End table
When the car stopped Frisk was led down the familiar path to the Pansies warehouse. Sans had his hand placed securely on her upper back as he led her along. Frisk noticed that the experience was exactly the same as the first time that she had come to this place, as the atmosphere felt cold and unwelcoming, unlike the warm and inviting one that she had just left behind at Grillby’s. Frisk grimaced at the recent memory. She was a fool to think that she had actually belonged there, that she had actually been accepted by the gang of monsters. She knew that she would always really be an outsider. At the first sign of trouble she knew that they would completely cut ties with her; she was a human after all. Soon the rough concrete ground turned into wooden floorboards under Frisks feet as she entered in to the building. She was then led up the staircase and through the hallway to Asgore’s office, before her blindfold was removed. Undyne entered in to the office first after she knocked briefly on the great wooden door, in order to explain the situation to Asgore before Mettaton or Frisk had a chance to retell their own sides of the story. Even though Frisk was no longer blindfolded Sans kept his hand on her back. He also made sure to position himself between Frisk and the Robot, and continued to fix Mettaton with narrowed eyes. The robot nervously avoided his menacing gaze, trying to appear oblivious to his threat.
A few moments later Undyne reemerged from the office, and gestured to Sans to lead Frisk in through the door, Mettaton followed closely behind. Asgore stood regally behind his great desk. He had his back turned to the approaching party as Undyne and Sans both stood behind the now seated Mettaton and Frisk respectably. After a few moments of silence, Asgore slowly turned around to face the two seated individuals. His honey colored eyes were now cold and penetrating, all kindness or hints of a gentle nature that Frisk had seen before had completely been snuffed out.
“What is the problem here?” He demanded as he eyed Mettaton. Mettaton briefly cleared his throat, before straightening his posture, and meeting Asgore’s powerful gaze with his own concocted sincere and confident one.
“Asgore, I find that it is the only respectable thing that I can do but to warn you that the currier you have hired is not who she claims to be.” He began. “She is a no good swindler, and a thief. I hired her myself to make an exchange a few months back, and she stole the profits for herself.” Mettaton concluded as he tossed Frisk a cocky glare. Frisk scowled at the robot as she prepared herself to lunge at him, but she stopped herself as she heard Sans clear his throat from behind her, warning her not to do anything stupid. Reluctantly she backed down, and remained in her seat as Mettaton finished telling Asgore his side of the story.
“I hired her for a very important client of mine at my casino, one of my regular guests.” Mettaton continued. “He told me he needed a contact, someone who could run a simple errand for him, and naturally being the gracious host that I am I agreed to find him one.” He said.
“At first I was fooled by her reputation and gave her the job, but when she delivered the money back to me there was at least 100 G missing from the payment, which I had to procure out of my own pocket!” He concluded with a dramatic wail. Sans rolled his eyes at Mettaton’s pathetic display. All of this nonsense was over a measly 100 G? Sans knew for a fact that the robot had blown his nose in handkerchiefs that had cost more than that. When Mettaton had finished replaying his tragic tale, Asgore shifted his gaze from him over to Frisk.
“Is this true?” He asked her. Frisk met Asgore’s calculating gaze with her own determined glare.
“For the most part.” She began, and Sans snapped his head toward her in shock. Was the kid trying to get herself canned? “Except for one detail that he conveniently left out.” She finished. Asgore raised an eyebrow at this, encouraging her to continue.
“That 100 G I took was rightfully mine, it was my payment for the work I did.” She said confidently. “The payment that Mettaton refused to give me after I completed the drop.” Asgore’s brows furrowed as he turned his hard gaze back to the robot next to her.
“Of course I was going to pay her!” He stammered. “I just wanted to receive the money first to make sure that everything was accounted for, which it wasn’t.” Mettaton replied, shooting Frisk a nasty sneer.
