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. BratTale 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, as requested by Sugar's owner, he will not be making any appearances. If I had realised it sooner, he wouldn't have been in the first chapter. So, sincerest apologies. Won't happen again and it's been fixed.
Song Choice: Be Somebody by Thousand Foot Crutch (another good song for Cooler)
Summary: As Cooler's life takes an unexpected turn for the better, his health takes a turn for the worse. Papyrus learns a valuable lesson about Cooler, and Cooler gains some insight to Papyrus. Maybe they will make it afterall.
"Regular Talk"
'Thoughts'
phone calls, texts, and sign language
Cooler's cuss word dictionary:
Frost- Fuck
Sleet- Shit
Frosting- Fucking
Snow- various cusses
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Cooler's POV
I stare at the lady behind the counter like an idiot, my mouth hanging open like some kind of fish. "Wait...can you repeat that? I must have misheard you." I say trying to regain my cool. "As of yesterday, your tuition for the remainder of you college career has been paid in full." She says and I go to a knee, hanging on the counter so not to completely fall over from shock. "That's what I thought you said...Who?" I try to say, my head spinning. "Sorry, I cannot give that information. They wanted to remain anonymous." She says and I nod. "Right...of course they did." I say and manage to stand up again, but my knees feel like jello. The lady smiles at me. "Seems you have a guardian angel, Cooler. Go get some rest...You don't look too good." She says. "I'll be fine." I say waving her off. She frowns. "If you say so. Please look after yourself." She says and I leave. I've already finished classes for the day and I didn't have work today.
My phone starts to ring. I look to see it's a number I don't know. 'Must be Toriel.' I think and answer it. "Lo?" I say rubbing my head. It's starting to hurt again, starting from around my scar. Hello, is this Sans, also refered to as Cooler? A kind voice says on the other end. "Yes, this is Sans. How can I help you?" I say sitting on a bench in the courtyard of the College. Ah, this is Toriel. I'm calling to set up the initial meeting for you and Papyrus. I was wondering if you can swing by the office this afternoon? Toriel says. I frown. 'Welp, time to get this snowball rolling' I think. "Sure, I don't have anything planned this afternoon. I'm good anytime today." I reply. Wonderful! Can you come by in about an hour? Toriel asks. "Sure, no problem...How's Papyrus feeling about all this? I'd like to get an idea of what I'm walking into" I say. Well...I'm not going to lie. He would rather be spending time with his Father, but he's open to the experience. Toriel says. "That's understandable. I'd feel the same in his shoes." I say. Well, I will see you soon, and Sans? Toriel says. "Yeah?" I say. No mean to pry, but you don't sound so good. Please get yourself seen to. Toriel says and we hang up.
I look up at the sky thinking. "Whoever is listening, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." I say and start to head to the office. Shoving my trembling hands in my pockets, I walk down the sidewalk. I soon find myself at Muffet's. I smile and head inside. "Hey Muffet" I say and she smiles big before frowning. "Sans..." She says. "I'm alright, honest. I've just had quite the day already." I say making her curious. "I went to pay my tuition today." I say and she nods. "But...Someone had already paid it off...the whole two years I had left to pay." I say surprising her. "Wow, sweetie, that's amazing." She says and I nod. "Nearly put me on the ground, I'll tell ya. I'm about to head to meet Papyrus for the first meeting." I say and she frowns. "Are you sure you are up for this? You're not really at your best, sweetie" Muffet says. I nod. "I'm sure. Anyways, I thought I'd drop by to tell you the news...well, that and order a couple dozen doughnut holes." I say with a smile. Muffet smiles and grabs a paper bag to put them in. I try to pay but she refuses. "On the house. Consider it a congratulaions gift. Now, go before I change my mind" Muffet says and I leave laughing.
