Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a gorgeous day outside. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and you should take this opportunity to go walk around the woods.

Living out in high forested areas had its perks. You got to see plenty of wildlife and the trees just had a calming serenity about them. You could listen to the calls of nature all day as you pace yourself through an older trail that was a bit longer but looped back around to your place. One of your city friends jumped when she took a trail at night. The noises were a bit much and honestly if you don't know what's out there... it is best that you don't take a trail at night. It was unfortunate for her she heard a pack of coyotes and they are creepy when they howl… if you can call it that. They can almost sound like children laughing if the pitch is right and she noped right of the woods.

Can't say you blame her. They terrified you when you were little. Of course when you were little you were just the right size for a pack to try to hunt too. Now they'd give you a wide berth unless you were wounded. Sneaky little opportunists and the farmer near you has problems with them actually luring his dogs to be killed more than anything.

The bigger predators kept them in line though and would push them out of the area. Now that you thought about it... you haven't heard a coyote call for a few weeks now. It means there is something bigger in the woods. At that thought you quicken your pace a little. If you live near the great outdoors you go prepared to do battle with them, if you have too, but you'd rather it not so speed walking is fine… as long as it's not a cougar… that attracts them.

Yet you hear the birds nearby chirping and playing so merrily and they can usually spot something before you. So you let go of that fear and let their tune ease you on down your path. Then the gentle stream and the flowing water as it hits the rocks that lie further down. Talk about a place of meditation. You decide to do just that. Finding a nice big rock near the stream to sit and just mellow. Shutting your eyes and just being at peace for once from the fast pace of life.

Basking in the gentle glow of the sun through the dense foliage of tree branches above you. A nice breeze keeping you cool and serene.

You start to hear the forest chatter die down a bit and know that you should be going. It means a predator could be nearby and so you find a big stick in case you need to scare something off… rather than use what you have hidden away to harm.

Yet… you've made it to your house without seeing a single hint of anything that could do you harm. A nice walk today and maybe you will do it again soon.

You see the sun setting in the distance and stretch your limbs before going inside… completely unaware of the slithering form watching you from the treeline.

************

A skeleton peers out. Flicking its forked crimson tongue, past it's shark like teeth, in your direction. Its expression not that of a predator stalking its prey but merely inquisitive of the human female he followed.

A scar over one of his eye sockets that blazed with magical slitted red pupils. He dared move forward towards your home, taking in your scent as he went.

Revealing his lower half to be a long and majestic ripple of black serpent scales and ecto-muscle. A fierce monster of ebbott has appeared far beyond its territory. Perhaps in search of new lands, new food sources, or perhaps… a nesting ground to find a mate.

Going as far as to come up to your very door to take in your scent… the monster's eyes dilate and a rumble emanates from deep in its chest. Quickly it begins to rub its scales on your door and porch and anything else near your home.

He's begun to mark his territory. A rustle in the bushes nearby and he is off for the hunt.

********

Waking up the next morning was a bit of a drag. You had to go to work and having such a wonderful day off yesterday… only to be ruined by paperwork and crass customers.

Sighing… at least they were on the phone and not in person. Getting ready and then eating before you left… placing your dish in the sink you noticed that several of your bushes near your backyard had freshly dug up dirt when you looked out the window.

It was odd… perhaps a groundhog had gotten into your yard? Considering the size of the dirt mounds.. it couldn't be moles.

You would have to deal with it later. Grabbing your keys and walking outside only to stop in your tracks at the dead rabbit that was on your welcome mat. Horrified at the scene that was before you as you had no cat or dog to leave you...presents… it must've tried to get away from something and sought refuge on human property.

Disposing of the body over into your garden to give it a proper burial when you get back… that is unless nature reclaims it by other means.

Work was its usual affair but something did catch your ear. Some co-workers were talking of reports of monsters being seen outside of ebbott. Not that it bothered you as Ebbott was still a good few states away from where you lived… but what would cause monsters to suddenly want to wander beyond their borders?

********

The rabbit lay discarded as rubbish… the mamba lamia was stumped. It was a fine specimen to present to a female… perhaps she just wasn't hungry.

He wouldn't allow it to go to waste and decided perhaps if this enticing female already had enough food… perhaps a courtship display. After all humans weren't good at picking up scents or she would've known another has entered and claimed her territory… unless... that is of course she sees him as a worthy suitor. He should still at least make his presence known and that he isn't a rival.

Sans couldn't believe his luck finding such a beautiful forested area outside of ebbott. Plenty of food in the woods and a good water source. He had been scouting a good nesting ground when he saw you.

Just making your way through the forest without a care in the world. Your scent pulled him along as it was simply amazing. You were in season.

Yet there wasn't another's scent on you… so you hadn't been claimed or mated… honestly he didn't understand how pairings worked with humans. Lamias mated for life but he's heard tales of some humans doing that and that not the case for others.

It was something he didn't understand. Having a life partner meant more territory and protection… and well of course there's also sexy times but then that also means family. More little lamias around to strengthen and forge strong territories.

Mates defended each other and helped each other. Sans was here to find his suitable life partner and he believed he did when he saw you basking in the warm glow of the sun.

Your scent alone had him hooked but when he saw you at peace sitting on that rock… he melted. You were absolutely gorgeous.so at peace your very soul shone through and sung to him a beautiful melody. He knew then he had to have you or die trying to woo you.

Yours was a good soul. One he had not encountered before among your kind. Usually the young ones still had good souls but as they got older… they were tainted in some way. You had kept your soul genuine to its nature and allowed it to breathe under the apparent stress you seemed to be relieving.

As your future mate he would see to it that he could shoulder some of that stress for you. Not about to let his mate face this world alone.

Then when you got back to your nest you moved your body on display for him. Surely you must know you've hooked a prime specimen for a suitor? Sans liked what he saw and how limber you were as you stretched your muscles.

Now… what should he do for his physical reveal? Does he not want to come on too strong or would that be how you'd like him?

His black scales shimmered in the sun as he basked to gain energy. Sans was going to need it.

********

Finally home after a long day. Stepping out of your car you stretched… you saw something black glimmering on the asphalt of your driveway. Picking it up… you didn't know what it was. At first you thought it a thin piece of glass but it reminded of a scale but it was too big for anything around here.

It was beautiful and almost had a purple sheen to it. Pocketing it as a nature treasure you make your way to check and see about the rabbit from this morning.

Then check out what was up with those dirt mounds in your backyard. When you got to your door there was a cluster of berries sitting there. All of them you recognized to be edible but they were mostly medicinal.

What bothered you more was the fact that you had more of those scale like…. These were scales…

You bound into the house and close the door swiftly. You had no idea what the hell was that big to have scales so huge… you weren't afraid of snakes or lizards but if one was big enough to swallow you whole… that was a different story.

As you focused on locking the door you didn't notice the shadow finish slinking up your stairs. You try to process this the best you could. Maybe there is a monster roaming about… you hear they can be fierce but some have been known to be curious. Rather than attack they often just inspect then leave things alone when they were done.

Trembling, you decide the best bet is to see about territory markings just to be sure. Sure enough, online was plethora of knowledge and you think you know what you've got lurking about.

A lamia monster. Due to the scales you've found it is one called a Mamba. Family name Sans. There are different types under the same family. Some venomous like this one apparently was… others solely constrictors.

So… somewhere nearby you have a big half snake *pulls up picture* SKELETON!? That is highly venomous.

No pressure.

You try to read more but you pale. The Mamba and King Cobra were highly aggressive and territorial… yet… that didn't account for the rabbit… or berries… were these housewarming gifts to new neighbors?

This had you stumped… there wasn't much information on them other than how to avoid contact, type, and if they were venomous. Just how dangerous were lamias? Though you were being given what seemed to be peace offerings you didn't want to lower your guard.

You heard a loud thump come from upstairs that startles you…. You weren't alone in your own home.

Slowly you creep up towards your stairs and see impressions in the carpet that show something large slithered it's way up.

You didn't want to call the police and make this a problem. You're sure by the presents left for you that the monster wasn't trying to pose a threat. Yet being in your home uninvited he was posing one very big one.

It could be a cultural difference.

"H-hello?" You squeak out. Feeling miserable your pitch could even get that high you cough and try again only to freeze seeing you didn't need to.

The Lamia is now at the top of the stairs, peering down at you and you can't get over how long he is… you can't see all of him.

Frozen as he looks you over then he seems annoyed that you are just standing there. Before you can blink he is down the stairs and before you. You know you're trembling. He's way too fast for you to defend yourself.

He lowers his height to bring his face to yours and you instinctively flinch and close your eyes… you don't want to see the end coming…. But it doesn't.

Instead you feel his tongue feather tap you lightly on the nose. Slightly cracking an eye open you see him looking puzzled.

Opening your eyes knowing he hasn't decided to strike helps embolden you. Seeing you relax slightly makes his stern concern evaporate and he grins those shark like teeth with glistening fangs at you.

Shuddering at the thought of those ensnaring you as a snack and flinching back when you hear a growl… only to realize… it's not a growl… it's a rumble deep in his chest that you recognize as a pur.

"TOOK YOUR TIME GETTING HOME. I WAS GETTING WORRIED." He plainly states as if he knew you and you were housemates.

"COME SEE THE PREPARATIONS I'VE MADE TO OUR NEST." You could only stand there in shock as you processed this…. Did he just say Our?!

Before you can even ask what he meant you find yourself being carried bridal style up the stairs and to your bedroom. So many red flags are waving as he approaches the sanctity that is your private bedroom.

Opening the door you are stunned to find flowers and not tossed about but in delicate floral arrangements in reed crafted baskets and vases. Your bed has just about every pillow and blanket you own in what looks to be a well crafted and comfy… nest.

To which he is quick to plop you down in the middle of and watch you sink in… to his utter delight.

"NOW MY DEAR, IT'S TIME FOR THE SHOW." He states then starts to sway, flex, and play strike at invisible enemies. All the while shooting furtive glances at you and ramping them up a notch.

"Wait, I… I don't understand." You are so lost, confused…. Not exactly scared as he doesn't seem interested in hurting you but this being in your home and bedroom… slightly.

He pauses his performance almost instantly and about deflates.

"WAS IT MY DISPLAY? THE NEST? OR WAS MY OFFERINGS NOT TO YOUR LIKING?" He seems thoroughly heartbroken and you feel bad for the monster that broke into your home.

"All impressive but I'm afraid we've reached a cultural barrier… I don't get what all this is for…. I mean I don't even know your name." You reassure him of his talent and see him perk up.

He cocks his head questioningly.

"I'M COURTING YOU… ISN'T IT OBVIOUS? DO HUMAN MALES NOT ALSO GIVE GIFTS AND DO GRAND POSTURING TO SHOW OFF THEIR PHYSIQUE AND PROWESS?" Now you know your blushing. This monster saw you as a potential mate.

"Oh! Well um… kinda? Typically we try to introduce ourselves and go on romantic outings called dates… to gather information from one another to see if we are compatible. There are some guys that display themselves in order to get a conversation started to set up a date…." Your babbling but you see he seems to be dedicated to listening to the process.

"Look… I don't even know how you knew I existed." You start but his eyes lit up into beautiful crimson stars.

"I SAW YOU IN THE WOODS. EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU TOLD ME YOU WOULD BE A GREAT MATE BUT IT WASN'T UNTIL I SAW YOU BASKING IN THE SUN… THAT I KNEW YOU WERE PERFECT." He recanted almost dreamily which had you flustered.

You should be mad that he stalked you and broke into your home… but you can't find it in your heart to be angry with him. He has been genuinely nice and can’t help that something you’d consider invasive was something natural for him.

"What makes me so special?" You ask… knowing you are blushing brighter than the sun,

"WHY YOU ARE CLEARLY A WOMAN WHO KNOWS HER NATURE AND ARE ALERT. YOU ALMOST CAUGHT ME A FEW TIMES WHEN YOU LOOKED AROUND. YOUR SOUL IS PURE AND IT SUNG FOR ME WHEN YOU BASKED UNDER THE SUN. TRULY INSPIRING… AND… YOUR SCENT… IS POSITIVELY INTOXICATINGLY ADDICTIVE." He puffs his chest out.

"But that doesn't tell you anything about what I like or my favorite places." You frown.

"NO, BUT YOUR SOUL TELLS ME WHAT KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE… AND I LIKE YOUR QUALITIES. MY NAME IS SANS AND I'M A MAMBA LAMIA. I'M HIGHLY VENOMOUS BUT ONLY WHEN I WANT TO BE. WHEN I'M IN HEAT THAT VENOM BECOMES AN APHRODISIAC SERUM TO HELP MY POTENTIAL MATE THROUGH IT. MY INSTINCT TELLS ME I'VE FOUND MY OTHER AND I'VE GONE INTO NESTING MODE AND WISH TO PROVIDE ALL I CAN. MY FAVORITE THING IS PATROLLING MY TERRITORY AND INSURING THE SAFETY OF THOSE I HOLD DEAR. MY LIKES ARE HUNTING AND KEEPING THINGS NEAT AND TIDY.” He goes off on an informing tangent while still striking several poses for you.

In a way it makes you giggle. He’s still trying to impress you and if that means trying to do things by what he assumes is the human way… then so be it. He’s going to do so at hundred percent. Yes this gruff looking venomous skeleton snake monster was positively endearing to you.

He’s hoping to sell what he’s got and really he’s not bad looking now that you take him in. In fact he’s pretty exotic to you but there’s that sliver of mystery that makes it enticing to try.

“How about we go on a date and see how it goes? eh Sans?” You weren’t about to just say yes and sleep with the monster on just meeting. Even if there was something about him that was luring you…. Wait what’s that thing he’s doing with his tail? It’s almost hypnotic the rhythmic way it undulates and slides across the floor.

Oh. So that’s part of his game eh? Trying to hypnotize you even into agreeing into a relationship with him. So he’s done deciding you were the one for him? He could just tell by your soul.

Well… you would give this monster at least a dating chance.

“DATE? THIS IS A YES TO MY COURTING?” He seems ecstatic but you hold up your hands.

“This isn’t a full on yes to being a mate. This is me asking to get to know you more before making any rash decisions. I wasn’t exactly prepared to be wooed you know? In fact I’m a little intimidated…” You watch as he instantly backs off hearing you could be potentially scared of him.

“BUT YOU ARE INTERESTED?” He almost asks sheepishly with a slight ruddy hue appearing over his cheek bones.

You shyly nod and he seems overjoyed.

“I KNOW THE BEST PLACE FOR THE DATE TO COMMENCE!!! THE ROCK YOU WERE BASKING ON… I WANTED TO BASK WITH YOU… BUT… I DIDN'T WANT TO SCARE YOU… I KNOW THAT HUMANS MOSTLY FIND ME SCARY." He's getting brownie points for looking so sweet then shy after that display.

The only thing about that is how do you tell everyone you'd be dating a monster… Would Sans know about getting groceries? Maybe knowing to not attack the mailman?

Would this be too different that it's difficult?

You hear the TV come on and look to see your curious new friend with the remote.

"I MUST ADMIT THIS HUMAN TECHNOLOGY IS A BIT NEW… BUT I LIKE A CHALLENGE!" You don't have to explain small details as he quickly figures things out for himself… and how best to apply them…

Maybe dating a Lamia could work out.

"Soooo… Sans?" He looks at you with vibrant hearts in his sockets…. That… that made your heart flutter.

"If we decided this as a trial run of sorts… what would you call us… relationship wise?" His grin widens at your consideration.

"WE HAVE A WORD JUST EXACTLY FOR THE PURPOSE FOR BEFORE MATES." Raising his chin in pride.

"Yes?"

"DATEMATES." He smirks.

"... so you guys do date?" You question.

"ONLY WHEN THE MORE FAIR AND BEAUTIFUL MATE TO BE WISHES TO MAKE IT A CHALLENGE. AS THEY ARE HIGHLY DESIRABLE TO OTHERS. I'M LUCKY SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FEMALE HAS ALLOWED ME FURTHER PURSUIT." this is making you blush… but the look on his face…. He means it. Not just fishing for some brownie points.

He gives up his big bravado form to ask you shyly.

"SSOOO...DATEMATES?" Asking you for your permission to step up your relationship.

Giving him a thoughtful look and a warm grin.

"Yes, Datemate." You could have laughed for the way he practically vibrated from head to tail in pure joy.

Chapter Text

It was part of the tour in Ebott… Getting to see the mountain in all it’s primal glory. Your snake datemate had only approved if he could go with you. Very protective sweetheart.

The both of you had decided when the papers would be drawn and your relationship seen as official, your Sans would be renamed as Blackberry… Black for short… after all he was your sweet blackberry… He’d deny it in public but with you alone he loved the tenderness and would melt at hearing you voice it.

The reason being was that Lamias typically go by their Family type. He was a Sans and others would also refer to themselves as Sans… apparently they would know who they were talking about but for humans having a Sans say something about another Sans that mentioned Sans? Yeah no that didn’t go over well with government officials… even if the monsters seemed to know what they were talking about.

So Black was accompanying you to show you his home territory and hopes he can sense his brother he left behind. Though he doubts it. He and his Papyrus sibling, a more laid back lamia, Had decided to find more ground by splitting up and meeting back by year's end for their findings.

Lamias mate for life and he explained to you that some Lamia share a partner in hopes of strengthening bonds and expanding territory. It was a little unnerving but he put it to rest when he said the only lamia he’d trust with you is his brother and have your agreement in the matter as well.

