Regretting all life decisions as you walk into work. You barely got any sleep thanks to your online buddies. As fun as they were, they didn't have work at the crack of dawn. Uhh. The splitting headache didn't help. Probably from the energy drink you binged on to stay up. Maybe it was drinking Tantrum or staying up past midnight that got you like this. The thrill of killing zombies wore off hours ago. Leaving a husk of your former self. All you wanted now was a nap.
Putting on your apron, failing to suppress a yawn. You had to get here at early dawn to get the bread ready for the day. If you remember correctly, wolfy would be covering the evening shift. Leaving you to deal with the boss.
"Now don't forget we got orders from the Smiths. So work on theirs first before you get the regular batch ready. The guy picking it up is called Todd"
You silently nodded as your boss went back to fixing the lights. The Smiths always order every week and it was always a giant order of all kinds of different bread. Luckily, they weren't picky but it was still a hassle. You weren't sure if this family held a family reunion or a giant picnic every week. But they always made your life a little bit harder with their order.
Most of the work was muscle memory now. You were still groggy as you shuffled to get the bread ready. It's amusing to think how you look to people right now. Thanks to last night's gaming session. All you could think about were the zombies and their new mechanics. You couldn't help but imagine a zombie baker would be a cool addition to the game. Why not? It could even have a nice backstory. Most zombies would go kill humans for food, while one of them just wanted to bake. They wanted to stop zombie hunger and create peace. Only to get pissed when people stole their supplies, turning the zombie crazy in the process.
Without a second thought, you pull out your phone and go immediately to Papyrus. He didn't like gore but he should get a kick out of the idea. It didn't occur to you that he might not respond until you hit send. Not even a minute later papyrus sent you a quick doodle of a zombie with a chef hat. Cute.
Only your buddies would do that. You sent a quick thumbs up. Not waiting for a text you wash your hands as the mixer stops. The dough was ready for you to roll it. You get your bowl of water ready at hand so as not to get your hands sticky once you touch the stuff. You roll until it's the right consistency. Occasionally your wrist popped in the process.
After a few hours, you finally finish baking and open it to the public. You manage to finish wrapping up the last order. By the time the store opened someone was already waiting outside. Todd. The man flashed his card to pick up the order. Not saying a word he grabbed the order and left. Strange.
The Smiths change drivers ever so often that you stopped bothering to remember their name. It wasnt long before more people would come in. You waved hello to every person or monster you came across.
After a while, wolfy shows up with cups of coffee in each hand.
"Aww wolfy you got me coffee, oooo how chivalrous!"
Wolfy gave you a look as he took a sip from both. Smiling at your horrified face. Suppressing the whimper with a smile. The one time you thought you finally figured him out, he pulled a fast one. Normally he would give you the cup each time. But you figured he needed the coffee more than you do. Even at this moment, Wolfy tried to pass it to you. You calmly declined.
You didn't care much about germs. It's about the principal. Also, he always orders black coffee, ew.
"You know I don't like drinking coffee. But I will accept any coffee candy!" Placing a hand out to the sleepy monster.
Wolfy looked at you funny as he pulled out a giant handful of coffee candies. You couldn't hide your childish squeal in shock. Whispering your thanks as you grabbed a few, you couldn't help but smile. The whole scene was too perfect. Until wolfy opened his mouth.
"More and more you remind me of an old lady, squeaks." He shielded himself as you couldn't help but smack his arm. This was not something you wanted to hear from a monster who likes to crochet!
"I'm not old. I'm younger than you dummy!"
Trying not to pout at the dumb wolf for pointing it out.
"Yea, yea but you remind me of my nana. You even smack me the same. Only yours doesn't hurt" Wolf nodded at his statement. He put on his apron as you were getting ready to head out. Grumbling a goodbye as he waved you off.
You hated that he wasn't wrong. You normally complain about simple aches and stiffness. And tea seemed more your fancy than the typical soda. And your arthritis didn't help either. Speaking of which, you could feel your hands curling up a bit. You fumbled to remember your hand exercises. Adjusting the fingers so they flexed in sync. The pain subsided as you were closing up to the door. The small jingle from the door as you opened it.