I look in the bag to see at least four dozen. "Dang...she must expect me to share with the kid...wouldn't be a bad idea, actually." I say and pop a couple in my mouth. I smile thinking about seeing Toriel again. We...we have a long history. She was the case worker that handled my case when I was found almost dust so long ago. I briefly wonder if I should tell her about the dreams I've been having lately. Eating a few more, I cross the street when I am allowed. Toriel has been very kind to me, and found me a decent foster home with her son and his wife. So, she's like a grandmother to me. I finally reach the office to find her waiting. Her eye twitches a little at my snack choice, but says nothing about it. "Hey Toriel, how are you today?" I ask with a smile. "Well enough, but you look awful, Sans. Are you really sure you are up for this? I can reschedule if you're not feeling well." Toriel says leading me to the elevator.
Song Choice: He Didn't Have To Be by Brad Paisley
I step on the elevator. "I'm fine, Toriel. It's just been one of those days. Hopefully, it gets better." I say and she nods as I eat a few more doughnut holes. "How has your memory been? Anything new?" She asks and I frown a little. "Mostly dreams that don't really make sense...and..." I say trailing off. "And what?" Toriel ask interested. "Ever since I first met Gaster face to face, I keep getting this...feeling...like I should know him. I can't even look him in the eye. Then, there's the tea he likes, Earl Grey...It's still vivid in my mind..." I say and see Toriel staring. "Then, it seems that being around Papyrus and his father will do as much good for you as it will them. Hopefully, everything will work out." Toriel says. "You forgot some important information, though." I say and Toriel looks at me confused. "I did?" She asks confused. I hit the emergancy stop button.
"Papyrus had an older brother, one that would have been my age if he was still alive. Don't...don't jerk me around, Toriel" I say, my left eye starting to glow. I back away from Toriel, holding my eye, trying to get the magic flare up under control. Toriel frowns. "I promise you, Sans, I had no idea there was an older son in the family. Gaster probably was trying to put the past behind him." She says getting closer. My eyes widen. "S-Stay back! I don't want to freeze you solid!" I say and Toriel stays back. "Sans...I would have never suggested you for this if I had known. Please believe me. I would never intentionally put you through any situation you are uncomfortable with. I can still reschedule and choose someone else." She says. I start to calm down, thinking about what might happen with Papyrus if I decided not to go through with this. Part of me, somewhere deep within me, screamed not to abandon Papyrus again...not when he was so close. The feeling caught me offguard.
"No, I...I'm fine...I just needed a moment to get the surge in magic under control" I say. "Is everything alright in there? The elevator stopped suddenly" a voice on the elevator's intercom says. Toriel presses the call button. "It's fine, Grillby. Just a magical surge. We didn't want to risk anyone. It's under control now." She replies. "Alright, as long as you're sure." He replies. "I'm sure. We'll be up soon." Toriel answers and allows the elevator to continue to our floor. "You really need to take better care of yourself, Sans. Have you seen a doctor about your magic levels? They're getting out of control." She says. "Not yet, but I am planning on it soon. Just needed to get to summer break. You know what will happen. I'll land in the hospital for a week while they straighten it out, just for it to go crazy again in a month or two. I can't afford to miss any classes." I say and she frowns. She lets the subject drop as the elevator doors open revealing Grillby.
His eyes widen. "Oh...That explains things. Good to see you again, Sans." He says and I have to stand a bit away from him. It's nothing against the guy. It's just he's fire and I'm ice. Being too close makes me feel ill. "Good to see you as well, G" I say and Toriel leads me to the room Papyrus is in. "Papyrus can be a handful, but he's been...quiet lately. So, keep an eye on him, Sans" She says and lets me into the room. The first thing I notice about Papyrus is how tall he is. 'He is sixteen? He's almost as tall as I am! I would have said he was at least eighteen.' I think. "Sorry for the delay, Papyrus. We had an issue with the elevator." Toriel says and he nods. "This is Sans, the one I spoke of." She says and Papyrus looks at me a little surprised. "What? Something on my face?" I ask. "No, just don't see many skeletons in the middle class anymore. It's kind of a surprise." He says.