For now he was eager to show you his old territory and that’s where the tour bus stopped… at the edge of the heart of monster territory. You honestly thought the bus driver was going to wet himself when Black first got on board as Monsters weren’t integrating fully into human society… he’s probably only ever seen them from his bus skimming the treelines.

So when a loud, yet polite one enters his bus he just nods and asks him to take a seat… what else could he do? Black was labeled highly venomous and extremely dangerous. You almost dared him to say no.

Your sweet snakey skeleton has been learning a lot about human culture from you… and as entertaining it was, it could be a little much for him as he always tried his best.

….you might have forgotten to give a heads up to him about the mail carrier… The poor guy had become one with the tree top, he was clinging for dear life by the time you got home. With a very persistent hissy datemate underneath… There were a lot of misunderstandings to make right and apologies to be made.

The tour bus driver advised he’d be back everyday around the same time and whenever you both were ready he’d pick you up.

Then after a pleasant wave you both were off to explore ebbott.

You were treating him to some well needed space from the high demands of your society. This was the breather he needed because it was farther away than the woods back at home.

You watch Black as he stretches and purrs delightfully. Slithering with his arms open, basking in nature… and as he approached the thick forest it seemed he was embracing it.

Now was time to truly learn about your datemate.

Both of you wandered in silent awe and he’d answer random questions of yours with a big shark toothed grin. When you got more into the thicket… he wasn’t as willing to talk and was on alert it seemed. There would be random noises that would make him raise and hiss.

Finally you made it to what looked to be a lot of outcropping of rocks. His cave was below it. Setting out your camping gear and admiring the nests he and his brother had made… taking note that while Papyrus’s nest was messy… Black’s was still tidy despite having been left alone for months.

Both of you had plans to stay here for a few weeks. He’s hoping to run across his brother and bring him with you both.

There was plenty of room for him to join and you knew Black missed him.

Both of you snuggle contentedly through the night with his coils wrapped gently around you. When morning comes he’s gone… then you realize he’s gone to get you both some breakfast. Such a sweet skeleton he is.

Stretching you decide to explore a little and maybe climb to the top of the rocks to see if you can see any definable landmarks you may want to visit.

Making your way to the top you notice there is another cave at the top overlooking the other side of a valley. Cautiously you approach and peer in… there is another nest… and this one looks recently slept in… was it Black’s brother?

You are suddenly aware there is a shadow hovering over you. Aware enough to dodge a swift strike from behind. Looking at the culprit you are frozen… This was the granddaddy of vicious lamias… the King Cobra… with his ecto hood spread wide in intimidation… and his huge long coils tense and ready. His back is charcoal black with red bellied rubies for scales.

Trying to dodge another strike only to know you messed up. It was a feint, like Black does, to make you go into his waiting coils. Only Black does it to be coy and glomp you.

You find yourself trapped as he coils around you quickly. You remember Black telling you the more you struggle the tighter they get by instinct… so you try to relax as much as possible.

Your lower body completely ensnared leaving your upper body and arms free… as he lowers that impressive hooded skull to your level.

Getting close enough that you can feel his breath as he hisses in your face.

Though this is terrifying… you can't help but wonder if he has the same reaction as your cute Blackberry… well if you were going to die today… make it count.

Slowly you raise your hand then taking your pointer finger… quickly booped his snoot… or well nasal ridge.

The reaction? He winced back and looked at you in pure shock. The utter audacity it seemed… especially when you can't help but chuckle at him.

He looks absolutely livid. The way his hood had drooped, then flared, showed his anger. Along with an annoyed hiss.

"Do you know Sans?" Hoping you conveyed your datemate. It's best to ask and perhaps he did know.

His whole demeanor changes. His head crooked curiously with the hood slowly lowered. His coils loosen slightly around you.

Even somewhat relaxed he has a very striking appearance.

"YOU KNOW MY BROTHER?" He asks warily.

Oh! You guess you heard Black wrong.... Or right this lamia might potentially be more laid back in Black’s opinion. This is his brother, after all he's in the same territory.

"Yep! We're Datemates." You watch as his sockets widen and he gently sets you back down and unravels his coils from you.

Watching his surprised expression turn to annoyance.

"LEAVE IT TO THAT HALFWIT TO WANT TO COURT A HUMAN." He scoffs. He slithers away a short distance and whips around to glare at you.

“WELL!? IT’S NOT SAFE OUT HERE AND I WILL SEE TO IT YOU GET BACK SAFELY.” Obviously he wants you to follow him but it’s in a different direction than from whence you came.

So when you still try to linger not knowing what to do… His hood flares.

“NOW HUMAN!!!!” You decided it was best to do as you were told as his temperament wasn’t what you had been told it would be.

Shooting furtive glances back… slowly getting a different feeling that this is a completely different Sans than what you were expecting.

The king cobra before you glided effortlessly over the terrain where you were quick to lose your footing trying to keep up. He’s actually had to help haul your butt up one hillside because there were no ledges for a firm grip… yet his scales seemed to do all the gripping for him… again he made it look so impossibly easy… you were slightly envious of his abilities.

“You make this look too easy. Man I wish I had your skills to pull this off and be so graceful while doing it.” You say tucked under his arm… not noticing the tinge of red now blooming across his cheekbones.

The rest of your trip was silent but… you noticed he was a bit more slow to help with your pace and even held tree limbs back for you. So it wasn’t unpleasant.

Another cave you can see slightly in the distance… and that’s not the only thing you see either…

On a very large flat rock in the sunlight… you see a huge mound of red and black scaled coils. Red bellied Black Snake… a very highly venomous snake like your Sans but this definitely isn’t your mamba.

Worst of all you haven’t seen the rest of him. Probably buried in the middle of the coils.

As you get closer and closer to the snoring coiled mountain. This Papyrus nudges you towards the sleeping lamia…

“WAKE UP YOU LAZY PILE OF BONES!!!” The cobra hisses and the snores continue… Well… maybe it’s not so bad and he’ll be asleep when Papyrus leaves you and you can sneak away.

That thought was dashed when he gets so irritated at being ignored he picks you up and drops you unceremoniously in the center of the coils.

“YOU HALF WIT!!! YOU NEED TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUR DATEMATE OR SHE WILL FIND SOMEONE MORE WORTHY OF HER!” He screeches as the coils below you undulate in panic from the sound his brother is making and your sudden weight hitting him.

Once again you are aware exactly how strong these guys can be as you the being nestled in the coils raises up quickly and the force flings you off of him.

Expecting a hard landing only to be caught by the cobra at the last minute.

“Wha… What!? Papyrus!? The hell ya doin’!?” That’s when you get to see this thick boned monstrosity… He has sharp shark-like teeth like your sans… save one is a false tooth made of gold. His red eye lights slitted and his bones far more thick in comparison…

“YOU IDIOT!!!” Okay this is getting dicey as the king cobra flares his hood bares those wicked fangs.

This Sans is absolutely befuddled at what he’s seeing… and that’s you.

“Um… hi Sans.” You give him a small wave and he’s still in a stupor.

“HOW AN INGRATE LIKE YOU MANAGED TO LAND A SWEET DATEMATE LIKE HER IS BLOWING MY MIND.” Papyrus seethes and that further confuses the flustered snake on the rock.

“Hey! Stop calling your brother names. It’s not nice.” The king cobra actually falters and places you gently on the ground.

“...datemate?” Sans is still trying to piece a lot of this together… and probably has a wicked headache from being forcefully awakened by his brother.

Yet he seems to look you over then gives an easy grin.

“Sure, why not?” The red bellied black snake is slowly spilling and slipping over the edge of the rock he is on… and makes his way towards you.

“YOU TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER… I… I MIGHT EVEN CONSIDER BROADENING THE TERRITORY.” The cobra flushes at this statement leaving this Sans awestruck.

“Ya interested as well?” He asks his brother who turns even more red.

“N-NOT RIGHT NOW! I HAVE TO PRACTICE!!!” He screeches and then turns to take your hand in his. Bowing to lay a gentle peck on the back of your hand.

“UNTIL WE NEXT MEET.” He smiles warmly up at you then slithers back down the path you had come from.

“Well sweetheart… ya gonna explain ta me why my bro thinks yer wit me?” He chuckles with a low rumble emanating from his chest.

“Not that I’m complainin’ but… this is news ta me.” A wicked grin winds its way around his skull.

“You weren’t the Sans I told him about… but your brother was at least very nice and helpful wanting to make sure I got back to you safely… even if you weren’t the one I was conveying…” You nervously fidget in place.

“Yeah, my bro’s pretty cool… he’s gotta thing fer ya too. A pity ya ain’t mine.” Sans sighs and that makes you almost do a double take.

“What?” That was news to you.

“Ya did something in between his nest and mine to make him think ya were courtable there sweetheart… and he thinks he can join our territories by makin’ ya his datemate as well.” Sans is a lot closer and peering into your eyes.

“He’s gonna be so heartbroken that it ain’t the truth… So what d’ya say sweetheart? Wanna try bein’ my datemate?” Oh no… no no… He isn’t going to try pulling that.

“No offense after all you and your brother are quite the impressive specimens… I just want to get back to my Sans.” You see him quirk his head.

“Is he hyper? Always on the go?” He asks you.

Well actually now that you think about it… your datemate is very high energy.

“Yes! Do you know if he might be nearby?” Knowing that lamias have a very strong sense of smell… he might be hunting for you after you’ve disappeared.

“Yeah. Follow me.” He sighs but before he gets too far off he turns back to you.

“Just letting ya know… my bro and I are interested. We might fight fer ya.” It has you sputtering.

“You don’t even know me! Why?” You march up alongside him.

“Intent and soul are things we look at and yers? Is warmer than any sun rock. So just be aware I ain’t just gonna let ya go.” He slithers on slowly at an ambling gate it seems. It has you worried as you both wander farther into the thicket.

“Didn’t think a human would go fer one of us.” He comments after a while of trekking.

“Oh, I was actually caught by surprise. Sans saw me and followed me home and actively pursued me for courtship. He was so cute and he was so adamant on trying to court me that he even tried the human way.” You reminisce. He took you back to the rock he first laid eyes on, and together you basked in the sunlight and made pleasant small talk.

Your sweet Black definitely knew how to make you feel special. Totally trumped all other dates you had been on. It wasn’t played out or fake… he was completely genuine and curious to know all about you. Then it was funny but at the same time so endearing for him to try and take you out for “Human dates.” You loved how he always did everything 100 percent… unfortunately at how he perceived it would be done at some awkward times… but always at his max.

“Well kitten looks like yer smitten.” This Sans looks back at you with a devilish smirk.

“Just means I’m gonna have ta try my best, eh?” Snickering as you flush. He has such a laid back demeanor but his eyes say everything… he’s dead serious… You are starting to feel like you might have a homing beacon placed on you that makes skeletal snake men find and fall in love with you.

You find yourself making small talk with this Sans and decide to ask before things got complicated…

“Since things will get complicated when we run into Sans, my Sans, May I call you by something else?” You ask the suddenly blushing skeleton.

“Ya… sure… As long as it ain’t nothing too vulgar. There might be children nearby.” He chuckles at the end making you flustered.

“I would never!” His roaring laugh just makes you an even worse mess.

“S’okay sweetheart ya don’t seem the type. Just like messin’ wit ya is all.” He snickers as you give him a half hearted glare.

Well if your black mamba goes by Black… perhaps he would be satisfied with a color name too.

“How about Red?” You ask him, eyeing his red underbelly.

“That all ya got?” You are about to flounder when you realize he’s got a coy look about him… he’s doing it on purpose.

“Well, It’s not like you’re suggesting anything.” You huffing as you hear him chortle knowing he’s getting under your skin.

“It’s fine, really. Yer just too cute ta not mess with.” That shit eating grin and you know you are full on pouting.

“I’m not cute.” Snarking back at him only made him laugh so hard, he started to wheeze. Yeah… you really lost the battle for that lame retort.

“Freakin’ adorable.”

“Not.”

“Absolutely delightful.”

“Am Not.”

“Sooo sweet.”

“Stop it I’m not!”

“Positively charming.”

“ARGGGHHHH!” You're about to yell more at the skeleton, who seems to be having the time of his life, until he stops suddenly and looks up. He flicks his thick forked tongue out curiously.

Looking up you don’t quite see what he’s seeing until he passes a sly grin.

“Heads up.” Before you can question his tail strikes the huge tree beside him. You hear a distant cracking noise… that seems to be getting closer and closer from above. Looking up you yelp and duck out of the way from the sudden appearance of orange coils headed straight for you.

Unceremoniously landing before you, like a slinky, is another lamia.

The papyrus lamia pokes his head out of the center of his coils. Obviously miffed at the rude and startling awakening.... He only has a mild perturbed look on his face. You take notice that unlike the other skeletons you’ve met, he has flatter teeth more akin to yours.

“You rang?” Came a slight growl from the justifiably angry skeleton.

He was a corn snake lamia with beautiful bright orange markings and mismatched belly, that looked like white and black corn kernels.

“Lookin’ fer yer bro… Ya seen him?” Red sneers at the eerily calm lamia. After all you thought they were territorial… Was it because Red was venomous that the Corn Lamia didn’t want to fight?

Wait… brother? This seems more of the depiction of what you originally had in mind for Black’s brother.

“Why do you want to know?” The hiss he suddenly spews forth is a sharp one. Clearly agitated his brother was the point of this meeting.

“Got someone here he’s probably been looking all over for.” The corn Lamia flicks his tongue out in annoyance as he casts his gaze on you… Then he’s absolutely confused.

“Is that a human?” He blinks his sockets rapidly as you give a slight wave.

“Yeah? Though you’d know her… after all she’s the little shits datemate.” Red chuckles as the corn lamia shudders to the point he’s near straight as a rod with absolute shock.

“What!? Datemate!? Her!? A human!?.....How!?” This sudden source of information has given the poor skeleton a heart attack.

“Oh! I see. He’s been keepin’ her a secret.” Red seems delighted at tormenting this poor Lamia.

“Actually we were trying to look for you today to tell you the news.” You sheepishly say making his mouth gaped so wide you could probably have fit a turkey in his mouth. He’s looking you over trying to find something about this being a joke… a lie… but becoming even more panic stricken when it seems like you both are being true.

Twitching is all he can seem to do at the moment… before…

“SAAAANNNNNSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The whole forest went quiet after that bellow and you look at Red who was also in a stupor.

“Damn. That’s the loudest I’ve heard him get.”

Why do you get the feeling you just got yourself into more trouble?

Chapter Text

Black was about to surprise you with the breakfast he found. He found a huge boar.

‘How’s that for the human phrase of “bringing home the bacon”?’ He smirks to himself. As he looked up into the sky he must’ve taken longer than expected with how high the sun was in the sky.

Hefting the boar and trying to get back to his precious datemate. It seemed a downright shame to leave you… how cute you were, all snuggled in his coils. He’s very fond of any and all cuddling you were willing to give him. Finding himself to be a very clingy datemate. All this means is to get back faster to you.

Thinking if you hadn’t woken by now, he’d surprise you by cooking you up some breakfast in bed… not that he would enjoy cleaning up but anything to have you in his nest and enjoying what he has provided you… he feels a little out of place back at his new home, because it is your nest and you seem to do all the providing. He’s desperate to show that he can learn your world and how to become a good provider in it… but of course, getting to come back and relax in his element is a plus, especially when he can prove that he is indeed the perfect specimen he advertised himself to be.

Not that he had any doubts, being the prime specimen he is, to win your favor at becoming your mate… okay maybe a little but he did his best and you seemed happy. Imagining your fond smile whenever he did something for you had him putting a little extra oomph into his slither.

He knew it was only obvious that he was smitten but he would never deny it. He’d hold you close and declare every sappy, smushy, lovey dovey thought that came to his mind before he’d even so much as think of denying how he truly felt. He is in love with his sweet datemate.

Slithering merrily on his way until a scent catches him off guard. He looks to and fro trying to get a better whiff as his tongue tastes the air. Not really trying to get a sense of who but how close by.

As a precaution, that another predator has picked up the scent of his kill, he keeps his coils tight and ready to spring. Hissing as if to dare anyone try.

“Hey bro.” Was announced beside his skull. Making him squawk rather undignified. He blusters about looking for the source and looks up.

There is his brother hanging upside down from the tree limb above. A unique grey black back with orange belly and orange ring near the top of his snake torso. An orange ringneck snake…. With the lanky upper body of a Papyrus Lamia and giant fangs… one of which is gold

“PAPPY! YOU KNOW I HATE IT WHEN YOU DO THAT AND…..PAPYRUS!?” Black is enraged but then stunned… Now obviously happy to see his brother again after so long.

His brother lowers himself gently to the ground below while Black wriggles with glee. After all, he has so much to share with his brother.

Both brothers lean against each other, shoulder to shoulder, as they both head back together, both content in the others presence.

“Hope ya had better huntin’ than me bro… I went from forest to major human metropolis and I got ta tell ya…. Wasn’t fun.” He chuckles and Black can’t help himself.

“I’VE NOT ONLY FOUND US A GOOD BIT OF TERRITORY BROTHER, BUT A DATEMATE TO SHARE THE NEST WITH… SHE IS WELCOMING YOU IN BUT IT WILL BE UP TO YOU BOTH IF YOU WISH TO FURTHER THE RELATIONSHIP.” Black’s grin is so wide and proud that his brother doesn’t even keep the astonished look he has. Simply he grins back fondly.

