#smiling so wide looking at frisk. hi baby

[carlyraejepsans]

ok fuckkk im almost definitely late to birthday wishes. oops!!! nonetheless i hope you have/had a happy birthday! i really quickly drew some special Guy's below. i hope they bring joy/other non-negative emotions

DAMIEL!!!! MY FREAKS!!!! I am so sorry, twas i who was late, tumblr inbox hid this one from me. thank you SO much, i love flowey's shitass expression

[jmbringitonworld]

Frans Week 2025 - Day 1 - Stars

After having to miss out on Frans Week for the past two years because my dad was dying/dead, I wanted to finally try my hand at it again. Unfortunately, the day after finishing my second prompt, a horrible cold struck me down like one of Zeus's lightning bolts, and I've been sick ever since. I'm still sick! It sucks! At least I managed to write out the two most important days for me. But I'm gutted that I couldn't get more out in time.

The rest of the days will be written eventually, though they'll be too late for Frans Week. I plan to include them in my ongoing fic, A Good Father. It's my own AU where Asgore adopts and raises baby Frisk in the Underground. Both of the prompts I managed to write in time are set in this AU. In this one, Day 1- Stars, both Sans and Frisk are children (11 and 6 respectively).

Thanks to @fransweek for hosting this event. I look forward to it every year!

_____________________________________

Sans didn’t think he was as fun to be around as his little brother.

Papyrus was far more entertaining and far more attentive than Sans could ever be, in the eleven-year-old skeleton monster’s expert opinion. Whenever the young Gaster brothers and Dreemurr daughter had gotten together, it was always Papyrus who had taken charge and decided what they would do for the day - even if that was usually puzzle planning and battle strategising.

However, today Papyrus wasn’t with them. He had very important business to take care of. Namely, chasing after old man Gerson with Undyne, to observe his fighting style (and to make sure that Undyne didn’t beat up too many “bad guys”).

Sans still wasn’t all that keen on letting Undyne into their small group of friends. And he still didn’t trust the preteen fish monster - she was far too hot-tempered and violent for his liking.

But it wasn’t up to him to decide who his brother wanted to hang out with. Papyrus was eight years old now, and was getting more independent and confident by the day. He didn’t need his big brother anymore - a fact that filled Sans with both pride, and a sad sort of wistfulness that made him feel older than he actually was.

At least Frisk still preferred to stick to his side over anyone else’s (besides her father, of course, but parents didn’t count). Sans could freely admit that their friendship was something he’d come to deeply cherish over the years they’d known each other, especially as she got old enough to play with the skeleton brothers and have actual conversations with them.

Sans especially appreciated how good of a listener Frisk was. He felt like he could tell his little human friend anything, and she wouldn’t judge him. Granted, at six years old she didn’t always understand everything he was talking about, and she couldn’t offer him the most insightful advice, or give particularly useful input. But something about her made Sans want to open up to her and share his thoughts with her, in a way he didn’t even do with either his brother or his father.

Which was why on this day, when it was just the two of them, he decided to take his best friend to his favourite place in the entire Underground.

_____

Frisk looked around the cavernous room with wide eyes, awe shining on her face as brightly as the glittery rocks on the ceiling.

She let go of Sans’s hand and took several steps forward, before spinning in a slow circle, taking in the entire room with childish wonder.

Sans gazed at her with soft eye sockets and an even softer smile. Fondness curled in his Soul like a contented cat.

“this is the wishing room,” he informed his awestruck little buddy.

Frisk turned to him with a beaming smile, sparks of joy lighting up her eyes.

“Wowie! This is so cool!” she squealed, bouncing on her toes the way Papyrus did when he was particularly excited.

Sans grinned at her. “so you like this place, huh?”

Frisk nodded her head so vigorously, Sans was half-afraid it might fall off - Pap’s skull sometimes did, though he figured that might just be a skeleton thing.

“I love it!” Frisk gushed. “Daddy doesn’t like taking me to Waterfall, ‘cause he’s scared I might get sick ‘cause it’s so wet. But I think it’s so pretty! I wish I could see more of it.”

Sans really wanted to offer to take Frisk to explore more of Waterfall. But he didn’t want Mr. Dreemurr to get mad at him - or worse, his father (his father’s lectures were the worst!). Sans was also reluctant to potentially endanger his best friend’s health.

But still… he really wanted to see that smile on her face again.

“hey, tell ya what, kid,” he leaned in with a conspiratorial wink. “how’s about i take you to visit some of the drier places in waterfall? i know plenty of really cool spots like this room.”

Frisk’s smile got even bigger, if that were possible. “Really?! Really really?!”

Sans wink at her again, feeling smug satisfaction bubble up within him. “really. and, uh,” his grin dropped a little, as he gave his friend a nervous look. “let’s not tell anyone about this, ‘kay? don’t want our dads knowin’. they might ground us.” He couldn’t help the shiver going down his spine at the thought.

Frisk let out a dramatic gasp, and gave him a nod. “‘Kay! It’ll be our secret.”

“yup. our own little best buddies secret,” Sans agreed.

It felt weird to Sans to have Frisk purposely keep secrets, especially from her father.

But sharing something special, just between the two of them, gave him a ticklish feeling in his Soul.

It made him feel special.

Besides, they weren’t hurting anyone or anything like that. They were just having fun and going on super secret adventures together, as young children should do.

More than anything, Sans believed that making his friend happy was worth possibly getting in trouble for.

_____

The next time the two friends visited the Wishing Room together, Sans brought along his telescope.

After setting it up and looking through it to make sure it still worked fine, he showed Frisk how to use it.

“Wowie!” she gasped. “The rocks look even prettier now!”

Sans chuckled. “yup, i think so too.” He gave his telescope a fond pat. “my dad gave me this thing. said it used to be his.”

That made Frisk tear her gaze away from the glittering rocks, and turn to give Sans a surprised look. “Really? I didn’t know your daddy liked looking at pretty rocks too.”

Sans shrugged his shoulders. “dunno if he does, actually.” Frisk tilted her head to the side, a cute gesture that was all hers, so Sans clarified, “dad told me he used to look through this telescope to see the stars better. ya know, back when monsters lived on the surface.”

The curious look Frisk gave him encouraged Sans to keep talking.

“see, dad loves stars. real stars. he says they’re brighter an’ prettier than anything else in the whole sky.” His voice lowered as he looked off to the side, gaze distant and unfocused. “when i was really little, and dad wasn’t as busy with work, he used to tell me all about the night sky. he taught me the names of all the different stars and constellations he knew of - he even drew them for me! he also taught me ‘bout all the other planets, and other galaxies, and black holes and supernovas and stuff!”

Frisk was quiet, as she observed the excited, yet sad look of longing on her best friend’s face. She wished that she could send comforting magic to his Soul, the way her father could. The way monsters could, yet humans could not.

She understood all too well the painful desire for something wonderful that was forever out of your reach.

“That sounds neato,” she told him softly.

Sans’s smile widened, not quite reaching his eyelights. “yeah. it sure does, huh.”

Frisk was quiet again, giving him a kind, sympathetic look.

Sans didn’t like the sad pity in her eyes, or the sombre tone the conversation had taken. He shook himself. This was supposed to be a fun time with his best friend!

“hey, ya wanna know something cool?” When Frisk eagerly nodded her head at his question, Sans leaned closer to her, as if sharing some new secret. “a long time ago, monsters would whisper their wishes to the stars in the sky. they believed that if you hoped with all your heart, your wish would come true.”

Frisk’s face lit up. “Oh golly, that is cool!”

Sans grinned at her reaction, happy to have successfully managed to dispel the previous gloomy atmosphere. “yeah, ain’t it?”

Then Sans let out a sigh, “‘course, we can’t do that no more. now, all we have are these sparkling stones on the ceiling…”

At that, Frisk’s face fell, her lower lip jutting out despondently.

Sans rushed to console her, internally kicking himself for making her sad again, right when he’d managed to cheer her up.

“but hey! that hasn’t stopped us from making wishes! everyone believes that if we keep wishin’ hard enough, surely all our wishes’ll come true.”

Frisk’s expression brightened. “Right! They will! Thousands of people wishing together can’t be wrong!”

Sans knew that was a naive thought. And yet, a small, childish part of him wanted to believe her, wanted to believe that wishes could come true.

Then, Frisk turned to Sans with an earnest look of curiosity on her face. “Hey Sans? You ever made a wish before?”

The young skeleton monster was taken aback by the question.

He blinked, then averted his gaze sheepishly. “well… maybe. when i was a baby bone.”

Frisk excitedly tugged on his arm. “Ooh! What was it?” When Sans hesitated, Frisk tugged harder. “C’mon! Tell me! Pleeeeease? Pretty pleeeeeease?”

Sans’s Soul squirmed at his best friend’s pleading whine. He felt helpless in the face of her expectation. It was so hard to deny her anything when she was so determined. In the end, all he could do was let out a resigned sigh. He really was no match for Frisk.

“fiiine. i’ll tell ya.” He tried very hard to keep the pout out of his voice and off his skull.

Frisk’s fingers wrapped tighter around his arm. It almost felt like they were wrapping around his Soul, which was a silly thought. Sans couldn’t bring himself to mind.

He lowered his voice to a whisper, despite the two of them being the only ones in the room, causing Frisk to lean in even closer to him. He could feel her breath brush against his bones. It was an odd, but not unpleasant sensation.

“i wished that i could see the real stars someday…”

Frisk was quiet as a look of contemplation came over her face.

Finally, after a few moments of deep consideration for a six-year-old, Frisk turned her gaze up to the ceiling - to the glimmering rocks serving as proxy stars. When she spoke, her voice was just as hushed as Sans’s had been.

“Then I wish that I could see the real stars with you someday.”

Sans felt his Soul give a jolt.

Faint heat spread across his cheekbones, as he failed to keep his smile off his face. He scratched at his cervical vertebrae in an embarrassed gesture.

“heh. that’s a great wish, frisk.”

The human giggled, and preened under her best friend’s praise.

Sans hadn’t realised just how reflective Frisk’s eyes were. They were so clear that the light of the sparkling stones on the ceiling shone brightly within their depths.

Frisk turned her star-filled eyes to him.

“One day, our wishes will come true,” she insisted, with such determination, that Sans almost believed that the human could bend reality to her very will to make them come true.

The young skeleton monster let hope fill his Soul, despite his better judgement.

“if you say so, buddy.” Sans smiled, looking every bit an eleven-year-old child. “then i’ll look forward to seein’ if the stars are just as bright and beautiful as dad says they are.”

Frisk gave him a considering look, before her lips curled into a cheeky grin.

“I bet your eyelights are even brighter and prettier than the stars.”

Sans made a choking noise. Heat filled his face and his Soul. “w-w-what?! c-cut it out! you’re embarrassin’ me…”

Frisk erupted into giggles, loud and joyous, looking entirely too pleased with herself. The sound filled the cavernous room, echoing off the walls. Sans could practically feel her laughter reverberating in his bones and resonating in his Soul.

He dragged his hood low over his skull, trying to hide his face in the darkness of his hoodie.

Sans knew that he really was no match for Frisk.

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

I've been reading Skelefamily fics, and I had to know how'd you do a similar idea!!!!

Alright so, whenever the Fallen Child of that universe is asked to stay with the Caretaker of the universe, they explicitly decline. They instead, in front of everyone, go up to Skeleton and their brother and ask to stay with them.

Does our dear Skeleton, and Brother accept the Fallen Childs request? How would life be with the Fallen Child if they accept? Why would they decline?

Do this with whatever AU fits, I know some don't really make it out on the surface or have a Caretaker that would ask, but generally I'd like to see the main 10 or so.

I'll go with Frisk/Chara/Aliza because it's funnier.

Undertale Sans - Uh... No? He's literally not ready to be a dad or whatever? He can see why Frisk is seeing him as some kind of father figure, but really, he never did it on purpose. Sans smiles at the kid gently, takes their hand, drags them back to Toriel, and disappears lol. He had already a very long day, give him a break jeez.

Undertale Papyrus - He immediately accepts, but... Uh... He has no idea how it works? To be a dad. Papyrus takes you on a father-child date and then abandons you at the end as he can't reciprocate your feelings. You're heartbroken, but that's fine, he knows the right person for you! He then proceeds to give you back to Toriel lol.

Underswap Sans and Papyrus - Both brothers look at each other in complete panic. They both start to whisper-scream silently and do wide gestures with their hands only them understand as they're arguing on the matter. Honey then tries to explain you the most gentle way he can that they currently don't have room but maybe later. Blue nods the whole time while pushing you back towards Asgore.

Underfell Sans & Papyrus - You want what now? Both brothers are really concerned. Red tried to kill you. Several times. Edge as well, even though he kinda spared you in the end (not his proudest moment as a captain, but you know). Why the hell would you want them as parents? They have no idea how to take care of themselves, what the hell would they do with a child? Edge straight tells you to ask the lesbians and then yeets you with blue magic towards Undyne and Alphys lol. Not his problem, have fun with the fish lady.

Horrortale Sans & Papyrus - Probably the only ones who would accept. You took them out of hell, and so you're a little bit a part of the family already. It's not like Toriel won't be your mother anyway because in case you didn't notice, Toriel is mothering everyone. If you don't have anywhere to go, they'll gladly accept you to follow them a little longer. They don't consider themselves fathers though.

Swapfell Sans & Papyrus - Surprisingly, Rus might say yes. He got attached to the kid and he was kinda the one who protected them through their journey. He wouldn't mind. And then you look at Nox LMAO. You gave him HELL through your journey, making it the worst day of his life as a general. He's stressed, he's tired, the Queen screamed at him all day and now you want him to adopt you? What's your problem? Why won't you let him be happy? Did someone hire you to ruin his life? Please, he's begging you, he just wants to be happy again. L E A V E. He's thankful you got them out of the Underground, but that doesn't make you friends.

Fellswap Gold Sans & Papyrus - Coffee wants to adopt you but more like adopting a puppy. He's holding you in his arms like a baby and he's doing his best to fore Wine to say yes with his best puppy eyes, even whining to convince him more. Wine eventually accepts, clearly not happy, at the condition Coffee feeds you and takes care of you. Coffee is so happy, though you're not sure if it was a good choice after all. You're not sure if you should feel offended or not at this point.

[asukamood]

Fond Memories

(Cross birthday special)

***

I almost forgot that October 10th was Cross’s birthday, goodness that was close.

(HOWEVER WHAT I DID FORGET IS TO UPLOAD IT ON TUMBLR.)

This is going to take place in the past, like the early timelines of X-Tale so we can see more of Frisk, Chara, him, and Papyrus being best friends because we were robbed of that.

Enjoy your reading!

***

Warnings: There should not be any, maybe mention of food but apart from that...

Synopsis: “Why do you two have to fight so often? We are all friends, aren’t we?” Papyrus sniffed, making them both panic. “Can’t you two make an exception for once so Cross can spend a nice birthday?”

Chara’s eyes widened. “Wait, It’s Cross’s birthday today?!”

***

Cross was frowning.

Was it him or was Undyne being particularly and unnecessarily demanding of him today? Should it not be the opposite? Since it was his birthday and all?

“Come on Cross, you can do better than that!” Undyne yelled across the field Cross was running on, her voice barely audible with the wind howling in his ears.

The weight of his armor was really starting to bother him, it was so heavy.

“I'm doing my best already Undyne!” Cross yelled back, heaving his body upward in vain effort. It was in moments like this that he sometimes wondered why he let Chara and Frisk convince him that getting into the royal guard was a clever idea.

Well, it is pretty fun when they fight and everything but just doing endurance training like that was so boring.

On his birthday too? Was Life against him after all?

As he questioned his existence, he did not even notice the fact he reached Undyne, who blew into the whistle, signaling the end of the test. Cross’s legs slowed down before eventually coming to a stop, almost giving out beneath his weight. Thankfully, sheer willpower was still enough to keep him balanced and not embarrass himself in front of the captain. That really would have been the worst thing to happen, especially so close to the final test.

“Good work!” Undyne slapped his back with a concerning loud cracking noise that she did not seem to hear. “You can go change back to your civilian outfit now, and don’t forget to take a shower too!” She swayed her hair onto her back, fixing some rebel strands on her face before bidding goodbye and walking away.

Cross heaved a loud sigh before he forced his body to move in the direction of the changing rooms where he could see Papyrus anxiously looking at his watch every few seconds, tapping the ground with his foot occasionally.

Cross would have called out to him, if not for the fact he was absolutely exhausted.

So, he just walked up to him silently, wondering how long it would take him to notice him.

Papyrus had grown taller than him that year, somehow.

Cross was supposed to be the oldest, how did that even happen?

He did not have the time to further dwell on these thoughts as his little brother’s face brightened up with a grin as he finally noticed him approaching. “Brother!” He waved his hand excitedly, Cross trying to repeat the gesture with less energy.

“You took your sweet time.” Chara, whom Cross had yet to notice by that point teased, his back pressed against the wall. “What happened to the champion of tag you’re it?”

Cross rolled his eyes, a little smile on his face. “He’s still ready to kick your ass, idiot.”

“You know you shouldn’t say bad words, Cross.” Papyrus lightly scolded him, before turning to face Frisk, who was hidden behind his tall figure. “You’re not going to say anything to Chara?” He tilted his head to the side innocently.

The last member of their squad finally stepped out of the tallest boy’s shadow, purple and red eye looking his brother up and down before he turned back to Papyrus. “No, I don’t see why I should.”

Said brother smirked widely as Cross let out a protest. “If he’s not going to get Frisk on his back for being immature, then why should I?” He fumed. “That’s so unfair!”

“Quit being a baby Cross.” Chara playfully elbowed him, earning a dramatic yelp. “Just because my brother likes me better than yours do doesn’t mean you have to throw a tantrum over it.”

“That’s not true!” Papyrus and Cross shouted at the same time. The two brothers blinked before turning back to face their common ‘enemy.’

The tallest of them curled his hands into fists, resting them on his hips as if to give his words more meaning thanks to his ‘authoritarian’ posture. “I do love Cross as a brother very much but as his sibling, it is in my duty to make sure he does not set himself on a path he will regret.”

“While I totally think you’re exaggerating on that end part, I totally agree with you on the beginning, Paps.” The shorter sibling crossed his arms around his chest, his arms resting uncomfortably against the metal of his armor he had yet to take off, having been interrupted earlier by the three others. “Besides, I don’t think love can really be compa---”

“Oh my Asgore!” Chara exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air, exasperated. “I get it! No need to get me deaf with your gross speech!” He stuck his tongue out, the pair giving him an unimpressed look.

Even Frisk facepalmed.

At the gesture, Chara gasped, offended. “Frisk! I thought you loved me!”

“Look, there’s only so much one man can take in five consecutive hours of hearing you ramble about how stepping on a Lego should be considered a good enough reason to get in the Emergency Room.”

“WE’RE TWELVE, WHAT DO YOU MEAN A MAN?” Chara shouted back, making Cross wince as he stepped back, rubbing his forehead.

“I love how you didn’t even deny having had that conversation with me.” Frisk snickered, much to Chara’s dismay. However, before he could think of throwing another tantrum or snapping at him with his girl-ish voice, Papyrus held up a hand to his mouth and stopped him, frowning.

He had noticed Cross.

“Are you okay Cross?” At the worried tone, Chara and Frisk also turned toward him, their faces reflecting Papyrus’ expression.

“You don’t look too good.” Chara observed, stepping closer to him, and trying to inspect his face closer. “You alright?”

“Did Undyne go too hard on you?” Frisk questioned too, rubbing his shoulder with a hand. “You know we can talk to Gaster if--” Cross halted the idea immediately, shaking his head no.

Embarrassing himself like that by having to ask for his father’s help was not how he was going to let things happen, that would cost him too much pride.

“It’s fine.” He croaked out at one point, shooing off the two younger siblings who took a step back to dodge his ‘hits,’ if they could even be called that. “I just have a little headache after listening to Captain Undyne screaming at the top of her lungs for an hour... or rather, I think it was an hour.”

“We’ve been waiting for an hour and a half but yeah, that’s fair.” Chara tapped Cross on the shoulder before backing away in his original place, his brother soon following his example.

“But don’t hesitate to ask for something if you need anything, okay?” Papyrus looked at him worryingly and Cross smiled, getting on his tip toes and thankfully managed to pat the other after some rather pitiful tries.

“Thanks Papas but it really won’t be necessary.” Before the other could think of giving the pats back, Cross quickly retreated to the side. Of the two of them, he was undeniably the fastest. “Anyway, what has gotten into the three of you to try and take care of me like that?” Cross raised an eyebrow, slightly amused.

“I’m the oldest, that’s supposed to be my job, I hope you three are aware?” Papyrus shrugged.

“I do not think it is something that relates to age. If one of us is feeling unwell, the others will take care of them, that will always be the case, whether the person is the oldest or not.” He said, quickly followed by Frisk who added his own grain of salt into the mix.

“Besides, you’ve taken care of us plenty before, so I think it’s only fair if we get to do the same now.” Cross smiled.

“Aw you guy--”

“Besides, you look like dog shit.” Chara added with a grin, making Papyrus shout out another ‘language!’ and Frisk facepalm.

Cross clicked his tongue. “You know, I was starting to feel appreciated and felt like we were having a very beautiful bonding moment before you intervened.” Chara gave him a thumbs up.

“You’re welcome for preventing you to cry like a baby.”

“F off, will you?” Papyrus gave him a sideways glance.

“What did we just talk about brother?” Cross threw his hands in the air in frustration, barely holding back a growl.

“I did not even say the word! It was just a letter!” Frisk hummed, looking at Cross’s raised arms. “Is a letter considered a curse word now?”

“Well, no but--”

“Weird, I could have sworn Chara did the exact same thing a few minutes ago...” Said one scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“I told you all Cross was a copycat. "He feigned to flip his non-existent long hair, like the mean girls from that TV show he has been obsessed with for a while, grinning. “But I can’t exactly blame him either, who would not want to be like me?”

“Sometimes, I wonder how you put up with such a diva, Frisk.” Cross ignored Chara and turned to his brother instead, who was seen sighing. “I think I would have genuinely murdered him if he was my brother.”

“Bold of you to assume I wouldn’t have killed you first!” Papyrus frowned at the interaction, genuinely upset.

“Why do you two have to fight so often? We are all friends, aren’t we?” Papyrus sniffed, making them both panic. “Can’t you two make an exception for once so Cross can spend a nice birthday?”

Chara’s eyes widened. “Wait, It’s Cross’s birthday today?!”

“I- HOW DID YOU NOT KNOW?” Frisk suddenly shouted incredulously, attracting the attention of several animals who were just passing by. “Did you just think we were here to pick up Cross from training just because??”

“...” Chara smiled nervously. “Yes?”