“You told me that I could go rot in a gutter where I belonged, and said that you wouldn’t waste a dime on my repulsive presents!” Frisk shot back seething in her seat. “I took what you owed me and not a penny more! If anyone here is a thief, it’s you!” She exclaimed. Sans as well as Undyne were both slightly impressed by Frisk and her reserve to defend her name and reputation against Mettaton’s slander. The robot just continued to glare at her as Asgore rubbed at his temples. He then fixed a very unimpressed stare over to Mettaton.
“You- you can’t seriously be buying her story!” He exclaimed, completely bewildered. “I have given you years of loyal service and business might I remind you!” Mettaton screeched angrily. Asgore huffed gruffly as he took a seat in his massive leather arm chair.
“Frisk has become quite the valuable member to our organization.” Asgore replied sternly. “She has proven to be a trusted Asset to us and has performed above my expectations.” He continued, despite the fuming robot.
“However I cannot deny that you are also an important contact to us Mettaton, and that I would hate to lose your favor. So, tell me what would you have me do?” He said fixing Mettaton with a stern demanding glare. Mettaton faltered slightly from under the weight of the question.
“Well, um, I -I suppose that there should be some sort of punishment set in place” He replied hesitantly.
“And what kind of punishment would that be?” Asgore asked again, not breaking from his intense stare which he held over the robot.
“Well, um, she should…. have to pay for my suit!” Mettaton replied, as he remembered his now stained jacket. Asgore’s gaze also fell to the bright red blood splatter on the lapel of Mettaton’s once spotless ensemble.
“She got her filthy human blood all over it!” He replied haughtily. Asgore raised an eyebrow, before Sans stepped forward.
“The only reason that you got your suit ruined was because you straight up attacked Frisk in the bar.” He growled, fixing Mettaton with a harsh glare. “You know how messy humans can be, if you wanted to keep your pretty shiny hands clean, you shouldn’t have wacked her so hard.”
“Sans that’s enough.” Asgore said sternly. Sans shot Mettaton one more look, before he begrudgingly fell back into place. Asgore let out a deep sigh as he took a moment to sort through the information presented to him.
“Mettaton, you will be compensated for your suit.” Asgore decided, much to the dislike of everyone in the room except for Mettaton. “However, since Frisk is under my employ, she, as well as her actions are my responsibility.” Asgore continued, as he proceeded to make his way to a filing cabinet in the back corner of the room. He then took a shiny silver key out of his jacket pocket and proceeded to unlock the top drawer. Then he took out a fat wad of cash and turned back to Mettaton who was now looking at him utterly confused.
“So how much do I owe you Mettaton?” He questioned harshly as he stared down the robot and began counting out the bills.
“That- that’s really not necessary Asgore.” Mettaton replied, visibly shrinking under the weight of Asgore’s heavy stare.
“Oh, but I insist.” Asgore replied firmly. “That jacket looks like it was very expensive. Should we say 700 G?” He began as he flipped through the bills. “No, no, that’s much too low for someone of your fine taste. How about 800? No that still seems to light…”
“700’s fine!” Mettaton replied quickly. “It’s more than enough really, it’s actually too much! You’re too generous Asgore, really.” Mettaton said with a nervous laugh.
“Well then, 700 G it is.” Asgore said as he passed the money to the robot. Mettaon took the stack sheepishly. He averted his gaze as he placed it in his waist coat pocket.
Asgore held his firm eyes over Mettaton for a moment more, before he turned and sat back in his leather armchair once again. Frisk just looked on dumfounded at the whole affair, unsure if she was still in trouble or not. But, from what she could see from Mettaton’s embarrassed disposition it looked like Asgore had been on her side after all.
“Now with that settled, is there anything else that you require of me Mettaton?” Asgore asked. The robot just continued to keep his eyes glued shamefacedly to the floor.
“No, that’s all.” He replied quietly.
“And there won’t be any more issues regarding my new employee Frisk I presume?” He asked again still holding Mettaton under his scrutinizing eyes.
“None at all.” Mettaton replied again.
