Heart to Heart
Gaster paced swiftly down the empty grand halls of Big Sam’s former estate, heading straight for the new Dons office. He had a stern frown set across his face as he continued with a fevered purpose, hands clasped firmly behind his back in an effort to control his building irritation. He had just come to learn about how Ludo’s meeting with Alico had gone and he was far less then pleased with the outcome, considering that Alico had been one of their wealthiest clients in the past, and now with Ludo’s vulgar display it wasn’t very likely that Alico would sign on again with the Gambino’s, well at least not willingly. Gaster would have preferred to not have to resort to threats. He rather liked his business endeavors to be kept clean and consensual, they were far easier to manage and maintain that way.
When he came to Ludo’s office he rapt an aggressive knuckle over the door. He could hear Ludo inside listening to some sort of jazz number on the radio, however instead of Ludo turning of the radio and getting up to allow him to enter, Gaster heard the new Don turn the music up before singing cheekily along to the lyrics, tauntingly ignoring him. Gaster felt his frown deepen at Ludo’s childishness as he decided to forgo the formalities and let himself in.
When Gaster entered in to the room he was not surprised to see Ludo sprawled out at his desk with his feet up, still singing along with the song while flashing Gaster a very smug smile. Gaster sighed and rolled his sockets. He was not sure how much longer he could continue to put up with Ludo’s juvenile antics.
“Ludo…” Gaster started firmly, but Ludo silenced him by holding up a finger.
“Hold on doc, this is the good part.” Ludo said as he bobbed his head along to the melody while continuing to sing the lyrics of the song.
Yes, I remember Minnie
She's that frail I never found
You mean to say that Minnie
Quit kickin' the gong around?
Gaster tensed, his frustration building as Ludo continued to mock him.
I got a date on my estate down in Hades
Call my chariot so I can go
And should the moocher walk in
Just tell her you've been talkin'
To the ghost of Smokey Joe
Gaster had had enough. He was now quite fed up with Ludo’s frankly immature clowning. He stalked sternly over to Ludo’s radio before promptly flicking it off. Ludo merely smirked at him while still leaning back in his chair.
“What’s the matter doc, not a music lover?” He asked with a teasing glint in his eye. Gaster ignored his question.
“What exactly did you hope to gain from threatening Alico?” He instead demanded. Ludo responded by lazily stretching before placing his arms behind his head, settling more comfortably into his chair. Gaster’s sockets narrowed.
“Do you not understand that Alico’s funding would benefit the Gambino’s organization greatly? You are the Don Ludo, you must save face with your investors! I thought that you were at least smart enough to realize this!” He growled.
Ludo’s smug grin faltered slightly at Gaster’s insults, but he maintained his aloof character none the less.
“I told you I don’t like dealing with spivs like him. Besides, the Gambino’s are powerful enough to simply demand his cooperation anyhow, what’s the point of wasting time trying to put on a good show? It’s all just bull shit, I’d rather just put him in his place and get straight to the point.” He said simply.
“You are missing the point.” Gaster insisted, Ludo sneered.
“Yeah? Well if I didn’t back pretty boy up into a corner I doubt he would have told me how he’s still been in contact with our favorite runaway human.” He scoffed.
Gasters curiosity was slightly peeked at his comment. He remained silent waiting for Ludo to continue. Ludo's smirk returned when he saw that he had captured the doctor’s interest.
“Turns out that she came to him to ask him for a favor, a way to get out of the city it seems. It looks like our girls trying to run, and it also looks like that skeleton body guard of her’s is trying to help her along.” He explained.
Gaster frowned. If she managed to escape, before they could get to her then tracking her down would become even more difficult. Though Gaster wasn’t entirely sure if she was even the one that he had been looking for, he knew it would be foolish to leave this issue unresolved. He also didn’t like the fact that his old protégée was taking such an interest in the girl. It made Gaster wonder if perhaps she really was the one, and it also made him worry that Sans had figured out just how valuable she really was. If he had, then the Pansies might pose much more of a threat then he had anticipated. It was clear in that moment to Gaster where his priorities lay. It was now no longer a side interest, it had become imperative that he get to the girl, or he had to destroy her before the Pansies realized what they may have in their possession.
“Find her.” Gaster then instructed firmly. “All other matters can be put on hold until this issue is solved.” Ludo straightened up, surprised to see how much Gaster had come around to supporting his wants.
“I would much prefer her alive, but if circumstances do not allow for it she should not be left in the Pansies possession.” Gaster continued. “Ludo I warn you, killing her is only to be done as a last resort. If I find out that you disobeyed this very clear instruction to satisfy your own blood lust, you will pay dearly for your transgression.”
Ludo slowly sunk down in his seat again as he grit his teeth. Though Gaster had always held Ludo by a tight leash he would rarely so openly threatened him like this. The good doctor was being very serious it seemed, and suddenly Ludo felt incredibly small as he sat at his grand desk. He merely nodded as Gaster held him pinned with a stern scrutinizing eye socket.
“Good, I will leave this in your hands for now. Do not disappoint me again.” Gaster then finished as he turned to leave the new Dons office. He switched Ludo’s radio back on as he passed by his desk.
