When was it you first met Sans? 3 years ago?
"Y/n"
"Huh?"
You turn around to see your older sister Maya pointing for you to serve table 3 food. Not giving you another glance as she pats your back sending you out of the kitchen. You could distinctly hear her yell back to the cook for the next order. Typical Maya.
"T-table 3?"
A wave of hands raised as you walked over with their order. You try to avoid their eyes, you hurry to set their meal on the table. None seem to notice you so you hurry off. Hopefully not helping in the front. Your siblings are better at that than you. You prefer cleaning the dishes.
Rather than working on your homework and trying to raise your GPA. You were working at your grandma's restaurant to help with the dinner rush. Unlike your other siblings, you could never turn down your adoptive parents. They took you in when your parents left you behind during their ski trip. Maya and Carlos only agreed because they wanted your grandma's empanadas.
You could never repay the Curvos kindness but you could at least help around. Knowing your parents won't be working all night with some of you guys help felt good. Even pitching with cleaning tables made a world of difference.
You were hoping it was almost closing time. Carlos was busing tables while Maya was back in the kitchen or taking a break. The last customers were chatting with your grandmother now. Knowing your grandma it was the same topic as always, hot gossip.
"I'm telling you there are monsters now. The government is trying to cover it but I heard from my neighbor's son, and he took a picture. They seem strange but I'm skeptical if they were a government experiment gone wrong"
You overhear from a table. Monsters? You've been hearing it all around but never seen one. Your little town didn't have much compared to the city. You ignore the rest of the conversation as you focus on your task.
The atmosphere was peaceful as you saw your dad go over to the piano. It was hard to resist smiling at seeing your dad's excitement. Seeing him fiddle with the keys was a good sign.
Yes! The sign that the restaurant will be closing in an hour. You're grateful, Grandma gave dad the last hour to play so he could practice making use of their grandpa's piano.
He was still practicing the basics. With a bit of encouragement from your mom, as she sat down and told one of her stories. Her hand gestures were the only clue that she was bringing up her band practice story. She's told it a dozen times to everyone but you could see your dad smiling as if it was the first time.
"I'm throwing the garbage!"
You look back one last time. No one paid any attention to you. Everyone was focused on their task. You thought your dad was nodding at you, rather he was nodding to keep his composure before faltering as your mom cracked a joke.
You turn around and start collecting the trash. The least you could do was dump it in the dumpster outback. The nice melody got you thinking of some lyrics.
"Can't the future just wait? Can't the deadline come fashionably late?"
You walk over to the dumpster in the alley. It was dark and narrow but it was quiet. You could at least feel safe singing without feeling judged. Thankfully the giant bin was open for you. You couldn't help but go on autopilot.
"I could push every goal back. Take control back. If they'd rolled back the rate at which time starts to fly." you free throw the last bag but fumbled out of the bin.
You pick up the bag whispering a thank you as the bag didn't show signs of ripping. Sweet! Officially done with trash duty. Now what?
The alley was dark but you could hear cars from a distance. Huh, you could almost hear a low hum. You turn around as you see a sleeping skeleton figure. Huh, Halloween was last week. Weird? I guess you had an audience now. you continue with the song.
"Never landing or standing by
Never taking a break
Ever making me retry
We nickel and dime
Every quarter to two
But maybe it's time
To let time pass through"
You bump into something as you turn to the skeleton. The force was enough for you to fall, as you bump lips onto something smooth. You look down to see a pair of eye lights staring right back at you.
"I'm sorry mister Skeleton didn't mean to kiss ya. I'm not much of a necromancer"
Strange, you didn't think the skeleton still had batteries. The skeleton's soft white lights looked cute. You couldn't help but voice your opinion. Their clothes looked normal.
Their eye lights almost seemed to be looking right at you. Their face looked flushed.
" Eheheheheh "
You pulled away from the skeleton.
Wait, did the skeleton just laugh. Nope, you ain't dealing with this. You've seen movies. You ain't the dumb chick who dies at the beginning of the movie.
Before you could move, the skeleton got up. He patted his clothes down before walking over to you. There was no time to react.
Please be friendly.
" Sorry for bumping into ya. The names Sans, Sans the skeleton. " Reach out to shake your hand. Your flinched reaction was for nothing as the monster stared at you patiently.
