That morning, Sans had woken himself up by promptly falling out of his bed.

He had been dreaming of RESETS long since past when the sun, streaming in from his window, had made him groan and reach over to pull the sheets up over his head. He was expecting the normal un-tucked and disheveled nest to easily give way, but a weight on the sheets had made it impossible this time.

Sans cracked one eye open, disoriented and temporarily blinded by the light, only to find Papyrus asleep at the foot of his bed, his head cradled in his arms. He must have fallen asleep waiting for Sans to wake up.

That was weird. Sans didn't remember Papyrus ever doing this in the RESETS-

Sans eyes widened, his breath hitching in his throat, and he jerked, trying to sit up but still so entangled in the sheets that he instead slipped and fell off of his bed, crashing to the floor and waking Papyrus up in the process.

"WOWEE, SANS?!" Papyrus yelped, scrambling to his feet and reaching over to help him up. The taller skeleton leaned over to offer Sans a hand, concern clear in his gaze. "ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?"

"wha-?" Sans stared back at him, not moving, before he hesitantly reached up and accepted Papyrus's hand and letting himself get pulled up into a standing position. "yeah, i'm fine…uh… what's the date of today, paps?" He inquired, forcing his voice not to shake.

When Papyrus told him, Sans stared back, mind reeling. Somehow, it was the day Papyrus was supposed to be burning spaghetti right around now. The day Frisk fell down to the Underground.

How the hell did the kid manage to bring Sans back? He was sure of his calculations. He should've been dead for good.

This didn't make any sense.

"erm… paps? why are you, uh, in my room? you hate coming in here," Sans commented."it's uh... it's a mess," Sans realized, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

Papyrus hesitated, his eyes flicking to Sans's face for a moment. "I HAD TO MAKE SURE YOU WERE ACTUALLY BACK."

Sans froze, forcing himself to keep his poker face. "back? back from where?" Sans asked warily, a drip of sweat falling down his face.

Papyrus bowed his head, taking a deep breath despite the fact that skeletons didn't actually need to breathe. "YOU DIED, SANS. YOU- YOU LEFT ME ALL ALONE. MAYBE FOR THE RIGHTS REASONS BUT I… YOU KNOW WHAT, I HAVE A LOT TO TELL YOU. MAYBE WE CAN HAVE THIS TALK OVER BREAKFAST SPAGHETTI?"

Sans's mouth opened, but no sound came out. His white pupils flickered in and out of existence, and he jerkily nodded. "uh… okay. breakfast sounds good," he muttered.

What the hell had happened while Sans was asleep?

.

"whoah whoah whoah, hold the phone," Sans spluttered.

"SANS, I'M NOT USING MY PHONE RIGHT NOW."

"no, not that paps- i- uh, what?" Sans gazed at Papyrus in befuddled shock. "paps, you knew?"

Papyrus rubbed the back of his head, hesitantly sheepish. "SANS, I'M SORRY I DIDN'T TELL YOU. I DIDN'T THINK YOU WANTED TO HEAR ABOUT IT AND I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER AFTER ALL OF THE NAGGING I'VE DONE FOR YOU TO OPEN UP BUT STILL I-"

Sans promptly did something he had sworn to never, ever do under any circumstances.

He swore in front of Papyrus.

Loudly.

"UH… SANS?" Papyrus reached out, hesitating for only a second before touching his shoulder. "ARE YOU ALL RIGHT, BROTHER?"

"all right? all right i'm… i'm fine. just that i've been trying for god knows how long to hide all of this from you so you wouldn't worry and in the end that did absolutely nothing," Sans grunted. "great. fantastic. i'm fine."

The two lapsed into a silence, and Sans let out a hoarse, short bark of laughter. "geez, papyrus, we've both been bottling our emotions up so much that we completely misunderstood each other. uh, wow. that wasn't a good thing."

Papyrus glanced away. "I-I KNOW," he said miserably. "I WASN'T THINKING STRAIGHT. I DIDN'T- WELL. I GUESS YOU KNOW WHAT I WAS THINKING."

"that goes for me too." Sans pushed the spaghetti around his plate for a moment more before he sighed. "but uh… thanks," he said awkwardly. "for asking to… to bring me back. gaster really did that?"

