His New Favorite Color

“Are you sure?” You asked again, the whiney tone clear in your voice.

“I'm sure, Chica. I don't wanna be a fifth wheel.” Jay rolled his eyes at you. Though you couldn't see it through the phone, you recognized his tone.

“It's not like we're going on a double date or anything, I'm just taking Sans with me to see Maduh. Her girlfriend just might happen to be there.”

Jay sighed, and you could hear him blowing the smoke out of his mouth in a long exhale before finally talking. “We can have our big family meet up another day, okay? Your boy’s got some shit to do today.”

“And so you're getting high to start it all off?”

“Chica,” he groaned, holding onto the a, “Just make sure to have fun, okay? And be safe!”

“Sure thing, dad.” You rolled your eyes, pretending not to be grateful for someone who cared so much.

“I'll catch ya later, I've got a taxi.” He hung up, the background bustle of the city suddenly gone from your phone.

Tying your hair up in a ponytail, you quickly made your way across the apartment to Sans. “I swear, I never see you stand anymore. Always laying down,” you joked, your normal humor dimmed. You were excited for today, sure, but after last night's nightmare and your lack of sleep lately, being funny was one of the last things on your mind.

“wouldn't be arguing if you were down here with me.” The skeleton gave a lazy wink, sitting up as slowly as he could. “we drivin?”

“Yup,” you grabbed the keys off of the counter, “can't risk getting sick in such a nice place.”

“my way’s quicker, just sayin,” the skeleton drawled, popping out of your apartment with a snap.

You sighed, making your way down to the parking lot to catch up. After you found out that Sans could teleport, he used his magic a lot more often. This usually resulted in you falling behind.

Once you finally got to your car and the both of you got in, you drove across the city to the vaguely familiar apartment building. The interior was blissfully cool, a safe place away from the sweltering summer heat. Checking your phone to make sure you were headed to the right floor, you and Sans made your way up the building. Jay had given you Maduh’s number, and the two of you had texted until you found a day that the both of you would be free. It had been a few years since you last saw her, but she was still as busy as ever.

“you sure she'll be okay with me?” Sans asked as you stood in front of the dark wooden door, the entrance to Maduh’s apartment.

“I told you, Sans, she knows you're with me.”

“does she know i’m-”

You cut him off, rapping your knuckles against the smooth wood. There was a yell from the other side, and the door was quickly opened by a familiar face.

“Oh, sweetie, you're here!” Maduh grabbed your arms, pulling you into a warm hug. Her hair was straight now- the old bouncy curls but a memory. You thought it may have been a shade or so lighter too, closer now to her caramel skin than the raven black that you remembered it being. She gasped, pulling away just enough to look you over. “Still dressing like you're about to go to a concert, I see.”

“And you're still dressing like you're somebody's secretary.”

Maduh laughed, the all too missed sound warming your heart. “Come in, I want you to see my place. It's so much nicer than what we had back home.”

She dragged you a few steps before you laughed, planting your feet more firmly. “Um, Maduh? I need you to meet someone first.”

“Hm?” She spun around, looking behind you to a nervous skeleton. “Oh, o-oh.” A look of confusion passed her face, her eyebrows knitted together.

You grabbed Sans’ hand, pulling him forward. “This is Sans, m-”

“Your boyfriend?”

“Well, yeah.”

She paused for a minute, biting her lip as she stared at Sans. “You're a skeleton.”

“no bones about it.” He said, a hint of anxiety in his voice, contrasting to his casual shrug.

“And you're dating ______?”

“yep.”

“Um, how is that?”

“i’d like to think that we have a skeleton of fun together.”

Maduh let out something that couldn't quite count as a laugh, visibly relaxing. “Funny.”

“you could almost say that i’m humerus.”

Groaning, you leaned against your friend, fighting a smile from your face. “Don't get him started, or the puns will never stop.”

“I've never heard of monsters and humans being… together. Not like this at least. Actually, no, last week at work I heard that this girl was-” Maduh cut herself off, a nervous smile overcoming her features. “Guess you're catching some of the spotlight, huh?”

“I guess so.” Shrugging, you closed the front door, then following after Maduh for a house tour. She was right- it was a lot nicer than what she had had back home. Every inch of the flat was spotless, or at least what you were shown. There was a room you passed that she hadn't remarked on, gliding right past it. Sans seemed to calm down a bit, the tension on his face dispersing as the tour went on.