"Hey wait"
You turned around hoping for some kind of apology from your buddy. Instead, you were met with Wolfy's plain stare as he pointed at his shoulder.
"Your bra strap is showing"
You nodded as you glared at him. The guy simply shrugged, not taking the hint. This was the second time you warned him not to say things like that out loud. Or across a room full of people. There were more subtle approaches to these situations. And away from the prying eyes of the customers. Like the few that were looking your way. Crap.
You know he meant well. Even if you didn't want to admit it. He was looking out for you and you were happy he cared enough to say something. Like all monsters do. But your irritation didn't want to subside. There was another monster in mind that left you feeling agitated.
You pull out your phone for any new notification. So far papyrus was replying to all your texts. With each response, you were secretly hoping one of them was from Blue.
An apology, an excuse. Anything about yesterday. At this point, you just wanted some sort of confirmation that he was okay. As much as you want to stay mad at him. You kept turning to the what if? What if he had an emergency? What if he had his phone stolen and went after the perp? Or the most obvious, what if Carlos scared him away. Shaking those thoughts, you opened Paps message.
Papyrus-
Oooo that reminds me. We should watch all the Disney movies. AFTER karaoke!
You sent a quick response excited about today's plans. Scrolling back to see Blue's name on the screen. Something snapped. Without a second thought, you called him. It sent you automatically to his voicemail.
After the third call, you try his brother. At this point, you stopped caring if you seemed desperate. You needed answers dammit! Not only for you but for fuku! Poor Fuku. Lifting your dead butt from the parking lot and making you suffer her lecture in the car. (even if most of it was your fault, it felt better to blame someone else for your struggles).
What happened to Blue?
------
Blue
"Dang he's impossible to beat"
"Nah, you suck at games dude"
"Pshhh I got all week to prove you wrong."
"Blues only sick for only a day. The worst is 3. Thanks again for helping out"
"Only for my little bro...shit how did he get this good!?"
He could make out some voices. Sheesh, why did his head feel split? Did he work out too much on his weights? Impossible. He should feel happy that he had a dream last night. He remembered bits and pieces. Hmm, he could go for some juice right now. Mmm, a lingering taste of apple juice hit his tongue.
"Mmm, what time is it?"
"TIME FOR YOU TO WAKE THE ASS UP"
"LANGUAGE! 10 CENTS INTO THE NO NO JAR! Wait….RED?"
He looked over to his surprise Red was playing smash buddies. Red rolled his eyes as he added a coin to the ever-growing coin jar next to him. While Papy sat down with a plate of leftover tacos. Not making any eye contact as he handed him the plate, taking the controller from his taped wrists. To his surprise, the tape was littering his body.
"Red it ain't fair to wake him when he was beating you. I told you Blue could beat you in his SLEEP. Now that he's conscious. I'm tagging in."
"Fine, bets a bet. If I win you feed me more tacos and call me big brother"
"I never agreed to that"
Blue was glad to see them getting along.
"RED! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU CAME OVER? PAPY DID YOU OFFER HIM A DRINK? YOU KNOW ITS PROPER HOSTING TO OFFER SOME"
Blue didn't mind his violent look-alike coming over. The more the merrier but he was worried that he would be a bad influence for his bro. But his good habits could rub off on him too! So he should be fine. And he did appreciate that Red kept his brother company.
"WAIT, WHAT TIME IS IT? I GOTTA GO TO WORK"
"Already called in that you were sick. Stage 3 and whatnot. So it should be fine. And it's Saturday"
"PAPY! YOU SHOULDN'T LIE TO MY BOSS. I DON'T MIND SHORTENING MY SHIFT IF YOU WANT TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER."
"But its saaaaaaaaaterday"
"Uh, I don't think he remembers about last night" Red took a taco as he paused the game. Papy slapped the taco away. Leaving a pouting Red.
"Give him a minute"
Papi reverted his eyes for a second. And pulled out his phone. Showing Blue the camera setting. That's odd? Why would his brother show him an eye heart filter? It's crazy how real they looked... No, wait. The date. His phone! PRINCESS!
