Meeting at the casino
Gaster strolled down the hallway of Big Sam’s former estate as he made his way to Ludo’s office. He had to admit that he was a little curious to see why Ludo had summoned him, as it was a rarity that the new Don would willingly spend even a moment in his presence. When Gaster got to the grand doors of the office he paused and knocked, as he knew that Ludo hated it when people came in uninvited, and though Gaster really couldn’t care less about Ludo’s odd quirks, he also didn’t want to place any more strain on his and the new Don’s already stressed relationship.
He heard a rather pleasantly sounding ‘come in’ voiced from within the office, and Gaster raised a brow bone as he wondered what could have possibly put the usually grouchy Ludo in such a good mood. When he opened the door however, it all became exceptionally clear as he was confronted by Ludo sprawled out in Big Sam’s eviscerated arm chair, with his feet kicked up on the surface of his scratched up desk, as he drank from one of Big Sam’s private expensive brandy reserves. Gaster then let out a brief huff to himself as he made his way into the office, preparing to deal with a very drunk Ludo.
Gaster eyed his surroundings as he stepped up to Ludo’s desk. From the carnage that spread across the room, Gaster could tell that Ludo had had another one of his infamous tantrums. Gaster forced himself not to roll his eyes at the child of a mobster sitting before him, as he then cleared his throat to question what it was that Ludo had wanted to see him about.
“Well hello there Gaster.” Ludo drawled, before Gaster could speak up. “Just the monster I wanted to see.” He continued, before letting out a snort of laughter. “You see it’s funny because usually your smug monster face is the last thing I want to look at.”
“Yes… I get the joke.” Gaster then said as he felt his patience slowly slipping away. “Was there something that you wanted?” He asked, and Ludo shrugged as he poured his glass full with more brandy.
“Not particularly.” Ludo replied, his speech slightly slurred from the booze. “Just thought that you would want to know that your smokers arn’t as fool proof as you thought they were.” He then said, before raising a snarky eyebrow.
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Gaster said, his tone becoming stern. Ludo giggled to himself, obviously pleased to see that he had managed to strum a nerve of the usually stoic Doctor Gaster.
“Well exactly what I said. Your. Smokers. Failed.” Ludo explained, making sure to enunciate every syllable, with an added emphases placed on the ‘failed’ part.
Gaster stood silent by the desk, and Ludo could see that the doctor's usually calm façade was starting to crack as his shoulders tensed while his hands balled into fists at his sides.
“Would you care to elaborate on that?” Gaster then asked.
“Gladly, pull up a seat Doc.” Ludo replied, his icy eyes glistening tauntingly as he watched Gasters stiff poster. Ludo then grabbed an extra glass from one of the drawers in his desk, before filling it with a shot of brandy, and then placing it in front of Gaster. Gaster eyed the beverage dismissively, but did not protest the offered alcohol.
“I sent a few of my boys out on a little mission a while ago. Nothing big, just taking out a monster pest, and with your smoker that job should have been easy peasy.” Ludo began as he sat back in his chair. “And from their accounts everything had gone smoothly. They managed to corner him, and hit him with a perfect shot, and yet he still got away.” Gaster cocked his head to the side, his expression growing bored.
“I am failing to see how this is the smokers fault, and not just the incompetents of your goons.” He said, picking up the glass of brandy and taking a small sip. Ludo chuckled knowingly.
“See doc, I had the same thought as you when they first started their story. I thought that they were just trying to save their own skin, but you see I know this monster, the one that I sent them after. He was the one that stole the Pansies human contact from me right when I had her where I wanted her. I had him cornered, had my gun on him and everything, but he just disappeared. Poof! Just like that, right in front of my eyes.” He said, and Gaster’s expression switched from one of disinterest to being down right grim.
“Now I know that you monsters have all sorts of magic tricks up your sleeves, so yeah I get how he could have gotten away then, but what I don’t understand is that even when this monster was hit full in the face by the smoker, which according to you will render their magic entirely useless, how was he still able to vanish into thin air?” Ludo continued, fixing Gaster with an expectant stare.
Gaster was silent for a moment, and Ludo just eyed him cheekily, clearly enjoying how the doctor was struggling to come up with an answer.
“This monster.” Gaster then said. “You say that you have already had an encounter with him. What did he look like?” Ludo shrugged, not really sure why it was important, but he decided to humor Gaster regardless.
“He was a skeleton type like you. He was on the short side with a big grin.” Ludo explained. Gaster tapped his fingers agitatedly on the desk.
“Was there any other discerning features?” He then asked, and Ludo cocked his head to the side, wondering what exactly it was that Gaster was getting at.
