Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was nice outside.

That was the first thought Sans had getting to the surface.
The sun was warm on his face and covered the entire valley with light as it set. Frisk said this was the best time to see the surface for the first time. The sunset was breathtaking, the warm light bouncing off of everything it touched, bathing the earth in a halo of light before it said goodnight.

But he disagreed.

Because just a few hours later, he saw stars for the first time.
Real ones.

Not in a book or his imagination.

The open sky in front of him. As far as he could see. Was filled to the brim with stars. And it was almost scary. But just as frightening it was captivating.

And he never wanted to look away.

————————

Getting settled into the surface to live there was surprisingly easier than he thought. Not easy, but not as hard as he was expecting.

First off, for some reason electing a child as an ambassador was a bad move? Or so the government guys said. He thought the kid was the most reasonable human he had met, this time at least. They had come to an agreement that Frisk can serve as an ambassador, so long as they can have a human supervisor. Frisk’s human supervisor was a woman in her mid thirties named Kira. Kira was a kind woman, but didn't take any shit. Like a sassy aunt type lady.

She really only came around for Democratic meetings. She'd have dinner with the Dreemurrs the night before a meeting, go over any topics Frisk wanted to go over in the meeting, outlined them, gave Frisk the document, and just, supervised the meeting the following day. She understood her role as a supervisor, and Frisk's passion for being ambassador was much more than Kira’s. So she mostly acted as a manager, which Frisk and the rest of the monsters appreciated. She knew that Frisk not only understood the monsters better than her, but the monsters trusted them too. So she let them lead.

The two had been mostly successful thus far. Their efforts combined with the monster ambassadors, the Dreemurrs, had secured a housing area, a sort of mini city for the monsters to inhabit. Between the bigger human cities and Mount Ebott lies the city of…… New Ebott. No matter how hard he tried or how much time had passed, Agore continues to be bad at naming. But the city was actually really well accommodating to the monsters who needed certain environments to live. Monsters who needed to live in cold, warm, or wet places were pleasantly surprised coming topside to find certain areas of the city had magic surrounding it. What actually happened was that Alphys and Asgore had been building a replica of the magic that kept the different districts of the underground the way they were, the cold one, the wet one, and the hot one.
Sans almost wanted to be a part of the project, but he was too lazy to ask.

The city was divided into similar districts. The human government tasked with helping build the city and fund it's needs surprisingly had an easy time with the different environment districts. Apparently there was a movie that came out on the surface called “zootopia”. Sans never watched the movie, but he figured it had a similar system.

Speaking of the humans on the surface. Sans didn't have a very positive opinion on humans to begin with. He wouldn't go as far to say as he hated them, but he just didn't trust them. He would say it's not species specific and he didn't trust monsters either, but he knew them all, and everyone loved Sans.

Underground. Everyone loved Sans. He was a well liked guy, funny, charming. The guy you could rely on. On the surface, however, he and his brother were not as well received. He and Papyrus were treated like Halloween decorations you forgot to take down in February. Gimmicky. Some people looked disgusted at them. Some looked scared. After a while they just stayed out of the neighboring human city. But he guessed he could understand if he walked around and saw living dust piles, he would be grossed out too. Doesn't mean he has to like them though. So he considers himself neutral.

His brother though, even after receiving such negative feedback by the humans on the surface, continued to have positive expectations for humans. He thinks they're just so neat. Sans doesn't agree, but who is he to pop his bubble? If it makes him happy, who cares. But he decided to keep an eye on him. Just in case.

Which mostly catches them up to now. Currently, the skeleton brothers are almost finished unpacking in their new home. The home itself was honestly way too big for the two of them, with two floors, and several bedrooms and bathrooms throughout both floors, which doesn't even include office and entertainment spaces. He was almost uncomfortable. But in classic Papyrus fashion, he took the massive house size in stride. “FOR ALL THE FRIENDS WE'VE YET TO MEET!!” he'd say. “THINK OF THE SLEEP OVERS!!” With him being so excited, once again, who was Sans to ruin the party.

So they got almost everything moved in. Everything except the machine. Sans had held onto it from his lab days, and even if he never looked at it after, he couldn't stand the thought of tossing it out, or destroying it. It almost pissed him off. Lugging this useless hunk of junk around ever since he left the lab. He can't even remember the guy that made it, and he could only find records of someone other than himself or Alphys in the lab. But no one remembered anyone else. Like the guy disappeared or didn't exist. He knew he was forgetting something important, there were records of someone else there! He sighed. It wasn't something to get so puffed up about when there wasn't really anything to do about it.

He glared at the machine. “I don't even know what it's supposed to be for.. not like it came with instructions..” he had never properly examined the machine before, taking a good look at it now though.. didn't help at all. He huffed again. Standing up straight from his hunched position, he kicked the machine. Not with any real malice, but just out of frustration. He went to turn around to leave the basement, it was getting late and he was too lazy for this. Reaching the stairs he was stopped by a noise from behind him. Turning his head suspiciously, he eyed the machine. It couldn't have been that, right? That thing hadn't worked for 20 years. But as he properly turned to face it, he noticed a blinking blue light near the top of the machine. Then a panel with graphs he didn't understand flipped open. Oh stars, what did he do. Are you seriously telling him all that stupid box needed was a little jolt to work??

The whole machine started to rumble and shake and Sans panicked. He rushed to the machine and started looking for an off switch. The stupid thing wasn't even plugged in! How did it start, what did it run off of? Too many questions ran through his skull and none of them could be answered as the machine glowed brighter and shook more violently. He silently thanked the fact that their massively huge house was so far away from other monsters or this noise could have woken a neighborhood. Speaking of waking.

Papyrus slammed the basement door open and rushed downstairs in his pajamas. “BROTHER?! WHAT IS GOING ON? WHY ARE YOU MESSING WITH THE MACHINE I THOUGHT IT DIDN'T WORK??” “i did too i don't know what's going on!” The yelling at each other in the basement thing was hardly working because of the volume of the machine revving up. At this point he hoped it would just fall apart like legos. The two of them stood helplessly in the basement, covering their auditory caverns as wind whipped past them. Papyrus looked to his brother sternly, and Sans gave a guilty shrug. At least one of them decided this would be discussed later.

Whether the machine has a tantrum for 30 minutes or 5 they couldn't tell, it felt much longer than it probably was. But no matter how long it actually was didn't matter, because as soon as it had started it was seemingly over. The machine had stopped shaking, glowing, and making any noise. The wind has stopped and they uncovered their heads slowly.

They stood in the middle of the basement together in silence for a beat.

..
“BROTHER.”
..
“yea bro?”
..
“WHAT-”

Before Papyrus could finish his question the machine revved up again quickly. Louder than before and even brighter. The brothers, caught off guard shielded their eyes and stepped back towards the stairs. A blinding flash, and the two completely turned their backs on the machine. The revving slowed to a stop, and completely shut off. The lights dimmed until they were gone, and it was supposed this was the last time the machine would turn on. Or at least they hoped so because this was a terrible experience for both.

The brothers turned to each other slowly, and before anything could be said they heard a groan from behind them. The two startled, and slowly turned around to find a human, presumably from the machine, sprawled out on their basement floor.

The two openly gawked at the intruder. The intruder who, let out another groan, and, flipped over like they were laying in bed. Sans cleared his throat, (or what would be his throat), and the human groggily raised their head, rubbed their eyes and squinted at the brothers for a second. Sans took a moment to look over the human. They seemed to be in their sleepwear, or at least comfortable lounge wear, the bags under their eyes indicating sleepless nights.

The human rubbed their eyes again and sat up a little straighter, adjusting the glasses on their face, and their eyes opened and stared at the brothers with .. recognition? They stared a little longer, sparing glances between the two and their jaw fell open slightly. The brothers separately became increasingly uncomfortable, looking back and forth between each other and the new human.

Before either of them could say anything, the human in front of them seemed to get their wits and eloquently proclaim:

“HOLY SHIT NO WAY.”

very nicely said, human.

Chapter Text

You were a loser.

Not really, you were pretty average, but that's what you called yourself in a joking way growing up.

You didn't really go out of your way to make friends when you were younger, but you weren't upset about it.

You had undertale.

Not in like a “I don't need friends I have video games” way, but the game meant a lot to you.

You dedicated a lot of time to the game, drawing fanart and comics about the characters and aus, you listened to the music, consumed all the media. Anything that had to do with undertale, you kept up with it. Which wasn't always a good thing, you were exposed to a lot of stuff you shouldn't have been way too early. You've seen all the glow sticks. You know all the stuff, but it was always there.

You went through a lot of rough patches growing up, bullying, and such. But undertale and it's creations were always a safe space to return to. Even if it made you pretty edgy when you were 10. It's not like you were consistently obsessed with it, you had other interests of course. Bendy, Cuphead, Sonic, creepypasta, Portal, etc. Needless to say you like other things too.

But you always came back to undertale. You had plushies, and posters, and figures, and hoodies. You said you were normal about it but the people who knew you laughed good heartedly and shook their heads.

You did have like a normal life though. You had a job you've been at for like 5 years. You just recently finished your associates degree in college, and the celebrations kinda tired you out. But you were grateful for the love. It made you happy that you did have people who cared about you, even if it felt like the world was against you growing up.

You had friends, who you went out with and hung out with pretty regularly. Sleepovers and lunches and mall trips. You'd known them since highschool and you were happy with your little group.

You had two younger sisters, who you had trouble with growing up, but you loved them either way. Your parents were broken up and remarried, and you loved all four of them. Just think of the birthday money from 4 sets of grandparents. Cha ching sfx.

You had been reminiscing since graduation. You were grateful for the life you've had up until now. It hasn't been easy, but you were much better off than some people, and you were happy about that. It'd been about 2 weeks since you had graduated and you had been taking it relatively easy. You went to work for like 7 hours for a couple days, them you came home, maybe ate something, put pajamas on, or didn't, and went to sleep. On days you knew you didn't work next though you might stay up watching or playing something.

You loved scary stuff, so sometimes you'd watch videos about urban legends, or horror stories, or true crime. And then inevitably freak yourself out from those and put my little pony on before you fell asleep. You actually didn't do a whole lot anymore. It was kinda sad but you were just kinda, tired. You didn't draw much anymore, and only sometimes you got out of your bed to walk the foot to your computer to play a game for a couple hours, and then you'd go back to doomscrolling and bed rotting.

Actually you were doing the first half of that right now. You had been thinking about undertale again, so you figured you'd boot up the game. Yea you've played it plenty of times before, yea you know everything there is to know. Everything about the aus. You could be quizzed and answer everything right. But it's still a fun game to play, even when you know what to expect every time.

You were cozied up at your computer in your pajamas, a comfortable sleep shirt, a well loved cardigan, and your favorite pajama pants (they had pockets). You had your favorite blanket over your shoulders, and your baby blanket in your lap. A cup of tea on your desk and your computer running the game. You had just recently gotten to snowdin and started doing the puzzles (the ice one with the buttons always makes you fumble), when your pc started running a little hotter. You weren't super tall so your feet dangled off the chair of your tall desk, you pc under it, where your feet rested. It started to burn, you ripped your feet off of the PC and looked under the desk away from your monitor.

What's going on? It's not like undertale is a big game to run your computer never had issues before. You got down from your chair and crouched under your desk to check out your computer. You were a game nerd, not a tech nerd. You didn't know a whole lot about computers, admittedly. You knew enough to keep it from breaking though, to keep it running and playing fine. Which is why you were nervous when you heard the fans kick on louder than your game.

“Shit what's going on..?” You nervously glanced back and forth between your monitor and the computer. After a couple of glances you noticed your monitor bugging out too. The game looked like it was gonna crash. It flipped through backgrounds and scenes of the game. It showed the barrier and everyone there. It showed the surface. It showed like, a town or a city, full of monsters. Like the pacifist credits scene but, it was different you hadn't seen these before. And that's what was jarring. You looked back again to see sans in what looked to be.. the workshop behind his house underground. And the machine. You couldn't figure out what that meant before your attention was whipped back to the computer in front of you.

It had started whistling which really made you worried. You didn't know it could make that sound unless it like, you don't know, exploded or something. Worrying either way. The computer was like, having a tantrum. It whistled, it shook, it was STEAMING. You tried to look around for a cause but couldn't find anything. Not that you really knew what to look for but you thought of there was a visible issue it'd be pretty obvious. You figured you might cut your losses and reset the computer. Nothing on your monitor worked, it having crashed a while ago. So next best thing was manual. You unplugged the computer and it had seemed to start to calm down.

Until it whirred back up, angrier than before. You were kinda scared now, how the hell was it on when you had unplugged it. Your scary videos and urban legends came back to mind. You stopped yourself. You knew that stuff was just stories. Still you were a little nervous in the back of your mind.. what if there was magic in the computer..? No, dude, magic doesn't exist. And if it ever did it doesn't anymore. Getting back to the flaming PC under your desk you really couldn't think to do anything but sit and cover your ears. It was like deafeningly loud. The fans, the whistling, the shaking, it was too much. You felt bad for your neighbors and would apologize when this was over but you seriously had no clue how this happened.

