Chapter 21

Alliance

The next morning, Sans was the first to wake. He opened his eyes slowly and tried to move and stretch only to find that he was pinned in place, unable to move.

Drawing in a long breath, he opened his eyes in a frown of morning confusion. It faded instantly when he remembered where he was and just why he couldn't move.

There was another Skeleton lying almost completely on top of him, still in a deep sleep. Corbel was wrapped around him as if gripping onto a full-length pillow. His breathing was deep and his face seemed relaxed. He was finally getting rest and it seemed as if he really needed it.

It was the last thing he wanted to do . . . But . . .

Sans gripped lightly at Corbel's shoulder and gave him a gentle shake.

"Hey, kid." He said softly, "Time to get up."

The form within his embrace shifted only minutely at the outside stimulation. He responded with a low groan, but otherwise did not move.

Sans let out a small chuckle as he tried again, "Hey there. Time to get up, big guy. You know it's Monday, right? I gotta go change before work. And we said we'd do breakfast, remember?"

The groan became more pronounced, but still, Corbel did not move. If anything, his grip on Sans became tighter.

Honestly not sure if he was awake or still sleeping, Sans made to gently and stealthily escape Corbel.

"Well you might not like it . . . And really, I don't either. But if I don't go to work, things could go south in a hurry. So, if you need to sleep, that's okay. Go on and sleep, but I gotta go."

No matter how he tried, the slightest movement caused Corbel to constrict like a boa around its prey.

"You're sick today, remember?" Came the almost unintelligible moaning, "You can't go in. You have a fever and you're dizzy when you stand up and you're having hot and cold flashes. You would be an absolute mess if you went in today."

Sans chuckled again as his own grip got only a little bit tighter around Corbel now that he knew for certain that he wasn't sleeping.

"I think you're getting me confused with you, Daydreamer." He chided, "You can get away with stuff like that because you're . . . Well, you're . . . Well, you know . . ."

"I'm what? Please continue." Corbel pushed, an almost accusatory lilt to his speech just beyond the matching playful chide, "I'm 'compromised'? I'm 'in recovery'? I'm 'unable to complete my duties as assigned and am, therefore, unfit to work'?"

"Geez. No!" Sans defended, "I wasn't gonna say anything like that at all! You're Gaster's kid! That's all!"

"Aaaaaand you think that makes it easier for me to fake an illness?" Corbel scoffed, "He always saw through that stuff in two seconds flat! I never got away with crap like that . . . Plus, I was actually sick so often as a kid that my parents always knew what to look out for. But Dad doesn't know anything about you or your immunities! You could call in!"

"Damn, you're such a bad influence!" Sans laughed. "I'll have to look out for that. Well, as tempting as that is, I'm kiiinda in hot water with your dad right now and I really shouldn't push my luck with him."

Corbel hummed at that. "About that. Why is he so mad at you anyway? It doesn't make sense. And no one will tell me."

"Ohh . . ." Sans answered slowly, "Well, there's probably a good reason for that. But . . . Now really isn't the best time to get into it."

"Then, you're going to avoid it as well?"

"Ehh . . . You got me . . . Fine, I'll tell you . . . When we have more time. Right now, I don't think we'll actually have time for breakfast before work. So, instead of that, how about dinner after work? I promise I'll explain everything there, deal?"

Corbel thought it over for a moment and finally loosened his grip.

"Grillby's?"

"If you wanna. We can find somewhere else if you want instead."

"No, I like Grillby's." Corbel answered, "The vibe in there is nice. And it's kinda busy in there too, so we can actually talk . . . without being overheard."

"Hm?" Sans questioned, "You embarrassed or somethin'?"

"No, not 'embarrassed'." Corbel sighed, "I'd just . . . Rather let people know when . . . we're sure about exactly what we're doing. I want us to be solid before bringing the world into it . . . And when that happens . . . I'd rather be in control of who knows first. I'd rather tell Mom and Dad before anyone else."

"Yeah, that makes sense."

"What about you?" Corbel continued, "Anyone on your 'need-to-know' list?"

"Tch-heh, you know me." Sans answered, "My circle of friends is very select. Everyone important enough for me to tell already knows."

Corbel thought that over a bit before responding.

"Sans . . . I'm the only person who knows . . . Besides Teri, but I'm sure that was just an accident."

"Yup. So, excluding him, everyone already knows . . . At least, I hope he knows . . . Does he?"

Again, Corbel took a moment. And for that moment, his grip tightened once again.

"He does . . ."

"Good." Sans answered with a grin, "And does he also know that he's about to make me late for work?"

Corbel groaned, ". . . He does . . ."

"Then, is he gonna let me go now?"

". . . If he has to."

"Will I have to move him?"

"Maybe . . ."

