Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When things are tough, you like to think of the little kindnesses of the world you experienced or saw. Big things or small ones. Like seeing a kid share their food with the stray animals, seeing younger people help the elderly across the street. Or like when you volunteer at the old folk's home or read to the young kids at the library. Seeing their happy faces always brings a smile to yours, even if you've had an extremely bad day. 

Or even when that teacher in elementary school bought you a sketchbook for Christmas when she noticed you kept scribbling in the margins of your homework. When the kids would go sit with someone who always sat alone at lunch. And the kind family that, even if they weren't that financially stable to begin with, took in the poor kid they saw struggling. Showed them a kind of love they've never experienced or knew they needed. 

Sometimes thinking of these things help, sometimes they don't. You sometimes wonder if others do the same when it gets tough. Think about the good things, little drops of kindness, when things just won't seem to change for the better. It gets hard, you can't deny. And sometimes those little acts just can't seem to bring your mood up. But, you continue on still, trying as hard as you can. There really isn't enough kindness in the world. 

As a broke college student, there's a lot of rough times. At first, an old friend offering to let you stay with her and her.... friends?... boyfriends?... for just a small amount of rent was a dream come true. You could afford the price she gave, it was better than anywhere else you could find. But... you quickly found it wasn't all that it was cracked up to be.... 

You don't know why, but all of those skeletons you live with seem to despise you. Or just blatantly avoid you if nothing else. Even the ones who seem to want to be friends with everyone. 

You had really high hopes when you first moved in. But you could tell from your first interactions that it wasn't going to go that well. When you first met the head of the household, Sans. 

He was waiting in front of the door when you first pulled in. You hadn't been warned that Taylor's roommates were skeletons, so to see him was a little bit of a shock. You knew monsters were a thing of course, it'd been almost three years since they surfaced after all. But... skeletons were a first. 

Despite that, you pulled yourself together, hopped out of the car and went up to greet him. 

And he didn't seem all that happy to meet you. And despite his sour look, you gave him a friendly smile and your name. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you." You held out your hand, but he just stared at you and after a few seconds, you dropped your hand back to your side. 

"sure, kid. m'name's sans." He introduces. "a few ground rules, 1. clean up after yourself. don't be making us clean up after you and don't leave your stuff laying around. 2. buy your own stuff, don't use our things. kitchen's free to use but use your own stuff. same goes for bathrooms. 3. don't go into the other's rooms without permission. and if you steal anything from one of the others, you're gonna have a bad time." 

You're shocked by his tone first of all, and second that he thinks he needs to tell you to clean up after yourself and not to steal from anyone. But, maybe they had bad roommates before? 

"oh, and stay out of the basement." 

"S-sure. I'll remember that." You nodded. Sans then showed you to the room you'd be staying in. It wasn't all that big, but still bigger than the room you shared with Syna back home and you were happy to call it your own. 

And when you were finished moving in, happy with the way you have everything set up, you tried to greet your new roommates. 

You had found Papyrus and Blue in the kitchen, arguing over whether spaghetti or tacos were a better meal for supper. Though they had quickly quieted when you entered and stared at you with wide eye sockets. You smiled awkwardly and introduced yourself. 

"O-OH. YOU'RE TAYLOR'S FRIEND." Was Papyrus' response and you nodded. It was partially true after all, but you were more old friends that recently reconnected over social media. "I... I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS." 

"I'M THE MAGNIFICENT BLUE... UH.. NICE TO MEET YOU HUMAN." 

"Nice to meet you both as well." You smiled. "Thank you for allowing me to stay here. I really appreciate it." 

"O-OF COURSE!" They're both sweating nervously, glancing every which way. You get the feeling they're uncomfortable and excuse yourself, having the feeling they wanted to say something but were holding back. But you just guessed they were nervous around humans and left it at that. 

Most of the introductions were... cold or awkward like that. Papyrus and Blue's had most definitely been the nicest. Both Red and Stretch brushed you off with a glare and the only thing they said was to warn you to stay away from their brothers. Edge and Black straight up threatened to kill you if they caught you in their rooms or stealing something from them. 

Mutt was definitely the outlier of the entire group. He hadn't been nervous, he hadn't threatened you in any way. He just... didn't seem to care. He gave you his name, then walked off after a few short words. And it was... fine. 

And as the weeks went on, you found that Taylor seemed to have a strictly sexual relationship with Red and went out shopping with Edge and Black a lot. Papyrus and Blue cooked for her a lot and Stretch baked her sweets sometimes. Sans seemed to always be out of the house or in the basement. Which you didn't really care much about, until you slowly found out it appeared like the skeletons’ whole lives revolved around Taylor and what she wanted. 

Then.... the curtain started to pull back more and more. You found out how Taylor treated them.... How she decided she was going to treat you and why she probably even let you stay here in the first place. 

You really didn't like it. 

There's not much you can do, unfortunately, no matter how much you want to. The skeletons won't listen to you or take your word over hers. So, you only do what you can and keep to your plan of staying for the year, then try to find a cheap apartment somewhere in the city. You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped, after all. 

So, you just carry on, thinking about the little acts of kindness throughout your life. Trying to get by through all this. You've suffered through years of abuse, you can get through this as well. 

You're not alone anyway. One of those skeletons believes you, and became a close friend. Really the only one you have up here so far. You didn't hit it off immediately, but the two of you became close after a little heart to heart at the university you both attend. He's a little rough around the edges, but he's a good guy. 

"you look like an ugly raccoon. why are you up so late?"

It's such a loving relationship, really. 

"I have a paper due in five hours. What about you, Mr. Has No Grounds to Talk About MY Eyebags?" You counter, raising an eyebrow at the lanky skeleton laying on his bed. He's squinting at you from over his laptop, the said laptop the only light source in the room. Mutt grumbles about his own paper and smartasses who think they're funny. You just shake your head and walk over to his side. 

You had a feeling he'd still be up, so you decided to come over and keep him company. So, you get comfy on his bed with him, Mutt shifting in place to accommodate you with little protest. 

You half think Mutt befriended you just to spite Taylor, as she seems to hate you now for some reason. Even though she's the one who offered to let you stay here in the first place. Mutt doesn't like Taylor, never really did. He doesn't understand what the others find so attractive about her, which he lamented one night to you. He, frankly, finds it weird how everyone else in this house fawns over her. You, however, find it disturbing, and their relationships.... abusive. 

You're glad Mutt didn't fall for her. He's such a good guy and you'd hate to see what would've happened to him when this whole thing falls apart. …. You're still worried about what's going to happen to the others, even if they treat you the way they do. 

"It's just four in the morning," you yawn, stretching an arm across his ribcage. "I get up around this time for work sometimes anyway." 

"shuttup," Mutt grumbles intelligently. You chuckle. "you should be trying to get more sleep. two hours of sleep ain't healthy." 

"You should follow your own advice sometimes, Mutt," you shoot back. Mutt grumbles under his breath, glaring half-heartedly at you.

You chuckle at his reaction and ask him what he's even working on right now, a glance at his laptop looking like a sketch for some type of machine or something. You always half feel bad for him with the amount of projects he has due, then remember he did it all to himself and don't feel as bad for him. With his major in mechanical engineering, minors in other engineering, and then doing artsy stuff on the side for a bit of money, which isn't really as much of a need as it is just for something to do. 

Even still, you're not sure if he really needs to even go to school for mechanical engineering. He already seems to know all that stuff even without the classes. But maybe he's just going to get a degree. Who knows? 

You can't really say much about how much he works. With your schooling and work at the coffee shop, then volunteering at the library and old folk's home. And also doing various things around the house, that Taylor ultimately takes credit for. Yeah, you have a pretty full schedule too. 

Eventually you're able to tear Mutt away from his work to get at least a little bit of sleep. 

______

You gather your school things and shove them into your backpack, quickly heading downstairs to meet with Mutt. You ignore several glares and the other noise of the various skeletons and the other human girl going about their mornings as you hop down the last two steps, heading straight for the kitchen. 

You plop down into the island chair next to Mutt, stealing one of his pieces of toast. Which is one that he makes for you anyway. He gives you a half-hearted glare that you stick your tongue out at. 

After a few short minutes, Taylor heads down the stairs. You both can hear Taylor announcing her arrival by "singing" off-key to some pop song. For some reason, all the boys love her voice and claim she has the "voice of an angel". You don't think she has that good of a voice. 

If she actually got some singing lessons, she probably wouldn't be so bad. 

"ah shit. better hurry before she spots us," Mutt whispers. 

"Spots you, you mean?" You ask, a bit of a smirk pulling your lips. Mutt glares at you. 

Papyrus, Blue, Edge, and Black all jump to attention, spinning to watch for Taylor making her grand appearance in the kitchen.

You watch as Taylor makes her way inside the room, smiling at the skeletons around her. She heads towards Papyrus first. 

"HELLO GORGEOUS! ARE YOU EXCITED FOR OUR DATE TONIGHT?" He picks her up and gives her a twirl, seeming very excited for this date himself.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Papy. I'm going to be so busy tonight," Taylor pouts. It's a fake pout and you know it. "We'll have to reschedule it for later next week, yeah?" 

Yeah right. This is what? The sixth time she canceled a date with him. It's obvious she just.... doesn't care. She doesn't want to go out with Papyrus.

"OH...." Papyrus visibly droops, setting her onto the ground once more. But he smiles again, this smile not meeting his eyes. "OF COURSE! I'LL JUST HAVE TO MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL!" 

Taylor hums with a bright smile, moving onto Blue. Blue who's smiling wide with hopeful excitement. 

"GOOD MORNING, PRINCESS! HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT GOING TO MY WORK PARTY YET?" The poor skeleton's excitement is tangible, it's too bad she has no interest in going. Maybe she'd care a bit more if she knew it was between his coworkers at the bar? 

"Oh Blue, you really should have asked sooner! And I'm sorry, but now I'm just too busy! With work and school and everything. You understand, don't you?" Taylor asks. Blue visibly droops as well. You glance over at Stretch. He's always so damn protective of his brother, why is it so different with her? 

"YEAH, OKAY. I UNDERSTAND," Blue nods. "MAYBE ANOTHER TIME THEN!" 

She's never going to do anything with Blue, sorry to say. 

"Great! I knew you would," Taylor smiles, placing a peck onto his cheek bone. 

Taylor then skips over to Edge, who greets her with a sharp toothed smirk. 

"GOOD MORNING, MY DEAR." 

"Hey Edge," Taylor hums. He leans down so she can wrap her arms around his neck and he can nuzzle her cheek, the equivalent of a kiss for a skeleton. "I heard they opened a new shop in the next town over. I wanted to go check it out, could you take me? We could make a day out of it. You always have the best taste and find the perfect fits." 

"OF COURSE," Edge agrees quickly. You shake your head with a sigh. Taylor cheers in excitement.

Black then catches her around the waist, nearly dipping her as he does so. Taylor laughs and leans in to press a kiss to his cheekbone. Mutt growls at this, eyeing the way the two are interacting. You lean into Mutt, calming his irritation a bit. 

"HELLO DEAREST, I HAVE A PRESENT FOR YOU LATER TONIGHT." 

"You can't give it to me now?" Taylor pouts. 

"I'M AFRAID NOT." Black shakes his head, shark toothed mouth grinning. 

"Alright. But it better be good." 

"IT WILL BE! AND I HAVE MADE YOU YOUR FAVORITE BREAKFAST." 

"Yummy!"

"you almost done yet?" Mutt whispers to you. 

You nod, trying to quickly clean up after yourself so you and Mutt can get out of here. 

Stretch moseys over from in the living room, giving the girl a big smile as Black straightens out his uniform and heads for the door to leave for work. 

"hey sweetie. i was wonderin' if you'd want to make some plans later this weekend? That restaurant that has the arcade is having a really good deal. It sounds fun." 

Taylor pulls a grimace, but quickly covers it with a fake smile. You don't miss it, Mutt doesn't miss it, and you know Stretch doesn't either. 

"Oh yeah. I don't think so. Maybe we could go somewhere nicer than some greasy restaurant," Taylor chirps. 

"uh, sure," Stretch awkwardly smiles. Taylor hums happily at that.

You tug on Mutt's jacket, nodding towards the front door. 

"Come on, we should hurry." Mutt agrees and you both try to hurry out the door. 

"Mutt!" Taylor calls hums, practically trying to tackle him in a hug. He's quick to detach her from himself. "I was wondering if you'd maybe give me a ride to school today?" 

"sorry," Mutt replies, giving her a bored look. "seat's already taken." 

Yeah. The seat of the bike that used to be Black's. But Taylor decided she didn't like riding the bike and made Black get a car instead. And he did it, despite that bike being his baby. Mutt made sure to grab it before Black completely tossed it out though. He takes good care of it. 

....She did the same damn thing to Blue too. But no one saved his bike for him. 

"By who?" Taylor pouts. Mutt gestures to you, who is right in front of him. You don't miss the glare she gives you, but you could really care less about it. 

But you also don't miss the glare Black gives you either. 

"we're going to be late, better get going," Mutt says, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and leading you out the front door. 

You just shake your head, willingly being led out of the house and over to the motorcycle waiting in the garage. 

"you think seven of us would be enough for her." He asks as he tosses you his spare helmet. 

"I'm telling you, Mutt, no matter what they do, no matter how much attention or money they give her, they will never be enough to her," you sigh, fitting the helmet to your head. Mutt sighs and you climb onto the back of the bike, wrapping your arms around his ribs. Mutt then takes off down the gravel road, heading to the school.

Chapter Text

You pause from your trek to the cafeteria, spotting Taylor walking up to another student. She drops a textbook down onto the table, then waves a couple dollar bills in the air. The kid takes the money and the textbook is left as Taylor walks away. Right into the arms of another guy. 

"Hey babe. You're going to be at the party tonight, right?" 

"Of course," Taylor laughs. 

So that's what she canceled on Papyrus for. Because of course it is. 

You're not sure what exactly her relationships with the skeletons are, but you do know that she hides these outside relationships with other humans. So you think she's maybe not supposed to be having them. 

But she's also hiding the fact she's going out and partying pretty often. Getting drunk frequently, paying others to do her homework, among other things. You're pretty sure she doesn't have a job, so where she's getting all her money from is.... well she's probably getting it from the skeletons. 

You also not sure how the teachers here aren't aware she's not doing her homework herself. Stars you hope she doesn't get her degree. You're not even sure what she's here for, but whatever it is, you hope it doesn't have anything to do with other people's lives. 

You shake your head, walking into the cafeteria as Taylor kisses the guy at the table. 

____

"TAYLOR, DON'T YOU THINK WE COULD SPEND A BIT MORE TIME TOGETHER?" Papyrus wrings his hands nervously as he looks from her to the ground. 

"Papyrus, I've already told you, I've got so much work to do. You said you understood." Taylor looks and sounds annoyed, hands on her hips and lips in a tight frown. 

"....OH.....OF COURSE. THE GREAT PAPYRUS OF COURSE UNDERSTANDS BEING VERY BUSY," Papyrus nods, looking dejected once again despite the false levity he puts into his voice. 

"Thanks Papyrus." Taylor is back to her cheery appearance. "But you should really stop referring to yourself like that you know. People find it very annoying." 

You sigh, shaking your head as Taylor skips away. You look over at Papyrus' sad face. 

Papyrus notices you, standing in the bathroom doorway. If he notices the sad, worried look on your face, he doesn't acknowledge it, quickly turning and heading off somewhere else in the house. 

You sigh again, heading for your room quietly. 

____

"hey sweetie, check this out. they just released a new comic," Stretch smiles, turning the phone towards Taylor so she can see it. 

Taylor doesn't seem impressed in the slightest, rolling her eyes and sighing. 

"That's not really my thing and you know that," she dismisses. She then moves around him, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "And do you really need another comic book? They're a complete, childish waste of money, you know." 

You shake your head, glaring at the girl as she passes. She nearly slams the door to her room shut. 

"Do you really need 30 expensive dresses and all that expensive jewelry?" You grumble, crossing your arms. "Don't be such a hypocrite. And stop dismissing his interests." 

You look back at Stretch, who's glancing at his phone with a deep frown. Your frown deepens and you glance away from him for a second before looking back.

"Hey," you call hesitantly. "What new comic came out?" 

Stretch jumps, then his eye lights land on you. He stares for a few seconds, then simply glares and walks away. 

"How did I know that was gonna happen," you sigh, tilting your head back onto the wall. 

_____

You pause just as you're about to walk into the living room, Mutt bumping right into your back. 

"uh, darlin'?" 

"Shh! You hear that?" You ask. Mutt pauses to listen, then grimaces. 

"sounds like she's throwing another fit." 

"You obviously don't love me!" Taylor cries. It sounds so fake. "You're choosing some stupid job over me!" 

"babe, i do. but this is important." It sounds like she's arguing with Sans. He sounds so tired. 

"More important than me?!" 

"of course not, but i-" 

"If it's not more important than me, then why are you putting it first?!" 

"come on," Mutt sighs, nodding his head off towards the kitchen. You sigh as well, following Mutt into the kitchen to grab some snacks. Looks like you're not spending any time in the living room tonight. 

You wish there was something you could do. 

_____

"Hey, I've gotta go to the bathroom," you grunt, trying to pull yourself up from Mutt's bed. Mutt groans, pouting as you leave the comfy position. "Human body functions. Can't ignore them." 

Mutt grumbles and shifts a bit, returning his eyes to the screen in front of you both. You stretch as you stand up, then head towards the door and then the bathroom. 

You pause on the way back, freezing in step. 

"Come on, Blue! Don't be so needy!" Taylor whines. You see her and the said skeleton down the hall. Blue standing in Taylor's doorway. She has her arms crossed, an irritated look on her face. "Everyone thinks it. Everybody thinks you're needy, you know." 

"WHA- I DON'T... I'M NOT..." 

"You know I'm busy with school! I've got so much homework to do," Taylor says. You roll your eyes with a sigh. You take one last glance at Blue, noting the sad look on his face. 

"... I'M SORRY, TAYLOR," he sighs, skull bowed a bit. 

You don't stick around to hear the last bit of that conversation. 

_____

"UH.. WHAT ARE YOU-?" 

You yelp, banging your head on the inside of the oven. You groan, pulling your head out of it and rubbing the spot you hit. 

"Owww…. Little more of a warning next time please, Papyrus," you whine, looking up at the tall skeleton. 

"OH.... ER.... I'M SORRY," he says, very awkwardly. He eyes the spray beside you and the rag in the hand that's not currently rubbing your head. "BUT, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" 

"I'm... cleaning the oven?" You answer, waving the rag a bit. 

"YES, I SEE THAT!" Papyrus responds. "BUT... TAYLOR SAID SHE WAS GOING TO." 

"Guess I beat her to it," you shrug. "The oven was getting pretty messy and I'm gonna need it for a bit here. So I thought I'd clean it up a bit first." 

"OH... I SEE," Papyrus replies. He shifts awkwardly in place. 

"Did you need something? I can move if you need," you say, already starting to stand. 

"NO! IT'S FINE," Papyrus replies, spinning on his heels. 

"Hey, Papyrus," you call, making him freeze. You swear you see a bead of sweat beginning to roll down his skull. 

"ERR... YES, HUMAN?" 

"You doing okay?" 

"YES! THE GREAT PAPYRUS IS DOING GREAT AS ALWAYS! GOODBYE!" He quickly runs off after that. You sigh and lean back into the oven to finish what you were doing. 

Taylor was never going to clean this oven.

_____

You glance up from the computer in your lap, spotting Taylor heading over to Papyrus. Who was sitting awkwardly in silence on the couch on the other side of the room from you, watching MTT with Blue who is doing the same. 

"Hey guys!" Taylor chirps. She plops herself down between the two. She gives both of them a tight hug and a kiss to the cheek bone. They're positively beaming. 

"HELLO PRINCESS!" 

"GOOD AFTERNOON, GORGEOUS! HAVE YOU COME TO WATCH MTT WITH US?" 

"Oh, I'd love to! But my favorite show is on. I don't want to miss it," Taylor pouts. "But I really want to spend time with you two too." 

"OH! WE HAVE THE EPISODE RECORDING!" Papyrus responds quickly. 

"WE CAN WATCH YOUR SHOW NOW AND WATCH MTT LATER!" Blue quickly adds. 

"Awesome! Thank you so much!" Taylor smiles. She quickly changes the channel, turning it to some bad reality life show. You're not sure what this one is, but you're pretty sure she probably has this recording on her TV too. 

Every interaction she has with this group really makes you sick. 

You close your laptop and stand from the chair. The three don't even give you a glance as you walk out of the room. You grab a drink from the kitchen before heading upstairs to do your paper in peace. 

_____

You look up from your phone at the loud footsteps stomping their way into the kitchen. Edge sneers down at you from the bridge of his nasal cavity. 

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?" He barks. 

"Waiting for my stuff to cook," you respond, pointing at the oven where the last batch of cookies are baking. 

"TCH. DISGUSTING SUGARY TRIPE!" Edge scowls, eyeing the cookies cooling on the counter behind you. His eye lights then land on the bowl you used to mix the batter and the spoon you used to stir the batter soaking in the sink. "I EXPECT YOU'RE GOING TO WASH THOSE AND NOT MAKE TAYLOR OR ONE OF THE OTHERS CLEAN UP AFTER YOU." 

He glares at you like it's something you always do. But you always clean up after yourself, and sometimes the others honestly. Taylor most definitely. But it's not like he'd believe you anyway. 

"I'm going to Edge. I'm just letting them soak for a little bit," you respond anyway. 

"I'M SURE," he sneers. He then leans against the counter and watches you, glaring the whole time. You have to physically restrain yourself from rolling your eyes at his actions. Most likely "making sure you keep your word" to clean up after yourself. 

You take the last batch out of the oven, scooping the cookies off the hot pan and onto the paper towels separating them from the counter top. You leave the pan on the stove top to cool before you wash it, checking to see how cool the other cookies are. Satisfied with that, you turn to the dishes in the sink. 

"PAPY! ARE YOU BAKING AGAIN-" Blue freezes mid-step into the kitchen, looking between you and Edge multiple times. 

You tilt your head at him, a little bit confused. You don't think you've ever seen Papyrus baking anything.... Oh, hmm. 

You then notice Blue's looking from you, Edge, then the cookies. You nod your head to the cookies. 

"You want one? They're fresh," you offer. 

"UHM," Blue trails off. 

"WHY WOULD WE EAT ANYTHING YOU MAKE," Edge snaps. "WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU'VE PUT IN THEM."  

"Just an offer, Edge," you shrug, going back to scrubbing the batter off the bowl. "But still, I've made sure to make quite a few extra, so you can have one if you want, Blue. I suggest taking one closer to the wall since they've had the most time to cool down." 

"UH," Blue mumbles. "WHAT.... WHAT DID YOU, UHM, MAKE THESE FOR?" 

"I'm volunteering at the library tomorrow. The kids love it when I bring in snacks," you shrug a shoulder, shaking water off your hands before grabbing a rag to dry off the dishes. 

"THE.... THE KIDS?" Blue asks, sounding very confused. 

"Yeah. It's story time," you shrug. "I don't always go in since they try to have different storytellers every week, but I try to bring snacks every time I do. And sometimes I'm not even just telling stories. Sometimes I help with homework or just supervise craft time. It's a whole big activity thing. Fun stuff." 

Blue and Edge just stare at you, you ignoring their confused and critical looks as you put the dishes away. You test the heat of the pan on the stove, finding it's still hot but not burning your skin hot. You move it to the sink, then grab one of the cookies off the counter and offer it to Blue. 

"You want it?" You ask. He glances from you to the cookie a couple of times. "I promise there's just normal cookie ingredients in these." 

Blue takes the cookie, staring at it for a good few minutes before taking a bite. His eye lights turn to stars, looking at the cookie like he can't believe it's real. 

"THESE ARE ACTUALLY.... REALLY GOOD," he mumbles. 

"Thanks," you smile, turning to gather the rest of the cookies into little goodie bags. Then finish cleaning up after yourself.

Chapter Text

"Hey Sans," you call, stepping out into the hallway. The said monster turns, glaring at you. 

"what?" He snaps. You wave an envelope before holding it out to him with a raised eyebrow. He just eyes it. "what is that?" 

"The check for rent," you reply. "I got paid today and I'm giving you this month's rent." 

Sans just snatches the envelope and checks it before grunting and shoving it in his pocket. He then turns and continues on to wherever he's going. You sigh, rubbing your eyes with a groan. 

"Just a few more months," you mutter to yourself. "You can get through this." 

You take a deep breath and continue on with your day as normal. Well, as normal as it can be in a house full of people that hate you for absolutely no reason. 

…. Yeah, actually that is pretty normal.

_____

"You sure you want to come with me?" You ask, looking over at Mutt with a raised eyebrow. You shut the back door of your old suburban where you've dropped your bag into the backseat. He shrugs and nods. "Really? You want to come spend time in a library with a bunch of kids? Then go spend time with a bunch of old humans?" 

"sure," he nods. You narrow your eyes at him playfully. 

"You just don't want to be here with Taylor, do you?" 

"shuttup," Mutt glares. You laugh, shaking your head a bit. 

"Alright, hop in. I'm sure no one will mind," you shrug. Then you mumble a "Probably." to yourself. Mutt is quick to hop into the passenger seat before you could even step into the driver's. You turn up the stereo once the car's on and pull out of the driveway. It's a pretty quiet ride to the library, but not an uncomfortable one. 

"Here we are," you sing. Mutt rolls his eye lights good naturedly, climbing out of the vehicle while you grab the snacks you prepped yesterday. 

"so how long we staying here?" Mutt asks, looking up at the building before you both. 

"The whole morning," you reply. Mutt raises a bone brow at that, turning to look back at you. "Don't give me that look, bone boy. The morning is with the kids here. After that, I go get some lunch and kill a little time relaxing before heading over to the old folk's home." 

"alright," Mutt shrugs, following you into the library. 

"Good morning, Brenda," you greet with a smile. "I brought a tag-along. Hope that's okay." 

"Sure. The more hands the better," Brenda shrugs, just taking a passing glance at the skeleton before looking back at you. "As long as he's good with the kids, should be fine. You bring snacks again?" 

"Yup!" You smile, holding up the bag of goodies. 

"Great. You can set them up on the table, then go figure out your story for today," Brenda nods. You give her a thumbs up and walk over to the table with baskets already set up. 

"You want to read with me today?" You ask, setting the goodie bags into the baskets with a sign that reads "Please Just Take One!" on it. 

"er.. should i?" Mutt asks nervously. 

"Not if you don't want to," you reply. "Hell, the upstairs is the adult section if you don't want to stay here with the kids." 

Mutt glances up at the ceiling, then back down at you. You squeeze his arm a bit. 

"If you get overwhelmed, feel free to go up there and relax, alright?" You assure, smiling at him softly. "I won't take it personally, promise." 

"nyeh heh heh. thanks angel," Mutt nods, smiling right back at you. 

"No problem." You wink at him before looking back down at the baskets. "Oh, and if you want a cookie, better snatch one now before the kids get here."

After all the goodies are set up, you go off and try to figure out what story you're going to read to the kids today. You're able to find one before the kids get there, all filing into the room excitedly. 

They're quick to snatch the goodie bags from the baskets, only needing a few scoldings for trying to take more than one bag. But then they sit down and let you read them a story while happily munching on the sweet treats. 

Mutt decided not to join you in reading the book, not that you really blame him. He doesn't like having a bunch of people staring at him after all. Not that it helped much. Not many people can ignore a tall skeleton monster lurking around the shelves. He comes out after storytime is over, watching as the kids now run over to the craft tables. 

"You looked like a real creeper over there," you tease, leaning back to whisper to the skeleton behind you. 

"shuttup," Mutt hisses, a purple blush covering his cheekbones. You chuckle. You then hear a child call your name. You kneel down to be more level with the kid and ask what's up. 

"Who's that?" The kid points at Mutt. 

"That's my friend. His name is Mutt," you reply. "He's really nice." 

"Really?" The kid asks. You nod with a hum, motioning for Mutt to kneel down with you. 

"uh.. hey kiddo... how're you?" He asks, rubbing his neck nervously. He gets more nervous the longer the kid stares at him. At least, until the kid speaks again. 

"Wow! You've got a gold tooth!" The kid says, pointing at the said tooth. Mutt blinks a few times, very confused. "I've never saw a skeleton monster before. How are you staying together? Do you have to eat like us too? Or do you use the bathroom? Why are you so tall?" 

"u-uhhh… magic?" 

"But how-" 

"Okay kiddo," you chuckle, noticing Mutt's mounting anxiety. "Why don't you go back over to the craft table? It looks like Ginger is going to use all the glitter if you don't hurry." 

The kid's eyes widen before spinning around and running over to the table. 

"Ginger! Save some glitter for me!" 

You chuckle, standing up and Mutt follows you, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"uhhh… kids," he mutters. You laugh at that. 

"Yup. Kids." 

You walk over to monitor craft time after that. Then help kids with their homework if they have any. The hours seem to fly by for you and you keep an eye on Mutt as well. He stayed around for quite a while before slipping off upstairs for a breather. You don't really blame him. 

But soon enough all the kids are gone and you're free to go grab a bite to eat. 

You head outside after checking the upstairs for Mutt, finding him outside smoking one of those dog treats he seems to love. 

"We're free to go grab some lunch. Anywhere specific you wanna go?" You ask, leaning against the wall beside him. Mutt shrugs. 

"not really." 

"Well then lets go to McDick's," you offer, nodding towards your car. Mutt snorts, climbing in after you unlocked the vehicle. It's a short ride to the closest McDonald's. You order your food and find a table quickly enough, settling into the chairs as comfortably as possible. "Soooo, what'd you think of the volunteer library gig? Wanna do it again?" 

"i think it's your thing and going to stay your thing," Mutt snorts. 

"Aw, come on," you chuckle. "You didn't like a bunch of kids hounding you for the intricacies of magic skeleton anatomy?" 

Mutt gives you a blank look, which you just smile at, then shakes his head. 

"no," Mutt laughs. 

"Boo, you're no fun," you laugh, sticking your tongue out. 

"sure, sure." 

"You still up for visiting the old folk's home?" You ask. You glance down at the time on your phone. "I don't know if I'd have enough time to drop you off at home and then drive all the way back, but there might be if we leave now." 

"nah, it's good. the old folks can't be worse than kids, right?" Mutt asks. 

"You'd be surprised," you chuckle. 

"should i be worried?" Mutt asks. 

"Not really," you grin. "It should be fine."

It doesn't seem to calm Mutt any, but you carry on with lunch and soon enough leave to head over to the nursing home. It's not that long of a drive, an hour or so at the longest. And that's mostly the fault of traffic.

"sooo, what do you do as volunteer work at an old folk's home?" Mutt asks, sounding honestly curious. 

"Hmmm. Well, I call it volunteer work but it's not really that," you admit. "Back where I grew up, a friend's older sister worked at the local nursing home. Sometimes she'd bring us along with her. The folks there loved it when she did. We'd play and entertain them with our antics and they'd tell us stories. My friend and I made it a habit to go over and just... sit and talk with the elderly there. Some don't have relatives that visit any more and it gets lonely. It's nice to have someone to visit them." 

"so you just sit and talk with everyone there?" Mutt asks. You nod, pulling into a parking spot. 

"Yup. They've got some good stories to tell, honestly," you smile. "I got permission to come and talk with the residents of this nursing home from the other one. They called this one up and recommended letting me come in to chat with the residents. I love it." 

"heh... really nice of ya angel," Mutt smiles. You miss the soft look on his face as you get out of the car. He follows you up to the door and into the building once you're buzzed in. You greet the nurses before moving into the commons, glancing around at the residents gathered around. 

It's only a few seconds before you hear your name being called. 

"Hey Aggie. How're you doing today?" You ask, walking over to the small woman in a wheelchair. Her graying hair is pulled back into a bun and she has a knitted blanket over her lap. 

"Oh, same as always," Aggie replies, waving the question off. Her eyes land on Mutt from behind thick glasses. "Who's the skeleton tailing you though?" 

"This is Mutt, he's a friend of mine. Mutt, this is Aggie," you introduce. 

"Ahh, this is one of the monsters you live with then?" Aggie asks. She holds out a shaky hand to Mutt, which he takes after a second. "I've heard a lot about you." 

"ah... good things i hope," Mutt mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck with his other hand.

"For the most part," Aggie nods. Mutt releases her hand and she places it back onto the old blanket. "We don't see many monsters around here. How are you enjoying the surface, young man?" 

"ah... i like it," Mutt nods. "it's a lot better than underground. more room and, uh, air." 

"He's a bit nervous," you whisper to Aggie conspiratorially, smirking at Mutt since you know he can hear you. 

"shuttup," Mutt grumbles, glaring at you. Aggie laughs as you straighten, smiling at Mutt in amusement. 

"Ah, no need to be nervous, young man. Just a bunch of old coots around here," Aggie smiles. She calls a few other residents over to meet your "friend" as she puts it. You blush and laugh, replying that you're just friends and that's it. 

Mutt brings over a couple of chairs for you both and the other old folks that have gathered. He sits down next to you, you giving him a smile that he reciprocates.

"He's strong," a older lady by the name of Daisy nods. "That's good." 

"What'd you do for a job, boy?" An older man by the name of Jim asks. 

"oh, uh, i'm, uh, going to college for mechanical engineering," Mutt replies. "w-with a minor in art. and, uh, i do... art commissions on the side... for a bit of money." 

"That's a good job to get into," a resident by the name of George nods. 

"He's pretty good at what he does. Mechanical or artsy. He was able to fix my car for me when it almost broke down the other week," you smile, pulling at his sleeve. Mutt blushes a bit, giving your arm a shove that was barely hard enough to move it. 

"You both remind me of when Harold and I were young," Daisy sighs, resting her head in her hand and her elbow on the table. "Oh we had so much fun back then." 

"Never mind Daisy," another resident named Catherine nods to you both. "She's always been the sentimental type." 

"Oh hush you," Daisy grumbles, glaring at the other woman. You chuckle a bit, smiling lightly. 

"It's no bother. But Mutt and I really are just friends," you reply. 

"Oh you say that now dear," Aggie butts in again. "But you can't fool these old eyes." 

Daisy and Catherine nod at her words. George and Jim humming in agreement after a moment. You and Mutt both blush, glancing at each other, then away. Which just gets the older folks laughing. 

After that you get to talking about the normal things. How college and work are going, how much you've been practicing your hobbies, if things have gotten much better at home. The last part they don't know much about, you only talk vaguely about it. But they know enough to understand that things aren't that great and you don't like Taylor at all. But that's about it. You happily talk about school and work though. 

Mutt turns out to be a surprising hit with the old folks. They loved him and asked you to bring him around more often. Got him talking about his interests and the older men told him stories about their youth and what they used to do. You swear they whispered to him something about dates and how to treat women. Either way it was enough to make him blush. 

But soon enough, it's time to go. 

"Bye you two. Come back soon," Aggie waves along with the other girls. 

"Bye everyone! I'll see you again later," you wave. 

"Hey Mutt," George calls out, making the skeleton blink and turn back to him. "Take care of that girl there. She's a good one." 

"heh heh heh. yeah," you miss the soft look again, hiding your blush with a groan. He then promises the man, "i will." 

You're both able to get back to the car then. 

"i liked that one," Mutt admits, picking at his sleeves. "it didn't go as bad as i thought it would." 

"Yeah, the folks there are pretty chill," you nod. "But... it went better than I thought it would too. And I'm glad it did." 

"nyeh heh heh. me too."

Chapter Text

You walk back into the lodge after grabbing all your things, Mutt having gone in ahead of you at your insistence. You've barely taken a few steps in through the door when you're suddenly accosted by an angry skeleton. 

"HUMAN!" 

You tense, but quickly try to relax again. If you look even a little hostile, he has the tendency to get more aggressive.

"Hey Edge, maybe don't grab people like that," you say, for nearly the thousandth time now, trying to keep your voice level and calm. Despite his grip on your arm.

Don't panic. Do not panic.

"SHUT UP! I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW I KNOW WHAT YOU DID AND YOU'LL BE PAYING FOR THE DAMAGES!" Edge yells, pulling you back into facing him. He looks incredibly angry, red eye lights nearly blazing in his eye sockets.  

"Edge, let me go." You try to pull your arm out of his grip, though it just gets tighter with the motion. It's getting a bit harder to keep your cool. "And what do you think I did this time? What damages?" 

You really hate it when they grab your arm like this. 

"MY CAR!" Edge screams. "YOU BACKED INTO MY CAR!" 

"What? I haven't been here all day, Edge! You weren't even home when I left. When could I have backed into your car?" You argue, flexing your fingers and trying to keep your mind focused. "I don't even park anywhere near any of your cars because I don't want to even scratch them." 

"LIES! TAYLOR SAID SHE SAW YOU DO IT!" 

"Of course she did," you sigh. Mutt quickly enters the room now, having heard the yelling. 

"what's going on?" 

Edge finally lets go of your arm. You already know there's going to be another bruise, since these skeletons don't seem to keep their goddamn strength in check around you. 

Mutt gently takes your hand and pulls you back towards him, crowding you behind him to act as a barrier between you and the other skeleton. You silently squeeze his hand in thanks.

"THIS WENCH BACKED INTO MY CAR AND WON'T ADMIT IT," Edge growls, leaning forward as if to intimidate Mutt. Even if they’re the same height. 

"she's been gone all day. i've been with her the entire time she's been gone. she doesn't even park anywhere near your car," Mutt tells him. 

"I've already told him that," you sigh, looking up at Mutt. You then grumble your next words, taking a look at your arm. "But since when has my word meant anything?" 

"TCH. OF COURSE YOU WOULD SAY THAT," Edge glares, crossing his arms. 

"what?" Mutt asks, his eye sockets narrowing. 

"OF COURSE YOU'D TAKE HER SIDE. SHE'S TRICKED YOU INTO BELIEVING HER LIES!" Edge snaps. You notice the others beginning to take note of the situation. Red glares at you heatedly, likely because he believes you damaged his brother's precious car as well. No surprise there.

"she hasn't tricked me into doing anything, edge," Mutt growls, now looking just as irritated. The air is beginning to feel electrically charged, the kind that's only felt when magic's present. 

"what's going on here?" Sans asks, taking the few steps forward. 

"edge's accusing her of backing into his car. but she's been out with me all day long," Mutt replies before Edge can get a word in. "and doesn't even park near his damn car." 

"TAYLOR SAID SHE SAW HER DO IT!" Edge snaps. 

"It's true! I saw her do it then drive off like nothing happened," Taylor butts in, pouting already. Both you and Mutt glare at her. 

"you lying little-" Mutt growls, making you squeeze his hand again. You add a meaningful look to it as well. 

"But Edge! I'm sure she didn't mean to do it! It's not too bad," Taylor then says, fluttering her eyelashes a bit. "You can forgive her, right?" 

Edge stares at her hard for a few seconds, then sighs, glaring at you again. 

"I SUPPOSE I CAN BE SO MERCIFUL. IF YOU APOLOGIZE," Edge decided. You sigh, feeling Mutt tense more in anger. 

"Fine! I apologize for backing into your car. It won't happen again." You give Taylor a glare at that, though don’t hold it for long. You then look up at Mutt, tugging at his hand as you mumble, "Come on, Mutt. It's not worth it." 

Mutt growls, but follows you up the steps. 

You decidedly ignore Taylor's smug look as you pass. 

_____

"hey sans," Mutt speaks up, making the said skeleton pause and turn to look at him. Looks like the smaller skeleton was heading towards the basement. Perfect. 

Despite telling you he'd drop it, he never promised he would. 

"what's up?" Sans asks, looking over the other skeleton curiously. And cautiously. 

"you still have the outside camera footage?" Mutt asks. Sans thinks for a few seconds. 

"should still be there," Sans replies. Though his eye sockets narrow. "why?" 

This makes Edge pause from his walk towards the kitchen as well, looking over at the two other skeletons. More in nosiness than anything else. Though Mutt clearly sees him, which he takes to be doubly perfect. 

"i want to check something," Mutt replies, heading straight for the basement door. Sans follows behind him, looking even more suspicious. "edge, why don't you come too." 

"does this have something to do with earlier?" Sans asks. 

"of course. what else would it be?" Mutt snorts, dropping down into the chair in front of the computer system. He finds the camera he needs, rewinding it to the beginning of the day. 

"I DON'T SEE THE POINT," Edge huffs, crossing his arms. "TAYLOR SAW HER DO IT. SHE'S OBVIOUSLY GUILTY." 

"just watch," Mutt grumbles. Edge rolls his eye lights, but watches the screen anyway.

They see Edge leave the house and then the driveway, then a few minutes later you and Mutt leave as well. Mutt then fast-forwards it to when Edge got home before skipping forward a bit more. They see Taylor leave the house, some human man following behind her. They get into Taylor's car and back out, the three skeletons able to see the moment Taylor backs into Edge's car before speeding off. A few hours later, Taylor returns and a few hours after that, you and Mutt. 

"see, it was Taylor, not angel," Mutt grumbles, leaning back in the chair. Edge is shocked into silence, brow bones raising high at this bit of information. 

"huh," Sans mumbles, blinking a few times. He then shakes his skull. "so she's innocent this one time." 

"more than just this time, sans," Mutt glares, turning to the shorter skeleton. "you really don't know anything about her. you should stop pretending you do." 

He then stands up and heads for the staircase, pausing before he can start climbing them. 

"though, i suppose you don't really know anything about either of the humans living here." He then leaves the basement entirely. 

_____

You sigh, rubbing your eyes with a yawn as you kick the door closed. 

That was one long shift and an even longer drive back to the house that nearly had you falling asleep. Why do they have to live so far out of the city? It's nearly an hour, give or take, drive from the city to here, about the same or longer for the other towns that are close. 

You really want to just pass out on your bed as soon as you can. Too bad too, you wanted to work on that gift, you still have a lot of stitching that needs to be finished. It doesn't look like that'll be getting done anytime soon. Damn school, work, and house work. 

"HUMAN!" 

Oh goodie. Here we go again. 

You turn and look at Black, who's marching up to you with a purpose. 

"What can I do for you, Black?" 

"WHAT YOU CAN DO IS LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE!" Black snaps. He stands right in your space, making you tilt your head back to look at him. 

"We've had this conversation about a million times, Black," you sigh, exhaustion making itself abundantly clear in your tone. Which seems to irritate Black even more. "I'm not making Mutt hang out with me. I'm not making him give me rides to school. I'm not making him do anything. Mutt is a grown adult who makes his own decisions. But hey, since when does what I say make any fucking difference." 

"WHY YOU-" Black is just about fuming. 

"Talk to Mutt, Black," you groan. "I'm not going to stop him from hanging out with me if it's what he wants to do." 

"NOW YOU LISTEN HERE!" 

"I'm tired and I'm going to bed." 

"DON'T JUST WALK AWAY FROM ME-!" 

"eh, black, i told you to leave her alone," Mutt glares, quickly coming to your rescue. He wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you farther away from his older brother. 

"AND I'VE TOLD YOU, YOU SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THIS HUMAN," Black spits the word with such venom you'd think it's a swear word. "AND YOU CONTINUE TO IGNORE ME!" 

"there's a reason for that," Mutt replies, his voice steely. Black bristles in anger, his face nearly turning purple. Mutt looks at you. "come on." 

He leads you away from Black, who turns and slams the door as he leaves. You sigh, looking up at Mutt. 

"I'm sorry," you frown, brows drawing together in sadness. Mutt looks at you in surprise. 

"what're you sorry for?" 

"You and Black have been fighting a lot more since we've become friends," you reply, raising an eyebrow. 

"that's not your fault," Mutt sighs, glancing back at the door. 

"I'm still sorry," you sigh. "You two used to be so close." 

"yeah," Mutt groans, squeezing you tighter to his side.

_____

You jump when someone gently places a hand on your back, snapping your head up and around to see who touched you. 

"Whoa, uh, sorry!" A bunny-like monster chirps, hands raised in surrender. "You, uh, you just looked, uh!" 

"It's alright, it's fine! You just startled me is all," you quickly assure. You rub your eyes, glancing from the bunny to the area surrounding you. 

Right. It's a nice day out so you decided to go sit at one of the outside tables by the college's cafeteria. Then every pent up frustration and bad emotion you've been bottling up decided to attack you at once in your only moment of peace. It's always wonderful when they do that. 

You take a breath and return your eyes to the bunny monster standing in front of you. 

"Was there something you needed?" You ask, turning to face her a bit more. 

"Oh no! You... you just looked kind of.... I just wanted to make sure you were okay!" She replies, paws finding their way back around the books in her arms. 

"I'm fine... It's just... just been a long few months," you sigh, looking back over at your homework you were working on. 

"School stress?" The bunny asks. 

"No. Home stress," you reply. 

"Oh... uhm… Would you mind if I sat down with you?" She then asks, gesturing towards one of the empty seats. 

"Nah. Go ahead," you reply, moving your stuff out of the way so she has some room. 

"Thanks! I'm Lydia. I'm going to school for a nursing major. How about you?" 

You tell her your name and major, shaking her offered hand. She gets you chatting about your papers and the work you're doing and you ask her in turn about her school work. It's a very pleasant conversation. 

"Oh, are you from around here?" Lydia asks, tapping a pen against her pink, glittery notebook. 

"No. I'm from a town a few hours away," you reply, pointing in the direction the town is. 

"Oh! So are you going to go back once school is over?" Lydia asks curiously, leaning more onto the table. 

"I don't know yet," you reply, twirling a pencil between your fingers. You lean your head in your hand, looking towards the sky. "I actually quite like the city, so I may just move up here. I'd have to find my own apartment though. I really can't stay where I'm at." 

"Oh, is it the dorms? I don't think I've ever seen you there," Lydia comments, her nose twitching in thought. 

"No. I'm renting a room at... well, I can't really call them friends," you sigh, face scrunching up in a wince. "It's not that bad, I suppose. But I really can't stay there after school's finished. Not... not a good environment." 

"It's... you're safe, aren't you?" Lydia asks, her nose twitching in worry. You absently note it’s a cute sight to yourself. You nod. 

"Oh, yeah. I'm not getting, like, beat up or anything if that's what you're thinking," you wave off, a bit of a chuckle in your voice. The only physical thing to happen is an occasional bruise when Black or Edge grab you. And those always look a lot worse than they actually are. 

"Okay, good," Lydia nods, relaxing a little bit. She then moves back to the previous point. "So you're thinking of moving here? Won't you miss your family?"

"Hmmm. I suppose I would miss them. But I talk to them on the phone often. I'm planning to go down for the break right now. I know I got the vacation days at work to do it," you hum, pressing the eraser of your pencil into your cheek. "I can always go down and visit them and I don't doubt that Syna's going to come visit often if I do." 

"Oh, is Syna your sister's name?" Lydia asks. 

"We might as well be sisters," you laugh, sitting up straight again with a big smile. "But no, not really. We're just best friends. My biological family is... Well, I don't talk to them anymore. But Syna and her family more than make up for it. They're my family now." 

"Aww! That's really sweet," Lydia smiles, clapping her paws together. "I have a really big family myself. I don't know if I could ever move very far away." 

"That's nice," you smile. 

"Yeah. I worked in the shop one of my family members set up for a while. Another runs an inn. They did the same things back Underground. Oh! Have you ever tried a Cinnamon Bun yet?" Lydia asks, looking genuinely curious. 

"Hmmm. I don't think so," you reply. You’re not sure you’ve actually ever heard of the treat. 

"You'll have to. We make and sell them," Lydia smiles. "They're really good if I do say so myself!" 

"Definitely then," you chuckle, leaning your head in your hand again. "I work at the coffee shop a few blocks down from here. You'll have to visit some time. I can make a mean cup of coffee." 

"We'll have to do a trade. A cinnamon bunny for a cup of coffee," Lydia laughs. You laugh along with her, nodding in agreement. 

"Definitely," you agree. This bunny monster is really nice. 

"Oh! Uh, I'm going to be late!" Lydia exclaims after checking the time on her phone. She looks back at you as she stands up from the bench. She looks a bit nervous, maybe a bit hopeful. It’s.. a familiar look. "I'll.... I'll talk to you later?" 

"Yeah. Talk to you later, Lydia," you wave. She gives you the biggest smile, waves back, and then runs off. You chuckle a bit, looking down at your paper. 

There's still little bits of kindness.

Even on some of the worst days.

Chapter Text

"Do we have to go home?" You groan, face burying into Mutt's back. 

".... bad day?" He asks, sighing. You just nod silently. "nah. we don't have to head home yet. how's some ice cream sound?" 

"That sounds wonderful," you agree. Mutt kicks off, maneuvering his bike onto the road towards ice cream. 

Once you've got your frozen treats and are sitting down at a table, Mutt looks over you with a critical eye light. You sigh, stabbing the ice cream with your plastic spoon. 

You know what he wants. 

"It's just the usual. All the stress just piled up again," you tell him, shrugging a shoulder. You shovel another bite of your ice cream into your mouth. 

"you shouldn't have to deal with all that bullshit," Mutt sighs, leaning back in his chair. He glares out the window, frustrated on your behalf. 

"Nope. But I still do anyway," you groan, leaning your head on your hand again. "I'm thinking about going down and visiting friends back home for break. Spend a week away from everything and just spend a bit of time relaxing." 

Mutt looks back at you, then nods slowly. 

".... yeah. yeah, that sounds like a good idea," he agrees. Though he then tilts his head, giving you a worried look. "you gonna be okay down there though?" 

You snort. "If you think Syna or her two older sisters or her older brother let them anywhere near me. Boy do I have news for you, buddy." 

"just making sure," Mutt chuckles. "and hey, you ever need someone beaten up, call." 

"Mutt," you laugh. "You hate getting into fights." 

"eh. i'd do it for you," Mutt smirks, leaning back. You just continue to laugh, shaking your head at the monster in front of you. 

Mutt's smirk softens into a smile, happy to see your mood brightening even a little. 

He's sad to note it probably won't last much longer though. Not when they finally do go home. 

_____

"why don't you spend the night with me?" Mutt asks as you both walk up the stairs to your rooms. "we could play video games and watch movies. all sorts of fun things." 

"Tempting. But I do have homework," you reply, giving him a wry smile. "And I know you have some too."

"fine. then we can do our homework together," Mutt shrugs. You chuckle humorlessly.

"Wow, so flexible.... But... you know no one but Taylor ever barges into my room, right?" You ask him. "Black only does that when you're in there too."

"come on," Mutt drawls, wrapping an arm around you to steer you towards his room. "we both know you could use a bit more company." 

"... Alright," you sigh, leaning more into Mutt. You then point at him with a meaningful look. "But we're doing our homework first. Then we can do... whatever else." 

"sure, sure," Mutt chuckles, opening the door to his room. You both drop your book bags onto the bed and dig out the things you need before getting comfy. 

It's a while before you're groaning, dropping your head back against Mutt's shoulder. He looks down at you with a raised brow bone, slight amusement coloring his gaze. 

"... what? homework getting to you?" He asks. 

"No. I have to go to the bathroom... but I'm comfy and don't want to get up," you whine. That just gets Mutt laughing at your expense, poking your side. 

"you can get comfy again," he points out. You just groan, resigning yourself to your fate and the demands of the human body, crawling off the bed. 

You take a step out of the second floor bathroom, only to jump at someone yelling your name. .... Unfortunately, it's Taylor. And it looks like she's holding some of the skeletons' clothes for some reason. 

You don't get much more of a look before they're thrown in your face. 

"Fix those then give them back to me," Taylor demands, giving you a nasty glower. "Oh, and while you're at it, stop hanging around Mutt. You're here to get your stupid degree and leave. You don't get to have a relationship with him. He's mine. Just like the rest of these skeletons." 

You suppress the urge to both cringe and roll your eyes, not saying a thing and just staring at her blankly while holding the various clothing articles. She rolls her eyes, stabbing a finger at your chest. 

"Just get it done and give them back to me." She then stomps back to her room, nearly slamming the door shut. 

You sigh, shifting the clothes you managed to catch and picking up the ones that fell. Once you've straightened, you turn back to Mutt's door and head in. 

.... But you swear you saw a flash of orange in your peripheral vision.... Must have been your imagination. 

"... what are you doin' with those?" Mutt asks, looking at the clothes that you dumped onto his bed before dropping onto it yourself. 

"Taylor threw them in my face and demanded that I fix them. What else?" You shrug, making yourself comfy against his side again. 

"what's her damn problem?" Mutt growls.

"Heh. There's too many to count," you reply, holding up the clothes to see what the problem even is. "Jeeze. What the hell did they even do to their damn clothes?" 

There's quite a few holes in the tank tops and pants. A few holes are too big to just sew up seamlessly. You're going to need a patch for those. There's a few stains on them too, just looking like grass stains or something to that point. You think you have a stain remover that'll fix that up. Nothing too serious, but they will take some time. 

"probably their training routines," Mutt replies, shrugging the shoulder you're not leaning against. 

"What are they training against? Bears?" You ask incredulously. 

"they get pretty intense with it." Is Mutt's casual reply. 

You don't think you want to experience their training if this is the kind of damage it does. 

You look back at the clothing and sigh. 

"Uggghhh. It's going to take a while to fix these," you whine, dropping the clothing and your arms onto your lap. "I think I've got some matching scraps I can patch those holes up with though." 

"... you don't have to fix it you know. you've got your own sewing project that you never get time to work on anymore," Mutt replies, tightening his arm around you. "you could just make Taylor do it herself for once." 

"Ha! I've saw the results of the shirt Taylor tried to mend. It looked worse than it did before she even touched it." You shake your head. "No, it's better if I just do it. If she tried and messed it up, she'd just blame it on me anyway. And, anyway, it'd be an affront to clothes makers everywhere. Those poor fabrics don't deserve to be put through that!" 

That makes Mutt snort.

You still set the clothes aside for now, picking up your pencil. 

"But she is going to wait until I'm done with this damn paper. I'm almost finished anyway," you mutter. You point at the clothes with the end of your pencil. "And those are going to take at least a day or two to fully fix." 

_____

You step out of the bathroom, bumping into Red as you do. 

"Oops. Sorry Red," you apologize, taking a step to the side. He just grunts, giving you a glare. You just sigh and take a step in the direction of your room, where Mutt's currently waiting with the other skeletons' workout clothes. 

"hey," Red barks. You quietly groan and turn to face him, already tired from what you don't have any doubt is going to be an unpleasant conversation. 

"Yeah? You need something?" 

You have to admit, Red looks rather intimidating with his bulky jacket and scowl. When he feels the need to get into your personal space and glare down at you. Those red eye lights and sharp teeth can be unnerving when he wants them to be. Or when he bothers to acknowledge your existance. 

"i know that 'apology' to my bro was bullshit," Red growls. "yer just lucky there wasn't any real damage." 

His glare is much harsher than just a few seconds ago. And you... you just stand there, watching him blankly. 

Red rolls his eye lights at your lack of reaction. His mouth then pulls into a snarl. 

"stay away from my bro's shit," he spits. 

"I already do Red," you sigh. "And that apology was 'bullshit' because I didn't hit his car." 

"if you didn't hit it why would you apologize," Red snarls. 

"Because none of you would believe me even if I said the sky was blue and the grass is green. That's why," you snap, turning on your heels and walking back to your room. 

In your huff, you miss Red's expression turning slack as he watches you walk away. 

You shove your door until it shuts, startling Mutt who's spinning around in your cheap little office chair. You drop back into your spot on the floor, glaring out the window. 

"...uh... run in with one of the others?" Mutt asks. You sigh and lean back onto you bed. 

"Yeah. Ran into Red." You stare out the window framed with pretty white curtains you found at Wal-Mart for pretty cheap. You let your head fall back against the mattress. "Just the same shit as always." 

Mutt sighs, standing up and walking over to where you're sitting. He plops himself down onto the bed and motions for you to climb up as well. 

"come on. you've gotten most of those holes sewn up already. time for some sleep," Mutt encourages. You groan as you stand, then fall back onto the mattress with him. "tomorrow's friday." 

"Yay," you yawn, getting comfortable under the covers. "That just means I have work the next day." 

"nyeh heh heh, ah just go to bed," Mutt mumbles, smiling at you. Not that you notice though. 

_____ 

You hum as you lean over Edge's work out sweats on the bathroom counter. The other clothes are in a pile right beside you, along with some of that homemade stain remover that Noah, Syna's sister, taught you how to make. And you're working it into a stubborn stain on the fabric. 

These skeletons always have such nice clothes in really nice fabrics and colors. You're a little jealous, but these guys are very wealthy and have the money to spend on their nice clothes. But they're still pretty rough with their wardrobes and it's always a little sad to see the fabrics beat up so much. 

You grew up with a great appreciation for a clothes maker's work, Noah being a seamstress and all. She'd work through the night to make her siblings, and you, clothes or costumes at times and put a lot of love into it. She even diligently and patiently taught you to sew when you wanted to learn. 

It's one of the reasons why Taylor's shopping sprees irritate you a lot. Besides the way she just carelessly takes advantage of these skeletons' wealth, she doesn't respect the work put into creating these pieces, and even if they weren't created as lovingly as Noah's work they still deserve a bit of respect. She has the guys buy the clothes and throws them away just as fast. 

You do have to admire Edge and Black's taste in fashion and abilities to spot well fitted clothing, even if they are assholes. It's pretty impressive. 

You still like Mutt's wardrobe more though, especially his sweaters and that big fluffy jacket he loves. You can sometimes steal the jacket from him when it gets really cold and his sweaters are big enough and long enough for you to wear as dresses. He always gets the cutest little blush on his face when he sees you've stolen some of his clothes for the day.

While you've already patched the holes up on all of the clothes, the stains have settled in unfortunately. So it's going to take a little bit more work to get them out. Luckily, Noah is a master of all clothing and has taught you her ways. 

You're not sure how long these clothes were sitting like this for, but it was probably too long. 

".... we'd be throwing a lot more clothes away without you here," Mutt comments, watching you from where he's sitting on the toilet seat. You laugh at that, straightening your spine just a bit as you look over at him. 

"I bet. What ever are you going to do when I leave?" You sigh, amused and turning back to your work. 

"don't know," Mutt shrugs. "i just won't be able to go on anymore." 

"You're such a drama queen," you laugh. Mutt snickers. 

"and you still look like an ugly raccoon." 

"And you still have no grounds to talk about my eyebags mister." 

"hey, i'm a skeleton, i don't get eyebags," Mutt replies. You raise an eyebrow a him in disbelief, eyeing what are clearly some kind of skeletal eye bags that half of the skeletons in this house also have. 

"Really?" 

"uh-huh." 

".... I doubt that very much." 

"have i ever lied to you?" 

"Yes." You're really amused, watching Mutt put his hand over his sternum in mock offense. 

Such a goofball. 

"are those my bro's clothes?!" 

You jump, spinning around to see Red standing in the doorway of the second floor's bathroom. He looks angry, red eye lights darting between you, Mutt, and the pair of sweatpants in front of you. 

"..Yeah," you reply, glancing at the clothes you're still working the stains out of. 

"what'd i say about touching his shit?" Red growls, taking a step forward. Mutt stands up now, stepping between you and Red like a barrier. 

"calm down, red. she's just fixin' them up for him," he says, leaning casually against the wall. Red's eye sockets just narrow more. 

"why'd she be fixing them? taylor's supposed to be doin' that." 

"taylor's never fixed any clothes," Mutt says before you can speak up with some lame excuse. "she couldn't mend anything to save her life." 

".... are those baby blue's and creampuff's things?" Red asks, looking at the other clothes on the counter. You nod, looking over at the pile too.

"and my bro's," Mutt shrugs. 

"The holes are stitched up but I'm still working on getting the stains out," you comment hesitantly. 

"what's that stuff you're usin'?" Red asks. 

"Just a stain remover that a friend taught me how to make," you shrug. Mutt nudges you with an elbow. 

"you were almost done right?" 

"Yeah. Just these and a shirt left," you nod. You then tilt your head a bit. "But they still need to go through the wash then be hung outside to dry." 

"you finish up. red won't bother you." Mutt looks at Red with those word and you're unable to see his expression. But you do see Red's expression darken and he leans in the doorway, not moving while you work the rest of the stains out. He also follows you as you walk downstairs to put the clothes in the washer and afterwards when you hang them outside. He then looks over them as you're hanging them. 

A look of angry confusion crosses his face, staring at the clothes like they're an enigma. 

".... if yer fixin' all the clothes, why wouldn't you take credit for your work?" Red then asks. You laugh, looking at him incredulously. 

"What would be the point in even trying?" You then ask. 

"come on, red," Mutt snorts. "would you have really believed her word over taylor's? would any of you believed her?"

Red's silent at that, Mutt wrapping an arm around your shoulders. Red stays outside, watching as Mutt leads you back into the house.

_____

Red lays in his room later that night, staring up at the ceiling. After you and Mutt left, he took a good, long look at the clothes just to make absolutely sure you didn't mess with them. He noticed quickly they were mended the same way they always were. How all of the other's clothes were always mended. The way they thought Taylor always fixed clothes. So perfectly that you wouldn't even notice it was mended unless you were looking. 

No razors, no pins, nothing sewn in that could hurt them in any way. Just.... fixed... Like always. 

….He also didn't miss the sad note of defeat and frustration in your voice or on your face. Then he remembered always noticing the way your posture or mood always seems to drop around them. Or the way you always just seem tired, especially when they're around. Or how you try to avoid them whenever possible and are quick to just take the quickest way out of any conversation.

He knows those tells. He knows them well. The signs of someone who's just tired of fighting. 

He also can't help think about what you and Mutt said. Or the gut feeling that's creeping back, refusing to leave again. The one that just whispers little doubts into his mind. 

It's... probably nothing.... but he's going to pay a little bit more attention to you now... Maybe Taylor too.

Chapter Text

You groan as your alarm goes off in the morning. There's a similar groan behind you, two arms tightening around you unwilling to loose their teddy bear. 

"Mutt, I've gotta get up," you mumble, fishing blindly around for your phone. 

"noooo…. take a day off," Mutt grumbles, pulling you closer to himself. 

"But I've gotta make money to pay for stuff." 

"i'll pay you to stay here and sleep in with me." 

"Muuuuttt." 

Mutt lets out a very long groan and reluctantly releases you. You still take a second before you pull yourself up and out of the warmth of the bed. Mutt turns over and cuddles with one of the many stuffed animals within his reach instead. You snort, but you suppose he can sleep in. 

Unlike you, who needs to shower and get dressed and get some damn coffee so you can be a normal functioning human being. 

You sit at one of the island counters, drinking your coffee and eating a piece of toast after taking care of your shower. You eye the time on your phone as you do, trying to make sure you don't leave late. 

You note that Stretch shuffles in, apparently not noticing you sitting at the bar stool and pours himself a mug from the coffee you just made. Knowing that the more active skeletons wake up not long after you do, and some of them are coffee drinkers, you usually make enough for them too. Sometimes Sans, Red, Stretch, or Mutt will shuffle in when it's still warm enough too, having stayed up all night for whatever reason they had or woken up too early for their liking and found themselves unable to fall asleep again. 

Coffee doesn't really go to waste in this house. 

"where is the-" Stretch grumbles, grinding a fist into one of his eye sockets. 

"Top shelf, next cupboard over," you speak up, knowing exactly what he's looking for. 

Stretch jumps, twisting around to see who exactly talked as you take your last bite of toast. He blinks, like he's not quite registering who was talking before his bewildered look shifts into a glare. You just sigh, folding up the paper towel you used as a barrier between the counter and your toast. 

You take the last drink of your coffee, noting how Stretch finds his honey exactly where you said, where it always is mind you. You throw the paper towel away and wash your mug before grabbing your phone, keys, and wallet. You then head out for work. 

You don't notice Stretch watching you leave, skull tilted.

______

"Good morning, Patty," you greet, walking into the little coffee shop. Your coworker's head pops up from behind a table she was cleaning, sending you a wave. Your other coworker, Andy, pops his head out from the kitchen doorway. 

"Hey! Come get these pastries and set them up," Andy calls. 

"Good morning to you too, Andrew. Hold your horses and let me set my stuff down first," you reply. Andy rolls his eyes and slips back into the kitchen. You set your work bag into its proper place, then head back to the kitchen. "How's the girlfriend, Andy?" 

You glace over the trays of pastries already made, deciding which ones you're going to start with. 

"She's fine," Andy replies. "We had a date yesterday and had a good time. You still having trouble at home?" 

"Always. But it's nothing I can't handle," you reply selecting the tray and heading back out to the front. You stock the pastries where they're suppose to go, then go back and do that ten more times for the other ones. 

Soon enough the coffee shop is opening and the customers wonder in and out. You're in a nice lull close to the end of your shift when you hear the bell ring as you're sorting through the pastries under the counter. 

"I'll be with you in just a second!" 

You then hear your name called in confusion. You finish rearranging the remaining pastries into a slightly more pleasing appearance, then pop up over the counter. 

Only to see Papyrus, Blue, Edge, and Black waiting there. You hold in the need to immediately grimace. 

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Edge asks, eyeing your form. 

"Working. What else?" 

"I'M SURPRISED. YOU ACTUALLY HAVE A JOB?" Black snorts. You hold back the eye roll you desperately wanted to give him. How does he think you get money? 

Actually, you don't want to know. 

"Yes," you reply. Then you clear your throat, putting on your best customer service smile and voice. "What can I get for you?" 

"CAN WE BE SURE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO POISON OUR DRINKS?" Black asks. 

Sometimes, you wish you could. 

"Well, you can stand there and watch me make your drink, Black," you point out. "But besides that, I've never poisoned anyone's drinks or food before. I'm not sure where you got that idea from. Now, what would you like to order?" 

"OH, RIGHT," Papyrus speaks up before either of the other two could. He tells you the drink he'd like, then Blue orders his. Edge and Black order theirs after them. You confirm said orders back to them, then get to making them after they've paid. You hand over Papyrus and Blue's requested pastries with their drinks as well. 

"Enjoy your drinks," you nod as the four skeletons walk over to a table to sit down. They don't say anything to you, not that you expected them to anyway. 

You wipe down the counters, then turn to cleaning the other tables not currently occupied. 

"BUT YOU CAN'T CLEAN AT HOME UNLESS SOMEONE IS WATCHING YOU, I SEE," Black sneers, watching you as you clean the tables. You sigh, ignoring him so you can actually work. He's already paid for his coffee and you get enough of this at home, so. 

Hopefully they wont come back since they know you work here. 

…. Though you do note now that Edge is being strangely quiet..... 

Oh well, best not to look a gift horse in the mouth. 

"I'VE SAW HER CLEANING BEFORE... WITH NO ONE WATCHING," Papyrus hesitantly speaks up. You blink in surprise, glancing over at the tall skeleton. 

You... really didn't expect that.... 

"SOMEONE MUST HAVE MADE HER DO IT THEN," Black snorts. 

You did expect that though. 

You sigh and get back to cleaning the tables, thankful for the moment the four skeletons leave. It couldn't have come quickly enough. 

You and Patty close down the store, Andy having ended his shift long ago, and both head out of the shop. Before you can walk away, however, Patty calls your name. 

"Hey, do you think you could help me with moving a few boxes? I'm bringing a few to donations but there's too many for me to load and unload myself." 

"Sure," you shrug. 

Anything to keep you from going home for a few more hours. 

Patty, it turns out, had quite a few boxes to unload for donations. Quite a few heavy boxes. She must have been a part of some charity drive or something. Or maybe she just had a lot of stuff that she's getting rid of. Either way, it took a considerable amount of time for everything to be unloaded and put where they're supposed to be. It's already dark by the time you and Patty are done. 

"Hey, those skeletons that came in today," Patty brings up, making you look at her. "They made it sound like you live with them." 

"Oh, uh, yeah.... We're roommates," you shrug. 

"Right... You're okay, aren't you?" Patty asks. You raise an eyebrow at her question, but she speaks again before you can even say anything. "It's just that-! I know you don't talk about your home life all that much, beyond the vague statement that it's.... stressful. But Andy and I have both saw.... those bruises on your arms before, despite you hiding them pretty well.... And we're just a bit worried!" 

"Patty," you smile. "I'm alright. I promise. I'm not in any danger or trouble or anything like that." 

Patty stares at you for a few minutes.

"Okay," she sighs. "But you.... you do know you can call those monster guards if.... if you ever need to, right?" 

"I know," you nod. Patty sighs again and you part ways for the day. 

You had to park a ways down the road, to get it out of the way while you and Patty were unloading everything. So you head in that direction to finally go home for the night. 

Halfway to your car you hear something. It sounds like... someone's in trouble. 

You run towards the sound as quietly as you can, spotting two larger men harassing some girl. 

______

That same morning, Red finds himself in front of Taylor's door. He knocks before he can decide this is a bad idea and waits for the door to open. 

He hears a thump behind the door and quite a bit of shuffling. But after a few more seconds, the door opens to show Taylor looking like she just climbed out of bed.

Which is a little surprising, considering she always claimed she got up early in the morning to make a pot of coffee for everyone. But maybe today was a lazy day and the more active brothers made the coffee this morning. Nothing to write home about, he supposes. 

"hey, baby doll," Red greets. His eye lights flicker to her bed, spotting the man poorly hiding under the covers. At least until Taylor shifts to obstruct the view. 

"Hey Red. What do you want?" Taylor asks, plastering on a pleasant smile. 

"uh..." Red trails off for a second. He then shakes his skull and says your name. "i caught her fixin' up my bro's and some of the other's clothes the other day." 

Taylor goes silent for a few seconds, her smile turning into a thin line. She then plasters it back on. 

"Oh, that's because I asked her too! I was busy then," Taylor replies. 

"huh. busy with what? you weren't in yer room when i knocked," Red continues. "like ya said you'd be." 

Now that he thinks back on it, there's a lot of times she said she'd be somewhere and then wasn't. 

"Oh..... A friend asked me to help her babysit!" Taylor replies. 

"i thought you told papyrus you had homework," Red comments. 

"Oh! Uhm, I did.. but I finished it," Taylor chirps, her smile faltering a bit. Red hums, eyeing her a bit closer. He says your name again.

 "she and Mutt said she' the one always fixin' up everyone's clothes too." 

A nasty look crosses Taylor's face. 

"Well, obviously she's lying. And made poor Mutt lie for her too," Taylor quickly says. "I'm not surprised she'd try to take credit for my hard work, she's obviously jealous of all the attention I get. It's really sad she's tricked Mutt into believing her all her lies, right?"

Red eyes her again, then glances over her shoulder at the wall.

"right. kay, thanks Taylor," Red nods, turning and walking away from the door. He walks over to Mutt's door, knocking on it. He waits for a few minutes before knocking again. There's no noise on the other side of the door. 

Red sighs, glancing towards the ceiling. He knows Mutt doesn't have any classes today and he's not downstairs. Black likely wouldn't know where he is. It's no secret that there's been a wedge shoved between Black and Mutt, since Mutt refuses to stop talking to you. Decided to be your guard dog instead, trying to protect you from them. 

Red's eye lights dart to your door. 

Figuring it's not that big of a long shot, he walks over and knocks on your door. There's a bit of shuffling, but then it goes quiet again. So Red knocks again, louder this time. There some more shuffling, then a grumble, then the door opens to reveal a disgruntled Mutt. 

Mutt eyes Red critically, not looking all that pleased to see him in the doorway. Red will admit, it stings a little. He and Mutt were never as close as Mutt and Black, but they had been close enough. 

"what do you want? she's at work right now," Mutt says, that indifferent, stony expression covering his face. 

"you shacking up with her now?" Red snorts. Mutt just glares. 

"no. what do you want, red?" 

"just want to ask a few questions," Red admits, holding his hands up in surrender. 

"what about?" Mutt asks, now eyeing him. Red nods towards your room. 

"her... and taylor." 

Mutt's quiet for a long few minutes. He then steps out of your room, nodding towards his own. Red follows him in.

Chapter Text

"so, what do you want to know?" Mutt asks, leaning back on his bed. A lit up dog treat is between his teeth as he stares down at Red, who's taking up residence in Mutt's office chair.

"... what else do you think taylor takes credit for?" Red asks. Mutt snorts. 

"there's no thinkin' about it, red. taylor takes credit for a lot of things she never does." Mutt blows out purple smoke as he gets more comfy on his bed. "all those times she claims she cleaned the house, the cooking and baking she claims to do, all the laundry, all of that is angel. of course there's also the mending clothes. but we've already told you about that. she also made those gyftmas presents that taylor took credit for, since taylor didn't feel like actually buying anything. don't know why angel made you all something when you're a bunch of asses to her. spent a lot of time making them too.... wonder if she still has the sketches to those..." 

Red thinks back to that really nice red sweater and black jeans he got for gyftmas last year. There wasn't any name tag on it, but Taylor did say she made them, along with the other clothes everyone else got. You weren't even there to dispute her claims. They were really well made and comfy, he honestly really likes those.

But he looks back towards Mutt, focusing on the topic at hand.

"... what else?" 

"taylor blames a lot of shit on angel," Mutt nods, eyeing the monster in front of him critically. "like when she said angel backed into edge's car. checked the outside camera footage, taylor backed into edge's car. you can ask edge or sans, they watched the footage too. blames angel for her dirty dishes and messes as well." 

"and all those humans Taylor claims she's bringing into the house?" 

Mutt nearly bites his dog treat in half. He wasn't aware it was Taylor blaming her for that, though he guesses it should have been obvious.

"angel's too busy for that," he answers, pulling the treat out of his mouth before he can break it. He then holds it loosely between two fingers, his other hand clenching into a fist in his pocket. "she's always workin'. school, her actual job, doing taylor's housework for her, or volunteering at the library or old folk's home. and often times, she's with me even while doing her various jobs." 

Mutt takes a harsh drag on the dog treat to calm himself down. 

"those one night stands are all taylor," Mutt finally growls out. 

"... what about all those plans taylor cancels with us?" Red asks. 

"she cancels to go see some other guys or party. something like that. i don't actually know or care. she pays other people to do her homework for her, so it definitely isn't that," Mutt shrugs, relaxing a bit more again. Red hums, glancing towards the floor. 

"anythin' else?" 

"goes without saying, but taylor lies about angel a lot," Mutt adds. He shrugs a shoulder. "everything she told me about her has been a huge lie. everything she's ever told you and the others about her is most likely a lie too." 

Red's silent for a few more minutes, mulling over that information. He then looks back at Mutt, crossing his arms tighter and leaning back a little more in the chair. 

"if taylor's makin' all this shit up, why wouldn't she try to say anything?" 

Mutt barks out a laugh at that. 

"like she hasn't tried before," he spits out between his laughs. "she did try at the beginning, but now there's no damn reason for her to fight it. everything she does is wrong in your guy's eyes. there's no winning for her." 

Mutt's laughter dies out and he fixes his sharp gaze on Red. 

"we've both said it before," he continues. "you'd never believe angel's word over taylor's." 

Red's silent for a few more minutes, then nods. He stands up from the chair and shoves his hands into his jacket's pockets. 

"thanks, mutt," he nods, then starts heading for the door. They both hear the footsteps walking away from Mutt's door. 

"no problem," Mutt waves. 

Red spots Edge's door closing as he steps out of Mutt's room. Red glances back at Mutt's closed door, then looks over at Taylor's, then yours. 

…. He doesn't know if he's quite ready to believe you or Mutt.... but....

_____

Edge snaps his head up at the sound of the front door opening and closing. It's... very late and everyone should have been home by now. So he's not sure who would be coming in this late. 

But he will welcome this distraction from his wondering thoughts. 

His brows furrow at the sound of whoever it is stumbling around on unsteady feet, even knocking something over as they do so. Edge pauses as he begins to stand up to see who the hell is making such a racket when he hears said person let out a very weak "shit." 

It's you. 

He can hear you continue to stumble all the way to the bathroom, nearly slamming the door open as you walk in. 

Edge stands up, walking out of the kitchen to head over to the said bathroom as he didn't hear you close the door. He notes that you knocked over some decoration Blue and Papyrus insisted on having in the hall as he marches over. 

The mocking remarks and scolding that Edge had already been planning to give you, assuming that you had been out drinking and gotten yourself drunk, die on the tip of his metaphorical tongue at the sight of you. 

He can't see your face, as you're kneeling in front of the toilet with your face in it, puking your guts out it seems. You're still in your work uniform from what he can tell, but it's very ruffled up and there's a few tears and dark stains in the fabric that he knows weren't there before. From what he can see of your arms, they're littered with bleeding cuts and dark bruises. He can see a few more between the tears in your clothes too. 

You pull your head up from the toilet, a weak groan leaving your lips. You shift into sitting, head bobbing and your entire body swaying. 

But with the angle you shift into, he's able to get a look at your face. And it looks awful. 

You already have a nasty black eye formed and he cant tell whether the blood covering your chin is from your nose or your busted lip. There's a nasty looking cut on your forehead too, by your hairline on the right side of your face. 

You look like you've been in a bad fight. 

"YOU LOOK AWFUL," Edge finally comments after he gets over his initial shock. You jump, eyes, or eye, snapping open. It seems to take a few seconds before you can recognize that it is him staring down at you, but once you do, you groan in response. You lean your head onto your arm, which is resting on the toilet seat. 

"Go away, Edge." 

Edge is a little surprised by the resigned defeat and tiredness in your voice. It really sounds like he's the last person you wanted to see right now. 

But he still takes a step forward into the bathroom, closer to you. 

"SEEMS LIKE YOU GOT INTO A FIGHT YOU COULDN'T HANDLE," he comments, eyeing all your injuries once again. "AND YOU GOT YOUR ASS HANDED TO YOU." 

"Fuck off." 

"TCH. NOT EVEN GOING TRY TO ASK FOR HELP?" 

"Not from you." 

"HA! YOU DON'T REALLY LOOK TO BE IN ANY POSITION TO BE PICKY ABOUT WHO YOU RECEIVE HELP FROM." 

"Why would you even care, Edge?!" He blinks in shock at your outburst, glaring at him from your one unswollen eye. It still looks pretty pathetic, but he's surprised none-the-less. You glare at him, even as he can see the sheen on your cheeks. A sheen that isn't from the blood. "Why are you even here? Just to make fun of me?! Go away! I cannot deal with you or your mocking right now." 

Edge just gaps, arms uncrossing as he stares down at you. You glare back up at him, still wavering in place. Though you eventually put your head down again, as though you couldn't keep it up any longer. 

"If you want to help so damn bad, go get Mutt," you mutter. Your voice isn't that strong anymore. "But don't you fucking dare touch me." 

Edge shifts in place, staring down at you for a few more seconds. He then turns and walks out of the bathroom, heading straight for the stairs. 

Mutt opens his door, looking very annoyed at Edge for pounding rather loudly on the wooden portal. 

"what?" He snaps. 

"YOUR HUMAN IS INJURED," Edge replies. 

"my huma-?" Mutt cuts off, his eye sockets widening. He says your name urgently and Edge nods. "where is she?!" 

"IN THE DOWNSTAIRS BATHROOM," Edge replies. Mutt shoves past him and phases right through the floor, straight for the bathroom. Edge turns on his heels, ignoring the others now staring out of their rooms at all the ruckus. He heads back downstairs. 

"what's going on?" Sans asks tiredly. Edge says your name. 

"SHE CAME HOME INJURED. SEEMS LIKE SHE GOT INTO A FIGHT SHE COULDN'T HANDLE," Edge replies. Sans growls in annoyance. They stop outside the bathroom door, looking in. 

"Mutt, I'll.... I'll be fine. I'm fine," you say, trying to placate a worrying Mutt. Though it doesn't look like it's working. 

"what the fuck happened?! who did this?" Oh Mutt sounds absolutely pissed. 

"I was helping a coworker unload some stuff after work and when I was walking back to my car after that, I heard some guys harassing a girl. I intervened and let the girl escape but they jumped me," you explain, placing a hand to your head. "I think... I think I passed out in my car for... for a while." 

Edge falters at hearing that. Sans winces, eyeing your form. You still haven't noticed them standing in the doorway. 

"darlin, do you know how stupid that was? you could've been killed!" Mutt scolds, examining the cut on your forehead.

"I didn't know they had a knife on them!" You defend. "And I couldn't just leave that girl there. She looked really scared." 

Mutt sighs, sitting back on his feet. 

"you've gotta be more careful, dammit," Mutt grumbles. 

"IS SHE ALRIGHT?" 

You, Edge, and Mutt all startle at Blue's sudden question. It seems like the entire peanut gallery decided to come see what happened. 

Blue can't see into the bathroom, since Papyrus is taking up the rest of the doorway between Edge and Sans. Red's leaning against the opposite wall, staring towards the room with narrowed eyes. Stretch looks like he just followed Blue and looks vaguely concerned. Black looks like he's just there to see what's going on. 

"NO. IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT," Papyrus tells Blue. "HUMAN, IT WAS VERY NOBLE OF YOU TO TRY TO SAVE ANOTHER HUMAN LIKE THAT... BUT..." 

You just groan, bowing your head forward and looking very, very tired. Mutt turns his head and shoots all of them an irritated glare. 

Edge turns on his heel, giving the group a look. 

"YOU ALL CAN SCOLD HER FOR HER IDIOCY TOMORROW. FOR RIGHT NOW YOU DON'T NEED TO BE CROWDING AROUND HERE. GO BACK TO WHATEVER IT WAS YOU WERE DOING!" He barks, waving them off with a hand. You and Mutt shoot him a surprised look, with a bit of irritation in there too. Many of the other skeletons look at him surprised as well. 

You never expected Edge to tell someone to lay off you. 

"GO!" He barks louder. 

"we'll handle this," Sans assures both Papyrus and Blue. "you go back to bed, paps." 

"DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF AN INJURED HUMAN, SANS?" Papyrus asks, narrowing his eye sockets. 

"aw come on, bro," Sans chuckles, shrugging his shoulders with a closed eye socket. "have a little faith in me." 

"HMMM. FINE! BUT I'LL COME CHECK ON YOU LATER HUMAN!" Papyrus declares before marching off. After one last look at you of course. Blue darts over to get a look before Stretch can grab him, Stretch also getting to see after taking a few steps forward to grab Blue's arm. They both freeze, Blue's eye lights blinking out. 

"come on, bro," Stretch says after a second, tugging at Blue's hand. "they've got this handled. you should be getting some sleep too." 

".... FINE," Blue says after a long stretch of silence and many glances between everyone. 

"BLACK, THAT MEANS YOU TOO," Edge glares. Black huffs, turning on his heel. Edge then glares at Red. "BROTHER." 

"don't mind me," Red waves off. Edge growls, but ultimately decided to leave it at the look on Red's face. 

"all of you could leave now," Mutt grumbles. 

"sorry, mutt. no can do," Sans replies, eyeing your form again. You groan, putting a hand over your eyes. For a second anyway, before you pull away again with a wince. 

"come on, lets get you cleaned up," Mutt murmurs to you. He helps you to sit on the toilet seat, digging a roll of paper towels out of the closet and turning on the hot water from the facet. 

"Thanks," you mumble to him. 

"of course, angel," Mutt mumbles back. He spends a few minutes dabbing the wet paper towel under your nose and around your busted lip, also examining you. But you're still swaying, really barely able to sit up at the moment. You're... still pretty dizzy.... And thirsty for that matter. "you need to sit still, darlin."

"I'm trying," you reply, keeping your eyes closed in an attempt to curb your dizziness. 

Also to keep from seeing the three in the doorway. 

"i don't think anything's broken," Mutt mutters, still eyeing your form as he tries to clean all the blood up. "but i think your clothes are beyond repair. even for you." 

"Probably. Blood's a bitch to get out of clothes anyway. Especially bright colors," you groan, your fingers picking at the fabric of your shirt. "this was one of my work shirts too." 

"not really that important right now," Mutt grumbles. You just groan again. 

"I didn't track blood in, did I?" You ask, opening your eyes just a bit. "I tried not to drip anywhere, but I'm not sure how well I did." 

"doesn't matter," Mutt grumbles. 

"I DID NOT TAKE THAT CLOSE OF A LOOK, BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING," Edge tells you. 

"'Kay," you mumble. 

"okay, angel. i'm doing my best, but what exactly are we suppose to do for that eye?" Mutt asks, leaning back a little after cleaning all the blood off your face. "that cut on your forehead still looks really bad." 

"Ice?" You mumble, thinking back on what one of Syna's sisters told you. "Yeah. Put an ice pack or something on it." 

"i'll go grab one," Red offers. 

"Wrap it in a towel please," you tell him. You look back at Mutt, who's eyeing the cut on your forehead. 

"it started bleeding again," he mutters, pressing a towel to the cut. You wince, but try not to flinch away. Red just appears in the bathroom then, holding out an ice pack wrapped in one of the kitchen towels. 

"Thank you," you say, Red just nodding silently. You go to grab it, but wince and switch to grabbing it with your other hand. Mutt notices this and grabs that hand to look at it.

"what'd you do to your hand?" 

"Grabbed the knife by the blade. Like a dumbass. But it was either that or get stabbed." You place the ice pack over your eye, pressing your fingers into the jelly like mold. "Oh, nice. It's one of those ice packs." 

Mutt grumbles and runs your hand under the facet. He then glances over the cuts on your arms and sighs, leaning back just a bit. 

"angel, you need to go to the hospital," he declares. "some of these cuts haven't stopped bleeding and you're lookin' really pale." 

You groan in protest, though you know he's right. You've already passed out once and you're actually surprised you made it home, much less inside. The inside of your car looks like a murder scene. 

".... I can't afford it though," you sigh. 

"i'll pay if you can't," Mutt says. You squawk in protest. "you have to. i don't want you bleeding out." 

"he's right. but we should have taylor drive her there-" Sans begins, only to be cut off. 

"No," both you and Mutt growl. 

"what?" Sans asks, eye sockets narrowing. 

"I'd rather drive myself to the damn hospital than have her brought into this," you grumble, glaring right back at him. "Hell, I'd rather go jump off a cliff then give her the chance to insert herself and give her the chance to say how she thinks I got this injured. Or twist the narrative at the hospital especially." 

"look, it'll be better if you show up with another human-" 

"Sans, if anyone thinks Mutt did this, I'll tell them the exact same thing I told you: I help some girl escape two guys and they attacked me for it," you cut him off again, which he seems really irritated about. "But I'm not going anywhere with Taylor." 

"i'm taking her," Mutt says, picking you up all together. You protest shortly, but give in as the vertigo hits you. "keep taylor the hell out of this." 

"As soon as she hears about this, she's probably going to be making up stories anyway," you mumble to Mutt, who just sighs and grabs your keys from where you dropped them. 

"you shoulda called, angel. i would've came and got ya," Mutt frowns at you, making his way out to your car. 

"I know. But at the time.... I just wasn't thinking," you tell him. 

Mutt sighs, setting you in the passenger seat. His eye lights spot the places inside where blood had dripped, some pooling and dripping off the divider between the two seats. There's a bloody hand print on the stirring wheel. 

He gets in anyway, driving to the nearest hospital as quickly as he can.

Maybe he can get away with some light healing himself, even if he's not really that good at it. 

Chapter Text

"Wait, she came home all beat up?" Taylor asks, looking vaguely amused and delighted. Something the skeletons don't miss. Especially not Red and Edge. 

"YES," Papyrus responds. "SHE LOOKED VERY BAD. I HAVE YET TO SEE HER TODAY BUT MUTT HAD TO RUN HER TO THE HOSPITAL.... THOUGH I'M NOT SURE WHY THEY DIDN'T JUST CALL ASTER..." 

Sans rubs a hand down his face at that.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she got into a fight at some party," Taylor snorts. 

"SHE SAID SHE GOT JUMPED AFTER HELPING ANOTHER HUMAN GIRL ESCAPE TWO MEN," Blue jumps in, looking over at the other skeletons present for confirmation. 

"Of course she'd say something like that. You know how prone to lying she is," Taylor waves off. "I've known her all my life. Believe me, it's really a problem. She probably got drunk and picked a fight with someone else." 

"SHE WASN'T DRUNK WHEN SHE GOT HOME," Edge replies, raising a bone brow. Taylor huffs, looking rather annoyed. 

"Still probably got into some fight with some poor random bystander." 

"WELL, EITHER WAY, I TOLD THE HUMAN I'D COME CHECK ON HER TODAY!" Papyrus says, jumping up from the couch. 

"Aw! But Papyrus, I wanted to hang out today," Taylor pouts. 

"WE CAN STILL HANG OUT! YOU COULD COME CHECK ON YOUR FRIEND WITH ME!" Papyrus offers. 

"But I don't-" Taylor cuts herself off, then smiles and jumps up. "You know what, I think I will!" 

"I'LL COME TOO!" Blue says, but Stretch grabs onto his arm. 

"hang on, bro. maybe you should just let paps and taylor go," he says. 

"BUT WHY?" 

"you don't want too many people crowding her, yeah? if you really have too," Stretch really doesn't seem to like the idea of Blue being anywhere near you. "we can check on her later." 

"I SUPPOSE SO," Blue sighs, dropping back down onto the couch. 

Papyrus and Taylor head up the stairs to your room. Papyrus knocks on the door and there's a little bit of shuffling before the door is cracked open. 

To reveal Mutt, not you. Filling up the space in the door so they can't see into the room. 

"what?" 

"WE JUST CAME TO CHECK ON THE HUMAN," Papyrus replies. 

"she's sleeping," Mutt states. He then glances over at Taylor with narrowed eye sockets. "you're not seeing her either." 

"Aw! But Mutt, I just want to see my best friend!" Taylor pouts, batting her eyelashes. 

"you're not her best friend," Mutt deadpans. Taylor frowns, glaring at him. 

"WELL, WE DON'T WANT TO WAKE HER. COULD YOU TELL US HOW SHE'S DOING, AT LEAST?" Papyrus asks. Mutt looks over at Papyrus, sighing and softening up just a bit. 

"she's fine. just needs rest," he finally says. Then promptly shuts the door on them. 

"WELL," Papyrus sighs. "I SUPPOSE THAT'S ALL WE'RE GOING TO GET FOR NOW." 

They head back downstairs, Taylor dropping down onto the couch with an angry pout and glaring at the TV. Papyrus tells the others what little they found out. 

_____

"She's going to find out anyway," you mumble, unmoving from your spot on your bed with your eyes closed. "No use in keeping it quiet." 

"yeah, well, she's not going to hear it from me," Mutt replies, sitting in your office chair. He has a pencil in hand he's twirling between his phalanges. "i'm definitely not letting her in here so she can laugh at you." 

"Mhmm." 

"the ice pack still cold?" 

"Yeah." 

Mutt hums, writing down another answer on his sheet of homework. He's only really doing it to appease you, as you knew he had it and wouldn't let him stay to watch over you unless he did. Apparently his homework is more important than you, who just needs some rest. 

He thinks differently. 

Mutt glances over at your form again, curled up under the sheets with an ice pack under your face. He's not sure if it's comfortable, but the ice pack is covering both your black eye and busted lip so... he supposes. 

There's another knock at the door a few hours later, making Mutt groan and drop his head a bit. But he stands up and opens the door just enough that he can see who it is. It's Red and Edge. 

"what?" 

Mutt still stands in the crack in the door, preventing either of them from seeing into the room. Something the brothers notice, making Edge roll his eye lights. 

"YOU DIDN'T TELL PAPYRUS AND TAYLOR MUCH OF ANYTHING. WE WANT TO KNOW HOW THE HUMAN IS," Edge simply states. 

"i don't see why you'd care edge," Mutt replies. "you seem hate her after all." 

"YOUR HUMAN WAS HURT," Edge simply states, after a second of silence. He then looks away, scowl lifting to just a frown. "AND DESPITE EVERYTHING, I DO NOT HATE HER." 

"could've fooled me," Mutt counters. "and why would you care if she's hurt? you've hurt her multiple times before." 

"PETTY FEELINGS ARE-" 

"i'm not talking about feelings, edge," Mutt interrupts. 

"what're you talking about?" Red asks, his eye sockets narrowing. 

"every time you grab her to yell at her," Mutt starts, locking eye lights with Edge. "you leave a bruise. sometimes even cutting her skin. it's not often that you break skin, but it happens. black does the same damn thing." 

Edge looks surprised by this little revelation. 

"she's never said-" Red begins, only to be cut off. 

"she downplays being hurt a lot," Mutt shrugs, looking more than a little frustrated. "and what good would it do anyway? not like any of you would believe her." 

"I'VE... I'VE NEVER SAW-" 

"have you ever looked?" Mutt interrupts again. 

"I... I NEVER MEANT TO HURT HER," Edge sighs after a few quiet seconds. Mutt just hums. 

"Mutt," you call, "stop blasting them already. They're gonna find out anyway." 

"you just relax and stay laying down, ya idiot. doctor's orders," Mutt replies, turning slightly to look at you. 

"I am, you ugly beanstalk." Is your loving reply. "Just tell them so they can tell the others. Hopefully then they'll leave us alone already." 

"..... fine," Mutt sighs. He still steps out of the room, closing the door behind him. He eyes the staircase at the end of the hall and the doors around them. He doesn't seem to find anything offensive as he turns his eye lights back to the two skeletons in front of him. But he still keeps his voice low. "angel lost a little too much blood last night. why she was so dizzy and unstable on her feet. that cut on her forehead and a couple ones on her arms needed stitches. nothing was broken and the black eye and lip just need to be iced and cleaned every so often. otherwise she just needs lots of rest. but she'll live." 

Edge nods sharply, turning on his heels and walking back downstairs. 

"do boss and black really grab 'er hard enough to leave bruises?" Red asks. 

"yes."

"an' she's never said anything about it?" 

"do you think i'm one to lie about something like that, red? especially when it includes my own brother?" 

".... no." 

"hmmm." 

Mutt turns to your door again, though he pauses and look over his shoulder at Red. 

"tell the others not to come knockin'. angel needs to rest and they won't help her recover any." Is all he says before walking into the room and slamming the door shut. Red just sighs and walks downstairs. 

"You really don't have to be so mean to them, Mutt," you mumble as he sits back down. 

"they're mean to you," Mutt responds. 

"Yeah, but it's not completely their fault," you yawn. 

