Welcome back
Sans pulled the car up next to Grillby’s and parked. His passenger seemed to tense now that the sounds of the engine had died away, announcing that they had made it to their destination, while leaving them in relative silence within the vehicle. Sans didn’t say anything as he sat back in his seat, waiting for Toriel to make the first move. She still had the choice to back out of this if she wanted.
Toriel closed her eyes as she let out the breath that she had been holding, and then she straitened herself up, and opened her door to exit the Buick. Sans followed suit. They both stood on the opposite side of the street from Grillby’s as Toriel faced off with the building that held so many precious yet painful memories for her.
“You ready to go in?” Sans asked as he eyed her from his spot on the curb. She nodded firmly and took her first step toward the bar.
When they entered through the front door, laughter and merriment wafted forward surrounding Toriel. She stiffened, overcome by the familiar sounds and senses of the place that she thought she would never step foot in again. Sans looked over the crowded bar. So far no one had become aware of their presence, but once they walked through the main room everyone was going to notice. He was already absolutely sure about this. He took a deep breath and sighed. Whelp, best to get this show on the road already.
“She’s living up stairs, follow me.” Sans said as he began his trek through the bar. Toriel followed in tow behind him.
As they entered into the main room, all of the monsters present slowly began to silence as they realized who the tall regal goat women was following behind Sans. Sans chanced a peek around the tavern, all of the monsters looked on in shock. Even Grillby did a double take, before he over filled the glass of whisky that he had been pouring, causing the liquid to spill over the rim of the glass and spread along the bar top in his surprise. Sans felt sweat start to form above his brow. Yup, there was no way that Asgore wasn’t going to hear about this by the end of the day.
Soon they made it upstairs, leaving the now quite room full of stunned monsters below them. Sans went to Frisks room and knocked on her door. There wasn’t an answer meaning that the kiddo was still at work. Sans turned back to Toriel.
“She’s uh, not home yet it seems, but she should be back soon. We can wait over in me and my brother’s place for her. She’ll be over for dinner when she’s finished work.” Toriel nodded, and followed him as he walked in through the front door of the main apartment.
“Paps, You here?” He called as he entered.
“WELCOME HOME BROTHER!” Papyrus answered as he made his way over from the kitchen. “HOW WAS YOUR WO-.” But he stopped mid-sentence as he eyed the tall elegant stranger following behind his brother into the living room, then his jaw effectively hit the floor when he realized who she was.
“S-SANS, IT’S MISS ASGORE, I MEAN DREMMURE TORIEL, I MEAN LADY BOSS!” He exclaimed while pointing adamantly. Sans chuckled as he raised his hands in front of himself, trying to get his brother to calm down.
“Paps this is Miss Tori, she’s a guest of mine for today.” He said. “Miss Tori this is my younger brother Papyrus.” Toriel walked forward and extended her hand to Papyrus.
“Hello Papyrus, it’s nice to meet you.” She said with a kind smile. “Please, just call me Toriel.” Papyrus stared dumbstruck at her offered hand, before he clasped it enthusiastically between his own, and shook it feverishly.
“OH OF COURSE MISS TORIEL, I AM SO HONORED TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE! I’M SORRY I DON’T HAVE ANY REFRESHMENTS PREPARED, SANS DIDN’T TELL ME THAT WE WERE HAVING ANY COMPANY.” Papyrus said as he continued to shake Toriel’s hand vigorously, while shooting his brother a prominent glare for not being informed about the arrival of this esteemed guest.
“Sorry bro, it was a bit of an impromptu thing really.” Sans replied. Toriel couldn’t help but chuckle at the flustered skeleton in front of her.
“Papyrus, please do not be cross with your brother. I am the own who came unannounced, he was doing me a favor by escorting me here.” She said sweetly. “I do hope that I am not intruding.” Papyrus blushed a brilliant orange as he dropped her hand and waved his own hands in front of himself in protest.
“NO NO, NO TROUBLE AT ALL! I’LL GO AND MAKE SOME TEA. PLEASE, MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE MISS TORIEL.” He said, and with that Papyrus sprung back into the kitchen.
“Your brother is very energetic.” Toriel said, turning back to Sans as she made her way over to claim a seat on the couch. Sans chuckled as he followed behind her.
