Author note- Here's the second chapter! Just some meeting of some characters and maybe a little fluff?
I appreciate constructive criticism, especially with how I write and whether the characters are in-character. So if you have something CONSTRUCTIVE to say, please do!
There's not much else to say, so enjoy!
(Possible triggers- Negative thoughts, medical stuff- but not very detailed at all, just description of pain… nothing else trigger-y here)
-x-
Chapter two-
You didn't know how long you were unconscious, only that you could hear flashes of concerned voices. That voice you liked stayed with you almost the entire time, his comforting presence calmed you.
Maybe you were dead and this was limbo… you probably didn't deserve heaven, if there was one.
The voices quieted, and you missed them. Now the darkness was lonely, and overwhelming.
But, you could see a faint light in the distance- seeming miles away.
Your body was heavy, and the surrounding blackness felt like a weight which was pulling you down. But you were determined, and that light look so nice.
You began to move towards it, your only goal was to reach it and… well, and you supposed dying wasn't completely terrible. Your life was shit anyway, might as well see what's on the other side.
It took what felt like hours to get closer, you could almost touch it…
But then…
"My child, you must wake up…" A voice echoed in the darkness, distracting you from the light. You turned to face the voice, but nobody was there in the void.
"Please… we are worried…" The voice spoke up again, you could hear the sadness in her voice. It caused a surge of pure emotion to erupt inside you.
I don't want to die, you thought.
You began to follow the voice, turning away from the light.
"Please keep talking…" You said aloud, hoping the woman would hear you. She sounded so motherly and nice, and you could feel your body getting lighter the closer you walked to the sound.
"If you wake up, I shall bake some cinnamon-butterscotch pie… would you like that my child?"
It sounded delicious, you walked more determinedly towards the voice. She sounded like she was just in front of you. The darkness began to fade into light, it was blinding.
"Child… please wake up…"
"Ugh…" You groaned out, the motherly voice that was talking to you stopped in shock. You could feel a… furry hand on your face?
Despite your eyes feeling glued shut, you needed to see this person- to thank them. Also to ask why their hands are so hairy.
Slowly, you inched your eyes open and immediately flinched as the light assaulted your eyes. Groaning out again, you waited for them to adjust- the white blob above you beginning to focus.
You stared at the woman above you, well, you were sure it was a woman. The monster that looked awfully like a goat stared back, her hand still on your forehead.
Which was glowing.
"AH!" You screamed, trying to roll away in fear. But it only caused your stomach to pulse strongly in pain, the excruciating feeling making you nauseous.
"Be careful!" The goat woman gasped in worry, trying to hold you still while you freaked out. "Your wounds will reopen… please be still, my child."
You couldn't do anything but stay still, you almost passed out from the pain but you somehow managed to stay conscious. You breathed deeply, that action itself making your stomach ache badly. You couldn't help but stare at the woman again, the initial panic dying down- replaced with sheepishness.
You were aware of the monsters, they had been on the surface for nearly a year. But you've never come across them in person, they had tight-knit communities and stayed away from most highly populated places. Things were tense between humans and monsters, the last you heard.
It was just a shock to see one, but admittedly you felt bad. It seemed like the goat woman wanted to help, and her voice was quite soothing. Looking closer, she didn't seem intimidating at all.
"S-sorry…" You whispered, looking down in shame. "I… I just didn't expect to see a monster… uhm not that I avoid you guys… but… uh… I'm rubbish at this."
The monster seemed slightly amused, and thankfully didn't seem that offended.
"It is fine, child." She began softly, relaxed now that you stopped panicking. Her hands began to glow again, and you stared at them. "Do not worry, I am using healing magic. Please let me help."
After a pause, you nodded. The furry hands were now on your stomach, the glow that admitted from them felt reasonably pleasant. You couldn't describe it, but it was a soothing sort of feeling.
Your stomach felt better already.
"There, the cut should heal up in a week or so…" The monster smiled at you, and then looked surprised. "Oh my, where are my manners? My name is Toriel… what is yours, young one?"
"It's (y/n)… and thank you Toriel," You said with a small smile, feeling a little more relaxed around the woman. Toriel did seem very nice.