“Good.” Asgore said as he leaned back in his arm chair. “I’m glad we could come to an understanding.” Mettaton then got up from his chair and gave Asgore a curt but respectable bow of his head, before turning stiffly on his heels and making his way shamefully out of the office. Frisk was about to do the same as a wave of relief washed over her, but before she could make a move Asgore turned his heavy stare toward her.
“Do not think that you are walking out of here scot free.” Asgore said strictly, and Frisk felt all of her previous dread pile back on and fall heavy in her stomach.
“You do understand that Mettaton is an important client as well as partner to our organization don’t you?” He asked. Frisk nodded stiffly.
“And as impressive, and as valuable as your abilities may be to us, you do realize that I will not favor you over my other contacts and friends correct?” Frisk bit her lip and nodded again. Asgore paused for a moment, before exhaling heavily.
“I understand that your circumstances before coming to join our organization were less than adequate.” He began. “And I realize that in order to survive in such a harsh and cruel world, one may have to also adopt a less than honest way of living.” He continued. Frisk shot her head up at that comment, a sudden flash of anger forming hot under her skin.
“I am not a liar.” She replied countering Asgore’s stern stare with her own determined fuming glare. Asgore paused at this, slightly stunned by her sudden boldness.
“You talk like you know my life, when you really have no clue at all.” She continued, the flames of her frustration and anger feeding her resolve. “I may have done some less than honest work in my past for less them honest people, but I have never been, nor will I ever be a liar. What I told you is the truth.” A shocked silence filled the room and surrounded its occupants. Frisk still sat seething in her chair, refusing to break her eye contact with Asgore. Sans tensed from behind her, as he felt the nervous energy that surrounded the group start to build. He now had absolutely no idea what to expect at this point. Even Undyne seemed to shift in discomfort from under the heavy atmosphere.
“Very well human.” Asgore replied, suddenly breaking the thick silence. “I will let this incident be forgotten about.” He continued. “However, I will not stand for any more occurrences like this one to happen again. So I will give you this one chance.” He said fixing Frisk with an ominous glare. “Are there any other individuals that you have had mis-dealings with that will hinder my operation? If there are you will tell me now and if this problem arises again in the future there will be consequences.” Frisk fronted his warning without batting an eye.
“I haven’t had any other mis-dealings” She replied coldly. “Everyone else has paid me on my terms for doing my job.” Asgore held her stare, searching for any signs of wariness and Frisk complied, returning his intense gaze, daring him to try and find even a shred of doubt. She knew that he wouldn’t find anything.
“Alright then.” He said, finally breaking from the stare off. “You may go.” Frisk steadily rose to her feet, she nodded her head to Asgore in a gesture of farewell, before she turned and strutted toward the door. Undyne fell in tow behind her.
“Sans before you go, can I please have a word?” Asgore asked. Sans had already started making his way to Asgores desk expecting as much.
“Undyne if you don’t mind, please keep Frisk company for a moment.” Asgore continued.
“Sure thing boss.” Undyne replied and Frisk stiffened, her confident bravado faltering at the news that she would be left alone with the angry fish women. When the two left the office and made their way down the stairs, Sans spoke up.
“Well, that could have gone a little better.” He said rubbing the back of his skull. Asgore sighed, his shoulder’s slumping heavily forward.
“If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.” he replied. Asgore suddenly looked very tired, like the years of running in this line of business were finally catching up to him. “Just when I thought things were going right for a change.” He continued.
“You mean the negotiations with Alico?” Sans asked. Asgore nodded in response.
“Frisk is clearly valuable, especially when it comes to selling our products to our human investors, but now I am worried that our connections with our monster clients will be damaged. Tell me Sans, did I make the right gamble by hiring a human?" He asked earnestly. Sans shrugged.
“It’s a little early to say for certain.” He replied, noticing Asgore’s brows furrow in worry. “But from what I’ve seen so far, she’s a good kid.” Sans continued. “Don’t hold this little scuff with Mettaton against her. To tell you the truth I don’t know many monsters who’ve had good working experiences with that glittery tin can.” Asgore chuckled softly at Sans comment.
