Cops and Robbers.
Ludo expertly fastened a charming smile across his face as he sat in his parlor while he sipped casually at his espresso. With all of the bullshit meetings and negotiations that Gaster had made him sit through he had actually become pretty good at keeping up appearances, and though he still hated it he could see why it was an important skill. Particularly since the person sitting across from him at the moment was the chief of police, here on business regarding a murder that had occurred only a few days ago.
Inside Ludo was a mixture of nerves and rage, as he understood that though Chief MacDonnell had been willing to brush certain events under the rug for the right price in the past, didn’t necessarily mean that he could simply erase all of the Gambino’s miss deeds; especially when those deeds were done by his idiot underlings who, at the moment, Ludo wanted to murder himself.
“So, Chief MacDonnell, I understand that this little incident is proving to be a bit of a thorn in your side,” Ludo began carefully.
Chief MacDonnell merely huffed in response as he took a large guzzle from his coffee mug, before reaching over and grabbing a handful of sweets that were placed in the middle of the table.
“Cut the small talk Ludo.” He said as he stuffed his gob. “You know, that’s why Big Sam was such a good leader. He knew when to drop the bogus attitude and phony smile and get right to the point.
Ludo grit his teeth in response, but kept himself calm none the less.
“Well, you and Big Sam were pretty close friends back in the day.” Ludo replied pleasantly. “The boss was able to get the Gambinos out of a lot of trouble thanks to your cooperation in the past, and we were hoping that the organization, as it is now, would still be able to rely on your support as it did in the old days.”
MacDonnell chuckled.
“So this little incident has you spooked eh? I thought the tabloids might get you feeling squirmy; especially since allot of them have somehow found out about how the victim was a member of the Gambino’s.” He said smugly. Ludo fought hard against the urge to scowl.
“Yes, and I thought that I would meet with you to ensure-”
“That my police force won’t use this as a means to investigate further into your organization?” MacDonnell finished, cutting Ludo off. Ludo clenched his fist under the table cloth, but still kept up his smile.
“Precisely.” He replied.
MacDonnell then grunted as he got himself more comfortable in his chair, before he leaned forward and held Ludo in a superior gaze for a few moments.
“I suppose I could turn a blind eye for old time’s sake….” He began. “And a larger cut of your endeavors future profits.”
Ludo internally rolled his eyes at the request, but he had been expecting as much. Chief MacDonnell had always been a greedy son of a bitch.
“Of course, with your co- operation we will be willing to offer you a five percent increase in your cut.” He said. MacDonnell only smiled devilishly.
“Make it fifteen and we got a deal.” He countered. Ludo paused for a moments as he blinked his anger back under control.
“I’ll settle on ten.” He then said.
“Fifteen!” MacDonnell repeated sternly. “You’ve gotta learn son, that although you are now the supposed head of the Gambinos, you weren’t the one that built it. You were given this tittle, and you’ve got to earn the respect of those who really are the ones that keep it from toppling over. I’ve worked with Big Sam since the very beginning! I’ve kept the cops from dragging him and his lackeys straight to prison. You, and Asgore, and every other mob boss, all think you’re such hot shit, but if you want to keep running your business's freely without someone throwing a wrench in your plans, then you gotta pay the one that keeps this city in check, and that would be me.”
Ludo’s icy eye twitched at MacDonnell’s arrogant words. He paused, and then folded his hands over the table top while he thought of his response.
“Tell me Chief MacDonnell.” He then began casually. “You mentioned Asgore’s name in that speech of yours. Are you also in allegiance with the Pansies concerning this matter?”
“As a matter of fact, I am.” MacDonnell replied proudly. “As well as a good number of other organizations. You see Ludo, they all know that I’m the one that decided who stays afloat in this city.”
“…You do know that the Pansies and the Gambinos are not on the best of terms don’t you?” Ludo continued, ignoring the pompous boasts that Chief MacDonnell was spewing.
MacDonnell narrowed his eyes as if almost offended by Ludo’s question.
“Of course I know! It’s my job to know! I know every scum bucket and low life that festers in this city, and I know who’s working with who and which one hates the other. I’m just playing my part see? Building up my own business here. The Pansies came to me with the same want to make this incident disappear just as you did. I don’t give a damn if you got beef with them or not, if you want to be kept out of the investigation then you pay what you owe me!”
Ludo then chuckled darkly, His charming smile turning malicious in an instant.
“Oh come off that high horse of yours you pig!” He then snapped, and MacDonnell blinked blankly in absolute shock.
“All this nonsense about you running this town is complete crap! You’ve gotten so comfortable in that position of yours that you don’t even realize how replaceable you are. The only reason any gang tolerates your fat ass to begin with is because they know it’s simpler to pay you off to leave them alone, instead of going through the motions of having you killed and then instating someone else that will again play by their rules! You only have as much power as they let you have!” Ludo challenged darkly.”
“I’ll admit that you’re right about one thing though chief. I am really no good at this sort of desk work. Personally, I consider myself more of a field man; in fact I’ve been dying for some action now that I think about it. You know what I really think would be just a hoot and a half? An all-out gang war along with the police force thrown in there! I actually would consider that to be a pretty fun party to go to, and I already now as do you that the Gambinos could rip apart this city without breaking a sweat.” He continued.
“You know what else chief? That time is coming when this town burns to the goddamn ground, and to tell ya the truth, I don’t really give a damn if the Gambinos burn along with it !!!” Ludo then laughed out loud and Chief MacDonnell stared on in silence, a chill of terror running up and down his spine.
