Breakfast in bed
Ludo sat impatiently in the former office of Big Sam. He fidgeted uncomfortably in his large leather arm chair as he continued to wait for his next scheduled appointment to show up. He had made a few alterations to the space ever since he had come to power as the Don of the Gambino’s, but to his utter frustration he still found that the office didn’t really feel quite like his. Ludo grumbled as he tapped his fingers across the large cherry wood desk that he had purchased only a week ago. The chime of the elegant wall clock sounded, announcing to him that his next appointment should be arriving momentarily. Not a second more passed, before Ludo heard someone knock on the grand office door. Ludo smirked to himself; at least someone understood how important it was to keep to a schedule. He then leaned back in his chair, and threw his feet up on his desk before calling for his underlings to enter.
Larry, Curly, and Moe shuffled into the office space. All three were looking sheepishly down at the richly ornamental carpet spread out on the floor as they fidgeted with their hats held in front of them. Ludo raised an eyebrow at their sullen faces; he could already feel his smirk shifting into a frown.
“So boys, I take it that you managed to off that little pest I told you about?” He asked expectantly. The three men then seemed to grow even more nervous as Moe reluctantly took a step forward, placing himself in front of the other two. He cleared his throat briefly.
“We uh, had a bit of an altercation.” He said, chancing a peek up at Ludo. Ludo paused, before he brought his feet down off of his desk, and straitened himself up.
“Altercation?” He repeated, encouraging Moe to elaborate.
“Ya, we used the smoker as instructed, and had him cornered, but then well….” Moe then trailed off, before Larry stepped forward.
“He just disappeared into thin air!” He explained.
“Ya, it was like some sorta Houdini shtick.” Curly added. Moe shot them both a look, before cursing at them under his breath. They both shut up immediately, before falling back into their original position behind him.
Ludo felt his eyebrow twitch as he let out a laugh in disbelief.
“So, you’re telling me that even when you managed to hit him with the smoker he still got away ?” He then asked darkly.
“Well uh, we managed to rough him up a bit but ….yes.” Moe answered, albeit very hesitantly. Ludo was silent for a little while as he just shook his head to himself, while his rage continued to steadily build. Then he snapped his icy eyes upwards, and whipped out his pistol, cocking the hammer as he aimed it at Moe’s head.
Moe fell to his knees in fear as he starred terrified down the barrel of Ludo’s gun. Larry and Curly just stood frozen, with no idea as to what to do. Ludo narrowed his eyes as he continued to hold Moe hostage at the end of his weapon. Normally, he would have made quick work of the incompetent mobster down on his knees before him, but before he could get himself to pull the trigger he remembered that Gaster had firmly instructed him to withhold from killing his underlings so haphazardly. Ludo bit back his grimace as the image of Gaster entered into his mind, and he almost pulled the trigger just to spite Gaster’s instruction, however, instead he let out a deep breath, and holstered his gun. Moe fell forward with relief as Curly and Larry quickly moved forward to haul him back to his feet.
“Get. Out.” Ludo growled darkly.
The three mobsters only nodded as they stiffly shuffled themselves out of Ludo’s office. When they were gone, Ludo sat still and silent in Sam’s big arm chair for one moment more, before he got up and paced over to the decorative wall clock. He then reached forward and took the clock in his hands, before removing it gingerly from its position hanging on the far wall. He stared down at its gold embossed face for a while, before he turned around and hurled it at the mahogany bookshelf with an angry shout. It struck the shelf, breaking on impact, resulting in a dull twang as the gears and springs snapped within its shell. Books fell from the shelves from the force, their pages scattering as Ludo kicked at them, while pulling a few more from there neatly kept positions and ripping out their insides, before furiously throwing them up in the air. He then stalked over to his new cherry wood desk and pulled out a switch blade from his pocket. He dug the blade into its rich red finish, before dragging it along the desk top, leaving an ugly scar in the varnish until he made it to Big Sam’s arm chair.
Ludo sneered menacingly at the piece of furniture. When the hell had things gotten so complicated? He missed the old days when he could god damn do as he pleased, but now he was taking orders from a monster. He was the Don of almost the entire crime ring in the fucking Underground, and he couldn’t even shoot an incompetent goon for messing up a simple instruction without Gaster’s annoying chastising presence invading his mind. He couldn’t even kill one grinning pest of a skeleton, or one insignificant little girl.
Ludo stepped forward toward the armchair as it continued to taunt him. It seemed to loom over him, but Ludo only snickered at its condescending presence, enough was fucking enough. He then lunged at the arm chair before plunging his blade into its upholstery. He stabbed it again and again, tearing the fabric to shreds as he ripped out its stuffing. He didn’t stop until he was utterly exhausted.
