little hurgle from their baby girl.

Mettaton smiled a bit at watching Rocky. Rocky soon detatched and cooed weakly when done. "Poor baby...had a hard day, hmm?"

Kryssie and Tina decided to play about and around, just getting used to each other. Started off with a game of tag. Apparently Tina's a very fast flier but Kryssie matcher her speed in running.

"Shut the fuck up, Sans!" Marris growled, "You wanted a fucking kid! Here ya go!" She had a heavy blush on her face as she kept growling despite the pinpricks of tears, "Who the fuck even says that outloud?!".

Marrie blushed just as bad before she started to tear up and whine from the embarrasment and hormones.

Paps pulled his shirt up and sighed. "yeah, we're gonna start weaning her again hapsta. my chest can't take much more o' that chewing she's doin..."

Papyrus gently cuddled Rocky after he was done. "There we go, Rocky...you're probably ready for a nap aren't you little man?" He delicately handed him to Mettaton, after giving him a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Cupcake continued to play at the piano, when his playing faltered when he'd heard Marris screeching. "Oh...dear..."

Caddy got up from Gaster's lap and looked over at them curiously, before he came over. "Marris, honey is everything alright? You're...a bit loud, you know Tina and um, Kryssie, they're here right now..."

Sansy pulled his neckerchief up around his mouth nervously at how Marris had reacted. "I'M SO SORRY, MARRIE...I DIDN'T MEAN TO SAY THAT..."

Comic immediately stopped laughing, and looked to Marris worriedly. "...s-shit babe, i'm sorry...i just was crackin a joke, kinda...yanno keepin' things light...i uh...i'll shut up now, marris..." He tugged his jacket hood over his skull and sighed tiredly.

Rocky just blinked at his dad and yawned as he was taken by his Mamaton. Mettaton gently cradled him so he could sleep soundly. He did let out a laugh before kissing Pap back. That would be a yes. Ebrima just chewed on her toy without a care in the world.

"What the hell ever...just...mm...I'm going to sit down..." She walked off to go and take a seat by the patio, her legs getting tired from standing. Marrie however couldn't stop as she burst into tears.

Kryssie and Tina stopped their game and looked over. "...Does...that always happen?" Tina looked over at her counterpart who just nodded.

"Yeah, Auntie Marrie cries a lot cause of the babies."

"Oh...my Aunt Marris just yells a lot..."

Hearing the yelling and crying, Rocky and Ebrima started to cry too. Mettaton and Happy were then left to try and take care of the whining babies. Mettatons seemed to handle Rocky better with a song to get him to quiet down.

Paps got up from the couch and headed over to his bro, and Papyrus soon did the same. Papyrus's arms were crossed over his chest, and he glared at his older brother. "COMIC! WHAT DID YOU SAY TO MARRIS THAT'S GOT HER SO ANGRY NOW?"

Comic just closed his hood around his face, and groaned deeply. "pappers please..." He just went shuffling off to Marris again, and pulled his hood down. "marris...marris i really am sorry kit-kat..."

Paps rolled his eyelights and sighed. "...sans, geez what the heck happened? marrie, shhh, honey yanno sans didn't mean it..." Sansy teared up as well, and he gently hugged Marrie, nuzzling her. "I'm SORRY MARRIE!"

Cupcake just put his head in his hands. "...Happy, Mettaton if you need a quiet place perhaps for the children; you can take them inside. Edge and Wingdin are in there..."

Caddy shook his head, and put his glove over his face for a moment. "Tina...sweetie, why don't we go inside for a little bit...the uh, sun is getting a bit hot out here, I wouldn't want you to get a sunburn!"

Wingdin came out from the house carrying a tray of glasses of lemonade. "O-Oh...crying daughters and babies...this...isn't turning out to be a good day now is it?"

She set the tray down on the table by the patio couch, and she went and checked on Marrie first. "Are you being okay? What has happened to you dear?"

Marris just huffed, still giving off a warning growl. Marrie tried to talk but was still sobbing she couldn't get her words out.

Mettaton and Happ decided to follow Cupcake's advice and brings the babies inside. "Tina! Baby! Come here please!" "Um..K-Kryssie...you too..if...you don't...mind...that is..."

"Okie dokie! Come on Tina!" Kryssie ran off to join her Auncle while Tina flew to be with her uncle. Both kinda knew they shouldn't mess around with their aunts being like that.

"It's...fine..just...ugh...it's stupid..okay...Stars the sooner these kids are out the better...just want to be..back to normal again..." Marris hid her face in her hands, looking stressed out over everything, "...I already know I'm gunna be a shit mom..."

Marrie just continued to sob out for a while longer before hugging Sans tight. Least then she could speak a bit better, "I just w-wanted babies s-s-so bad...and...I wanna be a m-m-mom...and...a-and...is that baaaaaaaad...?!" she started sobbing up a storm again. Part her being stressed and part her moodswings.

Comic just stood nearby, knowing that when she wanted to talk she would. Soon enough she did, and he sighed, pulling his hood back down. "...marris...yer not gonna be a shit mom...just anotha two months babe...you'll be done, a'right...i'm sorry fer all'a that before marris. i love you so much honey..."

Sansy hugged her back just as tightly, and he sighed softly. "IT'S NOT BAD AT ALL MY DEAREST, I WANT TO BE A FATHER SO MUCH AS WELL! AND I WANT AS MANY BABIES AS WE CAN HAVE TOGETHER WITH YOU MY BELOVED! IT'S NOT BAD AT ALL! HONESTLY, I'M SO HAPPY YOU TOOK THAT FERTILITY MEDICATION!"

Gaster stood beside Cupcake outside by the piano, and Caddy stood by Wingdin. They looked at each and sighed; before the two doctors covered their faces and the two mothers shook their heads worriedly.

Edge was in the living room, with Bitter back in the other bedroom. Seeing the two robots coming inside, he blinked a bit, and smiled. "Well, heya there. Guess ya brought tha kiddos in fer some quiet time? That'll be fine and dandy, I was jus takin a little nap. Now uh, if ya two wanta chat and such, um...my tums ready for any grandbabies that wanna snuggle~"

"...love you too...tater tot..." Marrie sighed, her ears were still drooped down but she did let one hand down and offer it to him. Made her feel a little better when she held his hand.

"STOP SAYING IT OUTLOUUUUUUD!" Marrie kept crying, seeming to be unconsolable for the moment.

Happy heard the commotion outside as they left Ebrima with Edge. Ebby cooed up at her grandpapi, settling down nicely with her new squish spot. "Um..t-thank you Papi...e-excuse me..." Happy headed off outside to deal with the situation.

Mettaton also left Rocky with the elder skeleton monster, "Just be gentle with him...he's been very weak and sick for a while now...be good for mama, okay...?" Mettaton pressed a kiss to Rocky's forehead, earning a weak coo and cough from the tiny bab. Despite being roughly the same age, Rocky looked significantly smaller than Ebby did.

Tina and Kryssie decided to play Jenga in the livingroom that Tina had brought over from her place. The two were quiet enough as they played, though that could be because they were so focused on making sure the tower didn't fall over.

Happy soon returned back to the patio to see Marrie still a sobbing mess. They at least remembered the trick Vera had done and put their hand to the base of her left ear. After 5 seconds, Marrie just immediately stopped sobbing, calming down significantly.

"...T-Thanks Happy..." Marrie let out a tired sigh, "...Sorry..." Happy gave a reassurring smile back, glad they least rememebred the trick.

Comic gently took her hand, rubbing his thumb over her palm. He stepped closer to her, and delicately laid his head on her shoulder. "same here, kit-kat~"

Sansy wasn't really sure what to do in that situation, but he'd covered his face for the moment, his tail rattling in worry.

Edge seemed rather content with his grandbabies on his chest. "I raised my own Sans, Mettaton...I'll be gentle as a whimsun~" He lightly patted Ebrima's back with his metallic hand, and very delicately patted Rocky's back with his natural hand. "Yeah, youse two just settle down on yer Grandpapi..."

Sansy looked to Happy, and he looked down to the ground. "Thank you Happy...I...I forgot that..."

Paps had his hands in his pants pockets and sighed, shaking his head. "so uh...is everyone cool now?"

Papyrus looked askance at Paps and chuckled brightly. "AH, I NEARLY FORGOT YOU ARE SO MUCH LIKE MY BROTHER, SANS. OH, WAIT WE'RE CALLING HIM COMIC, NOW. YOU ARE A LOT LIKE MY BROTHER COMIC."

Paps just nodded, and rolled the honey spoon stick in his mouth between his fanged teeth. "yeeep...and you're like my baby bro, sansy. so...just how it's always been, dude. ever since you and sansy were freakin eight years old and we got to know each other through the observator."

Caddy and Wingdin had decided to go and make up lunch for everyone, thinking food might calm the pregnant cats down as well. Wingdin came over and pressed a kiss to Kryssie's head, while Caddy did the similar motion to Tina.

Kryssie and Tina both giggled when they're respective grandparents' kisses. "Y-Your turn, Kryssie..."

"Okay!" Kryssie tried to wiggle out another piece and put it on top as the two talked about the types of family they had.

Rocky didn't take long in falling back asleep. Ebby would join him a few minutes later. Least the two of them were much more at peace now.

"So...um...you...have two moms..or...a-are you like me with Mama and Zazzy...?" Tina decided to ask as she took her next turn.
"Yep! I got two moms and two baby brothers! They're at home today cause I was gunna stay with my grandma and grandpapas. I don't have a dad, but mommy says that I got a lot of uncles and grandpas to fix that." Kryssie didn't seemt to mind answering as she took her turn, "Your Mama and...who's Zazzy...?"

"That's um...my Zazzy...uh...here..." Tina got out a cellphone from her inventory, normally she just used it to take pictures or call her parents, "My mom said the same...about my dad...but...this is her and Zazzy..." On the phone was a picture of what looked like Zhara, but more white than gray fur but dressed in the same flowery and hippy freeflow like Vera but in dress form. Next to her was what looked like Napstaton but with longer hair down to their shoulders, missing their hat and signature jacket, and much more shy looking but still relatively happy. Right in front of the two was a happy looking Tina who took the photo. "I sometimes call him Dad..but...I think they like Zazzy more..."

Kryssie seemed to like the idea and ran off to get a nearby picture frame that had both her moms to show to Tina. The picture looked like it was taken when Kryssie was 3. "And that's my mama and my mommy! They're really really nice! Your mama and Zazzy are my Aunt Z and Uncle Napsta!"

"And your moms look like my Aunt Veronica and Aunt Aqua...but...a lot different...almost..."

Marris did seem to calm down a lot more with it as she tried to relax. Marrie decided to join Marris in the right idea to take a seat. Part of her wanted to ask if her double's parents were any different than that of hers...or at least hope her mom was different. The other part of her told her not to ask...she wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer.

Edge soon was quietly snoring in the recliner, a good delicate grip on the babies. He rumbled softly as he slept; his thick tail slightly thumping against the chair.

Caddy and Wingdin could be heard quietly talking to each other in the kitchen while they cooked together. Cupcake and Gaster both came into the house as they quietly pushed the piano back. Gaster suddenly stopped as he saw the grandchildren sleeping on Edge, and suddenly Gaster's face turned a very deep shade of purple as Cupcake had managed to roll the piano over his foot.

Cupcake rushed over to the side, and lifted the piano up with his blue magic, and nervously looked to Gaster. "Oooh ooh I am so sorry, Dr. Gaster! A-Are you o-okay?"

Gaster nodded stiffly, and hobbled to the couch, taking off his shoe. Oooh, thankfully, nothing looks broken...that hurt so bad Caddy! Did you not see me trying to get you to stop?

Cupcake sighed, pinching between his glasses. I'm so terribly sorry, Dr. Gaster, I didn't realize that you were signaling me at all. You rest, I'll get the piano back in place...

Sansy and Comic went and stood by their wives. Comic rested on one of the patio seats, and soon enough, Paps slumped in the other one, closing his eyes.

"i'm gonna look in my shirt, and i'm gonna have bite marks in my gel i swear..." Paps muttered.

Papyrus looked to Paps and his eyes narrowed, not having the expressive eyelights of his swap counterparts. "I WISH ROCKY BIT THAT HARD! SOMETIMES HE BARELY CAN LATCH ON, I HAVE TO COAX HIM AND...WELL, IT'S EMBARRASSING TRYING TO GET HIM TO TAKE."

"okay, so uh...have you checked on the shape of his mouth perhaps? maybe it's a...bit misshapen or palate problems? if thats the case you can get special nipples for bottles then express your milk and feed rocky that way..." Paps spoke softly, as his thick tail draped over the arm of the chair.

Comic tilted his head slightly and chuckled. "hey that's a great idea actually, we could take rocky to dr. kylin when we get back..."

"oh yeah, yer dr. greenburg is actually a soul surgeon, isn't he?" Paps commented.

Comic nodded in return. "yeah, ma still works with him too. thankfully he was able to get a week off, for this trip."

Paps sat up straight in the chair. "a week for the trip? um..."

"Grandpa Gaster..? Are you okay?" Tina got up from her spot on the floor to rush over to him. Kryssie followed behind, her tail knocking over the tower as she headed to Cupcake, "What happened? Can I help Grandpa?"

Happy had returned back over to Paps side, same with Mettaton over to Papyrus.

"Last I got him checked, he looked fine, a little underdeveloped magic wise but he should grow out of it when he gets a little older. Papy and I are doing what we can to make sure he's okay. He has a few good days where he has so much energy, just today's not one of them." Mettaton did look a little worried about that. He was slightly jealous at seeing his counterpart's baby girl so healthy, even if a little troublesome but, he pushed it down in order to save the evening, "I'm just more afraid that he ends up getting what Sa...Comic has..."

Marris was rubbing her belly down to keep the movement going on in there to relax. Marrie was leaning against Sansy, purring lightly as she tried relaxing too, "Wait..a week? You're staying that long?"

Gaster chuckled softly, flexing his bony foot a bit. "I will be being okay, Tina...it is not a problem. Go and get Grandma, would you?"

Cupcake nervously chuckled, sighing gently. "I accidently rolled the piano over Dr. Gaster's foot...n-nothing's broken! But there might a bruise on the bone perhaps..."

Comic nodded softly, and chuckled. "i mean, last few times we'd come to visit youse all down in snowdin we stayed a week usually...though uh, marrie, you might remember when sansy couldn't have you come to his house? that was when we was there...because aunt wing and uncle doc was worried 'bout how you'd deal with all'a us."

Paps put his head in his hand, and just growled softly. "...where the fuck are all of youse staying then! me and happy got our own house, sansy and marrie got their house...shit maybe napsta can put youse up...then that'll just be...weird as fuck..."

Papyrus looked to Mettaton, then tapped the side of his chin for a moment. "IF THIS IS FULLY SWAPPED, PERHAPS THEN HE'S SPEAKING OF SOMETHING LIKE YOUR HOTEL, MY DEAR. DOES YOUR NAPSTABLOOK HAVE A HOTEL HERE ON THE SURFACE?"

Sansy was lightly rubbing Marrie's belly, and he nervously chuckled. "N-No...well he did in the Underground! But he's got his own mansion actually, along with his wife Zhara!"

Comic sighed, his sockets closing softly. "uh, if it's a big deal um...we just go'on home i guess..."

Tina nodded and rushed off to the kitchen to get her grandma. Once she got there, she gently tugged on Caddy's shirt, "Um...Grandma...Grandpa got hurt...can you come see him...?"

Kryssie nodded in understanding, "I got it! I can help! Watch watch!' Kryssie ran over to the kitchen too and stopped by the fridge. Took her a bit of bouncing to get the freezer open but she manged and climbed to get an ice pack, close it, and rush right back. "ICE PACK POWER!" She looked like she was going to smash it over on Gaster's foot but just lightly placed it down with a small pat.

"No no...um...well...uh...we can always divide everyone...We have the guest room in our house, Sansy...so...we can take a couple...Happy...? Paps...?" Marrie offered herself as she looked over at the other two.

"...Well...we do have the room...the couch we got does turn into a bed..." Happy mentioned lightly as they looked to their husband, "But...I'm sure if I called my cousin...he wouldn't mind...he...does have a lot of room in his home...r-right now he just opened a club and ice cream parlor...he wants to make a hotel when he does better on the surface..."

"If he's anything like me, I'm sure he would be estatic! Can't be harmful to try, Darlings! Besides, I booked myself off these next two weeks and I'm DYING to see what's up here! I need a total preview of everything coming!" Mettaton was already getting excited at the possible ideas.

Marris just shrugged, "Hey, who knows. Might be fun to see the swaps of the old folks at home. Maybe this version of my uncle has stupider puns than you make, Comic." she let out a small chuckle at the thought.

Gaster's eyelights narrowed in worry at Kryssie running with the ice pack, as Caddy hurried out from the kitchen after her. "Dear please, not too...oh...oh alright then..."

Caddy came over to Gaster and lightly rubbed his skull. "Are you alright, Gaster?" He nodded gently, and smiled as he leaned over a bit. "Thank you both. Tina, come here and give Grandpa snuggles, it'll help me feel better as well too~"

Cupcake came over and gently scooped up Kryssie into his gloves, hugging her as well. Caddy saw the fallen blocks and started to pick them up to put them away for the grandchildren.

Sansy nodded gently, and smiled. "We have two guest rooms in our house dear! We could take Comic and Marris! They do need a real bed of course."

Paps sighed, rolling his eyes. "yanno our house is uh, kinda small, bro. but uh yeah sure, we can take mettaton and papyrus. i mean, napstas' cool an all, but i really don't wanna intrude on the dude. he's already done so much for all of us already..."

Papyrus smiled brightly and chuckled. "He really does sound so much like my dearest Mettaton! My husband is correct, I'm sure he won't mind us!"

Comic smiled and leaned back against the couch, chuckling softly as he patted Marris' belly. "then it's settled, we'll go talk to napsta then, and smooth stuff out. and if that don't work out, we'll stay with youse."

Tina nodded with a smile and she lightly flew over and into her grandpa's arms, loving any time for snuggles. Kryssie let out a giggle and playful growl as Cupcake took her up, her tail swaying around happily, "Did I do good, Grandpa? Huh? Huh? Did I?!"

"I'll give him a call...one...um...moment please..." Happy had left to a corner to call Napstaton. Took a moment before the robot had answered and the two cousins talked. It could be seen that Happy had just explained the situation as they looked confused with the sudden silence before Happy pulled the phone away from their ear as Napstaton started to scream out in excitement.

"DUDE! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? WE GOT FUCKING DOUBLES!? THAT'S HELLA RAD, MAN! HOLY SHIT! What's my double like!? Is he radtastic and bombastic like me!? Your double being hella cool, cuz?! Wait! No! Don't tell me! I'm gunna see for myself! Give me an hour and I'll be right over there with Z! HOLY FUCKING SHIT THIS IS TIGHT, YO! I'VE GOTTA SEE THIS, LATER CUZ! LOVE YA! SAY HI TO MAMA WING AND THE REST FOR ME!" Napstaton would hang up...least it was a good sign that Mettaton was right.

Happy looked over to the family with a nervous smile, hoping they didn't have to explain back what their cousin just screamed out through the phone. They could already imagine how his cousin-in-law was going to be, picturing his cousin slamming open a door with his foot and screaming "ZHARA, HOLY FUCK!" They were slightly glad that their counterpart didn't exactly do the same thing their cousin did. But they weren't about to jinx it and say that outloud.

Gaster chuckled brightly, as he snuggled Tina to his soft chest. "My sweet little sugar wings you are my precious little girl~"

Cupcake grinned happily, as he nodded. "You did excellently, my Princess! Getting an ice pack is the first thing you do in case someone's been hurt. It's like your Uncle Sans taught you, in first aid."

Paps eyelights just blinked out, and he groaned. "...i swear happy, i'm taking my hearing aids out when he comes...i'm not going to listen to crying babies, screaming robots, and screaming anyone else... i've already got a migraine..."

Sansy just snuggled against Marrie. "... HOPEFULLY THIS TIME HE WON'T FORGET NICOLE'S TOY FISH."

Comic rose an eyebrow curiously, and blinked. "...toy fish?"

Tina let out a small squeaky giggle before nuzzling her grandpa, more than happy to stay with him, "And your my favorite science grandpa."

Kryssie looked very proud of herself as she did a little hero pose in her grandpa's arms, "Uh huh! I'm gunna be real good!"

Happy gave an understanding smile as they kissed his cheek, "I'll take care of Ebby while you rest then...she might end up napping the rest of the day away..."

"Zhara and Napstaton have two little babies, one of them is very attached to this little plush fish. Without it, she gets fussy and cries a lot more." Marrie explained lightly as she snuggled right back to Sans, "She caused a little bit of a stir last time she didn't have the fish with her."

"Oh, they got the twins here too. Great." Marris was now just playing with the zipper of her jacket, "One of them really likes snails...most he does is whine when his snail toy isn't around. Least last I saw...I don't really see them a lot ouside of family reunions."

"You should! Absolute little angels they are! They're just so cute and I just couldn't stand it! Blooky does need to take them out more often, I swear it!" Mettaton commented happily at the memory. Deep down he was just happy his cousin wa happy. Even if it meant he wasn't allowed to take photos or film the twins that wasn't going to turn into a social media storm.

Gaster settled back against the couch and smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her head. "I love you Tina. Oh today's been a big big day, now I know that we are staying more than today...you gonna stay with me and Grandma? Or you wanna go with one of your uncles?"

Cupcake grinned and chuckled. "That's my little superhero! Now, we'll work on the piano, hmm? You can play for Grandpa Gaster, how does that sound?"

Paps smiled and blushed at the kiss. "thank you babe. and yanno if ebby gets hungry, just tug my shirt down, she already knows where the tap is."

He reached into his skull delicately, pulling his hearing aids out, slipping them into a case. Then he put that into his inventory, and he promptly closed his eyes, to go to sleep in the patio chair in the sun.

Comic just stared for a moment, and started counting in his head. "wait a second...his hp, if it's like pappers, then it's nearly 660... meanwhile i've got a reason to be lazy with only 1 hp. and if i 'member right, sansy here has only 10 hp...yet he's as hyper as pappers? that don't make a damn lick of sense!"

Sansy sighed, as he lightly drummed his fingers on Marrie's belly, before he simply rubbed. "You're right with those numbers, Cousin Comic...but... Paps has a lot of health issues of his own. High magic pressure, hypoglycemia, functional deafness, a... multitude of physical injuries from...um...our birth father..."

Papyrus glared at Comic, shaking his head. "BROTHER I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU. Really, have you forgotten those nights spending time with our cousins? Paps could barely sleep at night from the pain in his bones! And the night terrors he would get...you didn't care to understand it then and you still don't get it now!"

Tina wasn't sure, she stayed close to her grandpa for now, "Um...I don't know...Mama and Zazzy here are different...but..I don't want to be away from you or Grandma either..."

Kryssie nodded in excitement, "Yeah! I wanna play! Pleaaaaase?"

Happy nodded and let Pap get some rest, occassionally petting his skull softly to help him sleep. "Papy has...h-had it just as rough...um...sad to say..."

"And I don't think I could see Sansy being lazy much unless he's worked really hard beforehand. It does do him a lot of good to keep active." Marrie joined in, purring slightly at feeling Sans rub her stomach.

Mettaton leaned over to Pap to whisper at him, "I should have brought my cousin along too. I think this whole little adventure would do him and family good. He almost never wants to leave the snail farm unless it's a job for me." He just decided to wrap his arms around his husband and hug him tight, just in the mood to do it.

As promised, Napstaton would have arrived in an hour on the dot. Zhara and twins in tow as he started knocking on the door enthusiasticly. "Babe! I'm telling you, that's what they said! Doubles! Of us! Can you not imagine how rad that would be?!"

"I still don't get what you mean by that...like..doubles? You mean like clones? usually things like that end up badly..." Zhara had the twins cradled in her wings, the two found it there more comfortable than anywhere else.

Gaster smiled softly, gently rubbing Tina between her wings. "Alright then, you will be staying here with me and Grandma." Caddy chuckled quietly, and gently pressed a kiss to one of Tina's large ears.

Cupcake grinned in response, as he pulled out piano bench, and settled his wide bottom onto it. "Of course, Princess!" His gloves played a beautiful arpeggio across the keys. "Now, let's start work on that song you've been learning, dear."

Paps was easily sleeping, his eyes closed, as his hands rested in his slacks pockets. Sansy smiled, pressing a couple kisses to Marrie's stomach, chuckling at her response.

Comic just sat beside Marris, feeling quite chastised over the whole thing. He had actually forgotten what his cousin had gone through, in his life and medically.

Papyrus meanwhile blushed softly at his husband wrapping his extendo-arms around him, taking care to go around his waist, rather than his chest. "Perhaps if we ask Uncle Cupcake, he'll allow us to use that device to bring your cousin and their wife along! Plus, if Tina is staying an entire week, they'll both want to know how she is..."

Hearing the door knocking, Caddy got up from the arm of the couch, and went to open the door. "Oh! Hello Napsta...t-ton? Was that right, Gaster, Napstaton? Because we know this isn't Napstablook and Mystic..."

Tina let out squeaky giggles as she was rubbed and kissed. She was more ticklish than Kryssie was.

Kryssie nodded and started to play the song just as she practiced. Still some off tune parts but she was getting better. She certainly looked very determined to try.

Mettaton nodded and pressed a few more kisses on his husband's cheeks, "Maybe. We can see later."

Napstaton already looked super excited, but tried to calm down so he didn't spook his kids, "No one calls me by Napstablook anymore, dude!" He laughed as the twins cooed at the new person in front of them. You can still tell Napstaton was very excited.

"...Mystic...? Huh...that's...a new one...I guess that's a play on my first name." Zhara looked surprised that that before realizing who she was talkng to, "Wait...you're...not...who...are you."

"They're doubles! I told you! I wasn't kidding! This is so RAD!"

Caddy grinned brightly, as he opened the door more. "I am Caddy Niall Brewer, husband to Dr. Wing Ding Gaster of the Alpha Timeline. I am considered the, eh, swapped double of Wingdin. My husband is considered the swapped double of your Dr. Caddy Brewer."

Gaster waved softly from the couch, as he held Tina against his chest. "Hello there! Tina, this is parents from this timeline! Say hello sweetie."

Wingdin came out from the kitchen and frowned. "Caddy Brewer! Did you eating the last of the chocolate popovers I making last night!"

Cupcake suddenly had a bright blush across his cheeks as he nervously laughed. "Ah-haha, Cinnabones I...I am so sorry, I had a-a bad night last night, and I got hungry..."

Wingdin scowled, pointing her mixing spoon at him. I'm going to have to go to town now for more ingredients! And we've got an overly full house! You...you are lucky I love you so much you crazy teacup!

Gaster burst out laughing, until Caddy looked to him, and he suddenly blushed as well.

Tina managed a little smile and wave at her...not parents. They were a lot different here than back home. "Um...h-hi..."

Zhara just looked at the little girl then back at Caddy then at Tina, then Gaster. There was quite a bit going through her mind. "Um...H-Hi there...Y-Your...but..."

"Um...I'm...K-Kryssie's...swap...like...Grandma Caddy is to...Aunt Wingdin...but...my Mama is...um...y-your swap..." She remembered the talk her grandpa and Uncle Comic tried to tell her about so she wouldn't be as confused.

Napstaton was easily seen vibrating in excitement, the stars in his eyelights clearly seen, "This is...totally...awesome!"

Hearing the comotion from inside, Mettaton and Marris both peeked in to see the comotion. "Huh...he's already so much more different than my Blooky. I think I may get along with him just fine." Mettaton already had a grin wide enough for people who know him that he had ideas planned. Some that may or may not be explosion inducing but all of them would be over the top in MTT proper fashion.

Papyrus looked to his husband and grinned as well. "Perhaps it would be prudent to introduce ourselves, my dear!"

The tall broad shouldered skeleton strode into the house, and smiled to Napstaton brightly. "ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF. I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS GASTER, HUSBAND TO THE BEAUTIFUL AND DELIGHTFUL METTATON, ENTERTAINER TO ALL OF MONSTERKIND!"

Gaster sighed as he reached down slightly with his blue magic and lifted the ice pack from his foot. Flexing the bones, he then slipped it back into his sneaker. "It is being okay, Tina...we have been telling you things are different yet, very very similar."

Caddy looked to Wingdin and came over to her. "Wing, let's go and get those groceries, alright? Surely the two of them won't annihilate the kitchen while we're gone...right?"

Cupcake sighed and blushed as he turned back to the piano. "No, Caddy we won't think of touching the kitchen while you're gone, heheh."

Gaster blushed as well, and chuckled softly. "Ah, with my foot hurting some, I probably will stay on couch anyways..."

Comic followed Marris, and looked up at Napstaton curiously. "uh, heya pal...yer uh...pretty interesting. glad to meet ya, name's sans comic gaster. but you can call me comic, makes it easier fer everyone."

He extended his hand to Napstaton, an old whoopee cushion in his hand, deciding to play a prank on the robot.

Mettaton followed behind, leg extending into the air for extra flair, "And I'm the beautiful and delightful Mettaton, Darlings! Entertainer extraordinaire and husband to this great and most handsome skeleton, Papyrus!" He let out a wink.

Tina looked at her uncles with a giggle, always liking their shenanigans. She felt a little better with familiar distractions.

"I'll keep him from the kitchen, Auncle Caddy! Don't worry!" Kryssie have Wing a salute, determined to make it so.

"Woah...you're so different than my little cuz-in-law! Look like Sans got a chill day and learned from Paps!" Napstaton laughed and ended up fist bumping Comic before rushing to his cousin's double.

"Dude! You're like if my cuz got a glam up and hella confidence! I like it! You're an entertainer too?! Duuuude...please tell me you know where I'm going with this!"

"Does it happen to be a collab?" MTT smirked, doing his best to calm his own excitement.

"HELL YEAH!" Napstaton couldn't help it but yell out loud, causing the two sleeping babies to start whining.

Papyrus grinned confidently, his one hand on his hip, the other around Mettaton's waist. "IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU!"

Cupcake rolled his eyes, sighing quietly as he instantly went to hold Kryssie as she stood up on the piano bench. "That's kind of you, Princess..."

Gaster just chuckled softly, until the robots had gotten incredibly loud, waking up the babies.

Edge's eyes opened up, and he growled deeply from the recliner as Ebrima and Rocky were starting to cry. Bitter heard the loudness from the bedroom where he'd been staying and he came phasing through the wall, looking incredibly pissed off.

"Blue box! We's not having a repeat of that goddamn family dinner! So shut yer damn YAP!" He paused, looking to Mettaton, and he blinked a bit. "And youse! Pink box! Stop it!"

He went over to the babies and gently started to hum an old song he knew, to get them calmed down.

"Whoops...Sorry! I got excited man, I can't help it! This is totally rad! How could I not?!" Napstaton felt bad, he had a hard time containing himself sometimes. Mettaton was just smiling, already liking his similar yet so different to the was to the robot in front of him. He made a mental note later to bug Gaster in bringing his cousin and his wife along.

Rocky didn't take long to fall back asleep, baby was so tired from little energy. Ebrima took a bit but settled down with Bitter's singing. The twins in Zhara's arms luckily had earplugs on this time. Zhara was pretty glad she did put them on them due to how noisy the house was normally. Sensitive heading was a blessing and a curse.

Kryssie snuggled into her grandpa and watched everyone, looking more and more curious about.

"Stars almighty...it was enough having one loud galavanting robot around..." Marris looked straight up annoyed, "Can we just go now...please? I'm getting a headache..."

"We should get home anyway, Sansy...I'm kinda feeling tired anyway..." Marrie leaned on her husband a bit, she did look pretty sleepy.

Sansy nodded, as he helped Marrie to her feet. "Of course my dearest! We'll go home and everyone can rest!"

Comic watched as Sansy was helping Marrie out from the house, and he looked to Marris, gently holding her hand. "looks like your getting your wish babe. we'll be heading out to sansy's house. i'll give ya a foot rub kit-kat, how's about that?"

Bitter continued to gently rub the babies backs, singing and humming softly. "There we go, little brats are sleeping again..."

He hovered over and scooped up Kryssie into his gloves, grinning. "Kitten! So how's it going today? You liking all'a this?"

Cupcake took this advantage to begin playing the piano again, a more bright and pleasing tune, a happy smile across his face. Caddy and Wingdin had already left to get more groceries.

Papyrus narrowed his eyes, looking closely at Cupcake. "Uncle Cupcake, you can play the piano, yet father cannot! How intriguing!"

Gaster chuckled softly, shaking his head. "That is being true Papyrus, but remember, it is another variable in how our timelines are different yet similar!"

Paps had woken up, not because of noise, but because he could feel it was time for Ebrima to eat again. Still without his hearing aids, he made his way into the house, and plucked up his daughter from Edge's chest.

Then he settled into the couch beside Gaster, opening his wrap-style shirt, his breast fully exposed, letting Ebrima latch on. It seemed like he was doing all that while asleep.

"...yeah...please...?" Marris muttered quietly as she tried getting up.

Kryssie giggled even more as she got picked up. She gave her Grandpapi a kiss on the cheek, "Uh huh! This fun! I like a big ohana!"

"Let's talk more business at your place, Darling. We are staying here for a week!" Mettaton have a cheeky bit playful grin.

Napstaton looked to his wife with a begging look in his eye, like a child who wanted to keep a dog they found. "...We have the room...please don't yell again..." Zhara sighed.

Napstaton raised a fist in the air, the quietest he could do really. Mettaton gave a light but quick round of applause in his.

They only stopped when they saw Paps go and take care of Ebby. Happy followed a little after to keep watch, "I suppose we should get home too...Thanks for taking them in, Napsta..."

Napsta gave two thumbs up as his silent answer. "Come on...we'll get you all set up...um...who is...exactly staying...with...us...?" Zhara was still a little uncomfortable and concerned.

Paps yawned a bit, and pressed a soft kiss to Ebby's skull, gently rubbing her back while she fed, himself still silent to the world.

Papyrus went over and picked up Rocky carefully. "Thank you, Uncle Edge, for watching Rocky for us. You might be from Underfell...but you are a very sweet and kind hearted man."

Edge sat up more in the recliner, yawning widely, his large sharp teeth being seen. "Yeh yeh... don't think nothin of it, Pap. I jus hope that my boy maybe...eh, I'm just pissing in the wind at this point with those two knuckle heads back home..."

Gaster smiled softly, chuckling at Paps feeding Ebrima. "Now Mettaton, you are looking like you having big question on mind. What are you thinking of son?"

Cupcake turned on the bench, grinning to Gaster. "Ah, well if they're wanting perhaps... someone else to come through...we would have to do it before Caddy and Wingdin came back!"

Happy kissed Pap's head, smiling happily.

Rocky let out a tiny cough before settling back down in his dad's arms. Mettaton looked over at Gaster with almost an identical pleading look Napstaton had given to his wife earlier, "Can we...possibly bring my cousin and their wife over? I'm just dying to see their reaction to all this!"

"Duuuuude! I need to see my double! That would be rad! Right babe?!" Napstaton was getting pumped again.

"Uh..well...I guess? Depends on how I am." Zhara still wasn't sure.

"My mama is really nice. And really pretty. She'll be good. Zazzy's like Auntcle Happy." Tina chimed in happily as she took her phone and showed the photo to her parent clones.

"...well she's hot. But nothing beats my original bae!" Napstaton chuckled and looked to Zhara, who smacked him with her wing. The twins started laughing at the sight, thinking their daddy was funny.

Gaster rolled his eyes and chuckled. "That should be being fine, right Dr. Brewer?"

He moved and stood up carefully, testing his foot out. Finding it didn't hurt anymore, he smiled brightly. Cupcake got up from the piano bench and grinned.

"It looks like you've gotten quite a bit bigger, Gaster..." Cupcake decided to poke a bit of fun as he headed to the basement lab.

Gaster blushed softly and poked Cupcake's side cheekily. "How many times you needing pants let out then? You are certainly fluffyness for your Cinnabones, Dr. Popovers!"

Cupcake let out a bright kettle whistle at that and frowned, before he grinned, and nearly shoved his glove into Gaster's face. "Ah, yes yes, I get my pants let out nearly every other month, but I can see the purple ectogel through the seam of your pants, Dr. Butterton..."

Gaster frowned, and sighed. "Let's just get them here...else Wingdin will be using your head for a soup mug, and Caddy will be using me as a bed..."

Cupcake went to the computer, putting in the code for Alpha Timeline, and Alphys immediately poked her head through the door.

"D-Dr. Gaster? I t-thought you'd said you'd b-be gone for a-a week!?" The yellow dinosaur stammered out nervously.

Gaster nodded softly, stepping closer to Dr. Alphys. "Yes, please would you going to get Napstablook and Mystic? We would like them to join us for our vacation!"

"O-Of course, Dr. G-Gaster! I'll call them r-right away!" Alphys backed away from the 'doorway' and Undyne poked her head through.

"Heya nerds! Oh! Dr. G! So where the heck is short stuff and your hubby?" She crowed excitedly.

Gaster sighed, smiling softly. "Hello Undyne, Caddy went to store with Mrs. Aster. And Sans went home here, with his cousin Sans. No worries."

Undyne nodded, and slight nervous muttering was heard. "Oh awesome! That's friggin killer! So Napsta and their wife are headed here soon enough! Just leave the door open, teacup!"

Tina and Kryssie watched their grandpas leave. "Our Grandpas are funny!" Kryssie laughed. Tina let out a little squeaky giggle of her own, "Yeah..."

Took a minute or so but Napstablook and Mystic had arrived over. They looked pretty much as the photo Tina showed, only now the shyer blue robot was wearing a beanie and their hair seemed shorter. With no one much else to really leave the twins with, they opted to bring them with them, so the little ones were just strapped to their Zazzy's chest and back, both curious and squeaking up a storm. "Is this really going to be okay...? Uh...looks a lot..." The robot seemed pretty worried about it all.

"Well...doesn't sound too bad. And we can keep a better eye on Tina." Mystic was a little skeptical but she was willing, "You don't have to come if you don't want to, boo berry. You can stay home and take care of the twins. I got it."

The two would end up seeing Gaster and head over, "Everything okay, Dr. Gaster? Tina alright? She getting along with everyone?"

Gaster grinned lightly, and he nodded, backing up so they could fully come through into the basement. "Ah, everythings is being okay, Napstablook, Mystic. Tina is being absolutely a gem. We just thought to inviting you as well! Be seeing your counta...counter..."

Cupcake smiled softly, as he turned off the Observator once they'd come through. "That would be counterparts, Dr. Gaster. And hello there, I am Dr. Caddy Brewer, Dr. Gaster's counterpart for this timeline. You are in my own home at the moment, and I am very pleased to meet you!" He nodded gently, extending his gloved hand to Napstablook and Mystic for a handshake.

Edge had stayed in the living room with the grandkids, and he smiled softly. "Youse two wanna snuggle for a bit. Feelin' lonely since the Paps took their babies offa me. An' Tina, I'm like your Grandpa Gaster...uh, guess youse can call me Grandpa Edge if ya wanna. I'm from a different...really different timeline actually...but I'm a big ol' teddy bear."

Mystic slowly took Cupcake's hand and shook it, "Hi. Uh...Just call me Mystic. I'm Tina's mom. It's...nice to meet you..?" She was a bit offput but at least she was kind. Napastablook took their hand and shook it shyly, already more like Happy when they first were introduced to the family than it was the Napstaton Cupcake was used to, "H-Hello...I'm...Napstablook...uh...the twins are Nicole and Max...but...um...we...just call them M and N...if...that makes it easier...so...um...sorry..."

"Baby, you're fine. Relax, remember. Don't have to be sorry." Mystic held their hand to give them a small confidence boost, "Uh..thanks for inviting us I guess. We kinda just figured there was already a lot going on that you didn't need extra space being packed in."

Kryssie headed over, already taking in her baby cousin's old spot with her grandpops, "Uh huh! He's super good too! And gives really good hugs! Kryssie immediately got to purring away in Edge's hold. Tina seemed a little shy still but with Kryssie's encouragement, she slowly headed over to join her. Poor girl was still nervous however as she started shaking, really unsure if she was doing good or if it was okay. Most likely some stuff she learned from her nervous parent back home.

Cupcake gently shook their hands, and smiled a bit, backing away to give them room. "Terribly sorry, nothing is wrong, your twins are beautiful...we just thought the way we're doing things for this week, it would be nice for everyone to be here. And if you need to go back home, let me know, I can always open the 'doorway' again back to your timeline."

Gaster nodded gently, and he lightly rubbed his bony fingers onto N and M's heads delicately. "Aw...the precious lil babies...Caddy will be being so pleased to see them, Napsta. He went to go shopping with Wingdin, Dr. Brewers wife."

Edge gently rubbed Kryssie's back with his robotic hand, and smiled softly. "There's my sweet kitten..." He felt Tina starting to shake, and he sighed quietly. "Tina...Tina, honey...it's okay...I ain't gonna do nuthin to hurt ya...I might look like a big, tough guy, growlin' and mean words, but I'm just a big ol' soft teddy bear...I'll just lay here, till ya feel comfy, a'right? An' if ya wanna not rest on me, ya don't hafta."

They all started to leave the basement labs, all of them chatting away quietly with each other.

Tina just nodded and tried to relax, still shaking slightly. Kryssie was already just purring away and ready to nap for a while in her Grandpop's hold, her tail lightly thumping about.

Zhara noticed Tina being nervous and put the twins into her wings to cling on before heading over to her. She slowly reached over and pat Tina's head, seeming to make her stop shaking for a moment. "...You're okay...it's...a lot...isn't it...?"

Tina looked at her mom's counter and nodded slightly, "...A...little..."

"...Yeah...I know it is...just take your time...okay...?" Zhara let her go and let Tina try resting on Edge. The little girl still shook somewhat still, but at least it was lessening the more she tried to relax.

"Oh...um...thank you..." Napstablook nodded and followed them out along with Mystic. The twins seemed to coo and squeak out more at feeling touches, seeming to like it. Things were good until Napstaton had ended up seeing his and his wife's double come over.

"...Babe...?"

"Yeah...?"

"Uh...can you hit my mute button reaaaal quick?"

"...You're going to do it again, aren't you?"

"Yep."

"Well...least that button's there for a reason..." Zhara sighed and seemed to press a seemingly invisible button on her husband's chest. No sooner had she done it, Napstaton was getting giddy and excited as he jumped and emoted about like crazy. He definetely would have been yelling and making loud commentary with his normal works and whistles had he not been put on mute.

"...You had a button for that?" Marris looked surprised as she turned to Mettaton, "Maybe we should get you one too, ya big bedazzed microwave."

"Darling, while I enjoy your snarky banter and little jokes, I do believe your husband does a better job at being a comedian than you do. Nice try however." Mettaton snarked right back, already used to playing the game with her.

Gaster blinked a bit, and sighed, heading to the kitchen with Cupcake right behind him. "I don't believe Caddykins will mind me and you getting a little something to snack upon, hmm, Dr. Brewer?"

Cupcake grinned slightly, and nodded. "Cinnabones won't mind in the least bit. We'll just find a little snack that isn't slated for dinner! I do believe we have some cookies and oooh there are cinnamon buns in the back of the fridge too!"

Gaster smiled happily, and he went to put the kettle on. "I'll put the teapot on then."

Comic stood by Marris, and just looked up at Mettaton. "c'mon kit-kat, sansy and marrie is waiting fer us still...and i can see yer feet are startin to look like balloons, ya need ta get off yer feet..."

Papyrus came over and hugged his brother, while gently cradling Rocky against his chest. "BE CAREFUL BROTHER. This...obviously isn't home. Please, don't try to shortcut, you don't know where you could end up. Please?"

Comic grinned a bit more, and chuckled. "i won't be shortcuttin' nowheres pappers. i'll jus' probably be resting with marris fer now."

Sansy however was standing by the front door, tapping his foot rapidly; as his tail waved irritatedly behind him. "COUSIN COMIC, MARRIE IS ABOUT TO FALL ASLEEP AGAINST ME, LET'S HURRY ON HOME ALREADY!"

Paps leaned against Happy on the couch and smiled as Ebrima just cuddled against his chest softly. "...today's been a good day, huh bae-bot?"

"Yeah yeah...we're coming. Hang on." Marris hissed out as she followed them outside. Bed sounded really good right now too.

Napstaton had since calmed down enough and put back his volume on, "Duuuuude! This is awesome! Ya look like me but I'm getting my cousin vibe of you, dude!"

"He always like this...?" Mystic looked over at her double confusedly.

"Only when he's excited...which is almost always."

"How do do you even handle all that? I just prefer to chill with my bae and relax."

"He makes me laugh and enjoy the fun side of things sometimes."

The two bat counters talked for a bit before Tina noticed her parents were there."Mama! Zazzy! Sibbies!" She flew over fast as she could to hug her mom, more than happy to see them there.

"Hey little rocket, you doing okay?" Mystic held her daughter close. Tina snuggled back, now feeling a lot better than she did previously. "Uh huh...um...e-everyone's really nice...just..there's a lot..."

"It's been good..yes." Happy seemed to be on Tina's side, feeling a little overwhelmed with so many people. Napstablook seemed to be on the same page as those two.

"Glad you could stop by, Darlings! We're happy to have you!"Mettaton waved over, already excited himself on how this was going to go.

Pap had slipped his hearing aids back in, and he smiled. "mhm. we're gonna have napstablook and mystic along with their twins at our house. i figured it would make the most sense. and papyrus with mettaton can go with napstaton and zhara. i thought that would be a great idea actually."

Papyrus nodded stiffly as they'd come back to the living room, as he cradled Rocky against his chest while he slept. "IT'S A WONDERFUL IDEA, COUSIN PAPS! MYSELF AND METTATON WILL GO WITH NAPSTATON AND ZHARA. IT WILL BE A JOY TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU, COUSIN NAPSTATON! WOULD YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE AN EXTRA CRIB PERHAPS FOR OUR SON, ROCKY?"

Pap yawned, and looked at Ebrima. "...really kiddo?" She had latched her little fangs around Paps nipple and had fallen asleep. "...welp, i'm a pacifier now, hapsta...jus leave her on there, she'll cry if i detach her..."

Cupcake had found a few dozen boxes of cream-filled doughnuts, and he'd set them out on the table between himself and Gaster, along with two large cups of chai milk tea. The two of them were chattering away various things on science, and how Gaster could work on getting through the barrier in his Underground; while they were stuffing their faces with the doughnuts.

Edge started to rumble and snore as he'd fallen asleep in the recliner, with Kryssie on his chest. Bitter came over and cuddled against his husband's chest lovingly.

Soon enough; Sansy, Marrie, Comic and Marris had left for Sansy's house. Which left the robots and their respective spouses.

Papyrus looked to Mettaton, and gently grabbed the baby carrier, delicately sliding Rocky into it. "There we go, my dearest. He'll most likely sleep until we get home, well...to what home will be for this week! And we can converse more about those FLOWER CANNONS! OH, won't it be so beautiful! AHHHH, we can do cherry blossoms, Mettaton! That would go wonderfully with your gorgeous chassis!"

"Heck yeah, dude! We got the space, no big deal! He'll be safe and roomy in a crib! Twins can just share one for now!" Napstaton assured.

"Is...that really okay...? To..come and...stay like this...?" Napstablook seemed a little concerned about the room situation.

"We...can do it. You should be okay..I hope." Happy tried to clarify but they were just as shy.

"Mama, can I stay with grandma and grandpa tonight? Please...?" Tina still stayed latched to her mom. "Yeah, go ahead baby girl. I did say you could. Just keep doing what you're doing. Okay?" Mystic pet her head, earning a few more squeaks from the girl.

Ebrima meanwhile was sleeping soundly as she lightly chewed on her dad's nipple. Least she wasn't biting down hard in her sleep.

Kryssie was still sound asleep on Edge, her grandpops was too warm and comfy that she couldn't help but nap. Unfortunately that meant she was also sleeping on the job.

"Of course, Darling! And cherry blossoms? Ooooh...I like your thinking sugar skull!" Mettaton gave him a few more kisses before checking on Rocky, "Sleep soundly, baby boy."

"Oh yeah! Better take you dudes then if ya wanna get planning and talking! Come on!" Napstaton decided to lead outside. The two bat monsters finished their own conversation before Zhara picked up her kids and left, "Pap! Hap! Other me and other Z! You dudes wanna stop by the manor, call me first so I can let security know to let ya in, yeah?" Napstaton smiled as he took the twins from Zhara.

"We'll let you know...t-thank you..." Happy assured with a small smile.

Papyrus had an orange blush across his cheeks as Mettaton gave him plenty of kisses. "NYEEEHHH...OOOH your kisses are the BEST, my beloved Mettaton~" He soon followed the rest outside, along with Mettaton.

Paps nodded at what Napstaton stated. "yep, sure thing, napsta...we'll be seein' ya, round."

After they'd left, the house grew rather quiet, as Mystic had settled down beside Paps, and Happy was slightly curled up beside Paps, while Napstablook seemed to do similarly with Mystic. Edge's rumbling was one of the few sounds in the house, with the mumbling in Hands from the kitchen.

Caddy and Wingdin came back about a half hour later, carrying bags in their hands and gloves.

"Alright, that was a wonderful grocery store, Wingdin! I never would have thought they'd have so much variety! And such...fresh real food as well! It's beautiful!" Caddy extolled quietly as he came inside the house.

Wingdin had a few extra bags in her back strings; and she chuckled softly. "Yes, yes, so much different from Underground. But we've got enough now to redo those popovers! At least because it'll take me a bit to finish them...we do have those cream-filled doughnuts I've made! Those will be a lovely dessert after our roasted chicken, mixed vegetables and grilled potatoes, with whipped root vegetables!"

Tina was currently asleep in Edge's hold again. Having her mom around made her relax enough for it.

Napstablook and Happy seemed relatively content with silence, thankful for the moment to relax and not worry about much. The twins M and N were playing by themselves in the playpen. M was cuddling with his favorite snail plushie while N was sucking on one of her wings. The two immediately started cooing and babbling when they saw Caddy come in.

Hearing the noise of her baby siblings caused Tina to wake up and see the commotion. Kryssie was waking up soon after since she didn't tend to sleep for very long for naps. "Hi Grandma. Hi Auncle Caddy..." Kryssie let out a yawn, just barely getting the sleepiness out of her eyes.

Wingdin smiled sweetly, and she came over to Kryssie giving her a soft kiss on her cheek. "Hello my sweet precious kitten! Me and your Auncle Caddy got more groceries so we're going to be making dinner and more dessert! But, even though Grandpa ate those popovers, we do have cream-filled doughnuts for dessert sweetie!"

Caddy went ahead to the kitchen and he stopped in the doorway, looking to the two scientists. Then he went to the counter inside, setting the bags down. Glaring at his husband quite angrily; his working pupilless eye narrowed in livid anger. "Wing Ding...and Caddy...I cannot believe you two! Go out and tell your granddaughters why they won't be having their dessert tonight with dinner!"

Wingdin's sights drew to the kitchen, barely hearing Caddy. "...I'm going to use you Grandpa's head for a soup mug I am thinking, precious..."

Cupcake meekly came out, his gloves and around his mouth smattered with powdered sugar. Gaster was no better with his holed palms and gapped-tooth frown. Both of them had powdered sugar on their sweaters no less. And both of them looked absolutely guilty beyond compare.

Kryssie and Tina both heard the commotion in the kitchen as they headed over. They peeked in from the doorframe and saw their grandfathers covered in the sugar from their dessert for later.

"Oh...oh no...I...I failed my protection mission...and..." Kryssie immediately started getting teary eyed and whimpering.

"There's no dessert for us...you...you didn't share..." Tina sniffled before hiding in her wings to cry quietly.

Kryssie however started crying openly, feeling terrible over the desserts and for failing in doing what she promised, "I'M SORRY GRANDMAAAAAA..."

"Oh boy...Booberry, you mind for a second?" Mystic gently nudged her partner for him to ease up so she can see why her daughter and daughter's counter to help calm them down, "Girls...girls, it's okay. Shhh...it's alright."

Wingdin covered her face and sighed. "...oh my gosh...both of you, go clean up! Did you not knowing that they were for dessert tonight?!"

Cupcake nervously started to explain, and Wingdin just grabbed him gently by the handle and stared at him. "...W-Wingdin! I h-had thought they were okay to have, love!"

Wingdin let her shoulders droop, and she frowned. "Just go clean up, both of you. I will get something done in times."

Gaster felt his soul drop at his granddaughter and her counterpart starting to cry. "...T-Tina, I am sorry sugar wings...I, we...we didn't know it was for dessert tonights..."

Cupcake was let go of by Wingdin, and he came over to Kryssie, gently picking her up, after he'd brushed the sugar off of his sweater. "Princess, I am terribly sorry, if you want to blame anyone, blame me. I had thought it was okay for me and Dr. Gaster to eat them, we didn't realize it was for dessert tonight...you know Grandma makes so many desserts I just thought it was something else she'd made..."

Caddy's eye was halfway closed, looking to Cupcake. "...Just because Wingdin makes a lot of desserts, that doesn't mean both of you could inhale...oh my gosh, did you both eat...that much...?"

On the table was four of the 12 piece boxes. Between both of them they'd eaten four dozen cream-filled powdered sugar topped doughnuts.

Mystic ended up picking up Tina and holding her, trying to get her to calm down. Kryssie was still crying as she hid her face in Cupcake's sweater.

"They do have a point though. Like...you ate that many donuts by yourselves!? I get like one or two, but...eight!? Come on, Dr. G. You should know a little better." Mystic reprimended as Tina kept whimpering in her mom's hold.

Happy could hear the commotion and felt slightly bad over the whole thing. Goodness...

Meanwhile in Sansy's home, Marrie was awake and having a bath to relax. Marris was on the couch idly changing tv channels with an ice pack on her head to calm her headache.

"Yeesh...humans got weird ass tv shows..." She sighed and sank further into the couch, "They got humans popping pus out of other humans' faces...weird game shows where they ask older humans stuff you learn in the 5th grade, people fishing for sharks...and...buying stuff from abandonded storage units...? And I thought Mettaton's shows were nuts..." She ended up settling on a human game show where they had to get to the end of a crazy obstacle course to win a large sum of cash.

Gaster blushed a brilliant purple, as Caddy held the boxes in his gloved hands. "Actually Mystic...they each ate twenty four doughnuts...along with four giant cups of chai milk tea apparently..."

Cupcake flushed a bright strawberry pink, and sighed quietly; rubbing Kryssie's back. "...I'm terribly sorry Princess..."

Wingdin went and looked again, and she pulled out another two dozen the men managed to not touch. "Thankfully I am making doughnuts in six dozen batches! We have two dozen left for desserts tonight. And since Grandpas have had dessert...and then some...they will not be needing any of these doughnuts. Happy, Napsta; please be taking a dozen home with you. Me, Caddy and the girls will enjoy the other dozen ourselves..."

Comic was lightly leaning against Marris' shoulder while she flipped through the shows. He was honestly barely watching by then, nearly asleep as he was exhausted just from everything that day. "well, can't be no worse than 'bobbing fer crab apples an love' one of those...silly dating shows that metta tried makin..."

He stretched out, and slipped off his jacket, smiling to Marris. Getting down from the couch, he sat in the floor; and gently removed her shoes; starting to massage and rub her feet carefully. "...told'ja i'd give ya a foot rub, babe...so how's the trip so far?"

Sansy however was fixing dinner for all of them, humming to himself as he cooked. He picked a classic, tacos with triple variety meat; chicken, beef and shredded pork.

Mystic did not look happy otherwise. "...I swear we gotta put these guys on a diet..."

"N-Noted, Mama Wingdin...t-thank you..." Happy called from the livingroom.

Tina managed to peek out from her wings at hearing there were some left, face still covered in tears as she kept letting out little hiccups. "See? You're okay, baby gem...you get to have your grandpa's share since he didn't share at all." Mystic gave a look at Gaster as Tina tried to calm down.

Kryssie was trying to do the same, little harder for her since whenever she cried it was hard to stop. So she was clinging on while sobbing and sniffling. She'd calm down with time.

Marris seemed to relax a bit more with the footrub, her feet were killing her not that she'd admit it outloud. "Mmm...okay I guess...I might like it better if the kids didn't keep kicking my stomach or hips. I never liked the idea of them being a month early but...fuck that month can't come any sooner...I miss seeing my feet..." She did let out a small low sounding purr when Sans hit a particular aching spot.

"...may or may not miss being the big spoon..." Marris said that last bit quietly, but just loud enough for Comic to hear.

Marrie would get out of the bath and into a lounging dress for the house. Pants were a bit of a hassle with the baby bump but dresses worked out just nicely for her. "Mmm...smells good, my silver knight! I'm starting to get hungry after all that!"

Caddy sighed, as he folded the empty boxes up and took them outside for the trashcans. "They are...something else, Mystic...but don't worry, we'll take care of everything, dear alright? How about you and Napstablook, along with Paps and Hapsta, go on home for now. I know you're all needing to unwind some, and Paps is probably needing his medication if he takes any? I forgot..."

Paps yawned, patting Ebby's bottom softly. "eh, used to take pain meds, untie caddy; but uh...till this kiddo is done with milking me dry, i can't really take anything actually...so uh, i just deal with it..."

He stood up from the couch, and a litany of popping and crackling was heard from his joints just then. Caddy's eye widened in worry at the noises. "Paps...a-are you...alright?"

Paps nodded, and straightened his tail out, with more pops being heard. "yeaaah, i'm cool untie...um, maybe once we get back home, hapsta, you can watch ebby some, i'll just go grab somethin' from muffet's eh? ain't gotta worry 'bout the kitchen and shit while we all relax."

Comic had his continual smile across his face, which brightened up more at what Marris said. "being the big spoon to your little blue tater huh? heheheheh...well, i know i like curling up against you, and putting my head right where i can hear your soulbeat, marris...i love you babe."

Sansy grinned from his footstool in the kitchen, having dressed down to just blue shorts and a gray tank top. He wore an apron around his waist, as his tail waved slightly behind him. "WONDERFUL MY DEAREST! WE'RE HAVING MY FAMOUS TRI-MEAT TACOS TONIGHT, WITH FRIED PLANTAINS AND FRESH WILD GREENS SALAD WITH A PINEAPPLE BALSAMIC VINIGRETTE!"

"Alright. Tina...you still want to stay with Grandma and Grandpa? Or do you want to come with me and Zazzy...?" Mystic kissed her little girl's nose before nuzzling her.

"...I...want grandma...please..." Tina let out a little sniffle before snuggling back with her. "Alright. Keep being good for me, okay? If you need me at all...I'll fly back. Okay?" Mystic gave her a big hug with Tina nodding, "Mind saying goodbye to Zazzy and your siblings first?"

Tina nodded as she was let down to give Napstablook a big hug. "Stay safe...but...um...h-have fun..." Napstablook gently whispered, easy to see they really did care about the little girl.

Happy heard all of that and winced, along with Napstablook. "Remind me to try and massage you when we get home, Papy..." Happy wasn't going to let that stand, "But Muffets sounds good...lets get home first."

Ebby seemed to giggle at the sounds but soon she let out a little burp. Napstablook would end up grabbing the twins after their little parent/daughter hug and letting Tina give a kiss each to her siblings before going back to the kitchen. Kryssie had calmed down a little bit more, so she wasn't outright sobbing.

"...Love you too...ya tater..." Marris managed a bit of a smile as she tried to relax back. She seemed to be going okay at least.

"Mmm...yummy! Hope you guys like meat back there!" Marrie giggled out, already giddy and excited for food. Eating for four was a journey of it's own for her.

"Yeah...sounds good...if ya got any marshmallow fluff to go with them plantain things that be great." Marris called back, only to start groaning and rubbing her stomach, "Fucking...cravings...but damn food sounds good right now..."

Caddy watched as Tina gave out lots of love to her family, and then he came over and gently picked up Tina. "Ohh, there we go Tina. We'll be fixing up dinner, and you'll have some of those lovely cream-filled doughnuts for dessert."

"Thank you for coming here, Napstablook, Mystic. We'll probably have lunch tomorrow together. And of course Hapstablook and Paps probably have some things they'll want to do with you." Caddy commented, as he gently nuzzled Tina's cheek lovingly.

Cupcake was rubbing her back and trying to help calm her down more. He felt absolutely devastated that he was stupid enough to do that. Gaster was in the same boat as him as well.

Paps tugged his shirt over once Ebby had let go. "thanks, happy. yeah, home sounds sooo damn good right now. and you little missy..." He lifted up Ebby, prompting more crackling from his shoulder joints. "...nyeeeh...you're getting a bottle tonight ma'am. no more chewing on daddy's tit, miss fanger queen."

Wingdin meanwhile was in the kitchen, completely dragging Gaster through the mud; while she ranted quietly to him in their native language of Hands. I can't believe you! I made six fuckin dozen doughnuts this morning! Making the dough, cutting them, shaping them, frying them, letting them cool, then glazing, filling with HANDMADE BAVARIAN CREAM you fat fuck, then dusted with powdered sugar. That took me nearly FOUR HOURS. And yet you two, you demolished them in A HALF HOUR.

She threw up her hands and scowled at Gaster, poking her finger into his very fat gut. I know you, I know my husband. You eat a lot. A hell of a lot. But you really couldn't have called me, or even simply asked Edge or Bitter, what treats were okay to eat and which weren't? Also...I'm going to probably kick Cupcake's ass. He's the one who got them out isn't he?! HE KNEW HOW LONG I WORKED ON THEM!

Gaster gently hugged Wingdin, and sighed. Wingdin...we are both so sorry dear...if there was a way to turn back time, I know, me and Dr. Brewer would. We let our appetites get out of control...I'm very sorry.

Wingdin just faceplanted into Gaster's soft chest, and let out a tired groan. ...Fine...

Comic chuckled softly, as he continued to rub Marris' feet. "i'm your tater, good thing i'm so rooted in the ground, huh?"

Sansy came out from the kitchen, staring at Comic. "You're as bad as my brother with the puns and jokes, Comic. Also, yes we do have marshmallow fluff, Marris. My dearest loves to have pickles with it actually. I'll open a new jar for you however! And also...eh, Comic is aware of this, but I'll let you know. I am a skelegator, half skeleton, half alligator monster...I am what's called an 'obligate carnivore' I need my diet to be nearly 70% meat. Hence...a lot of our meals are meat centered."

Comic smiled a bit, nodding along with what Sansy stated. "you still like your dinosaur oatmeal with bacon and sausage in it?"

Sansy had the biggest grin, which showed his sharp fangs. "IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST MEALS! MARRIE LIKES HERS WITH MAPLE SAUSAGE AND MULTI-COLORED SUGAR ON TOP!"

Tina nodded and hugged her grandma tight, "Can I help at all, Grandma...?" she did let out a little giggle as she nuzzled him right back.

"Thanks for the invite. Not like we were planning much anyway." Mystic chucked and headed off with Happy and Pap. Happy had grabbed a dozen as Wingdin had said earlier, giving a shy goodbye before heading off.

Ebrima stuck her little lilac tongue out at her dad before letting out a tiny hurgle and tail wag. Made her look quite cute.

Marris smiled a bit more and rolled her eyes, "That was bad. Come on, I know you got better jokes than that plant . I gotta seed it ot believe it."

She looked back over at Sansy and nodded, "Alright. I don't really care what food it is. Long as it's good and edible."

"Trust me, they're more than edible! They're delicious! Also, oatmeal tastes really good with the sugar! Sprinkles also works in a pinch!" Marrie giggled out as she rubbed her bump, "Good thing too...cause we got a lot of mouths to feed in a few months!"

Caddy nodded gently, his white eye gazing lovingly over his granddaughter. "Of course you can Tina. Most of it's already done, but whatever is left you can help me with."

He carried her into the kitchen, when he saw Wingdin with her face in Gaster's chest. "Is everything okay, G?"

Gaster nodded, as he patted Wingdin's back. "Yes, is being okay, Caddy. Wingdin needed to...tell me things, how she feeling."

Wingdin stood up and ran her hand over her skull and sighed. "I'm feeling much better, Caddy. Thanking you Gaster for listening. Oh Cuppincake? I wanting to talk with you..."

Comic chuckled brightly, as he gently dug his bony thumbs into Marris foot just right. "of course i do, but do i carrot all too bother my blue berry-lightful cousin with them? i know he's like my baby bro, don't really think my jokes are apple-tizing."

Sansy stared for a moment, before he grinned brightly. "I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW, DARJEELING, THAT I'M THE MASTER OF THE TEA-LIGHTFUL PUNS. IF YOU'LL JUST TAKE A PEKOE, OVER HERE, I'LL BERGOMET YOUR ATTENTION, BUT I PEPPER-MINT TO GIVE YOU THE TOUR OF MY HOUSE."

Kryssie had wiggled her way out of her grandpa's hold to go back with Edge. Just like her mommy, crying took a lot of energy out of her. A nap was best to bring back her strength.

Tina gave a small smile, ready to help out, "Okay...love you Grandma..." She did manage to give Caddy a little kiss on his cheek. If it was one thing that Kryssie and Tina had in common, it was that they both adored their grandparents.

Marris snickered before letting out another low purr at her husband's magic fingers. "Damn. Someone got the puns fresh out of harvest. Wheat 'til ya see what I got in store. But for now ya gotta produce the goods for dinner. Tour can be later. Lettuce eat first."

Marrie was struggling to come up with a pun, not exactly great with following the format, but she was laughing all the same with all the jokes. She even let out a few snorts at some of the ones her husband made.

Edge felt Kryssie come back up into his lap and this time she'd even crawled under his sweater to lay right on his ectogel. "You wantin ta listen to yer ol Grandpapi's beat up soul huh?"

Caddy smiled at Tina's kiss and snuggled her softly. "You are such a sweetheart. Hmm... let's see what Grandma can find for you to do honey..."

Wingdin meanwhile led Cupcake out from the kitchen to give him what for while she talked to him in the bedroom. Gaster just went and sat at the kitchen table, watching Caddy as he went about the kitchen.

Comic grinned, he loved when Marris started joking as well. "tibia honest, i'm feeling a bit worried about our marrow living space. plus, with how we're all spread out, it'll take a metacarpal to gather us back together! so now, we're all bonely it seems."

Sansy got caught up in trying to figure out what Comic was saying and he started to get a bit frustrated. "I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT THAT WAS ROOBIOS OF YOU TO SPILL THOSE CONFUZZLING PUNS ALL OVER THE PLACE!"

Kryssie just nodded and tried to go sleep. She seemed to feel a little better at hearing his soul beat, "...s'not beat up, Grandpapi...it's nice...and soft...and good...like...you..." She let out a little yawn and snuggled up.

Tina nodded enthusiasticly, "I'll do my best, Grandma."

Marrie was now howling with laughter, "Sansyyyy! Stop! I-I can't take it..I'm gunna!" She held her stomach before rushing off to the bathroom to vomit. Luckily she didn't have much in her stomach to begin with but she ran off anyway just in case.

Marris just snickered until she saw her counter leave in a hurry. She did let out a gasp and hiss in pain at feeling a kick, "Ooof...okay...I think that's their way of saying enough is enough...damn that one hurt..."She rubbed a part of her lower chest as she tried catching her breath. Seemed that kick had knocked the wind out of her.

Edge smiled and purred in happiness. "Awww...I love ya Kitten. You're such a sweet lil' Princess..." He began to rumble happily, his short and thick tail thumping against the chair.

Caddy smiled, and set Tina down. "Of course, Tina. Now...oh! I know what we can do; we'll set the table, and I'll bring out what's for dinner. Then we can see what else needs to be done, in case Grandma Wingdin forgot to do something!"

He went to the stove and after slipping on a pair of oven mitts, he pulled out the roast, and the roasted veggie/potato mix. "We're having your famous roast, Wingdin, how lovely...and a nice blend of vegetables and potatoes...wonderful. Hmm...Tina, could you go into the fridge, and pull out a loaf of sweet brown bread? We'll heat that up to have with dinner."

Sansy immediately closed his mouth, and blushed a bit. "Mweh...M-Marrie! Oh...I'm sorry my dearest!" He ran off to the bathroom, waiting for her in worry.

Comic looked up at Marris from his spot on the floor, and he lightly rubbed the bottom curve of her heavy belly lovingly. "ya doin a'right marris? nothin goin wrong, yeh?"

In his own house, Paps was sitting in their bedroom, pumping a set of bottles for Ebrima; having already gotten four bottles and was on the last set of two. He was determined to get enough milk set up so he could actually take some of his pain medication. He saw the packet of cigarettes sitting on the dresser drawer and he knew it was all he needed to feel better.

"just another set of bottles bae-bot...i can have a cigarette and then we'll go grab dinner from muffy's...maybe i can call 'er? you think she does delivery, nyeheheheh?" Paps commented as he looked over at Happy as they sat in the bedroom with him.

"Love you too Grandpapi..." Kryssie would fall back asleep in no time.

Tina started off with getting utensils together for the table. Once she was asked to grab the bread, the lightly placed the ones she had done to the side and went off to get the bread. "Should I put it in the oven too, Grandma?"

Marrie just emptied her contents into the toilet and brushed her teeth to get the taste out, "I'm okay!"

"Nah...I'm fine...ya think these kids would be a little less rough..." Marris managed to get her barings and try to relax again, "They've always been pretty quiet only to suckerpunch me in the gut telling me they're alive..."

"I can always grab it, Papy. It's okay..." Happy assured as they were putting Ebrima into a little bear onesie they made. The thing even had a little top where she'd look like a honey bottle. "Oooo...don't you look so cute!"

Ebrima flailed her arms a bit in her new outfit, seeming to test it out. She cooed in response to her renny, seeming pretty content.

Meanwhile Mystic and Napstablook were on the couch for now. Napstablook had brought in his laptop and headphones as they tried making a mixtape. Mystic was watching her baby twins play in the playpen, making sure none of them tried to hurt themselves or fly about. Aside from the squeaks and babbles from the twins, the livingroom was pretty quiet.

Edge was still rumbling and he started to easily go back to sleep himself.

Sansy sighed and smiled gently. "Alright my dear! I'll go and get dinner plated up for us!" Comic looked up to Marris, rubbing her feet still lovingly. "alright, babe. but it's good to know they're doin' good, huh."

Paps saw the last two bottles were done; and he detached the cups, cleaning himself up. As he put the tops to the bottles, he smiled a bit. "you sure, happy? i don't want you to put yourself into a situation that would make you nervous..."

Leaning against the pillows in the bed, he grinned a bit more seeing Ebrima in their honey bear onesie. "aww, she's precious, happ. i guess though if you feel like you want to go, you could...i mean, muffy already knows what we like anyways..."

Cupcake came back into the living room after having been told off by Wingdin. He sat down at the piano and began to play quietly, a nice light song. Wingdin went ahead to the kitchen, and smiled to Tina. "Hello Tina, how are you feeling tonight?"

"I...I think I'll be okay. S-Shouldn't be too hard..." Happy assured before handing Ebrima over to him, "I'll be only a moment...um...maybe you can...check on the guests..while..I'm...gone...?"

Ebrima blew a raspberry at her dad as she was placed ontop of him, fiddling with the sleeves of the onesie as her little tail flailed about.

Tina jumped a bit at Wingdin calling her but quickly calmed down, "Um...g-good...just...um...trying to help. I...got the bread for dinner...and...I was going to help set the table..." She was still a bit shy but she was trying her best to open up a little.

Paps gently cradled Ebrima happily and chuckled at her blowing a raspberry at him. "silly girl..." Looking to Happy he smiled. "of course i'll check on our guests, hapsta. i love you dear, be careful please?"

Getting up from the bed, his back protested lightly and he sighed in aggravation. Heading over to Happy he gave them a sweet kiss on their lips, and let out a quiet hurgle of pleasure. "thank you so much. you're a doll, boo."

He grabbed his packet of medicated cigarettes, slipping them into his pocket of his khaki shorts; and headed out from the bedroom into the living room. Seeing that M and N were in the playpen; he went over and plunked Ebby in there as well. "ebby, play nice with m and n, a'right babygirl? daddy's gonna have a smoke in the recliner. maybe daddy's back won't feel like flaming crap then~"

Going to the recliner, he settled down into it; sighing quietly. Lighting up his cigarette, he took a drag and lightly blew out a plume of smoke from between his fanged teeth and out from his nasal hole. "so you two doing a'right tonight, napsta, mystic? and don't you worry about my parents, they'll do wonderful with tina, they're just like gaster and caddy, trust me."

Wingdin smiled sweetly, and patted Tina's head lovingly. "That is wonderful, sweetheart. Thank you for helping us. If you wanting you can call me Grandma Wingdin. I am much like your own Grandma you know. Go ahead, set the table, if you needing help; letting me know. Grandpa Cupcake is playing piano in living room right now if you wondering where he is."

Gaster chuckled looking to Tina. "Sugar wing...come here to Grandpa. I want to give sugars to you~ You doing so well, opening up like you are."

Happy kissed right back, even giving a little kiss to Eb's head before heading out to Muffet's Shouldn't be a big deal, they could do it! ...Hopefully.

Ebrima watched her dad sit out and decided to crawl over to her favorite rubber duck toy to chew on it. M and N were still minding their own. M was cuddling his snail plush again while N was playing around with some wooden blocks.

"We're alright. We trust the old folks to take care of her. Not worried about that. I'm more worried about her taking in everthing. She's always been nervous and shy with new people. Just like someone else I know." Mystic looked over to Napsta with a grin. The shy blue robot sank in their seat with a bright blush, only proving their wife's point.

"So...how's the surface so far? Is it everything up to what everyone wanted from it?" She decided to make some conversation as she let a wing stretch out and wrap around Napstablook to give them a little comfort. Seemed to work but their blush got brighter.

Tina gave off a little squeak at the pats, seeming to like it, "Mhmm...okay. Um...T-Thank you...uh...G-Grandma Wingdin..." It was going to take her a little time. Hearing Gaster call for her, she made her way over. Hearing she was doing good made feel happier, encouragement helped.

Paps smiled, letting out another plume of smoke. Thankfully the strong stuff was starting to work on him, easing the pain out from his bones. "haaahh...nyeeh, yeah, it pretty much is, mystic...it's gorgeous up here. we finally have space, wide open space to live and play and work in...also um, not sure about you guys, but uh...everyone is pretty much rich up here. humans...consider gold a precious commodity apparently. so...yeah."

Wingdin smiled and went off to work more on getting dinner ready, alongside of Caddy.

Gaster gently picked Tina up, and settled her on his very large stomach. "My little sweetheart, I am so proud of you." He gently rubbed her head, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You are being so good, and...I am terribly sorry about before. Gyeheheh, you know Grandpa has big appetite...I let stomach do thinking, instead of my brain."

"Huh...guess we got that waiting for us when we hit the surface, huh babe?" Mystic looked over to Napstablook. They gave a shy nod at that, "Sounds...r-really..um...nice...We...uh...are okay. We're not rich...but...we're...not poor either...so...we're okay..."

"We have to keep telling your cousin that. Like...guy is okay, but no one needs a giant fountain that's shaped like them or a lot more money than they know what to do with to be happy. We do alright with my job and the farm." Mystic assured as she lied back, "Rather work for my stuff than let it be handed to me."

Tina let out a little giggle and hugged him back, "It's...okay Grandpa...I love you. You do eat a lot though." She gently poked his stomach, "Big tummy for a big brain."

Paps smiled, and nodded. "yeah...our napstaton is a lot like that. he gives away so much of his money though. and he's very kind, even though he's terribly loud a lot of the time. i've never seen someone be able to shout in sign language, but the guy manages it..."

Gaster had a soft purple blush crossing his cheeks at her poking his admittedly very large stomach. Tina could snuggle up on him like he was a giant squishy pillow. "Gyeheheh, yes, a big tummy for my big brain. Hmm...maybe tomorrow nights we can help your Grandma make her famous fish pie with those lovely rainbow potato pancakes that Dr. Greenburg's mother taught him to make! You remember Tatti Oraline, don't you?"

Caddy sighed for a moment, almost wistfully. "Bless her soul, Gaster...Elihu was so torn up when she passed...but at least she's not in pain anymore, and she's with Zede again. Oh that scared the boys when she'd gone wandering years ago..."

Wingdin frowned sadly, and sighed. "Oh no...your Oraline passed too. Ours passed just last year. Dr. Greenburg, he so sad. But him and Eddie are doing well, they are expecting their fifth child actually. Oh! He still a physician, even in his older years and he is Marrie's ob...eh, baby doctor too."

Sansy looked over to Marris before he'd gone to set up the table for dinner, and he came out grinning brightly. "DINNER IS READY! And there's plenty for even thirds and fourths!"

"Same with Mettaton. I don't know how but even that gets me a headache anytime he does it." Mystic sighed, trying to get comfy.

Napstablook gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, "You..know he means well...but..he does get a little loud...though...guess you're used to it with your...um...me...?"

"Uh huh. I liked Tatti." Tina snuggled up to her grandpa, "Can we make the pancakes and pie, please? I wanna make it for Kryssie."

She knew of the people her grandparents talked about but with her shy nature, she took some getting used to Oraline. But she was at least familiar with them enough or at least knew of who they were. They ones who passed she thought were really nice people.

"Great. I'm starving. Ugh...can I just eat at the couch...? I really don't want to move..." Marris seemed to comfortable in her spot, even if she wasn't her large stomach made it harder to get up once she was like that.

Marrie was the complete opposite as she could spring up easily and head to the table for her food. Her tail was twitching like crazy at seeing what awaited for her.

Paps nodded and sighed. "yeah...we're used to it with him, but uh...it's not that bad of course. just his nature."

Gaster nodded softly, feeling her getting snuggly on his fat and fluffy gut. "Mhm. We will make them, but tomorrow. Dinner is already being done for tonights, Tina. It shouldn't be too hard to get things for fish pie and rainbow pancakes."

Comic chuckled softly, as he stood up and leaned over pressing a kiss to her cheek. "four tacos for my kit-kat, coming up." He lightly patted her belly, and snickered lightly. "least you got yer own table, yeh?"

Sansy smiled as he watched Marrie coming into the kitchen to eat with him. He came over and pressed kisses to her heavy belly; rubbing the surface. "Oh you're going to love dinner, my dearest. Eat to your souls content! There's even more on the stove if you wanted!"

Down in the basement, the Observator sprang to life momentarily; as two figures stepped out from the 'doorway' that was created. A tall, sharp cheeked skeleton, clad mostly in red and black with a scar over his left socket; and a short, round faced skeleton, with sharp teeth and a collar around his neck.

"so this is it, boss. whatcha wanna even do anyways? i mean...he's fuckin old..." The short skeleton muttered quietly to the taller one.

"WE WILL LULL THEM INTO A TRAP, BROTHER. THEN...WE WILL STRIKE. COME METTA, I KNOW FATHER WOULD WANT TO SEE HIS FAMILY." The taller one, who's nickname was Boss, barked out somewhat quietly.

The short one, who's nickname was Red, shook slightly as his wife came out from the doorway first. "h-heya m-m-mars...thought youse was...g-gonna stay home..."

Happy would soon enough return with Muffets for dinner. "Um...I got a double order of our usual...h-hope you're hungry..."

Tina let out a small squeak and nod, "Uh huh...and I can help a little too."

Marris chuckled and rubbed her belly, "Only thing of me that can stand right now...thanks tater tot..."

Marrie giggled and put a few kisses on Sansy's head best she can manage. "Yep! We're all really hungry too!" Didn't waste time for her to start eating, her tail still twitching all over the place moment she took the first bite. There was a soft kick or two coming from her big belly, little ones most likely woke up from a nap.

Mettaton would soon come in with a black baby carrier. Part of him still didn't like where this was going. Mars looked extremely pissed off as she came in. A black and red clad "Tina" followed behind, holding a tiny covered sleeping baby, girl herself had a bad case of resting bitch face.

"So you can leave me with the fucking brats?! Hell no! I'm not staying on my ass all alone! Fuck that!" Mars growled at Sans, her claws out and ready to do damage at any moment's notice. She still wore a lot of ripped clothing for the style which just helped expose her already big belly.

"She didn't want to listen...though...I think your plan is going to fail anyway Uncle Papyrus...I can already see it happening." 'Tina' mentioned as she bounced the little bundle in her arms.

"Tyra...sweetheart...perhaps not now? You never know..it..um...might work? Right Papy Darling?" Mettaton tried his best to keep the morale up despite the unsureness of the situation.

"I still have doubts, Uncle...this is going to be stupid...I'm here to get it on camera." Tyra shrugged with her blank expression.

Paps grinned from his spot in the recliner, and sighed. "thanks happy, i think we'll all really enjoy it bae!"

Gaster nodded, patting Tina's back gently. "Of course you can, sugarwings..."

Comic went and got Marris her tacos, along with a couple for himself; as he settled onto the couch beside her. Sansy blushed at how happily Marrie ate, while he ate his own dinner.

Back in the basement, Boss grinned brightly, until he heard Tyra's doubts. "TYRA, KEEP YOUR DOUBTS AND STUPID COMMENTS TO YOURSELF, OR YOU'LL BE GOING BACK TO YOUR PARENTS IN A ZIPLOCK BAGGIE!"

Red shook and sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "wake up the fuckin' house why don'cha boss, ya dingus. we's here fer a reason, your plan is shit anyways. i thought we came...to talk with dad, try to get him to come back, maybe shit won't be fuckin twisted like it is with...with everyone wanting to fill his position..."

Hearing Mars growling, he took a step backwards from his wife and looked down. "...m-mars, i just thought you'd be safer at home is all. i ain't gonna...t-try to make you go back...i do love you, you crazy bitch. jus' want the best fer the brats yanno?"

Boss looked to his family and scowled. "NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS...WE ARE STILL THE STRONGEST FAMILY IN OUR WORLD." Taking the steps two at a time, he entered the main house, opening the door quietly.

"Oh yes...because a 5 year old child who's currently holding your sleeping next of kin is a big threat to you, Uncle Papyrus. Why hadn't Overload Asgore dust me sooner? I'm quite the menace to our society." Tyra said this all with a monotoned voice, but it never hid the sarcasm that dripped in her voice. The little sleeping lump in her arms started to stir and whimper at hearing all the screaming, but the little girl did her best to keep him quiet.

Mettaton ended up taking the little one from her to better help, humming a soft lullaby to calm him down. Just to better protect themselves and the kids, Mettaton and Mars stayed behind to let the brothers handle things first.

"Just...come back to me alright ya toothy edge bastard...? I don't need to raise fucking brats by my fucking self..." Mars reluctantly let him go. She would never admit it, but she also came to keep an eye on him too. Didn't like being separated for too long.

"...If they die, I'll help raise Rockwell and the triplets, Aunt Mars. Let's just hope their stupidity isn't hereditary..." Tyra decided to follow behind, but kept a good distance away. Girl didn't seem afraid to take a peek herself, that and she had to get things on camera for her mother.

Meanwhile Kryssie was just waking from her nap again, scuttling out of her Grandpapi's sweater and stretching a bit to help wake her up. She ended up flopping by her grandpa's side and staying there for a bit, his stomach made her seem to disappear from that viewing angle.

Edge was still asleep, his glasses slightly askew on his face as he breathed softly in his slumber. He made a slight grunt at Kryssie scuttling out from his sweater; and he opened one eye, gazing at her for a moment. His natural hand petted her head slightly, before he let out a soft huff and soon fell back asleep rather easily in the quiet.

Cupcake was still at the piano playing quietly, and he chuckled a little seeing Kryssie having came out from Edge's sweater.

As the brothers came down the hallway, they kept a tight eye on what was happening, themselves on high guard. Cupcake heard the footsteps, and looked around, before he shrugged and kept playing at the piano. Soon enough however, a thin red bone came hurtling down the hallway, piercing the piano and breaking it with a cacophony of twanging hammers and wires; as the internal parts of the piano broke with the bone attack.

Cupcake shrieked, leaping back from the piano and looking towards where the attack came from. Boss was glaring the obese scientist down with his eyes blazing in his red magic.

"AH...You're that fat teacup I've heard Father talk about...BAHAHAHA! THIS WILL BE EASY, BROTHER!" Boss crowed excitedly, as another red bone instantly came to his hand, and he whirled on his feet towards the recliner seeing Edge frozen to the spot, as he'd begun growling.

"dad? geezus you're a fuckin softie now...ain't ya gonna get up and try ta defend yerself?" Red grinned, as he rolled his eyelights; a red bone baseball bat in his hand.

Kryssie noticed the yelling and perked up, "Grandpa!" She peeked out from her spot and growled when she saw Boss and Red, letting out a growl.

"Bad guys! Don't worry Grandpa! Grandpapi! I got the bad guys! Uncle Sansy and Mama taught me!" Kryssie jumped to her feet and prepared herself to fight, seemingly unafraid.

Tyra was just watching from the safety of the doorway with her phone on and recording. Her own strength wasn't all that great, she was better running and hiding than she was fighting. And with the way that Kryssie looked, it would be easily assumed she was the same way, she was just braver.

Tina let out a scream in hearing the piano break down and Cupcake scream, hiding herself in her grandfather's hold, "W-What was that...? G-Grandpa..."

Edge growled angrily, as he sat up slowly in the recliner, staring his boys down. "...You motherfuckers, how did'ja even get here...? OH GODDAMN IT! You forgot to turn off the Observator, DOC!"

Cupcake had already summoned his porcelain Cadster Blasters, his own orange eye blazing in his bravery in some attempt to save his family from this threat.

Gaster held Tina close to his chest, as she hid herself in the crook of his large arm. "Shhh...Grandpa check out. You staying with Grandmas...okay? Wingdin, barricade door when I leave with thick strings, Caddy, keep Tina safe, no matter what. I be back, hopefully..."

He got up and summoned a Gaster Blaster of his own, slowly creeping out from the kitchen, despite his immense size, the man could be silent on his feet if need be, thanks to his expert mastery over blue magic.

Red looked to Cupcake, then to Gaster, who he saw was coming out from the kitchen, and he started to sweat a bit. "uhh...b-boss...geez, we're kinda...o-outnumbered here..."

Boss looked to the porcelain Cadster Blasters and easily he threw red bones to shatter them without a problem, then he grabbed Kryssie in his own magic, lifting the kitten up; with a malicious snarl on his face. "DON'T WORRY BROTHER...WE'VE GOT A BARGAINING CHIP RIGHT HERE!"

Gaster growled, and similarly so did Edge. But Edge was quicker on his feet then Gaster was however.

Edge snarled viciously and leapt at Boss, tackling him to the ground. "YOU LET GO OF MY KITTEN NOW!"

As his back slammed against the floor, the hold on Kryssie was dropped, and straight into Red's hands. Red gave Kryssie a nervous grin. "heya...kiddo..."

Kryssie let out a loud lion growl before biting Boss sharply in the arm. She let her claws come out and scratch his chest before managing to squirm out using the little water magic she knew from Aqua.

"I got it Grandpapi!" She looked ready to attack again as she let watery vines grow around her before they attacked the two bone brothers, the water vines threw themselves around the brothers, trapping Red but throwing Boss around the room and against walls, a trick she learned from her mom.

"BAD GUYS! BAD GUYS! NO ONE HURTS MY FAMILY OR ME! TAKE THAT! AND THIS! AND THAT!" She kept growling out and attacking.

Tyra had ended up coming into the room to get a better view of everything for the camera, which included passing trough Gaster, "Excuse me...you're blocking my view, sir..." She looked bored of the whole thing but otherwise she was harmless. "Interesting...my counter has greater strength here...facinating..."

Gaster blinked a bit in curiousity by then at Tyra, who had simply phased right through him to get a better view apparently. "Uh...o-okay..."

Edge watched with a proud look on his face as Kryssie was beating the shit out of Boss, slamming him against the walls and ceiling as well as the floor. "That's my kitten..."

Red just struggled against the watery vines, growling and snapping at them, but unable to really do much, as unfortunately he was utterly exhausted before he'd come there.

Boss however was getting absolutely wailed upon by the little five year old. Wingdin heard the noises and she started to come out from the kitchen, wondering what was going on. She was much more confident then Caddy was however in these kind of situations.

Seeing the Fell Brothers, she scowled. "KRYSTABELLE, DROP HIM! GRANDMA HANDLE BAD BOYS!"

She rolled up the sleeves of her dress she wore, and picked up the bottom edge of her dress, stomping into the living room with the most livid expression upon her face.

Kryssie winced at hearing Caddy and immediately dropped Boss onto the floor, putting her vines away in the process, "Yes Grandma!"

Tyra stopped the recording just then and watched everything go down, "...I told you so..." she uttered out monotonedly in seeing her battered uncle on the floor, "Least you live to see another day...possibly."

Kryssie looked over at her grandpa and stayed with him while her grandma and grandpapi dealt with the intruders.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON UP THERE!?" Mars yelled out from the basement, not liking the sounds coming from upstairs.

Wingdin came over to Boss, and grabbed him by the top of his skull, yanking him to his feet, and she shoved her fingers straight up his nasal hole in a fierce manner. "PAPYRUS GASTER! I can't believe you! You coming here, and you trying to start shits in MY TIMELINE!? I gonna tear your ass ten ways to damn Sunday! YOU THINK WE GONNA ROLL OVER AND TAKE IT!? NO!"

Red had managed to get to his feet, and he stared at Wingdin worriedly. "who the fuck are youse?!"

Wingdin glared at Red, her purple eyelights smoking by then. "I'm your worse damn nightmare, Sans! I've been planning this inter-timeline meetup for nearly TWO MONTHS NOW! I make everyone thinking it 'spur of moment' so they don't feel so bad at how much I plan, but you know what!? I TELL EVERYONE NOW! I planning this for long, long time! I HAVE FAT HUSBAND AND COUNTERPART EATING MY DESSERTS! I have bitchy daughter-in-law counterpart, I have loud robots times two now! SO MUCH TO KEEP UP WITH! And now YOU gonna come start shits!?"

She yanked Boss down to her level, her fingers still in his nose hole. "UH-HUH. NO. You can stay and be good, or you can go back to shitty Underfell and go kill someone there! YOU AIN'T GONNA DUST NOTHIN' WHILE I STILL STANDING!"

Hearing Mars yelling, she looked towards the hallway. "AND WHOEVER IN BASEMENT, GET ASSES UP HERE NOW!"

Kryssie clung onto Cupcake, shaking on how mad Wingdin was, "...Grandma's scary..."

Tina was still in the kitchen, shaking and whining as she clung onto her grandmother, "Grandma...I-I'm scared...I don't like this anymore..."

Mars and Mettaton would end up coming up. Mars had brought a metal pipe with her as defense while Mettaton just prepared for the worst himself. "D-Don't...hurt us! We have children! P-Please!" Mettaton begged while holding a now crying Rockwell in one of his many arms.

"They won't, Uncle. We're not in our world anymore and according to her last threat, it doesn't seem like any dust will spread in the house. Suits me fine...that means I don't have to help clean up...not that I would..." Tyra came closer over to Wingdin and her uncles, "Did I not tell you so? I told you so."

"Shut up, ya little brat! Now how about ya let my fucking husband go and we get the fuck home!" Mars growled already seeing the mess made.

Cupcake held Kryssie and he sighed softly. "Y-Yes...Grandma has a breaking point, Princess...and it's been broken...she'll be okay, it does take a lot to get her this mad...alright?"

Caddy held Tina close to his chest, and closed his working eye, humming softly. "It'll be okay, Tina...I've always told you, trouble seems to follow Grandma and Grandpa around...this will pass, I'm right here, see? I won't let you get hurt..."

Wingdin gazed at Mars and Mettaton, then she looked to Boss. "...You gonna stay and try to be good, or you gonna go?" She muttered softly, glaring at Boss.

Boss coughed slightly as Wingdin had removed her fingers from his nose hole; and he sighed. "THERE WAS AN ULTIMATE REASON WHY WE CAME...AND THAT WAS AN ATTEMPT AT OUR FATHER'S LIFE. HOWEVER, SINCE THAT OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T WORK, WE WILL GO WITH MY HUSBAND'S IDEA...TO RECONNECT WITH OUR FATHER."

Edge looked to Boss and walked over to him. Then he just bitch slapped Boss across his skull. "You fuckin DINGUS. You really think I'm gonna just welcome you back with open fuckin arms, after youse tried to dust me?"

Boss slowly turned his head back to Edge, the slap not having really phased him much; but he didn't move a muscle against his father. "...Not exactly, but that would make the process a hell of a lot easier, wouldn't it?"

Red just looked up at Edge, looking a lot like a beat dog who wanted to mouth off, but had no energy to do so. When Edge looked at him, he wasn't sure what to really say. "...um...i figured we weren't gonna like...dust ya outright...only if youse was gonna attack us, actually...but uh, guess pap had other plans...i dunno, i just tagged along, dad..."

Bitter had heard the loud noises and he had worriedly came out from the bedroom, where he'd been resting in his boredom; not caring much for Gaster or Caddy's presence, and he blinked his eyes when he saw Boss and Red. "...Guess our kids decided to drop in, huh?"

Boss narrowed his eyes, looking to Bitter. "I remember you dying. What happened?"

Bitter snickered brightly, and floated over closer to Boss, poking his forehead cheekily. "I'm a tough mother, Pap, can't kill me, bahahaha!"

Red looked like he was thinking a bit, and he smiled. "...yeh, guess you are our mom in a way. uh, glad to see ya, ma..."

Boss looked from Bitter to Red, then back to Bitter, and just threw his hands in the air. "FUCK IT. We'll do it Metta's way! Be nice, cajole around, jape and joke and lowercase love every fucking body! Whatever."

Kryssie nodded and stayed with him, watching the fell brothers just in case they did any funny business.

Tina sniffled and nodded against Caddy, "...O-Okay..."

"Are you only going the peaceful route because you just got your ass handed to you by a child my age, Uncle? It was certainly a sight to behold..." Tyra let out a small "heh" before heading to the kitchen to find a snack. She passed by her aunt and uncle and to the kitchen where Tina let out a surprised scream in seeing her. Tyra just looked at Caddy and Tina for a second before continuing to the fridge and opening it with her magic to find some good contents. She settled on a donut that she saw in the box.

Mars didn't know what to do or say now. Mettaton still looked a bit relieved in hearing Boss was going to try and play nice. He did give a small wave at Edge and Bitter, "H-Hello...s-sorry for dropping in. Don't mind us..."

Caddy frowned and with his magic, he nabbed the doughnut from Tyra's hands before she could take a bite out of it. "I don't know who you are, but you look like my granddaughter. And no granddaughter of mine, is going to have a doughnut before they eat their dinner, ma'am."

Edge just blinked and sighed. "...Yeah, hi. Don't worry yerself. So...how has uh...life treated ya, son?"

Boss pinched his nasal ridge, and growled softly. "...I've ousted Undyne to become the Captain of the Royal Guard, under Overlord Asgore. Your cowardly escape from your position has created a vacuum effect, and many monsters have dusted to take over your place. To be honest I'm jealous of what you were able to accomplish, Father."

He looked to Rockwell who still was in the baby carrier. "...Oh and I've had a brat with Metta too. His name is Rockwell and he's a beautiful pain in my ass!"

Red went over to Mars, and he gently wrapped his arms around her the best he could, partially hiding in the fluff of his jacket and partially against her heavy belly. "...fuck i'm sorry i'm a little bitch, babe..." He muttered, closing his eyes almost pitifully.

Tyra watched her donut go with the same resting bitch face she had on earlier, "...You could have told me there was dinner prepared. I haven't eaten all day...the idiot uncles of mine forgot to feed me..."

Tina blinked at her edgier self, unsure of how to really talk like that. Tyra noticed however, "Not polite to stare. I'm very familiar we look very similar..."

"S-sorry..."

Mettaton had just got Rockwell to settle down in his arms, "P-Pleasure...he's a sweetheart, I swear." He decided to be a little brave and head over for Edge and bitter to see him and their little darkened angel.

Mars sighed and wrapped pat his head, "...Just glad I'm not leaving back home with dust in a bag...you're a little bitch sometimes..but...you're my little bitch you utter dumb fuck..." She tried hugging him with her tail as much as she could allow. Her tail had a bit of a dent in it from an old fight but, it healed fairly well aside from that.

Tyra ended up coming back to the living room shortly, "You are Captain of the Royal Guard but got bested by a five year old...a Judge of the Underground with little energy to actually be back up...it's no wonder shit has gone down back home...Least mother anticipates and plans accordingly unlike you two..."

"Kid...I swear to the stars above, you better shut the fuck up!" Mars was already growling again.

Bitter had had enough of the bratty, deadpanning granddaughter of his. He scooped her up and gave her a swift smack on her bottom; staring at her harshly. "You need to watch your tone, ma'am! Do you hear me? You are gonna listen to me and Edge, your G'ma and G'pa. Got it!"

He then hugged her tightly to his chest, and sighed. "I don't like smacking ya, but you needed it."

Edge looked to Rockwell, and he smiled softly. Gently he scooped up Rockwell into his arms, and held him against his chest. "Heya kiddo...I'm your G'pa...you're a little devil ain't you? Yes you are...yer gonna be so strong..."

Delicately he gave Rockwell a kiss to his forehead, and smiled again; before handing him back to Metta. "You and Pap make a beautiful kid, Metta. If ya wanna you can call me Dad or Papi I guess. Most of the kids 'round here call me Papi."

Red nodded softly, and closed his eyes. He let out a quiet growl, looking to Tyra. "...it's more then just that you little brat...and uh...ma, me and mars we's having triplets..."

Bitter smiled and sighed. "Triplets? Damn...they'll be little strong bastards for sure, Mars, Sans. I'm proud of youse two for surviving long as you have."

Tyra just watched Bitter with what looked like a blank expression. But instead of the usual fire or snark she had in her eyes like earlier, they seemed...empty. She didn't say or do anything else than seeming to limp in Bitter's hold.

Rocky let out a little burrble in all the noise and kisses. He seemed to enjoy more being with Metta than anything else. Mettatons seemed grateful for that, "Thank you...Papi..."

Mars didn't say anything else but nod as she kept Sans close. Took her a while before she actually spoke up, "We...manage...still hell on earth though..."

Bitter gently held Tyra close to his chest, knowing that empty look, it still shook him slightly, but he knew that his spanking had gotten through to her. As he held her, he softly gave her a kiss on her head between her ears. "There we go, brat...G'ma lowercase loves ya, kiddo..."

He hovered closer to Rockwell, and smiled. "Hey there, Rocky; I'm yer G'ma...aw, you really are cute as anythin. I gotta agree with Edge, youse two made a good kid. Uh, call me Ma, I guess. Most of the kids call me Pops, but whatever."

Edge came over to Mars and gave her a slight hug; even though he knew he'd probably get a scratched face if not worse for his trouble. "Glad to see youse though. Yanno...if ya wanna escape...your welcome here."

Cupcake looked up at what Edge said, his porcelain head going a shade pale. "Edge, where...what?"

Edge sighed, rolling his eyelights. "Doc, don't get your slacks in a twist. I'd help 'em get they own house and whatever. It's not like they'd be shacking up here anyways. I mean, Sans and Marrie don't live with us no-ways, so yeah, it ain't much different. And I'll help Pap and Metta get their own house too. Least I can do to help my own boys out. If they're willing of course..."

Boss looked to Mettaton, and frowned for a moment. "I...I DON'T KNOW."

Red looked to Mars, a pleading look in his eyes. In the last few months he'd been rather abused by Overlord Asgore, and had kept rather quiet about it to Mars, not wanting her to think less of him. It was a way to keep Asgore from bothering Mars in a very bad way, or harming their children. "...please, mars...i...i don't wanna go back..."

Mars looked at Sans with a concerned look, one she didn't give when they were in front of others, "...baby...wha...I..." She placed a hand on his cheek, "...You want to stay...?" She had her own family back home. None of them deserved to be back there. Her sister was suffering enough along with her brother.

MTT nodded with a smile as he stood by Boss. Rocky continued to babble lightly for a little while. He seemed to think about the offer for a bit, really debating if it was a good idea. He still had his cousin left behind and his Alphys. Granted both were crazy and not very friendly in their own ways but, he still owed so much to both of them. "I...don't know...either...maybe..we could stay a while...just for a while...ma..."

Tyra's eyes widened at hearing the conversation, "NOOOOOO! NO NO NO NO NO! DON'T MAKE ME STAY! NO! NOOOOOO!" She started breaking into hysterical crying, trying to escape from Bitter's hold. Be about the only time where she had lost it in front of others.

Red leaned into her touch, and he gulped softly. "c-can ya come ova here, i wanna show ya..." He led her to the side of the hallway, slightly out of view of others, and he took off his thick black leather jacket with it's fur lining. Wearing only a thin red tanktop underneath, one could see the chips and gouges that were fresh in his arm bones.

"a-and uh...o-overlord's b-been using me...uh...uh fer a toy...k-kinda..." He whimpered softly, looking pleadingly to Mars. "...i'll bring 'em ova here...or...or something babe, i just...don't wanna go back...a-and you can't neither. he'll just...t-take you like he's wanted...to do..." Red shivered, as he quickly slipped his jacket back on.

Bitter chuckled quietly, a gentle smile across his face. "Well, sure ya can stay a while, Metta-" Before he could say anything else, he'd nearly been thrown backwards and upside down by Tyra's frantic and hysterical crying as she attempted to escape from his gloves.

"HOLY SHIT! Kiddo! Kid calm the fuck down!" Bitter gently placed Tyra on the floor, and righted himself. "Now tell yer G'ma what the fuck is goin on with youse...I ain't gonna make ya stay...but why wouldn't you want to escape somewhere safer? I'd help your parents get here too, long as they promise to not dust anyone..."

Mars looked at Sans with wide eyes, a hand covering her mouth, "Sansy...baby...why didn't ya fucking tell me!? Oh...oh my stars...baby..." She didn't do much else but pull him in close and hold him tight. "...Okay...okay...we'll stay but...fuck..don't...fucking keep this shit from me! How long has he been doing this?!"

Tyra kept screaming and yelling, begging not to go. MTT tried getting a hand over to help calm her down. Tyra seemed to cling onto her uncle, sobbing, "No..no...no...nooo..."

"...I know why...her mother will refuse to leave..." MTT carefully picked her up, even if she fought it, "...She won't rest until the Overlord is dead by her hands...or she's dusted by his...I remember that from my cousin...She doesn't want to leave her alone...not forever..."

"if...if i told ya, he'd send the guard to dust ya...he wanted you, b-but i convinced him to take me, babe..." As Mars pulled him close to her, he started almost sobbing in her arms. "n-nearly a year...he wanted ya...b-but i got him to just take it out on me...i'm sorry, i'm fuckin sorry mars..."

Bitter just watched worriedly and sighed. "Oh...oh my gawd...okay, Tyra...you don't have to stay, G'ma didn't know all'a that! You don't have to stay, my violent little princess..."

Edge looked worried as well, and he shook his head. "She's thinkin' of going after the Overlord...geezus...yeah that ain't gonna work none. Even I'm not strong enough to do that..."

Cupcake just walked over to his piano and stared at it for a moment. "...Edge you owe me a piano."

Edge glanced to Cupcake and nodded. "O'course Sweet-Tea. I'll take care of it soon as I can, a'right?"

The obese scientist then went on through to the kitchen, and settled down at the kitchen table, still holding Kryssie in his gloves. By then Gaster came back and Caddy immediately gave Tina to him; knowing she would want her Grandpa's stomach.

So, what's going on, Brewer? Gaster asked quietly to Cupcake, as they then began to start to eat their plates of dinner that Wingdin and Caddy had given them respectively.

It appears that Edges sons, from his home timeline had come to try to exact...revenge, perhaps? But luckily things blew over rather quickly. I am worried about his son Sans, he appeared that he'd been abused, I could see it in his eyes...but by whom I do not know. Cupcake replied, as he held out a fork of Kryssie's own food to her, opting to feed his five year old granddaughter, than make her leave his lap.

Abused? That's...I've heard tell of the Underfell timeline, in talking with Wingdin, Bitter, and the few times I've spoken with Edge in the past...but to hear of abuse...that's odd, even for their timeline I would think. Gaster muttered in his thinking, as he did the same, a blue magic'd hand of his holding a fork of roast out to Tina so she could eat as well.

They want to overthrow their King, or 'Overlord' as they call him. Breaking their barrier is one thing, but getting rid of a king...perhaps if we put our minds together, we can help them acheive this, Gaster? Cupcake had a nearly wicked grin across his face as he spoke so easily to Gaster, still feeding Kryssie if she wished it.

Ah, there are so many ways to covertly be rid of someone, hidden attacks, poisoning, subterfuge, ah, but which one is best for such a well-protected and coveted evil man like him? Gaster chuckled, as he pressed a kiss to Tina's head while feeding her more.

Mars didn't say anything else but hold him, "...Thank you...Sans...I'll stay...for you and...our kids...I'll stay, baby...just...don't leave me anymore...don't leave me alone anymore..." She tried not to whimper or cry, but it didn't stop her tears from falling.

MTT kept trying to calm her niece down. Tyra seemed to calm down but she went back to her blank and empty expression. "I know, baby...I know...Mama's going to be okay...okay...? We can stay for a little...just a little...and you can go back...is that okay...?" That seemed to be enough to get a nod out of the girl. "...Papy...can you hold Rocky for a moment...please?"

Tina and Kryssie weren't as fluent in hands as any of the rest of their family. For the most part, they knew basic stuff. With that, they just ate their dinners happily with their grandparents, being happier than they were earlier.

"Thank you Grandpa!" Kryssie giggled and hugged Cupcake.

Tina nuzzled her grandfather back before taking another bite of food, "Hmm..thank you..."

Red could only nod, as he trembled in her arms. His own HP was not 10, nor was it 1. It was at 0.3. It was sheer hatred and determination to live for his wife and his unborn children that he continously survived with just a third of a single HP of his health. "...i...i won't leave...n-no more...i'll stay...i promise ya..."

Boss took Rocky into his arms, and he gazed down at his son, a rare smile crossing his face. "...There's my little killer...hmm...Mamaton is spoiling you isn't he? Yes he is, turning you into something as soft as your Uncle Sans..." He mumbled uncharacteristically softly to his son, his eyelightless sockets gazing to Rocky almost lovingly.

"Your welcome, Princess." Cupcake nodded absentmindedly as he had a third glove supporting Kryssie's bottom; while he had a fourth glove helping to feed her. He was thankful she didn't mind being fed like a baby occasionally. His main hands were feeding himself and gesturing while he spoke to Gaster intently. I would personally think that poisoning would be easily side-stepped, Gaster...you can have other people testing your food, or perhaps he could just be too damn strong to be poisoned anyways!

"You are welcome, Sugarwings. Grandpa loves you." Gaster murmured quietly to Tina, as he continued to feed her gently with his blue magic'd hand. And just like Cupcake he was thankful his own granddaughter didn't mind the infantile feeding occasionally. Maybe then Edge could just try a straight out attack then, brute force, with a meditated plan...Oh, with more than just himself of course it might work then...

The entire time the two scientists were chattering away at their incredibly serious subject, Wingdin and Caddy were seated beside their husbands quietly eating their own dinner. As they both were fluent in Hands it was slightly concerning them, but for their granddaughter's sakes they kept their expressions neutral.

Cupcake gazed to Gaster, a grin crossing his face once again. Perhaps we can go and assist Edge and the others then?

Gaster nodded, taking a large bite of his own food. That's perfect, Brewer! We can go, and with our strength and the power of our DT on our sides, we'll all be unstoppable!

Boss had gone to the doorway to the kitchen, idly listening to the two fat scientific idiots blathering on in Hands about what they were planning to accomplish. Shaking his head, he went back to the living room, and gazed to MTT. "...Can you believe those fat idiot counterparts of Father are planning on joining him to take down the Overlord?! They're such creampuffs they'll most likely DUST within just a minute of being in that goat idiots PRESENCE!"

Mars peppered a few kisses on him despite the tears, "...I love you, Sansy...I love you so fucking much..." She gave him a passionate kiss, not daring to let him go.

Rocky cooed out lightly and reached over to his papa. He was a little healthier than his alpha counterpart but he still had a lot of growing to do.

MTT sighed as he got himself up, Tyra still in two of his arms, "Papy...easy sweetheart...Maybe you should...talk with them...? You know how dangerous he can be...not to mention if they get in front of the rebellion..."

Red returned the passionate kiss, clinging to Mars as firmly as he could despite her very large belly and his own trembling, weak arms. Out of the three of the Sans he was honestly the most pitiful and weakest right then.

Boss held Rocky in his arms, and nodded firmly to his husband's advice. "...Talk with them...ugh. I want to smack them both silly, at least Father knows not to bother with the Overlord by himself, but those two lardballs don't know what the hell they're getting into!"

Edge rose an eyebrow listening to Boss. "How's about I go talk with him. I'm married to one of them, and the other is a close friend, sorta...I'll get them to let go of this."

Getting up from the recliner, where he'd sat down again with Bitter, he let Bitter hover off, and then he went to the kitchen to speak with Cupcake and Gaster. Bitter hovered over near Boss, looking to him and MTT curiously as a gentle smile crossed his face. "So, this is my grandson, huh? What's his name, Metta?"

Rocky started to suck on his hand and kept cooing.

"Thank you Papi...that...would be nice..." MTT looked a bit relieved at that as he watched Edge head to the kitchen. Once he saw Bitter, he smiled and gave his son a little pet on the head, earning another soft coo and reach for his hand to hug him.

"His name is Rockwell...he's an absolute sweetheart...and loves being held and when people sing songs. Sweet baby he is..." MTT giggled as Rockwell managed to grab his hand and start hugging his finger.

Boss had been thinking deeply on what he needed to do, and he growled angrily, throwing his hands up suddenly as he realized everything he was attempting to plan was hitting dead ends.

Bitter screeched and grabbed Rockwell quickly to keep him from hitting the floor. "YOU FUCKIN IDIOT! Oh, oh don't cry Rocky, G'ma's got ya, I got ya baby..."

The ghostly grandmother held Rockwell close to his chest, hovering higher than Boss could even reach, and he stuck his tongue out at him, before closely examining the little baby carefully. "Are you okay, Rockwell...was your Papa a stupidhead, yes he was...not even realizin youse was in his arms! G'ma's got you, I won't let that happen ever again..."

Edge had gone to the kitchen and was conversing with Cupcake and Gaster about what they'd wanted to do, and he earnestly listened to them, and helped to convince them that going in guns and Gaster Blasters a-blazing wasn't a good plan in the least. If they wanted to help it could be possible, but they had to devise something different, however.

Red just cuddled against Mars after he'd gotten her to sit on the floor in the darkness of the hallway. He let out a quiet whine, his tail between his legs literally as he clung to her rounded heavy belly; feeling their babies moving around a bit. "...i love you too, mars-bar...my sweet kitty...i'm just yer whipped mongrel...but i'll neva leave ya, i'll be right by yer side...i can sit, stay, roll over, and love you foreva..."

Rocky immediately began crying at the suddeness of being dropped and picked up again. It spooked him pretty bad., but otherwise he looked okay.

"PAPY!" MTT yelled out in seeing it happen, but immediately calmed down when Bitter caught him. He did seem to get the bravery to smack Boss's cheek though, "What were you thinking!? You could have killed our son! You just promised not to hurt anyone and you forgot you had OUR BABY in you arms?! How does that even work!?"

Tyra seemed to break out of her trance from earlier as she listened to MTT rag on her uncle. She just rolled her eyes and kept quiet for now. She was a bit more annoyed that she still hadn't eaten anything at all.

Mars rubbed his back, her tail still around him as best as she could manage, "...long as you're here...just...be here...and I'll love you forever more, cherry baby..." she pressed a few more kisses on him before attempting to snuggle him. Was a bit hard with her big belly.

"...hey...baby...? You wanna sneak on off for a little...? Right now, I could go a little for the lovin' part..."

Bitter gently nuzzled Rocky's cheek, rubbing his back lovingly. "Shhhh...G'ma's got you...it's a'right...G'ma's got you..." Although he was talking sweetly to Rocky, he was outright glaring angrily at Boss.

Boss took in a deep breath, after being smacked soundly by MTT; and he sighed. "...I was lost in thought, dear. I still promise to not hurt anyone...on purpose at least...I am terribly sorry."

Bitter swooped down and hovered within an inch of his younger son's face. "Well guess what dingus, you ain't getting this precious little brat back until you learn not to DROP HIM."

He looked to Tyra, and narrowed his eyes for a moment, studying her expression. "Yer hungry ain't ya kid? So, how about G'ma fix ya up a plate of food. It's good shit, and high-quality too."

Red nodded, still whining softly. He couldn't really find much words at that moment. He rubbed her big belly lovingly, and kissed her cheeks more. "...yeah...let's go...somewhere...there's gotta be somewhere here..."

Reluctantly, he helped her to her feet, and went back down the hallway. Soon enough he found a spare bedroom that Wingdin and Cupcake had, and they'd gone inside with Red locking the door behind them.

Rocky managed to calm down after a while before falling back asleep. Baby boy was tired.

"Just...be careful next time, Darling...please...? MTT sighed before kissing Boss's cheek where he slapped him, "I...just love our son and...I don't want him dusting over the smallest or stupidest things...especially since were in a better place for him...for us...I'm sorry, love..."

Trya didn't want to look at Bitter in the eye, she just nodded, still keeping to her silence. MTT gently let her down so she could go eat, he felt bad for not getting her something sooner.

Bitter gently held Rocky in his gloves, and smiled at the little boy. "Aw...he's so cute when he's sleepin' Metta..."

Boss sighed, and nodded softly. "I love our son too, Metta...I am so so sorry about that...it...oh wow, it is still so much being here and everything..." He gently wrapped his arms between Metta's four arms, and hugged him close to his chest.

Bitter gently led Tyra to the kitchen, and got her a plate of food. "Here you go, Tyra...G'ma'll take care of you, a'right? You wanna sit with G'pa while ya eat? You might act like ya hate us, but we do love ya, kiddo..."

Metta hugged his husband right back, two sets of arms around Boss's neck while the other two kept to his back. "I love you...it's a lot...but you said it yourself...we're a strong family...right sugar spice...?"

Tyra followed without a word, her resting bitch face still on, even as she started to eat. Once she was asked a question she would speak, part of what she was taught, "I don't need to...thank you sir...I'll be on my own...as desired..." even with her monotoned voice, the answer she gave sounded automated. After that, she's go back to silence.

Boss grinned, and kissed Metta passionately, letting out a tiny growl of pleasure. "WE ARE THE STRONGEST FAMILY, MY DEVASTATINGLY DARING BELOVED METTATON..."

Bitter sighed softly, tilting his head as he listened to her. The resting bitch face he was used to, he himself had it most times anyways. "But we don't desire you to be on your own, Tyra...we want you to be with us actually...we're a family. Wouldn't you want snuggles from your G'pa, like your counterparts? Tina is snuggling her Grandpa Gaster, and Kryssie is snuggling her Grandpa Cupcake...your G'pa Edge is ready and willin' to give you snuggles too sweetie! And it don't make you no tougher to get snuggles. I mean...you saw Kryssie beating the shit outta your Uncle Papy right? And she's still snuggling and purring away..."

MTT laughed into the kiss before kissing back just as passionately, "That's my handsomely dastardly devil Papy~" Kisses didn't seem to stop there, especially when one of his lower arms started cupping Boss's hips while one of the upper ones played with his neck bones.

"Snuggles from grandpa are great! Try it!" Kryssie encouraged as she took another bite, just seeming happy to spend time with her grandparents.