“Enjoy your tunes Ludo.” Gaster then said, making his exit.
Ludo continued to seethe in his seat as the merry music filled his office. After a few moments passed Ludo shot forward and slammed an angry fist down on the radios off switch. He twiddled his thumbs in silence for a while after that, his anger continuing to steadily build, until he got up from his arm chair, grabbed the now silent radio, opened his office window and chucked it out, watching as it fell through the air until it shattered on the pavement below, startling a few of his stationed underlings at their posts. Ludo sneered down at the broken box. He would find the girl alright, and if Gaster wanted her so badly then he could have her, but not until after Ludo got what he wanted first. He had made her a promise after all, one that he was soul bent on keeping.
Frisk sat smugly on the couch casually flipping through the stack of bills that she had just won from the pot. Joey sat glumly next to her with now empty pockets.
“You don’t got to rub it in you know.” He grumbled as Frisk continued to taunt him. She just snickered in response.
“Wow, I didn’t take you for such a poor looser Joey.” Frisk replied. Joey scoffed and rolled his eyes.
“Tell that to the guy who didn’t just loose the last of his cash.” He said.
“Hey I warned you I play for keeps.” Frisk shot back smartly, and Joey could only mutter under his breath because she had indeed warned him.
“You know if you’re feeling lucky we could play again. I did always like that silver lighter of yours. whatdya say we play one more round, all or nothing? I’ll throw in the whole pile?” Frisk teased. Joey chuckled slightly at her japing.
“Ha yeah right, I aim to at least keep one of my valuables. Fool me once girl shame on me, I ain’t gonna let you bait me again with those innocent looking pretty brown eyes of yours, I’ve learned my lesson.” He said. “Besides, the lighters not mine to bet, it belongs to my old man.’ Frisk perked up when Joey mentioned his father.
“Is your family also in the city?” She asked and Joey shook his head.
“No they live in a small town a little ways away from Ebbot. Pops lost his job a while back when the economy went south, and well that’s the reason why I came to the big city in the first place, looking for work. I never really thought I would get so roped in to the gang life though, I guess the promise of easy money sounded too good to be true at the time. I shoulda realized it came at a steep cost. He said letting out a brief sad sounding chuckle. Frisk frowned slightly at his story, suddenly her winnings from the poker game felt a little too heavy in her pocket.
“Do you at least visit with them often?” Frisk asked, and Joey tensed a little in his seat, his smile turning forced.
“Well uh no, my folks don’t really much approve of the occupation I’ve chosen, but I do send them letters and all the extra money I can spare. So far I haven’t really gotten a reply yet, but they haven’t sent the cash back so at least I know there getting fed.” He explained a little sheepishly. Frisk’s frown deepened. Joey caught the worried look on her face and cleared his throat, before quickly changing the subject.
“So uh, what about you? I mean what’s your sad story then?” He asked.
“Well, basically what you think it is.” Frisk replied with a shrug. “Orphan living on the streets for most of her life. But, I did have a small family at one point, and I was lucky and have managed to reconnect with her again.” Joey cocked an eyebrow in interest.
“Really, that’s something swell. Who is she then, a distant aunt or something? Is she loaded? You gonna move on up to the good life?” He teased and Frisk giggled at his joking.
“No, she isn’t exactly related to me, she just took me in when I was little. We got separated, and well I found her again. She’s basically my mother.” Frisk explained while she sheepishly tugged on her shirt sleeve. Joey beamed even brighter at her.
“Wow, Frisk that’s really something special, almost miracle like. Maybe the universe is finally showing you a good turn.” He said and Frisk smiled back.
“Yeah maybe.” She replied.
A knock then sounded on the front door. Joey stiffened immediately in his seat before Frisk sent him over a reassuring look, sensing his sudden distress.
“Don’t worry.” She told him. “It’s probably just Grillby. Sans get’s him to check up on me sometimes when he’s out.” Joey raised an eyebrow at her comment as he watched her move toward the door.
“He keeps a pretty close eye on you hu?” He questioned and Frisk tensed just a tad, hearing the suspicion present in his voice. Shit, she hadn’t realized how that could have been interpreted. She scolded herself for only a moment for her slip up, before she quickly pulled on a casual grin.
“Well yeah, he has to. Asgore assigned me as his underling, so he’s pretty much responsible for my actions, and well I kind of already screwed up royally once before. Actually, come to think about it, now that I brought you here he’s probably even more distrustful of me. He might end up hiring a full on nanny at this point.” She joked, and Joey also smiled lightly along convinced by her explanation.
“Jeez, I almost feel bad for they guy, having to put up with you 24/7.” He teased. Frisk shot him a playful face, but internally she was relieved that he had bought her excuse. She would have to make sure to be more careful in the future. She realized that she was becoming just a little bit too comfortable with Joey, she had to remember to keep him at a distance.
Frisk then opened the door only to freeze when she was not confronted by Grillby like she had been expecting, but instead by her mother. Speak of the devil she briefly pondered.
“Mom?!” Frisk exclaimed in surprise, realizing that Toriel would undoubtedly want to come in to the apartment where a certain human mobster was currently taking refuge.