Ludo remained on his knees on the floor while he panted, trying to catch his breath again. He wiped at his sweaty forehead as he smoothed his black hair back and out of his face. He then rose to his feet and brushed himself off, before grabbing the toppled eviscerated arm chair, and placing it back in front of his now very scratched up desk. He took a seat and surveyed over the rest of the wrecked room, before letting out a contented sigh.
“Much better.” He thought as he relaxed his shoulders. This office was now finally really starting to feel more like his.
Sans let out a pained groan as he cracked his sockets open. His head was pounding, and his whole body ached something fierce. He could tell by the light, which was annoyingly hitting him in his face, that it was morning, and for the second time Sans was reminded that he should really buy curtains for that irritating living room window. Sans sat up with a grunt, and noticed a sweet smell wafting over to him on the couch. He also heard the sounds of someone cooking, as well as Frisk humming softly to herself from within the kitchenette.
A few moments later Frisk rounded the corner carrying a big plate filled with breakfast foods. Bacon, sausage, toast, and pancakes were all staked up tall, as she also carried over Sans’ mug of instant coffee. She paused and then smiled at Sans when she noticed that he was awake.
“Good morning.” She chirped, before heading over to him and placing the plate proudly on his lap. Sans looked over at the abundance of food put before him in surprise. It looked like she had cooked enough to feed an army.
“Wow kid, breakfast in bed what’s the occasion?” He said with a laugh, while eyeing the huge portion in front of him. Frisk sheepishly tugged at her sleeve, as she settled into the kitchen chair next to the couch that Papyrus had been sleeping in the night before.
“Well I thought that maybe a big breakfast would help you get your strength back.” She explained as she averted her gaze. “At least that’s what mom said would help, so I ran out to get some things from the market this morning.” Frisk then looked over at the plate, and her brows furrowed as if she had just noticed how much food she had actually made.
“Sorry if it’s too much, you don’t have to eat it all.” She then said. Sans just chuckled as he took a piece of toast and stuck it in his egg yolk.
“You kidding me? It’s rare that I get spoiled like this.” He said, before taking a big bite and humming contently to himself. Frisk beamed back at him, pleased with his reaction.
“Papyrus gone to work?” Sans asked from between his mouthfuls, and Frisk nodded.
“Ya, he told me to keep an eye on you while he was out.” She said. Sans let out a laugh at her comment.
“Haha sounds like him. It’s funny, he always says I’m the overbearing one, but whenever I get so much as a scratch he turns into the biggest mother hen I’ve ever seen.” He said. Frisk giggled back in response.
“So you called Toriel. I take it you told her what happened?” Sans asked, and Frisk shrugged.
“Not everything, I just called for some advice about how to help, and also some cooking instructions. I didn’t really mention the Gambino’s, I just told her what you told me basically.” She said and Sans nodded back, pleased with her decision as the last thing that he needed at the moment was to re- reassure a panicked goat women who was already worried about her daughters well being.
“Ya, smart move there kid.” He said.
“This is really good by the way. It’s uh, definitely been a while since I’ve had bacon and eggs for breakfast.” Sans continued.
“Well, you should probably thank mom for that. I most likely would have burnt it all if she didn’t give me very clear instructions.” Frisk replied, the sheepish smile back on her face.
“Hey, arn’t you gonna have any?” Sans asked, noticing that Frisk didn’t have a plate for herself.
“Oh that’s ok, I’ll eat later.” She said, as she had gotten a little carried away while making his breakfast, and ended up not really leaving much for herself. Sans only raised a brow bone at her.
“Kid, you basically made me enough for three people, here we’ll share.” He said as he divided up his plate, before scooting over and patting the cushion next to him. Frisk stiffened a bit, before she hesitantly got of her chair to join him on the couch.
“Here.” Sans said, passing her a piece of toast. Frisk smiled slightly in thanks, before taking it and dunking it in her egg yolk, mimicking what Sans had done. She was glad to find that it did actually taste good. She let out a silent breath of relief, happy that she hadn’t messed up his breakfast.
“You know you make a pretty mean breakfast there kiddo. In fact, I’d say it’s rather eggcellent.” Sans said, while peeking at Frisk from out of the corner of his eye socket. She snorted and forced herself to swallow before letting out a loud laugh.
“Wow, I see I don’t have to try too hard to crack you up this morning, but I wasn’t eggxaggerating. I think this feast is quite eggceptional.” Frisk laughed even harder, but Sans was nowhere near finished yet.
