Restart
-What do you mean you ''made your decision''?
-You know, about the thing you mentioned yesterday... I'm ready to do the exchange.
-So soon? Sans, this is a serious matter... You can't just decide what you want in one day!
-I did ask for other people's opinions. But, truth be told, there's not much to think about. Yes, the sane thing to do would be to keep all this power I have and leave you behind. But, what's the point of power without the ones you love?
-You flatter me... Serifa smiled a bit under her hoodie. But, Sans. This deal you're agreeing to...it's real. I need you to know, this might be a dream, but the outcome of your decision will affect your real life... Have you realised that?
-I didn't only realise it. I wish it, Serifa. I truly wish it's true. I wish that you can return to my life for real.
-I'll always feel guilty for this... Serifa looked down.
Sans approached her and picked her chin up, making her face him.
-Hey...lighten up a bit. We're going to live the life that was taken from us. No one will chase us again, no one will attack us. This is a time to celebrate, not be moody. Okay, sweetheart?
Serifa gave Sans a little smile.
-Alright...
She took his hands and held them tightly.
-Whatever happens, don't let go of my hands, alright?
-Alright, sweetheart.
Sans tightened his grip around her hands.
-This is your last chance to say no, Sans.
-I've made up my mind.
-Alright... Serifa took a deep breath and looked up. Do it!
What Sans felt after that could only be described as mutilation. He felt a part of himself slowly leaving his body. The pain was terrible, as if a limb of his was being taken away. He was feeling weaker and weaker. He soon lost consciousness.
-Where...Where am I? Why am I trapped in here? Hey! Answer me!
''At the state you're in, you can't return just yet.''
-But, you promised-
''And so it'll happen. There are just a few things that need to be done before. Don't worry, this will be over soon.''
-I don't understand...
''I will explain later. There's no time to waste.''
-What are you gon-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Sans woke up in the middle of the night. His whole body was still hurting. His head was spinning. He stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, until he noticed he wasn't alone. There was something breathing on the floor next to him. Filled with agony, he slowly turned and looked.
Serifa was lying on the floor with closed eyes, wearing his old clothes, the ones he had lent her back then. The ones she had died in. He looked at her for a few minutes. His feelings were changing with every passing second. Surprise and uncertainty. Love and terror. Nostalgia and fear. Excitement and anxiety.
He slowly managed to control the chaos in his head. He sat on the floor beside her and shook her gently. She didn't respond. For a second, he feared that she was dead. But no, he could hear her breathing. He shook her again, finally waking her.
Her eyes opened slowly. She started moving her fingers a bit, feeling the environment around her. She was still looking as if she were in a trance. Sans shook her again.
-Hey... are you alright?
The moment she saw Sans, her eyes opened fully. But they weren't filled with love or happiness, as Sans expected. There was only fear. In panic, she moved as far away as she could. Her whole body was shaking in terror.
Sans was startled, but approached her anyway. He was scared, just like her. Why was she acting like this? Had something gone wrong? Keeping a small distance, he carefully started caressing her shoulder and arm.
-I'm not gonna hurt you... Relax.
Serifa was looking all around the room in terror, as if everything she was seeing was scaring her. Her breathing was getting quicker and more spastic. She started choking. Sans realised she was hyperventilating.
-Hey, hey, you need to relax.
His voice was firm and serious. He grabbed both her shoulders, trying to stabilise her a bit.
-Don't worry. I'm here. I just need you to breathe a little slower, okay? Come on, breathe in... Now breathe out... Breathe in... Breathe out...
Serifa was trying to follow his voice and breathe accordingly. Her breathing soon became a little steadier.
-Good, good... You're doing great. Sans encouraged her, but then noticed she still was terrified.
-Hey... Do you know who you are?
Serifa nodded positively.
-Great... What about me? Can you recognise me?
Serifa nodded again.
-Then what is it that terrifies you so much?
Serifa tried to speak, but she still wasn't stable enough.
-It's okay, take your time.
-I...I was dead... Serifa finally managed to utter. I was dead... How...?
-I brought you back... You, yourself told me the way. Don't you remember?
Serifa nodded negatively.
-I see... I guess it makes sense. You were brought back as you were when you...
-H-How...is this body...moving...? I'm...dead...
-I told you, you aren't dead anymore...
-I don't understand... I don't understand!
Sans grabbed her gently, turned her around and hugged her tightly from behind.
-I'll explain it as many times as you need... You're not dead. You're alive. And I'm here for you.
They both said nothing for a while. Sans could feel her trembling decreasing slowly. Serifa kept looking around.
-Where are we...? I don't remember this place...
-This is my new house. We live in the surface now.
-The surface? You mean, you crossed the barrier?
-Yes. We gathered six human souls, and then the seventh human fell in the Underground...and she managed to save us all.
-She sacrificed herself?
-No, she's still alive and kicking. She found a way to free us with no other sacrifice.
