Bumps and bruises
Frisk drifted impassively in a pool of darkness that completely enveloped her form. She was so numb as she floated that she wasn’t even sure if her eyes were open or not. She recognized the familiar black expanse that surrounded her as the void from her nightmares, but this time there was no fear or sorrow linked to the blackness tethering her down, now she simply felt calm. She was content to continue drifting along until she heard a childish giggle sound from her right. Frisk almost allowed the slight disturbance to go unnoticed, but she recognized this laughter and she found herself turning toward the sound where she saw Chara grinning merrily at her as he sat cross-legged also floating in the darkness.
“Greetings.” Chara spoke, his red eyes glinting mischievously. Frisk blinked as she registered the appearance of her long lost friend. It was then that she fully realized that she was dreaming. She sat up in response.
“Hello Chara.” She replied happily. Chara’s smile widened. He was seemingly very glad that Frisk had answered him.
“Well it’s about time that you finally noticed me partner. I’ve been waiting for you for such a long while after all.” Charra continued. Frisk cocked her head slightly, confused by his comment.
“Waiting for me?” She asked. Chara smirked and leaned his weight back on his out stretched hands.
“Yes waiting for you silly. I’ve always been waiting, but whenever I tried to speak to you in the past our connection wasn’t very clear. Something was always blocking me from reaching you, but now that you’ve finally woken up we can talk to each other again.” Chara explained. Frisk just cocked an eyebrow.
“Woken up? But how can I be awake if I’m dreaming?” She questioned. Chara laughed in response, his glee evident in the high pitched tone of his voice.
“Not all dreams are only fantasies Frisk.” He replied before he scotched himself closer to her. He then placed a hand to the side of Frisk's cheek as his red eyes surveyed her intently.
“You really have grown up after all these years Frisky.” Chara then said. “I remember the last time that I saw you, you were only a little dirty thing, always following me around like a baby duckling.”
Frisk felt her cheeks flare up slightly in embarrassment as Chara laughed at her teasingly, but she supposed he was right. Back then she was too small and weak to fend for herself. However, unlike herself, Frisk realized that Chara hadn’t changed at all. He still looked the same as the last time that she had seen him, with his boyish thin frame, and slightly too long limbs that he had yet to grow completely into. His face even still held a trace of baby fat that hadn’t completely been shed away, and his dazzling red eyes still held that childish glint that Frisk had grown to know so well.
Frisk found herself suddenly feeling very small again, just like she had been when she was only a child completely dependent on Chara for survival. A strong sorrow took over her being as she looked over to him with big sad brown eyes.
“Why did you go away Chara?” She then asked him, her voice meek as she fought off the urge to cry. Chara immediately stiffened at her emotional display.
“I-I did just what you told me to, I stayed hidden. I waited for you to come get me. I was good Chara, I promise. I was good just like you wanted.” Frisk continued to blubber on reverting more and more into her past weak and scared self that she had been when Chara had been the one caring for her.
Chara’s eyes shifted also, their usual mirth suddenly hidden as a deep sadness took over his expression.
“I always ment to come back for you Frisky.” He then said as he reached outward to Frisk. “I didn’t want to leave you all by yourself.” Frisk sniffled in his hold as she felt more and more like the lost child that she used to be after Chara had left her.
“Why did you go Chara? Why?” She asked again as Chara patted the back of her hair softly.
“I didn’t have a choice.” Chara then hissed, his soft tone sharpening with anger.
Frisk flinched slightly in his hold, and Chara immediately threw on an impish smile before pulling away.
“But things are going to be much better soon Frisk. Now that I found you I promise I won’t ever leave you alone again.” He continued, and Frisk wiped at her watery eyes.
“You won’t? Really?” She asked, unsure if she was able to believe him.
“Yup things are happening Frisk, and soon you and me are going to be together again just like how we were in the old days.” He said happily the mischievous glimmer returning to his eyes once again. “It will be only the two of us, just like how it was always supposed to be.”
