-.-.-.-.-
12:
Once Upon a December
Sans and Frisk
(Third POV)
-.-.-.-.-
Once again, as she slept, Frisk stood in the darkness from the dream she had the week before, but the brunette knew it was much different this time. The air wasn't heavy or sad. Instead, it was more like the first memory she regained, light and comfortable.
When she looked down, she found that Frisk was dressed in a blue dress, and when Frisk let her gaze roam the surroundings, the brunette realized the Judgment Hall gloomed around, the sweet smell of flowers twirling around her as she took a step forward.
And she felt like she wasn't alone. Someone was watching her with loving eyes.
Frisk licked her lips, a gesture she did to calm herself since she was a nervous infant, and she moved her blue eyes to the long hallway.
Like the last time, Frisk expected to see another confrontation like before. But it was empty—save the steady footsteps echoing towards her. Frisk couldn't help but smile.
After all, this was her mind. There was no one else it could be but her sister, the former Demon of the Monsters. The voice in her mind slowly became one of her new comforts:
"Hello, sister, it's good to see you. Are you ready for this crazy ride?" Chara questioned teasingly, her blood-red eyes coming into view. Since the beauty experienced them once before, they weren't as scary as they were. In fact, they were comforting. They were like finding an old friend after years of thinking she was alone.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be, to be honest. But I'm a bit nervous. What am I going to see?"
Frisk stepped to meet Chara halfway; the nervous shaking had gotten worse with each step she took. She knew that she would remember another piece of the life buried deep within her if she was here, which scared her a little.
The last time Frisk remembered something, she almost had a panic attack from the cruel memory. She wasn't too keen to experience that again, even if she knew she had to.
The other brunette sighed as she crossed her arms across her chest, her green dress bunched around her wrapped arms, trying to think of what to say to soothe the petite brunette's worries, but she figured the truth would be the best thing.
Chara didn't want to coddle her. She had a feeling her little sister would hate it from her after she got it from the others all day:
"Well, I'm not going to tell you that you will always like it—some won't be pretty, but they also would be amazing. I'm sorry to say some would kill you, but others will give you hope. And I'll be right there by your side, baby sister, don't worry."
Frisk smiled slightly at Chara's gentle bluntness. It allowed Frisk to ground again.
She sighed through her nose, stealing herself. Then, she let a breath go, opening her blues and giving a firm nod as her eyes moved to meet blood-red eyes with a sure grin spread over her lips.
"Alright then, well, how do we start?" Chara's rubies sparkled with pride before the other brunette stepped back and revealed the blackness slowly clawing closer to them.
Both sisters shivered, uncomfortable and fearful, but the older woman knew she needed to be brave in this situation as the growing darkness clawed like a careful kitten coming to its master. So she smiled her best smile while she stretched out to her before she nodded as her whisper bounced off the darkening walls:
"Just close your eyes, and your mind will take over. Memories come easier when you free up your mind."
Frisk took a breath to calm herself again, her heart finally slowed, and she lifted a hand to meet Chara's. As she tightly held onto her sister's hand, she tried to block the clawing fear in her gut.
But the fear grew harder to ignore when a strange wind began to play with her long braid. What will she see? Or a better question, would she want to witness another nightmare?
.-.-.-.-.-.-
Ten-year-old Frisk cautiously moved down the path, her arms wrapped around her stomach to protect herself from the cold.
Frisk wasn't ready to fight just yet. Mama took a lot of energy out of her. But Frisk didn't mind. Mama Toriel was just worried about her; her little girl being on her own clearly scared the Boss monster. Toriel wanted to make sure that the little beauty could manage herself while traveling to the King.
If Frisk had to show her beloved mother that she could take care of herself, she would. But she would fight in her own way. Frisk wouldn't hurt any monster, knowing the pain of being mistreated just because of what you are. She wanted to show them the mercy they were denied by the ancient humans that locked them away from the sun.
And maybe, just maybe, she will make some friends finally. An oddity to her and one wish she always wanted to fulfill.
Frisk wouldn't listen to Flowery's cruel words or the whisperings in her head. She will never become like them, the ones that abused and teased her daily. She never would become a bully.
