Of Birds and Butterflies

by DinofelisSnow1985

Summary:

Red is in a bad Place. He's gone through hell and now it's seemingly going to end. Alone in a dark alley.

But someone came.

Notes:

• For captain_shitpost.
• Inspired by Bright Eyes by captain_shitpost

Chapter 1: In a dark alley

This was the end.

He couldn't go on anymore.

It had been too long.

Too long without any food.

He had no sense of time anymore. How long was he lying here? In this narrow dark alley, filled with garbage? Well, at least he was where he belonged, he thought.

Why had it had to come to this kind of end?

He had managed - unintentionally - to hop into this alternate Universe and escape his asshole of a brother.

He had tried so hard, saved as much Magic as possible for his little Butterfly.

But it wasn't enough.

He had gone hungry for too long.

And his little Butterfly had paid for it.

It seemed like he was about to follow them pretty soon. He had been unable to move and look for something to eat from grief. And now he simply was too weak.

He still had his Ecto formed, the remains of his little Butterfly still inside his womb.

He figured it wouldn't matter anymore, he was going to dust anyways, could also go with his little Butterfly close by.

It didn't matter to him either if he was going to Fall Down from grief or dust from hunger.

Death was Death.

He felt the last bit of his magic fizzle out.

He put his hands around his belly, thought of his little Butterfly and shut his Eye Sockets.

He couldn't help the tears and the sob that escaped him before his mind drifted into darkness.

---

He remembered.

Not everything, there were blank spots in his memory, like something or someone had been purposely erased. Except a few fragments like words, spoken in a strange font, or impressions of a lab, tests and DT injections. Surprisingly were those memories more tinged with nostalgia and some kind of longing, like they were linked to some person he liked or cared for.

Where those blanks ended his and his brother's life on the streets began.

First they had tried their luck in the capitol, but the place had been and was still overrun with Monsters eyeing them for their EXP and Royal Guars who often snatched orphans from the streets to force them into the Royal Guard or slavery. Papyrus, as the little shit he was at that time, had liked the buzzing town and had been mad at him when he dragged them through Hotlands and further, until they reached Waterfall.

There they had survived by stealing and digging through the Garbage at the Dump and hiding in one of the many out-of-the-way caverns and changing their location regularly.

One day Undyne came to their rescue when they got attacked by a Gang. They both got long scars on their skulls and he lost a tooth.

Undyne had made an impact on Papyrus, after this first encounter he did everything with the goal of becoming a Royal Guard himself in mind. At some point Undyne became kinda impressed by Papyrus' dedication and started to train and educate him.

That way Papyrus was out of harms way and he himself could focus on finding a (or several) job(s) and save up some G until he could buy a house. Until then they lived with Undyne now.

Unfortunately Papyrus developed quite an attitude under Undyne's influence and started nagging him for being lazy or some other shit. The fucking beanstalk had no fucking idea of all the odd jobs he worked on while Papyrus was training and playing Guard.

Papyrus had been save with Undyne, no monster in their right mind would dare to even think about attacking the Captain. He on the other Hand had to fear for his own life on a daily basis while juggling his different jobs.

Eventually he could buy a house in Snowdin and Papyrus started sentry duty there.

A few years later Papyrus was promoted to be a real Guard, and promptly assigned him as a new sentry.

Somewhere along his way up the ranks he decided that Papyrus was not impressive enough a name for someone as great and terrible as him and took on the name Edge.

Edge also decided that his older brother didn't deserve being treated like a civilized monster and demoted him to be his dog. Or more like Edge treated him like one, changed his name to Red, put a collar with a tag on him, forbid him to sit on the furniture and gave him his food in a dented steel bowl on the Floor. At least he left him his room, except the times he felt Red deserved to be punished.

Then Edge would lock him up in the shed. After he learned that Red could teleport amd escape that way he chained him up to prevent this.

Edge beat Red up on a daily basis, as punishment, to vent some stress, when his LV acted up or just because.

The beatings were often followed by several rounds of painful fucking and over time he realized that his former love for his Baby brother had turned into fear and hatred.

By the time Edge became second in Command under Undyne, he had become a ruthless brute who hadn't said a single not-hateful word to Red in years.

After Red had fallen asleep a few times at Grillby's and had been home late Edge forbid him to go there at all.

Red went there anyways, to at least tell Grillby why he couldn't come anymore.

This lead to Grillby demanding that Red paid his tab, which lead to Red admitting he hadn't enough G with him and Grillby offering him an...alternate way to pay his debt. So, Red ended in Grillby's bed, sucking him off and getting screwed into the matress, until the fire elemental deemed his debt fully paid.

And the next day Red wondered why he couldn't unsummon his Ecto until he got home, went to the bathroom to take a quick shower before Edge would be up, and shedded his clothes in front of the mirror.

There his reflection had the Ecto formed and right under his stomach, inside a womb he didn't remember forming last night, floated a little upside down heart. A Souling.

Red was pregnant.

From Grillby.

...

Edge was sooooo going to kill him.

He had showered quickly and redressed.

Just when he had a hand on the knob of his door, Edge slammed his own door open and stepped out into the hallway. He had paused when he saw Red up and about and had asked what was up. Red had shrugged nervously and said he'd had a nightmare and hadn't been able to go back to sleep because of that.

Edge knew Red had nightmares and didn't question it.

In the following two months Red had been permanent stressed out because he had kept his pregnancy to himself and tried to protect his kid.

He had started to dream about butterflies, that's how he came up with the nickname for his Souling.

Sometime around the third month Edge noticed the little Butterfly when he attempted to fuck, or better rape, his brother again.

Edge had been furious.

He managed to land a hit on Red's skull with a femur attack that he used as a club.

Red gained a new crack, but could dodge the next strike and teleported away in a panic.

When he landed he found himself in the same house, but...it was empty. After that registered Red passed out.

When he came to he looked around and noticed...differences to what he was used to. There were no bloodstains on the walls, the whole place had a different color palette and everything was dusty, like nobody had lived in this house in years.

When he got up he searched the Kitchen for food and found three containers with Spaghetti in the Fridge and ate one. Since it was monster food it was magically charged and wouldn't spoil. He put the other two and the empty container into his Inventory before he carefully left the house. He found entire Snowdin completely deserted.

The same with Waterfall.

And Hotlands.

And New Home.

He scavenged the whole Underground for food that might have been left behind. When he passed the Judgement Hall and entered the Throne Room he found the King's flowers dried and wilted.

And then.

He checked the Barrier.

Only to find it gone.

Red couldn't believe it.

Monsterkind had reached the Surface here?!

This was too good to be true.

He had decided to rest up before going to the Surface. He was exhausted from his traveling through this Underground.

The view when he stepped out of the tunnel had been breathtaking. The sky seemed endless, bright blue and dotted with some fluffy clouds. Red had cried from the emotional overload of being pregnant and seeing the truly real Surface.

Beneath that sky he saw a stretch of woods, meadows, fields, some other mountains and several roads winding through the landscape. Near the foot of the Mt. Ebott he saw a Town and on the horizon he could make out the glittering and sparkling of open water under the sun. That had to be the ocean, the thought.

The Town was more interesting to him. Since he was a complete stranger here he needed somewhere to find a place for himself, scout out what was going on between humans and monsters and maybe find a job or...some other way to get by.

In the end his distrust of strangers in general and his rough and intimidating appearance, plus the fact that he was pregnant, brought him several rejections from the humans he asked for work.

He didn't trust the monsters because of his experiences back in his own Underground and feared they would try to hurt or scam him.

So, he scouted out different places to stay hidden, abandoned buildings, back alleys, etc. The first days he lived of what he could scavenge in the empty Underground, when this was gone he started to steal food and went dumpster diving.

But it was never enough and he became weaker and weaker over the course of two months.

Until he saw other people digging through the dumpsters he used to live of and with his magic shot because of the Souling he didn't dare to go near the place and went hungry for too long.

He felt his little Butterfly getting weaker and couldn't do anything about it.

Then he felt the small Soul shatter and with it his whole world broke down.

Chapter 2: Me and you and a skele named Blue

Red woke to the slow, very slow, beeping of a Soul Monitor.

Was he back in the lab? Did he pass out during a test?

Slowly he opened his Eye Sockets and tried to re-ignite his Eye Lights. His sight was fuzzy, his body felt heavy and weak.

He gave a low groan and the next moment another Skeleton leaned into his line of sight.

"ARE YOU AWAKE? YOU MADE US REALLY WORRIED, FRIEND."

The stranger had a loud voice but he obviously tried to tone it down and actually managed to sound quiet and gentle.

As far as Red could see the stranger wore a light blue Sweater or Shirt and a bandana of the same bright color. His Eye Lights were baby blue Pips in naturally big round Sockets.

"The fuck are you?" Red croaked out.

"LANGUAGE," the blue Skeleton scolded gently before answering. "I'M SANS, LIKE YOU, BUT I GO BY BLUE. I ALREADY KNOW YOU GO BY RED. WE HAD TO CHECK YOU TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST WAY TO HELP YOU."

Red furrowed his brow. "Who's 'we'?" he asked weakly.

"THIS WORLD'S SANS, TORIEL AND ME," Blue answered.

Red let his gaze wander around the room. It didn't look like a hospital room, more like a normal Bedroom. "Where am i?"

"THIS IS OUR GUEST BEDROOM. I USED TO LIVE IN HERE WHEN I WAS NEW IN THIS UNIVERSE. SANS AND HIS BROTHER WERE SO KIND AND TOOK ME IN. PAPYRUS MOVED OUT A FEW YEARS AGO, SO IT'S JUST SANS AND ME RIGHT NOW. WELL, WE HAVE A DAUGHTER, BUT SHE'S AT TORIEL'S PLACE AS LONG AS YOU NEED THE REST. SHE CAN BE PRETTY LIVELY. SHE TAKES AFTER ME SEEMINGLY, MWEH HEH HEH."

Red looked to the Soul Monitor. Beside it was an IV-Stand he was hooked up to as well.

"You have hospital standard medical supplies in your home? Is one of you a healer or some shit?"

"LANGUAGE. AND NO. THE MEDICAL STUFF IS FROM ALPHYS' LAB. SHE SHOWED US HOW TO USE IT."

Absentmindedly Red moved one of his his Hands to stroke his belly...

There was no belly...

He froze and his Eye Sockets went wide when everything came back to him.

...

His little Butterfly was gone.

His Ecto had dissipated so the dust of the Souling had to be gotten out of his womb.

The dust!

Red sat up with a start, only to get dizzy and be gently pushed back into the pillows by Blue.

Red struggled weakly while he tried to string a question together. "What- Where- I had-"

"YEAH. WE KNOW," Blue Interrupted him softly. "WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. BELIEVE ME, WE KNOW HOW IT IS. WE SAVED THE DUST, DON'T YOU WORRY. LOOK AT THE NIGHTSTAND."

Red calmed down a little while Blue spoke and looked to said nightstand.

There was a small jewelry box made of green crystal glass and shaped like a Butterfly. Embedded in the lid was a Butterfly shaped locket on a silver chain.

Red felt tears prick his eyes. "How did you know-" he choked out before a sob escaped him.

"WE...FOUND IT WHEN WE CHECKED YOU. THERE WAS A 'LITTLE BUTTERFLY' MENTIONED.

THIS IS HOW SOULING DUST IS TREATED IN THIS UNIVERSE. WE DIDN'T KNOW IF THERE ARE DIFFERENT CUSTOMS IN YOUR WORLD."

Red had to take a few deep breaths to calm his racing emotions. "*sniff* It's beautiful. Thank you. Where i come from nobody gives a shit about a dead Souling or the feelings of the parents. Have to deal with it on their own."

"ARE YOU PLANNING TO GO BACK WHEN YOU'VE RECOVERED? I MEAN, WE WOULDN'T MIND IF YOU WANT TO STAY WITH US. WE COULD HELP YOU TO SETTLE IN, FIND A JOB AND EVERYTHING. BUT I GUESS YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO YOUR BROTHER."

Red sputtered for several seconds, surprised and overwhelmed by the offer and then put out by the mention of his brother. "Fuck no! I never wanna see that ass again. Even if i wanted, i have no fucking idea how to get back there. I took a shortcut in a panic and 'cause of the pregnancy my Magic went haywire and landed me in this Universe's Underground. At least that's wut i think happened."

Red paused for a moment, unsure if he should ask. But Blue had make the offer, so... "Uh...you serious? With ya offer i mean. I...could use some help, you know. Being entirely on my own already cost me my little Butterfly, so...if you are serious, i'd like ta take ya up on that offer. I really could use some help." He muttered the last bit under his breath.

Blue smiled. "OF COURSE I'M SERIOUS, RED. SANS AND I TALKED ABOUT IT WHILE YOU WERE UNCONSCIOUS AND WE BOTH WANT TO HELP YOU. YOU CAN HAVE THIS ROOM AND UNTIL YOU'RE STRONG ENOUGH FOR A SHOPPING TRIP YOU CAN BORROW CLOTHES FROM US. I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND SANS AND ME MOSTLY HAVING BLUE AND SOME GREY CLOTHES."

Red smiled slightly sheepish. "Man, i dun give a shit 'bout colours. 'S long as it is some kind of clean so i can get out of my own stuff and get rid of the smell of garbage."

That's when he noticed he was in a white, slightly washed out T-Shirt that definitely wasn't his.

Blue noticed Red's confusion. "WE TOOK OFF YOUR CLOTHES AND CLEANED YOU AFTER WE GOT YOU STABILIZED. NO OFFENSE, RED, BUT YOU STANK. AND WE FIGURED YOU MIGHT BE MORE COMFORTABLE CLEANED AND IN SOME FRESH CLOTHES."

Red rubbed the fabric of the Shirt between Thumb and Index Finger and huffed softly. "No offense taken, Blue. Um, how long have i been actually out? Last thing i 'member is bein' too weak ta move and ever'thing turning black...How did'ja even find me?"

"SANS AND I WERE OUT ON A DATE. WE HEARD A NOISE THAT SOUNDED QUITE LIKE A SOB WHEN WE PASSED AN ALLEY. WHEN WE TURNED TO CHECK IT OUT WE FOUND YOU ON THE VERGE OF FALLING DOWN FROM MAGIC DEPLETION.

WE BOTH GAVE YOU SOME OF OUR MAGIC AND SANS CALLED TORIEL AND TELEPORTED US TO HER RIGHT AFTER.

SHE USED HER HEALING MAGIC ON YOU AND CHECKED YOU. WHEN THE CHECK IMPLIED YOU HAD A BABY WE TOOK A LOOK AT YOUR ECTO AND SAW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. TORIEL TOOK THE DUST OUT AND PUT IT IN A SMALL GLASS FOR THE TIME BEING. YOUR ECTO DISSIPATED RIGHT AFTER SINCE YOU WERE STILL LOW ON MAGIC.

AFTER THAT SANS AND ME TOOK YOU HOME WITH US AND DREW YOU A BATH AND PUT YOU IN SOMETHING CLEAN. WHILE YOU WERE OUT WE GOT YOU THE BUTTERFLY SHAPED MEMENTO FOR YOUR SOULING'S DUST AND PUT IT IN.

AND TO ANSWER THE OTHER QUESTION, YOU WERE UNCONSCIOUS FOR A WEEK."

Red listened attentively. "Huh. 'S really been a close call, huh."

Blue smiled gently and put a Hand on Red's shoulder. "WE ARE RELIEVED AND HAPPY THAT YOU MADE IT. WELL, NOW THAT YOU ARE AWAKE YOU SHOULD EAT SOMETHING TO GET YOUR STRENGTH BACK. ANY WISHES? PREFERENCES? SOMETHING YOU CAN'T OR DON'T WANT TO EAT?"

Red chuckled. "Blue. I ate out of the dumpsters for around two months. Ya really think i'd be picky? And no, i dun have any allergies. I could (mataphorically) die for a Burg and fries from Grillby, but 'm 'fraid i can't stomach it right now. Don't know how long it's been since i ate anything."

Blue looked worried at that. "THAT'S NOT GOOD. I WILL GET YOU SOME SOUP THEN."

With that and a 'MWEH HEH HEH' he left for the kitchen.

Chapter 3: The local lazybones and a lot of scars

Red was woken by a knock on the door.

Huh. He didn't remember falling asleep.

The door opened and Blue came in, another Skeleton that almost looked like his twin accompanying him.

The new Skeleton had a blue color palette, just like Blue, yet noticably darker, more like sapphire blue, and his Eye Lights were a plain but soft white.

"RED, THIS IS SANS, MY MATE. HE WOULD LIKE TO CHECK YOU UP TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE OKAY. ARE YOU OKAY WITH THIS?" Blue asked while he put the tray he was carrying on the Bedside Table.

Red shrugged. "Sure, whatever."

Sans came closer and gave Red a lazy but genuinely friendly smile. "Heya Red, i'm Sans, like Blue said. I'd like to CHECK you and then take a closer look at some things about your body, just to let you know. If anything makes you uncomfortable, tell me, okay?"

Red just nodded and shrugged simultanously. He still felt too weak to move too much.

Sans seemed to be aware of that and helped Red to sit up and lean against the Headboard. He pulled a CHECK and studied the information intently. "You're still unsettling low on Magic, buddy. Guess we have to pamper you a little. Welp, let's check the other issues. I need you to take off the Shirt."

Red averted his gaze a little sheepish and replied, "i, uh, would need a little help with that."

"If you are okay with it..." Sans inquired and Red nodded without looking at him.

Sans pulled the Shirt over Red's skull and examined certain scars and cracks that littered Red's body.

"You've got some nasty scars here, pal. Some breaks that healed pretty badly. If you wanna hear my opinion..." Sans looked up at Red who again shrugged and nodded. "I would recommend to rebreak those bones and set them correctly. After your Magic is back up, of course."

After that he helped Red to put the Shirt back on and pointed towards the collar around Red's neck. "Would you mind taking that off? I'd like to make sure that everything's alright underneath."

Red huffed bitter. "Wish i could. But Boss sealed it with his Magic. He's the only one who can take it of. And he never did since he put it on me years ago. Fucking asshole."

From Blue came the already familiar 'LANGUAGE' while Sans furrowed his brow in thought. "Welp, that gives us two options. Number One, we ask my bro to give it a shot. He's a Papyrus too, after all. Number Two, we destroy the thing. Tibia honest the tag makes me angry. You're a Monster, not a dog. And you don't seem too fond of it either. But it's your decision and maybe i'm reading the thing wrong."

Red snorted at the pun. "I'd warship ya if ya could rid me o' that damn thing. Would never break a lance for my shithead of a brother. So go on, don't let anything stop ya."

"I DON'T LIKE HOW YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR BROTHER, RED. EXCUSE ME BUT THAT'S NOT VERY NICE."

"Sorry, Blue, but ya dun know Boss. Maybe he was nice and bubbly when we were babybones, but after he got inta th' Guard he became an asshole as big as the CORE. Most o' ma scars're from him. Can't tell which ones 're from other monsters, except the crack over ma missin' tooth. Never got it fixed."

"Let me see," Sans said, took Red's face gently in his hands and took a closer look at the gap where the tooth was missing and the crack that led from there Red's jaw up through the Socket and stopped two inches above his brow.

"Hm. Looks pretty old. I don't think there's much that can be done for the crack. But i'm sure we should be able to get you a replacement for the missing tooth. You'd look really badass with a golden one," he added grinning.

"Ya serious?" Red asked, nervous again about those two being so nice and generous to him. His anxiety reared its ugly head.

"FIRST THINGS FIRST. RED HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT AFTER ALL. FIRST OF ALL HE NEEDS TO EAT SOMETHING AND REGAIN HIS STRENGTH. HE NEEDS TO REST SOME MORE.

WHEN HE IS BETTER, WE SHOULD GET HIM REGISTERED, I'M POSITIVE THAT TORIEL WILL HELP US WITH THAT.

THEN WE CAN TAKE CARE OF HIS MALFORMED BONES AND GET HIS TOOTH FIXED.

SANS, COULD YOU PLEASE CALL YOUR BROTHER SO HE CAN TRY HIS LUCK WITH RED'S COLLAR?"

Sans nodded. "Heh, i love how you get things planned and organized. You're so cool, Blueberry♡."

That made the bubbly Skeleton sputter and blush bright blue like an Echo Flower.

Red failed to suppress a snort.

Sans snickered and helped Red eat his meal since he still was too weak to do a lot on his own.

Red was a little surprised about himself. Usually he would've been way more defensive and distrustful. He would've hid any insecurity, fear or weakness behind aggression and growling.

But. Here he was, in a place he never had been to, practically at the Mercy of two strangers, even if they're his alternates, and he was perfectly fine with it.

Maybe it was because he was emotional exhausted after everything he went through, and besides, they had been nothing but nice to him and saved his life.

Aside from some humans that didn't like monsters (many humans too hate certain types of other humans but Red couldn't tell the difference, human was human to him) he hadn't witnessed anything like this in his own world, where some monsters would dust you just because, without any reason.

After Red's soup bowl was empty Blue took the tray with the dish and left. Sans still sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out his phone.

He called his bother's number and waited. The call was answered at the second ring.

"SANS? WHAT CAN I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, DO FOR YOU, BROTHER?" rang it loud from the phone.

"Hey bro, thanks for answering so fast, you're the coolest. You remember the new 'me' Blue and i found a week ago?"

"YOU MEAN THE RED ONE? OF COURSE. THE GREAT PAPYRUS NEVER FORGETS ANY ALTERNATE OF HIS BROTHER. HOW IS HE? HOW CAN I HELP?"

"Welp, he finally woke up. Would you mind coming over and try to take off his collar? It's sealed by the Magic of his Papyrus and that other 'you' seems to be not as nice and cool as you."

"OH NO! THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE! OF COURSE I'LL DO ANYTHING IN MY POWER TO HELP MY OTHER BROTHER. I'M ON MY WAY."

"Thanks bro, you're really the coolest. See ya." With that Sans cut the line. He put his phone away and leaned back a little.

"Maybe i should warn you. Paps has a lot in common with Blue. He's pretty excitable and energetic. He's so cool."

Red tried to imagine a Skeleton with the look of his brother, maybe with blunt teeth when he compared himself with his alternates, and the bubbly over the top friendly attitude of Blue.

He...couldn't get it quite together. Sans pulled him from his musings.

"Hey Red? Perhaps It's a little late to ask now but are you okay with being near another Papyrus? After everything you mentioned i figured you might have an issue with someone who resembles your brother getting near you."

Red thought about it for a minute. "Tibia honest i don't find it really humerus of a thought to meet another Papyrus, but you guys seem to get along pretty well so, i'll try to bear with it. I admit 'm nervous and...not really comfortable but i wanna get rid of this shitty collar, so i'll try. No promises i wouldn't freak out, though."

"Don't worry. If you should freak out and try to hurt my bro i can immobilize you with blue Magic. I understand that you might panic, no hard feelings here, right?"

In the background of their conversation they heard the front door being slammed open and shut.

"'Right. No hard feelings. Sounds like a plan."

The next moment they heard loud footsteps on the stairs and then Blue opened the door.

After him followed a tall lanky Skeleton that looked a lot like Edge, except everything was softer and rounder, his teeth were blunt and he had a huge friendly smile on his face instead of a scowl. He wore some kind of Armor that looked homemade and a bright red scarf.

The scarf reminded Red of his own brother but Edge's scarf was a darker, bloody red and it was tattered and battleworn.

If this Papyrus really was like Blue, then he was sure he could get to like him.

Papyrus stepped closer and struck a pose, his scarf billowing in a breeze that wasn't there. "HELLO OTHER BROTHER, I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS. SANS TOLD ME YOU WOULD LIKE MY ASSISTANCE IN TAKING OF YOUR COLLAR, RIGHT?"

"Heh, hey Papyrus sup. 'M Red, ice to meet ya. Ya seem ta be a really cool guy. And yeah, wanna get rid o' that piece o' junk 'round ma neck. Boss just kinda forced it onto me."

"WELL, THAT'S NOT VERY NICE. JUST LEAVE IT TO ME, THE GREAT PAPYRUS. WOULD YOU MIND LEANING FORWARD SO I CAN TAKE A LOOK?"

Red looked at Sans. "Could use a little help here," he admitted.

Sans just smiled lazily and motioned for Blue to help him. They held Red between them in some kind of arkward hug while Papyrus activated his Magic to try the collar.

Despite Papyrus having no LV his Magic appeared to be similar enough to Edge's to work and unseal the collar. They were the same person after all.

Red heaved a deep breath when he felt the pressure of the collar leave.

While he kept holding onto Red, Sans took the opportunity and examined Red's neck vertebrae.

There were lines chafed into the bone that may or may not heal completely, and the bone was rubbed raw where the buckle had been. Everything was tender.

Sans put some healing gel on Red's neck and bandaged it. As soon as he was done and attempted to let go of Red, the weak Skeleton put his arms around him and held him close, hiding his face in Sans ' Hoodie.

It took Sans and Blue a moment to realize that Red was overwhelmed with emotions right now and needed a moment to ground and compose himself. They both pulled him into a comforting hug.

He started keening and crying and couldn't stop the flood of bottled up emotions that rolled over him. After a while his sobs and whines were interrupted by stuttering mumbles of 'thank you thank you thank you' and the occasional 'sorry' and sniffles before the sobs started up again.

Red fell asleep after he tuckered himself out and Blue and Sans tucked him in so he could sleep.

Sans, Blue and Papyrus left the room and sat on the Couch in the Living Room to talk.

Chapter 4: The queen, the child and a can of worms

A few days passed.

Red spent most of the time sleeping or mourning the death of his little Butterfly.

He came to terms with it, but it was hard and hurt. He cried a lot.

Sans and Blue, and Papyrus when he visited, gave Red all the time he needed, were there whenever he needed or wanted someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on. They made sure that he ate and rested so he would regain his strength.

Eventually Red got tired of being bedridden, and tried to get up.

He felt weak like a newborn gyftrot and used the bed for support. He managed a few small steps along his bed before he needed to sit down and take a break. It wasn't helping that one of the bones that needed to be rebroken and reset was his right femur which was slightly shorter than the left one.

He heard the doorbell, then a knock at the front door.

In the silence, that fell over the house when Blue was out at work, he could hear Sans answer the door.

"Who's there?"

A female voice he knew from the time he spent by the Ruins answered, "old Lady."

Red grinned. He knew that one.

"Old Lady who?" Sans replied.

"I didn't know you can yodel."

Red heard Sans snort and a braying laughter from the female voice. Then the door was opened.

"Daddy!" a child's voice squealed and Sans gave a strained sounding huff.

"Heya Saphy, have you been a good babybones while you were with aunt Tori?"

"Uh huh," was the confident answer.

"Oh she was an angel, Sans. But i'm afraid she got a little homesick. She missed you dearly and wouldn't budge when she heard i was to come to you.

How's Red doing?"

Sans put an arm around his daughter and the other Hand into his pocket. "He's still recovering, and still mourning, but i think he's getting better. He's a strong fella. Maybe it's just stubborness, we Sanses are all pretty boneheaded after all.

Wanna have some tea or do you wanna see Red first?"

Toriel thought about it. "Hm, i would like to take a look at him first to asses what i have to deal with when i treat his old Injuries. We could have tea and talk after that."

"Sounds reasonable," Sans said and shrugged. "C'mon then, i take you to his room."

After that Red heard Sans' Slippers, soft padded paws and small pitter pattering feet coming up the stairs and to his room.

He heard a knock and grinned.

"Who's there?" he asked.

"Who," he heard the female voice after a second of silence, glee dancing in her voice. Red could practically see Sans struggle to hold back any laughter of sorts.

He remembered that one, but he hadn't heard it in a long while.

"Who who?"

"Oh, i didn't know you're an owl. I actually wanted to visit Red."

Red snorted and heard Sans burst into laughter the same moment, the female voice gave her delightful braying laugh.

Finally Sans opened the door and entered, followed by a babybones, maybe somewhere around four or five and...the Queen?!

Sans snorted again when he saw Red making googly eyes at Toriel. Until now he only had seen that look on Paps.

"Red, that's Toriel, former Queen and now healer and midwife. She helped me when i had Saphy here."

"Uh.....uh....uuuuhhh...

Wait. Hold the line. Are ya ser'sly telling me the voice behind da ruins door was the former Queen of monsterkind the whole time?! And ya're not only friends with her, but she had been right up ya junk when ya popped out ya squirt?!

Fffff- ...heck, dude. That's mindblowing!"

Sans couldn't deny that. Silently he was grateful Red minded his language in front of Saphy. Four year old Children somehow often turned deaf to things that were appropriate but always heard what they weren't supposed to.

Red, a little overwhelmed by the revelation, let himself flop backwards onto the bed he was sitting on.