“I actually think it would be quite a sight to behold don’t you Chief? “ Ludo then asked his cold eyes glimmering wildly as he pinned the chief of police to his seat.
Chief MacDonnell sat rigid in his chair for a moment, not able to say a word as Ludo continued to fix him with his venomous stare while he waited patiently for his response.
MacDonnell swallowed thickly, leaning forward in his seat again, but this time not able to bring himself to hold Ludo’s gaze.
“I’ll take the five percent.” He then said quietly and Ludo’s wolfish smile grew larger.
“Glad that we could come to an arrangement.” He replied.
----------------------
Frisk huffed as she waltzed back and forth along the length of the apparent. She was currently bored, like she was almost every other day; however she still hadn’t gotten used to it. Her cold had subsided for the most part, only a small sniffle remained. Though even with her fever gone she still found that she was experiencing strange dreams. Most if not all of them were about Chara, and they were all like the first one that she had. It would just be she and him sitting in the darkness. Sometimes he would talk to her and say…strange things, things that she couldn’t always remember, and sometimes he would just sit and stare at her with a simple smile on his face.
Though they were odd, Frisk wasn’t really at all bothered by them; in fact she actually rather enjoyed them. She knew it was really only a fantasy and that her dreams weren’t at all real, but she still had to admit that it was nice to be able to see Chara again, to hear his voice, and to see him smiling. She didn’t know why her mind had decided to show her these nice visions, especially instead of the nightmares that she was used to being tortured with, but she decided that she wasn’t going to complain about it. She supposed that she was just finally allowed to have a break, and truthfully she knew that she needed it.
Sans watched Frisk as she paced agitatedly while he peeked over the edge of his newspaper with his feet up on the coffee table from his relaxed position on the sofa. He knew that she was irritated by the heavy sighs that she kept making while she wandered around with no real purpose. Although he couldn’t help but feel slightly amused by her restlessness, he couldn’t deny that he was also feeling a little bit stir crazy at the moment.
Normally, Sans wouldn’t complain about being ordered to stay put in his nice, warm, cozy apartment, but His new task was to find out about what was being built by the Gambinos out in the woods, along with his previous orders to catch Gaster, and well that wasn’t necessarily very easy when one was confined to stay indoors without the chance of actually getting out in the city to start digging around. Instead Sans had pretty much remained on the phone all morning, directing others to look into possible leads, or calling up informants to try to purchase information. It was sadly not a very effective strategy.
Doggo had just phoned the bar maybe an hour ago to report that he had unfortunately come up empty with his trip to city hall and his inquiry into any possible leads that would give the Gambino’s building projects location away . The Pansies had multiple moles and informants stationed in all of the major facets and important offices which ran the city, but even so, none of them could access any information on the land that the Gambinos had supposedly purchased. Sans knew that Gaster was the one behind this of course. The good doctor had always been smart about covering his tracks after all.
Another grumble from Frisk quickly refocused Sans attention as she again passed by him on her trek. He couldn’t help but smirk to himself a little bit. She always seemed to put him in a better mood.
As Frisk pivoted on her heals to make her way over to the window for maybe the sixth or seventh time in the past half hour, the new skirt that Toriel had gotten for her flared out a little around her. Sans raised a brow bone.
This wasn’t the first day that Frisk had warn one of her new outfits that Toriel had gotten for her, and though the garments were all very casual and modest, Sans had actually noticed the more feminine fashioned wardrobe a while back. He had to admit that he rather liked the change in her style. The long high wasted pleated burgundy skirt that she was wearing today, for example, flowed out around her nicely as she moved gradually around the house. The belted waist synched in and helped to show her form off a little bit better than her usual grey slacks, and the fitted short sleeved blouse with the rounded collar really did suit her well. Sans had caught himself staring at her absentmindedly on more than one occasion.
He cleared his throat to get her attention.
“You know, you’re gonna ware a path in the floor if you keep up all that pacing kid.” He said teasingly.
Frisk only muttered under her breath as she starred out at the same snowy scenery through the window. She was getting so sick of it already.
“Hey why don’t you come park it over here for a little while?” Sans then suggested patting the cushion next to him. Frisk begrudgingly tore her gaze away from the snow covered streets outside and turned toward him.
“Common, I won’t bite.” Sans pestered with a smug smirk. Frisk rolled her eyes at him before gradually getting up and heading over. She then plopped herself down on the cushion next to his.
“You like sitting too much.” She said, and Sans chuckled at her remark.
“Well I can’t say I see what’s so wrong with that, It’s nice and cozy after all.” He began slyly while sneakily snaking his arm behind Frisk’s shoulders. “And when you’re sitting next to a pretty lady, boy it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Frisk blushed a little and giggled at his playful advances. She was now becoming more used to Sans sweet talk, and she also couldn’t deny that she rather liked his flirty banter. Frisk snuggled closer into his side, completely accepting his embrace, but her gaze then drew back over to the window and she huffed to herself at the snowy white weather.
“What’s the matter?” Sans asked when he noticed that she was still relatively unhappy. Frisk shrugged in response.
“Nothing really, I just hate the snow.” She replied. Sans raised a brow bone.
“Huh. Why is that?” He asked sounding genuinely interested.
“The usual reasons.” Frisk replied. “It’s wet, it’s cold, and it makes everything so much more difficult to do.” Sans chuckled at the scowl that had settled across her face as she vented her utter distaste for the stuff.