As if shocking her out of the rushing thoughts, Frisk finally could feel a frigid wind dancing against her skin as she walked onto the snowy path. The forest's darkness surrounded her for a couple of beats before she stumbled into a comforting, familiar scene.
Has she been here before?
The cold wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, trying to place the snowy scenery from a former memory, but Frisk fell short. Soon, however, the familiar feeling slowly grew more assertive, turning her heart into a drum as she moved down the path:
A few moments after trying to calm herself, the brunette looked up to find she was standing in front of a town's entrance, the snow dusting the wood of the stand and the ground.
The sight sent her heart into another nervous fit; a feeling of nervous excitement crept through her veins. Frisk didn't know how, but she knew that in the nameless town, she would change. She knew her life would never be the same again in that town.
Frisk didn't exactly know how this would end, but she knew someone would finally see the true Frisk, someone no one ever really cared to get to know, not even her own parents back on the surface.
Frisk sighed softly at the thought, slowly taking in the familiar surroundings as she waited, leaving the thoughts of those horrible people behind her. They no longer mattered. Frisk's new life only did. After all, they clearly gave up on her a long time ago.
Why shouldn't she return the favor?
With that thought in her mind, she shook her head, allowing herself to return to reality. Frisk looked back to the town's station as her heart continued its giddy dance. The beauty didn't know what she was waiting for. The mystery loomed great over the beautiful flower.
What awaited Frisk in the alleyways and the paths of the town with the sparkling lights? Frisk didn't know, nor did she care. All she knew was it would be okay. There would be nothing left for her to fear.
Her adoptive mother showed her that.
She smiled at that thought as she stepped forward, her fingers dancing across the shelf of the empty station. But Frisk's peaceful moment didn't last long as she heard footsteps echoing toward her. She turned her head to the sound but found nothing.
Her brows furrowed as she walked further down the snow-dusted path, her eyes bouncing over the scene for the culprit:
Then the wind carried a statement to her as it played with her short reddish-brown strands:
"Hey, kiddo, don't you know how to greet a new pal?"
Holding back her short hair, Frisk turned her head quickly, finding a skeleton standing at her back. At first glance, Frisk was afraid before the voice sent her in a calm state mixed with shock, her eyes widening as she turned fully to the male monster. He seemed familiar, this grinning skeleton.
But how?
Moments later, time stopped as a blue pupil, the other empty, met bluish violet ones.
The nameless monster smiled sweetly as the wind blew around them, a loving expression laced to his sharp features, making them look softer, as he gently urged her forward with his head:
"Go ahead; I won't bite. Shake an old monster's hand, kid?"
She shyly reached her hand towards his, meeting it. Soon after, a fart-like sound rung out the air, making Frisk jump in surprise before she dropped the hold.
The skeleton laughed as she blinked at him, watching him lift the hand to show a whoopee cushion in his palm, winking at her to soothe her back into a comfortable stance again.
"The old whoopee cushion in the hand trick never gets old."
A smile found its way onto her face at that statement as Frisk tucked a few wild strands behind her ear, shyly peeking at the nameless skeleton. Then, they grew silent, just staring at each other. The thing was, the girl never knew that the male missed her so deeply as she let her eyes roam over him:
For a skeleton, he was handsome—breathtaking handsome, uniquely beautiful. From the fairy tales Frisk read, he looked like the Angel of Death, a deadly prince. And there were his empty eye sockets—they held such gentleness that she almost wondered if he was an angel sent to her to protect her.
Frisk giggled at the childish thought before seeing him smile gentler at her, causing her face to grow hot. But before she quickly looked away, Frisk couldn't help but notice that besides their gentleness, his eyes also held this wisdom. She mused sadly, a kind of wisdom that someone shouldn't have. It was the kind that you only get after experiencing many hardships.
But that wisdom made them look kind and warm. Despite being half empty, the sole blue pupil reminded the flower of a calm ocean. She felt at ease as she stared into his eyes.
Yes, Frisk couldn't be surprised that women would easily fall in love with him upon one look if he were on the surface. Human or not, they would. And that thought broke her heart, even at such an early age. It was a confusing thing for the beautiful little girl:
She sighed as she shook her head to free herself from those depressing thoughts before seeing his hand move to his neck, seemingly nervous as he laughed softly.