“Actually I might say it's eggtraordinary, or maybe eggquisite would be the better word, but then again I got a good dozen or so more to choose from. Here kid, tell me which one sounds the best.” He continued with a large shit eating grin, while Frisk doubled over next to him.
“How about eggciting, or eggshilarating. There’s also eggstravagant, or maybe eggsplosive.” He said. Frisk desperately patted him on the arm, begging for a chance to catch her breath. Sans laughed along lightly, pleased at her reaction.
“Jeez kid, are you scrambled already? All right, I guess omeletin you off over easy.” He said with a wink. Frisk just shoved him in the shoulder as she couldn’t formulate words for a response.
“Heh, ok ok, I get it you need a break.” Sans said while he gave Frisk the chance to settle down. She took a few deep breaths as she vented out the rest of her giggles. Sans sat next to her feeling very proud with himself.
“I gotta say Sans, your jokes are getting a little to eggstreme for me.” Frisk then said, throwing him her own smug smirk. Sans raised a brow bone at her, clearly impressed that she had managed to add on to his joke train.
“Heh, what’s this now kid, you going after my material? I see how it is, you’re trying to poach my best yolks.” He replied.
“Only the ones that I find are eggspertly delivered, as I do have pretty high eggspectations.” Frisk shot back, and Sans cocked his head to the side in interest. Oh If it was a challenge she wanted, then it was a challenge that she was going to get .
“Well, I have to say kid that I’m glad you’re really starting to come out of your shell with your humor there, but I have to give you a word of caution. If you egg on the champ you might find yourself eggsasperated.” Sans said, with a challenging glint in his eye socket. Frisk just threw him a sideways smirk and a determined glare in return.
“ I can’t keep treading on eggshells forever if I want to take a shot at the spotlight. Besides, as they say I’ll never learn how to make an omelet without breaking a few eggs first.” She retorted and Sans chuckled, very amused by her response. He did have to admit that the kid was a fast learner.
“ Your eggsecution on that one was eggsactly on point, but nest time try not to put all of your eggs in one basket.” He said, eyeing her expectantly.
“Maybe you can give me a few eggsamples?” Frisk shot back.
“Well if you insist. I always find that it’s best to keep people on their toes; you know keep it light, and always serve your jokes funny side up.” Sans replied with a shrug and a wink. “A side of ketchup also doesn’t hurt the flavor any.” He added, and Frisk giggled. She was about to respond with another, when a knock sounded on the front door.
“To be continued.” Sans then said as Frisk got up off the couch to see who their visitor was.
When she opened the door Asgore was standing in the hallway. She stiffened when she saw him, not expecting the boss monster to be there so early in the morning. The fact that their last encounter had also been more than just a little awkward also didn’t help her to relax in his presence any. Asgore also tensed when confronted by her, clearly still feeling a little uncomfortable from their last meeting, when he had learned of her and his ex-wife’s relationship. He offered her up a strained smile in an attempt to be pleasant, and Frisk tried her best to return the gesture, not wanting to add any more to the already anxious atmosphere.
“Oh um, howdy Frisk. I hope that I am not here at an inconvenient time, but I have heard about what has happened, and if Sans is feeling up to it, I would very much like to speak to him.” Frisk only nodded as she stepped out of the way to allow him to enter. Sans glanced over and offered up an easy smile and a brief wave in greeting when he saw Asgore make his way in to the living room.
“Heya boss, don’t tell me you came all the way down here just to check up on lil’ old me?” He said with a light laugh. Asgore smiled in return.
“Hello Sans, I’m glad to see that your sense of humor hasn’t been damaged any.” He replied. Frisk went into the kitchen to put the kettle on to make Asgore a cup of tea, as she suddenly felt the need to busy herself and find something to do.
“How are you feeling Sans?”Asgore then asked as he looked over Sans’ very bandaged appearance.
“Heh, not to bad honestly, I mean you should see the other guy.” Sans quipped and Asgore let out an amused huff in response.
“It also helps that I have the best underling in Ebott having my back.” Sans added when Frisk rounded the corner with Asgore’s tea as well as a cup for herself. He threw a wink in her direction, along with his compliment, and Frisk rolled her eyes at him in reply, but secretly she felt a happy swell in her soul at his praise.
“I hope that I made it right.” Frisk then said as she passed Asgore his tea.
“Oh thank you Frisk.” Asgore replied as he accepted the warm mug gingerly. “Sans I do not want to seem as though I am trying to rush through the pleasantries, but I do wish to talk with you about what happened.” He then said.