I shake my head. "That's a fine hello, Paps" I say. Papyrus looks at me a little mad. "What did you call me?" He asks. "Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, Papyrus. It just slipped out." I say and he relaxes a little. 'What the frost was that about?' I think and offer the paper bag to him. "what's this?" He asks. I smile a little. "A snack I picked up for us. I already had my half. The rest is all yours." I say as he looks in the bag. "Doughnut holes...haven't had these in ages...Thanks" He says and eats one. "a little chilly though" He says with a smile. "Sorry about that, my magic has been giving me trouble lately." I say. "It...it's alright. My..my brother used to freeze them a little when I was young. Made them a bit chewy." Papyrus says and I nod. "Why don't you boys go spend some time together? Just remember to be back by five pm." Toriel says and we nod.
Song Choice: Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne
Leaving the building, Papyrus looks around. "You don't have a vehicle?" He asks surprised. "I do, but I live in the area. Saves gas to walk." I say and he nods. "I usually save driving for rainy days or days when I'm not feeling well enough to be hoofing it all over town" I say. "It's an interesting way to get around, for sure." Papyrus says, eating a few doughnut holes. "It's how a lot of people get around. You never truly understand how lucky you are until you lose everything" I say making him look at me. "Sounds like you experience in the matter" Papyrus says. I nod. "When I was a kid, younger than you, I was in some kind of accident and was left for dust on the side of a road..." I say shocking him.
"I..wow...that's..." Papyrus says. "A lot...yeah. When I came to, I couldn't remember anything, not even my true name. Like someone wiped my life clean..." I say and he nods. I touch my right eyesocket. "Both of my eyelights used to shine, but the trama to my head stopped the right one from shining like it's supposed to. They say it can be fixed, but I can't afford the procedure. Besides, I kind of like my eyes the way they are." I say and Papyrus nods. "I think it suits you...about earlier...My brother used to call me Paps." he says. "I'm sorry, Papyrus. I didn't mean to drag up memories." I say. "It's...chill, as you would say. I just haven't been called that in a long time. You can continue to call me that if you want." Papyrus says and I nod.
Checking my phone, I see it's almost five pm. "We should head back soon. It's almost five." I say looking at the river from the bridge we're standing on. "Look, Paps...I know your dad is always busy, but just feel lucky you still have him..." I trail off. "Papyrus?" I say looking around. My soul seems to freeze in place when I find him standing on the railing of the bridge. "Paps, what the frost are you doing up there?" I ask rushing over to him. He looks at me. "I'm tired...Sans...so very tired of being second to a dead son...He's all my father obsesses over now...pouring all his hours chasing dead leads and rumors...I'll never be Santious...He won't even miss me" Papyrus says and jumps. "Sleet! Paps!" I yell and manage to grab his hand. "Let me go, Cooler. It's better for everyone this way." Papyrus says.
"Like the Frost it is!" I yell. Papyrus's hand slips and I jump after him. "Frost it!" I yell and I use my magic to freeze that section of the river. 'Must be thicker...needs to be thick enough to support him' I think as my left eyelight glows a bright, pale blue. Papyrus lands on the ice, thankfully unharmed, I can't claim the same luck. Landing wrong, I hear a snap as pain erupts in my left leg. I scream out in pain, not only from my leg, but the pain in my chest. 'Sleet...must have overdone it with the magic...at...at least Paps is safe' I think. "Sans? You...you saved me...why?" Papyrus says coming over. The sounds of sirens can be heard in the distance, but my chest and leg were taking up most of my attention.
Taking advantage of Papyrus leaning over to check on me, I grab his scarf and pull him close so I'm in his face, making him flinch. "I don't know what the Frost put the idea your Father doesn't care in your head, but YOU listen good, and listen well, Papyrus" I growl, but manage to keep my magic under control. "You are so Frosting lucky YOU have a Father at all. He DOES care a LOT about YOU. I would to give anything to know who I am and who my parents are. YOU are loved, YOU will be missed, YOU have a future. SO, take your head out of the snow and look around. Because a lot of people care very much for YOU including ME!" I say and start to cough like crazy, my chest on fire, even more than my leg at the moment.
