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It has been a year since they were freed from the Underground. Safe to say that the kid ain't going to RESET anytime soon. And by some miracle, they managed to get Geno out of the Save Screen, alive too.
It was a surprise when he found out that Grillby— out of all monsters— knew. Hell, he recognized Geno on the spot. So it's understandable why Geno is attached to Grillby.
The two had become closer. Geno even visiting Grillby's more than him, despite being busy with his new job as a part of Alphys’s team.
The two really brought out the best in each other in the best possible way. Geno— who used to be filled with anxiety and distrust— slowly began to open up to and overall become a calm and sociable monster.
Grillby, on the other hand, began to talk more and more. He even starts conversations with others, which is wild because no one had ever heard this man talk until Geno came.
So it's no surprise when Geno admitted to him and Papyrus that he had a crush on Grillby some time ago. Sure, he and Papyrus are happy that Geno was comfortable enough to tell them, but it was so obvious from the start.
It's clear that both Geno and Grillby are in love with one another. With how they act around each other, and how they talk and gaze lovingly when the other isn't looking. How they would always act a bit shy around one another. Sans is starting to feel like a third-wheeler in their meetups with how often they're making lovey-dovey eyes to one another.
It doesn't help that Geno is terrible at hiding his feelings at home. He would go home late with these daydreaming eyes and a slight red blush on his cheeks, feeling much more energetic despite Geno being, y'know, a lazybones like him.
Either way, everyone knew about them. From the Froggits to the King, hell, even the humans often asked if they were dating. So yes, they're all waiting for them to just get together, but…
"No, no! He doesn't feel like that towards me, plus I'm happy with what we are now." Geno exclaimed, waving him off. Both are currently on the couch as they wait for Papyrus to finish dinner, when Sans brings up the topic again. Sans groaned. Never had he ever felt like he wanted to facepalm his face so bad until now.
Papyrus poked his head out from the kitchen to see what all the fuss was about, "ARE YOU TRYING TO CONVINCE GENO AGAIN, SANS?" Sans hums as he watches Geno trying to ignore their conversation, "Yeah Paps, Geno here ain't listening to a thing. He's still in denial unfortunately." Geno’s head snaps towards Sans, looking offended "I am NOT in denial."
Papyrus went out from the kitchen and approached the two bickering skeletons, "WELL, SANS IS RIGHT! THIS HAS GONE FOR FAR TOO LONG!" Papyrus exclaimed with his hands on his hips, "PRATICALLY EVERYONE IN THIS TOWN THINKS THAT YOU AND GRILLBY SHOULD BE TOGETHER!" Geno felt his face explode as he started to feel embarrassed, "W-what, that's not true!"
Geno glared at both of them, "You're all exaggerating." Sans couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at that, "Maybe, but still, you both obviously like each other."
Geno ducked his head down, doubt etched on his face as he fidgeted with the end of his scarf. Papyrus of course notice this and decided to speak up, "BROTHER, WE ONLY SPEAK THE TRUTH. THE GREAT PAPYRUS WOULDN'T LEAD HIS DEAR BROTHER LIKE THAT!" Sans nodded in agreement.
"What if you're wrong? There's no way I'm the one he ends up wanting— I mean, look at me! I can't even begin to describe how much of a mess I am, physically and mentally, at that."
"Grillby on the other hand…" Geno sighs he felt his face turning warm again. "He's amazing! He's sweet, kind, attentive, and generous… not to mention he's very pretty and hot-" Sans let out a snort as Papyrus glared at him.
Sans sighed as he leaned to the side and put his weight on Geno, abruptly stopping him from his rambling. "YES YES WE ALL KNOW THAT GENO, EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST PART AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT IT LATER." Papyrus squints as Geno's sweat drops.
"BUT WORRY NOT DEAR BROTHER, I HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO YOUR WORRIES" Papyrus exclaimed, striking a pose as he did so.
Papyrus gives a dramatic pause before his face softened as he speaks.
"YOU JUST HAVE TO TRUST US, ME AND SANS VALUE YOUR HAPPINESS AND WOULD DO ANYTHING TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. WE WOULDN'T HAVE TRIED TO PERSUADE YOU IF WE WEREN'T SO SURE"
Geno peeked up from above his scarf, staring at Papyrus, then glancing at Sans and let out a small grumble, "You make it sound so easy." Geno groaned softly.
"BECAUSE IT IS! NYEHEHE" Sans also chuckles, "You don't have to decide it now… just so you know we're rooting for you"
Geno's struggles as he glances at both of his brothers' sincere faces before he sighs, "… I'll think about it." Papyrus cheered as Sans let out a small woop. Geno can't help but smile at them both.
