Hearing the sound of the door closing, Sans stirred from his sleep.
Pap?
Prying the tightly tucked covers off, he groaned out as he sat up.
Seriously bro, you should really use a little less strength when tucking someone in.
Scratching the back of his skull, his gaze focused on his surrounding. Hearing the quiet creak of the walls of his home against the wind, he felt a strange stillness.
"pap?" Not hearing a response, he left his room. Shuffling out, he called out once more? "bro? ya here?" His only answer where the dripping sounds from the kitchen faucet. Grabbing his coat he made his way out of his home and into the peaceful town.
Brother must have been in a rush to leave to let me sleep like that...
Sans closed his eyesockets as he listen to the snow crunching down against his every step and the many voices of the town people's greeting each other. After a day of drinking and crying, he could almost feel a small sense of calm. Not in any hurry to go to his post to go through his mundane task, Sans went to check on Grillby. To clean up any mess he might have left behind. Stars may only know what he might have said or do when he was drunk.
After a couple of laughs over some good food with a good friend, he left the bar. He was getting a little worried, seeing how Papyrus hasn't called him yet. Leaving the town, he could already hear his brother's laughter from within the forest. Hearing his brother sounding so joyful, brought a soft smile to his face. Walking deeper into the forest, Papyrus' laughter grew.
"NYO HO HO HO! I HAVE BEEN CAPTURED!!" He sounded oddly in distress. Hearing this caused Sans to pick up his pace. That's when he saw you... You had left the Ruin and were currently straddling over his brother! His vision turned blue as his magic crackled around him.
Why!?... What was I doing getting all comfy when I knew that you where but a door away!
In a fit of rage, he summoned a bone and lunged it through your body. "F...FRISK?" Wounded, Sans flung you as far away from his brother as he possibly could. Having you torn away, Papyrus got up with a startled jolt. "S-SANS! WHAT...WHAT ARE-" Before you could get up, Sans embedded your body with numerous bones. "BROTHER! PLEASE STOP!"
"papyrus, stay away from her!!" Sans surrounded your body with blue bones, keeping Papyrus from reaching you. Papyrus looked helpless as he stared at your bloodied body on the ground.
"SANS PLEASE! I-I CAN STILL SAVE HER, PLEASE LET ME..." Seeing your soul shattering, Papyrus feel down to his knees as Sans retracted his magic. "BROTHER...WHY...Why Did..." Papyrus gathered your lifeless body into his arms.
"pap, that thing your holding in your arms right now, is a human!"
"H-Human..." He studied your face, letting his phalanges brush away your hair from your blood stained face. Papyrus orange tears fell onto your cheek as his body started to shake. Papyrus grip tighten over your body, drawing you closer to his.
"I... I, Don't Care..."
"what!?"
"I...Said, I DON'T CARE! SHE, SHE WAS KIND...SHE WAS GOOD! She...She...Was My Friend..."
"papyrus, you yourself had once said that you felt that humans where dangerous. even warning me to stay away from them if i ever found one!"
"I-I KNOW...BUT ...EVEN SO, I KNOW THAT SHE WAS GOOD! SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE HARMED ANYONE! I BELIEVE THAT!" Sans stumbled back as the world around him started to reload once more."BUT WHAT I NEVER BELIEVED WAS...That My Brother Would Kill Anyone..." As the world faded around him in dark, he felt his soul plummet as he looked at the disappointed stare of his brother. Vision engulfed in black, his mind faded away.
His eyesockets opened wide when the world came back. A pending headache causing him to stumble off of his bed. Massaging his skull, he stumbled out of his room as quick as he could to stop his brother from meeting you.
Laying on the cold snow, you blinked a couple of time before a yellow figure shadowed your vision.
"You look really stupid laying down there."
'Oh, hello Flowey.'
"Pretty nonchalant for somone who just died."
'You think so?' Standing up, you brushed yourself as you saw that you where standing near a star you had saved earlier before you met Papyrus that morning.
"It doesn't seem that you could befriend those skeleton brothers right now. Especially, with the older brother one sticking holes into you everytime he sees you."
{I have to agree with our little flower friend.}
'Guys, relax. I'm not quitting just yet...' before you could explain on what you where trying to plan, Flowey disappeared when a booming voice came to great you. 'Papyrus, I hope you slept well.'
"LIKE THE DEAD NYHEHE...He-.."
'Papyrus?' Papyrus had stopped midlaugh, concerning you.
He held onto his skull as his mind wondered off. Something about what he said seemed oddly unappropriate. Unable to understand the weird sensation that something was wrong, he shook his head from the thought before smiling at you once more. "FRISK, I TOO ASK IF YOU HAD A RESTFUL NIGHT!"
'Its was alright. But my gut would have to disagree.' Papyrus' glare narrowed as he thought on what you said, for it oddly sounded as if you where trying to say a pun.