Had it started glowing??? You had one of those fancy pcs that let you see on the inside, and naturally, had lights in it too for peak cool gamer stuff, but the lights weren't on when you initially checked it. The lights, you had guessed, were dim enough when they started that you hadn't noticed it. Only focusing on the rattling computer in front of you like a bomb. Which you might be starting to suspect it to be. The light grew brighter and brighter. Brighter than you think it can actually be. Like mechanically. Like a mini sun in your apartment right now.

It was getting worse, louder and louder, brighter and brighter, more and more. Whatever was happening was taking it's sweet time to kill you. That's what you've come to know, by the way. That this thing is going to explode and kill you. Which you thought was pretty plausible you didn't logically know what else could be happening. And it's not like you could Google anything, the phone in your pocket was also going haywire from whatever your computer is emitting.

Finally, it became too much. It's muchness overwhelming. The light was too bright. See you were already visually impaired, you didn't think you needed to have the sun sneeze on you at one in the morning. The shaking was too much, the whistling too loud. The light flashed, not just glowed. Something was happening. You finally stood up away from the computer. Why hasn't you done that before? Stuck on your own sarcastic commentary. Nice.

You held your ears and squinted, not really knowing what to do but watch. What else could you do?

The light flashed again. It felt like you were getting ready for something kinda. Like bracing yourself.

The last time. The light filled the room, blinding.
You fell to the floor, exhausted. It sounded like your PC was finally calming down behind you. You shifted like you were laying in bed. Five more minutes.. you joked to yourself. But you knew you weren't in bed, it was far too uncomfy where you were laying.You felt the ground under you, it didn't feel like the carpet in your room. It was cold and felt like concrete. You heard a throat clear in front of you. You began to sit up groggily and rubbed your eyes under your glasses. You looked up in front of you and squinted.

And then you saw them.

In front of you, standing a bit farther away from you were two skeletons. Two living, not really breathing, skeletons. And you knew them. And you knew a lot about them. You were in awe, your jaw falling slack. You couldn't believe this this was incredible there's no way this would or could ever happen you knew the multiverse existed but it felt so far away you couldn't stop thinking, your mind running. Your mind was running fast, way faster than you could make noise. The brothers in front of you looked shocked, and confused, and a little wary? You were staring at them like a kid at Disney for the first time but that's what it felt like! Your heart was beating a million miles an hour, your chest tight, your throat dry.

You had to say something but you couldn't put any coherent thoughts together except one and in the smarter part of your mind you shouldn't yell this at strangers but you were just thinking so fast-

“HOLY SHIT NO WAY!”

Wow.

Chapter Text

…

……

………

“OH MY STARS??” “what the hell?!” “OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD”

Varied screams filled the basement.

You were ecstatic. There was only the smallest of smallest chances of this ever happening. Like so small they didn't exist. You had always dreamt of this moment, you were pretty overwhelmed. And a little convinced you were dreaming. But on another hand you didn't think a dream could be as loud as this room was.

Papyrus’ jaw was on the floor. Figuratively. He was so confused and excited at the same time! Why did the fax machine Sans had clung onto since he was a babybones spit out a human?? And they seemed so excited to see them! Papyrus wasn't stupid, he saw how humans in the city look at him and his brother. With fear, disgust, disdain. You didn't. You looked so overjoyed to see them. If a little tired. He had no clue why you looked so happy to see them, but he wasn't gonna try and ruin it. More chances for human friends! He thought humans were so interesting.

Sans was in awe. Not in the best way. Why did the fax machine be lugged around since his lab days spit out a human when he kicked it?? He gave the damn thing a little nudge and it supplies life?? Oh my stars is this kidnapping did this crazy human come from the city? Did they kidnap a human. To be fair they didn't look upset at all. They looked exhausted though, he knew the feeling. Maybe they're not all lucid, maybe that's why they looked so happy with the two of them.

“Oh my goodness am I dead. There's no way this is happening. I was literally just in snowdin.” You beamed at them. Stars, get that look off of your face, freak. Don't say ‘am I dead’ and grin like you've been waiting for this. “GOODNESS, HUMAN YOU ARE NOT DEAD! PLEASE DONT LOOK SO EXCITED BY THE IDEA!” your smile fell. Shit you looked crazy. You began to wake up a little more. You realized now that to the two in front of you, you looked fucking insane. You knew so much about them, but to them, you were a stranger. You looked again to the two in front of you. It was kinda nerve wracking. You had no clue what they were thinking.

Sans looked you over cautiously. You had hoped he hadn't caught the snowdin comment, because if he did, you would have to be honest. How stupid would you sound? ‘hey I actually come from a universe where monsters and magic don't actually exist and you're from a video game I know everything about’? Oh my god you can't tell them. Well, maybe that one thing.

“So, where am I? I'm a bit stunned, um, are you, living skeletons..?” You tried to sound confused. You had a pretty good idea what happened. You got pulled into their universe via their machine. But you couldn't tell them you knew that. “yea? never seen a skeleton monster before? we don't go to the city that often though so i can't blame ya.” Sans sounded like he was trying to sound nonchalant. Ah. He didn't like you. Damn. “Monsters? Um, I'm sorry but, where I'm coming from.. monsters.. don't exist?”

Silence.

You could hear a pin drop.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?”

You nodded.

“AND. YOU'RE NOT AFRAID OF US? OR GROSSED OUT OR TRAUMATIZED?-” “if you've never seen monsters before as you claim, how are you so calm?? this would be a pretty scary thing for you considering what we know humans were taught about us.” Sans sounded defensive. You had to come up with a lie. Or, a half truth. “Well, one, freaking out wouldn't help right now, we're trying to figure stuff out. Two, I actually grew up with a lot of positive monster centered media! Like Ruby Gloom, and Monster high. It sounds maybe a little tacky to you guys, but the premise was good. Y'know, being different is cool and good. Type stuff..” you trailed on. They looked at each other. You really didn't like not knowing what they were thinking.

Normally whenever you saw them it was in comics, or fanfics or animations, and there were thought bubbles! Everything was made generally obvious enough for the viewer to understand. But with you right in front of the real Sans and Papyrus, you didn't have the honor of a third person view. You weren't seeing them through a screen. They weren't characters anymore. They were real people. You would need to work on thinking about them like that, or you could be in trouble. Like morally.

They looked back to you. On the ground. You realized you never properly got up. You pulled yourself to your feet and stood. You were a little dizzy, but you remained standing. “Actually, I never caught your names?” You looked at them expectantly. Nailing this ignorant thing. Good job you, you get a star sticker.

“OH YES OUR NAMES! I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AND THIS IS MY LAZY BROTHER SANS! ITS GOOD TO MEET YOU! WHAT SHOULD WE CALL YOU?” “Oh, yea! Sorry I'm y/n, it's nice to meet you both too!” You smiled at them both respectively. “So, you're monsters? You specified earlier you were skeleton monsters. Which I can see, but that implies there are, other? Monster types?” “yea don't look so excited, kid. are you seriously telling us you-” Papyrus sputtered in Sans’ face and stood between you and Sans like a barrier.

“SPSPSPSPS, SANS! CAN'T YOU SEE THEY'RE TIRED AND FRAZZLED?! YOU CAN'T JUST BE INTERROGATING THEM NOW! WE ARE HOSTS NOW! AND THEY ARE OUR GUEST. YOUR MACHINE BROUGHT THEM HERE ITS ONLY RIGHT WE HOST THEM WHILE WE FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED!” Sans looked,... Not super happy with that. But instead of arguing he sighed quietly and gestured up the stairs. “alright, let's get ya upstairs. we can talk up there.”

You could not be more excited. But you tried to look confused and tired. It was really late where you were coming from, maybe you'll have like, universal jet lag. Are you even in another universe right now? The thought made you stutter in your pace up the stairs. “HUMAN, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” Papyrus asked from in front of you. “Yea I'm fine thanks!” You didn't mean to but you kept thinking about that thought. What if you were just hallucinating, or dreaming? What if this was an incredibly lifelike coma? What if your computer did explode and induced you in a state between life or death and your rotted brain first went to undertale. You needed to know this was real.

You got to the landing at the top of the stairs and it opened into a hallway leading to the dining area and living room. You took in the house. “This house seems a bit big for the two of you, no?” You didn't mean to sound offensive, it was the first thing to come to mind and you really were tired. A laugh was heard behind you. You glanced back at Sans. “heh, that's what i thought too. but my bro insisted that the size was good. for ‘friends we hadn't met yet’.” “AND SLEEPOVERS!” Papyrus exclaimed. The phrase sounded familiar. You wondered from where you recognized it from. You walked into the living room. You could see into the kitchen from there with a bar like window in the wall. They directed you to the couch and you sat. The plush of the well loved couch was welcome in comparison to the concrete of the basement.

Papyrus left into the kitchen to get you some water, he announced. Leaving you and Sans alone. In the living room. Sans who you can tell doesn't like you. Your throat felt dry. “so, you're from a place where monsters don't exist?” “Yep.” “and you're looking at me like my name is tom and I work in sales.” “Well your name is Sans, to start. And, yea it's a little surreal, and I'll be honest, I'm only a little freaked out, but it isn't because of you and your brother.” “seriously?” “Sans I'm in another universe where monsters exist. I'm talking to a skeleton right now. That's incredible.” “another universe, where monsters don't exist. so no magic either?” “Nope. Unless you count humans who really really think they can do magic.” “i guess, there is a possibility if you go along with the parallel reality theory..” “I've believed in that theory for years!! NASA confirmed it like 3 years ago but I knew it was true before that.” You said kinda proud. You had knew that the idea of alternate universes just made sense. Of course they did.

Sans looked a little impressed. But only a little. “alright. so you're from another universe. what do we do with you?” That sounded kinda ominous, you were a bit nervous. “WE TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT AS OUR GUEST! REALLY SANS GROW A SPINE, WE'RE ALL ADULTS HERE. WE WILL FIGURE IT OUT, STEP BY STEP!” He placed a glass of water in front of you on the coffee table and similarly one to Sans, in the arm chair across from you. “I BELIEVE WHAT WE ALL NEED NOW IS A GOOD NIGHT'S REST. WE'RE TALKING IN CIRCLES, AND SANS NEEDS TO HAVE A LITTLE TRUST IN OUR NEW HUMAN FRIEND, WHO WE HAVE RUDELY-” He spared a pointed look at his brother, who sank into his chair, scolded. “-BROUGHT INTO THIS UNIVERSE. NEW HUMAN FRIEND,” He put his hand on your shoulder and gave you a bright smile. You could die from joy right now but they could never know. “,YOU WILL STAY HERE TONIGHT, PLEASE. WE HAVE PLENTY OF GUEST ROOMS! OR, IF IT WOULD MAKE YOU MORE COMFORTABLE, YOU CAN SLEEP ON THE COUCH. IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT. I THOUGH, RECOMMEND SLEEPING IN A BED, IT'S BETTER FOR YOU.”

It was kinda basic decency, but you were pretty touched. “Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate it. You're sure it's ok? I really don't want to intrude..” “INTRUDE? HUMAN, YOU'RE KINDA A VICTIM RIGHT NOW, THIS IS THE LEAST WE COULD DO!” Sans tucked his head again. You bet this scene would be funny in a comic. “Alright then, thank you. I think I'll stay in a room if that's ok.” “OF COURSE, YOU MAY PICK WHICH ONE YOU WANT TO STAY IN, SO LONG AS ITS NOT MINE OR SANS’, WHICH ARE LABELED WITH SIGNS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE! WOULD YOU LIKE A BLANKET?” You remembered your blankets from before. “I don't know if it's here, but I think, I have one?” “I'LL CHECK THE BASEMENT THEN. SANS! SHOW OUR GUEST AROUND AND THE AMENITIES.” He proceeded to jog down the hall and into the basement.

“he's really excited about having you over.” “I think I can tell. It's kinda flattering! He's really cool.” You think you saw him smile a little wider, until it fell again. “yea, he is. which is why i wanna make sure you don't get any ideas.” Oh my god is he threatening you right now? You are so tired. “Sans.” You stopped him, and looked him dead in the eye. Socket. Lights. One of the two. You were short and you knew that. You didn't know you were Sans short though. That's a little embarrassing.

“He has been nothing but kind and accommodating since I got here. Sans I'm tired, and when my lucid brain catches up to me I bet I'll be terrified. I'm in another universe, completely different and detached from my own. I know no one, I own nothing, I don't even exist here. He, so far, has been the only person to show me any decency, meanwhile you look at me like I killed your mom and pissed on your dog.” A little graphic but A for effort. “Can you threaten me in the morning? It was 1 am where I was and I'm about to pass out.”

He was stunned. And he just looked at you. But after a beat he laughed. Not a real laugh. Sorta like a funny sigh. But it was better than that 2018 Sans bullshit he was about to pull on you. “alright, that's fair. sorry, about that then, he's just the coolest, he's my baby bro y'know. if i don't protect him who will?” “Sans I do get it. Dude I do. I have sisters. Two, way younger than me. I love them more than the world. And I get it. If I don't protect them who will? And the world is a terrible place, it's hard and I understand. But also, when you fall, you get back up again. You dust off your knees and keep going. Support him of course, but your brothers an adult. Can't he take care of himself?” He didn't seem to like what you had to say at the end, but he was smart enough to know you were right.