“Yup, Paps is the best.” He said claiming the seat next to hers.
Silence slowly started to surround them again, and Sans noticed Toriel fiddling with her hands in her lap. Her gaze also kept drifting toward the door, and Sans knew that she was anxious about meeting with Frisk face to face.
“So, does Frisk visit with you often then?” Toriel asked in an effort to make small talk, and also to provide herself with some sort of a distraction.
“Uh ya.” Sans began, not really sure if he should mention the fact that Frisk was kind of technically living with them.
“FRISK IS OUR ROOMMATE!”” Papyrus chirped as he brought over a mug of tea for Toriel as well as one of the kitchen chairs for himself to sit in. Sans winced as Toriel stiffened at hearing the news of her daughter staying with two bachelor male monsters.
“Oh…” She said, forcing on a smile. “How nice.” Sans cleared his throat.
“Uh, she has her own space and everything down at the end of the hall. She really just comes over to eat and chat.” He said, trying to shine a more palatable light over her daughters living situation. Toriel only hummed in response as she sipped at her tea.
“SO MISS TORIEL, IS FRISK A FRIEND OF YOURS?” Papyrus asked happily. Toriel paused at the question, having a little trouble coming up with an answer.
“Well, we were something like that I suppose.” She finally said. “Though it has been a long time. I’m not sure if she will still regard me in the same light.” Her smile then became a little more forced, but Papyrus didn’t seem to notice.
“OH, YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! I'M SURE FRISK WILL BE SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!” He said enthusiastically.
“I do hope so.” Toriel replied.
In that moment the door of the apartment opened as Frisk strutted in, home from her day of work. Toriel and Sans both tensed on the couch at her arrival as they turned to her in the entrance way.
“Hey sans, papyrus I’m home-.” She called, but her voice trailed off as she met her gaze with Toriel’s excited yet nervous purple irises. Silence surrounded the group as Frisk continued to stare in shock and disbelief at the goat women.
“FRISK, WELCOME BACK!” Papyrus sang happily, unaware of the tension now swirling thickly around the apartment. “YOU HAVE A SURPRISE VISITOR ISN'T THAT EXCITING!” Frisk still didn’t respond as she kept her wide eyes fixed on Toriel. Toriel mustered up all of her courage as she stood slowly from her seat.
“Hello Frisk dear.” She said.
Frisk continued to stare as she battled with her emotions internally. A part of her had converted back into her child self as soon as she had laid eyes on the goat women, and in that instant she wanted nothing more then to run to her, and bury her face into her skirts and cry like she had done when she was a tike. But then another part of her absolutely refused to allow that, as that part was filled with a hurt rage that reminded Frisk of Toriel’s past betrayal. As her mind continued to battle with itself, Frisk was left frozen, standing in the brother’s apartment without a clue as to what to do.
Toriel fidgeted nervously when Frisk didn’t respond. Sans strummed his fingers on the armrest of the coach as he cleared his throat awkwardly at the silence. Papyrus didn’t seem to register the turn of the mood as he happily got up from his seat to go and get Frisk a chair from the kitchen so she could join in with the rest of the group settled in the living room.
“I know you must have mixed feelings about seeing me.” Toriel started as she let her eyes wander guilty to the floor. “And if you prefer that I leave, I understand entirely.” She said, though it was clear from her sad expression, and from the way that she wrung her hands, that she hoped that Frisk wouldn’t tell her to go.
“Mama you’re here?” Frisk finally managed to ask. Toriel snapped her gaze upward at the all too familiar title as a wave of happy yet painful nostalgia washed over her at her daughters question.
“Yes dear!” She said happily as she took a step forward, but then quickly stopped herself as she remembered that she couldn’t approach any further. The decision to get closer had to be left to Frisk, as Toriel knew that she had had that chance long ago, and had let it slip away from her.
“I missed you.” Toriel found herself saying in spite of her better judgment. “Oh Frisk, I’m so sorry for everything.” She continued as her eyes steadily began to water. She was unable to crush down her sorrow any longer.
Toriel raised a hand to cover her face, and in that instant Frisk found herself moving toward her. She wasn’t even really processing her movements, before she found that she had buried her face in to her mother’s blouse, while she flung her arms around her.
