W.D. Gaster
When they made it back to Grillby’s, Sans again helped Frisk to get out of the car.
“You ok?” He asked, making sure that she didn’t need another moment of privacy to get herself sorted.
“Ya I’m fine now, thanks.” Frisk replied, before flashing him a shy smile. Sans nodded in understanding and then turned to lead the way over to the now closed bar. The two silently made their way through the empty tavern before sluggishly ascending the stairs. Both of them were completely exhausted by the evening’s events, and were just thankful at this point that all of the excitement was behind them.
Sans paused when he made it to the outside of his apartment door, and Frisk almost walked right in to him, not noticing that he had stopped. He tilted his head when he heard the sounds of muffled footsteps from behind the door. Papyrus must have decided to stay up and wait for him to get home. Sans had left a note for his brother, telling him that he and Frisk would be late tonight, though he was very vague about what it was that they were up to. He had written that Frisk was helping him out with a job since he wasn’t exactly fully recovered quite yet. It wasn’t exactly a full out lie, but Sans knew he had more than just neglected to mention a few important details. He thought that his brother would have just gone to bed as Papyrus wasn’t really one for staying up late, but Sans only shrugged to himself before turning to Frisk.
“You better go get changed first. It looks like Paps is still awake.” He said.
Frisk nodded, understanding that it would be troublesome to come up with an explanation to say the least if Papyrus caught her dressed to the nines. She also honestly couldn’t wait to get herself out of the trap that was this dress and back into her trousers again.
“When your done meet me back here. After Paps goes to bed well discuss the details of tonight and figure out our next move.” He continued.
“Ok.” Frisk said, before she turned to head to her own room to get out of the dress.
Sans waited till she disappeared behind her bedroom door, before he moved to unlock the apartment to let himself in.
“Hey Paps, I’m-.” But Sans’ greeting was cut off as when he entered into the apartment. He was met not only with Papyrus, but much to his dismay, also with Mettaton, as both his brother and the robot were seated in the living room with steaming cups of tea. Sans clenched his jaw when confronted with the prissy robot. God damn it why was he here, and with Papyrus for Christ sake?! Could he really not wait another day to find out about the meeting? Sans internally huffed, he was far to drained to deal with Mettaton’s antics right now.
“OH BROTHER, WELCOME HOME! I WAS JUST KEEPING METTATON COMPANY WHILE WE WAITED FOR YOU AND FRISK TO GET BACK.” Papyrus said brightly. Sans threw a questioning look over to Mettaton who only smiled cheekily back at him.
“Yes, you see as I have already explained to Papyrus, I came by to formally apologize to Frisk after not receiving word after I sent those flowers to her. He told me that she was out with you, but graciously allowed me to wait here until you returned.” Mettaton explained, shooting Sans a quick wink. Sans only rolled his sockets as he went to hang up his coat.
“That so.” He grumbled.
“YES SANS, COME TO THINK OF IT WERE IS FRISK?” Papyrus then asked as Sans made his way over to the kitchen to make himself some coffee. He was going to need it if he wanted to make it through this briefing.
“She’s coming in right behind me Paps. She just wanted to drop something off in her room first.” Sans replied as he brought over a chair from the kitchen to join in with the party gathered in the living room.
“WELL LET ME BE THE FIRST TO SAY WHAT AN HONOR IT IS FOR YOU TO MAKE A PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT OUR HOME METTATON, ESPECIALLY WITH HOW BUSY AND SUCCESSFUL YOU ARE. I'M SURE THAT FRISK WILL REALLY APPRECIATE IT.” Papyrus declared happily. Mettaton chuckled and waved a dismissive hand teasingly at Papyrus’s praise.
“Oh darling do stop, you’re going to make be blush.” He Tittered. Sans felt his soul get about a thousand times heavier at that comment, before he turned and planted his chair right in between his brother’s chair, and Mettaton seated on the couch. Nope. He definitely did not like where this conversation was going.