"Oh, I'm y\n Cuervo. It's nice to meet you, Sans. No, I'm sorry for bumping into you"
You avoid their hand and bow your head instead. Not like you don't want to but clammy hands aren't a good first impression.
"So why is a skeleton hanging around a dumpster?" Sans didn't take any offence to it and stuffed his hand back into his hoodie.
"I'm the new trash collector. You could say I'm picking it up as I go "
You smile at their joke. As much as you liked this skeleton. There were a ton of questions unraveling in your mind. Like can he smell things? And if not...Did he pick the job because he can't smell?
There's no way it's the same monster people were talking about. You've heard different descriptions. Maybe you're in a dream? Or someone is messing with you.
"Well, Mr. Skeleton, I have to go back to work. If you want, you could come in. The first meal is free. Just a warning, it's gonna be spicy. That's grandma's trick to get you to buy more" You gotta love your grandma's business practice.
"That's ok. I just came for the entertainment. How does the rest of the song go?"
"Oh, you heard that?"
You couldn't help but pick at your sleeves. Is there a way you could convince him to pretend he heard nothing? Or if someone could strike you down with lighting or ANYTHING.
"I made it up with the melody. If you listen you could hear my father play" in the distance you could hear him pick up speed. Sans closed his eyes as he hummed along.
"It was nice. You could say I'm a fan"
The skeleton pulled out a broken fan before throwing it back into the dumpster. You try to silent your giggles as you look at him. Still, you weren't convinced.
"It's embarrassing if someone is around to hear it"
"Perfect. I'm nobody so it shouldn't be so hard. Come on kiddo."
You look off at the streets in the distance.
"If the future is bright
It doesn't shine with that "End of The Tunnel" Light
More like a deer in the headlights
Sudden red lights
Or "You're Dead" lights
As the angler fish bite"
You turn to Sans to see if he could help you with the next part. You wiggled you eyebrows signalling for him to continue it. Sans signed before giving you a relaxed smile. It left you giddy as he nodded. He followed the beat. Staring at the sky with a wistful look.
"It's not fair
The past is clear
But it's clear back there
What's ahead? No one knows
But it's closing in, we swear "
"Still not in my prime
I have so much to do
But maybe it's time
To let time pass through"
Not expecting to hear his voice so raw and honest. Without any hesitation, you responded with your truth. Your eyes met as something seemed to click.
An unspoken silence filled the air. As if a secret was spoken. You were both struggling with something. And maybe you both felt a bit like outcasts. You weren't sure but you felt a kinship with this skeleton. You dunno but it felt like neither of you had ever voiced your issues until now. In a short amount of time, you could relate to him. Or at least understand the pressure.
" I should go"
Sans broke the trance. His eye lights looked around nervously. You couldn't get his eye lights to look at you as you softly said ok. He slipped his hands into his pockets. Giving you one last smile before he left.
That smile was engraved into your memory. It was a special smile for you, unlike his last smile. The same smile he wore when he left you is still stuck on a loop in your memory.
-
Even now in the present day, you couldnt forget that sad smile.
"Domino what did you find?" You shook off the memory and focused on Domino.
Domino was sniffing bushes from both his ends? You were still debating what to do. A wild ex has appeared. You didn't like the look on his face. His Cheshire grin and hands in pockets weren't a good sign.
You were honestly wondering if it was possible to make a break for it. Even if you could find an annoying distraction it wouldn't be enough. Sans still had the upper hand. Magic.
Stupid magic.
You try to tug on the leash letting Domino know you wanted to get the hell out of there. Make a run for it before he caught up. Just a few yards would suffice. If you were getting caught the least you could do was make him earn it.
The little black bean must've sensed your distress because it was starting to run the opposite way. The feeling of ease was short-lived before Domino made a quick U-turn. The bean must have his directions wrong. Using all your strength you pull the puffball back. It was like pulling on a horse. Domino wasn't having any of it; they fought back until the leash broke. They sprinted toward Sans.
" Domino! What are you doing here? Scared to make fur-ends " San welcomed the dog in open arms.
Domino barked happily as they began to lick San's hands before rubbing themselves against his leg. He seemed to appreciate the affection. By the time you walked over to him they looked like good pals. You were still praying for a miracle. Maybe some lighting.