“Well he had one freaky looking eye thing in his left socket.” Ludo said , and Gaster stiffened before getting up from his chair.
“Hey now where are you running off to so quick?” Ludo asked as he eyed the doctor expectantly. “You can’t just ask a whole lot of suspicious questions and run off. Besides, you still owe me an explanation.”
“I don’t have time to entertain you at the moment Ludo.” Gaster replied haughtily. “Find someone else to play with.” Ludo then slammed his fist down on the desk, stopping Gaster in his tracks.
“You may be an essential asset to the Gambino’s, but I’m still the fucking boss you hear? So you better wise up and tell me what’s going on, that’s an order!” He snarled, and Gaster let out an annoyed sigh, before reluctantly turning to face Ludo once more.
“Good choice doc.” Ludo sneered, before taking a sip from his drink. “So I take it you know this guy then?”
“Yes.” Gaster replied. “He worked for me back when I was a respected scientist in Ebbot.
“So before you were disgraced, and had to resort to sneaking around in the shadows hu?” Ludo said, throwing Gaster a taunting smirk. Gaster didn’t respond, but narrowed his eyes in annoyance at Ludo’s comment.
“There is nothing wrong with the smoker, your target was simply an exception to its effects.” He then said.
“What does that mean?” Ludo asked.
“It means that he didn’t use magic to escape.” Gaster answered.
“Well then what did he use?” Ludo questioned, his eyes narrowing.
“He used determination, most likely provided by a soul candy.” Gaster said.
“I thought you said that the smokers would counter act the candies, and that monsters couldn’t even use determination without their magic.” Ludo growled, growing frustrated.
“Normally they can’t.” Gaster replied.
“Then what’s different about this guy?” Ludo demanded as he was getting tired of Gaster’s vague responses. Gaster remained irritatingly silent for a moment more until he sighed, reluctantly giving in to Ludo’s orders.
“He was my assistant and volunteered for one of my finale projects. My goal was to create a devise that could potentially strengthen a monsters natural abilities. It would react with a monsters magic and concentrate that individual’s power, but I suppose if the devise was well In tune with its users soul, then it could also function on the power of determination, though probably not very well.” Gaster explained.
“So you’re telling me that he’s immune to the smokers?” Ludo questioned darkly.
“No, not immune, his magic will still be rendered useless, only the device will be able to remain activated, and only if he has a soul candy to supply him with a power source. He simply got lucky on that account.” Gaster replied.
“It still means he’s a wild card, one that really should be taken out of the deck.” Ludo said.
“For once I agree with you, but we must be cautious. I do not know the extent of his power since he is utilizing the device. He will be very unpredictable, and most likely more than dangerous.” Gaster agreed.
“Wait, didn’t you invent the god damn thing?” Ludo asked accusingly.
“It was only a prototype, I had thought that it was a failed experiment. His magic was rejecting the implant, and his health was failing fast! I was sure that he had perished!” Gaster retorted, his voice raising a little in irritation. “That fool Asgore then labeled me as a traitor, and called for my head before I could conclude the project. I did not get the chance to see it through to the end, and that cursed fire destroyed all of my research notes!” He finished, his voice leaking the obvious contempt that he still held toward the events of the past. Ludo was silent, and as well as a little surprised that the always composed and professional Doctor Gaster allowed for his anger to slip out from behind his so well put together façade.
“Now, if that is all that you wish to inform me of, I think that I will take my leave.” Gaster said, and before Ludo could protest Gaster was on his feet and already walking briskly out the door.
When the heavy office door slammed shut, Ludo sat back in his gutted arm chair as he continued to nurse the rest of his brandy. It seemed that the good doctor Gaster was more emotionally involved in the matters concerning the smoker then he had originally thought.
Frisk struggled against the darkness that held her fast to the spot. She felt herself panicking as she thrashed against the thick black ooz. She already knew what was going to happen, and she didn’t want to see it again. She had had this dream so many times already, but each time still hurt just as much as the first time that she had experienced it. Frisk tried to shut her eyes to block out the visions that were appearing before her, but whenever she did the images would only play on behind her eyelids.
Chara would always appear to her first. He was frantic and screamed at Frisk to run, and Frisk would try so hard to comply with his urgent demand, but the blackness continued to hold her limbs in place. Chara would then only look at her with disappointment before running on without her. Next Toriel would be in front of her. She would smile sadly at Frisk, before patting her fondly on the head, and then she would turn and walk away. Frisk would immediately feel overwhelmed with longing, and the need to follow behind her, but of course she never could as the darkness stuck to her like thick tar. Then Frisk would hear Mittsy’s voice. She would turn her head toward it, and just as Frisk would spot Mittsy a gunshot would sound, ripping a hole through the mouse monsters chest. Again Frisk could do nothing to get to her as she would scream and cry while Mittsy slowly turned to dust before her eyes.