They waited for him to get his faculties back together.

"'Kay, 'm fine," he finally said and sat back up with a little struggle. Sans was ready to help if needed but Red managed.

Red huffed and turned his attention to the babybones. She looked almost like him when he was that small, only that she had blunt teeth like Sans and Blue. Gods, she was cute. Her Eye Lights were heterochrome, one the same sapphire blue like Sans' Magic and the other bright cyan blue like Blue's Magic. Again cute.

"Heya little one. 'M Red. I suppose ya're 'Saphy'?"

The little one puffed out her small chest and answered, "My name is Sapphire, but everyone calls me Saphy."

She eyed him and looked him up and down. "You look stwong. Are you gonna be a new Daddy of me?"

Red and Sans sputtered and blushed furiously and Red had really to struggle to not cuss.

Finally he got himself under control again. "Kid, ya're pretty forward, aren'cha. Listen cutie, Sans and Blue let me live here and helped me, actually are still helping me a lot, but it's too early to say if we'll ever be more than...friends." At the last word he sent Sans an uncertain look. Were they friends? He had no idea, his Universe wasn't exactly the best place to make friends.

Sans just sent him a reassuring smile back. So they WERE friends.

"Um kiddo, how did you even get the idea?"

Saphy seemed to think about it and then explained. "Well you look like my Daddys, and i want a sibling sooo badly but neither Daddy nor Daddy Blue can have any kids anymore, so i thought..." She trailed off and let her gaze wander around the room, finally landing on the nightstand, or rather the small Butterfly box. Her face fell.

"Awww...you can't have any babybones either?"

"Waddaya mean kiddo?" Red asked following her gaze.

The Butterfly box.

"Wut. Ya think i can't have another child 'cause i lost one?" Red inquired kinda softly.

Saphy nodded. "Uh huh. Daddy can't have babybones anymore after he had me and Daddy Blue lost his when he got hurt in an accident and can't have any babybones anymore either. And you lost one too," she added softly.

Red turned his questioning gaze to Toriel.

She smiled warmly. "Don't worry Red, you still can have Children if you want to. With Sans and Blue there are special cases."

Sans nodded and shrugged. "Yeah. Saphy's birth had been hard on me and while i still could bear kids in theory, it's too dangerous for my Health. And Blue got infertile after he had been hit by a car and lost our little Bird. The responsible Leylines got irreparably disrupted." Sans pulled a silver chain out of the collar of his Hoodie, it sported a locket shaped like a Bird.

"Blue mentioned you know what i'm going through, the day i woke up," Red said.

Sans smiled a little sad. "It's never easy. And your loss reminded us of ours. I can't imagine enduring that while being on your own. It must have been hard."

Red sighed. "Let's say, it wasn't the funniest experience of my life."

"Unca Red? Where's the other Daddy of your Baby? I'm a big girl, i know it takes two parents to make a Baby."

Now it was Sans' turn to make googly eyes. Red laughed deep and roaring. "Hahahahah! Kiddo, i think ya broke ya Daddy. Heh. Yeah, ya right, there is another Daddy. It's the Grillby of my home.

B- My bro is not a nice monster, at all. He forbid me to go to Grillby anymore and when i last went there to tell him he said i have to pay my tab then. But i didn't have enough G on me so Grillby said i could... work it of by....cuddling with him. And...while we snuggled...the Baby happened. But because i wasn't allowed to go to Grillby anymore i couldn't tell him and he'll never know 'cause i'm never going back there."

Sans decided that was enough now and picked up his little daughter. "Okay. How about the both of us are going into the Kitchen and make tea while aunt Tori does what she came here for. Giving uncle Red a once over."

"Okay Daddy," Saphy complied and waved cutely at Red and Toriel while she said, "later auntie, later unca."

"Later sweets," Red rumbled and Toriel waved back at the babybones.

When Sans and Saphy were gone Toriel turned towards Red again. "Shall we begin?" she asked softly.

"Uh...sure. Wut do ya need me ta do?"

"Sans told me you have many old breaks that had healed wrong. When i first saw you, the night Sans and Blue found you i couldn't get a good look at your bones because of your Ecto and well, saving your life had more priority. So, i'd need to take a look at your whole body."

Red felt his face heating up. The thought of the Queen seeing him bare-boned...

But...

She already saw his Ecto. Didn't Blue mention that Toriel got the dust out of him? This meant she already saw his snatch. This time it was just his bones, no Ecto involved, right? Right.

Still a little nervous he took off the Sweater and T-Shirt he wore, then his shorts. He only kept the boxers on. "Okay like that?" Red asked, fidgeting with his Fingers.

"For now," Toriel replied and started taking in the damage on Red's bones for real. Now and then she would ask something about a certain injury.

She also used her healing abilities to examine Red's Leylines to make sure this or that break didn't interrupt the flow of Red's Magic.

After all they reached the point where Toriel needed Red to take off his boxers.

He blushed heavily but did it anyways. What he couldn't understand was why he felt so shy and embarassed about it around Tori or the other Sanses. Back in his own Universe he hadn't had any shame. Boss had fucked him almost on a daily basis and even sold to the majority of the Underground. Even Jerry had had a turn with him and Jerry was weak and an insufferable shithead.

But here...

Maybe it was because for the first time in his life he was with people who cared about him and whose opinion mattered to him. He didn't care that his whole Underground thought he was a whore. But here. He hoped Sans and the others would never find out that he was a slut. It hadn't been his decision to make. It had been Boss'.

"Red," Toriel suddenly asked. "I'm sorry to have to ask you this but, how many partners did you have before you came here?"

Red averted his face full of shame. "More than i wanna know," he whispered.

"Red, had this ever been consensual?"

"...well, the other one and Boss had given their consent. I only was to spread m' legs or go on ma knees."

Toriel gasped. "Oh Red. That's horrible. I'm so sorry."

Red looked up at her, confused. "Wut're ya sorry fer? Ya didn't do anythin' wrong. Ya hadn't been de one who sold my ass, neither had ya ever bought me. So, wut are ya sorry for?"

Toriel took a few deep breaths to compose herself. "What had been done to you was horrible, Red. I can't help but feel sorry for you. Don't get me wrong i won't pity you, most people don't want to be pitied. It just hurts me to know something like that can happen at all. Worse when it actually happens.

When you were with Grillby, was it the same thing? You said you had to do it to pay your tab."

"Well, 't's not 'xactly de same. Grillby and i, we smashed sometimes just for shits and giggles. Had no problems ta let 'im in ma pants. Th' sex was great and he knew what he did, never hurt me. If he would've claimed me i wouldn't have minded."

Toriel had calmed down while Red spoke and felt she could go on.

"At least your Child hadn't been conceived during rape. That's something. Well, i actually asked because you have a lot of marks on your Pelvis, on the outside but also on the inside. It's worrying me. I would recommend you wait until your next Heat before having any intercourse of that kind. That should be enough time for your Pelvis to recover as far as possible. I'm not sure you would've been able to deliver your Child without any complications."

Red looked at her confused. "The fuck's a Heat?"

Toriel gave Red an incredulous look. "How old are you Red?"

"25."

"And you never got into Heat?"

"No fucking idea what ya talking about."

Toriel sighed. She never had to give an Adult The Talk before. Should she? Or could it wait until later? This wasn't what she came here for.

"Let's talk about this later, first i'd like to finish this examination. After that i'll gladly answer your questions...or you could pester Sans and Blue with that and get them horribly flustered but please don't do it when Saphy is present," she added with a smirk.

"I'll think 'bout it."

After that it didn't take long anymore.

Chapter 5: Kitchen talk

After they were done with the examination, Red put his clothes back on and Toriel took him downstairs to have tea with everyone.

Red refused to let her carry him, but he admitted that he needed help to get to the kitchen. So Toriel held his hand, ready to catch him should his legs give out.

Before they left Toriel took the Butterfly locket and put it on Red's neck. In it was some of his Souling's dust so he could take them with him where ever he'd go.

With a Saint's patience Toriel gave Red all the time he needed to get from his room to the stairs, down them, one step after the other, resting when he felt he needed to, from the stairs to the big plush Couch to take a break and then to the kitchen where Sans just finished preparing tea, and some juice for Saphy.

When he heard footsteps at the kitchen door Sans looked up and had a mental lag for a second. Until registered what he was seeing.

Red was here.

In the kitchen.

He had been in his room 24/7 since they brought him home with them.

It was the first time Red was outside his room.

Sans smiled.

And Red felt...something. He didn't know what it was but he knew he liked it when Sans smiled that way.

Sans came closer and put an arm around Red's middle to support him and Toriel let his hand go.

Sans helped Red to one of the chairs at the kitchen table and made him sit in it.

Red felt uncomfortable. Not that the chair was uncomfortable but it had been so many years since Edge banned him from sitting on any kind of furniture that he had gotten used to sitting on the floor.

Now his anxiety sparked up again and he had to fight the conditioned urge to slip to the ground.

Sans and Toriel noticed his discomfort and exchanged a look.

"Saphy, why don't you go to the living room with your juice and cookies and watch your cartoons while auntie a i have a talk with uncle Red?" Sans suggested.

"Okay, Daddy," Saphy said, took her cup and her small plate of cookies and left the kitchen.

As soon as they heard the faint mumble of the TV Sans turned to Red. "What's wrong, buddy?"

Red stared down at his teacup and muttered something unintelligible while he wiggled and shifted in his chair.

"Uh...what was that?" Sans asked softly, not wanting to make Red more uncomfortable as he already was.

"...not used ta," Red muttered a little louder, "not allowed to since ever."

Sans and Toriel looked at each other again, seeing the own dawning dread in the other's eyes.

Sans thought of the collar. "Don't tell me,... he really treated you like a dog..."

Red ducked his skull in shame and had to fight the tears that wanted to come.

Sans slid from his chair and stood beside Red. "Can i hug you?" he asked with an impossible gentleness.

Red gave only the smallest nod and felt Sans' arms around him the next moment. He leaned into the comforting touch, that made him feel safe, and hid his face in Sans' shoulder before he dissolved into tears.

"It's okay, you're safe here with us. Nobody's ever gonna hurt ya again. We'll help you. We'll take care of you. Shhhh, it's okay..." Sans mumbled in an endless loop while he used one of his hands to gently stroke Red over the back of his head and held him with the other.

Red sobbed and sniffled until he found his voice again. "Sorry. 'M such a mess," he choked out before sobbing again.

Sans tightened his grip around Red. "Don't apologize. It's not your fault. No one deserves to be treated like that."

Red gave a wet laugh. "Toriel said som'thin' s'milar little earlier."

Sans shot Toriel a questioning look. She held her cup in her hands and nodded. "There are some things we need to talk about. And it's preferable to talk about it as long as the Child can't hear any of this."

Sans lifted a brow. "That bad?"

Toriel lowered her gaze to her hands. "It's really disturbing."

"Okay," Sans breathed, holding Red tight to himself he slipped into the chair, Red half sitting in his lap.

Toriel took a deep breath. "I...know you noticed the amount of scars on Red's bones since it was you who asked me to take a look at him. Besides about a dozen and a half old injuries that i have to take care of, i found... a lot of... marks on him that implied that Red had been..." Toriel looked at Red, unsure of how to tell Sans.

Red whimpered before he forced out, "b-boss sold me to the other monsters in my Underground whenever someone wanted me. He... had me too... whenever he wanted. *sniff* The only kinda decent one was Grillby, he never hurt me."

Red felt Sans' hold on him tighten again and thought maybe he should shut up now, but now that he had started to talk he was unable to stop and told them everything. About his world, his childhood, about Edge, the abuse and what exactly happened when he got pregnant and during the three following months. He also told them how he got to this Universe, found his way to the Surface and how he struggled the next two months until he lost his little Butterfly and was eventually found by Sans and Blue.

Sans and Tori listened in shocked silence, and the whole time Sans held him close and tight, rubbing his back or petting his skull whenever Red broke out in fresh tears. Red clung to Sans, curled his fists into the other's Shirt and pressed his face into his shoulder again until he could continue.

Finally Red fell silent. He felt tired, empty, but lighter as well as he leaned his head on Sans' chest and let his mind drift. His thoughts were pleasantly silent for once.

Sans looked up at Toriel and saw that she had started to cry sometime during Red's Story. He noticed now that his own cheeks were wet as well.

"Don't worry," Sans whispered to Red, "we'll keep you safe. We let never something like that happen to you. I promise."

Red could only nod.

After some time passed in silence Toriel cleared her throat. "Red, i can assure you, the monsters in this Universe aren't anything like the ones where you come from. Some may be a little rambunctious like Undyne or nosy, in a friendly way, like the Dogi or Bratty and Catty, but not one is out to hurt you. I'm aware it will take time, maybe a lot of time, but as soon as you find the courage to face the other monsters, you'll find a bunch of new Friends.

To change the Topic and get back to the tasks at hand, i need you to answer some questions for your registration. After that we can talk about how to plan the resetting of your bones." While she talked Toriel drew a several pages thick form and a pen from her Inventory.

Red just nodded again to communicate his agreement. He still clung to Sans.

Toriel started to fill out the form and ask Red about the information. "Is 'Red' your full name? Humans have that thing about last names, but they accept that most monsters don't use such."

Red nodded. He had told Toriel his birth name being 'Sans' but to avoid confusion he decided to keep 'Red' as his name.

Next Toriel asked about his Birthday, parents (Red had no idea, he had been too young to remember if his parents had dusted or abandoned him and his brother), other family (Red declared Edge dead to him), his education (Red knew a lot about science, but never graduated because of his upbringing), other skills and jobs he'd done ("no, what your brother forced you to do doesn't count"), certain things she already knew she filled out without asking about it (like his address, he lived with Sans and Blue after all), what kind of magic abilities he had ("uh, bones, normal an' blue, blasters, gravity magic and teleportation") and a lot of other stuff.

After the form was filled out Toriel shoved it over to Red so he could sign it.

After he did, Toriel tucked the form and the pen back into her Inventory.

"Okay, Red. To make things short, i'd like to do your leg first. You're going to get stronger and heavier in the months to come. If we start with your leg it'll have the time needed to grow strong enough to handle the weight you need to put on to get healthy.

In the week, you've been unconcious, your weight hadn't changed at all and it's just been a few days since you woke up, you're still heavily underweight.

When your leg is better i'd like to work upwards along your body. Meaning next will be the injuries along your spine, then the ribs and sternum, your left phalanges, wrist and ulna since you mentioned you're lefthanded, then your right phalanges, humerus and shoulder. Your tooth can be done as soon as we get you an Appointment with the dentist."

Red huffed through his nose. "Sounds good ta me. When do ya planning ta break ma leg?"

CRASH!!!

The three adults' heads whipped around to look at the doorway. There stood little Saphy, her plate and cup shattered at her feet, her Eye Sockets were big and round and her chin was trembling.

"Auntie? *hiccup* It isn't true, is it? You're not gonna hu-hurt unca Red?"

For a few seconds no one knew what to say.

Finally Red let out a deep sigh. "C'mere sweets. Wanna show ya som'th'n'."

Saphy sniffled and hiccupped, then rubbed at her eyes before eventually waddling over to Red.

He gently wiped her tears with his thumbs and offered her a gentle sharp toothed smile. "'T's not what ya think, sweets. Ya auntie wanna help me. Look."

He pulled up the right pant leg of his shorts so the babybones could see the malformed part of his femur. "See dat? 'T's an old...ouchie dat didn't heal right. Ta make it better ya auntie hafta break it so she can make it right. Have some more a' those, sweets. Has ta be done so i c'n get completely well ag'n. Ya unnerstan'?"

While Red spoke Saphy had looked at the misformed bone with childish earnest and a furrowed brow. Now she looked up at Red and searched his face, probably for any hint of a lie. Or to determine if what he had said was the truth.

"It is really just to make you get better? Really really?"

"Promise, sweets. 'Nd i take promises pretty ser's, ya know."

Saphy's Lights landed on Red's phalanges. On both his hands he had some that had been broken many times and were not everytime treated the way they would have needed.

Saphy lifted her own hand and carefully touched the crooked and bent bones and felt the rough surface. "I don't want ya being in pain unca."

"I dun wanna either, sweets. But after this i'll be skeletons better."

Saphy ignored the pun and seemed to think about Red's words before she finally lifted her gaze to look him in his Eye Sockets. "Kay."

Instantly the tension fled the kitchen and Saphy hugged Red who returned the gesture.

While he still held the babybones he looked at Toriel. "So... when do ya wanna start?"

Toriel thought for a moment. "You are still too weak, i'm afraid, my friend. Considering how you were when Sans and Blue brought you to me, i would say, another week. Then you should be able to handle the procedure.

I think i should warn you. Healing Magic can only do so much. You'll have to wear a cast for a while, and stay in bed. The same goes for when i do your spine after that. And after i did your left hand and arm you'll be depending on the help of others. When i do your ribs that'll be pretty...uncomfortable, i'm afraid. Your right hand, arm and shoulder shouldn't be as big a deal as your left arm, i think."

Red nodded in understanding. "Least i know what's ta come. So, in a week then."

"Don't worry. Blue and me are gonna take care of you like before. I'm sure Saphy is gonna help you too," Sans assured

Red could only smile at that.

How did he deserve such good friends?

Chapter 6: Red gets the Talk

Two days later the three Sanses sat on the Couch to watch some stand up comedy show.

A knock on the door, Saphy hurriedly putting on her shoes while calling out "comin'," door opening and slamming shut, and she was gone, giggling greeting whoever had knocked.

Red turned his Head to Blue. "She really takes afta ya. If she had more from Sans' side of da family, she would've used da opportunity."

Blue looked at him puzzled. "What opportunity"

Red exchanged a look with Sans and both began to grin as if sharing an inside joke. Then they both looked at Blue at said unisono, "Who's there?"

Blue stared at them, stunned into silence.

"No matter how much she likes you, i will personally make sure that she won't spend too much time in your Nest, Red. By the way, we should get you the materials, so you can build one before Miss Toriel starts treating your old Injuries."

Red gave Blue a confused look. "The fuck are ya talking about? Why would i need ta build a Nest? 'M a Skeleton, not some bird."

Blue furrowed his brow. "But...you are an Omega. Every Omega builds Nests. It's in their natures."

Red gave Blue a blank stare. "I have no fuckin' idea what'cha talkin' 'bout. Whattefuck's an Omega?"

Blue stared around Red at Sans, looking for help.

Sans took a moment to get his thoughts in order before starting slow. "Buddy, you know about the whimsums and moldsmols, right? I mean, you know how Kids happen."

Red nodded slowly. "Yeeeeaaahhhh, dat's how i got mah lil Butterfly. So what?

...

Wait. Izzat 'bout 'Heats' an' shit? Tori told me ta ask ya 'bout tha' when da babybones isn't 'round."

Now it was Sans who wrinkled his forehead. "You... don't know what a Heat is? How?!"

Red shrugged. "Dunno. Mebbe if ya 'xplain this ta me, we can find de hung up."

Sans took a deep Breath, Blue was blushing like an Echo Flower.

"Mkay," Sans finally said, "let's sort out where you stand with your knowledge. You obviously know what sex is, how to form male and female Ecto and how to make a Baby. *Red nodded* Have you ever heard of Mating Cycles? *Red shook his head no* Alphas, Betas and Omegas? *Headshake* Hmmm, ever felt...weird? Y'know, hot and bothered and needy, for more than just a horny instant? *Headshake* ...Okay. How do we start? First the Heat or the second gender?"

Red tilted his Head. "Wazzat?"

Sans inhaled long and slow. "Okay, storytime. Listen.

After Blue popped up in this Universe i tried to repair my Machine to send him back home. Sadly all i managed was to get readings on the other Universes, including Blue's. The readings showed different informations like the Name, Number of Timelines, the progress of the respective human, and certain things about the nature and dynamics. Our Universes, this, Blue's and yours are located in the A/B/O Cluster. All Universes in this Cluster have some kind of Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics.

Meaning, everyone born in such an Universe is born with a second gender which is either Alpha, Beta or Omega, and starts to show with the beginning of puberty, the time when most Monsters grow out of Stripes.

Alphas are big, strong and protective. They can send out Pheromones to project their aggression and dominance or subdue or calm an Omega. Their Cycles only consists of Ruts and they might hump the first person they set their eyes on, they also most of the time have a knot. In bad Universes they get pretty aggressive and possesive." Red wrinkled his forehead. "Sounds familiar...Boss got...weird from time to time. Was more likely ta dust some poor bastard and wouldn't stop ta fuck me until he passed out. Always thought 'e would kill me during such a frenzy."

Sans nodded. "Betas are kinda inbetween, in some Universes they don't have any Cycles, in others they can go into Rut as well as into Heat without control over what they go into, it's everytime by chance.

Omegas are usually small and weak. They are naturals when it comes to handling Children, be it their own or not. Omegas have an instinctive urge to care for the kids and tend to their home, they yearn for the protection of someone stronger, to feel safe and cared for. Omegas always have Heats. They feel the urge to build a Nest to create a safe space and become all cuddly and clingy, in the later stages of their Heats they feel the need to have their partners close by to take care of them. Omegas also emit Pheromones to soothe potential aggressions that might be directed towards them, and to find a mate."

"Are Heats always like tha'?" Red asked. "Mostly for Omegas," Blue chimed in. "In the majority of Universes without A/B/O Monsters in Heat are entirely sexdriven."

Red thought for a while.

"So... ya said Omegas have a need ta feel safe? An' der Heats are allabout feelin' safe? Mebbe dat's de hung up. I never felt safe. Mah Universe isn't a place to feel safe ...or cuddle up in a Nest...If ya show weakness ya're dust. I never...was able to...be soft..."

Sans and Blue exchanged a look. They already knew Red's Story, but now, under the light of his status and needs as an Omega, his world had really been cruel to him. To have to suppress your body's needs and instincts in order to survive, without any kind of break...That thought was horrible for the two of them, yet Red had to live like that!

"Uh...by the way, what are you?" Red Interrupted the heavy silence that had settled between them.

"Betas. Both of us," Sans answered. "Blue has a Cycle, i don't."

Blue scooted closer to Red and put his arm around him. "What do you say? Let's turn your room into a fluffyland."

Red blushed and smiled shyly. "Dat...ah fuck, actually dat sounds really nice."

"Okay," Sans said, "how about you go back to your room to choose the best place while Blue and me ransack our closets for blankets and pillows and bring 'em upstairs?"

Red looked uncertain again. "...izzat really 'kay? Dun wanna inconvenience ya..."

Now Sans put his Arm around Red as well and rested his chin on the crown of Red's skull. "Don't worry about it, Red. We want you to be comfortable and feel safe with us. Maybe it's just your scent, us Betas are receptive for it too, even if not as much as Alphas are. Just humor us and let us take care of you for now. Please?"

Red's skull glowed like a traffic light while he couldn't help but snuggle into the double side hug and purr like an oversized cat.

Blue and Sans looked at each other over Red's head and shared a gentle smile. They both realized in that very moment that they were about to fall head over heels for the small Skeleton between them.

When Blue gave Red a small innocent peck on the temple, Red startled to awareness of what he was doing and the position the three of them were in.

As soon as they felt Red stiffen, Blue and Sans loosened their grip on him so he could leave if he wished.

Red relaxed slowly before getting up and nervously clearing his throat, declaring he'd go then and wait for them in his room. Then he limped to the stairs awkwardy, ascended them and went to his room, leaving the door ajar.

"Do you think we were too straightforward and scared him?" Blue frowned.

Sans shook his head. "Nah, don't worry, Blue. I can imagine that he's just a little overwhelmed and need a minute or two to cool down and process everything.

C'mon. Let's gather those blankets and pillows for his Nest.

...

If think about what he just told us, he maybe never ever built a Nest before...poor little guy."

Blue seemed to think about something. "In my AU it's common for Omegas to have stuffed toys in their Nests to cuddle with, especially when they don't have a partner."

"That's actually quite a good idea. Somewhere in the attic has to be some boxes with Paps' old plushies. If we put them through a round in the dryer they should be as good as new."

And so, while Blue emptied the closets and gathered all the spare pillows and blankets they had, Sans teleported into the attic to look for his brother's old plushies.

With three boxes, bursting with fluffy childhood, he ported straight to the laundry room and started sorting through fluffy toddler blankets, knitted dolls and different kinds of stuffed toys and plushies.

First he put the blankets aside in case Blue might decide some of the stuff from the closets needed washing or to be put in the dryer as well. Then he put the first load of stuffed toys into the dryer.

After starting the quick program he left the laundry room to check if his mate needed any help.

He found Blue in the living room between seven piles. One contained all the pillows and blankets he could find, three were made of pillows and three of blankets. Blue sorted the materials after 1) ready to use, 2) need to be put in the dryer and 3) need to be washed since the stuff had been too long in the closet without being used.

Sans helped Blue to finish sorting the remaining materials and took what needed to be washed to the laundry room to start the first load. He started with the pillows since they were the base for most kinds of Nests.

In the meantime the first load in the dryer was done and Sans took it out and started the next one, before returning to the living room to get the other piles. After that he helped Blue bringing the pillows and blankets to Red's room.

Red had chosen his (almost empty) closet as a good safe space since he would be hidden in there and with some blankets and pillows it would be pretty cozy. So he had cleared out the few things on the closet floor and put them under his desk for now so the room wouldn't look messy.

He was sitting on the bed, thinking, when Blue, followed by Sans, entered, with lots of soft and fluffy looking pillows in their hands.

Red looked up and his Eye Sockets widened when he saw the big soft pillows. He felt drawn to them by instinct. "Are 'dose really fer me?"

"Indeed," Blue chirped in his energetic way. "We have a lot more if you wish."

Red lowered his gaze nervously and like he was ashamed of something. "I...never did...this. Like i said, never had da chance nor were i ever allowed ta...show ...weakness. Have no idea how ta do this..."

Blue and Sans exchanged a heartbroken look. "Don't worry, Red. We can look up everything we want online. That includes tutorials for Nest building. Bluebird, can you look it up with Red while i take care of the materials?"

Blue quirked a brow. "You offer, voluntarily, to do the more strainous task? Who are you and what have you done to Sans?!"

Sans snorted and rubbed sheepishly the back of his head. "My phone died somewhere during the night. I... somehow...forgot to charge it."

"Again?! Sans, you are worse than my brother, when it comes to such things."

"Heh, sorry Bluebird. Guess we can't all be as magnificent as you are. I've put on the charger as soon as i noticed, don't worry, hon.

Welp. Guess i'll go back to the laundry room. Later."

With that he teleported away and left Blue and Red alone.

Blue rolled his Eye Lights and turned his attention on his Smartphone, muttering under his breath. "This guy is unbelievable. Sometimes i wonder why i chose him as my mate."

Chapter 7: Red gets his leg treated and stays in his nest

Red felt like shit.

It was a few days after Tori resetted his femur, and he was lying in his Nest.

After looking up the different types of Nests and watching many tutorials about Nest building Red tried, and succeded in making a cavelike one. He cushioned the floor of his closet with the pillows, used some more to make a wall at the front side to be more hidden and layered a lot of fluffy blankets over them, before he used some big body pillows to create some kind of ceiling and lining the walls of his cave-nest with the plushies and stuffed toys.

When he'd started with his Nest he worked hesitantly, feeling visibly unsure. But with further progress he became more confident, driven by instincts that had been suppressed and lain bare for way too long. Red got in some kind of nesting frenzy and, without needing to look it up, built another Nest on his bed, then yet another one in the corner where the wall with the door and the side wall farther form said door met. After that he had been exhausted and fell asleep in his bed-nest.

When he'd woken up he seemed way more relaxed and happy. Unconsciously he had scented his Nests with his Pheromones and Blue and Sans had started purring automatically when they entered Red's room to check on him and retrieve him for dinner.

Saphy liked Red's Nests and started to take her naps cuddled up with him.

During the following days some items from Blue, Sans and Saphy found their way into Red's Nests adding the scents of the respective skeleton to Red's own.

When Toriel came to check on Red a week after their talk she was quite impressed of how cozy Red's room looked now and how Red almost seemed drunk on the feeling of safety and care, his instincts going into overdrive and making him a puddle of purring and contendness.

Toriel decided to give him a few more days until his instincts would have balanced themselves.

When Red had shaken off this kind-of-omega-subspace state, Sans had called Toriel and she had come over the next day to start the procedure of resetting Red's bones, starting with his right femur as planned.

Before she'd put him to sleep she'd asked him where he wanted to wake up, and he chose his cave-nest.

When he woke up he felt fuzzy from Tori's Healing Magic and his right leg had been immobilized.

Since then he rarely had been left alone, feeling vulnerable and weak. He got more anxious about not being able to look after Saphy, and since the babybones really liked him she spent a lot of time with him when she wasn't in kindergarten or with friends.