Frisk quickly slipped out of the tight red satin dress, before folding it neatly on her bed to give back to Mettaton later. She was about to get her trousers and dress shirt out of her end table drawers to change into, when she spotted the white gift bag on her desk. She walked over to it before she took the garment that Sans had given to her out of the bag. It was a shame really, she hadn’t had much of a chance to try it on yet.
Frisk looked over to the clock by her bedside. Well if she was quick she could see if it at least fit her correctly while Sans put Papyrus to bed. Besides, she had already tried on so many dresses today, one more surly wouldn’t kill her. Frisk quickly stepped into the dress and pulled it up around herself. She was happy to find that it did fit fairly well. It wasn’t as snug as the red dress, and it thankfully had straps. The skirt had a bit more body to it then her blue dress, and Frisk found that there was some sort of tool layer underneath it helping to make it puff out more.
She gave it an experimental twirl, liking how the full knee length skirt billowed out around her. Frisk giggled to herself, before she decided that she had had enough fun for one night. She quickly shimmied her way out of the dress before heading back over to place it back into the protection of the bag, however as she looked inside she noticed that there was a piece of paper at the bottom. Frisk cocked her head to the side as she picked it up. It was a receipt. Frisk glanced over the price printed on the piece of paper and her eyes widened in surprise at the stated amount.
That was quite a bit of money for someone to spend on a piece of clothing, but then why had Sans told her otherwise? She pursed her lips as she slipped the piece of paper back into the bag with the dress. He had said that he had gotten it at a bargain store. He had told her that he couldn’t return it. Why had he lied?
Frisk continued to ponder to herself as she quickly got changed into her more casual clothes, while she ruffled up her hair, and removed the more obvious portions of her makeup. The rest she would have to scrub off later in the tub. She then made her way back toward the skeleton brother’s apartment.
Come to think of it, ever since this whole operation with Alico, Sans had been acting a little peculiar around her. She had guessed that it was because of the stress of it all, and also the fact that he didn’t have nearly as much control over things as she knew he would have liked, but it still felt like maybe she was missing something.
"Maybe...?" But Frisk shock her head hard, not allowing the thought to properly even form in her mind before she dismissed it. There was no point to wishful thinking, she was sure that there was some other explanation.
Frisk shrugged when she reached the door of the brother’s apartment. She would figure it out later, right now all she wanted to do was inform Sans about the name, take a hot bath, go to sleep, and forget that whole awful encounter with Alico. When she walked in to the apartment however, she was surprised to see not only a smiley Papyrus and a sullen looking Sans, but also Mettaton sitting in the living area.
“Well hello darling.” Mettaton greeted enthusiastically. “So glad that you could finally make it over for our little pow wow.”
“WELCOME HOME FRISK.” Papyrus beamed in addition. Frisk quickly threw a furrowed confused eyebrow over to Sans who merely shrugged unexcitedly, signaling that he didn’t really know what was going on either. Frisk then quickly pulled on a smile as she took seat next to Mettaton on the couch.
“FRISK, METTATON HAS COME ALL THE WAY DOWN HERE FROM HIS LUXURIOUS CASINO TO OFFER HIS APOLOGIES FORMALLY TO YOU. ISN’T THAT SUCH A KIND GESTURE?” Papyrus continued eagerly.
“Uh, wow that is really nice of you Mettaton.” Frisk quickly managed as she began to figure out that Mettaton had obviously lied to Papyrus about his appearance tonight.
“Yes, and me being as gracious as I am just couldn’t stand the thought of leaving without at least getting an audience with you to discuss these past events in person.” Mettaton continued to clarify, while placing a prominent inflection on the last part of his explanation. Frisks straightened up when she realized what it was that Mettaton had meant. He had wanted to be the first to know how her meeting had gone with Alico.
“I was so happy when Papyrus was so understanding of my request. He really is such a dear, even offering to keep me company until you got home. Most people don’t have that common curtesy now a days.” Mettaton added, while sliding a fuchsia robotic pupil over to the now brightly orange blushing Papyrus. Firsk somehow felt that Mettaton was no longer talking to her anymore. She also noticed how tense Sans seemed to be as she saw him tighten the knuckle white grip he had on the arm rest of his chair.