Sans chuckled again, releasing Corbel to give him the opportunity to move on his own. If he still refused, he was prepared to move him using magic. Corbel reluctantly relinquished his hold, giving up for the time being . . . Next time, maybe.

With a bit of a groan of his own, Sans pulled himself up to a sitting position on the bed and swung his legs over the edge. Corbel followed moments later more slowly and cautiously, anticipating the dizzy spell that started to become more frequent and the slight throbbing in his head that accompanied it. He stayed nearer to the center of the bed, sitting cross-legged behind Sans.

"I gotta say, I'm surprised." Sans began again, the volume in his voice rising only slightly, now that they weren't so close together. "I never knew you were so . . . physical. You're definitely a cuddler, and you prefer to show your affections through touch . . . At least in this situation. I wonder just where the limit lies with you before you need your own space, though."

Corbel curled in on himself just a little, his hands clasping together in his lap. "You were studying me . . . ?"

"Heh, not really. I'm just curious about your love language. I want to know how you work so I know how to . . . Well, so I know what you like. What you respond to and what to avoid doing. I'm gonna be pushing your buttons like crazy for a while. You've been warned."

Again, Corbel took a moment to think about it. Something about what Sans just said seemed a little bit off to him. Corbel had never really been the physical type before. Maybe hugs from his mom or the occasional spar with Undyne, but he'd never been one to seek out physical attention . . . Even from his own father . . .

And yet, here he was, Sans having to almost literally peel him away . . . It was . . . unusual behavior.

"Sans . . . ?" Corbel approached hesitantly, "You'll let me know if I . . . The last thing I want to do is . . . Just tell me if I'm being too 'clingy' okay?"

Sans smiled softly, turning his head to look back over his shoulder as he tried to reassure Corbel. "Hey. Don't worry so much. Not a whole lot irritates me and at the very bottom of my list of 'every single little thing that might get under my skin' is you. There's no way. But that being said, if it ever happens, I'll promise to let you know right away. Alright?"

Corbel hummed in response. "I guess that's fair."

"And hey, in all seriousness . . ." Sans continued.

"You? Serious?" Corbel jeered.

"Yeah-yeah, I know. Just . . . I know I just said I'd be pushing all your buttons and all, but I don't wanna upset you either. So . . . let me know if I'm going too far. And I'll try to be careful of feeling out your boundaries too."

Partially out of his lasting morning grogginess and partially as a sign of solidarity, Corbel leaned his head on Sans' shoulder from behind. As he did, that comment about him being "physical" and his own concern of being "clingy" ran through his mind once again and he tried not to let it bother him too much.

"Oh, I will." He responded, "I can think of a few trigger warnings."

"Man, am I getting on your nerves already? That's gotta be a record or something!"

"Eh, no. Just a few things that have come up before."

Sans frowned slightly at that. Before? He'd already set off one (or more) of Corbel's triggers? When did he . . .

"Why didn't you didn't tell me about it then? You know I would've backed off right away, right?"

Corbel shrugged, "It wasn't important."

"Sure it was! It's important to you . . . Was it something that I . . . Was it a one-time thing? Or is it something that I'm still doing and you just haven't said anything?"

Corbel shrugged again. "I'm not mad or anything."

"That's not what I asked." Sans pushed, "You should tell me what I did wrong so I don't to it again."

"You didn't do anything wrong . . . And besides, even if I wanted to, I can't. We're out of time and since someone is Hell-bent on going to work today, it'll just have to wait."

"Aw man! Using my own resolve against me, huh? Low blow!"

"You better believe it." Corbel chided, with a small grin, "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's manufacturing the perfect guilt trip!"

Sans shook his head and laughed quietly to himself as he shifted to stand. As a result, Corbel had to shift as well to avoid falling. Sans turned back, holding out his hand for Corbel to take. With less hesitation than before, Corbel reached back and allowed Sans to help him to his feet. Through Corbel's lead, Sans seemed to understand well what a process just- getting out of bed was for him. Though they'd joked about it before, because Corbel really did seem to have a bit of difficulty getting his legs to cooperate, Sans dropped the jokes and focused on helping.

When he asked, why Corbel didn't just use his crutch, Corbel explained his dad's instructions and how he was supposed to only use the crutch when he really needed it. Sans nodded.

Soon after Corbel was situated and was able to move again, it was time for Sans to go.

Before he left, the two confirmed their dinner plans and decided to meet at Grillby's instead of the lab, mainly to avoid suspicion and speculation.

They parted ways at the front door, Corbel lingering a bit in the threshold as Sans stepped back.

"Don't drive yourself too stir crazy, okay?" Sans waved.

"Oh, I've got some stuff to take care of. And quite a bit of writing I need to do, too. Don't worry about me."

"Good." Sans smirked as he turned away to head off toward his apartment, "I'll see you later then?"