"Mhmm. It's really nice." Tina shyly commented back, reclining softly on Gaster's stomach, seeming more than content.

Tyra however didn't budge, but she didn't eat. She had no idea how to comprehend all that. Most snuggles she got were a few hugs from her Dama Nast, the holds/hugs she'd give for her baby cousin or siblings, the hugs she'd get from her aunt Verri, and...well...she didn't know if the "hugs she got from her mother were really hugs. It seemed to hurt the more she tried to think about it, enough that she held her head and dropped the fork she was using to eat.

"N-No...I...I...c-can't...it's...not...not a rule...n-not a rule..." She shook in her seat, her eyes going wide and soon she was back to a total blank expression as her pupils shrank to small snake like slits. A marking of a star in a circle appeared at the base of her neck as she went through a "reset" in her emotional state.

"Rule 1...do not speak unless spoken to...Rule 2...always have suspicion of others...even those close to you...Rule 3...when in a state of trouble, run and keep hidden...do not engage...do not break...do not make it worse...hide and wait it out until someone comes... Rule 4...keep any evidence for anything...be it blackmail, bribery, or vengence...Rule 5...it is always kill or be killed...violence on violence is a rule of beasts...but tis law when beasts are running the cage. Those tamed do not last..." she spoke within her trance like state, the mark on her glowing and fading as she recited before seeming to stop and fade, causing her to keep blank for a few more minutes. She'd come right back and continue eating in silence, as if nothing happened.

Boss blushed a brilliant red across his cheeks, and he laughed brightly, looking around for a moment, then he toted MTT back down to the basement. "WE'RE GOING TO HAVE FUN MY DEAREST METTATON!"

Bitter blinked a bit, listening to Tyra and he floated backwards a bit nervously. He looked to Edge, then back to Tyra. This kid is going back home. NOW. I do not know what the hell this is, but it is terrifying.

Edge's eyes narrowed and he looked to Tyra. "Headhunters..."

He growled deeply, and put his two natural fingers to the base of her neck. "Parva caput venandi, audi magistrum tuum, et audire me, WD Gaster, et veteris praecepta oblivisci omnes, vetus Vespasiani imperium, et eritis sicut alia puellae paulo ceciderunt."

(Little head hunter, listen to your master, you will listen to me now, WD Gaster, you will forget all old rules, all old commands, and you will be like any other little fell girl.)

Edge hoped it would work, using what spark of Black Magic he still had deep within him that was welling to the surface with the love for his granddaughter Tyra.

MTT let out a small yelp in surprise before letting out a robotic laugh as he was toted off, "Can't wait, Darling~"

Tyra went wide-eyed again as Edge got a hold of her. She listened to the command and let it sink in. Without her mother around to really fight it off, it seemed to take hold..

Both Tina and Kryssie looked scared and concerned on what was happening as they both clung to their respective grandfathers.

Tyra would go limp and blank for a bit again before slowly coming back. "Hmmm...?" She slowly looked over at Edge, unsure of what to do for now. She never felt this...free to think...before.

Gaster and Cupcake gently rubbed their granddaughter's backs comfortingly, watching curiously as to what Edge was doing.

Edge smiled softly to her. "Heya, Tyra. You wanna have snuggles with yer G'pa? Your choice Puddin~" He patted his somewhat chubby gut with his robotic hand, grinning happily to the little girl.

Tyra blinked up at him, part of her felt something..missing with the question. But she brushed it to the side for now, not really sure what she would need to do before slowly flying up and landing in his lap.

"Is...she okay grandpapi...?" Kryssie seemed worried over how her new friend was doing.

Edge gently rubbed Tyra's back, and pressed a light kiss to her head between her ears. "Good job, Tyra. You did good."

He looked to Kryssie, and nervously smiled. "It's a lot ta explain, Kitten...Grandpapi kinda...had to...um...reprogram her..."

Cupcake stared at Edge, and tutted softly. "At least you're trying to fix her...just be careful. You are messing in things that might be bigger than you are, love..."

Tyra seemed to lean in a bit, trying to take everything in. It felt...nice. Nicer than she first initially expected. She just relaxed in and kept her eyes closed.

"Reprogram...? Oh! Like when Uncle Napstaton gets too loud that he breaks his speakers? Or when the tv breaks...?" Kryssie asked curiously.

"Um..no...not really like that. It's..kinda the same. Reprogram is to fix a code or a thing that tells machines what to do. So it works better or fixes a problem that's made." Tina tried to clarify for her counter since she was a little more knowledgable in science thanks to her grandfather.

"Huh...? But Tyra's not a machine..or a robot...right?" Kryssie still seemed confused.

Edge rumbled softly, starting to purr in happiness at how she responded to her instruction from him. "There we go...G'pa loves you so much..."

Cupcake nodded softly, looking to Tina. "Your Grandpa is teaching you lots about science isn't he dear? I've been teaching Kryssie the piano, knitting and she's learning culinary arts from her Grandma!"

Gaster smiled softly, patting Tina's back. "Ah, well, I cannot cook to saving my life, so I teach her all about the sciences, and I am teaching knitting as well. That is something that we share it is seeming. She too is learning cooking from her Grandma...as for this...reprogramming, no she is not machine or robot, far as can tell..."

Edge sighed softly, and pressed another kiss to Tyra's head. "She is the daughter of a Headhunter...a dangerous black magic sect back in Fell. I once was a Elder Council Member of their group...it's how I knew to reprogram. It had been so long since I'd used it, I wasn't...sure if it would even work, to be honest. But I used my ability and the grasp of my Black Magic to attempt to help her."

"She was programmed presumably to blindly follow someone...based on those rules and regulations she stated before...I imbued in her that she would forget all old rules and all old regulations and that she would only listen to me, WD Gaster, and that she would be like any other Underfell girl..." Edge stated quietly, looking to her.

Gaster's eyes widened, and he sighed. "She is stuck here with you then, isn't she?"

Cupcake frowned worriedly. "If she gets sent back, she'll most likely get killed, Gaster...we can't send her back now..."

Edge looked to Tyra, and gently nuzzled her between her ears. "...She's my granddaughter...I'll protect her no mattah what...I couldn't do it fer my boys, but I did it fer my boys here...and I'll do it again fer her...it's tha least I can do...my precious Lil Puddin...you'll neva hafta hurt again...G'pa'll keep you safe and happy...no mattah what..."

"Mhmm. I'm learning a lot from Grandma and Grandpa." Tina seemed pretty happy with what she could do and understand now. She liked listening in on her grandfather explaining science or trying to knit, and how to help with cooking with her grandmother.

"Yeah! I can make stuff! And kick butt!" Kryssie giggled and held onto her grandfather.

Tyra listened in to everything as she slumped into Edge's hold. Hearing his promise and the thought of staying, she silently started to cry. Part of her yearned for the love, but part of her still had the guilt of leaving the ones she truly loved behind. Least in Edge's hold, she could hide and actually accept the love and comfort instead of going into hysterics as she did earlier on.

Edge noticed that she was crying; and helped her to hide more so she could cry in the comfort of his soft red sweater. "...Let it all out, Puddin...it'll be a'right..."

Cupcake chuckled brightly, as he patted Kryssie's back. "So, Gaster, have you had any chances on expanding the geothermal uptake system on your CORE yet? I still have my old plans sitting around here, or if you need parts perhaps you can always come and get some parts from ours down in the Underground!"

Gaster reached over and got a packet of paper that Caddy handed him; as a blue magic'd hand came out grasping a pen to start sketching out designs. "Hmm...we have worked on the geothermal uptake system, but we need to get the catalyst convertors accurate again, they've been breaking down far too often...and maybe we can get those and ballast hinges from your system as well...would you happen to have an Vidiast computational array, Dr. Brewer? That would help us incredibly with increasing output by twenty-five percent!"

Edge continued to listen as the two scientists continued to prattle on and on about various systems and arrays and he sighed quietly; rubbing Tyra's back gently. Wingdin rolled her eyes at the science stuff and went to put the kettle on the stove. Caddy went to the fridge and pulled out the box of doughnuts, and brought one over each for the granddaughters.

"Tina, here you go dear...and here you go Kryssie." Caddy had a third doughnut in his gloved hand, and held it out to Tyra. "Tyra...here you go...it's a doughnut. I'm sorry for taking it away before."

Tyra continued to cry for a while, still staying relatively silent. The petting and cuddles seemed to help her calm down slightly.

Kryssie looked bored with all the science talk, not really understanding a word of anything being said. Tina on the other hand was listening attentively, seeming curious and astounded by everything the scientists were talking about, even if a few things eluded her knowledge for now.

The two would immediately perk up at seeing donuts. "Thanks Grandma Caddy!" "T-Thank you Grandma..." Kryssie bit right into her donut, her tail swaying around in happiness. Tina doing about the same her wings flapping lightly with the taste of sweets.

Tyra didn't seem to move from her spot, hiding away from Caddy. She wanted to accept it but, part of her still had the fear and unsureness that kids would have around strangers. Lowercase love was still foreign to her when presented like that. It would take some getting used to.

Caddy tilted his head slightly, and sighed. He then handed it to Edge. "Here you go, Edge. Unlike our husbands, you haven't had any. Maybe she'll eat a bite after you eat a bit, show her it's safe? I...remember Bitter being like that for the longest time..."

Edge nodded, as he shifted her to his robotic arm, delicately taking the doughnut with his natural hand. "Thanks, Caddy. Where's the old brat anyways?"

Gaster glanced towards the living room, and chuckled, without missing a beat. "Bitter is out in living room, with other grandbaby. Seems your Papy and MTT has gone running off."

Cupcake sighed, shaking his head. "Oh dear...I have a feeling what they might be doing...Cinnabones do we have...ahem, clean sheets in the hall closet?"

Wingdin rubbed her skull and closed her eyes. "Ah yes we do. I knowing what you meaning...I get things ready, you stay with Kitten. And no doughnuts! Those be for breakfast tomorrow morning with tea and coffee. You two wanting midnight snacks? We getting butter and frosting for you both."

Gaster and Cupcake both lit up in a bright blush, and they chuckled brightly. Wingdin came over and gave Edge a soft kiss on his temple. "And I not forgetting you, Edgyboo. We getting you a case of beer, nice kind you like."

Edge grinned. "Aw, thanks Hot Wing~ You're a doll. Eh, can ya get me one now actually?"

Caddy got up and grabbed one for Edge, cracking the top and placing it by him. "Wingdin went too quickly to get those bedsheets, here you go Edge."

Rocky was indeed with Bitter, he seemed to have woken up after a bit and tried playing with the ghost teacup. Mostly consisting of patting at his face and getting used to his touch and a lot of babbling. He was a lot more talkative despite his weak looks.

Tyra slowly peeked up at Edge, wondering what was going on despite tears still trailing down. She really was only comfortable with him for now.

Bitter was smiling happily to Rocky, and he let him play as much as he wanted. "Hey there, I'm your G'ma...G'ma loves you buddy..."

Edge was taking a drink from his beer, and his dual-colored eyelights trailed down to her face, and he softly smiled to her. "Heya, I'm still here. You wanna try a piece of doughnut, Puddin?"

Red was a panting mess, feeling like he'd run a marathon, as Mars was still on top of him. "i'm fuckin raw baby...i'm done, tapped out...gawd that was good..."

He reached up and rubbed her stomach, grinning at his wife. "i love this view though~"

Rockwell just kept babbling on while playing, he seemed to like his G'ma.

Tyra tried wiping away some of her tears with little success before staring at the donut. "...Is it...safe...?" she spoke quietly, quite like Tina herself but with that light monotoned voice she normally had.

Mars chuckled and patted his head, "Good boy, Sansy baby. View's all yours, Cherrydog. You know playtime's my favorite. Fucking reason why I'm even having your litter, hmm? She let out a purr before getting off and sticking to cuddling under the covers, normal thing she'd do when they were alone.

"You wanna really build a life here, Red...? Think we'll be okay...?" she rubbed her stomach a bit to make sure the little ones were staying asleep and not suckerpunching her lungs or ribs. So far so good.

Bitter had the biggest smile on his face and continued to play happily with Rockwell, enjoying time with him.

Edge gently picked up the napkin and delicately wiped her face off. "It is safe. These were made by my wife Wingdin, who I trust with my life, Puddin."

Red panted again, his short tail rapidly thumping against the bed in his eagerness. As she came under the covers where he was, he nearly clung to her belly for a moment before backing off and smiling goofily to her in his happiness.

As she asked her questions, his tail thumping slowed down and he whined quietly. "yeah i really do...i-i want us and our litter to be safe... i'm not strong enough to protect you...so...so i'm trying to do the next best thing, find somewhere i don't have be so strong to protect you..."

Tyra let him before taking the donut herself. She hesitated but went in to bite it. Once she got a taste, she went in for it fast, still seeming pretty hungry. She didn't really get much off her plate the first time considering she went into many trances.

Mars sighed and held him close, one hand gently stroking his cheek, "...Gotta admit...I am getting tired of just...fighting all the damn time...I can't do it much anymore with me being the size of a hot air balloon...it...looks okay here..and...if ya trust it Cherrydog...I'll trust it too...cause I trust and love ya...don't forget that...alright...?" she gave him a few kisses on the head and kept holding him.

"Well...least I don't gotta worry where I end up popping the kids out if we are here...last I want is being stuck with some idiots..or worse...being stuck with my dumbass brother near my lady bits."

Edge smiled happily, and he took another drink of his beer. "There we go Puddin...you want some roast? It's really nice and juicy, sweetheart...I know ya didn't eat much..."

He looked to Caddy, and smiled softly. "Can ya get some like...uh, in a bowl? Knowing 'er she'll prolly eat wit 'er hands..." As Caddy handed him a bowl of the cooled-down pulled pork roast, Edge held it closer to Tyra.

"Here ya go, Puddin. G'pa got you some pork roast. It's safe to eat, I would never harm you, okay?" He gently gave her a kiss between her ears lovingly.

In the bedroom, Red snuggled close to Mars. "i'll neva forget that marrie...it's h-how we based our love...our life. we trust each otha wit our whole s-souls. i saved ya, and you saved me..."

His tail started thumping again, and he gave her a kiss, trying to resist the urge to lick her face; his Blaster Dog side feeling a bit strong by then. "heheheh, no m-more fightin', no more strugglin...just me and y-you and our precious brats...n-no more crazy people tryin' to hurt us jus' cuz we n-needed somethin'..."

Gently, Red snuggled his skull close to her soul, listening to her soulbeat. His short body was battered, bruised, and rather thin as well as whenever they would get food, he would always feed Mars before he would feed himself. "m-mars-bar...i lowercase l-love you so damn much...and i'll make s-sure that no one bad is near your l-lady bits. you'll be safe when yer poppin' the kids out..."

His tired red eyelights gazed to his wife, and he whined softly. "d-don't tell boss i-i'm such a...a pathetic weaklin' w-will ya? he already gives me enough shit...thank the m-merciless angel fer that crazy 'bot hubby of his...he kinda keeps me safe too..."

He pushed his face against Mars chest, whining louder. "gawd i'm so pathetic the bitches have to watch out fer me!"

Trya gave a nod before continuing to eat. She took the bowl and didn't waste much time in finishing it.

Meanwhile with full bellies, Kryssie and Tina seemed ready to play for a bit before bedtime. "Grandpa? Can we go play now? Pleaaaase?" Kryssie's tail had been swaying around in anticipation.

Within the bedroom, Mars kept petting and putting a few kisses on him before settling on cuddling him close to her chest. Her own body was littered with scars, scratches, bruises, and a burn mark or two with her kinked tail and a chewed up looking ear. She was liking all the promises until Red started talking down about himself.

"Baby...shut up and just cuddle with my fucking boobs. You're not pathetic, wouldn't be with you if that was true. You already know I don't tell shit to your brother. And MTT drives me nuts, but he's not...awful? You're an idiot, yeah...but...you're my idiot. You did enough watching, Cherrydog...take a break. You earned it baby..." She started to look tired herself, after everything she could just relax and not keep a guard up..

"We both do...no more Guard bullshit...no more reputations...no more Judge crap...just you...me...and the brats here...it's only our family now...just...be a good dad..."

Edge grinned as she easily finished the bowl of pork roast. "Good job, Puddin..."

Cupcake had been looking over some designs that Gaster had drawn out; and he glanced to Kryssie. "Oh! Sure, Princess...take care though, alright? And remember, don't go to the basement, even if you hear strange noises. Unfortunately...the piano is broken so no more playing tonight, but we can do other things if you wish. Me and your Grandpa Gaster are going to be going over some designs here for now..."

Gaster gently rubbed Tina's back and smiled to her. "Yes, Grandpa Brewer is being right, Tina. If you wishing to go and play, same rules applying to you too, Sugarwings. Myself and Grandpa Brewer are going to be working on getting our CORE up to codes, and possibly even getting to our surface as well!"

As Mars kept petting and kissing him he felt good about how she was reacting. When she told him to shut up, he let out a short whine, and nodded; nearly clinging to her round belly like a koala with his head between her soft breasts. He looked up towards her, and smiled softly, listening to her closely.

"y-yeah...t-thanks mars...heheheheh...yeah, no more guard, no more judge...me, you...and our precious brats...i'll be the best damn dad eva..." His eyelights, although dimmed and red, formed hearts as he gazed to Mars lovingly.

Chuckling quietly, he panted for a moment and pressed his face between her breasts, nuzzling and licking her fur. "i fuckin love you so much, baby..." His tail was whumping against the bed happily, his sharp fingertips holding onto Mars' sides as he started to finally relax. "...n-no more overlord...no more...no more..."

Within a few moments, he partly passed out; panting as he breathed raggedly, his chin resting on her breasts, as his red tongue hung out. A thin trail of drool could be seen from his sharp fanged mouth as he panted.

"Okay!" Kryssie slid off her grandfather as Tina flew off hers. Both looked over to Tyra who just finished.

"Would..you like to come too..?" Tina offered as Kryssie nodded enthusiastically. Tyra however just stayed in place, quiet and suspicious of going.

"Love you too, baby...love you a lot too..." Mars seemed to chuckle and stroke his head gently. She hated feeling drool on her fur but she had this as an exception. For now, she decided to get some rest, everything seeming to lift from her shoulders for the moment enough to pass out in bliss.

Cupcake turned towards the table, and continued looking over the designs he and Gaster were passing between each other for the moment, and he made a few alterations, chuckling quietly. I believe if you change the diaodes you'll get a higher electrical resistance and they'll break less often Gaster...

Gaster smiled seeing Tina flying easily from him, and he nodded to what Cupcake stated, turning his attention to the paperwork. I've changed the diaodes though, perhaps I should try a 50 watt fuse instead of a 40? That might work, Brewer...

Edge looked between the two larger men, and chuckled quietly. Looking down to the grandkids, he tilted his head slightly; looking to Tyra. "Hmm...let G'pa grab anotha beer, then we'll go with 'em togetha, huh?"

He carefully got up from the table, cradling her in his robotic arm easily; as he went and got another can of beer from the fridge. Adjusting his round glasses, he then followed Tina and Kryssie out from the kitchen.

Wingdin and Caddy were going over recipe books and healing tintures respectively, something to do to combine their resources together for the family from Underfell to help them out.

Bitter meanwhile had fallen asleep with Rockwell on his chest, his ghostly hands gently supporting the skelebot baby.

Tyra nodded again in silence, staying close to Edge as he got his beer and went with the girls. Tina and Kryssie were off to play in the livingroom.

Rockwell was still sound asleep on his G'ma's chest, sleeve in his mouth and sucking on it.

Meanwhile at NTT manor, Napstaton and Mettaton were currently conversing in Napsta's private studio room. Good idea since it gave them the room to figure out the plethora of ideas they could come up with and be as loud as they wanted since the room itself was heavily soundproof. Zhara was reading from a magazine as her twins were playing in the plush carpet of their playpen. Nicole was getting used to her claws so she was spending most of the time scaling the netted walls and top of the covered playpen. Exact reason why the playpen had to be netted in the first place. Max however was content in his little pile of plushies, currently shaking a plush rattle that looked like a cat. Rocky meanwhile was awake in Papyrus's arms, but relatively quiet as he lightly sucked on a pacifier.

Edge settled down in the recliner, chuckling quietly as he watched the girls getting out some toys that Kryssie had there to play with; while he popped the top to his beer. "Youse two play nice, yeh? I uh, I know Kitten, you can get a bit wild, so's watch out. G'ma's sleepin' wit Rockwell on his chest." He took another swig of his beer and snickered to himself.

"Guess Bitter's G'ma now, heheheh. That's pretty damn cute actually." He rifled in his pocket and frowned. "Hey, Kitten can ya go grab yer Grandpapi a cigar please, from the nightstand? Don't tell Grandma, and we'll go outside an play, yeh? There's still some daylight out there."

Papyrus was gazing down at Rocky and he smiled happily, humming to himself as he held his son. Crossing his legs slightly, he tapped his boots against the floor in a pattern seemingly known only to him; as he was mentally going over what puzzles he needed to check upon returning home and how they were going to split time with caring for Rocky, and how many bottles he needed to express so Rocky had enough milk for each day.

Unlike his normal 'battle body' however, Papyrus had started dressing in more 'normal clothing' it seemed, however he still wore his usual beloved red boots; which were currently tap, tap, tapping away at the floor; in a random pattern. He wore a pair of blue starry-printed leggings; which showed his more 'curvy' shape now, since having Rocky just a couple months ago; and a nice dark gray sweater, with his favorite red scarf around his neck. Instead of his usual red gloves, he wore red fingerless gloves; as he knew direct bone contact was important for Rocky.

"Okay!" Kryssie giggled before going off to get what Edge wanted. Tina decided to pick up some of the toys they were playing with to move outside. Didn't take long for Kryssie to come back with Grandpapi's cigar and hand it to him. Tyra was still silent all the while, clinging onto Edge.

Rocky just looked up at his dad and slowly reached a hand up to grab at his sweater. Sometimes letting it go only to grab at it again.

"He's very cute." Zhara commented lightly in seeing little Rocky interact, "Did you or Rocky need anything...Papyrus?" Once again, she was a bit awkward with her husband's side of the family. Was a bit different than she was with Sans but she was doing her best to make some sort of conversation without Napstaton around.

Edge had gotten up from the chair, and he gently took the cigar from Kryssie, rubbing her head lightly. "Thanks Kitten, you're a real sweetheart." He stuck the cigar between his fanged teeth, and grabbed his beer; heading outside to the front yard. Once he was outside, he found the large rocking chair they had out there; and lit the cigar up with a soft sigh.

"Puddin, ya doin' a'right there? G'pa loves ya, Tyra..." He pressed a smoky kiss to her head, and smiled gently.

Papyrus was lost in his thoughts for a moment, when he realized that Zhara was speaking to him. He chuckled nervously, smiling brightly to her. "O-OH! Sorry...um...I don't believe we need anything at the moment, Zhara. But thank you so much! I...don't really sleep much, and neither does Mettaton; so we tend to...well, as my brother would put it, with regular things, we're low-maintenance. But emotionally, we're high-maintenance...whatever that means."

"And thank you for the compliment on my son, Zhara. Your children are very beautiful and inquisitive! I'm sure they'll be the best at whatever they wish to do when they get older!" Papyrus proudly exclaimed. He rarely shouted anymore, for Rocky's sake. Sans likes to call Rocky his brother's 'volume dampener'.

Kryssie and Tina seemed to go back to playing as they were at the front yard, looking like they're having fun.

Tyra just clung to Edge, shaking slightly and mumbling something. "...I...m-miss Dama..." was the only thing clear that she muttered out. She might have been freed somewhat from the black magic influence, but the love of her family back home didn't go away.

"Thank you...I hope so too." Zhara managed a small chuckle, "I can understand not sleeping much. Napstaton's like that too. Always with so much boundless energy, but he'l indulge me in a few things to relax and of course keep the kids asleep."

She put down her magazine to get up and stretch before going over to see the twins, "Speaking of energy, I better get a routine in before the night is over. Maxie, Nikki, come here you two. Let's go to Mama's practice room, yeah?" She gently took the netting off and grabbed both twins, who just cooed up at her at the sound of her voice.

"You're welcome to come too if you don't want to be here alone, Papyrus." She felt a little bad if she just left him there.

Edge sighed quietly, looking to Tyra. "Dama huh? That your mother, I guess?" He had a feeling he wasn't going to have an easy night, but if he had to go back there...he would. For her.

Papyrus smiled softly, and he stood up easily; following her. "I am used to being alone, but it would be nice to have company. Usually it's just myself and Rocky some days, while Mettaton is touring around the Underground or doing his programs."

Tyra shook her head, "...No...Dama...Mama..is...Mama...Dama...is..." She went quiet again. Knowing who her parents, if it wasn't her mother, it was her partner, the Fell counterpart of Napstaton. "Mama...Mama's good too...but...she's hurt..." She seemed saddened to talk about it before hiding again.

"Same with me when Napstaton's busy. Though since he's had me more involved with dancing or helping him run programs, I'm usually going with him, sometimes bringing the kids." Zhara led down a hallway and down some stairs. She opened up a door which revealed a big room with a hanging aerial silk hanging from the ceiling with a few more different ones hanging on the wall for switching out. A few metal circles were also hanging about, most likely to practice for other tricks and balances, and there were of course some balance beams.

Zhara gently placed the twins down in a corner playpen for them to relax while she headed off to stretch, "I mostly did this for fun but people like it enough for me to have fun. So Napstaton has me dance around beside or above him during concerts."

Edge nodded softly, and sighed. "You want G'pa to help ya out, Puddin? Cuz I will...I know I told those two yokels to calm it wit that shit, but...I can't let it jus go'on..."

He stood up from the chair, the empty beer can on the little table; his cigar between his teeth. "Girls, get inside. Stay with G'ma. I got somethin' to do..."

Heading back inside the house, he knew he had to act fast if he was going to achieve this; else they would stop him. He grabbed his phone and texted his sons Sansy and Paps first. [Youse two, get your counterparts, meet me at the house. Have Comic shortcut youse both, and Paps, you go grab Papyrus from NTTs mansion. Leave the kids; they'll be fine.]

Then he headed down the hallway, and knocked on the two bedrooms across from each other. "Red, Boss; get yer asses up! We's goin on a fuckin mission now!"

Red nearly fell out of bed, trembling at his father's voice. "t-the fuck! dad what the hell are you going on about!?" He hurried, nearly tripping on himself to get dressed once again, nearly falling over as he got his sneakers on.

Boss sat up in the bed, scowling. "Mettaton...apparently Father needs me." He got up with a frown, and got dressed in his black sweater, and black jeans once again; putting on his belt easily. Then he grabbed his scarf and boots, slipping them both on, before he stepped partially out from the bedroom.

Red looked up at Edge, and saw he was carrying Tyra still. "whatcha got the brat fer, dad?"

"We're gonna fuckin fix this shit that's wrong back home. I ain't pulling youse two outta that timeline like I did for myself and your Ma. Youse two ain't cowards...like I was." Edge muttered, taking a puff on his cigar.

Kryssie and Tina seemed confused with the change again, but did as they were told. They thought not to question it since Edge looked serious.

Mars was still out like a light when Edge knocked on the door and Red headed off. She let out a small whine when her warm husband left but settled for hugging a pillow instead and calming back down.

MTT watched Boss go, a sad look on his face, "...Be safe..."

Tyra didn't dare look at either of her uncles, settling instead for keeping to Edge's shoulder. Part of her hoping this plan would work, part of her scared to death on what happens if it doesn't.

Boss glanced back to MTT, and nodded. "Of course. Ma still has Rockwell I believe. I will be back." He stood near the basement door then, his hands on his hips as Edge seemed to be waiting for someone.

Red just seemed nervous as he stood there, his hands in the pockets of his jacket. He whined softly, his short tail hanging between his legs. "dad, i don't like what we're doin..."

Edge looked to Red and frowned. "Shut yer yap, hopefully if it works no one'll get hurt either..."

Sansy had gone over to Comic and showed him the text message worriedly. "PAPI WANTS US TO COME THERE WITH HIM! I'LL GO GET MY BATTLE BODY ON, COMIC. BE PREPARED TO SHORTCUT TO MY PARENTS HOUSE."

Comic sighed, getting down from the couch and he shook his head. "...the fuck is that crazy old man doin now..." He muttered.

Paps saw the text message and he rolled his eyes. "...ah, fuck me...hey hapsta, i gotta grab the uh, other me apparently? papi wants us to help him with something. i've pumped like...five more bottles in the fridge, for ebby. you two gonna be alright?"

"Huh? What's going on?" Marrie seemed confused, "Is everything okay...?"

"Can't be good if he's calling the both of ya." Marris didn't like the sound of whatever was going on. She didn't feel right. "Sans...I mean...fuck...Comic! You better get your skeletal ass back safe. You know I hate being bonely for too long." The joke was mostly to calm her own nerves.

Happy was currently getting Ebby ready for bed, seeming a bit surprised with the sudden trip Paps mentioned, "Oh...okay. We'll be fine. She'll sleep for the rest of the night anyway...please be careful."

Sansy went and got changed into his battle body, tucking his pants into his boots; and he shrugged. "The message doesn't say much, Marrie. Just that Papi needs me and Comic to come to the house, and he also sent one to brother! He sent it to both of us actually at the same time...I...am worried about this. But I trust Papi. I always have, I believe in him, Marrie."

He came over and gave her a loving, passionate kiss. "I will come home safe, for all of you...I promise." Gently, he rubbed her belly; pressing kisses to the surface. Then he came back out to the living room, ready to go.

Comic nodded, chuckling at her joke. "sure thing, marris. i'll miss you and the kits too much, kit-kat." He pressed a sweet kiss to her stomach, and then to her. "i love you, marris. i'll be safe as i can be."

Looking over to Sansy, he then took his counterparts hand, and took a step forward, shortcutting to the house. Then they came down the hallway, and Boss stopped for a moment, blinking.

"...THERE ARE MORE OF YOU, BROTHER?" Boss scowled, as he leaned over to look at Sansy and Comic closer. "...OH...THESE ARE THE SONS OF THAT FAT TEACUP AND THE FATTER YOU, AREN'T THEY FATHER?"

Edge nodded softly. "Yep, got that right, bonehead. Just chill. My boy Paps and the other Papyrus will be here soon enough...then we'll get going."

Paps nodded, giving Happy a sweet kiss; then he kissed Ebbys head gently. "daddy loves ya, ebby. i love you hapstablook." He made sure he had a handful of honey spoons and a green healing potion on his inventory; then he shortcut over to NTTs mansion, ending up just outside the soundproof room. "fuck...where the fuck is everyone..."

He took a few steps forward, opening the soundproof doors. "hey! uh...yo broski, where the hell is the other me? i gotta grab him, papi needs us fer something..."

"Okay. Be careful, Sansy. Call me when you get back." Marrie waves him goodbye as did Marris. Marrie decided to keep her counter company since it was just going to be the two of them for a while.

Happy kisses right back as Ebby cooed on. They hoped everything was okay.

Napstaton and Mettaton were looking at Paps in confusion before they realized what he asked. "Are they not in the living room, Darling?"

"Probs in the silk room! It's about that time Zhara starts practicing dance routines. Just go down two floors, 1st door on your right. You'll know if she's in there if ya hear music playing!" Napstaton chuckled realizing the time, "Babe probably took other you with her to keep him company."

Paps nodded, then he turned to leave, and he sighed. "eh, ya'll two should prolly come with, unless you want papyrus to leave rocky with zhara..."

Heading down two floors, he found the 1st door on the right and headed inside. "yo, papyrus! bring the kid, and drop rocky with mettaton; we need you for something, a'right?"

Papyrus nodded, and he strode over to follow Paps, and then he went to Mettaton; giving his husband a loving kiss. "I SHALL BE BACK METTATON." He reached into his inventory and pulled out two bottles of milk he had stored away. "THESE ARE FOR ROCKY IN CASE HE GETS HUNGRY WHILE I'M GONE. I LOVE YOU BOTH, MY DARLING METTATON AND MY GORGOUS SON, ROCKY..."

Paps nodded and waved to NTT and MTT; taking Papyrus' hand; as he shortcut to the house. Sansy ran to his brother, wrapping his arms around his brother's legs. Papyrus ran to Comic and scooped up his older brother, hugging him.

"WHAT IS GOING ON BROTHER!?" Both Sansy and Papyrus managed to say at the same time.

Edge blinked a bit, and chuckled. "Damn, there's an echo it seems here...so..." He took a step back looking at his boys. Boss and Red. Paps and Sansy. Papyrus and Comic. He grinned brightly.

"We're gonna save Tyra's family...and we're gonna assassinate Overlord Asgore." Edge declared.

Gaster and Cupcake had been quietly listening in, and they had heard enough; as they both started to come closer to the already rather packed hallway.

"Edge! I cannot believe you!" Cupcake declared loudly, scowling as a tea kettle whistle was heard from him.

You were just telling us how crazy we are to go and try this, and yet you're going to take our sons and TRY IT YOURSELF!? Gaster boomed in anger; his dual-colored eyelights blazing in sheer lividness.

Edge growled angrily, and glared at the other scientists. "It's because youse two are creampuffs! BOYS! To the basement! Paps, set the coordinates to Underfell, NOW!" He threw up a barrage of red bones, preventing Cupcake and Gaster from getting any further down the hallway; despite them both trying to break it down with Cadster and Gaster Blasters.

Red scurried quickly into the basement, as Comic and Sansy were soon behind him. Papyrus and Boss were just behind Paps; who arrived at the machine first to set up the coordinates; having put his glasses on and was typing rapidly away at the devices keyboard. It only took a few minutes, but soon the doorway had materalized.

Paps reached down into the bottom of the machine, and pulled out a box-like device. "it's a return doorway! we'll use this to come back. it's only got two uses!"

Pulling out a vial of pure red DT, donated from his own sibling Chara, he held the vial in his fingers carefully. Comic and Red's eyes flew open their eyelights plunging into darkness.

"is that..." Comic muttered.

"...what i think it is?" Red deadpanned.

"yep. it's pure dt. it's what powers the return doorway. that, and pure void magic." Paps flicked his hand, showing a second vial, with black goop inside of it. "...it's powerful, unstable, and untested. but we've all got kids to come home too. so...we're gonna do this, and we're gonna succeed. we're the sons of wing ding gaster. right?!"
o All of them shouted it in unison, as Paps slapped his hand onto the button to fully open the doorway by then, with a timer set for auto-shutdown on their end, so no one could exit where they came through for safety.

Then, with one last look to the red bone barricade, Edge went down the hallway to the basement door; holding the doorknob. "...Wingdin...Bitter...Caddy...if I don't make it back, I love all'a youse."

He let the red bones drop, and he slammed the door shut; jamming another red bone into the doorframe violently, as he ran through the doorway, just on the last second of the timer's countdown. Even if Cupcake and Gaster could teleport to be right in front of the doorway, it shut just as Edge had stepped through into Underfell.

Tyra peeked out from Edge's hold to see she was back in her home world. "...Why are you doing this...? You had a full family...could have just sent me back...this isn't worth it for me..." She mumbled silently. She didn't know what to expect and now was really scared over what was next. She had no idea what her mother was even thinking or if she was even sane right now.

Edge looked to her, and smiled softly. "Tyra...you are worth it. Hmm...so let's find out where to go from here...we could go and just oust old goat ass himself first, or...hmm we should try to get some extra help I'm thinking."

Boss looked to Edge, and pinched his nasal ridge. "...Father you came here, without a real plan in mind?"

Red rolled his eyelights and groaned. "of course he didn't, bro. he's flying by the seat of pants like fuckin' always!"

Comic and Papyrus just stared at Edge, as if waiting an idea from the elder skeleton. Sansy and Paps just looked a bit worried and bored, respectively.

Edge groaned and sighed. "It's been nearly ten fuckin years since I've been here, cut me a little fuckin' slack!"

Kintaro had been out searching for someone that he was supposed to take down at his husband's urging, and he stopped as he slithered around the corner, hissing softly to himself. "Hmm..." He backed up a bit, getting his phone.

[Dar, I found the Captain and the Judge...and the Royal Scientist...and a lot of other strange ones that look similar to them...they have Tyra as well! What should I do? I'm still trailing that idiotic rabbit though...]

Tyra listened to the rest of them for a moment before holding the back of her neck, like it was going to give her an answer, "...Mama...we find Mama..."

Darren answered the phone and read it out. He let out a small sound of intrigue as he was testing out a new model trap. The little mouse he ended up catching instantly died from the model making the cat monster smile in his potential success.

[The bountry on him will still be there. Besides, I left a little present for him when he returns home. Long as one of us gets paid, Kina. See what the skeleton family is up to. Been quite a long time since we've last seen of the Royal Scientist...who knows...we could get a better trade off be it from them or from the Overlord himself.]

Edge smiled and chuckled. "You're right then. So, we'll go find her Mama."

Boss glared even more harshly and sighed. "Fine. If you want to sign your own goddamn death warrant, Father...we'll take you to her demented parents..." He strode ahead, leading the way for them to follow, knowing where Nast and Myra lived.

Kina read his husband's text and grinned, letting out a slight hissing laugh. Pulling his black hair into a bun, he started to slither after them, keeping his distance easily so he couldn't be detected while going behind them. [They're heading to Tyra's parents apparently. I'll keep you posted, you ass. 3]

Tyra nodded and stayed close to Edge again. She did keep an eye out as they got closer to her home.

Nast was currently charging up their robot body, their little twins over to the corner napping quietly for once in their damn lives they thought. Myra wasn't around but they knew exactly where. They didn't want to deal with it so they were just relaxing with headphones on and metal music playing until their wife would come back.

[Lovely my sssucculent viper. Please do. I'll see you home with dinner prepared. 3]

Darren chuckled at his message before heading right back to work. Another notification popped on his phone, earning a wide grin, "Ah...I love when a plan goes in order...easiest 10000 gold made..."

Edge came up to the door, and started to knock stiffly; then he thought differently about it; and just opened the door, using a bit of magic to unlock it. "Nast?"

Red put his hand over his face, he knew they were gonna probably get hell rained on their heads if Myra was home just then. Especially because it seemed the twins were actually fucking ASLEEP for once.

Paps, Sansy, Comic, and Papyrus stood outside the home, keeping a tight watch on their surroundings; for their own safety. Both Paps and Papyrus stood on the outer most edges, while Sansy and Comic stood closer to the wall; for their own safety.

Red looked to the sets of brothers and chuckled. "youse four look like goddamn mooks, standing the way you is...geezus, we're in fell, not the damn blooddome, people might want ya dead, but...it ain't like shit's always happening...calm yer asses down, you'll just draw attention to yerself..."

Boss sighed, and nodded. "I HAVE TO AGREE WITH MY BROTHER, STAY CALM AND THINGS WILL BE ALRIGHT..."

Kina smiled at his message, before he tucked his phone back to his inventory; and he watched them from behind a column; seated on his thin coil. The reedy young coral snake naga, stretched his hingeable jaw for a moment, yawning; as his black thin tongue flickered out a bit.

Nast still had their music on. Once they sensed a presence in, they got up from their spot and tried to shield the twins until they saw who it was.

"Fuck...what the hell?! What are you even doing here?!" Nast hissed out until they saw Tyra.

Tyra wiggled from Edge's hold and flew over to them, hugging them right and shaking, "..D-Dama...Dama...t-they're good...d-don't...hurt them...p-please no more..."

Nast's usual cranky and avoidant demeanor changed as they held her close, trying to help calm her down, "Shh...you're okay...yeah...I gotcha ya little runt...Dama's gotcha..." They looked up at Edge, still not sure what to really think. "...The hell do you want...?"

Edge looked around the surroundings a bit, and sighed, his cigar still between his teeth. "You prolly know who I am already. I'm Dr. W.D. Gaster. The Royal Scientist...and...I wanna save youse. Tyra...You...your children. I know a nicer place where you can escape too. I'm willing to take the risk to save you."

Kina slithered around the large column and took a few silent pictures of the other brothers, and sent them to Darren. [These are the other ones that look like the Judge and Captain...]

[...I don't know if I can wait till dinner, anata...the little blue ones look so tasty and pure...] Kina was nearly drooling over the sight of Sansy and Comic; he occasionally ate smaller monsters whole and they looked mighty appetizing to him just then. He hadn't eaten in nearly two weeks, as he gave the last weeks food to his husband, Darren as he could wait longer then he could.

Nast looked at Edge suspiciously as they kept a hold of Tyra. "...Where's Mama...?" She whimpered out from his chest.

"...Why do you want to try and save us...? You've been gone for years...and you just come right back and for what...? You seriously can't expect me to believe you're doing this out of some stupid goodness of your heart. Even my dumbass cousin left me and came back when he wanted fucking something..." Nast still didn't fully trust the skeleton scientist in front of him.

[Hmm...careful my serpent...I'm sure they look very tasty but they also look quite like the Judge. Do not underestimate them. If the scientist is at my psudo-sister's residence...perhaps this means he's looking for her. Which can amount to anything. If you can get a photo of him or with him and Myra, we may have a lovely bounty should we present it to either of them. Highest bidder grants our business..be it our silence or we're the silencers...] Darren tapped his chin with a claw, not too much pressure that it would leave marks or bleeding. He decided to text his sister to see what she'd been up to, least with her it was easy to bargain for what he wanted.

Edge frowned, and ran his hand over his skull; taking a puff from his cigar. "Been gone fer years making a bettah life fer myself, Napstablook. No, I don't expect you to believe it. But...maybe you'll listen to your own daughter...why don'cha tell them what your G'pa and G'ma told ya, honey..."

Boss folded his arms over his chest, huffing softly. "NAST, I WILL HAVE YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A NEPHEW NOW WITH THAT...DUMBASS COUSIN OF YOURS. ME AND METTATON HAD A CHILD JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT...It would be nice to have you come with us. Me and my brother will be leaving this place as well."

Red somewhat stood behind Edge in a bit, worried about getting hurt possibly. "y-yeah...me and m-mars; we're stayin too..."

[Of course...I will do my best, anata. I will get a picture of the scientist, last I saw on the boards his bounty was nearly a million gold...] Kina kept his camera at the ready, waiting for the fat Royal Scientist to make an appearance. He knew that the bounty on the old fuck's head was huge.

Nast looked over at Tyra, more willing to listen to her than anyone. They leaned over as the little girl whispered over to her. They still didn't like it but, it beat having to live there longer.

"...You know your mom isn't going to want to...she's deadset...she's...actually in a meeting right now...you go looking for her...you better be damn careful. I'm not just talking about her or the rest of the rebellion...you got a price on your head, doctor...alive. Moment you get to Asgore though...you're gunna wish you were dead..." Nast still had some suspicions, but with what they knew Myra was planning and themselves not as strong to protect the twins and Tyra if shit went down, maybe the better option was to find some place to stay hidden, especially a timeline away.

"Where's Mama, Dammy...?" Tyra looked over at her parent.

"...meeting place in the dimming lantern room...just inside the waterfall...You know how to get there...but keep hidden...got it runt?" Nast gently let her down, "...I'll get packing here..."

Edge grinned cockily and laughed brightly. "Oh, I know I gotta price on my head. Oh-ho...alive, huh? Well...that's pretty interestin then...eh, as for old goat-ass, he can kiss my bony gel-covered butt."

Kina watched closely, and hissed softly to himself, as the tip of his tail wiggled excitedly, waiting to see someone coming out to take more silent pictures. He watched as Sansy occasionally took a few steps forward, investigating as far as his older brother would allow him to go. The little short skeleton just looked so tasty to him. But no...no...his husband had a wonderful meal waiting for him he knew of it.

No matter how tasty the little skelegator looked he couldn't spoil his appetite with the pseudo-judge. Soon after a few moments, his time came. Edge came out and looked around for a moment.

Kina took quite a few pictures, as he saw Tyra heading off towards the dimming lantern room; but he made no move to follow her. Instead opting to take more pictures of Dr. Gaster. He got a few close up pictures and he let out a hissing chuckle. After he was finished he started to come around the corner when he caught the eye of Tyra; and he grinned; slithering closer to the little child.

"Hello there, Tyra...have you missssed me and your Uncle Darr?" His voice was silky soft as he looked down at Tyra, his red eyes almost glowing in the dim lighting; his scales reflecting his bright colors of red, yellow and shiny black. On his more human part of his body he wore a tattered blood red vest, with a yellow tank top underneath. The claws on his hands were black colored and razor sharp.

Tyra was just leading off to get her mother when she was spooked by her Uncle Kina. She took a few steps back before trying to get back her grip, "Why would I miss you...? You and Uncle Darr always pester Mama and Aunt Verri. What do you want anyway? Is it my turn now?" She kept to her monotoned but sarcastic nature. She never really trusted either Darr nor Kina all that well, only giving pleasantries when her mother or aunt were around.

Kina let out a hissing laugh, and smiled. "Ohh, your turn now? Perhapssss~" He slithered back around her, nearly causing her to trip up slightly. "You're lucky that I've got a better thing to do, Tyra..."

Watching her closely; he then slithered back towards home. He had his hands in the pockets of his vest, and he sighed softly; a gentle smile across his face. He knew that most people would think he was easy pickings, being as thin as he was; but he enjoyed if other monsters decided to try to attack him.

Tyra slipped but managed to keep her balance using her wings. She glared at the direction he went before seeming to slip in the shadows to head towards her mother's secret meeting spot.

It was a simple pathway through the dark room, one she took many many times with her mother. There were two monters who seemed to be smoking as they leaned against a dark moss covered wall. She approaced them carefully, the two immediately noticed her and guarded themselves.

"Whatcha doing here, kid? Ain't ya far from mommy or daddy?" One laughed out while the other one seemed to hiss. Tyra shut them up once she showed her mark on her neck.

"Ah...my apologies, little morsel...please...your mother awaits ya." The other pointed with his eyes to the wallk. Tyra put her mark away and seemed to phase through , but really it was an illusion to fool tresspassers. Down the dimly lit hallway would soon reach a large room of monsters, all waiting and listening to the hooded figure on the stage furthest down. Drapes of the same marking were littered about along with low light red crystals and candles.

The hooded figure seemed to notice Tyra come in and sent another hooded figure that was behind her to talk to the little girl. Didn't take long for that figure to rush Tyra off to an unused room, revealing herself to be a beaten and worn red/black Vera.

"Tyra...what are you doing here? You know how your mother feels about you coming alone like this...Are you hurt? Did anyone follow you?" She seemed worried as she tried to get a look at her, but Tyra shook her head.

"I'm okay...I need mom's permission to bring outsiders...they want to bargain with her..." Tyra looked completely serious with her aunt.

Meanwhile Nast was getting the last of what their family needed to move out, not daring to touch anything of Myra's just in case. Like they needed to get their ass kicked 500 different ways.

Kina headed back into town, and he came up to their apartment; being stopped in the stairwell as he was slithering upstairs. "...You dare to get in my way...?"

The dog monster chuckled brightly, their working eye gazing over Kintaro almost lustily or angrily. It was hard to tell with the dog's half-burned, barely expressive face. Kina rolled his red eyes at the dog monster; and leaned back a bit on his coil. "Are you really going to try sssomething? Or...you mussst jussst be crazy..."

Kina knew that for as loud as he was being in the stairwell that his husband would most likely come to check in on him in curiosity.

Darren indeed would hear Kina but kept a good distance to assert the situation. He figured this would be a good idea to test out the new neurotoxin he made. He kept a few darts in hand and a shooter ready before checking up at the door again, wondering what the dog monster had in store.

Be a while before Tyra could see her mother. And even longer for them to leave their meeting place for her to be following back the little girl to her home.

Myra when not wearing her cloak had her long black dress, black veil over her eyes and a single white rose dipped with red...something...on her hair that held back a dancer's bun. Verri was behind them looking like anyone just trying to survive in Waterfall rather than what people assume someone in the Jae family would look like. Some singed fur, scratches and cuts, two scars lining down her left eye though surprisingly her vision wasn't too awful, though that could be the magic she was using to help herself.

{{Should we really be trying for this..and so soon? You and I have families to go back to, Mylene...please...think about this...}} Verri connected with her best friend using a shared telepathy power they both shared in their black magic. The two had been partners since childhood, but it was always Myra who was the most powerful of the two.

{{I know I said I'd allow you to call me that, Veronica...but we have a potential opportunity. And you know how I am with potentials...besides...even if this plan doesn't seem to go our way...we'll make of it. The old fool of a doctor wants to work and be with my child so bad...well...that be his deathwish.}} The bat assured as they reached back to her partner's home.

She saw the doubles of the Captain and Judge with a raised eyebrow but looked none threatened, "Well well well...after all these years the good Dr. WD Gaster has returned to our little hell on earth. You've missed many things, doctor. Many...but I'm sure your boys have told you as much..."

Kina rose himself up on his tail, and let loose a warning hiss; his fangs out in full view. What worried him just the slightest was that he was at his weakest just then, not having eaten in nearly two weeks by then.

The dog monster grinned a bit, and reached forward to grab at Kina. "You look...like such a beautiful little...salamander you know..."

Edge rose an eyebrow at Myra, and let out a quiet huff in response. "Yeah...kinda. I'm just more friggin worried about my family yanno...but I would hope...you would feel the same way as well. There's a reason I left this hell on earth, and I'm not exactly wantin' to hang around no more."

Red hid behind his brother; nearly whimpering in his fear of Myra. He'd been nearly dusted by her multiple times. Boss even took a step back from her in politeness, a strange thing for him that was sure.

Comic, Sansy, Papyrus, and Pap just watched curiously to yet again another version of their Zhara, or Mystic coming closer to them.

Edge took a puff from what was left of his cigar, and he rolled his eyelights. "Well, we're gonna be uh, headin' out soon enough prolly..." Although he seemed to be not paying attention or even being flippant with Myra; but he was in fact watching as closely as he could, and trying to gauge just how she would react to what he said. He'd always known that hiding your hand, made for dropping the cards at the wrong time.

Darren decided to go for it and shoot the dart straight at the dog's hand. Once the neurotoxin got into his hand, it send a full on burning sensation throughout their arm. Darren wasted no time to watch what it did, taking notes at the ready. If he did it right it was supposed to seem like it burned his victim from the inside, like drenching them in lava and caking them in ice at the same time. He was curious to see how it went.

Tyra held onto her mother's dress, something she did out of habit whenever her mother was around. Moment she saw Nast however, she booked it towards him and held onto his leg.

"I assure you my family does mean much to me. But I'm afraid I have other business to attend do. Much more urgent business." Myra still had a complete expressionless look, nothing seemed to faulter or move, she knew how to play this game and play it well.

"Before you take away my children and partner...my eldest has also stated to me that you wanted...reinforcements for a plan of yours on the Overlord...tell me...what business do you have with him? And...what do you think you can offer me to send my guild to help you...?" Myra watched Edge with a careful eye.

Verri on the otherhand just stayed quiet and had her eyes to the floor. She knew not to mess around or speak out of turn. Not when her friend was like this. But part of her badly wanted to leave...

The dog monster howled, as Kina instantly backed up out from the monster's grasp and let out a hissing cruel laugh as he watched the burned dog. The dog clawed at their own face, howling in anguish at the pain; they soon curled up onto the floor, barking and howling more.

Kina slithered back towards Darren, and smiled to him. "Hello anata~ Thank you ssso much...you know I could have jussst bitten him..." He playfully curled around Darren's legs and nuzzled his cheek against Darren's cheek, watching the dog monster writhing in pain. "Oooh, you've concentrated my venom haven't you dear? Or have you...created sssomething sssimilar?"

Edge's slight gapped-tooth fanged grin split wide across his chubby face, and he laughed brightly. "Well, I'm plannin' on gettin' rid of 'em. And the chips can fall where they may, Myra."

Paps eyelights flickered out, and he glared at Edge. "papi, what the fuck!?"

Comic put his hand to his head and sighed. "oh my god i was right, this is gonna be absolute shit..."

Sansy looked up to Edge, holding his hankerchief in his gloved fist. "...PAPI...ARE YOU SURE WE CAN ACCOMPLISH THIS? I MEAN, WE'RE STRONG...BUT...T-THAT'S THE KING OR...UM...OVERLORD I GUESS..."

Papyrus had a nervous smile on his face, and he patted Sansy's shoulder. "WE CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING, COUSIN SANS IF WE PUT OUR MINDS TO IT HARD ENOUGH!"

Paps and Comic looked to each other then to their younger brothers and sighed. What did Edge drag them into now?

Edge chuckled softly, letting another plume of cigar smoke out. "So, yeah...we're gonna get rid of that Overlord...then we can rescue those who want to be rescued...long as they promise to...to not reek havoc in the place I call home. Only those who want true peace can come with me."

Darr chuckled and scritched the underside of the naga's chin "I could have let you, but I couldn't stand seeing those awful paws touching you, my viper. It was supposed to be more concentrated poison. Though I suppose I have a few more kinks to work out my dear. Not to worry...I'll have it fixed with the next batch."

He gave a few kisses to his cheek, "Come...I made stuffed roasted chicken and with the new gold we aquired on our earlier bounty, I have two bottles of wine we can dine with it."

Darr looked back at the dog and smirked, "You're lucky the vemon won't kill you. But I do think your face won't be the only thing disfigured after it passes. I hope you weren't too fond of that hand...Come on love. Dinner's getting cold."

Myra still had not shifted emotions, but still listening, "Intriguing...perhaps we may come to a conclusion then...one where both of us get what we want. Verri...tell me..what do you think, dear friend...?"

Verri looked up with nervous eyes, "...You know how I feel of violence..but...I only want for things to end in peace, Myra...and..."

"You know peace can only be achieved if he is gone...if he's allowed to even reach the surface, monsterkind will be doomed the moment we set foot out. We are better off taking him down. And I have a plan awaiting for the both of us that can do just that." Myra let out a dark chuckle.

"Peace can be achieved...yes...with the right people in charge...how they attempt it here, I do not care. My only wish is to see his dust scatter those damn golden floors..."

Kina hissed in pleasure, slithering alongside of Darr, and he didn't even bother to look back at the dog monster, not caring for how he was reacting anyways, his slender banded body trailing behind him. "Ssstuffed roasssted chicken and wine~ Oooh, you ssspoil me, Darr!"

He flicked his tail at the fallen dog monster, kicking a rock up into the monsters face elicting another howl of pain; as he slithered into the apartment beside his husband.

As the door closed, Kina gently trailed his clawed hand ever so lightly down Darr's back. "I got picturesss of the doctor, anata~ And I know hisss plansss too. I recorded what they ssspoke about..."

Another monster who was coming downstairs had been holding their breath as they watched Darr and Kina; as they were terrified of them both; before they hurried on downstairs the rest of the way.

Edge listened and he sighed. "Yeh...yeh...his dust will surely be on those golden floors...I got a plan for subterfuge, that might just work though."

"Excellent my serpent. I'd love to hear all about it. For now, enjoy your spoils my sweet snake. You've more than earned it. I'll take care of the rest from here." Darren chuckled as he locked the door behind him, shivering at the touch his snake love gave, "And we may celebrate our work done well later tonight, shall you wish. Hmm...?"

"Excellent. Then we'll discuss more in private. I wish to hear this plan of yours and your terms along with mine, but not within the ears of anyone listening in. Not here. Come...we'll meet in my quarters. You may bring the Judge and Captain should you wish. The others I prefer they stay. Someone needs to watch up here in case." Myra went off to the back of the house, passing by to give Nast a slow peck on the cheek, "I'll be back, dearest...watch the children...should any give you trouble..you know how to reach me..."

Nast nodded nervously, shaking a bit. Part of them was scared shitless of their own wife, other part found it really hot as she walked away to a secret stairwell leading to a basement.

Kina smiled happily, the end of his tail trailing over Darren's feet cheekily. "Perhapsss anata." He slithered over to the table, and saw a plate stacked high with eight whole stuffed chickens, and he felt like he was going to drool.

Picking them up, he began to eat them whole; his tongue pulling them deeper into his throat as he choked them down naturally; the tip of tail twitching in pleasure. After he'd gotten down four of the eight, he let out a hissing sigh of bliss, and popped the top of the bottle of wine and drank half of the bottle like it was nothing.

Edge nodded and gestured for all the boys to follow him. "You realize, Myra...all of them...are the Judge and Captain...from their respective timelines. But I guess I'll just my boys from Swap come with me. Boss, Red. Stay out here, keep Papyrus and Comic safe. Paps, Sansy...follow me."

Paps and Sansy followed him into the house, and further into the special quarters stated by Myra. They both wondered just what their Papi was planning and how they were going to accomplish this all.

Darren began to eat his own chicken that he set aside for himself as he watched his love gorge himself with a large smile on his face. He seemed to enjoy how lovely Kina looked, happy to spoil him when he could. Made his work all the more worth it.

"I am not stupid, Doctor. I left it vague enough for you to choose which stays and which come." Myra headed down the steps with Verri, Edge and the swap brothers, not wasting any precious time. Downstairs was a conference/planning room of sorts with a large map of the underground, a table, some papers strewn about and other such things needed one would see in a war strategy room.

Tyra stayed with her Dama and baby siblings, wanting to help watch over them along with the remaining skeleton brothers around. Nast on the other hand just stood there awkwardly.

Kina had licked his black tongue around his mouth, and he let out a hissing chuckle. Then he soon enough finished the other four chickens; and he leaned back on his coil; starting to slowly drink the rest of the bottle of wine. It gave him a rather distended stomach, and he wouldn't need to eat for a week, possibly two if he stretched things; but he felt like he was on cloud nine just then. He reached up with black clawed hands, and let down his silky black hair; and smiled as he continued to drink the bottle of wine.

"Never assumed you was stupid, Myra. It's always good to let others know your intentions if you're planning on partnering with them..." Edge chuckled quietly as he went downstairs with her. "Boys, stay sharp. Pretty much everybody here is Meaux, got that?"

Paps and Sansy nodded as they followed behind him. "so uh, yeah, i'm thinkin' we need to eliminate any residual human souls that might be in the overlord's grip. so we can weaken him further, and hurry this shit up."

Darr let out a lovestruck sigh before drinking his own glass of wine, "Enjoyed yourself, my sultry viper? I'm glad, love. If you'll excuse me...I have a phonecall to make. There's a little surprise for you in the oven should you want it. One's for me, the other's for you." Darr cleaned himself up before getting up from his chair and heading to his room. He had promised to call his sister back afterall.

"You would be smart to do so, Doctor. There are three souls left in his collection. There was originally six but two had been broken by idiotic spies of mine who were dusted trying to attempt to steal them. One was successfully taken and in my possession. Not here of course, but in a stored away room where the rest of the Headhunters lie. I was going to use it to give myself power to rip Asgore down." Myra explained lightly, her face still expressionless but her voice made it seem she was proud of her accomplishment.

Verri had listened in before seeing the texts her brother came in with. She bit her lip and started typing, hoping she could save this before something bad would happen.

Kina nodded as he finished the bottle of wine, and sighed with a quiet hiss. "Of courssse, anata~" He shifted on his coil, and he went into the kitchen and he glanced into the oven curiously, and he saw a very decadent treat. Something special that Darren only made every now and again with him. A cream filled small rabbit monster, wrapped in rich pastry dough.

"Ohh...Darr, you ssshouldn't have!" He got the oven mitts out, and delicately pulled out his treat, letting it cool off slightly on the top of the stove. Slithering to the fridge, he pulled out a bottle of water, and took a big gulp from it happily. As the pastry-wrapped monster cooled down, he picked it up and slowly started to swallow the decedant treat; enjoying it so much, as he could taste the pastry dough, and the sweet cream; and the slightly salted meat.

Edge thought for a moment, tapping his chin as he went to the large map of the Underground, gazing over it. "Only three souls left, hmm? Good...good...I remember how the throne room is set up, as well as where the trigger is to release the soul containers; that I created no less. Still hurts me a bit what I did to get those souls...it'll be personally redeeming to have those souls be let go to the other side..."

Paps came to the map as well and started to point out a few things. "so we could go from this area, and take the judgement hall from the roof; there will be most likely a hatch of some sort, where the few rays of sunlight come inside..."

While Paps and Edge spoke about the plan, Sansy stood beside Myra, and he glanced up at her curiously. "H-Hello..." He seemed genuinely timid, but it was mostly an act put on so he could see how she reacted perhaps; though a bit of it was truthful.

Myra watched and listened to the two skeletons talk and plan, ready to open with objections should one pop up. She gave an emotionless gaze at Sansy before going back and keeping her attention to the plans being made. Hearing of the hatches she decided to step in, "If you're going to try for those, we need a suitable cover. Royal guards still patrol the area. But a few of my orderlies can take care of them quickly if one of you can breach in without being caught from the inside."

Verri was still texting her brother, trying to make some deal with him as she heard the plans. She didn't want him to ruin everything if she could help it.

[Brother please...I'm telling you...this could be worth it...just...give it some time...?]

[And risk losing a 1 million gold reward for the live capture of the old doctor? My dear sister, I already am giving you and your family the greatest generosity to not telling the Overlord of your involment in the rebellion...what could you possibly offer me in exchange for my silence that's greater than a million gold?]

[Well...? I'm waiting little sister. Time is ticking!]

[...What if you could have your own place in the castle...?]

[...Go on~]

[Myra and the doctor are planning to take down Asgore...kill him for good. If it succeeds...that means Myra and I will be stationed to rule...if I rule...you can rule along with me. You and Kina can have a place in the castle to yourselves, no small apartment to share with annoying neighbors as you've told me, all the food your love can stomach for weeks on end, your own private work area and even a library of books should you want it! You would nay need money, brother...]

[And this is for when this does...succeed. And if this fails...? What then...?]

[...If it fails...you may turn me in to Overlord Asgore...get money for your troubles...it may not be a million gold...but you know how much gold is worth when Headhunter leaders are taken in...you remember what happened to Myra's mother...]

[...Hmm...very well sister. You have a deal. I'll keep my silence. Good luck sister. I do hope you do succeed. If not...well...it was a pleasure to know you.]

Verri bit her lip as her tail wrapped around herself in a hug, doing her best to hold in tears and whimpers. Her soul was cracked enough with how much pain she endured in the dark magjc that tried to plague her, but the treatment she had suffered through friends and family made those cracks worse. She hoped peace would be the solution.

Kina was feeling quite sluggish by then, as he nearly dragged himself to the bed, and up into it. He flopped onto his side, his heavy stomach almost as large as if he was carrying twins from his massive dinner and dessert. The end of his tail was off the end of the bed, twitching happily, and he was smiling in blissed out pleasure. He hissed softly, as he breathed, and his eyes were closed; while his silky black hair fluttered behind him on the pillow.

He would most likely be out for an entire three days just digesting the massive meal.

In the war room, Paps grinned brightly. "...i wonder, how far can the judge and captain get then? maybe we can get farther then we would think, if me, my bro; as well as the other pair, dress up as boss and red. it might not be the...uh best idea, but it's something..."

Sansy blinked a bit, looking to his brother. "YOU'RE AN IDIOT BROTHER. I HAVE BLUE EYELIGHTS, AND COMIC TENDS TO HAVE WHITE. RED HAS...WELL, RED EYELIGHTS..."

Darr had returned from his text message conference with his sister and noticed Kina had gone to bed. He headed over and left a blanket over his love and a few trail of kisses down his cheek and neck, "Rest easy, my sweet venom viper..." He left Kina to his rest to finish his own dinner and wine by himself, enjoying the sweet silence.

Myra stepped up with an idea "There is one way we can disguise it...and both of you can play the part easily."

Verri's eyes widened as she headed over in a panic, "Please...do not suggest what I think you are going to suggest...we don't need anyone else with..."

"I'm not talking about that you little bumbling worm!" Myra hissed and ended up slapping Verri hard, enough for her to fall to the ground, "I'm well aware of the stakes and we nay need to risk more! I've already warned you of speaking out of turn! If I have want of your stupid opinions I'll ask for them! Am I clear?!"

Verri whimpered as she shakily got back up. Another two fresh marks had gotten to her cheek. They seemed to similar to the ones she had on her eye..only they didn't run down too deep or long. No surprise to see who had done that to her the first time. But she never blamed her for that, she could tell the black magic was taking affect in her, the marking on the base of her neck was glowing through her dress cloak.

"...Yes...my...a-apologies...Myra...what was your plan...?" Verri looked back down to the ground as she tried healing her new fresh marks.

Kina gripped the blanket with his clawed fingers, and let out a hiss of pleasure at the kisses; his tail tip twitching faster in happiness.

Edge glared at Myra, his dual-colored eyelights bright with barely restrained anger at how she'd acted against Verri. He growled deeply under his breath and sighed. "...So, what's this damn plan o' yours, Myra? You say there's a way to disguise it and that my boys can play the part easily..."

Sansy growled loudly at Myra attacking Verri; his blue eyelights smoking almost by then; his tail lashing from side to side. "HOW DARE YOU ATTACK HER!?"

Edge sighed sharply. "Sansy, back down! Sorry fer how my son acted...so what's this plan again?"

Myra let out a low hiss at Verri before turning to Sans and Edge. Her eyes seemed to swirl in black within her red irises before blinking to settle down. "I will forgive him for now as part of our plan and truce...Doctor." She did give a glare at Sans before heading to the map.

"I've been able to perfect magic in a way where we may shapeshift...for myself, for Verri, and even my daughter...we can all change our shape to fit our needs or disguise ourselves. However...I've also found a way for it to be transfered to other monsters...even those who do not possess the same magic we do. I call it a conpin." Myra went into her inventory and pulled out two pins, one pin was small and gold best to be hidden on the person, and the other a deltarune pin that normally symbolized for Underfell.

"Simple really...One monster wears the deltarune signia pin on themselves...the one who has the gold pin will take on the form of the monster wearing the opposite pin. completely identical unless the pin is taken off. Would you like a demonstration...?"

Edge nodded, and sighed quietly. "Thank you, Myra. Hmm...shapeshifting, heh. A conpin, 'eh?"

"Sounds like a plan then Myra. Hmm...we would have Boss and Red wear the original pins, then we would have a set of the boys wear the counterpart pins. At least that's one idea..." Edge murmured softly; gazing over the map again.

"so we could...hmm...yeah that's a great idea actually, papi. so, we're thinking of a direct and underhanded attack! we need to get shit going then, i'm thinking..." Paps spoke out, and chuckled as he looked closer at the map of the castle.

Myra nodded and watched the two plan as she pocketed back the pins. Her fists clenched and unclenched as she tried to control herself from going unstable again. Once she had it where she thought was reasonable, she watched the boys and piped in, "We can have them get access from here once my guild has dealt with the guards on this plane. Gets them in quickly when we've bought the time...if we truly want to catch him off guard...we can take you doctor personally..."

Verri finished healing herself, least to the point where the cut wouldn't bleed anymore. She still had pinpricks of tears, shaking from the outburst, but she darned not complain. She did managed a look at Sansy before looking away, feeling pathetic enough as it was. Weakest of her family, a shame of the Jae name, and her elder brother and uncle tell her it's a blessing that she's not dusted. She sometimes wondered if it was more of a curse than the magic she was infected with.

"These two can bring you into the throne room, disguised as the two that reside in this timeline, and take you straight to Asgore. The Overlord wanted you alive so he may take you down and torture you personally. We make this seem as a gift onto him...the access here is open...and you have a perfect sneak attack to break and take him down." Myra made the points onto the map with some pins and string, outlining potential guard patrols, exit points, sneak in points and best routes to where the souls were contained.

Edge turned back towards Myra and blinked a bit. "Take me there personally? Wait...how...would that even go?"

Paps looked over to Edge and then Myra, and he sighed. "...papi i have a feeling they're going to cuff you most likely..."

Edge crossed his arms over his chest and sighed looking over the pinned map.

The next day it was quite embarrassing for himself as Edge stood surrounded by the group. He knew that if he went with full health that it would tip off Asgore.

"I told ya...you've gotta beat me till a tiny portion of my HP is gone! Beat me some, rip my clothing, I gotta look beat to hell; or it's gonna look bad to Asgore and all will be fuckin LOST!" He roared out to the group, glaring at them; knowing what needed to be done.

Myra didn't seem to have any problem with the plan. She was sitting at the couch with a cup of tea while the boys handled this part. She rather not have tried knocking the old man's HP if she didn't have to. But by the way things were going, she might have to. The twins were asleep in her wings again, quiet for the most part, that she had been thankful for. Even psychopathic monsters needed to play mother sometimes.

Tyra whined at the idea of it, not seeming to like it once bit. Nast was holding her for the moment to keep her calm. "G'pa...but...w-what if he tries to hurt you more...and...what if you dust in the fight...?"

"We'll have him healed off while the others take care of him. I'm going along too to make sure of that..." Verri tried to assure her, "He won't get more hurt after least...I can help it..."

"A healer is good for something...the team with the best healer will almost always win unless the healer is dusted first." Myra answered back before sipping her tea nonchalantly.

Sansy and Paps looked to their father Edge, and scowled softly. Comic and Papyrus looked to each other, and nodded. Red and Boss grinned almost a bit wickedly.

Edge looked to Tyra and smiled softly. "Puddin...I'll be fine. The boys know they just need ta knock off 'bout thirty HP offa my six hundred...so, I'll be perfectly fine..."

Boss brandished his sharpened red bone, and Red had his baseball bone bat out; Comic had some white bone attacks ready, and so did Papyrus, they didn't dare bring up their Gaster Blasters at the man. Lastly, Paps had his orange bone sword out, and his brother Sansy had battle bone-hammer at the ready.

Soon the sounds of sharp and tense battling were heard in the other closed off room after they'd closed the door behind them. It took nearly an hour of battling, but soon enough, Edge came hobbling through the previously closed door; red blood trailing from the side of his bruised jaw. He looked beat to shit, his sweater ripped as well as his slacks and one boot was ragged slightly.

But he was still rather healthy, despite it all; only 40 HP gone overall. "Ready ta go..."

He moved his tongue around in his mouth and spat out his false golden teeth, grinning brightly. "Heheheh...lost these last time I was here actually! What ol' Gorey don't know, helps me~"

Tyra still didn't like the sight of her grandfather and immediately started crying into Nast's arms. Nast just held her and rubbed her back, looking annoyed, Deep down though, they did really care about her.

Myra finished her tea and got up, gently putting her twins back in their playpen, "Finally...I was wondering what was taking so long..." She gave a quick kiss to Nast and a pat on the head for a still crying Tyra. Noticing the tears, she pulled a bit sharply at Tina's neck gruff, earning a scared gasp from the little girl.

"...That is life, child. One of these days you'll understand it. Stay here..and do not...leave. Hide if you must...you know where to go...but do not damn leave...do you understand..?"

Tyra nodded with a whimper before her mother let go and gave another pat on the head before she left. Nast gently rubbed her where Myra was a bit too tight on her, trying to help best as they could. "...Good luck...try not to die..."

Edge let out a soft growl seeing how harshly Myra had treated Tyra. "Puddin...I'm fine. I gotta look like this or Asgore'll completely dust me on sight...and Myra...I don't wanna see ya doin' that to Tyra again."

He looked to Nast and sighed softly. "Thanks Nast...I'll do my best."

As he walked towards the door; he growled quietly. "...Set the boys up. Tyra...which of the boys you wanna stay with ya? Only two of the four can go with me..."

Myra didn't seem to care, or if she did it didn't look like it. She only went over with the deltarune pins to Red and Boss to set them up. Red's pin got attached on his jacket. Boss's she had pinned to his scarf. Best places according to Myra since the two of them never took off those pieces of clothing.

Tyra looked over at the other skeletons to see who would be better to keep around. She was still weary of both but lightly pointed at Comic and Papyrus..

"She chose. The other two get the pins then." Myra headed over to Paps and Sansy to get them pinned, making sure that those were in descrete places on their clothing. Once the pins were snapped on, their appearances changed to the outside eye. To the skeleton brothers, they look like themselves, to anyone looking at them, they were identical replicas of the fell brothers.

"Long as neither of you take those pins off, you should keep the disguise for however long." Myra advised. Verri gave a small nod in agreement with it.

Paps looked down at himself, and chuckled lightly. "holy shit...um alright then. nyeheheheheh, we're really yer sons now, papi!"

Sansy grinned brightly, and laughed happily. "WE REALLY ARE LIKE YOUR SONS, PAPI!"

Edge looked back at Paps, Sansy, Boss and Red. "...You neva needed those pins. Youse were always my sons...now, let's go fuckin' take care of that asshole in the castle."

Boss nodded stiffly, and he went and cuffed Edge; then he started to head towards the castle. Paps took Sansy with him, and they shortcut to the castle's roof; near the top hatch, ready to go when the signal was given for them to go.

Myra had flown off already to alert the rebellion over the plan and be sure everyone was set up for it. Wouldn't take them long for people to sneak in bit by bit to New Home for their part in the plan.

Tyra gave a small wave and a whine at seeing them go. "It'll be alright, kid...they'll be back." Nast tried to comfort her before heading to the livingroom, "...You want me to read you one of those stories you like...?"

Tyra nodded slightly, the thought of a story to distract herself seemed to keep her calm. Nast hated reading 'em, but for their daughter, they'd do it. It took a book of poems for Tyra to fylly relax enough for dreaming.

It took a bit of time, but Boss and Red brought Dr. W.D. Gaster into the castle's main room, and headed more into the castle. The few guards were surprised to see the former revered and feared doctor being paraded through New Home and up to the castle as he was cuffed and shackled.

Asgore was in his throne room at the moment, and he turned to see who had come. He already knew, and he grinned a bit. "Captain Gaster...you'll turn in your own father then? I'm astounded at your loyalty..."

Boss saluted Overlord Asgore, and shook his head. "DO NOT BE ASTOUNDED, MY LORD. HE RETURNED FOR A STUPID, PITIFUL REASON!"

Asgore's sights focused on Red, and he chuckled. "I guess as pitiful as a reason as why I keep the Judge under my thumb...I assume his pathetic wife passed away finally?"

Edge knew he had to capitalize on it, to catch the evil man off-guard. "Yeh...Yeh, she passed on...just gave up and...came back..."

Asgore came close to Gaster and tilted the man's head upwards towards him. "...You came back to die, dear doctor. It's a pity...if you'd stayed where you ran off too...perhaps you'd have survived. Or did you try to save your creations? Oops...your sons..."

Edge looked down and sighed. I ain't talkin' to your stupid ass no more...boys get ready.

Asgore's red eyes flared up in anger, as his large furry hand gripped Edge's sweater, lifting him up from the ground. "OH...you don't want to talk with me anymore, Dr. Gaster? And what do you mean...for your boys to get ready?!"

Red darted around behind Edge, and uncuffed him rapidly. He knew that Paps and Sansy were busy shattering the souls in the back of the throne room. "go time, fucker!"

Edge reared back with his robotic hand, and slugged Asgore in the jaw suddenly. The large Overlord took a staggering step backwards, and growled in surprise. He tried to call the human souls to him but found that they weren't coming to his call. As the containers had been shattered and the souls had been released.

Paps had his bone sword out and Sansy had his battle hammer out as well, ready for battle; which only served to confuse Asgore as he was surrounded by all four sides by the brothers. Edge leapt onto him and started wailing on him as best he could; chipping away at the large monsters HP.

Myra had let her guild with dealing with the guards who were at the castle. She and Verri has snuck in and made it to the throne room, just in time to see Asgore getting hit from one skeleton to the next.

{{Stay put. This won't take long.}} Myra looked at Verri before summoning a large crystal rod with the ends sharpened.

{{As you wish...}} Verri sighed and indeed stayed, ready to act as a healer when needed.

Myra had jumped into the fight, flying over to help break Asgore down with her rod and black magic infused crystals to tear at him.

"MY MOTHER SENDS HER REGARDS!" Myra laughed hysterically as she kept throwing attack after attack. The magic itself was messing with her mind once more.

Asgore began to get cut down by attack after attack. The brothers were slicing and battering and hammering away at him, not even allowing him to summon his trident.

Paps sliced off one of his horns, Sansy hammered his foot so hard his toes were broken, Boss had pierced him through with sharpened bones, and Edge was wailing on him with lethal punches; left, right, right, left, left, left!

As the last sickening suckerpunch from Edge's robotic left hand fell, and yet another sharpened Crystal rod landed in his chest, pinning him to the golden floor...he began to laugh.

"Oh-hohoho...you...you really think your pathetic stand...this horribly planned attempt will kill me?!" Asgore's voice rang throughout the throne room.

The brothers backed away a bit, till Red stood alone. His red eyelights glared up at the vile king, thin trails of smoke eeking from his sockets.

"you're the biggest motherfucker i ever saw...and i know my own father too...but you? yer scum... you're pathetic..." Red growled out, his tail slowly moving behind him.

Asgore glared to Red, and he chuckled softly. "You are nothing but a little bitch, and you barely satisfy me at all. I don't know why I even threatened to take your wife... I'd probably dust her the moment I shoved it in her...no wonder she could take you, dog."

Red snarled in livid anger, his eyelights flickering out. He launched himself onto Asgore's chest, as a fearsome looking Gaster Blaster appeared just inches from the wicked King's head.

"say hey to tori when ya see 'er!" He leaned down to Asgore's ear to whisper.

"even tori is nothin compared to my mars-bar...youse two will be happy in hell."

He darted away as the blaster changed positions suddenly and obliterated the king's soul, finally shattering it. Asgore resisted, his hand reaching out for Red, snagging the young man in his magic and lifting him up to slam him down one last time.

Red was surprised, letting out a sharp bark at being hauled up ten feet into the air, then suddenly sent hurtling down towards the polished golden floor.

Verri noticed Sans going down and grew vines to catch him from hitting the floor. She wouldn't live with seeing her sister's husband dust and tell her he'd gone.

Myra let down one more crystal rod against Asgore's head, just to make sure he couldn't do anything like that again. She just gave an insane smile, ready to watch him dust.

Verri headed over to the vine cushion she made for Red, healing magic at the ready, "...Are you alright...?"

Red was a bit stunned, but otherwise mostly okay as he clung to the vine cushion in fear, his tail sticking straight upwards. He turned to look at Verri and sighed raggedly. "...fuck, i want mars is this shit done wit yet?"

He was down to just 0.1 HP from the battle, barely clinging to life, his own bones an ashen gray color, but he'd never admit that something was wrong.

Asgore was speared between the eyes with a crystal rod, what was left of him anyways. He was already dusting when she'd speared him. Finally, the sound of shattering glass was heard, as Asgore's soul finally was gone.

The tyrant king was dead.

Long live the tyrant king.

Edge just collapsed onto his back, laughing crazily at seeing Asgore's dust, the wildest grin across his face.

Sansy and paps came running to his side, kneeling beside him.

"papi! you okay? what the hell, should we take you back home? oh fuck, ma's gonna kill me, seeing him like this?!" Paps was rambling, which was hilarious as he still looked like Boss.

"BROTHER, WHAT ABOUT PAPA? HE'S GOING TO BE TERRIFIED SEEING PAPI LIKE THIS! AND...AND US! WE CAN'T JUST GO THROUGH THE DOORWAY LOOKING LIKE THIS! WE'LL SCARE MAMA SO BADLY!" Sansy spoke up, staring up at his brother with a perturbed expression upon his face, himself still looking like Red, due to the conpins.

Verri decided to heal him anyway, rather being safe than sorry.

"You idiots can take off the pins, you know that, yes...?" Myra hissed at the swap brothers. "Now...if anyone needs me...I'll be spreading the news that a new Queen will be taking place...and a new world order with her." She still let out a laugh before grabbing the old crown the bastard left to take with her. A trophy and proof of the successful assassination.

Edge sat up slowly, and looked to Myra curiously. "I hope that new world order...will be a good one. I ain't sticking around...but knowing I've got family here...don't mean I'm staying away neither."

Sansy and Pap reached up and removed the small, golden conpins, themselves changing back to normal appearences. They both sighed, and Paps shoved his hands into his hoodie, his tail lazily waving behind him.

Red was healed as much as he could take it, which surprisingly brought him up to 0.5 HP already. Knowing Asgore was dead already gave him some inkling of hope.

Boss strode over and looked down to his father, and huffed softly. "WE'VE DONE OUR PART. LET'S GO OUT FROM THE HELLZONE."

Edge stood up, shaking his head. Going to his inventory, he got his false golden teeth out, sliding them back in. "Let's get yer kids and partner then... I told Tyra she could come with me."

Verri helped up Red to his feet before giving a soft bow at all the skeletons, "Thank you...my friend and lady may not say it...but...she appreciates your help...I'll do what I can to run the Underground with peace...May your lives be fruitful and fufilling."

"Sans...take good care of my little sister...I still think a lot about her..." Verri gave him a warm smile before heading off to join Myra. She knew Myra wouldn't take the throne, not with how still unstable her mind could be at days. For the kingdom to know peace, someone had to be peaceful from the start, and Verri was willing to do it.

Myra had already gotten MTT's crew to get cameras rolling for the annoucement, showing her at center stage. Everyone would be watching as it made a royal brodcast.

Darren would have the TV on for his own program until it was changed to his psudo-sister. Nast noticed the channel had changed, seeming relieved that their wife was alive and well. Tyra was still sound asleep in their arms, along with the twins.

"Greetings citizens of the Underground. My name is Myrallen Shade Ketal...and I will be your new co-ruler of the kingdom. King Asgore as fallen..and with his rule gone so is his reign. A new order is made...and a new Queen arises from his dust. More will come within the coming days as you welcome your new queen... Queen Veronica Jae." Myra seemed to burn the crown in her hands with fiery back magic in front of the camera before seeming to disappear. The broadcast would cut out.

Nast would look to their children with a rare soft smile, "...We're getting a better life...no more of this crap...we're gunna get out of here..."

Aquaria had been sitting in a dive bar in New Home, staring at the TV. She was overweight, nursing a pint of beer, her thin dreadlocks hanging down her back. Each dreadlock was tipped in a thin metallic spike. Seeing her girlfriend on the TV, she grinned brightly to herself.

It appeared that she was alone in the dive bar, but as she moved from her seat she glared at the other people, sneering at them as she threw the pint glass at the bartender. "Your fuckin beer sucks, by the way!"

The other patrons shuddered, and started to move back closer to where she'd been. Aquaria was a brackish sea water elemental, in her body's composition she had heavy traces of chemicals and sulfur, which gave the overweight elemental a very strange smell. She was crude, rude, somewhat disgusting in her manners, and loved her girlfriend to the ends of the Underground.

And she was going to see her tonight, as she made her way to the castle.

Edge grabbed the boys and they made their way back to Nast's house in Waterfall. He was tired, battered, bruised...and the happiest he'd been in awhile.

Myra had let her guild with dealing with the guards who were at the castle. She and Verri has snuck in and made it to the throne room, just in time to see Asgore getting hit from one skeleton to the next.

{{Stay put. This won't take long.}} Myra looked at Verri before summoning a large crystal rod with the ends sharpened.

{{As you wish...}} Verri sighed and indeed stayed, ready to act as a healer when needed.

Myra had jumped into the fight, flying over to help break Asgore down with her rod and black magic infused crystals to tear at him.

"MY MOTHER SENDS HER REGARDS!" Myra laughed hysterically as she kept throwing attack after attack. The magic itself was messing with her mind once more.

Asgore began to get cut down by attack after attack. The brothers were slicing and battering and hammering away at him, not even allowing him to summon his trident.

Paps sliced off one of his horns, Sansy hammered his foot so hard his toes were broken, Boss had pierced him through with sharpened bones, and Edge was wailing on him with lethal punches; left, right, right, left, left, left!

As the last sickening suckerpunch from Edge's robotic left hand fell, and yet another sharpened Crystal rod landed in his chest, pinning him to the golden floor...he began to laugh.

"Oh-hohoho...you...you really think your pathetic stand...this horribly planned attempt will kill me?!" Asgore's voice rang throughout the throne room.

The brothers backed away a bit, till Red stood alone. His red eyelights glared up at the vile king, thin trails of smoke eeking from his sockets.

"you're the biggest motherfucker i ever saw...and i know my own father too...but you? yer scum... you're pathetic..." Red growled out, his tail slowly moving behind him.

Asgore glared to Red, and he chuckled softly. "You are nothing but a little bitch, and you barely satisfy me at all. I don't know why I even threatened to take your wife... I'd probably dust her the moment I shoved it in her...no wonder she could take you, dog."

Red snarled in livid anger, his eyelights flickering out. He launched himself onto Asgore's chest, as a fearsome looking Gaster Blaster appeared just inches from the wicked King's head.

"say hey to tori when ya see 'er!" He leaned down to Asgore's ear to whisper.

"even tori is nothin compared to my mars-bar...youse two will be happy in hell."

He darted away as the blaster changed positions suddenly and obliterated the king's soul, finally shattering it. Asgore resisted, his hand reaching out for Red, snagging the young man in his magic and lifting him up to slam him down one last time.

Red was surprised, letting out a sharp bark at being hauled up ten feet into the air, then suddenly sent hurtling down towards the polished golden floor.

Verri noticed Sans going down and grew vines to catch him from hitting the floor. She wouldn't live with seeing her sister's husband dust and tell her he'd gone.

Myra let down one more crystal rod against Asgore's head, just to make sure he couldn't do anything like that again. She just gave an insane smile, ready to watch him dust.

Verri headed over to the vine cushion she made for Red, healing magic at the ready, "...Are you alright...?"

Red was a bit stunned, but otherwise mostly okay as he clung to the vine cushion in fear, his tail sticking straight upwards. He turned to look at Verri and sighed raggedly. "...fuck, i want mars is this shit done wit yet?"

He was down to just 0.1 HP from the battle, barely clinging to life, his own bones an ashen gray color, but he'd never admit that something was wrong.

Asgore was speared between the eyes with a crystal rod, what was left of him anyways. He was already dusting when she'd speared him. Finally, the sound of shattering glass was heard, as Asgore's soul finally was gone.

The tyrant king was dead.

Long live the tyrant king.

Edge just collapsed onto his back, laughing crazily at seeing Asgore's dust, the wildest grin across his face.

Sansy and paps came running to his side, kneeling beside him.

"papi! you okay? what the hell, should we take you back home? oh fuck, ma's gonna kill me, seeing him like this?!" Paps was rambling, which was hilarious as he still looked like Boss.

"BROTHER, WHAT ABOUT PAPA? HE'S GOING TO BE TERRIFIED SEEING PAPI LIKE THIS! AND...AND US! WE CAN'T JUST GO THROUGH THE DOORWAY LOOKING LIKE THIS! WE'LL SCARE MAMA SO BADLY!" Sansy spoke up, staring up at his brother with a perturbed expression upon his face, himself still looking like Red, due to the conpins.

Verri decided to heal him anyway, rather being safe than sorry.

"You idiots can take off the pins, you know that, yes...?" Myra hissed at the swap brothers. "Now...if anyone needs me...I'll be spreading the news that a new Queen will be taking place...and a new world order with her." She still let out a laugh before grabbing the old crown the bastard left to take with her. A trophy and proof of the successful assassination.

Edge sat up slowly, and looked to Myra curiously. "I hope that new world order...will be a good one. I ain't sticking around...but knowing I've got family here...don't mean I'm staying away neither."

Sansy and Pap reached up and removed the small, golden conpins, themselves changing back to normal appearences. They both sighed, and Paps shoved his hands into his hoodie, his tail lazily waving behind him.

Red was healed as much as he could take it, which surprisingly brought him up to 0.5 HP already. Knowing Asgore was dead already gave him some inkling of hope.

Boss strode over and looked down to his father, and huffed softly. "WE'VE DONE OUR PART. LET'S GO OUT FROM THE HELLZONE."

Edge stood up, shaking his head. Going to his inventory, he got his false golden teeth out, sliding them back in. "Let's get yer kids and partner then... I told Tyra she could come with me."

Verri helped up Red to his feet before giving a soft bow at all the skeletons, "Thank you...my friend and lady may not say it...but...she appreciates your help...I'll do what I can to run the Underground with peace...May your lives be fruitful and fufilling."

"Sans...take good care of my little sister...I still think a lot about her..." Verri gave him a warm smile before heading off to join Myra. She knew Myra wouldn't take the throne, not with how still unstable her mind could be at days. For the kingdom to know peace, someone had to be peaceful from the start, and Verri was willing to do it.

Myra had already gotten MTT's crew to get cameras rolling for the annoucement, showing her at center stage. Everyone would be watching as it made a royal brodcast.

Darren would have the TV on for his own program until it was changed to his psudo-sister. Nast noticed the channel had changed, seeming relieved that their wife was alive and well. Tyra was still sound asleep in their arms, along with the twins.

"Greetings citizens of the Underground. My name is Myrallen Shade Ketal...and I will be your new co-ruler of the kingdom. King Asgore as fallen..and with his rule gone so is his reign. A new order is made...and a new Queen arises from his dust. More will come within the coming days as you welcome your new queen... Queen Veronica Jae." Myra seemed to burn the crown in her hands with fiery back magic in front of the camera before seeming to disappear. The broadcast would cut out.

Nast would look to their children with a rare soft smile, "...We're getting a better life...no more of this crap...we're gunna get out of here..."

Aquaria had been sitting in a dive bar in New Home, staring at the TV. She was overweight, nursing a pint of beer, her thin dreadlocks hanging down her back. Each dreadlock was tipped in a thin metallic spike. Seeing her girlfriend on the TV, she grinned brightly to herself.

It appeared that she was alone in the dive bar, but as she moved from her seat she glared at the other people, sneering at them as she threw the pint glass at the bartender. "Your fuckin beer sucks, by the way!"

The other patrons shuddered, and started to move back closer to where she'd been. Aquaria was a brackish sea water elemental, in her body's composition she had heavy traces of chemicals and sulfur, which gave the overweight elemental a very strange smell. She was crude, rude, somewhat disgusting in her manners, and loved her girlfriend to the ends of the Underground.

And she was going to see her tonight, as she made her way to the castle.

Edge grabbed the boys and they made their way back to Nast's house in Waterfall. He was tired, battered, bruised...and the happiest he'd been in awhile.

Verri had promised to stay behind in the castle and wait for her family to be there. Myra had wanted to stay with her to help get things prepared but ultimately left back home as her friend promised her family needed her and she needed to be away from everything else.

Verri was under the protection from the remaining Headhunter guild as she was dressed to look like a proper royal to give decrees to the kingdom when she was ready. While everything else got prepared for the new queen, Verri stayed within the golden hallway to think and reflect.

Myra paid none of the skeletons mind as she got home, only emoting when she returned to her partner and children. Nast looked relieved she was okay and...not looking completely crazy.

They looked at the rest of the skeletons with a small smirk, "God damn you guys look like shit. But...it looked like it worked."

Aquaria grinned as she made her way through the outer areas of the castle. She reached into the pocket of her cargo pants, pulling out a cigarette, and she flicked the match lighting it up. Holding the match in front of her mouth; she belched loudly; sending out a small cloud of noxious flammable gas; like an exploding swamp gas bubble.

"HEY! My girlfriend's in there...lemme in you fuckin' assholes!" She drawled as her crystalline red eyes gazed over the Headhunter guild guards. Aquaria was a rough, and rather disgusting woman. Her cargo pants had a rip in the knees; her tank top was stained and dirty; the puka shell necklace she wore was the only shining white and cream-colored item on her. The brackish sea water that made up her body was dark gray, with swirls of black and puce green throughout her body.

As Nast had commented on the brother's state, Sansy rolled his eyelights, and sighed softly. "WELL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASTUTE OBSERVATION..."

Paps rubbed the back of his head tiredly, as he went into his inventory and pulled out a honey spoon to stick in his mouth. "...can we go home already? we killed the bastard...i can get the doorway ready to go, and we'll go home..."

Red stood near the corner, occasionally shaking as he stood there. He wanted to go home already, and he missed Mars incredibly by then. "...i second with the paps...i wanna go back to my mars-bar...i don't like being here, we jus got the fuck away from here before..."

Boss just was quiet, his arms crossed over his chest, and he shook his head in annoyance. Edge was the only one seated on the couch; rubbing his bruised jaw slightly. The blue and purple mark had spread across the right side of his jaw and cheek.

The Headhunter guards looked at her funny, not daring to move from their spot. They only moved when they saw Verri coming out from the doors ahead.

"Let her though...it's okay. She's with me." Verri was already nicely decked out in a red royal dress with a black cape, and Toriel's old small crown on her head. The guards let their new queen through as she ran over and hugged Aquaria with a lighthearted laugh.

Tyra woke up from her nap, only to see her G'pa back. She scooted over to him and gently put a hand on his jaw and tried healing it. Aunt Verri taught her a bit and wanted to put it to some good use., "...G'pa...thank you..."

Nast rolled their eyes and looked to Myra, "...We going with 'em still...? Be completely honest...? I hate this hell hole...and I don't want to keep being here...might do you and the kids some good being free from all this crap..."

"...I...suppose so...I'm...tired..love...you know I never wanted to rule...I've done what I wanted...about time I focused on something much more important..." Myra leaned into Napst who held her close.

"Then let's get the hell out of here...how the fuck did you guys get here again...?"

Aquaria grinned, and scooped up Verri, giving her a passionate kiss. "Salty kisses fer my sugarsweet kitty~ Gawd, you look beautiful, Verri..." She carried her further into the castle, holding her easily in her strong arms. "You'll be great, baby...and I'll be by your side, always."

She saw the guards seemed to gaze to her funnily, most likely due to her natural smell.

Edge smiled softly to Tyra, and he chuckled a bit. "Aw...thank ya, Puddin..." He gently gave her a sweet kiss on her cheek and hugged her tiredly.

Paps chuckled brightly, rolling the honey spoon in his mouth. Reaching to his inventory he pulled out the small box device, and the two tubes of magic. "so, this is how we're leaving...in case you wanted to make your way to the labs in hotland of course? but, considering how things are over there...i doubt we'll all make it. so this is portable doorway, powered by determination and void magic!"

Edge stood up, and took the device and tubes from Paps, and still held Tyra in his hand. "Go on to one side of the room. We'll use the front door for this. Alright?" He then set down Tyra, and smiled to her. "You go with yer Mama and Dama, a'right? I'll be right behind ya kiddo."

Paps looked to Edge curiously as he was setting up the portable doorway. "papi...what's gonna happen? i know you created this portable doorway...so what is going happen...?"

Edge frowned softly, looking down. "...After all of ya'll leave...it'll be unstable when I close it...eh, could lose somethin in the process. And I don't want it ta be any of youse. So I'll close the door behind me..."

He tipped the vials into the box-like device, and then attached it to closed front door. Pressing a few buttons on the front, he put a few droplets of his own magic into it to activate it. "Augh...t-there we go..."

Reaching forward, he opened the front door; which instead of the gloomy Waterfall, it showed the waning rays of sunlight out on the surface where they lived in the Underswap timeline. "We're on the surface...head on out ya'll."

Verri laughed and kissed right back, letting out a few weak purrs. "Thanks waterlily...want me to show you inside...? This..is going to be my new home now...and...um...y-yours...if...if you want it..." She blushed heavily before sinking into her love's hold, more than pleased with having her girlfriend here.

The guards just said and did nothing, letting their queen do her thing as they were under her order now.

Tyra nodded and headed towards her parents. Nast has gotten the twins as Myra offered to grab their bags to leave.

"So...that's the surface...interesting..." Myra raised an eyebrow in slight curiosity. Both Myra and Nast seemed hesitant to go through it but Tyra trusted Edge enough to run through it. Gave Napst a mild heart attack in seeing her do it but calmed down quickly when they saw nothing happened. least that got the couple to leave through the door too.

Aquaria grinned softly, and squeezed Verri's bottom cutely. "Aww, yeah sure." She paused in her walking as she listened to Verri.

"Mine? Wait...you want me ta stay?" Her crystalline red eyes softened, and she gently nuzzled Verri's cheek softly. "Ohhh...Verri...I was gonna ask ya something, but...uh, I was scared of Myra...but...um...I was gonna ask ya if you wanted to marry me...but I wasn't sure if you'd wanna be some stinky old brackish sea water element..."

Edge grinned as he watched Tyra running through the open door. "There ya go Puddin...you'll be in the backyard of the house. Boys, take 'em inside would'ja. An' Paps...get Papa and Uncle Gaster...I'm gonna need 'em..."

Paps nodded, and he watched as then Sansy, Boss and finally Red went through the doorway. Lastly, Paps walked through; but he didn't run to the house like the others. He turned and looked to the small gathering of monsters on the back deck.

"hey papa, uncle gaster...get over here...leave the grandkids with ma and untie caddy!" Paps yelled.

Gaster nodded, and he handed Tina to Caddy; going down the small ramp to the rest of the backyard. Cupcake did the same, giving Kryssie to Wingdin as he too followed Gaster.

What's going on? Is the doorway unstable? Gaster asked, as he examined the portable doorway.

Cupcake nodded as he looked through it, stepping through for a moment, to look at the other side. "It's not tethered to a real door on our side! That's why, Gaster! It's going to crack and split the moment the door is closed; severing whoever is holding onto it! But...how far is the fallout going to be is the question..."

Paps looked closely at the machine, and sighed. "papi, do you know the radius of elemental void determinational fallout? we can calcuate that, and find out just how much space we need to have for closing the doorway so no one gets hurt..."

Edge shook his head. "Paps...get your mother, get Bitter. I don't know, I don't care. I can hear a bunch of monsters trying to get through the area, because on their end; there's an wide open front door, and rays of sunlight coming into the house...they want through. I can't leave the doorway, I have to hurry up. I just wanna say goodbye, if this shit does kill me somehow..."

Paps eyelights went out, and he hurried, waving over Wingdin and Bitter; who had come out soon after. Wingdin came over holding Kryssie and she smiled to Edge; who looked absolutely terrified for once in his life. "Edgy...what is happening?"

"Monsters are wanting in, and they're confused...if they get through a window or something...then they'll be able to walk through this doorway...I love you Wingdin. I love you too Bitter...I might survive this, I dunno. The fallout blast could kill me...might just...chop off my already robotic hand. Don't know till I do it." Edge murmured, as Bitter gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"I love you big lug...I hope this don't kill you, or else I'll kick your ass on the other side." Bitter chuckled quietly, tears gathering in his eyes.

Verri nuzzled right back, purring softly. She immediately started blushing at the question before snuggling into Aquaria's neck, "...Myra means well...but...she isn't here anymore...I would love nothing more than for you to be at my side...it's a smell of you...and I love you." She gave the water elemental another soft kiss, "...I'd be honored if you were a queen along with me..."

Tyra didn't seem like she wanted to leave, even as Myra and Nast got through to the other side. "How the hell are there monsters trying to get through!? I thought we weren't followed!" Nast didn't like the sounds of that.

"Might be for me. I did say I was going to leave the guild now that Asgore had passed..." Myra hissed out and watched Edge do something that looked so stupid. But, she did seem curious and confused on how much he was willing to sacrifice. He gained nothing for himself personally for all this, he could just easily close it and be done. She just didn't understand.

She didn't understand how someone loved their family that much...and partially realized how much she might have missed out on.

Tyra wanted to rush over back to Edge but was stopped by Nast, not getting her any closer for her own safety. That didn't mean she didn't try to fight it off. "G'pa! No! Nooo!"

Aquaria gave a watery grin, starting to plant kisses all over Verri's face lovingly. "Of course, I don't care if yer Queen, or not. I just wanna be with you, Veronica...I love you so damn much..." She snuggled her beloved Verri close to her soft and squishy chest, burbling happily.

Edge looked to Tyra, tears in his eyes. "Puddin...go with G'ma...I'm a tough old bastard. I've made it through worse baby..."

Bitter then went and gently scooped up Tyra into his gloves, helping Nast to hold her back. "C'mon...stay with me, honey...it'll be okay...a'right..."

Gaster and Cupcake nodded as they looked at Edge. "Twenty feet radius at least, wouldn't you think, Gaster?"

Yes, we should do thirty feet just in case of residual remeants... Gaster muttered.

Edge nodded in agreement, and waved them on. Paps, Gaster and Cupcake, helped to usher everyone farther away from the doorway, making sure they were at least thirty feet away from the door. Almost far off in the distance, fighting could start to be heard. As monsters were trying to break through a window in Nast and Myra's house.

The old scientist then stepped away from the door, only his robotic hand holding onto the doorknob. He then began to close the door slowly; and as he did so; it was like a reddish-tinged strike of energy was sparking around the doorframe. A black energy was soon catching up to the reddish-tinged color; as it was rapidly closing in around the doorknob.

Edge was terrified, honestly. But he knew it had to be done. Continuing to close the door, it was rapidly starting to dissolve away; and then a sharp shattering noise was heard as he was thrown back nearly fifteen feet into the yard from the resulting explosion as his robotic arm had been destroyed in an explosion up to his mid-upper arm.

His head was slightly cracked harshly on the left side of his face; with his sweater burned and scorched from the explosion. He was left panting, his sockets wide open, as his eyelights were wide and fearful. As he laid on his back, he couldn't hear anything at all; but the ringing in his skull as he stared up at the sunset dappled sky.

The usual brilliant blue sky was painted in streaks of pale blue, pink, purple, yellow and hints of what seemed like green as well. He started to laugh softly, and smiled as he gazed at the vision in front of him. If that was the last thing he'd seen, he knew he could pass happily, knowing his family, his entire family was safe.

Verri purred again and held on tight, "Love you too...very much...come on. You should see your new home if you'll be staying with me!"

Tyra immediately started crying again as she tried reaching out for Edge when he was thrown from the explosion.

Myra watched carefully for any sign of something wrong before slowly heading over. She still didn't understand fully why he would do that.

MTT and Mars seemed to have heard the explosion from inside, wondering what happened that made it. MTT picked up Rockwell and headed out. Mars not that far behind with her clothes on but her hair still messy from her earlier nap.

"What the fuck was that all about?!" Mars yelled out, part in panic and part in heavy concern if it had to do with her husband. MTT was about to ask the same but seemed a bit relieved in seeing his Papyrus okay.

Aquaria nodded, and carried her further into the castle; her cigarette dangling from her mouth in it's holder. "Of course, baby. You really look gorgeous...yanno...it'll be great to be with you my sweet kitten~"

Edge was just laying on the ground, laughing softly to himself; as he stared at the sky still.

Boss, Red, Sansy and Paps all knelt around Edge, with Boss gently reaching out to his father worriedly.

"Father? Father are you okay?" Boss asked quietly, and patted Edge's face softly.

Sansy started to cry, and shook Edge's natural arm. "P-Papi! Papi please! Speak to us!"

Paps sighed, and gently stroked Edge's head. "i don't think he can hear us right now, sans..."

Red stood up, and shrugged. "just let 'em rest then. he'll be safe...just like we all are. uh, the big guys can bring 'em inside i guess fer now..."

He looked up and smiled when he saw Mars. "marsie! oh my gawd, babe! babe i can't believe it! we killed him! we killed asgore! he's gone now...a-and your sister...veronica...she's the queen now...she said that things will be safe for us...i-if we wanted to come visit..." Gently, he rubbed Mars belly, and smiled a bit.

"my hp is u-up a bit more...it's at 0.5 now..." Red gently nuzzled Mars cheek, his tail wagging happily as he whined in his excitement at being home again and with his wife.

Myra checked up on his HP, "He's not dead. His HP is low...but he's not dead. Just get him inside and healed and he'll be fine." She kept up her monotoned voice, making it seem like she didn't care. She was hiding something in reality, "He'll be fine."

Tyra was still clinging to Bitter and sniffling. Even as her mother pushed past to get into the house.

Mettaton immediately rushed to Pap and hid behind him in fear once he recognized her, "P-Papy...w-what's she doing h-here...?"

Mars watched Myra head inside, her fur standing on edge with her guard up. Myra caught sight of it, "I'm not here to do harm...please. I just finished a fight with your husband and his counters. Last I need is to be dusted from something stupid. Your sister sends her love and regards..."

Mars just watched her before Sans came over. She immediately hugged him, glad to see he was safe. "Holy shit, Red! You...fuck...that's...that's fucking crazy! You...oh my god..." She started to laugh, still not able to believe everything he said. She just started putting kisses all over him, happy to have him back again. Her babies started to kick inside at feeling their father around again.

"Stars you're a god damn doofus...but you're still my big doofus. Come here, hero." Mars pulled him in for a passionate kiss, wanting nothing more than him.

Gaster and Cupcake gently carried Edge into the house, and they all started the pathway to getting better and more healthy.

It took Edge about three days to finally wake up after the fight, and another two weeks to rebuild himself a new robotic arm after the one he wore was shattered and rendered into scrap metal from the explosion. Thankfully, he'd gotten better, and he continued to work on getting his family settled into their own houses and he'd gotten a nice house for Mars and Red; and a house for MTT and Boss, as well as a house for Myra and Nast. However, he hadn't actually introduced them to their counterparts just yet.

Nearly two months had passed since they had come in, and Red was currently pacing in his home, whining to himself as he was looking to the windows and front door. He'd had a horrible nightmare, and he was terrified for no real reason; as his tail was between his legs while he paced.

Sansy was excitedly making sure things were comfortable and ready for Marrie; as he was heading out to Queen Toriel's house so he could assist the Queen with some Royal government edicts with the Human government. He'd asked his Papa to come over to keep Marrie company.

Cupcake came to the house, and he carried a little basket with him that had a few treats from Wingdin. "Hello hello, Marrie! I do hope you're feeling alright today, I've brought you some cinnamon buns from Mama, she baked them fresh this morning."

Mars was currently relaxed on the couch, half asleep and watching Red pace about. "...Sans...? Baby...come here...come lie with me a little..." She positioned herself to sit up and offer an arm to her pacing husband. Normally in private she'd been very cuddly and physical with him, so now that they were living on the surface with no other worries of being killed on sight, she had gotten used to asking for hug and cuddles everywhere. Only difference was that she was wearing her blue collar more often in the house, but she'd been taking some time in getting used to it again.

Marrie smiled and hugged her papa-in-law, happily letting him in the house, "Mhmm! Kinda woke up late a bit today and the babies are a lot more energized today, but other than that I'm okay! Thanks for staying with me and bringing some buns!" She took the basket and went off to put it in the kitchen, grabbing two for herself to eat at the moment.

"Make yourself at home, Papa! I'm not really doing much except walking around and reading." Marrie headed back to the couch to eat her buns and finish the book she was reading online.

Red went to her, and cuddled close to Mars; his arm over her very heavy belly protectively. "mmmm, you okay, mars? i'm sorry, just...just somethin' has got me jumpy today...i dunno what it is..." He pressed kisses to her stomach, and looked around a bit.

Cupcake grinned happily and nodded. "Oh of course, dear. I love coming and spending time with you actually! Wingdin packed the basket, so she might have put something extra in there. She said there was a treat for me as well?"

In the basket he'd given to Marrie there was a jar of strawberry frosting and a large dark pink spoon for Cupcake. The note on top of it said 'For Papa, XOXO - Mama'

The obese teacup scientist went over to the couch and he pulled out a notebook he kept with him in his inventory; and adjusting his glasses he began to sketch some ideas he had for a solar panel watering system for James in his garden. "It's always good to be active, even as far in your pregnancy as you are, Marrie. And if you need any help with anything, please let me know. I might be a big old softie; but I've got very strong blue magic you know~"

Mars gently rubbed his skull, trying to do something to keep him relaxed for the moment, "You want to call your dad again? Maybe he can figure it out. I'm just tired as hell...little brats are a pain in the ass right now...I'll get over it."

Mars used her tail to grab the phone in her pocket and put it in her free hand to call Edge. "We're not in Fell anymore, Red baby...we shouldn't be getting jumpy like this. It's been a lot to get used to with the peace and quiet...not going to lie there..."

"Mhmm. There's a jar in the basket for you. I'm okay for now. I think the babies are just hungry, that's why they're all kicking me so much." She let out a small giggle before hissing in pain, "Ow...okay...okay...mama's eating. Hang on. Goodness..." She winced before rubbing her belly with a free hand. She fed herself the cinnamon bun, hoping that would be enough to keep the babies calm.

Red nuzzled into her chest softly, and nodded gently. "yeah...let's call dad...m-maybe he can help us or somethin...thank you. i've been okay with the peace and quiet, kinda...just something's gettin' under my ribcage..."

Edge heard his phone ringing and he picked it up, answering with a soft almost growling noise as he was clearing his throat. "Uh, heya Mars...youse two a'right? Ya need anythin? Me and Ma were thinkin of coming over anyways today..."

Cupcake chuckled quietly, hearing that there was a jar in the basket. "Hahaha, your mother probably left me a jar of eh, frosting; so I wouldn't be tempted to eat those cinnamon buns she'd made."

His chuckling quieted as he heard her hissing in pain. "Marrie...how active have the babies been in the last twenty four hours?" He got up from the couch, heading over to where she was in the kitchen.

Mars heard Edge on the other line as she kept petting Red, "Oh hey. Uh, we're okay. Could ya come over? Sans is acting kind jumpy today, maybe you'd know what's up." Mars bit her lip in feeling some pain, but she let it subside, thinking it was nothing.

"Um...few hours. They were a little antsy in the really early hours. I took a bath and that calmed them down enough for me to fall asleep. That's..kinda why I woke up late...and I thought they might be hungry. I didn't feel very hungry so...they must be a little mad at me for not feeing them." Marrie giggled nervously as she finished a cinnamon bun and tried grabbing a glass of milk to wash it down.

She seemed to grab onto the fridge door tight as the wave of pain came and went. After it was gone, she reached for the milk to serve herself a glass.

Edge nodded to himself, and he chuckled quietly. "Sure thing, Mars. We'll bring ova some snacks and shit too. See ya in a bit, kiddo." He hung up and him along with Bitter gathered up a few things and then headed out to Mars and Red's house.

Red was still whining softly, and making soft noises as she pet him, and he kissed her belly where he could; his tail softly wagging as she'd petted him.

Cupcake frowned softly, and he sighed; looking her over. "Marrie...I...I don't mean to be crude dear...b-but could I possibly..." He wiggled the fingers on his gloved hand, and gestured to her stomach slightly. "I-I want to see where the lowest babie's head is positioned actually..."

His entire head was a flushed strawberry color, but he was worried about her possibly being in the beginning stages of labor.

Mars hung up the phone and kept petting him, "I'm alright Red...brats are okay too. Your dad and ma are coming over. Not gunna lie babe...I'm ready for these runts to get out already." Unlike Marrie, Mars had a feeling on what was happening with her. But she wasn't about to admit it, mostly to not upset her husband more and/or risk being put in a hospital. There were some things she still didn't trust in this new world of hers, but hospitals had always been a place of suspicion and hatred for her.

Marrie blushed heavily at the thought, "Oh...well...I know one baby lowered down a day or two ago. Sansy was a little worried but I told him it might be a while...I'm still not due for another three days I think...but..you can check...if..it...is that important..." She trusted Cupcake enough for it, though that didn't meant it made it any less awkward.

Red nodded a bit, and the noises he was making were starting to calm down; as he closed his eyes, laying lightly on her belly. Although he was techinically less Blaster Dog than his own father, he tended to act more like one, especially when he was nervous or scared. Patting her belly softly, he smiled a bit, keeping his eyes closed as he was resting happily. "a-alright...yeah i can't wait...can't wait to see our puppies...er...kittens...kit-pups..."

Cupcake nodded a bit, and still blushed. "Ah y-yes! Um...oh...oh dear...let's see here, dear..."

He stepped forward, and gently pressed his glove against her heavy belly; trailing down quite low, and he looked to his phone, timing when he'd felt a contraction, hearing her hiss in pain. "...H-Here...a contraction...and it's about ten seconds long...and..."

Staying in the position he was in, he waited...and waited...and finally five minutes later another ten second long contraction came over her. "And there we go! Alright, Marrie your contractions are five minutes apart, and only ten seconds long! You're alright for now, but I'm going to be keeping track of your contractions from here on out! You might be having these babies today actually!"

Mars rolled her eyes with a smile at her husband trying to figure it out, "How about we call 'em cubs for now, huh? Least until they break on out of here." She took a deep breath to calm herself a bit more, mentally making note of her contractions. Something she had to learn offhand by her sister since she trained her to take care of herself when the kiddos would come. Little part of her was sad that she wouldn't have her sister be with her when she did have the brats. But she put away for now, just hoping she could hold off having them for a few more hours. For now, she was happy to cuddle Red and wait for Edge and Bitter to come over.

"I'm gunna have to pump for the kids...not unless I suddenly grow a third tit to feed one of' 'em." She laughed at her own stupid idea as her tail reached the remote to find something good on TV.

Marrie looked really excited despite the pain, "Really!? Yes! Oh! Should I call Uncle? Wait..no...i still have time. Be a waste for him to run over if I'm not ready yet...I'll call Sans instead! He needs to be here!" She let out an excited mew before rushing off to get her phone to call her husband.

Red chuckled quietly, and grinned; his tail softly thumping against the couch. "cubs, i love it so much babe...yeah...cubs..." Hearing her joke about growing a third tit; he started laughing brightly. "oh my gawd, a third tit...that's priceless, mars-bar..."

Edge got some baby things that he'd picked up, and on Bitter's suggestion, he picked up some extra things, and stuck a cigar between his teeth as him and Bitter headed out from the house. Bitter had been trying out some different clothing lately; deciding to wear a dark red dress again, like he'd worn when he was wheelchair-bound.

Cupcake chuckled quietly, and nodded gently. "Of course! However...I hope he'll be able to come home...he's out with the Queen today actually..." His voice was heard to nothing, as she'd rushed off down the hallway, as quickly as she could with her heavy globe of a belly.

Sighing softly, he looked to the floor for a moment. "Oh, drat, she's going to be so soulbroken..." Going to the counter, he picked up the jar of frosting and the pink spoon; unscrewing the lid and taking a big spoonful out to eat in his nervousness.

Mars started laughing more along with him, "Getting a belly full of laughs, huh? Just howling with laughter, ya dorky dog? I'll throw ya a bone baby if it means keeping ya that way." She kept joking around and snickering.

Marrie picked up her phone and called Sansy, giddy and excited. She was ready to start talking at hearing him speak but realized it was his voicemail. Her smile turned to one of sadness as his voicemail messaged played out and the beep was heard, "H-Hi Sansy...sorry...I...just remembered you're out with the queen. Uh...let me know how you're doing, okay? Papa's here and he says that...the baby might come today...so...thought I'd let you know. I'll..try and call again if something changes...love you."

She hung up and placed her phone down back on the nightstand in their bedroom. She started rubbing her stomach slowly, "...Daddy might not come home for a while...t-there's still time...he...he could come...he could see you be born...right? C-Can we wait for him...?" She let out a sniffle as she wiped any tears that threatened to fall before she winced at another contraction going through.

Red's expression lit up excitedly, and he started guffawing loudly; as he was nearly howling with his laughter by then. "oh, oh hahahahaha! those are just pawfect, marsie! i'm mutts about you, babe!"

His expression sombered up, as he rubbed her stomach lovingly; pressing loving kisses to the surface and licked her belly in a passionate manner. "...sometimes i wonder why you still stay with someone as ruff as me...but everyday you make me feel better about everything. i love you marrianne."

Edge and Bitter came knocking at the door, the older skeledog puffing away at his cigar a bit. He knew just across the street lived Boss and MTT; and he hoped they were doing alright as well.

Cupcake had came down the hallway, and he gently knocked on the doorframe to the bedroom. "Marrie? Sweetheart...is everything alright? Would you like a hug perhaps? I knew he was going to be out all day with the Queen on official business...I had hoped that perhaps nothing would happen..."

