Title: UnderMind: An Undertale AU

Disclaimers: I do not own Undertale, but I DO own UnderMind. Please do not use my AU version of the characters without my permission. Undermind is set in a WorldView setting like MommaCQ, so, I want to give credit to AlainaPrana, who owns MommaCQ.

Sugar and Sour are Co-owned by AlainaPrana and Alannahablar

Notes: I started this AU idea being influenced by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. They match kids with young adult mentors. Four times a month, they hang out together doing anything from studying to playing sports. This program lowered the possible drug use and possible chance of jail time for a lot of kids, allowing them to have a better future! I wholeheartedly support them! Also, Undyne's fraterity is in no way a nod to monster university. just a coincidence. Also, Editted the story to respect the owner of Sugar. So, Muffet is replacing Sugar.

Summary: Sans aka Cooler is a normal College student. Papyrus is a spoiled, pampered kid. Their paths should have never crossed. However, Sans needs voluteer credit towards his degree. So, when signing up for The Big Brother Program, he gets assigned to Papyrus. Will Sans be able to handle Papyrus, or will he be at his wits end? Only time will tell.

"Regular Talk"

'Thoughts'

phone calls, texts, and sign language

Song Choice: Underdog by Alicia Keys (I really see this as Cooler's theme song)

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Sans's POV

My name is Sans, Sans the skeleton, but my friends call me Cooler. Why? Well, it's a funny story actually. You see, I have Ice magic. There was a party at the dorms for the college I go to. Fortunatly, I have an appartment. So, I never have to clean up the mess. Anyways, back to the story, I usually don't drink...like ever. I'm the friend that drives everyone home after clubbing. The guy that stays chill in a situation where his buddies are acting like children. Well, anyways, I had been trying to enjoy the party without being hounded by my friends to drink. Then, Undyne, the leader of the Omega Kappa Fraternity, offers to let me join her fraternity if I had one beer. Just one? That didn't sound bad. You have to realise that by this point, I was kind of famous for saying no to any kind of liquor.

Part of me thought Undyne just wanted the privilege of saying she got me to drink beer. I didn't really care why at the time. Omega Kappa had some major sponsers that tied into many non profeit groups. I wanted into that world. So, I accepted Undyne's request...That was the biggest mistake of my life. One beer turned into two and pretty soon, I was wasted. Undyne and the others didn't mind much though...turns out I can be talked into almost anything when I'm drunk. Case proven when they talked me into coating the hallways with a layer of ice. Everyone proceeded to slide down the halls, knocking over Professor Alphys in the process.

Now, Professor Alphys was a normally understanding person on a normal basis. However, she had recently finished grading finals for her class in Sociology...a class I take...so, yeah. All she had wanted was some peace and quiet. When the party had reached midnight, she had enough of it and decided to shut it all down. Undyne and I were sliding down the hall when we ran into her, literally. I instantly sobered up and started spewing out apologies as I helped her up. Thankfully, she wasn't too angry at me, but Undyne got an earful from the normally calm Professor. "That was epic!" Undyne says hugging me around the neck from behind, making me jump. "You're not mad?" I ask, kind of nervous.

"Why? Do you know how long I've been trying to get under Professor Alphys's scales? I almost gave up seeing her lose her cool...heh...Anyways, You held up your end, punk. You're an offical Omega Kappa now. One last thing, though" Undyne says letting me go. "What?" I ask. "All fresh fish get a nickname" Undyne says and I manage not to groan. "Well?" I ask trying not to sound annoyed. "Since you managed to make Professor Alphys lose her cool...I was thinking your nickname should be Cooler. Also fits with that Ice magic of yours." Undyne says. I sigh in relief. 'At least it's something Cool, and not demeaning like frosty' I think as I nod. "Thanks, I think I'll be ok with that." I say and Undyne laughs. "Don't get a choice, punk. Fraternity rules" She says.