“I missed you too.” She said in a shaky whisper as she nuzzled herself in to Toriel’s hold. Toriel seemed to let out a wobbly breath in disbelief, before she immediately returned Frisks embrace.
“I’m sorry Frisk. I’m so, so sorry.” She said as she started to sob.
Sans averted his eyes from the tender display, all of a sudden feeling very uncomfortable, like he was intruding on a private moment that was only meant to be between mother and daughter. He quickly and quietly got up from the couch, before going to get a stunned Papyrus from the kitchen, and then dragging him out of the apartment and down to the bar with him, to give the two ladies a little privacy.
After the two had calmed down a bit they both settled themselves on the couch and began to talk through their pain. Frisk vented out her anger at being abandoned, and Toriel explained her fear of losing another child ever since the death of her son. It was a long, long talk, with both parties getting more than just a little emotional. But by the end of it, though they were exhausted, they had managed to stabilize some common ground.
“I still can’t believe you’re here.” Frisk said as she wiped at her watery eyes with her shirt sleeve.
“Yes, it is a little hard to believe. I owe that skeleton friend of yours quite a lot for coming to find me, but unfortunately I will have to pay back my debt at a later time.” Toriel replied as she fondly brushed some of Frisk’s hair away from her face. Frisk smiled as she leaned in to the affectionate gesture, before she realized something that she should have sooner when Toreil was explaining her past to her.
“Wait, you’re Asgor’s missing wife!” She stated suddenly. Toreil frowned lightly at the comment.
“Well I suppose that’s technically true. I haven’t gotten an official divorce as of yet." she stated as she stood from the couch.
“Isn’t it dangerous for you to come here?” Frisk asked. Toriel smiled at her daughters concern, before she moved forward and took a hold of Frisk’s hand. She then proceeded to lead Frisk over to the apartment door.
“It was a risk that I had to take.” She said as she cracked open the door to peek into the hall, making sure that the skeleton brothers had indeed gone downstairs, and were not standing guard outside. she was relieved to see that the hallway was empty.
“Mom what are you doing?” Frisk asked confused.
“We don’t have much time before Asgore learns that I am here. We will have to leave quickly.” Toreil said. Frisk cocked her head to the side.
“Leave?” She repeated. But before Frisk could ask anything else, Toriel pulled her behind her into the hallway. Toriel then glanced over the banister of the stairwell to see if she could find a way to sneak through the bar without being spotted, but unfortunately as she did so, she saw sans slowly beginning to head back toward the staircase. Toriel leapt back again, hiding herself and Frisk away from his view in the shadowy hallway.
“No good.” She muttered to herself as she tugged Frisk along behind her to Frisk’s bedroom at the end of the hall. She then dragged her inside before shutting and locking the door behind them.
“What’s going on?” Frisk asked as Toriel scanned desperately over the tiny living space, looking for an escape route.
“We have to flee before Asgore arrives or we will both never escape.” Toriel answered as she rushed over to the little window and threw it open.
“Mom I can’t leave.” Frisk said still trying to understand exactly what was happening.
“Don’t worry Frisk.” Toriel said as she looked out the window. “Whatever contract that you got roped into with the Pansies won’t matter. I have been hiding from Asgore for the last 15 years, once we get out of here we will only take what we can carry and start over again in another town. I have contacts that can help us hide until we find a new home.” Toriel then spotted a fire escape only a few feet away outside of the window. It would be risky, but it was her only option. Then the doorknob began to rattle as Sans knocked from the other side.
“Kid, Miss Toriel, you in there?” He asked as he continued to work at the doorknob. Toriel winced, he must have caught on to her plan when he saw that they were no longer in the living room.
“Frisk quickly.” She said as she pulled Frisk forward.
“All we have to do is get over to that fire escape then we can take the Buick that’s parked out front back to my cottage. We’ll change vehicles there and then we will be off scott free. I already swiped the keys from Sans’ pocket. I’ll go first, and then you follow after me.” Toriel instructed as she lifted her skirt to try and climb over the window sill.
“Mom wait!” Frisk said, as she rushed forward to try and pull Toriel back inside. “You can’t do this.”