“ok, you got a point. i’ll try to back off, least till tomorrow.” You let out a tired laugh. He did too.

“well kid, let's get you to bed. We got a day tomorrow.”

Chapter Text

You woke up slowly.

Through the blinds, light shone through gently.

You were comfortable.

You opened your eyes slowly, but you didn't recognize the ceiling. Maybe you were still tired, you reached for your glasses on the pillow next to you, put them on, and tried again.

Where were you.

You shot up, rubbing your eyes and surveying the room. This wasn't your room at all. Your mind went back to last night. You were convinced it was a dream, but.. you got out of the bed and peeked out of the door into the hallway. You had chosen the room at the end of the hall, closer to Sans and Papyrus’ rooms. And sure enough, there they were with signs, decorations, and rainbow flames from under at least one.

Oh my god you were really in Undertale. You were right about what you said last night. You are kinda freaked out now that you've rested. You're pretty nervous too. What if now they're more awake they kick you out? In the logical part of your brain you knew they wouldn't. Probably. That didn't stop you from being paranoid. You looked back to the bed with your blanket on it. Maybe you could go back to bed,, but no. You gotta face the music.

You left your room with only another longing glance to your blanket and the cozy bed, and walked down the hall, and down the stairs. You heard noise from the kitchen and led yourself to the bar, sitting on one of the stools there. Papyrus was in the kitchen making breakfast. You suddenly remembered a pretty important fact about Papyrus. Papyrus did not cook well. You suddenly got very nervous. This will be your legacy. However, the smells from the kitchen were great, wow. You looked again. He was making eggs and bacon and waffles. In your humble and quite silly opinion, waffles were better than pancakes. There was nothing different about them aside from shape, but you were certain they were better.

“Good morning, Papyrus! The food smells great!” You decided to make yourself known. He turned around at the sound of your voice and smiled. “NEW HUMAN FRIEND! OH GOOD MORNING. I'M GLAD YOU THINK SO, IT'S ALMOST READY. HERE COME HAVE A SEAT IN THE DINING ROOM, THATS WHERE IM SETTING BREAKFAST UP.” you were actually surprised to be awake for breakfast time, you usually sleep in later. You're blaming universal jet lag. You hopped down for the bar stool and led yourself into the dining room, sitting at the chair Papyrus pulled out for you. “HERE YOU GO! IT'S ONLY PROPER TO DO SO FOR GUESTS.” He held his head high. You giggled “I'm not sure how true that is, but I appreciate it, thank you, kind gentleman.”

He asked you what you wanted and to be honest, you weren't very hungry, you never usually ate breakfast, but you decided to at least have something since he went through the trouble of making food, so you just got some waffles with syrup. You looked it over when he set the food down in front of you. It looked edible.. and it smelled good…. How long have they been on the surface? Long enough for Papyrus to get proper cooking lessons? Apparently you had been zoned out too long because Papyrus was standing nervously near you twiddling his fingers. “DOES IT LOOK BAD? I HOPE ITS GOOD, I MADE IT WITH YOU IN MIND, I DON'T OFTEN GET TO MAKE BREAKFAST FOOD YOU KNOW! SANS DOESN'T WAKE UP UNTIL LUNCHTIME ANYWAY.” You turned to him when he spoke and frowned. You hadn't meant to make him worry, you feel like such a dick.

“No no! I'm so sorry it looks wonderful, I might still be a little tired is all, I promise. Actually, I was a little thirsty, do you guys have any milk?” You hoped that eased his worries, you really didn't want to upset him he had been so nice to you. “OH OF COURSE! HOW SILLY OF ME, MY APOLOGIES HUMAN! WE DO HAVE MILK! IT'S BEST FOR THE BONES." You giggled as he went back into the kitchen to fetch you a glass of milk, and when he came back over he brought his own plate too, and, a matching glass of milk. Calcium club!

“HERE YOU ARE! I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND IF I SIT NEXT TO YOU?” “Of course not, please do!” You would be like, the devil if you had said ‘no go sit across the table I don't want to see you, bone boy!' , how terrible. You looked across the table. Just like the rest of their house, it was way too big for just the brothers. The table was empty, save for the two of you. It reminded you of something you searched in the back of your mind for. The phrase that Papyrus and Sans had said last night, ‘the friends we hadn't met yet’. What was that from? You thought a little harder and it hit you. Barbie fairytopia. How obscure. What a nice thought though. Thinking back on last night, reminded you of some of your thoughts before you went to bed.

What if this is a dream and you wake up in your bed at home tomorrow? You can't stay here, can you? If this is real. God, if this is real.

You needed to know this was real.

You looked over to Papyrus beside you, who was eating his food quietly, guessing that you were in thought or still tired and didn't want to talk. You were so incredibly grateful for him. He was so, so unbelievably kind. He had frequently gone out of his way to make you comfortable and at home, being so gentle with you while thinking you were so frazzled to find yourself here. And you were frazzled, but you didn't think the whole thing had caught up with you yet, it felt like you were dreaming.

You needed to know this was real.

“Papyrus?”

“HM? YES, HUMAN?”

“Thank you. For being here with me, and being so nice, and considerate, at for making this food for me. You've just been, so so great, and amazing..” you trailed off, and you smiled at him. You were a little choked up thinking about it and saying it out loud. What a great friend. He smiled gently at you. “OH SWEET HUMAN FRIEND, WHY WOULD I BE ANYTHING BUT GREAT AND AMAZING? AND LIKE I SAID, YOU'RE KIND OF A VICTIM. YOU'RE ONLY HERE BECAUSE MY BROTHER WAS PROBABLY BROODING IN THE BASEMENT AND MESSED WITH THE MACHINE AGAIN, BRINGING YOU HERE! BUT DON'T WORRY, HUMAN FRIEND. I PROMISE, AS LONG AS YOU'RE HERE, I'LL MAKE SURE YOU'RE TAKEN CARE OF! OK?” You were trying not to cry, even more now. Real thugs don't cry, y/n, if the dam breaks it'll flood. You smiled at him and looked at your hands on the table.

“Thanks.. this all feels like a dream.. hey, this might be a weird request but…” you trailed off, you didn't wanna freak him out. “WHAT IS IT? WHATEVER IT IS I'LL DO MY BEST TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!” “..... Can you ….. hold my hand..? Not in any way, I just- I need to know this is real and that I'm not dreaming and I thought if I could feel you I'd know-” You rambled until he caught you off, holding your hand gentle, but firm. You could feel the softness of his gloves on your skin, and the heat of his bones warming your hand. It was weird his bones were warm, but not unpleasant. Maybe it was magic. It was nice. You looked from your hands to his face, and he smiled. You smiled back, squeezed his hand and removed your hand from his, moving your hands to your lap.

“Thank you-” “YOU THANK ME A LOT, HUMAN. THERE'S NO NEED FOR THAT! YOU CAN JUST ASK FOR SOMETHING AND NOT NEED TO BE SO FORMAL, WE'RE FRIENDS! RIGHT? OR DO ACQUAINTANCES HOLD HANDS?” He teased and you flushed, smacking his arm playfully. “Ok ok! I won't be appreciative anymore.” You teased, in an obvious way and lilt of voice. He smiled and smacked you back. “SOUNDS GOOD, CAN'T BE TOO HEALTHY AROUND HERE! I SUPPOSE THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE SANS FOR THOUGH,” he joked. “SPEAKING OF HIM, HE SHOULD BE GETTING UP SOON, WE HAVE A LUNCH WITH LADY TORIEL AND THE REST OF OUR FRIENDS IN AN HOUR..” it had almost slipped your mind about the rest of the cast.

Hooooolyyyyy shit man. The entire undertale main cast, before you could convince yourself you were at comic con, you reeled yourself back in. “A lunch?” “OH YES I FORGOT TO TELL YOU! MYSELF, SANS, AND THE REST OF OUR FRIENDS ARE GOING TO LUNCH TOGETHER AT LADY TORIEL’S HOME THIS AFTERNOON! WE HAD EVEN CONVINCED HER TO LET KING ASGORE COME! SHE AND HIM DIVORCED FOREVER AGO AND SHE IS NOT A BIG FAN OF THE GUY, BUT EVERYONE ELSE LOVES HIM!” He gossiped. “What's the occasion? Sounds like it's special to get everyone together.” “OH YES! YOU DON'T KNOW, BUT US MONSTERS WERE TRAPPED UNDERGROUND FOR SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF YEARS, MANY GENERATIONS WERE BORN AND DIED UNDERGROUND WITHOUT EVER SEEING THE SUN. I LOVED MY LIFE UNDERGROUND, BUT I VERY MUCH LOVE THE SURFACE! THE SUN ON MY BONES, THE WIND IN MY HAIR, ITS INCREDIBLE.” You giggled at the hair comment. “TEN MONTHS AGO, THE HUMAN AMBASSADOR FRISK BROKE THE BARRIER KEEPING US UNDERGROUND AND FREED MONSTERKIND, ALLOWING US TO COME TO THE SURFACE! IT'S TAKEN US A LONG WHILE TO GET SITUATED UP HERE, WITH GOVERNMENT LAWS AND ALL THAT STUFF, BUT WE HAVE COME SO FAR, WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NICE TO GET TOGETHER TO COMMEMORATE THE OCCASION! OH OH! AND YOU CAN COME TOO!!”

Your brows met, that was so incredible, what a big milestone, but, should you be there? “I'd be honored but Papyrus I'd hate to intrude. It's such a big milestone but, I dropped into your basement last night, can I really go with you both?” “don't see why not.” Sans shrugged, shortcutting into the seat next to you, across from Papyrus. “BROTHER! YOU LAZY BONES, WE MIGHT'VE BEEN LATE FOR LUNCH! EVEN THE HUMAN WAS UP BEFORE YOU AND THEY'RE LIKE 3 HOURS AHEAD OF US UNIVERSE WISE.” “It's not a competition Papyrus, if he was tired, why not let him sleep in?” You defended Sans and Papyrus almost looked appalled. Sans laughed. “SLEEP MORE THAN HE ALREADY DOES?! HUMAN, YOU'RE NEW, SO I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO KNOW AND YOU GET A PASS, BUT ALL SANS EVER DOES IS SLEEP! MORNING NOON AND NIGHT, TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN, THREE SIXTY FIVE.” You and Sans laughed a little harder. Papyrus sighed. “WELL AT LEAST YOU TWO ARE GETTING ALONG NOW. HERE I'LL CLEAN UP BREAKFAST AND YOU TWO GET READY TO LEAVE.”

He grabbed yours and his plates and brought them into the kitchen to be cleaned, washing them off and putting them in the dishwasher. You and Sans looked at eachother. A beat passed. “Good morning sleeping beauty.” He snorted. “ok kid, you're still in your pajamas, who are you to talk?” You had nearly forgotten, looking down at your attire. “Shit, I hadn't even thought of that. All I have are the clothes I was wearing last night, and my blanket.” You were glad Papyrus had found that in the basement last night. “and whatever's in your inventory.” …. Your what. “My what?” “inventory. your space pockets. ah, you can't check cuz no magic. here, i’ll help ya out and check for ya.”

Sans CHECKED you. He looked over your entire being. You shivered. He did see your inventory, it had a handful of things, your phone, your car keys, your wallet, a laptop, and some snacks. But he also saw your SOUL. Not really your soul, but a projection of it. It was a bright golden yellow color. Justice. He frowned a little, but as soon as his face changed he fixed it. Justice sounds good, but you can have good intentions and commit bad actions, and frequently, humans say justice is what drives them. But it's not necessarily a bad thing, so he'll keep an open mind for you.

He read over your flavor text, it reading: ‘excited for new opportunities, but worried they may ruin them’. Well that was kinda sad. Maybe he had been too mean last night. He couldn't tell you he had actually checked you. He would just tell you his face was for what he saw in your inventory.

Sans looked you over and you felt a shiver run down your spine. He examined you for a good couple seconds, maybe a minute. He frowned for a moment then his face went back to normal. Well that was really worrying what the hell. He looked back up to you with a lax smile. “i saw your inventory, just some of your stuff from your universe. a phone, a wallet, car keys, a laptop, and some snacks. like some candy and a soda.” Ok well that wasn't so worrying. “What was that face for then? You made this weird face while you were looking.” “ah, sorry” He winced with an apologetic smile. “i had just noticed your car keys would be pretty useless here, y'know, no car.” “Damn I hadn't even thought of those things coming with me.. wait how can I even get that stuff I can't do magic! How do I get to my phone, or wallet? How will I get my laptop????” “ah, well for the little things you can just reach in your pockets, normally, but your laptop… guess you'll just have to hold onto it until we have alphys fix your phone, don't worry we can have ‘er do it at lunch.” What he wasn't telling you was that he could also fix your phone, but he was too lazy.

“BROTHER, HUMAN! I'M READY FOR LUNCH LETS GO!” “sure bro, hold on. you too, kid” they turned to you as Papyrus grabbed Sans’ sleeve. What were they… oh my god, oh my god was this the coveted shortcut you had wished to be able to experience for your entire childhood? You grabbed on with maybe a bit more passion than either were expecting, but Papyrus took it in stride with a grin to you both, and Sans shrugged. With a blink, your feet fell out from under you. You felt your stomach drop, but you held onto Sans, tighter, refusing to let go, fearing you'd fall.