Getting a closer look Sans looked better. There were no grease stains on his clothes. And no familiar ketchup smell either. The lack of sunken light sockets on his face was a surprise. And he seemed to remember to wear something else besides his pajamas. Except for his signature slippers. He had little alligators on. He almost looks like how you first met him. Happy.
You tried to pick up Domino but Sans beat ya to it. Sans smiled as he scooped up the animal into his arms. He moved the hair back a bit to see a large set of eyes. Domino purred happily. That little traitor. Sans better know the only reason you were talking to him was because of his little hostage.
"They don't like sticking to one place. Guess they like to branch out" Sans chuckled at his pun.
Ok, you gotta admit that one was good. You tried to suppress your smile as you heard his laugh. Forcing all your muscles to frown at all costs.
But if you had to admit one thing. You were glad he was laughing.
That was the one thing you miss about Sans. His laugh. It wasn't his simple petty laugh that he would do for everyone. You're talking his full laugh where his whole being would vibrate. It was funny to watch that side of him. What's worse, his darn laugh was contagious. It took all your determination to hold back your laughter. You end up losing the battle as a small smile slips your lips.
"Acorn-y joke to add to my next root-ine. Thanks" Sans puff his chest in satisfaction.
That joke was mediocre at best. Stupid comedian. This was not how you wanted him to see you. You weren't sure what to say at all. Sans was making it harder to process anything. You needed to change the subject.
"Are your jokes still banned from the house?"
"No, he couldn't a-ford my silence. I made the best out of the seat-uation and drove him crazy."
You could already imagine how it went. An irritated Papyrus on the wheel and a shameless Sans. Papyrus never had a chance.
Nope, you couldn't hold your laugh any longer.
"Pfft, idiot. No wonder Paps is tired of you. Just give it a rest."
Sans wiggled his imaginary eyebrows.
"Hey, I didn't hear you complaining when Paps kicked me out that one time"
"I kicked you out too. You don't steal someone accidental curly fry"
If you remember correctly you were seeing Sans for a few months. After a recent fight that day. You weren't sure what it was about. All you could understand was Paps kicked him out of the house. Why? You can't remember. But Paps wouldn't let him back in without Sans giving something up. It was either his trombone or his puns. A small price for Papyrus's sanity. Both options were durable.
Sans ended up crashing at your place for a few days in retaliation. It was fun. Sans tossed a few jokes and like a dork, you laughed at all of them. A good week flew by before Papyrus lifted the ban.
"Why are you here?"
As much as this conversation was pleasant you needed him gone. No hijinks, no jokes. And certainly, no puns, or you'll be here all day. Even if you wanted to laugh like old times. It's different now.
Memories don't change but people do. And you're not his anymore. Even if you're still waiting for the impossible to happen. You know better.
" Well for your in-furr-mation I stopped by because Papyrus needed me to drop something off" Sans didn't bother to look at you. Just patting at the duffle bag next to him.
Okay, weird that papyrus didn't say anything but then again he's still mad at you. But he should have given you a text heads up.
While you're contemplating, Sans is chilling with Domino. You couldn't help but be a bit jealous that Domino got to capture Sans's attention. The slight hint of yearning was the last straw. You needed to leave. Asap.
"He's at my place. It's close by just have him wait outside and you'll see it"
Sans looks up confused.
" You're not coming? We could catch up" adding a finger gun pointing your way.
"Uhh I kinda need to go powder my nose"
"Uhh in a park?"
Well, honestly you don't even know if there is a bathroom around here.. That's the only lame excuse you could think of. Think brain! You can't make him think you go out in the natural uhhhhh work with me brain. Bingo!
"I need to go. Period"
You gave Sans a look. The skeleton nodded as he slowly responded.
" Sorry, to interrupt your flow. Do you need your pad? I can cervix you at least that much" Sans opens the duffle bag as he looks for some lady products. At this point, you have no way to say no to him. It took him a bit before handing you one of your typical ones.
"Here you go kitten"
No
Sans realizes his mistake. But it was already too late. You jerk away not giving Sans time to say anything else. As you took off. You have only yourself to blame.
You ignored his call as it grew farther away. Not sure if your soul or heart was hurting from the distance or your ex.