"WHAT TIME IS IT?! I NEED TO GO SEE HER! I GOTTA EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED"
Papy raised his hands to continue. Red laid comfortably as he ate the broken taco from the floor. Blue tried to look away and hide his disgust.
"It's only been a day and I already took care of it. I left a note in one of her bags. So calm down. Just wait a few days until your back to your old self"
Blue couldn't disagree. His brother had a point. But he couldn't shake off his concern. At least he could think clearly so there's a plus. He should at least give her a call later.
"OKIE DOKIE, I FEEL FINE BUT I'LL WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW. RED CAN GO BACK HOME. AS I'M NO DANGER ANYMORE" Blue walked over to the fridge. He could hear the game pause as he continued.
"WE CAN PLAY GAMES PAPY AND OOO YOU CAN EVEN USE MY CAR TO PICK UP FOOD FROM THAT ONE PLACE YOU LIKE. IT WAS PROBABLY HARD TO FIND WITH SUCH A BIG PARKING LOT. BUT I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS PICKING IT UP" As Blue walked over with a picture of juice he failed to notice how quiet the two got. Or how the two kept whispering to each other. Blue could hear Red cough a bit. Blue hurried to serve him a cup.
"Um.. random question but what happens if you leave a car overnight at the mall. Like if you forgot and shit" Red graciously took the cup and chugged it down.
"WELL IF THAT HAPPENED IT WOULD BE HEAVILY FINED. DEPENDING ON THE DAY BEFORE BEING TOWED AWAY. BUT THEY ONLY TOW ON THE WEEKDAYS"
Strange question but Blue could predict Red might've left his motorbike there. If anything, Red could stick around for a while. They can ask his lazy self for some money later. He was just happy that he wasn't sick anymore. And now he could spend time with his brother. Maybe, he could convince Red to stay for a little while. Even bounce ideas off on how to apologize to his mate.
"We should just double-check that you're not getting worse. After all, didn't you get intimate with your lady's bone"
Blue was about to respond before Red pushed him onto the couch. Pinning him down as Papy pulled out duct tape from his pocket waving it over to Red. Red continued.
"Papy isn't it weird she hasn't called or come to see Blue? That's kinda sus bro" Red grabbed the tape and ripped out a piece menacingly. "Leaves me wondering what did you do?"
"NOTHING! SHE DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT" Blue couldn't help but feel his sins pulling at his soul. He could feel something flaring up. Red kept staring him down.
"Are you sure about that?" Red continued to wrap him with tape as he egged him on. Blue slowly couldn't help but falter.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?! Or maybe you couldn't help but indulge in your desires!"
Blue couldn't help but wince at that. Red was right. He looked at his brother for help. The boy looked confused but he could see a hint of fear.
No, he can't say it out loud. He wanted to be a good example for Papi when it came to everything. He is the hero that saves the girl. Not a villain that takes juice without permission. But that would be a lie.
"OK, I DRANK HER JUICE! YOUR RIGHT RED! I WAS THIRSTY AND HER LIPS WERE ON IT AND I TOOK ADVANTAGE OF IT. AND. I. DRANK. ALL. OF. IT!" Blue cried out.
He was a horrible monster for taking advantage of his mates' kindness. Not only the juice but everything. He failed to pay attention to what she wanted. Only focused on making the date perfect. Even going as far as getting a picture with her. Blue lost sight of why he was doing this. He wanted another friend that wouldn't care about his quirks.
Blue hasn't changed. The foolish monster that did everything with maximum effort. His eagerness drove people away. Leaving him to wonder what was wrong. That was until he met the humans on the surface. They gave him the wake-up call he needed or he would still be clueless.
"Whaa? I thought you made it to second base, weenie"
Blue couldn't stop his tears. All his sins kept coming out. The waterfall that came loosened his tape restraints. The tears slowly stopped but the snot kept flowing. He couldn't help but reach out to Red.
*sniffle
" I COULD USE A TISSUE OR HUG RIGHT NOW"
"Hell no. Your all gross dude"
Red dropped the tape as he backed away slowly. Blue couldn't help but have a strong urge to hug something. He needed to get rid of this sadness. And Red looked so huggable, he would apologize later.
"Get the fuck away! I don't even hug my brother" Red booked it. Running in any direction, and away from Blue.