“So a datemate huh? They cute?” The ringneck lamia waggles his bone brows but Black has been given an invitation to gush.

“MORE THAN CUTE!!!! SIMPLY AMAZING AND A WONDERFUL SOUL! I SAW HER BASKING AND SHE TOOK MY BREATH AWAY…” Black rambled as his brother contentedly slithered along. Getting the idea that he might be interested in the expansion of territory by courting this female.

When they get closer to their cave Pappy stops and hisses.

“Easy Sans. I smell a human's scent here.” The orange bellied lamia looks around warily as his brother scoffs and heads towards the cave unbothered.

“OF COURSE YOU SMELL A HUMAN. MY DATEMATE IS ONE.” Huffing annoyed at his surprised brother.

“Y/N! DEAREST? I’VE BROUGHT HOME THE BACON! COME MARVEL AT THE BREAKFAST I’VE CAUGHT FOR US AND MEET MY BROTHER!” He calls approaching the entrance with a large boar over his shoulder.

“MY DEAR?” The orange ringneck hears the worried confusion in his brother’s voice and comes up behind him.

“Y/N!? MY LOVE!? WHERE ARE YOU!? ANSWER ME!!!!” Black is frantic looking about and trying to take in any scent at where you possibly could have gone.

As he sniffs out a trail leading him back out of the cave…

“SSSSAAAAAAANNNNNSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!” Is heard bellowed across the valley and forest.

“Was that the corn?”

“HE’S NEVER BEEN THAT LOUD…. PAPPY… I HAVE A FEELING MY Y/N HAS BEEN PULLED INTO WHATEVER THAT WAS ABOUT.” Black is scared. He should have known better than to leave you alone… thinking that others would leave his territory alone due to his scent still in the area. To you he was your sweet danger noodle, and to anyone else he was evil incarnate.

Black is suddenly reminded of when you had tried to give him a…. Cell phone? Whatever rectangular menace that kept your attention some parts of the day (He’s not jealous)... that annoyed him (Nevermind very jelly skelly)… he didn’t want one but you had given him one anyway and the moment it made noise? It was smashed. His datemate fussed saying it was a means of communication for when they both were far apart… But that’s what he was so confused about… You were never going to be far from him. He understood your job but he also knew what times you would get home… and followed you to work so he could track you if he ever needed to.

Now he wished he had that infernal noise ridden and attention grabbing device.

“Then what are we waitin’ round here for?” His brother picks up a scent and points the way up the cliff face where they caught a whiff of a different Lamia.

“I TOLD THAT NO GOOD COBRA TO STAY AWAY FROM HERE AND HE THINKS IT’S FINE TO MOVE IN WHILE WE WERE AWAY!?…. IF HE HAS DONE ANYTHING TO HER, I WILL WEAR THAT HOOD OF HIS AS A BANDANNA!!!!!” Black snarls, baring his fangs with his brother right behind him. Both are ready for a fight.

Meanwhile…

“Wow um… okay… I take it that this was not delightful news for you. I really don’t want to trouble you…” You look at the frazzled corn lamia sadly. While Red, on the other hand, grins.

“Sorry doll… looks like he doesn’t give ya his blessing. So ya know there is always me and my bro. Let’s go back ta my nest.” Red tries to guide you back but you want to at least wait for Black. Perhaps he’d have a better time of explaining to his brother than the mess you’ve made of it.

Then suddenly a flash of blue cuts between your little group, before recklessly skidding to halt. A blue snake? By the patterns and speed this was a blue racer lamia… and as you get a good look at the skeleton half you are honestly confused… He looks like Black… Only blue everything else and no scars…. The most major difference is he, like the corn, has flatter teeth.

When his blue eyelights land on you then morph into stars like your sweet Black. Almost delighted to see you. Then he looks over at the corn.

“YOU YELLED BROTHER? IS EVERYTHING OKAY?” He’s just as loud as Black.

“No Sans… Did you really think you could hide something like this from me?” The corn seethes and the blue snake looks around confused… Until the corn thrusts a pointed finger at you.

“...HELLO HUMAN! IT’S NOT EVERYDAY WE GET TO SEE ONE OF YOU AROUND HERE!” Honestly he’s confused and thinks this is some weird form of introduction. The corn facepalms in frustration.

“No Sans. Want to tell me how you ended up with not just a datemate but a human one? AND kept it hidden from me!?” The corn scales looked bristled from the obvious stress he was under.

“......DATEMATE?” The blue racer looks perplexed… as he should be… this isn’t your Sans. The blue snake looks over at you as if trying to think why he had been trying to hide you…

“I WAS NOT AWARE I HAD ATTRACTED ONE…” He looks you over but he grins wide. This leaves the agitated corn to simmer down… but still eyeing you both suspiciously.

“I’m sorry! Forgive me… once again it seems I’ve miscommunicated… It’s just that all of you go by Sans or Papyrus that it’s hard for me to convey which one I’m after.” You walk off from this… you were highly embarrassed. Only for blue coils to snag you and bring you back.

Vibrant blue eyelights seem to stare down into the depths of your soul and you see a sweet grin on the Blue racers face. The way his eyes dilate and turn a little fuzzy almost reminds you of Black.

“NOT TO WORRY HUMAN. I AM A SANS BUT IF IT WILL HELP YOU TO IDENTIFY YOUR NEW SUITOR, I WILL GO BY BLUE.” His coils let you go but his hands have clasped tightly to yours.

Wait… did he say new suitor?

“Oh the hell no. If ya ain’t her Sans then back the hell off. My bro saw her first so if’n anyones in line for this courtin’ shit it’s me and him!” Red snarls but before he can lunge the corn trips him up with his own coils then rounds on his brother.

“Bro? You can’t be serious. You don’t even know her name!” The corn scolds his brother who merely grabs him and pushes his skull down to meet your gaze.

He seems absolutely hypnotized by your eyes. A similar reaction to his eyelights with the fuzzy haze...

“You can call me Orange during our courting but I would prefer my real name should things become more intimate. That is of course you intend to share territory bro?” The corn now dubbed Orange looks over at Blue who nodded vigorously.

You are blushing heavily.

“Um well… that’s nice but I really don’t think my Sans would like the idea of me having more suitors other than his Papyrus.” You notice them both cock their heads from the way you said it.

“Well honey, you really are bad at expressing intent in a name. You just said me and that asshole over there.” Orange glares at Red who is vibrating madly.

“Obviously he isn’t your datemate.” He laughed. As Red hisses in his anger then seems to have an epiphany.

“At least she gave me a nickname and didn’t tell her to call her by something else.” Red smirks.

“Was it ‘Please, no Mr. Don’t grab my ass’?” Orange chuckles as Red bristles his scales.

“No! It’s Red!” He snarls but both are completely unaware of the coils gently gathering you up in a comforting embrace.

“So what’s all the hubbub bub?” An easy voice came with the dark grey blue scales with streaks of black that were encompassing you. Looking up, there was a far more laid back looking Blue with white eyelights. This was a blue garter snake lamia.

“MY BROTHER CALLED ME…. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE SANS?” Blue jovially asks the new lamia.

“Well, I was deeply dozing on my rock when someone that yells, almost like my brother, the common Sans name. I was confused why Blue was being called and not me. I’m usually the one being yelled at for being lazy… so that’s why I’m here.” He shrugs. Yet Orange is glancing between you both suspiciously.

“So I see you found your datemate?” Orange huffs almost jealously as he sees you wrapped up calmly in the new Sans coils.

“Datemate? No she looked soft and warm…” He looks you over with an easy grin and wink and a gentle hug from his coils. Once again another skeleton seems to have a similar reaction to gazing into your eyes.

“But I don’t mind the title if I’m what she’s looking for.” You don’t think you can handle the amount of blood rushing turning you into a tomato.

“WAIT… IF YOU'RE NOT HER SANS, I’M NOT HER SANS, AND RED DEFINITELY ISN’T HER SANS...” Blue points at a bristled Red, cluing in the newcomer in on the nickname.

“Oh stars dammit… Sweetheart, is your datemate a fuckin’ mamba?” Red looked over quite pale.

DING DING DING we have a winner and you feel so stupid for not having actually described your datemate.

“Yes! That’s him!” You cheer only to have some very shocked skeletons staring at you like you’ve grown a second head.

“Um… kiddo? You hit yer head?” This new Sans looks down at you worriedly and inspects to see if there is any damage.

“Wha? No. You asked if he was a mamba and he is.” They look absolutely horrified hearing it confirmed.

“DOES HE YELL AT YOU A LOT?” Blue asks in concern but you shake your head.

“No, he’s loud but he hasn’t yelled at me. Has a very boisterous tone like yours Blue.” His sockets widen and Orange comes slithering up.

“He doesn’t threaten ya or call ya names?” Orange makes sure to line up his sockets for full on eye contact and once again you shake your head.

“He’s a damn prick woman! His brother ain’t any better wit lettin’ him spout his nonsense.” Red snarls and Orange laughs.

“Yes, like we certainly haven’t seen anything else like it.” He snarks at Red who bristles with a hiss.

“Boss does like to strike first and ask questions later but he’s not unreasonable like that damn mamba!” The others seem to pause as they reflect on it.

“Not ta mention if she’s his datemate… what does that say fer us now?” Red seems fear stricken as the others let it sink in.

You are dumped unceremoniously on the ground as the new Sans backs away from you.

“Shit. She’s got my scent on her.” The new Sans seems petrified. The other skeletons look slightly panicked. Well that definitely wasn’t earning him any brownie points

A new lamia suddenly appears and looks quite harried.

His orange scales seemed brilliant but dulled only in the shadows. This was a rat snake lamia. He looked similar to Orange but had a more energized look about him like Blue. He very worriedly looks at the group.

“THE MAMBA SANS HAS COME BACK AND HE ISN’T HAPPY! HE’S ATTACKING THE COBRA ME AS WE SPEAK!!!” This Papyrus wrings his hands worriedly and you feel panic flood your veins.

“Oh no! Take me to them please!” You are on your feet in seconds. This couldn’t be good and you know that the Cobra was only having good intentions by bringing you out… this was your fault.

“OH! HUMAN… I’M SORRY BUT THAT WOULD BE INSANELY DANGEROUS TO PUT YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF.” You shake your head and grasp his worried hands.

“No please! The mamba is my datemate. I believe this is a very big misunderstanding and the poor Cobra is getting the short end of the stick for it.” You plead and he grins warmly at you… then hoists you up and is off like a bolt. Red along with him to protect his brother.

Not really caring to see if the others are following but you need to stop this before someone gets really hurt. Hearing loud noises up ahead Papyrus sets you down and both he and Red keep you between them.

Thrashing and tree limbs breaking. Then suddenly the cobra has appeared and he looks a bit roughed up and frazzled… upon seeing you he suddenly straightens and turns to glare and hiss behind him… using his mass to block you from being seen.

Then is promptly bowled over immediately by a black blur that made a mess of undulating coils and hisses with snaps from powerful bites that missed their mark. Just as the other lamias come onto the scene.

“Black!?” You see him fighting fiercely and pinning the cobra.

He is quick to turn his attention at hearing your voice. Happy to see you but the death glare at the surrounding lamias was chilling.

“YOU TOOK MY DATEMATE FROM MY TERRITORY AND INTRODUCED HER TO THEM!? YOU SPINELESS PATHETIC CLOD!!!” Black is back in the Cobra’s face. Baring his fangs fiercely.

“SHE ISN’T YOUR DATEMATE!!! SHE’S MY BROTHERS! SHE TOLD ME SO HERSELF!” Edge’s hood is flared as wide as it could go and pairs it off with a menacing hiss.

“No! Black, don’t hurt… Boss!” You could only pull that out from Red calling him Boss… but you didn’t trust yourself to say Papyrus and make this mess confusing again. Black still angrily keeps the cobra pinned as Red snarls at him to let his brother go. While the cobra seems to blush slightly hearing you call him Boss.... you approach your angry noodle.

“This is a very big misunderstanding that got way out of hand! Please! Look, I’m okay!” You implore and your hissy datemate reluctantly lets the cobra up. When Boss looks ready for a little retaliation your imploring look halts him.

But an angry Red makes for a lunge. Black doesn’t even flinch… that’s because another Lamia has caught Red and bound him in his orange and black coils.

You run to Black and he embraces you fondly. With a sweet pur and a nuzzle as you were back in familiar coils. With whispered worries and thankfulness you were okay.

“I’m okay my sweet danger noodle. Just a very big misunderstanding to which I am responsible for.” To which Black blushes and his coils tighten gently around you.

“Heya Darlin’. Nice ta finally meet ya. I’m Papyrus but from my exploration of human society it’s been shortened to Russ.” The new lamia greets with a wink. Still pinning Red down with next to no effort. This was Black’s brother. Funny how things work out...

Seeing Edge rise and look at you forlornly dejected.

“Black, you owe him an apology. He didn’t forcefully take me anywhere. I asked if he knew Sans…” and everyone looks at Blue and you facepalm.

“No! I meant you but it came off as Red over there.” You point at the snarling lamia trying to get out of Russ’ coils.

“So he was very sweet to take me to the one he thought I was talking about.” You see the cobra perk in your defense.

“NO EXCUSE. YOU WERE COVERED IN MY SCENT.” He snarls over at the Cobra whose hood flares.

“I THOUGHT SHE HAD GOTTEN YOUR SCENT FROM BEING IN YOUR TERRITORY! YOU’VE BEEN GONE FOR AGES SO IT WASN’T LIKE THERE WAS ANY REASON TO THINK YOU HAD RETURNED!” Poor Edge hisses in his defense.

“Um… Russ?” You look over at your datemates brother, who gives you his full attention.

“I think you’re choking him?” You look concerned at Red who seems more limp than he should be.

“Naw darlin’, he’s playin’ possum. I ain’t a constrictor.” He winks and suddenly he is flung off… Coming straight for you and had Black not picked you up out of the way… that would have been ugly.

Red is up instantly baring his fangs. This isn’t good… each brother seems very protective and now you’ve been introduced as something they all want… this could very well lead to disaster.

“YOU WANT SOME OF ME!? JUST TRY!!!” Black screeches at Red. That is until you boop his snoot. Making your datemate sputter.

“No. We are all civil adults here. Let's talk this out mister.” You level him with a glare. Black loosens his very tight grip on you and lets you walk up to Red who seems wary of your approach.

“I’m sorry Red, you weren’t hurt were you? And Boss? Sorry if you don’t want to be called that but c’mere big guy let me see how bad that cut is.” The cobra lowers his hood and approaches you timidly and Red pouts but lets you look him over. Though Edge is a little rough looking nothing seems to have given him more than the human equivalent of a scraped knee and some splinters. With Red it seems the only thing hurt is his pride.

Giving them gentle pats to say they were good to go… Edge looks at you imploringly.

“I WISH TO VIE FOR COURTSHIP.” And Black snarls at the proud cobra.

When Black hisses his contempt at the idea. Red vouches on behalf of his brother.

“Ya know he’s allowed ta ask. Hell, all of us are! She’s not yer mate. She’s yer datemate. That means courting is on the table still. I also want a chance.” Red bristles as Black looks thoroughly annoyed.

“ME AND ORANGE TOO!” Blue raises a hand and waves while pulling his brother into a side hug.

“WOWIE! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN SUCH A SWEET SOUL AS YOURS WOULD MEAN FOR ME TO UP MY COURTSHIP GAME! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, ALSO WISH TO COURT YOU!” The bean had only known you a split second and none of them knew your name.

“I’d like to throw my hat into the ring as well. Couldn’t hurt.” Sans winks at you.

Your datemate is blustering mad.

“MY Y/N IS A FEMALE OF THE HIGHEST CALIBER!!! SHE KNOWS EXCELLENCE WHEN SHE SEES IT!” Soon Russ is up from being tossed and shrugs at you when you give him a look of concern. Seems again only a pride injury that he’s happy that everyone seemed unfocused on.

“Look, I’m flattered and all but I’ve gotten things arranged back home as it looks like Black will become my husband. It’s settled in the paperwork and everything. We just came out here for a chance to unwind and find Russ over there.” You see the look of disappointment cross their features.

“TO THE DEATH.” Boss slithers forward and Black rears up hissing in defense.

“Hey! No deathmatches!” You are trying to get their attention while trying to get out of Black’s tightening grip. Finally extracting yourself and trying to go over to stand between them… not very smart but you are hoping that they will know better.

Black absolutely does not like where you have put yourself and is gesturing for you to come back over to him.

Before you know it, Red has slammed into Black. The sudden attack sent Blacks coils haywire and whipping a tree… a very big tree… one that took hefty damage from the power Black held in his coils and the tree was coming down… the roots seemingly everywhere beneath your feet are causing mayhem.

Trying to get away you misstep and end up going into one of the cavernous root holes… that seemed to keep going without end.

“BLACK!!!” You cry out but you know you’ve sunk really deep into this pit but find yourself getting swept off by an underwater spring. Scared at ending up in a darker place… one that you would be able to breathe you are frantically trying to grip on to stuff but nothing is helping… then you feel yourself drop.

Bioluminescent moss greeted you in the cavern you were now falling in. You could see sharp rocks in the water below until something shoots up out of the water to catch you.