"Cooler, can you come here a moment?" Professor Alphys asks as I'm about to leave after her class is over. Yeah...my nickname became popular even among the Professors, not that I really mind. "Sure, Professor. Just a moment." I say and finish putting my laptop away. I go down to her desk. "What can a Cool guy like me do for you, Professor Alphys?" I ask. She smiles a little. "I managed to find you that voluteering job for you." She says taking out some paperwork. I smile big. I really need voluteer work, not only to make myself look better to future employers, but also to finish up my college credits. "Really? That's cool" I say and she nods. "A voluteer position opened up with the local Big Brother Big Sister Organization. I have all the information you need right here. You will meet up with a Caseworker tomorrow afternoon." She says handing me the paperwork in a neat file.

"Thank you so much, Professor. This means the world to me" I say and she nods. "Word of advice, make yourself presentable. This organization deals with children and their parents have to approve before you can even start" She says and I nod. I head home after that. "Hey Cooler!" Undyne yells coming up. I smile. "Hey Undyne. Everything chill with you?" I ask. "I was about to test some possible fresh fish. Want to help?" She asks. Normally, I would, but I can't this time. "Sorry, I can't slide it this time. I got a possible volunteer gig, and I need to prepare for it." I say and she nods. "What did ya catch?" Undyne asks. "Big Brothers Big Sisters" I say and Undyne nods. "It's a solid group. Gave me the chance at a good life I have now." She says. "Really?" I ask. Undyne has never really been too open about her home life, and I accept that. However, she got me curious. "Yeah...where I lived, there was a lot of gang activity. Kids were either getting killed by drugs, guns, or they ended up in juvie. I had a big sister from that group. Let's just say she kept me from being dusted." She says and i nod.

I wave goodbye to Undyne and head to my apartment. It's a short walk from the campus. So, I save money on gas...not that I have the money to spare. I was scratching and saving every scent I could to pay my tuition for next semester. I did work as an orderly at the local hospital, but that paid my rent, which included utilities, and my food. I maybe had a couple hundred dollars to put towards my tuition after each two week period. Entering my apartment, I lock the door behind me. I never understood why, but I just didn't trust people. Sure, people as a whole are not evil, but it only takes one to dust you. At least, that's what my foster father always said. Yeah...I was in foster care. I guess that's why I want to make a difference in this world.

Kicking off my sneakers, I sit on the couch with a can of cola and the file Professor Alphys gave me. Taking a drink, I open the file and almost choke. Normally, Big Brothers Big Sisters deal with kids from low income, single parent homes. While this household was run by a single parent, it was by no means low income. The Father, Gaster, was a high ranking Criminal Investigator with the Local law enforcement with ties in politics. The Mother, deceased, had been a realtor, selling high end apartments and houses alike. Gaster donated to the organization generously and they decided to help him with his son. Now, Papyrus was a real piece of work. The kid already had a few incidents after his mother passed away that bordered on jail time, but the charges were often dropped after his father and the other party came to an agreement.

That part did make me pause a moment as I took another drink of my cola. 'So...spoiled kid that is acting out for attention. Father, possibly still dealing with his grief over losing his wife, busy at all hours...do I really want to get involved in this mess?' I think. Setting down the file, I go take a shower. As I'm cleaning up, my hand runs over the scar on the back of my head. I'm not entirely sure how I got it. Just that I've had it as long as I could remember, which was since I was ten. Everything before then is a mystery, and that was about twelve years ago. Small things come to me. The sense of Familiarity when I smell certain smells or hear certain sounds, but nothing more. With no missing persons reports, I was placed in foster care. I got lucky and landed a nice couple.