"Sure thing." Corbel answered, leaning against the door frame, ". . . Hey, Sans?"

Sans stopped, turning over his shoulder. "Corbel?"

"Thanks . . . For staying over last night. I didn't think about how inconvenient it was for you until this morning . . . But you stayed anyway. So . . . Thanks."

"Hey, Corbel." Sans sighed, turning back around to face him. "You know, I stayed last night because I wanted to, don't you? Not only because you asked me to?"

"Oh . . . Well, yeah . . .?" Corbel answered, though he could sense there was something else Sans was leading to.

"Good." He said again. He closed that distance he created and took Corbel's hand, "You know . . . I was gonna say it later tonight as a reminder, but the way you said that just now makes me think you may need to be told . . . You know, I'm with you because I want to be . . . Don't you?"

Corbel looked back to Sans with a bit of a questioning expression.

"You are not an inconvenience, okay? I don't want there to be any doubt about that. And something tells me that you may need that reassurance. Look, we both made a decision and now we're beginning to follow through on that decision. But I wanna make sure we can do that confidently from the get-go. So, I need you to know that now. You do know that, don't you?"

Corbel wasn't aware of it, but his grip around Sans' was getting tight the longer he spoke. The words hit him and they seeped through, filling him with a strange yet comforting feeling.

"I-I'm still . . . trying to process that, actually." Corbel answered softly, almost unable to find his voice.

"And that's okay too." Sans reassured, his own grip getting more solid as well, "Until you do, I'll be here to tell you as many times as you need. Never forget that I'm here. And that won't be changing any time soon, got it?"

A smile cracked Corbel's expression. ". . . Okay."

"Okay. Now, I really have to go, but I'll see you tonight after work."

"I'll see you then." Corbel smiled, "Have a . . . good day at work, I guess . . . ?"

Sans chuckled at the sound of that, "Of course, Dear." He answered playfully, "I'll see you when I get home."

With his free hand, Corbel facepalmed, hoping to hide the encroaching blush.

"Woooooow," he groaned, shaking his head, "You dork."

"Hey, but I'm your dork, right?" Sans winked, bringing Corbel's hand to his mouth to kiss his fingers. He released them moments later and, with a quick wave, he turned away to rush on toward his apartment and toward the lab.

Corbel hesitated again in the doorway, giving the smallest wave that, of course, Sans wouldn't be able to see. Once again, he was left blushing profusely in his wake, his mind reeling. He had to figure out how Sans did that! He needed retribution! He had to find a way to get him back.

It would be his new mission: To get Sans to blush.

With his resolve renewed, Corbel slipped back inside. After all, he still had a lot of writing to do. So many things needed to be checked off of his list.

She was still pretty unsure about this entire thing. When he said he wanted to discuss things further, she didn't think he'd actually follow through. And at the time, she'd been so upset and distracted that she hadn't given it much thought. But now that she was here, she really had no idea what she was doing.

She looked up to the neon signage glittering through the snow and pulled her jacket closer to her body. This place was so cold, she felt like her fingers were going to become frozen fish sticks. Normally, she wouldn't even come to Snowdin unless it was for training, so being here now without running laps felt a bit off.

"Why here?" She muttered to herself. If this were to happen again, she would have to make sure she was the one who chose the meeting place. Because all this cold and snow was ridiculous.

Uggh, may as well go in before she really did freeze her fingers off.

Opening the door and pushing her way inside, she noticed the significant rise in temperature, as if there was a furnace burning at full power in the center of the room. Either way, she was grateful for it.

Just inside, in one of the far right booths nearest to the wall, a rather tall Cat sat with his back toward the bar. When he saw her in the doorway, he waved his drink to catch her attention. With a bit of a nod and an internal groan, Undyne moved to join him.

"Undyne, right?"

"Yeah. Now, whaddya want?"

"Calm down. I just want to talk. Why don't you sit and order something to drink?"

Undyne did sit in the seat across from Gaine, but did not move to look at the menu or order anything.

"How about you just tell me what we're doing here."

"Recon." Gaine answered with a shrug, "This just happens to be one of Serif's favorite establishments. I just thought it would help us get a better understanding of what kind of monster we're looking at here."

"All the more reason for me not to be here." Undyne began impatiently, "Look, if you brought me all the way out to this frozen ice heap just to talk trash about Sans, I'm gonna have to go. I do have better things to do with my time than gossip about your colleagues."

Gaine chuckled into his drink, "I suppose that is what it looks like. And I suppose you could choose to look at it like that, but really, what I want from you is your insight. I want to know what you know about him. You see, it's not that I don't like him. He's a dedicated worker and good at what he does. He hasn't done anything to make me think he's got any nefarious plans or anything crazy like that . . . But in spite of all that, there's just . . . Something off about him and I can't put my finger on it."