“Sure thing boss.” Sans replied, before noticing Asgore clear his throat while glancing pointedly over in Frisk’s direction as he took a sip of his tea. clearly the boss monster wasn’t all to certain of how to interact with Frisk yet after their last encounter, as the last time that he had treated her like an employee Toriel had been quick to send him one of her infamous glares.
“Oh um, Frisk would you uh mind…?” Sans then said while he scratched at the back of his skull, as he too wasn’t really all that comfortable with ordering her around, even though he was technically also her boss.
“Oh right, no problem.” Frisk then said when she realized that the two had private Pansy business to discuss. “I’ll just be in my room if you need me.” She said, while she made her way over to the apartment door.
“Thanks kid.” Sans called after her as she left.
However, as soon as the apartment door shut behind her, Frisk guzzled down the rest of her tea. She then threw a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure that no other presence was around, before she quietly knelt down and placed her empty mug up to the door. She then leaned her ear in next to the mug as she took a few calming breaths to quell her nervous heartbeat.
She knew that what she was doing could land her in some serious trouble, as eavesdropping on confidential Pansy conversations most definitely directly went against her contract, as well as her own personal rules. She had always kept herself in the dark when working with gangs as the less that she knew meant the safer that she was, but now Frisk wasn’t just looking out for herself anymore, now she also wanted to protect her newly found friends and family, and in order to do that Frisk needed to gather information so she could figure out what to do next.
Frisk furrowed her brows as she concentrated on the muffled conversation going on within the apartment. She had to strain a bit, but if she focused she could make out what Sans and Asgore were saying fairly easily.
“The Gambino’s are starting to get really brave thanks to those smokers. I was attacked right in Pansy territory.” Sans said, his usual jovial tone laced with an urgency that made a nervous shiver run up Frisk’s spine. Asgore hummed in agreement.
“Yes, and it’s not only effecting gang members. Just the other day there was a shooting in a residential area that is under the Pansies protection. Thankfully no one was hurt, but I don’t think that we are going to be so lucky in the future.” He replied.
“Were you able to gain anything useful before you escaped? did your attackers let anything slip; anything about the monster working for the Gambino’s?” Asgore then asked, and Frisk felt her eyes pop open in surprise at hearing that a monster was working for the human gang.
“Eh, sorry to say that I really didn’t get much on that particular subject.” Sans answered. “I was a little preoccupied at finding a way out before my skull got bashed in.” He said with a dry sounding chuckle.
“These smokers are becoming a real nuisance.” Asgore then said, his voice sounding a little disappointed at the lack of information. “To think that one of our own kind would create such a weapon.” He added sadly.
“Yeah, these are some pretty dark times pal.” Sans agreed, his own voice sounding very much without its usual mirth.
Frisk was now at the edge of her seat as she continued to listen in intently. So a monster was the one behind the invention of the smoker, and Frisk found that the more that she thought about it, the more sense it made. After all, Ludo had personally told her so arrogantly back in the shack that the “Good Doctor” would use her soul for the formula of the smoker, and Frisk knew that only monsters could pull out a human’s soul. Frisk furrowed her brow suddenly feeling a very prominent surge of determination to know that monsters name.
“Your attackers, did you recognize them at all?” Asgore then asked, drawing Frisk away from her thoughts and back to the private conversation currently at hand.
“Not really, but I know that they were Ludo’s goons.” Sans replied, before he paused and took a bit of a serious breath. “And well, I’m also pretty sure that Ludo’s found out where Frisk is.” He added. Frisk eyebrows shot up at this comment. Ludo knew that she was living at Grillby’s? The little nervous flutter that she had once held in her chest now almost grew to a full on swell of panic. If he knew where she was then there wasn’t much time before he found a way to get to her.
“That’s some very unsettling news Sans.” Asgore said his own tone turning a touch darker. “how do you figure this?”
“Well, I was attacked about a block away from Grillby’s, and I’m pretty sure that they were waiting for me because I didn’t sense anyone following me until I got to that point, meaning that they already know where I live, which most likely means that they know where Frisk lives also.” Sans answered.
“I suppose I will lighten up Frisks work load for the time being, until things calm down.” Asgore said. “No more negotiations, for now only pick up jobs, and I’ll make sure that she is always in the company of someone else.”
“Thanks boss, I appreciate it.” Sans replied.
“It will help to make your job of keeping an eye on her easier, and also help her to keep an eye on you until you’re healed.” Asgore continued with a bit of a smug taunt to his tone.
“Heh, yeah I’ll say.” Sans said with a light chuckle.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to your rest.” Asgore then said, as Frisk heard him stand from his chair. She took that as her cue to leave as she quickly picked herself up off the floor, before darting to her room.