"Anyways, I'm Sans; Sans the Skeleton. I'm supposed to watch out for humans, but I don't want to capture you. But my brother, on the other hand, is a human-hunting fanatic. Don't worry, though. He is a giant cinnamon roll. So say, won't you help me? See, my brother has been down for a while but meeting a human will make his day. Will you meet him for me?"
Frisk bit her lip, slightly unsure, but she did want to help him. She didn't know why, but the skeleton started a fire to make him happy and the people in his life. Did Frisk just want to be close to him, friends, maybe?
But why?
She slowly nodded with that question in her mind while her hands formed questions before Sans chuckled.
"Come on, follow me, sweetheart."
-.-.-.-.-
The day was bright, even for the Underground, and the long-forgotten voices of the EchoFlowers swirled on the wind as a petite brunette girl ran giddily through the fields of Waterfall, a giggle bubbling from her throat.
He was going to catch her. Young Frisk squealed at the thought. Then, with another squealed giggle, she peeked over her shoulder.
A flash of white fueled her hurried breaths as she pushed forward, not wanting to get caught. Sans was the worst when it came to playful fights, but that's why Frisk loved him so much:
"Come on, kiddo, just give up! The great tickle monster always gets its prey."
He always made it fun, being babysat. After Sans caught her, which he almost always did, they always cuddled before her parents picked her up.
That was the Angel's favorite thing in the two worlds, being in his cold but loving arms. Frisk didn't precisely know why she felt so safe with him. After all, Sans threatened her in the same breath that he promised to keep her safe, but she knew she could trust Sans no matter what.
And it helped that her adoptive mother vowed the male would never hurt her. Frisk once overheard Toriel telling her father that the skeletal monster had feelings for their child that ran so deep, she doubted those feelings would fade anytime soon.
That was why the only ones her loving but strict parents trusted with her were the SkeletBrothers and Alphy. It wasn't like they didn't trust the other two. They knew they both loved Frisk. But, Mettaon and Undyne were too intense when Asgore and Toriel gave them a chance.
An incident with a bomb show proved them right to worry. After, Frisk went to her uncles mostly. Now Frisk was spending the day with Sans as the others prepared to move into the outside world.
Young Frisk was slightly worried about the humans being cruel to her people. Even worse, she feared her birth parents would fight for the rights they clearly gave up a long time ago. But the others reassured the fearful girl that no one would hurt them or her again. She was safe, and she saved them.
But their soothing words did nothing to silence her worries. Frisk didn't want to see her family in any pain.
"Got ya!" Hit her ear before Sans tackled her to the grassy ground, a squeal spilled from her lips. Sending the worries and fears away for another time:
Sans was a thorough tickler, much to the little girl's dismay and delight. He left no exposed skin untouched with a hearted laugh while little Fr squealed and squeaked, her way to plead him to stop, but the sounds only encouraged his playful attacks. It was too fun to stop then.
Sans enjoyed these times, where no anger ruled his soul, and only love was there. However, Sans loathed fighting, even though he had no choice but to fight her sometimes.
But, Sans didn't know when the guilt began. Especially when he knew he had to do anything to stop the loop:
The Angel was still young enough to fold under Chara's wrong helpful attitude. Sans had to pass judgments on Frisk's many mistakes; his sweetheart had to learn the consequences of her choices. And if it had to be over and over, so be so. But, lately, the fighting has become more complex.
Seeing her smiling at him after he pierced her heart would send tears to his sockets. The wounds would break his soul into tiny pieces. Sans knew his part, but as time went on, Sans' hatred faded.
He was worried about the following timeline. Sans wasn't foolish; he knew there would be yet another one. There had to be one. But, for now, the male wanted just to enjoy this time with her.
Right now, Frisk was his sweet child, not the naive girl who folds under Chara's evil influence in the hopes of freeing everyone. Sans wasn't the judge but just a good duncle who was starting to love this bright and determined soul.
One that only wanted the best for the ones she loved, no matter what she needed to do. And that made the skeletal male slowly change his detailed view of humans. Then, finally, Frisk made him see that not all humans were evil, only out for their own selfish wants:
He still didn't know why he felt so strongly for this tiny kind human. Sans just knew he would protect as much as time could allow him. He would love her for as long as he could.