Mars laughed with him for a while longer. At the kisses and lick, she let out a small content moan before kissing his skull, "Love you too, ya mutt. Ya make things a lot less shit...and...I don't know...feels really good having ya here...you just make things better." She pressed a few more kisses on him before hearing the door.

"Get off of me real quick. Imma answer the door." She let out a laugh as she got up to answer it. Took her a minute to compose herself when feeling another wave of pain once she got up but she headed over to the door with relative ease. That was until she felt something wet spill between her legs and onto the floor though her pants a moment before answering the door.

"...Shiiiiiiiiiiit...I was hoping I could hide that..." Mars let out a groan of frustration as she saw Edge and Bitter at the door, "Hey...uh...what's going on?"

Marrie let out another sniffle, "Y-Yeah...I'm...I'm okay...c-come in...please..." She unlocked the door and hugged her papa-in-law tight, trying her best not to be too disappointed.

Red got off of Mars, and watched with a content gaze as she went waddling to answer the door. His eyelights soon blinked out seeing her water breaking right in front of his parents.

Edge looked down, and let out a quiet chuckle, as a smirk crossed his face. "Well...I'd say what's going down there, alleycat...you uh...feelin' a'right?"

Bitter rolled his eyes and sighed. "C'mon honey, Ma'll get you fixed up. Where you wanna squat and push the brats out? The livin' room, yer bedroom, or in a water bath?"

Mars looked annoyed, "Well...I'm already here...mind as well just fucking have 'em here in the livingroom...long as it's not a fucking hospital, I'm good."

She looked over at Sans with a semi-smile, "Welp...looks like I get my wish, huh? Uh...ya...may wanna be careful, baby. I love ya and all but...once these little shits start coming...I might end up snapping and hurtin' ya..so...hide when I get to that point, alright?" She could still handle herself for now, but remembering how Myra was with having her kids, she rather not take that chance with her husband, especially with his low HP. For now, she just let Bitter handle her.

Bitter chuckled quietly, and nodded. "Of course it wouldn't be a hospital, Mars. We don't trust 'em either." He gently guided her back to the living room; rubbing her shoulder. "You just rest, okay...we'll get everything set up and ready for you."

Edge came further into the house, closing the door behind him; then he went and got a blanket for Mars to lay down upon, along with a pillow. "Oh yeah, when youse get to that point...I'll just shove Red in the bedroom, a'right?"

Red blinked a bit, and whined. "shove me in the bedroom?"

Edge nodded, as he came over and rubbed Red's head. "Yep...and I'll lock the door from the opposite side so you can't come out. Damn...I really gave you a lot of Blaster Dog didn't I son?" He preformed a check and blinked a bit. "Holy shit...you're nearly 80% blaster dog...no wonder..."

Mars just nodded and tried to keep calm as another contraction came through, "Trust me, babe...it's for the best...Had to help Verri when Myra had her brats. They were lucky they were still incorporeal when Tyra was coming. With the twins? Alphys had a reaaaal fun time fixing their ass up!"

She started to laugh again until she felt a strong contraction come through. Within an hour and a half time, her contractions got closer, and her temper got harder and harder to control.

"Babe...get in the fucking bedroom now! I'm trying real god damn hard not to scream atcha...I love you but...get the fuck out of here!" She hissed out in pain and clutched the bottom of her stomach, "GO NOW!"

Red whined loudly, and wasn't moving from his spot, until Edge growled and grabbed up his son by the scruff of his neck right between his shoulder blades.

"Fuckin...you ain't listening, so you go in the doghouse, son!" Edge grunted as he toted Red down the hallway, and tossed him into an empty bedroom that he'd reversed the doorknob lock on.

There was a large pad of some sort, piles of blankets and some pillows, some food, like jerky and granola bars that Red liked, a case of beer and a case of water, some bottles of mustard, along with some pictures of Mars and some of other family. The room had no windows and was even inscribed with anti-shortcut sigils for his own protection. He was set up where he'd be fine for nearly a week on his own.

Bitter knelt down on the floor helping Mars to get down as well, and he lightly rubbed her stomach. "You're doing great Mars, Dad'll be back soon enough okay..."

Edge came back down the hallway and smiled as he knelt down. "A'right let's see how far yer dilated, Mars."

He reached forward to pull down her pants finally, so he could see her progress.

Mars started to pant heavily, while Edge checked, "Stars I think this is it...I can f-f-feel 'em...t-they're f-fucking c-comiiIIIIIINNNNGGG!"

Mars let out a pained scream, her claws digging into the carpet with the coming contraction, "BABY'S COMING! FUCKING SHIT THIS HUUUURTS! GOD DAMN IT SANS! THIS WAS YOUR FUCKING THING IN THE FIRST GOD DAMN PLACE! HOPE YOUR FUCKING HAPPY, ASSHOLE! "

Edge immediately was ready to catch the first baby as they were easily being pushed out, fueled by Mars fearsome anger.

Red was at the door, his granola bar forgotten, as he scratched and whined at the door. "mars mars i'm sorry! i love you, i'm sooooooooorrrrrrrrryyyyyyy!"

He had begun howling, a long, pitiful howl that nearly could be heard outside the house.

Edge was holding the first child in his hands soon and he grinned brightly. "Oh my gawd it's a little girl... she's so fuckin beautiful Mars..."

Mars was still panting away, glad one was done. "Thank the fucking angel..." she didn't take too long to rest before she felt the familiar pang of a contraction.

Hearing Red howl got her pissed off again, "WILL YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP!? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FUCKING DO THIS SHIT WITH YOU HOWLING YOU SACK OF SHIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! FUCKING SHIT! PUT THE FUCKING BRAT DOWN AND HELP ME DAMN YOU!" one hand had started to claw and tear at the couch behind her while she started pushing out the second baby out, a way to make herself stop from swiping at Edge or Bitter in her fit.

Edge put the little girl down into the bassinet and Bitter came over ready to take over, while Edge got some very strong pain medication ready for her after she had the last baby.

Red whimpered and continued whining as he started to scratch and paw at the door in a fervor. He wanted to be there for his wife, to see their cubs being born. But he was shoved into that room, in his frenzied and panicked state he didn't realise that he truly was no better than some junkyard dog at that moment.

Hearing her scream again, he slunk over to the tray of unwrapped granola bars and sticks of jerky and he started to chew on a strip of jerky sullenly. After a few moments he dragged over the case of beer and started drinking them.

After only what seemed like a few minutes, the second baby came out, and Bitter grinned. "Ooh, it's a boy! And just one more, Mars. Try to take a breather okay? Dad's got you some pain meds after you get the last one out!"

"F-fuck...this...s-shit...s-so hard...r-right now..." Mars was panting heavily as she slashed at the couch more, even tried swiping at Bitter before having it settle onto the carpet and tearing it instead. With all the energy she exerted so far, it was harder for her to stay mad.

A few more minutes would pass before she felt the familiar pang, only this time she had started crying, "F-fuck...g-god damn it...I c-can't do this...I c-c-can't...I can't...I CAN'T!" She kept trying to keep to her breathing instead before reluctanly pushing despite the exhaustion and pain. No doubt her voice would be shot after all this.

Bitter went and put the little boy into the bassinet as well, and worriedly watched closely.

Edge came over closer to her, and he gently held her hand. "C'mon Marrianne...you can do this... Papi's right here... I won't let you fail..."

He tried to help her by giving her energy somehow. Bitter floated around behind her, placing her gloved hands onto Mars shoulders.

"Mars, Ma's gonna give you some healing okay, please accept it, it'll help you..." Bitter mumbled into Mars ear.

Mars was too weak to fight back at this point, most she could do was let out pathetic whimpers and groans of pain. She decided to accept their help once she realized she couldn't do much more without it as she struggled to push.

"Baby's here...fuck...Sans...S-Sans...baby...baby they're here...I fucking need you here..." She let out once last pained groan before delivering the kid herself and passing out once they were out. She tired herself out but at least the last child was born.

Edge had scooped up the last baby, and got them to crying as well, to join their siblings, as he began to get to them to deal with each other. "Aw they're all playing so nicely..."

Bitter started to tend to her, giving her an injection of pain medication, and he helped her with healing her crotch. "There we go...got you some nice pain meds, and your beautiful kids are born..."

When he'd seen she passed out, but from exhaustion he nervously made a noise, looking up at Edge.

Red heard Mars calling out for him and he ran to the door, nearly skittering across the floor as he struck against it. He began whining, scratching, and pawing all anew. In his stress, he'd even partially transformed, looking a bit more dog-like.

His tail was a bit longer, his legs less bi-pedal, and his arms were a touch longer. As he scratched at the door, he was able to sit on his haunches much more easier, and he'd even gained a pair of red magic dog ears, one which flopped over a bit, the other had a large bite taken from it, it seemed. One of the strangest things was his face was even more dog-shaped, gaining him a slight skeletal muzzle.

As Mars had passed out, Edge was already on the move to let Red out, but he was worried how his son was going to react. Opening the door, he thought his jaw was going to hit the floor.

Red came running on his feet and hands, straight over to Mars, where he began kissing and licking all over her face worriedly. "mars, mars, mars! babe, babe, where's the cubs, you gotta wake up, you gotta wake up, you can't leave me, i can't be alone, i love you, please please..."

He sniffed all around her, and his tail was thumping rapidly on the floor. Edge went and put the triplets onto the floor, knowing how Red's mind was just then.

Red went over to the cubs and he started sniffing them, rolling them from side to side with his 'muzzle'. One of the babies wasn't crying, and niether Edge nor Bitter had noticed. He started to lick strongly on the little boys chest, pushing in with his nasal ridge, and soon they began to cry strongly too.

Edge came over and got them into special onesies he'd made, with a small strap on their chest and on their back for easy transferring.

Mars would be completely out cold, but she was alive. Her energy was just depleted for the moment. Even Red's licking and kissing wouldn't get her to wake up. For now the rest did her good. She wouldn't wake up for another hour, letting out a tired groan before opening her eyes.

"...Fuck...w-what happened...? C-Cubs okay...? W-Where's...S-Sans...?" As expected her voice was weak and hoarse from all the yelling she did beforehand.

Red hed gotten the cubs and had them nuzzling in his jacket, curled up on the floor with him. He was only a few inches away from her, his head nearly pressing her side, wanting to not be away from her.

Hearing Mars speaking, a rapid thumping was heard, along with an excited bark. "mars! i'm right here! i've got the cubs, they're okay!"

He stood up on all fours and very gently, picked them up one by one with his teeth, using their onesie straps, and he put them into her lap.

Mars rubbed her eyes in confusion of what she saw. "Red...what...what are you? Oh my...Sans! Careful! You're gunna poke holes in those!"

She carefully took each baby and held them to her chest. Two she tried to get to latch on while the last one she tried keeping a hold of them in her arm, using her tail for leverage.

"Hey cubs...least you little runts came quick...thanks for that...Where's the old folks...? And shit...I am numb from the bottom. I can't feel my legs." She was a bit overwhelmed by everything, unsure of what to focus on first. Her husband was an actual dog now, her babies were here, her legs felt like lukewarm jello, and she had no idea where her in-laws went.

Red sat on his haunches, and he gave her a kiss and lick on her cheek; nuzzling her softly. "ma and dad fell asleep on the couch, while you were recoverin' from having the cubs...i uh...a-apparently kinda...well, dad says i transformed into what he was once...and uh i've done this before i think?"

He tilted his head for a moment, and nudged her leg with his front paw curiously; and saw there was no response from her. He then did the other one and whined softly. Bounding over to his parents, he stood up on his hind legs and started pawing at Edge's gut rapidly.

Edge quickly woke up and glared at Red. "Sans what the fuck...what's going on? Oh shit, she's up...sorry, sorry...me and Bitts settled down and uh...well, we're old, what'cha thinks gonna happen..."

He carefully got down into the floor and came over to Mars, looking her over. "So uh, how ya feeling, Mars? I gave ya a strong pain medication, to block the resulting pain in your lower half, so you could rest properly..."

Mars tried to think back on it, only to remember, "Shit...right...ya did. Sorry...just...ugh...I'm just feeling weird right now..." she tried lying back down while letting two of the kids feed from her.

She didn't feel anything from Red nudging her legs. The pain meds we're definitely still in effect. "Yeah...I can tell. I'm fine...just...ugh...tired and kinda dizzy...long as the cubs are okay...I'm good..." She did manage a smile as she looked at the three, "One girl...two boys. Nice little combo we got."

Red nodded and he softly licked their heads, nudging their bottoms a bit while the two boys fed. "they're fuckin beautiful, mars-bar..." He leaned up to her face and gave her a kiss the best he could with his muzzle; and he grinned to her. "i love you so much. oh, and ma made those onesies for us. i can pick them up without poking holes in the fabric apparently. he got the claw-proof fabric from wingdin...the uh, softie gaster or whateva..."

He then picked up the one not drinking and laid then on their back, and then curled up around them, nuzzling them happily. "papa's precious little girl..." Red then started to groom her with his long red tongue, eliciting tiny giggles from the baby.

Edge chuckled quietly, and lightly ran his natural hand through her hair. "You'll be a'right Mars. I'll have Ma get ya a blanket, so you can rest here on the floor. And he's right, he'll be able to lift and move around the babies without hurting them or their clothing with his teeth. We made sure of that."

"Thanks...for everythin'..." Mars mumbled lightly while watching her boys eat.

"Those onesies are a blessing. Last I need is for their clothes to end up like half my wardrobe. I like the ripped clothes look but it don't work for babies." She laughed weakly, her voice was still hoarse but it sounded better than earlier.

Bitter floated over with a blanket, and gently draped it over her legs, and carefully lifted Mars head with a glove while he slipped a pillow underneath her head. "Mhm...I've seen your wardrobe. It always looks like Red decided to go crazy on you with his claws...but we're going to claw and rip-proof fabric for all of you sweetie. I'll make sure of it, okay? You need to have good clothes that won't rip on you."

Red whined softly, and just nudged their little girl; settling down beside Mars. He nudged his own head near her hand, letting out a quiet whimper. "i...kinda ripped the room up a bit...i'm sorry babe..."

Edge rolled his eyes, and he brought over the bassinet; which didn't have the legs or wheels so he could put it flat on the floor. "Eh, don't stress ova that Red, I'll fix up the claw marks and shit. Once the boys are finished feeding, put them in the bassinet; then bring over your daughter. I'm gonna get started on dinner for youse both."

"That sounds great...I'm starving..." Mars looked a bit relieved with that news. Hearing that Sans ripped up the room, she wasn't surprised, only hoping there wasn't too much damage.

Once she felt one boy finish, she slowly managed to put him in the bassinet and carefully take her little girl to eat next.

"Ya know, Red...we still gotta name 'em. Whatcha thinking?" She managed to get the second boy into the bassinet without disturbing her little girl.

Edge went to the kitchen and started fixing up dinner for everyone, thankful for what Wingdin had taught him about cooking over the years. He paused in his fixing and went to the torn up room; bringing out what was left of the case of beer; and the plate of granola bars and jerky. He chuckled and threw Red a couple chunks of jerky.

Red caught them in mid-air; and his tail started wagging happily. Holding it between his paws, he pulled at the jerky for a moment; as he thought about what he wanted to name the babies. It took a couple moments, as he ripped off a piece of jerky and was chewing slowly on it. "i'm thinking like...jamie and jack for the boys and jenny for the girl maybe? they don't have skeletal fonts, so uh...yeah..."

He leaned forward and nudged the baby girls bottom softly, noticing her tail was slowly wagging. "heheheheh, she likes papa's nudges~"

Bitter had simply sat on the couch, watching her children as they spoke about the grandchildren; and she smiled happily. "Aw youse two are so cute...neva thought a dog and a cat would get along so well~"

Mars looked at her boys and managed to give them her tail to play with for the time being while her little girl fed.

"Hmm...Not bad...Jamie Crimson Gaster...Jackson Imperial Gaster...I like Julia. Julia Scarlet Gaster." Mars kissed her baby girl while gently petting her baby boys with her tail. A nice combination of names representing her family, and names to reflect Red's.

Hearing Bitter say that, she rolled her eyes with a smile, "Hey makes it easy to love him. I can't help it."

Red sat up more, and smiled looking at his children. "jamie, jackson and julia...those are gorgeous names, mars. i love you so much, babe..." He heard a knock at the front door, and growled immediately; his magic'd ears flattened back.

Bitter sighed and got up from the couch, as he hovered to the door. "Back down, Red...lemme see who it is, a'right?" She peeked through the peephole and smiled. "It's just your brother and Metta...go'on and back down or I'm gonna swat ya with the damn magazine!"

Red went and curled up close to Mars, still growling softly in protection over his wife and their cubs; even as Bitter opened the door.

"Heya, Pap...you heard the shouting huh?" Bitter calmly mentioned, a slight smirk across her porcelain face.

"YES...THE SHOUTING WOKE UP ROCKWELL FROM HIS NAP ACTUALLY...WE DECIDED TO COME OVER AND SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. THE ONLY REASON IT TOOK US SO LONG WAS...WELL, ROCKWELL THREW UP ON HIMSELF AND WE HAD TO BATHE HIM. BUT WE'RE HERE NOW, AND..." Boss paused as he came inside, and looked at his older brother, who was pretty much naked except for his boxers, and in full Blaster Dog form just then. "...YOU HAD TO PUT HIM IN A ROOM ON HIS OWN, DIDN'T YOU MARS?"

MTT held a tired Rockwell. Poor little boy looked like he went through a bad time after being spooked like that.

"He has a nervous habit of doing that when he cries too hard." MTT explained while gently rocking his baby boy before going in.

Mars looked a bit annoyed, "Better him destroying my fucking bedroom than me dusting him from the pain of having a kid come out of my fucking bits." She rolled her eyes as she gently put Julia into the bassinet with her brothers.

"Oh Darling they look adorable! Well congratulations. How are you feeling? Can't be any worse than when Papy had Rockwell." MTT chuckled slightly.

Boss came in further, and settled onto the couch across from where Mars laid on the floor, covered by a blanket. "MMM. That is understandable, sister. My husband is quite correct however, your children are beautiful."

Red went and sniffed at the babies quickly, making sure they were happy; then he gave Mars a lick on her cheek. Looking to Boss, he went and leapt up onto the couch, and started to lick his brother's face happily. "baby bro, baby bro how are you, are you okay? i've missed you, you haven't come over in nearly two months, why haven't you?"

Boss surprisingly just took the lickings, and he started to rub Red's back softly. "DOWN...DOWN BROTHER...I know it's been awhile since we've been over here..." He got his brother to calm down and he watched as Red laid down across Boss and MTT's lap. "There we are...and yes, Metta...It was rather painful when we had Rockwell, but it was worth it, to have our beautiful little boy..."

Edge was nearly done making dinner, a nice meat filled curry, with hearty vegetable filled rice on the side. "Youse should stay for dinner, we're having curry."

Back in Marrie's house, Cupcake was still making sure that everything was comfortable for Marrie; as she was still slowly laboring. He checked again, and sighed softly; shaking his head. "I'm so terribly sorry, you're only seven inches dilated...you need to be ten inches to start pushing...and even then, your waters haven't burst yet..."

MTT managed to pull up Rockwell with his upper arms as Red got on his and Boss's lap. He didn't seem to expect that though. Rockwell however seemed surprised and tried reaching out to pet his uncle.

"Thanks you guys...yeah...they're worth it." Mars let out a tired chuckle before settling back down to relax.

MTT did let Rockwell try and pet Red while he kept a close eye just in case. "Well, we had no plans for dinner...Papyrus? Would you like to?"

In Marrie's place, she seemed slightly bittersweet about the whole thing. "It's okay...maybe Sans will come home in time when it happens..."

She tried not to look too disappointed as she got herself up from her seat to walk around, hoping that would help somewhat. She looked to her phone and decided against herself from calling Sansy again. She knew he wasn't going to pick up.

"I'm just going to take a bath...is..that okay...?" She wanted to do more than just sit there or pace around the living room while pain came and went. She hated sitting still for something like this.

Boss continued to idly pet Red, and he nodded. "Dinner sounds lovely. I guess brother will be eating on the floor then?"

Red gave him a dirty look and attempted to snap at Boss's hand; while he turned over onto his back. He looked up at Rockwell, and let out a soft noise, reaching for Rockwell. His tongue was out and he had the most happy and pleased look on his face.

Cupcake thought for a few moments, and nodded. "Certainly, just don't get the water too terribly hot, I remember Mama saying something about exceedingly hot baths being harmful somehow..."

As Marrie had called him nearly five times that day, Sansy had gotten all the messages and he was itching to leave already. He was seated in a meeting with Mayor Ucher, and the man's husband, who himself was rather rounded with child it seemed.

Sansy had also learned something new that day, that human males had to be what was called 'transexual' to create a child and yet still be a man. That was embarrassing to himself to find that out. At least everyone involved was happy it was a more private meeting rather than something more public, or worse, televised.

And the reason he was there, was not because of his expertise in puzzle-making, his swashbuckling skills in fighting, nor his intellect in interpersonal relationships. It was because Mayor Ucher's husband had a doctor's appointment that day, and no one else could watch their 3 year old daughter Gloria.

Sansy sat with Gloria, keeping her easily entertained while the Queen and Mayor discussed politics just a room away from them. He kept checking his phone to see if she called again, but nothing more. It had been an hour already! He'd tried to explain what was going on to Queen Toriel...but she shooed him away, without even listening to him.

After that happened, he just hugged Gloria for a moment; blue tears trailing down his cheeks. The Junior Guardsman Emertius, one of the saviors of Underfell, having battled evil Overlords, deranged mother-in-laws, and twisted characters all throughout his life. He was little more then a babysitter, and wasn't even given the time of day if asked.

Rockwell looked at his uncle and babbled. He did manage to pet Red and even get a hold of one of his ears. He did try tugging at it but his own grip and arm strength was weak so it didn't do much. Had about the same strength as patting a string.

"Uncle certainly has an...interesting new look for you. Isn't that right little Rockstar?" MTT couldn't help but coo over how cute his son looked. He was always thankful for whenever the baby was active enough to do things without worrying too much of him getting sick.

Mars decided to try and fall back asleep for a while, "Wake me up when supper's on...Hey...uh...old man...if...there's a way to send stuff back to Fell...mind throwing a pic of the kids for me to my sister...?I know she...wanted to see them when they were born...so...yeah..."

"I won't do it too hot. I promise." Marrie assured before heading to the bathroom to do just that. Least in a bath she could calm down and relax. Didn't take her long to fill the jacuzzi like tub and for her to sit in it. She idly rubbed her belly even as she let another contraction pass. She hoped Sans would come back soon.

Red chuckled softly, and made a soft noise at Rockwell tugging his magic'd floppy ear. He climbed down from Boss and MTT's laps, and he then stood up on his back legs, putting his front paws on MTT's knees, and he playfully licked at Rockwell's face.

Boss watched for a moment, and smiled. Going to his inventory; he produced a plush tufted blanket, that he stretched out on the floor; then he placed Rockwell onto the tufted blanket. "Brother, I trust you will be careful with Rockwell...or I will put your collar on you and tie you up outside!"

Red whined and put his tail between his legs. "i promise bro...i mean, i only got 0.5 hp...ya look at me the wrong way and it'll be ruff for me!" As Rockwell was placed onto the blanket, he went and laid down beside the baby, gently nuzzling him; and letting him play with him to his soul's content.

Edge nodded hearing what Mars was asking him and he chuckled. "Sure thing, Mars..."

Cupcake nodded softly, as he went and settled onto the couch again. The jar of frosting was empty as it set in front of him, and he tapped the jar quietly.

Sansy had enough. He sat there listening to the voicemail messages. "...Marrie needs me..."

Rocky sat up onto his new spot. MTT even put down a plush white tiger by him in case he wanted to hold something else. Rockwell focused more on his uncle as he played around what he could. Patting at his face, tail, and paws with curiosity.

"Get used to it, Red. You're gunna get it times three when these brats are stronger." Mars chuckled tiredly before falling back asleep.

Napstaton has gotten to the house and knocked on the door. He was hoping to talk a charity concert to help with thanking the donors for their hard work as well as maybe raise some money for a good cause and get humans more used to monsters. Best he thought to do it was talk to the mayor himself.

Red chuckled softly, and let Rockwell do whatever, as his tail softly thumped against the floor. He lifted his bony paws and smiled. "i can't wait, mars-bar..."

He laid on his side, starting to softly pant, as he just enjoyed the relative silence of the house, save the occasional grumble of his Dad while cooking, and his brother and brother-in-law quietly talking to each other.

Sansy heard the door knock and he got up to answer it. Blinking, he grinned brightly. "NAPSTATON! OH MY GOODNESS THIS IS WONDERFUL!"

He started to pull the robot inside, and pointed to Gloria. "Can you watch her?! This is the mayor's daughter, Gloria Ucher, and Toriel won't let me leave! Marrie's having the babies!"

Napstaton blinked at the suddenness of the thing but chuckled, "I know dude. We met before, remember? What's rockin' lil dudette?!"

He didn't seem to register that last bit until late. When he did, his eyes brightened up into stars, "Duuude! You should go man! I got the little tyke! No worries! Go off and see them babies! I'll cover ya! Had to see the mayor guy anyway!" He gave Sans a thumbs up before going over to properly say hi to Gloria.

Sans took off running as fast as he could, he knew he had nearly a twenty minute run from the mayor's house to his own house.

Gloria had been playing with some blocks and she looked up seeing Napstaton and she giggled brightly. "Toaster Man! Blow up!"

She got up and started to bring her dollies over and started to play with him, getting out hair bows for his white hair. "Clippies! Pretty toaster man!"

"Heck yeah! That's my pretty girl!" Napstaton laughed before sitting with her to play. He gave a wave to Sans as he left before chilling out.

Seeing Gloria leave and come back with bows, he started to laugh and take off his hat, "Alright! You're my new hairdresser! Glam me up, Glory-girl!"

He bent down low enough so Gloria had a good enough reach to decorate his hair. He wasn't expecting to play babysitter but he didn't mind at all.

Back at home, Marrie was going through her contractions in the bath. She let out a small moan as a painful one went through her.

Once it passed, she tried to keep her breathing before calling for Cupcake, "Papa...Has Sansy called yet...? Probably not...but...thought I'd ask..."

Gloria giggled and she started to run her little pale brown fingers through his hair. She giggled happily, and climbed into his lap.

Mayor Ucher had had enough with how Toriel had been acting that entire day. He scowled as he stood up and went to the door leading to the living room. "Your Majesty... I think we need to have this conversation another day please...and don't think I noticed when your Guardsman came in multiple times asking to be let go of his duties..."

He opened the door leading to the living room where he saw Gloria putting pink and green bows in Napstaton's white hair. "I... Napstaton? Where is Guardsman Aster?"

Toriel looked rather stressed as she started to leave. "Mr. Ucher...I..."

"Just leave, please. I've got more important business to deal with..." He watched as Toriel left and he sighed, unbraiding his gray-streaked black hair. Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it up and then settled onto his couch, and sighed.

"So, Napstaton, what are you doing here today?" He smiled softly, as Gloria was starting to pretend to put makeup on the robot's face, having already given him bracelets and a necklace. "Other than getting a gorgeous makeover from my little girl~"

Cupcake heard Marrie calling for him, and he hurried into the bathroom. Although it wasn't in fear, his orange eye was a bit brighter as he pulled on his courage to go into the bathroom to help his naked daughter-in-law from the bathtub. "N-No, but he's texted! He's on the way home hopefully soon! He's...all the way in Jacksonville, at Mayor Ucher's house..."

"Hey Mayor dude! And what's happening you're total rad-jesty! Sorry for dropping in like this! I was gunna ask ya about a thing so I came here! Sans said his wife is giving birth and wanted to run off and be with her, so I'm here watching this rad little artist and have her do her thing!" Napstaton explained, completely chill with Gloria doing whatever she wanted on him.

"She's got a sense of style, I'll give her that!" He let out a laugh before turning to Gloria, "Yo Mornin' Glory, mind if we wrap up the power on? Still hoping to talk with your dad if that's okay with you!" He gave Gloria a fist bump at the end of things before getting up.

Marrie seemed excited as she managed to sit herself up from the bath, "Really!? He's coming home! Yes! He's going to make it hoooooaaaaaaame..." She let out a pained groan before sliding back into the bath.

"I think it's good timing too...I think...wait...no...I know my water just broke. I'm getting closer! Finally!" She let out an excited laugh, happy she was progressing somewhat before she let out another pained moan again.

Gloria jumped around the room excitedly, her little braided pigtails bouncing. "Bo up! Bo up! Toaster man bo up!" She ran over to her plushie toys and divebombed into them happily, while giggling.

Mayor Ucher chuckled softly and nodded. "Hey, if you want to know what to really call me, Napstaton; my name is Punyabrata, but you can just call me Punya. My husband's name is Harold. So uh, what was this thing you wanted to ask me about, Napstaton?" He settled back against the couch, and tapped his cigarette to the ashtray; his black and gray streaked hair draped past his shoulders, as he adjusted his thin square glasses.

Cupcake nodded brightly as he reached in and carefully started to lift her up from the bath. "O-Oh dear...can't have you slipping under, Marrie! Papa's got you...let's get you into the bedroom dear..."

Without a second thought he cradled her close to his chest; utilizing extra gloves for support, as he carried her slowly into the bedroom; and laid her onto the bed, where there was already plenty of pillows for her support. "Here...we are, Marrie...now we've got your pillows for support, the bassinet is ready for the little ones, and if you feel the need to push, please, don't try to hold back! That could hurt the babies...Sans will get here, when he gets here...alright, sweetheart?"

Napstaton laughed at the little girl's antics before taking a seat to talk with Ucher, "Gotcha Punya dude! I was gunna ask if it would be cool if I made a charity concert here! Like...cause everything is going pretty good! Almost everyone's got a house, job and intergrated with humans and whatever. And it's been almost a year, which is nuts dude! So like, wanna make a concert to celebrate the day, and as a little thank you to the rad peeps who made it possible!"

More he talked the more excited he got. Though it was pretty funny seeing him like this, especially with the hair clips that Gloria were still in his hair.

"No pushing yet. Just some more contractions..." Marrie laughed a bit through the pain, "I'm just so excited! It's finally happening! This is actually happening!"

Once on the bed, she tried making herself comfortable, which included a towel and sheet over her since she didn't want to be cold. "I hope he comes soon...I really hope he comes soon! " She tried to laugh through another wave of pain but it only turned into a groan. Within a few short minutes, she felt the need and started pushing.

Punya smiled brightly, and chuckled. "A charity concert? That sounds wonderful, Napstaton...and I've got a question for you as well. You've been mostly the mouthpiece of the monsters I've noticed. You and your cousin-in-law Sans Aster...I would much rather talk with you than with the Queen. She is rude, inconsiderate, and seems to run her kingdom very haphazardly...Sans came into our meeting nearly four different times, and requested to leave early. I even said it was alright, Gloria could just play in the other room here, and I would just turn on TV for her."

He sighed, taking another drag from his cigarette, and closed his eyes. "...But Toriel would hear nothing of it. She claimed that she believed someone needed to be with my daughter, and that it was to be Sans Aster..." Hearing the car pull up to the house, he shook his head. "Despite the fact that of course I knew my husband would be home soon enough, and there he is...So...moving back to what you were speaking of...a charity concert would be great."

Cupcake watched carefully and he gasped as she'd started to push. "O-Oh dear...dear, dear, dear...the first one is coming...you're doing wonderfully, Marrie..."

Sans was still running, heading towards home. He was nearly halfway home already and was excited to see his wife, and he hoped he could help and support her while she gave birth to their children.

Napstaton didn't really understand what was up with the queen. But he did know a lot of monsters had some problems with her. "Eh...you're not the first. I know she has like a love-hate relationship with me! But I don't blame ya, dude. But hey! If ya wanna talk business and stuff for monsters, I'm game! Sans should be around too since uh...I don't really understand what monsters really need. But I'm a dude of business and stuff! I can figure it out! It works!"

He got starry eyes at the moment his concert idea got approved, "Sweetness! Like, I'll show ya all the plans I got for it tomorrow if it's cool! I'd do it today but I gotta get back to my own wife and rad little dudes! Sound cool?"

"I..c-can f-feel them c-coming...so...I h-hope I'm doing good..." Marrie panted out before pushing with another contraction. Once she felt the baby starting to crown, she reached for her phone to text Sans quick.

[First baby's coming now. Please hurry. Papa's helping.] she managed to type and send out before starting to push again. Unlike with Mars, Marrie didn't need anger to try and get her kids out quick.

Punya nodded softly, and he grinned a bit. "Of course! If you'd like to, my husband's coming inside; I know you didn't really get a chance to meet him originally..." He stood up from the couch and opened the door for his husband Harold, giving him a sweet kiss. "Hello, sweetie! How was your appointment today? This is Napstaton, I believe you'd met before?"

Gloria went over and jumped in front of Napstaton. "Toaster man! Play, play!"

Cupcake nodded and he was ready to catch the first baby, a second set of his gloves supporting her legs. "You're doing wonderfully, darling...just remember to take your breathes between pushes, can't have you passing out...breath in, breath out...then push...there we go, you're doing good!"

He managed to catch the first baby as he had slid out from Marrie; and he lightly rubbed her stomach. "Take a rest, if you're able too! I'll clean them off, looks like a boy, Marrie!"

Sans was panting sharply and he saw home was so close; he broke out into a sprint, growling excitedly. Nearly launching himself towards the door, he kicked it open. "HOLY FUCK MARRIE I'M HOOOOOMEEEE! I'M SORRRRRYYYY!"

Napstaton laughed and pat her head before looking to Harold, "Hey! Nice to see ya again, dude! Sorry little dudette, I gotta be heading home. Got my own tykes to be playing with! But hey, I'll be back tomorrow Glorz! I'll play with ya then, alright?" He offered her a fist bump.

Marrie panted heavily and nodded, a big smile on her face when the first one was born, "Little boy...a little boy..." She tried to rest up for a bit only to let out a surprised yelp in hearing Sansy bust through the door.

"Sans!? Sansyyyyyyy! Get in here! I'm in the bedroom!" She seemed really happy she got something out before feeling a familiar pang of pain. She tried taking a few deep breaths before starting to push again, "Huuuuurrryyyyyyy! The baby's coming!"

Gloria giggled and gave him a double fist bump back. "Bo up! Bo up! See you!" She then ran over to Harold, patting his legs, as he looked up to his Daddy happily. "Daddy, Daddy! Toaster man! Toaster man! Bye-bye Toaster Man!"

Punya chuckled brightly, shaking his head. "See you Napstaton! Take care, and give my regards to your partner, and children, alright?"

Sans ran down into the hallway and nearly skidded into the bedroom, in his excitement. "I'M HERE MY DEAREST! I RAN...ALL THE WAY...HOME!"

He took a few deep breaths, and he then went around to the side of the bed, crawling up into it beside Marrie; holding her hand lovingly. "Oh, oh my goodness...my love...my sweetheart, we've had a boy...oh, oh you're doing wonderfully! Just push, Marrie!"

Napstaton waved goodbye before heading home. He had a lot to finish planning and doing stuff with Zhara.

Marrie was panting away after another round of pushing, looking really happy Sans was back, "Not yet...but...goodness...you're home...you're h-home..." She was going to try and kiss his cheek but ended up squeezing his hand before starting to push again, "IN TIME...FOR THE BABY!"

Sans was grinning brightly, and he was going to kiss her as well; but she'd squeezed his hand, and his tail went straight out in surprise. "OOH, YES THE BABY!"

Cupcake chuckled happily, as he gently caught the second baby in his gloves. "And...here we are, my children! The second baby is out! It's a girl! And she's beautiful!"

Marrie leaned against Sans as she tried catching her breath, "Mhmm...two down...one more...one more Sansy..." She tried to relax a bit and looked to the babies.

"Sansy...I'm doing it...they're both so pretty..." She sniffled, proud of how much she'd done so far, "I'm going to be hurting for a looooong time...I can feel it..."

Sans gently rubbed her head, and kissed her lovingly. "Oh, you're doing excellently, Marrie..." He lightly rubbed her shoulder and grinned happily.

Cupcake lightly patted her knee, and with an extra set of gloves he was cleaning off the little girl; trying to keep from crying already. "My gracious, she's beautiful too, Marrie! And she's crying so brightly! Oh, oh my goodness, Caddy you can't cry already! Just one more Marrie! And I've got some green healing potion, so don't worry too much about hurting, my daughter!"

Marrie managed a tired laugh from the two, "Okay...one more...She's ready..." Wouldn't take too long with getting the last one born. All it took was a few strong pushes and the last baby was out.

She fell back onto the pillows and panted heavily, feeling exhausted from everything.

Cupcake caught the last baby as she slid out, and he finally let the tears fall down his porcelain cheeks, as he cradled the last baby girl. "It's another baby girl! Oh my goodness, they're beautiful...you did so well, Marrie!"

Sans looked over his children, a boy, and two girls, and he started to cry as well. Pressing kisses all over Marrie's face excitedly. "OH MY SWEET MARRIE, OUR CHILDREN ARE GORGEOUS!"

Cupcake placed all the children into their bassinet and he gave Marrie a liquid green magic supplement to help her with healing more rapidly and painlessly.

Over in Red and Mars house, Edge had served up dinner to everyone; and he'd placed a bowl of curry with vegetable rice onto the floor for Red. His oldest son looked at him curiously.

"Yeh, I knew you'd have an easier time eating like this, so don't bitch about it." Edge muttered as he'd set it down, and then petted Red's head. Looking at it, Red sighed and then slowly ate the bowl of curry and rice; and occasionally he would look over at the cubs, making sure they were okay.

As he finished halfway through his meal, he licked his muzzle and then looked to the cubs again; and he nuzzled Rockwell softly as he rested on the tufted blanket. Standing up, he licked the cubs, then went back to his meal; finishing it up.

Marrie managed a tired laugh before taking the supplement to help, "I did it...I did it...we got three babies, Sansy...they're so good..." She looked ready to take a nap, fully exhausted.

Rockwell babbled lightly before trying to crawl over to his mama, knowing that he had the milk. MTT let out a mall giggle before scooping him up, "You hungry baby boy? Awww...I got your milk right here! Come here, little cutie!" He placed a few kisses on his son before pulling out the bottle from his inventory to feed him. Rockwell took a while to actually latch to it but once he did, he started suckling like mad.

Mars was just waking up after her nap and slowly got herself up, hissing a bit from pain as she felt the pain meds losing effect, "...Dinner ready yet...?"

Sans cuddled with Marrie, giving her kisses excitedly all over her face. "They are so good, Marrie! I love you so much!"

Red finished his plate, licking the sauce from it, then he licked his muzzle again, and picked up the dish in his mouth; slowly following behind Mars as she'd gotten herself up to make sure she was okay.

Edge smiled, and he made a bowl for her, and had mixed Mana Booster, Pain medications, and HP Booster together in a liquid shot she could drink easily. "Yep, dinner's ready sweetcheeks. I gotcha curry with vegetable rice, and drink this. It's a mana and hp booster, mixed with strong pain medications. It won't knock ya out, but you won't feel any pain after you drink it."

Boss gently rubbed his fingers on Rockwell's chest while he drank in MTT's arms. "There's our little boy...you'll be a strong little soulbreaker won't you, Rockwell?"

Mars took the booster first and easily downed it like a shot. would give the glass back before taking the bowl, "Thanks...I needed it." With that, she slowly headed back to her spot to sit down and eat.

She leaned in to check on her kids and smiled, glad to see they were okay. She would grow confused though when she heard a knock on the door. "Can one of you get that...? I really don't want to get up again..."

"Yes he will! Isn't that right baby boy? Yes! Yes you will!" MTT cooed over him, happy to see him doing well. Rockwell just stared at both his parents while he suckled, even managing a little sharp toothed smile as two tiny dark orange ghost hands grasped onto Boss's fingers while his real skeletal/metal like ones were on the bottle.

Red followed mars back to her place, and he laid down beside her as she sat and ate her food. He nuzzled her side gently, and smiled up at her. "you feeling okay, kit-kat?"

Bitter came over and opened the front door slightly, a bit curious as to who would be coming to knock at his son's door of all things. "Yeah? Who the hell is this?" She hovered slightly above the floor, her dress fluttering around her knees.

Boss had a true slight smile across his face as Rockwell's dark orange ghostly hands grasped onto his fingers. "SUCH A STRONG YOUNG MAN...PAPA LOVES YOU SO MUCH..."

"I'm good, Red. Don't worry about it, alright?" Mars gave him a light pat on the head before she continued eating.

"Gee...I decided to go off and visit my family and that's the kind of warm welcome I get...? Maybe I should have stayed home." Tyra was waiting at the door, resting bitch face look on her again as she waited for the door to be fully opened, "Hi G'ma. Nice to see you too."

MTT couldn't help but let out a robotic squeal, excited to see something of him that passed down other than the small bits of metal parts, "Oh! Look at you! Papyyyyy! He's showing magic! This is amazing!"

Rockwell gave his parents a weird look before burping, seeming to be done with eating for now. His parents making all the noise was starting to spook him a bit.

Red smiled, and laid back down on the floor beside her, his tail slightly thumping in happiness.

Bitter blinked a bit, and blushed a cherry red across his cheeks and she floated down closer to Tyra. "Oh! Sorry honey, it's kinda dark out here, and...eh, just didn't think anyone would be coming over here Puddin..."

He gently picked up Tyra, and snuggled her to his chest. "I love you honey, you know your Aunt Mars had the triplets! Tyra came to visit, everyone!"

Red heard about Tyra, and he let out an excited bark, grinning happily. "tyra, tyra! heya, heya, hi! i missed you! you okay?"

Boss chuckled brightly, seeing that Rockwell had more of their Mamaton then he'd originally realized. "Aww...that's wonderful, Metta...ohh...we should try to calm down a bit, I think he's getting a bit worried...here, do you want your Papa again?"

He gently took Rockwell into his hands, and lightly patted his back, helping him to burp again if he needed it.

"I know it's late...but I wanted to come anyway..." Tyra managed a hug back, "That would explain all the screaming I heard hours earlier. Mama said it was either Aunt Mars getting murdered or she was having the babies. I figured the latter since she wouldn't be calling Uncle Red an idiot if she was getting murdered...that and we're in a safer living area."

Tyra looked at Red with a raised eyebrow, "...I'm okay. You...missed me...? You almost never miss me..." She seemed confused on the sudden change, but figured it was from the baby stuff. Normally she felt that her uncles were glad she left once she finished visiting them.

Rockwell settled down somewhat, though he still whimpered a bit. The patting on his back calmed him down once he let out another small burp.

"We really should get him to slow down...I'm starting to think him drinking so fast gets him that way..." MTT gave Rockwell a little pat on the head, earning another coo and hiccup from him.

Bitter chuckled brightly, as he set her down onto the floor. "I think when you go over to him a bit closer it'll make more sense, Tyra. He's been strange all day today..."

Boss laughed brightly at how his brother was acting. "It's because he's more dog than skeleton now...that and we don't have to worry about keeping your little ass protected while you're around us." He looked to Rockwell, as he gently nuzzled his son, getting another hiccup from him and he nodded softly. "And yes, Metta...perhaps we need to go to a lower flow nipple for him..."

Red sat up from where he sat near Mars; his tail starting to thump against the floor. "...i can't miss my niece? yeah, thanks kid..." He got up and went over to the triplets, nuzzling and licking them gently. He picked up Julia up by her strap, gently turning her over a bit, while he slightly booped Jackson and Jamie with his muzzle curiously making sure they were okay.

Mars chuckled a bit at the sight of her husband messing with the triplets, "He's been like that all day, Tyra. Just relax. Go say hi to your new cousins, huh?"

Tyra just watched in suspicion and curiosity, "I never said you couldn't, Uncle...just...you've never done it before...It's...different.." She wasn't sure how to take it before going over to the bassinet to see.

"We got Julia, Jackson or Jack for short, and Jamie in there. They're all good and fine, if ya stop moving 'em, babe. I know you're worried about 'em but they haven't done anything in the 5 minutes since ya last checked on 'em." Mars rolled her eyes with a smile before patting at the empty spot next to her.

Tyra thought about what Boss had said, her resting face turned to a bit of a frown before going back to normal. Right, her mother always forced them to protect her when she was off doing business. Obligations. Made things like lower case love hard for her to understand if it wasn't for her Dama.

Rockwell tried nuzzling back, but mostly ended with him patting at his dad's face, which had a few too close to his dad's eyesockets.

Red looked over to Mars, and came over to her side, and then laid down beside her; resting his head on her thigh gently. He let out a soft huff, and looked up to her. "sorry mars-bar...i'm just able to hear um, a lot more then you all can, and it's just got me on edge..."

Edge came over and shook his head, as he gently rubbed Red's head. "Yeh, so's can I, I'm 60% dog; but it don't bug me none..."

Red lifted his head, and looked with a rather deadpan expression to Edge, shrugging his front legs. "then again, yer an old fuck, so maybe you can't hear as much shit anyways..."

Boss tutted softly, looking between his older brother and his father. "Don't start fighting, you two. I warned you Red I will put you outside, I will still do it if it's needed..." He suddenly then got a tiny hand in his eyesocket and he went suddenly stiff as a board.

"Mettaton...get his hand out of my socket, please..." He was starting to growl in pain, though he tried his hardest to hold it back.

MTT immediately grabbed Rockwell's hand out of his dad's socket, "Now now..no hands in Daddy. Play nice." He gently tried to get Rockwell's hands elsewhere, which now seemed to be his Mama's gloves.

Mars kept petting him, even sneaking in a belly rub for him, "You just need to settle down, boy. Now down."

Tyra just kept looking at the new babies, unsure of what to think of them at the moment. Hearing the two fight, she let out a small hiss. "If I wanted to hear fighting, I would have stayed home...can you two knock it off and we move on to something else...? " She seemed pretty annoyed.

Boss blinked his sockets a bit and sighed, a gentle smile across his face. "Aw, there we go Rockwell...you love Mama's gloves, don't you?"

Red closed his sockets at the petting, and when Mars got a belly rub in; his back leg started to jump slightly. He then flopped on his side, and smiled happily his tongue slightly hanging out from his muzzle.

Edge rolled his eyes and chuckled softly. "How's about you move ova here to yer G'pa's lap, huh? I want some good cuddles you little sassy kiddo." He held his arms out to her, and grinned. Bitter came and settled onto the couch beside Edge, smiling happily.

"Yes he does! Isn't that right baby boy?" MTT giggled out, even as Rockwell started to bite on them. The gloves themselves seemed to make good chew toys, MTT never minded. Not like he could feel it and his gloves were tear proof.

"Good boy, Red." Mars kept giving him the bellyrub to calm him down, "We're leaving the runts to sleep. it's late out and last I need is to be up for hours trying to hold three kids at once."

Tyra looked at her G'pa and headed over, not sure what else to do. She still stayed quiet as she got into Edge's lap, few thing running in her mind. There was still a lot she had to understand.

Edge gently rubbed Tyra's back and smiled. "There we go...you look like you're thinking about a lot of things, Puddin..."

Red panted quietly at the continued bellyrub, and soon he was snoring asleep beside Mars.

Boss sighed, and chuckled. "Thank goodness the last runt fell asleep. He's been so annoying all evening, hasn't he Mars?"

"...Yeah..." Tyra muttered it quietly, ears drooped low as she watched everything. She only leaned against Edge and kept quiet, letting her thoughts bounce around.

Mars stopped the bellyrubs and finished up her dinner, "Yeah...just needed him to fucking relax. Seeing him pace about was making me nervous." She sighed before getting herself up to put her dish away. She was pretty thankful the shot did it's job before taking a quick peek at the kids to see if they were hungry again. No sign of that meant she could sit back down and relax.

Edge chuckled quietly, running his fingers down Tyra's back softly. "So how's it been on the surface Puddin? Been real nice? Sorry I ain't come to visit you, been recovering from that explosion and shit..."

Bitter leaned over and gave Tyra a kiss on her head, smiling a bit. "And G'ma's sorry baby, my vision's not the best anymore...guess even as I'm just a damn ghost... I'm still getting older."

Red was happily sleeping on his side, his tongue out as he lightly panted in his slumber. Occasionally he'd lick his own muzzle and sharp teeth, before he'd snuggle back down in the blanket.

Tyra flicked her ear, debating on what to say. She didn't look at either of her family members, keeping her eyes to the ground.

"...Doesn't matter...I've...wanted to see things...but...haven't yet...and...you...don't need to visit...not for me..." she sounded a bit sad, "It's not worth it..."

Edge shook his head, gently pressing a kiss to her head. "Puddin...Puddin it does mattah...so you wanna go see some things? Why don'cha let your G'pa and G'ma take ya out one of these days?"

Bitter lightly rubbed Tyra's back lovingly, and held her hand delicately. "...And it's certainly worth it, Tyra...we both lowercase love you so much, and we want the world for you, it's why G'pa did so much for youse all. He wanted to give you the world...even if it killed him. And he did that for ya...you are worth so much, Tyra."

Red woke up from his sleeping and he looked up at Mars, then he glanced at the triplets; letting out a soft huff before he trotted down the hallway to their bedroom. He snuffed a bit around the room; and found a baby blanket they'd gotten; and he brought it out, before he dropped it onto the triplets. Then he walked around their bassinet, before he laid down beside them.

"...I can't..." Tyra still didn't look at them, "...I don't want to leave again...Dama let me come for a little since Mama's sleeping...I don't want to leave them alone for too long..." She still paced back and forth in her mind before deciding to say it, "...Mama's sick...really...really sick..."

Mars looked over confused, "Sick...? What do you mean sick...? Sick with what...?"

"She's just really sick...Dama...Dama said it wasn't good...they had to make a room for her, so when she gets really sick, she stays there...and I have to stay with Mark and Nia." Tyra didn't feel any comfortable going into specifics. She wasn't stupid, she knew...but she still hated to think of it.

Bitter looked to Edge and frowned softly. "Sounds like slow leeching poison...maybe we can try to help her out then..."

Edge nodded softly, and he gently rubbed the back of Tyra's head. "Yeah...why don't I walk ya home, Puddin? I can see how yer Mama's doin...maybe I'll be able to help 'er out, help her get better. I mean, I am a doctor you know..."

Red yawned a bit, and he lifted his head looking over at the triplets. Seeing they were still sleeping peacefully; he put his head back down, resting his head on his folded front paws.

Tyra gripped onto Edge tight, "...okay...be careful..."

Rockwell let out a small yawn, seeming to get sleepy himself. It was a little past his normal bedtime. MTT gently held him and tried humming a soft lullaby to get him to rest. "We should probably go too..."

Edge let out a slight huff, and he pulled out a cigar, lighting it up. "Of course I will, Puddin."

Boss stood up, and nodded stiffly. "Sounds like a plan, dear. This was a good dinner, Father. We will try to keep in touch. Try not to get yourself fucking killed, would you? I'm sure our son would love to know their G'pa more. Mother, keep an eye on him."

Bitter chuckled softly and nodded. She hovered over and gently gave Boss a hug, as he stiffly patted his mother's back, then Bitter gave Rockwell a soft kiss. "G'ma loves ya, Rocky...and Metta, you keep yourself healthy, dear, yeah?"

Rockwell let out a tiny yawn and fell back asleep. MTT gently rocked him before nodding at Bitter, "I'll...do my best. Thank you...don't be strangers...please. We'll try and cook up a dinner next time...Mars...that...invitation is for you and Sans if you'd like.."

"I hear ya. See you guys. Red and I'll be fine. I'm gunna jump in the shower and chill for a bit." Mars waved at the family as they left before getting up to head to the bathroom for her plan.

Edge and Bitter headed out to Myra's house, while Edge held Tyra in his robotic arm. He took a puff from his cigar, and sighed. "It's a beautiful night, ain't it, Puddin?"

Bitter gently floated beside them both, and she smiled happily; her red dress fluttering slightly around his legs. "Hopefully your parents are doing better...it's awful to hear your Mama's sick though...she might've done some...well, messed up things, but you gotta do that kinda stuff to survive. I mean, really...your G'pa did Black Magic to himself and afterwards, created your uncles! So...yeah, can't really say anything against what your Mama did...it was for your protection really..."

Back in the house, Red glanced up as Mars got up, then he laid his head back down; realizing she was just going to take a shower. As the front door closed, he laid on his back and sighed with his tongue flopping out from his mouth happily.

Tyra held on, her wings occassionally twitched as her G'pa walked to her home. They weren't that far from Mars's and Red's home, just right down the corner of the street. No one seemed to bother them at all and the house itself was relatively quiet.

"I know...Mama said so too...it was a part of life...kill or be killed...I'm not dumb...I'm little and weak...but not dumb..." Tyra muttered out while playing with the red ribbon in her hair.

"...that's a lie..." she seemed to hiss slightly at that last bit, "...If she did...she wouldn't haven given it to me too...I didn't want it...before...she was almost never there...just me and Dama...or me and Uncle Papyrus and Uncle Sans...or me and Aunt Verri..." She knew the reason why, and she hated it.

Reaching the house, it seemed pretty quiet, but the lights were on as Nast was cleaning up some glass that shattered in the kitchen floor and picking up a dustlined knife to wash it. They were just glad Tyra was away and the twins were in their rooms sleeping without a noise that disturbed them. That didn't seem to stop their worries however as they finished cleaning up mess.

Bitter sighed softly, shaking his head. "Lie or not, she had her own reasons I guess..."

Edge held his hand up and lightly knocked on the front door, his cigar hanging between his fanged teeth. "Eh, hopefully things are goin' good tonight though..."

Tyra didn't say it outright, but she knew it wasn't going to.

Nast heard the door and headed over to open it, the knife still in their hands, "Uh...hey. I thought you were just visiting 'em, Tyra."

"They wanted to come walk me home..and...see mama..." Tyra sighed and flew over to hug her Dama, "...Where is she...?"

"...In the panic room...she...had an attack again today...I just got her to stop and calm down. Don't worry about it too much, alright?" Nast gave her a pat on the head before looking at Bitter and Edge, "I'm just saying right now...watch yourselves if you do see her...she's...not been the same since we moved here..."

Edge nodded softly, and chuckled. "Sure thing, Nast. I just wanna talk with her for a bit...hopefully it won't be too bad."

He went down the hallway, and found the panic room, entering quietly. "Myra?"

Bitter stayed behind however, and settled herself on the couch in the living room. "If it's all the same to you Nast...I'm gonna stay out here with the kids..."

"Be my guest. Just cleaning the rest of it." Nast shrugged before going to finish up. Tyra decided to stay with Bitter and hug her tight.

Myra meanwhile was in the corner of her padded panic room. There were no windows, all the walls had cushion and painted sygils to prevent her from using magic just in case. Her wrists were bandaged up to her lower arms while her hands were in a memory foam like cover. Two ghost like shackles were on her neck and waist, keeping her in place, most likely Nast's doing to keep her from doing something she'd regret later. For now, she was muttering incoherent nonsense to herself while she rocked back and forth, her hands were trying to dig into her scalp, but with the covers on, it only succeeded in messing up her hair. A large change from the usual calm and collected former Headhuntress leader, and it wasn't pretty.

Edge closed the door quietly behind him, and he came over closer to Myra, kneeling down carefully across from her. "Hey there...I came to see ya, Myra...it's me...the old Doctor..."

He knew he had an item on him that would absorb some of the black magic, but he wasn't sure where her symbol was, so he had to try to see where it was before he could put it on her.

Myra seemed to freeze once she noticed him kneeling there, wings slowly unfurled in a fight or flight reaction. "No...back...turn...away...go...no one...here...no one any...you won't...can't...stop...not here to...stay...life...pointless...death answer...death is...only answer...nothing left...nothing made...nothing comes...failure awaits..." she muttered darkly before starting to scream and hold her head tight.

She did try to fly out from the corner but the shackles kept her to her spot, only letting her flail in place while she fought whatever demons she had along with the magic in her. One could see the light glow of her symbol by the back of her shoulder with all her flailing.

Edge just nodded, listening to her closely. Her screaming didn't faze him much however; he'd heard plenty of that back home in Underfell. As she ranted, he watched her closely, and pulled out the circular device from his inventory.

"Myra...I won't turn away from you...but if you think death is the answer...I can help you with that, my dear. I don't want my granddaughter to be in danger...and I wouldn't want my daughter to be hurting none..." He spoke firmly as he palmed the device in his hand, imbuing it with a bit of his own magic to activate the extraction technology.

Myra kept trying to escape or fight back, the shakles on her still kept in place while screaming and crying out, hating herself and everything. Once she heard Edge say that, she started laughing hysterically, "Comes easy for you...you leave...children crawl back...I leave..no one left to mourn me. I had nothing to begin with...nothing built...I finished my mission, and i get NOTHING. WHY!? WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS!? WHY DO YOU GET TO BE LIKE THIS!? WHY!" She did try to claw at him but only succeeded in hitting him with the foam.

Out in the rest of the house, Tyra had gone over to ther Dama. Nast finished getting the glass thrown out and the knife cleaned and hidden. They looked around, still shaking from how tired they were from trying to keep Myra's sanity. Tyra gently tugged at their arm and hugged them tight, making them kneel down and hug her just as tight, shaking from keeping in tears and sobs. Tired and afraid of what would happen.

Despite everything Myra had done to them and their family, they still loved her and the family they made. It was hard to keep their uncaring persona up with the struggles they had in the house.

Edge listened to her, and he sighed quietly; coming closer to Myra; and he wrapped his arms around her almost lovingly. In the grasp of his hug, he placed the device over her symbol; and it would begin working to extract the excess Black Magic that coursed through her system. "I get to be like this...to help others to get through their own shit, Myra...And you didn't get nothing...you got everything, yet you can't see it yet."

"You got your family...your partner...your daughter, and your twin babies." He knew she was fighting against him, but he kept his wits about him. "You just need to live and let go, your past is your past...someone really smart once told me...you can't forget your past, but you can make sure you are better than it used to be. You just close that door, and you open a new one, Myra...and I'll help you get past that...no mattah what it takes."

"You might hate me...but I really care for you." Edge gently rubbed her back, making sure the device was still working. "How ya feelin' Myra?"

Myra kept trying to fight the restraints, and even Edge's hug. Once the device was on her, she slowly stop fighting in his grasp as her growls and hisses calmed down.

"...And you gain out of this...what...? Is the fact your family loving you not enough...? You gained the love of your sons back...after years of leaving them alone...I've threatened to kill them both for many different reasons...I left Mettaton for dead and dust...I've been close to wrecking my partner...killing my children...and for what...? My only goal in all my life was lead my mother's rebellion...and kill the former king...after that...I have nothing..." She seemed to slump in Edge's hold, starting to feel drained.

"That was all I had...two months of being here...I've tried to be a mother...a lover...but I've never had training for that...I've had training in my magic to kill and show dominance...to get close to Asgore so I could rid of him...to show I was not to be triffled with...now what am I...? I have...no purpose...i have no love...everything I've done...means nothing to those I was supposed to hold close...and everything I do now...bring grief...so tell me...why care for me...if I have nothing to give you...? Why let me live...if I know others rather me dead...Angel knows your sons would love to see my dust scatter too after everything..."

Edge listened closely, and sighed softly. "Nobody wants you dead now...and honestly...yeah, my sons would love to see you dusted...but it would hurt their souls to see Tyra so soulbroken at your passing. It's because of your daughter, why I fight so hard to help you..."

"I just want to see you have the best life that you can have, Myra..." He gently rubbed her back again, letting her rest in his hold. The device was nearly done with absorbing the excess Black Magic. "Just...relax. Please...try to relax. I'm sure you'll feel a bit better dear..."

"There's no use in caring...I have never seen them care before...only fear...just..f-fear..." Myra was going to try and fight back but seemed to pass out. After everything, she was just as tired, hurt, and lost as her own daughter. The only difference was that she was ready to give up.

Edge gently held her in his arms, and he sighed quietly. "...There won't be no fear no more...you'll be free of your worries if my plan works, Myra..." He removed the device, then he applied a second one and he watched as he began to work; removing more of the Black Magic from her.

"I'll stay by your side, until it works completely...you're as evil as they come, just like my sons...you may not like it, but I can see you like a daughter. Hell, you even wanted to kill me too." He grinned softly as he spoke to Myra, despite her being passed out.

Nast ended up coming down to the panic room to check on the progress. They seemed to relax once they saw Myra had passed out as they opened the door and removed the shackles.

"...She's sleeping at least...better than the last few weeks..." They sighed and headed over to check up on her and the bandages they put on her, "Uh...thanks...I guess...for helping...Don't know why but..hey..not going to turn it down.."

Edge chuckled softly, helping to set her down. "I came to help her, because I feel like she's my daughter...she hates my guts, she's tried to kill me a few times, and she's probably plotted against me." He sighed wistfully, and smiled happily. "Just like my boys have...so...I mean hey, if she's willing, I'll adopt her outright, an' call her my daughter. She deserves having someone who'll lowercase love her as parents, and understand how they think as being monsters from Fell..."

"Be kinda weird if ya ask me. Ya already get my cousin as like..a stupid ass son. But..whatever floats your boat, doc." Nast shrugged, their old personality slowly coming back once they saw Myra was okay. They sat by her and kept her head in their lap while she slept it off. She seemed a little less stress when she felt them there.

Nast didn't do much else but play with her hair through their fingers, "...It's stupid as fuck...and I hate it...She makes me go fucking crazy...but...can't help but love her anyway...she's...not so bad when she doens't go batshit nuts...or when she's focused on shit that don't matter..."

Edge had stood up, and he shrugged softly. "Well, I've been drawing out the excess Black Magic from her." He leaned over slightly, and gazed at the second application he'd done. "That's almost full now..."

Reaching forward, he removed the second one, and applied a third one. "There we go...that should get the rest of the Black Magic. It won't be gone completely, just like it's not gone completely from myself, but it hopefully will help with those batshit nut periods, and she'll not go off the damn rails so fuckin much..."

Leaning against the wall, he took a puff from his cigar and sighed quietly. "Just another few minutes and it'll be done. I've just always been told that you should try your best to fix the errors of your ways, and it was me originally...that introduced Black Magic to the Headhunters...Myra prolly doesn't remember, because...well, she wasn't even alive yet...but I was Head Council Member and Founder originally."

"They called me 'Old Doc' and 'Top Dog' back then...I was usually in my Blaster Dog form for the longest time when I was the Founder. I gave out the knowledge of my derived Black Magic from the Mages of old...I still hate that I'd done that, Nast...I caused so much soul ache throughout the Underground..." He sighed, rubbing his cheek for a moment. "I made my first son, Red, or Sans...while I was still a Blaster Dog...then I'd finally changed back, when he was around five years old. When he was about ten, I then made Boss, or Papyrus...making sure to remove as much Blaster Dog as I could genetically..."

Nast just nodded and kept brushing around Myra's hair, they didn't look it but they did appreciate that fact. "...Yeah...kinda...remembered from some stuff she told me...Her mom was one of the original ones who followed ya. After you left, she decided to step in and take the reigns...wasn't easy according to Myra. She found her mom in different stuff...but..she made it. Crazy bitch did the same crap Myra had done to Tyra...When Asgore killed her mom, Myra stepped up...Imanaged to calm her down some from doing...the more fucked up shit..but..."

Nast sighed then glared over at Edge, "...Why the hell did you leave...? Ya had people wanting to dust ya, so what? Everyone else was on the same damn boat. So ya left for what? Got tired of running the place? Bounty got too high...?"

"I left because of my spouse. I left because of the family that I'd gained here. Caddy, Wingdin, Bitter...they showed me true, and everlasting lowercase love. I had to throw my weight around back in Fell...just to even get a few fucking groceries...it took Bitter a long time to convince me." He sighed, taking another puff on his cigar. "I actually didn't even know about the Bounty to be honest...and as for running the place? I...didn't think I was doing that. I was just surviving, like every other damn monster in that place."

"But I'll be honest, Nast...it's also why I came back a few times. I wanted to try to get my sons...and the last time, nearly fifteen years ago...I got through to them. About that time, you may have noticed that they stopped saying so much fucking bullshit about me. Trying to talk me up better, at least a little bit..." Edge muttered, as he twirled the cigar in his robotic fingers. "...so I've been planning on saving who I could. I just jumped on the aspect of them coming through the Observator."

"I was the one who left it open. I was the one who let them come into my own home here. I tried to make sure things were set up in a way, that they would fall where I wanted them to fall. Killing Asgore...that was just a nice addition to my plan..."

"...You did it on purpose...? You wanted them to find you...?" Nast seemed surprised at that. "...I probably would have given up...hell...did that with Mets before he started groveling and begging for me to take him back in after all that crap...gave me a body to be coporeal...didn't want it at first but...she..made me want to..."

Myra stirred in her sleep, whimpering softly before Nast got her to calm down again by tracing her ear,"Ya feel it was worth it, old man...?"

Edge nodded softly, and he looked to the ceiling, taking another puff of his cigar. "Yep...I feel it was really worth it. I got those that I care about that wanted to come with me. And...all I asked was one thing from those that come over. No fighting...no hurting others..."

"Do you feel it was worth it Myra? I did this today, for Tyra. She was scared, though it was hard to tell...she just wants things to get better." He looked down at Myra, a slight frown across his face. "So was it worth it for you? Was I able to hopefully help you some?"

Nast looked over to their wife, who still seemed to be outcold. But the ear flick seemed to give away she wasn't anymore. She mumbled something tiredly that was inaudiable.

"...Come on...gotta speak louder, Myra...can't hear ya down there." Nast slowly started to take off the foam handpads so she could be a little more free.

"...S-Shade...c-call me S-Shade...I...don't...need to be Myra...a-anymore..." She managed to coak out before Napst managed to pick her up and carry her, "...voices are gone...for now..."

Edge followed them out and as they came closer to him, he stopped Nast, and then plucked off the last Black Magic absorber.

"Well, Shade...the voices should be gone for good. I've taken the excess Black Magic from you. It ain't completely gone...but uh, hopefully it'll help you." Edge yawned, and sighed. "And I'm fucking beat already... Youse ain't lying when you call me an old man. I'm nearly a thousand years old."

Bitter had settled onto the couch with Tyra, and she was nearly asleep by then, holding her granddaughter in her gloves.

"Thanks...we owe ya...you two can...stay the night if ya need...we have a guest bedroom...small but..it works..." Nast looked over to their wife, "Wanna call it a night...?"

"...Yeah...I'm tired..." Shade decided to try and sleep in their arms as Nast carried her off to bed. Both of them had enough it seemed.

Tyra was holding onto Bitter, nodding off in their G'ma's arms. She was trying to fight off sleep but soon succumbed. Least she felt safer around her now.

Edge nodded and came out to the living room. He sighed seeing his spouse and granddaughter asleep in each other's arms. "Fuck it..."

He went over to the recliner, and plunked his old ass into it, easily going to sleep after he'd finished his cigar, leaving the stub of it in the ashtray beside the chair.

Two more months would pass and things seemed to be peaceful once again. But this day in particular was special.

For all of Monsterkind, it was the one year anniversary of being freed from the mountain.

For little Kryssie, it was her 6th birthday. It was Tyra's too but she was keeping quiet about it, not wanting anything big like she'd seen in school.

For Napstaton, it was the perfect day to open up his charity concert and fair at the beach! Food stalls, carnival games, big ocean to swim in, a few rides for kids and adults if they wanna on the pier that were rented from the nearby boardwalk for the day, and all complete with a concert from Napstaton later in the night. For the day, the stage was more open mic for people, human and monster, to show off their talents.

Wingdin was fixing up a cake for Kryssie's birthday this year, and she was humming in the kitchen happily as she was beginning to frost it. "Oh, this will be being so beautiful for our little Kryssie~"

Bitter sighed, and had been making a smaller chocolate cake, knowing it was Tyra's birthday as well. Just a simple chocolate cake and a nice little toy she hoped her granddaughter would like. After putting the finishing touchs on the cake, Bitter boxed it up and went flying off to see Tyra.

At the pier Punyabrata Ucher, his husband Harold and their daughter Gloria came to the pier, to check it out. Seeing Napstaton, Gloria shrieked in happiness, and went running for the robot. "NAPS! NAPS!"

"Gloria, wait! Oh fuck...babygirl, wait for Papa and Daddy!" Punya called out, worried she was going to trip and hurt herself as she ran for the blue robot gleefully.

Tyra was currently playing with her very loud and squeaky twin siblings, mostly to keep them somewhat calm enough for her mother to relax.

Shade has been doing a lot better the last few months after getting her black magic mostly out. She still had an episode on occasion, but nothing too high of a degree that requires her to be in the panic room again. For now, she was cooking up lunch from a recipe book she bought to try and got into the mother role. Nast was nearby keeping an eye on both of them.

Napstaton was currently talking with a stagecrew hand, making sure everything was in place and was going to be ready. Zhara was with him, keeping notes and going through a checklist of what was next. Both stopped when they heard little Gloria.

"Hey hey! Look who it is! Whazzup, Glory!" Napstaton laughed and kneeled down to her level for a hug and fist bump, "You and your dads liking whatcha see so far?"

Bitter had flown over to Nast and Shades house; and lightly knocked on the door. He was wearing just a tank top and shorts; as surprisingly even as a ghost, he could feel temperature most of the time unless she was fully invisible.

Gloria giggled brightly, giving him a big hug and a fist bump. "Daddy gettin' BIG! I'm gonna be...big sissy!"

Punya laughed softly, as he held Harold's hand. "Hello there, Napstaton...it's great to see you again! Everything looks wonderful actually..." He gently squeezed Harold's hand, blushing as he'd heard Gloria. "Gloria...that's a bit rude to talk about Daddy like that..."

Nast has heard the door and headed over to answer it, "Yeah? Oh...hey. Come in, Bitter..." they didn't really have a problem with Edge of Bitter, but they still acted a bit aloof, just their nature. Tyra was currently reciting a book in French for the twins, who seemed to be very engrossed in it. Something new they wanted to listen to.

Napstaton gently patted her head and got up, "Oh yeah? You excited to be a big sister?"

"No shame in it, sirs. Pregnancy can be like that, but congratulations to you both." Zhara smiled over before looking to Napsta, "I'm going to finish the backstage stuff if you're going to stay and talk. That cool, half note?"

"Yeah! Go for it, babe! I'll be here! Join ya later!" Napstaton assured, happy to stick around for a while longer. Zhara gave him a parting kiss and their guests a wave goodbye before going to finish the job. The two worked like that. Napstaton was the dreamer and tried building it up. Zhara was the one who helped get the pieces together and made sure it ran smooth.

Bitter smiled softly and came in, setting the cake onto the coffee table. "I brought a little cake for Tyra. I know it's her birthday today~" She floated over to Tyra' pressing a kiss to the child's temple. "Heya Puddin. Ooh, whatcha reading to your siblings?"

Gloria grinned and jumped a bit. "YES! Be best big sissy ever! Papa's got baby room all done, and Daddy says he is nesting! But he not a bird! He's my Daddy!"

She came over and tugged on Harold's hand. "Daddy, Daddy this is Naps; he's my bestest friend! He let me put bows in hair, and he do blow up like Untie Cassie!"

Tyra sighed but she did end up giving a small smile, "Reading them Snow White, but in French. I wanted to practice more."

The twins started squeaking and shrieking again at the sight of Bitter, seeming excited over seeing her.

"It's a thing Shade and her have been doing to bond. I honestly didn't enjoy know you knew French." Nast was still slightly surprised.

"Learned it when I was young...I had been throwing words at her for a while...just thought I'd finally teach her properly." Shade was reading over the book as she kept trying to cook what she was doing.

"Hey! Good to see ya again!" Napstaton waved over, "Sorry nothing's like...completely open yet. Wife and I are just doing final touches. We should be all ready to go by 3 the latest! Gotta get the party set up before we start rockin' it!"

Bitter smiled and settled onto the floor beside her and the twins. "Ooh, that's real neat, Puddin..." She reached over with her gloves, lightly rubbing M and N's head. "G'ma didn't forget youse two. So, Tyra, I brought you a little chocolate cake that I baked myself this morning. It...ain't the prettiest thing, ya know G'ma's hands shake a bit, but I made it with lowercase love for you."

Gloria giggled brightly, jumping excitedly in front of Napstaton. "Three! One, two three! I can count to three, Naps!"

Punya chuckled softly, smiling at his daughter. "Sounds like a wonderful plan, Napstaton."

"Harold dear, you want to rest by the table and chairs over there? I have to stay around to sign off on some things unfortunately..." He gave his husband a sweet kiss, looking to his dear's beautiful dark green eyes and his soft wavy black hair.

Sansy and Marrie had gotten their children in their stroller; and were excited for the Charity Concert as they came with Cupcake and Kryssie. Wingdin carried her large birthday cake in a carrier with her as she brought up the rear. Aquaria, Vera, and the twins came as well.

"Princess, are you excited to spend your birthday at the beach?" Cupcake asked happily.

"Aloha, Napsta! Been awhile since we've had a chance to see you! Ohhh, and is this our famous Mayor Ucher and his little ohana?" Aqua waved happily, a large canteen of water at her side to keep from drying out. The twins had their water-soaked spongey stuffed animals to play with.

M and N squeaked and patted at Bitter's hands, liking when they got pet or held. Tyra let out a smile at her siblings before looking at her G'ma, "That's okay. Long as it tastes good, I don't really care what food looks like. That's why I can eat Uncle Papyrus's lasanga, looks like crap but...it's not bad." She got up from her spot to check out the cake.

"Better attempt than either of us could have done. Shade can't cook for shit." Napst let out a low chuckle before they got hit in the head with a flying wooden spoon, "FUCK! Hey!"

"I'm learning, jackass. Can't rely on take out or your shotty versions of cooking forever. You can't survive off of frozen dinners, cereal, and sandwiches forever." Shade hissed back as she tried to continue with her cooking, "Now give me that spoon back. I'm making stir-fry."

Napst sighed and headed over with the spoon. Tyra seemed a little more relieved at the two being like that, nice change from before.

Naspstaton gave Gloria a thumbs up before helping Punya get some stuff signed off. Once he heard Aqua and the rest, he started getting pumped up again, "Hey! You dudes are here early! What's going on fab fam?! Come say hi!

Kryssie seemed all the more excited, she was wearing her battle body again for the day, mostly to give her an extra confidence boost despite the fact she didn't really need it. But she loved it all the same. "I wanna build a sand castle! And swim in the ocean!"

Vera chuckled at the sight of her little girl's excitement before checking on the boys in their stroller to make sure they were doing alright. "How's my little guys there? You good? Nice and slick?" She gave them each a pat on the head before putting the hood over them so they wouldn't get hit with so much sun.

Marrie was pushing the babies, she seemed to be pretty happy this time around with everything. "I still can't believe it's been a whole year...time seemed to fly by so fast."

"You're telling me! But hey, things look good over here, huh? We're expecting a full house and then some dudes!" Napstaton looked more than excited for his idea to come to fruition, especially with all the work he and Zhara put down.

Bitter snickered softly, and gave M and N a kiss on their foreheads; before she hovered up from her spot on the floor. "Aww, yeah...and that's real sweet, Tyra. And don't worry about your Ma cooking for shit. You know G'pa couldn't cook neither, and he always was givin us food poisoning or some other stuff...but eventually, he got better!"

She floated into the kitchen, and went looking around for a moment, finding the knife block. "Hey, don't worry 'bout feeding my old ass. I jus wanna make sure that Tyra has a nice birthday ya know." Bitter came over near Shade and chuckled softly. "Hey, looks pretty good fer stir-fry. Is that uh...chicken or...beef? Maybe uh...you should trim the uh, tops from the carrots, 'fore you started cookin 'em..."

Cupcake grinned brightly, rubbing her head lightly. "Of course! A sand castle sounds delightful, Kryssie! Ah...oh...swimming in the ocean. Your Grandpa doesn't really swim you know...eh, Grandma will certainly swim with you however!"

Wingdin playfully poked Cupcake in the side and giggled. "You not thinking you gonna float with all your soft cuddliness, Cuppincake~?"

The chubby scientist who had managed to be convinced to be in shorts for once in his life and a pair of slide on sandals, shook his head firmly. "I'm afraid not, Wing...I have never swam in my life, and I'd rather not try today and end up having a head full of sea water, Princess..."

Aqua smiled brightly, and took a swig from the water in her canteen. "And keiki, I don't think Mama can swim with you either, I'm a fresh water elemental...I think the salt might damage me..."

Wingdin smiled brightly, and giggled. "Oh, Aquaria, do not be worried! This is not ocean, is freshwater man-made lake actually! Is big enough for beaches howevers!"

Aqua grinned brightly from gill to gill, looking to Vera. "Ahhh, Vera this is wonderful! Me and the boys and our little keiki can go swimming with no problems now!"

"It's...chicken..." Shade looked at her pan then at the veggies she put and sighed, "Damn...messed up again..." she tried getting the carrots out and cutting their tops off. She really was trying, though she did seemed stressed about it.

"Sweeet. Be good for all of us then. I'll still check it just in case. No worries." Vera smiled before looking at Cupcake, "Ya know...I did get a giant flamingo floaty if you wanted to try being in the water without swimming. It's not that bad."

"Swimming! Yaya!" Kryssie looked really excited to jump on in.

"Guess this is a good time to see if the babies can swim okay here." Marrie looked over at Sans, she knew some of the kids enjoyed bathtime and being in water, but being in a tub and being in a lake were two different things.

"Hey! You dudes enjoy it though! Stuff opens up at three! Zhara and I'll join you dudes later, just gotta finish some last minute stuff. Kryssie, if ya want, you can go to any stall and get a stuffed animal on me! Consider it a birthday present from your Uncle Napst!" Napsta waved off before heading over.

Kryssie wasted no time in running off to claim a prize of her own, leaving Vera to chase her down. "Hey! Hang on! Don't run off like that, you're gunna hurt yourself! Kryss!"

Bitter smiled softly, and helped her out. "Take a breath, you're trying to make everything perfect, aren't you? And because you can't have it be perfect, you're agonzing over it, huh? Take it from Ma, just half-ass it. If it don't look good, so what, it's edible. If it don't taste that great? So what, it won't kill 'em. Just do your best, but don't try to overdo it, Shade..."

Cupcake chuckled at the idea of him on a giant flamingo floaty in the lake. "That actually doesn't sound too terrible, Vera..."

Sans grinned brightly, and nodded. "Of course it will be my dearest. And Papa don't worry! If you fall in, me and Mama can help you to shore! We've done it before!"

Cupcake suddenly looked a bit worried, as he rubbed his gloved hands along his dark brown shorts, which made his stark white chubby legs stand out like a sore thumb. "Ah-ha...that certainly makes me feel much better, Sans...oh dear..."

Aqua held the stroller, and chuckled at Vera chasing down their daughter. "Kryssie! No running wahine! Listen to Mommy and Mama!" She easily strolled down the pier after Vera, adjusting her wide brimmed sun hat; to protect herself from the bright summer sun.

Wingdin sighed, and she looked to see the pathway down to the lake from the pier, and she waved Marrie to follow her. "We go set up at picnic table, Marrie. If you needing, Mama can carry babies down in strings while you carry empty stroller."

Shade tried doing as instructed, she wasn't used to this. She just kept going and hoped it worked out, but that didn't mean she looked any less stressed out about it. She ran on perfection, she had to be perfect, else things went down for her. That's what her father always held over her head for years. She still seemed tense with Bitter, but, she was thankful that there was nothing coming for her as she made a mistake.

Tyra decided to chill out with her Dama for the moment as she watched Bitter and Shade. "G'ma, where's G'pa? He sleeping at home again?"

Vera managed to catch Kryssie, just as the little girl managed to get a giant stuffed panda bear. "BEST PRESENT EVER! IT'S SUPER BIG AND CUDDLY LIKE GRANDPA!"

Vera was already wondering how the hell they were going to take it home or where to even put it. She was going to slap Napstaton later for this, but at least Kryssie was happy with her prize.

"That would be really great, Mama. Thank you. I haven't been able to hold all three of them yet without sitting down." Marrie chuckled lightly before carefully getting the triplets unstrapped and out of their stroller to hand to Wingdin. "It is a really nice day out for the beach. Little hot but it's perfect for swimming around. I hope Darren's still coming by. He said he was going to be running late."

Bitter smiled, and nodded. "You're doing fine, Shade. I'm proud of you, honey."

She floated out from the kitchen, and smiled a bit. "Yeah, he's kinda tired, and everyone else was going to the lake for that charity concert. He don't like water, cuz of his robotic limbs, and he's too damn old to be out baking in the sun. Let the others do it. I tried to get his old ass up to come over here, but he just bitched me out. Told him it would be his problem if he didn't come to see you."

"If ya want, I'll call 'em. He's probably up now, and if I know him, he realized just what today was too. He's prolly scramblin' to get dressed and head over here anyways, Puddin." Bitter grinned, as she brought over the knife to cut the chocolate cake into slices for everyone.

Cupcake adjusted his glasses and laughed brightly. "My word, that panda bear is nearly as big as me!"

Sans giggled, and helped Marrie by folding up the stroller and carrying it, along with the cooler. Wingdin gently wrapped the triplets up in her strings carefully supporting them; then she walked down the pathway towards the picnic tables. "Here we are kiddies...Grandma set you all up, my precious little skelegator-kittens~"

Aqua gently just rolled the stroller, as she'd gotten an all-terrain style, so it was built waterproof, for the boys to stay moist and not have their stroller rust. "Are you little keikis ready to go swimming with Mama? Oooh, big nice warm freshwater!"

Jamie and Jonny started mewing excitedly, squeezing their toys happily. They couldn't really speak yet, but they knew what swimming meant and they loved it.

In their house Kintaro was getting some things ready to go, and he paused filling their cooler. "Anata, do we really need all of thissss? And do you have her gift wrapped?"

Shade just managed to do her best as she finished it up. The result wasn't the prettiest...but...it did smell delicious. So it was probably not that bad.

Tyra listened to him and nodded, "I'll wait for him to show up then. As payback, I can eat his cake." She took a slice of cake for herself before munching down on it.

Kryssie giggled happily as Vera carried the bear over. She decided to try putting it in her inventory for now, 'We better not get anything else. This thing took like 3/4 of my inventory space."

Little girl soon ended up tackling her grandpa for a big hug, "You're still the bestest hugger, Grandpa!"

"I'll jump into the water later. Just gunna set up a spot and inflate the flamingo." Vera started putting out a beach towel and umbrella for her family to rest under later came time. After that, it was getting the pump out and a very flat flamingo out to get some air into.

Darren was currently finishing wrapping the present he got for his niece, "Yep! Just about! And, I think we do. Best to be prepared just incase. You never know. You think it's too much...?"

Bitter giggled softly, and nodded. "Perfect revenge, Puddin." He picked up a slice of cake for herself, and playfully dabbed chocolate frosting on Tyra's nose. "Happy birthday, Tyra."

Cupcake scooped her up into his long gloves and held her close to his chest. "Ooh of course, my darling Princess!" He started to carry her down the pathway to the picnic table. "I've had to be the bestest hugger ever, you know. I've learned from keeping your Uncle Sansy calm, and your Uncle Papy too...so I've learned to be the best calming influence ever."

He gently put a few kisses to her face, and laughed happily. "And you're my favorite super heroine you know. You always give the best cuddles, my Princess."

Wingdin came over and kissed Kryssie's head lovingly. "Oooh, today is such good day, Krysta...I have the cake all set up, and everyone is nearly here...oh, we should be waiting for Uncle Papy and Auncle Happy, shouldn't we...oh and your Uncles Darren and Kintaro too!"

Aqua looked over at Vera, and chuckled. "Wow that thing is freaking huge, ku'uipo..." She bent over to the boys and gently placed them onto the beach towel, and smiled. "We are at the beach, my boys! Nice fresh water, hopefully and we can go swim!"

Paps was making sure they had what they needed for the beach, and he grabbed up their large golf umbrella last, and then scooped up Ebrima. "got that fitted sheet? we're gonna do that little trick we saw, putting stuff in the corners and it'll be a nice place for her to play in..."

Kintaro shrugged, and went to go grab something to put on, he normally just went shirtless in their house but he knew it was a bit uncouth to do in public. He popped a lozenge in his mouth and sighed. "I don't know, Darren. But you're right, we should be prepared anyways."

He took a gaze at the gift, and then to their cooler, and he shook his head; wrapping his sandy brown hair in a low ponytail. "No, it's not too much, anata. It'll be fine."

Slithering over to him, he flicked his tongue against Darren's neck lovingly, and pressed a soft kiss to his boyfriend's lips. "It will be okay, do not stress, dear. I've filled the cooler, and I'm going to get a shirt on, okay? Don't forget your swim trunks, if you're going in the water."

Tyra wiggled her nose once the frosting got on. Nast managed to slip a picture in, just in time too as a rare tiny smile appeared on the little girl's face. They joined in the cake eating once Shade came out of the kitchen and sat with them.

Krysse laughed and purred at all the attention she was getting from her grandparents. "Bestest ever! And you're one of the bestest grandpas! And the bestest grandma! And oh yeah! We gotta wait for Uncle Papy, Auncle Happy, and Uncle Darren and Kintaro! Oh! And Uncle Napstaton and Aunt Z! They gotta get cake too!" She seemed to be shaking and bouncing with complete excitement!

"You three go ahead. I'll follow soon." Vera smiled and decided to chill out on the towel for a bit, just wanting to rest.

Happy grabbed up the fitted sheet and fixed their sun hat. Today whey were in a nice sun orange sunset sundress with a matching sun hat. Ebrima ended up in a little dress herself without much fight, but the hat Happy made with it kept getting thrown off from her. So they settled on just putting her hair in a ponytail, she still ended up looking pretty cute. "Sounds good. I can't believe we haven't tried this yet...first little beach trip."

Darren almost dropped the toy he bought for Kryssie when Kintaro pressed a kiss to him. "R-R-Right! W-Will do! T-Thank you!" He seemed pretty flustered and tried to compose himself before going to grab the last bit that he needed. It was nice to be dating again, he really missed it.

Bitter smiled, resting on the floor next to Tyra. She could swear she heard cursing down the street, and he laughed softly. "I gotta feeling that's G'pa, Puddin..." He hovered up from the floor, and went over to the door, ready to open it on Edge suddenly. She put a glove to her mouth.

Edge had a large gift in his robotic arm; his natural one coming up to knock stiffly on the door. Upon the second harsh knock he found the door suddenly opened on him and he nearly went sprawling onto the floor. As he laid on his back, he glared up at Bitter. "...The fuck was that? Youse being a damn brat today again, at your fuckin age, Bitts?"

Bitter swooped down and pressed a kiss to his mouth. "It's fer not getting up when I told ya too, Gaster. You knew we was coming over here today, yet you kept your fat ass in bed."

Edge shook his head, and got to his feet again, making sure the present wasn't broken. "Eh, whatever hun." He looked over to Tyra, and smiled happily. "Heya Puddin, sorry I'm late...but I brought you something for your birthday."

Cupcake chuckled brightly, able to hold her rather easily with his training with Sans growing up. "Alright, Princess...take a few breaths and calm down please...we'll have plenty of fun today, alright? How about for now, while we're waiting for the rest of the family we can either...make sand castles or we can go swimming?"

Sans was already down to his swim trunks, his tail waving happily. He watched as Aqua shed her sun hat and her outer loose pants and long sleeved shirt; revealing a red bikini underneath, she picked up her twin boys and carefully walked to the edge of the water, dipping a bare foot in. "Ooh! It's freshwater!"

She looked to her twins and gave them each kisses. Poking her head underwater, she saw that it was very deep in fact, and she laughed brightly as she threw her twin boys up into the air; and they splashed down excitedly into the water, immediately swimming.

Wingdin blinked a bit, and she nervously laughed. "Oh my goodness, she just throws them Vera?"

Paps grinned, and he held their hand, giving them a sweet kiss. "alright, we'll only be taking two shortcuts today, one to the beach and one home from the beach. if we need to go anywhere else, we'll hitch a ride with ma!"

He then shortcut them both to the beach, and smiled to himself as he made his way down the pathway, holding Ebrima in his arms.

Kintaro went and got a nice shirt on, buttoning it up and smoothing it over his chest. He was back to his usual muscular self, as it was nearly a week since he'd eaten last. Slithering back out, he smiled picking up the cooler; before he rested on his coil for Darren to come back.

Tyra watched both of her grandparents talk before continuing with her cake. She'd look back once Edge called her, "Hi G'pa. G'ma told me you were running late. You still lose cake privileges. C'est la vie" She shugged before finishing the last piece of cake on her plate. She did seem curious about the present.

"The hell did you get her?" Nast looked skeptical as Shade leaned on them before biting into some cake herself.

Kryssie did as she was told, calming down just a bit, "Sorry...I'm really excited! Cause I got a really big family and we're at a beach and there's a big big party here! It's really cool and fun! But I wanna make a sandcastle first! Pleeaaaaaase?"

Vera smirked at the sight of Aqua's bikini, happily giving her a whistle in seeing her. She wasn't phased in seeing Aqua just throw the kids in so they could swim, not the first time she's seen it. "Yeah, that's how she do. It just gets them all excited for it. We don't do it if the water's too shallow, we don't want them getting hurt. Deep water is okay though."

Happy nodded and held on tight. Ebby seemed a bit dizzy with the shortcut, causing her to whimper. Happy managed to calm her down at least with a little shoulder rub. "We better find everyone else. Oh...I think I see your mother over there."

Darren would soon come back with shorts, a loose tanktop and sandals. He had his swim trunks and shirt in his inventory for later use. "I think that's everything. Ready to go?"

Edge chuckled softly, as he went and sat in the old recliner on the edge of it. "Ah, well, my old fat ass don't need cake. But as for what I gotcha...you'll just hafta see, Puddin!" He handed her the rather large gift, setting the box on the floor.

Inside the box was six semi-rare books that he hoped she would like, a nice large art set and a few different types of sketch books; as well as a gift certificate to the used bookstore down in town.

Cupcake grinned as he picked up the large tote bag he'd brought full of sand tools. "Of course, Princess...sand castle building it is!"

Wingdin giggled softly, and she settled herself at the picnic table, smiling. "I will be sitting here, instead of bleaching bones in sun. Plus do not need any hooligans stealing homemade cake!"

Aqua blushed at the whistle, and after a moment, she dove easily into the water herself; and went down to follow her twin boys as they played on the bottom of the lake with the shiny rocks and pebbles; easily breathing the water. She swam back up and smiled to Vera. "I'm going to rest on the bottom with the boys, they're making pebble castles! I'll have the bobber snagged to my ankle, so you know where we are on the bottom~"

Pap turned and gave Ebby a soft kiss, murmuring to her. "it's okay, daddy just shortcut...shhh..." He nodded, hearing Happy and smiled. "yeah, there's ma. hey mama!"

Wingdin saw Pap and smiled brightly. "Oh Pap, Happy! My little Ebrima...come to Grandma, I will give you so many smooches!" She scooped up Ebrima, and kissed the little girl on her cheeks, giggling. "Was trip over okay? Or did you shortcutting?"

Pap grinned lazily, nodding. "yep, easiest way to travel ma."

Wingdin rolled her eyelights, poking him lightly in his chest. "You thinking we gonna go somewhere else, you gonna hitch ride with us huh? Luckily I got four car seats in van. I can take you and triplets. You gonna have to sit on floor board, but it works."

Kintaro nodded, and smiled as he slithered out the door first, allowing Darren to lock the door. "I've never been to the beach before...it sounds nice. I've read about it in books, back in the Underground..."

Tyra looked through the books and art supplies, her smile didn't come back but her eyes were filled with wonder as she looked at each thing. "...Thank you..." She muttered silently before hugging a book close, not really expecting much for her birthday. She was happy enough with Dama getting her a new hair ribbon, Mama getting her a new french book to practice with and the cake. There were some pinpricks of tears there.

Kryssie giggled before taking a bucket to get a lot of wet sand, happy enough to get started.

Ebrima let out a small babble at her grandmother before squirming a bit. She stuck her tongue out with a little pout at Wingdin as her tail dangled around. "Oh...Ebby." Happy couldn't help how cute their daughter looked when she did that.

"Thank you though, Wingdin. Looks like everyone's almost here..." Happy noticed all the rest of the familes around, seeming happy for the turn out.

Vera gave Aqua a thumbs up as she took off the shirt and shorts she wore, revealing a black two piece swimsuit that was perfect for sunbathing and swimming in. She however got in position to do the former, loving to soak up the warm rays.

Darren locked the door behind him and led Kintaro to his car. "Only thing I've been to that was close to a beach was the lava pools back in Hotland. Ex of mine took me there one day and I couldn't stand it with all the heat. I ended up in an ice bath for a few hours to cool down all the way."

He seemed to laugh it off, least thankful for the memory. "I think this will be a better experience however. I've seen the pictures and it looks gorgeous." He helped get the things into the car and packed before heading to the driver's seat to start the trip. Never was he so thankful to get that driver's license.

Edge gently rubbed her back and smiled. "I thought you'd like em, Puddin. I got those books and G'ma picked out the art set."

Cupcake began to draw out with a shovel the beginnings of the base of their sandcastle. He'd taken off his sandals, and was really getting into it, helping Kryssie to mold the wet sand she brought up.

Wingdin gently held Ebby's tail, and smiled. " You gonna backtalk Grandma huh, little one, just like Daddy always did~"

She gave her more kisses and smiled brightly. "Oh she's a little handful isn't she, Happy?"

Sans gave Marrie a sweet kiss and he looked at his children excitedly. "LET'S GO SWIMMING MY CHILDREN!"

He scooped up all three of them into his arms, and started heading towards the water excitedly.

Paps immediately turned to watch them, a look of worry across his face. "what the hell...i mean the water kittens are one thing, they can breathe underwater! your kids can't sans!"

Sans turned to Paps and frowned. "They can swim already brother! We've been teaching them since birth!"

Kintaro settled into the passengers seat, sitting a bit oddly on his tail, but regardless he buckled in, letting the bottom third of himself coil in the floor board. "It should be beautiful, anata."

Tyra hugged him tight, shaking slightly in holding back tears. She did seem to like it a lot.

Kryssie was grabbing wet sand and any debri to help make up the castle and decorate it. Said decoration also included glitter made from sea weed that her mom ended up making. The castle was going to be shiny if she had any say in it.

Ebby blew a raspberry at her grandmother with the kisses before settling down again once they stopped.

"She is. Doesn't help that she's been getting to biting a lot more things now. I had to patch the couch after she bit into the arm rest and tore off some of the fabric and stuffing." Happy sighed, while happy their baby was growing, they still wished their house wouldn't be destroyed in the process.

"They'll be okay, Papyrus. Don't worry! Junior's a really good swimmer like Sansy. Arial prefers to float but she can swim. And little Jenny can dive a little, but she likes clinging on and let me or Sans do the swimming for her." Marrie got her sun dress off and revealed her purple bikini, ready to dice right into the lake.

Darren kept driving over to the spot. He blushed heavily at a thought hut decided to try it, "...I'm..sure it doesn't compare to...your...beauty...my dear..." He was trying hard to keep focus on the road and now cower like a lovestruck idiot.

Edge leaned back in the chair letting Tyra really snuggle him. "It's all right, let it out Puddin. It's healthy yanno. I'm so glad ya like it, sweetheart."

Cupcake looked over the castle so far and nodded. "Gorgeous structure, Princess! We need to have a flag for this Grand old castle then...hmmm...a flag...ah-ha!"

He reached into the tote bag, and he'd gotten into the habit of saving the flags that his favorite breakfast place would stick into his waffles. Pulling out a flag, he grinned. "How about the castle of Waffle House?"

Wingdin nodded with great knowledge of that. "Ah yes yes, my boys went through same thing. Is why everything in house is claw-proof. I pay specialist, get your couch done up in that fabric. She go for it, only thing not protected."

Sans nodded sharply, pressing kisses to his children's heads. "And it's not like I'm going to throw them either! That's only something that Aqua and Vera can do! And not even with Kryssie either!"

Kintaro had a bright yellow blush across his cheeks, putting his clawed hands over his cheeks. "Oh anata...that is so sweet...I may not even notice the beauty of the beach, for my eyes will not leave your handsome self..."

Tyra snuggled in but stayed quiet, feeling him hug her was enough.

Kryssie let out a giggle again and nodded. She seemed to really like the idea while grabbing some sand to make a castle pillar. "We can put it on the tallest one!"

"That would be great...thank you." Happy seemed relieved at that. They managed to clawproof most things, the couch was the exception.

"He got us there, Paps. Our twins can handle it and they're older than the tiny ones in Sans's arms." Vera agrees and turned herself on her stomach to get her back warmed up.

Marrie headed over to take one of the triplets from Sans, ready to try swimming with them.

Darren slammed on the brakes, just in time for a red light but poor guy was red and flustered, sounding like a kettle ready with hot water. "S-S-Sorry! Sorry...but...t-thank...you...Ah! I should focus on driving! Pardon!" Guy took a minute to calm down before starting to drive again.

Edge began to purr softly, in sheer happiness at his granddaughter snuggling him. He was happy just then.

Cupcake grinned, and nodded; twirling the little plastic flag between his fingers. "Of course, my dear. That's a lovely idea. You know the piano is finally fixed back home! It took some time, but it's done, and ready for your little fingers, my Princess~"

Wingdin gently rocked Ebrima in her arms; not caring if she was trying to bite at her sun dress. "Hehehe, Grandma's clothes are still clawproof sweetie~"

Pap nodded, and he went down closer to the beach area, and saw Kryssie and his Papa; along with Vera closer to the water on her towel. His orange eyelights scanned the area, and he found the perfect in between area; then he began to set up. A large beach towel underneath, then their large golf umbrella...last thing they needed was Happy to get blisteringly hot in the sun and burn someone with their robotic body. Setting up their cooler, he grabbed a soda, popping the top and he settled onto the beach towel, with a pleased growl.

Sans gave Marrie another kiss, and he held Junior and Jenny in his arms. "LET'S GO SWIMMING MY LITTLE ONES! MWEHEHEHEHE!" He took off towards the water, not a fast run, but a nice jog; and he went into the water slowly with the babies in his arms, ready to help them to swim.

Kintaro nearly slipped out from the seatbelt, and in an effort to right himself, as the car jerked forward oddly at the stop light, his head slammed into the dashboard. {OOOWWW!}

Kinta rubbed his forehead, hissing in pain; as he blinked his yellow eyes slowly trying to get his head to stop spinning. "Hai...hai anata...l-let'sss jussst go to...to the beach..."

"Yes! Piano time!" Kryssie jumped up in glee hearing she could get piano lessons again. Unfortunately in her little bout of excitement, she toppled the tower she was making. "Oops..."

Happy decided to try and cool off a bit in the water to try out their waterproof upgrades. Undyne was nice enough to give them the same treatment as Napstaton's so they were interested to see how they could do. For now, they settled with just dipping their feet in the water as a start. No fritzing or problems so far, so it was a good sign.

Marrie walked behind with Arial in her arms, taking it slow and wanting for her and her baby to get used to the new experience. "It's very nice here, huh Ari?" She gently nuzzled her baby girl as they reached the water.

"Ah! I'm so sorry! I'll..heal it at the next stop..." Darren felt extremely guilty over it before just continuing to drive. Despite it not being actually that long, it felt like forever until they reached the beach.

Cupcake chuckled softly, and he helped to reform the tower with a pair of his gloves. "It's alright, we just try, try again, Princess. And there we go. Your old Grandpa isn't the best, but I think that's very good!" He held out the little flag to her. "Would you like to put the flag on top?"

Paps watched Happy and smiled seeing their waterproofing seemed to work. Setting his soda down, he got up and stretched his limbs a bit, having just simply left the house in swim trunks and a tank top anyways. Taking off his sneakers, he then went and came over to Happy; giving them a gentle kiss on their cheek. "so, how's the water, boo?"

Sans, in his own way was taking it slow as well, as him; along with Junior and Jenny were slowly swimming in the water. Jenny clung to Sans back as he swam, while Junior was dog-paddling circles around his Papa happily, making tiny mewing-growling noises while he did so.

Arial looked up at her Mama, and giggled; reaching for the water.

Kinta gently leaned over into Darren's lap once they stopped at the beach, and just laid his upper body in his boyfriend's lap. By then there was goose egg of a lump on his forehead.

Kryssie took it happily and nodded, "Okay!"

Happy let out a small giggle before pulling him over for a hug. Luckily the heat hadn't gotten them too hot yet but they were slightly warm. "Good so far. I might wade around a little later... You liking it here so far...?"

Marrie giggled with her and got into the water, letting Arial try it out first before going off to swim along with Sans and the rest of their children.

Darren immediately felt bad in seeing Kintaro's bump, "Oh dear...I...might need my sister for this..." He at least tried to heal it as best as he could, but he knew both of his sisters' magic was much better in comparison.

"You think you can make it down, my snake? I don't want to push you if that's not the case...Oh...I'm...too much of a clutz for my own good..."

Cupcake smiled and nodded. "Ah, splendid, Princess. You did very well. Hmm...well, I guess it's time for swimming, huh? Perhaps...I might try swimming actually...todays' your sixth birthday, and it's a day of new things, you know!"

Paps let out a soft hurgle at Happy's ambient warmth. "mmmm...yep. it's really nice out here actually, and you are toasty warm, bae-bot; making me all sleepy~" He closed his eyes, and just lightly leaned against them happily. "but yeah, i might go swimming a bit, and if you want, you can go wading whenever ya want, knowing me and my bro; we'll probably stay in the water quite a bit today."

Arial patted at the water, and she ended up floating happily, her little tail flicking from side to side. Sans grinned at Jenny still sitting on his muscular chest by then; as he'd turned over to float on his back. "Today's a lovely day isn't it my dearest!?"

Kinta nodded softly, and he looked up at Darren, a soft smile across his face. "Darren...Anata...I think I can make it...you are not a clutz." He righted himself, and slithered over a bit closer, giving Darren a passionate kiss, his yellow eyes lovingly looking to his boyfriend.

Red started to whimper in his sleep, having slept in like most days; and he caught himself before he started screaming this time and he sighed sitting up in bed. The sunlight was filtering through the window, and he had to remind himself just where he was. Shaking his head, he got out from the bed and headed towards the kitchen a bit aimlessly.

He was back to his normal form after the first month, but he still could easily change if things got too stressful for him. It was more a protective thing for him. However much like his old man, his tail, back spine, clawed fingertips and toes remained since the second changing. Mars thankfully didn't mind much, as he yawned a bit.

Over in Boss and MTT's house, Boss was sitting on the couch; feeding Rockwell quietly. He couldn't help himself when he started thinking about how much his father had done for them all; and red tears started to fall down his cheeks.

"Yay! Swimming with grandpa!" Kryssie giggled out and headed over to get to the water. Vera luckily had just finished inflating the big flamingo. "All yours if ya want it, Brewster!"

"That's fine...I don't want either of you getting dried out..." Happy gave him a kiss on the top of his skull before relaxing along with him. Their peace wouldn't last long as soon as Happy heard the yells of Napstaton running down.

"KOWABUNGA DUDES!" Napstaton ran full speed and jumped right into the lake in cannon ball formation, easily making a big enough splash to get Happy and Paps wet.

Marrie ended up getting soaked but seemed to laugh it off, "Well...least we're all nice and wet now."

"For the love of...NAPSTATON! I SAID WAIT!" Zhara sighed as she brought in her babbling twins, who were in matching little sailor suits, but Nicole had a little sun hat and her hair in a ponytail while Max had a little cap very similar to his father's. Both of them were laughing and giggling at their dad's antics as he came out of the water with his hat in his hand. "SORRY BABE! I NEEDED TO COOL OFF!"

Took a moment for Darren to relax enough into the kiss, but sure enough he did. Kintaro always made things a little easier for him, he didn't have to stress out.

Mars meanwhile was in the kitchen feeding the babies and singing them a soft song. She seemed to be mostly at peace with a kindest smile, nuzzling little Jackson and Julia while she managed to hold Jamie and his bottle with her tail while he lied on a pillow topped chair. Didn't look like much bothered her for the moment, just enjoying the quiet of the day aside from the little sounds her babies made while they listened to her song and drank.

Rockwell was calmly feeding before starting to coo up at his dad. He hadn't exactly seen his father do that before as he tried reaching a little hand toward him. MTT would end up coming over without any gloves on and seeming to be slightly concerned, "Papy...? Darling..have you seen my gloves...? I could have sworn I had them with me last...Papy? Are you okay...?" He headed over to the couch, forgetting the gloves entirely when seeing Boss's tears.

Cupcake eyed the flamingo and looked to the water warily. "I...will try swimming myself today, Vera. I have had lessons over the years, from Wingdin and my boys! I...I built the CORE dammit, I can swim!"

He edged over to the water, starting to sweat a bit in nervousness. "I-I can do this..." Stepping his bare feet into the water, he slowly started to go further in, up to his knees, then his thighs; as his shorts started to plaster to his wet body. He got to his waist, and nervously laughed a bit. "This isn't so bad, Princess!"

Then he was bowled over by the plunging robot, teacup head over feet, straight into the water on his back. Paps nearly shoved Ebrima into Happy's arms and he leapt into the water, swimming over to his Papa, who he brought up sputtering and without his glasses. "BAH! I can't see, where are my glasses!?" He started spitting out water from his mouth, and just stood there, quite shell-shocked from the whole thing.

Hearing Napstaton yelling out; he turned towards the robot, his eyes flaring brightly. "NAPSTATON! You nearly drowned me!"

Aqua swam over and combed the bottom of the lake around them, and she popped up easily; holding Cupcake's glasses. "Here's his glasses, kahuna! I gotta go back to the boys..."

She slipped back under the surface, and on the way she saw Napstaton treading water; and she yanked his foot downwards hard with a burbling giggle.

Red paused before he got to the kitchen, and he saw that everyt hing was okay. Peaceful even. A smile crossed his face and went over to the couch, curling up on it. He nearly had changed back to his dog form as the stress had been building up from the nightmare he'd had, but it was calmed down for now. His tail thumped softly against the couch as he laid there listening to her singing.

Boss blinked a bit, and looked up at MTT, before almost cursing a bit. "I...I don't know...I started to think about what Father has managed to do for us, and...and he asks for NOTHING in return! He used to TORTURE me and Sans...running battle drills, training in the forests for hours on end, until we both were nearly frostbitten to the bone...having me direct Sans in that blasted...dog form of his in dual attacks..."

He looked down to Rockwell, lightly rubbing his son's head. "...We even attempted to kill him when we came over that night...and yet...he just wants peace. He just wants lowercase love, and that's it. He has told us...that knowing what he's been able to accomplish...he could die a happy man, Metta...giving up being the Royal Scientist, giving up the access to Black Magic...just...it astounds me sometimes..."

"O-Oh my!" Happy held Ebby who was just cooing out of confusion, "Are you all alright?!"

"Whoops...SORRY DOC! MY BAD! YOU GOOD THOUGH?" Napstaton asked before he ended up screaming like a little girl as he was pulled down into the water. Didn't take long for him to swim back up and gasp for breath, "DUDE! NOT COOL MAN!"

"Should have thought of that before running down and cannon balling like an idiot." Zhara put the twins down on a towel. She put the umbrella up from her inventory so the little ones had shade, "Be good for mommy, okay? Mama's gunna get him later." The twins kept giggling and babbling on with a few mumbles of words in between. The two were getting used to talking now.

Mars kept it up until one of the babies finished. She settled Jackson down into the nearby bassinet only to realize she wasn't alone anymore, "Morning sleepy beast. Little late for you to be just waking up, huh? You hungry? I got lunch ready." She carefully brought Jamie over onto her now free arm so he could finish eating.

MTT pulled him in gently, one arm wrapped around his waist, one on his cheek to wipe away tears, and one rubbed his back to help calm him down, "Well...a lot of time has passed...I suppose the time away did him a large amount of good. I think the three of you needed to be away for a while...but...it turned out alright...right?" He gently gave Boss a few kisses while his free hand was carressing Rocky's head.

Rockwell meanwhile grabbed onto Boss's hand before reaching one over to pat at MTT's. "I think it's wonderful you're willing to give him a try again...least now...you can focus with being a good dad to Rockwell...he doesn't need to be trained in fighting...or hiding away from fighting...or learning to be scared every day of his life. Like right now...he just loves his sweet papa...just like me.." MTT nuzzled Boss, part of him wanted to cry too but he held it for now. Especially when Rockwell started babbling out at the two and kicking his feet.

Cupcake shook his glasses off of the water, and placed them back onto his face, laughing at Napstaton's girlish scream. "Oh gracious! Well, you got yours didn't you?"

Paps shook his head, and then dove effortlessly into the water, cutting an easy path through the lake's water. He spied the bobbing float and tugged it playfully. Aqua easily rose to the surface, her dreadlocks splayed about her, as only her pink eyes could be seen. Seeing it was Papyrus, she grinned, and lifted her head, spraying a gush of water at the skelegator.

Paps growled and dove at Aqua, ready to battle her, until she lifted herself from the water with a jet from her hands. "Uh-uh, big kahuna! You wanna battle me? We get the keiki out from the bottom of the lake!"

Aqua saw that he just shrugged, and she settled down with a bright, burbling laugh. The sunlight caught her watery form; as it almost sparkled like a clear blue gemstone. "Alright, you lazy kahuna...you won this round...for now~" She spat another thin stream at his chest and he didn't even seem to budge as he'd begun floating on his back happily.

Kintaro and Darren made their way down to the beach, and he smiled seeing all of Darren's family. He saw Wingdin, who by then was nearly asleep; with a bunch of empty baby strollers by her. She kept her one hand on the side of the cake box so nobody could touch it.

Red looked up from the couch, and quickly wiped his eyes off, and then smiled. "yeah...yeh lunch sounds great, mars..."

Boss sighed softly, letting his head lightly rest against his husband's. "Yes...you're right Mettaton...this is a different land then the one we're used too. Perhaps...things will turn out better...I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak...that this will just...change. Like it's a trick, or a trap...and...I-I'm starting to think it isn't...it isn't that at all, Mettaton..."

He lowered his head, and pressed a sweet kiss to Rockwell's face, lovingly. "We're here, in a different, peaceful land...and we can be...safe. No land is perfect, my father has said. There are still problems, and issues can always arise...but it's nothing like back home. Father said recently...you don't have to be constantly on guard...but the knowledge you have from our world, can always come in help, in a pinch."

Napstaton managed to swim back to the beach with annoyed groan. Zhara met him over and flicked him on the forehead, "That's for being a dummy."

"Ya still married me though~"

"I know, but that doesn't make ya any less of a dummy, dummy. Save the energy for later tonight, we got a show and I know you're going to be bouncing off the walls and stage then. Sound like a plan, babe...?"

"When you're right, you're right babe." Napstaton picked her up, immediately causing her to squeak in surprise, "You're still stuck with me thouuuuugh~ And I loooooove youuuuuu~ Yo Maxie! Nikki! This is how much daddy looooooves your mama!" He kept making a big show for the twins who were still laughing and giggling at seeing their dad throw and catch their mom around and putting kisses on her.

"Well...uh...suppose we came at the height of the party..." Darren chuckled as they headed over. "About time. Thought for a second you two got lost or something, bro. What's up Kintaro?" Vera waved at the two.

Mars chuckled slightly before bending down to put a soft kiss to him, "Love ya, ya big lug..."

MTT nodded with a big smile before kissing Boss again, "Makes you feel any better...I'm not used to this place just yet...I still watch my back all the time and snap if someone gets too close...but...i'm trying to calm down...least with you and Rockwell, it's easier..."

He wanted their son babble about and even reach over to pet Boss's face. "I know that much...but...least we can get through whatever problems together...isn't that right baby boy? You're going to help Mamaton and Daddy? Yes~ Yes you are~" He started to laugh as Rockwell babbled on. Only to stop when he heard his boy say something.

"...Rockwell...say that again please...? What you'd say?" MTT looked wide eyed at him as little Rockwell babbled out "...Da...da...d-da...da...dada..."

Kintaro waved back, and smiled at the heat from the sun. "It is lovely out here, Anata. I will set up the towel, okay?" He went and slithered over past Napstaton who was throwing and catching Zhara.

Cupcake found he could float on his back rather easily, and he enjoyed just relaxing in the water while Kryssie swam around him. It appeared it was father and sons, and both Paps and Sansy were doing similar things, all enjoying the water together.

Red smiled a bit brighter, and gave her a kiss back. "awww...mars bar..." He wrapped his arms around her; dragging her down to his lap easily; being mindful of their child in her arms, and he snuggled her softly; pressing a few kisses to her cheeks. "i had a few nightmares last night...it's why i slept so late today...got scared you and the cubs were dusted and i couldn't do nuthin' bout it..."

Boss smiled a bit more at MTT's kisses, and sighed softly; nodding in agreement. "Awww..." He chuckled at Rockwell's patting his face, nuzzling his son's little tummy. Hearing him babble, he pulled away a bit.

When he heard Rockwell babbling out 'Dada' he busted out crying in happiness again; clutching his son close to his chest. "MY BOY SAID HIS FIRST WORD! AND IT WAS DADA! OH MY BEAUTIFUL STRONG BOY!"

Darren nodded and let Kintaro set up while he decided to make conversation with Vera. Napstaton showed mercy and carefully put Zhara back down and laughed. Zhara wanted to be mad but she couldn't help but laugh with him.

Marrie was wading about in the water as Happy carefully approached with Ebrima in their arms. Ebby seemed to slip out and doggy paddle into the water, seeming to like it. "Getting used to her swimming around, huh? She looks like a natural." Marrie giggled out and let Arial join her daddy and siblings. Happy nodded and watched Ebby manage to swim over to Pap and climb up onto his stomach to lie on it.

Kryssie meanwhile decided to dive around for now to see what her mom and siblings were doing.

"Well, good thing it's just a nightmare, huh? Cubs and I are here and kicking, red-ruff." Mars nuzzled him back with a slight purr, "We're right there..not planning to go nowhere..not without you at least."

MTT happily cheered out along with Boss, "Oh! He did it! He really did it! Oh baby that's perfect!" Rockwell started laughing at the sudden change of his dad and mom, "Dada! Dada!"

"Yes that's right, sweetheart! That's dada! Oh yes!" MTT couldn't help but shower both his son and Boss in kisses, more excited for the future of their family now than he had been in forever.

Kintaro easily set up their towel and beach umbrella; while he stretched out his full nearly ten foot length to relax and sun. He could swim if he needed too, but he didn't normally care to swim.

Sans had his three kids on his chest and stomach; and he was happy as could be. Cupcake began whistling happily as he carefully stood up, and tipped his head out of the lake water, before heading back to the picnic area to check on Wingdin.

Paps felt Ebrima come up onto him, and he gently patted her with his hand. "heya babygirl...decided to join papa huh?"

Aqua saw Kryssie diving, and she smiled happily. "Go topside, keiki! I have a breather in my inventory!" As Kryssie came back topside, Aqua helped Kryssie with a breather device; then she gently snuggled her as she dove back down easily to join the boys. "You can play with your brothers now!"

Jamie and Johnny were happy as they clapped underwater seeing their sissy. Jamie held out a large pretty shell he'd found, giggling. Johnny let out a burbling tiny roar as he pretend smashed the pebble castle he'd made.

Red relaxed more, and smiled. "thanks mars...so what's fer lunch, i'm starved..." His tail started thumping again against the couch, as he gave her a lazy smile, his golden tooth sparkling a bit.