“Don’t worry Frisk, I may not be as young as I used to be, but I can still weasel my way out of a sticky situation.” Toriel said.
“Kid? This isn’t funny open the door!” Sans demanded, his knocking becoming more feverish.
“Sorry Sans, one minute!” Frisk shouted back as she was still trying to hold on to Toriel’s arm, worried that she would fall.
“Mom please, you’re gonna hurt yourself. Come back inside, let’s talk this through.” She begged.
“There’s no time dear. Sans will get in any minute. We have to go now!” She said as she continued to lower herself, trying to catch her footing on a narrow edge.
“Mom! It won’t work, you’re going to fall!” Frisk said, now becoming very afraid for Toriel’s safety.
“We don’t have another option Frisk.” Toriel argued back, but then Toriel’s foot slipped on the edge. She shrieked briefly, as she almost fell away from the window, before she managed to barely grab on to its ledge. Frisk wrapped herself around Toriel’s arm trying to pull her upwards, but Toriel was much bigger then Frisk, and her weight was dragging them both out of the window.
“Sans! Sans help!” Frisk called as she desperately clung on to Toriel, though her grip was starting to slip.
Sans knocking was then replaced by heavy slams as he threw his weight against the door again and again, until finally the lock gave in and sent him tumbling into the room. His magic was already thrumming, reacting to his panic, and his eye was alight.
“Christ.” Sans managed as he saw both Toriel and Frisk hanging precariously out of the window. Without a second of hesitation, he threw his magic forward, and wrapped it around Frisk as well as Toriel, before pulling them both back inside.
Frisk squeaked in surprise at suddenly feeling lighter than air, as she floated upwards. An icy yet electrical buzzing sensation surrounded her entire form, and sparked over her skin as she and her mother were then gently placed down on the floor.
When Sans released his hold, Frisk let out a relieved breathy sigh, and slumped down on to her bed. Toriel followed suit, but braced herself against the wall instead.
“Mind telling me what the hell that was all about?” Sans said, stepping forward with his narrowed dark sockets fixed on Toriel. At his harsh tone Toriel straitened herself up and brushed the dirt from her skirt, before meeting his threatening gaze with a calm and authoritative one.
“Just a misstep is all.” She replied coolly. Sans actually let out a dark laugh in disbelief at her response.
“A misstep?” He repeated sarcastically. “You and the kid were hanging out of the god damn window what the hell kind of a stunt were you trying to pull?!”
Frisk quickly stood up from her bed, as she then immediately placed herself between Toriel and Sans at the sound of his building anger.
“Hold on a second Sans.” She said in what she hoped was a calming tone. “I think there may have been a slight misunderstanding. Why don’t we all just sit down and talk this out?” She then flashed him a small smile, hoping to deflate his anger a bit. Sans paused at her plea, his dark sockets flicking from Toriel to Frisk’s defensive form in front of him. He took a deep breath as he willed his anger to calm down.
“Alright.” He agreed, albeit reluctantly. “You can start by explaining this little event.” He then walked over to the door that he had just busted open and shut it, before leaning his weight against it, making his message clear to Toriel that she wasn’t leaving this room until he got an explanation. Toriel stiffened, but then let her shoulders droop when she realized that she didn’t have any other Choice at this point. If she wanted to get Frisk and herself out of here before Asgore came looking for them, then she was going to have to make a plea to the very un amused skeleton who was now blocking her only escape route.
“Sans listen.” She began. “We don’t have a lot of time before Asgore learns that I am here. Please, let me take Frisk and let us go. I can get her away from Ebott and the Pansies by nightfall. I beg you to give us this chance to start over. I know it is asking a lot, but I can pay you to turn a blind eye. Please just give me an amount, and I will find a way to get you the money.” She said. Sans sat stunned by her offer.
“What? Mom I’m not a member of the Pansies because I’m in any sort of debt. I’m here because I want to be.” Frisk spoke up. Toriel turned to her daughter confused.
“Darling no, this work is dangerous. You could get hurt or worse.” She said, but Frisk only shook her head cutting Toriel off.
“I’m sorry mom, but this is my choice.” She stated firmly. “And I want to stay as a member of the Pansies.” Toriel’s eyes widened, not expecting this answer at all from Frisk.