“Well uh, lucky me then I suppose.” Frisk replied, feeling a little like she was possibly interrupting something.
“OH, SUCH PRAISE ISN'T REALLY NECESSARY AT ALL METTATON. I WAS MERELY TRYING TO PLAY THE PART OF A GOOD HOST.” Papyrus blundered as he raised a dismissive hand.
Mettaton then formally stood from his seat and cleared his throat at that moment.
I Mettaton, owner of the admirably successful and extremely ornate MTT casino royal and hotel, humbly apologize to you Frisk, contact of the Pansies, for the misunderstandings that have plagued our relationship in the past. I sincerely hope that we can have a fresh start and become proper friends (and colleagues) from this point onward.” He said while giving a low dramatic bow. Papyrus clapped his hands at Mettaton’s display, clearly pleased to see that things were going so well between his roommate Frisk and the robot. Sans rolled his eye sockets not at all impressed by Mettaton’s over acting skills.
“Thank you. I um, accept.” Frisk stuttered.
Papyrus then yawned, before getting up from the couch while stretching.
“WELL I HATE TO LEAVE THE PARTY, ESPECIALLY SINCE THINGS ARE GOING SO WELL, BUT I MUST SAY THAT IT IS WELL PAST TIME FOR ME TO GET TO BED." He said apologetically. Sans was quick to his feet, seeing his chance to get his brother out of the room and away from that irritating tin can.
“Nah bro, don’t sweat it. I’m sure everyone’s gonna turn in soon anyway.” He said as he ushered Papyrus forward toward the little hallway to his bedroom.
“YES I SUPPOSE THAT’S TRUE. WELL THEN I WISH YOU ALL A GOOD NIGHT. METTATON IT WAS A PLEASURE TO FORMALLY MEET YOU.” Papyrus said sleepily in farewell.
“Not at all darling, the pleasure was all mine.” Mettaton replied, his voice turning slightly more sensual. Sans stiffened as he urged Papyrus along more quickly.
“Yeah, night bro.” He said with a very forced smile. After Papyrus had disappeared behind his bedroom door Sans reentered into the living area glaring daggers at the robot who continued to sit seemingly oblivious to his angry gaze.
“So, what kinda wise idea was it that possessed you to come back here at nearly one in the morning? I thought that secrecy was important to you.” He asked darkly. Mettaton only sniffed.
“Oh relax Sans, as sweet as your brother is you can’t deny that he is a tad on the gullible side. He is none the wiser to the real reason that I am here, which brings me back to more important matters.” Mettaton answered, turning to Frisk.
“Now darling, seeing as how things stand I am willing to give you another shot at earning a break from our contract. If Sans gets me an audience with Asgore I’ll negotiate my terms for your release.” He said simply, and Frisk cocked her head in confusion.
“Jeez Mettaton give it a rest already. I already told you that what you’re playing at isn’t going to work. If you keep this up you’re just going to end up blacklisted for an eternity.” Sans cut in. Frisk furrowed her eyebrows when she realized what was going on. Neither of them had thought that the meeting had been successful. They hadn’t even allowed her the chance to explain the details and already they assumed that she hadn’t got the name. Frisk frowned at the realization, it kind of stung a bit.
“Um, excuse me.” She called out, trying to get either of the two monsters attention. Though when they both continued to bicker and overlook her presence she found herself growing rather irritated.
“Hey!” She then shouted. Both Mettaton and Sans then snapped their gazes back toward her, surprised by her loud outburst.
“I got the name.” Frisk said, stunning both of the monsters into silence.
“Wha- Um p- pardon?” Mettaton stammered.
“The name of the monster working for the Gambino’s, I got it.” Frisk repeated while feeling a bit smug at Mettaton’s apparent shock. Sans didn’t say anything as he continued to stand silently.
“Really? Well then um, let’s hear it.” Mettaton then said, settling back into his seat. Frisk nodded.