Then, two days ago he woke up with a skull splitting headache and feeling queasy. He had developed a fever, or like Toriel called it 'Healing fever'. His Magic worked overtime to heal his leg and caused the temperature and Red feeling unwell. It was just another symptom of him being low on Magic in the past, and now that his body had access to all the Magic it needed it went overboard.

Toriel told them she witnessed something like that quite often in the time after the war when monsterkind finally got settled in the Underground and monsters started doing better compared to the first years of suffering. And after the Core worked and provided them with energy monsterkind started to thrive underground.

There wasn't much that could be done about Red's fever besides trying to keep him as comfortable as possible and since it wasn't dangerous at all there was no need to worry.

Sans and Blue got Red a phone and anything he wanted for entertainment while bed/nestridden.

Right now he felt queasy and tired, yet unable to fall asleep at the same time. His healing leg hurt like a bitch and he felt lonely, Saphy being in kindergarten and not coming home for at least two more hours, and Blue was out at work and Sans was downstairs, working in his basement workshop.

Red checked the time on his new phone before texting Sans to ask him if he could get him his pain meds when he would have a moment. He didn't want to be a bother but his medicine was kept in the kitchen in one of the hanging cupboards to keep them out of reach of the kids that sometimes literally invaded the house when Saphy brought her friends to play. Some of them were too curious for their own good. She didn't have her friends over since before Red's arrival and it was only a matter of time.

After he sent the text Red put his phone down to try to get as comfortable as possible while in pain until Sans might find the time to show up.

Only for the skeleton in question blip into the room the next moment.

"I'm sorry, i didn't mean to miss the time for your meds, Red."

Red shook his head. "It's okay, really. Sorry i keep you from your work," he rasped out meekly.

Sans wrinkled his brows slightly in concern. Red looked pretty miserable.

Sans stepped up to the Nest, kneeled down and gave Red the medicine and a glass of water.

After taking the pills and chugging down the water, Red held the glass out for Sans to take. He did so, put it on the desk and returned to Red's Nest. Blushing sapphire blue he averted his gaze a little nervously and scratched at the side of his nose ridge. "Um... ahem... you, uh... wanna cuddle...?"

Red glowed like an emergency light, pressing a plushie to his chest since, maybe, around three hours to have something to cuddle with, and stammering. "Wh-what 'bout-bout ya w-work?"

In Sans' book Red didn't say 'No' right away, meaning he would prolly like some company. So he took of his slippers and carefully climbed in the Nest and snuggled up beside the small Omega. "Meh, work can wait. And i was about to take a break anyways."

He pulled out his phone and opened the alarm function. He set an alarm for every time Red had to take his medicine and set an emergency horn as alarm sound. After that he put his phone away and put his arms around Red, just like that. He relaxed his body and felt how the tension slowly left Red's bones and the sick skeleton finally fell asleep, Sans right behind him.

---

Later Blue got home and had Saphy with him. She put her shoes in their place next to the door and went upstairs where she carefully and quietly opened Red's door to peek inside, knowing he was probably sleeping.

She found him wide awake, messing with his phone. When she knocked on his door he looked up and his face brightened like the sun.

A sharptoothed sun.

"Hey sweets, 'ow was kin'ergart'n? Sumthin' happened ya wanna tell me?"

She nodded eagerly and came over to the Nest after closing the door. She climbed in the Nest and snuggled into his side. Red took a fluffy blanket from his other side and bundled the babybones up into a blanket burrito.

"So, tell me, sweets," Red invited. And Saphy, entirely Blue's daughter, chattered away, talking a mile a minute. About playing hopscotch with Millie, about getting higher on the swing than Rory and Leny, about learning how to count, writing her own name, and other things.

Red listened patiently and commented on this or that. When Saphy finally came to an end Red said, "soun's like ya had a 'xcitin' day, sweets." Saphy nodded eagerly and beamed.

"An' now, wan' me t'read ya a story?" Red asked.

"Yes, please!" Saphy replied.

"'Kay sweets, get me de book, would ya?" Red pointed to the storybooks on the desk. Saphy got up and chose a book with Fairy Tales. She got back to the Nest, gave Red the book and got comfortable again snuggling back into the fluffy blanket.

Red opened the table of content and went through the different story titles. He let the child chose and read the story she chose, something about a young guy who got a lump of gold as a payment from his employer. Along his way he exchanged the goldlump for a horse, the horse for a cow, the cow for a pig, the pig for a goose and the goose for a big heavy whetstone. When he decided to rest he put the whetstone on the rim of a well, but when he bent over the well to drink he accidentally pushed the stone into the well and was left with nothing. But like with every exchange he did earlier he saw the good of this, being free of any burden, and felt truly lucky.

After this story Red read 'the ugly duckling' and 'the three little pigs'.

He was about to begin to read 'the little mermaid' when Sans knocked and entered, a tray with two plates in hands, Blue followed with another tray with two more plates.

Since Red couldn't get up and the others didn't want to let him feel alone or left out they all ate in his room.

Saphy got up and helped her daddys helping Red to sit up and pushed a pillow behind his back before giving him a plate with food and then getting her own dinner.

After dinner Sans got Red his medicine and after Red read Saphy 'the little mermaid' the kid went to bed after kissing everyone goodnight.

"HOW ARE YOU FEELING, RED?" Blue asked and put his hand on Red's forehead.

"Gettin' be'er," Red mumbled tired and indeed did his skull feel less warm. Red shut his eyes and unconsciously started to purr while drifting to sleep.

Notes:

I'm german and don't know for certain which storys you know or what they're called in english. I know you're familiar with Ugly Duckling and the little mermaid, they're pretty popular.

The other story is titled "Hans im Glück" in german, which translates to something like "Hans in Luck" or "Lucky Hans", something along that line.

Chapter 8: Red gets back on his feet and meets Grillby

Like Sans Red was smart as hardly anyone, but he couldn't put his high intelligence to use since he had no kind of graduation.

And he was boooored.

When Toriel came to check on him, Red asked her if there was any way to get his hands on some mentally challenging reading material.

Toriel thought it over and suggested to ask Sans for some science books. Maybe he would like to try to get his graduation?

Red didn't know that was still possible for adults like him. Toriel assured him that this wasn't that uncommon, a lot of humans didn't graduate in their youth for all kinds of reasons but it was still possible to do it later and even visit a college or university.

Overbearing as she was Tori got Red an evaluation test to find out where he might lack in education. Of course he only knew the history of his own universe, there were some things in maths that had never been touched in his childhood. He knew how to speak, obviously, but he couldn't differ between nouns and adverbs. He aced in any kind of scientific subject however, be it physics, chemistry or astronomy.

He didn't remember where exactly he learned all that science stuff but it made him feel nostalgic and a little sad. All he knew was that he had to have learned it during the time he couldn't remember.

Sans seemed to have some ideas about that, if the look on his face was anything to go by.

The next day Tori brought Red some books to learn what he lacked, including a copy of the history of humans and monsterkind as well as a list of subjects that would be part of the tests he would have to do. She also gave Red her number so he could text her if he had any questions or felt ready to take the first test.

He wrote his first test - some kind of elementaty school graduation to prove the participant had basic school knowledge - less than two weeks later and aced it without breaking a sweat.

The next would be about junior high school grade knowledge.

But Red decided to take a break from learning.

Only a few days after the test Red got the cast taken off. Underneath was smooth bone, not like nothing ever happened, yet straight and healthy and without leaving a scar, besides some rough, slightly misshapen structures that hadn't entirely smoothed out. And the bone had regained the right length.

Toriel carefully took Red's leg in her soft paws and began to mobilize it, starting with moving his foot in its joint, then slowly bending and stretching his knee which also made the femur move in its socket. While she did all this she watched Red closely for any sign of pain or discomfort.

The bone felt a little tender and sore after being immobile for about three weeks.

Toriel was impressed of Red's fast self healing. The small skeleton just shrugged. "Guess ya need ta regen'rate fast if ya wanna survive in a world like mine."

That made some kind of sense, in a mildly disturbing way.

Sans and Blue took Red's hands and helped him up. They helped him find his balance and allowed him to hold onto them when he carefully, almost reluctantly, tried the stability of his leg.

The soreness in his leg became a slight pain, but Red had a high pain tolerance due to his past, and it wasn't unbearable, just uncomfortable.

He moved his weight from left to right and back to left a few times to get his leg used to carry him again.

Then he balanced his weight on both legs equally, took a few deep breaths and tried to take his first step.

It was strainous and unsteady and hardly more than a shuffle of his foot, but it was a first step nonetheless.

"That's it, Red. Slow and easy," Sans praised and encouraged, gently rubbing his thumb over the knuckles of Red's hand.

"Wasn't even really a step," Red muttered.

"IT'S A START. YOU CAN NOT EXPECT TO BE FIT FOR A MARATHON RIGHT AFTER YOU GET THE CAST TAKEN OFF. EVEN MY MAGNIFICENT YET IMPATIENT SELF KNOWS THAT, RED," Blue contributed, giving Red's other hand a gentle squeeze.

"He's right, ya know. Here, let's try this..." Sans took Red's other hand from Blue and put both of Red's hands on his shoulders while he steadied Red carefully with his own hands on the sides of Red's ribcage.

Then he shuffled one of his feet backwards a little and gently encouraged Red to follow his lead.

Red shuffled his foot forward and then the other when Sans moved his own foot backwards. That way they moved slowly but steady to Red's desk, Blue and Toriel right at their side in case Red stumbled or couldn't hold himself upright any longer.

When they reached the desk Blue grabbed the chair and held it as Sans sat Red down so the Omega could take a break and catch his breath.

"You're doing great, dear," Tori praised, patting Red on his shoulder.

"SHE IS RIGHT. LOOK!" Blue chimed in, slowly turning the chair so Red was able to see where he'd started.

Red hadn't noticed he'd crossed the whole room with Sans' lead. Said lazybones put his hand on Red's skull and gently scratched his cranium. Red couldn't help the purr that escaped him against his will and he blushed a bright red like a gyftmas-light.

After a short break Blue and Sans got Red to stand up again and lead him to his corner-Nest, from there to his bed-nest, after that he was tired and needed rest.

Sans got them all something to drink and he and Blue sat on both sides of Red, with Toriel at Blue's other side.

"So... when a'ya gonna do mah spine?" Red asked Toriel. The old goat monster looked at him and seemed to take a moment to think.

"I'd like to wait until you are stronger, dear. Let's see how you are in... i would say... two weeks? I want to be sure you can walk properly. One step at a time."

Red snrk-ed at the - seemingly - unintended pun. "Kay. Ya da one wid da experience in healin'. I trus' ya judgement."

---

During the following days Red used some time every day exercising his leg, getting stronger and steadier per day. After only a few days there was no trace of a limp noticable anymore.

After a week Red took on the stairs for the first time since his leg had been resetted.

After ten days he was able to walk the stairs without help and without getting winded.

That day Sans took him to Grillby's for the first time.

"We need to fatten ya up more," he said with a wink and Red snorted. "Yeah right, 'm all bones."

They laughed while Sans held the door open for Red.

As soon as the Fell-monster entered he felt the looks of the other patrons land on him and he froze.

He didn't notice he had started to growl until he felt Sans' hand on his shoulder and blinked, feeling a little disoriented. He deflated immediately and tried to hide behind Sans.

The local skeleton gave the other regulars a lazy wave and took Red's hand, leading him to the bar.

Sans sat in his usual spot and Red scrambled onto the stool next to him, eyeing everyone in the room as if he expected them to jump him as soon as he'd let his guard down.

And that's exactly what he thought.

Sans leaned on his elbows towards the orange-yellow fire elemental behind the counter. "Heya, Grillbz. How's biz?"

Grillby finished cleaning the glass in his hands before putting it aside. "Same as usual, Sans. What can i get for you and your...friend?"

Sans eyed Red for a second and answered, "the usual for me and for Red here the same, but switch the ketchup with mustard, please."

Grillby looked from Sans to Red, back to Sans, then nodded and went to the kitchen.

The 'usual' was a Hamburger menue with fries, for Sans drenched in ketchup. When Grillby brought their food he placed it in front of them, accompanied by a bottle of their respective condiment.

Red threw all his shyness overboard the moment he smelled the mustard and the greasy food. What mustard didn't land on his plate he drank straight from the bottle. And he felt in heaven.

The mustard-drenched meal relaxed him enough that Red let his gaze wander and actually looked at the local versions of the beastly monsters he knew from his own universe.

First thing he noticed, no one wore a collar. In his world the Dogi had collared each other.

Next thing, Doggo lacked his scars but had both his ears, Lesser and Greater Dog looked fluffy and... huggable. His Lesser and Greater had been mangy beasts and liked to gnaw on his bones and left a lot of teeth marks on him.

The dogs played some card game and played apparently for small dog treats, not the kind Doggo smoked, more like some sort of kibble.

There also was some kind of bunny-like monster, obviously drunk, that flirted willy-nilly and even shot him a 'supposed-to-be-seductive' wink. Some other monsters came and went he didn't recognize.

Probably died young in his universe?

Red sighed. He didn't want to think about that.

He almost jumped out of his skin, if he would've have had any, when something audibly sniffed him while he took a sip from his mustard bottle. The next thing he knew was that he was leaning with his back against Sans, who had both his arm slung around him and was murmuring soothing nothings into his acoustic meatus while Lesser Dog sat a few feet away on an other barstool and looked at him like he had suddenly grown a second skull.

The other Guard Dogs at their table had all tensed and their hackles raised. Doggo finally broke the silence after flattening his fur and calming himself. He took a drag from the dog treat he was smoking and blew the smoke through his nostrils. "Hey uh, Sans..." he eventually said, "what's up with your new friend? Blue didn't freak like that when he met us for the first time. No need to lash out at Lesser for being curious."

Sans sighed. "Sorry guys. Red here comes from a bad place and is a little skittish around strangers. I'm sure he didn't mean it."

While Sans and Doggo talked Red was internally freaking out and tried hard to calm down. He finally snapped out of it when he heard a canine whine. He blinked and, by only moving his Eye Lights, looked around until his gaze fell on Lesser Dog. He looked at Red with big dark puppy eyes and drooping ears. He sat slightly hunched over to appear smaller and as unthreatening as possible. Now Red felt bad and unconsciously tried to hide in Sans' side.

Sans stroked Red's skull and talked low and gently to him. "It's okay, Red. It's not your fault. No one got hurt. Lesser only wanted to say hello."

Lesser Dog whined again and sent out his own Omega Pheromones while he slowly and carefully scooted closer again.

The Pheromones helped Red calm down, he knew by instinct that he had nothing to fear from other Omegas, even if he didn't understand his instincts.

He turned his head to look at Lesser from the corner of his good Eye Socket. "'M sorry. Didn't mean ta freak," Red uttered an apology.

The corners of Lesser's snout curled upward a little and he gently wagged his tail.

He slipped from his barstool to the ground, went on all fours and slowly approach Red and Sans while trying to look as nonthreatening as possible. He held his tail low, wagging it gently, tilted his head in a cute manner and kept his ears perked yet relaxed. He sat beside the stools Sans and Red were seated and put his muzzle on the edge of the seat, giving a high breathy whine.

Sans smiled at Lesser, took Red's hand and guided it between Lesser's ears to pet the Guard Dog. Lesser didn't move, only wagged his tail and watched the two skeletons.

Slowly Red relaxed and allowed himself to actually feel the soft fluffy fur. He bent his fingers a little and testingly scratched Lesser between the ears. Lesser gave a joyful whine and pressed into the touch. Red felt encouraged and began to pet the dog in earnest.

Sans felt his own Soul swell with pride for Red, and when he glimpsed at the other Guard Dogs from the corner of his Eye Socket he saw hints of jealousy on their faces. Oh boy, looked like he and Red would have to pet some more dogs.

 

By the time Sans teleported them home Red had practically gotten adopted by the dogs.

Chapter 9: Red learns about Frisk

"Sans, i'm booooooored," Red complained.

Just a few days ago had Toriel put him to sleep and treated the old fractures on his spine, rendering him completely immobile and helpless.

Toriel had demanded that they were never to leave Red alone, he could panic and do, or at least try, something that might further damage his healing spine.

That's why Sans moved part of his work to Red's room. Mostly small parts or other things he was tinkering with and his Laptop. While he was working he talked with Red, answered his questions and got him whatever he needed or wanted.

Sometimes he helped Red with his learning since the small skeleton planned on taking the next test as soon as his spine was healed.

Right now Sans was tapping away on his Laptop and Red couldn't do anything other than listening to the clicker-clacker of the keys.

Sans looked up, checked the time and turned his attention to Red. "Huh. Never thought one of us were even able to say such a thing."

Red, whose neck was in a brace, rolled his head towards him and scowled at Sans.

Sans saved his file and closed the Laptop before turning to fully face Red. "Something you wanna talk about? Or wanna know?"

Red took the time to think about it before he spoke. "Now tha' i think 'bout i', told'ja 'bout mah 'verse but never heard how Blue's was or 'ow ya got outta da unnergroun'."

"That's an easy one. Long story short, the Kid broke the barrier."

Red cocked a browbone. "Kid? Like in Monster Kid? Dey can't ev'n break der arm! 'Ow could dey break da fucking barrier?"

Sans chuckled and shook his head. "Okay. One, that was kinda crude. And Two, i was talking about the human."

Red blinked uncomprehending.

"The anomaly?" Sans tried.

"Still no fucking idea what'cha talkin' 'bout."

Sans felt at a loss. He took a few seconds to sort his thoughts. "Okay,... How many Souls had the King collected when you left your AU?"

"Six."

"And you never met a human kid? A determined one?"

"Nope," Red replied, popping the p.

"Okay, listen. I guess, since your AU is pretty much like mine, only hostile, your King and Queen once had a son and adopted the first fallen human?"

Red nodded, as much as he could with the neckbrace. "Yeah, ever'one knows 'bout dat. Human kid got sick an' died, de prince took der Soul ta cross de barrier and got deadly hurt. Asgore swore revenge and ordered ta kill 'r capture every human ta harvest der Souls. Since den we got six. And were still waitin' for the last one ta fall."

Sans mulled this over. "But the eighth human never fell in your universe."

"Uh-uh," Red replied and if he had been able to he would've shook his head.

Sans took a deep breath. "Good. Now i know where we stand. So, in this world the last human fell, and because of their high amount of Determination they were able to manipulate time. They could SAVE and LOAD and even RESET. And they RESETTED a lot of times. They tried every possible way to reach their goal, only to RESET again for several hundred of times, until they finally gave us our happy ending and broke the barrier. Tori adopted them as her child and they promised me to never RESET again. Oh, by the way, don't talk to the others about the RESETS. I'm the only one here who is aware of them, besides the kid."

"Why?"

Sans shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe because i'm the Judge. Or because i have some DT myself thanks to Gaster's experiments. Perhaps there is no actual reason, who knows."

"Waddaya mean wi' 'dey tried ev'ry possible way'?"

Sans looked uncomfortable and visibly fought with himself before he finally took some deep breaths. "Fine, listen. They were curious. When they made it to the Judgment Hall for the first time they had rushed through the Underground, avoiding as many encounters as they could in order to make it out alive. Then they got killed by Asgore, but their Determination brought them back to a certain point before the encounter with the King and they tried again.

After several dozens of tries they made it to the surface and took the time to think. If they could go back in time, they could explore the Underground and their possibilities, maybe befriend us, find a way to get us out, anything.

So they RESETTED for the first time and took their sweet time to befriend every monster in the ruins before moving on. They did a complete pacifist run, only to dust Asgore in the end again.

Then the Kid decided to try the same thing again but without killing Fluffybuns. That's when they broke the barrier for the first time.

But something happened, i guess. They RESETTED again and this time killed one of the more common monsters. Y'know like the Froggits or Pyropes.

With every RESET they dusted more monsters, tested which ones they could kill and still break the barrier, as well as what would change when they acted differently in certain situations.

They really tried every. Fucking. Possibility. They kinda lost control for a while and did lots of Genocide runs and sometimes would go 'neutral' or even 'pacifist' randomly.

They found pleasure in messing with me when they noticed i remembered the RESETS, and Flowey's meddling wasn't really helpful, tibia honest.

After i don't know how much RESETS i tried to talk to the Kid. Unsuccessful.

I don't know what changed again but when i was on the verge of breaking, they did an 180 and regained their humanity. They regretted deeply ever killing any monster and finally did a last Pacifist run and gave us the surface.

They promised me to never RESET ever again. Somehow their weird time magic only worked when they were at - or under - Mt. Ebott, so they'd need to go there in order to RESET or even SAVE and LOAD. So as long as they stay away from that mountain i can chill.

We actually became friends again and they used to babysit Saphy before you came along."

"Dat's quite da story, dude. I sure would'a lost mah shit early on, consid'rin' de shitshow mah life was 'fore i got 'ere. Dun ev'n wanna spec'late what da human in mah world would be like."

Red thought for a few seconds.

"Ya said Flowey messed wid'cha? Mah Flowey's a coward but actually a nice guy. But i also saw some monsters at Grillby's i never met in mah 'verse... And who's dat Gaster guy ya mentioned?"

Sans furrowed his nonexistend brows in a surprised manner. "A genuinely nice Flowey? Welp, seems to be one of the bigger differences between our worlds. And after everything you told us about your universe i'm more surprised there's still a MK around than about some monsters not existing in your world."

Red scoffed. "Nobody dares ta touch Monster Kid. Dey are some sort of pet mascot ta fishbitch. And no one messes with fishbitch. Some a mah scars an' de crack on mah neck vertebra are from when she used me fer target practice. Almost decapitated me, damn bitch." Red muttered the last sentence under his breath.

While Sans still tried to digest that last bit of information, Red already found the next thing to ask about.

"So, what 'bout Gaster? Finally tell me."

Sans scratched the back of his skull, collecting his thoughts. "Well, i don't know how YOUR Gaster was characterwise, but some things are always the same. For One, Gaster is one of the few monsters still alive that lived during the war against the humans, besides Tori, Asgore and Grillbz. Two, he built the Core. Three, he was the Royal Scientist before Alphys. Four, he experimented with Souls and DT to find a way to break the barrier. And Five, he fell into the Core and got scattered across Time and Space.

While using the Machine i found a lot of timelines where Gaster was still there, and the readings created everytime a different picture. Sometimes he created us, or was our biological father, or took us in. Sometimes he treated us with love and care, indifferent if we were his children, creations or whatever. And sometimes we were just lab rats to him.

One way or the other the Sans, or the one in his place, depending on the universe, got some DT injected, either to save their life or as part of an experiment. Now that i think about it, actually that might be why we can remember RESETS, rather than being the Judge.

Whatever, when my Gaster disappeared i had a gap in my memory, just like you, Red. It came back to me when i explored our basement for the first time and found what was left from his private projects. You should know, at least in this world, our house in Snowdin used to belong to him and he used the basement for some of his experiments.

He also created the Machine, just never got to finish it. I found the blueprints, did some calculations and completed it. Now i use it to study the multiverse."

Red's expression turned thoughtful and serious. "So..., tha' time i can't 'member was when boss and me were wi' Gaster? Hmmm..., ya know, ever'time i think 'bout thos' lost... i think it hafta be three years,... i get tha' feelin' tha' things were better back den, dat dere had been someone who cared 'bout us an' protected us. If what ya're saying is true den my Gaster was a good guy an' i lost not only someone close ta me but a chance of a better life than i act'lly had. Dat's... pr'tty depressin' when ya think 'bout i'."

Red fell into dark brooding silence.

...

After a while Sans quietly asked, "you okay, buddy? What can i do for you?"

Red's breath hitched at first when he tried to answer, before he got a grip on himself. "W-would... would'ja... rub mah skull? Feels nice..." he mumbled hesitantly.

Sans smiled softly, scooted closer to the bed and put a gentle hand on Red's skull. He stroked his thumb lightly over the scarred and chipped surface of Red's skull before he started to rub slow circles into his cranium, occasionally pausing his hand to rub his thumb over Red's temple.

After a while the recovering skeleton began to purr.

Both relaxed and fell into a comfortable silence, only broken by faint sounds from outside and Red's rusty, motor-like purring.

Notes:

Have some exposition sprinkled with some heavy feelings.

Chapter 10: Red learns about Blue's story

Not long after, Blue got home.

In the qiet of the house he was able to pick up the faintest vibration of a purr. It came from Red's room.

Blue got up the stairs and carefully opened Red's door.

Sans knelt in front of the bed, gently petting Red's skull and recounting stories from his past. Blue picked up the name 'Gaster' a few times. He remembered his own Gaster. In his world the Gaster-thing went a little different from Sans'.

When the door creaked a little in its hinges Red abruptly froze, going stiff as a board, stopping breathing and Eye Lights going out.

Sans was quick to reassure the vulnerable monster. He never ceased his gentle petting and murmured in a soothing tone. "It's okay, it's just Blue. We won't let anyone get close enough to hurt you. Breathe, Red. Slowly. In... and out... in... and out. That's it. You doing great, little Cherry."

Red paused again. Now for a different reason.

Slowly he moved his Eye Lights towards Sans and stared at him for several seconds.

"Where does tha' come from?"

He was absolutely not blushing his namesake.

Sans grinned a little sheepish. "What? Don't like the nickname? I can come up with something else if you want."

Blue took pity on Red and finally came over to the bed. "SANS, STOP FLUSTERING RED," he scolded. "HE CAN'T EITHER FLEE NOR FIGHT BACK. THAT'S UNFAIR. AT LEAST WAIT UNTIL HE IS BACK ON HIS FEET AGAIN BEFORE YOU START FLIRTING IN EARNEST."

Sans, gremlin that he was, just grinned unashamed. "But he's so cute when flustered."

Red spluttered and was unable to make any kind of response, before he eventually stuttered, "k-kay, cha-change a topic. Please."

Blue redirected his attention to Red. "I AM SORRY, RED. OF COURSE WE CAN TALK ABOUT SOMETHING DIFFERENT. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT?"

Red took a few breaths to calm down and force the blush from his face.

"Da asshat 'ere," Red nodded towards Sans as good as was possible with his neckbrace, "tol' me 'bout dis world an' 'ow dey got outta Underground an' sh-... stuff. Ya both know mah story an' 'bout mah Underground, but i dun know shi-uhh... a-an'thin' 'bout da 'verse ya come from, Blue."

Blue beamed. He noticed how hard Red tried to not curse. He really apprecciated that. Then he took a moment to think about how to start.

"WELL, MY WORLD IS CALLED UNDERSWAP. YOU MIGHT HAVE NOTICED THAT MY MAGNIFICENT PERSONALITY RESEMBLES CLOSELY THAT OF THIS WORLD'S PAPYRUS." Red hummed to confirm he noticed and to show that he was listening. "SO, IN UNDERSWAP CERTAIN... 'ROLES' ARE... WELL... SWAPPED.

LIKE FOR EXAMPLE ME AND MY BROTHER, FLOWEY AND TEMMIE, UNDYNE AND ALPHYS, THE KING AND QUEEN, ETC. WE DON'T HAVE METTATON, BUT NAPSTATON, HE IS A FAMOUS DJ. FURTHER ARE FRISK AND CHARA SWAPPED, BRATTY AND CATTY WITH THE BUNNY LADIES, AS WELL AS MK AND ASRIEL, AND GASTER AND THE RIVERPERSON. AND BP AND THE NICE CREAM GUY.

SOME THINGS ARE NOT SWAPPED YET DIFFERENT, LIKE I DIDN'T MASTER THE ART OF SPAGHETTI COOKING, BUT ASSEMBLING TACOS. MY BROTHER DOESN'T DRINK A CONDIMENT, HE CONSUMES HONEY. AND HE SMOKES WHEN STRESSED OUT. WE ARE TWINS, WITH ME BEING THE FIRSTBORN AND, UNLIKE SANS, I AM NOT THE JUDGE OF MY WORLD. ALSO OUR SNOWDIN UNIT DOES NOT CONSIST OF DOGS, BUT CATS. WHEN I GOT HERE MONSTERKIND WAS STILL UNDERGROUND."

Red let all that information slowly sink in. "Ya say ya Gaster is swapped wi' da Riverguy? Does tha' mean in ya world da Riverguy fell in th' Core?"