“Yes he can be very demanding.” Asgore agreed.
“You still have roughly three weeks left in this trial deal, just wait it through and see what happens.” Sans continued. “If it works out then good, and if it doesn’t we can cut ties and figure something else out.” Sans said trying his best to ease Asgore's troubled mind.
“I suppose your right Sans. At this point there is nothing much else I can do but wait.” Asgore replied. “You will continue to keep an eye on her and inform me if any other issues arise?” He asked.
“Corse boss.” Sans answered with a lazy grin. “First sign of trouble you’ll be the first to know.” Asgore nodded.
“Alright then, that is all I needed to speak to you about.” Asgore said as he allowed his sholders to slump as he relived himself of the task to appear quite so professional. Sans gave him a brief nod before he sauntered over to the door and down the stairs to the main room where Frisk and Undyne stood waiting for him.
Undyne had her arms crossed over her chest, a bored expression was plastered on her face as if she was a bit miffed at being stuck with babysitting duty. Frisk, on the other hand, stood extremely rigid beside her. Her eyes were facing straight ahead, not daring to so much as blink for fear that Undyne would turn to bite her head off. When Frisk saw Sans make his way down the stairs to meet them she couldnt help but feel her anxiety melt away. as sans looked over to the duo he noticed almost an immediate expression of relief take over frisks features. He figured that the kid must still be really scared of Undyne to be so reassured at his presence or, perhaps, maybe the kid was actually starting to trust him? Sans quickly brushed the second thought away, clearly the first option was the more likely of the two.
“What did the boss want?” Undyne asked as Sans made his way over.
“Nothing much.” Sans shrugged. “He just wanted to make sure I keep a better eye on the kid.” Undyne nodded, seemingly pleased enough by his answer.
“Did the robot leave already?” Sans asked.
“Ya, he left as soon as Asgore was finished chewing him out.” She replied with a sharp toothed snigger. “Looks like I’m gonna be hitching a ride back with you.” She said and Sans nodded. He then walked over to Frisk.
“See, told you it wouldn’t be so bad.” He said, but Frisk only bobbed her head briefly in response. Sans sighed inwardly as he retrieved the canvas sack and again passed it to Frisk.
“Sorry pal.” He said as he watched her take it and place it reluctantly over her head. Sans was then about to take her by the shoulder and lead her out of the building, but before he could, Undyne quickly stole the position.
“I’ll take the punk this time.” She said, before pushing the girl forward a little too roughly. Sans hesitated for a moment, before he casually followed after them, a little surprised that Undyne had volunteered to walk Frisk to the car. When they got to the Buick, Sans opened the passenger door to allow Undyne to place Frisk inside, but instead she walked around him and made her way to the back seat.
“Squirt’s gonna ride with me.” She said casually. Sans wavered for a few seconds, still holding the passenger door open as he watched Undyne proceed to open the back door of the vehicle. His eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion at the women and her sudden interest in the kid. Frisk also stiffened immediately from under the sack at hearing that she would be sitting next to Undyne for the car ride home.
When everyone was settled in the car, Sans made sure to readjust his review mirror so he could keep a very close eye on the kid and Undyne in the back seat, before he proceeded to start up the engine and drive back to the bar. The drive was uncomfortably silent for the first fifteen minutes or so, as a tense energy surrounded the group, until Undyne suddenly turned to Frisk and broke the heavy atmosphere.
“You know punk, that display was actually really impressive.” She began, to the surprise of both Sans and Frisk. “I didn’t expect such a little pipsqueak like you to actually stand up for yourself against Mettaton as well as Asgore. That was actually pretty gutsy.” She continued. Frisk just remained silent from under her hood for a moment before nodding slowly in response. Quiet again surrounded the group as Sans kept a metaphorical ear tuned to the slight conversation going on in the back seat.