“Everyone’s been so good to me.” Frisk continued. “Sans and Papyrus have let me stay with them, they even gave me my own room, and I’m actually making enough money to pay rent.” She said proudly. “I’ve made a lot of friends to. Grillby lets me play downstairs on the piano, and Undyne has been helping to teach me. I also play poker with the dog monsters, and on music night everyone gets together to celebrate each other’s company.” She explained. “I’m happy here mama. I want to stay.” Toriel’s shocked expression then fell into a sad looking smile, as she walked over to Frisk and petted her hair.
“I suppose it was selfish of me to try and take you back.” She said sadly. “You are no longer a child anymore, you’re a young women who is free to make her own choices, and I have to realize that it is not my place anymore to make those decisions for you. You have grown into a very fine young lady Frisk. I am very proud of you.” Toriel continued. “If this is your choice, then I will support you on it.
“Thank you mama.” Frisk said. Sans seemed to relax as he let out a huff, his former frustration completely doused by the happy display. His respite was short lived however, as an angry pounding suddenly sounded on the door that he was leaning on, sending a shockwave jolting up his spine.
“Sans, I know that you are in there! I need to speak to you this instant!” Asgore bellowed angrily from the other side of the door. Sans winced as he braced himself against the door frame.
“Oh jeez.” He muttered under his breath as a nervous sweat started to break across his skull. Frisk tensed as she looked back to toriel who was now also staring intently at Frisks bedroom door.
“You two just stay quiet for a second.” Sans said. “I’ll go and talk to him.” He then cracked the door open just enough for him to be able to squeeze through, before shutting it firmly behind him as he found himself directly in front of the angry boss monster.
“Heya boss, what can I help you with? Sans said, an easy smile stretching across his face. Asgore just frowned pointedly down at Sans, with his brows furrowed dangerously.
“Sans do not play koi, tell me this instant if it is true. Did you really disobey my orders and bring her here?! He demanded. Sans winced.
“Well see, about that boss, I didn’t technically intentionally break your orders. it was more or less of an accident so to speak.” Sans began carefully.
“Accident?!” Asgore shouted, his voice rising in anger. “Sans I made myself perfectly clear to every monster who has joined my organization that Toriel is to be left alone! I did not want to make a witch hunt out of her disappearance! I knew that you were angry at me for giving Papyrus that mission, but I never thought that you would stoop to this level! Sans this is an utter betrayal of my trust!"
“Asgore that is enough!” Toriel then said as she appeared from behind the door. Asgore’s angry eyes melted immediately into a look of surprise and longing as soon as he gazed upon her. Toriel stood before him sternly with her head raised high, preparing herself for the faceoff that she had hoped would never come.
“Please, do not take your anger out on Sans, what he is saying is true.” She continued.
“Toriel?” Asgore said. His voice was almost a whisper as he suddenly seemed to become so much smaller in her presence.
“I – I um, did not expect to see you.” He stuttered guiltily. Toriel’s defensive stance seemed to soften a bit at his sheepish tone, but she still held her guard up firm.
“Nor I you Asgore, but it seems that fate has had other plans in store.” She replied. Sans decided that now was his best chance to try and get out of this painfully pinned position that he had found himself stuck in, but as soon as he made one subtle step backwards Asgore’s eyes were on him again.
“Sans, I believe you still owe me an explanation to all of this.” He said darkly. Sans flinched.
“Yeah, I suppose I do.” He said with a sigh at being caught trying to escape. “it’s uh, a long story so why don’t we all head over to me and Paps place. I’ll put some tea on.” He continued as he reluctantly led the way over to the other apartment.
A few moments later, and everyone was settled in the skeleton brother’s living room. Frisk and Toriel sat together on the couch, while Sans and Asgore sat across from them in the chairs brought over from the kitchen. Papyrus was also in and out of the room, as he was busily playing the part of host for this very much unexpected large party of guests. Currently he was preparing everyone’s beverages as the group began to discuss this very strange coincidental line of events.
Asgore narrowed his eyes at the human’s presence in the living room. What was being discussed was a sensitive subject, and he was not very happy with the idea of his family matters being handled in front of one of his employees, who to his knowledge, had no part in them. He turned to Sans quickly with furrowed brows.