"angel-" 

"Mutt," you interrupt, opening your eyes and looking over at him. "The way they treat me is abhorrent, yes. I don't deserve to be treated like that, no. But... they are being abused and tricked and lied to. Taylor is the one tricking them into behaving like this towards me. It doesn't completely excuse their behavior, not at all, but it is just something to keep in mind. Abuse... especially mental and emotional... it's... tricky. And it does things to you." 

You sigh, glancing down at your pillow. 

"Just... just remember that, okay?" 

"...….you're too nice, angel," Mutt sighs, shaking his head a bit as he leans back in your chair. That gets a humorless chuckle out of you, a sad smile crossing your lips. 

"Yeah.. probably."

_____

Not one to be detoured by one failure, Papyrus heads back to your room the next day with a plate full of get well spaghetti. Blue and Stretch decided to join him this time as well, though Stretch is just kind of lurking uncertainly behind the two more excitable skeletons. 

Papyrus knocks on your door, waiting a few minutes before knocking again when there's no answer.  

This time there's shuffling and the door cracks open. Once again, it's Mutt instead of you answering. And he looks rather annoyed. 

"I KNOW YOU SAID TO LEAVE HER BE," Papyrus says, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "BUT I MADE THIS GET WELL SPAGHETTI FOR THE HUMAN!" 

Mutt sighs, dropping his skull a bit. 

"thanks, pap. she's sleepin' now, but i'm sure she'll enjoy it later," he nods. 

"HOW IS SHE DOING?" Blue asks, eye lights darting to the empty space above Mutt's head. 

"she's doin' fine," Mutt replies, taking the spaghetti from Papyrus. He seems to contemplate something for a few minutes, eyeing the three skeletons in front of him. Then he leaves the door, leaving it open, as he walks over to the desk and sets the plate down. 

They're able to see into your room rather well. The desk Mutt walked over to sitting right in front of the door, various office supplies and an old laptop resting on top of it. A window framed by pretty white curtains lets light filter in through it, giving the off-white carpet a bit of a glow. A dresser is right next to the door, one or two jewelry boxes sitting on it along with some other type of boxes that have photos stuck into them. Then, at the other end, completely in view, is your bed. Which you are currently laying in, peacefully asleep. 

They can't see too much, as you're mostly covered by a few blankets, but your face is completely in view along with an arm. There's a few bandages wrapped around your arm and there's still some bruises littering your visible skin. There's a thick bandage covering part of your forehead where that cut was. There's an icepack covered in one of their kitchen towels covering your black eye and busted lip. 

But you still look much better than the last time they saw you. Your skin isn't as pale, back to its normal color for the most part. You're much cleaner, without the blood covering your face. 

"... SHE LOOKS MUCH BETTER," Blue nods, moving to the side a bit more so Stretch can see better. 

Mutt just nods with a hum, walking over and removing that ice pack from under your head. 

"... did... what happened at the hospital?" Stretch asks, leaning against the door frame. 

"nothin' much," Mutt replies, eyeing the other skeleton. 

"SO, SHE WASN'T THAT BADLY INJURED THEN?" Papyrus asks. 

"lost a bit too much blood.. had ta do a... transfusion i think they called it." Mutt looks slightly uncomfortable as he says that. "otherwise just stitches." 

"..and her story about how she got like that?" Stretch asks. 

"took it to the police," Mutt replies. "they said they'd look into it and get back to her." 

Stretch grimaces, looking towards the sleeping girl, then back at Mutt. Who's looking back at him with a brow bone raised and a plain look on his skull. 

"WELL, I'M GLAD SHE'S DOING WELL. WE DON'T WANT TO DISTURB HER, SO WE'LL GET GOING!" Blue nods, grabbing Stretch's sleeve and tugging him back down the hall. 

"RIGHT! WE HOPE SHE GETS BETTER QUICKLY!" Papyrus adds. 

"thanks," Mutt nods, shutting the door behind them. 

.... Stretch gets the feeling that if both Papyrus and Blue weren't there, there's no way Mutt would've left the door open for them.... Nor would he have gotten any information about the hospital....

_____ 

Sans leans forward onto the desk in the basement, rubbing the heels of his palms into his eye sockets. He barely looks up as Stretch reenters the closed off room in the basement, which used to be the storage room before they took over. But Stretch still places a mug of coffee in front of him. 

"the human's fine," Stretch tells him. 

"i told ya the mutt said she was," Red grumbles from where he's tinkering with the machine in the corner. 

"mutt actually let blue, paps, and i see her though. she's looking pretty good," Stretch says, both skeletons looking at him with that. 

"he actually let the three of you in?" Sans asks, brows raised. 

"nah. just left the door open enough for us to look in. doubt he would've if my bro and yours wasn't there though," Stretch sighs, dropping down into his chair. "said the hospital had to do some transfusion on her because of the blood loss..... also that she talked to the police." 

Sans groans at that, rubbing his eye sockets again. 

If he had remembered he could call Aster, this probably wouldn't have happened. 

.... Though if you were telling the truth (which he has his doubts, but you did get law enforcement involved and he doesn't think you're stupid enough to lie to the police), he supposes he shouldn't be too upset.... Two humans that attack others probably shouldn't be left to roam the streets. 

But it could also mean big trouble if they come poking around here. 

You're not worth the trouble you bring, he swears. He shouldn't have agreed to let you stay in the first place. He knew this wouldn't end well. But it wasn't until a few days after he agreed that Taylor thought to mention all those horrible things about you.

"hey, creampuff, ya still there?" Red calls, snapping Sans out of his thoughts. 

"what?" He asks. 

"blanking out on us?" Stretch asks. Sans just sighs, rubbing a hand down his face. 

"heh..."

Chapter Text

You stumble down the stairs on Tuesday morning, covering your yawn with the back of your hand. You head into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee, getting down two mugs as you know Mutt will be down soon too. You sit at the island while waiting for the coffee to be made, leaning your head on your arm as you do so. 

"OH, UHM! …. HUMAN!" 

You lift your head again to see Papyrus standing nervously in the kitchen arch. He's glancing everywhere but at you, though his gaze does occasionally flicker to your form. 

"I SEE YOU ARE UP AND ABOUT THIS MORNING." 

"Yeah. School and all. Doctor said it'd be fine as long as I take it easy," you shrug, looking over at the coffee maker. 

"GREAT! UHM... TAYLOR AND I CAME TO CHECK ON YOU THE OTHER DAY, BUT MUTT WOULDN'T LET US INTO THE ROOM. I! UNDERSTAND THIS OF COURSE! YOU NEEDED YOUR REST! BUT, I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU KNEW! IF.. IF MUTT DIDN'T TELL YOU," Papyrus rambles. "A-AND BLUE, STRETCH, AND I BROUGHT YOU SOME GET WELL SPAGHETTI TOO!" 

"He told me. That was very sweet of you, Papyrus," you smile. "You're a great cook by the way. The spaghetti was delicious." 

"O-OF COURSE!" Papyrus begins to sweat. "WELL, GOODBYE!"

Papyrus turns and quickly runs off, Mutt taking his place and entering the kitchen. He glances over his shoulder, then sighs and moves towards the coffee machine to pour the cups. He adds your preferred amount of creamer, then just dumps an entire thing into his. 

He then turns to you, taking a sip from the mug. 

"you sure you're okay enough to go to school?" He asks, for the twelfth time this morning. 

"Yes," you reply, still smiling in amusement. "I promise to take it easy and if I need to, I'll go to the nurse's office and lay down." 

"good. but i also know you," Mutt says, narrowing is eye sockets and pointing at you. You stick your tongue out at him, which just makes him roll his eye lights. "you gonna cover that eye?" 

"Yeah. Maybe," you yawn. "It's not as bad as it was yesterday. The ice helped." 

Mutt simply nods and the two of your continue your morning routine. Which, unfortunately, does still include everyone coming out to say hello to Taylor. You do note that Red wasn't as enthusiastic as usual, nor was Edge. Edge didn't even give you your normal morning glare either. Black did though. 

And Taylor gave you a smug, amused look as well. 

So, back to normal it seems. 

_____

"Goodness! What happened to you?!" 

You jump at the yell, looking up to seeing Lydia standing there in shock. Though she quickly runs over and starts looking over your face. 

"Oh, I'm fine," you tell her, voice slightly muffled because of her holding your face between her hands. "I just got into a bit of trouble this weekend." 

"It looks like more than a bit!" Lydia fusses. 

"Egh," you chuckle nervously, pulling your head out of her grasp. "I helped this girl get away from two guys and they attacked me for it. The police have already been notified about it." 

"Well, that's good," Lydia sighs, sitting back again. She perks up a little more, digging into her bag. "It's a good thing I brought this then!" 

Lydia pulls out a little container, opening it to reveal what has to be one of the cutest pastries you've ever seen. It's a little cinnamon roll in the shape of a bunny! 

"That is adorable," you state. Lydia laughs at that response. 

"I've heard that a lot. But it's also monster food!" She hands the cinnamon bunny over to you. "It should help you heal faster." 

"Monster food can do that?" You ask, looking over the pastry in curiosity. 

"Yup!" Lydia chirps. 

"Cool," you marvel, which just makes the bunny monster laugh again. You reluctantly take a bite out of the cute pastry, perking up a bit more at the flavor. "Tis isf really gud!" 

You bring a hand up to your mouth to keep from spitting the pastry out, having forgot to swallow before you tried to speak. Lydia laughs again, but seems to understand what you were trying to say anyway. 

"Thanks!" 

You, thankfully, swallow the next bite before you try speaking again. The cinnamon bunny seems to be doing its magic, because you're already feeling a bit better than you were before. It doesn't seem to be enough to completely heal you, but it did seem to lift a bit of that heavy fog that wouldn't leave you be. 

"We'll have to take a trip down to the coffee shop I work at sometime. I get an employee's discount on the stuff there," you offer. "Since I didn't bring a coffee with today." 

"That sounds fun!" Lydia nods. You finish your cinnamon bunny before you go back to working on what you were doing. Lydia pulls her homework out and sits opposite of you, both of you chatting as you do your homework. 

It honestly surprised you how easily you got along with the bunny monster. She'd always come out and sit with you to do homework, which is admittedly something you now look forward to. After your second or third meeting, you exchanged phone numbers and chat often. She'd often talk about her family, work, dorm life, and her school work she's doing. You'd stick to work, school work, and you've shared a bit about life back home with Syna and her family. You try to shy away from home life and Lydia, thankfully, doesn't push much. Though she obviously suspects something's up. You'd consider her a close friend now. 

You've chatted with her enough for Mutt to take notice. The lazy skeleton pestering you into feeding his curiosity and telling him a bit about your new friend. 

"You know, I was thinking about living in the dorms again next year," Lydia says, leaning her head in her paw. "But now I'm thinking of renting an apartment in town. I'd need a roommate though." 

"Dorm life not as easy?" You ask, leaning your head on your hand as you look down at the sheet in front of you. 

"It's not that!" Lydia chuckles. "I just think I'd like to live off campus, but not go and move in with my family again." 

"I get it. So you're going to be looking for a roommate then?" You ask, poking the pencil eraser into your cheek. 

"Yeah and I was wondering if you wanted to be my roommate!" Lydia says. You blink at her in surprise, nearly dropping your pencil while you did. Lydia rushes to explains, waving her paws a bit. "You! You don't have to answer right now! After all, schools got quite a few more months before it's ending and then there's summer break and all! But, I remembered you said you're thinking about moving up here and..." 

You laugh a bit, rubbing your uninjured eye. 

"That honestly sounds like fun. But yeah, we've got a few more months to think on it. I've got to go back home for a bit of summer break," you say. Lydia nods at that. 

"Yeah, I'm going to stay home for at least a little bit once school is over," she admits, scratching one of her cheeks. "But, I do plan to move out eventually!" 

"Fair enough," you nod, picking your pencil back up. You both move on and continue to do your work until it's time to go. 

_____

"you're looking better," Mutt comments as you walk up to him after school ends. His brows draw together as he scans your form, noting you seemingly have more energy since the last time he saw you. You look a bit less ragged than before. He.... he finds that kind of.... odd, to say the least.

"Thanks," you reply, smiling in amusement. Mutt steps closer, lifting a hand to your chin and eyeing your face. He looks confused and concerned as he looks over the slightly better injuries.

"i know the doctors said ice would help, but i didn't think it'd help that much," he mutters. You laugh a bit, if more in confusion than anything else. 

"What're you talking about?" 

"your black eye and lip, they're looking better than before. the eye more than the lip," Mutt replies, taking a small step back. He still looks confused though. 

The black eye looks almost faded at this point. The busted lip looking much better than before, not gone or healed but thinner and cleaner than before. You have a bad habit of messing with it, so he took extra notice of that. He can't see the stitches on your forehead, since they're covered by a bandage, so he's not sure if anything's different with that yet. You're also not walking with such a pronounce limp anymore either. 

"Oh! Lydia gave me a cinnamon bunny." Mutt makes that "o" face in realization. He then looks slight annoyed as he looks upwards towards the sky. 

"why didn't i think of monster food?" 

You laugh a bit at that annoyance, to which Mutt just grumbles at as he tosses you a helmet. 

_____

Edge watches as you and Mutt walk into the house at the normal time. You look better, more energized and chipper if anything. Though your movement are still that of someone who's been injured, slightly slow and careful. But, you still look better than this morning or the few days when you were practically on bed arrest. 

No one could actually get into your room those days, the mutt only allowing Stretch, Blue, and Papyrus to see in that one time only. Mutt is nothing if not a fierce, but annoying, guard dog it seems. 

You drag Mutt up the staircase with you, likely to your or his room. Mutt doesn't put up any fight in the matter, just complaining a little about how he wants food. You just laugh at his griping. 

It is odd, your relationship with the mutt. Previously, before you came into the picture, Mutt was only ever loyal to Black. He did whatever Black asked of him, was almost a silent shadow behind his brother whenever there was any arguments between the skeletons. Granted, that was before Taylor even. And when she came into the picture, Mutt became more distant from all of them..... Even from Black. 

Edge remembers hearing Red grumbling about how Mutt kept snuffing him. The two had been.... well, Edge wouldn't say friends, but they were something approximating that. 

Now, it seems Mutt is only ever around you. Shadowing you like he did with his brother all that time ago. Quick to sweep you away whenever one of them were..... well, yelling at you. 

Edge quickly realizes most of his interactions with you were.... less than friendly. 

But, he reminds himself, you're not the type of person he associates with. Not in a friendly way anyway. He approaches you like the monsters from his home. From what Taylor has said, that seemed to be the right way to go about it. 

But.... now he's a little confused... 

The monsters from his home wouldn't risk their life for some stranger. Like you apparently did. 

And, from what Taylor said, you wouldn't be the type to stay quiet if he did bruise you like he apparently has. 

You're much more confusing than he originally thought. 

Edge glances over at Black, who is angrily stirring the ingredients he threw into the pan earlier. Even glaring at the food like it insulted his ancestry, grumbling under his breath all the while. 

It's really not that big of a secret that Mutt being so distant is really bothering him. It also not a secret that he essentially blames you for it, since you won't stay away from Mutt. And Mutt won't listen to him and stop hanging around you. It's driven a pretty big wedge between the brothers. 

Edge can't say he doesn't understand. 

"IF YOU STIR THAT ANYMORE THERE WON'T BE ANYTHING LEFT TO COOK," Edge comments, looking back to what he was doing before you came in. 

"SHUT UP!" Black snarls. Edge glares at him.

"HEY! THAT'S NOT NICE," Blue scolds. Black just glares at him, going back to his food preparation. 

It's looking like they might be having leftovers tonight.

Chapter Text

It's Valentine's day. 

You want to know how you know? Well, it may have something to do with the copious amounts of flowers, balloons, and expensive chocolates, along with a few jewelry cases, all over the damn place. 

These skeletons really go over the damn top with this. A little egregious for one person. 

Taylor, of course, is eating it all up though. But you're getting a headache from it all. 

Looks like you're going to be hiding in your room for the rest of the day. 

You really don't hate Valentine's day. What is believed to be the story behind the holiday is rather interesting, dark and a little weird but interesting none the less. The copious marketing has all but demeaned the story, but what did you expect from a holiday that is so easily marketable? 

No, it's annoying here because Taylor really likes to shove it in your face and make more little jabs at you than any other day. And it's kind of hard to maneuver around all the flowers on every counter top and the balloons constantly in your face. 

And the fact that these skeletons are so damn enamored by her and spend even more money on the leech than usual. That doesn't help either. 

You're not sure if they're just that extra or if Taylor demands all of this. You really hope it's the former but you have the sad inkling it's the later. 

You perk up just a bit more at the doorbell ringing. As it seems no one else is going to get it, you get up and walk over. To find a delivery man standing outside the door with a pretty little bouquet of pink roses and some other greenery you're not sure of. Some of it is hanging over the lip of the clear glass vase with a little pink ribbon around it. 

"Is this the residence of-" The man looks at his list, then says your full name. 

"Uh, yes," you reply, then confirming that you're you. 

"Okay. These are for you," he says, handing over the bouquet. You then spot the card stuck in along with the roses and other greenery. The delivery man finishes up, then nods to you. "Happy Valentine's Day, ma'am." 

"Thanks. Happy Valentine's day to you too." 

You close the door after the man, heading back towards the kitchen. 

"Oh! More flowers for me?" Taylor's beaming. 

"No. These are actually for me," you reply, not being able to help the tiny feeling of satisfaction at her face falling into a scowl as you walk past. 

"Who'd ever send you flowers?" She snips. You roll your eyes and set the flowers on the counter so you can take a look at the card. 

"who sent these?" Mutt asks, walking up behind you. 

"Awww! The old folks sent them," you smile, reading over the little message they included. "That's so sweet." 

You frown, letting out an indigent "hey!" at the card being snatched out of your hand. You glare at Edge, who's able to read it over before Mutt takes it back from him. He simply huffs, then walks off with a roll of his eye lights. 

"What's his problem now?" You grumble, tucking the card back into its place. 

"the witch in there's throwing a fit about you getting flowers," Mutt sighs, rolling a sucker he managed to snatch from Taylor's pile around his teeth. 

"Well, it's not like she hasn't gotten over a thousand flowers today," you sarcastically reply, tucking the vase into your arms so you can bring it upstairs with you. You tilt your head a bit, looking at the other plants in with the roses. They're are apparently ivy, pitta negra, and salal, according to the card anyway. 

You head up to your room so you can place them into a window, ignoring the angry glaring Taylor is sending you. You have to pause though, when you spot the giant teddy bear, box of chocolates, and another bouquet waiting for you in there. You just blink at them. Mutt snickers behind you, holding various snacks. 

You set the vase in your arms next to the other one on the desk, looking over this new one. Red roses, red spray roses, pink Asiatic lilies, red alstroemeria, pink carnations, and pink miniature carnations accented with assorted greenery all pop out of the reflective pink vase with a little upside down white heart charm tied around the neck. No card. 

You turn back to Mutt, who's already got a bit of a dusky violet blush staining his cheekbones and is rubbing the back of his neck. 

"i knew she was going to get a bunch and this holiday seems... special to humans, so i just thought i'd…… ya'know…" He's nervously babbling now. A blush starts spreading to your ears and you laugh a little awkwardly. 

".... Thanks... Thanks Mutt. That's... That's really sweet of you," you finally mutter out. "You... you really didn't have too." 

"heh.. no problem," he mutters. You look at the chocolate box, only to find it's been cleaned of whatever was previously in it and filled with your favorite chocolates and candies instead. Mutt walks over and stands behind you, looking over the bouquet, then picking up the heart charm. A deep blush covers nearly his entire skull then. "i... heh.. i, uh, i had some... someone help me with.... i, uh, heh, didn't know they included... uh, included this." 

"You didn't notice it before?" 

"...no." 

"Oh, well, I think it's adorable," you shrug, looking over the little jeweled heart. That just seems to deepen his blush, also making him turn his head away with a skeletal hand covering his mouth. "Okay.... Well, tomorrow we can go raid the grocery store for all the leftover candy that'll be way cheaper. Sound like fun?" 

".... yeah. sounds good." 

"Awesome! Now come on, those snacks aren't going to eat themselves!" 

Mutt laughs, falling onto your bed with you as you maneuver around the giant teddy bear and grab the remotes. The two of you get comfy, you cuddling up to the lanky skeleton beside you for maximum comfort and he wraps an arm around you, leaning up against your pillows.

Honestly, that skeleton is such a sweetheart.

_____

You sort through the bags of candy in what is designated as your candy drawer now. You and Mutt had in fact went and raided the candy shelves the day after Valentine's. You both got a pretty good haul too, swapping and trading things you don't like and the things both of you didn't like went into a candy bowl downstairs for the others to pick off. 

Valentine's Day turned out to be very unproductive for the both of you. You both stayed in your room to avoid Taylor and the others, rewatching shows that you both like and playing games. You also napped for a few hours too. It was a nice, relaxing day. 

You pick out one of your favorite candies out of the pile, quickly unwrapping it and munching on it while you work on homework. Nothing like a little bit of sweets to help you through this. 

It's only a couple more hours before your door is suddenly slammed open. At first you think it's Taylor, but you can feel that electric feeling you've come to associate with magic coming off in waves. Well, it's a first that one of the other skeletons are slamming your door open-

Then you see Mutt basically stomp over to your bed and face plant onto it. 

So the agitated magic is rolling off him. Huh. 

You blink in both confusion and surprise, abandoning your homework to go sit by him. You poke his shoulder, only getting an annoyed growl in response. Your frown deepens, poking his shoulder again but a little harder that time. 

"Hey, what's up?" You ask. 

The only answer you get is Mutt wrapping an arm around your waist to pull you down next to him, Mutt then burying his face in your neck. You're more surprised by this. Even though Mutt is quite the cuddlebug, he's never been this forceful about it. 

You still wiggle and shift a bit to get more comfy in his very clingy hold. 

"Mutt, I'm down with some cuddles, but seriously, is something wrong?" You try to get a better look at him, but his face is kind of hidden in your neck. 

Mutt just grumbles incoherently. 

You sigh in response, shifting a bit more to free one of your arms so you can rub his back and head. You continue this until he relaxes again, his tense bones beginning to rattle once his anger has simmered down. You continue even as your neck and blanket begin to become less and less dry. 

You only speak again once he's calmed down a little more. Your tone is much softer.

"Mutt.... sweetie, what's wrong?" 

Mutt tilts his head just enough so he can speak, but his eyes are still hidden in your neck. 

"my bro.... black and i had another fight.... was bad enough sans had to come and break it up.... fuck, i never thought- my own brother- i-" he cuts off, his arms tightening around you almost desperately. You hug him back, petting his skull gently. "i never thought it'd get this far... black was always... he was always there and now-" 

Mutt chokes back a sob. A sob. 

This must have been one nasty fight. 

"i don't.. we've never fought like this before. i- fuck." 

"Shhh... It's okay to cry. Let it all out," you assure, grabbing a pillow so you can prop your head up better. A tall, lanky skeleton with sharp teeth and claws, clinging to you desperately while half on top of you isn't the comfiest of things ever, but you don't think that matters much right now. 

Though he starts to pull away himself, rubbing his eye sockets harshly. 

"fuck. i'm sorry, angel. i.. i didn't- i shouldn't be-" You cut him off, knowing exactly what he's trying to apologize for. 

You cup the sides of his skull, making him look you in the eyes. He looks confused and so, so vulnerable, like your words could break him if you're not careful. 

"Hey, I'll have none of that. You're upset and wanting comfort, you should be coming to me. I'm always here for you too, Mutt." You wipe a purple tear from his cheekbone as it escapes his eye socket. "You don't always have to be the tough guy. Not around me, okay?" 

Mutt almost breaks down into sobs again, hiding his face once more into your neck. He doesn't try to speak anymore or explain further on what he was fighting with Black about. He doesn't really have to, you can hazard a guess. You don't try to make him say anything more, just offering him the comfort he desires at the moment. 

Not for the first time, you curse out this whole situation and Taylor. 

You really fucking hate all of this.

_____

Black isn't fairing much better. His anger has settled after destroying a patch of the woods surrounding the back of their house. Now he sits on the cold ground, back to one of the fallen trees with his head in his hands, trying desperately not to let his tears fall. 

He doesn't know how it got this bad. He... He's... 

He and Mutt have never had a fight like that before. Where one of those other skeletons had to break them up before anything could happen. Before.... It's never gotten to the point either of the brothers actually wanted to FIGHT each other. Never. 

Black doesn't want to hurt his baby brother. He never has, he never will. He wouldn't even if Queen Toriel had ordered it. 

.... Mutt is all he really has.... had.... 

The very real thought of possibly loosing his baby brother over this is terrifying.

He just can't stand Mutt being around you! You've... you've done something to him! Black can't stand to see Mutt stare at you like a lovesick puppy or be so care free around you, letting his guard down so much. Around you! Of all the humans in this damn world, it had to be you! A human who's so..... dangerous.....

Though.... Black knows how to spot the dangerous ones. Threats. It came in handy Underground. It was basically a requirement for survival to be able to spot the real threats from the fake ones. And you.... you don't really seem that dangerous... Not really. 

And he and Mutt were... drifting... far before you ever came into the picture. Really the wedge was set once Black started to spend time around Taylor. It was gradual. He still spent a lot of time with Mutt then, making sure his younger brother was alright and staying out of trouble. Then you came.... 

Black wasn't all that worried at first. Mutt didn't seem to have any interest in you, which was for the better considering all the things Taylor said about you. But then.... something happened. About a month after you moved in, Mutt started spending more time around you. Black tried to discourage it and he thought Mutt had listened.... But he didn't.... And that wedge seemed to suddenly slam down, nearly separating the two of them all together. 

And nothing worked to get you away from Mutt. Threats, bargaining, demanding, bribing. Nothing. You sunk your claws into his little brother and separated him from the rest of them. You isolated him and turned Mutt against his own brother. You.... 

Black chokes on a sob, gloved fingers digging into the sides of his skull. 

It's a long while before Black's able to compose himself enough to go home. 

.... And he never noticed the red eye watching him from between the trees the entire time....

Chapter Text

"where're you goin'?" 

You pause at that question, half turning to see Red glowering at you from the last step. You raise an eyebrow at his question, blinking in surprise. 

Well, this is a first. 

"To the library," you reply, looking at him questioningly. "Why?" 

"what're ya doin' at the library?" Red asks, ignoring your question completely. 

"It's story time," you reply.

"the mutt's not going with ya?" 

"No." 

"heh." Red just huffs, turning and heading for the kitchen without another word. 

Your brows draw together in confusion, watching the skeleton leave. But then you shake your head and walk out the door. 

That was a weird encounter, but you have somewhere you need to be. 

_____

You head into the library, basket of goodies in your arms. Brenda glances up from where she's working, saying your name with a friendly greeting. 

"Glad to see you back. Feeling better?" She asks. 

"Hey, Brenda. I'm feeling much better," you nod, heading over to set up the table with goodies. 

"That's great. We've got a monster coming in for our story time today," Brenda informs. You nod, glancing back at her. "She should be getting here any minute now." 

"That's awesome." You lean back against the table. "Who is it?" 

"Her name is Toriel." Brenda glances at a piece of paper. "She's bringing Ambassador Frisk with her as well." 

"Wow. Fancy," you comment, smiling a bit. 

It's then that the door opens, a small child with short brown hair running in. They wear a blue and purple sweater with blue overalls and brow boots. Their hair reaches a little below their chin and their eyes are almost squinted closed. They're followed by a tall white goat-looking monster in a pretty purple dress, a friendly smile on their face. They look very kind. 

"Hi, welcome. Thank you for coming today," Brenda greets, standing up and shaking the hand of the goat monster. "I'm Brenda." 

"It's not a problem. I'm glad to be here," the goat monster, Toriel you assume, smiles. The child, who you guess is Ambassador Frisk, stands by Toriel's side with a wide smile. 

"Great! You're free to pick any book we have in the library or if you have one of your own that's fine as well," Brenda tells them, smile still in place. "The kids should be getting here any time now." 

Toriel nods. 

You look over as Frisk walks over to you, glancing at the set up behind you. 

"Would you like one?" You ask, smiling at the child. They nod and you hand one of the little bags to them. "Here you go then. Enjoy!" 

'Thank you.' Frisk punctuates the words with a big smile. 

"You're welcome," you reply, making the matching signs for your words. Frisk looks stunned for a second, but then gets the biggest smile on their face. 

'You can understand sign?' 

"Yup! I've got a friend who's mute, so I learned," you reply, leaning your hip against the table again. Frisk just smiles widely, giving you a thumbs up. 

"Hello," Toriel greets as she walks over, Brenda returning to her desk. "I am Toriel. I see you've met Frisk already." 

"Hello," you smile. You introduce yourself. "It's nice to meet you both." 

"It's nice to meet you as well," Toriel smiles. "Are you here for the story time as well?" 

"Yup. I'm just here as a helper for the after time activities," you reply. "After the story the kids have craft time or get help with their homework." 

"How wonderful," Toriel smiles. She then glances at the baggies on the table. "What are those, may I ask?" 

"I bring in snacks for the kids to eat while listening to the stories," you shrug. Frisk holds up the bag they have for Toriel to see. "Cookies mainly." 

"Oh, did you make these?" Toriel asks, glancing into the bag Frisk's holding for you. You nod with an affirmative hum. "That's very nice of you." 

"Thanks. The kids enjoy it and I get to do some baking," you shrug. Toriel nods in understanding. 

Soon enough the kids are coming in, grabbing the goodie bags and sitting down. Though, it didn't escape your notice that some parents left with their kids when they noticed today's story teller. If Toriel or Frisk saw this, they didn't react to it. 

Even still, story time went as smoothly as it always did. Toriel told her own story, one that you found rather interesting as well. You also found it rather amusing that Frisk would send you small signs throughout the story when Toriel wasn't looking. You responded, of course. 

They liked your cookie.

"Ginger, you need to share the glitter," you scold, looking down at the little girl. She pouts, handing the bottle of glitter off to another child. "Good job." 

You glance over the rest of the table, noting the kids are fine as they are. You glance over at another table to see Toriel's helping some of the older kids with their homework, making you smile a bit more. Frisk's also at the craft table and they look to be having fun, drawing a picture of what you guess is their family or something. But soon enough, story time is over.

"This was very nice," Toriel sighs as the last of the children leave. You nod, packing up the leftover goodie bags into your basket. 

"It was a good day," you reply, holding the basket against your hip. 

Frisk stands up from the craft table, hopping over to Toriel to show them their drawing. You glance at it as Toriel leans down to look herself. 

You have to do a double take. 

Is that..... did they draw Sans and Papyrus? 

"Hey Frisk," you speak up, making the child look over to you. You point at the two skeleton looking figures on the page. "Who are those two?" 

"Oh, that would be Sans and Papyrus," Toriel answers, Frisk nodding at that. 

"Really?" You ask. Frisk nods again. 

'They're my friends! Though I haven't saw them in a while.' 

"Is that so?" You ask, raising an eyebrow. Frisk nods. "I wonder why that is." 

"They've just been busy," Toriel says. "They haven't had a lot of time to meet up as of late." 

"That's a shame," you sigh, tilting your head to the side with a furrowed brow. 

"Yes, but we are on the surface now," Toriel says. "There's a lot to do and see up here. I'm sure they'll find some time soon." 

"Well, I'll send a message along," you smile, tilting your head back a bit. "Maybe they just haven't realized how long it's been yet." 

"Oh?" Toriel asks, looking confused. 

"I live with them currently," you explain. Toriel and Frisk both look surprised. "It's just until I finish this year of college." 

"Oh! How are they doing?" Toriel asks. "I wasn't aware they had a roommate." 

"They're..... fine," you smile awkwardly. You're... not completely sure how much you should share with these two or how much they really know....... "Sans needs to take a few more breaks than he is though. He works too much. Papyrus.... just needs to get out a little more." 

'That lazybones overworking? And Pap being lazy?' Frisk looks skeptical. You shrug. 

"Papyrus isn't really being lazy. He's just not leaving the house very much." 

"Well, it's a relief to know how they're doing," Toriel smiles, looking back from the clock on the wall. "But we really should be going before we're late." 

'Can you give this to them?' Frisk holds the drawing up to you. 

"Of course," you nod, taking the drawing. Toriel takes Frisk's hand, waving as they leave. You smile and wave back, but look at the drawing once they're out of sight. You frown.

.... If Taylor's isolating them too... 

Hmm..

_____ 

"Ah, Papyrus!" 

Papyrus freezes, one foot mid air from where he's heading up the stairs. He slowly turns and looks at you. 

You just smile and hold out the drawing, Papyrus glancing from the paper to you a few times. 

"YES? WHAT IS THAT?" He asks, still glancing between you and the paper. 

"It's a drawing. Frisk wanted me to give it to you and your brother," you reply. Papyrus jumps as soon as the name comes out of your mouth. 

"D-DID YOU SAY FRISK?" He asks, now sweating. 

"Yes?" You reply, still holding out the drawing. 

"WHERE.... WHERE DID YOU MEET THEM?" Papyrus asks. 

"They were at story time today," you reply, shaking the paper a bit. "They would really like to see you and Sans again soon by the way. Toriel too." 

"WHAT... DID YOU TELL THEM?" Papyrus asks, finally taking the drawing from you. 

"Nothing much. They just asked how you were doing." You shrug a shoulder, leaning back on your heels. "But you should set up a time to see them again soon." 

"I... WILL ASK SANS," Papyrus announces. "WHEN HE HAS TIME TO GO VISIT!" 

"You do that," you nod. Papyrus simply nods as well and bolts up the stairs with the drawing. You tilt your head. 

_____ 

You hum along to the song playing on your phone as you make some dinner for Mutt and yourself. It's close enough to dinnertime for everyone else that you're making a big enough meal for everyone. It seems the usual cooks are running late at work or something like that. It's not often they miss the chance to cook. 

"you know taylor's going to take credit for this, right?" Mutt asks. You glance over your shoulder at him, noting he's sitting on the counter. 

"Mhmm. Just like everything else I do," you note, turning back to the soup as you stir the broth. You blink as a realization comes to you. "Wait, how long has she been living here with you guys?" 

"egh... moved in about a year or two before you," Mutt shrugs. 

"Was she doing any of the cooking, cleaning, or mending before I came?" You ask. 

"nope." 

"Then why do they think she can do any of these things I'm doing for her?" You ask, turning to the skeleton again in confusion.  

Mutt shrugs a shoulder, face remaining neutral.

You shake your head with a sigh, turning back to the pot on the stove. 

"Okay then. This'll be done in a minute. Can you get some bowls down?" You ask, stirring the soup again. You hear Mutt shuffle off the counter and do as you ask, two bowls sliding onto the counter beside you. "Thank you." 

You take a second to clean up any mess before you pour some of the soup into each bowl, Mutt grabbing some spoons out of the drawer. Then you're both sitting at the counter, eating your soup. 

"I should start teaching you how to cook," you say, looking over at Mutt with a smirk. "Or you'll just be eating out everyday." 

Mutt just snorts. "we do that anyway." 

"Not everyday. Today we had homemade meals," you chuckle.

You hear the front door open and close before Blue and Papyrus shuffle in, glancing towards the covered pot still on the stove. They sigh, almost sounding relieved, then jump when their eye sockets land on you and Mutt. 

"O-OH.. HELLO," Blue says, blinking a few times. 

"Hey," you reply, raising an eyebrow. You eye the faint grey tints under their eyesockets. "You look.... tired. Long day at work?" 

"YES... I SUPPOSE," Papyrus sighs. He glances at the pot of soup, which Blue is already pulling bowls down. "DID TAYLOR MAKE DINNER TONIGHT?" 

"nope. she did," Mutt replies, tilting his head towards you. 

"Should still be pretty hot," you tell them after a glance at Mutt. "Help yourselves." 

Blue and Papyrus both pause, glancing at you and then at the pot. Mutt continues to eat his, ignoring the two other skeletons. 

"TH-THANK YOU!" Papyrus says, smile wobbly. Blue only hesitates for a moment before dishing out some of the soup for the both of them. Papyrus takes a bite and seems genuinely surprised. "THIS IS REALLY GOOD." 

"Thanks," you smile. 

Stretch shuffles into the kitchen, looking half asleep. Blue is quick to grab another bowl and dish some out for his younger brother. 

"thanks, bro," Stretch mumbles. "looks good." 

"THANK YOU, BUT I DIDN'T MAKE IT," Blue replies. 

"oh. papyrus?" Blue shakes his head. "...edge?" 

Another head shake. 

"black?" 

"NO." 

"taylor...?" Stretch is looking rather confused. 

"NOPE!" Blue replies, looking a bit amused. 

"I made it," you snort, taking another bite from your bowl. Stretch jumps, spinning around to see you and Mutt still sitting at the counter. Mutt looks very amused, but then quickly turns unamused at the sight of Stretch glancing from the bowl in his hands to you. 

Blue calls for everyone else to come down at get some dinner, you and Mutt finishing up your bowls by the time they're all shuffling down. 

"Oh!" Taylor chimes as she sees the pot, then seeing you cleaning up the bowls you and Mutt used as the others are grabbing theirs. She smirks at you, Mutt glaring at her as he dries the silverware you already washed. "I see you've found the soup I made, it's still warm?" 

"YOU DIDN'T MAKE THE SOUP," Blue says, tilting his head and looking confused. "SHE DID." 

Sans, Black, and Red glance between the bowls in front of them and you, before glancing at Taylor. Then staring at you again. Stretch, Blue, and Papyrus just look between Taylor and you. Sans and Black look very suspicious, narrowing their eye sockets at you. Red just looks between the bowl and you before taking another bite. Stretch, Blue, and Papyrus are just conflicted. 

"Hm?" You hum as you feel eye lights now staring at you. You weren't paying attention to anything, trying to remember what you were planning to do tonight. You glance over the skeletons staring at you, then at Taylor who's glaring. "What?" 

"yes, she made the soup," Mutt says, looking back at the others. 

"Huh? Oh, yeah," you shrug, grabbing a towel to dry the last bowl yourself. Taylor sputters as you put the bowl away and head out of the kitchen, Mutt following after you. 

Taylor growls, glaring at you as you disappear. 

"why do you make things for them?" Mutt asks as you both drop onto his bed. You shrug. 

"I don't even make them dinner or lunch very often, Mutt," you reply. "Besides, the normal chefs weren't home and I already was making dinner. Might as well take some weight off their shoulders. Edge hasn't even gotten back yet." 

"i don't get you," Mutt sighs, making you laugh. 

..

.

The door slams open again, Edge walking in. He notes the pot, grabbing some for himself and sits at the table without a word to anyone. 

"uh, boss," Red speaks up, making the irritated skeleton glare at him. Red starts to sweat, telling Edge that you made the soup. Edge just grumbles and shoves a spoonful into his mouth, glaring at anyone who looks at him funny.

"She didn't make the soup," Taylor pouts, crossing her arms. "She's just trying to take credit for my hard work to make me look bad." 

"OF COURSE SHE IS, DEAREST," Black agrees, glaring at the way you and Mutt went. 

"HOW DO YOU MAKE IT THEN, TAYLOR?" Edge asks, agitation clear in his tone. 

"Wha-" Taylor sputters, looking at the skeleton in disbelief. "What do you mean?" 

"i thought the question was pretty simple. my bro just asked how you make the soup," Red comments, not even looking up from his bowl. Taylor sputters in disbelief a bit more before Black speaks up. 

"LEAVE HER ALONE," he snaps. "OBVIOUSLY SHE KNOWS HOW TO MAKE IT IT, SHE ALREADY HAS!" 

"THEN SHE SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM ANSWERING SUCH A SIMPLE QUESTION, SHOULD SHE?" Edge counters, glaring at the other skeleton. 

"hey. cut it out already," Sans grumbles, just trying to eat his dinner so he can get back to the lab. "doesn't matter." 

The two just grumble and continue with their meals, Taylor glaring at Edge and Red. 

_____

"I got a called into the police station today," you say as you shut your bedroom door. You had finally taken Lydia to visit the coffee shop you work at, only to get a call from the police station as you were going home. But it was still a good hang out, the bunny monster liked the coffee shop. 

"oh yeah?" Mutt asks, reclining on your bed. 

"Mhm. They apprehended the guys who attacked that girl and I," you reply, slipping your phone onto the table beside your bed. You then lay down beside Mutt. "Wanted me to confirm that it was the two. It was." 

"'bout time," he snorts, pulling you even closer. 

"I thought it'd take longer honestly," you shrug, leaning your head on his shoulder. "But they apparently got an anonymous tip that lead them straight to the guys." 

"cool." Mutt crosses his ankles. 

"And I guess they got into a fight or something. They weren't in the best shape when the police got there," you add. Mutt snorts at that. "Didn't look all that great when I saw them either." 

"good," he smirks. You raise an eyebrow and hum. 

"Glad they're off the streets. Hopefully they'll learn their lesson." 

Mutt just hums, hugging you tighter with a smirk.

Chapter Text

"Yeah, I'm free tonight," you reply into the phone. "Yeah, going home after school's out. It'll take, like and hour or two at the most. Depending on traffic and all that." 

Mutt watches you talk on the phone as he stuffs your backpacks into the seat storage. He thinks you're talking to Syna, but he's not sure. But he does know you two can't leave until you put your phone away. He can wait though.

"Yeah. I'll have to call when I'm home and can set the movie up..... Well I can't talk on the phone while riding a bike..... No, not a bicycle! …… Yes I'm riding a motorcycle home.... No, I'm not the one driving it."

You look just a touch exasperated, but mostly amused. 

"Little bit of an exaggeration there, don't you think? We're being safe..... Okay, okay, okay. I've got to go if we want to get home anytime soon..... No, things are pretty much the same as ever..... Yeah, I'm fine. But I've really got to go if you all want that movie set up anytime soon! ….. Yeah, I'll call right away..... Sure... Okay, talk to you again in a little bit. Bye!" 

You hang up the phone, tucking it into a pocket before zipping that pocket up. Mutt hands you a helmet, you getting on the bike after it's secure. 

"you ready?" 

"Yup, lets go," you reply. 

It doesn't take that long to get home, much to your delight and displeasure. You and Mutt both switch your helmets for your bags, heading inside and you slide your phone out while doing so. 

"I'm gonna head up to my room," you tell Mutt. "I've gotta call Noah back." 

"noah?" 

"Yeah. Syna's.. second oldest sister," you remind. Mutt nods with a hum. 

"have fun with... whatever it is you're doing," he says, waving as he heads to the kitchen. You snort, heading towards the staircase while looking for Noah's contact information again. 

You're interrupted by a knock on the door, though Papyrus yells he'll get it. You still half-turn to look back, getting to see Papyrus run to the door and basically slam it open. You're not able to see who it is around Papyrus' frame though. 

"OH! HELLO HUMAN! ARE YOU A FRIEND OF TAYLOR'S?" At that question you start to turn again, looking down at your phone again. It's really not that uncommon that Taylor invites her friends over, even if the skeletons don't like it very much. "UHM, WHAT'S THAT LOOK FOR?" 

That makes you pause, looking over your shoulder with a raised brow. 

"OH! I KNOW SIGN LANGUAGE! LETS SEE, OH! YOU'RE.... YOU'RE LOOKING FOR..." Papyrus turns and spots you on the staircase. He then calls your name. "THERE'S SOMEONE HERE LOOKING FOR YOU." 

"Ohhkay," you mumble, walking down the steps again. Papyrus is quick to move out of the way, around you and back a couple of steps. It's then that you get to see who's exactly in the doorway. 

"Oh my stars! Syna! What are you doing here?!" You almost tackle the 5'5" girl in the doorway as you rush to hug her. She laughs, hugging you back before trying to push you off of her so she can reply. 

"I heard you were coming down for break, so I thought I'd come up a little early and drive back down with you- what is that?" Syna now holds you at arm's length so she can get a better look at you, grabbing the sides of your head so she can get a better look at your forehead. The stitches have been taken out by now, but it's still slightly visible. The doctor did do a good job in stitching you up, you wouldn't even notice the scars if you weren't really looking for them. 

But Syna's always had a good eye when it comes to those kinds of things. Especially with you. 

"Long story," you shrug. Syna's eyes shoot back up to your face, then dart into the house and narrow. "No, none of them beat me up, I promise that's not what happened." 

She just gives you a skeptical look, eyes narrowed and searching.  

"Yes. I'm positive," you respond, smiling in amusement. "I promise." 

"Fine. I believe you."

"uh.... what's going on?" Sans asks, now standing next to his brother who's watching all of this unfold. Syna glares back at them, hugging your arm now. 

"Oh...... uh..... this is Syna Angelina. She's my best friend from back home." You shrug a shoulder, looking back at the cherry red haired girl. You nudge her to get her attention back onto you. "Sooo you know I wasn't going to be heading down for another day or two right?" 

Syna nods, reiterating that she wanted to surprise you. 

"Where are you staying?" 

"If I'm not able to stay with you, probably at a hotel." 

You grimace at that, glancing back at the two skeletons watching from the doorway. You lean in a little bit more, shaking your head. 

".... Yeah, no.... I'll go and stay at a hotel with you!" You smile at that thought. "But I do still have school and work, you know." 

Syna waves a hand as if to dismiss the thought. 

".... you going to be leaving a few days early then?" You look back, seeing Mutt moseying into the doorway. He's munching on a donut. 

"Yeah. Mutt, this is Syna by the way! Syna, this is Mutt," you introduce. Syna's sour face immediately brightens and she waves happily to Mutt. 

"Nice to meet you! I've heard a lot about you." 

"nyeh heh heh.... you talk about me to a lot of people, huh angel?" Mutt's cheekbones are covered in a light haze of dusky violet. You cheeks are feeling a bit warm too. 

"I'm going to go pack my bags! Be right back!" You quickly walk past Mutt, much to Syna's amusement. Mutt chuckles lightly, watching you disappear before turning back to the other girl. 

"i've.... uh.... heard a lot about you too. nice... nice to, uh, meet you and all." 

"Thanks for protecting her. She's been through enough." Syna's smile turns just a touch more sincere. Mutt rubs the back of his neck, blush darkening slightly. 

"no.... no problem." 

"SO.... SO YOU'VE KNOWN THE HUMAN FOR A LONG TIME?" Papyrus asks nervously. Syna's expression turns stony again as she looks at him. But she still nods. 

".... how long?" Mutt jumps slightly at seeing Red suddenly in the doorway as well. Edge stands behind him.

"Since we were five." 

"THEN YOU MUST HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH TAYLOR TOO?" Papyrus asks. He takes a step outside so the short hallway isn't so crowded. Sans is quick to follow him. "TAYLOR HAS BEEN FRIENDS WITH HER HER WHOLE LIFE AFTER ALL." 

"Taylor and Candy have not been friends their whole lives. They barely talked to each other after she moved. They just reconnected a year or two before Candy moved up here." Syna looks nearly livid. "Never friends been with Taylor. I don't like her."

"...... OH. BUT TAYLOR SAID-" 

"She lied." 

"..... look, i don't think-" Sans has a dark look on his face. 

"I don't care what you think at this point. Especially with how you treat Candy." Syna looks at him blankly. "But if you dare lay a hand on my girl, I'll call the guard on you myself. Understood?" 

Sans, Red, and Edge get a dark look on their skulls, Papyrus looking nervous. Luckily, the moment is broken by you reentering the situation, a bag on your elbow and you school back pack across your shoulder. You glance around, raising an eyebrow. 

"What'd I miss?" 

"nothin' much," Mutt shrugs. You glance around at all the faces again. 

"..... Right... Syna, do you know where you want to stay? I've still got to call Noah back." You bounce back up to the other human girl, pulling her towards your car. 

"Not really. Know of any good places?" 

_____ 

Papyrus supposes that could have gone better than it did. Your human friend certainly didn't seem to like him, which bothers him a little more than it probably should. 

She also said you hadn't been friends with Taylor in a really long time, which completely contradicts what Taylor said. 

Papyrus looks over at Mutt, who's sitting at the island. He's eating some supper, scrolling through his phone. 

"SO... THE HUMAN'S FRIEND... YOU KNOW ABOUT HER?" Papyrus tentatively asks. 

Mutt looks up at Papyrus, who's wringing the fabric of his gloves nervously. Mutt raises a brow bone, putting his phone down and tilting his head. 

"... somewhat. why?" 

"SHE... JUST SEEMED RATHER.... AGGRESSIVE IS ALL," Papyrus responds, looking back at his spaghetti. 

".... she's rather protective of angel," Mutt shrugs, looking back down at his phone. 

".... WHY DO YOU CALL THE HUMAN "ANGEL"?" Papyrus then asks. 

"...... because she is one," Mutt replies. 

"BUT FROM WHAT TAYLOR SAID-" 

"taylor lies," Mutt interrupts, not glancing up from his phone. 

Papyrus frowns, looking at the other skeleton again. That's the second time he's been talked over today. Second time Taylor's been called a liar too. 

Mutt finishes up his food and leaves before Papyrus could think to say anything else. 

_____

Red stops in front of Taylor's door, pausing before he knocks. He can hear noises from inside. Rather familiar noises at that. And the second voice is not one he recognizes. 

His hands clench into fists, a scowl pulling at his teeth. He jerks a fist up and knocks rather heavily on the door. 

He's quickly beginning to realize this isn't the first time he's heard things like this... Nor the second, or even the third....

The noises cut off, curses replacing them. But then it goes completely silent. But no one comes to the door. 

Red knocks again, a little harder this time. 

There some more, heavier cursing before there's some footsteps and the door's yanked open. Not all the way, but enough for Taylor to stand in. 

And block the view into her room. 

"What do you want Red?!" She snaps, an angry look twisting her face. 

"who's in there with you?" Red eyes the door, then Taylor's face. 

"No one," Taylor responds. 

"Then what were those noises?" Red asks. 

"What noises? There weren't any noises," Taylor replies, narrowing her eyes. 

"i may not have any ears, taylor, but i'm not deaf. i could hear you." Red narrows his eye sockets at the girl in front of him. 

Taylor rolls her eyes, acting like she's doing Red a big favor in not shutting the door in his face. 

"You're hearing things. There's no one in my room, you dumbass." 

"just like there wasn't anyone in your room before?" 

"What's with the sudden questioning, Red?!" Taylor snaps, her voice rising. "Why are you suddenly trying to accuse me of something I never did!" 

"you're doin' somethin'.." 

Taylor leans forward more, getting red in the face as she stares down the skeleton. 

"What is your problem?! Are you just trying to start a fight to get more attention?! Is that it?! You all know I'm busy! You shouldn't be so needy! It's not my fault no one likes you!" 

"what?" 

"You heard me! You're lucky I even tolerate you! No one else would if I wasn't here you know! You always screw everything up! You're so rude and unlikable, I don't even know why I bother with you!" 

Red takes a step back, eye sockets widening a fraction.  

"It's obvious you have so many problems! You have SUCH a horrible attitude and can't ever control yourself! It's no wonder that even Edge hates you! No one loves you and you know it! And no one ever will. Especially not if your own brother can't even stand you!" 

"s h u t u p !" 

Red then disappears from sight. 

Taylor huffs, closing her door with a roll of her eyes. 

_____

Edge glances around the living room, noting that it's a bit more messy than it usually is. Some trash has accumulated on the coffee table and the chairs are slightly crooked. The pillows that are always neatly arranged and the blankets that are usually on the back of the couches and chairs are haphazardly thrown on the seating arrangements. 

Edge always thought the pillows and blankets on the chairs and couches were ridiculous and unneeded, but he will admit they do bring some sense of..... homeyness or... comfort. 

Something like that. 

Not that he'd ever admit it out loud, but he can admit it to himself. 

But they're much less pleasing thrown all around like this. Who do you think you are leaving the living room such a mess- 

Wait, it couldn't have been you. You've been staying with that friend of yours in a hotel. Have been gone for three days now, you weren't around to make this mess. 

Then who did?

Papyrus, Blue, and Black wouldn't leave a mess like this laying around. He'd then think Sans, Stretch, Red, or Mutt would've. But Mutt rarely ever leaves his room anymore, and if he does it's most likely to your room to be honest. Sans barely ever leaves the lab when he's home, that's becoming a real problem but Edge understands why he's spending all his time down there. Stretch honestly isn't one to make this much of a mess. The blankets and pillows perhaps, but the trash on the coffee table, no. And Red's..... been out the last day or two. 

Most of them are at work during the day anyway. 

And that just leaves.....

Taylor. 

But she's usually really good at cleaning up after herself. She usually cleans the whole house for them when everyone's preoccupied with other things, leaving the house perfectly neat. 

Edge's brow bones furrow, walking off towards the kitchen. He notes that the floor's a bit dirty and there's dishes in the sink. The counter tops need to be cleaned up as well. 

He takes a look around the whole lower floor. 

It's all not as clean as it usually is. Floors aren't swept or mopped, laundry hasn't been done in a couple of days, everything that's usually done isn't. 

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" Edge grumbles to himself. 

He vaguely recalls part of that conversation Red had with Mutt.... How Taylor takes credit for the things you do. 

And he'll admit... he's caught you doing them more than once since he's started paying a bit more attention to what you're doing on any given day..... 

He heads upstairs, knocking on Taylor's door. There's a bit of shuffling, then the door cracks open. 

"Oh! Hey, Edge!" The look of annoyance and anger that was previously on Taylor's face melts to a happy expression. "What's up?" 

"NOTHING. I JUST WANTED TO ASK IF YOU'VE BEEN CLEANING UP THESE PAST FEW DAYS?" Edge asks, tilting his skull. 

"Of course! I like a clean house after all!" Taylor's smile is a bit tighter than before. Edge raises a bone brow at that.

"IT'S RATHER MESSY DOWNSTAIRS," he comments. Taylor's smile drops at that and she glares past Edge at your door. She then growls your name.  

"Oh, I bet she's being a slob again." 

Edge's about to comment about how you've been gone the past few days and it was spotless when you left, but it dies on the tip of his metaphorical tongue. The memory of what Mutt said coming back full force. He has a sinking feeling in his bones.

She obviously doesn't know you're gone. 

"I'll go yell at her for not cleaning up after herself!" Taylor nods, but Edge places a hand on her shoulder. 

"DON'T BOTHER," he says. "I'LL DO IT MYSELF." 

"Okay!" Taylor chirps, leaning onto her door frame. "Oh! And I wanted to ask if you'd take me shopping later?" 

Edge eyes the girl, the feeling in his bones crawling deeper. 

"..... MAYBE. I HAVE SOME THINGS TO DO LATER," he says. Taylor pouts. 

"What do you have to do?" She asks. 

"THINGS." 

"What things?!" 

Can't she accept that he's busy? She never elaborates what she has to do when she cancels on them. 

"THINGS I HAVE TO DO." Edge decides to be obtuse about it. 

"You can't put it aside for me?" Taylor pouts. 

"NO." 

"Fine," Taylor spits, closing the door in his face. Edge takes a step back in surprise, blinking at the doorway. His arms uncross and he pulls his eye lights away. 

They land on your door. 

Maybe he hasn't exactly been pulling his weight around the house like he should have...... He'll have to fix that.

Chapter Text

Edge perks up a bit at the front door opening and slamming closed again. He stands and makes his way into the foyer. His attention perks even more at the revelation that Red's home. He will admit, he was a little worried when he couldn't find his older brother. 

His joy gives away to worry when he realizes Red is drunk. 

For the first time in a long while.... And drunk enough he can hardly walk. 

"RED!" 

Said skeleton snaps his skull up at that bark, cussing when he sees his younger brother staring down at him with crossed arms. His frown turns into a downright scowl. 

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" 

"fuck off." The words are spit at him, full of venom that Edge wasn't expecting. 

"EXCUSE ME?" 

Edge is absolutely baffled. Red hasn't actually used a tone like that, or looked at him like that, in years. Not since they decided to give up that act, to stop pretending that they hated each other. They had decided it wasn't needed, not up here where everything is much safer than it was in their Underground. No one to go after them for caring about each other. 

It wasn't instantaneous, nor had they really verbally discussed it, but they had stopped. Their relationship isn't great by any means, but Edge had thought that it was getting better at least. 

"are you here to make fun of me? or jus' yell at me fer drinking? jus'.... jus' like old times, huh? i don't know why you'd even care." 

...... Was.... was that maybe.... not an act for him?

"WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU....?" 

Edge...... truly doesn't know what to think about the words coming out of his older brother's mouth. And.... and it's making him just a bit angry.

"SANS, WHAT ARE YOU GOING ON ABOUT?" 

Apparently Edge's questioning and look of confusion is getting Red angry. 

.... or.... or maybe.... it's just him. 

"you know exactly what i'm talking about!" Red points an accusing finger at his younger brother. Edge has to stop himself from taking a step back. "taylor told me all about how you really feel!" 

Taylor.... How he really feels? 

"I DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHAT YOU'RE RAMBLING ON ABOUT! ALL I KNOW IS THAT YOU'VE DRUNK YOURSELF STUPID AGAIN. I THOUGHT YOU AGREED TO QUIT THAT!" 

"i didn't agree to shit!" 

Edge stares hard at his older brother, trying to push his feelings down and think logically about this. 

......Red's just very drunk. He doesn't know what he's saying. 

"GO SLEEP THIS OFF YOU MORON. WE'LL TALK IN THE MORNING." 

"don't tell me what to do, you dick." 

"GO TO BED BEFORE I THROW YOUR ASS UP THERE MYSELF!" Edge barks this harshly, in a tone that he hoped he'd never have to use on his older brother again. 

But.... it got Red to move and go to his room. 

Edge makes sure he goes in and to bed, trying to push those hurt feelings down. 

But.... 

He looks back at Red, who's now in his bed, in his disaster of a room that Edge is always nagging him to clean up. Not quite passed out yet, but getting there. 

"SANS?" 

"what?" 

"WHAT DID TAYLOR SAY MY TRUE FEELINGS ARE?" 

Red snorts, rolling over so he's not facing Edge anymore. Then he says, in a tone as if he's stating the most obvious thing in the world, "what else? that you hate me." 

Edge's shocked into silence at that, eye sockets widening and jaw dropping. 

"I.... I DO NOT HATE YOU, BROTHER. I NEVER..." 

Red grumbles incoherently, obviously not even awake enough to register those words anymore. 

Edge closes his brother's door, stepping out into the hallway still in shock from that little bit of information. 

He never..... Taylor said..! 

He.... he can't believe-!

No. No. It's late. Red was drunk. He'll ask him again in the morning. Maybe he just misspoke. Taylor wouldn't pit the brothers against each other like that. 

She wouldn't. 

It'd.... it'd be unforgivable.

......

...

Edge never asks Red about what he said in the morning. 

_____ 

Stretch finds it a little odd. Usually when he comes to the kitchen in the morning, honestly too early but sometimes that's just the way it is, there's a fresh pot of coffee already brewed and waiting. Sometimes there's even a cup made just the way he likes it and some toast to go with it if he's lucky. But there isn't today. 

Or for the past few days honestly. 

But, it's no big deal. He can just brew one himself after all. He's not incapable of it. 

He guesses the other, more early bird, skeletons must have not made a very big pot and drank it all themselves. He knows Blue drinks coffee in the mornings and Edge usually does as well. Papyrus will sometimes, but not often. Black is more partial to wine, but he still practically inhales the stuff in the mornings. 

He knows Taylor doesn't drink coffee, at least not the stuff they make at home. But she still brews it for them when she gets up in the morning. He doesn't know how she gets up early enough to beat the morning skeletons, but she does and brews them coffee for when they come down. Though she seems to go right back to bed afterwards, for some reason. It's nice of her to do. 

Stretch fixes up a cup of coffee for himself and Sans before heading back to the basement. He sets the cup down right in front of the shorter skeleton, making him back up from the papers he's slaving over. 

"thanks," Sans mutters, taking a big swig of the drink. 

"no problem." Stretch goes right back to the books he's slaving over. 

"where's red? he should've been here hours ago." Sans rubs the heel of his hand into an eye socket as he grumbles this. Stretch shrugs, not looking up from the book. 

"dunno. haven't seen him in awhile." 

Sans grumbles incoherently at that, pinching the bridge of his nasal ridge. 

They just go back to their work and don't speak anymore on the topic. 

_____

"Hey Black," Taylor purrs, walking up from behind the said skeleton. He instantly turns around to hug her around the waist and press a nuzzle to the side of her head. 

"HELLO, DEAREST," Black purrs. Taylor laughs a bit, smiling widely. She then hooks a finger around Black's purple scarf, twirling it into the fabric. 

"I was wondering if you'd want to go out today?" She asks, giving him her best puppy dog face. "I'd really like to go shopping." 

"ANYTHING FOR YOU DEAREST," Black agrees immediately. 

Edge narrows his eye sockets from where he sits at the table, raising a brow bone at the other skeleton. 

"BLACK, YOU KNOW WE'RE SUPPOSE TO BE TRAINING TODAY," he comments. 

"You're always training," Taylor complains, pouting. "You never do anything else anymore."

"WE ONLY EVER SCHEDULE SATURDAY AFTERNOONS, TAYLOR," Edge corrects, leaning back in his chair. "ANY OTHER DAY IS OUT OF PERSONAL CHOICE." 

Taylor looks annoyed now. 

"IT'S JUST IN THE AFTERNOON. WE CAN GO," Black smiles. Taylor smiles at him, giving Edge a smug look. Edge just scoffs and turns back to the papers in front of him. 

Black dries his hands and then he and Taylor head out. 

"You know," Taylor begins, checking her makeup from the passenger seat of Black's car. "Red and Edge both have been rather testy these days." 

"WHAT MAKES YOU SAY THAT, DEAREST?" Black asks. 

"Just what I've been seeing. They've been so mean to me lately," Taylor pouts, sitting back into the seat again. "They're accusing me of the most ridiculous things and they've been so confrontational lately....... They've said some nasty things about you and the others too." 

Black snatches a glance at her out of the corner of his eye socket before quickly returning them to the road. 

"LIKE WHAT?" He asks. 

"I can't repeat what they've said! It's just too mean!" Taylor gasps. "And I really don't want to cause any trouble between you all." 

Black hums, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. Taylor turns her head out of the window, smirking. 

_____

Blue looks between Papyrus and Edge, the latter tapping his boot impatiently with his arms tightly crossed and glaring at the back door. The former just looks concerned, looking between the door and the other skeleton. 

Black's late. 

"EDGE, I'M SURE BLACK'S JUST RUNNING A BIT BEHIND SCHEDULE," Papyrus offers. 

"YES. I'M SURE." Edge's glare turns harsher towards the door. He then looks over at the other two. "LET'S START WITHOUT HIM. IT'S BEEN OVER AN HOUR ALREADY." 

"ARE... ARE YOU SURE, EDGE?" Papyrus asks. Edge nods sharply. 

Papyrus and Blue glance at each other, then nod slowly. 

.....

...

Edge seems more than a little agitated today...

Actually, things have been more than a little tense in their home for more than today. A couple of months actually. 

But Edge especially seems agitated today. He didn't go easy on either of them. Really put them through the ringer. Papyrus wasn't really as eager as he usually is either. Blue's.... not sure what to make of it.  

But he can't exactly say he's as eager to train lately either. 

Either way, Blue's tired. 

He still glances up, watching Black walk in holding a bunch of shopping bags with Taylor following happily. He watches them head upstairs, then Black come back down alone. 

"HEY BLACK," Blue greets, making the other skeleton stop and turn to him. "YOU MISSED TRAINING TODAY." 

".....HMM. I DIDN'T REALIZE WE WERE GONE THAT LONG," Black notes, looking towards the clock with his brow bones furrowed. Though he looks back at Blue again quickly. "TAYLOR WISHED TO GO SHOPPING, SO I TOOK HER. I WAS PLANNING TO BE BACK IN TIME TO JOIN YOU." 

"WELL, EDGE, PAPYRUS, AND I CONTINUED ON WITHOUT YOU," Blue shrugs. "WE WISHED YOU COULD'VE BEEN THERE THOUGH." 

Black's face darkens at the mention of Edge. He tilts his skull to the side just a bit, smile somehow turning sharper. 

"OH, REALLY? DID EDGE SAY ANYTHING?" 

"NOT REALLY," Blue replies, raising a brow bone. "HE DIDN'T SAY MUCH OF ANYTHING THE ENTIRE TIME." 

"INTERESTING," Black hums. He then turns on his heels, walking away without another word. Blue stares at him, confused, blinking a few times. He then just shakes his skull, sitting down on the couch. 

Stretch soon comes to join him, dropping down onto the sofa with a huff. 

".... you look rough," Stretch comments, eyeing his older brother. Blue just shrugs a shoulder. 

"EDGE JUST WEN'T PRETTY HARD TODAY. SOMETHING MUST BE UP WITH HIM." 

"... i see..." Stretch leans back into the couch more, eyeing the surroundings. "have you seen red lately?" 

".... NO... I HAVEN'T," Blue replies. "WHY?" 

"he.... we had plans last night and he never showed up," Stretch shrugs. Blue nods slowly, glancing away from his younger brother. 

Blue can't help but notice how tired Stretch looks. Stretch can't help but notice how stressed and upset Blue looks. 

".... how'd training go today?" Stretch asks. 

"BESIDES EDGE GOING A LITTLE HARDER THAN USUAL, IT WAS FINE. BLACK WASN'T THERE TO JOIN US TODAY, UNFORTUNATELY," Blue replies. Stretch looks surprised. 

"black didn't join?" 

"NO. HE TOOK TAYLOR OUT SHOPPING AND DIDN'T RETURN IN TIME. HE MISSED IT." Blue shrugs, looking back over at his brother. 

".... that's... surprising," Stretch notes. Blue nods. 

"BLACK IS USUALLY NOTHING IF NOT PUNCTUAL. IT WAS RATHER SURPRISING," he agrees. 

"...huh," Stretch shrugs, looking towards the window.

".... HAVE YOU NOTICED SOMETHING UP WITH RED?" Blue asks. 

"... just haven't seen him, actually," Stretch replies with a shrug. "hasn't been around lately." 

"I.... HAVEN'T REALLY SAW HIM EITHER..... AND SOMETHING'S BOTHERING EDGE," Blue comments. "DO.... DO YOU THINK SOMETHING HAPPENED BETWEEN THEM?" 

"i don't know.. maybe," Stretch replies. "but we probably shouldn't assume anything yet." 

"YOU'RE PROBABLY RIGHT," Blue sighs. He decides to move on from the topic. "SO, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO LATELY?" 

"nothin' much," Stretch replies. "helping sans out in the basement is about it." 

"HAVEN'T YOU BEEN SPENDING TIME WITH TAYLOR OR ANYONE ELSE?" Blue asks. 

"nope... taylor's been too busy," Stretch sighs. 

"YEAH.. SHE'S BEEN TOO BUSY TO REALLY HANG OUT WITH ME AS WELL," Blue sighs, Stretch noting the sad look on his face. 

".... you want to watch some mtt?" Stretch asks. Blue nods and grabs the remote.

Chapter Text

"Sans~" Taylor calls, skipping up to the said skeleton. Sans is, for once, not in the basement or at work surprisingly. He looks over his shoulder at the human girl bounding up to him and sighs, turning to greet her with a tired smile. 

"hey babe. what's up?" 

"You're finally home and free! What do you think?" Taylor replies. "You're always working and never spend time with me. I missed you!" 

"ah. sorry, i missed you too," Sans sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "this whole mix up thing, you know...." 

"Humph. I know you're trying to fix your screw up," that makes Sans wince, "but you have to hang out with me more. I'm your girlfriend after all. I should be able to hang out with you when I want to without your screw ups getting in the way. The others can make time, why do you have to be so difficult?" 

"babe, i'm sorry," Sans replies, holding his hands up in surrender. "i'll make more time." 

"Good. You're gone so much, I'd think you're seeing someone else." Taylor glares at this, crossing her arms. Sans' eye sockets widen, shaking his head. 

"no, no! i'm not. i would never do somethin' like that," he tries to assure her. Taylor just huffs, turning her head away. 

"Yeah, sure. But you're still always so busy and never there for me. It doesn't feel like you even want this relationship and it's making me upset." Taylor pairs these words with a sad look and a sniffle, making Sans jump. 

"babe, i'm sorry! i.... i promise to make more time," Sans assures. "i'll be around more." 

"Good," she replies. Sans sighs in relief at her acceptance. 

"you wanna go spend some time together now?" He asks, nodding towards the living room. 

"Sure!" Taylor chirps, back to a good mood already. Sans follows her into the living room where she grabs the remote and cuddles up to the skeleton. "You have to watch my show with me." 

"sure babe," Sans smiles, getting comfy in the corner of the couch. He really could use some relaxing time with his favorite human. This'll be nice. 

After a few minutes of watching TV, he notices Edge leaving the house and sighs. He nudges Taylor a bit as he remembers his purpose in coming up he before he ran into Taylor. 

"hey, babe, quick question." 

"What?" Taylor grumbles, looking up at the skeleton. 

"have you seen red around? he hasn't been coming down to work with stretch and i lately," Sans asks. Taylor's face falls into an irritated glare, her lip pulling into a snarl. 

"I haven't saw him since he decided to pick a fight with me," she replies, crossing her arms. 

"pick a fight with you?" Sans asks, raising a brow bone. 

"Yes. I can't believe him. He's been so rude and unagreeable lately. And accusing me of the craziest things. I don't know what's gotten into him," Taylor complains. Sans' brow bones furrow in confusion at her words, hands clenching a bit. Taylor's face falls as a thought comes to her, saying your name suddenly. "Maybe he's just been spending too much time around that liar. I bet she's filling his head with nonsense and trying to turn him against me, just like she did to poor Mutt." 

Sans sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face. It wouldn't surprise him to hear that. 

"i'll talk to red," he says. Then mumbles, "as soon as i can find him anyway." 

"Good! I'm worried about him," Taylor pouts. "Edge has been acting up a bit too. I think she's been getting to him as well. I just hope they'll be alright." 

"i'm sure they'll be fine, babe. they're tough," Sans assures. "and we'll deal with her later." 

Taylor nods happily, curling back into Sans with a smirk. 

_____ 

"Huh, Red, is that you?" 

Red growls as someone slides onto the bar stool next to him. Though he bites his metaphorical tongue when he sees who exactly it is, belatedly recognizing the voice over the sounds of the other patrons, and turns back to the glass he's nursing. He knock backs half the glass before grumbling something out. 

"fuck off, ya bastard." 

"Gee, what'd I do to you?" The skeleton snorts, flagging the bartender down to get a glass for himself. After he gets his alcohol, he turns back to the bulky skeleton beside him. He takes a drink, eyeing Red with a critical yellow eye light. "I didn't expect to see you here." 

"mind your own business. not up for your bullshit today," Red growls, knocking back the rest of his glass. 

The other skeleton just hums, still eyeing Red. He notes how Red's hunched over, his eye lights are a bit fuzzy at the edges. One hand is tapping restlessly at the bar top, but that's the only part of him moving. His entire posture is tense and wound up, a wave of agitated magic rolling off of him. His posture and the magic is probably why he was sitting here alone for so long. And why the humans and monsters having to sit closer to him occasionally glance over at the skeleton, like they're waiting for him to snap. 

He can also tell Red's already very drunk. And can figure something back at the lodge caused this, Red rarely ever goes anywhere besides the lodge anymore. He's just not really sure what at the moment. 

"How's everyone back home?" The taller skeleton asks, ignoring the irritated look from Red. 

"don't fuckin' care," Red growls. That makes the other skeleton raise a brow bone. He taps the finger tips of one long limb against the bar top. 

"Right. Sure," he says, taking another sip from his glass. "And Taylor?" 

"fuck that lying bitch!" Red snarls with a lot more venom than the other skeleton was expecting. 

"Where'd that come from? Last I knew you all were really close," he comments, rubbing a hand under his mouth. 

"not anymore. the bitch can drown for all i care," Red growls, flagging the bartender for another glass. Said bartender looks a bit weary, probably wondering if he should cut him off at this point. The taller skeleton gives the bartender a nod and they make Red another drink anyway. 

"I'm sure you don't mean that," the skeleton says, receiving a snarl from Red. "What could she possibly have done to deserve that amount of animosity?" 

"to many things to fuckin' count," Red replies. 

"Like?" 

"the bitch made a fool out of every stars damned one of us," Red barks, fist twitching like he wants to smash something. The other skeleton raises a brow bone at his restraint. 

"And how did she do that?" He asks. Red just grumbles, knocking back the human alcohol in one drink. The taller skeleton sighs, shaking his skull a bit at the other. 

Red's had enough to drink for one night. 

"I'll be right back, Red," he says, pushing himself off the stool as he finishes his drink. The skeleton pulls his phone out of his pocket as he walks outside, pulling out a packet of cigarettes while he's at it. He plugs a number into his phone, then lights up a cigarette while the line rings. 

"HELLO?" 

"Hey, Edge," the skeleton greets casually, glancing back into the bar to see Red still sitting at the bar. 

"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING ME?" Edge snips through the phone, though it's considerably less hostile and more confusion. "I THOUGHT YOU CHECKED IN WITH SANS?" 

"I do. But I found your brother. Thought I should call you to come pick him up instead of Sans," the skeleton replies, blowing smoke into the sky. The line is quiet for longer than he was expecting. 

"...... WHERE ARE YOU?" Edge demands. The skeleton gives him the name of the bar and the address and Edge barks he'll be there in a bit. Edge then hangs up and leaves the other skeleton to put his phone away. 

Though he glances to the side as Red comes stumbling out of the bar, grumbling curses under his breath. 

"give me a smoke, would ya?" 

"Sure." 

They're still standing there by the time a sleek black car pulls up to the curb, shining under the streetlamps. Edge jumps out of the well taken care of car, marching around it to reach the other two skeletons. 

"RED, DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUE WHAT TIME IT IS?" Edge snaps, glaring down at his older brother. "I THOUGHT YOU WERE HOME ALREADY!" 

"fuck off. you aren't in control of my life, ya bastard," Red snarls. 

The other skeleton glances between the two brothers in surprise once again, brow bone raised. 

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT, YOU MORON!" Edge barks. 

"Hey, hey, hey," the other skeleton cuts in, making the two edgier brothers glare at him. "What's with the name-calling?" 

"NONE OF YOUR BUISNESS," Edge replies sharply, crossing his arms. "THANK YOU FOR CALLING ME, IT'S TIME WE GO." 

"Sure," the skeleton nods, watching Edge give Red a sharp shove towards the black car. 

"don' touch me, ya fucker," Red growls, slapping Edge's hand away. The other skeleton doesn't miss the hurt flashing across Edge's face for a second. 

"JUST GET IN THE FUCKING CAR!" Edge snaps, plastering on his angry face. Red grumbles, but does and Edge huffs. 

"Hey, Edge," the other skeleton calls, making the taller skeleton pause and look back at him. He's still leaning against the building, long limbs crossed with his yellow eye light trained on Edge. "Everything okay back at the lodge?" 

Edge pauses, the skeleton taking the amount of silence into consideration. Edge then shuffles on his feet, tapping his fingers against his crossed arms. He looks away from the other skeleton, sharp teeth set into a nasty scowl. 

"IT'S NOTHING YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT. WE ARE DEALING WITH IT," Edge replies, slipping into the car before the other skeleton could prod anymore. He watches the car drive away, a brow bone still raised. 

"Something tells me I should doubt that," he comments to himself, pushing off the building and taking a shortcut home. 

"BROTHER!" A loud, boisterous voice calls from another room. The skeleton sighs, leisurely heading into his brother's personal lab. Though, with how much time he also spends in there, it could be considered his too. "I'M GLAD YOU'RE HOME. I THINK I'VE HAD A BREAKTHROUGH! COME LOOK AT THIS." 

The skeleton walks up to his taller brother's side, picking up the hastily written notes, then checking out the whiteboard in front of his brother. He hums, then nods. 

"Looks sound to me, bro," he agrees. His brother beams. 

"WONDERFUL. THOUGH, I AM WONDER WHAT YOU'RE DOING HOME ALREADY. I FIGURED YOU'D STAY OUT LONGER." 

"I was going to, but then I ran into Red at the bar," he shrugs. His brother looks at him curiously, pushing the reading glasses on his nasal ridge up farther. 

"OH? I SUPPOSE HE IS ONE THAT HANGS OUT AT BARS OFTEN," his brother muses. Then tilts his head, eyeing the other skeleton with curiosity. "WHY WOULD THAT BE SURPRISING?" 

"Red hasn't been visiting bars as often is why," he replies, pushing up the sleeve of his black, fur-lined coat a bit more. "And the way he was acting." 

"AND HOW WAS THAT?" 

"Well, he was cursing out Taylor for one," he replies, making his brother's brow bones rise in surprise. "He's real angry at her. Said she'd made a fool out of all of them." 

"THAT'S..... STRANGE," his brother comments. He nods in agreement. 

"Edge was acting strange too. He and Red are fighting." 

"THAT'S NOT THAT SURPRISING," his brother comments and he shrugs in response. 

"I have a feeling something's up with the lodge though," he says, rubbing his chin in thought. 

"IF YOU SAY SO, BROTHER," his bro replies. "I'VE ALWAYS HAD A BAD FEELING ABOUT THAT HUMAN. PERHAPS SHE HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT?" 

"Same here," he hums in thought. "It's possible she could, but we don't know enough to say for certain." 

"PERHAPS ONE OF THE OTHERS COULD DO A BIT OF DIGGING," his brother offers. "OR WE COULD VISIT THEM." 

"Smart as ever, bro. I bet Guns and his brother can do some digging," he replies, pulling out his phone again and pulling up his texts. 

"OF COURSE. WOULD YOU EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE?" His brother snorts, turning back to the board in front of him. 

"Nope." 

Me: Hey, got a favor to ask you and your bro. 

Guns: don't you know it's dangerous to ask a favor from someone like us? 

He has to snort at that, already able to see the shit eating grin the other skeleton is wearing. 

Me: I think you'll be interested in this one.

Guns: i'm listening 

Me: Think there's something up at the lodge. Care to do a bit of digging into their human? 

Guns: ya want me to snoop around the others' girlfriend's history? 

Me: Yup. Call it a hunch.

He informs the other skeleton about tonight's events with Red and Guns takes a moment to talk with his brother. And after a few minutes, he gets his answer. 

Guns: whelp. you've got us intrigued. consider it done. 

"They're on board," he comments.

"GREAT! I THINK WE SHOULD STILL MAKE A VISIT TO CHECK THINGS OUT FOR OURSELVES," his brother comments. He hums, tilting his head back and forth. 

"I doubt they'd do anything if they know someone watching them," he points out. 

"FAIR!" His brother responds. "BUT WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ONCE YOU GET YOUR ANSWERS, G?" 

"Guess we'll have to wait and see, won't we Aster?" G smirks, leaning against the wall again. Aster huffs, shaking his skull. 

"I GUESS WE WILL."

Chapter Text

"hey mutt, have you seen red around?" 

Mutt looks over his shoulder, spotting Sans leaning in the doorway. 

"nope," he replies, leaning back in the lawn chair on the deck. Purple smoke curls up from the dog treat between his teeth, then disappears into the air. 

"you sure?" Sans asks, sighing. He sounds very tired right now. 

"positive." 

Sans sighs again, grinding the heel of his palm into his eye socket. 

"'kay. tell him to come to the basement if you do," he says before walking away. 

Mutt shuts his eyes once again, flipping his hood up as a barrier between the back of the chair and his skull. 

"Mutt!" 

He almost chokes on the smoke when something drops into his lap. He snaps his eye sockets open, finding Taylor sitting right in his lap. 

"get off me!" Mutt shoves her right off himself, making her stumble onto her feet again. She pouts, crossing her arms and glaring at him. 

"Why are you so mean to me?" She whines. 

"you know exactly why." Mutt glares at her, pulling the dog treat out of his mouth. 

"Because of what she said about me?" Taylor asks, twirling a piece of her hair. Mutt just continues to glare at her, not saying a thing. Taylor rolls her eyes. "You know she's a liar. I've known her for longer than you have." 

"an' that's a lie..... you hadn't talked to her in years." Mutt raises a brow bone. Taylor snorts. 

"That's what she told you, right?" 

"it's what she's proven to me." 

".....So she's good at making up stuff to "prove" her lies," Taylor shrugs. She then leans forward a bit more. "Either way, what about Black? That bitch is splitting you and your brother apart. And she's going to leave you soon enough." 

"... no. you're pulling us apart. you're the one who's lying..... don't think i don't know what you're doing," Mutt growls, his expression turning stonier with every word out of her mouth. "fuck off." 

Taylor now glares at him, face turning red. 

"You're making a mistake," she hisses. Mutt snorts at that. "If you don't break up with that bitch, I'm going to make sure your relationship with Black is permanently ruined. I'll make sure no one in this house ever even looks your way again. You'll be finished." 

"try it," Mutt snorts. 

"I'll ruin your and her reputation with everyone," Taylor threatens. "Here and at school. Everywhere." 

Mutt outright laughs at that one. Straight up belly laughter. 

"i'd like to see you try," he manages to spit out, already knowing that you have a good reputation at school and in the community. Well, somewhat anyway. It's a big city after all, but word spreads. Teachers always say nice things about you and the limited interactions you've had with other students are always positive. Lydia's been saying nice things within the monster community and your work at the library and nursing home isn't exactly secret. 

He keeps tabs. Not religiously, but he does. 

And Taylor's only reputation isn't that great. 

Taylor only growls, stomping back into the house. Mutt's able to calm himself down after a few seconds, leaning back into the chair and taking a drag from the dog treat. 

Maybe she'll leave him alone now. That'd be nice. 

"..... you alright?" 

Mutt's eye lights dart over, spotting Red now sitting in the lawn chair on the other side of the table. 

"... are you sober?" 

"fuck off." 

Mutt snorts, glancing away from the other skeleton. It's quiet for a few more minutes. 

"i heard what she said." 

Mutt just blows smoke out of his mouth and into the air. He gets the meaning of that sentence easily enough.

"sans wants to you to go to the basement." 

"... just give me a damn smoke you fuckin' mutt," Red growls. Mutt snorts, tossing him a dog treat. 

_____

"It's a shame you can't stay longer." Syna frowns with her signs, you packing your stuff up from the old room you and Syna shared. You nod in agreement, looking back up at her. Noah helps with the packing, Caterine and Floyd standing in the doorway. 

"Please drive safe and have a safe trip back home," Noah says, gripping onto your shoulders. Syna nods in agreement, setting aside the bag she was packing for you.  

"Snowdrop, she not a child anymore," Caterine says, amusement coloring her gaze. Noah just pouts. 

"She's got a point," Floyd nods, just making Noah roll her eyes. "But still, text us when you get back." 

"I will," you assure as you finish packing and walk over to hug him. 

"Okay. Lets get your stuff packed into your car," Noah nods. "Oh! Don't forget the tin of cookies on the counter!"

You do just that and once the car door is shut, Syna spins on her heels and gives you a serious look. You can already tell you're probably not going to like where this is going. 

"We didn't get to talk about it much over the week," she brings up. She looks both suspicious and worried. "but you're okay aren't you?"

"Yeah. I'm fine, why do you ask?" 

"Everything going on back at that house. Everything is okay?" 

"Yeah," you sigh, leaning onto your car a bit. "Everything's fine. It's nothing I can't handle." 

"Just because you can handle it, doesn't mean you have too." Syna punctuates this sentence with a meaningful look towards you. You nod in agreement.

"No, but it is the cheapest option right now," you sigh. "And it's just a few more months." 

"Yeah but who knows what could happen in those few months." Syna gives you a flat look that turns to worry again. She eyes the scar on your forehead. 

You laugh at that, shaking your head. 

"Yeah, fair. But I'll be careful," you promise, crossing your arms. "Besides, if one of them even tried to do anything, Mutt or somebody else would stop them. Sans is real worried about getting in trouble with the guard, I doubt he'd let them beat up a human."

Syna nods in a "yeah okay" way. She then sighs, looking back at you with a weary smile. 

"Keep in touch. And tell us when something happens." She pokes your forehead after that last sentence, giving another meaningful look. You raise your hands in surrender with another laugh, agreeing quickly. 

"I'll see you later, Syna," you murmur, giving her tight hug. Syna nods, hugging you back just as tight. 

After giving Syna's siblings hugs of their own and saying your last goodbyes, you climb into your car. You sigh, watching as they disappear into the rearview mirror once again. And once at the gas station, you pull out your phone and shoot off a text to Mutt.  

_____

Mutt's outside to greet you when you get back from your wonderful vacation away from this house. You were sad to see it end, you had so much fun in your week away. It was really relaxing and refreshing to get away for a couple of days. Clear your mind. But, you had to come back eventually.

Mutt smiles as you walk up to him, slinging an arm around your shoulders when you get close enough. 

"welcome back, darlin'," he greets. 

"Thanks, Mutt! Did I miss anything while I was gone?" 

"not really," Mutt shrugs, leading you into the house again. You note it's still pretty clean, much to your surprise. One of the other skeletons must have picked up the slack. 

"Did anyone actually even notice I was gone?" You snort, looking back at your companion. You seriously doubt they did, saying it more as a joke and Mutt takes it that way too. 

"i doubt it. taylor definitely didn't." You have to laugh at that. "nothing really changed here for the others. but, i do think taylor and red got into a little spat. i heard her yelling at 'im. don't know what about, just tuned them out after hearing her shrieking." 

"Hmm." 

That's.... interesting. Well, you hope Red's alright at least. 

Mutt helps you get settled back into your room, you plopping right down onto your bed once you're finished. Mutt is quick to follow, needing to catch up on all the lost cuddle time he missed. 

"you have fun?" 

"Oh, lots. Syna actually came in during one of my shifts and sat there the entire day, waiting for me to finish work. And I don't know why! I mean, I've done it before and so has she back home, but I told her to go sight see and she sat in a café the entire day!" 

Mutt snorts, listening to you talk all about the week you had with your best friend, and eventually her family. You gesture animatedly with your stories, throwing them at the ceiling and your smile reaches your eyes. He... really likes this happy you. He doesn't get to see her much. 

You eventually finish your tales, hands dropping down onto your stomach and you take a breath. Mutt nuzzles the side of your head, pulling you closer to himself. 

"sounds like you had a good time." 

"I did... I honestly think I really needed that break.... It felt really nice to get away for a while." You sigh, looking up at the ceiling with that admission. 

"i can tell..." Mutt agrees. "you.... look a lot better... happier." 

You hum, turning onto your side so you can cuddle Mutt properly. He melts into the touch.

_____

Papyrus swings open the door to greet whoever knocked, but the greetings fall short before he could even get a word out. He blinks, staring at the newcomers who stare right back at him in equal shock. 

"...... uh..... hey..... we're.... uh..." 

"What..." He clears his throat. "What My Brother Is Trying To Say Is, We've Noticed Some Other Monsters Lived Here And Wanted To.... Uh... We-We Have Some Questions!" 

"OH... UH.." Is Papyrus' eloquent response. He clears his throat, glancing away from the newcomers. "UH, COME IN, COME IN! I'LL.. I'LL GET SANS!" 

He lets the two in through the doorway, then quickly runs for the basement door. He knocks pretty loudly, calling for his older brother through the wood. After a few minutes of this, Sans finally appears. 

"what's up, bro?" Sans asks tiredly, glancing over Papyrus' frazzled appearance. His brow bones knit in concern. 

"THERE'S BEEN TWO MORE ARRIVALS!" Papyrus responds. 

".... what?" Sans' eye sockets widen. 

Two more arrivals? But they haven't turned on the machine at all! 

Papyrus just points back towards the front door, where the two are still standing awkwardly. One hunching due to his height. 

Sans' eye sockets widen at the sight of them, frozen for a good few minutes in shock. Before he snaps back into focus and ushers them into the basement. 

And shortly after, noticing the basement door is open, Taylor goes down there too. Intent on getting some attention from Sans today. 

_____ 

You head down the stairs, yawning into your elbow after a really nice nap with Mutt. You're barely able to walk off the last step before you hear the commotion from the basement door that's slightly ajar. You raise an eyebrow at being able to even hear that, hesitantly heading over. 

It's always been a rule in this house, no going into the basement. So you wont. 

"Hey! Is everything alright down there?!" You call from the door. It goes quiet for a second. Then someone's heading quickly up the stairs and you jump out of the way. "Whoa! Hey! Slow down. Where's the fire?" 

"there's no fire. stay out of the basement!" Stretch snaps. You raise your hands in surrender, taking a couple more steps away from the doorway. 

"I wasn't heading down. I just could hear the screaming from up here!" 

"hey! stay down here!" 

You look to the side just in time to see two massive forms hurrying out of the basement, the taller practically being dragged by the shorter of the two. They both seem to freeze at the sight of you, like you freeze at the sight of them. 

They look awful! And they're huge, much bigger than any monster you've ever encountered before. The shorter of the two has a giant hole in his head that looks like it should have dusted him. Then he also has a single trembling red eye light, though it looks more like an eye at this point with the small black dot in the middle. His clothes look rather old and ratty, the blue jacket and white shirt having stains on them. The taller one's teeth look like splintered wood, jagged, uneven, and broken. It looks painful. His eye sockets are very small too and there's no visible eye light in them. His clothes aren't much better either. 

And upon closer inspection, they look quite similar to Sans and Papyrus. Just.... more aged and.... injured? 

Sans is quick to come up behind them, dragging Taylor with him. He's sweating a lot, looking more than a little stressed and tired.

Standing next to each other, the similarities are impeccable.

"shit," Sans mutters.

Chapter Text

Sans really looks like he wants nothing more than to just disappear right now. 

He's kept from doing just that by the others wanting to know what exactly happened and who these two newcomers are. Taylor had to spin her own sob story about them as well, claiming that the two attacked her when she went down to investigate all the noise that was coming from down there. 

"That Never Happened!" The taller one cries. 

"Yes it did!" Taylor snaps. She then clings onto Blue, who just so happens to be the closest to her. "They're psychotic and scary looking and I don't like them!" 

The taller of the two wilts more, the shorter narrowing his working eye socket at the human girl. He looks more than a little agitated.

"sans, what happened down there?" Red demands, scowl on his skull. 

"What? You don't believe me?!" Taylor snaps, glaring at Red. He ignores her and continues to stare straight at Sans, who's blinking at Taylor like he's in shock. To be fair, Stretch is as well. 

Red soon gets impatient waiting for Sans and looks at the taller monster. 

"what. happened?" 

"Uhm.... Sans' Double Brought My Brother And I Down To The Basement And After A Few Minutes The Human Came Down As Well. She Panicked When She Saw Sans And I And Threw Something At Us. It Didn't Hit Either Of Us Though. Sans' Double Was Able To Calm Her Down And Explained To Her What Was Going On. After Hearing About It, She Demanded That He Makes Us Leave. He Tried To Talk With Her But She Just Got More Upset And Threw Something Else, Nearly Hitting That Machine In The Corner. Then The Other Human Called And The Orange Sweatshirt Me Ran Up The Stairs. Sans Then Dragged Me Up As Well." 

That sounds like Taylor. Threw a fit when she didn't immediately get her way and this time she nearly managed to hit something potentially important. 

Red looks over at Sans. 

"is he telling the truth?" 

Sans just nods slowly, burying himself into his jacket. 

"No he's not!" Taylor yells. "He's lying!" 

"frankly, i believe him more than you," Mutt comments, you nodding in agreement. 

"Me too." 

"No one asked you!" Taylor snaps. 

You glance around when you feel eyes on you, a small shiver running down your spine because of it. Your eyes land on a single red orb, which is trained on you intently. You blink, finally registering that the shorter newcomer is staring at you unabashedly, making you hesitantly wave with a smile. 

"what were you even doin' in the basement?! we told you, you weren't supposed ta be goin' down there!" Ooooo, Red's mad. Taylor's getting all angry now too. 

"Why are you yelling at me?! I didn't do anything!" 

"it sounds like ya did!" 

"RED! YOU SHOULDN'T BE YELLING AT HER LIKE THAT! SHE'S ALREADY BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH TODAY, DON'T YOU THINK?!" Black snaps.

Red goes to say something else, but is cut off by Edge. "ENOUGH! WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT SHE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE DOWN THERE AND SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE WENT TO THE BASEMENT AT ALL." 

"She went down there!" Taylor points at you and you glare at her. 

"I did not. I stayed at the top of the stairs," you protest. 

"she did," Stretch concedes, bone brows furrowing at Taylor. 

You're impressed he's sticking up for you at this point. But he clearly did see you stayed at the top of the stairs. 

"AS INNOCENT AS THAT IDIOT MAY BE RIGHT NOW-" Ah, there it is. Back to normal. Thanks, Black. "-WE STILL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE TWO." 

Black gestures harshly at the two newcomers. 

"look, axe and crooks-" Sans tries to speak up.

"Wait! Wait, wait, wait. Hold on, Axe and Crooks?" You interrupt, making the skeletons look at you. You look towards the newcomers, eyebrows raised. "Are those actually your names?" 

"....no." The shorter newcomer replies, eye light nearly vibrating. You turn back at Sans, looking nearly livid. 

"Are those nicknames you gave them?" 

"look, kid-" 

"Don't you "look kid" me, Sans. Are those nicknames you gave them?" 

".... yes..." Sans is sweating again, really looking like he wants to disappear into his jacket. "but we needed something to call them-" 

"No. You're not calling them that!" You decide. 

"kid-" 

"No. Over my dead body." You glare at the skeleton, partially ignoring Mutt tensing at that wording choice and placing a hand on your shoulder. The two newcomers openly stare at you, the shorter with raised brow bones and the taller with his jaw slightly agape. "Those are names a school yard bully would come up with." 

"look, we need something to call them." Sans raises his hands in surrender, but still stands on that point. 

"Why not ask them what they want to be called?" You offer, crossing your arms. 

"I don't see the problem with them. Crooks fits him." Taylor decides to put her two cents in.

The taller of the two just wilts a little more, rubbing his jaw. The shorter of the two growls lowly and you glare at her. 

"Taylor, shut up." 

