A-n-B: Have fun. I've stopped italicizing the puns because formatting gets messed up anyways, hope you don't mind.
Part 3: I Don't Bite
...
Frisk woke in bed again, though not as dramatically as the last time.
The ringing in her ears was nearly faded, barely an irritant.
She didn't know if she was frustrated or relieved finding herself back in the comfort of her own bed.
Why did this keep happening? And more alarmingly, how was all of this happening?
Maybe she was sick or something, some sort of delirium inducing super virus.
A large sigh left her lips, her forearms pushing against her eyelids.
For the first time in a long time she wished her mother was there.
It wasn't like she didn't miss her, but Frisk was relatively self sufficient, she had always been good at taking care of herself.
But not when it came to things that rattled her. She lived a complacent existence, there weren't many opportunities for her to experience up close and personal the inconsequence of her mortality.
She had tasted it two fold in the past couple days.
But she had survived yeah?
So maybe she could handle things better than she thought.
Filled with renewed determination, she decided she was going to get down to the bottom of this whole circus mess.
Even if it was the death of her.
She got ready for the day with practiced ease, making her way to the kitchen for some breakfast. Life changing discoveries couldn't be made on an empty stomach.
A pan was placed upon the stove's front burner which was quickly lit, a thick slice of butter thrown down and already melting. Swirling the object in the pan to evenly coat it Frisk was already lost in thought.
Besides the multitude of questions that she had, the most concerning was that of her sister.
Could Chara have actually killed someone? Was she truly capable of taking someone's life?
Frisk thought over this thoroughly. Sure she may not be close to her twin, but that was never on her part. Chara acted mostly indifferent towards her family, as if they weren't worthy of her time, which sucked definitely, but Frisk had come to accept her sister for who she was.
And she was incredibly selfish, always taking anything that had been given to Frisk, wailing until she got her way. Only caring about herself, not helping at all when their mother had fallen ill.
Her personality generally added up to a pretty unlikable person. But a killer? Was she actually that selfish to the point of taking someone's life or that unconcerned with the world around her? That bad?
Frisk still didn't know if she could accept that, or even picture it really.
Flipping over an already frying egg, she turned to grab a plate and fork.
Edges perfectly crisp and yolk still runny, Frisk scarfed down her food, chewing past the near molten temperature. She was ready to get the day started.
Throwing the plate and utensil in the sink she made her way to the door, grabbing all essentials that were in their respective spots though the brown haired female couldn't recall putting them back.
Another near perfect day despite some clouds making their way over, maybe a storm was coming.
Fresh air and a day off to figure out the crazy adventure that had plopped itself happily in her lap. She hadn't been this invigorated in...well longer than she could place.
In no time she was already at the old aqueduct, hands haplessly laced behind her back. First puzzle piece to understand, did she actually have to cross over the bridge to get there? And did it have to be done on foot? Or even on the bridge itself? Could she hop her way over the river?
'Let's start simple' her brain remarked. Determined readiness, she marched over the bridge with swift steps.
She didn't feel any different.
"we have cod to stop meeting fish way."
A huge smile hit her face quicker than she could register. It was Sans, happily sitting by the riverbed with a fishing rod in hand and line already cast.
"Please tell me that you're not pretending to fish for the sake of a pun?" He couldn't be for real.
His self indulgent smile widened, "i don't need you casting judgement on me kid."
"I reely can't believe this is happening," if you can't beat 'em join 'em.
"whale, anyfin is possible if you put your mind to it," Sans had already removed the rod from the water and reeled in the line.
"Stop playing koi, Sans," she got a laugh and her stomach did a small flip. She was enjoying herself more than she should.
Left hand glowing blue he waved it around the fishing tool, which promptly disappeared, "alright kid, but if you think of any other puns just let minnow."
Frisk had already made her way over to him, he was observing her intensely enough for her to feel a bit awkward.
"What's up?" She asked, raising a brow.
"the sky kiddo," he earned himself another decisive eye roll, "here." He extended out his hand with her locket.
Frisk smiled, she had a feeling it had stayed behind again.
His unwavering gaze was back on her as she put the accessory on. She felt a chill run down her spine. "Is there something on my face?"
He seemed perplexed, "nah sorry, was just thinking." His hand went to the back of his head, running through the hair there.
"Sharing is caring," she prompted.