Frisk bowed her head while she panted heavily. She was now utterly exhausted from her struggles. She knew that she had endured the worst of it now, all that was left was the white faced man. He would always come to her last with his broken smile, and he would taunt her with his empty eyes, before reaching toward her with his skeletal hands. Then Frisk would know nothing but pain, and then she would wake up. Frisk took a deep breath as she prepared to meet with the demon that lurked in the darkness, but when she looked up she was instead met with Sans as he now stood before her.
He had a giant smile on his face, the kind that he got when he was among his many friends in the bar after he had just delivered the punch line to one of his silly jokes. For a moment Frisk could almost hear it as she felt her lips curl into a smile, ready to laugh along with the rest. Then Frisk remembered that this dream wasn’t supposed to be a happy one. She remembered that she was in a nightmare, and jokes and smiles don’t exist in nightmares. The air immediately took on a sinister turn. Sans smile faded into a pained grimace as he clutched at his chest and Frisk began struggling again.
“No! No you can’t take him to!” She screamed at the darkness as she tried to free herself, but Sans had already fallen to his knees as the crack that Frisk hated looking at began to form across his skull, growing larger and larger with each passing moment. Frisk began to get desperate as she pulled against the heavy blackness, not caring if she even caused herself pain as she strained against its weight, and then Sans looked at her.
He looked at her right in the eyes, and then he smiled as if everything was fine, and that the world wasn’t collapsing all around the both of them.
“Heh, I guess that’s it huh?” Sans said as he pulled himself shakily from the ground “Whelp I’m going to Grillby’s.” He then turned and began to shamble away. “Papyrus do you want anything?” He said before he collapsed into a pile of dust.
Frisk bolted up from her bed. She was gasping for air as her frantic heartbeat pounded wildly from within her chest. She wiped at the tears on her cheeks, and the sweat on her forehead, before she curled herself up into a ball in an effort to calm down.
“It wasn’t real. It wasn’t real. It was only a dream.” She said quietly to herself, but still her nerves felt like they were on fire as she continued to hyperventilate. She repeated her chant a few more times, until she realized that she was never going to believe those words until she has made absolutely sure.
Frisk then got out of her bed, before she silently exited her room, and made her way down the dark hallway toward the brother’s apartment. She then ever so carefully unlocked the door and tiptoed her way to Sans’ bedroom. She would just take a quick peek, just to reassure herself that he was fine, and that it all had only been a bad dream. She slowly opened his door and squinted into the darkness, but she couldn’t make out anything through the inky black. She crept a little closer, until she could see a Sans sized lump balled up under the blankets in his bed.
Frisk felt instant relief upon seeing the covers rise and fall over his ribcage as he snored gently. She smiled lightly to herself when she was satisfied that he was safe, and then she turned to head back to her own bed for hopefully a much more peaceful rest, but as she took a step back toward his doorway the floor board under her foot let out a strained creak. Frisk froze as she heard a shuffling from behind her and a sleepy grunt.
“Paps?” Sans called groggily into the darkness. “Paps is that you bro? Did you need something?” He said, clearly not really all that awake yet. Frisk stiffly turned her head over her shoulder, still not able to untie her tongue to respond, and saw that Sans had sat up, and was now staring at her intently.
“…Frisk?” He then asked, and Frisk swiftly turned the rest of herself toward him as all of the blood in her body rushed to her cheeks.
“Yes! Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up. I- I was just checking to make sure that you didn’t need anything.” She fumbled as she tried to hastily explain her presence in his room in the middle of the night.
“Whoa, whoa kid, slow down.” Sans said as he raised a confused brow bone at her, while still trying to rid his mind of his sleepiness. He then briefly glanced at the clock, and grimaced internally when he saw that it was three A.M.
“It’s uh, a little early for you to be awake. Is something on your mind?” He then asked her, and Frisk shied her eyes away from him, providing him with an obvious answer to his question.
“It’s nothing. It’s stupid really. I’ll just get back to bed.” She said, but Sans wasn’t buying her excuse, especially when he saw her start to nervously fiddle with her shirt sleeve.
“Wait a sec kiddo, hey you remember? You said you’d talk to me if you needed anything. We had a deal right?” Sans said, and Frisk stiffened, before she nodded her head reluctantly, remembering that she had told Sans that she would talk to him if she needed to.
Sans then scooted over on his mattress, throwing his legs over the side of the bed before patting the spot next to him in a gesture for Frisk to join him. She hesitated before she sighed and gave in to his beckon. She then plopped herself down beside him on the bed.