"WELL, NOT QUITE. THAT IS ANOTHER THING THAT WENT DIFFERENT. GASTER IS MINE AND PAPPY'S FATHER AND ONCE WAS THE ROYAL SCIENTIST. WHEN WE STILL WERE PRETTY YOUNG OUR GASTER HAD AN ACCIDENT WHILE DOING SOME MAINTENANCE AT THE CORE. I AM NOT THAT GOOD WITH SCIENCEY STUFF AND WAS WAY TOO YOUNG TO UNDERSTAND ANY OF THAT ANYWAYS. HOWEVER, OUR FATHER DIDN'T FALL INTO THE CORE BUT STILL WAS EFFECTED BY IT. HE SLOWLY LOST HIS MEMORIES AND AT SOME POINT HE EVEN DIDN'T REMEMBER US. SINCE HE COULDN'T BE A SCIENTIST ANYMORE HE BECAME THE RIVERPERSON. OVER TIME HIS ACTUAL NAME BECAME FORGOTTEN BY THE OTHER MONSTERS AND PAPPY AND I MAY STILL REMEMBER HIM, BUT IT HURTS TO THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT HIM.

WHEN HE... FORGOT ABOUT US MUFFET TOOK PAPPY AND ME IN AND RAISED US AS HERS. SHE IS SWAPPED WITH GRILLBY IN MY WORLD, BY THE WAY."

"How did'ja get here?"

"WELL, WHEN WE GREW UP PAPPY TURNED OUT AS SMART AND SCIENCEY AS OUR FATHER AND BEGAN TO DIG AROUND IN HIS OLD WORK FILES. HE MADE OUR BASEMENT INTO A LABORATORY WHEN WE ACQUIRED OUR HOUSE SINCE MUFFET'S PLACE BECAME TOO SMALL FOR THE THREE OF US. HE BUILT THE MACHINE, BUT NEVER GOT IT TO WORK.

THEN CHARA FELL INTO THE UNDERGROUND AND WENT THROUGH SEVERAL RESETS. PAPPY STILL WORKED ON THE MACHINE AND ONE DAY WE GOT INTO A FIGHT OVER THAT THING. PAPPY WAS POSSESSED BY THE IDEA TO FIND A WAY OUT OF THE UNDERGROUND WHEN HE MANAGED TO GET THE MACHINE TO FUNCTION. HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING ELSE AND THAT MADE ME ANGRY, HE WASN'T EVEN LISTENING TO ME ANYMORE.

I WRESTLED THE WRENCH OUT OF HIS HANDS AND WIELDED IT WHILE I GAVE PAPPY A PIECE OF MY MIND. THE WRENCH SLIPPED THROUGH MY FINGERS AND ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE MACHINE. IT MADE SOME WEIRD NOISES BUT SINCE NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED WE DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT. THE NEXT DAY THE HUMAN RESETTED.

WHEN I WOKE UP I WAS IN SANS' LAB. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS PAPPY'S, BUT THEN I SAW A FRAMED PICTURE OF SANS AND HIS PAPYRUS, AND KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG.

I UNKNOWINGLY HAD SET OFF SANS' SECURITY SYSTEM AND SUDDENLY HE POPPED UP RIGHT AT THE DOOR." Blue snickered before continuing. "WHEN HE SAW ME HIS EYE SOCKETS BECAME AS BIG AS DINNER PLATES. THAT LOOK OF UTTER DISBELIEF WAS HILARIOUS, LOOKING BACK NOW."

Red snorted. "Pfft, heh, wish i coulda seen dat!"

Blue grinned. "IT WAS, INDEED, A SIGHT TO BE SEEN. I WISH I'D HAD A CAMERA BACK THEN, BUT MY OLD CELLPHONE DIDN'T HAVE THAT FUNCTION ANYWAYS.

HOWEVER, TO MAKE VERY HECTIC AND CONFUSING THINGS SHORT, SANS AND PAPYRUS GAVE ME THEIR GUEST BEDROOM, PAPYRUS GAVE ME THE NICKNAME 'BLUE' AND SANS TRIED TO GET THE MACHINE TO FUNCTION TO SEND ME BACK HOME.

AS WE TOLD YOU SOME TIME BACK, HE ONLY MANAGED TO GET A READING ON MY WORLD. HE FOUND DUE TO MY MAGICAL SIGNATURE, IF I UNDERSTOOD THIS CORRECTLY." He shot Sans a questioning look, who just smiled his gentle, lazy smile and nodded confirming.

"THE RESETS IN MY UNIVERSE CONTINUED ON UNTIL TWO YEARS BACK. ACCORDING TO THE READINGS MONSTERKIND GOT TO THE SURFACE AND THERE HADN'T BEEN ANY MORE RESETS EVER SINCE.

WHILE WE FOLLOWED THE HAPPENINGS IN MY WORLD, WE ALSO DISCOVERED COUNTLESS OTHER UNIVERSES AND SANS STUDIED THEM, TELLING ME WHEN HE FOUND ONE THAT SEEMED PARTICULARLY INTERESTING.

OVER TIME WE FELL IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER AND A FEW WEEKS AFTER PAP MOVED OUT I WENT INTO HEAT AND... WELL... SAPHY HAPPENED.

AND ABOUT TWO YEARS LATER I GOT PREGNANT WITH OUR LITTLE BIRD. BUT THEN I GOT HIT BY THAT CAR, LOST OUR LITTLE BIRD AND AM UNABLE TO CARRY A SOULING, BUT WE TOLD YOU THIS ALREADY."

Red hummed an affirmative again. "How lon' had it been since ya came here?" he asked.

Blue thought about it. "I THINK IT MUST HAVE BEEN... SOMETHING AROUND EIGHT YEARS BY NOW?" He looked at Sans for confirmation. Sans nodded slowly. "It's been seven years and ten months to be precise, give and take a few days.

Saphy's birthday is only a month away. She surely wants to invite her friends, meaning our house will be swarmed by literally a horde of little monsters. Plus some humans. Luckily you should be back on your feet by then, Red," Sans chuckled.

Red grinned. "Sounds like madness. Will be fun."

Then he yawned long and felt sleepiness seep into his bones. "Nap time, i guess. Wake me when it's time fer mah meds or dinner."

With that Red fell asleep, while Sans and Blue quietly shared some memories and began to make first plans on saphy's birthday.

Notes:

Shut up and take my exposition!

Chapter 11: A bump in the road

When Red woke up from Sans softly calling his name, he knew immediately, that he'd gotten sick again. His skull was pounding and he felt hot and cold and uncomfortable.

He blinked blearily at Sans before turning his head away with a groan.

Sans frowned, worried. He understood as soon as he touched Red's burning forehead.

"Do you want something?" he asked, quietly to not aggravate Red's headache.

Red gave the smallest headshake, not only because of the neckbrace.

Sans frowned. "You need to eat something, Cherry. Would you try some soup? Please?"

If Sans had been an Alpha he could've just made Red eating something, but despite being in a kind of authorative position over Red as a Beta, Sans stayed patient and gentle with him, trying to convince him with reason to try and eat. Red was eternally grateful for this.

"C'n try," he slurred, giving in to Sans' gentle insistence.

Sans smiled and almost leaned in to kiss Red on his head, but got a hold of himself just in time. Instead he stroke his hand over Red's cranium and got up. "I tell Blue. You just rest and let yourself be pampered by us."

Red didn't reply.

Sans gave Red's head a last pat before leaving for the kitchen.

The small Omega didn't know how much time had passed when Sans came back, soup bowl in hands. He knelt down beside the bed and put his hand on Red's forehead to get his attention.

"Heya, buddy. I'm back. How are you feeling?"

"Tired," was the mumbled answer.

Sans smiled sympathetically. "I'll let you rest soon. But you need to eat first."

The first two or three spoons of soup were a struggle for Red, but then his body accepted the food and eating became easier.

When the bowl was empty and Red declined a second helping, Sans got a cool washcloth, wiped Red's feverish face and put it on his forehead.

Red sighed in relief, shut his eyes and was out like a light.

---

Later in the night a bloodcurdling scream rang through the silent house, tearing everyone from Sleep's embrace.

While Blue checked on Saphy, Sans teleported into Red's room.

The Omega was crying in his sleep, stammering apologies and pleads for mercy while tossing and turning.

Just as Sans decided to immobilize Red with blue Magic and try to wake him from his nightmare, he heard an unmistakable snap and a cry of pain.

At least the pain made Red jolting awake. Sans was at his side in an instant, gently petting his skull and reassuring him that he was safe, that it just had been a bad dream.

It took a few minutes for Red to calm down enough to comprehend what was going on and what was said to him.

"Red, i heard something snap. Can you tell if anything hurts?" Sans asked.

Red took stock of himself focusing on where there might be a fresh pain that wasn't there before. Carefully he made small movements with his limbs, until he found something.

"Feels like i snapped mah left collarbone an' da first rib. You would hafta look, i can't move 'nough."

Sans nodded and carefully peeled back the button up pj shirt Red wore, to take a look.

Yep, the collarbone was positively broken in two, as well as the first rib, and the second had a fresh crack.

Sans fished his phone from his pocket and went to his contacts.

"What'cha doin'," Red asked. "Calling Tori," was the reply.

Red frowned nervous. "But it's da middle of da night. We shouldn't disturb 'er."

Sans gave him a deadpan look. "My dear Cherry pop, you just snapped your collarbone and a rib and fractured another one just because of a nightmare. Tori will have my skull if i'd wait until tomorrow and let you be in pain longer than necessary. Nope. I call her and go get her, so she can fix your broken shoulder."

Before Red could protest, Sans had pressed the call button and waited for the former queen to answer. After it rang several times, the call was answered by a sleepy voice, asking, "who's there?"

"Sorry, this isn't a knock knock joke."

"Sa- *yawn* Sans? What happened, my dear friend?"

Sans looked at Red. "Sorry for waking you, Tori. But Red had a nightmare and hurt himself during his thrashing. I'm coming to pick you up."

"Okay, i'll be ready, my friend," came the, suddenly wide awake, answer.

Sans ended the call and ported away, only to return the next moment, holding Toriel's hand.

The old goat monster shook the disorientation off and came over to the bed. "Hello Red. Sans told me you got hurt?"

Red nervously avoided her gaze. "'M sorry ta bother ya, ya majesty. I could've waited until mornin'."

"No Red, no. It's okay. Really. I rather you telling me right away when you need help, than suffer unnecessarily. Please don't apologize. It's fine, promise."

The emotional strain of the nightmare and its aftermath had tears forming in Red's Eye Sockets. He was still shaken by his bad dream and the fears of his past haunted him.

Sans knelt down at the head of the bed and stroke Red's head to comfort him, while Tori inspected the fresh injuries.

Carefully she put the bones back together and fused them with her Healing Magic, so they were stable.

Under the warm, caring intend in Tori's Magic Red fell asleep, purring softly.

Toriel turned to Sans. "I think it's better if someone would stay with him for the rest of the night."

Sans nodded. "Sure Tori. Just let me get you back home. Thanks for your help. It's really apprecciated."

Toriel smiled softly. "Anytime, my friend. Anytime."

Sans ported her back to her place and told Blue, after returning home.

All three of them spent the rest of the night in Red's room, Saphy snuggled up to Red's side, Blue camping in a sleeping bag and Sans sitting at Red's other side, leaning against the headboard and holding Red's hand.

If he felt a little stiff in the morning it was his business alone.

Chapter 12: Ass-gore the mad king

The Healing Fever passed within a few days and Red got bored when he was well enough again to not sleep away the whole day.

So Sans helped him learn for the Junior High School Test he wanted to take as soon as he could.

Sans read paragraphs to him, asked questions about it to test Red's memory and understanding, and when things were confusing they looked them up together and watched educational videos online.

Red liked the history documentaries, those were easy to understand. Why historical figures acted in a certain way and why things turned out the way they did. Why kids still had to learn from dry, musty books and chew boring dates and facts while the same stuff could be quite interesting when taught orherwise, was beyond him.

When he asked Sans about it the lazy Beta couldn't give him an answer either.

Whatever.

After Red got more knowledgeable about history, geography, math and surface biology he started a pun war with Sans, that had them both in stitches after only a few minutes.

After they recovered, they fell into a comfortable silence for a moment.

Then Sans became curious.

"Hey Red. You already told us about your childhood and life. But, what about your Toriel and Asgore? I mean, when Tori came over to examine your old injuries that first time, you clearly knew who she was, but you were obviously surprised that she was the Lady behind the Ruin's door."

Red sighed, thinking. "Ever'ne knew 'bout de queen, Ass-Gore made sure 'f it. 'T's call'd prop'ganda, Sans. 'E paint'd 'er a trait'r. M' f'ckwar' 'f a broth'r swore ta fin' 'er someday, bu' if she's in da Ruins, 'e c'n keep lookin' fer 'er 'ntil k'ngdom come. Heh, serv's 'im righ'."

Sans looked a little uncomfortable. "So, he isn't just all bark and no bite in your AU, huh. Our Asgore is a big softie and ridden with guilt about killing the humans that fell into the Underground, especially since they all had been kids."

Red snorted. "Fuck no! 'E's nothin' bu' LV and br'tality beneath his shaggy fur, an' 'e is proud of ev'ry EXP 'e 'as on 'is name. 'E blames the first kid, de one dey 'dopted, fer causin' de death o' de prince.

I 'eard rumors 'bout 'im eatin' de bodies of de humans af'er 'e 'arvested deir Souls. Dun know if tha's tru tho."

...

Sans looked at Red, horrified. "That's pretty sick, you know that, Cherry pop?"

Red blushed at the nickname, but shrugged it off. "Ya, i know. Dere's a lotta whisperin' goin' on in mah world. De King go' insane from too much LV, de King's a cannib'l, eatin' other monst'rs, pris'ners, alive, 'e drinks deir blood an' Magic, 'e isn't a monst'r anymore, sooner er later 'e'll flip completely an' kill of ev'ry monst'r in de unnergroun'. Dat's de most famous ones, but dere're more, fer ev'ry monst'r in de unnergroun dere're ten rumours goin' 'round. An' when ya know de King, ya won' be able ta tell what's true and what not."

A chill ran down Sans' spine. Following a sudden, strong urge, he hugged Red and buried his face in the neckbrace. "I'm so glad you made it here," he whispered, and Red could hear how close the tears were.

He hugged Sans back as best as he could with his still healing broken shoulder and immobilized spine. He felt the other needed this.

"'T's okay, Sansy. 'M with you an' yer fam'ly now, an' i sure as hell dun plan on ev'r goin' back agin.

Heh, i take it yer King's a walkin' talkin' plush toy, when hearin' of mine rattles yer bones tha' much."

Despite being half in tears Sans couldn't help the snort-laugh that escaped him. "That's so cheesy. I should call you 'pizza'."

They remained silent for a short while, before Sans started speaking again, his face still buried in Red's uninjured shoulder. "Hey, um, that bastard... did he... you know... too?" Sans feared the answer.

"Yeah," quiet and unspectacular. "Jus' covered mah pelv'c inle' wi' a layer a Magic. Woul' i have formed anythin' 'e woulda ripped me open. S'ill almos' broke mah ass... bu' i thin' dat's too much information."

The last few words were choked out because Sans had tightened his grip on him to a crushing quality.

"Everytime i learn something new about you or your world i get more horrified by it,... and amazed by how much you have endured and survived so far. Do you have any idea, how amazing you are?"

Red felt his face grow hot at Sans' words and didn't know what to say or do.

They stayed pressed together like that, eventually falling asleep.

Feeling Sans so close soothed Red's mind and kept any nightmares away.

Chapter 13: A golden tooth and plans for the future

Red hadn't expected what a great relief he would feel at learning that it wasn't just him who thought his world was fucked up.

Seeing the distress it caused Sans, hearing about Red's universe, made something in the Omega's Soul unknot.

While still in his own universe he'd always thought something was wrong with him since all the other monsters there seemed not to care about all the violence and killing.

Now, in a world with monsters, and apparently humans, that were friendly by default and repulsed by the mere thought of hurting another one, Red realized, there was nothing wrong with him. It was his world that was messed up.

His opinions on violence and cruelty were right and normal, he wasn't a weak, pathetic freak for wanting to not be hurt and neither wanting to hurt others.

Sure part of it was his Omega nature that craved safety and protection. But he had always wished for a better life.

That revelation made it easier for him to give in when Sans and Blue suggested he might benefit from therapy.

But this would have to wait until later.

He was still in the process of getting his bones reset and healed. Plus, he was preparing for his next test.

He took it as soon as he was able to sit upright for a longer period of time without pain.

And he aced it. Again.

The questions were mostly about human and surface stuff, but every part, except mathematics, had a section of 'temporarily optional questions', consisting of monster related questions.

Since it hadn't been that long yet since monsterkind was freed from the Underground, the schools were still adjusting, intergrating monster related classes like monster history, Underground biology and monster science into the school schedules. Sooner or later it would be fully integrated into school and society.

Of course the optional questions were a breeze for Red too.

When he got his results, they were perfect, and now Red had only the High School Graduation Test to take and he would be able to study whatever he wanted.

But first he had an appointment with a monster dentist to get a replacement for his missing tooth.

Red was a little anxious, he had only ever left the house once before since he was here. Sans and Blue told him it was fine. He hadn't met that many people yet, besides Blue, Sans, Saphy, Papyrus and Toriel. It was understable that he was nervous.

The two Betas took Red between them while Saphy skipped ahead of them, knowing the way because the whole family went to this dentist.

 

The procedure took a while, the doc took a look at Red's teeth in general, before taking an imprint of the gap and the match to the missing tooth on the other side of his upper jaw to make a mold for a mirrored duplicate to fit into the gap.

Since the two Betas insisted that Red would look 'so cool' with a gold tooth, he didn't put up much of a fight about this and agreed on the gold tooth.

After making the replacement the doc filled the hole, left behind by the tooth root, with some special filling and fitted the replacement into the right position. Then he used his Healing Magic and the filling became actual bone matter, fusing the golden tooth to Red's jaw.

It was a little strange for Red, to have a tooth again where the gap had been for so long.

After the dentist gave Red a sugarfree sucker and a toothbrush, he sent the skeletons on their way.

 

Emboldened by the good experience with the dentist Red agreed when Blue asked if they should go and eat at Grillby's, or just get some take out.

The bar/restaurant was full of people, humans and monsters alike, eating and chatting.

Sans beelined straight for the bar, stopping at the stools and waiting for the others.

He and Blue helped Red up onto the barstool next to Sans' favorite seat before seating themselves on both of Red's sides so he wouldn't feel to exposed to the many strangers around them.

Eventually Sans lifted Saphy up with blue Magic and sat her on the counter. "Hey, Grillbz," he greeted in his relaxed, lazy tone everyone knew. "HELLO, UNCA GRILLY," Saphy gave her own cheery greeting to the fire elemental.

Red took the time to take in this Grillby's appearance. Even if he had been here already with Sans, the differences were still astonishing.

He was the same height as the Grillby he knew, but that's where the similarities ended. This Grillby burned in shades between yellow and orange-red, he wore a starched white dress shirt under a black vest, black slacks and a neatly tied bowtie. He was polishing glasses between fullfilling the customers orders.

His face wrinkled in a way that indicated he was smiling when he looked at the skeletons. He only paused shortly when his gaze landed on Red.

"Hello," he greeted the four in a soft friendly voice, interlaced with the sound of gentle fire crackling, "it's nice to see you again... Red was it?"

Red nodded and Sans stepped in, saving him from having to talk to people.

"We were just at the dentist to get him his golden tooth. Looks cool, doesn't it?"

Grillby nodded again. "It suits you, Red."

The small Omega blushed and mumbled a 'thanks'.

Grillby decided to spare Red any more conversation he obviously wasn't comfortable with yet. "What can i get you?" he asked instead.

"The usual, for Red too, but with mustard instead of ketchup. Like last time."

"I TAKE A CHICKEN SALAD AND SWEET POTATO FRIES. AND A KID'S MENU FOR SAPHY," Blue ordered for him and the babybones.

Grillby nodded, "which kind of shakes?"

"BANANANANA," Saphy announced enthusiastic. "STRAWBERRY," Blue said.

"Ummm... c-can i g-get a... ch-ch-chocolat shake?" Red asked meekly, half sinking into his heavy leather jacket.

"Of course," Grillby confirmed softly, before turning to Sans. "The usual." It wasn't a question. Sans nodded, "the usual."

Grillby nodded back and disappeared into the back to get their orders done.

"So, uh, do you know, what you gonna do, after you've graduated? Wanna go to college? Study something? With your grades you could take any class you want to," Sans asked.

Red squirmed on his seat. "'M not sure yet. I still hafta take de High School Test, but i'd like ta work in da science field agin. Bu' i thin' i should learn more 'bout it firs'. So... i thin' study it is... maybe i c'n get... wha' is it called? An internship?"

"SOUNDS GOOD. IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO GET YOU ENROLLED AT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR THE SEMESTER AFTER THE UPCOMING ONE. WHEN YOU FEEL READY FOR IT, THAT IS, DEAR RED."

"Yea," Sans agreed, "Blue is right. Nobody's gonna hurt ya, but some people can still be rude or unintentionally intimidating. We can't come with you to classes when you start college, so we just want to make sure you'll be alright on your own."

Red thought about it. They were right. It wasn't 'just' social anxiety. He was scared of strangers. He had never met humans before, he was still in the middle of getting his malformed bones treated. And he had no idea if his status as an Omega had any influence on how others would see him. Or how he would react to others.

Before he could put any of this into words, however, Grillby returned from the kitchen, carrying a tray food. Behind him followed a young fire elemental with their shakes.

Red had never seen a monster like her back in his own world. She wore a waitress outfit, her flames were emerald green and she had small beady eyes, that sparkled with life and friendliness.

Sans must've noticed Red's staring, he leaned over and mumbled, "that's Fuku, Grillby's daughter. She's in college, but she helps out around the bar during summer break and such. She's really nice."

When Grillby put the plate with food in front of her, Saphy beamed at him. "THANKS UNCA GRILLY. YOU KNOW WHAT?"

Grillby tilted his head slightly in polite interest. "No, what is it Saphy?"

She puffed up her small chest in second hand pride and announced, "UNCA RED ASSED HIS TEST!"

Not only Red, who already had taken a bite out of his burger, almost spit out what he had in his mouth, the customers around them had inevitably heard what the babybones just had said, and either choked on their food or drinks or almost spit it out in a mix of shocked surprise and laughter.

Kids. Sometimes really said the weirdest things.

Red managed to wrestle the bite down and then looked at the innocent beaming kid. "Uh, sweets, it's 'aced', not... what you said."

Grillby relaxed while Fuku had a hard time containing her laughter. She snorted and snickered behind her father and tried to compose herself.

"My congratulations, Red," Grillby managed, but one could hear the mirth in his voice. He, too, had a time to maintain a straight face. "Are you going to enroll at college?"

Red blushed, still not used to being praised. "A-actually yes. I'd like ta study de physics. Ya know, string theory, quantum physics and stuff. But it was just the Junior High Grades. I still hafta do de High School Grades." To not have to talk more right now, he took another bite from his burger.

Why was everyone asking him about college already?

Some customers signaling Grillby and Fuku spared Red from any further conversation.

Later they did a little shopping for Saphy's birthday and to get Red more clothes.

Red liked his coat, but it was torn and he did needed a new one.

So they got him some comfortable jeans and sweat pants, shirts, hoodies, sweaters and a new pair of sneakers. And, of course, a new leather jacket, black and red, with golden studs.

Red loved it. He looked so badass in it.

Chapter 14: An eventful birthday party

Eventually the day of Saphy's birthday rolled around.

While the babybones was in kindergarten the three Sanses prepared everything for the party.

Blue turned the kitchen into a warzone in order to make the cake, while Sans and Red decorated the living room and the garden, hanging up streamers and garlands and blowing up balloons. Quite a feat for someone without lungs. Or lips.

They sat up a table for the presents and a buffet with fruit punch, lemonade, cookies, sandwiches, hotdogs, burgers, their vegan cousins, cupcakes and more.

Later there would be a magician and party games.

For someone as lazy as Sans it meant something putting that much effort into anything, but for Saphy Sans would've picked the stars from the nightsky.

Later, when everything was ready, the only thing left to do, was to pick up Saphy from kindergarten and wait for her friends.

Some of the first to arrive were some humans from the neighborhood with their kids.

After Red was introduced to them Blue rushed outside to watch the kids while the other parents stayed in the kitchen to chat a little and have a drink.

Red and Sans, a little tired after preparing everything for the party, had retreated to the living room and sat on the couch to take a break before the other kids would arrive and they'd have to help Blue keeping the party from going out of hands.

After a few minutes of just existing Red got up to get something to drink from the kitchen.

When he approached the doorway he could hear the human parents talking. He paused when his name fell.

"... don't know what to make of this Red." "Ya, have you seen all the cracks and scars on his face? If he, at least, hadn't been involved in something shady, i don't know what else to think of this." "Probably a gang member. He either left for an easier life or went into hiding. Nobody looks like this without having anything criminal going on." "And those teeth. I don't want to know how much damage he could do with those. Looks like some rabid beast, if you ask me. The kids will be scared for life when they see him."

Some noises of agreement could be heard. "He really looks scary. I bet he's mean and rude, too. I hope, he won't swear too much around the kids."

There was more, but Red didn't hear it. He had already teleported to his room.

He crawled into his cave nest and began to cry.

Some time had passed and Sans had dozed off on the couch, when the doorbell rang and pulled him from the verge of deeper sleep.

He got up, stretched and trudged to the front door to answer it.

It were Undyne, Alphys, their daughter, and MK and their little brother MB.

"Hi, Nerd," Undyne half-roared in her confident, loud way, "how's it hangin'? How's your Omega doin'?"

"Heya, Dyne," Sans replied, "Red's doin' fine so far. Tori has still do treat his ribs and arms, but at least he's able to move without pain."

Alphys piped up. "H-her majesty told me th-that he's working o-on his school g-g-gradua-ation, s-so he c-can work i-in the sc-scientific f-field. I-is that t-true?"

Sans nodded with a lazy but fond grin. "Yep, he's smart as heck and just aced the Junior High Grade. It's only the High School Graduation Test now and he'll be able to study quantum physics and stuff. At least that's what he said he wants to do."

Alphys made big eyes. "O-oh, if h-he's that g-good, maybe he wants t-to become my a-assistant."

Sans shrugged, "Red said he would like to take an internship, so... i don't see why not. But you should talk to him about this."

As if suddenly struck by a thought Sans looked towards the kitchen and then around the living room. "Hm, i wonder where he went. He wanted to get something to drink from the kitchen, but i can't remember him coming back."

"Maybe the cloud of pheromones from upstairs could explain that," Undyne mumbled.

Sans whirled around to her. "What pheromones?" Now that he paid attention to it, he could smell the distress pheromones of Red, coming from upstairs.

"Oh, dear," Sans mumbled under his breath before teleporting in front of Red's door, Undyne and Alphys following by foot while MK took the other kids to the garden to greet Saphy.

Sans knocked and called out. "Red? It's me, Sans. Can i come in?"

No answer.

Undyne already wanted to rip the door of its hinges, but a death glare from Sans reminded her that this wasn't her Omega and therefore not her business. Red also might have panicked if she'd done it.

Sans took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders before reaching for the door.

It wasn't locked.

At least something.

Sans carefully opened the door and called for Red again.

Alphys' eyes became blown out at the sight of the fluffy paradise that was Red's room. An Omega's dream come true.

Then they heard soft sobs and sniffles from the closet, the door was only a little ajar.

"Red?" Sans called softly and approached the closet. "What's wrong, Cherry Pop?"

He slowly opened the closet door and found Red burrowed and curled up under his blankets, crying his eyes out.

Sans squatted down at the edge of the nest and carefully reached under the blankets with one of his hands. "Red? Come on, tell little ol' me what's wrong. What got you so upset?"

His hand found Red's back and he began to rub gentle circles into it.

Between hiccups and sniffles Red's answer was incomprehensible.

Sans tilted his head. "Sorry, Cherry Pop, i didn't catch that. Can you say it again, please"

Red fought with his sobbing for a moment, before he repeated himself, "dun w-wanna *sniff* sca-are th- the k-kids...*hiccup* *sob*"

Sans furrowed his brow. "Why would the kids be scared of you? There's nothing scary about ya."

Slowly he pulled Red into a sitting position.

Red's ribs heaved from his hard sobs. "B-but.. mah teeth... and scars..the humans..." was everything Sans, Undyne and Alphys could make out.

Sans frowned. "So, that's what happened..."

He then looked up at his friends. "Alph, come here, please." The small lizard monster complied and sat down next to Sans.

He gave her a grateful smile, then returned his attention to Red under his blanket bundle. Gently he began to peel the layers away until he freed Red's tearstained face. "There you are, Cherry Pop. I can assure you, there's nothing scary about ya. Or had you ever the feeling Saphy was afraid of you?"

Red slightly shook his head no, "b-but she's a ske-skeleton. And she knows m-me already."

Sans thumbed Red's tears away. "Humans don't know shit. Not even about their own kids. They're just biased fucks and i won't ever allow them to treat you like this. Now that i know, i will protect you from that. Promise."

