Bullies, Asgore, and A Birthday.
11: Anon: HOW ABOUT SANS GETS MAD AT SOME BULLIES?!
(A/N: THAT SOUNDS LIKE A BAD TIME LET’S GO.)
Rian had been acting funny recently, and when Sans found out why, he was f u r i o u s.
Not with Rian, mind you, never with his little bonefriend. Concerned, he had asked Asgore if Rian was doing alright at school, and with a sigh, Asgore let the cat out of the bag. “I have been informed by some of the high school’s staff that Rian is being harrassed by bullies... not all of them children. Most of the teacher’s there are actually downright friendly to monsters and have voiced their support of Rian coming to live with us, happy that someone had given him a real home. But it seems that the parents of other students have found out... Not to mention, my son is also given trouble for some of his other life choices...”
Asgore looked up (or rather just in Sans’ general direction) to find the skeleton glowering, left eye on fire. “who.”
Asgore shook his head. “Sans, I know how you feel, but we must not do anything rash. Any lashing out on our part would be recieved very poorly, you know this. For now, we must be diplomatic, and not make this any harder than it already is for Rian. David has already had to fire an employee that was giving Rian a hard time... our young friend feels horrible.”
Sans scoffed. Trust Rian to feel horrible because someone who was hurting him got punished. The kid would, quite literally, do backflips to help one of the monsters, but when he himself was being hurt...
“I would ask that you do not confront Rian over this... I already tried. I can’t force you not to ACT, but please do not start any FIGHTs... use your discretion. I trust you to do right by all of us Sans.”
And that was what led Sans to escorting Rian to and from school, even going so far as to officially adjust his work hours, so that he could easily keep an eye on things. He wasn’t naive enough to think he could follow Rian around at school or stop all of the bullying, but he could at least be a deterrent.
And if the kids and parents Sans could tell were the culprits suddenly found it hard to breathe or move whenever they looked at Rian... well, no one could prove that Sans was the one doing that, could they? After all, he wasn’t anywhere near them...
(A/N: Apologies for the shortness!)
12: Anon: How do Rian and Asgore interact? they call each other father and son sometimes but other than that we don’t know much...
(A/N: Fair enough! Let’s see about that! This one will probably be another short one, and I’ll package them all together with... well, you’ll see!)
It was a beautiful day outside that sunday morning, with summer coming to a close and early September bringing a cool breeze with it, and Asgore and Rian were just beginning a walk. The apartment complex, conveniently, was only about a 20 minute walk to or from the mall plaza where Rian worked, though he could only do weekends and evenings during the school year. Asgore often escorted Rian there before making his way to the area’s capitol building, where he spent the day with humans attempting, and usually succeeding, to create new laws and establish a strong diplomatic base.
The two were still a bit awkward with each other, but they managed well enough.
“Hey d-dad?” Rian mumbled, blushing.
“Yes, my child?” Asgore hummed. Despite the slight twinge he felt in his soul at times, he was very happy to be a father to Rian whenever the human required it. He especially took pride in the skill with which he dealt with and teased the young one about his relationship with Sans. He didn’t dislike the thought of them being together but... well, his feelings on the matter were genuinely complicated. It had been nearly a month since he came across Rian sitting in Sans’ lap, and he still felt a slight itch of irritation at Sans for not bothering to talk to him about it before they began dating.
Rian smiled, twiddling his thumbs. “Well... There’s a semi-formal in November and... I was wondering if you’d help me pick out a suit? Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing. I don’t want to walk in the store alone...”
Asgore chuckled, mischievous but good-natured. “You aren’t asking Sans or someone?”
Rian blushed. “I don’t want that big of a fuss... and I really like a lot of the suits you wear. And I want to spend more time around you, if I can.”
Asgore smiled broadly. “Of course I’ll help you, my child.”
The two of them decided that they’d go at the end of the month, well before there was a crowd of high schoolers all trying to buy something, but not quite so early that it would be weird. And in the mean time...
“Oh, that’s right! If I’m not mistaken, your birthday is on the 13th this month, is it not?”
Rian blushed. He’d almost completely forgotten about his own birthday.
Crap.
13: Anon: Why is Rian already 18 way before their senior year? Did he get held back or something?
(A/N: BIRTHDAY EPISODE WITH SOME MORE PLOT AND STUFF IS A GO.)
Sans was happy that he was not the only one who was shocked to find out that today was Rian’s birthday. The skeleton brothers, Undyne, and Alphys had all been called to come to Asgore’s for dinner, and had been greeted by streamers and banners, as well as a blushing Rian. In fact, it seemed that Asgore and Tori had managed to keep the party a secret from everyone, including Rian himself, though Frisk looked awfully smug as they guarded the small stack of gifts.
“WOWIE HUMAN RIAN! WHY DID YOU NOT TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIG DAY!?”
Rian blushed brighter, avoiding Sans’ eyes entirely. “Honestly... so much happened that I forgot. I wasn’t expecting a party or anything... Sorry guys.”