Geez, even Sans is doing better already?
While you were running away because of a stupid pet name.
How is it you're barely managing to function and Sans is back to his old ways? You're ok but a bit envious of his health.
Maybe monsters know the secrets on how to cope with life? You gotta ask papyrus. After Sans leaves.
You make a sharp turn you face a familiar skeleton. Their reaction turned to one of surprise and confusion.
"PRINCESS?"
"Yep! Need a knight to run from a drag-gon asap!" Blue picked you up bridal style as he ran in the direction you pointed at. It beat the alternative, Sans.
You ignored blues groans as he quickened his pace. Grabbing on to your dear life as Blue went turbo. The world almost seemed like a haze. It was leaving ya a bit light-headed. You signaled him to stop as you passed a few stores. The monster barely gave off a sweat.
"Thanks, blue. Sorry it's a long story"
"HAPPY TO HELP A PRINCESS OUT"
blue smiled in pride.
As blue put you down you couldn't help but stare at Blues choice in-fashion sense. The leather jacket was a nice touch but you didn't expect the pink helmet. And a bit of dust on his clothes. Blue sheepily looked away
"YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE HIDING FROM SOMEONE. THAT'S KINDA WHY I CAME TO LOOK FOR YOU" His happy demeanor changed as he kicked a rock.
"I WANT TO APOLOGIZE ABOUT OUR DATE"
"yea not my best date," you tell him flat out. This deflates the skeleton even more.
"SORRY AGAIN"
You can't get into this. There was someone back home you needed to apologize to. And yet you were wanted to hear what Blue had to say. Deep down you missed him.
"So having fun with the dirt?"
Blue nodded, stealing a few glances your way before focusing back to the ground. You failed to notice a little hitchhiker stuck on Blues back. Domino. Domino laid down next to Blue before falling asleep. The cute little bean lightly snored as you sat down with Blue. Probably tired from holding on.
"A LITTLE. Sorry, I wanted to see you and wow you look pretty " softening his voice.
"Uh, thanks?"
Blue smiled before slapping his face.
"Pffft"
You couldn't help but laugh. Maybe it was the look on his face or the way it reminded you of papyrus whenever he had to shut himself out from spilling his own secrets.
"Sorry trying to focus. A lot happened and I got a lot to apologize to you about yesterday"
"No kidding, you were my ride"
"I'm sorry"
"Yea the walk back sucked. I think I had to fight off like...3 muggers?" You weren't planning on going easy on him. The look of guilt was more than satisfying to see before it changed into awe.
"GASP! YOU FOUGHT THAT MANY? WOWZERS" Blues was sparkling in awe as he inspected you " NOT EVEN A SCRATCH!"
Blue's affectionate gaze made it harder for you to continue. The feeling of pain pinching your heart before settling into your stomach as you tried to say more. Crap, now you feel bad. You shouldn't feel guilty for lying. You came this far….
"It was tough. But I didn't need any saving. Would've been nice if you stuck around. I needed a juice box after running from a pack of wild dogs "
"GASP"
"Ok there wasn't a pack of dogs but I missed having you around. What happened?" Blues shock expression transformed into one of discomfort. He soon unraveled a bit of what he had to deal with. And explaining a strange Illness that was harbored in the monster community.
"SO LONG STORY SHORT, I WASN'T FEELING GOOD. SO PAPY PICKED ME UP. HE SAID HE LEFT YOU A NOTE IN ONE OF THE BAGS"
Whoops, you threw all your bags into the closet in a fueled rage and didn't bother to check. Also, why didn't Papy text you? Ok, you're not that close but a quick text would be a big help.
"I couldn't find it. I'm sorry I thought you bailed because of my not so friendly brother"
"WHY? HE WAS NICE! BUT HORRIBLE PUNS"
"No, he was being an idiot. And he's not the only one that's frustrating. Blue you deserve better. Someone who doesn't have a suitcase of baggage. I..... I dunno anymore"
"YOUR RIGHT, IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE YOU. I WOULD FALL FOR ANY HUMAN BECAUSE THEY ARE CUTE. I LOVE THE WAY THERE'S A SPARK OF CURIOSITY. BUT I WAS DRAWN TO YOU. THE YOU WHO LOVE MUSIC AS MUCH AS I LOVE PUZZLES" blue moved closer as he grabbed your hand. "WHY NOT YOU? CAN I ASK WHY I CAN'T CHOOSE YOU?"