Blue couldn't help but run at him. He ignored a soft ringing from his left as he followed his target around the house.
As Papi watched the fiasco he answered his phone. Fumbling with the buttons as he followed his brother around the house. Make sure neither monster gets hurt.
"Hey Papy, have you seen Blue. He hasn't texted me and he kinda left without saying anything yesterday"
"Oh he left on a trip"
"A trip?"
"I NEED TO BE HELD!"
Blue dodged each bone attack flung his way. Hearing his princess brought back some clarity. He needed to apologize to her first. But he needed a way to escape. Hearing Red's keys jingling got him thinking. Plan A is a go.
He tried to place bone walls wherever Red would find an exit. Red had magic but he was quick to tucker out. It's only a matter of time.
"I thought he went on a trip?"
"Yea mental trip. Gotta take care of that mental health. He's been dealing with some stuff and didn't want you to see. You know depression or something" Papi answered, still trying to catch up.
" I DON'T LIKE YOU LIKE THAT" Red replied, jumping over Blues bone wall.
" Who was that!?"
"Uh hold on. Wait, he doesn't like you like that!" Blue could hear his brother sneaking upon him. He needed to be fast.
Blue launched at Red. He made sure to give him the best hug he could give. Making sure he grabbed the spare keys as they fell. Red won't show it but he needed a hug. And Red pounding his head was just a way to show his appreciation. Right?.
Huh
maybe he's more of a cuddler?
He could feel his brother pulling him off. Blue hid the keys in his bandana. Quickly move his hands away from Red.
"OOPS SORRY RED. I FEEL ALL BETTER. I GO TO MY ROOM AND GET SOME REST" quickly moving away from Red's fists. He could see stars at this point.
"Fine. Red will stay and clean up the mess while I pick up some errands" Papy pointed out the river in the living room. Red pulled a mop and bucket from thin air.
Blue nodded as he walked up the stairs. And into his room. Blue felt around the wall until he found the right star. With a click, the door opened to the set of stairs. This was his ticket to the garage. And out the door to visit his mate. He owed her an apology.
---------------
Looking over at the oven, your enchiladas haven't fully melted yet. The timer still had 5 minutes left. Ok, everything needs to be perfect. You set your sights over to the living room. Your cheap foldable tables were in place and you had enough room on the couch to place two blankets in case Paps or frisk got cold. Or for any potential blanket fort if the time came for it. You just hoped it would be enough.
The place was clean as you lit up some scented candles in hopes to make the place feel cozy. Reassuring yourself that everything was fine. One last inspection of the living room should be enough.
The room was clean and the table was set. The terrarium was a nice centerpiece. A great kick-off to hopefully a nice relaxing time with your buds. You couldn't believe the weekend was already upon you. Everything needed to be perfect. It's been a year since you last hung out with Papyrus and Frisk. Even if you kept in touch it wasn't the same as hanging out in real life. You honestly couldn't wait to hear about what crazy things they've been up to. Maybe they might even surprise you.
Also what gossip they can tell you. And you got a few stories under your belt. You're still at the edge of your seat if Asgore proposed to Toriel yet. After hearing frisk tell you the multiple times Asgore surprised Toriel with his visits. And even got to sit down and have a talk with her. It's no wonder your rooting for the guy. You honestly weren't sure if Toriel would ever give the poor guy an in.
Or if the Mettaton Fan Club got any more recruits? So far it was papyrus, frisk, and the whole online community. You couldn't wait to tell them about your week. And the many interesting monsters you've met. This brings up a question you honestly didn't want to ask. Are the monsters you've met this week related? And if so, why didn't you ever hear about them?
It's one thing if Sans didn't tell you but Papyrus? The first day you met him he told you everything about himself. Sans had to cover his mouth before he could tell you about his cool bed. There was never a filter with that guy. Even minor stuff he would occasionally bring up. And he knew your family. You would always talk about your siblings and their weird antics. So the term family came up a lot. You'll need to find time alone with Papyrus and settle it.
*Beep Beep
Speaking of the monster.