A beat of silence passed before Frisk facepalmed for what felt like the hundredth time today. “Idiot.” He flicked him on the forehead, earning a yelp.

The interaction cheered Papyrus up who snickered but that was nothing compared to the loud snort Cross let out at the sight of Frisk insulting Chara for once.

The latter sent him a death glare that he pretended not to notice.

“Anyway, what did you guys have planned for me this year?” He asked nonchalantly, hoping one of them would fall into the trap he set them.

“We can’t--” Frisk began before Papyrus cut him off excitedly.

“We’re going to your favorite restaurant!” Cross grinned mischievously as Chara hissed his name. The taller child raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“It was a surprise, Paps!” His face fell but before it could escalate Cross dragged them all toward the exit.

“Then what are we waiting for? I am starving!”

While on the road, Chara tugged on the birthday boy’s sleeve. He turned around, eyebrow raised. “Hey Cross?”

“Mhm?” He replied, a sort of warm grin on his face.

“Sorry for forgetting your birthday.” He scratched his neck but yelped as he got slapped on the back.

“Don’t worry about it, just don’t forget it next time!”

Then they all walked away, promising that next year’s surprise would be kept this time.

***

“... Hey Cross?” At the call of his name, the soldier turned cold eyes toward Chara.

“What?” He hissed, making it obvious that whatever it was that he wanted, he was going to have to make it quick. Nightmare was not going to wait for much longer.

Chara looked away from him. “Happy Birthday.”

The latter stopped in his tracks; a foot still mid-air as he looked incredulously at him. A few seconds later though, he resumed his walking. “... Thank you.”

[sirenascales]

-> double black [part one] 18+

-> Chuuya x 1stPov!F!Reader x Dazai

-> Who knew getting fired from work could lead to this?

-> Content: SMUT, slight angst, violence, murder, swearing

A night out drinking leads to a small misunderstanding with a handsome, yet dangerous man. [Chuuya x 1stPOV!F!Reader]

3,894 words

note: edited this so it could still be read as a reader fic! it's actually a lot of fun writing in first person! hope those who read this enjoy my first bsd fic!

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Final || masterlist

I've experienced a lot of amazing things since I've moved to Japan. A new job in a different country, new co-workers and friends, work parties, themed bars, cafes, and hookups with pretty strangers. There was a long list of great things I've had going on, and a long list of things I've never expected... and being fired from the job I had for a year was not one of them.

"A year of hard work... for nothing," I mumbled bitterly as I sat at the bar with my close friend, and now ex-coworker, Keiko. She was beautiful, with long black hair and brown eyes. She frowned, a sympathetic look on her pretty face as she sighed.

"I'm so sorry," she said softly, giving my shoulder a squeeze. "I'm sure you'll find something else soon! You have an awesome resume, and you're an amazing worker who can speak English, Japanese AND Spanish... there is totally a place for you out there!"

Keiko has always been supportive and enthusiastic, a really bright and friendly girl who made it her mission to befriend me as soon as I started working with her. She was relentless, and soon enough, I found myself spending many hours with the woman.

"Yeah..." I just mumbled again and she laughed softly.

"It's okay to mope... that's why I brought you here!"

"Yeah, about that," I started, sending Keiko a look as I swiveled the stool so my body faced her. "Why did you bring me here?" As soon as the work day was done, Keiko immediately dragged me to what was clearly a mafia bar. That didn't surprise me, since she was actually dating a mafioso.

A mafioso, who was part of the Port Mafia. It wasn't long after I moved to Yokohama that I started to hear stories about the organization, and was also warned not to cross them. Of course, with my luck, I became best friends with someone who dated someone who was in the Port Mafia. How a sweet girl like Keiko ended up with a man like him, I'll never know.

What I do know is that Taichi adored Keiko, gave her everything she could possibly want and need with the money he makes, and that was just being a normal grunt! Even so, it was dangerous, but Keiko didn't seem to mind.

"I come here with Taichi all the time," Keiko answered, sipping her drink. I turned to sip on my own. "You can't tell me it isn't luxurious." It was. My jaw had dropped to the floor when we first stepped into the very luxurious bar. "Don't worry about it, okay? Drink your sadness away! You're safe here. Since I am Taichi's woman, and you're with me, nothing will happen, okay?"

"Where is Taichi anyway?" I asked, glancing over her shoulder when I spotted a group of men walking in through the entrance. I missed the way the light left Keiko's eyes, chewing on her bottom lip anxiously. My eyes were on the men, which in the middle was a man with orange hair, a black hat adorning his head. I felt my breath hitch in my throat, my eyes looking at the very handsome man up and down. I swallowed thickly.

"He had a job tonight and couldn't make it. He'll be home to- hey, what are you looking at?" Annoyed at me ignoring her, she turned in her seat, a shocked look on her face before she smiled tightly.

"Taichi! I thought you had an assignment!"

"Hey, babe! We finished early, which was quite surprising, honestly."

The couple embraced and I barely registered the mushy love between the two as I watched the ginger man lead the rest of the group further into the bar. He walked by me, and before I knew it, dark blue eyes were staring right at me, eyebrows furrowed.

"The hell are you looking at?" he sneered and my face turned red, heart dropping in my chest.

"No one! I'm sorry!" I exclaimed, quickly turning back around and facing the bar.

"Tch. Whatever," the man only responded before walking off.

"You look like a cherry," Taichi said, clearly amused. I sent him a half-hearted glare, Keiko slapping his chest lightly.

"Be nice to her. She got fired today."

"Ohh, that sucks. If you need help-"

"She won't take it," Keiko said with a huff. "Stubborn ass."

I rolled my eyes at her, biting my lip nervously as I fiddled with my glass. "So uh... who was that guy? With the hat?"

Taichi blinked. "Oh, that's Chuuya Nakahara."

"Is he part of the Port Mafia?"

Taichi barked out a laugh, Keiko giggling softly behind her hand.

"Baby... he's an executive. Chuuya works closely with the leader of the Port Mafia."

"And I work under Chuuya," Taichi finished, amused at how wide my eyes have gotten at the answer.

"You mean to tell me... I pissed off... an executive member..." I was dismayed, heart pounding in my chest.

"Hmm, probably. Don't go home alone tonight," Taichi grinned as I balked, clearly having fun torturing me.

"Taichi! Babe, don't listen to him."

I gulped nervously, downing the rest of my drink before signaling to the bartender to get me another one.. "R-right..." Despite my better judgment, I turned my head, looking towards the obvious VIP section of the bar. Chuuya sat with some other grunts, a glass of what seemed to be red wine in his hand. Of course, his eyes found mines yet again and I whipped my head back around. Fuck, I did it again! I quickly downed the newly made drink, unaware of Chuuya's eyes narrowing as he watched me.

"Nooo, do you have to go?" a drunk Keiko whined as she latched onto my arm, a forever amused Taichi watching on. "Don't leave me with hiiiiiiim."

"I want to go home, dammit," I huffed, successfully peeling her off of me and handing her to her boyfriend. "I have to start job hunting tomorrow. Thank you for bringing me here, I do feel better and I love you but... I'm tired."

"Ugh, you are such an old lady!" Keiko whined again and I couldn't help but laugh, turning to start walking towards the exit.

"Goodnight, you too. Please get her home safe, Taichi."

"I wouldn't count on it~"

I rolled my eyes at his teasing, leaving the two behind as I left the bar. I stepped out into the cool night air, shivering a bit as I closed my cardigan tightly around me. I wore a simple but cute outfit; a black dress with burgundy tights underneath, black flats on my feet and my favorite tan cardigan over the entire outfit. It helped me fight off a bit of the cold, but as I started to walk down the block, I grabbed my phone to start searching through my usual rideshare app.

I didn't get far. My phone cluttered to the ground as it fell out my hands, a gasp leaving my mouth as I was slammed against the nearby brickwall of a narrow, dark alleyway.

"Who the fuck are you?" a familiar voice hissed and I'm shocked to find Chuuya Nakahara glaring daggers at me, his strong hands pinning my arms against the wall. He growled when I didn't answer. "Answer me! Who sent you here?!"

"N-No one!" I cried out, shaking like a leaf. Of course, of course I would be confronted by a fucking high level member of one of the most dangerous organizations in Japan. "I swear, I just came here with my friend."

Chuuya growled again and he flipped me around, pressing my front against the wall. "Stay still," he grunted, and my face started to heat up as I felt his gloved hands quickly feel along my body. He was frisking me, and I gulped when he shoved his hand under my dress, producing the knife I had strapped to my thigh.

"I carry that to protect myself," I immediately explained, Chuuya turning me around again to face him. His eyes were still narrowed, staring me down as if trying to figure out what the hell I was up to.

"And the bouncer didn't pat you down?" he questioned and I shook my head quickly.

"No, he didn't pat me or Keiko down."

"Tch, that's Taichi's woman," he said, though he still looked at me with narrow eyes, hesitating a bit before he turned my knife in his hand, handing it back to me hilt first. "You sure know how to make yourself look suspicious."

I cringed a bit as I strapped my knife to my thigh strap again. I missed how Chuuya's eyes lingered, him licking his lips. "That's my fault I... I know I was staring..." I could feel my face heat up again and I couldn't even look Chuuya in his face. "S-sorry if I creeped you out. I don't mean any harm. Keiko brought me here 'cause I got fired and she wanted to help me feel better..."

"Hm," was his only reply, crossing his arms over his chest. "What you do to fuck up?"

My mouth fell and I sputtered as I tried to come up with the words. "What do you mean?! I didn't fuck up!" I protested. "It literally came out of nowhere! I worked my ass off all year, only to get fired 'cause I wasn't what they needed anymore. Fucking bullshit."

Chuuya was amused by my little vent, snickering a bit as he gave me a quick look up and down. "I'm sure it wasn't your winning personality."

I scoffed. "Says the one that shoved a random woman against a wall?! That hurt, you bastard!"

Chuuya raised his eyebrows at me, and I immediately slapped my hands over my mouth.

Oh no. Fuck, I forgot who I was talking to.

Chuuya snickered again, his eyes flashing in amusement. He stepped closer to me, making me press back against the wall again. Chuuya leaned his face close to mine, a smug smirk on his face as he spoke.

"Be careful who you talk to like that," he hummed, and I shivered despite feeling some of his body heat. "Someone might just cut out your tongue for talking back like that. Me? Well, it'd be a waste, especially when I think of all the things I could make you do with it."

I squeaked, the heat never leaving my face as I stared at Chuuya with a puzzled expression on my face. The sudden switch up was giving me whiplash... and lowkey turning me on. "I..." I stuttered, looking away and finally noticing my phone still on the ground. "Crap, I hope it's not broken."

I rushed over to pick my phone up, ignoring Chuuya's hard stare on me. I looked over my phone, sighing in relief when I saw that it had sustained no damages.

Chuuya then stepped up to me, jerking his head back towards the bar before walking off. "Let me take you home. Take that as an apology for being so rough on you."

I blinked. "Um..."

"Hurry up!"

"Okay!" I squeaked and followed after the man quickly, chewing on my lip as I asked myself... what the fuck was I doing? Am I really about to get inside this man's car? He was a stranger! Who frisked me! Let alone, he is clearly a dangerous man.

I must be insane.

"Tell me," Chuuya started and I was dumbfounded as he approached a rather cool looking motorcycle. No way. "What the hell were you being so creepy for?" He turned to me and asked, an all-knowing smirk on his face. I blushed deeply. Of course, he already was able to figure it out once he realized that I wasn't a threat.

"No reason," I huffed out, earning a low laugh as Chuuya grabbed the only helmet I could see. I looked at him confused, gasping when he unceremoniously placed the helmet over my head. "What about you?"

"I don't need it," Chuuya simply answered before he finally mounted his bike. "Come on, you little liar. Hop on."

I couldn't help but stare, my mouth going dry as I took in the image of this handsome bastard with his bike. The engine roared as he turned it on, revving it a bit and making me make a mess in my panties.

"Hey, ya done eyefucking me, dollface?"

I sputtered. "I was NOT eyefucking you!" I stormed over to the bike, glaring at the grinning bastard as I climbed onto the bike behind him.

Chuuya snorted. "Yeah, like you weren't eyefucking me earlier in the bar," he retorted, easily reaching behind him to grab my wrists, pulling me against his back as he wrapped my arms around him. I was stunned silent, from his words, and his actions and the fact that his back felt so solid.... and he smelled so good...

"I was not..." I mumbled, pressing my cheek against his back. "Shut the fuck up."

He laughed darkly, and that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Where do you live?" Chuuya asked and I hesitantly told him my address. "I know where that is. Hold on."

"You do? It's on the other side of the city," I said and Chuuya just chuckled softly, looking over his shoulder and smirking at me.

"And who exactly runs this city?"

I clamped my mouth shut, his eyes staring into mine. I blushed and looked away from him. He turned his head back around with an amused laugh, the engine revving as he took off on his bike.

"Hold tight, dollface!"

He didn't have to tell me twice, my arms tightening around his torso as he sped down the street, weaving in and out of traffic. It was scary, but also so fucking exhilarating. My heart was thudding in my chest, my eyes watering because of the wind. Still, I kept them open, wanting to watch the world blur by us. Chuuya made a sharp, right turn, making me scream while he laughed loudly. 

"Man up!" he yelled at me.

"Stop driving like a crazy person!" I yelled back.

I didn't see the large, almost evil smirk that grew on Chuuya's face. Didn't see him licking his lips excitedly as he eyed a rather tall building coming up ahead.

"Tell me, dollface," he hollered back at me, revving the engine and I gulped as I held him tighter, his bike going faster. A bad feeling started to settle in my stomach, balking when he asked his next question. "Do you want to defy gravity?"

I didn't have time to answer, not when I finally realized that we were heading right towards the side of the building. I couldn't even scream, fear striking me as I suddenly started to see red, body jostling as Chuuya maneuvered the bike to jump in the air.... before landing perfectly on the side of the building and continuing vertically up towards the sky.

"Don't let go!" Chuuya sneered. Like that was ever going to happen.

I didn't dare turn my head to look down, my wide eyes staring up into the night sky as we made it closer to the top of the building. I couldn't even think straight, my body just running on nothing but adrenaline and fear.

"Ch-Chuuya!" I gasped out sharply, the bike finally making it to the roof of the building. Chuuya didn't slow down though, only barreling towards the edge and I started to panic. "Chuuya! What are you doing?!"

Chuuya only snickered, revving the engine once more before sending the bike flying off the edge of the building. I squeak and screw my eyes shut, pressing my face against the middle of his back. I didn't want to watch us plummet to our doom.

"Hey, idiot, open your eyes."

I whimpered and shook my head. "N-No..."

Chuuya sucked his teeth. "Just open your eyes! You'll regret it if you don't."

Biting my lip, I wanted a moment before I lifted my head up and opened my eyes, a small gasp leaving my mouth as I looked around me.

We were still floating in the air, biking moving through the sky. The City of Yokohama was lit up beautifully underneath us. I looked over, seeing the ocean at a distance, the ferris wheel lit up and spinning slowly. My mouth had fallen open, eyes wide in wonder. Chuuya was looking back at me, a triumphant grin on his face.

We made it to my apartment and Chuuya stood over me, an amused smile on his face as he watched me melt on the ground after I got off his bike.

"That was intense..." I mumbled, still feeling the effects of flying through the fucking sky. "I shouldn't even be surprised that you're gifted, with the power that you have already in the Port Mafia."

"Yeah, it was pretty great, huh," Chuuya said smugly, gloved hands stuffed in his coat pockets. I laughed softly, slowly standing up with my shaky legs. He took one look at my frazzled state and he grew even more smug. "That's a cute look on you, though if I really had my way with you, you wouldn't even be able to stand."

My face turned hot, sputtering as I tried to respond, but I had nothing to even say. Because the thought of actually inviting Chuuya inside and--

"Fuck..." I breathed out softly, looking at the man standing before me. His eyes didn't leave mine, the heat in them making a shiver go down my spine. "Do you... want to come inside?"

Chuuya fixed his hat on top of his head. "Lead the way, dollface."

"So... your ability lets you control gravity?" I asked once we made it inside the elevator of my apartment building. We were going fifteen stories up, after Chuuya parked his bike safely, of course.

"To put it simply, yes," Chuuya answered, stepping closer to me. I gasped softly when he grabbed my chin, the leather of his glove pressing against my skin. "But we're not here to talk about that." He pressed himself against me fully, leaning his face in until his lips hovered just above mine. I shivered, looking at him with hooded eyes. "This will be a one time thing, dollface."

I nodded, appreciating his honesty. "Of course," I replied just as the elevator stopped on my floor, doors sliding open. I grinned at him. "So let's make it count."

He liked the sound of that, grabbing my wrist and leading me out the elevator. I rushed to my apartment, grabbing my keys and hurriedly unlocking the door before opening it.

The door slammed shut as Chuuya immediately pressed me against it, his lips on mine in a fervorous kiss. I knocked his hat off his head as I ran my fingers through Chuuya's hair, moaning when his hands started to roam all over my body.

"Fuck..." I moaned softly when Chuuya started to kiss down my neck, squealing when he squeezed on my ass.

"Damn... you won't be able to fucking sit right, either," he growled against my neck as he massaged my ass and thighs. "Let's go."

Groaning when he moved himself away from me, I rushed to lead Chuuya to my bedroom, our clothes coming off in the process and making a trail on the floor.

It didn't take us too long to start really going at it, our lust fueling us to incredible heights. Chuuya held my hips tightly with his leather clad hands, thrusting his hard cock in and out of my soaking pussy.

He was fucking me hard, my body just sprawled on the bed as I moaned and grunted from the pleasure this man was giving me. "Fuck, fuck, Chuuya!" I whined, making the man grin widely as he kept his pace. Sweat covered both of our bodies, moans and deep growls mixing with the sound of skin slapping against skin.

"That's right, dollface, ride me," Chuuya smirked up at me, now on his back as I bounced up and down on his cock. His hands were right on my hips, his eyes going back and forth between  watching my bouncing breasts and watching his cock disappear inside my heat. "Fuck, you're so fucking sexy," he growled, thrusting up particularly hard and making me toss my head back, screaming when I finally fucking cum.

"Oh my God!" I gasped sharply, still squeezing around him as I began to slow down. "Oh fuck... it's so good," I moaned, reaching out and hooking my finger into Chuuya's black choker. I pulled and he pushed himself up, lips meeting mine in a messy kiss.

I moaned against his mouth, still slowly riding him as his hands ran up and down my sides, the leather cool against my skin. Then, Chuuya placed his hands on my hips, and with a mischievous little smirk, he licked his lips. Immediately, my body started to feel a little bit lighter, and Chuuya started to effortlessly bounce me up and down on his cock, 100% controlling my body with his ability.

"Chuuya..." I moaned his name, head lolling back. He continued to maneuver my body, little grunts and moans leaving his own mouth as he worked to reach his own pleasure, and mine.

I came again, tears falling down my face from the intense pleasure, and that was enough for Chuuya to pull me off of him completely, putting me on my knees before him on the bed. His hand grabbed the back of my neck and he pushed my head down, stuffing his cock in my mouth.

"Take it," he growled, his hands in my hair and using it to push my head up and down as he fucked my mouth. I moaned around him, a new wave of pleasure washing over me as I let the mafioso use me as he wanted. Soon enough, he exploded into my mouth, and I made sure I swallowed all of him.

"Fuck, that's hot..." Chuuya breathed out when I opened my mouth to show him that I did so. "You're such a good girl, dollface."

That made me flustered and I looked away shyly, earning a chuckle from him. I looked over when I felt him get up from the bed, thinking that he would leave. Instead, he just gave me a look. "Where is your shower?"

We showered together,  which took longer than needed because Chuuya couldn't keep his hands to himself. I was surprised when he climbed into bed with me afterwards, allowing me to cuddle against him as we slowly fell asleep.

I wasn't surprised though, when I woke up the next morning, sore and alone. I didn't get too upset about it, though. Chuuya laid it out clear and I accepted it and moved on.

I sat on my dining room table, looking through the newspaper as I sipped on my morning coffee. I was looking for a new job and figured looking at the local ads wouldn't hurt.

"Hm... let's see..." I whispered, reaching over and grabbing my knife. I ran the tip of it down the paper, stopping when one particular ad stuck out. "Hm... the Armed Detective Agency, huh? Interesting..." I set my knife down, staring at the ad as I took another careful sip of coffee.

-End

[echo-of-sounds]

you don’t make it to the bedroom pt.2

Small smut drabbles of having a quickie with Hizashi and Gang Orca.

Yamada Hizashi

“What’s wrong?”

“I hate everyone,” you carped, lugging your bag onto the table. Your laptop clunked loudly, but you could not care less and tossed your jacket over it, hiding the stupid work from your eyes.

“Everyone?”

“Yes.” You wanted to sound angry. The arms circling your waist prevented that, easing your voice. The lips also helped. So didn’t the lean chest pressing to your back. You leaned into his kisses, muttering, “Not everyone I guess.”

Hizashi rubbed your sides, humming some song you couldn’t place. It quickly calmed your mind, maybe a little too much. The arousal wedging between you was a bonus. He softly mused into your ear, “Why don’t you let me help. Sit on the table for me, baby.”

You spun and hopped up, spreading your legs. Gracefully fingers reached under your skirt and removed your underwear. It was replaced with his mouth, kissing your clit, pumping it with his lips. His quirk amplified his lip’s vibrations as he whispered against you, “Your pussy’s taste so fucking good-” His tongue flowed fully, broadly into you a few times. “-So fucking good.”

He cradled your thighs, keeping his access wide open. Loose hair blocked his eyes. You brushed it back to see them closed, focusing on sucking your clit. His nose pressed close. He was mumbling something, but you didn’t bother listening, completely content with just feeling the attention.

One suck ended in a bite. You gasped, dropping your head back, forearms resting on the table. You breathed for him, “Come here.”

In the span of a second, Hizashi stood, pulled himself out, and pushed inside, moaning with you. He untucked your shirt and effortlessly, swiftly unbutton all the buttons. It hung open, giving him liberty to pry your bra down and suck on your breasts.

Once attached, he began thrusting. He sunk heavily and withdrew abruptly. It was hurried, uneven, and just what you needed. Your fingers drifted into his pants to dig your nails into his ass’s skin. A groan sounded right before biting your nipple. It drove your nails deeper, in turn goading his hips to hump harder.

You moaned his name. The thrusts turned upward, forcing lewd sounds from both of you, especially from both of your lips, lecherous and needy. “Holy fuck, right there.”

Hizashi kept the motion. The table creaked with your bodies. Something prodded your spine. You paid it no mind, scratching up his back to his shoulder blades, hiking his shirt with you, messing his clothing just like he did yours. The cold metal of his belt jolted your clit, flattening, pinning painfully and wonderfully.