“It can’t be all bad.” He argued back. “What about snowmen, or snow angles, or snowball fights? You can’t have any of those things without the snow part.”
“You know… I don’t think I really ever did any of those things.” Frisk then said after a short pause. Sans tilted his head to the side wanting her to elaborate.
“Well I mean I was too little when I was with Chara …and during the winter we never really had any free time to frolic, we were too busy surviving, and when I was with Toriel later on I just refused to spend much time in it, even when she dressed me up in a brand new snow suit and tried to get me to go out and play.” She explained.
Sans hummed in response, realizing now that winter probably did not hold that many happy memories for Frisk, and also probably caused her a lot of hardships when she was living on the streets. The thought made him pull her just the smallest bit closer to him as he subconsciously wanted to keep her warm and toasty when the image of her freezing alone in a decried abandoned building briefly flashed though his mind.
“What about for you?” Frisk then asked, looking back to Sans curiously. “Do you like winter?”
Sans was quiet for a moment as he thought about her question.
“Yeah, I suppose I do.” He then answered.
“What about it?” Frisk continued to ask, wanting to know more.
“Heh, well I guess it was a little bit more fun for me when Me and Paps were kids.” Sans began. “We used to play together in the snow all day; making snow sculptures, or having snow ball fights….It’s funny, thinking back on it now, I don’t even remember feeling cold really, I just remember laughing a lot.”
Frisk smiled to herself as she tried to picture what Sans and Papyrus looked like as children romping around through the snow together.
“That sounds really nice.” She said tell me what else you liked about it.
“Oh I don’t know.” Sans shrugged. "There's Giftmas of course, but I don't know anyone who doesn't like that, even a scourge like you."
frisk laughed lightly as Sans shot her a wink. It was true, despite the snow she still did like the giving winter holiday. She knew that she hadn't really participated in the celebration in the last few years, but the season became just a little bit kinder during that time off year. The free food stalls for the homeless, and the pretty light displays that the city would organize helped her to get through the more dreary days of winter.
“I think the best thing was coming in from the cold and getting out of our wet clothes, and then Ma usually had hot coco and a snack waiting for us in the kitchen to warm us up.” Sans then continued.
“Your Mother?” Frisk asked even more curious now.
“Yeah.” Sans said as he scratched at the side of his chin. It had been a while since he had last thought about his mother. “She was a real lady.”
Frisk perked up at his answer. She wanted to ask more, but she wasn’t sure how to. Sans suddenly had such a sad tone and she didn’t want to make him re live anything unpleasant.
“Um, your Mom is she ….” Frisk started, before she realized that she didn’t know how to finish her question. Sans smirked as he saw her struggling and decided to come to her rescue already.
“She passed a long time ago.” He answered.
“Sorry.” Frisk mumbled as she guiltily looked away and bit at her bottom lip.
“Nah, don’t be sorry its ok, I don’t mind.” Sans replied. Frisk fidgeted next to him still clearly wanting to know more.
“What was she like?” She then asked carefully.
“Well her name was Belda, and She was… well to me and Paps she was our whole world.” Sans began to elaborate. "My old man kind of left us high and dry after Paps was born, so really it was only the three of us.”
Frisk furrowed her brows at that.
“He just left you?” She asked and Sans nodded.
“Yeah, he really wasn’t much of the family type. Him and Ma always had troubles to be honest. I’m pretty sure that they only got hitched because I came along a bit unexpectedly heh. I don’t have too many memories with him. I doubt Paps even really remembers him at all. He was only a baby bones at the time.” Sans explained.
Frisk was quiet for a moment as she tried to figure out what to say. Sans smirk only grew more playful as he watched her continue to inwardly fret.
“Hey, there’s no need to feel bad for me you know.” He teased. “I mean sure, it wasn’t the most perfect childhood, but boy was it pretty darn close. Ma really did put the work in for two parents. It must've been tough on her being a single mother back then, especially with me and Paps always getting into trouble.”
Frisk smiled as Sans’ face lit up while he told her about his past.
“I bet it was mostly you getting yourself and Papyrus into trouble.” She said smartly and Sans laughed.
“Hah, Ya that about sums it up.” He admitted remembering how often he had convinced Papyrus into one stunt or another, which usually resulted in something getting broken and them getting quite the scoldings.
“She was always our rock. We never had a lot of money, but she worked hard to keep a roof over our heads, kept us warm, and our tummies full, so we never had a complaint. She got a job as a waitress in some dinner. I don’t remember the name of it, but sometimes she took me and Paps into work with her when she couldn’t get a sitter. We used to love watching her take orders and run food. She’d showoff sometimes for us too. She was really good at her job, and she would always try to carry as many plates as she could when we were watching." Sans explained with a fond smile plastered across his face. “One time she even balanced a whole stack of plates on her head. I think that was probably the most in awe I have ever been. All of the patrons even stood and gave her an applause when she walked with that stack of plates back into the kitchen."
Frisk giggled to herself as she pictured what Sans had described to her. She had to admit that that would surely be a sight to behold.
“Wow” She said. Sans chuckled.
“Heh, we always had fun.” He said.
“What happened?” Frisk then asked shyly. Sans shifted a bit and cocked his head to the side as he thought.
“She got sick.” He said plainly. “Something to do with her immune system. The doctors could never really explain it. She caught a bad cold and then that escalated into ammonia, and then she just kept getting weaker until she fell down one day.”