Frisk found herself smiling along with his enthusiasm, her previous sorrow almost completely forgotten about. Chara smirked and skootched next to Frisk’s side.
“Hey but for now you should go back to sleep. You still need to regain your strength after that little scrap today.” Chara continued.
Frisk furrowed her brows as she tried to remember what it was that Chara was referring to, but her memories remained fussy. Had she gotten into a fight? She couldn’t recall. Chara smiled and pushed her back so she was lying down again, but Frisk was reluctant to close her eyes, afraid that Chara would once again vanish and never re appear. Chara sensed her unease.
“I’ll stay right here Frisk.” He reassured her. “But you have to rest now.” Frisk nodded then slowly allowed her eyelids to flutter closed while trying her best to keep Chara in her vision for as long as possible, but soon his image faded away again as she succumbed to a deep and dreamless sleep. The last thing that she registered was Chara’s rosy pink pinched cheeks and his bright smile in the darkness.
Frisk’s eyes snapped open before she sat up with a start. A dull throbbing in her skull quickly tempered her rapid movements as she groaned in pain and then took a moment to nurse her head wound. As she waited for her sudden headache to dissipate she couldn’t help but replay the strange dream that she had just experienced.
She had seen Chara again, not only that but she had spoken with him. She had a conversation with him that wasn’t just based in her memory. Frisk furrowed her brows trying hard to remember the words that he had told her, but she found it difficult to evoke; something about being together again? Frisk smiled at that. It was a nice thought at least.
Soon the smell of sizzling bacon wafted through her room. Frisk felt her mouth start to water as she sniffed the savory smelling air. It seemed like Papyrus had started breakfast already. Frisk then tossed aside her covers before gingerly standing up. She braced herself on the bed post as a dizzy spell passed over her.
She then realized that she was still wearing the black dress that she had gone to the graveyard in. She grimaced slightly when she noted how the fabric was now wrinkled. Seeing as she had spent the night in the dress she then opted to first change before going to see the brothers. She decided on switching into her comfortable grey trousers. She knew that she now had a whole wardrobe to choose from, but she still felt a little bit too warn out to really put all that much effort into her appearance today.
When Frisk made it to the main apartment she was surprised to see that both of the brothers were actually in the kitchen, and both were cooking. Papyrus was adorned in his 'Kiss the Cook' apron, which was pristine and rumple free, with his sleeves rolled up neatly to his elbows. Sans, one the other hand, was in the 'Not Afraid to take Whisks' apron, though his apron, as well as the rest of his exposed clothing, was already well splattered with numerous stains.
“SANS, YOU ARE STIRRING THE BATTER TOO MUCH! YOU’RE GOING TO OVERWORK IT.” Papyrus scolded as Sans sloshed what looked like pancake mix roughly in a bowl. Sans scowled as the batter sloped over the side of the bowl, coating his fingers in a thick gooey mess.
“Awe jeez.” Sans grumbled as he tried to smear the thick batter off of his phalanges by wiping it down the side of his apron, adding yet another blotch to the already filthy garment. Papyrus rolled his sockets in response.
“SEE, WHAT DID I TELL YOU?” He continued to lecture.
“Well how the heck am I supposed to know? You just told me to stir it so I stirred it.” Sans argued and Papyrus only sighed.
“THIS IS WHY I DON’T ASK YOU TO HELP ME COOK. I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU EVEN OFFERED TODAY.” Papyrus said. Sans merely muttered in response. He was also regretting his decision. He had thought that it might be a nice distraction while he waited for Frisk to wake up, but now it seemed that it was just causing him even more frustration.
