Chapter 27: Pandora's Match-Making

"Frisk, what in the ever-loving hell happened."

Sans was searching my face for answers, and he was not going to let this one question go unanswered.

I contemplated on whether I should tell him the truth or not, but Natalie's voice rang in my ears, and my decision was made. "I got into a fight with some guy on the way home. I was lucky when Natalie pulled up and got me out of there before things got ugly."

Sans' eyes searched mine, and he was silent. "... why are you lying to me frisk?"

I grabbed the other Sans' jacket from off my desk chair and threw it on, "I'm not lying, Sans. I got into a fight with-"

Sans grabbed my arm and forced me to look into his eyes, "frisk, tell me the truth. you didn't just get into a fight with someone on the way home, the injuries i saw have been there longer than that. which means, whatever that session was-"

I yanked my arm out of his grasp, "Sans, just back off for once! Yes, you are worried, but you are not going to meddle in my business. You're not my best friend anymore, you're a stran-"

Sans' voice interrupted me, "i'm not a stranger frisk, stop saying that! we're best friends, just because pandora came along doesn't mean that i ever stopped being best friends with you. you're the one who's been pushing me away, you're the one who's becoming a stranger to me!"

I threw my hands up, "Well it's not like I'm trying to do this! I'm not trying to distance myself, I'm not trying to be a stranger, I'm just trying to protect you guys! I'm just trying to support the household and other monsters because they're struggling! Who cares what happens to me, I'm not even-"

Sans grabbed my hand so roughly that I let out a yelp of surprise. "I CARE. I care what happens to you Frisk, so stop saying shit like that!" I was shocked; blue tears were pricking his eyes. I could tell that there was more that he wanted to say, but he remained silent.

I closed my eyes, letting the tears that had been there fall, and took a deep breath. "I know that you care. Believe me, I know. But with everything going on, with every day, I start to think that no one cares. So I take more risks, I do dangerous things, I make deals with people that I shouldn't make deals with. But with it all, my only intentions are to help and protect you guys, my only intentions are to give you guys the life on the surface that you deserve." My voice broke halfway through what I was saying, and I couldn't help letting pain cross my features as I kept my eyes closed and tried to prevent the tears. I took a moment, and opened my eyes to look at Sans, tears falling. "I'm trying to give you guys what you deserve and everything that you guys want, because I never got that growing up! I'm trying to make sure that things are easier, and more carefree and happy for you guys, because growing up, I struggled. I struggled so badly, because my parents couldn't get off their asses to do anything for me or Melody, besides bea- well, besides what they did. So I am going to give you guys whatever you want or dream of, even if I don't get anything I want, and I'm going to do whatever I can to achieve that for you guys."

Sans grabbed my hand, letting his tears fall, letting himself be vulnerable. "and what do you want, frisk. just name it, i'll get you anything you want!"

I closed my eyes for a moment, imagining how things could go if I just kissed Sans, right then and there... But that was unfair to Pandora. I opened my eyes, and looked into Sans' eyes, a sad smile on my face. "I want something, that I can't have." Pain felt like it was trying to break out of my heart from the inside, as I left the room and left Sans to figure out what I meant.

When I entered the dining room for dinner, Toriel glanced up at me, "Ah, Frisk, you're just in time for dinner! And I'm glad that you thought to give me information about your whereabouts this ti-" Toriel took a closer look at me, and dropped the glass dish she was holding, staring at me in horror. "My child! Oh," Toriel crossed the room to me in two strides, too focused on me to realize that the dish had not shattered and was placed on the table. "What happened?" She was inspecting my face when she froze, her eyes a fiery inferno. "Frisk, who did this?"

I placed my hands on Toriel's, trying to find a way to calm her. "Mom, I'm okay, just take some deep breaths, okay?" Toriel took her hands from my face and clenched them into fists, trying to calm herself. My voice was calm and slow, "It happened on my way home from work, when I was walking. Someone just jumped out at me, and they tried to do worse, but I kicked the person's ass, okay? I'm okay, see? All in one piece."