With that thought in mind and after a bit more tickling, the pair laughed before Sans scooped the small girl into his arms peppering small kisses to her face:
"You are worrying again, aren't you, kiddo?"
At that, she chewed her lip nervously. Frisk should've known Sans could tell that her mind held anxious thoughts. Of course, she couldn't really hide anything from the skeleton, but Frisk always would try to worry that he would try everything to slay her fears, even if it meant putting himself in harm's way to ensure her safety.
And that's the last thing Frisk ever wanted. If the beauty lost him or anything happened to him, she knew she wouldn't go back to being herself. Even at such a young age, Frisk knew that she would be forever changed in his absence. She knew he was the most important person in her life.
Frisk also knew lying to him wasn't feasible. So with a deep breath, Frisk lifted her hands as they began their jittery dance:
'Just a bit, it's just my birth parents. What if they try to take me back after learning I'm alive?'
"They won't, Frisk. We won't let them."
'But—' The monster laid his hands on hers, gently pushing them to her lap.
"No butts, Frisk. You are a part of the family now. They won't take you from m—us." Sans paused to clear his throat, looking away to hide the growing bluish blush. He almost slipped again.
She was only twelve, so he couldn't say something like that to her now, for the stars' sake. However, as the days went on, his possessiveness over the beautiful pre-teen was growing harder to control:
Damn the Soul Bond's pull; he growled to himself as he tried to focus back on the task at hand.
Thankfully, a touch on his shoulder woke him from his thoughts, his eye sockets returning to her worried expression. Grateful, Sans smiled soothingly as he stroked her hand before continuing:
"They hurt you, sweetie. Your parents and I can't let you go back to them. You are precious to us, kid. We'd do anything to protect you. We'd do anything to keep you with us."
After that, he relished the feeling of her warm forehead against his cooler one; the warmth soothed his own fears. But the small flower's fears grew fiercer as she slowly moved her hands again, biting her lip.
'Maybe it'd be better if I died, you wouldn't have to worry about me—'
"DON'T SAY THAT!" He growled deeply, grabbing the girl as he moved her to his lap so they were eye to eye.
Sans had to get through to her to get that terrible thought out of her sweet, innocent mind before she acted on it. Before they lost her before she had to do this again.
Sans knew that the young princess and the rest of the big family would've to reset again once her natural life ended, leading to another world or worse, a path that ends with him going head-to-head with her twisted twin. But, right now, he knew she needed an everyday life, and with that thought in her head, she wouldn't have that.
"Frisk, listen to me. You don't deserve that. You are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on. But if you died, that would break my heart. So please don't ever think about killing yourself again. You'll kill me too." Sans whispered sadly.
His blue power dimly glowed as the emotions grew within him. Frisk didn't know just how much she meant to him.
As that statement hit her ears, tears began to fall from her eyes, hating she caused her beloved duncle so much pain. She just wanted to move on and never think about this conversation again, just the happy moments. So, she steadily nodded as her hands danced in the air:
'I'm sorry, Sans. I just don't want to be a burden or something you must worry about. I want to be strong like you are.'
"Kid, you are strong. Stronger than any human or monster! You just have to see that." That statement earned him a very unladylike snort before her hands moved fast in a snappy response:
'I know you love me, Sans, but I am nothing like you. You are brave, strong, and aren't afraid of anything. So how am I strong?'
Sans sighed, leaning his forehead against hers, wishing she could see through his sockets to find why everyone loved her so much as he whispered softly. Sans was afraid he would break the moment if he were any louder.
"You're wrong. I am afraid of one thing. Losing you."
Frisk softened as his phalanges traced her skin, feeling a strange but wonderful warmth rush through her veins.
She didn't know she believed him, but Frisk knew he loved her. And, oddly, she felt that was enough to be herself entirely.
After years of abuse, his love and her family were enough to piece herself back together. With a slight smile placed onto her tiny, full lips, Frisk lifted her hand to touch his cheek with that thought on her mind. Her hands held the promise of her love.
-.-.-.-.-
A gasp escaped Frisk's lips, her eyes snapping open as the memory faded into the darkness.
Was that the first memory she made—the first time she met Sans?