“So anyway…” Undyne continued as she fidgeted slightly from next to Frisk. “Is that true? What the boss said I mean, about your circumstances before you joined up with the Pansies?” She suddenly asked sounding almost shy. Frisk paused again, surprised at Undynes sudden sheepish nature. She definitely had not been expecting this from Undyne; she didn’t even know that Undyne could be anything other than violent and intimidating. Again Frisk gave a slow nod in conformation. Undyne seemed to relax some after Frisks answer.
“You know, I had it pretty rough myself before I started working for Asgore.” Undyne replied. “He kind of took me under his wing when I had no one else.” Frisk was shocked at this, unsure why Undyne was exposing such a soft side to herself, but maybe it was because she related to Frisks situation.
“I was small like you back then as well” she said, and Frisk detected a small hint of a smile behind her voice as if she was remembering a fond memory.
“I was also pretty rowdy. I didn’t care if they were bigger or stronger or tougher than me, if they got in my way I would take them on.” Undyne continued. “That’s how I initially met Asgore. I challenged him for the title of boss over the Pansies.” She said, the happy tone in her voice swelling immensely when mentioning his name.
“I was such a little brat back then.” She said with a laugh. “I still don’t know why he bothered to be so patent with me. If it were anyone else they would have just taken me out then and there, but instead he gave me a job, and he also gave me a home, and a family.” She said her voice suddenly taking on an endearing tome. She was quite for a moment longer, before she briskly cleared her throat, realizing that she was displaying more emotion then she had intended to.
“Anyway, what I wanted to say was you got spunk kid, and if you keep it up you’ll do fine here!” She said slapping Frisk on the back commendably, though a little harder than necessary. Frisk winced slightly, but immediately after, she made sure to turn to Undyne and give her an appreciative nod. Frisk had never expected to actually relate so much to the terrifying fish monster, but it looked as though they had been dealt fairly similar hands in life. Frisk might even say that they were cut from the same cloth.
When the vehicle finally came to a stop in front of Grillby’s, Sans removed Frisks blindfold. He winced once he saw her face. Her eyes had started to turn a sickly purple from her broken nose, and her split lip had also become swollen. There were still streaks of dried blood all over her face, as well as a few bright red stains on the collar of her new white dress shirt. Sans held back his grimace as he faked a calm smile at the kid, and then led her out of the car toward the bar. He remained fairly close as she was still a little wobbly from her blow to the head. Undyne followed behind them, and seemed to be in a somewhat jovial mood despite the hobbling human walking in front of her.
“What a day!” She exclaimed as she walked across the street to the bar. “Think I’m gonna get a drink after all that action. What do ya say Sans, can I buy you and the Punk a round?” Sans stared at the women dumbfounded for a moment. He often forgot how unfazed Undyne could be when it came to injuries and violence. He knew she meant well, but sometimes would forget that not everyone was as tough as she was.
“…No thanks.” Sans replied after a moment of silence. “I think I’m gonna look after the kid first.” He said making a notion to the limping Frisk with his pinpricks. Once Undyne eyed the kid, her disposition immediately turned guilty.
“Oh, right, ya.” She said sheepishly. “You, uh, get better human. You took that blow like a champ!” She replied, hastily regaining her confident demeanor, and giving Frisk a thumbs up. Frisk nodded and to Sans surprise, gave Undyne a slight, albeit pained, smile. He knew that the kid wasn’t the type to hold a grudge, but this was getting a bit ridicules. The women had nearly killed her the last time that they had me. Why was she so willing to let bygones be bygones? Undyne flashed her a toothy grin, before she gave a brief wave in farewell as she walked ahead and entered the bar. Sans and Frisk slowly followed suit at their own pace.