An embarrassed blush made its way to the slightly taller male's cheeks, "you two do look a lot alike."
"Hm?" Frisk hummed, tilting her head curiously.
"you and chara," he clarified.
"Well we are twins, though not identical." This was awkward.
Sans didn't respond, he let the conversation trail off, gazing up at the clouds that were rolling by.
"Anyways..," Frisk didn't know whether to push the topic further, she had more questions than answers, but didn't feel completely comfortable speaking of her possibly homicidal sister. Ultimately she decided that it wasn't worth the distress on the man before her and opted for other pressing matters, "any idea why I keep magic-ing myself out of here?"
Sans gave her a slight shake of the head, "ya know, gaster and i were discussing it," he seemed very thoughtful on the matter, a dramatic shift from his usual casual candor, "and it's purely speculation, but you seem to only disappear when you're in an unstable emotional state."
"it's pretty remarkable really," he continued, seemingly impressed, "we've never seen anything like it, even chara needed an escort..."
"An escort?" This had peeked Frisk's interest.
"Someone who can bridge between you're dimension and ours, like myself or...-" Sans trailed off, he took a deep breath, no longer looking at the shorter girl, "or papyrus."
Frisk automatically reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. He flinched at the touch, but that appeared to only be instinctual. He gave her a kind smile.
There was a silence between them, nothing awkward, just a respectful quiet. A soft breeze blew, whipping their hair and clothes around their forms, tall grass bending and swaying rhythmically.
"So," Frisk finally started up again, she had too many questions as it was, and there was no time like the present, "those people that went into the tent with us...are they..." She couldn't bring herself to say the word, "...gone?"
"in a manner of speaking," Sans replied, though his answer wasn't helpful in the least.
"Why?" Was the only thing she could think to ask. It didn't seem fair, she could've been one of them.
He gave her a strange look, as if she was crazy, "they wanted to go."
"What?" She didn't understand.
"what what? what kind of place do you think we're running? it's what we're here for." His arms were crossed, head tilted questioningly.
Apparently she was missing something.
"Why did they want to go? How do you know? Why did you take me then?" Sans seemed almost offended at the last question.
"i thought you'd enjoy it kid, it was a mistake. i didn't know you'd react like that. you were safe since i was with you." It looked like they were finally getting somewhere in the conversation, and honestly, Frisk was more impressed that the white haired male could converse so long without a pun.
"Enjoy it? They're dead." She retorted.
"huh? well i suppose technically, yeah they are, but-" Then it hit Sans, "oh kid, no. no no no. you didn't understand the sign did you?"
She shook her head no.
He let out a laugh, tattooed hand rubbing his eyes, "cirque des âmes perdues, circus of lost souls." Sans clarified, "think of it like a checkpoint, most are only visiting, but some come because it's their time, and the occasional few are stuck, and it's our job to help out however we can." The tattooed male showed a passion that Frisk had never seen while explaining it to her, she was almost blinded by it.
Was this the true Sans? Was his aloof and puntastic humor a facade? Admittedly she liked that side of him, but this was something else. Something that filled her with awe.
His explanation made complete sense, but it struck Frisk as slightly worrisome, "Which one am I then..." Her voice was quiet, almost scared.
"pretty sure you're a visitor kiddo," Sans was unaware of the females shift in tone, "most are, plus you can read the sign so you could say that's a good ...sign," he nudged her with his elbow, her mood lifted the slightest bit, "your sister couldn't, so that's saying something."
Frisk was surprised, "She couldn't? Why?"
Sans shrugged, "beats me, though it may have something to do with the fact that she's a homicidal maniac...no offense."
"None taken," Frisk took a small pride in how well she was masking how uncomfortable this conversation was making her, "you don't have to talk about her for my sake."
Sans shrugged, "dunno, it's kinda therapeutic. you should start charging by the hour, get yourself one of those leather lounge chairs. we'll set you up with your own booth and everything." He wiggled his eyebrows in a teasing manner, Frisk gave a laugh which pleased her companion like no other.
"no i mean it kid, we won't make you provide credentials, it'll be our secret," he gave her a wink, eliciting another sweet laugh from her.
"Well, always glad to help," she smiled sincerely, Sans returned the gesture.
He held out his hand like he had done before, "come on then, time to meet your new clients." He was clearly joking.
She placed her hand in his, warm electricity pulsating through her veins and she could've sworn she saw flashes of cyan and gold behind her eyelids when she blinked.