"DON'T SPEAK TO HER LIKE THAT!" Black snaps. "I DON'T SEE HOW IT'S YOUR BUSINESS WHAT WE DO AND DON'T CALL OTHERS!" 

"Black, what if that was Mutt? Would you be letting people calling him Crooks?" You argue, gesturing vaguely at the skeleton beside you. "Would you want to be called Crooks? Would any of you?" 

All the skeletons glance away from your form, some rubbing the back of their necks. Black still glares at you. 

"I didn't think so," you comment, leaning back into your seat. 

"WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE CALL THEM THEN, HMM?" Black snaps. 

"Once again, why not ask them?" You gesture towards the two, who've been silent during this entire argument. 

"... we want to be called our names," the shorter of the two replies. 

"i've told you, we can't." Sans sounds exasperated. 

"Why?" 

"we just can't." Is Sans' so eloquent response. You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose. 

"That is not an answer," you grumble. Mutt squeezes your shoulder. 

"WE HAVE OUR REASONS," Edge interrupts, looking down at you. His arms are crossed and his face neutral. There wasn't any of the bite you were expecting from him. 

"Yeah. Fine. Keep your secrets or whatever." You wave off the subject, sighing as you do so. 

"we still need something to call them," Stretch points out. The shorter of the two looks annoyed. 

"Lunar," the taller of the two says. "Uhm, You Can Call Me Lunar." 

"bro," the shorter of the two says, looking over at him. The taller of the two, now named Lunar, just whispers to his brother quietly. He sighs and sits back grumbling incoherently. 

"Who cares what they're called!" Taylor now stops her foot, apparently tired of being ignored. "I don't want them here!" 

"taylor, babe," Sans sighs, sounding more and more tired. 

"No!" 

You sigh, just knowing there's going to be another huge tantrum. You stand up and walk over to the two still seated on the couch. 

"You'll want to leave for this," you tell them, nodding towards the kitchen. "Come on, I'll get you something to drink." 

Lunar glances from the other human to you, then nods slowly. He and his brother follow you into the kitchen, you noting that they keep glancing towards the food out while you get them their cups of water. 

"Hungry?" 

"...starving.." 

"Alright. I can get you something to eat as well, if you want," you offer as you slide them the glasses. The both blink at you, then Lunar's brother nods slowly. 

"Yes, Please," Lunar says. You dig out some bread and lunch meat from the fridge. 

"I'm sorry about Taylor," you tell them as you make them some sandwiches. "I wish I could say she isn't always like that, but.... she is." 

You slide the plates over, but then pause as you look up at Lunar. 

"Oh, are you going to be able to eat this?" You ask, glancing at his teeth. "I can make you something else, if you'll wait a couple of minutes." 

"Biting Down Can Be A Little Painful," Lunar admits, but he still pulls the plate towards himself. "But It's Not A Problem! I Can Eat A Sandwich Just Fine." 

"Are you sure?" You ask, glancing over at Lunar's brother as he scarfs his sandwich down. 

"Yes! Thank You Though," Lunar nods. He then begins to eat as well, though slower than his brother. 

"If you say so," you sigh. You then glance over the appearances again. "But, are you two alright?" 

"...we're fine," Lunar's brother replies. You nod slowly, turning to clean up after yourself. 

"Do you need to go see a doctor though? I'll be honest, your head wound looks pretty bad... You're not going to dust from it, are you?" You ask, looking at the shorter brother in worry. He stares at you again. 

"My Brother Is Stable, He Won't Dust From The Crack," Lunar assures you. 

You wouldn't call that gaping hole a crack, but alright. If you say so, Lunar.

"If you're sure," you nod, tossing the paper towels into the trash can. You then realize you haven't introduced yourself to them, and quickly do so. Lunar repeats your name, nodding afterwards.

"It's Nice To Meet You! You Seem Much Nicer Than The Other Human," he concludes. You snort at that. 

"An angry bull is nicer than Taylor," you comment. You lean onto the counter, looking over at Lunar's brother again. "Sooo, what should I call you?" 

".... sans," he replies.

"Brother!" Lunar sighs, nudging him with a spindly arm. He sighs. 

".... grey," he finally decides. You hum, nodding slightly. 

"Is Sans a family name or something?" You ask. He shrugs. 

"what's her problem?" Grey looks towards the living room again, where Taylor's shrieking can still be heard. 

"She has too many to count," you sigh, looking towards the ceiling. 

"Not Many Of Those Doubles Seem To Like You," Lunar comments, making you blink in surprise. Though you chuckle, shaking your head a bit. Both of the brothers watching these reactions. 

"No, they don't. Only Mutt really likes me. I'm kind of surprised they listened to me about your nicknames," you shrug, glancing in towards the living room again. Though you shrug it off, looking back at the two newcomers. 

"Why Wouldn't They Like You?" Lunar asks, looking surprised. 

"Taylor." Is your simple reply. They two slowly, deliberately blink. "Anyway, I haven't saw you two around before. Are you new?" 

"We've Been Living In The Woods For A While Now," Lunar admits. "We Only Recently Discovered This House And That You All Live Here." 

"Oh. Have you been to the city yet?" You ask. 

"yeah... don't have any... gold though," Grey replies. "...couldn't buy anything." 

"You never traded your gold for the surface's currency?" You ask, tilting your head. That was one of the first things monsters did, you thought. Along with getting IDs. 

"Surface Currency?" Lunar asks. 

"Mhmm. Like dollar bills and quarters, dimes, nickles. That's what we use up here," you nod. The two just look at you blankly, then shake their skulls. ".... None of this was explained to you when you integrated with everyone else?" 

".... we weren't integrated with other monsters," Grey says. You blink, then rub your forehead. 

"Whatcha mean?" 

"Well, We Never Knew The Barrier Was Broken. Our House Was Just Suddenly On The Surface One Day," Lunar replies. You hum, brows drawing together in confusion. 

"Strange." 

"there you are." 

Grey and Lunar both tense, you looking over as Mutt walks towards you quickly. The two brothers watch him closely, Mutt looking over at them in suspicion. 

"Hey Mutt," you greet. "Sorry. Didn't want to listen to Taylor's tantrum." 

"fair enough..... whatcha doin' in here?" He asks. 

"Talking. Made them something to eat," you shrug. 

"...i see. well, taylor stopped her tantrum and stomped off," Mutt tells you. He then looks back at the other two. "sans is lookin' for you two." 

Grey just growls lowly, Lunar tensing just a bit. 

"well, come on," Mutt says, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and leading you out of the kitchen quickly. Grey and Lunar follow after a few seconds.

Well, what an interesting conversation that was.

Chapter Text

Sans sighs at the sight of the four of you entering the living room again, you raising an eyebrow at that. You don't see Blue or Papyrus, figuring they must have went after Taylor or something. Everyone else is sitting on various furniture or standing as still as statues. You don't miss the way they glance over you, like they were expecting something to have happened.

Sans stands, tense again as he faces the newcomers. He's still sweating quite a bit.

"look, you can't stay here. we don't have the room," Sans tells them. 

"And because Taylor threw a fit?" You mutter, crossing your arms. Mutt squeezes you, quelling your rising anger again as Grey speaks up before you could. 

"don't want to... have our house," Grey mutters, his working eye socket narrow. 

"we'll have someone bring food to you two," Sans adds quickly. "so you don't have to go into the city or towns." He then turns to the others. "..so uh, any volunteers?" 

No one says anything for a long while, glancing at each other and back to the other two. 

"I will," you say after no one speaks up, crossing your arms and giving the others a look. Mutt tense at that, his grip on you tightening. The group of skeletons look shocked, blinking at you in surprise.

"what? no," Sans balks. 

"What? Yes. Doesn't look like anyone else is going to," you reply, gesturing towards the group. 

"you can't," Sans argues, putting his hands up. 

"Do you really think I'm incapable of something as simple as delivering groceries?" You ask, raising an eyebrow. 

"no, but-" Sans looks very nervous, glancing between you and the newcomers. 

"I Wouldn't Mind The Nice Human Visiting," Lunar smiles. It's a little marred by his broken teeth, but it still looks sweet. But it seems to make the others uncomfortable. 

"BUT HOW WILL WE KNOW THAT YOU'RE ACTUALLY BUYING THEM GROCERIES INSTEAD OF SPENDING THE MONEY ON WHO KNOWS WHAT?" Black snaps, making you roll your eyes. 

"I'LL ACCOMPANY HER TO THE GROCERY STORE," Edge replies, glancing over at you. You wince, but sigh, already knowing there's going to be no way to get out of that.

"Egh, I'll need help on figuring out what to buy anyway," you comment, leaning your head onto Mutt's shoulder. Better than Black following you to the store. Maybe.

"but-you can't- you can't go there alone," Sans stresses. 

"Why? They've been nothing but pleasant," you comment. Sans lets out a frustrated noise. 

"i'll go with her," Mutt assures. He then looks at Edge, eye sockets narrowing. "to the store and their house."

Grey doesn't look happy with that little arrangement, but Lunar smiles all the same. Even if he does look a little reluctant himself. Sans just sighs in defeat. 

"fine." He looks very stressed. But he still gives you a stony look. "but the money you get goes to groceries, nothing else." 

"I got that," you say flatly. 

Sans just pinches the bridge of his nasal cavity. 

You get the feeling this is going to be a great time. 

_____

"Hey Mutt," you say, looking up to the ceiling at the both of you cuddle in his bed for the night. 

"...yeah?" Mutt yawns. 

"Grey and Lunar, they look almost exactly like Sans and Papyrus," you bring up. You can feel Mutt tensing. "All of you look pretty similar actually." 

"heh heh... heh... yeah, lotta people think so," Mutt replies, fingers nervously squeezing your arm. 

"Yeah, but they also have the same names.... and didn't know what the currency up here was, didn't integrate with the rest of the monsters," you continue, tilting your head to look at the skeleton. "Sans apparently doesn't want them going into the city or any other towns. Didn't seem all that happy that I met them. They didn't even know the barrier was broken and just found themselves on the surface one day. Not to mentioning the "Sans' double" thing."

"uh..." 

"And... I have heard the others sometimes calling each other Sans or Papyrus or some version of that," you add. Mutt sighs, loosening up just a bit. 

"yeah.... uh.... you're not going to believe the reason," Mutt says, hesitantly pulling away so he can look at you. He sits up on one arm, looking down at you. 

"Try me," you reply, shifting to look up at him again. 

"heh heh.... heh... i'm not supposed to talk about it... but.... well everyone here is a different version of the same person from different universes brought here by a faulty machine," Mutt explains. You blink at that, looking up at him blankly. 

....He begins to sweat under your gaze. 

"angel?" 

"You're serious?" You ask. 

".... yeah.." 

"Really?" 

".... yup." 

"So you're Papyrus?" You ask, raising an eyebrow. Mutt nods, glancing away from you. 

"a... uh... a version. act more like... more like a sans... but yeah." 

"And that means Edge, Stretch, and Lunar are also all Papyrus... And Blue, Red, Black, and Grey are Sans. Just from different universes and were somehow all brought to this one by.... a machine." 

"yeeep." 

You take a deep breath, closing your eyes. You open them once you've let out that breath and look back at Mutt. 

"This sounds like the plot to a bad scfi movie." 

"..... yup..." 

"Okay... I don't have the brain power to actually process this right now," you sigh. Mutt takes a quick glance at you before looking away again. 

You kind of have to liken his expression to that of a dog who's done something wrong. 

"...." 

"Just lay back down," you mumble, trying to pull him back yourself. He does, nuzzling your shoulder. You'd think his teeth would scrape your skin, but no. He's always gentle enough to where you can feel the points, but they never come close to actually being able to hurt you. 

....

This was an unexpected revelation.  

_____

You really don't know what to think when you step into Grey and Lunar's house. You really don't. 

And you thought the outside looked bad. Jeeze. 

The entire house looks very rundown, both inside and outside. The wallpaper is peeling, some of the windows are boarded up, and you're not really trusting the look of that staircase. Quite a few floorboards creak ominously and it doesn't seem like all the lights work. At least the furniture looks okay. Old, but okay. 

"Make Yourselves At Home!" Lunar offers. "My Cottage Is Your Cottage." 

"Thank you, Lunar," you smile, though it doesn't escape your notice how Mutt goes out of his way to make sure you're the last one in. 

You spot Grey on the couch, book in his lap but he's watching the three of you closely. Edge just continues to stand by the door, arms crossed tight and his ever present scowl remaining on his skull. Mutt looks relaxed, but you know better. He's just as on guard as Edge is, watching Grey like Grey's watching him. 

".... what are you doing here?" Grey asks. 

"THE HUMAN WANTED TO SEE WHAT YOU WANTED BEFORE WE WENT TO THE STORE," Edge replies before you could speak up. 

"A grocery list," you comment, looking between the two. 

"YES, A GROCERY LIST." Edge looks a bit annoyed, but maybe he's just impatient. "NOW HURRY UP! I DON'T HAVE ALL DAY!" 

"Okay, okay," you relent, putting your hands up in surrender. You then take a step towards Lunar, holding up your phone with the notes app pulled up. "Mind helping me?" 

"Oh.... Uh.. Sure!" Lunar replies, tilting his head towards you. 

He gives you a list, though it makes you a little concerned. It seems like they don't have anything to eat at all. But you're not going to question it at the moment. 

"Is that all?" You ask, looking back up at him. He nods, glancing away for a minute. You look around Lunar to meet Grey's eye light. "Is there anything you want to add, Grey?" 

".... my bro got everything," he simply says, hand crawling up to his dead eye socket and tugging. Your brows furrow, adverting your eyes back to your phone.

"Okay." You save the list and close the app. 

"GREAT. WONDERFUL. THEN LETS GET GOING ALREADY." Edge stomps his way out of the house, making you sigh and look at the ceiling. 

"whelp, better not keep 'im waiting," Mutt comments, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. 

"We'll be back in a few hours," you tell the other two, waving as Mutt leads you back out of the house. 

"See You In A Little While," Lunar waves back. He shuts the door after you're both out, spinning back around to face his brother afterwards. "Do.... Do You Think...." 

"don't know," Grey shrugs, looking back down at the book in his lap. Lunar sighs, straightening up his spine and giving a determined look. 

"I Think This Will Turn Out Great," he says, trying to sound just as determined as he appears. But... a bit of those nerves bleed into his words. Grey just hums. 

_____ 

"I... don't know what half of these things are," you murmur, looking at the list with your brows furrowed. Mutt laughs from beside you, glancing over your shoulder to get a look himself. 

"it's monster food," he, unhelpfully, supplies. 

"Nooo. I thought it was astronaut food," you reply sarcastically. Mutt just laughs harder at that, Edge appearing more and more impatient. 

"LETS GO ALREADY," he snaps, turning on his heels and walking down a random isle. You sigh and follow him with the cart, looking back at Mutt. 

"lotta pasta," Mutt comments, looking at your phone again. Edge doesn't say anything, just letting out a "hurmph" at that. 

"What's a Hush Puppy?" You ask. 

"IT'S FOOD. WHAT ELSE?" Edge replies. You sigh, looking towards the ceiling once again. 

"After living with you guys for so long, you'd think I'd know what this stuff is," you mumble to yourself. Mutt snorts, shaking his skull in amusement. 

You follow Edge around as he drops food into the cart, Mutt and you also grabbing things as well as you see them. 

"hey, i'm gonna go grab something quick. you gonna be okay?" Mutt asks, looking between you and Edge. You nod with a hum, looking between two boxes on the shelf. 

"I'll be fine. Go grab whatever it is." 

"'kay," Mutt replies, eyeing Edge before he walks away. Edge watches him walk off before his eye lights cut to you. 

You pick up the cheaper box of food, dropping it into the cart. You look up at the skeleton with a raised eyebrow, since he hasn't looked away from you yet. 

".... What?" You ask after a few minutes of this staring contest. 

"I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOUR PLAN HERE IS," Edge replies, raising a brow bone back at you. 

".... Buy groceries and deliver them to Grey and Lunar?" You reply, looking at the skeleton very confused. 

"YOU DON'T GET ANYTHING OUT OF THIS," Edge comments. 

"... No.. I don't," you reply. "But I don't see how that matters?" 

"....SELFLESSNESS WOULDN'T BE SOMETHING I'D EXPECT FROM YOU," Edge simply comments. 

"Uh-huh. Right," you sigh, looking back down between the cart and your phone. "Tell me Edge, when have you actually seen me doing something selfish? And not heard it from Taylor." 

"...." Edge turns contemplative, then "hurmphs" again, turning to look away from you. "I DON'T CONTINUOUSLY WATCH EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE." 

"Fair," you nod, deleting a couple of items off of it. "Either way, I don't need to get anything out of this, Edge." 

He looks back at you and you look into his eye lights. 

"I'm doing it just because." 

"...TCH." He looks away from you again. 

Mutt comes back around a few minutes later, carrying a few more of the items you needed. And a few minutes later, you're checking out. 

"I ASSUME I DON'T NEED TO RETURN TO THAT DEATH TRAP WITH YOU BOTH?" Edge scoffs as you all walk back out to his shiny black car. 

"nah," Mutt replies, eyeing the other skeleton. 

"GOOD. I'M NOT GOING BACK THERE," Edge declares. 

"That's fine, Edge," you assure. "Thank you for coming and helping us get the groceries." 

"I ONLY DID SO BLACK WOULD SHUT UP! THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE EDGE IS NOT A GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE!" He snaps, glaring as you and Mutt place the bags into the trunk. 

"No one said you were," you reply. 

"GOOD! I EXPECT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO DO THE NEXT RUN BY YOURSELVES!" Edge then folds into the driver's seat without letting either of you get in another word. 

You glance over at Mutt, him looking in through the windshield with a raised brow bone. He then looks back at you and shrugs, shoving the cart into one of those cart corals. Then, you're on your way home.

Chapter Text

You haven't ever saw a pantry so bare before, but Grey and Lunar's pantry is barren. There's nothing in it. They don't even have more that two plates. Then barely any silverware either. 

Guess they really did need these groceries. And maybe you should ask Sans if you can get more for them, along with some more dishware. Though you have a feeling that'd be a no. 

You help Lunar put the groceries away, Mutt standing unhelpfully in the kitchen doorway where he can see you both and Grey in the living room. And it seems like him and Grey are in a heated staring contest. 

"Thank You For Getting This All For Us," Lunar says. 

"No problem," you smile, waving a hand as you place the last item on the shelf. 

There's a fine tremble in Lunar's hands as he looks over the pantry and shelves. They're not completely full, but the food that you've gotten them should last a month at least. Maybe a little more depending on how fast they go through food, either way they should be good for a while. 

It's still more than a little concerning that they barely had any food at all before you arrived. 

"I Still Very Much Appreciate It," Lunar smiles. He's hunched, bending his spine to be more at level with you. But considering you barely come up to the bottom of his rib cage, it's still quite the bend. 

You just smile at him, still having to tilt your head up to do so. 

"If there's anything else you need, don't be afraid to ask," you add, turning to look back at the closed cup boards. "We're probably going to be needing to get you some more dishware. Definitely some tupperware. Maybe some rags." You turn to Mutt, tilting your head a bit. "Think we can badger Sans into letting us get some?" 

"...maybe?" Mutt shrugs. You hum in response. 

"You Don't Have To Go Through That Much Trouble," Lunar says, waving his hands a bit. You chuckle at that, shaking your head. 

"It's not any trouble," you assure him. Lunar smiles, and though it'd probably look nicer with his teeth straight, it's still enough to get you smiling right back at him.

_____ 

"hey angel," Mutt speaks up, making you look up from the paper in front of you. Mutt's currently laying on his back on your bed, legs bent and one ankle crossed over his knee. He holds a book, a piece of paper being held against it by his thumb. 

"Yeah?" 

"be careful around grey and lunar," he tells you. He looks at you out of the corner of his eye socket, dusky violet eye light seeming dimmer than usual.

"there a reason for this?" You ask, turning in your desk chair. Your eyebrow is raised and head tilted just a bit. 

Honestly Lunar seems like such a sweetheart, but you're also not a complete idiot. 

"just..... just a feelin'." Mutt glances away from you again, a bit of sweat dripping down his skull. Your brows furrow, eyeing the tense skeleton on your bed. 

".... okay. I will be, don't worry," you assure before turning back to your work. 

_____

You knock on the door to Grey and Lunar's house a couple of days later, only waiting for a few minutes before the door is swinging open. 

"Ah! Human, You're Back!" Lunar greets, after a second of squinted staring. 

"Hey, Lunar!" You greet. You step in as Lunar moves aside, the bag on your elbow crinkling at your movements. "I got you some tupperware and more dishes after work today, so I brought them over." 

You look up at Lunar, noting he's wearing something different from the last time you saw him. He's now dressed in a old, moth eaten sweater and jeans. Both articles, while looking well tended too, seem worn down and stretched out. There's also spots where you can see they were patched back together. 

"that's why your guard dog isn't here, i'm guessing," Grey pipes up from the couch. 

"Guard dog....? Oh! You mean Mutt?" You ask. Grey barely nods. You shrug, letting the bag fall into your hand. "Yeah. I guess. He doesn't know I came over." 

"Oh.... You're Not Going To Get In Trouble For Being Over Here, Are You?" Lunar asks. 

"No." You shake your head. You give him a crooked smile, more amused than anything else. "I am a grown woman able to make my own decisions. I don't have to have permission from the others to come visit." 

"... i don't know.. they seem to have a different opinion," Grey comments, his red eye light tracking your movements. You snort, rolling your eyes just a bit. 

"Well, they'll just have to suck it up, won't they?" You nod, holding the bag out to Lunar. He takes it, his brow bone furrowing as he looks inside. "It's not a china set, but they work just as good." 

"No, No. These Are Perfect! Thank You Very Much," Lunar assures, giving you another wide smiles. 

"It's no problem," you smile. 

"Please, Make Yourself At Home," Lunar offers, motioning to the living room where his brother sits. 

"Thanks!" 

He then bounds off into the kitchen to put the plates, tupperware, and silverware away, you moving into the room to sit down. 

Grey still watches you as you sit on the couch, on the opposite side of him. But you still send him a smile before taking another look around at the state of the house. 

".... we don't have any gold you know," Grey states after a second. You look at him confused for a second, then nod. 

"I know. You've said so before, I believe," you note, tilting your head a bit. Grey just stares for a few more seconds. 

"...... then why are you here?" Grey asks. 

"... Because I want to be?" You reply, more than a little confused. 

"..." Grey takes a sharp inhale of air, his eye light seeming to vibrate in his socket. "... look, i don't know why you're doing this, but if it's to hurt paps or me..... y o u ' r e g o i n g t o h a v e a b a d t i m e." 

You lean back slightly, blinking in surprise. 

Lunar hops back into the room before you can think to reply, though it doesn't really seem like Grey was expecting one in the first place. 

"So, Human, Do... Do You Like Puzzles?" Lunar asks, making you advert your eyes back to him. 

...... He looks rather nervous, or unsure. Still curving his spine to be more at your level. And even through his nerves, he still smiles. 

".. Yeah," you smile. 

"I Have Some Puzzles If You'd Like To Try Them!" Lunar looks so excited, you honestly can't deny him. 

"Sure! Sounds like fun!" You agree easily. Lunar just beams. 

He leads you up the stairs and into what you have to assume is his bedroom, which you take a look around at. It's rather clean, though it's almost barren and seems just as worn down as the rest of the house and its two owners. There's an old, orange racecar bed with thin sheets covering it, some of the paint chipping off. A table sits next to the bed, a few old looking action figures on it. Though they do seem to be well taken care of. The shelves of the bookcase are full and there's an empty box in the corner. There's a torn pirate's flag on the wall, the fabric more than a little faded. Then there's an old, clunky computer on the desk, which surprises you a little more than it probably should. 

That computer is a dinosaur though and you never thought you'd see one of those out in the wild. 

Lunar walks over to his bed and digs around underneath it for a few minutes, eventually pulling out what looks like a box lid. 

"Ah-Ha! Here We Are!" He smiles, shifting papers around in the container. He eventually pulls out one, holding it close to his face before holding it down for you to see. Looks like a handmade puzzle of some sort, kinda like a maze mixed with some word puzzles or something of that nature. You think you can handle that. 

"Looks like fun," you nod, following Lunar in sitting onto the bed. 

You loose track of time for longer than you'd like to admit. Lunar's excitement is a little more contagious than you'd thought it'd be, though he's still much more mellow than Papyrus tends to be. He seems more than content to sit behind you and watch as you work through the puzzle, giving hints whenever you need them. And all while the both of you are idly chatting too, well when you're not wracking your brain trying to find the solution anyway. 

Honestly, it makes you a little sad that you weren't able to befriend Papyrus and Blue. If hanging out with Lunar is this interesting, you can't imagine what those two would be able to do together. 

Either way, you'll definitely be coming back to see Lunar more. The sweetheart is such a joy. Maybe you'll even be able to befriend his brother over time too. 

You stomach growls, making Lunar freeze mid-sentence behind you. You look back at him, raising your eyebrows. 

"What.." He glances around the room. "What Was That?" 

"Hmm?" You blink, then understand. "Oh, that was my stomach."

You fish around for your phone, looking at the time. Yeah, it's about the time you'd be eating dinner. 

"... Why Would Your Stomach Make That Noise?" Lunar asks, tilting his head. 

"It just means I'm hungry." You put your phone away with a shrug, glancing back at him. 

Lunar just seems to perk at that, his brow bones raising. 

"Oh! Why Didn't You Just Say So? I Can Make You Something To Eat!" Lunar beams as he practically jumps off the bed. He holds out a hand for you to take and you do so. 

"You don't have to do that," you assure him. 

"Nonsense! What Kind Of A Host Would I Be If I Let My Company Go Hungry?" Lunar says, making a quick exit towards the stairs. You definitely hear him mumble, "Especially Now That We Have Food." under his breath. He still beams back at you with a shake of his skull. "I'm Sure Sans Would Enjoy Something To Eat Right About Now As Well!" 

"You sure?" You ask, just because you feel like you have too. "I don't want to be a bother." 

"I'm Positive! It's No Bother At All." And he really looks like he means it. You sigh, a slight chuckle to the sound as you nod. You have the feeling you're going to have a hard time telling this skeleton no at times. 

You're unsurprised to see that Grey has not vacated his spot on the couch, watching at the two of you descend the stairs. You're still a bit cautious heading down the steps, still vastly untrusting of them holding your weight. Which is apparently true, as Lunar feels the need to carry you down the rest of the steps after you step on a creaky one. 

It apparently may not strong enough to hold your weight. 

You're, somehow, unsurprised. 

Lunar sets you down on the couch, then spinning on his heel to march into the kitchen. 

"You Can Sit Here And Talk With Sans While I Fix Up Something To Eat!" He declares. 

"You sure? I can help if you'd like," you offer. 

"Nonsense! You Just Relax And Let Me Take Care Of It! I'll Make Something That Will Truly Astound You!" Lunar seems proud and excited, which makes you smile a bit. It's a better look on him. 

"Can't wait," you chime. 

"Nyeh Heh Heh!" Lunar then speed walks into the kitchen. 

You smile, leaning back into the couch. You turn your attention away from where the taller skeleton disappeared and to his brother, who's still sitting silently on the couch. He's just... watching you.... So you speak up first. 

"Hey... I didn't get to ask earlier, you and Lunar doing alright out here?" 

".... we're fine," Grey states. You simply nod. 

There's not much conversation between the two of you as you both wait for Lunar to finish cooking. But it's not that long of a wait, Lunar soon bounding out of the kitchen holding two steaming plates of spaghetti. He hands one plate to you, then one to Grey before sitting down with his own plate. 

Grey wastes no time digging in, Lunar seeming to wait for your reaction. You take a bite, lighting up at the taste. .... This is the best spaghetti you've ever had. 

"Well?" Lunar looks to be a mixture of excited and nervous. 

"This is really good, Lunar!" You smile up at him. He beams, squirming under your praise. 

"Nyeh Heh Heh! Thank You!" He wastes no more time before digging into his own plate. 

You continue to eat, though not as fast as the two brothers. And sitting here, next to Lunar and Grey, you feel more relaxed than you have in a while. Even in their rundown house and under the watchful eye of a protective older brother. Eating spaghetti and watching old MTT reruns on a VCR of all things.  

You end up staying a lot later than you originally planned.

_____

It's late when you get back, much later than usual. The house is dark and it doesn't seem like anyone's downstairs at the moment. 

You try to walk in as quietly as you can, turning the doorknob so the lock doesn't click. After locking the door again and shedding your coat, you head to the kitchen to grab a drink.

You have to admit, you didn't really want to leave Grey and Lunar's house. But it was getting much too late and no matter how much fun you were having, everyone needs sleep. But, you did get Lunar's phone number before you left and he sent you off with some leftovers. And you left with promises to return another time and to text him later. 

And you certainly meant it. 

On your way back to the staircase, you're just barely able to make out someone laying on the couch in the living room. Worried it was Mutt waiting for you, you head over to check. He doesn't need to be spending the night on the couch.

... It's Stretch. Looks like he fell asleep on the couch again. 

You sigh, shaking your head a little. He doesn't even have a pillow under his head or a blanket over him. You head over, snatching a pillow from the chair, and carefully lift his skull to place the pillow under it. You then pick up the blanket from the floor and cover him with it, letting out another sigh once you're sure he's covered. 

You look over the skeleton, plucking the sucker stick from his mouth and throwing it in the trash before it can fall from his teeth. 

The lanky skeleton really shouldn't sleep on the couch so much. Magic skeleton or not, it can't be good for his back. No matter how comfy the couches are. But... it's not like he's going to listen to you after all. 

Still, he looks rather peaceful in his sleep and it's not going to do you any good to wake him up. Though, if he's anything like Mutt, you're not sure you'd be able to anyway.

"You have a bed for a reason, ya goof," you mumble before shaking your head again and turning to the staircase. You head up to your room as quietly as you can. 

Stretch opens an eye socket at the sound of your retreat, watching as you disappear up the steps. 

And he doesn't notice the eye lights watching from the hall. 

Chapter Text

"you went there alone?!" Mutt looks a lot more alarmed than he really should be. 

"Yep," you reply, tapping a finger to your cheek as you eye the fabrics in front of you. "Was there a lot longer than I planned to be.... Lunar's a great cook by the way." 

"you ate there?!" 

"Yeeesss." 

"angel!"  He gives you a shocked and panicked look, making you look back at him.

"Mutt!" You reply, raising your eyebrows at him. 

Mutt just groans, dragging a hand down his face in exasperation. You roll your eyes at his reaction, turning back to the fabrics. 

"It's not that big of deal," you comment, a bit of amusement leaking into your tone. "We just did some puzzles and ate some spaghetti. Nothing happened." 

"somethin' could've though," Mutt grumbles. "an' you didn't tell me you went over there!" 

"Mutt, I can take care of myself. And I had my phone on me.. and you on speed dial," you point out. 

"angel... you're going to be the death of me," Mutt groans, sending you a glare. You laugh, lightly hitting his arm with the back of your hand. 

"Oh, quit being so dramatic," you tease, poking his cheekbone. "Grey and Lunar were on their best behavior. I really enjoyed my time with them." 

"... really?" Mutt asks, eyeing you. You nod with a hum, grabbing the fabric that you were looking for. He still looks skeptical. 

"I'm still in one piece, aren't I?" You ask, after sighing and shaking your head. 

"you still don't know what they've done," Mutt grumbles, following you out of the aisle. 

"You're not exactly telling me either," you point out. Mutt sighs, head lolling back as he looks up at the ceiling. You shake your head, trying to finish up your shopping trip. 

You're not too fond of the mall, but the fabric store you really like is in this particular one. They've got such a nice array of fabrics and always seem to have just what you want. And they're reasonably priced too. So, you brave the trip and come. 

It's not that big of a mall anyway. There's a bigger one in the city that's more popular, but this one isn't exactly tiny. There's still a lot of people milling about and window shopping. There's still plenty of stores and places to visit. There's even a really cool Mongolian barbecue place you and Mutt like to stop at for lunch sometimes. 

But it's still always rather odd being out in public with Mutt. He always seems to do this complete 180. His face turns stony, his eye lights turning much sharper than when you're at home. And while he always looks relaxed, you know him better than that. He's always tense, eye lights darting from place to place as he keeps pace just slightly behind you. 

It must be quite the spectacle for the other patrons of the mall. You're not really sure you want to know what they're thinking when they stare at the both of you. 

"You need to grab anything else?" You ask, looking at your bags to make sure you have everything you wanted. 

"i'm good," Mutt replies. 

"Theeeen we can get going," you nod. Mutt nods, slinging an arm around your shoulders as the both of you head for the parking lot. 

You really do understand what Grey meant when he called Mutt your guard dog. And you really can't argue that's what he is at times, as much as you hate it.

_____

"Geeze, what's going on in there?" You ask, climbing off Mutt's bike after school. Mutt wearily eyes the ceiling between the garage and the rest of the lodge, already able to hear the muffled shouting matching going on above them. He shrugs and the both of you hesitantly walk out of the garage and up the steps that lead to the front door. 

Mutt purposely pushes you behind himself, making sure he enters before you can. The yelling becomes much clearer when the door is opened and you both enter the lodge. 

"YOU LAZY SLACKER!" It's Edge. You're not sure who he's yelling at though. "GET OFF YOUR DAMN ASS AND GO DO SOMETHING USEFUL FOR ONCE! AND I'VE TOLD YOU TO QUIT THAT NASTY HABIT!" 

It sounds like someone's stomping their foot against the floorboards. 

"get off my damn back!" ....Is that Red? 

You both step out from around the coat closet, hesitantly glancing into the living room. 

.... It is Red. Red and Edge are fighting...

It's not really that new, those two are known to bicker, but you haven't quite heard that level of bite in their voices before. ... You're not sure what to make of this. 

Then you spot Taylor on the couch, arms and legs crossed, looking a lot more pleased than she has any right to be. While watching the two brothers fight none the less. 

Papyrus also standing in the living room, skull bouncing between the two like a tennis match with his hands raised in surrender. He really looks conflicted and like he doesn't know what to do. Stretch is in there too, looking tense as he glances at everyone in the room.

"EDGE, RED, PLEASE CALM DOWN!" Papyrus pleads. 

"STAY Out OF this CREAMpuff!" Both brothers snap, making the other tall monster jump, a bead of sweat rolling down his skull. 

"come on," Mutt mumbles, nodding towards the staircase in front of you both. "maybe we can sneak past unnoticed." 

You nod slowly, quickly following behind Mutt and darting up the stairs. You both make it to Mutt's room in one piece and shut the door before dropping onto the bed with a sigh. 

"one hell of a welcome home," Mutt mutters, dragging a hand down his skull. 

"I've never saw them fight like that before," you mumble, eyebrows furrowed. "Red usually doesn't really fight back against Edge." 

"they've been going on like this for a while now," Mutt sighs, lifting his arm off his eye sockets. "you've just been out during their pissing contests or locked in your room with headphones on." 

"That'd explain it," you sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose. You then pull yourself up into a sitting position and grab your bag from the floor. "Well, I guess." 

Mutt groans as he sits up, grabbing his bag as well with a heavy sigh. 

"yep." 

_____ 

You step into the kitchen, where Papyrus, Blue, and Edge are currently at. Papyrus and Blue look rather jumpy, glancing at Edge like he's a ticking time bomb. 

...They may not be far off though, with the way he's glaring down at the food in front of him like it insulted his entire ancestry and spit in his face. 

The moment his glare lands on you, however, he turns on his heels and walks straight out of the kitchen without a word..... abandoning whatever he was cooking. 

That makes your brows raise in surprise, glancing behind yourself at the way he went. 

"Uh..." You blink a few times. "....okay." 

You hesitate before taking a few cautious steps into the kitchen, heading for a cupboard. Papyrus and Blue snap out of their trance, quickly looking back at what they were doing. 

"Damn... why it gotta be the top shelf," you mutter to yourself, looking at the bag of popato chisps that Mutt asked you to grab while down here. "Dang it, Mutt." 

You try to reach up for the bag, the cabinet digging into your waist. You're very close to just climbing onto the counter, a pout of frustration on your face, when a gloved hand reaches above you, snagging the bag and holding it out for you. You pause, then glance back at Papyrus who has an awkward smile on his face and keeps glancing away from you. There's a bit of orange blush across his cheek bones and glancing at Blue reveals the same blush in sky blue. 

"Thanks, Papyrus!" You smile, taking the bag and two drinks from the fridge. 

"YOU'RE WELCOME!" Papyrus smiles. 

You smile back at the two skeletons, then head out of the kitchen again. You meet Red in the hall, where he just takes one look at you before quickly turning on his heels and walking away faster than you've ever seen him move before. 

Your brows furrow and your head tilts slightly. But you just shake your head and continue on. 

"I'm back," you announce, pushing open the door to Mutt's room. 

"and you brought food, awesome," Mutt smiles, glancing up from where he's sitting. 

"Just like you asked," you smile, handing the chisps to Mutt before placing the drinks onto the table beside his bed. 

"you're the best," Mutt mumbles, tearing into the bag to reach the salty snack. You just laugh, dropping onto the bed again. 

_____ 

Papyrus pauses as he steps out of the office, already hearing the laughter in the living room. He's hesitant, but continues down the hall anyway and peaks into the living room. 

..... You and Mutt are in there.... 

You're leaning against Mutt's side, his arm over the back of the couch and his hand resting on your shoulder. You have your head on his shoulder, tilted up to look at the skeleton in amusement. Mutt's smirking, looking back down at you with a smug and equally amused look. Mutt's slouched, you having your legs tucked up on the couch beside you. A book is precariously perched on your legs, though looks to be abandoned right now. You're even wearing one of Mutt's sweaters, a belt looped around your waist to cinch in the fabric so it's not so loose. You both look quite relaxed and....

.... and happy. 

Papyrus isn't sure the last time he was relaxed like that, with or without Taylor. 

...And for one irrational moment, he kind of wishes that was him...

.... And he wonders what it would be like if you were cuddled up to him... What you'd look like with his clothes covering you.... How warm your skin would be against his own bones.... How your smile would look if it were directed up at him like that...

But he shakes his skull to dispel these thoughts. 

... It looks like he's not the only one watching this little moment either. Papyrus can see two red eye lights watching them as well. He's not sure if it's Red or Edge, he's not feeling too bothered to figure out which at the moment. But whichever it is, they're watching you too. 

Papyrus sees your eyes flicker towards the doorway, almost catching his and he suddenly feels like he's intruding on something he shouldn't be. He quickly moves upstairs, figuring maybe he could get Taylor to make him feel better. 

He still hesitates as he reaches a hand up to knock on her door, suddenly feeling anxious about it. But he squares his shoulders and knocks anyway. It takes a few seconds, but Taylor eventually opens the door. She doesn't look too happy either. 

"Yeah, Papyrus? Do you need something?" She asks. 

...He's beginning to loose his confidence. 

"Y-YES! I....I WAS WONDERING IF YOU'D... YOU'D LIKE TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH ME?" Papyrus asks, wringing his gloved hands together. "I'M... I'M FEELING A LITTLE DOWN AND WAS.. WAS HOPING YOU'D HELP CHEER ME UP!" 

Taylor doesn't look amused. 

"And why are you feeling down?" It sounds more like a warning than a question. 

"I JUST.... I'M FEELING A BIT LONELY, IS ALL.. I SUPPOSE," Papyrus answers, jaw disappearing into his scarf. 

"And how is that my problem?!" Taylor snaps. Papyrus flinches at her tone. "You always overreact over the smallest things. You're too needy and the world can't stop turning for your little problems, you know!" 

Papyrus can feel his eye sockets getting a little damp at the edges. 

"I don't know why you feel like that anyway!" Taylor yells, throwing her hands up in the air. "I'm always hanging out with you! Sometimes it feels like I can't ever get away from you! Always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong! Don't you know how to deal with anything yourself?!" 

Papyrus digs his skull more into his scarf. He can feel a few tears slipping past his sockets despite trying to keep them from doing so. 

... And Taylor sees them... yet still looks at him with that angry, disapproving look. 

"I.. I'M SORRY, TAYLOR," Papyrus apologizes, looking away from the angry human. She huffs. 

"You should be," she spits. Papyrus flinches once again. 

She then slams the door in his face, Papyrus looking down at the ground. He turns away from Taylor's door and walks towards the staircase that'll take him to the third floor and his room, supposing he should be glad Blue is still at work.... so he isn't bothering him with this...

... He wishes he could have a relationship like Mutt seemingly has with you.... He wishes Sans wasn't always so busy.... He wishes Red and Edge would stop fighting... He wishes you-

"Papyrus?" 

Papyrus jumps at the sound of your voice, half turning to see you standing at the top of the staircase to downstairs. Your eyes widen at the sight of the orange tears dripping down his cheekbones. He hurries to scrub them off and quickly head upstairs. 

"Papyrus! Hang on a second!" You squeak, grabbing onto his sleeve before he could run off. 

"H-HUMAN! I HAVE TO ASK YOU TO LET GO!" Papyrus states in as strong of a voice as he can muster. Which doesn't sound as strong as he would've liked. 

"Papyrus, what's wrong?" You ask, not swayed by his words. He has to look away from you, Taylor's words still ringing in his head. 

"NOTHING'S WRONG." 

"It looks like something is," you instantly reply, eyes on the tears that wont stop coming no matter how much he tries. 

"I'M FINE!" Papyrus stubbornly replies. You sigh, brows furrowing at the tall monster. 

"Alright. If you say so." You still haven't let go of his sleeve. "But can I have a hug?" 

"W-WHAT?" Papyrus asks. 

"A hug," you repeat, letting go of his sleeve and holding your arms open. Papyrus blinks, looking at your pleading expression. 

"I... I SUPPOSE I COULD SPARE A HUG... IF THAT'S WHAT YOU REALLY WANT," Papyrus mumbles, looking away from you again. He's still able to catch your resolute nod though and he leans down a little to wrap his arms around you. You wrap your arms right around him as well. 

Your hold is firm, but gentle against his shaking one. You're really soft and smell really sweet, Papyrus able to catch the smell of some type of flowers and green apples. He wonders if you've been out in the garden or if it's just the smell of your shampoo. Either way, it's really nice. ....And really relaxing. 

... He feels... safe... Almost like when Sans would hug him when he was a babybones.. 

His grip unconsciously becomes a little tighter, lingering for longer than it probably should be. But you don't say anything, just continuing to hold him for as long as he likes.

He doesn't notice the tears continuing to slip out of his eye sockets that are squeezed shut, dripping onto Mutt's sweater and dampening your shoulder. He doesn't notice the way your face scrunches in worry or the way you begin to slowly rub his back. He just holds onto the feeling of security and being cared for that, for some reason, comes from you. 

It feels.... really nice... and... and...

He wishes.... He wishes it could always be like this.

Chapter Text

"Sans," you call, spotting the said skeleton walking down the hall. He pauses, glaring over his shoulder. 

"what? i'm busy," he grumbles. You pause in your walk towards him, eyeing the skeleton's appearance. 

.... He looks like he hasn't slept in days. His eye bags are deeper than you've ever seen them and his clothes are more rumpled and stained than not. 

You wearily eye the skeleton, walking up more hesitantly than before. 

"...... I wanted to talk to you about something...." His eye sockets narrow. You brows draw together in concern. "But... are you okay...?" 

"i'm fine. what do you want?" Sans snaps. 

"....Okay, then," You mumble, not looking all that convinced and Sans can see it. You clear your throat and speak a little louder than before. "Grey and Lunar, they need to go see a doctor. Lunar really needs to see a dentist for is teeth and maybe an eye doctor. I don't think he can see very well." 

"no," Sans states automatically. 

"No? Sans, Lunar's ability to eat is hampered by his teeth. And a head wound like Grey's can't be good," you argue. 

"....no. that's final." Sans shakes his head.

"Wha- Why?" You ask. 

"they can't go out in public." Sans is beginning to sweat again. 

"Why not?" You ask, crossing your arms. You mind then wonders to what Mutt told you the night the two came. "Is it because of that whole universe thing?" 

"the what?!" Sans now look alarmed, staring at you with wide eye sockets. "you know?!" 

"That you're all the same skeletons, just from different universes? Yeah," you nods. Sans jumps, then quickly grabs your wrist in a tight grip. "Wha-?! Hey!" 

"you can't tell anyone," Sans hisses. He looks panicked. 

"I already know that! Let go," you reply, pulling your arm out of his grip and rubbing your wrist. You glare at him lightly with a slight pout. "Do you honestly think anyone would actually believe that story, anyway? It sounds like the plot to a bad scfi movie. And I've lived with you for how long now? I didn't find out until recently." 

"doesn't matter," Sans grumbles. He then mutters something to himself under his breath, glancing away from your figure. You sigh, dropping your arms and staring at the monster in front of you. 

"Sans, those two really need to see a doctor." 

"no. they can't go into town. that's final." Sans growls, then turns on his heels and walks away. 

You sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose. 

.... You know you're going to end up taking them, whether Sans likes it or not. 

But you're going to have to figure out how you exactly plan on doing that.....

You really wish he would've just said okay. 

....And he walked away before you could ask him to check on Papyrus...

Stars dammit.

_____ 

Something's really been amiss in the lodge these days and it's been almost unbearably tense, much more than usual. It's honestly hard to miss. 

Red and Edge must have had some falling out or something. Black, you think, must have had some falling out with both of them as well, but you're really not sure with that one. All three of them are incredibly irritable, snapping at anyone and everyone. Most of Black's ire has been aimed towards you, to the point Mutt's sticking to your side more than usual. Red and Edge, luckily, have been avoiding you like the plague. 

You're more than grateful for that, even if you're completely clueless as to why. You can only deal with so many cranky skeletons at a time. 

You're not the only one noticing it either. The others have as well. Blue and Papyrus are teeming with nervous energy due to it all, never quite seeming to know what to do with themselves. Sans and Stretch just look more stressed and tense, and you're honestly worried they're going to croak at this rate. 

....Not even mentioning that whole thing with Papyrus, who's now avoiding you even more.....

And Taylor just seems to be eating this all up, much to your irritation. You have a feeling she has something to do with all of this, but you're not sure what at this point. 

"... you look terrible," Grey comments, eyeing your form. 

"Gee, thanks," you sigh, leaning your head on the back of their green couch. You rub your eyes, groaning a bit. 

"You Do Seem A Bit.... Tense. More Than Usual," Lunar comments, poking his head out of the kitchen. "Is Everything Alright?" 

"Yeah. I think so?" You mutter, shrugging. "Or at least I hope so. Everything back at the lodge is kind of.... going south... Something happened between Red, Edge, and Black. They're more pissy than usual and are taking it out on everyone else." 

"They Haven't Hurt You Have They?" Lunar asks, a little alarmed. 

"No, they haven't," you assure. "Mutt's not leaving my side in the house. And Edge and Red are avoiding me like I'm diseased." 

You roll your eyes, shaking your head. 

"It's just got everyone a bit on edge." 

"Well! You Can Just Relax Here!" Lunar smiles, coming out with two plates full of food for you and Grey. "We'll Make Sure Your Time Here Is As Relaxing As Possible!" 

"Thanks, Lunar," you smile. "You're so sweet." 

Lunar got a rather cute orange blush on his cheekbones. It's a much darker orange than the other skeletons', almost muted in a way. But it's still adorable to see. It makes you smile. 

"T-Thank You!" 

You have to chuckle, which just deepens Lunar's blush. He tries to hide it by stuffing his food into his mouth. You mercifully spare him to eat your own dinner. At least until dinner's over anyway.

"Lunar?" You glance up at the tall skeleton you're helping wash the dishes after the filling meal. He turns his head towards you, giving you his full attention. "Are.... are all your clothes like this?" 

"Like What?" Lunar asks, looking down at the sweater he's wearing. "Is There Something Wrong With What I'm Wearing?" 

"Not at all," you assure. "They look great on you." 

Lunar smiles at that. 

"They're just..... They just look rather old and worn.... and kind of... small?" You comment. 

"there were bigger things to worry about than.... clothes underground." You jump at the suddenness of Grey's voice right behind you. You turn and look at him, blinking in surprise. "wasn't a... priority." 

"Oh?" 

"Unfortunately, Yes," Lunar sighs, scrubbing a dish a little harder than necessary. "With The Famine There Wasn't A Lot Of Time Or Resources To Fix Clothes." 

"Wha- Hang on- Famine?" You nearly choke, looking at the two in shock. They both look at you in surprise. 

"... the others didn't.. tell you?" Grey asks, blinking slowly. 

"Most of them deliberately go out of their way not to talk to me and Mutt hasn't told me anything about you two either," you reply, looking between the two of them. Lunar's now sweating, and you know he's looking everywhere but at you. Grey's just staring at you. 

These two went through a famine..... That... That actually makes a bit of sense.. Why they had no food and why they hate to waste food now....

You take a deep breath, looking back at the dish you're drying. 

"Okay..." You're storing that information for later. "I was just asking because I like to make clothes. If you'd like, I can make you both some new stuff."

Grey blinks at you again, and you have Lunar's attention once more. 

"... You... You Really...?" 

You look back up at the taller skeleton. 

"Well, yes. That's why I offered," you nod. You glance over his tall and lanky frame. "And besides... I don't think stores would sell anything that'd fit either of you..." 

"... why?" Grey asks, red eye shrinking to the size of a penny and vibrating in his socket. You hum. "... why would you... co....?" 

"I like making clothes," you shrug. "It wouldn't be that big of a bother and I'd have fun doing it. And you'd both get some new clothes." 

"You... You Don't Have To," Lunar assures, smile a little wobbly. Grey's still staring at you in something between disbelief and amazement. "We're Fine With The Clothes We Have." 

"I just thought I'd offer," you shrug. 

"Thank You," Lunar nods, turning back to the sink. You hum, putting away the dish you dried. 

_____

It's, once again, really late when you got back from Grey and Lunar's house. The lodge is quiet and everyone seems to have gone to bed. 

You sigh in relief, shutting the door as quietly as you can. You peak into the living room, noting no one's in there as you make your way to the stairs. 

You then yelp as someone grabs your arm and pins you to the wall, panic instantly swelling in your mind at the motion and smell of alcohol. You blink blearily at the burning red eyes staring down at you, your panicked mind taking a few minutes to slowly register it's Red that's pinned you there. 

"Red? What the hell?" You snap, voice quiet as you try to squirm out of his hold. The dredges of panic still claw at your mind and make your voice a bit higher than you'd like.

You freeze when you hear a deep, guttural growl, ripping straight from the skeleton himself. The sound alone makes the hair on the back of your neck stand straight, you looking back at the skeleton.

... His eye lights are kind of... fuzzy... and he smells like alcohol and mustard. 

"Red? What are you doing? Are you drunk?" You whisper, pressing yourself more against the wall as his eye lights rove over you. 

He still doesn't say anything. 

"Red, would you please back up," you plead, trying to push him back. 

That seems to make something in him snap as he tightly grips your forearms, pulling you closer to his chest. Your stomach bottoms out and your feet don't feel like they touch the ground. Your mind spins, you clutching onto Red's jacket tighter. 

The next thing you know, your feet are back on the ground and something is pressed against your lips. You're more confused and disoriented, barely feeling your back pressed against the wall again. 

Sharp edges scrape against your lips, coaxing them apart as easy as if it's his job. Something wet and rough slips into your mouth, exploring it thoroughly and leaving a tingling feeling in its wake. Fingers slip under your shirt, pulling the fabric up almost to your bra, to roughly press into your soft skin. It takes you a full minute to understand what's happening. Red's kissing you. 

Red is kissing you. 

And he's drunk. 

You press your hands against his shoulders, trying to push him off of you. You're able to turn your head enough to free your lips but that just has him trailing to your neck. 

"Red, you're drunk," you object, still trying to push him off of you. But it's like trying to move a goddamn mountain. Why are these skeletons so fucking strong? "Red, Taylor-" 

"fuck 'er." His grip only tightens on you. 

"Red, wha-" 

You gasp, then biting back a scream as his teeth sink into your skin hard enough to break it. It's only for a second before he releases your shoulder again, what feels like a tongue lapping up any blood and trailing up to your jaw line. It feels weird and tingly and you swear you're seeing a red, then green, glow. 

You hear another growl from the skeleton, feeling fingers dipping beneath the waist band of your pants. 

(SAFE TO READ AFTER THIS POINT!)

"Red, stop!" That seems to snap Red out of it enough for you to shove him off of you, hand instantly coming up to cover where he bite you. 

Red takes in your form, pressed against the wall, the shoulder you're clutching turned away from him and eyes wide. Cowering, if ever so slightly. 

You're even more shocked as little drops of red begin to collect at the corners of his wide eye sockets, the same color as his eye lights that are no bigger than a penny at this point. Those drops then slip past his eye sockets and down his cheek bones, and then they just keep coming. 

Red suddenly drops to his knees, gripping onto your waist once again but this time with his face pressed into your abdomen. Clutching you like you're his last lifeline and muttering apology after apology through stifled sobs. 

...... You're so confused. 

Red's been avoiding you like the plague for weeks, then he suddenly jumps you in the hallway before you're suddenly in his room with his tongue down your throat. Then he declares fuck Taylor and bites you. And now... now he's sobbing into your shirt, clinging to you like a child and apologizing. 

"i'm sorry.. i'm sorry.. i'm sorry... please.. please, i'm sorry." 

"Red, what the fuck?" You mutter, staring at him wide eyed. He's almost shaking you with how hard he's trembling. His voice shaky and not having the tough edge that usually present.

"i'm sorry.. i'm sorry.. you didn't.. fuck, i'm sorry." You're kind of afraid he's going to rip your shirt with how tightly he's clutching it. "taylor.. taylor's cheatin'.. fuckin'.. fuckin' fooled us all.... made an ass outta us.. you didn't.. you didn't fuckin' deserve... like we had any right to judge ya for what she said... fuck, i'm sorry. i'm sorry." 

Your eyes widen more at that, mouth slightly agape. 

"i'm sorry.. i'm a fuckin' idiot.. wouldn't.. wouldn't blame ya if ya hated me.. just like my bro. i'm sorry.. i'm sorry." 

He sounds.... broken. 

"Red, you're drunk," you say as calmly as you can. "You need to go to bed." 

He flinches when you gently place your hands on his shoulders, clutching you just that much tighter. 

"Red, come on," you mutter softly. 

"WHAT'S GOING ON IN THERE?! SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!" 

"Shit," you wince, looking back towards the door at Edge's screech. You really hope he didn't just wake the whole lodge. 

Edge slams a fist onto the door again, making you wince and pat Red's shoulder. 

Dammit, you just wanted to go to bed.

Chapter Text

You're still trying to coax Red into letting you go and to get into bed, the skeleton ignoring his brother banging on his bedroom door from the other side. You have no doubt by this point that he's woken someone up and you're really not looking forward to exiting the room. 

"Come on, Red. You're fine. You're fine," you try again, patting his shoulder lightly. Your other hand moves to the back of his skull as you try to kneel down in his tight grasp. He just shifts into a tighter hold around you, skull now hiding in your neck. "You need to get to bed already, big guy.... Sleep this off." 

"RED, IF YOU DON'T OPEN THIS DOOR, I'LL BUST IT OPEN MYSELF!" 

"Edge, for star's sake, calm down," you hiss to yourself, glancing back at the door and hand pausing in the slow stroking. 

Red freezes, his sobs quieting but he doesn't let go of his death grip on you. He doesn't even remove his skull from your shoulder. He just freezes in place, still as a statue at this point. 

"Red, come on. You're fine. You're fine," you murmur, resuming stroking the back of his skull. 

He still doesn't move. 

You yelp at the sound of wood breaking and Red's door slamming against the wall. The light flickers on, making you blink against the sudden harshness of light. But your eyes do adjust eventually. 

Stars be damned Red's bedroom is a mess. You were barely able to see any of it in the dark, but now you're able to see just how much of a mess it is. Much like Mutt's was before he let you help him clean it, but so much worse. It's like a hurricane went through here. What you're guessing used to be an end table is tipped over and smashed, his desk had everything swiped off it and scattered on the floor, along with a rather nasty looking crack going through the wood, and his desk chair is tipped, the cushions ripped. Various wrappers and junk are scattered about, along with clothes, and, at this point, you can barely see the floor. It also looks like there's a, rather large, hole in the wall. 

Then, in the broken doorway, is Edge.... staring blank faced at the sight before him. 

It probably doesn't look too good. 

You sigh, looking over at the tall skeleton in satin pajamas, then at the drunk skeleton clinging to you like a child. 

"He's really drunk," you decide, speaking up before he can screech at you for being in his brother's room. "I'm not sure what happened, but he is very, very drunk and won't let me go. Please help get him off and into bed." 

Edge's expression stays the same, but he shifts and takes a few steps deeper into the room. He simply grabs Red by the hood of his coat and jerks him back, actually dislodging Red from his grip on you. Enough that you're able to slip the rest of the way out. 

"GO TO BED, YOU NUMBSKULL!" Edge yells, tossing his brother onto his bed. Red growls at Edge, eye lights darting away from his brother and back to you. He looks like he's silently trying to plead to you for something. 

"We'll talk tomorrow. Get some sleep, Red," you tell him, Edge glaring at you the entire time you spoke.

......You're...... you're not sure how to decipher the look on Red's face.....

"... fine," Red slurs, turning over on his bed. 

Edge grabs your arm, all but tossing you out of Red's room. You grunt as you land on the ground, sitting up and rubbing your elbows while glaring back at the taller monster. 

"Thanks," you grumble sarcastically, looking at your elbows. 

"WHAT WERE YOU DOING IN MY BROTHER'S ROOM? DIDN'T I ORDER YOU TO STAY OUT OF OUR ROOMS!" Edge barks. You turn your glare right back at him with a huff. 

"I don't know, Edge. Red jumped me downstairs then we were suddenly in his room. I don't know what the hell just happened." 

"RED DID WHAT?" Blue asks. 

You jump, glancing over to see that Edge did, unfortunately, wake basically the whole house. Blue, Papyrus, Black, Mutt, and Taylor are standing in the hall behind you, staring at the scene before them. Taylor looks very annoyed, and so does Black. Papyrus and Blue just look concerned while Mutt looks both annoyed and concerned, but mostly concerned. He quickly walks over and helps you to your feet again. 

"WHAT'S THAT ON YOUR SHOULDER?" Papyrus asks, eye lights on the shoulder your slightly askew shirt is allowing sight of. You place a hand over it, shrugging slightly. 

"He bite me," you reply. 

"He whAT?!" All five skeletons screech, Mutt instantly pulling at your shirt to get a look. You sputter, raising your hands in surrender and trying to take a step back. 

"Calm down! It's not that bad!" 

"not that bad?! darlin', let me see!" Mutt stresses. You let him pull down the shirt enough to see the mark, which honestly you barely took notice of after he initially bite you. 

"I'LL GO GET SANS!" Papyrus claims, already turning towards the staircase. 

"Papyrus, wait, it's fine. You don't need to get him," you assure. 

"BUT, HUMAN, RED MARKED YOU!" Papyrus objects. 

"Marked?" You ask, then shake your head. "It's just a bite. It'll fade." 

"... it does look like he just bite her.... no actual mark that i can detect," Mutt sighs, leaning back in relief. The other skeletons relax, just a bit, at those words. You shake your head again, pulling up your shirt. Mutt stares at your shoulder for a few more minutes, eye sockets narrowed as he mumbles to himself, "doesn't look too bad either.... did he try to heal it....?"

"What mark are you going on about?!" Taylor demands, stomping a foot. "Who cares if he bite her?!" 

"DEAREST, THE MARK WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT IS WHEN A MONSTER HAS CHOSEN ANOTHER AS THEIR MATE. THE MONSTER LEAVES A BITE INFUSED WITH THEIR MAGIC ON THAT CHOSEN PERSON TO LET OTHER MONSTERS KNOW THEY'RE TAKEN," Black explains. As he finishes, he eyes you in disgust. "IT BINDS THE TWO TOGETHER, BUT USUALLY CANNOT HAPPEN IF BOTH ARE NOT WILLING. BUT, WE'RE NOT SURE IF HUMANS COULD REJECT A MARK LIKE MONSTERS CAN." 

"EXACTLY! THAT'S WHY WE WERE WORRIED," Papyrus explains. 

"Yeah, well, I'm fine. That didn't happen," you tell them, rubbing the shoulder. You can feel the little indents where his teeth broke your skin though. You mumble, "I think he was just trying for a one night stand." 

Mutt narrows his eyes at that, Edge looking slightly disturbed. But it seems like those two were the only ones that heard you. 

"Why did you immediately assume it was a mark?" You ask, looking confused. 

"there was a trace of magic in it," Mutt frowns, glaring at the door. 

Taylor stomps a foot again, looking nearly livid as she glares at you. 

"Why would you think he'd mark her!" She snaps. You roll your eyes and sigh. "Who would even want to?! With her being such a repulsive-!" 

"TAYLOR, THAT IS ENOUGH," Edge orders, making Taylor stare at him in shock before that shock quickly turns to anger. She opens her mouth but is cut off as Edge continues speaking. He looks back at you with his next words. "I DOUBT HE WOULD'VE DONE SUCH A THING, BUT IT'S BETTER TO EXERCISE CAUTION WITH THESE THINGS."  

Sans and Stretch decide at that moment to walk into the situation. 

"what's going on?" Sans asks, eye sockets narrowing. Papyrus and Blue are quick to jump in and fill the two in on what just happened. You quietly groan and thump your forehead into Mutt's chest. 

You really just wanted to go to bed. 

"he bite her!" Stretch asks, wide sockets turning to you. 

"Not a mark!" You quickly interrupt, holding up a finger. You straighten, but Mutt's arms around you don't loosen. "I'm fine. It's fine. Everything's fine." 

"IT'S NOT A MARK. MUTT SAID AS MUCH," Edge nods. His narrowed sockets then turn back to you. "ASIDE FROM THAT, IT IS STILL INEXCUSEABLE THAT MY BROTHER BITE YOU. I APOLOGIZE ON HIS BEHALF AND I'LL MAKE SURE HE IS PROPERLY SORRY FOR WHAT HE DID." 

He glares back at his brother's door with that last bit. You can feel yourself stiffen with those words as well. 

"Edge it's.... it's..... You don't have to go that far," you tell him. 

"darlin'," Mutt says, brow bones scrunching at you. "what he did wasn't alright." 

You sigh, tilting your head back a little. You then look back at Edge. 

"I... I know. It's just that.... Red.... Red was really drunk. To the point he was barely making any sense," you tell them. You lean in a little, brows furrowing in worry as you mumble, "and... and he was.... he had a mental break down.. I think." 

Edge's angry face slackens, just a little, eyeing his brother's room again. Mutt's brows furrow more. 

"... being drunk still doesn't excuse it," Stretch says, one brow bone raising as he looks between the three of you and the door. 

"No... I suppose not," you shrug. Your face twists in a conflicted grimace, gripping Mutt's jacket a little tighter. "But.. just let him sleep for the night. Yell at him tomorrow if you really have to. But he may not even remember what happened." 

You really just want to go to bed.

".... I FEEL LIKE YOU SHOULD BE A LOT MORE ANGRY THAN YOU ARE," Blue says, staring at you like you're a puzzle to be solved. He tilts his skull to the side just a little. "BUT... YOU'RE CONCERNED FOR HIM?" 

You just shrug..... There was another drunk you had to deal with... who was a lot worse than Red was. Plus.. 

"He apologized already... and stopped when I yelled at him," you offer. The skeletons just stare at you, Taylor huffing and glaring at you in anger. "Look.. I really would like to go to bed, okay? It's really fine and I'm fine." 

"look, kid," Sans starts, catching your arm before you can walk past him into your room. His brows are drawn together, eye lights darting between your shoulder and face in concern.

"Sans, I assure you, I'm fine," you tell him, raising your hands in surrender and dislodging Sans' hand from your arm. "I'm not mad or anything. Promise." 

You quickly head to your room before any of them could stop you, Mutt heading in after you. 

".... are you sure you're okay?" Mutt asks worriedly, eyeing you. ".. he didn't do anything else to you did he?" 

"No. He didn't. I'm fine," you assure him. You make him leave for a second so you can get into some pajamas, and as Mutt walks back in, he's followed by Edge. You raise an eyebrow at Edge. 

"I Just Wanted To Ask Something," Edge says, arms crossed and posture ridged. ...You honestly didn't know his voice could go that low. 

".... What?" You ask hesitantly. 

"What Did You Mean When You Said My Brother Had A Mental Breakdown?" Edge asks, eye sockets narrowing. You sigh, Mutt sitting next to you. 

"I... I'm not sure," you reply, glancing off to the side. "A... a lot of it didn't make sense. Just something with Taylor cheating and..... and that's it really." 

Edge remains silent for a few seconds, eye sockets wide. But then he grumbles unintelligently, turning towards the door. You jump up and grab his sleeve, making him snap his skull back to you. 

"But Edge... I have a question for you." 

He stares at you for a second before quickly ripping his arm out of your grasp. 

"WHAT?" He demands. 

"Do you hate Red?" You ask quietly. 

"WHAT?" Edge snaps, eye sockets widening. 

"Do you hate Red?" You repeat. 

"I.... I DON'T THINK IT'S ANY OF YOUR CONCERN," Edge snaps, taking another step away from you. 

"I suppose not," you nod, giving him a serious look. "But I suggest if you don't, tell him that." 

Edge makes a few noises, like he's not sure what to say. But he finally decides on a huff and to march right out your door. You just sigh, leaning back on your heels. 

You shake your head, turning back to your bed and laying down. Mutt's quick to follow, wrapping his arms tightly around you as he pets your hair. 

".... i wish you'd get angry at them more," Mutt mutters. "you shouldn't just forgive them for everything that they do." 

"I know," you mumble, burying your face in his chest. "Red really did scare me a little... but... I don't know... He seemed so... broken." 

"it doesn't excuse his behavior. he can't just take his feelings out on you," Mutt argues. You shake your head. 

"I know, I know," you sigh, tightening your grip on his clothes. 

"... i'm givin' him an earful tomorrow," Mutt growls. You sigh, tilting your head to look up at him. 

"Can I talk to him first?" You ask. 

"why would you want to?" Mutt asks, giving you an incredulous look. 

"He... He said some things.. I want clarification on," you reply, playing with some of the fluff on his jacket. "But.. I don't think he'll talk if you or any of the other skeletons are there..... I'm not sure he'll even tell me but... I want to try at least." 

".... angel... you're really going to be the death of me," Mutt sighs, dipping his head down to bury in your hair. You chuckle weakly, moving your arms to hug him. 

If Mutt notices the fine tremble in your body or his shirt getting just a little less dry, he mercifully doesn't comment on it and just holds you tighter- Even shimming out of his coat before wrapping you up in it. 

"Love you too, Mutt," you murmur. "Love you too."

These skeletons are really going to be the death of you.

Chapter Text

Red wakes up to the worst hang over he's had in a while, laying on his bed in his mess of a room with bits and pieces of either drunken memories or a dream floating around in his skull. Either way, they're not very cohesive. He was drinking to forget anyway, not that it seems to last very long. 

He drops an arm over his eye sockets, not wanting to look around his destroyed room. Something he got bitched at by Edge for. He thought the people who made this place would've put better sound proofing between these walls, but no. It's shit. 

But he wasn't exactly being quiet either. 

A soft knock breaks him out of his thoughts, making him glare at the door. To his confusion, it looks broken. 

"Red? You up?" 

....It's you.... Why the hell are you knocking on his door? 

"angel, you sure you want to do this?" Mutt asks, making Red narrow his eye sockets. 

"Yes, Mutt... I'm sure," you respond, knocking lightly on the door again. Red grumbles, cussing to himself as he stands up, swaying just a bit before stumbling over to the door and yanking it open. 

"what?" He snarls, glaring at the both of you. You jump and blink at him, before slowly holding out some painkillers and a glass of water as a peace offering. He eyes the two things, then you. "what do you want?" 

"Just want to talk," you say placatingly. "And I thought... thought you could use a painkiller.... Do.... Do you remember anything about last night?" 

Last night? 

His eye sockets narrow at you.... but he can't really sense any malicious intent off of you. You're just... annoyingly neutral, if nervous, still holding out the painkillers and water. Voice low and soft. Like always.

"..." He just swipes the two out of your hands and knocks back the water with the pills. He heads deeper into his room again. "whateva." 

"i'll just be down the hall," Mutt assures you, making Red roll his eye lights. 

Like that lazy mutt could do anything. 

"I'll be fine," you tell Mutt, looking back at Red as he drops onto his bed. 

Red hears Mutt walk away after a few more minutes, and a significant pause before he then hears your soft steps walking deeper into the room. You lift his desk chair off the floor and sit on that, eyes focusing on him in the darkened room. 

"Sorry, but I figured I better talk to you first before... before your brother finds out you're awake," you say, glancing towards the door with a wince. "O-or any of the others for that matter..." 

"the fuck they want?" Red growls. 

Dammit, he just wants to be left alone. 

"You.... You really don't remember anything from last night then?" You ask, looking back at him with furrowed brows. 

"no, i fuckin' don't," Red growls, eyeing your expression. Why do you look kind of worried? What the fuck happened last night? 

"I was worried you wouldn't," you sigh quietly, almost mumbling it to yourself. 

"what does that mean?" Red growls. This is really starting to bug him. 

"Red, last night.... last night you jumped me downstairs as I was getting back home," you tell him, fingers nervously twiddling together. He eyes you, brows drawing together. 

"..ya look fine ta me," he grumbles. 

"Not like that," you reply, shaking your head. You then scratch the back of your head. "After just staring at me for a few minutes, you took me up to your room. I'm not really sure... how, it was really disorienting, but the next thing I know you have your tongue down my throat." 

Red raises a brow bone at that, staring at you critically. 

"oh, and did we fuck too?" He asks, leaning back on his bed. 

"No," you reply, glancing away from the skeleton. "But you did... bite me." 

"what?" Red asks, now staring at you with widened eye sockets. You pull your shirt off your shoulder, revealing the bite mark. The indents where skin was broken are still a bit red and it's wide enough to nearly cover the width of your shoulder. 

"It's.... It's not a mark," you tell him. "Mutt checked that last night after your brother threw me out of your room." 

"wha-" Red gaps. He... he didn't really...?

But... maybe he does.... remember a bit of it... The irony taste of blood against his tongue. The sweet smell of.... flowers and green apples........... The feeling of comfort and....... and..... and saf- ...... That... that wasn't actually... you was it? 

Fuck he thinks it was. 

"Hey," you call, snapping him back into the present. "I'm okay. It wasn't that deep or anything." 

"why're you..?" 

"Why am I here if you bite me and scared the crap outta me when you pinned me to the wall?" You ask, tilting your head. That makes him wince. You shrug, a bit of a smile playing on your lips. "Like I said, I wanted to talk... to ask you some questions.... And let you know why your brother and the others are going to be kind of pissy with you." 

"fuck... everyone?" He grumbles, placing his head in hands to grind the heels of his palms against his eye sockets. 

"Yeah, everyone knows," you sigh, leaning your head back but still keeping your eyes on him. "They wouldn't of if Edge didn't break your door down. He woke everyone up wanting to know what you were... doing. No one was really happy when they found out you bite me." 

Red grumbles curses into his hands. 

"But, Red.... That isn't really what I wanted to ask you about," you speak up, making his eye lights snap to you again. 

"... then what did you want to ask me?" He growls, eyeing your form. 

You lean forward onto your knees, eyeing him with that damn concern on your face. You look away for a few seconds, fingers knitting together before you look at him again. You look to be choosing your words carefully. 

Why the fuck can't you just hate him? He bite you and pulled you into a situation you said scared you. He obviously scares you (which lights up a pang of pain in his soul he is refusing to acknowledge), just by the way you look right now. So why the fuck are you sitting across from him with that damn look of concern? 

".... You said some things last night," you tell him, making his eye sockets narrow. "You.... you were really upset... Crying and apologizing repeatedly." 

Fuck... he did not cry in front of you. Stars be fucking kidding him. 

But no, you look completely fucking serious and he really just wants to fucking dust now. Maybe Edge will dust him later for this. 

".... You said Taylor is cheating on you." Red's eye sockets widen, snapping to your figure again. Your fingers are threaded together in front of you, this look on your face that Red chooses not to decipher. "You said she's fooling all of you..."

Did he really just spill everything to you last night while he was drunk? Fuck, stars dust him now. 

"And I'm guessing she said or did something to you." 

"... what?" He asks. 

"I know she had to have done something," you say, looking very annoyed and angry. The first time he's seen those emotions on you. "This entire time you've been fighting with Edge and Black, she's been looking real pleased with herself. And whenever she finds out you've been drinking and when you just look plain miserable."

You sigh, sitting back again and tilting your head. You stare at him in silence for a few minutes. 

"I get if you don't want to talk to me, Red. I know Taylor's said some nasty things about me," you nod, glancing towards the door again. 

"can't fuckin' believe her," Red grumbles to himself. 

"......You believe she lies then?" You ask, raising a brow at him. 

"so what if i do?" Red snaps. You raise your hands in surrender, shaking your head a little with your brows knitting together. 

"It's... it's good," you tell him. He narrows his eye sockets at you again. "I... hate to say it, Red.... but she was only with you for the sex." 

You look like you hate to say it.... He hates to hear it. 

"And.. I'm sorry you had to go through this," you continue. "I know it's not easy....." 

"what the fuck do you know?!" Red snaps. 

"A lot more than you think," you reply, voice firm as your eyes narrow on him. He settles back down, glaring at you. Your expression relaxes and you stand up. "If you're not going to talk to me, talk to someone about this.... Drinking until you can't remember anything may feel good in the beginning, but it's only going to hurt you and those around you in the end." 

You get this haunted look in your eyes, like you're remembering something. 

Fuck if he doesn't get that particular look. 

"i don't need you telling me what ta do," Red growls regardless. 

"I'm not," you tell him, hands raised in surrender. "But Red, you really scared me last night. I know you were drunk and out of it, but if you do that to some random person on the street, you're gonna get in big trouble. It's not something you should be doing to anybody. What you did was not okay."

Red just glares at you, making you sigh and shake your head. You start heading towards his door, but pause and look back at him.

"And Sans," his head snaps up at the use of his real name, staring at you with wide eye sockets. "your brother doesn't hate you, you know.... Taylor lied about that too." 

You step out of the room, leaving Red alone with his thoughts. He drops his skull into his hands again, rubbing his eye sockets in both frustration and regret. 

He's really fucking tired.

_____

Stretch hears a deep sigh from the entrance of the living room, where he's lounging on one of the couches again. 

"Stretch, you have a bed for a reason." Oh, it's you. You must think he's asleep again. Well, he almost was before you sighed and jolted his consciousness back into awareness. "Sleeping on the couch can't be good for your back. Magic skeleton or not."

He can hear your soft footsteps approaching, then you carefully lifting his skull to place a pillow underneath it. Then a blanket over him. You don't leave until you're sure every part of him is covered and he doesn't have anything that could fall out of his mouth. 

But you're soon enough gone, allowing him to crack open an eye socket and glance over at the way you left. 

He has to admit, you're confusing. Your actions don't add up with what he knows about you. Or what he's been told about you, more accurately. He wouldn't expect you to make him more comfortable when you think he's napping on the couch, he wouldn't expect you to be fixing clothes without telling them, he wouldn't expect you to comfort Papyrus after.... whatever happened to him, to try and help Grey and Lunar, to just allow Red to get away with whatever he did. He wouldn't expect you to care about anyone. 

He doesn't get what you're doing. Or what your plan here is. 

.... Maybe you don't actually-

Stretch glances up at Blue entering the living room, looking very down. An expression he's been wearing a lot more lately, much to Stretch's dismay. 

"hey bro," Stretch greets, gaining Blue's attention. "why so blue?" 

"PAPY," Blue sighs, only giving him a half hearted glare. 

"heh..." That wasn't what Stretch was hoping for. "hey, weren't you and taylor supposed to be going out today?" 

"YES, BUT SOMETHING CAME UP," Blue sighs, dropping down onto a chair. 

"...again?" Stretch asks. Blue just nods, still looking very glum. "...... you two haven't gone out together in a while..." 

"IT HAS BEEN A VERY LONG TIME," Blue nods. "SOMETHING ALWAYS COMES UP.... TAYLOR'S BEEN VERY BUSY FOR A WHILE NOW." 

"... yeah," Stretch sighs, glancing away from his brother. 

He doesn't get what's happened to this household either.

_____

Mutt stops in front of Red's door, face set into a stoney glare. He barely even knocks before marching in, making Red jump up in shock with a growl. 

"fuck, mutt. the fuck do ya think yer doin'?" Red growls, glaring right back at the taller skeleton. 

"ya fuckin' bite her, what the hell do ya think i'm here for?" Mutt growls right back, magic thick in a way that makes the other monster tense. "there was fuckin' magic in that bite, red! the fuck were you trying to do?" 

"i don't even remember it, ya fuckin' mutt. she ain't bound to me, get yer fuckin' panties out of a twist," Red growls, hands clenching in his jacket pockets. Mutt just glares at him. "knock off the damn guard dog routine. I know you ain't lookin' fer a fuckin' fight." 

"you hurt her, red," Mutt growls lowly, clearly pissed. Which Red can clearly see. 

"and yer really goin' ta fight me fer that?" Red drawls, agitating Mutt further with how seemingly nonchalantly he's blowing this off. 

"for fuck's sake, red!" Mutt snaps, magic blazing in one eye socket. "the fuck happened to you? do you really not give a shit about any of this? you fuckin' hurt and scared the crap out of her! ya nearly fuckin' marked her!" 

Red takes a step back, eyeing the skeleton in front of him. He already knows this. 

"i didn't fuckin' mark 'er. you know damn well drunk or not, i fuckin' wouldn't," Red growls right back. Mutt lets out an agitated sigh, running a hand down his face. He turns his eye lights back to Red, gaze hard and threatening. 

"ya better give 'er somethin' better than some drunken apology," he decides, Red growling under his breath. "and if you fuckin' touch her again…." 

Mutt leaves that thought in the air, Red's eye sockets narrowing. But Mutt simply leaves the room again, slamming the already broken door shut behind himself. Red just groans, already hearing his brother's boots stomping towards his room.

_____

You glance up as Edge stomps your way, dragging his brother by the hood of his coat. You jump as Edge basically throws Red down by your feet, looking between them both in confusion as you take just a few cautious steps back from the two. Mutt places a protective arm around you as well, just in case. 

So this was probably the racket you heard from upstairs. 

"APOLOGIZE," Edge hisses, you jumping at the amount of venom in that one word. Red growls, glaring at his little brother with an amount of hostility that surprises you once again. His glare then turns to you, considerably less hostile, and he sighs, loosening up just a bit. His glare falls away and he glances away from you for a minute before looking back at you, looking incredibly uncomfortable.

"i..... 'm sorry for last night," Red frowns, hands shoved into his coat pockets. "i should'nt've jumped ya like i did." 

You raise your eyebrows a bit, glancing between the brothers again. Despite probably being forced down here by Edge, Red does honestly sound like he means that apology...... To you at least. He looks like he does too, regret clear on his skull. 

"... Thank you," you smile hesitantly. Red frowns, then grunts, looking away from you again.

Chapter Text

Being on the Surface wasn't as great as Grey and Lunar were hoping it'd be. They were still hungry, they were still alone, they were still suffering. At least there were more things to hunt around where their house was. They at least got somewhat of a filling meal, even if they still instinctually rationed it out as long as they could. It was more than they got Underground, and far more stable too. 

They didn't really care how their house was suddenly transported to the Surface. Just that it was and they were out of the Underground. Though they both still have some lingering guilt when they think about the other monsters still trapped down there. With the skeleton brothers gone, they're likely going to suffer more. A lot more are likely to die. 

But they still don't want to go back. They never want to go back to that prison. Not with what they have now. It's not great, but it's way better than being there. 

Then Grey found those other skeletons. The doubles. 

That wasn't a pleasant encounter. 

That human all of them are so enamored with, Taylor, neither brother likes her. They could excused freaking out upon first seeing them, they're big and scary looking. They can excuse being scared of them, as much as they don't want to be it's not really something they can help. It's understandable. But she had to lie about what happened to those doubles. Claiming they attacked her which is something they frankly wont do to a human anymore, not if there's any other option. And there were a lot of options in that basement. 

Not that the doubles were much better than their human to be honest. Grey's closest copy demanding they stay in the woods and never go into town, keeping them hidden like some dirty secret. And the amount of distrust and disgust aimed at them after they revealed what happened. What they had to do to survive. It's like they think the two are just rabid animals and will attack any human that comes across their path. 

It's not like they enjoyed what they had to do. It's not like they wanted to do it. They had to. It was either that or die. 

You were the outlier of the entire group. You hadn't reacted with fear. Shock yes, but not fear. While their appearances did obviously unnerve you, it was more out of concern than fear. Neither of them really know why you weren't scared. Grey thinks you may just have a broken danger meter while Lunar thinks, or hopes rather, maybe it's just because they're not as frightening as they think. Though Lunar's beginning to think Grey might be right in this case.

But you didn't allow the others to call them those, rather insulting, nicknames. You gave them food and asked if they were okay. You decided that you'd come over and visit them whether the others liked it or not. Bringing their rations for the month along with you. You came over, by yourself and stayed for hours just visiting and talking. 

Not like either of them are really complaining about that. It's.... nice to have the company. And you're a good human. 

....But you apparently didn't know about the famine... So all you knew was that they ate humans. You had to know that. The doubles would've had to have told you that, wouldn't they? If not the others then that guard dog of yours would've, right? He seems rather protective. 

Lunar.... isn't so sure. If you did know, then you really do have a very broken danger meter. If you don't....

Well, he guesses he shouldn't question it and just be happy you're visiting. It's obvious Grey still has some mixed feelings about you, but they're waning with every visit and Lunar's just happy something good happened. 

Those doubles really must have bones rattling in their skulls if they can't see how good of a person are. They obviously can't see a good thing when they have it if they're going for that other human over you. You're so... warm and soft. You brighten up the room when you're around, even when you're obviously tired by whatever happened that day. You're kind and caring and they're very happy to have met you. 

"Sans?" Lunar asks, not looking up from the pasta in front of him. 

"yeah, pap?" Grey responds, jolting up a bit from where he was about to fall asleep on the couch.

"Do you think there are more humans out there that'll accept us?" Lunar asks. 

"..... i dunno..." Grey sighs. 

"I Think There Has To Be," Lunar sighs, finally looking away from the pot. "The Surface Is So Big.... After All." 

".... yeah," Grey sighs. 

The two look over as there's a knock on the door, the wooden portal opening a few minutes after. You peek your head into the house before walking in, smiling at the both of them with a wave. 

"Hey." Your smile falls a little at the corner, looking a bit sheepish. They note you're wearing a shirt with a high neckline, and rubbing your shoulder nervously. "I, uh, have a tagalong tonight. Hope that's okay." 

Mutt walks in behind you, shutting the door behind himself. Lunar smiles, a little wobbly, and Grey's eye sockets narrow a bit. 

"That Is Fine. Hello, Mutt," Lunar greets, waving a little from his place by the stove. 

"hey," Mutt greets, nodding to the taller monster. 

"why'd you suddenly decide to show up?" Grey asks, a light growl in his tone. His eye light flickers to you momentarily as you sit down onto the couch by him, but darts right back to Mutt who's tailing you. 

"just wanted to come by... is there a problem with that?" Mutt asks, head tilted back. Grey just growls, his working eye socket narrowing. 

"Mutt, be nice," you scold gently, hitting his chest with the back of your hand. 

"There's No Problem!" Lunar reenters the conversation, carrying two plates of spaghetti. He hands one to Grey and one to you. Mutt's eyeing the plate in your hands suspiciously. "It Was Nice Of You To Join Us Tonight!" 

"sure," Mutt replies, watching as Grey starts to hungrily devour his plate of food. Lunar is quick to enter the kitchen for two more plates, handing one to Mutt who just observes it. You elbow him, Mutt's brow bones raising as you take a bite. You lean closer to him. 

"It's not poisoned. Lunar's a great cook," you whisper. Mutt grumbles under his breath, still eyeing the plate. 

"what's in this?" Mutt asks, looking up at Lunar again. 

Lunar's smile gets a bit more wobbly again, you looking a bit exasperated at the skeleton beside you. Grey is just very irritated. You elbow Mutt again, though he doesn't look away from Lunar. 

"Noodles, Deer Meat, And Marinara," Lunar replies. 

"This is deer meat?" You asks, looking at the meat in the noodles. You twirl a bit of the noodles with your fork, mumbling, "I thought it tasted a bit different." 

"Yes!" Lunar smiles, looking down at you again. He swears he can smell something off about you..... "We Still Had Some Deer Meat Left And I Wanted To Use It Before It Went Bad." 

.....Is that.... magic....?

You nod, though don't reply since your mouth is full. Mutt looks between the other two skeletons and you, then takes a tentative bite out of the pile on his plate. Deeming it safe enough, Mutt takes another bite. Lunar almost sighs in relief, Grey just looking even more irritated. 

This will probably be a tense night. 

_____ 

"Papyrus~!" 

Said skeleton jumps at his name being called, looking over his shoulder to see Taylor walking over. She drops onto the couch beside him, cuddling right up to Papyrus with a smile. He flinches, but quickly straightens his spine. 

"HELLO GORGEOUS!" Papyrus smiles nervously, holding back the instinct to cuddle her back. 

"What are you doing?" Taylor asks, looking at the phone in Papyrus' hands. 

"I WAS CHECKING THE UNDERNET!" He replies, looking back down at his phone. "THERE'S NOT MUCH GOING ON RECENTLY THOUGH." 

"Give me your phone," Taylor demands, which Papyrus hands it over quickly. His smile slackens a bit as she looks through it social media accounts.... and texts.... and calls.... just his entire phone. She does this a lot and Papyrus... cant say he really likes it. 

But! It makes her feel better so.... he guesses. 

"Where is everyone else?" Taylor then demands, carelessly dropping Papyrus' phone into his lap. 

"I-I'M NOT SURE," Papyrus replies, looking over his device. He's really not very sure. He used to know a lot about the other's lives, but no one's really been in the best moods of late. And they haven't been talking with him, or anyone else for that matter. He misses those days where everyone could sit down and talk about their day. "I BELIEVE BLUE AND EDGE ARE STILL AT WORK. BLACK MIGHT BE TOO." 

"Hm." Taylor doesn't look to amused. She pulls out her phone and brings up her chats. Though Papyrus quickly looks away from the screen, as Taylor hates it when they watch her phone. 

She's probably texting everyone else, wanting to know where they are. She gets some answers quickly, others aren't. The longer it takes for replies, the angrier Taylor gets. And the more messages she sends demanding whereabouts. 

"W-WOULD YOU LIKE TO WATCH SOME MTT?" Papyrus asks nervously, pulling at the fabric of his gloves. Taylor sighs, looking very annoyed.  

"I guess we can watch your silly show," she says, not looking up from her phone. 

Papyrus still smiles, a bit of joy swelling up in his chest. He excitedly turns on the TV, switching it to Mettaton's show. 

Both of them look up a few hours later when the front door opens. After a few minutes, they see Edge walking by the entrance archway. Papyrus is a bit sad when Taylor jumps up and marches off after him, but holds it back and looks back at the TV. 

Edge is even less pleased when the girl marches up to him, red in the face. 

"Why didn't you answer my texts?" She glares. 

"I WAS AT WORK. I CANNOT TEXT AT WORK. YOU KNOW THIS," Edge replies. 

"You've done it before!" Taylor yells. 

"I COULDN'T TODAY AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO ANYMORE." Edge simply sets his bag on the counter as he turns to grab a glass of water. "I'M VERY BUSY RIGHT NOW." 

"I don't care if you're busy!" Taylor snaps. "When I text you I want an answer! I didn't know where you were and for all I know you could've been in trouble!" 

"YOU KNOW VERY WELL I CAN HANDLE MYSELF JUST FINE," Edge glares at her. "AND YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TELL I WAS AT WORK. I COME HOME AT THE SAME TIME EVERY DAY." 

"That doesn't matter!" Taylor yells. "Why do you always have to be so difficult?! You're so uncooperative!" 

Edge just sighs and heads upstairs to place his bag in his room. 

"Don't you dare walk away from me, Edge!" Taylor snarls, stomping off after the tall skeleton. "This is why you can't get along with anyone! You have a horrible attitude and no one wants to deal with your incontrollable anger issues!" 

"TAYLOR, THAT IS ENOUGH!" Edge glares. 

"See! That is exactly what I mean!" Taylor points right at him, red in the face. "I'm just worried and trying to help and you blow up on me!" 

"THAT IS NOT HELPFUL," Edge snarls. 

"And you're still being uncooperative! You never take responsibility when you know you've done something wrong! You have to make an argument out of everything don't you?!" Taylor crosses her arms, glaring right up at him. Edge growls, but just shakes his head and goes back downstairs. 

He vaguely realizes she's trying to get a rise out of him and he's annoyed that it's working. So, he's going to go for a walk. 

"Where do you think you're going!" Taylor screams. 

"ON PATROL. LIKE I'M SUPPOSE TO BE DOING," Edge growls. And spotting Papyrus nervously sitting on the couch, he yells at him. "PAPYRUS, WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME AS WELL?" 

"I-" 

"No, he wouldn't." Taylor glares,  as if daring him to challenge her. Papyrus flinches, sinking into the couch a little more. Taylor turns back to Edge. "You're not either! I'm not done talking to you!" 

"I AM DONE TALKING AND I AM GOING ON PATROL," Edge replies, hand twitching at his side. But he consciously keeps his hands to himself, not wanting to repeat what he did to you. "YOU DO NOT GET TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR ME OR ANYONE ELSE IN THIS HOUSE." 

"Edge!" Taylor yells as the said skeleton walks back outside of the house and into the trees. She stomps her foot with an angry growl and marches back into the lodge. 

_____ 

"Thank you for actually giving Grey and Lunar a chance. They're actually really nice- Uhm, what's that?" You ask right as you're about to throw away a paper towel. 

"What's what?" Mutt asks, squeezing some of Lunar's leftover spaghetti into the fridge. 

"This," you reply, pulling the key ring out of the garbage. You think you recognize these keys. "Aren't these Edge's keys?" 

Mutt looks over and squints at the key ring dangling between two of your fingers. 

"yeah... looks like it," Mutt replies, head tilted in confusion. You're confused too. Edge loves his car. There's no way he'd just toss his keys into the garbage. 

"Uh... Ooookay," you mumble, setting the keys aside. You peek your head out of the kitchen as the door slams open, Edge walking into the house. You hesitate, but then softly call out to him. He tenses, but pauses and looks at you. "Did you, uh, happen to throw your car keys away?" 

"NO," Edge replies, eye sockets narrow. 

"Okay, but, uh, they were in the trash," you reply, Mutt coming to stand beside you. You grab his keys and hold them out. Edge marches over and snatches them from your hand, looking over them. 

"DID YOU PUT THEM THERE?" Edge asks, though it's not as sharp or accusatory as you were expecting. 

"no. she just found them there when trying to throw something away," Mutt replies, his eye sockets narrowing as he pulls you against himself protectively. Edge stares at you both for a few minutes.

"HM. THANK YOU FOR TELLING ME," Edge simply replies and immediately walks away. You and Mutt share a surprised look, then look back at the way Edge went. 

Well, that was unexpected.

Chapter Text

"I'VE TOLD YOU HOW MANY TIMES NOW TO STOP WITH THAT FILTHY HABIT?! EVEN THE MUTT KNOWS NOT TO SMOKE THOSE THINGS IN THE HOUSE! YOU BETTER KNOCK THIS SHIT OFF OR ELSE!" 

You sigh as you open the door to Edge yelling at Red once again. 

"get off my damn back! why the fuck should i listen to you?!" 

And Red yelling right back at him, once again. 

"BECAUSE I'LL KICK YOUR DAMN COCCYX IF YOU DON'T!" 

The structural integrity of this house isn't going to last much longer at this rate. Your sanity isn't going to last much longer either if you have to listen to any more of this. 

"WOULD YOU TWO SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY?!" And there's Black adding to it, once again. "I'M GETTING SICK OF YOU TWO!" 

"FUCK off, BLACK!" 

You have to do something about this. Red and Edge obviously aren't going to make up on their own, so you're going to have to intervene and make them. You're not sure you can do anything for Black though. He practically bites your head off for even looking at him. 

You're going to have to think about how you're going to get those two stubborn idiots to talk to each other though. 

But first you're going to have to escape to your room without Black catching sight of you. 

....

...

..

You think you have an idea.

..... This is going to be awful. 

_____ 

"Edge!" You yell with a note of panic in your voice, making the said skeleton jump. You grab his hand before he has the chance to even make a coherent thought and begin dragging him up the stairs. 

"WHAT- HUMAN- WHAT IS THE MEANING-" Edge stumbles, rightfully very confused. 

"No time! C'mon! It's an emergency!" You yell, your panic making a tension rise in Edge. He follows you, still not having a clue about what's going on but already on edge. 

You slam open Red's door, making Red jolt up from where he's laying on his bed. He watches in confusion as you drag his younger brother into his room, both of you looking panicked. Then in more confusion as you push Edge further into the room while you stay by the door. 

"WHAT ARE WE DOING IN HERE? WHAT'S THE EMERGENCY?" Edge asks, looking around the room after looking over his older brother. 

"emergency? what's goin' on?" Red asks, looking between the two of you. 

"This is the emergency," you reply, much calmer than before. You lean against Red's door, making it shut against your weight as you stare at the two skeletons. 

But you make sure to keep your hands behind your back, on the door, so the two can't see how badly they're shaking. You keep your face carefully neutral as well.

"BESIDES HOW ATROCIOUSLY MESSY IT IS IN HERE AND HOW MUCH OF A DISASTER MY BROTHER IS, THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANYTHING WORTHY OF "EMERGENCY" HERE," Edge states, crossing his arms and glaring. "WHY DID YOU DRAG ME IN HERE?" 

"good fuckin' question," Red adds, glaring at you now. 