In the chaos you couldn’t register anything, only that someone has caught you but is now falling backwards into the water.

Both of you hit the lake and you struggle to get free and pull yourself out of the water. Gasping and panting from the terrible ride you just had.

Remembering the poor soul who caught you. You turn only to gape… with a slight bit of panic… at the monstrous lamia that you had never seen in your lamia research. His lower half was that of an anaconda with ruddy orange and green patterns. Top half a very concerningly disheveled papyrus skeleton. His teeth jutted and mismatched with a very curious stain of red. His sockets seem more squinted and narrow.

He pauses after shaking some water off of himself… His tongue flicking in your direction.

“ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” He asks as he suddenly raises himself to full height to loom over you.

Scared by the sudden movement alone you step back… Only to have your blood freeze at the sound you are hearing.

You’ve heard it a few times on your little excursions. A little TSS TSS TSS then a buzzing rattle that takes your breath away. You hear the familiar beat of a rattlesnake rattle and it is thunderously louder than any you have heard before.

Gazing cautiously behind you you are frozen.

A giant red orb sees your movement and narrows instantly into a slit. The red light eerily casting over the features of another huge lamia in the depths of this cavern… directly behind you.

The world turns black.

Chapter Text

You woke up slowly to a slight humming sound… everything was dark and wet… you felt damp but strangely warm. Feeling a tight embrace of scales you cuddle back wanting to sleep some more… thinking you are in the comfort of your datemates coils… even though he seems more massive than you remember.

"NOT EVERYDAY YOU SEE A HUMAN WANTING TO SNUGGLE INTO OUR COILS… RIGHT BROTHER?" You hear a lazy splash as well as the echoing voice boom inside closed quarters.

"Didn't think the snack was gonna be this cute…" You hear a raspy deep voice… that you can feel as he is the one holding you. Then a light rattle is heard sparking the fear of knowing you weren’t dreaming earlier and you are in someone elses coils.

You don't recognize those voices either and promptly sit up… only to gulp looking up at a massive Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Lamia that leers down at you… with one ominous red eyelight. The light from his eyelight and the moss reveal a grizzly sight. A gaping head wound as well as some roughed up bones with a gritty look to them. His scales a deep grey blue with the classic diamond pattern of black scales.

His tight grin makes you feel immensely anxious.

“OH, YOU ARE AWAKE HUMAN!” You hear water slosh around and turn to look at the Anaconda Lamia rising out of the water.

You are struck speechless by how massive he is… Both these skeletons wouldn’t be able to fit through your front door let alone the first level of your house. Their snake bodies are way too thick and long to even make it conceivable.

Hearing the rattle start up and again makes you freeze. You see the anaconda sigh.

“PLEASE DON’T MIND HIM. HE GETS A LITTLE TOUCHY FEELY AND HE RATTLES WHEN EXCITED SOMETIMES. I DO APOLOGIZE AS I WOULD HAVE HELD YOU UNTIL YOU CAME TO BUT… I’M AFRAID IT WOULD HAVE LED TO A COLD AS I’M SEMIAQUATIC DUE TO MY LARGE SIZE.” He lowers himself down to be more eye level with you which makes him less intimidating. The Diamondback chuckles heartily and you feel him pat your head and adds another playful rattle.

“Yeah, I forgot we both fell into the lake and I got thoroughly soaked on the way to it as well…” You were still in your clothes though they were clinging to you uncomfortably from being damp.

“I’M SORRY HUMAN… DID YOU WANT US TO HELP YOU MOLT?” You pause after tugging at your shirt a little… Molt?

“Oh! No these are my clothes… they are a little uncomfortable because I got them wet but I’m sure it will be better once they fully dry.” Both Lamias seem to process this.

“Well that explains a lot.” The Diamondback grins widely and the Anaconda is suddenly nervous and shoots him a glare.

“Explains what?” You ask because you can’t help the suspicious way the anaconda is behaving.

“IT SURELY DOESN’T MEAN THAT WE THOUGHT HUMAN SKIN WAS TOUGH AND VERY STRINGY!” …. That was far from what you were thinking but you definitely have a bright red flag waving… but he seems so sweet and actually nervous that he's going to upset you.

"Right… maybe you guys could help me get back to my datemate?" You ask hopefully using the datemate term will have them looking at you a little less like a snack.

"Ya got a datemate?" This Sans seems curious as he lifts you up by his massively thick coils. Peering down into your eyes… you see the orb slit again… before relaxing into a bloated fuzzy circle.

"THAT WOULD EXPLAIN WHY SHE SEEMS SO AT HOME IN YOUR COILS BROTHER." You see the anaconda wriggle and his coils clench.

"Do you also want to hold me?" Looks like you struck the nail on the head with this guy, as he looks incredibly shy and starts to wring his hands.

"Y-YOU ARE INCREDIBLY SOFT AND WARM… B-BUT I KNOW RULES AND IF YOU INDEED HAVE A DATEMATE WE SHOULDN'T BE GETTING OUR SCENT ON YOU… WE DON'T WANT TO CHALLENGE YOUR HAPPINESS." The sweet bean makes you melt a little but you hear the rattle and hiss of the snake holding you.

"SANS PLEASE. I KNOW YOU ENJOY HOLDING HER BUT IN DOING SO… YOU ARE CHALLENGING HER DATEMATE." Yikes… guess this was why Black wanted to snuggle you so tightly when he got the chance. To get his scent back on you.

You feel the coils tighten around you protectively.

“And what if I do challenge them? Ain’t nothin’ wrong about it, even if you wanted to as well bro. I mean the human did offer to be held.” That would definitely be because your datemate hasn’t really kept you in the know of how this worked with anyone other than himself and his brother.

Yet when you look at this disheveled lamia he looks so absolutely crestfallen and you know that you can’t have it. You gesture with your arms to be picked up. Making grabby hands and he seems so shocked that he doesn’t know what to do. You are going to have to make this up to Black but this poor Lamia needs a cuddle.

“Looks like the human wants ya ta pick her up.” This Sans seems to gloat as his brother flushes brightly but leans down to pick you up.

“I-I HOPE YOU DO NOT MIND THAT I AM A LITTLE DAMP FROM RELAXING IN THE POOL.” He carefully and tenderly lifts you up out of the rattlesnakes coils. His own coils circling and ready to hold you.

It felt like you were in a mountain of muscle but perfectly at ease. His coils gently encased you and it definitely was different but nothing uncomfortable.

“That’s fine, I’m a little damp still so it won’t hurt anything.” He beams at you as you nestle in and outright coos with his happiness. You get the feeling that he doesn’t get a lot of things to be happy about here… judging from the bones you see amassed in this cave… you get the feeling they don’t get out often.

“OH! DO NOT FRET DATEMATE! A SWEET SOUL LIKE YOURSELF WOULD NEVER BE ON THE MENU. ESPECIALLY NOW THAT SANS AND I AGREE TO COMPETE FOR YOUR AFFECTIONS.” You hum and smile sweetly at him while your mind panics. You didn’t think him holding you would make him assume datemate status… You are ignoring the fact that because you had a sweet soul you would be food… going to get that out of your mind... Black has kept you very unaware of monster customs as far as multiple partners wanting your affection… You get the feeling it’s because he is a very jelly skelly.. You do remember him saying something about Datemates in the beginning… that's what they call those who are highly desirable to others during the courting process who haven’t fully decided. Did that really mean that you were up for courtship as you and Black haven't made it to mate status? As ready and willing as he was to… make it physical… Black did make you aware that his kind mated for life and by doing so you'd be officially life mates. He at least was going to be a gentleman about it and take your feelings into consideration.

You had no idea how much of a lamia magnet you were… and if these guys wanted to throw their hat in there was no way you could even fit them in your home. Not to mention a surely angry noodle that is Black…

“YOU SEEM PERPLEXED…” The anaconda lowers his face to yours with a tilt of curiosity.

“Sorry, things have not really been explained to me as thoroughly as I thought… I wasn't aware that I would be up for courting by others." As you say, you catch him off guard blinking a little before casting a warm and loving grin.

"OF COURSE YOU WOULD BE! A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL SOUL, SUCH AS YOURSELF, WOULD BE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER AND TREASURED! I'M SURPRISED YOU ARE NOT CURRENTLY IN A MATING BALL OF SUITORS WANTING TO EARN YOUR AFFECTION." You have to blink and slowly it dawns on you that some regular snakes do indeed make a breeding ball amassing hundreds of wriggling bodies… trying to get to the female they are after.

You pale and hear the Rattlesnake laugh.

“Don’t worry we ain’t gonna crush ya and we have enough sense ta know that no means no. We don’t mean this as up for grabs either. Someone tried to woo you into being their mate and you decided ta play it safe. Now yer a datemate that means you are free to date and court whomever you desire because you’ve entered a courtship faze. By having others compete for your affection to find the one you identify most with and will be a good partner.” You still looked a bit agitated and he chuckles.

“Compete doesn’t mean fight buttercup. We show off our best traits and acknowledge our worst. Yet you seem worried… did something get a little out of hand?” He adds his coils around, what he can, of his brothers and lays his top half by you.

“Well… it started off with me not being able to convey who I talk about… it was a big misunderstanding and because I’m not really in tune with things… It got way out of hand really fast. I know that you are a Sans and he is a Papyrus…” You say pointing at them both.

“But if I say it offhand it comes off as someone else and suddenly one datemate turns into a near forest full of suitors…” You sprawl your top half across the bed of scales.

“HMMM… I CAN SEE WHERE IT GETS CONFUSING FOR HUMANS. A NAME HAS FAR MORE VALUE TO HUMANS THAN IT DOES FOR US. THOUGH IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE DO UNDERSTAND AND ADMIRE.” When you gaze back you find the top half of the anaconda wedged into a small crevice as he seems to be cleaning.

“... How did you do that?” He glances over at you and quickly leaves the small area that he had folded himself in.

“SORRY, IF I HAD KNOWN WE’D HAVE A GUEST…. ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS A POTENTIAL DATEMATE, I WOULD HAVE CLEANED UP BETTER.” He wrings his hands with worry.

“Oh, no. Have to admit the moss is very ambient… I’m getting off track… You were able to fit into that little nook so easy… how about I call you Nook? So I don’t end up making a mess of things again.” It looks like you’ve told him that he won the lottery and you see tears rimming his sockets.

“YES! I LOVE IT! HUMANS HAVE NAMES FOR THOSE THEY DEEPLY CARE ABOUT! I WOULD BE HONORED TO HAVE A NAME THAT YOU CALL ME BY!” Without warning he swoops in and gives you a nuzzle as he vibrates with excitement. You hear the rattle of the Rattlesnake and flinch. Looking over you see a broad smiling Rattlesnake Lamia as he looks over you both fondly. So he also rattled in happiness… that was cute… for a behemoth whose top half alone was big enough to dwarf you.

Now that you think about it he seems to have varying rattles… When you had popped out of the lake it must have startled him because it was an aggressive hard rattle with a threatening purpose. This seemed to be an easy light tone to convey his happiness… Almost like a dog wagging a tail only his made noise.

“I’m gonna call you Fluffy if that’s okay?” You smile and even though he seemed immensely happy he still laughed.

“Not that I don’t like it but I gotta ask why though?” He snickers and you pat his scales.

“Well I felt like I was in fluffy clouds while resting in your coils, and I would get a kick out of people expecting a small furry animal if I ever introduced you to them.” Not expecting the nuzzle from the snickering skeleton.

“I love it.” As his rattle vibrates joyously. Well these guys seem spooky but they are total sweethearts… now you had a major question… How was Black going to handle more lamias wanting your attention?

Although for said Mamba that wasn’t the most important thing on his mind at the moment.

“Y/N!!!!!!” He yells into the hole he saw you disappear. The only thing keeping him from diving in was his own brother.

“Ya don’t know if it’s safe enough fer ya to go down there! We can’t help her going in blind!” Russ holds his brother at bay but struggles with every whip of Blacks coils. This is the first time that Russ has ever had his brother's fangs bared at him knowingly.

“LET ME GO. NOW!!!!!” Russ’ grip slips as he rears back from the sudden animosity of his brother. Using this to his advantage, Black springs for the hole only to be blocked by the cobra.

“MY DATEMATE IS IN DANGER AND IF YOU ALL WANTED A CHANCE WITH HER YOU’D BE DOING THE SAME.” He hisses as Boss still blocks his way… yet his hood isn’t flared in threat.

“IT’S NOT SAFE. WHAT USE WOULD YOU BE? GOING INTO SOMETHING DANGEROUS WITHOUT A PLAN? I WANT TO SAVE HER TO, BUT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE UNDERGROUND SPRING CAVERNS… WE JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT WE WILL FIND IN THEM.” The cobra pleads for Black to listen to reason.

“BOSS IS RIGHT, WE NEED TO FIND WHERE THE ENTRANCE IS AND START FROM THERE.” Blue says dipping his tail cautiously into the hole. His sockets widen and pulls back a wet tail.

“What’s going on bro?” Orange inspects with his own tail and seems panicked. That is not easing the mamba in the slightest.

“We need to find that entrance. That is a pretty strong current and it’s going in this direction.” Orange points he felt the water flowing.

“THERE’S AN OPEN SPRING BEFORE A CAVERN ENTRANCE THAT WAY! WE NEED TO HURRY TO MAKE SURE SHE DIDN’T FALL INTO THE ROCKS.” Papyrus leads the way and they all sped off in a hurry. Sure enough a beautiful spring pool that had an elegant little waterfall below them. Searching they saw no sign of you but the entrance of a deep dark cave.

Every few seconds, Black glaring at Red with a hiss… he blames him very much for your disappearance and if he was paying attention, he’d have seen that Red seems to share that sentiment with the look of guilt he has. He hadn’t meant to hurt you but he couldn’t take Black telling his brother no.

Black in near tears looking for you flicks his tongue and turns his head sharply towards the cave entrance.

He smells you… faintly… but it’s not the only thing he smells. Things that he’s quite certain that the springs mist has covered and kept the scent below. Whatever they were… the scent of old and new iron was strong…

The garter snake… Sans… Has come up beside him cautiously also eyeing the cave. He has a hand on Black to keep him from rushing in. The others approaching curiously at the scents they were picking up as well.

“Black… I know what you’re thinking pal, but don’t.” Sans requests as the mamba seems to be tensing his muscles to dash in.

“Y/N!!!” He cries out into the pitch darkness of the cave. All of them hear utter silence, as if everything that was in the cave went still and silent… scared of what was to come.

“Black!?” Black almost weeps in joy hearing your voice. Yet he doesn’t know if you are okay or not. The others also seem to sigh in relief at hearing you.

“YES DEAR! ARE YOU OKAY!? ARE YOU HURT!?” He’s about to shake off Sans' firm constrictor grip to go in and find you when they hear something… some things… and the movement they hear has them on edge… they are currently the only skeleton lamias in this part of Ebott. Yet they hear bone and the slither of scales on the rocky wet terrain in the cavern.

All are on edge when they hear someone at the entrance… tense and ready for anything.

Only you come out. Wincing at the harsh light until you see the others and wave.

Black is almost in hysterical glee to see you okay. He wants to dash for you but fearing you might be hurt and tackling you wouldn’t be good for you… he approaches at a good slither. He sees you look behind you and he tenses at the movement he sees in the shadows.

Black hisses as well as the rest of the group. The cobra made a fierce display with his hood.

A giant orb suddenly lights up behind you in the cave. All the lamias are now on edge and Black tries to make a lunge to grab you away.

Noticing the orb slit and a thunderous rattling noise making him pause just long enough for large coils wider than him slip out and engulf you instantly. Then a giant skeleton… one they had never seen before… with a huge gaping head wound and only one eyelight and gritty bones emerges… his huge manic smile chilling their bones. Rattle at full blast as another massive Lamia slithers from the cave… far more humongous than even the rattlesnake. Its teeth askew and jutted with curious red stains and narrow sunken eyelights with stretched bones… It was truly a sight they had never seen before.

Even the cobra’s flared hood wilted in the presence of these behemoths… Black was scared but he saw you in the clutches of the huge Blue grey scaled Western Diamondback Rattlesnake… you saw the look of pure outrage at the lamia for holding onto you, as what you assumed, as prey.

“UNHAND MY DATEMATE!!!” Black is quick into action, his fangs bared and ready to attack.

“Black! I’m okay. Meet Nook.” You gesture to the anaconda who waves shyly.

“He saved me from having a very nasty fall… and this big guy is Fluffy.” You pat the Rattlesnakes coils with a smile.

“....Fluffy?” The one you only know as Sans, the garter snake, seems perplexed at that.

You notice the more laid back lamias have to hold in a snort. The diamondback was far from fluffy and his grin became a bit more friendlier as he chuckled.

“It’s a good name.” Fluffy comments with a very comical grin and it seems to lower the tension… save for Black… you are once again in coils that aren’t his.

You can sense his agitation and despite his brother's obvious concern at trying to ease him… he is not wanting to back off.

You pat Fluffy to get his attention and gesture to be put down. He complies and you run up to poor Black who promptly glomps you.

“COULD YOU PLEASE STOP SCARING ME TO DEATH TODAY?” He whispers in your ear as you hug him back. It breaks your heart that your slightly damp shirt seems to get wetter where his head is resting on your shoulder. Your poor noodle must have been so terrified at losing you and twice in one day.