What?
Blue looked at you curiously. You opened your mouth but your throat felt shut. There are tons of reasons that you're a bad choice. Not only do you suck at socializing but being around people is draining. You fail under pressure. But there's one more reason, Blue should know the truth.
You took a few slow breaths. Blue pets the black bean as he looks at you. You could feel his worry cover you.
"You know how it's kinda taboo for humans and monsters to form intimate relationships? Besides soul bonding, both share different views on love and support. Well would you believe my previous boyfriend was a monster" you look for any signs on his face but Blue stayed stoic? You peered around the perimeter, with no insight. Good. You continue.
"He was my first close relationship. I'll be honest with you, I can't say it was all his fault. I tend to run from confrontation and so did he. We were young and lonely. And I guess that's not a good reason to get together but we didn't care. I burned so many bridges because I wanted it to work. And look what I ended up with" You signaled blue to get closer. You ignored Blue's gasp as you pulled your soul out.
There were still tons of Blue webs over your cyan soul. At least you showed Blue the part that you chipped away. Use your hands to cover the webs to show your broken soul. Blue gently moved his hand to touch your soul.
You quickly pulled it closer to you so as not for him to get stung. The burning sensation felt agonizing as your fingers slipped on one of the webs. You pulled your soul back inside. Blue seemed to get the message.
" ARE YOU HURT PRINCESS? " Blue eye lights dropped back to your hands. You could feel his magic gently wavering as you felt worry fill you and a hint of desire?
You look up at Blue covering his eyes. His face flushed navy. His magic felt almost intimate in a sense. Oh.
You failed to remember a key thing about souls. Flashing a soul was showing your bare self to someone. When you're pulled into an encounter you see only the surface color. You don't see the cracks or pigment array your soul has so it's a bit more intimate with someone. You practically flashed Blue your dirty pillows in a park.
You gently padded his arm for comfort. Blue immediately pulled back. You masked your hurt with a facepalm.
"Sorry"
"NO I'M SORRY! IT'S JUST YOUR SOUL WAS VERY DULL IN COLOR. I WANTED TO COMFORT IT. I PROMISE I DIDN'T LOOK AT IT MUCH"
Blue's seen your wrecked soul and he's still worried about you. This was far from the reaction you were expecting. Dull in color? It still looked like a regular cyan soul. But you're not gonna argue with a monster.
"No, I'm the pervert for showing you something personal"
"IT'S OK. YOUR THE MAGNIFICENT BLUES FUTURE MATE. AND MAYBE WHEN WE LEVEL UP TO LOVERS WE CAN SHOW EACH OTHER THOSE THINGS" Blues twiddled his thumbs.
That sounded fair. You wanted to ask what he's thinking about but you held your tongue. You embarrassed yourself enough for one day. Geeze Monsters are too nice.
"So you still want to do this?"
"YUP, 100% STILL WANT YOU"
"Okay...come here "
You brought your hands up for a hug. At this point, you both earned one. Blues goofy grin returned 10 fold as he pulled you up for the hug. Adding in a twirl before letting you go. Yep, you chose a goofball.
Again, why did you choose him–Him with the nervous smile and blushing face. Could it be because he reminded you of better times? Perhaps it's his optimism that you liked to see. Or his dorky laugh. But you're gonna choose to make the effort.
"Alright, If I'm worthy of the magnificent Blues affection, I should fight for you too, right?"
Blue nodded. You couldn't help but want to give him a nuggie. You couldn't help but feel warm seeing his smile.
"WE COULD TRY MONDAY! IF YOUR FREE EARLY MORNING"
Would Paps and Frisk still be around? They were sticking around for the weekend but you weren't sure they'd leave early morning or evening. You kind of want to see them off before they go. But you had to consider Blue's schedule too.
"Sorry, I have family over. We could try Tuesday. Ooo I gotta take you to Larry's arcade! They have laser tag! It's close by"
"IT'S A DATE!"
Perfect. Now with that worry out of the way you needed to head back and apologize to Papyrus. Wait, where's Domino.