Suddenly, smoke began to fill the room as a loud beeping noise could be heard from the kitchen. Papyrus's eyesockets widen as he realises something.
"OH NO, MY PASTA!" Papyrus quickly sprinted to the kitchen, leaving the two Sanses on the couch.
Geno glanced at the kitchen before standing up, "I'm going to go and help him" Sans gave him a thumbs up and watched him leave as he sank into the couch and closed his eyes. All that emotional talk drained him, but hopefully, this will give Geno a push to finally do something about his feelings.
-
"I'm gonna go now, bye!" Geno smiled as he saw Papyrus waving him goodbye at the door with Sans on his hips, still sleeping.
The early morning sky continues to shine as he secures his messenger bag and begins to walk, his gaze determined as he takes each step. He knows that his health is fragile— or at least more fragile than before— because of the fact that he lost a lot of dust before and after getting out of the Save Screen, but he wanted to get better— to become more active and healthy after so long of doing nothing in that dark void.
So he walks. It's the easiest exercise he can do, so he tries to walk instead of teleporting around like he used to back then. Plus, the distance between his house and Toriel's is not that far.
Soon enough, he made it to the front porch of Toriel's home, the smell of baked pie already wafting through the air. He quickly rang the doorbell and waited for someone to open the door.
The door was pushed wide open, revealing a grinning Frisk holding a pot of an irritated yellow flower.
Despite Asriel's request to leave them alone, Frisk would try to visit the little Prince often, even when he turned back into the flower. Geno would also tag along at times, mostly because he was curious of Flowey. Said flower is dubious and still thinks that he's crazy, but he would say that they're civil with one another now.
Eventually, Frisk managed to convince Flowey to come with them to the surface, and now the flower lives with Frisk under Toriel's roof.
Frisk waved at Geno, their body shaking in excitement as they pulled Geno in. "Toriel! He's here!" Flowey shout to the direction of the kitchen.
Toriel eventually came out from the kitchen with a bright smile on her face as she held a steaming pie, "Ah, greetings Geno."
Geno waved as he approached her, "Hello Toriel, I brought the containers back" Geno rummaged through his bag before taking out some clean plastic containers "Oh wonderful! Please put them on the kitchen counter."
Geno nodded and went to place the containers on the counter, checking each of them again to make sure that all of them are clean. Toriel likes to give them extra food to bring home whenever any of the brothers visit, so they often stop by her house to return the plastic containers.
He was about to make his leave when Toriel stopped him, guiding him towards the living room couch. "Why don't you eat some pie before you leave?" Before Geno could decline, he was already handed a slice of pie and accepted defeat.
Frisk went to sit beside him, grabbing two plates for themselves and Flowey as Toriel went to sit on her usual armchair.
Geno took a bite from his pie, cinnamon pie based on its taste, and enjoyed the calm atmosphere as he savoured it.
"So I heard that you are finally planning to confess?" Toriel asked, her voice feigning innocence. Geno accidentally choked on his pie from the shock. Flowey made a disgusted look on his face while Frisk gasped loudly, excitement clear on their face as they shook Geno for answers.
So much for a calm atmosphere.
"I'm still thinking about it— did Sans tell you about this!?" Geno's face flushed in mortification as Toriel giggled into his paw. "Actually, it was Papyrus who called. He was so happy and excited that he could barely keep quiet about it."
Geno's face flushed even more in mortification as he groaned. Is he going to have to deal with more people about this?
"About time! Like honestly, it's so gross to see you two dancing around one another." Flowey grumbled, taking another bite from his pie. Frisk just grins as they continue to pester Geno for more information.
Toriel laughs, "It was wonderful news to hear!" What exactly had Papyrus said??
"I-I haven't even-" Toriel accidentally cut Geno off as she continued to speak, "Have you planned on something? Maybe a gift?" Frisk pipe in saying that red roses and chocolate hearts are always a classic, and that he should get some to Grillby.
"Ah, you're right Frisk, that would be fitting for the occasion!" Geno is starting to feel conflicted by this, he hadn't even said anything. Toriel did notice that Geno is overwhelmed and quickly settles Frisk down, "Sorry dear, we've got carried away." Toriel said, as she gave Geno an apologetic look, "Ah, but don't mind us really." She giggled, waving her hands as if trying to wave away his anxiety "Just be yourself, and I'm sure that everything will turn out just fine."
Flowey rolled his eyes as he gave Geno a pointed look, "Not your crazy self, mind you."