A snicker sounding from the entrance to the kitchen however caused both brothers to look over to where Frisk had a hand placed over her mouth in an attempt to stifle her laughter. Sans mood immediately brightened when he saw that she was finally awake. He had been worried with how long she had been asleep for. Sans straightened up and almost made his way toward her, but then remembered how much of a mess he currently was. He opted to awkwardly shimmy his way over to the sink instead and attempt to clean himself up a little first. Papyrus however, strutted over to her immediately before wrapping her up in a tight Papyrus hug and hoisting her up off of the ground. Frisk giggled, instantly feeling comfortably squished in Papyrus’ familiar boney embrace while her feet dangled in the air.
“OH FRISK YOU ARE AWAKE, HAZA!” Papyrus declared happily while nuzzling his skull into the side of Frisk’s cheek. “WE WERE SO WORRIED. HOW ARE YOU FEELING? DOES YOUR HEAD STILL HURT? DO YOU NEED ANOTHER HEALING SESSION?” He then questioned intently.
“No no, I’m fine Papyrus.” Frisk insisted, trying her best to put the younger brothers concerns at ease. She deciding to not mention the fact that she still did feel a little bit weak.
Sans then sauntered up next to his brother and Frisk could see that despite his lazy smile his pinpricks were sharp as he held them pinned on her. She knew that he was also just as concerned if not more so then Papyrus.
“Hey kid, how’s your head?” He asked her casually and Frisk bit at her bottom lip feeling incredibly guilty at how much she had worried the both of them.
“I’m ok Sans.” She said trying her best to force on a charming smile, before she completely lost her attempt and her eyes slid sheepishly to the floor.
“I’m …sorry I worried you both so much.” She then confessed as she fiddled with her hands. “I shouldn’t have demanded so much from you. I wasn’t in the right state of mind and I should have listened to you both…” She trialed off as she then gained the courage to take a small peek back up to the two brother’s Papyrus was just beaming back at her ready to fully accept her apology as he patted her reassuringly on the shoulder.
“IT IS ALL RIGHT FRISK. THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOU ARE SAFE.” He said flashing her a commending smile. Frisk sent a small apologetic one of her own back to him, glad that he wasn’t angry with her. She then looked over to Sans who she found was still wearing that mask of a smile of his.
“Heh, no sweat kid.” He said simply as he reached out and ruffled Frisks hair.
It was a nice enough gesture but Frisk found herself still feeling anxious. She wasn’t satisfied with Sans response, something still felt off about it. Frisk was about to try again to make amends for her stupid actions when a knock sounded at the front door. Before Frisk could get his attention again Sans was already on the way to answer it.
“Heya Alphys, thanks for coming…” Sans said in greeting to the nervous little lizard monster standing in the doorway who he had expected to see. However, when his pinpricks flicked over to also view Undyne with the annoyed scowl that Sans recognized from last night still plastered on her face his welcoming façade faltered slightly.
“…And Undyne.” He continued after a brief pause. Undyne merely grunted in response before Sans reluctantly stepped out of the way to let them both in.
“Heard that the punk got hurt, figured I’d come checkup on her.” Undyne muttered once she was inside the apartment.
“How thoughtful.” Sans sighed, as he knew that there was most likely another reason why she decided to come along, probably having something to do with his interruptions the other night.
Alphys immediately skittered across the apartment to Frisk, paying the moody Undyne no mind as she focused on the medical task at hand. Frisk had now taken a seat on the sofa as a slight dizzy spell had overcome her. Alphys didn’t utter so much as a word and clamped Frisk’s face firmly between her own scaly hands before pulling her toward herself and staring directly into her eyes.
“Uh...ummmmm.” Frisk fidgeted uneasily as Alphys continued to study her intently.
“How has your vision been Frisk? Is it fuzzy or do you see any spots?” Aplhys then asked.
"Well um, it was a little fuzzy this morning, but I think I’m fine now.” Frisk replied.
Alphy’s only hummed before reaching into her pocket and retrieving a little flash light. She then shown the beam into Frisk’s eyes while continuing to stare into them. Frisk tried her best to stay still but she had to admit that she was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
“Well your pupils aren’t dilated and are reacting pretty well to the light so that’s a good sign." Alphys said as she clicked her flashlight off and pocketed it once again.