You opened your eyes in a different house. Woah. Suddenly you were intensely dizzy and doubled over, catching yourself, hands in your knees as you watched the ground spin under you, doing slow, steady breathes. Sans and Papyrus startled next to you and felt a little guilty when you doubled over. Sans pat your back, Papyrus rubbed your shoulder. “sorry we didn't warn ya, kid” “YES, I DIDN'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, MY APOLOGIES HUMAN” you gave them a thumbs up from your hunched over position. “I. Am good. I think I might just maybe should have some water..” you rambled. “I DON'T THINK THAT SENTENCE WAS RIGHT BUT WE GOT THE MESSAGE, LET'S GET YOU TO THE TABLE, SANS GET THEM SOME WATER” “sure thing” and he shortcutted to, you assume, the kitchen.

Papyrus led you through the house, from the door to the dining room. Walking into the room there were several monsters already there. The Dreemurrs, Toriel and Asgore, and Frisk and Flowey beside them in a flower pot. They looked surprised to see another human but Frisk just waved happily and Flowey acknowledged you with a nod. You thought Undyne and Alphys would be here too from what Sans said, until you heard several yells of passionate cooking from the kitchen, and knew they were here too. “You two be careful in there!” Toriel yelled sternly from her seat at the table, and turning to see both you and Papyrus. “Ah Papyrus! And.. I have not met you yet! What is your name, child?” You flushed nervously and you and Papyrus sat across the table from the goats and child and weed. You had wanted this goat as a mother for years oh my stars she's right in front of you.

“Y-y/n, ma'am! It’s nice to meet you too, Miss..?” nailed it. “Oh forgive me! My name is Toriel, and it's a pleasure to have you over for lunch, I just wish the brothers would have told me you were coming so I may have been more prepared.” She light heartedly glared at Papyrus. He shrunk nervously under her gaze. “MY APOLOGIES LADY TORIEL! WE HADN'T KNOWN THEY'D BE COMING EITHER!” “You didn't?” “YES, THEY APPEARED IN OUR BASEMENT LAST NIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE!” your jaw dropped as you looked up at him. He told them just like that?? It wasn't a secret?? “Oh my, how could.. miss y/n is this true?” “Oh, yes ma'am. My computer screamed at me until I woke up in their basement.” Frisk laughed a little at that, and you thought you saw Flowey laughing too. “Well that would explain why you're in your night wear and don't have any shoes on, not that I can judge I don't wear shoes.” She giggled into her paw and your face flushed. You had completely forgotten about your pajamas. And shoelessness. This is so embarrassing oh my godddd. Papyrus looked like it had completely slipped his mind as well when you looked at him.

“How could that have happened? And, where did you come from then?” Sans walked into the room at that time, with your water handing it to you. “how could what happened?” “Papyrus told miss Toriel how I got into your basement last night, but not where I came from.” You sweated nervously. Sans’ eye sockets got huge as he looked between the three of you. “...paps you told her what.” “WHAT? WAS IT A SECRET? WHAT'S THE POINT IN KEEPING IT A SECRET THAT JUST MAKES THINGS INCREDIBLY CONFUSING AND COMPLICATED! THEY'RE JUST OUR NEW HUMAN FRIEND FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSE!” Now Toriel looked at you three wide eyed. “Another universe? How could that be, how could you know?” She looked at you. “Well, I knew at least because monsters don't exist where I come from. And how, I'm just sorta blaming magic science going wonky?” She looked to Sans and he shrugged. He knew you came from the machine but not why it brought you there, so your explanation sounded fine enough.

“IS THAT AN ISEKAI TROPE I HEAR?!” a strong voice roared from the kitchen, and the large fish and little lizard emerged. “It kinda sounds like it!” You laughed. What a ridiculous idea. “O-oh my gosh.. th-there’s no way you're.. REALLY from another universe, r-right?!” “I think I am at least, if monsters existed in my universe we definitely would've found them by now. Or they're at the bottom of the ocean y'know we're still holding out hope.” You joked. Half joked. Papyrus piped up beside you. “OH NEW HUMAN FRIEND, I THINK SANS MENTION ALPHYS TO YOU EARLIER, SHE'S THE YELLOW DINOSAUR, BUT I DON'T THINK YOU'VE HEARD OF UNDYNE!! SHE'S THE FISH!! AND MY BESTEST FRIEND! SORRY FRISK.” they held up a thumbs up, seemingly thoroughly entertained.

Undyne came up behind you and gave you a hard slap to the back, which you think was meant to be friendly, but you think realigned your spine. Your artists shrimp back was cured. “NICE TO MEET YOU NEW PUNK! I hope these boneheads have been treating you nice since you got here!! Doesn't sound super great the way you showed up.” “Y-yea! Your computer screamed at you?” Oh god lesbian interrogation. It was a bit overwhelming to be talked to so much at once. “Kinda? It has those fancy lights in it that gamers have and it just kept getting brighter, it was like the sun was in my room, and it made this awful loud whistling sound. It was super overstimulating. Then the light flashed, and I woke up on the ground in their basement.”

They all listened intently as you spoke, watching as you explained. Then Asgore, who sat at the head of the table quietly until now, spoke up, gently. “That must've been terribly overwhelming. I can't imagine what being in a new world would feel or be like, child, are you alright?” He spoke with you and to you so kindly, it warmed your chest. Sans and Papyrus looked to you, they hadn't even thought of how you were doing. “I.. think I'm ok for now. I keep feeling like I'm in a dream, like this isn't real, so it hasn't caught up with me yet I guess. But for now, I'm just excited to be here. It's really cool getting to see how different a world so similar to mine can be.”

Asgore smiled at you. “Then that is good to hear.” “Have you eaten since coming here miss Y/n?” Toriel asked. She had waited for a beat to pass so as to not cut into Asgore’s conversation with you. She may not like him very much anymore, but he was being kind, and she's a gentlelady. “I had breakfast this morning, but if you don't mind my joining of lunch I'd love to see what you made!” You looked between Toriel and Undyne, who you assumed was cooking in the kitchen. She beamed and ran back into the kitchen. When she came back out she was juggling several trays and plates and bowls of food, which you assumed Toriel also helped prepare. It was really entertaining seeing her juggle so much, and fumble to realize she didn't know how she'd get it off of the stack in her arms and onto the table. She was reprimanded by Toriel as Frisk snickered and giggled at your side, and Papyrus and Sans helped getting food out of her arms via blue magic.

You spent the next hour eating in the dining room with the monsters you'd dreamed about meeting, time seemed to fly. You relished every second. It was so cool being in the same room as then, but they were so “normal”. You thought that made it even better, that you could be so different and still do all the same things. You had finished dinner, and were sitting pleasantly silent as they all talked amongst themselves about anything they could think of. Anything new with work, or something that was strange about the surface. You had learned that a lot of monsters were terrified of the sky after coming to the surface initially. You asked and apparently, they were so overwhelmed by the depth and how far the sky would go on for that it scared them deeply. Like if they stood outside too long the sky would suck them up and they'd fly away into space forever. Most monsters had gotten over the fear, but some were still freaked out if they thought about it too much.

While sitting in the living room, all the monsters were playing games, chatting, and having a good time. Looked like their version of uno, called “ichi”. You think Alphys found it. Frisk was sitting next to you with Flowey, just watching like you were. It looked like they were having a good time too, but you thought something was on their mind. After a while, they tugged the sleeve of your cardigan. “Do you mind, could we talk to you? In another room?” Oh! You wondered what they wanted to talk about. Maybe human stuff? Maybe they really only hang around monsters. Not like you can blame them. “Sure! I don't see why not. Show me the way.” You smiled at them and they smiled back, seeming to relax. But Flowey didn't.

You followed them out of the living room, into a hallway that seemed to connect bedrooms. The layout looked like Toriel’s house underground.

“You know, don't you?”

Chapter Text

“You know, don't you?” 

You stepped back, alarmed. What on earth could you know? Except.. 

“What do you think I know, Frisk?” “Ugh, SEE! I told you they didn't know anything, just like EVERY OTHER human.” Flowey huffed in the pot in Frisk's arms. They didn't look deterred. “You know the truth of this world. Don't you? I see the way you look at everyone.” There's no way they knew right? That their world was a video game? You looked down away from them in thought, and they saw that as a cue. “You do! I knew it..” “Frisk. What do you mean ‘truth of this world’? I'm a bit nervous.” “If they don't know then they don't know, honestly I don't know what you expected, Frisk.” Frisk huffed and set Flowey on the ground, where he decided to pout.

Frisk looked back at you after setting him down. It was a bit unsettling. They turned their head to you, but their eyes were unseeing. You noticed then, when they opened their eyes. They were blind. There were plenty of headcanons about Frisk. Normally they were mute. But here they were blind. Which you thought was pretty interesting normally but right now, in the low lighted hallway and their silent gaze, it was pretty unsettling. “The truth. The game. You look at them like you've played it.” You felt a chill run down your spine. Your eyes widened and your heart raced. How did they know?

Flowey observed your face silently, then nudged Frisk's foot, signalling them to pick him up. They did, and he whispered in their ear. They turned back to you with their face lit up. “You do! You do understand! Tell me you do, please!” “I… I can't believe you know! How, how did you know it's.. a game?” You had your suspicions, with the whole ‘frisks actions underground are the players not theirs’ but you didn't know they were self aware. 

“Oh I've always known, since I fell, how my actions didn't really feel like mine.. I mean, I was game, hehe, for most things, because I knew I could start it all over with a button. Also, the encounter layout is pretty rpg.” That made sense, they weren't stupid. “Right, makes sense, but, how did you know I knew? It's not like you could see me, no offense.” “None taken. Everyone was so focused on you, no one saw Flowey and me talking. Flowey’s like my subtitles, he narrates everything going on that I can't see, and he saw the way you looked at everyone. And told me. Everything. He knows too by the way, but I think you know that” shit they had you, you did know that. Flowey is one of the most obvious people in Undertale to know more than he's supposed to, he literally alters your save files at the end of the pacifist route. You slowly nod. “Yea, I did know. And you're right, I know everything.”

 They looked giddy with glee. “This is so exciting! I've only ever had Flowey and Chara to talk about how the world really works, and now you're here! Oh this is amazing. OH YEA, how do you know?” “Well, you know how I'm from another universe?” They nodded. “Well in that universe, you guys are a game. Like legit just a game, that you could buy and play.. over and over..” you trailed off, it felt kinda off now. Before it wasn't so deep, y'know not so serious but.. now you know these people, at least a little. They're real. You guess, they've been real since the game came out. It felt a little fucked up, referring to them all like npcs, even if it's not your fault that's what they've been in your life for the past 10 years.

“But either way, you've confirmed what I know, and you seem very excited and that's great but, why was it important you made sure I knew what you knew? I mean, what's the the point of knowing?” “Because then I have someone new to play with!” What. “Excuse me?” “Yea! You've played the game, you know just as much as us, but you're a whole new perspective! And! If we find a way to bring you underground with me, then you can join too! That's like three whole new routes!” This was a bit upsetting. But you tried to keep your mind clear, they just wanted someone to play with. You looked at them again. Sure enough they're there, just a kid. A kid who, has been actually playing a no consequences game for the past however long. They can kill everyone and start over and almost no one knows. They can die and come right back and try again. What a terribly powerful ability to give and 8 year old.

“Frisk.. you, want to reset?” “Yea! If you're down, but I don't see why you wouldn't be!” They laughed at their own joke. “You've played dozens of times before right? It's the same thing. We're just playing a game.” They pull up their menu. And you see it. The bright orange reset button. You panic, and grab their arm. Their smile falls as they look at you confused. “You, you don't wanna play? But, but you love this game right? You look at everyone so kindly like you already know them. Do you not?” You stood there looking at the children and flower in front of you. They were right. Undertale was your favorite game, you played it over and over. You've found all the things to find, done all the routes. Normally whenever you play it over you'll just do a pacifist route, it made you happy seeing everyone on the surface, being free, being happy. You hadn't thought about the fact though, that when you started over to do the same thing again, you'd just drag them back underground. That's not something that really crossed your mind until now. 

They were just a game, it wasn't so deep, your actions didn't have consequences. And that's how Frisk saw it too. Just a game, without consequences. Because they could start over, and try again. You turned your head in the direction of the living room. You couldn't see them, but you could hear them. The monsters that were just a part of a game, lines of non sentient code, who only exist as entertainment, or experience. You could hear the monsters that were real, that were having fun in the living room with their friends, playing their own games unaware of the conversation in the hallway. The monsters who have struggled for months and centuries, both adjusting to the surface to make it livable for them, and clawing their way back to the surface, to feel the sun again. How many times had they finally made it up here, breathing clean free air, seeing the sky for the first time, just to wake up underground again?