“Sans, why is your underling here? She has no business witnessing this discussion. Send her away.” He demanded, very much annoyed.
“Sorry there pal, but she has a bigger role in this then you think.” Sans answered. Asgore turned back to Frisk, confused.
“Frisk, tell me why you are here.” He then instructed. Frisk tensed under his heavy gaze as she tried to think of the right words to explain this strange situation.
“She is my daughter Asgore.” Toriel cut in, her tone icy and annoyed at Asgore's nerve to address Frisk in such a scolding manner. Asgore hesitated not sure that he had heard Toriel correctly.
“Pardon?” He managed as he glanced between the human girl and his former wife.
“Frisk is my adopted child Asgore.” Toriel repeated. “It is why Sans came looking for me. He did not know my identity, he was only looking for me as a favor to Frisk.” She said. Asgore turned back to Sans, his eyebrows raised high in inquiry.
“That’s pretty much the just of it boss.” Sans said, answering Asgore’s unspoken question. The room then silenced as Asgore processed this news. Frisk just coughed uncomfortably on the couch as Asgore then returned his stare to her in bewilderment.
“When?” He asked.
“A few years after I left the Pansies.” Toriel said. “I found her.” Asgore then sat back in his chair going over the strange turn of events again in his head.
“Asgore.” Toriel then said, gaining back the boss monsters attention. “Is it true what you said to Sans in the hallway?” She asked. “You were not looking for me?” Asgore cleared his throat as he prepared to explain himself.
“Toriel, may I please have a moment to talk to you in private?” He asked, his voice was so timid suddenly that it was barely above a murmur. Toriel stiffened at his request, but then nodded to him. Sans was quick to take the opportunity to get the heck out of this awkward situation, he motioned to Frisk with a tilt of his head to follow him. She was hasty to do so, also desperate to escape the heavy atmosphere. Sans then stopped briefly to, again, drag Papyrus out of the apartment with them, though his brother protested the whole way, complaining that he had just finished making the refreshments, which were made up of a spoonful of spaghetti placed on a cracker. The apartment was quiet again as Toriel and Asgore were left alone in the small living space.
“It is True.” Asgore said in answer to her previous question. “After you left there was a lot of animosity held amongst the members of the Pansies. I did not wish for them to try and hunt you down.” He explained.
“Toriel.” Asgore continued “I am so, so sorry for my passed actions.” He suddenly said, bowing his head in front of her. “I know that I have hurt you with what I have done. I should have been there for you, I should have been concerned with how you were hurting, but I was to lost in my own anger and own need for pointless revenge. I know now that I was wrong, and please if it is not too much to ask.” He then trailed off as he took a deep breath to steady himself while he built up his nerve.
“Please Toriel, can you forgive me?” He said as he raised his eyes to her, full of desperation. Toriel winced at his plea.
“I -I cannot.” She replied. Asgore wilted immediately at her answer. “That is to say that I cannot right now, but I do wish to try.” She continued as she fidgeted in her seat. Asgore’s eyes then seemed to brighten as a glimmer of hope sparked from within his soul.
“I have spoken with Frisk.” Toriel said suddenly. “And she is adamant about remaining as a member of the Pansies.” Her eyes then grew firm as she held Asgore with a serious stare. “Asgore can I trust you to protect her? will she be safe under your authority?”
Asgore straightened at Toriel's question. He pursed his lips together as he quickly decided on his answer. Frisk was something of an oddity to him. Though he did require her skills, and though she was a member of his organization, he had kept his distance from her because she was human. But maybe, he supposed this is how he was supposed to make amends for all of the atrocious actions that he had committed in the past against human kind. Maybe this is how he was supposed to pay for his sins.
“She will be cared for here, Toriel you have my word.” He said making up his mind on the matter. “I will give her the same treatment that I would give to anyone of my underlings. She is a member of the Pansies family after all.” Toriel seemed to relax at his word, and he was glad that he could provide her with at least a little peace of mind.
“If Frisk is staying here then I would like to occasionally stop by to visit her, if that is not asking too much.” Toriel then said, and Asgore immediately perked up at her appeal.