Her smile only widened, exhilaration filling every pore, "Ready when you are."
Sans smirked, a flare of blue encapsulated their joined hands and again she felt that slight sensation of the world shifting, only to land back on solid ground.
They shared a look, the taller male seemed infinitely proud of himself. They were back at the big top.
A cool breeze wafted through the fairgrounds, calm and welcomed, kicking up any loose hay or dirt.
Frisk went to take her hand from her companion, a small blush creeping onto her features. Sans' cheeks mirrored the sentiment, previously held hand going to scratch the back of his head, "our sessions must be working already, doc, i'm getting clingy and everything." He was trying to elevate their shared embarrassment and Frisk appreciated the effort.
"Don't worry, it'll stay between us, doctor patient confidentiality and all." She gave a joking shrug, causing the other to give a laugh in return.
"thank high heaven for that..." He seemed to be talking more to himself than her, looking off in the distance, "come on, gaster wanted me to take you to him when you were back."
"You knew I'd come back?" She was skeptical.
Sans, who had already begun walking away, stopped and looked back at her, "of course, what else were you going to do?" He responded matter of factly, "go back to that boring diner and mope? doesn't sound like you kid."
Frisk scoffed, "And you would know that how?"
He looked her up and down, sending a chill through her, "i've been right so far."
The brown haired girl was about to give a rather snotty response about how Sans definitely didn't know what he was talking about and how she actually liked her boring job, but they were interrupted.
"S-Sans!" A short, yellow haired female called out, panting breathlessly as she ran towards them, "quick, s-she needs your help."
"what's going on alph?" His tone was vaguely concerned.
The woman straightened out, panting lightly, "Undyne, s-she said she could do it herself, s-stuck."
"c'mon kid, we gotta go," he said hastily, though his tone didn't fluctuate in urgency, as he grabbed her hand, quickly teleporting them to...well Frisk didn't know, she had never been to this part of the circus before.
What she did know was that there was some sort of panic going on, several figures crowded around it. Sans had already left her side, going towards the crowd. Frisk followed suit, making it to the ring of people who had formed.
In the center of it all was a quite the scene. A tall, blue skinned woman with stunning red hair was pinned under a large wooden beam, a larger burly man in a pink Hawaiian shirt, who Frisk vaguely registered as the lion tamer from the show the night previous, was trying fruitlessly to lift said wooden beam and now Sans who seemed to be no help at all and was he...mocking the pinned female?
"pretty sure we've had this conversation before..." Sans drawled, putting a thoughtful hand on his chin.
"Now's... not really... the best time idiot," the woman panted out, trying to lift the heavy object off her body and failing miserably, a huge angry grunt filling the air once she gave up.
"woodn't you believe it, it's actually the perfect time," the woman groaned at the pun, though it could've also been from being uncomfortably stuck as well, Frisk couldn't quite discern the difference, "so what, you need help or something?"
The woman gave him a look that so blatantly read, 'no shit Sherlock' that it was almost painful.
Sans shrugged, reading the look and deciding to end to poor persons' misery. With an indifferent flick of his wrist, blue swirling magic consumed the massive wooden pillar, easily freeing the red head who quickly shimmied out of her confines with the help of the lion tamer who had tried to assist.
Sans placed the pillar into it's presumably proper position, "you've got to stop making a habit of this undyne, you're gonna scare al out of her skin."
Undyne rolled her yellow eyes, Frisk was completely in awe of the woman's coloration, she was stunningly beautiful, "I don't need a lecture from the laziest person here, I was trying to get work done because someone didn't show up for their pre-show duties and I had to cover for that person.. Who was it again? Oh right it was you, Mr. Lazybones."
"i'm taking a personal day, didn't the boss tell ya?" Sans was completely unfazed by the insults she was slinging his way, dodging each one gracefully.
"You know I can't understand a thing he says." Undyne crossed her arms in a huff.
"U-Undyne! Are you alright?" Alphys had made her way to the tall woman, eyes brimming with concern.
The blue skinned female gave the shorter a smile, ruffling their yellow locks playfully, "You know it babe! Takes a lot more then that to take me out."
Alphys seemed beyond relieved, adjusting her glasses more accordingly on her face, "You n-nearly gave me a heart attack," she breathed, giving the taller a tiny punch in the arm, "be m-more careful next time."