The monsters, who were so kind and full of joy, who were completely unaware of the child who could send them all back underground. Erasing years and months of progress, with a button. And the child didn't even think. Not a second thought to send them all back. You looked back at them. “Frisk.. don't you like the monsters? Aren't they your friends? And Toriel, isn't she like a mother to you, don't you love her?” They perked up, moving their hand away from the button. “Of course! There's a reason I don't go back to live with humans, monsters are the best! They're all my friends I like them a lot!” They smiled brightly. “And of course I love Toriel she's my momster!!” They giggled. Your eyebrows creased, and you regarded Frisk, looking at them. “If you love them, why do you want to send them back underground? Don't they love it up here?” Their smile fell, and they turned their head away from you. “Well yea they do, but it's hard for them. I have to do a LOT of paperwork..” “Frisk..” you looked at them sternly. “But that's not all! It's not so bad underground really! It's cool down there way different from up here, and it's super duper fun, I can show you too!!” “Frisk I don't think-” “besides, it's just a game, I just like seeing everyone happy up here on the surface, but stuff gets boring if it stays the same for too long, so I switch it up sometimes.. I try not to kill anyone anymore though Chara got really mad at me.. and it was sad…” they trailed off.

Good stars they were so detached. It's just a game. They thought the same as you did too. But, it's different now. You held their hands and got closer to their level. They turned to you, a performative action, but appreciated nonetheless. “Frisk. It was just a game, and you're right. I will understand better than anyone I mean it. But, it's not the same anymore.. they're.. you're all real. You weren't before but, they have real lives and experiences and, your actions set them back so far. What about how far they've come? How happy they are now? I know things get boring when they stay the same, I really, really understand. But, things don't stay the same forever. Things are always changing, just slowly.” They looked to think about it. Turning their head away from you, and turning back slowly.

 “Please don't reset the timeline, Frisk. There's still so much to do up here! And I know it's not the same as how magical underground is but, it's still something new! You've never gotten this far, right?” They shook their head. “No I.. usually give it a week until I get bored again.. this time I just sorta … felt like I should wait..” “Your patience is a lot better than I thought, kudos to you.” They giggled slightly, smiling weakly again. “I just, I wanted to play with someone who understands…. I thought.. I thought you would want to too .. maybe be friends or something..” you smiled at them gently letting their hands go. “We can totally be friends, and, we can talk about anything you need to that you can't talk to anyone else about. Just maybe think about other people before making such rash decisions? I understand it doesn't feel real and that there are no consequences, but your friends are real, you know that?” They nod, and unsummon the button. You sigh a breath you hadn't known you were holding.

You ruffle their hair and they laugh, Flowey grumbling from being jostled at the movement. “You seriously had me worried! What if you reset and it sent me away!..” You paused. That's right. That's the whole point. You're not supposed to be here. Frisk looked like they had the same thought. “You said we could be friends but.. are you gonna leave?” You thought about it. You didn't really want to. Being honest with yourself, this was the happiest you'd been in a while, almost every moment you spent here was exciting. Even Sans being disturbing was still something new to you, something you had only ever read about, which made it exciting in a way. You couldn't stay here though could you? This world was not your own… and yet, you feel so happy here. You're grown though, so you should know better. All good things must come to an end.

“I… probably have to.. I don't really want to leave, it feels like a dream being here.. but, I have people back home, who are waiting for me, I'm sure.” They looked downcast. Flowey scrunched up his face, looking angry at you as if it was your fault. “But! How about this, for as long as I'm here, you can come to me with anything! And when I get home, I'll do my hardest to keep in touch, I'll figure it out, just for you!” You tried to reassure them, they didn't seem convinced. You remembered the contents of your pockets. Reaching in, and feeling a lot more space than usual, you pull out your phone. Well. 1 point Sans it did work. “Here, you have a phone right? Add your number to my contacts, and you can text me whenever.” “Will that even work..? Like across universes?” You check your contacts, everyone that was already there are still there. You just don't have any wifi. Miraculously, you have service. No way that transcends universes. Oh well you won't complain. 

“Only thing we can do is try and hope! I'm not too worried.” You tried to be as nonchalant as you could, but they didn't look convinced, their head angled away from you. Screw nonchalance you are so chalant. “Look I'm a little worried but, there's not much I can do, so, I'm keeping my chin up, and hoping for the best.” They looked back at you. “It's all we can do, wish for the best. Y'know?” They sighed and nodded. “Yea, I know. I get it….. man! You threw a wrench in my plans, I was excited to go back underground!” Your eyes widened as you got an idea. “Why don't.. why don't we? Sometime, let's go underground? In this timeline.” You rushed to say at the end. They opened their eyes wide. “Had you never thought of that before.” You deadpanned. They slapped your arm lightheartedly. “It hadn't crossed my mind! Why would I go underground with no monsters to save?” “You could show me around? I may know everything from a player perspective but you know everything from a personal perspective. You could give me a pretty great tour sometime.” They smiled at the idea, till it faltered. “But what about you leaving? Going home?” “Let's .. not think of that right now. How about you just think up cool stuff to show me underground, I'll worry about the rest.” 

They sighed, and smiled reluctantly. “Alright..” you smiled back at them, and stood up straight, your knees popping, they laughed and called you old, and you ruffled their hair again, leading them out of the hallway back to the living room, Flowey in tow, who was also calling you old. Everyone greeted you as you came back into the room, it looked like they were playing another game now. You sat back down on the couch as Frisk (and a begrudging Flowey) went to play games with everyone else. Alphys sat close to you on the couch, but with enough distance it was clear she was nervous. You could also tell because she was glancing nervously between you, and playing with her claws. You decided to throw her a bone and speak first.

“Alphys, right?” Nailed it again. She jumped when you spoke to her, almost looking like she was surprised you did. “Y-yes that's me! Did- did you need something?” “I was just gonna say hey, but now that you mention it, Sans mentioned earlier you could fix my phone?” you took it out of the space in your pocket again, and held it out to her. “He said that you could fix it? Like, letting me access the big things in my inventory?” She looked at it for a moment, and took it from you gently. “I-I could, b-but I would need s-some of my equipment, most of which is a-at my home, I've made a s-small lab there.” You perked up at the mention of a lab. It sounded so cool and sci-fi, but realistically you know it's probably just a standard chem style lab. You'd still like to see though.

“If y-you really want me to, I c-can take it with me, but it'll take me s-some time, at least t-till tomorrow morning. I can also set up the u-undernet.. i-if you're interested, that is..” you lit up, grabbing her hands excitedly as she jumped in her seat. “Yes please! That'd be so cool of you! Is that an internet that only monsters use?” “Y-yes, humans are allowed to use it, b-but mostly it's just monsters..” “Then yes please! I think that'd be super interesting, you gotta friend me on there ok?” Her face flushed, her scales turning a red hue. “S-sure! So you, w-wanna be friends? W-with me?” “I mean sure! If that's cool with you! You're doing me a huge favor with my phone, and you seem pretty cool to me!” She turned even redder. “C-COOL?! oh g-gosh I don't know about th-that.. if you want cool Undyne 's WAY cooler than me..” 

You turned your head from Alphys and looked at Undyne giving Papyrus and Frisk individual noogies for doing poorly at Jenga. You snickered, turning back to the lizard. “Yea she seems pretty cool, but I think you're cool in a different way. Like she seems like, strong and brave. Like, she's definitely a heroic type,” you are so so selling this ‘not knowing them’ thing. “But you're cool in like a super smart type. And! I think we may have similar interests.” “Y-you do?” “I have a feeling you're an anime fan.” “H-HOW DID YOU KNOW?!” “You brought an off brand uno game called ‘ichi’.” “I didn't think anyone would notice..” “I did. But I think it's cool! Do you have a favorite anime?” You say, pretending like you don't know.

She proceeded to rant for the better half of an hour to you about Mew Mew Kissy Cuties, and how the sequel was trash. You recommended another magical girl series called Precure. It was getting to be pretty late out, so everyone decided it was time to leave. You helped out with picking up games and food leftovers. Alphys and Undyne left first, Alphys promising to return with your phone in the morning, and Undyne ruffling your hair and saying it was nice to meet you. You bid farewell to the Dreemurrs, saying that you guys should hang out again soon, Asgore gave you a firm handshake, Toriel welcomed you back anytime with a hug, and you went to tell Frisk and Flowey goodbye, but when you turned to them they just stared at you. Walking up to you, Frisk tugged on your cardigan and you knelt to their level. They looked at you with unseeing eyes. “Can… can I give you a hug..?” You smiled at them sweetly and opened your arms for them. They squeezed you really tight, burying their head in your shoulder. You hugged them back, not as tight.

“You promise you'll talk to me again?” “I promise I'll see you again. You can't get rid of me, remember?” You ruffled their hair gently, and they let go of you, looking up at your face with a smile. They look like they remembered something and moved in close again, to whisper in your ear. Very quietly, they say, “Chara says ‘thank you’ by the way, I think they like you.” They shrug. You turn to Flowey who sat beside Frisk on the floor in his pot, he nods and you, and you smile at him back. Standing to your full height, you regard the adults in the room, Toriel smiling warmly at you, and Sans and Papyrus look at you with different expressions.

Papyrus beamed at you, eager that his first human friend, seems to be friends with his new human friend! Sans though, looks at you carefully. He's still smiling, his brow bones aren't even creased. He looks like a caricature of calm, but his eye lights hold an intensity that makes you nervous. You hope he doesn't think you're like scheming to kill them all or reset the timeline. That was literally the opposite of what you did. “ready to go, kid?” You look back at Frisk, who waves a goodbye, and you can almost see another arm behind theirs, copying the movement. You wave at them with a smile. “Yea, let's go.” 

You turn back to the Dreemurrs one last time, “It was so nice to meet you, thank you for allowing me to stay in your home, it's beautiful, I've had such a wonderful time.” Toriel nods her head at you. “You've been such a delight to have over, thank you for being here! Sans, Papyrus, make sure to take this dear to get some shoes! Making her leave the house in her pajamas and socks.. you should know better.” “sorry tori, didn't think much of it. i never leave the house not in pajamas.” He shrugs and winks, putting his hand on your shoulder and his other in Papyrus’ hand. “we'll see ya around, thanks for having us.” “YES THANK YOU, LADY TORIEL! UNTIL NEXT TIME!”

Then the world goes dark and falls out from under you, and then, you're in a different living room. You know you're back in Sans and Papyrus’s house but you double over before you can look to actually confirm. They smile gently and rub your back as you get your bearings, and you stand up straight again. Before immediately collapsing on the couch behind you. “Ough I'm exhausted… I had a wonderful time but that was, a lot more interaction than I'm used to… and a lot more homemade food…. The second part I can still have more of for sure but.. I need a break from nice people for a bit.” you smile fondly on the memories of the day. “Thank you guys for bringing me though, I had the best time I've had in a while.” “no problem kid, glad you had fun.” “YES! AND YOU GOT TO MEET TWO OF MY BEST FRIENDS!! AND THREE OTHER COOL PEOPLE!! NEXT TIME YOU MUST MEET METTATON!!” 

Your smile faltered. You remembered your conversation with Frisk. Next time.. there might not be one.. when will you go home? When will there be time for a next time? You looked at the two in front of you, it looked like Sans was thinking the same. “actually, i think we should send them home soon.” Your heart dropped. You were literally thinking the same thing but it still wasn't fun to hear. You did want to stay but you knew you had responsibilities at home. “ALREADY? WHEN?? THEY JUST GOT HERE THOUGH!!” he seemed really disappointed. “tomorrow actually. i thought the sooner the better. they got their own life back at home, bro. we can't keep them from it, right?” He looked at you. Way to make me the bad guy, Sans. But you sighed.

“He's right, I am loving the time I have here but, I should go home. I have a job, I have an apartment. Friends, family, things I gotta upkeep. I don't really even wanna go, but I'm a big girl, so I probably should.” Sans nodded approvingly. It wasn't in a ‘get out of my house and out of my universe’ way, but more of a ‘thanks for understanding where I'm going’ way. He didn't want you gone, you've been well behaved as long as he's known you. But who knows what could happen to his universe, or yours, or you if you stayed here too long. It was just a better idea for you to go.

Papyrus still didn't seem happy. You had only just got here, he doesn't want you to leave yet! “HOW ABOUT THEY STAY FOR BREAKFAST. ONE MORE DAY, THEY CAN LEAVE IN THE AFTERNOON IF THEY HAVE TO GO.. BUT WILL YOU PLEASE STAY FOR BREAKFAST ONE MORE TIME?” you looked at his pleading expression, sitting up straighter and leaning towards him, smiling. “Sure, I'd love that, if it's ok with Sans.” You looked at him for an answer, and he nodded slightly, but the action wasn't big enough for Papyrus to see and he didn't seem to care anyway. He leaned in close to your face and balled his fists. “SANS ISN'T IN CHARGE!! WE BOTH MAKE DECISIONS! AND I SAY, YOU WILL STAY FOR BREAKFAST! WE CAN'T SEND YOU HOME ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! WHAT KIND OF HOSTS WOULD WE BE?!” you smiled, giggling. “You've got a great point.” 

