Hot Dog!
Sans and Frisk made their way down town to Mettaton’s Casino Royal and Hotel. Sans had offered to drive but Frisk had insisted they walk as it was a lovely day out, and she decided that she could use with a bit of fresh air. Frisk threw her new satchel over her shoulder as she stepped out into the city streets. She had gotten it a few days back as she had convinced herself that it would be a good business investment, an upgrade from her worn out canvas duffel bag that she had used previously to transport products to drop sights. Frisk sighed as she noted the slight chill in the air when she began making her way down the sidewalk. Soon the warm summer days would be far behind them, she would have to take advantage of the ones that she still had left.
“So Asgore agreed to take Mettaton as a client again?” Frisk asked Sans as he sauntered slowly next to her. Neither of them were really in any sort of a hurry, they were both allowing themselves to relax a little since the last few weeks had been nothing but stressful.
“Heh, yeah he was a bit reluctant, but I can’t really blame him for that.” Sans replied. Frisk giggled alongside him.
“I don’t know, I don’t think Mettaton’s that bad. He’s a bit dramatic maybe, but I mean at least he’s entertaining.” She said. Sans raised a brow bone before bumping her elbow playfully.
“Are you and I talking about the same robot here?” He teased. “Kid, there’s a line between entertaining and exhausting, and Mettaton has greatly surpassed that line.” Frisk smirked wryly back at him in response.
Well to a lazy bones like you everything’s exhausting.” She replied smartly.
“Oh, touché.” Sans said, impressed by her come back.
“Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve met any other monster robots outside of Mettaton, or really seen any others around the city.” Frisk said. Sans shrugged.
“That’s because there are no monster robots. Mettaton’s a one of a kind in more ways than one.” He replied. Frisk tossed him a quizzical look, pushing for more of an explanation.
“He’s actually a ghost type monster, he just went corporeal with a fancier body then most ghost types go for.” Sans continued.
“Really?” Frisk asked surprised. “I didn’t know ghost monsters could do that.”
“Sure they can, but not a lot of them do .It’s a big perspective switch, you know to inhabit a solid body and all.” Sans said.
“So then how did he get that body?” Frisk asked.
“That would actually be because of our good friend doctor Alphys.” Sans said.
“Alphy’s made him?” Frisk asked confused.
“Yeah more or less, she doesn’t just work for the Pansies. She takes commissions from a lot of different people. She’s actually really talented at making all sorts of gadgets, and well Mettaton had just opened up his new swanky casino. With it being the first business that catered to both monsters and humans, he wanted a form that would look more familiar to his human clientele; help him gain there trust by looking like em I suppose.” Sans mused.
“What else do ghost monsters inhabit?” Frisk asked, completely curious now.
“Eh lots of different things, some try out a bunch of stuff. I had a friend once who really wanted to inhabit a cop car, and he managed to try it out for a week. It was pretty funny all the coppers thought that the car was driving itself, said it was cursed or something. Hehe, though I guess technically they were right.” Sans chuckled.
“Wow.” Frisk said, clearly impressed. “I guess I never really knew how diverse monster were. You all have such unique abilities.”
“That’s ok kid, I mean it’s not like we expect you to know being a human and all, but to us monsters you humans are actually pretty interesting to.” Sans said. Frisk just let out a sarcastic laugh in response.
“Ha, ya right.” She said.
“No I’m being serious here.” Sans replied, and Frisk just raised an unconvinced eyebrow at him.
“Monsters have magic, and come in all shapes and sizes, and can do such amazing things. What’s so great about meat bags that all look the same compared to all that?” Frisk challenged.
“Well …. To be honest it’s your souls.” Sans said scratching at the back of his neck, and Frisk paused turning back to him.
“Our souls?” She asked.
“Yeah your souls are so much stronger than ours, and house some pretty complex powers. I know it looks like us monsters are the lucky ones with our fancy magic, but you humans got it better then you realize. Unlike you, monsters souls are pretty weak and look all the same, but human souls there a record of everything that you are, they are all individually unique, and can persist long after your body is gone. In a way you’re immortal. Your souls are your strength… I’ve always thought it was a shame that you all couldn’t see them. They’re actually really beautiful.” Sans explained.
Frisk listened in earnest, completely transfixed by Sans’ description about human souls. She found herself wondering what hers might look like.