“Just today?” You try to joke and he does chuckle lightly but his grip on you tightens. You kiss the side of his skull and he finally purrs in delight. Knowing you are safely in his coils again.

“I didn’t mean to worry you… things just quickly got out of hand and I’m sorry.” He raises his head and you gently wipe away the remaining tears still gathered around his sockets. Settling your hands on his cheek bones and he takes a deep ragged breath… letting you know how close he was to losing himself from all that had happened.

He was your brave, proud, sweet danger noodle who has told you time and time again how deeply he loved and cared about you.

“I THOUGHT THE WORST.” You pull him in for a kiss. Both of you lost in this emotional reunion, too much to care of the audience you had. All Lamias regarding this with a certain awe and varying levels of jealousy in some.

“I’m here and I’m okay my sweet Blackberry.” You whisper to him after pulling back. You see his nasal ridge light up in the crimson blush he always got when you called him by the full name you gave him.

“LOVE YOU.” He nuzzles and you can’t help but giggle.

“Love you to.” Allowing his open affection and giving back when you can. He’s shelling out the nuzzles and kisses as it seems to finally sink in that you really are here and okay with him.

“THAT IS SWEET! PERHAPS WE WILL UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER ON THAT LEVEL SOMEDAY SOON?” Nook pipes up and Black is back to rigid posture and a whole new level of angry.

“WE ARE GOING HOME.”

Chapter Text

I've had a major breakdown at work and had to take two weeks unpaid time off to help recoup. I still can't be seen by a psychotherapist until July 13th so we are juggling medicines to stop my shaking. My nerves are ultimately shot. I apologize for those of you highly anticipating a new chapter. I'm struggling right now but once I can get some semblance of myself again I will continue.

Chapter Text

Sighing as you gazed out of the bus window. Your datemate snippy with the bus driver as he lingered with the idling bus. Russ fidgeting in the seat behind you.

You could see multiple eyelights from the forest edge peering out at you. Not going to lie but you felt a bit crestfallen leaving them like you did. Black was your datemate and he was not about to let you get into any more trouble in the woods.

Soon Black made his way to you and snuggled into you. You also felt bad for worrying him to death. He really cared about you.

“I’m sorry.” You cuddle back and he whines.

“NO, I SHOULD HAVE NEVER BROUGHT YOU HERE. I SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF THE RISKS…. I WANTED TO IMPRESS YOU WITH MY HUNTING PROWESS… THAT I COULD BE A PROVIDER.” So that’s what has your poor skelly in the dumps. He doesn’t feel like he gives what he should in this relationship.

"You have nothing to prove. I already know that you're a wonderful datemate." You sneak a kiss on his cheekbone. He hums a little in delight at the affection… but you know your datemate… he's sulking.

"Black, you know I love you... right?" You try to catch his gaze as he tries to look away. Then having to turn his skull to face you.

"Right?" You give him a stern glance.

"... imma goin' ta tha back… seems like ya two have somethin' ta talk over." You almost forgot he was so close by and quickly slithered his way to the back.

After sending him an apologetic look you turn your attention to your mamba. Majority of the bus was still enjoying the scenery as this bus was technically a tour bus. Thankfully that had plenty of seating left in order to talk into some seating arrangements

"I… I know." He whispers but still won't look you in the eyes.

"Then why are you pouting?"

You think you know why… he was emasculated by our dear cobra and red bellied black before you got this far.

At first it seemed Black was going to take you back to his den… when it became clear that he meant your home was when you could make out the solitary bus stop in the distance. Black carries you bridal style so you wouldn't have to fight to keep up at his pace.

The cobra, boss, immediately hissed… knowing that you weren't going to be staying.

"YOU GO THIS TIME AND YOUR TERRITORY IS MINE!" Boss threatens and Black simply does not care. You could guess that it's because he found his brother and has his new territory with you.

"S'okay boss. He clearly knows what he's doin'. Like what would we know about takin' care of her in that world?" That did it. You felt that twinge go up his spine.

Black stopped abruptly to whip a glare at a smirking Red.

Russ looks between them. Not really sure what's going on for Black to behave this way… but he's going to help his brother loyally.

The others seem on edge.

"JUST WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY THAT?" You can see and hear Black gnashing his teeth by how angry he was.

"Ya know, havin' a job, payin' bills… ya say that like I haven't been around." Red leans back looking pretty smug as Black falters.

Black has been trying so desperately hard to be your bread winner. It’s just really difficult to process and it’s very understandable… but he hates that he doesn’t grasp things right away or always do the right thing.

Everyone and everything is scared of him… until they get to know him like you do.

Black didn't say another word as he took you to the bus stop. The tour bus guide was more merrier to have a couple live monsters to make this tour a crowd pleaser.

“I’M NOT POUTING.” He huffs but after a sweet peck on his cheek… he's back to snuggling into you. As the passengers loaded up and got to ask both Black and his brother some questions. It began to slow down on the trip back.

You dared not glance back where you had been. Instead cuddled your danger noodle and you both fell into a comfy sleep.

Both of you startle awake as the bus comes to a sudden halt. Black bracing you from impact and hearing his brother hiss at what you both can’t see just yet…

Looking ahead your heart dropped.

Coils.

Snake coils wrapped around the front of the bus.

The colors were numerous and almost hypnotic in pattern.

“Come on out dawg. I know you’re in there.”

You see Russ flinch and slip down in his seat. Everyone else is pretty startled but having met Black and Russ they aren’t sure if they should be terrified.

You watch as Black seems to be processing what he’s seeing and he’s hearing… Then whips around to glare at his brother.

His brother shrugs like he has no idea.

“That’s pretty wiggety whack comin’ through my terf and not even a hello.”

“YOU WENT THROUGH THE PARASITE’S DOMAIN!?” Black hissed at Russ.

“I was tryin’ ta get home quick! I didn’t realize I had gone through the murk until I saw the swamp!” Russ defends but all you can do is hear them bicker. The colored patterns swell with every breath and twist with each muscle cinch.

Too mesmerizing. Greens, Yellows, Reds, Blues, Black, in psychedelic shapes and lines that ripple as the scales move in the light.

It’s not until you catch the upside down black ghost ,with red eyes, on the back of a skull… that you realize what kind of lamia you are dealing with… or at least what kind of snake he is.

Bitis Nasicornis… The rhinoceros viper.

Hemotoxic venom that can cause internal hemorrhaging, tissue decay, and circulatory failure. They also have very sharp scales.

Having picked up a book and reading details about certain species of snakes had been an odd hobby… but having a lamia datemate made you very curious… and this particular snake made you shiver with how beautifully deadly snakes could be.

So hypnotizing you didn’t even realize you were approaching the front until the bus door was wrenched open and a coil snaked you out. Much to the horror of everyone on the bus.

You were brought up to a grinning skull that’s sockets seemed to have a life of their own wriggling in the darkness.

“Hey sweet mama, sorry ‘bout that. Thought the dawg came out ta play.” He growls and tries to look in the door. Earning screams from the other tourists as they try to clamber over seats to get away from the intimidating skeletal lamia.

He was big. Very big. He rivaled Fluffy in thickness and height.

“I’m sorry.” You say and he turns to look at you curiously.

“I’m sorry if Russ did anything to upset you. Honestly he didn’t mean to. I know how territories are with Lamias so I know it must have really set you off that he went through it. Please know that nothing was meant in harm or ill intent.” You plead with the monster that still has you raised in his coils.

“Sorry baby girl but a snakes gotta eat ya know.” Puzzled as he seemed hyper focused on getting to the lamias that you are shocked to see quaking in their coils.

He was a cannibal?

Black had called him a parasite…

The strange pulsating coming from this lamia’s sockets as his grin stretches wide. The pure terror written on Black and Rus’ faces. This was not someone they would fight.

A giant fist connected with the vibrant Lamia’s skull. Fluffy pounced on the distracted Lamia. You can hear his rattle flailing loudly as you are ripped away from the fighting lamias. You can hear the snap of jaws and feel the ground rumbling as they tussle.

Nook has you in his arms as Black and Rus escape the bus to check on you. A little surprised when the other lamias joined in the attack. The vibrant Lamia was just as surprised to be swarmed.

How long had everyone been following the bus?

“LEAVE OUR DATEMATE ALONE!!!” Blue yells out with a quick strike making the big viper flinch.

“Woah, hold up. This about that fly chick? My bad. I’m not after her.” He manages to push a snarling Fluffy off of him and somehow dodges the venomous lamias bites… despite his size.

Fluffy’s rattle is thunderous and deafening.

A giant rainbow of a coil lashes out and sends your defenders flying… even fluffy. Nook strategically positions himself high and with lightning speed… which you were amazed to see the gentle giant have… manages to pin the head and upper body to the ground. Quickly using his weight to try and keep the thrashing lamia down.

“Weak bro! Totally uncool!” He snarls at Nook.

Black and Russ seem absolutely frozen looking at him. The others are trying to right themselves and assess the situation.

This big jerk is wanting to eat your precious noodles. That will not do.

Mad you stalk towards the behemoth trying to throw Nook off. You seem so small in comparison and he doesn’t even acknowledge your approach… that is until…

*Whap!*

You struck his cheek as hard as you could. Earning the surprise of both him and Nook.

“What in the world is your problem!? You’ve decided to eat Russ just because he crossed into your territory!? I don’t care what kind of reputation you want to build for yourself but that is “whack yo!” You did the little quotation fingers to emphasize your displeasure.

He stares up at you from his pinned position completely still. The only movement was the swirling inkness from his sockets.

Yet you knew his focus was on you and you went on your own tirade. Throwing in all sorts of aged comebacks at the lamia in your rage as a way to mock him. You were so mad that you not only didn’t see the others approach and try to get you away, just shrugging off their attempts and pleas…. You also didn’t seem to notice that the big lamia never once struggled in anger to get to you… and had a slight blush along his nasal ridge.

“...Not to mention you are scaring innocent tourists! FYI can get you in a lot of trouble dawg! So Step Off!!!” You continue but Nook senses that the lamia underneath his is no longer tense. Puzzled he sends a questioning look to his brother who is on high alert with how keen you are not to flee the scene.

“Well!? What do you have to say for all this!?” Your chest heaving in your fury.

That’s when it finally looks like he blinks… as if he had been in a trance.

“... Bra, ya had me at bro…” You just look insulted… not because that wasn’t the response you were expecting but because after all this time you don’t understand what he meant. Then he suddenly shrugs Nook off of him and raises himself just a bit to be eye level with you.

His gaze shifts between the tense lamias around you… willing to fight at the drop of a hat… then back to you.

It was unnerving how the inky tendrils moved in his sockets. Yet being in the light he seemed to wince. His attention is now waning as the bright day light seems to be combating his want to focus.

You turned to Papyrus who was closer to the bus.

“Can you ask the gentleman in the second left row for the novelty sunglasses? Tell him I’ll gladly pay him for it and also get him a new pair.” You had seen a pair of the comically huge glasses as one of the things they sell at the gift shops. One you had noticed in one of the tourists bags when you had boarded the bus.

Papyrus was gone in a flash and back with the giant things. Taking them you reach forward and put them on the parasite lamia. They were bright neon green and pink with ‘Monster Tours’ written on the side.

Watching as the large lamia seemed very compliant yet surprised at first.

“Woah!” he raises up fully and quickly, making the lamias flinch. He’s taking everything in and occasionally raising the glasses and lowering them. The tinted glasses easing him it looks like but it was weird that you see the tendrils as he turns his skull… sticking to the lenses and that seems to be what is keeping the enormous sun glasses on.

Yet they were just right for him it seems.

“Are these for me?” His gaze turns to you again.

“It looked like you were having some difficulty in the sunlight.” You confirmed his question as you wanted him to focus so you could continue discussing what would be done. As far as you see it, perhaps a strong word, a nice gift, and none of the boys will be eaten.

“Aiight.” He awkwardly shrugs and you sigh. You can’t get a good read on him and you are about to step back into things. As if able to read you however… he raises his hands up in a defensive gesture.

“Whatever… it’s cool…” He waves you off and begins to slither away. He glances back at you and then smiles broadly.

Yet nothing is said as he taps the glasses and then waves goodbye… and the rainbowed coils disappear into the dense thicket.

Turning around you have multiple shocked lamias looking at you… and that’s when you remembered something very important… thanks to a certain memory…

It was when Black was still doing his best to try and impress you. Bring you meals, clean, and give you things he has found. Each accepted trinket made him so happy… that you decided to let him get a taste of his generosity and with a gift. Something he could use while you went to market.

You got him a large adjustable fanny pack… yes it was odd but for a lamia it seemed functional and he wouldn’t be aggravated with a strap around his neck. That way he could keep up with important documents and money.

After a perfect meal that Black treated you to… he was good at following very complex recipes and continued to wow you with that… That is after you got him acquainted with your kitchen… that was another mess… You then brought out your carefully wrapped gift.

He was shocked that you had done such a thing. He opened it and not even really knowing what it was… he said he loved it with tears in his sockets. After explaining what it was for you helped him get it adjusted… which was hard from him constantly wanting to hug you.

You found out that gift giving was part of his courting early on but you didn’t realize that by not only accepting but returning the favor… it was an “I love you” like no other. A very cherished memory… one that helped you realize your mistake.

You gave the parasite lamia a gift.

Not only that…

He accepted it.

You nearly lost consciousness with how hard you hit your forehead with your palm.

Black soon had you wrapped in his coils as Russ made sure everyone on the bus was okay. Looking at Black he seemed lost… almost defeated.

You hear the tourists asking if it was part of the tour and some ventured out to meet the new lamias.

“Black… you know I meant nothing by that gift right? He wasn’t focusing because the sun was hurting his eyes… and I thought those would help us.” Trying to explain but he held you closer.

“I…I FROZE.” You hear the hurt in his admission. He was ashamed he didn’t try to save you first.

“Black, it’s…” You try to reassure him but he snaps.

“NO! IT IS NOT OKAY! THAT WAS THE PARASITE!!! HE COULD HAVE REALLY HURT YOU… EVEN KILLED YOU… AND YOU WERE IN HIS COILS… I COULDN’T HELP YOU.” He hugs you tight.

“ANY PREDATOR WOULD HAVE FACED MY WRATH BUT… HE… I STILL SHOULD HAVE TRIED.” The other lamias heard him approach.

“Yeah kiddo… he’s a real piece o’ work. It’s bad enough that he’s not really one of us… just one of us came to be an unfortunate host.” That’s what throws you looking towards the garter snake that oddly just goes by Sans now.

“You mean… it’s an actual parasite that’s controlling the body?” They all nod at your question.

“HIS EYES… YOU COULD SEE IT RIGHT?” Blue slides up and that’s when you finally understand what it was you had seen in those sockets.

“It knows everything about what it possesses. Memories, habits, and overall personality of its host.” Orange confirms.

“IT IS RATHER FOND OF SANS LAMIAS.” The cobra informs which could only convey Black’s dread at having been caught by the viper.

“IT LOOKS FOR NEW FORMIDABLE HOSTS TO POSSESS… ESPECIALLY WHEN TIME IS DWINDLING FOR THE CURRENT HOSTS BODY… OR HE RENEWS THE MAGIC BY EATING OTHER MAGICAL CREATURES…” Papyrus nervously fidgets.

“Honestly it’s an outright shame… the parasite can live as long as it takes care of tha host's body. That’s drinking, eating, and keeping it in good condition… parasite would rather live off tha life force and find somethin’ new.” Red shrugs obviously disgruntled.

Nook has approached to make sure you are okay after easing his brother. Fluffy’s rattle may not be going right now but his gaze hasn’t left where the viper left.

“THANK YOU.” Black says acknowledging Nook. Making the gigantic lamia pause but smile merrily.

“THANK YOU, ALL OF YOU.” He continues still hugging you tightly to him.

“IT WAS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING BUT WITH A LOT OF US…” Nook starts off looking towards his brother.

“We got it covered.” Fluffy growls then finally turns to look you over.

“I saw her in that abominations coils and… I couldn’t let it… I didn’t want anything to happen to her.” Fluffy turns his gaze to Black who lets you go to lower himself in a bow.

“THANK YOU.” You hear him sniff as he thanked the sweet diamondback.

You watch Boss slithered forward… you half expected him to berate Black for not defending you.

“IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE... BEING IN THAT THINGS PRESENCE IS ENOUGH TO STILL THE SOUL..JUST KNOW WE’D NEVER LET HARM COME TO HER.” He gestures to you and Black seems absolutely relieved to not be torn down a peg.

Black reaches a hand out and the Cobra reluctantly takes it. They shake but afterwards Black pulls him down to whisper something… you watch Boss as he seems a bit perturbed but he’s now instantly listening eagerly. He even lifts his hood around Black to hear him better and conceal the conversation.

When it was done you were allowed to say goodbye to others and thank them for their heroic efforts. Causing them all to preen. The tourists were able to get more awesome pictures and thankfully the bus had only been lifted and not damaged. Getting back on the bus with Russ you see your datemate and the cobra lock eyes and nod.

As you begin to go on the rest of the way back home. Waving goodbye from the bus as it slowly roars away. You cuddle your skeleton noodle. He’s had nothing but knife wounds to his pride and his pride is what carries him.

Snuggling into him you remind him which stop to look out for and that when you arrive you can’t forget to reimburse the man for the sunglasses you borrowed. Black chuckles as you sleepily drawl until you eventually sleep.