Soon, local law enforcement have arrived and are trying to figure out how to get to us. "Paps...the ice..it's...*coughs* thick enough to get you to shore...you should go." I say. "...But I can't..." He says. "of *coughs* of course you can. Just go...my leg's broken, but you can get to safety" I say. Papyrus surprises me by picking me up. "Kiddo, you should just leave me...*coughs...Ice may not support us both together...*coughs* Don't know how thick I made it" I say. "Just shut up. I'm not going to leave you behind while your hurt and now, clearly sick. What kind of little brother do you take me for?" Papyrus says. "But we're not..." I say before I get another run of coughing. "According to that program, we are brothers, and brothers don't abandon each other!" Papyrus says. I lean my head against his shoulder. "You really need to eat more. Your really light, Sans" Papyrus says finally getting to shore, where paramedics are waiting to take me. That's about when I black out.
Dream start
"Hey Sans...what are you up to, my son?" A familiar voice asks me as I am packing. "Getting ready for my trip with mom. She said I could go with her this time. After she gets done with work, she said we're going to spend the rest of the day at the zoo." I say with a big smile. "Ah, is that so?" A blurry figure says sitting on the bed. "Your brother and I are going to miss you" the figure says, hugging me. I giggle. "Father! I'll be back before you two know it" I say trying to get away from my father. "I will always know when you are not around. I will always miss you, because that is what Fathers do, Sans" The figure says. "There's two of my boys" a voice says. I smile big. "Mom! I'm all set!" I say running up to the driver from one of my other dreams. "Is that so? Did you remember Gasty?" She asks and my eyes widen. "I almost forgot!" I say and grab a plushie (looks like a gaster blaster) and my bag. "Ok, now I'm ready!" I say. "Stay safe, love" father says and kisses mom. "Ewww" I say.
Dream end
I wake up coughing, and I vaguely register someone helping me sit up. "Get the doctor! Now!" I hear a voice say and I can't help what I say next. "F-father...where...where's Pappy..." I say making the person helping me freeze. "Sans...Sans...Sans...Worlds above." the voice says. "Sir, I need you to step out so we can work." I hear a doctor say bluntly. The grip on me tightens slightly before it lets go. "Very well, but I want to know if anything changes, Anything. He saved my son." The voice I now realise was Gaster says. "Of course" the doctor says as Gaster leaves and my vision clears. "Take it easy. You idiot. You should have been in ages ago for your unstable magic. You are lucky you didn't freeze anyone solid" the doctor says. "How long have I been out?" I ask. The doctor doesn't answer and leaves.
After about an hour, a nurse comes in. "Sans, I need your permission to do a DNA test. A gentleman believes that you are his lost son." She says. I look at her a little shocked, but nod. I flinch as the needle goes into one of the magic veins in my arm. "You are looking better, by the way. You had everyone worried, Sans." She says. "How long?" I manage to ask. "Two weeks. It's been two weeks, Cooler." She says and leaves. 'Two weeks, I was out two weeks...Gaster, he said I saved his son...Papyrus is safe...' I think relieved. After about a half hour, Toriel comes in. "My child, you had everyone so worried." She says sitting next to me. "Papyrus?" I say. "He's fine. Shaken up, but fine. He's worried sick about you" She says. "How are things doing between him and his father?" I ask.
She smiles. "Things have improved a bit. They've talked about him trying to end his life. Gaster cleared his schedule for a few days and spent them with Papyrus." She says and I nod. "T-that's good." I say and cough. "You really overdid it with your magic, Sans. I never thought you would catch pneumonia with your type of magic. According to the doctors, you're still recovering from it. Your leg is broken in several places. It will take some time to heal. Sans, why didn't you tell me you didn't have much food? I would have helped you. As would have Asriel and Chara." Toriel says looking disappointed. "I...I wanted to do it myself..." I say and she sighs. "This again. Haven't you learned by now that you can't do everything on your own?" She says. "I guess not...*coughs* I'm still learning" I say.