"I THINK HE DID AT LEAST," Papyrus frowned, tapping his jaw. "HE GOT MAD AT ME FOR ASKING, SO ONLY FRISK WAS WITH HIM BEFORE EVERYTHING RESET. YOU'LL HAVE TO ASK THEM ABOUT IT."

"huh. didn't think he had it in him," Sans muttered. He sighed, and then looked up at Papyrus before grinning at him. "anyways, paps, it seems that i hurt you with that stupid stunt. i'm uh, really sorry for all that."

Papyrus grinned, bittersweet joy in his eyes. "NO PROBLEM, BROTHER." He hugged Sans and Sans stiffened for a moment before he relaxed, accepting the hug. Eventually, Sans gently tapped Papyrus on the shoulder and the two separated.

"so, uh, we should have a day until frisk gets here and we can move on," Sans said thoughtfully. "is there anything you wanna do, paps?"

"WE NEED TO RECALIBRATE THE PUZZLES OF COURSE!" Papyrus declared. "IF THIS IS THE LAST TIME I GET TO DO THIS, THEN MY PUZZLES MUST BE IN EXQUISITE CONDITION SANS."

"heh. fine, whatever you say, bro."

.

"AND I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM GOING TO CAPTURE THIS HUMAN!" Papyrus shouted.

Frisk shrugged, not having bothered to hide behind the lamp this time, and Sans, standing besides them as he watched the entire scene with amusement, snickered.

"OR AT LEAST, I AM GOING TO CAPTURE THIS HUMAN'S HEART IN FRIENDSHIP!"

"paps, there's no one else around. what exactly are you trying to accomplish with this?"

"SHUT UP, SANS, I AM TRYING TO SET THE MOOD HERE."

Frisk raised their eyebrows and shrugged. (Oh, come on Sans. Papyrus is just-)

"FRISK DON'T YOU DARE-"

(-getting into his human-hunting femur.) Frisk finished with a wink at Sans, who quirked an eyebrow in response as his grin grew.

"NGHAAAAAAA! HUMAN! THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY!" Papyrus screeched, but his mouth quirked up into a big grin. Seeing the two smirks directed in his direction, his eyes narrowed. "DON'T YOU DARE SAY ANYTHING, SANS."

"but bro i was only-"

"DO NOT."

"oh come on, paps, you're still smiling."

"I AM AWARE SANS. NOW, IF YOU WILL PLEASE JUST LET ME GET THROUGH MY INTRODUCTION SO WE CAN COMMENCE WITH THE BONDING PUZZLES?" Papyrus asked, exasperated. With Sans back, it was like he had never left, although Sans had told Frisk he was busy filling Papyrus in with all of the puns he missed while Sans was away.

Next, as Frisk followed the brothers through the snowy forest, they pulled Sans's coat close to their neck. Their breath came in puffs of white, but they felt very warm and content despite the frigid weather. It was a welcome feeling.

Walking in the snow, they watched Sans's back and remembered the meeting that had taken place after Frisk had managed to stop bawling and had started pestering Sans with questions and relieved happiness.

Sans had been aware of their sign language, but when he had first seen it his eyes had flickered and he had whispered apologies until Frisk had cut him off and told him to forget about it. The two had talked some on Papyrus and the subject of finishing this RESET, although Sans had tactfully steered clear from mentioning Gaster in the conversation. Maybe one day Frisk would get Sans to talk about him.

But now, walking down the path with them, Frisk was very glad that they had Papyrus and Sans to remember all of this. Even if some of these memories hurt, even if they were painful... all of it looked like it would end up even in the end. Maybe even better. Although, despite all of the catching up the three had to do, they had all agreed to act normal whenever someone else was nearby. For the last run, at least, they all wanted that which they had only caught a short glimpse of prior to this RESET.

A future outside of the Underground.

.

The door was there again.

Frisk didn't hesitate, vanishing inside even as they knew Sans was probably lingering outside the door, waiting for their return so he could blatantly follow them via his sentry stands.