The red head gave her companion a comforting side hug, a small 'sorry' mumbled into the blonde's hair.
It was unbearably sweet.
"So, Sans, whose your...friend?" The lion tamer asked, breaking Frisk's attention away from the two women.
"Frisk!" Another voice called out, coming up to her. It was N.C., blue hair flouncing about as he approached. She gave him a smile, her attention now distracted from the conversation going on between Sans and the others.
"What're you doing here?" He asked once he was finally before her, "Looking for a map again? I think we got more in stock."
Frisk smiled, "Oh, huh, yeah no, I'm here for..." She glanced over at Sans who was gesturing leisurely while talking, the pink shirted male looking shocked, "... fun?"
He seemed uncertain, "Really? That's surprising."
The shorter girl quirked an eyebrow, "How so?"
Guy gave a shaky laugh, "Well, don't get me wrong, this is a circus and all, but you didn't seem all that interested last time I saw you." He smiled sweetly, "Nice to see you changed your mind though, we've got loads of fun stuff to do and see so it shouldn't disappoint."
She smiled back, "Hey Guy, mind filling me in on what happened?"
"Well, I didn't really see it, but Undyne tends to get a bit enthused when she gets it in her head to do something. She's our stage manager and makes sure everything is running smoothly. She pretty intimidating," N.C.'s face turned a bit uncomfortable with the last bit of information, "but she's also our resident fish lady in the freak show, she's super popular."
"Fish?" Frisk was surprised, sure she had some wacky colored skin, but now on closer inspection she noticed the small details, like the jagged teeth that fit together like a zipper as she talked to Sans, and were those...gills on her neck?
"Yep, got her own freshwater tank and everything." He chuckled.
"Wow," Frisk was impressed, "and the blonde...Alphys is that right?" She looked over to the woman, and was slightly surprised, she hadn't noticed in all the chaos before but her skin was textured and shimmering like glittering yellow scales, it was gorgeous.
The blue haired male nodded, "Yeah, she's also a part of the freak show, but she's our resident technician, she super handy with our generators and lights and stuff. We all kind of wear multiple hats around here..."
Frisk nodded, truly astounded at how amazing everyone was. It was things like this that really made her think she was dreaming, what with magic tattooed men and primary color skinned women.
"The big guy is King Asgore, King of kings." Guy continued.
Frisk nodded, "He's the lion tamer right? I saw him perform, it was amazing."
The taller male sputtered in disbelief, "Wha- you saw the show? How are you... Huh. You're really something yourself there Frisk."
She smiled, embarrassed, "No, it was Sans." Frisk glanced over at him again when she said his name and was surprised to find that he was eyeing her the same way, still talking with the other three who seemed to be berating him over something. "He was with me."
"I.." He seemed just as shocked somehow, "I guess that makes more sense-"
"SHE'S WHAT?!" Undyne yelled, startling Frisk and Guy from their conversation. The tallest woman was glaring daggers at her, though her eyes were almost more pointed than that, maybe spears were a more appropriate metaphor, "You!"
Undyne stomped her way over to the brown haired woman, grabbing a fistful of her shirt, "You've got a lot of nerve coming here! Where are you hiding it! That traitorous psycho?!"
Frisk's mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Sans was between them in an instant, "let her go undyne." Magic was flaring at the ready.
"But Sans," the woman pleaded in the most vicious manner ever conceived, "she has to know something."
"she doesn't." He insisted. Undyne scoffed.
"Well, she shouldn't be here anyways!," Frisk was lifted off the ground.
Her heart was racing, she was terrified and more than happy to comply with the aggravated woman if it meant not being manhandled and assaulted. Frisk was most definitely at the point that would qualify for emotional instability so then...why? Why wasn't she fading away, why was she still here?
Apparently Sans' theory wasn't correct, but now wasn't the most opportune time for further contemplation.
The blue fist that wasn't in her shirt was cocked back, as if she was about to punch the younger straight in the face. "undyne, stop." Sans' voice was firm, fierce.
Yellow eyes rolled, a distinct 'as if' expression drifted across her sharp features. Frisk flinched, feeling the incoming attack.
"it was papyrus."
The approaching attack stopped mid way to its target. Frisk meekly opened her eyes to peer at what had happened.
Sans looked despondent, her heart ached at the sight. Undyne's face was gaping in shock.