“Have you had any dizzy spells or nausea?” She then questioned.
Frisk bit at the side of her cheek. In truth she knew that she had been feeling weak, but she still felt so guilty about all the trouble that she had caused everyone, and she really didn’t want anyone to worry about her any more.
“No, not really.” She mumbled halfheartedly, but her attempt to brush the subject under the rug was unsuccessful as Papyrus immediately caught on to her sheepish tone.
“FRISK, YOU’RE FEELING SICK? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US?” He asked, his voice concerned as he fretted over her.
“ It’s really nothing.” Frisk tried to protest. “I’m just healing that’s all-”
“Kid.” Sans’ even flat tone immediately caught Frisk's attention and silenced her attempts at evading Papyrus’ questions as she sheepishly turned to look his way. His pinpricks were held heavy over her, and though his sockets still had their usual half lidded lazy gaze, she could tell that there was a demand behind them, a demand that she knew she couldn’t refuse. She sighed to herself.
“I um, have been feeling a little dizzy lately.” She admitted.
Alphys’ brows furrowed as she then made a move toward the bandage on the side of Frisk’s head before gingerly removing the gauze hiding her wound. Frisk hissed a little as Alphys tugged on the bandage which pulled a little on the tender raw flesh surrounding the gash. Undyne let out a low whistle when the wound became visible.
“Wow punk that’s gonna leave a snazzy scar.” She said with a toothy sideways grin. Papyrus continued to fidget by Frisks side.
“DOES IT STILL HURT FRISK? I CAN GIVE YOU ANOTHER HEALING SESION IF YOU WOULD LIKE?” He offered.
“Thanks Papyrus, but I think I’m in good hands with Dr. Alphys here.” She replied. Alphys blushed a little at the praise but quickly brushed it aside as she continued to focus on her work.
“It- it definitely looks worse than it is, though you are going to need some st-stiches.” She concluded. Frisk’s face fell at the news and Alphys noticed immediately.
“Oh- oh, but d-don’t worry it won’t hurt um, much. And it will be quick!” She then declared in an attempt to make Frisk feel more at ease.
Frisk took a deep breath and then sent a small smile back to the doctor in thanks for her efforts, though she still was very nervous. She remembered when she had witnessed Alphys sew up Undyne’s wound and she had to admit that the memory caused a shiver to run up her spine, especially when she thought about the needle piercing her own flesh. Frisk hated needles.
Sans noticed Frisk’s discomfort and slowly sauntered forward as Alphys got the supplies from her medical bag. He took a seat next to her on the couch.
“You doing ok?” He asked her and Frisk nodded stiffly, but he could see the tight grip that she was holding on the sofa cushions.
“Don’t worry punk, it’s just a pinch. The needles so sharp you won’t even feel it.” Undyne said, trying to make light of the situation. Unfortunately, her choice of wording had the opposite effect as Frisk flinched at the mention of ‘sharp’ and ‘needle.’ Sans raised an unimpressed brow bone at Undyne from his seat next to Frisk.
“Uh …I mean…. Here, I’ll go help Alphys out. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.” She said, back pedaling as she made her way over to help the little yellow lizard monster organize her things.
“FRISK, I’LL MAKE YOU SOME TEA TO HELP SETTLE YOUR NERVES.” Papyrus suggested. He then disappeared into the kitchen before Frisk could utter a word of protest. Instead, she sighed to herself before slumping back into her seat dejectedly.
Sans continued to watch Frisk as she anxiously fidgeted. She kept her gaze averted to the floor, not daring to chance a look over at Alphy’s who was currently threading the needle. She swallowed thickly, trying to smother the dreadful feeling of anticipation swirling around and around in her stomach.
Sans then slowly reached forward before taking one of Frisk’s tense hands in his own.
“You’re gonna be just fine kiddo, Alphys is aces at this kind of stuff.” He said reassuringly.