The bar was much quitter then it had been in the early evening as now it was fairly late. Only a few monsters remained scattered across the room in small clusters. Some were still drinking, trying to keep the previous party atmosphere alive, while others were passed out cold, strewn across various table tops. Grillby was calmly polishing glassware from behind the counter as a very, very agitated and now sober Mittsy paced back and forth nervously in front of the bar. When Grillby spotted Sans and Frisk as they entered the room he softly cleared his throat, alerting Mittsy to their presence. Sans felt himself shrink as Mittsy’s eyes widened in worry while they scanned over Frisks injured form. she then marched quickly across the bar floor toward them. Mittsy immediately pulled Frisk away from Sans reach as she bent down to her level, meeting Frisk with wild eyes full of concern.
“Frisk, I was so worried. I had no idea where you had gone. Are you alright? Your eyes are all swollen. Is this blood!?” Mittsy rambled as she poked and prodded at Frisk’s injuries. Frisk tried to calm the now panicked mouse down. She assured Mittsy that her injuries looked worse than what they actually were, and that she was fine. But, Mittsy was far from satisfied with Frisks weak attempt at an explanation. She then turned her eyes to sans her look of concern immediately changing to one of anger.
“What happened?” Mittsy demanded darkly as she kept Sans pinned with her fiery glare.
“Oh boy.” Sans thought to himself as he prepared to get a metaphorical ear full.
“Uh, had a bit of an altercation with a potential client.” Sans replied, shooting Mittsy with what he hoped was a placating smile. Mittsy just narrowed her eyes at him. Sans felt himself start to sweat.
“Which potential client?” She demanded. Frisk shivered as she recognized her threatening tone from their first meeting, when she had used it to scare the bejesus out of the rude café waiter.
“Well, Mettaton paid us a bit of an unexpected visit.” Sans answered, keeping his voice light, hoping not to set the fuming mouse monster off on a rampage. Mittsy was silent for a moment as she processed the information, before her glare turned at least one hundred times deadlier.
“That over grown trash can has got a hell of a time coming his way.” She said in a tomblike tone that made a shiver run up both Sans’ and Frisk’s spines collectively.
“Uh, hold your fire breathing horses there Mittens.” Sans said, raising his hands in a gesture of defense at the seething mouse monster. “It’s already been dealt with, Asgore took care of it.” This news actually appeared to calm Mittsy as she let out a frustrated sigh, willing her fists to unclench at her sides.
“Let me just get the kid up to Papyrus, his healing magic is better than mine. We’ll get her cleaned up good as new.” Sans continued trying to further reassure Mittsy. Mittsy’s gaze seemed to soften as she turned back to Frisk.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” She asked again. Frisk nodded and flashed Mittsy a comforting smile. Mittsy sighed again before patting Frisk on the head.
“Ok, go and see Papyrus” She instructed. “He will take care of you.” Mittsy then released Frisk and ushered her up the stairs. Sans was about to follow behind the kid, when Mittsy turned her deadly stare back to him.
“You should have been more careful.” She spat as he passed her. Sans winced at her words because he already knew that they were true.
“I know.” He replied gruffly, and Mittsy’s hard stare seemed to falter slightly.
“Will she be ok?” She asked, and Sans shrugged.
“Kid’s tougher than I thought.” He replied. “Paps is good with healing magic, he’ll have that lip and broken nose of hers fixed in a jiffy.” Mittsy eyes widened in shock at Sans’ words.
“Her nose is broken?!” She shrieked, and Sans immediately flinched, regretting his choice of words entirely.
When Sans had finally made it up the stairs and away from the furious nagging Mittsy, he thought that he was finally in the clear. That is until he had opened the door to his apartment to come face to face with an even more so infuriated Papyrus, who was a mess of emotions as he tried to sooth the injured Frisk sitting on the couch, while at the same time yelling at Sans for his incompetence and laziness.
“IF YOU HAD PAID MORE ATTENTION INSTEAD OF SLAKING OFF LIKE YOU ALWAYS DO, THEN NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED!” Papyrus chastised his brother sternly.
“Your right bro.” Sans replied
“HONESTLY SANS, WHAT ON EARTH AM I GOING TO DO WITH YOU?!” Papyrus questioned.
“Sorry bro.” Sans said.