“Fuck, Hizashi, fuck, keep going,” you gushed.

He groaned at your nail’s continuous pricking but refused to release from your nipple, sucking sensitive skin raw. A few more tough thrusts later, you found your high, moaning into, marking up, and humping with him until your muscles slouched.

You gathered his hair tight as he nursed, rutting your laxed body. He suddenly slipped out. You jerked him off, watching while he came onto your skirt, still suckling, breathing intensely through his nose. Teeth closed in.

You half-laughed, half hissed, “Hizashi, you need to let go.”

His lips stiffened around your nipple. He remained between your legs, now hugging your waist, cuddling your chest. You relaxed to the table, choosing to let him stay, having no energy or real reason to fight with him.

Gang Orca

The door closed. The lock clicked. Kugo snagged your hand, stopping you from heading into the bedroom, and twirled you back to him. A tongue landed on your neck. You laughed, “What’s up, Kugo?”

“This dress looks beautiful on you,” he hummed. A finger traced up your exposed thigh to the top of your hips, playing with the long, flowing material. “I’m unsure if you noticed the man at the table beside us. He kept looking at your legs.” His tongue flicked your lips. “All night long.”

“I didn’t notice. I was staring at you the whole time,” you condoled as you loosened his tie. Your fingers stroked out from his neck, across his broad shoulders, and fondled his wide biceps. The shirt didn’t hide their power.

“So was I.” You smiled at his softened eyes. His tongue took the opportunity to brush into your mouth. Its heft prompted a moan and provoked your hips to press against his legs. One thigh tried to push forward, but it caught on the long dress.

Kugo didn’t fight with it. Instead, he picked you up by your sides. You hugged his neck and wrapped your legs around him. The dress draped off to the sides, allowing his hips to meet your panties. The protective jealousy seeped downward and through his pants.

You sighed around his tongue at his unusual boldness. It drifted farther. Your back connected to a wall, and it edged almost too deep. You couldn’t ask anything with it inside. Not that you minded. It was a welcomed change of pace.

Hands moved to your thighs, holding you flush to him. Blindly and blunderingly, you unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. A groan rumbled when you pulled him out. He sat thick, firm, and solid on your palm. Your fingers didn’t circle him while you frisked him and yourself, preparing for the stretch.

But eagerness took over. Both of you were ready- very, very ready. You pulled your underwear to the side, lined him up, and slowly tried to nudge him in, wetly whimpering at the strain.

The stifling, washing tongue finally left your mouth. Kugo rasped, “Don’t force it. I don’t want-”

He popped in. You yelped. He huffed, banging a fist to the wall as he rushed inside, your weight sinking you halfway. He asked, “Are you alright?”

“Yeah.”

Your body was shifted into a better position, waiting for the slight pang to fade. It eased with his tongue lapping your neck. Taking it to mean you were good enough, you started grinding. It was a little awkward in his hold, but his size still gave plenty of pleasure. Yet he remained still. You whined his name.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Kugo, please… I’m almost…” You gasped at the tiniest buck. “God, just start.”

Claws hooked your ass and he took his first thrust. You swore and cursed and cussed as they continued, slamming up into your thighs, jostling your back against the wall. Each one dove deeper and deeper, harassing your front wall beautifully.

His chest flattened to yours. Heat trapped between you, stifling your moans. He rutted your body, drumming, heaving, “I’m already…”

“Fuck, me too.” You clung to and bit his shirt through the ride. Water coated your eyes at the tension. But it was nothing compared to how wet you felt once he came, releasing everything into you, not slowing until you followed, ripping at his arms, moaning through your teeth.

The slosh and slapping died as quick as all of this started. You felt full and sticky despite some of it drizzling out of you, gluing to your skin and dress.

“Oh my God.” you sighed. Your fingers wouldn’t grip any longer. Your legs slacked.

“Sorry for acting so hastily.”

“Don’t be. That was great.”

Kugo copied your drowsiness, expanding his chest with a yawn. He then carried you to the bedroom, keeping himself inside you the whole walk.

[missraindancer]

Chapter #3: Coffee Date is now up!

A small snippet:

Her lungs begged for her to take a breath as the pain in her chest grew and grew. He stared her down with a too wide smile, gently squeezing her shoulder and tugged her closer to his side. The noise of the crowd faded away to a faint buzz as Frisk stared dazed into his pin prick eye lights. She blinked, looking to the floor and then at the people around them. ‘Someone please…’ she thought, silently begging for anyone to save her. Of course no one noticed. Smiles and pleasant mindless chatter surrounded them and no one bothered to even turn in their direction. She awoke with a start, jolting to an upright position and desperately gasping for air, her hands clawing out for anything to hold. Frisk blinked, the world around her coming into focus. Off to a good start, she was alone. She rubbed her eyes and yawned, stretching out the night before until the smell of coffee and bacon struck her.

‘Who-?’ She didn’t have bacon. It was too greasy and- ‘Ohmygodohmygodohmygod.’ Sans was in her kitchen. Sans was in her kitchen. Both hands clamped around her opening mouth prepared to block any noise that might come out but all she could do was stare in wide-eyed horror, separated from him by a mere thin wall.

“Oh hey now, baby. You feeling okay?” asked Sans as he crouched down beside her. He pushed the hair out of her face and carefully tilted her head up. “Don’t you start screaming yet, save it for later.” he whispered, kissing her forehead. She wished they were still in the coffee shop. Matching smoothies wasn’t so bad after all. “W-where-” she started breathlessly but the man began to babble. “Please! I’ll pay you anything! Get this fucking thing off-” He plea was cut short as Sans swiftly kicked the trap. Frisk didn’t want to know what that gut-wrenching cracking sound was as the man went into another fit of howling.

(please gentle with my art, I just got back into drawing)

[the-writing-mobster]

| BABE WAKE UP! NEW BABY FACE CHAPTER JUST DROPPED! |

| Baby Face Chapter 22 is finally out! | Read it HERE!!! on Ao3! | 💖

Chapter Word Count: 5,115

Chapter Excerpt~

———

“Excuse me young lady, do you have a hall pass?” 

Frisk perked up at the harsh voice and she darted a look at the teacher. “Oh, uh—” GREAT! Just my luck to run into a damn hall monitor! 

“—No? You do realize skipping earns you a one-way ticket to after school detention, right?” Frisk gulped and glanced around for some sort of salvation. Fuck! Sans may have rubbed off on her but clearly his skills hadn't!   

“Alright, that's enough. I'm writing you up. What's your name?” 

Frisk stammered over her protests, but her throat swelled with frustration so taut she couldn't muster up with any arguments. Why is this all happening to me? What did I do to deserve this? 

“Whoa, hey!” a familiar voice barked through the hall. Both Frisk and the hall monitor jerked to attention, and Frisk couldn't help the relieved smile that spread across her face when she saw none other than Jonas. 

“And how does this concern you?” grumbled the hall monitor. Jonas laughed and jogged over to them. 

“She's with me, we were delivering some equipment to the computer lab as requested by Mr. Cantella. See? Here's our hall pass, I just… to be honest, I lagged behind to use the bathroom. I told her to just go ahead but… I guess I was a little short sighted,” he rambled with a nervous laugh as he waved the purple slip of paper in the air for the hall monitor to see. 

Just as Jonas had said, there was his name in sharp cursive, and in the same sharp cursive was Frisk's name as well. 

Frisk's eyes sparkled at the thrill of it. They'd done it again. Sans's friends had once again swooped in to save her ass, and she couldn't help but feel impressed. The thought made her blush and she swayed on her heels in order to dispel it.

“Hmm… I guess this is sufficient. Okay. But you better be in class. No loitering, and Jonas! Keep those wheels of yours off the floor!” shouted the hall monitor as he marched down the corridor away from them.

Jonas gave a wide grin and waved him off. “Will do! Have a good day!” 

Before Frisk could comprehend any of his words, Jonas grabbed her shoulder and yanked on her shirt. “Run,”

.

.

.

💖↓ Chapter 22 ↓💖

[sugoi-writes]

Ahhhh imagine FG in his skinny form and he’s self conscious but MC reassures him that he’s still adorable and handsome. Stretch marks and all and of course helps him as he recovers to his normal size

*TOO CUTE TOO CUTE*  implied n/sfw ahead!

You hear a heavy sigh from the bathroom, rousing from your sleepy state. 

“Taishiro...?” you question quietly, your grogginess evident in your tone. You hear Fatgum shifting around, before he responds. 

“Y-Yeah, it’s me!! Sorry... ‘just can’t sleep,” your boyfriend admits, glancing back at his reflection. He reaches up and pinches his cheek, giving it a good frisk before letting go. It was clear why he was so restless and uneasy. 

Day Nine of Slimgum, and he was unable to keep anything on, let alone start gaining weight. He wasn’t sure what was going on. He was even pacing himself as usual! No stress eating, and he was currently not under-eating! ...So why was he still stuck like this?

Taishiro shudders when he feels you come up behind, snaking your arms loosely around his middle. He wasn’t used to the feeling, but it made his heart warm and flutter nonetheless. 

He places his hands on top of yours as you strain to rest your head on his shoulder (even now: your boyfriend was STILL an absolute unit). “Baby... this has been going on for a while...” you say gently, nuzzling into the crook of his neck,�� Is there something bothering you?”

Taishiro glances away from your shared reflection, laughing nervously,” W-Well... you know me, a little too well,” Taishiro says with a grin, earning a tired giggle from you,” But... this... y’know, this... physique. This isn’t me... and I haven’t been like this-- for this long-- ...in a long time.”

You seem to understand, your fingers weaving into Fatgum’s. Your sleepy acts of affection make his smile soften,” I guess... this is just... driving me a little nuts. Usually, people think that me looking like this is a good thing, or even healthier for me. But: I think you know better than anyone else that I’m... incredibly vulnerable in this state.” 

“Mentally?” you pipe up gently, before Fatgum hums in approval. 

“Yeah... and physically. So, I guess I’m just a little paranoid. This body... isn’t ideal. And the fact that I’m not back to tip-top shape concerns me. And beyond that, I...” Fatgum hesitates, biting his lip as he closes his eyes,” I honestly... well, I hate the way I feel when I look at myself. Especially when I look like this.” 

You feel Taishiro tense up, his fists clamping down onto your hands as you look to his reflection. Your heart could shatter at the wavering tone in his voice.

“Baby...” you whine, spinning him around to face you,” I... I understand why you’re uncomfortable, but...” You glance away, a flush rising in your cheeks,” P-Please don’t take this the wrong way, but... I think you’re just as beautiful now as you are when you’re... normal. And in some ways, you’re more beautiful like this.”

Fatgum blinks, appalled,” Beautiful?” he echoes, leaving you to nod sheepishly. 

“Y-Yeah... Tai... you are gorgeous,” you assure softly, cupping Fatgum’s cheek tenderly. He smiles genuinely, squeezing your hand.

“M-Maybe to you... but... I really don’t think so. I just... never liked this body image, y’know? It almost feels... gross, to me.” Taishiro subconsciously reaches for his other arm, clutching it as he glances away from you. You can see the beginnings of deep, purple stretch marks poking out from under his sleeve. You take his hand before he can dig his nails into his arms, and take his chin in your other hand.

“Toyomitsu Taishiro,” you say firmly, making him look to you. ” You are not gross. You are beautiful,” you press, before lifting the sleeve of his shirt,” ...look at your arms... how wonderful they are. Even while they’re shredded, I can still see some of you here...”

You playfully pinch his underarm, making Fatgum yelp in surprise. You wiggle some of the loose skin, smiling,” See? Here’s some of the chub~” you gently coo, making Fatgum smile sheepishly. 

“G-Gummy bear...” he stammers, before your hands settle on his shoulders. “And look at these traps,” you say smoothly, gently rubbing happy circles into his tense shoulders,” Even though you’re much slimmer here... I can feel a bit of give right... here~” 

You poke at the junction between his neck and shoulder, making Taishiro yelp and laugh nervously. Clearly, Slimgum was ticklish.

“Y-Y/N...! St-Stop, I get it! It tickles, Gum--!” 

You give him no reprieve as your hands suddenly dash towards his ribs, tickling him through his nightshirt. Taishiro starts bellowing with laughter, trying to swat your hands away. You don’t back down from the fight, staying on the offense. When he manages to grab your wrists, you put yourself flush against his chest, making him fluster. 

“And this stomach, wow... I can feel how solid your core is right now...” you say, tone like velvet as you press your abdomen against his,” ...but, even surrounding this muscle, these abs... you’re still ticklish... and you still have a liiiiittle tum~” you purr, making Taishiro’s chest swell with festering heat. 

“G-Gummy bear...!” Taishiro protests, but you free your wrists, your hands going under his shirt. You smile up to him, your eyes half lidded as your fingers linger against the waistband of his athletic shorts.

“...and... here... right were your core dips,” you whisper, your words practically dripping passion,” ...we both know... that you're definitely packing some serious stuff downstairs... here...” you tense, as you run a finger along his inner thigh.

A warm smile blooms on your face as you lean up to kiss his cheek,” Honeybear~” you coo, making Fatgum shudder. Your tone has dipped an octave, your tone gravely and intoxicating. 

“...and... of course, here~” you say cheekily, before giving Fatgum a harty slap on his ass. Taishiro nearly yelps, grabbing your shoulders and shoving you back slightly. 

“Y-Y/N...” Fatgum practically groans, before making firm eye contact with you,” Do you... Do you really like this form? Do you... still--y’know... feel attracted to me.. despite my different my body is?”

“Trust me when I say... I fell in love with you, multiple times... When I first saw you... when I first saw you with your students... How gentle and sweet and hilarious you are... And even when I see you struggling like this... You are the most breathtaking person in the world, Taishiro... and I’m more than willing to show you... with words or actions... your pick~” 

Taishiro can only stand their flabbergasted, before your lips collide passionately. He can’t help but push you against the wall, his knees and arms trapping you beneath him. You grin mischievously, looping your arms around your neck as your mind wonders what exactly you were gonna do to him... 

When you part, Taishiro huffs hoarsely, practically tearing off his shorts. 

” This... kinda defeats the purpose-- but...” Fatgum looks down to you, as you feel his arousal bumping against your stomach,” but... you better sweat me out of my skin, sugar.”

.

.

.

Days of glorious cuddles, passion, and movie nights have gone by, and FINALLY, after stumbling into the bathroom... Fatgum erupts into a happy barrage of laughter. You jolt upright, your heart pounding as you wake up from your intense nap. 

“H-Huh, whu-- Tai?” you whine, before you see your absolute unit of a boyfriend burst through the bathroom door. 

“GUESS WHO’S BACK!!!”

You could only spring out of bed and shriek with glee, nearly pouncing on your boyfriend as he welcomes you with open arms. He spins you around happily, peppering your face with kisses. 

“I couldn’t have done it without you, babe! We finally did it! I finally feel like myself again! I’m a whole new me!!!” Fatgum cheers, squeezing you tightly as you do your best to hug him back. 

“I told you that you’d get back into shape soon!” you jab, squeezing him back as he continues to adore you. You pull back from him, hands splaying out over his wide chest.

You flick his nose with your index finger, chuckling,” That’s what I like to hear~”

“But don’t forget what we talked about... you were still beautiful then... and you’re just as beautiful now, especially since you’re safe and happy~” Taishiro grins down at you, kissing you sweetly as he nods. 

“Yeah, I know... If it’s a part of who I am... I should try to adapt and appreciate it. And if you already love it... then maybe I can too~” 

The two of you continue to celebrate, basking in the particularly warm and divine moment. Taishiro was more than relieved, but you were just content with the fact that you finally got through to him. And hopefully, he will understand and see himself the way that you do. 

[moonlight-puppet]

Kit chuckled patting Tech's back "Don't feel bad. Kitsunes age differently than humans in my world. Well monsters in general, but kitsunes tend to live longer than monsters unless we are killed." She looked up thoughtfully "In actual years I am... 306? Or will be? I've lost count." She laughed "In human terms though I'm around the late 20's early 30's mark and will stay this way for a very long time."

"I've been practicing my color traps!" Byakko told Cotton proudly. Shakko looked over a Frisk "What'bout us? What're we gonna do?"

Touma crouched next to dragon plush, his echo finally settling back on his normal soft purple as he mimicked a dragon's growl. Whispy purple flames shot from it's mouth harmlessly as his eyelights sparkled.

'So Kit's the same age as Dad/Gaster!?' Sans, Papyrus, Moonlight, and Frisk thought at the same time. Looking at Kit and thinking about Gaster they shook their heads,'No. No Dad's way older than her.'

Moonlight gave Kit a hug and started petting her head, ' She's younger than him. She's younger than him.'

Frisk gave Shakko a smile, "We're going to make some soda! And not just any soda. Soda that changes with each pouring."

He looked a little confused and she smiled, " Let me explain... You know how much people can't decide on what kind of soda to drink some want diet or some who likes to mix water with it."

"Frisk don't make fun of your sister," Moon said from where she and Kit where sitting.

"Or some who likes to Mix juice with it."

"Frisk don't make fun of your brother in law." Sans said with a grin. Papyrus pouted, "Well some soda's aren't sweet enough."

"So we're going to try and make a every chance soda!" Frisk said with a wide smile.

"This is the creative mind of an alchemist? The years really changed," Magica said bluntly while playing with the babies.

"Now Dear Byakko I want you to show me your color trap. And if you get tried tell me and I'll help you if you need it don't worry about if you can't get it just sit down and try again when you're ready." Cotton gave her a head pat and gave her some room.

[jmbringitonworld]

New Hope

Sans couldn't get over how tiny she was. So small and soft and delicate and alive. Real. And his. His daughter. His precious babybones. He clutched her closer to his chest, gently, staring at her in awe and admiration, his soul filled with overpowering love and devotion. How could anything so perfect have come in any way from him? He was... Well, he was many things and nothing all at once. A lazybones, a punny skeleton, a fun friend... a good-for-nothing brother who couldn't protect anyone and who gave up in the face of cruel destiny.

And yet somehow, by some miracle, he was now a father. Heh, and he'd thought being a husband was too good to be true. At that, he turned his gaze away from the tiny, warm bundle cradled securely in his arms, to his wife, sleeping peacefully in the hospital bed beside him. She looked exhausted, the birth had been long and difficult, but thankfully, blessedly, free from any complications, despite this being the very first (and hopefully not last) monster-human hybrid birth ever.

Frisk truly was a miracle worker, doing the seemingly impossible all the time, through sheer determination. She'd saved them all, been the angel of mercy they all desperately needed, down in the Underground with only hopes and dreams to fuel them, then continued to help them as their ambassador to a cautious and wary human race, fighting for their rights and their hard won freedom on the surface.

To say nothing of how she saved him, when he'd given up on everything. Given up on ever being free, on seeing the stars for real, on seeing his brother happy and living the life he deserved, on not having nightmares of all his friends dying, on ever feeling anything but hopelessness and despair. Given up on ever smiling for real. But Frisk, she never gave up, not once, not even during her darkest moments, and there were a few as she'd later confessed, in quiet moments when there was only honesty and patience and understanding between the two of them. She overcame every obstacle in her path, choosing mercy, determination and love over fighting, hate and LOVE. And then, of all people, she chose him. Stars, he loved her. So much.

He bent down to place a soft kiss to her brow, careful to not wake her, before gazing once more at his little miracle. His baby girl was still wrinkly and pink from her birth, snoring softly as she slept in her father's arms, snuggly wrapped in a familiar red scarf. Paps had insisted she use it, so that she wouldn't forget her Great Uncle Papyrus while he went to loudly announce to every single monster and human in the neighbourhood the news of his beloved niece's birth. So cool, his bro.

Sans very gently ran a phalange across his daughter's cheek, marvelling at how soft, squishy and warm her skin was. The newborn made a little noise in her sleep, before opening her mouth wide in a yawn, then settled back comfortably to keep snoozing away. Lazybones, just like her daddy, he thought, gazing at her fondly and lovingly. But for how long? If she was anything like her mother, she'd be a handful before too long. Heh, he couldn't wait. She was barely hours old and he was already looking forward to his future with her, a future far brighter than anything he'd ever dared dream of, not since his world started falling apart with Gaster's accident, with the resets and the anomalies. No, he shook those dark thoughts away, no more of that. He wouldn't be stuck in the past any longer. From now on, he'd look towards that bright future he and Frisk had made together. And with that, Sans carefully brought his daughter towards his skull and, after one final awestruck and loving rove of his eyelights along his tiny babybones, he closed his sockets and rested his forehead against hers.

______________________________________________________

Holy biscuits, this was supposed to be a tiny drabble about Papa Sans and babybones, but Mama Frisk wouldn't be ignored and the words just kept coming! The baby in question is actually supposed to be Elys (who belongs to Frans Queen @shayromi , who I really hope doesn't mind me borrowing her babus for my own personal headcanons, I just love them so much!), but I left it ambiguous enough that you could imagine any female Franschild you want.

This is my very first time putting any of my silly little story ideas into actual writing, let alone posting them, and I still haven't quite figured out how to make Tumblr work properly for me yet, so I'm probably making tons of mistakes or not doing things correctly, but I'm trying to participate a little more in a community (i.e. Undertale) which has given me so much joy for almost a year now. And no one's work has given me more joy than those of @wolfkice who I'm dedicating this piece to. You always manage to brighten my day, friend, so I hope this little bit of fluff can help brighten yours even a tiny bit. Thank you so much for being you and I hope you enjoy this! o((>ω< ))o

[rataltouille]

BONFIRE, BONFIRE!: A COLLECTION OF FLASH FICTION + POETRY

so i’ve decided to compile all twenty [these will be split into two so that the post isn’t super long] of the writing pieces i’ve done for my random celebration into one post so that it’s easier to read / access share!! you can also find it here, all put into one work, on wattpad, because i feel nostalgic about that website and decided to just post it!!

NOTE: i know that this shouldn't need to be said, but these 20 pieces belong to me so please don’t copy/repurpose it for your writing!! i plan on using these somewhere in my own writing and either way they’re stuff i’ve written so don’t use them!!

1. cooking + destructive + purple from @andiwriteunderthemoon [also i kind of cheated with this prompt and asked my sis @dreamscanbenightmarestoo for ideas and so the base idea’s from her!!]

I didn’t mean to set my house on fire, alright?

Let me set the scene: I’m sitting in my room, watching the infomercials that blur together, and suddenly there’s a bright purple flash on the glitching screen: /grapes/. They’re shiny, plump, and oh? A recipe for fine wine? Don’t mind if I do. So I pop into my kitchen and cut the grapes, dice them up, finally using the knife after years of not cooking— /mother, are you proud of me now?/— and stick the soft, luminescent fluid into a glass bottle. Following each step of the recipe.