Toriel got a weak smile on her face, "Usually I don't condone the language or the violence you used, but I'm glad you gave that person what they deserved. Thank you for calming me Frisk." She was quiet for a moment before a grin crossed her face, "But you know who you won't be able to calm?" I gave her a questioning look. "Undyne, Mettaton, Chara, Sans, oh, just about everyone I think." I paled, my eyes widening. "Have fun with that, my child."

I let out a distressed noise, "Mom, do you think you'd be able to help me out with the uh, calming them down, situation?"

Toriel shook her head, "I'm afraid not. You see, it was your decision not to get a body guard. And it has also been your decision to go wandering off lately. Not to mention-"

"Okay okay, I get it, my actions have consequences. Now that you mention them though, where is everybody else right now?" I was curious about everyone else's whereabouts since it was pretty quiet in the house.

Toriel smiled, "Well, now that the humans have gotten more accepting, a majority of them have been able to find jobs that suit them. I know that Papyrus and Melody have gone to the bookstore, they just love that place so much. Though, I think that a majority of the time, Papyrus is there to see that human. What's her name again?"

"Tabatha, you mean?" I think I knew where this was going.

Toriel's smile got bigger, "Yes, Tabatha was her name. Well, Papyrus seems to have taken a particular... interest, let's say, in Tabatha."

I squealed, "Oh, my little Paps, he's grown so fast!"

Toriel laughed, "Oh Frisk, you and your, what is it called, shipping?"

I jumped up and down, "Yep! And now one of my OTP's is- just- yeessss! Oh, my skeleton son has grown up so much." I wiped a fake tear away, "I'm such a proud mother!"

Toriel chuckled at what I had said, "Oh Frisk, it's just so endearing and adorable to see you this excited over something."

Sans suddenly appeared, "yep, she does get pretty adorable when she gets excited about things." He had his usual smile on, but his eyes told me everything. "hey frisk, can we talk later tonight? we just haven't talked or hung out in a while."

I gave Sans a small smile and nod, "Yeah, sure thing."

Toriel set the table, "Oh, Sans, I meant to ask earlier, is Pandora coming tonight?"

Sans' smile disappeared, "oh shiiiiii-" Toriel gave Sans a warning look, "-iiizz. i need to go get her quick, i told her that i'd be over around 5:00. one moment guys." Sans walked out of the room and we could hear him teleport to Pandora's.

Toriel quickly crossed over to me, "Frisk, earlier today, Chara and Alphys came to me with some concerns." My smile slowly disappeared. "They say, that you have... feelings, for Sans. And that Pandora being around makes it quite difficult for you and your emotions to remain stable. If Pandora needs to go, just say so Frisk, you don't have to go through the pain that she brings."

I shook my head, "No mom, it's fine. Pandora can come over, I'm okay with them being together." Toriel gave me a look. "Okay, well, maybe it hurts for them to be together, but it's fine, really. I already discussed this with Pandora, and even though it hurts, as long as they're happy and in a healthy relationship, I'm okay with them being together."

Toriel's eyes were pained, "My child, are you sure? It really would be no problem if we just sent her away, or if you want to go off on your own when she comes around."

I shook my head once more, "Mom, sending her away would be rude. And since I spend a lot of time at work and such, I want to take every opportunity I get to spend time with you guys." Toriel frowned, and reluctantly nodded. "Okay, good. Now, let's get dinner out and ready."

I was currently talking with Pandora, a gentle smile on my face.

The subject was currently on Pandora's older brother. "...And not to mention, he is annoying as all heck. But, y'know, we love each other. So, what about you Frisk, anything you wanna share about your family?" She didn't know that Alexandra and Aaron were my parents.

I sighed and clasped my hands together, "Um, I don't really have anything to share. My only sibling is Melody, and she rarely irritates or bothers me. We both get along really well, and honestly, I hope our relationship as loving sisters doesn't change." Pandora smiled and nodded.

"So, Frisk, is there anyone that you're interest in right now?" Pandora asked mischievously.

I blushed, "What? No, no, not right now. I was in... a sort of relationship a while back, I guess, but I haven't really been interested in getting into another one." I gave Pandora a curious look, "Why do you ask?"