She sat down on her bed as she quickly tried to calm her racing nerves. She couldn’t afford to lose herself to fear right now, she had to come up with a solution. A knock then sounded on her bedroom door, which almost sent her heart shooting right out of her chest in surprise. Frisk got up and cracked open her door, revealing Asgore on the other side. Frisk felt another wave of panic crash over her as she thought that perhaps she wasn’t as sneaky as she thought she was, and that he had somehow known that she was listening in on his and Sans’ conversation, but then the boss monster offered her a pleasant smile in greeting and she quickly crushed that thought away.
“Hello Frisk, I just wanted to stop by before I head out.” He said as he sheepishly stood outside of her door. It took Frisk a second to realize that he had actually also wanted to talk to her as well.
“Oh um ok, it’s a bit small but make yourself at home.” Frisk said as she opened up the door to her room, inviting him in.
“Thank you.” Asgore said as he made his way into her tiny living space. He stood awkwardly in the middle of the floor for a moment while he tried to decide how he should exactly make himself comfortable as there was no real place for him to sit. Frisk just shimmied around him , before perching on her bed leaving most of the floor space for his large form.
“How are you settling in?” He then asked in an attempt to make small talk.
“Good.” Frisk replied with a forced smile. “Grillby’s atmosphere is always really welcoming, and the brothers are taking good care of me.”
“Ah, I’m glad to hear that.” Asgore replied as he shuffled his feet uncomfortably.
“And how is Tor- I mean um, your mother doing?” Asgore asked, averting his gaze.
“She’s doing alright. She’s just enjoying getting reacquainted with the city mostly.” Frisk answered as she fought to suppress her knowing smile.
“Right, right well I’m glad.” Asgore said before he cleared his throat. Then his gaze wandered over to the window sill where Frisk kept the flowers that Sans had gotten for her.
“Oh you like flowers?” He then asked as he took a few steps forward, bringing him to the windowsill. Frisk nodded in answer.
“Yes I’m trying to learn a little more about them. I’m not too good at caring for them yet.” She said as she tugged on her shirt sleeve a little guiltily. “That one on the end I can’t seem to get to blossom.”
Asgore looked over to the plant that Frisk was referring to, and his eyes seemed to brighten in understanding.
“Orchids are very finicky.” He said, his voice sounding lighter all of a sudden. “It took me a while to understand them as well when I first got one.” Frisk hopped of her bed and headed over, joining him by the sill.
“Do you know what I’m doing wrong?” She asked.
“Well let’s see.” Asgore said as he dug one of his fingers into the dirt in the pot. “How often do you water it?” He then asked.
“Whenever the top looks dry.” Frisk replied, and Asgore hummed in understanding.
" It is important that orchids do get plenty of water, but it is also important that they be allowed to dry out a little.” Asgore explained. “See, instead of judging by the top, dig your finger into the dirt about an inch or so down. If the soil is moist then let it be, but if you find that it’s dry then give it a good drink.”
“Ok, I’ll try that thanks.” Frisk said, flashing him an appreciative smile.
“No trouble at all.” Asgore replied happily. “If you would like, I have some books that I could lend you for proper house plant care.” Frisk perked up in interest at his offer.
“I would like that very much.” She said.
“Well then, when I visit again I will be sure to bring them by.” Asgore said. “Anyway, I suppose I should get going. I will leave Sans in your care as you seem to be doing a good job of it so far.” He continued as he made his way back across the floor.
“it’s the least I could do.” Frisk answered seeing him out of her room.
“Have a good afternoon Frisk.” Asgore said in farewell before he made his leave.
Frisk watched him disappear down the hallway, before she reentered her bedroom again, and made her way back over to the flowers. That encounter had most definitely been a little strange, but it had also been a lot more pleasant then she had originally anticipated, and Frisk was surprised to find that she had even rather enjoyed the second part of it. Frisk then curiously looked over to her stubborn orchid. The top of the soil looked dry as a bone. Normally she probably would have watered it right then, but instead she reached in and dug her finger into the earth like how Asgore had shown her, and was surprised to find that the soil was actually still very wet. She raised an eyebrow in response as she decided to take Asgore’s advice and leave it be for a few more days.