“Fell down?” Frisk repeated.
“Oh yeah, you wouldn’t know. It’s a term we use to describe a monster's last moments before they turn to dust.” He explained. “When a monster dies of natural causes, like old age or illness, their magic sort of drains away, and then they go into a deep sleep which lasts for a few days before they pass on.”
“Oh I see…” Frisk said in understanding as she averted her gaze. She couldn’t help but feel slightly sorry that she had brought up the sad subject at hand.
“Hey I already told you, don’t feel bad remember?” Sans said bumping her with his elbow lightly. “These things are in the past, we can’t change them. Besides, I like being able to talk about it now.”
“You do?” Frisk questioned.
“Sure, I mean sometimes it stings a bit, but we had a good time back then, and I like remembering, it’s important to remember.” He replied.
Frisk nodded in response. She was pretty sure that she understood what Sans meant by that. She used to always hate thinking about her past. She found that it often hurt too much to remember her days on the streets with Chara, but recently she felt that it didn’t sting quite so badly; especially now with the dreams that she had been having. She supposed that she was just finally able to simply accept it as it was, and now she could see that there had actually been a lot of good times peppered in between the painful memories.
“Belda, that’s a pretty name.” Frisk said, repeating it silently so she would be sure to remember.
“It suited her, she was a Pretty lady.” Sans replied. “I remember there were even a few gentleman callers that occasionally stopped by the house to ask her out on a date, but me and Paps usually scared them off pretty quick.” He then said with a little bit of a proud lilt to his tone.
“Jeeze, you guys must have been a handful.” Frisk laughed. “You know a lot of you monsters actually have pretty interesting names. Where do those come from?” She then asked.
“Eh, different types of monsters have all sorts of traditions for those sort of things, same as you humans really; though a lot of monsters decided to forgo their own customs and name there kids more like humans, I think to make it easier for them to fit in better with society, but anyway, for skeletons names kinda come from fonts….” Sans then explained a little sheepishly. Frisk blinked.
“From fonts?” She repeated.
“Yeah… don’t ask me where that idea came from. I think it has something to do with personality but I’m not all that sure really.” Sans said. Frisk laughed out loud at that. Sans smiled along as well.
“Hey, you know you’re not really one to talk kid. ‘Frisk’ isn’t exactly the most normal human name. Arn’t you all supposed to be called Billy, Bobby, or Sussy, or something generic like that?” He teased. Frisk raised an amused eyebrow at him.
“Chara named me.” She explained proudly.
“Your little street friend?” Sans asked. Frisk nodded.
“Yeah, I think it started out as just being a nickname. He told me that I had a lot of energy and said that I could never sit still. He used to call me Frisky and then it became just Frisk.” She replied.
“Huh.” Sans said, an impish grin tugging at his cheekbones. “Frisky eh? I like the sound of that. Actually now that you mention it I’m feeling a little Frisky myself.” He said smoothly, while leaning over to her with a very smug look in his eye sockets.
Frisk immediately blushed a beet red. Sans laughed and she swatted at him.
“Hehehe hey! I’m only teasing! Knock it off kid.” Sans said, still chucking to himself as he caught her hand before she could take another swing at him. He looked down at her and could see that her face was still ruby red with a firm pout drawn across it. That expression was just too damn endearing.
His lock then loosened a little on her wrist before he switched his grip and pulled her closer. He pressed a firm kiss to her lips. Frisk startled in his hold taken off guard again as she fought her head from spinning right off of her shoulders; Though soon she gave in to the feeling, moving forward into Sans embrace.
As soon as she began to become comfortable however, Sans suddenly pulled away. Frisk leaned forward in response missing the contact. When she opened her eyes she found Sans looking at her with heavily lidded sockets. Frisk held his stare intently for only a moment before she found herself moving toward him again. She was purely acting on instinct as she closed the gap kissing him back.
Sans only paused for an instant. Any doubt or hesitations that he held on to were quickly swept away as all he could think about was the warmth of Frisk’s body pressed against him. His arms secured themselves around her as he caressed the small of her back pressing her closer. Frisk stretched her arms upward and wrapped them around Sans’ shoulders, also trying to diminish any distance that existed between them.
Sans was now well caught within the moment. He could feel Frisk’s heart beat softly as she pressed herself against his rib cage. He found that his hands were now absentmindedly wandering along her body, gripping at the dip of her waist and settling over her upper thigh. He wondered briefly if he should stop now before he got too carried away. He hadn’t really meant to start anything; especially since it was in the middle of the day when he was supposed to be working.
Those slightly guilty thoughts did not linger for long however, as they were soon banished from his mind as Frisk shifted herself practically right into his lap. Sans felt his magic start to spark and itch from within his heated bones. His grip on Frisk tightened as he faltered against his urges.
Frisk felt completely enclosed in Sans arms, but it wasn’t suffocating or uncomfortable in the slightest. Instead, she felt safe, warm, and wanted. She contemplated that last thought for a brief moment as she became aware of how nice it was to be so comfortable with another individual. She had never realized that this absolute feeling of closeness was something that she would ever care to want, or grow to need. Now, however, Frisk was sure that she didn’t want to go back to the days when she had been oblivious to such things. She was certain now that she was addicted to this feeling that she got when she was with Sans, and she knew that she could only hope that it wouldn’t become her downfall.
Frisk’s skin tingled as Sans continued to caress her with his magic touches. She sighed at the pleasant sensations, letting go of her worries and insecurities.