“Hello dear, I hope you do not mind, but I was in the area and thought that I would pop by for a chance visit. I am so pleased to see that your home!” Toriel chimed happily.
Frisk quickly pulled on the most convincing smile that she could as she pulled the door as close to herself as she could while blocking the opening with her body, concealing Toriels view of the interior of the apartment as much as she could.
“Wow, what a nice surprise!” She managed to say while trying to signal to Joey to hide with a hand behind her back.
Joey immediately noticed her frazzled gestures and hurriedly hopped over the back of the couch to try and find a decent place to hide himself before apparently Frisk’s mother came inside. He ended up shoving himself in the skeleton brothers linen closet as it was the only place that he could think that would be big enough to conceal him. God dammit he was so screwed.
“I also brought over some pie. I was thinking we could have it with some tea and catch up a little." Toriel said as she waltzed through the apartment and into the kitchen before brandishing her home made pastry.
“Oh that sounds nice, I’ll put the kettle on.” Frisk replied as calmly as she could, even though she felt like she was about to have a heart attack.
“I’m so glad that I was able to catch you at home.” Toriel continued as she took a seat at the table while Frisk busied herself with the kettle. “I am sorry that I haven’t been as available lately, but I’ve recently come into some new work …well I shouldn’t say new work really.” Frisk was momentarily distracted away from her inner panic at Toriel’s comment.
“Work?” She asked and Toriel smiled excitedly, glad that Frisk had caught on so quickly.
“Yes well there was another reason why I was hoping to talk with you today as it seems that I have some rather exciting news. I am going to be rejoining the Pansies.” She then declared. Frisk was utterly stunned for a moment.
“Wait really?!” She then asked, stars almost forming in her eyes. Toriel giggled, delighted to see her daughters reaction.
“Yes, after you so adamantly showed how committed you are, I realized that I wanted to also do my part.” She explained. “And I also wanted to make sure to support you as well.” Toriel added while patting Frisk on the head lovingly.
“Wow mom, I’m so glad!” Frisk exclaimed, almost entirely forgetting about her current predicament.
Joey stood as still as he could from within the linen closet as he awkwardly listened in to the conversation going on between Frisk and her mother. He felt strangely guilty as he tried not to eavesdrop, but he really wasn’t provided with much of another option. He couldn’t really see the other person from his current position, but he briefly wondered why Frisk had been so insistent that he hide in the first place. If it was only another human then was it such a big deal that he be discovered here? Then again, the women had said she had just joined up with the Pansies so maybe she really was more of a threat then he realized. Man, the monster organization must be really desperate if they were so eager to hire so much human help, but he supposed that also did bode well for him if he to wanted to gain the promise of safety that the Pansies could offer him from the Gambino’s.
Joey then shifted a bit in the closet. His limbs were getting stiff from there compacted position. As he did so, the floorboards under his feet creaked a little and Joey froze when the sound permeated through the quiet calm atmosphere that covered the rest of the apartment. A heavy silence followed afterward and Joey held his breath.
“Frisk.” Toriel then said sternly as she eyed her surroundings from over her shoulder. “The brothers are not home with you today are they?” Frisk felt her heart speed up at the threatening glint in Toriel’s purple irises as they scanned over the apartment.
“Um, no they’re at work.” She answered. Toriel then immediately got up from her seat and began stalking into the living room. Frisk followed after her as she raked her brain to try and think of a distraction that would lead Toriel away from Joey’s hiding place.
“Mom?” Frisk began to question, but Toriel quickly shushed her and held a finger to her lips demanding silence. Frisk’s lips zipped themselves shut immediately as she was not able to disobey her mother when she was this serious.
Toriel’s fluffy ears perked up slightly as she listened intently while she stood in the middle of the living room. Frisks heart dropped into her stomach as Toriel’s gaze drifted over to the brother’s linen closet.
Frisk was about to protest but Toriel moved too swiftly. Within an instant she was at the closet doors and fiercely threw them open, revealing joey, who was more than shocked to be suddenly facing off with a very threatening looking female goat monster. The apartment was then briefly encased in a moment of utter silence as the two stared at one another.
“Uh hello, nice to make your acquaintance.” Joey managed to stutter out while forcing his face to fix itself into a weak smile.
Sans tiredly trudged up the stairs back to the apartment. He was so warn out after the day’s events, all he wanted to do was collapse on the couch, maybe take a nap, and forget all about what he had found under the burnt remains of the old laboratory. Home had always been a sanctuary to him, the comfortable warn out couch cushions a sort of save heaven, a place where he could take a load off and leave the nightmares at the doorstep when he kicked off his shoes. He had actually become pretty good at forgetting the nastier things that his work often exposed him to, he knew that all he needed was just a bit of piece and quiet, just a chance to shut his eyes for a moment and listen to his brother ramble about something trivial while he made dinner in the kitchen. Maybe Frisk would read by his side like she often did in the early evenings. sometimes when he was lucky he would catch her humming to herself absentmindedly while she did so. A small smile worked its way on to his face at the pleasant thought, but it quickly fell away when Sans was again reminded of his other house guest. His safe haven away from work had been compromised by Joey’s presence, and it seemed that even when Sans had finally made it off of the streets, he still couldn’t relax, not with that goody two shoes mobster hanging around.