Frisk snapped her gaze in his direction at the feeling of him taking her hand, before looking around the room apprehensively. She then sent him a questioning eyebrow, asking silently if it was really such a good idea for him to be so close to her in a room full of their friends. He mealy shrugged nonchalantly in return.
“Don’t worry about it bucko, there’s nothing more to be read into here.” He stated catching her hint. “Besides it seems to me that you have more thread full things on your mind, sew don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand.” He continued with a sly wink.
Frisk blinked at him blankly for a moment before she registered his puns, and then a smile cracked through her previously nervous exterior, and a laugh loosened up her stiff limbs. Sans smile turned a tad more genuine when he saw that she had somewhat calmed down a little.
“Laughing already kid? You got to wait for Alphys before you unravel. I mean she’s the one who’s supposed to leave you in stitches not me.” He continued, making Frisk laugh just a little bit harder.
Papyrus had now repapered with Frisk’s tea. At first he wore a firm grimace at hearing his brother’s awful jokes again, but then when he saw Frisk laughing next to him, the fear almost all gone from her expression, his frown then settled into a light relived smile. He decided he would just have to let Sans have this one, but only for Frisk’s sake.
Alphys, and surprisingly also Undyne, also looked over amusedly at the pair. Alphys let a small giggle of her own sneak past her snout as she finished sanitizing her equipment, but then Sans sent over a nudging pinprick and she and Undyne straitened up before carefully making their way over, catching on to Sans signal that now was probably the best time to approach Frisk with the needle and thread.
As the two gingerly made their way forward, Frisk's attention snapped to them and then she fell back into her previously panicked state of mind. As Frisk eyed the tray of medical equipment that Alphys placed on the coffee table, Sans noticed her slipping back into her fearful state, and gently squeezed her hand, getting her to look toward him again.
“Hey uh, why don’t you just look over at me for a little while yeah?” He suggested with a playful lilt to his tone “I mean no bones about it, I know I’m not the most attractive fella around, but at least I got a strong pronounced jaw and sharp cheekbones.” He said making a show of gesturing to his face. Frisk gave him a small smile in return for his efforts, but she was nowhere near as distracted as she had been before her mind was drawn toward the shiny sharp instruments only a few feet away.
Alphys then slowly moved to Frisks side, the needle in hand but kept out of sight.
“Frisk, I’m going to need you to lean back and stay still for me ok?” She said, using the most tender tone that she could muster. Frisk took in a deep breath before nodding and getting herself situated. She kept her head turned toward Sans, focusing on his steady pinpricks to help ground herself.
“Tibia honest, I think your perfectly carpal-ble to handle this little flesh wound kiddo. See if it were me, I’d be scared out of my skin, rattled right to the bone. But look, you’re doing just fine.” Sans continued, rubbing his thumb over the knuckle white grip Frisk had on the rest of his hand in an attempt to sooth her.
Frisk tried her best to focus on Sans words as she fought to control her shaky breathing. She felt a slight stinging as Alphys wiped the wound clean with some sort of disinfectant. The strong sent of rubbing alcohol perforated her nostrils. The smell sent a buzz of panic through her nerves but Frisk just forced herself to keep her eyes on Sans . As silly as they were, his puns were actually helping to calm her down. It gave her mind something to divert its attention away from the inevitable bite of the needle.
“Got more spine then this fella, that’s for sure Heh, and not to mention guts.” Sans continued to ramble on and on, not breaking his gaze away from hers, even when he saw Alphys begin to approach with the needle in his peripheral vision.
Frisk then felt a sharp jab by her temple and she stiffened immediately knowing that Alphys had begun working to sew her wound closed.
It hurt. It stung and burned as Alphys threaded the needle through her raw open flesh, but she didn’t dare move. The pain would only be worse if she struggled, she knew that already. Frisk instead tried her best to just stay upright as the blood drained from her face and a heavy dizzy spell swept over her.