"Hello Toriel, may I have a moment alone with Sans?" Gaster asks. Toriel studies Gaster a moment. "Ok, I need to call my son anyway. He and his wife are worried sick about Sans." She says and leaves. Gaster sighs and sits next to me. "Do you recall what you said to me at that dinner some time back, Sans? About my son?" Gaster asks looking at me seriously. "That he could be alive..." I say and he nods. "Gaster...does the name Gasty mean anything to you?" I ask and his face softens. "It was Santious's favorite toy. He carried it everywhere." He says. "Did...did Papyrus tell you anything I told him about myself?" I ask and he nods. "He told me everything, including the lecture you gave him. Very effective, I must say. He's changed a lot since that day." Gaster says.
"Gaster...while I was out of it...I had a dr-no...I think it was a memory...I was ten...getting ready for a trip. A figure came in...I couldn't see him clearly, but...his voice..." I say and Gaster nods, gently holding my hand. "That was the moring you and your mother went to the capital. That was the day that your mother died and you were stolen away." He says. "I..I'm sorry...I can't remember much. It's all a blank except the memories of that day, and even that is hazy." I say and he nods. "I understand. I asked for a DNA test and it proved what we know, my son." He says gently touching my head. It felt nice...until his hand brushed the scar, making me flinch in pain. "Sans, what's wrong?" Gaster asks suddenly worried.
"That...that scar on my head. It hurts when touched." I say and Gaster frowns. "How did you get it?" He asks concerned. "I...I think I got it in the accident." I say and he nods. "Explains your memory loss." Gaster says and I nod. "I...I don't want to upset you, but I..." I trail off. "You're not comfortable calling me father right now." He says and I nod. "I also don't want Papyrus to know...at least for now. I..I can't remember all those memories we've had and I don't want to hurt him. If...no...when I remember, I will tell him myself" I say and Gaster nods. "I can understand. I know now, but it does hurt that you cannot remember." Gaster says. Soon, Toriel comes back with Papyrus. "You...You really are awake, brother" Papyrus says coming over.
"Careful, Papyrus. He still has a long way to go to heal." Gaster says and Paps nods. He gently hugs me. "Hey...I'm going to be fine, Paps" I say rubbing his back. "I..I'm so sorry, Cooler...If I didn't jump...you would be fine right now" Papyrus says. I frown. "Papyrus, What happened, Happened. Nothing is going to change that. What's important is that you learned some valuable lessons from it. You learned how much your father cares for you. You also learned how your actions can harm others. Both are important lessons to learn." I say and he nods. "Too bad you had to get hurt for me to learn those lessons" Papyrus says. Papyrus looks at Gaster. "Father, what about Cooler's living arangements? He won't be able to work in his condition." Papyrus asks concerned.
I suddenly realise that Papyrus is right. I can't do my job with my leg as bad as it was. Gaster chuckles making me look at him. "Sans can stay with us until he recovers. When he does, He can live in the guest house. I'd say he's earned the trust involved staying with us" Gaster says making both me and Papyrus smile. "I..." I start to say. "Sans, you have done a great service to me and my son. You deserve what you are being given." Gaster says and Papyrus looks at me with pleading eyelights. "I guess I will be your guest once I'm released." I say and Papyrus looks so happy. "If it is alright with you, I'll have your apartment packed up and the contents moved to the estate" Gaster says and I nod. "It would save me a lot of trouble." I say and Gaster nods.
It takes two more weeks for me to recover from the pneumonia and be discharged from the hospital. "Your leg will take three to six months to heal, and you may end up with a limp, Sans. Do not try to stand on it. " The doctor says. "Don't worry. He won't be doing much of anything for a while except video chat classes from the college he attends." Gaster says. The doctor nods. "Try to keep the leg elevated at home. It will reduce the swelling." The doctor says and Gaster nods. An SUV soon pulls up. The doors open and reveals a lift so I can get into the vehicle. I glare at the vehicle, but say nothing. Over the past two weeks, I've had to accept the harsh truth that I need help. However, that doesn't mean that I like it.