The recipe didn’t mention an explosion.

Destruction rained around my house like a meteor shower. The bubbles from the fluid, frisking up at contact with metal, swam across my shoes and into the living room. It touched the TV, which still flashed the recipe, which I was still cursing at. And then, you know, it burnt up. The couch scorched first, I think. So that was fun. I later realised that I’d used my reserve of petroleum, which I’d put in my kitchen cabinet, instead of vinegar. I think I’ve got to move back in with my mother again.

2. running + quiet + sky blue from @kryskakikomi [i have no idea what this is i drafted this in a fever dream state]

Summer crawled up his skin like a worm. He was seated at his dining table, crosswording his way through the sticky morning, when it struck him that the humidity was new. He’d been caught in summer before, of course, but this year was different. His parents had whisked away to their hometown, and he still didn’t understand why he wasn’t allowed to go. He loved their home— he could have been running on beach sand and waves could have cruised over his feet, and his face would reflect sky blue under palm trees. Instead he sat doodling and scratching at cement walls in a quiet that nagged at his ears, grappling his flesh like a fishing hook, reeling him in. Boredom, him sister told him, before she also left for someone’s home. What would you know? he whispered once the door latched from the outside. Maybe /she’d/ like to sit on the same wooden chair, all the pink paint worn out, and scratch out squares of empty text until the pen poked through the other hand. He scoffed. At least he knew the number of scars on the wood; he could hold that over her when his parents returned.

3. hallucinate + hazy + violet from @chloeswords [i wanted to write something dreamy and ethereal but everytime i look at your url i’m reminded of church mud and indirectly my religious trauma so here we are 🤡]

We hold the book in our arms and chant for God. We don’t know what he looks like. They say that he’s sharp, never pixelating or blurring or showing through, like a hazy image would. No, children, our family says, he will come clothed in gold and velvet— the colour a deep and rich crimson, or chartreuse. And of course, he weaves a violet into his hair. Because he is just that humble. Just that gentle. Loving.

We’ve almost understood now. Pray, clasp our palms together into a transient equinox, and pray. Maybe he will shine down on us. Maybe we will speak so loud and chant so long that our lips will chap. Maybe we’ll simply hallucinate him to salve our bones. Our family says, he will bless you. And so he will.

4. halcyon + pluviophile + beige from anon [i was yearning for cats i am a cat person i love cats]

I remember my life before I moved to London,

Those halcyon days that I spent scooping up cat litter and brushing warm fur,

Being a mother to beige and white and black little felines.

They keep better company than humans.

Now I’m a self-proclaimed businesswoman, artist, influencer, pluviophile,

Even when I’ve barely stepped foot outside during the rain,

[But it needs to be said that when it rains in London, it pours].

I think I’d like to open a cat cafe;

I’m rich enough to pull it off.

5. sing + vulnerable + olive green from @occiidens [this was actually super fun to write because it’s a break from the typically unhinged stories i gravitate towards]

You watch from the highest hill of your town, hand wrapped around the serrated wood of a red oak tree. The bark pokes into your flesh, drawing blood that shouldn’t have been taken from you. You scowl. Just another thing that lives to cause you pain.

Three storeys down is a young man, short and smiling and lovely. He has dark skin and darker hair, walking with the stride of a deer, and he’s smiling; the joy reflects onto your face, even though you can’t hear him. He wears a cotton shirt, the olive green stark against the fire-blue sky. You call out, sing his name, three times in a row.

When he finally looks up, squinting as you silhouette under the sun, the smile widens. A wave. You’re suddenly overcome with embarrassment. Your palm digs into the bark until the wound is freshly dug again, the skin supple and vulnerable. You want to wave, but your hands would look so awkward, and the blood wouldn't help. So you turn on your heel and run— why are you so awkward?— and the grass around you is brighter. This is now a tomorrow issue, you conclude. You’re still smiling.

6. dislocate + ostentatious + blood red from @oasis-of-you [this got really unhinged really fast. TW: body horror]

If you take a turn at Finn Avenue,

Rogue your way down a blood red river,

[It’s not actual blood, do not worry. The colour’s a pigment and it’s saturated enough to give you the texture, the touch, the taste of blood, but I repeat, it isn’t true blood. You might think that it’s ostentatious of us to make you cross a river like that, but you’ll understand why.]

And if can stick your fingers inside the fluid,

You’ll find a bone.

Don’t pull it out fully! Only observe.

[This is a real bone, most likely animal. We may be ominous, but we don’t hurt humans. Not yet.]

So what do you do now? You want passage into a better world.

You came here because you saw the brochure, the flyer,

Radiant Idyll, home for love, but you also saw the jutting anatomy that leads to the city. The pictures were rather clear.

Why do you look so surprised? We’ve put this on the brochure— don’t you ever read the fine print?— to avoid this exact situation. That you would cross a body, a skeleton, pooled over in a fluid that we don’t name, but it’s probably alive.

It’s watching you right now.

So what do you do now?

Hurry up, unhinge your arm, dislocate the elbow, drop it into the blood, forgive me, false blood, and pay for your passage.

Oh! Excellent; that’s record time. We do hope you enjoy your stay!

1. @noteaboy [i’ve interpreted your url as ”note, a boy”]

There’s an orange tree. It’s spring, and there’s an orange tree, and it brims with fruit and citrus perfume. Point your lens flare downwards, and note, a boy. A young man, perhaps, because he combs his hair, uptight and firm, and he wears a tie. A long suit. He doesn’t look up, because his hand holds a book. /He/ holds the book, not the hands— tenderness doesn’t translate through anatomy, I’ve taught you this before. He’s waiting for someone. There’s only the rustle of leaves. He drops the book onto the lap of the tree, crushing the apple that had fallen down. Orange, not apple. Take note better. You only have one chance to get this right.

2. @eatingjupiter [your url is so beautiful omg]

The goddess had said this before she died: you need to watch over him. He needs your sentry to survive. The goddess’ words weren’t heeded. Little baby Jupiter tottered on lava as him parents small-talked with their kingdom. Well, it must have been small talk, because nothing seemed to happen afterwards other than his mother’s face collapsing in agony, anger, annoyance. He knew not to touch them then. He’d fly off into the sun one day, but if his hands were but and charred, he wouldn’t survive even a third of the journey.

The prophecy was simple: the firstborn to the kingdom will metamorph into a celestial, purify themselves so that only stardust remains. Live in the sky forever. The astrologers were baffled; you don’t just become a star. They should have heeded the goddess.

Jupiter was sixteen when he expanded and collapsed all at once. He still lives, they say, and the astrologers /were/ right, in a way: people just don’t become stars. They become almost empty space. Nobody knows if his hands were burnt when they left earth’s orbit forever.

3. @laughtracksonata [your name gave me slight horror vibes idk why!!]

Hahaha. The Horror Movie (don’t ask me for a name, I’m not good with those), with its cymbal crashing and plastic sounds, it’s so loud and scary that it hurts, father. Please turn it off.

Father doesn't listen. I shiver on the couch. The screen flickers like radio static and reflects off our wide eyes. What kind of a home is this anyway? I don’t want to fucking listen to a laugh track or a horror VHS tape or watch the bass crescendo as the serial killer jumpscares the watcher. I don’t think that having hour pupils glued to the same blood-splattered movie, with the same recording looping in his eardrums will help him. He laughs along, sometimes. It’s scary. Father needs a new hobby.

PART TWO COMING SOON!!

anyway this got REALLY long so i’m posting the third prompt group, the one based on songs, as a second part in some time. i hope you enjoy this, and PLEASE do boost!! i spent a lot of time writing these pieces and am pretty proud of them :’)

general taglist: @lovingyou-is @guulabjamuns @andiwriteunderthemoon @coffeeandcalligraphy @melonmilk @silentlylostwriter @charles-joseph-writes @eklavvya @eowynandfaramir @bitterwitchwrites @laughtracksonata @whatwordsdidnttouch @indeliblewrites @thenataliawrites @summersguilt @illimani-gibberish @sarahkelsiwrites @writing-in-delirium @shaelinwrites @sienna-writes @chewingthescenery @jennawritesstories @chloeswords @aelenko @keira-is-writing @cherylinanika @infinitely-empty-pages @jmtwrites @august-iswriting @freedelusionbanana @beetleblue88 @mistercaleb @iwannawritepls @hanwatchingmovies @mortallynuttyqueen @idratherliveinnarnia @maisulli @thegreyboywrites @ahowlinwolf @ravens-and-rivers @oasis-of-you @yanittawrites @chazza-writes-sometimes @skyfirewrites @lovebenders @treybriggsthewriter @themidnxghtwriter @ash-karter @queen-devasena @a-procrastination-addict @gaymityblight @beyondthebracken @madmaxst26 @adielwrites @moonpixxel @hollow-knight-dnd @keep-looking-here @overlap @ashleygarciawrites @ryns-ramblings​ @wordsbynathan @novaemlynlewis​ @sophiewritingstuff​ @howdy-writes​ @occiidens​ @nsanelyawkward​ @viawrites-andacts​

[thotsforvillainrights]

Hope you have been well during this weird time haha! I remember you mentioning Atsuhiro being into sexy roleplay with his s/o and I would love a scenario with that please and thank you 👀 Flustered sweet man going into Drama Mode in the name of Love

~Theatrical~

-Sako Atsuhiro smut-

Theatrical- of, for, or relating to acting, actors, or the theater

Okay so maybe he wasn’t as ready as he thought he was, but damn...after you came out of the bathroom naked he wasn’t just gonna stop now. He’s been wanting this for a while lately but was tied up with work and you were oh so neglected left to tend to yourself too many times without him. “Hey, you’re drifting off again. Pay attention to me baby.”  You confidently teased him as you went to straddled him on the edge of the bed. “My sincerest apologies y/n, I was just wrestling with my thoughts for a moment. No need to worry now, dearest! I guarantee you have my full atten-” You shut him up with a deep and passionate kiss that shifted into something sloppier near seconds later. When you pulled away to breath he was lightly panting, blush creeping up from his neck to his cheeks as he looked away from you. “Awwww, Sako...As many as times as we’ve done this, you’re still so flustered over me.” You giggled and playfully ruffled his hair. “Oh am I? My apologies!” You rolled your eyes and began leaving light kisses at the crook of his neck while he contemplated what the next move was. You eventually sighed and pulled away from him, moving to sit next to him on the bed. “Sako, cmon you promised you’d pay attention. What’s bothering you so much lately?” You asked as you gently laid a hand on his shoulder. He sighed and looked at you sheepishly. “I’m...still so very shy with you sometimes. I know we spoke a few times about me taking the lead for once, but I’m honestly afraid to mess that up dearest.” He admitted honestly. You met him with a soft, apologetic smile. 

“Aww...you know you can’t mess it up with me. I love the way you give it to me any way you do, so don’t be so shy. Hey! I was reading something earlier today about spicing up the bedroom. Why don’t we give roleplay a try!?” You eagerly asked him. “Role play?” He tilted his head curiously. You nodded and smiled widely as if you were a young child. “Yeah! It’s a really fun and sexy thing that I honestly think you’d excel at! It’s basically what the name says, like a type of make believe. Here, I’ve had one in mind for a while.” You quickly got off the bed and headed to the closet to dig out a hidden box. “I bought this a while back but never used it in bed because I forgot about it.” You placed the box in his lap and watched eagerly as he opened it. Compress sifted through the box and pulled out the contents one by one:

Handcuffs

A Blindfold

A Plastic gun

A Burlap sack with a money symbol on it

“What is all of this?” He asked you while you began picking some of the items up. “It’s the props! I know this is kinda cliche, but let’s play a game of cops and villains.” You winked at him as you twirl the handcuffs around your finger. “Ahhh! I see...very well.” Atsuhiro smiled and picked up the burlap sack. “Oh no no no! That’s mine. This is for you.” You grabbed the sack and handed him the handcuffs, gun, and badge instead. “I’m the villain, and you’re the cop.” You winked at him as he laughed. “Oh is that so? Wouldn’t I be better suited for the villainous role my darling?” He stood up and went to stand on the other end of the room. “No way baby! Besides, you’re a villain all the time. It’ll defeat the purpose of this little session.” You explained to him. He nodded and lifted the plastic gun up as if he were going to shoot it at you. “Very well then...villain~” You felt a certain warmth travel down your spine at the way his tone darkened up. If there was one thing he was good at, it was being theatrical. “Hands in the air villain. I don’t believe you’ll be robbing anymore banks any time soon.” He threatened. You stifled a giggle and stayed in character. “Shit! How’d you cops get here so fast. Damn it!” You dropped the fake money bag on the ground and held your hands up defensively. “Good, now face the wall. Don’t try anything funny or else.” He waved the gun toward the wall and you complied. Within moments you were pressed against the wall with him groping you from behind. It was a rush! Something was magical about the way he acted once he was finally comfortable and more confident in bed...and it was making you quiver with excitement. “Oh my, you couldn’t be enjoying this frisking could you? Such a filthy villain! Absolute scum of society. Why don’t you go lay down over there while I check you for weapons.” He demanded in a rough voice. You immediately did as told. Atsuhiro moved to place the blindfold over your face and shifted you so you were sitting up your knees. He clicked the handcuffs on your wrist, not too tight but tight enough to make sure you wouldn’t slip free easily. 

“My my, what have we here? An absolutely sinful display of yearning from a villain like yourself?” He teased you while you let out a few light whines at the way his hand worked magic at your most private area. “Careful with your movements dear, or you’ll bruise those pretty little (s/c) wrists of yours and then I’ll need to explain excessive force to the chief.” Wow he was in character! “Now then...wait right there.” You felt the weight leave the bed and waited in total darkness as the sound of clothes being removed echoed behind you. You were beginning to get giddy and more anxious by the moment. “Ready, villain?” He whispered huskily in your ear. You shivered and nodded quickly. He darkly chuckled and you felt the cold plastic of the gun run down from the base of your neck to your ass, rubbing in places where it shouldn’t. As quickly as it lifted away, you felt his cock replace it. You gasped and turned you head back, still blinded by the blindfold. “When did you???”

He chuckled and positioned himself at your entrance. “When did I slip the condom on? A magician never reveals their secrets.” He winked as if you could see it. “But right now you’re not a magician. You’re a co-ergh?!” He silenced you by quickly slipping inside. “So warm aren’t you? I bet you couldn’t hold on any longer. No need to fear. I’m here now dearest...” He leaned forward, holding your bound wrists in one hand and gripping your hip in the other. 

“I’m going to fuck you oh so perfectly~” He whispered. You gasped at his new found boldness and he began to thrust. That boldness showed in his motions as well. Normally you took control, riding him constantly or giving him oral until he was a flustered an stuttering mess. Now he was the one making you stutter instead. His ministrations didn't seem to let up the closer you two got to orgasming together. “Ughhhh y/n...why must you drive me so mad?” He groaned in your ear, gripping tighter in tighter. You couldn’t reply if you wanted to because you were a moaning mess. “Oh...I can’t!” He gasped as he slowed down, rolled his hips, snapping them roughly into the plushness of your ass. “I’m going to...I can’t...I...I’M...!!!” He gasped and came oh so sweetly into you, creating a brilliant wall of white within the condom. At that same moment, you finished as well. “Brilliant performance my dear. We simply have to do this again...but maybe let me be the villain next time.” He joked while you tried to catch your breath.

»—————————–———————————————————–✄

TIp Jar: https://cash.app/$YuTakeyama

[franstastic-ideas]

I’m Telling the Tooth!

Underfell AU - Sans’s gold tooth gets knocked out during a physical confrontation with a rude human. Unfortunately for him, this means a trip to the dentist’s, and Asgore isn’t the only monster that feels uneasy about dental work. Anesthesia is required for the procedure, and when he wakes up, he makes a lot of loving claims about her that Frisk can’t really believe are true. He says he likes her. He really likes her. He loves her. He wants to marry her. He’s skipping more than a few integral steps of the courting process.

Word Count: 15,829

Warnings: An attempted kidnapping and assault, one instance of a minor curse word, and at one point late into the story it seems as though the narrative will begin to veer into themes of suicide.

Other than that, this is pure fluff with a small spoonful of angst.

It had began as what was supposed to have been a relatively simple shopping trip at the local mall.

 But it had ended as anything but that.

 Frisk had taken the skeleton brothers along with her because they insisted on tagging along, telling her they had some errands to run as well. Except the two had never been out in public quite like this since coming to the surface and they stuck by her like baby chicks to their mother. After about an hour of this, she had finally managed to squeeze away from them long enough to use the restroom.

 It was after she exited the restroom and was finding her way back that the trouble began.

 “Hey. You. Pretty girl.”

 She continued walking; whoever it was that spoke had obviously not been speaking to her.

 “Hey, I’m talking to you. Where you going, baby?” A man with a somewhat muscular build abruptly stepped out from his hiding place and in front of her, blocking her way with a smile and a gleam in his eye that made her insides churn with unease.

 “Um, I…” Even after her adventures in the Underground, she still wasn’t good at dealing with confrontation.

 But then again, she knew that monsters really were different than humans. The monsters she had dealt with on her journey had been at times violent, hateful, and rude, but so were a sizable portion of humans. The grand difference between them was, the monsters had understandable reasons for their unscrupulous behavior. Humans, more often than not, didn’t need a reason.

 And Frisk never liked to judge anyone by their appearance or judge to quickly on the first impression, but she could tell from a single glance and the manner in which that one question was said that this man was nothing but a troublemaking creep.

 She needed to get away from this guy, maybe alert someone of her presence, but didn’t it just figure that he would approach her when next to no one was around?

 “How about you and I go somewhere quiet together, huh?”

 He reached out to touch her, perhaps take her by the arm, but she quickly sidestepped him.

 “Leave me alone.” She gave him the most disinterested glare that she could muster, but he had the gaul to laugh at her.

 “Oh, you’re a feisty girl! I like that. It’s no fun when they don’t fight back a little.”

 She’d had enough of this nonsense. Frisk slipped past him, but she didn’t get very far before her arm was grabbed harshly, fingernails digging painfully into the flesh and her entire body was yanked backwards and pressed roughly into his chest. She thrashed and squirmed furiously, attempting to kick, bite, punch and scratch to escape his grip with little results. He laughed cruelly at her, his other hand reaching over to clench her shoulder tightly with enough force that she was certain it would leave more bruises. She took a breath, ready to shout for help, but he clamped his other hand over her mouth and hissed,

 “You try to scream, and I’ll snap your neck right here.” This man definitely had the build to do so, and she didn’t want to find out if he was bluffing or not. “Now when I move my hand, are you going to try to scream?”

 She furiously shook her head, her heart and SOUL thumping wildly in her chest out of fear.

 “Good girl. Now, you’re gonna pretend that you’re my girl. So quit squirming around and looking so miserable before people start staring. You’ve got an awfully pretty face, and it’d be a shame if you forced me to break it.”

 Once he removed his hand from her mouth, it shifted to her now aching shoulder, to her back, all the way down her spine, and then the small of her back. Thankfully, he didn’t get to move his hand any lower before…

 Frisk heard her captor let out a pained yowl and she was immediately released. Disentangling herself from the loose hold around her that remained, she came face to face with one of the skeletons she had left behind just minutes earlier in another part of the store. Sans had caught the man’s wandering hand and was bending it backwards at an angle that was sure to be uncomfortable.

 “now, i understand more than anybody that babydoll here’s got a gorgeous rear view…” Frisk would have normally scolded him for such a crude statement, but the sheer venom in his voice had shocked her into silence for the moment. “but, that don’t mean you can jus’ go and grab her anywhere any ol’ way you like.”

 Sans began twisting his arm as if it had the same flexible properties as rubber, his expression appearing at first glance to be the very image of calmness, but the anger bubbling underneath and in his tone was eerily evident if one were to take another look. Normally, he allowed his expressions to twist and fluctuate with his emotions. Normally, he permitted his volume to gradually rise and fall along with his temper. Sans’s expression, an uncomfortably wide toothy smile accompanied by violently trembling red pinpricks which served as his pupils that were just barely visible in the blackness of his large eye sockets still seemed far too relaxed, and his words were spoken in an intonation that seemed far too soft for him to use in this particular situation. It was a tranquil fury, a type of anger that was entirely foreign to him, and Frisk couldn’t recall ever having seen him this enraged before in her somewhat short, but incredibly eventful time of knowing Sans. And this terrifying display of emotion was brought about entirely due to concern over her wellbeing.

 “sweethearts like her need to be treated sweetly, and gently…”

 They both could hear the slight creaking sound coming from the man’s wrist. Frisk was aware of how ironic it was that he was twisting and flailing around in the same fashion as she had previously in his attempts to free himself from Sans’s grip. She wondered when it was that the man would turn to violence, but she didn’t have to ponder this thought long before he stopped struggling and balled his free hand into a fist. He swung at Sans’s face, right between the eyes, but the skeleton dodged it with ease. Sans had let go of his wrist, but rather than run, the man was instead looking for a fight, and it seemed her monster friend was more than willing to comply with his foolish wishes.

 Frisk was torn between leaving the scene to find Papyrus and staying to see how things between the two turned out. She knew there was no use in trying to end the skirmish herself - she could ease Sans out of a dispute herself whenever one arose with some kindness, gentle persuasion, and determination, but he was out for blood and beyond reasoning with.

 Sans was taking this personally; that man had his filthy hands all over his sweetheart, and Sans had been anticipating the first sign of aggression he could find so he could have an excuse to retaliate.

 In the end, either option wasn’t possible for Frisk. A crowd of shoppers had paused in their browsing to gather and watch the impending strife, and she had become trapped among the mass of people. She couldn’t see what was happening anymore due to her height, and she couldn’t move past them to find Papyrus either. She hoped that Papyrus would eventually notice the sudden absence of shoppers in whatever store he was currently in if not the surrounding chaos and intervene himself.

 Once the fight had began, the man couldn’t seem to land any hits on Sans; the skeleton ducked, dodged, and swerved out of every punch thrown his way and then Sans would take advantage of any openings left to inflict damage himself. He didn’t need to use any magic – laws had been recently created limiting the use of monster’s magic in public, but it wasn’t like he cared anything about that. Sans could wipe the floor with him without relying on his supernatural powers, and that was exactly one of the pieces of information about himself he was making abundantly clear. The next being that Frisk was his human, and this particular human was gonna pay for treating her like some sort of cheap toy that was meant to break.

 Eventually, though, Sans grew weary. Not tired, just bored. His opponent’s attacks were far too predictable. He couldn’t just walk away from an important fight like this, though, so he resolved to be creative to keep things interesting. So at some point during the fight, Sans pulled out a pair of glasses from his hoodie pocket that he had taken from somewhere when he had briefly teleported mid-dodge, being most likely unpaid for (they still had the price tag displayed on the frames), and put them on. He even had enough time and plenty to spare to tape them to his skull so they wouldn’t fall off.