“So… any particular reason for this nighttime visit?” Sans then asked in an attempt to break the ice as Frisk remained quiet beside him. She shrugged in answer.
“Just wanted to make sure you were ok.” Frisk said, very quietly as she continued to avert her gaze away. Sans tilted his head, and tossed her a smile.
“What? Afraid I’d fall out of bed or something?” He teased, and Frisk smiled lightly back, but shook her head.
“Did you um… have a nightmare?” Sans then asked, and Frisk tensed next to him, before she reluctantly nodded.
Sans paused to consider his next move. He was curious, and also terrified that it might be the nightmare that Toriel had warned him about, the one about the bad man. He debated with himself if he should ask, as he wasn’t sure he wanted to know, and he definitely knew that he didn’t want Frisk to remember. He took a quiet breath as he decided to open up this topic gently.
“Do you maybe want to tell me what it was about?” He said, and Frisk fidgeted as she decided whether or not she wanted to take him up on his offer. Sans was about to tell her that she didn’t have to if she didn’t want to, but then Frisk spoke up before he could.
“I’ve had it before.” Frisk explained, and Sans nodded, encouraging her to continue as he mentally prepared himself for Frisk to tell him about the mystery man that lurked in the darkness of her dreams.
“I saw Mittsy…” She continued, and Sans’ sockets widened a tad in surprise, not expecting for her to say that. Though he knew that Mittsy’s death had been a very hard pill for Frisk to swallow. “She died.” Frisk said before huddling herself into a ball at Sans’ side. “It usually ends there, but tonight it didn’t.”
“What happened next?” Sans asked gently.
“You were there.” Frisk said as she squeezed herself tighter. “And you were hurt. You looked at me and I couldn’t help you, and then you …” Frisk trailed off and Sans didn’t have to ask as he already knew what she was going to say.
“Heh, doesn’t sound like I had a good time.” He said with a light chuckle, this time Frisk didn’t smile back however. Sans hummed to himself as he then hesitantly reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Hey kiddo, it’s ok, I’m fine. I’m not going anywhere.” He said, trying his best to reassure the frazzled girl sitting next to him. She was still quiet and Sans struggled with what else to say.
“Hey sans?” Frisk then asked in a very small voice, and Sans almost had to strain to hear her. “Could I ask you a favor?”
“Well it depends on the favor, but shoot.” Sans replied. Frisk pursed her lips together as she built up her courage.
“Could I maybe stay here for tonight?” She asked meekly, and Sans’ soul thrummed wildly from within his ribcage. “Just on the floor I mean. I think I’m gonna have a bit of trouble getting back to sleep.”
Sans took a moment to get his thoughts in order. He also became slightly disgusted with himself at how fast he was about to give into Frisks request, and how he had also considered maybe extending the invitation to a spot in his bed. But then he remembered his discussion with Toriel, and he knew that he couldn’t do that. Even if the request was innocent, and even if he pretended like he was just harmlessly helping out a friend to chase away her nightmares, he knew what he was really doing, and he knew that he couldn’t do that anymore. He couldn’t encourage Frisk to grow any closer to him then she already was, or for that matter, he couldn’t let himself grow any closer to her.
“Heh um, I’m sure that your bed would be much more comfortable then my dirty old floor.” Sans said as he guiltily rubbed at the back of his neck. “You can park it on the couch if you think that it will help.” He then offered when he saw Frisk wilt from next to him.
“That’s ok, thanks for listening Sans.” She said as she got up from his bed. “Sorry again for waking you. I should be fine.” She continued as she tossed him a light smile and headed to exit his room. Sans watched her go and offered her a sheepish wave in farewell, before falling back on to his mattress.
He groaned to himself as he stared up at his ceiling. He knew that he had made the right decision, but he still felt like a jerk. Frisk had willingly come to him, she had opened up to him and asked for his help, and he sent her away to sleep on the couch. Sans sighed again as he turned to face the wall before wrapping himself back up in his blankets. This was turning out to be a lot harder than he had initially thought it would be. He wasn’t sure how long he would even be able to keep this up if things continued to go like how they were going now.
The next day Sans woke up a bit earlier then normal as he decided that he would join Frisk and Papyrus for breakfast before his brother went off to work. Frisk was already at the table chatting to Papyrus happily as they both sipped at their steaming cups of tea when Sans rounded the corner from the living room. As soon as he looked over Frisks appearance he felt a sad swell in his soul. She looked exhausted. She had dark circles under her bloodshot eyes, and though she was smiling pleasantly, Sans could tell that it was an act. It was obvious that the nightmare that she had told him about had really unsettled her, and Sans was sure that she definitely didn’t get back to sleep after she had left his room last night.
