This one's a bit short, but it's definitely fun! :D
-MH_C
Alphys and Undyne didn't have much of a honeymoon planned, but Mettaton gave them the couple's suite at one of his big MTT resorts, so they were off having fun for a week in the next town over- at the beach. That week was exciting for Frankie as well in that it was the week of his field trip to the science center, and his dad was one of the parent volunteers. He couldn't quit talking about it.
"We're going to see all sorts of cool stuff, Dad! My teacher says there's a room where you can build your own electricity circuits and make a light bulb light up, or a little fan spin, or both! Will you help me build a cool one?!"
"Sounds like a lot of fun." Sans nodded. "Sure, I'll help."
"Awesome! We'll build the coolest one ever! And we'll see lots of other cool experiments and stuff. It's going to be awesome!"
The day of the field trip finally arrived and Frankie was overjoyed. Sans packed them both a lunch and Franke got ready by packing a backpack with his little notebook and pencil. He wanted to write down ideas for the little report they'd have to make after their trip. They had to write about what their favorite part of the center was and why. Thankfully, Sans had also promised to help him work through that. Sans was, after all, the best dad in the whole world. What was amusing was Riley was on this trip with them, and far more amusing- so was Iro. Sans, Frankie knew, did not like Iro. It was probably justifiable. Frankie didn't know Iro very well, but he figured the dragon-man was somehow getting in the way of Sans and Riley maybe getting together- which was something Frankie approved of.
When they arrived at the Science Center, Frankie was happily buddied up with Frisk. "Don't worry, Dad! Frisk and I will look out for each other, and you can make sure we're all good! And you can help us with the fun stuff, right?"
"Sure!" Sans nodded. "Where are we going first?" The morning was speeding by. Sans, Frankie, Frisk, and couple other classmates had a lot of fun, looking through the different rooms. Frankie got a lot of ideas about his report, but his favorite room was the one where they could build their own circuits. Frankie and his classmates spent near an hour in there. Sans helped him build a really long one that lit up three light bulbs and made four fans run!
"Dad! This is the room I want to write about in my report." Frankie grinned. "It's awesome!"
"It was pretty fun." Sans chuckled. "Guess when we get home I'll help ya with that."
"Awesome." Frankie nodded.
I have to use the restroom. Frisk signed with a sheepish smile. Guess, since you're my buddy, FRANKIE, you'll have to come in too.
"Alright." Frankie shrugged, following Frisk into the bathroom. "You wait out here, Dad."
"Alright. You two don't take too long."
"Okay!"
Frankie and Frisk disappeared into the bathroom. Sans took a deep breath. He hadn't really quite been himself. He was enjoying the science center, of course, he loved science. But ever since the wedding he couldn't get Riley and Iro out of his head. It was agonizing to him, that he couldn't tell Riley, that he couldn't… just… No. What had to happen was he had to apologize to Iro, and then get out of the dragon-man's way. Fate would have it that Riley and the dragon-man came walking that way, with a large group of kids.
"I'm going to use the bathroom quick!" Riley said, with what must of been a smile. Sans could see it in her gorgeous eyes. He loved her eyes- they were so pretty, green with gold flecks.
"Alright! Be quick. It's almost lunch time!" Iro grinned. "Why don't all you kids stop and get some water?" Iro gestured to the water fountain. It's time. Just, gotta get it out before it drives me crazy. While the kids lined up at the water fountain, Sans approached Iro.
"Oh! Hey, Sans, what's up?"
"Nothing… nothing much." Sans frowned. He wasn't sure what to say.
"Cool. I'm glad everyone's having a fun time here! The science center isn't as fun as the library, but it's certainly close."
"Umm...so… Iro…?"
"Yup?" Iro grinned happily. He was such a happy guy. In the end, Riley would be so much better off with him. She deserved someone with less baggage, someone who was as carefree as the librarian. Someone who wasn't terrified, and waiting for a reset that could come any moment. She deserved someone who could focus more on their relationship, and less on their nightmares.
"I… I wanted to put this out there, because… uh… I wanted to explain why I've been acting so… coldly towards you."
"Oh." Iro looked down with a sigh.
"Look, It's nothing against you or anything. It's me, and I want to apologize for it because it's wrong. Look," Sans groaned inwardly. How am I supposed to say this?! "I… I have… " What do I have? "Feelings… I have… I really like Riley. A lot." He was sure his whole face was blue now. Iro was about to say something, but Sans continued, wanting to get it all out. "But! I've come to terms with the fact that she's happier with you. I wanted to just get this off my chest, and I wanted you to know that… I won't be getting in your… way…?" Iro was laughing, snorting really.
"Oh my god, Sans." He choked. "You should have said something sooner."
"Wh-what?" Sans frowned. I am being completely honest with this… this loser and… He's laughing at me?! Iro snorted again, laughing harder.
"Sans… I'm sorry… oh my god. Look, bro... Look… I don't like Riley like that. We're not a 'thing'." Sans blinked.