"So you wanted me to give you extra info . . . Why me? Shouldn't you be asking Puffba- . . . I mean Corbel? He's closer to that little jerk than anyone."

"A biased opinion."

"And mine isn't? I mean you already know I can't stand the guy."

"Well, maybe that was the wrong choice of words. What I mean is, if I ask Kid Gaster, I'm only going to get one side of it. And, let's face it, it's going to be the enamoured, rose-colored-glasses version. The kid's been in love with him since he actually was a kid. I want the darker side. I want to know your take on him. I want to know why you can't stand him. Maybe then, that unnerving feeling I've had can be validated."

Undyne watched Gaine through a skeptical glare. What was up with this guy? What was his deal and why did he have it out so bad for Sans when they weren't even on bad terms? Was it just because he had a hunch and he was trusting his gut . . . And because he was the Doctor's right hand, he was in a position to follow through on that gut feeling no matter where it led him. That was something Undyne could respect.

But, just to be sure . . .

"And if I decide not to . . ."

"Then, we call it a night. Enjoy dinner. And I'll search other avenues in the morning."

Undyne nodded in understanding.

"Heh, alright then!" She grinned, "I'm in!"

Gaine looked taken aback for a moment when Undyne responded.

"What?" Undyne scoffed, "You surprised?"

"No." Gaine answered, a grin pulling at his features as well, "I just didn't think it was going to be so easy. You seem like the headstrong type."

"Damn right, I am!" Undyne cheered.

"I thought for sure that you were going to fight me before you agreed."

"Well, you're not wrong. But it seems we have a common goal, and you have a certain drive that doesn't know when to quit! I like that. So, for now, I'm with you. You're welcome."

Gain chuckled again to himself, "Well, thank you." He answered, "I look forward to working with you, Undyne."

The door opened once again with the chime of a little bell above the door. It drew the attention of a few of the patrons and they lit up when they saw who it was.

"Hey, it's Sans!"

"Welcome back, Sans! Long time, no see!"

He greeted the few who acknowledged him, but otherwise made a beeline for the bar and sat at the counter. The two sitting in the far corner, remained unnoticed.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Undyne grumbled to herself.

Gaine raised a brow. "Woah, you really don't like him, do you? But isn't that a bit . . . Harsh?"

"Eh." Undyne shrugged as she tracked Sans' movements through a narrowed glare, "To some."

As Sans took his seat and called over the bright orange Flame monster to talk, the two in the booth seemed to relax slightly.

"Good," Gaine sighed, "It seems as if he hasn't noticed we're here. Now, I want you to be my eyes. I don't want to risk turning too often and drawing attention."

"Did you know he was coming tonight? Seems awfully convenient if you ask me."

"I knew it was a possibility." Gaine shrugged, "He seemed oddly distracted at work today and he was eager to clock out. Almost like he had somewhere he needed to be. I guess this was that place. What I can't figure out is why. Why was he in such a hurry?"

"Y'know, Gaine." Undyne mused, leaning forward on the table, "I get 'scientific curiosity' and all, but there's something I can't quite understand, and it's about you."

"Hm?" Gaine prompted, his eyes locking onto Undyne, "By all means, go ahead."

"Why do you care so much? See, my goal is to protect my best friend, but what is your ultimate goal? Why does monitoring Sans matter so much to you?"

Gaine raised his brow for a moment as he thought over his response.

Finally, with a slight nod, he answered, "I'm sure from the outside it may look like I'm obsessed. But I know there's something really off about Serif. Little things he does or things he says just don't line up. And I know that despite what he says, the Doctor favors him as well. I'm sure that's because he believes Serif to be the only other living Skeleton besides his family. But . . . and I know I'm going to sound crazy for a moment, but bear with me?"

Undyne nodded, closing her menu and pushing it away to give Gaine her full attention.

"I'm not so sure." Gaine admitted, "There's just this unrelenting pull that keeps telling me something here is extremely wrong . . . Do you want to know what I think?"

Again, Undyne nodded, leaning forward even more as Gaine lowered his voice.

"I suspect sabotage. This guy just randomly shows up out of nowhere. No history, no family, nothing, and he's automatically put to work at the Royal Scientist's Lab without so much as a background check? It just seems so strange to me. I think he was sent here to spy on the Doctor and his projects, maybe he's collecting intelligence to use against Gaster. Maybe he's recording us and reporting his findings to someone. Someone who has it out for the doctor or maybe all monsters."

"What are you saying?" Undyne questioned, "That Sans isn't a Skeleton? That he isn't even a monster?"

"Well, maybe that's a bit much, but consider that maybe the one he's really working for isn't . . . Did you happen to see how well he was able to connect with the human girl when she was in the lab"

Undyne thought it over and remembered that when she'd been on her mission to knock some sense into him, he'd been in the room with the girl laughing with her.