"You two need to talk to each other," you reply, glaring right back at them. "Patch up whatever it is that you two are fighting about." 

"WHAT GOES ON BETWEEN MY BROTHER AND ME IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!" Edge snaps. 

"No, it's not," you nod. But then your eyes narrow. "But I'm making it my business because you two obviously aren't going to make up by yourselves. And no one else is going to intervene. So. Talk." 

"YOU DON'T HAVE ANY RIGHT-" Edge's growl is cut off, him freezing from his threaten step forward. 

"Edge, shut up," you interrupt, your voice firm without giving any room to argue. "You two are grown adults and brothers. Act like it and talk to each other. I'm not moving until you do." 

"do ya really think you leanin' against that door is gonna stop us from leavin' if we want to?" Red asks, chuckling in disbelief. "Do ya really think you can stop us?" 

"Honestly? No. But Mutt is just down the hall and will hear me scream," you shrug, nails digging into your palms. "And I have no problem getting his help if you two decide you're going to keep acting like children." 

Both of them glare at you, teeth set in a snarl. You sigh and roll your eyes, giving the two a tired look afterwards. 

"Do you two really want to continue on like this?" You ask, looking between them. "Constantly fighting with each other and ruining whatever relationship you both had or may have wanted?" 

Both of them look away from you now. You sigh and shake your head. 

"Edge," you say, voice firm and demanding. He looks at you again, shoulders tensing. "Do you hate Red?" 

"I- YOU DON'T-" 

"Edge," you cut in. "Do. You. Hate. Red? Yes or no." 

"..... NO," he answers, not looking at you or his brother. Red blinks in surprise, then scowls. 

"Have you ever hated Red?" 

"NO." 

"bullshit," Red spits, making Edge snap his head around towards him. 

"ARE YOU DOUBTING ME?" Edge snaps. "I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU GOT THIS RIDICULOUS IDEA IN YOUR HEAD, BUT I'VE NEVER HATED YOU!" 

"ya sure don't act like it!" Red snaps right back. Edge's frown deepens, turning his skull away from his older brother again.

"LIKE YOU ACT ANY FUCKING BETTER," he growls, hands clenching into fists. 

"what's that suppose ta mean?!" Red snarls, jumping to his feet. 

"YOU KNOW DAMN WELL WHAT I MEAN!" 

Your eyes dart back and forth from Edge to Red. You have no doubt anyone that's in their rooms can hear the two of them screaming at each other. Hell, anyone downstairs can probably hear their screaming. But, you expected this anyway. They're both too hot-headed for this not to have ended up in yelling. 

At least they're talking though. 

You jump when Edge throws something in Red's general direction, eye lights blazing. 

"YOU UNGRATEFUL SHIT!" 

Red must have hit a sore spot. 

"yer not the only one who had to suffer down there!" 

You slip out of the room as their fight gets a little more violent, knowing that there's nothing you can do to stop that. Their fighting causes an uncomfortable itch of panic to scrape at the back of your mind. But you try to focus, keeping your attention on them. Just in case.

You don't think either of them with actually hurt each other, but you do want to make sure you can get someone in time if you're wrong. But you're pretty sure they wont. 

Doesn't mean the others aren't curiously worried though. 

"UH.... WHAT'S GOING ON?" Blue asks, looking between you and Red's door. 

"Red and Edge are making up," you shrug, looking back at him. 

Something hits the door. 

Blue's brow bones furrow in worry, not missing the way you flinched. 

"THAT.... THAT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE MAKING UP," he comments, looking like he's wondering if he should go in there. 

"It is," you reply, rubbing the back of your neck. 

.... You hope it is anyway.... 

"ARE.... ARE YOU SURE?" Blue asks. You nod, Blue still looking very unsure of the whole thing. 

"I'll make sure to get someone if something happens," you promise him. "But, they're fine for right now. I'm pretty sure they'd never actually hurt each other." 

Blue sighs and nods. 

"I SUPPOSE YOU ARE RIGHT," he hums, placing a hand to his chin. "ALRIGHT. I'M GOING TO BE DOWNSTAIRS IF YOU NEED ANYTHING!" 

"Okay," you nod, watching as he walks back down the stairs.

You try not to listen to too much of the brother's argument, as it sounds like they're screaming about some really personal things about their Underground and their feelings. Things you have no business knowing about. But a lot of it is unintelligible screaming behind the door, so it's not all that hard. You still caught a lot more than you probably should've though.

But once it gets quieter, you peek back into the room. The sight that greets you is the two prickly brothers hugging it out, red tracks running down their cheekbones. 

You sigh in relief, stepping into the room again to take note of the carnage. ..... Ehhh it's not that bad considering the state the room was already in. 

Red and Edge pull away from each other at the sound of the door creak, snapping their skulls to you. They're both quick to scrub their cheekbones of the red tear tracks. 

"Better?" You ask. 

".... YES. WE MADE UP," Edge replies, crossing his arms and looking away from you. "ARE WE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE ROOM NOW?" 

"Yeah.... But just one more thing," you say, making the two of them look at you again. "Red, did Taylor tell you Edge hated you?" 

You can already tell the answer. And Red sighs, looking away from you again. 

"yeah. just one of the things she said," he growls. Edge frowns, then just scowls as he stares a hole into the wall. 

You nod and leave the two to do whatever it is they're going to do now. Both of them watching your retreat, then glance at each other again. 

"she really had the fuckin' guts," Red grumbles, dropping down onto his bed again. 

"SHE'S.... A LOT BRAVER THAN I THOUGHT," Edge admits, letting his arms drop to his sides. "OR MAYBE JUST VERY STUPID." 

Red snorts at that, looking back over at the door. Edge stares at the floor, hand coming to rest on his chin. 

"EITHER WAY.... SHE... WE OWE HER.... FOR THIS," he mumbles, looking up at the door now. 

"yeah," Red sighs, rubbing his eye sockets.

_____

".... that was so dumb," Mutt says once you're finished recounting what you did today. "darlin' that was so dumb. i wasn't even home today."

"But it worked," you smile. 

Yeah.... your plan wasn't the best idea you could've come up with. Basically the equivalent of locking two people up in a closet until they confessed but it was the best you had. And it had worked. Red and Edge patched up whatever it was between them. 

"but it was still very fuckin' dumb," Mutt replies, spreading his arms in disbelief. "you could've gotten hurt!" 

"But I didn't." 

"but you could've." 

"I still didn't." 

"darlin' we've talked about this," Mutt sighs, pinching the bridge of his nasal ridge. 

"You and I both know I don't think anything through and probably will never do so," you reply. Mutt just lets out a frustrated groan, covering his eye sockets with a hand in frustration. He drops down onto your bed beside you, stuffing his face into one of your pillows. 

"you're going to be the death of me, angel." 

"You say that a lot," you comment, looking over at him in amusement. 

"because it's true. you have the survival instincts of a squirrel on crack cocaine," Mutt replies, face not leaving the pillow. You laugh at that, shaking your head in amusement. 

"Where'd you get that from?" You ask, now leaning onto his back. He just grumbles incoherently, glaring at you from over his shoulder. "You love me and you know it." 

"unfortunately," Mutt grumbles, shuffling onto his back so he can wrap his arms around you. "a horrible decision on my part, really. since you seem determined to dig yourself into an early grave." 

"I'm not that bad," you snort, smiling at the exasperated skeleton. 

"you're that bad," Mutt retorts, squeezing you a bit tighter. "you need to stop getting into trouble already." 

"I can't help it if trouble seeks me out," you reply. "It just seems I'm a magnet for it." 

"i'm surprised you've even survived for this long," Mutt sighs, shaking his head. 

"Honestly, so am I," you chuckle, making Mutt roll his eye lights. "I must be lucky or something." 

"you're definitely something alright," Mutt sighs, pulling you just a bit closer. You chuckle, nuzzling closer to his chest with a soft exhale. Mutt nuzzles the top of your head back, squeezing you just a bit. 

You really are the worst and the best person he ever could've fallen for. 

_____

Edge really couldn't tell if you were just very brave or just very stupid. You had the gall to trick him into going into his brother's room, who you knew he was fighting with, and demand they make up. You had the gall to intervene in their fight and make them talk to each other. You had the gall to trick them into a fight which ultimately led them into making up. You had the gall to help them patch up years of buried resentments and feelings. 

He hadn't expected so much to be dug up in that fight. But once they started yelling, neither of them could stop until everything was on the table. From feelings carried over from the Underground, to feelings from their present situation. All of it came up.

Red's bitterness about having to raise Edge, even when he was just a babybones himself. Having to give up his childhood just so he could protect himself and Edge from other monsters, giving Edge just a little more of a childhood that was ripped from Red's hands. The constant stress from having to always be on guard, always watching your back, never being able to relax. But Red never blamed or resented Edge for any of that. It was just the shitty lot that was forced on them, he understood that. He also understood the act they had to put up for the sake of their safety, having to act like they don't give a shit about each other so other monsters wont be as willing to attack them. But it doesn't mean all the shit they threw at each other didn't still hurt. 

Then Edge's jealousy about how Red could be as carefree as their Underground would allow, due to his position in the Royal Guard. Red getting to have somewhat of a social circle while Edge was almost completely isolated. And..... how different Red started acting, how different Red became once he just started drinking and smoking all the time. Edge hated the act they had to put on, he hated how different Red became, he hated the isolation his position caused him and just how unsecure the position could become. How easily it could be taken away by one mistake, one little misstep that could take both their lives if Edge wasn't careful. But it gave him and his brother what little safety they could get down there. He also knew Red couldn't be that relaxed, no one could, but.... he really just wanted his older brother back... and friends...

Then now, the stress of being pulled into an alternate universe and one that's so..... nice. So much kinder than theirs was. And suddenly being on the Surface too. But also... still trapped by this. Having to hide who they really are because of this fuck up. Red being so stressed trying to fix all of this and the donning hopelessness and frustration of it going no where. Edge's own stress about work and making sure no one discovers the lodge. Both of which trying to keep a girlfriend happy while sharing that girlfriend with everyone else in the lodge, which added more jealously and insecurity from both of the brothers. Then add having to deal with living with a human who they thought was a threat in their own home.

It all was too much.

And those buried feelings festered like an infection..... and they all came out tonight.... thanks to you. 

..... And now, thanks to you, the brothers are closer than they've been in a long time. 

.....But now there's also the deal of Taylor.......

Edge can't believe he's been so fucking blind to this the whole time. He could kick himself for it. It's so obvious now that he really thinks about it. She tricked him, she tricked them all, and made a stars dammed fool out of every single one of them. The only one who wasn't was Mutt.... And she made him believe Mutt was the one being fooled... by you. 

...You...

He really needs to figure out a way to apologize to you.....

He thought himself better than to listen to baseless rumors. Always search out the facts and figure out the truth instead of just listening to what people say is the truth. He really thought himself better, but it seems like he failed that in this particular case. 

.... He really fucked up... 

He'll find some way to apologize to you... and hope to the stars you forgive him. But he won't be surprised if you don't after everything he's done to you. Whatever you decide, he'll respect. And if that's him staying as far away from you as he can, he'll do it and he won't blame you for it. 

.... As for Taylor.... he'll have to decide on what he's going to do with her.... She tried to pit him against his own brother.... She hurt Red in ways that Edge can't forgive..... She hurt him in ways he can't forgive.... What she's done is completely and utterly unforgivable.... 

And he's not going to let her get away with it.

......Maybe it's time everyone wised up to her tricks.

Chapter Text

Stretch walks out of a bookstore, glancing around with the bags hanging loosely from his hand. He spots you and Mutt across the hall, walking to a connected restaurant in the mall. You’re laughing, Mutt smiling ever so slightly as he stays just behind you. Stretch sees his eye lights surveying the environment as they walk, eyeing every person that comes a little too close. You seem oblivious to this, leading the way happily and pulling Mutt along by the hand. Mutt has a few bags in his hands, but you don’t. So he guesses Mutt's carrying everything for you.

Stretch looks away from the both of you, going on about his business. He only came here to get a couple of books and that’s it. Time to go home. 

Stretch never has really been fond of crowded places. He prefers his space and the mall doesn't do that great of a job providing it. Even if some people do try to avoid even being on the same side of the hall as him. There's too many people, some trying to sell something and others just trying to get their own shopping done. It's too loud and you're barely able to hear yourself think at some places. 

It makes his spine stiffen and anxiety skyrocket. So, he'd like to make a quick escape and get back home. 

Though, halfway towards the exit, Stretch slows to a stop again. His eye sockets narrow, looking at a rather familiar figure. It takes a couple of seconds, but he recognizes them as Taylor. That’s definitely Taylor. She’s here…. But she’s supposed to not be here. 

Stretch’s brow bones furrow, positive Taylor said she’d be staying home all day because she had a lot of homework to do. That’s the whole reason she had to cancel the plans with Blue and Papyrus. But she’s here…. At the mall. 

Stretch is contemplating walking over and asking what exactly she’s doing here, when someone else walks over to her. Someone that is definitely not any of the skeletons they live with or know, someone that's not even a skeleton. Stretch’s eye sockets widen as he watches the human man lean down and kiss Taylor, right on the lips and for a full, solid two minutes. 

He’s quick to duck away before Taylor can spot him, hiding in a store with a hand clasping over his mouth. 

Stretch…. doesn’t know what he just saw was….. But he’d like to find out. 

It’s a quick ride home, dumping the bag onto his table in the basement “bedroom” he shares with Sans. Some of those books are just for his reading pleasure, some are science books he got to help with this whole research project that’s going nowhere fast. Some are ones that Edge ask him to pick up for him. But he’ll deal with the books later. 

Instead he paces, hand covering his mouth again as he thinks over what he just saw. It’s in that state that Red finds him. 

“what the fuck’s your problem?” Red asks, looking at the taller skeleton critically. Stretch pauses in his quest to wear a hole into the basement floor, staring at Red in surprise. 

.....

He… wonders if he should tell Red about this. It’s… it’s not really a secret that Red and Edge aren’t exactly getting along with Taylor anymore. It's rather hard to miss that fact. 

But he’s not exactly sure telling Red about this will help anything. 

......

Definitely not. If anything it'll just add more fuel to the fire and Stretch isn't really sure about what's going on. Maybe there's some explanation for this and he doesn't want Red to go off the rails at Taylor. 

Stretch takes a deep breath and gives the other skeleton a wobbly smile. 

"nothin's wrong. just got a bit of energy to burn," Stretch replies. 

"yeah, right," Red huffs, looking like he doesn't believe that even a little. "whateva beanstalk. any progress with that fuckin' machine?" 

"you care now?" Stretch asks, brow bones raised. "you've, uh, been ignoring it for a while now." 

"fuck off. had shit to deal with," Red grumbles, heading into the separate room. Stretch follows him, eyeing the shorter skeleton wearily. 

"right," he agrees. 

This'll at least be a good distraction until Taylor gets home. Whenever that'll be. 

_____

It ends up taking a long time for Taylor to get home, but she eventually does. And she's alone, walking back into the house. She's staring down at her phone, not even noticing Stretch watching her from the basement doorway.

Stretch starts to walk towards her, but hesitates, soul feeling like it's quivering in his ribcage. His spine stiffens, a thick sweat beginning to bead down his skull as he tries to stop shaking. 

sans. sans was so upset about her cancelling their plans..... again.... and she was... she.... with that human... ask for sans.

Stretch takes a deep, shaking, breath and forces one foot in front of the other. Taylor barely even gives him a glance as he walks up to her. 

"hey, taylor," Stretch greets, wearily eyeing the human girl. 

"What?" Taylor asks, a layer of annoyance in her voice that makes Stretch wince. 

"you, uh, you finish all your homework?" Stretch asks. Taylor sighs, finally looking up from her phone. She crosses her arms, settling her eyes on Stretch in a way that makes his courage weaken. 

"Nope. I'm just taking a break," Taylor replies. 

"that why you were outside?" Stretch asks. 

"Just getting some fresh air," Taylor chirps, though is looking progressively more annoyed. Stretch has to admit she can hide it well though. 

"right...... but, uh, i saw you at the mall.. today," Stretch comments. Taylor freezes, just for a second, face taking on a neutral look. Stretch doesn't miss it. 

"I wasn't at the mall today," Taylor says, giving him a tired look. "I've been in my room all day doing homework, like I said I'd be." 

"taylor, i-i saw you." Stretch shakes his skull. "i know it was you. a-and... and you were with some other human. i saw you make out with him!" 

"Stretch, don't you think you're overreacting just a little?" Taylor asks, eyes narrowing. "I wouldn't cheat on you guys and you know it! It must have been someone who just looks like me." 

"i know what i saw," Stretch replies, though sounds a little less sure. He.... he supposes it could've been... He didn't get that close of a look and the mall was pretty crowded today..... And some humans look really similar.. But... No, he's positive it was her. "it was you." 

"No it wasn't! I've been here all day!" Taylor argues. "I can't believe you'd accuse me of cheating! Or lying about where I am! I thought you knew me better than that Stretch! How could you say such things?! After everything I've done for you!" 

Tears spring into Taylor's eyes with her words, a mix of an angry and sad look plastered on her face. But Stretch can see her eyes aren't turning even a little red with her tears. 

He momentarily thinks back on a few things, unconsciously taking a step back from the human in front of him...... She's canceled every plan he, Blue, or Papyrus tried to make with her for a while now, claiming to always be busy with something or another. Usually homework....... but she was never this busy with homework last year. Blue has even said it's been a long time since the two have spent some time together, Stretch knows he hasn't actually spent any time with her in a couple of months at least. 

..... And that's not even mentioning all the stuffs he's been noticing with you.... Or how she's been watching Red, Edge, and Black fighting all the time....

He knows that was Taylor at the mall. He's sure it was. ....... So why is she lying? 

"i... i know it was you, taylor," Stretch says, resolute in that. "stop lying." 

"I'm not lying! I can't believe you're accusing me of such horrible things!" Taylor cries, rubbing the fake tears from her eyes. "What's gotten into all of you lately?! I'm working so hard to keep up with college and keep this house clean and even cooking when the others can't and you're all accusing me of cheating and lying! I can't believe you!" 

Taylor then stomps off, Stretch watching her. He glances down at her chest, where her SOUL resides. 

*She's lying. 

_____

Taylor's very annoyed.

First you sink your claws into Mutt and make him even more unreasonable, stealing him from her like a fucking snake. Not even mentioning how uncooperative you and the mutt are being. Then Red and Edge start acting up, Taylor figuring you probably have something to do with that too, but now Stretch is acting out too! And knowing him if he starts trying to go against her like Mutt, Blue is more likely to side with Stretch rather than her!

Taylor regrets offering to let you stay here. You're ruining everything! She wasn't having these problems until you showed up! 

She has to come up with something to get these skeletons back under her control.... and find a way to get you kicked out of this house... 

Taylor pulls out her phone, smiling to herself. 

She thinks it's about time for some visitors. 

_____

You walk down the sidewalk with Lydia, chatting as you do. The two of you had decided to get coffee after school, Mutt having to stay after for a bit longer for something or another. 

"Hey... that reminds me," Lydia speaks up, suddenly looking rather troubled. 

"Something wrong?" You ask, glancing up from Mutt's text. 

"Yeah... There's a rumor going around the school about you," Lydia begins, making you blink. Then you sigh. 

"Yeah? What about?" You ask, resignation heavy in your tone. Which Lydia could instantly pick up on and made her more than a little confused. 

Why do you sound like this is something you deal with on a daily basis? 

"I'm not sure on the details," Lydia explains, waving her fuzy paws in the air. "And I'm sure it's not true at all! But someone's been saying that..... you're.... not very.. nice to that skeleton you're going out with." 

"Not very nice to Mutt?" You say slowly. You take a deep breath, pinching the bridge of your nose. "Not very nice in what way?" 

"Uh... Abusive," Lydia cringes. 

"No," you state, quietly horrified. "No, I am not." 

"I didn't think you were!" Lydia assures you. "You're not the type. A-and I've seen the way you two interact. Anyone can see that you two are very happy together and Mutt's not scared of you or anything. I just thought you should know." 

"Thank you," you smile at her. You then sigh, tilting your head back in both irritation and exhaustion. "I think I can already tell who started those rumors." 

"Really?" Lydia asks, looking surprised. 

"Yeah. I should've expected it too," you groan, pinching the bridge of your nose. 

"I don't think anyone really believes it," Lydia says, shaking her head. "Especially not anyone in the monster community or who hangs out with us. Even the two humans I heard talking about it didn't really sound like they believed it either." 

"Well that's good," you sigh, tilting your head back. It's silent for a few minutes. "Oh, uh, I'm not actually dating Mutt by the way." 

"You're not?" Lydia sounds both surprised and doubtful. You shake your head. "..... Okay.." 

"You sound like you don't believe me," you comment in amusement. 

"It's just... you're always together and the way you two look at each other," Lydia explains, smiling and looking a bit amused herself. "Especially the way he looks at you." 

"How exactly does he look at me?" You ask. 

"Oh you know... Just more than a little love struck," Lydia in a sing song tone. 

"Oh really?" 

"Yep." 

"I don't really- oomph!" You nearly fall back onto the concrete at the force at which the smaller body hit you, Lydia grabbing your arms the only thing that kept you from doing so. You look down at what hit you to see a slightly familiar mop of short brown hair and a blue and purple sweater. 

"WOAH! Frisk!" A tall fish lady is jogging towards the three of you, red hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. Her one eye is trained on Frisk, looking slightly worried, but then she looks up at you and Lydia after noting that Frisk is fine. "Sorry about that!" 

"Everything's cool," you wave off with a smile. "No one got hurt." 

You look back down at Frisk with a smile and a wave. 

"Hello again, Frisk!" You sign with your words. "Nice to see you again!" 

Frisk smiles widely, signing the same back at you. 

"Wait, you know our ambassador?" Lydia asks, looking very surprise. 

"Uh, yeah. When'd you two meet?" The fish lady asks. 

"We met at storytime a while back," you shrug, Frisk adding a little more detail. Though as soon as they're finished, the fish lady is looking up at you with a wide eye. 

"WAIT! So you're the library lady that's living with Papyrus?!" She yells, making you jump a little. 

"Uh, yes?" You reply hesitantly. 

"FINALLY! How is he? I can barely get ahold of him anymore!" She yells, tossing her hands up in the air. In frustration if you're reading her right. Lydia looks between the three of you, even more surprised.

'They haven't called mom yet either,' Frisk adds, disappointment clear on their face. You frown, brows drawing together. 

"Oh, uh." Your face twists in uncertainty. "I gave Papyrus your drawing and he told me he'd ask Sans. I'm sorry they haven't called yet." 

'Have they said anything about it?' Frisk asks hopefully. You regretfully shake your head. 

"Sans and Papyrus are a little..... tied up right now," you say, a bit of a grimace on your face. "Very busy. I can ask again for you both though." 

"GREAT! Tell that numbskull to CALL ME!" The fish lady frowns. 

"Uhm, what's your name?" You ask. 

"Oh, right. I'm Undyne!" She replies, sticking a hand out for you. You take it, nearly stumbling with the shake she gives it, and give her your name. "Nice to meet you!" 

"Nice meeting you too, Undyne," you reply, shaking your hand out behind your back. Though you have to check your phone after it beeps at you, finding a text from Mutt saying he finished up everything he needed to. You slip your phone back into your pocket, looking back up at the blue scaled woman. "I'll make sure to tell Papyrus to call you." Though you mumble to yourself, "If he doesn't run away from me anyway." 

"Thanks! I'm really worried about him," Undyne frowns. You nod, thinking that she should be very worried. 

A few more words and the two are running off again, Lydia turning to you with raised brows. 

"I didn't know you knew Sans and Papyrus too!" She comments. 

"You know them?" You ask, both of you heading back towards the school. 

"Not really. But they lived in Snowdin too," Lydia replies. She frowns as she continues on. "But Papyrus was our mascot! Until he just started appearing less and less, and then disappeared all together." 

"Huh," you say, eyebrows raised. "Strange."

Chapter Text

G opens the door, finding Guns and his brother standing on his steps. He greets the two, letting them into the house. 

"Punctual as ever, I see," G chuckles, pulling the cigarette out of his teeth. 

"OF COURSE!" Guns' brother replies, chest puffed up in pride. "YOU DON'T GET TO WHERE WE ARE WITH A LAZY SCHEDULE." 

"we've got something interesting to talk about anyway," Guns adds, leaning lazily back on his heels. 

"I suppose you're right," G grins, nodding them towards the living room to sit down. He goes and grabs Aster from the lab before he sits, leaning back in the chair. 

"HELLO, ASTER," Guns' brother greets with a nod. 

"HELLO, ACE. NICE TO SEE YOU BOTH AGAIN," Aster smiles as he takes a seat. 

"likewise," Guns smiles lazily, tipping his hat towards the taller skeleton. 

"So, what'd ya find?" G asks, glancing between both of the skeletons. Guns drop a folder onto the coffee table, Aster picking it up to thumb through the few pages. 

"not much by our standards," Guns shrugs. He looks quite irritated though, plucking the cigar from his teeth. "a few.... interesting details though." 

"SHE'S BEEN GOING OUT WITH A HUMAN?" Aster asks in shock. 

"What?" G nearly chokes on the smoke from his cigarette, quickly snatching the folder his brother is holding out to him. He quickly flips through the pages for himself.

"IT APPEARS SO," Ace replies, arms crossed. While his face is carefully neutral- the same as his brother's- there's a quiet anger that's barely able to be picked up on. "THAT WAS ABOUT ALL WE WERE ABLE TO DIG UP THOUGH. BESIDES THE FACT SHE HAS QUITE THE NASTY REPUTATION AMONGST HER PEERS AND PAYS OTHER PEOPLE TO DO HER HOMEWORK FOR HER." 

"the human she's running around with isn't exactly a monster supporter either," Guns adds, glancing over at his brother. He rolls his cigar between his fingers, head tilting to the side. "not particularly violent at this point in time. Though that could change. From what we were able to tell though, he seems like the type that can talk a big game but can't go through with it." 

"..... I bet this is what had Red so upset," G comments, dropping the folder onto the coffee table with a sigh. Aster nods along, rubbing his chin. 

"I'D SUPPOSE SO.... RED IS ONE OF THOSE TYPES. HE TRUSTED HER AND SHE SPIT THAT TRUST RIGHT BACK IN HIS FACE," he adds, G nodding along with that. "DO YOU THINK EDGE IS AWARE AS WELL?" 

G shrugs, unsure if the taller skeleton is aware of anything besides his brother drinking himself into an early grave. Though given how Edge is, he doesn't think he'd be particularly quiet if he did.

"you two aware of anything going on at the lodge?" Guns asks, both of the brothers shaking their heads. That just makes Guns sigh in annoyance. "called prime sans earlier and he didn't say anything besides things are fine." 

"PRIME PAPYRUS DIDN'T HAVE MUCH TO SAY WHEN I CALLED HIM EITHER," Ace adds, looking quite exasperated. "HE DIDN'T PARTICULARLY SEEM TO WANT COMPANY EITHER WHEN I ASKED ABOUT COMING UP FOR A VISIT." 

"I got the same from prime Sans," G sighs. 

"so, they've got something they're hiding," Guns ponders. 

"PERHAPS WE SHOULD INVITE OURSELVES OVER," Aster smiles, clasping his hands together. G looks up at his brother with raised brow bones, but then looks at his phone as it beeps. "NORMALLY I WOULDN'T SUGGEST SOMETHING SO RUDE, BUT I DO BELIEVE A SITUATION LIKE THIS CALLS FOR SUCH MEASURES. SURELY THEY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THEIR GIRLFRIEND IS UP TO." 

"Doesn't look like you'll have to, bro," G replies, smile spreading across his skull. He meets eyes with Guns, who was looking at his own phone. Guns sends him his own menacing grin. "Looks like their girl just gave us an invite all on her own." 

"next weekend too," Guns adds, fingers tightening on his cigar. 

"WONDERFUL," Aster and Ace both smile. 

_____

Blue walks into the house from a hard day at work, sighing at the weighted feeling of exhaustion that just hasn't left him for the past year now. Everything is just so tiring, even for him. But he still tries to keep up his cheery disposition, if not for his own sanity then for his brother's. Stretch is working so hard to get them home with Sans and Red (though it seems Red has fallen off the deep end at this point), and he doesn't want him to worry about his older brother. 

Sometimes though..... It's really hard to keep up this face.... Especially when there's also housework and cooking to do.... But, luckily, Taylor picks a lot of that up. 

Blue freezes for a moment, hand reaching for the door to the coat closet, at the sound of a vacuum and a voice in the living room. 

"Dear Queen of Hearts, I'mma grow you white roses

So you can learn to be kind

Tell King of Hearts, to arm all his forces

So you can learn to be kind." 

The voice isn't a professional, but still sounds nice. Though it doesn't really mix with the sounds of the vacuum. 

..... It doesn't sound like Taylor, but maybe the vacuum is messing with his hearing.

Blue hangs his coat up, then peaks around the coat closet and into the living room. He expects to see Taylor in there, but he's surprised to see you. You're vacuuming the carpet slowly, methodically refluffing the carpet with wires dangling from your ears and to your pocket. Likely connecting to your phone. 

Mutt lays on the couch unhelpfully, a pillow underneath his head as he plays with his phone. Both feet are up on the couch as well, out of your way as you make your way throughout the living room. 

"Oh what a start, inside out and upside down

No stress I'mma clean up this mess, li like Alice

First hand me scissors, then bring out the heavy artillery 

Oh justice is my middle name, I'm Alice

Dear Queen of Hearts, I'mma grow you white roses

So you can learn to be kind

Tell King of Hearts, to arm all his forces

So you can learn to be kind." 

You're singing. And Blue can admit, you sound good. But he's more surprised you're actually cleaning, though he supposes he shouldn't be. 

He guesses he has seen it before. But that was always just cleaning up after yourself. Washing the dishes you, and Mutt often, used or wiping down the counters when you've made a mess. He's never actually saw you cleaning the house before and he wouldn't have guessed you'd take your time, methodically, doing it. ....But he supposes Papyrus has said he's seen you doing such before.... Blue just never really believed it. 

"And the horizon silver lined." 

You're finished vacuuming the living room. You pull the ear buds out of your ears, turning the vacuum off. Your gaze is then directed at Mutt, an unamused arch to your eyebrow and lips. 

"Are you just going to lie there all day while I clean?" You ask, setting your hands on your hips. 

"maybe," Mutt replies, glancing over at you from his phone. 

"Really?" You ask, your tone making it sound like a thinly veiled warning. 

"possibly." Is Mutt's reply. Your response to that is to roll your eyes with your unamused look turning amused. You grab a pillow off the couch closer to you and throw it at him, though he catches it easily. 

"I don't think so," you laugh, crossing your arms and stepping out of the way as Mutt chucks the pillow back at you. "Please go hang the laundry if it's done." 

"do i have to?" Mutt whines. 

"Yes." You still look amused, much to Blue's surprise. "I'm still not done in here and you're in the way." 

Mutt just groans dramatically, sliding off the couch like a slime. You watch in amusement, just shaking your head. Seeing he's getting no sympathy, Mutt just stands and walks towards the bathroom like a kicked puppy. 

"Don't forget we still have your room to clean again," you call, wrapping the cord around the vacuum's hooks again. Mutt groans louder, pausing and looking back at you with a puppy dog face. 

"do we have to? it's fine." 

"Yup," you cheerily reply, ignoring Mutt's puppy face. "If you just put things away after you use them, we wouldn't have this problem." 

Mutt groans again and walks dejectedly into the bathroom, then into the closet that has the washing machine in it. You pause in your task to look back at the way the taller skeleton disappeared, a very fond look on your face. 

"What a dork," you mumble, a bit of a chuckle in the tone. You put the vacuum to the side, then go about fluffing the pillows and couch cushions, fixing the blankets on the back of the couch while you're at it. 

Blue just watches in shock, though jolts at the sound of footsteps walking down the staircase. He sees what is undeniably Taylor coming down the steps and panics. He shortcuts to the other side of the hall, by the door to the office and bathroom, to hide from both the humans. He's not really sure why he did as such, or why he felt panic at seeing Taylor of all people coming down the stairs, but now he's hiding from both you and her. 

He peaks around the corner to see Taylor stepping into the arch where he was once peeking in. 

"Finally. I was beginning to think you'd never clean this damn place," Taylor sneers. 

"I do have a job.... and school work," you reply, looking at the other human in disinterest. "...And a life." 

"Like I give a shit," Taylor snaps. "Just make sure this house stays clean. You’re not good for anything else here, obviously. You useless piece of shit." 

Blue's mouth drops in surprise. 

"Say what you like, Taylor. I'm not even doing this so you can look good in the skeletons' eyes." You go back to what you were doing before Taylor walked in. "I'm doing this to take some of the weight off their shoulders. Something you should be doing." 

You glare at the other human with those words. Though Blue does hear the "And I'd get blamed for the mess anyway" you add under your breath. 

Taylor just rolls her eyes, glowering at you. 

"Why should I do that? What does that do for me?" She asks, crossing her arms. 

"Because it's the nice thing to do," you reply. "And they're tired and need a break." 

"That's not my problem, nor worth my time." Taylor waves a hand and grabs her coat out of the closet instead. "I could care less if they're tired or need a break." Her voice turns mocking as she repeats what you said. "I have more important things to do and you better stop making me look bad. Your place in this house is to do everything I want you to and keep your fucking mouth shut about it. Keep to your damn self and stop talking to my skeletons. Or else." 

With that final growl, Taylor stomps out of the house. You pause, looking at the way she went, then sigh with a shake of your head. 

"Yeah. I'm the useless one," you grumble, laying the blanket over the back of the couch. "At least I'm not the one cheating on and lying to and abusing those closest to me. Besides not like you haven't already started a rumor about me at school." 

Blue clasps a hand over his mouth, supporting himself against the wall. His hands tremble, his eye lights the size of dimes at this point. 

Taylor threatened you. 

Taylor threatened you. 

And the way she was acting towards you. He.... He never thought.... Taylor would ever.... ever act like that. A-and the things she said. The things you said. 

H-he's not sure what to do with this...

_____

"There!" You smile, pushing the drawer to Mutt's dresser closed and pointedly ignoring his messy desk. "We're finished!" 

"finally," Mutt groans, dropping onto his bed. You smile in amusement, standing up to join him. Though when you try to cuddle up to the skeleton, he pushes you away. Lightly though, barely even putting any force into it. Just enough to keep you from laying on top of him. "nope. i don't cuddle brats who torture me." 

"Oh come on, Mutt. I didn't torture you," you laugh, sitting on your knees and looking down at him. 

"yes you did," he groans overdramatically, just making you snort. "i'm dying over here and you're laughing at me." 

"You big baby." You shake your head in amusement. "A little cleaning isn't going to kill you. I did most of the work anyways!" 

You hit him with one of his many pillows with that statement, making Mutt sputter on a laugh as he tries to defend himself from the fluffy attack. 

"nu-uh!" He protests. "i did a ton of the work," you already know where this is going, trying to smother Mutt with the pillow before it can come out of his mouth. "a skeleton." 

"Noooo. That's so overused!" You complain, trying to stifle the laugh attempting to build up. 

"aw come on, angel. don't you find me humerus?" Mutt winks at you, making you double your efforts to smother him with the pillow. 

"Mutt!" You laugh. 

"you're laughing," Mutt points out. 

"Out of pity," you assure him, still smiling. 

"sure, sure," Mutt nods, finally letting you lay down with him. You just shake your head, cuddling up to the skeleton to watch some TV. 

What a dork.

Chapter Text

Grillby stands closer to the corner where Red's hunched over a glass, not quite drunk yet but tipsy enough already. Grillby's far too used to the skeleton coming in to drink himself to death as of late, having to wonder what it is about the more prickly skeletons' drinking habits. 

Though he supposes he hasn't seen Mutt in a while, started coming in less and less until one day he stopped coming in at all. Grillby just hopes he's doing better and not getting into any trouble. 

He's come to know those two more than he ever thought he would. A little more than he ever wanted to. But they're the only skeletons visiting as of late, much to his disappointment. The place just isn't quite the same as it once was, even to the bar's owner. 

The fire elemental looks back at Red as he huffs a self-deprecating laugh, resting his head onto his arm. Grillby places a hand on the bar top, leaning a little more onto it. The quite chatter of the bar still fills the warm air, the late night lull allowing Grillby a bit of time to relax. Even with the depressed skeleton moping at his bar. 

"i really fucked up, Grillbz," Red finally mutters, making Grillby looking at him curiously. ".... i really fucked up this time." 

The questioning huff from Grillby finally makes Red sit up again and stare down into his alcohol like it holds the answer to the universe. Red sighs, swirling the liquid inside the glass. 

"the fuck do i do?" He finally asks. 

"... What about... exactly?" Grillby asks, going back to cleaning the glass in his hands. 

"i... this girl i live with," Red mutters, eyes narrowing. "i really messed up with her..." 

"Taylor?" Grillby asks. Red growls at that name, scoffing as he glares down at the glass. 

"fuck no. that bitch can drown fer all i care," he spits out, making Grillby flare for a second. 

"Last I heard.... you all were very close... to her," he comments, eyeing the skeleton. Red sighs, dragging a hand down his face before downing his glass. Grillby gets to making him another one. 

"not anymore," Red grumbles. "she.... she did something i can never forgive 'er fer... i'm talkin' about another girl. taylor pitted us against 'er... made things up about 'er just so we'd hate her....... none of us were exactly kind to her... and i really scared her a while back.... i.... i wanna... make up fer what i did but.... after everythin' i'd be surprised if she'd want anything to do with any of us...." 

Grillby's silent for a few minutes, thinking about what the skeleton just told him. If he's remembering correctly, this must be Taylor's friend Red would occasionally grumble about and the girl Mutt talked about on occasion. He's.... heard very mixed things about her. 

"this girl.... now that i've actually paid a-fuckin'-ttenion is actually..... nicer than any of us thought... she... she helped my bro an' i patch things up... she's made us things even when we were bein' bastards to her... fuckin' hell, she's made mutt sober up and he's so fuckin' attached to 'er now... she's... she's..." Red trails off, frown deeper than before. Regret clear on his face. "... she didn't deserve any of what we fuckin' did." 

"... It sounds like... you regret your actions towards her," Grillby comments. Red grunts, nodding once. "... Then apologize to her..." 

"she's scared of me," Red comments. "not like it's unwarranted... after all of what happened." 

Grillby's silent for another moment as he thinks. 

".. Do you want to make things right... with this girl?" Grillby asks. Red pulls a face, nodding hesitantly. "... Then prove it to her... Don't force it... Go at her pace. Change for the better and show her that....." 

Red looks up at the fiery bartender at last, staring for a moment before nodding as he mulls over his words. Then he nods more resolutely.

"yeah... yeah.. that's.. that's probably.." Red never finishes his sentence, but Grillby gets it easily enough. And he just hopes Red'll start doing better, and whatever's happening with these skeletons resolve. 

_____ 

You stare down at the bundle of cloth in front of you, having paused in your sewing as your mind wonders to other things. You thumb rubs against the soft sweater fabric, instinctually avoiding the pins holding the pieces together. You thoughtlessly chew on your bottom lip, leg bouncing a little. 

"angel?" Mutt speaks up, making you jump just a bit and dart your eyes over to him. Mutt's laying on your bed again, eyeing you with worry. "you've been staring at that sweater for the past five minutes.... not going the way you want it to?" 

"No... no, it's not that. I was just thinking," you reply, shaking your head and getting back to sewing the sweater together. 

Mutt sits up a bit, pausing the video playing on the TV. He eyes you for a few seconds before leaning his skull on his head. 

"about what?" 

"Grey.. and Lunar," you reply, keeping your eyes on what you're doing. Mutt sighs, eye sockets narrowing a bit. "I know you don't really like them... I'm not completely sure why, but I get it...." 

"i'm just worried they're gonna do something to you," Mutt replies, looking away from you. His frown deepens a bit, then looking back at you. "do you really like them?" 

"Yeah. Lunar's really, really sweet," you reply, shrugging a shoulder. "And Grey's alright too. I can't exactly blame him for being weary of me, especially with the warm welcome he got from everyone here." 

You sigh and shake your head, pausing in your work again. You glance up, looking out the window for a moment before returning to just staring at the fabric. 

"But he's still more welcoming and kind than most of the people here," you huff, shaking your head again. You continue to sew in silence for a bit longer, sticking pins back into the tomato pin cushion beside yourself. "I trust your judgement, Mutt, and I'm still on guard just in case. I just don't know why at this point." 

Mutt stares at you for a moment longer, then sighs and leans back on the bed again. He stares at the ceiling for a little bit, eyeing the popcorn pattern on it. 

"it's complicated," he mutters, eye sockets narrowing. "i... i don't wanna scare you.." 

"Is it really that bad?" You ask, glancing at him again. Mutt remains silent on that, making you sigh. "I know you have your reasons, but it doesn't help me understand any more. I just... I just really want to help them.... They're suffering.. Grey has a giant hole in his skull and Lunar's ability to eat is effected by his teeth... I can't imagine either of those things don't hurt... And their house looks like it's falling apart around them.... I just.. don't know how to fix it."

Mutt looks at you again as you let out a sigh of frustration, giving up on the sweater for the moment. You lean back in your chair, hands carding through your hair as you stare at the ceiling. 

"I can get Lunar reading glasses, I can make them new clothes, and get them food, but that's about it," you continue, rubbing your eyes. "I don't know how to get Lunar to a dentist right now. I don't know how to get them to a doctor. I don't know how to start getting things to fix up their house. All of that costs a lot of money and I can't pay that.... Those treaties and that Constitution only go so far..... and I can't save up with whatever's left over from their food money. Sans or whoever does that would notice that quickly enough... Can't have them thinking I'm taking money for myself after all. And Sans doesn't even want them going into town." 

"heh... yeah. i get it, angel," Mutt mumbles, eye sockets soft before he turns them up to the ceiling again. He sighs, rubbing his eye sockets in thought. "if... if you wanna start couponing a bit more, we can start saving from your pay check and my commissions. i get some good money from some of them.... black still funnels money into my account too, so we can use some of that too." 

"All of my paychecks go to food and rent," you mumble, rubbing your eyes. But you still smile at the skeleton, getting up to go cuddle with him. "You really think we can make it work?" 

"black's always been the one good with money," Mutt frowns, pulling you closer to himself. He still nuzzles the top of your head, squeezing you a bit. "but yeah... i think we can pull it off. think we should work towards the dentist first. sure grey would insist on it." 

"I don't know if Grey's really gonna like this at all," you mumble, nuzzling into Mutt's chest as you sink into his hold. "He's already not too keen on me spending money on them." 

"we'll tell him it's mostly on the lodge's dollar. that should make him happier," Mutt comments. You huff a laugh, looking up at the skeleton's crooked grin. 

"And what about Sans not wanting them to go into town?" You ask, still smiling just a bit. 

"'m sure we can sneak 'em out easily enough," Mutt nods, grinning back at you. "patrols aren't as tight anymore and sans ain't actually that observant." 

You chuckle at that, sighing a bit as you close your eyes. 

"Yeah, I suppose you're right about that," you concede. Mutt just hums, hugging you a little tighter to him as he turns the TV back on. It's silent for a while longer, the two of you just watching the rest of the video play out. Then you quietly speak up again, "Thank you, Mutt... For helping me with this." 

"'course, angel. i trust your judgement too." Mutt nuzzles your head again and you smile, hugging the skeleton tighter. 

_____ 

Stretch sits on his bed in the basement, skull in his hands. His knee bounces restlessly, thoughts running rampant in his mind. 

He has to wonder just how much Taylor's been lying about. Has it all been a lie? Or were just some things lies? Just where did it end? 

And what about what she said about you? Everything you've done and he's seen you do... it points to it maybe... also being a lie. He... He's not sure.. but... if.. if it is then... then that's...

Stretch grimaces, rubbing his chest at the feeling welling up in his soul. He rubs his eye sockets, trying to get rid of the burning feeling in them and wetness beginning to well up in the corners. He sniffles, rubbing his hands down his skull again. 

Everything's been a lie. Taylor's lied to them this whole time. Going behind their backs with a human man and manipulating them. What did she want from them? What was her goal in all of this? He'd really like to know though he doubts he's ever going to get an answer from her. 

Stretch lets out a bitter laugh, digging the heel of his palms into his eye sockets. The tears keep coming. 

He supposes he should've known better than to trust a human. He thought he'd learned after Chara, but he guesses not. He let another human in and look at what she'd done. 

Some Judge he is. 

Stretch sniffles again, rubbing his eye sockets on the sleeve of his jacket. 

All they'd done for her. Everything they did and gave her. Apparently this is the thanks they get for it. He can't believe he was so stupid. Stupid enough to let this go on for so long and let her hurt himself and his brother. Blue's going to be so devastated and he let it happen to him. Just because he let himself be blinded and let his guard down. 

"i'm so stupid," Stretch mutters, voice wavering and choked. He sniffles again, standing and harshly rubbing his eye sockets again. He shakes his head, heading for the stairs. 

He pauses at the kitchen entrance, looking in to see you and Mutt in there. Mutt's sitting on one of the counters and you stand at the stove, smiling brightly as you laugh at something Mutt said. Mutt's smiling right back at you, a glint of adoration in his eye sockets that Stretch easily picks up on. 

Though those eye sockets instantly turn a lot sharper when Mutt meets Stretch's eye sockets. Your smile falls a little bit once you notice him as well, sending a hesitant wave towards him. 

Stretch looks away from both of you, grabbing the honey and sweets he was after before making a hasty exit. 

Yeah... He really is stupid, isn't he?

Chapter Text

Lunar perks up at the sound of a knock on the door, looking over from his spot in front of the counter. He bounds over to the wooden portal, assuming it's you, and pulls it open, only for the greeting to die on his metaphorical tongue. It's... not you. 

"Oh, Hello Mutt!" Lunar greets, gaining Grey's attention from the couch. 

"hey, lunar. mind if i come in? i gotta ask you and your brother something," Mutt grins lazily. Lunar nods, reluctantly letting the other skeleton into the house. Grey narrows his one working eye socket, eyeing the other skeleton wearily as he sits up a bit more on the couch. 

"what do you want?" Grey growls, glaring at Mutt. Lunar quickly walks back over to his brother, standing closer to him and opposite of Mutt. 

"just want to talk," Mutt replies, remaining carefully neutral and relaxed. 

"about?" Grey remains tense. Mutt simply says your name, making both the brothers frown more. Lunar begins to wring his hands nervously, shrinking in a bit on himself. "what? you going to threaten us to stay away from her?" 

"nah. she seems to trust you both, so i'll trust her judgement." Mutt shrugs carelessly, making both brothers blink in surprise. Mutt just chuckles humorlessly. "she's a big girl and can make her own decisions. she's going to come visit you two whether i like it or not." 

Mutt shakes his skull at the thought, an exasperated sigh passing his teeth. Lunar relaxes a bit, more in confusion than anything else, while Grey just looks more skeptical. 

"then what're you here for?" Grey asks. 

"i'm just guessing she hasn't told you everything," Mutt replies, leaning back on his heels a bit. 

"About What?" Lunar asks. 

"how much do you two know about the situation back at the lodge?" Mutt asks instead, head tilted. "with taylor and the other skeletons." 

"Not That Much," Lunar admits. "Just That The Other Skeletons Are Dating Taylor." Lunar adding that they don't like you after a thought. "And That Taylor Has Something To Do With That." 

"yeah... that's the very basics of it," Mutt nods slowly. He then sighs. "but there's a lot more to it than just that." 

"what do you mean?" Grey asks, relaxing just a bit back into the couch. 

"where to begin," Mutt sighs, glancing up towards the ceiling. He goes on to tell the two more about the situation back at the lodge, Grey and Lunar frowning more and more at the details.

"Why Would She Stay There?" Lunar frowns once Mutt finishes speaking. "That Sounds Horrible!" 

"the others are actually allowing this to happen?" Grey asks, looking both disturbed and bewildered. "so much for being judges." 

"what?" Mutt asks, looking at Grey in confusion. "judges?" 

Grey just huffs, eyeing Mutt at that. He waves it off and Mutt leaves it at that. 

"i don't know why angel's staying. she says it's for school," Mutt replies, shrugging a shoulder. "and everyone else believes taylor unquestioningly.... well, red and edge have distanced themselves. not exactly sure what those two are up to." 

"fuckin' hell," Grey sighs, shaking his skull. He looks over Mutt with raised brow bones. "and red really bite her? and no one did anything?" 

"more or less," Mutt shrugs, Grey growling lowly. But then he shakes his head a bit, eyeing Mutt once again with a distrustful, questioning look on his skull. 

"why are you telling us this?" 

"you're a part of it now," Mutt replies, waving the question off. "you're angel's friends, so you're even more on taylor's shit list. don't suggest you spend too much time around the lodge, could get you in trouble." 

"How?" Lunar frowns, wringing his hands. 

"who knows. taylor's good at making things up," Mutt sighs, frown turning into an outright snarl. 

"those assholes are idiots," Grey growls, tugging at his eye socket. "if they try anything..." 

"prime sans is a coward," Mutt says, looking unamused again. Grey raises a brow bone at that, Lunar blinking in surprise. "he's not going to go through with anything unless he's forced to. easy to go behind his back too with how much he's working himself into the ground. i wouldn't worry too much about him." 

"heh," Grey grumbles, glancing away. Mutt pushes himself off the wall and heads towards the door again. 

"anyway, that's all i had to say. so see ya," he sighs, strolling lazily. "angel's going to be home soon and she doesn't need to be alone in that house." 

Mutt still pauses at the door, looking back at the two. 

"all that being said though," Mutt's eye sockets narrow, glaring at the two. "if you hurt her....." 

Grey growls, glaring right back at him, Lunar stiffening as he stares Mutt down. But Mutt just walks out of the door, closing it behind himself.

_____

You're surprised Mutt isn't home to greet you at the door, though you did get home early so he may not even realize you're back. But you didn't think he was going anywhere today, or at least he didn't tell you he was. Oh well, not like he has to tell you his every move. 

You pull your coat off, hooking it around your arm as you quickly head for the stairs. But you then freeze at the sound of your name. Glancing over your shoulder, you see it's... Red. 

He looks rather uncomfortable, teeth pulled into a grimace and his eye lights pulled away from you. His hands are stuffed into his coat pockets and he's slouching into the thing, though his hands are noticeably twitching. 

You tense, eyeing the skeleton warily and your hand grips the railing tightly. 

"Yeah, Red?" 

"i...." Red's grimace just gets worse. He forces himself to look at you, taking a small step back at your posture. "look i'm.... i know..." 

Red sighs in frustration, looking both irritated and angry. 

"i'm... i'm fuckin' sorry, alright?" He finally spits out, making you flinch at the tone. Red looks even more frustrated, dragging a hand down his face. "shit... i.... i'm not good at apologies. just.... ya didn't... i... everything we've done ta ya and everything i've done... i... it wasn't right... we never should've..." 

You glance between Red and the wall a couple of times, surprised and slightly worried. You wonder if Edge is somewhere around here and forced him into this or if this is some trick Taylor planned. But... Red does seem kind of serious..... and sober. Nervous as he keeps glancing away from you like he's expecting the worst or something. 

"..... Uh... Thank you," you smile hesitantly, Red glancing back at you. His frown deepens, but he nods. Regret and unhappiness clear on his face but he quickly pushes that down. 

He just nods again and walks away, leaving you to finally be able to dart upstairs. 

But you head back downstairs again after dropping your stuff off in your room, going to the laundry room with a basket on your hip. You throw everything, including the skeletons' and Taylor's clothes gathered in the laundry room and bathrooms, into the washing machine and start it. 

You then head to the kitchen, glancing at the time on the clock. You note it's a little past four and you could probably start on an early dinner for yourself and Mutt. But what to make? 

You look through the cupboard in thought, eyeing the shelves for something to make. 

Little too warm for soup... Not really interested sandwiches.... Hmmm.... 

You eye the pasta boxes on the shelves, tilting your head just a bit. You pull one off, looking over the packaging. You think this is yours.... Yeah, it is. 

"I could make something pasta," you mumble to yourself in thought. You leave the pasta box on the counter, then look through the fridge in thought. Then, as you spot the thawed meat in the fridge, it comes to you. "Oh! Yeah, I'll make that." 

You pull the packaging out, noting that it is the one you left out yesterday, and get to work. Boil the noodles and pack the meat into balls. You then have to hunt down some other ingredients you're sure you have to make the sauce. You hum as you work, turning down the heat a bit so the water doesn't boil over. 

"angel?" 

You only jump a little at the sudden voice when it was quiet, relaxing when you see Mutt walking up. You smile at him, turning back to the dish you're working on. 

"Hey, Mutt. Just working on dinner." 

"i see that," Mutt replies, hands finding their way to your hips. He watches you work in silence for a bit before it's broken again. 

"Red apologized to me again," you bring up, not looking up from the sauce. "He was sober this time too." 

"really?" Mutt's squeezes your hips just a bit. You hum in confirmation. "you accept it?" 

"I thanked him for it," you shrug. Mutt just hums at that. "... I don't know what's going on with him or his brother... but they're acting a bit weird... So is Blue, now that I think about it." 

"blue?" Mutt asks, confused. You nod slowly, tilting your head back a bit. 

"Yeah. He's... I don't know how to say it... It's kind of like when I first moved in," you frown, eyebrows furrowed. "He... He keeps... I don't know... acting like he wants to say something to me but... doesn't and runs off again... I... Stretch is doing the same too.. kind of.... He's.. I don't know, he looks.. lost? Upset? ...I don't know what's up with either of them." 

"strange," Mutt mumbles. You nod, looking back at the stove. It's silent as you combine all the ingredients, Mutt pulling out a plate for you both. 

"The washer should be done by now... Take these outside for me?" You ask, nodding towards the plates. Mutt nods and you run off to grab the laundry to take out to the clothes line. Mutt's already sitting at the patio table, having brought the entire pot out with the plates and grabbed you both something to drink as well. You set the laundry basket in the grass, turning back to him. "Make sure to cover the pot with the lid! So bugs don't get into it!" 

Mutt sends you a thumbs up while he dishes out a portion of the spaghetti for himself. You turn back to the clothes line, starting on hanging up the pile of wet clothes at your feet. 

Mutt glances over in your direction, pausing with his fork in the air. His eye sockets narrow at the foliage behind the clothesline, bones tensing. Not one to ever ignore instincts, he places his fork down and quickly walks over to you. You jump when he places a hand on your shoulder, looking over at him with a raised brow. 

"Mutt, is something wrong?" You ask, though he keeps his eye lights on the foliage. You glance over at the rustling, confused as you look back at him. "Mutt?" 

"shh." His grip just tightens. You glance between him and the bushes a couple of times, not quite understanding what's gotten him so tense. 

The rustling continues, getting closer and closer. Mutt's behavior has you tensing, at least until a bird takes off out of a tree. You sigh, watching it fly off over the tree tops and turn to Mutt again. Only to let out a startled shriek at the figure looming over you both, one which Mutt is now glaring at. 

"..hey," Grey greets as you try to regain control of your heartbeat. 

"Grey, don't do that," you sigh, giving him a little glare. 

"Sans? What Did You Do?" Lunar asks, making his way out of the foliage you were just staring at. 

"nothin' bro," Grey replies, shrugging a shoulder. You just shake your head, squeezing Mutt's hand. 

"Hey guys. Surprise visit?" You asks, going back to hanging up the laundry. 

"I Suppose You Could Say That," Lunar replies, wringing his hands a bit. He glances around, squinting back at the house. Though he looks back at you and Mutt again. "We Apologize For Just Showing Up Unannounced." 

"It's alright. You're just in time for dinner," you smile, nodding back to the porch. "If you want some anyway." 

"looks like you're doing laundry," Grey comments, eyeing the basket. 

"Yeah. But there's food back on the patio," you shrug, glancing over at him for a moment. "I'm going to finish hanging these, then go eat." 

Both Grey and Lunar frown at that, glancing between you and the patio. Lunar shakes his skull, but quickly jumps to help you finish hanging the laundry. Mutt goes and grabs two more plates while you two do that, Grey hanging back by you and Lunar. But soon the four of you are sitting at the porch table, a plate of spaghetti in front of each of you. 

"So, was there any reason for this surprise visit?" You ask. 

"what? not happy to see us?" Grey snorts. 

"Of course I am," you smile, making Grey blink down at his plate a few times. "But you both rarely come here." 

"think there's a good reason for that," Grey grumbles, shoving another forkful into his mouth. You hum noncommittedly. 

"We Just Wanted To Ask You-" Lunar glances down at Mutt's look, shaking his head with semi-widened sockets. "We Just Wanted To Ask You... To Ask You If You Were Okay!" 

"Why wouldn't I be?" You asks, a bit of a confused chuckle in your voice. Lunar shrugs helplessly, giving Mutt a confused look. 

"well.. you live here," Grey replies, brow bone raised. You sigh, shaking your head. 

"Point taken," you mumble into your food. Grey huffs a bit in semi-amusement, glancing over you. His eye light lingering on your shoulder. You straighten a bit more, finishing your bite before speaking again. "But I'm fine." 

"Well, That's Good!" Lunar smiles. You nod with a hum, taking another bite out of your meal. 

A scream shatters the quiet of the moment, startling you, Grey, and Lunar. The four of you look back to see Taylor in the doorway, staring wide eyed. Black, Blue, Sans, and Red suddenly appear on the porch, looking around wildly while Stretch, Papyrus, and Edge come to a halt behind Taylor. 

"WHAT? WHAT'S GOING ON?" Blue asks, to which the skeleton's eye lights then land on your group. All four of you staring wide eyed at them. "OH.... GREY, LUNAR.. HELLO!" 

"... Hi," Lunar replies. The other skeletons relax now, sighing. 

"What are they doing here?!" Taylor shrieks, stomping a foot. "I said I don't want them here!" 

"taylor, babe," Sans sighs, rubbing his skull. 

"I'M SURE THEY'RE JUST HERE FOR A VISIT!" Papyrus assure her, nervously glancing at the table. "THEY'RE JUST EATING WITH YOUR FRIEND AND MUTT!" 

"I don't care!" Taylor yells, glaring. "I don't want them anywhere near me!" 

You sit up in your seat a bit, frowning at the other human. But you pause as another voice speaks up before you could. 

"THEN GO BACK INSIDE, TAYLOR. THEY'RE NOT HURTING ANYTHING OUT HERE," Edge replies, crossing his arms and glaring down at the human girl. The four of you blink, slightly in shock, at his words. Taylor turns red. 

"They're not allowed here!" 

"that's not fer you to decide," Red growls, hands twitching in his coat pockets. Stretch looks between you, the pot in the middle of the table, and the two brothers sitting with you and Mutt. 

"DON'T SPEAK TO HER LIKE THAT," Black hisses.

"You-" Taylor fumes. 

"taylor, babe. i'll take care of this," Sans assures, hands raised in front of him and a bead of sweat on his skull. "why don't you go back inside." 

"You better," Taylor growls, stomping her way past the skeletons in the door.

"GET RID OF THEM QUICKLY. TAYLOR'S ALREADY STRESSED AS IT IS," Black glares, mainly at you, Grey, and Lunar. He then disappears into the house after Taylor. 

"I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT," Blue frowns in apology towards you four, but quickly runs into the house after her as well. Papyrus follows him, Stretch frowning and following as well. 

Leaving just Sans, Red, and Edge. Two of whom are looking into the house with their brow bones furrowed.

"what are you both even doing here?" Sans asks, glancing between Grey, Lunar, and you. 

"visiting," Grey huffs, stuffing another bite of his spaghetti into his mouth. 

"who?" Sans stresses. 

"what does it matter, sans? we didn't have a problem before taylor came out here," Mutt comments, brow bone raised. 

"they just... they just never said they were coming over," Sans replies helplessly. 

"They need an invitation to come over?" You ask, raising an eyebrow. "When they live just a bit of a walk away? And literally can't go into town?" 

"yes.. no.. ugh," Sans groans, rubbing a hand down his face. 

"come on, sans. lets go before you dig yerself even more into a hole," Red grumbles, slinging an arm around the shorter skeleton. He eyes the table for a moment, frown staying in place, before he starts to drag Sans back into the house with a sigh.

"so much for the mighty judge," Grey scoffs before they're through the door, making Sans' eye sockets widen for a moment even if everyone else is looking at Grey in confusion. But Red drags Sans off before he can respond. Edge stays in the doorway for a moment, arms crossed and eyeing the table as well. But he leaves after a second, closing the door behind himself. 

You, Mutt, Grey, and Lunar share a look then shake your heads before continuing with your meal in peace.

Chapter Text

You pause as you step into your room, noticing the box sitting on your bed. It’s not as tall as regular shipping boxes, but is wide. It’s a plain black, no logo or design in sight. It’s… just sitting there. On your bed.

...It definitely wasn’t there when you left this morning. 

You approach the box wearily, eyeing it. You can’t hear any sound coming from it and it doesn’t do anything when you poke it with a ruler sitting on your desk. 

You hook the ruler under the box lid and flip it open, jumping back. But nothing happens, and you sigh in relief. You still eye the tissue paper hiding whatever’s underneath though. 

“uh… whatcha doin’?” Mutt asks, eyeing the ruler in your hand and then the box on your bed. “what’s that?” 

“I don’t know,” you reply, looking back at him. “It was in here when I came in.” 

Mutt hums, his brow bones furrowing as he takes a few more steps in. He eyes the box and the tissue paper, pulling it back to unveil whatever was underneath. 

“Are those shoes?” You ask as Mutt picks up the paper that was laying on top of everything. You pick up one of the shoes in the box. Then notice what's underneath the shoes. “Oh, wow.” 

It’s an entire outfit in a box, tailored to your taste. Even including accessories and a scarf. The fabric of the clothes is very soft and the tags have your size down exactly. You can already tell just by the look they’d fit perfectly. This all looks expensive too…

“Do you think someone somehow mixed my room up with Taylor’s?” You ask, looking at the clothes in disbelief. 

“nope.. it’s for you,” Mutt mumbles, handing you the paper in his hands. You take a moment to read it over, finding a formal apology from Edge. He even wrote your name instead of just Human. 

I HOPE THIS PACKAGE FINDS YOU WELL. 

I WOULD LIKE TO FORMALLY APOLOGIZE FOR MY ACTIONS THIS PAST YEAR. IT WAS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE OF ME TO TREAT YOU THE WAY I DID AND I APOLOGIZE FOR IT. 

INCLOSED IS A GIFT AND I HOPE TO MAKE AMENDS IN THE FUTURE. 

- EDGE

Your eyebrows raise, looking over at Mutt who is now looking through the clothing. 

“damn... have to admit the bastard has good taste,” Mutt shrugs, holding the blouse up to you. You roll your eyes at him, looking over the apology again. "even if i'm wondering how exactly he got your size." 

“I’m not sure how I feel about this as an apology gift…. It looks rather expensive,” you frown, looking over the nice clothing again. 

“like he doesn’t need to apologize for all he’s done?” Mutt snorts. 

“No, he does and he should,” you nod. “But I don’t think I really like expensive apology gifts…. Just saying sorry works too.” 

“i think you deserve it,” Mutt shrugs. “i bet these will look good on you. and it’s not like edge doesn’t have a lot to apologize for. this probably didn’t even put a huge dent in his savings.” 

“Still,” you sigh. You tilt your head at the outfit, then sigh. “I’ll accept this time. But I am telling him no more expensive gifts.” 

“fair enough,” Mutt snickers. You just roll your eyes.

_____

“Ah, I’m so sorry Papy! I forgot I have this really important appointment right now!” Taylor says, a fake pout on her lips as she blows Papyrus off again. “You understand, don’t you?”

You don't like that tone she used for that last sentence. It sounded like she's daring him to argue with her.

“I…. OF COURSE, GORGEOUS,” Papyrus nods. “THE GREA.... I UNDERSTAND BEING NEEDED, AFTER ALL!” 

“Great. Thanks Papyrus,” Taylor smiles, skipping off to who knows where. 

You glare at her as she leaves, then look over at Papyrus. He looks so dejected and upset. You really can’t just walk away. Or let him run off. 

You have business with him too after all.

“Hey, Papyrus!” You call, tone soft and slowly walking up to him. The said skeleton still jumps, then turns and looks at you. You have to grab his sleeve again to keep him from bolting away from you. You feel pretty guilty with the look on his face and have to wonder what exactly caused him to suddenly be this reluctant to be around you...

..... You pray to the stars it isn't what you're thinking it was...

You glance around and towards where Taylor went, just in case. No one's listening, you believe. 

“Taylor cancelled again, huh?” 

“... YES! BUT SHE OBVIOUSLY HAS MANY PRESSING MATTERS TO ATTEND TO! ER, AS DO I! SO, I HAVE TO-” 

“Papyrus, please hang on for a second,” you plead. Papyrus wavers, then slowly nods, glancing anywhere but you. “Please hear me out?” 

“I… SURE, HUMAN,” Papyrus replies, sweating a little. 

“You had this date with Taylor all planned out right?” You ask, receiving a nod. “Did you already pay for everything?” Another, slower nod. “Could I maybe join you for it instead?” 

“WHAT?” Papyrus asks, eye lights snapping to you in shock. You raise your hands in surrender, smiling a little sheepishly. 

“You seemed really excited to go on this date and you’ve already paid for everything. It’d be a shame to just cancel it, don’t you think?” You ask, hesitantly. “It doesn’t have to be a date. We can go just as friends. I think it’d be fun and I really would like to get to know you better.” 

Papyrus just stares at you in shock. You wince. This was a bad idea, but it was the best chance you got to talk with him alone. Without any older brothers or Taylors getting in the way. You really want to talk to him about a few things after all. 

“You don’t have to. It was just an idea,” you add, glancing away from the tall skeleton. “Promise.” 

“.....I ER…. I SUPPOSE… I SUPPOSE I CAN HUMOR YOU, HUMAN,” Papyrus replies, straightening a little more and wringing his hands together. He sounds very unsure and you really don't like the way he's glancing around, like he's worried about someone overhearing. “BUT! IT CANNOT BE A DATE! I, PAPYRUS, AM DEVOTED TO TAYLOR AFTER ALL! I HOPE YOU CAN UNDERSTAND!” 

“Of course,” you nod. “That’s alright. Uhm, can I ask how I should dress?” 

“FANCY!” Papyrus replies, still seeming a bit awkward. 

“Okay, what time?” 

“BE DOWN HERE AT SIX O’CLOCK SHARP PLEASE!” Papyrus nods. You glance at the time. 

“Alright. I’ll be here, Papyrus. Thank you for taking me out. Platonically, of course,” you nod. 

“OF COURSE!” Papyrus then runs off quickly. 

You take a deep breath and turn towards the staircase. It’s not that far off from six, so you better go find your fanciest clothes. 

And, not for the first time, curse out Taylor. Especially for cancelling plans so late. 

You've been too distracted by other things to even really think about Papyrus... But Undyne and Frisk got your mind back on him. You don't really know what's been up with him lately. 

You hope this goes well. 

_____

“Oh wow,” your eyes widen as Papyrus parks the red convertible in front of one of the fanciest restaurants in town. 

You feel like you’re severely underdressed now. 

Papyrus is still looking nervous, even as you give him a soft smile. 

“WE BETTER HEAD IN OR WE’LL MISS THE RESERVATION,” Papyrus coughs. You nod, climbing out of the car and walking around to stand next to the skeleton. He leads you inside and you get seated quickly enough. 

You glance around the interior of the room, then at the menu placed in front of you. Your eyes nearly bug out of your head at the prices of these things. You quickly decide on the cheapest option available. 

“This place is really pretty, don’t you think?” You ask, glancing over at your companion for the night. He jumps a little, but nods. 

“UH, YES. IT’S VERY NICE.” 

You sigh. Papyrus needs to relax a little more. 

“You know I’m not going to bite your head off, right? You can relax,” you try and offer him what you hope is a reassuring smile. Papyrus laughs awkwardly. 

“OF COURSE! ER, I WOULD HOPE YOU WOULDN’T! I’M VERY ATTACHED TO MY HEAD!” 

You chuckle a bit. 

“So, what made you choose here of all places?” 

“I THOUGHT TAYLOR MIGHT HAVE ENJOYED COMING HERE,” Papyrus replies, drooping again. “I PROMISED TO TAKE HER SOMEWHERE AMAZING AND I HEAR THEIR SPAGHETTI IS AMAZING.” 

“I see,” you nod. The waiter comes around and takes your orders before disappearing once more. “Hey Papyrus, would you mind if I ask you some questions?” 

“... S-SURE,” he responds, sounding very unsure. 

“Okay. But if you don’t want to answer a question, or if it makes you uncomfortable, just say so, okay? You don’t have to answer and I’ll drop it immediately,” you assure. Papyrus suddenly looks very confused, but nods anyway. “Okay. How are you feeling?” 

“AS GREAT AS ALWAYS!” Papyrus responds, sitting as straight as a board. You frown. 

“Please don’t lie.” 

“ER… OKAY, I’M FEELING A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED,” Papyrus droops. Your eyebrows knit in concern. “I WAS REALLY HOPING TO FINALLY GET TO GO ON A DATE WITH TAYLOR TODAY.” 

“Is she always cancelling plans to go out with you?” You ask, despite already knowing the answer to that. 

“YES, BUT THE GR-I UNDERSTAND BEING NEEDED! SO I TRY TO BE UNDERSTANDING OF HER PLIGHT,” Papyrus nods. 

“Sure,” you nod. And despite already knowing the answer to your next question too, you ask anyway. “How are you and Sans doing? Have you been spending time with him lately?” 

“NOT…. NOT AS MUCH AS I’D LIKE,” Papyrus admits hesitantly. “BUT SANS IS REALLY BUSY WITH HIS WORK TOO AND TAYLOR WANTS TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM WHEN HE’S AVAILABLE.” 

“Okay,” you reply, slowly nodding. He looks a bit uncomfortable, so you decide to leave that particular can of worms alone. "Are you hanging out with anyone else?" 

"BLUE AND I SPEND A LOT OF TIME TOGETHER!" Papyrus replies, smiling lightly. "WE DO SHARE A ROOM AFTER ALL! AND OFTEN COOK AND SPAR TOGETHER." 

"Cool," you smile, happy he's at least not completely isolated from everyone. Though that wasn't what you really meant. But you leave it for now to ask another question. “Can I ask why you’re always avoiding me?” 

“.... I-I’M NOT AVOIDING-” 

“Papyrus,” you interrupt, giving him a meaningful look. “I’m not blind. You and Blue are always avoiding me and always seem so uncomfortable around me. Lately you've even been running away from me, after.... you know.... Did something happen after that?” 

"........." Papyrus looks away from you again, the conversation pausing as the waiter comes back with your food. You thank him, waiting until he walks away to continue.

"Papyrus, if something.... bad happened to you... You really need to tell someone," you tell him, a very worried look on your face. "If.... if Taylor-" 

"I-I'd rather not answer that..." Papyrus interrupts, voice very quiet and small. You repress a sigh, leaning back in your chair. 

"Alright. I'll be there if you ever do, okay?" Papyrus nods slowly in response, looking down at his plate.

You move onto lighter topics, trying to get his mood back up and it works somewhat. You ask him what his favorite shows and movies are (all MTT brand, though he has a few human ones he likes), what kind of dishes he likes most (which is that dinosaur oatmeal you see in the cupboards all the time), and what his favorite thing about the surface is (which is being able to take a long drive down the road). He hesitantly asked you a few things in return before dinner was over and you happily obliged him. 

The dinner ended pretty nicely and you’re rather sad the night ending, but you can’t stay at the restaurant forever after all. 

You watch the scenery pass by as his car flies down the road, a little bit of a smile on your lips. The sky looks so pretty at night without all the lights to block it out. 

"Hey, Papyrus," you speak up. 

"YES?" 

"I ran into Undyne and Frisk again the other day," you tell him. You immediately notice how he stiffens as soon as the names come out of your mouth. "They really miss you and Sans. Undyne's really worried about you too." 

"I...." Papyrus trails off. 

"They'd really like it if you'd call them," you add softly. Papyrus glances down for a second before turning his eyes back to the road. You're almost back to the manor. "I'm not trying to guilt you into calling them, I promise. It's your choice." 

"I... I WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH THEM AGAIN... BUT..." 

"What's keeping you from doing that?" You ask. Papyrus opens and closes his mouth a couple of times, his grip tightening on the stirring wheel. "Well, is whatever it is actually worth it? To not be able to see or talk with your friends anymore?" 

"IT'S... COMPLICATED," Papyrus replies. 

"Okay," you sigh, glancing down at your phone and sending a quick message to Mutt. "But... one more question, Papyrus, if that's alright?" 

He nods, parking his car in the driveway. 

"Are you happy?" 

"WHAT?" Papyrus asks, sounding just as confused as he looks. 

"Are you happy? With the way everything is? Does it make you happy?" You ask, looking up at him. 

"I...." Papyrus trails off, then glances away from you.

You notice Mutt standing on the porch, looking your way. You place a hand gently on Papyrus' arm, frowning when he winces. 

"You don't have to answer that question... but think about it, will you?" You ask. Papyrus hesitantly nods, which makes you smile. "Thank you." 

You get out of the car, sending another smile to the skeleton. 

"Thanks for taking me out tonight too, Papyrus. I had fun. Taylor really missed out." You're pretty glad she did though. She doesn't deserve anything from any of these skeletons. 

"OF COURSE! I STRIVE TO BE THE GREATEST!" Papyrus' smile is weak, but it's there. 

"You're already awesome, Papyrus," you comment, a little bit of a chuckle in your voice. By the look on his face, that's exactly what he needed to hear too. 

_____

Mutt glances down at his phone as you and Papyrus walk up to the lodge, your text pulled up on his screen. 

angel: We need to keep a closer eye on Papyrus i think. 

angel: I'm really worried about him. I think Taylor did something.

Chapter Text

Blue sits at his desk in the room he shares with Papyrus, leg bouncing restlessly as he stares a hole into the wall. Papers sit scattered in front of him, pencils and pens laying uselessly to the side. Hands clasped together and pressed against his teeth instead of writing, his mind too restless to focus on anything in front of himself. 

Taylor threatened you. You said she started a rumor at school about you. You aimed some high claims at her, said she abuses, lies to, and cheats on those closest to her, presumably the skeletons themselves. Taylor was needlessly mean to the famine brothers too. Demanding they never come here to the lodge, not wanting any of them to visit the two either. That they weren't allowed to, despite that never even being brought up or talked about.

Blue will admit the two do unnerve him, but he'd still never agree that they shouldn't be allowed to visit. Still, they're huge and warped beyond what they used to be. But that's not exactly their fault. Their magic changed them to better fit their environment. Not that Blue really knows what their Underground was like, but if it came down to them eating humans and dust.... he has to imagine it was horrific. And the fact of their injuries....

Blue shakes his head, trying to get his mind off Grey and Lunar. Back on track for what he was thinking about.

You and your claims. 

You said those claims to yourself, not even Mutt was in the room and you couldn't have known he was listening. So why would you say those thing to yourself if you didn't believe them? When you thought no one was listening?

..

.

Mutt seems really happy too. Blue hasn't seen him like... this since... well, he's actually never seen Mutt this happy. He actually helped you with cleaning. Put up a bit of a fuss, but he didn't disappear or distract you like the lazier brothers tend to do when asked to help. And you were cleaning. Something Taylor told them you never do, since she was always cleaning up after you. 

Blue's not completely sure what's going on. But he's sure he doesn't like it.

"ARE YOU ALRIGHT, BLUE?" 

Blue jumps a bit, looking over as Papyrus walks into their room. Papyrus smiles, but there's a nervous twinge to it Blue picks up rather easily. 

"I'M FINE," Blue smiles, trying to put an upbeat tone into his voice. Though he's not sure it worked. "HOW WAS WORK?" 

"IT WAS FINE! EVERYTHING WENT THE SAME WAY IT ALWAYS DID," Papyrus replies, turning to his own desk.

Blue frowns a bit, glancing over the other skeleton for a minute. Papyrus has been..... Papyrus has been rather distant lately.... Blue isn't sure why, but he's really not a fan of it. 

But he still turns back to his desk, leaving Papyrus alone since he knows all he'll get is a non-answer like their lazier brothers are fond of using. 

"REMEMBER WE MOVED TRAINING TO TODAY SINCE BLACK SAID HE'S GOING TO BE BUSY SATURDAY," Blue brings up, hoping to get a positive response from Papyrus. He's usually pretty excited, since everyone goes all out. Instead Papyrus jumps, his face twisted in a nervous smile. 

"O-OH. RIGHT. THAT IS TODAY," he replies, rubbing his arm. Blue's brow bones furrow, but nods. "GREAT! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET... OUT THERE!" 

"PAPYRUS, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" Blue asks. He's.... nervous about training? 

"AS GREAT AS ALWAYS!" Papyrus smiles. Though it looks half-hearted. Blue slowly nods, looking down at his desk. 

"OKAY. BUT YOU KNOW YOU CAN COME TO ME IF SOMETHING'S WRONG, RIGHT?" Blue asks, already knowing Prime Sans always seems too busy to worry about his little brother lately.

Papyrus doesn't say anything for a few minutes, but then slowly nods and doesn't seem to be able to look Blue in the eye sockets anymore. 

_____

Surprisingly everyone's here for training today. Blue glances over to where Edge and Black are, both glaring at each other heatedly. Papyrus looks nervous, standing between them. 

"BLACK, WHY DON'T WE TRAIN TOGETHER TODAY?" Blue asks, feeling like they may not have a backyard anymore if Black and Edge pair up.... if they don't try dusting each other first.

"I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO PAIR UP WITH EDGE," Black replies, eye sockets narrowing. Blue grimaces, Papyrus tensing a bit more. 

"BUT....." 

"IT'S FINE, BLUE," Edge speaks up. "I'M SURE WE BOTH REMEMBER THE RULES HERE." 

"OF COURSE," Black growls, fists clenching. 

"ALRIGHT," Blue sighs, knowing he's not going to win this one. His eye lights cut to Papyrus, who looks both nervous and relieved. "PAPYRUS, ARE YOU READY?" 

Papyrus nods slowly, he and Blue heading to the opposite side of the yard. They both get into their stances. 

..

.

Blue dodges an attack from Papyrus, swinging his own towards the taller skeleton. He misses. 

Blue dodges Papyrus' attack again, jumping closer as he swings his own. Surprisingly, Papyrus doesn't dodge or block. Instead just taking the hit head on, arms raising. He winces, sliding back on his feet until he falls onto the ground. Blue's brow bones furrow, immediately pausing and glancing over the younger skeleton for injury. 

He was really expecting him to dodge or block the hit, not take it....

"PAPYRUS, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" He asks worriedly, stepping closer. 

"I'M FINE! I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAME OVER ME," Papyrus replies, rubbing the back of his neck. Blue's frown deepens, offering a hand to help him up. 

"YOU'VE BEEN AWFULLY DISTRACTED THIS WHOLE TIME... ARE YOU SURE EVERYTHING'S OKAY?" Blue asks, already knowing he's not going to get a straight answer.

"YES! IT'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. I'M FINE, BLUE," Papyrus assures, though Blue's not really sure he believes it. 

"ALRIGHT... WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE OR STOP FOR THE DAY?" He asks. Papyrus brushes off his training clothes, remaining silent for a few minutes. 

"I THINK I'D LIKE TO..... STOP FOR THE DAY," he responds, softer than Blue was expecting. But he nods and Papyrus gives him a weak smile before heading inside.

Blue watches him go, then looks over at Edge and Black. Their training is still going strong, neither even looking tired yet. Both are still alive too, so that's good. 

Blue retreats to the porch to watch the two, just to make sure they both behave and don't kill each other or the backyard.

Edge and Black certainly have a different fighting style than Blue or Papyrus have. It's definitely more violent and cutthroat than Blue would ever go for, though that makes sense considering their universes. They were a lot more vicious when they first started training, though have softened up over time. 

But Blue has to appreciate their cutthroat style. Neither Black or Edge went easy on him. They actually gave him a real fight and real training instead of what Alphys did, not treating him like glass or a child who isn't capable of handling a real fight. Blue knows Papyrus feels the same, even if they did go a little softer on the two than they did with each other. It always seemed like they were honestly offended with the training the two had when they started. Both Edge and Black paired up with their softer counterpart to show them a real fight, despite their brothers' objections. And Blue and Papyrus learned because of it. 

But right now it looks like they're back to that full cutthroat style, going all out on each other. It seems like an actual fight instead of a training session. Blue honestly feels like he should go get Red and Mutt, just in case. But he doesn’t, watching the two until the fight concludes with no actual victor. 

Black marches straight back into the house with a scowl, though Edge pauses by Blue. 

"PRIME PAPYRUS STOPPED EARLY TODAY." He states it like a fact instead of a question. 

"YES. HE DID," Blue replies hesitantly.

"WHY?" Edge's eye sockets are even narrower than usual, scowl in place as he eyes the back door. 

"I DON'T KNOW. MAYBE HE WAS TIRED," Blue shrugs. Edge raises a brow bone at that, looking like he's questioning whether Blue actually just said that or not. Blue winces. "PRIME PAPYRUS HAS BEEN RATHER DISTRACTED LATELY. HE HASN'T TOLD ME ANYTHING. I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S UP WITH HIM." 

Edge's eye sockets somehow narrow even further, arms crossed and fingers tapping on his humerus. 

"YOU'VE SEEMED AWFULLY DISTRACTED YOURSELF LATELY, BLUE. IS THERE SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND?" Edge brings up, not looking away from the back door. Blue startles slightly, blinking up at the younger monster. 

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN, EDGE," Blue replies slowly, sweat accumulating on his skull. Edge rolls his eye lights, pinning Blue with a look. 

"DON'T ACT DUMB WITH ME, BLUE. DON'T THINK I HAVEN'T NOTICED YOUR LITTLE MIX UPS IN THE KITCHEN OR YOUR LOOKS TOWARDS THE MUTT'S HUMAN," Edge states, making Blue's back stiffen more. 

"EDGE, MANNERS," Blue scolds, making Edge roll his eye lights again. 

"FINE. YOUR LOOKS TOWARDS MUTT'S HUMAN. BETTER?" 

"I HAVEN'T BEEN WATCHING HER, EDGE." Blue decides to try and quickly change the subject before Edge can pry any further, knowing his thoughts would just cause more fights. And that's the last thing the lodge needs. "WHAT'S BEEN UP WITH YOU AND BLACK? YOU TWO ARE FIGHTING JUST LIKE YOU USED TO WHEN WE WERE FIRST BROUGHT HERE." 

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL BLACK'S PROBLEM IS. HE JUST STARTED GETTING MORE SNAPPY AT ME AGAIN A WHILE AGO." Edge glares at Blue, tilting his head back. "DO NOT THINK I DIDN'T NOTICE YOUR SUDDEN CHANGE IN TOPIC, BLUE."

Blue winces again, looking away from the taller monster. Edge sighs.

"BUT I WILL NOT PUSH IT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT NOW." 

".... THANKS," Blue sighs in relief, glancing back at Edge. He nods stiffly, tapping his fingers faster. 

"WHATEVER YOU ARE THINKING, I SUGGEST NOT TALKING TO BLACK OR THE OTHERS ABOUT IT. ESPECIALLY NOT TAYLOR," Edge recommends, looking away from Blue himself. "OR AT LEAST BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY TO THEM. MY BROTHER AND I, OR MUTT AND THE HUMAN HERSELF, WOULD BE OPEN TO TALKING IF YOU WANT TO."  

"WHY SHOULDN'T I TALK TO THEM?" Blue asks, raising a brow bone. 

"IT MAY NOT TURN OUT WELL IN YOUR FAVOR, PUT SIMPLY," Edge replies, glancing at Blue from the corner of his eye socket. Which just makes Blue give him a confused look. "I'M JUST SAYING. WHETHER YOU LISTEN OR NOT IS UP TO YOU. I NEED TO GO TAKE A SHOWER NOW." 

Edge stomps back inside and Blue sighs, leaning his head back on the chair. 

Well there's another thing to think about. 

_____ 

"Mutt! Quit trying to steal the cookie dough!" 

Papyrus freezes at the sound of your voice, trying to sound annoyed and stern though there's an inescapable amount of amusement in it. 

"come on, darlin. just want a taste," Mutt whines, though Papyrus can hear the grin in his voice. 

"Oh, yeah. Sure. One taste is going to turn into two. Then three. Then you're going to try and pilfer the entire bowl! I know you," you reply, Papyrus stopping in the kitchen door to see you pointing a cookie dough filled spoon at Mutt. Your eyes are narrowed at him in mock suspicion, though Mutt just looks amused. 

"i can't believe you'd ever say that about me. i'm no thief," Mutt gasps, acting offended you'd ever suggest such a thing about him. You nod with a hum, eyes still narrowed. 

"Oh, sure. It definitely wasn't you that stole the entire plate of brownies and gytfmas cookies I made last year," you say, stirring the batter in the bowl next to you. 

"it wasn't," Mutt grins. 

"Liar!" You reply, laughing loudly. Mutt makes another offended noise before trying to reach into the bowl again. You smack his hand away, glaring at the other skeleton. "There are raw eggs in here! Wait until they're done at least, you heathen!" 

"come on, angel," Mutt whines, a bit of a laugh in his voice. "i'm dying over here." 

"Well, you're going to have to continue dying for another few minutes then," you reply, making Mutt pout. 

"you are truly a cruel person, angel," he says, hand on his chest as he pouts. "i can't believe you'd leave me to starve. how could you?" 

"Oh there's chisps in the.." You finally notice Papyrus standing in the doorway. Mutt looks at you confused before his eye lights follow your's and land on him as well. "Hey, Papyrus. You need something?" 

You both eye him, making Papyrus shift and look away from you and Mutt. He noticed your look of worry, making him grip his arm tighter. 

"NO, I DON'T NEED ANYTHING. THANK YOU," he replies. You nod slowly, glancing over him again. 

"Are you alright?" 

"YES! OF COURSE," Papyrus nods. 

"training end early today?" Mutt asks, noting the clothes Papyrus is wearing.

"AH. NO BLACK, EDGE, AND BLUE ARE STILL OUTSIDE. I'M JUST FEELING A BIT TIRED SO I DECIDED TO QUIT A LITTLE EARLY TODAY," Papyrus replies, rubbing his arm again. 

"Oh, well, you should go rest then, Papyrus. These cookies will be done in an hour or two if you want some. I just need to bake them," you offer, Mutt's brow bones furrowed deeper. 

"THANK YOU. I'M GOING TO GO UPSTAIRS NOW," Papyrus declares. He quickly turns around and dashes for the staircase, missing the look you and Mutt shared.

Chapter Text

You pause at seeing Edge, Mutt pausing with you. You wave him to go on, but he just leans in your doorway to watch the encounter. 

"Hey, Edge," you call out, hesitant. Said prickly skeleton pauses, looking over at you. He looks torn on whether to keep walking or stay. 

"HELLO, HU-" Edge cuts himself off, clearing his throat. He says your name instead. "WAS THERE SOMETHING YOU NEEDED?" 

"I got your gift. Thank you," you tell him. "But, uh, in the future, please don't get such an expensive gift. I'm, uh, not really comfortable with it." 

"....OF COURSE," Edge replies, though sounds a little uncertain. Like he wasn't expecting you to say that. "BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY. IT WASN'T SUCH A HEAVY PRICE FOR ME." 

"told ya," Mutt whispers to you. You blindly elbow him. 

"Still," you shrug. "I appreciate it, but would rather you don't." 

"OF COURSE. I WILL KEEP THAT IN MIND." Edge nods again and starts to head off, but pauses and looks back at you. "WAS THERE ANYTHING ELSE?" 

"No." You wave and Edge quickly walks away. 

Mutt heads deeper into your room, you glancing over the apology note on your desk. But you shake your head and join Mutt on the bed for a few movies. 

You really did appreciate it. Even if it was a little stilted. 

_____

Stretch pauses from his walk into the kitchen, the phone in his hand still lit up with the article he was reading. His eye lights land on you, who’s laying strips of dough on top of a pie tin. There’s a smell wafting around the kitchen that is definitely not pie, but there’s three other pie tins on the counter too. 

“uh... what are you doing?” 

You jump, glancing over your shoulder to see him standing in the kitchen doorway. You stare at him in silence for a few minutes, eyebrows raised in surprise, but then turn back to your pie, laying down another strip of batter. 

“I’m making pie,” you reply, laying the finishing strip down. You turn to the sink and wash your hands off before setting the last pie down by the other three pie tins. 

Stretch pauses, contemplating walking straight out of the kitchen and going right back to his room. But he looks back at you, alone for the first time in a long while. He glances down at his shoes before steeling himself and looking back at you again.

“it... doesn’t smell like pie in here,” he comments, still standing hesitantly in the kitchen doorway. 

“A pizza is in the oven right now,” you shrug. 

“a pizza?” Stretch asks. 

“Yup. I was craving pizza today, so I decided to make one,” you reply, beginning to wash some of the numerous dishes you had accumulated in the sink. “It should be done soon. Just in time for dinner.” 

“... you made it?” Stretch asks, finally moving to one of the island chairs and sitting down. 

“Mhmm. Syna and I made a lot of different dishes with Noah. She made sure we have a lot of recipes we could follow from everything to cakes to pasta.” A fond smile crosses your lips, slightly amused but happy. You then look back at him, smiling falling as you tilt your head at him. “Was there something you needed?” 

Stretch shakes his head, glancing away from you again. You just shrug, turning back to the dishes. 

Once your attention is off of him again, Stretch looks back at you. His skull tilts, his eye lights then darting to the desserts on the counter. He taps a phalange against his phone, leg bouncing. 

“... do… do you bake a lot?” He finally asks, eye lights darting anxiously back at you. You blink at him in surprise again. 

“Not really that much anymore,” you shrug. “Mainly when I get in the mood or when I’m going down to the library for storytime. Those are just cookies though. But I really do love baking.” 

“..heh. oh,” Stretch replies, rubbing the back of his neck. “...why were you making all those pies? are those for the library?” 

“Oh stars no. The kids would make such a mess,” you reply, shaking your head. “I just made those because I had a lot of energy to burn. But I had already cleaned my room and the downstairs, then got my homework done. And even then I still hadn’t burned it and just got the urge to bake and a craving for pizza, so I went and got the ingredients and got to work.” 

“oh... heh.” Can’t say he’s had one of those days since he was a babybones. Stretch jumps at the sound of a timer going off.

“Pizza’s done!” You chime, grabbing two hot pads and pulling a pan out of the oven. Stretch raises a brow bone, looking over the rectangular sheet pan. 

“that.. doesn’t look like a pizza?” He comments. You snort, waving one of the hot pads over the steaming food. 

“Haven’t you ever saw a rectangular pizza before?” You ask in amusement. Stretch still shakes his head, though he figures it was kind of a rhetorical question. “My school used to serve them like this all the time, Noah made them like this too sometimes. But the corner pieces were always the best since they were mostly just the crust. Dip it in the ranch served for the veggies and it was so good.” 

“what?” Stretch asks, blinking. 

“You should try it,” you shrug, smile playing at your lips again. “I don’t know why pizza and ranch taste so good together, but they do. I only preferred it with the crust, but some other kids just dumped the ranch onto the pizza itself.” 

“that... doesn’t sound very good?” Stretch questions, making you laugh again. 

“I know. But it is,” you reply, grabbing a pizza cutter out of a drawer. You grab two plates as well, setting them beside the stove. “I wouldn’t think drinking honey straight out of the bottle is very good either.” 

“... touche,” Stretch replies, turtling a bit. 

“Do you want one piece, two?” You ask, already putting two slices onto one of the plates. 

“.....two, please,” Stretch replies uncertainly. You nod, handing him the plate in your hand and placing another two on the other plate. You also grab a bag of chisps and the ranch from the fridge. Stretch eyes the bottle as you place the two items, along with your plate of pizza onto the island. He then blinks as a bottle of honey is also slid over to him and you sit down with a glass of water. 

“What? I know what you all drink,” you reply, shrugging as he looks at you. There’s an empty chair between the two of you, the bag of chisps between you on the counter. You immediately pour some of the ranch onto your plate, then rip off some of the crust on one of the slices. Stretch watches as you dip it into the ranch and eat it. 

He glances from you to the ranch a couple of times before hesitantly grabbing it and squeezing a bit out onto his plate. He rips off some of the crust, dips it into the ranch, then eats it. His brow bones raise again and he blinks in surprise. 

“Good, isn’t it?” You ask with a chuckle. Stretch hesitantly nods, pouring more ranch onto his plate. 

You both eat in silence, Stretch glancing at you a couple of times during the meal. He only starts talking again after you’ve set the pies into the oven and started on the dishes you didn’t finish. 

“why’d you offer me some of your food?” Stretch asks, remembering how they never let you sit to eat with them. 

“You eat a lot of my food,” you reply, raising an eyebrow at him. “The food I cook and just the food I buy that can’t be kept in my room…… Which I mostly just have candy up there.” 

“... we do?” Stretch asks. You nod with a hum. 

“Taylor doesn’t cook,” you tell him. Then pause and shrug. “Or I’ve never seen her cooking at least. Baking either. If it’s not any of the normal cooks, it’s usually me.” 

You set another dish into the drying rack. 

“I’m used to making big dinners for a family. I don’t really mind that much,” you shrug, your face remaining neutral. But he can detect a note of melancholy in your words.

Stretch stares at you hard. ...He can’t really detect any lie now… Now that he’s not just automatically assuming everything you say is a lie. 

… So… they’ve been eating food you made and not even allowing you to sit with them to eat it… The thought makes Stretch’s soul squirm in his ribcage. 

He rubs his chest, glancing down at his phone. 

“... how long have you been friends with taylor?” He asks. 

“Well, we were friends back in elementary school, but she moved when we were like… six? … Around that age anyway.” You shrug, still not looking over at him. “We hadn’t spoken to each other until we reconnected through social media last June.”

“taylor’s said you’ve been friends for your entire lives,” Stretch replies. 