"What a lovely name," Toriel said, and her smile faltered a little. "(y/n)… would you mind telling me what left you in such a state? Papyrus wasn't much help… as he's quite distraught at the moment. I had to force him to get some rest."
"Papyrus?" You repeated, the name rolled off your tongue nicely. "Was that… who found me?"
"Yes, but he didn't tell me much…" Toriel said, and with a sad sigh continued. "He explained that he discovered other humans… attacking you?"
"That's the gist of it," You nodded, and seeing the pity in Toriel's eyes- you had to look away. You hated pity. "I'm fine though… uh don't worry about it. You've already done enough for me."
"Of course I will worry, it's in my nature…" Toriel said, you looked back to her to see a fierce glint in her eyes. "Those who attacked you should be punished… and I'm sure the human authorities would see to that?"
"Unlikely," You said bitterly, "They've never helped before… and it doesn't bother me to not report them… it's over now."
"I see," Toriel simply said, and there a brief silence settled over the two of you. There were many questions running through your head, and Toriel probably had some of her own.
You looked around the room, taking in the sight.
It was a cosy bedroom, the bed you sat upon was very cushiony and soft. The room was decorated in relaxing browns and creams, the rest of the furniture made out of a pine coloured wood. You couldn't help but let out a relaxed sigh, glad to be in such a comfortable room- much preferable to the streets.
"I thought I was going to die," You admitted after a moment, Toriel looking at you with some concern. You smiled despite the topic. "I think I wanted to… but for whatever reason I'm here."
"You have Papyrus to thank for that," Toriel said, looking worried at your words. It did sound bad when said aloud. "I'm not sure how you managed to stay alive while he brought you here, the state you were in… I was sure you were dead."
Toriel then coughed, visibly uncomfortable with the conversation.
"Now, that's all over and in the past…" Toriel stood. "Dinner will be ready soon, do you think you could eat?"
Thinking for a moment, you looked down to your stomach, it ached a little and not as nearly as painful as before. You did feel an emptiness inside, and the prospect of home cooked food made you salivate.
"I'll try," You shrugged, Toriel smiling happily to your answer.
"Good!" She said cheerily, "Having an appetite after that ordeal is a very good sign… I should check on the pie now, my child Frisk will be bringing you some clothes."
Toriel quickly left the room, not closing the door behind her completely. You could see slightly through the gap, and being the nosy person you were- you tried to look through.
You couldn't see much except the end of a cosy looking couch, and nobody else seemed to be in the house.
Lying back against the plump pillows, you let out a tired sigh. You decided to investigate yourself further, you noticed that you weren't wearing any clothes… but then again, the last you remember, they were torn apart by those thugs.
The quilt thankfully hid your private areas, but you couldn't help but feel insecure. Your body must've looked so weird to the monsters…
The door creaked.
Looking over in alarm, you see a young child. They were short, had brown hair and were wearing a pair of khakis and a striped jumper. They looked to be about ten.
"Uh… hi…?" You said, not expecting to another human in this what seemed to be a monster household. The little kid smiled at you kindly, and you noticed a bundle of clothes in their arms. They approached you, putting the bundle on the bed. It was only a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but they looked like they could fit you.
"Those for me?" You asked, the kid nodding in response. "So… you must be Frisk? I'm (y/n)."
Frisk nodded, and made some motions with their hands… you realize they were signing.
"Oh… I'm sorry, I don't know sign language…" You felt bad, they seemed like a nice child and you felt like a disappointment in not knowing ASL. But Frisk just shrugged, not seeming offended in the slightest. "But thanks for the clothes… I'm going to get dressed now."
Frisk nodded, getting the hint and quickly leaving the room- and closing the door behind them.
Moving to sit on the edge of the bed, you hold back a groan- while your stomach was healed, it still ached a lot. You didn't dare risk standing up just yet, so with some awkward adjustment you were able to slip on the jeans, which thankfully fit. The baggy t-shirt came on easy, and closer inspection of it made you laugh a little, it was plain white except for some text that read 'you've cat to kitten me'. You couldn't help but feel better already.
Now it was time to stand.
"Oh god…" You muttered, placing your feet on the soft carpet. You let the blood rush to them before attempting to stand, the last thing you needed is to fall face first. You slowly but surely stand, any quicker and you're sure you would pass out.