“Looks like we’re here Sans said, gaining her attention back.” Frisk turned her eyes forward coming face to face with MTT Casino Royal. She and Sans then headed through the doors of the gaudy establishment, before making their way past the crowded casino.
The dinner lounge show was just getting ready to start as a blond women in very little clothing was taking center stage. Frisk blushed a little and averted her eyes. Even through the women’s job was to entertain the crowd with flirty singing and skimpy outfits, Frisk still felt a little guilty for staring. Sans however didn’t bat an eye as he continued forward toward Mettatons office. He was feeling rather giddy, glad that he was mere moments away from not having to deal with Mettaton any longer, well at least not on such close terms now that the robot was indeed reinstated as a Pansy client again.
Soon the two were standing right outside of Mettatons office. Sans quickly rapt a knuckle over the door.
“Come in darling.” Mettaton’s voice sang from the other side. Sans briefly rolled his eyes, trying to stifle the last bit of his irritation before he opened the door.
When Sans and Frisk entered into the office they were greeted with Mettaton at his desk with his attendant Thomas at his side. Frisk brows furrowed a little when she glanced over the tabby cats tired and depressed looking appearance. He looked just as over worked as ever. Frisk felt a little ashamed at the relief that swept over her, knowing that she wouldn’t ever have to know what it was like to be in his shoes now that she had settled her debt with the robot rendering her contract useless. Thomas noticed her gaze on him and flashed her a confused and slightly nervous smile. Frisk stiffened when she realized she had been caught staring and did her best to return the gesture.
“Well there you two are, I was expecting you a lot sooner.” Mettaton exclaimed with a self-satisfied smile.
“Decided to take the scenic route.” Sans replied with a shrug. “But we’re here now and I believe you have a certain document for us.” He questioned.
“Yes actually I do.” Mettaton said as he pulled out a drawer in his desk to retrieve Frisks contract.
“I just received the call from Asgore this morning. We are scheduled to meet tomorrow evening to go over and finalize all the details.” Mettaton continued in a tone that almost sounded like he was gloating.
“Here you are darling. You’ve earned your freedom.” He said as he passed the folded up document over to Frisk. She held her breath as she accepted the piece of paper, when she had it in her grasp a very prominent wave of relief swept over her. She tested the paper in her hand, she somehow had assumed that it would have been heavier.
“Well now that that’s all settled.” Mettaton said as he rose from his feet and straitened his suit jacket. “It was a pleasure doing business with you darling, and if you have any more interesting investments don’t hesitate to call.” He said as he flashed her a cheeky smile and extended his hand. It took a moment for Frisk to realize that he had offered her a handshake. She stumbled a little to catch up with the invitation as she accepted Mettatons hand with her own.
“Yeah it was fun.” She said pleasantly. “I also have something for you too.” Frisk continued as she fiddled with her satchel. Sans and Mettaton both watched her dig through her bag with curious eyes, before she pulled out the red dress that Mettaton had lent to her. Wrapped up in the garment were also three small picture frames.
“I know you said that they were tacky, so you don’t have to keep them if you don’t want to, but I thought that I should at least offer everyone a share of Alico’s hospitality since everyone worked so hard.” She said as she passed one of the frames which held an arrangement of pressed flowers behind its glass to Mettaton.
He raised his sleek eyebrows in response as he realized that she had crafted them out of the bouquet that Alico had given to her. Frisk then walked over to Thomas who stiffened immediately as she approached him.
“Here these two are for you and Benjamin. Can you tell him thank you for me?” She asked him kindly as she passed him the remaining picture frames.
“Umm y – yes certainly miss.” Thomas stuttered after he remembered that he still had to be professional since he was still in Mettaton’s presence.
“Thank you.” Frisk said before flashing him a light smile and making her way back over to her spot next to Sans.
“Well how thoughtful.” Mettaton said after clearing his throat, and remembering that he was a successful business man who really couldn’t afford to get caught up with personnel endeavors. “I hate to cut this little catch up session short, but I am a busy man and my floor show is about to start.” Frisk smiled knowingly in return.
“Ok, well we will get out of your way then. Thanks again Mettaton for everything.” She said before she tossed him a wave.
“Yeah it’s been interesting.” Sans added, before he began leading the way out of Mettatons office. When they had gone Mettaton settled himself back at his desk.