“Heya.” Sans said in greeting as he limped his way over to the table. Papyrus and Frisk both turned to him in surprise.
“SANS?! YOU’RE AWAKE! THAT’S WONDERFUL BROTHER, YOU MUST BE FEELING BETTER!” Papyrus said happily, surprised that Sans had managed to pull himself out of bed so early in the morning.
“Heh, well you know Paps I’ve just been sleeping so much lately that I figured if I sleep anymore I’ll end up deep rest. Sans then said as his relaxed smile took on a mischievous turn. Papyrus’ eyes almost bugged out of his skull at his brothers pun.
“MAYBE IT ISN’T SUCH A GOOD THING THAT YOU ARE FEELING BETTER AFTER ALL.” He grumbled as he went to put his mug in the sink.
“Here Sans, I’ll get you your coffee.” Frisk chirped.
“Actually kid you don’t have to-.” But Frisk had already bounced out of her chair to put the kettle on before Sans could even finish protesting.
Sans continued to feel even guiltier as he watched her measure out the coffee grounds, being sure to put in only as much as he liked, before she also added in a spoonful of healing powder. Sans sighed inwardly, feeling a little disappointed with himself. He had actually gotten up so early this morning so that he could take care of himself, and let Frisk take a break and sleep in for once. He knew that she could have most definitely used the extra Z’s with that pesky nightmare she had had, but if anything the girl was persistent as she brought back his finished steaming mug of coffee with a smile.
“Thanks pal.” Sans said as he took the offered mug.
He had hoped that he would have maybe been able to take care of her for once. Frisk had basically been babying him for an entire week now, and he wanted to return the favor, or maybe he just wanted to relieve his guilty conscious about kicking her out of his room when she had come seeking his help. Whichever the reason, he supposed it didn’t matter now as Frisk had beaten him to the punch regardless.
Papyrus left for work shortly after, wishing Frisk a good day, and scolding Sans to not do anything reckless even if he was feeling better. Frisk then set to work cooking up something for Sans to eat for breakfast, even after he had told her that he could do it himself. She just brushed him off with a smile, and said that she didn’t mind. It was when she had placed his plate of fried eggs and toast in front of him, that Sans decided he would try again.
“Hey uh Frisk, I know you didn’t exactly have a good sleep last night, so why don’t you take a nap on the couch? I’ll be fine by myself for a little while.” Sans offered and Frisk straightened up, before she began to fidget in her seat.
“Actually, if you think that you will be ok for a few hours, I was thinking that I might go out for a bit?” She asked.
Sans perked up at her request, not really expecting it as he had assumed that she would have been too tired to do much, but he supposed that Frisk had been cooped up in the apartment for some time now since she had been looking after him. It made sense that she would want to get out and stretch her legs some.
“Oh yeah, of course kid.” He replied.
“You sure you’ll be ok on your own?” Frisk asked, and Sans chuckled at her worry.
“Frisk, I’m not as delicate as you and Paps are making me out to be. What am I gonna do, fall off the couch and break my hip? Common kid, you’re making me feel like an old man.” He said, tossing her a big smile and a wink. Frisk blushed, and smiled sheepishly in return. She supposed that she was being a little bit of a worry wart.
“Ok then, I won’t be long.” She said as she went to put her own mug in the sink.
“Alright have fun, and hey make sure you don’t stay out past dark. It’s getting a little bit dangerous out there with the smokers and all.” Sans said, holding her for a moment with serious sockets.
“I’ll be back before dinner, promise.” Frisk replied as she headed to the door. She flashed him a brief wave and a smile before exiting the apartment, but instead of heading right down the stairs and through the bar to the streets of the Under- City, Frisk instead went to her room.
“She quickly threw off her vest, dress shirt, and trousers, before grabbing her blue dress and pulling it over her head. She then grabbed her grey pea coat, gloves, and tilt hat, and stepped into her black heels. She smoothed her hair down, and pulled the tilt hat over her face. She knew that she didn’t exactly look the part of a high end rich girl, as she still wasn’t that good at doing her hair and makeup like how Mittsy had done for her in the past, but it was just going to have to do.
She then made her way downstairs and weaved through the crowded bar, before hitting the streets of Ebbot. She knew that what she was about to do might land her in a lot of trouble, but she was determined none the less. Frisk picked up her stride, her black heels clicking confidently as she made her way across the city toward MTT Casino Royal and Hotel.
When Frisk made it to the decorative golden doors of MTT Casino, she only took one deep breath to strengthen her resolve, and then she headed inside .The place wasn’t overly busy yet as it was still fairly early in the day. Only a few spots at the card tables were taken, and the bar was almost completely empty save for a few sullen looking faces who seemed as though they had been trying to drink away their troubles since the night before. Frisk briskly cut through the gambling area to the lounge room. It looked like the show girls were preparing for the dinner performance as they were rehearsing a number out of costume to the vacant viewing area. Frisk kept out of sight as she quickly scurried along the back wall looking for the entrance to Mettaton’s office.