“Just a day or two more Sansy.” Sans told himself quietly as he grasped the door handle of the apartment. “You can do this easy peasy.” Sans then quickly fixed his practiced grin on to his face as he entered in from the hallway outside.
The scene that he walked into could stand up to any happy family setting that Hollywood could create on a million dollar budget. Joey and his brother where in the kitchen, both in aprons. Papyrus in his favorite ‘kiss the cook’ one and Joey in the spare one, which Sans had bought and that Papyrus absolutely refused to ware, which had a picture of a whisk on it with the phrase ‘don’t be afraid to take whisks’ printed below. They were both working diligently, Joey with his sleeves rolled up chopping tomatoes, while Papyrus gently sautéed a standard mirepoix and garlic in a large saucepan. Frisk, and to Sans’ surprise, Toriel were perched at the kitchen table chatting while watching as Joey and Papyrus prepared the feast for that evenings supper.
“Easy on the heat there Pappy, you wanna sweat those vegies not caramelize them.” Joey instructed. Sans winced at the casual nickname.
“RIGHTY OH.” Papyrus replied, turning down the burner.
“My how handy it must be to have a gentleman around who can cook.” Toriel mused. Joey immediately shot her with a charming grey iris and a quick smirk.
“Well my ma raised me right, she wouldn’t stand for her own son not to be able to make a basic tomato Sause, though try as I may I can never make it quite as good as she can.” He said. Toriel smiled clearly impressed by his charisma.
“Your mother must be proud none the less.” She replied happily.
Sans grin faltered slightly as he Surveyed over the apparent dinner party. He supposed he should have been relieved that Toriel wasn’t furious over the fact that he had left her daughter alone with an unknown human, but for some reason that made Sans feel all the more glum as it was quite apparent by the mischievous glimmer in Toriel’s eyes as they flicked from Joey to Frisk that she approved of his company.
Sans cleared his throat announcing his presence as he sauntered into the kitchen.
“Heya.” He greeted with a lazy wave. The rest of the room turned toward him with happy smiles on their faces.
“OH WELCOME HOME BROTHER! JOEY IS TEACHING ME HIS FAMILY RECIPE.” Papyrus said excitedly.
“Smells good bro.” Sans replied as he took a seat at the table next to Frisk.
“Oh Sans, it was so nice of you to offer a place for Frisk’s friend here to stay while he was visiting the city.” Toriel then said with a pleasant smile.
Sans flicked a pinprick over to Joey and raised an eyebrow. The mobster looked to be purposefully avoiding his gaze as he hurriedly busied himself with blending up the tomatoes into a rich red pulp. Sans felt a mischievous spark form in his soul. So, Joey had neglected to tell Toriel about his not so pleasant occupation. He smirked slightly to himself. Sans wasn’t really surprised by this, but he couldn’t help but see a bit of an opportunity to mess with the guy a little.
“Oh yeah it was no sweat really. Frisk introduced me to him the other day, said he was visiting for….oh damn. I’m sorry Joey, I’m a real bonehead heh. What was it that you were in town for again?” Sans asked, biting back his grin. Joey stiffened and cleared his throat. Frisk also tensed form next to Sans and tried to shoot him a warning look, but he ignored her while staring at Joey expectantly.
“I’m uh, visiting on business.” Joey answered plainly, and Sans chuckled.
“Well sure buddy, I could have told you that, but what kinda business?” He pushed. Frisk kicked Sans firmly under the table in the shin while staring daggers at him. He only slightly flinched.
“I’m uh, actually between jobs at the moment, just been looking for work really. Thought the big city would be a good place to start.” Joey replied. Toriel’s eyes softened at Joey’s fib.
“Oh dear, well I do wish you luck. Hard times are all around it seems.” She said sadly. Joey smiled at her in thanks and Sans grumbled to himself in his seat. He hadn’t meant to make Toriel sympathetic to the grifters pretty lies.
The rest of the evening was rather uneventful, Just pleasant conversation topped with good food and peppered with jokes and laughter. All in all Sans knew that he should be enjoying himself and taking advantage of the peaceful moments he had been allotted, but as long as Joey was also present he knew that he wouldn’t be able to do that. He instead decided to bide his time by making Joey as uncomfortable as he possibly could, often using him for the butt end of his jokes or snubbing him with any other chance he got.
“Hey uh Joey, you lookin a little scruffy there.” Sans chided taping the side of his cheekbone, referencing the mobsters growing stubble. “You forget to pack a razor?” Joey blushed but smiled back politely, not giving in to Sans’ taunts.
“Must have misplaced it when I was packing. I probably left it back at the hotel.” He said with a shrug.
“Ah don’t worry buddy, I’m sure the ragamuffin look will grow on you.” Sans replied with a snicker and a wink.
Toriel giggled and snorted into her hand, while Papyrus rolled unimpressed sockets at his brother’s pun. It appeared to be all in the name of harmless fun to those outside of the current situation, but to those who understood what was really going on, Sans’ taunts came off as a little bit more I’ll natured. Frisk eyed him and Joey nervously as Sans continued to take swings at the mobster, but Joey held up a good front and only smiled and laughed graciously in return, not cracking under pressure.