"He was able to get so close to her so easily, like the war didn't exist for him. Like there was absolutely nothing there. And now that girl is living with the Royal Family."

"Do you suspect the girl as well?"

"If she's a spy as well . . . Then the humans are much more despicable than I thought . . . But I can't rule it out completely yet."

"But you do think Sans is."

"I think Sans is hiding something. No, I know he's hiding something. I just need to figure out what. I need to find proof, so I can take him in, report him, expose him for what he is."

From on top of the table, Undyne's fist clenched.

"If he's doing all of this just to get close to the Doc . . . To sabotage his work . . . Then, his family is also in danger! Mrs. G . . . And Corbel!"

"If any of what I theorize is actually true . . . they very well could be."

"Those guys mean the world to me!" She looked back up towards the bar with a deep scowl. "Look at him being all careless about it all . . . whatever it is. And to think that he could be deceiving everyone . . . I swear, if he's just using Corbel to-"

The door opened once again and the little bell sounded a second time. The patrons looked up to the door to find another Skeleton brushing snow off of his shoulders as he lowered his hood. When it was lowered, his bright smile was almost blinding as he turned his attention directly to the bar, not even bothering to look around the establishment.

At the sound of the bell, Sans immediately turned around to see who it was. At once, his face lit up as well and he waved to gain the younger Skeleton's attention even though he knew he already had it.

"Sans!" The newcomer called.

"Hey, there!" Sans answered.

"Corbel . . . ?" Undyne hesitated, speaking quietly as not to draw attention to herself or to Gaine, "What's he doing here?"

"Woah," Gaine chimed in, "He's looking a lot better than before. Good thing. He's not even using a crutch anymore. Though that limp is a little concerning."

Besides the two of them, there were others in the establishment who were mumbling among themselves about how comforting it was to see Corbel up and about after what happened. There were even a few people who gave him light applause.

Thoroughly shocked by the reaction, Corbel hesitated in his steps. He looked around a little toward the sources of the clapping and caught a few smiles. He waved to them unsure of whether or not it was the appropriate thing to do and for a moment, he was confused. He didn't remember ever receiving a welcome quite like this last time he came to Grillby's.

It took a few minutes more for him to line the pieces up.

This has to do with the incident, didn't it?

This was his first time coming back to Snowdin since that day . . . and that had been months ago now.

He hadn't realized it, but it seemed a lot more people were aware of the incident than he thought. Whether it was because word had gotten out about it through the usual gossip chains, or because of the circumstance surrounding that incident, he had no idea, but he hadn't been expecting the attention.

Maybe he should've chosen a different meeting place . . .

At the bar, Sans grinned as he gestured to the stool next to him, inviting Corbel over. At the embarrassed look on the younger Skeleton's face, Sans' smile spread.

"Well, of course it was a big deal, especially around here." He explained quietly once Corbel was seated, "Those three Rabbit children were from here. And after what happened to you, the residents here kinda realized how lucky they were that those kids were okay. Since then, they closed off the Ruins until they can fix them and fortify them. You're . . . Kind of a hero. No, you are a hero."

"No, I'm not." Corbel groaned, "Those kids were the ones who told us what was going on . . . And I . . . Well, I didn't do anything special."

"You saved my life." Sans pointed out, "And Alia's. So that's something. And who knows what would've happened if you weren't there . . ."

"I know . . ." Corbel answered, his eyes trained toward the wooden counter top in front of him, "If I weren't there . . . Alia would have been frightened. She would've run away without talking to you. You would've chased after her, still trying to protect her, but she would've triggered a rockslide . . . She would've been crushed . . . She would've died."

Sans was absolutely silenced as Corbel spoke. He listened to every word and couldn't find a hint of speculation. He had so much conviction in his voice that Sans could tell that this wasn't just what Corbel thought this was what would have happened.

"Oh . . ." He breathed, "How do you . . . ?"

Corbel shook his head, "I couldn't explain it if I tried. I just know."

Sans hummed, keeping his eye on Corbel. He was completely serious . . . But then . . . How could he possibly know something like that and express it with such conviction? It was almost as if he'd seen it happen and he was recalling it like a memory more than a "what-if" scenario.

Sans shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. "Well, thank goodness you were there. But still . . . You definitely saved a little girl's life. She's alive because of you. And still, you think you didn't do anything? That you're not a hero?"

Corbel remained silent with his eyes lowered. His hands were clenched in his lap as he tried to avoid the stares and hushed comments from the other patrons.

Breaking him out of his thoughts, another hand joined his beneath the counter.

"Do you wanna . . . go somewhere else?" He asked, leaning in to speak so only Corbel could hear him.