“Excuse me miss, can I help you?” A perky voice sounded, and Frisk froze before lowering her tilt hat further over her face.
She then slowly turned around to meet with a perky blue bunny monster in a red bell hop uniform. Frisk bit back her grimace as she realized that he was one of Mettaton’s lackeys who had chased her around Grillby’s bar that night when Mettaton had broken her nose. He continued to smile pleasantly at Frisk however, and it was then that she realized that he must not have recognized her. Frisk then quickly pulled on a charming smile as she continued to hide the majority of her face from him.
“Yes actually.” She replied in her most posh and articulate accent. “I have some business with the owner of this establishment. Would you be so kind as to point me in the direction of his office?”
The blue bunny monster cocked his head in slight confusion, before clearing his throat.
“I’m sorry miss, but I’m afraid that Mr. Mettaton has canceled all of his appointments for today. You should have received a message about rescheduling your meeting.” He said in an apologetic tone. Frisk then let her smile fall into a plump pouty frown.
“Oh dear, that is unfortunate. You see I have just hired a new secretary, she must have forgotten to relay the message to me. The poor dear has had a little bit of a hard time adjusting, but I’m sure she will figure it out soon.” She explained sweetly. The bell hop's professional stance seemed to soften a bit at Frisk's presented understanding and kind nature.
“That’s kind of you miss, to give her another chance." He said, before he seemed to remember his place, and immediately stiffened again. “That is, I would say if it was not too bold of me to do so.” He added quickly. Frisk then let out a feather light giggle.
“Oh of course it is not to bold.” She replied, making sure her voice was laced with as much sweetness as she could muster. She noticed the bell hop relax once again.
“I understand that you must be very busy at the moment with the running and upkeep of this fine establishment.” Frisk continued. “But I must ask if there is any chance that I may be able to attain a brief audience with Mr. Mettaton. I know that he is a very busy man, and I don’t wish to cause you any trouble, but I am on a tight schedule, and I don’t know when it will be the next time that I can return to town.” She explained.
The bell hop appeared to fidget where he stood, and Frisk could see that he was debating with himself weather he should or should not give in to her request. She knew that it wouldn’t take much more to push him to take that extra little step into her favor.
“I would very much appreciate such a fine courtesy from a gracious attendant such as yourself, though I do understand that I am overstepping my boundaries, so please do not feel obligated.” Frisk added politely, making sure to smother her words in a rich warm coating of honey. The blue bunny monster’s cheeks then took on a prominent greenish blush at Frisk’s appreciative request.
“Well I’m sure that I could ask.” The blue bunny bell hop then said. “This way please Miss.” He continued as he led Frisk down a hallway towards Mettaton’s office. Frisk smirked to herself as she followed behind him. She had guessed that Mettaton’s staff would be in wanting of a bit more gratitude as she doubted that the robot ever threw niceties or words of thanks their way.
“Here we are Miss.” The blue bunny said when he brought Frisk to an elegant looking door. “Now please wait here for one moment.” He continued, as he then nervously straitened himself up, before smoothing out his uniform and tightening his bowtie. Frisk felt a little bit bad when she saw how he was mentally preparing himself to face off with his boss.
“I can’t thank you enough for this, really.” Frisk said, throwing him one final word of sweetly garnished praise as a means of an apology for making him put himself at risk.
“Not at all Miss.” The blue bunny monster replied, the happy blush staining his fuzzy cheeks once again. He then cleared his throat and knocked steadily on Mettaton’s office door.
“What is it?” An irritated voice sounded from within the closed off room. The bunny monster hesitated for a moment, and Frisk could see his once happy smile turn into a wobbly nervous mess.
“Um, excuse me sir, but I have someone here who wishes to speak to you.” He said, his voice breaking slightly as he tried to hold together his remaining confidence.
“I thought that I told you that I am not accepting any visitors today! Tell them to leave!” Mettaton snapped.
“Um but sir, She’s already here.” The bunny monster replied shakily as he fidgeted where he stood.
There was a moment of silence on the other side of the door, before Frisk heard steady footsteps approaching. Then the door was swiftly swung open as Mettaon appeared with an overly gracious smile stretched across his face.
“Well of course I’ll see her Benjamin. Why are you wasting my client’s valuable time with silly protocols?” He declared, but then his gaze focused on Frisk, and his overly hospitable smile shifted into a deep set frown.