“SANS HONESTLY, MUST YOU TURN EVERY SOCIAL GATHERING INTO AN EXCUSE TO REVEL IN YOUR GOD AWFUL HUMOR?” Papyrus complained and Sans smirked and shrugged while still not taking his eye sockets off of Joey.
“Sorry bro I mustache you for forgiveness. I hope I’m not being unbeardable” He said. Toriel laughed more wholeheartedly while Papyrus only sighed. Frisk frowned lightly, not really understanding why Sans was taking such cheap shots at Joey.
After dinner Frisk volunteered to clean up the kitchen and Toriel made herself ready to leave for the evening.
“It was such a pleasure making your acquaintance Joey. I’m so glad that Frisk has made some good friends like you.” She said pleasantly while extending a farewell handshake to Joey. He smiled and reciprocated the gesture in turn.
“Likewise.” He said. “And uh, the pleasure is really all mine. Frisk is a rare kind of lady, I’m honored to have her friendship.” Toriel beamed, very pleased with his response it seemed. Sans had to fight back his scowl as he rolled his sockets while heading over to Toriel’s side.
“Here Ms. Tori, I’ll see you out.” He offered. She nodded to him in thanks and waved goodbye to everyone one last time before Sans lead her out the door and down the steps to the bar below.
“Well that was a marvelous dinner even though it really was a bit impromptu. I hope you don’t mind me popping over so suddenly. I seem to be making a habit of it.” Toriel said, giggling slightly to herself. Sans shrugged in response.
“I don’t mind much.” He replied, though honestly he had to admit he was lying a bit. Getting Privacy with Frisk was rare enough as it was, and he really didn’t want to waste those precious moments alone constantly checking over his shoulder to make sure Toriel hadn’t burst unexpectedly into the room.
“Hey before you head out, do you mind grabbing a brief drink with me? I got something that I have to discus with you.” Sans then asked when they reached the tavern below.
“Oh alright then.” Toriel replied, following him over to the bar top. Sans took to his usual seat and Toriel claimed the empty stool next to his.
“Heya Grilbs.” Sans said, waving over the flame elemental. “Give me a whisky and uh …..”
“I’ll just have a glass of red wine please.” Toriel said. Grillby nodded and swiftly retrieved their ordered drinks before heading off to help some other customers.
“So first off, congrats on becoming the newest oldest member of the Pansies.” Sans started off, raising his glass to her in a cheers. “I’m glad you and the big guy have managed to make amends.” Toriel turned to him and smiled.
“Oh yes, I suppose you would already know about that.” She said. “I am happy to be back again, and yes we have made up … I mean working wise not um….” Toriel then blushed, realizing that she had just over complicated a simple enough subject. Sans chuckled.
“Don’t worry, I wasn’t implying anything.” He reassured her. Toriel then took of sip of her wine before she turned again in Sans direction.
“Sans I have to say I am very grateful that you have allowed Frisk’s friend to visit. I know Grillby’s isn’t exactly the best place to bring humans, but I do believe that it is important for her to not lose touch with her own kind.” She said extending her gratitude to him. Sans felt his shoulders sink at her thanks.
“Yeah don’t worry about it, it really wasn’t my idea.” He said a little bitterly.
“Joey seems to be a very up standing fellow as well. It is a shame that he has come into trouble with finding work however, but I do think that him and Frisk make a rather smart match, don’t you agree?” Toriel continued playfully. Sans had to bite back his grimace at her comment.
“Yeah well if by ‘up standing fellow’ you mean runaway hoodlum, then yes he is a fine catch indeed.” Sans replied almost a bit too snarky like. Toriel blinked in confusion.
“I … do not understand.” She asked, and Sans sighed.
“He’s actually who I have to talk to you about.” Sans began. “I uh, need to ask if you can squeeze me in for a meeting with Asgore. Possibly tomorrow if you can, or at least sometime this week.” Toriel tensed as she began to realize that apparently Joey was not what he had first appeared to be.
“What is this about Sans?” She asked, and Sans rubbed at the back of his neck.
“Well truth be told Joey isn’t just some nice guy that Frisk found in the city. He’s actually a former employee of the Banacci’s.” He said. Toriel paused, her eyes narrowing at the unfortunate news.
“Why in heavens name did you bring a former Banacci member here?! They have signed on with the Gambino’s, it is not safe for Frisk!” She then said angrily.
“I told you, it wasn’t my idea.” Sans replied calmly. “kiddo snuck him in under my watch.” Toriel almost audibly gasped.
“She did what?!” She demanded. Sans raised a defensive hand at Toriel’s growing volume.
“Easy.” He cautioned, reminding her that they were in a public place. “She says that he’s a friend, and I’ve been keeping my sockets on him. As much as I hate to admit it, he’s not a threat.” Sans stated.
Toriel just looked onward furiously.
“Oh I am going to give that girl such a talking too.” She said angrily and Sans almost chuckled at her motherly fury.
“Look Toriel, he might have some info that could prove useful, and he’s willing to sell it if we get him out of the city.” He said.