"Ready to go home?" Papyrus asks and I nod. Gaster helps me into the vehicle. Once I'm secure, Gaster and Papyrus get into the vehicle. "Can we stop by Muffet's. It's alright if I stay in the vehicle. I just want to let Muffet know that I'm alright." I say and Gaster nods. We park outside Muffet's bakery and Gaster goes inside. Not long after, He exists with Muffet in hot pursuit. I smile at her. "Hey Muffet" I say. She glares. "Hey? Hey? You had me worried sick, bonehead" Muffet says. I look at her apologetically. "I'm really sorry I didn't let you know how I was doing." I say and she huffs. "You better be. Have you called Undyne or Professor Alpyhs?" She asks. "Professor Alyphs, yes, but not Undyne...I don't know if I want her to see me like this." I say. Muffet smirks. "What?" I say concerned.
"You love Undyne" Muffet says bluntly. I blink at her. "I do not! She's a great friend, that's it" I say. "They say denial is the first step" Muffet says. I groan. "Don't tell me that you are going to start teasing me about Undyne" I say. Muffet giggles. "Call it payback for making me worry so much." she says. I sigh and smile. "That sounds fair." I say. "So, how are you doing now?" She asks. "I have metal rods keeping my leg in one piece. Can't do hardly anything on my own. How do you think I'm doing?" I say sarcastic. Muffet smirks. "You hate it. About time you let someone look after you for once." She says. "I am not letting anyone do anything. I have no choice in the matter" I say and she smiles.
Song Choice: Fight Song by Rachel Platten
On the trip to the estate, I decide to call Undyne to have her come see me. The first call goes straight to voicemail. I sigh and try again. I know that she's awake. The phone rings a few times before she answers. "You've got some nerve, Cooler." She says, her voice sounding dangerous. "Undyne..." I say. "Save it, Sans. I don't care. You vanished on the fraternity, your family here...on me" She says. I sigh. "I was in the Hospital, Undyne." I say. A few minutes pass by before she says anything. "...are you alright, punk?" she says. "Ended up with a broken leg and pneumonia." I say. "What the heck, Cooler? What happened?" She says. I sigh. "Do you remember a news report about a suicide attempt where the river froze over?" I ask. "Yeah, It was a huge topic on campus for a while. Why?" She asks. "Undyne, I saved that kid using my magic. When I hit the Ice, my leg snapped due to how my health is. I also overdid it with my magic, which caused me to catch pneumonia." I explain.
"So, what took you so long to call me?" She asks. "I was in a coma for the first two weeks. Most of the other two I was either coughing or passed out from exhaustion" I say. "Point proven. Look, I'll let everyone know what went down." She says. "Thanks, hey, do you think you can manage to pull the notes together I missed? Several members share classes with me." I ask. "Sure, Punk. It'll take some arm twisting but it'll get done." she says. "You're the best, Undyne" I say and I hear her laugh. "You bet I am." she says. "Undyne...do you think you can come see me? I...*sighs* i missed you" I say. "Sure...I missed you too. Where do I need to go?" She replies and I give her directions. "I'll see you soon, Cooler" She says and we hang up.
"How did she take it?" Gaster asks. "She was furious until I told her I was in the hospital." I say and Gaster nods. Funny enough, Undyne beats us there. I sigh. "It's like a bandaid, bro. Just get it over with" papyrus says and I nod. Gaster gets out. "You must be Undyne. Give me hand? It's easier on his leg if two peolpe help." Gaster says and she nods. "Dang, Cooler. You're a mess" Undyne says helping gaster get me out of the vehicle. "I've been told" I deadpan.
To be continued...
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Notes: Please Review!