The next week passed in a pretty similar fashion. Asgore had greatly reduced Frisks jobs in light of the circumstances so she wouldn’t be put at risk. Normally she probably would have gotten bored with so little to do, but she ended up devoting all of her now spare time to taking care of Sans as Papyrus was still on a full work schedule, and was out of the apartment for most days . He had been a little reluctant at first to leave his brother entirely in her care as he was the one who usually looked after Sans after one of his endeavors took a sour turn, but after a while he seemed to trust Frisk to be able to handle it. It was a good thing to, as Grillby was really getting annoyed with having to run up and down the stairs every twenty minutes to alert Frisk whenever Papyrus was on the phone in the bar, calling to check in and remind her to fluff Sans pillow, or change his bandages, or make him put on his calcium cream. Though Frisk felt bad for Grillby, she found the act rather endearing, and it just prompted her to make sure to do a good job as to not disappoint the younger brother.
Sans however, didn’t mind all of the extra attention in the slightest. In fact, he was rather enjoying being doted on twenty four seven. It was kind of a rare thing when it happened, so Sans knew not to waste the opportunity when it presented itself. He would usually wake up around noon or so, and then Frisk would help him limp his way over to the couch where she would give him a big serving of breakfast, or late lunch. Sans noticed she was actually getting better and better at cooking as Toriel would often supply her with tips and tricks for basic and tasty meals. Sometimes she would even come over and help Frisk out around the apartment. After eating, Sans then was free to nap, or read the paper while Frisks read through one of his science books, or nap some more.
He would also get the occasional visitor every so often. Alphys stopped by to see how his wounds were healing, and Undyne came to check out his cracks, actually praising him for the head injury, and comparing it to a few of her own scars while she told the stories of how she had gotten them . The dog monsters had moved their poker night from the bar up to the apartment so that Sans could be a part of the action, and Frisk also joined in for a few rounds. She had given Sans more than just a run for his money during a couple of those hands. Doggo had brought over a pack of cigars, and Sans had let Frisk in on his little secret vice. He had bought off her silence by letting her try a few puffs of his own, she then immediately choked on its thick rich smoke. In the end it had been a rather fun evening.
On most days, however, Frisk and Sans would spend the majority of their time together, casually talking, or joking, or just sitting in a comfortable silence while enjoying each other’s company. Then Papyrus would come home in the evening after his work, and make them a big plate of some sort of pasta dish for dinner, which were getting better and better each time that he made one. It was all actually really nice in Sans opinion, and he made a mental note to maybe take some personal time off more often.
However, the one thing that Sans would much rather do without was that god damn calcium cream.
“Sans wake up, you have to put it on.” Frisk grumbled as she poked the lump of a skeleton on the couch. Sans just firmly shut his eyes and turned on his side ignoring her. Frisk huffed to herself, annoyed by his antics. For someone so lazy Sans could sure be stubborn when he wanted to be.
“Sans you have to, Papyrus’s orders.” Frisk said more sternly. Sans just grumbled, before pulling the covers up hiding his face from her.
“Five more minutes.” He whined.
“Sans, you said that twenty minutes ago, no more procrastinating.” She demanded.
“I’ll get to it later kid, don’t worry about it.” Sans replied sleepily.
“No you won’t, you never do. Here, sit up.” Frisk instructed, and Sans finally gave in propping himself up grumpily, using the arm rest of the couch.
Frisk knelt on the cushion next to his, and delicately removed his head bandage. She forced back her grimace when she saw the familiar crack. Though it had gotten a lot smaller, and was healing nicely, Frisk still hated seeing it. It made her feel guilty.
“It will only hurt for a second.” She said, quoting Papyrus as she scooped out a dollop of cream from the container. Sans just rolled his sockets at her, clearly not buying her sentiment. She then smeared it over the crack, making sure it seeped into every part of the wound. Sans flinched and hissed while he cursed under his breath. Frisk had to bite back her smile at his fuss.
“You find this funny?” He said as he scowled at her, clearly not impressed with her lack of sympathy. Frisk let out a little giggle, even though she really tried not to.
“I’m just surprised how a big tough mobster can get all whiny over a little itty bit of cream.” She said, raising a snarky eyebrow at him. Sans narrowed his eye sockets at her in response.
“Hey, That stuff stings.” He retorted in his defense, and Frisk just smirked at him knowingly.
“Ok whatever you say, arms up.” She instructed, and Sans threw her one more grumble, before reluctantly complying, and raised his arms so that she could unbutton his shirt to get to his ribs.
Though this had been a daily routine thing for basically a week now, Sans still found this part a little uncomfortable. He shied his eyes away while Frisk undressed him. He would peak at her occasionally while she worked to undue his bandages, leaving his damaged rib cage bare before her, but she never really seemed all that fazed by the notion as she was often too focused on her work.
“You know I can do this part myself.” Sans said suddenly, as for some reason he felt a little bit more bothered today than usual while Frisk ghosted over the sensitive areas of his broken bones with her gentle finger tips.