“Yes of course, you can come buy whenever you like. I will inform everyone that they are to leave you to your business.” He said as he tried to hide his enthusiasm over the fact that Toriel would be making regular appearances into his life again.
“I would very much appreciate that.” Toriel said as she stood from her seat. “I think that this is a good enough start for today, now that we have laid out everything on the table.” She stated.
“Ah yes, I’m sure that this whole experience has been quite exhausting for you.” Asgore replied as he followed suit, and hurriedly moved in front of Toriel to open up the door for her. She smiled kindly in thanks as she walked forward in to the hallway.
“It has been a lot to take in.” She answered.
“Do you have a ride? If you would like I could arrange for one of my drivers to take you home.” Asgore offered as they continued down into the bar.
“That isn’t necessary. It is already late, and I live quite the ways out of the city so I think that I will just stay in a hotel for tonight, maybe even for the next few days to get readjusted to Ebott again.” Toriel replied.
“And perhaps we can further discuss these matters again at another time, after you have had a chance to rest a bit, let’s say over a cup of tea?” Asgore then asked a little two eagerly. Toriel’s smile grew a little bit more genuine as Asgore sheepishly tugged on his beard while awaiting her response.
“Yes perhaps.” She said as she made her way down the stairs.
Toriel then bid Frisk, as well as the skeleton brothers, a good night as Grillby called her a cab. She kissed Frisk on the forehead and promised to be back the next day to finish with her visit.
Sans sighed to himself as he watched Frisk wave her mother off in the taxi. Boy, what a long day and by the looks of it, it wasn’t quite over yet as sans noticed that Asgore was still sitting at the bar, sipping a glass of whisky, obviously waiting for Sans to join him to continue the little discussion that they had been having earlier. Sans felt his shoulders sink.
“Hey Frisk.” He called as Frisk entered back into the bar from the darkened streets outside. “You and Paps head upstairs. I’ll be up shortly.” Frisk furrowed her brows in slight concern as she then looked over to Asgore, who was waiting patiently for Sans at the bar top.\
“Are you going to be ok?” She asked, worried as she remembered the previous angry discussion that had taken place between the two of them before Toriel had intervened.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure that the worst is over.” Sans said as he threw her a reassuring smile. “Just got to iron out a few lumps is all.” Frisk still frowned, not buying his casual response, but only sighed to herself, knowing that there wasn’t very much that she could do about it.
“Ok.” She said as she turned to follow Papyrus up the stairs. The younger brother was still huffing about his Hors d'oeuvre being put to waste, but Frisk quickly cheered him up when she promised that she would eat them all.
Sans watched them disappear up the stairwell, before he reluctantly went to join Asgore at the bar. He waved Grillby over who slid a gin down the bar top and into sans open hand, before retreating to the back, knowing that the conversation that was about to take place may not be a pleasant one.
“Thanks pal.” Sans shot dryly after his friend who had fled.
“Sans.” Asgore said, gaining back the skeletons attention. “Do not think that you are scot free on this matter.”
“Heh, I get it not letting me off the hook right?” Sans said with an uneasy grin while motioning to his fish tie. He was still wearing it after all. Asgore just narrowed his eyes dangerously in his direction, and Sans sunk down in his seat.
“Right, not the time for jokes, got it.” He said as he quickly took a sip of his gin.
“You disobeyed my orders Sans.” Asgore continued.
“Hey, boss I thought we went over this already, it was an accident –.”
“Whether you intentionally knew who she was or not, you still brought her here!” He snapped, before Sans could attempt to defend himself. Sans sighed.
“Look, I didn’t mean it in any offense to you.” He said. “I just thought that I should give her the option to see her daughter.” Asgore frowned at the comment, still not all that comfortable with the fact that Toriel had apparently adopted his human contact.
“Yes About Frisk…” He then said his previous anger deflating. “ Toriel wants to be sure that she will be taken care of here.” Asgore then sheepishly avoided his gaze away from Sans as he took a big swig of his whisky. Sans only paused momentarily, before a big shit eating grin spread across his face.
“Huh you don’t say?” He replied. “Taking a bit of a special interest in my underling now boss, since lady Toriel showed up?” Sans continued riley. Asgore then cleared his throat, ignoring Sans taunts.