Sans began kissing her down her neckline, and Frisk didn’t protest; tilting her head back as she felt his hot breath pant against her, sending a shiver through her being. When she had been on her own on the streets company had always posed as a frivolous expense. Teaming up with someone would only result in splitting profits and another mouth to feed. Frisk had been so certain that she didn’t need that sort of thing, but looking back on it now she realized how truly lonely she really was during those days.
Just as Frisk was about to completely surrender and allow herself to drop her guard, something warm and slick snaked over her collar bone. Frisk gasped and stiffened in surprise at the new sensation. She snapped her head forward again and starred a little bewildered at Sans who was looking at her with a very mischievous smirk as a blue tongue lolled out from between his teeth.
Frisk blinked blankly as she took in the newly appeared appendage, before a dark red blush spread across her cheeks. Sans chuckled in response, his rib cage rumbling against Frisk as he took in the shy lust filled expression now gracing her face. He grinned triumphantly.
“What’s the matter sweets? Skeleton got your tongue?” He quipped, repeating a line that he remembered he had used once before back when they had first met.
Frisk eyes then regained focus. She flushed even darker when she realized that he had caught her staring. She then tried to turn away to hide her embarrassment, but Sans was quick to catch her before she could.
“Hey now, no need to turn the other cheek sweetheart, this ones just fine.” He said smoothly as he placed a soft kiss on to her reddened cheek, hoping to distract her away from her bashfulness. It worked and Frisk was practically melting into him no longer able to resist.
Sans grew more confident as Frisk continued to permit his advances. He decided to try a bolder move as he trailed his hand down her outer thigh, searching for the hem of her skirt with his fingertips. When he found the edge of the garment he slowly began tugging it upward, before slipping his hand under the fabric, grazing her soft warm skin under her clothing.
A knock then sounded on the door.
Sans recoiled immediately at the sound. If he had skin he was sure he would have just about leapt clean out of it. Frisk followed suit as she practically scrambled out of Sans’ hold to the other end of the sofa, her hand pressed to her chest as she was certain that her heart just about burst right out of her rib cage.
“Oh for crying out loud!” Sans muttered under his breath as he smoothed a hand over his skull and smothered his blush. He took a moment to sort himself out while another knock resonated from the front door.
“Yeah yeah, I’m coming.” He grumbled as he stood from his seat to go and answer the door.
As he did so he tossed a quick glance over his shoulder to Frisk, who he saw still looked pretty flustered. He paused, his hand held over the doorknob as he waited for her to calm down a little so her appearance didn’t come off as too suspicious. Whoever their visitor was they sure had an impeccable sense of timing.
When sans opened the door it was Grillby who was on the other side. Sans quickly fixed his face into his usually casual grin, but he was fairly sure that it still looked rather forced.
Grilllby raised a brow at Sans’ less then pleased expression.
“Sans, are you alright? You look vexed about something.” He questioned, his voice a quiet crackle. Sans almost let out a sarcastic laugh at that.
“Nah I’m fine Grilbz.” He said instead, brushing away his irritation. “The kid just beat me in a game of poker is all.”
Grillby cocked his head to the side as he looked passed Sans to Frisk sitting on the sofa. She was facing away from him at the moment so he couldn’t see her expression, but her posture looked rather tense…
“So what brings you upstairs Grillby.” Sans asked, snapping the flame elemental's attention back to the topic at hand.
“A phone call came for you in the bar. I believe it is off importance.” Grillby answered.
Sans sighed inwardly. Of course it was.
“Thanks pal, I’ll come right down.” He said.
Grillby nodded, before turning to head back down the stairs to get back to his post at the bar. When he left Sans turned back to Frisk.
“Hey sweetheart, I gotta go take care of something real quick.” He began as he scratched at the back of his neck, but Frisk was already off the couch and walking toward him.
“I’ll go down with you.” She said. “It will be fun to get out of the apartment for a little while and see everybody anyway.”
Sans felt his soul sink slightly. Though it was nice of her to want to come with him, he was kind of hoping that he could just deal with his business quickly and then get back to where they both had been only a few moment ago, before they were so rudely interrupted. But Then again, that was probably an irresponsible and slightly selfish thing to do as he was still technically on the clock . Sans grimaced internally as he swallowed back his own wants.
Sounds good he said instead. As he held the door open for Frisk she smiled as she waltzed past him and began happily heading toward the stairs.
Sans sighed to himself before trailing along after her.
Frisk made herself comfortable on a bar stool when they made it down the stairs. Grillby greeted her and Frisk smiled kindly in turn. It had been a little while since she had last visited the bar, and she had to admit that she had missed the place. Grillby slid a cherry soda down the counter in her direction and Frisk caught it with ease before raising it in a gesture of thanks and taking a sip.
“You good here for a little bit?” Sans asked leaning over the bar top but not taking a seat. Frisk nodded.
“Yeah I’ll be fine waiting till you’re finished.” She replied.
“Ok then, I’ll be right back.” He then said before he made his way over to the phone in the back.
When Sans was safely concealed behind the curtain he let his concocted grin fall away from his skull. He sighed heavily to himself as he took a moment to try to sort his head out. He knew he had to focus, he knew that this work that he was doing was very important, but yet his mind kept wandering to far more alluring thoughts. Sans then felt his cheekbones begin to heat up again. Jeez he was hopeless.
Sans then reached for the phone pushing back all of the other sweet things clouding his mind. Those thoughts he would just have to starve off till later.