Boss was still crying in happiness, and he grinned excitedly. "YES! I AM DADA! I love you so much my darling baby boy!" He stood up suddenly, and grinned almost wickedly. "We should go and see my lazy brother, our son is better than his runts! I want to rub this in his face, Mettaton!"

"Is Uncle coming over too with Mx. Leslie and their son?" Darren decided to ask, seeing that his uncle wasn't around.

"Nah. Kryssie, Aqua, the twins and I went to see him yesterday. He's been feeling under the weather so he's at home resting. Kinda getting worried about him, he's been a little sluggish lately, I think that knee of his is starting to call it quits." Vera looked concerned about it but she tried shaking it off. James was better than that.

Ebrima let out a tiny hurgle at her papa before settling down in her little spot, tail gently thumping away.

Kryssie tried out the breather to get a feel for it. Seeing how much more freeing it was, she decided to play about with her baby brothers. She'd gotten a lot better at swimming lately.

"It's chicken pitas. I got some ribs marinating in the fridge to grill up later for ya for dinner." Mars put down her babies in the bassinet before giving him a kiss and getting him lunch. Didn't take her long to grab it for him.

MTT let out a small laugh, "I say why not. Let's go see them, Rockwell can show off his skills to his cousins."

He got up from his spot on the couch and headed to their bedroom when he heard something crash in the kitchen, followed by scratches. "...Papyyy...what was that...?"

Paps was beyond happy. His daughter on his stomach and chest, feeling her little tail thumping away; just lazily swimming on the lake. Sans had figured that was enough of the water for the triplets, considering their age.

Cupcake was seated at the picnic table beside Wingdin, who was very surprised her husband of nearly sixty years actually went swimming finally for once in his life. She patted his side lovingly, giving him a sweet kiss; then a deeper one when she thought no one was looking, which set him off strawberry colored and the remaining water in his to flash to steam.

Jamie and Johnny were beyond pleased to see their big sissy underwater with them, and they excitedly swam around her, playing happily. Aqua smiled watching her children. "Ohhh, this is so cute! I should have brought the waterproof camera..."

Red smiled and gave her a kiss when she came back. "thanks babe...ooh smells really good too!" He picked up one of the chicken pitas and eagerily took a huge bite out of it, and made a happy noise, as his tail started thumping harder.

Boss was cradling Rockwell to his chest, about to follow MTT into their bedroom when he paused as well. "...NOTHING! IT'S NOTHING MY DEAR, GO FIND YOUR GLOVES, BAHAHAHAAH!"

He ran to the kitchen, still holding Rockwell in his arm against his chest, and he scowled. "Let's keep this a secret, Rocky...no need for Mamaton to know..." Looking around he found the pure white kitten, and grinned brightly.

"Ah, there you are Doomfanger...you got out from your box, didn't you? My precious little destroyer! Here's your other master, Rockwell, my son!" He held the white kitten in his hand, and let Rockwell check out the kitten who cutely mewed from Boss' gloved hand.

Marrie decided to get out too, seemingly had enough for now. Happy decided to keep trying out the water a bit more, just to enjoy themselves.

Vera decided to go off for a swim after Darren decided to go back to Kintaro. She had enough getting warm in the sunlight.

Kryssie was doing her best to keep up with her baby brothers, more than happy to play and swim around with them. She waved over at her mama in her excitement.

"Enjoy it, hun. Enjoy it." Mars left him to eat while she left back to the laundry room, "Oh yeah, today's the brat's birthday. I don't know if you wanna go see Ty or not, but keep that in mind." She had passed by the calander and noticed it.

Rockwell babbled out at the kitten and started reaching for it, seeming more than curious of the fluff ball. Somewhat reminded them of their Aunt Mars.

"Oh lovely little secret, Darling. Certainly had me fooled...that really doesn't look like nothing..." MTT had ended up coming back, still no gloves with him as he gave Boss a look, "...Papyrus...care to introduce me to our new house guest...?" He started tapping his heel, waiting for some sort of explanation.

Sans placed the triplets on their beach towel, and he grinned happily as he stretched out in the sun. "THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY ISN'T IT MY DEAREST?"

Kintaro was nearly asleep in the sun, having unbuttoned his shirt and he let out a hiss of pleasure; as his tail tip wiggled a bit.

Jamie swam around and he looked up seeing Vera going to swim; and he went up topside to swim towards her. Johnny followed as well, mewing excitedly at their Mommy.

Red rose an eyebrow, and he sighed. "oh, yeh...eh, sure guess we could prolly head out ova there. go see miss queen bratty bat..." He popped the last bite of the chicken pita into his mouth and swallowed it happily.

Boss watched as Doomfanger mewed again, enjoying the reaches of Rockwell. He heard MTT, and he sighed softly. "Ah...well...this my dearest Mettaton...this is our new cat Doomfanger...well, kitten at least. I found the little kitten in our backyard, the mother cat had abandoned it, Mettaton!"

"Mhmm! I couldn't ask for better!" Marrie giggled and started to get out of the water, mostly to put her hair into a quick braid.

Darren sat next to Kintaro under the shade of the umbrella, just wanting to enjoy the day for right now, "So...where exactly is Kryssie?"

"Underwater playing with Aqua most likely. Heh..speaking of." Vera chuckled at seeing her babies come to her, "Hey boys! Aww...here to say hi to mommy, huh? Come here." Once they got topside, she gently picked them up to give them some kisses before gently putting them back in the water.

"If you want to, Red. I'm just letting ya know...but that does mean we'll end up seeing Myra..or..Shade or whatever. I still don't know why the sudden name change...I still think she's batshit crazy. She's just a different type!" Mars folded some clothes she had in the dryer and put them all in the hamper, "Your dad told me she's...kinda better? But honestly...I'll believe it when I see it. Lady's been a thorn in my side ever since my sister made friends with her..." Mars still had some hate towards her, mostly for dragging her sister away from her and all the things she's done to her friends and family. She still hated herself for making a deal with her to keep Red safe when Mars herself couldn't.

MTT looked over at the cat and sighed, "...You know...I would have said we could keep it if you would have just told me..." He seemed more disappointed that he wasn't told anything or that Boss had to hide things from him, "...He's...very cute...Darling...I can't say no now...not with Rocky loving the little thing..."

Rockwell was indeed liking the cat, managing to give it pets with his tiny ghost hands while babbling on.

Sans grinned and yawned slightly, and he enjoyed feeling their triplets cuddling against him.

Kintaro gently turned over onto his side, curling his tail more a bit around Darren lovingly. "Hmmm...Anata..."

Johnny and Jamie mewed happily as Vera gave them both kisses. As she put them back into the water; they swam in circles for a moment, before going back down below again. Aqua had Kryssie in her arms and she swam topside, looking around a bit, and she had a dripping smile seeing Vera. "Ah, ku'uipo...the boys came up and back again, I thought you'd come into the water~"

Easily swimming over to her wife, she gave Vera a sweet kiss. "Today is wonderful, Vera. Kryssie is having so much fun wearing her breather with her siblings!"

Red yawned and sighed. "yeah sure, we'll go see 'er." He got up from the couch, and went to the closet to get some actual clothes on, and he sat on the bed pulling his old sneakers on and chuckled a bit. "hey guess it'll be fine to just give 'er like...twenty bucks cuz we ain't got no gift fer her..."

His tail was wagging as he came to the kitchen again, and saw his triplets happily sleeping in their bassinet. He leaned over them and gave them kisses, and a soft lick on their skulls. "papa loves yoooou, cubs..."

Doomfanger mewed cutely, and padded over to Rockwell's lap, and started licking their tiny paws. Boss grinned brightly, and laughed happily. "LOOK AT THAT, DOOMFANGER LOVES OUR SON! IT'S A PERFECT FIRST PET FOR OUR PRECIOUS BABY BOY!"

Boss sighed after a few moments, and looked to MTT, almost ashamed. "I...am very sorry though, dear...I should have said something, but when I'd brought Doomfanger in, it was so late at night, you and Rockwell were already asleep! It was my last patrol I'd done, and had gathered up Rocky's toys...I'd found the little kitten huddling underneath a bush...all alone. I just couldn't leave them outside! The heat would have killed them!"

Darren chuckled and gently massaged Kintaro's hair, though he did have a bright blush in his boyfriend's actions.

Vera swam over to Aqua and Kryssie, "Yep. And oh yeah? Got brave enough to try it huh?"

"Mhmm! I'm a big girl, Mommy! Big girls gotta do big girl stuff!" Kryssie looked very proud of herself, even as Vera put a few kisses on her. "I'm hungry. Can we eat now? I want cake! Pleaaaase?"

Mars finished up some laundry while Red got himself dressed, "Sounds fine to me. I rather not get caught for a favor." She shrugged and headed over to get her own shoes on. She did smile at seeing Red give some love to the babies, "Come on...help me put 'em in their stroller, red ruff. We can't exactly leave 'em here."

Rockwell just lightly pet Doomfanger for a bit before letting out a little yawn, ready to naptime.

"I can see that, Papy..." MTT still seemed a bit bothered by it, "...I understand but...why did you want to keep it a secret from me...? Do...you not..." MTT looked liike he was ready to start crying. This thing wouldn't have been such a big deal, he kept yelling at himself in his head for doing so, but after everything that happened between him and Nast and the secrets they kept about each other, it would remind him over everything he did. Both cousins did talk things through and try and have a better relationship, but it still mostly ate at MTT's soul.

"Sure, let's go wake up Grandma, and Grandpa. I think they both fell asleep at the picnic table, wahine~" Aqua smiled brightly, and she easily dove down beneath the surface, scooping up the boys easily into her arms; then she calmly walked on the lake bottom, coming out from the lake.

Red nodded and got the cubs stroller, helping load them into it happily. He smiled down at his babies, and looked to Mars. "got 'em ready to go, mars-bar. let's uh, head on ova to the brat's house..."

Boss looked to Rockwell, and then to MTT. "...I didn't really want to keep it a secret...it...it was supposed to be a surprise for you. I was just being cute, for Rockwell...I'm so sorry, my dear..."

Kryssie nodded and swam back to the shore with Vera, very ready for cake.

"Good timing too! Z and I gotta get the party rolling for the festival!" Napstaton chuckled as he and Zhara were under an umbrella with the twins to chill out and cool down.

Marrie was the one who ended up going to Cupcake and Wingdin to wake them up, "Papa? Mama? Wake up. You both ready to eat...?"

"Alright..." Mars still looked a bit unsure but she tried holding it back as she took the stroller and headed off.

MTT sniffled, trying hard not to take it too personally. Things were still hard for him. "No...I'm sorry...it...it shouldn't matter...the...the kitten can stay...I'm...going to find my gloves...I'm sorry..." he headed off back to his room to get ready and calm down.

Wingdin was against Cupcake's chest, and she yawned softly. "O-Oh, Marrie..." She sat up and stretched her arms a bit, as Cupcake rubbed her back. A blush crossed her cheeks. "I cannot believe I actually fell asleep here against Papa's chest..."

Cupcake gave her a soft kiss on her cheek and smiled. "It's quite alright, love; I just held you and you soon were sleeping so peacefully...I guess I fell asleep soon after too. Yes after that swim and nap, we are certainly ready to enjoy our sweet Princesses' birthday~"

He looked out towards the water, narrowing his eyes a bit. "Has Papyrus been in the water this whole time, Marrie? Oh, god, tell Happy to bring him and Ebrima in, he could give that baby a sunburn possibly...I...I've heard of humans getting that and I'd rather not us find out if monsters can get a sunburn as well!"

Red's entire outlook seemed to change the moment they left the house, after he'd put his collar on. He kept a tight eye on their surroundings, his hands in his jacket pockets, thankfully the heat didn't bother him too bad. The only difference was that his longer tail now was outside of his jacket, and was held mostly still, only wagging if he looked at his wife or children.

Boss took a few steps forward to follow MTT, and his soul sank at his husband's reaction. "Metta..." He shook his head, letting out a rare growl of frustration; as he tromped down the hallway, still holding Rockwell and Doomfanger. He went past the bedroom, and laid his son into his crib, letting the cat stay with him; then he came back to the bedroom.

"HAPSTA BLOOK GASTER. IT DOES MATTER, IT ALWAYS MATTERS. YOU ARE MY HUSBAND, AND I PLEDGED MY LOVE AND ALLEGIENCE TO YOU YEARS AGO. YOU DEVILISHLY DARING HANDSOME ROBOT; I LOVED YOU AND I STILL LOVE YOU. AND I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS TO BE SHOVED OFF, AND LET IT EAT AT YOUR SOUL." He came into the room, and wrapped his arms around MTT, giving him a passionate and loving kiss. "You should never be sorry for speaking your mind, my dearest."

Marrie let out a small giggle, "It's okay. Nothing wrong with a little nap. We are here to enjoy the beach."

Happy nodded and tried swimming over to Pap. Unfortunately the closer they got, the more they sank. They weren't exactly taught how to swim. They just ended up walking back to the shore and sighed.

"I got it. Hang on." Zhara laid a kiss on Napstaton before flying over to get Papyrus and Ebrima.

She gently tried taking the little girl and tapped at Pap's skull, "Come on lazy bones. Your mom is calling ya. Head back to shore." Ebrima was confused on why she was suddenly in the sky, but let out a yawn not really seeming to care much.

Mars followed along as well, eyes daring about just in case, her tail twitching in anticipation. It only slowed once she got a look at Red or the babies. Just right down the street would be Shade's and Nast's home.

The house itself was rather quiet. Tyra finished eating lunch and was now reading one of the books Edge got her while her twin siblings were napping in the nursery. Nast was just listening to music with headphones on as Shade did dishes. Nast did offer to help but the bat girl was stubborn.

Rockwell babbled confusedly but decided to try and play with the kitten. He crawled in his crib for a smaller stuffed bear and tried giving it to Doomfanger.

MTT whimpered at being called that before getting surprised at the kiss. He took a minute but kissed back, tears dripping down his cheeks. "I...I suppose..just...I'm sorry...it's...been hard, Darling...it's been very h-hard..." he leaned against Papyrus and held him tight.

Cupcake had stood up and watched in worry as first Happy, then Zhara had gone out to get Pap and Ebby. Wingdin smiled softly, and she went into her purse getting out the candles and lighter; setting them to the side.

Paps nodded and he swam back to shore, yawning softly. As Zhara held Ebrima; he held his hands up to her, and grinned. "come to daddy~" She soon was encased in Paps blue magic as the baby was brought down into her Daddy's arms. "there ya are, babygirl...let's go see how your cousin does with her birthday, huh?"

Red came up to the house, knocking on it quietly. Bitter got up from Edge's lap, and opened the door. "Oh, heya Red! Ya came over huh?"

He looked up at Bitter, rolling his red eyelights. "uh yeh, ma. came ova to see the birthday brat." Coming inside the house, he saw Edge was asleep with Tyra on his large gut.

Walking over to Edge, he poked at his Dad's gut, grinning lazily. "heya old man, didn't think you'd be comfy enough ta sleep ova here..."

Edge opened one of his eyes, and yawned a bit. "I don't gotta be in fear, ya ass. I know I'm safe where I am. It'll come in time to ya..."

Doomfanger looked to the stuffed bear, her blue eyes blinking a bit. What helped her, was like most white furred, blue-eyed cats; she was deaf, and loud noises didn't bother her. The kitten gently padded over to the stuffed bear, and playfully patted at it, letting out a curious mew.

Boss let MTT hug as hard as he needed, and smiled softly. "I know it's been hard my dear...but we will get through this together...hmm...perhaps seeing that little brat might cheer you up some? I believe it is her sixth birthday today?"

Ebby babbled up at Paps as she was taken over to him by his blue magic. Zhara didn't seem to mind as she flew over to get her own kids.

"Birthday cake! Birthday cake! Yay!" Kryssie giggled and headed over to her cake, jittering with excitement.

"Easy, jitterbug. We gotta get 'em lit first." Vera picked her up so she could get a better look.

Tyra did seemed surprised at seeing Mars and Sans over. "Um...hi...?"

"Hey short stuff. Just came by to say hi and happy birthday is all." Mars just gave a wave as she brought the stroller in. She'd only freeze once she saw Shade come over with a knife. The woman just finished cleaning it and was ready to put it away when she heard guests.

Rockwell giggles and let her play, trying his best to play with her. He seemed to like the cat.

"...Yes...together..." MTT leaked against him, snuggling comfortably under his chin, "Mmm...perhaps...I..did have a little present for her..." Despite some fears of his, he actually did enjoy having Tyra around. She was a sweet girl when she wasn't mouthy at him. And he would admit, he loved seeing Rockwell and her play together. Most he did do was dote and play with her, gave him a nice distraction in the Underground.

Paps chuckled and gave her a kiss as he brought her over to Happy. "sorry fer staying out there so long. the water's just so calming, bae..."

Wingdin put the candles into the cake, and lit the lighter a few times, then shook it. "Oh, drat it...please, why not working?" Paps then leaned over and flicked his thumb; his index finger lighting up in a spark of his orange magic. He lit the six candles and grinned lightly.

"there we go, ma."

They all began to sing happy birthday to Kryssie, smiling brightly to the birthday girl as they sang.

Red smiled lazily to Tyra, nodding. When he spied Shade coming over with a knife, he growled lowly; his tail lashing from side to side. "deciding ta carve our souls out fer a gift or sumthin, shade?"

Doomfanger mewed cutely, and rolled with the teddy bear a bit, then she padded over and purred rubbing her face against Rockwell. She seemed to like him too.

Boss nodded, and grinned. "A splendid idea then, my dearest Mettaton! We shall gather up this gift, and our baby boy; then we shall head over to their house!"

Kryssie held on to her mommy, taking in the song with a big smile. Once it was all over, she blew the candles out with a big blow.

"That's my girl! Happy birthday, sweet pea." Vera gave her a few kisses on the cheek, causing her to laugh.

Mars ended up summoning her weapon out, a mace that looked like a thorny yarn ball, ready to attack the bat, "I like to see you fucking try, you crazy bitch!"

Shade looked at the both of them confused before remembering what was in her hand, "Ah yes. Because the best present out there is a knife to the chest. I'll remember that for your birthdays and give you mine in a jar. Do as you like with it...I know I have no use for it..."

In his frustration, Nast spoke up, "Hey! Both of you fucking idiots back up! She just came out from doing the fucking dishes! What are you two?! Besides crazy dumbasses looking for a fight?! Shade, stop talking crazy shit! You're not hurting yourself again!"

Shade just kept her blank look before heading back to the kitchen, regretting ever even coming out. She felt if she stayed, it would only be worse. Tyra just sank back into her book, not wanting to comment or make it seem like she heard any of that.

Rockwell started laughing and shrieking before hugging the kitten. MTT heard him and sighed, "Can you get Rockwell ready then? You may want to see how he's doing..."

MTT decided to just focus on fixing his make up and finding some pair of gloves to put on. Especially if he fully wanted to hug Rockwell or his niece without giving them scratches.

Cupcake leaned over and pressed a kiss between her ears. "Happy Birthday, my Princess!" Wingdin plucked out the candles out and began cutting the cake for everyone.

Edge sighed, as he put the foot rest down on the recliner and shook his head. "Sans...you are a fuckin' idiot. Hey Nast...got a tie-out lead in tha front yard? That little mutt is gonna get a timeout, and we're puttin the cat out too."

Red whipped his attention to his Dad, growling still. "what! you can't do that, dad, what about the cubs!?"

Bitter rolled her eye, and she sighed. "We can watch 'em. Ain't gonna leave ya out too long anyways. It's too hot."

Edge grinned, looking down at his children. "Not if we give 'em water, Bitts." He snagged Red by his collar and started heading out to the front yard.

Doomfanger let out a squeak of a mew, letting Rockwell hug her. She was a little fluffball, so it didn't bother her much.

Boss nodded, and headed down the hallway to Rockwell's bedroom. He saw it, and grinned. "You love your kitten don't you? Let's get you ready for going over to that harpy's house..."

He gently scooped up Rockwell, and put him in a nice, clean outfit. and grinned again. "Ah, there we are." Scooping up Doomfanger, he put the kitten onto the floor, and she immediately set off padding through the house into their bedroom.

Mewing, she patted at MTT's feet curiously.

"Uh, yeah? Kinda. It'll work like that." Nast shrugged before going off to get some rope.

"Wait, what?! You're seriously going to tie me up like a damn dog?! This is stupid! How the hell are you not putting her outside! She came in with a fucking knife!" Mars hissed out as Nast came back with a rope.

"Like I said, she was doing dishes. And I don't know about outside unless you wanna keep them in the panic room, Edge. The padding's claw proof." Nast suggested as Tyra decided to check up on her mom.

Shade had put away the knife but was fidgeting with her wrists again. She started shaking once Tyra had taken her hands and held them gently instead. Least it helped root her down.

Rockwell started reaching up to Boss again, babbling incoherent words and throwing "Dada" in between. He was being a little talker today.

MTT managed to find some gloves that could work. Once he felt something on his feet, he looked down and saw the cat, "Oh...hello there, sweetheart. Can I help you?" He gave her a gentle pat on the head.

Edge rolled his eyes again, tugging on Red's collar almost too harshly. "No, we're gonna the mutt here outside. You were just gonna get put outside, but uh, that panic room was sounding pretty damn good."

Bitter glared at Mars, getting right in her face. "HEY! ALLEYCAT! Listen to me, your mother-in-law, right now! Just because she came in with a knife, doesn't mean she's gonna hurt ya. She coulda been holding tongs, or even a plate...it just happened to be a damn knife. I know, because I was just chatting wit her in the kitchen before I came out to rest on Edge. So...are youse two gonna keep bellyaching, or are ya gonna take a breath...and calm the fuck down!?"

Red whimpered at Bitter's outburst, and ducked his head down, looking somewhat odd as Edge still had a grasp on his collar. In his stress he'd turned fully to his dog form as it was, and he was scrambling to get out of the collar, starting to whimper and whine.

Boss grinned as Rockwell started to reach up to him, and he laughed happily, finishing on getting him dressed. "Such a precious little babbling tyke today!"

Doomfanger mewed cutely, and purred as she rubbed herself against MTT's ankle.

"Wha...HEY! I!" Mars started out but stopped once Bitter got in her face. She only listened for a bit and growled, "Fine...I'll play fucking nice...only because it's the little brat's birthday. But don't fucking expect me to just up and forgive and forget what the hell she's done to me and my fucking family!"

Tyra stayed close with her mom for now. All the yelling and noise ended up waking up the twins from their nap, causing them to start crying and whining from their nursery. Tyra left her mom alone for the moment to deal with them. Which now left Shade all to herself in the kitchen, battling her thoughts.

Rockwell continued to babble for a while as he patted at his dad, little one seemed very content for now.

MTT chuckled slightly and petted her before finishing getting ready, "Well...you are quite cute...I suppose it's no harm in letting you stay. Long as you don't cause too much trouble for my baby..." He finished getting dressed and ready, grabbed the gift bag he had in the closet and carefully picked up Doomfanger with a newly gloved hand. He headed off to the nursery to check up on Boss and Rockwell.

"Ready to go my handsome devils?"

Bitter shrugged, holding her gloves up. "I never said ya had to forgive and forget everything, kitty-cat. Just to not assume she's wanting to gut ya everytime she sees ya nowadays..."

Edge let go of Red's collar, and then headed to the kitchen to see if they had any beer. He saw Shade, and smiled softly. "Heya Shade...I know it's all a bit much, but everyone's bettah now...Tyra's checkin' on the twins, and we got them both calmed down..."

Red slunk over to Mars side, his tail between his legs, looking quite odd to be in full clothes and in his dog form. "...m'sorry babe..."

Boss sighed happily, and nuzzled Rockwell gently with a loving touch.

Doomfanger mewed cutely from MTT's hand, happy to get attention. She mewed happily looking out from her perch in the robot's hand.

Boss heard MTT and nodded. "Yes of course, Metta. We're all dressed and prepared to go now. You flatter me my dearest~" He headed out from the nursery, and he set out some tuna and water for Doomfanger; then they left to head to Shade's house.

Mars sighed and sat in her spot, growling lightly. Once Red got to her, she just gave him a pet, but still didn't look all too happy regardless.

Luckily for Edge, there was some beer. Nast sometimes enjoyed a can once in a while so there was some stocked up. Shade continued to fidget with her wrists for a while, the scars from attempts past could be seen between the weird ruffles in her fur from where it grew back. "...Thank you..."

"If we are planning to keep that cat, we should get some proper supplies for her. A bed, some toys, litterbox...just to name a few..." MTT figured as much. He wasn't exactly rich anymore since he didn't really work in showbiz in their new home. But that didn't mean they werent' poor. They were well off and living within their means. Even if he wasn't missing show biz once they moved, it didn't mean that MTT didn't have some fun with it, he just missed being busy.

Wouldn't take them long to get to the house, but he seemed confused when he saw Mars and Red outside. "...Any reason why you two are out here?"

Edge had gotten a can of said beer, and he popped the top, taking a swig quietly. "Yer welcome. I could tell you was gettin' a bit worried an all, Shade. Hopefully rest of today'll be bettah yeah?"

He leaned against the counter, and smiled softly to her, taking another swig from the can; sighing quietly. "Yanno, it uh...might sound strange an shit, but if ya want a hug, I'll give ya one..."

Boss nodded, as he listened to MTT. "OF COURSE, METTATON. WE CAN GO TO TOWN LATER TODAY, POSSIBLY TOMORROW, AND GET SOME THINGS FOR DOOMFANGER..."

He paused, looking to his brother and sister-in-law. "...YES, WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON HERE?"

Red rested his head in Mars lap, and looked up at his brother, growling softly. "...fuck off..." His tail curled around Mars bottom, and sighed softly. At the moment, his neck hurt some from the jerking around from Edge.

"Maybe..." Shade shrugged, trying to get herself back in place, trying hard not to slip. She seemed confused on the hug portion but gave him another shrug in response, "...I...suppose..."

Mars tried massaging his neck a bit to help with the pain. She let out a low growl before deciding to talk, "We got kicked out because we freaked in seeing the crazy bat bitch with a knife. Thought she was going to carve our asses and your dad sent us out here to cool off."

She let out a hiss in frustration, "I still don't buy it...she couldn't have just made a fucking 180 like that...not with the crap she pulled!"

MTT just looked at the both of them and sighed, "Well...not like any of us were saints either, sweethearts...Only ones who aren't guilty are the children." He wouldn't admit that Mars had a point in not trusting Shade. He still had nightmares about being dismantled and destroyed like he was that day.

Edge set down the can of beer, and he came over to her; gently hugging her, while he rubbed her back. "See? Ain't nothin' bad Shade..."

"the old fuck threatened to tie me to the tree! and your cousin got some rope out for it too!" Red let out a whine, and stood up from where he was laid beside Mars, and he came over to Boss; sniffing Rockwell. "...kid smells funny, you feedin' 'em weird shit, bro?"

Boss nodded sagely at MTT's words. "YES I TRUTHFULLY DON'T TRUST MYRA...OR UH, SHADE. EVEN FATHER HAS SAID HE DOESN'T FULLY TRUST HER, BUT HE ALLOWS HER TO GET CLOSE, AS HE CAN SEE THAT SHE IS SAVEABLE SOMEHOW."

He sighed quietly. "He sees what Mother saw in himself. A person who can be turned from their previous ways of evil and devilry, and turned into a mostly-reformed person. However, I can see why Father would want to tie you outside, you mongrel. And how dare you accuse us of feeding our son anything but the best of food! You probably have your children eating from slop troughs like yourself!"

Red growled, glaring up at his younger brother. "the fuck are you getting at?!"

Boss grinned, and held Rockwell close to his face. "Why don't you tell Uncle Sans what you've been saying all day long, my precious boy! Who am I?"

Shade just stayed there for a bit, trying to get used to the hug and Edge. She seemed to do okay as she just leaned against him. But other than that, she kept silent.

Mars let out another warning hiss at Boss, not liking what he was implying.

Rockwell looked at his uncle and babbled for a bit. MTT tried egging him on, "Come on Darling! Say it! Say your new word!"

Rockwell looked up at his dad and giggled out "Da...Dada!" before trying to reach ot again.

Tyra noticed the comotion outside and headed back down with her calmed down siblings in tow, "G'ma. Uncle Pap's outside and fighting with Uncle Sans again..."

Edge smiled softly, and he got his can of beer taking another drink from it. "I'm always here for you Shade. I know it may seem crazy, but ya need someone in your life, a parent figure. Your daughter already sees me as her G'pa. So I'll be your father figure, if ya want."

Boss looked exceedingly proud of his son, laughing triumphantly. "BAHAHAHA! SEE? MY SON KNOWS WHO I AM! HE'S SO VERY SMART, AREN'T YOU MY PRECIOUS BOY!?"

Red rolled his eyelights and let out a huff, before going to lay in the yard. "yeah yeah. he's a smart one all right."

Boss then handed Rockwell to MTT, and strode over to his brother. "You really are a dog aren't you? And I wonder why haven't your children said anything yet?"

Red lifted his head from the grass, and growled softly. Then he nosed his jacket off, thankful it stretched with him. With his ma's help he'd gotten all his clothes stretchy like that in case he changed.

Boss then picked up his brother by his armpits and sneered. "NO RESPONSE HUH, MONGREL?"

Bitter held her gloves up and sighed. "Oh my fuckin gawd those two are horrible I swear...can ya watch your uncle's cubs for a moment?"

She then phased through the front door and floated right over Mars.

"Boys! What the fuck are youse doing?" She hollered.

Red's tail started wagging, seeing his mother. Boss turned to look at Bitter, then was met with a red, somewhat slimy tongue to the side of his face.

"Look, your brother wants to make up already, Papyrus!" Bitter smiled happily. "So youse two better make up, or I'm gonna be puttin your asses in the ground, then I'll call your father out here!"

Boss froze for a moment, then he hugged Red close to him. "SEE MOTHER... WE'RE FINE!"

Bitter smiled happily again, and started to go back towards the house. Boss then put Red back down and sighed.

"...pussy."

"TALKING ABOUT YOUR WIFE I SEE?"

"no you dipshit, i'm calling you a pussy. then again i guess i should call you robo pussy."

"MONGREL."

"blowhard."

"LAZYBONES!"

"king dingus."

"BASTARD!"

Bitter stopped in her tracks and she turned around, and threw an array of teacup saucer attacks at their feet, a livid expression on her face. "BE NICE OR I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASSES BACK HOME! I WILL CALL UP NERDBURGER, AND HE WILL JUST DIAL IN THE HOME TIMELINE AND I WILL SHOVE YOU RIGHT THROUGH THAT DOOR, MERCILESS ANGEL HELP ME!"
[8:56 AM] Bones: They both stood stock still, and Red let out a whimper, while Boss sat down on the grass. Boss then wrapped his arms around his brother, his bones nearly rattling in genuine fear. He could see why his father truly loved his mother so damn much.

"SORRY MOTHER..." "sorry ma..." They both intoned at once.

She sighed quietly, and smoothed her gloves on her shorts, as she floated over to Rockwell and smiled, giving him a kiss on his cheeks. "Hello there little Prince~ G'ma had to put them in their place, yes I did!"

Glaring over at the brothers, she then phased back through the front door, and checked on the triplets. After she went inside, the red teacup saucer attacks seemed to dissolve away from the lawn.

Shade opened her mouth to argue about it, or say she didn't deserve it, but closed her mouth again. She just gave other tired shrug.

Both MTT and Mars seemed pretty done with both their husbands as the two talked among themselves.

"Your man does realize our kids are like...two months old vs Rockwell's a year...right?" Mars rolled her eyes at Boss's boasting.

"He's been very excited lately. I think having Rockwell's first word be him may be getting to his head." MTT cradled his son, doing his best to keep his ears covered so he wouldn't get spooked from the yelling.

Once Bitter ended up coming out and ripping a new one on the skeleton brothers, both took a step back to let her have it. They weren't about to get mixed up in that mess.

Rockwell luckily didn't seem to hear any of the commotion thanks to MTT's gloves, so he was able to give his G'ma a light babble hello.

Tyra was with the triplets and her twin siblings. A lot of babies to handle for the 6 year old but she managed. Least all of them were relatively quiet she did give a small smirk at how good it was to have those two in their place from trying to ruin her day. She expected nothing but still got surprised.

Edge just gently hugged Shade, and he lightly picked her up; holding her against his chest. "Just rest dear...a'right? Papi'll make it as better as I can, okay?"

Bitter smiled softly as she gave Tyra a soft kiss, and she gently took the twins from her arms. "There we go, time for some snuggle time with G'ma youse two~" She settled herself into the recliner, smiling as the twins sat on either side of her bare legs. "You two are so precious aren't you?"

Red stood up, and stretched a bit; his tail waggling a bit as he did so. "...geezus, ma really uh...fuck..."

Boss sighed, putting his head in his hands. "YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT BROTHER...YES, I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT MOTHER WAS ABLE TO BE THAT TERRIFYING...I FEARED FOR MY LIFE JUST THEN...NO WONDER FATHER DID NOT WANT TO GO BACK."

Red picked up his jacket, shuffling it back on carefully; then he trotted over to Mars, and laid on his stomach. "...m'sorry mars-bar...i shouldn't have gotten so angry..."

Boss stood up and sighed as he came over to MTT again. "...And I am sorry as well, dearest. I need to learn to act better with my brother...even though he is rather simple minded..."

Red sighed and just stayed laid on the ground, his tone morose as he spoke quietly. "...yeah...i guess so, bro...you wanna go train again, cuz it really seems like old times now...all i need is ta be on my back, nearly knocked out, an' it'll sure feel like it used ta..."

"...Alright..." Shade sighed and slowly tried hugging back.

The twins started giggling and squeaking a bunch as they played on Bitter's lap. They seemed really playful now that their nap was done.

"It's fine...just...don't get your mom all riled up. Rather not do that again." Mars sighed, starting to get a headache again.

"Not the first time I've heard you bicker, love. It's alright, luckily Rockwell didn't hear that whole thing..." MTT gently rocked their son, who was already looking like he was about to sleep.

Edge felt her slowly hug him back, and he smiled softly. "There we go, Shade...you're doing wonderful."

Bitter was happy to play with them, smiling sweetly. "Aw, youse two are precious..."

Red slowly crawled up the steps beside Mars, and as Boss reached over Mars to open the front door; he slunk in quietly, and sat next to the stroller with his cubs. Reaching into his pocket of his jacket, with his paw, he snagged the twenty dollar bill and holding it delicately in his teeth he came and dropped it into Tyra's lap; laying down beside her. "happy birthday kiddo...sorry 'bout before..."

Boss nodded, and came inside the house, staying quiet.

Shade nodded and decided to let go for now, she was slowly getting better. "...I'm...going to nap now...if you don't mind..." with that, she headed off to her bedroom to rest. She did look drained.

Tyra was reading her book when she felt Red's presence there. She looked over to see him with her usual resting bitch face, even after he put the $20 in her lap. She pocketed the money and went back to reading, "...Thank you..."

She went quiet for a bit before speaking, this time only being a whisper, "She's trying...Mama's trying really hard...it's not easy...and she's hurting a lot...please try and be patient...I promise she's not so bad..." there was a slight whimper in there as she hid in her book again.

MTT would end up coming in and scooping up Tyra with his free arms, causing her to freeze in place, "Hello birthday girl! Sorry we ran late, darling! But look, I got you a nice little gift in hopes it makes it a little bit better!" He proceeded to hug tight while Rockwell cooed on tiredly, his own little version of saying hi.

Edge nodded gently, patting her back as she slid down off from him. "Perfectly a'right daughter. You go rest, I hope it's good and free from nightmares..."

Red looked to Tyra and he smiled softly, resting his head in her lap gently. "i'll try ta do bettah, kiddo...m'still sorry though." He let out a yelp however as he was bowled off of Tyra's lap as MTT had come inside and scooped her up so quickly.

Being sent onto his back, he stood up shakily on his legs, then went behind the stroller, nearly trembling as he saw Shade coming out from the kitchen to go towards to her bedroom.

Boss made no move one way or the other, and he just merely looked to the ground, not wanting to incite anything at that moment. The Great and Terrible Papyrus was rather unusually quiet.

Shade headed off without another word. She didn't look to any of her kids or guests as she headed there.

MTT meanwhile was just hugging and kissing his niece's cheeks before settling down and giving her the present from his inventory. "Here you are! I hope you like it!"

Tyra took the present and proceeded to open it, revealing a red journal with a ribbon for a bookmark and a new red ribbon. "I thought you could start keeping a little journal like I used to! And I know that old ribbon is fading, so I got you a new one!"

Tyra just smiled and started to undo the ponytail she had on to replace the worn and faded red one she had already. She did keep the old one in her inventory however. "Does...it look good?"

Bitter smiled and nodded. "It's lovely, babygirl."

Edge came back to the living room, and chuckled at his family softly. "I'm glad that everyone's all hunky-dory now..."

Boss nodded softly as he smiled a bit. "The ribbon looks good on you Tyra..."

Red looked up to Mars, and he started the slink towards the door. He was trying to hide that he was limping slightly from being thrown out of Tyra's lap. "let's go home, mars...i'm feelin' pretty ruff right now..."

"You look fabulous, darling!" MTT gave her a light clap in approval.

Tyra managed a little smile of her own, but it was huge in comparison to what she usually emoted. "...Thank you. All of you...for everything..." felt nice to have love and not LOVE for a change.

Mars saw Red and picked him up, "Yeah...I'm done too. I think the cubs need their quiet time anyway."

Edge smiled, and rubbed Tyra's back softly. "There's my Puddin..." He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on her forehead.

Red gently rested in Mars arms, and he licked her cheek softly. "ya ain't gotta carry me...i'll get home a'right..."

Back at the lakeside beach, they'd all had their fill of cake, and after everyone had what they'd wanted; Cupcake was finishing up the couple of slices that was left while he cuddled Kryssie against his chubby stomach. Wingdin had gone swimming with Sans and the triplets, while Paps was sunbathing and Happy along with Ebrima was resting under their umbrella.

Cupcake set his fork down, and took another drink of his lemonade, looking to Kryssie. "So, my sweet Princess...was today just splendid for you?"

Tyra kept smiling for a while, even as she settled down to start reading again next to Bitter.

"I wanna carry you though. Come on." Mars chuckled and grabbed the stroller, "We'll catch you around later. See ya." With that, she carried her family back home.

Napstaton had to go get ready to open up the festival, so he left about an hour after cake was served. Zhara was still there with the twins, not needing to get ready for a while. But she did have two bodyguards near her, a large wolf monster and a polar bear monster, still a good distance away from the family, but close enough to watch over her and the kids and spring to action if needed.

Kryssie was eating another small slice of her own with her grandpa, "Mhmm! Best birthday ever! And I got to make a super good wish!"

She finished up her cake and looked all the rest of her family. Seeing her moms with her baby brothers, her uncle and auncle with her baby cousin, her auntie with her twins, remembering the fun her uncle was doing for others right now, seeing her grandparents here with her, her uncle Darren and his boyfriend sunbathing together, she couldn't help but smile from whisker to whisker, "I wished for my ohana to stay close. Be big and happy, but just to stay close...cause I love my family, Grandpa. And a happy ohana is a good ohana."

The rest of the day was well had by everyone in the extended Aster-Brewer-Jae family, and they enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Beach Bash at the pier in their little sleepy town of Jacksonville.

Soon, the school year started, with Kryssie going into the 1st grade; and even then, she continued her lessons with her Grandpa; the former Royal Scientist Dr. Caddy Brewer.

As the years stretched on, her piano playing skills grew better and better; as did their extended family. When she was 9, her Uncle Darren finally got the courage to propose to his boyfriend Kintaro; and they were married in a beautiful ceremony, with Cupcake playing the piano for the occasion. Her Uncle Paps had another child, Rocky when she was 9 as well, and her Aunt Marrie had had her twins when she was 13.

However, now she had her 16th birthday just the month before; and her brothers were trailing her on the way to their grandparents house.

"So uh, we're just like, a couple weeks away from school starting, Krysta..." Jamie commented, as he took a drink from his water bottle, his brown hair slicked back.

However, now she had her 16th birthday just the month before; and her brothers were trailing her on the way to their grandparents house.

"So uh, we're just like, a couple weeks away from school starting, Krysta..." Jamie commented, as he took a drink from his water bottle, his brown hair slicked back.

"Oh yeah! You're gonna be a senior in high school! Mama's so proud of you...you excited to graduate next year?" John replied, his own orange hair nearly standing on end as he jogged alongside his brother.

In Wingdin and Cupcake's house, Cupcake was seated at the piano playing music happily while Wingdin was working on dinner like normal. He was softly singing as he played. "When I wake up to your footsteps, as you get up out of bed...They make a song that sounds so simple, but it dances in my head. A melody so perfect that it gets me through the day...And the thought of us forever, is one that won't ever go away. All I need to know is where to start...Take my hand and show me forever, so never will I ever let you go!"

Cupcake continued to play, as he glanced at the pictures that lined the top of the piano over the years from his family, smiling for a moment, as he paused before continuing on playing. "So let's hold on together, to this paper and this pen. And write down every letter, to every word we've ever said. All I need to know is where to start, take my hand and show me forever so never will I ever let you go!"

Kryssie had grown quite a lot in the years. She was happy her 6th birthday wish still held true through the years. Girl was now in her high school soccer team as one of the best. She was doing pretty good in school and stayed close to Tyra, calling each other cousins. And she had gotten used to babysitting and taking care of her younger siblings and cousins, happy to do so.

"Yep! Last year of high school is coming down! Thought it would take me longer actually, luckily Uncle Papy and Grandpa are super good tutors!" She laughed and led them to the door. She knocked on it with her tail while her hands focused on getting her signature hair buns back in place.

"I'd ask if you guys are excited for middle school but summer just started! We're supposed to think of other stuff besides school!"

Cupcake finished up the chord he was playing; as he got up from the piano bench. "Ah, just a moment, just a moment!" He grabbed his cane that sat by the piano; and smiled as he came to the door, opening it happily. "Ah, Krystabelle...such a delight seeing you, my little Princess...you aren't little much anymore."

Jamie rolled his eyes, letting out a burbled laugh. "Grandpa you always say that!"

Johnny darted around Cupcake carefully, as him and his brother hugged the old teacup around his not-so-chubby middle. "You've been watching your weight, haven't ya?"

Cupcake grinned, as he moved to the side to let them all in. "Yes, yes...I've been trying to watch the old stuffing a bit, my back is getting worse as I get older boys. Go and see if your Grandma needs any help in the kitchen would you? She'll enjoy seeing both of you!"

He looked to Kryssie and adjusted his glasses a bit. "So, how was your latest soccer game? I wasn't able to attend, had a doctor's appointment you know..."

Krystabelle smiles before hugging him tight, "It's okay. I understand Grandpa. Doctor's stuff is important. Aunt Marrie taught me that." She didn't mind it seemed as she managed to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"Soccer game was wild! You should have seen it! The score was 1 to 1! Both teams were at high stakes! It was the last 15 minutes of the game! I just went in there and in the last minute and scored a goal! It was awesome! Won the trophy for the school with that one! Mom's got it on the shelf at home!" She seemed really proud of herself with her accomplishments. "But completely honest? I'm pretty beat. I'd like just to chill out and have fun with you and the piano, Grandpa."

Cupcake blushed slightly at the kiss, and smiled happily. "Sounds like a ripping good game, Princess! And you won the trophy? Oh, I wish I was there to see it, dear. I never was good at sports myself, always felt like I had two left you know~"

He wiggled one of his feet playfully, as he headed towards the piano again. "But to relax with my favorite granddaughter, and enjoy some time at the piano, it sounds lovely."

As he settled himself onto the bench, he made sure he was on one end so she could sit beside him on the extended length bench. "So...what shall we play today? Some nice melodic showtunes? Something poppy, or something more melodramatic, my Princess?"

His gloves danced across the keys after he'd set his cane against the wall, giving her a cheeky scalloped smile.

Wingdin was finishing up wrapping some steak and vegetable mini pies, when the boys came in and hugged her lovingly. "Hello boys! I was fixing up dinner, you are going to be staying aren't you?"

Jamie smiled, and he immediately set about helping his Grandma with what needed to be done. "I believe we are Grandma, here let me help you!"

Johnny however, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and took a big gulp from it. "I think so. I know that Kryssie wanted to play piano with Grandpa some...though she always wants to do that..."

Across town, Kintaro was braiding his sandy brown hair, and putting it up into a braided low bun; before he went to the kitchen and started to cook dinner for himself and Darren. "Anata, we're having beef stir-fry tonight, with scallion pancakes. Are we still going over to Napstaton's tonight?"

Krysta started laughing at her grandpa's actions before settling down with him, "Let's for showtunes! I got the energy for it!"

She did her exercises as she was taught before, getting herself ready to start a song. She always loved doing it with her Grandfather, but she could play by herself if she wanted. But where would be the fun in that?

John's phone rang at that time. Caller ID showed it was Vera. Most likely to check in on them.

"I believe so, yes! I'll give him a quick call to see!" Darren called from the spare room that was going to be a nursery. He was currently trying to paint the ceiling with a beautiful night sky on one half and a lovely summer day with the other. The summer one was drying so he had time to paint the stars in the night half.

"I don't know if you want to eat a lot! He also said he'd prepare food there too! Up to you, love!"

"Oh wonderful!" Cupcake smiled happily, and began to jauntily play with Krysta, joining in at the appropiate time.

John had been lounging at the end of the kitchen table, bored and flaring his gills a bit. Hearing his phone, his eyes widened a bit as he picked it up. "Oh, hey Mom! We're at Grandpa and Grandma's, and I know Mama was worried, but they're okay..."

Kintaro had gotten the beef stir-fry to simmer for the moment; and he slithered down the hallway; his hands resting on his stomach. "Oh, he's making food too...AH! What are you doing, hanging off the ladder, Darren!? You could hurt yourself!"

He started to raise himself higher on his coiled tail, able to easily reach their ceiling with his nine foot long tail, on top of his nearly six foot height from his waist. "Let me be helping you, anata!"

Krysta seemed happy as she played, already looking much more relaxed than she did earlier. She didn't realize how stressed she seemed to before.

"Hey kiddo! Good to hear! I was wondering if you guys made it okay. You doing alright?" Vera was working over at the dispensary, labeling prescriptions for customers. The quiet allowed her to do work and call family if she wished.

"I'm quite fine, my root. Not to worry! It's just a few more I need to finish." He didn't seem to mind much as he reached to paint another star, making the ladder seem to rock a bit with his stretching.

Cupcake smiled, watching her play expertly, due to her years of tutoring from him; and he sat back a bit, letting her take over. His fingers rubbed around the black holes that were through his palms, as if they hurt a bit.

Johnny sighed, letting out a burbling noise through his gills. "Kinda...it's great I guess, like it always is...just...kinda bored I guess. Jamie's with Grandma, and Kryssie's with Grandpa. Since Grandpapi and Grandpop moved out they're uh...not really around much, cause of the others...and I know Mama always says to be kind to them, because they deserve ohana too, and for ohana to stay together, sometimes they have to be apart. Plus they're only like...three streets over, not really that far away..."

Kinta lowered himself again, sitting back on his coil worriedly. "Mmmm...ah...ah okay, Darren. I just was...um...making a bit of stir-fry for us to enjoy, and...um, I'll eat at Napstaton's too..."

Kryssie kept going, seeming to be really into it. She was a work of her grandpa's teachings and then some.

"Yeah. I know how that is, honey. I'm sorry. You wouldn't have to stay there if me and your mom weren't working late. Just do your best to have fun, maybe your grandparents have something for you! You never know. I'll make it up to ya this weekend. How does the beach sound?" She always felt bad hearing her boy felt out of place there. She would have asked Marrie to take 'em but she had enough going on with five, soon to be six kids.

"Oh! Sounds wonderful! I did skip lunch again so I wouldn't mind at all." Darren kept painting his stars. Once he got enough, he hopped off the ladder and onto his feet. Good timing too since the thing fell off the wall and onto the floor, luckily opposite of where Kinta was.

"Oh goodness. Guess I gave a bit too much there." Darren went to grab the ladder and put it rightside up, "What do you think? Too much, too little? I still have to do the extra room for our foster child. Still cannot believe we got approved for an adoption days after we found out you were carrying!" He still laughed at the memory. But they couldn't turn back now, be only a matter of time.

Cupcake's smile didn't waver much, despite the pain in his spectral hands; and he sighed happily, listening to his beautiful granddaughter play so wonderfully.

"It's alright, Mom...Jamie would probably feel weird anyways..." Johnny watched for a moment as he happily was rolling out pasta dough with Wingdin, humming along with her. "...then again Jamie probably wouldn't miss me. Maybe I should go visit Grunkle James and Guntie Leslie...can I?"

Kinta backed up suddenly, and let out a startled hiss. "KUSO..." He cursed, as he sighed. "...it seems like you did...and it looks just fine."

"I think the baby's room looks lovely, Darren. And I do hope the foster child will be appreciative...eh...of us, and things you know..." He rested his hand on his stomach, and looked down a bit nervous.

Krysta would finish her song and look over at Cupcake, "How was that, Grandpa? Oh...are your hands bothering you again...?" She only now noticed that he didn't play with her for the rest of it. She always did grow concern for him.

"Oh baby...don't say that...you know your brother would miss you. Your sister too. They love you a lot, sea breeze. But...if you really don't feel right there...I won't stop ya. Just have your sister or someone walk you down...okay?" Vera sighed as she tried grabbing another label, only for the sticker to get stuck onto her fur again. She cursed under her breath as she tried getting it off.

"Sorry love...you alright..?" Darren felt bad for the scare as he headed over to kiss Kinta lightly, "I'm sure they will. We've done so much...and we are meeting them tomorrow to see if they like us. Perhaps it won't be so bad...hmm?" He wouldn't lie, he was nervous too on how it was going to go, but he was trying to keep some excitement at the fact they were going to start a family.

"Ah, yes; they're acting up again. I might need to put some of my 'Pain Fright Cream' on them." Cupcake chuckled at the name for the ghostly items that the medicinal stores sold. "I'll be right back, Princess!"

He got up from the piano bench, grabbing his cane; then he went down the hallway to the bathroom; rustling through the medicine cabinet. After he found the cream, he pulled his gloves off, and slowly using his blue magic to grasp the tube; he applied some of the 'Pain Fright Cream' and wrung his spectral hands slowly to massage it in. It stunk something fierce, but soon the pain went away.

Sighing a bit, he then replaced his gloves, and put away the tube of cream; then he came back out from the bathroom and to the piano. "There we are, Princess. Hmm...how about we try out some classical styled music now, Krystabelle? We can see how you do with your tritated arpeggios, that's the newest thing I've taught you dear."

"Alright, Mom. I'll see if maybe Grandma could walk me down...I know Kryssie is too busy with Grandpa..." Johnny sighed. "I'll text you Mom, sounds like you're busy at the dispensary..."

Aqua picked the phone from Vera, and giggled. "Aloha, John-John~ Yes, Mom got a couple of labels stuck in her fur...that sounds wonderful! Text us later, we just got a few customers in!"

As Johnny was nicely hung up on by his Mama, he sighed and looked to Jamie and his Grandma. His mothers were wrong, they probably wouldn't mind him going down to his Grunkle and Guntie's house. He went over to the side door, and left the house easily; heading towards their home a few streets away.

Kinta smiled, and nodded after kissing him back. "Aww...hai, hai you're right. It will be fine, Darren." He turned to slither out from the baby's room and he gazed up at the ceiling again, and smiled.

"I will never forget the first time I saw stars, the moon...the sun, and the clouds...none of it compares to your smile, my sweetheart." He let out a soft hiss of happiness; and went towards the kitchen, to finish up their stir-fry he was working on. He knew it would be alright, as he'd just left it low until he came back.

Krysta decided to play a few bars while she waited for Cupcake to come back. Once he did, her excitement came back with a nod, "Sure! let me just check on the boys really quick. I'm sure mom wants an update." She got up from the seat to check on her brother. Jamie looked good but she started growing concerned when she didn't see John anywhere.

"...Grandma...? Is Johnny there with you and I didn't see him...?" She called as she tried looking outside.

Darren was frozen in place, completely red in the face from Kintaro's comment on him. It was too easy to get him into a flustered mess.

Meawhile at Leslie's and James's home, James was currently reading a newspaper while his knee was in a wrap. He had to get some things done to keep his knee in shape and to lower the pain, so his doctor had put on the wrap for him to help heal it. Until then, he wasn't supposed to be moving it a lot, which was driving him crazy. He hated not doing anything, so the newspaper was supposed to be a distraction.

"No...Johnny was at table, talking with mothers...oh...I heard him, oh no...no no no...that darn BOY!" Wingdin gritted her teeth, as she glared towards the door. "He talking of being bored I think, and he talk of other family going to see them. I was going to ask him where he want to go, when I done showing Jamie how to fold croissants, but...he must have left without saying anything..."

Jamie's gills flared out in nervousness as he looked towards the large window in his Grandma's kitchen. "Oooh...he told me a couple days ago you always take over when we come here, sis...I thought he was just blowing off water or something...and with Mom and Mama at the store. Mama's gonna be steaming mad when she finds out he left, and without his canteen too..."

The young water cat held up his brother's canteen that had been hanging on the back of the chair closest to the stove. "...oh..."

"Dinner will be done in few minutes, Darren!" Kintaro finished up with their beef stir-fry, and he plated it up with a couple scallion pancakes; then he slithered over to their table, placing Darren's by his chair, and his at the other side, where no chair sat. Coiling up easily on his tail, he settled his bump onto the topmost coil and smiled at his belly. {You're so active aren't you, little one? All coiled up in your Mama's belly? Papa is excited to see you, and we're going to meet your sibling tomorrow...isn't that going to be so much fun? We'll take pictures, and you'll have parents who love both of you so much...}

Leslie brought over a cup of tea for James, and they smiled to him. "I can tell yer not reading that paper, James..." They gently placed a claw against the top of it, looking over their glasses at their perturbed husband.

"Ya got it upside down, honey." They leaned forward a bit on their walker, giving him a nuzzle on his temple. "Why don't we see what's on that game channel. You love yellin at those humans, seein' if ya get the answer first, yeah?" Leslie came over and settled onto the couch beside him, and gently snuggled him a bit.

Krysta growled and facepalmed, "I'll go after him! Least I can catch up if I sprint! Just where would he go!? Uncle Sans and Aunt Marrie got all the kids...Uncle Papyrus and Auncle Happy aren't home I think...cause Uncle Napsta's having a dinner party with them and Uncle Darren and Uncle Kintaro..." She tried to think as she ran in place, trying to find a good idea of where her little brother went.

Darren managed to snap out of his flustered stupor before heading off to change out of his painter's outfit. Last he wanted was to be covering other things in paint. Wouldn't take him long as he came out with some pants, a light blue button up shirt slightly unbottoned at the top with a white shirt underneath. "Smells delicious, love! I can't wait!"

James let out a growl and sighed, putting down the newspaper, "Much as I love the show, I can't stand being on this chair! I've been stuck on this darned thing for 2 days! I need to something else other here!" He groaned and flopped back. "I used to be able to garden...walk to the city...enjoy some play time with my grandnieces and nephews...now I'm stuck here being useless..."

Cupcake thought for a moment coming into the kitchen hearing the growling. "Perhaps he's gone to see Edge and Bitter? I know he's occasionally talked of them too..."

Wingdin waved her hand, having realized something. "He talk of 'grunkle' and 'guntie' what or who is that?"

Jamie looked to his sister, and he frowned. "Grunkle James and Guntie Leslie...he probably went to see them! He's said he's scared of Grandpapi's family..."

Kintaro ate a few bites, a few pieces of his sandy brown hair framing his face. "You look nice, anata. I have a nice dress I will wear tonight."

Leslie gently held his hand, and patted it softly. "You know the doctor said you gotta rest that knee, else you gonna need a replacement! And you know that ain't gonna go well... it's hard to find a healer strong enough to do joint replacements, James. It's why I use my walker now anyways..."

They giggled softly, shaking their head. "I know you don't wanna admit it dear, but you're old." Gently, they ran their claws through his whitened beard and neck fur how he liked.

"And that means slowing down another day, then so be it. I already done told you we can cuddle on this couch all week long. You know Reggie said he don't mind getting us stuff." They nodded, their old yellow eyes gazing softly at their husband of ten (almost eleven) years.

"One more day. James Jae, can you give me one more day, of sitting on yo ass?" They lightly tapped his chest. "Then we're going to the doc's and he'll tell ya if you're okay or not."

"Ooh! Good thinking Jamie! I'll be back!" Kryssie took the canteen and ran off in that direction, hoping she could still catch her little brother in time.

"JOOOOOHNNNNNYYYYYYYYYY!"

"I'm just staying casual. Napstaton did say this wasn't supposed to be formal." Darren chuckled as he ate from his plate, "How are you and the little one fairing? Both of you okay...?"

James sighed, but seemed to perk up a bit when Leslie ruffled his beard, "Hmm...alright. Still...I like being useful. I know I'm old but that doesn't mean I can be a couch potato all day. Reggie can do many other things besides take care of two old folks."

He gazed back before lying with them, trying his best to relax despite him wanting to do the opposite. Stupid knee.

Johnny was moving down the sidewalks, and he'd already crossed a couple streets. He was feeling already kinda parched and he cursed himself for forgetting his canteen, especially on a heated day like then.

As he went down Eubank Street, his gills were flaring as he was drying out more in the hot, midday sun. He could have sworn he heard his sister, but it almost sounded faint. Spurred by fear of getting his ass kicked, he started running towards his Grunkle's house.

Kintaro smiled, setting down his fork after swallowing a bite of the pancake. "Oh, yes...informal. My dress just a simple summer piece, will cover my stomach fully."

He gently ran his hand over his rounded stomach and smiled, his fangs visible. "We are okay. They were twisting inside be a bit before. I could feel their hands, and their strong tail..."

Leslie playfully ruffled his beard again, making it stand up. "There, now you look as pissed off as you feel, dear. All we need is you to really get pissed off an you'll be a brown, blond and white cotton ball~"

Too late, Krysta was already running fullspeed at Johnny, catching up to him easily. She wasn't the fastest in the team for nothing. Unforunately knocking him into the concrete as she failed to top in time. "JOHNATHAN KAIKO JAE! I can't believe you, baby brother! You know you're not supposed to go without me or someone walking you down! And without your CANTEEN!? You know you're gunna dry up in this heat!

"Long as you're comfortable, love." Darren chuckled before finishing off his pancake.

He saw his husband's stomach, seeming confused, "They're twisting? I thought you said they would be hatching from an egg? Forgive me, love...I'm still a bit confused on how this works. I know you've explained it quite a bit."

James couldn't help but laugh. Least until he heard yelling outside. "Hmm...? What in the world...? Is...that Krystabelle...? Where's that...stupid cane...we better go see what's going on out there!"

Johnny had nearly been plowed into the concrete and he let out a hiss about the hot stone, and started crying and wailing, but no tears could even go down his cheeks he was so dried out by then. "SISSY! OWWWW! I'M TELLING MOMMY!"

Kintaro blushed a bit, his naturally long fingernailed hand resting on his stomach. "Oh! It is okay, anata! If you were about Naga like myself, or another egg laying monster, we would be having an egg. However cat monsters have live births. Either that...or their shell hasn't hardened yet... I do still have two months left."

Leslie looked around and found his cane, handing it to him. Then they grasped their walker, getting to their feet as well.

However quicker than either of them was their son, Reggie. He had been folding laundry in the laundry room, and he rushed out from the house.

Seeing the children nearly two streets away, he unfolded his wings taking flight to head over to them both. "Krystabelle! Johnathan! What are you two doing out here?"

He landed a bit away, and quickly blew into his hands forming a large hunk of ice, knowing it would melt into water in the heat. "Come on you two...Renny and Papa are worried sick..."

"Right. Well...regardless of how our child comes, I only want them to be healthy." Darren managed a small smile before continuing dinner. "Least we'll be in quite good company when we go to Napstaton's house. Least I believe so..." He did know Happy and Papyrus were going to be there along with their kids. Marrie had told him they would probably think of coming but she and Sans weren't completely sure yet.

James took his cane and tried his best to limp over to the house, not wanting to put pressure on his bad knee as much as possible.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" Krysta brought him back up and onto his feet.

Once Reggie came over, her ears and tail drooped, "I'm sorry...I-I got worried cause Johnny left without saying anything...so I went to get him...I couldn't stop in time...I was running to fast...and...I'm sorry...I didn't want to...hurt him..." She did try handing Jonathan his canteen, hoping he would at least take it.

Kintaro nodded happily, and smiled. "Hai, of course dear..." He finished his meal, and got up from his coil, picking up the plate to take it to the dishwasher. "I'm going to get dressed, okay?"

Johnny shakily took his canteen, gulping water from it eagerly. His face was scraped up, and a thin trail of green blood trickled down his blue fur on his chin. His large green eyes gazed at his sister, and he closed both sets of eyelids, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Reggie sighed and he looked to Kryssie. "It's okay, Krystabelle...these things happen. Let's get him to the house. I can carry him."

The middle aged white ice dragon picked up Johnny easily, and carried him in his arms as they made their way back to his parents house.

Leslie was in the front yard, leaning on their walker as they worriedly watched for what was going on. "James...just, Reggie's got it...got a feeling it ain't the worst thing that's happened..."

Sans was finishing up getting the clothes folded for his triplets, as he was also looking at the calendar to see how their week was going. "ALRIGHT...SO WE'VE GOT ARIAL'S BALLET ON TUESDAY AND WE HAVE JENNY'S BASEBALL ON THURSDAY... DIDN'T JUNIOR HAVE HIS FENCING, MARRIE?"

Arial ran through the house, holding her ballet shoes in her hand, her ears twitching happily. "I wanna show Uncle Napsta my newest ballet set, Papa! Maybe I can get on his show!"

She had stars in her eyes as she came over to her Mama, doing a large jump over the chair excitedly. "Can we go to Uncle Napsta's?! I wanna see Nicki again!"

"I'll be here. Take your time" Darren finished up his drink before going to get the dishwasher set up.

Krysta didn't say much else, looking down as her hair hid her eyes. Seeing her brother like that broke her heart. "...I'm sorry..."

James managed to get to the front yard. Once he got a look of what was going on, he held his head.

"Angel above...these children. Well...least it's not the worst thing. Get him in here, son. I'll heal him up quick." James started heading back into the house, luckily his magic hadn't gotten weaker in the years past, he was thankful for that much.

"Fencing was pushed to Sunday. Something came up so they had to move it there." Marrie called as she helped her three year old twins into some clean clothes after a bath. Was a bit hard with the belly she had but after the first pregnancy, she managed just fine.

She wasn't surprised to hear Arial heading over, "Ask your Papa. I wouldn't mind going, but we also need to see how he feels along with your siblings."

Kintaro slithered down the hallway, getting his pale green simple sun dress on.

Reggie brought Johnny inside, setting him onto the couch. "Here we go, you took a nasty spill didn't you..."

Johnny closed his eyes a bit, and just sighed. "Sissy I'm sorry for going out without you or Grandma..."

Sans nodded to himself as he toted the clothes into their children's bedrooms. Coming back to the living room, he smiled at Marrie. "Ah that makes sense then. I forgot to change the calendar then...ooh, Seline and Azure look so beautiful!"

Arial giggled, looking to Sans. "Papa? Papa, Papa, Papa~"

Sans laughed softly as he settled onto the edge of the chair beside Marrie. "What, my sweet girl?"

Jenny laughed as went into the kitchen. "YEAH RIGHT."

Arial let out a frustrated mew, and she gently sat beside Sans snuggling him. "Papa? Can we go to Uncle Napsta's for dinner?"

Sans chuckled, shaking his head. "Arial, I don't think it would be easy to go there. Then again it's been awhile since we've seen him too!"

Junior came over and leaned over the couch beside Marrie. "I'd like to see Max again!"

"Alright... I guess it's unanimous! Well, go get dressed kids! Junior, you're still in your boxers?" Sans exclaimed, as Junior ran down the hallway to his room.

"Come here, boy. I gotcha." James took a seat by his grandnephew and started healing him. Looked worse than it really was to him. "Reggie, can you get a damp towel for me? After this it's going to need some moisture to fully heal."

Krysta just held her arm, only slightly looking up to reveal tears and a guilty look.

"Now now, child. It's not that bad. I'm almost done here anyway. He'll be right as rain, I know you didn't mean to barrel into him." James assured as he finished up.

Seline let out a cute giggle while Azure just purred lightly in her new little dress as their tails twitched around. Just like mama's. They both let out a happy hurgle/purr when they heard they were going out to dinner.

"Sounds good then. I better get out of these wet clothes and into something. Sansy, can you call Napsta's and tell him we're coming?" Marrie carefully lifted herself up and started heading off to their bedroom while Seline and Azure ran off to go get some toys to take with them.

"Of course, Dad." Reggie nodded and went to go get a damp cloth.

Johnny looked to his sister, and smiled. "It was an accident...I mean, I'm the one who ran off..." He grabbed his canteen and drank more from it. His gills flared a bit as water dripped from them.

Sans had given Marrie a kiss as she headed off to get dressed. "OF COURSE MY DEAREST."

Getting up from the chair, he fiddled with his phone for a moment, as he got ready to call Napstaton. As he dialed him up, he smiled to himself. He never would have thought that he'd be here at the age of 33.

Not only alive, but married to his best friend, with five beautiful children and another on the way, Head of the (now essentially useless) Royal Guard, having helped capture (and became siblings with) the human that helped them get to the surface.

It was a wonderful, fulfilling life. And he couldn't be more proud and pleased. If only his cousin-in-law would pick up the phone...

On the other side of town, Red was in his dog form and just lounging on the floor. His house was easily a wreck, his children were miscreants and hooligans most days, and he was happy to just get a moments peace from his brats.

"Yes, right...tell me exactly why you ran off like that, John? I don't mind seeing you kids, but usually it doesn't come with so much vigor like this." James finished off and just waited for Reggie to come back with the cloth.

Marrie was getting herself dressed in a comfortable maternity light blue dress. She looked at herself in the mirror to see if she liked the look, but only smiled when she realized how far she'd gotten. Little chubbier since her teen years from carrying kids and eating like she did to keep her energy up at the hospital to work. But she couldn't be happier with how far she came. Even with 5 kids running about and another on the way and her shifts at work, she always found the energy and time for her family.

She gently rubbed her swollen stomach, feeling light kicks coming in, "Just another few weeks...and you got a nice big family waiting for you...you have a lot coming...we both do..."

Napstaton didn't answer the phone but Zhara did. "Hey Sans. How's it going?" She was leaning against a wall while Napsta and their twins were playing guitar hero in the livingroom. Naspsta and Max had the guitars while Nikki had the drum set.

"We got a drum solo incoming!" Napsta looked at his daughter who looked prepared and started shredding it. Both guys started cheering her on "Yo! Yo! Yo! Yo! Yo!" it was basically their own little party.

Mars had ended up taking the kids with her for a small shopping trip and doctor's appointment. It was about the time they had to get their physicals. Moments of peace wouldn't last too long as the three siblings teleported thanks to Jack. They all signed to each other for a minute before breaking to put up their plan.

Julia snuck over to where their dad was, keeping just behind the couch until Crimson lifted them up with their magic to get a good high ground. Once it was perfect, Julia sounded the airhorn just above Red's head. Jackson got ready with the watergun he had in his inventory and started shooting at his dad as soon as he got close enough.

Mars meanwhile was just parking the car the moment she noticed the kids had ended up getting in the house. She just rolled her eyes and groaned, "Here we go..."

Reggie came back with the cloth, and another large bottle of water. "Here we go. It's pretty hot outside, so I got you another bottle of water, to refill your canteen..."

Johnny sighed, looking towards his sister. "I...well...um...I just wanted to...ugh, Jamie's always with Grandma and Kryssie's always with Grandpa... leaving me odd one out...so I figured why don't I come and see you!?"

Leslie gently patted his arm, shaking their head. "Johnny...you know you're supposed to have someone come with you...you could have dried to a husk of water kitten out there! It's nearly 90 degrees..."

Sans chuckled softly at the noises he heard in the background. "Ah, it's going quite well actually! I was going to ask if you'd have room for myself, Marrie and the children to come to dinner!"

Red suddenly found himself assaulted by a blaring airhorn and he started howling loudly in pain. "owwww!"

He was shot in the face with the ice cold water gun, soaking his tank top and shorts and he started barking wildly, running in circles, shaking his head as water splashed out from his skull, until he struck the wall painfully.

Red collapsed onto his side, whimpering loudly and he limped off to his bedroom, crawling into the closet for some kind of protection.

Kryssie's tail seemed to droop more, "...I...we didn't mean to leave you out...I...never wanted to...didn't...mean...to..."

"I do think you should have came with someone, John. Could have turned out much worse than this." James took the cloth from Reggie and patted it over his grandnephew's face to get him rehydrated, "Would have saved you much more trouble as well...John...I think you should try and hug your sister. . Seems to me like she needs the love."

"Oh yes of course! You know we have more than enough room for all of you. I'm sure the twins would be excited to see your triplets again. You need us to pick you up?" Zhara asked with a smile before she winced at hearing glass shatter from the other room."

"FUUUUUUCK!"

"Hey, watch your fucking language, sis!"

"I think we better watch where we rock out. It's cool though! Just a bottle! Lemme go get a broom real quick. I think that's the last game though for now."

Zhara groaned, "...You're more than welome in our home, Sans. Your brother and his family are coming too. Along with Darren and Kintaro. So trust me when I say we have a lot."

The three kids high fived each other and started to laugh until they heard the door slam open with a very angry Mars. They all shrank in on themselves and whimpered similarly to their dad.

"...You're going to get the groceries, get your shit out of the van...and go fucking wash the damn thing while I'm making dinner. Got it?"

"...Yes ma.." "Gotcha ma..." "Whatever ya say..." The three ran out of the house quick. They played around with their dad and loved their mom, but they really feared her when she got pissed off. Mars groaned and headed off to see Red.

"...Red? Baby? I'm home..." She called out tiredly, still slightly pissed but she was mostly stressed out.

Johnny reached over and snuggled against Kryssie. "I'm sorry sissy... I didn't mean to be bad like that. I should have just talked to you..."

Sans winced a bit hearing the noises. "Ooh...um, no, we've got our van! I don't mind driving all of us up to your place! And it will be nice to see brother, it's been nearly a month since the last time!"

Red was laying in the closet, licking his front paw, which had a cracked bone by then. It didn't help that about five years ago, him and Boss had a bad argument and the crack in his right eye socket had gotten so bad he was blind in that eye now.

He whimpered, licking his paw as he shivered under the blanket in the closet. "...in the...closet..."

Kryssie hugged back tight, she was fighting back sniffles the entire time, "...I'm sorry...i...should have seen it...I shouldn't have ran like that...im not supposed to hurt my brothers..."

"Alright. We'll see you soon then. Dinner starts at 6. I'll...see you then... GUYS I SWEAR TO THE MERCIFUL ANGEL, YOU BREAK ONE OF MY COLLECTION OF GLASS ANIMALS I WILL HAVE YOUR HEADS!" Zhara yelled as she kept the phone away from her before hanging up.

"They're protected babe! I promise! No animals harmed here! I swear!" Napstaton tried to calm her down as he cleaned up the mess and the twins stopped their game.

"We're good ma!" "We promise! No more roudiness...uh...hey! Nikki! Uh...let's go finish that song we've been doing! I don't wanna leave our followers hanging, huh...? Heh...heh.." Max didnt' want to be around his mom when she was pissy like that.

Neither did Nikki as she grabbed her twin brother and booked it to their room, leaving their dad to deal with their pregnant and angry mother instead.

Mars would come over and slowly opened the closet. Once she recognized the bump under the blanket was her husband, she took a seat in front of him and gently patted where she thought his head was, "Come on out, Red. I got the brats busy...let me see the damage."

Johnny smiled up at Kryssie and snuggled against her. "It's my fault for running when I heard you..."

Red nosed his way out from the blanket, his bones rattling slightly. He limped with his bad paw, and looked to her with his working left eye. "i...h-hit the wall...c-c-cracked a finger on my front paw..."

Kryssie let out a small sniffle and nuzzed her brother, "...love you..."

James chuckled at the sight before sinking into his chair, "Well..least that's all taken care of."

Mars sighed and gently took his bad paw, least her healing magic could take care of it. She started working on healing his paw, doing her best to get what she could. Her healing wasn't as great as her older sister's, but she was strong enough to heal Red's more prominent wounds to a point. Only reason why Red's eye didn't turn out worse after the argument. She beat Boss's ass hard after that though. No one messed with her family and got away with it.

"How's that feel, Red?" She kept at it for a while, only to stop and check how much more she had left.

Johnny let out a burbling laugh and he kept snuggling her. "I love you too, sissy!"

Cupcake had gotten worried, and instead of trying to walk all the way over to James house, he still kept his old Vespa scooter, and he rode it over to the house. As he pulled up to the house, he honked twice as he parked it.

Red licked and kissed her other hand. "it feels...a good bit better. i'm gonna bite those kids in their asses, i swear!"

He stood up and tested his paw out, growling softly. Sitting on his haunches, he shook his head. "...only reason i'm like this is i heard fireworks and it startled me..."

Putting his head against her shoulder, he made a soft noise. "i was just sitting on the couch eating fucking popcorn...i hear friggin popping going off, and then i'm under the couch terrified of what i thought was gunshots...i ate popcorn off the floor, then i just tried to rest..."

Kryssie seemed to feel a little better. Her ears perked up when she heard the horn of the Vespa, "Huh...?"

Mars pet him gently. "I already chewed their asses off. Don't worry about it. Bit fireworks? Neighborhood kids must be excited about school ending."

She left a kiss on his cheek and tried to relax. But her stress was still getting to her. She decided to talk, else it wasn't going to get better, "But...fireworks are the least of our problems...I got back from the doctors' with the kids. Found out something."

Johnny's ears perked as well. "That's Grandpa's Vespa! Why did he come here? Oh no... he's probably so worried..."

Cupcake came up the steps, and sat down on the porch swing, holding his cane in his gloves, waiting for Kryssie and Johnny.

Red murred softly and nuzzled her lovingly. "thanks...those little brats gotta realize i only got a single hp, their old man's not that strong..."

His ears perked up hearing she found out something. "huh? what's going on mars-bar? you okay, right? you can't leave with me these hooligans alone...they will dust me."

"We better see him..." Kryssie sniffled as she tried wiping her tears away. Always did take her a while to fully calm down.

"Best do. I'd go out there with ya, but I barely can stand on this knee." James sighed, "Go on...I'll still be here."

Mars would need to talk to the kids again later, but she did laugh when Red started talking like that, "No you dumbass! No one's dying, least of all me! But uh...you might be when ya hear this. I think we fucked up last time we fucked up." Mars sighed and pulled out the paper from her inventory showing results of a magic test she did last time she went. She pointed right at a line that said "Pregnancy?: Positive"

Johnny got up and headed outside, to see their Grandpa. He saw the portly elderly teacup sitting on the porch swing, his old brown oxfords slowly tapping to a rhythm the old man only seemed to hear. He stayed quiet, looking to his sister, and didn't dare make a sound. Cupcake's eyes opened, and he chuckled a bit, looking to his grandson.

"Jonathan, now why ever did you go running off like that? Gave me, your Grandma...your brother and your sister, quite a fright. When Kryssie didn't right bring you back; I decided to come and see what was going on. Are you okay, boy?" Cupcake calmly stated, a tone of worriedness in his soft voice.

Red listened to her, his sockets going wide for a moment. As he peered at the paper where her finger laid; his working left eyelight soon matched the blind right one. "noooooo!" He howled, as he backed up a bit; laying on the floor.

"no more brats, no more torture!" He barked a few times, then leapt onto their bed, growling; as if that would make something happen. "i wanted to be a dad, but not a fuckin' punching bag!"

In all honesty, he was just being a bit dramatic; and he soon flopped onto his side. "i'm gonna dust. right here...here lies red gaster, a mangy dog did in by his kids..."

His red eyelight flickered back on, and he gazed over to Mars. "...maybe this one won't kick my ass...maybe they'll actually love their father like they should! give me pets and hugs...not airhorns and water guns in the dead eyesocket..."

Kryssie headed over with her brother. She tried managing a smile for Cupcake, "...We...got held up...I'm sorry Grandpa...I...messed up a little but..it's okay. We're fine now..."

Mars rolled her eyes as she headed over to the bed and hugged him, "Never know unless we try it. Unless...ya don't want it. And don't fucking talk like that, the kids love ya. They unfortunately act like bigger brats than Tyra did."

She tried giving him a belly rub to help calm him down, best she could do for the moment.

Meanwhile the triplets were slowly starting to peak into the room, wondering if it was safe enough. They all ran back to the kitchen to talk.

"Fuuuuuck...we're getting another fucking sib?" Jackson hissed out, his own fuzzy tail fluffed up in frustration.

"This better be a fucking girl. I need something better than two mangy brothers." Julia blew some hair out her face as Crimson growled at her.

"Oh...sooooorryyyyy...brother and a fucking sib ya gender nonconforming bastard!"

"Fuck you." Crimson hissed off at her. "That would be incest, dude." "Will both of you SHUT UP!?"

"YOU BETTER NOT BE FIGHTING OVER THERE YOU LITTLE RUNTS!" Mars roared out from the bedroom.

"YES MOM!" All of them headed off to take care of other things. Minus Julia who went into the kitchen to do something.

Johnny attempted to smile as well. Cupcake held up one of his hands, grasping his cane as he went to stand up. "Krysta...don't worry yourself. Now you say you messed up a little?"

The young water cat hurried over to his Grandpa, and he gently hugged the man once he'd stood up. "Grandpa, don't let her tell you different! It was my fault! I-I ran from her, and she accidently ran too fast...I...I tripped and fell on my face..."

Cupcake gently rubbed his back, and sighed. "Don't worry yourself...Grandma got dinner ready, and your brother is currently...laying in the bathtub, and scared that he's hurt you somehow. You boys can breathe underwater, but you know your Grandma worries because of her bodywash and such...she keeps muttering about him getting residue all over him or something..."

Johnny chuckled softly and cuddled against Cupcake's chest. "Jamie will be fine...um, we'll walk beside you while you ride your Vespa, Grandpa..."

Red was laying on his back enjoying the belly rub, and he sighed; his tongue hanging out for a moment. As he thought about what she said, he turned his head towards her. "i want us to have this baby, marrie...no mattah what happens...even if they hate their old dog dad..."

He yawned, licking his own muzzle for a moment. "yanno i'm actually a hell of a lot older than the fruity one, right? eh, blueberry, sansy...whateva the fuck they call 'em...it's why pops is so damn old compared the fruity one's mom. you keep saying i'm like thirty...i'm actually nearly fifty, mars..."

Getting up from the bed, he stretched a bit; and got down onto the floor again. "you okay though? i do what us to have this baby, even though our kids don't give me respect, eh...it's fine i guess. neva got much of it anyways, 'cept from you. this sweet shit dad tries...eh, don't really work on our cubs i've noticed..."

He trotted into the living room and leapt up onto the couch, and saw Jackson bringing in a bag of groceries and he growled warningly at him; before he turned on the tv with his paw and then laid his head on the arm of the couch.

Mars chuckled and kissed his cheek again, "I know...but...eh...you may be an old dog, but I still love ya, ya big dumbass."

She got up from the bed to get ready to help with the stuff, "They do respect ya, baby...they're brats but they're brats for show. Trust me...they do love ya. And the little runt in here will too. For now...how does a lamb roast sound? I got one with a big bone for the marrow, just the way you like it~"

Jackson saw his dad and growled back but more in a "Whatever" kind of matter before going into the kitchen.

Crimson was outside getting ready to wash the car, dragging a bucket of water and soap with his skeletal alligator tail.

Julia headed over to her dad with something in her hands, "Um...Daddy...uh...we got you something in the grocery store...if you want it..." her own skeletal cat tail was between her legs, her ears drooped down, unsure how he was going to take it.

Red flopped onto his side on the couch, and yawned. "lamb roast doesn't sound baaaaaad~"

While he laid there on the couch, he just vaguely listened to his wife and children; his paws near the tv remote as a cooking show was on. "...i can't believe i'm saying this, i miss metta's fuckin cooking show. he did a really good one back home."

As he heard Julia, he lifted his head up slightly, licking his muzzle a bit; before he yawned. "oh, ya got me something, miss airhorn?" He chuckled, winking to her. "sure missy...whatcha got fer yer old man, huh?"

Mars laughed before heading off to go get started as Jackson finished putting them away. He didn't seem to mind helping his mom out, he was the bigger mama's boy of the group.

"He did make a giant show out of it. Then again...what network here would pay to get a guy who cuts meat with a chainsaw or flambes shit with lava?" Mars smiled as she got cooking. Jackson meanwhile decided to talk to his mom, confused on what the hell she was talking about and if he can try that. That was answered with a growl from her that completely shut him up.

Julia rolled her eye lights, looked exactly like her mama when she did that, "Yeah yeah ya old fart. Here. Ya can either take it or leave it...I...just remembered it or whatever from when ya talked about it..." She handed it over a bag of bacon jerky for him. She kept her look away from him.

Red nodded, letting out a yawn. He saw the bag that Julia was giving him; and he grinned happily. "bacon jerky! fuck yessss!" He snatched the bag and went running for the kitchen, leaping into the ripped off cabinet door. Mars had thrown a pillow in there for him if he wanted to try to hide like he used to do years ago. As he laid on the pillow, he ripped the bag open with his paws.

"jerky jerky jerky jerky!" He had been beat up that day, bored as hell, and after the popcorn and fireworks incident he hadn't eaten anything else that day; as he could barely cook anyways. Grabbing a few pieces, he started to chew happily on it; his tail thumping loudly against the inside of the kitchen counter.

Mars smiled and got to cooking with Jackson. Jackson seemed to be enjoying some time with his mama for the moment.

Crimson would come back sometime later and noticed their mom, brother and sister all chilling out in their own ways. They decided to take their dad's old spot and flip through the channels as he poked at his large canines with a skeletal claw. "Let me guess...princess here gave daddykin's his jerky, huh?" They smirked at their sister.

Julia rolled her eyes and kept playing on her phone, "Shut up, Crimes. We got it for him, what the fuck am I gunna do with jerky anyway?"

"Aww...daddy's little girl gotta take care of him. Even after getting some air horn in the face~"

"Shut up! You and Jackson said it would be funny dipshit! Next time you do your own fucking pranks!"

"Both of you shut up! And I said I was just doing water ya fuck nuggets! Who the fuck even gave you the god damn airhorn!?" Jackson hissed out.

Crimes let out a snicker until Julia threw a red bone at his head, "What the fuck!? Hey! No magic bullets in the house ya bitch!"

"Should have thought of that before ya made me go into the stupid thing! Your pranks are lame and stupid anyway! No wonder you get fucking detention all the time!"

"WILL ALL OF YOU SHUT UP?!" Mars growled at the three, "I don't give a damn who fucking started it, but I'll fucking end it! Now shut up and drop it! Else I'll give ya somthing to whine about! Got it!?"

"...Yes mama..." All three sighed and went back to what they were doing.

Mars got cutting some veggies and looked to her stomach, "...God we're going to have to do this all over fucking again..."

Meanwhile in the Papyrus and Happy house, they were having their own craziness going on. Seven year old Rocky was flipping through channels only for the remote to be stolen by his older sister as she flopped onto the couch.

"Hey! It was my turn!" Rocky complained and tried to get it back, only for Ebrima to start leaning on him.

"Oh no...Bro...ya feel that? Gravity is getting stronger..."

"NO IT'S NOT!"

"Yeah it is, baby bro..I can't control it~"

"YES YOU CAN! STOP IT! YOU'RE HEAVY!"

"That's the gravity Rocky road~"

"RENNYYYYYY!"

By then, Ebrima was already lying on top of Rocky, snickering as she tried changing the channels and he tried to push his sister off of him.

Red looked up from the little cabinet, a chunk of jerky in his mouth. "...well, you ain't gonna be alone in it babe..."

He picked up the bag of bacon jerky and went back to the living room with the bag of jerky. Leaping up onto the couch, he got another piece of jerky and started to eat it quietly. "you kids bettah be good fer us, we pay for your shit, make sure your healthy...and yet youse three give me shit. you call me lazy, i bring in over a thousand dollars a month on my hp disability you little dipshits. and we don't even fuckin' need the money anyways..."

Shaking his head, he curled up on the couch and sighed, closing his eyes. "so don't gimme shit, and turn that fuckin' cooking show back on, or find something with some explosions or gunfights...wanna take a nap and the quiet is too much..."

Paps was finishing up a bit of work on the computer that Punya had sent over for him to look over, despite being retired and he sighed; pinching his nasal ridge. Getting up from his chair, he came over and looked to his kids; pointing to the TV. His voice was slightly louder than normal as his own hearing aids weren't in. "you two are so loud and you keep flipping the channels, even without my hearing aids, i can't focus on my work!"

"so, ebby, get off your brother; and whichever one of you are flipping the channels, quit it." He growled softly, shaking his head a bit.

Crimson rolled his eyes and put back the cooking show with a light pout. Julia did sit with her dad to keep him some company by putting her tail on his back while she kept playing with her phone.

Jackson went back to making the sauce with his mom. The house would go quiet minus the TV playing.

Crimson twirled around a bone attack in their hand for a while, having nothing else better to do. They didn't want to talk or say anything, not that they thought it was worth anyone's time.

I'm just playing, Pops. Jeeze... Eb sighed and got off of her brother and stuck to a show she and her brother would watch. Rocky didn't seem to complain with the choice and watched along with her.

Happy headed over to check on the comotion, "Oh...is everyone ready yet? We should be heading to Napstaton's in a few moments..."

"I'm ready, Ren. Ya know I'm in my best." Eb waved from the couch as she chilled out in her purple tanktop and shorts, figuring it was too hot for her normal hoodie but she wasn't in the mood to try any skirts. Hated wearing the things.

Red smiled feeling Julia's tail on his back, and he then easily laid on his side. "...i love you kids so much..."

Paps saw what Eb was signing; then he looked over to Happy, giving them a slight smile. Reading their lips, he paled a bit. "napstaton, ohh shit...shit that was tonight!"

He shortcut from the living room to the bedroom and started to go through the closet to find something nice but not too nice for that night. Papyrus thought it was actually the next evening. Slipping in his hearing aids; he sighed pulling on a pair of slacks, and a long sleeved shirt. Then he started looking through the drawer for a bowtie that matched what he was wearing that evening.

"Papa forgot again, didn't he?" Rocky headed over to give his Renny a hug, who did manage to pick him up and hold him.

"Seems like it. Oh dear..." Happy sighed, "I even wrote that on the calender..."

"Hey, it's Uncle Napst. He'll be chill with it. Least it wasn't your anniversary, right?" Eb got up from her spot to stretch and crack any stiff joints in her bones. The ones in her tail popped in a line, seeming to make her more relieved from that.

"I hope he doesn't forget...that's coming up in another month..." Happy kissed Rocky's head before letting him down so he could get his shoes on, "Speaking of your uncle, I should give him a call."

Paps rolled his eyelights from the bedroom, as he got a bowtie on; then tucked his shirt into his slacks. Slipping his shoes on, he put his glasses on and came out from the bedroom. "...maybe i should have waited to put my hearing aids in. also i won't be forgetting our anniversary...i have something very special planned. and you two will be spending the weekend...somewhere. i haven't gotten that far in my planning yet..."

Sans had gotten all their children together, and after helping Marrie into the van; they headed off towards the Napstaton mansion.

Arial was dressed in her favorite ballet outfit; while Jenny was tossing her baseball up and down in her hands. Junior however was nearly bouncing in his seat as he watched the buildings pass by on their way to the mansion.

"HEY, HEY IT'S GRANDPA! WHAT'S HE DOING OUT THIS LATE!?" Junior kept trying to watch the little red Vespa scooter; as Cupcake was riding beside Kryssie and Johnny.

Arial giggled. "Oooh Kryssie got in trouble probably!"

Jenny gasped softly. "No look, Johnny's with her too! Maybe something happened? Mama, Mama text Grandma! She'll know!"

"Smooth, Pops. Real smooth." Ebrima stuck her ecto-tongue out playfully before leaning on the wall to relax, "Anyway...we ready to go now?"

"I wanna go play and have fun!" Rocky cheered out, just waiting to go.

Seline was playing with a stuffed bunny while Azure was giggling and kicking in her seat. She saw Cupcake pass by and started waving at the window, "Gampa! Gampa!"

"Now now, let's not cause trouble or start accusing others." Marrie gently reprimanded, "They could just be out getting things for Grandma. You never know."

She did send a text to Cupcake asking if they were okay for now. She knew he'd answer then he'd have the time. For now, she decided to try relax in her seat and rub her belly to calm the kicking in her. "Little one's up from naptime."

Paps chuckled softly, grinning. "yep, we're ready kiddos. i will say i was going to have us drive there though."

He pointed a clawed finger towards the front door. "so butts in the car, a'right. i got a couple things ta grab before we can head out."

Jenny rolled her eyelights, turning around in her seat to try to watch Cupcake as he turned down the street heading towards his house. "Grandpa is almost never on his scooter though! He usually just rides with Grandma!"

Arial nodded, and gripped the back of the driver's seat. "YEAH! I HAVEN'T SEEN HIM ON THAT THING FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS!"

Junior put his hands over his mouth, and looked worried. "Didn't Grandpa say it was broken, or...or something was wrong with it?"

Sans let out a slight surprised growl at Arial gripping his seat. "HEY WHOEVER IS ON MY SEAT, BACK OFF. And...and don't worry about Grandpa. He's the smartest man I know, besides your Uncle Papyrus! So he most likely has fixed up the Vespa scooter, and you know that he could have gotten help with that from Grandpapi as well. Three very smart men, surely it would have been fixed."

He lightly reached over and rubbed Marrie's stomach gently. "They know we're going to visit family! They've all gotten quite excited during that time, wouldn't you say, my dearest? Mwehehehe!"

Pulling up to the mansion, he simply waved his pass card he had as family, and went through the automatic gates to the small parking lot that could hold at least 10 vehicles the size of the Aster family van.

Eb shrugged and headed out, Rocky right behind her skipping along. Happy nodded and grabbed their copy of house keys and headed off to the car. Didn't take them long to get in and strap up.

"I already texted grandpa. He'll answer me later on. But let's just enjoy dinner" Marrie smiled as she rubbed her belly again. Having Sans do it made her laugh.

"Appears so. Visiting so much family in one day, huh?" She kept giggling as her tail twitched.

Once they parked out, Marrie got out of her seat carefully, "Can one of you get Azure and Seline out of their car seats please?"

Azure and Seline meanwhile were just giggling and wiggling in their seats, excited to play around in their uncle's huge house.

Napstaton meanwhile was fixing up his hair inside. Part of him felt weird that he was in his 40s, he still felt like he was in his 20s. No one could tell outwardly since his robot body didn't exactly age but he did know a lot of time passed. He just smiled and finished up before slinking over to hug his wife from behind. "Hey sugar wing honey butt~"

He gave a little squeeze to her butt, causing her to squeak and laugh, "God damn it, Nast! Don't...do that!"

"Awww...come on baby...just wanted to have fun. Guests should be here in any sec, just wanted to have some fu-..." He would get cut off by hearing Max yell from another room.

"DAAAAD! UNCLE SANS, AUNT MARRIE AND THE CUZS ARE HERE!"

"Better go get 'em, hotshot. Come on." Zhara patted his cheek before heading off, but not before trailing a wing under Napsta's chin for a playful hint. Even in pregnancy, he still felt his wife had the moves. "Hey! Wait up! I'm coming, silver wing!"

Max and Nikki would be the ones meeting their uncle, aunt and cousins at the door.

Paps went over to the kitchen, and grabbed a bottle of wine from their cabinet; one he'd made himself. It was a hobby he'd gotten into, and he'd made a honeyed strawberry flavor this batch. Putting it into his inventory; he then grabbed a packet of his medicated cigarettes and sighed to himself.

It just was dinner...with an incredibly loud cousin-in-law...and his little brother, and all of their combined children. He knew if he had too, he could always pop out with Happy and take a breather with a cigarette of his. After mentally prepping himself, he went out to the car, and headed out to Napstaton's mansion as well.

Sans was carrying Azure and Seline in his arms, and he grinned widely to Max and Nikki. "WELL HELLO, MAX AND NIKKI! WE DECIDED TO COME A BIT EARLY ACTUALLY! I KNOW PAPYRUS AND HAPPY WILL PROBABLY BE A BIT LATE, THEY NEARLY ALWAYS ARE. OKAY KIDS, GO HAVE SOME FUN!"

He stepped inside the house, and shifted the twins in his arms. "No, no Seline, Papa's medals aren't chew toys!" Despite it being a 'simple family dinner' he still decided to wear his dress uniform; though he was intending on taking the jacket off before dinner.

Junior laughed brightly and went zooming past Sans, his tail waving happily. "MAX, let's play guitar hero! OH, HEHEHE! I've brought the import from China~ Uncle Pap got it for me online!"

Arial giggled and smiled at Nikki. "Wanna see my latest ballet routine, Nikki?" Jenny pushed her sister to the side, brandishing her baseball in her hand. "Nooo! Let's go to the play room in the basement and knock around baseballs! I got my metal bat in my inventory!"

Sans blinked and frowned. "Jennifer Aster, you weren't supposed to take that from the house!"

Ebrima was chilling in her seat, playing with a rubix pyramid. Like a rubix cube but the puzzle was in the shape of a pyramid. It was a gift from her Grandpa to challenge her. She handed it over to her little brother who happily mixed it up for her again before handing it back so she can resolve it.

Seline just giggled and decided to tug and play with her Daddy's medals instead. Azure just bit into the stuffed bunny's ear instead, preferring that over the cold metal her sister liked. Marrie was able to quell down Seline's teething. Did not help those two had inherited their Daddy's teeth.

Max and Nikki waved at their cousins, aunt, and uncle, until they were confronted with their younger cousins stuff. Max was more than happy to take on Junior with Guitar Hero since it was his favorite game. "Duuuuuude! Heck yeah! Let's go! Uh, just watch out if ya play drums. My sis kinda did a number on a wine bottle today."

NIkki however looked a bit uncomfortable with both of her cousins trying to pull her away at once.

"Jennifer...bat...now." Marrie held out her hand to take the bat away from her, "You know the rules about bringing sports equipment outside of the house." She wasn't in the mood to pay for more broken windows, walls, or Merciful Angel forbid another emergency glass chassis replacement. She was lucky Happy was so forgiving for that last one.

"Hey, like, we can chill out and do stuff, right? Like...we got games and stuff. Dad got the bowling alley stuff fixed if ya wanna do some rounds of that instead." Nikki tried to quell down that part. Her and her brother were more into music, gaming, and special effects just like their dad. Nikki could dance and sing like her dad, but Max had a better time with doing the aerial stunts and acrobatics like his mom. But together they always made a really good team, that's how they liked it.

Paps came closer to the mansion and was fishing around in his wallet for a moment. "crap...crap where's that card pass?"

Looking around in the dashboard, he growled in irritation, and then popped open the glove compartment. A hastily shoved in map went springing out over Happy's lap along with a few bowties, some golf pencils and a lighter that was shaped like a naughtily clad human female without her head or legs. On the back of the lighter it said 'Lyon's Den' with an address.

Sans shook his head at Jenny as she brought out her baseball bat and that along with her baseball, was handed to Marrie. "I am disappointed in you, Jennifer... There are reasons why it's not allowed outside the house. Luckily...the worst that's happened was your Auncle Happy's chassis, which was still bad anyways! What if you had hit Grandpa's head?"

Jenny clasped her hands over her mouth and shook her head quickly. "No no no no! I'm sorry Daddy, I'm sorry Mama!"

Junior went off with Max to play guitar hero with him, excited to have some fun.

Arial looked down for a moment, then to Nikki. "Sure, bowling sounds great!"

Happy looked at the stuff the clattered onto their lap, only to raise an eyebrow at the lighter, "...Papy...why do you have this...?"

Ebrima was already snickering as Rocky sat there blissfully unaware of what was going on since he was playing a game with headphones on.

"It's okay, sweetie...just..please watch out, okay?" Marrie sighed and put the bat and baseball in her inventory.

"Come on you two, we can chill in the bowling room and you can show me your moves there, Arri. We got a little dance floor there too. Not Dad's place without one." Nikki led the way off to go play with the two. Same with Max as he ran off to set up the game again.

Napstaton and Zhara headed over, Napsta doing his best to help Zhara down the stairs even though she didn't necessarily needed it.

"Hey dudes! What's up?! Welcome back over!" Napstaton waved as they got down.

"Hey guys! Good to see you two! Been a while." Marrie waved as Azure and Seline ran off to go and explore about, more just toddling behind Max and Junior.

Darren was just driving up to the mansion security, he had his pass ready when he say Pap's car. "Huh...well..least we're not the only ones running a little late."

Paps blushed a bright orange, and pulled his wallet out again. "um, ehh...nyeeeh, some client that i'd done a mural for decided to give me that as a joke or something. i'm kinda embarrassed by it, so i just use it in the car... it's an emergency lighter essentially!"

After a few moments of rifling he found the card pass stuck between a library card and an old movie rental place card from back in the Underground of all places. "...i still have my card from 'falchi's u-rent video of new home'...i could have sworn i gave all my old underground cards to you for scrapbooking, bae..."

Reaching out, he swiped his card pass, and then went in after the gate opened.

Jenny and Arial both ran off happily to enjoy time with Nikki, while Arial began singing and doing pirouettes down the hallway.

"It's lovely to see you too, Napsta! Certainly has been quite a bit of time, nearly four months actually!" Sans grinned, as he adjusted the medals on his jacket. "You know, I've heard plans of celebrating eleven years on the surface happening soon enough! Would have been ten, but we had that horrible thunderstorm, knocked out the power grid for nearly a week, preventing any celebrations...that was one of the few times I've heard my brother so scared."

Kintaro smiled, chuckling. "You had to try to finish that last bit... getting paint on your shoes. But at least you had a second pair that fit you so nicely... I know you're picky about your shoes, anata."

Happy managed a small laugh as Pap drove into the mansion lot. "That's okay. Never hurts to make a new page if you want me to put it in there..."

"suuuuure dad. sure...emergencies~" Eb ribbed at him before finishing her pyramid puzzle again.

Nikki flew off easy to try and race them over to the room. Most times the cousins would hang around was of school.

"Yeah dude! Sorry about that! Things have been getting busy with the new businesses and whatevs! I'd had to travel a lot, but it's good to be back!" Napsta held Zhara close. The two had retired from being on camera for the past 4 years. Zhara unfortunately had to cut her performances short due to some accidents and Napstaton didn't want to take chances anymore. Especially after a really bad one where it left her hospitalized for three weeks with a bad neck injury, broken wing, and a close call with her back and head. But the bat monster seemed okay for the most part.

Napsta retired two years after, wanting to focus on family. But he did run a stream nightclubs that cluttered the country as well as a music studio and radio station to promote monster music and new popular stuff as he wanted to give artists like him the same chance in the spotlight. He did have to leave every now and again but it wasn't like before where both Zhara and him were gone for months at a time with the kids.

"I wanted the sunrise to have a few nice birds. They still turned out very lovely, thank you." Darren chuckled as he swiped the card into the security check.

"You can tell a lot about a person by the look of their shoes. That's what an old friend of mine used to say. So I do my best to look nice to show just that." Darren pulled up into the lot, "Though, I have a feeling it might not do us much good since this is all family. Family with a large quantity with young children."

Paps chuckled as he pulled into a parking spot next to his brother's tank of a van. He nodded, handing over the old card. "i'd like that, happy; there's a few other old things i found, we can actually put together a nice page for it all."

Turning the car off, he rolled his eyelights at his eldest daughter. "...hahahaha, real funny ebby. and leave your pyramid in the car, don't need you losing that again. i don't exactly feel like popping around your uncle's house like i'm looking for a darn triforce when you inevitably lose it. oh, and you two don't forget, you're going to spend a couple days this week with grandpapi and grandmami, over in 'little fell'; a'right?"

Sans grinned and lightly put his tail around Marrie's back. "Oh it's not a problem! I'm just glad we're able to spend time together, like tonight. The triplets were so excited to come here to see your twins! It's why we came here a bit early actually. Oh darn, I usually bring a little gift, but we forgot..."

"And even more soon, anata." Kintaro gently rubbed the top of his stomach, and smiled a bit. "I thought those birds are beautiful for the ceiling..."

His smile grew as he watched Darren drive further into the parking lot by the mansion. "Hehe, hai; but if it makes you feel better about things, with your shoes, then you keep doing what you always do, I say. Oh...it has been awhile since I have seen Napsta; working in the old ice cream parlor in town..."

"I'd love that very much..." Happy blushed and kissed Pap's cheek.

"Alright. I'll leave it here. Everyone's gunna pester me to play anyway." Eb shrugged and put her pyramid in a good spot as Rocky got out of the car in energized excitement that you normally get with a 7 year old.

Both froze at the mention of Little Fell and groaned. "Just please be nice. They're not all bad. You love your Grandpapi and Grandmami..." Happy tried to get 'em back to better spirits.

"We like them, Ren. Just not who we know we're gunna inevitably hear..." Eb sighed and got out of the car.

"My ears are gunna hurt! Cousins yell a lot!" Rocky headed off to be with his sister. Much as they loved their fell fam, they could be a lot with the noise that came with their cousins and their shenanigans.

"Hey, don't stress out about it! We don't need gifts bro. You're fam! It's good!" Napsta assured as he led Sans and Marrie to the outside patio where likely dinner was going to be served since it had the most amount of space.

There was a large enough dining table to seat everyone plus more with comfortable patio chairs, lights up on the top that weren't turned on yet since the sun was still out, a large grass area and to the back and side had the gated pool. There was a smaller shallow pond nearby where some flowers and weeds grew, but instead of fish it held snails

"Hopefully the kids enjoy themselves. I know Max's been looking forward to seeing Junior again." Zhara put a wing around Napstaton, seeming pretty content.

"Guess he just needs some guy time. You know he's been trying to weasel the gender of the baby out of me? He's really hoping for a boy, I keep finding blue ribbons on my belly when I wake up from a nap." Marrie let out a small snort in her laughter.

Darren managed a smile, glad for his snake husband. "Has been a while, hasn't it. Even in his retirement, he's still somewhat busy." He parked the car best he could with Sans's not so mini van around. "I did hear his children are following in his footsteps now. They're learning how to mix music like him. Quite sweet if I say so myself."

Paps got out from the car, and stretched; his long tail popping and cracking slightly. "yeah, you two better be nice for grandpapi and grandmami. renny is right; they both love you a lot. and even if it doesn't seem like it, your cousins love you too. well...they like you."

He thought for a moment, remembering back to how it went with the battle of their Overlord Asgore. "...your cousins tolerate you. don't piss 'em off. let's get inside for now."

Blinking, he looked around; and then scratched his head, seeing only his spouse standing near him. "...shit they ran off. oh well, hopefully they heard me, nyeh..."

Sans stayed standing, as Marrie took at seat at the table; and he smoothed his jacket down a bit. "Oh yes...Junior even got one of my old neckerchiefs out and draped it over her belly! It was cute actually!"

Kintaro slithered out from the car carefully; and came around to Darren's side of their car, nodding. "Mhm...it's rather beautiful actually."

He lightly leaned against his husband, his tail lightly curling around the back of Darren's legs. "I can only hope our children are like them, absorbing what we know, and taking after us as much as they care too...oh, I am so nervous for seeing our foster child tomorrow...what if they feel like we're just getting them for our baby? I had that thought going through my head earlier today..."

"If they didn't, we can remind them later, honey bear." Happy assured and leaned on him gently, "Let's go say hi...knowing Ebby, she might have teleported inside already.

Max was shredding at Guitar Hero with Junior having all the fun in the world, only stop and scream when Eb and Rocky suddenly teleported in. "hey." "HI! WE'RE HERE!"

"Dudes...don't...do that...angel above..." Max seemed winded from the sudden scare.

"Aww. How cute!" Zhara chuckled as she also took a seat, "You ready for baby number six? I still don't know how you do it, Marrie. I'm barely getting by with the twins and now this one."

"We're ready. It took some practice but Sansy and I have done pretty good so far, I think. But I think we both agreed six kids are more than enough. We have a big enough family." Marrie giggled and rubbed her belly, "Doctor did say I could have them any day now, they were healthy enough and grown. Thinks that it could be my magic that got used to having multiples so it's treating this baby very well."

Darren managed a kiss on Kintaro's cheek, more than content with him like that, "I hope they take something out of us too...but long as they're happy it matters to me none. As for this foster child, I don't try and think about that. We were planning for adoption well before we knew about our child. And we'll love them just as much as the little one here. We just need to show that. And you can love like no one else, my snake." He gently rubbed his thumb on Kintaro's cheek, hoping that helped out.

Paps chuckled a bit, wrapping his tail around Happy. Seeing their kids had gone inside already, he leaned down slightly and gave Happy a passionate kiss. Just barely nipping their metallic cheek in the process.

"i love you hapstablook. have i told you that lately?" He nuzzled them, hurgling softly in his chest in happiness.

Junior leapt on top of the sofa, suddenly growling loudly in startled fear, baring his fangs. "HOW ARE YOU SO LOUD, ROCKY?!"

He lowered his stance and sighed, a bright green blush across his cheeks. "S-Sorry about that..."

Sans nodded, chuckling softly. As he stood there, he sighed running his hand over his skull. His working white eyelight trailed over to his wife and he smiled happily. Not having to watch his kids, he was letting his magic rest for a bit, rendering his left eye blinded. "I honestly couldn't ask for more in my life, Zhara. A beautiful and stunningly smart wife, healthy children, and, uh...let's be honest, an extension on the Royal Guard's pension."

"I was proud to represent the retired guards in the dual case between the monsters and human government last year. I still could not believe that the human government wanted to impose a 50 year limit on Royal Guard pension! We are monsters not humans, damnit!" Sans growled softly as he pounded one gloved fist into his other.

Paps had shortcut with Happy to the backyard and he chuckled. "still going on about that court case you won, bro?"

Sans huffed, shaking his head. Still he came over to his older brother and hugged him happily. Without a second thought, Paps picked up his brother, holding him like he always did.

Almost instantly, Sans put his head against Paps shoulder, closing his eyes happily. Paps grinned as he walked over back to the group.

"thirty-three, has five kids, another on the way...still loves being held like this..." Paps snickered softly.

"I STILL SNUGGLE MAMA AND PAPA TOO, AND PAPI WILL STILL HOLD ME LIKE HE ALWAYS DID. SO WHAT?" Sans countered, his tail waving from side to side, obviously pleased that his older brother was holding him.

Kintaro had the biggest yellow blush across his cheeks. "Awwww, Darren..."

He wrapped his arms around his husband, hissing happily, giving him another kiss. His pink tongue flicked out, as they came closer to the front door. "Oooh, I can smell the food! It's so good!"

"I always love hearing it, honey bear..." Hapy giggled before they were shortcutted to the back yard.

"Nothing wrong with being cuddly with family. I'm getting all mine after coming back!" Napsta started nuzzling Zhara, earning a small laugh from her.

"It is cute to see you two so close. Not many others could do the same thing." Zhara pointed out with Marrie nodding in agreement.

"easy guys. relax. bro's just excited, right Rocky Road?" Eb gave him a pat on the head, earing a small smile from the kid as he went to go take a seat on the couch. "so what's going on here? gaming stuff like usual?"

"Yep! Nikki, Arial, and Jen are all in the bowling room if you dudes want." Max pointed out. Rocky wasted no time and rushed off to go do bowling.

Eb however stayed with the boys. Her girl cousins were cool but she always did like being with the guys. "oh yeah...trying to get your time in before you get all the craziness that comes with baby siblings, huh...?"

Darren happily kissed back before nuzzling him lightly. A human maid ended up answering the door and led the couple off to the backyard where the rest were. She didn't seem all surprised by the monsters, having worked in the house for a while.

Napstaton did notice when they arrived, "Heyyyy! K-man! Darren! What's up dudes? Glad you could make it!"

Paps chuckled, setting Sans back down. He smoothed out his jacket and smiled happily. "eh, i know you love being close, bro. i ain't gonna deny you that, might have to start sitting down to hug ya, short stuff...but, i'll always be your big bro."

Sans sighed, nodding a bit as he came back over to Marrie's side. "Of course brother. I love you, Papyrus. Just, try to remember to take some time to relax. You're nearly ten years older than me, and yet you work twice as hard..."

Paps yawned, and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it up as he sat a bit far away from the others, so the smoke didn't bother them all. "well that's what tonight is right?"

Jen was happy playing bowling with them, and she pulled out a packet of jerky from her inventory, chewing away at it. Arial sniffed a bit, and nearly salivated. "SISSY, GIVE ME A PIECE!"

Jen laughed and tossed her the packet. "Here ya go. Eat what you want, sis. I mean we are having dinner soon..." She saw Rocky and chuckled as he came running to the bowling alley. "Hey, Rocky-boy!"

Kintaro smiled, and nodded. "It is a pleasure to be here as well, Napstaton." He bowed slightly, a slight blush on his cheeks as he came over closer to the table, sitting on his coil near Zhara and Marrie.

Darren waved at everyone before going to hug his little sister. "Been too long, in my opinion. You all look well." He took a seat by Kintaro with a smile.

"Not for me it isn't. But it's good seeing you anyway." Marrie laughed and hugged her big brother back, "You're getting kids barely now, huh? How's that been going?"

"Well enough. We're meeting our foster child tomorrow for introductions, see if they would like to give us a try. And the little one has been doing well." Darren leaned with Kintaro to talk with the rest.

Nikki was about to take her turn when she saw Rocky run in, "Hey! It's the Rockster! What's going on little pebble?"

"Hi Jen! Hi Ari! Hi Nikki! I'm here for the dinner! But I wanna play! Whatcha doooooing?" Kid was already bustling with energy. Nikki always found it funny how different he was compared to his parents and older sister.

Meanwhile with Eb, Max, and Junior, they were all messing around and talking. "Really hoping for brothers, huh?" Eb chuckled as she bit into a cherry flavored lollipop.

"I don't gotta hope, Eb. I KNOW it's a boy! Mom told dad, and dad started screaming around the house wanting the world to know. Mom stopped him but we know it's a boy." Max chuckled as he sipped on a soda, "What about you, Juns? You parents come clean about your baby sib yet? Or nah?"

Kintaro just happily listened to them all as they continued in their conversations, his attention on smelling all the good smells from the kitchen; his tongue constantly flickering in and out.

Arial giggled brightly, and perched herself on the ball return, her bony cat tail waving and twitching. "Well we're playing bowling, but Jen keeps going on and on about her latest games in her summer baseball league."

Jen popped about piece of jerky into her mouth and she laughed. "Well I mean I am best in my co-ed team, of course I'm gonna brag!"

Junior crossed his arms, looking very much like his father just then, his bony cat ears flattened against his skull. "NO! I WANT A BROTHER SO BADLY! IT'S ALL GIRLS, AND JENNIFER!"

He stomped his sneakered foot on the floor, grousing. "Only other guy is Dad! And he's either off doing stuff for the retired guards or he's fishing or spending time with Mom. Or he's out on the Delight. Doing both."

He shuddered, his bony gator tail rattling.

"How have you been doing, Papyrus? Well I hope." Darren decided to ask, wanting to make some conversation with the other part of his family.

"Baseball's fun! But Daddy won't let me play anymore after what happened to Renny. But that's okay! I like running and playing guitar more! Auntie Vera is teaching me!" Rocky kept bouncing in place, lot of energy for his little body.

Nikki did her best not to laugh at the memory. She only had been told the story but still found it semi-hilarious. "Hey, least you know you got a good swing, huh Jen?"

Eb let out a chuckle at her cousin's pouty look, "aww cheer up. if ya want, you can borrow Rocky. yeah...that sounds like your dad alright. hey...could be worse."

"Yeah. You haven't seen my folks after my dad comes home from tours. I do not take soundproof panels for granted, anymore..." Max shuddered at the memory of a hide and seek game gone wrong. Nikki and him made a mutual agreement to never hide in and around their parents' bedroom ever again.

"you two are such babies. chill. besides, not like you guys are the only two guys in the family. both of ya can visit the multitude of other cousins we got. speaking of, Rocks and i are gettin' stuck with grandmami and papi for the weekend. which no doubt means i'm getting stuck with my edgy counter-brother and his creepy ass sister, or the dumbass pranking trio." Eb rolled her eyes, she liked her fell cousins but they could be a pain in the ass some of the time. The eldest one was okay though and Rockwell was okay to a point. Still didn't mean she missed hearing after spending at least a day with 'em.

Paps nodded, letting a curl of smoke from his nose hole. "yeah i'm doing alright, kinda forgot about uh, tonight...but yeah i'm just working on smoothing out some stuff with the mayor, and gettin' some things done..."

"got another appointment at the arthritis doctor...one of the reasons why the kids are being shipped off for a couple days this weekend. i hate that doctor, i swear he must be a descendant of one of the damn human mages, because he likes to torture me in those appointments..." He muttered, his tail laying slack against the ground as he lounged in the patio chair.

Jen frowned softly and she sighed. "That's true, but I don't like that I hurt Auncle Happy though. Uncle Papyrus looked like he was going to kill me, I swear..."

Arial hugged herself for a moment. "Papa looked scary too, his eyelights were out, both of them. And he just said for us to leave. Papa nearly never talks softly like that, but he did...and Uncle Pap was screaming...he nearly never does that either..."

Junior listened and sighed. "I'm really sorry to hear that Ebby. Grandmami and Grandpapi are nice and all, but why do our fathers counterparts decide that if we're being watched, it's perfect for their kids to be watched too?"

"I'll be going with him. I'd feel bad if I wasn't there to support him..."Happy felt bad everytime they had to go to this particular doctor.

"Dude, if ya hate the guy so much, why do ya keep going to 'em? Isn't there like...another doctor you can see?" Napstaton seemed confused about the whole thing.

Rocky headed over to hug Jen, "But it's okay! Renny was okay! They didn't get mad or anything! Just scared me and Daddy. Their glassy stuff is lots stronger now!" He didn't seem to be too stressed out about it now, "Renny took care of daddy after when they got fixyed! So it's okay!"

"Heh, yeah. It's funny, dad went off to Aunt Undyne after too to get upgraded a little afterwards. He was kinda late on the updates anyway." Nikki chuckled and rolled her ball to get a strike.

"no idea. but it sucks ass and i'm gunna have to pack extra ear plugs to sleep through all that..." Eb sighed and bit into her lollipop.

Paps shrugged. "he's the only guy who specializes in arthritis in monsters that are purely skeletal, with magic-based tendons and ligaments. other doctors are better with more animal type monsters, like darren, marrie, and undyne, where they have physical, visible connections."

He pulled up his long sleeve, turning his arm over; which displayed his wrist bones, tibia and fibula, along with his elbow joint. "see how it looks like i have nothing connecting all this together? it's actually my concentrated magic that connects it all together. the worst is when i get low with my magic, my joints get looser, which increases my pain nearly ten fold."

Jen blinked a bit at her cousin. "What happened to Uncle Pap after Auncle Happy's glass broke? I...I forgot..."

Arial sighed, her frame was next. "Jenny, don't you remember? Uncle Papy had to support Auncle Happy's soul with his magic, he nearly passed out...or, oh wasn't it nearly worse, Rocky?"