“No, I don’t trust this.” Toriel stated adamantly. “I want to go and talk to him.” Toriel then prepared to get out of her seat and storm up the stairs to confront Joey and Frisk once again. Sans placed a hand on her shoulder, discouraging her from doing so.
“Wait, wait a moment.” He said. “Look… the reason he’s running, he did Frisk a good turn and it costed him.” Toriel paused, her attention recaptured again.
“What do you mean?” She asked and Sans sighed, not really believing that he was actually trying to cast Joey in a favorable light, but he knew that Frisk would never forgive him if he threw her friend to the sharks, and he also had to admit that he did owe Joey for not selling her out to Ludo.
“He lied to his organization to keep her safe, and in turn he’s had a price placed on his head. He’s been branded as a traitor.” Sans explained. Toriel’s eyes softened slightly at his comment.
“All he wants is protection from the Gambino’s and a safe place to lay low for a while. I think it would be beneficial to consider, seeing as how he had an interior view of the Gambino’s organization.” Sans continued. Toriel sighed, letting go of her previous frustration as she tried to think with a level head.
“Alright.” She then said after a brief moment of deliberation. “I will see what I can do. I’ll call you with more details after I get a chance to explain this to Asgore.”
“Thanks Ms. Tori.” Sans said and Toriel nodded, grabbing her glass before finishing off her wine in a single swig.
“Well I think that I will be retiring for the night. I’ve had enough excitement for one evening it seems. Thank you for dinner Sans, it was ….interesting.” And with that Toriel made her exit, leaving Sans alone at the bar.
He slowly continued to sip at his drink as the crowd in the bar continued to dissipate the latter the night wore on. He was in no real hurry to get back upstairs as he really didn’t want to deal with Joey’s invasive presence again, or join in with the warm merry atmosphere in the apartment. Infact, he would much rather sulk at the bar if he was to be perfectly honest, it better suited the foul mood he found himself in. He then waved Grillby over for another round.
About four more double whiskies later, Sans wasn’t feeling all that much better. His annoyance and frustrations had begun to build, and that mixed with alcohol made his thoughts all the more difficult to regulate. He realized then that he still was very very angry. Of course he was angry with Joey, at his stupid suave smile and flirty mouth, and How he had nestled himself so comfortably in with Sans’ family, but it wasn’t just Joey that was causing Sans this irritation.
He was also angry with Frisk. He was angry that she had brought Joey back with her, back to his and his brother’s home, his safe haven that he had opened to her, which he had been willing to share with her. He was angry that she had attempted to hide Joey in her room. She had hidden him because she knew that it would make him angry, and yet she did it anyway. Why had she done that? Why couldn’t she just listen to him for once and go two seconds without getting herself into some kind of trouble? It was infuriating.
Toriel had also sharpened his distaste that evening. He hated how quick she had bought Joey’s clean smile and bogus story, how she had immediately even entertained the idea that Joey would make a good match for Frisk solely because he was a human like her. He was angry that Toriel would rather see Frisk with a runaway mobster that had a price on his head and nothing to his name, then see her with someone like him, because he was a monster, because he was someone who could only call her sweet names in absolute secrecy. It was then that Sans realized that he was really angry with himself.
His frustrations petered out as soon as the thought surfaced in his mind. Maybe Toriel was right to assume that Frisk should be matched up with someone of her own kind. Of course he didn’t mean with Joey, Frisk deserved far better than a penniless good for nothing like him, but perhaps a better human man. Someone who was well off, or had at least managed to make an honest living. Someone who could take her away from this gutter full of vile things and criminal scum, someone who could give her a proper life, who could provide for her, give her a nice house, perhaps like she wanted out in the countryside, maybe give her a family if that was something that she wished for.
Sans realized then that he could give her not one of those things. He couldn’t afford a house, he was a key member in one of the largest criminal organizations in Ebbot city so he could pretty much forget about living an honest life, and he was a monster which meant that he also couldn’t give her a family as monster magic and human biology really didn’t mesh in that regard. He couldn’t even hold her hand in public for Christ sake.
Sans placed his empty glass back down on the counter as he shakily stood from his seat.
“I’m gonna call it a night Grillb’s, just put whatever I owe ya on my tab.” He said with heavily slurred words as he stumbled toward the staircase. Grillby nodded, his ember eyes reflecting a look of concern as he watched Sans unsteadily make his way homeward.
The upstairs hallway was dark and quiet as it was very late now. Sans felt a weight shift of his shoulders when he realized that the rest of the apartments occupants had probably all gone to bed, which meant that he could finally get that moment of piece which he so desperately needed to sort through the more trying events that he had gone through that day. His pace picked up a bit as he wobbled his way toward the main apartment door. He was so eager to be in the comfort of his dark little bedroom and shut out the rest of the world.
“Sans?” A quiet slightly sleepy voice sounded from behind him. He startled a little, not expecting anyone to still be awake, before he turned around to face Frisk peeking out of her bedroom doorway clad in her long night shirt.
“Oh uh, heya kid, sorry did I wake you?” He asked, suddenly becoming extremely aware of his obviously slurred speech. Frisk also appeared to notice as she pursed her lips briefly in concern before she shook her head.