In response, Corbel shook his head slowly. He put on a faint smile, "I'm okay. I just . . . wasn't expecting that, that's all. I'm okay now."

With a bit of a lingering stare, Sans released Corbel's hand, "Okay. If you say so. Welp, since you're here, how about we order? Relax a bit, and we'll get to why we're actually here."

Corbel nodded, "Sounds good."

From the back of the room near the door, Undyne's glare returned as she watched the quiet exchange between the two.

And from in front of her, Gaine noticed the change in her expression.

"What happened?"

"Can you verify something for me, Gaine?" Undyne pressed, "As long as you've worked with them, have these two always been . . . Hands-on with each other?"

Gaine hummed to himself for a moment, "Well, we never really work on the same projects, so, I can't really say. But I know they are incredibly close even if they are lab partners. Very nearly inseparable."

"So, hand holding for them is no big deal?"

"Wait, what!?" Gaine asked, his ears perking up at the news, "No! No, that's new! The most I've ever seen from them is maybe an arm around the shoulder. Huh, I wonder . . . Keep an eye on them, Undyne. Look out for any more unusual behaviors."

"Psssh. You don't have to tell me twice!" Undyne scoffed.

From his spot, Sans did his best to lighten the mood and get Corbel into a more open and relaxed mind frame. They ordered dinner and Sans insisted that Corbel get a drink too in order to loosen up. Corbel chuckled and joked that Sans was going to turn him into an alcoholic if he kept offering to buy him drinks. Sans retaliated saying the last time he had a drink was two months ago for his birthday. He would need more than one drink in order to refill his gauge.

Eventually, Corbel accepted the offer and he thought it over as he tried to figure out which drink would go well with his meal. With Sans' help, he settled on a pineapple basil mojito. Sans remembered from their last venture that Corbel was a fan of cocktails and suggested one he thought might pair well with his chicken-based entree.

It didn't take long for the food to arrive, and after thanking Grillby, the owner and head chef of the pub, the two dug right in. It had been a long day for them both and neither of them realized just how hungry they were.

With the food as a distraction, the two continued to avoid the major issues they were meant to discuss. Instead, they talked about their days, laughed over things that were said or interactions they'd had. It was a good time.

In the back of the room, Undyne watched intently. Even after she and Gaine had ordered as not to draw suspicion of loitering, she was unable to focus on much else other than what was going on at the bar. As the two seated at that bar ate and laughed together, she couldn't deny that something didn't sit quite right with her. They were acting normal enough. Just a couple of friends who met up for dinner at the end of the day . . . She and Corbel and the Blooks did the same thing every once in a while . . . So what was so off about this encounter? There was definitely something weird going on.

Maybe it was the number of times Corbel had to cover his face when he laughed as if he were embarrassed or shy? Or maybe it was the number of times he would playfully punch at Sans' arm after he lowered his hand from his face . . .

No . . . those things were in character for Corbel . . . She'd witnessed those things from him before and she'd been on the receiving end of those playful punches in the past. Then what was different . . . ?

She found her answer when she looked to the other Skeleton. The way he laughed with Corbel as if nothing else mattered. The way he leaned on the countertop with his cheek in his hand as Corbel spoke and never took his eyes off of him. The expression he wore as he listened intently and the way his smile changed and became more fond the longer he watched him.

She knew those looks very well and she knew just how much trouble they could mean for her and for Corbel.

"What's wrong?" Gaine pushed. Undyne had stopped describing the encounter to him a while ago and her voice had trailed off.

"He's giving Corbel a look. I don't like it."

"A 'look' . . . ?" Gaine inquired, "What kind of look?"

"A troubling look." She answered.

"Wha . . . ?" Gaine chanced a glance behind him to see what Undyne meant. When he was sure that there was absolutely no way that they would turn and see them, he shifted a bit more to get a better look. He noted Serif's relaxed expression and the soft smile as well as the slight, almost undetectable blush coloring his cheeks.

"Oh." He answered in confirmation, "Well, if you ask me, it's about time. He's been holding back for so long that I was starting to think that maybe he'd never come out with it."

"But what if it's all part of the act. What if he's using Corbel's feelings against him in order to gain a foothold . . . He's already shattered Corbel once . . . And that took a lot for him to bounce back from . . . Well actually, he's shattered Corbel twice now, and he's still recovering from the second time . . . I can't just sit here and watch as he shatters him a third time. I've got to do something . . ."

"I'd hold off on that for a little if I were you." Gaine cut in, "Just be on observation mode for now. Watch Serif. If it turns out that Serif is bad news, then deal with it however you see fit, but right now . . . Look at Corbel."

Undyne did, cutting Sans from her vision altogether. Corbel's bright smile filled the area on its own and made everything around him seem brighter just for being nearby. He seemed to exude positive energy . . . and it was infectious. The whole mood of the establishment seemed elevated since he showed up.