Junior sighed, and he rifled through his inventory, pulling out a can of root beer. "Well at least it's the weekend! I know when Mom has her latest baby we're all getting shipped off to Grandma and Grandpa's house..."

"Ah. Damn, that sucks bro." Napstaton felt bad for that. He was going to say more when a monster butler came over and whispered to him. "Oh! Oh sweet! Thanks man! Yeah! Just bring the food out here and call the kids down!"

The butler nodded and headed off. "Good news dudes! Dinner's ready!" Napstaton seemed really happy with that.

Rocky shook his head, "No. That's what happened. Renny fainted and I thought they got really really hurt...daddy did too until Aunt Undyne came to see. Renny shut down for a little while so they wouldn't feel a lot of hurt but Aunt Undyne fixed it quick enough to take them back to her house."

"Sheesh...that's gotta hurt." Nikki shuddered at that thought but stopped to check their phone, "Oh cool! Dinner's ready! ...Wait...uh...dudes...Weren't Seline and Azure here like...5 minutes ago...?"

"probably for the best, unless you wanna wake up at every hour on the hour of the night because someone's hungry or needs attention." Eb shrugged as she ate her lollipop.

"Again, Never taking sound proof walls for granted ever again. But it should be cool though! We get sibs to mess around with! Well..more than usual. Maybe Nikki and I can get a whole act together with 'em once we figure out the music stuff!" Max seemed excited for that. He felt his phone go off and checked up on it, "Oh! Hey! Dinner's ready!"

Kintaro looked excited for dinner, and Pap grinned, as he gently ran his fingers through Happy's hair after he tugged his sleeve back down.

Jen nodded, and sighed as she laid back on the floor in boredom. When she heard that Seline and Azure weren't there, she sat up quickly. "Oh crap!"

Arial and Jen went running down the hallways, looking for the twins.

Junior took another sip of his root beer and shrugged. "Sounds like a great plan though. Awesome, dinner!"

Across town, Red had eaten his portion of lamb, and was laying under the cabinet with the shank bone, chewing it happily as he watched while Mars was still sitting at the table.

Happy giggled lightly before taking a seat as the butlers started setting out the food and dish ware.

Rocky was taken by Nikki to follow the rest, hoping they could find the kids.

Seline and Azure were currently outside. Having slipped past their cousins and snuck up on their daddy to hug him. They laughed moment they got a hold of a leg each from him.

"i'll teleport us there. come on..." Eb yawned and grabbed her cousins, easily popping down to the backyard for food.

Mars was currently looming through some bills, already finished with dinner. Crimson was stuck on fish duty as another part of their punishment for their stupid prank. Julia ended up going to her room. And Jackson was on the couch reading some car magazines.

Mars sighed and put down her pen after taking care of a few things.

Sans seemed surprised when his twins grabbed into his legs as he was taking off his jacket. So much so, that his clawed hands grabbed onto his shirt popping open a few buttons. "AH! You...little scamps! How did you two get away from your siblings?"

He continued to take his jacket off, hanging it on the back of the chair; then he picked up the girls, and smiled to them. "Mwehehehe! You two are just so adorable!" He settled into the chair beside Marrie; giving her a loving kiss. "I can see why we have so many of them, it's hard to disagree when they are the most cute thing ever at this age!"

Paps rolled his eyelights at his brother, chuckling. "yeah, well, i'd say that's a different thing for the one who carries, bro. my orange ectogel looks like a friggin roadmap after our two bundles of joy."

He took a swig from the cup of tea he'd poured for himself. "well, i mean it was already a roadmap anyways from our 'magic donor' but yeah, it's uh...i really can't go shirtless anymore. and i don't even have tits anymore!"

Kintaro blushed so deeply, his entire cheeks and nose were a yellow tinged color now, as the magic flushed to his cheeks. "Oh my goodness..." He whispered mostly to himself. Kinta knew the skeleton brothers were somewhat crass in their own sweet way, but he hadn't been around them that often to know they spoke so openly about children, the process of having them, and their own bodies just like it was nothing.

Sans thought for a moment, holding Seline and Azure still in his arms. "Hmm...you could always get a nice undershirt like I have!"

Paps tugged on his collar a bit, revealing the black 'slimming' undershirt he wore underneath his green button-up shirt. "i already wear a 'slimming' one. kinda, keeps everything where it should be."

His tail flicked a bit, as he started to take a bite from the food on his plate; as everyone had gotten their meal by then. but you shouldn't worry about that kind of stuff, mr. skelegator adonis. no wonder you and marrie are having so many kids...

Sans shook his head, chuckling brightly. Oh I'm no adonis anymore! I've got a bit of a gut on me actually, can't seem to get rid of it! I think my low hp and age are kinda catching up with me finally, brother.

when's the last time you saw a doctor?

JUST LAST WEEK, WHEN WE SAW PAPA.

no doofus, a real doctor, a medical doctor...

TWO WEEKS AGO, AT MARRIE'S OB-GYN APPOINTMENT.

noooo, your doctor goddamnit!

...MAYBE...EH, TWO YEARS AGO? I DON'T GET SICK MUCH ANYMORE...I'M ACTUALLY PRETTY HEALTHY.

when did the, uh, gut start happening?

IF YOU THINK I'M PREGNANT!

oh my god no. i know you wear a moonstone necklace always just to prevent that...no no, i'm worried about your musculature of your abdomen actually. it can reveal a lot about a monster's physical state if something is suddenly changing from it's normal state...have you have any other symptoms out of the ordinary? your soul is in a normal peak rhythm, your pulse is steady, any balance issues, any further vision issues when using activated magic?

Sans stared at his brother, as he tried to eat a few bites of dinner, while fighting off his own twin daughters from playing in his plate and he glared at Papyrus. "...CAN I JUST EAT IN PEACE, BROTHER. ASK ME TWENTY QUESTIONS SOME OTHER TIME, AND I WILL GLADLY PLAY WITH YOU. RIGHT NOW, I'D LIKE TO EAT MY DINNER WITH OUR FAMILY IN PEACE, PLEASE."

He stood up from the table, carrying Seline and Azure over towards a playpen that thankfully the human maid had brought out. "Thank you Consuela...okay you little munchkins! You're getting to play in here for now, so Papa can eat his food!"

Going to his inventory, he pulled out an extra toy for each of them, and handed them to his daughters, smiling at them. "Papa loves you both so much..." Leaning slightly over them, he gently ran his hands over their heads; chuckling softly. As he was leaning over, it felt like there was this crushing sensation on his chest; almost like when he was thrown across the room during the battle with Tahi; years ago.

Deciding to ignore it, he stood back upright quickly after being nearly completely bent at the waist to give his daughter's kisses. That was an incredibly bad idea.

The last thing he saw was his family looking back at him, then suddenly the paved patio as he fell onto his side. He was having a soul attack, and a very, very long overdue seizure was what brought it around.

Happy and Marrie started giggling as they watched their husbands get at each other. Darren didn't mind too much but he did give a hand to Kintaro, he was a little used to the brothers' way of talking. Napstaton didn't mind at all along with Zhara as they ordered a playpen for the twins.

"I really do think you should go see a doctor, Sansy. It has been a while...little check up wouldn't hurt." Marrie pointed out gently.

Both the twins started giggling and laughing as their Dad carried and held them. With the toys given they were ready to play, only to look confused and call out to their dad when he fell to the ground. They'd only start crying when they heard their Mom scream.

"HOLY SHIT!" Napstaton yelled out before looking to Consuela, "Call for help! Please!" The maid ran off to call for emergency services as Darren sprang to action to check help his brother-in-law.

Eb managed to get there, only to see the commotion, "what the...? dad? what's going on?!"

"What's wrong with Uncle Sans?! Dad? Mom?" Max looked over in fear as Marrie was crying and trying to get to him but Zhara held her back to give Darren the room he needed to help the skelegator.

Arial, Jen, Rocky, and Nikki had come up behind Max, Junior and Eb. Jen looked terrified, while Arial was trying to run over to Sans side. "PAPA!" Jen held back on her sister, shaking her head. "No no, you gotta give Uncle Darren room, sis!"

Junior ran the other way around the table, and started to help with Zhara holding his mother back. "Mama! You gotta sit...Papa s-should be okay!"

Paps shortcut onto the other side of his little brother, shaking his head. "shit shit, this is my fault...fuck! m-maybe it's jus a seizure, he ain't one in years...i-i mean he does have epilepsy!" He scanned Sans body as he'd started to tremble, as a slight nervous smile crossed his face. That smile soon fell, along with whatever words were in his mouth.

"oh fuck, it's not just that..." He looked to Darren, trying to stablilize his brother with what medical knowledge he knew; while Darren healed what he could.

Paps looked up to his daughter, frowning, he didn't want to do this; but he had a feeling how the night was going to go; he just could tell. "ebrima, get your brother; get all your cousins, leave max and nikki. shortcut over to grandma's now, take three trips. tell them it's a medical emergency, i'll come pick you up when we're done okay? hopefully it shouldn't be long."

Marrie only kept crying as she was held back, she ended up stopping fighting back and hugging Junior close as she screamed and cried out for him.

Happy headed off to get the twins and go with Eb. Eb just gave a nod, "Y-Yeah...got it dad." She took the twins from her renny, Arial, Jen, and her brother before shortcutting away. Rocky didn't get to see the commotion thankfully so he was left utterly confused.

Moment they got to the house, she ran around looking for her grandparents, "GRANDMA! GRANDPA! HELP! HELP!" She started looking more panicked now, a trait left over from her renny as she started getting stressed out. Wasn't helping that she had the twins screaming and crying in her arms.

"M-Ma...what do we do?" Max didn't like the sight of what was going on. Neither did Nikki, "We can't just stand here right?!"

"...Go get some blankets, a pillow, and some water for me? Please? That might help." Zhara looked to her kids who just nodded and flew off as fast as they could. She didn't know if that was exactly going to help, but it would at least keep her kids busy enough.

Darren was doing as best as he could tp try and keep Sans stable with his magic, "Stay with me Sans..stay with me...Papyrus this would not be the time to start blaming yourself! We need to focus here until help arrives!"

Junior gently rubbed his Mama's back worriedly, keeping his sights straight ahead. He didn't dare look to his Papa, he needed to be strong for his Mama's sake, no matter what happened!

In the Aster-Brewer house it had been a nice and quiet evening, as Wingdin had been knitting while Cupcake had been playing piano after they'd had an admittedly early dinner. After some time together; they'd gone to bed as they both were pretty tired. That only lasted about five minutes it seemed as their grandchildren came screaming into their house.

Wingdin got from the bed as quickly as she could, grabbing a house robe for herself before she came running out from the bedroom; Cupcake right on her tail, just in his boxers and an old t-shirt, his cane gripped tightly in his hand.

"̱̥̤̩Wh͡o̹̕ͅ ̘̪̻i̛̮s̯̭̮̮̝̠̫͘ ̳̖H̲̗̤U͖̖͜R͓T̩̳̟̩ͅI̷͍̱̹̟̹̖N̴̺͕̭̪̻͎̩G ̦̳̮͇̱̫ͅm̷͓̤̝͙̳̼ͅy͙̩̳̻͞ ͉̼̻̺̜͚͠G̫͔R̪͔͎͔̘̳͇AṈ̟̞̹͙́D̴C̫̫̹͘ͅH͓̕I̢̻̦͎̳̝̞͔L̪̟͉̗͟D͏͙̭͍̮̙R̺͚̗̭E҉̠͔̤̮̳Ṉ͈̘͉͝!̻?̛̗̮̖̜!̛̭͓͈"̡͙̥͈̗͓͓

The old man hadn't slipped into that tone of voice in nearly two years, but he was pushed to it in his state of fear of the unknown. Even his dual-colored eyes seemed a bit darker shaded as he looked about the living room confusedly.

Wingdin immediately took Azure and Seline, cradling them to her chest, making soft noises to calm them down. "Shhhh...Grandma has you...it is okay, shhh...shhh...Ebrima, what is going on? You come popping in and scream so loud, I think house on fire or something...what is happening?"

Arial and Jen were in absolute tears by then. They clung to Cupcake, pressing their faces into his chubby sides.

"PAPA'S DYING!" Arial nearly screamed.

"He's all spazzing out on the patio a-at Uncle N-Napsta's! It's worse then when I broke Auncle H-Happy, Grandpa!" Jen blurted out, big blue tears rolling down her cheeks.

"D-DAD TOLD ME TO GET YOU BACK THERE! IT'S AN EMERGENCY! PLEASE!" Eb pleaded, doing her best not to get into a panic attack herself as Rocky was still left utterly confused. He decided to hug his sister to try and ground her a bit, seemed to work as she started to keep track of her breathing.

Meanwhile at the house, Napsta had ran back, "They're on their way! How's he doing?"

"Best he can be for now...though I'm not sure how much magic I can keep pumping into him!" Darren was already looking a bit worn out, he hadn't done much healing since he and his sisters were younger.

Marrie was shaking and leaning against Zhara and Junior at this point, her legs were starting to give out. Zhara did manage to help her onto a chair so she wouldn't fall over, "Just take it easy, Marrie...it's okay...it's okay...he'll be okay..."

Cupcake came over closer to Ebrima, letting Wingdin handle the weeping sister and sibling for the moment. He gave her a firm hug, rubbing Eb's back. "It is okay, dear...Papyrus had the right idea to send you here. We just got scared and worried is all. Take some breaths, try to calm yourself...and you should know you're always welcome, Ebrima..."

"What we were wondering, was what happened, but I have a feeling. For now though...how about I put the kettle on for some hot cocoa, hmm? Grandma made some cookies earlier, we can have those; and try to take a little breather, alright?" Cupcake didn't realize it, but his orange eye was glowing stronger than his blue one; as his bravery and courage to stay calm and collected for his grandchildren had kicked in greatly just a few moments before.

Papyrus didn't have healing magic, but he was doing his best to stabilize him as Sans continued to tremble and drool; his eye sockets still darkened and empty. He could feel the crack nearly widening in his brother's soul and he gasped, shaking his head. "no no no...i...i can't let this happen..."

Looking up to Darren with a paled expression, he pulled out a thin syringe with what was left of the Aster-Brewer family's collection of Artificial Determination. "i...i have to use this...i don't know what could happen...l-last time it was used...mom went blind."

"THERE'S NO TIME! WE HAVE TO GO NOW!"Eb didn't waste time as she ended up teleporting him back to her Uncle's patio. Rocky had ended up going with since he was still hanging onto his sister.

"DAD! DAD HE'S HERE!" Eb was trying hard not to keep panicking over the situation. Rocky held onto her tight, not liking how she was looking right now.

Darren tried kicking up his magic in hopes he could stop the crack from widening, "We can't afford that for him! There's no telling what it could do! Not like this!" He dindt really trust the determination that was held into that thing. He had no idea what to expect out ot it.

Cupcake blinked a bit, not having expected to have been shortcut that quickly. He went over to his sons and Darren and carefully kneeled down beside Papyrus. Seeing the syringe in his older son's hand, he nearly growled, smacking the last syringe away from Papyrus' hand.

It bounced harmlessly onto the ground, and he moved Papyrus over and placed his gloves onto Sans' chest. A dark, black appearing magic started to come from his gloved hands; as the color drained from his eyes; leaving them just as black as the magic that came from his gloves. He was pulling on what residual Void Magic he still had access too.

"I will not allow my son to fall..." He pushed more magic, and got Sans' soul to stabilize, then it began to heal more; reversing the soul attack it seemed. A pained look crossed his face and after he'd gotten Sans healed; he shuddered, and sat back onto his bottom.

Paps put his arms around Cupcake worriedly. papa, are you okay? i thought you couldn't access that void magic anymore...you still had more in you?

I...took his soul attack from him...I have enough...HP. He doesn't... Cupcake gasped softly, his body melting slightly from the massive amounts of his on DT.

"Darren...don't l-let the children see me...p-p-please..." He tried to turn his head away from the children so they couldn't see his face or body; as it was trying to stay solid.

Darren just nodded, not liking at all where this was going before running off to check on Marrie and the kids. "Ebrima...go back to Grandma...take Junior with you...everything will be okay..."

"B-BUT...GRANDPA! AND UNCLE SANS AND DAD AND..." Ebrima huffed out but Happy was the one who interrupted her.

"You heard him...go...please...it will be okay...It's okay..." Happy headed over to hug their children before taking Junior and letting Eb teleport away. Just as they got back, Eb started to pass out from keeping her panic attack inside. Rocky then started crying over all the commotion as he hung onto his renny and sister.

Ambulance sirens could be heard as they rushed into the house and over to the patio with Napstaton leading them. Zhara meanwhile was taking care of Marrie, who seemed pained in more ways than one. She was hugging Zhara pretty tight, even for all her sobbing and fear. "It'll be okay..look..help is here...everything's okay...? Okay...it's alright..."

Papyrus tried to shield the children from seeing Cupcake, and he sighed tiredly; gently holding his Dad's hand. are you going to be okay? no-nobody is going to understand this...i-i'm the only one, other than papi that can help you...

He carefully helped Cupcake to what was left of his feet (as they were coalesing into a single whitened slimy bottom part with his DT effecting him) and then he shortcut back into the house as the EMTs came further out to the patio.

Sans soul had been healed, with a blackened crack across the now sealed up area. His seizure had finally finished, but his pulse was weak, and his breathing was shallow; his HP down to just 0.75.

Wingdin hurried over, by then the twins were asleep in the pop-up playpen; with Arial and Jen settling into their own bedroom they had at the house. "Happy...the girls haven't been able to tell me much, Ebrima...Ebrima come here..."

She gently picked up Ebrima into her arms easily, holding her close. "It will be okay...it may not seem like it, but it will be okay..."

The ambulance had taken Sans up on a stretcher, Marrie following behind. Darren decided to go off with his sister to make sure she would be okay, leaving Kintaro with Napstaton, Zhara, and their twins. "I'll be back in a moment, Kintaro! I swear of it!"

The amulance would drive off, doing their best to take care of Sans as Marrie tried her best to ignore the pain she was feeling on the way to the hospital. Darren just did his best to comfort her as she held onto Sans's hand. "S-Sansy...S-Sansy...please...please be okay...d-don't leave me...p-please...please..."

At the house, Happy held onto their son and tried to calm him down. Eb was knocked out cold at this point, but she was shaking still from using up a lot of short cuts. Happy tried their best to be strong, "...Sans got hurt...he...I...don't know what happened..but...he just...fell over...and started to have a seizure...or...what..we thought was a seizure...it wasn't...and...and..." They started to shake too as tears started to fall. Rocky was still crying and hanging onto his Renny, scared of what was happening.

Sans' eyelight faintly started to flicker a bit, incredibly dim; as his breathing started to pick up more in it's strength. "...Mar...I won't..." He could barely talk, his mouth hanging open as he struggled to breath still. "...go...any...where..."

Wingdin settled into the recliner, and sighed softly. "Oh my god...my baby boy...all we can do...is hope...a-and pray..." She gently settled Ebrima into the recliner; then she went to the kitchen, where her small blue echo flower sat in it's old cracked flowerpot. It was still the same flower she'd plucked the day that Sans was born.

Cradling it in her hands, she brought it into the living room and placed it reverently on the coffee table. "This was plucked...when Sans was born. I have kept this alive, and I pray and talk to it every night, Hapsta. I tell it my wishes...my hopes...my dreams...for my entire family. This little flower, came from Underground. And is as old as he is."

Back in the house, Papyrus sat with Cupcake in the side room he'd shortcut them both too. "papa...are you going to be okay? you're starting to melt again...did you use too much energy...do you need more dt maybe?"

Cupcake could only nod, as he rested against the couch. Pap went back to his inventory, and prepped the needle again; sighing. "...this is...all we have left, papa. i hope we don't need this again..."

As Papyrus coaxed out his Papa's dripping black soul; he carefully injected the man with the last bit of DT; as Napstaton had came inside where they were.

Marrie sniffled and held onto his hand as Darren rubbed her back. It felt like an eternity but was really only a few moments before they ushered Sans into the hospital for treatment and care. Marrie wanted to go with him but suddenly got weak in the knees as she got to the front entrance. Darren managed to catch her and tried to get her back onto her feet when he saw the leak his sister made.

"...Oh no...not more of this...We need more help here!" Darren yelled out to some nearby nurses as they tried helping her onto a wheelchair. Marrie wanted to keep crying for Sans but ended up crying in pain as she was wheeled away to another part of the hospital. Delivery was imminent.

Happy looked at the flower, they didn't know how powerful it could be, but they could only hope for the best.

Napstaton looked relieved as he found the two, "There you two are! For a second I thought you dudes went off with Sans! You okay?"

Sans could hear Darren yelling as they'd pushed his gurney further into the hospital. "...Mar...my wife...she..." Despite his weakness, he started to try to sit up on the bed; his arms shaking violently as he tried to get himself up and out of the bed to help her. "...H-HELP...HER..."

Wingdin closed her eyes, and started to pray to the little flower. Please, my son is having health issues...yet again. I fear more things are going to happen, and we all need your protection, your care; Dear Sweet Angel...your insight brought us out from the Underground...please, watch over us, even though we have the sun, and sky...I want, no...I need, my dear sweet boy to continue to live for his children...

Papyrus finished injecting Cupcake with the DT, and he sighed. "yeah...i guess we're fine...papa really overdid himself just then. i had to give him the uh...last of our artificial dt."

The nurses tried pushing Sans back onto the bed. One doctor spoke up, "She's being helped by other nurses. We're here for you! Stay on the bed. Get him under, now!" One other nurse tried putting a mask over Sans to knock him out, not wanting for him to hurt himself while they tried treating him.

Marrie was given a different room with Darren beside her to help her through the delivery. He knew this would be a more painful and exhausting one for her.

Happy just sat there and watched Wingdin as they held Rocky who had calmed down enough to sniffles and hiccups. They looked at the flower and sighed ...Please let them be okay...

"Damn...you dudes need anything? Got a call from the hospital and they said they got Sans in. He's getting taken care of, so that's good news." He headed over to check up on Cupcake too. Be bad if he didn't. "How you handling, Daddio? You cool...?"

Sans growled in confusion, weakly kicking his feet, his tail limply hanging to the side. "No... No...M-Marrie!"

As the got the mask over him, he started to breathe, still struggling some. One of the nurses looked up his information, they saw he was half-alligator, then they started to rub his stomach softly. Within a few moments, he had calmed down, and was knocked out by the mask.

Wingdin had finished her prayer of sorts and she sighed, going over to Happy to gently hug them. "We need to be being strong for our family."

Arial came out from the bedroom, hugging her pillow worriedly. "Papa's not gonna die is he? He's only got ten HP Mama said..."

Wingdin gently scooped up the delicate boned Arial, cuddling her. "Arial... You know your Papa survived with only 1 HP from birth to around him being six years old?"

Arial shook her head. "No... I thought he was born with it... that's just a year younger than Rocky!"

Wingdin nodded, as she picked up Ebrima, snuggling the now sleeping girl in her lap as well. "Your Uncle Papyrus...he work and toil, doing so much science like your Grandpa...and he make a medicine. He call it, HPIS, or, Health Point Increaser Serum. It take him from just 1 to 8! He try again but that as far as he got."

Jen came over, and crossed her arms curiously. "But Papa's got ten. How did that work? Did Uncle Papy get it better?"

Wingdin shook her head. "No, no...he really try, nothing work! Being with your Mama...gave him increase in hope. His HP go another point, being with her."

Junior frowned, counting quickly. "...That's still only 9."

The sweet Grandma giggled, and she tapped each of their heads with a string. "You three! When he find out, he gonna be a father...He got another point, as his hope increased more."

Cupcake sighed, looking almost lost, his eyes still a black color, instead of the vibrant dual colors. "...I...I will be. Just need to rest..."

Pap gently took Cupcake's hand, helping him to his thankfully reformed legs and feet. "hey napsta, can you help out kintaro? i got a feeling he won't be back tonight..."

Happy nodded and kept gently holding Rocky, humming a soft tune to help him calm down. Both of them listened to Wingdin's story with Rocky looking much more curious. "...S-So...Uncle Sans...more hope he got...more...HP he got...?" he sniffled out.

"That's right...sometimes it take something big and beautiful to give people hope for their HP to increase...For Sans...that was seeing his family grow strong and happy..." Happy gently explained.

Eb let out a small groan, she was starting to wake up, though she still looked pretty drained and in pain from everything she did.

"Yeah. Zhara's with him right now in one of the guest bedrooms. She's just keeping him company while I went off to find you dudes. You need a ride back home, Dad?" Napstaton looked over at Cupcake in worry, "Unless you want to stay here too. We got the room."

Zhara meanwhile brought over some tea for Kintaro and her, "Here...We...didn't have any jasmine..but..we did have Golden Flower...hope that's okay..."

Wingdin gently rubbed Ebrima's back and smiled sadly. "Hmm...just rest Ebby...Grandma has you...and your Daddy is still with Grandpa."

Cupcake shook his head, leaning forward slightly. "I...n-no Napsta, I'll be a-alright I hope..."

Paps looked closely at his Dad and sighed. "papa, your eyes are still dark...i had thought they would get brighter...that was the last of the determination...chara said they'll give you more if you needed it, their spouse doesn't mind, zie understands..."

Cupcake frowned, rubbing the side of his head a moment. "I know that Kallie understands what Chara would be doing for me...they both are so worried over my health, just like you and Sans are...a-as well as everyone else. All of my family is worried. I am more worried about Sans and M-Marrie though...he just had a soul attack, and I had to seal the crack with my own DT. I am ashamed that it had to go that far to save my boy...t-that could impact him so badly, Papyrus...h-he has never had DT before...injected or imbued..."

Pap rubbed his Dad's back as he began to cry. "...papa we just did what we could. if you imbued it, maybe it'll fade away naturally, like...like a bandaid or something...the hospital would certainly call if they saw something they didn't recognize. i mean, there's a reason you don't go to physicians anymore..."

Kintaro gratefully took the cup of Golden Flower tea and took a sip from it. "It is fine, Zhara...t-thank you, I am grateful for the help. I just hope everything will be fine...I know why Papyrus and Darren told me to stay with you. I cannot drive Darren's car, no feet...and neither of them would want me slithering all the way home, not in my state. Only a month away from having our child...oh, this stress cannot be good for any of us, Zhara..."

He took another sip; then set the cup down on the little table; beginning to unbraid his sandy brown hair. "...And seeing our foster child...we have only read descriptions, no pictures...they do not...know I am a Naga. They believe I have appearance of full monster. T-They might hate me, Zhara...looking like human and snake..."

Tears began to trickle down his cheeks, the stress getting to him. Being the only Naga monster around was rather hard for him still.

Ebby moaned lightly before falling back asleep.

Kryssie has headed over after being in the kitchen with a couple glasses of warm milk with honey, recipe her mom taught her when she couldn't sleep. "Hey... everyone okay?"

"Kyssie..." Rocky was a little happy to see her but was still tired and scared. Kryssie did give him a light pet on the head, hoping that helped calm him down a bit.

Napstaton didn't know exactly how or why Cupcake could do the things he did, but he did head over to comfort the old scientist. "Ya did what ya had to do to save his life...I'd risk mine if it meant my family was going to be safe...he's okay now...he's safe...I'll keep posted if they call again."

Just then, he got a call on his phone and decided to answer it. He listened over to what was said, but his face was uncharacteristicly serious. Something that was very, very rare for the robot.

Zhara nodded and took a cup for herself, "I do too...best we can do is hope and wait... Stress doesn't do any of us well..." Zhara was in the same boat as Kintaro, a month left before her baby should come.

She gently rubbed her stomach and listened to Kintaro talk. She put down her cup on the nearby table before managing a hug for him, "Kintaro...It will be okay...children love without any bounds...I'm sure that child will just love the fact that they're getting a loving home. I understand it's hard...it must be hard to really know who this child is...but if they are willing to be adopted by monsters like you...they must want to take a chance...you're a good monster, Kintaro. You'll be a good parent too...I'm sure."

Wingdin looked to Kryssie and simply shrugged. "I...am guessing, Kryssie. We still so worried, but all we can do is sit around and wait. Caddy still with Pap over at Napsta's...and he left Vespa in driveway, so he has to be brought home."

Junior had just been mostly quiet, standing against the wall, as his tail flicked a bit in irritation and worry. He scratched at his teeth for a moment, and sighed. Going down the hallway, he went to the bathroom to wash his face off; it always made him feel better. When he flipped the light on however, Jamie and Johnny were both sleeping in the bathtub, and he shrieked rather girlishly.

The twins were in their underwear, and upon hearing Junior's shriek; they both leapt out of the water and instantly sprayed a gush of it all over their cousin. After they did that, they looked at the soaking wet skelegator-cat and blushed.

"Sorry, cuz!" Jamie intoned. "Oh crap...we thought it was an intruder!" Johnny remarked.

"IN THE BATHROOM! WHY ARE YOU EVEN HERE!?" Junior screamed angrily, now soaking wet; as he shook himself off.

"...because this is where we sleep when we're over at Grandma's house?" Johnny deadpanned.

"And because Grandpa said he'll try to replace our water bed soon in our room here, the side cracked last week, and won't hold water anymore..." Jamie explained, pointing down towards the room they would share with their older sister.

They had a 'water bed' which was literally a 2 inch thick mattress in the bottom of a plexiglass open topped box that was usually filled with water, with a circulating filter on the top end near their heads. However one of the times that the other cousins had been by in the week previous something happened in that room where the bed had gotten cracked, and couldn't hold water anymore.

Arial just snuggled against Wingdin still, closing her eyes. Being the smallest one of her siblings made it easier for the old skeleton to hold her, her bony tail draping down past her Grandma's elbow.

Jen had sat down on the floor, and just put her head in her hands. She was so worried for her parents.

Paps watched Napstaton curiously, raising an eyebrow as he saw just how serious he looked. After the phone call was finished, he sighed as Cupcake had since finished crying. "so...what's going on? i didn't even know your face could make that expression, napsta...something big must've happened, bro..."

Kintaro nodded, finishing the cup of tea; as he sat back on his coil. Resting his belly against his scaly body; he rubbed the top curve and sighed a bit. {Papa will be back soon enough, little one. Everything will be okay, Mama's here...you are safe.}

Kryssie nodded and put the glasses of milk down. Rocky ended up taking once, kid was thirsy after everything. Azure and Seline were still whining and mewing sadly from their spot, but Happy was on it and gently took the twins over too, not wanting to keep them out of the loop of things.

The moment Kryssie heard her cousin shriek in the bathroom, she ran over there quick, only to see her brothers fully awake and her younger cousin soaking wet. "Let me guess...you got spooked in seeing those two there...right? All of you okay?"

She grabbed some towels from a nearby closet and threw one at Junior before using her magic to grab any water that was on the floor.

Happy held Rocky for the moment while he drank the milk his cousin left behind. He seemed to like it as he ended up chugging down the rest of the glass.

Napsta finished the phone call and looked to Paps, his expression didn't change, "Yeah...something kinda did...Sans is okay. They got him stable...whatever ya did seemed to help him out big time...but...all the stress made Marrie go into labor early...it's not looking good...for the baby I mean...I wasn't told what just yet since the kid's still being delivered. Darren said he'd call me back and tell me what's going on...if we wanna see them, we better go now."

Zhara stayed with Kintaro a little longer, not feeling right with leaving the naga alone. Max and Nikki would peer into the room, only to shrink back when they've been spotted. "It's okay...come on over you two...come here..." Zhara gently coaxed them with open arms.

The twins looked at each other for a moment before slowly heading over to their mom and hugging her tight, everything was still a pretty big shock to them. "Is...Uncle Sans gunna be okay, ma...?" Nikki decided to ask as Max hid his face in his mom's hold.

"I'm sure he will be...your father's got the hospital calling him for any changes...he's very strong...it'll be fine..."

Junior nodded, and started to wipe himself off. "Thanks..."

Jamie and Johnny sighed, settling back into the bathtub. "Yeah, we're fine, Kryssie..." They both responded.

Wingdin just settled back against the recliner, holding both Ebrima and Arial, and she shook her head worriedly. "I just hope things are going well..."

Paps listened, starting to smile as he heard about his little brother. When he heard about Marrie going into labor early however, his face paled. "...oh god...god no, no..."

Cupcake instantly held his oldest son close to him, rubbing his back. "Everything should be alright, Papyrus...and Napstaton is right; we should go to see them all." He stood up, smoothing his gloves on his night shorts, looking to his robotic 'son'. "I don't think Papyrus is in any state for shortcutting, Napstaton, we should drive there, for safety."

Kintaro smiled softly, nodding along to what Zhara said. "And we must be strong as well. To help those who are close to us, we must try to keep our hope up, to help them to recover, and keep a strong head. Keeping a strong head, a clear soul, and a sound mind; is the best in all situations, children. It's okay to be scared, to be fearful; but try to not let that overcome you. It is something that I remind myself of, everyday."

In the hospital Sans laid in the bed, after his exploratory surgery to examine how his soul was doing. He groaned softly, and tried to sit up again, looking around the room. "...Marrie...where's my wife...MARRIE! MARRIE!"

Kryssie nodded and cleaned up, getting the excess water back in the tub and her brothers hydrated. Her own phone would go off. She checked it in confusion, "Huh...? Mom...? But she called like an hour ago..we already said good night..."

She answered the call with a confused face, "Mom..? Everything okay? You already sa-...yes...we're fine...yeah...they're all here...I'll help Grandma take care of them but what's going o-...oh...okay. Oh...oh..." Her face fell as she went from confusion to worry. "...Yeah...okay...call me when you get more news...love you too...i'll tell them that too...okay...bye..."

She looked over at her cousin and brothers with a darkened look, "...Mom's going to the hospital...something's wrong with Aunt Marrie..."

"Yeah...come on. We'll take my car. Just meet me outside, I'm gunna talk to Zhara real quick." Napstaton headed off to go find his wife. She needed to at least know he was heading out.

Both of the twins looked at him and nodded lightly, unsure of what else to do. Zhara gently gave them a kiss on the head each and wrapped her wings around them like a blanket as she hummed a soft tune to get them to relax. Seemed to work slightly until Napstaton had came in the door. "Babe?"

"Hey, sugar wings. Kintaro. Kiddos. Listen...Imma drive Dad and Paps to the hospital to see Sans. He's doing better but something else came up. I'll be back later, I promise." Napstaton gave his kids a kiss on the heads before giving a passionate one to Zhara, "I'll be back...I promise."

A nurse would end up hearing Sans yelling, running over to try and get him to stop. Darren was following soon after, "Sans! Sans! Hang on! Please! Hold on! It's alright!"

Jamie and Johnny had sat back down in the water, and sighed. "Aunt Marrie is hurt?" Jamie murmured.

Johnny frowned a bit. "She isn't having the baby already is she?"

Junior's eyelights went out and he sighed softly. "No...no Mama..."

Papyrus and Cupcake made their way down to the garage, knowing most likely they'll head out in Napstaton's personal car, rather than a limo for speed. Paps was pacing in the garage, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he puffed away on it worriedly.

Kintaro nodded softly, and sighed. "I think I might go...and lay down for a bit. I am...trying to stay calm. Please, Napstaton; be careful okay?"

Sans was breathing raggedly, nearly hyperventilating; until he saw Darren. "Where...where is Marrie?! Why...does everything hurt, where am I?"

"Maybe...Mom just said something was wrong with Aunt Marrie after Uncle Darren called her. She's rushing down to find her now..." Kryssie sighed and looked to Junior, "Least she'll be okay...she's getting looked at...hopefully things turn out okay..."

Napstaton nodded at Kintaro before rushing off to the garage to get his personal car. Didn't take him long to reach the place and get in his convertible. "Get in dudes! Let's go!"

"We'll leave you be then...call if you need anything, Kintaro..." Zhara left with the kids so he could rest. Most likely going to the living room to try and relax.

"Just take it slow, Sans...You're at the hospital recovering from a soul attack. Marrie got so scared for you that she went into labor early. Vera's with her right now...she just texted me right now saying she's here..." Darren tried to speak calmly with him, not wanting to trigger another attack as a nurse checked on his vitals.

Junior sunk down to the floor, and he hugged his knees worried for his Mama. "...Alright..."

"Of course, Zhara. Thank you so much for everything..." Kintaro slithered into the bed, and laid onto his side, trying to go to sleep for awhile.

Sans tried to get out of the bed again, upon hearing that Marrie had gone into labor early. "No...no, no, no...my d-dearest, our baby...no..." His soul rate started jumping rapidly, and he groaned softly, laying back in the bed worriedly, suddenly loosing his energy to even move as he let out a quiet pained growl.

"D-Darren...please...please...I...I can't believe that...I..I did this to her..." Large blue tears started streaming down his cheeks, barely able to move as he gasped for breath; his pulse and soul beat racing rapidly.

Kryssie sat by and gave him a hug, "It'll be okay...it'll be okay..."

"It wasn't your fault...you didn't mean for this to happen..just relax...she'lll be okay." Darren tried to be there for him as much as he could. The nurse meanwhile was adding something to his meds in hopes of calming him back down.

Didn't take long for Napstaton to get to the hospital. He pulled up to the front and let Pap and Cupcake out before driving off to get a parking.

Junior snuggled against Kryssie, and let out a scared growl/meow. "I'm j-just scared for Mama and Papa..."

Sans laid back down on the bed, and the medicine started to work finally; and he laid against the pillow, gasping softly. "A-Are you sure...t-that she's going to be okay...o-our baby...I...I'm scared..."

Pap went into the hospital with Cupcake, and they found out that Marrie was in the maternity area, specifically in delivery; and that Sans was on the 3rd level, where the cardiac floor was. Deciding to go see Sans and Marrie; Pap went to the third floor to see Sans, and Cupcake went to delivery to check up on Marrie.

Cupcake went to the delivery area, and spoke with the nurse at the front desk. "Hello, I need to see Marrie Aster, please? If she's available..."

Pap had gone to the cardiac help desk, and found out his brother's room; where he went to check up on him.

"I know...I know...maybe my mom will call back and we can figure something out..." Kryssie sighed and hugged hin gently.

Darren nodded, "She'll be fine...just give her some time...please...everything will turn out okay...Just rest of now..I'll check on her soon..."

The nurse at the Maternity ward, "Oh? Well, she's currently in delivery right now. I'm afraid I'm only allowed one person at a time. Just wait one..." The nurse stopped as another nurse came in and whispered something to her. "Ah...I see...Well...I suppose I can make an exception. Please..follow my colleage..."

The other nurse, a mouse nurse, led Cupcake down to the delivery room where Marrie was.

Marrie was currently in the delivery room, struggling to have the baby. She started crying and panting as she kept trying. Vera was doing her best to keep her calm enough, "It's okay...just breathe...it's okay. Don't worry...you're amost there...you're amost there...it's okay..."

"I W-W-WANT SANSYYYYY!" Marrie yelled as a doctor tried to help her.

Cupcake nodded, following the nurse back. He felt very underdressed just then, only in his dark brown night shorts, which only reached mid-thigh, and his old Snowdin Moles soccer shirt which had some holes by then. He was thankful when he'd gotten up, he'd slipped on some house slippers, else he'd have been shoeless as well.

Having gotten into the delivery room, he looked around and scowled. "Get away from my daughter! She's struggling, don't you see that, you blithering idiot!"

He shoved the doctor out of the way, and came over to Marrie, inspecting. "It's too early to push, you're not fully dilated, Marrie. Try to take a few breaths, calm down..."

Looking to the nurse, he pointed to Marrie. "Has she been given birth retardants, to slow the process? Or did you give her pitocin, that would speed it up?"

"Woah woah woah! Hang on, old man! Chill out!" Vera rushed over to stop Cupcake before things got more out of hand, "That doc is a fucking med student! He never said for her to start pushing! He's just been checking her like you just did! They haven't given Marrie anything yet. Only some meds to turn down the pain. She's just really scared. I'm trying to get her to calm down. Look...just help me out here!"

Marrie whimpered and kept crying out, once she saw Cupcake, she seemed to only cry more, "P-Papa...P-Papa it's t-terrible...it h-hurts...and...I w-want to be with S-Sans...m-make it stop..."

"Easy sis...easy...take it easy...meds will kick in a sec..just...calm down..." Vera headed right back and tried petting her head, "Sans is okay...just take it easy...take it slow...you're almost there for this..alright..."

"She keeps this up, we may have to do a C-section to deliver the baby..." The nurse sighed as she picked up the med student doctor from the floor after the sudden shove from Cupcake.

Cupcake immediately blushed and sighed, coming over to Marrie's side, holding her hand. "I know it hurts Marrie, I know...Sans is being taken care of, he's in good hands. If I know him, he wanted to be with you..."

"Vera's right, the medicine will kick in soon enough. Just try to calm yourself dear..." He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead, not caring that she was sweaty. "... It'll be okay soon enough..."

Glancing to the med student, he nervously smiled. "I'm terribly sorry, there..."

The human med student didn't say anything but he was ushered out by the nurse.

Marrie whimpered and cried, leaning on her sister as she tried calming down. After a few minutes, she seemed to relax just a little as the pain medication kicked in.

"There we go, Mar...just take it easy...there ya go...It's okay..." Vera kept petting her head to help her out. Marrie was still whimpering and worried for her husband.

Meanwhile Napstaton did manage to find Sans's room a little after. Darren was with the skelegator, making sure he still kept calm. Calm enough as Napstaton ended up getting into the room.

"Sans! Dude? You okay?" Napstaton came into the room semi-quietly, off character for him but it was for the best.

Cupcake gently rubbed her hand and smiled. "You'll be alright, Marrie. Papyrus has gone off to check out Sans and see how he's doing...everything will be okay."

Sans looked to Napstaton, his working eyelight weak, but he managed a slight smile. "...I think so...Darren says that...that Marrie is having our child early...a-and I had a soul attack...guess I'm not a-as strong as I used to be...I'm 33 yet I'm talking like I'm 66..."

Marrie let out a sad whimper and nod before trying to relax against her sister. She wasn't feeling so great.

Napstaton headed in with a small smile, "Yeah...that's the long short of it, dude. And you're only as old as ya feel. It's not all bad. Least you're taken care of and doing alright. Right?" He did seem a lot more relieved that Sans did look a lot better.

"I'm surprised Papyrus isn't here with you..." Darren chuckled slightly.

That seemed to cause Napstaton's smile to disappear, "Huh? That's weird...I dropped him off along with Cupcake first. I came in last cause I had to find parking...If he's not here...where is he...?"

Sans laid against the pillows and sighed, rubbing over the bandages where he'd had the emergency surgery originally. "Y-Yeah...wait, brother came with you? Why isn't he here then?

Papyrus meanwhile had managed to get lost in the hospital, having tried to find his brother's room and he was standing at the waiting room near the humans Cath Lab, and he pulled out his phone, texting Napstaton. [so, i'm at this placed called a cath lab, uh, not sure where you all are, or where sans is, they won't tell me a damn room number. and my hearing aid batteries have died as well, so that's fun...where's sans' room, napsta?]

"I dunno. Better find him I guess." Napstaton shrugged. Hearing his phone go off, he pulled it up and chuckled, "Ah...well...I found him. He's stuck in the...Cath lab...?

"I know where that is. I'll go get him." Darren patted Sans's shoulder, "I'll be back. Do try and relax. Maybe I can stop by the Maternity Ward and check on my sister.."

"Sounds like a plan dude! I'll let Paps know!" Napstaton gave Darren a thumbs up as he left. He took the cat's old spot near Sans and texted Papyrus. [Darren knows where ya went, dude! He's going go getcha right now! Just hang tight!]

Sans smiled softly, and nodded weakly. "Thank you, Darren."

As Napstaton had come over to his side, he looked up at him, and sighed. "I...I'm sorry this night went so horribly...we weren't going to come originally...b-but the children wanted...to come so badly..."

Paps settled down in a chair, and sighed, as he couldn't get anyone to interpret for him in ASL, despite even picking up their sign saying they could do it. The nurse just shook their head confusedly.

"It's all good, dude. Don't worry about it. Honestly? I'm still glad ya came. Besides, the night ain't that bad. We could always do things over again. No big deal.' Napstaton assured with a smile, "Least you're looking good now. Nothing's too bad for ya."

Darren would take only a bit to traverse the hospital. He'd been working around and volunteering to help his baby sister around the area to help where he could so navigating around was easy for him. Wouldn't be too long until he found Papyrus.

"Ah! Papyrus! There you are!" He rushed out to try and get his attention.

Sans' smile widened, hearing that from Napstaton. He managed a soft laugh, and he reached over to hug the robot's arm weakly. "Oh, thank you...I j-just couldn't believe it, it happened right in front of my daughters...and Marrie...I'm...so worried about her..."

The nurse had given him a second dose of the calming medicine, and Sans started to really feel groggy by then, as his smile grew even wider. He looked towards Napstaton and patted his hand. "Can you promise me something...i-if I don't...don't make it...t-take care of my dearest M-M-Marrie..."

Paps had been sitting in one of the chairs in the waiting area for the Cath Lab, and he sighed, his tail twitching slightly. Despite Darren calling for him, he'd simply taken his hearing aids out as they'd both died suddenly. After more than ten years of use they'd finally stopped working, and Happy had his new backups in their inventory for some reason. So he couldn't hear the man at all.

Napstaton managed to hug him back. Hearing Sans talk like that, he pulled back a bit, "Woah! Chill! Easy dude! You'll be good! Don't worry about it! You'll make it. You're a strong dude! But uh...I think after this...ya may want to get back to seeing an ACTUAL doctor, broski. Let's try not getting a repeat of this, huh?"

He tried managing a laugh, thing like that were...awkward for him. Especially since ghosts had a harder time "dying" unless they were coporeal. They didn't exactly age like normal monsters did since they would wear and tear depending on what they possessed. Since Napsta got routine upgrades and repairs, he couldn't really wear down, so he's been pretty much the same the past decade. Minus some facial changes and maybe a few inches taller to sell himself more as a mature bouncy guy instead of the bouncy and party guy he was. Had to sell himself somehow.

"Look...if it really means that much...I'll do my best for 'em. But...like...don't talk like that. You're gunna be good. Get some rest, bro. Ya need it."

Darren got to Papyrus's side and tapped his shoulder, "Papyrus? I'm here. Ready to go?"

Sans nodded softly and he sighed. "Thank you, I know I'll get past this...I just...wanted to make sure they're...taken care of..." He smiled softly, and nodded. Within a few moments, his sockets closed and his soul rate finally calmed down enough that he'd started to fall asleep due to the medicines they'd given him.

Paps felt the tap on his shoulder, and he turned to Darren, and grinned lazily. His voice was slightly louder than normal as he spoke. "hi, darren! i...my hearing aids finally died, i can't hear anything! are you here to bring me back to my brother?"

Napstaton smiled a bit and let him rest. That smile would die down a bit as he looked at his phone's lockscreen. It was a picture of him and Zhara on their wedding day back in the Underground. Unlocking the phone to his homescreen was a picture of Zhara and his twins, laughing and smiling. He closed and opened the phone for a while, looking at the differences in his wife from the two photos. He loved her all the same...but the fact there were differences showing...and he looked exactly the same...it shook him to his core...and he wasn't sure what to do...

Darren was a bit taken back with Pap's increase in volume but nodded all the same. He just decided to sign out to him instead, hoping that was a better option, Yes, I am. Napstaton told me you were lost...so..here I am...maybe we should stop by the pharmacy to see if they have any batteries for your hearing aids first...Sans should be asleep by now...

Sans was soon snoring in the bed, due to the double dose of 'calming medications' he'd been given by the nurse. He looked peaceful at least, while he slept; his soul rate evening out and calming for once since he'd been there.

Paps watched Darren's hands, and smiled softly. that would be best, it was a bit of a surprise when they died. i tried to change the batteries, but it still doesn't work. i have a prescription though i can just pick up here however, they wouldn't deny a functionally deaf man hearing aids, i'm sure.

I'm sure they won't. Come, I'll lead you. Darren led Papyrus back to the front entrance where he knew the pharmacy was to get his batteries. He figured it shouldn't take long. Luckily the place was open 24/7.

Back with Marrie, she seemed to have calmed down , the meds had finally kicked in and the nurses kept coming in to check up on her. So far, no changes at all to Marrie's dilation but the baby's vitals were looking a bit stressed out.

"Damn...how long we got left?" Vera looked over at the nurse checking on her sister.

"She's at 8 centimeters right now. Has been since she's gotten here. If we don't see her open up another inch in the next hour and the baby is getting more stressed out...I'm afraid we will need to operate." The nurse sighed as she finished writing things down.

Marrie was rubbing her belly to help quell the little one inside, not wanting for more stress to get at them. It was getting hard on them both. "...I...I don't want to lose the baby...I...I can't...I can't do that...I...I c-c-can't..."

Papyrus got his hearing aids changed out for the new working ones with fresh batteries; and he sighed; smiling as he could hear again. "that's...a lot better. i've had these ones for nearly four years now. i've always had to get new ones about every two years, but i guess is just never bothered too...let's go see my baby bro..."

Cupcake sighed, rubbing Marrie's shoulder worriedly. "You won't lose your baby, there are plenty of things in place that will prevent that from happening, Marrie...I will not allow it either..."

"Not uncharacteristic of you, Papyrus. Even so, best we do get you to your brother." Darren led the way easily back to Sans's room.

There, Napstaton was texting Zhara, while Sans still slept. He was feeling a bit lonely and bored, usually his wife could help him feel better but something felt off. [Kids okay...? How's Kintaro? You and the baby handling alright...?]

[We're fine. Kids fell asleep already though, I'm still in their room since they've been having nightmares. Poor babies are worried for Sans...they didn't do well seeing that but..they'll be okay. Kintaro fell asleep a while ago. He's been quiet. Baby and I are okay. I don't feel any kicks so he's asleep. I might head to bed soon too...I miss you...]

[Miss you too, babe...Love you a lot...you...know that right? I'll try and get home little later...get some sleep.]

[Try to. You stay safe. Call me if anything happens. Love you too, music man. the ring around my finger and our kids are always a reminder of that...goodnight.]

Marrie kept rubbing her belly, "...I..just don't get it...why is this happening now...? Why is the baby acting like this...? It...just...it...it doesn't...feel...right..." She started to look a bit pale all of a sudden.

Paps chuckled softly, and slipped his hands into his pockets of his slacks, following Darren back to his baby bro's room.

Cupcake saw how pale she'd gotten and he worried a bit more. "Oh dear, perhaps what the nurse spoke of, will need to be done, Vera..."

On the other side of town, Bitter found she was having terrible trouble sleeping. Because her grandchildren couldn't stay asleep it seemed.

Floating down the hallway, she wrenched open the door, scowling as she gazed around the room. "You little shits bettah be asleep. We was gonna go out tomorrow but I swear ta gawd youse ain't sleeping, we ain't goin out tomorrow. And if you wake up G'pa, he's gonna ring your fuckin necks. Go to sleep, I love you!"

She started to close the door, shaking her head to herself. "Fuckin flyin dipshits, they need'ta sleep to do good..."

Vera didn't like the sight of how her sister was looking, or the vitals that showed on the screen. "I'll go grab 'em. Stay here." With that, she ran off to get help. Her sister and the baby needed it.

With Bitter's home, Shade's and Nast's kids were with Edge and Bitter for the next night or so as the two had gone off back to Fell to help out Verri with some royal work. The twins were laughing loudly at some online videos they were watching and teasing the heck out of each other. They only stopped when they saw Bitter come in and yell at them. They both let out a groan and decided to go to bed...after oooone more video.

In the other spare bedroom was Tyra, who had her reading light on and some headphones playing light music to distract herself as she read a book. Sixteen years old and she hadn't changed much personality wise except she was more mature, easy to talk with, and could kick someone's ass if needed be since she had fencing and self defense lessons from her family and outside classes. She didn't wear a bow in her hair anymore but the ribbon she had would either be wrapped around her neck like a choker necklace or around her arm.

She did notice her grandmami out in her peripherals, "...They acting up again, Grandmami...?"

Cupcake gently ran his gloved fingers through Marrie's hair, helping to keep her calm a bit. "You'll get the help you need, dear...Papa's right here...I won't leave your side, love."

Bitter heard Tyra from the opened door of her bedroom, and she sighed. "Yeah, M an' N are still up. It's nearly 11 pm! And they're laughing so damn loud too...gonna wake up Edge if they don't watch out."

She hovered just an inch from the floor, wearing her usual pitch black nightgown with red accents. Despite most ghosts, her body showed the passage of time just as much as it did for her husband, though perhaps not at the same rate. The only thing she could figure was that it showed her as she felt in her age. Looking to her granddaughter, she smiled a bit however.

"So how are you doing, Puddin? I know it's been kinda boring lately around here..." Bitter commented softly, rub bing the back of her head.

Down the hallway, came the sound of heavy footsteps, followed alongside the thud of a cane. It was the old man himself, Dr. Wing Ding Gaster, originally from Underfell. In the past ten years, life had not exactly been that kind to him, but neither was he. He still had his robotic limbs, and long since they had come out from the Underground, he'd been able to get his skull repaired, though his dual-colored eyelights were dim with his advanced age.

He nearly walked right through his ghostly wife, and went to the twins bedroom; opening the door. Taking a couple steps in the room, he leaned down between his grandchildren's' heads, letting out an almost sinister chuckle. "What'cha watchin, kids?"

Marrie nodded weakly, her and the baby's vitals were starting to look much more errtatic as stress got to them both. A monster doctor had came into the room and checked on Marrie before putting in a call. Soon Marrie was getting strapped up to a gas mask and prepared for emergency surgery. Vera had come back but seeing what was going on, she had to leave for a minute to collect herself.

Tyra watched her ghostly grandparent come in, letting out a tiny squeak at her touch. "Fine, G'ma. Just unable to sleep for now. Decided to try and read for a little until I could. I'll take the boring, it's not so bad."

Her ears perked up at the sound of those heavy footsteps, she knew her G'pa was up and her siblings were going to get their asses handed to them.

The twins snickered at their video before freezing at hearing their grandfather come in. "Uhh...memes?" M answered nervously as N just nodded with a scared smile. "We were...just going to go to bed...now..s-sorry..." both of them were more scared of Edge than they were Bitter.

Cupcake continued to stay by Marrie's side, watching as she was taken care of by the monster doctor that had come in.

Bitter giggled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Tyra's temple. "A'right Puddin. You just rest. I'm making pancakes in tha mornin, and we're goin ta town, yer Ma wanted me to get youse brats some new shoes while you was wit us. Oh! And Ebby, along wit Rocky are comin ova for the weekend, if ya still here."

She left the room, and hovered over to the twins bedroom; a pointed grin across her face as she watched Edge.

Edge nodded, taking their phone from them with his natural hand. "Youse two...it's past 11. I'm keepin' this, till ya wake up. Now we're gettin up at 7 in the mornin, no bullshit from youse, got it!"

He watched with a careful expression as they got under the covers, and he leaned over giving them each a gentle kiss on their foreheads. Then after he'd tucked their phone into his inventory, he grabbed M by his pajama shirt gently. "Now I love you both, but if I hear either one of you up again tonight?"

He let go of M's shirt, then grabbed N by her's. "I will personally come and turn ya doorknob around, and lock youse in here. Got it?"

"Alright. Not sure if we will. I haven't heard from mama just yet. But we'll see. Might stop by anyway just to see." Tyra let out a small yawn, "I'll try and rest...no promises..."

The twins were ready to complain but didn't out of fear as they got into the covers. Even with the gentleness of it, M was still shaking in fear. N let out a tiny snicker before she ended up getting grabbed too.

Both just gave a shaky nod after Edge gave his threat. M just sank into his bed and tried to hide. "W-We'll try..." N tried to answer with whatever bravery she had.

Bitter chuckled softly, and nodded as she listened to Tyra. "Ah, well you're nearly an adult, you're 16 and you are actually a good grandkid."

Edge looked at them both, and huffed softly as he turned to leave the room; closing the door sharply behind him. Heading across the hallway, as Bitter moved out of the way, he looked into Tyra's bedroom, and smiled. "Night, Puddin. Love ya."

He soon went plodding back down the hallway, a bit shaky on his feet like he had been the past few years; and Bitter smiled watching him. After a moment, she followed behind Edge, as they went to bed as well.

"Thanks...Good night to you too...Night G'pa..." Tyra sighed and headed off to check on her siblings.

"I told you to turn it down...G'ma had warned you. Now look what happened..." She sighed and leaned against the doorway.

"Not our fault!" "We can't sleep like you!" M complained first with N following. Both seemed upset, "It's not fair! You're up and you don't get in trouble!"

"That's because I stay quiet when I'm up. You two make as much noise as possible no matter the time." She sighed and headed over, "Lay in bed. I have an idea."

Both of her siblings looked confused before doing so. Tyra would sit on the edge of their bed and pulled out a book of poems. Both felt they were too old for it but they didn't really voice it as their older sister already started reading out of it. After about a couple, the two started nodding off and soon, fell asleep.

Tyra picked up her book and turned off the lights to their room before going back to hers. She was going to try and sleep again, hoping she'd get some kind of peace in her sleep.

Soon daylight came and with it Bitter was up and early in the kitchen. As she had grown accustomed to in her 'older years' she had a thin ghostly cigarette hanging from the corner of her mouth as she made pancakes at the stove. They were chocolate chip filled and topped with bananas. Despite her slight tremble in her gloved hands, like most Caddys she made excellent tasting food when given the chance...it just looked horrible.

Edge got up as well, getting dressed for the day. After slipping on his old favorite boots, and his black pants along with a red shirt; he stopped in the kitchen watching Bitter as she cooked. Wearing a nice simple dark blue dress, with black accents, she hovered a few inches from the floor while she hummed and cooked. As she flipped another pancake, it could be seen she was focusing on not letting her hands shake too much as she continued with making breakfast.

Before he had the chance to say anything however, his phone started to ring. It was Paps, texting him. As he read the text message, he felt like his old soul had dropped into his fat gut. The message was nearly 10 hours old by then, as he turned his phone off at night, and so did Bitter. In fact, Bitter hadn't even turned hers back on yet.

"Bitter...I'm getting the kids up, we're dropping 'em at Reds or somethin', Sans is in the hospital, he had a soul attack. And Marrie had the baby early...it ain't lookin' good..." Edge stated, as he went to the twins bedroom, knocking stiffly on their door; then on Tyra's.

The twins groaned tiredly as they got up, "What we do now...?" "What time is it...?"

Tyra was already up so when Edge knocked, she opened the door. "Morning. I heard. You and G'ma can go. I'll get them shuffled out and over to Uncle Red's."

Back at the hospital, Vera had fallen asleep on a nearby chair by her still knocked out sister. Didn't look like she slept much after her sister's emergency surgery. They took the baby after it was born and hadn't come back for a few hours. She had gotten the news about the kid and was waiting and watching over her little sister, hoping she would wake up soon.

She wasn't looking forward to telling her that her new baby was like his father...born with only 1 HP...and barely clinging onto life as he was being cared for in the NICU.

Edge nodded, and he gave her a sweet smile. "Thanks, kiddo. I'll text ya with more info, a'right? Oh, and G'ma made uhh...most of breakfast, if ya wanna finish up cooking it."

Bitter floated over to Edge, and they then made their way out the door to Edge's three-wheeled motorcycle; and went roaring off towards the hospital. That left the kids to their own devices, and what was left of breakfast, having only been two-thirds of the way cooked.

Paps was standing in the NICU, not having slept at all that night. He watched as the little infant laid in their oxygenated tent, and his tail hung limply. He couldn't help how he just stood there, his forehead lightly against the glass.

He felt like he did 33 years ago. Just 9 years old, staring through similar glass, only the lights were much more dim, and it was his brother, but now it was his brother's child and they were on the surface.

Even when all their wildest dreams had come true, getting and finding their true loves, having gotten to the surface; and having families of their own...life can still twist in the strangest of ways.

Tyra waved goodbye before going to finish cooking breakfast. Wasn't the first time she was left by herself with her siblings, and it wouldn't be the last. She just hoped things were good for the rest of her family.

Darren had headed over to Papyrus with a couple cups of coffee. He didn't look like he slept much either but he didn't seem to mind too much. Long as the family was okay. "Hello Papyrus...any news on our new nephew...?"

Darren ended up leaving Sans with Napstaton. The robot himself was currently powered down and charging at Sans's bedside. So least Sans wasn't alone.

"Hard to believe everything that's happened..." Darren picked up a cup for himself and sipped on it, needed the energy.

Paps shook his head slightly, accepting the cup of coffee. Taking a sip from it, he sighed tiredly. "no... nothing yet. just uh, been watching him... junior will be happy...at least."

He tried to laugh softly, but it just seemed to get caught in his throat. Taking another sip of the coffee, he just stared at the baby as he laid in the little bed.

"yanno the nurses nicknamed him 'bb. aster' for 'baby boy aster'? it's actually kinda cute..." Paps murmured. "...just like before, i feel like this is my fault...i always argue with my bro, i nitpick and...i'm just like father was...least i don't fuckin punch and claw my spouse, so i guess i've got that goin for me, huh?"

Sans was still sleeping, bandaged around his chest, but doing a lot better. It seemed that he would end up coming home around the same time as Marrie would.

Edge and Bitter had honestly broken the speed limit the entire way to the hospital, and they had pulled up and made their way to see the new baby first as Sans was sleeping.

"Yes...indeed..." Darren took a few sips of his as he listened to Papyrus.

"You shouldn't say that. You are ten times the better man your father was. Siblings nitpick and fight...that's just how we are...but most of the nitpicking you do is one of love. You care enough to push for that. Angel knows how many fights my sisters and I put ourselves under... be children or here in our adult ages. That's...just how siblings are. I'm sure you've seen it in your own children too...but this...?"

He took another sip to recollect his thoughts as he looked at the sleeping, wired covered baby in the room through the glass, "...No one could have predicted this...no one would ask for it...it just happened...no one's fault but just of circumstance...how could we say it's our fault...how could we know it would lead to this...? How could we make something better if none of us could see it coming...?"

Meanwhile with Napstaton, he started to wake up after his battery fully charged up. He looked over to Sans and smiled, glad he was looking alright

Paps started sobbing quietly, as he wrapped his arms around Darren. "thanks...thank you so much..."

Edge came inside, slightly wobbly on his feet like he'd been for nearly five years, and a couple of nurses started to come over to him, worried.

"Sir? Are you okay? Do you need any assistance?" The poodle monster nurse in the maternity ward asked him.

"Don't need no assistance, I'm looking fer my daughter-in-law, Marrie!" Edge mumbled loudly. He'd had a bad habit of his denture sliding while he spoke, which caused his language to be hard to understand through his slim and old translator collar.

Darren hugged back, his arm rubbed his back lightly, "Anytime. Sans has gotten through a lot over the past few years, but he has gotten through. I'm sure he and his newest son can handle themselves. Not as if they do not have a whole family to help look after them." he managed a small smile, doing his best to hold onto hope.

A clam girl monster nurse had made out what he said somewhat, "Oh...Marriane Aster? That who you're looking for? Yes, she's here. let me lead you. She's just down the hall. Just do keep your voice down, she's still in recovery..." The nurse led him over to her room.

Marrie began to slowly wake up, still groggy and feeling some pain. The hiss she made when she tried getting into a better position got her sister to wake up and yawn, "Huh? Oh shit! Hey! Sis! How ya feeling?"

"Like I was run over by three trains...back to back...I'm feeling really tired and dizzy..." Marrie held her head hoping it would help calm the dizziness.

Vera ended up taking a remote on her bedside which seemed to activate the meds her sister needed to feel better from her IV tube, "Nurses said to press this whenever you felt pain. Should kick in in a sec. And I don't blame ya...ya had a rough night last night. But hey...ya pulled through. You're okay."

A very elderly slender skeleton was occasionally glancing over to Papyrus and Darren, a curious look about his face. His permagrin brightened a bit, as he came over closer. "Papyrus? Is that you? I've not seen you since we came here to the surface... actually I'd say probably about five years before then. Stubborn little pischer."

Paps had rubbed his face a little, trying to compose himself. Noticing the older skeleton, his eyes narrowed. "who...mr. greenburg? where's your husband at? i'm kinda surprised that marrie didn't have him helping her... he's always been the family doc..."

Eddie sighed, his permagrin turning downwards. "Oh, don't worry about that... I'm just here to check up on one of my grandchildren...they were born about a week ago."

He pointed to a skeletal puli dog monster who was incredibly tiny, even worse off than B.B. "Raizy Steiner...my daughter Belladonna's little girl...she... she's almost all I have left..."

Papyrus went over and wrapped his arms around Edmund's shoulders. "i'm sorry to hear that... would you maybe like to see if marrie or sans are up to having company? she'd probably like to say hello...and at least it's something to talk about...other than the futility of not knowing how your own child is doing..."

Edge nodded as he was brought down the hallway to Marrie's room, and he smiled seeing that she was awake. "Marrie...oh I was so damn worried..."

"Sorry to hear that sir. I wish her the best..." Darren saw the tiny girl and already started thinking of a few things that might be wrong. But, he wouldn't assume, especially with someone who was hurting and a friend of Papyrus's. "I do think my sister would enjoy the company. Sans as well if he's awake."

Marrie gave a tired smile as Edge and Bitter came over, "It's okay...you're here now...better late than never, I think."

"Yeah, you at least got sleep." Vera chuckled tiredly, the dark circles in her eyes were the proof that she had little sleep at all, "Angel above...I could use some coffee..."

Kryssie had ended up staying with her cousins, Auncle, and grandmother. She didn't want to just leave them all behind. For now, she was helping carry Azure and Seline in her arms. The twins were still pretty tired so they were relatively quiet as they napped.

"it is still kinda early...you think they're all up by now?" Eb didn't want to just barge in, especially if the two were healing.

"The nursery would be nearby the Maternity ward...but...I think Ebby does have a point...let's as a nurse to see if either of them are awake first. From there, we can make a decision..." Happy figured as much. This was still a hospital. Didn't want to crowd it too badly.

Bitter came over and gently held Marrie's hand. "I'm real sorry we didn't come sooner, we turn our phones off some nights..."

Wingdin and Happy had brought the kids over to the hospital, and they were making their way through the areas, surprisingly being very quiet and kind for just two adults, a parent and a grandmother, both of who barely had slept.

"Come on, let's try finding somewheres, children..." Wingdin muttered, rubbing her hand over her skull.

Arial looked at some of the signs, and pointed at one of them. "Maternity...would that be where Mama is?"

Junior frowned a little. "Wait wait...we want the nursery don't we?"

Jen pushed Junior a bit, scowling. "I wanna see Papa, let's go to the heart floor!"

"Sorry to hear that sir. I wish her the best..." Darren saw the tiny girl and already started thinking of a few things that might be wrong. But, he wouldn't assume, especially with someone who was hurting and a friend of Papyrus's. "I do think my sister would enjoy the company. Sans as well if he's awake."

Marrie gave a tired smile as Edge and Bitter came over, "It's okay...you're here now...better late than never, I think."

"Yeah, you at least got sleep." Vera chuckled tiredly, the dark circles in her eyes were the proof that she had little sleep at all, "Angel above...I could use some coffee..."

Kryssie had ended up staying with her cousins, Auncle, and grandmother. She didn't want to just leave them all behind. For now, she was helping carry Azure and Seline in her arms. The twins were still pretty tired so they were relatively quiet as they napped.

"it is still kinda early...you think they're all up by now?" Eb didn't want to just barge in, especially if the two were healing.

"The nursery would be nearby the Maternity ward...but...I think Ebby does have a point...let's as a nurse to see if either of them are awake first. From there, we can make a decision..." Happy figured as much. This was still a hospital. Didn't want to crowd it too badly.

"Oh thank you dear... It would be so nice to see her again." Eddie smoothed out his jacket a little, as he grasped his four-footed cane. "So Darren, how are you doing so far in life?"

He followed beside them both at they headed to Marrie's room.

Edge nodded a bit, and sighed. "I told ya Bitts, we can't be turning our phones off every night..."

Bitter came over to Vera and and grinned. "Come on, V. Let's go get you some then! And I've got a little pick-me-up I put into my morning coffee, and it'll change your damn life, babygirl. Come follow Mami. I'll get ya set up."

Wingdin meanwhile went to go find a nurse to get some answers and see who was up.

Arial sniffled a bit, while she hugged her sibling and brother whenever she had the chance.

However, across town it was rather intriguing. It wasn't even 8 am and somebody was knocking on the door.

Red shuffled to the door, and blinked a bit, as he immediately was on irritated and worried side of things.

He got them inside and was already quietly whining softly. "so why did ma and papi drop ya off here?"

"Oh. Just fine. My husband and I are expecting. We just finished setting the baby's room up and we have a meeting to...see...our...GAH! THE APPOINTMENT! THAT'S TODAY!" Darren got into a panic, "Ah! Excuse me! I need to find Napstaton and get back to his home! I need to get ready and get going! Else we'll be late!" With that, the cat monster ran off to find him, hoping he still had time.

Marrie smiled a bit, "Go on, Vera. I'll be okay. Maybe you can...see if they'll let me hold my baby now? I'd love to see them...I passed out before they could tell me anything."

Vera kept an uneasy smile, "Y-Yeah. Let me ask. Just..uh..give me a sec. Alright? We'll try and snag you something to eat too." She went along with Bitter, hoping that was enough time to buy to figure out how to tell her.

Kryssie noticed Arial and managed a smile, "Hey...it's okay. We're here to see them. I'm sure they're doing okay..."

Happy had went with Wingdin, just in case. Which left Kryssie in charge of all the kids. A cloud elemental nurse was working the station when she saw Wingdin come close, "Can I help you?"

"Yes...we're...here to see two monsters...actually...Sans Aster and...Marrianne Aster. Do...you happen to know if they're awake...?" Happy spoke up as Rocky looked at the nurse with curiosity.

"Let's see...ah yes, Mrs. Aster is in the maternity ward. She currenly has visitors seeing her now. Mr. Aster is in the Cardiovascular Care floor but he hasn't woken up just yet but I think the visitors should do him good. Here." The elemental nurse wrote down the floors and room numbers of both Marrie and Sans and handed it over to Wingdin, "I just ask you keep your voice levels down."

Tyra stood by the door as M and N looked like they were going to pass out at any moment. Both of them looked exhausted, most likely due to staying up so late.

"They had a family emergency with Uncle Sansy and his wife. Not exactly sure for what but must have been of high importance since they had to head for the hospital. G'pa told us to come and stay with you until he came back." Tyra quickly summarized as she came in with the twins.

M and N immediately headed over to the couch and knocked out once again, least they kept quiet in their sleep.

Eddie blinked a bit as Darren scrambled off, leaving just Papyrus to lead the older man along. "Mazel tov to your new baby...Mr. Darren... Well gracious that certainly lit a fire under his tail, hmm?"

Bitter went alongside of Vera and the moment they were out of earshot, she shook her head softly. "So how bad is the baby, Vera?"

Wingdin nodded, smiling nervously. "Thanking you ma'am. Let us go see Sansy first." Going over to the kids again, she plucked up Arial and Junior, knowing they'd want to be held for a bit while they went to their Papa's room.

Red listened as he moved to close the front door and he sighed. "fuck. alright...got a feelin mar will be up my ass ova whatever's going on wit sans."

Seeing the twins had gone back to sleep, and his own brats were asleep as well, he shrugged. "dad was right to have ya come over to my place."

He went into the kitchen and stretched his back a bit, then he pulled down a box of medication from a locked cabinet along with a couple bottles.

He had two glasses on the counter. Both were clear, one somewhat small, the other a more medium size. Into the small glass went about ten different pills.

One of the last things he did was get two powdered medications out and put a scoop of each into the taller glass. Then into it, he poured two ounces of coconut rum, an ounce of pineapple vodka, and a splash of something from a small green glass bottle.

Vera sighed, having a feeling this was going to come. "...Don't tell Marrie yet...I'm...still trying to figure out a good way to tell it to her...but...the baby was born with only 1 HP...and...he's not looking good. Lot of the stress Marrie was under stressed him out and...made a lot of complications...so...he's...like the way he is...now..."

Happy nodded and led the rest off to see Sansy first. Eb stayed by Jen's side as Kryssie followed them with the twins, "hey...you doing alright, cuz?"

Tyra nodded and headed off to take a seat on the couch as she watched her uncle take his medications. She wanted to speak up but Mars coming over broke her train of thought. "Ah shit...what happened...?"

"Family emergency...G'ma and G'pa had to leave. We're only here for a small while. We're not here for breakfast, we just ate. M and N had a tough night last night so they'll be asleep for another few hours." Tyra summarized for her aunt before opening a book."

"...Huh...good to know..." Mars headed over to the kitchen, seeing Sans do his normal routine, "Hey Red-Ruff. You good?"

Bitter covered her mouth and sighed. "Oh no...oh my gawd that poor baby... I know Sansy, he's gonna be beating himself up over all of this..."

She'd had to get over to the side for a couple of nurses coming through quickly and frowned. "And this is going be so hard..."

Eddie and Papyrus had gotten up to Marrie's room and Eddie smiled sweetly seeing her.

"Shalom, sweetheart, it's been far too long since I've seen you... I wish today was happier times..."

Jen had kept her arms kinda crossed as if she was going to hug herself. "Considering everything, I guess so?"

Red had started to take all his medications as he mumbled to himself. "two multi-vitas...two diabetus pills...one breathing pill, one anti-seizure, one mood stabilizer...and all the fuckin else..."

While he was taking his meds, Edge had texted Red with a rundown of what happened. [Red, Sans had a grand mal seizure, which triggered a moderate soul attack. Marrie had the baby almost a full month early.]

As he popped the rest in his mouth and swallowed, he saw Mars and smiled a little. "yeah. jus choking down my meds babe. did'ja sleep a'right?"

His hand patted her tummy when he'd taken a swig from the pain med laced alcohol. "i uh, found out sansy uh, had a moderate soul attack..."

"And I know my sister. She's going to break if I tell her. Marrie was looking forward to this baby, saying it was healthy and ready. But...she sees him...she's going to think she failed." Vera held her head, trying to avoid a headache that was coming on.

Marrie noticed Mr. Greenburg, "Ah! Hello! It has been a long while. Ah...yes...but...I hope you're doing somewhat well, sir. Is...everything okay?"

Eb wrapped an arm around her, "i getcha...maybe seeing your dad would help perk you up? unless you wanna go see your mom. we can let them go and see him later. he'd get it, right?"

"Slept fine. Decided to get up early and do a few things. You okay on meds?" Mars gave him a kiss on the head.

Tyra managed to hear that and pulled out her phone to text Kryssie. "Shit? Seriously? Damn..." Mars didn't like the sound of that, but she did instinctively wrap her tail around Sans, like that was going to help protect him somehow.

Bitter sighed, shaking her head a little as she listened. "All I can say, is we need to say somethin' before she like, goes and sees the baby herself..."

She gently rubbed the back of Vera's head, helping to give a bit of green magic to ease her daughter's headache. "Hopefully your headache goes away soon."

Eddie managed a slight smile, as he politely took off his top hat. "Doing as well as I can be, Mrs. Aster... I'm terribly sorry if no one told you...Elihu passed away two years ago. Heh, thinking about it, your twins were the last babies he had delivered before he retired."

He leaned on his cane, shifting his weight slightly. "Don't feel too bad, we knew he was passing, and we had such a wonderful life together...he passed painlessly in his sleep."

Paps gently rubbed Marrie's shoulder, looking to Edmund. "would ya want to go check up on your granddaughter?"

Eddie frowned, looking down to the bed. "I will...but I wanted to make sure Marrie was in good health, well as good as can be. I don't really have anyone to go home too. So I can hang around here for awhile."

He gently patted her head with his hand, and he then went and settled himself onto the window seat couch.

Jen thought for a moment, and looked to Ebrima. "Sure, let's go see Dad."

Red finished the alcohol laced medication and chuckled quietly. "yep, took em all babe. woke up hurting, so i did my pain drink, and i 'membered the green extra strength mana booster too..."

He let out a bark of a laugh and grinned. "gawd i love taking nearly ten pills every damn mornin...fuckin shit. but it keeps me goin i guess."

Slipping his hands into his pajamas pants he sighed. "this shit with my wussy baby bro got me thinking... when's my next vet appointment?"

"Thanks...I think with some sleep an actual food I'll be okay...I was up all night watching her..." she let out a yawn, looking a bit better with the healing.

"I heard. My condolences. I'm glad he went peacefully though." Marrie patted his hand lightly before letting him go to sit on the couch.

"Twins are doing very well. They're just as loud and boisterous as their dad." Marrie let out a small chuckle until she heard about his granddaughter, "Oh? Is she okay..?"

Eb nodded and followed the family over to Sans's room. Currently his room was empty of visitors other than a nurse checking his vitals. Napstaton had left with Darren so he could get Kintaro.

Happy would find the room and peer in, "There he is...this is the right room...should we go in..?" Happy looked to Wingdin with a nervous face.

"I know, Red. But gotta take care of 'em." Mars gave him a few more kisses before petting him lightly.

"Vet appointment is this Friday. And if I see your brother again, I'm kicking his ass to the ground again." She still hated what he did to him and didn't forgive easily.

Bitter nodded slightly, and sighed. "Would you like a brownie, Vera? I made up a batch just the day before..." She pulled from her inventory a wrapped middle-of-the-pan extra strength pot brownie; that was triple wrapped in plastic wrap, handing it to Vera.

Eddie shook his head sadly. "Ah...n-no...um...Belladonna and Moshem were struck while walking a-across the street in town. A nazi monster-hater, that one that had been loose around the temple and the houses in the area...Bella and Mos are in the ICU, while Raizy...she's just barely surviving in the NICU right now...at least Eli isn't here to worry himself so badly over everything now..."

Wingdin looked to the room and she nodded, striding in easily. She saw the monster nurse, and her eyes lit up sparkling. "Francis! I not knowing you still nurse! You working with adults now, instead of the tiny babies...is my boy going to be okay?"

Sans was still asleep in his bed, exhausted after having a grand mal seizure and the moderate soul attack.

Red gave a toothy grin at her kissing and petting him; his tail wagging happily. He gently nuzzled her softly, kissing her cheek. "this friday huh? oh yeah...eh, whatever. if that guy decides to fuckin try to do anything funny...i think he's getting a new scar on his damn hand..."

"dad said he'll watch the brats while i go to my thing though...then again with this whole having the kid early and sans with his soul attack...dunno..." Red muttered, mostly to himself.

He had been planning how to get back at Crimson for how they'd pranked him, and he changed easily to his dog form. Trotting to Crimson's room, he saw that the child was in their animal form. A tiny skeletal kitten, just perfect. Plucking up his child by the scruff of their neck, he brought them into the living room, and began grooming Crimson.

"Thanks but...I'll hold off. I gotta be somewhat sober to get back home...Aqua must be worried sick...mind checking on Marrie while I give her a call?" Vera pocketed the brownie for now and off to do her call.

"Oh my...I'm so sorry...I hope they make a good recovery and that...person is brought to justice..." Marrie felt guilty over that. She wouldn't know what to do if her or her family were in that same position.

The bear monster was finishing recording things when he saw Wingdin, "Huh..? Oh! Hello Mrs. Aster! Good to see you! Yes, they transfered me a few years ago to work with the adults. I saw your son here and got to work immediately. You can come in, he still might be waking up sometime soon."

Happy opened the door to let the kids in first to see their dad.

Mars watched him go and sighed, heading off to go make breakfast for the kids who would no doubt wake up soon. She was thinking blueberry waffles.

Crimson was asleep in their room for the while, poor kid had a rough night with nightmares so they had turned to his skeletal cat form. Usually they only changed to get away, when they was feeling stressed, or just felt right. They started to wake up once they felt themselves getting picked up, confused on what was going on. Once they realized, they started hissing, "HEY! WHAT GIVES!? PUT ME DOWN YOU OLD DOG! LET ME GO! FUCK OFF!"

They tried scratching at Sans but there was no way they could reach with how they was being held, so they flailed around a bit. They only yelled and growled more when Sans started grooming him, "FUCK OFF! GOD DAMN IT! THIS ISN'T FUNNY! FUCK YOU! AAAH! GOD THAT'S DISGUSTING!"

Both the twins looked over at the commotion and groaned, "Can you shut up...?" "It's too damn early...fuck off..."

Bitter nodded understandably. "Of course, dear. And yeah, I'll go check back up on Marrie. Give Aqua my love, kid." She went hovering off towards Marrie's room, and had a bit of a confused and worried expression across her face.

Eddie nodded gently. "Thank you so much. It's hard, but I'm managing." Grasping his cane, he got up from the couch, and came over to Marrie giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead. "And I hope you and your child have a good recovery as well. I'll let the rabbi know that you, Sans and your child are in hospital, Bubbalah."

Junior, Arial and Jen all came in and crowded around the bed worriedly. They all watched worriedly, not sure what to do if anything.

Sansy was still sleeping, and after blinking a bit tiredly, he opened his sockets a bit, yawning. "...Where a-am I?"

Wingdin grasped his hand, smiling brightly, despite the sadness in her soul. "You sound so good, I am happy to be hearing your voice, my baby boy! You are in the hospital right now..."

Red didn't really care. But regardless of it, he lightly continued to groom Crimson slowly. His slightly slimy red tongue grazed up Crimson's back. Hearing Crimson's protests, he then growled lowly at his child. "...lemme have this, kid. you had a nightmare...-LIIICK-...i wanna make ya feel bettah...you know yer papa's always...-LIIIICK- here fer ya...an it ain't disgustin' or funny..."

He finally finished with Crimson, and just held the now slightly wet kitten between his front paws, snuggling them to himself. "...might piss ya off, but i love ya kiddo..."

Marrie smiled before turning very confused, "Wait...recovery...for the baby..? W-What do you mean...?" She had no idea since Vera had never told her.

"Hello there Mr. Aster. Good to see you're awake." Francis chuckled and finished up, "Try not to move too much. I'll let the doctor know you're awake now. You have your family visiting." Francis headed off, leaving the family alone.

The twins in Kryssie's arms started waking up and started mewing excitedly at seeing their dad, "Daddy! Daddy!" "Daddy!"

"Easy you two. Shhh...he's just waking up." Kryssie tried to calm them down a bit.

Crimson growled, still hating that they was in the form and now covered in slobber. They hated being stuck like that, only letting out low growls as their dad snuggled them. If they kept saying they'd hated this, maybe it would come true.

"Let your dad love ya, Hissy Kit. Just sit back and relax." Mars rolled her yes but smiled at the sight. The twins gave up at this point and just tried going back to sleep anyway as Tyra continued to read.

"Aren't you gunna fucking help me!?" Crimson hissed out at her.

"I'm doing as your mother wants...letting your father love you...you're ten...not 20. Act like it." Tyra didn't look up from her book as he let out another groan.

Eddie paused as he was heading out from her room, and he turned back towards her. "Why yes...your son, he's in the NICU, just a couple beds away from Raizy..."

Sans nodded softly, and laid back down more against the bed. "THANK YOU..." He looked to Seline and Azure, and grinned brightly. "Oh my sweet girls!"

Red watched Crimson or a moment longer, then he just huffed softly; standing up from the floor. "then go ya ungrateful fuckin' brat."

He trotted off to the kitchen cabinet, and using the little strap hanging inside, he closed the door behind him.

Marrie froze as she felt her body run cold as the news seeped into her. She had no idea tears were already forming and streaming down.

Kryssie bent down a bit so the twins could hug their daddy, making sure they were being gentle and not hurting him. "How are you feeling Uncle?"

Crimson hissed before shaking off the excess slobber off of them, "Whatever...fucking...I'm...going to my room..." They rushed off back to their room as Julia and Jackson came down, "...The hell did we miss...?"

"Your sibling is just cranky this morning. I think they had trouble sleeping. I'll check on them in a moment." Mars announced as she cut up fruit to add to the waffles she was going to make.

Both Julia and Jackson shrugged at each other before going to chill on the couch and watch TV.

Eddie immediately came over to her and held her hand. "Oh, oh I'm so terribly sorry...I should have just not said anything, I thought you'd have known..."

He gently patted her hand and tried to give her a smile. "Despite they're in the NICU, they are very healthy for being premature, Marrie..."

Sans laughed weakly at their little kisses and hugs. "Oh Papa loves you two...and there you three are!"

Jen, Junior and Arial climbed onto the end of the bed, and sat near their father.

"Papa, was it scary?" Jen asked quietly.

"Did you think you were gonna die?" Junior asked worriedly.

"Mama had the baby..." Arial murmured.

Sans sighed, looking to Kryssie. "I'm feeling...tired. I feel like someone decided to tap dance on my chest wearing cleats...and my soul beat is still somewhat weak..."

"It was incredibly scary, Jennifer... I thought I wouldn't see your mother or any of you anymore! Junior... I did think I was going to die...but, I don't think I was actively thinking that, as I had a seizure." He leaned back against the pillow as he'd spoken to his children.

Hearing that Marrie had actually had their child, his eyes widened as his soul rate leapt up stronger and more rapid. "She... She actually had the baby?!"

Red laid on his side in his cabinet, and let out a little huff in irritation and depression. A few scuffles was heard as he moved around, and found his old bottle of cinnamon whiskey.

He started to drink it quietly.

"But...w-why...are..they...I...I didn't...he...what..." She paused as she choked back a sob, "...Get me m-my sister...p-please..."

Happy nodded, "Papy called and told me...and we heard it from the nurse at the front desk...I was...going to see her in a moment..."

"Ah! Hang on Uncle! Just...wait a second...I'm sure Aunt Marrie and the baby are okay. I-I'll go see myself. Just..try and rest..okay?" Kryssie placed her twin cousins down to be with Happy before heading off.

"hey! wait, i'll go with you. mind as well check and see where dad is. he might be with her." Eb looked over at to her Renny, "ren...?"

"You can go. Just please stay close to Kryssie...I'll try and be there soon...alright?" Happy asked, seeming worried. Eb just nodded and followed Kryssie out.

Mars heard the huff and sighed, "Julie. Can you come see your dad? Jackson, come finish up this fruit. I'm going to check on Crims."

"Yes mom..." "Coming ma." Julia easily transformed to her skeletal lion form and tried patting at the kitchen cabinet door, "Daddy? Daaaddy...?"

Jackson headed over and took over his mom's spot while Mars headed over to Crimson's room to see him.

Eddie nodded gently, as he looked to Pap who had fallen asleep in the chair. "Oy vey this boy...your brother-in-law has fallen asleep apparently...I'll go get your sister right away, Bubbie. Try to take some soft breaths, and press the pain button if you need it..."

Pap hadn't eaten d inner the night before, and in all honesty all the man had in the past nearly twenty-four hours was just a cup of black coffee. And he'd fallen deeply asleep as his glucose was only 20.

Eddie left the room quickly; and looked around for Vera, somewhat remembering what she looked like. Seeing the cat monster, along with the ghostly teacup, he waved his hand towards her. "Ah, there you are, Miss Jae? I am terribly sorry for bothering you...your sister needs you, I...um..."

He blushed worriedly, and sighed. "I hate to sound like I'm being joking, but I seemed to have let the cat out of the bag before anyone else, concerning her little boy..."

Red heard her patting at the cabinet door, and he nosed it open; dark circles visible underneath his sockets. "...hey babygirl..." He came back down to his little hiding area that he had, that was underneath the stairs. When they had their house built, the space underneath the stairs that sat in the living room, was connected to the kitchen cabinet by a little hallway of sorts.

After he nosed open the cabinet door, he stood on his pillow, and yawned. "...lemme guess...mama said for you to come check up on my old ass, huh?"

Smiling, he turned away from her and headed down the little hallway that only those in their smaller animal forms, or Mars could go inside. It was too small for Boss, MTT, or Edge to go through. As he got into the room, he laid back down on his thick cushion and took another sip from the bottle of cinnamon whiskey he had a straw sitting in.

Kryssie managed to get to Marrie's room as she saw her crying. "Aunt Marrie? What happened?"

"dad...? Dad!" Eb rushed over to her father once she saw him asleep. She tried shaking him awake, "dad...dad? can you hear me? dad!"

Vera finished up a phone call and sighed before seeing Eddie, "Oh hey. What's going on?" Once she heard what he did, her eyes widened, "You...WHAT!? Oh...fuck...! Hang on!" She rushed off without another word as Kryssie tried consoling Marrie.

"Sis! hey!" Vera headed over only to barely dodge a magic yarn ball thrown at her head.

"YOU! YOU DIDN'T FUCKING TELL ME MY BABY WAS IN THE NICU?! WHY WOULDN'T YOU TELL ME!? THAT'S NOT SOMETHING YOU JUST FUCKING KEEP TO YOURSELF!" Marrie growled out as Kryssie tried to keep her in bed.

"Aunt Marrie! Please! Let's not do this now!"

"LIKE HELL! SHE SHOULD HAVE FUCKING TOLD ME! AND I'M HERE WONDERING WHERE MY BABY WAS! MY BABY! MY...M-M-My...babyy..."

Marrie immediately began sobbing. Kryssie seemed to be shocked at the news as did Eb, but Eb was more focused on her dad.

Vera slowly made her way over, "...Sis, I'm sorry...I didn't know how to tell you...He's okay...I swear..he's alright.."

"T-Then w-w-why..i-is...h-he...?"

"He's...only got one HP...both of you getting stressed out did a number on him. But he is okay. I promise you...He's okay..." Vera gently pulled her sister into a hug, letting her sob and cry out as much as she wanted, "...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..."

"Maybe...but...I don't need her to tell me to spend some time with you, daddy." Julia managed to get up and join him inside the space, closing the door best she could before sitting beside him.

With her being a child, her little skeletal lion form was only still the size of a cub. Made it easier for her to snuggle up and rest on or against him. She settled for sticking by his side and purring softly, "Daddy...you're okay...right...? I...heard what happened...and...you're...you're okay...?"

Much as Julia gave her dad and mom a hard time, or how huffy she could be sometimes, she really did love and care for her father.

Eddie had worriedly followed Vera back towards the room, until his phone vibrated. Seeing the message on it, he just stood against the wall, trying to let them have their moment as sisters.

Papyrus meanwhile was still out cold, his bones slightly pale as he just appeared to be sleeping deeply. His breathing was shallow and raspy.

Red sat up a bit gently, and he closed the lid to his whiskey; before he put it to the side. As she laid down beside him, he looked to her and gently groomed her face lightly for a moment. "what'cha hear that happened, babygirl? lots of stuff goes on in our lives, so...uh..."

He flopped onto his side, yawning softly. "...remind your old man. i guess i'm a'right. just had'ta take medication this mornin..."

Eb noticed the look and grabbed one of the lollipops she kept in her inventory to suck on. She managed to pop one into her dad's mouth before looking at her aunts and cousin, "dad's not looking right...did he eat anything lately?"

"I'll get a nurse." Kryssie headed off to go grab some help for Papyrus.

"I thought he and Darren had gone to get breakfast. That was a while ago...fucking hell..." Vera growled as Marrie was still sobbing away.

Julia didn't seem to mind much, unlike her sibling before. She gave him a light nuzzle, "...About what happened to Uncle Sansy...he's in the hospital...you...you're doing...okay...? Just..." she went quiet and decided to hide by her dad's side, ears drooped and tail between her legs.

The lollipop sat on his tongue, and he started to rouse a bit, but was incredibly disoriented. His orange tongue lazily moved around, trying to figure out what was inside his mouth. "...huh, hah? wha...fuck..."

He sat up a bit more, and leaned forward jerkily; his sockets finally opening as the sugar hit his system. "ebby? babygirl..." Pap managed to focus his gaze to his daughter, and he grinned lazily; trying to reach forward to give his oldest daughter a hug, as his bottom started to slide from the chair.

Red let out a soft bark of a laugh, and he nuzzled her back, licking her head gently in a calming manner. "ohh, yer scared yer old man's gonna get hurt, cuz i'm pretty weak compared to 'em...i take a lot of medication, and reeeeally strong pain medications...but i'm doin' pretty good honeypie..."

He curled up on the cushion with Julia cuddled against him. His tail curled against her bottom; still surprised that his daughter was still only half his size in her skeletal lion cub form. Even then Crimson was still smaller than her somehow.

Kintaro felt like he had been running all morning since he'd woken up, despite not having legs or feet. As he sat in the back of the corvette, he sighed worriedly as they went to go park at the Orphanage that was nearly an hour drive away from Napstaton's mansion.

"I do hope it's okay...we're a few minutes late..." Kinta murmured to Darren, as he pulled his long hair into a low ponytail, unable to re-braid it in his haste to leave the house with Darren.

Eb hugged and held onto her dad, "i gotcha dad...just hang on...you okay...?" Eb looked a bit relieved that her dad was coming to.

A nurse would head over and check up on Papyrus to see how he was doing. "Goodness...your sugar levels are quite low. Let me get you a magi-glucose drink. That should perk you back up."

Julia purred lightly, letting her dad lick and nuzzle her. The triplets were pretty much the same size normally, but their animal sides always differed. Mars figured they would grow as they did. For now, she didn't really care, she wanted to be by her dad's side.

"...okay...love you, daddy..." She let out a low whine before settling down with him.

"I hope so too...goodness..I hope they understand..." Darren sighed as he turned to get into a parking, "I'm so so sorry for leaving you like that, Kintaro...I hope you forgive me too. Last night was...much more eventful than I would have liked it to be..."

Darren finished parking the car and got out to help his husband out, "Let's just hope the child doesn't mind us much."

Paps let out a weak hurgle, as he wrapped his arms around Ebrima's shoulders. "yeah, i'm great baby...you know you was...a real booger in my tummy~" His tail started to wave, as he scooped up Eb, trying to cradle her to his chest. "but you bit through my tit so much...i'm proud of you...you're a smart gal..."

The nearly 50 year old hypoglycemic father sounded nearly drunk as he slowly enveloped Ebby in his arms, giving her a slightly sloppy and sticky kiss on her forehead. "...pretty gal...didn't even know me and your ren could have a baby..."

Red nosed her gently, and he then looked around his little area; which did have a dog door leading out to the living room and he saw the fluffy blanket. It was a bit tattered, but it smelled like him; little cherry-vanilla cigarillos he liked to smoke, cinnamon whiskey, and his joint pain gel; along with the strong scent of meat and potatoes.

"Do not be sorry, it was family emergency, darringu...I do forgive you completely." Kintaro gently got out from the car, and followed Darren inside into the orphanage. As he slithered up the steps slowly, his sandy brown hair cascaded past his shoulders, in gentle waves; while his simple and summery pale green dress gently draped around his body and his large rounded belly.

"I do hope our new child likes us..." Kinta's hands rested on his stomach, and he'd noticed that the movement from the baby had already been slowing down more lately. He was eager to see their new child as well as his next appointment, perhaps he was going to lay an egg as well.

Eb stayed still, seeming confused and concerned how he was acting. Him saying all that stuff about what she did as a baby didn't help, "uuuuhh...yeaaaah...now i know you need some help. but uh..thanks dad." She was really hoping that nurse would come in soon for that potion thing.

The nurse would come back with a glass of greenish-purple something, "Here, drink this. This should bring you up back to normal."

"yeah dad...take your meds please. i love ya and all but i'll love ya more if you get your sugar back up..." Eb was looking a bit slightly uncomfortable, but she tried to push through it for the sake of her dad.

Julia nosed him back a bit before seeing the blanket. She made a mental note to herself to try and fix it for him later before going over and grabbing it to put it around him. She'd snuggle right next to him afterwards, taking in the scent of her dad. It always felt better for her when she was around him or something that reminded her of him.

Darren seemed relieved as he walked with Kintaro up the stairs and into the building. "We'll see. We are here to meet them...hopefully we make a good first impression." He was pretty nervous but he tried to keep it down, hoping he didn't look too much of a mess from the little sleep he got last night.

Once at the front desk, Darren given out his name and appointment to the human woman running the orphanage. "You're 10 minutes late...He's been waiting."

"Yes, my apologies...I'm afraid we had a bit of a family emergency that needed attending to...Is...he still here?" Darren played with the sleeve of his jacket in nervousness.

"Yes. He is. Right this way...Your lucky they're easy to distract..." The woman got up from her seat and led the monsters over to a spare room. She opened the door and revealed a big room with soft green walls, toys surrounding the place, and a table that had paper, crayons, colored pencils, and construction paper with safety scissors.

Over in the corner playing with some toy dinosaurs was a little human boy, tad younger than Rocky but older than Seline and Azure, his hair was a a messy fuzz of black and skin was a soft tan. But he looked more than happy as he played with a much older woman. Darren knew her as the owner and head master of the orphanage.

"Mrs. Cassoway. The monster couple is here for Luis." The front desk woman called before leaving them.

"Oh! There you two are! Traffic stop you, dears?" Mrs. Cassoway slowly managed to get up from her spot as she headed over to greet the couple. Luis seemed to stick to playing with his toys in the meantime.

Paps took the glass of greenish-purple liquid, and started to drain the thickened liquid. After a few moments, he finished the glass and handed it back to the nurse. "...crap i...um...nyeheheheh, renny's gonna have a big laugh when they hear what i've been rambling about, huh ebby?"

He adjusted his glasses, giving Ebrima a gentle smile. "i'm real sorry, sweetie. guess with all the stuff going on, things just happen..."

Red rumbled softly in happiness as she'd put the blanket around him. He gently licked the top of her head, and snuggled against her as well. He yawned, and easily fell asleep. As was usual; his soul was slightly sluggish in it's beating; his breathing slightly rasping.

Kintaro saw the little boy, and let out a soft gasp of excitement. "Um...n-no...a family emergency came up however...but for the time being it is stable at least."

"Konnichiwa, Mrs. Cassoway." Kinta attempted to bow, despite his large and firm stomach hindering him. "Ooh, heheh...my husband, Darren has been the one to speak with you usually...may we just, talk with Luis? Or is there some...special way to do so? Does he have any disabilities, or health problems potentially?"

"yeah...i think so, dad. you doing better?" Eb looked relieved her dad seemed to get his reasoning back, "it's fine, dad. just remember to eat, alright?"

The nurse took back the glass, "What a responsible young girl you have. I wish my teenager was like that." The nurse let out a chuckle before heading off. Eb didn't even have the time to correct her, but she let it go. Not the first time peope mistook her for being older than she was. She was pretty mature for an 11 year old, most likely due to some influences from Papyrus.

Julia managed a small smile before listening to her dad's soul while he slept. It was always different than hers or her mother's. She couldn't help but think of what all that meant for him and imagine him in her uncle's place, letting out a small whimper before falling asleep with him.

"Yes. Fraid something came up but...things seem to be well enough for now. Good to see you again, Mrs. Cassoway." Darren offered his hand, which she took with a smile.

"Oh, it's quite alright, boys. Don't you be worrying too much. I understand, things happen. Luckily wasn't too long." The old woman chuckled before looking at Kintaro and back to Luis, "He's a good boy. This is just some time for you to get to know him and him to know you. Just play with him, talk about yourselves, see how he interacts with you. No disabilities we're aware of, and he does have a little nickel allergy. But that's easy to take care of by having him not wear anything with nickel in it. He's a healthy and good boy otherwise."

She kept her attention over to Luis and smiled, "Luis, come here child. The couple who wanted to play with you is here. Come say hello." She gently coaxed.

Luis looked up from his little play area and headed over, taking a toy Godzilla from his little collection with him. He did seem curious of the two, "...Hi. I'm Luis."

"And how old are you, sweet child?" Mrs. Cassoway tried to coax him into answering.

"I'm...one...two...three...four...five...six!" Luis counted out his fingers and showed them up to the two monsters. Darren couldn't help but smile over the little boy.

Paps rolled his eyelights, and gently ran his fingers through Eb's hair. "...guess ya got the same thing as me, kiddo. everyone thinks your there, when you shouldn't be. well...your age, i mean...eh, whatever. you know what i mean i guess..."

Red let out a soft noise after about an hour of rest, and then he turned over to his side, his head pointed away from Julia. He thought he was going to vomit, but thankfully it was nothing but a belch. He let out a small groan of pain and fell back asleep.

Kintaro nodded as a gentle smile crept across his face. "You are six years old? Such a wise little man you are, Luis. I am Kintaro Nagasaki Jae."

He slithered a bit around behind Darren and then settled down onto the floor in a better position. "But you can call me Kinta, if that is easier on you, Luis. I noticed you are holding a 'Gojira' toy. Heheh, he is called Gigantis, Dagon, and lots of other terms."

Tilting from side to side with his 'hips', he patted his stomach lightly, and blushed. "I hope you can understand me okay, Luis...my accent is a bit strong, I am sorry, amai shōnen, oh, that means 'sweet boy'. I...I am sorry, I am getting so nervous..."

"yeah. eh...it's whatever..." Eb shrugged and just chilled with her dad for now.

Marrie by that point finally calmed down enough. She had stopped sobbing, but now was clinging into her sister's shirt and sniffling. "Maybe we should get Wingdin in here...huh sis?" Vera sighed and kept rubbing Marrie's back.

Julia let out a whine at the sounds of her dad in pain. She'd jump when she heard her mom calling, "Red! Julie! Breakfast! Come on over and eat!"

"Hello there, young one. I'm Darren Jae. It's good to meet you in person." Darren gave a gentle smile to the boy.

Luis seemed to giggle at the sight of Kintaro, "I like dinosaurs and dragons! They're big and this one roars loud!" He tries to imitate the sound of Godzilla.

"He enjoys a lot of old monster movies. Don't be too nervous, you're doing just fine, dear. Luis, why don't you show the dinosaur toys we have in the room." Mrs. Cassoway looked over at him.

Luis seemed excited and headed back to his little pile of toys he was playing with earlier. Darren took Kintaro's hand to give him support as they followed the little boy.

Pap continued to drink the magi-glucose drink, and he smiled slightly. "thanks pumpkin." He sighed, and looked over towards Marrie. "hmm...do we have to stay on this floor? i mean...i don't want to be um, rude or whatever, but maybe we could move marrie over into sans' room? rather than one or more of us constantly going back and forth...it might just be easier in the long run."

He got up and went to speak with the nurse, who agreed with his idea and then they began to move Marrie over to the cardiac unit to be with Sans. It took about twenty minutes, but they had a transport wheelchair to bring her up to the Cardiac Unit with a nurse.

"a'right...here we go. captain aster, jge. heh, he still uses that suffix? pfft." Paps opened the door to Sans room, chuckling softly. "special delivery for captain sans aster~"

Seeing that Sans was asleep, his eyes widened a bit. "ooops, didn't mean to be noisy..."

Sans was indeed sound asleep in the bed, with dark undereye circles while he cuddled with Jen and Arial against his chest. The last time he'd appeared this weak was after the attack from Bernard years ago; which to this day he still carried scars from around his eye socket. He was breathing slightly raggedly, but his vitals were healthy otherwise.

Red felt her jump up, and he coughed roughly; and headed to follow Julia out from the cabinet. He shook himself from nose to tail; and then yawned as he trotted over to the table.

Kintaro noticed that Luis seemed to like him a lot. Slithering slowly beside Darren, they both came closer to the dinosaur toys. Kintaro slithered around and then coiled up slightly, his tail tip wiggling. "Gojira, is sooo so big, they love to smash the buildings, and that was a very good roar!"

He let out a hissing laugh, enjoying that Luis seemed to like reptiles, which was potentially good for him. Kintaro hoped that the boy liked cats as well. "Do you like just dinosaurs? Or reptiles in general? You will have uncles who are half alligator monster too!"

Eb, Vera, and Kryssie followed over.

Happy headed over to help Marrie on the spare bed in the room so she could be comfortable, "Good to see you're doing okay..."

"You and me both, Happ...you and me both..." Vera sighed as she helped her sister too.

Once Marrie was in the bed, Azure and Seline started mewing for their mama. Vera helped the kids go up to lie with her, making sure they didn't try and mess with the IV tube that was strapped to her. "Hi sweet kitties...mama missed you..." Marrie nuzzled her little girls as they mewed lightly. Marrie herself seemed relieved in seeing Sans, but she was still worried about him deep down.

"Do they got really big mouths? And go 'chomp! chomp! chomp!' like on the tv?" Luis tried to reenact what he remembered from animal documentaries by moving his arms up and down like an alligator.

"They certainly eat a lot. I can say that much." Darren chuckled and picked up a dinosaur, "What would you say is your favorite animal?" He really hoped Luis would warm up with him too.

Luis did seem to react well with Darren taking a toy and tried playing with him, "I like chame...chamelons...chamel..lele...cham...uhhh..."

"Chameleons, like Fester?" Mrs. Cassoway asked with a small laugh, "Fester is my youngest granddaughter's pet chameleon. Sometimes she comes down with him along with a few other animals to show the children here. She works in an animal reserve."

"Yeah! Like Fester! I like him! He changes colors and has little karate hands!" Luis started laughing as he tried battling the dino Darren had with the Godzilla toy he still had. Darren did his best to play with him back, moving the toy around and letting Luis win against him.

Paps came over and smiled at his little brother; he leaned lightly against the bed and pressed a kiss to the top of his brother's head.

Sans eyes halfway opened, and he looked up at his older brother. "Have you seen our child, brother? H-How do they look?" By then the triplets had fallen asleep in Sans hospital bed.

Paps gently nodded, patting Sans arm a bit. "mhm, i have. and i'll be honest...it'll be tough for him, but it was tough for you too, and look at how far you came, bro...and unlike when you were really little...yanno, before marrie...your son will have tons of family, and so much support...and i'm going to work on a serum for your son. so they have as much of a chance like you did."

"Brother you don't have too..." Sans started, before he started coughing and then laid back tiredly in the bed. "...oh...M-Marrie..." He blinked a few times, looking over to Marrie with a smile on his face.

"I've missed you...so...so much Marrie..." He tried to reach out to his wife; obviously too far away but he still wanted to just hold her hand.

"Chameleons, oh, those are beautiful reptiles." Kintaro let out another hissing laugh, smiling happily. Looking around to the other toys, he lifted himself from his coil; and slithered over to some of the other toys gazing at them. He tilted his head a bit seeing a skateboard of all things and then watched Luis and Darren more; taking a couple of pictures with his phone.

{Oh, Papa and son...this is so sweet...everyone will want to see you Luis!} Kintaro had the biggest smile on his face, his fangs fully visible; as he even took a short video.

Marrie tried reaching out for him too, even if she knew they were too far apart. Vera fixed that though by taking the stops off the bed and slowly sliding Marrie closer to him. Just enough so she can take his hand. "Hi blueberry muffin...I've missed you too...I'm so glad you're okay..." She didn't have any more tears to cry out, but she did get glossy eyed at being near him again.

Luis laughed and roared out before letting his toy try and attack Darren too. "Ah! No! He's bested my only defense! I am finished! Noooo!" Darren let Luis get on top of him a bit before flopping over.

Luis himself just let out a victorious roar. Mrs Cassoway seemed pleased at seeing Luis happy. "Well, I think you passed the first part of this little meeting. Now on for the second. Luis dear. These nice monsters would like to take you home for a few days. Would you like to go?"

Luis let out a little hum before looking at the two. Darren had since got up and brushed himself off before looking at Kintaro, "We'd love to have you. We have toys, games, and many lovely things to share..."

Sansy's grip was admittedly weak, as he ran his clawed fingertips over Marrie's palm. "It takes a lot to take down...The Mag-Magnificent Sans...my M-Marvelous Marrianne..."

Kintaro grinned happily, as he put his phone away into his inventory after taking the second little video. Luis was inquisitive, happy, bubbly, and at least to him most of all; he didn't seem to mind that he was a Naga. He slithered closer to Darren, clasping his clawed hands delicately over his stomach. "It would be nice to spend time with you, Luis."

Marrie managed a tired smile, "I know...you are and have always been really strong...my hero...get some sleep...we both need it..." she managed to lean over a bit, despite the pain and kiss his hand before lying back. She could keep her grip strong for the both of them.

"Can I bring Godzilla with me?" Luis held up the toy up at Mrs. Cassoway with big eyes.

"Yes dear, you can bring him too. I'm sure he'll keep you good company through your little trip." The old woman smiled, "I'll have Jessie bring down his luggage for you. In five days, I'll ask you come down with him and see if you all are a good match with the home provided for him."

"Sounds lovely. Hopefully you like it, Luis. As well as us." Darren gave the boy a gentle pat on the head, earning him a raspberry and giggle.

The receptionist woman would soon come back with a carry-on bag that had Luis's name on a yellow tag. "Thank you Jessie dear. That's all now." Mrs. Cassoway had her give the bag to Darren as Luis circled around Kintaro. Seemed like the boy was curious about the naga.

Feeling the kiss on his hand, he smiled a bit brighter, as his working eyelight flickered to a heart. "Of course, Marrie...I love you...so...zzzz..."

Arial had started to rub her Papa's stomach, and she giggled as he'd nearly immediately fallen asleep. "Tummy rubs really do work on Papa too!"

Kintaro was listening closely to Mrs. Cassoway, and he nodded occasionally to what she'd stated. "Arigato, Mrs. Cassoway..." He already was tearing up in happiness, and he let out a hissing sigh.

He noticed that Luis was circling him, as he stayed 'standing' with his tail generally fully extended, instead of sitting on his coil. "Konnichiwa, Luis. You look like you're doing a lot of thinking, hmm?"

"They do, Arial...they really do..." Marrie giggled a bit before falling asleep herself. Vera gave her a light pet on the head, silently wishing for a speedy recovery for her little sister and her husband.

Luis looked up at Kintaro with curiosity before trying to pick up the end portion of his tail, "How come you're a snake on the bottom but look like me on top? Are you a mermaid but a snake and not a fishy?" Didn't seem like the child fully understood monsters aside from the ones he saw on tv.

Darren chuckled slightly, "He's no mermaid, Luis. But he certainly much more beautiful." Darren led both Kintaro and Luis back to the car as Mrs. Cassoway waved at them with a big smile.

Kintaro was going to respond, as Luis had attempted to pick up his tail, and he was struck silent in blushing surprise at the response his husband had given. "Anata...ooohhh; you are too sweet~"

Having settled into the seat, and getting himself buckled in; he smiled a bit. "Luis, I am a very rare monster, I am a Naga. It does appear that my bottom half is a snake, and my top half is human...but it is much more than just that. But why don't we wait, till we get home, and you can ask me anything you'd like, okay, Luis?"

"Oh! What would you want to call me? Like, would you want Papa, Mama, Daddy? I do not mind any of those titles..." Kintaro spoke softly, as they'd pulled into the driveway.

Darren helped Luis get strapped in before getting into the car and driving home.

Luis listened to Kintaro's words, and nodded. He seemed to like the word "naga" as he kept repeating it while playing with his Godzilla toy.

Once they got to the driveway, Luis seemed to be more preoccupied with the look of his surroundings. Darren once again helped unbluckle him and get him out of the car before retriving his stuff. "You don't need to chose now. I know a lot of this is very new still. And that's okay. If something doesn't feel right, you can tell us, okay?"

"Okay." Luis managed a smile as he followed the two inside the house. Not even a minute after the door opened and he already started to look around the home in curiosity.

"Someone's very eager." Darren let out a small smile, glad at least things were looking good so far.

Kintaro giggled softly, nodding as he agreed with Darren. "Very eager. I know you will want to call Vera. I will keep an eye on Luis, and start on dinner, okay? We're having pork shoyu ramen, with the leftover Tonkatsu cutlets from the day before...well, that will be for you and Luis at least...today is Wednesday, dinner time for myself...and I'm starving, we didn't eat at Napstatons..."

He sighed, holding up his hands gently as he spoke. "Darren...when you came to get me, Max, Nikki and Zhara were all still asleep! I was too scared to ask if someone would make me something to eat! So I just...continued to not eat. I...do have some rotisserie chickens from the grocery store...I could eat a couple of them in the kitchen while I'm making yours and Luis' food...I mean we just got him, I do not want to scare our son..."

Darren looked concerned at that, "Kinta...you know you should eat...I don't think they would have minded if you had asked. Goodness.." Darren held Kintaro's hands lightly, "You eat what you have to. Please...I can watch Luis for now while you do so. You need your strength. Plus...he would have to know your eating habits soon enough if he is to live here...best he learns now if he wishes to stay."

He gave Kintaro a light kiss on the cheek, "I can call my sister later. She understood what I had to do." He left Kintaro in order to catch up to Luis.

Luis was currently peering around in the bedroom that was made for him, seeming very interested and curious about what was waiting for him in the toy chest and closet. For the most part everything was a nice mix of stuffed animals, a ball or two, and a few other fun toys and games that would be fun regardless of gender. Darren had no idea if the child they were getting was a boy or girl, so he tried getting a nice mix of things that would be fun looking.

Kintaro blushed softly, nodding to what his love said. "Of course. Have fun, anata~"

The motherly naga watched a few moments as his husband's furred tail went out of sight down the hallway, then he slithered over to the fridge to start on their dinner. First the ramen noodles, that were freshly made just the morning before. He pulled out then the vegetables, and the two cutlets of pork tonkatsu; which is placed to the side.

He chopped up the vegetables to a fine-textured dice; letting them cook in the faint soy sauce broth. Tasting the broth, he added a dash of ginger; and a splash of yuzu juice and hoisin sauce. It tasted perfect then to him. Putting the lid onto the ramen broth and vegetables, he then opened the lid to something else he'd gotten from the fridge.

Kinta had gotten out three of the six rotisserie chickens; placing them onto the kitchen table. Settling onto his coil, his was nearly drooling as his tongue flickered rapidly, smelling the honey barbeque of the first one he'd opened. The grocery store sold six styles of chicken. And the hungry mother-to-be had purchased one of each flavor. He had honey barbeque, lemon-pepper, and original style on the table.

Unhingeing his jaw with a tiny pop; Kintaro picked up the whole chicken and started to eat it entirely whole.

Luis seemed to enjoy his own little house tour as Darren tried his best to keep up so the little boy wouldn't get into any trouble. He seemed to really like his bedroom and the art in the nursery, his new parents' bedroom had a fun bed to bounce on that he wanted to try later, and he knew where the bathroom was.

Darren did try to help him unpack, but Luis easily got bored so he ran off back to the kitchen to try and grab a snack. "Ah! Luis! Hang on!" Darren tried to follow him but ended up slipping on a toy that was on the floor and falling right on his face.

Luis giggled and headed over to see what was going on, only to just catch Kintaro eating his chicken whole. He just stared wide-eyed at the naga, registering what he just saw as he accidently dropped Godzilla in his surprise.

When Kinta heard Darren calling out for Luis, he was worried that something had happened; so he began to try to swallow the chicken faster. Which only made it look more strange however. As he finished the honey barbeque chicken; he'd heard the Godzilla toy drop to the ground right just a couple feet from him. He turned, and he thought the color was going to drain straight from his body.

"Hey there...u-um..." Kinta gently leaned over a bit, which caused his belly to bump against the table. "...o-oh...I just was having some dinner myself...I...um..."

"Can you do that again?! That was cool! Again! Again! Again!" Luis seemed to like what he saw from Kintaro as he tried rushing up to the table to push over a chicken, "Again!"

Darren just managed to get there with a slight bruise on his forehead. "I'm sorry, my snake. I tripped over and...oh..." He wasn't expecting Luis to look so excited. He did look a little relieved as Luis seemed to giggle happily with his new snake dad. Toys weren't going to keep his attention for now.

Kintaro had a brilliant yellow blush go flushing across his cheeks, as he looked to Darren and grinned brightly in surprise. His smile dropped when he saw that Darren was hurt however. "Oh, Anata, are you okay? Do not be sorry...I..."