He beamed, standing back up with pride, his scarf flowing behind him, which confuses you because there's no wind in here but. It's whatever y'know it's a cool effect. You look out the window to see how dark it is. You were at the Dreemurrs’ all day, so it's pretty late now. “I'm not quite sure what time it is, but, I think I'm gonna head to bed.” Sans sighed contentedly. “you're speakin my language kid i’m hittin the hay too, night kid.” He trudges up the stairs and down the hall. You look to Papyrus. He seems a little sad. “I THINK I WILL STAY UP A LITTLE LONGER, HUMAN FRIEND. GOODNIGHT, AND SWEET DREAMS.” You smile at him and head towards the stairs, peeling yourself off the couch. “Goodnight Papyrus, sweet dreams. I'll see you in the morning, I can't wait for breakfast!” His downcast expression brightens up and he smiles and waved at you.

“IT'LL BE AN EXPERIENCE YOU'VE NEVER HAD BEFORE! TOMORROW WILL BE GOOD, AT LEAST AS LONG AS I'M MAKING BREAKFAST, NYEH HEH!”

Chapter Text

You slept ok. 

You passed out the moment you hit the bed, the exhaustion in your body releasing immediately and pulling you into unconsciousness. Which makes you think you'd sleep like it was your final rest. But nah. It was ok. Which makes sense with the event that will take place today.

You're being sent home.

You really shouldn't be as disappointed as you are, since you're not even supposed to be here, but you're pretty disappointed. You were seriously enjoying your time here. More or less. The situation with Frisk was worrying yesterday but that was quickly resolved and literally everything else was incredible. A dream come true since you were 10. And you weren't sure you were ready for the dream to end.

But you had to wake up. All good things must come to an end and this is one of them. You rolled out of bed, putting your glasses on. You brought your blanket downstairs with you, wrapping it around yourself like a cloak and dragging it off the bed. Dragging yourself out of the bedroom you claimed, Sans and Papyrus' rooms, and the rest of the empty doors in the halls, and finally down the stairs into the living room, you plop yourself down on the couch.

Unfortunately, unlike yesterday morning, Papyrus wasn't in the kitchen, so you couldn't even distract yourself by talking to him. You curled into your blanket and laid on the couch. Feet and legs tucked into your chest fetus-style, you looked pretty pathetic. Moping on a couch that wasn't yours, you completely encased yourself in the blanket that could cover two of you, and stared at the back of the couch.

“hey kid. worried about today?” Unfortunately, Sans was up. You missed Papyrus. You grumbled and rolled over to face him. You sighed. “A little yea.. I've had a great time here… I’m kinda sad to go. BUT! It's whatever I'll get over it y'know it's not that huge of a deal I just like. Multiversally traveled. And ended up here. But it's cool it's fine it's cool..” you nearly choked up, but you thought it might be silly. He chuckled. The audacity. You actually looked at his face and squinted.

“it's kinda sad to see you go, paps was super happy to have you here.” He sat on the couch near your feet. You sat up to face him properly. “thanks. and sorry.. i’ve been kinda not great to you. i get nervous around humans I don't know.” He regarded you gently. You tilted your head at him. “You know me now, right?” “dunno, do i?” You furrowed your brows at him.

Before you could say anything, you heard a slam from upstairs, and a very excited Papyrus jumping downstairs, into the living room, in front of you both. Your eyes widened and your mouth goes in awe. “Woah, Papyrus that was awesome!” “THANK YOU HUMAN FRIEND! I'M VERY EXCITED!” Your face fell a bit. “Ex…excited?” He noticed your expression and backpedaled hard. “OH! NO NO NO NO NO! NOT FOR YOU TO LEAVE! I'M NOT EXCITED FOR THAT. BUT! I AM EXCITED FOR OUR LAST BREAKFAST TOGETHER! AND! I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU!” 

You and Sans exchange looks. He seems to be as confused as you. “a surprise, paps?” “YES, BROTHER! I ARRANGED SOMETHING FOR OUR NEW FRIEND DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT YOU'LL FIND OUT WHEN THEY DO! NOW FOOD!” you glanced towards the kitchen. “Um, Papyrus, you haven't started cooking yet?” “CORRECT, BECAUSE I ALREADY FINISHED!” “What.” He picks you up and throws you over his shoulder.

He walked with you and his brother into the kitchen, where he already had food laid out on the table. You're surprised you didn't smell it. “wow paps, how long did this take you?” It actually wasn't a lot of food at all. The way Sans said it and how much Papyrus talked it up made it sound like a feast, but it was actually a pretty reasonable amount of food, if not a little underwhelming because of how much it was hyped up.

“I FINISHED LIIIKKEE, 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOU CAME OUT OF YOUR ROOM? I WENT BACK TO MINE TO FRESHEN UP A BIT, SO IT SHOULD BE PROPERLY COOLED OFF.” He set you down gently, pulling out your chair, in the spot you sat yesterday, at the head of the table. You smiled at him and took a seat, him pushing you in with ease.

Sans sat next to you and Papyrus sat across from him. You now had one brother on each side. You smiled to yourself, turning to Papyrus. “Thank you for the food, it's really nice you did this.” He beamed. “OF COURSE! THERE'S NO BETTER WAY TO SAY GOODBYE THAN WITH GOOD FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY!” 

His good mood was infectious, you looked to Sans and he was smiling too. Like more genuinely than usual. You hoped it was because Papyrus was the best and not because you were leaving. It was probably a bit of both. “WELL, DON'T JUST LOOK AT IT, DIG IN!” You picked at some of the plates in the middle of the three of you picking and choosing what food you were hungry for. Toast, bacon, fruit, a pretty balanced spread. You didn't eat too much, you weren't really hungry yet, but you made a point to eat just a little of everything, because you were really grateful to Papyrus for how kind and thoughtful he'd been. 

The three of you ate in relative silence, more focusing on the food in front of you and less filling the space with noise. It was actually pretty comfortable. Which was a pleasant surprise considering Sans was sitting next to you, and he usually makes it a point to make you feel unwelcome. Passively. Like with brainwaves. But right now he's being civil, and not even paying you any mind. Which would normally be rude, but you're not upset in the slightest actually. It's quite nice, to be honest. 

You finished your food in an hour, talking on and off with Papyrus and Sans about their friends and yesterday's events, thankfully glossing over the point in time where you were with Frisk, unbeknownst to them you were talking an 8 year old off the ledge of sending them back underground. After clearing your plates and cleaning them up, Papyrus leads you upstairs, into his room. You and Sans look around, it was just Papyrus' room. Which they didn't know you knew so your highschool theater class can come in handy here. 

“Woah Papyrus this is your room? It's pretty cool! I like your bed, looks fast.” he nyeh-hed at your compliment. “THANK YOU! I ORIGINALLY GOT IT UNDERGROUND SO I COULD CRUISE IN MY SLEEP, AND PRETEND LIKE I WAS DRIVING AN ACTUAL CAR ON ACTUAL ROADS UNDER THE ACTUAL SKY,” ok well now you're a little sad. “BUT I'VE GOTTEN A REAL CONVERTIBLE CAR SINCE COMING TOPSIDE, AND IT'S JUST AS AMAZING AS I IMAGINED IT!” He squeed. You smiled, and you could see out of the corner of your eyes Sans did too.

“so what are we in here for, paps?” “OH, YES! YOUR SURPRISE!” he turned to you with stars in his eyes. He then proceeded to turn 180 around with a flourish, throwing open his closet, rummaging around for two seconds, and turning back around with clothes in his arms- er.. hands. It's rather small against Papyrus, but looked regularly sized for you or Sans. “REACH OUT YOUR ARMS, HUMAN!” you did as told and he promptly dropped the clothes in your arms, and gently placing a pair of sneakers on top of said clothes.

“GO ON, CHECK THEM OUT!” He looked absolutely giddy with excitement. You smiled at him wide and sat on the floor, setting the clothes down next to you to get a proper look at each item. Firstly he handed you a tank top, it was split colored. A blueish white on the top and a light blue on the bottom, a four point star at the top right corner near where your collar bone would be. It looked about your size, if not maybe a little bigger. The next thing was pants. Proper jeans, with cargo style pockets on the sides. They looked almost too long for you, but just your size hip wise. Curse your legs.

And lastly you looked at the shoes, they were kinda just like converse sneakers, with a little bone design on the side of both. You smiled at your haul and looked up at Papyrus, who was wringing his gloves hands nervously, and Sans on your other side, looking relaxed and neutral. “Papyrus, are you giving me clothes? Why? Aren't I going home?” he avoided you gaze. “WELL, LADY TORIEL MENTIONED GETTING YOU PROPER CLOTHES, AND IT'S NOT LIKE I CAN TELL OUR QUEEN NO!” he laughs, and continues. “ BUT ALSO, IT'S SOMETHING TO REMEMBER US BY WHEN YOU'RE HOME! SOMETHING TO REMIND YOU OF THE GOOD TIME WE'VE HAD, AND THAT YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME BACK!” 

You were almost tearing up. You were definitely tearing up. He flailed around watching you begin to cry. “OH IM SO SORRY HUMAN I DIDN'T MEAN TO UPSET YOU!! I KNEW SANS’ HAND-ME-DOWNS WERE SUBPAR!! YOU CAN NEVER REALLY WASH HIS SMELL OUT OF ANY OF IT..” “Huh? Papyrus no!” You jumped up off the ground holding all of the hand-me-downs to your chest. “Papyrus no I love them!! It's such an incredibly sweet thing to do for someone, especially someone you've met only so recently. Thank you, it means a lot to me you would put thought into finding me clothes, just like miss Toriel said. You're incredibly kind, Papyrus. And you too, Sans! Cuz these are yours..”

“heh, well i guess they're yours now, kid. not like i’m getting any use out of ‘em. good call paps.” You both turned to Papyrus, who was smiling brightly. “I'M GLAD YOU LIKE THEM, HUMAN! THEY SHOULD FIT YOU FINE, YOU'RE ABOUT SANS’ HEIGHT..” “I'm sure they'll fit fine.” it was at this time that the doorbell rang. The three of you turned and filed out of Papyrus' room one at a time, heading to the front door. You all piled around the door as Sans opened it, and outside was Alphys. “O-oh! You're all right here… well! Th-that makes my job easier.”

From her pocket she produced; your phone! She held it out for you to take and you did, smiling at her. “Thanks Alphys! I nearly forgot about it with everything going on.” “It's no p-problem.. it'd be bad if you forgot it, heh.. what's going on?” You turned to Sans, who was next to you holding the door. He gestured to Alphys slightly with his head and nodded lightly. You figured he's letting you tell her.

“Well, we're gonna try and send me home today. It's been a few days already and I do have a life of my own. I didn't wanna go initially but now that I think about it I'm kinda worried I might've missed important things, so it's better I go.” She deflated a little. But perked back up as soon as she did. “Oh I'm s-sorry to hear you're going.. but I'm glad I could return your phone, w-with your inventory!” 

You looked at your phone in your hands. “Oh right! How does that work?” You opened your phone and handed it to her. She took it and presented it to you, showing the screen, there was a new app. “S-so see here, I added a new app. This is y-your inventory. What you do is you open it up and tap the screen of your phone to whatever you're trying to add to it and it'll suck it up! And to take things out, you tap the item you're trying to remove and click the option ‘use’ and it'll come back!” She handed you back your phone and looked at it in awe. “Woah..” “a-and! I a-already connected it to your personal inventory, so you don't have to do any setting up! F-feel free to check it out! I have s-some errands to run, but it was good to see you before you left! Bye, y/n!” 

She turned and left, the three of you closing the door behind you and all walked into the room. You played with your inventory on your phone, seeing what you had accidentally brought with you. Yep. Stuff you couldn't use. Like your car keys. Bummer. Papyrus sat next to you, going over what you had in there and talking about it casually. Of course though, ever the vibe killer, Sans cleared his throat.

“well you've got all your stuff right?” You looked at your blanket on the couch. It clicked then. “Oh… yea I. I got everything now..” you looked down disappointed, grabbing your blanket and testing out your inventory, tapping the screen to your blanket, and a new spot was filled in your phone. You overlooked your excitement for the magic and brought your attention back to Sans. “Kicking me out?” You said lightheartedly. He smiled gently. He wasn't meaning to be mean. “better to get it over with, y'know? otherwise you'll never get home.” 

He had a point. You stood and stretched, pocketing your phone, and holding your clothes close to your chest. You decided not to waste the space in your inventory. Papyrus and Sans followed suit, and led you to the basement, heading in first. Papyrus had his head hanging a little lower than normal. It made you feel a little better he was actually sad to see you go. That meant he cared. You didn't know what Sans felt. He has iconically been and enigma for the past ten years. You hoped he didn't dislike you, but you guessed you would never know.

You were downstairs now. In front of the machine. It brought you into this world and it'll take you out. It's kinda impressive to see how that you're getting a good look at it, but you glared at the machine. It's responsible for ending your dream. But you sighed. You'd have to wake up eventually. Better now than later. You mentally apologized to Frisk in your mind. You're gonna break your promise. How rude of you.

You and Papyrus looked at Sans. “SO…. WHAT DO YOU DO?” he looked at the ground, his hands in his pockets. “i uh… in all honesty…… i don't actually know. heh…” you looked at him a little closer, and he was blushing a little. From embarrassing of not knowing no doubt. But it was kinda cute. Your inner sans fangirl broke out of it's confinement. But you were grown enough to admit that if somethings cute it's cute. Even if you didn't know if that cute thing really really wanted you out of his house. And universe. Oh well.