 “you wouldn’t hit a guy with glasses, would ya?”

 MISS

 “you couldn’t hit a guy with glasses!”

 MISS

 He was actively messing with the man now. He almost would have felt a twinge of sympathy for him if he hadn’t rough-handled Frisk and wasn’t a complete creep that was caught preying on women when they were alone. Sans could understand the manly desire to display some aggressive romantic advances, but he paid particular attention to and had learned how to pick up on the mood of his lady and knew when to really back off when his flirting wasn’t appreciated. This human needed to be taught his place, and that the beating he was being put through was just a gentle warning compared to what would have happened if Sans hadn’t shown up when he did.

 Frisk had finally managed to wiggle herself towards the front of the clamoring audience, cupping her hands around her mouth and shouting over their whoops and howls,

 “Sans!”

 “yeah, dolly?” His tone was casual but still attentive, not turning his head towards her when he spoke as he leapt away from another swing of the man’s fist.

 She wanted to tell him to stop, that the guy wasn’t worth it, and Sans could get into trouble with the law for what he was doing even though he had initially only been trying to defend her. Instead, she found herself asking,

 “How did you even get here so fast?!”

 “i was lookin’ for ya.”

 “I was gone for five minutes!”

 “which was four minutes and thirty seconds too long ta be without ya.”

 Ever since they had left the Underground, Sans had practically been attached to her at the hip. She barely had a moment to herself anymore. Papyrus and some of her other monster friends were similar in wanting to occupy all of her time, but none of them could even hold a candle to Sans.

 Frisk remembered when this possessive streak of his first began to show itself; he had stopped her in the Judgement Hall, begging, pleading with her not to leave them – not to leave him. Only two foreseeable fates lied in front of her then should she continue with the last leg of her journey; defeat Asgore and return to the surface, or be killed continuously by the king of monsters. Sans was one of the select few that knew of the true nature behind her temporal powers, but it didn’t matter to him if she could simply load after each of her demises. He didn’t want Asgore to kill her and he didn’t want her to go somewhere where he would never see her again.

 She had made him care again, and then she was going to leave him.

 He had finally relented and allowed her passage, but he wouldn’t let her go without a fight. He would never take her life like all the other monsters had, no, but Sans was determined to keep her with him, and he would do anything within his power to make that possible. With each instance he dropped her HP down to 1, he would then incapacitate her and carry Frisk all the way back to Snowdin, muttering how this was for the best and what he was doing was done out of love. This process repeated, over and over again, an uncountable number of times, until finally she had learned to predict his attack patterns and in turn caused him to use up his magic until he was near ready to collapse.

 She could have ran past him and left him there, a screaming sobbing wreck, but she didn’t. She had taken that opportunity to instead comfort him, reassure him that he and everyone else wouldn’t be trapped Underground forever and she would do everything to ensure that they would one day reach the surface. His expression then told her he didn’t believe her, but he had reluctantly let her go.

 Frisk was the catalyst for everything good that has happened recently in his life; he and Papyrus making up after several years’ worth of senseless arguments and hurling petty insults towards each other, Alphys and Undyne finally speaking to each other as equals when both were too caught up in their pride to do so, Mettaton and Napstablook apologizing to each other first in private then on live television, thus putting their past estrangement behind them… Frisk was responsible for it all.

 And now she had granted him and every other monster a life of freedom here on the surface, just as she had promised.

 She was important to him, and she knew that, but Frisk couldn’t even begin to fathom just how much value her life and happiness truly meant to Sans.

 So much so that sometimes it nearly drove him mad.

 The throng then began to shuffle around boisterously with the action, some laughing at Sans’s antics while pushing and shoving each other to get a better view of the spectacle. Someone standing next to Frisk elbowed her a bit too hard in the ribs and she accidentally let out a yelp.

 Sans immediately froze, his focus drawn away from the fight as he whipped his head towards the direction he heard Frisk cry out, but couldn’t see her.

 “sweetheart?”

 That was all the hesitation his opponent needed; the man he had been walloping for the past five minutes took this moment to strike Sans directly in the mouth, probably because he had been taunting and insulting him throughout the entirety of the match. Sans stumbled backwards, moving one hand to hold the affected area and felt something wet there – pulling his hand back revealed it was stained with red magic, his own magic.

 If he still had a mere HP value of 1, that would have killed him.

 The idiot, the absolute buffoon, then made the fatal mistake of gloating over his accomplishment, one successful strike against the monster compared to the dozens Sans had effectively delivered, but he was instantly silenced when Sans reeled back and punched him just as hard in the solar plexus, sending the man hurtling towards the ground. He fell, and it didn’t look like he would be getting back up anytime soon.

 Ignoring his pain and the garbage on the floor, Sans bolted towards the crowd and began tossing people aside haphazardly and without care until he found Frisk. He took her face in his large skeletal hands and pulled her close, wobbling eyelights worriedly searching her form for any signs of injury.

 “babydoll! you okay? i heard you shout.”

 “Yes, I’m fine. Someone just accidentally elbowed me a little too hard in all the excitement…” She then gasped, eyes wide and hands clasped over her own mouth. “Oh my stars! Sans! Y-Your tooth!”

 “my wha-” He then ran his glowing red tongue, made of magic, over his teeth and noticed one was missing – his gold one.

 “That piece of-” He growled, wrapping one protective arm around Frisk in case the man woke up again to harass them as he scanned the floor for his missing tooth.

 It didn’t take long for him to find it, the deep lustrous yellow contrasting against the marble white of the floor. He picked it up and pocketed it, still clinging to Frisk as he did so. Once that was done, his attention was instantly shifted back onto her.

 He took her by the hands, rubbing soothing little circles with his bony thumbs over her knuckles. “sweetheart, ‘m so sorry i was late... did that walking mixture of crap and raw sewage hurt you?!”

 When she had been grabbed, it certainly hadn’t felt good, but after taking in the complete thrashing Sans had given to her assailant, she wasn’t sure if mentioning the bruises that were forming on her skin was a wise idea for fear of what more he might do.

 That man wasn’t worth Sans losing his freedom over, she thought.

 However, before she could respond, Sans’s hands glided carefully up her arms to rest on her shoulders, phalanges delicately grazing over where she had been seized earlier, and Frisk automatically flinched. Her reaction was enough of an answer for Sans.

 “i’m gonna kill him.”

 “Sans, please don’t-”

 “i really mean it. i’m gonna. but first, i’ll castrate him. right here.”

 “Sans, he’s not worth it!”

 “he hurt you, and then he tried to touch you. and if i hadn’t shown up when i did, he would have. he’s scum.”

 Thankfully, before Sans could carry out his threat, Papyrus had finally made his appearance. His sudden arrival was enough to stop his brother in his tracks as he strode up to them with a look of vexation, arms crossed and appearing ready to put Sans on the receiving end of a brutal tongue lashing for being at the center of such pandemonium.

 “OUR FIRST TRIP INSIDE A HUMAN MARKET, AND YOU CAN’T EVEN STAY OUT OF TROUBLE FOR TEN MINUTES WITHOUT ME CONSTANTLY HOVERING OVER YOU. I WOULD ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY SENSE OF SHAME IF I WERE LESS INTELLIGENT AND DIDN’T ALREADY KNOW THE ANSWER.”

 “D-Do you know him?!” The man was apparently conscious again, but he couldn’t move around much; he couldn’t even sit up properly.

 “AND WHO IS THIS?” Papyrus questioned as he gestured to him boredly.

 The man then pointed to Sans, attempting to play the victim – the only ones that knew the truth of what had transpired were him, Frisk, and Sans. He was in front of an entire mob, and if this other skeleton didn’t believe him, then the human members of the crowd almost certainly would over the word of a monster.

 He didn’t even get the chance to plead his case before being interrupted by an enraged Sans that already knew what he was trying to do.

 “This lunatic tried to-”

 “i caught this pervert about to grope frisk!”

 Well that got Papyrus’s attention.

 “and before that, ‘m pretty sure he bruised her up! she flinched hard when i touched her shoulders checkin’ over for any damage!”

 Papyrus’s already narrowed sockets thinned to slits, his heels clacking thunderously against the floor as he closed the distance between them, snatching the man by the front of his shirt and lifting him up with a single arm. Sans’s height was somewhere in the area of six feet, but Papyrus was a seven foot tall, extremely intimidating skeleton monster; so Frisk’s would-be kidnapper was dangling almost two feet off the ground and was at the mercy of a being that had only just recently learned and had a clumsy grasp on the definition of the word.

 Papyrus didn’t say a word as he suddenly summoned a large and heavy bone nearly the size of himself, lifted it with his free hand as if it were weightless, then slammed it over the man’s head. He didn’t even get to let out an ‘ow’ before he was out cold once again.

 “He’s going to get brain damage at this rate…” Frisk said, her blatant display of concern for her aggressor shouldn’t have shocked the brothers in the slightest considering her compassionate and forgiving nature, but it did.

 “AND YOUR POINT IS…? IT’S NOT AS THOUGH HE WAS USING IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.” Papyrus scoffed, dismissing his bone-based attack he had used as a makeshift club.

 “gotta agree with my bro here, babydoll. moron should’a used what few brain cells he had and backed off when he had the chance.”

 Sans and Papyrus were not finished with him in the slightest, she realized. But before the two could concoct more ways to injure the man further, for the third instance that day, a timely arrival, this time of the police, kept her from having to play the role of the ineffectual peacemaker.

 “All right! All right! Break it up! Nothing to see here! That’s right, get moving! You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here!”

 After convincing the gathered people in the area to disperse, the pair of officers suited in blue, a man and a woman, then approached the three. Much to Frisk’s relief, they didn’t appear to be upset with any of them, and she had been so sure that they were here to arrest her two delinquent monster companions. Rather, they swooped in to apprehend the man lying unconscious on the floor of the mall from where Papyrus had clubbed him.

 “We’ve been trying to catch this guy for weeks.” The lady officer, Nina Sanchez explained once the officers had successfully carted the man away and the air around them had began to calm. “He landed himself on our wanted list for multiple charges of sexual harassment, threatening behavior, stalking, and attempted abduction. And now we have to add minor assault to that list.”

 “he was gonna try to take my baby away…” Sans quietly muttered into Frisk’s neck; the shorter of the two skeletons was curled up to her side as they sat on a nearby bench, his arms locked firmly around her as if she would disappear into nothing if he loosened his hold by even the slightest amount.

 “We’re going to make sure he stays behind bars for a long time.” The other officer, Duke Durland, continued. “He didn’t succeed in kidnapping or causing any serious harm to any of the women he’s interacted with, but the intent was still there and crystal clear. He needs to be punished by being locked away where he can’t bother anyone anymore.”

 “I ASSURE YOU; I AM MORE THAN CAPABLE OF DOLING OUT A FAR MORE APPROPRIATE PUNISHMENT.” Papyrus was all too eager to propose.

 “I understand that you’re angry over your lady friend being targeted,” He went on, attempting to pacify him. “but up here on the surface, it’s the job of officers and the court to deal with criminals.”

 “And that means no vigilantism.” Frisk was quick to add.

 “BUT YOU CLEARLY DON’T UNDERSTAND – I WAS VICE-CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD IN THE UNDERGROUND, SO I’M ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT I CURRENTLY HOLD THE CREDENTIALS NEEDED IN ORDER TO DELIVER PROPER RETRIBUTION UPON TRANSGRESSORS OF THE LAW!”

 “Papy, that’s not how it works…” Frisk patted his skeletal arm, urging him to sit down on the bench next to her and Sans; he complied with an almost childish pout, crossing his arms as he did so. “Forgive him. His comprehension of surface world laws is still a work in progress. Back where he came from, if somebody had a problem with someone else, then they settled it between themselves – usually with violence...”

 “Oh, you don’t have to tell me that.” Duke laughed heartily, “I have some monster friends of my own, and there isn’t a single dull moment with them around!”

 “I thought for sure the two of you had shown up to arrest them or kick us out.”

 “On normal circumstances, we would have had to,” Nina nodded in her direction, “But you saved the both of us a lot of trouble in hunting this guy down, and your boyfriend here was in the right to react as he did. …Well, maybe not by starting a full-blown fist fight in a public mall, but we checked the security cameras and the court of law would say he was acting in self-defense and defending another party, in this case, you.”

 “Thank you for being so lenient and considerate, but… he’s not my boyfriend.” Frisk awkwardly chuckled, having tried to wiggle out of Sans’s death grip on multiple occasions throughout the conversation, but failing each time. She eventually just sighed in defeat and reached up to pat the top of his skull.

 “Oh, I’m sorry… I’m usually good at picking up on things like that.” Nina apologized, but she took a quick glance at the skeleton currently latched onto Frisk and noticed that his grin had slipped just slightly.

 “It’s alright. A lot of people say the same thing about us.”

 “Uh-huh…” The lady officer allowed her gaze to fall on Sans again and he looked even more glum than a few seconds prior. “Anyway, onto a more pressing matter – your friend lost a tooth in the scuffle, correct?”

 Sans nodded, not willing to dig in his pockets to present his severed tooth if it meant letting go of Frisk.

 “HOW LOVELY. THIS MEANS A TRIP TO THE DENTIST; YOU KNOW THAT, DON’T YOU?” Papyrus’s tone was unenthusiastic and dry as he turned to his brother, and Frisk felt Sans flinch.

 “bro, w-we can’t go. we don’t got the cash for that.”

 “Actually, if the payment to fix your tooth problem is an issue, we can easily have it arranged that the perpetrator pay for the procedure out of his own pocket.” Nina offered, “He won’t be needing any of that money when he’s in prison, and it’s not like he can, oh say, go to the mall to buy anything, now can he?”

 “That sounds perfect!” Frisk eagerly replied, the amount of silver linings of this situation gradually revealing themselves had yet ceased continuing to surprise her. “What’s your verdict, Co-Captain of the Royal Guard, Papyrus?”

 “HMMM, I CAN FIND NO REASON TO OBJECT.”

 “does what i think or feel not mean anythin’ to any of ya?!”

 “NOT IN THE SLIGHTEST. NOW HURRY UP AND GET TO THE CAR! WE NEED TO GET THERE BEFORE THIS TRIP THROWS OFF OUR SCHEDULE FOR THIS EVENING EVEN MORE THAN IT ALREADY HAS!”

 Sans let out a noise that sounded like a mixture between an annoyed grumble and a soft whine but obeyed his brother’s command without protest, dragging his feet as he followed Papyrus’s longer strides out of the building.

 “You two would make a really cute couple, though.” Duke commented before Frisk left to catch up with them.

 “I’m surprised you would say something like that. Most people look at human and monster relationships as… you know…”

 “Heh, it might surprise you to hear someone say this directly, but I’m glad you brought the monsters to the surface. I never would have met my girlfriend otherwise, Miss Ambassador.” He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m dating a bunny lady right now. She used to run a store in a town in the Underground called Snowdin. …I hope to one day call her my wife.”

 “It makes me glad to hear you two are happy together.” Frisk found herself smiling; it was rare for her to encounter humans that were so open about their tolerance or admiration for the monsters.

 “You should probably get going now; your, uh, not boyfriend was shaking like a leaf when he heard the word ‘dentist’.”

 “Yeah, he was. I never would have thought of him as the type to freak out over something like that, but… I better go with them. Just in case.”

 She would have tagged along anyway even if Sans had been completely unfazed by Papyrus’s declaration, but if he really was frightened about the visit then her presence might help to ease his fears and provide moral support, even if only by a small amount.

 When she had caught up to them, they were already at Papyrus’s car, a sleek black sportscar with painted on hot rod flames, and its owner was already buckled up and behind the wheel. Sans, however, was having difficulty with his own buckle as his hands were shaking too hard.

 “OH FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE – STOP BEING SUCH A BABYBONES!”

 Papyrus was swiftly losing his patience and his temper.

 “Here, I’ll help.” Frisk crawled in the back seat and fastened the buckle for him, their hands brushing over each other’s for a few seconds as she fumbled with the safety apparatus.

 “…thanks.” His reply sounded choked to her.

 “HUMAN FRISK, STOP SPOILING SANS BY COMPLETING TASKS FOR HIM THAT HE’S PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF ACCOMPLISHING FOR HIMSELF. HE MAY BE MY BABY BROTHER, BUT HE IS NOT THAT INCOMPETENT. NOW CEASE YOUR LOLLYGAGGING IMMEDIATELY AND GET UP HERE WITH ME!”

 “Alright, alright. Yes, your vice-captain of the royal guardship.”

 “DON’T TEST MY ALREADY DWINDLING FORBEARANCE, FRISK. THIS IS JUST AS STRESSFUL FOR ME AS IT IS FOR MY BROTHER, I CAN ASSURE YOU.”

 “Why so?” She inquired as she buckled herself in and the engine roared to life.

 “YOU’LL FIND OUT AFTER WE GET THERE.”

 “It would be really helpful of you to let me know now.”

 “UGH, FINE. WHEN SANS LOST HIS ORIGINAL TOOTH AND BEFORE HE OBTAINED HIS GOLD ONE, HE WAS EXTREMELY PANICKED AT THE THOUGHT OF HAVING SOMEONE MESS AROUND WITH HIS MOUTH. YOU ARE PERFECTLY AWARE OF HOW EVERYDAY LIFE WAS FOR MONSTERS IN THE UNDERGROUND – A DENTAL PROCEDURE WOULD PUT HIM IN A STATE OF VULNERABILITY, AND HE WOULD HAVE TO COMPLETELY TRUST THE ONE PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE NOT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.”

 “I guess that feeling of uncertainty is still with him, even though he knows there isn’t in any danger of that happening here...”

 “THERE’S MORE TO IT THAN THAT – ANESTHESIA WAS REQUIRED THEN, AND I DOUBT THAT IT WILL BE ANY DIFFERENT HERE IN THE PRESENT AND ON THE SURFACE. AND OTHER THAN THE THOUGHT OF HIM FALLING ASLEEP AND NEVER WAKING UP PLAGUING HIS MIND, HIS BEHAVIOR UPON AWAKENING IN THE PAST WAS… INDESCRIBABLE.”

 “‘m right here. ya can stop talkin’ like ‘m not.”

 “I’m sorry, Sans!” She squeaked, now acknowledging that she had been effectively ignoring him and was additionally asking Papyrus intrusive and probably embarrassing questions about himself. “Listen, I know the needle will be scary, but it’ll all be over before you even know it and then you can go home. I had to get my wisdom teeth removed before and it was finished in an hour, but you won’t even need to get stitches-”

 “stop it.” He nearly growled before taking a deep, shuddery breath and his tone shifting to one that sounded less dangerous and more annoyed. “i know yer tryin’ ta help, but i’d rather jus’ not think about it ‘til we actually get there.”

 “Ok… I understand.” Frisk tried not to show the hurt in her own tone as she replied, “I just thought that you might need a little reassurance since you seemed nervous...”

 “…”

 “you ass. now look at what you did – she’s sad now.” He inwardly began to berate himself. “that little frown on those pretty pink lips is your fault, all you. this is why you don’t even deserve to share the same space as her, much less think you’ll ever be good enough to be the kind of man she needs.”

 He looked out the window and watched the scenery roll by in silence, feeling even worse than he had previously.

 And after about five minutes of pure silence, Papyrus suddenly spoke up.

 “I NEGLECTED TO MENTION THIS BEFORE, FRISK, BUT IS NOW AN UNOPPORTUNE MOMENT TO INFORM YOU THAT I WON’T BE THERE TO SUPERVISE SANS ONCE THE PROCEDURE IS FINISHED?”

 “what?!” “What?!”

 “I WON’T BE THERE TO SUPERVISE SANS ONCE THE PROCEDURE IS FINISHED.”

 “Yes, we heard that the first time, but why?!”

 “I AM TO ACCOMPANY CAPTAIN UNDYNE, HER MAJESTY, QUEEN TORIEL AND HIS MAJESTY, KING ASGORE, TO AN IMPORTANT MEETING DISCUSSING MONSTERS AND THEIR FUTURE ON THE SURFACE. WE ARE TO, UNACCOMPANIED AND UNAIDED BY YOU, OUR AMBASSADOR, PRESENT PROOF THAT WE ARE NOT MENACES TO SOCIETY. AND IF THE HUMAN OFFICIALS WERE TO CATCH WIND OF WHAT OCCURRED IN THE MALL BACK THERE, I LOATHE TO THINK IT MAY IN TURN CAUSE TROUBLE FOR THE REST OF MONSTERKIND; EVEN THOUGH SANS DID, FOR ONCE, ACT OUT IN A MANNER THAT WAS ENTIRELY APPROPRIATE FOR THE GIVEN SITUATION.”

 “i still wanna castrate him, though.”

 “AS DO I, BUT IF WE WISH TO BE ALLOWED TO LIVE OUR LIVES ON THE SURFACE IN RELATIVE PEACE, WE HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE LAWS OF THIS LAND AND LEAVE HIS FATE UP TO THE HUMANS AND CONSEQUENTLY THEIR UNSUPERIOR AND BORING METHODS OF DISTRIBUTING JUSTICE.”

 “The two of you scare me sometimes…”

 “AH, BUT DON’T YOU FEEL SO INCREDIBLY LOVED BEARING THE KNOWLEDGE THAT ONE INCREDIBLY HANDSOME SKELETON AND ANOTHER OF SUB-PAR ATTRACTIVENESS BY COMPARISON WOULD BE WILLING TO SHED BLOOD IN YOUR NAME?”

 “Not really…”

 “HMPH. VERY WELL, THEN. IF IT TRULY DISPLEASES YOU SO, THEN MY BROTHER AND I WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP DISCUSSION OF HYPOTHETICAL BLOODSHED TO THE MINIMUM FROM THIS POINT ONWARD.”

 “Please do. I’d appreciate it if the both of you wouldn’t try to find creative ways to get yourselves locked away in prison.”

 “wait just a sec: if pap an’ i did go to prison though, we could beat up that guy for ya! can’t get in ta trouble and thrown in the slammer for beatin’ the snot out of a guy if we’re already in there.”

 “YOU MAY HAVE A POINT, SANS! THERE’S A TOLL BOOTH UP AHEAD; I’LL GO THROUGH IT WITHOUT PAYING AND SEE IF THE AUTHORITIES NOTICE AND PULL US OVER.”