“No I was actually waiting up for you.” She said as she stepped further out into the hallway. “I was hoping to maybe talk to you a little before turning in."
“Sure sure, no problem.” Sans replied as he placed his easy smile back on to his face while concentrating heavily on his footing, praying that he didn’t appear too much like a shambling drunkard as he made his way back toward her. If Frisk noticed, she didn’t mention it as she merely smiled and lead the way into her room. She perched on the side of her bed and Sans sat next to her still trying his best to put on a sober face.
“Sans.” Frisk then asked, her previous worry leaking out more prominently now. “Are you alright?”
Sans smile twitched a little at her question before he waved a dismissive hand at her.
“Yeah, I’m fine sweet heart, just had a long day at work is all.” He answered easily, though Frisk’s brows furrowed and he knew that she wasn’t convinced.
“Are you sure?” She asked again. “At dinner tonight you seemed a little …off.”
“Off how?” Sans replied, trying to appear nonchalant.
“Just… off.” Frisk answered as she starred at the floor. “You weren’t being that nice to Joey.” She then stated, and Sans’ easy smile turned to a grimace before he could catch himself.
“Oh was I now huh, didn’t know the guy had such a soft shell, thought that he would be able to take a few jokes, but alright then, guess I’ll make sure I don’t bruise that delicate ego of his in the future.” He spat sarcastically. Frisk frowned at his snap.
“Are you still really that angry?” She then said defensively. “I didn’t think that lending out your couch for a few days would be so troubling to you.” Sans felt a pang of frustration start to build in his soul at her words.
“It is troubling when that someone is a wanted criminal.” He replied smartly. Frisk rolled her eyes.
“We are all wanted criminals.” She argued.
“Not human ones.” He grumbled back, and a hurt look flashed over Frisks brown eyes.
“I’m a human Sans, or did you forget that part?” She asked and Sans clenched his teeth in regret. He hadn’t meant it like that.
“Look kid, I’m just having a bad day alright? It’s just stressful coming home after work, only to deal with more work. I just need some time to cool off. I’m sorry I took it out on your friend, I promise I’ll be fine tomorrow.” Sans then said as he quickly made himself ready to leave before he said something else that he didn’t mean. Frisk however, jumped forward before he had a chance to stand up.
“Wait.” She said, her tone now tempered. “I didn’t mean to snap. I just want to know what’s wrong.” Sans sighed to himself as he looked over to her apologetic expression. He knew that she had nothing to be sorry for.
“Please, I want to help.” Frisk continued as she slowly reached over and lightly touched one of her hands to his.
Sans sockets softened at her gentleness. He really didn’t deserve it. He found himself moving closer to her, drawn in by her offer of comfort. He knew he shouldn’t, but he hadn’t gotten to spend any time with her recently since their apartment had been overly crowded with their new human tenant, and he had missed her. He moved a hand to her face and tucked her lose bangs behind one of her ears , better allowing her pretty brown eyes to glimmer in the dim light. He then trailed downward, his fingers brushing her rosy cheek before he tilted her chin up toward him. Then he kissed her. Frisk startled slightly in his hold, surprised by his sudden action, but she didn’t move away which was all the incentive that Sans needed as he began to deepen the kiss using his magic to send sparks across her skin.
He began to feel a certain desperation take a hold of him as he clung to her. He pulled her closer, wrapping a firm arm around her waist keeping her near him. she was so soft and warm, and so very inviting. Frisk stiffened at his tightened grip, a bit caught off guard by his advances, but he ignored it as he pushed further. He just wanted to be closer to her. He just wanted to get lost in her and forget the nightmares that he endured that day. He just wanted to feel good for a change.
Frisk broke away from him when she realized that he wasn’t backing off.
“Sans stop.” She said sternly. Sans immediately pulled back, her command cutting through his drunken lust filed haze. He turned away from her, the shame already setting deep in his soul.
“Sorry.” He mumbled as he starred at the floor. “I uh, I shouldn’t’ve done that I – I should go.” He then tried again to stand up and leave, wanting so badly to escape his steadily growing self-hatred, but Frisk caught him by the wrist holding him in place.
“No don’t.” She said, much to his surprise. “I’m not angry. I just I want to understand. I want to know what has you so upset.” Sans inwardly sighed. She really shouldn’t be so forgiving.
“Please Sans, you can talk with me can’t you? We’re partners right? Aren’t partners supposed to talk to one another?” Frisk continued shyly.
Sans felt another pang of guilt ring clear in his soul at her question. He sat back on her bed again. She was right. How could he have expected her to understand why he was angry or upset when he hadn’t even made a single attempt to talk to her about it? He had told himself that things were going to be different this time, he had convinced himself that he was going to do right by her and actually take this relationship seriously, and yet here he was trying to do what he always did when he found himself desperate and grasping at straws. He was trying to use her as a distraction, as a form of relief so he could escape from the things that he didn’t want to deal with. God he was selfish. Another wave of self-disgust promptly settled over him and he grimaced. Frisk noticed and moved closer to him, again gently reaching out to try and give him some solace.