Pandora squealed, "Okay, so I know this guy, and I really think you two would be a good match! I mean, he's smart, he's funny, he's really good looking, and he's very understanding. He is a bit shy and awkward though, so I'd introduce you guys as friends first, and then when he gets more comfortable with you, maybe you guys can get together!" As soon as Pandora got excited, she deflated a bit. "Oh, wait. I have one question though. Are you even in to guys? Or are you in to girls or something?"

My cheeks heated up even more, "Well, I'm open to dating and being with both genders I guess. Why?"

Pandora perked up and went on, "Okay, cool. Well anyways, I know this guy, his name's Kody. And like I said, I want to introduce you guys to each other! And like you, he's bisexual as well!" She gave me an eager smile, "Do you think you'd be up to it?"

I cast a glance over at Sans who was currently occupied with Melody, my heart throbbing painfully within my chest. "Sure. Yeah, I'd be fine with being friends with and possibly getting into a relationship with him."

Maybe if I found someone else, my feelings would go away.

I was currently outside of Muffet's Cafe and Bakery, waiting for Pandora and Kody.

Since I was going to be meeting someone who Pandora is trying to hook me up with, I actually tried to look nice. I was wearing a white t-shirt under a cute denim jacket and a black skater skirt with tights, my black flats on my feet and my hair up in a braid crown with two loose strands at the front. I was also wearing some mascara with a nude lipstick that Mettaton had picked out. Like I said, I actually tried to look nice.

"Frisk!" Pandora's voice reached my ears as she tackled me in a hug.

I gasped as I tried to get out of the hug, "Jesus Pandora, are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Pandora giggled, "Maybe." Then she let me free from the hug, pushing someone toward me. "Frisk, this is Kody. Kody, this is Frisk."

As I looked at Kody, I definitely noticed how good looking he was. He had a fair complexion, a pompadour hair style, and a short recently trimmed balbo beard. His eyes were a beautiful piercing cognac, and his smile was small and sweet. And he was definitely about 6 feet tall, making me feel short with my 5 feet and 6 inches.

Kody scratched the back of his head nervously, his voice was like dark brown velvet. "Hi there, Frisk."

I bit my lip before quickly replying, "Hi there. So, you guys ready to go order and stuff?"

Pandora nodded, but then a small frown crossed her face. "Wait, Frisk, isn't Muffet's a bit... pricey? Do we even have the money?"

I gave Pandora a reassuring smile, "Pandora, don't worry. I got this, so let's get inside."

Pandora and Kody followed as we entered Muffet's and made our way to the counter. The bell on the door frame rang out, signalling that a customer had entered.

Muffet's high pitched voice greeted us as she started to turn to face us, "Hi there, welcome to Muffet's, how may I help you toda- Oh, Frisk! Long time no see, what can I get you today?"

I looked at the options on the menu, "I'll just get a warm spider cider today. What about you two?"

Pandora was a bit quieter since this was a monster she didn't know, "Um, we'll just get a medium macchiato and a medium con panna."

I nodded and started to get my wallet out, "Okay. So Muffet, how much will it be?"

Muffet looked at me, surprise and a bit of disbelief adorning her features. "Sweetie, what are you going on about? You're not paying. Gosh, I don't think I would ever make you pay for anything again, not unless I was in desperate need of money."

I gave Muffet a questioning look, "What do you mean? Of course I'm going to pay."

Muffet shook her head stubbornly, "No. You think I'm going to make you pay? After everything you've done for the spiders, not to mention, all of monster kind? Nuh-uh. I may be a bit stingy or greedy with money at times, but I'm not going to willingly make you pay." When I was about to argue back, Muffet put in one final word. "Frisk, you're the saviour of monsters. Now take your order and go sit your booty down at a table."

I reluctantly made my way to a table for three, my cheeks burning. Pandora made small talk as we sat, until she left me and Kody alone, saying that she had to use the restroom.

Thankfully, Kody initiated the conversation so we wouldn't have to sit in awkward silence. "So, Frisk, how'd you meet Pandora."