"Yellow"
"JEEEEELLO. WE ARE ALMOST TO YOUR APARTMENT. FOR THE MOST EPIC REUNION YOU'VE EVER SEEN!.... FRISK SAYS HI."
"I can't wait! I miss you guys and theres so much I gotta tell you!"
You could hear arguing in the background along with muffled words. Sounds of a horn honking echoed a bit. You're not sure if you should be surprised. The boys always seemed to drive each other crazy.
" SHUUUSH, STOP IT FRISK! SHE MIGHT HEAR YOU! OH WAIT. FORGET WHAT YOU HEARD"
"Ahh, no you gotta tell me. Frisk poke paps until he submits!!"
"BUT I'M DRIVING! N-NO THAT'S NOT FAIR! YOU SULLY THE CO-PILOT'S CODE. UHHH TELL THEM TO STOP. I WON'T SAY IT UNTIL I SEE YOU.'
"You pinky promise!"
"YES! I PROMISE! IN ASGORE'S BEARD! I'M HANGING UP! LOVE YOU"
"I love you too Papyrus"
*click*
You got up and walked down to greet them. Knowing Papyrus would be in the parking lot in 3. 2. 1.
You open the door to see Papyrus getting out of the car. In moments you were both running at each other. You ran into his arms as he twirled you mid-air, before pulling you into a tight hug. His ripped-up crop top didn't help as his bones dug into you.
"Paps it's so good to see you! It's been too long!" Ignoring the discomfort
Paps placed you down but did not let go.
"AGREED! I GOT SO MUCH TEA! YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE"
"Literal or metaphorical?"
"BOTH!"
You chuckled as you pulled away. There's one person who needs to be greeted.
"Frisk, hugs are for a limited time only. Get your hug before Paps steals them all" You gesture to paps as laughs maniacally.
"Myeheheheh"
"I'm coming" frisk gestures as they pop out from the trunk.
Frisk walked in slow strides but you could tell they were a head taller. Besides their pink hair and dark circles in their eyes, they still looked the same. You knew he was eager for this break.
"Well I'm glad ufff"
You were cut off as Frisk ran into you for a tight hug. Huh. It took you for a surprise that he took you on your offer. You pet his head as they never liked you hugging them in the first place. Being an ambassador must suck for him. You scratch his back for good measure. In moments Frisk released their grip before going back to the car.
"Uhhh papyrus update me on the fan Club"
"GOOD NEWS WE HIT 5 MILLION LAST WEEK. OH AND METTA IS FLYING BACK FOR THE FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION"
Snaps you didn't think Mettaton would fly back. With his world tour, he's been busy. If it wasn't for his daily video blogs the fans would be rooting for his return. Smart robot.
"So where is the anniversary taking place?"
"IT'S BEING HELD AT SURFACE PARK. MONSTERS ARE INVITING HUMANS TO COME SEE. That's kinda what I wanted to ask you about" papyrus fumbled with his fingers before mumbling.
Aww, cute papyrus probably wanted your advice on who to take. He was popular with everyone he meets. So he shouldn't worry and pick someone.
The whole thing sounded like it was gonna be huge. If you add the monster population and their guests. Considering papyrus has tons of friends you don't doubt it's gonna be a big turnout. Speaking of friends. Where's Papyrus' entourage?
"Hey Paps, where's the rest of the crew? Normally I see you with Ann or Wind with ya"
Paps chuckled before pulling you towards the car.
"COULDN'T COME, BUT WE HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST WITH US. THEY ARE CUTE AS A BUTTON BUT A BIT… FIERCE"
You look to find a cage. Frisk had it open as he was slowly pulling it out. The black ball of fur was hard to decipher. Was it a cat or dog? The little purrs it gave out baffled you once it growled at frisk.
Uhhhhhh
"What's its name?"
Frisk smiled once he got it on a leash.
"Domino"
The furball zoomed around. Sniffing before trying to poke it. Frisk smiled before looking over the papyrus and growing at him.
"Now tell her"
Oh, yea papyrus was going to tell you something.
"Ok, so what did you want to tell me?"
"LATER. LET'S GO INSIDE" papyrus stumbled as he picked up all the luggage. Nodding to signal you to show them the way.