Back with the other lamias, however…

“WE’VE ALL BEEN INVITED TO BLACKS TERRITORY.” The cobra announces to everyone’s surprise.

“HE SAYS IF SHE ALLOWS IT THEN WE WILL BE GRANTED DATEMATE STATUS AND ALLOWED TO BE ABLE TO BROADEN THE TERRITORY.” His chest thrust in pride.

“WELL OF COURSE! OUR DATEMATE WILL BE SAFER WITH OUR NUMBERS!” Nook concurs and a mini celebration at the fact that you could possibly be open for more suitors as it was obvious… you had chosen Black but now with his blessing… it would pose a more ideal situation for you to consider them all.

“I WAS GIVEN THE COORDINATES. IF WE HEAD THERE NOW… IT MAY TAKE AWHILE BUT WE WILL HAVE OUR DATEMATE WAITING FOR US.” As Boss led the way there were a few groans.

“Why couldn’t we take the bus?” Sans groans as they all set towards a route that was known to be troublesome.

“Ya think the bus coulda fit all of us… and them?” Red glances back at a stoic Fluffy and a waving Nook.

Sans just sighs and Papyrus tuts his brother.

“YOU ACT LIKE I HAVEN’T CARRIED YOU BEFORE WHEN YOU GOT TO TIRED.” Papyrus scolds.

“I’m tired now.” Sans makes grabby hands at his brother who scoffs.

“I CAN TELL WHEN YOU'RE REALLY TIRED SANS. NICE TRY.” Papyrus slithers forward leaving his whining brother. Sans is trying to ignore the heckling of Red and the obnoxious laughter of Orange at his expense.

They all move on in the direction they need to go.

Their prize so temptingly awaits them.

Not really noticing the neon green and pink sunglasses tucked in a nearby bush… the viper had never left.

He was curious about the human that had suddenly amassed a whole following of lamia suitors… and as he tapped the sunglasses… the parasite couldn’t help but grin wide at his gift.

He might not be a lamia but his host was and according to his host… you were now very special.

So he might just follow the other’s scents from a good distance to ensure he’s not caught trying to find you.

Chapter Text

Black was in his own inner hell.

Despite having you cuddled up to him on this long journey home… and knowing his brother was more than likely asleep as well… his future has been compromised.

All because he wanted to impress you. His feelings of inadequacy had only been on the rise as of late… but he was so careful to not worry you… or well tell you.

Because he feared you'd reject him as a mate for his shortcomings.

He had relished being back in the environment he belonged. A place where he ruled and would be able to show you how much of a provider he could be.

He knew how to cook in your kitchen now, after you showed him the basics he could take charge. Whip up something amazing for his datemate.

Even as you ate the food he cooked, enjoyed his company watching a movie together, and after instruction… loved playing games of many varieties with him…

They were all things you had provided him with. You worked a job and paid for the food, movies, games, and amenities.

He thought it downright mind boggling you paid for water. Having told him the property wasn't sustained by well water but by the city… was a puzzling concept. You had water nearby but apparently it wasn’t yours? Water didn’t belong to anyone… especially during times of drought it was common knowledge that threats and rivalries were nothing as all were welcome to get water when and where needed.

He also thought the electricity in your home was a form of magic… that wasn't true.

He had so much to learn that it was a bit all consuming… yet you were patient. You only scolded if you thought someone would get hurt.

You are the reason he wanted to try your way.

Black loves you and dearly.

He just doesn't know how to balance everything he has put on his plate. Black is highly intelligent and knows he can understand but it's going to take a whole lot of work and time.

Meanwhile you are doing all of the work to provide for you both… and he dared to ask if his brother could live with you both.

His concern for his little brother was highly apparent and you very happily said yes. He only thought he couldn't love you more but you somehow made his soul flutter more, since you are willing to look after his family.

Now Black is even more sure that you are the one. Which means he needs to integrate or end up losing you. He knew he had a better chance at keeping you safe in your territory. So he didn't try to entertain the notion of you integrating into his lifestyle.

He pursued you… it's only fair that he respects your comfort and stays where you are familiar.

It's already been proven you've attracted too much attention and within 24 hours in the forest.

Now… now he's at a loss. At war with his insecurities already… only to now be indebted to your potential suitors… maybe even finding you like one of them more than him.

He squeezes you closer to him a little tighter. He'd die for you… but when it came to the frozen fear of being face to face with the parasite… no matter how hard he was screaming at himself internally to save you… he couldn't move.

Those sockets… the wriggling mass inside… seeing that thing seem even more delighted to find him along with Russ.

It preferred Sans lamias more than Papyrus.

He'd have gladly eaten Russ and found a way to keep tabs on Black to possess him.

Though the parasite seems to like the particular host it's in now. The host being a formidable and highly venomous lamia on its own… one bite and even Black wouldn't survive.

He was in awe of Fluffy's speed to dodge those deadly bites. Only to know that Fluffy couldn't connect a bite either made it worrisome… Nook was only able to pin that foul creature as it wasn’t expecting a barrage of lamias. Now that it knows… Nook will be in a dangerous situation if he tries that again.

Now comes the even more heinous part of his inner turmoil…

You offered yourself to the parasite.

He doesn't blame you… you still aren't really aware of lamia customs as he has been trying to do things your way.

A gift from a proclaimed datemate means your favor. Either it is reciprocating and equal in feelings with the courting lamia… or you're proclaiming your interest in a new possible suitor.

Black truly knows you didn't mean it that way. Though the parasites reaction… it sent shivers down his spine.

Not once did it angrily lash out at you. It may have snatched you from the bus but you were not its intended prey. So you were ignored though still in its coils.

You really don't understand how powerful your soul is.

Having such a sweet and kind soul as yours even so much as nearby can soothe the soul. It's comforting presence making it hard to not see you.

A vibrant aura of safety, tenderness, and love.

Even the parasite didn't want to put you down and held you there. Didn't fling you away as the parasite was known to do with inadvertently catching something it wasn't intending.

Human souls are very powerful and easy to track.

Yours gives off so much comfort… now that he thinks about it… it would have eventually attracted monsters from a certain radius. Though he was sure his lingering scent would keep them at bay… the cobra proved him wrong.

So now he is stuck. If the parasite decides to pursue you… Black knows he and his brother are heavily outmatched.

Black's speed would only be able to get them so far… and he would be stuck trying to defend you and his brother.

Black highly doubted the feud that Russ unwittingly started was finished. The parasite would tirelessly hunt its chosen prey down till it couldn't flee anymore.

Now his hope in protecting you is in his rival suitors. They want you safe as much as he does. He will concede in their presence as their numbers ensure that you will not be harmed.

It's never really been heard of before… a group of lamias that consisted of strangers creating a poly relationship with a female. Typically brothers shared a mate.

Rivalry is too strong amongst his kind when it comes to unrelated lamias. It becomes a suitor battle and the best lamia wins the affection of the datemate… and leaves the rest without.

Black… even though worried about odds being stacked against him… has a small hope that the love he feels radiating from you… wins in the end.

Before long the stop you needed to get off on to reach your newly purchased van… another thing you’ve done to help accommodate him… When you had asked why you couldn’t take the van? Black kindly reminded you that he naps on it to bask in the sunlight… it’d stand out and probably be stolen and not by humans. He picks you up and cradles you gently to let you sleep a little more.

With a flick of his tail he rouses Russ from his slumber and all of you make your way off the bus. That is of course after Sans reimburses the man who sacrificed his novelty glasses and thanked the bus driver for the impromptu travelers.

Sans learned that appreciation and respect was worth its weight in gold to others. Kindness could go a long way. Yes he was snippy with the driver at first but you would be too if you had been offered a job as a co-guide… or well pressured.

He might be struggling right now but he doesn’t need a job that would use him for tourist appeal. Black wants something he knows he can handle and he for one can’t handle the attention.

After a bit of travel he finds the original bus station where the van had been left. Getting your keys he opened it up and placed you in the driver seat. Then went over to the bare place where there was once a seat but instead was padding that reached to the back. Along with certain buckles to be safe.

Making sure his brother was safely in. He gently roused you from your slumber. You cutely snuffle and try to go back to sleep. Earning an adoring look and chuckle from your datemate.

Even Rus can’t help but find you adorable as he watches fondly as his brother tries to gently wake you. Rus can sense the inner turmoil in his brother… but until his brother is ready to talk… he can’t help him. It’s been awhile since they’ve been together so he doesn’t know what is going on in his brother’s mind.

He knows that Black has suffered many blows and many of them low… his brother is a lamia of pride and carries himself high. He has noticed that his brother’s posture is now far more submissive and subdued after these events… it bothers him.

Rus knows as soon as they get back to your territory that he’s going to find out what he can do to help.

Finally you rouse and Rus is frozen…

The way you sleepily look at your datemate then smile so big… It looked like it could hurt. You were happy to see Black even while still half asleep… It was contagious as he watched his brother do the same.

“G’morning” You mumbled wiping at your face sleepily.

Black purs in delight but chuckles as he leans down to nuzzle you gently.

“IT’S NOT MORNING DEAREST. I NEED YOU TO WAKE UP SO WE CAN GO HOME.” Yet Rus sees how much his brother adores you as he isn’t insistent on your alertness. Giving you time to come out of it.

“IF YOU ARE TOO TIRED WE CAN STAY IN THE VAN TONIGHT. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW HOW YOU FELT ABOUT THE LONG DRIVE HOME.” He chuckles nuzzling you into giggles.

“Mmm… I’m gonna need coffee…” You slurred sleepily making Rus snicker at your sleepy request. He definitely finds you attractive due to your soul but seeing this much cute was almost too much. How his brother seems to melt and coo as you reach up to cup his face.

This is love. Rus can see how much you love his brother in this tender moment. Not an ounce of fear or repulsion in you.

You woke up to a frightening skeleton lamia and you did so happily. It makes Rus happy to know how much you love and trust his brother. Black is a very formidable and deadly lamia so it’s easy to notice even a little discomfort in others. He can see why his brother wants to fight for you and keep the others away.

He wants so badly to keep you… but Rus gets the feeling, by seeing how his brother seems to be smiling sadly, something has changed. Perhaps the exchange with the cobra he missed hearing?

“THERE’S A STARBUCKS NEAR OUR EXIT. YOU THINK YOU CAN LAST LONG ENOUGH TO GET THERE FOR YOUR CAFFEINE FIX?” He chuckles as you groan but you lightly slap your cheeks to wake up more.

“Give me a minute, love.” You stretch and as you turn you see Rus.

You give him such a welcoming smile it makes his soul flutter.

“Good to have you on board! Welcome to the rattle and roller.” Rus just stares blankly at you for a moment. You grin as you turn the van on and it makes a little rattling sound.

You turn to grin back at Rus as Black looks embarrassed.

“Get it? It rattles then rolls.” You almost snort in your own sleepy amusement. Rus is sure he heard you sleepily mumble about some snakes rattling and quietly chuckling at your own sleepy brand of comic genius.

Okay… he’s in love.

He full on belly laughs at your humor. Black side eyeing him with a grin. Black knew his brother would approve and it only signified how right he was as Rus began to roll out some good humor of his own.

Beautifully you didn’t stop after waking up and getting your coffee. It was a long drive home but you all had fun in the journey getting there.

Black is so proud that you are his datemate. Rus can see why and now he understands how afraid his brother is to lose you.

Rus is going to protect this.

He’s going to protect you and by doing so protect his brother. Whether you fully agree to broadening the territory, by being his datemate as well, or not.

You are family.

If there was anything these two value most, it was the familial bonds they share.

As your journey home continued… Rus now finds himself looking at you the same way his brother does.

Adoringly.

Now as for the great noodle migration… it wasn’t as easy as hopping on a vehicle and being on the way… Especially since Nook and Fluffy were too big to fit one by themselves. They were looking for Black’s old trail. Boss had been given good instruction to follow this route and certain coordinates to find your territory.

There were still some voiced complaints at how far it was to travel but by the 4th day…

"ENOUGH!" Boss hissed, flaring his hood.

"IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HAVE HER AS A DATEMATE THEN GO BACK! NO ONE IS MAKING ANY OF YOU COME ON THIS JOURNEY!" Boss snarls at not just his brother but Orange and Sans as well.

When no one piped up in defense, Boss huffs. The migration continued but Boss was lenient on breaks. Nook being an Anaconda was not helping much as longer lengths of travel made him far more exhausted due to his weight. Fluffy was thankful for the forgiveness of the pace, even if Nook tried desperately to continue on.

Boss was only angry at his fellow lamias that were supposedly in peak condition and instead preferred to amble and complain.

The respect he has for the anaconda is high. Impressively able to ambush and pin the parasite despite his size. The parasite was fast for his size and not easily cornered. Luck would have it that he wasn't expecting a group attack. So he really had high hopes with the anaconda.

It also makes him highly wary of the diamondback. The respect is tainted as the diamondback still hasn’t settled down fully from the fight. His rattle flaring and he whips and hisses at any sudden noise. It has the other Lamias unsteady… but they’ve been in human territory for a while now… nothing besides… well bears maybe… would dare stalk them.

So it definitely has Boss worried that Fluffy is frayed. Even when his brother, the anaconda, tries to ease him… but Boss also noticed that the anaconda would gaze out to see if he could see what has his brother riled.

Either Fluffy is out of his mind and highly volatile out of his comfort zone… or something so deftly skilled is following them.

Suddenly Fluffy rears and rattles his rattle thunderously.

It makes Boss stop suddenly… and glance back.

The others stop along with him.

“HE WOULDN’T…” Boss muttered but he flicked his tongue to get a good idea. It was at that point the cobra cowed… and so did the others following suit.

The wind had briefly changed… the diamondback was right that something was following them. It was still decently far away that they all couldn’t exactly tell what or who…

But they knew that something wasn’t right.

The cobra had a very good guess at who it might be… and concerned it would follow.

“SPLIT UP.” The cobra whispered harshly.

“YOU HAVE THE COORDINATES MEMORIZED. WE NEED TO SPLIT UP THE TRAIL AND FIND A WAY TO LOSE HIM.” He gazes at all of the lamias sternly and they all silently nod. They don’t know much about your territory so they would be fighting on unknown ground… it would be best to lose the stalker and have them frustrated enough to just leave.

Brothers split up but Orange grabs the cobra’s arm before he disembarks.

“You did give us the right coordinates… right?”

“I AM A LAMIA OF MY WORD. IF THEY ARE NOT RIGHT THEN THE MAMBA HIMSELF TOLD ME WRONG AND I WILL BE JUST AS LOST AS YOU.” The cobra sniffed… choking back the obvious hurt by such a question.

“WE WILL SEE YOU THERE THEN.” Papyrus nods in approval and everyone disappears into the thicket.

A good chunk of time passes before the viper arrives on the scene. His tongue flicking this way and that.

He scowls.

They know something isn’t right. He didn’t stay far enough behind so they are going to be tricky about this.

Well… consider this challenge accepted.

As the viper smirks, neon letters suddenly light up on his sunglass frames.

YOLO

Chapter Text

You were able to get home at a decent time but the travel still leaves you exhausted.

Black was kind enough to encourage you to go to bed and that he would help his brother get situated. Though you still wanted to have a talk with Black about everything… you knew that the exhaustion was winning and that talk would have to wait.

Russ even sweetly wishes you a good rest. Yet you know they both need it as well and quickly remind them before heading up the stairs to pass out.

Black showed Russ around and was excited in instructing him how things operated… but his brother would notice how excited but then something crosses his brother's mind… and his smile is now fake.

Each and every little thing he sees this reaction and stops him.

“Bro, Something wrong?” He finally questions while Black flips the light switch with a distant look on his face…

“I…I REALLY ENJOY IT HERE… DESPITE HAVING TO LEARN SO MUCH… I… IT WOULD… PAIN ME TO LEAVE IT… HER.” Russ straightens immediately from his slouch hearing this.

“Bro, serious talk here. Why do you all of a sudden think you aren’t going to be here? Darlin’ seems crazy about ya. Ya think tha parasite is gonna tail us or somethin’?” Russ doesn’t like seeing his brother so fragile.

“I… I REALIZED THAT I COULDN’T HELP HER… THEY DID IT FOR ME…” Black shakes his skull to get rid of what little glistening tears had begun to form.

“What do you mean? We were in the parasites sights! That’s enough to make any Lamia quake with fear! Ya didn’t see me able ta help us, did ya?” Russ feels weird for being the one to scold. Yet Black is taking this way out of proportions and taking it all out on himself.

“YES… WE SHALL SEE IN A FEW DAYS TIME THEN.” It was all Russ could get out of his brother. Every time he tries to steer back into what is obviously bothering his brother he gets a stern look and a tongue flick in agitation.

Russ hopes you set him straight. You did say yourself that you would marry his brother. It only solidified, now that he was here to share the territory.

So when you finally do wake up… you are alone in your bed… and Black is nowhere to be seen. Looking at the clock and finding that it was still a late hour… you go looking for your datemate.

Wandering down the stairs… chuckling when you see a few stray scales here and there. It’s hard to clean them up after a good shed you’ve noticed as Lamia monsters easily grow new scales if roughed or damaged.

So your datemate is almost like a dog shedding its fur… you can’t help but titter at the notion.

Especially with how clean he likes to keep things. It perturbs him to see them scattered about… or is it embarrassing?

Anyways… It's cute.

You find him and not where you thought you would. Instead of finishing up some leftover dishes or putting away something left out.