“Nope. We hadn’t talked in years.” You rub your cheek onto your shoulder when water splashes up. It’s silent for a few minutes. “She wouldn’t have known what was going on in my life, I didn’t know what was happening in hers.” 

Stretch stares holes into the counter, this new information circling around in his skull. If Taylor hasn’t talked to you since you were six… then...  

He then looks up at you, who’s now doing the dishes in silence. 

Stretch does something he should have done a long time ago. 

He Checks you. 

His eye sockets widen more at the sight of the little green heart and he glances down again, clenching a hand into a fist. He looks back up at you after a few minutes. He stands up from his chair, walking over to the sink after grabbing a towel from the drawer. He grabs one of the cleaned dishes and begins to dry it. You look over at him for a few seconds, then go back to the dishes. 

“... did you hear about the new movie coming out?” He asks. 

“Which one?” You ask. 

“the one they’re adapting from a book series,” he replies. He has to think for a moment before the name comes to him. 

“Oh, I know the series. I’ve never read it before though.” You shrug a shoulder. 

“it’s a good series, if you like the genre,” Stretch replies. “i don’t know how good the movie’s gonna be though.” 

“Oh yeah?” You ask. 

“yeah,” Stretch replies. Then hesitantly goes on to tell you about what he hopes they include from the book, relaxing a bit more after a few minutes of talking. Soon enough the dishes are done and put away, Stretch barely even realizing how much time has passed until you’re pulling the last of the pies out of the oven. Which then he slowly trails off, pumpkin orange blush beginning to spread across his cheekbones. 

He’s… actually really surprised you hadn’t stopped him… You actually just listened and nodded along. 

“That sounds really interesting,” you tell him. “Are you going to go see the movie?” 

“maybe.” Stretch replies, watching you make a crème for the pie that's just crust at the moment on the stove and two separate whipped cream toppings. “if i can get someone to go with me.” 

“I’m sure Blue would,” you reply. 

“yeah. he would,” Stretch smiles, glancing away again. “what pies did you make?” 

“I’m making the filling for the Mississippi mud pie right now,” you reply, then point at the three finished pies. “Those are key lime pie, apple pie, and cherry pie.” 

“sounds good,” Stretch comments. 

“Noah’s special recipes. They’re always the best,” you smile, chuckling a bit. “Once I’m finished here, I can cut you a slice of whichever you’d like to try.” 

“... thanks,” Stretch replies. 

“No problem,” you smile. 

_____ 

Lunar opens the door to find you standing there, two tins stacked in your hands. He's instantly inviting you inside with a big smile, making you smile and thank him. 

"whatca got there?" Grey asks as soon as he sees the tins. 

"Pie!" You respond happily. "I got into a baking mood earlier and made four pies and a large pizza. So I brought some of both for you guys!" 

"Thank You!" Lunar smiles. "That's Very Nice Of You." 

"No problem," you smile, placing the tins onto their counter. "Hope you enjoy." 

"I'm Sure We Will," Lunar smiles, Grey coming in to check out the food you brought. 

"so what kind of pie are these?" He asks. You give him the flavors, pointing out which is which. 

"I've already had a slice of the Mississippi Mud pie. It came out pretty good," you smile, satisfied with your work. 

"It's.. Uh... Not Made Out Of Actual Mud, Is It?" Lunar asks hesitantly. 

"No," you laugh. "It's chocolate." 

"Good! Because Mud Does Not Taste Very Good, I'll Have You Know," Lunar smiles, humor in his tone. 

"Yeah. I know," you respond, a little less happy. The two brothers take a slice of the pizza from one tin and a piece of pie each to try, Lunar offering you a dish he made the night before to try. 

"This Is Wonderful!" Lunar comments. 

"Thanks!" You smile. "This is amazing too!" 

"So, How Are You Doing?" Lunar asks, glancing towards the direction the lodge is in. You lean back on their couch and take a bite of your food, just so you can think for a bit, something the two brothers did not miss. 

"I'm alright," you finally reply, chewing thoughtlessly on your fork. "Things are still pretty tense over there. But.... Edge has apologized to me and Stretch and I talked for a while, though he didn't apologize. Red's apologized too and has.... mostly left me alone. And I had a talk with Papyrus when he took me out to a restaurant." 

"He Took You Out On A Date?" Lunar asks in shock, Grey looking just as surprised. 

"No. Taylor cancelled their date on him again and I got him to take me as a platonic hangout so he didn't waste all that money. And so we could talk. It was one of the most expensive restaurants in town too." You look and sound angry with that last sentence. Both of them glance at each other. "But otherwise it's been pretty normal."

"sure, but normal in that place isn't very good," Grey points out. "why're you still there?" 

"I only have one more month left in the semester," you reply, leaning your head back. "Then I'm done and can leave. I'm probably gonna rent an apartment in the city after this." 

"Will You Still Visit Us Once You Do?" Lunar asks hesitantly. 

"Of course," you smile. "I like visiting you guys." 

"well," Grey coughs, turning away with slate blue cheekbones. "i'm sure they'll regret it when you do leave." 

"I don't know about that," you laugh. "Some of 'em really seem to despise me." 

"That's Their Loss!" Lunar declares, pulling you into a side hug. "You're Wonderful!" 

"Thanks, Lunar," you blush. 

"You're Welcome!"

Chapter Text

Blue's decided he needs to talk to Taylor. Despite what Edge's told him, he doesn't like the idea of sneaking around someone's back. Especially when they're the main part of what he's talking about. It isn't right. 

Then, after he's talked to Taylor, maybe he'll get the courage to finally talk to you too. Get your side of the story and maybe finally be able to understand what's going on. 

Blue still feels hesitant heading for Taylor's room, his hands shaking a bit. They clench into fists, Blue forcing one up to knock on the door. Dread still starts creeping into his bones every second he has to wait, feeling like he's about ready to bolt on a dime.

Which he doesn't get either. He shouldn't be feeling this way for just wanting to talk to his girlfriend. He's positive this isn't normal.

He stands there waiting for the door to open for what feels like hours. 

"Blue? What do you want?" It comes from beside him, making him jump nearly five feet in the air and see Taylor standing there. Outside her room instead of inside. It surprises him more than it really should. 

"O-OH... UH... I JUST WANTED TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT SOMETHING IS ALL," Blue replies, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"About what? Did you talk to Stretch?" Taylor asks, sounding annoyed already. 

"STRETCH? NO, I HAVEN'T. WAS HE LOOKING FOR ME?" Blue asks confused, looking down the hall. Taylor eyes him, huffing. 

"No, but I think he's been talking to someone else," Taylor spits. She says your name, making Blue raise a brow bone. "I think she's been filling his head with all these nasty lies about me. He's been acting off for a while now. Accusing me of cheating and lying and all these awful things. Can you believe it?" 

Blue blinks, glancing towards the staircase. His brother's been thinking these things and hasn't.... came to talk with him about it? 

Blue... doesn't know what to think about that.... Papy usually doesn't.... Well, Blue didn't think he'd keep something like that a secret from him...

"AH.. I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THAT FROM STRETCH," Blue admits, frowning. 

"Someone else then?" Taylor asks, raising her eyebrow with her arms crossed. 

"AH, NO. BUT I DID WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT SOMETHING I SAW," Blue replies nervously, worrying the fabric of his gloves. 

"Really?" Taylor asks, eyes narrowing. Her grip on her arms get a little tighter. "And what do you think you saw?" 

"I WAS HOPING TO TALK IN PRIVATE. SO NO ONE OVERHEARS," Blue offers. Taylor hums in annoyance, heading into her room. Blue follows her, glancing around. 

Her room's a mess. Clothes scattered everywhere, makeup messily strewn about on her desk, and her bed's a mess of sheets. Garbage is littered about too, her computer carelessly thrown on the bed. Not even plugged in either. Blue nearly trips over a shoe, not even seeing the matching pair anywhere in sight. 

He winces at the mess. 

So.... she's not exactly the cleanest person after all...

"So, what do you think you saw?" Taylor asks, glaring at the skeleton. 

"I HEARD YOU THREATENING THE OTHER HUMAN," Blue frowns, hands clenching together. "I HEARD THE NASTY THINGS YOU SAID TO HER. I WANT TO KNOW WHY." 

"Blue, I never threatened her. Did she tell you I did?" Taylor asks, fingers clenching on her arms. 

"NO. I HAVEN'T TALKED TO HER AT ALL. I HEARD YOU SAY THESE THINGS MYSELF," Blue replies, frown deepening. 

"I never said anything to her. You must have imagined it," Taylor says, shaking her head. 

"TAYLOR, I DIDN'T IMAGINE IT. YOU WERE ALSO ESPECIALLY MEAN TO GREY AND LUNAR. YOU CAN'T JUST BAN THEM FROM VISITING JUST BECAUSE THEY LOOK DIFFERENT. WE'RE THEIR ONLY NEIGHBORS AND THE ONLY PEOPLE THEY CAN SEE," Blue adds, brows furrowing. 

"I don't care about those two! They're freaky and they scare me! They look like they're going to kill us in our sleep! I don't feel safe with them here! Don't you care about how I feel?" Taylor frowns, glaring at Blue. 

"OF COURSE. BUT YOU KNOW WE WOULDN'T LET THEM HURT YOU. AND YOU ALSO SAID WE CAN'T VISIT THEM," Blue frowns, thinking back on her tantrum when they first met the two. 

"I'm worried they'll hurt you! And they've already attacked me the first time they came here!" Taylor argues, throwing her arms out. 

"BOTH SANS AND STRETCH HAVE SAID THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. YOU MUST HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD WHAT HAPPENED." Blue shakes his head.

"You're calling me a liar now too, Blue?!" Taylor yells, wiping her eyes. "What is up with all of you? What have I done to deserve this? Haven't I been a good girlfriend?" 

"OF COURSE YOU HAVE, TAYLOR. I'M NOT CALLING YOU A LIAR." Blue places his hands up in surrender, trying to calm the girl down.

"It sounds like you are!" Taylor yells, tears streaming down her face. "I can't believe you! After everything I've done for you?! I'm working so hard at school and it's so stressful and you all are accusing me of all this horrible stuff! Do any of you even care about me or this relationship anymore?!" 

"OF COURSE WE DO, TAYLOR," Blue insists, guilt creeping into his bones. "I'M JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND YOUR ACTIONS LATELY." 

"But you're accusing me of things I've never done!" Taylor yells, stomping a foot against the ground. Blue brow bones furrow deeper, hands clenching into fists again. 

She is lying. He knows what he's heard and saw......

Well... he's apparently not going to get the truth from her....

"...... I'M SORRY, TAYLOR," Blue frowns, still feeling guilty for upsetting her regardless.

"You should be," Taylor snaps, turning away from him.

Blue leaves Taylor's room, frown deep and more thoughts swirling around in his head. 

He's a lot more exhausted now than he was before talking to her. 

_____ 

"hey ashtray, got a minute?" Red speaks up, hands in his pockets. Stretch freezes, glancing over at the older monster wearily. 

"yeah, sure.... what's up?" Stretch shrugs, dropping back into a chair. 

"not here," Red growls, nodding towards the staircase. Stretch raises a brow bone.

"trying to get me to work out? come on, red. i thought we were pals," Stretch groans. Red growls in annoyance, rolling his eye lights. 

"this is serious, stretch." 

"alright, alright," Stretch sighs, pulling himself up with a groan. "better be important. it's cutting into my napping hours." 

Red just growls again, rubbing a hand down his face. He leads Stretch into his room, shutting the broken door behind the other skeleton. Who whistles lowly at the sight of the destroyed room.

"damn, red. what happened in here?" 

"forget about the damn room," Red grumbles, dropping down onto his bed. "this is about somethin' else." 

"so what'd you drag me in here for?" Stretch asks, casually leaning against the wall with his hands stuffed into his hoodie pocket. Though he restlessly picks at the lint in it, nerves lighting up.

"what do you think of taylor?" Red asks, raising a brow bone. Stretch immediately tenses at the name, glancing away from the other skeleton. 

"what do you mean?" He asks as casually as he can manage at the moment. 

"don't play dumb," Red replies, eye sockets narrowing. "you've got ta have noticed edge and i ain't exactly okay with 'er anymore... in fact, we've both decided we're done with 'er." 

"seriously?" Stretch asks, brow bones raised in surprise. Red nods once, leaning back on his bed a bit. 

"i've noticed you've been avoidin' 'er too," Red adds, raising his own brow bone. "so, whatcha been thinkin' about?" 

"i.. i haven't.." Stretch trails off at the look on Red's face. He starts tapping his foot against the ground nervously. "it's..." 

Red sighs, leaning forward more to try to look Stretch in the eye. Not that Stretch is allowing him to, looking everywhere but at Red. 

"have ya at least talked ta yer brother about this?" He asks, tapping his fingers against his femur. Stretch shakes his head quickly, frown deepening even more as guilt starts to settle in. 

"i didn't want to bring blue in at first, but now..." 

Red grunts, eyeing the nervous younger skeleton. He tries to relax his expression more, looking casual instead of aggressive. 

"well, my bro says he's been thinkin' things. now would be the perfect time to ask him about these thoughts yer havin'," Red comments, leaning his elbows on his knees. He taps a finger against his tooth, glaring at the wall for a few minutes. "fer what it's worth, i really don't like 'er anymore." 

"taylor?" Stretch asks. Red nods slowly, eye sockets narrowing. Stretch remains silent for a few minutes, then asks Red what he thinks about you. 

"i think," Red sighs, hands clenching into tight fists. "we had the wrong idea about 'er." 

Stretch slowly nods in agreement, thinking back on what he saw through his CHECK earlier that day.

.....They really had the wrong idea about you.....

_____ 

"AH, PAPYRUS!" Edge calls, spotting said monster standing nervously in front of the basement doorway. He doesn't miss the way Papyrus flinches or jumps, spinning around to see who yelled for him. He smiles nervously, waving. 

"HELLO, EDGE! I WAS JUST, UHM.... CHECKING THE BASEMENT DOOR! FOR.. UHM..." Papyrus stumbles, refusing to look Edge in the eye sockets. Edge raises a brow bone, eyeing Papyrus' nervous stance and movements, slowing his march towards the other skeleton into a cautious walk. 

"I CAN GET MY BROTHER IF YOU WERE LOOKING TO TALK TO YOURS," Edge offers, voice a little softer than usual. Papyrus flinches again, waving his hands in the air. 

"THAT'S NOT NEEDED! I DON'T NEED TO SPEAK TO SANS!" Papyrus rushes to assure him, still not looking Edge in the eye sockets. Edge slowly nods, arms crossing. 

So... he did want to talk to his brother but won't admit it to Edge. Fine. 

"ALRIGHT. BUT THE OFFER STILL STANDS IF YOU EVER DO," Edge nods. Papyrus nods quickly, plastering on a smile. 

"SO, WAS THERE SOMETHING YOU NEEDED, EDGE?" He asks, worrying the edges of his gloves. 

"I WAS GOING TO START ON DINNER AND WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU WERE JOINING ME TONIGHT," Edge replies, still watching Papyrus' fidgeting in concern. "BLACK IS STILL REFUSING TO BE CIVIL AND BLUE IS APPARENTLY BUSY TONIGHT." 

"OH. SURE!" Papyrus smiles, nodding along. "I AM A.... I DO ENJOY COOKING AFTER ALL!" 

Edge nods, heading towards the kitchen. Papyrus takes one last long look towards the basement door before following, something Edge didn't miss. But they get started on dinner, deciding to have lasagna tonight. 

"SO, HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE YOU AND YOUR BROTHER HAVE SPENT ANY TIME TOGETHER?" Edge asks, glancing over at the other skeleton. 

"IT'S BEEN A WHILE," Papyrus admits nervously, not taking his eyes off the food he's preparing. 

"I SEE... AND TAYLOR?" Edge asks, barely restraining the growl in his voice. 

"WE SPENT TIME TOGETHER JUST THE OTHER DAY," Papyrus replies, smile even more strained. Edge nods with a hum, still eyeing the other skeleton. "WHAT ABOUT YOU, EDGE?" 

"TO TELL THE TRUTH, PAPYRUS, I'M NOT INTERESTED IN SPENDING ANYMORE TIME WITH TAYLOR. MY BROTHER AND I HAVE BOTH AGREED WE'RE DONE WITH HER," Edge admits, Papyrus nearly dropping his spoon at the admittance. 

"YOU'VE BOTH BROKEN UP WITH HER?" Papyrus asks astonished. Edge nods, face looking neutral. 

"WE HAVE." 

"... WHY?" Papyrus asks, blinking in shock. 

"YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LIKE THE ANSWER TO THAT, PAPYRUS," Edge warns. His eyes narrow as Taylor enters the room, looking angry. "AND NOT SOMETHING I'LL DISCUSS RIGHT NOW." 

"What're you talking about?" Taylor demands. 

"IT'S NONE OF YOUR CONCERN, TAYLOR," Edge replies before Papyrus can. 

"I want to know what you were talking about, now!" Taylor demands. 

"NO," Edge replies, narrowing his eye sockets at the girl. She looks furious, Papyrus looking incredibly nervous. 

Taylor growls, looking over at Papyrus. He stiffens, but Edge steps between them, cutting off Taylor's view. 

"WE'RE CURRENTLY BUSY, TAYLOR. LEAVE." 

Taylor's glare promises retribution, but Edge's glare is harsher. She leaves, allowing the two skeletons to finish dinner in peace.

Chapter Text

"DON'T YELL AT ME YOU ABSOLUTE CHILD!" You instantly freeze at Black's yell, which unfortunately leaves you in a spot where he can, in fact, see you. 

He's standing right in the hallway by the staircase, Edge standing in front of him with his arms crossed. Both of their eye lights are blazing, one extinguished while the other is literally smoking. Magic is heavy in the air, almost suffocatingly so. It makes your fight or flight instincts go haywire, and not just because of the skeletons it's coming from. Though that is a major part of it.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A CHILD?!" Edge yells right back. 

"OBVIOUSLY YOU, YOU IMBECILE!" Black snaps. Then his eye lights are on you. "YOU! HUMAN! YOU STAY RIGHT THERE, I HAVE TO HAVE A WORD WITH YOU!" 

That makes you stiffen even more, eyes widening. But then.. 

"YOU DON'T HAVE A FUCKING THING TO SAY TO HER," Edge snaps, moving to block Black's view of you. "SHE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS." 

"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU DEFENDING HER NOW?!" Black growls, looking even more furious with this development. You force your feet to move, despite your mind trying to make you do otherwise, and dart back outside since Black's attention is off of you. 

You want nothing to do with that, thank you very much. 

You take a seat on the porch swing- dropping your bag at your feet- with a sigh, leaning your head on your hand while you try to get control of your racing heart again. You rub your eyes from the burning feeling in them, already figuring you probably shouldn't stay here.

Footsteps on the porch make your eyes dart up, spotting a few unfamiliar skeletons walking towards the front door. Which makes you wince and nearly stand in an attempt to keep them from opening that fucking door. Though you remain seated, one arm ready to push you up in an instant.

"Uh," you quickly speak up, making the skeletons jolt slightly and dart their eye lights in your direction. "I, uh, wouldn't go in there if I were you." 

"Why's that?" One asks, curiosity and suspicion in his voice even as he backs away from the door a bit.

You glance over the group wearily. The one who spoke is rather tall, though not as tall as Papyrus and kind of resembles Sans. He wears a white sweater under a black coat with a fur trim, both sleeves pushed up to his elbows, and black pants. He also has sturdy looking boots too. His right eye is droopy and vacant, his left lidded and having a bright yellow eye light. A crack is going up his droopy right eye and down his left. It looks like he has holes in the middle of his palms as well. 

Beside him is someone that looks almost the same, but taller and looks more like Papyrus. He has the same cracks and droopy eye, but has a green eye light instead of a yellow one. He wears a white sweater and black jeans too, but his black jacket looks more like a lab coat and he has smart black shoes. He also has a pair of thin wire glasses perched on his nasal ridge too. 

The other two look almost exactly the same as Sans and Papyrus, but dressed more sharply. The Sans wears a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a blue vest over it which is actually buttoned up. Though the shirt has a few buttons undone. He also has black suit pants and shoes. A blue fedora is on his head, shadowing his eye sockets. Though his white eye lights are still visible and you can see they're trained on you. He's observing you like you're observing him. 

The Papyrus is dressed in a full suit, like he dressed up to go to some fancy business party. His orange dress shirt is all buttoned up, black tie neat and tucked into his white jacket. He also has black suit pants and shoes, matching his gloves and tie. He's also observing you, like the Sans is. Something about the two seems a bit more menacing than Sans and Papyrus, but at this point if they're not openly hostile to you, they're still an improvement to most of the skeletons you've met. 

"Black and Edge are fighting right now," you tell them, cautiously leaning back in the swing again. 

"REALLY?" The taller Papyrus asks, glancing between the door and you. You nod slowly, glancing back at the house. 

"you seem kind of tense," suit Sans comments, head tilted. 

"Uh, kinda," you reply shortly, unsure of how much they know and them themselves. You're not sure if they know about you or what they know about you. "So, uh, who're you?" 

"I THINK THAT WOULD BE OUR LINE," suit Papyrus comments, sounding just a bit amused and more than a little annoyed. "WE WEREN'T AWARE THERE WOULD BE ANOTHER HUMAN HERE." 

"I'm living here. Just for the school year," you reply, glancing over at the sound of more car doors shutting. Two more skeletons walk towards the porch, you taking a moment to glance over them. 

They, again, look nearly identical to Sans and Papyrus. Though they look a lot more.... promiscuous than any other you've met. The Sans has a black crop top with a blue heart on the front, a purple, blue- fluff lined vest over top of that. He also has tight black pants and matching blue heeled boots. His eye lights are lilac colored upside down hearts. 

The Papyrus also wears tight black pants, along with a few belts. One belt has a thick black base with yellow hearts lining it. The other belts are yellow chains that cross each other over his hips. He has yellow heeled boots that look nearly identical to the Sans'. Along with that, he wears a jacket with no shirt underneath, leaving his ribcage on full display. Along with his abdominal area which is filled with something hot pink, strangely. It matches his hot pink eye lights that are also shaped like upside down hearts. 

Though as soon as those eye lights land on you, both skeletons are immediately walking over to you. Which just makes you stiffen more, even if they don't look particularly hostile. 

"Another Human?" The Papyrus says, sounding both surprised and delighted. Also quiet, similar to Lunar's volume, which surprises you.

You're less delighted when he leans into your personal space, the Sans sitting right next to you on the porch swing. 

"i didn't know the lodge got another human," the Sans comments, his eye lights roving over your form. Your eyes dart back to the Papyrus as he picks up your hand and nuzzles the back of it in the equivalent of a skeleton's kiss. 

"What's Your Name, Darling?" 

"Uh," you hesitantly give them your name and their eye lights light up. 

"oh! you're mutt's human!" The Sans says, the other skeletons raising their brow bones at that. "we didn't know you'd be here as well." 

"Did You Enjoy Your Valentine's Gift?" The Papyrus asks, sly smile on his teeth. "Mutt Worked Very Hard On It." 

"Uh, yeah," you reply, very confused and a little concerned. But.... if they're friends with Mutt....?

"You two knew about her?" The taller Sans asks, lighting up a cigarette. 

"More Or Less. Mutt Called Us In A Tizzy Asking What To Get For His Girlfriend," the Papyrus replies, placing a hand on his hip with an amused smile. The others look a bit more surprised, though the suits keep their expressions carefully subdued. 

"I'm, uh, not his girlfriend," you cut in. 

"really?" The Sans asks casually. You shake your head, leaning a bit farther away from him. Whether he noticed how tense you were or not, he backs off a bit, leaning on the opposite arm of the porch swing. "so why are we all out here? i'm sure everyone else is waiting inside." 

"Edge and Black are fighting in there," you reply, pointing at the house. You jump at the sound of something hitting the door and instantly start reaching for your backpack. "And I think I'm going to go hide at Grey and Lunar's until Mutt gets back." 

"hang on a second," suit Sans asks, making you reluctantly pause. "who're grey and lunar?" 

"They're the skeletons that live close by in the woods," you reply, making the promiscuous Papyrus to back up a step as you stand and shoulder your bag. 

"There's more skeletons in the woods here?" The taller Sans asks, more than a little surprised. You nod, glancing nervously towards the door. 

Stars dammit. You knew you should've just waited at the café for Mutt to be done, but no. You had to come home to get a head start on the project you didn't finish yesterday. Well, it looks like you're not even going to be able to do that. 

"If I May Ask, Darling," the more promiscuous Papyrus asks, gaining your attention again. He's eyeing you, though in a more concerned way than anything else. You notice the others are doing such as well. "Why Do You Look So Frightened Right Now? Surely Black And Edge Can Get A Bit Violent At Times, But To Cause You To Be This Scared?" 

Another thump. 

"Okay, look. Black said he had something to say to me and I'm pretty sure he'd like to gut me like a fish. And the one skeleton here that I completely trust and usually protects me from him isn't here at the moment and while Edge may have apologized, I don't exactly trust him. Especially when he's also angry," you quickly explain, confusing the skeletons more. They glance at each other, brow bones still raised. "So I'd like to leave before either of them can get out here and see me, please." 

"why would black want to kill you?" Suit Sans asks, eyeing you in suspicion. 

"I don't know why and at this point I don't know that I really want to," you sigh in resignation. You nervously tap your heel against the porch, glancing towards the trees. "Can I go now?" 

"Think Grey and Lunar would mind a few more house guests?" The taller Sans asks, taking a few steps closer to you. He holds out a hand. "I'm G by the way." 

"I don't know. Grey probably would," you reply, shaking his hand thoughtlessly. "They didn't have the best meeting with the others." 

"WELL, WE'D LIKE TO MEET THEM AS WELL. AND I SUPPOSE WE SHOULD AVOID THE LODGE FOR NOW," the taller Papyrus comments. He holds his hand out as well. "I'M ASTER." 

"Alright, well lets go," you reply, hearing another thump and wanting to just leave already. You quickly squeeze through the group and head for the trees. 

"Damn, she really wasn't kidding when she said she wanted to leave," G mumbles to his brother, the skeletons having to speed walk after you. The brothers' glance at each other in concern. The more promiscuous brothers quickly walking to match your pace, the Sans throwing an arm around your shoulders. 

"name's lilac. nice to meet you, angel face," he introduces himself. "that's my brother, charmed." 

"Pleasure To Make Your Acquaintance," the Papyrus smiles. 

Suit Sans and Papyrus pick up the pace a bit so they can introduce themselves as well, but you slow down considerably once you're farther away from the lodge. Much to the groups relief. 

"i'm called guns," suit sans nods, tipping his hat a bit. 

"AND THEY CALL ME ACE. NICE TO MEET YOU," suit Papyrus smiles. 

"Nice to meet you all as well," you sigh, running a hand through your hair. "Sorry about the rush, but, uh, really didn't feel.... I don't want to be there at the moment." 

"we could tell," Guns comments, stuffing his hands into his pockets. 

"do you actually believe anyone there would hurt you?" Lilac asks, raising a brow bone. 

"Not.... You guys, uh, really don't know anything that goes on in that house, huh?" You ask, brows furrowed in nervousness. That just gets them to raise their brow bones again and glance at each other in concern. "So, uh, why're you guys here anyway?" 

"TAYLOR INVITED US OVER," Aster replies, hands neatly behind his back. They don't miss your sudden topic change or your wince at that statement. But they don't comment on it, for now. "BUT WE'VE BEEN WANTING TO VISIT FOR A WHILE NOW. OR AT LEAST G AND I HAVE." 

"Taylor Invited Us As Well," Charmed sighs. "Something About Missing Us And Wanting To Have A Big Get Together." 

"SHE SAID THE SAME TO US," Ace nods in acknowledgement, looking thoroughly unimpressed. "THOUGH MY BROTHER AND I HAVE ALSO BEEN WANTING TO COME UP. IT WAS JUST CONVENIENT." 

"Uh, you guys close with her?" You ask hesitantly. 

"not really," Guns replies, shrugging a shoulder. "we've met her once or twice, but that's about it. why?" 

"We're not either. She rarely ever messages either of us," G waves off. 

"We've Talked To Her A Bit," Charmed hums. 

"but that was mostly for an occasional hook up," Lilac adds flipantly. You nod slowly. 

"WHY DID YOU WANT TO KNOW?" Ace asks, looking more than a little curious. You grimace, glancing away from them and at Grey and Lunar's approaching house. 

"Just.... just curious," you reply, rubbing your arm. You pause at the house's steps, the group glancing at it in dismay. It's really not the prettiest picture, with the peeling paint and boarded up windows. "Uh, just a warning. Grey and Lunar both are very...... They have a lot of injuries.... And they're both very big." 

"Oh yeah?" G asks, looking back at you curiously. 

"Yeah... Uh, don't comment on it," you smile weakly, reaching a hand up to knock on the door. It swings open a moment later, Lunar taking up the frame. 

"Oh!" He says your name happily, but then notices the others. He squints at them, the group looking up at him in surprise. "Oh, And You've Brought Some..... Others." 

"others?" You hear Grey comment in the background. Lunar steps out of the house so his brother can take up the doorway and he eyes the group. His hand crawls up to his eye socket. "don't recognize you bunch."

His eye light then cuts to you as you shift your weight, narrowing slightly as he observes you. 

"something happened," he states, tugging on his eye socket and momentarily forgetting the other skeletons on his doorstep. 

"Uh," you wince, glancing away.

"was it them?" Grey asks, looking at the group. 

"No, no! They haven't done anything," you assure him, the large skeleton staring for just a moment as if looking for a lie. But he seems to find what he's looking for, sighing and heading back into the house. 

"might as well let it happen then," he grumbles. 

"Well, Come On In," Lunar smiles, placing a hand on your back and pushing you towards the door. "My House Is Your House."

Chapter Text

You relax immensely once you're over the threshold of Grey and Lunar's house. Something every skeleton around at the moment could easily pick up on. You take a seat on the couch next to Grey, the other group of skeletons glancing around the house wearily. 

"Sorry about all the people," you sigh to Grey. "But.... I just really had to get away from the lodge... quickly." 

"what'd those assholes do?" Grey asks, eyeing you as if he's looking for any injuries. 

"You're Not Hurt, Are You?" Lunar asks worriedly, also looking over your appearance. The other group eyes you as well, though more in confusion.

"I'm not hurt," you assure both of them. "No one touched me. Black and Edge were fighting again." 

"that's never gotten you this rattled before," Grey comments, brow bones furrowing. 

"Mutt wasn't with me," you reply, which gets both of them nodding in realization. 

"so you both really think someone at the lodge would hurt her?" Guns speaks up, the six having just been standing there during the conversation. 

"those lodge skeletons are assholes. i wouldn't put it past them if their keeper demanded it," Grey comments, pulling at his eye socket again. You wince, pulling his hand away. He goes with it, only sending a barely annoyed glance at you. 

"Their keeper?" G asks. 

"He's Referring To Their Girlfriend," Lunar grimaces, worrying the fabric of his gloves. "She's..... Not Very Nice." 

"that's an understatement, paps," Grey snorts, rolling his eye light. 

"Guys," you frown, the sleeve of Grey's worn hoodie bunching up under your hand. Not that he pays attention to that. 

"what? it's true," Grey frowns at you, looking over your face again. "might as well warn them." 

"I know, but everyone at the lodge is already mad at me enough," you frown, clutching onto his hoodie just a little tighter. "If Taylor goes crying to them about me tricking these guys into believing she's bad.... And it'd get you in trouble most importantly." 

Grey groans in annoyance, rubbing a hand down his face. Lunar looks more worried and places a hand on your shoulder. 

"You Know You're Always Welcome Here," Lunar smiles, more worried now than before. "If You Need To, You Can Stay Here With Us!" 

"I Apologize, But We Aren't Following," Charmed interrupts, glancing between the three of you. "What Exactly Is Happening?" 

"yeah," Guns speaks up, brow bone raised and eye sockets narrowed. "what's this about tricking us?" 

You just wince again, leaning back a little more into the couch. 

"Long... uh long story," you reply, glancing away from the group. 

"WE'VE GOT TIME," Ace comments, looking between the three of you with crossed arms. You shift a little closer to Grey, Lunar patting your leg. 

"We Were Only Pulled Into It Recently," Lunar mentions, making you frown. "But Maybe We Should Wait Until Mutt Gets Here. He Knows A Lot More After All." 

"Mutt's on his way?" You ask, looking up at him. 

"Yes! I Texted Him," Lunar replies, nodding as well. 

"You got his number?" You ask, bewildered. Lunar smiles in a bit of amusement, though nods. 

"he gave it to him a few weeks back," Grey shrugs, looking more annoyed. You blink, but nod. The other skeletons still eye the three of you, you in particular, begrudgingly doing as Lunar asked. You certainly don't seem to want to talk anything about or hear anything about the subject right now. But they luckily don't have to wait long before Mutt's blasting through the door. He heads straight for you, ignoring everyone else in the room. 

"angel!" 

"Mutt," you sigh in relief, all left over tension seeming to bleed right out you. You fall right into the skeleton who picks you right up off the couch and hugs you tightly and protectively, you hiding your face in his shoulder. The other skeletons watch this interaction, immediately noticing the change. You're now trembling, however slightly, and your breathing gets a little more uneven. 

While you felt safer with Grey and Lunar around, it seems the moment Mutt arrived is when you really felt safe enough to let go. All of the skeletons quickly pick that up. 

"And They're Not Dating," Charmed whispers to his brother, making Lilac's mouth quirk up despite the situation going on in front of them. 

"Mutt, nice to see you again," G greets looking over the human clinging to him. Mutt turns and looks at the group, eyeing them. 

"WE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING TO YOUR HUMAN, YOU CAN RELAX," Aster comments, looking between the two of you. "WE ARE, HOWEVER, INTERESTED IN KNOWING WHAT IS GOING ON." 

"YES, IT DOES SEEM LIKE WE WERE LEFT IN THE DARK ABOUT MANY THINGS," Ace adds, both he and Guns looking annoyed again. "WE HAVE A FEW THINGS TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT AS WELL." 

"....sure," Mutt replies, still eyeing the group. But then he looks back at you as you grip his coat tighter. "going to... have to wait a minute." 

"Yes, Of Course," Charmed speaks up, smiling pleasantly. The others, besides Lilac, sigh in a bit of frustration at having to wait longer even if they agree. "Please, Take Care Of Your Lady First." 

Mutt just nods, turning to Grey and Lunar again. 

"mind if we hijack your room for a little bit?" He asks. Lunar immediately nods, standing up. 

"You Can Use My Room. She Can Stay As Long As She Needs." 

"thanks," Mutt nods, heading for the staircase. Lunar looks between his brother, the new skeletons (all of whom are watching Mutt carry you off), and Mutt before following him up the stairs. 

Lunar opens the door to his room for Mutt, the other skeleton immediately heading for the bed. He sits, petting your hair after getting situated. He whispers reassurances to you, your sniffling finally able to be heard in the quiet bedroom. Mutt glances up at Lunar, who's standing by the door looking unsure of what to do. 

"mind getting 'er a glass of water?" 

"Of Course! I'll Make Her Something To Eat As Well!" Lunar jumps towards his door, Mutt barely able to get out a thank you before he's gone. Mutt huffs with a smile, then looks back down at you. 

"it's okay, angel," he mumbles, gently scratching his claws against your scalp. "i'm here. you're safe...... mind telling me what happened?" 

"It's stupid," you sniff, finally pulling away enough to speak. Though you can only get the words out between your choked sobs. "Black and Edge.... were fighting. I froze and.... and panicked." 

"s'not stupid," Mutt frowns, rubbing your back. He nuzzles the side of your head, wiping a few tears off your cheek. "it scared you, it's not stupid." 

"They yell at me all the time," you frown, trying to scrub the tears off your face. You sniffle again, looking frustrated with yourself. "I don't get why it scared me so much this time!" 

"both black and edge were yellin' at each other right?" Mutt asks. You nod, looking back up at him. "an' i'm guessing black yelled at you?" You nod again. "they're both intimidating and can both be very violent. they've both physically hurt you before and i'm guessing they were both extremely pissed at the time too. and you were there alone. ya can't blame yourself for being freaked." 

"It was just bruises," you mumble, looking away again. Mutt gives you a look. 

"they grabbed you and screamed in your face," he states blankly. "it doesn't matter if it was 'just bruises,' they still hurt you." 

You just sniffle and bury your face back into his chest. Mutt sighs and squeezes you a bit tighter, going back to carding his fingers through your hair. He just holds you, not saying anything else until you cry yourself out. You end up falling asleep, Mutt laying you down with his jacket over you. He brushes his phalanges through your hair for a few more minutes, just to make sure you're really asleep, before he heads out of the room where he meets Lunar again. 

"she's asleep," he tells Lunar, but still moves out of the taller skeleton's way. 

"Okay. I'll Just Leave These On The Table For When She Wakes Up," he says, gently opening the door. Mutt hums, heading back downstairs to finally talk with the others. Mutt notes that everyone's mostly sat down. It seems Charmed and Lilac were the bravest, Charmed sitting on the couch with Lilac on the arm beside him. G sits on the stairs, Aster standing at the bottom of them right next to his brother. Guns and Ace both lean against the wall, opposite of Grey. All of whom turn to him as he descends the stairs. 

"How's The Human?" Charmed asks. 

"sleepin' now," Mutt replies, head leaning back a bit. Charmed nods, Lilac humming. 

"we talkin' now?" Guns asks, fingers tapping against his arm. 

"sure," Mutt shrugs.

"so.... what's going on?" Guns asks, eyeing the other skeleton. "and who's the human?" 

"lots been goin' on. you're gonna have to be more specific," Mutt replies, raising a brow bone. "an' the human's a friend. she's just at the lodge for the school year." 

"THE HUMAN SAID SOMETHING ABOUT TAYLOR CRYING TO THE OTHERS FOR 'TRICKING US INTO BELIEVING SHE'S BAD.' WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?" Ace asks, brow bones furrowed and eye sockets narrowed. 

"the others are convinced she's a liar," Mutt replies, looking more than a little annoyed. "if any of you mention anything good about angel, they'll likely think she's tricked you into somethin'." 

"Why do they believe she's a liar?" G asks, brow bone raised as he rubs his hands together. 

"taylor," Mutt simply replies, shrugging a shoulder. 

"so taylor convinced them she's a liar," Lilac says, making Mutt scoff. 

"she's convinced them angel's done a lot more than lie," he grumbles, glaring in the direction of the lodge. "she's convinced them that she's the saint and everything that goes wrong is angel's fault. angel's her scapegoat." 

Mutt goes on to explain a bit more of the going ons in the lodge, including just how much Taylor gets away with blaming on you. 

"AND THE OTHERS JUST... BLINDLY BELIEVE THIS?" Aster asks, hand to his chin. 

"all of them are idiots," Grey scoffs, eye light glancing up the stairs his brother hasn't come down yet. "she's got them wrapped around her pinky. 'course they blindly believe it." 

"i can't really argue with that," Mutt huffs, still looking annoyed. 

"THE TOPIC OF TAYLOR IS SOMETHING WE WANTED TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT WHILE HERE," Ace comments, pulling a folder out of his coat. "WE DID A LITTLE DIGGING AND FOUND SOME THINGS I THINK YOU'D BE INTERESTED IN." 

Mutt takes the folder and starts thumbing through it. And though he looks annoyed, he doesn't look surprised. 

"i already know most of this," he comments, handing the folder to Grey as the larger skeleton asks for it. "i'm not surprised you were able to dig these up." 

"YOU KNEW SHE WAS CHEATING AND NEVER TOLD THE OTHERS?" Aster asks, looking shocked. 

"i did," Mutt responds, looking even more irritated. "they didn't believe me since i am friends with angel."

"Not even Black?" G asks, astonished. Mutt nods once. "Shit. They really are hooked." 

"red and edge have apparently come to their senses," Mutt does bring up, phalanges tapping against his arm. The others raise a brow bone at him. "both of them have apologized to angel and have distanced themselves from taylor. red even admitted she cheated on them in a drunken stupor to angel." 

Grey scowls at the mention of that event, pulling at his eye socket. The group eye him for a minute, but nod at Mutt. 

"i've talked to red about her as well. didn't think he really believed me at the time," Mutt adds. 

"so they likely know what's going on already then," Guns hums, his posture tense and face stoney. Ace has a similar posture, their eye sockets shadowed. 

"for the most part," Mutt agrees. 

"any of the others?" Lilac asks, appearing relaxed though an irritated edge still makes its presence on his skull known. Charmed has a similar look as he thumbs through the folder he took from Grey. 

"i don't know," Mutt admits, tilting his head as he glances towards the second floor. "angel's said blue is acting strange and she's real worried about prime papyrus, but that's it." 

"what's happening with prime papyrus?" Grey asks, stiffening just a bit. 

"i don't know. angel thinks taylor did... something to him. more than she's done to the others.... i'm keeping an eye socket on him, just in case," Mutt replies, shrugging a shoulder with a troubled look on his skull. Though he doesn't really seem to know exactly what he's looking for. 

It doesn't help Grey relax. 

"And Blue?" Charmed asks. Mutt just shrugs. The others sigh, all looking more troubled than before when they first arrived. 

"I KNEW I DIDN'T LIKE HER.... NOW I KNOW WHY," Aster grumbles to himself, G sighing. 

Charmed hands the folder back to Ace, looking very annoyed. Ace places it back into his coat, a cold fury underneath his indifferent mask. 

"i suppose you're taking that to the others?" Mutt asks, nodding to the folder in Ace's coat. "do yourselves a favor and don't mention coming here or even knowing angel. it'll go better in the long run." 

"are you saying even knowing your girl's existence is enough to discredit us and what we found?" Guns asks, his anger and annoyance filtering through his words. 

"yup," Mutt replies. 

"YOU HAVE TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME," Ace growls, anger showing clearly through his use of swearing. 

"afraid not," Mutt sighs. 

"those damn idiots," Guns growls. 

Mutt and Grey can't help but to agree.

Chapter Text

You wake up slowly, gazing around the semi-familiar room in confusion. This isn't your room but....

.....

....

...

Oh, right. It all comes back to you now.

Edge and Black fighting. Those new skeletons. Grey and Lunar's. Right. 

You're in Lunar's room. You must've passed out after crying. 

You sit up, rubbing your eyes and shifting Mutt's coat around your shoulders as you do. Glancing around again you spot a glass of water and a plate of Alfredo on the table next to you. You instantly take the glass of water, feeling a lot better after a drink. 

The door to the room suddenly opens, Lunar walking in while mumbling to himself. He looks surprised to see you up, though quickly fixes his expression and smiles brightly. 

"Oh, You're Up! Good Morning!" 

"Morning?" You asks, placing the empty glass on the table again. 

"Yes! Well, It's Almost Noon," Lunar admits, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Wait, noon? Really? I slept that long?" You ask, shocked. Lunar nods, turning and grabbing what he came into his room for. 

"Yes! It's Alright Though. It Sounds Like You Needed The Rest." Lunar gives you another smile, you standing up from the bed with a stretch. 

"Well, I'm still sorry for stealing your bed for the night," you frown, glancing back at the well-worn object. There's a heavier blanket on it that you're pretty sure wasn't there the last time you came in here.  

"Oh, I Don't Mind!" Lunar waves off, grinning brightly. "You Can Steal My Bed All You Like. Well, Not Actually Steal It. I Would Still Like To Have A Bed To Sleep In After All!" 

You chuckle, smiling up at the tall skeleton slouching to be more at your level. 

"Thanks, Lunar. You're so sweet," you smile, which makes him blush. 

"Did You Like The Alfredo?" Lunar asks nervously, looking away from you again. 

"I haven't tried it yet, but it looks delicious," you reply, glancing back at the dish on the table. 

"It Must Be Rather Cold By Now," Lunar comments, squinting at the plate himself. "I'll Heat It Up For You And You Can Eat With Sans And Me." 

"Sounds great," you smile. Your eyes then trail to the door, frowning a bit. "Has everyone else..." 

"If You Mean Those Other Doubles, They Left Last Night. Said Something About Rethinking How They're Going To Approach The Lodge And Coming Back Tomorrow. They Left You Their Phone Numbers And Asked Me To Tell You To Call Them If You Ever Need To." 

Lunar hands you a piece of paper with six numbers and names, you vaguely recognizing them. You must've been more out of it than you figured. 

"Thank you," you reply, Lunar nodding. 

"Mutt Brought You A Change Of Clothes If You'd Like To Shower And Change Before Coming Downstairs," he adds, nodding to the plastic bag under the table you're just realizing is there now. 

"I think I'll take you up on that. Thank you," you sigh, running a hand through your hair. 

"Of Course," Lunar beams, taking the plate and glass before heading out of the room again. "Come Downstairs When You're Ready!" 

You take another deep breath before grabbing the bag and heading to the bathroom. A shower is really what you need right now. 

_____

It's not long before you're heading downstairs, showered and in fresh clothes. Feeling a lot better and refreshed. You can see Grey dozing on the couch and hear Lunar bustling around in the kitchen, a pleasant smell emanating from the room. Grey peaks open an eye socket once you're sitting down on the couch, lazily raking his one eye light over your form. 

"feeling better, starlight?" He asks. You nod, giving him a small smile. 

"Yeah. Better than yesterday," you admit. You rub the back of your neck, sighing as you glance away from him. "Sorry again for the surprise guests." 

"s'alright," Grey shrugs, not looking bothered in the least. "you're fine." 

"Thanks for letting me stay the night too. I really didn't mean to fall asleep," you add, looking a little sheepish. 

"It's Alright! As We've Said Before, You're Welcome To Stay As Long As You Like," Lunar smiles, reentering the conversation. He hands you a plate of Alfredo, freshly warmed up, then one to Grey. He sits down after grabbing one for himself. "Go On And Eat. You Must Be Hungry After Missing Dinner Yesterday." 

Grey narrows his eye sockets at that, glancing over you again. 

"Thanks," you smile, digging into the pasta.

"speaking of staying over," Grey brings up after inhaling half of his dinner. You look over at him, Lunar straightening up. "was talkin' to mutt after those doubles left yesterday." 

"Yeah?" You asks, blinking. 

"Yes! Mutt Thinks It May Be A Good Idea For You To Stay Here For A Few Days," Lunar continues, making you blink at him in surprise. "If You Want To That Is! We Could Watch Late Night Cable And You Can Sleep In My Racecar Bed Again!" 

"That... sounds great, but I don't want to impose," you say, glancing between them. 

"you wouldn't be," Grey shrugs, watching you with his one red eye light. "just thought it'd be better here than at the lodge when...." 

When those other skeletons talk to the lodge, you're guessing. That'll... likely end up unpleasant for you.

You wince, talking a bite out of the pasta again. 

"This Is Just A Hypothetical," Lunar assures. "If You Wanted To Do Something Else, I'm Sure It'd Be Fine. But We Don't Mind Having You Over!"

You think for a couple of minutes, chewing on your food in indecision.

"What are those other skeletons going to be talking to the lodge about?" You ask tentatively, unsure of what they were going to say. 

"Taylor," Lunar replies. 

Oh.

Then.... then it would probably be for the best you aren't there for a bit. If those skeletons are going to talk to the lodge skeletons about Taylor... about what she's done... Who knows how they'll react.... You might be safer somewhere else instead. 

You look up at the two brothers again, glancing between them for a second. Then you slowly nod. 

"Yeah.. It.. probably would be better. If you're sure it's alright for me to stay here." 

You could probably talk to them about Mutt and your plans to get Lunar to a dentist and them both to a doctor eventually too. 

"Of Course It Is!" Lunar smiles brightly, looking a bit excited himself. "It's Perfectly Fine! We'll Have So Much Fun!" 

You smile a him, unsure of how much fun it'll actually be but admiring his enthusiasm. Especially since you still have to go to school and work. 

The three of you look up at a knock on the door. You tense a bit, looking between Grey and Lunar. 

"I Wonder Who That Is," Lunar frowns, brow bones furrowed. 

"mutt?" Grey offers with a shrug. Whoever it is knocks again. "nevermind. don't think he'd knock twice." 

Lunar stands up and answers the door, sounding surprised but not displeased. 

"Oh! Hello Again. What Are You Both Doing Here?" 

"just came to check on the human," someone replies, Lunar blocking the view of them. "that alright?" 

"I'm Not Sure," Lunar replies, then turns to you. "Are You Alright With Some Visitors? They're Not From The Lodge." 

"Sure?" You reply hesitantly, leaning a little closer to Grey. Lunar nods and lets them in, you finally able to see it's two of those skeletons you met yesterday. 

Lilac and Charmed. 

_____ 

G closes the door to his truck, looking up at the lodge with a sigh. He turns at the sound of more doors closing, his brother, Guns, Ace, Lilac, and Charmed coming to stop by him. They remain silent for a moment, then Lilac claps his hands together. 

"charmed and i are going to check on that cute little human," he announces, Charmed humming in agreement. 

"Don't want to stay and see what happens?" G asks in amusement. 

"We're Lovers, Not Fighters, Hun," Charmed smiles, winking at the other skeleton. "I'm Sure You Four Can Handle This Just Fine By Yourselves." 

"and we want to make sure the poor dear is okay, after.... everything," Lilac comments, glancing to the side. "grey and lunar also seem like they could use a little help as well." 

"right," Guns speaks up. He digs in a pocket, pulling out a cigar. "grey didn't seem all that enthused about accepting anything, but extend that offer for us." 

"THE SAME FOR US, IF YOU WILL. AND REMIND THE HUMAN TOO," Aster adds, nodding once. "I'M SURE LUNAR TOLD HER, BUT IT WON'T HURT HEARING IT FROM ONE OF US AS WELL." 

"Sure Thing," Charmed smiles, nodding once.  

"DON'T GIVE THE POOR GIRL TOO MUCH TROUBLE, YOU TWO," Ace comments with a smile, making Lilac and Charmed gasp in mock offense. 

"now what do you take us for, acey pie?" Lilac says, making the group snort and said skeleton roll his eye lights. "we'd never! i'm offended you'd ever suggest such a thing!" 

"get out of here already, ya shebas" Guns snorts, waving the two off. "we've got work to do." 

Lilac and Charmed smile, winking at the four before heading to the trees. The remaining skeletons watch them go for a second before heading towards the lodge. 

"you ready to do this?" Guns asks, glancing towards the three. 

"OF COURSE, BROTHER," Ace smiles pleasantly, fixing his tie. "WE'RE JUST HAVING A NICE CHAT AFTER ALL." 

"I EXPECT IT'LL TURN LESS NICE AFTER," Aster mentions, nodding his head to the side. "I CAN'T IMAGINE THEY'LL REACT WELL." 

Ace just hums, Guns raising a brow bone towards G.

"As ready as I'll ever be," G sighs to Guns, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I expect this isn't going to go well." 

"don't worry, kid. my brother and i have dealt with worse," Guns nods, patting G on the back. He just snorts, side eyeing Guns a bit. 

"I'm older than you, Buddy." 

"technicalities," Guns waves off as Ace knocks on the door, G shaking his skull in response. "and if we're speaking technically, i'm actually older."

It only takes a few minutes before the door is opening, Stretch standing in it looking shocked. The four grin at him, unperturbed. 

Like Mutt mentioned, the others had no clue they were coming. 

"uh.. what, uh, brings you all by?" Stretch asks, a bit of sweat collecting on his skull.

"Taylor invited us to come over," G shrugs, smiling pleasantly at the other monster. 

"we have some things we want to talk to all of you about too," Guns nods, glancing over the taller skeleton.

"i don't think now is the best time-" 

"G! You're here!"

Taylor comes darting out of the door with a bright smile, tackling said skeleton in a tight hug. G stiffens at the contact, looking down at the human with a grimace. 

"... Hey," he finally replies. Taylor, unperturbed by the unenthusiastic response, smiles at the other three as well. 

"It's so good to see all of you again!" She says, letting go of G to hug the other three, who are just as enthusiastic about it as G was. Taylor doesn't seem to notice. "It seems like forever since we've all gotten together!" 

"YES, IT HAS BEEN A WHILE," Aster agrees, pressing his fingertips together in front of himself. 

Taylor pouts a bit, glancing around as if she's looking for someone. 

"Lilac and Charmed didn't come with you guys?" She asks, looking back at the other four. Stretch stiffens even more at the mention of those two. 

"THEY HAD OTHER MATTERS TO ATTEND TO TODAY," Ace replies simply, Stretch calming down a smidge. Taylor still pouts unhappily, but lets it go. 

"I thought you guys were coming yesterday," she brings up, looking between all of them. 

"something came up yesterday, so we couldn't make it," Guns shrugs, watching the girl's reactions. 

"For all of you?" Taylor frowns. 

"yup," Guns nods. 

"What happened?" She then asks, Stretch looking between them all nervously. 

"NOTHING THAT YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT," Ace replies, dusting his hands together. Taylor looks annoyed. "PRIVATE MATTERS AND ALL." 

"Of course," she smiles, though it's tense. "You're here today, so that's all that matters! Why don't you all come in instead of standing around on the porch." 

"Sounds great," G smiles, heading into the lodge. Stretch stands aside, though he looks like he'd rather not. But the four are still lead into the living room, finding Blue and Papyrus already inside. 

"OH! G! ASTER!" Blue blinks in surprise, then notices the other two right behind them. "AND GUNS AND ACE! UH.. HELLO.. WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE?" 

"what? can't we come visit, baby blues?" Guns smiles, tipping his hat. Blue winces and jumps up from his seat, waving his hands. 

"OF COURSE YOU CAN! WE JUST.. DIDN'T EXPECT YOU," he says, Papyrus wincing himself. 

"DON'T WORRY YOURSELF, BLUE," Ace waves off with a roll of his eye lights. "MY BROTHER IS JUST PULLING A JAPE ON YOU." 

"I invited them to come over!" Taylor butts in, smiling widely. "I was thinking it's been too long since we've all gotten together!" 

"IT... IT HAS BEEN A WHILE," Papyrus says, glancing between everyone as well. "BUT DOES SANS KNOW YOU INVITED THEM?" 

"No, but why would they need permission to come over?" Taylor asks, batting her eye lashes. 

Blue frowns at that. 

"Speaking of Sans, where is he?" G asks, leaning back on his heels. 

"down in the basement, where else?" A voice replies from behind G. 

He looks over his shoulder, finding Red standing there with his hands shoved into his coat pockets. A scowl on his face as he eyes the four, but he's also notably sober too. 

"why didn't anyone tell me there was a party happening in here?" Red asks, leaning back a bit with a raised brow bone. 

"OR TELL ME," Edge scowls, coming around the corner. He stops next to his brother, arms crossed tightly. "WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING PLANNED SINCE WE WEREN'T AWARE WE WERE HAVING GUESTS." 

"oh don't get all up in a twist on our account, edge," Guns grins lazily. "i'm sure we can find something to do regardless." 

"YES. AFTER ALL, WE HAVE A LOT OF CATCHING UP TO DO, DON'T WE?" Ace smiles, looking at each person in the room. Blue, Stretch, and Papyrus look even more nervous, not able to make eye contact with the other skeleton.  

"Hmm. In that case, we should go get Sans," G nods towards the basement. "Wouldn't want to get started without him." 

"Wait!" Taylor frowns, grabbing onto G's arm and pouting. "We shouldn't disturb Sans if he's working. That's just rude." 

"NONSENSE!" Aster claps, smiling pleasantly. "I'M SURE SANS COULD USE A BREAK RIGHT ABOUT NOW. AND I'M SURE HE'D LIKE TO HEAR HOW WE'VE BEEN DOING."

"Exactly," G smiles, pulling his arm out of Taylor's grip and swinging it around Red's shoulders. "So let's go grab him. It's about time we sat down and talked anyway." 

"what're you even here fer, G?" Red asks, eyeing the said skeleton. 

"Just here for a chat, Red," G shrugs, grinning easily. "It's long overdue it seems."

Chapter Text

"g?" Sans startles, staring wide eyed at the skeleton walking in behind Red. G smiles easily and waves at the shocked skeleton, holding back a snort at his expression. "what are you doing here?" 

"Taylor invited us to come over for a visit. You didn't know?" G asks rhetorically, raising a brow bone. 

He knows Taylor didn't tell any of them. That's been made abundantly clear. 

"us?" Sans asks, ignoring the question. G can't tell if it was intentional or not, noting Sans' general appearance. His bones are almost greying, his eye bags deeper than he's ever seen them be while his eye lights are fuzzy. Almost completely faded at this point. He's incredibly tense too, though that may be due to G's sudden appearance. His clothes are incredibly stained and wrinkled, like he hasn't changed in over a week now. In other words, he looks wrecked. 

"his brother, guns, and ace are here too," Red tells him, clasping a hand on Sans' shoulder. "why don't we head upstairs and greet them. sounds like they have somethin' to tell us." 

Sans goes easily, stumbling along up the stairs. The three find that the others tracked down Black as well and he's sitting in a chair in boredom. Papyrus and Blue have both sit back down on the couch, Stretch and Taylor having found a seat next to them. Sans sits down on the couch with them, Red sitting next to Edge on the loveseat. Both Guns and Ace remained standing, leaning against the wall, and G leans in the doorway with Aster. 

"WHY DON'T YOU FOUR SIT?" Black offers, gesturing to the empty seats. "IT'S INCREDIBLY RUDE OF US NOT TO LET YOU. WE CAN GO HUNT DOWN A FEW MORE CHAIRS AS WELL." 

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT. WE'D RATHER STAND FOR NOW," Ace waves off. Black raises a brow bone, but begrudgingly lets it slide. 

"SO, HOW HAVE ALL OF YOU BEEN?" Blue asks, looking between them. 

"EVERYONE'S DOING FINE. THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY TROUBLE LATELY ON OUR SIDE OF THINGS," Ace informs them, which makes Sans relax slightly. 

"hasn't been any new arrivals that we've found," Guns adds, sending a slight glare towards Sans' direction that gets him sweating. "how about all of you?" 

"We've been doing great!" Taylor smiles brightly, the skeletons wincing at her words. Something the four don't miss. "Everything's been rather quiet. Well, besides the roommate anyway." 

"Roommate, huh?" G asks, raising a brow bone. Taylor nods with a grimace. 

"SHE'S LEAVING SOON, SO THERE'S NOTHING FOR YOU ALL TO CONCERN YOURSELVES WITH," Black says, waving a hand with a roll of his eye lights. Red and Edge frown while Blue and Stretch wince, Papyrus flinching. Another thing the four don't miss. 

"of course," Guns nods, sharing a look with G before returning to watch the group. 

"SAY, WHERE'S MUTT? IS HE NOT HOME TODAY?" Aster asks, glancing around. 

"he, uh, he doesn't hang out with us much anymore," Stretch replies, rubbing the back of his neck. "but i think he might here right now." 

"I think I saw him head into his room," Taylor offers, twirling a piece of her hair. 

"I CAN GO RETRIEVE HIM, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM," Black nods, glancing towards the ceiling. "I'M SURE HE'D LIKE TO KNOW YOU'RE HERE." 

"OH, IT'S NOT NEEDED IF HE'S BUSY," Aster replies, shaking his skull. "I WAS JUST WONDERING." 

"so, not that this small talk isn't interestin', but what the fuck did you guys want to talk about?" Red asks, glancing between the four. G snorts at his words, Edge glaring. 

"RIGHT, OF COURSE," Ace nods, Taylor looking confused. "LETS GET RIGHT INTO IT, I SUPPOSE."

"what the hell?!" 

Everyone pauses, snapping their heads towards the stairs. Black is instantly standing up and stopping at the bottom, looking up to the second floor with a worried look. 

"MUTT! WHAT HAPPENED?" He calls, heading upstairs. Blue frowns and follows him, both disappearing up the steps. 

"Oh no. I hope he's alright," Taylor frowns, standing up herself. "We better go make sure, right?" 

"Right," G says, sharing a look with Guns again. Guns and G accompany Taylor upstairs, everyone else following a few seconds later. 

"WHAT'S GOING ON?" Papyrus asks hesitantly, glancing around. 

Mutt stands in the middle of your room, glaring at the man standing by your bed. Taylor huffs, shaking her head as she says your name. 

"Looks like Mutt found one of her one night stands," she sighs, bounding in and hugging Mutt's arm. "I'm so sorry, Mutt. I thought you would've known by now." 

"get off me!" Mutt growls, pushing Taylor off himself. He then points at the man. "get out of this room, now." 

"Hey, sorry man!" The guys smiles rather smugly, raising his hands in surrender. "I didn't know she had a boyfriend." 

"oh come off it," Mutt snaps, glaring at both him and Taylor. "you've never slept with her. we weren't even home last night." 

"ya weren't?" Red asks, raising a brow bone. He looks... a little confused and concerned. 

"no. i just came back to grab some bags," Mutt glares. 

"MUTT, THERE'S NO NEED TO SNAP AT US," Black sighs, voice turning slightly softer. Consoling. "WHAT WOULD THIS MAN HONESTLY BE DOING IN HERE IF HE WASN'T WITH THE HUMAN?" 

"why don't you ask your girlfriend?" Mutt grumbles, glaring at both the man and Taylor again. "get. out." 

"Hey! Wait a minute!" Taylor frowns, the man scurrying out of the room at the look on Mutt's face. Taylor walks over to your dresser and picks up a nice looking necklace, examining it. "This is mine!" 

"for fuck's sake," Mutt glares, rubbing a hand down his face. Edge steps into the room, taking the necklace from Taylor and looking over it himself. 

"NOW SHE'S STEALING TOO," Black scoffs, crossing his arms. "OF COURSE." 

"THIS ISN'T TAYLOR'S," Edge states simply, making them blink at him. 

"Of course it is!" Taylor fumes, trying to snatch the necklace back. Though Edge holds it out of her reach. "It's too nice for her to have bought!" 

"I KNOW IT'S NOT YOURS, TAYLOR. BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT FOR HER," Edge replies, narrowing his eye sockets at the girl. Who starts to turn red. 

"why would you have bought her a necklace?" Sans asks in shock, glancing between the jewelry and Edge. 

"I DON'T KNOW HOW IT'S ANY OF YOUR CONCERN, BUT IT WAS PART OF AN APOLOGY GIFT," Edge replies, moving Taylor out of the way so he can place the necklace back in it's spot. "NOW, I DO THINK WE DON'T HAVE ANY REASON TO BE IN THIS ROOM. OUT." 

Edge shoves Taylor out of your room, making her glare at him. He remains unphased. Mutt comes out a moment later with a deep scowl, a packed bag on his shoulder. 

"I HAVE TO BELIEVE MUTT REGARDING THIS MAN," Ace speaks up, eyeing the uncomfortable looking guy standing awkwardly in the hall. The other skeletons look at him in surprise. 

"BUT, HE WAS IN HER ROOM," Papyrus hesitantly brings up, gesturing towards your room. 

"sounds like there's an easy enough answer that," Guns shrugs, tilting his head back. He looks over at Mutt, who's getting increasingly annoyed the longer he's stuck here. "you said she hasn't been home all night?" 

"not since yesterday afternoon," he confirms, tapping his foot against the floor. "been with her the entire time." 

"then the guy could've easily come in while this girl was gone," Guns nods, glancing over the nervous man. "besides, this guy runs around with taylor anyway. isn't that right, sweetheart?" 

Taylor sputters, looking at Guns in shock. 

"I don't know him!" She yells. 

"OH, REALLY NOW?" Ace asks, raising a brow bone. "WOULD THAT BE THE REASON WE HAVE MULTIPLE PHOTOS OF YOU TWO TOGETHER?" 

"What?" Taylor shrieks, looking between them. 

"that's the guy i saw you with at the mall," Stretch mutters with wide eye sockets. 

"WHAT DID YOU SAY, STRETCH?" Blue asks, blinking at his brother. Stretch shakes his head, a shaking hand clamping over his teeth. 

"WHAT ARE YOU TWO BABBLING ABOUT?" Black snaps, looking between them. "WHY WOULD TAYLOR KNOW THIS GUY?" 

"WHY DON'T WE CONTINUE THIS DOWNSTAIRS?" Aster says, smiling pleasantly. "IT SEEMS LIKE MUTT HAS SOMEWHERE TO BE AND I'M SURE THIS GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO BE ESCORTED OUT ALREADY." 

The group does as told, sitting back in their seats. Black taps his heel against the floor in impatience, looking between everyone here. Papyrus worries his gloves in nervousness, Blue trying to coax Stretch into talking to him again. Red and Edge relax back into their seats, glancing over everyone around. Sans' leg bounces restlessly as he glances between the four still standing. 

"ALRIGHT. SO TO PUT SIMPLY, G ASKED MY BROTHER AND I TO LOOK INTO TAYLOR'S ACTIONS AFTER MEETING WITH RED AT A BAR," Ace informs them, pulling the folder out of his jacket again. "WE DID AND I BELIEVE YOU'LL FIND WHAT WE DUG UP INTERESTING." 

Red grabs the folder before Taylor can, glancing through it with Edge. He scoffs, handing it off to Sans. He looks through it, not letting Taylor have it but still allowing her to see the photos. 

"These are old pictures!" She cries, looking back at the four. Who just level her with a disbelieving look, crossing their arms. "Before I ever met any of you!"

"I thought you didn't know the guy, Taylor?" G wonders, tilting his head. 

"I just didn't recognize him," she defends, frowning at him. "It's been forever." 

"there's dates on the photos, taylor," Guns states, leveling a glare at her. 

"These must be fake!" She counters, stomping a foot. "I wouldn't cheat on them and they know it!" 

"you have. i've caught you several times," Red speaks up, leaning his skull on his hand. Everyone looks at him in surprise. "why we're not together anymore." 

"I AGREE," Edge nods, crossing his arms and leaning back in his seat. He levels a nasty glare at Taylor. "MY BROTHER HAS INFORMED ME OF EVERYTHING HE SAW AND HEARD."

"You two have just been hanging around her too much! She's filled your head with nonsense!" 

"STOP BLAMING EVERYTHING ON HER, TAYLOR," Edge scowls, rolling his eye lights. "IT'S GETTING OLD." 

"But it's true! She's out to get me!" Taylor cries, wiping her eyes. "She's jealous and cruel!" 

"YES, BECAUSE A JEALOUS AND CRUEL PERSON WOULD BAKE COOKIES FOR LIBRARY KIDS AND VISIT OLD PEOPLE IN A NURSING HOME," Edge scoffs, shaking his head. 

"She doesn't do that! She lied to you!" Taylor objects. 

"THERE'S NO WAY THESE ARE REAL," Black shakes his head, looking through the folder himself with a disbelieving look on his face. 

"they are, black," Guns states, annoyance in his tone. "we got them ourselves." 

"SO YOU WERE STALKING OUR GIRLFRIEND FOR WEEKS?" Black asks, raising a brow bone. "AND FOR WHAT? A HUNCH G HAD FROM TALKING TO A DRUNK IDIOT?" 

Guns and Ace raise a brow bone, crossing their arms. Red growls, both him and Edge glaring at Black. 

"and you're not going to believe it because she said they're fake?" Guns counters, tilting his head. "if you're not going to believe evidence we've gathered, go dig yourself." 

"THERE'S NOTHING TO DIG INTO," Black scoffs, slamming the folder down onto the coffee table. G can't help but think his voice sounds rather strained. "TAYLOR WOULDN'T CHEAT. I KNOW MY OWN GIRLFRIEND." 

"DO YOU? DO YOU REALLY?" Ace asks, narrowing his eye sockets. 

"Of course he does!" Taylor butts in again, jumping up to hug Black. "I've never lied to them! I can't believe you're accusing me of such horrible things! Where'd you even get those awful ideas?"

"FROM WHAT WE SAW, TAYLOR," Ace replies, looking flatly unamused. 

"You couldn't have saw anything because I never did any of it!" Taylor frowns, hugging Black tighter. Her eyes then grow wide and she says your name. "You met her didn't you? You can't believe anything she says! She's a liar!" 

"THAT WOULD MAKE SENSE," Black mutters to himself, glaring at the folder Blue's looking through with Stretch and Papyrus. 

"Did you get those photos from her?" Taylor glares, tears glistening in the corner of her eyes. "I bet she edited them to frame me!" 

"OF COURSE, LIKE WE JUST GOT ALL OF THOSE IN A DAY AND BELIEVED THE WORD OF ONE PERSON," Ace says, rolling his eyes. "THAT MAKES COMPLETE SENSE." 

"so, you did meet her?" Red asks, looking more interested. 

"And what does it matter if we did?" G asks, raising a brow bone at him. 

"is she okay?" Red asks, tilting his head. "an' where is she?" 

"WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING? I DON'T BELIEVE ANY OF US HAVE CONFIRMED KNOWING OR NOT KNOWING YOUR ROOMMATE," Aster comments, tapping his fingertips together. "REGARDLESS, SHE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR CONVERSATION HERE." 

"SHE DOES IF SHE'S WHERE YOU GOT THIS "INFORMATION" FROM," Black counters. 

"SHE'S NOT," Ace replies simply, shaking his skull. "WE GATHERED IT ON OUR OWN AND WASN'T AWARE OF YOUR SECOND ROOMMATE UNTIL WE CAME HERE." 

Ace glares at Sans for that, making him shrink down into his coat. 

"heh... sorry?" He mumbles, just making Guns and Ace's glare turn harsher. 

"Impossible!" Taylor yells, stomping a foot. "She's the only way you could've gotten those pictures!" 

"no. we got them ourselves," Guns repeats slowly, looking more annoyed by the second. 

G looks over at Blue and Stretch, who are talking quietly together. Then at Black who has a bit of a grimace on his face as he glances between Guns, Ace, and Taylor. 

"That's impossible!" Taylor screeches, stomping her foot again. 

"IT IS NOT. CONSIDERING YOU'VE BEEN SEEING THIS MAN FOR OVER A YEAR," Ace replies flatly, looking as annoyed as his brother. 

"I have not!" Taylor yells, then turns sharply to Sans. "Do something already would you?!" 

"AND WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST HE DOES TO US, TAYLOR?" Aster asks, shaking his head. Sans sinks a bit more into his coat. 

"NOTHING," Edge replies, finally standing up. He sighs, dusting his hands together. "BUT IF YOU SHARED EVERYTHING YOU KNOW, I BELIEVE IT'D BE BETTER IF WE HANDLED THIS OURSELVES NOW. INSTEAD OF YOU REPEATING EVERYTHING YOU SAID A FEW SECONDS AGO LIKE A BROKEN RECORD." 

"I suppose you're right," G sighs, hands reaching for his pocket. Guns and Ace sigh, nodding in agreement. "We've got other things to do and I could go for a smoke right about now." 

"seconded," Red grunts as he stands. "i'll walk yas out." 

Red pauses as Edge leans down and whispers to him, G waiting as Guns and Ace walk towards him. But then they're heading for the door. 

But Guns pauses in the living room archway, looking Black straight in the eye sockets as he pulls a cigar out of his coat. 

"ya know, i always took you as a guy who didn't like being played for a fool," he mentions, making Black's eye sockets narrow. "guess i was wrong." 

Guns then walks out, Ace offering a light. He takes it, joining the rest of them on the steps. 

"so, you have met our roommate?" Red brings up, leaning on the railing. G takes the cigarette out of his mouth, blowing the smoke into the air. 

"So what if we have?" 

"when'd you meet her?" Red asks. The four raise a brow bone, looking over him. "look, i meant what i said. my bro and i are done with taylor. i'm not tellin' her anythin'." 

"WE MET HER YESTERDAY," Aster admits, shrugging a shoulder. 

"huh. so her and mutt really weren't here then?" Red asks, glancing out at the driveway. 

"No. They weren't," G replies. 

"where are they?" Red asks, smoke curling between his fangs. 

"THAT'S NOT FOR US TO SAY," Ace steps in, leveling a look at Red. "THE LITTLE LADY WAS QUITE DISTRESSED YESTERDAY. I DON'T BELIEVE SHE'D LIKE TO SEE ANY OF YOU RIGHT NOW." 

"so you got the full story then," Red states, brow bones furrowing. 

"we did," Guns nods, eyeing the skeleton down. Red just grunts. G clasps Red on the shoulder, stomping out his cigarette. 

"You were an idiot, Bud," he states, making Red sigh and shake his skull. 

"i'm well aware, asshole."

Chapter Text

Mutt walks into Grey and Lunar's house, two bags on his shoulder, hearing the sound of chatting before he even opened the door. He glances over at the couch, finding you sitting there with Grey and Lilac on either side of you. Charmed and Lunar are no where in sight. 

You look a lot better. More comfortable and at ease than when he last saw you awake. It eases the tension clinging to his bones, allowing him to relax. 

You're still wearing his coat. 

"Mutt!" You call, smiling more when your eyes lock onto him. 

"hey, darlin'. how're you feeling?" Mutt asks, heading farther into the living room. 

"A lot better," you admit, leaning back into the couch. You eye the bags on Mutt's shoulder, then look at him again. 

"great," Mutt sighs, placing the bags on the floor. 

"hello again, mutt," Lilac greets, smiling pleasantly and leaning back into the green couch lazily. Mutt just nods to him and Grey. "how were things back at the lodge?" 

"normal," Mutt sighs, glancing towards you. Lilac glances your way, then looks back at Mutt. "the other four were just starting to talk when i left." 

So he doesn't want to talk about it with you in the room. Lilac hums at that, Grey huffing a bit. But neither of them press him on it, deciding it'd be better to wait.

"so, darlin', did lunar ask what you think about staying here for a bit?" Mutt asks, glancing between you and Grey. 

"They did ask," you confirm, looking over at Grey yourself. He just looks at you silently, Lilac looking between the three of you. You turn back to Mutt, shrugging a shoulder. "I agreed." 

Mutt nods. 

"so, what were you guys talking about?" 

"We Were Just Telling Her All About Our Travels," Charmed says, walking back into the conversation from upstairs. Lunar follows behind him, looking mildly amused. 

"yup," Lilac grins, leaning back into the couch while Grey rolls his eye light. "just getting to know each other. you have an interesting little human here, mutt." 

You blush at that, glancing away from the skeletons around you. 

"sure do," Mutt agrees, making your blush worsen. "glad to see you all are getting along."

"they're pompous little assholes," Grey comments, leaning back into the couch. "but amusing." 

"Grey," you and Lunar scold, Lilac making a mock offended face. Charmed just laughs, rather amused by his comment than offended. 

"Don't Worry Your Sweet Little Heart, Darling," Charmed smiles, placing a hand on your head. "That Is By Far Not The Worst Thing Ever Said About Us." 

"Still," you frown. Charmed just shakes his skull, sitting down on the arm by Lilac. 

"we've got thick skin," Lilac winks, looking as unbothered as ever. You smile a bit, Mutt and Grey snorting. "you don't need to worry about us." 

You nod, reluctantly letting it go with a sigh. 

Mutt finds himself smiling, sitting down on the floor in front of you. You certainly seem a lot more relaxed and he has to wonder what exactly Lilac and Charmed said to you for that to happen. Though the two do have a... way of making people relax around them. Not that it always works. 

You smile down at him as he leans his skull back on your lap, giving him a tap between his eye sockets. He swats your hand away like a fly.

"Would You Like To See What's On TV?" Lunar asks, looking over at everyone. 

"sure," Lilac shrugs, Charmed sliding down to sit next to Mutt as Lunar fiddles with their ancient TV setup. Afterwards he sits on the couch, sandwiching you between Grey and Lilac. You don't seem to mind. 

It's a while after that when there's a knock on the door. Lunar stands, going over to answer it before anyone else could. 

"Oh! Hello Again," he greets, stepping aside so the visitor can come in. It's the other four, apparently having finished talking to the lodge. 

"HELLO, LUNAR," Ace greets, then nodding to the others gathered on and in front of the sofa. "EVERYONE." 

You wave shyly, still smiling. Mutt just nods back, both Lilac and Charmed smiling lazily. 

"anything good on tv?" Guns asks, hands in his pocket. He seems relaxed, smile lazily placed on his skull. The other do too, all moving deeper into the house.

"eh. not really," Grey replies, leaning his head back. You snort. 

"Sans, You Fell Asleep Not Even Five Minutes In," Lunar frowns, looking back at his brother as he shuts the door. 

"come on, bro," Grey frowns, a joking whine in his tone. "you don't have to call me out like that." 

Lunar just rolls his eye lights, everyone else chuckling in amusement. 

"Well, good to see things are going well here," G comments, looking rather amused at seeing you calmly sitting among a bunch of skeletons. "Mind if we join the party for a bit?" 

"Please!" Lunar smiles, heading towards the kitchen. "I Was Just About To Get Started On Dinner." 

"Oh, Lunar," you speak up, looking towards the tallest skeleton. "Mind if I help?" 

"Not At All," Lunar smiles, looking quite happy with the offer. Mutt and Charmed scoot out of the way to let you join Lunar in the kitchen, the rest of the skeletons finding seats on the floor. Though Guns and Ace don't look particularly happy about it, they don't say anything.

"so, how'd it go?" Mutt asks quietly, looking between the four. 

"About a well as you said it would," G sighs, shaking his skull. "We didn't bring her up like you said and she still got blamed for "corrupting our opinion" of Taylor." 

"that doesn't surprise me," Mutt sighs, Grey just looking annoyed. 

"I Can't Believe They're Actually This Blind," Charmed frowns, cupping his jaw with a hand. 

"PRIME SANS DIDN'T SAY MUCH AND LOOKED SURPRISED," Aster brings up, head tilted. "I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE WHAT HE WAS THINKING. AND BLACK SEEMED TO BE IN DENIAL." 

"and the others?" Lilac asks curiously. 

"red and edge weren't surprised and backed us up," Guns replies, shrugging a shoulder. 

"Blue and Stretch were having their own conversation together, didn't hear most of it," G continues. He tilts his skull a bit, looking contemplative. "Neither seemed particularly happy. Prime Papyrus didn't have much to say either. But he looked upset." 

"WE LEFT COPIES OF EVERYTHING WE GATHERED THERE," Ace nods, crossing his arms tightly. "SO LETS HOPE THEY THINK ON IT A LITTLE MORE." 

"yeah," Mutt huffs, glancing towards the kitchen. 

They move on to other idle chatter until you and Lunar come out with the food, Charmed, G, and Aster standing to help bring all the plates out. You take a seat beside Mutt instead of on the couch, leaning back between Grey's legs. He pays you no mind. 

The rest of the night goes rather smoothly, you getting to know the new skeletons a bit more and everyone having a good time. But when it gets later and things start to wind down, they leave to head back to wherever they're staying leaving just you, Mutt, Grey, and Lunar. Grey has fallen asleep again, Lunar excusing himself to clean up a bit and insisting you relax while he does so. 

"i brought you some clothes in your bag," Mutt tells you, nodding to the two bags on the floor. "i'm gonna stay at the lodge, just to make sure nothin' happens. you alright with that?" 

You can hear his unasked question clearly. "Are you okay staying here by yourself?" 

"Yeah, that's alright," you sigh softly, glancing back at Grey who's still sleeping away. "Those other skeletons... do you trust them?" 

"to a point," Mutt shrugs, looking at you curiously. "why?" 

"They offered to help," you reply, leaning your head on your hand. "With these two and anything I need." 

"hmmm. i'd be careful of the debts you take from guns and ace, but the others are fine," Mutt nods, leaning back against the couch. "they're cool. and guns and ace aren't that bad either. just asses at times." 

You nod slowly, glancing away from Mutt. 

"that what you talked with lilac and charmed about?" Mutt asks curiously. You snort, looking at him in amusement. 

"Nosy," you comment, making Mutt grin. "But yeah. That and they did tell us about some of the places they've been. They've traveled to so many places. Did you know they've gone to Rome and Paris?" 

"really?" Mutt chuckles, looking at you in amusement. 

"Yeah. They promised to send me a postcard the next time they go somewhere," you smile, amused. Mutt just laughs, shaking his skull. 

"angel, you have no idea what you just started." 

You look at him confused, but Mutt just continues to laugh. He knows you're going to be getting so many postcards and weird souvenirs now, or at least that was his experience. But maybe they'll be a little nicer to you, who knows?

At least it seems like you've made some new friends. 

_____

Blue stands in the kitchen with Stretch sitting on the counter beside him, Stretch twisting his hands together restlessly as he looks anywhere but at his older brother. Blue stirs some meat in a pan, having decided to cook dinner tonight by himself. He doubts many of them are going to be eating tonight anyway. 

Mutt's gone who knows where, probably wherever you are and who knows when you two are coming back. Sans disappeared as soon as G, Aster, Guns, and Ace left, probably back into the basement again. Black and Taylor went upstairs, Taylor sniffling all the way. Papyrus was still in the living room the last time Blue checked, Edge having headed outside to speak with Red. 

No one talked after those four left. The conversation ended there, Taylor refusing to talk about it more and Sans having disappeared again. So, everyone went their separate ways. 

At least Blue can talk to Stretch more now. 

"I'M NOT MAD, BUT WHY DIDN'T YOU COME AND TALK TO ME ABOUT THIS EARLIER, PAPYRUS?" Blue asks, looking up at Stretch. He winces, staring at a spot on the wall. 

"i... i didn't.... i didn't want to get you involved until i talked to taylor. i... i didn't know... i didn't believe what i saw and.... after i didn't know... how to tell you," Stretch admits, rubbing the back of his neck. He winces, gripping his sweatshirt with his other hand tightly. "our girlfriend of almost three years just... she..." 

"CHEATED AND LIED TO US," Blue frowns, stabbing the meat with the spatula a little harder than he intended to. 

If you were right then... it sounds like she did a lot more than just that too.

"why... uh... why didn't you come to me earlier either?" Stretch asks nervously, finally looking at his brother again. 

"FOR THE SAME REASONS, I SUPPOSE," Blue sighs, shaking his skull. "AND I JUST TALKED TO TAYLOR THE OTHER DAY... I WAS COMING TO TALK TO YOU BEFORE THE OTHERS SHOWED UP, AFTER TALKING WITH PRIME PAPYRUS. HE'S BEEN ACTING STRANGE, I'M A BIT WORRIED ABOUT HIM."

Stretch's brow furrows at that and he nods, looking at the floor again with a sigh. Blue silently continues cooking for a while, the two stewing in today's events. 

"what happens now?" Stretch asks quietly. 

"NOTHING, I GUESS," Blue sighs, not exactly looking happy about his words. "NOT UNTIL PRIME SANS DECIDES TO GET OFF HIS COCCYX. AND BELIEVES EVERYTHING." 

"guns and ace brought evidence. and red and edge backed it up. and you and me," Stretch frowns. "that's gotta mean something, right?" 

"HOPEFULLY," Blue shrugs, looking at Stretch again. He sighs at the look on Stretch’s face, patting his knee. "I'M SURE EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT IN THE END. YOU AND RED WILL JUST HAVE TO TALK TO SANS ABOUT THIS. MAYBE HE'LL LISTEN TO YOU BOTH." 

"and you'll get to talk to black and papyrus with edge," Stretch huffs, glancing down at the food in the pan. Blue sighs and shakes his head. 

"I DOUBT EDGE SAYING ANYTHING TO BLACK WILL HELP. THEY'RE IN A NASTY FIGHT AT THE MOMENT." 

"yeah," Stretch frowns, sighing afterwards at the thought of those two. It's just like when they first arrived here. 

"ALRIGHT. THIS IS DONE," Blue sighs, taking the pan off the heat. "LETS GO EAT AND SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WANTS SOME." 

Stretch nods, hopping off the counter to follow his brother into the dining room. Tacos sound good right about now.

They can deal with everything else tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Black taps his phalanges against his arm, staring blankly at the wall as Taylor talks to him. His mind somewhere else at the moment. 

Those photos couldn't have been real... could they? Taylor... she wouldn't do that. She wouldn't... would she? 

He knows Guns and Ace are thorough with what they do, it comes with the territory of their universe. They don't just believe what they're told without evidence, without credible evidence and doing their own investigation. They had to with what they were doing, be careful like that. 

But this is Taylor, his girlfriend. His girlfriend. He.... he knows her. He does. He's... he's sure of that. He... he... 

Mutt sounded so sure when he said that human man doesn't know you. That you weren't home all night, he was with you the entire time. Red and Edge hadn't doubted their evidence, even agreed with them. No one else defended her....

As he looks back, he remembers all the times he... didn't know what Taylor was doing or where she was. But... she's an adult, he doesn't have to always know her every move. He... trusts her to not go behind his back, betray that trust. 

....The times she wasn't where she said she was....

... The odd smells and noise in her room...

"Black, are you listening to me?" Black looks up as Taylor's voice cuts through his thoughts, finding her standing in front of him. 

"OF COURSE, DEAR," Black smiles, leaning back in his seat a bit. Taylor looks skeptical, eyeing him. "YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL." 

"Thanks," Taylor replies, flipping her hair back. "As I was saying, I can't believe no one else stuck up for me against those lies. Especially Sans. How could they?" 

"I DON'T KNOW," Black replies, watching her dig through her closet. It's... a mess. 

"Everything they said was absolutely awful. Guns and Ace are hardly ever here, how would they know anything?" Taylor continues, scoffing at the end of her sentence. "They must have met her and she filled their heads with nonsense." 

Black hums in agreement without thinking, lights becoming a little dimmer again as he thinks. Taylor turns, looking frustrated and angry. 

"And I can't believe Edge bought her a necklace as an apology gift," she scoffs, crossing her arms. "She really must have twisted his mind if he thought he had something to apologize for!" 

"RIDICULOUS," Black says absently, nodding. 

"Thank you!" Taylor says, gesturing harshly at him. She sighs in frustration, looking a him with a pout. Black focuses in again, looking right at her. "You believe me, right? Everyone else is turning against me, you're the only one I can count on anymore." 

"OF COURSE I DO," Black nods, though feels like he's lying through his teeth. "I KNOW YOU BETTER THAN THAT." 

"Good. I just.. don't know what I would do without you. If you left..." Taylor doesn't finish that thought, sitting down in his lap and kissing him. 

Even as he said it, he could feel the doubt creeping into his mind. 

The more he thinks about it... the more he feels like he doesn’t know her at all.. 

..

.

Ridiculous. 

_____

Papyrus walks through the silent halls of the lodge, everyone either shut in their bedrooms or gone. No one around or talking to each other. 

He wonders how it got like this.... 

Everything was so good... then it changed at some point and everything just... fell apart before he could even notice it. 

Papyrus rubs his arm, feeling tired and low. But he needs to eat something, regain his strength after...... after that. Then... then maybe he can rest for a little bit. Just a little. 

He meanders towards the kitchen, but pauses right by the basement doorway. It's shut as tight as it always is, a physical blockade to his brother. 

He wonders how Sans is doing with all of this. How he's feeling, what he's doing. His brother's never really been forthcoming with his emotions, especially in the later years. But... but Papyrus never expected to be... shut out like this, for Sans to avoid talking to him all together....

He'd... he'd.... There's some things.... Papyrus would really like to talk to his big brother about....

Papyrus grips his arm tighter, almost raising a hand to knock on the door.... But he doesn’t, knowing he's not likely to get an answer anyway. 

He shakes his skull and heads into the kitchen, glancing through the cupboards for something high in magic. He thought they had a bag of Monster Candies somewhere in here, but he's not finding it. 

Well, there is Sea Tea and that'll work just as good. 

Papyrus pours himself a glass and slowly drinks it, leaning against the counters. He can feel it restoring his health bit by bit, the painful ache in his bones lessening. 

He sighs in relief after the entire glass is finished, quickly washing the cup in the sink before heading back towards his room. Blue's not home right now, having gone somewhere with Stretch. Brotherly bonding, Papyrus supposes. It's certainly overdue for a lot of them. 

Papyrus pauses, looking over at your door. He's... He doesn't think you're back yet... but he... he hopes.... maybe he could- you did say that-

A creak in the floorboards startles him, making him whip his head around in a panic. He relaxes slightly when he sees it's just Mutt coming up the stairs. Though Mutt raises a brow bone at him, eyeing his tense posture. 

"hey, papyrus," Mutt greets, leaning back on his feet. "you okay there? you're lookin' a little tense." 

"I'M FINE. JUST A BIT TIRED," Papyrus replies nervously, glancing towards Taylor's room. 

"you've been tired a lot these days," Mutt mentions, tilting his skull. His eye lights follow Papyrus' momentary gaze before returning to the other skeleton, brow bones furrowed. "s'not like you."

"IT'S JUST BEEN.... MORE STRESSFUL, I SUPPOSE," Papyrus replies, trying to keep up his smile. He's not sure it's working, beginning to sweat under Mutt's critical eye light. "H-HOW IS YOUR HUMAN?" 

"she's doing alright," he replies, shrugging a shoulder. "how're you doing with all this?" 

"I'M FINE. I'M DOING FINE," Papyrus repeats quickly, still not looking at the other skeleton. 

"really?" Mutt asks, raising a brow bone. 

"YES!" Papyrus replies, clenching his hands so they'll stop shaking. 

"okay," Mutt relents, heading towards his room. Papyrus sighs in relief, though Mutt doesn't seem like he believes him. "i've got some homework to do. see ya around." 

"OF COURSE, SEE YOU AROUND, MUTT!" Papyrus nearly darts upstairs, falling onto his bed with a groan. The ache in his bones feels like it returned just from talking to Mutt for a minute, feeling like he's talking a stranger instead of someone he's lived with for three years. 

He hopes Taylor didn't overhear the conversation.....

.....When did it get like this?

_____

You walk into Grey and Lunar's house after school, rubbing your forehead with a sigh. 

It's been a long day, nothing bad. Just regular school stress and people. You're glad to be back here. 

"Welcome Back," Lunar cheerfully greets, waving from where he's sitting. Grey sits slumped on the couch, looking to be asleep. 

"Thanks," you smile, letting your school bag fall into your hand. 

"How Was School?" Lunar asks, looking interested. 

"Normal," you sigh, lifting your bag up a bit. "Got some homework to finish." 

"normal for you is never good," Grey comments, cracking an eye socket open. 

"School normal is good," you reply, walking over to the couch to sit down. "No one really bothers me there and I've got a friend I talk to. Nothing like the lodge." 

"Well, That's Good!" Lunar says, watching you pull out your homework and pencil. You just nod with a hum, getting to work so you can finish this already. 

It feels weird to do homework without Mutt there beside you, but Grey and Lunar do take a mild interest in what you're doing. Grey lazily watching you work through the paper, occasionally pointing something he noticed out, and Lunar being very curious about the subject, good for bouncing solutions to problems off of. They both helped in their own ways. 

You glance at your phone as a text notification goes off, opening it to see who messaged you. Oh, it's G. 

You had talked with Lilac and Charmed about wanting to help Grey and Lunar, them offering to chip in for the costs. But they also recommended that you talk to G and Aster about the doctor visit, so you messaged G. 

G: So you're wanting to take them to the doctor? 

You: Yeah. Mutt suggested the dentist for Lunar first tho

G: Fair enough. Aster and I were thinking about that too. We can cover the doctor's visit.

You: You don't have to pay for it all! Mutt and I were going to save up for it

G: That's not what I meant. Aster's become the unofficial doctor of the lodge. He was thinking about giving them a check up.

You: Oh really?

G: Yeah. Was going to ask them about it.

G: We'll chip in for the dentist fund too though 

You: Thanks

You look up at both the brothers, remembering you haven't even told them about any of this yet. With how crazy everything's been, it kind of just slipped your mind. 

"Hey, guys," you speak up, making them both look at you. "I've been meaning to tell you, or uhm ask you, Mutt and I are working on saving up to get enough money to take you-" you point towards Lunar "-to the dentist." 

Grey deliberately blinks, Lunar raising a hand to his teeth. 

"Lilac, Charmed, G, and Aster offered to help," you add, glancing at your phone again. "You guys okay with that?" 

".... you're really... saving your money.. to take him to the dentist?" Grey asks, staring at you. 

"Yeah," your reply, glancing over at Lunar. "I remember you saying that it hurt to bite down." 

"You Remember That?" Lunar asks, surprised. 

"Yeah," you nod, glancing between them a few times. "Are you okay with us doing this though?" 

"Yes! Thank You," Lunar smiles, looking a little teary-eyed. "But You Don't Have To!" 

"But I want to," you reply, shrugging a little bit. 

"... yeah, thanks," Grey nods, smile a little lax. 

"Oh, But How Are We Going To Get There?" Lunar asks, a bit confused. "Prime Sans Said We Aren't Supposed To Go Into Town." 

"who cares what he said," Grey grumbles, hand crawling up to his eye socket. You take it instead, Grey giving you a mildly annoyed look for it. 

"He didn't say which town you weren't supposed to go into. There's a lot of towns around here," you point out, smiling. 

Grey chuckles at that, Lunar's brow bones furrowed. You sigh, shaking your head. 

"He doesn't want you in the big city where you could be recognized," you respond, smiling a bit. "But there's dentists in other cities where there's not a lot of people who would. We'll go there." 

"I Don’t Like The Thought Of Breaking The Rules. Or Having You Break Them For Me," Lunar frowns, glancing to the side. "I Wouldn't Want To Get You In More Trouble." 

"Mutt's working on an idea about how to get you out without anyone noticing. It won't be too hard considering.... everything," you cringe, thinking about how little anyone pays attention to them and how little Sans ever even comes out of the basement. "I wouldn't be in anymore trouble than I already am. And you should be able to go see a dentist. Plus, Sans isn't even supposed to be keeping you here. Not against your will." 

"what.. do you mean?" Grey asks, looking at you confused. 

"It's technically against the law," you shrug. "Just.. monster law right now but it's being discussed with the government at the moment. No monster is allowed to be wrongfully imprisoned or held against their will..... Something to that nature." 

"so... he can't keep us here... if we don't want to stay?" Grey asks, looking rather pleased with this information. 

"Nope," you reply, smiling a bit more. "I do suggest still being careful though. I don't think anyone would really believe interdimensional travel is really possible, but probably best not to let it get out that it happened." 

Grey chuckles, Lunar nodding.

"does everyone else know you know about it?" Grey asks, leaning back in his seat. "can't imagine any of them told you." 