Sans grip on her hand tightened when he noticed her go pail, and then Frisk became aware of a different sensation. A cool tingling smoothing over the skin of her hand as Sans continued to rub gentle circles with his thumb laced with magic. As she focused on that feeling instead, her dizziness soon dissipated.
“I’m partelaing the truth here bucko, you’re almost through. No fibula.” Sans encouraged. Frisk merely let out a weak pained moan.
Soon the ordeal was over. With a quick nip of the scissors Alphys finished stitching up Frisk's wound and sealed it over with fresh gauze and a clean white bandage.
“There all finished!” She said happily. Frisk let out a heavy breath of relief before slumping over. Her head was still throbbing, but it wasn’t nearly as bad anymore now that Alphys had finally finished.
Undyne promptly moved forward before commendably smacking Frisk hard on the back.
“There punk, not so bad right?” She said with a sharp grin. Frisk coughed a little, caught off guard by Undyne’s tough love, but managed a smile and a nod in the end.
“HERE YOU ARE FRISK, I PUT SOME HEALING POWDER IN YOUR TEA. IT SHOULD HELP DULL ANY DISCOMFORT THAT YOU ARE FEELING” Papyrus said cheerily, taking a step forward and presenting Frisk with a stemming mug.
“Thanks Papyrus.” Frisk replied gratefully as she quickly accepted the beverage and took a long drink. She felt the magic take quick effect, warming her up from the inside out as her heart beat began to settle down to its normal rhythm again.
Sans stood up and sauntered a few paces away now that Frisk had overcome her ordeal. Frisk missed his reassuring presence immediately, but she understood that he probably shouldn’t remain so close to her; though she did still feel that there was an underlying coldness to him that was lingering from this morning.
Alphys again came forward this time with a thermometer in hand.
“Frisk p-please hold this in your mouth for a few minutes.” She then said, placing the thermometer between Frisks lips.
“I noticed that you felt a bit warm when I was dressing your wound. I just want to make sure that you don’t have a fever.” Alphys continued.
Fisk did as she was instructed and held the little plastic instrument in her mouth while Alphys packed up her equipment. After a few moments Alphy’s reached out and took the thermometer back again before glancing at the temperature gage with a look of concentration. Papyrus rung his hands as he hovered nervously by Frisk’s side.
“DOCTOR PLEASE, IS FRISK GOING TO BE ALRIGHT?” He asked in a tone that almost made Frisk think that her life was on the line or something. Alphys hummed thoughtfully in response.
“Well it’s as I suspected, Frisk has a bit of a fever.” She answered and Papyrus gasped dramatically.
“OH NO! FRISK IS SICK?!” He exclaimed as he quickly pulled Frisk to his ribcage in a protective embrace.
“O-oh oh, it’s nothing serious, please don’t be alarmed. It’s most likely just a cold.” Alphys quickly explained in an attempt to calm the younger skeleton down. Frisk just sighed to herself while she remained squeezed in Papyrus’s hold. Of course she had to go and get herself sick on top of everything else.
A boney cool touch to her forehead quickly pulled her away from her dismal thoughts. As she turned her gaze she was met with Sans looking at her keenly while he held his hand lightly on her forehead. He was still wearing his veneer like smile, but she could see that his brow bone was knitted slightly in concern.
“You do feel pretty warm kiddo.” He said and Papyrus tightened his hold on her which almost made her wheeze.
“OH FRISK, I’M SORRY! I SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE OBSERVANT. NOW A NASTY COLD HAS SNUCK UP ON YOU!” He practically wailed as his sockets turned to big black watery sorrow filled pools. Frisk wiggled one of her arms free and patted his forearm reassuringly.
“Papyrus its ok.” She managed to rasp. “It isn’t your fault. It’s just a little cold, I’ll be fine.” Papyrus merely whimpered in response.
“I-I think the most important thing now is to just get lots of rest Frisk, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.” Alphys then cut in.