Now that you were standing, the next step was walking.
Your footsteps were very slow, and at a snail's pace you walked towards the bedroom door. After a couple minutes of balancing you finally reach the doorknob… taking a deep breath, you turn the handle. Not sure what to expect on the other side.
"Here goes nothing," You said to yourself, pushing the door open.
Luckily, the bedroom you were in was on the first floor- so you didn't have to navigate any stairs to get to the living room. The living room was very homely and nicely decorated, a large leather couch in the middle of the room, with a large TV placed in front of it. You couldn't help but admire the beautiful lamps and large fireplace, logs burning nicely inside.
Toriel had a very nice home.
Frisk waved happily from where they were sat, a colouring book and numerous pencils in front of him. You approached Frisk, and sat cross legged beside them- ignoring the ache in your stomach. They gestured to the book and offered you a crayon.
"Sure thing," You said with a shrug, taking a purple crayon. Frisk smiling happily to you as you coloured in a bird, it was actually kind of relaxing… and for a moment, you could forget all your problems.
You were unaware of anything else, Toriel came in at one point to check on the two of you. She simply smiled at the sight, sitting in her usual armchair with a book. It was a peaceful atmosphere, time passing quickly in the ambience.
You and Frisk were almost finished with the picture when a loud voice broke the peaceful silence.
"HUMAN!"
You let out a terrified squawk as unfamiliar arms lifted you into a tight hug, you could barely breathe. Looking up, you came face to face with a skeleton!?
"Ah Papyrus please put (y/n) down!" Toriel said worriedly, while you panicked internally. You stared at Papyrus with some fear, but the skeleton seemed friendly with his bright smile… he didn't seem to realize he was aggravating your stomach wound.
"C-can't… bre…athe…" You gasped out, and the tall skeleton promptly put you down. He seemed embarrassed but happy.
"APOLOGIES HUMAN," Papyrus said, and did seem genuinely guilty. You couldn't help but forgive him immediately, despite only meeting him. "I WAS VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOU AWAKE, BUT PERHAPS MY EXCITEMENT WAS TOO MUCH?"
"It was an honest mistake Papyrus," Toriel said kindly, and you nodded with a forgiving smile.
"Yeah… don't worry about it," You said with a small smile, looking Papyrus up and down.
He was a peculiar monster, and you couldn't help but take in the sight of him. Papyrus must have been at least 6ft- you had to look up slightly to face him. His cheekbones were defined and he had a bright smile, Papyrus seemed very friendly… and had quite an odd taste in clothes. He wore a yellow trimmed outfit, with blue shorts and matching red gloves and boots.
You supposed you couldn't judge, you didn't exactly have a 'fashionable' taste either.
"Now that is resolved, let's go have dinner shall we?" Toriel said with a smile, Papyrus and Frisk grinning and rushing into the kitchen. You watched them with an amused expression.
"Unfortunately Sans won't be joining us for dinner," Toriel added, leading you to the kitchen. "He will be working until late… but perhaps you've had enough excitement for today."
"Sans…?" You questioned as you both entered the kitchen, it was spacious and both Frisk and Papyrus were sat at the long dinner table in the middle of the room. The aromatic smell of cooked food assaulted your nose, and your stomach gurgled in anticipation- dinner smelled delicious.
"Papyrus' older brother," Toriel explained, and you nodded. You couldn't quite visualise what the older brother of Papyrus would look like, but you supposed you'd meet him at some point.
But…
"Um… when can I exactly leave?" You asked quietly, pulling out a chair to sit on- beside Papyrus and Frisk. You felt rude for asking, but you already felt as if you overstayed your welcome.
"LEAVE?" Papyrus repeated in confusion, "WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE, IS IT NOT COMFORTABLE FOR YOU HERE?"
"It is…" You said meekly, and you started to fidget with your hands. "But… I don't want to impose on you guys for much longer. It's not fair on you…"
A bowl of steamy soup was placed in front of you, along with some fresh bread rolls. You looked up to see Toriel smiling down at you, nonplussed at your words.