“Alico said that Sam had mentioned the monster when they were drinking together. He said that Sam told him his name. He said that it was someone called W. D. Gaster.” She explained.
As soon as the name left her lips something in the atmosphere shifted. Frisk tensed, feeling all of a sudden unsettled as if the quiet that surrounded them suddenly became very very heavy. She chanced a confused look over to Sans and saw that he had gone completely still, his sockets pitch black.
Mettaton then let out a laugh, snapping Frisks attention back toward him.
“I’m sorry dear, but that isn’t possible. W. D. Gaster was the name of the Pansy’s former head scientist. He was credited for achieving breakthroughs that lead to the Pansy’s ultimate success. He would never work for the Gambino’s, and not to mention the fact that he’s dead.” Mettaton sniffed. “I’m sorry darling, but I think that Alico must have pulled a fast one on you.” Frisk knitted her brows confused as she prepared to protest, when Sans spoke up before she could.
“He was presumed dead.” He said flatly, and both Mettaton and Frisk turned to him in surprise. Mettaton then rolled his eyes.
“Well if you want to nitpick at the details then fine, but that doesn’t change the fact that it can’t possibly be him.” He retorted, but Sans didn’t really respond as he continued to stare off into space from behind his dark sockets, before getting up off his chair.
“Mettaton, I think it’s about time that you head on home.” He then said, however his tone didn’t hold its usual sarcastic contempt, it instead just sounded kind of dead. Mettaton was silent for a moment, before he narrowed his eyes.
“I’m not leaving until we work out our agreement here. Frisk still has to hold up her end of the bargain.” He said, but Sans really wasn’t paying much attention to him at this point.
“You’ll get back in with the Pansies, you have my word.” Was all he said as he sauntered over to the apartment door, before holding it open for Mettaton to leave. Mettaton bristled, still very much unsatisfied, but he knew that he wasn’t going to be successful at prying any more information out of Sans, as the skeleton had completely locked him out.
“Fine.” He huffed begrudgingly as he straightened his suit and made his way to exit the apartment. “As long as I get what I want then I don’t really care. Have a good night Frisk.” He said before walking passed Sans and heading down the hallway. When he was gone Sans swiftly shut the door. He remained silent as he sauntered back to the living room, before standing across from Frisk.
Frisk felt herself stiffen on the couch. Her nerves were buzzing, put on edge by Sans’ sudden and very serious mood. She was about to say something to break the stifling quiet, when Sans beat her too it.
“Frisk.” He said, his tone sounding as stern as she had ever heard it. “W. D. Gaster, you’re sure that’s what he said?” He asked, and Frisk found that her mouth had suddenly gotten very dry. She nodded.
“Speak up kid.” Sans said, as he held her pinned with a scrutinizing stare. Frisk swallowed, as she willed her tongue to untie itself.
“Yes, that’s the name.” She answered.
Sans still kept his heavy gaze over her, searching her face for any doubt. When he couldn’t find any indication that she somehow wasn’t being honest he sighed to himself, before looking away from her. He knew that she didn’t have any good reason not to be truthful, and also knew that she wasn’t the lying type, but he somehow was hopping that what she had just said was false.
Sans would only be lying to himself however, if he didn’t acknowledge that he had actually been expecting this. Somehow he had always known that it was Gaster lurking in the shadows of the rumors about the monster working for the Gambino’s, probably ever since the soul smokers where discovered to have used determination in their formula, back when Alphys had first suggested it. He had so badly wanted to believe that Gaster was dead, and that his hunch was just too impossible to be true.
“Ok.” was all Sans said as he began to make his way passed her. Frisk blinked, and quickly got to her feet when she realized that Sans was just going to try and walk away from her again without giving her any sort of explanation.
“Hey wait.” She called. “Shouldn’t we talk about how we’re going to find this guy, or when we’re going to tell Asgore?”
“I’ll talk with Asgore tomorrow, and sort out Mettaton’s reinstatement.” Sans answered, not so much as glancing back toward her. Frisk felt herself frown when he brushed her off. She could tell that he was trying to shove her away and keep her in the dark again.