“WE ARE JUST LUCKY THAT NOTHING WORSE HAPPENED.” Papyrus continued, pinching the bridge of his nose between his index fingers.
“Ya bro.” Sans answered.
Sans continued to go through the motions. He would nod and agree as Papyrus continued to reprimand him until Frisk got his attention and tugged on Papyruses shirt sleeve.
“Don’t be mad at Sans.” Frisk said to both of the brother’s surprise. “It wasn’t his fault, he didn’t know, I didn’t tell him.” She said silencing Papyrus mid rant.
“IM SORRY FRISK.” Papyrus replied “YOU ARE ABSULUTLY RIGHT, I SHOULDN’T BE FOCUSED ON BEING ANGRY WITH SANS RIGHT NOW AND THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TIME TO DO THAT LATER.” Papyrus said fixing his brother with unimpressed eye sockets. “I SHOULD FIRST BE FOCUSING ON HEALING YOU.”
“That’s ok, I’m fine really.” Frisk said trying to protest, but Papyrus wouldn’t hear of it.
“NONSENSE.” He replied. “IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MOMENT.” He then placed one of his hands over Frisks face. Frisk flinched slightly in confusion as an orange glow started to protrude from Papyrus's fingertips, before she felt a tingling warmth start to spread over her skin. It was so comforting and soothing; Frisk could feel her pain melt away as she leaned further into his touch. When the glow faded Frisk felt that the searing ache from her broken nose was now nothing more than a dull throb. She raised a hand and felt her lip it was no longer swollen, the split almost entirely healed. She then got up and rushed to the brothers bathroom to inspect her reflection, there was still some slight bruising under her eyes but other than that she looked completely healed, as if nothing had even happened to her in the first place. Frisk was amazed to say the least.
“Papyrus that’s absolutely incredible!” She called happily as she rounded the corner back to the living room. Papyrus seemed to puff out a but at her praise.
“NEYHEHE, BUT OF COURSE! DID YOU REALLY EXPEC ANYTHING LESS FROM THE GREAT PAPYRUS?” He said proudly as he struck a heroic pose. Frisk couldn’t help but giggle at his antics.
As the events of the evening finally began to wind down everyone decided it was time to get some rest. Papyrus was adamant that Frisk get plenty of sleep to help her heal, and he himself was also quite tired, especially at the expense of his magic. Though Papyrus was good at it, healing magic was a rare talent that took a lot out of a monster even healing minor injuries could leave any one feeling very drained. Sans was also exhausted after the days trials, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t fall asleep. Sans grumbled as he tossed and turned on his mattress, but despite his best efforts he couldn’t stop thinking about the day’s events. With a huff he got of his bed and slid his feet into his worn pink fuzzy slippers. Maybe a stiff drink would help quiet his unsettled mind. As he opened his bedroom door to make his way through the apartment down to Grillby’s, he noticed the bathroom light on down the hall. Sans cocked an eyebrow as he saw the door was slightly open, he also herd the sounds of splashing water . Sans made a quick glance at the clock. It was two in the morning what the heck was the kid doing up at this hour?
Sans quietly made his way down the hall as he chanced a peek through the open door. He saw Frisk in Papyrus’s oversized shirt with its sleeves rolled up past her elbows. She was standing over the sink her brows furrowed in concentration as she tried to scrub out the blood stains from her new white dress shirt. As soon as Sans saw what she was doing he immediately felt the strong pang of guilt return and settle heavy in his chest.He knew the kid valued the clothes by the way that she handled them, as they had been a gift from Mittsy, as well as the nicest things that she had probably ever owned. He sighed as he made his way back to his bedroom. There was no point in going down to Grillby’s now, even with a stiff drink Sans knew there was no chance of him getting any sleep tonight.