I think back to those first years in foster care. I really was a handful, but Asriel and Chara were very patient with me. I step out and dry off as I think about the family I may end up working with. If no one helped, that kid was heading towards trouble that his father won't be able to talk his way out of. I sigh and put on a t-shirt and a pair of sweats before fixing me some dinner. I look in the fridge to find only a few things. I sigh and fix me some ramen noodles. 'I'll have to go grocery shopping soon. Can't survive on ramen forever.' I think but grimace thinking about the cost. The time to pay for tuition was coming up, and I barely had enough to cover it.

'I guess...I'll have to go by a food pantry this week.' I think. I don't really like having to do it, but I fell in that category where getting help was acceptable. Still didn't make me feel any better. There were people off worse than I was. It always made me feel guilty going to a food pantry wearing decent clothes. Kind of like I was stealing. What could I do? The meal plan at the college was too expensive on top of my tuition. Sure, I could get a student loan, but I didn't want that debt hanging over my head. I eat my meager dinner. After cleaning what little mess there was, I double check the locks on the front door. Satisfied, I turn out the lights and attempt to get some rest.

Dream start

I was in a vehicle of some kind...riding in the back seat. Someone, I can't remember who, was driving. I'm happily singing a song with the driver when we were hit from the side. I cry out to the driver as the seat belt fails, snapping as the car rolls. Everything seems to go in slow motion as the driver manages to catch me, but they soon are hurt and turn to dust. Without them, the back of my head hits something and everything goes black. I wake up unable to move as a blurry figure reaches in to me. I want to keep away from them, but my body hurts all over. The figure carries me to a vehicle of some kind and drives off. Then, the world goes black again.

Dream end

I wake up to my head hurting again. I reach to the bedside table and get a notebook from the drawer. For as long as I can remember, I've had strange dreams like the one from last night. My therapist said to keep a dream journal and we would try to go through them during our sessions. After writing the dream down, I go to the kitchen and make me some Chamomile tea. It's my only luxury, but it's not that costly. As I wait for the tea to stew, I think back on the dream. 'That's the third time this month I've had that specific dream.' I think as I remove the tea bag and add a little sugar. 'Hopefully, Mettaton can help me sort this out. I hate that dream' I think drinking my tea. The aroma, along with the taste help ease the ache in my head to a more bareable level.

I get dressed and head off to work. Like with the campus, the hospital isn't that far away. I take my time since my shift doesn't start for another hour. It gives me time to think about things. Along the way, I stop by Muffet's bakery. Muffet is a good friend of mine. I usually stop by to say hello and, rarely buy a treat for breakfast. However, this was just a social call. "Hey Muffet, how's things going?" I say coming in. Muffet smiles and I find myself smiling a little more. What can I say? Her smile is infectious. "Hey there Cooler! Everything's going great...You doing alright? You don't look so good." Muffet says. "I didn't sleep well last night, and woke up with a headache. Nothing I haven't dealt with before, Muffet." I say and she frowns. "What?" I say as he comes from around the counter to look at me. "You're a little thinner than last time you came in. It's hard to tell, but I can see it." Muffet says.

"Due date for next term's tuition is coming up. Can't afford to eat as well as I'd like, Muffet. Before you ask, I'm not getting a student loan. I really want to do this on my own." I say. Before I can say anything else, Muffet makes me sit down. "That's well and good, but what good is an education if you dust yourself getting it?" Muffet says and goes to the back. I sigh. 'Exactly what I didn't want, pity' I think. "you still like Chamomile tea?" Muffet asks. "Yeah, two sugars." I say and look out the window. A sleek, expensive looking car parks in one of the parking spots. I admire the owner's taste in vehicles. 'Yeah, look all you want, but you'll never afford something like that.' I think. Then, my eyes widen in recognition as the driver steps out of the car. It's Gaster, the father of the kid I'm being paired with.