Red stared at Sans. He knew how much the other hated to make promises. Especially since he took them serious.

He sniffled again and nodded. Sans smiled and pulled Red into a hug.

When he released him again, Red noticed the yellow lizard next to Sans. "Hi," he mumbled shyly and a little embarassed, knowing she had witnessed everything, "ya must be this world's Alphys?"

Alphys nodded. "I-it's nice to m-meet you, Red. Wh-when Sans and B-blue borrowed th-the m-medical equipment, i-i didn't g-get to s-see you. I-it's good to h-have a f-face to the s-stories Sans t-told me about you." She threw Sans a quick look. "A-and don't worry. I d-don't think you l-look scary, at all."

"Really?" Red asked hopefully.

"Really," Alphys assured. "When i-i'm not scared o-of Undyne th-then why sh-should i b-be s-scared of you?" With these words she pointed her thumb over her shoulder to Undyne, who gave Red a shark grin, showing off her even scarier teeth.

Sans cupped Red's cheek with his hand. "Can i leave you with them for a moment? I have to take care of something."

Red looked at Alphys, then at Undyne. Somehow none of them made him feel threatened, so he nodded.

Sans smiled. "Be right back."

And with that he ported away.

"Sans t-told us you p-passed your t-test. C-congrat-tulations, Red," Alphys tried to change the topic.

Red sniffed one last time and wiped his eyes. "Thanks. This human stuff is so new to me, it's int'resting. Some monster things too."

"Oh yeah, you're another Sans," Undyne remembered, "how're the other us'?"

"S-seriously, Undyne," Alphys muttered under her breath, then to Red, "i-if you don't mind?"

Red shrugged. "Tol' Sansy 'lready 'bout it, so why not. Mah Alphys is de Royal Scientist, but she's as insane as a shithouse rat. Mah Dyne is captain of de Royal Guard, wi' Boss as'er second in command.

She's cruel an' a sadist when it comes to punishments, be it insubordinate guards or criminals. She used me fer target practice from time ta time. Hard ta b'lieve tha' it was 'er who saved us when we were small kids an' go' attacked by a gang. I lost mah tooth ta some asshole an' mah bro's admiration ta fishbitch. Uh... no offense, Undyne. But yer alternate in mah world sucked.

Whatever, after that mah bro followed 'er like a ducklin' and eventually she began trainin' him an' made 'im a sentry until he became a real guard. Nowadays she has MK as her pet mascot."

"Wow, sounds like yer world's really a tough one. And, dun worry, no offense taken, nerd."

Red huffed. "'Tough'. Dat's also a way ta put i'. It's kill or be killed, plain an' simple. Dunno how i survived that long."

Alphys decided to steer the conversation back towards more positive topics. "L-like i said, C-congrat-tulations for your s-success, Red. I-if you ever w-want to t-talk about science, or if you h-have questions a-about something, i-i'd love t-to talk nerd with you."

Red looked up at her, a little baffled. "Ya would like ta talk 'bout science stuff wi' me? Ser'sly?"

Alphys nodded enthusiastically now. "O-of course. Even in the l-lab there's h-hardly anyone who wants t-to talk about science o-outside of work. I-is there anything y-you have questions about, or y-you want to talk about?"

What followed was a nerd-out of the two Omegas while Undyne just existed, being there to give her mate the silent reassurance that her Alpha would protect her. And Red.

Undyne could see how sweet the small skeleton was beneath his edgy look. She actually found he looked badass, but after him getting upset about the possibility that he might look threatening or something, she wouldn't word it that way.

Maybe 'cool' was the better term.

---

When Sans landed in the living room, he heard the doorbell ring.

It was Toriel with Frisk, and Sans remembered that Red hadn't met them yet.

Frisk could immediately see that something was bothering Sans and tilted their head. During all the Resets they'd learned to read Sans like a book.

"Hi, Tori. Hi, kiddo," he drawled, happy to see them but still angry for Red's sake.

"Hello Sans. How is everyone doing? I heard Red passed his test?"

Sans nodded, a fond - and maybe a teensy tiny little bit dopey - grin on his face. "Yep. Wasn't really a surprise, though. He likes to learn and is smart as heck." If Sans' voice rang a little with pride, none of his two friends mentioned it.

Then Sans' Eye Lights met Frisk's eyes and his smile fell a little. "Dun mean to be a downer since this is Saphy's birthday party, but Red just had an episode and there's something i need to take care of."

Tori immediately looked concerned. "Oh dear, what happened? Is he alright?"

Sans glimpsed upstairs to Red's door. "I think he's fine now. But he overheard some of the humans talking bad about him and he had a breakdown. Alph and Dyne are with him right now. He and Alph are probably nerding about science related things."

Tori raised an eyebrow. "You plan to give those humans quite a talking to, i suppose? Do you need help?"

Sans shrugged. "Not really, but you are invited to watch the show." He knew, Frisk was always worried when one of their friends went head on with one or several humans. Even if it was just verbal.

So the two of them followed Sans to the kitchen, but stayed in the doorway while Sans planted his short, sturdy figure in front of the group of humans, still gossiping.

He kept his smile as bright as he could, cleared his throat to gain the humans' attention and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

When they fell silent and looked at him, visibly weirded out a little because of the contradiction that were his posture and his too wide smile, he asked them, "has anyone an idea, why i found Red in his room, crying his Eye Sockets out?"

Someone in the group muttered, "what a wuss," under their breath, but Sans and Toriel and Frisk heard it. "No idea, Sans. Sorry," a woman replied to his question.

Sans kept his grin, it looked a little strained now, and tilted his head. "You sure you have no idea? None of you said something about him looking scary? Or something?"

Some of the humans paled visibly and got nervous. Including the woman that had answered him. "Nnnnope. No idea."

Sans fixed them with his gaze for a few more nerve wrecking seconds, before he shrugged. "Eh, whatever. I'll just ask the flowers." With that he went to the counter, where a flower box stood, planted with blue glowing flowers.

While the humans still watched him, a little bewildered, he tapped one flower and it began talking. "...bably a gang member. He either left for an easier life or went into hiding. Nobody looks like this without having anything criminal going on." "And those teeth. I don't want to know how much damage he could do with those. Looks like some rabid beast, if you ask me. The kids will be scared for life when..."

Sans looked at the group with an unamused expression, one eyebrow raised. "Shall we hear the other flowers out?" he asked dryly. "How dare ya bunch a Helens shittalkin' one a the sweetest monsters in existence?" His voice was dangerously low. "Ya don't know shit about what he's been through, how cruel life had been to him without him deserving any of it. Yet here ya are, at my daughter's birthday party, and ya have nothing better ta do than ta drag OUR OMEGA through the silt?"

The humans now shrunk back. They knew Sans and Blue were Betas, but Betas were as protective over their Omegas as Alphas would. They'd opened Pandora's box, and. They. Knew. It.

Suddenly a small voice called from the door that lead from the kitchen out to the garden. "Mom?"

Everyone looked towards the door.

There stood a horde of kids, monsters and humans alike, and stared at the adults, aghast. "Mommy, that was really mean," a small girl chided her mother. "Saphy said that Red is really nice. You always say that one should keep quiet when having nothing nice to say."

Saphy looked at Sans. "Daddy, is Unca Red gonna be okay?"

Sans smiled softly at his daughter. "Yea, gem. I think so. Your aunties Dyne and Alph are with him in his room right now. Wanna go say hello?"

Saphy nodded. "Can my friends come too?"

Sans shrugged. "I don't know, sunshine. That's something you should ask Red."

"Okay Daddy. C'mon, friends." With that Saphy lead her friends out of the kitchen. "Do you wanna come too, Frisk?" she asked when they passed Frisk and Toriel.

Frisk shrugged one shoulder. "Later. I want to see how your dad gives those adults a bad time. After that i come up and tell you about it, if you want to. Oh! And happy birthday, Saphy."

"Okay. If you say so. And thank you." Saphy took of to the stairs, the other kids following after her.

As soon as the kids were out of earshot, Sans inhaled and started a tirade of choice words to let his anger out and defend Red, without laying his horrible life out to them in detail. It was on Red to decide who would learn anything about his past.

Toriel and Frisk enjoyed the show while Sans had a field day.

Notes:

Let me know if i got the terms wrong. I'm not sure what exactly the difference between a Linda and a Helen is.
All i know for sure is that Karens are people that pitch a fit even if they know they're in the wrong.

And Lindas are some kind of asshole mothers?

Chapter 15: Red and the kids

Saphy knocked before opening Red's door. "Unca Red?"

She spotted Red, together with Alphys and Undyne, in the cave-nest. Undyne sat crosslegged on the floor, a few steps away, to not make Red feel trapped.

She was a quite considerate Alpha, despite her otherwise hyper personality.

Alphys sat with Red, Omegas thrived on physical contact and someone as shy as Red or Alphys were acceptable on hugs from other Omegas. It was instinctual.

When Saphy peeked in and called out for Red, they looked up at her, and all three smiled at her sight.

"Heya, Squirt. Happy birthday," Undyne not-yelled. "Y-yea, happy b-birthday, S-saphy," Alphys agreed.

"Hiya, Aunties. Thank you. Uhm, is Unca Red okay? I heard, the big ones said some mean things about him?"

Red huffed a sigh. "I'm fine, sweets. Ya aunties kept me company."

"Oh, that's good.

Umm... my friends wanna meet you. Is that okay?"

Red looked doubtful. "Ya sure that's a good idea, sweets? Dun wanna scare them..."

Saphy frowned at that.

Then she opened the door and pulled MK into the doorway. "Do ya think Unca Red looks scary?"

MK blinked, taken by surprise.

"No... Should i? He looks like your Daddies. Only, with his teeth he also looks like Undyne. And she is the coolest."

Undyne grinned at that, showing off her piranha like fangs, while Red looked up at MK with uncertainty. "Ya really think so, Kid?"

"Uh-huh. You look cool, dude. And Saphy says you're nice. So it must be right."

Red gave the teenage lizard monster a soft smile, unintentionally flashing his gold tooth.

The young monster's eyes became big and sparkly. "Woah, you have a gold tooth!? How'd you get that, Mr. Red?"

Somehow, the other kids had gathered around them, silently admiring the shiny thing as well and getting a good look at Red.

Red worked his jaws for a few seconds, contemplating how much he could tell the stripelings and MK. In a far corner of his mind he noticed that the teenager had grown out of stripes already, not surprising, considering how long monsterkind was on the surface already in this world. The teen presented as a Beta, if Red wasn't mistaken. At least he wasn't scared of them.

However, he decided to give them a watered down version of his story.

"Was still in stripes when i lost the real one," he began. "Me'n mah baby bro were 'xplorin' da dump in our place. A different one than where you were, Kid. Whatev's, we got... bullied... by some bigger meanies. Lost mah tooth an' got that scar over mah Socket when i tried ta protect mah bro. Then... our version of Undyne showed up and... scared off de bullies. Protected us fer a while. Later she began trainin' mah bro an' he became big an' strong.

Got da tooth never fixed 'til i got here. Have it only since a few days by now."

MK tilted their head. "Your version of Undyne? Does that mean, your place is like Mr. Blue's? Similar but also different to our Underground?"

Red nodded, and the eyes of the kids sparkled with intrigue. Red recognized that look. They wanted to know. But he needed to know before.

"Uh, what exactly do ya know 'bout Blue's old home?"

A stripeling, looking a lot like MK piped up, "it'th like here, with monthters like here, but they're thwitched around. But they have the thame nameth."

God, this squirt had the funniest baby lisp Red had ever heard. Adorable.

"Yeah. My old place is like that too. Well, it's like here, only, everyone is mean. If you appear weak, others would try ta hurt ya."

MK frowned. "Your brother surely protected you from those meanies?"

Red looked at him sadly. "Mah bro is one of da meanest dere. I got here when i fled from him."

"How exactly did you even get here?" Undyne asked. "Blue mentioned something about a machine, but as far as i know, our nerd's machine can't let you travel from one Underground to the other."

Red nodded. "They told me. And, nah, i didn't come with the machine." He turned his head back to the children to remind himself to keep his story as kid-friendly as possible.

"Ya see, i had a Souling from my Grillby." He fiddled with the butterfly necklace. "Boss, my bro, found out when he tried to... hurt me again. He got even madder than he already was and i panicked. Ya know, i got scared so much, i couldn't think clearly. I hope, none of ya will ever experience that. Whatev's, in my panic i 'ported an' found mahself in yer empty Underground. Found mah way ta de surface an' de city. I was homeless fer a while, until Sans an' Blue found me, when i was... very sick. Dey helped me and dat's how i got here."

He looked up at MK again and saw in their eyes that the young monster, at least partially, understood, what Red kept unsaid.

"Um, where ith your baby, Mr. Red?" the little lisping kid asked, earning himself a nudge from MK.

Red's face turned sad. "Lost it when i was homeless. Couldn't get enough food." The children's gaze zoned in on the locket. And their sad faces told him, they understood.

...

For a moment Red was at a loss of what to do now to cheer the kids up again. In search for help he glanced at Alphys and Undyne, only to find the fish monster consoling her mate, who was visibly distressed about the knowledge of Red's dead baby. Their own offspring sat among the kids too, after all.

Then his Eye Lights landed on the stack of story books on his desk, then returned to the flock of children.

"Uh... c'mon kiddos. 'S okay. Yeah, things like that are sad, but it's not de end of da world. So, change of topic.

What did ya want ta do after sayin' hello to lil ol' me?"

His instincts kicked in, wanting to make sure the young 'uns were happy.

Saphy piped up. "Would ya read us a story, Unca Red? Pweeeaaaase?"

Fuck. The babybones knew exactly how to play him.

She was adorable like that.

Red looked at the others. "Do ya want that too?"

Everyone nodded.

"Kay. Get me de book, sweets."

Happily, Saphy obliged.

Chapter 16: Roasting humans

Notes:

I know, it's Halloween, but, here, have some cute fluff.

After the horde of kids had bounded off to meet Red, Blue took advantage of the unexpected breather and cleaned up the mess the kids had made of the backyard.

In the quiet of it he suddenly could hear Sans' voice drifting out through the open kitchen door.

That was a rare. Sans was usually nothing but softspoken. He had to get really riled up over something to even noticably raise his voice.

Now Blue could hear him, a curse or word fragments being understandable every now and then.

Blue got curious and put the toys aside, the children had played with before, and stepped up to the threshold of their kitchen backdoor.

The sight was beyond anything Blue had thought Sans would be capable of. He stood there, his right Eye Light snuffed out, the left burning cyan and yellow, and chewed the majority of human adults out, yelling at them and looking really intimidating, while Toriel and Frisk stood in the inner doorway, that lead to the living room, and seemed relaxed and entertained, like this was some kind of show.

During Sans' tirade Blue heard Red's name several times.

What had happened?!

Without getting noticed by anyone, somehow, Blue made his way around the kitchen to where Frisk and Toriel were and joined them.

"HELLO, YOUR MAJESTY, HELLO YOUNG HUMAN. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT? DO YOU KNOW BY CHANCE?"

Frisk and Toriel looked at Blue and smiled, greeting back. "Hello Blue, my dear. Well, i'm afraid those humans said some mean things about Red and he happened to overhear it by accident. Sans found the poor Soul in his room, having a breakdown. Undyne and Alphys stayed with Red when Sans came back down to give those humans a piece of his mind." "A piece? Mom, he's giving them the whole cake, if you ask me," Frisk interrupted.

Toriel sighed, "however, he's at it for a while now. I can't remember him putting that much energy into anything he does like this before."

Blue wrung his hands a little nervous. "AREN'T YOU CONCERNED, HE MIGHT GO A LITTLE OVERBOARD? I MEAN, I UNDERSTAND HIS POINT. I'M UPSET WITH THE HUMANS AS WELL, FOR BADMOUTHING RED, BUT WHAT IF HE GOES TOO FAR?"

"Don't worry, dear," Toriel replied calmly, "i trust him. He isn't the Judge of monsterkind for nothing."

Toriel's last sentence fell into a pause, when Sans stopped to catch his breath. If possible, the humans paled even further.

The Judge of monsterkind was above any doubt. They all had thought the Judge would be some impressive monster, like the King and Queen were, not a short, nondescript, lazy skeleton, that told bad jokes and seemed to take nothing serious.

On the other hand, Sans wasn't a person who wore all his secrets on his sleeve. Heck. Most of the time you couldn't even be sure if he was as relaxed as he appeared.

Seeing the humans' scared faces satisfied something deep inside Sans. He knew it was ugly, it was mean to get a kick out of their fear, but the true Judge, the thing that was some kind of power and an entity of its own at the same time, decided it was good now, and retreated deep into the recesses of Sans' mind.

His Eye Lights returned to normal and he took a deep breath, hiding the change inside him behind a smug expression.

"That needed to be said," he finished, now as softspoken as ever. "Don't forget, kids learn by example, and copying their parents. If you want your kids to become decent people, you have to start with your own behavior.

Welp. I'm done here."

He turned and just now noticed Blue standing with Toriel and Frisk.

He went over to them and gave Blue an affectionate kiss. Blue gently kissed back and wrapped his arms around his mate.

He got a little worried when he felt him tremble. "YOU OKAY?" he asked in a whisper.

Sans nuzzled Blue's neck and nodded. "I think i need to sleep with Red tonight. I want the comfort of his nest, want him close," Sans admitted, whispering back.

Blue tightened his hug briefly. "I THINK YOU NEED IT BOTH NOW."

The exchange took only a few seconds, before Blue released Sans, who stepped out of the embrace and put his lazy smile back into place.

"Hey, let's leave this wannabe pta meeting here and check on Red and the little gremlins."

"THAT'S A GOOD IDEA, LOVE," Blue replied.

The group of four left the kitchen, leaving the still shell-shocked humans behind, and made their way to the stairs.

When Sans, carefully and quietly, opened the door, they heard his voice, gentle, warm, sonorous and pleasing like velvet. "... and they lived happily ever after. The end."

Sans slowly shoved the door further open and he and the others took in the view: Red, now relocated to his bed-nest, surrounded by the kids and reading to them, while Undyne and Alphys sat next to the bed, Alphys in Undyne's lap and wrapped in her arms, both relaxed and contend.

Saphy was slotted under one of Red's arm, pressed into his side, while the other kids huddled around him to see the pictures in the book, and because the Omega emitted a warm aura, as well as actual warmth from what little LV he gained in his own childhood. It didn't burn as hot as his brother's, but Boss had a pretty high LV after all, while Red's was the lowest in his hellhole of a world, by far.

But that was something only Red knew for certain here, the others could only guess. And they probably did.

The peace was interrupted when Sans' phone went off, alerting Red and everyone else in the room to the spotters.

Sans retreated to answer the call while Blue lead Toriel and Frisk into the room.

"HEY, KIDS. DO YOU HAVE FUN?" Blue asked.

The children grinned and beamed. "Mithter Red ith tho nithe! And he tellth the betht thtorieth," MB gushed excitedly, the others agreeing emphaticly.

Blue smiled. Those kids were a delight. And they made Red happy, apparently.

"WELL, THAT'S GOOD, BUT I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME TO GO BACK OUT. WE HAVE A SURPRISE IN THE BACKYARD."

Just as he finished his sentence, Sans came back in, pocketing his phone and catching the rest of Blue's words. "Alright, the surprise arrives in five minutes max, and will be ready shortly after. How about we cut the cake in the meantime?"

That earned a cheer from the crowd, and the kids climbed out of Red's nest and stormed out of the room, mildly chided by MK to be careful on the stairs.

Red took a moment to tidy up his slightly disheveled nest before he got up himself.

Blue came over and hugged him impulsively, then grabbed his hand and lead him to the others. Undyne and Alphys had gotten up as well and greeted the Queen and the human.

When Blue and Red stepped closer, Tori gave him her warm motherly smile. "Hello Red. How have you been?"

Red smiled his shy smile and greeted back. "Hi Tori. Been fine... well, except... what happened downstairs."

Toriel nodded. "Yes, Sans told us before he took care of the humans."

She looked down at her adopted human child. "Oh, i just realize, you never met before. Red, this is my child Frisk. I don't remember if i told you about them... Frisk, this is Red. Sans' and Blue's Omega."

All three skeletons glowed in their respective color. Sans remembered his claim in front of the humans, that Red were his and Blue's. His face took on a mortified expression and he seemed even more embarassed than Red and Blue together.

Frisk grinned, knowing what Sans was thinking about. Then they gentled their smile and held their hand out for Red to shake.

The shy Omega looked them up and down before he eventually took the offered hand and shook it lightly. "Heya, kiddo. Nice ta meet ya. 'M Red."

The young human nodded at that. "Frisk. And it's nice to meet you too. I only had mom's description and stories about you. I never thought there could be a version of Sans that looked so... rock'n'roll."

Red snorted at that. "It's okay, kiddo. I know how i look. Let me tell ya, ya wouldn't want ta meet Boss. I might be nice and all, but de rest of mah world isn't. Sans knows. Told 'im alotta sh- uh, stuff."

Frisk just nodded again. They didn't want to risk Red having another breakdown after he just got some of his confidence back.

Blue took the initiative and ushered everyone out to get some cake. Sans took Red's hand and stayed close to him through the rest of the party.

The kids loved the magic show and ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the presents Saphy was gifted with.

Red shot the adult humans nervous glances, but they didn't so much as look at him wrong. Sans was pleased as punch with himself.

After the magician had left again, the cake was eaten and the presents opened, the party winded down.

Some of the parents took their leave after thanking for the invitation. The remaining kids got upstairs with Red and Saphy again, after coaxing him to read them another story.

It became several stories, after the remaining adults lost themselves in chatter with the Queen and their hosts, partially enjoying that their kids were entertained by someone else and tired out for a change.

Spontaneously Sans and Blue decided on a small barbecue for dinner, with more hotdogs and burgs, until it got late and the parents retrieved their offspring from Red's room, thanking him for watching them, some of them even apologizing or assuring that he was really nice and not intimidating at all, now that they knew him a little better.

Red told them it was fine, and they took their leave.

Notes:

In case you wonder, MB, the name of MK's little brother, stands for Monster Baby.

Yeah, MK's parents are as bad at naming as Asgore.

However, when he got older MB found his full name embarassing and followed his sibling's example and insisted on being called MB. Whenever someone asks what it stands for, he would say 'Monster Boy'. Still stupid, but at least not as embarassing as 'Monster Baby'.

Chapter 17: Fluff and hurtful memories

While Sans and Blue saw the last guests to the door, exchanging 'goodbyes' and 'goodnights', Red helped Saphy taking a bath, washing her head and spine and making sure she cleaned herself thoroughly.

While she played happily with a new bath toy, she got from one of her best friends, Red quickly went to her room to get her pajamas.

When he came back to the bathroom, he pulled the plug and got the tired babybones out of the tub. He wrapped her in a fluffy towel, and after she was dry, he helped her put on the pjs.

Lastly they brushed their teeth together, his gold fang glinting in the light, making Saphy laugh as she saw it in the mirror. After they spat out the toothpaste and washed their mouths out, Red helped her from her stepstool and walked her to his room, without thinking.

Saphy didn't question him, instead she happily waddled over to Red's bed-nest and climbed in. Red tucked her under a blanket and gave her a soft smile. "Be righ' back, sweets. Just lemme take a shower."

"Kay, Unca," Saphy said, yawning. The exciting day catching up to her.

Red smiled, then grabbed his own pjs - actually just a pair of shorts and a t-shirt - and went to the bathroom.

He rinsed out the now empty bathtub, before stepping into the shower.

While Red was showering, Sans and Blue busied themselves with cleaning up the worst of the mess the party had caused, listening for the faint noise of rushing water whenever they were close enough to the stairs.

They had finished most of the dishes when they heard the bathroom door open. They put the rest of the dishes, mostly pots and pans, into the sink to soak overnight, and went up.

They showered together, exchanging kisses and soft touches during the process, and went to Red's room, after they got dressed in their sleepwear.

Red lay with Saphy pressed into his side, reading her a bedtime story.

When Saphy's parents joined them in the nest, Red didn't seem either phased nor surprised. They took the Omega and the kid in their middle and snuggled close.

Their presence settled something in Red, he had no name for. He could only assume that it was an Omega thing.

Saphy fell asleep halfway through the story and Red marked the page and put the book on his nightstand.

Before Red could even think about how he was supposed to reach the light switch without untangling himself from the cuddle pile, Sans snapped his fingers and, with a small burst of Magic, shut off the light.

He snuggled impossibly closer to Red and everything that was audible, were their soft purrs, which petered out when the skeletons, one after the other, fell asleep.

---

A few days later everything was back to normal. Blue left every morning for work, except the days he didn't need to, Saphy visited the kindergarten, Sans was either tinkering on some project or something he was asked to repair, studying the multiverse via the machine or helping Red studying for his highschool test.

They all had agreed with Toriel to take a break from breaking Red's bones - yes, i did - so his body could recover and Red had a reprieve from being unable to move freely and from the pain.

He didn't look forward to the next step, when Toriel would treat his ribcage. He knew how it felt to have his ribs cracked and even broken.

That was why his ribs needed to be rebroken in the first place. He didn't remember what incident ruined which rib specifically, but he remembered in what situations he was when it happened.

He remembered being sold out by Boss to Royal Guard #1 and #2. They had some weird kink about their armors, coupled with a power trip, most likely. They had practically crushed him between them.

He remembered Boss beating the living shit out of him, for some reason Red had nothing to do with. Boss had slammed him against the walls several times, until he was sure he was going to die this time.

He remembered being chained to Boss' bed, naked, gagged and blindfolded, and Boss slowly breaking or cracking every bone in his body, just because he could. And to ingrain his dominance over Red in the latter's mind. Possible that Boss had been in rut at that time, now that Red knew about it.

He remembered being beaten or attacked a number of times by different monsters.

Every time breathing had been agony after such an incident, let alone moving around. Or being fucked either by Boss or whoever had coughed up some G to buy him.

No, Red really didn't look forward to it.

Chapter 18: The visitor

Red was cleaning the living room.

It was Blue's day off and he and Sans were out, grocery shopping. In the meantime Red dusted the bookshelves, sorted the books and wiped the coffee table.

When he was in the midst of vacuuming, the doorbell rang.

Red turned the vacuum off and trudged to the front door. Maybe a neighboor or package delivery. Sans and Blue often purchased stuff online.

Whoever was outside, probably assumed that someone was about to answer the door. They refrained from ringing again or knocking, just waited. Had they heard the vacuum being turned off?

Or it was a bell prank and they had already run away.

Red shrugged, grabbed the doorknob, turned it and opened the door.

The first thing he noticed, was orange.

He blinked.

Oh. An orange hoodie.

"Umm, sorry that i just drop by, but..."

Red looked up at the disturbingly familiar, yet strange voice...

The stranger was tall.

And a skeleton.

Papyrus?

No. Sans' bro, for one, wouldn't act that distant, and second, as far as Red knew, Papyrus wouldn't let himself get caught wearing such clothes.

That meant... another Papyrus...

Whatever the other was saying didn't get through to Red. He was freefalling into a panic attack.

He shrieked when something touched his shoulder, and ported behind the couch without thinking, curling up and trembling like a leaf.

The orange Papyrus didn't know what to do. Was this the right house? The adress seemed correct.

He had met Undyne and Alphys of this world and asked if they knew where Sans lived. They had told him that the 'Sanses' were close friends to them and gave him the location.

This one here was definitely not his brother. Was he the local one?

But where was his brother?

His train of thoughts was interrupted when he smelled the fear pheromones of a scared Omega.

Oh fuck.

His instincts screamed at him to calm the other, not just because they were an Omega, but also because they looked so much like his younger bro.

But. This wasn't his house. He couldn't just intrude. And... the red version of his bro had freaked out when he touched their shoulder.

At a loss of what to do, he pulled the door almost closed to give the distressed Sans some quiet in hope they would calm down. He decided to wait outside for his brother. If he tried to calm the Omega down, it might worsen their panic. He didn't know what was going on with them, after all.

And if his brother really lived with his local counterpart, he would come back sooner or later and prolly be able to calm the Omega down.

To pass the time and relieve some of the stress of the situation he pulled a package of cigarettes and his lighter out of his pocket and took a smoke.

 

After a while he heard voices in the distance.

He flicked his cigarette butt in the gutter - bull's eye - and turned his head to look who was approaching.

His Eye Sockets went wide.

There were two Sanses, both wearing blue clothes, chattering with each other and carrying grocery bags.

Three Sanses?

One was his brother, but which one was the local one?

And which one of the two blue clad skeletons was his brother? They looked so much alike, especially since none of them wore the blue bandana his brother liked so much.

Suddenly one of the blue Sanses paused and sniffed the air.