Frisk continued to scrub at the stains on the collar of her shirt, she had been working on them for a while now and had almost completely used up an entire bar of soap in the process. She cursed herself silently in frustration for not cleaning the blood out sooner before it had dried and the stain had set. But there was little she could do about it now. Frisk stubbornly continued to work at the stain, refusing to give up until she had finally managed to get every trace of red out from the collar, leaving the shirt perfectly white again. She then rung it out and held it up in front of her to briefly admire her handy work. When she was finally satisfied, she hung the wet garment over the shower rung to dry before happily making her way back to the living room to get some much needed rest.
On her way through the hall she heard frustrated muffled mumbling and something dragging across the wood floor in the living room. Frisk paused at the sounds before cautiously continuing forward, when she reached the end of the short hallway she peered carefully around the corner making sure she remained mostly out of sight hidden behind the wall as she tried to see what was making the noises in the in the main space of the brothers apartment . She was surprised to see Sans, clad in his sleep clothes and fuzzy slippers, dragging something across the floor toward the side of the lumpy sofa. When she looked closer she saw that he was shimming what looked to be an old bed side table next to the couch. Frisk cocked her head to the side in confusion as she watched Sans grumble at the piece of furniture. She couldn’t help but giggle slightly as he kicked the table into place with his fuzzy pink slipper clad foot in annoyance. He must have heard her because his head immediately snapped to her direction. Frisk froze when she realized she was spotted.
“Oh, uh, heya kid.” Sans said as he sheepishly rubbed one hand behind his skull, his gaze falling quickly to the floor.
“Sorry, thought I could get this thing set up before you were finished with your laundry there.” He said. Frisk slowly walked out from the hallway and made her way toward him. She eyed the bed side table quizzically.
“What’s this for?” She asked as she turned her confused gaze to Sans
“I uh, thought that you could use it to keep your clothes in.” He replied.
“…Why are you giving it to me?” Frisk asked still very confused.
“Well, I wasn’t using it for much.” Sans continued as he fidgeted slightly, digging one of his slipper clad heals into the floor. “And I thought that um, you could use the extra space and all, you know since you’ll be with us for a while.” He said a light dusting of blue slowly forming over his cheek bones.
“Anyway, I didn’t mean to keep you up. Have a good night kiddo.” Sans quickly finished as he turned on his heels to make his way back to his bedroom.
“Wait, hold on Sans.” Frisk said as she reached out and caught his shirt sleeve. Sans paused and glanced back at her, before Frisk immediately retracted her hand.
“What is it kiddo?” He asked. Frisk took a deep breath as she strengthened her resolve, before fixing Sans with a determined stare.
“I wanted to thank you.” She said. Sans raised a brow bone in confusion.
“To thank me? For what ?” He asked.
“For sticking up for me.” Frisk continued. “In the bar, when Mittsy made that speech, as well as for stopping Mettaton, and also for defending me in front of Asgore.” She said sheepishly, her resolve fading slightly as she retracted her gaze.
“ I owe you an apology.” She continued. “I know I haven’t been the nicest to you, and I’m sorry I have been avoiding you after last night I just …really don’t like talking about my past.” She said chancing a look back at the skeleton.
Sans stood stunned for a moment, not really sure what to say. Frisk was apologizing to him? Shouldn’t this be going the other way around? He then noticed Frisk start to fidget guilty in front of him, before he realized that he still hadn’t responded to her yet.
“Heh, look pal you really got nothing to be sorry for.” He replied. “I mean if anybody should be apologizing it’s me.” He continued. “I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain after all, I let you get hurt.”
“No, you did exactly what you said you’d do. You protected me.” Frisk replied matter-o-factly. Sans felt the blue blush return to his cheekbones as Frisk continued to hold her convinced stare over him. He then cleared his throat awkwardly as he looked for a way out of this conversation.
“How about you just take this end table and we call it even?” Sans asked. Frisk glanced back at the table placed next to the couch, before returning her gaze to Sans and giving him a light smirk.
“Ok, it’s a deal.” She said as she extended her hand toward him. Sans stared at the outstretched hand for a moment, before he finally came back to his senses and sock on it.
“You got it pal.” He replied, chuckling lightly to himself. This kid really was full of surprises.