"Flowey!" Toriel exclaimed and began to scold the said flower. Geno and Frisk laugh as they watch Flowey become all prissy under Toriel's pointed look. Geno was still a bit embarrased but Flowey's comment eased the tension inside of him more than he wanted to admit.
A sound of ringing interrupted their moment, Geno quickly took out the phone and look at the alarm he had set for himself. "I have to go, or I'll be late to work." He quickly ate the last piece of his pie and gathered his stuff. Everyone headed towards the front door and waved goodbye as Geno began to leave their house.
"Take care of yourself, and good luck!" Toriel exclaimed with a wink, Frisk just giggled and gave him a thumbs up, while Flowey just grouchily looked away. Geno quickly started to walk faster as he felt himself got embarrased, he guessed that he'll be able to reach the Lab earlier than expected.
-
Geno truly loves his job as Alphys' s assistant. He would even say that he kinda missed it after having to quit to take care of Papyrus many years ago. Alphys was the one who had asked him to work again. They used to be friends and worked together in the past under the… old Royal Scientist. He's guessing that because of the past experience and extensive knowledge in other scientifict area, she reached out.
Alphys has initially offered it to Sans, but he decline and forward it to him since they basically have the same experience and qualification. Geno understands why Sans decided not to pursue it again, even when they're on the surface, but Geno still feels that Sans is missing out. It's fun, and he loves how there's always something distract his mind… unlike back there.
He and Alphys are currently working with the human scientists to restudy some of the lost knowledge of the CORE technology. The humans wanted to use that information to safely introduce the CORE to the surface and make clean energy for the whole town to use.
He was rechecking on some calculations while Alphys was drafting the paperwork they needed to finish, when Undyne decided to visit her girlfriend today. She ended up helping around, lifting heavy papers and boxes or making sure they both got breaks. Geno thinks that Undyne can be loud and crass, but she's his brother's friend, and she's loyal, so he approves of her.
"Hey, heard from Papyrus that you finally had the guts to finally confess." Undyne causally dropped, setting down some papers as she sat on the table between him and Alphys. "O-oh my Asgore, y-yeah Papyrus was s-so excited o-on the phone!" Alphys spoke up, her demeanour a bit shy but excited. Geno can only put his head between his hands as he slowly feels heat rushing through his cheeks. He had hoped that none of them would bring that up.
"You don't need to be so embarrassed," Undyne laugh patting his back harshly. She really needs to stop that, he didn't know how much more force his bones could take from her. "I mean, look at us! Me and Alphys were a disaster, but we turned out great!" Alphys's face went red as she looks at her lovingly.
"I-Im still embarrased w-with how the c-confession turns out…" Alphys stammered, but her expression went soft as she continued to speak, "But I-I don't regret i-it in the slightest, not w-when I end u-up with t-the monster I-I love and admire f-for the l-longest time."
Undyne looked at her lover in awe. She opened her arms wide as she leaned in for a hug, "Awww Alphys!! C'mere you dork!" She proceeds to smother Alphys with kisses all over her face as Alphys squeals in embarrassment, trying to push Undyne away with no real effort, "U-Undyne!"
Geno can't help but look at them fondly. They really do look happy with one another… maybe he can have that too…?
Undyne quickly realized how quiet Geno is and backtracked a bit "I mean if you're really that shy about it you can definitely send him a letter! That's how I initially did!" Undyne stood up and faced Geno, her chest puffing confidently, "If you write it now, I can help you deliver it immediately, right at his door Fwuhuhu!"
"Ah no, it's fine… I would rather say it in person." Geno appreciates it, he really does, but he really doesn't think that how he would want to confess. He wanted it to be intimate, just the two of them with no one else involved… also, he really just doesn't want to think about it right now.
"How romantic! And i-it's the p-perfect time to c-confess too" Alphys gushed, what does she mean by that?
"Fwuhuhu I know right? The timing is just great! You should take it before you miss the chance." Geno was about to ask what that was about when an intern came in needing some help. He'll figure that out… eventually.
-
It's a beautiful day outside, birds are singing, flowers are blooming. A large paw handed him a cup of steaming tea as they both enjoyed the fresh air and greenery of Asgore's garden.
Geno likes Asgore, even before all that mess. He was incredibly nervous when he first met him again, but all of that was washed away when Asgore reminded him of why he liked the guy in the first place. He's nice and kind, despite carrying the heavy burden of his duty for many years. In a way, he felt some sort of kinship with him.
They both lead busy lives— with Asgore still working as Monster Representative and him working in the science department again— they rarely meet each other. He likes to visit him when given the chance, to sit down with a cup of warm tea and just talk with one another about each other's lives.
So it wasn't really a suprised when Asgore brought it up as well, he just wished he doesn't.