"Mutt did after we met you both," you tell him, leaning your head on the back of the couch. "But as far as I know, only Sans and Red do.. maybe. They could've told someone else, I don't know." 

"Does The Other Human Know About It?" Lunar asks curiously. 

"I have no idea. I hope not," you frown, sighing a bit. "If she does, lets just hope no one believes her.." 

"you think she’d tell?" Grey asks, glancing past you. 

"It wouldn't surprise me, if just to get back at everyone," you sigh, shaking your head. 

Grey just grunts, Lunar looking a little nervous. 

Chapter Text

"Are You Sure About This?" Lunar asks nervously, glancing around. He's rubbing his jaw, just under his teeth.

"Yes," you patiently assure for the seventh time that morning, smiling lightly as you lead him and Grey towards the side of the road where you parked your suburban. "It'll be fine, I promise." 

"Alright," Lunar frowns, glancing around. 

"where we going again?" Grey frowns, eye light darting around the trees. 

"Grocery shopping," you reply, glancing at him. Though you look up at Lunar again. "Maybe we can pick up a pair reading glasses for you too. If you'd like." 

"Why?" Lunar asks, looking down at you in confusion. 

"Help you see better," you shrug, glancing away. "If you think you need it, anyway." 

"I'm Willing To Try It, If You Think It's A Good Idea," Lunar nods, making you smile a bit. Grey tugs at his eye socket. 

"so... we're going out in public?" Grey asks, you nodding in response. "you have anything to cover... this up?" 

He points up at his skull, your eyes briefly flitting to the gapping hole cracked into it. 

....Yeah, that probably does gain a lot of unwanted attention. 

"I'll see if I still have a hat in the glove box. I don't think it was taken out," you offer. He nods slowly, the three of you finally coming out of the trees. 

"thanks," Grey says as you hand him the beanie that was luckily still in the car, fitting it over his skull. It sags a little over the hole, the top sticking up weirdly. You reach up and smooth the top down, unintentionally cutting Grey off as he was about to say something due to surprise. 

"No problem. We ready to go?" You ask, satisfied with the beanie now laying flatter. 

"Yes!" Lunar smiles, folding into the car. Grey takes a moment, but climbs in as well. 

"Okay, lets go!" 

_____ 

"Wowie," Lunar mumbles, looking around the store. "It's Been So Long Since We've Been In A Store Like This." 

"Yeah?" You ask, looking up at him while grabbing a cart. Lunar just nods, still looking all around. "Well, lets go look around. This place has a nice variety of monster food too." 

"really?" Grey asks, looking around a lot more lazily than his brother. 

"Yeah. Some bigger chain stores have started including monster products," you shrug, glancing around. "Humans buy it too, so.." 

Grey just grunts, eyeing the people staring at the three of you. 

"Lets Go Look Around," Lunar smiles, motioning you forward. You smile back, Grey following the both of you as you shop around. 

"Sans, Look! They Have Puppydough Ice Cream!" Lunar smiles, looking into the freezer. 

"huh. i see it, bro," Grey grins, glancing at the selection himself. 

"I'm guessing you like that ice cream?" You ask in mild amusement, looking between the two of them. 

"Yes, I Haven't Had It In A Long Time," Lunar sighs, looking back at you. 

"You can grab some," you offer, looking at the price. "It's not like I ever got strict rules on what foods I can and can't buy for you both." 

"Really?" Lunar asks, looking a bit excited. You nod with a hum, Lunar happily grabbing a tub of the ice cream. 

"why are you.... calculating the prices?" Grey asks, looking over your shoulder as you put in the price of the ice cream. 

"There's a limit to the card," you shrug, looking up at the monster. "There's always a little left over though, so no worries adding the ice cream." 

"heh," Grey huffs, pulling at the beanie a bit. You grab a regular tub of vanilla ice cream too, setting it away from Grey and Lunar's groceries. 

"I have something I want to make you both tonight," you answer when they give you questioning looks. They just smile and nod. 

You walk around the food sections a bit more, you and Lunar comparing prices and brands, but you look around when your name is suddenly called. 

"Oh, hey G," you greet, Grey and Lunar glancing back as the said skeleton walks up to the three of you. "Doing some shopping of your own?" 

"Yeah," he grins easily, leaning over the handle of his own shopping cart. "Surprised to see you all here." 

He glances at Grey and Lunar specifically. 

"just doing our own shopping," Grey replies, his grin humorless. Lunar shifts restlessly, like a child who got caught doing something wrong. "nothing wrong with that." 

"That's true," G agrees, glancing over at you for a moment. You just shrug, looking over at Lunar. "Mind if I join you?" 

"Sure!" Lunar agrees quickly, wringing his hands together. You place a hand on his arm, squeezing a bit. "We Were Just Going To Look At The Glasses." 

"Glasses?" G wonders, following behind as you start moving. 

"Reading glasses," you clarify, pointing towards your own eyes. G nods with a hum, lazily following behind the three of you. 

There's a rack of said reading glasses towards the front, you and Lunar shifting through them until you find the ones that actually help. Which... are the strongest pair available.... 

...... Yeah, he probably really needs a pair of prescription lenses.....

But these will do for now! 

Lunar picks out a pair of the glasses he likes, a tortoiseshell one that looks rather cute on him as he holds them against his skull. 

"You look good," you compliment as he looks all around. Lunar turns towards you at your words, smiling brightly. 

"Thank You!" 

"So you can see better with those?" G asks, raising a brow bone curiously. 

"Yes! Much Better!" Lunar beams, now looking at him. "I Can Actually See My Friends Now!" 

"That's great," you grin, a bit saddened that this had to be such a big moment. But happy for him nonetheless. "Lets go get checked out and buy them. Before the ice cream melts." 

They agree and you head over to the lines. G steps up behind you after you separate Grey and Lunar's groceries from your purchases and the glasses. 

"I can help you pay for all this," he offers, glancing over everything. You smile, but shake your head. 

"I'm not paying for their groceries," you tell him, pulling out the card Sans gave you. "The lodge is. Sans gave me this. Has a limited amount of money put in for each month I need to budget for." 

"Why aren't you putting Lunar's glasses with their groceries then?" G then asks, glancing up at the two listening in before back at you. 

"I'd rather not push my luck," you reply with a shrug, turning back to the belt to making sure everything's where it's supposed to be. "I was told the card was only for food, nothing else. If I try to buy anything other than that, they'll likely accuse me of stealing money. Even if it is something for them." 

You shake your head with a sigh, shrugging. 

"I'm surprised they trusted me with this in the first place," you add, looking over your shoulder at him again. "Though I'm sure Sans thinks Mutt and Edge are always with me when I go shopping." 

"Huh," G huffs, leaning against the conveyor belt. His brow bones furrowed in contemplation, looking over you then Grey and Lunar. Both of whom look annoyed and upset respectively. But you all get checked out and head out towards your vehicles. 

"Would you three want to come visit while you're in town?" G asks, looking at the three of you. "Aster and I don't live that far from here." 

"Oh, Are You Sure?" Lunar asks, glancing around a bit. "Aster Wouldn't Mind?" 

"No. He needs more socialization anyway," G grins, waving a hand. Grey just narrows his eye sockets, examining him while Lunar looks at you. 

You shut the back of your car, then look at them. 

"I don't mind. It's up to you," you shrug, smiling lightly. "But we do have frozens remember. Human frozen foods too." 

"We have a freezer you can stick it in until you leave," G offers, shrugging a shoulder. 

"don't you have something you wanted to make?" Grey asks, looking at you again. 

"Yeah, but it only takes like a minute to do," you reply, shrugging a bit. 

"Then... Then It Would Be Fine To Visit For A Bit," Lunar smiles, looking back at G. Who just grins and nods. 

"Great," he says, then looks at you with a grin. "Mind if I hitch a ride? I didn't drive here." 

You give a thumbs up, shoving the cart into a cart coral. Then everyone climbs into your suburban and off you go. 

_____

"Aster!" G calls as he lets you into his nice one story house. He motions you over to the living room before setting his groceries in the kitchen and heading down a hall. 

G and Aster have a nice house, decently big and rather spacious. Obviously big enough for the both of them. Sparsely decorated, but you notice a guitar leaned against the wall. 

Lunar sits close to you, Grey on the other side. They’re both glancing around the area tensely, Lunar worrying the fabric of his gloves while Grey is pulling at his hat. 

"Hey," you speak up, gaining their attention. "You both okay?" 

"I'm Fine," Lunar replies, purposely placing his hands on his lap. You take one and give it a squeeze, Lunar carefully squeezing back. 

"i... don't like being out here," Grey grumbles, glancing at the window behind the three of you. 

"I don't think G or Aster are going to try anything," you tell him, smiling softly. "G seems pretty chill all things considered." 

"looks are deceiving," Grey grumbles, sinking into his coat a bit. 

"Like you?" You ask, a bit of an amused tone in your voice. Grey takes a moment to process that, but G and Aster walk in before he can say anything. 

"HELLO AGAIN," Aster smiles, waving at the three of you. "I APOLOGIZE FOR TAKING SO LONG, BUT IT'S GOOD TO SEE ALL OF YOU AGAIN!" 

"Nice to see you too, Aster," you smile, Lunar squeezing your hand again.

"HOW HAVE ALL OF YOU BEEN?" Aster asks, sitting himself in a chair across from the couch the three of you are in. 

"Good!" Lunar replies, squinting just a bit. "We've been good." 

"Lunar, we've got some tape if you'd like to put those glasses on," G offers, examining the skeleton. Lunar squirms a bit, you squeezing his hand back.

"Oh! Uh, Thank You," Lunar says, looking towards you. 

"I can go grab them from the car," you offer, Grey tightening his hold for a moment. "It'll only take a second." 

"GLASSES?" Aster asks, looking between the four of you. 

"We got Lunar some reading glasses while at the store," you explain, Aster nodding in response. He glances between the three of you and G for a moment, then seems to settle his gaze on Lunar. 

"AND THEY HELP?" Aster asks, looking back at tallest skeleton. 

"Yes, They Do," Lunar admits, glancing away for a moment. 

"WELL, THAT'S GOOD," Aster smiles, clasping his hands together. "I'M GLAD YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SEE BETTER." 

"Me Too," Lunar replies, rubbing the back of his neck. You smile lightly, squeezing his hand. 

"Do you want me to go get them?" You ask, looking up at the taller monster. He glances back at Grey, then you. 

"I'll Come With You," he says, you nodding in response. It only takes a second to grab them, G handing Lunar the tape once you're back inside. Grey relaxes slightly once you've both sat back down by him. 

"SO, I'M SURE YOU'RE AWARE THAT THEY'RE SAVING TO BRING YOU TO A DENTIST, CORRECT?" Aster asks, motioning to you and Lunar. 

"she's told us, yeah," Grey replies, fidgeting with his hat again. "why?" 

"Was wondering if you'd let Aster do a check up," G answers, glancing at you for a moment. 

"YES. I'VE BECOME THE UNOFFICIAL DOCTOR OF THE LODGE," Aster explains, glancing towards his brother in slight annoyance. "IT'D JUST BE TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT WITH..." 

Aster just looks over at Grey for a moment, said skeleton looking unamused. 

"Oh, You Don't Have To. My Brother Is Stable," Lunar blinks, glancing down at you for a moment. 

"I'm sure you're right," G nods, hands held up in surrender. He shrugs a shoulder, glancing over both of them. "But it wouldn't hurt to check again. Just to be safe." 

"IT'S ONLY IF YOU AGREE," Aster adds, hands up. "THERE'S PLENTY OF RESOURCES AND MEDICAL TREATMENTS UP HERE. WE MAY NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU BOTH OR WHAT YOUR UNDERGROUND WAS LIKE, BUT..." 

"doubt there's a way to fix this," Grey snorts, tapping a phalange against his skull. 

"Wait... You Don't Know Anything?" Lunar asks, blinking at them in surprise. 

"Nope. The lodge hasn't told us anything," G sighs, looking just slightly miffed. He crosses his arms and glances at you again, looking slightly curious. "Until recently, we hadn't even known you were here." 

"GUNS AND ACE WERE MORE IRRITATED BY THE LODGE'S LACK OF COMMUNICATION IN THAT REGARD," Aster sighs, shaking his skull. He's rather exasperated, annoyed himself. "CONSIDERING THEY ARE IN CHARGE OF KEEPING TRACK OF EVERYONE. G DOES HELP THEM, HOWEVER." 

"Yeah. Can't say they were too happy," G chuckles. "Still aren't, considering Sans isn't currently answering their calls." 

"really?" Grey asks, raising a brow bone. G just nods, looking between them. 

"So? Would you two be up for a quick check up?" He asks, tilting his head a bit. "Just to ease any worries. Aster has studied for years, in case you were worried about that." 

Grey and Lunar look at each other for a few minutes, Lunar twisting the fabric of his gloves around his hands. Grey sighs, slowly moving his eye light back to the two across from the three of you. 

"some other time," he grumbles, turtling into his jacket a bit. 

"Sure thing," G grins easily. "Whenever you want, just give us a call." 

Grey nods, Lunar nervously smiling back. You just squeeze their hands, smiling softly. 

Chapter Text

"I'll come back soon," you assure both Lunar and Grey as you heft your bag over your shoulder. "But Mutt's said it's okay to come back now, so you can finally have more of your space back again." 

You've spent an entire week at their house already, Mutt giving you short updates about the going ons in your absence. Apparently the others' visit didn't actually do much... Which is.... disappointing to say the least. 

"we're not really worried about that, sunshine," Grey comments, looking distastefully over your shoulder at something unseen. Probably the lodge. "sure you want to go back?" 

"Yeah, unfortunately," you sigh, your grin humorless. "I have to go back so I can get some things. Can't exactly leave everything there." 

"But You Will Come Back Later?" Lunar asks, worrying the fabric of his gloves as he watches you nervously. 

"Of course," you smile, reaching out and taking his hands. "I love spending time with you both." 

"heh.. same here," Grey mumbles while Lunar just blushes with a big smile. 

"Alright. I'll see you guys later," you smile, heading over to the door. 

"Bye," Lunar frowns, Grey just watching. 

It's not like you really wanted to go, but it's not like you avoid it forever. 

_____ 

"yer back." 

That makes you freeze on the staircase, sighing afterwards. You were hoping to be able to get to your room unnoticed. Looks like that's not happening. 

You turn slightly, seeing Red standing there with a raised brow bone. 

"where the hell were ya fer entire week?" He asks, eye lights examining you. 

"Does it matter?" You asks hesitantly, hand clutching the rail. Red shrugs, looking a little conflicted. 

"i know mutt didn't stay with ya," he comments, glancing past you. "was surprised. he set you up in some hotel or somethin'?" 

"No," you reply, glancing towards the landing. "But does it really matter where I was?" 

"i.. guess not," Red shrugs, looking away from you. "just... ya weren't with those two were ya?" 

"What two?" You ask, brows furrowing. 

"tha psychotic two in tha woods," Red replies, frown deepening. 

"They're not psychotic," you frown, grip tightening more. "Don't call them that." 

"fuckin' hell. ya were?" Red looks a lot more alarmed than he should. "the fuck were ya thinkin'?! the mutt actually let ya?!"

"What does it matter, Red?" You frown, not liking the way he's reacting. You take a step back, up another step. 

"ya stayed with tha freak shows fer a week! they coulda killed ya!" Red responds, throwing a hand out. "why were ya there?!" 

"Don't call them that," you repeat, glaring at him. "And they wouldn't kill me." 

"don't ya know what they did?!" Red argues, leaning forward slightly. "yer lucky they didn't make ya a snack!"

"What are you talking about?" You ask, brows furrowing deeper as you take another step back. 

"they ate humans! didn't the mutt tell ya anything?" Red yells, looking at you in disbelief. You blink in surprise, staring at him for a moment. 

"No.. he didn't," you reply, looking over the skeleton. Red just growls, seemingly not at you, and rubs a hand down his face, frustrated. 

"fuckin' hell." 

"darlin'." Mutt finally makes an appearance, standing at the top of the stairs. He glances between you and Red a couple of times, walking down the steps until he reaches you. Red glares at him. 

"ya seriously left her with grey and lunar all week?" He growls, Mutt frowning as he eyes Red back. 

"yep." 

"ya tryin' ta get 'er killed?!" Red snaps, tossing his hands out in disbelief. 

"they didn't kill her," Mutt responds, gesturing towards you. "she's right here, alive and well." 

Red just groans and drags a hand down his face again. Mutt wraps an arm around your shoulders, pulling you up another step. 

"come on," he mumbles, leading you towards your room. Once you're inside and the door is shut, you turn to him. 

"Did Grey and Lunar really eat humans?" You ask, eyebrows raised. You notice sweat begin to collect on Mutt's skull, said skeleton rubbing the back of his neck. 

"yeah.. they did," he replies, not looking at you. 

"Why didn't you tell me?" You frown, eyes darting all over his skull. He winces, turtling into his jacket. 

"sorry.. i didn't want to freak ya out," he frowns, still not looking at you. You just stare at him, eyebrow raised. He sweats more, raising his hands in surrender. "i wouldn't have left you there alone if i thought you were in any danger! you know that, right?" 

".... Yeah," you nod, finally letting your bag drop to the floor. You shake your head and start getting everything in there unpacked, your frown persisting. 

This... is definitely something you're going to have to talk with Grey and Lunar about. 

_____

You hear your name hesitantly and quietly called, making you pause. Glancing back, you see Papyrus standing behind you looking conflicted and rubbing his arm. 

"Hey, Papyrus," you greet softly, looking over him once. He looks really nervous, like he's about ready to bolt. "Do you need something?" 

"I… YOU SAID BEFORE…. THAT I COULD COME TO YOU IF…. IF I… IF..." Papyrus stutters, glancing away from you again and squeezing his arm tighter. You notice he's shaking slightly, making your brows scrunch. 

"Do you want to talk?" You ask, voice still soft and gentle. Papyrus nods. 

"IT'S ALRIGHT IF YOU'RE BUSY!" He says quickly, still not looking at you. "I JUST- YOU SAID-" 

"Papyrus," you cut in, making the skeleton flinch. "It's alright. I remember telling you that you can come talk to me." 

Papyrus relaxes, just a bit, at those words. He finally looks at you again, smiling just a little. 

"Do you want to go to my room or yours?" You then ask, glancing around. 

"MY.. MY ROOM IF THAT'S OKAY," Papyrus replies, rubbing his arm again. "BLUE WON'T BE BACK FOR A WHILE." 

"Sure," you reply, turning towards the stairs to the attic. Papyrus leads you in, over to what is his side of the room.

It's really clear that two people live in this room, different things inhabiting different spaces. Two beds, desks, dressers, and bookshelves. Some different decorations hanging on the walls, one of them being a pirate flag. There's a table of action figures too, resting against the wall. 

You sit down at the desk closet to the bed Papyrus sits on, making yourself comfortable before looking back at the nervous skeleton. 

"What'd you want to talk about?" You ask softly. Papyrus still jumps, you frown at that. "Are you okay, Papyrus?" 

"I… I'M FINE. BUT.. PROMISE YOU WON'T TELL ANYONE?" Papyrus asks, looking at you with a pleading look. 

You're… getting a bad feeling. 

"I…. Sure, Papyrus," you hesitantly agree, brows furrowing. He looks relieved, just making you worry more. 

"DO.. YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU ASKED IF TAYLOR… IF SOMETHING HAPPENED?" Papyrus asks. You nod, a pit forming in your stomach. "I… AFTER… TAYLOR HEARD…. SHE SAW YOU HUG ME THAT DAY. SHE… GOT MAD.." 

Your stomach twists, Papyrus trailing off and rubbing his arm again. His face twists into a grimace, his other hand clutching the blankets. 

"... What happened then?" You nudge, gripping the seat of the chair a bit tighter. 

"SHE DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Papyrus defends immediately, looking up at you. He hasn't even said what she did. "SHE DIDN'T! IT'S JUST…. SHE WAS REALLY ANGRY AND-AND-!" 

"Papyrus, what'd she do?" You ask, keeping your voice soft despite the dread sinking into your bones. 

"SHE… THREW SOMETHING AT ME," Papyrus replies, rubbing his arm. "IT.. IT HIT ME AND.. IT DROPPED MY HP." 

Your eyes widen at the admission. She.. threw something at him?

"SHE DIDN'T MEAN TO!" Papyrus repeats, waving his hands frantically. "SHE APOLOGIZED AND PROMISED NOT TO DO IT AGAIN.. BUT-!" 

"Hang on just a moment please, Papyrus," you cut in hesitantly. He instantly shuts up, looking at you worriedly. "I'm sorry, but what is HP?" 

"I-IT’S LIKE… HEALTH IN SOME SURFACE VIDEO GAMES," Papyrus explains, glancing away again. "MONSTERS CALL IT HOPE. IT'S JUST HOW MUCH SOMEONE CAN BE HIT BEFORE THEY DUST." 

"Okay," you nod, feeling more horror that Taylor made that drop. "Again, I'm sorry for interrupting you. Please, go on. You were saying Taylor promised not to do it again? Did she?" 

"SHE… SHE FOUND OUT I TOOK YOU OUT TO EAT.. I DON'T KNOW HOW AND SHE DIDN'T SAY," Papyrus admits, making you frown more. "SHE GOT REALLY MAD…." 

Papyrus trails off again, staring at the floor as he tightly grips his arm. 

"Did she throw something at you again?" You ask worriedly. 

".... SHE.. SHE HIT ME," Papyrus says, rubbing his ribcage through his shirt. Your eyes widen in horror. "SHE.. ACCUSED ME OF CHEATING A-AND WOULDN'T BELIEVE ME WHEN I TRIED TO EXPLAIN…" 

You stand when tears begin to fill his eye sockets. He flinches when you slowly walk over to him, you pausing to hold out your arms in an offer for a hug. He shakily accepts the hug after a moment, you sitting down onto the bed beside him. 

"SHE… SHE SAID REALLY.. REALLY HURTFUL THINGS AND-AND WOULDN'T… WOULDN'T STOP," Papyrus sniffs, burying his skull into your shoulder. You rub his back, shushing quietly. "I… I WANTED TO TELL SANS BUT-BUT HE'S ALWAYS SO BUSY AND I DON'T… DON'T WANT TO BUG HIM WITH MY PROBLEMS." 

Papyrus suddenly pulls back with a wince, scrubbing his eye sockets. You frown at that, brows furrowing. 

"STARS, I SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID ANYTHING!" Papyrus says, scrubbing harshly at his face. "IT'S NOT.. I SHOULDN'T BE BOTHERING YOU WITH THIS-" 

"No, no, Papyrus," you interrupt, gently grabbing his wrists to pull his hands away from his face. He turns back to you, looking very vulnerable. "You did the right thing. This is absolutely something I want to know about. Papyrus, this… what Taylor’s done.... She shouldn't be hitting or taking her anger out on you. That's... not good." 

"BUT.. SHE DIDN'T MEAN TO," Papyrus mumbles. 

"That... She still did it and she's done it more than once," you reply, brows furrowing. "She's hurt you." 

"SHE WAS JUST ANGRY. SHE'S PROMISED NOT TO DO IT AGAIN," Papyrus replies, glancing down. You frown, then sigh. You reach up and cup his skull, making him look at you. 

"I get it," you admit, him giving you a confused look. "I understand the feeling, Hon, I really do. But Taylor's hurt you twice already in anger, she'll do it again." 

"SHE'S… SHE'S DONE IT MORE THAN THAT," Papyrus admits quietly, almost too quietly. 

"That's… that's really bad, Papyrus," you tell him, hands moving to grip his again. "You should really tell Sans about this." 

"BUT.. BUT SANS IS SO BUSY AND.. AND I DON'T WANT TO-TO GET TAYLOR IN TROUBLE," Papyrus sniffs, trying to hug himself. You let him, shaking your head. 

"You're much more important than whatever Sans is doing in the basement," you reply, frown deepening. "And I'm sure he'd like to know about this too." 

Papyrus looks unsure of that, making your heart ache. 

"Papyrus, you.. you know you deserve better than this right?" You ask, looking at him worriedly. "You don't deserve to be treated like this." 

"BUT… SHE DIDN'T MEAN TO… IF.. IF I HAD JUST BEEN BETTER, SHE WOULDN'T HAVE FELT LIKE THAT. PROVED THAT I.. I WOULDN'T BETRAY HER," Papyrus objects, looking away from you again. "MAYBE… MAYBE SHE WOULDN'T HAVE DONE ANY OF THE THINGS SHE DID IF… IF I HAD JUST… BEEN A BETTER DATEMATE." 

"Papyrus, no. Honey," you frown, scooting forward a bit to get his eye lights back on you. "You're not responsible for anything Taylor’s done. There's nothing you could've done better to prevent this. From everything I've seen, you've been an amazing datemate."

"I… REALLY?" He asks, more tears falling from his sockets. You nod, reaching out to hug him again. 

"You're a good person. Of course I mean it. You really don't deserve to be treated like this," you reply softly. Papyrus shakily hugs you back, almost bringing you into his lap. And as much as it pains you, you add, "When…. If you want to talk to someone else or do something about this… situation, I'll help okay? Whatever you want to do." 

Papyrus just nods, clutching you a little tighter. You lean back, getting Papyrus to lay down on top of you. He goes willingly, letting you pet his skull and back while he quietly cries himself out. 

"DO… IS… EDGE AND RED AREN'T DATING HER ANYMORE," Papyrus tells you. You hum, looking down curiously. "I… I DON'T THINK BLUE AND STRETCH ARE EITHER… IS… IS IT TRUE?" 

"Is what true, Sweetie?" You ask, glancing over him. 

"IS.. IS TAYLOR REALLY CHEATING?" Papyrus asks, not looking up at you. 

"Yes," you sigh, still gently rubbing the back of his skull. "I'm sorry, Papyrus." 

Papyrus just sniffles, squeezing you tighter. You frown, letting him cling. 

Papyrus… just lets himself go, clinging to the feeling of safety he gets from you. He can almost feel the care behind your stroking, the intent to comfort him, lulling him to sleep. Your worry and your sadness. 

He didn't want to bother you, he really didn't. But.. he couldn't work up the courage to bother Sans and when he saw you… he was reminded of that night. How it felt when you hugged him, how safe and how… comforting it was. He was calling out to you before he could think twice, just.. desperate for someone. Anyone to comfort him. Anyone to talk to. He just wanted someone to… to… He…. 

"I'M SORRY." 

"It's okay. You're fine, Papyrus." 

Papyrus just shakes his head. He.. He..

….

..

.

He just wanted someone to love him.

_____ 

You crack open an eye at hearing footsteps on the stairs, glancing over to see Blue coming into the room. His eye lights immediately land on you, Papyrus still asleep on top of you. He looks rather startled, to say the least. 

You raise a finger to your lips, shushing him before he could even say anything. 

"He's had a rough day," you whisper, continuing to pet Papyrus' skull. "Don't wake him up." 

Blue looks between you and Papyrus a few times, then nods slowly. 

"SHOULD I ASK?" Blue whispers, setting a bag down next to his desk. You shake your head with a sigh. 

"I promised I wouldn't tell," you reply, feeling horrible and conflicted about it. 

"YOU DON'T LOOK TOO HAPPY ABOUT THAT," Blue notes, eyeing you. 

"I'm not," you admit, brushing Papyrus' back as he stirs a little. But he just nuzzles your neck and settles once again. "But I don’t want to upset Papyrus. He needs to come to the decision to tell you himself." 

You know it... could end worse if you did. At the very least Papyrus may not trust you enough to tell you what Taylor’s done anymore. To come to you for help.

Blue's brow bones slant, looking between you both again. He… really doesn't like the sound of that. 

"Don't tell anyone I was up here either. Especially not Taylor. Please." You look up at him pleadingly, begging almost. Blue stares for a moment, wondering why you look so desperate about that request, then nods. 

"I WON'T." 

"Thank you," you sigh, relieved. Blue nods, turning to grab clothes for bed. He leaves for a moment, getting into bed when he comes back. 

"... THANKS.. FOR BEING THERE FOR HIM," Blue whispers eye lights drifting back to you cuddling Papyrus. 

It's… the first time in a while Papyrus seems like he's getting a good night's sleep. 

"No problem."

Chapter Text

You wake up with arms tightly circled around you, feeling a little like a teddy bear. Not all that unusual, Mutt being the biggest cuddler you know and Lunar being rather cuddly as well. But what is unusual is the uncomfortable feeling of stiffer clothes not made for sleeping in.

You crack your eyes open in confusion, eyes only meeting a bright red red color which is slightly crinkled for some reason. They trail up a bit more, meeting Papyrus' still sleeping face. 

Oh... right. 

It seems you slid down onto the bed properly during the night, Papyrus shifting onto his side to cuddle you. You're tucked into his chest, curled up tight. The position is comfortable, you fitting right against him just like you do with Mutt- even if Mutt is taller than Papyrus. Papyrus looks peaceful too, looking very comfortable where he's at. 

You turn your head at a quiet thump, seeing Blue's already awake and moving. You're surprised Papyrus isn't, but you don't want to wake him either. 

You stretch out a bit, just to see if you'll be able to slip out of his grip. But it seems moving just made him hug you tighter. 

So, it won't be easy, but you can. 

You raise a hand and brush it over his back, doing this until Papyrus loosens his grip again. You carefully trail down his arm, pulling his arm loose enough to slowly slip off the bed. You gently lay his arm back down, frowning and freezing when he shifts. You only move again when he still. 

You turn around afterwards, noticing Blue was watching. He smiles half-heartedly, glancing away from you again. 

"SORRY IF I WOKE YOU UP," he whispers, rubbing the back of his neck. You shake your head, taking a few steps away from Papyrus' bed. 

"You didn’t," you whisper. Blue just nods, glancing towards Papyrus. You look at the staircase, frowning in thought. 

What time is it? If you just walk down the stairs, you'll probably get caught. You don't want to do that. 

"SOMETHING WRONG?" Blue asks, looking at you again. 

"Don't want to get caught up here," you whisper, glancing back at him. "What time is it?" 

"IT'S SEVEN," Blue responds, frowning as he looks over at Papyrus again. You sigh, rubbing your eyes. "I CAN HELP, IF YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO BE SEEN." 

"You can?" You ask, looking back at him. He nods, glancing away from you for a moment. "Thank you." 

"OF COURSE," Blue nods. 

You both turn when your name is said, seeing Papyrus woke up even though you both were trying to be quiet. He looks at you, you turning back towards him. 

"Hey, Paps. Sorry to wake you," you frown, Papyrus rubbing his eye sockets. 

"IT'S FINE! I'M A LIGHT SLEEPER ANYWAY," he says, sitting up. He frowns, glancing at the clock for a moment. "I'M SORRY TO HAVE KEPT YOU HERE THE ENTIRE NIGHT. I DIDN'T MEAN TO!" 

"It's okay. I don't mind," you reply softly, shaking your head. "You don't have to apologize." 

Papyrus rubs the back of his neck, glancing away from you with a nod. 

"Are you feeling better this morning?" You ask, glancing over him. 

"YES. THANK YOU," Papyrus says, glancing up at Blue for a moment; who's watching this entire interaction. 

"That's good," you reply, then glance back towards the staircase. "I'm going to go back to my own room, if that's alright." 

"YES, OF COURSE," Papyrus agrees, waving his hands. You smile a bit, taking a step closer. 

"Okay. You know where to find me if needed. Come over whenever you need, okay?" You asks. Papyrus nods, glancing away from you for a moment. 

"THANK YOU," Papyrus replies. 

"No problem, Paps." You give him another smile before turning to Blue. "So, how can we get to my room without anyone seeing?" 

Blue snaps out of his thoughts at that, just watching the interaction between you and Papyrus. He smiles a little, holding out his hand. 

"EASILY! I KNOW A SHORTCUT. JUST HOLD ON TIGHT!" Blue grins, you taking his hand cautiously. 

"What do you mean hold on-" you gasp as Blue just pulls you closer, tightening his hold on you. Then it feels like you're falling, everything blackening for a second like the blink of an eye. And you find yourself in your room then, confused and disoriented for a few seconds. 

Blue lets go of you, Mutt jumping up from your bed. 

"what-" 

"Wait, you can teleport?!" You ask, looking at Blue in shock. He smiles, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"WE CALL IT A SHORTCUT, BUT YES! I SUPPOSE," he says, shrugging a shoulder. 

"Cool," you reply, blinking a few times. 

.....

...

Wait is that what Red did-

"darlin' what- where?" Mutt asks, looking between you and Blue. You look over at him, then shake your head to clear your thoughts. 

"Oh, uh, sorry," you reply, rubbing the back of your neck. "Papyrus wanted to talk and we... ended up having a sleepover." 

"really?" Mutt asks, brow bones raised in surprise. You nod, looking over at Blue again. 

"Thanks for the help," you tell him. "I really appreciate it." 

"YOU'RE WELCOME!" Blue smiles, then takes his leave. You turn back to Mutt, running a hand through your hair. 

"Uh, I do have a question," you speak up, making Mutt look at you confused. 

"yeah? what's up?" He asks, sitting down on your bed again. 

"What's HP?" You ask, sitting down yourself. 

"HP?" Mutt parrots, looking at you confused. You nod, leaning back a bit. 

"Papyrus said it's like... health points? In some video games and that Monsters call it hope... But it's basically just how much someone can be hit before they die.... Is that true?" You asks, looking at him with your brows furrowed. Mutt looks even more confused, but nods. 

"yeah, i guess that's pretty accurate," he shrugs, rubbing the back of his neck. He tilts his head, glancing over you. "why?" 

"What exactly can make it go down?" You ask instead of answering, wrapping your arms around yourself. "Can.. anything do that?" 

"not really. it goes down with intent, whether it's intent to kill or to just harm. enough intent to harm can also kill," Mutt explains, glancing away for a moment. "monsters are more susceptible to it than humans are. but you're not going to be able to dust a monster without the intent to, as it takes a couple hits to do that, depending on the monster's hp." 

"Okay," you reply, glancing to the side. "So you can bring it down on accident?" 

"yeah, but it would barely be noticeable in that case. barely even a fraction of an hp," Mutt replies, eyeing you. "why are you asking? did... papyrus bring it up?" 

"Yeah. He mentioned it," you admit, but shaking your head. You grimace, clutching onto an arm. "I... I can't tell you everything. Papyrus asked me to keep it a secret." 

Mutt eyes you, clearly able to tell how much you don't like that fact. He slowly nods, glancing over you again. 

"alright... anything i can do to help?" He asks, leaning back a bit. 

"..... Can... Could you watch Papyrus?" You ask, Mutt's brows furrowing. "I know you’re already keeping an eye on him, but closer. Just... keep Taylor away from him more. Don't let him be alone with her as much." 

"... sure. i can try," Mutt agrees, brow bones furrowing. "she did do something to him then." 

You don't respond, fingers digging into your arm more. Mutt sighs, pulling you over to him for a hug. 

_____ 

"You look... exhausted." You glance up to see Lydia sitting down at your usual table, eyeing your appearance worriedly. 

"I am," you groan, dropping your head down into your arms. 

"Long day?" Lydia asks sympathetically as she pulls out a textbook. 

"It's been a long year," you sigh, sitting up to lean your head on your hand. "And I've learned a few things I did not want to these past few days." 

"Is it bad?" Lydia asks, grimacing a bit. You sigh, pushing yourself back and nodding. "Are you okay?" 

"I'm fine," you reply, shaking your head. Lydia raises an eyebrow at that, looking at you skeptically. "I am, it's things that have to do with some friends and a roommate of mine. Just.... everything has gotten a lot more complicated and a lot more serious and I can't tell anyone about it." 

"Why can't you?" Lydia asks, an ear twitching in confusion. 

"I promised him I wouldn't and I want him to trust me enough to come to me if he needs to.... and I don't want to get him in even more trouble," you frown, glancing away. Your fingers tap on the table, frown deepening. "I... just need to get him to talk to someone who can actually do something about this... I'm just not sure how to do it without.... making things worse." 

"Sounds like a tough situation," Lydia comments, tapping the edge of her pencil against her book. "But.. if this person trusted you enough to tell you all of this, then he must trust your opinion, right?" 

"I don't know," you admit with a sigh. "I'm not sure if he came to me because he felt like there wasn't anyone else he could or because he wanted to talk to me specifically. He never seemed to.... want to be around me before." 

"Really?" Lydia asks, looking more confused. You shrug helplessly, looking just as confused. Lydia hums, looking to be deep in thought. "Well.. I'm not sure what to do here either. But if he's told you, he must trust you at least a little bit. So maybe you could try talking him into telling someone else. I guess... just don't push, maybe?" 

"Yeah," you sigh, glancing up at the sky. "I guess." 

"Hey, it's obvious that this is stressing you out a lot, and I'm sure you're doing your best," Lydia speaks up, reaching across the table to pat your hand. "I'm sure everything with be okay in the end." 

"Heh.. Thanks, Lydia," you smile, leaning your head on your hand again. 

"Of course!" Lydia smiles, leaning back to her side of the table again. "What are friends for?" 

_____ 

You glance down at the cleaned dish in your hand, drying it absentmindedly as you think. Both Grey and Lunar look at you curiously, Lunar finishing washing the last dish. 

"... you alright, sunshine?" Grey asks, looking over you. "you've been drying the same spot on that plate for the last five minutes." 

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," you reply, shaking your head. You still look a bit troubled as you dry the rest of the plate and put it away. Grey and Lunar glance at each other, looking more than a little worried. 

"Is There Something On Your Mind?" Lunar asks, grabbing a towel to help dry the rest of the dishes. "Everything's Okay, Isn't It?" 

"Yeah.. everything's... fine. Just..." Your frown deepens, your heel tapping on the floor a few times. "Did... Did you two really used to eat... humans?" 

Lunar nearly drops the plate in his hands, Grey snapping his eye light to you. They remain silent for a moment, looking towards each other. 

".... yeah," Grey finally speaks up, cautious and wary. "we did." 

"We Haven't Since We Reached The Surface!" Lunar quickly adds, looking worried. "I Promise!" 

"I believe you," you nod, glancing up at him. 

"You... Do?" Lunar asks surprised, you nodding again in response. Your troubled look doesn't go away, which makes both of them worried. They wonder how you found out about this, who told you. 

"... and what do you think about that?" Grey asks, watching you. 

"I don't know what to think honestly," you sigh, leaning against the counter with your arms crossed. You mutter to yourself, "Too much has happened way to quickly." 

Grey and Lunar share a glance again. You lean your head back, staring up at the ceiling. 

"It was in your Underground, wasn't it? During the famine?" You ask, glancing between them. 

"Yes," Lunar replies, twisting the cloth in his hands. 

"Okay," you reply, turning back to the dishes to dry the last one. 

".. okay?" Grey asks, looking over you. 

"Okay," you repeat, putting the spoon away. 

"... that's it?" Grey asks hesitantly, searching your face. ".. you don't have any thoughts on it? ... at all?" 

You sigh, closing the drawer with a little more force than you meant, apologizing to Lunar when he winces. 

"I don't have much thoughts on anything right now. I... am tired. I trust you when you said you haven't eaten a human since you've reached the Surface," you reply, both of them looking at you uncertainly. You rub the heels of your palms into your eyes, groaning lightly. "We can talk more about it later when I don't have so much on my mind. I just.... I'm tired." 

"Okay," Lunar agrees, setting the cloth on the counter again. He hesitates before setting his hands on your shoulders, relieved to see you don't react negatively to him touching you still. "Okay. We Can Just Relax Here. You Can Take A Nap If You Want. I... I Promise We Would Never Hurt You." 

You drop your hands, looking up at him again. A look crosses your face after staring at him for a second, a look he doesn't quite know how to decipher. But almost like you want to cry, sighing as you just drop your head against his shirt. Lunar hugs you back, looking up at Grey in confusion. 

Grey looks just as confused though, shrugging at his brother's look as he eyes the both of you. 

Well, one of his questions was answered....

Chapter Text

"oh, you're back!" 

The exclamation makes you jump, turning to see Stretch in the doorway. You.... hadn't heard anyone coming in. 

"Yeah, I am," you reply warily, pausing from dropping clothes into the washer. He makes a few unintelligible noises, rubbing the back of his neck. You tentatively turn back to your laundry, Stretch watching from the doorway. 

"uh, i... i'm sorry," Stretch finally speaks up again after a long pause. You look back at him, surprised. 

"Excuse me?" You ask, turning to him. 

"i'm sorry," Stretch winces, glancing at the floor. "for... everything. i.. really shouldn't have treat you the way i did. or just.. blindly believed taylor. it.. wasn't right and you didn't deserve any of what we did." 

You blink, then smile lightly. 

"Thank you," you reply, Stretch nodding. 

"i.. if.. if there's..." He trails off, you tilting your head. "i... i would like to... if there's anything i can do to help make it up to you..." 

Stretch fidgets in place, not looking directly at you, trailing off on that sentence. You still get what he means though, you think.

".... I.... I can't think of anything right now, but I'll.... let you know if there is," you reply, turning back to the laundry. "Thanks, Stretch. I appreciate it." 

Stretch nods again, remaining frozen in the doorway for a few seconds longer before he leaves. And you finish putting everything into the laundry, then head towards the kitchen. 

You walk into the room, glancing at the day on the calendar. You note it's Friday with a hum, looking through the cupboards for something to make. Tomato soup and grilled cheese sounds good right about now. Or maybe potato soup... eh it's kind of warm for that though. Kinda warm for any soup really.. 

You look into the fridge, eyes landing on the meat you put in there to thaw the night before. A smile lights up your face, an idea sparking. 

It's rather nice outside today, how about some grilling? You think there's a grill out back. You could make some hamburgers, hot dogs, maybe even some potatoes. You have several ways you can grill potatoes. You haven't had any of those in a while and the other skeletons will most likely eat some of what you made, albeit some thinking it was Taylor who made it. But they'll still eat it, so at least it wont go to waste. 

With that line of thought, you pull out the meat and start getting ready. Opening the package and looking up at the seasonings for the ones you need, and you think a little more on it. These will probably be good for the skeletons here but if you want to take some to Grey and Lunar, you'll need to make something else too. Lunar could probably eat the potatoes, but likely wouldn't have that much fun eating the hamburgers or hotdogs. 

Stars, you really need to get him to a dentist. 

Maybe you can make him some soup or noodles to bring over. That'll take a little more indoor cooking, but wouldn't take too long. 

Hmmm, now that you're thinking about it, some of the skeletons don't really like greasy foods. Which is fair.... Blue likes tacos- Black does too or something like tacos- but they do like greasy foods too. It's the taller skeletons that don't really you believe.. You could still make some taco or quesadilla grill recipes you know for them, or you could just throw together a salad. 

In your musings, automatically forming and seasoning the hamburgers, you miss the footsteps walking towards the kitchen. Blue freezes in the doorway, looking at you silently shaping the meat in your hands into a patty and working the seasonings into the meat. He frowns, glancing around the kitchen for a few minutes before stepping further into the room. 

"UHM... HELLO, HUMAN," Blue greets, startling you out of your thoughts. You glance over at him, smiling a bit though it's a little hesitant. 

"Hey, Blue. You scared me," you comment, making Blue wince a bit. 

"SORRY." 

"It's alright," you shrug, turning back to the meat in your hands. Blue looks at it, then at you again. 

"WHAT... WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" He asks nervously, fiddling with his bandana. 

"I want to do some grilling today. It's nice enough weather out for it," you reply, shrugging a shoulder. "Got a few ideas I wanna try out." 

"OH.. I SEE," Blue nods, shuffling a bit on his feet. You look over at him with a raised brow, pausing your work again. 

"Are.... Are you alright?" You ask, looking over the skeleton. 

"YES! I'M FINE," Blue replies, waving his hands. "BUT, UHM...." 

Blue glances away from you again, eye lights darting from the fridge to the cabinets to the floor before coming back to you. Then they go to the floor again. 

"WOULD YOU LIKE SOME HELP?" Blue finally asks, still looking hesitant about offering it though. 

"If... if you want to, sure," you reply, looking over the skeleton. Blue nods, then glances around unsure of what really to do at the moment. You, noticing this, think up one of the recipes that you could give him to work with. "Could you prepare the taco meat?" 

"TACO?" Blue asks, a bit surprised. 

"Yeah. There's a grilled taco recipe I was planning to make. I remembered you like them, after all," you shrug, washing your hands quick so you can search for it. 

"YOU... YOU REMEMBERED... YOU WERE GOING TO MAKE SOMETHING FOR ME?" Blue asks, more surprised. 

"Well, yeah. I'm grilling, but I know some of the others aren't a big fan of greasy foods," you explain, looking through your phone. "So I wanted to make something they'd enjoy too." 

You're thinking you should just go grab your recipe book from your room. Would be quicker than searching for it online after all... You could probably find a recipe in there to make for Lunar too... 

"BUT... WHY?" Blue asks, searching your face like it'll give him the answers to everything. 

"Well, I knew the rest of you would be eating all of this too," you comment, giving up on your phone for now. "I'mma go grab something from my room quick. Be right back." 

Blue watches you skip out of the room, blinking in mild shock. He leans against the counter in thought, glancing at the floor with a frown. He only looks up again when you reenter the room, Mutt now trailing behind you. Mutt gives him a look, brow bone raised. 

They both look at you as you drop the homemade recipe book onto the counter. You flip it open and start looking through the pages. 

"Lets see," you mumble, eyes scanning each page as you flip past them. You smile as you apparently find what you were looking for. "Here we are." 

"whatca find?" Mutt asks, glancing over your shoulder. You point at the page, then flip to another. 

"The two recipes I wanted to try. These grilled tacos and a soup recipe for Lunar," you tell him, glancing down the recipe. 

"YOU'RE MAKING SOMETHING FOR GREY AND LUNAR?" Blue asks, surprised again. You nod with a hum, going to pull out some of the things you need. 

"Are these mine?" You mumble to yourself, looking at the box. You set them down with a nod. Blue's brow bones furrow, looking rather confused. You then glance back at him, nodding to the book. "That taco recipe is right there, if you'd like to look at it." 

Blue hesitates for just a moment before moving over to the book, looking through the recipe on the page. It doesn't seem all that hard. He grabs the ingredients needed and starts the prep, glancing up again to see you're wrapping the meat patties you made in tinfoil. Once you've finished that you're pulling potatoes out and cutting them up before seasoning and wrapping them in tinfoil too. Then Mutt's digging out a serving platter to put them all on. Blue adds the prepared tacos he has ready. 

"Mutt," you ask, turning to look at him once Blue's done. You gesture to the platter. "Could you take this out and get the grill set up while I get the laundry." 

"sure, but, uh, you know how good i am at cooking," he comments, still picking the tray up. "any disaster is on you." 

"I CAN WATCH," Blue says, looking between the both of you. You just roll your eyes, giving Mutt an amused look. 

"Thanks, Blue," you nod, heading out of the kitchen again. Blue follows Mutt out to the backyard, helping him set up and clean the grill just as you asked. But Mutt eyes him the entire time with a raised brow bone. 

"so... what changed with you?" He asks casually, now trying to light the grill in front of him. Blue jumps, eye lights darting to Mutt again. 

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" He asks nervously. 

"you with angel in there," Mutt replies, nodding towards the house again. He stands straight once he has the grill lit, looking down at Blue. "you and stretch still with taylor?"

Blue looks away at that, towards the tree line. 

".... NO." 

Mutt just nods, watching as you come out of the house with a basket on your hip. You pause by the two, pulling out your phone and handing it to Mutt. 

"The next load of laundry is in," you tell him, Mutt already unlocking your phone and looking up playlists. "If you could bring it out once it's done and hang it up, I can continue cooking. You could grab your speaker too." 

"sure, i guess," Mutt sighs dramatically, you heading over to the clothes line. "sure trying to give me work out, so cruel." 

"You'll live!" You call over your shoulder, Blue looking between the both of you in mild surprise. Mutt gives him a raised brow bone look before heading inside, leaving your phone on the porch railing already playing music from it. Blue looks over at you again, hanging wet laundry on the line. He heads over, your humming able to be heard the closer he gets. 

"I... I CAN HANG THIS FOR YOU, IF YOU'D LIKE TO WORK ON LUNCH," Blue says, looking at the basket. Looks like mostly Sans', Stretch's, Papyrus', Taylor's, and his clothes, but only the lighter colors. You glance over at him, finishing pinning a shirt up. 

"Thanks," you smile, letting him take your place next to the basket. 

"HEY," Blue speaks up, stopping you from walking away. You hum in acknowledgement, looking back at him. "THANK YOU... FOR ALL OF THIS." 

"No problem," you grin, making Blue's SOUL squirm a bit. He grimaces, turning to you fully. He glances at the ground, then takes a deep breath before looking back up.

"AND..." Blue continues, making you pause again. "I'M SORRY FOR... EVERYTHING. IF I HAD BEEN JUST... EVEN A LITTLE MORE ATTENTIVE, IT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. WE TREATED YOU VERY UNFAIRLY AND THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR IT. WE SHOULDN'T HAVE." 

Your face remains neutral for a moment, just staring at him and making Blue even more nervous. But then you smile a bit, soft and kind looking. It makes Blue feel worse about this whole situation.

"Thank you, Blue. I appreciate it," you say, Blue nodding in response. You head over to the grill, Blue turning to finish hanging the laundry. When he come back over, you have everything placed on the grill and are watching over it. Mutt's back too and it seems both Stretch and Edge followed him outside. Mutt sits on the railing by where the grill is placed, close to you but still able to keep an eye on everything. Edge is standing closer to you too, trying to engage in hesitant, but pleasant conversation with you. 

"AND HOW ARE YOU DOING THIS?" He asks, looking over the appliance you're in front of. 

"he's only askin' because he tried grilling before and burnt everything to coal. hasn't tried it again since," Mutt grins towards you, Edge already beginning to blush again as you let out an involuntary snort. 

"I! DID NO SUCH THING!" Edge blusters, crossing his arms and looking away. 

"sure ya didn't," Mutt grins, leaning his jaw on his hand. Edge glares, about to say something but with one look at you he shuts up again. Blue supposes it's something that everyone notices. Just how tense the atmosphere is at the moment, even with the pleasant music playing from the speaker next to Mutt. Blue notices your phone is in Mutt's hand again. 

Stretch is awful quiet, sitting in a chair stiffly. Blue goes and joins him, Stretch briefly glancing at his brother as he does so. Edge is standing stiff, almost like he did when they first arrived and no one really knew how to act. Like he's meeting with the king in his world. You don't exactly look comfortable either, but considering how Edge treated you, how they treated you, Blue can't really blame you for that. Mutt's really the only one who looks relaxed at the moment. 

"Well," you speak up, eyes darting to Mutt. You're speaking hesitantly, cautiously as you look back at Edge. "I don't know what happened before but.... I can show you how I was taught." 

"THANK YOU," Edge nods stiffly, glancing back at the grill before looking at you again. "I GREATLY APPRECIATE IT."

Chapter Text

Red comes out as you're giving Edge the rundown of how you grill food. He doesn't say anything, just looking around before taking a seat on the porch steps. You and Mutt glance at him, you briefly but Mutt stares for a few moments longer. But he doesn't do anything other than watch, looking a little more relaxed as you let Edge help you. 

"You're a fast learner," you comment, glancing up at Edge for a second. The corner of Edge's mouth jerks up, the prickly skeleton looking satisfied. 

"THANK YOU," he nods, making you grin just a bit. 

"hey, darlin'," Mutt speaks up, making you look at him. He's glances up from your phone, now looking at you. "if you're wanting to head over later, you're going to want to get started on that recipe for Lunar now. it had a long cook time from what i saw." 

"Really?" You ask, glancing at the time on your phone. You shake your head. "Yeah, okay. I better." 

"YOU'RE MAKING SOMETHING FOR LUNAR?" Edge asks, brow bone raised. You nod, Mutt giving him a look. Red grimaces himself, Stretch looking surprised. 

"you can go ahead," Mutt nods at you, not looking away from Edge. "i can watch everything out here." 

"Okay," you smile, a bit amused at him. "But don't forget the laundry, please." 

"sure thing," Mutt agrees easily, much to Edge's surprise. But you head back into the house, Edge taking over the grill with Red watching a bit closer. 

"you're... uh, really letting her just go over to grey and lunar's?" Stretch asks, rubbing the back of his neck. Mutt glances at him, raising a brow bone. 

"yep." 

"you're not... worried?" Stretch then asks, looking a bit more confused. 

"nope." 

"she was apparently there the entire week by 'erself," Red comments, looking back at Stretch. Who looks just a little more alarmed now. 

"she's been goin' over since they showed up here," Mutt says, looking between them with narrowed eye sockets. "they haven't done anything to her yet and she enjoys visitin' them." 

"they ate humans though," Stretch points out, glancing between everyone. 

"think they'd bite the hand that feeds them?" Mutt asks, staring straight at him. Stretch begins to sweat, not looking at the other skeleton himself. "already talked to them. relax." 

"IF YOU'RE SURE SHE'S SAFE THERE, I SUPPOSE WE CAN'T SAY ANYTHING," Edge nods, flipping the tinfoil covered food. Much to everyone's surprise, especially Red's. "AND YOU ARE SURE?" 

"yep," Mutt replies, eyeing the skeleton. Edge simply nods, not saying another thing about it. It's quiet for a long moment, only the sound of your phone playing through the speaker. But then Mutt speaks up again. "so.. just to be clear. are any of you still with taylor?" 

"hell no," Red scoffs. 

"I AM NOT," Edge confirms, glancing at Mutt again. Stretch stares at the porch floor, grimacing. 

"STRETCH AND I ARE NOT EITHER," Blue says, looking away with a grimace too. Mutt just hums with a nod, looking at your phone. 

"whelp, i think the laundry is done now," Mutt comments, setting your phone on the railing. "don't touch that." 

Then he heads inside, the remaining four sighing. 

_____ 

You look up from what you're doing, jumping at the sight of Black in the archway of the kitchen. You nervously look back down at the food in front of you, chopping the garlic a little more nervously. You're very unnerved by the way he's just watching you silently. In your experience, Black is not the quiet type. 

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Black finally speaks up, making you jump again. 

"I'm.... I'm making Lasagna Soup for Lunar and Grey," you reply nervously, glancing at him again out of the corner of your eye. He looks... disgusted isn't the right word but something similar to that. Black hums, looking at what's in front of you for a moment. But then he looks back at you, eye sockets narrowed. 

"HMMM. HOW NICE OF YOU," he comments, making you stiffen more. He watches you silently for a few more moments, then takes a step into the kitchen. You wince, looking at him out of the corner of your eye again as he moves over to the fridge. He takes out a bottle of wine, pouring himself a glass. "I HEARD A RUMOR." 

You cringe again at him speaking, Black eyeing you critically from the corner of his eye socket. 

"Y-yeah?" You ask, wondering why he's telling you this. Or why he's talking to you. 

"YES," Black nods, gesturing towards you with the glass. He takes a drink from it, then tops off the glass again before placing the bottle back into the fridge. "IT'S BEEN GOING AROUND THAT YOU.... HAVE BEEN ABUSING MY BROTHER." 

You wince, having forgotten that particular rumor with everything going on lately. You shuffle a little farther away from Black, him eyeing you from where he's standing. 

"Y-you heard that?" You ask. 

"SO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT THEN?" Black asks, eye sockets narrowing. 

"My..... my friend Lydia told me about it," you reply hesitantly, looking at him nervously. 

"I SUPPOSE YOU'D SAY THE RUMOR ISN'T TRUE," Black says, taking a drink from the glass. You just stare at him, Black scoffing. "WELL, IT IS JUST A RUMOR AT THE MOMENT." 

Black looks relaxed, but his eye lights are sharp on you. All of which just makes you more nervous, more on edge. This.... isn't the normal Black behavior you're used to. You don't like it. 

Black pushes himself off the counter, walking back towards the kitchen entrance. 

"IF I FIND OUT THE RUMORS ARE TRUE," Black starts, pausing in the doorway. He doesn't look back at you. "THERE WON'T BE ANYWHERE YOU CAN HIDE." 

Black then walks out completely, disappearing around the wall. You let out a breath, placing the knife down to lean against the counter. You place your head against your arm, closing your eyes for a moment. 

"angel? you okay?" That makes you jump, but it's just Mutt. Mutt who is looking at you worriedly with a laundry basket on his hip. 

"Yeah.... Yeah. I'm fine," you sigh, going back to chopping up the garlic. "Your.. uhm.. Your brother found out about the rumor." 

"what rumor?" Mutt asks, brow bones scrunched. 

"The one that... I'm apparently abusing you," you reply, not looking up from the vegetable in front of you. Mutt nearly drops the basket as he hurries over, looking over your form in worry. 

"he didn't do anything did he?" Mutt asks, hand nervously hovering over your back. You shake your head, finally looking up at him. 

"He just threatened me," you reply, grip on the knife tightening a little. "I... I don't know. He said it was a rumor.... I don't know what was happening. He was a lot calmer than.. than he's ever been around me.... It really freaked me out." 

Mutt eyes you for a moment, then glances back towards the entrance. 

"odd," he mumbles, brow bones going deeper. "it's barely even a rumor at school though. no one actually believes it." 

"Taylor had to have told him," you reply, going back to preparing the soup. "I'm only worried about how he was acting. It.. wasn't what I was expecting with that." 

"yeah," Mutt agrees, eye sockets narrowing. He looks back at you, face softening a bit more. "want me to stay in here until you're done?" 

"Please," you smile. Mutt nods, glancing down at the basket. 

"i'll ask blue to hang these," he says, you nodding in response. 

_____

It's not long before you're back outside, checking on how Edge did with the food. You smile, nodding in approval. It's a little burnt, but nothing serious and still very much edible. 

"These look great!" 

Edge almost preens at the comment. 

Mutt, Edge, and Red help you set everything out so people can get their own portions, Blue going back inside to get everyone else to eat. You grab yourself a plate, then go sit in the grass to eat under the shade of a tree. Mutt follows you, you both talking lowly with each other. 

Blue comes back out with Taylor, Papyrus, and Black following, the three looking at all the food set out. Taylor looks over at you and Mutt, grimacing. 

"Why are they eating food you prepared?" She asks, looking back at the other skeletons. "She should have to eat what she makes instead of taking advantage of your work." 

"WELL, TAYLOR, IT'D BE BECAUSE OF THE FACT SHE PREPARED ALL OF IT AND COOKED MOST OF IT," Edge replies, raising a brow bone. "AND BY THAT LOGIC, YOU SHOULDN'T BE EATING ANY OF THIS. SINCE YOU DIDN'T MAKE IT AFTER ALL."

Taylor glares at him, lip pulling back. 

"WHY DON'T WE ALL JUST EAT," Blue cuts in, looking between the two. Edge rolls his eye lights, turning back to filling up his plate. 

Taylor and Black sit at the table, Papyrus reluctantly following. But Blue, Stretch, Red, and Edge pause, looking over at where you and Mutt are sitting. They look contemplative, Blue looking back at Papyrus. Edge glances at Papyrus himself, then at Taylor. He decides to sit on the steps, Red following him. But Edge looks at Blue, then nods to you, telling Blue he'll watch over things here. 

Edge doubts you'd really want him joining you and Mutt over there anyway. 

Blue and Stretch walk over, you and Mutt looking up at them. 

"DO... DO YOU TWO MIND IF WE SIT WITH YOU?" Blue asks, looking between you both. 

"No," you reply after a moment, glancing at Mutt. "Go ahead." 

"thanks," Stretch says, both sitting down in the grass themselves. It's quiet while the four of you eat, awkward as no one really seems to know what to say. But eventually someone speaks up. 

"so," Mutt says, looking over at Blue. "how's work going?" 

"OH, WORK'S ALRIGHT. I QUITE LIKE THE BAR HONESTLY," Blue says, slightly surprised but relieved for an end to the silence. "IT WAS REALLY BUSY LAST FRIDAY, BUT MOSTLY FRIENDLY PEOPLE. WE'VE BEEN MORE BUSY AT THE ICE CREAM SHOP TOO, SINCE SUMMER IS STARTING." 

"cool," Mutt nods. 

"What ice cream shop do you work at?" You ask curiously. 

"IT'S CALLED GRAB A CONE," Blue answers, shrugging a shoulder. "IT'S IN THE NEXT TOWN OVER, AT THE EDGE." 

"Oh! I know the place," you grin, taking a bite of your potatoes afterwards. "Syna and I stopped there on our way back home last break. It was really good." 

"THEIR ICE CREAM IS PRETTY GREAT," Blue agrees, grinning lightly. You glance over at Stretch. 

"Did you go see the movie you were telling me about?" You ask, Mutt looking at you in confusion at that. Stretch is surprised you even remembered that for a moment, but shakes his head in response. 

"ah, no. not yet," Stretch replies, rubbing the back of his neck. "it... has come out though. maybe later." 

You nod with a hum, looking back down at your plate. 

"HOW... HOW IS SCHOOL GOING FOR BOTH OF YOU?" Blue asks, looking between the two of you. You and Mutt tell them a bit about your classes and how it's going, the conversation coming easier after that. You glance at the table a few times, noting nervously that Black occasionally looks over and Taylor is definitely glaring. But Papyrus also glances over a few times, always looking away quickly again. 

Soon you're packing up some hamburgers, tacos, and potatoes to bring over to Grey and Lunar, Mutt heading inside to fetch the soup for you. But you also make another plate, making sure there's a bit of everything on it. You look up, noting that both Red and Stretch are still outside. 

"Red, Stretch," you speak up, making the two look back at you in surprise. Everyone else pauses as well, looking back at you but you ignore them. 

"yeah?" Stretch asks. You hold out the plate, both of them looking at you confused as they've both already had their fills of the food. 

"Can you take this down to Sans? Make sure he eats something." It's notable that Sans was the only housemate that didn't come out to eat. No one else went back inside either, so he didn't get anything. Stretch takes the plate, looking between it and you, then nods. 

"sure, i'll take it down to him. he could probably use something to eat by now anyway," he says, glancing back at the house again. You smile in thanks, making sure the rest of what you're taking to Grey and Lunar is enough. 

"THE FOOD WAS GOOD. THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT," Edge adds, glaring at everyone afterwards. You look at him in surprise, then at the others as a chorus of thank yous follow his. Well, except for Taylor and Black of course. But you smile anyway, nodding. "WE'LL HANDLE THE DISHES, YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT." 

"Thanks," you smile, Edge nodding in response. Stretch then heads inside, passing Mutt as he leaves with the soup dish in his hands. You and Mutt then head into the trees as everyone else goes back inside.

Chapter Text

"hey, got you dinner," Stretch says, stepping into the room with the machine in it. He walks over to where Sans is sitting, placing the plate down onto the table. Sans grumbles incoherently, continuing to scribble on the papers in front of him. "sans, you need to eat something." 

"get to it later," he grumbles, making Stretch sigh. 

"get to it now," he replies, moving the plate onto the paper. Sans freezes momentarily, then sighs. He looks up at Stretch, who's looking down at him with a raised brow bone. He also has an annoyed look on his skull.

"i was in the middle of something," Sans comments, raising a brow bone himself. 

"it can wait a few minutes for you to eat," Stretch replies, gesturing to the plate. "even has a burger on it." 

Sans finally looks down at the food, noting the variety on it. A burger, taco, some potatoes. It all smells really good too, but he was onto something. 

"i'll eat in a minute. let me finish this," Sans grumbles, trying to move the plate aside again. Stretch stops him though. 

"nope. was told to make sure you eat," he replies, taking the papers and pencil away from the other skeleton. "you can continue after you finish eating." 

"stretch," Sans objects, turning to the other skeleton. 

"nope." Stretch takes a few steps back, holding the papers above his head. "when is the last time you ate? honestly?" 

Sans groans, rubbing a hand down his skull. He doesn't know the last time, had to have been at least a day ago, but Stretch doesn't need to know that. Sans is just questioning the sudden turn in Stretch's determination to get him to eat. Neither Stretch nor Red have ever bothered him much about it before. 

"what does it matter?" Sans asks, looking at the other skeleton questioningly. 

"because you need to eat, sans," Stretch replies, raising an brow bone. "you look like you're about ready to dust, buddy." 

Sans feels like he's about to dust, but Stretch doesn't need to know that either. 

But Sans just turns to the plate again, reluctantly giving into the other skeleton's demands. Some food would probably benefit him in the long run, even if he's not feeling particularly hungry at the moment. It tastes really good at least. 

"who even told you to make sure i eat?" Sans grumbles, polishing off the burger. Stretch says your name, making Sans nearly choke. 

"she made all of that," Stretch adds, looking through the paperwork Sans was working on. His brow bones are furrowed, looking a bit confused. "edge grilled some of it. she showed him how..." 

Sans stares at Stretch for a moment, then looks down at the food. Stretch glances up at him, then shakes his skull. 

"don't give it that look. everyone else has already ate some and we're fine," he comments, waving his hand at the other skeleton. "she's made a lot of our meals since she's moved in and no one's died yet." 

"yet," Sans huffs in a poor attempt at humor. Stretch gives him a look, making Sans wince. 

"just finish eating." 

Sans reluctantly does as asked, finishing up the food on the plate. It really is good, Sans has to admit. Surprisingly considering how disastrously their last cookout attempt went. But Sans does have to smile at the memory of it all, at least it turned out better. 

Edge and Papyrus had set the grill on fire, Blue running over to spray the flames with the hose. Black having tried to turn the stove off at the same time, ending up soaking wet as a result. But he wasn't the only one, Taylor, Sans, Red, and Edge had also ended up soaking wet. But the fire was put out. 

"BLUE WATCH WHERE YOU POINT THAT THING!" Edge screeched, Blue turning the still running hose away from him. 

"SORRY, EDGE!" 

"WELL-" Edge immediately got cut off as the water sprayed right at his face again, everyone turning to see Taylor had pointed it at the taller skeleton. A mischievous smile on her face as she tried to keep from laughing. Everyone just stared for a few minutes before Edge is lunging for the hose and Taylor just took off, laughing the whole way. Blue and Papyrus immediately got into the fight as well, Blue picking up Taylor to run from Papyrus and Edge who teamed up together. The lazier skeletons sat down again to watch the unfolding chaos, the entire backyard filled with laughter and yelling as they even got Black into the water fight. 

....... The memory is a little.... bittersweet after everything, making Sans frown as he stares down at the now empty plate. He can't remember the last time any of them had fun like that.

........... And... he hadn't noticed before... But had.... had Mutt really never been a part of any of those memories? 

"sans?" 

Said skeleton blinks back into focus, looking up at the taller skeleton again. Stretch looks down at him with a raised brow bone. Sans just sighs, rubbing a hand down his face. 

"yeah?" 

"i'm not sure what you're doing here," Stretch comments, still looking over the papers he took. "but, uh, maybe you should take a nap..." 

"just... give them back," Sans sighs, pushing the empty plate to the side. Stretch reluctantly does as ask, trading them for the dishes to take back upstairs. 

"really though, uh, think about that nap," Stretch repeats before he leaves. "really looks like you need one." 

Sans just waves him away, putting his head back down to finish what he was doing. 

_____

"so, how much do you think it's going to cost?" Guns asks, looking over at you. You hum in confusion, looking back over your shoulder at him. 

Surprisingly the non-lodge skeletons came over for another visit, to Grey and Lunar's specifically. Up until this point, they had mostly been discussing the work that needed to be done on the house with Lunar. Something you were listening in on, but weren't paying too much attention to considering they were going over dimensions and possible costs. Plus Lilac and Charmed were looking over design catalogs with you, Grey passively watching over your shoulder and Lunar chiming in from time to time. 

"the dentist," Guns clarifies, leaning back on his heels. "we can get started on the house, but main priority should still be getting his-" Guns nods to Lunar. "-teeth fixed." 

"Oh, I'm not sure," you reply, leaning back between Grey's legs again. You contemplate, looking over at Lunar for a moment, who covers his teeth automatically and looks away. "Probably pretty expensive.... Dental isn't..... Hmmm. It's not cheap and Lunar probably has a couple visits he'd have to take for.... everything." 

"EVEN WITH INSURANCE?" Ace asks, raising a brow bone. 

"You have to have dental insurance first, not all medical insurance covers dental," you reply, smiling half-heartedly. 

"why not?" Grey asks, looking confused. You shrug. 

"What Do You Think They'll Do?" Lunar asks nervously. 

"I'm not all sure," you say, tilting your head. "If I had to guess they'd give you braces, just to straighten your teeth again. I'm not sure what else they'd do." 

"What Are Braces? What Do I Need To Brace For?" Lunar asks, fiddling with his fingers. 

"Oh, they're just bits of metal that help move teeth back into proper positions," you reply, pointing at your own mouth. "I think some people have them for years, but you may just need them for a few months." 

Lunar doesn't look any less nervous. 

"well, we'll have to figure out how much that'll all cost," Guns speaks up again, looking over at Lunar. But then he moves his eye lights back over to you. "should be able to cover it with all of us. we-" He nods over to Ace. "-will make sure the lodge tips in as well." 

"i've got that covered," Mutt grins, leaning back in a bean bag chair he brought over. Guns nods. 

"IF YOU COULD MAKE THE APPOINTMENT, WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE THAT," Ace nods to you, but then he moves his eye lights over to Grey and Lunar. "WELL, IF YOU BOTH ARE OKAY WITH THAT, ANYWAY." 

"Yes, Uh.. Yes. It Would Be Better To Get It Done Sooner Than Later," Lunar sighs, still wringing his hands. "But I'm Still Worried About Leaving Without Permission." 

"hey, we're supposed to be in charge of the skeletons outside the lodge," Guns says, leaning forward a bit. "you're outside the lodge, we can take care of it." 

"Yeah, and you really do need to see a dentist, Lunar," G pipes up, nodding to the tallest skeleton among them all. "They can't deny that either. Don't worry about it." 

"And I'll be with you the entire visit," you add, leaning over to squeeze his arm. "Promise." 

"me too," Grey nods, hand crawling up towards his eye socket. You take it before it can reach. Lunar gives both of you an appreciative look at that. 

"I'll make the appointment tomorrow," you speak up, looking at the time. "I doubt there's any offices open right now." 

"Sure. And message us once you got the price. We'll have some money transferred over to Mutt," G nods, Mutt giving them a thumbs up. 

"NOW, I KNOW THERE'S SOME HARDWARE STORES OPEN. SO WHILE THEY WORK ON THAT, WE CAN CONTINUE WORKING ON THIS HOUSE," Aster speaks up. 

"Sure Thing. Lunar, Honey, What Do You Think About This?" Charmed asks, holding up the catalog again. 

"Oh, that's pretty," you hum, Charmed humming. 

"It's Nice, But I Don't Know," Lunar replies, squinting at the page for a few seconds. Charmed hums, turning back to flipping through the pages. Grey sighs behind you, you leaning back to smile at him. He looks tired, but weakly smiles back, dropping a hand over your face. You just laugh, pushing him away. 

He's glad things are seeming to look up, but he just has the awful feeling that something bad is going to happen. 

_____

"Do you think we'll be able to fix Grey and Lunar's house?" You ask, looking over at Mutt. He shrugs a shoulder, laying back on your bed. 

"egh. maybe. i don't know if it's really worth it," Mutt admits, turning his skull to look at you. "their house is so ruined we might as well tear it down and restart altogether. but i don't know if grey and lunar would go for that." 

"I don't know. They've never seemed too attached to that house. At least not from what I've been able to tell," you shrug, turning back to your phone. You scroll through another website for a dentist's office, sighing in annoyance. "Couldn't hurt to ask if that's what they'd like to do or not." 

"hmmm," Mutt replies. "Any luck?" 

"Not yet," you sigh, frowning at your phone. "I can't believe there are so few clinics that take Monsters too." 

Mutt doesn't say anything about that, but sighs in response. After a few minutes of searching you are able to find one though and set up an appointment after a little bit of hassling with the receptionist on the phone. Afterwards you drop onto your bed in exasperation, annoyed at all of the hassling for today. 

"at least you got an appointment set up," Mutt offers, pulling you closer to himself. You hum in agreement, sending a text to everyone that you got it done. 

"I should make a group chat," you grumble after sending the last message. "So I don't have to message people individually all the time." 

"i'm sure they'd love that," Mutt snorts, looking down at you in amusement. You just push his face away, smiling. 

"Hey, could be useful," you counter, Mutt humming. 

"sure. for the first few hours maybe," he replies, taking your hand in his. 

"Hey, a little fun isn't a bad thing," you reply, shrugging a shoulder. Mutt hums in agreement, you rolling onto your side to get comfier. You sigh, curling up a bit tighter to the skeleton. "I'll have to skip school for Lunar's appointment, but I'll just go in for office hours afterwards. I promised Lunar I'd be there with him after all." 

"i don't think he's going to like that," Mutt comments. 

"Don't care. Missing one day won't kill me," you reply, looking up at your ceiling. "It's for a good cause after all." 

Mutt hums, grabbing the remote to the TV as you both settle in for a lazy afternoon.

Chapter Text

"Today's the day," you announce, looking up at Lunar. "Are you ready?" 

"I Don't Think I'll Ever Really Be Ready," Lunar admits, twisting the fabric of his gloves. "But I Am Ready To Go!" 

"Okay," you reply, taking his hands. "But remember that both Grey and I will be there with you the entire time." 

"yep," Grey agrees, but then he looks at you. "those other doubles aren't going to be coming over while we're gone are they?" 

"No, they're all busy with jobs and stuff today," you shrug, leading them out towards your car. "But they said they'd come over tomorrow to talk more about what to do with the house." 

"what more is there to talk about?" Grey grumbles in annoyance, pulling his beanie over his skull more. You huff in amusement, looking over at him with a raised brow. 

"Well, considering the state of your house currently," you trail off, Grey giving you a dead look. You just stick your tongue out at him. 

"where's your guard dog? isn't he supposed to be here too?" Grey asks, glancing around warily like he's expecting Mutt to just jump out of the bushes at the three of you.

"He's waiting at the car," you tell him, not bothering with the name. Grey just grumbles in response, still looking around. But the three of you make it to the car with very little problems, Mutt leaning against the passenger door waiting for you. He pushes himself into standing, nodding to the brothers. 

"hey, ready to go?" Mutt asks, looking up at Lunar specifically. 

"Yes! I Am!" Lunar nods, still looking nervous as ever. 

"good. we should get going then," Mutt nods, turning and climbing into the passenger seat. "angel has us moving pretty early, but traffic can be bad." 

"It's better to be early than late," you chime, heading over to the driver's seat. Mutt hums, Grey and Lunar getting into the back. Lunar had to more fold into the car, but since your vehicle is bigger it's not too uncomfortable for him. Or at least you hope it's not, he doesn't complain one way or the other. 

Once everyone's buckled and ready, you pull off the side of the road and start driving into town.

"Probably best not to eat before the appointment, but afterwards we could go get some ice cream," you offer, immediately getting Grey's attention. 

"why is it better not to eat before?" He asks, eye light shaking a bit as he stares at you. 

"That's just been my experience. Especially if you're nervous about the visit." You shrug a shoulder, keeping your eyes on the road. 

"How Often Have You Been To The Dentist?" Lunar asks, he doesn't miss the flash of a wince that jumped across your face with that question. But it's gone a second later. 

"Not very often, but I've had a few things done. Mostly cleanings," you answer, glancing back at him for a second in the rearview mirror. He looks rather nervous, but is trying to put on a brave face. You smile a bit, Lunar smiling back. "It was all nice visits, not exactly comfortable having fingers in your mouth. But nothing bad." 

"Okay," Lunar nods, at least a little more assured. You sigh quietly, looking ahead. 

You know this'll go great. 

_____

It's weird, seeing someone else's unfiltered reaction to Lunar's teeth, the receptionist of the dentist's office nearly choking when the four of you walk into the office. She doesn't even greet you before jumping up to inform the dentist that you've arrived, and at the tone of her voice, the dentist comes rushing out. He nearly blanches at the sight of Lunar's teeth too, all of which just makes Lunar's hand tighten around yours. 

"Dear god, what did you do to your teeth?" The dentist asks, eyes wide. 

"Oh, Well, It Didn't Happen All At Once," Lunar replies, looking more nervous at the reactions. "It Was Gradual-" 

"Back, your room is back here. Come on, this way," the dentist motions, you looking back at Mutt. 

"you go on ahead, i'll take care of the payment and papers," Mutt assures, you nodding gratefully and Grey giving him a side eye. But Mutt moseys on up to the still shocked receptionist while you, Grey, and Lunar are herded into the dentist's room. There's a brief moment where the dentist asks Lunar to sign a consent form for the anesthetic and then he's working right on ahead. 

You're not sure how, but the dentist hooked something into Lunar's mouth behind his teeth. It's to catch blood on a human, dust for a monster you've learned, so it's not falling into the back of the throat and causing choking. But it's weird to see, an assistant using something like a vacuum to suck up the dust after it's been piled up enough. The sound of the file against the teeth is grating too, and by the look on both Lunar and Grey's faces, they don't like it any more than you do. Though Lunar's expression is a little more subdued due to the anesthetics. 

You're a little worried about Grey, he looks rather frazzled about all of this. He's sitting tense in his chair, watching the doctors like a hawk. He can't hold Lunar's other hand since Lunar needs to be able to signal to the two if he's feeling any pain in the procedure and Grey doesn't look too happy about that. You offered to let him take your place but he just shook his head, preferring to be able to watch everything by the door. 

You do have to leave for one moment, a pause where the dentist was setting up to put the braces on, to go grab an aspirin and check on Mutt quick while doing so. 

"how's everything going?" Mutt asks, glancing up from his phone. 

"Good," you sigh, leaning back on your heels. "What have you been doing?" 

"finished the paperwork a few minutes ago, messaging the others now," Mutt replies, shaking his phone a bit. "took your advice and set up a group chat. you're in it too." 

"I left my phone in the car," you comment, glancing back towards the room the other two are in. "I better head back again. They're putting the braces on." 

Mutt nods and you speed walk back to the room, handing an aspirin to Grey before taking your place again just as the dentist was starting to set the braces.

But soon it's done, though it took longer than anyone probably really thought it would. Or at least longer than the dentistry's office probably thought it would. You're stricken with how similar Lunar looks to Papyrus for a moment, but put that off for more important things. 

"How are you feeling, Lunar?" You ask, leaning forward a bit more. He's still clutching your hand, Grey's now too but the other skeleton doesn't look too bothered by any of it. He looks more relaxed now that the doctors have left to take care whatever they're doing out there. 

"Fine! I Mean, I Can't Feel Much Of My Face, But I Feel Fine!" Lunar replies, reaching up with a hand to feel his face. The hand that you're currently holding. You smile a bit, chuckling. 

"Good," you reply, using your other hand to pat his arm. "You look great, Honey." 

"Thank You," Lunar smiles sleepily, bring you hand up to his teeth purposely this time. "I'm... I'm Happy We Met You... You're Wonderful." 

You blush a bit, but smile at his words. 

"Thanks, Lunar. I'm happy to have met you too," you reply, looking up at Grey to see how he's doing. He looks calm, but is smiling softly at his little brother, a lot of clear affection on his face. He looks up at you, you smiling at him in response and he grins back at you. 

You look up as the doctor returns, him handing you a bunch of pamphlets and telling you all of what Lunar can and can't eat is in there. 

"The other skeleton in the lobby took care of everything else, so you're all free to go now," the dentist nods. 

"Thank you," you say, leading Grey and Lunar out to the lobby again. Mutt looks up as the three of you exit, standing up with a bit of a groan. 

"we all ready to go now?" He asks, stretching a bit in his place. 

"Yup, we're all ready to go," you reply, handing the pamphlets to Grey so he can look over them. You look up at Lunar as the four of you head out, the taller skeleton poking at his teeth after Grey let go of his hand. "Do you still want ice cream, Lunar?" 

"Yes!" Lunar responds, looking down at you again. "I Would Very Much Like Some Ice Cream!" 

"Alright, then lets get going," you smile, all four of you piling into your car again. 

You know that little ice cream shop you really like is at the edge of town, a little out of your way but a good stop anyways. Since the lobby is so small, you ask Mutt to wait outside with Lunar and he agrees. Mutt heads off with taller skeleton to find a place to sit, Grey surprisingly allowing this to happen. He must trust Mutt enough to look after his brother at the very least. 

You lead Grey into the ice cream shop, pulling him over to the board with all the ice cream options. You glance through for what you want, and what you think Mutt would like off the menu. 

"paps was right, you know," Grey mutters to you, making you look back at him confused. "you're great. thanks for all this, we really appreciate it." 

"Of course," you smile softly, squeezing his hand you're still holding. "I'm happy I could help." 

Grey stares at you for a second, then nods, eye light slowly moving up to the board. He doubts any of this would've gone so well if you weren't here, he's not sure what would've happened to the both of them...... He's really grateful he doesn't have to find out. 

"What do you think Lunar would want?" You ask, looking up at him. Grey just hums, still scanning the board. You wait patiently for him to go through the options. "I think I'm going to get Mutt the Superman and see what he thinks of that... I think he'd like it." 

"paps isn't picky, but he likes puppydough.... think that ultimate oreo is similar?" Grey asks, looking back at you. You hum, looking at the option. You nod. 

"Yeah, it should. Oreos are just cookies," you shrug, looking through the options once more. "They do have normal cookie dough if you're worried though." 

Grey just shrugs. 

"Okay. What are you thinking of getting?" You ask, curious as to what he wants. 

"i don't know what cotton candy ice cream tastes like, but i'm curious," Grey replies, making you chuckle. 

"Alright," you nod, the both of you getting in line. "They have cones and cups, which do you want to get?" 

"cones would be fine," Grey replies, you nodding in response. You finally get to the front, placing your order and paying for it. Grey takes both his and Lunar's cones, you carrying yours and Mutt's. Then you both head out and look around for the other two. You find them sitting in the grass, farther away from the other customers of the ice cream shop. You head over, Grey following behind as he eyes a few of the people staring at the four of you. 

"Here you go," you chime, sitting yourself down in front of Lunar and Mutt. You hold Mutt's cone out to him, the skeleton eyeing the ice cream. Grey hands Lunar's his, the taller skeleton happily taking it. 

"darlin' ..... the hell is this?" Mutt asks, looking at the sweet. You hide your laughter by taking a lick of your own ice cream. 

"They called it Superman," you reply, grinning. "Try it, I think you'll like it." 

Mutt eyes you suspiciously, just making you laugh a bit more. 

"Come on, Mutt," you smile, giving him an amused look. "Do you really think I'd buy you something you wouldn't like?" 

"hmmm. i don't know," Mutt replies, giving you a look. "a few of those snacks you made me try were awful." 

You snort, both Lunar and Grey looking curious at that but you wave it off. 

"I promise I'm not trying to trick you into anything," you say, shaking your head. "Try it before it melts. I'll get you something else if you don't like it." 

"alright," Mutt sighs, tentatively trying the ice cream. ".... okay, it's not bad. what ice cream is this?" 

"The board said it had Cherry, Blue Moon, and Vanilla in it," you reply, shrugging a bit. 

"What's A Blue Moon? Are There Actual Blue Colored Moons On The Surface?" Lunar asks confused, looking down at you. "I Thought The Moon Was White?" 

"Blue Moon is another ice cream flavor," you reply, looking up at him. "It's supposed to taste like Fruit Loops." 

"egh, i can see that," Mutt shrugs, deeming the ice cream good enough to eat. 

"How's your ice cream tasting, Lunar?" You ask, looking up at him again. 

"Good!" Lunar beams. You smile, going back to your own cone. Then the four of you are head back to Grey and Lunar's house, settling in before Lunar promptly drifts off to sleep. Mutt helps Grey take him up to his bed, you settling back onto the couch with a sigh while they do so. A tentative smile pulling at your lips, head tilting back to rest against the back of the couch. 

It was a good day, which was all you could hope for.

Chapter Text

Lunar wakes up a few hours later, coming back downstairs where you, Grey, and Mutt are talking. You smile as he walks over, scooting to make room for him to sit down. Mutt slides down onto the floor to lean against your legs with his head leaned back on your lap instead, you just bapping his forehead gently in response. 

"Hey, how're you feeling?" You ask, Lunar still feeling his teeth with a phalange.

It... It feels weird having his teeth like this... It doesn't feel quite right anymore. After having them jagged and crooked for so long, a dull pain in the back of his bones. That became his normal, so to have them even and being corrected like this feels...... odd. But they don't hurt as much anymore, only the pain from the visit left over, so that's.... good. It's definitely an improvement, whether it feels normal or not. 

"Groggy, But Alright!" Lunar responds, then looking down at Mutt. "You Didn't Have To Move." 

"egh, it's alright," Mutt shrugs, grabbing your wrist to keep you from bapping him again. He leans more of his weight back onto you, you giving him an unimpressed look. "this is more comfortable." 

"Alright," Lunar replies, sitting down on the couch beside you. You just smile up at him again, Lunar smiling back. He settles into the couch, avoiding where he knows the uncomfortable spots are. 

"the others are coming over in a few hours," Mutt mentions, looking over at Lunar again. Lunar glances over the odd position Mutt's in. He doesn't think leaning his head back like that would be comfortable, especially with the way you're using your free hand to gently slap his cheekbone. 

"They Are?" Lunar asks, getting back to what Mutt had said. You look back up at Lunar, nodding. Though Mutt has now grabbed your other hand and is pulling you into leaning forward by your wrists. Lunar notes Grey is watching all of this with great amusement, you and Mutt not reacting to eithers actions at all. 

"Yeah, they wanted to check up on you after your dentist visit and they also have a few things they wanted to ask you and Grey about. Do you feel up to it though?" You ask, glancing down at the phone beside you for a minute before looking back up at him. "We can always ask them to come over tomorrow or something." 

"No, No! It's Fine!" Lunar assures, glancing at your phone before looking up at you again. "They Can Come Over Today." 

"Alright," you nod, twisting a hand free so you can grab your phone. You tap away at the screen for a few seconds, Mutt still pulling you forward by your other arm. Afterwards, you look back up at Lunar, who is still touching his teeth and the braces. "Hey, Lunar." 

"Yes?" Lunar replies, looking back down at you and huffing at your position. 

"Want to take a picture?" You ask, waving your phone around a bit. Lunar grins, agreeing and leans down a little more to your level. Mutt finally lets you go so you can take the picture with Lunar, Grey huffing a laugh. You set up the camera, smiling and taking a quick picture of the both of you. "There!" 

You check the photo, nodding with a smile and showing Lunar. 

"I'll print out a copy for you," you tell Grey, who huffs in amusement at you. But he also looks grateful. You look back at Lunar, who's looking a little misty eyed at the photo. You just smile. 

_____ 

"Lunar, you look great," G compliments, the six looking up at the taller skeleton. They file one by one into the house, all taking a look over said skeleton. They all look impressed, and a little relieved, to see his new dental situation. "How're you feeling?" 

"Thank You!" Lunar beams, turning slightly away from the pot on the stove. "I'm Good, The Grogginess Has Left." 

"WONDERFUL!" Aster smiles, nodding slightly. You reach around Lunar for a seasoning you needed, waving hello to the group of skeletons with a smile. 

"Hey." You quickly turn back to the food in front of you afterwards though. 

"HELLO AGAIN," Ace nods, the six finally settling into the living room with Mutt and Grey. Though Charmed comes into the kitchen to assist in finishing up dinner with you and Lunar, having to put a few teasing words and winks in while doing so. 

"alright, we have a question for you two," Guns states after everyone has a plate and is sitting down, nodding towards Grey and Lunar. Grey raises a brow bone, not pausing in shoving a forkful of food into his mouth. 

"Yes? Is Something Wrong?" Lunar asks, looking a bit nervous. He nervously fiddles with his fork, twisting it with his fingers though noticeably doesn't loose any food with doing so. 

"not at all," Guns assures, shaking his head. "more about this house." 

Grey just gives a look at that, Lunar glancing around the state of the living room. You sit up a bit more, watching the two a little more closely. Mutt does the same. 

"ARE YOU TWO EXACTLY... ATTACHED TO THIS PLACE?" Ace asks, looking at the two curiously. 

"What Do You Mean?" Lunar asks, confused. "We Do Like Our Home..... It's... A Roof Over Our Heads." 

You raise an eyebrow, tilting your head a bit. You notice Grey's grimace at that wording choice, but you also know the roof sometimes leaks in places. 

"well, you're both aware of how.... damaged the place is," Guns continues, glancing around himself once again. "it'd take extensive, and expensive, repairs to fix everything." 

"yeah, we kind of got that," Grey states, looking unamused. "what're ya trying to ask here?" 

"wanted to know if you two would rather tear this place down and start from scratch or just try and fix it as is," Mutt says, shrugging a shoulder. Obviously tired of Guns and Ace's running around the question. Lunar looks at him surprised, Grey just furrowing his brow bone. 

"YES. THIS HOUSE IS HONESTLY DAMAGED ENOUGH WHERE STARTING FROM SCRATCH WOULD BE QUICKER AND LESS EXPENSIVE," Ace explains, glancing around once again. He returns his eye lights to Grey and Lunar again, brow bones drawn. "BUT, IT IS YOUR HOME, SO IT IS ULTIMATELY YOUR DECISION ON WHAT WE DO WITH IT OF COURSE." 

"we'll think on it," Grey says, glancing at Lunar for a moment. You look between them at the contemplation on their skulls. 

"OF COURSE. YOU CAN TELL US WHEN YOU DECIDE," Aster nods, twirling the noodles on his plate with his fork. Grey just nods, turning back to the food in front of him. 

_____ 

"Hey, Lunar?" you ask, looking over your shoulder at the taller skeleton. He looks over at you, grinning. 

"Yes?" He asks. You turn towards him, glancing out of the kitchen where you know everyone else currently is. Lunar also turns towards you, noting the rather hesitant and conflicted look on your face. "Is Something Wrong?" 

"You..... Did you used to be.... You look a lot like Papyrus," you comment, looking back at him. Lunar's brow bones draw in confusion for a moment, then he realizes what you meant. 

"Yes... I Used To Be.. Like Him," Lunar tells you, twisting his hands together nervously. 

"Like... the same person?" You ask, tilting your head. 

"Yes.. I Suppose That Is Accurate," Lunar nods, glancing over your expression. You nod, looking to the side for a moment. Your brows are still drawn, your arms crossed and finger tapping against your arm. "Does... Does That Make You Uncomfortable?" 

"What? No, no," you say, shaking your head as you look back at him. "Not at all. You and Papyrus are really different, I'm not trying to compare you two or anything. It's just...." 

You grimace, looking away again. Lunar waits for you to continue, still nervously wringing his hands together. 

"Something happened.... to him," you admit, gripping your arms tighter. Lunar's brow bones draw deeper in worry, standing straighter. "He... He's only told me about it and.... I need to convince him to tell someone else." 

"What Happened?" Lunar asks, leaning a bit closer to you. You shake your head, looking a lot more upset. 

"I... I promised him I wouldn't say anything and.... I don't know what I could do or who I could tell that could help," you frown, shaking just a bit. Lunar quickly hugs you, you hugging him back. "Just... It could make things incredibly worse if the wrong person finds out anyone knows.... I just.... How could I convince Papyrus to talk to someone who can actually do something?" 

"Hmmm..." Lunar hums, looking to be thinking hard about the question. He squeezes your shoulder, focusing back onto you. "I'd Say, You Just Have To Talk To Him A Bit More On It. I'm.... Not Sure On How Exactly As It's Been A Long Time Since I've Been Like Him And He's Had A Lot of Time On The Surface........ And We Haven't Interacted All That Much." 

"Just talk to him?" You ask, your brows furrowing. You lean back on the cabinets, pursing your lips. "Yeah, I suppose. But he... really doesn't want to... because of..... Hmmm." 

"You'll Have To Convince Him It's The Best Direction," Lunar replies, looking contemplative. "I Know You Can't Tell Me What Happened, But.... I Can See It's Causing You A Lot Of Stress.... Is It Really Bad? Is... Is He Hurt?" 

You look up at Lunar, face scrunching up like you want to cry again. You nod slowly, Lunar becoming a bit more worried at that. He hugs you tighter, you burying your face into his shirt. 

"I'm... I'm Sorry You Have To Deal With This By Yourself," Lunar says, glancing up to make sure no one's coming in still. He looks back down at you again, brow bones drawn. "If... If You Need To, You Can Tell Me. I Won't Tell Anyone Else And I Won't Do Anything Rash, No Matter What It Is." 

"I...  Thank you," you sigh, hugging him tighter. "It's.... It's really serious, Lunar. Really.... dangerous. If... If.... Papyrus could be really hurt if anything goes wrong." 

"Are... Does This... Put You In Danger?" Lunar asks, that worrying him even more. 

"I... Maybe.. I don't know. I don't think so," you reply, pulling back. You shake your head with a sigh, rubbing your eye with the heel of your palm. "I'm more worried about Papyrus... He's really the one at risk here. But I really doubt it's out of the realm of possibility for me to get hurt during this.. I guess. If... If Taylor can convince Sans or Black or whoever I did it instead..... I don't know what they'll do if they find out." 

"If... Sans Finds Out Someone Hurt Papyrus, It Won't Go Very Well... I Think Judging By What My Brother Has Told Me Before," Lunar replies, brow bones furrowing in thought. 

"what did i tell you?" Grey asks, coming into the kitchen now. You jump, looking back at him surprised. Grey looks between the two of you with a raised brow bone. "what's going on in here?" 

"Oh, Uh," Lunar looks down at you, you looking between him and Grey nervously. "We Were Just Talking About Some Things!" 

Grey doesn't look amused or satisfied about that answer, examining both of your expressions. 

"nothing's wrong is it? i heard something about something not going well," Grey adds, heading over to the fridge to grab a bottle of ketchup. "are you both alright?" 

"We're fine," you assure him, looking away. "We were just.... talking about some things. Was... asking Lunar for some advice." 

"Yes! That's It," Lunar agrees, nervously twisting his gloves. Grey still looks unconvinced, looking between the both of you. 

"somehow i doubt that," Grey comments, both of you looking nervous. "but if you're both not hurt, then i guess it's fine." 