His eyes went wide, the bright blue Lights turning to stars.

When he looked ahead, Blue immediately spotted the orange hoodie, he hadn't seen in almost eight years.

His jaw dropped and would've hit the ground if it hadn't been attached to his skull.

Sans looked at the orange doppelganger of his bro, then at Blue with a raised browbone. He looked back and forth a few times before finally saying, "someone you know?" The grin was obvious in his voice.

Blue looked at him and raised a brow of his own. Sans grinned softly, then grabbed Blue's shopping bags with blue Magic. "Go greet him, Berry. It's been some time."

Blue beamed, gave Sans a peck on the cheekbone, before running to his brother.

"BROTHER! IS THAT REALLY YOU?!"

Papyrus stepped from the porch and went down on one knee, opening his arms wide. "Hey bro. Long time no see-Oof!"

Blue threw himself into his brother's arms and buried his face in the familiar hoodie. "YOU HAVE NO IDEA, HOW MUCH I MISSED YOU." Blue's voice was muffled in the orange fabric that smelled oh so nostalgic of honey, Muffet's pastries and cigarette smoke.

"Missed you too, bro," Papyrus choked out.

Sans walked up to the reunited twin brothers, setting the bags down on the porch. "Heya, bud. I'm Sans. But i guess ya already figured that out."

Papyrus looked up at the other Sans. "Yeah, there is a slight similarity in your looks."

Sans grinned. This Papyrus apparently had some humor.

Well. Blue had pointed that out, back when he just got here and noticed how similar to his brother and Sans acted.

Then Sans noticed the ajar front door and... wait! That was Red's fear smell in the air.

"Dude. What happened?" Sans asked, voice suddenly cold like the weather in Snowdin.

Blue lifted his head and looked at Sans. "SANS? What's wrong?"

But Sans only looked at Papyrus.

"Look, man. I didn't mean to freak him out. He just opened the door and froze up. When i touched his shoulder to try to calm him, he freaked and ported away. He's behind the couch, i think." While Papyrus explained, Sans rushed inside and looked behind the couch.

Blue and his brother slowly followed, bringing the bags inside. "I didn't know what to do, so i thought it would be better to leave him be. I didn't want to spook him even more. I'm sorry."

Blue gave his brother a bump with his shoulder. "You didn't know. And didn't mean to scare him. It's okay, brother," he said softly.

Papyrus looked down at Blue. "Thanks... You improved your indoor voice, bro?"

Blue smiled up at him. "That's nothing. I have so much to tell you. Uh, but... maybe we should take care of Red first."

Papyrus looked a little confused. "I assumed his name is also Sans, since he looks like you, y'know?"

"Oh, i go by 'Blue' here. It would be confusing if there were three Sanses, wouldn't it."

"So, does that mean that Red isn't the local Sans?"

Blue led his brother into the kitchen to put the groceries away. "Red came here a few months ago. Sans and i found him when he was on the verge of falling down. He lives with us since then and we are helping him to build a new life in this world."

"He doesn't want to go back home? Or does he think it's impossible?"

Blue hesitated. How much could he tell his brother? On the other hand, there were certain things his brother should know.

"I still don't know, how exactly i got here, we have only a theory, but Red ported here when he panicked because of his brother. His world is living hell, you know. He told us that monsters there are at each other's throat for no reason. For an Omega like Red, who has low stats and is physically weak... what do you think, how this must be? And his main abuser was his own brother, an aggressive Alpha."

Papyrus looked at Blue with a shocked expression. "You are kidding. Please tell me, you are kidding."

Blue only gave him a sad look.

Chapter 19: A travel report and a scary thought

When Blue and his brother returned to the living room, Sans had managed to coax Red out of his hiding spot. Now they sat on the couch and Sans held Red in his arms and murmured gentle nothings while the small Omega was still trembling and crying.

"It's okay, Red. It's only my brother. He won't do anything to you. He's a Beta, like Sans and i," Blue reassured.

Sans looked up while Red buried his face in Sans' shirt. "Sorry for the messy welcome, bud. Uh, we should find a nickname for you, to not confuse ya with my bro."

He thought for a moment, as if something else had struck his mind.

Then.

"Uhh, how did you even get here? Red shortcutted and Bluebird, probably, got here 'cause of a RESET mishap."

Papyrus put his hands in the pockets of his hoodie and followed Blue to the couch, but sat down in the loveseat while Blue joined Sans and Red. "Undyne helped me to upgrade the machine.

When, uh, Blue... disappeared, the RESETS got a little freaky. After the first time, when i noticed my bro was gone, nobody could remember him. The kid seemed confused by it; apparently they, me and Temmie were the only ones who always remembered him.

The kid thought they could bring him back by RESETTING, but it never worked. We only found out that the others sometimes remembered my bro, and sometimes not. When they couldn't bring back Blue, the human slowly lost interest in... playing around with us and eventually freed us.

I brought all our stuff to the surface and kept working on the machine. I found the other universes and studied them a little. Then i told Dyne, and she began to research the multiverse in earnest.

We replicated the machine, used the original to study the alternate universes and improved the replica.

With the first machine we found Blue's Magic signature and i used the new one to follow the signal. And, uhh... now i'm here."

Blue tilted his head. "When Red and i came here, we found ourselves in the empty underground. Was it the same for you? And how did you even find our house, brother?"

Papyrus shrugged. "Yeah, landed in the workshop behind the house in Snowdin. When i found the underground empty, i first feared it was because of a RESET. But when i didn't find any dust and a lot of stuff gone, i knew that the readings of my machine had been right and monsterkind had reached the surface.

I 'ported to the throneroom and found the barrier gone. When i got to town, i met Undyne and Alphys and asked them about you. It was them, who gave me your adress."

Sans felt Red going stiff in his arms. "What is it, Cherry? What's wrong?"

Red began to hyperventilate. Between choppy breaths he got out, "b-boss... he... with... w-with Alphys... he... he could... what if-..."

Sans gently ran his hand up and down Red's back. "What if Boss manages to get here with your Alphys' help?" Red nodded and kept hyperventilating.

Blue hugged Red from behind. "Don't worry. We'll protect you. No matter what. You know, Sans' brother is an Alpha too. He and his Undyne are really strong as well. It's okay, Red. You are safe. Calm down."

Papyrus watched the three Sanses for a while.

When Red finally calmed down, he asked, "ahem, uhh, soooo, what uhh... what's going on between you three? What did you do, since you got here, bro?"

Chapter 20: How Blue met Sans

So, Blue explained.

He explained how he came to in the empty underground, knowing something was wrong when he saw Grillby's where Muffet's should've been. The next obvious sign was, when he came through Waterfall, looking for Captain Alphys' house and found a fish shaped one in its place, half burned.

The hotel sign said MTT Resort, instead of NTT Resort and in the lab were evidence of a reptilian monster living there, not a fish type.

The castle was empty and the barrier gone.

At first Blue thought, the strange thing, the machine had done when he hit it with the tool, might have sent him to the future, where things had changed dramatically and the barrier had finally been broken.

When he came to town for the first time in his life, he had been a little overwhelmed by the sky and the humans and all the new things.

Somehow he had found himself in front of Grillby's at some point. Hoping to get a break and something to eat, he had entered.

He was REALLY confused when everyone, or at least the majority of the patrons, greeted him like an old friend. He felt like some of their faces were familiar to him, but their demeanor felt off.

He walked up to the bar, where a fire elemental in the attire of a barman polished a glass. He looked up when the regulars greeted 'Sans', using his name. He put the glass away and nodded a greeting when Blue climbed up on the barstool.

Sensing something was off, Grillby had tilted his head and studied Blue for a moment. Just when he was about to ask something, the bell above the door jingled again, announcing the arrival of someone else.

Grillby looked pretty shocked when he looked past Blue at the newcomer.

Blue remembered the shuffling footsteps of someone approaching the bar, before hopping on the seat next to Blue.

He also remembered the first words, the stranger had said to him, while Grillby still looked like he was questioning his own sanity. "Heya buddy, don't wanna be rude, but you're sitting in my usual spot."

Blue had turned his head with widening Eye Sockets at the voice, that was so close to his own, but softspoken like his brother's. Any thought process came to a screeching halt when he found himself face to face with a skeleton that looked almost exactly like himself.

They had stared at each other for an undefined amount of time, until Grillby eventually broke the silence. "Sans?" he had asked and both skeletons had turned to him. Then they had stared at each other again.

The other Sans then finally shook off the surprise and put on his trademark lazy grin. "Might come a little sudden, but would you mind coming home with me? I think, we need to talk, buddy."

Blue had still been too shocked to say anything, so he just nodded, aware he would need help to find his way around here.

Sans had hopped from the stool and waited for Blue to follow him.

When Sans said he knew a shortcut, it came as a surprise for Blue, but at the same time he instantly knew what was going to happen.

Sans had offered his hand, and after looking a little closer and spotting the mini whoopie cushion in Sans' palm, Blue had given him a raised browbone look. Sans had just shrugged it off and put the joke article away, before offering his open palm again.

Blue had wordlessly taken the offered hand and Sans had ported them to his house. He landed them on the couch in the living room.

Not one to spare too many words on pleasantries or small talk, Sans asked right away, "so, buddy, how did you get here?"

Blue didn't understand the question at first and had asked, what he meant. Sans had sighed. "You're Sans, right? *Blue nodded* Got a bro named Papyrus? *another nod* you still underground?" And that was, where Blue got confused.

Sans had sighed again. "Fine. What's the last, you remember before coming here?"

Blue had to think. He... wasn't sure. So he described to Sans, how he woke up in the empty underground and found his way to the surface, while discovering all the odd differences. Sans had listened and nodded and eventually uttered the assumption that something went wrong when his human RESETTED.

That had earned Sans a confused look from Blue and the lazybones asked Blue if he didn't meet the human before. When he only got more confused looks from Blue, Sans asked him to tell him about his home. The monsters he knew, and how things worked where he came from.

So, Blue had told him about his life in Snowdin, his lazy brother Papyrus, Captain Alphys and Doctor Undyne, the queen... After a while Sans began to ask specific questions, like if he knew someone called Flowey or what kind of program the 'glambot' performed.

Eventually Blue asked what Sans wanted to know all this for, and Sans patiently explained him, that he only tried to confirm his theory.

That Blue had been whisked away from his own world and landed in Sans'.

Chapter 21: Btw, you're an uncle

To help Blue understand, Sans had told him about this world, how, compared to Blue's, certain things and personalities were switched around.

Then he told him about Frisk and the RESETS and how, probably, his brother was the one to remember them, besides... Temmie?

Then Sans told him about his brother Papyrus and how cool he was and... he began to ramble.

Blue had found it kind of endearing how much Sans adored his younger bro. Blue uttered his hope to meet him.

That actually got Sans back on track and he began to think about how to get Blue back to his own universe, how to introduce him to Pap, that he would need a nickname to avoid confusion, and so on.

After some brainstorming they agreed on 'Blue' as nickname and that he could use the guest bedroom for as long as he would stay in this world.

Later, when Papyrus got home, he was delighted to meet a new skeleton and immediately asked Blue if he liked cooking. Blue told him about his passion for making Tacos and Papyrus told him he was the same when it came to Spaghetti.

Sans was glad Blue and Pap had become immediate friends and turned the kitchen into a warzone together while chattering away excitedly.

During the following days Blue got settled in and got more and more sad from homesickness and missing his own brother, understandably.

Sans had dusted off his own machine and got it to work. With Blue's Magic signature he found his universe, but had no means to send him back.

When it became apparent that Blue's stay might be more permanent than anticipated in the beginning, Sans introduced him to Toriel to get him registered.

Over time Blue and Sans became closer and eventually began dating. And when Papyrus moved out they began sharing a bed and became mates.

Blue's Papyrus made googly eyes when he heard this. "And how long are you mates by now?" he asked.

Before anyone could answer, the front door flew open and a certain babybones came running in.

"UNCA RED, DAD, DADDY BLUE, I'M HOME!"

Apparently not noticing the guest, the little one ran up to the couch and threw herself at the three Sanses.

"Heya, gem," Sans greeted her before kissing her on the forehead. "Did one of your friends' parents bring you?" "UH-HUH." She then hugged Red and pressed a smooch on Blue's cheek.

Blue giggled and pulled his daughter into his lap. "Saphy, i want to introduce you to someone. Meet my brother, your other uncle Papyrus... We really need to find a nickname for him." Blue then turned his attention back to his brother. "Brother, meet Saphire, Sans and my daughter."

Papyrus' bulging eyes became even bigger. "Your WHAT!?"

Blue had a giggle fit at the shock on his brother's face. This was just hilarious.

Sans turned to Saphy, while Blue tried to not choke on his own breath. "You remember, what we told you about daddy Blue and where he had come from? That he is like me, but with uncle Pap's behavior? Daddy Blue's bro is the exact opposite, he is like uncle Pap, but acts like me."

Saphy listened with big eyes, then looked at Papyrus. She slipped from the sofa and went to him, looking him up and down, before she offered her small tiny hand. "Hello... other unca. You look like daddy, but stretched to be as tall as unca Pap."

Papyrus smiled and snorted softly. "Heya kiddo, nice to meet ya." While shaking Saphy's hand he looked at his brother. "I see, she takes after you, bro. She's adorable."

Blue beamed, while Red felt uncomfortable, seeing Saphy so close to someone who looked like his cruel brother. He had kinda gotten used to Sans' Papyrus interacting with Saphy, but he didn't know Blue's brother yet. And it made his instincts scream at him.

As soon as Saphy joined her parents on the couch, he pulled the babybones in his arms and hugged her tight.

Papyrus watched this and filed it away for now. "So, what else happened during the last years, bro? Is it uh, insensitive to ask what's up with your Omega?"

Sans and Blue shared a look, before the former answered. "The thing with Red is gonna be a long story, so, for what we have been up to: some time after we became mates, i got preg with our little gem here. The pregnancy and birth were hard on me, so Tori told me that i shouldn't try to carry again. It could be... bad for my health. A few years back, Blue got preg, but was hit by a car. We lost our little bird and Blue can't get preg since then anymore. We came to terms with it, but Saphy wants a baby sibling.

Otherwise, nothing of importance happened until we found Red."

Notes:

Sorry this came out so late in the day this time. I was busy writing on a new chapter for 'Crossbreed' and forgot.

Chapter 22: Exposition for Stretch

"MY DADDIES SAVED UNCA RED'S LIFE," Saphy proclaimed proudly.

"Where did he come from exactly?" Papyrus asked.

"A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE IS VERY MEAN, UNCA STRETCH," the babybones said matter of factly.

Sans couldn't contain a 'snrk'. "Uncle Stretch? That's good. Oh my gosh!"

Papyrus smirked a little himself, then he saw Red snickering under his breath. "Why not, Stretch sounds good," he said.

Blue wanted to protest the silly name, but then he also noticed Red's reaction to it. Maybe a silly name could help him overcome his fear and warm up to his brother.

"Okay, Stretch it is," he agreed.

"YAY!" Saphy cheered, having given her new uncle a name.

Sans patted her head affectionately. "Back to topic. Using Red's signature, i found his universe and have been keeping an eye on it every now and then. You said, you studied the multiverse as well, Stretch?" Stretch nodded. Sans mirrored the nod. "Ever come across a universe named UnderFell?"

Stretch furrowed his brow. "Sounds familiar. Wait, let me think...

Wait. That hellhole!? The data don't paint a pretty picture... I think, a while back the Sans of that world just disappeared... Oh...ooookay, hold the line. You mean... Red?"

Sans and Blue nodded. Then Sans turned to Saphy. "Angelfish, would you mind going play upstairs? We are gonna have an adults only talk."

Saphy pouted a little, but got up nonetheless. "Can you read to me later, unca Red?" Red smiled softly and nodded, still too stressed to talk in Stretch's presence.

Placated, Saphy smiled. "Kay." With that she went upstairs and disappeared into Red's room.

Stretch, who had followed the babybones with his eyes, looked at the three Sanses on the couch again. "I'm all ears, even if i don't have any."

Sans grinned, he liked Stretch. "Okay, so, a few months back, we gave Saphy to Toriel and went on a date. When we came from a restaurant and passed an alley, we heard a weak noise. It sounded like someone was crying. When we went to investigate, we found Red, on the verge of falling down from Magic depletion. We gave him some of our Magic and brought him to Tori for healing.

When Tori ran a Check on him, the flavor text mentioned a 'little Butterfly' and upon further examination she found the dust of a Souling in Red's womb. She got it out and Red's ecto immediately unsummoned. Tori gave him more Magic and i called Alphys and asked for the equipment necessary to take care of Red.

After that, he was unconscious for a week.

The Check at Toriel's also revealed that he already went by the name 'Red'. He later told us that his brother took his name from him to humilate and degrade him. He also put a collar on him and did a lot of other sick shit. Sorry Blue, i know. Language."

"You are forgiven dear."

Sans smiled at Blue, before turning back to Stretch. "However, after Red woke up, i took a closer look at him and found several old breaks that had healed wrong and needed to be rebroken to heal right. I also called Pap to try to take off the collar.

A few days later, Tori came over to do a thorough exam of Red, after i called her and told her about Red's injuries. The exam also brought something really messed up to light. Red had been abused and raped by his own brother, and he even sold him out to any monster who could pay. Even the King."

Stretch stared at Sans, horrified. He gulped and nodded at Sans to continue. Sans nodded back.

"He forbid Red to go to Grillby's anymore. Red went there nonetheless to tell Grillby that he wouldn't come anymore. When Grillby told him to pay his tab and Red hadn't enough money, Grillby told him he could... work it off. That night resulted in Red getting preg.

He managed to hide it for around three months. Then, when his brother wanted to have his way with him, he discovered the pregnancy and, apparently, got really pissed. Red panicked and teleported away. That way he landed in our empty underground, made his way to the surface and lived about two months on the street, too scared to ask anyone for help. When he couldn't find enough food, he lost the baby and the strength to keep going.

And then we found him by sheer luck.

He didn't know anything about the whole Alpha/Beta/Omega shebang or Heats. He never even had nested before. We helped him with that and when he was stable and more healthy, Tori came over and rebroke his leg, and after he was healed and able to walk around normal again, she treated his spine the same way. He still needs his ribcage and his arms to be fixed.

Simultanously he began studying to take the necessary school test to graduate and visit the college to work in the science field again. Alphys already offered an internship as soon as he enrolls at the college."

Stretch swallowed, then sighed. "Man, you really had it bad, buddy. When the data pointed to a disappearance of the UnderFell Sans, i actually thought, you might have died.

Don't worry, Red. As long as i'm here, i'll do what i can to protect you. You're practically part of the family, after all. And i would do anything to protect my bro's happiness."

Red accepted Stretch's word with a shy nod.

Stretch scratched his neck a little arkward. "Other topic. Mind if i crash on the couch while i'm here?"

Sans and Blue looked at him, then at each other. "Brother, you can sleep in Saphy's room. She sleeps in Red's nest all the time. Since his spine is healed she sneaks into his room every night. She thinks we don't know." Blue chuckled.

"If it really is okay," Stretch replied. Blue nodded with certainty. "Absolutely, brother."

And like that Blue's brother moved in temporarily.

Chapter 23: Red's machine

The next day, after Blue had gone to work after bringing Saphy to the kindergarten, Sans contacted Alphys to ask her if he could come over in the afternoon to talk about something important. Alphys agreed and Sans ended the call.

While Red hid in his cave-nest, Sans took Stretch down to the basement and showed him his machine.

"Had Red one too, in his own world?" Stretch asked.

Sans thought about it. "We actually never asked. But considering what he told us about his past, he never had the time to work on it, if there was a machine.

He told us that when Gaster fell in the Core and disappeared, he found himself and his brother back on the streets, after three years under G's care. He was busy finding food and shelter and protecting them both from other monsters.

When his Undyne saved their lives from a gang, she let them sleep at her house and Red's brother admired Undyne as his heroine. When she deemed him old enough, she started training him, and Red used the certainty that his bro was safe with Undyne, to take on several odd jobs to save up enough money for a house and to repay Undyne for food and shelter.

Opposite to his Pap, Red wasn't safe from the other monsters while he was out working and hunting for more jobs. He didn't say it, but i wouldn't be surprised when he had been forced to sell his body, or offer himself to not be killed.

However, Red's brother joined the royal guard as a sentry as soon as he was old enough and got a position in Snowdin, where Red bought the house.

Red kept working his many jobs, until his Papyrus was promoted and became a real guard. He then forced Red to become a sentry, and somewhere along his way up, he began to abuse and rape Red.

Red told us that his brother began to call himself 'The Great and Terrible Edge' to become more intimidating. He also forced Red to change his name from Sans and treated him like a dog. I mean, literally.

Red wasn't allowed to sit on any furniture anymore and he had to eat and drink from bowls on the floor. He also chained him up in the shed and other sick shit.

Between all this, i don't think, he would have been able to even pick up a tool to work on the machine. If there is one, it's most likely in Gaster's old lab.

It would take a while for Red's Alphys to decipher the old diagrams and equations. Not to mention how long it will take to finish the machine and get it to work.

And even then, it can just be used to observe, not for travel.

But before they even could begin to work on the machine, they would need to know that they could locate Red with it, and before that, they have to figure out, where he went to.

Think about it, Red ported away in a panic. His Papyrus knows about his shortcuts, but how is he supposed to figure out that his brother went to another universe and didn't just dust from using so much Magic while being pregnant? There's only so long, Red would be able to stay hidden in the limited space, the Underground provides, and 'Edge' knows that for sure. If he's stubborn, he might ask his Alphys to help him, if not, he might have given up already, and thinks Red is dead by now."

Stretch mulled it over.

"Heh, my bro seems to have quite the influence on you. If you're really like me, you wouldn't use that many words to say, if there's a machine, it's at the labs, but Red's bro has maybe no idea where to look for him and prolly thinks Red's dust."

Sans shrugged. "Mayhaps, but i wanted ya to understand why the machine wouldn't be useable anytime soon. And that they're not likely to connect the dots between Red's shortcuts and the multiverse theory, if that Alphys even knows about it."

Stretch nodded. "Red might be relieved to hear that." Sans nodded back, then turned to his current assignment. A broken microwave.

For rest of the time until lunch they worked together to fix several domestic appliances.

Chapter 24: Ribs

When Blue and Saphy got home around lunchtime, Sans and Stretch left to talk to Alphys.

Even if unexpected, it wasn't really a surprise to see Dyne at the lab. Maybe it was actually a good thing. They needed to talk about some serious things and Undyne managed to keep anxious Alphys calm during such kind of talk.

Stretch formally introduced himself to them as Blue's brother and told how he managed to traverse between worlds.

Alphys went into nerd-mode in an instant, asking questions and taking notes, while in Undyne's brain screeched an old dial up tone in an endless loop, her mind detaching from the nerd-out between Alphys and the two skeletons.

The talk was mostly about the functioning of the machine and that Stretch would have to go back to his own world at some point. They agreed on starting to build a new machine after the copied blueprints and calculations Stretch brought with him in his inventory.

Undyne volunteered to do the heavy lifting, eager to help too. Her enthusiastic offer was much appreciated.

They began to plan the next steps, which were writing a list of the needed parts and tools, verifying Stretch's calculations, choosing the place for the portal machine, and some other organizational decisions.

When everything (for now) was said and done, Sans took Stretch back home for dinner.

 

Red was tense during dinner, being not used to Stretch and scared just because he was a Papyrus.

In an attempt at soothing Red's fear Stretch projected [calm, lazy, safe, harmless, friend] with his intent and sent the same message with his Beta pheromones.

Still, it was bound to take time for Red to get used to him.

---

It took Red around a month after his spine had healed, to muster up the determination to let Toriel take care of his ribs.

Knowing he wouldn't be able to move, Red chose to spend his convalescence in his cave-nest, where he felt the most hidden and safe.

He lay on the clean sheet covering his bed, only in boxers and pajamas pants while his upper body was bare. Toriel knelt down next to the bed and gently stroked Red's head with her soft, warm paw to calm him down. She used her Magic to calm Red further and put him to sleep.

When Red woke up, he felt fuzzy and soft and heavy. Still feeling tired, he let himself slip back to sleep.

He woke up again an unknown amount of time later, less fuzzy and less soft, still heavy.

He felt uncomfortable, but he couldn't pinpoint why instantly.

It took him a while to conclude that his ribs hurt and breathing felt unpleasant.

Someone touched his head and stroked gentle, soothing circles into his temple. Sluggishly his Eye Lights rolled to the side of his nest. There sat Blue, his eyes bright like the summer sky, a gentle smile on his round face and nothing but softness and care.

"Hey Red, can you hear me?" he asked softly.

Red just looked at him for several seconds, until he finally gave a slow blink in confirmation.

Blue blinked back and his smile softened more. "Don't try to move or speak. That might be quite painful. Try to rest more. I am here."

Red's eyes looked past Blue and seemed to search something. Or someone. Blue caught up on this. "Are you looking for Sans?"

A blink.

"Sans was here earlier, but he went to Alphys two hours ago. He'll be back later, don’t worry."

Red blinked again to signal he understood, then shut his Eye Sockets and let his body relax with a sigh.

Red kept dozing on and off like that for an undetermined time, waking up whenever the pains in his ribs became too much to ignore.

He never woke up alone, there was always someone with him, either Sans or Blue or sometimes little Saphy, who played quietly on the floor in front of Red's closet turned hiding spot. One or two times he woke up to Tori taking a look at his ribs and using healing Magic to lessen his pain and help him sleep through the worst.

That's how a little more than a week went by, before Red woke up with a clear head for the first time since he was put under for treatment.

Again Toriel was with him, Frisk and Saphy playing in the background. Tori put her paw on his forehead to feel his temperature. "You're adjusting to the higher Magic levels you have now, it seems. You still got a Healing Fever, but it's rather mild this time, my young friend. And your ribs are healing well, too."

Red swallowed dryly that it clicked in his throat. "I-*cough* i dun feel as sh- uh, bad, as bad as when they were broken back there," he croaked out, catching himself from swearing in the presence of the kids.

A small smile curled the corners of Toriel's mouth upwards. "That shouldn't be a surprise. Back then, your injuries hadn't been treated and you have been forced to move around with your broken ribs. Now your injuries and pains are tended to. And you already slept through the worst of it.

Now, let's try if you can sit up. You need to eat and drink properly to keep your own Magic up."

She helped him sitting up and handed him a glass of water first because she had, of course, noticed that Red seemed to be thirsty. He had to force himself to drink in slow sips to not choke on it. He huffed a 'thank you' when he gave her the glass back. She took it with a smile and switched it with a bowl of stew.

Eating slowly was easier than drinking slowly since Toriel's Healing Magic was still circulating his systems and dampening his hunger, even if he still had quite an appetite.

After finishing his meal, he asked the motherly goat monster, where Sans and Blue were, it was rare for both being absent.

"They are in the lab, Blue offered his help. He might not be a scientist, but he knows how to operate any tools expertly. That's why i brought Frisk over to have an eye on Saphy while i tend to you, my sweet boy."

Red's skull turned his namesake at her calling him that. "Please don't tease the skeleton," he mumbled, using a slightly adjusted version of a phrase he had heard from Papyrus a few times by now, always uttered when kept in a headlock and being noogied by Undyne.

Toriel must have been in on the joke, because she chuckled amused. "I think, you'll survive a little bit of harmless teasing, after everything else you already survived so far."

Yeah, he was not gonna walk down that memory lane if he could help it, thank you very much.

Next, she reached up to the nightstand and put down a stack of text books next to Red. "I can't tell you what to do with your time, but wouldn't it be time spent well when you used it to start learning for your high school graduation?"

"Sounds reasonable," Red mumbled, picking up the english text book on top of the stack and flipped through the pages.

"Do you want me to take the children downstairs to the living room so they won't disturb you?"

Red shook his head without taking his Eye Lights from the book. "Feel better when i know th' kid's close by. Prolly some instinct thing, dunno."

"I understand. I'll be downstairs, in case you might need me." With that, Toriel stood up, brushed some wrinkles out of her skirt and left, Frisk doing a puzzle with Saphy and Red focused on studying.

Chapter 25: (Un)Birthdate

Red was doing better.

He didn't feel as shitty as he had when his leg and his spine had been treated, the Healing Fever only lasted a few days and he had slept it off mostly.

Now he sat in his cave-nest, back leaned against the cushioned wall, and read his chemistry textbook like it was a toddler's picture book. Was this stuff really that feared by high school students? This was so easy to him, luckily not in a boring-to-lose-your-mind way but like someone would read a well loved book from their childhood, even if they had heard/read the story so many times, they still could recite it without even thinking about it.

Thinking about children...

Red put the book aside and fiddled with his necklace. He thought about his little Butterfly and wondered, how far along he would be with them by now, if he hadn't lost them.