Sans found that excuse oddly believable. The poor kid had barely been able to catch a break lately, between school and work. The stocky skeleton chuckled as he watched his brother, Alphys, and Undyne run towards Asgore, probably to yell at him. “no worries kid. we understand. mine and Pap’s birthdays are in winter, by the way. Alphys’ is in the spring... Undyne won’t tell us when hers is, so we all kind of pick a day every year and give her stuff. happy birthday kiddo.”
Rian smiled and took his hand. “...Thank you.”
He smiled. “no problem. i’ll just have to sneak you a present later... so you’re 19 and still in high school, huh?”
Rian had gone back to avoiding his eyes. “I uh... I’m kinda dumb. I’m really bad at algebra. All those equations... I finally managed to pass it last year, but I need more math credits. Credits in general really...”
Sans smiled kindly. “that’s why you’ve been trying to study all summer? that isn’t dumb, that’s smart and responsible. why didn’t you say so, kid? Alphys and i are both college graduates you know, with science degrees. Math comes easy to us.”
“That makes asking even more embarrassing!”
Sans chuckled and ruffled Rian’s hair. “you know how much of a show-off i am when it comes to science. throw me a bone here, pal.”
Rian snorted. “Okay, okay. If I need help I’ll ask you, alright? Wouldn’t want to take away your chance to impress me...”
“thank you-”
BOOF
The entire party went silent as a booming bark sounded outside the door, followed by a soft knock. Asgore, chuckling excitedly, half-trotted to the door. “I recommend that everyone but Rian stand back.”
Rian’s eyes were wide as he started to follow. “Asgore is that--”
The door opened, and a very large, thundering black blur launched at Rian, who nearly screamed. “STELLA!”
Out of reflex, Sans had used his magic right before the- was that really a surface dog?- landed ontop of the waiting teen. Both dog and human looked really confused for a minute, before Rian laughed and hugged the newcomer. “Sans, it’s okay! This is Stella, my dog! She won’t hurt me.”
“Wow Rian, SHE’S HUGE!” Undyne said in a congratulatory tone as Sans gently set the dog down. “I didn’t know that humans’ dogs got so big!”
Rian giggled, petting Stella as she snuffled him all over, her whole body wiggling in excitement. “She’s part Mastiff and part Labrador. A Mastador. Honestly, she could have gotten bigger.
Sans somehow doubted that, as he looked the dog over. She was a wrinkly creature, seemingly covered with much more skin than even her bulk needed, and had white patches on her chest and feet. The thick, pink collar seemed to suit her in an odd way. “and she belongs to you?” he asked, glancing at Asgore, who talked to a tall human.
Rian blushed, nodding. “Y-yeah... she was one of the family dogs. She’d been on a play date when everything happened and made it okay but... well I couldn’t exactly keep her at the convent, so some family friends, the Voghs, have been taking care of her for me. I’ve been able to go and see her sometimes but... well, you know.”
Satisfied that her human was in one piece, the dog quickly switched focus, wiggling around to sniff at Frisk and Papyrus, who had excitedly come to see the dog. Sans caught Frisk’s signed question.
“Frisk wants to know how long... Stella is staying. Asgore?”
The great monster laughed heartily. “Stella is staying indefinitely. I’ve already arranged things with our landlord, and Tori and I have worked out a schedule to make sure she gets taken out several times a day.”
Rian’s head shot up to stare at Asgore and, Sans could only assume, Mr. Vogh. “...Really?”
The human man nodded, a cheeky smile. “It broke my heart that you could only come and see her sometimes. You two should be able to stick together R...Rian.” It occurred to Sans that Vogh probably still thought of Rian as whoever they used to be. “I’ll admit you had me a bit concerned... you wouldn’t let me take you in, and suddenly I hear about goats and skeletons?” At Vogh’s chuckle, it occured to everyone in the room that he might have one or two quiet prejudices. “But... Anyone can see you have a good home here. I can’t really stay, but it was nice to meet you all. Stella’s toys and blanket are in the bag. Take care now, alright kiddo?”
Rian was all smiles, but looked a bit stiffer. He hadn’t liked the odd look in Mr. Vogh’s eye as he sized up Rian’s family, even if the older man HAD ended up deciding he liked the monsters. “It was good seeing you too sir... thank you. Really.”
After that, Vogh had beat a hasty retreat, and the group all got around to petting Stella and introducing themselves. Rian couldn’t help but laugh, noticing that she took particular interest in Sans. Once Stella got accustomed to everyone, She realized that Frisk and Papyrus were going through and taking out her toys, which OBVIOUSLY meant it was playtime, and the others quickly went to get some food.
“i don’t feel so bad about waiting to get you a present now.” Sans drawled, “this’ll just mean i know what i have to compete with.”
“A COMPETITION!? BRING IT ON PUNK!”
Alphys giggled. “Rian, I think I’ll just take you to the movie store with me the next time I go.”