-She must be really amazing then... Wait, if all that has happened...how long has it been since my death?
-About 19 years.
Serifa was taken aback.
-19 years? That's, like, older than I am!
-Heh, I guess so! Sans chuckled.
The door suddenly opened. Papyrus entered the room.
-Sans, what on earth are you mumbling about at this hour?
When he saw Serifa, he almost jumped.
-Hey Paps... Sans managed to break the silence. Sorry if we woke you...
-S-Serifa... You're back...
-Hey Papyrus... I...I guess I am...
-LITTLE SISTER! Papyrus exclaimed and hugged Serifa. I missed you!
-Huh? You aren't weirded out that I'm back? Serifa smiled a bit and hugged him back.
-Sans told me he may bring you back, so I half-expected you! It's been so long!
-It has, indeed! I'm glad to see you again...''big brother''!
-SHE CALLED ME ''BIG BROTHER''! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM VERY HAPPY! But also, very regretful! For I used to think you were evil, and only recently learned the truth! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, deeply apologise for that!
-Don't worry about it, Paps. That was partly my fault. Sans chuckled.
-What are you two talking about? Serifa wondered.
-Just a stupid misunderstanding, don't worry about it. Sans reassured her.
-I'll be leaving you now. Papyrus said. I'd love to stay, but I have work tomorrow and I need some sleep! You need to sleep too, Sans!
-I don't think I'll be able to go to work tomorrow. My whole body is aching. I'll call Alphys and tell her.
-Are you alright, brother?
-Yes, don't worry about it. I'll be fine.
-If it gets worse, tell me!
-Don't worry Paps, I'll make sure he does! Serifa smiled. Sleep well!
Papyrus left the room. Serifa was looking a lot calmer. It seemed that Papyrus's positive energy had helped her relax. Sans was glad about it.
-So, do you remember everything?
-Yes... My memories are mostly intact...
-''Mostly''?
-While I was dying... I had some visions... You know how they say your whole life passes before your eyes when you die? Mine did...but I soon realised, there were things I couldn't remember... You knew, didn't you? You somehow knew I was going to die and tried to protect me for so long...
-Well...I did reset time as far back as possible... Unfortunately, the reset point was the morning of your last day and I couldn't change that...so I tried changing your fate instead. But, you know how that went...
-I see... I remember some vague things... You went through a lot, didn't you?
-I almost went crazy. But you were there for me, and I'm still grateful for that.
-I'm sorry you had to do all that to save me...
-You know what, let's talk about something happier. You've missed 19 years. Ask me something about these years, anything!
-Okay... Papyrus mentioned your work. What's your job?
-I'm a scientist. I work as a researcher at Lionnite University. Alphys works with me. You may remember her from the memories you saw...
-Yes, I do. I remember she was way too shy.
-She's made a lot of progress since then! And, part of that, is thanks to your magnificent boyfriend! Sans bragged playfully.
-Hmm... Since you're so magnificent...how many girlfriends did you have after me? Serifa chuckled.
-Wow, that was bold of you! What's the answer you'd like to receive?
-I asked first, so you reply first! She blushed a bit.
-I may not seem like it, but I'm the kind of person who doesn't give his heart away easily. And, my heart was taken by you. So yeah, no other girls in my life.
-I do like your answer! Serifa smiled.
-Oh really? So, you wanted me to die miserable and alone, because I'm stuck with the idea of you? Sans chuckled and kissed her cheek playfully.
-Well...
-Weeeeell?
Serifa kissed Sans to avoid replying.
-Fine, I'll let you off this time! Sans chuckled and kissed her back.
They spent the whole night remembering their past memories. They ended up falling asleep on the floor they were sitting on, resting in each other's arms.
-Sans! Hey, Sans!
Papyrus was shaking Sans and whispering, in order not to wake Serifa up.
-Hey Paps...what is it? Sans mumbled.
-Frisk has come for her lesson. Should I tell her you aren't feeling well enough today?
-No, no, let her in. I'll be down in 5.
Sans got up and gently picked up Serifa, then put her in his bed and covered her with his blanket. He looked at her for a moment. She still looked like an angel. He smiled and stretched. His body was still hurting, but it had improved a lot. He got ready and walked to the kitchen.
-Hey kiddo. Sorry to make you wait!
-It's afternoon, Sans. Your sleeping hours are ridiculous.
-Not as ridiculous as your clothes. What on earth are you wearing again?
-Oh, gosh, are you talking about my skirt?
-I'm talking about your VERY short skirt and your EXTRTEMELY revealing top! How do they let you enter school like this?
-You go to work in a T-shirt too.
-Are you frisking kidding me? I wear my lab coat over it!
Frisk gave Sans a serious look.
-You did it, didn't you?
-Huh?
-Don't play dumb with me because I know you aren't. You brought her back, right?
-How could you tell?