“Hey, this is Sans here.” Sans then said into the phone introducing his presence.
“Hey! Sans its Dogamy. I just got finished with talking with Bugsy at the bank.” Dogamy reported from the other end of the line.
“You got anything?” Sans asked.
“Sorry pal nothing. Bugsy can’t find the records about any purchases made by the Gambinos. All of them are too tightly sealed off, or labeled as restricted. He can’t get access.” Dogamy explained.
Sans brow bones furrowed. He had expected as much, but it was still undoubtedly frustrating how he couldn’t seem to find a single lead.
“Alright, thanks for trying anyway.” Sans then said before hanging the phone.
“Damn.” He then grumbled to himself, taking a moment more behind the curtain to think.
As it stood, he really was wearing his options thin, but he knew that there had to be an answer somewhere. He had already come this far and had managed to uncover a lot of secrets concerning Gaster, he was just missing the connection between them all.
He paused for a moment then as he peeked out from behind the curtain to check on Frisk. She was still sitting at the bar talking to a few of the regulars. He still hadn’t addressed the possible link between her and Gaster…and though he didn’t really want to, he had to admit that he was potentially leaving a stone unturned here.
He knew that Frisk didn’t remember her past, but he also knew that there was possibly a way for him to see it for himself. Human souls were a record of everything a person was after all…
Sans quickly backpedaled away from that thought. Nope. That was just too personal, to intimate. Even if he did convince her to allow him to read her soul, Sans knew it would only be because he manipulated her into it. Frisk was a guarded individual, if he tried something like that she may never trust him again.
It was a bad idea, a very very bad idea, one that Sans was ashamed he had even allowed himself to think of. Sans pushed himself forward as he entered into the main room again, forcing himself out of the secluded corner behind the curtains so he could forget about those damnable musings.
He took to his usual seat next to Frisk at the bar top as he fastened his grin back on to his face again.
“Hey kid.” He said casually in greeting.
“Finished already?” Frisk replied a little surprised that his phone call had been so quick. Sans shrugged in response.
“Yeah, just another dead end.” He replied. Frisk frowned lightly to herself at Sans slight disappointed tone.
“Oh well, I guess that means you get more time to hang around here with friends.” She said, attempting to cheer him up a little bit. Sans smirked at that.
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.” He agreed before flagging Grillby over for a drink.
“You want another soda?” He asked Frisk. She nodded at him and smiled.
“Great. Hey Grillbs, one more cherry soda and a gin please.” He then ordered.
Grillby silently grabbed another cold soda for Frisk, removing the bottle cap for her, before placing it in front of her on the bar top. However, right as Grillby reached under the counter for the bottle of gin the front door to the tavern flew open, before a very frazzled Whimsun bolted into the main room yelling frantically.
“Cops! Cops are coming! It’s a raid! Hide the booze!” He shouted.
Within an instant the entire bar was on their feet, taking the Pansy lookout’s warning extremely seriously, All emptied their alcoholic drinks, before disposing of the glass ware and any other evidence of the illegal contraband. Frisk could only sit and watch with wide eyes as all the bar patrons worked in unison. They were so well rehearsed that she knew that this was not the first time that they had performed this stunt. The more intoxicated monsters who wouldn’t be able to put on a sober face were ushered upstairs to hide in the hallway. Grillby quickly pored waters and sodas replacing the alcoholic beverages, before he moved swiftly and pulled a lever hidden underneath the counter. A trap door then opened behind the bar as the lower shelves all of a sudden gave out, dumbing all of the bottles down into the cellar below. A moment later Grillby released the secret lever and the floor closed shut again as the shelves flipped back upwards, though now they were bare.
Before Frisk could even ask what was happening she felt Sans grab her around the waist and hoist her upward.
“H-Hey what-!?” She stuttered, but Sans cut her off.
“Sorry kiddo, I’m gonna need you to hide and stay quiet. We can’t have the cops finding a human girl in here, it will only raise suspicions.” Sans then passed a very stiff Frisk over the bar to the already awaiting arms of Grillby before she could even try to protest.
After Grillby had her securely in his hold he then pushed in a panel with his foot near the base of the bartop and a secret cupboard popped open, revealing a small hollow space in the back wall behind the counter. He crouched down and then nudged Frisk inside the little cubbyhole.
“Hold on a moment-.” Frisk began, but Grillby quickly silenced her with a stern finger pressed to his mouth.
Frisk clamped her lips shut in response and then nodded, deciding to trust that her friends new best concerning this matter. Grillby then quickly shut the door leaving Frisk crouched in the darkness. A sliver of light from the crack of the hidden door was all that she had. She eagerly pressed her eye up to the small opening, hoping to see what the hell was going on outside in the bar.
The patrons had all retaken their seats again as they threw on casual façades, only this time instead of booze they were all nursing sodas or glasses of water. A Loox even took to the piano, beginning a jaunty tune to try to really sell the concocted easy going atmosphere. Sans stuck to his seat. He let his fingers strum a little over the bar top in anticipation as he eyed the front door. Minutes past and nothing happened, but no one dared to break away from the rouse.
After another few moments the front door was again roughly slammed open and a team of police officers steadily made their way inside. Sans narrowed his sockets slightly as he eyed the officer leading the troupe. He knew him. Constable Jonathan Slyde.