You walked as you could hear the oven beeping. Oh, crap the food! In a hurry, you pull out the enchiladas. They were a bit burnt on the edges but it should be good enough. You place it on the table as you see the two eyeing the food. Papyrus opens his bag before he pulled out giant Tupperware.
"Oh, I almost forgot I made our favorite pasta to celebrate. I even added a twist to it!" As he pulls out pasta with a green sauce with speckles of white all around.
You could still see the steam coming from it. Frisk looked at it in horror at the green pasta. Shaking his head for you not to eat it. Without any hesitation, you pull out a fork and take a bite. Oh, dear.
"Mmmm it's so good! Did you add cilantro bits and a hint of lemon?" It tasted pretty good. He followed the recipe but you couldn't help but figure the mystery taste. It's on the tip of your tongue.
Papyrus puffed up his chest in pride. Grabbing plates as he served everyone a bit. Frisk seemed to take a bit of precaution before taking more bites.
"I TOLD YOU FRISK! LIL SIS TAUGHT ME THIS RECIPE. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE GREEN!"
"Big sis. Whose older?" You interjected.
"WHOSE TALLER?" He smiled smugly before sticking his tongue out. You followed the same gesture.
"Sorry. But what's the white stuff?"
Both of you look at frisk with tongues out. You recall your composure.
"That's queso fresco it's a type of cheese that you crumble over most dishes to give it more flavor" You remember teaching papyrus this once Sans let you into their house.
"THIS WAS THE FIRST DISH SHE SHOWED ME TO MAKE. I LOVED THE COLOR. OH, WHERE DID YOU GET THIS LOVELY TERRARIUM" papyrus picked up the bowl as he moved the flowers around.
"Well I got it as a gift from a date anyway this is good I should show you this cool ice cream place nearby" you tried to change the conversation. Seeing as papyrus looked shocked.
"WHAT?"
"It's an ice cream parlor called Frost nice place. You would love all the different flavors" ignored papyrus's confusion and continued. " We can pick some up after lunch"
Frisk gave you the thumbs up before feeding the furball a piece of chicken.
"YOUR DATING?"
"well, there's no labels yet. He's a nice guy and it was hard to say no to"
"DO YOU KNOW HIS NAME?"
"He's called ser ser- something. Serif? I think I just call him by his nickname. We've only just met a week ago"
Papyrus relaxed a bit.
"NOTHING SERIOUS. GOOD"
"Well of course. You shouldn't have to worry about that! It's my choice when I'm ready" you settled into the couch. You felt a bit offended but shrugged it off. Papyrus continued his rant.
"LIL SIS DESERVES THE BEST! I GOT TO APPROVE ANY POTENTIAL DATE AND SEE IF THEY ARE WORTHY!"
Ok, call down papyrus. Sadly he was already in his rant, how the big brother would travel around for the best human for you. By the time you were done with lunch, you were done with paps view on dates.
"Paps what if I fall for a monster?"
"I WON'T LET THAT EVER HAPPEN!"
The heck? You glare at paps as he keeps his stern look. That's going too far. He has no right to say that. Paps continues.
"MONSTERS ARENT SUITED FOR YOU. YOU AND SANS DIDN'T WORK OUT. AND...I JUST DON'T WANT YOU TO GET HURT AGAIN"
"Paps you don't get to decide that for me. Shouldn't you be supporting me in moving on? I'm still hurt from Sans. Now let's watch some Disney movies and just forget about it" you grabbed the remote scrolling through all the channels to settle on Mulan. Papyrus wanted to say more but stayed quiet.
Frisk tugged at your sleeve before passing you the leash to their furry friend. The little black bean seemed happy as if he knew there was a walk-in in its future.
"Domino needs a walk and you need some time to cool down. I'll talk to paps about this"
A part of you didn't want to but you knew if you stayed you could say something you'll regret. So you walked out with the pet at hand. There's a lot you wanted to do with your buds but if you weren't having a good time then what's the point?
Domino kept tugging at the leash as they led you into the park. You tried to remember the path you took but Domino was making it harder with their constant tugging. A simple dog\cat sure had a lot of energy.
"Y\n"
You turn around to see the last person you thought to see.