"Y-you aren't?"
"No! Sans, Riley and I are really good friends, but… umm… I don't like her, man. I'm… I have a boyfriend." Oh. My. God. Sans, you are such an idiot. Sans put his skull in his hands. Oh god, this is embarrassing. Iro was still laughing his head off.
"So… you mean… She's not…?"
"We're not together, Sans." Iro said between laughs, "She's all yours."
She's all… she's mine…? SHE'S MINE?!
"Go for it, pal."
Go… for… Words were not… making sense anymore. Mine?! Iro had somehow managed to subside his laughter.
"In fact, I'm gonna tell you something." Iro said in a whisper. "This is what I think, I think… She's totally into you." What?
"What…?"
"Totally serious, bro. You're all she talks about." Me? "Man!" Iro laughed again, "I can't believe you thought me and her… That's hilarious."
"What are we laughing about in here?" Riley returned from the bathroom. Sans was terrified for one instant that Iro would tell her.
"Not laughing, just discussing which is better- science or literature." He said. He turned and winked at Sans, mouthing. "Just go for it." And then he quickly busied himself with making sure all the kids were in line for water and getting ready to head to the cafeteria for lunch.
"Hey, Iro!" Riley turned towards the librarian quickly, "Where are you-"
"Riley!" Sans reached out and instinctively grabbed her hand, "Riley…" She stared at him, her mouth slightly open in an 'o'. "There's… there's something I have to-"
"Dad! We're back!" Frankie. Sans wanted to die. He had been so close- so close…
When he had touched her, Riley had nearly fainted. There's something I… Something?! What something?! What did he have to tell her?! The moment Frankie had arrived Sans dropped her hand like it was fire, and Riley wanted to die. So, Sans… he had to tell her something, but what? Iro had been acting all weird too, like he knew something she didn't. Well, it had been just the other day when he was talking about his boyfriend that he asked Riley if she liked anyone. He hadn't been able to force it out of her, but he looked at her ever since like he knew. It's Sans, alright? I really…. Really like Sans.
"You know what your problem is, Riley?" Iro had asked.
"What?"
"You're too scared of rejection. You need to get out there and tell this guy you like him."
Iro didn't understand. He didn't know about her scars, all the baggage she carried with her. He didn't know that underneath the scarf, underneath her long sleeves, were terrible scars- things that made her so ugly.
"You're so, so beautiful." Sans had said. Had he meant it? Had he really seen past the scars to the woman she could have been had it not been for that fire? Did he really see beauty in her marred, discolored skin? She didn't think it was possible. No one could love something like her. But, god, how desperately she wanted to tell him. She could just blurt out, I really like you, Sans! But, what would she get in return but ridicule?
"I… well…." Sans frowned, his cheeks tinted blue. "I just wanted to say you look nice today."
"Thanks." She whispered, staring down at her feet. I look nice? What a joke. She could never look nice, and she knew Sans was the only one in the whole world who knew that- who truly knew why she could never be beautiful.
REVIEWS FOR CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX:
Ed's. Curious. Kitten: I'm glad you liked my comment! Finally the mystery of Riley's scarf has been revealed! If I didn't know any better, I'd say that Iro was doing this on purpose... SHE DON'T WANT YOU, DRAGON MAN! QUIT BUTTING IN! HANG IN THERE SANS! AND FRANKIE! YOU'LL BE OKAY, MY CINNAMON ROLLS!
No, as you can see, he's not. He had no idea Sans thought he and Riley were a thing!
StarBee24: Remind me to smack Iro later..
Smack Sans instead. Get that skeleman going after his girl!
anthonyabc268: WOW just WOW of all the things that could of happened it was that I guessed abuse as soon as i read about the scarf so I thoght she would have scars but a fire and there was more scars on her body that was some crazy feels so Frankie is having that dream just like sans in the underground watching his brother did by frisks hands. That God dank iro he is pissing me off ggggrrrrrrrr great job with the story it's 1 of My favorites
Awesome! I'm so glad you like it! It's going to be interesting to see how Sans and Riley interact. Riley's lived through trauma and lost people like Sans (minus the resets). I hope this chapter resolved your frustration with Iro. :)
Guest: OF COUSE IRO HAS TO RUIN THE MOMENT!
And now Frankie. Hehe! Fear not, there will be redemption.
SilerofWorlds: *pushes sans and Riley together*
Now kiss damnit!
Ummm... yes please? hehe! Soon.
Asriel: Gg man just don't tell sans im the one who has been trolling him and Frankie on the underweb sansly
Makes me cri evri tim oh and btw sans Riley . PLZ don't tell tori PLZ (DAY GONNA HAVE SEX)
I shall not tell them, fear not. Sansley is adorable, seriously. I'm with you on the whole crying thing.
(Also: *cough* it doesn't say that... but it's implied *cough* )
Guest: I guest as much's review and your response gave me an idea... Is it Iro being in a relationship with Riley that wouldn't work? Maybe HE'S THE ONE CAUSING THE RESETS. Probably not though... You said yourself that you didn't know what was causing the RESETS... Maybe he's too much like her father, and would be abusive?