"The hell did you say?" She breathed, looking between the two of them.
"pap brought her here. chara has nothing to do with it." Sans looked up and smiled at the still dangling girl. "i want her here. paps must have had a reason."
Undyne seemed at a loss, gingerly lowering Frisk and letting go. A blush crept onto her blue cheeks.
"I- uh,". She eyed the shorter female slowly, "I guess I'm sorry then...?"
Frisk was still trying to calm her racing heart, sweat dribbling down her temple, "it's-it's fine, really." She gave an unconvincing smile.
"Heh, yeah, people keep telling me I've got some bad tunnel vision...it's hard for me to stop and think about things..." The taller tried to awkwardly explain, "you're alright yeah?"
Frisk nodded, straightening herself out, Sans had already joined her at her side. "you okay?"
"Mmhmm," she hummed, still trying to ground herself.
Sans went to brush away some of the hair that had fallen into her face and her heart nearly stopped. She gave him a wary smile, pulling away from the touch and tucking the stray hairs behind her ear. Sans looked almost sad at her reaction, but only for a moment.
He looked back at the rest of them, "so if you all don't mind, we're gonna make like a banana and split." He gave a wink at his slowly calming companion, "if that's alright with you of course." His voice was concerned, the last bit directed at her.
Frisk gave a laugh, "That's a pretty a-peel-ing notion." Sans eyes got that shimmer that they did with a successful pun conversation and it alleviated any remaining negative feelings she had from her earlier possible broken nose fun times with Undyne.
"Hey! Sans! Don't forget you promised to cover for Toriel tomorrow morning!" Undyne yelled after them.
Sans waved her off as they exited the small tent, "you know how i feel about promises."
They were outside and Frisk had never been so grateful for the sunshine that hit her skin, warming and pure. She took in a breath.
"sorry about all that," the white haired male remarked. Frisk shook her head.
"It's fine, I mean I would have preferred not to have been attacked, but" a joking shrug," I'm learning to accept that kind of treatment around here."
It was a bad attempt at sarcasm on her part, but Sans didn't seem to take it too harshly. He was blushing though, "yeah, we've all been on edge since..."
He didn't need to finish, she could infer the rest.
Since her sister had killed one of their own.
The message was clear.
"Did you mean it?" She asked after a time. They were walking towards some trailers that were organized neatly away from the major booths and shop tents.
"hmm?" Sans responded questioningly.
"That you wanted me here? Even though it's causing all this fuss?"
He laughed airily, "you kidding? this is the most fun i've had in ages."
"This is fun to you?" Frisk was disbelieving.
He shrugged indifferently, "we've all got our kicks kiddo."
They had stopped at one of the larger structures, Sans leaving Frisks side to open the door for her, "after you." He gave a mock bow.
She gave a tiny curtsy, "Oh why thank you kind sir." Two could play at that game.
He smirked following behind her.
The room was dimly lit, draped woven fabric blocking the small windows. There was a perfectly made bed off to the side, and different porcelain masks lining the ceiling, each carrying their own stylization and expression, but all unified by the deep lines that came up from the right and down from the left. A strong smell of incense flooded Frisk's nostrils and she found herself being drawn towards a large vanity in the corner.
There sat a tall man who was facing the two that had entered his room. He was smiling at the them, expectant.
Frisk's pulse began to race again. It was the ring leader she had seen yesterday, though he was without the masks he had worn while performing.
Sans gestured with his hands in her peripheral. Was he...?
Gaster gestured back quickly, almost too fast for Frisk to track.
They were signing to each other. Frisk smiled, eyes bright.
-Told you she'd be back, and you were worried- The taller male signed to Sans.
The shorter rolled his eyes and went to translate for him, "he says he knew you'd be-"
That's when Frisk got the opportunity to surprise them.
-I understand.- Frisk signed, index finger flicking up by her temple.
The two men were wide eyed, though Sans was distinctly the more surprised of the two.
Gaster's smile went gentle, -You sign?- his hands whirled around each other.
Frisk shook her fist at the wrist up and down, -my mother was deaf.- She explained, fingers shaped like a 'd' going from mouth to ear.
-Your sister never did.- He questioned, Frisk resisted the urge to roll her eyes
-She probably understood more than she let on. She hates signing.- It was the truth, she only ever did so when she desperately needed something from their mother, or when she was feeling particularly generous like on a holiday, but only if she felt like it.