“Then I’ll come to.” She stated defiantly, and Sans’ shoulders sank as he let out a weary huff.
“Kid please, let’s not get into this right now ok?” Sans said, already knowing what was coming, but Frisk didn’t care if he was tired, she was tired to after all, not only from today’s events, but also by Sans’ constant secrecy.
“Well if you just tell me what’s going on with this Gaster guy then-.”
“No.” Sans said flatly, and Frisk blinked a little in surprise.
“What do you mean no?” She asked almost in disbelief.
“I mean no.” Sans repeated. “This is a lot bigger then you kid, so I’m gonna ask you real nice to just drop it now.” He stated harshly. Frisk was actually hushed by his statement for a moment before she ground he teeth in protest.
“You can’t just shut me out like this! I was the one who found the lead! I was the one who arranged the meeting! I was the one that got the god damn name!” She began, her voice raising in anger. Sans bristled, before whipping around to face her again and quickly walking back toward her.
“What do you want, a medal then?!”He asked her darkly, as Frisk was silenced by how quickly he had advanced at her, but there was no way in hell that she was going to back down that easily.
“What I want is for you to trust me!” She spat back, and Sans sockets softened a bit at her response, before he let out a tired sigh.
“I do trust you.” He said quietly.
“Then why won’t you let me help?” Frisk asked him, also tempering her tone. Sans was quiet as he slowly sat back down on the couch. Frisk waited patiently next to him as he took a moment to sort himself out.
“What I’m about to tell you is strictly confidential, do you understand?” He then said, holding her with a stern pinprick. Frisk nodded as she quickly took the seat beside him. Sans let out another sigh as he was in slight disbelief with himself that he had actually made up his mind to tell Frisk some things that he knew she should never really know about.
“That monster, W. D Gaster he uh, has a bit of a past connected with the Pansies.” He began, and Frisk nodded, encouraging Sans to elaborate further.
“It’s basically what Mettaton already said. He was the head scientist of the Pansies, he gave them an edge. His work with them allowed for the Pansies to climb to the top of the pyramid. The soul candies are an example of one of his creations.” Sans continued and Frisk shuddered at the memory of her less then pleasant personal experience with the little sugary sphere of determination.
“However, Gaster’s reputation as the savior of monster kind isn’t exactly true to character.” Sans then said. “At first everything appeared to be too good to be true, and then well, we found out what those advancements were really costing us and it really wasn’t pretty. They were at the expense of innocent lives, lives that the Pansies had promised to protect.” He then said and Frisk felt a small shiver work its way up her spine.
“When word reached Asgore, he called for Gaster’s immediate termination for the heinous crimes that he committed and for his research to be seized, but before the Pansies could act out the order the lab caught fire and everything was destroyed. Sans continued.
“So, was it also true what Mettaton said, about him being dead? Frisk asked and Sans shrugged.
“Well that’s the million dollar question.” Sans answered. “He was believed to have died in the fire, but if the information that you got is true then he’s still alive, and working for the Gambino’s no less.” Frisk as well as Sans were both silent for a while, until Frisk worked up the nerve to ask another question.
“So, if what he did was so horrible why it is that he is still believed to be such a great monster?” She asked, and Sans sockets darkened in response.
“It was Asgore’s decision to keep everyone in the dark about Gaster’s true nature.” Sans explained. “He thought that it was more important to let everyone keep believing in the hero that they thought that Gaster was then crushing their hopes with well, what he really was.”
“Did um, you know him?” Frisk then asked, and Sans was silent before he stood up.
“I think that’s enough story time for one night kiddo.” He said, and Frisk bit her lip realizing that she had crossed a very firm line.
“We’ll uh, sort out the rest in the morning, but I think that it’s best to call it a night ya?” He continued and Frisk nodded.
“Ok.” She agreed respectably.