For a moment, the young woman steadied her breaths, calming her heartbeats before she moved her blues to the other brunette with curious eyes. Her limbs were shivering slightly with nerves as her mouth formed the question she wanted to know the most about:
"Were those my first memories, my first run?" Her answer was only a sigh, as if Chara weren't sure how to answer through words.
But Chara knew her sister needed an honest answer, something to stop her swirling mind. What should she say, though? Whatever she said, the swirling would worsen, creating even more questions for her.
She sighed softly, rubbing her neck nervously before she closed her eyes as the reddish brunette turned to Frisk; her tongue flicking over her lips:
"Yes and no, hun. But I can't say much more about it. I'm sorry, but I can't. It's coming back, Frisk. Close your eyes."
Frisk hpmed, getting tired of being in the darkness once again. But with a low sigh, Frisk nodded and obeyed as the bitter wind began to dance around her body.
But it didn't quiet the fear growing in her chest again. Because Frisk felt the following memories wouldn't be so tame, she had a horrible feeling that she would see her living nightmare.
-.-.-.-.-
Frisk's breath came out as heavy pants as she stood still in front of the growling skeleton, but she still gave him a gentle smile despite the tears rolling down from her eyes.
There they were again, unable to escape this horrible fate. Always to fight, but feelings sat in their chest, never to be spoken, as he did his job. Finally, however, this time, she locked Chara away:
Frisk was willing to accept her well-deserved punishment. In fact, the brunette has been for a while now, but no matter how loud she screamed, Chara would just laugh her cruel laugh.
Not this time, Frisk refused to fight Sans one more time.
Every time, she would become increasingly disgusted by her actions. But, being controlled or influenced by Chara, she didn't care. She still did those horrible things, no matter what her reasons were. Frisk was still a murderer, a ruthless monster. The one thing she desperately tried not to become, only to fall into Chara's claws again.
It was a fitting punishment for her—to be killed by the one she loved the most, the one she hurt the most.
But Sans didn't move. Instead, he held a glowing hand against her and tears in his sockets. One was glowing bright and angry blue against the black as his scowl grew. He seemed to be waiting for her to move, his sockets were glued to the bloody knife in her hand, but Frisk just continued to smile tenderly.
"Why aren't you fighting!? Fight me, you dirty brother killer!" The skeleton growled out, trying to keep the anger in his soul, but that smile made it harder to be angry.
Sans' soul cracked further as Frisk's small voice filled the Hall:
"I'm sorry, Sans, I'm so sorry. I just wanted to make everyone happy. But I just screwed everything up. Kill me."
"Frisk…." Sans whispered brokenly—his power faltered while he realized it was her. His Frisk.
Not again, Sans cried in his mind. He didn't want to dance this dance again—he didn't want to watch the light fade from her beautiful eyes as his bone pierced her heart. He didn't want to lose Frisk again, but if Sans didn't do something soon….
…Sans would have to watch the Demon take over. He would lose her anyway.
Which was better, killing her now as Frisk or later as Chara? Sans' answer came as a pleading shout, bringing his sockets back on the struggling beauty in front of him:
"Do it, Sans! I can't hold Chara back much longer! Do—"
Frisk's words faded sharply as she felt a white-hot pain growing from her chest, blood flying from her mouth. She looked down to see a blue bone coming from her left breast. But, she smiled, falling into his waiting arms. Her fight was over. Sans had granted her wish. For a while, she was going to be free.
But at a high price. Sans' happiness, the one thing that she was fighting for.
She opened her eyes, loving the feel of his arms around her raging body, reaching up to clean her best friend's tears with a somewhat faint but sweet smile. She wanted to take away every bit of his pain, but it was impossible. She knew that.
Sans didn't make it easier, though. When he grabbed ahold of her wandering hand, keeping it on his cheek tenderly, he whispered lovingly into her ear while the blood continued to leak from her lips:
"I'm so sorry, kid. I tried so hard to keep this from happening, but big Sansy is still too weak. My baby bones…. I'm sorry."
More tears fell on her cheeks, mixing with her own, as her fingers shook while they traced the curve of his smooth cheek. Frisk hated that she only brought him pain when all she ever wanted was to see him genuinely happy.