"Don't be silly, child." Toriel beamed. "You are not imposing, we are happy to help you while your recover. You might be eager to leave, but I would prefer it if you stayed for at least a week."
"I guess that a week would be okay…" You said in defeat- causing Toriel, Papyrus and Frisk to beam in delight. You didn't want to be a bother, but it seemed you didn't have a choice.
Not that you disliked them, but you never liked relying on people. It was a stubborn trait of yours.
"NYEH HEH HEH- DO NOT FEAR HUMAN, FOR I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS SHALL MAKE YOUR STAY FUN AND AMAZING, HOW CAN IT NOT BE WITH ME?" Papyrus laughed, and you couldn't help but smile at his words. Papyrus seemed so confident with himself, you slightly envied it.
You looked around the table, from Toriel to Papyrus and Frisk. They seemed like such a nice bunch, you felt bad for panicking earlier- despite what people told you, Monsters weren't as bad as you thought.
Hell, they were better than some humans you knew.
You quickly tucked into the soup, which had a distinct meaty and vegetable flavour. It was delicious, and you soon decimated the meal. You didn't realize how hungry you were until you started to eat.
You were tempted to lick your fingers, but you remembered your manners in time. This wasn't the streets anymore…
It was a home.
A home you secretly wished you had.
"I hope you enjoyed the meal, (y/n)," Toriel said with a smile, collecting the bowls and cutlery and carrying them to the sink.
"It was delicious," You nodded, still feeling a little bit hungry. As if reading your mind, Toriel came back with what smelled like cinnamon and butterscotch pie.
"INDEED, IT WAS DELICIOUS- ALMOST AS TASTY AS MY SPAGHETTI!" Papyrus added, Toriel chuckling as she dished out the pie. You barely held yourself back from tearing into the dessert.
The rest of the evening was spent eating pie and good conversation (which you mainly listened to rather than participate), the four of you relocated to the living room- and as it was getting late… Frisk eventually had to go to bed.
"GOODNIGHT HUMAN," Papyrus said, hugging the child. You watched with a smile, but your expression turned surprised when Frisk turned to wrap their arms around you. Hugging back, you couldn't help but feel emotional.
You barely knew these people, but they were already making a place in your heart.
"Night Frisk," You said, barely hiding your emotion. Frisk smiled up at you, before turning to Toriel who then took them upstairs. That left you and Papyrus on the couch, the tall skeleton watching a show on the TV with unwavering attention.
Curling up on the couch, you felt contented. It's been a while since you could sit comfortably and feel safe.
But you knew it wouldn't last, it never did.
You had years and years of experience with the orphanage, the constant rejection and loneliness stung deep in your heart. You would miss this place, this warmth.
"HUMAN?" Papyrus' voice broke through your dark thoughts. You looked to the skeleton, who was staring at you with concern. "ARE YOU QUITE ALRIGHT?"
"Um, yeah… sorry…" You forced yourself to smile. "…just daydreaming."
"IF YOU ARE SURE," Papyrus didn't seem convinced, and while the skeleton acted naïve- he seemed to be observant. "BUT I KNOW WHAT MIGHT CHEER YOU UP- PUZZLES!"
With a flourish, Papyrus brought out a box from underneath the coffee table. You looked at it in confusion, it seemed to be an assortment of different jigsaw puzzles.
You couldn't remember the last time you did a jigsaw puzzle, it might've been years.
"THE BEST THING ABOUT THE SURFACE IS THE SURPLUS OF PUZZLES!" Papyrus grinned, opening the box and emptying it on the table. "HUMANS SURE SEEM TO LOVE PUZZLES, MAYBE EVEN AS MUCH AS ME!"
"WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP ME HUMAN?"
"It's (y/n)," You said, beginning to sort the puzzle pieces- starting with the outside pieces. "You can call me that, if you like. There are 7 billion humans on the earth… so maybe names would be better?"
"WOWIE," Papyrus gasped. "THERE'S 7 BILLION HUMANS...? WAIT… WHAT'S A BILLION?"
"Well, just think of the biggest number you can… and think much bigger," You said, trying to be helpful. You were confused as why Papyrus wouldn't understand the concept.
Questions began to arise in your head.