Grey shrugs, you looking relieved. He raises a brow bone when you look back at him, Grey nodding a bit at you and glancing up at his brother briefly. 

"but.... you can come talk to me too, if you need, sunshine," Grey adds, winking a bit at the end. "lunar gives the best advice, but i'm sure i could still give some good tips if needed." 

"Thank you, Grey." You smile a bit, Grey nodding and heading out of the kitchen again after one last glance at the both of you. You sigh, looking up at Lunar. After a moment, you both head back out to the living room too, Lunar just looking at you worriedly. 

You'll have to think about this more, but it's comforting to know you can come talk to them.

Chapter Text

"BLACK! WAIT UP, PLEASE!" Blue calls, spotting said skeleton. Black instantly stops, half spinning on his heel to watch as Blue runs up to him. Blue skids to a stop beside his prickly counterpart, Black raising a brow bone at him. 

"WHAT IS IT, BLUE?" Black asks, hands clasped behind himself. 

"I WANTED TO TALK," Blue replies, straightening a bit more. He speaks up again before Black can claim he's too busy to talk at the moment. "IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT." 

"ALRIGHT," Black sighs, turning again and heading for the kitchen. Blue follows him. "BUT MAKE IT QUICK." 

"WHAT DO YOU THINK OF TAYLOR?" Blue asks, making Black freeze for just a second. "YOU DON'T REALLY BELIEVE THAT GUNS AND ACE LIED DO YOU?" 

"WHAT DOES IT MATTER, BLUE?" Black asks, pouring himself a glass of wine. "I SUPPOSE YOU BELIEVE EVERYTHING THEN?"

"OF COURSE. RED, EDGE, AND STRETCH BACKED IT UP," Blue replies, frowning at the other skeleton. He taps a finger on the countertop, eyeing Black. "AND GUNS AND ACE ARE REALLY RELIABLE FOR THAT KIND OF CHECK. YOU KNOW THAT." 

"YES, I DO. BUT THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR ERROR, EVEN WITH THEM," Black counters, watching the liquid as he twirls the glass instead of looking at Blue. 

"I MEAN, SURE," Blue relents, shrugging. "BUT THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING MULTIPLE TIMES." 

"DID THEY TELL YOU THAT?" Black asks, finally looking up at the other skeleton. Blue nods, Black humming. "WHAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME, IS HOW SHE MANAGED TO HIDE ALL OF THAT FOR SO LONG IF SHE REALLY IS GUILTY. YOU'D THINK WE'D HAVE NOTICED IT." 

"SHE'S.... A LOT SNEAKIER THAN WE REALIZED," Blue responds, frowning more. "AND SHE BLAMED IT ON THE OTHER HUMAN." 

Black's face remains neutral, surprising Blue as bringing you up usually puts a scowl on his face. Blue eyes him, looking for any sign of emotion from the other skeleton. He doesn't find anything though. 

"RIGHT, HER," Black huffs, taking a big gulp of the wine in his glass. 

"WE WERE WRONG ABOUT HER, YOU KNOW," Blue says, still eyeing Black. "SHE'S ACTUALLY VERY NICE... SHE'S DONE A LOT FOR US." 

"I'M SURE," Black replies, still not expressing anything or even looking at Blue. Blue's brow bones furrow, confused by his nonchalance. 

"WHAT... GUNS AND ACE ARE LOOKING INTO HER TOO," he brings up, making Black look at him with a raised brow bone. Blue taps his finger a little quicker. "YOU KNOW, JUST TO SEE. I.. TOLD THEM THEY SHOULDN'T, BUT THEY INSISTED. JUST... TO PROVE SHE'S GOOD, I'D GUESS?" 

"THEY WON'T FIND MUCH," Black comments, gulping down the rest of the wine before refilling the glass again. 

"BLACK, YOU SHOULD REALLY GIVE HER A CHANCE," Blue frowns. "SHE'S ACTUALLY REALLY SWEET AND-" 

"I MEANT THEY WON'T FIND MUCH ONLINE, BLUE," Black cuts in, giving the other skeleton a momentary glance. "SHE SEEMS TO BE A VERY PRIVATE PERSON ON SOCIAL MEDIA. DOESN'T POST MUCH ABOUT HERSELF AND ONLY SHARES FASHION ON HER PROFILES." 

"YOU... YOU LOOKED UP HER SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES?" Blue asks, brow bones raising in surprise. Black nods, face still the same neutral look he's had since the beginning of the conversation. "WHY?" 

"I WANTED TO LOOK INTO SOMETHING," Black replies, motioning to the other skeleton with his glass. "A RUMOR I HEARD. THAT'S ALL." 

"WHAT... WHAT RUMOR?" Blue asks hesitantly. 

"THERE WAS A RUMOR GOING AROUND THAT SHE IS ABUSING MY BROTHER," Black replies, Blue's eye sockets widening. Black simply shakes his head, sighing. "I HAVE TO BELIEVE IT'S FALSE." 

"WAIT, REALLY?" Blue asks, even more surprised. Black simply nods, eyeing the other skeleton. ".... WHY?" 

"PUT SIMPLY, NO ONE ELSE SEEMS TO BELIEVE IT," Black says, head tilting to the side. "THERE'S NO EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT IT AND MY BROTHER CERTAINLY DOESN'T SHOW ANY SIGNS OF ABUSE. I'VE LOOKED, I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING." 

Black swirls the glass again, giving it a scrutinizing look. But he just takes a drink, looking back at Blue with the same neutral look back on his face. 

"I'M STILL WATCHING, JUST TO BE SURE," Black nods, the first sign of emotion falling onto his face in the show of his brow bones tilting down slightly. "BUT FOR NOW.... I HAVE TO BELIEVE IT'S FAKE. THE HUMAN IS TOO NERVOUS AROUND ME TO GET ANY SIGN FROM HER, SO IT'D BE USELESS FOR ME TO INTERROGATE HER." 

"I DON'T THINK SHE'S DONE ANYTHING TO MUTT," Blue offers, shrugging a bit. "THEY.... REALLY SEEM HAPPY TOGETHER TO ME. MUTT'S ALWAYS LOOKED NORMAL." 

Black nods, agreeing with Blue casually. 

"THAT THEY DO," he frowns, taking another drink. 

_____

"Black!" 

Said skeleton turns at the call, watching as Taylor skips up to him with a big smile. She hugs him with one arm, Black loosely hugging her back. 

"HELLO, DEAR," Black greets, eyeing the girl. She's holding her hands behind her back.

"I got something for you on my way home!" Taylor smiles, making Black raise a brow bone. 

"OH?" He asks, Taylor nodding with a hum. "WHAT IS IT?" 

"Guess," she smiles, twisting around lightly. 

"HMM..." Black looks over the girl in contemplation, tilting his head. "COULD IT BE.. TAKE OUT?" 

"No," Taylor frowns, shaking her head. Her smile quickly comes back though, continuing to sway a bit. "Guess again." 

Black thinks for a few minutes, then shakes his head. 

"I DON'T KNOW, DEAREST. WHAT DID YOU GET?" Black asks, making Taylor pout a bit. But she brings a shopping bag out from behind her back, presenting it to him. 

"You're no fun, but here!" She says, smile returning. Black takes the bag, opening it to reveal a puzzle book, one with numbers, and a dessert. "I know you like numbers and I saw that today." 

It looks more like a children's puzzle book, something he could finish in a few minutes while asleep. The dessert isn't something he likes either, too sweet and sugary for his taste. That's more of something Mutt would enjoy, but he supposes it's the thought that counts.... It's the first time she's brought him something home in a long time... The first times she's brought anyone something home in a long time...

When did she stop doing that?

"THANK YOU, DEAR. HOW SWEET OF YOU," Black smiles, pressing his teeth to her forehead. Taylor beams at the praise, pressing her lips to Black's jaw. 

"Lets go hang out for a bit," she says, smile widening a bit. "It's been too long, hasn't it?" 

"WE SPENT TIME TOGETHER JUST LAST NIGHT," Black chuckles, though easily follows along with the girl anyway. Taylor pouts back at him, batting her eyelashes. 

"And we were apart all day today," she protests, the two sitting down on the couch. Taylor snuggles right up into his side, grabbing the remote to switch the TV on. "Is it so wrong to want to spend some quality time with my boyfriend? Especially since you're the only one who actually stuck by me?" 

".... OF COURSE NOT," Black replies, though he knows Papyrus stuck by her too. Or at least he hasn't broken up with her, nor has Sans. 

"Honestly it's better this way, I think," Taylor hums, looking up at the other skeleton. "Now I get to spend more time with you instead. So much better. I love you." 

".... I LOVE YOU TOO, DEAREST," Black replies, Taylor's grin widening as she sits up to kiss him. Black glances away after she's settled back into her earlier position, eye sockets narrowing at the wall. 

_____

"sans, we really need to talk," Stretch sighs, dropping the papers in his hands onto the table in front of himself. He looks back at the said skeleton, hunched over his seat like usual. Sans just grunts, continuing to scribble on the papers in front of himself. "sans, i'm serious." 

"i'll be done in a minute," Sans grumbles absently, making Stretch rub a hand down his face. 

"look, it's about taylor," Stretch tries, Sans freezing for just a second before continuing with what he was doing. "you.. you know what she's done. you believe guns and ace, don't you?" 

Sans doesn't respond or give any sign that he even heard Stretch's question. 

"they're true," Stretch states, eye sockets narrowing at the other skeleton. "taylor's... done everything they said she did. you... you need to do something, sans." 

Sans still doesn't say or do anything. 

Stretch groans, feeling a headache coming on. He sighs, looking over the other skeleton again and crossing his arms. 

Sans.... really doesn't look good. Stretch knows he never comes out of the basement anymore, he's not sure when that started honestly. It.... seems like a lifetime ago that anyone actually saw him. A lifetime since he's even gone outside too, and it shows. His bones are taking a sickly grey tone, deep bags underneath his eye sockets. His eye lights look fuzzy, almost like they're ready to go out. 

Stretch would believe he's sick, and maybe he is, but it's not like Sans is going to listen to him it seems. 

"what are you trying to do here?" Stretch asks, brow bones furrowing. "what is this accomplishing? we're not any closer to fixing the machine and you look like you're ready to dust." 

Sans still doesn't give an answer, making Stretch groan in response. 

"what'd she say to you, sans?" As expected, he doesn't say anything in response. "whatever it was, you working yourself to death isn't going to help anyone. you need to take a break." 

Sans doesn't put his pencil down. Stretch just shakes his head, walking towards the door. He glances back at Sans again, giving the older skeleton a look. 

"seriously, sans. you need to take a break and get your skull on right again.... whatever taylor said isn't worth dusting yourself over." 

Stretch heads upstairs, Sans pausing for a moment to rest his head on his arm. 

_____ 

"Oh, Papyrus," you sigh, looking over the skeleton holding onto his arm. "What happened?" 

"I... YOU- YOU KNOW," Papyrus mumbles, going to rub his upper arm but wincing instead. You frown, motioning him to follow you into the bathroom. He does, you closing and locking the door so no one can barge in on the two of you. Papyrus sits down on the side of the tub, you digging through the medicine cabinet. 

"Here, can I?" You ask, holding some towels and some sort of magic cream that's like rubbing alcohol. Papyrus nods, you getting to work cleaning the small fracture and the orange blood? Magic? Whatever it is. Papyrus hisses as you carefully dab the cut on his arm, you apologizing softly. "Was it Taylor?" 

You wrap that injury up, moving to look at the one on his clavicle. Papyrus takes a moment to answer, but he does. 

"...YES," he mumbles, looking away from you. You just nod, going about cleaning and dressing the small wounds. They don't look like anything too serious, mostly like flesh wounds for a human. You don't think they'll even scar, but they're still injuries. Injuries that Taylor caused. 

"Papyrus, I know you don't want to, but you really should tell someone. This can't keep going on," you say softly, Papyrus looking back at you with wide eye sockets. "I won't tell anyone, I promised you that. I'm just...." You glance away from the skeleton for a moment, messing with the bandages in your hands. But you look back at him, brows furrowed in concern. "I'm worried you're going to end up really hurt..... Or worse." 

"I'M OKAY," Papyrus tells you, rubbing his thumb over the bandages on his arm. "THESE AREN'T ANYTHING SERIOUS. TAYLOR WOULDN'T HURT ME THAT BADLY." 

"You're sure?" You ask, brows furrowing deeper. Papyrus nods, but you still doubt it. "Could you promise me something?" 

"WHAT?" Papyrus asks, looking back at you. 

"Could you try not to be alone with Taylor too much? Stay around the others more?" You ask, kneeling down in front of the skeleton. His brow bones furrow a bit. "I know, but it'll at least curb some of this. I'm sure they'd enjoy hanging out with you more too." 

"ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?" Papyrus asks, looking all over your face. You nod, smiling lightly. 

"I'm positive. Blue really cares about you," you offer, nodding your head to the side a bit. "So does Stretch and Edge and Red. I'm sure they'd love to spend some more time with you. It's been a while, hasn't it?" 

"I.. I SUPPOSE SO," Papyrus admits, rubbing the back of his neck. You nod, glancing towards the door. You stand, offering a hug to the skeleton which he takes. 

"A lot of people love and care for you, Papyrus. They'd be happy to see you more," you tell him, Papyrus clutching onto your shirt a bit tighter. 

"HAVE.... HAVE YOU TALKED TO FRISK OR UNDYNE LATELY?" Papyrus asks, mumbling the question into your shirt. 

"No, I haven't seen them," you reply, looking down at him. "Do you want to go see them?" 

"....... YES, BUT.... I.." Papyrus trails off, pulling away to look down. You place a hand on his cheekbone, but don't tilt it up towards yourself. 

"Whenever you're ready, I'm sure they'd be ecstatic to see you again too," you tell him, Papyrus looking up at you again. You smile lightly, Papyrus just hugging you again. 

"THANK YOU." 

"Of course."

Chapter Text

"I thought I'd find you here." 

You look up to see Lydia walking over to the table you're sitting at, giving the rabbit monster a half hearted smile in return. She glances down at the book beside you, picking it up with a raised eyebrow. You look back towards the book open in front of you, rubbing your eyes. 

"Is there a reason you've suddenly become a lot more interested in monster biology?" Lydia asks, sitting down in the chair next to you. 

"It's, uh.... become a lot more.... Well, just..." You groan, digging the heels of your palms into your eyes. 

"Does it have to do with Mutt?" Lydia asks, tilting her head. You shake yours, sighing. "Then one of your roommates?" 

"Yeah." 

"Well, what exactly are you trying to learn?" Lydia asks, leaning closer to take a look at what you're reading about. Her brows draw together a bit. "HP?" 

"Mutt explained it to me a bit," you shrug, looking back down at the pages. You fiddle with the corner for a second, eyes glancing over to the text. "I'm.... a bit more interested in the healing side." 

"Well, I know a lot about that!" Lydia smiles, puffing her chest out a bit. But then she looks at you, curiously and worriedly. You don't meet her eyes, yours still directed at the book. "But why are you interested in healing? Is everything okay?" 

"Yeah," you automatically respond, looking towards the rabbit. Your brows draw again though, taking a few minutes before speaking again and looking towards the table. "....... I mean, I suppose everything's...... everything's......" You purse your lips together for a moment, then shake your head. ".... They.... spar a lot together. No one is usually hurt, but better safe than sorry, right? And.... I've made a few friends who were.... very injured but they... are hesitant to see a doctor. They're fine though, right now... It's... just in case." 

"Sure," Lydia responds, raising an eyebrow. But she looks back towards the books in front of you, leaning her arm onto the table. "What do you know already, to start with?" 

"Well, I've been told HP is like health points," you respond, thinking back on it. "Like in some video games, but it's called Hope. It goes down with intent, and Monsters are more susceptible to it than humans are." 

"That's the basics," Lydia nods, leaning back a bit more. "Intent is a key factor in... basically everything, since Monsters are very susceptible to it. Especially in the healing side of things. You know about Monster food right?" 

"It has healing properties, right?" You ask, looking at her curiously. "Like different foods and drinks offer different things?" 

"Yup!" Lydia nods. She leans back so she can gesture with her arms. "Monster candy can give a few HP back to who eats it, most foods can. But they also be used as remedies to headaches and general pains, like Human painkillers can. Most foods don't have that much magic in them, or not enough to heal serious injuries. You'd need a lot of it to heal bigger things, and generally you should go see a doctor or healer if it's serious instead of just trying to heal it yourself." 

You nod in response, humming. 

"There's some.... paste or something Mutt showed me," you mention, thinking back to that stuff in the medicine cabinet. You describe it a bit more to the rabbit at her confused look. 

"Oh, that! That's a kind of over the counter stuff," Lydia explains, cupping her hands together as if holding something. "It's a more specialized kind of medicine for non-fur covered monsters, but good for healing small cuts and things like that." 

"Specialized?" You ask, confused. Lydia nods. 

"There's so many different kinds of Monsters," she tells you, gesturing out widely. "There's no one treatment that would work for everyone, we're generally very different in shapes, sizes, and makeup. So, we have to get into more specialized medicine for different monsters. It's kind of surprising that Human medicine is so... standardized and universal." 

You shrug with a hum. Lydia goes into a bit more depth on the types of medicine available for monsters, focusing a bit more on the kinds like the ones the skeletons have in the house already. 

"These types of medicine are usually specially made," Lydia adds, leaning back into her chair again. "Since they need to be customized to a specific type of Monster, they can't really be store bought. And Monsters usually can make their own, but it's recommended that a certified doctor be there to make sure everything goes right." 

"Makes sense," you nod. 

"One more thing, HP and Hope are not completely the same thing," Lydia adds, making you look at her a bit confused. She leans forward again. "They're very similar, but not exactly interchangeable. A Monster can still have Hope, but run out of HP anyway. And they can run out of Hope, but still have some HP. But if a Monster completely runs out of Hope, they're likely to Fall Down and it's not likely for a Monster to survive Falling Down." 

"Is... Is that kind of like a coma?" You ask, tilting your head. Lydia nods slowly, thinking on it. 

"Yeah, pretty much. Humans are more resilient, so you can come out of a coma a lot easier than a Monster who's Fallen Down." 

You frown at that, but nod in response. 

"Falling Down isn't too common of a thing, especially up here," Lydia assures you, placing a hand on your shoulder. "A Monster has to completely run out of Hope before it happens." 

"Alright," you nod, glancing towards the clock. You sigh, closing the book in front of you. "We're going to be late for class if we don't get moving." 

Lydia looks up at the clock as well, grimacing. She stands, shouldering her backpack. 

"If you have anymore questions, just ask!" 

"Thanks, Lydia," you smile, waving at her. "I appreciate the help!" 

"You're welcome!" She smiles back, then runs off to get to her class. You take a deep breath, putting the books back before heading off to your own class. 

_____

Papyrus pauses before entering the kitchen, hearing the quiet chatter from inside. But he continues in, looking around wearily as the talking cuts off. Edge and Blue look up as he does, Blue smiling over at him and Edge nodding with his normal neutral face. 

"HEY, PAPYRUS!" Blue greets, waving towards the other skeleton. 

"HELLO," Papyrus nods, though continues to just stand in the doorway awkwardly. It looks like they're making lunch, not anything extravagant. Just a pasta dish. Blue's cleaning up while Edge is keeping eye on the dish currently cooking. 

"DINNER IS ALMOST READY," Edge speaks up, looking over Papyrus' form. He motions his head towards the cupboard, still eyeing the other skeleton. "IF YOU'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING, COULD YOU SET THE TABLE?" 

"YES! I CAN DO THAT," Papyrus jumps, walking over to the cupboards to grab the plates and the drawers to get the silverware. He then goes about to set the places, still aware of how the two are looking at him. But when he looks up, they've turned back to what they were doing when he first walked in. 

"HOW HAVE YOU BEEN, PAPYRUS?" Edge asks, looking back up at the skeleton after pulling the dish out of the oven. Papyrus still tenses up, but smiles. 

"I'VE BEEN... GREAT!" He says, then winces. "WELL, AS GREAT AS CAN BE... RIGHT NOW." 

"....... THAT'S GOOD TO HEAR," Edge replies, Blue frowning as he looks over at Papyrus. "WILL YOU BE JOINING US THIS EVENING FOR SPARRING? I KNOW YOU'VE MISSED THE LAST FEW DUE TO NOT FEELING VERY WELL." 

"I, UH... I MIGHT," Papyrus says, glancing away from the other skeleton. 

"WELL, YOU'RE WELCOME TO JOIN US AGAIN. WE'D BE HAPPY IF YOU DID," Edge comments, looking away from Papyrus again. Papyrus gives a half smile at that, glancing away from the two and rubbing his upper arm. 

"WELL, I'LL GO GET EVERYONE FOR DINNER," Blue says, switching his rubber gloves for his normal ones. "THANK YOU FOR SETTING THE TABLE, PAPYRUS. YOU CAN SIT DOWN IF YOU WANT." 

Papyrus just nods, taking his normal seat. Edge comes over with the dish and sets it in the middle of the table, doing the same with two other dishes, before taking his normal seat. Though both skeletons look over as you enter the kitchen with Mutt trailing behind you. Edge calls out to you both after a minute, making the two of you look over your shoulders. 

"WOULD YOU TWO LIKE TO JOIN US FOR DINNER TONIGHT?" He asks, gesturing to the table. You pause, looking surprised by the offer. But then you glance at the others coming in, namely Black. 

"Uh, maybe... another time," you smile awkwardly, Edge just nodding. But he still gestures towards the dishes on the table. 

"WELL, BLUE AND I MADE ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE. SO YOU TWO CAN TAKE SOME OF WHAT WE MADE INSTEAD OF COOKING YOURSELF TONIGHT, IF YOU'D LIKE," he offers. You smile, Mutt looking skeptical. 

"Thanks, Edge," you say, said skeleton nodding. Mutt grabs two plates from the cupboard, walking over to the table. Edge dishes out some of the food for you both, you pausing by Papyrus. He fidgets as you look over him for a moment, but you quickly move on after another glance at Black and Taylor coming into the room. Mutt hands you one of the plate and you both quickly scamper off with them afterwards, though you had to pause again to watch as Taylor hugs Papyrus. You don't pause for long though. 

"Paps! I haven't seen you all day!" Taylor says, Papyrus nearly wincing at the grip she has on his arm. Edge and Red eye the two, Edge looking contemplative and Red looking nearly disgusted. 

"I-I WAS AT WORK," Papyrus replies, looking down at his empty plate instead of at anyone. 

"Well, I missed you," Taylor pouts, though has a certain look in her eye that Papyrus knows all too well. "We should spend some time together tonight." 

"WELL, I... I-I-" 

"ACTUALLY, TAYLOR," Edge cuts in, having caught Papyrus' stuttering while dishing some food onto his plate. "PAPYRUS HAS PLANS WITH BLUE AND I TONIGHT." 

"WHA-" Blue's confused question is quickly cut off with a kick to the leg, the said skeleton coughing. "OH, UH, RIGHT! I REMEMBER THAT! YES, WE HAVE PLANS TONIGHT!" 

Blue sends a quick confused look towards the edgier skeleton, who doesn't look at him or change his facial expression. Stretch, Red, and Black look between the two, confused as well though they don't get any more of an answer than Blue did. Taylor glares though and Papyrus begins to sweat nervously. 

"What plans?" She spits, making Papyrus tense more. 

"PLANS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU," Edge replies, glaring right back at the human girl. "AND THEREFOR ARE NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS." 

Taylor's nearly fuming, looking over at Papyrus. 

"UH, YEAH... WE HAVE PLANS," he says nervously, looking between Edge and Taylor a few times. He holds back a wince as Taylor's hand tightens around his arm. 

"Well, you should cancel them," she states, raising an eyebrow. 

"UH, THEY'RE IMPORTANT TAYLOR," Blue speaks up, glancing towards Edge's sour look. Though he still looks a little confused, he puts on a confident face. "HE CAN'T MISS THEM."

Taylor glares at him for that. 

"WE CAN DO SOMETHING TOGETHER TONIGHT, TAYLOR," Black speaks up, taking a drink from his cup. Though he still eyes Edge and Blue with a raised brow bone, a suspicious look in his eye lights. "YOU CAN SPEND TIME WITH PAPYRUS ANOTHER NIGHT INSTEAD." 

Taylor's glare doesn't lift, but she lets go of Papyrus' arm to eat. Papyrus lets out a silent, relieved, sigh, nervously glancing at the human beside him. Stretch leans a little closer to Blue to whisper to him, Blue shrugging at whatever he asked and whispering something back to him. Stretch just looks more confused with that, but leaves it be to continue eating. Red does the same, though whatever response Edge gave him made Red's brow bones furrow deep and look between Taylor and Papyrus a couple of times. 

Papyrus suddenly really just wants to go hide in his bed.

Chapter Text

"Honestly, can't you do anything right?" Taylor snips, glaring down at the skeleton in front of herself with tightly crossed arms. Sans hunches in on himself, staring back at the human in front of him. He just came up to get something to eat, maybe talk with Papyrus a little bit. Clear his head. He wasn't looking for a confrontation. "Papyrus came and talked to me last night." 

That makes Sans tense more, his exhaustion being replaced with anxiety. 

"He's so tired of all of this. Of having to deal with your screw up," Taylor says, looking thoroughly done with everything. Sans winces, flinching back at that. "Papyrus hates what you've done, and that you've dragged him into it as well. He's so tired of your constant mistakes and having to help you fix them. And of having to clean up after you, and your laziness. I don't know why he's still putting up with it, he says it's only because he has to. If you weren't his brother...." 

Sans grips his hands into fists, not looking at the girl's annoyed and disapproving look. 

"i'm working on fixing this mess... it's just taking longer than i thought," he states. 

"Because you're inept," Taylor snaps, nearly snarling at this point. "Honestly everyone's tired of having to deal with your shit! And the others just can't wait to go back to their homes already. You've ruined their lives with having to deal with all of this and uprooting everything so suddenly. They hate it. They hate you for doing it!" 

Sans winces at that, still not looking at the woman. She sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. 

"Ugh, I'm just stressed," she comments, finally making Sans glance at her. "I didn't mean to snap like that, just everyone's been complaining so much and it's gotten to me. It's all a little much to have to deal with all the time." 

"sorry, taylor... i'm doing as much as i can," Sans replies, shrugging a shoulder. Taylor still glares at him, crossing her arms again. 

"Obviously not enough." 

Sans blinks down at the papers in front of himself, pencil nearly falling out of his grip. He shakes his head a bit, blinking out of that memory that suddenly decided to surface. He groans, dropping the writing utensil to rub his eye sockets. He ignores the feeling in his chest, like someone grabbed his SOUL and started to squeeze. 

Maybe he should take a break. He's really tired and Stretch went to bed just a few minutes...... hours ago. 

"Obviously not enough." 

Sans winces, trying to dig the heels of his palms into his eye sockets a little more. He's really tired, he's not going to be able to work with like this much longer. He can't. 

"Honestly, can't you do anything?"

Just a little bit of sleep, then he can get back to trying to fix this. It'll do him some good and Stretch mentioned it before he went to bed, that he should. Even looked rather worried. 

"You've ruined their lives with having to deal with this and uprooting everything so suddenly." 

Stretch looked worried, even Red did. And he can feel the exhaustion settled deep into his bone, this can't be good. He knows it's not. He's basically running on empty and nothing's going to be accomplished if he's trying to work while half asleep. 

"Papyrus hates what you've done, and that you've dragged him into it as well." 

Sans freezes, every bone in his body locking up. He can feel himself starting to tremble slightly. 

"If you weren't his brother...." 

Tears begin to try and collect at the ridges of his eye sockets, Sans desperately trying to keep them back. Keep them from falling and staining the papers in front of him or his coat. 

"If you weren't his brother...." 

"i'm sorry," Sans whispers to himself, barely loud enough to break the silence of the room. 

"You've ruined their lives-" 

"i'm sorry, i'm sorry," Sans repeats, voice just as quiet as before. "i didn't mean for this to happen." 

"Papyrus hates what you've done-" 

"You've ruined their lives-" 

"Obviously not enough." 

"They hate you for doing it!" 

"It's all a little much to have to deal with all the time." 

"i'm sorry." Sans grits his teeth together, hands coming up to grip the sides of his skull. "i'm trying. i'm trying. nothing's working." 

"Because you're inept." 

"Honestly, can't you do anything right?" 

"Honestly everyone's tired of having to deal with your shit!" 

"And the others just can't wait to go back to their homes already." 

"-ruined their lives-" 

"They hate you-" 

"Papyrus hates what you've done-" 

"-you've dragged him into-" 

"He's so tired of your constant mistakes-" 

"i'm sorry! please, please stop," Sans begs, leaning forward just a bit more and digging his phalanges into his skull. "i'm sorry. i'm sorry, paps. i'll fix this." 

"If you weren't his brother...." 

Sans grits his teeth harder, nearly to the point they feel like they're going to shatter. He takes a deep breath, opening his eye sockets. He shakily picks the pencil back up and continues to write, ignoring the tears tracking down his cheekbones. 

At least everything's quiet again. 

_____ 

"Hello, Dear!" Aggie smiles, you smiling back as you sit down at the table with her. "How have you been? Keeping busy, I'd suppose?" 

"I've been doing alright," you respond, nodding a bit. Though you have to sigh, leaning back in your seat a bit. "And it is the last month of the semester. I'm trying to get everything in order so I don't have to rush later." 

"Good idea," Catherine nods, folding her hands on the table. "I suppose you're studying hard?" 

"Yeah," you groan, tilting your head back. "I'm not looking forward to the exams!" 

"No one ever does," Jim replies, patting your shoulder a bit. "But I'm sure you'll get through them just fine." 

"Thanks," you smile, sitting straight again. 

"Say, that nice young man didn't come with you today?" Daisy asks, looking around after a second. You smile and shake your head with a huff. 

"No, he had other matters to take care of today," you reply, shrugging a shoulder. "He did say hi though." 

"Well, that's a shame," Daisy sighs. Though she eyes you curiously. "Have you two gotten together yet? You both look so cute together, I'm sure you'd make a wonderful couple! You're already so close!" 

"Daisy!" You whine, covering your face. "We're just friends! And I've got too much going on to think about a relationship right now!" 

The group of oldies laugh at that response, you glowering at them like an annoyed kitten from behind your hands. 

"Come now," George chuckles, giving you a teasing look. "There's no need for such a sour look. Daisy's right, you know." 

You just whine, hiding your face again. 

"Do you have to do this every time?" 

"It's just what us old people do, Dearie," Aggie chuckles, patting your arm. "And we've got to get some teasing in before you leave." 

"Right, when are you going to be leaving?" Catherine asks, looking over you as you drop your hands. There's still a bit of red in your cheeks, but it's faded a lot. "You're leaving after your exams, aren't you?" 

"At the end of the month," you reply, shaking your head a bit. You sigh, loosely crossing your arms. "Or that's the plan at the moment.... I don't know if I'll end up heading back down immediately or not. A friend and I are planning to move into an apartment here in town eventually too." 

"Oh? You like it up here, I suppose," George asks, raising an eyebrow. 

"Do we know this friend?" Daisy asks. 

"It's not Mutt!" You immediately reply, the flush coming back. "It's another friend.. I don't know if you do know her. Her name's Lydia, she's a bunny monster." 

"The name doesn't sound familiar," Catherine comments. 

"I don't know any bunny monsters," Jim states, shaking his head. The others agree. 

"Well, I suppose your time up here hasn't been all bad if you're wanting to move here permanently," Aggie says, looking at you with a raised eyebrow. 

"No, I like it here," you sigh, leaning on your hand a bit. "Not everything's been bad and I've made some really good friends. There's a lot more to do and opportunities here too... The city I lived in is pretty small, and I do love it, but I prefer this bigger city." 

"Well, there certainly are a lot more job opportunities you could take advantage of," Catherine nods, though looks a bit skeptical. "But it is more expensive." 

"Yeah, I know," you sigh, frowning. Daisy lightly whacks Catherine on the arm. 

"Oh, come on now, Cathy. No need to sour the girl's mood. I'm sure you'll do just fine," she assures you, Catherine looking rather annoyed. "No matter what you choose to do." 

"Thanks," you smile. 

_____

Mutt finds you in your bedroom, looking through some papers in front of yourself. You do look up as he enters, a bit of a smile lighting up your face. 

"Hey," you greet, then looking back down at the papers. Mutt walks over to look down at the pages, noting them to just be some of your study papers. 

"hey, you busy?" Mutt asks, glancing between you and the papers a few times. 

"No, not really. Just getting some early studying in," you sigh, looking back up at him. You raise an eyebrow, leaning your head onto your hand. "Why?" 

"everyone's heading over to lilac and charmed's place," Mutt nods, leaning to the side. "was wondering if we wanted to join in the fun." 

"What's happening over there?" You ask, setting the papers in your hands down. Mutt shrugs. 

"i dunno, some get together or something. but said we're free to bring grey and lunar along," he adds, tilting his head to the side. "you up for going?" 

"Hmmm. Sure why not?" You shrug, picking the papers and book up off your bed. "Give me a moment to get dressed though?" 

Mutt nods, heading out of your room once more. You quickly get dressed into something a little more presentable, then grab your phone to call Lunar and let Mutt back into the room. 

"Hello!" Lunar greets happily, picking up on the second ring. 

"Hey, Lunar," you greet, smiling a bit. "Mutt and I are going over to Lilac and Charmed's house and were wondering if you and Grey wanted to join?" 

"Oh! Uh, are we... allowed.. too?" Lunar asks nervously. 

"They extended the invitation, so I'm guessing so," you reply, a little amused. 

"I'll Ask Sans!" Lunar says quickly, and you can vaguely hear Grey say something in the background. But you're not able to pick up what it was. 

"tell 'im to tell Grey that we were asked to pick up Grillby's," Mutt speaks up, making you raise an eyebrow a him. But you repeat it anyway, hearing Lunar echo it a moment after. There's a long pause where Lunar and Grey talk, you patiently waiting for the conclusion. 

"We'll Come!" Lunar finally replies. You can hear the smile in his voice, very happy with the result of his back and forth with Grey. 

"Alright. Mutt and I will come pick you both up," you tell him, turning to grab your wallet and keys. 

"Alright! See You Both In A Little Bit!" Lunar replies, you both saying your goodbyes before hanging up. You and Mutt are then heading out to your car, you noting that you don't see or hear anyone on your way out. You try not too think too much on it, no noise is good right? 

You hand the keys over to Mutt, seeing as you have no clue where Lilac and Charmed live nor do you know where Grillby's is, before getting into your car and heading off. First to pick up Grey and Lunar, who you had to go retrieve from their house to lead to the vehicle. 

"Did Lilac Or Charmed Tell You What We're Doing At Their House?" Lunar asks curiously, looking between you and Mutt as he folds into the car. 

"just that they're getting together," Mutt replies, nodding his head side to side. "usually that means a campfire or movie night or something like that. lilac and charmed like having little get togethers like that when they're in town." 

"Really?" You ask, raising an eyebrow. 

"yeah. they're a lot more social than a lot of the rest of us," Mutt shrugs, pulling the car onto the road again. "just the way their universe was, i suppose. but shouldn't be anything like the usual gatherings they had in their universe." 

You hum, glancing back at the other two. Lunar looks rather excited, Grey looking hesitant but accepting of his fate. You smile at the shorter of the brothers, Grey reluctantly smiling back. 

It'll do some good to get out, you'd guess.

Chapter Text

It's a quiet afternoon at Grillby's, the usual quiet that the bar sees. There's not a lot of humans here, mostly just the regulars seated where they usual are and drinking what they normally drink. Red's here too, but he's not drinking like he was before. Grillby hopes that's a good sign, though he's got the same expression he's always had lately. Somewhere between miserable and angry. 

Grillby has to glance up as the bell on the door rings, seeing Mutt mosey into the establishment for the first time in a long time. But following behind him is a human girl, looking all around curiously. With the way Red reacts upon seeing her, Grillby wonders if this is the human they've been grumbling about. 

"heya grillby," Mutt greets, stopping in front of him. You pause behind him, your eyes landing on Red. Grillby doesn't miss the way your brows furrow at the sight, or the way Red doesn't meet your gaze. "here to pick up an order from lilac." 

Grillby nods, his gaze turning away from you. He leaves to grab the order as you nudge Mutt and nod over at the other skeleton, Mutt then eyeing him. Neither of you say anything to him, conversing with each other in quiet tones. It only takes a second for Grillby to come back out of the kitchen, already having the meals prepared and bagged. Mutt thanks him as he takes it, nodding over to you. 

"don't think you've met," he mentions, introducing you. You smile towards the fire monster, looking rather friendly and sweet to him. But he doesn't really have enough to say, just from everything he's heard. 

"angel, this is grillby. makes some of the best food," Mutt introduces, nodding towards the fire monster. "used to come here a lot before we met." 

"Really?" You ask, raising an eyebrow in surprise if he's reading you right. But you turn your eyes back to him, nodding your head slightly. "Well, it's nice to meet you." 

Grillby nods in your direction, rather curious. Your eyes dart back to Red momentarily, before glancing up at Mutt once more. Mutt points back towards the door. 

"i'll have to bring you back here some time," he mentions, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. "but everyone's waiting for us now." 

"Can we wait just a second," you ask, glancing towards Red again. Your brows are still drawn, looking worried. "You know what happened.... last time.. with him." 

Mutt sighs, looking up at Red once more before nodding slowly. Grillby looks over the three of you curiously, but doesn't butt in when you two hesitantly approach the other skeleton. He does note that you don't get too close though, a stool and Mutt between you and Red. He quickly looks away though. 

You still gaze at Red a bit warily, rubbing your shoulder where he bite you. You still have little scars there, barely noticeable but still there. 

"Red.... You okay?" You ask hesitantly, Mutt keeping his arm around you. 

"'m fine," Red grumbles in response, turning to the two of you slightly. He eyes Mutt specifically, then the bag hanging in his free hand. "you two going to a party?" 

"lilac and charmed are having a get together," Mutt replies, raising a brow bone. Red just grunts, sighing a moment afterwards. 

"didn't hear about that," Red shrugs, taking a drink from his glass. You glance up at Mutt, then back to the skeleton. He sighs again, after eyeing you and the way you're still holding your shoulder. "i'm not drunk, if that's what you're worried about. not planning to be either.... wont do anything to you again." 

"That.... wasn't exactly what I was thinking about," you shrug. Sure it was part of it, but you were.... mainly thinking of the breakdown he had... crying on you. 

But you would still rather avoid the other part ever happening again too..... You really didn't like that. 

Red doesn't look like he believes you, but nods anyway. 

"well, still. don't have to worry about me. go enjoy yourselves at the perv-" Red quickly cuts himself off with a cough as Mutt elbows him with a glare. "-at lilac and charmed's place." 

You still hear him grumble curses under his breath at Mutt though. 

"You sure you're okay, Red?" You still ask one more time. 

"'m fine... thanks fer asking," Red nods, a look on his face that you're not quiet sure where to place. Miserable or appreciative. Probably somewhere between those. 

You nod, looking up at Mutt once more. He just nods towards the door, waving back at Grillby as you both head out. 

_____

Soon enough you're both pulling into a driveway on the other side of the city, not very far out from it. The driveway isn't long, the house coming into view rather quickly. It looks like a cute little thing, just one story with a rather nice and big deck. It's painted a soft color, a lot of plants lining the house. Including a wall of ivy. 

"here we are," Mutt comments, parking behind two other cars and beside another. Lunar sighs in relief, the four of you stretching as you get out. G waves from the porch, smoking a cigarette with Guns next to him. 

"Glad to see you four joining us," G greets as you all walk up the steps. His eye light then drops to the bag you're carrying, a grin pulling at his teeth. "See you've brought some food too." 

"just as asked," Mutt shrugs. 

"you know if anyone else is joining?" Guns asks, raising a brow bone. 

"nope," Mutt replies, shaking his head. You twist the bag's handles around your hands, biting your lip. G raises an eyebrow at you, tilting his head. 

"There someone you wanted to invite?" He asks you, the five skeletons looking at you curiously. You eye the two in front of you for a few seconds, G and Guns raising a brow bone in response. You bite your lip, Mutt taking your free hand in his and squeezing. He gives you a curious look. 

"... Papyrus," you admit, shrugging a shoulder. Lunar winces at that, reminded of your conversation about the younger version of himself. 

"really?" Guns asks in surprise, looking over you. You nod in response, glancing away from him. 

"I'm.... worried about him... He... doesn't get out of the house much or... interact with everyone a whole lot," you excuse, trying to work around your worry. Lunar sets a hand on your shoulder and squeezes it, the other four still looking at you confused. Grey looks between the two of you a few times, his brow bones drawing in concern. 

"Fair enough," G decides, shrugging a shoulder. He still shares a look with Guns and Mutt, but pulls his phone out anyway. "I'll text him an invite." 

"Uh! If you could, go through Blue or..." You wince, knowing Taylor checks Papyrus' phone. "Uhm... just Blue." 

".... Sure," G replies, the skeletons looking at you even more confused. 

"Thank you," you says, not quite looking any of them in the eye sockets. But they don't get a chance to question before Lilac is hanging out the door. 

"you four just going to stand out here all day?" He asks, amusement coloring his lilac eye lights. "come on in." 

"Hey Lilac," G speaks up as Mutt leads you over to the door. Lilac steps out, holding the door open for you, but looking over at G instead. "Mind if I invite Blue and Papyrus over?" 

"uh," Lilac glances over at you, Grey, and Lunar. 

"She asked," G replies, shrugging a shoulder. 

"then go ahead," Lilac nods, glancing towards the four of you once more. "the more the merrier. and we've got plenty of food to go around." 

G gives him a thumbs up and looks back at his phone.

You glance around the home while you walk in, Mutt taking the plastic bag full of to-go boxes from you. Lilac and Charmed have a... very pretty house, to say the least. It certainly looks bigger on the inside than the outside made it seem. The front door opens into the living room, which is very open with a cathedral ceiling. There's one large white couch that's in an L shape against the wall, two matching chairs close by. A dark wood coffee table positioned in front of them. A fireplace is against the far wall, a TV over it and a couple of bookcases filled to the brim are on either side of it. The fireplace does have a guard around it to keep the fire inside. There's large windows on the same wall as the door, all framed by white curtains, that let in enough light that the room is well lit. 

The entire place has a very light color palate, the furniture all white, the walls a very light lilac color, and the carpet an off-white. The only dark objects are the wooden parts and the fireplace's bricks. 

You glance to the side, seeing the kitchen is the same room as the living room. Though it's roof isn't the same, an actual room above it if the staircase against the wall is anything to go by. It's rather large too with shiny countertops and dark cabinets, cupboards, and appliances. The pans are neatly hung on hooks and everything looks rather organized. The barstools are all pushed neatly into the island counters too. 

It's very... cute and pretty........ Honestly it's kind of what you expected from them. 

"Welcome!" Charmed greets, looking over from what he was doing in the kitchen. "Glad To See All Of You Made It!" 

"wouldn't miss it, charmed," Mutt grins, setting the bag onto the counter. Charmed instantly takes it, pulling out the boxes to see what's in them. 

"I'm Guessing My Brother Asked You To Get These," Charmed comments, looking unamused but accepting. 

"hey, i got a variety," Lilac defends, leaning against the islands with a shit eating grin. Charmed just sighs dramatically and shakes his head. 

"Please, Go Make Yourselves At Home," Charmed grins towards you, Mutt, Grey, and Lunar. "We'll Have Dinner Soon." 

"Thank you," you smile, walking with Grey and Lunar into the living room while Mutt stays behind to talk to the two a little bit more. The three of you drop down onto the couch, you waving towards Ace who's seated in one of the chairs. 

"HELLO AGAIN," Ace greets, nodding towards the three of you. 

"Hey," you reply. 

"Hello," Lunar smiles, Grey just giving him a half wave before leaning a little more towards you. 

"is everything okay?" He asks, voice low enough that Ace shouldn't be able to hear it. 

"Everything's fine. Why?" You whisper, looking at him a bit confused. 

"you're worried about papyrus," he replies, raising a brow bone. He shrugs a bit, eyeing your face. "seems like something." 

"It's...." You purse your lips together, looking away from him. You just shrug. 

"was this what you were talking to paps about the other day?" Grey asks, brow bones furrowing. You just bite your lip, still not looking at him. He sighs. "are you going to be alright at least?" 

"Yeah, I think so," you tell him, looking up at him. Grey nods, leaning back again. You see that Ace has been watching the two of you, Lunar twisting his hands nervously. You reach out and take one of Lunar's hands in your own, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He seems to appreciate it. 

"Well," G walks back into the house, making you look up at him. Guns heads over to Ace, the two talking in low tones with each other. "Blue and Papyrus are on their way over." 

"REALLY?" Aster asks, coming out from somewhere down the hall and making you jump. G nods, pocketing his phone. 

"Well, It'll Be Nice To See Them Again," Charmed comments, shrugging a shoulder but glancing towards the three of you on the couch. You almost let out a relieved breath, but just hold back from it. 

If nothing else, at least this will be a night out for him. Hopefully let him relax a bit, away from the lodge and everything in it. And away from Taylor for a while. 

Lunar squeezes your hand, making you look up at him. He smiles slightly, you smiling back at him. 

You miss the look the others are giving you though, specifically Guns and Ace. Both of whom are looking at you a bit critically, and G and Aster who look at you confused. None of them missed the flash of relief on your face, nor the way you quickly wiped it off. They glance at their respective brothers, confused. 

Well, at least this get together will be interesting.

You hope this doesn't blow up in your face.

Chapter Text

Papyrus glances around, looking for anyone in the house. He's not sure where everyone is, besides his brother in the basement like always. Stretch might be down there too, but he can't really be sure about that. He thinks he saw Red leave the lodge, but again isn't sure and he has no clue where Blue and Edge are. And that seems to be the problem. 

"Papyrus!" 

Said skeleton jumps, seeing Taylor marching up to him. She looks angry, which makes the skeleton tense more. But she doesn't do anything other than set her hands on her hips, standing in front of him and looking a lot like an angry Pomeranian.

"What was that?" She asks, eyes narrowed on him. 

"WHAT WAS WHAT?" He asks nervously, rubbing his arm. 

"At dinner, what else?" She snaps, glaring at him. "What plans did you have with Edge and Blue?" 

He didn't have plans and they just ended up going on patrol together. It was quiet nearly the entire time, Blue attempting to make some small talk but it didn't go anywhere. The worried looks they kept giving him making him feel worse about the whole thing. 

"What. Plans. Did. You. Have?" Taylor demands after Papyrus takes too long to answer. 

"IT WAS NOTHING, TAYLOR," Papyrus replies, looking away from the girl. 

"Then why couldn't you cancel them? What was so important that you had to go?" Taylor asks, fingers pressing deeper into her hips.

"I-I-" Papyrus stutters, clenching his hand around his arm more. Taylor nearly growls in annoyance, her anger spiking. 

"I don't like you hanging out with them. Especially Edge," she decides, crossing her arms tightly. "They're no good and you're not-" 

"PAPYRUS! THERE YOU ARE!" 

Papyrus jumps at the call, looking over his shoulder to see Blue running up. He falters at seeing Taylor in front of the taller skeleton, looking annoyed and angry. 

"ER, SORRY TO INTERRUPT, BUT I NEED PAPYRUS FOR A MOMENT," Blue finally says after looking over the woman for a second. 

"We were in the middle of something," Taylor says, reaching out to grab Papyrus. But Blue pulls him off before she can, waving. 

"SORRY! REALLY IMPORTANT!" He calls back, pulling Papyrus out the front door. Papyrus lets out a breath, but still nervously looks down at Blue. 

"WHAT'S... WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?" He asks, rubbing his arm when the shorter skeleton finally lets him go. 

"I'M SORRY, PAPYRUS. YOU JUST LOOKED REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE," Blue replies, walking over to Papyrus' red convertible. Papyrus follows, shaking his head. 

"IT'S FINE, BUT DID YOU REALLY NEED SOMETHING?" He asks. Blue nods, his eye lights lighting up again. 

"OH, YES! WE WERE INVITED TO LILAC AND CHARMED'S GET TOGETHER TODAY!" 

_____

It's not long before Blue's knocking on the door, Lilac letting him and Papyrus into the house. They look a little awkward, but Blue's smiling. Papyrus is obviously nervous, but he soon notices you as he glances through everyone in the house. You give him an encouraging smile and a slight nod, the skeleton relaxing just a little. 

"THANK YOU FOR INVITING US," Blue says, glancing around at everyone himself. His eye lights land on you as well, faltering for a moment. "IT GOOD TO SEE EVERYONE AGAIN.... UNDER BETTER CONDITIONS." 

"we're glad you came," Lilac grins, walking over to throw an arm around the shorter of the two. "how have you been lately, blueberry?" 

"I'VE BEEN WELL," Blue replies, though has to roll his eye lights at the nickname. He still rubs the back of his neck, looking a bit awkward. "WELL, AS WELL AS I CAN BE WITH... EVERYTHING." 

"lets not think too much on that tonight," Lilac says, patting Blue's shoulder. "we're here to have fun after all." 

Blue grins again and nods, agreeing immediately. 

"Go Make Yourselves At Home," Charmed smiles, gesturing towards the living room. "We Were Just About To Eat." 

Papyrus and Blue thank him, heading deeper into the living room. Guns, Ace, G, and Aster look over Papyrus as he stands awkwardly in the living room for a minute before deciding to sit in a chair, Blue taking a seat on the empty side of the couch. Blue sends a hesitant smile in your direction, you replying in kind. 

"IT'S NICE TO SEE YOU BOTH HERE," Blue says, looking towards Grey and Lunar. Grey looks a bit annoyed already and Lunar is looking a bit nervous. 

"we invited them," Lilac grins, looking over his shoulder. "they were nice enough to host us, so we wanted to return the favor." 

"OH, WHEN WAS THAT?" Blue asks, confused. 

"really matter, baby blue?" Guns asks, leaning back into his own chair and raising a brow bone. Blue rubs the back of his neck nervously, shrugging a shoulder. 

"I SUPPOSE NOT. I JUST DIDN'T KNOW YOU ALL MET," he replies. 

"WE HAD," Ace simply says, leaning back. A bit of sweat collects on the back of Blue's neck, the skeleton not meeting Guns or Ace's eye lights.

"Hey, Papyrus," G speaks up, changing the conversation quickly. He looks over the skeleton that jumps at suddenly being addressed, carefully placing a hand on his shoulder and leaning against the chair Papyrus sat himself in. "You haven't said much since getting here. How have you been?" 

"I, UH...." Papyrus glances at you again and you nod in encouragement, that quickly being picked up by everyone else. Along with Papyrus' straightening after it and his smile. "I'VE BEEN DOING ALRIGHT!" 

"Yeah?" G asks, returning his gaze to the skeleton beside him. "How's work?" 

"IT'S BEEN GREAT! NOTHING I CAN'T HANDLE!" 

"That's good to hear," G nods, brow bones still drawn in thought. 

You look to your side when Grey taps your arms a couple of times, Lunar's frown much more pronounced. It's pretty obvious that Lunar could see what you're worried about, Grey looking rather disconcerted by Papyrus' behavior as well. He leans a little more towards you, brow bones drawn. 

"what's up with him? did something happen?" He asks you. You pause for a moment, then shrug a bit with a little nod. Grey looks rather displeased with that, grimacing. But he straightens up immediately, glancing towards the kitchen when Lilac and Charmed call. "come on, we should grab something to eat." 

Grey takes your hand and pulls you into the kitchen with him, Lunar on your heels. Everyone grabs a plate and what they want before going and sitting down once more. You note Papyrus is the only one that hasn't, and make a plate for him yourself. He jumps a bit when you hold out the plate for him, then looks up at you. 

"You should eat a bit," you offer, Papyrus taking the plate from you and looking down at it. You gently squeeze his shoulder after, leaning a little closer. "I'm glad you came, and I'm sure the others are too." 

Papyrus gives you a smile, you grinning back at him before taking your seat between Grey and Lunar again. You don't acknowledge the curious looks you get from the other skeletons, focusing on the food instead. Mutt leans against your legs like usual, Lilac and Charmed also sitting on the floor. Everyone else goes back to their previous seats, a pleasant chatter filling the room while you all eat.

Lilac picks the onions off his burger, setting them to the side where Charmed picks it up to place on his instead. G and Aster try to include Papyrus into the conversation often, Guns and Ace mainly watching everything play out and only speak up when directly asked a question. Grey mostly scarfs down his food, Lunar happily chatting with everyone around bites of food. Blue does the same, Papyrus nervously but happily talking. 

To your relief, the more he chats with everyone, the more Papyrus' shoulders start to lower. That makes you smile, happy he's relaxed even a little bit. It'll certainly do him some good. 

But still, you can't help the wiggling thought in the back of your mind that this was a mistake. That this action is going to cause something bad to happen. 

_____ 

You lean on the railing of the back porch, watching Aster and Ace fiddle with the fire pit they're trying to light. Charmed is standing behind them, Lilac sitting in a chair behind him looking amused. Blue, Mutt, and Grey are all sitting in chairs around the fire pit too, Lunar and Papyrus bringing over some more firewood from where it's piled. G and Guns are still inside, gathering some s'more stuff and drinks. 

"Aren't you going to join the fun over there?" 

You jump, looking over your shoulder to see that G and Guns are now leaving the house. You smile, then nod. 

"In a minute," you reply, taking a deep breath. "Just taking a breather." 

"I get that," G shrugs, a plastic shopping bag hanging on his wrist. Guns sets a cooler onto the porch, the two joining you by the railing. It's quiet for a little bit before someone speaks up again. 

"hey, what'd you say to papyrus earlier?" Guns asks casually, voice light and curious. 

"Huh?" You blink, looking over at him. "Oh, uh, just told him I was glad he came." 

"hm." Guns replies. G glances over at you again, looking away from the said skeleton. 

"He's acting a bit weird," G mentions, looking over his shoulder at the nervous skeleton. "Never saw Paps acting like a nervous wreak before." 

".... Yeah," you sigh, frown deepening. You stand straighter, looking between the two with a grimace. "Uh, look.... I.. can't say much about that, I promised him I wouldn't." 

The two raise a brow bone at that, looking over you. 

"Just.. something happened.. to him," you grimace again, looking over at Papyrus. He's looking a lot more relaxed, smile more genuine though still a bit nervous. Apparently also a bit amused but Ace and Aster's good natured arguing. "If... I'm trying to get him to talk to someone else about it, someone that could actually help him...... And curb some of it as much as possible." 

"and you can't say anything about this?" Guns asks, looking over you. "you seem pretty worried over it." 

"I am," you shrug, rubbing your upper arm. "It's.... really serious and could..... If the wrong person found out about..... I don't want to make things even worse is all... It could really end up..." 

You uncomfortably groan, shrugging again. Guns and G share a look, then glance back at you. 

"... Well, if you ever need to, you have our numbers," G offers, looking over you again. 

"Thanks," you reply. You looking away from him at Papyrus again. "If... either of you are going to talk to him.... don't push him too hard, okay? He doesn't want to say anything about it at the moment and..... he seems to be having a good time right now.... Finally relaxed a bit." 

"why doesn't he?" Guns asks, looking over at the skeleton himself. You just shrug with another grimace. Guns sighs, kicking off of the railing. He sets a hand on your shoulder, squeezing just a bit. "i can tell you're a good kid, but listen. all of us care for him, so if he's in trouble we'd like to know. i get if you can't say anything or are worried, but we can help if it's serious. Just give us a call, alright?" 

You stare at him for a moment, then nod with a small smile. 

"Okay, thanks," you say, Guns nods in response. ".. Just, nothing can be done until Papyrus decides he wants to." 

They just nod, the three of you looking over at the sound of a victorious shout. It looks like they finally got the fire going, Aster still poking at it while Ace takes a step back. He then looks over at the three of you, eye sockets narrowing a bit. 

"WHAT ARE YOU THREE STILL DOING OVER THERE?" Ace calls, hands going to his hips. Most of the others look over at the three of you as well. "GET OVER HERE ALREADY!" 

"Well, looks like we're in trouble," G chuckles, pushing himself off the railing. He nods over to the fire, the three of you heading for the steps. 

"one more thing," Guns speaks up, voice low. You hum, looking back at him. "does what happened to papyrus have something to do with... taylor?" 

Your eyes widen just a little, looking over at Papyrus again. He's still looking at the three of you, smile still present. You turn back to Guns, staring at him for a minute. You guess by the look on his skull that he's already come to an answer just by your reaction, but you still reply. 

".... Yeah."

Chapter Text

You sit down in a chair beside Mutt, sighing as you do so. Mutt apparently decides he really needs to lean against your legs again, as he slides out of his chair and proceeds to do just that. You raise a brow at him. 

"Why?" You ask, Mutt leaning his skull back onto your lap so he can look at you. 

"because," he replies simple, receiving an unamused look from you. 

"THERE ARE PLENTY OF CHAIRS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIT ON THE GROUND," Ace points out, raising a brow bone himself.

"easier to roast marshmallows from here," Mutt shrugs, then looks over at Papyrus who's still standing. He nods to the chair he just vacated. "take a seat, paps." 

"ARE YOU SURE?" Papyrus asks, hesitantly walking over to it. Mutt just gives him a thumbs up, reaching for the bag G set down and digging into it. 

"Feel free, Papyrus," you encourage, smiling at him. Papyrus smiles back, sitting down and looking over at the fire. You glance around, noting everyone's settled into their own chairs with a drink in hand. You tap Mutt, making him look back at you. "You can drink with them if you'd like. I can drive back." 

Mutt gives you a thumbs up, shoving two marshmallows into the fire. You lean back into your chair, stretching your arms above your head. 

"Don't hog all the marshmallows, Mutt," G chuckles, sliding the bag over to himself. Mutt just sticks out his tongue, then has you blow out the fire burning his marshmallows. He hands a s'more back to you before eating his own, you noting Lunar making one for himself and Grey which makes you smile. 

The whole gathering is a lot calmer and more relaxed than you expected it to be, but you're grateful for it. Papyrus and Blue certainly seem to be enjoying their time, Blue happily chatting with everyone and Papyrus doing so too when roped into a conversation. Guns and Ace mostly observe everything, you noting they're not drinking too much themselves. Grey and Lunar are more interested in the s'mores than the drinks, making sure you're also well supplied with the sweet. Aster doesn't drink much either, but G does. Lilac and Charmed seem to have no reservations about it, also encouraging Mutt to drink maybe a little too much. But you're not complaining. 

Either way, everyone seems to be in good spirits by the time everything's wrapping up. You have to wrangle Mutt back into the car, which Lunar helps you with while Grey just watches and laughs while doing so. But you succeed in getting the persistently cuddly skeleton in the car and buckled, Grey and Lunar climbing in as well. But you catch Blue and Papyrus by the cars, Papyrus talking with G and Aster at the moment while Blue is waiting by their car. Papyrus looks like he's having a good conversation with them, but your eyes trail back to Blue.

You walk over, glancing at Papyrus before tapping Blue's shoulder. He jumps a bit, startled, but still shyly smiles. 

"OH, HELLO!" He greets, turning completely to you. 

"Hey. Thanks for bringing Papyrus here, I'm glad you both came," you tell him, leaning onto one foot. 

"OH, OF COURSE!" Blue replies, rubbing the back of his neck. "UH, GUNS TOLD ME YOU'RE THE ONE WHO GOT US INVITED, SO THANK YOU!" 

"Yeah," you nod, looking over at Papyrus again. "Uh, could I ask a favor?" 

"YES, OF COURSE," Blue nods, looking away from you. "I, UH.... YOU'RE REALLY.... WE KIND OF... OWE YOU." 

"Oh, uh," you grimace, glancing away from the skeleton. "Anyway could you.... I... Well, Mutt's told me you... broke up with Taylor. Is that right?" 

"UH, YEAH... I HAVE," Blue nods, smile falling lopsided a bit. "MY BROTHER, RED, AND EDGE HAVE AS WELL." 

You just nod, glancing over at Papyrus again. He's still talking with G and Aster. 

"Could you keep an eye on Papyrus?" You ask, looking back at the skeleton in front of you. "I'm... worried about him.... being alone with..." 

"WITH WHO?" Blue asks, confused. He glances over his shoulder at the skeleton himself, then back at you. You grimace, tapping a finger against your arm. 

"Do... you remember when you found me in your room with Papyrus?" You ask, Blue looking at you confused. He nods regardless, letting you collect your thoughts. "He... told me something... really serious. Like I said, I can't say much about it right now... But I'm working on getting him to talk to someone else about it.... But could you.. trust me when I say he just..... shouldn't be alone right now?" 

"..... OKAY. I'LL KEEP AN EYE ON HIM," Blue agrees, noting your concerned look. He's not sure who Papyrus shouldn't be alone with but... He guesses it's not him you're worried about. He doesn't think you're worried about Stretch, Red, or Edge since you seemed fine with them at the cookout. He knows Sans wouldn't hurt his younger brother, but he's not sure you know that. It's the same with Black, so that only leaves.... Taylor. But other than the obvious, he's not sure why....

Blue barely keeps his eye lights from going out at the realization he's come to. He's.... basically left Papyrus to Taylor these last few weeks, not talking to him about what he thought about her or how he's feeling. Who knows what she's said to him these days, not to mention what he walked in on tonight. Maybe Edge was right. 

He can't believe he forgot all about Papyrus. Sans sure as hell isn't going to talk to him, stars dammit. 

"OF COURSE I'LL KEEP AN EYE ON HIM," Blue immediately spits out, making you blink in surprise. Probably at his tone, not his words. "I... OF COURSE, I WILL. I CARE ABOUT PAPYRUS A LOT." 

You just nod, a little bit of a smile coming to your face. 

"Could you keep this little outing a secret too?" You ask, looking just a bit apprehensive. Blue looks confused about that. "Like when you caught me in your room. I... don't want anyone to know he was here with us... me specifically, but you know....... May make someone upset." 

Blue suddenly realizes what you mean, making his eye sockets widen. 

"OH, RIGHT. OF COURSE," Blue nods, worrying the fabric of his gloves as he looks away from you again. 

Just... Just how much did you have to put up with? What didn't he realize you were forced to go through? It's.... an upsetting realization to him, weighing heavily on his soul that he doesn't know and didn't do anything to help. Didn't even try to.....

"Thanks," you smile, glancing over his shoulder at Papyrus. He's now approaching, looking between you and Blue nervously. You just smile at him, offering the taller skeleton a hug. He accepts, though looks a bit nervous about it. You still squeeze him anyway, only pulling away after he does. "I'm glad you and Blue came tonight. Did you have a good time?" 

"YES! THANK YOU FOR INVITING US," Papyrus smiles, hands clasping together. His eye sockets almost seem... shiny? "IT WAS GREAT TO SEE EVERYONE AGAIN! WELL... SEE THEM UNDER NICER CIRCUMSTANCES!" 

"I'd bet. I'm glad you had fun, Paps," you smile, then glance over your shoulder at your car. "I'd better not keep them waiting for too long. I've got to get Grey and Lunar home." 

"WILL YOU BE COMING BACK TO THE LODGE?" Blue asks, looking over at the car himself. 

"I'm guessing so," you reply, raising an eyebrow. "Unless something happens anyway." 

"ALRIGHT... WELL, WE'LL SEE YOU LATER THEN," Blue waves, smile a bit awkward. Papyrus waves himself, looking a little down. 

"I'll see you both later as well," you smile, reaching out to squeeze Papyrus' hand. He smiles again, squeezing your hand back. "You know where to find me if needed." 

He nods, you waving before heading back to your car. You climb in, Grey and Lunar looking at you curiously. 

"Sorry for the wait, had to ask Blue about something," you excuse, waving a hand. 

"It's Fine!" Lunar smiles, Mutt leaning over to you. 

"s'all good. but i-" Mutt cuts off as you push him back over to his seat, amusement clear on your face. 

"I do need to drive, Mutt," you comment, chuckling just a bit. "You can flirt later." 

Grey and Lunar raise a brow bone, looking between you surprised. 

"s'not flirting if i mean it," Mutt replies, hand going over to yours again. You just roll your eyes, waving him off again so you can actually drive. But once you've backed out of the driveway, you let him grab your hand again and pull it over to his chest. Grey and Lunar share a look. 

_____ 

"Oh jeeze," you sigh, glancing over at Mutt. He fell asleep on the way back, you parked along the side of the road where Grey and Lunar get out. The two look between you and Mutt a few times. 

"are you going to be able to... get him inside by yourself?" Grey asks, considering Mutt's a good few heads taller than you. You reach just about the middle of his ribcage all things considered, a little shorter. 

"Yeah. Not easily, but I can," you sigh, not looking excited for that challenge. 

"You Can Just Stay At Our House Tonight!" Lunar offers, glancing over the other skeleton. "I Can Easily Carry Mutt." 

"You're sweet. I can't leave my car on the side of the road though," you say, turning to face them. 

"you can bring it back to the lodge," Grey shrugs, looking to the side. "we could walk over after... don't think they'd like us in the lodge." 

"We Could Have Another Sleepover!" Lunar grins. You hum, tilting your head. You glance at Mutt again, already feeling a bit too tired to drag him all the way upstairs or go through the battle of waking him up. 

"Alright," you relent, sighing. "If you're okay with us crashing at your place." 

"wouldn't have offered if we weren't," Grey smiles. You nod, pulling off the side of the road again. It doesn't take long to reach the lodge's parking space, getting out and stretching as you do. Lunar grabs Mutt from the passenger seat, then bounds into the woods surrounding the place quickly. You and Grey follow him, Grey looking at you curiously. 

"so, uh... what exactly is your relationship with mutt?" He asks, looking over you. 

"We're just friends," you shrug, looking back over at him. "Why?" 

"ya just seem... pretty close," Grey shrugs, looking a bit skeptical. "don't know many friends who share a bed or are constantly touching or so alright flirting with each other." 

Among other things Grey could list too, like Mutt being so protective over you. 

"Mutt's flirty when he gets drunk," you shrug, glancing over at the said skeleton. "And we're really close... I slept in the same bed as Syna multiple times. We hang off each other often too. Mutt seems to enjoy the contact and it makes me feel better, so...... and I've shared a bed with Lunar too, cuddled with you as well." 

"... alright, i got it," Grey replies, a bit of a blush rising to his cheekbones. "just... you two seem closer than just friends. was wondering." 

"Hmmm. I don't think he's interested in a relationship," you sigh, tilting your head a bit. "I'm... not really interested in one either..... A lot going on and I think his brother would actually try to kill me more if anything went official." 

"... don't they already.... think you two are dating?" Grey asks, raising a brow bone. 

"I don't know. I think so," you shrug, shaking your head afterwards. "But that's just their speculation. If we actually made it official, I doubt Black would be happy about it..... He seems to think I'm abusing Mutt." 

"wait, seriously?" Grey asks, eye socket widening slightly. You nod, sighing again. 

"A rumor went around a while ago at school that I was abusing him. No one really seemed to believe it, but it got back to Black," you tell him. "He threatened me a few weeks ago about it, but apparently is taking it with a grain of salt." 

"that's.... surprising," Grey comments, looking over you. "did... he do anything to you?" 

"No, just threatened me," you reply, sighing again. "But honestly, that was scarier.... Black's never.. calm around me. It was almost worse than what he usually does." 

"huh," Grey winces, looking away from you as their house comes into view. "well..... remember that you're always welcome here if.... anything happens." 

"Thanks, Grey," you reply, pulling him into a side hug. Grey squeezes you back, grinning just a bit. 

He's still very worried, but at least you seem okay.

Chapter Text

"Papyrus!" Taylor calls, making the skeleton jump. He looks over from the couch, tensing just a bit as she marches up to him. 

"H-HELLO, TAYLOR," Papyrus nervously greets, hands clenching together as Taylor stops in front of him. 

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" She snaps, glaring at him. "Where were you? And where did Blue drag you off to?" 

"I.. WAS AT WORK," Papyrus responds, looking away from the woman. "A-AND WE JUST-" 

"PAPYRUS, READY FOR THAT MTT MARATHON?" Blue calls, making the skeleton jump again. Taylor looks up, watching Blue walk in with a big bowl of popcorn. He pauses when he sees Taylor, smile dropping just a bit. But he still walks over, sitting on the couch with Papyrus and setting the bowl on the coffee table. "HELLO TAYLOR." 

"Blue," Taylor glares, looking over at Papyrus again. "Come on, we need to talk." 

"SORRY, BUT WE'VE BEEN PLANNING THIS," Blue comments, gently grabbing Papyrus' arm before he could nervously shoot up. "MY BROTHER AND EDGE WILL BE COMING IN SOON. YOU CAN JOIN US IF YOU REALLY WANT TO." 

"Why would I watch your stupid show?" Taylor snaps, glaring at Papyrus again. "I said we need to talk. Now. Lets go." 

"TAYLOR," Edge greets, crossing his arms. Stretch is behind him, looking more than a little uncomfortable. "YOU SHOULD CONTROL THAT TEMPER A LITTLE BETTER. WE HAVE BEEN PLANNING THIS FOR A WHILE, PAPYRUS WAS RATHER EXCITED." 

"I don't care," Taylor snarls, and if looks could kill both Edge and Taylor would be dead. "I want to talk to him. Alone." 

"YOU'LL HAVE TO DO THAT LATER," Edge concludes, seating himself in a chair. Stretch slinks in behind him, taking the other chair. 

"He can put off watching a stupid show to talk with his girlfriend," Taylor yells, nearly turning red. "Papyrus, lets. Go." 

"taylor, you shouldn't call something he likes stupid," Stretch finally speaks up, sounding rather annoyed. "talk to him later, he's busy right now." 

"Don't you dare-!" 

"TAYLOR, IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE QUIET, LEAVE," Edge glares, Taylor growling in response. Papyrus looks between everyone in the room, then at Taylor. Blue squeezes his arm, still holding it. 

"W-WE'LL TALK LATER," he speaks up, timidly and closing in on himself a bit. That makes Edge eye him closely, then look at Taylor with narrowed eye sockets. "I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS ALL WEEK!" 

Taylor's glare clearly states she's not happy with this, but Red walks in before she can say anything. 

"i think it's pretty clear yer not talkin' right now. if yer not going ta watch with 'em, leave already," he comments, nodding his head out of the living room. Taylor growls, but stomps out of the room. Red eyes Papyrus for a moment, raising a brow bone. "you alright, paps?" 

"I'M FINE!" Papyrus immediately responds, a little too quickly for anyone's liking too. 

"alright," Red replies, obviously not convinced. He shares a look with Edge for a few long minutes, then he turns. "i'll be down in the basement if anyone needs me. enjoy yer show." 

Edge grabs the remote and starts the marathon, everyone sitting back in their seats. 

_____ 

Red drops a stack of papers onto a table, sighing in annoyance. He glances over a Sans, who's in the same position he's always in when Red comes down. He's beginning to wonder if the big lug can even move at his point, sure as hell is going to hurt when he finally does. If he doesn't dust first that is. 

"ya know," Red speaks up, glancing over the skeleton critically. "edge and i think something's up with papyrus." 

Sans just absently hums, obviously not even paying attention to anything Red just said. Much to the said skeleton's annoyance. 

"yer brother," Red states, raising a brow bone. "something's up with him, yer brother. papyrus." 

Sans just absently hums again, making Red rub a hand down his skull. 

"sans!" Red yells, said skeleton taking a moment to even realize his name was said. 

"what?" He grumble, exhaustion evident in his voice. 

"fuck's sake," Red sighs, shaking his skull. "have ya looked in a mirror recently? did ya hear a word i just said?" 

Sans doesn't even give him a response, just grumbling some incoherent. 

"i said, edge and i think something's up with papyrus," Red repeats, raising a brow bone. Sans actually turns to him, sluggish as it was. He doesn't look any better than he did yesterday, still looking like he's a day away from dusting. He... really needs some sleep that isn't slumped over his desk. 

"what's up with paps?" He asks, blinking slowly. 

"don't completely know. something is though," Red replies, leaning against the table. "he's... acting weird. we're rather concerned." 

"weird how?" Sans asks. 

Red raises a brow bone, interested in this little change. At least he still cares a bit about what's going on with Papyrus, it's been long enough from when he's seen him. 

"why don't ya go upstairs and see fer yerself?" Red recommends, looking at the other skeleton skeptically. "you could use a break." 

"don't have time for one," Sans grumbles, digging the heel of his palm into an eye socket. "just... tell me what's going on." 

"we don't know exactly," Red replies, scowling at the other skeleton. "edge has a theory, but nothin's been confirmed... maybe paps would talk ta ya though. you could find out from him." 

"no.. i... can't talk to him yet," Sans immediately replies, looking away from Red. Red's brow bones furrow, looking over Sans critically. 

"why not?" He demands. 

"i.. i haven't... i need to..." Sans trails off, clutching his coat a bit tighter. Red sighs and shakes his skull. 

"i think... paps would like ta talk now," he mentions, crossing his arms. "could probably do ya both some good." 

Sans doesn't reply to that, nervously fidgeting with a pencil. Red sighs, pinching the bridge of his nasal cavity in annoyance. 

"sans, buddy, yer bein' stupid," he comments, making Sans' eye lights snap to him in a rather pathetic glare. "i can't even list all the ways on one hand how yer bein' stupid. ya need ta take a step back here. nothin's bein' accomplished right now, if anythin' yer makin' it worse. go take a nap and talk to yer brother." 

"i can't right now," Sans stresses, turning away from Red. That gains another sigh from Red, the bigger skeleton just looking even more annoyed. "i will later." 

"how much longer is later?" Red asks, throwing his hand out. "do you even realize how long you've been doin' this shit?" 

Sans doesn't reply to that, making Red growl. 

"it's been nearly a year, sans," Red states, pushing off the table he was leaning on. "nearly a year!" 

It's obvious Sans has checked out of this conversation now, making Red growl in anger. 

"alright, fine," Red sighs, turning back to the thing he was working on. "but dammit, ya better be there if paps asks ta talk to ya. ya need ta wake up already, ya stubborn bastard." 

Sans doesn't respond, doesn't even acknowledge Red said anything. Which just angers him more, but he just turns back to what he was doing instead of saying anything. 

He's going to need a drink tonight. 

_____ 

"COME ON, I THINK WE'VE STAYED UP LONG ENOUGH. DON'T YOU?" Blue asks, stretching his hands above his head. His grin is wide, cheerful. "WE'VE GOT WORK TOMORROW." 

"I AGREE," Edge nods, glancing at the clock. He pushes himself out of the chair, glancing at the other skeletons in the room. Stretch is already asleep in the chair he's in, making Edge huff. "WE'VE GOTTEN A SIGNIFICANT WAY THROUGH THE EPISODES, WE CAN FINISH THE REST ANOTHER DAY." 

"ALRIGHT. THAT SOUNDS GREAT!" Papyrus nods, he and Blue standing up as well. Papyrus stretches, bones feeling sore from sitting for so long. But he grabs the empty popcorn bowl, washing it before he heads upstairs. He notices both Edge and Blue waiting for him, which he's surprised by. He still grins, the three going upstairs together. "GOOD NIGHT, EDGE." 

"GOOD NIGHT, PAPYRUS. BLUE," Edge nods, heading for his room. 

"NIGHT, EDGE," Blue waves, him and Papyrus heading for the stairs. 

"Papyrus!" Taylor yells, stepping out of her room. Edge glares over his shoulder at him, Papyrus freezing in his step. Blue just takes ahold of his hand. "Are you ready to talk now?" 

"SORRY! IT'S LATE AND WE HAVE WORK TOMORROW!" Blue states, waving to the woman. "ANOTHER TIME!" 

Blue then proceeds to drag Papyrus up the staircase before Taylor could say anything else, Edge keeping her from following them. Blue lets out a breath once they're upstairs, letting go of Papyrus' wrist. Though he still looks stiff and nervous, glancing at the staircase worriedly. 

"WE SHOULD GET READY FOR BED," Blue states gently, placing a hand on Papyrus' back. "COME ON." 

Papyrus just nods, the two doing just that. It's obvious Papyrus isn't going to have a restful sleep though, and Blue contemplates if he should go get you. It seemed to work last time after all. 

But he just shakes his skull, dismissing the idea and getting into bed. He shouldn't bother you.

_____

You sigh as you notice Stretch sleeping in the chair. You let your bag fall from your shoulder, grabbing a blanket to cover him with. Glancing around the living room after, you note the MTT movies out. You guess some of the skeletons were watching them, but you're not going to put them away as they're sorted into two piles. So, you grab your bag and turn to head upstairs but a voice stops you. 

"thanks," Stretch mutters, shifting a bit in his seat. 

"...no problem," you shrug, turning to face the skeleton in the chair. He's sitting up, rubbing a hand into his eye socket. "Probably shouldn't be sleeping in a chair though." 

"you're probably right," Stretch grins wearily. You tap the strap of your bag for a moment in thought, then turn to the living room again. 

"Have a marathon?" You hesitantly ask, looking at the cases again. 

"yeah," Stretch shrugs, sitting up a bit more. He glances around momentarily, then shrugs. "guess everyone else went to bed though." 

You just hum, looking over the covers of the cases. 

"Lunar really likes Mettaton," you note, mostly to yourself but Stretch tenses up a bit. "I should see if I can find any copies for him." 

"shouldn't be too hard," Stretch replies, voice rather flat. "they're everywhere." 

"Sure, but they only have a VCR," you shrug, Stretch's brow bones raising in surprise. You look over your shoulder at him, wary yourself. "They... don't have much. If you visited their house, you'd see that." 

Stretch winces, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"uh, yeah... don't... think i'd really be welcomed," he mutters, not looking at you. You just sigh, shaking your head. 

"I don't know about that. Have you ever actually talked to them? Or tried to?" You ask, taking a seat on the couch. Your eyebrow is raised, looking over him. "They're... actually pretty nice." 

"sure, but..." 

"I know what they did," you state simply, startling Stretch. He looks at you with wide eye sockets, tense. "Relax, I haven't said anything to anyone else about it. If I did, that'd get them in trouble and I don't want to do that." 

That only get him to relax a little, letting out a breath. 

"you.. really like those two?" Stretch asks, looking at you with his brow bones furrowed. You nod with a hum, a small smile lighting up your face. 

"Yeah. They're really sweet," you reply, leaning your chin in the palm of your hand. The look falls though, you giving him a sharper look. "If you give them the chance." 

"you... you know what they did," Stretch states, you humming unhappily in response. "then... do you get why we were worried?" 

You stare for a second, then sigh and give him a tired look. 

"Yeah, I do," you relent, tilting your head. Stretch sighs in relief, shoulders dropping a bit. "But, really. There's nothing to be worried about. They only ate humans because they had to, not because they wanted to. They won't do that anymore, especially since they have food now." 

"i... i get it," Stretch nods, raising his hands in surrender. He still looks at you wearily, smile not reaching his eye sockets. "you've spent a lot of time with them... and they haven't hurt you... i'll trust your word here." 

"Thanks," you grin, standing once more. You start to head out of the room, but turn and look over your shoulder at him for a moment. Your smile is a bit lopsided again. "Goodnight, Stretch.... You really should go sleep in your actual bed." 

"yeah.. night," Stretch replies, giving you a half-hearted wave. You then head upstairs and out of sight, Stretch just sighing and looking out of the window. 

Chapter Text

"Don't you dare try to made an excuse!" Red can hear Taylor's screech from the basement doorway. No one else must be home, he figures. He knows Edge, Blue, and Black are at work, Stretch and Sans down in the basement, and you and Mutt are at school. He thought Papyrus was at work too, but he guesses he was wrong. So it's up to him this time.

Taylor should've been at school today anyway. 

"You've been avoiding me! Don't think I didn't notice that!" 

"I-I'M NOT-" 

"Don't even try to deny it! I told you-" 

Red clears his throat, stopping at the top of the staircase. He raises a brow bone, glancing between a fuming Taylor and nervous Papyrus. 

"sorry to interrupt, but i need paps there for a bit," he says, making a motion for the other skeleton to follow. 

"I don't think-" Taylor starts to growl, but Red quickly cuts her off. 

"it's important," Red states, Papyrus looking between him and Taylor a few times. He eventually walks over to the shorter skeleton, Taylor looking like she's ready to scream. 

"I don't care!" Taylor yells, reaching over to grab Papyrus' wrist. "I need to talk to-" 

"k e e p y e r h a n d s t o y e r s e l f," Red growls, grabbing Taylor's wrist before she could lay even a finger on Papyrus. She looks startled, staring at him. Red lets go, his eye lights coming back into his sockets. "i told you it's important. come on, paps." 

Papyrus nervously follows Red back downstairs, glancing behind himself. Taylor's face has contorted into a snarl, and she stomps a foot before turning and storming back to her room. Papyrus lets out a breath, turning back to Red. 

He leads Papyrus out to the back porch, dropping into one of the chairs and motioning Papyrus to do the same. Red groans, slouching down a bit more into his coat. 

"I-IS SOMETHING WRONG?" Papyrus asks nervously, twisting the fabric of his gloves. Red eyes him for a moment, then sighs. 

"you tell me," he shrugs, tilting his head a bit. Papyrus startles, blinking at him. "something happening, paps?" 

"I.... DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN," Papyrus replies, looking away from the older skeleton. 

"i mean... is she- taylor... hurting you?" Red asks directly, leaning onto the table. Papyrus stares at him with wide eye sockets, mouth gaping slightly. 

"O-OH, UH, HOW-..... I MEAN! NO! SHE'S NOT!" Papyrus denies, shaking his skull. "WHY WOULD YOU EVEN THINK...." 

"paps," Red interrupts, Papyrus not looking him in his eye sockets. "i'm not gonna force you to say it or anythin'. but if... it is true, we'd like ta know... yer not goin' get in trouble fer sayin' anythin' and we won't let 'er touch ya after, alright? all of us, we really care about ya, and we want ya safe." 

Red can remember when Edge brought it up to him, at dinner. It wasn't anything concrete, just that he had a suspicion Taylor had done something to Papyrus. The way she was holding onto his arm, the tone of her voice. The way Papyrus had looked. Red saw it after Edge pointed it out, then they decided to watch a little closer.... They never saw anything, but the way Papyrus was acting unsettled them. 

Eventually the two talked to Blue and Stretch, told them to keep an eye on Papyrus and Taylor. Funnily enough, Blue had already said he'd do so. Wouldn't say why though. Stretch was confused, but agreed after a bit of explanation. So, they've been trying to block any chance of Taylor getting Papyrus alone and have done pretty well so far, mainly through the combined forces of Blue and Edge. 

Papyrus still won't look at Red, that and his reactions basically enough of a red flag for the older skeleton. Red still just sighs, sitting back in his chair. 

"just.. keep that in mind, alright paps?" He asks, looking over the alternate version of his brother. It.... hurts seeing him like this. He... couldn't imagine what he'd do if it was Edge sitting with him right now, like this. But.. Papyrus is still close enough and they've spent enough time together that he could see him like a brother. And he hates that he can't do much else to protect him. 

"I.. I WILL," Papyrus replies, finally looking up. Red nods, leaning back into the chair a bit more and Papyrus remains seated too. The both of them just sitting quietly with each other. 

_____

"Ta-da!" You smile, pulling a rather large sweater out of the huge bag you brought with you today. Grey and Lunar stare with raised brow bones, looking from you to the sweater. "What do you think?" 

"looks.... uh, looks kind of big.. for you or mutt," Grey comments, making you snort. 

"It's not for me or Mutt," you reply, walking over to Lunar to hold it up to him. "This one is for Lunar. I've got a bit of a variety of choice for you both now, but all of them should fit you. I can alter them a bit more if you'd like though." 

Lunar takes the sweater from your hands looking over it himself. It's rather plain, but soft against his hands and looks like it'll actually fit. It's well made too, a softer white-cream color. It looks really comfy and he.. can feel the warmth it was made with. He can tell immediately you made this, made it with him in mind. 

You turn back to your bag, pulling a jacket out of it and give it to Grey. He takes it, looking over the thick and cozy looking thing. It's lined with the softest material he's ever felt, the outer lining almost the same shade of blue his original coat is. It looks like it was made to keep someone warm in the winter. 

"I know you're partial to your jacket," you mention, rubbing the back of your neck. You look a little sheepish and a bit nervous, but you're still smiling. "But I hope you'll still like this too. If you're willing to part with it for a little bit, I can try to fix up your old coat too." 

Grey and Lunar blink at you, looking up from the clothes you gave them. 

"These..... You Really Made These For Us?" Lunar asks, gapping at you. 

"Well, yeah," you shrug, still looking rather sheepish and nervous. "Like I said before, I like... making clothes and you..." 

Sans starts chuckling, a grey-blue color spreading across his cheekbones. You and Lunar look over at him, his eye light turning wobbly. 

"you... you really didn't.. need to, sunshine," he says, chuckling between the words. 

"I wanted to," you reply. That just makes Grey's blush worsen, color even starting to spread across Lunar's cheekbones. But he scoops you up into a hug before you can see that, squeezing you as tight as he can without hurting you. 

"You're Too Sweet To Us!" He says, tears nearly springing to his eye sockets. 

"You deserve it," you tell him, hugging the skeleton back. Grey huffs at that, looking away from you. 

"i don't know about that," he mutters to himself, though it doesn't seem like you or Lunar heard him. 

"I have a few more things for you both," you speak up after Lunar sets you on your feet again. 

"You Really Didn't Have Too," Lunar says, blush persisting. You just smile, pulling some more clothes out of the bag. You hand a sweater, some t-shirts, and a few pairs of sweatpants over Grey, then you hand Lunar some crop tops, sweaters, and some jeans. "This Must Have Taken You A Long Time To Make." 

"It was fun," you grin, rolling the bag up in your hands. 

"I'm Going To Go Try Them On!" Lunar announces, heading for the stairs. You chuckle, watching him bound up to his room. "Sans! You Should Do The Same!" 

"sure, bro," Grey automatically replies, though is still staring down at the pile of clothes you gave him. You look at him a bit nervously, fiddling with the bag. 

"Do you not like them?" You ask hesitantly, making Grey's eye light snap back up to you. 

"no, no i do, it's just...." he sputters out quickly, nervously trailing off at the end. He glances away again, fiddling with the coat's sleeve. "it was... real sweet of you, to make these for us." 

"It wasn't a problem," you grin, sitting down on the couch with him. "I really enjoy making clothes. And it was fun." 

"heh..." Grey replies, staring down at the coat again. 

It turns out everything fits nicely, the both of them looking dashing in their new clothes. You still flitter around them a few times, pulling and checking over the clothes like a proper seamstress. But you still look satisfied with your work, a proud look they quite like on you. 

And Grey can't not feel the warmth of the coat he slid on, almost like he's holding you. The same feeling of that, the feeling of comfort and safety radiating off the coat like it does you. He thinks Lunar feels the same, judging by the look on his face. Grey has to wonder if he has the same look, his eye light blown wide and fuzzy. But he cant find it in himself to care much, sinking into the warm and comforting coat. 

_____ 

He got caught. She caught him. 

And there's no one at home to save him this time. 

"I can't believe you!" Taylor yells, fuming red. "You've been avoiding me for weeks now! How dare you! Don't you dare try to make any excuses! All the times you let yourself be dragged off by one of the others, when I specifically told you I wanted to talk! Making an excuse of watching a stupid fucking show instead!" 

Papyrus winces, feeling his HP dropping. 

"Did you even consider how that'd make me feel?!" Taylor screeches, throwing her hands out. "Do you even care about me?! Or this relationship?! I can't believe you'd be so selfish! You never spend time with me anymore! What are you doing with them?! You know who they hang around! I don't want you around them! Or her! How many times have I told you to stay away from her! Why won't you listen?!" 

Papyrus tries to hold back the tears, knowing that'll just make her angrier. But it hurts. 

"Is it just that you like her more than me now?! Is that it?! Are you just going to break up with me for no reason so you can chase after that whore?!" Taylor growls, Papyrus wincing as something hits the wall beside his head. "Because if that's it, don't say I didn't warn you when you get hurt! And don't even dare think of coming back to me afterwards! Just go! I don't want you if you're just going to do whatever you want instead of listening to me!" 

Papyrus just winces again, the pain feeling burning as it travels down his bones. He curls up tighter, unable to move or stop shaking. He can hear Taylor panting and still feels her glare on him. He can also still feel little shards of glass from whatever she broke cutting into his bones from where they lay. 

It hurts. 

Taylor takes a deep breath. 

"Papyrus," she says, voice suddenly a lot softer than before. He flinches when she places a hand on his shoulder, pain burning through his body again. "I... I didn't mean to, you know that. I... I just got so angry and scared that you'd leave me too... You know how things have been, it's so stressful and all those lies everyone's been listening to." 

Papyrus just squeezes his eye sockets shut, not wanting to see her face. Her touch is so.... cold and it hurts. Everything just.... hurts, so bad. He wants to cry. 

"Just.... I don't like it when you hang around the others, any of them," Taylor continues, sighing. "I'm scared they're going to hurt you and convince you to believe their lies too. Just... stay around me or Black, okay? It's much safer with us and I will know you're alright." 

Taylor squeezes his shoulder, sending another bolt of pain through him. 

"O-OKAY," he replies, just wanting to get her hand off himself. 

"Okay... You should go get yourself cleaned up," Taylor says, sounding worried. There's something about the way she said it that Papyrus just cant muster up the energy to figure out, just trying to push himself up enough to leave her room and stumble to the bathroom. 

He doesn't want to look at himself, he doesn't want to see what happened. He... He just wants... 

Papyrus leans against the wall of the hallway, his legs feeling like they're going to give out on him. 

It hurts. 

He slides down the wall, just curling in on himself. He can't muster the energy to get to the bathroom, it hurts too much to move. He just... He just wants to.... 

He wants you, the safe and warm feeling you radiate. He wants to feel safe and warm. This hurts so much, he doesn't want to hurt. 

Papyrus chokes back a sob, lifting his head enough to look towards your door.

"Papyrus?"

Chapter Text

You're standing at the top of the stairs, eyes wide in horror at the sight before you. You drop your bag onto the floor and immediately rush over to Papyrus, dropping to your knees beside him as he stares at you. Your hands hover nervously in front of yourself as your eyes look over him. 

He's crying, orange tears streaming down his face, but that weird magic-blood is also streaming down bad looking wounds that you're not sure you'll be able to do anything about. There's a particularly nasty looking crack on his skull, one that worries you a lot. 

"Papyrus," you gasp, placing a hand carefully on his arm. He winces, making you immediately snatch your hand back. But you nearly start panicking at what you pulled back with. 

Dust. 

You stare, eyes nearly bulging out of your skull at the sight. You take a breath, shaking and horrified. But you panicking isn't going to help. It isn't going to help Papyrus or stop this. You just need to breathe. 

"Papyrus," you say, voice still shaky and small. 

"I-I'M ALRIGHT," Papyrus mutters, voice just as shaky and breathless. "I-I'M ALRIGHT." 

"Papyrus, we need to get you to a doctor," you say, trying to steady your voice. "We need to get you to a doctor now." 

"N-NO! NO DOCTORS!" Papyrus replies, fast and panicked. You shush him, placing your hands out in surrender to stop him from moving anymore. 

"Papyrus, please," you plead, brows furrowing in worry. "I.... I can't help with this... You need a doctor or... or healer to help... There's... dust, I cant-" 

"NO DOCTORS, PLEASE," Papyrus whispers, voice trembling. You clench your jaw, looking all over his face. 

"What.... what about Aster?" You ask, hands shaking. "Can.... Can I bring you to Aster? ...... You need healing... Please." 

Papyrus stares at you for a few seconds, at your glossy eyes with tears threatening to spill over the rims. Trembling nearly as bad as he is. He nods slowly, you breathing a sigh of relief. 

"Can you stand?" You ask, pushing yourself to your knees. Papyrus shakes his head, making you look over him. "Lean on me, I'll help you." 

Papyrus winces at the shift, wrapping an arm around you. You apologize, moving your grip around to try and keep ahold of him but avoid obvious painful spots. Then you slowly lead him down the stairs and out of the house, to your car. He nearly doesn't want to let go of you to get into the car, your hold feeling more comfortable despite the pain. But he does, letting you carefully buckle him in before running over to the drivers side and pulling out of the driveway. 

You fish around for your phone, half blindly dialing someone. Luckily they pick up on the second ring. 

"Hello?" G's voice comes through, sounding slightly confused. 

"G, hey. Is Aster home?" You ask, tapping a finger on the wheel. 

"Uh, yeah. We're home, is something wrong?" G asks, worried by how rushed and slightly panicked your voice is. 

"Yes," you reply, glancing over at Papyrus. "I'm... I'm heading over with Papyrus. You said... Aster's like.. a doctor?" 

"...... Yeah," G replies, sounding more worried now. "Why's that important?" 

"Papyrus..." You look over at the said skeleton again, him looking at you. A slightly scared look on his skull. "Papyrus is hurt.. He needs help." 

"Papyrus is hurt how?" G asks, urgent and surprised. You hear another voice in the background, making your hand grip the wheel tighter. 

".. Bad. He's hurt bad... I don't... I don't... Th-there was dust.... I-" You groan, blinking quickly in an attempt to clear the tears. ".... Is.. Is someone else there with you?" 

"The regulars are," G replies, you wincing. Papyrus grips his arm tighter at your expression. "Is... that a problem?" 

"No.. No, it's just... Can you come out and meet us? Papyrus is going to need help inside," you ask, nails digging into the wheel. 

"Yeah," G agrees. "Of course..... Is he actively shedding dust now though?" 

You glance at the skeleton beside you, a couple of times. 

"No.. It doesn't look like it," you reply, glancing around where you are now. "I... It rubbed off when I touched him... There's a lot of.... magic-blood? I... don't know what it's called." 

"Okay.. Where are you now?" G asks, voice sounding purposely calm and steady. "How far away are you?" 

"Uh.... Should be there in a few minutes," you reply, taking a deep breath and trying to steady your own voice. Panicking isn't going to help anything. "W-we're not that far off." 

"Okay, do you think he can hold on till you both get here?" G then asks. You ask Papyrus, because you have no clue. He nods and you relay that to G. "Okay. Then, we'll see you when you get here." 