Gaster was working this time, his black ethereal form flickering in the darkness. [Hello, Frisk. What is it that you require?]

(Nothing. I just… how are you?) Frisk signed awkwardly.

[Adequate. This form is most peculiar; I can see all of the runs you have ever completed, and all of the runs you will never do. The code also seems more responsive to me; it seems I have found a project worthy of my interests. Preventing any of these repeat runs to start creating glitches and viruses in the code.]

(I'm glad,) Frisk motioned. (…Papyrus and Sans both seem very happy, by the way.)

[…I see.] Gaster blinked once, and then turned away. [Is that all, Frisk?]

Frisk thought about it, and then shook their head and grinned. (Can I come visit you once in a while?)

Gaster quirked a brow bone, looking unimpressed. [I shall not stop you, although that action is entirely unnecessary.]

Frisk smiled up at the skeleton. (It's necessary to me. I'll try and convince Sans to enter some time in the future as well!)

They turned and scurried out, Gaster gazing out after them. As the door swung shut, Gaster's flickering white pupils masked the thoughts he was ruminating about inside of his head.

What a curious human child.

.

"Go on, Frisk. They're all waiting for you," Asriel said kindly. "Besides… just between you and me, I'm not alone anymore."

(What do you mean?) Frisk signed, glad that the prince had also once studied Wing Dings as part of his education.

Asriel tilted his head and smiled. "Some memories last forever, Frisk. Even if I go back to a flower, it'll be okay. I'm not as lonely anymore, so it's fine. Go on, okay? You're going to do great. I know you already have, after all."

Frisk blinked, and as their eyes flicked to the side they saw two red eyes appear over Asriel's shoulder staring straight back at them. But when they checked, the strange appearance was already gone, although Frisk could have sworn…

Frisk smiled. (Take care then, okay?) They signed back. They turned to leave for the last time, hesitating to look back at the prince for one last time. (…both of you.)

Asriel smiled sadly and waved goodbye as Chara whispered something into his ear. Then, before he would turn back into a flower, Asriel turned to go play a game with Chara. They had a lot of catching up to do, after all. And Asriel didn't want to waste a single moment of it.

.

The door to the outside world was vastly huge and terrifying to Frisk, as always. They stared up at it, considering the ramifications of what would happen once they crossed its threshold. Everyone would leave to go into the outside world and then...

Frisk didn't really know what would happen next.

Frisk hesitated. Once they moved forwards, they would move into unknown territory. The knowledge of the world and everyone's actions they had accumulated would be gone. And that was honestly, more than just a little bit scary.

Suddenly hands pressed against Frisk's back and shoved them, stumbling, forwards out into the sunlight.

"Go on," a voice ordered, amusement clear in their voice. "This is what you wanted, right? If it's you, then it'll be all right, Frisk."

Frisk turned, glancing behind them, but there was nobody there. They snorted in amusement, grinning, and turned, starting to walk but breaking into a run as they raced to everyone's side to gaze out at the morning sun.

.

"actually, tori, paps and i were thinking frisk should come stay with us," Sans said, gazing out at the sun. He turned and grinned sheepishly at Toriel and Frisk, hands stuffed in his pockets. "after all, you might not know this, but uh, the kid here stayed at our house for quite a while. it wouldn't feel right to, uh, not see 'em anymore."

"What? But you're not the one that Frisk asked to call mother," Toriel laughed in amusement.

"they could if they wanted to!" sans argued jokingly. They both turned to look at Frisk, who grinned and shrugged.

(Sorry Sans, I'm not calling you mom anytime soon. Maybe dunkle,) they signed, giggling.

"WELL, I MUST INSIST THAT FRISK STAYS AT OUR HOUSE AS WELL. I HAVE A LOT OF PASTA RESTAURANTS TO TEST AND I NEED MY CO-CHIEF TO COME TASTE THEM WITH ME FOR THAT," Papyrus proclaimed, resting a hand on Frisk's shoulder.

Toriel glanced down at Frisk, who was beaming quietly, and sighed. "Fine. How about I get to keep Frisk during the week to make sure they're getting the necessary education, and you take them during the weekend? Frisk, what do you think of that?"