"HMMMM?" But you just waved your hand, brushing the topic away.
'There's something I need to tell you.'
"AS YOUR GREATEST OF FRIENDS, I AM ALL EARS." You giggled when he brought his hand towards where his ears would have been if he had any. "METAPHORICALLY! BECAUSE APPARENTLY I'M ALL BONES! NYHEHEHE!!!"
'I haven't...I haven't been honest with you.' Sensing the seriousness of your topic, Papyrus mood deflated a bit. 'I've been lying to you.' You gripped onto the hem of your sweater as you stared down into the ground. You couldn't afford to go around the bushes to soften the blow. For you knew that Sans would be arriving very soon. Your heart pounding against your ears as the silence stretched on. You flinched when you saw a large red gloved hand, covering your own. Looking up, Papyrus had a gentle smile on his face. Waiting patiently for what you had to say. 'I'm a human.' Papyrus eyesockets grew wide as his grip tighten around your hand.
"pap?" His brother's voice snapped him from whatever trance he was in for he immediately dropped your hand. Taking a few steps back, his brother called for his attention again. Turning around, he saw that Sans was ready to attack you if you made any advance towards any of them.
"S...SANS?" Papyrus looked back and forth, conflicted in what he was supposed to do.
"papyrus, i need you to move..." which he did, but it was not what Sans was hoping for. Papyrus walked towards his brother before lifting him into his arms. "bro! w-what are you doing!!?" With a shadowed glance, Papyrus spoke to you.
"HUMAN...I...I NEED TO THINK ON SOME THINGS. SO, IF YOU COULD JUST PROMISE ME THAT YOU WOULD NOT LEAVE SNOWDIN OR COME NEAR MY BROTHER, THEN I CAN LET YOU STAY. ONLY UNTIL I CAN GIVE YOU A CLEAR ANSWER ON ALL THIS." You nodded your head. Before he could leave, with a pain expression, he asked one question. "H-HUMAN, CAN...CAN I BELIEVE THAT NO HARM WILL COME TO THOSE LIVING IN SNOWDIN?"
'Yes.' Staying put, he left you in the cold forest, carrying his bewildered brother back into Snowdin.
You weren't quiet sure how long you stood there as they left you, but it must have been quiet awhile, for Chara called you the frozen statue of lament.
"Idiot, now what? Not only does the trashbag hate your guts, but you just blew your chance with the tall idiot"
'I had it coming.'
"What?"
'For lying to him, for being afraid of Sans. For believing I deserved their hate.'
"So what?"
'Flowey, because I was feeling afraid, self hate, and regret, I got what I kept hoping that would not have happened. If for one moment I let myself believe I deserve this chance to make things right and let myself be happy, then I can get through this!'
"Not really making a lot of sense here."
'Trust me on this, if you believe and feel hard enough, then they will come true.'
"HA, kinda hard to do without a soul!"
'Maybe.' Petting Flowey, you started to run towards the town.
"Where are you going!!!!??"
'To get a job!!' You laughed as you signed back at him.
"Idiot."
Sans struggled against his brother's hold as he continued to carry him off back to their home. "bro! you're just gonna leave her!!?? you can't just leave a human..." he stopped when hefelt his brother stiffen at the word human. Inside their house, Papyrus sat Sans onto the couch before going to the kitchen. "pap...come on say something..."
"Brother, Don't Worry About The Human. I Believe In Her. Wait Patiently While I Make Breakfast."
"sorry bro, but i can't." Before he could shortcut his way back to you, Papyrus had summoned a blue bone and was pointing it towards his back. "pap...?!"
"Brother...You Will Not Go Near That Human. Nor Will I Let Them Come Near You. Do I Make Myself Clear?" Sans gritted his teeth as he sat back down. He's never seen his brother so much on edge. Not wanting to test his brother's patience, he did as he was told. But it didn't help his mind wonder off towards you. Hoping you would stay true to your promise to his brother.
Papyrus mind was cluttered as his soul hummed in fear. To know that you where a human, that a human was near his brother or that his brother might have done something regrettable towards you. He felt so conflicted. You were his friend, but you are also a human. You had lied to him, and posed a threat to his brother. But he also feared for your life if he did not calm Sans down. His soul fought against itself, for even thinking badly about you. Whatever he decided to do, he couldn't dwell on it for too long.
For a human had fallen into the underground.
With a clear thought and a goal at hand, you walked into Grillby's bar. The door chime ringing, several of the royal guards looked to see who had walked in. Seeing you, their ears started to perk up. Noticing that they where the only ones at the bar so early in the morning, you walked straight towards them. The guards where happy to see you again, even calling you strange little pup. While you talked with them, you would sometimes feel as if someone was staring at you. But every time you looked behind you, all you would see was Grillby arranging the beverages. A couple of chats here a couple of pets there, you excused yourself before heading towards the bar where Grillby was wiping down the counter. Taking a seat in front of him, you waited patiently till he looked up at you.