"There weren't many monsters in the Underground, then?" You asked, Papyrus' expression unchanging. You hoped you weren't being too intrusive. "What exactly… happened down there?"
"THERE'S A LOT OF US… BUT I DON'T THINK THERE'S AS MANY MONSTERS AS HUMANS!" Papyrus answered, beginning to put pieces of the puzzle together. While you sorted the outside bits, he began in the middle. "AND FRISK FREED US OF COURSE."
"Frisk… freed you?" You said in confusion, how could a ten year old single-handily free the monsters?
But then again, you didn't know much about the incident- you were on the streets running away from drug dealers and the police when it happened, after all.
"YES, THEY FELL INTO THE UNDERGOUND AND BEFRIENDED US ALL!" Papyrus explained happily. "THEY WENT TO THE KING AND… WELL I'M NOT TOO SURE WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT, BUT THE NEXT THING WE KNEW- THE BARRIER WAS BROKEN!"
"They sure are… special," You said, felt slightly envious. Frisk had achieved so much in their life already, while you were… well you. "Um… I think I have yet to thank you properly Papyrus."
"THANK ME PROPERLY?" Papyrus turned to you slightly, and you continued.
"I know it was you who found me… and basically saved my life," You said, a bitter laugh bubbling deep. "I don't know why you decided to do that, I was probably better off... well never mind that… ugh I'm so terrible at this stuff. Anyway, thank you. It will take me a while to pay you back, somehow-"
"PAY ME BACK?" Papyrus shook his head. "THERE'S NO NEED FOR THAT (y/n)! I AM HAPPY TO HELP ANYONE, AND TO LEAVE YOU IN THE SITUATION YOU WERE IN… THAT WOULD BE WRONG. THE GREAT PAPYRUS IS NEVER WRONG!"
"I suppose you're right," You chuckled.
"OF COURSE, I AM PAPYRUS! NYEH HEH HEH!"
You couldn't help but laugh, being around the cheerful skeleton was improving your mood. The two of you began to assemble the 10000 piece puzzle, and despite how exhausted you were- you were determined to get to know the skeleton monster, you enjoyed his presence greatly.
You've never been this happy before.
After a couple hours, Papyrus seemed to sense your tiredness- maybe it was obvious in your face.
"HUMAN- I MEAN (y/n)... IT IS GETTING QUITE LATE," Papyrus said. You jumped in the suddenness of his voice- as you were half asleep, your eye lids closing in exhaustion. "I ENJOY DOING THIS PUZZLE WITH YOU VERY MUCH, BUT YOU NEED YOUR REST!"
"I guess you're right…" You yawned, looking down at the large puzzle. It was halfway done, and you supposed it wouldn't hurt to continue it another day. You looked back to Papyrus who was smiling at you, and you smiled back- it was nice doing the puzzle with him.
"DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO YOUR ROOM?" Papyrus asked, helping you stand. Your stomach barely ached and you weren't too tired that you couldn't walk. You shook your head.
"I'll be fine," You assured him, and walked towards your (temporary) room. "Goodnight Papyrus."
"GOODNIGHT (y/n)!"
Shutting the door behind you, you let out a shaky sigh.
This is only temporary…
You can't overstay your welcome…
Don't get attached…
These thoughts ran through your mind as you approached your the bed, you noticed another pile of clothes on the quilt- pyjamas you realized. Despite your angst-y thoughts, you smiled at the generosity. You knew you didn't deserve this kindness…
If only they knew what kind of person you are, the trouble you got into frequently… your addictions and negativity.
But you were determined to hide this bad side of you, at least for the week you were staying (tops). You didn't want to traumatise poor Frisk, or disappoint Toriel… or make Papyrus realize you wasn't worth saving.
"You can do this…" You whispered to yourself, slipping on the silk pyjamas and crawling into bed. You roll into a semi-comfortable position while also trying not to lean on your injured stomach.
Closing your eyes, you could hear muffled voices from the living room. Instead of being disruptive, they were calming… and a reminder that this wasn't a dream, and that you really were safe and warm and-
Don't get used to it.
Despite how comfortable and exhausted you were, it took longer than it should've to fall asleep. Your usual negative thoughts kept you up, but eventually…
Everything went black.