He fished his phone from his pocket and pressed the button at the side, to switch on the lockscreen, showing a picture of Saphy, snuggled between dozens of plushies in his bed-nest, but also displaying the current time, day of week and date.

When he saw the date, he furrowed his brow in concentration, counting back to Saphy's birthday and further to the day he woke up in this room for the very first time.

...

His mind came to a screeching halt when he summed up the weeks and months he already was in this world.

That couldn't be.

Could it?

He unlocked his phone and opened the calendar app to get a more precise result.

But it didn't matter.

The result was the same.

And it tore a wound open, Red hadn't felt in a while with everything going on.

Tears burst from his eyes and he felt like he couldn't get enough air - maybe that was on his healing ribs tho - as he started to sob and fight for air, hiccupping and unable to stop.

He heard the soft knock on his door, but it didn't register, neither did Stretch's gentle but smoke-rough voice, asking if he was alright.

It took Stretch only seconds to get Sans and Blue, who were watching a movie in the living room, Stretch had only come up to get his cigarettes from Saphy's room, when he heard the small sob from Red's room. When he didn't get an answer, Stretch had ported downstairs, grabbed both Sanses by the wrist and ported back to Red's door.

There was no need to say anything as the two could hear the noises of Red's distress.

"He didn't answer me," Stretch explained when Sans lifted his hand to knock. Stretch's words were acknowledged with a small nod, but Sans knocked anyways.

He, too, got no answer.

He softly called, "Red? It's us. We're coming in, kay?", then slowly opened the door.

The smell of an Omega in distress hit the three Betas like a wrecking ball.

They shared a look, before Sans and Blue entered the room and approached Red in his cave-nest, while Stretch stayed at the door. Even if Red was getting used to him lately, he didn't want to risk stressing Red right now, he was a mess already.

Sans knelt down at the edge of Red's nest and he and Blue behind him took in the sight.

Red was gasping for air and sobbing at the same time, inconsolable it seemed. The phone was in his lap, but the screen had already turned off again, so there was no immediate saying what had set him off.

"Red?", Sans called gently and carefully reached out to him. "What's wrong, buddy? What has you so rattled?"

No idea, if it was the unintentended pun or Sans' voice, but Red looked at him with swimming eyes, sniffled and broke out in fresh tears again. "I... *hiccup*... they... by now... *sniff*... m-my... my-hiccup... they... n-nevaaahhhhh!"

His incomprehensible words were drowned in the heartbroken wail that escaped Red.

Sans scooted closer and hugged Red to his chest. "Shh, it's okay, Cherry Pop. It's okay to cry, to be upset. But we can't understand what you are trying to say."

Red uselessly wiped at his tears, then picked up his phone and turned it on again. The calendar app was open.

It was skipped back to an earlier month, a day marked by Red with the word 'Found'.

Wait. Wasn't that the day him and Blue had found Red, dying in the alley? Yeah, that was the day. Had it really already been four months.

Something in the back of Sans' mind paused, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Fortunately, Red finally had calmed down enough to speak more clear.

"I-i counted the t-time... since i... since it happened.... It would have been a-around the time... Miss Toriel treated m-my ribs... that my... they... *sniff*"

Sans rubbed gentle circles into the back of Red's skull. "Breathe, Red. Yer losing us again. We're here."

Red felt a new wave off grief and distress coming up. "M-my...babyyyyy," and he dissolved in tears once more.

Sans kept petting Red's skull and neck while he looked back at Blue in hope of an answer.

But Blue only frowned, trying to make sense of Red's word and even counting, himself.

Wait!

Did he say 'his baby'?

Blue tried and remembered how far along Red had been when he lost his little Butterfly. From there he counted forward, landing approximately at... Ohhh

Now, Blue also gave Sans a heartbroken look.

He sat down next to him, wrapped his arms around his mate and buried his face into the crook of his neck. "His baby would have been born... around the day Toriel did his ribs." His breath hitched at the thought of the poor little Soul that would never be born.

"So, that's it," Sans understood, hugging Blue close with his free hand.

Chapter 26: The final Test

That night Sans and Blue slept in Red's room to keep him company in case his grief caused him nightmares.

The night was fortunately uneventful. As were the following nights and days. It took Red that long to pull himself from the deep emotional hole he had fallen in.

He spent the following days and weeks again with studying for his graduation test. To take that test Red had to go to the local high school on a predetermined date.

Sans and Blue brought him there, where he had to check in his presence with the appointed test committee, consisting of Toriel, the principal and three teachers. Besides Red, there were seven humans in differing ages and three more monsters. They sat each at their own school desk, spread out in the school gym and overlooked by the committee, to make sure none of the participants tried to cheat.

The graduation test had several parts, divided in class fields like math, language, history, geography, physics, chemistry, biology and monster biology, and for each part was a certain amount of time determined.

The principal explained the rules concerning the test, then started the time for the first section of the test.

For Red, the test was a breeze. He finished each section before the respective time ran out and got a breather of around five to ten minutes each time.

He jolted when, during the last part of the test, the human sitting left of him was called out and disqualified for cheating, using the eraser-cheat. Of course the human denied having been cheating, but at least the principal and one of the teachers had clearly seen him fiddling with the eraser and its carton case without using it to erase anything.

Red felt nervous being only a few steps next to the more and more angry human. He was already done and had placed his test face down before him to wait for the time to end.

Maybe Toriel noticed, maybe not, but she patiently asked the human to not disturb the other participants and to please leave quietly. They could try in a few months again.

Angrily the human stormed out of the gym and Red tried to not make his fear known by his pheromones.

But Toriel must have smelled something, because she spread her own calming pheromones, as did the principal and the teachers.

Besides Red there were two more Omegas under the participants, who had also gotten nervous at the angry cheater, but calmed down now.

Eventually the clock rang and the principal told the test participants to please put their pens down, shut their test sheets and put them face down on their tables, after making sure their names were written on them. They would get their results in around two weeks with the mail, thank you for participating and good luck.

They filed out of the gym hall to head where-ever, Red seeing Blue and Sans waiting outside for him.

"What was up with the one that came out earlier? Seemed pretty pissed," Sans asked. Red looked around nervously if they were still around before he answered. "Got caught cheatin' durin' the last part. Got pre'y angry when de principal tol'em ta ge' lost."

"When will you get the results?", Blue asked in an attempt at changing the topic. "Miss Tori said 'round two weeks. Comes wi' de mail."

"What do you think? Gone well?", Sans inquired curiosly. Red smiled at that. "Guess so. Wasn't tha' hard."

Sans put his arm around Red's shoulder. "Thought so. You are smart as heck. You're a Sans after all. We are all smart, in one departement or the other." While he said that Sans shot Blue an affectionate glance, which the other answered with his own grin, while Red between them blushed his flustered namesake.

They took him to Grillby's to celebrate. The dogs were there and asked for pets and what news were there in the skeleton household. They told them about Stretch and Red's final exam test and that Alphys had offered Red an internship and whatnot. The dogs were excited to hear things went good for Red and wanted to celebrate with the skeles.

 

Two weeks later came Red's letter.

His results.

He was so nervous when he held it in his hands. With trembling fingers he opened the envelope and pulled out the sheets of paper.

The first page was the letter itself, congratulating him for passing the test and reaching a perfect result. It also informed him that he had a good chance to get a stipendium should he decide to enroll in college. The other pages consisted of a list of the points he got for each test question. The last page was in a clear plastic brochure cover and was his graduation certificate.

Blue took it, announcing that he would frame it to hang it over Red's desk.

Red was incredibly happy and felt like he accomplished something big for the first time in his life.

Blue and Sans called their brothers, Pap being training with Undyne and Stretch working with Alphys on the portal machine. They all met at Grillby's to celebrate again. Grillby, the dogs and the regulars who knew Red by now all congratulated him and ordered him a drink.

For the first time in who knew how long Red got shit-faced drunk. He hadn't had a drink at least since that night with his own Grillby. Meaning it had been almost a year now.

Blue excused himself after a while to pick up Saphy and take care of her.

The next day Sans, Red and Stretch were horribly hungover and slept half the day away, before Red prepared a letter with Blue's help to enroll at the local community college. Then he called Alphys to talk about the possibilities of him working for her.

She told him to wait for the answer from the college, depending on the answer, she would either grant him an internship or a job as her personal assistant.

The next day Toriel called to congratulate Red and to talk about when she was to treat his left arm.

A few days later Red had his dominant arm and hand in a cast and the answer from the college, granting him a stipendium.

When, shortly after, the next semester started, Red began studying astrophysics and theoretical physics. Further he signed up for history, because he found it quite interesting, and some household class that taught cooking, household management and basic child care. That aligned perfectly with his Omega instincts. He also started his internship with Alphys and couldn't nerd out enough about science.

He was as happy as never before in his life. Well, maybe except the time when he had been under Gaster's care, but he couldn't remember much of it.

Notes:

I have absolutely no idea how those test are being held, so i made something up that appeared as reasonable as possible to me. And, hey, why not? Y'know, monsters and Magic and stuff.

Chapter 27: The incident at the college

With his dominant arm and hand unusable for the forseeable time and thankfully no Healing fever in sight this time, Red spent most of the hours he was in Alphys' lab with getting familiar with her and this world's Gaster's work by reading his, Sans' and Alph's notes.

At the college he just sat in his classes and absorbed everything just by listening, unable to take notes anyways. At household class he made the acqaintance of Fuku, Grillby's daughter. She happily took the small and slightly shy Omega under her wings.

She had signed up for household class, business class and some others she needed, to take over her father's business one day.

Fuku turned out to be an Alpha but she kept a tight grip on her pheromones and wasn't very obvious when one didn't know. Only that she was quite confident and sometimes confrontational, especially when she defended others against bullies and other assholes.

That's why Sans and Blue were glad Fuku and Red were getting along so well. It took a lot of worry for Red from their shoulders.

Of course there were incidents.

For example when Red was coming from the cafeteria once and an Alpha freshmen stepped in his way after catching a whiff of Red's scent.

Still young enough to be in the throes of puberty, the adolescent Alpha lacked some self-control around Omegas and just couldn't help but check that unbonded Omega out.

He stepped up and puffed up in an instinctual attempt to impress. He had no idea that he didn't do himself any favors acting like this with Red. "Hi, what happened to your arm? Looks like you need someone to protect you."

Red instantly took a step back and tried to fight off the fear crawling in his bones. He focused on some memories of his own world, when he had successfully acted tough and scared off some cocky assholes. He put a dark scowl on his face and tried to project as much hostility as possible, even if it wasn't much since he was more scared than truly aggressive. He squared his shoulders, bared his fangs and growled. "Neither my arm nor myself are any of ya business, so piss off, greenhorn. Ya dun hol' a candle ta de fuckers i dealt wi' where i come from. So, dun thin' ya could impress me. Now leave me 'lone 'fore i rip ya 'nother one." He hissed the last sentence with as much vitriol as he could put in his words.

The younger Alpha was taken aback at Red's aggression, he really didn't expect that. After a moment of surprise he got a hold on himself and grinned in an amused, patronizing way that had Red bristle immediately. "Wow, aren't you feisty. I like that."

He came uncomfortably close again, invading Red's personal space. "How about we find out how tough you really are, little edgelord~?" He crowded Red even more, who already pressed himself backwards against the wall of red lockers.

Still fighting to keep his own pheromones under control and his panic at bay, he acted merely on reflex when he finally lashed out. He swung his right hand, felt his claws connect and slice a tough-ish surface.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly there were screams and a commotion around him, but he kept his eyes shut tightly so he wouldn't have to see the other's attack coming.

Then there was a certain voice that filtered through the ruckus and the buzzing that filled his head.

It was Fuku. She was talking to him, tried to calm him down while others kept an eye on the intrusive Alpha.

With Fuku's help Red got his breathing under control and eventually opened his Eye Sockets and looked around.

There were quite a lot of people around them, mostly watching curiously what was happening. There was the young Alpha, pressing a hand to his face with blood seeping through his fingers and trickling down his wrist.

Red looked down at his right hand and found his clawed fingers bloody.

He flinched when the Alpha screamed at him, nothing left of his confidence and attitude. "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!? YOU'RE INSANE, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!"

Fuku put her arms around Red protectively and reassuringly. "You had it coming, so stop bitching around," she growled at the other. "You should have backed off as soon as Red told you to leave him alone, so don't even try put the blame on him."

"Sh-she's right," Red piped up from the safety of Fuku's hold. "That i'm... an Omega d-doesn't mean t-that i wanna have some A-alpha asshole trying ta g-get inta mah p-pants."

He thought a second, then looked up at Fuku. "I-isn't dat con-considered... harassment?"

Fuku thought for a moment herself while Red's assailant blanched.

Fuku eventually nodded. "Depending on what he said to you, it could even be sexual harassment. Would get him into a lot of trouble." She turned her head again towards him with a steely gaze in her small beady eyes. "Doesn't matter that he's an Alpha and you an Omega. Acting on his urges is always a conscious decision, either to do it or to not fight his urges and instincts."

Someone must have informed the dean of the college, because she and her secretary came down the hall with a fast step. The students stepped back to free them a path.

The dean looked at the injured student, then to Fuku and Red, noticing the blood on Red's fingers.

"You," she pointed at the injured Alpha, "infirmary." Then she turned back to Red and Fuku. "You, into my office. Both."

They both nodded and followed the dean while the secretary took the other to the infirmary to also get his version of the story.

"Am i in trouble?", Red asked Fuku in a whisper while they neared the dean's office.

Fuku sighed softly. "You shouldn't have injured him, but you were panicking and he was pushing you, so, probably a little, but not seriously. Just let's explain the situation and you should apologize to him, even if he deserved that. Those idiots put every decent Alpha into a bad light as well."

In her office, the dean motioned for the two to take a seat in front of her desk and sat down herself behind it.

She weaved her fingers together and put her entwined hands on her desk. "So. What happened? I don't care, who of you tells me, as long as it's the truth."

Fuku looked at Red to see if he would say anything. He inhaled a few times deeply and nodded at her questioning gaze to show her that he would at least try.

"Ya see, Ma'am, i was jus' leavin' de cafeteria af'er eatin' sumthin' and su'nly tha' young Alpha stood dere an' blocked mah way... *deep breath*... He tried ta... i dunno... impress me? He puffed himself up and sh- uh such. Suggested ta 'protect' me. I tried ta tell 'im off, but he crowded mah space an' i... panicked. I di'n mean ta injure 'im, i swear, Ma'am. I jus' wanted him ta back off, 'm sorry..."

Fuku put her arm around Red's shoulder again to calm him. "You must know, Ma'am, Red's been through a lot of bad stuff. Abuse and worse. By Alphas. I know that isn't an excuse to hurt other students, but nothing would have happened if the other would have just left when Red told him off, instead of invading his personal space and harass him."

The dean thought for a moment. "Is there anyone who can confirm your claim about the past abuse?"

They both nodded. "Lady Toriel," Red said, "she treated mah old injuries. She knows what happened ta me. Sans an' Blue too. I live wi' them."

The dean nodded and took notes. "We already have their contacts since Lady Toriel leads a first aid class each semester and Blue and Sans are listed as your emergency contacts. I think i'll have to call them to vouch for you, Red. The same goes for the parents of the student you hurt. If your story proves to be true, and the other's parents refrain from reporting bodily harm on their own, on our side the both of you just will have to apologize to each other. Of course, you could privately report him for harassment, but that's entirely your own decision."

Red thought about it while he and Fuku returned to the waiting area outside to wait for Toriel and the skeles.

Out of nowhere Sans ported in, bringing Blue with him. Not long after, the secretary and Toriel showed up.

Blue talked with Toriel and the secretary while Sans checked if everything was alright with Red.

The secretary opened the door to the dean's office and waved everybody in. This time Sans pulled Red in his lap and wrapped his arms around him to give a sense of safety.

After nodding towards the newcomers in greeting the dean looked at her secretary. "How is the boy? How bad is he injured?"

Before the secretary could do more than open the mouth, Toriel scoffed. "It's not that bad. He has some slash marks on his cheek. It could have been worse, considering how sharp Red's claws are. He'll surely have some faint scars from this, but he could have lost his eye if Red would've hit one or two inches higher. Wounds on the head always bleed quite a lot, letting it seem way more dramatic than they actually are. But he already stopped bleeding and the marks are clean and thin."

The dean nodded at her, then looked at her secretary. "What is his side of the story?"

The secretary shuffled through her own notes, then cleared her throat. "He claims to just having offered his protection and after getting hissed at, took it as flirting and reciprocated, then Mr. Red unexpectedly lashed out and attacked him."

"He had me fucking backed against de lockers. And he wouldn't back off. What else was i s'pposed ta do?", Red defended himself.

"Language," Blue said on reflex. Red mumbled a 'sorry'.

The dean took a deep breath. "Do you want to report him for harassing you?", she asked.

Red shook his head. "No need ta ruin his future over that. As long as he leaves me alone in de future, i'm fine when he apologizes. An' course i will apologize ta him fer scratching him."

"You are too good for the world, Cherry Pop," Sans commented, proud of Red's maturity.

"Nonetheless, i would prefer to avoid a repeat of something like this, so..." the dean rummaged around in one of her drawers, producing a silvery whistle on a thin chain. "We give those mostly to Omegas that had experienced abuse, harassment or other kinds of bullying in the past. They are usually to be worn openly around the neck. If you are harassed by someone, just blow the whistle to draw everyone's attention to yourself and your harasser, usually that's enough to make them back off because they don't want to get into trouble. But the sight of the whistle around your neck is enough to have everyone leave you alone when you decline their advances. If we knew about your past, we would have given it to you right away, Red."

Red took the whistle with a whispered 'thanks'. "I dun wan' ta make it a big deal. 'M not made a glass. But this just was ta much, i admit."

Sans smiled a little sad for Red's horrible past as he took the whistle from Red and put it around his neck since the small Omega had some difficulties with his one arm in a cast.

Around a half hour later the parents of the young Alpha arrived, already ready to let loose hell on whoever dared to hurt their son.

In the meantime Toriel and the skeles had explained to the dean in what condition Red had been when he was found by Sans and Blue.

The secretary retrieved the Alpha from the infirmary to talk everything out with him and his parents.

When they declared they would sue Red for attacking their oh so innocent boy, the dean informed them about Red's decision to NOT report the teen for the harassment. That had the parents gasping and the dean and Fuku taking the opportunity to tell them the whole story.

In the end the parents were so embarassed by their son's transgression that they hastily demanded of him to apologize to Red. The boy nervously did, Red accepting and apologizing himself for scratching him. And suddenly the young Alpha waved it off as 'not that bad'.

After everything was said and done the parents took their leave with their son, the father scuffing him up the back of his head before the door closed.

The young perpetrator was suspended for a week. Red was excused from his classes for the rest of the day, so he left with Blue and Sans after saying goodbye to Toriel and thanking Fuku for her help.

When Red came to classes the next day, a shiny silvery whistle dangled from a chain around his neck.

No one bothered him.

Notes:

I didn't want to just doing a time jump to the next important plot point. Then i thought that everyday life has to be difficult for someone as traumatized as Red. Some bumps in the road would be unavoidable.

Chapter 28: Unwanted reunion

Days and weeks went by and Red thrived under the care of the skeleton family and their friends, which partly had also become his friends, and in this way safer and friendlier place.

Watching young Alphas taking a look at him, noticing the whistle, and either leaving him alone completely or nodding at him in a polite greeting to show him that they had no bad intentions before they went their way, had him on edge in the beginning whenever he noticed someone looking at him, later he gave the nod back and pushed his nerves down. The more he got used to it the less did the fleeting glances of others bother him.

He even befriended some other Omegas and a few Betas from his classes or at the cafeteria.

 

It had been 10 months since Red came to UnderTale, when Sans and Blue told him the anniversary of monsterkind reaching the surface was coming up and their whole family, including Red and Stretch, and their closest friends would go to the Underground to spend some time in certain places and remember the old days.

When Red asked where they were going exactly Blue said they would have a picnic in the wishing room in Waterfall and then see what they might decide to do.

When the day came Sans, Blue, Saphy, Red and Stretch met with Papyrus, Undyne, Alphys, Toriel and Frisk. Mettaton had apologized himself, but he had a Live Show in celebration of the anniversary. Asgore couldn't make it either, as king of monsterkind he had representative duties at this day. Red wasn't too sad about it. He still feared the strong, huge Boss-monster, even if he was nothing but a push-over. About Mettaton, he didn't feel anything special, he knew Papyrus was his fan, but that was it.

During their picnic the friends exchanged memories and stories about the time most of them had been in stripes. Undyne told about the pranks she pulled and how Old Gerson took her in when she lost her parents and how she met and befriended everyone. Sans and Papyrus told stories about their childhood and then bickered about the details. Blue and Stretch gave their own version of such stories.

Even Red shared a few soft memories, like how he got his old jacket and his brother the red scarf he had worn ever since. Or how his Undyne had saved them and allowed them to stay at her place until Red could afford the house in Snowdin.

Eating good food, looking at the crystals and telling stories had some of the more energetic ones between them getting restless and since there was nothing better to burn some energy than playing in the snow, they all agreed on going to Snowdin.

Red was fully healed by now, his right arm being freed from its cast not too long ago. And he proved to have an impressive aim in the snowball fight. Being a Sans he also was quick on his feet, dodging everything thrown his way.

Suddenly a red, sharpened bone came flying from somewhere between the trees, aimed at Red.

Fortunately Undyne stood next to him and easily deflected the attack with her green shield Magic.

Red jumped when Papyrus, Blue and Stretch joined them, shielding Red with their own bodies.

Sans appeared next to him and embraced him. Red trembled and leaned into Sans. "Th-tha's B-boss' attack," he stammered, scared like he hadn't been in a long time.

And indeed, came a dangerous looking Papyrus with scars and sharp teeth from between the trees, sporting sleek black armor, red gloves and heeled boots and a tattered bloodred scarf. His eyes burned the bloody red of someone with incredible high LV, unlike the brighter natural red of Red's eyes.

The Great and Terrible Edge.

He put his hands on his hips and looked everyone up and down condescendingly and with something that looked like disgust.

"I don't care who you imbeciles are. All i want is my whore back. Hand it over and no one gets hurt. Take this as an order of the Co-Captain of the Royal Guard, peasants."

Undyne scoffed. "Pah! Your rank means nothing here, punk! This isn't your world and you don't have any power here! You have a lot of crimes on your plate to answer for. I don't care how things are in your world, but here you'll have to answer to the Judge of monsterkind for the things you did to your own brother. You are arrested. I suggest, you surrender, it will make things easier on everyone involved."

Edge looked Undyne up and down like she was some dirty vermin. "Surely not, you whimp. Step down. Or i will dust you." He growled his threat.

Unnoticed by most of the others Sans shared quick side-glances with Papyrus and Blue. Then he closed his eyes and dipped into his deeper Magic, awakening the power of the Judge. But he needed time to do it and he knew the abilities of his bro and his mate well enough to trust them to buy him that time. Like one being in two bodies they stepped up, flanking Dyne.

Edge sneered. "You really want to duke it out," it wasn't a question but merely an observation.

Without taking her eye from her enemy Undyne spoke quietly, "your majesty, take the twerps and Alphys and get them to safety. We'll take care of this scum."

At first Toriel wanted to protest, to help in the fight. She was anything but a weak monster after all. But she stayed quiet, Alphys on her own wouldn't be able to protect herself and the children. Toriel huffed a sigh and just nodded, even if Undyne couldn't see it. "Please be careful, Captain. Boys. And come back unharmed." With that she helped Alphys herd Frisk and an unwilling Saphy back in the direction of Waterfall.

Edge followed them with his murderous eyes, before returning his full attention back to Undyne and the skeletons. "Anyone else who prefers to forfeit?", he taunted.

Instead of a verbal answer Undyne chose to pull Edge into a fight against herself and Blue, Stretch and Pap. Each of them summoned their go-to weapon, spears made from Magic for Dyne, femur-shaped bone attacks for Pap, Stretch and Blue, and a sharp red bone-sword for Edge.

For several turns they just exchanged, and blocked, blows until Undyne caught Edge in her binding Magic which hindered him to move from the spot.

He still could fight and deflected any attacks that came his direction.

Papyrus knew for how long Undyne could hold up the binding Magic and when the turn came she had to release it he caught Edge in his blue Magic, rendering him immobile.

Edge spat and cussed them out while Pap, then Blue, then Stretch, kept him like that, until they felt the build-up of strong ancient Magic behind them.

They stepped aside, Stretch keeping up his blue Magic grip on Red's old tormentor, and Sans opened his Eye Sockets.

His right socket was a black pit, dark like the Void, in his left one burned a light in cyan and yellow. An all-seeing flame nothing and no one could hide from.

"Death would be too good for you," he said, his voice sounded as ancient as the Magic was. "For all the lives you took, for everything you did to your own brother and let others do to him instead of protecting him, i hereby take your ability to actively use any kind of Magic ever again." His voice still deep and reverberating.

It wasn't his voice after all. It was the voice of the Judge.

Edge screeched like a banshee in pure rage and hate when the Magic of the Judge put its verdict to work and he felt his attack and defense being stripped from him.

Actually, it was sealed, not really taken away. However, the outcome was the same. Edge would never be able to form a bone or even summon his ecto at will ever again.

The Judge's Magic tapered out and Sans sagged, exhausted. Luckily Red, who had clung to him the whole time, managed to catch him and sat down on the ground with him.

Undyne grabbed Edge's wrists, pulled them behind his back and summoned cuffs with her Magic, pretty useful when she had to restrain someone while not on duty and not wearing her uniform and gear.

"NOT sorry to break it to you, but ain't gonna hurt anybody in the future. And if you are smart you keep your mouth shut about the shit you did to your brother, punk. They don't take such shit lightly in prison, punk" she told him. Then she began to read him his rights, not caring about the tantrum he was throwing.

When she was done she looked around to make sure the others were unharmed. "How's Sans?", she asked, looking at Red who still held his counterpart in his arms. Sans was snoring softly, fallen asleep from the exertion of using the power of the Judge.

Seeing that Sans and Red were fine she turned to Blue, Stretch and Pap. "Good job, guys. Uh, Stretch, you can teleport, right?" Stretch nodded. "Need a lift?" "Uh-huh. Can you get us to the police station so we can drop this scum there?", she asked.

Stretch shrugged lazily. "Sure." He put one hand on Undyne's shoulder and the other between Edge's shoulder blades so he wouldn't reach him should he try to snap his teeth at him. Then he blipped them away.

Blue and Papyrus finally relaxed fully. "I go get the others," Blue declared and set off towards Waterfall.

Papyrus knelt down close to Red and Sans. He sighed fondly as he looked at his sleeping brother. "That lazybones. How are you, Red? This must have been a horrifying experience for you."

Red pulled his shoulders up and ducked his head a little, still nervous around Alphas. "I'm f-fine... Thanks... fer protectin' me."

Papyrus smiled. "Anytime. You are part of the family, after all."

A little bit later Blue came back with Toriel, Alphys and the kids. And Stretch blipped in, alone. He explained that Undyne had to stay at the police station for the paperwork. She also asked Stretch to tell Red that he had to go there later to give his testimony.

They took their time to calm down from the scare and spent the rest of their stay talking, Red pressed into Blue and crying from the fear and relieve while Papyrus held his sleeping brother.

The next day Sans and Blue accompanied Red to the police station to give his testimony.

Chapter 29: Post-Red UnderFell

Summary:

How did Edge get to UnderTale?

No one remembered who built the Core. Or more precisely, no one remembered who they had been. Only that it must had been the former Royal Scientist.

But no one could recall their name, neither their type of monster nor what they looked like, or what had happened to them.

All everyone knew was that the position of Royal Scientist was vacant as long as any living monster could remember.

That was, until one day, a young, promising yellow lizard monster named Alphys presented her masterpiece to the king. A robot, designed to hunt humans, powered by an artificial Soul.

(No one, besides Alphys and her accomplice, knew that it was only the ghost monster Mettablook possessing and controling the robot.)

She called it Mettaton.

The insane tyrant, King Asgore, was pleased when Alphys demonstrated Mettaton's abilities and possibilities by torturing some prisoners.

Asgore wanted to show every last monster in the Underground what would happen, should they dare to betray him. That way, Mettaton got his TV show, and Alphys became the new Royal Scientist.

First thing, she did, was exploring every nook of the lab to take stock of what kind of projects her predecessor had worked on. Maybe there was something useful, or at least interesting.

She found a lot of garbled nonsense, partially erased data in the files and broken video tapes with a lot of static overlapping snippets of research documentary.

Seemed like the electronic documents hadn't been stored appropriately and had gotten damaged.