The night went by very quickly, though Sans didn’t sleep a single wink through any of it. He instead just sat on his bed starring down at Gaster’s journal that he had pulled out from his locked desk drawer. He hadn’t even bothered to try to shut his eyes as he knew that it was pointless. He was in too much shock to even attempt to fall asleep. The suns raise peeking through his curtains was what first tipped Sans off that it was morning, but he didn’t make a move to get off of his bed until his alarm clock started ringing. With a dejected sigh Sans slapped his hand firmly over the off button, silencing his wake up call. Whelp, there was no more staling, it was time to face reality. He was going to go and talk to Asgore now and inform him that Gaster was indeed alive and well.
Sans silently made his way through the quiet apartment. His sockets were still black and his lids felt heavy. He was too tired to even muster up enough energy to keep up his usual casual grin. It was early, even for Papyrus, which meant that nobody in the household would be awake yet. If he hurried he would make it back for breakfast.
As Sans sauntered down the hallway he paused by Frisks bedroom door. She wasn’t going to be happy when she learned that he left her behind again, but these matters were delicate, and honestly he really wasn’t ready to share these old scars with her. Last night they had been reopened, and he still felt vulnerable. He needed a moment alone to lick at his wounds.
Sans made it to the curb. The morning air was slightly chilly, a telltale sign that the warm days of summer were coming to an end. Fall would be here soon. Sans stifled a yawn as he got into the driver’s seat of the Buick. Normally, he probably would have just taken a short cut to get to Asgore’s office, but he was tired from his sleepless night, and honestly he wanted as much time as he could get before he would be forced to acknowledge Gaster’s existence in the world again.
Sans didn’t head to the warehouse as he knew that Asgore wouldn’t be there yet. It would be too early, so he instead decided to meet Asgore at his house. It was a modest place, especially for the head of one of the most prosperous illegal organizations in the under city, but Asgore never really was a man who liked to flaunt his wealth, instead he often put most of the gangs earnings into up keeping the monster portion of the city, as the delegates at city hall often forgot to include the monster inhabited neighborhoods into their budget plans.
Sans begrudgingly began to saunter up the stone path that ran through Asgore’s front yard. There wasn’t even a speck of grass that could be seen in the little yard, instead the entire lawn had been converted into a neatly kept and well-tended to garden. When Sans made it to the front door he took a moment to himself before he rapped a knuckle over the brightly green painted wood. A few moments passed before the door was opened, revealing Asgore, still clad in his pajamas and bathrobe, holding a cup of tea.
“Sans? This is a little bit of a surprise. You’re not normally such an early bird.” Asgore said, raising a brow at the tired looking skeleton on his door step.
“Heh, well I try not to be.” Sans replied, trying to force on his smile. “But something’s come up, and I think it’s important that I bring it to your attention.” Asgore frowned, noting Sans’ less then optimal state.
“Well then, please do come in. I’ll put the kettle back on.” Asgore said, inviting Sans to enter into his home.
Sans nodded in thanks as he stepped passed Asgore and into the front foyer. He followed Asgore to the sitting area and took a seat on the couch, being careful not to sit on the large empty reading chair by the fire place adorned with doylies, as he knew that that seat only belonged to the former first lady of the Pansies. Asgore stepped out of the room as Sans settled to grab him some tea.
“I’m sorry I don’t have anything stronger to offer you.” He said as he passed Sans a steaming tea cup. Sans only shrugged as he accepted the beverage.
“This is fine.” He replied simply. He would take anything at this point to bring him at least a little comfort.
Sans clasped the cup between his hands leaching as much of its warmth as he could while Asgore settled himself into another large arm chair next to the couch.
“So, judging by your disposition I take it that whatever it is you need to talk to me about isn’t going to be good news.” Asgore said, and Sans managed a dry sounding chuckle.
“That obvious hu?” He replied. Asgore sipped at his tea waiting for Sans to work up his nerve. Sans let out a brief sigh, savoring the last moments before this nightmare really did become a reality.
“I’ve got the name of the Gambino’s monster.” He said, and Asgore chocked on his tea before sitting forward in surprise.
“H- How on earth-.” Asgore stuttered, but Sans cut him off.