Sans grimaced inwardly. Constable Slyde was a classic do-gooder kinda guy. He was passionate about his work and his role in the community. He wanted to make a difference in Ebott and clean up the crime ridden streets. Hell, he was probably one of the only actually un crocked cops left in the whole city. His heart was honestly probably in the right place, however, his perspective was undeniably twisted.
Sans knew how helpful the constable could be to the human residents of Ebott. He had read plenty about it in the local papers, and had heard positive stories throughout the market place; although if you were a monster, in constable Slyde’s eyes, you were automatically doubtful. Slyde saw the world in black and white, It didn’t matter if that monster was a recent widow, or a hungry beggar, or part of a struggling family. Constable Slyde would always declare that monsters were deceitful creatures that had an ulterior motive behind their most likely bogus tearjerker story. He was far less helpful to the people who really needed it.
What made matters worse at the moment however, was that Sans knew that he was not one of those innocent monsters unjustifiably framed as a degenerate. Sans was the real deal. He was exactly the scum that Slyde pegged him to be; a criminal working outside of the law, dealing with illegal contraband and causing violence in the streets, which meant that right at this moment Constable Slyde was his worst enemy.
Sans settled back in his seat as he lazily leaned over the bar top, drawing his gaze away from the approaching party of officers. They continued forward, however, until Slyde was standing right next to him.
Sans lazily rolled a pinprick over to Slyde who was standing expectantly in a rigid posture. His hands were clasped professionally behind his back as he stood with his nose upturned while he looked down at sans with stern and narrowed eyes. Slydes graying hair was combed over neatly, parted at the side. Sans could see that his uniform was spotless, stain and wrinkle free, and looked like it had just been pressed that morning. Even the buttons appeared as though Slyde had painstakingly polished them by hand all to the point of gleaming. Sans smirked internally, it seemed that Slyde had been ready to put on a show, probably for the tabloids if whatever he was planning on doing turned out as a success.
“Well hello there Officer.” Sans then drawled in greeting. “Didn’t expect to see you fine fellas out and about at this time a day, it’s a bit early for raiding don’t you think?”
Slydes left eyebrow raised a little in what Sans would peg as mild annoyance. He stepped forward before taking a seat next to the skeleton at the bar.
“You’re right about that Sans, it is too early in the day to be raiding bars, and I already know that I probably won’t find anything here in this… upstanding establishment, as Grillby has always been found to be in cooperation with the law in all prior investigations.” Slyde replied before sending a sharp eye over the bar top at Grillby who was standing at his post simply polishing glassware.
Grillby didn’t so much as give the slightest inkling of an expression as he continued on with his work. Slyde held his gaze firm over the flame elemental for a moment more before sneering and turning away, knowing that Grillby wasn’t going to break that easily.
“Other business brings me here actually.” Slyde then paused as he glanced past Sans, noticing the almost full soda bottle on the bar top in front of the empty seat next to him.
“Are you waiting for a friend?” He then asked gesturing to the soda. Sans glanced over briefly before casually pulling the bottle over to him and taking a swig.
“Nope. I just like giving myself plenty of room to lounge. It’s actually a good trick, If you put a drink in front of an empty seat then people think it’s already taken. Heh, though I really should have put one in front of that seat as well” Sans explained as he pointed to the seat that Slyde was sitting in. “Then maybe you would have found some other monster to pester.”
Slyde let out an amused chuckle at that, and Sans felt slightly disappointed as he had hoped that his comment would have at least slightly offended the officer, but he supposed he couldn’t complain as long as Slyde wasn’t suspicious about the soda anymore.
“Well I don’t think that your trick would’ve worked anyway Sans. As it stands the reason that I’m here paying his fine place a visit is that I actually have to have a word with you.” Slyde said, his eyes all of a sudden growing intense as they locked on to Sans.
Sans stiffened a little in his seat at Constable Slydes pinning glare, but he didn’t let his slight intimidation show. Instead, he placed his head on his palm as he leaned over the bar top obviously feigning interest.
“Gee, a fancy copper like you has business with a little nobody like me? Nah, I’d just be wasting your preciouse time.” Sans then said as he attempted to try to stand from his seat, only for his efforts at escape to be dashed when Slyde slapped a firm hand on Sans shoulder keeping him seated.
“Don’t get me wrong skeleton, I would rather be spending my time anywhere other than here with scum like you.” Slyde replied pleasantly. “But this latest murder has got a lot of folks in an uproar. You know the one that I’m talking about don’t you? The one in the cemetery at the other end of town?” He asked.
Sans eased himself back down at Slyde’s more than strong request.
“Yeah, I think I might have heard of that one.” Sans answered nonchalantly. “Another mobster met with an unfortunate end right? I can’t see what’s so special about that though. I mean, folks in Ebott are pretty used to gang related deaths at this point. One happens almost daily.”
“Yes, the victim has been confirmed as a member of the Gambinos that much is true, however, there is still another matter at hand that is quite concerning to say the least." Slyde replied. Sans raised a brow bone, his interest peeked.
“And what would that be?” He asked. Slyde smiled knowingly.
“Well there was a witness to the struggle that occurred that night. A caretaker was present at the cemetery. He told us that a monster was facing off with a few men that we now know were part of the Gambino’s organization, and claims that the squabble was over a young human girl. Now, we don’t know the identity of this girl, or how she came to get mixed up in all of this, but the witness was convinced that the monster was holding her hostage against her will.” Slyde then explained. Sans was silent as Slyde continued to elaborate.