You find him looking out the window from the couch. His length just plopped on the seats as he leaned over the back of it. Yet you can tell he’s fighting to stay awake just to watch outside. His sternum is flat against the top of the couch while his arms are draped over the back. His chin propped up on the ledge of the window.

Getting closer you can see his sockets are being forced into a wide gaze as his hazed eyelights rove over anything and everything nearby.

“Black?” He startles instantly and whips quickly with a hiss. Upon seeing you he stills and droops.

“SORRY, LOVE…” He shakes his skull trying to wake up.

“Come to bed.” You know he’s overdoing himself and it worries you to see how much he’s taxing himself over things out of his control.

“I… “ He’s about to argue but you give him that look… that explain yourself or come to bed look. He really looks like he doesn’t want to explain. Just give slight excuses as to why he needs to be somewhere.

“Black, I know that you’ve had a lot to deal with during that entire trip. I also know that some things were said and they hit a little deep. Just know that I’m with you in this. I look and see how hard you’ve worked for this relationship… and I’m simply amazed.” He still looks a bit downcast so you walk up and give your anxious noodle a hug.

“I know that things seem lost at times. We all have that moment in our lives. Just know that I’m here for you. It’s not a one way street of you going above and beyond for me. I have to give back as much as you do for me. Maybe for Lamias it might be different for courting but this isn’t the wilderness where I need a defender. I need someone that is willing to be with me through thick and thin. Just as I’m willing to do the same.” You see Black falter… which means your deduction of his worries was almost on point.

“Do you really think that I would just let you go like that?” The look of shame sells that it is in fact what he was thinking.

“Black, I need you to listen to me. I know now that I’m supposedly up for grabs because we are merely courting. That’s not really how it works for humans. Yes some date around until they find someone to see if it works but it’s the level of what we want as far as a commitment. You honestly have nothing to worry about.” You make your way to him and push him back onto the sofa.

Surprising him as you snuggle in onto him. Making his coils twitch then finally twist around you.

“I love you. I just wanted to take things slow to get to know you better and to see if being with me was something you truly wanted. Being a human is hard work and I didn’t want you stuck with me if you couldn’t handle it. I’ve seen you overcome so many cultural barriers for me and I wanted to be able to do the same for you.” You reach up and cup his face in your hands. Thumbs stroking under his worn and glistening sockets.

“I want you to know that this relationship is worth everything to me. You go above and beyond and it’s so inspiring that this is all you. Not you just trying to impress me all the time but a you that is genuinely curious on how to make this work for the both of us.” You lean up and kiss your silly snake and he melts. You can feel all that tense agitation leave his body.

When the kiss ends he’s smiling warmly at you.

“I GUESS WE BEST RETIRE, MY DEAR.” His gaze now heavy lidded with the apparent exhaustion and his cute little sleepy grin spreads.

“Yes, I miss my snuggle partner.” He perks and surprises you by lifting you up. Carrying you bridal style as he slithers to your room.

Both of you were too tired to really notice Russ gazing out from the guest room. He watches you both and smiles warmly.

You were a definite perfect mate to sooth his brother's worry.

What bothers Russ is that something still isn’t adding up and he’s well aware that it is something that Black isn’t telling. Yet he doesn’t know what it could be other than what Black and the cobra may have whispered about.

Or the lingering fear that the parasite may try to find them… though Russ knows that the parasite can’t really stand being in human territory for very long. It prefers the dense thicket of the swamplands and the murky waters.

Easier to hide the bright colors of its current host.

As he slips off to bed… he snuggles into the comfortable nest that he knows his brother lovingly made for him… with the curious thought of if when you decided you’d accept him as a mate as well.

So a few days have passed and you were having to get used to two long boys in the house.

There were some instances you weren’t sure where one began and the other ended because of their coils being in the way.

You did however think it sweet on how diligent that Black was at training Rus on the human lifestyle. Smiling when Rus seems in awe more so over the gadgets and electronics in the home than Black did.

Perhaps he has found a niche that he never thought he would have. Especially when you’ve caught him exploring what your computer had to offer him.

You will have to get him his own you chuckle as he spends more and more time with it. Not that you mind in the least. He’s family and it’s still a bit daunting but Black has been heavily encouraging you to spend time with Rus… romantically.

Yes, he has explained that brothers will share a mate to better protect their territory and broaden it… but the fact of the matter is that lamias mate for life. You weren’t so keen on being on a whole different level when it came to dating yet another future husband… you also lived in an area where polygamous marriages weren’t legal.

If you found you wanted to be with Rus… however daunting this was for you to try and look at… you felt it unfair to exclude him from his right as your mate to be called husband. Black would be the only one able to be legally married to you.

Though Black has surely earned his way to be your husband… you wanted to be fair to both if you ended up feeling the same way… as Rus apparently already does for you.

He is so sweet and chipper when he sees you. A little nervous about starting a conversation with you but he’s on cloud nine when you both carry on a good one. You have also taken note that he accels in a lot of aspects that Black didn’t seem to grasp at first… but the opposite could also be said in regards to the other in things as well.

Black is cleanly, rigid, and always going at a hundred percent. Rus is far more laid back, has a better sense of social queues, and impeccable deduction… or rather he is good at sussing out lies.

So it was no surprise that it was a bit awkward when he started to put the moves on you like Black had initially done.

Taking striking poses and fainting with deft precision. Writhing coils in almost a hypnotic fashion.

When he had asked if you were appeased by this display… you were impressed but you were honestly stunned that Black had pushed for him to do this… or if this was Rus’s way of asking you to be his datemate.

So when you had said yes… he seemed devastated… he caught you in a lie.

“I mean! That was impressive! Please don’t think that I didn’t like it… it’s just not the way to win me over… I thought Black had told you that I wasn’t exactly sure that he wasn’t going to eat me or not.” Rus looks at you shocked then starts laughing.

“No darlin’... he hadn’t. I thought he had done a traditional display and you immediately fawned over him… Cause… he is a very cool monster.” He chuckles looking downcast still.

“Totally cool. On that we can definitely agree.” You see him perk up and smile.

“I guess he also didn’t tell you that I wanted to take things slow as he wanted me as his lifemate immediately. I wanted to make sure that he knew what he’d be signing up for in dating me… and well the same for me with him. I wanted us both to have a clearer understanding of each other so we wouldn’t inadvertently hurt one another… though it seems he kept a lot of things hidden from me. That ended up getting way out of hand when we went to Ebbott.” You sigh at the end knowing the other lamias were still eating him up inside. A lot could’ve been prevented if he had told you more.

“Well… I’m thankful that I got ta be apart of this. I know yer still tryin’ ta figure out how I can be included in all this… but trust my bro. If he didn’t feel comfortable with me courtin’ ya, I wouldn’t be allowed in his territory. Also, I know ya want it ta be fair… and that is one of the reasons that I like ya. I wanted ta let ya know that we were all drawn to that soul of yers. It’s a good one.” He smiles warmly and comes up to nudge you gently with his shoulder.

“I just… I don’t know how I could be fair. It seems wrong for me to see anyone other than Black… I feel that I’d hurt him by even thinking of seeing you as more than just a new family member.” You watch as his sockets become heavy lidded and his smile stretches wider.

“I understand but all yer doin’ is provin’ ta me that yer the one. My brother has always come first ta me. I may be the younger brother and had him dote over me… but there isn’t anythin’ I wouldn’t do fer him. If this would hurt’em I’d never agree ta it.” He takes your hands in his. Then leans in close to whisper.

“Take all the time ya need ta think it over. I won’t impose if ya find ya can’t feel the same… but I do believe my bro…. Who is watchin’ us by tha way with his fingers crossed… is hopin’ fer somethin’ positive between us. No matter what ya decide I will respect yer wishes, darlin’.” You can’t help but shoot a quick glance and see, from a curious skull peeking in from the hallway, that Black is indeed hoping for this to go well. Then you feel Rus place a chaste kiss on your forehead. Startling you back into the moment with him.

Rus really does mean well and you can sense that he does really want his brother to be happy.

“Maybe in time. I’d rather like to get to know you better before jumping into these things.” You see him light up and nod.

“Again, that’s one of the things I like about ya.” He chuckles and winks at you before slithering off towards the backdoor. He and Black have been messing around in the garden. After Black dug up a lot of flowers looking for gophers and rabbits… It has been a bit chaotic to keep a garden to say the least.

“Okay nope rope. Whatcha doin’?” You see Black flinch and he knows it’s too late to duck back around the corner.

“NOPE ROPE? NEVER HEARD THAT ONE… STILL IF YOU ARE SAYING IT THEN I DON’T MIND.” Black slithers out slowly and is a little ashamed he hadn’t been discreet in his snooping.

“I know you wanted to be caught… believe me… you are a hard snake to find when you put your mind to it… so what’s on your mind Black?” Giving him your full attention as he fidgets.

“I… THIS IS MY DREAM… TO HAVE A TERRITORY WITH A MATE I ADORE… MY BROTHER SHARING THE TERRITORY AND ADDING TO ITS PROTECTION… AND MY MATE’S AS WELL…” He sighs and finally faces you.

“I KNOW THAT YOU ARE UNSURE OF HAVING ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP AND IT IS VERY ENDEARING THAT YOU WOULD HAVE ME SOLELY. SHOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE MY BROTHER IT IS WITHIN BOTH OF YOUR RIGHTS IN OUR REALM. I DO NOT DISAPPROVE EITHER.” He smiles as he reaches for you. Taking his hand you can’t help but give him a warm smile.

“Still you have to understand that it is a bit weird for me, okay?” Black nods and you sigh with the silly happy grin he has across his skull.

“It also doesn’t guarantee anything either.” You say a little sternly but he can’t help but hum in his happiness that you would consider it.

That’s when you catch your noodle giving you that coy little look before you feel his coils wrapping you closer against him.

You can’t help but melt against him as he pulls you in for a chaste kiss. Sometimes you feel Black isn’t even aware how sexy he can be. It’s when he tries to impress you that he usually ends up getting embarrassed… but these little moments he tries to sneak from you always has your heart hammering.

So you cuddle up a little more and maybe snag him for an even better kiss. Feeling his coils shiver in excitement around you. So if it led to more kisses… who could blame you both?

Rus was inspecting the progress he and his brother had been making to get rid of your garden pests… though they may have gotten carried away and destroyed your garden further… it was a work in progress…

Yet… something was off today… yeah he was still kind of reeling from his attempt to woo you… but that wasn’t it… it was in the air…

His tongue flicks and a faint scent makes him perk.

Lamia.

One that isn’t his brother or himself.

He turns to get his brother but falters when he sees you both in a sweet private moment together. He didn’t want to ruin this moment… he wanted to protect it.

So when the scent got stronger… Rus rose to challenge it. Slithering forward and hissing warnings into the woods that surrounded his home.

Only to get a hiss back… recoiling when a hooded skull came out at him and snapped its jaws. Then the cobra eased its tension upon seeing that it was Rus.

Slack jawed Rus couldn’t possibly fathom on how this was happening right now… and the fact that the cobra just slithered on in with his brother nearly flat on the ground, with how exhausted he was, coming in behind him.

Making themselves at home like this was their territory. Rus might not be as venomous as the cobra but he has the driving force to try and take him on.

As he’s raising himself up in his fury and drive to protect his family… Red waves at him.

“Were we tha first ta arrive?” His exhaustion is even more evident as he just goes limp on the lawn.

First? TO ARRIVE?!?!?

“Ya’ll got some explainin’ ta do and fast.” He hisses and tightens his length into coils ready to strike.

As the cobra just looks at him like he’s absolutely bored of his antics… a shadow looms over him.

Startled, Rus darts from under it and turns to see the anaconda. Nook seems very much out of breath himself. Then Fluffy appears from the brush on the opposite end of the yard.

“WE… WE MADE IT… IT TOOK EVERYTHING POSSIBLE UNTIL WE THANKFULLY FOUND THE CREEK BED… IT HELPED.” He says gasping air between his very positive admission.

“HMMM… I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THE OTHERS WOULD’VE HAVE MADE IT HERE BEFORE YOU… NO OFFENSE BUT YOUR SIZE HINDERS YOU OUTSIDE OF WATER.” The cobra states as if Rus wasn’t losing his mind over this.

The anaconda smiles back at Boss.

“OH! NONE… TAKEN! BELIEVE ME… ALL UNDERSTOOD… WENT NONSTOP TO GET HERE AT A GOOD TIME.” Poor Nook nearly collapses to rest his poor body as his brother checks on him.

“I DIDN’T MEAN FOR YOU TO HURRY AT YOUR EXPENSE.” The cobra comes over with obvious worry, that even has Rus stumped still not sure what was happening.

Boss’ worry makes Fluffy smile in appreciation.

“See bro, there was no need for all that struggle…” Yet the diamondback senses the cobra’s agitation on something Rus doesn’t have a clue about.

“I didn’t smell or see anythin’ from my end. Gotta wait for the others to see how things went fer them.”

OTHERS!?!? Rus is in a panic and what’s worse is that these are his rivals… his brothers rivals even more so!

Sure enough in his stupor they all come funneling in at different times but they all make it. Blue, Orange, Sans, and Papyrus.

All of them seem enthused about the place, or at least the ones that weren’t near limp in exhaustion on the ground like Red was.

There was no way that Rus could fight all of them. Or even have a threat taken seriously to make them leave.

Though that wasn’t going to stop him from reminding them that this is his and his brother’s territory.

Sighing into your sweet mamba’s embrace… you hear him purr his contentment.

You were positioned just so that you could gaze out into the backyard so you decided to check on Rus. Make sure that your backyard will survive another pest control effort…

When you freeze.

All of the lamias you had befriended in your travels… are here.

Black notices your tension and gives you a curious look.

You don’t want him to know they are here. You want to protect his already fragile pride and shoo them away… which Rus seems to be adamant in doing himself with no success.

“Oh um… you think you could put a kettle on the stove for me? I think I’d like to enjoy some hot tea.” You quickly offer him a smile and he smiles back.

“ANYTHING ELSE YOU NEED, MY DEAR?” Oh he’s going in for brownie points with that sly smile… maybe you can work that to buy yourself some time.

“Sure, maybe you can get some of the snacks together… I’m thinking we could snuggle for a movie… you interested?” His eyelights brighten at you mentioning snuggling and you know you’ve hit the jackpot.

You know Black usually can’t sit still for long but if it’s getting some cuddle action he will definitely be more inclined to do so.

Carefully unwrapping you from his coils.

“I’ll check on Rus and see if there is something he’d like to watch. We’ll meet you in the living room.” He brightens even more at the thought of you further including his brother. He really wants there to be a connection between you.

“SOUNDS GOOD, LOVE. SEE YOU IN A FEW AND I ASSUME YOU WANT THE HIBISCUS TEA?” He starts to slither off but leans back just to make sure of your preference.

“Yes please and thank you.” You love this goober of a noodle as he happily slithers off towards the kitchen.

Making sure you hear him enter as you go out the back. Thankfully Black has a tendency to keep his vision solely on you when relaxed, so he didn’t see the chaos outside.

Running out you immediately have Rus hissing at you to get back inside.

“DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO HER LIKE THAT!” The cobra raises up his hood still flared from the obvious distress.

“She isn’t yer mate!” Rus whips back around to face him.

“FOR THE LAST TIME. WE WERE INVITED. MOVE ASIDE SO THAT WE CAN GREET OUR DATEMATE.” The tone was low and icy as the cobra lowered his face towards Rus with a hiss.

You can see the panic this has started from the other lamias that just want to settle this peacefully.

“Look, I’m really confused. Why are you guys here?” You see a lot of hurt reflected in their faces and the cobra lowers his hood.

“YOUR OUR DATEMATE. WE CAME TO COURT YOU.” Nook replies but he looks so winded and heavy. This journey has taken its toll on him and the others.

“I don’t understand though… who invited you?” Your question was answered as you heard the back door open.

“I DID.” Black slithers out and now you're even more stunned about the situation. Even Rus seems highly confused at what is happening.

As you try to even think on how to word the question of why on earth he would do such a thing…

“THEIR PRESENCE OFFERS FURTHER PROTECTION. IT COULD BE BENEFICIAL IN YOU HAVING MORE MATES… OR BETTER OPTIONS AS MATES…” Oh hell no.

“Black… we discussed this…” He holds his hands out in defense.

“THEY PROTECTED YOU AGAINST THE PARASITE, IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT THEY HAVE A CHANCE FOR YOU TO GET TO KNOW THEM BETTER.” Black is saying it almost robotically.

“Excuse us.” You quickly smile at the others then turn and nearly drag the mamba away from them.

“Black, I know you might have had some complicated feelings that inspired you to invite them but this isn’t fine with me. WE are partners and WE have since gotten OUR affairs in order for US to soon be recognized as legal partners.” You are fuming mad that this has turned back around on you.

“WELL THEY ARE HERE NOW AND THEY’VE COME A LONG WAY…”

“What is your angle on this? Are you wanting to push me away? I don’t understand why you think that this is okay!” You are spouting so many questions not truly understanding Black’s reasoning for inviting his rivals here.

“AS IT STANDS… I CAN’T SAVE YOU FROM THE PARASITE SHOULD HE SHOW UP. WITH THEIR HELP, THEN THERE IS AT LEAST A FIGHTING CHANCE.” Black faces you with a very stern expression.