-Your usual attitude is back. I'm not stupid, you know.
-I never said you were. And, yes, to answer your question, I did revive her.
-Oh well... Frisk sighed. You know I don't agree to this...but, what's done is done. I hope you two will be happy together. Just be careful, okay?
-I will. Sans patted Frisk's head. You don't need to worry yourself.
-So, where is she? You've told me a lot about her, I want to meet her!
-She's sleeping right now, you'll get to know her another time.
-Sleeping? Why, is she tired of being dead?
-FRISK!
-Okay, okay, I was joking, sorry! Frisk laughed. Come on, let's get to that stupid math already so I can go get some nice-cream after.
When Frisk left, Sans sat in the couch with Papyrus.
-So, Sans... I guess you have no powers now, right?
Sans realised he hadn't even checked. He tried to summon a bone, but failed.
-Indeed I don't. But hey, that means I won't use my psychokinesis to do everyday stuff anymore! I'll get less lazy, just like you wished!
-Haha, that's true! But I gotta ask you... Now that you know how it feels to be back together with Serifa...was it worth your sacrifice?
-Totally. I know it may seem stupid, but-
-I don't care what it looks like, Sans. If my brother is happy, I am happy too. That isn't stupid at all.
-Thanks, Paps. That was really nice of you to say! Sans smiled.
Serifa entered the living room while yawning.
-How long have I been asleep?
-Let's just say a lot! Sans laughed. It's evening, We'll soon have to sleep again!
-Did you sleep well? Papyrus asked.
-Very well, thanks for asking!
-You know Sans, she should meet everyone! How about bringing her to Alphys's party?
-That's a great idea, but don't you think it'll be a little weird for Alphys to have a person she doesn't know in her party? You know how she is...
-I mean, she has seen her before, right? She's not completely new to her!
-Oh, yeah right, she has examined her dead corpse, what a great way to break the ice between them!
-WHAT THE HELL SANS? Serifa yelled in surprise.
-Wow, brother. Really, reeeally smooth.
-Yeah, sorry. Sans chuckled. Serifa, when you died, someone had to examine you to see your soul's potential. I was in no shape to do such a thing, so Dr. Alphys had to do it.
-That's a lot of info to dump on me in a single minute!
-Should I talk sssslllooooowwwweeeeerrrr tttttthhhhhheeeeennnn? Sans chuckled.
Serifa chuckled back.
-It IS gonna be weird though.
-Come on, let's call her right now and prepare her!
Alphys was on her computer, eating noodles and watching anime. Undyne was lying on their bed, reading a magazine while secretly peeking at the anime Alphys was watching. The phone rang. Undyne picked it up.
-Hello?
-Hey Undyne, Sans here. How are you?
-I'm good, thanks. Gonna start working again next week. What about you? Alphys told me you didn't come to work today.
-Yes, I was feeling bit sick, but I'm better now. I need to speak with Alphys, could you pass the phone to her?
-Sure. Hey honey, Sans wants to speak to you!
Alphys picked the phone up.
-Hey Sans! How are you? Papyrus called me and said you weren't feeling well...
-Thanks for worrying, but I'm almost fine now! Hey, about your birthday party tomorrow... Could I bring my girlfriend with me?
-What? You have a-
-Yes. And I thought your party would be a great chance for everyone to get to know her. What do you think?
-Of course she can come! It'll be a bit weird, but I do want to meet her!
-Speaking of meeting her... You kinda have. Do you remember, all these years ago, the girl with the integrity soul you examined? Well...it's her.
-W-WHAT? H-How...?
-I can't really explain over the phone. I promise, I'll tell you what I know when I see you. Just...don't tell anyone who she really is please. I don't wanna make this any weirder, okay? Act as if you haven't seen her before!
-Alright...but you ARE explaining this.
-Don't worry, I'll tell you everything. Thanks Alphys!
-See you tomorrow Sans! Bye-bye!
-Bye!
Alphys hang up the phone.
-Something happened, honey? You seemed kinda shocked for a second.
-Nah, it was nothing... By the way, Sans will bring his girlfriend tomorrow. Is that alright?
-Of course, it's your party after all... WAIT WHAT? SANS HAS A GIRLFRIEND?
-Yes, I just learned too. Alphys chuckled.
-Are you sure he wasn't trolling you?
-Yes, why?
-How ON EARTH does that dork have a girlfriend? He's a TOTAL NERD! He eats junk all day and wears dirty clothes and-
Undyne looked at Alphys. Her blouse was dirty from the noodles she had been eating. The computer behind her was still playing the anime she was watching.
-...Oh.
Alphys burst out laughing. Undyne laughed with her. She was really happy. The old Alphys would get hurt and maybe even cry by such banter. But now, she was more confident. Now, she had accepted herself.
A new morning came. Sans woke up in his bed. Serifa was sleeping all over him. Sans sighed.
-I need to get a double bed.