“Well what'd you do to get me here?” He looked up at you, reaching a hand behind his skull and scratching it. “i kinda just .. kicked it? i gave it a little nudge and then you were here.” “Ah. Suppose you just, do that again?” “guess so.” You and him walked up closer to the machine, Papyrus staying in the back. He nudged you to stand a bit closer to the machine and you did so. He stood next to the machine, readying himself. You tried to joke to ease the tension.

“Not really the scientific method?” He chuckled. “nah this is totally it. try something out and see if it works.” You giggled with him. Papyrus smiled. You two didn't get along very often, so he's glad your last few moments with eachother you were both smiling. “well… this is it. see ya, kid.” “YES, WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN, HUMAN FRIEND.” you smiled at the two of them. “Yea I better see you guys again! Thanks for being so generous to me, it means a lot. Sans, you can go ahead. Be careful with your foot.” You knew his hp.

He nodded and readied his foot. Rearing back and..

THUNK. 

You all stood there for a minute waiting for the machine to start up like you expected it to. After a few seconds of standing there, it roared to life. Shaking, whistling, and the blinding bright light. It's like a larger scale version of your computer. Which is ridiculously scary to be standing so close to. Speaking of you were the only one who was. After the machine began make noise he skidaddled next to Papyrus, having the two of them stand a little farther from the machine. You didn't want them to get sucked in with you so you understood.

You stood there nearly unmoving as the wind whipped around you. Not wanting to move and mess up the process. You yelled back behind you, trying to withstand the noise. “Is this how loud it was when I came here?!” “YEA PRETTY MUCH. IT WOULD'VE WOKE A TOWN IF WE DIDN'T LIVE IT THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.” “i like privacy what can i say” you weren't the only one that lived in this house, Sans. But you figured if the machine made this much noise it's probably best you're not near anyone.

You felt the machine was nearing it's climax. That's what she said. Heh. But you think the machine’s almost finished. Heh. You shielded your eyes as it continued getting brighter and louder. The machine was shaking so hard you were nearly knocked off balance standing so close to it. 

You saw it flash the brightest and felt yourself being knocked to the ground. You expected to feel the carpet in your room, and hear silence. And for a minute you convinced yourself that's what you were experiencing, because you couldn't really hear anything over the ringing in your ears. And you would look to check but something heavy seemed to be holding your arms to your chest.

When the ringing faded, you heard it. Several masculine groans. What. Like one coming from directly on top of you. You quickly moved the hands from your face and your heart stopped. You breath caught in your throat. It looked like Sans, but he was a little bigger.. and sharper… and fluffier.. he groaned and lifted his head, his eyelight meeting yours. It was red.

It was Red. On top of you. Not in your apartment. You tried to look around him but. He was kinda wide.. It looks like he registered what position he was in with you. And he grinned. 

“did i crawl outta hell? cuz i think i’m seein’ an angel.” 

He winked.

Moment's ruined. So much for those heartfelt goodbyes.

Chapter Text

You were hastily snatched out from under Red.

Somehow you had managed to hold onto your clothes. You looked up to see who grabbed you and it was Papyrus. Your Papyrus. You relaxed and let out a breath. It could've been really awkward if it wasn't your Papyrus.

Speaking of awkward, Red fell the rest of the couple inches onto the ground, letting out a groan. You winced, feeling a little bad, cuz you knew that was not a pleasant feeling. You looked out over the rest of the basement. You… you knew all of them… well. Of them. They don't know you. You scanned the room properly. Fell, swap, fellswap red, and fellswap gold… oh my god are you in a harem fic. You nearly chuckle to yourself, but you hold it in.

You look up to Papyrus who has yet to put you down. He looked.. really confused. You don't blame him. You looked down to Sans. He looked even worse. It's in this moment you notice again just how tired he looks. You tapped Papyrus' arm and he jolted out of whatever his thoughts were, setting you down.

Quickly, you got out your phone and pocketed your clothes, putting them in your inventory. You figured you'd be here a bit longer, so they can be in there for a minute. Slowly, the other Sans and Papyri lifted their heads, groggily, looking around them. Blue looked up first, Edge following him, Stretch following him, and so on. They all looked equally jarred and you don't blame them. You looked over to Sans again. He was watching you. You jar for a second then look at him questioningly. His brow bones were furrowed. He gestured with his head to his and his brothers duplicates. You looked to them and back, shrugging. What were you supposed to tell him? Oh yea I know all those guys they're alternative fan made versions of you and your brother because you guys are from a video game? Are you kidding?

“WHO… WHO ARE ALL OF YOU..?” Your Papyrus said. Almost all of the Sanses heads shot up, then seeing Papyrus, looked for their own brothers, finding them promptly. The Papyri looked up too, hearing a voice like theirs. All eyes shot to the front. To Papyrus, to Sans, and to you. You got suddenly really really nervous. Blue shot up off the ground. “IM THE MAGNIFICENT SANS!! WHO ARE YOU, WELL DRESSED BROTHER?!” “aww bro that was mean” you fought a smile, looking over to Papyrus and Sans again. Aforementioned shorter skeleton was cringing so, so hard. Papyrus' jaw was agape. Almost like when he met you. But this was definitely more.. extreme.

“WOWIE!! AN EXCITABLE SANS!! SANS WHY CAN'T YOU BE LIKE THAT?” Sans cringed even harder and looked at his brother with faux hurt. You broke and ended up giggling. “Cmon Paps don't compare, Sans is pretty cool as he is.” He looked at you a bit surprised, like he didn't expect something nice from you, but he smiled a bit. You smiled back at him.

Blue and Stretch just watched, then jolted as Edge got his bearings and also shot up off the ground. “SANS. GET UP OFF THE GROUND YOU PATHETIC LOSER!! WE'RE BEING IMPERSONATED BY THESE SOFT COPIES!!” “i dunno boss, they look pretty legit to me.” Red did not get off the ground, so Edge promptly stomped over right in front of you and ripped him off the ground, roughly setting him on his feet. He didn't seem jostled. You fought another smile, Sans cringed harder, and Papyrus looked in awe. “WOAH, SPIKY ME YOU LOOK COOL!! NO WONDER, SINCE YOU LOOK LIKE ME.” he tossed his imaginary hair. You keep losing these smile battles, looking up at him, you giggled quietly. Sans smacked your arm. “kid cmon, you're not even a little jostled? this is weird.” “Aren't you supposed to be smart? There's a reason they look like you and your brother, isn't there?” 

Red's attention silently diverted to you as Edge and Papyrus held conversation. Well less conversation and more yelling angry and yelling excited. “what are you talking about..?” Sans furrowed his brows. You sweated. Shit you were supposed to play dumb. Idiot stupid idiot dumb dumb. You looked away from him. In doing so, your attention caught on the fellswaps closest to the machine in the back. The Sanses seemed to be having a stare off, with their brothers watching boredly. The one you would call Mutt noticed your gaze and tilted his head in question. Noticing his diverted attention, Coffee also turned his head to look at you, and recognizing you staring them down, ducked his head. You jumped, nervous. You hadn't meant to stare. You got ready to apologize when you were stopped by Blue and Stretch, coming up to the front, in front of you. Stretch sauntered up to his fellow Papyri with differing reception. He took it well and only laughed good naturedly. You turned to the Sanses in front of you.

Oh my god the big three were in a circle right in front of you. Don't freak out don't fangirl don't be weird. You just decided to watch. “HI THERE LAZY LOOKING ME’S! YOU GOT ANY IDEA WHATS GOING ON?? ME AND PAPS WERE HEADING HOME AFTER OUR ROUNDS AND WOKE UP HERE!” “i dunno either. was jus’ chillin at home b’fore the boss came in to yell at me, then when he opened the door, i woke up on the ground. well,” he gave you a smirk again. “on a human.” You squinted at him. What happened to angel smh.. if this really was a harem fic you wanted that to have a comeback. The mention of you had the other two Sanses look at you too. Thanks Red. “OH YES!! THERE'S A HUMAN HERE.. NOT TO BE RUDE HUMAN BUT. WHY ARE YOU HERE?” “Like, in the house or the universe..?” “UNIVERSE?” shit. “whaddya mean universe?” Sans looked at you panickedly. You glanced at Papyrus. He was kinda swarmed in questions he couldn't answer.

You looked back at Sans. It really looked like he had no clue what to do, like he wanted help. You braced yourself for confrontation. You grabbed Sans’ sleeve and pulled him to you, having him follow you back to Papyrus, who you also grabbed the arm of. “OH-! HUMAN FRIEND!” He sweated. “I WAS JUST TALKING TO THE … OTHER ME’S?” “HUMAN?! EUGH WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?? WHY WOULD YOU LET THAT IN YOUR HOUSE?!” “Ok ouch, that hurt a little.” “no need to be rude edgy paps” “DON'T CALL ME THAT YOU CAVITY!!” oh my god they were giving each other mean nicknames already this is brilliant. Ok focus, your attention shifts again to the fellswaps. Who were all now watching you. Fantastic. You think the Papyri snitched on you for staring. Shit.. you were getting really nervous. Well. If you had everyone's attention.

You pulled Sans and Papyrus to yourself towards the stairs. “Um, if I have everyone's attention, I'd like to talk with… these guys,” you didn't wanna say sans and Papyrus and have everyone else crowd you. “Privately. Just up the stairs, if everyone would be cool with just… chilling down here and talking amongst yourselves? We'll be right back.” “why can't we come with? hiding somethin’?” You glared at Red. “I'm not hiding anything from anyone. And I'll even answer any questions you wanna ask me when we come back, but I need to talk to them alone for a minute. Thank you for your patience.” You and the brothers speed walked up the stairs as inconspicuously as you could before anyone could object, closing the door behind you quickly.

“ok kid what the hell were you talking about down there. a reason they'd be here and look like us? what are you getting at?” “SANS CALM DOWN.. BUT, HUMAN IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING, PLEASE TELL US, WE'RE AWFULLY CONFUSED” You looked between the two of them and the ground, back and forth, and to the door and your feet and their faces and back and forth and back and forth. Your palms were sweaty. What could you tell them? That? You looked again to the door. You seriously dug your grave with that quip. Damn you smartassness. You didn't want to lie to them.. and you also didn't want to tell them the truth. How would they take that? How would they look at you? Would they be mad? Would they be disappointed?

All the terrible things ran through your mind. You're stuck here with them now. But, if they don't like what they hear… they could kick you out. They could hate you. Papyrus… what if you made him mad at you, or disappointed? Oh you already know Sans doesn't trust you but Papyrus.. you couldn't stand it if you weren't his friend but.. if you're friends.. friends tell the truth. You choked up, in your own head. “HUMAN?” 

And then the dam broke.

Hot tears ran down your face, you looked them in the faces and they jumped back slightly. You needed to tell them the truth. “They're alternate versions of you both!” They looked shocked. But didn't say anything. “In my universe you guys are in a video game and the game is really popular like millions love it and you two and so since they loved it so much they came up with ideas like ‘what if they were all swapped’ or angry or both and THOSE universes got really popular and well known and when I was a kid I found out about it all and I was just obsessed I loved all of the universes and the stories and I always thought you two were so cool and then I played the game and I was hooked forever so I know everything about your universe and everyone in it and them too!! I know everything!!” you rasped, heaving in breaths. They stood there. Staring at you. You took a deep breath. 

“I.. understand if you're mad or disappointed at me but, please understand I-... I just didn't want to tell you guys so you didn't have like, a crisis or something. Sans, you're in your head all the time anyway I didn't wanna put anything more on your shoulders on top of me just being here.” He looked shocked you knew for a second, then his face fell again. “And Papyrus.. I.. I just really really didn't wanna upset you or like, have you think I was only being nice or something because I know a lot and I've just really enjoyed being your friend I didn't wanna lose that you're one of the nicest people I've ever met and..” you trailed off, rolling up your sleeve and using your arm to wipe off your face. They stood in front of you with conflicting faces. Sans stood stiffly, his arms crossed and a frown on his face. Papyrus had a hand covering his mouth and his brow bones furrowed. They both seemed to be taking in what you had said.

After a beat, Sans asked, “so, were you ever planning on telling us?” “....I didn't think it was a good idea, like I said. And I was only here for about 2 days, I figured I'd leave before it became an issue..” “.....did you know the machine could do this? bring people here?” “..yea.” he looked angry, you backpedaled. “In my defense!! I didn't know you guys were real until like 2 days ago. Me and Frisk had a whole conversation about it.” As soon as you said it you clenched your mouth shut. Sans’s sockets widened. Papyrus spoke up. “FRISK KNOWS TOO..?” you nodded. “Yea, they actually sought me out to talk about it.. they kept trying to reset with me so they could ‘play a new game’..” they both startled at the mention of a reset, then looking at each other like they didn't know the other knew. “Don't! Worry don't worry, I talked them out of it. We made a promise and everything, which I hear is a pretty big deal.” They looked back over to you. “ok credit where credit is due, that was good. they may not see us as people but they abide by monster rules just like us, so you lock them in a promise and they won't break it.” “That's what I thought.” 