Maybe she should just disappear this time…
Sans seemed to know what was going through her mind just by looking into her blues. Frisk felt a growl rumbling between their cuddled bodies as he placed his forehead against her cold skin.
No matter how hard it would be, Sans had to make sure she heard this, had to stare into her beautiful eyes one more time before she faded from his view again...
"Oh, Frisk, don't you know, beautiful? If you disappear, we'll be lost. I will be lost." In that whisper, the love and truth rang true.
Frisk gasped at her beloved friend's words, not expecting those words from him, smiling in awe as she felt her body turn numb. Her smile faintly grew, clinging to him while she nodded into his chest. Her tears wetted his white shirt, blood mixed with the salty liquid as a raspy whisper filled the bright walls:
"Me too, Sans." Before the Hall faded into an eerie silence, these were his beloved's last words.
Her body finally stilled as time went, her arms falling to her sides before Sans pleaded with her:
"Please, don't go, my Baby Bones. My sweetheart." But no movements answered Sans' pleads. Just a silence that crushed his soul under its weight, sending him into sobs.
Soon, Sans was sitting in silence as silent sobs shook his body, Sans cuddled Frisk's stilled body close on his lap as he rocked her slowly and hummed to deaf ears, but he didn't care.
"I will find you, sweetheart. I will find you again."
-.-.-.-.-
A gasp ripped from Frisk's throat as she bolted up, her eyes opened to the beautiful meadows of Waterfall. It was over, she thought, relieved.
Then, with crushing realization, Frisk sighed deeply. It was only temporary; the nightmarish memories had begun. Frisk knew there was more to learn, but she was thankful for a break.
After a moment, she stood from the makeshift bed of grass the boys made for her. Then, as gracefully as Frisk could, she tiptoed to a field of EchoFlowers before sitting in front of one:
After their talk, Sans and Asriel decided that it was time to move on. And the flower knew she would get more memories on this path to the King. Frisk was excited and afraid about that, knowing they weren't all going to be friendly and pretty. She knew this, but…
…. She wasn't expecting to see Sans killing her just yet. But instead, it rocked her to her core, even though she knew it was coming from the second memory.
I'm sorry, Frisk, I'm so sorry.
Frisk smiled small, shaking her head to reassure her that she was okay, staring at the flower as she reached out to caress the soft petals. Chara wanted to say more, but the reddish brunette figured she should just leave her alone with her thoughts.
She had a lot to progress.
Frisk sighed deeply, drawing her hand back and placing it into her lap before closing her eyes. Frisk didn't know why she would do this, but she was talking before she realized it.
Frisk had to get this off her chest before the boys woke up. She needed to.
So, carefully, Frisk's voice came out as a nervous whisper, her eyes darting around:
"Hey, Sans, I don't know why I'm doing this, but the dreams are getting to me. How? I don't know, really. I just know one thing for sure…."
Her whisper faded, even though just for a long moment, while she closed her eyes again to steal herself before continuing, a smile forming on her lips without her knowing.
The following words felt precisely right when they fell out of her mouth.
"No matter how many times we do this, no matter how many times we must fight or how many times you kill me, I'll remember you. I'll always fall in love with you. I have a feeling we were meant to be."
And it was true. Frisk didn't understand how she came to that conclusion, but she couldn't deny it.
As her voice repeated those words, they became real. Frisk cracked a joyous smile through the stinging tears. She was always going to love him; it seemed like an unavoidable outcome by now. And honestly, she was okay with that fact.
She smiled wider at the thought, staring still at the beautiful blue flower.
Her heart knew it all along, but the flower couldn't make the doubtful thoughts disappear from her mind. Even with that knowledge, she was unsure she would be the best for him. The thoughts blocked Frisk from listening to what really mattered, her heart and soul.
Being doubtful is horrible, she thought with a deep sigh. Then, with a stretch, Frisk stood, leaving the quiet echoing behind her as she worked her way down the path.
Be careful, don't go too far. The boys would freak out if you got lost. Chara's voice sounded in her mind while Frisk's soft footsteps bounced off the cave's walls. Frisk smiled as she stopped in front of a lone statue.
I won't.
Frisk was alone again, staring at the lonely statue, saddened by its aged look. She was sure that it could be beautiful if protected, so she searched for something to cover the sad thing with her eyes.