“Thomas go and make sure that the show is on schedule, I’ll be out in a minute.” He ordered as he looked down at the picture frame.
“Right away Mr. Mettaton.” Thomas said, straitening up at the command, before making his exit.
Mettaton then placed the frame on his desk, before looking it over with the rest of his décor. It really didn’t match all that well much to his displeasure, but he found that he actually rather liked the arrangement of dried blossoms. Maybe he could just get a better frame for them, then they would blend in with his more refined tastes. Mettaton smiled at the idea, yes something more ornate would definitely suit Frisks gift much better than the drab thing that was currently housing it. He would go pick something out tomorrow, maybe he would take Benjamin and Thomas along as well. Those two had been working hard lately, and Mettaton found that he was in a rather generous mood. Maybe he would get new frames for both of their gifts as well, as a sort of bonus. Though now that he thought about it, he was pretty sure that the two would much prefer a day off instead. Mettaton made a mental note to pencil in a payed vacation for the two of them sometime next week as he began heading out to the lounge to watch the rest of the dinner show.
When Sans and Frisk made it outside the casino Sans felt like a heavy weight had finally been lifted off of his shoulders. Judging by the kid’s expression she was feeling fairly similar. He smirked to himself as he dug out his celebratory treat from his pocket. He figured now was a good a time as any to let himself let lose a little. Frisk eyed him curiously as she watched him place a rather fat cigar between his teeth.
“I thought you only smoked on special occasions?” She asked him and Sans shrugged.
“It is a special occasion. We’re celebrating your success with Alico and how you managed to dodge that bullet that almost landed you as an official MTT Casino Royale employee.” He explained striking a match. He was about to light up his cigar when he suddenly got a better idea.
“Hey Frisk pass me your contract.” He said and Frisk handed him the folded up document.
“You don’t mind if I do the honors do you?” He asked her. Frisk smirked and shook her head, understanding what he was getting at.
“Be my guest.” She told him. Sans then brought the lit match up to the corner of Fisk’s now invalidated contract, lighting it up. He then held his cigar over the rapidly growing flame, taking a long drag and savoring the rich flavor.
“Freedom never tasted so good.” He mused before letting the still burning piece of paper fall to the ground where it was reduced to nothing but ashes.
“Here kid, you wanna partake in your celebration?” Sans asked as he held out the cigar for her to take. Frisk grimaced a bit at the smoky smell. Her last experience hadn’t gone all that well, and she wasn’t really sure if she wanted to try again, but then Sans raised that cheeky eyebrow of his and she knew that he was going to tease her if she didn’t except, so with a determined huff she took it from him and placed it between her lips.
She was hacking and coughing for a good few minutes after her first puff. Sans was smirking at her while trying to stifle his laughter.
“I keep telling you, you don’t inhale it you just hold it in your mouth, savor it.” Sans tried to explain. Frisk just shot him a scowl as she tried to roll her teary eyes at him.
“I don’t even get why you like that stuff.” She grumbled as soon as she managed to catch her breath again.
“Hehe, I guess it’s an acquired taste. Too bad kid you’re missing out.” Sans shot back, taking a long drag before blowing a ring of smoke right into Frisk’s face. She wrinkled her nose and wafted the smoke away before pulling a face at him
The two of them then slowly meandered their way through the market square back toward home. Sans, being true to his word, bought Frisk and himself hot dogs for dinner, which they enjoyed as they walked while also chatting and throwing jokes at one another. It was a nice end to the day, and Sans honestly couldn’t think of a better way to finally unwind after that nightmare of a week that he and Frisk had just endured.
“Heh, hey kid do you know why the frankfurter wanted to leave town?” Sans asked, a big grin plastered on his face. Frisk smirked in return.
“No Sans, why did the frankfurter want to leave town?” She replied.
“He was tired of living the dog life.” Sans answered with a well-timed wink, while also taking a big bite out of his hot dog. Frisk snorted and shook her head.
“Awe, not even a chuckle? To be frank kid I’m a little stumped, I thought that one was a real wiener.” Sans quipped, and Frisk laughed along loudly at his added pun.
“It’s a wonder you haven’t driven Papyrus crazy yet.” She said between her giggles.
“Oh that ship has sailed a long time ago, I practically drive him crazy every other day now.” Sans replied proudly. “It’s part of the whole big brother job title.”