“SO, DO YOU?” Papyrus spoke up again. “Hm?” “DO YOU SEE US AS PEOPLE? BE HONEST. PLEASE.” you let out a sigh. You dropped your head. “I actually had a conversation with myself about it. Because you guys have been video game characters for the larger part of my life I was so used to thinking of you guys like that. Like I knew everything. Like you were predictable, like I knew what to expect. But not only is this a new situation, where you're on the surface and settled, which is new for me, but. You ARE living people. You and everyone else. The things you do and say and feel aren't scripted lines of code, they're real and honest. You are real people. It just took me a minute to tell myself that.” You lifted your head enough to see their faces. It was hard to read them. “Are you mad at me?”

“honestly yeaOUGH-” Papyrus slammed him on the arm. “SANS. HUMAN, I'M NOT ANGRY, A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED YOU FELT YOU COULDN'T TRUST US, YES, BUT, YOU WERE DOING IT OUT OF A CARE FOR US, SO THANK YOU. THERE'S NO POINT IN FIGHTING ABOUT IT.” you sniffed and nodded, as Papyrus pat you on the head. “well what are we supposed to do about the clones? if you know so much then you should know what to do about them, huh?” You thought for a minute. “... Actually, I might. Listen I have an idea, and let me lead.” 

_____

The three of you walked back downstairs, you tried to dry your face as much as you could before coming back down but it was already so flushed you just gave up. They probably knew you were crying anyway, big deal. Standing at the bottom of the steps you looked out over the basement, they seemed to have divided into their own respective pairs, talking about whatever. You cleared your throat, and every head in the room shot to you. Your confidence went down just a little bit. You took a deep breath, and continued.

“Excuse me everyone, sorry for leaving you all in the dark. We just wanted to talk somewhere quieter to figure out what to do. I think it's pretty unfair to leave you all in the basement, so before we head upstairs I'd like to clear a few things up. Number one, you've all been transported to another universe via the machine behind you, no we don't know how it works. We didn't mean to bring you here, we were trying to send me home. I'm in a similar situation to the rest of you, I'm not from here either. So at least we're together in this.” You cringed a little at your own words, but patted yourself on the back, you were doing pretty good, keep going.

 “Number two, in this universe monsters have been on the surface for nearly ten months, so before going outside remember that there is 1:the sky, and you will not fall into it, and 2: humans. Considering it's the surface, you now have to share a space with not only me, but the rest of the human race. My apologies, I know we smell. And suck generally. I know, you don't need to tell me.” you gave a pointed look to Edge, who narrowed his sockets at you in response. You saw out of the corner of your eye Black, who shrugged and nodded. You hoped you were getting good points with them by dunking on yourself. “The house is absurdly large, so there's rooms enough for all of you, but please be civil when choosing rooms, and do know that the rooms that are already taken,” you gestured to yourself and Sans and Papyrus behind you, “are locked. Please don't shortcut into them yes I know you can do that.”

A few of them looked surprised at your knowledge, half of them nodding approvingly, and the other half (red) held his hands up like “why are you looking at me” you knew why. “Oh and when going outside you will be chaperoned by one of us three, for at least the time being I'm sorry.” several groans rang out across the basement. “Alright, I can't think of very much else to preface with so whatever questions you have we can cover later! Speaking of if you have any questions feel free to ask one of us three. To start we are going to bring you out in pairs to get a feel of the house and get a good look outside, and when all of you are done, then you can all pick rooms.” 

You scanned the room again. The swap brothers looked curious and excited. The fell brothers were, oddly nonchalant. The fellswap brothers looked on edge, Coffee looked like he was about to cry and Wine looked like he would have you dead and buried with just a glance. The fellswap red brothers seemed to just be taking everything in, not accustomed, but far more comfortable than they were initially. Pretending to pick you turned your head side to side, till you landed in the swap brothers. “You two! Blue Sans and orange Papyrus! You two can go first if you'd like.” Blue shot up to his feet buzzing with excitement, jogging over to the stairs, smiling at you, and heading up. Stretch got to his feet as slowly as he could, sauntering to the stairs, winking at you, patting your shoulder, and heading up with stairs. 

You suddenly remembered something you meant to put on your list. “Oh yea nicknames.. if you guys could maybe think about it, we thought having nicknames for all of you might be a good idea, for the sake of differentiation.” You said calmly to those in the basement, and proceeded to yell up the stairs so the swap bros could hear. “wow, yer really bein super professional bout this whole deal, what happened upstairs?” Red spoke up over the silence in the basement. You figured talking with them couldn't hurt, you did say you'd answer any questions they had.

“The three of us were just a little overwhelmed all of a sudden, and thought a quieter room would help us clear our heads to figure out how to approach the situation. Sorry we left you guys down here to fend for yourselves, that wasn't really cool of us.” You smiled apologetically, and got yourself comfortable, sitting down on the bottom step of the stairs while Blue and Stretch did their round upstairs. “We decided it would be a good idea to send you all out in pairs with the Sans and Papyrus from this universe to get acquainted with the house a little, y'know? Just to sorta get a feel for things, then once everyone goes, you can all go pick your rooms for the night, we'll have dinner, and properly address everything tomorrow cuz I don't know about you guys but this whole deal is seriously stressful and I think a night's sleep will do us all some good.”

“WHY ARE YOU DOING ALL OF THIS? HOW DO WE KNOW THAT YOU'RE NOT ENEMIES OF OURS AND YOU'RE ACTUALLY PLANNING TO DUST US IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT?” Black finally spoke up. Seems he got over his pride of speaking to a human. “Well, it's out of the kindness of their hearts that they're even letting me stay here, so it's easy to say that the same is true for the rest of you. They're just nice guys, and also, I think Papyrus has been waiting for a moment like this, because there are way too many rooms in this house and he'd love them to be filled.”

Black gave you a sorta stank face and you saw out of the corner of your eye a similar face on Edge. That kinda ticked you off. “But do know that they have no obligations towards any of you and we could just drop you on your asses outside like dogs and let you figure it out for yourselves. I'm gonna give you another reminder of the sky outside, as we are on the surface, and that there is no ceiling out there. So it just goes up and on, endlessly. The monsters here have been on the surface for ten months and a good half of them are still TERRIFIED of being outside. So. Y'know I'd keep that in mind.” 

The stank faces fell only slightly and it looked like they mainly wanted to challenge you. You continued before they could speak up. “Not that I am in control of your decisions, if you wanna leave you can, but I don't think that'd be convenient for anyone, at the most, and at the least, when someone is offering kindness, it's not a terrible idea to accept it. I'd like for us to not be at each other's throats if we can help it, if you guys can agree with that then that'd be nice.”

Mutt leaned into his brother, his lights not leaving you but whispering into his brothers auditory canal. Whatever he said must've dissuaded Black from a fight with you, and he just huffed, readjusting his seat on the floor and looking away from you. You silently thanked Mutt because you did NOT wanna get into a fight with Black cuz you knew you'd lose. You looked over to Wine and Coffee again. Coffee seemed to have been looking at you as you talked but when you looked at him he turned his head away, averting his gaze. It didn't upset you at all, but you thought Wine thought you had a problem, because all he did was narrow his sockets and raise his brow bones at you. You shrank in your spot to try and make yourself smaller, trying to avoid whatever argument you could.

_____

One by one you called out the brothers in pairs. Fell, then fellswap gold, then fellswap red. Since that was all of them, you moved to follow out behind them, but Mutt seemed not to like you being behind him. You stood at the bottom of the stairs with Mutt. Black had already gotten to the top and was yelling at you both to “HURRY IT UP WORMS ALL OF THE GOOD ROOMS WILL BE TAKEN IF YOU TAKE FOREVER” You motioned with your arms towards the stairs, silently offering for him to go ahead. He refused, shaking his head once no, then with his head gestured to you, and to the stairs. You shrugged, thinking nothing much of it. “Alright man, I was just trying to be polite, didn't mean to offend.” You led the way up the stairs, Mutt following close behind. You guessed he was one of the ones who didn't talk much.

You got to the top of the stairwell and took a deep breath. It was nice being out of the basement. Mutt came up behind you and you motioned him out of the basement, this time he moved to his brother quickly, and you closed the basement door behind you both. You guessed you wouldn't be back there again for a while. You smiled a little to yourself. Guess it'd be nice to get comfortable. Mutt and Black met up with the classics and the brothers gave them the now rehearsed rundown of the house taking them around and showing them everything.

You made your way into the kitchen, and then to the adjacent dining room, where the rest of the skeletons were sat. Once they were done with their tour and another group was called up, they would move into the kitchen and sit while they waited for it all to be over, and they could all eat. You looked over the table for a spot to sit. Edge was in your spot. You frowned a little, but got over it quickly, telling yourself it was just a chair and to let it go. Besides, you could always get to it faster tomorrow.

Blue saw you looking for a seat and enthusiastically waved you over. “HUMAN HUMAN!! COME SIT WITH US!” you smiled, heading over to the table. Blue pat the seat between him and Red, they had so kindly left a space for totally you. Definitely not that Red didn't wanna sit directly next to his bouncier copy. You didn't mind sitting between them, so you pulled out the chair and made yourself comfortable. Edge was at the head of the table, to his left was Red, then you, then blue, then stretch. To his right was Wine then Coffee.

“Thanks for saving me a spot, uhh.. Sans…es? Ahem. That was nice of you!” You smiled at Blue, who took your confused face in stride. “no prob bob, i tend to do stuff like that, just random acts of kindness no need to thank me.” Red spoke up from your right, making you smile a little and making blue's smile falter. “UM. IM PRETTY SURE THEY WERE THANKING ME, RED ME.” “nah they didn't specify, they coulda been talkin bout me”

The two continued to bicker between them, well, on either side of you. Black and Mutt came back into the kitchen, and chose to sit next to Wine and Coffee. Mutt sat directly next to Coffee and no one said anything, but Wine stared him down the whole time. Mutt only shrugged, paying neither of them any mind. You hoped Wine wouldn't be super overly protective of his brother like he was portrayed sometimes cuz that would suck for you.

Sans and Papyrus stayed in the kitchen, Papyrus preparing dinner and Sans choosing to stay with him. You figured you should check up on them. Standing from the table, you moved towards the kitchen. “AH- HUMAN, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” Blue stopped you before you could leave. “Oh, I just thought Paps might want some help in the kitchen! It's only fair I help him, lots of people to feed.” “OH THAT'S SO NICE! I'LL HELP OUT TOO!” you suddenly remembered that Blue also has a similar quirk to Papyrus, who luckily has outgrown that trait, but you're certain the rest of those like him have not.

“No, that's alright! I don't wanna overwhelm Papyrus in the kitchen, thank you though!” he seemed to wilt at your response, and the guilt shot through you immediately, you quickly continued. “But! I'm sure we can cook together another time! I don't think any of us are going anywhere soon, so we'll have time. It sounds like fun too!” You spared a small glance to Stretch, who gave a slight nod in approval. “AH, ALRIGHT, THAT MAKES SENSE! SORRY TO HOLD YOU UP HUMAN! WE'LL COOK ANOTHER TIME.” He gave you a smile and a nod, you mirrored his response and finally headed into the kitchen.

Papyrus gave you a smile upon entering and Sans merely looked at you. “need something?” You ducked your head at his tone, he was still not happy with you. “I just, thought Papyrus might want some help, it's a lot of people to feed..” Papyrus smiled at you, plating the third plate of his spaghetti. “THANK YOU HUMAN FRIEND, BUT I'VE GOT IT. I TEND TO MAKE MY SPAGHETTI WITH PLANS FOR LEFT OVERS, SO I USUALLY MAKE TOO MUCH ANYWAYS. BUT IF YOU'D STILL LIKE TO HELP, YOU CAN CARRY THE PLATES AND UTENSILS?” you grinned, eagerly grabbing two plates and forks with them. “If that'll help you out!”

Dinner went relatively smoothly if not awkward, everyone eating in mostly silence, sometimes a rogue joke would be cracked by Sans or Stretch, but for the most part everyone just ate their food, and either kept their head down or uncomfortable eyesight contact and glaring with another person at the table. It was exactly who you thought it would be too.

You helped clean up after dinner. While all the skeletons picked rooms, you and Papyrus did the dishes, with him washing and you drying. “..IT WAS A GOOD PLAN YOU CAME UP WITH. IT'S IMPRESSIVE YOU DID IT ON THE SPOT, YOU'RE PRETTY CLEVER!” “Heh, thanks! I was really nervous they'd put up a bigger fight than they did, it was really hard trying to gauge how they'd respond.” “REALLY? YOU DIDN'T KNOW ALREADY?” you winced at his words. “Actually no.. I know most things about them generally but, they're never the same, wherever they're portrayed. They're always just a little different. Normally that's what makes it fun but here.. hehe it just made me really nervous..” you laughed half-heartedly.

 “......YOU REALLY DO KNOW ALL THAT HUH. ABOUT THEM AND US.” 

“......yea”

“DO YOU KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD DO? ABOUT ANY OF THIS?”

“...we do our best. I think.”

He smiled.

“SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN.”