After a few, she found a bin with discarded umbrellas and grinned, satisfied, putting one over the statue's stone head, unknowingly triggering a soft melody to hum alive around the young princess.
Frisk's eyes grew wide, recognizing the melody from a long-ago dream, as she brushed the smooth stone with cautious fingers:
"This song…where have I heard it before?" Frisk's hoarse whisper questioned no one, her awe growing as the song went on and on.
It sounded like a lullaby she heard in a dream, soothing her fear before fading to the day. Whenever Frisk heard it, she felt strong.
Just like when….
"Baby doll?"
Frisk yelped at the sudden voice, spinning around to see Sans.
"Are you okay, dove?"
'I'm fine, Sans. I just had another dream.' She nodded fast as she signed, trying to school her expression as she sent a silent prayer that he didn't catch the echoing from the flower as he went to find her.
But, if he did, he hid it well while he rushed forward to develop her into a tight embrace.
"You scared the death out of me, sweetheart. And I'm already a skeleton, heh. You know better than to wander off without me or As."
She bit her lip, raising her hands to sign an apology between them. Sans breathed through his nasals, chuckling before he placed a tender kiss on the tip of her nose:
"Your adventurous nature is going to kill me one of these days. Come on, sweetheart, let's get you back to bed. We have a long day tomorrow." He scooped the blushing flower in his arms bridal-style, laying her down, and once again, he kissed her temple.
"Goodnight, sweetheart."
She smiled softly, nodding as she watched him move to his own spot. The words still were echoing inside of her mind.
Her blush grew as she shut her blues tightly, hoping that the skeleton would never find out before she was ready as sleep took over her once again, thankfully dreamless this time.
-.-.-.-.-
Sans stared up at the sparkling ceiling with his hands under his head. He knew he wasn't going back to sleep anytime soon. Not after what Sans overheard, so the skeleton just let his mind run wild:
When Sans woke to find Frisk's bed empty, he panicked before running to the meadow. Where he found Frisk kneeled next to an EchoFlower, whispering softly with a breathtaking smile. His jaw fell to the ground as he ducked behind a tree.
Sans couldn't believe what she was saying, her words sending his soul ablaze as he listened and slipped down the tree:
"No matter how many times we do this, no matter how many times we must fight or how many times you kill me, I'll remember you. I'll always fall in love with you. I have a feeling we were meant to be."
Those words sent the yellow tint over his face, a hand over his mouth to keep the gasp back. Frisk remembered, no matter how little, that she loved him. Frisk remembered that she was meant for him. That brought a grin over his teeth.
G wanted to kiss his sweetheart senseless, but he held back. Sans feared it might scare her into a monster's trap or Gaster's cruel arms.
However, the desire burned intensely in his chest so strong, it almost overran his rational side, the strong side. The side he always thought would win out, but for the first time in his life, he was worried that it wouldn't.
When she walked to the Waterfall's music box, the ancient skeleton took that time to wrestle down the burning feelings before he went to get her. Thankfully, G kept his delight well-hidden, but his soul was jumping to dance with her own:
Coming out of his head, Sans turned onto his side, staring at her beautiful slumbering face. G smiled tenderly while he brushed a few stray strands out of her face, careful not to wake her when another sharp pain came from his chest. He knew it was his soul.
G could still feel his restless soul bouncing around in his chest, fighting to bond with Frisk's beautiful red soul against Sans' hold. He grunted through the struggle as he closed his sockets, trying to focus on controlling his wild soul.
"Come on, buddy, she isn't ready. Soon, but not now. Please, calm down." Sans whispered through clenched teeth, clenching his sweater.
But it fought against him every step of the way. Thankfully, G won as it calmed down, for the time being anyway, as the pain slowly faded. He could breathe steadily, and he was thankful.
He looked over to his sweetheart once more, smiling as his eyes fluttered close, sleep finally retaking him. His hand unknowingly grabbed hers as he fell into dreams of twins with her eyes and his cocky grin.
One day, they would have freedom from the curse. Once broken, she would be his, safe and happy. He would make sure of it.
He would make sure that Gaster would never haunt their lives again. He would break the curse, one way or other.
But he didn't know the high price the male would have to pay to cure the pain.