“My, my, my. Now his is an interesting development.” He said almost to himself as he eyed Frisk standing outside of his office.
Frisk stepped forward before Mettaton could open his mouth to order his bell hop Benjamin to throw her out of the building.
“Hello Mettaton.” She greeted politely, but sternly as she held his narrowed eyes with a determined gaze. “I have something to discus with you that you may have an interest in.
Mettaton continued to stare her down as he debated whether he should hear her out, or just kick her to the curb. Though he would be lying if he said that he wasn’t just the least bit curious as to why she was here. Mettaton then fixed the phony pleasant smile back across his face.
“Alright darling, you’ve got my attention come in.” He said as he stepped out of the entrance way to allow Frisk to enter. As soon as Mettaton turned his back to her, Frisk let out the breath that she had been holding. She was more than half expecting him to have just slammed the door in her face.
Mettaton took a seat in his massive gaudy armchair, as Frisk claimed the smaller chair in front of his large elegant desk. Mettaton then leaned forward, and looked her over with own dismissive magenta robotic pupil.
“Well how have you been darling? It has been a while since we have last seen each other.” He said, and though the message was worded nicely, Frisk could tell by his tone that Mettaton didn’t really have any interest in making small talk, still she sighed as she decided to play along.
“I’m doing fine.” She replied. I have to thank you for those flowers you sent me. It was very thoughtful of you.” She continued, fighting hard not to roll her eyes as Mettaton’s smile brightened just a tad bit more.
“Yes it was rather thoughtful of me wasn’t it? I’m glad that you enjoyed them, but I’m fairly certain you didn’t come all the way down here just to thank me, so why don’t we get down to business? I can see that you are dressed to impress, and you did manage to fool my staff into thinking that you are from a more established life then you actually are, so I will give you points for that.” Mettaon said, his smile almost slipping into a sneer. “I have to say that you do have me quite curious as to this proposition you think that I would be interested in, so let’s hear it already.” He continued as he raised a sleek eyebrow at Frisk in question. Frisk took only a moment to strengthen her resolve as she prepared to make her pitch to the shrewd robot sitting across from her.
“As the extremely successful owner of MTT Casino Royal and Hotel, you are known to have quite the reputation for your numerous contacts, and friends in high places.” Frisk began, noticing Mettaton’s smile stretching the more that she threw compliments his way. “I would like to request for you to set up a meeting between Monsieur Alico Ames and myself.”
“Well this is certainly an interesting request.” Mettaton replied. “Why is it my dear that you require me to set up this meeting, can you not just get Asgore to arrange it?” He asked.
“This meeting does not directly involve the Pansies. It is of a more personal matter.” Frisk answered curtly.
Metaton’s robotic pupils dilated slightly, as his smile took on a more predatory appearance. Frisk continued to sit unwavering in her seat as she fronted the robots probing stare.
“So Asgore doesn’t know about this little arrangement then?” He asked and Frisk nodded.
“No he doesn’t.” She said simply.
“Now I have to ask why that is.” Mettaton said, his eyes narrowing. “As you know I have been working tirelessly to get back within Asgore’s good graces, and I doubt that me helping you to meet up in secret with one of the Pansies most important contacts would really help me to get back on his good side.” Frisk merely offered him up a sideways smirk in response.
“That depends. It might help you if I get the right information from Alico.” She replied smartly. Mettaton paused as he continued to stare down at Frisk
“And what information would that be?” He asked. Frisk sat forward in her seat, bringing herself right to eye level with Mettaton.
“I’m sure someone like you who has so many contacts and informants knows about the current epidemic involving the Gambino's smokers?” She questioned, and Mettaton furrowed his brows, his face taking on a more serious tone at the mention of the soul smokers. Even though he was a monster with outstanding connection to higher class society, he still did fear the weapon that was taking Ebbot by storm, and threatening the lives of countless innocent monsters.
“I have heard of it.” He responded simply.
“Well it just so happens that I may have a lead as to how to find the person that is really responsible for the invention of the Gambino’s new weapon.” Frisk continued. “And with your help I may be able to deliver that information to the Pansies, and then they will be able to stop all of this senseless killing. Of course Asgore will have to acknowledge the role that you played in toppling the Gambino’s empire.” Frisk added. “I’m sure he will have no problem reinstating you as a client again.” Mettaton sat silently for a moment as he tapped his fingers over his desk.
“How did you get this lead?” He asked.
“It was back during the first appearance of the soul smoker. I’m sure you know all about Mittsy’s death.” Frisk responded bluntly, and Mettaton stiffened a little in his seat as he remembered all too well how he had almost tried to arrange a business transaction with the mobster who had murdered her.