Papyrus stood rigidly from his seat, releasing Frisk from his hold. Frisk blinked at his suddenly stoic demeanor confusedly, and was about to ask if anything was wrong when he then quickly turned toward her, grabbing the throw blanket from the back of the couch as he did so, before expertly wrapping it snugly and securely around her in one swift movement. By the time he backed away Frisk felt like she had been trapped in a cozy cocoon…one that she had no hope of escaping from.
“THERE FRISK NOW YOU GET PLENTY OF REST RIGHT HERE. I’M GOING TO MAKE YOU SOME NICE TASTY CHICKEN NOODEL SOUP WITH PLENTY OF FLUIDS!” He exclaimed adamantly before spinning on his heels and leaping in to the kitchen to scrap the almost completed bacon and pancake breakfast that he had been working on before in order to start his new task of soup.
The others just watched him go unsurprised by his resolve.
“Jeez, your brother’s pretty protective over Frisk isn’t he?” Undyne mused, leaning against a far wall next to Sans. Sans shrugged in response.
“Heh, yeah he’s gotten pretty attached.” He agreed amusedly as he knew that his brother wasn’t the only one.
“You get to tell Asgore what happened yet? I heard that the front page of every newspaper in town is covering that little scuffle you and the punk got into the other night.” Undyne questioned. Sans sighed glumly under his breath, his shoulders slumping at the unpleasant memory.
“Yeah.” He answered. “I called him early this morning. Turns out the cops are already on his doorstep sniffing around.”
“Those Gambinos sure like making a mess of things. It’s like they think they’re invincible or something with that weapon. I mean this incident is gonna cause them trouble too.” Undyne grumbled. Sans nodded along in agreement.
“Well their new boss isn’t exactly the calm and collected type. I can’t believe that I’m even saying this, but I actually miss the days when Big Sam was the one in charge.” Sans said as he rubbed at a knot in his stiff neck.
“Yeah, at least Sam was somewhat predicable. Ludo’s a god damn loose cannon.” Undyne replied. Sans smirked at her comment.
“That coming from you is sure saying a lot.” He teased. Undyne sent him a sideways grin and an amused chuckle in response.
“ Uh… That was nice what you did for Frisk by the way…you know keeping her distracted and all when Alphys had to patch her up.” Undyne continued, and Sans let a pinprick wander lazily over in her direction where he saw her fidget slightly. There was something else that she wanted to say to him.
“Eh, well I figured it must not be the nicest feeling getting something stuck in your skin and all, not that I can really relate to that.” He replied smartly. There was then a short span of silence as Undyne continued to shuffle her feet while she worked up her nerve. Sans just continued to idly lean his weight against the wall, waiting patiently for Undyne to say her two cents.
“Look…”She finally spoke. “About the other night when you saw Alphys and me… I just need you to keep that bit of info to yourself alright?” She then finished gruffly.
Sans didn’t say anything but raised a brow bone, indicating that he needed more information. Undyne grumbled under her breath.
“It’s complicated.” She continued. “We’re just trying this whole …I don’t even know what it is really, but I know that I like her …a lot … and well, you know how the gang can be. You gotta keep up appearances and follow the rules and if they don’t approve, well it can mean trouble.” She then concluded sadly.
“More than anything I just want to keep her out of harm’s way, so can I count on you to not squeal about what you saw?” Undyne then questioned again, her demeanor taking on a much more serious air. Sans only smiled.
“I don’t even know what you’re talking about friend. I wasn’t even out last night, had my hands pretty full here with the kid after all.” He replied smoothly with a well-timed wink. Undyne visibly relaxed at his answer letting out a breath of relief.
“Thanks Sans.” She said.
“Anytime pal.” Sans replied before patting her reassuringly on the shoulder, After all he knew what she was dealing with better then what he let on to. Sans then made his way over to Alphys who was just about all tidied up.