“You know you really should be angry with me.” He told her with a dry and sad sounding chuckle.
“Well I’m not, I’m just worried.” She replied and Sans nodded as he tried to build up his courage.
Somehow he was very nervous all of a sudden, even with all the booze running a muck in his system. He found it so hard to tell her what was eating at him. He was afraid she would see how pathetic he truly was.
Frisk waited patiently next to him as he struggled. She didn’t push him, or demand that he hurry, she only sat next to him, quietly giving him silent support. Sans took a deep breath.
“I was being honest when I told you I had a bad day at work.” He began. “I uh, I’ve started looking for the Gambino’s monster, you know Doctor Gaster. He paused giving himself another moment.
“Do you remember how you asked me if I knew him, back when we first learned that he was the one working for the Gambino’s?” Sans than asked Frisk, and she nodded to him.
“Well the truth is I did know him. I actually worked for him back when he was practicing as the head scientist under the Pansies funding.” Sans explained. “I didn’t know it at the time, but he was doing some really bad things back then, bad things to innocent people, and I was helping him along.” Frisk frowned and more firmly gripped San’s hand.
“But that’s not your fault, you couldn’t have known.” She stated adamantly. Sans shrugged.
“That may be true, but I still feel responsible. I was so caught up in my own carrier and ambition that I didn’t even realize what I was contributing to and when I did find out….” Sans trailed off, not ready to reveal that part of his past to her just yet, instead he cleared his throat.
“Anyway I went back to the old lab to see if I could dig up any clues to his whereabouts, and I stumbled on to something really unsettling.” He said.
“What was it?” Frisk asked delicately, but Sans only shook his head.
“I’d… rather not get into the details.” He said. “But, I found evidence of another one of his secret side projects, and I may have unknowingly played a part in it.” A heavy silence filled the room as Sans confessed his grief, and Frisk was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say to comfort him, so she instead moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders in an attempt to hug him.
“I’m sorry.” She then said quietly. Sans smiled softly.
“You’re getting better at those surprise hugs.” He replied in an effort to lighten the mood.
“That’s because I have you to practice on remember?” Frisk said, sending him a sly smirk. Sans felt his cheekbones heat up a little at her answer.
“Heh.” He chuckled as he rubbed at the back of his neck. “Well it’s been a hell of a day, and tomorrows lookin even busier. I might finally get that audience with Asgore, and also a chance to get rid of Mr. McSlick over there.” Frisk snorted a bit at Sans’ jape, before she rolled her eyes at him.
“Jeez, you really don’t like him. What did Joey do Sans? Did he tell you a bad joke or something?” She asked teasingly, and Sans shrugged.
“Nah, well I mean he did, but that’s not really a problem. Some people just don’t got a sense of humor after all.” He replied.
“Well then what is the problem?” Frisk asked and Sans stiffened a bit. He scratched at his cheekbone sheepishly for a moment, deciding if he should really tell her. The more he thought about saying it out loud the more pathetic it sounded to him.
“I just … don’t like how he is with you.” He then answered a little begrudgingly. Frisk cocked her head to the side confused.
“With me? What do you mean?” She asked, and Sans shifted a little uncomfortably from next you her.
“Just you know, how he talks to you, or how he looks at you. It isn’t the nicest feeling knowing that you’re around him all day when it’s obvious he fancies you.” Sans explained still pointedly looking away from her. Frisk straightened up.
“Sans are you jealous?” She then asked him and Sans physically recoiled at her question.
He remained quiet for a while, unable to bring himself to answer her. Frisk pursed her lips, suddenly feeling guilty that she had been so insensitive toward Sans in that moment. She remembered the time that she had seen Sans flirting with that fox monster at the bar. She remembered how much it had stung, and how low it had made her feel. She’d never meant to make him feel that way.
“I’m sorry.” She said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I didn’t even realize, but you know you have nothing to worry about right?”
“Yeah, I know sweet heart.” Sans answered turning to her and offering her up a small smile, but he still didn’t really look all that convinced. Frisk frowned lightly as she tried to think of something else to say that would reassure him. She couldn’t come up with anything however, so instead she just stayed close to his side.
“Heh, I think it’s about time we call it a night. Sans then said after a few silent moments of just sitting together. “I have to admit I may have had one too many at the bar tonight. I should probably try and sleep it off some.” Sans then stood from his seat and this time Frisk let him go. He didn’t exactly feel all that much better about everything, but he had to admit that he did feel at least a little lighter after he had talked to her.
“Ok well have a good night then.” Frisk said, still feeling like she should do something more for him.
“Will do, see ya in the morning kid.” Sans replied as he tossed her a wink and a grin, but it still looked too sad for Frisks liking. Suddenly frisk felt something twinge inside of her being in response to Sans dejected disposition. She just couldn’t stand to see him looking so glum. She wanted to put his troubled mind at ease sh ewanted to make sure that he knew how much she cared for him.
“Sans.” She then called, reacting to the spur of determination that had sparked in her soul. He turned back to her, his hand resting on the doorknob.
“I love you.” She then said and he flinched, His sockets turning jet black in utter shock.
“O- oh.” He finally replied when he remembered how to speak again.