“Well I was lucky.” Frisk continued. “In the alleyway when Ludo attacked and killed her with the smoker they did not see me as a threat, and they let me live. During that exchange I remember that Ludo had mentioned Alico’s name and if Alico is a contact of the Gambino’s then there is a chance that he may know something.”
“Why have you not asked Asgore to arrange this meeting?” Metaton questioned.
“Because Asgore is reluctant to make any moves that may require certain risks, and this way if things don’t go as planned then the Pansies will not be blamed and will not be put in danger . If you arrange for me to meet with Alico as a separate party from the Pansies then the blame will only fall on me. I will just be an individual human with her own individual interests, talking to another individual human with his own individual interests.” She answered, and Mettaton let out a snippy laugh.
“Ha! And the blame will also fall on me if I am to be the one who orchestrates all of this!” He said with a sneer.
“You won’t be.” Frisk interjected quickly. “I will take full responsibility. I won’t give anyone your name." But Mettaton only rolled his eyes at her ernest claim.
"Darling you may think that your word is worth something, but to me it’s basically on par with the dirt under my boots.” He scoffed. “And besides that point, your gamble sounds awfully risky. Just because you have found out that Alico was a client of the Gambino’s that does not guarantee that he will know anything about the smokers. Let’s say that I did go through with all of this, and even if nothing went wrong what do I get in return if it turns out that Alico is just as clueless about the weapon as everybody else is? It sounds like a waste of my time to be honest.” He continued, turning away from Frisk dismissively.
“Then let’s arrange a contract!” Frisk suggested urgently as she stood from her seat. Metaton turned back toward her, his interest recaptured again by Frisks utter determination.
“You really want to make this gamble that badly?” He asked her, Eyebrow raised again in question and Frisk nodded firmly.
“Even if there is almost no chance that Alico knows anything I still have to try. It’s the only lead that I have.” She stated, and Mettaon was silenced for a moment as he was actually impressed by the strength of her resolve.
“Very well darling, let’s see if you can make this contract worth my while.” He then said as he focused his predacious smirk back onto Frisk again. “What will you give me if you can’t deliver the information that you promise?”
“I’ll – I’ll give you myself.” Frisk said. “I’ll leave the Pansies and I’ll work solely for you and your corporation. I’ll work for whatever rate that you deem fair, and I won’t deny any job that you give me.” She said as she fixed the cocky robot with an honest glare. “I know that my word means nothing to you, but it’s the only thing that I have in this world that I still consider my own. I won’t break this promise to you.” She added sternly. Mettaton merely huffed in response.
“Well dear that may be so, but I much prefer that I get your word in writing.” He then reached into his desk and pulled out a very official looking document.
“This here is a basic five year contract for the employees of the MTT Casino Royal and Hotel. If you sign this paper then it ensures that your services will belong solely to me and my company to do with as I see fit.” He explained. Mettaton then laid the paper down in front of Frisk before handing her a pen.
“Well darling, do we have a deal?” He asked her, his voice dripping with complacency. Frisk swallowed her nerves as she steadied her shaking hand. She then nodded firmly as she leaned forward and signed her name on the dotted line.
“It’s a deal.” She said as she passed the contract back to Mettaton. He took it from her and folded it neatly, before putting it into his jacket pocket.
“Now that that’s settled I will arrange for you to meet with Alico as requested. Not as a member of the Pansies, but as your own person with your own interests. When you get the information and deliver it to Asgore, and when I get reinstated as a Pansy client, then I will give you back this contract, and you may destroy it however you wish.” Mettaton stated. Frisk nodded in understanding.
“Make sure that you use the name Freesia Larkspur when you arrange the meeting.” Frisk instructed. Mettaton nodded in agreement to her request.
“Very well, now darling if you don’t mind I have a phone call to make. I will contact you with the finalized details about the meeting at a later time.” Mettaton continued as he waved Frisk off while he turned his chair so that his back was facing her.
Frisk then stood promptly, before making her exit from Mettaton’s office.
She kept herself steady as she walked briskly through the still empty lounge and gambling areas. When she made it about a block away from the building, she began to fumble. She took shelter in an alleyway and leaned her weight against the wall as she felt herself begin to hyperventilate. The realization that she had just willingly signed five years of her life away had definitely hit her harder then she had anticipated, but once she got control over herself again Frisk knew that it was a choice that she would have gladly made again as she remembered what it was that she was doing this all for. Even if there was less than a ten percent chance that she was going to walk away from her meeting with Alico with that mystery monsters name it was still a chance worth taking if it meant that her friends and family would no longer be put at risk. Frisk steadied herself, before she began her journey back to Grillby’s. Even if this all didn’t work Frisk would still find a way, she was determined to get that monsters name, no matter the cost.