For the garbled and erased files? Well, Alphys herself sometimes deleted or erased information from her documents and files, especially when those things could get her into trouble. And, being paranoid, she used different kinds of code to make her files unreadable to anyone else.

But Alphys had everything she needed to decipher the old files. She had free access to everything in the lab, she had the position to not be questioned by anyone except Asgore, she had free range to do whatever she wanted in the name of science, and she had the time to do so. All she had to do to keep Asgore off her back, at least for now, was to upgrade Mettaton every now and then. She already had a few things in preparation to keep back until she felt it would be necessary to show some 'progress' with her work, like a second pair of arms, a flamethrower and a new body Mettaton would be able to transform into.

She also had some ideas for traps around Hotlands, like a vent maze around the Core or fucking around a little with the elevators.

All that should give her enough time to crack the code and find out what's in those ancient files.

The first thing, she found, was a network of surveillance cameras all over the Underground. After replacing some wires and double-check the whole thing Alphys began to spy on the other monsters. Sometimes a certain individual would catch her interest and she would stalk them, until she either lost interest or abducted them to experiment on them.

But stalking and experimenting on others could distract her only for so long, and soon she would be back, buried into the former Royal Scientist's research up over her scaly head to look for something of scientifical value.

Something about DT related experiments caught her eye, research on Souls and Soul traits, timelines and the multiverse theory. She found equations and blueprints for a machine that, scrappy as they were, matched a hunk of metal and wires she had found in the lower, private lab of the Royal Scientist.

It took Alphys years to make sense of the strange code, that turned out to be a long forgotten font called wingdings. A skeleton font.

Alphys deduced that her predecessor might have been a skeleton monster. She only knew of two left, one being Captain Undyne's pet trainee and the other one was all over the Underground, looking for work, doing every kind of low work, and trying to not get killed in the process.

The latter skeleton got her interest for a while when she noticed that he could teleport, him disappearing into nothing in the blink of an eye, and re-appearing at a complete different place the next soulbeat. She witnessed it happening often enough on her surveillance screens.

She watched him doing his jobs, running for his life, being taken by random monsters in plain sight when he hadn't enough Magic to teleport away, and more and more often being beaten and taken by his own brother after the latter outgrew him.

But watching a skeleton being fucked and played with in any way possible by practically the whole Underground became boring after she saw certain things a few times. So, she returned her attention more and more to the machine.

She actually got it to work after years of research, checking the calculations and tinkering.

And she found other universes.

Alphys kept studying the many different types of worlds, the endless possibilities, how their lifes could have been different. Worlds where monsters were nice to each other, where they were on the surface, where they lived the lifes of others and others lived their lifes, what consequences could there be when an eightth human fell and acted in a certain way, when they went on a genocide, when they befriended everyone, when they killed only certain monsters and left the Underground forever or decided to stay.

Then, one day the strong one of the skeleton brothers came to her, telling her his cockslut had disappeared into thin air and he knew that she had cameras all over the place and he wanted her to help him find his fucktoy.

Wow, he really had become a dick. She almost felt sympathy for the poor bastard that was his disowned brother. Almost.

She asked Papyrus, who demanded to be called 'Edge' now, how childish, when and where exactly he had seen his 'fucktoy' the last time.

He told her.

So, the little bitch had gotten himself knocked up, no wonder 'Edge' was so pissed.

She went through her footage and compared it to the data of her sensors, she had equipped her cameras with a while back, to find out if he had landed somewhere in the blind spot of one of her cameras, but there was nothing, only a huge eruption of teleport Magic, before his signature vanished completely. Not even residual Magic, that always stayed behind whenever a monster dusted.

Alphys became aware that she had no idea of the possibilities of the skeleton's teleportation ability. Could he have left the Underground and ported to the surface? No, the barrier wouldn't let him get through.

While thinking, her machine gave a beep, a signal that something was happening in the world she had been studying.

Taking the small chance that it might be related, she shuffled over to her machine and sure enough, it signaled the arrival of a foreign Magic signature to the universe.

With a marrow sample from the muzzle Edge used on his brother Alphys was able to compare the Magic and, sure enough, they matched.

The tall bastard didn't take it well that his favorite cocksleeve was out of his reach, even if it wasn't forever.

Alphys was sure that she should be able to find a way to cross over to another universe, when a pregnant weakling of a whimp was able to get through with a simple teleport.

Edge calmed at least a little when Alphys promised that she would be able to build something to get to the other world. She only needed some time.

Lucky, that she was a genius and half of the work was already done with the existence of the machine.

She began to work like she was possessed, and in a way she was.

She didn't count the months, but eventually she managed to open a portal during a test run.

After a number of more tests, she finally informed Edge that the machine was ready.

While she waited for him, prepared the machine and did some last checks, she couldn't shake the feeling she forgot something.

When Edge stormed in like he owned the place, he urged her to open the portal asap, he didn't want to wait any longer.

Alphys started the program that controlled the portal, put in the coordinates and fired up the energy supply to the portal.

It opened and as soon as it was stable Alphys nodded for him to go through.

The lanky asshole disappeared in a flash of light.

Then, a surge in the Core caused the portal machine to overload and it exploded just as Alphys managed to dive behind another console for cover.

When the ventilation systems cleared the smoke, Alphys checked the original machine.

Yep. There was the edgelord, just arrived in the other world. If it was on Alphys to decide, the fucker could take his time to find his slut before coming... back...

Oh, fuck.

That's what she forgot. It was never a question how he would come back when he found his brother. They never spoke about it.

Shit.

He had no way to come back.

...

He... had... no way... to come back~

Oh, that was too good!

Now he was stuck in the other universe.

Wow. He was gonna be ROYALLY PISSED when he would find out. She doubted, the other world's Royal Scientist would just do his bidding and build him a portal.

She had studied that particular universe enough to know that the other her was together with her Undyne, and that said Undyne and some others were quite protective over their mates, families and even friends.

For some reason there were also three Sanses and two Papyri, living together. The local brothers, a pair from a third universe, and Edge's cockslut.

That could get interesting.

She was sure to follow the events that were to happen.

Chapter 30: Instincts going wild

The next weeks were busy.

Red's testimony was supported by Toriel's report about his scars and injuries and the small Omega had a lot material to talk about with the therapist he was seeing for a while now.

In the beginning he had cried a lot as he told the Doc about his upbringing, his world and how his brother changed after getting under his Undyne's influence. Oh, how guilty he felt for hating his younger brother, but he also still feared him and everything was so sad and horrible because Edge was too dangerous to be ever let roam freely in this peaceful world, even without his Magic.

The therapist listened patiently, only asked questions when something wasn't clear and handed Red tissues and offered tea and time to collect himself after he cried himself out once more. They didn't question Red's claim to be from a different universe, they had read 'The Dark Tower' and were familiar with the concept of 'worlds next door'. They also had met Sans and Blue at the first session and knew that all three were different versions of the same monster.

Now they helped Red to sort out the emotional mess that was left after the last confrontation with his brother.

 

When he was working at the lab Red helped Sans, Stretch and Alphys to work out a program that would run parallel to the portal function, only permanent, to block certain universes from entering their world without interfering with the portals.

When they checked UnderFell they learned that Red's Alphys had the machine. And a portal machine, but it was badly damaged it seemed and she didn't even try to repair it. That answered that question.

After Edge had faced the court and the partly human, partly monster jury had found him as guilty as the sin and he was sentenced to a life behind bars, Stretch decided to return to his own world. He promised to visit at least once a year and wished his brother and his new family a good and happy life.

The brothers told each other they would miss the other and look forward to Stretch's next visit.

Before he stepped through the portal Stretch gave Red a strange knowing look. Then he was gone.

Blue was a little less energetic the following days, but he never stayed down for long and eventually bounced back to his happy hyper self.

They had a little party when they realized that Red was a whole year in their world already. And they planned another one two months later to celebrate Red being with them for a year.

But by then Red began to get restless and uncomfortable.

His nesting instincts took a hold of him again and he was working on his nests as if possessed.

When it started Alphys didn't seem surprised or worried at all. She just told Red to go home until 'it' was over. Red didn't understand at first, but when he asked her what she meant, the short yellow lizard just blushed and couldn't get a word out anymore.

Then said obsession with his nests set in.

He scented everything and eventually curled up in his bed-nest and tried to calm his racing Soul and get comfortable.

But it was no use.

Something was missing.

What was it? He was so confused, something like this had never happened to him before. He felt safe and wanted to hide away at the same time. He felt lonely but didn't want anyone to see him like this.

He started to feel warm, then hot, and somehow... weird.

It felt similar to when Boss or the monsters who bought him had forced certain drugs on him to make him more pliant or something. Yet, not exactly like that. It felt more natural and it scared him.

The only thing he knew for sure was that his nest was painfully empty.

He didn't understand what was going on with him and it had him panic.

 

Sans and Blue had picked up their little gem from kindergarten after Sans blipped in at Blue's workplace. Alphys had sent Sans a text that she had sent Red home and that he needed them, probably the whole family. Not everything made sense in the text, but that only meant it was something Alphys was too shy or nervous to talk/write about.

But what could it be? He had texted back if Red was sick but Alphys only answered 'not really'. Sans had sighed inwardly and ported to Blue to tell him, then he brought them both to the kindergarten since it was time to pick up Saphy nonetheless.

Now they were home and would, hopefully, find out what's going on. The moment they entered the house they knew.

Chapter 31: Confessions and family

Blue and Sans shared a look, then Blue headed for the kitchen, waving Saphy to come with him.

Sans ascended the stairs, inhaling the mix of scents that permeated the entire house. In the strong sweet scent mixed the pheromones of a confused and distraught Omega.

Saphy might not be able to understand the scent messages yet, but Blue and Sans knew. They had waited for this to happen and had begun to wonder if he still might be too insecure.

But now it was happening.

He stopped at Red's door and knocked gently. "Red? Ya in there, Cherry Pop?"

He only got some muted sobs as answer.

"Red, i'm coming in," he warned before turning the handle and opening the door.

The scent instantly intensified. Sans fought down the urges it woke in him.

He found Red in his bed-nest, mid-episode.

Sans sighed. They should have expected that. It was the first time this happened to Red after all. And with all his trauma and shit, it had to be expected to go like this. Maybe they should have asked Red's therapist to talk with him about it?

They had told him this would happen when he stayed long enough with them, but they never talked about it in detail. It just never came up again after the first time they talked about it.

Sans shuffled his slippered feet on the carpet to let Red know he was there before he softly spoke. "Hey Red. It's me, Sans. It's okay, you're okay. You are safe. We are here for you."

While he talked to Red like he was a frightened animal Sans came closer to the bed, but didn't touch the nest until Red would give his permission.

Red looked at him with teary, fuzzy eyes from where he laid curled up in a small ball. He was gasping for air and sniffling, his face flushed. Briefly Sans thought it funny how he always called him 'Cherry Pop' but he blushed a more pinkish strawberry red. It made him look even softer than he already was, when you could ignore his scars and fangs.

"Red? Can i touch you?", Sans asked. Red only nodded and Sans stroked his hot, sweaty skull. "I guess you are confused what's going on, huh?"

Red nodded again. Sans' smile softened even more. "Everything is fine, i promise. You are just experiencing your first heat. It can mess with your instincts and mindset when you don't know what to expect." While he explained to Red what was happening, he leaned forward a little more and pulled Red into a careful hug.

Red whined at the touch.

Sans felt himself slowly getting overwhelmed by Red's heat scent and his pheromones and nuzzled the crown of the Omega's skull. "We are here for you, don't worry. Blue and Saphy are coming too. We are helping you through this. Can you tell me what you want? What your instincts tell ya?"

Red sniffled and pressed closer to Sans. "Nest empty... bad... dun wanna be alone..."

Sans had a gut feeling that that wasn't all but Red either didn't want to tell him or was too afraid. He had to push it a little, it seemed. "That's not all, right? There's more. What is it?"

Red just whined and pressed his face into Sans' shoulder. Sans kept stroking his skull, the sound of bone brushing over bone oddly calming. "We can't help you if you don't tell us, Red. You are safe, we won't do anything you don't want. You know we wouldn't."

Red nodded into his shoulder. Can ya... stay wi' me? All of ya?", he asked meekly. "Can't stan' mah... nest empty... without you three..."

"You want us in your nest, are you sure?", Sans inquired. Red nodded. "Please?" He sounded so desperate. "Like ya... ya an' Blue... an' Saphy. Need someone... in mah nest... want you...

...

... i... think i... love ya... the two a ya... luv da pup too but... you know... right?"

Sans didn't know what to say, really. How to go about this?

Well. Why not being honest?

"May i get into your nest with you?", he asked, and as Red nodded he climbed in and pulled Red even closer to him.

"You want to be a part of our family?", Sans asked straight ahead. Red began to fidget anxiously. "'M sorry... but ya all are so... nice ta me... can't change how i feel..."

Before he could even think about to pull away from Sans' arms, the lazy skeleton had tightened his hold and was kissing him on the cheekbone. Every thought process in Red's head stopped abrubtly.

After the kiss Sans touched his forehead to Red's temple. "Stupid little Cherry Pop," he whispered affectionately, "you already are part of this family. Even if it isn't official yet. Saphy adores you and, even if she still calls you her uncle, sees you as much of a parental figure as she does me and Blue. I bet she would be really happy to get to call you 'Papa' or something along that line.

And tibia honest, the two of us like you too. A lot. We would be happy to make you our's. We already talked about it. If you want us, we are your's, Soul and Magic."

The door opened just that moment and Blue and Saphy walked in, bringing waterbottles and different foods that wouldn't spoil.

"Hey, how is it?", Blue asked to test the waters.

"We talked," Sans answered and then nuzzled Red again, the Omega mewled and squirmed in his arms.

Blue cocked an eyebrow. "Talked or teased? He seems quite flustered to me."

Sans grinned. "Just get into the nest already. Red is lonely."

Saphy immediately obliged, climbed up into the nest and hugged Red as hard as she could. "Dun wowwy, Unca Red, we're here now. You dun hafta be lon'ly ever again."

While his little gem was busy being adorable, Blue put his luggage down, the water next to the bed and the food on the nightstand, before joining the others.

"We talked," Sans began, repeating what he already said, "and i think we are all on the same page. Red told me that he wants to join us. Isn't that right, Red?" Red just nodded shyly at the question. Sans mirrored the nod. "And i told him that we want him to join us. To become part of our family."

Saphy looked up at him. "Unca Red's gonna be my new Daddy!? REALLY? REALLY REALLY!?" She bounced, excited. "BUT DADDY RED DOESN'T SOUND GOOD. I CALL YOU PAPA!"

Sans whispered to Red, "see? Told ya."

Red was overwhelmed by happiness flooding him while his former emotions still lingered, and he began to cry again.

When he finally calmed down he became aware that this weird needy feeling and the heat in his bones had lessened.

He quietly asked Sans about it, not sure if this was normal or what might be the reason. "It's prolly 'cause this is about you and us bonding and 'cause the babybones is involved too. Your body and instincts recognize the signs and shifted the focus of your heat from... you know... to bonding with the three of us to become our mate and Saphy's Papa." He kissed Red's cheek again. "We can do the naughty the next time. Or in the time between, there's nothing restricting us in that, really. Whatever you feel comfortable with. You are our Omega now and we will take good care of you. Ever." He kissed him again. And then peppered Red's skull in teasing pecks until he was completely flustered and tried to swat him away to stop the 'assault'. The keyword is 'tried', tho.

 

They spent the following days in Red's room, cuddling and talking and keeping as much physical contact as possible.

On one of the last days Sans, Blue and Saphy formed a family bond with Red.

The adults would soulbond as mates when the child wasn't around.

After the family bond was in place Red couldn't stop smiling and purring for the rest of the day, he even kept smiling in his sleep.

His Soul and instincts calmed down, the bond rooting him to his new family.

Family.

He had a family. He had mates. And a pup. He didn't know where this came from that his mind called Saphy a pup, but it felt good. It felt right. So he didn't question it.

Chapter 32: Love is in the air

When Blue and Sans had found Red in that alley over a year ago, they had no other intentions than to save his life and help him get back on his own feet.

But the more they learned about him and his horrible past the more they wanted to keep him safe and protect him, especially since he was an Omega and one of the sweetest monsters they ever met, despite how rough he looked.

Learning about his miscarriage reminded them of their little Bird's loss and if it hadn't been a few years already it would've torn the old wound wide open and thrown them back into the pit of grief and despair they had fallen in, back then. They knew what it meant to lose a child, to an Omega it must be even worse since their instincts demanded of them to care for any young and losing one prolly felt to them like they failed.

Red was a natural with kids. In his own world he didn't get the chance to interact with children after his brother grew independent, it wasn't a place for softness. But now he had Saphy to soothe his need to care for a kid. And maybe it helped him getting over his grief.

But they noticed how he still sometimes looked sadly the butterfly shaped box that held his baby's remains, thinking about what could've been, what should've been. Things like those weren't fair. For a good, softhearted person like Red to have to endure so much pain.

They just wanted to help him, protect him, see him happy.

His happiness became more and more important to them. Whenever he found something that made him smile or helped him they would give it to him and encourage him in everything he wanted to do or learn.

Without them noticing Red wormed his way into their hearts and, somehow, just became part of the family.

They never thought about what would happen when he decided to move out, to live his own life. They never saw him leaving, couldn't picture how he would live on his own.

Looking back, Sans and Blue realized how dense they had been to not see how their own feelings for Red changed over time from wanting to help him to wanting to keep him as their's.

Now they had a new mate and family member. Their mate instincts also told them that they had a new shot at having another pup, now. But they weren't going to push Red. He, understandably, would need time to get comfortable with the idea of intimacy again after what he's been through.

Now, that he was their mate, Sans and Blue couldn't keep their hands off Red, all soft touches and quick gentle kisses or hugs. Red liked the affection and could get flustered even from a little, innocent teasing. They found it so cute.

When Red's heat had blown over they entrusted Saphy to Toriel so they had the house to themselves for their Soulbonding.

Red had never done anything with his Soul before, so he had no bad memories connected to it, at least.

Touching Soul to Soul he could feel their intend and love for as they could feel his. The high he experienced from it, shared with his mates through the bond, was incredible. He saw stars exploding when he came together with them.

They slept curled up around one another in Red's bed-nest, all three purring in their sleep and their Souls still glowing in their ribcages.

 

When Sans and Blue got the same butterfly locket Red had, for themselves and Saphy, the Omega burst into tears from how moved he was. They accepted Red's dead baby as their's and therefore as part of the family, even if they never even saw the Souling. His little Butterfly was their's. It felt only fair to him to take on their little Bird as his as well.

Red moved into the master bedroom, but they kept the nests in the other room, they knew Red would need them from time to time. Red also made a nest in their shared bed.

Before they knew it, three months had gone by and Red showed signs of going into heat again. Blue's cycle was longer, going six months between his heats and Red had heard the two through the wall, him getting them food and water while they were busy fucking each other's brains out.

This time they would be together as a threesome.

Again they dropped Saphy off at Toriel's and brought a lot of food and water to their bedroom.

They spent hours on just worshipping Red, all gentle touches, soft words and their only intention to make Red feel loved. They went slowly, nothing but controlled lust, slowly moving to careful teasing, kisses getting more heated and touches lingering on sensitive spots.

At some point Sans began to lick up Red's juices and slowly eating him out. Later Blue fingered him open as slow.

Red was a moaning soaking wet mess when he begged them to claim him and make his body their's.

Of course they kept it gentle, their sole goal to bring Red as much pleasure as possible.

They ate, slept and loved each other, step by step exploring how far they could go with each other. The most painful thing that happened to Red were the claiming bites of his mates during their loving tangle.

When Red's heat calmed down they stayed in bed, basking in their shared love and making plans for Saphy's birthday that was coming up again.

Chapter 33: Another eventful birthday party

Sans and Blue loved how Red's ecto felt.

They had seen his emaciated body when they found him in that alley, but now his ecto was plush and soft, his breasts round and not too big and the same cute strawberry red as his blush.

It felt so nice to cuddle him when he was summoned, so Red kept his ecto, he had more than enough Magic now, after all. They told him he hadn't to do this just for them, but Red told them that he liked to feel his own body sometimes and wanted to keep it for a while anyways.

So, Sans and Blue looked at each other and dropped that topic.

The only thing was, that he kept himself covered, claiming he liked to cuddle with them, but outside of his heat he had issues with showing his scars. Yes, he knew they didn't care but he couldn't help it and just needed a little bit of time to bring himself to do it.

To them it sounded perfectly understandable and they didn't pressure him with it. They knew sooner or later Red would get over himself or ask for help, either his therapist or them.

Instead of Red's ecto they focused on the preparations for the party.

When the day came they put up the decorations, themed for a girl's sixth birthday, while their little gem was in kindergarten, Red was still excused from classes and work at the lab. Omegas in heat always got a full week's leave to get through it and recover before coming back.

Later, when Sans picked up Saphy and brought her home, she didn't stop guessing what her presents might be.

At the time they had agreed on with the other parents, the first guests trickled in, congratulating Saphy and putting their presents with the ones her daddies got her. Then they went outside to play.

Around one hour later everyone was there, including Tori and Frisk, Papyrus and Alphys and Dyne.

Everything went swimmingly. The kids played party games, everyone ate cake and they had a barbecue.

Then it was time for Saphy to open her presents. Saphy got toys and books and DVDs, a few clothes.

When she had opened the last one, Red kissed her forehead. "Did ya like ya presents, Sweets?" Saphy nodded eagerly.

Red grinned at her beaming smile. "There's one more for you." Saphy looked up at him, curious.

Red smirked secretively. "What do ya wish fer, more 'n anythin'?"

Saphy scowled up at him, he knew exactly what she wanted, and she knew that he knew. Everyone knew.

"I want a baby sibling and you know that, Papa. I don't care if it's a brother or a sister. I just want one."

Red looked at her with a soft look, then he grinned again. "Sorry, Sweets, but i'm afraid ya have to share."

She looked at him, confused. "Huh?"

Red gently took her hand and laid it on his stomach after pulling up his sweater a little. "Say hi to ya twin siblings, Sweets."

Under his pulled up sweater, in his strawberry red ecto sat two tiny Soulings, one purple, one lavender.

Saphy's eyes became bigger and bigger. She put her other hand carefully on his belly and couldn't take her eye lights from the two little Souls.

"Two?", she breathed in awe. Red nodded and smiled gently at her. "Yea, Sweets. Two." He stroked her head affectionately.

Red jumped when someone wrapped their arms around him from behind. It was Sans.

The awed 'what the fuck' was written all over his face and made Red giggle.

"How long?", Saphy asked. Red and Sans turned their attention back to her. "'Til they're born?", Red asked and the babybones nodded quickly.

"Around nine months, gem," Sans answered for Red. "Your Papa is gonna get bigger over that time when your siblings grow."

Red froze.

Then...

"Oh stars, i'm gonna get so fat and mah feet are gonna hurt and i'll eat strange things and get moody and and... and..."

Blue joined them and kissed Red's cheek. "Calm down, Dear. We are going to take good care of you, right Sans?" The lazy skeleton nodded and nuzzled Red.

Someone cleared their throat and that reminded them of their guests. They looked around and found everyone looking at them.

Finally Toriel clapped her hands once to break the silence. "My congratulations, dears. I'm so happy for you."

Undyne and Alphys, and then others chimed in, wishing the skeletons the best, Papyrus endlessly repeating that he was gonna be an uncle. Despite he already was one because of Saphy.

The rest of the party went by fast, the children playing more games. Later on Red read a few stories to them until the first families took their leave and the others met in the garden for dinner.

Blue and Sans were glued to Red's side as they all ate together.

After the last guests left, the skeleton family prepared for bed and all four - or six - snuggled together in the big nest in the master bedroom, Saphy hugging Red's belly in her sleep.

The Soulings pulsed in a warm, strong light, as if feeling the love of their family.

Maybe they did.

Chapter 34: Dream

Red was two months in, now. And he was already showing.

His belly wasn't that big yet, but he remembered that his stomach still had been as flat as a board when he was carrying his little Butterfly.

Well, it was to be expected for him to show earlier and getting way bigger this time. With his twins.

He got tired more easily now, taking a lot of naps or just sitting down to rest. At least he wasn't too much plagued with morning sickness.

He fell asleep on the couch after getting tired from cleaning the living room.

There was an endless nothing, filled with a soft-glowing fog or smoke. Specks, like dust glittered in the gentle light.

Something disturbed the mist, making it form swirls like tiny wake vortexes of a plane, but whatever it was moved to fast and was gone before Red could see what it was.

Then he heard a chirp and the flapping of small wings, and as he turned towards it he saw a little bird. It was shrouded in a lavender aura and the movement of its wings created similar whirls.

Somehow Red knew it was a boy.

...

Boy? Why would he think of an animal as 'a boy' and not 'male'?

He lifted his hand, his whole form made of strawberry red light.

The bird landed on his hand and Red could take a closer look. The lavender shades of his feathers showed the patterns of a sparrow.

'Hey, little Sparrow,' he greeted in his mind. The bird looked up at him, tilting his head quickly this way and that. In his small pearly eyes gleamed adoration.

The tiniest breeze let both of them look around, seeing the swirls again, before a purple glowing Lunar Moth landed on Red's head, tickling him when it moved around.

Red carefully lifted his other hand up to his skull and felt the soft touch when the Moth moved to his hand.

Slowly he lowered his hand to the same level as his Sparrow and looked at it.

Her.

A girl.

Sparrow and Moth. A boy and a girl.

He felt their love.

And he knew he loved them back.

They both took off and flew in circles around him, stirring up the glittering particles with their wings.

Bright, jingling laughter filled his head like little bells.

And everything faded in a bright light.

Red woke up with a warm feeling in his Soul.

He yawned and stretched before sitting up, a little clumsy. He sighed relaxedly and pulled up his shirt to look at his twins.

His boy and his girl. His little Sparrow and Moth.

He smiled. He loved them so so much.

The front door opened and Blue entered with grocery bags in his arms.

"Hello, Dear," he greeted, "did you have a nice nice nap?"

Red thought about his dream and smiled dreamily. "Yeah," he said softly.

Apparently Blue heard something in his voice and looked at him with curiosity. He put his bags down on the kitchen counter and came to the couch. He cupped Red's cheeks with his hands and looked him in the eyes with a soft smile. "Did something happen?"

Red nuzzled his hands and smiled back with a purr. "I had a dream," he murmured, "the dream."

Blue wrinkled his brow a little confused, then realization dawned in his face.

"The twins?"

Red nodded and leaned against Blue when he sat down beside him. "I really want to tell ya, but i also wanna wait fer Sansy an' Saphy to tell you all at the same time."

Blue put his arm around him. "Then let's wait for them, Love. In the meantime let's put the groceries away and then finish cleaning up the living room to pass the time."

Red nodded and let himself be pulled up to his feet and be lead to the kitchen. While he handed Blue the things from the shopping bags to be put away he recounted what he already got done so far.

When they were done in the kitchen they resumed cleaning the living room where Red had left off until he needed to sit down again because his feet felt swollen and did hurt. He returned to the couch while Blue got the vacuum cleaner from the closet.

Despite the loud noise of the vacuum Red managed to doze off.

He woke up at the sound of the front door opening and closing when Sans and Saphy came home. The little girl ran up to him after placing her shoes next to the door, Sans following in his usual lazy pace. When he reached the couch Saphy sat in Red's lap with her hands on his still small bump and greeting her little siblings and telling them about her day.

Sans sat down next to Red and gave him a kiss. "Heya Cherry Pop." Red kissed him back. "Heya yourself, Sansy."

Blue put the vacuum away and joined them, sharing a kiss with Sans and pecking Saphy on her head. "Hello you two. Red said he has something to share with us."

Saphy and Sans looked up at that, then at Red.

Red blushed and began searching for the right words to start.

"You said you had 'the dream'," Blue tried to help him out. Red nodded. "Yeah, i dreamed about the twins," his smile got dreamy again. "They showed themselves ta me." He hugged Saphy closer to himself. "You'll get a brother and a sister, Sweets. They appeared as a Sparrow, dat's yer brother, an' a Moth, yer sis."

His two mates looked at each other, then at the bird and butterfly lockets around Red's neck.

The similarity...

Their Souls got warm with hope and love.

♥︎💙🩵♡💎♡🐦♡🦋

Notes:

timeline of Red's being in UnderTale

 

- 3 months Red gets preg from Grillby
0 months Red ports to UnderTale
2 months Red is found
5 months Saphy's birthday
6 months ribs treatment
8 months graduation and internship
10 months Boss shows up
12 months Red's a whole year in UnderTale
14 months first Heat
17 months Heat and preg, shortly after, Saphy's birthday
19 months 2 months Pregger Moth and Sparrow dream