Rian grinned. “I’d like that Alphys! You always find cool stuff no one else has even heard of!”
“i think i could have lived without knowing about Cannibal Holocaust.”
The group gave a collective shudder.
After a bit, Tori giggled. “Where do you suppose Stella will want to sleep?”
“Probably on top of me.” Rian snorted. “She’s a hundred pound lap dog... She insists on being near someone at all times...” Everyone glanced into the other room, where Paps was exclaiming in amazement as Stella gently dragged Frisk around the room on the blanket. “She’s practically a horse.” Rian said, grinning. “Asgore... I can’t thank you enough. Are you sure this is okay? I can pay for her food, and cover the pet costs-”
“Rian, I wouldn’t hear of it. You and I both know that with the left-over gold, there is more than enough money in this family. And the apartment manager was happy to cut a deal with me after hearing of your plight. Save your money like I’ve been teaching you. Toriel and I have agreed that you and Frisk both need this, so as thanks, just be sure to share our new friend.”
Rian blushed. Asgore was a stickler for keeping files and things, and in his spare time had been teaching Rian ways to budget and save. Rian was fully aware of the amount of zeros backing his and Toriel’s shared banking accounts. Swallowing a lump in his throat, Rian nodded. “Thanks... Dad. Mom.”
Before anyone else could speak, Frisk and Stella came rushing in, the former frantically waving their hands.
Sans pet the dog, who had raced to stand between him and Rian. “the kid’s tellin’ ya to come in to the other room and join the ‘blanket bus’... apparently Stella can move them and Paps too easy. They wanna see how many people out new pet horse can pull around.”
“COME JOIN US, HUMAN RIAN. AND UNDYNE. AND SANS.” Papyrus shouted from the other room, causing Rian to laugh.
“Just bring the blanket over this way Paps! It’ll work better if the floor isn’t carpet.”
The younger human and Skeleton monster looked at Rian as though he just did something as amazing as turning purple, and about half an hour later, Stella was passed out asleep on the floor of the living room while Asgore began handing Rian presents.
Rian blushed. “You guys didn’t have to get me anything else. Stella is precious enough...”
“My child... well, for one, we were unsure if Asgore’s idea would work.” Tori said kindly. “But we also wanted you to have things to make your bedroom more... roomy. Do not worry yourself one bit.”
Rian relented, and with a quiet smile, he opened his presents. First came a set of three posters, each one picturing something that interested him: A Pokemon poster of all the original 150, a poster plastered with some of his favorite Disney quotes, and a promotional poster for Song of the Lioness signed by (he nearly had a heart attack) Tamora Pierce herself, complete with a personal message of encouragement to Rian on the back. Next came a stack of 5 CDs, a mix of OLD Fall Out Boy, an old Disney Jams CD, Linkin Park, Metallica, and a mixtape made by Frisk of karaoke tracks. Then.... books. The complete Song of the Lioness quartet, the complete Protector of the Small quartet, Through Wolf’s Eyes, and the Artemis Fowl series. Lastly, he opened up a box with a CD player/radio.
Rian wanted to scream. Rian wanted to cry. Instead, he just hugged his adopted parents tightly. They may have been seperated, technically, but the goat monster couple had proven to know him as well as any parents could possibly know their child.
After the touching exchange, everyone helped to grab or put leftovers away. It was a fun process, one made easier and more exciting by everyone’s magic, since Papyrus and Sans helping meant that a lot of floating and teleporting was going around. Someone had even managed to sneak a burger to Stella, who sat in the doorway. By the wink that Sans had given Rian, the human was pretty sure he knew who the culprit was. Then, sadly, everyone went home for the evening, leaving Stella and Rian to situate his new things in his room.
--a few days later--
It was now Friday, and though he had fun on his walk home with Sans, Rian was glad to be able to hide away in the quiet of his room for a few hours... except, his room was different.
There in a still-empty corner was a very happy Mastador, sprawled out on the most luxurious, large, comfortable looking pink dog bed that Rian had ever seen in real life. Also in the room was a small package, and a letter, placed on his bed with care. Always courteous, he opened the letter before going after the present.
dear bonefriend,
i’m not gonna lie kiddo, i was a little sad that i wasn’t able to get you a gift on your birthday, but technically it IS your fault. i figured that a little bit of punishment was in order and... well, look at the dog bed. that was too perfect to pass up. i regret nothing. once you open up your present and calm down long enough to look me in the eye... come find me. Paps is gone for the weekend again, and we should talk a bit. i have the key with me. Now you and our new best friend will be able to match.
your future bonefriend.
Match?
Swallowing back a mild feeling of doom, Rian practically ripped open the box, blushing at its contents. Inside was a sturdy, gunmetal looking chain necklace with a powder-pink heart shaped lock to serve as both clasp an ornament. Necklace... or collar.
He wanted to laugh. He wanted to cry. Instead, he trotted out of his room to go and find his future bonefriend.
(A/N: CLIFF HANGER!!!)