"..." The sound of his flame crackling between the silence. Looking at each other for a while without a single word being said, you smiled before signing.
'Hello.'
'My name is Frisk. I'm new here and I wanted to ask if there is any jobs available around here?' Smiling wide, you stuck your hand towards him.
"..." Grillby looked taken back as he looked at your hand. Most people who didn't know him usually strained away from his touch. But here you were smiling cheerfully awaiting for him to shake your hand. He carefully took your hand into his own, waiting for a reaction; if you would pull away or let out a shriek. Without fazing you shook his hand.
'I could clean! Maybe wash dishes, mop, sweep, take the trash out? I won't ask for alot of pay, just enou-' Grillby left his spot, leaving you alone as he went to the back. You waited till he came back holding a bundle of clothes in his hand. Laying them ontop of the counter, you looked at them with your head tilted sideways wondering what they where for.
"...You can start this afternoon. A few minutes before the lunch shift..." Just like that, Grillby had given you a job. You weren't sure why, but you where happy. Or...you thought you were. Your heart had leaped inside your chest and your blood ran through your veins faster then usual. Giving him a cheeky smile, you nodded before taking your new clothes. Running out of the bar, you went back to the inn to get ready for your new job.
Entering the Inn, you asked the Inn keeper for a room once more. Which she gladly offered you the key for. Walking up the steps, the Inn keeper called for you. Turning back, she told you that the room was reserved for tomorrow. Apparently the Captain of the royal guard was coming over to stay for a bit.
"I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have brought you." You smiled at her, shaking your head no.
'Don't worry about it. It's fine.'
"Do you have a place to stay tomorrow?" You nodded yes before running back to your room.
{Why lie!? You don't have anywhere else to stay!}
I'll fine a place.
{There isn't anywhere else! The only other place is the resort!!}
Don't worry about it.
Taking a quick shower, you changed into your new uniform. Turning yourself around, you looked yourself over. Wearing the uniform, you soon realized how much older you felt, that your age never truly had sunken in. Your childhood was really gone, but in reality, you never really had one...did you? Folding your sweater neatly, you grabbed one of the paper bags you recieved from the Shop yesterday, and stored away your clothes. Looking at the wall clock, you saw that it was close to lunch time. Taking your paper bag, you made your way towards the bar. With whatever determination that still lingered deep inside you, you let it fuel you for the days ahead.
"pap, come on...i...i'm...nghhhh...not going to ...do...anything..." Sans grunted as he tried walking towards the door while Papyrus was trying to hold him back from leaving. He was practically dragging him across the floor.
"BROTHER PLEASE. JUST LEAVE THE HUMAN ALONE."
"don't you have to ...get ready for Undyne...she's coming tomorrow right?"
"UNDYNE! OH NO, I FORGOT!! I MUST WARN THE HUMAN!!!"
"yeah...so let go of me, so as i can tell her..."
"BROTHER, IT IS NOT THAT I DON'T TRUST YOU. BUT I DON'T TRUST YOU." Sans sighed as his body sagged.
"bro, trust me. i ain't gonna lay a bony finger on her, just gonna tell her something. okay?" Papyrus eyesockets shimmered, silently begging him not to go back on his word. Sans patted his brother's skull, before shortcutting away.
Just a friendly chat, and if things don't go well...who said I needed to use my hands to give someone a bad time.
Shortcutting towards the the bridge near the town, he started searching for you. But finding no signs that you where still in the forest, he made his way back to town.
He was going to try confronting you, but instead he was too busy just trying to find you. Many of the guards had said that they saw you near the Inn, others say at Grillby's. But the Inn Keeper said that you had just checked out and he peeked inside the bar but didn't see you sitting anywhere. None of the regulars knew if you had walked in or not. He doubted that you made it towards Waterfall or that you went back to the Ruins. Seeing how those stone doors were now sealed. Which also blew any chance that Toriel might be waiting on the other side.
Heading back home, he told his brother that he couldn't find you. Papyrus was glad at first, and then deflated on not knowing where you had ran off to, but then he perked up and went on to preparing the dinner. Sans slumped ontop of the couch, sooner or later, he'll find you. Not alot of places to hide without someone noticing.
The days went on and Undyne came by to check for said human. But not finding anyone, she left that same night. Sans continued to search for you when he had the time. Papyrus who was a nervous wreck the whole time during Undyne's visit, finally was able to breathe out. He really didn't like the thought of lying to his friends, but he also didn't want anyone getting hurt. After five days and his brother still hasn't found you. Worried, he tried calling you to see where you might have gone. Not knowing your number, he tried every number combination, until he reached yours.
"HUMAN!?"
"..." He was confused to hear a stifled laughter on the other end.