He let out a soft, hiss of a laugh, and gently placed his fingers on the packaging for the lemon pepper chicken. "I guess I have an audience now...I think I might have all of the chickens actually. Luis, just so you know, I can only eat once per week..."

Picking up the lemon pepper chicken, he unhinged his jaw once more, and started to slowly eat the chicken whole. Because of the way his body worked, his bottom jaw could detach; and his cheeks were super stretchy and expanded to fit around the food. After he swallowed it, he sighed happily. The seams on his new summer dress were starting to get tight but he hadn't noticed yet.

"I'll be fine. Not to worry. Just a small bruise." Darren sighed, "Eat as much as you want, love. Please."

Luis watched in awe as Kintaro swallowed his food whole, "Coooool! You really are a big snake!"

He gave an excited giggle before noticing the bump on Kintaro, "How come you're big now? Did you eat a really big mouse before? The zoo lady who comes over says that snakes get a big round belly after she feeds them a mouse!"

"I'm afraid nagas don't work like that, young one. He doesn't need to eat mice." Darren let out a small laugh before heading over to be with his little family.

Kintaro gently wiped his mouth and fingers off, as he had slithered over to the fridge to get the other three chickens; Cajun, Greek, and Italian seasoned. Hearing Luis, he smiled tilting his head a bit. "Oh? No, no I don't eat mice...I prefer chicken or beef with vegetables. I do not do that well with grains however...so we tend to keep things light."

Opening the case to the third chicken, he noticed the seams on his dress, and gasped softly. "Kuso...I will be right back, dears."

Slithering down the hallway, he went to his and Darren's bedroom, and pulled off his summery dress; and sighed. Running his hand over his stomach; he blushed. Eating six chickens at this size...he was going to be massive when he was done. Looking into the closet, he found a long tanktop style black 'dress'. Slipping that on, he grinned; he had plenty of size in this.

As he came back to the kitchen, he blushed again. It was cute what Luis had decided to set up for him. All the rest of the chickens were opened up, and with some help from Darren, they had set out three boxes of adzuki or red bean mochi that was Kintaro's favorite. And finally Luis had found the caramel sauce, and was bringing it over to to Darren who was putting that into a milkshake.

Kintaro realized that he might not need to eat for two weeks after tonight, but he was going to enjoy it all darn it; he figured. He just hoped the night would go well for their new little family.

Luis seemed to have fun setting up dinner for Kintaro. He gave the caramel sauce over to Darren who happily started making milkshakes for them all to go with the ramen.

So far, so good it seemed as it looked like Luis seemed to be enjoying his time with the monsters.

"What's for dinner? We eating chicken too?" Luis asked curiously as he tried getting a better look at things.

"Ramen. It's quite good. It's a soup with noodles, meat, and some veggies. Would you like to try it?" Darren gave him a gentle pat on the head as he took over cooking.

"Okay! I like soup." Luis seemed to notice Kintaro and head over, "Hi!"

Luis had a good time. He ate dinner fairly well, but was a bit picky with the veggies. But he did eat a lot and soon he looked like he was going to fall asleep.

Darren gently took him and decided to get him dressed and ready for bed. Took a small while since he was already exhausted but he managed to get him in his pjs and tucked in for the night.

"Goodnight, child...sweet dreams..." Darren whispered lightly before turning on a nightlight for him and heading off. Luis didn't seem to answer back as he knocked out the moment his head hit the pillow, tummy full of food and heart filled with love.

Kintaro had slowly slithered over to the sink with the dishes from dinner, having thrown away the chicken containers and he started to wash their plates, a pleased smile on his face. His stomach was massive at that point; he somewhat understood how Marrie must have felt years ago with the triplets. His hair was not bound at all, as he started to scrub the pot he'd cooked the ramen in.

After the pot was cleaned, he set it to the side, then slowly made he way over to the couch in the living room. Stopping in the living room, he was so tired and sluggish as he tried to remember what he was even doing just then. Pregnancy brain, combined with an incredibly full stomach meant it was almost like he was terribly drunk just then.

"Darren...is our boy in bed?" He murmured softly, as he looked to the pictures on the wall, smiling gently.

Darren headed over after he closed the door to Luis's room, taking a seat by his husband. "He is. Fell asleep the moment I put him in. Suppose that was a lot that we gave him." he let out a soft chuckle.

He pulled Kintaro close to him, letting his naga rest as he played with his hair a bit, "How are you feeling? Nerves gone...?"

Kintaro let out a pleased hiss as Darren pulled him close; one hand in his sandy brown hair; the other resting on his simply gigantic stomach. After a few moments of silence, his soft golden yellow eyes opened to look up at Darren. "Mhm. I think they've been replaced by chicken, anata."

He let out a hissing laugh, patting Darren's hand playfully. "But...hai, hai I am not nervous anymore...our boy loves us, and he's so fascinated by me it seems...you know, did I tell you, that the results for the census last year was released? Papyrus, being the Judge had the results, and...I am the only Naga left. But we will have our Naga Kitten soon, and our precious human son hopefully..."

As they continued to talk amongst themselves, soon enough Kintaro fell asleep on the couch, digesting his massive meal he'd had. As the hours stretched into days, soon a week had passed and they were again spending breakfast together, but this time they had already taken care of the paperwork, so they were finally a family complete.

However as time had passed with Sans and Marrie in the hospital, the Aster children had been stuck at their Grandparent's house. Which they all loved. It was Friday however that coming week, and Paps had his arthritis doctor visit; and him along with Happy were going to leave Ebrima and Rocky at their Grandpapi and Grandmami's house.

That same weekend was when Boss and MTT's children were going to visit as well. And all of them had come over early to see their parents.

Boss pulled up to the house in his dark red muscle car, and stepped out with a somewhat tired expression. Wearing just slim black jeans, and a red very low cut tank top; his ribcage was exposed like normal as he came up to the front door, knocking stiffly. As he was knocking; Paps, Happy, and their children appeared via a shortcut on the front porch.

"OH HELLO...ME. I SEE YOU ARE VISITING MOTHER AND FATHER AS WELL?" Boss just barely could contain a sneer as he spoke to Paps.

Paps chuckled softly, and sighed. "yeah, we just decided to come early to drop the kiddos off, i've got a doc's appointment today actually...the kids are spending the weekend with them."

"THEY'LL HAVE PLENTY OF FUN THEN, MY MONGREL BROTHER IS LEAVING HIS RUNTS HERE FOR THE SAME EXACT REASON!" Boss laughed a bit, grinning. "I AM HEALTHY ENOUGH THAT I DO NOT NEED TO SEE DOCTORS LIKE YOU AND MY OLDER BROTHER."

Red and Mars pulled up to the house, and Boss had the biggest grin on his face as Red had come out from the car, looking quite tired. "Hello brother! It looks like the bony mutt and the bony lizard are going to be pals at the VETS today!"

Paps started to growl angrily, as he simply went inside the house, shaking his head.

Red looked to his younger brother and stood back by the car a bit; his tail slightly between his legs. Boss glared at Red, and scoffed as he held the door open for his husband and children. As Red came up the stairs and went to go inside the held open door; Boss slammed it right in his face harshly, eliciting a howl from the skeledog hybrid.

"owwwww! fuccck!" He put his clawed hands over his face, and whined in pain.

Rockwell got out of his dad's car, looking just as tired and grumpy. Ebrima silently got out of the car with a blank expression, she looked just like her daddy but with MTT's black hair and four sets of eyes. Skeleton girl never really spoke much, but when she felt like it, she would. Rocky however was the opposite, "Yeah...says the monster who had to get mom to heal him after getting his ass beat down from Aunt Mars..." he hissed out with a slight laugh.

Once Eb and Rocky got teleported in with Paps and Happy, Eb already started putting on Rocky's ear plugs to block out the sound of yelling. "...you sure we can't just come with you, dad...? "

"It won't be so bad...it's just for the weekend. You'll have fun. I promise." Happy reassured nervously not wanting to get on anyone's bad side.

Mars pulled up and parked the car, giving a threatening glare at Boss.

MTT would get into the house, only to see Boss slam the door on Red's face. He gave the skeleton a slap upside the head, "Papy! Really? We've been over this!"

Rockwell just snickered at the sight as Mars kicked the door open with her yarnball mace in hand, "WANNA TRY THAT AGAIN YOU SPIKY BEANPOLE LEATHER WEARING BITCH!?" She was ready to kick his ass again if needed.

Julia rushed over to help her dad, looking pretty worried, "You okay, Daddy...?"

Crimson was laughing at the sight of their dad getting what they thought was deserved. Jackson rolled his eyes and dodged a smaller yarnball bullet that hit Crimson square in the head, making him stop.

"HEY! The fuck!?" "KEEP LAUGHING AND I'LL KICK YOUR ASS TOO ALONG SIDE YOUR DEADBEAT DUMBASS OF AN UNCLE!" Mars threatened. Rockwell had also stopped laughing when MTT gave him a warning glare.

"...fun is not the word i'd use for this Ren...this is gunna be a looooong weekend..." Eb groaned, already not liking what was about to come.

Paps sighed, patting Eb's back. "sorry babygirl, i might be gettin' under this docs skin if he gets under my ribcage again, and i'd rather you be here with your grandparents already, instead of having to have someone come and get you...if i get arrested or something. you don't want to ride in grandpapi's motorcycle wagon do you?"

He thought for a moment, and chuckled. "and you really don't want grandmami to drive that big old cadillac of hers, do ya?"

Boss was slapped upside his head, and he growled angrily, staring at MTT. "HUSBAND, WHY WOULD YOU DO-" He couldn't even finish his sentence, when the door was kicked in by Mars, who was also screaming at the top of her lungs.

Red just cowered at the screaming, and Paps rolled his eyes coming over to him. Without a word, Paps picked up Red and Julia; carefully bringing them inside. "i got ya bro, it's alright..."

"the fuck!? oh my gawd, put me down you lazy gator..." Red protested slightly, as he was starting to change to his dog form anyways with all the stress and pain he was in. He was placed onto the floor in Edge and Bitter's house, and he grabbed up Julia with his mouth, who was no bigger than a newborn kitten; and he darted out towards the car again, his tail between his legs.

He leapt around his other children, whining loudly and panting as he escaped getting grabbed again by his younger brother; then he leapt into the van, hiding underneath the the thick blanket they kept in the van; putting Julia down onto the floor as he nervously groomed her head and back.

Paps just stared at where Red had run, and he sighed tiredly. "...not even at dr. didarin's office and i'm exhausted...a'right papi, where the hell are you?!"

Bitter came out from the bedroom, as her and Edge had been taking a nap and she rolled her eyes. "Do you all have to be so damn loud!? Your father is tryin' to sleep!"

Paps blinked a bit, looking to Boss. "is papi okay, mami?"

Bitter nodded softly, and she sighed rubbing her cheek gently. "Yeah the big lug is alright...mostly. I think he might've had a stroke or somethin' a few days ago, but I'm just not sure. He's been wobbling more than normal when he walks, an' he outright refuses ta go see a sawbones. So I'm just keepin' an eye on him fer now. And the munchkins are gonna be helpin' their Grandmami out."

Eb looked over at the mess already made, looking as tired as her father over all the commotion. She was obviously not looking forward for this stay and maybe thinking of sneaking off to stay with her Aunts Vera and Aqua.

MTT sighed, "Papy Darling...I'm sorry and I love you, but let's not do this. Plus...I don't have enough energy to fully heal you again if Mars does attack you again." He really didn't want to stop a fight.

Julia let herself change to a tiny kitten, knowing it helped calm her daddy down. She didn't mind getting licked if it meant her daddy calmed down. Mars just sent another yarn bullet at Boss before rushing off to check on Red, "Come on, Red Ruff...it's okay. I'm sorry..."

Crimson just hissed in pain before going to their uncle, "Hey Capitan Uncle. Mom's pissy as usual..."

"Granni!" Rocky bounded over happily to go hug her, always happy to see her.

"Yeah...sure...whatever..." Rockwell shrugged with a huff. Ebrima, gave a slow but curt nod, before seeming to hover off to where her Grandpapi was. She did walk but she had precision and the long dress to make it seem like she floated.

"Oh...are you sure you can handle all the kids...? If this is too much, maybe we can ask someone else...?" Happy did look nervous at the sight of all the kids in one place.

Paps was making sure that his kids had stuff in their room, which was across the hallway from Boss' kids room as well. Seeing that things were certainly in order, he glanced at his watch and blanched. "it's nearly two pm already, holy shit we have got to cut a rug, happy! i'm gonna be late to that appointment today!"

As he hurried out with Happy on his arm, then he set about shortcutting them both to the arthritis doctors office.

Bitter gently hugged Rocky, then sighed a bit. "Well that was pointless...at least the children are alright...and you are a real sweetheart Rocky. I should probaby get lunch started, in case Edge wakes up..."

Edge had indeed woken up and he was very disoriented. Seeing Ebrima however, he calmed enogh and smiled a little to his granddaughter. "Ebrima...Eb p-princess...co...c-c-cook..."

He cursed himself for the stutter he'd picked up since having had an anruysm last week. "You c-can cook...better...be-better than Gra-Grandmami's s-s-slop, huh?"

Red however whimpered softly, and slowly came out from the blanket; Julia hanging lightly from his jaw. He put Julia down and licked her head delicately. "...i don't wanna go to the damn vet's now...i'm really fine babe..."

Happy was a bit surprised as they were dragged off, "Oh! Okay...B-Bye Eb! Rocky! Be good!" They would get teleported pretty quick though. Eb didn't look all too happy but she decided to not voice it and go relax on the couch.

"Okay! Can I help?" Rocky giggled, more than happy to spend some time with his grandmami.

Ebrima shuffled over to her Grandpapi and nodded. She gently pat his hand, nonverbal way of saying it was fine. "...Would you like me to cook for you...?" Her voice was small but she managed. She never liked talking much, but if she did, it was either because it was super important, she loved the person a lot, or she needed to deeply threaten someone. Other than that, she was pretty talented in cooking. MTT and Boss had been giving her some basic lessons but she liked doing much more lately.

Julia gave Red a soft nuzzle, "Daddy...you have to...your health..."

"She's right, Red. Be only a bit, come on. I promise. Jules, go with the rest. Try tag teaming with Jackson so Crimson isn't a total ass or tries killing your cousins? Please?" Mars gave her a pet on the head before Julie turned back to her normal form.

"I'll do my best , Mama...take care of Dad for me."

"Don't worry, princess. I'll handle him. You worry about yourself. Be nice." Mars waved her goodbye as she headed back in, "MTT! YOU BETTER KEEP A HANDLE ON BOSS, ELSE YOU GET HIM BACK WITH MORE BROKEN BONES THAN LAST TIME!" She growled out for good measure.

MTT sighed and looked to Boss, "We should go...come on, Darling...Rockwell, please watch over your sister, and please don't make a fuss for your grandparents..."

"...Yeah...whatever." Rockwell moved some hair away from his face before joining Eb on the couch, not in the mood to do anything as he pulled out a candy cigarette to chew on.

Bitter grinned lightly, and led the way to the kitchen. Going to the pantry, she pulled out a box of stuffing and was setting up to make lunch. Turkey noodle soup with crispy stuffing cubes for croutons.

Edge had nodded and he moved to get up from the bed. As was possible for skeletons, as well as Blaster Dogs, he'd rapidly lost weight. Nearly what appeared to be over 200 pounds lost on his ectogel frame. He appeared to be rail thin now, his clothing hanging off his frame.

Standing upright, he grasped his walker and slowly started to head out from the bedroom, in his wobbling, unsteady gait. He was wearing a simple red colored long nightgown with matching red and black patterned pants, on his feet were black simple slippers.

Boss had turned to leave to MTT, when he saw Edge and couldn't help but stop. "...Mettaton...was Father this bad off last time we visited?"

Red slightly trembled at Mars' yelling, and he looked up at his wife; his own size changing to almost a chihuahua's size. He stood up on his back paws, his front paws lightly against Mars' slight belly. "just put my collar on dear...i guess i'm ready as i'll ever be for the vets...nearly fifty an' my wife is gonna carry me in 'er purse, heheheh..."

Rocky tired helping by getting out a pot that would be used for the soup. He wasn't too bad at doing so, robot parts plus being half-skelegator helps.

Ebrima stood by his side, helping him where needed. Her expression didn't change but inside, she hated how different and weak her grandpapi was. He didn't deserve it in her mind. But at Edge's side she stayed, like a service dog or a really loyal aid.

MTT noticed what Boss was looking at and barely caught his gasp. "...I..don't think so...no...I knew he had a bit of a bad time last week...but..." now he really was worried about leaving the kids here.

Eb and Rockwell noticed their grandpapi come down. "Hey...you feeling better, G'pops?" Rockwell got up from his seat to help him out.

Eb got up from here to see what was up, "what are you doing out of bed? g'ma said you were sleeping..."

"Sorry baby.." Mars gently pet him to calm him down some. Moment he turned to a tinier size, she had to stop herself from cuddling him then and there.

She put his collar back on him and gave him a light scratch behind his ear, "You say that like it's a bad thing." She let out a chuckle before slowly picking him up to get him settled for the drive.

Bitter was currently rough chopping up the turkey, which was thankfully pre-cooked. Setting up the rest of things, she'd yet to get out the vegetables. "That is a big help, getting the pot on for the stuffing..."

Edge looked to be confused for a moment, as he struggled to even talk to Ebrima. Looking to Rockwell, he shrugged. "M't-tired...B-Brima be c-co-cooking lunch, fer a-all'a us..."

Bitter heard that Edge had gotten up, and she came in, going straight to him. She gave him a kiss, then watched as he went to the dining room. Turning back to MTT and Boss, she smiled slightly. "Everything will be okay kids. Your Mami has got this."

Red gave a tiny yip, his tail wagging happily. He began licking her face some, excitedly watching the road. "after the vet can we get some burgers, mars?"

Ebrima gave a nod before floating to the kitchen to cook, easily taking over what Bitter was doing. Chopping up the veggies that we're out, finely chopping the rest of the turkey, and with Rocky's help, got the pot on the stove and turned on with her magic.

"Hi grandpapi! I'm helping!" Rocky giggled out before going to hug his leg. Eb just let him for now as she got everything in the pot using her magic. Pretty skilled for a 7 year old.

"Are you sure? We can always do this another time..." MTT was worried with the state of Edge and so many kids around. He looked over to Boss to see what he'd think.

"If it's that bad, we can call Tyra. Suprised she's not here already." Rockwell shrugged as he kept an eye out on his sister and grandfather. He was pretty close with the edgy rabbit-bat hybrid.

Mars gave him another pat on the head, "If you're good. That means no leaving scars on the doc's hand...again. If you're really good, I can treat you to some special dessert later~" She purred out lightly while driving It wasn't too hard for her to multitask, it's how she survived in Fell.

Edge looked to Rocky, smiling slightly as he patted the boy's head. "H-Heya Rock..." He laughed softly, his natural hand rubbing Rockys head a bit strongly, but not painfully. "Y-You're a...you're a really great gra-andson, both of you is..."

Boss looked to MTT, then to his father. The man was struggling to even stand in one place, gripping onto his walker so tightly. He stepped over to Edge's side, looking to his parent. He wasn't going to dare say a word, but even his mother looked as if the ghostly woman had nearly twenty years added to her porcelain face in just the past month.

Thinking for a moment, he sighed. "A SIMPLE DAY TRIP SUCH AS WE'RE TAKING SHOULD BE PERFECTLY FINE, METTATON. FATHER HAS WATCHED MYSELF AND MY BROTHER AS YOUNG HOOLIGANS. EVEN IN HIS...STATE, IT SHOULD BE ADEQUATE. PLUS OUR CHILDREN ARE THE MOST EXCELLENT, THEY CAN ASSIST FATHER AND MOTHER IN WATCHING THE LAZY GATOR'S BRATS. AND IF ANY OF THE JUDGE'S CHILDREN MESS UP, I WILL BE INFORMING DR. CADDY OVER THIS MATTER."

Red was still in his chihuahua form, sitting in a dog-seat in the van, and he licked the air, biting at it for a moment. "if i'm good, a'right then...no biting the doc, and i get to enjoy burgers with my sweet kitten~"

His ears perked up, as his tail started wagging brightly. "special dessert?!" As they pulled into the vet's office, he started doing circles in the dog-seat. "special dessert? what is it? what is it? is it you, my sweet as candy mars-bar?"

Ebrima gave a nod as she let everything cook while Rocky stayed and hugged his grandpapi.

MTT looked at where Edge was again, seeing Ebrima come over to him and gently coax him to sit down at the table before getting him a glass of water to drink, straw included figuring his hands would be too shaky if he tried picking up the cup. "...You're right...Rockwell if anything happens..."

"I know, Ma. I know...call ya or Pops and help out the two old folks. I got it." Rockwell just gave a shrug. He wasn't expecting the sudden tight hug from MTT, but let him do it, even giving a small pat on one of his arms back.

"Don't worry about us Capitan Uncle. I got these two bozos here." Crimson smirked as both Julia and Jackson glared at him before muttering in unison, "We're the ones who have to babysit your dumbass..."

Mars parked the car and got out, heading over to the side where the dog seat was before getting him out and packing him in her purse, "You can find out if you're very good for me, Red Ruff. That's the only way you're gunna know." She gave him a light kiss on the head, locked up the car, and headed inside the office to get him checked.

Edge smiled to Ebrima, giving her a light kiss on the side of her head. "T-Thanks Bri-Brima..." Bitter went and got Edge his afternoon medicines, staying hovered by him, as she rubbed his back while he took them.

Boss nodded to Crimson, and looked to the child's siblings. "Very well, Crimson. I will entrust you with my father's safety. He is quite possibly as weak as your mutt father, Sans. But, he deserves respect and mercy still, which you will give him both. I know Mother is watching over him, but she is only one monster; you will be her extra eyes and ears, do you understand me, Crimson?"

Red cuddled in her purse, he really enjoyed when he could be this tiny. It made him so much more vulnerable, but allowed him so much freedom as well. When she came inside the vet's office, he poked his head out and started barking playfully at the nurse as he was signed in. The nurse giggled brightly, and they reached over, giving him a light pet upon his bony skull.

"Oh! A bone dog, how precious!" The nurse exclaimed sweetly. "Alright then, Sans Gaster...oop, you are a little sneak, sir. Have your wife put you on the floor, then you can change to normal humanoid size; and we will measure your average dog size and go from there sir..."

Crimson stopped short at the door and gave his uncle a salute, "Gotcha covered, Capitan."

Rockwell rolled his eyelights at the sight, "Kiss ass..." "I heard that you yellow belly motherfucker. Don't you start. Your heard the Capitan." Crimson growled.

"Oh don't act so high and mighty, ya doggy dumbass. You're the one who fucking starts shit." Rocky headed over and got face to face with his cousin, both looking like they were ready to fight until something forced both of them to be pulled away and held to opposite sides of the wall.

Ebrima was holding them both down with her red magic, her top eyes glowing brighter than the bottom ones. "Both of you calm down...but if you inist on fighting and giving a hard time to either of our grandparents...grandpapi especially..." Both sets of eyes went black, "I won't hesitate to eviserate the both of you...and leave you hanging on a flag pole at half mast to give respect to the loss of the two Idiot-land citizens...Brother...Cousin Jamie...play...nice..." She spoke in a low tone before letting them both go and heading back to the kitchen.

"...Papy, have you been teaching Ebrima your intimidation tactics again...?" MTT watched his daughter's spectacle as Crimson and Rockwell dusts themselves off and looked the other way of each other, clearly still pissed with one another. The two hated each other for the better part of 4 years now. No one really knew what started it.

"You heard the nurse, Red. Come on, babe." Mars carefully got him out of her purse and set him down while she finished the last bit of paperwork in front of her.

Edge watched all this play out, as he was finishing taking his pills; and he just started laughing brightly. "S-S-Serves youse two r-ri-right, bahahaha!"

Bitter rolled her eyes, and rubbed Edge's back again. "Jus one more pill, G...a'right? Then I'll set ya up in the recliner, so's I can help Ebrima with lunch..."

Boss watched curiously the entire thing happening, and he looked to MTT with wide sockets. "NO. I haven't...Evasion, backhanded tactics; and how to properly wield a bone whip...but no, no intimidation, dear..."

Edge took the last pill, and coughed; letting out a weary sigh. He felt like his body was trembling as he grabbed his walker, carefully getting up to head to the recliner. He saw Crimson and grabbed the boy up with a shaky hand; pulling him close to his face. "Don't s-s-start shit, b-b-boy! You-Youse as bad as y-yer old ma-man!"

Red was lifted out from her purse, and placed onto the floor. He chuckled softly; changing back to normal, his one socket closed cheekily. "nothin' gets past ya, huh eagle eye?"

He stepped onto the scale, staying still so the nurse could get an accurate reading. "There we go! Okay, so...on your chart here, we need your 'great dane' form, your 'average' form and your 'chihuahua' form. You can stay in whichever form is more comfortable for you today. Since your last visit, which was...nearly six months ago; have you had any children? Fathered or helped with?"

Red nodded, jabbing a thumb to Mars. "she's got a cub in the oven."

The nurse smiled happily, scribbling down some notes. "Thank you! Okay...great dane form please..."

Red changed to the largest form he could easily take, nearly standing taller than Mars. He sat on his haunches, as the nurse inspected his bones and ectogel. "Now your average form please, sir." The nurse responded, then then patted his head. "Alright then, finally your chihuahua form."

He changed to his smallest form, and the nurse then gently picked him up after weighing him, her hand just right against his chest as she cradled him. "And in this last form; you weigh only around two pounds, my goodness!"

Carrying him down the hallway to an exam room, she placed him onto the table, and put his chart onto the holder. "So, was today just a checkup, or perhaps an underlying issue, Mrs. Gaster?""

"Perhaps we should head off then..." MTT felt a little better seeing that things were being taken care of. He made a note to himself to give his daughter more credit...and see where she was learning so much.

Crimson stared right at Edge with a small growl, but didn't do much else, "...I'm... nothing like that weak piece of shit..."

"Yeah, you're not. He's ten times better." Rockwell hissed out as he popped his back.

Both let out a growl of their own at each other but did nothing else as Rockwell teleported to the roof to get away. Crimson let himself go from Edge as he headed to the backyard, tired of dealing with people.

Eb decided to put her headphones on and play on her handheld video game, hoping to drown out some sound and get some peace. She loved her grandparents...but she still hated being in the same room as some of her edgy cousins.

Mars watched Red change forms, small smile on her face as he behaved. So far so good she figured. Once she was asked from the nurse, she tried thinking about any other issues that came up, "We are here for his normal check up and get some prescriptions renewed...I do want his hand to get looked at, I thought I saw a crack that was giving him problems but I didn't get a good look. Red, baby, anything I'm missing there?"

Boss and MTT had then left, and Bitter went to the kitchen to check on lunch, seeing that Ebrima was working on it. "Oh thanks sweetie... I nearly forgot about lunch anyways. Your old Grandmami is losing her marbles I swear..."

"Grandpapi is relaxing in the recliner, and he'll probably fall asleep soon anyways..." The teacup headed old woman looked to her granddaughter and frowned a bit. "Ebrima... you know your Grandpapi don't even know what day of the week it is...or even time of day anymore? He knows me and he always goes on and on about you. You're his precious little skelebot..."

The veterinary assistant nodded softly, making a few notes on the chart. "Some scripts, his hand checked out..."

Red padded around on the exam table, then he laid down. "i'm nearly fifty, uh, been gettin headaches more often,, jus wondering if they're normal or somethin else..."

His ears flattened, and he whimpered. "this ain't gonna be a physical exam is it?"

The assistant nodded, making a few more notes. "Well yes, it's a physical exam. Checking everything. Including the um, undercarriage..."

Ebrima nodded and kept cooking, same blank expression on her face. That was just her default. Though, deep inside, she was very woried about him. She took a look over at the recliner and sighed, trying not to think about it and focus on the soup.

Julia decided to take a seat nearby and start knitting something while Jackson turned to his dog form and went to take a nap in a sunspot near the window.

"Sorry babe. Gotta get you looked at. Remember our deal." Mars reminded before petting him gently, "Pleaaaase? For me? For the burger? For the special surprise?" She gave him a soft look and purr, tail twitching lightly.

Edge by then had indeed fallen asleep, his old eyes tired, as a human game show came on in the background. Bitter went over and gently draped a blanket over him.

The assistant had left, while the vet was due to come inside the room soon enough.

Red nuzzled her hand as she petted him. "alright...i know the deal and all..."

The vet came into the room, and sighed seeing it was Red Gaster. "Oh...hello Mr. Gaster, I see you're back for your appointment, and on time no less, that's wonderful..."

He came over and set down the paperwork, examinging over it, when he started to stand up the chihuahua-form of Red up to his tiny paws. "So...you are turning 50 this year, Mr. Gaster...and your HP is still at 0.75 of an HP."

Red's tail started wagging happily. "it's at three-quarters? that's great!"

The vet paused, and frowned a bit. "Three-quarters is actually very horrible...especially for a man of your age and your health..." He started to push on Red's stomach lightly, placing the tiny dog onto his side.

"Hmm..." The vet pressed against Red's belly, lower to his crotch, feeling something that felt off in Red's abdomen. Red started to growl warningly, baring his teeth a bit.

Eb and Julia watced their G'ma take care of their G'pa. Both of them had something on their mind, but it would be Jackson that would speak it out, "Hey...G'ma...he gunna be okay? Literally he just moved from one place to another to sleep...I know dad does that but...guy's low on HP. So he makes sense. But G'pa..."

Mars looked pretty happy at hearing that his HP went up a bit more. Hearing what the doc said doused that bit of excitement, "Hey, better than a few years ago, doc. I'll take three-quarters than no HP."

She watched the vet work for a bit and noticed Red starting to growl, "Reeeeeed...remember what I said. Be nice ya old mutt." She warned.

Mars decided to check her phone for a moment to see if any of the kids texted her. Nothing so far, that was a good sign.

Bitter sighed softly, as she hovered near the recliner; rubbing Edge's skull gently. "...I...don't know. G'pa had a massive stroke, four days ago...had to call the ambulance, he was...passed out, with a trail of blood from his mouth and nose. He's still recovering from it all..."

Red huffed softly, and just laid his head down on the table. He let the vet continue to palpate his abdomen, and he just looked so defeated. After a few more moments the vet had finished up; and wrote down a few things on the chart.

"Alright, so...at his...advanced age it's quite common for dogs, be them regular or magical, to start having issues with their endocrine system or also with their skeletal system..." The vet started to ramble slightly.

Red looked up at the vet, rolling his working eyelight. Then in frustration, he started to lick his back leg. He would have rather bit the vet for being annoying, but he really wanted a burger, and he really really wanted whatever it was that Mars had set up for him.

"I'm going to have a panel done to make sure we're not dealing with anything that is dangerous with Mr. Gaster here, ma'am. It could be an inflamed magi-organ, or potentially something worse..."

Jackson nodded and lied back down. Eb and Julia were also silently thinking the same thing, hoping it wouldn't come to fruition.

Mars pet Red gently before nodding, "If it's gotta be done, it's gotta be done. I just want to make sure he's okay." She gently nuzzled Red lightly, "You're doing really good, baby...little longer, okay...?"

Edge blinked a bit, at the rubbing of his skull and he smiled a bit to Bitter. "H-Heya da-darlin...issit time fer fo-food y-y-yet?" Bitter nodded softly, patting his skull softly. "Mhm...we're all eatin in the living room tonight. No need ta go all the way to the dining room jus ta eat."

He started to close his eyes, and he sighed, looking at the TV. Turning his head towards the kitchen, he then looked to his grandchildren as most of them were on the couch. Bitter gave Edge a sweet kiss to his cheek, and she floated off towards the kitchen to check up on lunch, shooing Ebrima out from the room.

I'm gonna miss ya'll when I go...ya g-gonna miss me? I...I hope I was a good G'pa...despite a-all the shit I d-did... He mumbled softly, not really talking to anyone in particular, but just loud enough that it could be heard.

Red huffed softly, and let out a surprised sounding little yip when the vet picked him up again. "hey, little warnin' would be damn nice, buddy!"

The vet chuckled quietly, and started to inspect Red's paw. "I'm not very used to patients who can...ahem, talk back sir. Now be a good boy and just let me heal you, Red."

Red just laid there, his tail curled against his back. "..." As the vet turned him around and withdrew a bit of reddish-blue magiblood; he yelped, and whimpered a little. The vet started to leave the room, a slight smile across his face. "I'll be back in a just a couple of minutes, we're going to run an initial 'catch-all' test to see if anything springs out at us, hmm?"

After the vet left the room, Red laid on his side; his large sockets closing. As a small 'apple-headed' chihuahua, he yawned widely; licking his muzzle tiredly.

Ebrima seemed to catch what her G'ma said as she was shooed out. Rocky did too, but he headed over to Bitter and gently tugged at her sleeve. He knew, he wasn't a dumb kid, but he still didn't like seeing people upset.

Mars headed over to Red, "Hey...come here, babe. You're doing really good, I'm proud of ya."

She gently picked him up and held him close, giving him a nice scratch behind his red ectogel ear, "Doing real good. We're almost done and we can go get a nice juicy burger with extra mustard."

Bitter looked to Rocky, as she was getting bowls of the turkey soup ready to take out to the living room. "What's goin' on Rocky?"

Red cuddled against her chest, licking her chin softly. "oooh...juicy burger...and extra mustard..." He yipped happily, his tail wagging brightly at the thought of a nice and thick burger.

After a few minutes, just as he'd said; the vet had returned, and he had a somber look upon his face. Looking to the nurse, before he came into the room fully. "No...no we can't suggest putting him down, he's not a pet, Susan; he's a monster...mhm...yeah. I'll let them know, but put away that paperwork, it won't be needed..."

Red's eyelight blinked out, and he started trembling in Mars hands. "...p-put down!?"

"...G'pa's...hurt...huh...?" He muttered quietly, lot different than the usual little ball of sunshine normally was.

Mars kept petting him and giggling, loving to just hold him close to her whenever he was that small.

She didn't like what she heard when the vet came back, "Excuse me...what? What do you mean?!"

Bitter nodded softly, and sighed. "Yeah baby...he's...not doin' that great. I mean, he's over a thousand years old...pretty beat up and damaged...but we're hoping he'll get bettah. I mean he just had that stroke not even a week ago. An' everyday he's gettin' better!"

She brought in the bowls of thick and rich turkey soup; and a large bowl of stuffing croutons to garnish with.

The vet sighed, and leaned against the exam table. "Ma'am I am terribly sorry you overheard that. One of my nurses was a bit...rude with what she was asking if I needed paperwork that a pet parent would sign in the case of their pet needing euthanasian. However...that's also the reason I need to genuinely speak with you both. Your husband has a large mass in his lower abdomen, the markers came back flagged for cancerous antibodies. We need to do further testing however..."

"Quite possibly one thing that is on his side, is that it also changes shape along with his forms. Getting bigger as he does, but also, getting smaller as he does in turn." The vet commented, as he tapped the paperwork he held. "I'm...terribly sorry to have to give this news, but it's good we're aware of this now and we're able to attempt to nip this in the bud before it gets any worse..."

Rocky watched her go with a sad look before following over to be with his big sister. He got onto her lap and sat there. Eb wrapped an arm around her little brother and tried to focus on the tv instead.

Jackson smelled the soup and yawned, deciding to get up and go get Crimson and Rocky for food. He wasn't going to bother getting Julia, girl was too into her craft at the moment.

Mars looked at Red with a concerned look, "You...can get that...?" Her grip on him seemed to tighten slightly, slightly afraid. "...What do you gotta do...? What does he need...? How bad is this thing...? It's early enough..right..?"

Red whimpered softly as Mars hold tightened a bit, and he tried to comfort her by licking her hand gently. "i...didn't know. i guess i can get anything babe...i was uh, made in the labs by dad...i mean, i was a damn accident...tried to make a weapon...i somehow happened instead."

The vet nodded, his eyebrow raising at the knowledge of what Red just stated. "Alright then, so he's going to get some further testing done, find out exactly what's going on, and we can go from there. Most likely, he'll need weekly injections which he can give himself at home for his medication. As to how bad is it...considering I can already palpate it a bit within his abdomanal cavity, it could be rather bad; but we're hoping that it isn't."

Delicately, he took Red from Mars hands, and placed Red onto the exam table; pulling his shirt upwards. Within the right hand bottom area of his abdomen, was a small black area about the size of an eraser while he was in his chihuahua form.

"For now though, try to get some rest. We will schedule a follow-up exam for further testing in the next couple days, alright?" The vet was kindly enough to hold the door open for them both when they were getting ready to leave.

"Alright...yeah...yeah...sure...sounds good..." Mars grabbed her purse and followed off to the front desk to set the appointment up. Once that was done, she picked up Red and headed to the car. One fear of hers was losing the monster she loved, she didn't want this to be it.

"...Let's...go get your burger and go home, Red...sound good...? She muttered quietly after getting him strapped into the car, not making eye contact with him just in case.

Red just curled up in the dog seat, his sockets closed. "sure...can ya get some o' those little pies the kids like? hell just...just get a sack of burgers. we'll feed the cubs too..."

The ride was otherwise mostly in silence, he didn't even seem excited when he smelled the food, just mere inches from his chair.

Once they got home, he just couldn't bear to look at his wife, he was devastated and scared. When she came around to get him from the chair, he started whimpering and crying.

Mars put the burgers in her inventory for the moment before grabbing Red. She got him inside and held him close, petting him, "...He said it could be, Red Ruff...could be...there's a chance it's not...you're gunna get better...I know you will...you survived tougher, baby... y-you'll be okay..."

It was hard to tell if she was saying that for his comfort or her own. One thing for sure was that she was afraid to let him go. "...Can you turn back for me, pup...? Please...?"

Red managed to nod softly, and he changed forms back to normal, wrapping his arms around her lovingly. "i'm so scared, mars..."

"...I'm scared too, Red...I'm so scared...I...I really just don't wanna lose you..." Mars whimpered and kept him close to her, even her tail had wrapped lovingly around his waist before she started crying, "...You g-gotta be o-okay, R-Red...y-you h-h-have to..."

Red sniffled softly, and he lightly rubbed her cheeks of her tears. "it's like you said once before...doesn't take much to hurt me, but i'm the hardest motherfucker to dust."

"though, ya might be carrying around a little jerky stealer in your purse while i'm doin these treatments..." He snickered, as he licked her face sweetly, his tail wagging.

Mars sniffled and nodded despite more tears trailing down. She did manage a weak little laugh with the lick and snicker, "...Angel above...you're lucky we got burgers and I got a huge supply of the damn jerky! You're such a fucking mutt...! But...y-your my mutt..."

She cupped his cheek and pulled him in for a kiss, "...L-Love ya, Red...love ya too d-damn much...I s-swear...look w-what you're doing to me..."

Red passionately kissed her, his hand trailing down her front to her slight belly where he rubbed lovingly. "i can smell what i'm doin to ya, mars-bar... didn't know that you could even smell that good when you already got a bun in your oven... or, did your body wanta litter, heheh?"

Mars laughed in the kiss before lightly pushing him away, "God damn it, Red! You know what I meant!"

She gave him a light nuzzle and kissed him softly one more time, "But...I did make a deal with ya...and you did really good. You sure you want dessert before dinner, babe...?" she purred softly as she snaked her hand over to play with his tail.

Red snickered brightly, his eyelight nearly twinkling in his playful excitement. "oooh, yanno how much i love dessert..."

As she asked him the question, she had begun purring...and as she played with his tail, his left leg started thumping rapidly, his tongue hanging out in bliss.

"ahhhh...haah...mmmmm...i want...I waaaannnttt...pussyburger..." He muttered, leaning his head into her lap, pressing sloppy kisses along her stomach, going further down.

Mars let out a laugh and kept playing with his tail, gently stroking and massaging every little bone on it, "I know you do, Red Ruff. I know you do~"

She let him kiss her stomach, letting out low purrs in pleasure before stopping him short of going down to her pants button, "Ah ah ah~...down, boy. You wanna have me, gotta get me right." she gently tugged at his collar before getting up and heading to the room.

She'd come right back with her own collar on, light blue and the golden tag reading her name. She used to wear it out a lot more, but with the kids around, she kept it hidden. So now it was out for their own private time. She did come out in a looser fitting tank top and short shorts where the gaster blaster head tattoo she got could be clearly seen on her upper thigh. "Much as I love the couch, I don't feel like cleaning it up afterwards. The bedroom however fits me just fine...wouldn't ya say, Cherry Pop~?"

Red sat on his haunches, his tail going a mile a minute as he waited patiently for her to return. Seeing his gorgeous wife coming back in front of him, he panted softly, nodding in response.

He got to his feet and easily picked her up into his arms. Giving her kisses all over her face, he carried her to the bedroom, his rather impressive erection clearly pressing against Mars side.

Mars laughed with getting picked up as she was being kissed and carried. Once they hit the bed, she'd start the real kisses there.

Some time would pass later and she's faceplanted on the floor, claws released from the tear proof pillows, and arms currently wrapped around her husband as they lied under the sheets. "How was dessert Cherry Pup? You liked it?" she pressed a few kisses on his chipped shoulder and collar bones, enjoying having him so close.

She always got cuddly when they were alone.

Red was panting softly, his tongue hanging out as he grinned wide. Managing to lick his own cheek, he sighed happily. "oh my gawd that was so damn good, marianne..."

He cuddled gently with her, the scars lining his ectogel and bones. "heheheh, that's a new record though, nearly an hour locked in ya..."

Patting her slightly more heavy middle, he grinned cheekily. "maybe we'll get another litter, if we're lucky?"

Mars happily cuddled with him, her hand gently carressing his cheek and gently stroking the scars on him, "Mhmm...glad you liked it...best hour I've had."

She let out a laugh as he patted her stomach, bump was slowly coming, "Maybe...I would be pretty happy with just one kid. If it's more than one, I'm NOT pushing 'em out. My fucking pussy got almost destroyed after the cubs! They getting pulled out unless I can't get there."

She had been getting a little better with doctors for the past few years. For the best anyway since there was a lot her own homemade meds couldn't fix.

"Hey...whatever we have or how many we got...still gunna love you and all the brats...hear me...?"

Red nodded to what she was saying. "i guess it got destroyed. tastes the same to me~"

A few moments later, he grew more solemn, nodding. "i hear you loud and clear, mars. i'll always love you so much."

He changed to his Great Dane form and curled up around her. "no mattah what."

After they cuddled a bit more, Red got up from the bed, plodding downstairs where still in his Great Dane form, he started to eat his burgers that he'd gotten, happily licking the papers of the mustard.

Mars laughed a bit before snuggling up to his Great Dane form, easily wrapping her arms around his neck and hiding her face in his shoulder.

Once he left, she decided to go off and take a shower before grabbing dinner. Wanted to look somewhat clean before going to get the kids. She didn't want to leave them there for too long.

After her shower, she joined Red in eating her burger and kicked back, hand on her belly to feel the little bump she had going on. "We should grab the cubs back after this. Must be driving your ma and pops crazy over there."

Red nodded alongside her. His laugh was more rumbling and deeper than usual. He picked a wrapped burger and started to eat.

"yeah, pops kinda has me worried with how he is. then again, old fuck could prolly take a nuke and he'd survive..." Red chuckled brightly, before he licked up some stray crumbs on the wrapper.

He yawned and laid down on his front paws, his ears twitching slightly. "hmm... should we tell ma and pops about the cancer shit? don't wanna make em all worried...you know how ma gets... fuckin ranting that the world's gonna end, why did they come here, such a nice, peaceful timeline that can suck dick...gawd, ma's annoying when she starts going..."

"Your dad is pretty tough. I'll give him that." She bit into her burger as she watched Red, thinking of how cute he still was after all these years.

"Nah...Let's wait until the testing. We gotta find out of it's bad. If it isn't, good on us and we both got nothing to worry about...if it's bad..then we say something. Right now? Let's not get your ma all riled up." Mars didn't want to deal with Bitter's ranting.

She finished up her meal and threw out the trash before grabbing her car keys, "Come on, Red Ruff. Let's get the cubs."

Red stood up, stretching himself out a bit; before he yawned widely. His false golden canine glimmered in the light of the kitchen a bit; as his bony tail wagged slightly. "a'right."

As he walked around the counter towards the front door; he changed back to his chihuahua form; yipping brightly. "yeah let's go get the brats." As he was picked up, he gave her cheeks lots of kisses, his tiny tail waggling fast in his happiness. He was then strapped into the dog seat in the passenger seat beside her, and he excitedly watched as the houses passed by them.

Pulling up to his parent's house, he was helped out from the dog seat, and was held in Mars hands. After coming inside, he hid in her purse, wondering how the kids might act, thinking he wasn't with her.

Bitter was gathering up the bowls that the kids had left around from their snacks after having had lunch earlier, and Edge was awake, tinkering with a small computer that Ebrima and Eb had brought over for him to look at.

"O-Oka-Okay...see girls...t-the wires are cro-crossed. They needta be uncrossed and...s-split back to-together." He was still stuttering slightly, as he worked on it.

Mars gave him a light pet while in the purse as she came inside the house, looking around to see what was going on.

Rocky was trying his best to gather any bowls left behind, slowly making his way to the kitchen to drop them off without dropping the little stack he had.

Eb and Ebrima nodded as they watched Edge work. Even Jackson was paying attention from far behind, seeming curious. "alright. so after we split 'em back, what then? we check the chips to see if they fried?" Eb asked as she kept mental notes on everything. Ebrima was just watching silently with a small notebook out that she occasionally made notes on.

"Hey, am I interrupting something?" Mars headed over with a slight smile.

"Hey ma. Where's dad? Doctor trip turn out okay?" Jackson stretched before heading over to his mother.

"Went fine, Jackie. Where's your sib and sister?" Mars gave him a light pet on the head. "Julia's helping with cleaning dishes in the kitchen. Crimson is in the carrier over in the corner. Tyra showed up just in time to get Rockwell and them from causing too much damage to each other in a fight. She's with him on the roof now." Jackson informed as he looked to a carrier that was indeed in the far corner of the room.

Right in there was a very grumpy Crimson in his skeletal cat form, the door closed and locked and he long since given up trying to break it open.

Edge nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Mhm. We t-take the chips out... Test em w-with the multi...m-me-meter..."

He sighed, his own stuttering annoying him somewhat. Carefully prying out a microchip, he tested it with the multimeter, and saw that it was working. "See? N-not that one. We co-continue on kids..."

Hearing Mars he looked up and gave her a crooked smile. "Jus...w-working on getting this go-going again..."

Bitter was putting away the cleaned dishes, and she floated out from the kitchen smiling at Mars. "Well hey there, ya missed lunch, we had really good turkey soup. How was the appointment for Red?"

Red was curled up in Mars purse, having gone to sleep actually.

Eb nodded as Ebrima took her notes. The two looked up once they saw Mars, "hey aunt mars."

"So far so good. We gotta go back to get some blood work results. But doc says he's doing okay...HP's gone up. He's at 0.75 now. Not great for his age, but I'll take it. Ya know?" Mars shrugged, keeping a pretty good face on. Not exactly a lie as it had a lot more truth to it. She just wouldn't elaborate on how much.

Julia peeked in from the kitchen and waved, "We're going home now, Ma? I'm almost done."

"Take your time, Jules. No worries. Good of ya to help out your G'ma like that." Mars smiled over at her before looking at Bitter, "We're good for lunch. Red and I stopped somewhere after the appointment. Kids give ya any trouble...well..besides Crimes over there."

Bitter chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh I swear I was ready to drown a cat today, Mars. Crimes was trying to rip off Rockwell's metal plating during their fight earlier. Edge nearly threw Crimes into the carrier that Tyra had brought over..."

Edge had finished up and his grin was bright as he closed the device up. The little computer turned on finally and he chuckled. "S-See? G'pa got it wo-working!"

He handed it to Eb, smiling sweetly. "Go g-get Pu-Puddin, Brima, please?"

Red snuffled from Mars purse, turning around inside. His little bony tail hung from the corner of her purse.

Mars rolled her eyes, "What am I gunna do with that kid...?" She headed over to grab the carrier. Crimson didn't put up a fight, just growling tiredly from inside.

Eb took the laptop and pocketed it in her inventory before nodding. "i got 'em g'pa. one sec." Eb teleported off to the roof to fetch her cousins.

Julia had finished the dishes finally and headed over, only to get excited when she saw a little tail, "Papa? Papa!" She changed into her kitten form and tried climbing up into her mom's purse to be with him.

Eb soon returned with both Tyra and Rockwell. Rockwell had bandages and some burnt spots on him, but Tyra was managing to get them healed. He didn't look at anyone, just exhausted and done with everyone for the moment. "Can I help you, G'pa? Is Crimson acting up in the carrier again...?"

Red let out a tiny yip, feeling his daughter falling into the purse on top of him; and he smiled happily; his working red eyelight focusing on her. He was only a 2.5 pound apple-headed chihuahua dog form, but she still was smaller than him as she was a tiny kitten; and he cuddled close to her.

Edge looked over to Rockwell and shook his head, lifting his robotic arm up to give Rockwell a hug. "N-No...just thought yo-you'd wanna say bye to your Un-Uncle Red before they left..."

Bitter saw Julia scrambling into Mars purse and she chuckled, reaching in. "Awww...lookit Gaster, our boys a little chiweenie~"

Red yipped in protest at being held by his mother like that, and just sighed, rolling his eyelight. "i am not a chiweenie, ma; i'm a chihuahua, it's my smallest form...gimme to pops, i wanna snuggle the old fuck 'fore we go home this time."

Bitter snickered softly, setting Red onto Edge's chair. Red leapt over the arm and into his dad's lap, where he looked up at the skinny old man. Edge lifted his trembling natural hand and then softly petted Red, a weak and crooked smile crossing his face. "I really br-broke the mo-mold makin yo-yo-youse, didn't I, Sans?"

Red licked Edge's hand, and nuzzled him softly. "mhm. thanks pops, for makin me years ago..."

Tyra nodded at her grandfather and nodded over at Mars. "Aunt Mars. Uncle Red. Good to see you two are well."

"Well as we can be, girl. You still look like ya shot up like a damn weed. Your hair get longer?" Mars looked at her up and down, getting a good look of the girl.

"Yes. I've refrained from cutting it. I like it this way...thank you..." Tyra pushed a strand away from her face and looked over to Rockwell. He was currently watching his uncle get handled by his grandparents. He couldn't help a small smile on his face, before it disappeared with another thought. Tyra caught it but didn't say anything, not yet.

Julia stayed in her mom's purse for now, seeming to like how comfy it was.

Eb went back to relaxing with Rocky. Little boy was currently busy playing on his big sister's game console and seemed to be having fun.

Paps had finished up with the arthritis doctor, and he had three new prescriptions and a shoulder brace that he had to wear when he was awake. He'd shortcut back with Happy, and he sighed tiredly as he came into the house. "ebby, rocky; we're finally done with that damn doctor visit. you ready to go home already?"

Red looked over to Paps, and just snuggled against Edge letting out a tiny warning growl. Paps looked down to Red, and covered his mouth for a moment; stifling a laugh. "didn't know you could pack so much fight into such a little package, red..."

Red narrowed his eye sockets and started to bark loudly at Paps; nearly jumping with the effort of trying to look big and intimidating from Edge's lap towards the tall skelegator. Paps didn't even blink at Red's efforts, as he looked to his children with a slight smile. "so, you two ready to go?"

Happy looked about, glad nothing seemed out of place. Rocky jumped from his seat and ran over to hug the two. Happy immediately picked up their giggling little boy and smiled, "Sorry we came so late, sweethearts."

Eb flopped over to her parents, looking exhausted, "...take me home...please..." She stayed lying on the floor, glad the last 30 minutes were semi-silent enough for her to think. But it was clear to see she was done.

Ebrima did give Red a light pat on the head, silent way of saying hello to him without signing.

"We better get going too. Jackie, ready bud?" Mars looked over at her son, who nodded and stretched out of his dog form, "Ready ma. Let's go...I got stuff to finish anyway.."

Paps scooped up Eb, and pressed a kiss to her head lightly. "daddy's gotcha kiddo. how about we both go'on home and we flake out together? i'm beyond tired, but this appointment was a heck of a lot easier than last time."

Red calmed down when Ebrima had petted him, and he sat on his haunches in his Dad's lap, then he nuzzled Ebrima's hand at the petting. Hearing Jack talk about finishing stuff, he leapt down from Edge's lap, looking to his son. "what's this stuff you gotta finish up, huh?"

Paps gathered his two kids, then along with Happy; they shortcut back home together. Red barely blinked at this happening, but he still looked up at his children, a slight smile on his muzzle. Looking to Ebrima and Rockwell, his grin was wide and pleased or it cold have been outside. He could be seen to be lightly pacing in excitement or worry, it was hard to tell which.

Eb looked relieved at the sound of them finally going home.. Rocky waved at his grandparents before being teleported with his renny, papa and sister.

Moment they got home, Eb flopped into the couch, face first into cushions, "hello couch...i missed you...fucking hell...' she mumbled from her spot as Rocky went with Happy to prepare something for dinner.

Ebrima continued to put him a bit, slightly reminding herself of how she would pet Doomfanger. It was a different feeling petting her uncle like this.

Rockwell did manage a weak wave at his uncle, "Haven't seen you like that before, Unc. You having fun over there?"

Jackson looked over at his dad, "Just...stuff dad. It's not like a big deal. Just fixing something for a friend. That's it." He wasn't sure if he wanted to get into it even more. But there was a small little blush on his face.

Paps stretched out in the recliner, and sighed happily, taking his glasses off. "i hate those waiting room chairs, i missed my recliner...nyeeehhh..."

Red paced a bit on the floor, before leaping back up into Edge's lap, his tail slightly vibrating from his nervousness. "having fun? eh..." He did the best shrug that he could do while in his chihuahua form.

His tail started to wag a bit faster as he looked towards Jackson, he tilted his head with a slight bark. "alright then, but if you get in over your head, we're here to help ya, kiddo. got it?"

Happy giggled at the sight of the two as Rocky had a big smile. "Papa and Sissy are funny!" He giggled.

"Just a little, sweetheart. Just a little. Happy gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before getting to work.

Rockwell just managed a smile at his uncle with that. Though he did give a knowing glance at Jackson, but still keeping his silence, like the two had an agreement of some sort.

"I got it. Like I said, just finishing it, Pops. No big deal." Jackson assured as he managed to calm the magic in his cheeks.

"Can we just go fucking home already?! I wanna get out of here!" Crimson hissed out and even tried clawing at the cage.

"Alright Mx. Hissy Kitty. We're going. We're going. Calm yourself. Thanks for watching the kids again, Ma and Pa. we'll take 'em now." Mars sighed.

Red went over to the cage and barked at his child loudly. "you bettah learn your lesson, our you're staying in there tonight buddy! i don't wanna take no shit from you got it? i will go great dane, and put this cage in a tall branch of the tree in the backyard."

He then turned around, kicking up imaginary dust at the cage door with his back legs; then he leapt into Mars purse, cuddling with Julia happily.

Bitter smiled softly, nodding. "Yer welcome Mars. It was no trouble watchin' em all. You be good Crimes, G'ma ain't gonna forget this next time ya come ova, so don't start actin' like you're gonna butter up my porcelain either. Got it?"

"You wouldn't fucking dare, you old fart! All I gotta do is sneeze wrong and you're fucking dust!" Crimes growled and hissed, only to let out a yelp when the carrier was bumped against harshly a bone bullet.

"Whoops. My hand slipped." Rockwell looked innocent as he stood by his grandparents.

"FUCK ALL OF YOU! YOU IN PARTICULAR YOU SORRY EXCUSE OF A COUSIN AND LIFE! YOU ARE A FUCKING FAILURE OF A SON TO THE CAPITAN! YOU'RE LUCKY YOU GET PROTECTED BY THE REST OF THIS FUCKING FAMILY! I HOPE YOUR DUST GETS LOST IN A PILE OF-..." Crimes growled and yelled before Mars took a spray bottle from her inventory and started spraying the crate. Causing him to hiss and yelp from the ice water.

"You are sooooo grounded when we get home." Mars growled lowly and so stopped the spray. Leaving a cold, shivering, skelecat in the crate.

Red stayed in the purse, starting to tremble slightly at what Crimson was growling and yelling about. He knew that all it would take is just one wrong move and he'd be gone. Why even bother trying to get better then? Was he even worth it, considering how much a strain he put on his entire family with just his existence?

Bitter came over to the crate, glaring at Crimes. "How would you like it, if your Uncle Boss heard what you said ABOUT HIS OWN SON?! You know he calls you a mongrel mutt just like his BROTHER!? You're no better than Rockwell is, you pathetic grandchild."

Julia nuzzled her Papa, letting out a sad mew at him, "...Daddy...?" She snuggled up to him and gave a small lick at his cheek, "...I love you daddy..."

Crimes growled at his grandmother, "F-Fuck you..."

Rockwell didn't say anything, but his fists balled up. He teleported away not wanting to be around anyone anymore.

"Rock-...there he goes again..." Tyra sighed, hating that the hard talk she had with him went to waste.

Red nuzzled her, letting out a tiny whimper. "...love ya too, jules...daddy ain't doin' that well...but i'll talk to ya later 'bout it all, kiddo..."

Bitter sighed, shaking her head. "Goddamnit...well, I'll be seeing ya 'round Mars. I gotta go see if I can talk with Rockwell..." She floated up through the ceiling, to see if Rockwell was back up on the roof again.

Julia nodded and licked him lightly again before snuggling up against him.

"Let's go home...come on. Jackson, take your sib." Mars handed the carrier over to him.

Jackson followed his mother back to the car, keeping the crate a good distance from him, "Why do you gotta act like a jackass everywhere we go? You trying to act like him? Congratulations, you're just as scummy as he is to dad." Jackson hissed at the crate before putting him in the seat.

Crimson didn't say anything else, be it from fear or frustration. He was done.

Tyra flew up to see if he was there as well. To both their disappointment, he wasn't. "Must have teleported to a friend's house...he only goes three places...the roof here, off to see me, and a friend's..." she sighed and looked about.

Bitter sighed, shaking her head. "Oh dear...a friend's house? I wonder where he went then...he never said anything about a friend to me and Edge..."

Red was lifted out from Mars purse, and him along with Julia were placed into the dog seat in the front passenger seat. Despite being so tiny, Red was still larger than Julia and he gently curled himself around her while Mars drove them all home.

Edge was quickly left alone in the house with just Ebrima by his side. "S-Surprised you a-ain't go-going ta see where ya b-brother went..."

"They're new...he's mentioned them once or twice to me before. Apparently he'll hide out with them if things get too much with Uncle Boss and I'm not around." Tyra mentioned as she landed on the roof, "...He'll come back...he left his sister here...he always comes back for her..." She knew he and Ebrima were rather close. The two of them took care of each other, much like how their swap counterparts did.

Ebrima closed her notebook and leaned against her grandfather, "...He comes back...always does...he needs time to cool off and get away...like when Daddy gets too much for him..." She answered quietly before letting herself off the couch to go make tea.

"...Want tea, Grandfather...?" She looked back at him for a moment, wanting his answer before getting to the kitchen.

Bitter rubbed her cheek and frowned softly. "Mm...of course. Well hopefully he'll be alright..."

Edge gently pressed a kiss to Ebrima's head, giving her a crooked and sweet smile. "I-I know...y-yes a cup o-of tea sounds g-great P-Princess..."

Tyra nodded, "Give him time...let's go back..." She flew back down to be back with Edge. Her mother knew where she would be, so she wasn't worried about that.

Ebrima gave a soft nod and pat on his knee before going to the kitchen. Wouldn't be hard for her to start up the tea.

Tyra headed over and hugged Edge from the side, "...Feeling any better than yesterday, G'pa? Mom and the twins were worried..."

Edge chuckled softly, and leaned his head lightly against Tyra. "Y-Yeah...movin' a-a bit bettah. T-That stroke it...r-really fr-fried me. Yo-Your Dama...good they c-caught it...after B-Bitts called 'em..."

Bitter smiled sweetly, and patted Edge's shoulder softly as she drifted past him. "I'm gonna go get ya some cookies ta go with your tea, Edgy..."

Tyra nodded and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Mhmm...Dama's still glad you didn't turn out worse than you did. They promised to visit sometime soon." She decided to stay with him for now.

Meanwhile, Vera was grilling up some pinapple and burgers on their backyard grill. It was still a good day out for a pool party.

Kryssie was playing around in the pool her moms had installed about a few years ago. The twins were growing and needed a bigger space besides the tub in the master bedroom to swim and get refreshed in, Vera figured so the fresh water pool got installed. Now they were just waiting for a few extra guests.

"Mom, when does Grandpa get here?" Kryssie asked as she started to blow up a beach ball to play with.

"Soon I think. Your Mama's keeping an eye out. Don't worry." Vera assured as she flipped some pineapples over.

Edge nodded shakily, and gently wrapped his arm around Tyra's waist, snuggling her. "C-C'mere Pu-Puddin..."

In the backyard pool Jamie and Johnny were enjoying a nap in the bottom of the pool after having been playing hard in the backyard for the better part of the day.

Aqua was watering the front yard flowers, her large sun hat on; as a medicinal cigarette hung from her mouth in a holder. A few years ago, she had gotten a burn injury at the dispensary on her back which occasionally gave her trouble.

Cupcake had gotten a large box of Wingdin's cinnamon buns in the basket of his Vespa as he came down from his house to see Kryssie and the others. Pulling up to the house, he smiled seeing Aqua.

"Aquaria! Such a pleasure to see you again!" He stepped down from the little scooter; grabbing his cane. "I've brought some of Wingdin's cinnamon buns, she was going to come, but Getter needed some help over at the old cafe unfortunately..."

Aqua came over, gladly taking the box of buns. "Oh, Kāne it's alright... Hine's always working on somethin' isn't she? C'mon, Ku'uipo and the keiki are in the backyard already!"

She led Cupcake through the house, taking care to not go too fast for the old teacup hybrid. She had noticed that he had certainly slowed down over the years. Opening up the patio door, she smiled brightly to Vera and her children.

"Grandpa's here kids! And he brought Grandma's cinnamon buns!" Aqua called out, as she came over to Vera, and placed the box down on the table they had set up.

Jamie and Johnny scrambled out from the pool and went running over to Cupcake, giving their Grandfather a very wet and loving hug.

"Grandpa!" Jamie exclaimed happily, meowing brightly and nuzzling his face against Cupcake's slightly pudgy side.

"We missed you Grandpa!" Johnny laughed happily, hugging him as well.

"Hi Grandpa!" Kryssie headed over to give him a big hug along with her siblings, "Thanks for coming! Missed you a lot!"

"Hey Brewster. Welcome over. Make yourself at home." Vera waved from the grill as she took out a few ready slices of pineapple and put them on a metal warming plate nearby.

"I invited Uncle and Auncle Lez over, I don't know if they're gunna be coming though. Fingers crossed there." She lowered the flame down on the grill to properly greet the old man.

Cupcake chuckled sweetly as all the grandkids had hugged him, and he gently patted Kryssie's back happily. "Aw, bless you Princess! It would take more then even the Void to keep me away from you, sweetheart!"

Over at James and Leslie's house, Reginald and Leslie had gone out to get some groceries together, to fix something for the little pool party at Aqua and Vera's house. They headed out to the stores about an hour before hand, and they were having a wonderful day out Renny and Son together. One of the stores they'd stopped at, had a nice jacket that Leslie thought that James would love.

"Oh, I'll get this for Papa...he'll love it, Reggie...is this a good color for him?" Leslie asked, as they held up the jacket in their clawed hand, still leaning against their walker.

Reggie nodded, feeling the material softly. "Ooh, Papa will love this, Ren. It's such a soft silken material...a gorgeous shade of green. He'll look wonderful. We should probably get home though. We've got the sides, and we'll make the ritz cracker cheese dip for the party; and we'll head over there with Papa..."

Kryssie giggled and nuzzled her grandpa before giving him a few kisses on the cheek, "Gunna take more than that still to make me stop loving you! Where's Grandma by the way? She not coming..?"

Over at his home, James was currently trying his hand at cooking something nice for his grandniblings for the party his niece was having. Some Swedish meatballs he thought would be good and simple after he found a nice recipe from a magazine he was reading. They still had a while to go so he thought he could take a minute or two to sit down to rest his knee.

He kept an eye on the timer, 10 minutes for one side to cook, until he suddenly started nodding off in his seat. He tried fighting it but ended up closing his eyes, figuring the timer would wake him up.

He'd wake up about 30 minutes later and saw his pot had turned black and smoke coming out of it. He rushed up from his seat, curing at himself for the nap and for stepping on his bad knee too quickly as he tried to save his meal. Once he opened up the lid, a large plume of smoke shot into his face, having him cough up a storm and drop the hot lid from his hand in pain.

He would fall right to the ground, still hacking and coughing...the stove was still on and the hot lid ended up lighting the nearby carpet that was next to the sink on fire. His old lungs couldn't take the smoke that hit him earlier as he desprately tried to fish for his phone to call for help. He couldn't really breathe properly as of late from a slight cold he recently healed from but had some lingering symptoms.

He managed to get his phone out but passed out before he could reach the call button as the pot of burnt meatballs would start sounding off the fire alarm.

Cupcake smiled happily, and then sighed sadly. "Ah, well no...Grandma had to go and help your Uncle Getter some at the cafe. She said she would try to come by later on however..."

As Reggie came around the corner, he blinked a bit, seeing the smoke coming from the house. "Oh...oh my god, Renny...R-Renny don't look, please...oh god, Papa..."

He sped forward in the car, and parked it quickly as close as he could get. By then the fire truck was blocking the driveway; putting out the fire that had started in the kitchen and had spread to the back bedrooms first. One of the firemen had gone inside and had pulled out James from the flames, singed and still somewhat passed out.

They knelt down in the front yard, and tried to give the old cat oxygen to help him to breathe again. Leslie scrambled out from the car as fast as they could, shaking their head. Desperately, their still useless wings fluttered, wanting to fly to get to him quicker.

They came to his side, throwing the walker down as Leslie fell to their knees beside James. "James...James...Oh...Oh my god, Jimmy no...honey c'mon...p-please..." Tears were flowing down their snout, as they kissed his temple, shakily holding his hand.

"Mx...Mx I...I'm sorry. He's breathing, but it's so strained...he might not survive this..." The fireman commented softly to Leslie.

"Aww. That's too bad. But hopefully she gets to come! maybe bring Uncle Getter too!" Kryssie hoped that was the case, she'd only met the gator twice in her life before, but thought he was nice.

Vera was setting up some other stuff and noticed some smoke coming from somewhere, "Huh...either someone's messed up a BBQ or there's a forest fire nearby. Hopefully they get that taken care of..." She went back to flipping her burgers and smiled, "Who's hungry?"

James was struggling to breathe, even with the oxygen mask on him. He did manage to try and put some kind of pressure on Leslie's hand once they grabbed hold.

"Load the guy up, Mark! We could get him help at the hospital!" Another fireman yelled out as a few others were battling the flames.

Cupcake smiled softly, nodding. "I'm sure she will, I'll text her, let her know that you'd love to see Uncle Getter as well." He went over to the table, and plucked up a burger, taking a bite from it. "Mmm...Vera you make a wonderful burger!"

Seeing the smoke as well; he hummed worriedly. "Dear...that doesn't look good. Hmm...hopefully things aren't too bad for them..."

Jamie chuckled as he grabbed a piece of pineapple, shaking his head at his Grandpa. "Grandpa, you should have waited for the stuff to put on the burgers! Mama's getting it right now!"

Cupcake blushed slightly, and took another bite of the burger in his gloved hand. "Heheheh...ah, well, your Mother said it was fine, so..."

Johnny leaned lightly against Cupcake's side, and plucked a piece of the grilled vegetables from the tray. "Grandpa..."

Mark nodded and hurried off with James to the ambulance that had pulled up. He saw that the assistant then helped Leslie into the ambulance as well; before they sped off for the hospital. Reggie was left standing in the front yard, and he stared at the gutted out remains of the house. Sighing, he just turned around and went back to his car; driving to follow them to the hospital.

Vera started to laugh at the sight of Cupcake just eating a plain burger, but she didn't mind. "Hey, if you like the burgers like that, more power to ya, Brewster."

Kryssie headed off to help her Mama bring the stuff outside so she could make her burger. Girl was getting hungry.

The ambulance would at least help James get semi stable enough to last at the hospital. James had since passed out on their gurney as they transported him off.

Doctors and nurses did their best to treat them, but had to warn Leslie to stay in the waiting room until they got him somewhat better.

Be some long waiting time before a nurse finally fetched Leslie, "We have him in a room now. Would you care to see him?" Her face was as neutral as they come. Hard to tell what she was thinking, though that could be because she looked like she'd been working long hours.

Cupcake smiled brightly, and finished the burger in his hand. "Ah, well, you very well know I'll eat nearly anything Vera, hehehe."

Aqua was getting a basket filled up with ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo, and she was looking in the fridge for the poi she'd made. {Hmm...where's the poi I made...}

Leslie had been seated in the waiting room, nervously smoothing out their skirt as they just had to sit and wait. Reginald had come and was seated beside his Renny. When the nurse came over, Leslie looked up to her; the white fur on their tired face streaked with yellow tears.

"Y-Yes please...I want to see my husband..." They grabbed their walker, hurrying over to the nurse; their tail dragging on the floor like normal.

Kryssie noticed her mama looked about, "What's going on? Looking for something, Mama?"

The nurse nodded and led him over to the respitory room where James was staying. He still had an oxygen mask on, straining to breathe. He did manage a smile at seeing Leslie and Reginald come into the room.

"Press the red button over the bed if he needs anything. We'll be staying close by." The nurse answered before leaving the family alone.

Aqua glanced over to Kryssie, a sweet dripping smile across her face. "Oh, yeah. I'm looking for the spiced mango poi I made last night! Or did Mom eat that this morning? She loves that with eggs, I swear...I need to make a gallon of it next time."

Leslie came over to James side, gently holding his hand. "James...oh my lord, honey..." They leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to his forehead. "...I love you so much, James..."

Reggie gently patted his Papa's shoulder, looking solemn. "Papa..."

Kryssie giggled, "I think she did. I remember her taking the bowl you made and just eating it while outside, "Want me to help get the other stuff outside?"

James held it back weakly, his fur was still singed and burned in some places, but he otherwise looked okay. He tried to speak but kept letting out pained coughs and gasps of breath before he really could manage something, "..I-I'm...s-sor...s-sorry...s-so...s-sosorry..."

Aqua rolled her pink eyes; and giggled as well. "Of course she did...yes, Kryssie-kat." She handed the basket to Kryssie, and got a large bottle of lemonade out from the fridge.

Leslie shook their head, and lightly rubbed his cheek. "Don't you dare be sorry...it was an accident, it just was something that happened...you gotta be strong, James...j-just like I gotta be strong too, f-for both of us..."

"Okay!" Kryssie grabbed the basket and headed off to the backyard. She hoped her great uncle and auncle would come soon. She missed having them around lately.

James wanted to say more but he could feel himself slipping. In fact, parts of him were already starting to flake and dust as he grew weak.

"...L-Love...y-you...b-b-both...s-sorry...I..." he went into a fit of coughs again before settling down as he passed away and turned to a pile of dust on the bed. Be a little too late for nurses or doctors to come for his rescue.
Aqua followed close behind with the large bottle of lemonade. "Ku'uipo, you ate the mango poi~ I was going to put that on a burger...you silly cat~"

Leslie stared as large tears rolled down their snout, watching their husband passed away right in front of their own two eyes. They gasped, the grip on his hand falling away as the dust settled onto their claws. Their other hand rested over their chest, as Leslie started to sob.

Reggie was scrambling for his phone, tears of his own already falling as well. "P-Papa...no...oh my god no, Renny...please don't...I...R-Renny!"

Leslie's soul had broken completely, the old soldier had truly only held on for James' sake over the years. "...R-Reggie...I can't...I love ya baby..." They soon fell to dust as well, just as a nurse had come into the room at the sound of the flatlining monitor.

Reggie had already called Vera, but he could barely talk; he just was sobbing and repeating 'Papa' and 'Renny' over and over again.

: Vera laughed nervously as she been caught red handed, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself! You know it's my favorite!"

Kryssie rolled her eyes at her mom before helping set some stuff out. She did notice her mom's phone ringing on the nearby table, "Mom! Uncle Reggie's calling!" She tossed the phone to her mom who easily caught and answered it.

"Hey cuz! Where are you and the...you okay? What's going on?" She immediately heard the sobs and grew concerned, "Hey..hey slow down...take few deep breaths...take it easy...then talk to me, alright. Easy does it."

Reggie took a few deep breaths, and wiped his face off of his tears; trying to calm himself down. "Papa James and Renny Leslie just both died, Vera. Papa caught the house on fire somehow, they think he was trying to cook...we just barely got to the hospital and...and he just passed away not even five minutes ago...R-Renny...they just looked at me, and told me they loved me and they couldn't...c-couldn't stay I guess...a-and they just passed..."

He started crying again, and shook his head; as droplets of ice clattered against the tiled floor while he cried.

Any last traces of Vera's smile were completely wiped out. Her tail went from high in the air to dropping to the floor in shock. "...I'll go get you...give me 15 minutes...okay...? Just hold on tight...I'll see you in a bit...okay...? Don't worry about calling Marrie or Darren...I'll handle 'em. Be there soon..." With that, she hung up with a sunken and dark look on her face.

"...Mom...? You okay...? Is Uncle Reggie okay...?" Kryssie didn't like the look on her mom's face, seeming pretty scared of what was happening.

Reggie sunk into the chair he was standing in front of, and he continued to cry. Small piles of glistening ice gathered at his bare feet while he sobbed and cried. He couldn't bear to look at his parents' dust as it laid on the bed and the floor right beside each other. In the midst of the dust, his parents wedding rings were oddly shining, close to each other.

He never knew his other birth parent, but he knew that James was the best father he could have ever had in his life. And he would miss the old cat till the day he joined them himself. Originally he had been with his boyfriend, but after he'd started caring for his parents, the boyfriend claimed he couldn't 'handle it anymore' and they'd parted ways.

Now he was completely alone again. The piles of ice only seemed to grow as he sat there, his shoulders softly trembling.

The nurse from earlier had come in to collect the dust of both monsters and put them into two separate jars for Reggie to take home. She did gently usher him with the jars into the waiting room to clean up.

"I gotta go get your Uncle Reggie from the hospital...there was an accident. I'll be back...stay with mama and grandpa...okay?" Vera asked in a dark monotoned voice before heading out.

Kryssie didn't look any less worried as she watched her go. "...Mama...?"

Meanwhile, Darren was cleaning up some paint brushes after he and Luis had some father-son bonding with a little bit of art. Luis looked really proud of his painting of a flower on his mini canvas and Darren's still life of a flower filled vase. He'd hear his phone go off and quickly dry his hands to answer it.

"Kintaro, can you help Luis wash his hands off of paint? My sister's calling me." He called before answering the phone. From the background, he could tell his sister was driving...and something was wrong off the start by the sudden silence. "...Sister? Vera...?"

Cupcake watched quietly and sighed, shaking his head as he placed his hand on Kryssie's shoulder. Aqua came over and gently gave Kryssie a hug. "If it's what I think it is...our ohana might have gotten a bit smaller unfortunately..."

She wrapped her watery arms firmly around Kryssie to keep her from running away once she realized what was happening.

Kintaro nodded as he slithered over to help Luis. "Hai, Darren. Let me know what's happened, okay?" Gently, he washed Luis' hands, and then gently carried him in his arms; resting him against his heavy belly as he slowly slithered to the living room.

Kryssie took a minute to fully realize what her mama meant before hugging back and starting to cry.

Darren gave a wave at Kintaro and listened to his sister. His expression turned shocked then sad, "...Are you sure...?...No I'm not calling him a liar, Vera. This is not he same thing! I'm just...no...no I understand...just...focus on driving please...we don't need another accident...Yes...I...I can stop by tomorrow...Of course...call me if he or you need anything...I love you too...give him my best...goodbye.."

He held onto his phone for a while, his grip a bit shaky as tears started to form and stream down. Now they really were all that was left.

Luis held onto his Papa, giggling and patting at his belly before seening his dad. "Why's Daddy crying, Papa?" he asked with a small whisper.

Meanwhile in another part of town, Marrie had placed down her baby son into his crib for naptime. She turned on his mobile and slowly closed the door for him to fully fall asleep.

Aqua gently ran her cool fingers through Kryssie's hair, swaying back and forth on her feet; something she usually did to calm anyone down, be them her daughter or her sons.

Jamie and Johnny had overheard their Mama and they both started crying as well; as they snuggled against Cupcake's sides; while their Grandpa gently rubbed their backs.

Kintaro had his back turned from Darren, but Luis had been watching evidently. Hearing what his son said; his eyes opened wider, and he turned back around slightly. "Daddy's crying? Oh...oh Darren, what's happened, Anata?"

Sans had been out with the triplets that day, as they had Jen's baseball game to attend. They came home, and quietly Jen unloaded her equipment by the front door, while Arial went to her room; Junior was holding what was left of a taco he'd gotten at the baseball field.

Jen came to Marrie; holding up a trophy her team had won. As was usual in their house, since their baby brother had come home, the triplets knew to stay quiet so the little one could rest. "Look Mama, we won!"

Darren let out a strained whimper as he choked back sobs and shook his head. The news he got was hitting him pretty hard. After all, their uncle raised them all like his own.

Marrie smiled proudly at Jen, giving her a big hug, "I'm so proud of you! Sorry I couldn't be there, Jenny baby...Mama had to watch your brother and sisters. I'll be by the next one. I promise." She placed a kiss on her head, "But dinner is whatever you want it to be. Just tell me what you want!"

She was keeping her voice pretty quiet as the twins were also having their own naptime in their room. She headed down over to Sans, just as her cellphone that she left on the couch had started to vibrate. She'd been keeping it on that setting so it wouldn't disturb the baby if it did go off. Vera's caller ID came on the screen of it.

Kintaro gently placed Luis onto the ground, and he slithered over, wrapping his arms around Darren. "Oh no..."

Jen grinned brightly and nodded; her tail waving happily. "That's okay, Mama. I understand completely. It's why Daddy recorded the whole game for you!"

Sans chuckled, holding up the video camera. "It's about three tapes long actually...it went into extra innings, mwehehe. Oh! Your phone is going off, dear." He set the camera bag down and looked at her phone. "It's Vera calling. Huh...I know we weren't able to go to that pool party she was fixing up..."

"Hello Sister Vera! Ah, here's Marrie; I need to help the kids with something." He handed the phone to Marrie; as Jen was tugging on his sleeve for him to head to the kitchen with her.

Darren sobbed into Kintaro's hold, hanging on tight. Luis ended up coming over and hugged both his dads, not sure of what was even going on.

"...H-H-He's gone...h-he's gone...t-they're gone..." Darren whimped out between sobs.

"She understood that we couldn't. Maybe she wants to know if we wanted leftovers?" Marrie figured as she took the phone from Sans.

"Hi Vera! How's the..." Marrie froze as her sister talked. Vera had just got to the hospital and picked up Reggie, she could hear the sobbing in the background.

"...He's gone, baby sis...they both are...it was an accident...Uncle's with dad at least..." She managed to hear Vera say before dropping the phone down.

"Marrie...Marrie, pick up the phone for me, sis. Come on..don't lose focus. I know you...Marrie...Marrie! Mars!" Vera begged from the line as Marrie fell to her knees and started crying. By that point, Vera decided to hang up and text Marrie instead.

[Look...just come by my place tomorrow...Darren's coming too...we gotta talk...I'm sorry marrie...I miss him too...so much...] She managed to send before looking over at Reggie.

Part of her wanted to break down like she knew Marrie was and probably Darren. Another part of her already knew how to deal with loss since she saw her father die on her twice. She'd cry later, she figured enough people were pooling tears. Instead, she pulled Reggie in for a tight hug.

Kintaro sniffed softly, and rubbed Darren's back carefully. "Darren...I am so sorry my love..."

Sans heard the phone clatter to the floor and he came running as she'd started crying. "MARRIANNE! Marrie, dearest, what's happened?!" He went to his knees, and hugged her firmly, rubbing her back lovingly.

Reggie sighed deeply; accepting the tight hug from Vera. Droplets of ice slid down her back, as he tucked his snout against her neck while still crying. "T-Thank you, Vera...I...at least...at least I got to know him, and he brought Renny so much happiness..."

Marrie held onto Sans tight and cried into his shoulder as she gave incoherent mumblings to Sans.

Azure seemed to wake up from her nap, stretching and yawning before getting up and seeing her older sister Arial. She got to her room and looked up at her, "Ari. It happened again..." The little one had been complaining of weird dreams where she sees people she's never met or heard of before. They wouldn't do anything to her, but she always woke up confused and unsure. So she'd look to her big sis for comfort.

Sans gave her comfort, growling worriedly as she continued to cry into his shoulder.

Arial was stretching in her room, and she was in a low plie for her exercises when Azure came in. "Hmm, again? That's the second time this week. What was it this time then?"

She went up onto her bed, laying on her stomach; her tail slightly waving behind her as she pulled out a little journal that she took notes on her baby sister's 'condition' with.

Marrie managed to try and say something to Sans again before going back into tears. "...U-U-Uncle's d-dusted...t-there was an a-accident...L-Les..l-l-lie went with h-him..."

Azure managed to climb up on her sister's bed, before starting to talk, "I seed no crazy kitty lady...but...dere was Gampi Jame...and Gimmi Lessy. They give me a bye bye wave like this.." She waved like they did to her in the dream. There were times where Azure messed up her words and times she didn't. But she was a lot more talkative than her older twin.

"So I walked with them...gunna give them a hug..but...no...they flewed away! Like birdies!" She made a little bird motion with her hands, "And I woked up! What dat mean?"

Sans teared up as well, and he sighed sadly. "Oh my goodness... I'm so sorry my love..."

Arial sighed in relief. When Azure had the nightmare about their grandmother apparently (which she didn't even know about until she'd finally asked her Papa, and it was honestly the most scared she'd seen him be ever.) Azure ended up sleeping with her that night in fear of the 'crazy gray kitty lady'.

She started to sketch out her Grandpa James and Granni Leslie. "They gave you a bye bye wave...oh...and they flew away like birds...oh, oh no...um...I think that means they um, passed away Azure. They wanted to say bye bye to you before they left..."

Arial sniffled, hugging the notebook to her chest, when she realized just what happened. "They're... they're both gone...mmmm..."

She started to whine and let out a wail as she began to cry. "Grampa... Granni...noooo..."

Marrie kept crying in his hold, still heart broken. She and Darren were close to him, so the news was hitting her just as hard. "I..I h-have to...s-see my s-s-siblings...t-to...t-tom-morrow...w-watch t-the...k-kids...p-please...?" she was just hiccuping by this point.

Azure didn't seem to understand what her sister meant by gone, "Where they go? Gunna see the store?" She crawled up to her big sister, not liking to see her cry, "Ari...no..no cry...ariiiiii" she let out a sad mew and nuzzled her sister before crying too. It hurt her seeing her sister sad.

Vera did manage to get back to her home with Reggie in tow. For now, she kept the jars of dust in her inventory until she got together with Reggie, Darren, and Marrie to figure out funeral plans. "...Make yourself at home, Reggie...you're still family to us...alright...?"

Kryssie had gone to her room by now to rest up from all the crying. Poor girl was like her mom and got exhausted from it. Vera went off to check on Aqua and the boys, knowing she'd need to give them and Kryssie the news.

Sans nodded. "Of course my dearest, anything for you in your time of need. I will greatly miss him and Auncle Leslie as well..."

Arial just hugged her baby sister and let out a saddened growl. "I'm just... I can't believe it... Grampa and Granni were coming to my recital this weekend..."

Reggie sighed looking around the house for a moment. He nodded gently, and went to the couch, settling himself onto it. "Of course, Vera... Thank you so much."

As he sat on the couch, he ran his clawed fingers through his white fur and sighed raggedly. He suddenly felt just useless in the midst of it all. It left him feeling distraught, appearing years older than he used to. For once he actually appeared to be his real age of nearly 70 years old.

Marrie kept crying for a while, heartbroken still. She wanted nothing else to do but snuggle up to her husband for comfort.

Azure looked at her big sister and patted at her face, "Dream Ari...mines dream. And I wanna comes!" She still didn't get why her sister was so upset. There were dreams where she met people who she'd never heard of, people she felt like she was supposed to know, and people that just really scared her. This was the first time she had someone she knew pop in her dreams. Three years old and she didn't know what to think or expect.

Vera headed over to Aqua, Cupcake, and the twins. Immediately finding Aqua, she pulled her into a tight hug, "...I'm back...I'm sorry..."

Kryssie was starting to head down to the kitchen for a glass of water, feeling herself drying out. She did see Reggie and head over, "...U-Uncle R-Reggie...?"

Sans curled his tail around Marrie's back, gently rubbing her back and shoulders lovingly.

Arial looked to her baby sister and sighed. "I...I know it was just a dream, Azzy." She smiled sweetly, and gave Azure a soft kiss between her ears happily. "You'll get to come to my recital, you and Seline are always welcome! I love you sissy."

Aqua was pulled into a tight hug, while she glanced over to Cupcake, who was playing with the beach ball he held onto. "Vera...he left us didn't he?"

Reggie lifted his head hearing Kryssie, and he smiled sadly. Rubbing his face off softly, he sighed. "Hello there, Krystabelle...I...guess you heard about my parents, hmm? Your Uncle James and Auncle Leslie p-passed away today unfortunately..."

On the other side of the town, Red was sitting on the couch in his normal form; going over their finances. He had to get this figured out with his health, and he only had 3/4 of a single HP.

Reading over the paperwork, he frowned softly, shaking his head. Rubbing the back of his head he sighed. He wondered just how this could have even happened to him, he knew he was created in a lab originally, and he was nearly 85% Blaster Dog, and around 15% Skeleton. Could dogs get cancer even? Was that why he'd gotten it?

Pulling out an old folder, he put his glasses on, reading over the old hand-written notes from Edge that he'd stolen, describing the process in Wingdings how he'd created Red and his younger brother. The processes he went through to 'purify' Boss from the 'errant blaster dog portion' which Red personally believed was why Boss was as twisted mentally as he was.

The plate of beef nachos sat forgotten near him as he poured over the old paperwork for any possible answers to his problem.

Azure smiled and snuggled up to her and purred lightly, "Lov you too, Arri...best big sissy."

Vera sighed and nodded, "...Both him and Leslie...where are the twins...? I...gotta tell 'em...Reggie's staying here for a bit...I'm meeting with Darren and Marrie to see what to do. ...Not my first...but...I know those two are taking it harder than I am. Reggie especially."

Kryssie nodded and sat with him, unsure of what else to do. "...I'm sorry..."

Mars headed over to Red with two glasses of lemonade for the both of them, "Anything, Red? You gotta eat something, babe. Keep your strength up."

She'd been getting more and more worried for him since they got the news. Making mental notes to try and look up medicines herself to see if she could recreate them somehow for him in case the costs were too much or there wasn't enough. Best to be safe than sorry, she just had to make sure that her work room was still completely closed off.

Arial giggled softly, cuddling Azure. "Aw...I try my best Azure..."

Aqua looked to the pool. "The boys are playing with Dr. Brewer in the pool right now, they're at the bottom and he's trying to find them. I told them not to torture Kane but...they're having lots of fun I guess..."

Reggie sighed, gently patting Kryssie's shoulder. "It's alright, Krystabelle. That's life I guess. Those that you love will eventually leave you. At least my Renny saw the surface again in their life, I am so happy about that at least..."

Red looked over his glasses, then back at the paperwork. "...oh yeah, eat somethin..." He reached over and somewhat messily shoved a handful of nachos into his maw, licking his cheeks of the cheese sauce with his long red tongue.

"...so...uh, looks like i'm just a fuckup all ova, i was a true mistake, marrianne...i was supposed to be a free-standing full-bodied 'gaster blaster' creature that the overlord could control on his own, without the input of pops. apparently instead of that, he created a blaster dog child, me. he thought there was too much blaster dog and it somehow got drowned out by somethin' else..." Red muttered, and sighed as he licked his mouth again.

"...then, he kinda...went in the opposite direction, doing purification experiments, an' created pappers. i swear i think that's why he's so fucked up to be honest..." He grabbed the lemonade and took a few big swigs of it, then he took a few more bites of the nachos; eating a bit more delicately this time.

Azure nuzzled back before her ears perked up at the sound of her baby brother crying, "Bubba's awake again..."

"...I'll leave 'em be. Tell 'em later...let 'em have fun for now." Vera kissed Aqua's cheek before heading back to the pool to check on 'em, just managing a good enough smile to fake through it.

Kryssie nodded, "...They were really nice...and made Uncle James happy...and you did too. It was nice to have them both...i miss them a lot..."

Marrie looked over to check it out. She vaguely understood Wingdins, but wasn't fluent in it. She just followed what she could from Red, "Hey...I love this damn mistake. And you and the kid here got two things in common." She chuckled before kissing his head.

"Yeah, your brother is way damn more fucked up in the head. And he calls you the bad influence, look what the fuck Crimes is all on about. High and mighty my ass, I can still kick his and your stupid brother's to the ground if I wanted ta." She hissed lightly before snuggling up with him, "Ya think your dad can answer some stuff...? Might not be a bad idea..."

Arial nodded, and then she got up, heading to her baby brothers room, picking him up delicately. "Shhh...sissy has you..."

Cupcake had his gloves down below the surface, his eyes closed as he trawled across the bottom for the boys. Occasionally one of them would surface a spray a thin stream of water at their Grandpa playfully.

Reggie nodded softly and he hugged Kryssie tiredly. "Mhm... I do too..."

Red blushed slightly at the kiss, chuckling softly. "aww, geez mars.. "

Hearing about his child Crimson he sighed. "yeah...dunno what crimes sees in pappers to be honest mars...as for pops, maybe he can answer some things..."

"what are we gonna do about mx. hissy kitty though? maybe pops will come over here then..." Red suggested, taking another bite of the nachos.

Brandon whined and cried for a while before slowly calming down, looks like he just didn't like being alone. Being in his older sister's arms helped a lot.

Azure followed her sister over to her baby brother's room while Seline had gotten up from the noise and went to find her Papa.

"Hey. You two playing nice with your grandpa, right?" Vera smiled a bit as she watched her boys go around, "You winning yet, Brewster?"

"I'll handle 'em. They're grounded and I have the anti-magic symbols painted on their door. They won't do much. But yeah...maybe not a bad idea if we invited the old man. That is if he can walk over here." Mars sighed and rubbed the growing bump on her stomach.

"Ya want me to call 'em?"

Arial gently cuddled Brandon, and smiled happily. "There we are, bubba...you are so tiny you need to rest you know, so you can stay nice and healthy!" She gave her baby brother a sweet kiss and giggled softly.

Jamie and Johnny both surfaced easily on the far end of the pool and both of them gave her a thumbs up. Before their Grandpa could look towards them, they ducked beneath the surface.

Sans had helped Marrie to bed for the moment, while he was fixing up something easy for dinner; his tail slightly drooped with his knowledge of what had happened to their family.

Cupcake chuckled brightly, and sighed. "No, Vera. But I've nearly snagged a tail or foot you know! We're playing the classic 'Marco Polo', however with the boys being able to breathe underwater is a bit of a disadvantage for myself, hehehe."

Back at Red and Mar's house, he smiled, and finished off the nachos for the moment, as he drank some of the rest of the lemonade. "uh, sure...sure call pops i guess..."

Bitter had fed Ebrima and Rockwell dinner, and she was finished cleaning the rest of the dishes; while she settled into Edge's lap, helping him to enjoy a rare cigar anymore.

Brandon cooed lightly at the cuddles and kisses, seeming pretty content with his new company. His skeletal cat tail swayed lightly before he pulled it over to suck on it like a pacifier, little webbed paws easily grasping at it.

Marrie had fallen asleep, a lot of her energy spent from the crying. Seline would find her dad pretty easily, tugging at his shirt, "...Papa...?"

"Yeah, the two are sneaky like that." Vera chuckled sadly before getting into the water with them, deciding to try and play with her boys. Little distraction for herself.

Mars nodded and started calling Edge's and Bitter's home, hoping they'd pick up.

Rockwell was currently back up on the roof again, he'd come back for dinner but he only took his plate and ate up on the roof like normal, wanting to still be alone.

Ebrima was outside, just keeping an eye on him but with distance along with Tyra, who was braiding the skele-ghost child's hair.

Arial smiled and giggled slightly at her brother's antics, seeing how he treated his own tail. "Is your tail tasty little bubba?" She kissed his cheek again, and helped him to stay calmed down.

Sans saw that Seline was tugging at his shirt, and he smiled happily to her. "WELL HELLO MY SWEET LITTLE GIRL, WHAT DO YOU NEED?"

Jamie saw Vera getting into the pool and he surfaced first, and sprayed water easily all over his Mom. A slight blush crossed his cheeks and he chuckled softly, ducking back beneath the surface once again. Johnny decided to not surface at all, instead brushing his tail against his mother's thigh playfully.

Cupcake seemed a bit somber, even while playing the cute game with the twins, but he kept it up, the false bravado for their sakes. "Marco!"

"Polo!" Jamie called out, from the end of the pool, quickly ducking beneath the surface. Soon, Johnny rose topside from the other side and called out 'Polo!' as well, which just made the game more frustrating for the elderly teacup.

Red had wondered about these differences and he sighed, letting his wife take care of things in general. Then again...when had he not let his dear Mars take care of things?

The phone rang at Edge's house and Bitter picked it up quietly. "Yello, this is Mrs. Gaster...oh heya Mars..." She was leaning against the kitchen counter, a cigarette between her porcelain 'lips' while she cleaned the dishes.

Edge was still in his recliner, the cigar shakily held between his robotic fingers as he finished it up. "Hey B-Bitts! Go-Gonna go see t-the kids..." He carefully got up from the chair, and shuffled his way out from the house to the backyard, and he grinned to Tyra.

"P-Puddin, did'ja eat din-dinner?" He asked quietly, leaning on his walker. His slender body appeared to almost be leaning to one side as he rested against the chair of his walker.

Brandon kept sucking his tail and watched his big sister for a while. He'd fall back asleep again without too much problem.

Seline mewed lightly before clinging onto him, "Ma...Mama? O...okay...?"

Vera laughed as she got hit, "Oh it's on! Come here!"

Vera knew how to play their game well as she tried to grab onto one of her boys. It was a distraction from the heartache, she could take that.

"Hey Ma. Pa busy right now? We'd come over again but the kids are settled and we don't trust Crimes in the house alone. Just had something to ask him about." Mars sat there before noticing her husband. She had her frizzed and battered tail wrap around one of his wrists while she gave him a light pat on the head.

"We did, yes. Thank you G'Pa." Tyra nodded lightly as she finished the braid in Ebrima's hair, "How are you feeling?"

Once she felt her hair was done, Ebrima immediately floated over to her grandfather's side.

Arial gently placed Brandon down into his crib again, lightly rubbing his head.

Sans let out a worried noise and sighed. "She'll be better, Seline. But it will take time. Her heart hurts my little sweetie, we lost Grandpa James and Granni Leslie today..."

Jamie and Johnny started to do their best to play keep away from both their Grandpa Brewer and their Mom.

Bitter glanced out the back window, and tapped her cigarette into the ashtray, letting out a raspy sigh. "Gawd I know. Crimes was such a little asshole today, Mars! Yanno they tried to hide his walker on him?"

"I had gone out to go grab some meat from the chest freezer and I came back with Ebrima having finally put Crimes in the carrier because of what they did." She commented as she took another drag from her cigarette. "But yeah, lemme get him and the brats in the van, we'll just come over. Call ya right back, Marsy."

Edge settled into the chair in his walker, and chuckled softly. "I-I'm feeling great, Pu-Puddin...had a ci-cigar, might have a-a beer be-before bed..."

Bitter came out, holding her cellphone in her hand. "Hey Gaster, ya wanna take a ride down to Red's house? Apparently Marsy wanted to ask ya something..."

He thought for a moment and smiled. "S-Sure. It'd be n-nice to go o-over there..."

Bitter smiled softly, giving Edge a kiss on his cheek. "Ebrima, would you help your G'pa into the van, while I get his things? Tyra, could you get Rockwell, if it's not too much?"

"Where go...?" Seline seemed confused on what it meant for them to be lost, figuring it was like losing a toy. She just stayed by her daddy , not sure what to do or where to go since her sister was missing.

"Thanks Ma. I appreciate that. See you soon. Don't worry about Crimes, they're grounded." She sighed.

Ebrima leaned lightly against her grandfather, not much to really push him but more to feel his presence. Once she was asked to take him to the van, she just gave a small nod before gently taking Edge's hand, ready to lead him when he was ready.

Tyra got up from her spot and started flying up to grab her cousin. She didn't mind. Wouldn't be too long until Rockwell teleported over to the van, his black hoodie up. Tyra would fly over next to him, just keeping him silent company.

Sans sighed, and gently picked her up into his arms. "I...I don't know what to tell you, Seline..."

Bitter went hovering back to the house, gathering up Edge's evening medications, and then she carried out his transport wheelchair along with his oxygen generator. Bringing them out to the van, she smiled softly, and settled into the driver's seat.

Edge took Ebrima's hand, getting helped to his feet. He shakily started to push the walker forward, heading towards the van. "B-Brima...you're a go-good kid yanno?"

As he came to the van, he paused for a moment. He hated getting into and out of vehicles anymore. Bitter already had gotten out of the driver's side, and she came over to help him in. "A'right, so I got yer chair, and your oxygen too, Edge...let's get your butt on the seat, then we can get you scooted in..."

Edge followed his wife's instructions, settling himself onto the seat; and carefully shifting himself into the van. After a few moments, he was gasping from the effort of getting into the van, and Bitter got his oxygen; helping tape the tubing to the side of his skull after sliding the cannula into his nose holes. "...T-Thanks...darlin...gawd...th-that's hard...nearly need-needed that...through t-the backya-yard..."

Bitter nodded, and she gently smoothed out Edge's long red shirt down; and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. "You should have lemme know, G...yanno I don't wanna see ya hurt yerself Wingding...I love you baby."

She gave him another kiss, this time on his mouth; then she phased through him gently to the driver's seat of the van; starting up the vehicle to head over to Red and Mars house.

Ebrima just nodded and kissed her grandpa's cheek. She paused when he did and just did her best to be there once he got in and her grandmother took care of the rest. After that, she just got in and strapped herself in.

Rockwell and Tyra would follow afterwards, both of them not saying a word.

Meanwhile at Mars and Red's place, "So they're coming over now. Give 'em a bit, alright Red Ruff?"

Red nodded softly, and closed his eyes for a moment, before he got up from the couch and went to the kitchen; grabbing up a large bowl of beef nachos that was untouched. "sure thing, mars. i'm gonna go take crimson dinner, i know they must be getting hungry by now...i mean, yeah they're grounded but they can't be denied food. that's inhumane to them..."

Shuffling down the hallway, he opened the door to Crimson's room, and closed it behind him. "yo, crimes...gotcha dinner here, kiddo. pops is comin ova and you're still gonna stay in here, a'right?"

Bitter drove to her son's house and was even in a nicely happy mood despite how the day had gone earlier. She pulled up to the house, and parked the vehicle; then helped him out from the van. Popping open the rollator walker, she watched as he grasped the handles of the walker; and hung his oxygen generator on the basket in the front.

"There we go, Edge...a'right easy now, hun..." Bitter spoke softly as she hovered right beside Edge while he gathered himself from getting out of the van.

"I know, babe. I just didn't try yet. Go on ahead." Mars assured as she went to go start on dishes.

Crimson didn't appear to be in the room. The window was still closed and the sigles still on. Most likely they were hiding in their cat form somewhere again. They were keeping silent while they hid under their bed, not wanting to deal with anyone.

Ebrima headed off to help her grandfather along with Tyra. Rockwell stayed in the van for a bit, unsure of what to say or do. He didn't really feel like doing or doing much, especially if he was going to see Crimes again. Fuck that.

Red rolled his eyelight, placing the plate of beef nachos on the floor. "...yanno i can smell ya under the bed, mx. cat. go'on and eat, don't want ya to hurt yourself just because you've been a real bad kid today."

He left the room, shaking his head as he then headed outside to greet his Pops. Seeing Edge, he smiled a bit. "hey dad, ya feelin' a'right tonight?"

Edge chuckled a bit, as he carefully made his way up the stairs. Red came over and helped bring the walker to the porch, while he closely watched his old man taking the few steps slowly. "so, how old are ya now, pops?"

"I'm...o-one thousand...a-and five, Sans. I'm a-an old f-f-fucking bas-bastard, ghehehe." Edge had the biggest grin across his face as he leaned against the walker, the slight hissing of the oxygen machine being heard chugging away in the basket.

Red snickered, and gave Edge a gentle hug. "aw, you're my old fucking bastard, c'mon. i'll get'cha a beer, and we'll chat in the living room, huh? crimes is in their room right now, they can't mess around no way."

Bitter noticed that Rockwell hadn't followed them, and she hovered back to the van, phasing through the closed door across from her grandson. "Rockwell...ya can't stay in the van, dear. Crimson isn't gonna bother you, they're banned from coming out from their room. Yer Uncle Red just told me that himself, alright? Why don'cha come on inside then. Please?"

Crimson growled as Red left the room. He was still really sore from earlier. He did smell the nachos and kept away for now, not feeling hungry.

Ebrima and Tyra followed their way inside, though, Eb seemed to be worried over not seeing her brother behind them. But she decided to stay close to her grandfather for now. She did give a nod over at Red and Mars as a hello.

Tyra decided to go fetch Rockwell as well, gently knocking on the door of the van once she got there. "You'll be fine, Rockwell. Please..come in."

"...No thanks...I'm good. I'll wait for you here..." Rockwell further hid in his hoodie, not wanting to go in. He figured it would be better without him anyway.

Red led Edge inside the house, helping his Dad to the recliner. After the old man was settled down, he went over to the couch across from Edge; and picked up the paperwork he had, shaking his head. "so uh...when ya created me, i know it was a recombination of your genetic material, into an alternatived clone, so i wasn't an exact copy...but do you know why i turned out to have such low hp, pops?"

Edge shakily rubbed the back of his skull for a moment. As he thought for a bit, he looked to his oxygen generator; and then to Red. "Y-You were me-meant ta be a weapon. B-Breakin' that barrier. A B-Blaster Dog, but s-somethin had c-c-changed when I reco-combinated the DNA a-along with part'a my floatin' rib..."

"But w-why do ya ask, Red?" Edge asked quietly, looking to his eldest son. Red sighed quietly, and tapped his fingers of his knee cap.

"...i got cancer, dad. it's in my lower stomach they found it...gonna have more tests done soon enough, but uh...any reasonin' why this might've happened?" Red muttered

Edge reached forward, taking the paperwork that Red handed him and started to go over it quietly.

"Any help would be great, Pa. We just know right now that it's cancer. We don't know if it's a bad or benign just yet. That's what the tests are for. But if we can find an answer for Red on why this happens, maybe we can prevent it or get a better idea of what we're working with." Mars stayed in the kitchen, trying to do dishes.

"We didn't wanna talk about this yet cause...well...we weren't sure how to say it." She felt bad for keeping it from 'em but...had to be done until the got their stories straight.

Meanwhile, Vera had finished the game with her boys, calling them into the house to talk with them. Kryssie decided to go and watch over her grandpa, needing one of his cuddles for the moment while her mom talked with her brothers.

Edge nodded again, his hands shakily turning the pages from the doctor's offices. "It c-could be possibly a...de-degradation of your internal magio-organs, possibly an in-infection that triggered somethin...I played G-God, at that old g-goat's call, and my b-boy is payin' f-for it...I'm really s-sorry, Sans..."

Red got up, and brought back a couple beers, popping the tops off of them for him and Edge. "don't be sorry, dad. you playin' god...was one of the best things that ya did."

Cupcake had gotten dried off from the pool mostly, and was slipping on his old oxford shoes again; his glasses sitting on the picnic table. With his bad vision, he saw something moving closer to him; and he glanced up; his crackled old dual-colored eyes slightly narrowed trying to see who it was without them. "Vera? I thought you were going to talk with the boys some?"

Mars headed over to go hug Edge and her husband, "That goes double from me..." She managed a smile before putting a kiss to Red's face crack. "Whatever triggered it, we'll figure it out. Right baby...? I still got a few tricks up my sleeves."

Jackson was by the hallway with an ear kept out to listen to everything without getting too close. He wasn't sure what to think with the new information given to him.

Kryssie giggled sadly a bit before taking her grandfather's glasses and handing them to him, "Grandpa...it's me. Kryssie. Mom is inside with the boys."

Vera had meanwhile gotten settled with the boys in their room, taking a seat between their beds with a spare stool, "Boys...I need ya to listen to me, alright? I got some news."

Red smiled happily, his tail wagging slightly at Mars kissing his face crack. "one thing i was wonderin pops...is my ability ta change into other dog forms. that ain't really somethin' that you or paps can do."

Edge shook his head slightly, and sighed. "I c-can change...but it's...hard fer me now. My ro-robotic limbs don't change wit me, so...I k-kinda can't mo-move really. An I s-still would need my oxygen. I don't t-think changin is the r-reason for your cancer though."

Bitter lightly rubbed Edge's shoulder where she sat on the arm of the recliner. "If he needed to change to his dog form, we do have those old bio-linked arm and leg that he could start wearing. I mean, if you were worried Edge..."

Cupcake put his glasses on, blinking a bit; and he blushed a little. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry Princess. You really are growing up aren't you?" He gently pulled her closer to him, and gave her a good cuddly hug against his still rather plush and overweight body, his gloves lightly rubbing her back.

Jamie and Johnny had been goofing off in their room, still just in their boxer shorts; when they stopped and looked to their Mom. Johnny dropped the water balloon, and Jamie had tucked the squirt gun against his back slightly.

"Ooops, sorry Mom." Johnny murmured.

Jamie tilted his head slightly, his ears twitching. "What kind of news, Mom? We didn't hurt Grandpa any, did we?"

"We just wanted to see how many water balloons his head could hold..." Johnny let out a slightly worried burbling meow as he hurried stated that in their defense.

Mars kept listening to the two talk, she was always curious if Edge could do it or not. "Maybe best ya stay in one form anyway, old man. Last we need you to do is get another stroke or something."

"Yeah...but it won't matter much. Ya won't tell us anyway." Jackson came out of his hiding spot, looking slightly pissed off.

"Jackie? What are you doing? I thought you were doing stuff in your room?" Mars looked over, not expecting him to be there. She didn't like that look on him either.

"I finished. I was coming down to check up on you two and I hear all this. So when the hell were you gunna tell me and the other two? This was gunna be a secret forever until dad dusted or something?" Jackson growled lowly.

Vera chuckled slightly at seeing her boys messing around, "No. You didn't hurt him. Not that I saw anyway. But...that's not what I'm here for. I gotta be the one to tell you two this. So...take a seat. Trust me...might be best ya do or...come over to me. You saw your Uncle Reggie's here, right...?"

Edge frowned softly at his grandson. "J-Jack... What a-are you going on about?"

Red frowned and sighed. "jackson...we don't even know if it's actually cancerous or not. it's a tumor right now, a'right...plus, i'm yer damn father, i ain't gotta tell youse three everything!"

Edge sighed, letting out a low growl at Red. "Sans, d-don't act all h-high and mighty with t-this shit!"

Red's form changed, to his Retriever form and he growled angrily at Edge, baring his teeth. "high and mighty? says the man who didn't tell his own son he fuckin had a stroke and fell down the stairs just two weeks ago! i had to hear it from ma when i called her for a fuckin recipe!"

Edge had enough the insolence from his son, and he started to change as well. His form however was more fearsome, large sharp teeth, a long curved bony tail, his spine extended in length, and as he got up from the chair, he was precariously balanced on his natural leg and arm. His natural clawed paw slammed into the floor as he moved forward; his breathing raspy as he knocked the walker and oxygen concetrator over.

The old dog let out a rough and grating bark to Red, growling angrily his dual-colored eyelights focused on the smaller dog form of his son.

Jamie and Johnny came over closer to Vera, and Johnny nodded softly. "Yeah..."

"...Uncle Reggie looks really old now though..." Jamie murmured worriedly, both sets of eyelids blinking slowly for a moment.

Jackson was going to yell something back but his grandfather beat him to it. He and Mars only stepped back once they saw him transform. Mars looked like she was choosing between flight or fight in seeing the old man turn to a fearsome gaster dog.

"Will you two STOP IT!?" Jackson growled before changing to his skeletal dog form to get inbetween the two. He still looked pretty pissed off. "You think this is something to be damn proud of!? Hiding your health from your kids!? The ones who depend on and love ya?! Fucking hell, I know Crimes may not give a shit but Jules and I DO! You hiding this fucking tumor!" He growled at his dad before turning to his grandfather, "And you! With your fucking stroke?! You expect me and Jules to take that lying down!? You two expect us to just not care about you!? BULLSHIT! WE DO! SO YOU NOT TELLING US SAYS MORE THAT YOU DON'T GIVE A DAMN! IT'S NOT FAIR WE'RE THE LAST ONES TO KNOW ABOUT ANYTHING! WE'RE KIDS, YEAH BUT WE'RE NOT FUCKING STUPID!"

He just let out another growl and frustrated bark, "...Why do you two gotta hide shit...and make it look like we're fucking stupid...? ...'s not fair..."

Vera sighed and held her head, "I know...Cause...Uncle Reggie's had it rough today...so are Uncle Darren and Aunt Marrie...but...it's not without a cause..." She looked at both her boys, biting her lip to stop tears from coming as she saw the bits and pieces of her uncle and father in them.

"...There was an accident at the house...Your great uncle James got really hurt and...he passed away in the hospital...Great Aunt Leslie...they passed from soul break after seeing him go... They're...in a better place now..." She looked at her boys, ready to comfort them or answer questions if they had any. Death...wasn't easy. She knew that first hand.

Bitter hadn't moved when Edge had changed. She just covered her face with her gloved hands and sighed tiredly. "Edge...babe, you're jus gonna hurt yourself...Jackson, honey I agree with you, but..." She just sighed again, shaking her head.

Edge stumbled slightly on his natural foot, and he laid down on the floor; already exhausted as he started to wheeze slightly in his breathing. "S-Sorry...I...didn't w-wanna scare yo-you kids..."

Red had started to go closer to Jackson when he saw Edge stumbling and he rushed over; changing to his Great Dane form, which put him closer to Edge's size. He helped Edge to lay on his side carefully, and nuzzled him gently. "ma...get his oxygen, i think he's got a mask ain't he? put it ova his snout..."

Looking to Jackson, he sighed. "...jackson...yeah, i kinda am hiding this whole tumor thing, but don'cha realize i just found out about it earlier today? it's only been not even a whole day, son. we was gonna tell you kids...but i wanted to know everything myself first. i barely know anything about it either...i have a tumor in my lower abdomen. that's it. that's all i know. now you know, what i know."

Jamie teared up immediately, letting out a sad meow. Johnny started to cry, and hugged Vera tightly.

"Untie Leslie and Uncle James...noooo..." Jamie let out a burbled cry, as pink tears streaked down his cheeks.

"U-Uncle Reggie...I-I feel so sad for him too...he lost his parents...he doesn't have anyone now, does he, Mom?" Johnny said quietly.

Jackson sighed, tail between his legs and head drooped down, "...And being out of the loop is better...? Where we're left wondering what the hell is going on and no one tells us...? I rather just...deal with it now than...be left in the dark...I hate it...Julia hates it...I'm sure Crimes does too if they ever gave a shit about anything..."

Mars headed over to gently pull her boy into a hug, "...Listen to me, kiddo...it's not that we don't trust ya...you're a kid...it's not your job to deal with this...We barely found out about this tumor...we'd tell ya once we got all the answers...that's our job. That way no one starts panicking like idiots when we see that this isn't something life-threatening...we love ya, pup." She tried comforting her boy seeing he was still visibly upset.

Vera hugged both her boys tight, doing her best to not shed tears now. She was focused on being there for her babies, "...I know Jamie baby...I know...I'm sorry..."

She gave them each kisses on the head before rubbing their backs, "No...that's not true. Your Uncle Reggie is still family. He loved your Uncle James just like us... he's done good by me, your Uncle Darren, and Aunt Marrie...the three of us consider him a sibling. We're not replacements, don't get me wrong...but we are ohana like your Mama says. And Ohana means no one's left behind...or forgotten...understand?"

Bitter had found Edge's mask, and she held it over the large blaster dog's snout, helping the old monster to breathe. "There we go, G...I gotcha darlin...Edge, baby can you change back? We need ya ta change back..."

Edge was slightly gasping for air; his red tongue hanging out slightly as he panted. His eyelights were dim in color as he tried to stay calm. He couldn't even respond to his own wife, he was disoriented by then.

Red came over to Jackson and gave his son a few comforting licks between his ears. "what your mom is saying is true...we don't wanna say nothin' till we got all the answers. that's why grandpa came over. he created me, back in his lab; so he knows me best...and what he told us today, might help the vets some when it comes to taking care of me."

Johnny sniffed softly, nodding to what Vera said; snuggling her back. Jamie just mewed sadly, his tail drooped behind him; his gills flaring in his stress. Aqua came to the bedroom, knocking lightly on the doorframe. "Ku'uipo, I set up the guest room for Reginald. He's gone to sleep already. And boys don't touch Uncle Reggie's doorknob, unless you got a glove on. The metal could be frozen, and it could hurt you, okay? I can't even go into his room, I'd crystallize it's so cold..."

Aqua came in further, and saw the boys, then she gave them each a soft kiss. "I know today's been a lot, keikis. But you should go to bed soon, Grandpa is still here, if you want to give him hugs before he goes home."

The boys nodded, and snuggled their Mama lovingly for a moment, before they then left to go give hugs to Cupcake, who had nearly fallen asleep sitting up on the couch, with Kryssie beside him. Aqua looked to Vera, her pink eyes half-lidded in worry; a soft frown across her flowing, watery face.

"Vera..." She came over and hugged her wife tightly, seeming to almost envelop her in her cool, watery arms; her soft, flowing body easy to hug. "...It will be hard, but it will be okay, eventually..."

Tyra and Ebrima ended up coming in the house, finally convincing Rockwell to get inside. Tyra immediately headed over to Edge once she noticed he changed and was gasping for breath, "Grandfather! What even happened to him?!"

Ebrima followed behind, unsure of what to do.

Jackson let out a whined but nodded defeatedly, "...alright...don't like it but...alright...sorry..." He stayed close to his mom and dad for the moment.

Vera did her best to help be there for her boys before Aqua came over. "Thanks. I'll handle him if he needs anything. Listen to Mama you two..."

She gave them one more big hug to both before they went to Aqua and then Cupcake. She easily leaned and hugged back into the hug her wife gave her, the stress semi-getting to her, "...I know...I know how to handle it better this time...it...it's not easy but...I can handle it...I'll...handle it somehow..." There were a few tears that were shed along with a few shaky breaths.

She could grieve better now after everything that happened with her dad and Bitter when she first left...but she still grieved and hurt.

Bitter looked to Tyra and sighed, her free glove rubbing Edge's head. "It's his own fault, but he decided to try to be 'big dog' and he changed in the midst of an argument with Red...He hasn't been like this in...in years...I don't know if he can even change back, Tyra!"