"Okay. We'll see you then," you reply, taking another deep breath. You bite your lip, then look over at Papyrus again. "Some of the others are at the house with G and Aster." 

"W-WHO?" Papyrus asks, nervous and a bit panicked. 

"Lilac, Charmed, Guns, and Ace. I think," you reply, glancing over at him again. He looks even more panicked, shaking again. You take his hand, rubbing your thumb against the back. "I-it's okay! It's okay, it'll be okay." 

"I.. I-I DON'T," Papyrus stumbles, bones rattling at this point. 

"I know, I know," you reply, chancing a glance at him again. "But it's okay. It's okay, I promise. I promise." 

You're soon pulling into G and Aster's driveway, G immediately rushing over to your car. You jump out, opening the passenger door. 

"Fuck," G whispers, eye sockets wide. He immediately helps Papyrus out of the car, looking towards you. "What the hell happened?" 

"I... I... found him like this... I guess it.." You stumble, looking up at Papyrus. G looks back at Papyrus, shaking his head. 

"Inside, come on. Inside, now," G nods, slowly walking towards the house. You open the door for them, G immediately yelling for his brother. Aster quickly rounds the corner at his tone, his eye sockets widening. 

"WHAT HAPPENED?" He asks, rushing over to help Papyrus further. "COME ON, YOU NEED HELP IMMEDIATELY." 

G calls to you, nodding for the living room. 

"Wait in there. Aster and I can handle it from here." 

You nod, still shaking a bit, and trying to take a deep breath despite how tight your throat feels. You head into the living room, having not even noticed the other four staring with wide, horrified eye sockets. Lilac even has his hand over his teeth, eye lights gone. Guns' eye lights have disappeared as well, the skeleton worryingly still. Ace looks angry, Charmed just frozen where he is. 

"WHAT HAPPENED?" Ace demands, turning to you. You just sit on the couch, unable to stop your trembling or rapid heartbeat. You feel sick. 

You glance up at your name being called. 

"what. happened?" Guns demands. He stares at you, though his eye lights are still gone. "what happened to papyrus?" 

"I... I-I.." You stutter, just hugging yourself tighter and looking back at the floor. Guns remains silent for a moment, then one eye light flickers into his socket, fuming royal blue smoke. 

"was it taylor?" He demands, stepping closer. The other three look at him confused, but then look more horrified. Guns calls your name again. "was. it. taylor? did she do that to him?!" 

You just nod. You can't think of how else it happened. 

"why... how long?" Guns demands, you just burying your fingers in your hair. "why didn't you say anything?! you could've prevented this!" 

"I didn't know who to tell!" You snap, finally looking up at him. He blinks, tears running down your cheeks. "I.. I just... I didn't know.." 

"any one of us could've helped," Guns says, his eye lights going back to normal. You shake your head, wiping at your eyes in frustration. 

"WE WOULD'VE," Ace speaks up, glancing over you. "WE WOULDN'T HAVE LET THAT CONTINUE TO THIS POINT." 

"I-I... I didn't... I didn't know who wouldn't make it worse," you reply, sniffling. You fold over yourself again, trying to rub your eyes. "Just... the wrong person going and confront her about it would've... It would've... I was just trying to help him... I didn't want this." 

You shouldn't.... You shouldn't have said anything to Blue or inv... Why? What went...? 

"it still happened! you should've told someone," Guns says, you dig your fists into your closed eyes. 

"I couldn't! I-if he didn't.... back me up, Taylor would've done worse! I-I didn't know who would've believed me," you argue, trembling worsening. "It... I know it would've been worse if........ if." 

"how?" Lilac asks, voice gentle. 

"It... I.. It happened..." You stumble, nails digging into your skin. "I-I told someone.... they.. they yelled at him..... He almost.... H-he almost....... Cat..... He.... Put me in the hospital." 

You choke, curling into yourself more. 

"I-I couldn't... I couldn't," you whisper. Lilac and Charmed sit down beside you, glancing at each other over you. Lilac places a hand on your back, rubbing it gently. Guns takes a step back, Ace grimacing. 

They could connect the dots easily enough. You..... were likely trying to help Papyrus the way you knew how, from experience it sounds like. 

"hey, hey. it's alright... breathe," Lilac says, tone as soft as he can get it. "we get it, we get it." 

"It Sounds Like You Were Doing Your Best," Charmed offers, joining his brother. He places his hand over one of your own, coaxing you to loosen your grip on your arm. He's eventually able to, little red moons appearing where your fingers were. You sit up a bit more, Guns offering you a tissue. 

"sorry," he apologizes, kneeling down in front of you. "you're not to blame here, i shouldn't be yellin' at you." 

"It's okay," you reply, taking the tissue. You take a deep breath, still trembling an awfully. "I just..... I didn't want this to happen." 

"We Know.. No One Wanted This," Charmed assures you, grabbing a tissue to press onto your arm. "Just Breathe, Dear. Aster Is A Very Skilled Healer, He Will Take Very Good Care Of Papyrus. He Will Be Fine." 

You do, eventually able to even out your breathing. You then excuse yourself to clean up a bit, Papyrus' magic-blood and dust still coating parts of you along with the half moons and tears. The four skeletons remain behind, Guns and Ace's skulls contorting angrily again and Lilac and Charmed looking rather upset. 

"that fucking bitch. i can't believe she's actually...." Guns trails off into a growl. 

"TO PAPYRUS. WHY HIM?" Ace snarls, glancing away from the group. 

"probably because he wouldn't fight back," Guns replies, glaring at the front door. "and sans isn't paying any damn attention to him. easy target." 

"i... hate the way that makes sense," Lilac frowns, tapping a finger against his humerus as he sinks back into the couch. Charmed just grimaces. "so, what are we going to do?" 

"what do you mean?" Guns asks, raising a brow bone. 

"Papyrus Is Obviously In Danger At The Lodge," Charmed says, leaning into the corner of the couch. "And Sans Isn't Currently Taking Any Calls. There's Only So Much The Others Can Do As Well, They Aren't There Every Second Of The Day Nor Are We Really Aware Of Where Everyone Stands On Taylor." 

"not to mention," Lilac brings up, grimace deepening. "one of the angel's worries was papyrus wouldn't stand up against taylor. so is he even going to cooperate with us?" 

"YOU BRING UP A GOOD POINT," Ace mutters, glancing off to the side. "AND MUTT'S HUMAN IS ANOTHER FACTOR. SHE'S AWARE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND WAS TRYING TO HELP PAPYRUS FOR SOME AMOUNT OF TIME.... WE'LL HAVE TO ASK HER EVERYTHING SHE'S DONE." 

"well, one thing was the get together," Guns brings up, tilting his head. "she asked that we invite him and asked us to go through blue instead of papyrus. so, i guess she knew something about papyrus' phone being unsafe........ i suppose she did tell g and i something happened to paps, and that taylor had something to do with it." 

"So She Didn't Outright Say It, But She Did Allude To It?" Charmed asks, Guns nodding. "Did She Say Why?" 

"said she couldn't talk about it at that point," Guns shrugs. "but she was trying to curb it, and get paps to talk to someone else. reiterated some of what she said earlier too." 

Guns sighs and scrubs a hand down his face. 

"I DO REMEMBER YOU MENTIONING THIS," Ace sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I SUPPOSE WE DON'T HAVE TO LOOK INTO IT ANYMORE NOW." 

"explains papyrus' weird behavior at the get together too," Lilac sighs, hanging his head a bit. 

The four look up at a phone ringing, then around as they find it isn't their ringtones. Lilac looks down, noticing a phone on the floor and picks it up. 

"i guess mutt's trying to call his human," he notes, sliding the answer button.

Chapter Text

"darlin' i've been trying to reach you for-!" 

"aw, you called me darling," Lilac replies, trying to force some levity into his voice. Mutt's voice immediately cuts off for a few seconds, the other side going completely silent. 

"lilac? why are you..... is she at your place?" Mutt asks, his confusion clear in his voice. 

"no, we're all at g and aster's place," Lilac replies, glancing around again. "we were just talking before g got a call from your angel.... there was a bit of an emergency." 

"what happened? is she okay?" Mutt asks worriedly, Lilac able to hear him walking now. 

"she's fine, she's fine," Lilac assures, glancing at the others. They're just remaining silent, Ace having sat down again with an angry, thoughtful expression. Guns is pacing a bit, his expression the same as his brother's. Charmed is just watching Lilac, picking at the sofa. "now she is... she was a bit upset, but we calmed her down." 

"so, what happened? i found her bag abandoned at the top of the stairs and she was no where in sight," Mutt sighs, sounding more than a little stressed. 

"prime papyrus needed to see aster," Lilac replies, glancing the way they disappeared. "desperately. she found and brought him over." 

"what happened to prime papyrus?" Mutt asks, sounding more confused and worried. Lilac raises his brow bones, surprised. So....... you didn't even tell Mutt what was going on? 

"taylor," Lilac simply replies, glancing over to the hall again. "get over here and we can explain more." 

"i'm already on my way. be there soon," Mutt replies. He then has to hang up and Lilac sets your phone onto the coffee table. 

"mutt's on his way," Lilac announces with a sigh, leaning back into the couch again. The other three don't say anything, Guns only grunting in acknowledgment. 

Charmed glances back towards the short hall you and the others disappeared into, brow bones furrowing. 

_____ 

You're stopped by G existing the room next to the bathroom, G pausing and looking over at you himself. You look between him and the door nervously, twisting your hands together. 

"How.... How is he?" You ask, looking back up at G. 

"He's alright," the skeleton sighs, relieved but still looking stressed. "He'll need a bit of rest still, but he will be okay." 

You let out a sigh of relief, a bit of weight taken off your shoulders with that. But you still look back at the door, rubbing your arm. G just sighs, resting a hand on your shoulder and squeezing. 

"He wants to see you," he says, squeezing your shoulder once more. "You can see for yourself that he's okay. You got him here fast enough and he's tough." 

You nod, still gripping your arm tightly. G notices, giving your shoulder another squeeze. 

"Hey, it'll all be alright," he assures, making you look up at him again. He smiles slightly, leaning down a bit more to your level. "We'll figure this out.... Papyrus will be fine." 

".... Thanks," you whisper, grateful for the words. G pats your shoulder, pushing you lightly towards the room he exited. You take a big breath, knocking on the door before entering it. G leaves for the living room while you step in, glancing around before your eyes land on Papyrus. He's sitting on the bed, Aster still standing beside it. Though both look up when you enter, Papyrus smiling a bit. 

"OH GOOD, YOU'RE HERE," Aster speaks up, walking over. "THERE'S SOME THINGS I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU..." 

Aster glances over his shoulder at Papyrus, then looks back at you with a little bit of a grimace. 

"BUT THAT CAN WAIT FOR A BIT," he nods, passing you to head out of the room. "I'LL LEAVE YOU TWO TO TALK FOR NOW. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND NO STRAIN ON YOUR BONES, PAPYRUS. REMEMBER THAT." 

"I KNOW," Papyrus nods, shifting to sit up more on the bed. Aster nods, pausing right next to you. He leans down a bit, voice lowering to a whisper. 

"I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON," he admits, making you turn a little to look at him. "BUT PLEASE DO TALK TO HIM ABOUT.... WHATEVER CAUSED THIS." 

Aster then walks out of the room, closing the door behind himself. You let out a sigh, walking over and sitting on the bed next to the skeleton carefully. 

"How are you doing?" You ask, brows furrowed. You glance over his skull, noting the crack that was there is gone now. Or at least it looks like it's gone. Your eyes trail back down, looking over the rest of the skeleton for a moment. There's a few bandages wrapped in various places, but otherwise he looks fine. If maybe a bit tired. 

"I'M ALRIGHT!" Papyrus replies, stretching his arms out. "ASTER TOOK CARE OF IT ALL. I FEEL AS GOOD AS NEW!" 

"I'm glad you're okay, Paps," you smile, but the worry is still very clear on your face. Papyrus only grins, reaching out. You let him take your hand in his, only squeezing a bit. "You... had me worried." 

"I'M SORRY. I PROMISE I'M OKAY," Papyrus frowns, but you shake your head with a small smile. 

"It's nothing you have to apologize for," you assure him, looking down a bit more at his hands. He's not actually wearing his gloves right now, you rubbing your thumb over his bones. "But...... Papyrus, you know this can't go on any longer. Don't you?" 

Papyrus frowns again, looking away. You sigh, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. 

"I know you don't want to get Taylor in trouble, but..... she really hurt you. If she..... Next time she may even....." You don't even want to think about the possibility. 

"SHE WOULDN'T," Papyrus replies, shaking his skull. He looks back at you. Though he doesn't look entirely convinced himself. "YOU DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THAT." 

"I can't help it, Papyrus," you frown, looking down at your laps. "It's.... It's still a possibility and... I don't want to see you hurt like this again." 

"BUT I'M OKAY," Papyrus assures you, smiling gently. 

"You weren't before," you reply, looking back up at him. The worry is carved deep into your face. "Paps you.... you looked really bad. There was.... dust. This.... We can't let this continue anymore." 

"BUT.. TAYLOR..." Papyrus frowns, looking away again. 

"I know you care for her and don't want to hurt her," you say, placing your other hand on top of your already joined hands. "But Papyrus, she's abusing you. She's seriously hurt you....... You..... It'll..... It'll be okay. You don't have to tell everyone, I promise. But..." 

"I SHOULD TELL SANS?" Papyrus asks, looking over at you again. You nod, squeezing his hands again. "HE'S... HE'S PROBABLY NOT GOING TO REACT WELL." 

"You're his brother," you shrug, smiling half-heartedly. "He cares for you." 

Papyrus doesn't look like he completely believes that, but smiles back at you. 

"AND I REALLY DON'T HAVE TO TELL EVERYONE?" Papyrus asks, brow bones drawn deep on his skull. 

"No, of course not," you assure, shaking your head. "Only who you want to." 

"OKAY," Papyrus nods, looking away again. He sighs, looking towards the window. "I.... RED AND EDGE ALREADY KNOW THOUGH, I THINK." 

"Wait, really?" You ask, confused. Papyrus nods. 

"RED ASKED ME IF SHE WAS," he says, looking back at you. "A FEW DAYS AGO WHEN HE ASKED TO TALK TO ME." 

"Huh," you say, leaning back a bit. "Did you tell him?" 

"NO." Papyrus shakes his head, glancing down at the floor. You squeeze his hands again. 

"That's alright. You just have to tell who you're comfortable with," you assure him again, leaning a little closer to catch his eye lights. He looks back at you, giving you a half smile. You both sit in silence for a few minutes, Papyrus' grip on your hand tightening and loosening every so often. 

".... WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO TAYLOR?" Papyrus asks, looking at you with wide eye sockets. He still looks worried, despite everything she's done. You frown, looking towards the floor. 

"I... don't know," you shrug, looking back at him. You really don't. You don't know what the skeletons would do or how this is going to play out from here, as much as you wish you did. But you really can't make a guess with this group of Monsters. You can hope Taylor will face punishment, but you don't know if these skeletons would want to take it to a court. Or even... if they could. Or even if Papyrus would want to. The whole situation is messy and complicated with everything, so you really can't say what will happen. "But, whatever happens.... Everything will be okay in the end."

Papyrus looks unhappy with that answer, but just sighs and looks away again. 

".... OKAY. I'LL.... I'LL TELL SANS," Papyrus agrees. You nod, squeezing his hand once more. 

"Alright... Whenever you're ready, okay?" Papyrus still looks unhappy, but nods. A small, appreciative smile on his skull. 

At least he's willing to tell someone now. 

_____ 

"okay, what's going on?" Mutt asks, walking into G and Aster's house. Everyone turns to look at him, a bit surprised. But G faces him, giving the skeleton a faux relaxed smile. 

"Well, hello to you too, Mutt," G replies, hand raising to his hip bone. 

"hi," Mutt replies flatly, an unamused look on his skull. "what happened to prime papyrus? and where's angel?" 

"YOUR HUMAN IS TALKING TO PRIME PAPYRUS NOW," Aster tells him, Mutt glancing back towards the rooms. "BUT THEY'RE BOTH FINE NOW." 

"fine," Guns scoffs, arms tightly crossed over his chest. "nothing about this is fine." 

"THEY'RE PHYSICALLY FINE NOW," Aster amends, nodding towards the other skeleton. 

"this is not helping me relax," Mutt states plainly, looking between everyone gathered in the living room. "what happened to them?" 

"your angel found prime papyrus in the hall after he had a run in with taylor," Lilac fills him in. "she brought him over to be healed by aster...... he looked in very bad shape." 

"It didn't just look like it, he was in bad shape," G frowns, looking over at Lilac. 

"YES, HE HAD MULTIPLE FRACTURES OF VARYING SEVERITY AND A FEW COMPLETE BREAKS IN HIS BONES. AT LEAST ONE OF HIS RIBS WERE BROKEN AND MANY OTHERS HAD SMALL FACTURES," Aster informs everyone, Mutt looking completely startled. Guns and Ace look more angry, Guns' fist clenching. "I WAS ABLE TO HEAL THE BROKEN BONES, ALONG WITH THE LARGE FRACTURE IN HIS SKULL, BUT I HAD TO WRAP QUITE A FEW OF THE FRACTURES UP. HE'S GOING TO HAVE TO REST FOR A WHILE FOR EVERYTHING TO HEAL PROPERLY." 

"that fuckin' bitch," Guns growls. 

"wait, hold up. taylor did all of that?" Mutt asks, looking between everyone again. 

"Yes," G replies, leaning against the wall. "Or that's what we've gathered."

"when?" Mutt asks, brow bones furrowing. "i've been keeping an eye socket on him for a while but....." 

"You never noticed anything?" G asks, his brow bones raising. Mutt shakes his head, looking conflicted. 

"i knew something was up, but i never saw anything before," he replies. Ace leans forward in his seat, Guns looking interested. 

"what did you notice?" Guns asks, crossing his arms. 

"prime paps was acting strange," Mutt replies, leaning onto the wall. "he skipped training with the others a whole lot or cut them short, plus was more nervous and jumpy than he ever was before." 

"AND THAT DIDN'T SEEM LIKE A RED FLAG TO YOU?" Ace asks, his brow bones furrowing. 

"i thought it had something to do with prime sans being absent," Mutt shrugs, looking upset. "the fucker never comes out of the basement anymore. i didn't think taylor was actually hurting him." 

"YOUR HUMAN NEVER TOLD YOU EITHER?" Aster asks, brow bones raising. Mutt looks at him confused. 

"She Knew For A Bit Now.. We Don't Know How Long Though," Charmed tells him, sharing a glance with Lilac. Mutt just looks at them surprised, then glances towards the rooms again. 

"really?" 

"yeah... from what we got, she was trying to stop it as much as she could.... and didn't feel like or know who she could tell," Lilac informs him, glancing around. "still surprising she never told you though." 

"yeah, surprising," Mutt frowns, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"hey, uh, know it's probably none of our business," Guns speaks up, grimacing. "but did she ever tell you about... her past or anyone she was with before coming here? ..... or family." 

"uh, no," Mutt shrugs, looking back at him confused. "i've only met a few people, aren't her biological family but they love her like she is. never mention her biological family or anything..... why?" 

"said something that got me curious," Guns shrugs, sharing a look with Ace. "may be something to look into if she's sticking around for a while." 

Mutt just looks more confused, but Guns doesn't elaborate on it. Mutt just sighs and looks back towards the hall, brow bones furrowing deeper. 

What all have you kept from him this whole time?

Chapter Text

"HAS ANYONE SEEN PRIME PAPYRUS TODAY?" Edge asks, arms crossed tightly and tapping a heel on the floor. Blue, Stretch, and Red look over at him, then shake their heads. 

"NO, I JUST GOT HOME FROM WORK," Blue replies, adjusting his work bag on his shoulder. 

"we were tryin' ta talk some sense inta prime sans." Red nods towards Stretch, glancing up at his brother with furrowed brow bones. "wasn't prime paps at work today?" 

"NO, THIS IS HIS NORMAL DAY OFF," Blue replies, looking over at Red with his brow bones furrowed as well. 

"SO HE WAS BY HIMSELF ALL DAY?" Edge asks, tensing up. 

"well, taylor was at school," Stretch shrugs, rolling a sucker between his teeth nervously. "or she was supposed to be anyway." 

"doesn't mean she was," Red grumbles, shoving his hands into his pockets. "she's been skipping fer a while now." 

"WE'RE GETTING OFF TRACK, HAVE YOU SEEN PRIME PAPYRUS RECENTLY?" Edge cuts in, looking a bit more impatient. The other three shake their skulls again, making Edge's frown deepen. "I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND HIM AND HIS CAR IS STILL IN THE DRIVEWAY. WHERE IS TAYLOR OR BLACK?" 

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?" The four turn to see Black walking into the kitchen. He looks mildly annoyed, glancing between the four. 

"HAVE YOU SEEN PRIME PAPYRUS TODAY?" Blue asks, hands wringing nervously. 

"NO, I HAVE NOT," Black states, looking between them with a raise brow bone. "WHY DO YOU NEED HIM?" 

"DO YOU KNOW IF HE WAS WITH TAYLOR AT ALL TODAY?" Edge demands, taking a step forward. Black scowls, glaring up at Edge. 

"WHY WOULD THAT MATTER?" He asks, crossing his arms. "AS I RECALL, PRIME PAPYRUS IS STILL DATING HER. SO THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO SPEND SOME TIME TOGETHER." 

"not when she's fuckin' beating him," Red growls, glaring at the other skeleton. Black looks momentarily surprised, then furrows his brow bones. 

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" Black demands, taking a step forward. 

"WE DON'T HAVE ANY PROOF," Blue speaks up, hands raised in surrender. "BUT EDGE AND RED BELIEVE TAYLOR IS PHYSICALLY HURTING PRIME PAPYRUS." 

"the way he's actin' is proof enough," Red growls, glaring at Blue. "he's fuckin' terrified of 'er." 

"IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ACTUAL EVIDENCE, YOU SHOULD NOT JUST SAY IT," Black says flatly, brow bones still furrowed. He does look troubled, a phalange tapping against his humerous. "THAT IS A LARGE, AND SERIOUS, CLAIM TO MAKE." 

"WE'RE AWARE OF THAT," Edge replies, glancing towards the staircase. "NEITHER MY BROTHER NOR MYSELF WOULD MAKE A CLAIM WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT SUSPICION. AND THAT SUSPICION HAS SERIOUS GROUNDS WITH WHAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO OBVSERVE SO FAR." 

"HAVE YOU ACTUALLY SEEN TAYLOR HIT PRIME PAPYRUS? OR HAS HE TOLD YOU OUTRIGHT THAT SHE HAS?" Black asks, phalange tapping faster. "OR IS THIS ALL JUST YOUR SPECULATION?" 

"no, we haven't seen anything," Stretch replies, rubbing the back of his neck. "or at least i haven't. and prime paps hasn't said anything." 

"THEN YOU SHOULDN'T SAY SUCH THINGS WITHOUT ASSURANCE," Black huffs, marching towards the staircase. Edge and Red glare after him. "AND HAVE YOU TRIED CALLING PRIME PAPYRUS? OR CHECKING HIS ROOM? THERE'S NO REASON TO GET SO WORKED UP, HE'S A GROWN SKELETON AND CAN TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF." 

"big talk comin' from you," Red huffs, narrowing his eye sockets. "take yer own advice sometimes?" 

Black just glares back at him, then heads upstairs without another word. 

"I'LL CALL HIM," Blue says, taking his phone out of his pocket. 

"bro, you should go see if he's in your room," Stretch says, placing a hand on Blue's shoulder. "i can call him." 

"I DON'T BELIEVE HE IS," Edge speaks up, looking back at the others. "HE DIDN'T ANSWER WHEN I CALLED UP. OR ANSWER HIS PHONE." 

"IT STILL WON'T HURT TO CHECK," Blue says, heading for the stairs. Edge nods, Stretch taking out his phone to try and call. 

Unfortunately they don't find an answer through either option. Papyrus isn't in his room, nor did he pick up his phone. It doesn't seem like Taylor is home either, which just worries them more. 

"I'M SURE HE'S FINE," Blue says, more to himself than anyone else. Edge taps his heel on the floor. 

"IF TAYLOR IS WITH PRIME PAPYRUS IN PUBLIC, SHE WON'T BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING. BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY MAY BE. WE SHOULD KEEP TRYING HIS PHONE," Edge states, pulling out his own phone. "WE SHOULD CHECK THE HOUSE OVER AGAIN, JUST IN CASE." 

The other three nod, spreading out to look around again. 

_____ 

"Mutt?" You ask, surprised to see him in the living room now. 

"angel," Mutt sighs, standing up to come over and hug you. "how are you doing?" 

"I'm fine," you assure, smiling half-heartedly. You glance back towards the room you left Papyrus in, then look back at the other skeletons present. "He.. Papyrus said he's willing to talk to Sans." 

"heh, is sans going to be willing to talk to him though?" Guns asks, almost sounding bitter. 

"It's Papyrus, so maybe," G offers, but looking like he's doubting those words. Mutt frowns, looking between them then back at the door. He sighs, tapping a phalange against your arm.

"if anything, we can force him up," Mutt shrugs, looking back at the skeletons in the room. "i don't know if prime sans is going to be much help though." 

"you don't think he'd believe taylor over his brother, do you?" Guns asks, eye sockets shadowing. 

"i'd hope not," Mutt sighs, shaking his skull. "but i can't say for certain with how everything has been going so far." 

"IF PRIME SANS WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, THEN PRIME PAPYRUS WILL COME LIVE WITH US," Ace states, shaking his skull afterwards. "THERE IS NO WAY HE CAN STAY IN THAT HOUSE WITH TAYLOR THERE." 

"i, uh, agree," Mutt replies, raising his hands in surrender. "but he's still got to agree to that."

Ace frowns, but nods. Guns stands up, nodding towards the room Papyrus is still resting in. 

"well, we should go talk to him about it then, shouldn't we?" He nods, walking towards the room. Ace follows him, Aster jumping up to follow as well. 

"Don't push him too much!" You call, brows furrowing in worry. 

"DON'T WORRY, HUMAN. I WILL MAKE SURE PRIME PAPYRUS REMAINS RELAXED," Aster assures you, Guns and Ace just nodding. You let out a breath, looking forward again and rubbing your arm. Mutt pulls you forward by the shoulder, nodding towards the door. 

"come on, angel," he mutters, you following him. 

"What's wrong?" You ask, brows furrowing in worry again. 

"just want to talk a bit," Mutt shrugs, then glances towards the other skeletons. "privately." 

"Are you mad?" You ask nervously, looking away from the skeleton. 

"no, no, i'm not," Mutt assures you, shaking his skull. You look up at him again, still frowning. Mutt places a hand on your head, frowning at the way you flinch. But he plasters on a half-hearted smile. "just want to talk a bit. promise." 

You nod, wordlessly following him the rest of the way outside. Mutt keeps an arm around you, sitting with you on the steps. You hug yourself a bit, not quite looking up at Mutt. 

"you okay?" He asks. "sounds like a lot happened." 

"Yeah. I'm alright," you nod, finally looking up at him again. "It's just... a lot." 

"i'd imagine," Mutt sighs, leaning onto his knees. He looks over at you, brow bones drawn deep. "... why didn't you tell me about this?" 

"i... i was scared to tell anyone," you reply, hugging yourself tighter. "just.. the last time i did... went horribly. I know I should've, I just... I didn't... I didn't want it to happen again." 

"what happened last time?" Mutt asks, looking over you worriedly. You just shake your head, rubbing your hands over your face. "i-i get it.... if you don't want to talk about your past. but, angel, if... if it's gonna.. cause a problem for you or put you in danger-" 

"No, no it's not.. It shouldn't," you say, looking up at him. Your eyes turn back to the ground quickly though, frown deepening. "You.. You don't have to worry about it right now. It's... not important." 

"... it is important though," Mutt replies, placing a hand on your shoulder and pulling you into his side. "if it's gonna hurt you, then it is important." 

"It's not though," you reply, shaking your head. "They're... far away. And it's Papyrus that you should be worrying about right now. He's the one in danger." 

".. i just wanted to make sure you're okay too," Mutt insists, shaking his skull. "you've.. been trying to take care of a lot lately." 

You just nod, still looking towards the ground. Mutt sighs, squeezing you to himself a bit tighter. 

"just remember, you can come to me, angel," he says, turning his skull to nuzzle the top of your head. "if you need to or want to talk about it. i'll always be here for you." 

"Thank you, Mutt," you say, turning to hug him. Mutt hugs you back just as tightly. "I love you." 

".. i love ya too, angel," Mutt mutters into your hair, holding you just a bit tighter. 

_____ 

"i don't like the idea of prime paps going back to the lodge," Lilac frowns, looking out the window. 

"none of us do," Guns frowns, standing with his arms crossed. You look up at him, sitting next to Mutt on the couch. Lilac sits next to him with Charmed on the arm of the couch. G and Aster are sitting in the chairs, neither one looking particularly happy with the situation either. Ace is standing too, heel tapping against the floor. "but prime papyrus insists on going back." 

"Would It Really Be In His Best Interest To Do So?" Charmed asks, looking troubled. "Especially With Taylor There. He Could Be Hurt Again." 

"OBVIOUSLY IT'S NOT," Ace scowls, turning his attention back to the skeleton. "BUT HE WOULDN'T BE TALKING INTO ANYTHING ELSE." 

"Sans is at the lodge," you bring up, looking between them. "Papyrus wants to talk to him." 

"YES, BUT THAT DOESN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN AT THE LODGE," Ace frowns, looking away from you and at the wall. "WE COULD MAKE THAT HAPPEN LITERALLY ANYWHERE ELSE." 

"Sans never leaves the basement though, much less the house. He.. probably wouldn't take too kindly to be force outside," you reply, shrugging a shoulder. "Being at the lodge... could make things easier for both of them." 

"Maybe, but Taylor's also there," G points out, making you wince. "Prime Paps going back there could put him in danger." 

"What can we do though? If he's insisting on going back," you shrug, looking between everyone again. 

"YOU CONVINCED HIM TO TELL SANS ABOUT THIS, DIDN'T YOU?" Aster asks, looking straight at you. "COULD YOU CONVINCE HIM NOT TO GO BACK TO THE LODGE?" 

"I don't know," you frown, looking away from him and rubbing your arm. "I... I don't know if I had a whole lot of influence in that decision... What happened may have just... made him realize he couldn't take it anymore." 

"Maybe, but don't sell yourself short there, Darling," G tells you, sitting up a bit more. "You likely had more to do with it than you think." 

"SHE MAY HAVE A POINT IN BOTH PAPYRUS AND SANS BEING MORE COMFORTABLE TALKING AT THE LODGE," Aster frowns, his leg bouncing in place. "ESPECIALLY IF SANS WILL BE RESISTANT TO EVEN COMING OUT OF THE BASEMENT. WE WOULDN'T WANT HIM LOCKING UP OR SHUTTING PRIME PAPYRUS OUT WHEN TRYING TO TALK TO HIM." 

"he better not shut his brother out," Guns growls. 

"i could watch him while there," Mutt speaks up, raising a hand. "make sure taylor doesn't get close to him. i'm sure red and edge can help with that too, gonna need help getting prime sans out of the basement anyway." 

"I... I don't know if Papyrus is going to want anyone else there though," you bring up, frown deepening. "He... didn't really sound like he wanted anyone else to know." 

"would he let you be there?" Guns asks, eyeing you down. You shrug. "well, you're going to have to ask him if you can. we're going to need all the help we can get." 

"I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE LETTING THIS HAPPEN," Ace sighs, pinching the bridge of his nasal ridge. Guns doesn't look too pleased either, but if it's what's likely going to work best... "THE OTHERS DON'T HAVE TO BE AROUND, BUT WE'VE GOT TO MAKE SURE TAYLOR CAN'T STOP OR INTERFERE." 

"i'll make sure she can't," Mutt assures him, already looking annoyed and angered. 

After a few minutes, a tentative plan is put in place. All of which hangs on Papyrus agreeing and if Sans will actually show his face.

Chapter Text

"I…. I DON'T KNOW… I'M NERVOUS ABOUT THIS," Papyrus says, hand twitching in your hold. You squeeze it, giving him an encouraging look. 

"You can do it, Papyrus," you smile, squeezing his hand again. "It's Sans. He'll listen." 

You hope anyway… For everyone's sake. But especially Papyrus'.

"YOU'RE SURE?" Papyrus still asks, looking at you nervously. 

"He's your brother and he loves you," you reply, placing your other hand on the back of his as well. Papyrus smiles, but still looks nervous. 

You talked to Papyrus the night before about what the others wanted to do, he seemed reluctant but agreed to go along with it. And he did seem relieved that you'd help him talk to Sans, even be there while he does though you're a bit reluctant to be there yourself. You're not sure if Sans will turn on you, claiming that you're making Papyrus say all this. You hope that wont be the case, but with how things were in this house you wouldn't be surprised. 

The others won't let Papyrus stay here if it goes south anyway though, Guns and Ace even waiting outside just in case, it was agreed he'd go stay with someone else until Taylor's out of the lodge. Something else Papyrus reluctantly agreed to after you gave him the worried puppy dog eyes, not that you realized that's what got him to agree. But you hope all goes well and you wont have to resort to moving Papyrus. You don't want to know what, or who, Taylor would turn to if he disappears and she's still left free. 

You notice Red, perking up a bit. 

"Red!" Your call makes the said skeleton jerk a bit, but he stops and looks at you. 

A couple expressions flash across his face quickly. First relief, then shock, and lastly a bit of suspicion as he eyes the way you're holding Papyrus' hand and the said skeleton's nervous look. 

"yeah? somethin' ya need?" He asks as the two of you walk up, sounding friendly enough. 

"Can you tell Sans Papyrus needs to talk to him? It's important," you ask, squeezing Papyrus' hand back. 

"yeah?" Red asks, looking up at Papyrus who nods. "sure thing. was headin' down anyway." 

You both follow Red to the basement door, waiting there while Red disappears down the stairs. You're waiting for quite a few minutes, you assuring Papyrus quietly during the wait, before Red comes back up. 

Alone. 

"sans said he's busy," Red sighs, looking annoyed and angry himself. 

"OH… THAT'S FINE! IT WASN'T THAT IMPORTANT ANYWAY," Papyrus rushes, waving his hands. You nearly stumble at the force he ripped his hand out of yours with, looking up at him. "IT CAN WAIT! SORRY!" 

"Papyrus," you frown, said skeleton running off upstairs. You sigh, brows drawing in worry. You then pinch the bridge of your nose, turning back to Red. "Get Sans up here, please. This cannot wait." 

"said he was busy," Red repeats, raising a brow bone as his eye lights turn from the stairs to you. 

"I don't care," you reply, already annoyed. "This is something more important than whatever Sans is doing. He needs to know about it." 

"yeah? what's going on?" Red asks, brow bones furrowed. There's something in his eye lights that make you think he has his own suspicions about what's happening, and you can guess what they are. "sounds really serious." 

"I can't say," you sigh, more frustrated. "Papyrus has only agreed to Sans knowing about it right now." 

"if it has to do with the lodge's-" 

"Red, please just go get Sans," you cut in, face contorting in worry. "It's Papyrus' business at this moment. I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone." 

Red stares at you for a second, then nods, stuffing his hands in his pocket. 

"still said he's busy. got his nose stuck in his work. how do you suggest I get him up here?" Red asks, tilting his head with a little grin. 

"I don't care how you do it. Do whatever you have to," you reply, crossing your arms. Red's grin grows almost downright evil as he nods. 

"sure thing," he winks, disappearing back downstairs. 

You wait impatiently, not even noticing a few other of the lodge's skeletons coming to investigate the noise. Nor do you see where Mutt's hid himself. Edge, Blue, Stretch, and Black just out of your line of sight. 

"-uck's sake, red!" Red reappears at the top of the stairs, Sans' hood in his grip. Sans jumps to his feet again, glaring at the other monster. "what the hell?" 

"someone demanded to speak with you," Red shrugs, nodding his skull towards you. Sans moves his glare towards you. 

"what?" He growls. You eye his grey bones and eye bags, the sluggish way his body moves. 

"Papyrus wanted to talk to you," you reply, speaking as calmly as you can.

".... i said i would talk to him later," Sans grumbles, shoving his hands into his pocket. 

"He needed to talk to you now," you insist, brows furrowing. 

"i'm working," Sans growls right back, turning back towards the staircase. "i'll talk to him later." 

"How much longer is later, Sans?" You ask, your annoyance leaking through. "This is important." 

"so is my work," Sans glares, heading back down. "i can't be bothered or distracted by whatever trivial problem you have right now." 

That. Makes. You. Snap.

"It's more important than your brother?!" You yell, making Sans freeze in shock. The other four are shocked at your tone, even Mutt's surprised. "Fuck's sake, this isn't about me, your brother needs you right now! Papyrus needs you and you're ignoring him!" 

"what do you know?" Sans glares, returning to the hall. 

"A lot more than you do right now!" You snap, glaring at him. "Papyrus had to come to me, Sans. Me. Because he felt like he couldn't talk to you since you're always hiding in the basement! He came to me for comfort because you've been avoiding him!" 

"i'm not avoiding him," Sans replies, growling a bit. He does take a step back from you though. 

"You could've fooled me!" You glare, crossing your arms. 

Red, Edge, and Black blink at you, surprised by your tone and stance now. Actually a bit aggressive and defensive, like a momma bear. It makes them, and Blue and Stretch, a bit nervous, eyeing you cautiously and ready to jump in if needed. Mutt watches you in awe, not even him ever seeing you get like this before. 

Not that any of them know what to expect from you. This is the first time they've ever seen you like this. 

…. If this is how you're reacting… 

"This is serious, Sans. Papyrus has a very serious problem and needs your help." 

"what did you do?" Sans growls, eye sockets narrowing. You groan in frustration, pinching the bridge of your nose.

"Yes, because I did something. I'm definitely here demanding you go talk to Papyrus so he can tell you all about how I hurt him," you glare, tapping your heel in irritation. "Because that makes sense." 

Sans just growls, everyone picking up how you said Papyrus was hurt.  

"what are you talking about? papyrus was hurt how?" Sans demands, tensing up. 

"I promised him I wouldn't say," you sigh, hands gripping your arms a bit tighter. "You have to talk to him. This is the entire reason I'm arguing with you right now!" 

"Oh, come off it!"

Sans notices Taylor quickly walking up from around the corner, who scoffs at you when you look at her. 

"How can anyone believe anything you say?" She snips, shaking her head. "If you're so worried, why would you still keep it a secret? It can't be that serious if you're not willing to say anything over a stupid promise." 

You stiffen, glaring at her. 

"I wasn't talking to you," you reply, keeping your tone even. The skeletons don't miss your sudden change. 

"What are you so worried about anyway? Papyrus is fine," Taylor says, flipping her hair back before crossing her arms. She looks at Sans. "She's obviously just overreacting and trying to disturb you." 

"I'm not overreacting," you say, brows furrowing. "And what do I honestly have to gain by getting Sans to talk to Papyrus?" 

"Papyrus telling him whatever lies you told him," Taylor says, shrugging a shoulder and glaring at you. 

You sigh, growing more frustrated. So Taylor definitely knows that Papyrus told you now, which means he'd be in more trouble. Everything could escalate dangerously for him after this. If Sans wont listen to you, he'll definitely have to leave until Taylor is gone. And he can't be left alone for a prolonged amount of time while still here. 

Your nails dig into your palms, brows drawing deeper. 

You decidedly turn away from her, looking back at Sans. 

"Sans, if you care about your brother and his safety, please talk to him. He needs you," you plead, giving him the sincerest look you can. Sans tenses, everyone does, at those words. 

"Don't be dramatic," Taylor snaps. "Papyrus isn't in danger." 

You just glare at her, then turn to the stairs. Though you pause by Red and Edge, looking up at them. They stare back at you, brow bones raised. You lean in, so the others can't hear you. 

"Don't pick a fight with her," you whisper, brow drawing in real fear and worry. Something they pick up easily. "But keep Taylor away from Papyrus. Please." 

They look from you to Taylor, and nod. You give them a thankful smile, then run up the stairs to Papyrus' room. 

Sans watches you go, thinking about the nearly desperate tone in your voice. The way Red and Edge are eyeing Taylor, already angry. 

"Tch. Honestly," Taylor scoffs, shaking her head. "I can't believe she tried to bother you over nothing. She knows you're busy." 

Sans looks at her, brow bones drawing. 

"i don't know. she seemed pretty serious ta me," Red pipes in, stopping beside Sans. 

"She's overreacting over something made up," Taylor snaps, glaring at him. 

"ya think papyrus made somethin' up?" Red asks, brow bone raising. "somethin' that got her that worried? ya think he'd do that?" 

Sans stiffens at that, glancing between them. 

"I think she made something up and convinced him to believe it too," Taylor replies, glaring at him. "Sans has work to do anyway. He shouldn't be bothered with this." 

"i don't know. wouldn't hurt ta at least check it out," Red comments, glancing at Sans. "papyrus seemed real upset ta me. might be as serious as she made it out ta be." 

"Don't be stupid!" Taylor spits, getting real mad. "If she's involved it's not going to be real! It's made up bullshit!" 

"right," Red replies skeptically, eyeing her. "sure it is." 

Taylor growls, hands clenching into fists. She looks back at Sans. 

"Go back to fixing your problem," she says, making Sans wince. "I'll go see what Papyrus' problem is." 

"DON'T," Edge steps in, blocking her way immediately. "PAPYRUS HAS CLEARLY SAID HE WANTS TO TALK WITH SANS ABOUT IT. NOT YOU." 

"So he's told you?" Taylor growls. 

"HE HASN'T TOLD ME ANYTHING. BUT THE HUMAN HAS MADE IT CLEAR HE'S SAID SO," Edge replies, crossing his arms. 

"And she's obviously got something against me," Taylor argues, crossing her arms. "And Papyrus is my boyfriend. I can talk to him if I want to!" 

"AND HE DOESN'T WANT TO TALK WITH YOU ABOUT THIS," Edge replies. 

"Has he told you that?" Taylor yells, stomping a foot. 

"NO," Edge admits, tilting his skull and narrowing his eye sockets further. 

"Then you don't know if he would or not!" Taylor growls, getting even more angry. 

"you don't need to talk to him right now," Mutt cuts in, stepping up beside Edge from where he was hiding. Edge doesn't even flinch, but Blue, Stretch, and Sans jump. Mutt stares her down, then glances at Sans with his brows drawn. "not when you're like this….. and i have to wonder…" 

"WONDER WHAT?" Blue asks, looking at him nervously. He glances up towards the stairs, then at Mutt again.

"angel said she's not the one who hurt papyrus," Mutt brings up, tilting his skull. "she's been suspicious that something happened to him for a while now." 

"HE'S BEEN INCREDIBLY NERVOUS AND JUMPY, MORE WITHDRAWN, FOR A LONG TIME AS WELL," Edge adds, hand to his chin. He stares down Sans now. 

"THAT'S TRUE," Blue nods, Stretch and Mutt agreeing. 

"I'VE… NOTICED THAT AS WELL," Black throws in, grimacing a bit as he thinks back on his brief interactions with the skeleton.

"So what?" Taylor snaps, Sans stiffening more as he looks between everyone. 

How…. Paps has been jumpy and nervous? How had he not noticed…? 

"so, angel asked me about hp a few weeks ago," Mutt continues, narrowing his eye sockets at her. Blue frowns, thinking back. 

Was that… after you talked with Papyrus or before? 

"So? What does that have to do with anything?" Taylor asks impatiently, tapping a foot. 

"it was after she talked with paps… she didn't know about it before," Mutt replies, hands clenching. That question makes a lot more sense after learning what Taylor did.

"why would he tell her about hp?" Stretch asks, looking between everyone. 

"PAPYRUS HAS ALSO BEEN EATING A LOT MORE FOOD THAT'S HIGH IN MAGIC," Blue brings up, remembering the weird diet change. Sans' brow bones draw in worry. Blue was worried about the change. And if Edge and Red's suspicion was right..... It'd make sense, to say the least. "AND HE'S BEEN A LOT MORE TIRED LATELY TOO." 

That makes Sans very nervous. Papyrus tired? That's… not something that should be in the same sentence. 

"HE HAS," Edge agrees. His eye lights cut back to Taylor, eye sockets narrowing. "HE'S ALSO BEEN SPENDING A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME AROUND YOU…. WHAT DID YOU DO?" 

"Why would you automatically assume I did something?" Taylor snaps, already tense. "It was probably her. She's alone with him now. Who knows what she's doing!" 

"....you didn't really....." Stretch says, eye sockets widening. 

"Didn't what?" Taylor snaps, glaring at him. 

"why would paps be tired? or eatin' more high magic foods? or be nervous and jumpy every time someone talked ta 'im?" Red asks, raising a brow bone at Sans specifically. He adds your name. "why would she be so desperate ta get sans ta talk ta 'im? why would she tense up when taylor inserted 'erself in the conversation?" 

"WHY WOULD SHE MENTION PAPYRUS' SAFETY IF SHE WASN'T CONCERNED FOR IT?" Edge adds. Sans feels a jolt of panic at what they're implying, looking between everyone. Edge locks eye lights with him. "PERHAPS IT IS TIME YOU TALK WITH YOUR BROTHER. SEEMS TO ME THAT IT'S LONG OVERDUE, SANS." 

"No it's not-" 

Sans takes a shortcut before Taylor could finish her sentence, straight to the attic.

Chapter Text

You step into Papyrus and Blue's room, frowning at the sight before you. Papyrus sits on his bed, staring blankly at the floor. His hands on either side of his skull, elbows resting on his knees. He's ignoring his leg bouncing restlessly and the tears rolling down his cheekbones. 

"Oh, Papyrus," you sigh, heading over to him. He jumps, skull snapping up to look over at you. 

"I'M FINE," he says quickly, scrubbing the wetness from his skull. "I'M SORRY FOR RUNNING OFF, BUT I... I CAN TALK TO SANS LATER." 

"Papy," you sigh, offering him a hug which he gratefully takes. He buries his face in the side of your neck, you rubbing his back gently. You slightly turn your head towards his, pressing your head against the side of his skull. "It's okay, you're fine. You don't have to apologize. I'm sorry about that. I'm sure Sans wants to talk to you." 

"REALLY?" Papyrus asks, voice slightly muffled against your skin. He's keeping a tight grip on you, keeping your body close to his. 

"Yeah," you assure, nodding. You brush a hand down his skull soothingly, still upset on his behalf. Upset at Sans, but wanting to keep Papyrus' hope up. "He's just a bit…. blinded right now. After all, he's been doing nothing but working for months now. He probably doesn't even realize how long it's been." 

"YEAH…." Papyrus sniffs, then pulls back a bit to give you a smile. A sad one, though you don't think it was meant to be. "AND TO THINK THERE WAS A TIME I THOUGHT SANS NEEDED TO WORK MORE! THE IRONY OF THE SITUATION DOESN'T ELUDE ME." 

You chuckle a bit, tilting your head. 

"And here I was thinking Sans was always like this," you say, just trying to brighten his spirit a bit. 

"OH NO. SANS WAS A COMPLETE LAZYBONES," Papyrus scoffs, shaking his skull. "HE WOULDN'T EVEN PICK UP HIS SOCKS!" 

"Scandalous," you gasp, making Papyrus smile a bit more. 

"THANKS," he says. You hum and hug him tighter, Papyrus going back to his previous position.

"I talked with Sans," you tell him, after a few quiet seconds had passed. 

"YOU DID?" Papyrus asks nervously, twisting the fabric of your shirt. 

"Mhm. I didn't tell him anything," you assure, Papyrus sighing. "That's all up to you. Hopefully he'll be coming up soon. But Paps, Hun, Taylor interrupted. She knows you told me something." 

Papyrus stiffens, clutching your shirt tighter. You feel him start to shake and pull back just enough to cup his jaw. 

"It's going to be okay," you assure him, Papyrus looking just a bit panicked. You brush his cheekbone with your thumb soothingly. "You'll be okay. I'm not going to let her hurt you again, neither will the others. Okay?" 

"OKAY," Papyrus breathes, looking you straight in the eyes. 

"Okay," you smile, though it's a bit of a worried one. Your brows drawn deep in concern. "But you remember what Guns and Ace said? You may have to go stay with someone else for a little bit while they take care of things here, if nothing is done today. For now, just stay around Mutt or me or Red and Edge. And avoid being alone with Taylor at all costs." 

"OKAY," Papyrus nods, though leans his skull down onto your shoulder again. "I... I'M SORRY YOU HAVE TO DO THIS." 

"It's okay, Papyrus. I want to," you assure him, rubbing his back. "I know how it feels." 

"YOU SAY THAT A LOT," Papyrus comments, refusing to move from his position. But it's not like you were attempting to get him to anyway.

"I've...... gone through this before myself, Papy," you admit a bit reluctantly, neither of you noticing Sans appearing in the room. Or his eye lights staring at you. 

"WHAT? YOU HAVE?" Papyrus asks, pulling back to look at you. 

"Yeah," you smile sadly. 

"JUST… JUST LIKE US?" Papyrus asks, brow bones furrowing. 

"Not exactly the same, but...... yeah. Pretty similar," you tell him, tilting your head a bit. You grimace, looking away from the skeleton at the floor. "......It wasn't a datemate of mine, but my mom's boyfriend..... and her too... I guess..." 

"THAT'S HORRIBLE! DID HE HIT YOU TOO?" Papyrus frowns, you nodding. "I'M SORRY." 

"You're not the one who needs to apologize," you assure, looking back at him again. "But you see what I mean when I say I get it?" 

"YES," Papyrus nods, frown still prominent. 

"hit?" Sans' voice startles you both, making the two of you whip your heads in his direction. 

"SANS!" Papyrus startles, standing up. You yelp, hanging on to his scarf since he hadn't let go of you. 

"what do you mean hit, paps?" Sans asks, taking a step forward. 

"I… I.." Papyrus stutters, eye lights darting between him and the floor. You try to pull yourself up more, Papyrus' arms unconsciously coming to support you more. 

"It's okay, Paps," you assure him, rubbing his back again. "It's just Sans. You can tell him." 

Papyrus glances at you, clutching you just a bit tighter. You give him an encouraging smile and nod, squeezing his shoulder just a bit. 

Sans looks between the two of you, frowning at the nervousness and uncertainty in his brother's posture. Frowning at the fact that Papyrus seems scared to tell him about something. That he needs encouragement to do so. When... When did...

Papyrus nods, looking at Sans again. Then tells his brother everything. Everything from the beginning to the end, even a few things you don't remember him telling you. Like the things Taylor told him when you first hugged him that night and other little comments she's made, things she done to him. It seems once he started, Papyrus couldn't stop until it was all out. A few more tears even escaping his eye sockets and his grip on you tightening, his trembling worsening. 

Sans' eye light go out once Papyrus stops talking, the skeleton remaining worryingly still. Papyrus squeezes you tighter, nervously looking at his brother. 

".... SANS?" Papyrus asks, you squeezing his shoulder. 

".... you're serious, paps?" Sans asks, voice low. "taylor really did all that?" 

"YES," Papyrus replies, looking down at the floor. 

"You can ask G and Aster if you need to," you hesitantly speak up, looking at the other skeleton nervously. "They know and healed him after......" 

Sans doesn't respond, but after another few seconds his eye lights flicker back on. Or one of them does, but not his normal white eye lights. A ring of blue lights up his left eye socket, cyan blue smoke fuming up from it. 

"h e h." 

Then Sans just disappears from sight, making both you and Papyrus jump. Papyrus looks at you with wide eye sockets, you looking back with just as wide of eyes. 

That can't be a good sign for Taylor. 

_____ 

It's not a surprise when Sans suddenly appears back downstairs, but it is a bit of a surprise about the state he's in. Looking a lot more energized than he should be, and downright furious. The look on his skull even sending a chill down Black, Edge, Mutt, and Red's spines. 

He looks like he's ready to murder someone.

"y o u," Sans growls, fuming eye light locked on a confused and slightly frightened Taylor. Who backs up a few steps with the terrifying look locked onto her. "h o w d a r e y o u." 

"fuck!" Red shouts, grabbing onto Sans' arms to keep him back from outright physically attacking her. Black puts up a wall of bones to keep Sans' bone attacks from hitting Taylor, pushing the girl behind himself. Though he has to wince with the cracks in the wall now.

"SANS, HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!" Black yells, Taylor clutching onto him. 

"she fucking beat papyrus!" Sans snarls, pulling against Red's grip and actually giving him a bit of trouble. Enough that he has to rush to fix his grip into something more secure. "she fuckin' threw things at him and h u r t him!" 

But Red is wondering if he should just... let him go with the confirmation of Taylor's actions. 

"No I didn't!" Taylor yells, sounding horrified. They can't tell if it's at the accusations or Sans' fury. "I'd never lay a hand on him!" 

"l i a r," Sans growls, pulling against Red's grip again. Edge steps in to hold onto him with magic, a bit of sweat collecting on all of their skulls. "paps told me e v e r y t h i n g." 

"I'm not a liar! It was-" 

"don't even try to blame her!" Sans yells, Red grinding his teeth and gripping onto the other skeleton tighter. Edge begins to sweat more, Mutt rushing over to help Red keep Sans back and Stretch hurrying to help Edge. Though he's a bit hesitant, worried to add another grip on Sans' SOUL with his current state. "i know you did it!" 

"How?!" Taylor screeches, clinging onto Black tighter. Black, who's remained very quiet as he stares at Sans. Blue has to deflect more bone attacks threatening to skewer Taylor on the spot, taking a defensive stance with Black. 

Sans looks almost.... manic. Not completely there in the head. Sweat is already collecting on his skull, his bones still a deathly grey color and his exhaustion still pronounced even with his sudden burst of furious energy. 

"b e c a u s e s h e w a s n t l y i n g," Sans replies, glare turning deathly. They don't even notice as the door slams open, Guns and Ace rushing in with worried looks on their skulls. Guns has to throw up a bone wall just as Sans summoned a Gaster Blaster and fired at Taylor, Blue and Black's walls not holding up enough. 

"fuckin' hell," Guns mutters, glancing around. He looks up at his brother, grimacing. "you get the bitch out of here before he kills her, and make sure she's taken care of." 

Ace nods, his face set in a stony serious expression. Both of them rush over to where the others are standing and join the fray, making the others finally realize their presence. Ace grabs Taylor's arm in a tight grip, all but dragging her out of the house while Sans curses and pulls against the others holding him back. 

"l e t g o o f m e," Sans hisses. 

"sans, buddy, ya gotta calm down," Guns speaks up, hands up in surrender. 

"calm down?!" Sans growls, glaring right at the other skeleton. "she fucking beat my brother!" 

"i know," Guns replies, still as calm as ever. Even with Sans' glare now aimed at him. "but you know what will happen if ya kill her." 

"i d o n t g i v e a s h i t," Sans growls again, glare still as harsh and his eye light flickering. "s h e h u r t h i m!" 

"i get it, buddy," Guns replies, Red and Mutt still having to use all their force to keep him back. "but you know-" 

Guns grunts as he's thrown into the wall, Red and Mutt cursing as they're thrown with him. Edge and Stretch grimace, more sweat collecting on their skulls as they desperately try to keep him rooted in place. Black and Blue jump to replace Red and Mutt's grips, pulling back with as much force as they can. 

"GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF!" Black yells. 

"l e t g o!" Sans snarls, the two having to dig their heels into the floor. 

"fuckin' hell," Guns groans, pulling himself to his feet again. 

"how does the fucker have this much power when he looks ready to dust?!" Red growls, he and Mutt jumping back up to hold onto Sans' arms again. 

"sans, listen to me," Guns states clearly, hands up in surrender again. "i get ya wanna kill her, but it's not going to help you." 

"i don't think you're going to get through to him, guns," Mutt calls, grimacing. He nearly looses his grip again with a tug from Sans, Red and Black cursing. "i don't think sans is home right now." 

Guns grimaces, looking over Sans' expression. Mutt's probably right, Sans really doesn't look all there in the head. He just hopes that Ace gets Taylor out of here before they loose grip of him-

Mutt, Red, Black, and Blue get tossed aside again, the others knocked over by a large burst of magic. Having to dodge a barrage of bone attacks and blasts from more Gaster Blasters. But when they look over again, Sans is on his knees panting. Then, he just falls over and everyone freezes. 

"Sans..?" Papyrus whispers, everyone now noticing you and Papyrus are standing on the staircase. Both your eyes are wide, you clutching your phone in one hand and the other over your mouth. 

Sans doesn't move.

"SANS!"

Chapter Text

She can hear them fighting again, loud voices reaching through the thin walls of the apartment. Harsh words thrown back and forth like they're nothing, spewing hatred that maybe hits a little too close to home. She really hates her neighbors. They never shut up do they? 

Taylor groans, throwing her comforter off herself and sitting up with a scowl. Guess she can just get up since she's obviously not getting back to sleep anytime soon.

You'd think if they hate each other so much, they'd just break up or something. What's the point of staying with someone you hate and are just going to argue with all the time? Sounds like a waste of time to her. 

Taylor sighs and shakes her head, grumpily getting dressed and ready for the day. She scowls at the dirty piles of laundry and dishes she's going to have to do after work, since her boyfriend isn't going to. And the mess of a living room she'll have to clean, and the bedroom, and the bathroom. The apartment is so damn cramped and tiny, how does this much of a mess happen? 

Where even is he? He doesn't start work until later anyway? 

Taylor pauses as she sees a note on the counter, glaring at it as she picks it up. 

"Hey Babe, went out with a few friends. I'll bring you back something real nice. Later! P.S. we're out of food." 

Taylor groans, leaning her head on the counter with a deeper scowl. 

Of course he went out with friends. And of course he's leaving the grocery shopping to her, he probably wouldn't even know what to get if he did go out! Ugh, just another damn thing to do! 

Taylor throws the note in the trash and looks for something quick and easy to eat for breakfast, grumbling to herself under her breath. 

"Like he ever brings back anything nice. He wouldn't know the meaning of nice if it hit him in the face." 

Eventually she's having to rush out the door to head to work, still grumbling the whole way. After a few minutes of walking, she enters the doors of the dinner she works at. And she has to plaster on a friendly smile and chipper attitude if she wants any luck with today's patrons. 

If it was up to her, she would've never gotten this stupid job. If it was up to her, she wouldn't be living in that stupid apartment building with walls as thin as tissue paper or weird smells coming from who knows where. Her boyfriend wouldn't be so pathetic and useless. So many things would be different if she had her way, but she doesn't. And she has to put up with all this shit. 

"Oh, Dear," one of the elderly ladies that comes in every Saturday morning calls, making Taylor halt in her steps. 

"Yes, how can I help you?" She asks, smiling brightly. 

"Could you get me another cup of coffee?" The lady asks, voice as friendly as ever. 

"Of course! Just give me one second!" Taylor replies, bouncing back behind the counter. Her friendly face drops with her back to her customers, the girl growling to herself as she gets the coffee pots. She makes sure her friendly face is back in place as soon as she turns around though. 

Her mother always did say she shouldn't have gotten with her boyfriend, that he'd just drag her down. She supposes she should've listened to her, she always seemed to be right. Maybe if she had, she would still be sitting cozy instead of whatever this is. Working at this dinner for pennies with a bunch of leering creeps instead of where she wanted to be working. 

He was just so.... romantic before. She loved spending time with him, and most of the time she still does. He's really sweet to her and his cooking is amazing. He promised they'd get married and go up in the world, he'd help her go to college and become a star. But... she doesn't see that happening anytime soon. 

Maybe she could go home. Would her parents let her? 

The end of the day couldn't come fast enough, Taylor nearly exhausted. But she still has to get groceries. 

She groans, but still heads to the store and grabs a cart. It while she's looking through an isle for some noodles that she bumps into someone. 

"OH, SORRY HUMAN!" A skeleton smiles, stepping a few steps to the side. Taylor blinks in shock, not even able to school herself not to stare. The skeleton doesn't seem to mind though, apparently taking it as a compliment. "AH, I SEE YOU ARE SURPRISED BY MY HANDSOME PHYSIQUE. DON'T WORRY, MANY PEOPLE ARE!" 

"What?" Taylor asks, blinking in confusion. The skeleton just grins, placing his hands on his hips while holding several bags of pasta noodles somehow. 

"MANY PEOPLE ARE INTIMIDATED BY MY FASHION SENSE, BUT THAT'S OKAY! NOT EVERYONE CAN PULL OF THE LOOK OF THE GREAT PAPYRUS!" The skeleton boasts, making Taylor blink again. 

Honestly she hadn't even noticed what the skeleton was wearing, too busy being shocked at the fact that there was a walking, talking skeleton in front of her. She does like his leather jacket though.. 

Wait, she thinks she recognizes this skeleton. Isn't he the one on the news all the time? When Monsters first arrived to the Surface, a skeleton was often with the King. Answering questions and talking with reporters and such. 

This.... She believes is definitely him. 

"PAPYRUS, DID YOU GET THE NOODLES?" 

Another skeleton comes walking around the corner, this time pushing a cart that looks like it's nearly ready to burst with how much stuff is already in it. 

"OH, BLUE! YES, HERE IS THE PASTA!" The first skeleton, Papyrus, replies, adding the bags to the pile. Taylor's surprised it's not tipping over at this point. The smaller skeleton then notices her, bright blue eye lights brightening a little more. 

"OH, HELLO HUMAN!" He grins. 

"Uh, hi," Taylor blinks, grip on her cart tightening. 

"WELL, WE'D LOVE TO STAY AND CHAT," Blue? says, glancing up at Papyrus. "BUT A FRIEND IS WAITING FOR US. GOODBYE FOR NOW, HUMAN!" 

"GOODBYE!" Papyrus echoes, the two then heading off and leaving Taylor still shell shocked. She's eventually able to snap out of it and get the rest of her shopping done. Then heads home where a lot more work is waiting to be done. 

_____ 

Another boring day at work. Or at least it was before a bunch of skeletons walked into the establishment. Two of which she recognizes. 

"You take their table," her coworker whispers, hiding behind Taylor. "Monsters freak me out. And those are skeletons! Freaky bastards!" 

"Whatever. More money for me," Taylor grumbles, plastering on her friendly work façade on again. 

"Hello," Taylor greets, setting down the paper placemats. "Welcome! I'll be your server for today." 

"OH, HELLO AGAIN, HUMAN!" Papyrus smiles, waving from where he's sat at the booth. Blue waves as well, the other four just eyeing her curiously. 

"you two know her?" A taller one in an orange hoodie asks, raising an eyebrow. 

"WE MET HER AT THE GROCERY STORE," Blue replies, shrugging a shoulder. 

"taylor, eh?" The shorter sharper one asks, eye lights going back up to the girl's face. 

"Yup! Nice to see you two again," she smiles, though it's a touch strained. "Is there anything I can get you all started with?" 

Honestly serving the group wasn't that bad. Blue and Papyrus made nice chatter whenever she stopped, the other three chipping in on occasion. A lot nicer than the comments and leers she usually gets from chatty patrons. Though the three with them, who she learned were their brothers and Red, did give her cautiously curious looks. But they left a nice tip anyway, so it was well worth it. 

And she keeps running into them too weirdly enough. And the more that it happens... the more she finds she actually likes talking with that group of Monsters. 

"Monsters? You're talking with a bunch of Monsters?" Her boyfriend asks, raising an eyebrow. 

"Just talking," Taylor shrugs, settling in her spot next to him. She grins up at him. "They give nice tips whenever they come into the dinner." 

"They took all the money. They should," he scoffs, shaking his head. Taylor hums, picking at her nails. Though she looks back up at him when he rolls his shoulder. "You should keep talking to them. Maybe you can get more money out of them." 

"What?" She asks, blinking at him in confusion. 

"Yeah. Date 'em. Get their money and bring it back," he replies, grinning easily. Taylor scoffs, rolling her eyes. 

"Wouldn't that be illegal?" She asks, giving him a look. "And cheating?" 

"It's not cheating if I say it's okay," he grins, making her roll her eyes again. "Hey, I'm just kidding." 

Taylor hums, settling back down in her spot. 

"You should still keep talking to them though," he says, tilting his head a bit. "See where it goes with the freaks. Who knows? Could lead to something good." 

And she does keep talking to them, though isn't expecting much. They're just good for some fun and talking, and some cash when they come in during her shift. But still, they can be... rather charming sometimes. She still wasn't expecting anything to come of it though. She didn't really see them as friends... though apparently they did. 

It seems like when everything is going well, it just takes a steep nosedive into bad again. Some bad luck strikes and Taylor is about sick of her luck being so rotten. Unexpected bills and payments, getting kicked out. An accident no one could expect and hospital bills. 

"OH NO, YOU GOT KICKED OUT OF YOUR APARTMENT?" Blue frowns, Taylor just groaning with her head resting on the counter. 

"DON'T WORRY, FRIEND! WE CAN HELP! YOU CAN COME STAY WITH US FOR AS LONG AS YOU NEED!" Papyrus offers, making Taylor look up at him surprised. 

"Really?" She asks, blinking. Papyrus nods, grin widening. 

"YES! YOUR BOYFRIEND IS WELCOME TOO, ONCE HE GETS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.." Papyrus replies, hand coming up to his chin. 

"You're serious?" Taylor asks, eyes wide. 

"OF COURSE!" Blue responds, looking at her in amusement. "WE ALL LIKE YOU, IT WOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM!" 

And so she went to live with them, entranced by their big house. It was exactly what she wished to live in when she was a kid. She had a big room too, much to her excitement. Though she didn't exactly have a whole lot to fill it with, and Edge and Black actually seemed offended by what she did have. 

And she supposes.... things just grew with her living there. Especially after she broke up with her boyfriend once he finally arrived. He didn't like living with Monsters and didn't want her living there either, but she liked it. And it was after they started dating that Edge and Black felt comfortable enough to buy her a whole lot of new things. Then they helped her finally get into college... 

But... she wasn't really content with everything. She still loved her ex more than she ever loved the skeletons, she took him back instantly when he asked. She was ready to leave the skeletons, but.... she didn't want to loose everything she'd gotten. 

"Keep dating them," her boyfriend encourages, making her look at him confused. "Come on, what you've got is too good to give up. Look at all you've gotten in just a year of being there." 

"Yeah, but.." She glances to the side, frowning. If... If she breaks up with them, she'll probably loose everything. They'll take it all back and she'll have to drop out of college. Go back to the way things were before, barely scrapping by.... 

No. She can't go back to that. She wont.

".... Okay." She looks back up at him, grinning a bit herself. "..We'll bleed them dry." 

"That's the spirit!" He laughs, squeezing her hips. "Why don't we go celebrate." 

"Yeah," Taylor agrees, following him out of his apartment and to a nearby bar. 

"To new beginnings!" Her boyfriend says, holding up his glass. 

"To new beginnings!" Taylor echoes, clinking her glass against his.

Chapter Text

"Yeah, I'm not going to be able to come back right now," you say, tapping a finger against the railing of the stairs. "There's been.... a bit of an emergency." 

"Are you okay?" Noah asks worriedly, leaning into the frame. 

"Yeah, I'm fine," you assure her, running a hand through your hair. 

"Is it Mutt? Did something happen to him?" Caterine asks, brows furrowed. You open your mouth to reply, but the said skeleton beats you to it. 

"nah. i'm fine," he says, leaning over onto your shoulder. He squeezes you a bit, glancing over the faces of your little family. "we're fine. it's... a friend." 

"Oh, was it that sweet little bunny you've talked about?" Noah asks, Syna trying to wave her away. But only because a batter filled spoon is almost being shoved into her cheek. 

"No, no. Lydia's okay. She's doing really well actually," you reply, thinking back on how excited the bunny was. She's passed her exams and her family's business is booming. "It's... not anyone you really know. But don't worry about it, okay? Once everything settles down, I'll come back for a visit. I.. just want to make sure everyone's okay before I leave." 

".... Alright. But be safe okay?" Floyd requests, making you nod in response. 

"Always." 

'Alright. Talk to you later, Angel!' Syna grins, waving after the sign. 

"Talk to you later- Wait, what did you just call me?" You ask, though Syna's already ended the call. You glare at the phone in annoyance, but decide to deal with that later. 

You can just see her amused face though. 

"How's he doing?" You ask, looking over at Mutt. He sighs, leaning back against the wall. 

"who? sans or papyrus?" 

"Both. Either," you reply, leaning against the railing. 

"aster's done all he can for sans," Mutt replies, looking over at you. "seems stable, but all we can do is wait to see if he's going to wake up or actually fall. Papyrus is.... not doing so well. He's really nervous." 

"I'm sure," you sigh, tilting you head back to look at the ceiling. "I can't imagine what's going through his head right now." 

"i... i cant either," Mutt frowns, looking away from you. You glance back at him, frown deepening. You turn and hug him, Mutt hugging you tightly back. 

"I hope everything will be okay," you mumble into his jacket. 

"i hope so too," Mutt replies, burying in closer to you. You stay like that for a few seconds, then pull back to look down at Mutt's hands. 

"How are you doing?" You ask, rubbing a thumb over the bandages wrapped around Mutt's knuckles and phalanges. 

"i'm fine," Mutt replies, smiling slightly and pulling a hand away from you to ruffle your hair up. "red probably got the worst of it." 

"Yeah, but you were thrown around too," you frown, glancing behind Mutt towards the bathroom. "You all did." 

"we're tough, angel," Mutt assures, hand moving to your shoulder to squeeze it. "you can go check on everyone though. see for yourself." 

You nod, Mutt leading your over to the bathroom where Red and Black are currently wrapping their hands up and Stretch is doing the same for Blue. They glance up, some stiffening and glancing back down. 

"....... OH, UH... HEY, UHM, HOW ARE YOU?" Blue asks, looking a bit sheepish. You blink at him. 

"I'm fine, but I wasn't the one holding anyone back or getting tossed around like a ragdoll," you say, Mutt huffing. You rub your arm, glancing around at everyone in the bathroom. ".. Are you all okay?" 

"WE'RE FINE!" Blue smiles, Stretch finished wrapping his hands. 

"yeah.. we're tougher than we look," Red speaks up, half-smiling at you. 

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT US," Edge speaks up from behind the both of you, making you jump. Though you move out of the way so Edge can enter the bathroom, handing some higher magic foods to the others. 

"heard anything about.. uh, prime sans?" Stretch asks, glancing between the two of you. "or prime paps?" 

"No," you reply, shaking your head. "Aster and G haven't come out of the room yet. Papyrus is..... He's.... worried, to say the least." 

"yeah," Stretch frowns, glancing down. "i, uh, i can guess." 

"I'LL GO UP AND SIT WITH HIM," Blue says, pulling his gloves back on. "HE COULD... PROBABLY USE THE SUPPORT." 

"i'll go up with you," Stretch says, standing up. 

"He's up in your room," you tell them, Blue nodding. The two head out, quickly heading up the stairs. 

"ANY WORD FROM GUNS OR ACE? GUNS LEFT PRETTY QUICKLY," Edge asks, looking towards Mutt more than you. Mutt shakes his head, sighing. 

"nope. haven't heard a word from 'em. ace did take taylor somewhere, so i'm guessing they're dealing with her," he replies, shrugging a shoulder. You glance over at Black, who's quietly sitting on the side of the tub. His hands already bandaged. His face is unreadable. 

"WELL, I SUPPOSE IT'S BETTER THAT WAY," Edge sighs, Red grunting. "THOUGH I WOULD'VE LIKED TO DEAL WITH HER MYSELF." 

"well, you can deal with her room," Mutt snorts, tilting his head. "you bought half the stuff in there." 

"I GUESS YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT THAT," Edge chuckles, crossing his arms. An almost downright evil grin stretches across his skull, looking more and more amused. Mutt just snorts again, though Red grimaces. He's looking at you though, more conflicted than anything else. 

"...uh, so.. yer stayin' fer a bit longer?" He asks, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Yeah. Just a little bit," you shrug, glancing to the side. "Until this all settles down." 

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO," Edge comments, a little hesitantly. "IT'S NOT YOUR... RESPONSIBILITY." 

"I know," you reply, giving him a half smile. "I want to though." 

"we, uh, kinda hijacked your room," Red notes, glancing to the said door. 

"she's gonna stay in mine," Mutt shrugs, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. "we were practically sharing a room anyway." 

You snort, leaning your head back a bit. 

"WELL... THANK YOU. WE APPREICATE YOUR CONCERN," Edge nods, you nodding back. Black suddenly stands up, you and Mutt moving out of the way so he can leave. Mutt watches him walk off, you shaking your head. 

"I'm.... I think I'm going to head over to Grey and Lunar's," you tell Mutt, glancing off in the direction Black went in. Mutt looks back at you with those words, raising a brow bone. 

"gonna tell them what happened?" Mutt asks, following you towards the stairs. You do wave to Red and Edge, who both look like they're ready to have a chat with each other. They wave back, or at least nod at you. 

"Yeah," you reply, though glance up at the ceiling. "I suppose everyone else knows, and they should probably be updated on Sans' condition at the very least." 

"think they'll care?" Mutt asks, making you huff. 

"I think they would," you reply, glancing back at him with a bit of a smile. "They always seemed at least a little concerned about the two. Or at least Lunar did." 

"hmm," Mutt replies. You pause by the front door to turn back to him, Mutt raising a brow bone. 

"Are you going to come with or stay here?" You ask, looking past Mutt and towards the stairs. Mutt follows your gaze, then sighs and shakes his skull. 

"i'm just... gonna leave him alone right now," Mutt tells you, frowning. "i'll talk to him later." 

"You sure?" You ask, eyebrows drawing in worry. "This has been... a lot. And he was... pretty committed to Taylor. You're sure he doesn't need.... support?" 

"trust me, darlin'. it's better to leave him alone for now," Mutt replies, shaking his skull. "let him figure things out himself for now. he'd turn me away even if i did stay." 

"Okay," you reply, nodding and heading out. Mutt follows behind you as you head for the trees. "If you're sure about that." 

_____

"Oh! Hello, Sunshine!" Lunar beams, letting you and Mutt into the house. "Hello To You Too, Mutt!" 

"Hi, Lunar," you smile, glancing over to see Grey sitting on the couch. He grins lazily and waves, you heading over to sit on the couch with him. You let out a huff of air as you do, basically collapsing into the skeleton's side. "We've got some... news." 

"oh?" Grey asks, raising a brow bone at you. 

"yup," Mutt sighs, sitting down himself with a groan. 

"good or bad?" Grey asks, Lunar looking between the two of you. 

"Bad," you both reply, making Lunar twists his gloves worriedly. You can feel Grey's phalanges dig into your shoulder a bit, making you look up at him. 

"It's about Sans and Papyrus," you tell him, reaching up to take his hand and rub your thumb over the back. "And Taylor... I guess." 

"Oh? What Happened?" Lunar asks, sitting down in front of the couch to face you. You sigh, leaning your head back. 

"Papyrus got to talk to Sans," you reply, grimacing a bit. "It... didn't go very well." 

"prime sans tried attacking taylor. probably would've killed her too if he got the chance," Mutt adds, making the two's brow bones raise in surprise. 

"seriously?" Grey asks, looking between the both of you. You both nod. 

"Yeah. He.. passed out though. G and Aster are currently with him," you tell them. 

"Is He..." Lunar trails off, looking towards Grey. 

"we don't know yet," Mutt frowns, glancing off to the side. "prime papyrus is really worried though." 

"I'd Imagine," Lunar says, now having a kind of far off look. But he quickly snaps back to the present, looking between you and Mutt. "I'm Guessing All Of You Kept Prime Sans From Murdering Taylor?" 

"yeah. the fucker had a lot of power for someone who looked half dead," Mutt grimaces, rolling a shoulder. "tossed us around like fuckin' ragdolls for a minute." 

Grey grimaces, looking down at you. 

"i hope you stayed out of that," he says, eye light roving over you like he's expecting to find something. 

"Papyrus and I didn't get down there until Sans had passed out," you tell him, leaning your head back to look up at him. "I had called Guns, Ace, Aster, and G when Sans disappeared from Papyrus and Blue's room.... I figured we'd need their help." 

"So What Happened To Taylor?" Lunar asks, looking between you and Mutt again. "She's Not Still At The Lodge, Is She?" 

"no, ace dragged her off during the fight," Mutt replies, sitting back a bit more. "haven't heard from either of them. guns left pretty quickly after getting patched up." 

"None Of You Were Hurt Too Badly, Were You?" Lunar asks, brow bones drawing together. Mutt shakes his skull, showing off the the bandages around his hands. 

"nah. nothing but this and some sore bones," Mutt replies, sighing as he does so. "nothin' some rest isn't going to take care of." 

"i'm impressed," Grey huffs, raising a brow bone. Though he does look slightly confused. "what did ya mean by Prime Sans looked "half dead"?" 

"he didn't look so well," Mutt shrugs, his brow bones lowering. "from what i got from red and stretch, sans was working himself to death for some reason. barely eating or sleeping. i can say i've seen him out of the basement in months. no one knows why he was doing it though." 

"If I had to guess, Taylor," you speak up, crossing your arms. "She probably said something to him." 

"wouldn't doubt it," Mutt nods, then glancing back at you. 

"hmmm." Grey looks contemplative, glancing off in the direction of the lodge. Lunar stares in that direction too, but then shakes his skull and looks back at you. 

"How Is Everyone Taking All This?" Lunar asks. 

"they're fine, mostly," Mutt sighs, nestling himself back into the couch. "dealing with it." 

"Everyone was patched up. Last we knew, Stretch and Blue went up to comfort Papyrus," you tell him, making yourself a bit more comfortable. 

"'m surprised you aren't there," Grey comments, rolling his shoulder to jostle you a bit. 

"I was for a while," you reply, rubbing your eye. "Had to call my family though and delay the trip back." 

"and take a rest," Mutt comments, nudging your knee with his own. 

"So You're Not Going Back To Visit Them Now?" Lunar asks, raising his brow bones. 

"Not until all this settles down," you sigh. 

"well, you can always take a nap here," Grey comments, looking down at you. "........... you look like you need one right now...... 'm sure the others will call... if they need you." 

"better," Mutt huffs, looking ready to fall asleep himself. "probably gonna be busy as hell at the lodge for a while." 

Grey and Lunar share a look over the two of you for a long moment, then Lunar stands up to make something to eat for all of you when you and Mutt wake back up. Grey looks down at you, shifting a bit to get you to lean in closer to himself. 

If he knows you, you probably will be rather busy after all this.

Chapter Text

Black glances up at a knock on his bedroom door, not moving from his position on his bed but pulled out of his racing thoughts. He presses his hands a little harder against his teeth, glaring at the door instead of the floor now. He doesn't get up to answer the knock, not too interested in talking to whoever's on the other side of his door at the moment. 

"I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE BLACK, OPEN THE DOOR." 

"PISS OFF, EDGE," Black replies, very little bite actually in those words. 

"VERY FUNNY. I WANT TO TALK," Edge requests, making Black snarl a bit. 

"I DON'T," he replies, still not moving from his position on the bed. 

"YOU'LL HAVE TO TALK TO SOMEONE AT SOME POINT," Edge replies, sounding just about frustrated already. "DON'T ACT LIKE NONE OF THIS AFFECTED YOU. YOU WERE THE CLOSEST TO TAYLOR AT THE-" 

"I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK ABOUT IT, EDGE," Black snaps, glare turning colder. It's quiet for a few seconds, then Edge sighs from the other side of the door. 

"FINE. BUT ONCE BLUE IS DOWN HERE, YOU KNOW HE'LL WANT TO TALK TO YOU AS WELL," Edge states, making Black's grimace deepen. "AND I ASSUME YOU KNOW VERY WELL HOW HE IS..... YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO HIDE IN THERE FOREVER. YOU'LL HAVE TO FACE WHAT HAPPENED EVENTUALLY." 

"FUCK OFF," Black replies, able to hear Edge's frustrated growl. But he does leave without another word, making Black sigh. He presses his joined hands against his eye sockets, closing them as tightly as possible. His leg starts bouncing restlessly, hands gripping together tightly. "OF COURSE I FUCKING UNDERSTAND I CAN'T HIDE IN HERE, YOU ASSHOLE. YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO POINT IT OUT." 

Black grits his teeth together, then looks up again. He pointed doesn't look towards his bedside though, or the picture frame on it. 

He really doesn't want to think about it right now. 

_____

"You can't keep me here forever," Taylor frowns, glaring back at Ace. Who doesn't look the least bit frightened, sitting in his chair casually as ever. His face is blank actually, not a single emotion present. 

"NO, WE CAN'T," he hums, leaning back in his chair unbothered. "UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. BUT THIS IS A SPECIAL CASE." 

"What?" Taylor asks, glaring back at him. 

"YOU NEVER DID REALLY FIGURE OUT WHERE WE CAME FROM, DID YOU?" Ace asks casually, leaning his skull on his fist. He looks a bit amused by her confusion, grin tilting up. "YOU'RE NOT THAT BRIGHT, ARE YOU?" 

"Shut up!" Taylor growls, hands clenching into fists. 

"TEMPER NOW, DEAR. TEMPER," Ace warns, waggling a finger at her. "WE'RE WAITING ON MY BROTHER TO GET BACK. THEN WE CAN TALK SOME." 

Taylor growls, dropping back into a chair with her arms tightly crossed. It doesn't take that much longer for Guns to meander into the room, grin as casual as ever and suit jacket missing. 

"just had to make sure everything was taken care of. sorry for the wait," he grins, grabbing a chair to sit in. Though he sits in it backwards, resting his crossed arms onto the back of it. His eye lights meet Taylor's, who's glaring at him. "you've caused a lot of problems for us, ya know that?" 

"It wasn't my fault," she spits, looking nearly enraged. 

"IT VERY MUCH WAS," Ace replies, raising a brow bone. He shifts a bit in his seat, crossing his arms instead. "COME NOW, TAYLOR. THIS IS CHILDISH, EVEN FOR YOU. THE GAME IS UP." 

"I wasn't playing any game!" She snaps, stomping a foot. 

"right," Guns replies, looking at her skeptically. "that's not what you were doing with our lives? or.. sans and papyrus' specifically. you've almost killed both of them." 

"I did not almost kill them!" Taylor yells, leaning forward like she's going to stand again. But she doesn't, her hands just clenching into fists. "They're both still alive! Obviously since Sans was trying to kill me!" 

"i would too. especially after what you've done to his brother," Guns replies casually, making Taylor blink in surprise. He grins at her reaction, quite a bit of malice in it. "what's that look for? it's not like i'd actually do it. killing's against the law, now isn't it?" 

Ace huffs at that, giving his brother an amused look. 

"What do you two want?" Taylor demands, leaning back in her seat again and crossing her arms. "I want to go home already!" 

"YOU'RE NOT EVER GOING BACK TO THE LODGE, TAYLOR. YOU'RE NOT WELCOMED THERE ANYMORE," Ace replies, tapping a finger against his femur. His expression is cold, even making her shiver. 

"What are you talking about?" She demands, glaring at the both of them. "Get Black! I want him!" 

"too bad. he doesn't want to talk to you," Guns shrugs, leaning his chin on his arms. "not after hearing all about what you did." 

Taylor growls, but she's interrupted before she can speak up again. 

"now," Guns says, sitting up so he can clap his hands together. "we've got a bit of talking to do. so keep your mouth shut, why don't ya? i know that's going to be hard for you, but try." 

Taylor's glare at him turns harsher, her lip curling up. 

"I'M GOING TO SAY THIS ONCE," Ace speaks up, leaning forward. "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TALK TO ANY OF US AGAIN, NOR ARE YOU GOING TO USE ANYTHING, INFORMATION OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST US. NOT ANYONE AT THE LODGE, OR ANYONE OUTSIDE OF IT. EVERYONE HAS BEEN INFORMED ABOUT YOU AND WILL REPORT BACK TO US IF YOU TRY ANYTHING." 

"So what? I'm not scared of you two!" Taylor snaps. Though she shrieks when a bone imbeds itself right beside her head. She turns back to them with wide eyes. 

"ya should be," Guns grins, casual despite the act of violence he just committed. He stands up, walking forward just a bit. He still looks causal, despite the way he's leaning over the girl. "look taylor, where me and my brother come from, we know how to hide a body. getting rid of you would be especially...." Guns looks her up and down, smile turning devious. "...easy." 

"You can't do that! I'll call the police!" Taylor shrieks. 

"YOU DO THAT," Ace huffs in amusement, waving a hand. "SEE WHERE IT GETS YOU." 

"you humans like ta act like your police force is so much better than the ones in our time," Guns laughs, pulling that bone out of the wall and twirling it in his hand. "but they've just gotten better at hiding." 

Guns points the sharpened edge of the bone at Taylor, her jerking back as it threatens the bridge of her nose. 

"trust me, darlin'. no one would be looking," Guns grins, eye lights extinguished. She gulps, only letting out a breath once the bone is withdrawn. 

"NOW. AS I WAS SAYING," Ace speaks up again, hands together. "YOU WILL NOT TRY TALKING TO OR BOTHERING ANY OF US AGAIN. OR WE WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH YOU. UNDERSTOOD?" 

Taylor nods, Ace glaring. 

"UNDERSTOOD?" 

"U-understood," Taylor replies, trembling under both of their gazes. 

"WONDERFUL," Ace smiles, tilting his head. "NOW, I'M SURE YOUR, HUMAN, BOYFRIEND WOULD ALLOW YOU TO STAY WITH HIM? MY BROTHER AND I WILL COLLECT YOUR THINGS AND SEND THEM RIGHT OVER." 

"may want to consider selling some of it... well, the stuff you'll get back anyway," Guns grins. "who knows, maybe edge and black will want to burn all of it. it was them that bought it all, wasn't it?" 

"DON'T LOOK SO SOUR," Ace laughs at Taylor's horrified look. "WE'LL MAKE SURE YOU AT LEAST GET A BAG." 

"ya look like you're going to cry, taylor," Guns says, leaning back down on the chair. He fakes a pout. "life's really unfair isn't it?" 

Taylor glares at him, blinking away the wetness in her eyes. 

"ya shouldn't have fooled around," Guns shrugs, glaring right back at her. "maybe we wouldn't be here if you had just been a decent human being." 

"NOW, THERE'S A FEW...... OTHER THINGS WE WANT TO KNOW," Ace brings up, clapping to get their attention again. He still glares at her, brow bone raised. "SO LETS BE COOPERTIVE, WHY DON'T WE?" 

_____

You rub Papyrus' back softly, the skeleton barely even acknowledging you. But you don't take it to heart, not even a little. He's sitting next to your bed, which Sans is currently laying in. From the lines in his skull, you know he's tired and worried. Scared even. 

"Will Everything Be Okay?" Papyrus asks, voice croaky. Like he'd been crying, which you wouldn't doubt he has.

".... Yeah. Everything will be okay, Paps," you reply, hugging him from the side. Though he doesn't take his eye lights off his brother. You look down at him too, frowning. 

Sans may not have been the nicest, but he was in no way the worst. And even if he was, you wouldn't want him dead. He... could've been a lot worse, but all he gave you was an attitude and mostly avoided you. Nothing to hate him for.

You hope he wakes up soon, for Papyrus' sake. 

"Everything will be alright," you say, leaning your forehead onto his skull. Papyrus leans into the touch, though doesn't let go of Sans' hand. You eventually pull back, just resting a hand on Papyrus' shoulder. "I know you want to stay with him, but make sure you get some rest too, okay?" 

"Okay," Papyrus responds automatically. You let him get away with that, leaving the room. You bump into Edge on the way down the stairs, the prickly skeleton stopping. 

"... HOW ARE THEY?" He asks. 

"The same," you shrug, Edge's frown deepening. He taps a phalange restlessly against the railing, staring up at the door. You pause for a moment, then glance up at him again. "How are you doing?"

"WHAT?" Edge asks, blinking at you. 

"This all is... a lot. You all were pretty close, or it seemed that way to me," you shrug, looking over his skull. "So, how are you.. doing with all this?" 

Edge pauses, staring at you for a few minutes. Then he lets out a breath, looking away. 

"I... I'M DEALING. I'LL BE FINE," he states, staring more at your door than anywhere else. "I'M MORE WORRIED ABOUT PAPYRUS... AND HOW HE'LL TAKE EVERYTHING IF... THE SITUATIONS WORSENS." 

"Best not to think that way," you sigh, sitting down on the steps and leaning back onto the wall. "Hope for the best." 

"YES, BUT PREPARE FOR THE WORST," Edge replies, making you huff. 

"Cynical," you comment, making Edge huff. He looks back at you, then sits down on the stairs as well. His back is facing the top of the stairs, the skeleton leaning his elbows onto his knees. 

"REALISTIC IS MORE LIKE IT." You just hum in response, leaning your head back. Edge remains silent for a few minutes, then sighs and puts his face in his hands. "IF I HADN'T BEEN SO STUPID... NONE OF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED." 

"Hey, don't blame yourself like that," you frown, nudging him with your foot. "Taylor did this, not you." 

"SHE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAD I JUST OPENED MY DAMN EYE SOCKETS," Edge growls, glaring down to the side. 

"You can't blam-" 

"YES, I CAN," Edge interrupts, turning his glare to the floor beside you. "I'VE DEALT WITH SITUATIONS LIKE THESE BEFORE. BREAKING UP ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND WITH MY POSITION, WITH MY EXPERIENCE, I SHOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO SEE WHAT SHE WAS DOING. I SHOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO SEE THROUGH HER MANIPULATION! FUCK.. I'M A DISGRACE TO THE GUARD." 

You pause for a moment, biting your lip. Then you sigh, placing a hand on Edge's shoulder. 

"Edge, I'm... not entirely sure what it was like back in your Underground," you say, voice as soft and calm as you can make it with the little pit of nerves in your stomach. "But you can't keep blaming yourself like this. It's not your fault she got into your head... Even the strongest people can get hurt and need help sometimes." 

"..... YOU'RE BEING INCREDIBLY KIND TO THE MONSTER WHO'S HURT YOU MULTIPLE TIMES," Edge comments, finally looking directly at you. 

"Well, that Monster has apologizes and is trying to be better," you reply, leaning your chin in your hand. Edge looks over you skeptically, making you roll your eyes. "I've dealt with worse than a couple of bruises." 

"THAT'S... CONCERNING," Edge comments, raising a brow bone. "YOU SHOULDN'T BRUSH OFF WHAT WE DID JUST BECAUSE YOU'VE DEALT WITH WORSE." 

"So I've heard," you reply, smiling a bit. "Mutt's said something similar." 

"AS HE SHOULD," Edge replies, raising a brow bone. "WHAT WE DID WAS UNACCEPTABLE. ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING WE HAD NO PROOF TO BACK TAYLOR'S CLAIMS AND.... BECAUSE OF... EVERYTHING WE DID... IT CAME TO THIS." 

"It was Taylor's fault," you repeat, looking him in the eye sockets. "She did this, not you. She betrayed your trust." 

"... YOU'RE NOT GOING TO RELENT ON THAT, ARE YOU?" Edge asks, a sigh in his tone. 

"Are you going to relent on the bruises thing?" You ask, raising an eyebrow. 

".. UNDERSTOOD," Edge huffs, making you grin. Your eyes are pulled to the side at a movement, catching Black moving away from the top of the staircase. You frown a bit, wondering just how much of your conversation he heard.

Chapter Text

How did it all go so wrong? 

As far as he knew, everything was fine. Everything was good, then it all seemed to crumble around him. Little by little. It was fine, then got worse, then slowly started getting better again. Only to crumble once more. 

Was he doing something wrong? Did he do something and is being punished for it? Does the world just hate him? 

What happened? 

He doesn't know, though he wishes he did. But he also doesn't. He wants to give up. He's tired, no exhausted. He's tired of fighting, tired of dealing with it all. He just wants to sleep, for everything to disappear and let him relax for once. It's all too much. He doesn't want to do it anymore. He doesn't want to do any of it. 

Everyone would be better off without him anyway, all he ever does is screw up. Maybe he should just let go and give up, it would be better that way. Maybe then they could be happy, Papyrus could be happy. Without him dragging them down and causing more problems than solving them. He's sure everyone would be happier, it'd be for the better. 

So why is he waking up? 

"Sans?" 

His eye lights come into focus slowly, eventually landing on you. You who, for some reason, is standing beside his bed looking down at him with wide eyes. A wet rag is gripped between your hands, you looking rather nervous. 

"Uh, I, uhm..." You look away from him for a second, then your eyes dart back. "Sorry. I was just-" 

You motion forward with the rag. Sans just stares for a few more seconds then groans, shifting a bit to sit up. But you stop him quickly, dropping the rag into a bowl with a grimace before lightly pushing him back down. Sans goes with a disgruntled huff.

"No, no. Stay laying down. You... really did a number on yourself and your body's exhausted," you quickly say, brows furrowing. "Just... stay there. I'll go get Papyrus and-" 

"no. don't," Sans speaks up, coughing afterwards and making you freeze. You look back at him confused, eyebrow furrowing. 

"Why? Papyrus is going to want to know you're awake," you say, turning back to the skeleton. Sans just slowly shakes his skull, making your frown deepen. You glance towards the door again, looking to contemplate something for a few seconds, then sigh and sit yourself on a chair by the bed. You give him a drink before sitting down though. "Is there any particular reason you don't want to see your brother?" 

He doesn't answer, making your frown deepen. 

"Sans, Papyrus has been beside himself with worry ever since you fainted. He's been wanting to see you for months now too. Why are you avoiding him?" You ask, brows furrowed as you examine his face. He just grimaces, you sighing in slight annoyance. "I'm sure I'm the last person you want to talk to, but Sans, nothing's going to get better if you don't talk to someone. I can get one of the others if that'll help." 

"no," Sans replies. You take a deep breath, standing and stepping closer to catch his eye lights again. 

"You're really stubborn, you know that?" You state, tilting your head. Sans looks away again with a grimace. "I get it if you don't want to talk. But I have to assume there's a reason you've been ignoring everyone, and for how you've basically tried destroying your body and mind."