“What if he doesn’t show up?” You try your best to keep your anger from exploding.

“I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT HE WILL SHOW HIMSELF. THE PARASITE IS RELENTLESS AND NEVER GIVES UP ITS INTENDED TARGET. WHETHER IT SHOWS FOR RUSS… OR FOR YOU… IT WILL SHOW UP.” You understand his reasoning and fear but not informing you and plus the idea of all the lamias here to court you as well? That was uncalled for.

“Consider this our first fight Black.” You stiffen and you can feel your limbs trembling with your fury.

“Because regardless if you thought it was a good idea, you didn’t inform me or ask what I thought about it. I hope you realize that this has really hurt me. I just… I thought that… I thought I mattered but you won’t even ask me anything and keep uninformed. I know that you have taken some wicked blows to your pride but don’t think that it grants you to do this to me. You don’t even know how I feel about this and it’s like no matter what I say… you don’t believe me… no, you won’t believe me… you’ve already got it in your mind that I’m no longer yours…” You don’t know when you started crying but it was obvious in the concern he was displaying during your melt down. No matter if he reached out to comfort you… you smacked his hands away.

Stepping away from him.

“I need some space from all of you right now.” This was absolutely bull and you needed a place to calm yourself. Without thinking you march off towards the trail you always take for your walks. When you hear Black try to slither up you whip around and with almost the same ferocity as the lamias here…

“I. Said. I. Need. Space. Away from you. Away from Them. AWAY FROM EVERYONE!!!” You are surprised at how loud you bellowed it but you needed it said.

While Black looks at you taken aback.

“Don’t wait up.” You huff and continue on to your usual spot to zen.

Black watches you leave in your justified fury and as you disappear into the woods… he turns and sees all the lamias behind him in unspoken shock and confusion.

His desire to keep you safe has prevented the needed communication between mates. If Black could feel any lower than what he had been before… he was feeling it now.

Chapter Text

“SHE DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE COMING?” Papyrus inquires as Black curls up and waits for when you return.

“SHE WOULD HAVE STOPPED YOU ALL FROM COMING. WITH THE PARASITE ON THE LOOSE… I NEEDED YOU ALL HERE…” Papyrus gives him a sad smile and curls up beside him as the others seem to murmur amongst themselves.

“SO… THIS WASN’T HER CHOICE?” Nook also slithers up and coils beside the stressed Mamba.

“I THOUGHT… I THOUGHT SHE MAY WANT TO SEE HER OPTIONS AS YOU’VE ALL EARNED YOUR RIGHT TO COURTSHIP.” Black admits to the anaconda.

Black feels the weight of familiar coils encompass him as Russ lays down with him. Black knew he could tell that Russ wanted to say something but refrained from it… Black already knew it now.

You clearly had wanted a relationship with just him and instead he imposed a bit of culture shock on you as well.

By Lamia standards all of the lamia’s here are allowed to fight him for you… but that’s not how that works here.

Black hears the rest of them hunker down but he’s at least thankful it hasn’t caused a massive argument amongst them.

He’s never seen you so angry before, even with the parasite, and he wouldn’t be lying if he didn’t say it was kinda hot to see you furious… he just wishes it wasn’t at him.

Now he will be good and wait for your return… and grovel for your forgiveness and work together for a solution for the Lamias that are currently here.

You however stormed down the trail. Normally you are better prepared for it but with the scent of your snakey lover… you’ve noticed a big decline in predators coming into the area. So it really didn’t occur to you that you should be mindful of your own protection.

Especially when Black had actually been so on edge that going for your little walks was put on the back burner for a long time now. You hadn’t entered this trail since before your trip to Ebbott.

Right now you are just so mad that you didn’t care. You needed to vent and it was when you finally arrived by your favorite rock to meditate… which had been yours and Blacks favorite date spot as of late… you sat and you fumed. You also had kicked what looked to be some black scales along the way… perhaps Black had been coming out here to shed? Anyways it was the furthest thing from your mind.

You took pebbles, even the black scales, and tossed them in until all of your feelings caught up to you by nightfall.

Then you cried. Not that the tears hadn’t been leaking out here and there… you bawled. Not caring that there was no light other than the now rising moon and stars.

Your frustration and the fact that Black really doesn’t seem to believe that you love him… and only him… and he’s so damn insistent that you date around or even add his brother into this without truly understanding your feelings on things… aggravating.

How could one messed up visit to his home cause such a rift between you? You love the silly serpent. Have you truly ever given him any doubt that you would feel any different? As much as you’ve tried to reassure him… he’s never been the same as when he had first arrived to court you. You’ve given him enough space to piece together his pride after that fiasco at Ebbott. You had hoped to convey your love all the more.

It’s really hard to read between the lines when someone else is on a whole other page than you.

Maybe… Maybe you both weren’t compatible due to your differences…

You shook your head at even the thought.

Calming down your look at the rippling water at the creek and allow yourself to mellow. Lost in a daze as the moonlight made the water shimmer. Picking up a remaining black scale and fidgeting with it in your hand.

This was definitely a good spot to help your soul to heal.

You hear what sounds to be your datemate slithering up, his scales gliding across the pebbles on the path behind you.

Sighing loudly.

“I’m still mad at you.” You hear the slither pause.

Yet the silence is deafening other than the flow from the creek bed.

The slithering then continues closer to you.

“I need some space.” You warn and hear the movement stop once again.

Giving a side eyed glance at black scales behind you… but they don’t give off the expected purple sheen in the moonlight… in fact they are almost matte black and barely even shine.

As if it blends into the darkness far too well… That’s when you nervously look at the scale in your hand… it was black but it too was absorbing light instead of reflecting it…

You start to feel the hair raise up on your arms and a tingle of fear went up your spine upon realizing… this wasn’t Black.

Not looking back you dove towards the creek bed. In hopes that the lamia didn’t know his way around the forest yet and to hopefully lose him.

Your actions have startled him but you can hear him come after you… and then veer to the side that you were hoping to run towards…

He’s going to chase you back further into the woods. His speed is hindered by his mass as from what you can hear… he’s a big lamia as well.

When you know that you can’t get around to get close enough to home… you scream. Only to feel his coils catch you and wrap you up… air leaving your lungs from the sudden strike and you slowly start to fade gasping for air.

Looking up at your captor and freeze to see a goopy black skeleton with an eerie smile and a faded blue eyelight gazing down on you. His other socket covered in the sludge that seems to be all over him… you see what at first seemed like tentacles rise from him only they whip around and you can see that the ends have goopy snake heads on the ends.

“Let me go!” You choke out.

As your terror overwhelms you… you see his smile broaden in delight… it’s the last thing you see before the lack of oxygen renders you unconscious.

Hearing a chilling voice…

“I’m afraid you are far too tasty to do so.”

It was getting very late.

Black, as well as the other lamias, were restless. The forest had been very quiet as of late. Black hasn’t been back to lay his scent markers since before the trip and had been worried that they weren’t still preventing predators… however this amount of quiet was only when he was physically present in the woods.

Black raised himself… he should at least attempt to make sure you’re safe… even though you may still be very cross with him.

The cobra attempts to follow but Black shakes his skull.

“IT’S TOO SILENT.” Boss squirms anxiously as his gaze turns towards the forest.

Then they heard something… something big.

All the lamias raise up quickly to see the vibrant parasite infected viper start to slither into the clearing… terribly exhausted and winded… his upper body is the only thing that makes it out of the dense thicket before collapsing.

His neon shades spelling OUCH as he groans.

Fear and worry sends the gathering into a furry.

Everyone is worried about you and what the parasite may have done as you haven’t returned.

Charging the fallen lamia before he can get a second wind was a unified decision. The lamias all rush him but just before the cobra can lunge with his hood on full display.

“Stop!” A familiar yet very rough voice calls out. They are all quick to obey and turn to see you stumble out of the woods.

Black and Russ are instantly by your side. You are covered in scratches and bruises… much like the collapsed Lamia before them.

Black turns with a snarl to the parasite.

“No.” You choke out.

“Fresh saved me.” Instantly alarming the others who had nothing but questions running rampant in their minds.

Especially seeing as you have given this Lamia a name.

Suddenly the parasite starts to move with a groan. Using what energy he had left to hoist his coils out of the woods… and what he had been carrying in them.

An unconscious black boomslang lamia that was often heard of in myths to even themselves…

A true nightmare of a situation indeed.

Chapter Text

Papyrus is quick to get you some water as the others do their best to tether the unconscious boomslang.

Nook and Boss are quick to assess the injuries of the parasite.

“HE HAS DEFINITELY EXHAUSTED A LOT OF MAGIC IN THIS FIGHT. AS LONG AS HE DOESN’T TRY TO REPLENISH IT BY EATING OR POSSESSING ONE OF US, THEN WE SHALL CONTINUE TO BE ON GOOD TERMS.” Nook is slightly growly to emphasize that they will strike him down if there is a chance he will.

His shades just lit up COOL and then FOOD to PLZ. Fresh is still highly winded from whatever he has been through. That seems to appease Nook slightly as well as the others.

“What happened?” Sans the garter lamia looks to you in question… as you yourself are very much in the same boat as the parasite.

Black held you close… and even though you were still mad about earlier… you clung to the lamia you love after almost nearly losing everything you held dear.

“Fresh is going to be okay, right? He was bitten several times and by multiple snake heads.” Boomslangs are highly potent in their venom but thankfully not as potent as the one who is holding you close…

Even Fresh’s venom outweighs the boomslang, but not going to lie… you don’t think Fresh successfully landed a full strike and was hit several times with a chance to inject a good amount of venom each time.

You didn’t know what would’ve happened if the Boomslang had made off with you. You just know he had made it a good distance when you had regained consciousness.

You remember waking to a searing pain in your lungs… the result of having been nearly suffocated to death. Sputtering and coughing because of the searing pain roused you fully.

Realizing that you’re moving you struggle but realize that it’s getting you nowhere.

“Very weak you are, but that delicious negativity? That will keep me fed for days.” You hear a smarmy chuckle at your expense.

You feel something tickle your ear and freeze. Though you can see the ground below you moving… and the shadow of your captor… you didn’t like what you assumed was near your ear.

Shakily glancing up there is a nightmarish goopy snake head… and it’s smelling you with its tongue.

It’s body wrapped around you tightly and what should be the tail is connected to the lamia that is still slithering along.

Gunk dripping off his bones and three other tentacles with snake heads are attached. The once faded blue eyelight in his only visible socket… was now glowing vibrantly.

When that eyelight flicks towards you… an evil grin stretches across his black stained skull.

You didn’t know how you hadn’t been eaten yet… perhaps he was finding a safer space for himself as the others would have probably come looking for you by now… or Black is honoring your wishes and remaining faithfully where you left him.

A tear starts to slide down your cheek… not only will you never see him again… you both haven't resolved things… Black will forever blame himself for your disappearance and there is nothing you can do about it.

The lamia carrying you takes in a deep breath and sighs contentedly.

“Absolutely glorious. I’ll be keeping you around for a while, you’ve got a lot to unpack… don’t you my little morsel?”

Even if you could escape… you have no idea where you are…

Feeling more tears well up before cascading down. You were hurting… you were definitely scratched up from the foliage you had been running through… and this asshole has definitely left you with some bruises.

“Slow down, treat… I’m pretty much full… don’t let that delicious misery go to waste.” He laughs, bending down and turning his skull to get in your face.

“Though do try to keep up with me, I can get very angry when I haven’t eaten.” The sneer made you want to punch him. Squirming with every fiber of your being to try and make it a reality… he scoffs and laughs mockingly at you.

“You are definitely a fine specimen indeed.” You feel him snake a hand to clutch your face and force you to look him in the eye.

“Your anger, despair, sadness, and absolute misery will sustain me for a very long time.” Your shock at hearing this makes him laugh cruelly.

He feeds on negative emotions?

Yet… try as you might… you couldn’t conjure a happy thought to save yourself.

“Ha, good try. My presence has a way of making these feelings more prominent.” He chuckles, absolutely giddy at every attempt you have made to help yourself… has gone to waste.

Until he is rushed by another massive lamia and is sent flying… unfortunately with you still in his tentacled clutches.

As you hear him hit a tree… screaming you brace yourself… but feel something snatch the hissing tentacle from impact.

Glancing up at the lamia that is trying desperately to uncoil the savage tentacle… that is not biting his arm…it totally is…

It’s the parasite.

The one that had gotten fresh with you and the boys.

Your throat burns from not just the scream that tore from you but the tentacles’ chokehold at trying to keep you in its clutches.

“Fresh?” The vibrant lamia looks at you briefly with ???? showing up on the neon shades you had given him.

Then ME?? Appeared.

A groan makes the glasses display !!!! and the lamia you have dubbed Fresh hastens to get you free.

Fresh manages to grip the tentacle's head and with a quick snap of his arm it instantly unfurls like a snap bracelet. Hearing the angry hiss from the lamia against the tree… that had to have hurt.

Fresh catches you before you meet the ground and backs away as the other tentacles come at him. He has no choice but to toss you away to free his hands but manages to get his coils to cushion your fall.

“You!? Why are you here!?” The boomslang lunges into the fray and snaps his jaws at Fresh.

“Me? What about you? What’s the 411 on this sitch?” Fresh smirks and it irks the boomslang… especially when the shades light up with 411?

“I don’t have time for this nonsense!” The boomslang seems disgusted by the new eyewear.

“Gotta name, bro! That fly girl over there named me, cause I be keepin’ it Fresh.” Fresh sneers as they both lock arms and begin twisting around to off balance the other… Unfortunately Fresh doesn’t have four snake headed tentacles to combat the ones biting him.

You couldn’t see what had lit up on the glasses but it was enough to make the boomslang stiffen in surprise then with a snarl but more of his weight into the fight.

The twisting and turning has their tails undulating to balance and push back with force.

You are able to crawl away from the fight but not by much.

“You insufferable bastard!” The boomslang hisses in contempt.

“Just the same infuriating asshole, even before the damn parasite got ahold of you! Here I thought it would be a better outcome for you!” The boomslang continues to contort his coils and push back with a lot of force but thankfully Fresh is actually bigger than him.

Only Fresh is starting to sweat and it’s possible because of the venom the tentacles must be pumping into him. If Fresh can manage a hit… his venom is a bit more potent than the boomslang… but with every chance he has managed to take, the boomslang dodges and then throws his weight into the rainbow lamia.

“You got this Fresh!” You cheer him on and he flushes vibrantly at hearing you… but the surprising reaction is from the boomslang who looks mortified at you.

That chance is what Fresh needed to push him back and make him fall.

“Keep it up rad girl!” Fresh calls over to you.

He wanted… no, needed more encouragement?

“He thinks he’s all that and a bag of chips! Make him take a chill pill, Fresh!” His neon glasses light up with little exclamations as the boomslang seems to wither from the slang. The boomslang tries to prop his upper body up from the force of Fresh’s slam.

“Oh Snap!” The parasite riddled lamia smirks and then lands his full body weight onto the struggling lamia below him.

He’s got two tentacles in each hand and tying them up in a knot… which must be painful as the lamia below him struggles and hisses to get him off.

Something you’re noticing with your rising hope as well as Fresh’s confidence… This nightmarish lamia seems to be getting weaker.

His eyelight especially isn’t as bright as it had been.

Yet with a desperate measure he quickly turns and bites Fresh… managing to latch onto his lower arm. Making the lamia yelp.

Nope… this guy is not gonna win. With all your might you manage to pull yourself up and grab a nearby branch. Then find yourself looming over the goopy skeleton with the branch raised high. His eyelight manages to flicker up at you in surprise as you bring it down on his head with all the force you could muster.

The end result got Fresh released from his bite but after being slightly stunned… the boomslang whips his upper torso towards you. Snarling to get to you he attempts to crawl out from under Fresh.

You fall back and try desperately to crawl backwards away from the fuming snake monster.

Then suddenly a hand came flying down and caught the boomslang by the neck and pinned him to the ground. The boomslang’s good socket widens and you see a tiny fearful pinprick of light and his coils fiercely start to undulate to get Fresh off of him.

Fresh isn’t smiling as he raises a fist.

“Talk to the hand.” He growls and it comes down with such force that the boomslang’s skull is embedded in the earth and rock beneath him.

Then the writhing coils start to slow their dance and slump… this lamia is either dead or out cold.

“You okay baby girl?” Fresh raises up to look you over… but he’s exhausted.

“I am now, thank you, Fresh.” He blushes vibrantly as he pants from the physical exertion. Two very powerful giant lamias went head to head… using everybit of strength they had to outdo the other.

“I didn’t think I was going to make it…” You start but Fresh tuts.

“Nah, that hope you got is somethin’ fierce, bra. He can’t stand that junk. You da bomb!” He wearily smiles at you… his shades lighting up with cute little bombs.

Looking back from the direction you had come from… The lamia had left a good trail… probably not used to hiding his tracks when he’s such a high level predator.

Once you follow it back… you might just be able to find your way back home.

Fresh is able to push himself up and seems to be gathering the boomslang in his coils. Maybe one of the others will know about an antivenom with what you can get out of the unconscious boomslang.

You look at Fresh and with a warm smile… you gesture down the path for him to come with you.

“Let’s bounce.” You say with a laugh and as you turned around… you didn’t see the little bombs in his shades explode into a bunch of little hearts.

“Aiight.” He smiles goofily as he proceeds to slither after you and heft the boomslang along as he does.