“W- Well I think that’s about everything.” She said as she gave Frisk a final once over. “Just remember to take it easy, a-and don’t hesitate to call if you need anything, oh! Or if the fevure worsens, oh and don’t forget to change your bandages, and don’t be too rough with your stiches so you don’t reopen your wound, and um and…”
Sans stepped forward and placed a reassuring arm on Alphys’ shoulder.
“Thanks Al, I think we can take it from here.” He said in an effort to stop her rambling.
“Oh um, yes ok then.” Alphys replied, her face flushing a little when she realized how long she had been going on for.
“Thanks Alphys, again for everything. I’m glad that I can always count on you to patch me up when I get myself into trouble.” Frisk added.
Alphys blushed more predominantly at Frisk’s comment. She then quickly managed a timid appreciative smile.
“N-no problem.” She replied.
Soon Undyne and Alphys both made there leave of the skeleton brother’s apartment. Both said their farewells, Undyne ruffled Frisk’s hair aggressively, while flashing her a final sharp toothed smile and Alphys gave a nervous wave before they disappeared through the front door.
The apartment then fell into relative silence as now it was only Sans and Frisk left in the living room. Only the occasional clatter of pots and pans could be heard from the kitchen as Papyrus continued to busy himself with making Frisk’s cure all chicken noodle soup. Frisk fiddled in her blanket cocoon, though she usually enjoyed the quiet this time it seemed stifling. Usually the silent spans that she experienced when Sans was near were comfortable. She actually liked the moments when they would simply sit on the couch together doing their own separate activities. She would usually be reading and he would normally be filling out a cross word puzzle while drinking from a steaming mug of coffee. They would often just wordlessly enjoying the others presence, but this time it was different.
Frisk still sensed that chill in the air from earlier. There was an underlying hostility that seemed to hang over Sans. Though he only offered her a phony grin when he turned toward her and caught her staring at him. Frisk fumbled averting her eyes as she tried to think of a way to break the ice that had formed between them. She knew that he was most likely still angry with her about what had happened at the cemetery. She needed to talk to him again as soon as possible. She didn’t want to leave this incident swept under the rug. That wouldn’t be fair to Sans, even though she was pretty sure that he would tell her that he didn’t want to talk about it, or that it wasn’t a big deal and that he was fine, but Frisk could tell that he wasn’t really fine.
As he passed by the couch after returning from seeing Undyne and Alphys out Frisk made a move, lightly grabbing at his wrist. He paused before slowly turning toward her.
“Sans, wait I - ….”She began but Sans cut her off before she could continue.
“Not now.” He stated under his breath and Frisk clamped her lips shut. “Look, we’ll talk later ok?” Sans continued, though his tone made it clear that he wasn’t really asking. Frisk silently nodded in understanding, allowing her hand to fall away from his wrist.
She knew that she couldn’t push this, and she knew that Sans was right to want to wait for a more private moment before getting into this discussion. It most likely was going to be an emotional one, at least for her it would be, and it probably wasn’t a good idea to be probing at her already guilty conscious when Papyrus was still well within ear shot. She probably wouldn’t be able to control her feelings if she tried to open up with Sans right now. She sat back in her seat and allowed Sans to continue on his way into the kitchen.
“I’ma just gonna help Paps out ok?” Sans then said, his voice somewhat apologetic as realized that he had maybe been too harsh. Frisk nodded again.
“Ok.” He then continued, pausing slightly before moving away again. “Thanks kid.” He then said before he rounded the corner into the kitchen.
Frisk continued to sit snugly on the couch wrapped up in her blankets. She swallowed thickly, smothering her anguish as she prepared a pleasant smile to be placed on her face when Papyrus came back into the living room. She knew she would get a chance to speak with Sans …eventually, but until then she would just have to endure. Frisk let out a slow breath. It was alright, she could handle it, and truthfully she believed that this was fair. She had worried everyone again and she realized she had to be patient. She had brought this on herself after all, and she would just have to sit alone and deal with the consequences.