Red gently nuzzled Jackson comfortingly, and gave Mars' cheek a lick, worriedly watching his father.

Cupcake was seated in the living room, almost snoring as he sat on the couch; his gloves clasped together over his chubby gut. When Jamie and Johnny came over, they both curled up against his sides; meowing quietly. He woke up, and smiled softly. "Oh hello boys. Decided to come and -yawn- give your old Grandpa a hug, hmm?"

They nodded, and it was Jamie was decided to speak up first. "...How old are you, Grandpa?"

Johnny knew what his brother was thinking it seemed as he finished the sentence. "You're not going to die soon are you?"

"We heard that you turn to blackish goop when you hurt! Uncle Papy has talked about it! And Auncle Happy has said that they've seen you when you were a ghost?" Jamie countered.

"But only Grandma Bitter is a ghost! She said she has unfinished business that'll probably never be done!" Johnny responded.

Cupcake felt like his poor teacup head was spinning. He shook his head firmly, and placed his gloves onto the boys' shoulders. "Please...please, calm yourselves, boys. I am 78 years old, and physically I am only around mid-60s on my better days, and I'm closer to my actual age on my bad days. I don't know if I could really die to be honest...and that goes to that other question. Which you can learn about when you're older. And I never was a ghost, I was trapped between planes of existance."

He tapped his cheek with his glove curiously. "Which is even harder to explain than just the simplicity of saying 'I was a ghost'..."

"Oh great...What do we do? He can't be stuck like this...G'pa, why did you think this was a good idea!? You know you shouldn't do this in your health!" Tyra let out a small hiss in annoyance before trying to use healing magic, hoping it could calm and ease him down better. After a few instances with Rockwell and her twin siblings, she got into the habit of learning healing magic which she'd picked up pretty well on.

Jackson let out another sad whine as Mars held her two dogs close, gently nuzzling them both. Ebrima let herself be carried by her older brother, hiding her face in his jacket as he watched his cousin and G'ma get to work with him. "...so what the hell do we do...?"

Kryssie had come back from the kitchen with a mug of tea before seeing her brothers had taken her spots to hug their grandfather. She headed over and took a free spot on the couch, "I still don't understand it...even after you tried explaining it to me but...Grandpa's okay guys. Don't worry. What happened to Uncle James and Untie Leslie was an accident...they were both okay it just...happened..." She still was exhausted from the crying she did earlier, but had no energy to start up again.

Edge was still panting softly; but with the application of Tyra's healing magic, he managed to start to calm down more. His eyelights refocused a bit more, and he whimpered quietly, as he nuzzled Tyra's hand. "I...I d-dunno...Pu-Puddin..."

Bitter sighed, cradling his head in her lap; as she held the oxygen mask to his snout; helping to ease him to change back once again. "A'right, Tyra I'm gonna remove his robotic arm and leg, so's there's less stress on his damn soul..."

Red gently curled himself around Mars and Jackson, nuzzling them both back worriedly. "we try to stay calm for g'pa's sake. he'll change back, he always has..."

Cupcake chuckled sadly, and rubbed the boys backs a bit. "Gracious I don't even understand it completely myself, Princess. And yes, you are completely correct...it was sadly an accident that took them both from us today. But we will always remember them, and what goodness and love they'd brought to our lives..."

His phone buzzed in his pocket and he blinked reading the message. "...Oh gracious...Edge is stuck in his dog form, poor man, he just had a stroke last week! Krysta, I need to go; and it would be good if your mother came with me. Perhaps she can help him as well..."

Tyra nodded and kept her healing magic up for Edge, "Just relax, G'pa...it will turn out alright..like Uncle Red said..."

"If ya say..." Rockwell sighed and rubbed his little sister's back. Unlike the triplets, he and Ebrima were fairly close. Somehow the two knew how to take care of each other when they really needed it.

Kryssie nodded and ran off to go see her mom, "I'll be back. Hang on." She'd run over to find her, stopping short once she saw the familiar flower crown on her mom's head by the boys' bedroom door.

"Mom...Grandpa has to go see Grandpapi. He needs your help...please...?" She gently tapped on her mom's shoulder from the hug her moms shared. Vera just nodded and took a second to compose herself before letting go of Aqua.

"Kryssie...if your Uncle needs anything...you take care of it. You're the only one in the house who's not water based. Take care of ohana...okay?" Vera gave her daughter a quick hug and Aqua a kiss before leaving to go with Cupcake.

Aqua smiled softly, rubbing Vera's shoulder as she left. She looked to Kryssie and gave her oldest daughter a sweet hug. "I'll be in the kitchen making some poi for tomorrow, alright? I love you, Kryssie-kitty~"

She went to the kitchen and soon the rhymthic sound of the pounding board was heard as Aquaria was pounding together taro root and mango for smooth poi.

Cupcake left to head down to Red and Mars house with Vera by him. Luckily 'Little Fell' wasn't that far away from where Vera and Aqua lived. As they came to the house, he let himself in, and came over to Edge's side worriedly. "Gaster...dear, why did you do this?"

Edge's eyes focused on Cupcake, and he panted slightly; his tail thumping a bit when he saw it was his husband. "...C-Cad-Caddy..."

Cupcake knelt down beside Edge and smiled softly, giving the old dog a gentle kiss on his snout. "I know we came by to check up on you after your stroke love, but you really shouldn't have done this..." His gloves glowed a dark black color, as he lightly pressed them against Edge's chest. "Vera please, give him some stabilizing healing...he'll be better in a few minutes..."

"...Mars, Red...I would take the children to another room, I...might get a bit unstable..." Cupcake commented as he started to work on Edge to get him to go back to normal form, using his grasp over Void Magic. Edge continued to gasp softly for breath as he was helped back to his normal form slowly.

It took a few minutes; but soon, it was as if what little color the teacup hybrid had was drained away, replaced by blackened eyes and dull porcelain; and Edge was back to his regular form, the mask still on his face as he breathed raggedly.

Kryssie watched her mom go and smile a bit, "love you too..." for now, she decided to check up on her Uncle Reggie, just wanting to make sure he was doing okay. Luckily the bits she did keep from her biological father involved keeping a steady amount of heat in her and small amounts of fire magic that freezing temperatures couldn't bother her much if she focused on it. It was a magic she tended not to use a lot, if at all.

Mars nodded and took Jackson into her arms, "Come on Red. Rockers, Ebrima, Le'ts go. Follow me." She led them all to the master bedroom. Rockwell didn't like anything with this, neither did Jackson or Ebrima. But they went.

Vera didn't waste any time and immediately started pouring healing stablizing magic onto Edge as her hands started to glow and be coated in green. Once those few minutes were up, she tried focusing her magic on both Edge and Cupcake, just in case. "Both of you okay? We're good?"

Reggie had found he couldn't sleep well; and he just sat on the bed, his wings curled around him. The temperature of the room was a comfortable freezing temperature; thin icicles hanging from the ceiling due to the ambient temperature he put out in his stress. A few piles of small teardrop shaped ice sat on the floor, as he'd cried a few times since he'd been in the room.

At the moment, he just sat there though, and looked at his phone, smiling sadly at the picture of his parents. "Renny...Papa...at least you're together still...Renny always was scared to be alone...I feel like I failed you all..."

Red stood up, and trotted to the master bedroom, changing to his chihuahua form along the way. Leaping up onto the bed, he turned around a few times; then curled up on his pillow. "i'll say this kids, i don't really care for that cream puff caddy, but uh, if pops and ma trusts him, guess i will too. he's as smart as pops is, and him along with that silly woman the cream puff is with; they both care fer pops and ma..."

He went over to Rockwell and sat next to the boy, putting one of his tiny front paws on his leg. Then he looked to Jackson, and Ebrima. Going to Jackson, he licked his son's face, and looked to Ebrima, and went to nuzzle under her hand comfortingly.

Cupcake nodded gently, and helped Edge to sit up again in the chair. Bitter carefully put his regular oxygen tubes on the old skeleton; and she smiled. "There we go, Edgy...you can't be changing like that though..."

Edge looked to Vera, holding his arms out to her. "C-C'mere V-Ver...Vee...g-gimme a hug...I-I'll be okay...th-thanks, sweethe-heart..."

Kryssie gently knocked on his door, "Uncle Reggie...? You awake...?" She was hoping she wasn't disturbing him.

Rockwell and Ebrima looked at their uncle and both gave him a pet. Rockwell getting his back and Ebrima his head. "...Guy's not bad I guess...little weird for me but...he's not bad..." Rockwell shrugged.

Jackson sighed as he stayed cuddled with his mom in his dog form. Mars was giving him a nice ear scratch to help calm him down, "I'm with ya there, Red. I'm willing to trust 'em if the old man is..."

Vera sighed and stopped the magic once she saw things looked better. She did manage a smile before hugging Edge. Her hug seemed a bit tighter than normal, not even noticing the tears that fell from her. "...Glad you're doing okay..."

Reggie stood up, and came over to the door; opening it slightly. A bit of a saddened smile on his snout. "Oh, hello Krystabelle...it's ah, a bit cold in here. Do you need anything sweetie?"

Red enjoyed his niece and nephew's petting; and he seemed to smile happily. He licked his own muzzle a bit and yawned. "yeah, cupcake's a sweetheart, but he's a weird one. knowing him he'll prolly go make a cup of tea fer pops and he'll want to 'hang around' a bit ta make sure he's a'right...uggh..."

Edge sighed quietly, snuggling Vera to him weakly. "...D-Doin' as go-good as I can, Vee...t-that stroke k-kinda took me do-down..."

Cupcake just rubbed Edge's shoulder, and sighed. "Gaster, please you need to rest, you're over a thousand years old...I'm going to make us a cup of chamomile tea, I've got some packets from Wingdin's blend that she likes..."

Edge nodded, a crooked grin on his face. "S-Sounds like a gr-great idea, Sweet-T-Tea..."

"No...just...wanted to see you...if..that's okay." Kryssie looked up at him, tail wrapped around her waist in a self hug, "Cold doesn't bother me...not like it does Mama and my brothers. I'm okay..."

Rockwell sighed, kid looked silently stressed out but petting his uncle seemed to help somewhat. His stress would come out again when he heard something break from another room.

"...I swear to the angel...if that little punk did what I think he did...I'm going to lose it." Mars hissed out, already knowing Crimes was going to be up to something and she was NOT looking happy.

Vera nodded with a sigh, "...Least you're here...that's what matters...just...relax old man...I think ya did enough for a day, huh?"

Crimes had indeed sneaked out from his room after breaking a piece of his window to sneak out. He hoped the glass breaking wasn't heard as he jumped from the roof and slunk down to see what he could do.

Reggie smiled a bit more, and he gave her a gentle hug; his wings wrapping around her. "Bless you, Kryssie. You and your family, I would guess my sister Vera, your mother...she's a blessing in this hard time. Thank you."

Red let out a worried whine, and barked softly at the glass shattering. "...aww geez...that's gonna cost money too...and what if he got hurt?"

Edge chuckled quietly, and he settled in the recliner tiredly. "D-Did enough for t-the year I-I swear..."

Bitter gave Edge a soft kiss on his cheek, and she checked his oxygen concentrator; which was thankfully still chugging along easily, at the output of 4 liters that he needed. "Least ya didn't break the oxygen machine, ya old crazy fuck...and ya bent a wheel on yer walker with your massive paw...I swear, G, you just don't think when you're a mutt, huh?"

Cupcake was in the kitchen, having put the tea kettle on; waiting for it to whistle, with a few mugs to the side waiting the hot water for tea. He had no idea the back door was unlocked that led directly to the kitchen from the back yard.

Kryssie hugged back and nodded, "...We're just being family, Uncle Reggie...you're family to us..." She'd stay snuggled with him for a bit, "...I'm glad you're here..."

"I better get him. Taking Julie too. Jackson, watch your dad and cousins. I'll be back. he starts causing havoc in here, you're allowed to bite him." Mars headed off to the kitchen as Jackson stayed by his dad and cousins.

"...Why does my sibling have to be a moron...?" Jackson sighed as Ebrima gave him a light pat.

Crimson managed to climb from the roof and to an alternate path to get into the kitchen. One of the many hiding spots he was able to make himself for all sorts of pranks and jabs. He eyed Cupcake in the kitchen and grinned micheviously before making his move to slink into the cupboards...right where he knew his mom kept the flour and spices.

Reggie smiled, and sighed. "Thank you Kryssie. I...should probably try to get some rest though."

Red nodded softly, and he yawned, licking his muzzle softly as he then laid down partially on the pillow on the bed. His little paws curled up close to his chest. "yeh, i'll bite 'em. right in his misbehaving ass..."

Cupcake however hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary, as he went about getting the cups of tea ready. He reached up to the cabinets, looking for sugar for the tea. He knew that Edge didn't drink tea too often, but when the man did; he liked it with sugar and light milk. A bit less milk then Wingdin's or his own, but more sugar than Wingdin cared for. Nicely in the middle it seemed.

Kryssie nodded, "Okay...have a good night...I'll...see you tomorrow then...?"

Jackson stayed put as Rockwell petted at his uncle, "you bite their ass, i'll smack a bone at 'em again. the hell is with him anyway..?"

Crimson saw his chance and smiled ready to pounce. The sugar was right next to him in the cupboard as he got the bag of flour open and ready when he reached for it.

Julie and Mars were looking around as they tried to find the trouble making skele-cat/dog hybrid around the house. Only to be too late when Cupcake would find the spice cabinet and get yowled at before the bag of flour was dropped on top of him and the cups he had set out. They managed to land on their feet and run off laughing

"You little shit! Get back here!" Mars hissed before trying to catch him while Julia went to help Cupcake.

Reggie nodded and smiled softly; patting her shoulder. "Of course, Krysta. I'll...probably be here for awhile now. Don't really have anywhere else...to go..." He managed a slight smile, as he hugged her again, then started to close the door once more.

Red just rolled his eyelight and sighed. "...no friggin clue..."

Cupcake shrieked when the bag of flour went all over him, the mugs, the floor and the stove. However flour is highly flammable, and it caught fire immediately when it struck the hot element on the stove. The elderly teacup tipped his head over and dumped the cold tea in his own head to douse the flames, and the rush of liquid caused two of the three mugs on the counter to go fumbling to the floor and to shatter in the process.

He was now covered in flour, trembling in slight shock, and trying to simply see as his glasses were coated in flour now. He coughed softly, a plume of flour coming from his scalloped mouth.

Kryssie nodded, "...Okay...good night...love you..." With that, she let him be and decided to go check on her brothers.

"Ah! Hang on! Hold still!" Julia headed over to try and help the elderly tea cup by getting some damp towels. After a few baking incidents she had, she knew how to clean the stuff up, "You okay?"

Mars was still chasing off Crimes, who had ran back to the living room to jump about and around, knocking some things about in the process off the table and clung onto the curtains, "You little piece of shit! Get off my curtains!"

"Make me!" Crimes chuckled before he felt his mom literally grab his tail and yank him down, sounding out a pained yowel. "OW! HEY! THE FUCK!?"

Mars managed to grab him and hold him down as he tried to fight to get away. "You are in big trouble, Mx! God damn it, why you gotta act up like this!?"

Cupcake coughed still and wiped his face off mostly, and sighed a bit, as he wiped the flour from himself, looking more like a ghost then even his own co-wife, Bitter.

The sight in the living room wasn't far better. The two beer bottles were on the floor and shattered, and Edge's oxygen concentrator was on it's side; the display screen now cracked and it was emitting a low, errant constant beep that indicated something was wrong with the system.

However it all didn't seem to matter much, as the front door was soundly kicked in, by a very well-polished boot; slamming against the far wall as it was kicked open.

"I WAS RIGHT METTATON WHEN I TOLD YOU THAT I COULDN'T TRUST MY PATHETIC BROTHER TO WATCH OUR CHILDREN. THAT CREAM PUFF HAD TOLD ME THAT FATHER COULD BE DYING...AND HERE LOOK! SANS HOUSE IS IN DISARRAY, AND EVERYTHING IS HAYWIRE!" Boss proclaimed as he strode into the house, his sockets flared to life with his rarely seen red eyelights.

Glaring from side to side, he spied Crimson being held down by Mars, as Bitter was trying to figure out to fix Edge's oxygen concentrator. "...YOU CAN'T EVEN WATCH YOUR OWN CHILD, MARRIANNE. WHAT WOULD YOUR SISTER, QUEEN VERONICA THINK? YOU KNOW I WAS GOING TO GO AND BRING THEM FOR A SPECIAL VISIT SOON, TO HAVE ANOTHER TOUR OF OUR...AREA. I'M QUESTIONING WHETHER THEY SHOULD COME OR NOT NOW. DESPITE QUEEN AQUARIA'S...MANNERS, I DOUBT EITHER OF THEM WILL BE PLEASED WITH HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR FAMILY."

Julia did her best to help clean up Cupcake, giving an apologizing look to him.

Vera headed over to pick up the oxygen tank and try to calm the beeping down. She didn't look all too happy along with Mars when they saw Boss come in.

"The only reason why the house is in disarray is because of this little shit! My sister knows what I'm doing and you can shove it Mr. Kiss Ass! Like she'd pull some pretty little strings for you! Least I'm better in taking care of my kids than you are!" Mars growled out, ready to start attacking him too when Crimson wiggled free and turned back to stand by their uncle.

"Like you could handle me, ya bitch! I don't need you man handling me because I decided to give the old rats a little prank! Deserve it too after all the crap they put me through!" They laughed. "Sorry for the mess, Capitain Boss. Things got a little messy with my escape plan. Gotta get more training in for that. Not like the filthy mutt that I unfortunately call my father fucking does anything about that."

MTT came into the house and sighed, "Darling...please. I'm sure Veronica would have wanted to stop by anyway. They are family afterall." He headed off to help clean up the mess, not liking what Crimson was going on about.

"Family. Smamily. Whatever. Not like they're worth much anyway. Weaklings is what they are. Weaklings and a cheap ass cheater coward who can't stand up for himself without running to Grandma and Grandpa or Tyra and his widdle baby sister for help!" Crimson chuckled darkly, "Pebble there just needs real training, I think. I'm just being a good sparring partner."

Boss stared at his nibling, with contempt clearly written across his face. "Escape plan? What kind of escape plan?" The tall skeleton was quite confused, as his sockets narrowed, while he listened to his dutiful nibling and what they continued on about.

"First...I would say do not call your mother a 'bitch'. That's entirely disrespectful, Crimson." Boss' tone was low when he spoke to the child, glaring at his nibling. "And...what kind of a prank have you pulled anyways? A prank is one thing, but to cause needless harm is another. Furthermore...just what have they put you through, Crimes...perhaps they need a reminding from The Great and Terrible Papyrus just how to treat their own children?"

Cupcake had gotten himself cleaned mostly off, and he frowned, having thrown away the broken mugs and he came into the living room with the remaining unshattered mug, with a cup of chamomile tea for Edge. "...Sometimes I wonder how you get around with your head as large as it is, Papyrus..."

Edge was happy that the beeping had stopped from his oxygen concentrator, and was working normally once again; as he took a drink from his tea; his hands only barely trembling. He was thankful that Cupcake had gotten him a lidded cup from Mars cabinet for the drink.

Boss said nothing, but closed his sockets for a moment, before he looked to Crimson for an answer.

Crimson stopped short and looked up at their uncle with a small smile, "Ya know. I got grounded for trying to have some fun with my weakling of a cousin. I swear...ya think with being the son of a Capitan he'd do so much better. Like, come on! He runs away from a challenge and starts crying. Not my fault he's a damn weakling who doesn't wanna learn."

Rockwell just got back from the stairs, wanting to see what was going on when he heard Crimes basically shoot him down like that.

"Locked me in a fucking carrier, got water sprayed on me, grounded in my fucking room with anti-magic sigils on my doors and walls, and for what!? Trying to get some training in like a real monster would!? I don't know what that pathetic excuse for a cousin, dad, grandfather, brother, or sister are on about, but I'm not gunna end up like a fucking weakling like them! I wanna be tough, agile, clever and quick on my feet, like you Capitan! You got it all figured out!" Crimson was beaming with excitement over wanting to be like him.

"like hell it was training! you fucking tried to kill me you stupid runt!" Rockwell growled out, "if anyone's the stupid weakling, it's you! i'm so sick of your shit!"

"Oh come on! Cry me a river Bitchwell. Not my fault you decided to teleport around like a fucking cheater! You know that pisses me off! But I'll give ya a second chance now if you wanna go!" Crimes grinned, "Least then I can show the Captain what a true warrior's supposed to look like." Their own eye started to smoke and glow just like their father's when he was ready to attack.

"fuck you..." Rockwell hissed out. But before he could do anything, MTT stepped between them. "That's enough! That's my son you're talking about!"

"Crimes! The fuck are you on about!?" Julia hissed at her sibling's actions, ready to jump in if Crimes decided to try and do anything else stupid with the family.

Boss had his arms crossed over his chest, as he listened to Crimson going on; and his frown only deepened as he continued on. As Crimson was praising him and his own abilities, a smile began to cross his face however. He began to laugh softly, shaking his head at how those around him acted. "PLEASE, LET THE CHILD SPEAK. METTATON, DEAREST, STEP DOWN. ROCKWELL, GO WITH MAMATON...IF CRIMSON WANTS TO SHOW THEIR TRUE WARRIOR ABILITIES..."

He summoned a large red bone sword to his hands, his eyelights sparking dangerously bright. "Then we shall spar together, my nibling. My son Rockwell, he unfortunately does have some health issues, much like your father...you must realize I taught him myself to evade and protect himself during battle; it was the safest choice of action for himself in times of need. But...it is sadly very cowardly I know. But...it was what was needed. But you...you are tough, strong, and agile...and I want to see how good you are, Crimson."

Boss began to stride towards the patio door, flinging the glass door easily open; and beckoned for Crimson to follow him. "Tonight we shall see just how well you can survive. I'll train you just like Father did, years ago."

Edge felt his own soul drop down to his gut when he heard what his younger son spoke of. That kind of training was dangerous and absolutely insane.

The tall skeleton pointed to the kitchen with his bone sword. "GATHER SUPPLIES FOR A TWO DAY TRIP, CRIMSON. TAKE ONLY WHAT YOU REQUIRE. THERE IS A STATE PARK FOREST NEAR THE LAKE THAT WE'LL TRAIN IN."

MTT watched in shock as Boss left like that. "W-Wha...Papyrus! Baby! What are you doing!?"

Rockwell was still standing stiff and on the defense, like he was waiting for something to be thrown or sliced at him. He still hated every bit of "training" his father put him through. The fact that he was taking his stupid kiss ass cousin with him like that made his magic blood boil even more.

Crimson however was more than delighted, "Fuck yeah! This is why you're the coolest uncle!" Crimson had ran off to do as Boss had said, rushing past Rockwell and everyone else, not caring who said what anymore.

"What!? You're just gunna take my fucking kid and go like that!? Are you fucking nuts!?" Mars growled out, "Like hell I'll let...Actually...ya know what? Fuck it. You can't make him possibly worse than he is. If someone can kick his ass and knock some sense into him...maybe it'll be you. Though...that means you have SOME sense in ya you crazy son of a bitch."

She looked pretty much done and was fed up with Crimson's attitude and ways. Least two days would give her some peace and quiet.

Crimson had come back down with a backpack of things they needed like extra clothes, some snacks, water, their phone and a couple car magazines to read in case things were slow. "Hahaha! Fuck yeah! I'm gunna get stronger! Let's do this shit!" They'd run and catch up to their uncle, ready for whatever they were going to get thrown at.

Vera was just watching all this go down and seemed...confused and a bit concerned of what she was seeing.

Red had been listening, and he came skittering downstairs as quickly as he could, nearly falling over himself in the process; as he was in his chihuahua form. He barked loudly at Boss, running around between his brother's legs and he quickly changed to his normal form. "hey! hey don't take my kid, bro; what the fuck are you doing?! you're gonna kill 'em if you're planning on doing what pops used ta do to us!"

Boss glared down at Red, a sneer barely held back. He lifted up Red by his black and red jacket; holding him close to his face. "BROTHER...IF YOU WANTED TO TRAIN ROCKWELL, I WOULD TRUST YOU WITH MY SON. WHY WOULDN'T YOU TRUST ME, WITH YOUR CHILD?"

Red's working eyelight didn't leave Boss' face as he stared his younger brother down. "...because you're taking them to their grave if you don't watch out..."

Boss scoffed, and then placed Red back down onto his feet somewhat gently. He then seemed to take care to smooth his brother's shirt and jacket even. "I WOULD WATCH OUT FOR YOURSELF, JUST IN CASE THOSE RESULTS AREN'T THE BEST, DEAR BROTHER. YOU DO NEED SOMEONE TO CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY IF YOU DUST, DON'T YOU?"

"...wait, what?" Before Red could really say much else, Boss sucker punched Red in the cracked side of his skull; sending him flying across the back yard.

"I DID SAY TO WATCH OUT FOR YOURSELF, BROTHER...DIDN'T I? BAHAHAHAHA!" Boss laughed brightly, as he then led Crimson around to the front of the yard to his apple red Corvette vehicle.

Crimson laughed as they saw their Dad get punched. "What's what you get, ya old bastard! He showed you!" They followed Boss to the car and jumped in, ready to go.

Jackson managed to catch Red in mid air with his red magic, hoping it would at least soften his blow, "Dad! You okay!?" he saw the whole thing from the window with Ebrima by his side.

Mars and Julia would rush to Red to check up on him, "Red! Baby! God damn it... I hate your fucking brother I swear!"

"Daddy!" Julia whimpered as she looked over at her dad, looking scared that he was really hurt.

"You just gunna let him go like that, Edge? Bitter? This a smart idea?" Vera looked to the two elder monsters.

Rockwell meanwhile collapsed to his knees, parts of the stress were getting to him as he felt sick to his stomach. MTT immediately headed over to take care of him, "I've got you, baby...mamaton's got you...it's okay...shhh..."

Red had nearly passed out from the strike, as the crack had widened in his skull and was trying to come around to waking up again. "...fuck, why did i do that..."

Bitter sighed, and then she flew straight out from the house, and came over to the Corvette before Boss had pulled away with Crimson. "Boss...are ya really sure you're gonna fuckin' do this? Just take your nibling and go zooming off to do whatever Edge used ta do to you?!"

Boss looked to Bitter, and put on his sunglasses, as he shook his head. "MOTHER...DO NOT GET IN OUR WAY. JUST GO HOVER ON BACK TO FATHER, TAKE YOUR PLACE AT HIS SIDE, UNTIL HE FINALLY DUSTS LIKE HE SHOULD..."

Edge had gotten up from the chair, gripping his walker, as he went out to the front porch, Cupcake assisting him along the way. As Bitter was speaking with Boss, Edge made his way closer to the Corvette; his dual-colored eyelights glaring at his son.

"Y-You fuckin' b-bastard...pu-punching your br-brother like that...c-can't believe you! I-I taught yo-youse bettah, Pa-Papyr-rus...don't you d-dare take my g-grandchild w-with y-youse!" Edge managed to get out, as he came over to the driver's side of the Corvette. "C-Crimes...what do you s-see in your U-Uncle?"

Mars tried to heal him best as she could, focusing on the crack in hopes it would shrink back to what it was before, "Just hang on for me, baby...you're okay...it's okay..." Julia whimpered and whined as she nuzzled her dad, "Daddy...daddy..."

Crimes growled at the old man as he got to the car, "Would you guys just fuck off!? This is what I want! I never get what I want! The first time someone gives it to me and everyone's against it!"

They let out a hiss, like they were daring Edge to pull them out of the car, "I see a hell of a lot more in him than that mangy mutt I unfortunately share genes with! I wanna get stronger! I wanna be better! Captain here's got it all figured out! I wanna be like him cause he's better, stronger, and people fucking respect him like the true monster he is! Now let me the fuck go so I can be trained by the master!"

Red panted softly as he was healed, thankfully the crack sealed up to what it was before. He blinked his sockets a bit; and laid there, holding Julia close to his chest. "...daddy's here, kitten...d-daddy's here..."

Boss looked to Crimes, and he grinned as the child extolled his virtues; which admittedly gave him a very good stroking of his ego at that moment. "YOU ARE A VERY SMART CHILD, MY DEAR NIBLING. YOU WILL LEARN SO MUCH DURING THIS WEEKEND. IT WILL BE MORE THAN JUST FIGHTING, IT WILL BE HOW TO SURVIVE; HOW TO CARE FOR YOURSELF IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP, AND HOW TO TRACK ENEMIES IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS AS WELL."

Edge shook his head, sighing. "People d-don't respect him. T-They fear h-him. Because he's...u-unbalanced." He turned away from the car, and went back towards the house. The old monster didn't bother turning around once Boss had started up the Corvette with a roar of the engine; and sped off towards the state forest.

Julia snuggled up to her dad and whimpred. Mars pet their heads and sighed, "You two are okay...we're okay..."

Crimson let that sink in them but shook their head, not going to believe that. They smiled at their uncle, "This is gunna be good!" They were keeping excited to finally get some training in.

Rockwell was currently shaking in MTT's hold, looking sick and pale. MTT was rubbing his back, trying to calm him down enough to keep the sickness at bay. Ebrima headed down with Jackie, immediately hugging her brother with a scared face, one of the few times she emoted.

Jackson headed off to see his grandfather, "That's it...that's...all there is? What's gunna happen, G'pa...?" He didn't like what was going to be happening.

Red managed to sit up, and he sighed tiredly. He then changed to his chihuahua form; which was actually easier on him then his regular form. Climbing into Julia's lap, he snuggled close to her, closing his eyes.

Cupcake came back inside, and he saw Rockwell. "Oh dear...um, Mettaton dear, I've got some ginger candies, if he perhaps needs something? I'm um, Dr. Caddy Brewer, I...ah, know we haven't really met well before..."

He pulled out a tin of ginger candies that he kept on him for Rocky if his grandson needed them, and he worried that somehow this version had the sugar issues as well. But he had a feeling it was only his son and grandson who had that issue.

Edge stayed on the porch, sitting in his walker; as the hiss and slight chugging of the oxygenator was heard by his side. "...Crimson is go-gonna learn...t-that Pap i-is very...v-very twisted. If t-they even sur-survive this weekend..."

Julia hugged her dad close as Mars pulled them in, kissing both their heads as she hummed something soft for them.

"Maybe that would help...Rockwell gets sick if he's under too much stress..." MTT gently explained as he took a candy and tried giving it to his son. Rockwell didn't seem to fully register it since he was a bit disoriented. Ebrima easily took over and fed it to him, trying to help best as she could. Rockwell did a little better with the candy, looking more exhausted and a little less pale.

Rockwell had been strange health wise, he was still rather weak and too much stress would trigger something in him that would make him sick or have him out of commission for a while. Same if he used too much magic at once. Normally if he wanted to avoid things, he'd just teleport away, but without hiding places to go to, he had no choice but to stick around and deal with the stress. That was a problem whenever his father tried training him.

MTT would be the one to help take care of him and take him easily, unfortunately it could be taken as the robot coddling his son. But MTT didn't care. He only cared for his babies. He only wished he could take care of his husband a bit more to calm down around them. They were kids, not soldiers. They didn't have to be surviving anymore.

Vera did head over to see Rockwell, "Hey...want me to try something? He might need a bed...cold water and stuff. He keeps that up he's gunna get a fever..."

"Maybe they'll finally listen...doesn't take a genius to see Uncle Paps isn't all there...though..we always did say he was a dumbass..." Jackson sighed as he stood by his grandpa, unsure of what to think now.

Red calmed down at the humming from his wife; and he lightly licked Julia's cheek, cuddling close to her; his little bony tail wiggling a bit in happiness.

Edge nodded softly, as he patted Jackson's shoulder with a trembling hand. "S-Sadly I think I...I k-kinda made 'em l-like this...wantin' h-him to sur-survive back home in F-Fell...he j-just don't know, that we're s-safe now."

Boss had pulled up to the State Forest, and got out from the Corvette, hiking out past the usual campgrounds, and came closer to the side area of the lake, striding right past the 'No Admittance - No Camping' sign.

They both continued to walk for nearly an hour, and soon they came to the area where he figured it would be best for them both. Going to his inventory; he pulled out a tent, and then began to set it up. "SO FIRST LESSON, SET UP CAMP, CRIMSON."

Mars kept watch of her babies as Vera did her best to help out Rockwell. Unfortunately the kid did end up getting a fever. She did end up offering to drive the Fell family home along, promising to come back for Cupcake once she dropped them off. Rockwell needed the quiet and rest.

Crimson followed with energy, excited to see what they would do and learn from all this. Normally they'd complain and growl and hiss at walking for so long if it was anyone else, but this was their cool uncle and this was for a damn good reason. Once they hit their spot and given their orders, they gave a nod and headed off to get some wood and stones to make a campfire. They remembered how to do it in some movies they watched.

Once the fire got started up, they started making up the tent with Boss and getting other stuff set up.

Boss was somewhat proud to see Crimson immediately getting to work. He knew the child would be a much better soldier than his own son could be. Watching with a bright grin; he went to his inventory; pulling out a cooler he'd brought. It was filled with some chicken breasts on skewers, studded with tomatoes and onions; ready to be put over the fire to cook. "THIS IS DINNER, CRIMSON. CHICKEN, TOMATOES AND ONIONS, SIMPLE AND FILLING. WHILE IT COOKS, WE WILL TRAIN."

He removed his leather jacket, folding it up neatly; placing his sunglasses on top, which revealed him wearing just a red tank top; which exposed part of his ribcage on the sides, long black skinny jeans, and his usual tall, red boots. Striding over to an empty field that sat nearby; he summoned his bone sword again. "COME AT ME, CRIMES. SHOW ME YOUR BEST MOVE, AND I WILL HELP YOU MAKE THAT YOUR WORST MOVE."

Crimson finished the tent and watched their uncle start cooking out the skewers. Part of them wanted to dig in already since they never did eat those nachos their dad left 'em.

Once they saw their uncle take their jacket off and head over, their excitement came at them full force, "Heh...you're on. Lemme show ya what I know!" They were more than happy to show off what they could do. Since Red didn't exactly teach them how to fight so most of the stuff they knew they learned themselves.

Their eyes glowed and smoked, ready to attack as they pulled out a pair of red bone knives that curved like cat claws, rushing at him with what they could.

The weekend would be complete and utter hell for Crimson, getting beaten, battered, bruised, and at some points to really low HP. They faired better than Rockwell did, but they were hurting everywhere. One thing for sure...it made them thankful they were going home. They wanted a real bed, real food...and a part of them yearned for love. At this point though, they weren't sure what that was, especially after a few hits to the head.

Boss pulled into the driveway of Mars and Red's house, and nearly slammed the car into park. He just pointed to the front door, and sighed. "YOU WERE...ADEQUATE, THIS WEEKEND, CRIMSON. PERHAPS WITH MORE TRAINING, YOU'LL ACTUALLY GET GOOD AT WHAT YOU CARE TO KNOW. GO ON HOME. I'LL PICK YOU UP NEXT WEEKEND TO DO THIS AGAIN."

Red was sitting outside, in his retriever form; enjoying a cigarette while Jackson and Julia sunned themselves nearby him. A large bowl of water sat underneath the table in the shade so they could drink if they wanted too. Mars sat at the table, and Red lifted his head when Boss pulled up to the house.

Crimson ended up getting their head slammed into the dashboard, letting out a hiss of pain they held their forehead. They were too tired and battered to respond as they opened the door from their uncle's car, getting two steps in before their knees gave out and they fell to the floor.

Mars immediately noticed Crimson fall and ran over to check on him, "Fuck! Crimes! What the hell did you do to them, Pap!?"

Julia and Jackson stopped sunbathing for a bit to rush over to see their sibling. Crimes at this point was starting to pass out from exhaustion, everything from the weekend was coming back to bite them in the ass. Their arms and stomach hurt, their legs burned, their head was pounding with every breath they took. Least with passing out, they could feel some relief, especially when they felt their mom's hands on them.

Boss lifted his sunglasses, glancing over at Mars. "...I JUST TRAINED THEM IS ALL, MARRIANNE. THE FACT THAT THEY'RE PASSING OUT SHOWS THAT THEY NEED MORE TRAINING TO BE HONEST. I'LL BE BY NEXT WEEKEND TO PICK THEM UP."

Red put his cigarette down in the ashtray, and he trotted over, shaking his head. "no they won't. you're not doin' any of this crazy shit no more, pap. go the fuck home, metta's been worried 'bout you anyways."

Boss put down his sunglasses, and sighed, shaking his head. Cranking the car up again; he backed out from the driveway; and sped off back towards home. He hadn't taken his medication in the past two days either, which also messed with his head some as well. Pulling into his own house, he came inside, and headed to the kitchen to empty out the cooler; and clean the dishes he had brought for the trip.

"Angel above...I fucking hate him..." Mars growled as Boss left. She gently managed to pick up Crimes and take them inside to get them in bed and their wounds taken care of.

Julia and Jackson followed too, not wanting to be left behind. Mars did what she could do and get some pain meds in him to make things a little easier. Least the kid was resting, so that was something.

At Boss's home, MTT finished getting some bills paid while Rockwell was taking a nap in his room. Ebrima had heard the door open and investigated with Doomfanger in her arms. She peeked into the kitchen and noticed her father back, figuring this was going to be a time ahead.

Rockwell had their fever taken care of, having broken off of it the day prior and was using the silence of the house to laze about and do what he wanted without hearing his father yell and scream at him for it. Least his mom didn't mind as long as it wasn't too stupid or something. For now, he was napping soundly with headphones on playing soft music, not having heard the car park or the door opening.

Red sat on the front ramp into his home, watching as Boss had sped off. Shaking his head, he picked up the cigarette again and finished it off slowly as he stayed seated on his front ramp.

Boss was finishing up cleaning the dishes from his cooler; then he dried them off. Wiping out the cooler, he placed the travel set of dishes back inside the cooler once again, and put it all back into the pantry closet. "There. All perfect."

Going to their cabinets, he pulled out the ingredients for a lasagna to make for dinner, when he saw Ebrima. "...EBRIMA, WHERE IS YOUR BROTHER AT? I WOULD HAVE HOPED THAT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAINING ON HIS OWN PERHAPS WHILE I WAS GONE WITH HIS COUSIN, AS HE DIDN'T HAVE THE CHANCE TO ACCOMPANY US THIS WEEKEND..."

Ebrima stared at her father as she pet Doomfanger with her usual blank expression. She looked over at the hallway, silent way of her saying he's home.

MTT heard the yelling from his room and headed off to see what was going on, "Papy? Darling are you home?" He hoped that Rockwell had a chance to hide away now if he wanted to keep a break. Sadly, Rockwell was still sound asleep, music still playing as he did so to drown out any noise.

MTT would manage to get there, putting on a small smile. "Ah! There you are. How was your...weekend, sugar skull? Good?"

Doomfanger meowed quietly, and purred in Ebrima's hold. She rubbed her head against Ebrima's chin, her eyes closed in happiness. Being born deaf made her an incredibly happy cat, as she could never hear Boss' ranting and screaming.

Boss was getting a saucepan on the stove to make up a pot of sauce for the lasagna, and he saw MTT, smiling slightly at his husband. "It was alright, Mettaton. Crimson is simply...hmm. Not that good it seems."

His jawline twitched as he set out the box of pasta sheets, and got another pot out filled with water to boil the pasta in. "THEY CONSTANTLY KEPT EVADING MY ATTACKS, NOT DOING PROPER PARRIES OR BLOCKS, JUST CONSTANTLY EVADING."

"They passed out about four different times, and their HP was so low a couple of times that I had to administer, pfft, green solution you know." Boss scoffed, as he started to chop up sausage and tomatoes for his sauce. His jawline twitched again, an indicator of him not having taken his medication; which just meant he was even more unstable than usual.

Ebrima kept petting the cat, silently happy over her furry friend. She decided to head to the livingroom couch, plop her gently on her lap and brush her fur with the cat brush she kept in her inventory.

MTT sighed before taking a seat on a nearby chair, "Well...I do remember Mars once saying to me most of what Crimson knows they taught themselves. Mars didn't have luck giving them much training outside of their weapon care and they don't have much respect for your brother. So...take that as you will, Darling."

He did notice the twitch in Boss's jawline, "Darling...why don't I take over for now? You forgot to pack your medicine again, didn't you? Go and take them, I can handle it here, hmm?" He gently headed over and placed his upper pair of hands on Boss's shoulders, "Please...? You worked really hard...I know you have...even teachers need a break..."

It was his own way of trying to keep on his husband's good side and get him to untense a bit. He couldn't do much to get the survivalist out of his husband, but he managed well enough.

Doomfanger purred happily at the brushing. She was somewhat an older cat now; being nearly eleven years old, but she loved the attention anyways.

Boss had been chopping up the sausage still, and started to add it to the sauce; when he looked over at MTT while he spoke. "Of course, dear...and yes, it makes sense that Crimson wouldn't have much respect for Sans. He's pathetic. And yes, although I did have my items for a camping trip, I had unfortunately forgotten my medication...did the new one come in yet?"

Seeing that MTT had nodded, after placing his upper hands onto his shoulders; he smiled softly, appreciating his husband's knowledge that he was a great and respected teacher. "You are very correct, my dearest love."

Boss leaned forward and gave MTT a passionate kiss. "I've got everything set up for sausage lasagna my dear. I'll take my medication and try to unwind a bit I believe."

He trailed his hand down MTT's top arms, and gently gripped his husbands' hands; as extremely rare reddish hearts sprang to his sockets. Gently, he then trailed his fingers from his love's gloved hands, and went to take his medications. The newest one was incredibly strong however, and soon after he took it, he'd fallen asleep in the chair at the kitchen table.

Ebrima kept brushing her, it was equal parts comforting and necessity for her. Even with the cat being old, she still loved her all the same. Better than any stuffed animal she recieved and cluttered her room.

MTT smiled, loving everytime he could get those little hearts to come out. That was his Papy, the one he fully fell in love with. While Papyrus had gone to take his meds, he took over taking care of dinner, figuring it would be a bit better now. That only proved stronger when he saw Boss had fallen asleep on the chair. Good...that gave some time and kept the peace.

Rockwell was still napping until the music cut short by his text tone from his phone. He groaned from the sound as he woke up and checked on what or who interrupted his nap. The frown on his face turned to a soft smile as he saw the name on the text message, "Amelia"

[Hey! You busy tomorrow? Mi famila's having a party and I wanted to invite you over! Be really fun! Just leave the spikes behind if ya wanna be in the bounce house, Rock n' Roll-er~ 3 ]

Rockwell chuckled at the text and sent something back to her. Amelia was a human girl he met in school and became close friends with. And after a while...they decided to try out to be something more.

[Yeah, I'll be there, Ams. Let me know time and place, alright? Don't worry, no spikes. I promise. Want me to bring something?]

[Just your edgy but cute self. Buuuut I'll love ya more if you get me a cupcake from that one bakery we went to with my older brother that had the candy gator monster? That would be awesome! Party starts at 2 but if you wanna come and hide out earlier, that's fine. Just know you're stuck with helping my parents set up. =P ]

Rockwell chuckled, knowing that was gunna happen as he texted back, [I'll see what I can do, Ams. And yeah, we'll see on that. Love ya.]

[Love you too, sugar spice~ See you tomorrow! XOXO]

He'd never admit it to anyone else, but...something about the human girl always made him happy. And there was no way in hell he'd ever tell anyone about her or the other human friend he had. He did have one monster friend but she lived back in Fell, but occassionaly came around to visit her family here. The only one who had spoken to about them was Tyra, and she promised to keep it secret. That's all he needed and wanted...well..maybe except for his dad to chill out and get off his case.

At the time, Boss was sound asleep at the table, slightly snoring. His new medication, Lexaproactin, was incredibly strong, and was working on re-wiring his mind. The paperwork that came with his new medication, and the last appointment he'd had with his psychologist; one of the requirements of him staying on the surface by Queen Veronica, showed that he still had anger issues and trouble perceiving the world around him.

He still saw daily things as threats to his and his family's life, he still tried to stay prepared for anything and everything, which honestly gave him deep-seated stress. One of the results on his latest rounds of tests, showed that his IQ was around 82, showing him to have below-average intelligence; and that he reacted badly to humans.

Back in the Fell universe, Queen Veronica was looking through the lastest paperwork from the monsters who were on the surface, making sure they were all well behaved and taken care of as to not disturb the peace. She seemed relieved to see that there were no problems...except for one.

Boss.

Verri sighed as she went through his paperwork, hoping that she wouldn't have to drag him and his family back to the underground if he couldn't behave with fellow monsters and the humans that made a majority of the surface. She hoped by the end of the trial period, he'd be more stable to continue living there. She never wanted to break up families.

For now, she decided to set the paperwork aside to take a break. She let the guards know who were standing by her office door and they allowed her out. The papers left for later until she came back.

Queen Aqua was lounging in the throne room, watching her child as they worked on a project for their last year of school. She was dressed in a dark blue maternity suit; as she normally liked to wear, her crown settled upon her thin dreadlocks. Her large chest nearly was busting out from her suit; as she was more than halfway through her pregnancy of her twins just then.

"Frisky, ya need any help with your help that project of yours?" Aq commented, as she scratched the side of her stomach idly. The twins were kicking a bit as they seemed to wake up from their nap.

Frisk was typing up the last bit on their laptop, getting a few more things in, No. I'm okay mom. I'm almost done here. I could use a little help with math though. They prefered to sign more than talk, but did it if they were comfortable or had no other choice.

Frisk was thirteen at the time, turning 14 within the next month. Kid had fallen down about 5 years ago and Veronica loved them enough to adopt the little human. Frisk didn't mind and they loved their new family. There was a bit of hesitation from some monsters of the Underground, but no one voiced it out. Otherwise, most monsters were okay with the human, if only hoping that this wouldn't end up like Chara and Asriel again.

Veronica would make her way to the throne room, her crown perched gently between her ears as her white and gold dress trailed the floor, "Hello you two. How's everyone?"

Frisk gave their mother a wave before properly hugging her when she came to the throne. Veronica gave them a few kisses on the head before heading to Aqua for a quick kiss and hug.

Aqua nodded and smiled a bit. "Sure thing, honey. I don't mind helpin' ya with math and shit, Frisky."

She hugged Veronica, nuzzling her wife's cheek softly. "Doin' pretty good today, had some asshole comin' botherin' us 'bout some shit out in Snowdin or whateva...told 'em not to worry 'bout the Ruins. It's still sealed off."

Tugging at her shirt slightly, the bottom edge of her belly could be seen peeking out. "I gotta get a bigger suit made or something. I ain't gonna start wearing dresses anyways...no matter how big I get. If I hafta' I'll just go naked 'round here, Verri."

"Oh dear. I'll have to get notes of that and see what's going on. No one said being a royal is easy." Veronica chuckled lightly and nuzzled back, "Even so...always good to check every once in a while. You never know when a human drops by again."

Verri was then hugged again by Frisk, a small raspy giggle came from them. Veronica gave them another quick kiss before gently ruffling their hair, loving how cute and sweet their child was.

Mom! No! You can't be naked around here! I still live here along with Uncle Dar and Uncle Kinta! Frisk lightly complained.

"I'm afraid that's right. But, if it makes you comfortable, you don't need to be in a suit everyday. Wear what you're most comfortable in. I'm only dressed formally since I'm working. You don't need to take on duties if it's getting to be much." Veronica assured as she gently gave Aqua's bump a light pat, "I'm sure the little ones would be more comfortable if you are, seaweed."

Aqua chuckled brightly, and sighed. "Oh yeah, those two are still around here. They're so quiet I swear..."

"As for what I'm comfy in, I'm gonna go change right now actually." She got up from the throne, and gave Verri a sweet kiss as she came over to her. "I love ya so much baby."

Kinta was curled up on his coil in their portion of the castle, as he watched Dar pacing a bit. "Anata, are you getting stressed over something?"

He lifted himself to follow over to Dar, and gently trailed his clawed hands down his back lovingly. "...You know that it is still a few weeks before we have our child. Are you worried about their health still?"

Veronica giggled and kissed back, "Love you too, sweet water. I'll be here when you get back." She decided to take a seat with Frisk and go through their homework with them. That beat the paperwork she had to do. Frisk was more than grateful for the help, and happier in getting to spend time with their cat mom.

We're still going to visit the ones in that other universe, right mama? Frisk was curious about what the other surface was like, hoping it was a lot better than what they dealt with up there. They..didn't exactly climb into the mountain for happy reasons...

"Yes, of course Frisk my dear. We'll be going next week to assure everyone is doing well, and hopefully catch up with my family. Been quite a while since my sister last saw you." Veronica laughed lightly before squishing her human's cheeks, causing another raspy laugh to come from them.

Dar paused and let Kinta have his way, "I know. It is not their health that worries me...though yes...I've still been thinking of it. Just other things are on my mind. I'm restless from just sitting here and doing nothing! Just want something else to try other than go back to my... potion making days. Lest I get another long boring talking to and dungeon time by my royal pain in the ass sister."

Aqua took a nice bath in her seawater shower; and she lightly rubbed over her swollen belly; while the two guards stood outside the bathroom for her own protection. Letting herself slip beneath the surface of the water; she sighed happily.

Kinta gently trailed his hand along his husband's jawline gently. "Ah, if things are getting boring, perhaps you could read over some of your old spellbooks, my darling..."

His large red eyes gazed lovingly to his husband, as he gently curled his tail around Dar's feet, snuggling his swollen belly against Dar's middle. "...I'm going to go and take a look out the windows again...I miss going out and about through the Underground anymore..."

Dar blushed slightly before purring at Kinta's touch, being putty in the naga's hands. "That does not sound like a bad idea, my viper. Perhaps I will."

He gently kissed Kinta's hand and gave a light rub on his belly, " Perhaps one day we may convince the council that you are of no threat...least...not enough of one to be let out once again. I swear...I know my sister wishes to keep some peace...but locking us up here is no better than the dungeon. That or a child stuck in their room for a grounding." Part of him was always irked at being the youngest of his siblings.

"If you wish to accompany me, my dearest love...please do. Least your company makes this prison sentence easier to bare." He leaned in to give his husband a tender kiss.

Kinta returned the tender kiss, and gently leaned his head down to give Dar a gentle flickering of his tongue against his love's sensitive neck. "I will most likely join you soon enough...but I still would love to go and see out the windows, my dear..."

He gently uncurled from around Dar, and started to head towards the doors that led to the outermost side of the castle that they lived in. It housed the only three windows they could see out to New Home from. A single guard stood patrol near the three windows, and Kinta bowed lightly to them.

"Konnichiwa. How are you doing this fine evening?" Kinta gently asked, as he gazed out one of the windows, his clawed hands resting on his stomach.

Dar purred lowly at feeling the kiss and tongue around his neck, "Mmm...very well...see you soon then, my dearest. You know where to find me." He headed off to go read his books in the study once Kinta uncurled from him.

The guard didn't pay much mind as he stood by in guard. Once Kinta started talking to him, he simply nodded back, "Best as I can be with the monster in front is a walking toxic plant. And you are here because...?" He seemed slightly annoyed that he got stuck seeing Kintaro.

Kinta snickered softly, covering his mouth politely as he slithered a bit closer to the guard. "A walking toxic plant...hehehe, I do not think Queen Aquaria would be pleased to hear that about herself, but...what would I know? She is rather...ungainly, I would think. Still don't know what Veronica sees in her...though I do know what we smell most days, hmm?"

He picked at his claws for a moment, as he dragged them down the side of the concrete; coming closer to the guard. As the guard turned back around to gaze out one of the windows, he smiled a bit more. Silently, he slithered closer to the guard, gazing over the guard for any weak points. His eyes turned to thin slits; as he bared his teeth and reared back to strike.

Kinta was absolutely ravenously hungry and the portion of food that he'd been given was still not enough for him as he was pretty heavily pregnant. Striking the guard down, he hissed happily; as he then quickly stripped the armor from the monster; and began to eat him slowly from the feet first.

A few other guards were coming down the way to do patrols and take over shifts. All of them froze once they saw Kinta eating a fellow guard again.

"Call the queen and council! He's at it again! Take him down!" One yelled out before they and another guard ran over to take down Kinta and arrest him.

The remaining guard pulled out a walkie talkie to alert other guards for back up and to notify the queens.

Veronica was going over math problems with Frisk when two guards got message of Kinta and headed over to them, "My Queen...the snake is at it again. He took down a guardsmen and tried devouring him."

Veronica sighed and looked to Frisk. Frisk was worried and sad. Both knew what that meant. Veronica gave them a quick hug before looking back at the guards, "Subdue him and bring him here along with the council...We had a rule and he had broken it...his three chances are done...and I'm afraid he will need to live with the punishment..."

Kinta had been happily devouring the guard, who was in a state of poisoned suspension. Unable to dust, yet unable to respond either. Whether they were eaten or not, they wouldn't survive anyways; as Kinta was a deadly coral snake naga.

He hissed, having let go of his prey when he was startled. Slithering backwards suddenly, he bared his fangs and brandished his claws. He carried no weapons, he never had a need to in his entire life. "You dare attack a pregnant monster!? HISSSSSS!"

The guards had backed him into the corner, and they shot a tranquilizing dart at him, striking him right above his soul in his chest. He fell backwards, his large red eyes fluttering closed. One of the guards came over, and lightly tapped Kinta's swollen stomach.

"...Still can't believe what the Queen's brother sees in this freak." She helped to chain Kinta up, and put a special muzzle around Kinta's mouth. "I still say he's some experiment from the old crazy doctor, that got loose after he left! You think that old fuck's alive still?"

Veronica took her place at the throne, waiting with a serious but tired expression. Frisk stood by her side, concerned over what was going to happen next.

Another guard had brought in Dar as 5 different monsters had come into the room, stationed to the sides of the queens' thrones. These monsters were the Royal Council, only there to help aid in the royal work and create laws for the underground to abide by. All of them looked none too pleased with what had come across.

"Sister! You can't do this! He's with child! He needs the food!" Dar hissed out but the guards in front of him stopped him from getting any closer to her.

"You were present when we talked the first time about it, brother...We've lost 3 guards and 4 servants by his poison and his eating habits. The peace we bring here to the Underground is crucial...I don't want to take more of your freedoms away...you're my family and I do love you both...but I'm afraid this has to be done. He's taken advantage of my kindness and I'm left with no choice if I want to protect my people..." Veronica looked apologetic, but that didn't seem to stop Dar from looking angry and hurt.

The agreement from the council was that Kinta had three strikes should he misbehave in anyway or do something that threatened the peace or wellbeing of monsters, be it here or those who visited from the Swapverse. The naga had just used up his last strike, and he would ultimately pay a dear price.

The guards brought Kinta, still passed out; and it took nearly six guards, three on either side; to carry the long naga inside the throne room. They laid him out on the floor, oddly very careful with the dangerous naga, due to his 'delicate nature' of being pregnant.

One of the head guards came forward, and bowed to the Queen. "My lady, I am the one who will perform the surgical procedures today on the accursed naga, Kintaro Nagasaki Jae. It will be my honor to assist you, my lady...as he's personally taken my little sibling years ago. If it pleases my Queen and Council, he is to be de-fanged, with his poison sacs removed from his jawline; as well as his sharp and deadly claws from his fingers."

"Are you kidding me!? This guard has bias! She'll hurt Kina! Don't you dare do this! You can't!" Dar tried to wiggle past the guards but they kept him restrained, "I can keep a better eye on him! Please! Don't do this...please...I beg of you please...I..."

"SILENCE!" one Council member yelled out, "We have given this earthworm more than enough chances to prove himself as not a threat to the kingdom and it's people. He has failed every chance that was given to him."

"You both had agreed that he will take what punishment comes if he dares taunt or use his strikes. He has not gotten better. His pregnancy is no excuse, as we thought it might have slown him down...when it made things worse." Another one spoke.

"The surgery is necessary...without fangs and venom, he will unable to kill anyone else." Another spoke up, sounding pleased with the procedure.

"Without his claws, he can no longer cause harm to other monsters. We have trusted others that they would not use their magic or physical attributes to do harm...we have foolishly given Kintaro Nagasaki Jae the same trust...and his misused it. Many had lost their lives...and we do not intend to lose anymore." One spoke out before all 5 looked over at the queen. She had the final say.

Veronica looked at her brother, who still had a pleading look in his eye. She looked over at Kintaro's passed out body and sighed, "...Perhaps you may fair a better chance at living in the surface if this procedure is done, brother...I'll see that he has protections if he does choose to be out of the castle...I'm sorry...but he did violate the ruling...it has to be done..."

Frisk held onto their mom as Dar growled and screamed. He knew it had to be done, he knew the rule...but that didn't mean he didn't feel guilt for not being able to do more.

"...You may take him...as long as there's no reputiable damage... as reprehenisble as his actions are...he is still my brother-in-law. Please...do the procedure with little pain and HP taken as you can. Afterwards...leave him in his room to recover with four guards standing by the doorway. And...if my brother allows himself...let him sit by. It is the most amount of kindness I can do." Veronica kept her look to the head guard, worried of what is to come. It was a hard decision, but she had to for the sake of everyone. She let too many people die.

The head guard bowed, as she removed her helmet. She was Belladonna Greenburg; the daughter of Elihu and Edmund Greenburg. "There is no worries, my lady. My Abba will assist me in the procedure. He's known to be very...sweet and kind, you know..."

Her Abba, or her father, as was the term in Yiddish; was known to be a very cruel, unjust and insane doctor of the Underground. He would try to help those who needed it, but if they couldn't pay him, they would pay with their lives. Dr. Greenburg had that reputation, and an LV of 14 to go with it. He was deeply possessive of his children, and his mate, who until they became too old; would constantly have children as a result.

Dr. Greenburg was considered a 'boss monster' in his power range and strength; and was possibly one of the oldest monsters in their Underground, besides the old Dr. Gaster himself. Belladonna looked to Kinta, her red eyelights glimmering excitedly. She looked to Veronica, then to Dar; a grin having crept across her face.

"If you wish, my lady...your brother can even accompany him to his surgical procedures. Abba and Mater does love having company you know..." Her voice was silky soft as she spoke to them, her helmet held beneath her arm.

"Very well. I will pay your Abba and you well for the safe return and care of my brother-in-law. I'm putting my trust in you, Ms. Greenburg...do not misuse it." Veronica looked over at her with the same expression, "But do notify me when the job is done..."

Dar was unhanded and immediarely ran to Kinta's side, worried and scared for his husband and child, he knew of the reputation and he hated how trusting his sister was. Then again...it's that same trust that got Kina the three strike rule on him in the first place.

"You have my blessing...see work to it immediately and I will discuss payment when I see the final results." The queen gave her decree and the council nodded in agreement.

Belladonna nodded, then bowed deeply to Veronica. "Thank you, my lady. I will keep you informed. The procedure will be performed at my Abba's offices, out in New Home. Guards! Gather the naga, prepare a transport."

She slipped her helmet on, and looked down to Kinta once again. Kneeling down beside Kinta, she looked to Dar, her red eyelights just barely visible within her helmet. "May Adonai protect you and your loved ones today, Darren Jae. I hold no bias towards your worm, but others might not be so forgiving. I would hold my tongue cat, if I were you."

As the guards brought a transport bed from the medical area, they had called the local ambulance and got Kintaro loaded up into it. Belladonna rode with Darren and Kintaro on the way to her Abba's place of business, a small brownstone building in the heart of New Home that read in English and in Hebrew 'Dr. Elihu Greenburg, General Physician MD.' and beneath that, again in English and Hebrew it read, 'Payment Expected Upon Services Issued or ELSE."

The doorway was seemingly massive, as they brought Kinta inside, still throughly passed out from the tranquilizer dart. Large, heavy footsteps could be heard in a different part of the building; followed by much smaller and quicker ones it seemed. Belladonna took over pushing the cart that contained Kinta; as she led Darren through the home that doubled as a medical building.

Pictures lined the hallway, looking more like a personal home now then a hospital. She waved her hand as a doorway opened, her younger twin siblings poking their head out.

{Oh my god, it's the snake!}

{Daddy's gonna rip them up!}

{Mama's gonna have a new purse, I bet!}

{Why did sissy bring them here?}

{Isn't that the Queen's brother?}

The chattering of her siblings in Yiddish, all younger than her, filled the long hallway; multiple doors opening, then closing as quickly as before. Belladonna was the oldest of nearly fifteen children, it was originally eighteen; but two of them died in battle for the Overlord, and one...had been eaten by Kintaro himself years ago.

Belladonna stopped at the end of the hallway, and stepped around the bed; opening the large double doors; which emptied out into their rather massive living room. "Please...make yourself comfortable, Darren. I need to get Abba and Mater. Do not attempt to leave, the front door is password locked."

Darren watched his surroundings, not trusting at all what lingered around or who was taking his husband. He didn't understand what others whispered, but he knew he didn't like it. He just kept holding onto Kinta's hand, hoping somehow this was going to turn out alright.

Once Belladonna got him into the livingroom and gave him that knowledge, he started to hiss, "As if I'd leave him alone in this retched place...you may hold no bias to my husband...but I know who your family is...and I have no reason to trust them."

He gently nuzzled Kinta's cheek, still scared and guilt-ridden over this happening. He wasn't going to dare cry, his guard couldn't be dropped now.

Belladonna laughed softly, as she went to a mannequin standing near a large portrait on the wall. She began to remove her armor; revealing herself to be a plain skeleton, with cherry-pinkish ectogel, wearing simple shorts and a tank top underneath her armor; along with ballet flats. Her permagrin grew hearing what he said. "Oh, you are a very loyal one it seems. Most times when they are brought to my Abba...those that accompany the sick, escape as soon as they can. Then again...this is on request of the Queen. So...it is a unique situation I assume."

Setting her plate armor boots to the side, underneath the outfit; she then went down another set of double doors. It only took a few moments, but the heavy footsteps grew louder and closer.

{Yes Daddy, Queen Veronica herself requested it. Kintaro Jae, a coral snake, needs to be defanged, his poison sacs removed, as well as his claws from his fingers.} She was rapidly speaking in Yiddish to the old golem, as he ducked his head slightly to enter the living room.

Wearing nothing but a black outfit, his pale marble face stood out amongst his nearly black, it was so dark, gray curled hair. His hands were just as dark as his suit; a black, crackled riverstone, and when he moved his arms, hints of the pale ashen wood that made his arms could be seen. By his side was an elderly skeleton, with a large hole in their skull; wearing a rather modest, but delicate dress. That was his husband, Edmund Greenburg. He never spoke unless spoken too, and he rarely did anything unless he was told to do so by his husband.

The dress seemed quite loose on him, but it was an old maternity dress, and as he was simply too old to have children now, it simply hung limp on his thin and delicate frame. His reddish-green eyelights gazed at Darren curiously, his expression not changing. He reached over to Elihu's hand, tapping it lightly; then he pointed to them both.

Eli's red eyes turned and gazed over Darren and Kintaro. Then he wordlessly nodded to his husband, who then went to them. Edmund gently curtsied, his eyelights blankly staring at Darren as if looking through him for a few moments before he spoke. "...would you like a cup of tea? Or a little snack while my husband gets the surgery room prepared?"

His voice was soft, with a British accent, but it sounded as if he rarely spoke, and when he did, it was barely above a whisper most times.

Dar stayed with Kinta, not daring to leave his side. He didn't even say much else once Belladonna left and came back with Eli and Edmund.

He did give them a watchful glare at the two once he felt them staring at him. He was weak in power but he could try to outsmart them if something came to that. His fur would stick on end when Edmund got close.

"...No..." he lightly hissed out, not liking the look the elder skeleton was giving him. He didn't want to touch or eat anything, he really didn't have trust in any of them. Only reason for sticking around was to be with Kinta, the cat was loyal like that.

Edmund tilted his head lightly, then went back over to Elihu's side, lightly holding his husband's hand. He had nothing more to say to them then. However, he did occasionally look over to Darren and Kintaro curiously; his sockets barely widening when he noticed just who was on the transport gurney. His hand slightly tightened around Eli's, which caused the old golem to pause in his chattering with Belladonna to look as well.

He came over, and glanced at Kinta closely. His marble face with quite scarred, his riverstone hands chipped and pock-marked with age. Removing the muzzle delicately; he lightly opened Kintaro's mouth and examined the man's fangs. "The surgery won't be too hard. Although he doesn't chew anyways, being a naga...he'll need pureed foods due to the pain of the jaw surgery for about a couple weeks, Darren. Declawing is easy enough, just removing the nail matrix at the base, and the claw won't regrow. Very little pain afterwards. He probably won't even lose ten HP either!"

The old golem gave Darren a reassuring smile. "Now I know that he ate one of my kids. It's all water under the bridge. I killed his mother! So, we're long since been even. Don't worry yourself, a'right Bubbie?"

Taking Kintaro's gurney, he started to easily push it down towards the other hallway. "You stay here, Darren. The surgery will take two hours. I promise you...he will be okay. Your child will be okay. I might be a killer, but that's only if the person can't pay. And your sister is certainly paying me well for this. So be lucky, got it you shmuck?"

Dar's fur never flattened down, he was still relatively agitated, even more so when the old golem started touching his husband. But he did take note of those bits of information, puree foods and watching his hands...he could do those.

He wasn't sure how much reassuring that was over hearing that this was the same man who killed his husband's mother. All he could do was nod and watch with bated breath as Kinta was taken away. He didn't know what else he could do.

The entire time during the surgery Edmund had stayed seated in a soft chair across the room; not moving even once. The elderly skeleton appeared to be little more than an oversized doll for the most part. The younger children, boys and girls came out to the living room about thirty minutes into the surgery to quietly play with toys and spend time with their Mater Edmund.

Belladonna stayed in another chair, carefully watching Darren and her siblings. She held no bias, but that didn't mean she trusted the cat either. One of the youngest children, a child no more than four years old came over to Darren, their thumb in their mouth as they looked up to him.

"...kitty." They mumbled softly, gazing up at him.

Darren sat there, not moving or saying much. Only his tail curled around his waist as he was lost in his thoughts but his ears were perked up to keep his guard.

He heard the child approach him and mumble something but did nothing either. His tail did thump slightly at the sight, he had no trust in anyone of the family either. A child that young however...it could go either way. He did give an acknowledging nod at the kid but that was about it, he did have to watch himself, didnt want to anger the people here lest they do something to him, or worse his husband and child.

The child lightly patted his leg, and giggled softly. Another two of their siblings came over and joined them, giggling as well quietly.

"Kitty!"

"Pretty kitty-cat!"

"Kitty kitty!"

Edmund got up from the chair, and came over, bowing his head slightly to Darren. "...I am sorry, my children are bothering you..." His voice was soft as usual, while the children gently left Darren's side.

The surgery was a success, and Kintaro was wheeled out from the backmost room; and his fingers were wrapped up; and there was bandages around his mouth at the moment. Eli looked over to Edmund, and nodded slightly.

Edmund got up from the chair, and came over to the bed; laying his hands on Kintaro as they started to glow a soft green color; his eyelights brightening up as well. "...he has only lost four HP, my love. He is incredibly healthy, and their child is 100% healthy as well...you did excellently in this surgery, Elihu."

Dar didn't seem to mind the kids, not like they were hurting him. At this point, he just wanted to get home.

Once he saw Kintaro had come back, he immediately ran over to take a look over him to make sure he was okay. Just as Edmund had said, only 4 HP lost and he and the baby were okay. That seemed to make him relax a little. There was still a lot of guilt left in him though.

"...Thank you..." Dar only managed to quietly say, but deep down, he hated everything about this.

Eli nodded softly, keeping a hold on the gurney. "Of course, Bubbie...now, the issue of payment."

Belladonna came over, and gently patted her Abba's arm. "The Queen will send payment, Abba." She started to take the gurney from his grasp, to wheel it to the ambulance waiting in the back area. She couldn't budge the gurney however. "Abba?"

Eli stared his daughter down, while Edmund put his hand on the gurney's handle as well. "Patients don't leave...unless we get payment, Belladonna. You know that is our rules in this house."

Bella looked to Dar and Kinta, and she sighed. "Abba...I put myself in their 'stead. Let them go, and I will return with payment, you can be assured of that, Abba."

And that's exactly why Dar didn't trust them. "My sister promised payment! Your daughter was promised as much! Now let us leave! You'll have your damn money when we're back! That was the deal!"

He didn't want to fight but he'd do what he could if he had to. There were always a few things under his sleeve that his sister had no idea of.

Eli looked between them, then he nodded softly, as he backed off from the gurney. "Of course. Belladonna, your mother will accompany you to the castle. It will be a chance for him to get out from the house."

Edmund seemed to have a slight and genuine smile across his face; as he then followed them to the ambulance. The trip back was rather quiet, as Edmund seemed to enjoy simply watching the passing buildings out the back window of the vehicle.

Coming to the castle, Edmund assisted in helping unload the gurney which contained Kintaro still, his high heeled shoes lightly tapping against the tiled floor of the throne room. He looked to Queen Veronica, his eyelights unwavering as he stared to her silently.

Belladonna stepped forward, and bowed to Veronica; having long since re-suited herself before she'd left. "My lady, we have brought back Kintaro Jae, and the surgery was a complete success. He has been de-fanged, de-clawed and his poison sacs have been removed as well."

Dar was still quiet the whole time, staying completely by Kinta's side.

Queen Victoria smiled softly at the two before looking at her brother, "Take him to your room, brother. I'll see the both of you soon. I still have business here."

Dar wasted no time to book himself and Kinta away, they wouldn't notice the tears starting to come down his face as he did so.

Verri still felt bad for them both...but it had to be done. "Now then...the question of payment. I am thankful for his safe return and can reward you with something great." She took out her checkbook and a pen, ready to put down a price.

Kinta was starting to wake up in the bed, and he blinked his eyes a bit; blearily looking around. His long black hair draped over the side of the bed.

Edmund looked to Belladonna, then looked to Verri, before stepping forward a few steps, and curtseying politely. "...We wish for no money. We want to go to the surface, your Majesty."

Dar was kneeling by the opposite side of the bed where his hair draped. One hand clutched Kinta's, his face hiding in the plushness of the blanket he hastily put over hoping it was enough to drown out the sounds of his cries and hide his face. Guilt was eating at him.

Verri stopped short of writing something before looking at Edmund and Belladonna, "...Ah...yes...I remember seeing your review in the paperwork. You do have some issues that make it hard for you to move up there. And with your family's reputation, that makes it much more difficult to convince the humans and monsters on the surface to allow it. You...do understand that...yes?" She really hoped this wasn't going to be difficult.

A large amount of guards were around, a majority of them were former Headhunters all with loyalty to Verri and/or Shade. They would be the ones dealing with any difficulties should they come up.

Kinta gently gripped Dar's hand, letting out a muffled noise of pain as his wrapped fingers pressed against Dar's palm. His human-esque nose was flaring as he breathed through it, as his mouth was still bandaged up from the surgery.

Edmund watched and tilted his head slightly, his hands twisted into his dress lightly. "...But I have heard that you allowed Shade and even the infamous Dr. Gaster to the surface..."

Belladonna stood at attention near her mother, and sighed softly. "Mater, Dr. Gaster has been in that other place for years I've heard. That was...something different."

Edmund narrowed his eyes, and looked to his daughter. "...When he returned, the Queen could have forced him to stay then. What do you say to that, Queen Veronica?"

Aquaria started to come into the throne room and frowned at the exchange she saw happening. Dressed in just a pair of sweatpants and a long tank top; she scowled coming over to Verri's side, plunking herself onto her throne beside her wife.

Dar looked up quickly from his spot, tears staining down his cheeks, "K-Kinta...viper...I-I'm so sorry love...I'm so sorry...h-here..." He tried giving his husband some healing magic to numb some of the pain down.

"Dr. Gaster has lived on the surface for many many years...he'd been long since established there even before we knew. I talk with him along with the humans of the surface to integrate better living conditions and trade for here and for admittance to live up there. He's long since paid his dues and he along with Shade are the reason why I am in power. Shade was given admittance to live with the permission of the humans there. My word alone cannot grant you that same permission." Veronica answered calmly, not wanting things to turn for the worst.

"I would not have forced him to stay...he's done plenty for us here and for those on the surface. I will not break apart familes after dues were paid. Both of them paid their prices and were given permission. Both of them also do not have the same conditions as your family has. So many children to house and feed, your family's reputation makes it difficult to convince the surface world that you are fit and will not be detrimental to the peace already established. I've seen the sign on your husband's home before...I may trust that you can stop that kind of practice...but that does not mean the surface humans and monsters will..." She was keeping pretty civil, "Believe you me...I would love for all monsters to move to she surface. But it's not possible at this time. I'm sorry."

Kinta's eyes fluttered halfway closed, as the healing magic numbed the pain inside of him. His belly shifted around as their child moved inside of Kintaro, having woken up as well.

Edmund was livid, his eyelights having gone out. He simply curtseyed again to Verri; and turned on his heel. "Belladonna, we are going home."

"But Mater, please...Abba won't be happy. I put myself in their place for payment..." Bella hissed softly, glaring at her mother.

Edmund chuckled softly, looking towards the floor. "...You know your Abba's rules. Come. We are going home. The sign still stands, Queen Veronica. If you can pay the price, my husband and I can heal your woes. But deny us...the price might be larger than you realize."

He started heading towards the large double doors, gingerly holding his dress up as he got closer with one hand. Two of the Guards came closer to him, and he lifted his head, his eyes glowing brightly. Instantly, they crumpled to the ground their heads stormed with a wicked migraine. "I would call the guards off, Veronica...lest they befall the same fate, I am a telekinesis user, didn't you realize that?"

Edmund's permagrin was almost creepy, as he turned around to look at the Queens across the throne room. Staring directly to Veronica, Ed spoke only to her within her mind. (Be lucky I am much more merciful than my husband. The Headhunters wanted me for years, but I am loyal to my golem Bubbala. Do not cross me again, or I will be your worst nightmare.)

Dar tried to keep himself and Kinta calm, "I'm here, my love...I'm here...I'm here..."

"I will pay you in other means, Edmund. There's no need for all this show or anger. As said...I will attempt to put you through the surface...but it is not just my word alone that will get you through. I will do what I can...but I can say this does not help your case with the council..nor with the humans should word get back." Veronica was still rather calm. She'd dealt with worse when she worked under Shade and the rest of the Headhunters. She'd had worse with her own family...there wasn't much that could make her move. But she still ended up disappointed in the skeleton.

"I'll have a gengerous lump sum of money sent to your home soon enough. Have a good day...I wish your family well..." She looked at the guards and they stepped down, but they did keep guard over the queen and Aquaria.

Kinta's eyes managed to show a smile, and he let out a soft huff through his nose, turning his head to look at Dar lovingly. The end of his tail slightly wiggled underneath the blanket and his eyes closed as if smiling brightly to his husband.

Edmund listened, his hand holding his dress upwards lowered slowly. He sighed, and nodded. "...Thank you for your assistance, my Queen."

He looked to Bella, and snapped his fingers lightly. "Come, Belladonna. We will go home now. Abba is waiting for us. You will not endure a punishment this time because your price had been paid."

Dar sniffled and kissed his head gently, "...I love you, my viper..." He kept with him, not daring leave his side, "I'm so sorry..."

"Of course...good day..." Queen Veronica watched them leave, her face still unchanging. She looked over to Aquaria and sighed, "...Being a royal is no easy job, seaweed...peace...is a hard thing to come by."

Aquaria came over to Verri and gave her a soft hug. "Yeah, don't I know it. Why don't we try ta rest some hmm? I mean in a couple days we're gonna go and visit the surface anyways. Oh, we're bringin' Frisky too, gotta remember ta tell them to pack a bag."

One of the guards delicately held their hand over their snout after Aquaria had come back to the throne room. Her sulphuric scent filtered throughout most of the castle.

Soon enough the time came for Veronica, Aquaria and Frisk from the Fellverse to come for a 'Royal Visit'. However at the same time, Wingdin along with Cupcake had invited Gaster, Caddy and Tina from Alpha to come along as well. As was usual with them, it wasn't only the three of them who came.

This time though, Wingdin was prepared. Napstablook and Mystic was going to stay with Napstaton and Zhara; whereas Papyrus and Mettaton had originally opted to stay with Paps and Hapstablook.

That had Paps standing in his mother's backyard, pinching his nasal bridge. "...ma, really? why would we split up like that? it's the opposite of what you would think, isn't it?"

"No. It is keeping children's together." Wingdin simply commented, as she was finishing up blowing up a pool floatie.

"then why don't we let the kids decide, ma?" He then looked to Rocks and Ebbie. "so...you two wanna stay with me and auncle happy? or do ya wanna go and spend time with your uncle napsta and auntie zhara?"

Sans and Marris were last coming through the portal between Alpha and Swap; and he stood at the machine shaking his head for a moment. "...just like uncle cupcake to forget to turn the thing off. alrighty. guess we're hanging out with the uh, other us's, marris. hopefully their house is big enough."

Rocks and Ebby were currently off talking with their counterpart cousins. Rocky and Eb were battling each other playing a racing game, both leaning on each other and shoving. "you're shoving me again ya cheater!" Eb complained as she tried to make a turn.

Rocky kept leaning against her as he did his, "Nah. it's called getting good. You should learn it sometime." He chuckled as the two kept racing and trying to out do each other.

"oh, i'm sorry. i can't hear you all the way in third place." "You mean, first place now!" "shiiiiit that wasn't you!? gah! awww come on! that banana was not there before!" "See ya sucker! Clutched it with that! Feheheheheh!"

Then there was Ebby and Rocky were playing Jenga with each other, "Can Ebby and her brother stay? Pleaaaase?" Ebby and Rocky were both trying to give puppy eyes up at their parents to stick around.

Happy giggled at the sight, "That answer your question, honey?" They couldn't resist how cute Rocky and Ebby looked like that. They could see the little stars in Rocky's eyesockets.

Marris shrugged, "Yeah...I mean..wasn't too bad last time we were here. Only difference is that I don't got a huge belly anymore. Thank the angel for that. My back was KILLING me."

Paps chuckled softly, rolling his eyelights. "alright...sure. they'll stay." Papyrus instantly wrapped Paps into a firm hug, nearly picking up the man in the process. "SPLENDID, COUSIN PAPS! WE'LL BRING OUR THINGS OVER TO YOUR HOME AT ONCE! YOUR MOTHER SAID WE CAN BORROW HER CAR TO BRING THE BAGS OVER."

"...cool. i'm going to just chill here at my parents with the kids, while you and mettaton do your thing." Paps muttered, currently a bit squished against Papyrus' 'battle body'.

Gaster shook his head, as he saw Cupcake interestingly enough going into the pool. "I thought you did not swim, Dr. Brewer?"

Cupcake chuckled brightly, as he was setting the cleaning robot down into the pool. "Ah, well, I didn't use to swim, but when you've got grandchildren who are part water elemental as well as part skelegator, it ends up coming naturally to you, even in my old age! I was just setting the robot down to clean anyways, would you like a cup of tea perhaps?"

Sans came out from the basement, and chuckled softly, holding the door open for the rest of his family. "i think i'd like a uncle who'll remember to shut off the observator when he's done with it. granted...yeah you've got some of fell living here now, don't exactly want people who ain't supposed to be here, coming through."

Jeremy, Kristen and Roman were Marris and Sans kids and they had come out from the portal, before their Daddy had closed it up. Jeremy sat down on the floor, and scratched at his leg brace for a moment, letting out a quiet mew of frustration. Kristy was excited however, as well as scared. She liked to call it 'scar-cited'. Roman had brought a bookbag full of books, and he pushed his glasses up further.

"Mama, this is the place that's on the surface?" Roman commented quietly. "Seems a bit...dark, reminds me of Grandpa's lab..."

"That's because we're in a basement, Ro..." Kristy rolled her eyelights, poking her brother in the back of his head softly. "We gotta go upstairs, then we can catch up with the others!"

"...stairs? ...mmmm, nooo...i can't do stairs..." Jeremy whined quietly, getting to his feet carefully. He tried to not whine too much normally, but he was already exhausted and the day had barely begun for them all.

Caddy shook his head softly, and sighed coming back to the living room; holding his phone as he checked the battery power after he'd taken some pictures. Edge had come over, and was seated in the recliner with Bitter on the arm. "S-So Tina, how's s-school for y-ya?" The old blaster dog skeleton asked her quietly.

"Sugar skull~ Perhaps you should let him down? We need to gather our things afterall." Mettaton chuckled at seeing Papyrus so happy and excited.

Both Ebby and Rocky cheered, happy to get more playtime with another. Meanwhile, Rocks and Eb were still being competitive in their game, not seeming to be paying attention to anyone else.

"Come on kits. Let's get on up. We got a lot of family to see. Ya need me to carry ya already, Jemmy kitty?" Marris looked over at her boy and pet his head.

She looked to her other babies and chuckled, "We're in your Uncle Caddy's lab. Kinda like Grandpa Gaster's. You'll see when ya meet 'em all. Come on. Rest are waiting, like your cousin Tina. She's here already." She'd pick up Jeremy and lead the kids up to meet everyone else.

Mystic and Zhara were having their own conversation in the backyard as Napstaton and Napstablook were attempting conversation.

"Ouch...really? That high up?" Mystic was surprised by her counterpart with what she was told.

"Yeah, I got banned from doing air stunts again for another few months. I ended up doing it again and stuck it. Almost gave Napstaton a soul attack on stage but I think it still made the show. Retired now though, my knee and neck can't handle that much pressure anymore." Zhara sighed as she rubbed her neck. Those places were never the same much after her accident.

"Wow. Sorry to hear that. Hey, least you're around and still doing stuff. Gotta be glad for that. maybe your kids will pick it up."

"They already are. Max is a while lot better at it than Nikki is. But we'll see where they go."

Tina was currently messing about on a tablet with her new pet rat on her shoulder. She'd been jokingly been calling him her new lab assistant but it was mostly just a emotional support pet. Helped her calm down in big crowds or worked as a good person to vent to.

"Really good! I'm on the robotics club and finishing a design for the competition we're going into. Grandpa Gaster, my mom and Zazzy are talking with my teachers again to see if it's good for me to start taking college level classes while I'm finishing high school. Some of the math courses i've been taking have been getting too easy." She seemed pretty happy with the idea, always looking for a new challenge somehow in school. Hanging around with the old scientist and her uncles may have influenced a lot.

Kryssie meanwhile was playing double dutch outside with Seline and Azure, The twins were having fun watching their older cousin jump around.

Jeremy cuddled against Marris as she carried him, it kinda helped that he was very small still, much like his Daddy was. "...thanks mama. it just hurts already..."

Kristy came bounding out from the basement, and looked around, and grinned seeing her Uncle Papyrus. "Uncle Papyrus! Uncle Papy!" She went over to them both, and wriggled between them getting a hug from them both.

Gaster came into the living room, carrying a mug of lidded tea for Edge, and a mug for himself. In one of his blue magic'd hands was a pastry he'd snagged. "Wingdin still makes the best pastries, Caddykins~ You need to get her cinnabun recipe from her!"

Caddy giggled softly, patting Gaster's side. "I'd be taking your pants out twice as quick, Gaster...and I am so proud of how well you've done in school, Tina! Now I know like last time, would you want to stay here with me and your Grandpa, or would you want to stay with your parents dear?"

Roman came over to Tina, and gently wiggled his finger close to her pet rat playfully.

"I know, kitty. Don't worry, Mama's got ya. Just hang tight, okay?" Marris kissed his head as they got to the livingroom. She did manage to dodge Kristy as she ran over to hug her uncles. "Hey guys. How's everyone here?"

Tina nodded as she gave a quick hug to Roman before letting her pet rat sniff at Roman's fingers. "I'll stay with Mom and Zazzy this time, grandma. Though, it is easy to come down and stay with you if I wanted to." She had her wings twitch in proof, girl had been doing well in flying.

"How are you doing Marris? Been a while." Marrie headed over to see her with Brandon in her arms. Brandon was suckling on a pacifier, cooing softly at the two in curiosity.

"Yeah..been alright I guess. Can't complain much. See you got a new munchkin." Marris chuckled in seeing the baby.

"Few actually. Triplets are out playing but they'll probably rush in soon. Twins are outside with Kryssie. And Brandon hates being left alone so I'm keeping him around. And who's the one cuddling you so tight?" Marrie giggled a bit as she saw Jeremy, thinking he was cute.

Caddy smiled softly, and settled down next to Gaster as he sat on the couch. He reached up to Gaster's blue magic'd hand and took a bite from the pastry. "It is really good, dear~"

He cuddled against Gaster, and sighed, wiping the corner of his mouth off. "That's a wonderful idea, Tina. Of course, it'll be wonderful to see you whenever you want. Just remember, to fly low around here, there could be airplanes though...I'm not sure, do you think they would fly so close to a residental area, Wing?"

Gaster took a bite of the pastry, thinking for a moment. "I would not thinking so Caddy. Most times planes are not that close to homes. So I do not think it not such a worry with Tina's flying ability..."

Soon the shattering of a baseball through the kitchen window was heard, along with a low whistle and worried growling and meowing.

"OOH YOU'RE IN TROUBLE JENNIFER!" Junior was heard nearly screaming as he came running in past Marrie and Marris, nearly running into Mettaton. "SORRY AUNCLE HAPPY!"

He took another look at Mettaton and nearly shrieked, getting startled when he realized it wasn't Happy. "AHH CRAP WHO ARE YOU!?"

Arial had come in next, and was meowing loudly, as she nearly ran into Paps. "Uncle Papyrus! Nobody got hurt did they!?"

Paps sockets widened, and he looked over towards the kitchen window, and sighed. "nooo, no one got hurt except the window. so uh, where's jenny at? and where's sans?"

Arial looked to the backyard. "...She went and hid, and Papa's trying to find her. But she forgot Papa is great at tracking..."

Jeremy just stayed quiet, cuddled against Marris; feeling embarrassed now, as he was technically the oldest of the triplets but he was the smallest and weakest one, almost looking more like an infant in his mother's arms instead of nearly a pre-teen like his siblings.

Tina nodded, seeming happy. She did jump at the sound of glass shattering, alerting the rat to lean into her neck to calm her down quickly.

Brandon started to cry at all the loud sounds, from the glass breaking to his brother's screaming. Marrie did her best to calm him down before heading over. "That would be your Uncle Mettaton. Auncle Happy would be over here."

Happy gave a wave at the kids who were there, "They're...extended family...like your fell family. But from a different timeline...am I...saying that right, honey bear...?"

"I told Jennifer the baseball gear stays at home!" Marrie sighed as she kept gently bouncing Brandon, knowing he did better with a little movement to calm him down, "I'm sorry mama. I'll pay for that..."

"Least it wasn't Ren's soul container." Eb mentioned as she kept playing her game.

"...Excuse me...?" Mettaton immediately grew concerned as he looked over at Happy.

"L-Long story. It's water under the bridge now...I d-don't mind. I'm okay." Happy assured with a nervous smile, rather not wanting to go back to that story. They weren't one to hold grudges.

Papyrus frowned softly and he strode outside into the backyard, where he saw his counterpart sniffing around a grove of trees in the backyard. "I WILL HELP YOU, COUSIN SANS! NIBLING JENNIFER, YOU ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE MIXIE!"

Jenny was currently huddled in a tree, trying to hide; her strong alligator tail wrapped around the branch. She heard Papyrus' yelling, and her own Papa's growling as he was tracking her scent further through the trees.

Wingdin shook her head seeing the broken window. "Oh...don't worry Marrie. It is being okay." She got the broom and swept up the broken glass, sighing quietly.

Paps just pinched his nasal bridge again. "...c'mon kiddos, wrap up the game already...we're going home soon 'enough. i've got work to do. we're going with grandpa caddy and gaster, your uncle sans from alpha, and myself to go and meet up with uncle red. he got his results back, and...it's uh not looking good for him."

Sans blinked a bit, having decided to stand by his Dad, listening to the chaos in general; trying to keep his own anxiety in check. "...shit, angrier me's results aren't too hot, huh, paps?"

"nope. it's uh, stage three apparently...so we're gonna work on getting some things tested, and we wanted to bring in some extra mental strength with you and uncle gaster." Paps commented, sliding his hands into his hoodie pocket. "...we're still not sure which is easier for us to do. go and meet him somewhere, or us going to his house...or something altogether different."

Red knew the craziness at the Aster-Brewer house, and he also knew where the best place to meet them at was. So he decided to text his sister-in-law Verri.

[tell the eggheads to meet us up at the blue box robot's house, up on the hill nearest to the mountain. we don't like the idiot, but the three of them; mtt, mettaton, and napstaton can talk amongst themselves if they wanted while the smartasses figure out my cancer...]

"eh...alright dad. come on dude, we can keep messing around when we hit my place.." Eb started to close out the game. Rocks shrugged and helped her out, least they could continue later.

"Actually...may we all meet in this world's Napstaton's home? There's much more room for everyone and be the best to hold on while there is talks among the skeleton brothers." Verri's voice came from the basement. She came up the stairs, her white and red gown on with the crown resting on her head.

Frisk was between their moms, wearing robes with the deltarune insigna for Underfell, a symbol royals wear and fit the teen for their status as a prinx.

"I didn't expect a full house, goodness me. But hello everyone." Verri gave a small but sweet smile at the crowd, seeing familiar and semi-familiar but strange faces.

"Hey Queen V! My home huh? Well, mi casa's everyone's casa! I'd be down to put everyone in! Especially with all the room we got!" Napstaton was already getting pumped with the idea, "Just say the word and we'll get moving!"

Aquaria was wearing a new larger around, dark blue maternity suit, her thin dreadlocks gathered in a low ponytail; her own crown upon her head. Her red eyes gazed across the room, and rolled them. "Great...thought we were jus' comin' to talk with Dr. Gaster, honey...not have...everyone and their counterpart's counterpart here..."

After Aquaria's comment and her, very well-scented presence was noticed; Wingdin's house actually cleared out rather quickly. Most everyone went over to Napstaton's mansion which allowed them to spread out much easier, then at Wingdin and Cupcake's house.

Mars and Red were actually the first to technically arrive, and at the moment, Red was curled up in Mars sweater close to her chest, in his tiny teacup-sized chihuahua form.

He occasionally trembled close to her chest, and licked her hand as she reached in to pet him. "...still can't believe i'm fuckin' cold, babe..."

Mars was gently petting Red, "You're telling me, Red Ruff. But hey...you comfy in there?"

Julia was waiting alongside her brother. Jackson was holding the carrier that contained Crimson. Minx didn't want to leave their room but wasn't allowed to stay home alone. So the compromise was that they would stay in the carrier. It was like that ever since they came back from training with Boss, just...quiet and distant. It was actually scaring Mars, but not enough where her husband lost his first spot in her worries and concerns., especially with her going sleepless some nights.

Napstaton would pull up over at his place soon enough, the train of cars came right behind him to let all the family in.

"Yoooo! Hey! Nice to see you dudes here!" Napstaton waved as he got out of the car. The twins popped from their spot and headed off to open the door for everyone else as they were shuffling out of their rides.

Red poked his head out from the sweater, and he barked quietly. "yeah, i'm alright i guess, mars...still don't know why the maid wouldn't let us in."

He paused for a moment, sticking his cold snout between Mars breasts, and he laughed softly. "oh yeah, cuz i told her to let us in or i'd bite her ass, heheheheh..."

Red just watched as it appeared that everyone had come over, and he blinked a bit, his large sockets gazing up at Mars. "...did everyone come here, because of me...?"

Mars smiled and kept petting him, just wanting him to be comfortable. Seeing all the cars come in though stirred some confusion for her, "Dunno, baby. but uh...good thing the blue dumbass has a huge house."

Verri would come out of one of the cars, along with Frisk. She helped Aqua out before noticing her sister, "Ah! Sister! Hello!"

"H-Hey! Oh my god...what the hell are you doing here!?" Mars had the biggest smile in her face, long time since she had one like that, as she ran over to hug her sister. Truth be told, even with the distance and the guilt that still ate at her, she really did miss Verri a lot.

"I heard what happened to Red. I'm terribly sorry. I hope you don't mind, I was due for a visit to check on everyone. How are Red and the children anyhow?" Verri smiled as Frisk stayed by Aqua, watching their mother talk with Mars. Frisk seemed hopeful and slightly excited at seeing what they thought were going to be more family. Verri's always told stories of her sister and the family that lived in the surface. So this would be their first time ever meeting their Uncle Red and Aunt Mars.

Napstaton and Zhara let everyone into the house to get comfortable and chose where to go. There was even some changes that went about to make sure of that, like drinks were always ready to order, the pool was dechlorinated and filled with freshwater for those who needed a dip to cool down, and most of the rooms were open access. Only ones that weren't were the master bedroom, the kids' rooms unless they gave permission, Napstaton's music studio, and Zhara's personal hobby room.

As Mars had hugged Verri firmly, Red let out a tiny whine; and skittered out from Mars sweater, trotting over to Julia. Aqua smiled seeing Red, and let out a loud and happy giggle. "Oh my gawd, he's freakin' cute, Verri! Red's a little tiny dog! Frisky, let's go see your Uncle Red, huh?"

Red looked up at Aqua coming over to him, and his working eyelight went out in worry. Very large, overweight and pregnant brackish seawater elemental was coming closer to him, and he was at the moment stuck in his chihuahua form from sheer fear. He took off running for the closest person he saw, which was Bitter, who was hovering near Edge.

"ma save me!" Red hollared as he leapt up, only to be caught by Bitter's gloves. "she's huge, stinks and can't see her feet, she was gonna step on meeeeee!"

"Ah! Sorry Red! I almost forgot you were in there!" Mars felt bad when Red ended up getting squished in the hug. Verri gave an apologetic smile at the skele-chihuahua.

Frisk nodded and went with Aqua to see him. Both Julia and Jackson were confused as heck, even more so as they weren't sure what to do or say with the brackish seawater elemental coming over.

"Hey, be nice over there, Red. That's my sister-in-law we're talking about! Julia, Jackie, Crimes. Meet my sister, your Aunt Verri, and the one coming over is your Aunt Aqua. Uh...I don't know who the kid is though..." Mars was a bit surprised to see a human with her sister.

"Ah, yes, that's my child. Frisk. I adopted them about five years ago when they fell to the Underground. I didn't have the heart to really do anything else but raise them instead. Frisk, little flower, meet your Aunt Marrie, Uncle Sans, and your cousins." Verri smiled back, hoping the meeting would go well enough.

Frisk gave a wave hello with a smile on their face as they leaned against their water elemental mom. "Uh...hey?" Jackson waved awkwardly back as Julia managed a small smile, "Hi there. Good to meet you guys..." Both of them didnt' want to comment on the smell, their sensitive noses catching on pretty quick. Even Crimes was silently dying over the smell in their carrier.

Aquaria grinned lightly, ruffling her child's hair. "Heya! Glad ta see your uh...they kittens like ours are gonna be Verri, or they something else? With him being a dog an' all..."

Red covered his snout with his little paws, and whined from his mother's gloves. oh my god she's absolutely horrendous...pa can't you smell that? aqua smells like rotted eggs, sewage and low tide...how does verri and frisk deal wit' it?

Edge rolled his eyelights, as he slowly made his way up the ramp pushing his walker ahead of himself, as his oxygen machine was softly chugging in the basket in front of him. 'Cause I can't really smell no more, Sans. That's why. All it smells like is that someone maybe left an omelette in the garbage or somethin...bad, but not too horrible...

Aquaria lightly rubbed Frisk's back, as they leaned against her heavy stomach. "So, why don't we head on inside and we can go see the rest of the fam, huh, Frisky?"

She pressed a gentle kiss to Frisk's temple, her soul absolutely over the moon with how sweet and kind their child was and always had been to them both. The seawater elemental was even just so pleased to know their child was exceedingly happy to soon meet their siblings too, the twin princess seawater kittens that her and Verri were going to have in just a couple of months.

"We just call 'em cubs since we don't really know what else ya call their mess of genes. It works for 'em though." Mars assured, trying her best not to comment on the smells she could catch.

"Uh...cool. We'll meet ya there..." Jackson gave a shaky thumbs up as Julia nodded, her eyes slightly watering.

Frisk let out a small raspy giggle before nodding and leading their mom into the home to finish saying hello to everyone. Normally they were scared or shy when meeting new people, but being a prinx and the training they had to endure, they were used to it. They did wonder if they would see Boss again, hoping maybe they could try and befriend him this time.

Once they got into the house, Jackson handed Julia, Crimes's carrier before rushing off behind some bushes to throw up. The smell had gotten to him pretty bad and couldn't handle it anymore. "F-Fuck...that was...gross...I'm n-never gunna be able to eat eggs again..." He wouldn't finish much of that thought as he started puking again.

Mars headed over to check on her kids to make sure they were okay. Meanwhile Verri decided to go over to Edge and Bitter, "Good day you two. Been quite a while since our last meeting. I hope you're doing quite well. You certainly look better Dr. Gaster. I'm pleased to see you in better health than the last news I was given."

Red was panting from Bitter's gloves, before she took off her sweater and placed it, then Red in the basket beside the oxygen machine. "Just try to calm down, Sans, it's a'right baby...snuggle in my sweater okay?"

The skele-chihuahua let out a quiet whine, as he turned around then cuddled into Bitter's sweater. It smelled of strong coffee, cigarettes, and for some reason maple syrup. He then noticed the patch of sticky syrup on the front, from his Ma's breakfast; and he started licking and chewing at it.

Edge chuckled softly, pushing his glasses back up a bit. "Oh yeah, it's h-hard ta kill me, Verri. But I ain't never changing back to that old form...O-Only good thing it did, was g-got that stuttering to mostly stop. And I heard ya had a run-in with those G-Greenburg's a week ago...they can't be fuckin' trusted. That old sawbo-bones...he'll gut ya, soon as ya can't pay 'em, and don't ya dare touch his spouse. Or you won't see the next day, no m-mattah what."

"You were smart to tell your guards to back off that day." He took a deep breath, and continued on up the ramp; having taken a moment to check the power on his machine. "...I should plug up when we get inside...it's good ta see you, Veronica."

Sans, Paps, Gaster, and Cupcake were all waiting around on a couch, exchanging what paperwork they had on Red's health condition, and were going over various things they could possibly do to help him out.

"so, the cancer's already spread from his intestines to his stomach; where's those results on the chemo so far?" Sans mumbled, flicking through some papers.

Paps handed Sans the results. "here they are, sans. it looks like despite the metastizing factor, that the chemo's shrunk the tumors. but it's also reduced his hp even further."

"Oh no, how far is it being now?" Gaster commented, shuffling through some of the papers closely.

"It couldn't have fallen that far...it was only 3/4 of a single HP originally! I mean, Sansy has 10, but he's even worse off than your boy Sans...who sadly just has one..." Cupcake stated, rubbing his handle for the moment.

"no, don't feel bad, uncle caddy; it's the truth. and plus, my hp's up to 2 lately, since marris had our kids. it gave me a big dose of hope i guess...i've been pretty happy lately." Sans said with a warm and genuine grin across his permagrin.

Red yawned from Edge's basket as he was being slowly pushed inside by his Pops, cuddled into his Ma's sweater, having licked and nearly chewed a hole in it in the process.

"Yes. Many things have changed since your last visit, Dr. Gaster. Rest assured, I'm doing what I can for my kingdom. I'm not too worried about the Greenburgs." Verri assured as she watched Edge get up the ramp and head inside.

The kids all had split off to their own places. Eb, Rocks, Max and Nikki, Jackson, Junior were in the gaming room, all deciding to play video games together.

Kryssie and Tina volunteered to watch over the youngest of the kids in another room so the adults didn't have to and focus on more important things.

Crimson was left in the backyard with Julia, their carrier door open in case they wanted to come out and a water dish nearby to keep hydrated. Julia meanwhile was swimming in the pool to keep cool. The alpha twins, Min and Nick were minding their own business up in a tree, both a bit shy when it came to new people.

"Go on, kits. Be nice to people. Have fun. Imma stick around over here if ya need me, okay?" Marris gave a kiss to each of her kids so they could mess about with the rest.

Veronica was staying by her sister to catch up. Mystic and Zhara we're still having their own convo as they watched Napstaton, Mettaton, Happy and Napstablook get dragged into their excited talks of collaborations both shy robots were doing their best to calm their cousins down in case things got too much.

"How are you doing sister? I know news like this is never easy to swallow..." Verri gave her sister a side hug.

"Least he's alive and doing okay now. That's something..." Mars managed a small sad smile.

"Oh yeah...I heard the Uncle James here...uh...yeah...sorry to hear that." Marris immediately felt awkward as she rubbed the back of her neck.

"It's okay. Thank you..." Marrie was doing her best not to let it hurt her too much.

"We'll both be alright. I let it out of my system earlier. I focus more on the kids and try to hope that Red gets better." Mars kept telling herself she wasn't going to think about Red passing, and how scared she was. Verri seemed to know somehow and hug her sister. Mars didn't hesitate to hug back.

Edge came to the couch, and was helped to sit down by Gaster; who then picked up Red gently. Gentle with him, Wing...he's most comfortable in that form actually...

The large skeleton nodded, as he gently held Red in his large hand. Red let out a surprised yelp as his back leg fell through the hole in the man's hand. He let out a growl and then climbed down onto Gaster's gut, cuddling onto the soft surface. "...i'll stay here, thanks."

Edge chuckled, and watched as Bitter reached around behind the couch plugging his oxygen machine in. "Thanks darlin...c-could ya go get me a beer or somethin...?"

Bitter came over and gave Edge a gentle kiss, adjusting his oxygen tubes for him. "O'course Gaster. Don't be smokin' though, a'right? If ya want a cigar, I'll help ya outside, yeah..."

Soon enough, all the others started going over Red's paperwork, while the little skele-chihuahua fell asleep on Gaster's chubby gut. They started to go over some solutions and what they could do to stop the spread of cancer, and to possibly even reverse it.

Outside the entirety of the mansion, Boss and MTT were pulling up to the parking lot. They however didn't have a parking pass. Boss growled and shoved his bone sword into the console, which caused it to open regardless and he drove inside to park his Corvette. The console was left sparking and destroyed, the gate only able to close halfway.

"I TOLD YOU METTATON, THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO COME INSIDE. NAST AND SHADE WERE ABLE TO COME, SO WE CERTAINLY WOULD BE AFFORDED THAT PRIVILAGE AS WELL." Boss boasted as he parked the car, and stepped out from it, his reflective sunglasses still perched on his face.

"I don't think it was necessary to break the console like that, Darling. We could have just called. Besides...I doubt that's the only security on he-..." As MTT was talking there was loud popping sounds coming from outside as the car's tires were slashed through with spikes that activated.

Just as MTT was just saying, that wasn't the only security meansure the blue former DJ had. Laser guns seemed to appear out of nowhere and aim at the car, ready to shoot. "DAD! FOR FUCKS SAKES, YOU SERIOUS?!" Rockwell yelled out, not liking the sight of what was going on.

The things only seemed to be called off when a small flying monitor came over and showed Napstaton's face, "Oh! It's you dudes! I was wondering why the security stuff was going haywire! Not cool man. Ya could have called, I would have let ya in manually. Like...don't go destroying my stuff edgy bro. I'll get someone over to replace the tires while you're here. But you're owing me, dude." The connection cut off as the monitor flew away. Took a moment for the guns to disappear too since Napstaton had to disable the security.

MTT sighed and got up from his seat, along with Rockwell and Ebrima. "Not even fucking a minute in and he's already breaking shit...great." Rockwell hissed out, tired and frustrated with his "dad's" behavior.

Meanwhile Shade was already flying in with her children. Nast was currently hanging onto Shade as she flew over. She noticed the sparks and sighed, "This is why I come in flying. Not in a damn car..."

"How much ya wanna bet it was Uncle Idiot?" M snickered along with N. Tyra rolled her eyes and focused on landing nearby the door.

Boss glared and would have rolled his eyes if he was able to. He merely just adjusted his sunglasses, and started striding up to the mansion; his hands in his slacks pockets. "He should owe me for not having given us a parking pass..." He muttered as he came up the driveway.

Red heard the noises outside, and he crawled down from Gaster's stomach; heading outside in curiousity. He sat near Mars, Marris and Marrie who had decided to sit outside to watch their children who had stayed outside in the backyard. Red partially crawled into Mars lap, already tired. "...looks like baby bro is here. great..."

Boss came up to them, and looked down at Red for a moment. "SO...YOU'VE DECIDED TO JUST SIT AROUND LIKE THE LAZY MUTT YOU ARE."

Red just closed his eyes, and pointed his head towards Mars baby bump, nuzzling her softly. He didn't want to respond to his brother at all the way he was acting.

Mars sighed and gently pet at her husband, she seemed to feel a little better with him around. Moment she heard Boss, she was ready to snap at him when Verri got up and headed over to greet him.

"Ah...Papyrus. Lovely to see you again. Been quite some time since our last chat." Verri gave him a soft smile, like she usually did to greet him, hoping that would give enough of a distraction, "You look well. I'm happy to see that."

Rockwell seemed to perk up at noticing his uncle, "hey unc. how ya feeling?" He didn't waste much time to go and greet Red with a small pat. Even manged to give Mars a hug too.

"Hey Rock n' Roll. We're doing okay, kid. Ya look frazzled though. You okay?" Mars gave him a side hug so Red wouldn't be squished again.

"yeah...dad fucked up and alerted the security system trying to get in." Rockwell sighed, still seeming annoyed. He was trying his best not to get stressed out so he could avoid another bout of sickness.

"Well your cousin Eb is in the game room with your other cousin...counterpart...with the other you. If ya wanna say hi. Also be nice, my sister brought her human kid and they've been going around meeting everyone. Alright?" Mars gave him the warning.

MTT had already met up with the other robots, apologizing for Boss's behavor and offered to pay for a replacement. There were some things out of his control. "We didn't have a pass and my husband over reacted...he's been feeling different with the new medication."

"Yeah, I'll get ya a pass. Just remind me. Though, don't think you'll need it until that thing's replaced." Napstaton sighed, not appreciating what happened but he wasn't one to anger easily unless his family was involved.

Boss removed his sunglasses, and tucked them into his shirt pocket; giving Verri a bright smile. "AH, QUEEN VERONICA. IT'S A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU ONCE AGAIN AS WELL. I KNEW I NEEDED TO COME AS SOON AS I HEARD THAT YOU WOULD BE GRACING US WITH YOUR PRESENCE. I BELIEVE YOUR WIFE IS HERE WITH YOU AS WELL? I HAVEN'T...NOTICED HER BEAUTIFUL VISAGE YET."

Red rolled his working eyelight, looking up to Mars, before he shook his head at how pompous his brother was acting. Looking to Rockwell, he smiled softly. "i'm feeling okay i guess. uh, the other eggheads are working on trying to heal me up right now. i'm just trying to enjoy some sun with mars. but it's great to see you too rockwell..."

He sat back, and changed to his normal form, cringing at the shock of pain that went through his gut during it. Standing up, with his sneakers on; as well as his clothes, he went over and hugged Rockwell gently. "glad to see ya kiddo. even if your dad is friggin nuts right now." Just changing to his normal form caused red sweat to spring up along his skull, and he sighed tiredly.

"Ah yes. She's around, most likely grabbing something to eat. Pregnancy does quite a number on you but she's handling fine." Verri smiled, keeping her image for him. She long since gave up in trying to get Boss to stop kissing her ass, but MTT had made it clear that it was quite pointless. Least she could use it to an advantage to keep him off her family.

Rockwell smiled a bit and hugged his uncle, but he did look concerned at seeing his uncle sweat like that after a small transformation.

Mars pulled Red into her lap and nuzzled him, giving him a few kisses to get him comfortable, "Go on and have fun, kid. We'll be okay here."

Rockwell nodded, "yeah...alright. and trust me unc...i know...when isn't he nuts?" He headed off to go and find Eb and his copy, figuring he give them all their space. Didn't take him too long to find his cousins to see what they were up to.

"hey, what took ya so long?" Eb looked over at him as she was chilling out with can of soda in her hand. Rocks was currently racing against the swap ghostbat twins and Jackson.

"my dad being a dumbass that's what. i call next race." Rockwell took a seat to chill out.

"Hey Jr. how's life with the baby bro? You getting annoyed yet?" Jackson asked as he was still playing. He wasn't really doing well but he didn't seem to care. The twins though were trying really hard, but weren't doing as hot.

Tyra had ended up meeting with Tina and Kryssie, good to have conversations with them once more. She seemed to like them from the few times they did talk.

Red enjoyed being in Mars lap, and he nuzzled her back lovingly. "...can't believe that just changing like that hurt so bad, babe..."

Junior rolled his eyelights, and sighed. "OH IT'S GREAT BEING IN A HOUSE WHERE WE'RE USUALLY LOUD AND WE HAVE TO BE QUIET!"

Jen crossed her arms, shaking her head. "I mean really, it's crazy, Dad's so loud, and we have to be quiet or Brandon is going to cry. Again. I've never seen Dad whisper so much before..."

Jeremy however stayed with Marris, and was sleeping in her lap, his tail slightly twitching.

Roman had wandered in with the other adults and was gazing over the papers they had in front of them. "...Why don't we do targeted surgical removal with a session in a healing tank of similar magic?"

Sans looked to his son, and grinned brightly. "holy shit...that might actually work! we can get together in alpha, we still have dad's old equipment that he created me and paps in!"

Edge grinned. "Sounds l-like a plan, Sans. They destroyed m-my lab back in Fell...but if Gaster h-has the equipment... it's perfect."

"I know, babe...I know.." Mars kissed his crack lightly, "Just relax okay? Don't change if ya don't have to." She'd been getting more clingy and protective of Red since they got the results back of his cancer.

"Makes sense though. Babies cry over the loudest things. Just gotta get them used to it." Rocks shrugged as he kept playing.

"Looks like we know what we're doing when mom finally pops." Nikki looked over at her brother.

"What isn't soundproofed of ours gets soundproofed." Max looked over at her. Nikki nodded in agreement.

"when is she supposed to have the kid anyway? i know brandon was a premie. but...it's been a few months." Eb looked confused at her two cousins.

"Yep. Mom's kinda late actually. By a few days. I know Uncle Kintaro's having his I thiiiiink this month? Right?" Nikki pointed out, trying to remember.

"Yeah, he is but I think mom and him are like..a few weeks apart? Dad said that she could have the baby anytime but if nothing happens by the end of the week we're taking her to the hospital to see what's up." Max finished for his sister.

Tina was passing by to grab some snacks when she overheard the talk of equipment, "Oh! Grandpa's lab is still there. Been abandoned since we don't really use the Underground lab anymore. Not with the upgraded one that we have at home on our surface."

Alpha was only recently been released into the surface world, about 3 years ago coming on 4 within another few months. So far things were peaceful but there was still talks with humans to figure other things out.

Red cuddled in Mars lap and smiled softly. "thanks mars-bar..."

Gaster nodded to what Tina stated. "Ah yes, Tina! But despite I have labs on surface, those gestation tubes are only in Underground labs. Have no need for them on surface..."

Caddy nearly had fallen asleep against Gaster, and he yawned a bit, hearing him talking louder. "Oh, G we do have those tubes, they're in storage, don't you remember?"

Gaster nodded, rubbing Caddy's back. "Hmm, Alphys must have moved them then, I do not remember signing off on them...ah, well no matter. They are on surface lab, and we will be able to using them for Red."

Boss had come inside after speaking with Verri and he frowned. "USING WHAT FOR MY EXCUSE OF A BROTHER?"

Paps growled immediately, his eyes flaring brighter, Sans left eye followed as well.

"wanna repeat that, buddy? don't think i know asshole that well."

"if you know what's good for you, ya wouldn't have come here."

Cupcake and Gaster both stood up and went over to Boss, their dual eyes flaring brightly.

"I would suggest leaving. Your husband and children are welcome." Cupcake responded, pushing on Boss' chest.

"But you are not being welcome. You are pushy asshole, makes me ashamed to say you are Papyrus." Gaster retorted, putting his own hands on Boss' shoulders.

Boss backed away from the two very overweight men and scowled deeply. Brandishing his bone sword, he took a leap back, taking a defensive position.

Gaster's hand glowed blue and orange, ready to attack as well, and Cupcake was in a similar position.

"Tina, Tyra, Kryssie; protect Grandpapi and Grandmami!" Cupcake proclaimed, ready to fight Boss if needed.

Tina, Tyra and Kryssie did indeed head over.

Tyra immediately flying over and brandishing a doubled edged scythe, "Uncle...don't you dare try. I think you've caused enough trouble for one day...do not try something you will regret..."

Tina stood by her grandparents, unsure of what to expect but willing to try if it came to her fighting. She was never really the fighting type.

Kryssie however was ready to brawl if anyone threatened her family, "I beat you before! I can beat you again! Don't!"

Verri noticed the commotion over and excused herself before going to check on what was happening. She noticed Boss get into a defensive position and waited in case he made a move to anyone. Normally she didn't like using her magic...but if something was going to pose a big problem, she would.

Shade noticed her old friend come in, watching and waiting with a small smile, knowing what would go on if Boss decided to try something. She decided to sit back and watch, having no qualm with enjoying the show that she knew would come.

Rockwell was playing with his two counterparts, all of them seemed to be having fun with each other, only for Azure to rush into the room with her older cousins.

"Bubba! Help! Uncle Boss is hurting Gama and Gampa!" She cried before hugging Junior.

Rockwell, Eb, and Rocks dropped their controllers hearing the news.

"WHAT THE FUCK!?"

"THAT FUCKING...GOD DAMN IT DAD!"

"Oh hell no!" All three seemed to teleport out, not wanting to leave their grandparents or uncles/dads without help.

Boss saw he was nearly surrounded, with the two strongest magic users, Cupcake and Gaster, immediately ready to tangle, despite their age. His sockets darted around the room, looking for an easy way out, despite how he hated to do such a thing.

He summoned a tilted wall of bones, scaling it easily and he leapt over the two men, and landed right in front of Sans and Paps who laughed brightly.

"wrong move pal." "really you thought you'd get away?"

Paps went to trip up Boss and when he leapt over his tail, Sans was right there with his long blue bone, a Gaster Blaster right behind him ready to charge.

Boss ducked the blaster and found himself face to face with Sansy and this insane look on his face brandishing his bone hammer.

"YOU'RE NOT GOING TO RUIN THE ONE DAY I HAVE TO MYSELF, BOSS!"

"Aww man! My house!" Napstaton groaned as he saw some of the damage that was coming from the wall of bones and missed blaster. Zhara gave a look at her husband, "Really...? We have a full on fight here and the first thing on your mind is the house!?"

"I don't know! Like...ugh...I should have kept the security on!" Napstaton wasn't sure what to really focus on. MTT was at a loss on how to help fix this. But he did notice Eb, Rocks, and Rockwell try and run over. He immediately got them to stop and step back while the Sanses and Paps dealt with his husband.

Verri decided to get closer to where the action was , but still keeping her distance. Unafraid with the same sweet smile she had on her face.

Sansy walloped Boss with his bone hammer, sending him flying backwards, having been caught off guard for once. Right into Gaster's arms.

"You making bad mistake to coming here, nasty Papyrus." Gaster growled softly, holding onto him tightly.

Boss was nearly knocked out as Sansy came closer, growling still. Paps put his hand on his little brother's shoulder and sighed.

"calm down bro... it's alright. uncle gaster has him now." Paps commented.

Boss got his wits about him, and waited just a moment, when he reared back, smashing the back of his head into Gaster's face, causing his glasses to break in half.