The puns, however, were clearly taking a toll on Maduh the longer they went on. Of course Sans hadn't stopped making the jokes after he let the first few out. You had tried shutting him up, but nothing you had done had proved effective yet. Not nudging him, or elbowing him, or your weak, whispered attempts telling him to quit.

“So, Maduh, this place seems a little pricey for just one person. There wouldn't be anyone else here, would there?” Okay, so maybe this wasn't the slyest way to ask, but you just wanted to know if Jay had been right.

“Oh, yes actually, my- my roommate, Renay.”

“Weird, I never really thought you were the kind of girl to get a roomie.” You joined Sans on the couch, wondering when he had found his way to it, the skeleton pulling you closer as you sat next to him.

“Well, I'm not really.” Maduh laughed half-heartedly, pushing her hair away from her face. “These are special circumstances, really.”

“Circumstances?” You asked as innocently as you could.

She nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. “Oh, ______! I forgot to ask, will you be going home this weekend for the fair?”

Well, Maduh always did know how to change the subject.

“Wait, that's this weekend?”

“It's the same time that it always is, ______. I can't believe that you if all people forgot!” Maduh shook her head in disbelief. She had a point- you were usually one of the first people there, dragging Maduh and Jay along with you. And, now that you thought about it, it would be nice to see your family again. Sure, you had been keeping up with them, but you missed seeing them so frequently. Maybe it was time to take a trip back home.

“Are you gonna go too? Can't just go home alone, now can I?”

“I may, though I have many meetings to attend. You should take your boyfriend, if you don't want to go alone,” Maduh spoke as if she was telling you the most obvious thing in the world. Then again, she sounded like that most of the time.

You hadn't really thought about taking Sans home with you any time soon, the idea of how people might treat him there more worrisome than introducing him to so many new things was enticing. But as you tossed the idea around in your head, his bony fingers intertwined with yours, catching your attention. He smiled at you- not that fake one he's had on so often recently, but a real, genuine smile. Your heart practically melted in your chest, a smile stretching across your face as well.

“You'd want to go? It's quite a drive,” you looked him in the eyes when you asked, hoping to catch any doubt he may have.

He nodded, holding your gaze aloofly. “i already told you, babe. you've met my family, i think ‘m ready to meet yours, too.”

“Awww!” Someone's squeak of a voice cut through the moment, drawing everyone's attention to a previously closed door- and the teal-haired girl in front of it. “That's so sweet, dude.” She closed the door with her foot, something that clearly put Maduh on edge. Walking across the room, she slung an arm around Maduh’s waist, giving her a haphazard hug.

“Oh! Renay, this is _______, the old friend I told you about, and her boyfriend, Sans. Guys, this is Renay, my roommate.” If it had been anyone else, they would have stuttered. But then again, you'd never seen anyone more articulate than Maduh. Renay’s eyebrows slightly raised, but she brushed whatever had bothered her off a moment later.

Sans nodded to the new company, a bit more on edge now that there was more company. You could feel the edge to his movements, even if he made it look smooth.

“Nice to meet you,” you stood up, glancing at Sans to see if he'd follow you. He did, thankfully, making you look less awkward. You held out your hand to Renay, but instead of shaking it, she gave you a high five.

“Up high!” You met her hand, then again to the each side, “down low? Too sl-” Renay faltered as your hand slapped hers before she could pull away.

Sans chuckled, shaking his head. “the kid tried that on me once, guess ya just have to know it's coming.”

“You have a kid?” Maduh and Renay asked, their words in sync. They shared a look, and something told you that it was a common occurrence.

“no, they aren't- they're not mine, i’m... more of an uncle.”

“Wait, do you mean the kid who broke the barrier?” Renay asked, a spark in her eyes.

Maduh frowned, looking at Sans. “I thought the child went back to their family.”

“no family to go back to. sides, frisk’s got a better one now,” he shrugged. Were you the only person to not immediately recognize everyone?

“Do they live with you? Where do you guys even live? I know they made apartments for all of you monsters, but shouldn’t you get better places? I mean, you helped bring down the barrier, right? Shouldn’t you be living it up in a mansion?”

