It was late when Grillby finished his working day. After the early night frenzy, everybody had retreated to their houses in order to get some sleep, or at least some peace. Even Sans had left, much to his surprise. He was always the last one to go, finishing his bottle of ketchup and throwing some -annoying- puns at him before taking leave. He sighed, glaring eat the mess some monsters left for him to clean up. Don't be mistaken, he really loved his job but sometimes it could be exhausting as hell...

Plus, today should have been special. The letter wasn't going to send itself to the human world. Unconsciously, he patted his waistcoat pocket, feeling the two envelopes within. A wave of hesitation overtook him again. Should he really respond ? Another sigh escaped his lips while he began tidying the bar. It was pitch black outside and no sound could be heard. It was really late...

About a good hour later, everything was perfectly organized . He sat behind the shiny counter and without even realizing it he had the letter in his hands, unfolded, his charcoal eyes sliding over the curvy handwriting of his correspondent with a conflicted look. He was balancing the pros and cons again... and, lost in between the words, he didn't even heard the typical "poofing" sound of teleportation nor did he saw the eye sockets fixated on him in a suspicious expression.

-"What's this Grillbz?"

The bartender's concentration shattered ans he jumped from surprise folding and tucking the paper back in his pocket with anxious precipitation.

- "I didn't heard you coming Sans... I thought you had left for the night. Did you forgot something?"

To say he was feeling extremely awkward was an understatement and the way Sans was staring at him didn't eased his nerves at all. There was a moment of heavy silence before the skeleton's serious reply.

-" No, I didn't forgot anything..." he seemed to hesitate before continuing "you acted strange today. What's bothering you friend?"

That was it. Of course Sans would have seen even the slightest changes in his behaviour. Should he tell him?.. That was a crucial question. All monsters were wary of humans but the short guy seemed to be especially defensive. The last thing Grillby wanted was to enter an argument with his friend, over some letters and a human. It was late, he was tired and needed to rest. The week had been rough and the lack of sleep was taking a toll on him. If only the nightmares could go away... But the memories were carved into his mind. He never totally returned from the front, never totally recovered from the atrocities of war. Somewhere deep inside him, he was split. There were two Grillby: The courteous bartender, taking care of his everyday routine, calm and patient , and The General who fought and killed, hidden in a corner of his soul, ready to brawl and destroy. Oh, how he hated this one, the one that remembered him of smoke, screams and burned skin. He wasn't this monster anymore, he would never be "that" again.

-" Grillbz? Come on bud,what is it?"

This time, Sans' voice was sincerely concerned. In less than a minute, the usually calm and composed bartender had begun to shook, his gaze unfocused. It couldn't mean anything good.

Grillby only shook his head, taking a moment to calm down before answering in a low tone.

-"Promise me not to make a scene about it first..."

-"I... I don't like to make promises..." The skeleton's concern grew even more when he saw his friend frown. "Listen, I will try to be as quiet as I can okay? Just answer me... You've been acting strangely since you accompanied me to the Ruins."

Without a word, Grillby reached for the letter and gave it to Sans. He waited patiently for his reaction while his friend was reading. A moment later, he was in front of a rather disturbed skeleton.

-"Is it... Is it really from the surface? I mean, there's a barrier between us and the humans! It's impossible..."

The bartender breathed a few times before explaining his week and decision, not believing his own words. After a long debate, Sans stood up and gave him the letter back.

-"Okay... If you're sure about your decision, then I respect your choices. You're my friend Grillbz and... I might just know a way to make your letter pass across the barrier."

And that he did.