“Unfortunately, fearing for his own safety, our witness fled the scene before he could see the conclusion of the struggle, but seeing as how one of the human men were found dead, I can only imagine the horrors that poor girl must have witnessed, and also as this young girl is still missing, we can only assume that she was indeed taken by this monster. One can only consider that the worst is to befall her given the circumstances, unless we can find her in time.” He said, his tone foreboding.
At the sound of Slyde’s interrogation Frisk’s eyes widened as she peered out into the bar from behind the crack in the false wall. She needed to stop this. Sans was going to be blamed for something that he didn’t do and it would be all her fault! She prepared herself to leap out of her hiding place to confront the constable, but her determined spur of the moment decision was dashed as Grillby had conveniently placed himself directly in front of the door. Frisk pushed harder, hoping to signal to him to let her out already, but Grillby only threw her a stern sideways eye, telling her silently that what she wanted to do was by no means a good idea. Frisk wilted then as she desperately pressed her face up to the crack watching on from within the wall helplessly.
“Huh, well that does sound like quiet the stirring story, but uh, I don’t think that I can be of any help to you on this matter. Sorry there pal.” Sans then replied with an easy grin and a shrug.
“Oh, but I think you can help me Sans.” Slyde then quickly interrupted. “You see the witness was able to described this supposed kidnapper to us; says he was a skeleton type, a bit on the short side, had a wide grin, does this sound at all familiar to you?” Slyde then asked, his expression turning dark as he held Sans to his seat with an accusing stare.
“Can’t say that it does.” Sans replied, brushing off the officers cold glare. “But he does sure sound like a handsome fella. I’ll keep an eye out for him.” He then continued with a wink.
Constable Slyde’s face then fell into a very unamused frown before he looked over his shoulder at his accompanying party.
“Take him.” He then instructed.
Two officers fell out of line behind him before making their way over next to Sans and slamming him roughly over the counter.
Frisk gasped as she watched on, but the sound was covered up by the struggle happening on the other side of the door right before her eyes.
“Oof! Heh, easy there fellas these bones are delicate you know.” Sans grunted out from behind his maintained lazy smile, as one officer pushed his skull firmly down onto the bar top, while the other forced his hands behind his back, slapping cuffs over his wrists.
“We’re taking you down town for questioning.” Slyde explained as he stood from his seat and began leading the way toward the door.
The other two officers followed in tow, escorting Sans along with them. Sans didn’t resist in the slightest as he walked compliantly, firing out quips and farewells to the other patrons present in the bar as he went. Right as he was going to be led through the front door to the streets and the awaiting police car outside, he then tossed his head over his shoulder.
“Hey Grillbz, do me a favor would you?” He called. “I know that a few of my friends are going to be upset when they hear about this, but uh, make sure that they don’t do anything reckless. In fact, I’m pretty sure it would be best if you make them stay put for a while.”
Grillby nodded, knowing already precisely who Sans was referring to.
“Thanks pal. Also keep my seat open, I’ll be back before you know it.” Sans then continued throwing a sly wink in the bartender’s direction before he was then forcibly led away.
As soon as Frisk heard the front door shut she immediately began trying to force herself out of the crawlspace again. Grillby still remained in front of the door, heading Sans’ warning, deciding not to let her out quiet yet with danger still lingering so close, but Frisk was persistent. She switched her position, now pushing the door with her feet instead. Grillby was caught off guard by her change in tactic, and was almost pushed right over as Frisk suddenly gave the door one final strong kick.
Frisk then managed to squeeze herself out of the small opening that she made before immediately getting to her feet and starting toward the front door. Grillby caught her before she could get very far.
“Stop! Let me go! We can’t let them take him!” She began to argue while pulling at the grip that Grillby had on her.
“Calm down.”Grillby instructed, his voice even and firm. “If you go out there now you will only incriminate him further.”
Frisk ignored Grillby’s logic as she continued to fight him.
“I can tell them I’m fine! I can explain that it isn’t what they think!” She said.
“Frisk please, it will not work. You will only cause more trouble.” Grillby explained bluntly, and Frisk found herself starting to lose her spark.
She knew that Grillby was right. She knew that she couldn’t do anything for Sans as she was now. She would only make matters worse. Frisk then stopped struggling as a crushing feeling of defeat settled over her. She then turned toward Grilby; Desperation, panic, and fear written as clear as day across her face.
“But what if they hurt him?” She then asked pitifully, and Grillby stared down at her, recognizing her expression immediately. He sighed to himself and released his hold on her before patting the top of her head.
“Don’t worry, Sans can handle himself, and I will inform Asgore of what has happened, but please, you must stay here.” He instructed. Frisk looked ashamedly at the ground and nodded in understanding.
“Alright, go upstairs. I will let you know of any developments.” Grillby then said.
Frisk looked back once over her shoulder at the now shut door behind her. She knew that she couldn’t refuse Grillby’s request, and that she had also promised Sans that she wouldn’t step a foot outside of the bar until things had calmed down, and things had certainly not calmed down.
With a disgruntled huff and a pitiful itch in her gut, Frisk then reluctantly started to make her way over to the staircase. She bowed her head as she tried to hide her face away from the onlookers in the bar who had taken notice to her emotional display. As she attempted to smother back the worst of her panic she could only feel her soul sinking further and further with each step that she took away from the front door of the bar, and away from where Sans had been taken against his will. She quickened her pace, trying to flee from the absolute feeling of uselessness that was starting to take a hold of her being, However, it stayed with her, following right on her heels.