Something must be on his expression as Asgore let out a small laugh, "Ah… not a topic you're fond of talking, I assume?"
Geno quickly shook his head and took a sip from his cup, "It's fine, it's just… a lot of people had been bringing it up lately— it's kinda embarrassing" Asgore chuckled at that as he drank from his own cup, "My friend, they are all just eager for you."
Geno knows that, he knows that they mean no harm and genuinely wants to help "I know, but still…"
He's scared, so so scared now that he's starting to seriously think about it. But he also thinks of his old yet new friends— who have been elated at the mere news of him even considering all this— they who had supported him and welcomed him with open arms all this time.
He also thinks of his brothers who have started all this, who has repeatedly try to admit his feelings until he caved. The ones who had accepted and loved him as one of their own— despite the circumstances— and patiently helped him as he reintegrated himself into society.
And he thinks of him— Grillby— the kindest man he ever knew. The one who have comfort him and made him feel sane during those times, the one who have by some miracle remembered him and still welcomes him with open arms despite everything that has happened, the one who has made him feel all these fuzzy feelings with his kindness and pressence alone. The one he really wanted to have a chance with, to be able to love and be loved by him.
Geno took another sip, the warm taste of the tea grounding him from his swirling thoughts. The silence stretched for a while, both just enjoying each other presscense as they relax with their drink, "I do believe you will be alright." Asgore finally spoke, his smile warm as he looked at Geno reassuringly, "Love is in the air after all." For once, Geno found himself wanting to believe him.
-
It was late at night, and the light was dim as the restaurant was beginning to close. Three monsters were left inside the building. Grillby and Sans are talking about some news as Geno fidgets with his drink, trying to gather his courage to speak.
"I-I need to tell you something Grillby." Grillby paused for a second, the rag on his hand cleaning the table stop before moving again— his attention stayed on Geno, patiently waiting for what he had to say.
Sans— feeling the tension between them— stood up and began to leave. Geno shot a glare of betrayal as Sans slowly headed towards the exit, giving him a thumbs up, before reaching for the door.
The doorbell rang, signaling that he had left. It was just the two of them at the restaurant now.
Geno can't help but feel his soul pounding as he gazed at the monster in front of him— unaware of his conflicted feelings. He held his glass tightly, lifting it with his trembling hands as he tried to distract himself a little longer from what he was going to do.
Grillby's movements paused as he noticed how tense the skeleton in front of him was. His eyes turned into an expression of worry as he set down the rag "Geno? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine" Geno quickly replied, his hands slowly set down the glass, putting them to the side. "Just… nerves are killing me, heh." Grillby's expression soften as he reaches out, his hand on top of Geno's in comfort, "That's alright, take your time."
They stay like that for a while, his glass left forgotten as Grillby's fire flickered, waiting patiently for Geno. He felt his soul swell in warmth as he finally took a deep breath and faced the monster in front of him.
His gaze was determined yet shy— looking at the elemental in the eyes. His hand slid between Grillby's as the words spill from his mouth before he can doubt himself any longer.
"I like you… really like you, like romantically."
There was a small pause. Geno felt the gaze heavy on him as he turned to look away. Embarrassment and mortification washed over him as he realized that he actually did it.
He felt the hand in between his shaking. Worry flashed on Geno's mind as he finally faced Grillby again.
Grillby's shoulder shook as he finally let out a laugh. Geno looked confused before dread began to fill. Grillby quickly noticed and shook his head, "No no, it's not what you think, I promise." Grillby looked at him with fondness and mirth as he squeeze Geno's hand in reassurance, "It's just that… give me a moment" Grillby slowly let go of his hand as he bent down under the bar.
There was a sound of soft clatter underneath. Geno's expression became one of curiosity as that clatter turned into faint rustles of papers.
Grillby reemerged, and Geno's eyes widened as a giant bouquet of roses appeared on his arms, arranged to look like a heart with a tray of chocolate of his favourite brand of various shapes and sizes. Grillby looks a bit shy as he presents the bouquet to him, "I was planning to ask you on Valentine..."
Geno felt his face flush as Grillby slowly handed the bouquet towards Geno's hand. Geno stammered as he tentatively grabbed the bouquet. He couldn't help but hide his face behind them. "I-I forgot it's Valentine's soon… stars is this what everyone has been implying?"
Grillby let out a small laugh as he reached out to hold Geno's hands again, his thumb rubbing on top of Geno's, soothing him from his embarrassment.
"Will you be my Valentine?"
Eventually, Geno did finally look at Grillby's face again, his face still red, but showed the soft expression that makes Grillby smile.
"Yes, I would love to be your Valentine."