“So is that why he hates your jokes so much, because you traumatized him with them when you were children?” Frisk teased. Sans laughed at her comment.
“Haha, I may have gone a little overboard once or twice when we were kids.” He admitted sheepishly. “But you know, it’s kinda nice to be able to tell my jokes to someone who actually enjoys em.” Sans then added as he bumped her in the shoulder playfully, earning himself a smile from her. “I gotta say kid I’m gonna miss it.”
Frisk hesitated. Her smile falling away as she tilted her head in confusion.
“What do you mean miss it?” She asked.
“Uh, well you know since you’re going to be staying with Toriel for a while.” Sans answered nonchalantly as he continued forward with his casual pace. Frisk stopped dead in her tracts however at Sans answer, and Sans paused before turning back to her.
“You ok there buko?” He asked. Frisk narrowed her eyes at him.
“You’re not serious.” She said sternly, and Sans felt the corners of his grin fall slightly. He knew that look.
Sans cleared his throat as he tried to come up with a way to put off this conversation until later as he would much rather just continue on walking through the market square while enjoying the last of this lovely evening with Frisk not mad with him.
“Uh let’s talk about it when we get home, ok pal?” He said as an attempt to stay the flames of her anger for at least a little while longer. Frisk only frowned.
“After everything, you’re just going to ditch me?” Frisk continued to question, not at all interested in Sans suggestion. Sans huffed quietly to himself as he rubbed at the back of his neck. Ok fine then, it looks like they were going to talk about it right here and now after all.
“Look Frisk, I told you before this whole mess that you were going to be staying with Toriel. I don’t know why you think that I changed my mind on the matter.” He said.
“You can’t just do that! I’m useful to you and you know it! I just proved it by getting that name from Alico! You need me Sans!” She argued back.
“That’s not the problem here.” Sans said, turning away again.
“Well then what is the problem?” Frisk demanded.
“It’s not safe for you here!” Sans snapped, growing irritated that they would again be repeating this discussion that he assumed had already been made perfectly clear. Frisk grumbled and rolled her eye’s unimpressed.
“It’s dangerous for everyone not just me. As long as the Gambino’s have the smokers then no one is safe! I’m an asset that you can’t afford to lose! What if you need more information? I’m the only Pansy member that can gain the human gangs trust!” She said.
Sans grit his teeth. She had a point, and though he refused to give into her he knew she was right. In all honesty if he didn’t know Frisk as personally as he did, if she was just another member of the Pansy's then he wouldn’t think twice about using her for the benefit of the organization because that’s what she would have signed up for. But there was his problem, he did know her, he had even grown to care for her an awful lot, and now instead of an asset she was more of a weakness to him. Even now he couldn’t tell if he actually thought that she was right and that he was the one being selfish for sending her away, or if he was just feeling bad about making her angry with him. However, he knew for certain that he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if she got hurt on his watch.
“What about Mittsy Sans?!” Frisk continued. “You told me that she knew what she was getting into but she decided to risk it anyway because it would make Ebott safer for a lot of other people. You said that all Pansy members knew what was at steak when they joined, but they are all putting it on the line regardless. I’m a Pansy member to Sans, and this is also my fight! My life is mine to risk, and I signed the contract the same as everybody else!”
Sans stiffened as he clenched his fists tighter in his pockets while Frisk recited his words back to him. He still averted his gaze, not giving into her. This was for the best, with her connections with Toriel it would be easy to convince Asgore to let her go. He could keep her safe whether she liked it or not .
“I’m not discussing this anymore, it’s already decided.” He replied flatly, quickening his pace. Frisk started jogging to keep up with him.
“Sans!” She called, but he just continued to ignore her.
Frisk scowled at him, she was getting so frustrated with these head games that he would play. One minute he would have her laughing along with him like everything was right with the world, and then the next he was trying to get rid of her. Frisk had had enough. This charade was going to end and she was going to get a definite answer whether it was the one she wanted or not. Only then would she finally be able to let go of her stupid delusion and get on with her life.
“Please Sans.” Frisk continued, her voice quieter now. “I don’t want you to send me away. I don’t want to be on my own anymore. I want to stay. I – I want to be with you.” She managed to struggle out before she lost her nerve completely.