"Gruff bark"
You look up to see them on top of the tree. The hell? There's no way Domino's a dog at this point. The next hour you and Blue attempted to get the poor furr ball down.
Blue promised to at least walk you to your door. Domino preferred it at this point.
The black ball was wrapped around Blues neck as if his hoodie had furr. He almost looked like a bad boy. If it wasn't for his cheesy smile giving it away.
"So am I ever going to meet your other brother?" Blue hushed as you were drawing closer to the apartments.
"Not yet. Carlos was something else. You'll get along with my other brother. He's fun but right now I'm not on the best terms with him." You look at him. "We didn't agree on my life choices"
Blue smiled before giving you a reassuring squeeze. You tried to explain the predicament. Leaving out that he forbids you from seeing monsters. And realized you didn't know much about blue. So your brother doesn't believe you're dating.
(SO WERE DATING?)
(yea a trial run remember?)
(I THOUGHT IT WAS FRIEND OUTING BEFORE LEVELING UP TO DATING)
(...)
While you explained it better. Blue filled you in on his last name. It came to your surprise their last name was Fonts. It sounded silly but you can't complain. Your parent's last name is crow.
"HE CARES ABOUT YOU. HAVE YOU TRIED SEEING FROM HIS VIEW? I'M NOT SAYING HE'S RIGHT BUT I UNDERSTAND WHERE HE'S COMING FROM" He pulls out a picture of Papy from his wallet. "I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET THEIR SOULMATE"
Blue has a point. Papyrus was trying his best. After leaving your family, paps stepped up to the plate. They were always supportive of you. Through the countless times, they would watch soap operas with you or the crazy cooking they would serve you. You thank Toriel for teaching him one good recipe. It wasn't perfect but they did it their way.
"I get it. And that's why he came to visit. To check in on me. Aww he's so cool"
Blue nodded in agreement. You guys were close to the parking lot. In the distance, you could see frisk. They were leaning on the van waiting for you.
Blue pulled you in for one last hug before placing the snoring Domino in your arms. You wave him goodbye before walking over to Frisk.
You smile as you pass the furball back to frisk. Frisked pulled it close as it nuzzled it before licking their cheek. Still not sure what Domino was but your glad it was sweet.
"I wouldn't go in there yet. You know who came to check in on Paps" frisk replied. They seemed focused on their game. yea you knew. You ran away from him. But thanks to that you have a date with blue now.
"Ok. Let's go pick up ice cream" You didn't want to deal with your ex on top of apologizing to paps. Paps will forgive you if you pick him up his favorite flavor. Well, paps would still forgive you, without any bribery ice cream.
Frisk nodded as he walked alongside you over to the ice cream parlor down the street. Grabbing some ice cream was a simple walk. The people there were nice. You didn't appreciate them staring at Frisk.
You decide to take the ice cream back. Gotta make sure you bought a pint for each of you. And you can't forget to buy Domino a pup cup.
While juggling the flavor in the bag you feel Frisk tug on your sleeve.
"So whose the guy?"
Oh so he saw him. Looking at his reaction he seemed neutral about the guy. You did need someone to talk about this right now. Frisk looked young but he always felt like an old soul to you.
"A guy I'm seeing. You wouldn't believe how we met but, it was great! Please don't tell papyrus. He's the first guy I've been seeing since Sans"
Frisk nodded, you couldn't decipher what gesture but you think it seemed supportive.
"I'll take that as something good"
You both came back to see Papyrus in the Van. His eyes were covered but you could hear the country music on blast. Frisk immediately ran to his side. Your brother wasn't doing so well. Softly, you knock on the door and offer him his ice cream.
"Vanilla with cherries for my favorite Skelly" papyrus wiped away his tears before accepting the cream.
"THANK YOU. I TOLD SANS TO LEAVE. SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY. I'M SORRY I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT" His voice sounded drawn out.
"I'm sorry too. You're looking out for me. And maybe I don't see that. But thank you, big bro"
"YOU MEAN COOLEST BIG BROTHER EVER!"
"Pssh don't push it Paps"
"BIG BROTHER PAPS WILL DO!"
"uhh"
In the end you and papyrus vented your hearts to karaoke. And just bringing back old stories. While Frisk and Domino waved some glow sticks. Now that you have your fam over it can't get better than this.