"HELLO?"
"... . .-.. .-.. --" All he heard where distinct tapping against the phone.
"OH HOW SILLY OF ME! I MUST HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT YOU DO NOT SPEAK! WELL, THIS IS PAPYRUS, AND I HAVE THOUGHT OVER SOME THINGS. AND I HAVE COME TO A WONDERFUL CONCLUSION REGARDING OUR SITUATION!! AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE, MEET ME TOMORROW AT THE BRIDGE OF DEADLY TERROR!!" Hanging up, his phone started ringing. "SANS?"
"sup bro, just letting you know, that i'll be heading to grillby's."
"GLAD YOU ARE GIVING UP ON THAT SILLY ATTEMPT ON HUNTING THE HUMAN."
"pap, i'm not hunting, just trying to chat is all."
"HMMM..."
"bro?"
"ENJOY YOUR GREASY MEAL! NYHEHEHE."
On your first day of work, Grillby showed you around the bar. Where the cleaning station was and where he prepared the meals. He instructed that all you had to do for now was help clean the dishes when they came in and help sweep the store when it wasn't busy. Just until you got a handle of being there. Afterwards, he would let you serve the costumers and then see where to go from there. Grillby was impressed to see how quickly you got used to the job, that after the 3rd day, you were able to work infront alongside him.
'Are you sure that it's ok? I'm fine working in the back.'
"...Only if you're not comfortable working out here. But other wise, I believe you will do just fine..." Shaking your head, you stuck out a thumbs up. Showing that you were fine either way. The rest of day and well into the night, you helped take orders from tables and then clean after they left. Through out the day, you would sense that Grillby was watching you as you served the customers. But everytime you would check, he went back to his work. Curious, you decided to have a little fun.
Grillby glanced at his new employee as she cheerfully served those at the bar. But even though you where smiling, he didn't sense it. Being a bar keeper and hearing stories from the many drunk monsters who poured their soul out to him, he learned to read them pretty well. So even though, you seemed happy, he felt that something was troubling you. Glancing back at you while serving a drink to an ever tipsy rabbit, you smirked towards him. Confused, he looked away. But when he glanced back, you blew a kiss at him. His flame flickered brighter and he hurriedly turned his attention else where. He found his flame flickering harder when he heard you laughing.
At the end of the day, you stayed longer as to help him close the bar. Wiping down the counters and putting away the kitchen wares, Grillby locked the front door of the bar. He was heading towards the back of the building where his home was when he saw you walking through the trees. Curious as to why at the middle of the night you would go there, he followed you. Following through the small opening, he stumbled across a small clearing. There you where standing, hiddenaway from the town.
"...Frisk?..."
'Grillby? What's wrong?' Seeing Grillby startled you a bit, that you dropped your paper bag containing your clothes.
"...Why are you out here?..." You tipped her head sideways, confused on why he looked so concerned.
'Getting ready to go to bed?' Grillby sighed as he rested his hand in his forehead and hip.
"...How long have you been out here?..."
'Three days.' Grillby stared at you for a bit before picking the paper bag from the ground. You looked at him as he started walking back to the bar with your clothes in hand. Taking it that he wanted you to follow him, you did. Quietly, you two walked all the way towards the back. Grillby unlocked the back door, which led to a small entryway containing a flight of stairs.
"...the guest room is to your left, the room to the right is where I sleep and where the kitchen is also located. If you need the bathroom to shower, it's behind the stairs..." As he reached to the top of the stairs, he turned and saw that you were trembling. "...Frisk?..." in a swift movement, you embraced the flamed monster. Taken back by your action, he stumbled back with his arms awkwardly hovering over you.
"Thank you." Your voice was but a mere whisper, but enough for him to hear it. Relaxing his body, he rested his hand on your back. Pushing away from him, you smiled cheekly before entering your new room.
After living in the cold snow for three days, you ended up living with your boss. For the two days you have stayed with him so far, he had invited you over to his room for breakfast. Which looked more like an apartment flat then just a simple bedroom like your own. A small complex with couple of rooms, a wide kitchen and a small living area. Curious on your first breakfast visit, you wondered around, causing Grillby to chuckle behind you. You had nervously laughed when he caught you snooping inside what looked like a girl's bedroom. Before you could ask, he said it belongs to his daughter. Who currently was studying in Hotland. He playfully hit the side of your head for being so nosey and told you it was time to eat. After breakfast the two of you got ready for the day's work.
It was nice...
On the second day while you where cleaning the dishes, you recieved a phone call from none other then Papyrus himself. After agreeing to meet him tomorrow, you heard someone come into the bar. It was a little early for the usual lunch-goers. Grillby was busy prepping the food for the lunch rush, that he sent you to tend to whoever it was. With a cheerful smile, you went out to greet the new customer.
But you frozed when you saw who it was.