 “No! Neither of you are going to prison if I can help it!”

 ~~~~~~~~~~

 It wasn’t long after they arrived at the dentist’s office that Sans’s name was called, the skeleton shuffling out of the waiting room like a man sentenced to death row on his way to his own execution. He hadn’t uttered a word since they got here, his posture ramrod stiff, but the greatest sign of the discomfort he felt was noticeable in his eyes – his red eyelights had shrunken down to quivering microscopic pinpricks.

 Frisk was surprised that he hadn’t began to rattle; when skeletons felt a great amount of excitement, anger, or fear, sometimes their bones would clatter against each other in response. And the only reason she knew this was because of their confrontation in the Judgement Hall – the entire duration of their one-sided fight, the sound of his bones continuously and violently clinking together echoed throughout the space around them with trepidation at the thought of her leaving the Underground forever. It was the first and so far only time she had heard the noise, and she hoped that should she ever hear it again, it would be from happiness.

 Sans had snapped at her during the car ride when she tried to comfort him, so she was left feeling useless and her company unneeded. However, when Sans’s name was called, he instinctively grabbed her by the wrist.

 He had wanted to hold her hand.

 He held no issue with grabbing her by the hands or nearly anywhere else when he was flirting, but in his time of emotional insecurity, Sans couldn’t allow himself to be put into a position that would reveal what he discerned as his inner weakness. He wanted Frisk to see him as her big, scary skeleton monster bodyguard. How was she supposed to perceive him that way if he was getting his shorts twisted over something as simple as a visit to the dentist’s?

 He was both proud and ashamed of the look he gave her before he stood up; Sans managed to reign control over his eyelights for a few seconds, willing them to go back to normal long enough to stare her in the eyes with all the intensity he held within.

 Sans looked at Frisk like she was his entire world and this may be the last time he would ever see her.

 And it very well may be the last time they see each other; what if the office was filled with monster hating bigots, and when he went under he never woke up again, and then the entire incident would be ruled as a misfortunate accident and swept under the rug along with his dust? Sans loved sleep, but the thought of being forced into an eternal slumber was enough to paralyze him, and every single bone in his body went rigid once the needle came into view.

 Frisk and Papyrus were in the waiting room for nearly an hour afterward before a nurse came over to tell them he was almost ready to be taken home. The taller skeleton nudged Frisk along towards the direction the nurse pointed out, his face turned away from her with a light redness dusting his sharp cheekbones.

 “YOU NEED TO BE THE FIRST THING HE SEES WHEN HE REGAINS CONSCIOUSNESS. I WOULD ONLY MAKE THINGS WORSE IN THIS SITUATION.”

 She wanted to argue that his claim wasn’t true, that the familiarity of Papyrus’s presence would reassure Sans far more than her own, but his tone had sounded so convinced and final that she didn’t push the issue. Frisk followed the nurse to the back room where the dentist himself greeted them before allowing her to see Sans. He went over the things that she might need to be cautious over and what to expect in the next few hours, but she also wanted to know about his current emotional wellbeing.

 “How did it go? His reaction, I mean.” She asked with a twinge of unease.

 “Just fine. A little bit of cursing when the needle went in, but then he was out like a light. He should be waking up any moment now.”

 Another nurse popped in directly after his statement, “Actually, the patient woke up just now and he’s acting… emotional.”

 When Frisk heard the word ‘emotional’ pass her lips, she had expected a large-scale, curse-ridden tantrum from the skeleton. What she didn’t expect to find was Sans nearly curled up in his seat, quietly sniffling as tears ran down his cheekbones like miniature waterfalls. He looked so lost, so terrified, and so vulnerable… It was utterly heartbreaking and pulled at her SOUL in ways she couldn’t even begin to describe.

 She understood now why Papyrus had wanted her to see him first; Papyrus did love his brother, but he couldn’t handle his more softhearted outbursts. For years, the pair had grown up believing that to show tears was a sign of fragility, a stamp of death in a kill or be killed world, and it was only after the two met Frisk that they became more receptive towards the notion of openly expressing feelings that were unrelated to rage. Sans didn’t cry often, but whenever he did, his brother still didn’t know how to deal with it in the slightest. So it was because he loved his younger brother that Papyrus decided to pass him onto Frisk’s more tender care.

 “Sans…?” She maintained a soft volume as she approached, not wanting to startle him.

 His head immediately whipped up at the sound of her voice, far too quickly to not have been painful, she thought, and his eyesockets went near impossibly wide as if he couldn’t believe she was really here. Those red eyelights then began to swell, almost filling the entirety of the dark space they occupied.

 “y-you came for me…” He whispered, his words slurred but still intelligible.

 “Of course I did. I would never leave you, Sans.” She delicately reached over to stroke the crown of his skull and this seemed to placate him somewhat, his flow of tears beginning to slow.

 Sans had dreamed while he slept.

 It was a dark dream. He had been taken somewhere pitch black and couldn’t see or hear anything. It was The Void, he was certain; a place monsters occasionally spoke of, mostly respected, and always feared. No one knew just how one would cross over to this place, but it was said that once one entered there was no escape. And for Sans, being there even while inside the relative safety of a dream was a complete nightmare. There was nowhere and nothing, time and space no longer existed, and with nobody to speak to, he was left with only his thoughts to keep him company. He was far, far away from Frisk and his brother, and he just knew he would never see either of them again.

 So when he opened his eye sockets to find himself in a world of sound and color once more, he had first been overcome with relief. But then his blurred senses couldn’t detect a single sign of Frisk’s existence within immediate reach, nor his brother’s, and that was enough for him to feel as though he were dropped back into another nightmare realm. Her presence and words brought him a great deal of comfort and eased his frightened and weary SOUL; she had told him what he had wanted to hear always, that she would never leave him – if this too was another figment of his imagination, then he didn’t want to wake up if it meant being forced to live in a world without her.

 Sans gave her a lopsided grin with his newly reattached golden tooth, content now that she was here before him, safe and within his reach. He wrapped his arms around the limb of hers closest to him, wanting nothing more than to cuddle his precious human. But she needed to go tell Papyrus that he was awake so his brother could help her guide the stocky skeleton to the car, and he was extremely reluctant to allow her to leave his sight for even that.

 “Sans, I’m just going to get your brother. You know, Papyrus? I’ll be right back. I’m not going anywhere far, just into the next room.”

 He squeezed her hand, gazing up at her with wobbly eyelights. “p-promise…? promise me you’ll come back.”

 “I promise.” She used her free hand to stroke his left cheek, and he leaned into her palm, lifting up his own to rest over hers and press himself further into her touch.

 He reluctantly permitted her to leave only after placing a clumsy kiss against her fingers as they slipped out of his hold.

 The dentist stepped into the room directly after, preparing for his last patient for the day and making it easier for Sans to get up when his escorts came by adjusting the chair. As he scurried around the room doing this and that, Sans suddenly became talkative.

 “didja see that girl i was with?”

 “Yes, you mean Ms. Frisk, the ambassador? Is she a friend of yours?”

 “yeah, she is. she’s my best friend in the whooooole world besides my brother.” He swayed around happily in his seat with a carefree giggle. “and i’m gonna marry her one day, but she doesn’t know that yet.”

 It took every ounce of his willpower for the dentist to not laugh and retain his professionalism; he saw dozens of patients a week that had their fair share of interesting and amusing things to say while under the influence of the anesthesia, but Sans was behaving so innocently and had spoken so fondly of the human in his company that it was enough to melt the old man’s heart.

 “Getting married is an important step in a committed relationship, so wouldn’t it be a good idea to let her know how you feel?”

 His eye sockets widened. “you’re right…! i-i do need to tell her! i need to tell her right now!”

 He then attempted to wiggle out of his chair to find Frisk himself instead of patiently waiting for her to return. The only thing that prevented him from tumbling out and falling flat onto his face was the dentist’s swift movement of grabbing him by the shoulders to steady him, then carefully easing Sans back into his previous position while scolding him on his recklessness as if he were a misbehaving toddler. The six-foot-tall skeleton then slumped backwards with a pout, his preceding lovesick expression screwing into one of annoyance.

 When Frisk eventually did return with Papyrus, as they lead him out the back door and towards the car that was parked just outside, she couldn’t understand why the dentist was looking at her, smiling and chuckling to himself as if she were missing out on an inside joke or something of the sort. Sans must have said something really special for a professional that saw this sort of behavior daily to react in such a way. She nearly shuddered to think what nonsensical statements a mind such as his could have assembled while in this state.

 She assisted Sans in buckling him in the back seat as she did before. He practically begged Frisk to sit next to him, but she politely declined. He was acting so loopy that it was taking all of her self-control not to laugh at some of his drunken antics and articulations. He might take her laughter the wrong way and accidentally have his feelings hurt, since he seemed to be far more sensitive when he was like this.

 Sans was also incredibly chatty while high, she learned quickly.

 Every single thing that popped into his head was evidently broadcasted to his captive audience of two. And most of what was said were things that would certainly embarrass him if anyone else aside from the pair heard them. Sans could most likely brush aside anything that occurred here with them later, but right now he was rattling off puns that made no sense and jokes without punchlines, and Frisk also made the mental note that he was acting incredibly and uncharacteristically sappy. She wondered if this was what Papyrus had meant when he mentioned his behavior being indescribable.

 Indescribable was certainly one word for it.

 “frisk. ey, frisk? frisky~”

 “Yes, Sans?” She sighed for what felt like the fifth time in the past three minutes.

 “has anyone ever told you your hair is really pretty…?”

 “Sometimes…?”

 “well, it is, and no matter how many times ya may of heard so already, it still don’t get said enough. it’s… really really pretty. like, it’s all soft and it smells nice. skeletons don’t have all that soft stuff on our heads, you know. and i know i probably reek of mustard all the dang time, so… it’s really different. it’s nice.”

 “Thank you, that’s really sweet of you to say.”

 “no no no, you’re the one that’s sweet. you-your trait is determination, and i admired that about ya a lot from the moment we first met, but, b-but you have so much kindness in your SOUL that sometimes it’s a lil’ overwhelming... i didn’t understand that back then, but i do kinda have an idea now and i appreciate it so much… i appreciate you so much, frisk.”

 “I appreciate you too, Sans. You’re a good friend.”

 “no ‘m not. ‘m always causin’ trouble for ya. because of me, people look at ya funny on the street an’ they start ta talk. they’ll look at ya anyways without me there ‘cause yer too pretty not to talk about an’ look at, but i make ‘em look at ya an’ talk in the bad way. it’s all my fault.”

 “No, none of that is your fault, Sans. If those people are going to look down on me because you’re my friend, then I don’t want those same individuals to be looking at me in a positive light during the rare times you’re not standing next to me. And besides, staring is rude.”

 “but-but what about when i look at ya? does that mean i can’t ever look at ya again because it’s rude? i can’t do that – you’re too cute to ignore. even fer a little bit. i can’t help it. i just gotta look at ya, all the time-”

 “Alright, alright! I’ll make a special exception for you – you’re the only one that’s allowed to stare at me, Sans. On occasion.”

 “AHEM.”

 “Ok, you’re given an exception too, Papyrus…”

 “THAT’S MORE LIKE IT, AS I’M CERTAIN YOU’RE OBVIOUSLY FLATTERED TO BE THE OBJECT OF MY ATTENTIONS?”

 “Sure…”

 “‘asides, if i don’t always look at ya, then what’ll happen if someone decides to take ya away?”

 “That won’t happen-”

 “but it could! and it almost did just today! d-don’t you remember at all?! y-you were there! my baby almost got taken away from me forever…”

 She heard him let out a soft sob in the back seat and Papyrus shot her an unimpressed glance, mouthing out the words that she was still somehow able to decipher despite him not having lips, ‘SAY SOMETHING TO HIM…’

 “B-But it didn’t, Sans! You showed up at just the right moment when I really needed you! …I feel fortunate to have someone in my life that takes such an active interest in watching over my wellbeing.”

 And that was the truth. Before she befriended the occupants of the Underground, Frisk’s life had been barely acknowledged by those around her, and those that did pay her any mind gave her the sort of heed that she nor anyone would want; tormentors, perverts, thugs; those were the only sort of people that gave her quiet existence any notice… So when the monsters that entered her life began showing signs of appreciating, reciprocating, and even actively vying for her attention, Frisk had secretly felt incredibly flattered and somewhat ashamedly relished it. For once in her life, she finally felt important to not only someone, but several someones. But now that the inner bliss of those occasions had begun to fade and the consequences of their extreme behavior, particularly Sans’s, had come about, she was much less thrilled over the dramatic and even sometimes possessive in nature gestures and displays that were frequently presented to her.

 These monsters had gone so long without expressing love for another, they didn’t know how to anymore without going entirely overboard with it.

 And that’s exactly what Sans was doing currently – going completely, utterly, and not-so gracefully swan-diving-into-the-water overboard with showing his affections for her.

 Sans was flirtatious by nature, and she knew he didn’t mean to indicate interest in initiating a serious romantic relationship with the recipient of his sweet words, recurring caresses, and terms of endearment, especially whenever they were directed towards her - because that’s just who Sans was. And he had absolutely no filter even without the involvement of anesthesia and little understandings of personal space, most likely because he was raised in and exposed to a violent upbringing and environment. So with him there existed a thin line between when either a positive or negative touch, depending on the mood set of the situation, was appropriate at any given time. He would throw his arms around her and nuzzle the pulse point of her neck with the tip of his nasal ridge just as swiftly and eagerly as he would throw a punch to someone on the street that had personally wronged him in some shape or form.

 Sans was the living definition of the expression and phrase, ‘all or nothing’ and ‘go big or go home’.

 “aww… i feel lucky ta have ya too, sweetheart.” His cooing was slurred, and Frisk imagined the dopey grin he must be wearing as he swayed around as he spoke – the mental image was enough to bring a smile to her own lips. “yer always so nice and sweet ta everyone, even me. …that’s why i love ya.”

 Before Frisk could utter a single word or even the slightest sound, they had pulled up at a traffic light, the car pulling to a stop with a loud screech.

 How appropriate.

 After a long and uncomfortable silence, she slowly turned her head towards Papyrus, but he wasn’t looking at her. His gloved fingers were clutched tightly to the steering wheel and he was staring straight ahead of them at the vehicle-infested road.

 “…I LOATHE DRIVING AT THIS HOUR.” Was all he said, his voice noticeably more faint than usual and a near imperceptible tremble discernable in his tone.

 The quietness around them stretched on. The only things that could be heard were the sounds of the car’s engine, the air condition, and the occasional honk from an impatient driver somewhere.

 Frisk’s cheeks were burning. Her throat felt dry.

 Nobody had once ever said that to her. In any shape, way, or form.

 Her SOUL should be bursting with happiness, to hear someone say they loved her. But all she could feel was a sense of uncomfortableness – Sans was clearly not in his right mind at the moment. Frisk knew she was important to him, he told her that enough on a near daily basis and she knew that unlike his flirtations, his appreciation for her was entirely sincere.

 Perhaps he did love her, she thought, but not in the romantic sense, surely…

 She finally managed to regain her voice.

 “Thank you, Sans. For saying that. I love you too…”

 “noooooo…!” He whined loudly as he kicked his legs, surprising her. Before she could question his odd response to her reply, he continued. “not like that; i know you like me. i-i even know you love me… but, i didn’t mean like that.”

 Frisk couldn’t recall having ever felt so confused in all her life – by that way, did he think she had misunderstood his declaration of love as something romantic when it was only intended to be platonic? He had told Papyrus just fifteen minutes prior that he loved him as well…

 “you’re the best bro i’ve got, papyrus...” He had nearly cried when Papyrus turned on the air conditioner after Sans complained about the heat.

 “I’M YOUR ONLY BROTHER.” He sighed.

 “i know, b-but you’re still the best. i love ya, papyrus.” He sniffled, causing Papyrus, after a few seconds had passed, to quietly mutter that he felt the same.

 Papyrus probably would have appreciated the sentiment far more if Sans hadn’t been high as a kite when he said it and his eye sockets had been dry.

 “Then in what way did you mean when you said that, Sans?” Frisk honestly wasn’t sure if she should have asked – his brother looked so tense behind the wheel, but he wasn’t giving either of them any warning glances or cues to put the topic to a close.

 “you know… i love you - like that. like… like this.” He raised up both hands, weak and wobbly, then touched the pads of his two index fingers together. “oh wait, you can’t see back here from up there…”

 “I’m afraid I can’t, Sans.” She laughed uncertainly, but she had heard him make a noise with his mouth that sounded like a kiss, despite him not having lips.

 Or perhaps he did…? Or maybe she just misheard him because of the air conditioner. Yes, that had to be it.

 Papyrus, however, had apparently seen everything from the car’s internal mirror that gave him a view of the back seat, which escaped Frisk’s view because of her far smaller height.

 “GOOD HEAVENS, SANS!” He rolled his red eyelights with an indignant huff. “SHOW SOME SELF RESTRAINT FOR GOODNESS SAKE! SHE’S ALREADY MARRIED!”

 …What?

 That was all Frisk could think after that rebuttal. She wasn’t married; it was true that she wore a ring on her left hand on the finger that usually indicated if someone was or not, but she did so mainly because of the sizing of the ring and because it felt most comfortable on this hand. Papyrus knew that.

 And so did Sans.

 But in his disoriented state, all logic and reasoning he normally would have exercised and applied in this situation had been flung out the window.

 “frisk, how could you?!” He shouted with dismay, struggling against the binds of his seatbelt. “i’m not with you for… for… i get unconscious… and-and the moment i do, you go and get married to some other guy behind my back?!”

 “…What?” Frisk turned to Papyrus, hoping for some sort of explanation, but all she could see were the beginnings of dread and regret in his expression.

 “WHAT BRAND OF CHAOS HAVE I UNLEASHED…?”

 Sans was having a complete nuclear meltdown in the back now, and at this rate, poor Papyrus’s nice and very expensive car might be totaled from the inside out if either of them didn’t put an end to his brother’s tantrum soon.

 “Sans, calm down! You’re going to hurt yourself! …Or this car!” She managed to somehow raise her normally soft voice above and over his own, a feat she would later be impressed by. “Sans, I’m not married!”

 “……y-yer not? then… then why did papyrus-”

 “IT WAS A JOKE. A JEST. A JAPE!” Papyrus interjected with another huff. “…BUT NOW I REALIZE MY MISTAKE. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR… EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY AT THIS TIME, IT WAS… A RATHER CRUAL JAPE.”

 “yeah, it was.” Sans readily agreed, letting out a growl of his own.

 Papyrus mumbled another apology before returning to his usual persona. “NOW CAN WE RETURN TO HOME WITHOUT ANY FURTHER INCIDENTS, PLEASE? THERE, I SAID ‘PLEASE’.”

 “frisk… frisk really isn’t married…” He sounded so relieved. “uuunnh…”

 And once again, Sans was so overcome with emotion that he could only express it by spontaneously bursting into tears.

 “Papyrus, would it be possible for you to pull over, please?” Frisk timidly requested. “Maybe if I sit in the back with him, he’ll calm down for the rest of the ride?”

 He wordlessly nodded his consent, then visibly cringed at the sound of his brother blowing his nose into the sleeve of his jacket.

 “y-yer gonna sit in the back, frisk? with me?” Sans momentarily paused in his sobbing, but only just for a moment. “i’m so…haaaaappyyyyyy…”

 At the next traffic light, Papyrus let his forehead hit the top of the steering wheel with a loud groan.

 ~~~~~~~~~~

 A while later, the three had reached the skeleton brothers’ house without too many more tears being shed. The drive home had only lasted about thirty minutes, but it had felt like hours to Papyrus. He just wasn’t equipped to handle Sans while he was in this condition, so it gave him some amount of relief that Frisk was the one who would be dealing with him.

 But only by a small amount.

 He didn’t completely trust Sans at the moment, and he would continue not to for as long as he was like this.

 “IF HE ATTEMPTS TO DO ANYTHING UNTOWARD, I GRANT YOU FULL PERMISSION TO WARD HIM OFF WITH THIS.”

 He then tried to present Frisk a wooden baseball bat riddled with nails. Curiously, there was also a bright red ribbon tied to the handle. Was this supposed to be a gift of some sort?

 “I really don’t think that will be necessary, Papyrus.” She gave him a weary smile. “Sans wouldn’t do anything… as you said, untoward. Even when he’s like this.”

 “YES, I’M FULLY AWARE THAT HE WOULDN’T. THAT WAS YET ANOTHER ATTEMPT OF MINE TO MAKE A JEST. IT SEEMS ALL MY JAPES ARE FAILING THIS EVENING.”

 “…Oh.” That was all she could say; he looked genuinely upset that he had failed to make her laugh, but only for a moment before his usual scowl returned just as quickly as it left.

 That wasn’t truly why he didn’t trust Sans right now; he knew his younger brother respected Frisk’s boundaries and wouldn’t harass her, even while intoxicated – no, what Papyrus couldn’t trust him with currently was…

 “TRUTH BE TOLD, IT’S NOT SANS THAT I AM CONCERNED WITH.” He began to confess, his expression contorting to one of concern. “OUR LIVES ON THE SURFACE WORLD ARE FAR DIFFERENT THAN WHEN IN THE UNDERGROUND, BUT I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS WORLD IS NOT DEVOID OF VIOLENCE AND CRUELTY. THE OUTCOME OF OUR BRIEF EXCURSION TODAY REMINDED ME OF THAT… SO, IT WOULD EASE MY MIND SIGNIFICANTLY IF YOU WOULD ACCEPT THIS WEAPON I AQUIRED, SOLELY FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE.”

 “Oh, Papyrus…” She had misunderstood his intentions; he was only trying to protect her, in his own odd way.

 She gingerly took the nail bat from him, giving it a test swing at a safe distance from any of their furniture, just to make him happy. It did. When she turned around, it was quick, but she caught a glimpse of his smile. Not one of his cocky smirks, but his real smile. There was no other way for her to describe it but dazzling.

 “Thank you, Papyrus. I probably won’t have to use it, but I appreciate it and I’ll keep it nearby… because it came from you.”

 A deep scarlet rose over his cheekbones. He diverted his gaze from her, shyly.

 “THE CRIMSON RIBBON… IT’S THERE IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY ITSELF AS YOURS.”

 The Underground had three primary colors, each representing something the entire monster population held sacred to them.

 Red – Determination. The monsters craved this trait of the humans that imprisoned them above all else, so they donned its color for strength.

 Gold – Their currency. For money sometimes held more value than anything else in their bleak and dreary lives.

 Black – The Void. Its purpose unknown, and its existence constantly acknowledged and feared.

 Of these colors, red was the only one that held any true significance to the monsters since the breaking of the barrier. Because that was the color of the SOUL of the human that had brought them their salvation.

 The ribbon looked fancy, expensive even. Frisk couldn’t say she had ever wanted a nail bat, especially since she considered herself a pacifist. But she could tell that this gift came from Papyrus’s heart, metaphorically speaking.

 She took another moment to appreciate the ribbon’s texture before he awkwardly cleared his throat.