She'd never seen him so happy before.

"Damn it." She hissed under her breath, "This is a really tough situation."

"Indeed it is if your objective is the happiness and wellbeing of your best friend. From what I've seen in the past, there's is a very real chance and a high probability that these feelings are mutual as well as genuine. If they are, you could be meddling in something that will potentially hurt him more than anything has so far. If that's the case . . . You will have to be very cautious with how you proceed."

Undyne continued to watch the Skeletons at the bar with a bit of a shrinking resolve.

This was a dangerous situation and, as Gaine said, she would have to tread lightly.

When the meal was finished, Sans and Corbel spent their time just talking and joking like normal. They could feel the effects of a good meal coupled with the bit of alcohol they had with it. They let the relaxed and fun feeling they got be the thing that set the mood for the evening.

. . . Neither one of them brought up the things they said they would, not wanting to ruin that mood.

This continued for about an hour after their food was finished until finally, Corbel sat back with a sigh.

"God, I needed that!" He admitted through a grin.

"Same here." Sans agreed, both elbows on the counter as he leaned forward, "Kinda nice to just let loose once in a while, right?"

"It definitely is." There was a moment where Corbel hesitated, trying to figure out how to make the dreaded segue. Just because he hadn't mentioned it yet, doesn't mean he'd forgotten why they agreed to meet that night.

Sans, of course, caught the hesitation and knew what it meant. He hadn't forgotten either. He let out a slow breath and sat up straight in his stool.

"Hey," He began, "It's a little warm and a little crowded in here, don't you think? You wanna . . . go for a walk or something before we head back . . . ?"

Corbel turned his head to look at Sans. With a soft smile, he nodded.

"Yeah, sounds great."

After paying and thanking Grillby with a promise to come back again soon, Corbel and Sans took their leave, pulling their jackets tightly around themselves as they stepped back into the snow. They stopped underneath the pub's awning, watching the fresh snow fall from the other side of the threshold.

"There we go." Sans sighed, a bit of relief in his voice, "Not so stifling now. And you can actually breathe."

"Yeah," Corbel agreed with a matching sigh, "You know, I thought the chatter and background noise would be better . . . And it would kinda mask whatever we talked about . . . But . . ."

"That was a bit much, huh?"

"Yeah . . ." Corbel sighed, still fixated on the snowflakes as they drifted past, "Especially that welcome. Right off the bat, it felt like there were eyes glued to me. And it never really let up. It felt like there was someone watching me the entire time we were in there."

"I'll bet. Guess you're kind of a celebrity, huh? Lucky me. I get to date a big shot."

"Damn it, Sans!" Corbel chuckled, "That's not true and you know it!"

"Except it is." Sans shrugged, "Sometimes, I think you forget who you are. You're Corbel H. Gaster, Royal Scientist and assistant to Dr. W.D. Gaster! Like it or not, you're kinda like a mini celebrity. Definitely D-list material at least."

"Wha- 'D-list'!? First you make me out to be some celebrity, then you mark me so low!?"

"Well, you're no Asgore. That's for sure. And, let's face it. When people say 'Gaster' usually they're talking about the Doc. But, hey, is it really that bad being D-list? People know your name, and maybe ask the annoying question or two, but will otherwise just leave you alone."

Corbel shrugged. "Eh,I guess."

"Speaking of, though. Now that we've ditched the crowd, there's been something I've been thinking of all night, but there were too many people around."

Immediately, Corbel raised his brows, turning his attention to Sans. "Hm? What's that?"

With a bit of a sly grin, Sans took a step forward to trap Corbel inches away from the wall separating the front door and the window. In the same motion, he reached out, hooking his thumbs in the empty belt loops of Corbel's jeans and slightly pulled the younger Skeleton closer.

Corbel's breath caught even before anything could happen. Just the proximity and the suddenness of it all was enough to shake him.

Sans chuckled quietly to himself. "Woah, someone's excited."

"N-no. Just surprised. You keep springing stuff like this on me. And I don't know how to . . . I-it's just . . ."

Sans closed the distance, leaning up slightly to press a small kiss to Corbel's cheek.

For a moment, Corbel was silenced, everything within him coming to a complete halt.

"Don't think so much." Sans hummed, "You're not supposed to know how to respond. What do you feel? Start there."

"What I . . . feel." Corbel responded in a whisper.

In the next moment, he'd leaned forward to land a firm kiss on Sans. At first, it was chaste, and timid, and unsure, but steadily, it grew into something full and passionate. Something Corbel felt fully, but couldn't express. He let the feeling take over him as all thought fled his mind.

Sans' grip tightened as his own breath caught, actually a bit taken aback by the force behind Corbel's advance.