“Long story.” He said simply and Asgore furrowed his brows, but didn’t question it. Whatever it was that Sans had done in order to get that information would be well worth it.
“Alright, who is it that the Pansies has to pay a visit to?” He asked.
“W. D. Gaster.” Sans answered, and Asgore was silenced as he sat stunned.
“That cannot be …” He then said.
“Afraid it is boss, and if I can be frank, I think we both had a hunch.” Sans replied. Asgore frowned, but did not argue against what Sans said. He had to admit that he did have a feeling, though he didn’t really want to pay it any mind at the time.
Asgore sighed heavily as he rubbed at his temples.
“It seems that things can never just be easy can they?” He said, and Sans chuckled weakly in agreement.
“Tell me about it.” He said.
“Well, thank you Sans. I suppose now that we know who we're dealing with we will be able to better prepare for what’s to come.” Asgore continued. Sans only nodded, and Asgore eyed him wearily.
“Sans if you wish, I can assign finding Gaster’s whereabouts to someone else … I know that this outcome has most likely been quite grueling for you to endure.” Asgore offered, but Sans shock his head.
“Nah, thanks boss but I think we both know that I’m probably the best candidate for this job.” Sans answered almost glumly.
“Are you sure?” Asgore pushed. “With what has happened in the past –.”
“It’s fine.” Sans said harshly, clearly not wanting to revisit those days again. “Besides this way I’ll get a chance at a reunion. Maybe I’ll even be able to personally thank him for everything he’s put me through.” He continued darkly.
Asgore merely sighed. He wasn’t really one for revenge, ever since the dark days of his own past when he had lost everything in his own fruitless pursuit of it, but he really couldn’t simply ban Sans from this job. The rest of the Pansies were depending on Gaster’s elimination.
“Just be careful Sans.” Asgore cautioned.
“Heh, don’t worry I goat this.” Sans replied with a feeble laugh and a wink. Asgore winced a little at his joke.
“Oh and uh, one more thing boss.” Sans said as he scratched at the back of his head. “This info didn’t exactly come cheap.” Asgore sighed expecting as much.
“What was promised in return?” He asked drearily.
“Well um, long story short, I’m gonna need you to reinstate Mettaton as a client.” Sans explained. Asgore deadpanned, before slumping in his seat.
“Well, I suppose that’s not the worst thing that could have happened.” He said dejectedly.
When Frisk made it to the brother’s apartment that morning, she was disappointed to say the least when she found out that Sans had left without her to go and inform Asgore about their findings. She sulked on the couch for most of the afternoon after that, feeling frustrated and left out, waiting for Sans to come home so that she could throw him a nasty glare out of spite.
Papyrus, though he didn’t know exactly what was wrong with his human friend, tried his best to cheer her up and get her out of the apparent slump that she had been in for most of the day. He made her her favorite meal, spaghetti pancakes, and joined her on the couch to work out some word puzzles printed in Sans newspaper. It seemed to work, and Frisk was more or less back to her happy self, that is until Sans came back home.
“BROTHER GOOD! I JUST MADE LUNCH, THERE’S SOME LEFT OVER ON THE COUNTER HELP YOURSELF.” Papyrus greeted happily. Frisk just narrowed her eyes and averted her gaze, not uttering a word of welcome to him.
“Thanks bro, looks good.” Sans said as he went to go get a plate from the kitchen. Frisk turned her head back to him as she watched him go. She frowned, pursing her lips in annoyance before she got up from her seat on the couch and followed after him.
“FRISK?” Papyrus asked confused, but she just stomped past him.
Sans turned around to head back to the living room, only to be confronted by her standing right next to him, starring him down with angry eyes. He stiffened a bit, before forcing his smile to relax.
“Uh, hey kid?” He said. Frisk only glared harder.
“Why didn’t you take me with you to see Asgore?” She asked him sternly. Sans paused, allowing one of his pinpricks to shift over to where his brother was sitting, now looking over at them both in confusion.
“I don’t think now’s really the time.” Sans said back quietly. Frisk really didn’t like his answer.