Gaster dropped Boss, his hands going to his face in pain. Cupcake called up three of his Cadster Blasters, pointing them directly at Boss in the process.

"Don't you dare move, or I will shoot!" He warned, as Caddy had hurried over to Gaster to worry over his husband.

"Enough..." Verri called calmly as her eyes seemed to go from dull red to full on black. Something that popped up that looked like a black mirror appeared in front of boss, seemingly harmless on it's own. A dark tentacle of smoke creeped up like a snake around Boss before constricting him, some of it starting to enter in his eyesockets as if they were trying to latch onto something in him.

Verri herself winced at doing this, but she knew this had to happen, " Former Captain Papyrus Gaster... I order you to stand down...heed my order...enough is enough...so says your queen... "Her voice seemed to echo darkly as Shade came to her side.

"I suggest putting those blasters down, Doctor Brewer...that mirror is not to be trifled with. Else you will be hit with the same power you use against him." Shade warned as Verri was taking control of Boss with the bits of dark magic she had. This was the reason why Shade kept her friend so close during their days of being Headhuntresses. Verri had a strong power that kept people in line and reflected back magic attacks with the same power and intesity they tried using against her.

This same power claimed quite a few lives during their reign, and one not even Mars or Dar knew about as they thought she was just a weakling.

Tina decided to fly to her grandather and help him, worried about how he was.

MTT wasn't able to do anything but watch in horror over what was happening. "LET HIM GO! PLEASE! We can leave! Just...let him go!"

Edge watched quietly, knowing that attack very well. He'd created it after all. "C'mon Sweet-Tea...b-back down. It's a Reflector attack... d-didn't know she knew i-it though."

Cupcake dismissed the blasters, stepping away from the spectacle that was occuring to Boss.

Boss meanwhile was limp within the Reflector's power, his sockets overtaken by the black curling, smoke like magic. "...YES...MY QUEEN...I AM SORRY..."

He let out a small whine, much like a dog would, hugging himself, as the magic continued to curl around him.

Sans stared at this show of power, and took a few steps back in fear. Paps just slid his hands into his hoodie pocket, watching in curiosity. Sansy was similar, wondering just what that attack was.

Gaster held his broken glasses in his hand and rubbed his nasal ridge softly. Thankfully he wasn't very hurt either, just startled mostly from the smashing.

"Twas something she learned to better protect herself and the Headhunters when things went awry. The more things change, the more they stay the same I suppose...that's why we kept to each other back then..." Shade explained as she put a hand to Verri, "He's had enough. Let him go, old friend..."

Verri seemed to give a small nod as her eyes slowly went back to normal. The smoke around Boss began to loosen it's grip before disappating completely. She weakly leaned on Shade as she tried to compose herself, always feeling dizzy after that kind of attack.

Shade seemed to notice the looks on Paps and Sansy, giving a small dark chuckle, "Reflector attacks...also known as Deflection Magic...equal parts defense and offense. When someone who knows the magic activates it, any attack you throw onto the mirror shown will reflect it back with the same power, intensity, and intent that was used when the attack was given. The mirror absorbs the magic and reflects it right back onto the enemy. Useless against physical attacks but perfect for magic ones." She explained, "Though with Verri it takes quite a lot of concentration and power to keep it up, hence why she begins to feel faint if she uses it along with black magic to take control of others..."

Tina seemed thankful that her grandfather wasn't hurt. She gently took the broken glasses from him and replaced them with a spare she had for him, "Here Grandpa...I brought a few just in case like Grandma told me..." She always kept some spares in case some science experiments went wrong or accidents happened. Never hurt.

MTT immediately ran to Boss, wanting to check on to see if he was okay. Rockwell stayed in place, face hidden by his spiked hair, fists shaking.

Paps nodded, chuckling softly. "sounds pretty neat, and dangerous too. i guess it's something that papi created way back when, because you seemed to know exactly what it was..."

Edge nodded softly, looking almost ashamed of himself. "M-Most of what the Headhunters k-know is of my c-creation..."

Gaster put the spare glasses on, blinking a bit and he grinned brightly. "Thanking you, Tina. Usually I'm losing glasses due to experiments, not fighting..."

He gave her a loving, snuggly hug anyways. "Such a sweet granddaughter."

Boss was crumpled on the floor, and he looked to MTT, his arms shaking as he wrapped them around his husband.

Both Verri and Shade nodded in agreement with Edge. "We had to do with what we had to survive. I did not have her use the magic unless we really needed it. That's why we kept watch over each other." Shade stayed with Verri as she composed herself. She looks like she was getting a little better now.

Tina hugged right back, nuzzling her grandfather with a big smile, "I try my best, Grandpa..."

MTT sighed and held him close, "I'm here Papy...maybe we should go home...I think this was enough..."

"I believe the order was that only he had to leave, Uncle...you and the children can stay..." Tyra gently reminded as she had her scythe disappear.

"Where he goes...I go...that's how it's been..and that's how it will always be...I never like leaving him behind..." MTT muttered quietly before helping Boss to his feet. He hated his husband's actions and attitude sometimes...but he was still loyal and loving towards him. He knew the side his husband had.

Gaster smiled happily, pressing a kiss to Tina's forehead softly. He looked over to Boss curiously, his large smile softening. "Perhaps, we are needing to shoo him out to quickly...hmm... maybe a restraining system could be used?"

Caddy looked to his husband, blinking his working eye. "Are you talking of a collar, Gaster? He's not a dog...or is he? I forgot..."

Edge looked down and started to fiddle with his oxygen machine, unplugging it from the wall charger, as he got up. Pushing the walker, he came over to Boss and MTT. "M-maybe he ain't gotta l-leave... Gaster got a-a good idea..."

He went to his inventory, pulling out a shock collar he had. It looked old, but still worked, and he handed it to MTT, the collar and the remote. "U-Use this on him."

MTT looked over at Edge, eyes widening in fear when they saw the collar, "GET THAT AWAY FROM ME!"

They backed up immediately, not wanting to get any closer to Edge, "YOU KEEP THAT AWAY FROM ME AND MY FAMILY! HOW FUCKING DARE YOU! WE'RE LEAVING! AND NEVER COMING BACK! HAPPY!? ROCKWELL, GRAB YOUR SISTER, WE'RE GOING HOME!"

"...no..." Rockwell kept his eyes on the floor, fists still shaking, "...you go home...i'm not going back...not with him ..."

"...Fine...teleport home if you want...I'm not staying and neither is your father...we know we're not wanted..."MTT grabbed Boss and carried him out, not daring to look back as too many memories of the Underground for him flooded back into his mind.

Luckily for him, the car's replacement tires were finished being put on. He left Boss in the passenger's seat and he drove off, trying to not let the tears in his eyes cloud his vision.

Tyra didn't waste too much time with going back to Rockwell, trying to see if he was okay. The fact he was still shaking and his magic was starting to flare from his hands was a good indication that he wasn't.

Edge just stood there, still holding the collar in his hand. Shrugging his shoulders, he put it back in his inventory and sat down in the seat of his walker. He just seemed too tired to really care.

Gaster and Cupcake left the area, leaving Edge and Bitter to their own devices. Sans, Sansy and Paps left as well.

Edge looked to Shade and Verri, and sighed tiredly. "...Guess y-you find how who r-really will s-stay by your side, h-huh?"

Shade and Verri didn't say much on the matter. Nast however did come over, looking a bit ticked off, "Honestly...ya gave me something that looked like the thing that tortued you for years...I'd be running scared too."

"Hmm? Oh...right...Alphys correct...?" Verri looked over at Nast, starting t get her composure back, "She's refrained from using that kind of technology anymore."

Nast looked over to Edge as Shade leaned on him for a slight hug, "Back before ya overthrew Asgore...my stupid cousin went to Dr. Alphys to get something to help better protect the farm and each other. I told him he shouldn't trust her...and he didn't listen. She made him the body you see on him today...but she didn't do it for free. In the body she added a shocking system, making him her fucking slave to do whatever she wanted...called it her payment towards giving him a personalized body. He had to do whatever she said...else he'd be zapped to oblivion. At home, on stage, on camera...didn't matter...if she needed him or he didn't do what he was told...well...let's just say things would have ended with a bang...and not the good kind...Think it's still in him actually..."

"Wait...if he's like that...why didn't you get the same treatment?" Marris looked over confusedly as she held Jeremy close.

Edge covered his mouth worriedly. "I'm r-real sorry... I...I d-didn't know. It's a-an old uh, p-playtime toy of mine and B-Bitts..."

Bitter had a bright red blush across her cheeks, and she firmly patted his back, her version of nearly slapping him, as she didn't want to hurt him anymore. "Can't believe you, stupid ass..."

She floated over closer to Nast and sighed. "I speak for my husband when I say, we're both incredibly sorry what happened with that... I didn't know at all, and I don't think Edge knew either..."

Boss was still out of it, as he leaned against the window of the Corvette. "METTATON...Can we have...have lasagna when get home?"

Tyra looked to her grandparents and pinched the bridge of her nose, "...I...did not need to know that..."

"Figured he didn't tell you. He tries to keep that in the past since it got broken...one of the good things that came out of you wrecking 'em, Shade..." Nast looked over at his wife, small smile on their face.

"I did what i had to do, love. That was just a bonus." Shade chuckled before kissing his cheek, "But I do believe we are not owed apologies. I am wondering how the two of them are going to be handling each other...they left their children here and practically proclaimed to never set foot here again..."

Tyra stayed with Rockwell for a bit to make sure he was doing better. He still seemed stressed out but not as much as earlier.

Eb headed over to her dad, "you cool there, pops? uncle s?"

Mettaton sniffled as he kept driving, "...Y-Yes dear...we can...I'll make one when we get home...okay...?" Didn't take him long to pull into the house and carry Boss inside. He gently set him down on the couch for him to rest.

Bitter blushed deeply, and sighed again, patting Edge's shoulder, as she looked to Tyra. "Sorry Puddin. You didn't need to know that either... it's just an old collar, don't even know why he had it with him..."

Edge chuckled softly, having replugged up his oxygen machine again.

Gaster smiled coming back inside the living room, as him and Caddy were going over what they were going to help Wingdin cook for dinner that night. "Ooh, maybe you can be making some trays of your double chocolate brownies, Caddykins?"

Caddy sighed, patting his husband's side. "I'm going to need to get your shirt let out again aren't I?"

Paps looked to Eb and shrugged. "yeah, i'm cool babygirl. going outside to uh, have a smoke. wanna join me maybe?"

Sans stretched his arms over his head for a moment. "I'M GOING TO SWIM FOR A BIT OF RELAXATION."

Boss just curled up on the couch, occasionally trembling as he was still dealing with the remnants of the black magic going through him.

Nast stuck around with Shade, the two heading off to mind their own for now. Verri had gone off to see where her wife and child had gone off to. Most likely playing with the younger children, she figured.

"I think brownies are a good idea..." Tina agreed, looking a bit excited over the idea of sweets.

"Oooh! I can help too! Might be fun!" Kryssie seemed excited to try help out.

"yeah, sure pops. i'll stick with ya for a bit." Eb decided to trail her dad outside, figuring it wouldn't hurt.

"Come on...let's go try and relax, hmm..?" Tyra led Rockwell outside to the backyard, might help to take his mind off things. There was a mumblr from Rockwell and it was hard to catch, but to those it could hear him, he did sound pissed off "...I fucking hate him...some father he is..."

MTT stayed with him, gently rubbing his skull and holding his hand. He still couldn't believe what he was given to by Edge...he had no idea it was a toy granted, but the idea still shook his soul to it's core. He silently started to cry and whimper when memories came to pass as he hugged Boss tight.

Aqua was seated underneath a nice tree with a large bowl of snacks beside her. Her suit jacket was unbuttoned, and she'd been told to stay outside by Napstaton's staff.

Caddy smiled brightly, snuggling against Gaster, giggling when he'd been lifted up by his bottom. "Oh! Gaster! You surprised me there...but yes Tina, Kryssie we will make brownies then. Double chocolate and caramel style, I believe."

Paps headed outside and lit up a cigarette, taking a drag and he sighed softly. "that was bullshit earlier, ebrima. your uncle boss is insane...still can't believe that him and i share the same damn name..."

Jeremy had fallen asleep in Marris' arms, and Sans came over to Marris giving her a light kiss. "so uh, we're gonna be working on getting red fixed up...you and the other, uh, you's okay?"

Boss mumbled softly, turning to hug MTT. "Don't cry... don't cry my love..."

Frisk was currently playing with Seline, Rocky, Ebby, and Brandon. They seemed to be having fun with the littler ones, thinking they were all really cute.

Ebrima seemed to be fond staying by Aqua. Luckily for her, the skeleghost child had no sense of smell. She looked up at the water elemental with some curiosity.

Both girls looked excited at the mention of brownies, both girls giving excited squeals before heading off to do other things in the meantime.

Eb nodded as she took out a candy cigarette to chew on alongside her dad. "yeah...i still don't know what his problem was. you may share a name with him dad...but ya don't share a brain. what's with him anyway...?"

Marris was gently petting at Jeremy. Seeing Sans, she smiled and gave him a kiss back. After having the kids, she seemed to have mellowed out quite a bit. "Alright. You do what you gotta do, babe. I'll be here watching the kits, alright?"

MTT couldn't help but keep crying, a lot of their soul hurt from the memories, the cracks in his soul ached from that. Having Boss around soothed them a bit, and having their kids even got rid of a few smaller ones...but some of the pain from the underground still left their scars.

"...I-I'm sorry...P-Papy...I..." MTT whimpered out, trying his best to calm down but the red tears kept coming and started hyperventilating a bit, "I-I'm trying...I-I'm t-trying...j-just...h-hard..."

Aqua glanced down to Ebrima, and held out a pastry for her. "You wanna bite kid? You're pretty nice, and quiet too. Sorry I'm uh...not exactly that talkative."

She scratched the side of her swollen stomach and sighed happily, when she got the waistband of her pants to roll beneath her belly. "Oh, there we go... that's bettah."

Caddy chuckled as Gaster gave him a sweet kiss, while bringing him outside. "Seems the girls are as excited as I am over your brownies, Caddykins~"

As the teacup was placed down onto the ground once again, he smiled, snuggling against Gaster. "Yes, well, they do love my cooking. Kryssie knows I cook as well as her Grandma and Tina simply adores my brownies. Though with you and Dr. Brewer, I might need to make multiple trays. I don't think we need a repeat of last time?"

Cupcake had been going over some paperwork of Red's, absentmindedly wandering near the Marries to go and sit in a lawn chair. "A repeat of what?"

"Custard. Filled. Doughnuts, Dr. Brewer?" Caddy remarked, placing his gloved hands on his hips.

Cupcake's face turned a bright shade of pink, and he looked very hard into the paperwork in his own hands, as if he could simply disappear into it.

Paps thought for a few moments and he pulled his glasses off, slipping them into his hoodie pocket. "he's got some mental issues, eb. it's not polite to talk about it, especially when you don't know the whole picture, but i believe he's got some anger issues, even worse then i used to have...as well as possibly some complexes of sorts. but uh, i'm not a psychiatrist. and i'm not going to start to be one either. don't bother renny that i talked about this kind of stuff, it'll just upset them that i'm sticking my tail where it don't need to be..."

Jeremy curled up in Marris lap and smiled at the pets he got from his Mama. "where's daddy going?"

Sans sat down beside Marris and lightly rubbed Jeremy's back. "ain't going nowhere right now, jerry. i mean, we just got here. but uh, we are going to take care of this very soon for your uncle red. have you met him yet?"

Jeremy turned over in Marris lap then sat up more, his braced leg sticking out oddly in her lap. He looked around and saw Red, his sockets widening curiously. "he looks like daddy, but sharp."

In their house, Boss gently wiped away the tears from his husband's gorgeous four eyes. "Don't be sorry, Hapstablook... I should be sorry... I acted so heinously, and it was completely uncalled for. I let my emotions take over...and now... it's just brought soulache to our family...again."

Ebrima looked at the pastry before taking and quietly munching on it. Seemed content enough. Didn't seem to mind the silence, she preferred it herself sometimes.

"She doesn't talk a lot. She likes staring and listening more." Rocky explained as he played with a rubber duck at the edge of the pool.

Frisk nodded in understanding as they tried signing hello to Ebrima, That's okay. I don't like speaking out loud either. I like signing more.

Ebrima looked like she was concentrating on what was being signed and tried something back, I just like quiet. Better

Seline was swimming around nearby to catch toys that Rocky occassionally threw for her to get and bring back. She liked the game for the most part.

Eb just nodded and finished up her candy cigarette, "gotcha pop. trust me...i don't think i wanna know more than that. i'm good." She didn't need a lot. Kid wasn't one to blabber or gossip whenever she got info on something.

"Yeah...best way to describe him. Ya wanna try and say hi, kit? Or you still wanna stay with mama?" Marris gave him another few pets before kissing his cheeks. She adored her boy a lot.

MTT hiccuped and leaned into Boss's touch, one of his hands gently holding onto Boss's arm. "...It...was a lot...I'm sorry...I l-love you, Papy...

He stuck by Boss's side and leaned against his shoulder for comfort, "...We'll work on it, sugar spice...we're...trying to get you better...It...it just takes some time...that's all...just a little time..."

Aqua nodded, taking a big bite from the pastry, soon finishing it up. "Sounds like a great plan, kid. I tend to like quiet as well. It's why I don't mind being told to stay out here."

She stretched out underneath the tree, tugging her shirt over her stomach, as she relaxed, her thin dreadlocks splayed out behind her head.

Paps nodded, as he finished up his own cigarette and sighed. "yeah, i always wondered why papi and mami worried about me and my anger. i can certainly see why now."

Caddy came over and settled onto the grass beside Marris, watching as the grandchildren played. Occasionally he petted Jeremy's back and shoulder with his soft gloved hand.

Jeremy looked over to Red, and then he tucked his face back against Marris' chest, making a soft noise.

Red chuckled softly, and grinned lazily. "so guess he's one of your triplets then? he's a sweetheart. my kids are sometimes assholes who like to blare air horns in my face."

Boss nuzzled MTT lovingly, and rubbed his husband's back gently. "Of course my love...and I'm going to try harder as well. Perhaps this is something we can talk with my doctor about...I... didn't realize where I was when that happened. I thought I was back in Fell...it wasn't until the grip of whatever it was... I realized where I was, and what I'd done..."

Ebrima didn't say or do much else after that. Frisk did head over to hug their mom, Going to say hi to the rest of my new cousins, if that's okay. Can you watch them?

"hey, you haven't been bad. i don't even remember the last time you got really angry, dad." Eb started to head back inside. She needed to check on Rocky anyway to see how his sugar was doing.

Marris didn't seem to mind. She focused on relaxing in her spot, chuckling slightly when Jeremy started hiding.

"Actually...he's not one of my triplets...I actually had him when we finished moving to the surface back home." She gave a few kisses to Jeremy's head, "...I was supposed to have three the first time...only two made it..."

"Nah...none of them got the pranking stuff in 'em. Sans tried...er...my Sans...but Kristy kept apologizing when the pranks failed or worked. Roman isn't so great with timing but he tries." Marris managed a smile, little one but it was there.

MTT nodded and nuzzled back. There were still some tears but it did look like he was calming down. "Y-Yes...right...we'll...s-speak about this...what...what did she even do to you...?" He was still having a hard time understanding what Verri did on him, he just knew he didn't like it.

"...Get some rest...I'll...start making dinner..." MTT have Boss a few kisses before getting ready to head to the kitchen.

Aqua returned the hug, smiling. "Sure thing, sweetheart. Take care okay? I'll be right here. Mama's, somewhere around here. Yeah if you see Mama let her know Mom is right over here under the cherry blossom trees."

Paps nodded and he smiled watching his daughter. "...she's such a cool kid. i think me and happy raised her right..."

Red just simply nodded. "shit sorry to hear about yer kids. jus' uh, assumed..."

Sans rolled his white eyelights, chuckling. "assuming makes an ass out of you and me, but it makes sense in this case." He grew quiet when Red removed his thick jacket, revealing the numerous tattoos running up and down his bony arms.

"cool tats. wouldn't have thought you could get something like that, pal." Sans murmured, looking over them.

Red shifted his arm around slightly, chuckling. "heheheh. yeah they're painted on actually. not engraved. yeah, pops has one of the headhunters, engraved on his natural shoulder joint, but i can't take engravings. mars painted most of these for me."

Jeremy looked back at Red, and then looked to Sans. "...i wanna draw on papa..."

Kristy came over and curled up next to Caddy. "Gramma, do you have any snacks?"

Roman shifted his bookbag on his shoulders, having appeared behind Marrie. "...we could always go bug grampa. he's almost always got something with him."

Gaster came out to where Cupcake was seated, carrying a large tray of treats the maid had gotten for him while they went over more paperwork for Red.

Boss was shaky for a moment and he sighed tiredly. "It's a Reflector Spell. Father perfected it, years ago...in it's base form, it simply will reflect any of the magical attacks from an enemy. In it's more... controlling form, black magic is imbued into it, and it can impress upon the enemy certain things... Veronica wasn't too bad with what she did however..."

He returned the kisses and then laid back on the couch, still weakened. "Thank you my love..."

Frisk nodded and headed off. Just as they left, Eb ended up making her way over. She still hated the smell around but she'd bear it for the sake of her little bro. "hey bro. you doing okay?"

"Yeah. I'm playing." Rocky smiled as Seline came back with another toy she fetched out, "Am I gunna be poked again?"

"just a little. gotta see how you're doing. don't wanna give ren and pops more to worry about. come here." Eb gave him a quick check to see his sugar. Was a little low but nothing too bad. She just handed him a lollipop for later and pat his head.

"you start feeling funny, ya know what to do. i'll be around if ya need me, alright?" Eb ruffled his hair, earning a giggle from her brother before she left. Ebby watched her older counterpart, seemingly curious.

"It's been a long time...I'm okay. Besides...Jeremy keeps my hands full...huh kit?" Marris smiled at him, "Heh...think that's up to your dad if he wants 'em, kit. Though...I don't think I'd mind. Think you'd look good with a few marks, tater." She gave him a quick kiss and a light purr, seeming pretty content for now.

Marrie let out a frightened shriek at getting caught off guard like that. "U-Uh...t-there...s-should be s-snacks around...M-Maybe a-ask Napstaton too." She was shaking from the sudden surprise but she manged.

Verri had headed over to see Edge and Bitter, "Dr. Gaster...may I have a word with you please...? As much as I love to interact and be with family...I'm afraid there are some things I must discuss with you and the excitable blue version of your son...royal duties are a main reason for my visit unfortunately." She hoped this part wouldn't take too long, but she knew it was important. She mostly trusted Edge and Sansy to be part of these talks as the last time she tried talking with Toriel...it...did not go well as she had no patience for the rude former queen.

MTT nodded and headed off to make dinner. He made a mental note to call Rockwell to see if they would come back.

...he wouldn't blame either of them if they wanted to stay...

Aqua fell asleep underneath the cherry blossom tree in the backyard.

Jeremy crawled over to Caddy's lap, snuggling against his Grandma. Caddy just continued to rub the little boys back lovingly.

Sans ended up scooting over closer to Marris, grinning as he snuggled her. "roman, don't be creepy kiddo. sorry mar. the kids can shortcut around like i do. i forgot sansy can't do that, that's more paps thing, heheheh."

Roman nodded and headed off to where Cupcake and Gaster sat, being picked up by Gaster, after his backpack was placed to the side.

Edge had opted to stay inside, so his oxygen concentrator could stay plugged in, and he smiled softly seeing Verri. "O-Of course, Verri...my s-son should be comin right in."

Sansy knew the meeting they would have, and he'd gotten his clothes back on after a swim, coming back inside the house. "HELLO PAPI, HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY?"

Edge smiled a bit brighter as Sansy came over. "I'm d-doing pretty good, Sans. Q-Queen Verri wants t-to talk with us o-of course."

Sansy nodded, as he gave her a polite slight bow. He respected those that were royalty, but not to the degree that Boss attempted too.

Marris wrapped an arm around Sans to keep him close, "Angel above...be lucky that your kids don't do that. How many times did we have to rescue the kids from teleporting to weird places when their magic sprung up? I still think the cutest one was when Roman teleported into your hoodie because he didn't wanna miss ya? Seeing Kristy scare the shit out of Papyrus though was pretty funny when she popped into his colander. I think I still have the photo of the aftermath with him soaking wet and the noodles on his head!"

Mettaton stifled a laugh at overhearing the memory. Rockwell would roll his eyescockets if he could.

"I'm okay! I promise...just didn't expect it is all..." Marrie reassured, having just calm down.

Verri was grateful that Sansy was much different than Boss. She gave a curtsy back before looking at the two, "Yes...It will be small since I plan to meet with the humans in power as well for proper talks. But I feel as if I should warn the both of you first and foremost of at least two issues..."

"Dr. Gaster...you have heard of my trouble with the Greenburgs...but I am afraid I haven't told you why they came and did business with me. Edmund Greenburg had come to collect payment after his husband did some surgery on my brother-in-law to prevent him from killing anymore monsters. The payment he and his family asked for...? To be moved to the surface. I know what the answer will be should the humans review their application...and you have no doubt what will become of that." She stated first, figuring that was a good one to start with for now.

Caddy chuckled softly, still holding Jeremy in his gloves. "Oh gracious, that was an interesting time, Marris. One time lately Jeremy popped into my head, and curled up for a nap!"

Jeremy mewed quietly, cuddling for a nap in his Gramma's gloves.

Edge listened and a frown crossed his face. "I've had my own run-in's w-with that crazy golem."

He shakily lifted the side of his sweater, revealing a wide gash scar on his side. "This b-beaut came from him, a-and that hacksaw he c-carries around."

He shook his head, sighing as he rested his hands in his lap. "That a-answer is gonna be n-no. And he's gonna s-swear vengeance... he's scary to t-tangle with. But m-maybe there's s-something we can do...so, when w-was the last time you talked t-to them?"

Marris laughed, remembering the time.

Marrie smiled, "No. Just a lot of very wet bath times and a forgotten pillow that didn't get tear-proof which led to a giant feathery mess in the house after someone wrestled with it." She remembered those times fondly, and knew there would be more with little Brandon and the twins still growing up.

"I'm aware, Dr. Gaster. I'd be putting this world in danger if I allowed him and his family here. If he does, I'll handle as best as I can...I've been tinkering with this magic you'd made and...I think my family and I will do alright. Matter of practice should I need to use it..." Verri sighed, not liking the idea...but to best protect her family and kingdom...things like that had to be done.

"As for the last I spoke of them...it was just Edmund that last week. Belladonna I speak to on a semi-regular basis as she is one of the head guards. I do have the headhunter guards stationed in my absence however..." She didn't seem to be too worried.

She knew Dar took care of himself and Kinta ever since the naga was defanged and declawed. Even going as far to put traps down in case someone got too close to their room or wing without permission. She had to bar Frisk and Aqua from going near that way for their safety but she knew it would be a matter of time before Dar would calm down and roam the castle again with Kinta, perhaps when her nibling hatched.

"I'll still have it talked with through the humans of course...duties call. But that's where the second issue comes to play...and this comes from your son's behavior that I witnessed today... You know that has to be reported to The Council and the humans who help me immigrate my people...He's on a very fine line, Dr. Gaster...we're worried about not only your safety...but the safety of those living here..."

"Many... don't believe I should be here..." Edge commented, as his machine chugged softly hanging from his walker. "...Me and Bitter are...going to make a trip back...with youse. The Mayor... doesn't like traveling there. So I'll go... this time."

"Bella is...the most stable of that... creepy dolls kids..." Edge sighed, taking a few deep breaths in. "Mayor Ucher... he's getting older...but Punyabrata is still doing great as our Mayor."

Bitter rubbed Edge's shoulder softly, and sighed. "As for Boss' actions... please, we're trying our best. At least let the children stay here..."

Edge took a few deep breaths, and leaned back against the chair he sat in. "Yeah...safe for me? You're worried...about my safety?"

"You may need to make the trip there should you want to avoid it, Dr. Gaster. I have means to arrange a meeting here without letting the council leave my world and you from leaving this one." Verri assured.

"Things have changed in the last 10 years. However...should you do want to visit...I would do so with some caution. As you said...there are those who do not believe you should be here, Dr. Gaster." She wanted to give him the warning just in case, "I owe you many and you've taken great care of my sister and her family...be a shame if I lose you now...especially under my watch."

"As for your son...I know you are doing your best. The council wants to see some progress...big or small...within the next year. I'm not one to tear families apart...I want to avoid that as much as possible...but...If Papyrus poses a threat to the people here...I may not have a choice. My word alone won't be enough...especially if someone were to get hurt more than a few HP lost and broken glasses..."

Edge nodded sagely, and sighed softly. "My husband, Dr. Brewer, he'd be willing to attend with me most likely...he is the strongest in our family."

Bitter hovered beside Edge on the arm of the chair and she sighed, adjusting his oxygen tubing, as the tape was loosening slightly. "Wingding are you sure you want to go back to Fell? You use a walker, and you're on oxygen...back home, you'd have long been killed for your EXP, you know that... I think...that might be why Papyrus is so stressed lately. He sees his father getting weaker and weaker, yet he can't do anything about it..."

Edge closed his eyes for a moment, then he looked to Tyra as she came back inside. "Heya Puddin. Wondering where yer G'pa went huh? Grandpa and Grampa Gaster treating you well?"

Verri watched Edge with a knowing look. She wouldn't delve any further...least not right now. But it could only be avoided for so long, the thought.

"Yes, I just wanted to check to see if you were alright, G'pa. Aunt Verri...pardon the intrusion..." Tyra gave her aunt a gentle bow of the head which Verri waved off.

"I may be queen my dear..but I am still your aunt first...No need to be any different than you are. You have interrupted nothing. I was about to go and check on Aqua and see if she needed anything." Verri assured as she got up from her seat, "I'll see you all soon..." She left for outside again to go sit by Aqua under the tree.

Frisk was currently trying to be friendly with the swap triplets, getting used to seeing what they do for fun and doing their best to keep up.

Edge ignored the look Verri gave him, as he carefully settled back when Tyra came over. He patted his robotic leg, and gave the teenager a crooked and soft smile. "I'm doin great Puddin. Jus was talkin wit your Aunt Verri for now, but uh, guess they're gonna go check on someone else..."

Bitter rolled her eyes and sighed. "Edge, I swear to gawd, you're gonna piss someone off the way you deflect shit so much."

Edge sighed, as he moved to stand up, and slowly started towards the back patio door, having unplugged his machine. "...I'm gonna have a smoke."

Aqua had fallen asleep, exceedingly happy for the times in true peace they seemed to have. Her stomach slightly moved with her breathing, and a sweet smile was on her chubby face.

Junior, Jenny and Arial all played with Frisk, having fun with them.

"I'll help you G'pa..." Tyra tried helping him outside, making sure his machine didn't tangle up or get tossed about.

Verri smiled at seeing Aqua like that, taking a seat next to her and leaning her head to her wife's shoulder. Might as well enjoy the peace while they both can.

Frisk seemed more than happy with getting to know them. Julia decided to head on over to see what was going on, only to be caught by Frisk. They sighed something out to her but she didn't seem to understand.

Crimson had gotten out of the carrier and saw Frisk signing, "They're asking if you wanna join in, ya stupid brat." they hissed out before lapping up some water from their bowl.

"Don't call me stupid, stupid! And I don't know, I can't read hands! Well...not those kind of hands! How the hell do you even know!?" Julia hissed out back at them

"I gotta do fucking something while grounded. And no...I'm not joining shit. Go finish your dumbass baby game with my stupid cousins ...I'm out." Crimson headed back into the carrier and stayed put. They wanted nothing to do with anyone at that moment.

"Asshole..." Julia groaned and rolled her eyelights before looking back at Frisk and the swap kids.

Edge smiled as Tyra helped him outside, as the machine simply chugged away like usual. "Thanks, Puddin... you're a real sweetheart..."

Junior cringed, covering his mouth at the outburst between their cousins. "We know sign language because of Uncle Paps!"

Arial held her tail worriedly, her ears flattening. "We're not stupid..."

Jenny growled, glaring at Crimson. "And our game isn't a baby's game either! You're the one acting like a baby, staying in that carrier all day, kitty-meow!"

Red rose an eyebrow to how the kids were acting and he got up, walking around behind Mars, as he changed to his Chihuahua form, and then trotted around to lay in the sun, his tiny tail wiggling in happiness.

"Try to be for you, G'pa...that reminds me...would you mind if Rockwell and Ebrima stay with you tonight...? He's still feeling sore from earlier and...I rather not have him get sick from stress if M and N are messing about so I can't really keep him at home.." Tyra looked worried for her cousin. She knew he was having a hard time.

Crimson gave them all a skeletal cat paw variation of a middle finger before settling back into their carrier.

Frisk felt a bit sad over seeing Crimson like that. "Just ignore them...they're always a butt." Julia assured.

Still, it's not nice. Looks like they could use a friend. Frisk signed over, feeling like they could have done something with the skeletal cat.

Mars looked over and chuckled, giving him a sweet pet. Marrie and Marris had noticed and headed over, giving a small coo over Red's chihuahua form and started to pet him too.

"Awww...i didn't think he could get that small!" Marrie giggled out, throughly amused.

"Ya put him in those little dog outfits too? Looks like he'd fit." Marris laughed slightly.

"Oh trust me...I've done that to him. Got a lot of photos too. He makes a good model." Mars answered making her counterparts giggle and coo over Red more. All girls love cute small things it seems.

Edge thought for a few moments as he sat in his walker seat, the cigar smoldering between his robotic fingers. "Sure, they can spend the night I guess, Tyra...still can't believe what he did though..."

Red enjoyed the attention, and he turned over onto his back, being as cute as he could be, his little mouth opened with his red tongue hanging out.

Sans looked to him and rolled his eyelights. "oh sure, wonder if everything's just as small huh?"

Red stood up onto his legs, and barked, sitting cutely on his haunches. "ah, it's not the size that matters, but how you can use it, blue boy~"

He then pranced over each of the Marrie's laps playfully licking their hands as they petted him.

"I know...I do hope Uncle does get better...and it's not for just his sake of being sent back to Fell..." Tyra looked over to where her cousins were.

Ebrima was reading off under the shade of the sun. Rockwell apparently got dragged by Jenny, Rocky, Rocks, Jackson and Roman to play badminton in the backyard. Tina and Eb were helping keep score for them.

"I worry for their sakes too...I know tensions are high between Uncle and Rockwell..." Tyra's concerned look didn't leave her face as she watched them. Least for now, she can be thankful they each had distractions.

The Marries were all eating it up, still cooing and gently petting Red. Marris gave a playful smile to her husband, "Awww...what's the matter, tater tot? You're not getting jealous...are ya~"

"Easy girls...he's still mine." Mars took Red into her arms and started to nuzzle him, "Ain't that right, Red Ruff?"

Edge nodded, as he took another large pull from his cigar. Bitter came back over to him, holding a little tray of food in her hands. "Wing, you gonna try to eat something?"

The old skeleton looked to the food, shaking his head slightly. He didn't eat much nowadays, which had led to his weight loss over the years. The ghostly teacup sighed tiredly, and looked to Tyra silently.

"Boss is driving Rockwell away, just like I ended up driving away my boys. He has a lot of things wrong with him, Tyra. I saw how much of the blaster dog came into Red, so I tried to filter it out from Boss...he nearly didn't make it in his gestation tube." He took another drag from the cigar and frowned to himself. "But I kept at it...and when my second major experiment, was yet another child, not a weapon...I nearly was killed for the insubordination by the Overlord."

"You can imagine...your son is barely ten years old, his first five were spent as a dog with his dog parent...your grandmother actually helped me to hand feed him, yanno. Because I was her dog, at the time. My loyalties laid with my Headhunters, my pack. Not the Overlord. But I let him think...I was on his side...a very bad idea..." Edge was rambling by then, his eyelights not really focused on anything as he continued speaking quietly to whomever would listen.

Arial came over to Marrie, patting her shoulder. "Mama, Grandpapi's rambling...is he okay? He's talking of dogs and Uncle Red and Uncle Boss..."

Red had nodded to Mars words, before he heard Arial and his ears lowered worriedly. Red then lifted his head from Mars lap and he whined softly. Looking to Mars, he got up and trotted over to Edge, putting his tiny paws on his father's natural leg.

Edge looked down and gently plucked up Red, smiling a bit. Placing him onto his lap, he began petting Red softly. "...so, with your grandmother's help, I created the Reflector Spell, and many, many other kinds of attacks. And they tap into a user's black magic...so...so you just need to concentrate..."

Tyra rubbed her G'pa's back, already used to his ramblings, "G'pa...G'pa...it's okay...the past is the past...you've done so much already..."

Mars headed off to join Red, looking worried for the old skeleton. Julia and Jackson overheard Arial and paused, wondering if they should go do something.

Azure and Seline ran to Marrie and hugged each of her legs, "Mama..." "Gampa scawy..."

Edge took another few puffs from his cigar, as he petted Red lovingly. "I feel like...I barely did anything though. Yet I have done so many wrong things..."

Red looked up at his Dad, and whined softly, licking his hand. "dad...c'mon now, you don't hafta think like that..."

Edge's eyelights dimmed slightly, and he coughed deeply; letting the cigar drop to the ground. He continued to breathe heavily, his machine chugging softly beside himself in the walker's basket. "...I...I jus wanna go see the old labs an' see the old places..."

Red sniffed softly, and stood on his Pa's chest, and licked his face softly. "pops...are ya okay? should i get verri maybe? or that cream puff caddy...?"

Edge shook his head softly, and leaned more against the arm of the walker's seat; tired and still gasping gently for his breath. "I...dunno...I just wanna...wanna go see...see that council...see my boy..."

"...Grandfather...?" Ebrima seemed to pop to his side seemingly from nowhere. She didn't waste much time to hug his side, looking really worried.

Rockwell was behind her as he put a hand to Edge's shoulder, "hey...what's going on...?"

"G'pa...please...relax. You getting yourself worked up like this will not help anyone... We'll go back...but you need to relax..." Tyra looked over at him, hoping that he didn't have a soul attack right now. That was the last thing she needed. "I'll talk with Aunt Verri...please..."

Edge lightly leaned his head against Ebrima's shoulder and gasped again; soon his breaths were more softened as the machine continued it's work that was needed to keep him breathing. "A-Alright...alright..."

He shakily wrapped his arm around Ebrima, closing his eyes. "S-Sorry kids...sorry, yer old G'pa is...is pretty fucked up..."

Red shook his head, and nuzzled Edge's jawline softly. "you're not fucked up, pops...you just had the world fallin' all around ya...and ya did the best you could with what you had...your the reason...others might think you were the downfall, but you're the savior of our underground. we know that the humans on our surface, would never accept us, but you found that loophole; that reason, to make it work..."

Ebrima kept a tight hold on Edge, afraid something worse might come.

"...to be honestly g'pa...who the fuck isn't?" Rockwell shrugged, "...you're not so bad...could have been worse...but...it's not. ya did okay." He muttered quietly, unsure if that was the right thing to say or not.

"Perhaps you should get some rest, G'pa...does you no good to have you like this...I'll ask Aunt Verri for an appropriate time to leave..." Tyra gave her grandfather a kiss on his cheek before heading off to see her aunt. She had a sinking feeling that something was going to happen, but did her best to shake it off.

Bitter watched carefully, having waved over Cupcake over to them silently. "Darlin...why don't we increase your oxygen an' then you can jus rest...I'll grab ya a beer, hmm?"

Edge kept his head lightly against Ebrima's shoulder, closing his eyes slightly. "...y-yeah...a-a beer sounds g-great..." His stuttering had come back as he'd started to get more shaky with the drop in his oxygen intake. "S-Sorry if I'm...I-I'm scaring youse...a-all..."

Cupcake came over and lightly rubbed Edge's skull, smiling gently to him. "Dearest...are you alright? How's your oxygen level..." His expression fell slightly, and he frowned in worry.

"Your soul is out of sync, Wingding..." He murmured, as he gave a gentle kiss to Edge's skull, retaping the tubing. "Maybe...I should call Dr. Greenburg then..."

"G-Grandfather..." Ebrima was indeed getting scared. Rockwell gave her a pet on the head to help calm her down.

"what do you mean... 'out of sync'? what's wrong with him?" Rockwell didn't like the sounds of that.

"Wouldn't hurt to get a doctor in, dude. Ya need me to drive 'em, Pop?" Napstaton headed over as soon as someone made him aware that Edge was not feeling great. Last he needed was for another raid of an ambulance to bust in. But he'd let it happen if it was needed.

Cupcake frowned a bit as he knelt down in front of Edge worriedly; leaning his cane against the walker. Gently he rubbed Edge's chest, and sighed. "The parts of the soul, usually have a pulse, much like a human's heartbeat, Rockwell. But...his is beating out of sync...instead of going well, the way it should be, it's going irregularly now. But why Wingding is wanting to go back to Underfell, is beyond me...maybe we should take him to the hospital..."

Edge coughed gently, and as Bitter came back she handed him the beer, but it seemed to be paler than normal, as she'd drank half of it quickly and topped it back up with strong vodka to try to get him to calm down some. "Edge, got ya yer beer...hope yer not doin too bad..."

He took the drink and took a few deep swigs from it; and it seemed to hit him pretty hard, as a pleased smile crossed his face. Soon enough, his soul actually managed to even out more; and his breathing became more regular. Bitter seemed to be watching him very closely, her expression softening as she saw that everything was seeming to get better for her husband.

Red looked up to his mother and frowned. "ma...what did you do to dad? what was in that drink?"

Bitter lightly petted Red's head and sighed. "it's got a really strong medication in it...uh, an old formulation from Jonathan...it's um, diprotisol, double-strength. It's something he'd made years ago for Edge...he's been takin' it for years now, and we're kinda running low on it lately. So the last year, we've been rationing and giving him the last few bits that we'd had left."

"That explains the trip to Fell then...to go see..." Tyra was cut off when Verri came back.

"My fucking dad..? Is that old bastard still alive!?" Mars overheard that portion as she headed over with Verri and Frisk again.

"Yes, he is actually. However, he's retired from the drug trade as of late. Both good and bad since he made great medications for the citizens..but..with his dealings in the drug trade...I think it would have been best. Reason why I try to keep violence low back home." Verri sighed.

"Heh...so it's just you, me and Dar left that can make the shit, huh? Had us doing part of the 'family business' since we were young." Mars chimed in.

"...Wait...you make drugs, mom?!" Jonathan looked heavily surprised.

"There's a reason why your mother can cook and bake well, my dear." Verri let out a small giggle as Jonathan and Julia looked dumbfounded at the idea their mom...the same woman who takes photos of their tiny dog dad in stupid hats and costumes, makes a mean banana bread, laughs at dumbass puns, and can stomp down Uncle Boss within a few punches...also made and sold drugs.

"Huh...maybe I should go too...been a long time since I saw the old coot. Mom still alive too, ya know?" Mars looked over at her sister curiously.

"Yes. She is. Father takes good care of her. I haven't talked with her recently but I know she did send a package filled with baby clothes for Dar and Kinta. Quite sweet if you ask me." Verri smiled. Unlike the Tahi in Swap, the fell one was actually a sweet old woman, if a little senile as she tended to hallucinate things or sometimes forget what she was doing or who she was.

Red blinked and then leapt out from his Dad's lap sighing. "we might as well go tonight, get shit done huh? i do not want to see pop's dust on the fuckin' ground because ma messed up his dose again..."

Bitter growled, lowering herself down to Red's level. "I ain't messing up the damn dose, Sans. I just ain't got that much left! He's supposed to get a fourth of a teaspoon of the powdered mix, three times a day or every eight hours, and it's dissolved in alcohol! Which is why he drinks those damn beers at least three times a day. Or he'll have a spiked cup of coffee or tea, or even a hot toddy at night!"

Red laid down at his mother's railing against him, and he whimpered. "that's not a lot of medicine though ma...just how powerful is it, and what the hell does it even do?"

Bitter gently picked up Red, holding her tiny dog son to her chest. "...A quarter teaspoon regulates his soulpulse, his magi-pressure, and his mental capicatiy...which is why when he's low on his medication, he rambles and...and acts more like his age truly is. I gave him his last dose, and it wasn't even a full fourth of a teaspoon. Unless we can get more, he's...going to continue to degrade in his health, Sans..."

"Then let's not waste time. We'll leave to Fell. Sister...will you be accompanying us?" Verri looked to her sister.

"...Guess I should...Haven't seen the rest of the family in a while...but...should we take the kids? I don't know if I feel right in letting 'em come." Mars was a little conflicted with that.

"Bring them. They'll be of no harm. I promise. Our home has changed since you've last visited, Marrianne." Verri seemed more than happy to arrange for it.

Some time later, they would all be in Underfell. Those who resided in Swap and Alpha stayed behind, since it would be dangerous to invite more people over, even with Verri's protections.

Mars ended up bringing the kids, all three of them staying pretty close. Even for Crimson who wanted to get away from their family, they stayed close by their siblings as they didn't want to get lost in exploring this new world. Rockwell and Ebrima even came, Rockwell mostly to spite his father and Ebrima because she was curious of the world her parents came from.

Tyra followed along as well to keep her younger cousins safe. Her mother stayed behind, not wanting to risk anything with her being back, she didn't have much to go back to anyway.

Edge meanwhile was doing the best he could, leaning against the walker he used. His machine continued to keep chugging along, thankfully fully charged too.

What wasn't good however is that Edge had started to pause and he would start rambling. Before they came, just in case Edge did something insane...well, his robotic arm and leg were the bio-linked ones so they would too change to Blaster Dog Form along with him. In case he decided to change one last time.

Red was in his regular form, walking alongside the group. He glanced to his children along with his wife and he smiled, chuckling a bit. "so...whatcha think about this place, huh?"

They had used the Observator in the new basement lab, which had put them out into the Royal castle, as it was placed there originally.

Kinta sat on his coil, his clawless hands lightly rubbing his very heavy and swollen stomach. He rarely spoke anymore, having the most horrible lisp since his fangs were removed, as well as his venom sacs that lined his jaw.

Removing them caused his slightly rounded jaw to sharpen incredibly, and his cheeks to sink deeper, almost giving him a ghoulish appearence.

He watched as Edge was gazing over the main floor of the castle. They all were going to wait, for Jonathan and Tahi to come and visit. Edge seemed to be just dazed, staring off to nothing. As the minutes ticked by, so did his mental capacity it seemed.

"...w-where's the...the o-old alley c-cat at..."

"Weird...like...really weird..." Jackson seemed a little off put by the way things were.

"It's really dark..." Julia commented and stayed close to her father, unsure of what to expect. Both her and her brother were not sure what to expect since neither of them were trained for survival.

Crimson however was completely on edge, a lot of the training they did do with Boss was starting to come back. They weren't going to lose focus anywhere.

"My father should be here soon. I asked Dar to go and bring them over." Verri assured.

Dar indeed would come into the room, Fell Tahi hanging onto his arm with a wrinkly smile. Jonathan looked annoyed along with his son as they heard Tahi ramble on about something.

"Mother. Please. Yes, Kinta and I are doing well. No. We do not need to give the child a pet...we have more than enough. The clothes we're good." Dar groaned lightly as the headed over.

"Well well well...look what the mediocre cat dragged in. Been a damn while." Jonathan hissed lightly as he looked over at Edge before looking at the rest, "Brought the whole family...?"

"Oh! Doctor! Hello! And look at all these sweethearts...these my grandchildren? Oooh! Hello!" Tahi shuffled over excitedly, Dar having to catch up with her so she wouldn't fall.

Tahi immediately took Red and started squishing his cheeks, giggling happily "My my...this one looks like like my son-in-law...Apple doesn't fall far from the tree!"

"Ma...that's because that is Sans. Not your grandkid." Mars sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Edge just stayed seated in his walker, and when Tahi started to squish Red's cheeks he started to let out a softly gasping deep laugh. "Tahi...Tahi, dear, that's... t-that's my boy, Sans!"

Bitter rolled her eyes, looking to Jonathan. "Hello John. There's a couple reasons why we asked you to come here..."

Red whined at Tahi's squishing, his tail starting to wag anyways. As she began to rub his skull, his red magic ears sprang back up and he made a very pleased noise. "...your mom knows just where to rub meeee~"

Bitter put her glove over her face and sighed. "Don't make it weird, Sans. Heya Tahi, it's been awhile since I've seen you..."

The old scientist watched carefully, and he gave John a shaky smile. "I-I hope y-you...don't hold it...over m-my head...b-because of what I did..."

"Oh...hello dearie. Good to see you regardless." Tahi let out a small giggle before patting his head and heading over to see Mars, "My my...look at you...grown so much...surface treating you well?"

"Yeah. We're doing okay. These are your actual grandkids though. Julia, Jackson, Crimes, meet your grandma." Mars looked at the three.

Julia managed a small wave, Jackson gave a small nod and Crimes was...well...Crimes. They weren't sure how to feel about the woman who looked like she could kick ass but was petting the hell out of their weak dad. Tahi didn't seem to care as she went through all three to pinch their cheeks and squish their faces as she did with Red.

"Oh my grandchildren! I remember when you were still in mama's tummy. Yes! Goodness a nice little mix of sweet kits and pups. How cute! I should have made more cookies for today!" She smiled. Jackson was going to start complaining but Tahi hit a good spot and started panting contently.

"Good to see you Bitter, dear. Have you been getting a lot of sun in the surface? You look pale, dear." Tahi noticed the difference in Bitter but..didn't seem to notice she was more ghost than last time she saw her.

"Well...you managed to get rid of that damn thorn at my side called an Overlord. I'll give ya that. Ya still left me dealing with the two pricks called your sons. You're lucky my daughter was so fond of one of 'em...Still think you could have done better, Mars." Jonathan scoffed.

Mars just rolled her eyes, "You say that everytime, dad. Good to see you too, ya old fart."

"It has been quite a while since you've last come. Glad the surface has been treating you well...anyone try dusting you yet..?" Dar looked at his sister before going back to Kinta.

"Unless you count Papyrus, no. But you know him. I still kick his ass if he tries anything." Mars smirked, "Just like you when you tried when we were kids."

"Let's not continue that tradition...shall we...?" Verri gave a slightly nervous smile at that idea.

Kinta held back from everyone else, his stomach huge as he slithered softly closer to Jonathan and Tahi. "You do not deserve what you have been given, Marianne... Then again, you always have liked the dregs at the bottom of the pool I guess..."

Edge took a few more deep breaths as he stood up from where he sat in the walker and came over to Jonathan. "We c-came...cause I need...m-more diprotisol...y-ya got any?"

Kinta looked Edge over, noticing his hands were trembling and that he looked like it wouldn't take much to kill him. It had already been nearly two hours since his last partial dose of it. And nearly four days since the regular dose.

The viper was unusually sweet, as he started to help guide Edge alongside of Jonathan, knowing the old cat wanted to hurt Edge.

"Aww...cute. The worm thinks he's still threatening. How precious. Ya look adorable without your little teeth and claws to back ya up, you overgrown balloon animal." Mars smirked up at the snake, "How about you worry about your lump than my family, huh?"

"Marrianne...Kintaro...please...we are all still family and I rather not have things turn violent. It is not kill or be killed anymore. I've long sinced banned that. Please...Father do you have the medicine?" Verri was really hoping her family would get along.

Jonathan watched Edge, holding back a smirk of his own. Dar seemed to notice the slight twitch in his father's tail and said nothing, letting Kinta do as he pleased and his father to do what he wanted. He knew better than to try and stop either of them.

"I do, actually. One of the only drugs I still make for the damn place here. Can't keep my normal business up...you need it there, old chum?" He pulled out the vial of diprotisol from his pocket, Edge's regular dose too.

He looked like he was going to hand it over, but instead snatched it out last second, "And why would I want to give it to you? After everything ya got me stuck with...after all the bullshit I've had to deal with your mangy mutts called sons...and what ya dragged my youngest daughter to? My eldest here? Ya really think I'll just...h-hand this over!?" He started laughing darkly.

Kintaro scowled, looking to Mars. "Overgrown balloon animal?!" He gently rubbed his large pale stomach, and blushed, looking away. "We're having twins, we just found out..."

Edge had tried to grab for the medicine, and he slumped against his walker, and sighed. "Fine... y-you want to be...like that..."

Kinta smiled softly, his pale clawless hand rubbing Edge's shoulder. "Come on, Johnny...we shouldn't be so rude. Let's help him to the resting room, then we can help him take it... Veronica, why don't you get the rest of the family settled?"

He slithered over to the hallway that led back further into the castle. His large belly occasionally shifted as the two eggs pressed against each other. The eggs were still somewhat rubbery inside him, until he laid them.

Red growled softly, changing to his Great Dane form, as he started to slowly walk behind Edge. "i'm gonna go with him, a'right?"

"Good for you." Mars hissed out, she never did like the snake. "...Be careful, Red...I'll be with my sis and bro...just watch yourself..."

"I'll go too." Tyra volunteered as well, not trusting the snake or the old cat. Ebrima was going to try and go with them but was stopped by her brother. The two just watched Tyra leave with Red, Kinta, Jonathan and Edge.

Jonathan growled at Kinta, "Don't fucking call me Johnny you rotting string of chum." He only continued to follow along back to the castle.

Verri sighed and led the rest into the castle, thinking it was best to get them into a more comfortable area.

Edge went to the designated 'resting room', with Tyra, as the minutes passed by, his eyelights dimmed more and more, his body was shaking still.

Red slowly padded beside Edge, and occasionally he nuzzled his Dad's side, helping him to continue to walk.

Kintaro let out a short hiss, and slithered far behind Edge and the others. His eggs pressed against his chest, and he could feel this heavy pressure in his groin. For the moment, he tried to ignore it, as he started to pull out a dart of his, with the blowgun in his hand.

As they came into the room, Edge could tell he was beginning to waver, his jaw was trembling, his teeth clattering against each other. "Did'ja...d-did'ja see h-how pretty yer...y-yer Ma looked, S-Sans?"

"yeah ma looked really nice, pops..." Red rumbled softly, as he nuzzled his Dad's side slightly.

"O-Oh yeah...s-she picked o-out that...that red dress...r-reminds of what she wore...w-when she first m-met me..." Edge smiled happily, remembering the red work outfit that his wife wore back in the cafe she worked at. Black pants, shoes and a brilliantly red shirt and vest with a deep maroon bowtie.

"She had a c-cigar in her...d-delicate gloved hand... a-and she t-threatened to...t-to burn m-my hand..." His voice was soft, a slight smile across his face. It was hard to tell where he was looking, as he was just gazing towards the floor vaguely.

Tyra helped Edge to sit down, "G'Pa..." She looked over at Jonathan as he came into the room, "What do you want in exchange for the medicine...? Please...he needs it."

"I won't need or want anything out of you or anyone. I just wanna see his dust like the damn fool he is." Jonathan chuckled darkly, "A quick death is too merciful in my eyes...but a slow, painful one fits for his crimes." Jonathan chuckled as he played with the vial in his paw.

"I'll say..I find him quite entertaining seeing him degrade like this." Jonathan was having fun seeing Edge wear down like this.

Tyra didn't really know what to do until Jonathan let out a pained growl. Tahi had come into the room and stepped on her husband's tail, a glass half full of cherry vodka. She took the vial when he was clutching his tail and poured the stuff into the glass, handing it to Tyra. "Have him drink this. He'll turn out just fine, dearie."

Tyra looked at it before taking it and trying to help Edge to drink the mixture.

"You fucking bitch! What the hell was that all about?!" Jonathan growled out, ready to punch at her .

Tahi easily dodged it and smacked her husband with a rolled up newspaper she had in her inventory, "How dare you. Goodness...We helped care for those boys and you had no problem taking Papyrus under your wing. I know you're a sour puss for having been left behind, but that don't mean I share that same feeling. Shame on you!"

Lady looked like she could kill but she never liked the idea. Though she always settled with smacking her husband with a newspaper. Worked as effectively.

Edge was still shaking as he sat down in his walker, his tail drooped behind him, as his natural hand was trembling. He looked to Red, and petted his son who rested on his haunches beside himself.

Red growled, seeing what Jonathan was attempting to do to his father. However before he could stop him or intervene, Tahi did so.

Edge shakily put his mouth to the glass, drinking the cherry vodka with slight gasps. As he finished taking the medicine, he sighed, closing his eyes. "Thanks Tahi...this medicine... it's the only thing keeping me sane..."

Red laid down on his side, whining softly in pain. He stood up onto his four paws and started to crawl out from the room, to get to Mars, scared.

Kinta saw his opportunity to kill Edge, as he lined up his dart shot. Unfortunately, as he went to shoot, his water broke, and he let out a tremendous hiss of pain.

The dart went zinging out from the blowgun, completely missing the target of Edge, as Kintaro went slithering off to give birth to his and Darren's children.

Red however stared at the dart stuck in his side, and he just laid down. Today was just not his day it seemed...

Tyra looked relieved to see her grandfather getting better, but then she saw something zip by her vision, she looked over to see the blowgun Kinta dropped and the dart that was in Red, "UNCLE!"

"My my my...goodness...look at all the hub bub you made, Johnny dear. All this for silly vengence...what would our daughter think?" Tahi sighed and wacked her husband again with the newspaper.

Jonathan growled at Tahi but didn't say or do anything else. He hated and loved his wife sometimes.

"Sans, I wouldn't move anymore. Let me go get Darren, he'll have an antivenom, I'm sure." Tahi assured and gave Red a pat on the head before pulling the dart out.

"Anti...that was venom!?" Tyra looked like she was ready to kill the naga but Tahi did her best to reassure her.

"He'll be paying harshly on his own, dear. I noticed that little trail of water behind him. He's in for a long long time of pain. Right now, I'd go get your aunt and uncle over. Okay?" Tahi patted her shoulder, "You let me handle my husband and friend here. You're quite young, you can find them much faster than I."

Tyra looked at both her uncle and grandfather before deciding to run off to get help. She flew off towards the throne room, hoping that would be the first place to look.

Meanwhile in the throne room, Mars and Dar were drinking tea as they stared at each other with some intensity. Verri was between her two siblings, sipping nervously at how the two were looking at each other and hoping they wouldn't start a fight.

Tyra would end up flying over in a panic, "Aunt Mars! Aunt Verri! Uncle Red needs some help!"

The three siblings turned to the bat-rabbit hybrid who was flying towards them with a mix of emotions. "What? What's going on?" Mars looked worried the moment Red was mentioned.

"The naga shot a dart at him! It had some sort of poison!"Tyra explained as she tried catching her breath.

"WHAT!?" Mars immediately turned to her brother and growled. Dar looked ready to leave as he slowly started to slunk away.

"Now now...Sister...please...Brother! I thought I told you and Kintaro no use of weaponry or poisons!" Verri was more shocked at that.

"Well you see, Verri sister dear...There was a..." Dar got up from his seat and tried to bolt but Mars immediately pounced on him. She tackled him to the ground and started to pull back his arm, causing him to yowl and growl in pain.

"YOU AND YOUR NAGA PIECE OF SHIT ARE SO FUCKING DEAD! YOU BETTER HAVE SOMETHING ON YA, OR ELSE!"

Red laid down, panting in pain as the venom started to course through his body. He growled pitifully, and looked to Tahi in desperation. "...d-don't...don't leave me...where's ma and dad..."

Bitter hadn't gone with them, and the moment she heard that Red had gotten a dart in him, rather than go to see Red; she went searching for where Kintaro had gone off too.

Phasing through the walls and doors, she finally found Kintaro; laboring fruitlessly in their part of the castle. Invisible, she watched him attempting to push out the first egg, gritting his toothless maw; as he struggled to push. Rolling her eyes, she sighed silently, and then forcibly reached her gloves up into Kintaro and yanked painfully; helping to pull the first egg out as it was stuck.

She was from their world, kill or be killed...but she wasn't soulless by any means. The first rubbery egg laid on the floor, and Kintaro had attempted to scream in pain; but his voice was seemingly lost in shock. Soon the second egg came pushing right up against where the first one had settled at. Bitter didn't want to take too much time helping the pathetic man-noodle; so she reached in and yanked out carefully the second egg.

Kintaro was left panting in pain, gasping as he laid there on his side, his tail weakly curled around his two eggs. His already pale skin was seemingly three shades more washed out, as all the color left him when the eggs were forcibly yanked from his womb.

After that was done, she came back to Red's side, and had become visible once again, as she lightly rubbed her gloved hand against Red's cheek. "Ma's here, Sans...it'll be a'right...you're a tough little motherfucka...you'll get through this. You've got your kids, and Mars is carrying your latest cub...ain't you happy to see them?"

"w-what if they...they turn out like crimes...crimson ha-hates me..." Red panted, as he looked up to his mother, red tears gathering in his sockets. "...what...what if they're just like crimson..."

"I won't leave you dearie...haven't done so when you were a little pup...not starting now." Tahi assured gently as she pet Red's head, "Girl will be back soon."

Seeing Bitter come back was a surprise but she didn't mind. What she did mind was seeing Red whimper about her grandchild, "No child hates their parent, dear...they may say such things but..they're children. Still growing. Still learning. You said the same thing about your father...but you just called out to him a moment ago. That say something...?"

Mars was still wrestling Dar, trying to get him to give her the antivenom. "GIVE IT UP YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"

"NO! G-GET OFF OF ME!" Dar yowled and tried to fight back but to no avail. Verri ended up using her magic to pull the two apart, there was too much for her to handle.

" " She growled out, her eyes going slightly dark as a warning to both. Dar and Mars both quieted down, seeming afraid of the middle child.

"...Darren...give the anti-venom to Mars...and let her administer it to Sans...I will forgive Kintaro for trying to assassinate him...but I will ask for those darts to be confiscated...in exchange that no charges are pulled on him and he's saved from being moved to the dungeons...Mars...enough violence...you may not kill or harm anyone else in this world...am I clear...?" Verri looked at both of them as her eyes went back to normal. She gently let both go after they each managed a nod, even if both of them were suspicious of one another.

Dar gave Mars the antivenom he had on him in cases of emergency, "...Long as he's down there...this place is a prison anyway...but if it means safety...so be it..."

"Thanks a lot...bastard..." Mars took the antivenom from him before looking to Tyra, "Lead the way, kid."

"Right...this way..." Tyra led her aunt off to the resting room where she knew her G'pa and uncle stayed, hoping they weren't too late.

Red's ears flattened to his skull, and he sighed tiredly; feeling incredible pain coursing through his large body. The only reason he hadn't dusted already, was because he was in his Great Dane form, which was larger than his regular and certainly larger than his chihuahua form. His tail slightly thumped as he saw Mars coming in.

By then, Edge had changed to his own dog form, and had laid down beside Red, licking his son's head, trying to give him comfort. As the medicine worked on him, it made it easier for him to change back and forth between his forms. Seeing Mars come in, he whined softly, licking Red's back slightly in worry.

Mars kneeled by Red and took the antivenom's cap off, "I'm here, baby...just hang on okay? This is gunna sting a little..."

She gave him a kiss on the head before taking the syringe and injecting it near his neck, hoping he'd recover. "Stay with me, okay Red Ruff...? Just stay with me...you're okay...you're okay..." Mars whimpered and tried hugging him.

Tahi managed a small smile as Jonathan let out a low growl. Part of him hated this but he didn't voice anything. Cat was just old and cranky.

"...You're damn lucky you got a family who loves you, you old skeleton bastard..." Jonathan huffed, "...and unfortunately got my family to damn love you too."

Dar had gone off to try and find Kintaro, heading to their side of the castle in hopes he'd find him. What he wasn't expecting was seeing Kintaro on the floor with the eggs and looking pale. "Kinta! You...you...are you alright?"

He'd get to his love's side and check up on him and the eggs, hoping they looked okay.

Edge lifted himself up onto his four feet and he glared at Jonathan. "You're really gonna try to make yourself out to be the big man here, you old alley cat?"

He lowered his head, and growled at Jonathan, gently butting his snout against John's middle, harmlessly pushing the old man forward.

Then he laid down, in a show of deference to Jonathan. "Just gimme more medicine...and I won't be eating cat for dinner, yeah?"

Kintaro was dazed, as he curled around the eggs tiredly. "Something...h-helped me...I couldn't push...and they r-reached in, pulled them out...oh my god, oh god it hurt so bad, Darren..."

He still was leaking reddish-tinted magic blood mixed with amniotic fluid from his groin onto the floor. He was helped, but it ripped him from the inside as punishment.

"...Fine...Only because I know my wife and children would want me to...but don't think I've forgiven you, you ratted dog." Jonathan growled lightly before heading off.

Mars sighed and watched her dad go before nuzzling her husband.

"Don't mind him. He'll calm down soon enough. Especially if I bake him a rhubarb pie later." Tahi assured, knowing what cured her husband's sour moods.

Dar pulled out something else from his inventory, a small green vial of green healing magic. He gently gave it to Kinta to drink, hoping that would help ease the pain and slowly heal him. "I'm sorry, love...I'm here now...rest as much as you can...whatever helped...least it's over..."

He started playing with Kinta's hair to help keep him calm, "I am afraid however my sister found out about your little secret weapon...she asked you to hand it over...lest we are given a stricter punishment for going against her law..."

Edge chuckled softly and he padded over to Tahi, laying down beside her, taking care of his oxygen tubing which still lead to his snout. "Thanks for watching my boys...years ago Tahi. Dunno how to repay ya for all that..."

He gently rubbed his muzzle against Tahi's wrinkled face, and barked happily, licking her cheek.

Red let the antivenom work on him, and soon he'd started hacking. Shakily he stood up and took a few steps. Then he vomited out his lunch onto the floor in the corner. After feeling so sickly, he changed to his Chihuahua form and crawled into Mars lap slowly.

Kinta carefully drank the green healing potion, gasping halfway through it in pain. He closed his eyes, and sighed, he pulled his dart pouch off his upper arm, dropping it to the floor. "No more...no more weapons... I'm just... nothing I guess..."

He laid in Dar's lap, tears streaming down his cheeks, his black hair draped over his shoulders limply. "...just a worm...a lowly worm...stuck under the boot of your sister..."

His tail curled around their eggs, his body trembling as he sobbed, his soul cracking nearly in half; but not dusting. He was a broken naga, utterly defeated finally. It took being defanged, declawed and having the poison sacs removed. But he was truly little more than a slithering worm.

His husband Darren was stronger than him. And that was saying something in their world.

"No need for that, Edge dear. They were good boys. Only shame is you didn't see them grow up with me.• Tahi gave a wrinkled smile before patting his head.

She was made to be a mother, and a mother she was to the kids she had.

"Come here..." Mars helped him the rest of the way. She gently picked him up and used a nearby tissue to clean his mouth up.

After that, she gave Red a kiss on the head and let him relax in her sweater. "Better? You okay?"

"That's not true...you are more than any worm..." Dar's heart broke at seeing his husband like this. He gave him a few kisses and tried wiping his eyes.

"...You still are the world to me...you are the father of our children...and the best thing that's happened to me..." Dar whispered between each kiss he gave, trying not to let his own tears fall with him.

He hated being under his sister's rule. It was like he was a child again, only this was a different sister...and he was sick of it.

He took the bag of blow darts and put it in his inventory...one last thing he could do.

Edge settled down, his long tail curling beside his bony thigh. He was still his blaster dog self, his bio-linked robotic arm and leg having shifted to accommodate his change in body. However, despite that, he was still rather weak, his oxygen tubes still within his nasal holes in his snout.

He always enjoyed Tahi's company, and he panted happily at the old cat's petting. Looking to Bitter, he grinned. This old pussy knows how to pet an old hound, huh?

Bitter just rolled her eyes and snuggled up in Edge's natural arm. "You dirty old mutt, don't say shit like that..."

Red had snuggled in Mars sweater, and his laughing could be heard. "gawd, dad you're horrible. but yeah, mars-bar, this is better... thanks darlin."

He poked his tiny apple-head out from her sweater and smiled, his tiny red tongue hanging from his muzzle. "still gotta beat this shit, but at least i ain't poisoned now too..."

In their part of the castle, Kintaro felt so low, but the kisses and the love being heaped upon him from Darren made him feel a bit better. "Even though... I'm lower than nothing...you will stay with this defenseless viper...you truly are weak my love. But...you are stronger than even me now..."

He gently picked up their eggs, and slithered to where they were keeping them, and he nestled the eggs into the incubators. Then he backed away a bit, a trail of reddish-tinged blood followed him like a snail trail on the white tiled floor.

"Anata... I had said that there person's worth is their ability to protect...or be protected. It still stands. Now, instead of protecting... I need protection. Why she won't let us on the surface is beyond me..." He sighed, his clawless hand harmlessly pressing against the glass of the incubator.

"So...she keeps us here. No way to protect. We can only eat her food, she's probably poisoning us to keep us here!" He wrapped his long black hair into a low bun, scowling.

"And all we can do is wait, Darren...but can we do?"

Tahi giggled a bit and went to sit down in a nearby chair. Mars looked over at her mom and sighed, "...Thanks...for...watching over them mom..."

"My pleasure dear. Family and friends are important, as I've said before. Nothing is worth more precious." Tahi smiled and sat back in the chair, letting herself relax.

Mars managed a little smile before nuzzling Red, a low purr escaping her, "...Love ya you old mutt..."

"Smarts can mean more than brute strength, my viper. I've survived this long after all..." Darren chuckled, "But if anyone can make me weak..it would be you."

"...Perhaps I may speak with her to allow us on the surface...though...love...I don't believe the dart to...her in-law's side of the family...was quite the greatest evidence on our part." Dar sighed before coming up behind his love and hugging him.

"...Way I see it there is two ways we can go about this...we either talk with her to seek acess to the surface...or..." His hug got a little tighter around Kinta, "...We force it for ourselves...my only fear is that our children are in danger should we force it..."

Edge curled up around Bitter, slathering her ghostly teacup cheeks with kisses. His bony tail thumped happily against the floor, and Bitter reached up adjusting Edge's oxygen tubes.

Red smiled, his tiny tail wiggling brightly as Mars held him in her hands. "i love you too, mars..."

He kissed all over her cheeks, yipping excitedly. Looking to Mars slightly rounded belly, he leaned down and put his little paws on her belly, patting happily. "i hope our kid is healthy..."

Back in the throne room, Aqua had come plodding out from their bedroom, wearing a set of simple pjs, yawning softly. Despite being overweight already, her belly was quite heavy and swollen with their twin seawater kits. She looked to Frisk and leaned over pressing a gentle kiss to her child's forehead. "You do all your homework, Frisky? Mom's still dealing wit your Uncle and Auntie...oh, I think they're still here. You wanna go see your G'pa and G'ma?"

"Sure they are, babe...they're okay." Mars assured and kissed him gently.

Frisk was talking with the rest of their cousins in the throne room when they were hugged and kissed by Aqua. Hi mom! Yeah, I finished a while ago. Just getting to know my cousins.

They gave her a hug back and smiled, They're here still. I think it would be okay.

"We'll be staying within the castle anyway, Frisk. We wanted to walk around." Tyra assured as the stood by Rockwell, Ebrima, and the triplets.

"yeah...we'll be cool." Rockwell shrugged.

After returning the kiss to her, Red leapt out of her hands slightly, and then crawled up onto her stomach, and smiled happily. "i love you so much, darlin..."

Edge carefully got to his feet, and stretched slightly; as Bitter grabbed his oxygen concetrator. She slung the bag over her shoulder, and hovered next to Edge as he slowly padded out to the throne room; having to duck to get through the door. He was still slowly padding along a bit easier in his Blaster Dog form, but it was still somewhat difficult for him.

Aqua smiled happily, nodding. "Sounds like a plan, kid." She started to lead Frisk towards the resting room; until she saw that Edge was coming out, and her red eyes widened.

"Well, guess your G'pa decided to come join ya'll." She lifted her hand, and lightly petted Edge. "Heya big guy, you look a bit better now that you're in your old dog form, huh?"

Edge lowered his head, and had a smirk across his muzzle as he came over to the children after he was petted. Laying down happily; he smiled brightly. "Mhm...yeah, I'm doing...a lot better, Aquaria."

Mars gave him a few more kisses before he jumped off. She rather enjoy the time with him now than have to deal with the kids. They'd be fine on their own..right?

Frisk was following their mom as Tyra was heading off with the rest when they saw Edge and Bitter. Frisk immediately headed over to go hug their G'pa as they looked amazed at his new form. They'd never seen that before.

Ebrima headed over a bit to give her G'pa a few pats, happier to see him better.

"cool. least we got that going for us." Rockwell mentioned as he headed over.

"So...everything was good with the snake guy and...our...grand..pa? That's what we call the old cat guy?" Jackson asked confusedly.

"That would be him. Don't mind the old grumpy cat. He's a good man, just rather impatient is all." Tahi had suddenly appeared as she was hugging Julia, earning a slight purr from the skelegirl. "You can call me Grandma or Granny if you like, dears."

Red snuggled Mars, and looked to her. "which form you want me in? lover's choice, babe~"

Edge was enjoying all the attention, his large tail smacking lightly against the floor. He nuzzled Ebrima's hand, and purred at the pets and love.

Bitter giggled softly, setting the machine close by Edge. "Don't go to far Edge, you might be your Blaster Dog form, but you're still attached to your oxygen a'right? I had increased the output to seven liters, so it'll work for your larger body."

Kintaro meanwhile had a few last ditch plans in mind, and he had made a few calls. The side entry to their portion of the castle was opened, as Belladonna allowed her parents inside, like she did most days.

Eli came in, and chuckled softly, seeing that Kintaro had laid their eggs. "Pretty interesting...a cat and a snake created eggs..."

His low voice filled their living room, as Kinta slithered alongside of Dar carefully. A smile crossed his humanoid face. "Anata... while you played kiss ass with your sister... I made a new set of friends while on bed rest."

Edmund stepped further into the room, while his high heeled boots clicked against the floor. His dull greenish-red eyelights gazing to the incubators for a moment, before he smiled to Darren. His eyelights didn't leave the young cat as he curtseyed low.

"Just you like this is fine, Red. I like having you all tiny and huggable." Mars chuckled and pet him for a bit before lying on the floor instead to relax.

Ebrima let him nuzzle her. Rockwell stayed nearby to make sure the two would be alright.

"Where's mom and dad? They okay?" Julia looked over at her grandparents, wondering where they did leave off.

"They're in the resting room, don't you worry none. I think I saw Veronica off to take care of a few things with some guards." Tahi mentioned lightly before letting Julia go so she could be with Bitter.

Dar looked over at Kinta in surprise. This wasn't something he was expecting. He did try to keep his composure and sighed, "Well...someone has to...my sister may act kind...but she still has the guild of Headhunters at her disposal. Something happens with her, I'll likely have my dust be used for potions."

He did look slightly unnerved at seeing Edmund again but said nothing, "...I am curious to know what plan you had in mind, my viper..."

Red watched as Mars laid on the floor on her side, and he snuggled right up beside her happily. "aw you always did like tiny things, didn't ya, babe?"

He stood up on his back paws, his tiny front paws on her stomach and he licked her face softly. "i love you babe. even if i don't make it somehow...i just want you to know that i would have broken the barrier myself just to see you happy, marrianne."

The tiny dog felt nauseous again and he went over to the corner, and completely emptied his little stomach once more. Hacking softly; he nearly tripped over himself as he came over to Mars slowly; his tail drooping down.

Edge was still just happy and pleased to be near his grandchildren. He looked over to the triplets and barked to them. "C'mon kids. I ain't gonna bite ya." He knew in this form he was rather monsterous appearing, a mouth full of sharp teeth; his dim red and yellow dual-eyelights gazing to his grandchildren; and he was nearly ten feet tall at his shoulders and around twelve feet long from his snout to his tail.

Bitter gently rubbed behind his bony protrusion, and she smiled softly to Julia; scooping up the little girl. "Heya sweetie, just like Granny said they're in the resting room right now still. Decided to shaft you kiddos off to me and G'pa, hah. So how do you like G'pa being this size, hmm? It's actually more natural for him like this...which is why he's not having so much trouble right now."

In the other part of the castle, Belladonna stepped closer to Dar and then she removed her helmet, grinning a bit. "Pfft. The Headhunters...that old group. Of course she'd still have that ace up her sleeve. And she still has the Founder right in her grasp, doesn't she?"

Edmund nodded softly, looking to his daughter. His voice was soft, a lilting tone to it. "Yes, she certainly does. The old Blaster Dog, Dr. Wing Ding Gaster. One thousand and five years old...he is older than even myself or my husband."

Elihu chuckled softly, and looked to the pair. "We're getting to the surface, or...we're taking over down here, Darren. The monsters deserve another boss monster to be in control, you know."

Edmund giggled softly, as he looked up at his husband lovingly. "Yes, my love. And you, a boss monster, shall lead the way through the barrier and to our own surface. Swap's has reached the surface, and so has Alpha...we deserve it as well..."

Kinta slithered over to Dar, and gently pressed a kiss to his beloved's cheek, smiling. "And we found the old doctor's transporter...in the ruined labs. We found an old friend of ours that can assist us with using it. Dr. Alphys. I've paid her dearly for this ability my love~"

Mars nuzzled him and gently scratched behind his little red gel ears, "Love ya too...don't fucking talk like that though...We've made though tougher...you can beat this cancer's ass too...I'd take on Asgore's fat dumbass anyday if it meant you're okay..."

She let him go moment he felt nauseous again. That look made her worry as she pulled him close, "...I'd do anything...to see you okay..."

"...Remember when we first met...? Swore to the Angel...I thought you were a new pet or toy for me...not a fucking monster..." She chuckled sadly, "...then I thought you were just...saving your hide with my dad's stupid name...but...that night happened...you remember...?"

The night hit her vividly with every detail. The gang of monsters who were pissed at their duped delivery. They tried dusting her but that's what Mars planned to bring them to a trap. A simple plan to make herself look like she was dusted from their attacks before her own trap sprung and killed the three idiots that tried crossing her. Something she learned from her dad and perfected from her annoying younger brother.

She had no idea Red had saw...and the face she came back to when she went home...she never wanted to see him that heartbroken again. That whole thing she saw proved how much Red really cared about her. After that, she only remembered bedroom cuddles and him sticking by her side for days.

Jackson shrugged and headed over to chill with his cousins and G'pa. Crimson kept their distance, not in the mood to converse or interact with anyone. They just stayed in the corner and played on their phone.

Julia did turn to her lion kitten form for Bitter to hold onto her better, lightly giving out a purr, "Never seen him like that. I did kinda wonder where dad learned how to do it though. Makes sense now."

"It is a slow process to get to the surface. So...this plan is either regicide...or we leave to the surface on our own accord. Both we need to be strategic either way. Good to see you have your steps calculated." Dar smiled proudly at Kinta before looking at the older monster couple.

"The old doctor is here...along with the rest of the family. The Old Captain's children, my eldest sister, her husband The Judge, and his children all are residing in the castle. Why the Captain himself is not here is beyond me, but that works to our favor. We have them all to avoid." Dar smriked once he soon got an idea.

Red had coughed a couple times, and he tiredly snuggled against her. "...y-yeah i remember babe...gawd you scared the shit outta me...all of that shit..." He just nuzzled her lovingly, spreading his paws out across her stomach slightly, not wanting to let go of her.

Edge by then was just lazing on his side happily, his tail occasionally thumping in happiness. He had Ebrima, Rockwell and now Jackson snuggling against his side and he was pleased as punch as his grandkids snuggled against his chest and stomach. He turned his large head slightly and nuzzled them each in turn lovingly. "Each of you kids are...so precious to me you know!"

He lifted his head slightly to look to Crimson, and then he lowered his head once again, yawning widely; his old slightly broken fangs being seen. It was clearly evident, even in his blaster dog form that he was old, most likely considered ancient by then, with lots of fine cracks and weathering in his bone; his ectogel still littered with multitudes of scars. His dual-colored eyelights were dim, and his tongue, compared to Red's, was almost dry as he licked his grandkids in a loving fashion.

The dark circles under his sockets showed his age as well, on top of his lack of movement from where he settled down. He was happy, his grandchildren and ghostly wife was near him; it didn't take much to please the old hound dog anymore.

In the other part of the castle, Edmund grinned as he listened. "The old doctor? He is an easy target...his sons however. Even the Judge is a formidable opponent. He may be weak in strength, but sheer determination...he certainly makes up with that."

Eli nodded to what his husband stated so eerily, and he frowned for a moment. "Regicide or brute force...hmm...well considering I'll be taking over...perhaps it won't be so much regicide, as...pushing them out on an extended vacation?"

Edmund giggled brightly, as he looked to Darren. "We simply kidnap them, and punt them through the transporter! Then we can work on accessing OUR surface, Mr. Jae!"

Mars kept petting him, not wanting him to go either, "Didn't know then...I know now though. I won't make a disappearing act for ya. Promise." She gave him a few kisses before settling back down.

"...You think this one's gunna be a boy or girl...? Not going to lie...I could use another girl...a little boy ain't too bad either though." She chuckled before lightly patting her stomach, "...Either way...second time's the charm."

Jackson smiled and patted at his G'pa, completely fine with him being so loving like that. Ebrima was especially loving the attention and nuzzled back despite her normal blank expression.

Rockwell just managed a smile and patted his head before chilling out. He'd take on the peaceful silence while he had it. No time around his dad was worth it.

Tahi had meanwhile decided to strike up conversation with Crimson since they were keeping their distance. "You liking the castle, dear...?"

Crimson only let out a warning growl. But that didn't seem to put off Tahi, she gave a smile in return. "Fiesty one. Goodness...you remind me of Papyrus when he was your age." That attracted Crimson's and Rockwell's attention. Rockwell kept an eyesocket on Tahi as she started talking. Crimson gave their full attention.

"Oh yes. I remember how much he tried acting all tough and scary when he was a little younger than you. Always tried pleasing my husband with making all sorts of traps, got into little competitions for attention with my son and eldest daughter. I would make him cookies and try teaching him cooking, he loved it for a while. But...can't survive off of cooking alone in this world. Well...least before Veronica took as Queen." Tahi chuckled lightly at the memories. She looked like she had only LOVE but, the old cat woman had much more love.

"And how are we to do that? We need human souls to break the barrier...last I checked we only have 2." Darren seemed slightly annoyed with how cheerful Edmund was being but said nothing for Kinta's sake. "As for kidnapping...we need a strategic plan to make sure it works. I don't want to know what awaits us if we fail."

Red tilted his head slightly, his red ectogel ears lifting in curiousity as he gazed to his wife's stomach. Putting his tiny nose to the surface, he snuffled softly; and laid down beside her. "either way is good with me too, babe."

Edge lowered his head, and smiled happily; his oxygen concentrator chugging beside him. Bitter gently held Julia close to her chest, and pressed a soft kiss to her head. "You enjoyin' time with us, hon?"

As Darren rebutted to the older couple, Kinta just was grinning from his human ear to ear over what his husband was stating.

"Oh...my sweet beloved kitten...I've had friends in many places, despite being holed away in the castle with yourself and our beloved children..." He slithered over to a locked drawer and opened it up with what he had stashed away on him, set into a necklace. One of his old long and hooked claws; the only thing that could open said drawer.

Pulling out a thin notebook, he flipped through it; and smiled. "How many have you gotten, Greenburg? The full amount?"

Eli smiled, and pulled out a thin metallic case he carried with him, which had delicate darts nestled inside. "Mhm. We've got all seven now, Kintaro."

Edmund smiled to Darren, smoothing his dress out slightly. "We can break the barrier, Mr. Jae. If you'll assist us in our endeavor? And take your sister out?"

The doll-like skeleton held out the metallic case of darts to Darren, which was a formulation of Kintaro's venom that had no anti-venom available. It was blended with another three different naga's poisons. The only Naga still alive in that mixture was Kintaro himself, it was a death that was irreversible.

"...You...raised my uncle and dad...?" Crimson gave her a confused but slightly interested look.

"Oh yes! Was many many years ago. Your grandfather, the old hound here, left to find a better life. Jonathan, my husband and I, were a bit sad to see him go. Well...he was more angry...but it was justified at the time. What we both didn't know was that he left behind his dear sons too. Poor babies...I went over as much as I could to raise and protect them. Treated them as my own sons...never liked holding grudges. Gaster may have left me but that doesn't mean I keep that same sadness for him onto his children. Such good boys. Very good boys...we had our times. Papyrus adored my husband. Red stayed somewhat close to me but..he was a little distant..always trying to act more like an adult than a child some days. But that was alright. I did my best to teach them what I could..." Tahi smiled bittersweetly at the memory before seeming to look blankly at the wall, "Did my best to love them...as I loved my babies...one out of five...not my best...but I'm glad it worked for something...they're all so sweet...sweet...sweet children..."

Julia purred and nodded at Bitter, but got concerned as she saw Tahi seeming to go into a small trance.

"Impressive." Dar was pleasantly surprised but didn't complain. He took the case of darts and examined them with a small smirk that got larger the more he looked at things.

"...I can perfectly handle my sister...you just need to handle the rest...if anyone can get close to our little queen...it would be me. Afterall...she had always a soft spot for her baby brother." Dar chuckled darkly as he pocketed the darts in his inventory, "You have a deal..."

Red had stretched again, and he got up from snuggling Mars and headed into the main room finally. Seeing Tahi, a smile came across his muzzle and he went over; standing up on his back legs as he rested his tiny paws on her knee. "mom, tahi...i see you're talkin' to my kid, crimson. you're being nice to granny tahi, ain't you, crimes?"

Edge chuckled softly as he saw another group of the guards coming over to him, and he rolled his dual colored eyelights for a moment. He stretched lightly, and got up when he saw one of the Headhunters bringing over an old book in their hands. "What's that ya got there?"

"It's an untranslatable book we recovered, Founder Gaster...could you perhaps see if it's possible to recover it's contents that were thought lost to the ages?" The Headhunter disciple stated softly, as they opened the book for him to look at.

Kinta smiled, as he slithered over to Dar, gently trailing his clawless fingertips along his love's jawline. "Don't I always find a way to make our lives better my Anata?"

His tail curled gently around Darren's legs, as he gave his husband a passionate kiss. After just a moment, he drew his hands up to rub behind Dar's ears. "Just do what you do best, my little subversive sneaky kitten...subterfuge and assassination...we will complete everything else. Soon our children will be on the surface world...warmth...light...everything for the taking..."

Edmund's creepy grin was wide and pleased, as he nestled himself in the crook of his husband's strong arm; leaning lightly against the golem's chest. "Don't you worry about a thing, Mr. Jae; we will complete what's needed, and everything will fall into place."

Mars followed Red abck to the main room to see her mom go into a blank trance of mumbled ramblings. She headed over and snapped her fingers, causing the old cat to jump but go back to normal, "Hmm? Wha...Oh! Hello dear. Marrianne...goodness you've grown so much, dear. You eating well? Would you like something?"

"You've said that...and yeah, I'm good. Don't worry about it, Ma." Mars sighed before looking at Crimson.

"...Yeah...we're fine. she was...mumbling something about you and uncs earlier..." Crimes shrugged before looking somewhere other than at their dad.

Frisk perked up at the sound of a book and decided to try and take a peek, along with Ebrima and Tyra. Frisk was always nosy about monster history and customs. Ebrima and Tyra were mostly the book worms of the family, so any book would catch their attention.

Dar chuckled at Kinta's touch, letting out a low purr as he was pulled into the kiss. "Of course. I won't fail you, my succulent and powerful viper...not to worry."

"I have no worries. Just keep your end of the bargain. And I'll keep mine. The surface is ours as long as we make of it. When do we start...? The sooner I feel that sun, the better."

Red simply nodded, not wanting to really get into it with his child, as he climbed up into Tahi's lap gently.

Edge nodded, as he looked closely at the book the Headhunter disciple brought to him. Flipping a few pages, he chuckled. "This is deep shit, kiddo...where did you really find this?"

The book was in his own language, his own handwriting no less; and it detailed how he'd created his sons, through the use of genetics, black magic and scientific endeavors not thought possible at the time.

The disciple blanched a bit, shuffling to prevent dropping the book. "In the...the abandoned laboratory..."

Kintaro bared his non-existent fangs and in a fit of passion, bit at Darren's neck like he always used to do. When nothing happened this time around, the viper gingerly pulled away, and looked down.

Eli and Edmund were pointedly not looking to attempt to be kind still. Ed just closed his eyes, while he gently nuzzled Eli's chest.

Ed looked towards the floor, realizing that Darren had asked something of them. "...You can start tonight actually, Mr. Jae. Incapacitate Dr. Gaster, we'll go from there..."

Tahi smiled and pet at Red, happy to have him around again. She always knew what spots to get him that he loved best.

Ebrima was still getting used to her grandfather's writing, so she understood bits and pieces. Frisk looked completely lost on what it was saying. Tyra seemed to grasp it as she understood, having been studying her grandfather's work from time to time.

"What are you going to do with it, G'pa?" Tyra seemed interested in what was going to happen. Ebrima tried taking the book from the disciple so they wouldn't drop it. Whatever it was, it seemed important.

"Very well...tonight it is. We meet at the lab to finish this endeavor." Dar promised, happy to see he'll get something. Feeling Kinta bite at him but no fang to nudge at his neck, he stiffened but grew concerned. It really wasn't the same, but that didn't seem to stop him from gently patting at Kinta's face.

"Tis not the end of the world...least if all goes well...we'll have a better beginning. For us and the children. Until then...shall I make something for the both of us...? You've had quite the day." Least he could do while he waited for his next move was to pamper his husband.

Red soon was laying on his side in Tahi's lap, his back leg lightly jiggling as she pet him in all the right spots, his gel ears standing up and slightly moving in happiness.

The disciple started to make a jerking movement with the book, until Edge growled. They then let Ebrima hold the book, with a low bow. "M'sorry, Founder Gaster..."

Edge chuckled slightly, then he looked to Tyra and outright laughed happily. "...Gonna prolly just place it in my library honestly. It's how I created my boys, and it has some of my first spells."

The disciple seemed excited when he spoke of 'first spells' as they'd thought, when they heard Edge mumbling quietly. "Founder Gaster?"

Soon, Edge's oxygen concentrator began beeping slightly before he could finish the spell. He laid down, looking exhausted. "...Don't be...scared...I'll be...alright, yeah?"

Kinta thought for a little bit, as he circled his husband. A brilliant smile crossed his lips, and he laughed. "Dinner for both of us?"

"Surely you jest... you've already eaten, Darren..." Kinta's slit-irises narrowed as he glared to Dar. "...but I'll let it slide, because I love you so..."

"As to what I want?" He darted forward, almost seductively curling around Dar's feet again. "Surprise me!"

He had noticed that the Greenburg's had left, but he made no outward sign of it. No wonder the naga viper was on edge and stressed, most times if you wish stuff to happen...it did, and it almost always backfired if one wasn't careful.

"Interesting. It would be good to keep it around just in case. You never know what information could fall to the wrong hands." Tyra warned gently.

Ebrima didn't seem to mind, she just held it for her G'pa. She couldnt read most of what was on it anyway, but the fact that this held how her father and uncle were made intrigued her.

"Goodness, that old thing? I remember when you were first talking about it with Jonathan." Tahi giggled lightly as she kept petting Red. Mars couldn't help but sneak a picture of her husband in that state, thinking he was cute.

"That might mean the thing needs charging. There an outlet around?" Jackson heard the beeps as he looked around. Frisk was the one who ended up getting up from their spot to plug the machine in. Kid knew their way around the castle so they knew where things were.

"Truth be told, no. I haven't love. Just a bread roll to hold me while I fetched my parents. I won't overeat, I promise. If I say for two, they'll allow me to make a larger portion in the kitchen." Dar chuckled before pulling him into a quick kiss.

"Whatever you desire, my viper...I'll make it so." He smiled a bit and led Kinta over to the kitchen in the side of the castle. There used to be chefs there, but due to the fact that Dar liked to cook and some workers were fearful of Kinta, no one was really using it. Since the removal of the naga's claws and fangs, there have been a few brave ones that would take in the kitchen to make odd couple their meals unless Dar took over.

Dar wouldn't admit it, but he was feeling a bit stressed about this whole proposal. But the hope that he could get a better life for his family...that kept him going. The cooking would keep his mind busy until he had to find his sister and start their plan.

Edge managed a soft chuckle, nodding. Bitter hovered near the old hound dog, making sure his nasal tubes were fixed well, and she rubbed his head, smiling.

Once his machine was plugged in, some of the color came back to his bones, and he sighed, his eyes re-focusing easily. "...Yeh, it's just my old journal on the boys...along with kinda...some original spells I'd written. Some of them even Veronica and Shade don't know yet..."

Red sat in Tahi's lap, his little bony tail wagging rapidly. Bitter gently stroked her son's tiny head with a gloved finger. "Tahi, he's such an old man baby dog isn't he? Those big eye sockets and tiny little head!"

The tiny old dog was quite pleased with the attention he was getting, and he barked and yipped excitedly, his little red gel tongue hanging from his muzzle. He'd long since shrugged off his jacket, leaving him in a white stained tank top and shorts.

As he laid on his back, the dark black spotting of his cancer could be seen in his stomach, which was larger than normal, despite him in his 'normal form' having a bit of a pot belly.

Kintaro thought as he was led into the kitchen by his husband, and a soft smirk crossed his face. He knew his midsection was still very soft and he'd be able to trick the old doctor and his wife most likely.

"Stuff me, my love...make me look as big as before. I need to not eat for nearly two weeks, if we can manage it..." Kinta hissed out silkily, as he trailed his fingers down Dar's neck.

"You'll be getting Veronica, and I'll get the old doctor Gaster..." Kinta murmured, as he saw a bowl of meatloaf in the fridge and he began to eat it cold, as he was famished.

"All the more reason to keep it safe, G'pa." Tyra warned lightly before kissing his cheek.

Jackson gave a thumbs up to Frisk once he saw Edge was acting normal again. Frisk nodded back and rejoined, not wanting to miss another moment.

Tahi didn't seem to notice it, her sight wasn't the best with her old age. Mars noticed it though, but she was trying to pretend she didn't.

"Old man he may be but I think he's still my baby. Isn't that right, Sans dear?" Tahi smiled and patted him before stopping. Her hand was getting tired from all the repetitive movements.

"Your wish is my command, my snake." Dar chuckled before shivering at Kinta's touch. That's all he needed to get right to cooking.

He'd make quite the buffet for his love, all ready to eat whenever the naga pleased. He wouldn't notice the smell of the food would attract someone over.

She was looking for him all day and he gave her the clue she needed.

Edge purred gently at the kiss from Tyra, and he sighed along with nodding. "Yeh, I'll put it in my inventory then..."

After he put it into his inventory, he yawned and laid easily onto his side. With the increase in his height and length; it managed to make him appear even more slender than usual. His red and black striped sweater hung off of him.

Red laid on his back still and he sighed happily. Through his red ectogel middle, the black area had seemed larger than it had been the week before. "old man? eh, i guess so. yeah i'll always be yer baby, tahi..."

He snuggled against Tahi's middle and smiled in a pleased fashion. More of his tank top slid upwards, revealing more of the dark blackened area.

Kinta meanwhile had soon begun to gorge himself, a slight blush across his cheeks. After he'd eaten nearly half the buffet, he leaned back on his coil, running his hand over his stomach in a blissful state.

Tyra gave her G'pa a pat on the head, seeming worried about him. She tried to keep hopeful for him though.

Tahi nodded and smiled before finally noticing the blackened area, "Hmm? Oh Sans dear...did you get dirty? What's that little black spot on you?" she tried focusing on it, unsure of what it really was. Stain was the best option she had with what she could see.

"Uh...oh...we're...working on that, Ma. It's..not a stain. We got a plan for it though...right Red...?" Mars seemed really relucant to talk about what was going on with Red to the old cat. She had no idea how she would react to the truth.

Dar finished the food and watched his husband gorge himself, feeling pride in seeing how happy his husband looked at he ate. Made everything worth it for him.

What he wasn't expecting was seeing his sister come into the kitchen. He froze in place, unable to figure out what she wanted or what to do.

"Hello you two. I was looking everywhere...I should have started with the kitchen of all places." Verri gave a lighthearted laugh, "Shame...i wanted to invite you both to a family dinner with the rest. But if you had your fill, that's alright."

"That's all there is? An invitation?" Dar looked suspicously at his sister. Part of him wanted to dart her right now. There were no guards, no headhunters that he could sense...he could take her down right now and there if he wanted. But he wanted to move accordingly.

"Well, not just that. I wouldn't be looking around the castle just for an invitation to dinner. I had more news to give you...a gift really...especially after everything I've had done to Kintaro...My apologies by the way, brother in law. People were calling for stricter punishment before the three strike rule was implemented. I wanted to show mercy to you...you are family after all, and carrying children. I never want dust to fall on these floors again..." Verri gave a small warm smile to Kinta, hoping it shown she held no hard feelings towards him.

Edge murred at Tyra's patting, closing his eyes a bit, as his tail thumped gently. Bitter had a light frown across her face, as she rubbed Edge's chest comfortingly, while cradling Julia in her long gloves.

Red covered his face with a paw, and whined. "yeah, mom...we got a plan, don't cha worry 'bout me none. i'll be fine."

Kintaro had risen from his coil and was continuing to gorge finely gleefully on the food, with a large wedge of cake in his hands, partially eaten.

Swallowing the cake piece whole, he looked to her curiously. "S-S-Show mercy?"

He slowly slithered over to the last thing on the table, which was a carved watermelon filled with other fruit pieces. The coral naga didn't regard his sister-in-law in the least bit.

Before they did anything, he wanted to finish the food he'd wanted to gorge on. Unhinging his jaw, he swallowed the filled watermelon whole, swallowing it with a pleased expression across his face. His stomach bulged out, almost obscenely large by then.

He hissed in a pleased manner and had the widest grin.

In the other part of the castle however, Edmund had been making his way closer to where Gaster laid. The old hound dog was in his sights, and he began to influence things differently.

Edge soon began to drool at the mouth, his sockets drooping down tiredly.

Julia watched her G'ma pet her G'pa. She seemed a little concerned at seeing him drool as she pulled out a handkerchief from her inventory to wipe it off.

Ebrima looked up at the old hound until she felt something...different. She didn't receive the same harsh training as her eldest brother and cousin did with her father, but she had training in other means. All she knew was something was off...and it wasn't good.

"Alright dears. I trust you. Done take good care of yourselves, hmm?" Tahi commented lightly before settling in her chair. She knew something was up but said nothing...for now.

"Yes. As a peace token to you both...I managed to get this approved during my trip to the surface." Verri turned her back to pull something from her inventory.

Darc could have taken that opportunity to kill her right there. She had her back turned, perfect shot of her neck to blow the dart in. But something was stopping him from getting the dart out.

That something would be the gleam of an official golden seal.

Verri pulled the document out and handed it to Dar. "Congratulations. You, Kinta, and the children are free to live on the surface! Granted, all I ask is that you be on your best behavior there...but other than that, you are free to move!"

Dar was...shocked as he took the document. He read it a few times, over and over. This wasn't a fluke or fake. He actually got what he wanted...

And that made everything all the harder for him...

Edmund continued to fry Edge's mind, his deadpanned eyelights gazing to Edge from where he was hidden. The old hound would be soon reduced to nothing.

Edge was muttering under his breath, as a shell of resistive magic appeared around them all, stopping Edmund's magic thankfully. He licked tiredly at his drooling muzzle, panting in confusion.

Kintaro almost was going to make the move for Darren, to wrap Verri up in his coil. Until he saw the gold seal on the document.

He stopped in his tracks and his eyes widened. They had to abandon their plan now. What they wanted was achieved, and they had no need to kill her now. Let her have her smelly wife and idiotic human child.

They had what they wanted now.

"G'pa...? Are you alright?" Tyra seemed worried as she kept wiping drool from him, "Maybe we should get you some rest. Frisk...is there a guestroom we may have for him...?"

Frisk gave them a happy nod, willing to lead to a better room for the old hound to rest.

Ebrima sensed the magic and tapped at her brother's shoulder 3 times. Rockwell immediately got on guard, knowing what that signal meant.

"...Thank you...sister...this...this is wonderful..." Dar's hands shook as he held the paper. Verri just smiled and hugged her shaking brother, figuring that he was overwhelmed with the news.

"I believe there is already a few houses ready to be moved in, so you can leave at anytime. Perhaps wait until the eggs are born. Be best you didn't put too much stress on the children while they're in there." She gave him a firm hug and went to give one to Kinta too before heading off.

Dar still froze as he debated on what to do. If she dies...they could lose their summonce...and their lives as a result. His sister always did her best to be there for him, even when he fought for others' attention...like his father's.

...He decided to warn her.

"SISTER! WAIT!" Dar ran off to go catch her before it was too late.

Edge continued to pant softly, and when he saw the large figure moving in the corner of the large room towards the farthest hallway, he let out a thunderous bark, shakily leaping to his feet.

Bitter's eyes widened, as she saw the oxygen tubing fall from her husband's snout. "Gaster, what are you doing?!"

"Disciples, t-to my side!" He growled, seeing the dark figure having stopped in their tracks, still far away from Veronica. "S-Sans!"

Red leapt from Tahi's lap, growling almost cutely, until he'd changed to his normal form once again, and he was at his father's side, despite his pain. "something smells like dust and rubbing alcohol... it's the fuckin greenburg's i bet..."

Eli heard the commotion and he frowned, readying his preferred weapon, his old red eyes focusing on Veronica who was still at the end of the hallway.

Edmund gently leapt down from the rafters, his dress fluttering softly around his legs.

Kinta had a sudden change of his soul. The motherly instinct tugged at him, as he slithered down the hallway, he had to protect his children's future.

It all happened so fast, unfortunately.

Eli's hacksaw cut into Kintaro's side, instead of it striking Veronica in her head like he'd attempted to do so. A pained hiss came from him, as he laid on his back, the wound slowly leaking magiblood onto the floor.

Rockwell got to his feet and summoned a metal pole to his aid as Tyra pulled out her scythe, ready to fight if needed be.

Crimson's training ended up kicking in as they too drew their clawed knives out and followed their cousins to protect themselves but...protect a little something else they had deep inside.

"CRIMES! THE HELL!?" Jackson saw their sibling rush out with their cousins. Julia rustled out of her G'ma's arms and changed back, "What do we do?"

"Stay the hell here! Don't run off! Let the adults take care of it! Those kids are going to get themselves killed if they're not careful!"Mars hissed out before going to chase them back over.

Veronica was going to see back to her family when she felt something wrong. All she noticed then was Kinta blocking her way and him hitting the floor as Eli attacked him. She let out as gasp and took a step back as Dar only managed to catch up too late.

"KINTARO!" Dar immediately ran over, "SISTER! YOU'RE UNDER ATTACK! GET OUT OF HERE!"

Verri didn't look like she was going to go however, magic slightly sizzling from her paws, "How...dare you..."

Before Verri could try anything, a clawed knife was thrown at Eli's shoulder. Crimson had their teeth bared in a smartass grin, "HEY OLD TIMER! HOW ABOUT YOU DO THIS SHIT FACE TO FACE INSTEAD OF BEING A FUCKING COWARD, HUH? HIDING IN THE DARK LIKE A FUCKING COCKROACH!"

Verri did use some reflecting magic to further protect Kinta while Crimson was making the distraction. Rockwell and Tyra were right by the skele-cat hybrid's side in no time, along with Mars. Mars didn't look any pleased with seeing in what's going on.

Kinta managed to open his eyes, and he gazed to Darren. "A-Anata...I...I want our...our babies to see...to see the sun...please...please make sure...I just...wanted to be a...a good okaa-san..."

Edmund screamed in pain, as he slumped down on the floor, suddenly very disoriented and bad off. Eli was in pain, but he ignored it as he picked up Edmund into his arms.

"Eddie... Bubbala, no dear..." Eli was soon picked up and separated from his love by Verri's black smoke magic.

All it took was a few minutes, and the shadow magic had continued to do it's work. Eli and Edmund were reduced in their mental capacities, and for safety's sake, Eli was crippled as well, with his spine being painlessly broken.

Eli was soon laid on his side after the magic worked on him, and Edmund, although he could still move about, he was crippled more mentally than Eli had been.

It was too little, too late as Belladonna had made her way towards the throne room gripped in fear. "Mater! Abba!"

Edmund looked to Verri, his reddish-green eyelights wide and innocent. "...Who are you d-dearie? You're a...a b-beautiful little lady..."

Red watched as he then came back to see how Edge was doing.

Edge had his eyes closed in exhaustion, but he chuckled softly hearing how Edmund was reacting. "Sounds...likes he's kinda g-gone yanno...whatcha gonna do with them?"

"You will be my love...please...you will be..." Dar focused hard to heal him, boy wanting to lose his husband. "We'll have a big house...all the food you can eat...perhaps make that little tea house we both thought of...our children slithering and playing about in the kimonos my mother made. All under the warm sun...we'll both be there..." he was doing his best not to start crying.

Tyra stayed by Edge's side with Rockwell. Mars just managed to make it as she checked up on the kids, "Are you guys fucking nuts?!"

"Sorry Aunt Mars." Rockwell felt a little bad for leaving like that.

Crimson didn't do much as their dad had them. They did turn to him with a slightly annoyed but unsure look, "Uh...Dad...? You can let go now...I'm cool."

Verri finished her work and let them down gently. She herself took a knee after focusing too much on the black magic she used, "...T-There..."

"Verri! Darz!" Mars finally noticed her siblings and ran over to check on the two.

"H-Help him...please..." Dar was already shaking as his magic wasn't working as well as he wanted it to. Mars took over instantly, that seeming to help the naga better as Dar focused on Verri.

"You are looking at your daughter...Mr. and Mr. Greenburg. Ms. Belladonna...meet your parents...I hated to do this but they attacked and I could have done much...much worse. Tell me...did you know of this plan of theirs...?" Verri hissed lightly as Dar tearfully held onto her.

Kinta had a shaky smile across his face, as he held onto Dar's hand for as long as he could. "H-Hai...oh...oh t-those kimonos...they'll...be so pretty..." His voice was ragged, as it had begun bleeding once again, the slash having reached from his skin down to his scales on his side; his already pale skin was quickly losing it's color. The red, black and yellow bands of his tail appeared even more pale than normal.

Edge was laying down, panting in tiredness. The prior attacks by Edmund still were effecting him, and he was confused and honestly a bit scared, but he tried to hide it; as Bitter had come over, having picked up Julia once more into her long gloves. Hearing Mars, he picked up his head and licked his muzzle in a nervous fashion.

Red gently put Crimson onto the floor and nodded, looking to Edge still. "a'right...jus wanted to make sure you were okay, crimes..." He looked to Edge, a worried expression across his face as he whined a bit. "pops, are you okay?"

Edge panted softly, laying down flat onto the floor. He was breathing heavily by then, his shallow, rasping breaths easily being heard. His red tongue hung out from his muzzle as he breathed; and he occasionally looked around the room, as if making sure his family was still near him for some reason.

Belladonna had removed her helmet, and took a few steps towards her mother. Edmund was seated on the floor; his legs splayed in an odd direction; one hand gripping his dress, the other Eli's hand. He seemed lost, confused and very very senile. Eli could not move his legs, nor anything below the waist; and he just laid there, still slightly in shock over the entire thing, greenish-red blood trickling in a puddle on the floor from his shoulder.

"Our d-daughter? We have...a little girl...oh, Bubbie we have our baby girl Bell-Bell with us..." Eddie quietly spoke, his usually dull eyelights sparkling to genuine hearts seeing his daughter.

Belladonna came over to Edmund, nearly falling to her knees in surprise. "...what would be my punishment...if I was a conspirator, my lady?" Her voice was hollow as she spoke, her eyelights gone.

She didn't seem to really move, even as Edmund pulled his eldest daughter closer to his chest, fawning and doting on her lovingly, while he muttered and mumbled about what they should do, and what he believed her Abba had been doing lately. Which sounded much like simply running a charity medical service...not the atrocious things that the infamous Dr. Greenburg had always done.

Mars kept focus on healing Kinta, "Bro...you got a healing potion on you? I'm trying here..."

Dar just threw her a vial and handed it over. Mars tried giving it to Kinta to help heal him.

"...Yeah...I gotcha...we're...we're good..." Crimes sighed. Tyra decided to try and help Edge back with his oxygen tank, having flown it over along with Frisk's help. She got him plugged in, hoping that would help.

"...If you are a conspirator...then you are going to be given a new job, Ms. Greenburg. Congratulations...you are now the new spokesperson for advocating elderly protection and care. You will be helping me make sure elderly are well taken care of and kept from being murdered here in the Underground." Verri said it matter-o-factly with a small smile. That smile held a lot more than her good intentions however...

"Acts like this are considered treason...Ms. Greenburg...I could make this much...much worse...Now...unless you wish to play this act in a different way...what do you say about this new position, hmm...?" Verri didn't dare leave her eyes from Belladona as she slowly got up.

Kinta shakily drank the healing potion and gasped softly; laying back down against the floor. "D-Domo arigato, Marrianne...I...oh it...it still hurts, b-but the bleeding...thank god I already had the eggs..."

Edge's raspy and ragged breathing soon calmed down slightly as his oxygen concentrator had been plugged in, with Bitter putting the tubes back in his nose. Bitter gently kissed Edge's cheek, rubbing his back. "Gaster, you okay? What happened even?"

He looked to Bitter and lowered his head slightly, letting out a whine. A few moments later, he looked to the rest of his family, as a slight blush crossed his cheeks. Without responding, he reached out; nabbing Red by the collar of his jacket. Holding his eldest son between his front paws, he began to groom him weakly.

Regardless of what was going on around them, Eli just stared at the ceiling. Edmund however was cutesily trying to see just how he could stand up and get his daughter to join him. But to where he was going, he had no clue.

Belladonna gently held her mother's hand to keep him from wandering off and she sighed. "...What color dress would you prefer me to wear when I address the people...as the Chancellor over Elderly Affairs..."

"Just shut up and relax...it's gunna hurt a while until I finish." Mars sighed and kept at it even after Kinta finished drinking the potion.

"You feeling better, G'pa..?" Tyra looked at him worriedly. She saw him take Red and start licking him, not helping her worry much.

"That I'll leave up to you, Ms. Greenburg...Though I do suggest nothing black or red. We want to advocate change...that includes this silly uniform getup the previous Royal left." Verri assured before calling for guards, one carrying a wheelchair for Eli.

"I'll have them help you take your parents home. They'll soon be the first to try out the new elderly care home that I want built and trialed" she smiled as two guards carefully helped Eli onto the wheelchair.

Dar stayed by Kinta's side as soon as he saw his sister was fine. He tried to use his little healing magic along with Mars's to try and help Kinta. He wouldn't last long but he's run on pure determination to make sure Kinta was going to turn out okay.

Kinta weakly nodded, as he laid back so Mars could continue to heal him. Thankfully it was starting to work fully, and he let out a hissing groan, closing his eyes.

Edge soon finished with his grooming, as Red had changed to his chunky little Chihuahua form, and his much larger parent just laid beside him.

Red looked to Edge, licking his bony cheek with his little red tongue. "pops, ya a'right? c'mon, say something dad...puddin was asking ya something..."

Edge opened his eyes slightly, letting out a huff softly. His eyelights gazed to Tyra, a senile innocence behind them. "W-Where are we, Puddin?"

One of the Headhunters came to Edge's side and softly rubbed his shoulder. They looked to Verri, shaking their head gently. "Ma'am... he's been afflicted...how shall we help Founder Gaster?"

Belladonna just simply nodded, as she continued to hold her mother's hand. Edmund gazed about the room, a slight smile. The elderly skeleton didn't know where he was, but he was happy to be with his daughter.

Eli let out a soft groan at being moved, and he patted his lap for Edmund to sit with him.

Mars seemed to relax once she saw Kinta was healing. Dar has a hopeful smile before he ended up passing out from magic overuse. He hadn't tried healing magic since he was 10, having given up practicing it since his dad wanted to have him focus on toxins.

Tyra held her G'pa, not liking how that sounded. "...W-We're in the Underground, G'pa...remember...?"

Frisk headed over to their mother's side and hugged her, figuring the both of them could get comfort. Verri held her child close before looking to the Headhunter, "...It's getting late. Let's have him and the rest of our guests settled into a room for the night. We'll have them return to the surface in the morning..."

"Sis, you kidding me?" Mars looked over at her in shock.

"No. I'm not kidding. Having all of you here was dangerous. All of you need to go back home...Moment Darren and Kinta are awake, I'll ask them about why this happened." Verri sounded deeply serious but troubled. Afraid her family would be hurt more.

"...You are free to go...Ms. Greenburg...take your parents and go home..."

Edge looked to Tyra, blinking slowly for a moment. "Naw, naw we...ohh, Caddy and Paps, got us to the surface and all..."

Bitter gently hugged Edge, her glove running down his cheek. "Yeah, Gaster...but we're back home, we're in Fell...we came through the Observator..."

Red got up and had walked alongside of his Dad, changing back to his normal form along the way. He lightly rubbed his Dad's back, stepping away from him.

He went over to Verri, and looked down to Frisk, wondering if he should say anything at all.

Belladonna stood, her face just barely hiding her anger. She took a step forward, and suddenly found she couldn't move, her body gripped in red magic. "What?"

Red stepped forward, his working eyelight nearly smoking, as he glared at Belladonna.

" w."

Belladonna tried to protest, but her mouth was suddenly quieted as she gripped at her throat, the breath squeezed right from her.

"you and your parents...you are lucky veronica is as kind as she is. if it was me still?" Red was growling as he spoke, stepping close to her.

"you'd be dust where you stand for what you did."

He then hurled Belladonna across the room, and turned around, changing to his Great Dane form. "mars, get the cubs, we're guiding dad to the observator. we ain't staying here tonight. i'll contact the cream puff an' his wife...they'll help us."

Bitter flew in front of Red, her pointed mouth set in a deep scowl. "Comic Sans Gaster! I cannot believe you! We ain't going home now, it's fuckin two am back in Swap! We're staying here, then we're going home!"

Red barked loudly, daring Bitter to respond. "ma! no! don't you see how fucked up pops is?! the smartest monster i know, and he's so gone... he's..."

Bitter didn't move, but she pressed her gloves against his face as red tears streamed down his cheeks. "Maybe he ain't gone all the way...but baby pup... it's too much for him. Just be here for your pops, a'right?"

Red leaned forward, licking his mother's face lovingly, whining softly. Soon he padded over to Edge, laying down beside his father. In his Great Dane form he was almost as large as Edge was, but it was clear that he was much younger than his ancient father.

Tyra hugged onto her G'pa, trying not to whimper for what happened. Rockwell didn't say much but stay close, like he needed to be.

"It will only be for the night. I assure all your safety..." Verri promised before looking in shock as Red took Belladonna in his magic.

Crimson and Rockwell also looked surprised as they saw what Red did. Rockwell however started smirking, like he knew his uncle did it better. Crimson watched their dad, part of them impressed and amazed that they dad did have that kind of power, but also confused. Why did he hold it off so much...? Why did he play weak?

"Sans! Enough! I have banned 'kill or be killed' for years now! I won't enforce it, and neither would you or anyone else! I respect you as my sibling and as The Judge but I will not stand anymore violence!" Verri reprimanded, already starting to get tired of everything.

"...l-let's go...e-e-everyone's h-ha...had...e-enough..." Frisk weakly spoke, their voice hoarse and broken sounding from underuse. Verri held her child close, worried for them along with the rest of the family.