I moved my mug of spider cider to my lap, cradling it in my hands and soaking up the warmth. "Well, I wasn't the one who met her first. My friend Sans met her, and then he introduced us. What about you, how'd you meet Pandora?"

Kody smiled, "We met in the middle of 7th grade, when she transferred to my school. I noticed that she just wasn't herself one day, and I was stubbornly persistent, and she sort of just let me in, and we started talking, and we sort of just became best friends."

I smiled, "That sounds really nice. So, what do you do for a job?" I sipped at my cider some more.

Kody lit up, "I'm actually working as a mental health counselor for younger people, like teens and younger children. I had originally planned on working as some sort of scientist, but I found myself becoming more and more interested in helping others with their mental health." Kody glowed when he talked about what he was passionate about, and it was simply adorable. He talked until he took a sip of his drink, motioning for me to talk about what I did.

I quickly took a sip of my cider before speaking, "Well, I'm not exactly doing what I'm passionate about right now. I'm just working a few different jobs to support my family; I haven't really had time to do what I like."

Kody reworded his question, "Well, what are you passionate about then? What interests you as a career?"

I thought for a moment, "Um, I've actually been a bit interested in working with kids who struggle with mental health as well. But I'm also really passionate and interested in singing or writing. Being an author or singer has been my dream job since I've been a kid." I drank some more of my cider as Kody nodded.

"That sounds really nice, Frisk. Maybe I could read something of yours sometime? Or maybe hear you sing?" Kody gave me a sweet smile that made my insides melt.

I could feel a light blush start to make it's way onto my cheeks, "Oh, no, I'm not really any good at either one. They're just some things that I like to do in my free time."

Kody shook his head, "Impossible. If you've considered both as a career, and you're passionate about both, you must be some good at them."

Pandora came back and interrupted before I could deny this, "Hey guys, hate to cut this short, but I've been called in to work. So me and Kody have to get going, sorry Frisk."

For some reason, I got the courage to say: "Well, maybe I could give Kody a ride home or something? I'm actually really enjoying his company."

Kody smiled such a big cute smile, "Yeah, Frisk could give me a ride home. Like she said, I'm really enjoying her company."

Pandora's eyes sparkled as she realized that her matchmaking skills were working, "Of course! I'm glad you guys are getting along. I'll see you both later!"

"Wait, so if the Bohemian Rhapsody kid was one of the best parts of the night, what was another?" I was currently giggling over Kody's story of what happened one Halloween.

Kody chuckled, "Okay, you ready for this?" I nodded, smiling as we approached his home. "So as if the kid who belted out Bohemian Rhapsody wasn't enough, some college guys showed up on our doorstep, okay? So they ring the doorbell, and we were expecting another trick or treater at first, but there was just a door. Yes, a full on wooden door that had a sign that said 'Please Knock'. So we did, and the door swung open to reveal a bunch of college dudes dressed as really old grandmothers." Kody began to laugh, making me hide some giggles behind my hand. "They had curlers in their hair and everything! And they proceeded to coo over our 'costumes' and tell us we were 'such cute trick or treaters!'. One even pinched my cheek! Then they gave us candy, closed their door, picked it up, and went to the next house. It was amazing."

I walked Kody to his door, "Well, I guess you're home now. Talk later?"

Kody smiled, "Definitely. And here's my number quick." Kody handed me a napkin with his number on it. "I was going to give it to you earlier, but I forgot. Hey, wait, how are you going to get home? Don't you live clear across town? You're not going to walk, are you?"

I shook my head, smiling at his concern. "Don't worry, I'll just take a shortcut. See ya later!"

I left Kody at his door as I went to the side of his house, teleporting back home to my bed.

I lay down on my stomach and sighed, content with how today had gone.

Kody was so kind, and funny, and was just amazing in general.

Maybe he could help me forget my feelings for Sans.

Maybe.

Oof. Another chapter!

I'm like, so tired and sad from the depressing music I'm listening to right now.

I'm also feeling evil. You guys, a beloved character is going to be murdered in the future, but you guys won't find out until your heart is ripped out of your chest because of the feels that I will inflict upon you. Cool beans?

Otay, I'm gonna go bed now, g'night.

Until Next Time~