I try not to stare at him when he comes in, but he ends up staring when he spots me. "Ah Muffet, my usual please" Gaster says as Muffet sets a cup of Chamomile tea and a warm banana nut muffin in front of me. "Muffet, I told you I was just here for conversation. I can't accept this." I say. Muffet sticks a tongue out at me. "You're pale as a bed sheet. You can and will accept it, Cooler" Muffet says getting Gaster's order. "So, you are the one they said would be partnered with my son. May I?" Gaster asks motioning at the chair across from me. "Sure, I don't bite, sir" I say, ripping the top off the muffin before taking a bite. After savoring the first bite, I look back to Muffet. "Your muffins are getting better, Muffet." I say and Muffet chuckles. "So, have you and Muffet been friends long?" Gaster asks as Muffet brings him a cup of tea and a scone. "Thank you, Muffet." Gaster says as Muffet leaves.

"I met Muffet when I started going to college. The campus isn't that far from here and I also pass by on the way to work." I say and take a drink of my tea. Gaster nods and takes a drink of his tea. "Earl grey tea, right?" I ask and he nods. "Sophisticated taste, I can't seem to find the allure of it. The taste is too bitter for me, but the aroma is divine." I say and Gaster nods. "It's an acquired taste. So, where do you work?" Gaster asks and takes a bite of his scone, taking care not to get crumbs everywhere. "I'm an orderly at the hospital. In fact, my shift begins in about thirty minutes. So, I must get moving." I say about to get up. "I can drive you. It will give us a little more time to talk. Anyways, what are you majoring in, if I may ask?" Gasters asks. I finish my tea. "I'm majoring in Sociology, Social Work, and Public Policy. I always wanted to help kids." I say and Gaster nods.

"Those classes must be expensive." Gaster says. I pick a piece off my muffin. "I can manage. I have these past few years. No one is going to give me anything I didn't earn for myself." I say and pop the piece of muffin in my mouth. "I keep telling him to get finacial aid, but he's either too stubbron or too prideful to do it." Muffet says. I glare at Muffet. "It's not about pride. I just...*sighs* there's people worse off than I am. That have it harder than me. I can make it on my own without taking away from someone else. I have to." I say. Gaster nods. "It's an attitude like that that got me where I am, but Papyrus hasn't seemed to grasp it yet." Gaster says and I finish my muffin. "The file I was given show he's been struggling" I say and Gaster nods.

"It started when his mother and older brother died about twelve years ago. He loved them both dearly, and their absence took it's toll." Gaster says. 'Dammit, the file said nothing about a brother.' I think. "If I'm going to make it on time, I really must be going, sir" I say and Gaster nods, not only paying for his own, but my breakfast as well. I shake my head. 'No point arguing over it. I'm already running late.' I think and follow Gaster to his car. I get in the passenger seat and buckle up. Out of habit, I double check it. "Is everything alright, Cooler?" Gaster asks. "Yeah, just a nervous habit I have. Can't really relax in a vehicle until I'm sure of the seatbelt." I say. He nods and drives to the hospital. "I think you will do Papyrus good. Perhaps, he may even gain some of your work ethic." Gaster says sounding hopeful.

We pull up to the back of the hospital, where the employees enter and I get out. "Well, thanks for the ride, and breakfast. It was nice meeting you, Gaster." I say. Gaster smiles a little. "The pleasure was mine, Cooler" Gaster says and drives off. I go inside and get ready for work. "Cutting it close, aren't you, Sans?" Doctor Sweets says as we get changed into our work clothes. "Sorry, got delayed by Mr Gaster." I say making Sour pause. "A criminal investigator? Doesn't bode well for you if word gets out." Sour says. "Take it easy, His son is being paired up with me in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He just wanted to know more about me before trusting me with his kid for three to four hours, four times a month." I say pulling on my scrubs. Sour nods. "Ah...Papyrus. I wish you luck. You're going to need it" Sour says and I nod.