This kiss was different. More different than the other playful or exploratory kisses they'd shared in the past few days. This one held so much more gravity and was significantly more serious than any so far. It was real and it was unprecedented.

When they parted, neither of them could speak. Neither of them knew what to say. There was just so much between them that it was hard to know where to start.

So, for a long moment, they just stood there together in silence.

Eventually, it was Sans who pulled away first, releasing Corbel's hips and shoving his hands in his pockets. He slowly dropped his gaze to the snow and their own sunken footprints. A vibrant blue colored his bones.

"Woah . . ." he breathed, "Th- that's . . . Well, wh-who knew you had all that in you?"

Corbel still couldn't look away from the mild nervousness in Sans and the bright blue in his cheeks. He smirked a little at the result.

. . . Mission Accomplished.

"Well . . ." Sans began again, still trying to regain his stride, "Sh-shall we?"

"Sounds good to me." Corbel answered with a bit of a shrug. His smirk became a full smile as he lifted the hood of his jacket once again and fitted his hands in his own pockets.

He thought he understood a little better why Sans liked to make him blush so often. It made him feel good . . . accomplished . . . empowered.

It was definitely worth it. And it was definitely worth trying again.

"Turn around or they'll see you! Just let me tell you what's happening and don't raise suspicion."

With a huff, Undyne compromised, sitting sideways in her booth and looking slightly over her shoulder so she could see outside the building. She could just see the two from where they stopped outside of the door.

Across the way, Gaine watched Undyne squirm, not wanting to lose sight of her friend. In all actuality, it was pretty entertaining to watch. Especially when she finally had to admit defeat and sit in her spot sideways in the booth. She sulked there for a bit with her head leaning in her hand as she glared out the window at the two. Even so, her foot continued to bounce uncontrollably.

"You know," Gaine continued, picking at the last bit of his food, "I'm a little surprised, honestly. I figured that because you and Corbel were such good friends, he would tell you what was going on. And you seemed to have anticipated this development as well. Yet, you still look . . . maybe surprised is the word I'm looking for."

"You trying to say something?" Undyne snipped, shooting her eyes only to shift her glare toward Gaine.

Gaine shrugged, setting his fork down.

Undyne groaned, rolling her eyes now until they landed back on the pair outside.

"I warned him . . ." She muttered, more to herself than to Gaine. "I warned Corbel to be careful around him . . . And I warned Sans about what would happen to him if he hurt Corbel again."

"You mean, you threatened him."

"Call it what you want."

"Well it looks as if both of them decided not to heed your warnings. For now, all we can really do is wait and see what happens."

Again, Undyne huffed, her glare narrowing.

"Either that or . . . I can actually see you being the type to confront them."

After a moment of fighting against Gaine's words and her own thoughts, Undyne shook her head.

"Last time I did that, I ended up on Corbel's shit list for a month. I tried to force him out of the rut that Sans put him in to begin with. He got so upset with me that I thought he was going to drop me altogether . . . I decided then that Corbel's love life was his . . . And I really didn't have a part in it."

"Yet, here we are." Gaine pushed, "You've actively tried to separate them, which is against everything you just said."

"Well, I still don't want Corbel to get burned again! Especially by the same bastard who burned him the first time!"

Gaine nodded slowly, folding his hands together on top of the table, "I can respect that. But what I wanna know is when did this thing really start off for them? It seems pretty new, actually . . . They don't seem too open about it yet, like they're hiding it. Even now, I'm sure they just left so they could have some . . . Yup, there it is . . . Even alone, the affection they show is mellow at best. That little cheek kiss just now was like kids going through with a dare. It looks like even they aren't fully . . . Oh . . . Well, that certainly is not mellow."

From her seat, Undyne's yellow eyes went wide, almost to the point that Gaine thought maybe they would free themselves from their sockets.

"Well, I guess Kid Gaster isn't such a kid anymore, huh? Who knew he could be so . . . brazen?"

When Gaine did fully look back to Undyne, she'd torn her eyes away from the scene and was scowling at her tightened fist on the table.

"I need some air." She growled, beginning to push herself from the booth.

"Wait! Undyne!" Gaine called reaching out to stop her. He grabbed onto her hand and refused to let go even when she pulled against him.

"If you go out there, it'll completely blow the entire reason we're here tonight. Let them be for now. And when they leave, then you can do whatever. Just . . . Stay here with me for a little longer, alright? Let me get you another drink or something. Just to cool off a bit."

Undyne hesitated for a moment, her hand trapped in the Cat's firm grip. She could feel the warmth of the pads of his fingers as well as the fur of the topside of his hand. And beyond those, she could feel his sincerity.

"Why?" She pressed, "Why do all this for me?"

Again, Gaine shrugged with a bit of a grin of his own.

"Well, we're partners, aren't we?"