“Since she is your underling, this is your responsibility Sans. I have already extended my protection to the girl, and as my employee you will make sure that she is looked after.”
“Heh, no complaints here pal.” Sans said taking another sip of his gin. “Kid’s practical family as it is wouldn’t you say?” He continued, shooting Asgore a wink. Asgore’s brow twitched.
“Very funny Sans.” He muttered under his breath as he finished off his whisky. Sans just chuckled next to him.
“Alright, alright no more japes.” He said, patting Asgore on the back of his shoulder. “ I guess we’re pretty much even now anyway, I mean with you springing that whole thing about my brother on me, and with me showing up with your x - wife and new adopted human daughter.” Sans explained. Asgore couldn’t help but laugh out loud at his comment.
“Yes, I suppose that does make us fairly even.” He replied, spinning his empty glass on the bar top.
“But just to show that there arn’t any hard feelings, I’ll buy you another round.” Sans continued as he threw a whistle over the bar top, announcing to Grillby that it was safe now, and that he could come out of hiding.
“After a few more drinks with the boss, Sans teetered his way up the stairs back to his apartment. In light of all the crazy things that had happened today, Sans was actually relatively surprised that the end of his evening had actually turned out rather pleasantly. He hadn’t thought that he would patch things up with the boss so quickly, but he wasn’t complaining much, especially in the buzzed condition that he was in at the moment, all’s well that ends well he supposed.
When Sans made it into the living room, he was startled slightly when he found Frisk napping on his couch in the dark. Sans sighed and scratched at his skull. He didn’t realize that she had been waiting up for him, but knowing her he shouldn’t be surprised, kid was a sweetheart after all.
He made is way over to her side and shook her by the shoulder gently. She let out a confused groggy grunt as she tiredly opened her eyes, before immediately straitening herself up when she realized that she had fallen asleep.
“Oh sorry Sans.” She said, stifling a yawn. Sans chuckled fondly under his breath at her sleepy face.
“Nothing to be sorry for kid.” He said. “You need something?”
“Just wanted to make sure everything went ok with Asgore.” Frisk said as she stood from the couch, stretching her tired limbs briefly as she did so.
“I told you, there was nothing to worry about.” Sans said with a shrug. “Everything’s worked out all hunky dory.” Frisk smiled at him, relived none the less.
“That’s good.” She said as she made her way to the door to head to her own room so that she could go back to sleep, but before she reached for the handle she paused.
“Oh I almost forgot.” She said as she dug something out of her pocket, before tossing it over to Sans.
He caught it and then looked back to Frisk confused when he saw that she had thrown him the keys to the Buick. Sans then patted down his pockets, indeed finding that they were missing from their place.
“Mom said to give those back to you, and wanted me to apologies to you for her for taking them.” Frisk explained. “She was gonna use the Buick as a getaway car before you caught her.” Sans couldn’t help but laugh at this.
“And here I thought you were supposed to be the one with the sticky fingers.” He said raising a brow bone at Frisk. She just smirked slyly back.
“Well you know what they say, like mother like daughter.” She shot back. Sans chuckled.
“I’ll have to make sure to remember that.” He said. Frisk just grinned at him.
“I also wanted to thank you Sans.” She then said as she pulled sheepishly at her shirtsleeve. “For finding her.” Sans just shrugged lazily in response.
“Eh, it was no big deal.” He said. Frisk blushed as her gaze fell to the floor.
“You always do so much for me. I don’t know how I’m ever supposed to repay you for this.” She then said timidly. Sans tensed a bit as he tried to get the rampant fluttering in his soul under control, before he cleared his throat and offered up an easy smile.
“You kidding me? After this little beauty? Buddy, I’ll be in debt to you for the rest of my life.” Sans said as he gestured back to the fish tie around his neck. Frisk giggled.
“Well, I guess I should get to bed.” Frisk said she continued her way toward the door.
“Have a good night Sans.” She then said from over her shoulder.
“You too Frisk.” He called back as he watched her go.
He then stood for a moment longer by himself in the darkened living room as he continued to fiddle with the keys in his hand. Then he turned to continue on his way to his bedroom, swinging the keys around his finger absentmindedly as he walked. Yup, definitely not a bad end to a bad day.