 “I MUST BE GOING NOW… I SHOULDN’T BE ABSENT FOR LONG. I EXPECT TO BE BACK SOMEWHERE AROUND TEN TONIGHT. BY THEN, THE ANESTHESIA SHOULD CERTAINLY HAVE WORN OFF. AFTER MY RETURN, MY BROTHER AND I WILL ESCORT YOU TO YOUR OWN HOME.”

 “Papyrus, that’s kind of you, but it really isn’t necessary. I live just down the road, remember?”

 When the brothers had first began looking for a house on the surface, the sole requirements they had listed were that it be located within walking distance of Frisk’s own home, and that Grillby’s was easily accessible from wherever their future residence was located –this second condition came solely from Sans. She didn’t understand herself why that last bit was so important to him when it was common knowledge to the three of them that he could easily teleport anywhere he wanted to go as long as he knew where his destination was located.

 And for whatever reason, it seemed both skeletons had assigned themselves as her bodyguards ever since they moved to the surface.

 “I WILL NOT ACCEPT ‘NO’ FOR AN ANSWER. I CAN COMPREHEND WHY MY BROTHER’S COMPANY MAY BE GRATING AT TIMES, BUT IS MY PRESENCE SO UNDESIRABLE AS WELL?”

 Oh, Papyrus was not above playing the guilt trip card on Frisk if it meant keeping her safe.

 “That’s not it at all! Neither of you are unwelcome around me-”

 “THEN YOU ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH MY SUGGESTION THAT WE ARE TO ESCORT YOU LATER TONIGHT…?”

 “I suppose there’s no harm to be found in it…”

 “OF COURSE THERE ISN’T. YOU SHOULD LEARN TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO RELY ON OTHERS MORE OFTEN, ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS OTHER PERSON IS MYSELF.”

 “I’ll try to keep that in mind. Good luck at the meeting, Papyrus.”

 “I HAVE NO NEED FOR LUCK; I CAN CHARM THE OPPOSITION TO SHIFT THEIR CONTRASTING OPINIONS IN OUR FAVOR WITH EASE, BUT I ACKNOWLEDGE THE SENTIMENT.” He was as delightfully conceited as ever as he said this, like a strutting peacock with its feathers fanned out. “KEEP YOUR PHONE CLOSE BY – SHOULD YOU NEED MY ASSISTANCE, FOR ANYTHING AT ALL, I WILL CUT MY PRESENCE AT THE MEETING SHORT AND RETURN HERE. JUST FOR YOU. AS I KNOW YOU WOULDN’T INTERRUPT SOMETHING SO SIGNIFICANT FOR ANY REASON THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED FOOLISH.”

 She agreed to keep her phone on her person at all times while he was gone, and he allowed his gaze to linger on her for a short while longer than necessary before he stepped out the door, leaving Frisk alone with Sans tucked into bed upstairs.

 Sans had fallen unconscious the instant his head had hit the pillow. Guiding him up the stairs had been a challenge for them both; Papyrus could have simply lifted him and carried Sans up the stairs without the need for any issue, but Sans had insisted that Frisk help him alongside Papyrus, and neither of them were in any mood to hear another one of his tantrums.

 He had almost fell down on a few occasions, and a task that should have only taken a few seconds to accomplish instead took several careful minutes. The stocky skeleton had even briefly fell asleep halfway up and the two were forced to carry him with one of them grasping him at each end.

 “MIDNIGHT WILL HAVE PASSED BY THE TIME WE REACH THE LAST STAIR IF WE KEEP IT UP AT THIS RATE. I THINK WE CAN AFFORD TO GO A LITTLE FASTER, WOULDN’T YOU AGREE?”

 “Huff… That’s easy for you to say!” She panted, struggling to keep a firm hold on him. “You have the light end!”

 “SANS DOESN’T HAVE A LIGHT END.”

 And to emphasize his statement, Papyrus made them switch sides, nearly sending the slumbering skeleton down the steps for the third time since they began their gradual ascent when he suddenly tried to turn over in his sleep.

 Frisk hoped that Sans never got into another accident that would make him lose one of his teeth, because she wasn’t sure she could survive having to carry him up that flight of stairs again.

 Magical skeleton monster or not, he shouldn’t be that heavy! That was what she had thought then.

 The muscles in her arms ached, but at least she could relax a little now.

 They had brought Sans home at about six ‘o clock, and he remained asleep for a little over an hour before Frisk was alerted he was awake by him suddenly letting out an agonized wail.

 She quickly pounded up the stairs, his wails sounding as though he were in sincere and significant pain. When Frisk entered his room, she found him lying on his back, eye sockets wide open with his glowing irises shrunken down to pinpricks once more. His hands were clutching the sheets in a shaky grip, and his entire body was trembling violently.

 “Sans?” She called out to him softly, knowing that he didn’t seem to be completely there as of yet from whatever undoubtedly horrific dream it was he had escaped from. “Sans, it’s me. Frisk.”

 “…frisk?” He murmured after a long stretch of silence, his body stilling.

 His voice still sounded slurred, but less than before.

 “Yeah, it’s me. I’m right here. I’m here.” She slowly stepped across the carpet towards him until she eventually reached his bedside. “Can you tell me what’s wrong? Are you hurting anywhere?”

 “…had a nightmare.”

 “Do you want to talk about it or…?”

 He shook his head from side to side, small streams of tears escaping his closed sockets.

 “That’s alright. You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to.” Frisk sat down on the edge of his bed and softly cupped his cheeks, gently wiping the tears that fell with her thumb.

 He raised his own hands weakly to cover her own, his touch featherlight and barely there as he let out another wet sob.

 Unlike the several instances where he had burst into tears during the drive home, this spell of tears felt less like a small child’s tantrum and more like a plea for help. It was more akin to when he first woke up and noticed that Frisk and his brother were nowhere to be found. He had been seized by a sudden, almost primal fear, a deep loneliness that threatened to smother him if not immediately remedied.

 “i… i love you, frisk.” He choked out as he squeezed the top of her hand. “i love you so much… you don’t have to feel the same way that i do, but please, just let me love you and don’t leave me, ever…”

 This declaration, again, unlike when they were in the car together, sounded far more desperate and anguished.

 And it was also now undeniable that he intended his words to be perceived by her as being nothing but romantic in nature.

 Frisk wanted to convince herself that it was probably the anesthesia talking, that she must appear different to him while in this state and it caused him to act more needy, and she just happened to be the person closest to him during this time, so she was the one being subjected to his forsaken whiplash responses. Anyone else could be standing in her place at this moment and his reactions wouldn’t change - this is what Frisk tried to tell herself.

 But she found herself quickly getting sucked into the whims of this new side of him revealed to her, this lovesick and vulnerable Sans that was looking at her and only her.

 “Shh, shh, shh… Sans, it’s going to be alright. I’m right here, in front of you, holding you, and I’m not going anywhere.” She shushed him, attempting to calm him even if only slightly. “It’s okay for you to love me. I love you too.”

 “nooooo…” He groaned again, followed by a hiccup. “stop it. just stop teasing me like this! you don’t think i am, but i’m being serious! i love you, frisk. i really really love you! and not just as a friend either. i… i don’t want some no name human guy jerk to be the one to marry you. i wanna be the one to do that… i wanna marry you, frisk!”

 Frisk had never felt such a red-hot burning sensation in all her life. Her face was such a vibrant shade of crimson, it was nearly scalding. She was certain that if she could look in a mirror, it would appear as if she had received a severe sunburn, her face was so red.

 “Sans…” She began to trail away, but he grabbed her wrist and yanked her back towards him onto the bed and himself, wrapping his arms around her and pulling Frisk into his chest.

 She could hear a wild series of thumps coming from his ribcage, which produced a sound not unlike her own heartbeat at this point in time. There was no other thing that could have produced this noise but his SOUL, forlornly crying out for her own.

 “if… if you want a pretty ring, i’ll get one for you. i’ll get you one that’s much bigger and even prettier than the one on your finger. if it’s a fancy and expensive wedding you want, i can give you that too. it may take me a while, but i’ll make it happen, for you. if it’s kids you want, i’ll give you as many as you want our family to have, or none at all if you’d rather it be just us two… but if you do want some, i’ll provide for you and them the best i can, i promise, frisk.”

 He had said the ‘p’ word – promise.

 Sans hated making promises. While the monsters weren’t ones to honor their word while they had been immersed in the old ways of the Underground life, he still felt the word put him into a position of responsibility. That’s why he avoided that word at all cost.

 And Sans had just promised to love, marry, and have children with her if she so desired, three of the most responsibility-laden commitments known to mankind.

 Forget being flushed with embarrassment; her head was spinning far too much to even think straight now. How could anyone possibly think straight after hearing all this while being in her position?

 Sans slowly carded his phalanges through her hair in a manner that was meant to be soothing as he spoke, his tone much lower and softer than she was used to hearing. Her head was tucked under his chin and his other arm was draped across her back, preventing any possibility of a successful attempt at escape.

 Frisk was immensely thankful that Papyrus wasn’t here to see this. Otherwise, the taller skeleton might have actually made due on his previous joke about bashing his brother over the head with a bat covered in nails for this display of behavior.

 She wiggled uncomfortably, but instead of loosening his grip, Sans only held her tighter. He then adjusted the two of them into a slightly more comfortable position, as if that would fix the matter in some way. Sans must have thought so, because the hand that had been absentmindedly tangled in her hair moved to the back of Frisk’s head when she had been caught trying to raise herself up and pressed downwards, her ear directly over his ribcage where his SOUL was still hammering away against his bones.

 After lying there for a few more seconds, mulling over her options, Frisk finally decided to just be direct with him.

 “Sans, you’re gonna have to let me go.”

 “no. i don’t want to.” He held her even closer, somehow. “if you’re not here with me, you might go somewhere where i’ll never see you again. so… i’m never letting you go again. ever. simple as that.”

 “You can’t do that, Sans. It’s not possible.”

 “well not with that attitude.”

 “Sans!” She struggled, kicking her legs to little effect.

 “do you hate being with me that much…?” There was an audible hint of nervousness and uncertainty in his tone as he said this.

 She managed to lift her head enough to get a glimpse of his face, and she wasn’t prepared for how lost and alone it looked. He wasn’t trying to manipulate her with his words – Sans, at this moment, truly was drifting in a sea of self-doubt and was seeking for the answers in her.

 “Don’t say something so silly.” She reached up to pat his boney cheek, the texture smooth and oddly soft against her skin. “I enjoy your company. I love being with you, Sans.”

 “…i love spending time with you too, sweetheart.” He lifted the hand that had been behind her head and rested it over hers to keep it there, closing his eye sockets as he enjoyed the blissful warmth that emanated from it. “if i could have it my way, i’d never go a second without you. because i love you…”

 Frisk involuntarily shuddered; he had moved so his mouth was directly next to her ear. Hearing something like that, so possessive yet loving, with his breath ghosting over her skin… it was just too much.

 These affectionate, and nearly obsessive words that were coming from Sans were things she had secretly always wanted to hear.

 And it was terribly, horribly cruel.

 Because he was only saying these things because he wasn’t in complete control of his thoughts or actions.

 Anyone else could replace her at this scene and in this moment, and nothing would change.

 So no matter how much Sans insisted that his affectionate claims were true, she couldn’t believe a word of it until he was fully sober.

 “…ya never gave me an answer.” He spoke again after a while, almost causing her to jump at the abruptness. His voice was beginning to sound more slurred too. “i finally confessed to ya… i’ve told ya just about everything i’ve always wanted ta say to ya since when i realized i felt this way… but you never said a word.”

 “…” She still wasn’t sure what to say.

 “i’ve poured out my whole SOUL to ya, and it still ain’t enough…” Before she could come up with a reply, he started speaking again, his tone urgent. “then tell me what i can do ta have ya, to make ya mine.”

 “Sans-”

 “i’m not flirting with nobody but you no more cuz you’re the only girl i think is attractive anymore. could come home ta find some blonde thing in a skimpy red bikini, posed all seductive on my bed and i wouldn’t feel a thing. nothin’. ask her what she thought she was doin’ here an’ tell her to shove off.”

 Frisk absorbed his statement and then took a moment to dwell on it. Her mind did a replay of the time they had spent together on the surface, and she found she couldn’t recall a single instance of him flirting with anyone aside from herself. In fact, he almost looked annoyed whenever a member of the opposite sex flirted with him these days. It had certainly happened on a few occasions, and Frisk was there to witness it.

 “and i try not to cuss as much anymore cuz i know you don’t like it. same thing with the alcohol – i used to look forward to one day tryin’ the booze you humans got for myself if i ever got up here, but now i know you hate the smell, and drunk people scare ya, and you’re right: the risks just ain’t worth it. can’t get any of those diseases you humans get, but my mouth runs somethin’ wild plenty enough when ‘m not drunk.”

 “Oh, I know. Believe me, I know this now…” She thought, but also had to silently admit that everything he was saying was indisputably true.

 Sans had changed a lot since they had become friends.

 And she had been mostly blind to it, paying more attention to him for his misdemeanors than his efforts to change. He had been silently working to improve himself, and Frisk hadn’t paid him any mind.

 It made her feel guilty, but she still couldn’t allow herself to believe that he really loved her – not yet.

 Her own crippling self-doubt and denial was stronger than her desire for affection.

 “so… what do i gotta do ta make ya fall in love with me?” He finally allowed her some breathing room, but only so he could gaze into her eyes – eyes were the window to the SOUL, and he needed a glimpse inside hers now more than ever. “i’ll do anything. really. anything ta make ya mine and mine alone.”

 “Sans… you don’t need to do anything. Not at all.” She smiled at him, but it wasn’t the one he liked, the one that would make his SOUL do somersaults and backflips every time he saw it. This one looked strained, forced. “I just… this is a lot to process… and I can’t really believe anything that you’re saying right now.”

 “why not?!” He replied, indignant.

 “Because… you’re not acting normal. You’re… you’re all hopped up on anesthesia right now. And, well… anesthesia makes people say a lot of crazy things that they normally wouldn’t. So until it’s worn off, I can’t believe you.”

 “so yer sayin’ ya can’t trust me cuz I’m drunk? ya think ‘m not tellin’ the tooth?!” He spat; his voice was really slurred now. “the-the nerve ‘a ya! i-i’ll have you know… that i am cone sold stober…!”

 Frisk just smiled at him, almost smugly as realization bloomed across his face, that what he just said didn’t sound right.

 “wait, wait, wait. crap. i… i’ve got this, just… gimme a minute…” His eye sockets began to narrow sleepily.

 “Sans, I’ll make an agreement with you, about your confession,” He perked up just slightly, now rapt with attention. “Tell me again in a little while. Then I’ll give you a proper answer. But first, you need to sleep.”

 “ok, i promise. but-but… how can i… possibly sleep…” His body was growing heavier and heavier. “when i know that… when I wake up… the most important moment a’ my life…”

 The back of his head hit the pillow with a soft ‘pomf’. She sighed, but felt a bit of anticipation as she disentangled herself from him and tucked the covers up to his chest again.