Sans snapped his head back toward her, his sockets wide and blank in surprise, before he grimaced and steadily stalked back to her.
“Come here.” He growled, taking her hand before pulling her behind him roughly.
Frisk began to protest but he didn’t listen to her as he tugged her along. He was angry. Why the hell was she bringing this up now, in public no less?! Sans scanned the market square, there were already a few curious eyes turning their way thanks to this little outburst. This was a dangerous topic to be getting into out in the open like this.
He lead Frisk to a side alley, out of sight from the public's probing eyes and ears, before he starred her down.
“What the hell are you thinking saying something like that in public?” He whispered to her angrily. Frisk frowned and tore her wrist out of his grasp, but Sans continued to scold her, ignoring her unhappy state. “Don’t you know what happens to folks that cross that line? It ain’t pretty kid.”
“I know Sans, I’m not stupid.” She shot back. “I’m sick and tired of everybody trying to take control over my life because it’s ‘for my own good’. I’m not letting anyone make any more decisions for me, this is my choice! I’m not going to back down because somebody else doesn’t like it.” She continued to seethe. Sans was silenced by her fierceness, before a blush took over her angry expression.
“So I’ve told you how I feel, and I’m not going to take it back. If you really don’t want anything to do with me then this is your chance to say it and I will go to the countryside with Toriel like you want and I won’t bring this up again.” Frisk stated firmly, before taking a deep breath to quell her nerves. She waited with a steady gaze cast over Sans, ready for him to finally answer her. He still stood before her with his teeth clamped tightly shut.
He didn’t know what to say. On the one hand maybe this was a good thing. Now he could be direct and honest with Frisk like he knew he should have been from the very beginning. She had splayed out her feelings for him right in the open, there wasn’t going to be any more dancing around the subject. All he had to do was say no and this whole ordeal would be over and dealt with. However, he found that that one little word seemed to be escaping him as he fought with himself to loosen up his stiff jaw. He knew that it would be the right answer, it would be what was best for both of them, but somehow he couldn’t really make himself say it aloud, because he knew that if he did there was no going back. That would be it, a final and definitive decision. There would be no more what ifs, or maybes, or casual flirty puns, or dancing in the bar, or nervous pink blushes, it would all be over. Sans wasn’t really sure if he wanted to let all of that go.
Frisk began to fidget in front of him as he stayed quiet. Her bravado was slipping as her face began to flush a darker and darker shade of red. She dropped her gaze away from his no longer able to keep making direct eye contact. Maybe she had gotten it wrong after all? Maybe all of those signals that she had thought were him showing her affection were really only a byproduct of her own wishful thinking? He was clearly in shock by her ultimatum, maybe he didn’t see her in that way at all? Maybe she really was only a kid to him. A silly girl led on by her own silly crush.
“You know what, it’s fine. I-I think I already know what you’re going to say. This was a stupid idea. I’ll pack my things when I get home.” She said dejectedly as she began to turn away from him.
Sans sockets again widened in surprise. Had she just made his decision for him? He didn’t like that, he wanted to answer her, and before he could stop himself sans reached out and grabbed her by the wrist again.
“Wait.” He said, and Frisk turned her gaze back to him, pausing in confusion.
Sans let everything that was whirling around in his head all out in a huff as he focused his pinpricks on her. He couldn’t really believe what he was letting himself do as he took a step closer to her. This was a mistake, a big mistake, one that was dangerous, possibly deadly, but Sans couldn’t really bring himself to care anymore. He wasn’t going to fight with himself or with Frisk. She had warn him down. He had given up.
“Fine, you win.” He said.
Sans then tugged on Frisk’s captured wrist, not hard but firmly enough to bring her closer to him. He leaned over her startled form and raised his other hand to the side of her face, before titling her head upward. He then moved closer to her and placed a gentle kiss to her cheek, returning her not so sneaky gesture form a few weeks ago when he had caught her in his room.
Frisk remained rigid where she stood, caught completely off guard. When Sans pulled away she slowly raised a hand to her brightly blushing cheek where a tingly warm sensation still lingered. It took a while for her to realize that she recognized the feeling as Sans’ magic.
“Let’s head on home kid.” Sans said, turning away and sauntering back toward Grillby’s, trying his best to hide his own brilliantly blue cheekbones. Frisk nodded as she stumbled along behind him, still not exactly sure what had just happened.