Gaster nodded his head as if he understood the complex enigma that was Chara's displeasure at doing anything that didn't benefit herself in the long run.
Now that Frisk had the opportunity to talk with him, she couldn't recall why she had been frightened in the first place. His features were pleasing, though he had intense scars coming from his eyes like there were on all the other masks in the room. Gaster turned to the shorter male.
-Could you give us some privacy please?- his hand rubbed a circle on his chest.
Sans looked warily between the two. Frisk nodded that it was okay.
That was all he needed, "i'll be outside," he said as he walked by her and out the door, closing it gently behind him.
Frisk felt a sudden shiver down her spine, somehow it was more intimidating speaking with Gaster without Sans there.
He seemed to pick up on her trepidation, -I'm sorry for frightening you.-
Frisk shook her head, -I didn't understand, that's why.-
There was an awkward pause.
-He really likes you, you know.- the taller male signed eventually, Frisk smiled.
-Who does?- she asked, though she knew exactly who.
-Sans,- the girl smiled at his sign name, the sign for sleep done with the hand staying like an 's' the entire time, -he's had a very hard time since his brother...-
-what happened?- she asked. Maybe she'd finally get some answers.
-Chara took something important.- Gaster responded vaguely.
-Why?- right hand up by her temple, index middle and ring coming down twice.
-She wanted to come in.- was his simple response.
'She couldn't read the sign, so she couldn't see the show.' Frisk thought, she could only imagine how much that must have pissed Chara off.
-Papyrus caught her, she reacted, then vanished.- Gaster elaborated, features going sad.
Frisk felt torn, she had an obligatory loyalty to her sister, but at the same time felt responsible for her actions and wanted to right them, -I wish I could help.-
Gaster gave a soft smile, -you already are.-
Frisk's expression was hugely skeptical.
-Your necklace, Chara had one too I remember,- He prompted. The girl blushed.
-This is hers, she didn't take it with her when she left.- she felt embarrassed for holding onto something that was obviously so unimportant to her sister, but it reminded her of her twin and had been a comforting keepsake of the family she had once had.
The picture inside always made Frisk think that maybe, somewhere in her heart, Chara had cared.
But now, she doubted it.
Gaster seemed excited. -It keeps staying behind. What an odd thing.- He seemed to be talking more to himself.
The tall man stood suddenly, -Stay as long as you'd like, but I have to excuse myself, I've got to get ready.-
Frisk took that as her cue to leave. -okay, thank you.- her open hand went in an arch from her chin outwards.
Gaster had already begun his preparations. The brown haired female turned and left.
Sans was waiting outside like he said he would be, reclined against the side of the trailer, his closed eyes peeked open upon hearing the door open and close.
"you're full of surprises kid." He remarked with a smile.
"Am I?" She feigned innocence.
A rough chuckle, "well i think so anyways."
They shared a kind smile.
"so...," Sans began, "what's the plan?"
"Well, he mentioned something about my necklace...maybe it's because it's Chara's? What if I had something else of hers?" Frisk was kind of rambling, trying to position some sort of idea in her head. "...I wonder what mom even kept..." She was looking around, as if the environment around her would hold the answer.
She connected her gaze with Sans', "I'll have to go back and look."
"alright, well you're kind of in charge of that." His hands slid easily into his pockets.
"You say that, but if what you said before was true I would've poofed myself out of here when Undyne's fist tried to familiarize itself with my face." She retorted.
"huh," Sans thought on this, hand scratching the back of his head, "guess you're right kiddo... maybe i should rough you up again?" He was clearly joking.
"Maybe," she shrugged with a smile.
Apparently Jokes weren't a thing anymore.
Frisk felt the warm licks of magic on her skin, her hazel eyes wide with shock. Sans' left eye was flickering gold as she was pulled towards him.
And then suddenly his lips were on hers, soft but unrelenting, unimaginable electricity shooting through every nerve.
If her eyes went any wider they would've fallen out of their sockets.
Heart pounding, she felt him run a hand against the side of her face and to her brunette locks, scooping stray hairs away from her cheek tenderly.
Her thoughts were foggy as she reciprocated the embrace, previously tense muscles going lax.
The ringing was back in her ears.
He chuckled against her skin, looking her in the eyes sweetly.
"see you when you wake up."
...
A-n-B: Wahwah see you next time.