“It’s never the time to talk with you is it?” She sneered, before turning around and marching to the door. She shut it hard behind her before retreating to her room. Papyrus as well as Sans were left alone in the main apartment, both blinking in surprise.
“WHAT ON EARTH WAS THAT ABOUT?” Papyrus asked dumbfounded.
“Don’t know bro.” Sans replied. “But I think I’m gonna go try to find out.” He said as he put his plate back down on the counter to eat later. He then proceeded to follow after Frisk.
Frisk sat still fuming on her bed. She hated this. She was so tired of being confused. She had thought that Sans was being genuine with her last night when he said that he had trusted her, but perhaps he was only telling her what she wanted to hear. She could never tell with him and it made her angry. Sometimes he would act so sincere around her, and at times she even had considered that perhaps he was showing her some form of affection, but then the next minute he would all of a sudden become distant and shut her out again. She really couldn’t take much more of this, it was driving her crazy, and making her feel stupid.
“Knock knock.” She heard from outside her room as Sans rapped a knuckle on her door. She just huffed and turned away, burying her face into her pillow.
“Umm, you know you’re supposed to say who’s there right?” He asked, but she still didn’t answer him.
“Ok, well I guess if you’re not gonna answer it then I will.” Sans continued in a playful tone.
“Knock knock , who’s there? Dishes. Dishes who? Dishes a very bad joke.” Sans said continuing on the joke even though Frisk refused to partake. She rolled her eyes at his antics, but remained silent. When Sans didn’t hear her laugh he began to feel a little nervous.
“Uh ok then, how about we try again?” He said before he rapped on the door for the second time.
“Knock knock?” He asked, and Frisk bit her tongue not wanting to give in to him.
“….please kid?” Sans continued, and Frisk sighed realizing that she really couldn’t ignore him forever.
“Fine, who’s there?” She grumbled.
“Iowa.” Sans replied.
“Iowa who?” Frisk asked.
“Iowa a big apology.” He then said, and Frisk was quiet for a moment before she got up to go and open the door.
She didn’t say anything still, just allowed Sans to enter, before she turned back around to reclaim the spot on her bed. Sans sauntered in while rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
“So I uh, guess I managed to piss you off again hu?” He said, but Frisk didn’t respond. He then cleared his throat.
“Look kid, I know you wanted to come with me, but this stuff is still really sensitive. You really aren’t supposed to know anything about Gaster, no one is, and if word gets out that everyone’s supposed hero is working for the enemy it will be a mad house in here.” He continued, trying to explain.
Frisks expression softened a bit in understanding. In reality she knew that she was over reacting a bit to this. She understood that secrecy was important to keep the peace within the gang, and she also knew that this wasn’t the real reason as to why she was upset.
“I wish you would just tell me these things instead of always disappearing.” She replied quietly. "I would understand if you just took the time to explain it to me.” Sans felt his shoulders fall forward a little in guilt.
“Jeez kid, I’m sorry. I guess this whole underling thing is still a little new to me. I’m not really used to having a partner, I’ve just always worked solo.” Sans said offering up an apologetic smile. Frisk perked up and chanced a shy glance toward him.
“I’m your partner?” She said, and Sans shrugged.
“Course you are.” He replied. “Partners in crime, friends till the end, and all that jazz. I just you know, sometimes forget how partners work.” Sans added sheepishly. Frisk felt her lips tug into a light little smile. Partners hu? She rather liked the sound of that.
“So umm, do you ….forgive me then?” Sans asked shyly, and Frisk placed a finger to her chin like she was trying to make up her mind.
“Hmmm, I don’t know, I think you’re gonna have to sweeten the deal a little.” She said smugly and Sans just raised an amused eyebrow at her before chuckling lightly.
“Alright fine, you sure do drive a hard bargain. Hows about I buy you a hot dog? We can take a walk over to Mettaton’s casino and pick up your now nullified contract, and I’ll get you some dinner on the way back, sound fair?” He asked and Frisk smiled in reply.
“Sure.” She said happily .