“Don’t try that excuse again; I already know that you won’t Sans. No more complaining, it won’t take me that long.” She responded curtly, clearly not in the mood for his usual weasely ways.
Sans just sighed as he resigned himself to his fate. Though secretly, he actually rather liked it when Frisk would gently check all of his cracks, making sure that they were all healing properly with her soft touches. The sharp sting of the cream seeping into his wounds however, always gave him a very hard dose of reality, usually right at the point when he was just starting to relax into her tender probing, served him right he supposed.
“There was that really so bad?” Frisk then asked him teasingly, while she bandaged him up again.
“Heh, I guess not.” Sans replied as he continued to avert his gaze, while also fighting to suppress the powder blue blush that was dusting his cheekbones.
The next day sans was actually surprised to find that he had slept in much later then what was typical for him. He raised a brow bone at this, as usually Frisk would wake him up for food if he slept for too long. He managed to hoist himself out of bed, using his bedpost as a brace. He hissed as he jostled his ribs a little, before taking a few moments to balance himself. Then he limped his way out of his bedroom to the living room, curious to see exactly what Frisk was up to.
“Hey kiddo- oh.” He said as instead of Frisks usual presence he was met with Toriel on the couch, reading through what looked like a book about snails.
“Oh, hello Sans. I’m glad that you are awake.” Toriel said as she peered up at him from behind her gold rimmed reading spectacles.
“Would you like some lunch? I have it prepared for you.” She continued as she moved off of the couch to the kitchen. She then ladled Sans a steaming bowl of hot stew that she had kept warm on the stove, while she grabbed him a sandwich that she had made and stored in the fridge, before also grabbing him his usual mug of instant coffee.
“Here you are.” She said as she passed Sans the food after he had settled himself on the couch. “Frisk told me how you like it.” She added while she held the mug out to him.
“Heh ya, thanks. She’s uh, a real sweet kid.” He said as he cleared his throat awkwardly, before accepting the beverage.
“By the way, while we’re on the subject, where exactly is Frisk?” He asked as Toriel re took her seat across form him in the kitchen chair.
“She had to work today, so she called me to take her place keeping an eye on you.” Toriel answered.
“Ah right.” Sans said as he then swiftly took a sip of his coffee.
Though Asgore had decreased Frisk’s shifts, she still did have to pull the occasional job every once in a while. Usually Asgore was considerate to schedule her to work on Papyrus’s days off, however, Sans supposed that it couldn’t always be convenient.
“You know miss Tori, I um, don’t want to seem rude or anything, and I mean I’m grateful that you came all the way down here and all, but Frisk and Papyrus, they can over worry a bit at times. So if you have things to do, I’m sure that I can take care of myself for a few hours.” Sans said, offering up a smile.
“Oh I don’t mind at all Sans.” Toriel replied kindly as she resettled herself with her book, picking up where she had left off. Sans shoulders sunk a bit as he also made himself comfortable with his coffee back into the couch.
Sans really did appreciate the gesture of Toriel coming to help him out, but he found that he also couldn’t quite relax in her presence. Though she may have abandoned the title years ago she was still the former first lady of the Pansies, and Sans couldn’t brush away the slightly uncomfortable air that surrounded him, while Toriel sat reading her book calmly from across the living room. The quiet wasn’t as welcoming as it was with Frisk or his brother. He found that it was taking on a rather suffocating presence instead, and all he wanted to do was fill it with something; though he really didn’t want to bother with small talk, so he just took another sip of his coffee to distract himself.
“You know, my daughter has really taken a liking to you Sans.” Toriel then said, shattering the uneasy quite as she peered at Sans from over top of her book. Sans choked slightly on his mouthful of coffee as he coughed briefly to clear his air way, not really expecting that comment at all.
“Uh, well me and Paps are both found of her too.” He replied quickly with a wobbly smile. Toriel just continued to hold his gaze, and all of a sudden Sans felt himself growing very nervous as a few sweat droplets formed on his forehead.
“She cares about you an awful lot.” Toriel continued as she still held Sans pinned in her stern gaze. “She was very worried when you got hurt you know. She was almost frantic when she called me.”
“Heh, uh ya, shes um, a real sweetheart.” Sans replied as he quickly averted his gaze to his mug, taking another sip.
“Sans, what exactly are your intentions with my daughter?” Toriel then asked, and Sans almost spit his coffee everywhere at her question.
“Um what?” He replied eloquently, for a lack of how else to respond.