 She gave his cheek another gentle pat and made her way out of his room, hoping that this time no nightmares plagued his sleep and that he was in his right mind when he next awoke.

 ~~~~~~~~~~

 At about nine-thirty, a half an hour before Papyrus’s scheduled return, Frisk once again heard sounds coming from Sans’s bedroom.

 She put down her book and padded up the stairs, opening his door and praying to herself that the mostly sane Sans she knew had returned.

 “uuuugh, i feel like i got hit by a freakin’ sixteen-wheeler truck! fully loaded!” He groaned, clutching his cranium crabbily.

 “Oh, Sans, you’re back!” She couldn’t help but shout, causing him to flinch and she gave a quick apology.

 “did i go somewhere…?”

 “Kind of? You went to the dentist.”

 “…oh yeah, that did happen. i’m remembering that now… can we not talk about it? i don’t wanna think about it.”

 “Certainly. And how are you feeling?”

 “aside from feeling like my bones were hollowed out and got loaded with rocks? pretty ok, i guess? everything’s kind of a hazy blur ta be honest.”

 “Is that so…?” She laughed, but it sounded so forced, to both of them.

 “…why are my zygomas wet?” He reached up to touch his cheekbones, his confused expression contorting into one of disgust. “feels like i’ve been cryin’. …i didn’t… do that, did i?”

 “…”

 “frisk.”

 “Yes, you did cry…”

 “how much?”

 “When you first woke up, when you woke up again, on and off nearly the entire ride home-”

 “holy sh-” He caught himself. “crap… oh crap… you… and you saw everything… you must’a been so embarrassed an’ grossed out.”

 “No, no, Sans… it’s… it wasn’t like that.” Frisk rubbed at her arm, averting her gaze.

 “then what was it like?”

 “…I’m not sure how to describe it.”

 “indescribable. just like paps said.”

 “…”

 He didn’t remember.

 He didn’t remember what he had said to her…

 It was taking every ounce of her willpower not to burst into tears herself.

  “You idiot. How could you let yourself believe, even for a second that-”

 “frisk… can you come ‘ere for a sec?” He asked, his tone quieter, softer.

 It wasn’t helping her wounded heart and SOUL at all that it was the same one he used when he had said all those beautiful things to her earlier. But she did as he requested and walked towards him, Sans not saying another word until she reached his bedside.

 “hey, sweetheart…” He lifted one hand to cup her cheek, rubbing his thumb across her skin. “why ya cryin’?”

 She didn’t answer him. Instead, she ripped herself away from him and his touch, as painful as it was to do so, and turned around, refusing to face him.

 “babydoll? frisk?” He tried to unwind himself from the sheets, but she froze him in place once again.

 “Stop it! Just stop it, Sans! Please!”

 “stop what?! i don’t understand what your problem-”

 “No, you don’t, and that’s exactly what the problem is!” She wailed, knowing that she shouldn’t and couldn’t take out her feelings of hurt on Sans – none of this was his fault.

 It wasn’t his fault that she was an unlovable mess that also couldn’t accept even the most simple gestures of affection.

 Frisk stood there, crying her heart out and neither knowing quite entirely why until she decided she’d made a fool of herself enough for the night and quite possibly for the rest of her life. Just as she reached for the doorknob, his voice stopped her, barely above a whisper but somehow still audible over her sniffles and sobs.

 “sweetheart… i’m sorry…” Sans spoke, his voice filled with genuine sympathy and warmth.

 “Why… why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything…”

 “and that’s the problem. i… didn’t do something i was supposed to, right?” He smiled wearily at her. “i broke a promise. i promised i’d tell ya how much i loved ya when i woke up sober and then i didn’t.”

 “So… you remember?”

 “i do now.” He sighed, sitting up. “some things are still a little hazy… but, i remember everything that had to do with you. i… i meant everything, frisk. every word. what i said, those were just a handful of the things i think about when you’re on my mind, every day, constantly.”

 “Sans…”

 “but… you don’t feel the same, do you? i was thinkin’ you might of told me to wait because you were tryin’ to think of a way ta let me down easy, so i hesitated on telling you how i felt again. but then you started cryin’ for seemingly no reason except for i didn’t speak up when i said i would, so… i’m… kinda gettin’ some mixed signals here.”

 “…” Frisk still couldn’t say anything, even now.

 “come ‘ere, babydoll. let’s talk this out.” He patted the empty space next to him on the bed, urging her to sit down. “i’ve said how i feel, now it’s your turn. give me the honest truth. i can take it…”

 He was still expecting a rejection, and he had lied.

 He was certain he would dust instantly if she turned away his love.

 She sat down next to him, crawling up on the bed to sit crisscrossed. Frisk opened and closed her mouth several times, but nothing would come out. Not until Sans reached out to take her hand, rubbing his thumb over the back.

 “Sans… I… this is so hard for me to do.” She choked out.

 Sans’s posture stiffened.

 He was readying himself for a rejection.

 “It’s just… nobody’s ever said anything like that to me before.”

 His shoulders first slumped out of relief, then jumped up with surprise.

 “…nobody ever said they loved you?” He had to say it himself just for the concept to soak in.

 “Never. I… Sans, you have to understand; nobody has ever treated me like you or the other monsters do. I spent my entire life believing that I must have been some sort of mistake, that I wasn’t supposed to be here and had no place in the world… So the reason I even ended up in the Underground in the first place… was…”

 “oh, sweetheart…!” He said in a gasp, gathering her up in his arms and began rocking her in their embrace. “oh, stars sweetheart, you don’t gotta say anything… not if you don’t want to. nobody’s forcing it out of ya. but… you don’t feel the same way now that you did then, do you?”

 “No, not anymore. And… it wasn’t like that, Sans. Not how you think it was.” Frisk gazed up at him, attempting to console him now even though she was the one crying. “I didn’t jump if that was what you were thinking. I climbed Mount Ebott as a self-imposed exile. I just… it was dark. I didn’t see that hole in the ground…”

 “even if ya didn’t jump, it’s still just too sad for my SOUL to take, sweetheart.” He held her tighter, his bones clattering softly. “you came all the way out there, all by yourself, because you were that lost and lonely… and you could of died!”

 “But I didn’t-”

 “but you still could have! you could have died when you hit the ground! you could’a snapped your spine in two… or broke so many bones that you couldn’t even walk… then you would of starved to death if some other monster didn’t find you and finish ya off… you would have died… and you might of never got the amount of determination to SAVE, LOAD, and RESET… and i never would have met you… oh, stars, it could’a happened!”

 He held her so tightly that it almost became difficult to breathe.

 Now he was sobbing.

 “frisk, i can’t even imagine what kinda life you must of lived before, but…” He released her just enough to grasp her face in his hands again. “everybody i know loves ya frisk, and even if they didn’t, even if everybody else in the world hated you, and everybody else in the world hated me for it… i would still love you.”

 “Sans…!” She buried her face back into his chest. “Sans, that’s… that’s all I’ve ever wanted to hear! Oh, stars, Sans! I love you too!”

 “shh, shh, shh… it’s alright, sweetheart. it’s ok to let it all out, but remember to breathe.”

 He was such a hypocrite, was what she might have wanted to say if she were less of a mess, but right now she just wanted to bask in the warmth of his love.

 His love for her and only her.

 After several more minutes of sobbing, they both had finally managed to compose themselves.

 “…Look at us. Now our faces are both a mess.” Frisk laughed.

 “you’re still beautiful, though.”

 Her cheeks turned red at that, but now it wasn’t flushed from crying.

 “Well, I thought that you looked cute when you were crying at the dentist’s office.”

 “‘ey, i thought i asked ya ta not talk about that.”

 “Alright…” She pretended to pout.

 Her expression was so cute that Sans couldn’t resist bending down to give her a peck on her scrunched up nose.

 “so… you love me.”

 “Yes, I do, Sans.” She quirked an eyebrow at him – it sounded like what he had to say was leading up to something.

 “so does this mean you’ll marry me?” Bless him, he sounded so excited when he asked her that.

 “No.”

 “oh…” And then his shoulders immediately sagged, along with the corners of his mouth.

 “Not yet, at least.” She patted the top of his skull placatingly with a chuckle. “It’s still a little soon for that, but… I’m also not saying it’s entirely out of the realm of possibility. Especially if you continue to be as sweet and loving as you’ve been tonight.”

 If Sans had a tail, it would have been wagging so fast it wouldn’t be detectable by the human eye.

 “really? ya mean it? then can i tell everyone we’re engaged?”

 “No.”

 “aww… no fun allowed.” This time it was Sans’s turn to pout. “…can i say we are to some of the guys that try ta mess with ya so they’ll screw off?”

 “…Maybe.” She almost laughed at how quickly his expression changed from sulky to joyful. “Why do you want to get married so quickly, anyway?”

 “because… back in the underground, that’s what you did when ya loved someone and they loved you back. it was kill or be killed, so if you didn’t do what you wanted to today, you might not get to tomorrow… so that was why i decided ta be different than everybody else and do absolutely nothin’.”

 “Pfft! Sans…” She hugged him. “I don’t plan on going anywhere, and with you and Papyrus around all the time, not to mention the others, I doubt anything will ever hurt me. The surface is different than the Underground. We don’t have to rush this relationship along – we can enjoy it at our own pace.”

 “ok, but… i’d still totally be down for marrying you right now if you agreed to it.”

 “At least take me out on a date, first!” She snorted, elbowing his ribs.

 “ok! then let’s go on one - right now!” He stood up, his steps wobbly as he rushed towards the door. “then we can get married after!”

 “Sans, where are you going?!”

 “to get something to eat. what else?!”

 “Wait, Sans! I don’t think that’s such a good idea!”

 “why not? we’re just going to grill- aaaugh!”

 Sans let out a startled cry as he lost his footing on the stairs, screaming during the entire duration of his descent. He landed face down on the floor with a pained groan.

 “Sans! Are you hurt?! Say something!” She shouted, hurrying down the steps herself as quickly and carefully as possible.

 Sans’s hands fluttered towards his mouth, his eye sockets wide.

 “ow… my… my tooth! oh stars, not my tooth again! it’s gone!”

 Frisk let out a horrified gasp, hands coming up to clasp at her own mouth.

 He turned around to face her, and then removed his hands, revealing a cheeky and toothy grin, his golden one clearly visible and gleaming from the brightness of the living room lights.

 “juuuust messin’ with ya.”

 “You… You…” Frisk seethed, “Forget being a pacifist! I’m gonna clean your clock!”

 She ran towards him with fists flailing. He chuckled, sidestepping every blow she tried to land on him with ease. All until she slipped on the rug and it raveled up beneath her. She tripped forward, and Sans held out his arms to catch her. The both of them ended up knocked to the floor, Sans underneath her and Frisk on top of him just like before.

 He wrapped a bulky arm around her waist and grinned.

 “oh, i remember this part from earlier too…”

 She tried to stay mad at him, she really did. But the sight of the smugness on his face melting into an eager smile as he leaned his head towards her with slightly puckered bony lips quickly extinguished any fury she may have previously felt.

 Frisk tilted her head to the side so her nose and his nasal ridge wouldn’t collide with each other, but he took the time to brush the tip of his against hers – a nose nuzzle, as they had called it Underground. Then they leaned towards each other more, about to close the distance between their lips for real for the first time.

 And at that moment, they heard the door open.

 Papyrus stood there, standing at the doorway still as a statue, his left eye socket twitching.

 None of them said a word for what felt like the longest, until…

  “this… is exactly what it looks like.

[franciegummstarstruck]

My spankin’ new JG fanfic, "Life of the Party"

“What do you mean..you don’t wanna do another picture here?” Jack Warner grumbled.

 Judy, fiddled with her dress gloves while sitting on the edge of her seat in a chair across from the studio executive’s enormous, mahogany desk.

“I’m sorry Mr. Warner..”

 "Please Judy, you may call me Jack. We’re good friends..“ Jack cut in with a forced grin.

 Judy smiled.

 "Jack, it’s just that I’m tired of making pictures. I’ve worked in showbusiness all my life. And now I’m a mother of three beautiful children. I want to be with them. Full-time.”

 "Oh, Judy don’t you know that children are over-rated.“ Jack playfully quipped. 

Judy, smirked, then seriously glared at the movie mogul.

 "I’m sorry Jack. I’ve made up my mind.”  

 Just then, Jack Warner’s telephone rang.

“Hello, Ms. Loomis…you do know I’m in conference with Miss Garland don’t you?..What is it?” Jack abruptly asked after picking up the phone. “Oh, okay…let the son of a bitch in..” he muttered under his breath before haphazardly slamming down the phone.

 Judy took out a cigarette from her purse. All at once, Jack frisked a little gold lighter out of his suit pocket and sprung out of his chair to light Judy’s cigarette. A moment later, Jack Warner’s office door swung wide open and to Judy’s surprise it was her husband, Sid Luft shuffling into the room.

 "Darling, I thought you had a golf date with Bogie today?“ she perkily uttered. 

Sid greeted her with a swift kiss on the cheek and quietly took a seat in a chair next to hers in the office.

 "Okay, now let’s get back to business here.” Jack bluntly said after nodding hello to Sid.

"The studio’s backers have already put up all the dough needed to start production on “The Helen Morgan Story”. Rehearsals begin in two weeks. It’s a fabulous script. I’ll tell you more about it later tonight..my wife and I are having a little nice dinner party at our house. I’d like you and Sid to come by..“

 Judy, quickly put out her cigarette on the ash tray on Mr. Warner’s desk. 

“I’m sorry Jack. I’m not interested in doing another picture.”

 Jack arrogantly leaned back in his leather chair while Sid fidgeted, seated next to Judy. Ms. Garland couldn’t help but notice his nervousness. Also, she spotted a crumpled Santa Anita racetrack form sticking out of his sportcoat’s left pocket. Then, just as it looked as if Sid was going to say something.. Mr. Warner held up a piece of paper in his right hand and proudly waved it like a flag in front of Mr. and Mrs. Luft.

 "This..my lovelies is a legal contract. You both signed it three months ago. Have you forgotten?“

 All at once, Judy ripped it out of his hand. “I never signed any contract!” she exclaimed. 

“So, you’re telling me that’s not your signature on that blasted sheet of paper Missy!” Jack retorted. 

Judy let out a big sigh as she anxiously read the words on the paper in her hands. To her shocking surprise, she saw her name boldly scribbled in black ink on the bottom right of the page. The brown-eyed beauty gasped. She recognized straight out that it was her crafty husband Sid’s handwriting! Judy was at a loss for words. She coldly turned to look at Sid, who’s face was turning tomato red.

“Please Baby, don’t get upset… I signed your name. I’m sorry.. I know I should’ve talked it over with you first..” he meekly mumbled. 

“That’s right darling, you should have definitely talked to me first and don’t call me baby !” Judy feistily interrupted. 

All at once, Jack Warner broke out in uproarious laughter. 

“You know she could sue you for forgery..you silly bastard!” he mocked out loud. 

Sid loosened his tie and grimaced. 

“If I ever decide to take Sid to court it will be for a divorce.” Judy sassily quipped. 

Jack threw back his head in laughter again while Sid sunk back in his chair with an embarrassed look on his face.

 “Look Judy, seriously you’re going to be terrific in this film, the studio predicts it’s going to be another smash hit, just like A Star Is Born. And we’ve signed handsome Paul Newman to be your co-star !“ Jack enthusiastically spoke up. 

Judy bolted up from her chair. 

“I don’t care if the leading man is Rock Hudson. I’m not going to do another goddamm picture!” 

Jack frustratingly glared at Judy. 

“Judy, please..” Sid muttered. 

“I only have two words to say. And since you’re both gamblers I’m sure you’ll read me– No dice!” 

Just then, Ms. Garland dashed out of Jack Warner’s office, slamming the door behind her. 

“I think she’s mad.” Jack said, rubbing his chin.

“So, you gathered that.?“ Sid sarcastically retorted. 

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 Later that evening, the Lufts were embroiled in arguing and yet somehow Sid managed to talk Judy into going to Jack Warner’s dinner party. So, Judy called their next-door neighbors, the Bogarts to see if they could babysit the kids for the night. After Sid and Judy freshened up with showers, they both dressed for the evening. Sid put on his best dark suit and Italian leather loafers. Judy, still brooding over Sid’s faux pas earlier that day, decided to ditch her usual dinner party attire of stilettos and a pretty little black dress. She instead opted to wear a casual pink shirt over a simple pair of slim black trousers with ballet flats. And she threw her hair back into a high ponytail after applying her usual repertoire of make-up. Because she didn’t want Sid to see her evening’s informal ensemble, Judy put on a long wool coat over her unpretentious threads. 

It was just after 6 p.m. when Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart picked up Liza, Lorna, and Joey…taking the children next door to their residence for the evening. Shortly after, the Lufts jetted off from their Mapleton Drive home in the couple’s swank Mercedes-Benz sedan. Unbeknownst to Judy, Sid almost lost the car in a crap game a few days earlier in Lake Tahoe. Silence filled the air during the short drive up to Jack Warner’s Bel Air estate. Sid and Judy were sulking because neither of them felt like being sociable at a Hollywood soiree after miserably fighting earlier in the evening. Nonetheless, the pair knew they couldn’t say no to Jack Warner’s invitation, he was too prominent of a man in Tinseltown. 

It was just around 6:30 pm when the Lufts arrived at Jack Warner’s Angelo Drive Georgian-style mansion in Beverly Hills. As they drove their sleek sedan up and around the estate’s curved brick paved driveway, Sid and Judy noticed Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh stepping out of their expansive automobiles and walking up to the home’s elaborate white pillared portico.

 “I’m not singing tonight for anyone or anything..not even my dinner.“ Judy quipped. 

Sid hastily parked their Mercedes in front of the exquisite residence. As soon as the Lufts stepped out of their sedan, they were greeted by Marty Melcher and Doris Day. 

“Who says you’ll have to sing for your supper tonight, D.D.’s here.” Sid teasingly whispered in Judy’s ear. 

“Ha Ha Ha” she quietly retorted. 

The Lufts made their way up to the estate’s colonnade, joining the menagerie of Hollywood stars who were standing around waiting in queue.

 “Hey folks..’’ Frank Sinatra casually said  turning around to greet Sid and Judy.

’’I see you still have the Benz.”

 To Sid’s chagrin, Frank and a few friends were at a nearby table at the same Lake Tahoe casino the day Sid was throwing money around in a crap game, almost losing their posh car. Mr. Luft bit his lip and nervously pulled out a cigarette from his suit’s pocket. 

“Oh, buddy by the look on your face, I can see you didn’t tell the little woman a thing about it now did you?” Frank teased. 

Sid’s face now was turning a kaleidoscope of colors.

“No, he didn’t say a word!” Judy said glaring at her embarrassed husband. 

Frank flashed a boyish grin.

“Well, all’s well that ends well. Still the luckiest guy in town. Drives a fancy foreign car he didn’t pay for and married to the gal who did.“

“Yes darling, Sid still has the Mercedes and me…but stick around by the end of the evening he may lose both.” Judy saucily remarked. 

Frank burst out with laughter and then leaned in, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Just then, the house’s large front doors swung open and all the glamorous guests paraded inside Jack Warner’s grand abode. A handful of butlers came around to take coats, hats, and offered each celebrity visitor a cocktail. Although all eyes were peeled on Ms. Garland the moment she stepped into the beautiful mansion, her casual attire looked quite out of place. Everyone there was dressed to the nines…especially the ladies. Nonetheless, Judy didn’t care. Her informal clothing was a little act of rebellion towards Hollywood norms. But Judy mainly wanted to take a dig at Jack Warner and her sneaky, money laundering hubby, Sid Luft. So, Judy proudly promenaded into Mr. Warner’s elegant living room with Sid following closely behind. 

They were greeted by Ann Warner, the film mogul’s wife. She was very friendly to Mr. and Mrs. Luft, giving them the most comfortable seat inside the crowded room-a lambskin leather loveseat nearest the Steinway. 

“I can take a hint..” Judy mused giving a sideways look at Jack Warner’s shiny, Baby Grand nestled nearby. 

Sid just kept quiet sipping his drink. 

A moment later, a few young Hollywood stars came by to visit with Judy….Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood, and Dennis Hopper. They were all starry-eyed, polite, and dressed in formal attire- the young men wore dark dinner jackets and 18-year-old Natalie donned a stunning pink chiffon frock.

 “Oh, my gosh, Miss Garland it’s so nice to meet you. Golly, you’re so much prettier in person.” Natalie cheerfully pronounced. 

“Why, Thank you…nobody has ever said that to me before!” Judy replied with a chuckle.

 Natalie beamed. 

“And I love your pixie haircut darling…it gets me in the mood to redo my hairdo.” Judy continued.

 “Oh, Thank you. But, you know, Judy…your hair always looks beautiful. You don’t need to change a thing! By the way, I think it was simply tragic that you didn’t win an Oscar for A Star is Born last year. That film was a masterpiece. And James Mason is so dreamy. I have the worst crush on him ever since seeing that picture!“ Natalie girlishly rambled. 

“You have a crush on every actor in this town.” Tab quipped with an eyeroll.

“Yes, I suppose I do…but then so do you” Natalie replied with a smirk. 

Dennis giggled. 

Tab froze in silence. 

Judy, noticing his embarrassment sweetly patted his right arm and warmly looked up at the six- foot- tall handsome young man. Tab couldn’t help but feel comforted by Ms. Garland’s caring touch and realized at that moment that she accepted him without judgment. 

“Judy, it’s an absolute pleasure to meet you.” he said with a buoyant smile. 

“It’s so nice to meet you too..all of you.” Ms. Garland spiritedly replied.

“If I may Judy, could I ask a teensy little favor?” Dennis gently asked. 

“Of course darling..” 

“Well, I may never get the opportunity to kiss you in the movies..so may I have the honor to kiss you now?” 

Judy graciously smiled. 

“Lay one on me baby!” she blurted. 

So, the blue-eyed young actor took a seat next to Judy on the leather sofa and tenderly kissed her on the lips.

 “I need another drink, please excuse me..” Sid muttered, darting off the couch. 

Judy smirked, watching her husband take off in the direction of the bar. 

“My Goodness, he was certainly in a hurry, wasn’t he?”

Dennis, Natalie, and Tab threw back their heads in hearty laughter.

 Just then, a lady in a tight-fitting black dress holding a long cigarette holder in her right hand cavorted by, it was Joan Crawford.

 “Excuse me for interrupting, but I couldn’t help overhear your conversation. I have to say Judy dear, if you’re going to have an affair shouldn’t it be with a middle-aged man more your age.?”’ she remarked with a chessy cat grin. 

Everyone in the room broke out in hysterical laughter, with the exception of Judy. She never could tell if Joan’s witty remarks were innocent jokes or couched insults. Nonetheless, Judy let out a forced chuckle and continued to chat with Dennis, Tab, and Natalie after Joan sashayed away to mingle with other guests. 

A few minutes later, Jack Warner came crashing into the living room, sporting an expensive Cuban cigar in one hand and his arm around one of Hollywood’s newest darlings, Carroll Baker. The svelte ice blonde actress broke away from Jack’s grip the moment she saw more than a handful of good-looking young men to get acquainted with sprinkled around the room. And the moment the studio chief spotted Judy across the room, he careened over to her and greeted her with a bear hug and a kiss. 

“I’m so glad you came tonight Judy darling…I can’t wait for you to meet Michael Curtiz, director of your next picture and Paul Newman, your dashing co-star. ” he said with a wink. 

“But, before we get around to all that..why don’t you sing a little something for us before dinner is served..." he continued.

“I’d love to. What would you like to hear?” Judy replied with an obligatory smile although her eyes were burning from Jack’s cigar smoke swirling around her pretty face. 

“How about taking a crack at a lovely Helen Morgan torch song, it’ll be good practice..after all sweetheart you’ll be singing a lot of them in you’re next picture.” Jack replied, giving Judy a playful squeeze on her tush. 

Judy flashed another labored grin, all the while thinking about how much she loathed that man.

 “I really don’t know any of those songs by heart, so I think it’s best I sing my own songs for tonight.” Judy quickly responded. 

“Sure, of course darling. Whatever you say. Now, let me find a piano player in the house..” Jack muttered as he looked around the room.

 Just then, Judy excused herself to the powder room while Mr. Warner summoned a songwriter he spotted in the crowd. 

Five minutes later, Judy frolicked back into the living room, wearing only her pink crinkly shirt over a pair of black silk stockings. Sid, maneuvered over to her the moment he caught her reappearance.

 “Judy, what d'ya think you’re doing?” he quietly asked, noticing the look of mischief in her big brown eyes. 

“Darling, haven’t you heard? Mr. Warner asked me to sing tonight.” she replied with an elfin wink.

 Sid let out a big sigh and went off to get himself another cocktail. 

Judy swiftly made her way over to the shiny, Steinway in the corner of the packed room. She politely greeted the songwriter and asked him if he knew, “Someone At Last”. And then instructed him to, “Play loudly!” as she took a seat next to him on the piano bench. 

All eyes were fixated on Judy as she began to sing, 🎶Somewhere there’s a someone Who’s the someone for me..someday there will come one and my lover he will be.. 🎶

Judy had everyone on the edge of their seat watching her belt out that show tune from “A Star Is Born”– replicating the production number from her latest film.

  Singing and dancing around the room, making herself good use of Jack Warner’s furnishings as props. Judy tossed around sofa pillows, performed high kicks on a coffee table, grabbed a lamp shade off an ornate lamp, and seized a shag carpet off the floor while entertaining her wide-eyed audience. 

At one point, Michael Curtiz vocalized in his thick Hungarian accent, “VHAT TALENT THAT GURL HAS!“ 

Right in the middle of her rousing act, Jack yelled out, “STOP IT! I can’t take it anymore! Look at the mess you’ve made of my house!” 

All at once, Judy halted. And the songwriter behind the piano immediately stopped playing.

Just then, everybody in the room lively applauded the life of the party. Judy graciously bowed and did a cute little curtsy.

 A thoroughly upset Jack Warner sprung up from his chair and went about the room straightening up while mumbling,

“What was I thinking inviting a crazy broad like this to my home.” 

Judy openly apologized. 

“I am sorry Jack…I guess I got a little carried away with my song..” she said with a impish grin. 

“A little carried away? You practically tore up my living room like a baboon! And don’t call me Jack, I’m Mr. Warner to you!“ he grumbled picking up a broken ash tray off his marble floor. 

All the guests started to chuckle at his conniption, especially since many were good friends of Judy. 

“Goodness Gracious! I hope you can forgive me?” she uttered while helping with the clean-up around the room. 

“All I want you to do Miss Garland is to leave my house..AT ONCE!” Jack nastily shouted. 

Instantly, Judy dropped everything. 

“And by the way, you can forget about starring in that Helen Morgan picture too. We’ll get Doris Day to play the lead!” 

Judy, sporting a gleeful expression.. skedaddled off to retrieve her slacks, shoes, and handbag she earlier hid in a linen closet in the powder room.

 When she swung open the door, Judy was startled to see Paul Newman standing in front of the vanity. 

“Oh, please excuse me. I didn’t think anyone was in here..” she apologetically said flustered. 

“Well, you could’ve knocked on the door.” the blue-eyed young actor replied with a smirk. 

“Oh, I am sorry. This just hasn’t been my day!“ Judy quipped wiping perspiration from her brow with her left hand.

 Paul chuckled. 

“Well, it certainly was your night, lady. You were terrific out there. If you ever decide to blow this town, you’d be great on the New York stage.“

Judy blushed.

“You really think so?”

“Yes ma'am!” he replied with a grin.

“Your Paul Newman aren’t you?”

“Yes, that’s what it says on my driver’s license.” he playfully muttered.

“It’s nice to meet you…although I would’ve never expected it be inside Jack Warner’s powder room.” Judy wryly remarked with a giggle. 

Paul heartily laughed out loud. 

“Well, if you must know I came in here to hide from a few ladies out there and to wipe their lipstick off my face. Actors under 40 are an easy target at parties. Besides, I’ve got a steady girlfriend back East.“ 

Judy smiled and straightened her shirt collar.

 “Well, if you’ll excuse me I better get out there now or Jack Warner will be ripping up my contract too.” he joked.

 Judy giggled.

“See you later..watch out for the ladies..“

 Paul flashed a wink at Judy and then swiftly exited the powder room. Soon after, Judy fetched her belongings out of the linen closet. After quickly dressing back into her slacks and ballet flats, Judy swiped on a fresh coat of lipstick in front of the vanity mirror. Clutching her purse, she sauntered back out to the party and found Sid waiting patiently with her coat draped over his arms. There were a handful of late party guests still filing into the Warner mansion while Jack and the other celebs were glued to Kirk Douglas, who was amusing his audience with a funny story. Sid and Judy managed to slip by without being noticed.

“Well, darling I got us out of that ridiculous picture contract..let’s go and get a burger.“ 

©KristenRaeJohnson

[the-writing-mobster]

| Baby Face Chapter 14 is out! | Read it HERE on AO3 | pls reblog |

Chapter Word Count: 4,603

Chapter Excerpt:

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White on white translucent black capes… Back on the back… Bela Lugosi's dead

Bauhaus blared through the tinny speakers of the record shop as Sans broodily meandered through the aisles, Andrea at his side as she restocked.

“You look pissed. What’s wrong?” she asked. Sans shook his head as he plucked up a CD she’d just put down and inspected it. Did he look pissed? Maybe he was still angry about the weekend. Maybe he’d accepted it. Like a weight lifting off his shoulders.

“Nothing. I really appreciate you takin’ care of my bass,” he murmured with a small smile before putting the CD back in its spot. Andrea nodded curtly and shrugged in her nonchalant casualness that he liked so much about her.

“Hey, you needed help man. I’m happy to take care of it until your dad gets the hell out of dodge.”

The bats have left the bell tower… The victims have been bled… Red velvet lines the black box… Bela Lugosi's dead!

Sans nodded firmly and grabbed another CD. While his dad always haunted his mind it wasn’t nearly the biggest thing he was concerned about. The same scene played over and over in his mind. That boy grabbing her by the chin and pressing his lips against her. Frisk’s eyes wide in shock and darting to look at him, as if begging him to do something about it.

The only thing that had stopped him from staking the guy through the heart was Nick’s eyes shooting him a warning look and the crowd of people who definitely would’ve panicked. If he’d have done anything, they probably would’ve lost out on the opportunity to play at the Belladonna again.

But that Damian… He wanted to put him in his place.

.

.

.