WAIT. STOP THE PRESSES. Does Iro have a WIFE?! That... Actually makes a lot of sense! Like how he seems to be oblivious that he's in the way of Sansley (*internal screaming*(again? I can't remember if I said this in a past review...))! He wouldn't think that he's in the way of anything, because he has a wife to think of.
Anyway, about this chapter. Burn victim... Wow and I was going off the deep end about her actually being a humanoid monster or something like that... Anyway, SANS, Y U NO CONFESS UNDYING LOVE?! Jk, but I am kinda wondering how he'll deal with all this new pressure of keeping yet another secret, especially one as beautiful as her. I wonder if he'll FRACTURE and tell someone about the RESETS, the constant fear that he has to deal with, about the joys and worries of being a parent to Frankie, the fear that Riley doesn't love him back, the jealousy of Iro (which may be unneeded), the pressure of keeping a mask of calm while deep inside he's probably screaming from all the stress?! Ahem (blushes)... I mean...
Good chapter? No but seriously, AWESOME CHAPTER!
Wow! This review's awesome! You were sooooooo close! So close! Iro's got a boyfriend, not a wife. He's not completely oblivious, he knows it's happening, he just doesn't know he keeps getting in the way. I guess he does now. Ahhhh! Yes, I think Sans will- AT SOME POINT (maybe not for a while)- eventually Fracture- more *because they're all fractured already in their own little ways, I suppose*
Thanks! We are so glad you're enjoying the story.
Guest F: I have a question
Will there be a reset?
(At least give me a hint!)
I have proclaimed myself the voice of reason for this fanfic. My cousin loves tragedy- I mean who doesn't? Tragedy is all well and good, and there will definitely be much pain and sorrow in this story, but I could never- EVER- *EVER!*- permit it to end like that. (I don't think my cousin could either, after we've put so much work into the relationships and fallen so in love with the OCs) so, I suppose the answer to your question, as much as it pains me to spoil it for you, is ABSOLUTELY NOT. No, we could not do that to our babies.
sonicxjones: Don't worry I'm sure all these puns are just a BAD DREAM.
gosh, I hope so. lol! :D
Anonymous: Wowza :0 The thing with Riley was brilliant, it really adds to the death of her character anD SANS STILL LOVES HER AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Is the voice in San's head the same force that is giving Frankie nightmares? :000
Well... It's kind of hard to explain without giving it all away. I think pretty soon here I'm going to have to address Frankie's nightmares and what's causing them. Some things should become clear with that.
coolPastagal: Great Job so far! You're very talented (and whoever else is helping out) at writing! *and Papyrus' self portrait is definitely something!*
Aww thanks so much! It's me and my cousin working on it together! We're so glad you like it! *yes it most certainly is, I love it*
Anon: Aaarrrgh! Sansley was so close! If only Iro knew how he kept accidentally interfering.
Frankie's nightmare's are really showing how much he loves Sans, and Sans is seeing that, which is great! I only the same kind of thing could somehow bring Sans and Riley into realisation... :)
Oh boy. Stop giving me terrible nightmarish ideas. No, If I recall correctly something much more pleasant brings Sans and Riley together. Hmmm... though, perhaps, a nightmare with Riley is overdue?
I guest as much: Oh man, awesome update! That whole scene was just great! For one thing, I love how you write Grillby, and it was great how you approached the whole scarf deal. Speaking of which, that tease on Riley spilling the beans was just cruel. I mean, not to me of course, but all those OTHER people who totally cry and stuff when that kind of stuff happens, I bet you scarred them for life. Also, I find it awesome that Frankie still doesn't know about Sans' awesome powers, and it will be hilarious if/when he finds out.
Awesome! So glad you liked it. Grillby was 100% my cousin, (she does about 99% of Sans' scenes). Don't be ashamed to say it. I know you cried. hehe. ;)
Yes, I think we just keep forgetting Frankie doesn't know about Sans' powers. We're going to have to integrate that somehow.
Someguy: Escuse me for my vulgur language, but how the f**k do people keep interrupting sans and Riley? That's like the third time! The ship may be sailing, but the wind had better kick it up a notch if you know what I mean. Well...keep up the great work!
Fourth now, methinks. Trust me, now that Sans knows that Iro's not in the way it's definitely kicking up a notch.
RosePines123: My name is Ally. What a coincidence. Also Sansley is best
Cool! Ally's an awesome name! Heck yeah it is! Sansley is 100% amazing! :D (sorry, I just really, really ship it)
Weird Individual: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
SANS JUST KISS HER ALREADY!11!1
I feel you. I feel you. JUST. DO. IT. DON'T LET YOUR DREAMS BE DREAMS!
Thank you all so much for such amazing and encouraging reviews! :D Look forward to seeing you all on the next chapter!
-MH_C