Five pm rolls around quickly when you're busy changing sheets and cleaning rooms for the next poor soul to go in. I had a small lunch thanks to Sour. It was small only because I insisted on a small one, saying I wasn't that hungry. Now, however, I wish I had let him get me a decent sized lunch. I sigh and head to where the meeting with the case worker was going to be. When I arrive, there's a nice meal waiting. "Thought we should have something to eat while we proceed with this formality." Gaster says from his seat. I sigh and sit down. "I apprieciate the meal. It's been a busy day." I say and frown. "No mean to sound ungrateful, but I cannot have this. I'm allergic to citrus, and the chicken is basted in lemon juice. " I say.

"No, I should be apologizing. I should have waited for you to arrive before ordering." Gaster says. He waves for a waiter, who offers me a menu. "Please choose whatever you would like." Gaster says. I gulp looking at the menu. Most of this would blow my grocery budget out of the water. I end up choosing a steak with baked potato and toast. 'At least it's the cheapest meal...' I find myself thinking. "As I have said, this is just a formality since we have already had a chance to talk. I've already made the arrangements with Toriel. She will contact you in a few days to set up the initial meeting with Papyrus." Gaster says. "So...why am I still here?" I ask a little nervous. Gaster studies me a moment. "I guess you could call it curiousity." He says. "Curiousity?" I say as the waiter places my plate in front of me.

"I'd like to know more about you, if that's alright" Gaster says. I nod cutting up the steak. It gives me a perfect excuse not to look at him. His eyes...felt familar, but I couldn't for the life of me, place them. "What do you want to know?" I say and take a bite of my steak. "Have you always struggled with low magic levels?" Gaster asks almost making me choke. "Apologies, I did not mean for the question to be so personal." He says. "No, it's fine. I'm just surprised. Not many know that about me." I say. "I saw the signs earlier. Pale color, headaches, and trembling. You seemed to get better after breakfast." He says. "Yeah, I've had to deal with it since I was a kid. Should eat better, like Muffet keeps telling me, but Can't afford much along with my tuition and other living expenses." I say and eat some more of the steak.

Gaster nods thinking about something. A waiter comes out with a bottle of wine. Gaster goes ahead and has a glass poured for himself and offers me one. I politely refuse. "I don't drink. It makes my magic unstable." I explain and Gaster nods. "So, how did you get your nickname?" Gaster asks. "The only time i drank, it was at a dorm party. Wouldn't have done it normally, but the leader of Omega Kappa said just one and I was in. Well, one became two, you get the picture. Anyways, I ended up making the hallway an icy slide for everyone. Undyne and I were sliding down it and knocked one of the professors over. It didn't taken me long to sober up, that's for sure. Anyways, I was let off easy because I never caused trouble before then, but Undyne got an earful. She said I was in the fraterity, but every new fish gets a nickname. Mine just happened to be Cooler." I say.

Gaster nods and we eat a while in silence. "If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. However, answering means I understand a bit better for Papyrus's sake...How did your wife and son die?" I ask. Gaster lifts his glass and takes a decent drink. "They were murdered...As a criminal Investigator, I do have my enemies. One such enemy rammed into the side of their vehicle. By the time help got to them, they were a pile of dust. My wife had tried to shield our son, but he was unable to be saved in the end." Gaster says. My thoughts go to my dream. "No mean to sound rude, but maybe your son did survive" I say making Gaster look at me. "I mean, dust can't be tested for DNA. So, if someone wanted to take your son, and he was still alive...It would be no problem covering up the evidence that he was alive. Just a matter of sweeping the dust under the dust" I say.

I look at Gaster to find him staring at me. "You're the only other person to agree with me on that. However, the site was searched multiple times and turned up nothing." Gaster says. Checking the time, I stand up and stretch. "Thank you for the meal. It's getting late and I have classes tomorrow." I say and Gaster nods standing up. "Thank you for induldging an old man." Gaster says and we shake hands. I get that feeling again...like I should know him better than I do, but I shrug it off as I head home in my cheap car.

To be continued...

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Notes: PLEASE! Leave a review! I would really like to know what you all think.