“If there is one thing that a mother knows, it is when her daughter has developed romantic feelings for someone.” Toriel replied, and Sans felt himself instantly get about a thousand times more nervous. “And I also know that you are not oblivious Sans. I don’t think you need me to spell out how Frisk feels about you.” Toriel continued.
Sans didn’t really know what to say at this point, but he couldn’t really deny the fact that Toriel was right. He wasn’t oblivious, he had noticed Frisk acting oddly around him lately, and though he had tried to pretend like it wasn’t happening, he knew full well that she had developed somewhat of a crush on him. He instantly felt guilty as Toriel continued to hold him under her scrutinizing stare. He had known, and he had pretended not to know so he could continue to spoil himself in his little fantasy.
It was his fault really that Frisk had developed these feelings in the first place. He had always told himself that his little indulgences were harmless, that when he occasionally let out a flirty pun, or when he had asked her to dance, or when he complimented her, it wasn’t anything more than him being a little lenient with his wants, but he knew the effect that they were taking on her, as he saw it when her cheeks would blush that lovely shade of pink, or when she would pull on her sleeve when she was flustered, or how she would try to cover up her embarrassment with a laugh or a weak joke. He had simply been selfish, and had ignored the reality of it all.
“I’ve uh, noticed.” Sans then answered as he fidgeted in his seat, and Toriel then sat back in her chair as she immediately took on a serious air.
“Sans, I do not wish to sound ungrateful to you, as I know you have taken good care of Frisk in the past. I also do not wish to question your character, as I know that you are a very suitable young man with a very good heart.” She said, and Sans saw her eyes leak a brief sympathetic look in his direction, but as soon as it had surfaced it was gone again.
“As Frisks mother however, I must ask that you do not encourage these feeling’s.” She continued. “I believe that I do not have to tell you of the cruelty that awaits those who try to step outside of society’s boundaries. I know that I have no real right to ask this as I have caused Frisk a great deal of pain in the past, but I cannot sit idly by and watch it happen again to her in the present.”
Sans only managed a nod in response, as he wasn’t really brave enough to try and speak quite yet. Toriel then let out the breath that she had been holding, satisfied enough by his answer, before she stood from her seat and straightened her skirt.
“I um, think that I may take advantage of your previous offer, and maybe go out to complete a few errands, as I believe that I may have created quite the uncomfortable atmosphere.” Toriel said as she awkwardly gathered up her things. “Will you be alright by yourself?” She then asked, and Sans gave her another nod and a weak smile.
“I’ll be fine.” He said simply.
“Alright then, there is um, much more stew on the stove, and more sandwiches in the fridge. I also made a pie if you are still hungry.” Toriel said while she fidgeted with her purse and coat.
“Thanks Ms. Tori.” Sans said in farewell.
Toriel then made her way over to exit the brother’s apartment, but she paused before she opened the front door.
“I am sorry Sans.” She then said meekly from over her shoulder. She didn’t wait for him to respond before she quickly left, leaving Sans alone in the apartment again.
Sans sighed as he buried his face in his hands. He really shouldn’t be surprised by this outcome. He had been stupid, he had known that he was being stupid, and yet he had still continued to be stupid regardless. Sans grumbled as he raked his fingers over his skull, while he continued to berated himself. Whelp, one thing was for sure, no more fun and games. He would have to keep his distance from Frisk for a while, he would have to completely back off until her affections for him faded away.
He had been far too lenient with himself, and it really hadn’t been fair. He had only been playing around, and now he had led her on. He knew that she deserved better than that, she deserved so, so much better than that! Sans got up from the couch as he limped his way back to his room so he could sulk in the dark. He decided that he would take a nap to try and escape from his frustrations, but no matter how hard he tried he just laid awake, continuing to fester in his self-scrutinizing. It was a few hours later when he heard the front door of the apartment open and close, that he knew that Frisk was home. She called out his name, but he didn’t respond. Instead he shut his eyes and pretended to be asleep like the useless coward that he was. She came into his room shortly after. She sighed to herself when she found him sleeping again.
“Sans are you awake?” She called softly, and he didn’t respond. She then carefully and quietly tiptoed her way over to his bedside. She furrowed her brows when she looked over his appearance as he looked to be a little unsettled by something, but she didn’t want to wake him up as she knew that it was important that he got his rest. So instead, she stroked him affectionately on the cheek bone, before she gathered up her courage and bent down to his sleeping form. She then placed a light kiss right below his eye socket before making sure that he was tucked in.
“Sleep well.” She whispered, before she left him alone to his slumber, shutting the door softly behind her as to not wake him up.
Sans opened his eyes soon after she had left, before he guiltily turned over to face the wall. What the fuck had he gotten himself into.