(I… I'd really like that,) Frisk signed back awkwardly, their smile widening.

"NYEHEHE, WE CAN HAVE SLEEPOVERS EVERY WEEK!" Papyrus shouted eagerly, scooping Frisk up and posing dramatically.

"No fair, punk, you need to come visit my house as well!" Undyne protested, and then all of the monsters looked at each other and laughed.

Papyrus turned and grinned at Frisk. "HEY FRISK, WE'RE MONSTER KIND'S MASCOT AND AMBASSADOR, SO WE SHOULD GO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION TOGETHER! NYEHEHE!"

And Papyrus raced off down the mountain, Frisk clinging to his neck and guessing Sans would be along shortly, followed by everyone else.

After all, Frisk had a very large family now.

.

"so, kiddo. you've got school tomorrow. plus, aren't you helping asgore sign another treaty for monsters to be able to take residence anywhere they want? shouldn't you head to bed?" Sans asked, yawning. "you don't want to be bone tired, after all. that's a pretty big day."

(No way,) Frisk signed. (Come on Sans, we've never seen this movie before, we can't stop here! Besides, the couch is way more comfortable than my bed.)

"heh. fine, fine, y'know i'm weak to that face." Sans laughed. "and even after pap and I added an extra room to the replica of our house for you, we still camp out here every night. go figure, huh?"

(It can't be helped- this couch is comfortable!) The two lapsed back into a comfortable silence, and then Frisk perked up and signed at Sans again. (Hey, do you know what else tomorrow is?)

"nope. what's tomorrow?"

(My birthday!)

Sans blinked, smile widening. "whoah really?" He studied Frisk, and tussled their hair again. "well then, i have to think of a really humerus pun just for your special day."

(Hehe, Sans, that was awful. Aren't you running a bit bone-dry on puns?) Frisk asked innocently.

Sans snorted, opening his mouth to reply when a voice yelled at them from upstairs.

"IF YOU'RE GOING TO STAY UP, PLEASE STOP THE PUNS. PLEASE, SANS, I'M BEGGING YOU, SOME OF US DON'T ACTUALLY ENJOY HEARING PUNS UNTIL TWO IN THE MORNING!"

Sans and Frisk turned to each other, and San's laughter grew even louder while Frisk clapped their hands in amusement as the moon and stars glittered overhead through a window.

And in the end it was okay. It was all worth it.

.

.

.

File SAVED. All there is left is to QUIT and let them live their lives.

Or RESET and read this whole thing over again.

Heh, I wouldn't stop you from doing that.

((-deep breath- Oh boy here we go. Thank you so, so much for deciding to read this story. Thank you for following and favoriting. Thank you for leaving comments and cheering me on or yelling at me because my writing ended up being more emotional than I expected. This was a wonderful experience for me, and this story was so much fun to write! Honestly, I haven't posted any of my writing online for about three years, so I was a bit hesitant but I'm so glad I did it.

Fun fact: This story started with the idea of the reason why Frisk would do a No Mercy route without the player manipulating them into doing it. Additionally, despite the fact that I feel no guilt whatsoever for writing angst, I can't play the No Mercy route on the actual game. Haha, nope, no way. That's what youtube is for.

Also, the dunkle comment came from a comic I saw on tumblr that was super cute. I have no idea who created the original term, as it seems to have spread pretty far, but just so I don't step on anyone's toes I didn't create it.

So, anyways, future plans. I don't think I'm going to continue this story. It would be pretty similar to a regular Undertale sequel, and some of those have already been written. I like adding some kind of different spin to each of my stories, and I don't have any ideas for a direct sequel like that. Additionally, as this was my first Undertale work, I really started noticing a few different portrayals of characters that I want to try.

So, if you enjoyed this work and are interested for some skeleton and flower angst -hint hint- then I'm posting the Prologue of Echoes of Blue Saturday. (Yes I have already written the prologue and chapter one and yes it's possibly even more angsty than this. My attempt to come up with something happier failed miserably.) There's no correlation with this story, as this round Sans doesn't remember RESETS at all other than his journal entries. Sans is additionally the main character by himself... Frisk has escaped my angst for now.

Thanks for reading!))