“Renay,” Maduh scolded, her voice cold, “You cannot simply bombard people with questions like that.”

Sans chuckled, shaking his head. “i’m used to it, don’t worry.” Before he could answer any of the questions, his phone began to ring. Reaching into his pocket, Sans pulled out his phone, Papyrus’ name showing on the screen.

He pushed the green button, holding the phone away from his head. Maduh And Renay shared a confused look before hearing the skeleton’s booming voice.

“BROTHER, WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME? THE HUMAN AND TORIEL ARE HERE. SHOULD WE BEGIN LUNCH WITHOUT YOU?”

Sans took a few steps away to continue the call, and though you couldn’t hear his side of the conversation, Papyrus was still loud and clear.

“I guess I’m not getting answers then, huh?” Renay pouted, her teal hair falling into her face.

“Frisk lives with their mom.” The questions weren’t aimed at you, but you couldn’t help but respond.

The two girls looked up at you, speaking again in unison, “Their mom?”

“Toriel, y'know, the ex-queen?”

Renay shook her head, “How does that even work? Can monsters adopt?”

You shrugged, leaning into Sans as he came back to stand next to you. “Trust me, it’s easier if you just accept it.”

She nodded, though you could tell she still had questions. You still had questions too, but whether or not you’d get answers was still up in the air.

“well,” Sans started, directing his statement more towards you than anyone else, “seems that was my queue. i’ll come pick you up later, if you want?”

“We drove, remember?” You shook your head, “besides, you’re always working when they come over, actually spend some time with them for once.”

He chuckled, and you could feel his bones vibrate with the sound. “text me when you get home then.” He pressed a kiss to the top of your forehead, and turned to leave. Maduh was quickly behind him, walking out her guest.

You studied Renay, the question of romance still on your mind. You might as well ask before Maduh gets back to deflect, right?

“Hey, _____?”

You blinked, fixing your eyes on her again as she spoke.

“When you were texting Maduh the past week,” she chewed her bottom lip, clearly trying to phrase the question in her head, “did she… did she talk about me?”

“You’re together, aren’t you?” Thats was so very smooth of you.

Renay’s face lit up, and she let out a breath. “So she told you.”

“Actually,” you looked down the hall to where you could see the girl in question reamurging. “I don’t think she’s out. She hasn’t told me, or Jay for that matter. We just, well, we assumed.”

“Oh,” Renay faltered, but smiled when her girlfriend came back into the room.

“What did I miss?” Maduh asked, her eyebrows raised.

You shared a look with Renay, knowing neither of you really wanted to bring it up. “I was just telling your girlfriend about the shelter I work at.” You smiled, hoping that your childish attempt worked.

Maduh’s smile dropped as she looked between the two of you. “You…. you know?”

“Muds, I kind of always knew.” You gave a half hearted laugh, walking over to wrap her up in a hug.

“But,” she stammered, returning the embrace, “but I don’t… I don’t want people giving me that look. And the stares, and my family… I’m not sure I could handle that.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Maduh, I’m dating a skeleton, you realize that, right? Like, the kind made up of bones?”

“Is there another kind of skeleton?” Renay asked, her eyes wide.

You released your friend, shaking your head. “You’re gonna be fine, okay?”

She nodded, sniffling to avoid the tears from falling. “I guess I kind of pale in comparison to you, huh?”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” You shook your head, trying to explain, “I’m saying, that if I don’t get attacked and spat at every time we’re in public, then you won’t either. And you don’t have to come out, if you’re not ready. But hey, don’t try to act like you can get this past me.” You rolled your eyes, wondering how long she thought that she could keep this up.

As she nodded, your phone went off, Papyrus’ name showing up on your screen. “And I suppose this is my queue.”

Maduh led you to the door after you all exchanged your goodbyes, and of course questions as to how Sans got home if you drove. She wrapped you up in a warm hug, holding you for a moment. “Thank you for being so cool about this. I think…. I think it’ll be easier now.”

You smiled, nodding. “Hey, I’ll come out to your parents for you if you tell mine about Sans.”

She laughed, her head tilted back. “I might take you up on that.”

You finally made your exit, finding your way back to your car. Jay’s name flashed on your screen as he called, and you readied yourself to answer everything you could.